Curcumin activates autophagy and attenuates high glucose-induced apoptosis in HUVECs through the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Curcumin (CUR) is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the endothelial protective effect of CUR in diabetes and the underlying signaling pathway remains unclear. The goal of the current study was to provide evidence regarding the protective mechanism of CUR against the high glucose (HG)-induced damage to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Levels of brain natriuretic peptide are associated with peripheral arterial disease in subjects with type-2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The effects of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis have been studied. However, little information is available regarding peripheral arterial disease (PAD), particularly among subjects with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of our study was to assess the potential relationship between BNP levels and PAD among T2DM patients.

Serum galectin-3: a risk factor for vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Plasma galectin-3, a mediator of fibrogenesis and inflammation, its potential to associate with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is poorly investigated. Here, we explored its interaction with the serum galectin-3 and vascular complications.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey in Zhejiang, China involving 165 men and 119 women (age range, 43 - 84 years), investigating the relationship between serum galectin-3 and vascular disease in patients with T2DM.

Curcumin improves expression of SCF/c-kit through attenuating oxidative stress and NF-κB activation in gastric tissues of diabetic gastroparesis rats.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with many kinds of complications. Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions have critical roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic gastroparesis. Curcumin is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

[The relationship between sleep quality and glucose level, diabetic complications in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus].

Objective: To explore the relationship between sleep quality and glucose level, diabetic complications in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A total of 130 hospitalized elderly type 2 diabetes in our hospital were included in the study. Questionnaires and other related clinical data were collected within one week after admission.

[Relationship between plasma total homocysteine and mild cognitive impairment in senile patients with type 2 diabetes].

Objective: To explore the relationship between fasting plasma level of total homocysteine (tHcy) and mild cognitive impairment in senile patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A total of 88 senile type 2 diabetics with mild cognitive impairment treated at our hospital from July 2008 to November 2010 were recruited into the MCI group while 52 senile type 2 diabetics into the DNC group. And the control group was composed of 36 healthy elders.

Predictive value of serum cholinesterase for the prognosis of aged patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Background: Some studies found that cholinesterase (ChE) can be an independent risk factor for patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. To assess aged patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) early and predict their prognosis, the predictive value of ChE for the prognosis of aged patients with SIRS was analyzed.

Methods: From September 2009 to September 2010, all aged patients with SIRS in the ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed if they met inclusion criteria: patients aged ≥ 65 years and met American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Conference criteria for SIRS.

Neferine inhibits angiotensin II-stimulated proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells through heme oxygenase-1.

Aim: To explore the effect of neferine on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation.

Methods: Human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs) were used. Cell proliferation was determined by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry analysis.