Inhibition of MEK/ERK1/2 Signaling Affects the Fatty Acid Composition of HepG2 Human Hepatic Cell Line.

Introduction: The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, also known as the MEK/ERK1/2 kinase cascade, has recently been implicated in the regulation of lipid metabolism and fatty liver disease. However, its functional effect on cellular fatty acid composition is unknown. Herein, we examined the effect of a pharmacological inhibitor of MEK, the upstream kinase activator of ERK1/2, on fatty acid composition of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2.

Plasma Leptin, hTERT Gene Expression, and Anthropometric Measures in Obese and Non-Obese Women with Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) occurs in most cancers but its relation with obesity is unclear. This study explores the association between leptin levels and anthropometric indices with hTERT mRNA levels in breast cancer patients of different obesity grades.

Materials And Methods: In this case-control study, 65 breast cancer patients participated.

Combined hepatic lipase -514C/T and cholesteryl ester transfer protein I405V polymorphisms are associated with the risk of coronary artery disease.

Hepatic lipase (LIPC) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) are important components of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport. Therefore, their genes are promising candidate genes for cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether combined LIPC -514C/T and CETP I405V polymorphisms correlate with angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD).

The effect of clofibrate with phototherapy in late pre-term newborns with non-hemolytic jaundice.

Background: Despite an understanding of the enzymatic pathways leading to bilirubin production and degradation, very few pharmacologic interventions are utilized and the mainstay of treatment remains phototherapy.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of clofibrate in reducing total serum bilirubin levels in late pre-term neonates with non-hemolytic jaundice.

Design And Setting: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial; tertiary level neonatal unit.

Fatty acid composition of HDL phospholipids and coronary artery disease.

Background: The phospholipid fatty acid content of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) partially reflects that of the diet and has been reported to be associated with several important biological functions that might serve as risk markers for coronary heart disease.

Objective: To investigate whether fatty acid composition of HDL phospholipids correlates with angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: The population included 212 patients who underwent clinically indicated coronary angiography.