Endocrine Abstracts

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 ...

Background: Obesity is associated with macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue. These inflammatory cells affect adipocytes not only by classical cytokines but also by the secreted glycopeptide wnt5a. Healthy adipocytes on the other site are able to release the specific wnt5a inhibitor sFRP5. This protective effect, however, was found to be diminished in obesity. The aim of the present study was to examine i) whether obese human subjects exhibit increased serum concentrations...