Krüppel-like factor 4 synergizes with CREB to increase the activity of apolipoprotein E gene promoter in macrophages.

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a critical regulator of monocyte differentiation and macrophage polarization, and it also plays an important role in several vascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an essential anti-atherosclerotic glycoprotein involved in lipid metabolism, expressed by the liver, macrophages and other cell types. We hypothesized that KLF4 is involved in apoE gene regulation in macrophages.

Metformin reduces the endotoxin-induced down-regulation of apolipoprotein E gene expression in macrophages.

The atheroprotective role of macrophage-derived apolipoprotein E (apoE) is well known. Our previous reports demonstrated that inflammatory stress down-regulates apoE expression in macrophages, aggravating atherogenesis. Metformin, extensively used as an anti-diabetic drug, has also anti-inflammatory properties, and thus confers vascular protection.

Inhibition of caudal fin regeneration in Corydoras aeneus by lithium chloride.

In the present study we examined the effects of lithium chloride on the Corydoras aeneus caudal fin regeneration. After caudal fin amputation, the fish were exposed 3h daily to 35 mM lithium chloride for 9 days. The effects of lithium chloride treatment were evaluated by analyzing the caudal fin structure at 3, 6 and 9 days after amputation.

The expression of alkaline phosphatase, osteopontin, osteocalcin, and chondroitin sulfate during pectoral fin regeneration in Carassius auratus gibelio: a combined histochemical and immunohistochemical study.

Dermal bone is an important component of the teleost fins, and its ability to regenerate after fin amputation appears to be unlimited. The organic bone matrix contain type I collagen fibers, proteoglycans enriched in chondroitin sulfate, and noncollagenous matrix protein such as osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osteonectin. These molecules are synthesized by fin osteoblasts.

Correlation between vaccine coverage against polio and circulation and genetic evolution of the poliovirus strains isolated in Romania in the framework of the global polio eradication strategy.

Until 2008 in Romania poliomyelitis has been controlled by predominantly using trivalent oral poliovirus vaccine (TOPV). The alternative vaccination schedule (formalin inactivated poliovirus vaccine IPV/OPV) has been implemented starting September 2008 and at the begining of 2009 was decided only vaccination with IPV. Between 1995-2006 the risk of the vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) decreased with an average of less than 2 VAPP cases/year and no VAPP case between 2007 - September 2009.

Non-polio enteroviruses associated with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and facial paralysis (FP) cases in Romania, 2001-2008.

Acute flaccid paralysis is a complex clinical syndrome, with a wide variety of possible etiologies and with clinical manifestations that can vary according to age or geographical region. Enteroviruses (polioviruses and non-polio enteroviruses) are among the viral agents that can cause AFP. AFP surveillance is important for public health through its use in monitoring poliomyelitis, in the context of the Global Initiative to eradicate this disease.