Publications by authors named "Zhen-Ping Shen"
Insulin gene is a target in activin receptor-like kinase 7 signaling pathway in pancreatic beta-cells.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
December 2008
Activins regulate pancreatic development, differentiation and insulin secretion. Activin receptor-like kinase 7 (ALK7) has been identified as a receptor for Nodal and Activin AB and B, and is expressed in pancreatic islets and beta-cell lines. In this study, human insulin promoter was activated by Smad2, Smad3 and the pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1) in the ALK7 pathway.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The study aimed to compare surface infrared radiation spectrums between a specific acupuncture point (Danzhong, CV 17) and a non-acupoint control in patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands.
- Using an advanced spectrograph, researchers detected infrared radiation across various wavelengths, finding that Danzhong's spectrum had lower intensity compared to the control point.
- Significant differences in radiation intensity were observed at 13 specific wavelengths, indicating that the Danzhong point is in a different pathological state compared to the control in these patients.
Islet amyloid deposition in type 2 diabetes is associated with reduced beta-cell mass. Therefore, interventions aimed at reducing islet amyloid formation may help preserve beta-cell mass in type 2 diabetes. Rosiglitazone and metformin act by different mechanisms to improve insulin sensitivity and thereby reduce beta-cell secretory demand, resulting in decreased release of insulin and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), the unique constituent of islet amyloid deposits.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Genetic background plays a crucial role in the development of metabolic issues like insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
- In a study involving different strains of mice, it was found that C57BL/6J (BL6) mice had lower levels of islet amyloid formation compared to DBA/2J (DBA2) and F(1) hybrid mice after a high-fat diet.
- The severity of islet amyloid was significantly correlated with the amount of insulin in the islets, especially in the DBA2 and F(1) mice, indicating that genetic factors influence the risk of amyloid deposition and the resulting impact on beta-cell function.