Ionic mechanisms and Ca2+ dynamics underlying the glucose response of pancreatic β cells: a simulation study.

To clarify the mechanisms underlying the pancreatic β-cell response to varying glucose concentrations ([G]), electrophysiological findings were integrated into a mathematical cell model. The Ca(2+) dynamics of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) were also improved. The model was validated by demonstrating quiescent potential, burst-interburst electrical events accompanied by Ca(2+) transients, and continuous firing of action potentials over [G] ranges of 0-6, 7-18, and >19 mM, respectively.

Pitavastatin reduces elevated IL-18 levels in Japanese subjects with hypercholesterolemia: sub-analysis of Kansai investigation of statin for hyperlipidemic intervention in metabolism and endocrinology (KISHIMEN).

Aim: Pitavastatin significantly improved lipid profiles and reduced serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in a multi-center and prospective study. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of pitavastatin on serum levels of another inflammatory biomarker, interleukin-18 (IL-18), in a sub-analysis of the previous multi-center prospective study.

Methods: The subjects were 83 patients derived from the KISHIMEN study.