Expression of renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 is decreased in patients with impaired renal function.

Objective: Renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) enables selective access of aldosterone to the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Impaired 11beta-HSD2 activity has been suggested in patients with hypertension as well as in patients with renal disease, where it may contribute to sodium retention, oedema and hypertension. To date, these studies have relied upon urinary cortisol (F) metabolite levels as surrogate markers of renal 11beta-HSD2 activity.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: essential role of psychological support.

Background: A follow-up study of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in morbidly obese patients was conducted, with special emphasis on psychological aspects.

Materials And Methods: 128 patients (98/30 females/males) underwent LAGB between October 1995 and March 2001. Age was 38 +/- 9 years, body mass index (BMI) 42.