Endocrine Abstracts

The hormonal form of vitamin D, calcitriol, regulates diverse cellular functions through activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), in a manner similar to how other ligands of nuclear receptors elicit regulation of gene transcription. Insufficient or excess calcitriol responses manifest primarily as bone diseases (rickets, osteoporosis, Paget's diseases) and hyperproliferative diseases (psoriasis and cancer). Our long-term objective is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms th...

Many prospective blood-based epidemiological studies have investigated various inflammatory markers as potential predictors and/or determinants of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population, such as plasma fibrinogen and C-reactive protein. The interpretation of these studies, has, however, generally been complicated by limited sample size, selective publication, and, most importantly, “confounding” by causative risk factors. Further clarification of th...

It is now realized that the vascular endothelium is the key signal transducer for the disturbed vascular biology that drives atherogenesis. Endothelial dysfunction leads to a pro-coagulant, adhesive, proliferative constrictor phenotype. Inflammation, endothial dysfunction and structural arterial wall changes are already linked by the end of the first decade of life. Classical risk factor burden affects nitric oxide dependent endothelial function and novel influences such as me...

Mammalian genome sequencing has driven the development of new -omic technologies that are capable of defining the genes, proteins and biological pathways that mediate cellular responses to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. We have used transcript profiling, which allows the expression levels of thousands of genes to be measured simultaneously, to define the molecular mechanism of 17beta-estradiol (E2) signalling in vivo, using the rodent uterotrophic assay as a model experimen...

There are two populations of GCs in large antral follicles: mural granulosa cells (MGCs) that line the ovarian follicle wall, and cumulus cells (CCs) closely associated with the oocyte. Among the genes expressed more highly in CCs was one encoding an amino acid transporter (Slc38a3). Slc38a3 mRNA was not detected in oocytes. Expression of Slc38a3 mRNA was reduced in the CCs after removal of the oocyte and restored by co-culturing CCs with fully-grown oocyt...

Until recently, the concept that exogenous chemicals could possess hormonal properties was restricted to consideration of the estrogenicity of phytoestrogens and a few synthetic chemicals, effects first recognized in the 1930s. The picture has now enlarged considerably, and in the process, become more complex. Anti-androgens and biochemical inhibitors have been added to the list of hormonally active synthetic and natural products, and molecular approaches have enabled fundamen...

With the success of statins in lowering LDL cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) event rate, interest is shifting towards HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.High HDL-C is associated with low CVD event rate. Reverse cholesterol transport may contribute to this association, and describes transfer of cholesterol on HDL particles from peripheral tissues to the liver. The transport process involves: ATP...

The biological role of adipose tissue has been evolving over recent years. Initially viewed predominantly as a site for storage of excess energy, to be released when needed under the regulation of endocrine and neural inputs, the adipose cell should now be viewed as well as a bone fide endocrine gland. Secreted products include major regulators of energybalance, insulin sensitivity, the vascular system, neuroendocrine function, and inflammatory pathways....

Thyroid hormone (T3) works through nuclear receptors which are encoded by two genes TRalpha and TRbeta. Each gene encodes several isoforms among which some are not true receptors as they do not bind to DNA or do not bind thyroid hormone. In the absence of T3, thyroid hormone the receptors (apo-receptors) behave as transcription repressors toward target genes. Upon binding the hormone, the apo-receptors are transformed into holo-receptors which work as tanscription activators. ...

Jacques Samarut, Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, France Abstract I graduated at the University of Lyon in 1981 working on the development of hematopoiesis in chick embryo. At the same time I started working on retrovirus oncogenes and their transformation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. I then moved to the Rockefeller University (New York) in the Lab...