Visfatin Promotes Monocyte Adhesion by Upregulating ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells via Activation of p38-PI3K-Akt Signaling and Subsequent ROS Production and IKK/NF-κB Activation.

Background/aims: Visfatin is known to act as a mediator in several metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effect of visfatin on the adhesion of THP-1 monocytes to human vascular endothelial cells and the underlying mechanism.

Methods: Monocytes adhesion to endothelial cells was determined by using fluorescence-labeled monocytes.

RASSF8 downregulation promotes lymphangiogenesis and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Lymphatic vessels are the major routes of human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) metastasis. Tumor cells secrete pro-lymphangiogenic factors to induce new lymphatic vessels, promoting lymph node metastasis. In this study, we show that RAS association domain family 8 (RASSF8) expression in ESCC clinical samples was inversely correlated with lymph node metastasis and patients survival.

Glucose increases interleukin-12 gene expression and production in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of type 2 diabetes patients.

Background: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of type 2 diabetes patients produce more interleukin (IL)-12 under glucose treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether increased IL-12 response in hyperglycemic LPS-stimulated PBMCs is due to increased gene expression or osmolarity.

Methods: LPS-stimulated PBMCs of 13 type 2 diabetes patients and 8 healthy controls were used for culture in the presence or absence of glucose or mannitol for 24 h.

Phase transformation of molecular beam epitaxy-grown nanometer-thick Gd₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ on GaN.

High quality nanometer-thick Gd₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ (rare-earth oxide, R₂O₃) films have been epitaxially grown on GaN (0001) substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The R₂O₃ epi-layers exhibit remarkable thermal stability at 1100 °C, uniformity, and highly structural perfection. Structural investigation was carried out by in situ reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) with synchrotron radiation.

[Effects of rhBMP-7 on osteoblast differentiation of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vitro].

Aim: To study the effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7) on osteoblast differentiation of murine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs).

Methods: The BMSCs were collected from murine bone marrow by density gradient centrifugation. Cells were adherent cultured and expanded in vitro.

High interleukin-12 production from stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells of type 2 diabetes patients.

Unlabelled: Sugar control is important in patients with sepsis. Interleukin (IL)-12 induces the polarization of CD4(+) T cells to the T helper 1 (Th1) phenotype. Regulatory T (T(reg)) cells are important in immunity and disease.

Comparison of plasma interferon-gamma and antigen 60 immunoglobulin G in diagnosing pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Background: An elevated interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) level has been reported in the plasma of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Serologic diagnosis of tuberculosis using Antigen 60 immunoglobulin G (A60 IgG) is a well-known diagnostic approach. This study evaluated plasma IFN-y compared to A60 IgG in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis.