The associations between liver enzymes and the risk of metabolic syndrome in the elderly.

Background: Studies have demonstrated that liver enzymes are associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, little information is available regarding these relationships in elderly populations. Our present study aimed to explore the associations between liver enzymes and the risk of MetS in elderly populations.

MEF2C loss-of-function mutation associated with familial dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background: The MADS-box transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) is required for the cardiac development and postnatal adaptation and in mice-targeted disruption of the MEF2C gene results in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, in humans, the association of MEF2C variation with DCM remains to be investigated.

Methods: The coding regions and splicing boundaries of the MEF2C gene were sequenced in 172 unrelated patients with idiopathic DCM.

Sirt1 is involved in decreased bone formation in aged apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Aim: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays an important role in the transport and metabolism of lipids. Recent studies show that bone mass is increased in young apoE(-/-) mice. In this study we investigated the bone phenotype and metabolism in aged apoE(-/-) mice.