(C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Polycystic kidney diseases (PKDs) comprise a large group of genetic disorders characterized by formation of cysts in the kidneys and other organs,
ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. Although PKDs can be caused by mutations in different genes, they converge on a set of common molecular mechanisms involved in cystogenesis and ciliary dysfunction, and can be qualified as ciliopathies. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms regulating disease progression have led to the development of new therapies that are being tested in both preclinical and clinical trials. In this article, we briefly review a network of molecular pathways of cystogenesis that are regulated by ciliary functions. We discuss the mTOR pathway in depth, highlighting recent progress in understanding its role in PKD and Salubrinal nmr the current results of clinical trials.”
“Maternal diabetes impairs fetal development and growth. We studied the Selleck Combretastatin A4 effects of maternal diets enriched in unsaturated fatty acids capable of
activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) on the concentrations of 15deoxy Delta(2.14)PGJ(2) (15dPGJ(2)), lipid mass, and the de novo lipid synthesis in 13.5-day fetuses from control and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by neonatal streptozotocin administration (90 mg/kg). Rats were treated with a standard diet supplemented or not with 6% olive oil or 6% safflower oil from days 0.5 to 13.5 of ZD1839 mouse gestation. Fetuses from diabetic rats fed with the standard diet showed reduced 15dPGJ2 concentrations, whereas maternal treatments with olive and safflower oils increased 15dPGJ2 concentrations. Fetuses from diabetic rats showed
increased concentrations of phospholipids and increased synthesis of triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol and free fatty acids. Diabetic rat treatments with olive and safflower oils reduced phospholipids, cholesterol, and free fatty acid concentrations and the de novo lipid synthesis in the fetuses. These effects were different from those observed in fetuses from control rats, and seem not to involve PPAR gamma activation. In conclusion, olive oil- and safflower oil-supplemented diets provide beneficial effects in maternal diabetes, as they prevent fetal impairments in 15dPGJ2 concentrations, lipid synthesis and lipid accumulation. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Several studies have suggested an interaction between alpha-synuclein protein and iron in Parkinson’s disease. The presence of iron together with alpha-synuclein in Lewy bodies, the increase of iron in the substantia nigra and the correlation between polymorphism of the several genes implicated in iron metabolism and Parkinson’s disease, support a role for iron in the neurodegeneration.