Arch Med Sci
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DNA fragmentation factors 40 and 45 (DFF40 and DFF45) are final executors of apoptosis, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) is a well-recognized apoptosis inhibitor. We aimed to evaluate DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 immunoexpression in the normal human endometrium with respect to the glandular and stromal layer and in uterine myometrium. ⋯ The study provides important evidence regarding menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the expression of DFF40, DFF45 and Bcl-2 in the normal human endometrium, especially in the glandular layer, and shows that their levels are stable in the normal uterine myometrium.
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Specific immunotherapy is critical for alleviating symptoms associated with house dust mite allergy, such as asthma and rhinitis. However, this approach relies on crude extracts, which are often not of sufficient quality or purity and are not standardized. The use of recombinant allergens may enable safer, more effective treatment. ⋯ Recombinant allergens from dust mites can be successfully generated using a baculovirus-insect expression system. Furthermore, these recombinant allergens can be used to detect mite sensitivity in sera, highlighting their utility in future work to understand and develop treatment for mite allergy.
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Genetic variants have been replicated for association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) and many of them with diabetes-related traits. Because T2D is highly prevalent in Mexico, this study aimed to test the association of CDKN2A/B, PPARGC1A, VEGFA, SIRT1 and UCP2 gene polymorphisms (rs10811661, rs8192678, rs2010963, rs7896005 and rs659366 respectively) with metabolic traits in 415 unrelated Mexican mestizos with T2D under three models of inheritance. ⋯ Rigorous analysis evidenced the association of VEGFA rs2010963 and SIRT1 rs7896005 with HDL-C and DBP respectively; these traits are known predictors of cardiovascular complications, which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in this population.
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common, with a worldwide incidence estimated at more than 1 million cases annually. Therefore, the search for agents for CRC treatment is highly warranted. Inositol-6 phosphate (IP6) is enriched in rice bran and possesses many beneficial effects. In the present study the effect of IP6 on autophagy-mediated death by modulating the mTOR pathway in HT-29 colon cancer cells was studied. ⋯ Our results clearly indicate that IP6 induces autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR pathway.
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The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of pregabalin (PGB) on chondrocyte proliferation and collagen type II (COL2A1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α), and chondroadherin (CHAD) gene expression in osteoarthritic chondrocytes. ⋯ Further studies need to be conducted with more participants to prove that there is a negative correlation between extracellular matrix formation and PGB administration. Our preliminary data show that even at low doses and over short-term administration, PGB may affect chondrocyte cells at the gene-expression level.