Follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1) possesses several newly identified roles in mammalian biology, including interleukin (IL)-17-driven inflammation, though the mechanism underlying FSTL-1 influence on IL-17-mediated cytokine production is unknown. Using parallel in vitro bone marrow stromal cell models of FSTL-1 suppression, we employed unbiased microarray analysis to identify FSTL-1-regulated...

While analyzing gene expression in collagen-induced arthritis, we discovered that a poorly characterized gene, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL-1), is highly overexpressed in mouse paws during early arthritis, especially at the interface of synovial pannus and eroding bone. In this study, we show that FSTL-1 is a novel proinflammatory molecule with a previously unrecognized role in inflammation...

SPARC is a matricellular protein that is involved in both pancreatic cancer and diabetes. It belongs to a wider family of proteins that share structural and functional similarities. Relatively little is known about this extended family, but evidence of regulatory interactions suggests the importance of a holistic approach to their study. We show that Hevin, SPOCKs, and SMOCs are strongly expres...

Purpose Kawasaki Disease is the most common vasculitis of childhood, and carries considerable morbidity with risk of development of coronary artery aneurysms. Serological predictors of the development of coronary artery aneurysms have not yet been found. FSTL-1 is a proinflammatory protein which is produced by mesenchymal tissue, including cardiac myocytes, and has been found to be elevated in ...

BACKGROUND Puerarin, extracted from Radix puerariae, was reported to ameliorate airway inflammation, lung injury and lung fibrosis induced by paraquat (PQ) in mice. However, effects of Radix puerariae extracts (RPEs) on lung fibrosis or signalling pathways in PQ-induced lung injury have not been well studied. Therefore, the goals of our study were to investigate whether Radix puerariae extracts...

The detrimental effects of maternal under-nutrition during gestation on fetal development are well known with an increased propensity of metabolic disorders identified in the adult offspring. Understanding exactly how and by which molecular pathways inadequate nutrition can impact upon offspring phenotype is critical and necessary for the development of treatment methods and ultimately preventi...

Abstract OpenStreetMap (OSM) has been intensively used to support humanitarian aid activities, especially in the Global South. Its data availability South greatly improved via recent mapping campaigns. However, large rural areas are still incompletely mapped. The timely provision of map is often essential for work actors case disaster preparation or response. Therefore, it become a vital challe...