Endocrine Abstracts

The SOCS3 gene encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase component that targets inflammatory cytokine receptor components for proteolytic degradation. Our research in this area is aimed at determining the molecular control of SOCS3 gene induction by cyclic AMP in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) as a new route for anti-inflammatory drug action. We found initially that cyclic AMP activates the guanine nucleotide exchange factor, EPAC1, to mobilise C/EBP transcription factors to induce SO...

Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent cells readily found within the bone marrow, capable of undergoing self-renewal and giving rise to cells with different characteristics, such as, osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocytes. MSC differentiation requires optimal cell–matrix interaction and is also dependent on a number of growth factors.Aim: To investigate the effect of GH, Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) and extracellula...

Introduction: Metformin is widely used as oral anti-hyperglycaemic agent to treat type 2 diabetes, with increasing reports of an additional, potential bone protective role.Objective: We investigated the role of AMPK in mediating the effects of metformin on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to either osteoblasts or adipocytes.Methods: Confluent murine MSCs (C3H10T1/2) were treated with metformin (500 μM), a k...

Introduction: Insulin sensitising agents are reported to have a diverse range of effects on bone with metformin exerting positive effects and thiazolidinenediones (TZDs) exerting negative effects. 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a critical role in cellular energy homeostasis. It is widely expressed in the body and can be activated by metformin.Aim: We investigated the role of AMPK pathway in mediating the effects of metformin on the ost...