Natural helix 9 mutants of PPARγ differently affect its transcriptional activity.

Objective: The nuclear receptor PPARγ is the master regulator of adipocyte differentiation, distribution, and function. In addition, PPARγ induces terminal differentiation of several epithelial cell lineages, including colon epithelia. Loss-of-function mutations in PPARG result in familial partial lipodystrophy subtype 3 (FPDL3), a rare condition characterized by aberrant adipose tissue distribution and severe metabolic complications, including diabetes.

[Pancytopenia associated with thioguanine use].

Thiopurine drugs, such as thioguanine, mercaptopurine and azathioprine, are used for treating inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis. One must be aware of the serious side effects these drugs can have (e.g.

Strategies to detect abnormal glucose metabolism in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease from the ORIGIN (Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention) trial population.

Background: To investigate whether the combination of HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) can be used for the diagnosis of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in people at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 2907 people at high risk of cardiovascular events but without a previous diagnosis of diabetes. Optimal cut-off points and the diagnostic potential of FPG, HbA1c, and their combination were determined.

A randomized controlled trial of orbital radiotherapy versus sham irradiation in patients with mild Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Radiotherapy is often used in Graves' ophthalmopathy, but its efficacy has been doubted. We compared its efficacy with sham irradiation in mild ophthalmopathy. In a double-blind randomized trial, 44 patients received orbital irradiation, and 44 were sham-irradiated.