Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
-
Maternal depression affects between 10% and 15% of US mothers. Emerging evidence suggests that variability in symptoms is linked to different risk factors and different pathological subtypes. Building on this research, this study examines manifestations of depression symptoms and risk factors associated with different manifestations among a socioeconomically heterogeneous sample of African American mothers. ⋯ Researchers, pediatricians, and obstetricians working with African American mothers should screen for social support, with the understanding that those with low levels may be at increased risk for severe depression symptoms. Finally, the heterogeneity in symptoms suggests that clinicians should be aware of all depression symptoms among their patients rather than looking for specific, potentially stereotypical symptoms as cues.
-
Biocompatible, degradable polymer scaffolds combined with cells or biological signals are being investigated as alternatives to traditional options for tissue reconstruction and transplantation. These approaches are already in clinical use as engineered tissues that enhance wound healing and skin regeneration. The continued enhancement of these material strategies is highly dependent on the ability to promote rapid and stable neovascularization (new blood vessel formation) within the scaffold. ⋯ In this article, we examine recent advances in research focused on promoting neovascularization in polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. These approaches include the use of growth factors, cells, and novel surgical approaches to both enhance and control the nature of the vascular networks formed. The continued development of these approaches may lead to new tissue engineering strategies for the generation of skin and other tissues or organs.
-
Chemerin is a recently discovered metabolic regulator hormone. The pathophysiologic role of this hormone in humans remains unknown. In this study, we have compared plasma chemerin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without hypertension and in control subjects. ⋯ Plasma chemerin levels were found to be markedly increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension as compared with patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and normal controls (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, 2-hour plasma insulin after glucose overload, and HbA1c were independently related factors influencing plasma chemerin levels. The present work indicates the potential link of chemerin with the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
-
Erythropoietin markedly attenuates brain infarct size and improves neurological function in the rat.
The impact of epoetin beta (recombinant human erythropoietin) on brain infarction area (BIA) and neurological status in a rat model of acute ischemic stroke (IS) induced by distal left internal carotid artery occlusion was investigated. ⋯ Erythropoietin significantly limited BIA and improved sensorimotor dysfunction after acute IS.