INTRODUCTION: We recently suggested that chondrocytes that are metabolically most active may make the tissue in which they reside more susceptible to undergo proteoglycan (PG)-depletion following exposure to cytokines and related factors [1]. Using chondrocytes maintained in alginate gel, we also have observed that the metabolically active cell-associated matrix (CM) is more susceptible to inte...

Despite our knowledge on the regulation of urocortin (Ucn) I and its related peptides in the heart, the possible involvement of cardiovascular stress substances, such as cytokines or angiotensin II (Ang II), on this regulation remains to be fully elucidated. We therefore evaluated the potential role of cardiovascular stress substances on the regulation of the Ucn-corticotropin-releasing hormone...

OBJECTIVE S100A12 and fibroblast growth factor 23 are biomarkers of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We tested the hypothesis that human S100/calgranulin would accelerate cardiovascular disease in mice subjected to CKD. APPROACH AND RESULTS A bacterial artificial chromosome of the human S100/calgranulin gene cluster containing the genes and...

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS During the acute phase response, cytokines induce marked alterations in lipid metabolism including an increase in serum triglyceride levels and a decrease in hepatic fatty acid oxidation, in bile acid synthesis, and in high-density lipoprotein levels. METHODS Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs: PPARα, β/δ, and γ) regulate fatty acid metabolism, glucose homeost...

Nitrogen fixing microorganisms play a vital role in the rejuvenating the environment. A Sinorhizobium meliloti bacterium is one such microbe and has immense potential to rehabilitate the toxic environment that lies unexplored. The review highlights some of its uses in agriculture and environment. Figure 1: The symbiotic relationship between the plant and bacteria. Figure 2: The Nitrogen cycle d...