Oxidative stress improves coronary endothelial function through activation of the pro-survival kinase AMPK.

Age-associated decline in cardiovascular function is believed to occur from the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, failure of recent clinical trials using antioxidants in patients with cardiovascular disease, and the recent findings showing paradoxical role for NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in endothelial function challenge this long-held notion against ROS. Here, we examine the effects of endothelium-specific conditional increase in ROS on coronary endothelial function.

Direct sensing of endothelial oxidants by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 and c-Src.

Background: ADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in redox homeostasis and signal transduction in endothelial cells (ECs). We previously demonstrated that c-Src plays a key role in VEGF-induced, ROS-dependent selective activation of PI3K-Akt but not PLCγ-1-ERK1/2 signaling pathways. The aim of the present study was to understand how VEGFR-2-c-Src signaling axis 'senses' NADPH oxidase-derived ROS levels and couples VEGF activation of c-Src to the redox state of ECs.

Genetic factors influence the clustering of depression among individuals with lower socioeconomic status.

Objective: To investigate the extent to which shared genetic factors can explain the clustering of depression among individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and to examine if neuroticism or intelligence are involved in these pathways.

Methods: In total 2,383 participants (1,028 men and 1,355 women) of the Erasmus Rucphen Family Study were assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D). Socioeconomic status was assessed as the highest level of education obtained.

Role of shared genetic and environmental factors in symptoms of depression and body composition.

Background: Both obesity and lean mass have been correlated with symptoms of depression.

Objective: To investigate the contribution of genetic and environmental factors in the co-occurrence of obesity and lean mass with symptoms of depression.

Methods: Individuals were 2383 participants of the Erasmus Rucphen Family study.