Matrix metalloproteinases.

Remodeling of extracellular matrix is crucial for many physiological (cell migration, proliferation, growth, and development) and pathological (remodeling of heart, carcinogenesis, metastasis, etc.) events. Thus, the interaction between cells and extracellular matrix plays a key role in normal development and differentiation of organism and many pathological states as well.

Matrix metalloproteinases and their role in oncogenesis: a review.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a physical framework for the cells and functions as a gel medium. Remodeling of the ECM is crucial during physiological cell migration, proliferation, growth, and development. Thus, the interaction between cells and the ECM plays a key role in normal development and differentiation of organisms.

Maternal autoimmune thyroiditis and congenital malformations of newborns in a cohort of Slovak women.

Background: Aim of this study was to compare the thyroidal status of mothers to children with and without congenital malformations (CM).

Methods: We examined 129 mothers of newborns with CM and 228 mothers without CM. The assessment included particular history, physical examination, thyroid ultrasonography, fT4, TSH, and anti-TPO measurement of mothers and comparison to birth proportions of newborns.

Adiponectin as a biomarker of clinical manifestation of metabolic syndrome.

Objectives: To search whether there are differences in serum levels of adiponectin in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS) as compared to the healthy controls.

Methods: Serum levels of adiponectin were measured by ELISA in 22 subjects with MS (MS group: 9 males and 13 females, average age +/- SD 43.19 +/- 6.