Endocrine Abstracts

The objective of this study is to investigate the use of qRT-PCR as an early-stage bioassay to quantify biological activity. The action of VEGF165 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was selected as a model since we have previously studied dose-dependence and time courses for several late-stage responses for this system (production of IL-6, IL-8 and tissue factor, cellular proliferation and survival). Assay of VEGF activity and inhibitors underpins a ...

Background: There are now several lines of evidence indicating that a decrease in beta-cell mass, resulting from an increase in apoptosis, is a key feature in both type-1 (T1DM) and -2 diabetes (T2DM). Interestingly, recent studies suggest that the insulin receptor signalling cascade may play key functions in preventing beta-cells from undergoing apoptosis. However, the molecular basis underlying these events remains to be determined.Aims: this study exa...

Background: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme responsible for converting arachidonic acid to prostanoids such as PGE2, has been reported to play an anti-apoptotic role in invasive breast cancers. We have now examined whether COX-2 and PGE2 protect against apoptosis in the MIN6 insulin-secreting cell line.Methods: Serum-deprived MIN6 cells were exposed to an inhibitor of COX-2 (NS-398) and/or PGE2 for 48 hours and the ...