Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a pulmonary disorder that causes significant morbidity and mortality in premature infants. BPD is pathologically characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and mucosal necrosis, which leads to emphysematous coalescence of alveoli. We tested the hypothesis that azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, would decrease the severity of lung injury in an animal model of BPD. ⋯ Azithromycin significantly decreased lung damage as determined by the mean linear intercept in the hyperoxia groups (p < .001). Finally, azithromycin-treated pups had lower levels of IL-6 in lung homogenate from the hyperoxia groups (p < .05). Azithromycin treatment resulted in improved survival, less emphysematous change, and decreased IL-6 levels in an animal model of BPD.
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African Americans commonly have normal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low triglyceride levels despite having insulin resistance and obesity. The higher than expected HDL-C levels are usually attributed to low levels of hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) activity. Factors that regulate HTGL in African Americans are not well delineated. ⋯ The data suggest that adiponectin is a significant metabolic concomitant of HTGL activity in African Americans.
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To achieve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), multiple oral agents are used in a stepwise approach, but long-term maintenance of normoglycemia is difficult to achieve, and, eventually, most patients require insulin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of insulin with metformin for newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients with T2DM. ⋯ Outpatient initiation of insulin therapy at the time of diagnosis of T2DM is an effective, safe, and feasible strategy for rapidly lowering HbA(1c) levels to targets. Insulin was very well accepted by the patients, refuting the misconception of low satisfaction and acceptance of such treatment.
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Obesity has become an international public health concern. In the United States, the rates of overweight and obesity have escalated dramatically in the last several decades. The health implications of obesity stem from its relationship with the development and progression of several health complications and diseases. ⋯ Although this basic biological variable is an obvious area for scientific study, research analyzing the influence of sex on obesity and cardiovascular disease is gravely lacking. The Society for Women's Health Research convened a workshop of obesity and cardiovascular disease experts in November 2005 to identify the gaps in scientific knowledge and crucial next steps in research related to sex differences in obesity and cardiovascular disease. This meeting report describes the workshop attendees' recommendations in detail.