Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 mediates high glucose-induced apoptosis by increasing oxidative stress in proximal tubular epithelial cells.

IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is the major circulating carrier protein for IGF, and also acts as a potent antiproliferative agent in various cell types. Recently, IGFBP-3 was reported to mediate high glucose-induced apoptosis in mesangial cells and podocytes. In this study, we investigated the role of IGFBP-3 in high glucose-induced apoptosis in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTEC).

Association of higher adiposity and wheezing in infants with lower respiratory illnesses.

Aim: The incidences of asthma and obesity have been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with several studies showing a relationship between these conditions. We investigated the influence of higher weight for height (WFH) Z-score on wheezing in infants with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI).

Methods: We reviewed the medical charts of all infants younger than l year of age who were admitted with the first episode of LRTI between 2000 and 2008.