Nuclear plakoglobin is essential for differentiation of cardiac progenitor cells to adipocytes in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.

Rationale: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a disease of desmosome proteins characterized by fibroadipogenesis in the myocardium. We have implicated signaling properties of junction protein plakoglobin (PG) in the pathogenesis of ARVC.

Objective: To delineate the pathogenic role of PG in adipogenesis in ARVC.

Outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band repositioning for slippage or pouch dilation.

Background: Slippage and pouch dilation are the most common surgical complications after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, yet few reports have described the specific outcomes after band repositioning for these complications. The objective of this study was to examine the intermediate outcomes of our patients who underwent band repositioning for slippage or pouch dilation.

Methods: From October 2000 to December 2005, 1275 patients underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding at our center.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding: 1,014 consecutive cases.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine 1,014 consecutive laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures with up to 48 months of followup, including evolution and changes in surgical technique, learning curve issues, weight loss outcomes, and complications.

Study Design: Between October 2000 and December 2004, 1,014 consecutive patients (81.8% women, mean age 42.

Effect of Lap-Band-induced weight loss on type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Background: Severe obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Improvement in these comorbidities after surgically-induced weight loss has been documented, and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) is an effective weight loss operation.

Methods: Of 840 patients who underwent Lap-Band, data are available in 402 out of 413 patients whose surgery took place at >/= 1 year ago.