Leptin signaling maintains B-cell homeostasis via induction of Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1.

Regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle progression plays an essential role in the maintenance of B-cell homeostasis, because a fine balance of survival and expansion is critical for preventing lymphocytic disorders. Although remarkable progress in understanding B-cell development has been achieved, much less is known concerning niches that are critical to the maintenance of B-cell homeostasis. Leptin has recently been recognized to be important for modulating the immune responses, but it has remained unclear how leptin signaling influences B-cell physiology.

Pluronic L-81 ameliorates diabetic symptoms in db/db mice through transcriptional regulation of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein.

Aim: To test whether oral L-81 treatment could improve the condition of mice with diabetes and to investigate how L-81 regulates microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) activity in the liver.

Methods: Genetically diabetic (db/db) mice were fed on chow supplemented with or without L-81 for 4 wk. The body weight, plasma glucose level, plasma lipid profile, and adipocyte volume of the db/db mice were assessed after treatment.

Local BAFF gene silencing suppresses Th17-cell generation and ameliorates autoimmune arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by synovial inflammation and joint damage. Although both T cells and B cells mediate the disease pathogenesis, proinflammatory cytokines are critically involved. The TNF superfamily member B cell-activating factor (BAFF) plays an important role in humoral immunity and in autoimmune diseases, including RA.