Effects of cord serum insulin, IGF-II, IGFBP-2, IL-6 and cortisol concentrations on human birth weight and length: pilot study.

Background: The IGF system is recognised to be important for fetal growth. We previously described increased Insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2 cord serum concentrations in intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) compared with appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns, and a positive relationship of IGFBP-2 with Interleukin (IL)-6. The role of cortisol in the fetus at birth is largely unknown, and interactions among peptides are their real effect on birth size is unknown.

Insulin production and resistance in cystic fibrosis: effect of age, disease activity, and genotype.

Aim: To assess the major determinants of glucose tolerance between age, genotype, and clinical status in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, and study if defects of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were associated with the onset of CF-related diabetes (CFRD).

Subjects And Methods: One hundred and nineteen patients, in stable clinical condition were studied. They were subdivided into 3 groups based on age, and 2 groups based on Schwachman-Kulczycki clinical score.

Impairment of insulin receptor signal transduction in placentas of intra-uterine growth-restricted newborns and its relationship with fetal growth.

Objective: Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) is related to a higher incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. We previously reported reduced adiponectin and increased interleukin 6 (IL6) concentrations in IUGR placentas, which are features of insulin resistance. We aimed to investigate placental insulin receptor (IR) function and activation in human placenta and subsequently the relationships of insulin signalling peptides with placental protein content in IL6, insulin, resistin and adiponectin, and with parameters of fetal growth.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): a useful alternative choice in prostate cancer treatment. Preliminary results.

Introduction And Aims: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) represents an alternative choice in mini-invasive treatment of prostate cancer. The technology of the device used to perform the treatment allows to exactly destroy a pre-selected area and to save all the tissues around it. We report our experience on the effectiveness and complications of this tecnique.

Markers of insulin sensitivity in placentas and cord serum of intrauterine growth-restricted newborns.

Objective: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been related to a higher incidence of insulin resistance in adult life, which is associated with low adiponectin and high resistin, insulin and interleukin (IL)-6 serum concentrations. This study assessed cortisol, insulin, total insulin receptor, resistin, adiponectin and IL-6 concentrations, as markers of insulin sensitivity, in placental lysates and cord serum of IUGR and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns, to establish relationships among peptides and with growth parameters at birth.

Design And Patients: Whole villous tissue and cord serum at birth were collected from 24 AGA and 18 IUGR newborns of comparable gestational age.