Reduced expression of PDX-1 is associated with decreased beta cell function in chronic pancreatitis.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to monitor the expression of pancreas and duodenal homeobox gene (PDX-1) for assessing beta-cell function in islets from patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Methods: Islets isolated from the pancreata of 40 surgical patients categorized as control group, patients with mild CP, and patients with advanced CP were assessed for their yield, size, and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Expressions of genes coding for PDX-1, insulin, and glucagon were simultaneously monitored by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

Impact of feeding polyunsaturated fatty acids on cholesterol metabolism of dyslipidemic obese rats of WNIN/GR-Ob strain.

Dietary fatty acids are known to play an important role in the development as well as prevention of dyslipidemia. In this study, we evaluated the impact of feeding polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for a period of 4 months on various aspects of cholesterol metabolism in genetically obese mutant rats of WNIN/GR-Ob strain. Based on their phenotype, lean and obese rats were divided into two groups, A and B respectively, and further subdivided depending on the type of dietary fat.