ZEB1 Inhibits LHβ Subunit Transcription When Overexpressed, but Is Dispensable for LH Synthesis in Mice.

Luteinizing hormone (LH), a heterodimeric glycoprotein produced by pituitary gonadotrope cells, regulates gonadal function. Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates LH synthesis and secretion. GnRH induces LHβ subunit (Lhb) expression via the transcription factor, early growth response 1 (EGR1), acting on the Lhb promoter.

Objectively measured physical activity and vitamin D status in older people from Germany.

Background: To analyse the seasonal relationship of objectively measured physical activity with vitamin D status in older persons from Southern Germany (latitude: 48.4°N).

Methods: Physical activity was assessed in 1193 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years (58% men) over 1 week using a thigh-worn accelerometer.

Prospective evaluation of renal function, serum vitamin D level, and risk of fall and fracture in community-dwelling elderly subjects.

Summary: This prospective study in elderly showed that kidney function plays a minor role in explaining the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency seen in noninstitutionalized elderly subjects. However, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were clearly inversely associated with risk for first fall, which was especially seen in subjects with calcium levels above median.

Introduction: Few prospective studies in elderly exist that have investigated the association of renal dysfunction and vitamin D status on risk of falls.

Association between variants of PRDM1 and NDP52 and Crohn's disease, based on exome sequencing and functional studies.

Background & Aims: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified 140 Crohn's disease (CD) susceptibility loci. For most loci, the variants that cause disease are not known and the genes affected by these variants have not been identified. We aimed to identify variants that cause CD through detailed sequencing, genetic association, expression, and functional studies.

Genetic analysis of adult-onset autoimmune diabetes.

Objective: In contrast with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, the genetics of autoimmune diabetes in adults are not well understood. We have therefore investigated the genetics of diabetes diagnosed in adults positive for autoantibodies.

Research Design And Methods: GAD autoantibodies (GADAs), insulinoma-associated antigen-2 antibodies (IA-2As), and islet cell autoantibodies were measured at time of diagnosis.