Abstract Fasting improves health, but can cause muscle weakness. We assessed body composition in 21-week old males of Berlin high (BEH+/+) and Berlin low (BEL) strains after two bouts of 48-h or 40-h of fasting with 5-day refeeding in between, respectively. BEH+/+ mice tended to loose less weight than BEL in bout 1 and 2 (16.0 ± 2.7 versus 23.5 ± 2.9%, p < 0.001 and 17.1 ± 3.4 versus 20.4 ± 3.4%, p = 0

Abstract The ability of insulin and IGF-2 to support wound repair in the organ-cultured rat corneal endothelium was investigated. Corneas given a circular transcorneal freeze injury, were explanted into organ cultures containing either insulin or IGF-2 and cultured up to72 h. Both factors increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation and mitotic levels compared to controls. Insulin’s ability to mediate wound

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a multifunctional protein that has major roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration. This therapeutic protein is widely used for burn treatment because it can stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. In this study, we developed a simple method using a controlled heated brass rod to

Abstract We evaluated the effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) administration on the level of miR-26-5p in rat gingival tissues and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) by qRT-PCR assay. Further, we conducted Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis to assess the expressions of PTEN, PI3K, and p-AKT, and evaluated cell proliferation of HGFs by MTT assay. CsA treatment significantly downregulated the

Abstract Retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells are a microenvironment where 90 different peptides are synthesized for transduction, visual cycle, intracellular electron transport chain, and removal of metabolic wastes. Depending on the inheritance pattern, either mutant proteins accumulate inside the cells or the energy cycle is disrupted. Disruption of homeostasis causes the cells to

Abstract Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of Gal-1 in dose depending manner on maturation and immunomodulatory properties of monocyte-derived (Mo) DCs in-vitro. The effects were analyzed by monitoring their phenotypic characteristics, cytokine profile, and the ability to direct the immune response in the co-culture with allogeneic CD4+T cells. Gal-1 reduced the expression of CD80 and CD86 molecules

Abstract Growth hormone (GH), in addition to its classic actions on growth and metabolism in the body, exerts pleiotropic effects on the immune system, particularly on the thymus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of GH on the interactions between mature thymocytes and the thymic endothelium involved in the migratory process. To this end, fresh thymocytes (C57BL/6 mice) and the thymic

Abstract Individuals suffering from cancer, including hematological malignancies, are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Elevated levels of several biomarkers in blood are associated with an increased risk of CVD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a subset of such CVD risk biomarkers was elevated in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Blood plasma

Abstract Fibroblast growth factor 10 functions as a paracrine mesenchymal molecule to initiate signalling pathways regarding to cellular development and health. However, the low thermal stability restricts it’s functionality in the human body and the shelf-life of FGF10-based formulations. The current study aimed to employ rational design and bioinformatics approaches to identify some point mutations

Abstract For patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are limited to patients with RAS wild-type tumours. Not all patients will benefit from treatment and better predictive biomarkers are needed. Here we investigated the prognostic and predictive impact of the EGFR ligands amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG). Expression levels were

Abstract Platelets contain most of the potent mitogenic factors present in serum and follicular fluid and intraovarian injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) was shown to improve ovarian function and development of preantral follicles. This study evaluated the effect of PRP on caprine oocyte maturation in vitro and subsequent fertilization and embryonic development. Cumulus oocyte complexes

Abstract Cell entry of influenza A virus (IAV) was reported to be promoted by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). On the other hand, binding of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) to EGFR leads to internalisation and degradation of the receptors. This study aimed to testify whether or not HB-EGF-induced downregulation of EGFR could attenuate IAV cell entry and subsequently diminish

Abstract Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) constitutes an unfavorable intrauterine environment for embryonic and feto-placental development. Women with GDM are at higher risk for materno-fetal complications and placental abnormalities. The placenta acts as an interface between the maternal and fetal circulations and also plays an important role in protecting the fetus from adverse effects of maternal

Abstract Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a therapeutic option in different fields based on its growth factors. We investigated influence of PRP on islet survival, function, transplantation outcomes, and pancreatic genes expression in diabetic rats. In vitro: pancreatic isolated islets were incubated with/without PRP then viability, insulin secretion, and content were assessed. In vivo: Series 1 were

Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that is highly expressed in the brain. It influences neuronal survival, growth and acts as a control centre for neurotransmitters. It also plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Current evidence indicates that BDNF may be a possible neurotrophic factor that controls cognitive functions under normal and neuropathological conditions

Abstract Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that is highly expressed in the brain. It influences neuronal survival, growth and acts as a control centre for neurotransmitters. It also plays a crucial role in learning and memory. Current evidence indicates that BDNF may be a possible neurotrophic factor that controls cognitive functions under normal and neuropathological conditions

Abstract Quercetin on wounds could be favorable for healing based on its variety of biological effects. Eighty wounded rats were divided into four groups i.e. dimethyl sulfoxide, 0.03% quercetin, 0.1% quercetin, and 0.3% quercetin-treated. Different treatments were topically applied for 20 days. Quercetin (0.3%) caused the fastest wound closure and markedly improved the oxidative stress. Quercetin

Abstract Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is involved in atherosclerosis progression. We investigated association between plasma HB-EGF levels and lipid, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Levels of HB-EGF, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), total antioxidant status (TAS)

Abstract As the largest organ of the body, human skin is multifunctional and enjoys two layers, the epidermis and the dermis, the separation of which is performed by a basement membrane zone. Skin protects the body against mechanical forces and infections. Skin wounds represent large and growing challenges to the healthcare systems globally. Skin wound healing, as a protective shield for the body against

Abstract Novel advances for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) include regenerative approaches for fibrosis, hypertrophy, and neoangiogenesis. Studies indicate that growth factor (GF) signaling could promote heart repair since most of the evidence is derived from preclinical models. Observational studies have evaluated GF serum/plasma levels as feasible biomarkers for risk stratification of CVDs. Noteworthy

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and oxygen regulated protein 150 (ORP150) in a rat COPD model by inducing changes in ER stress and apoptosis. We separated 48 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats into four groups randomly: the control group, resveratrol group, COPD group and the resveratrol intervention group. Rats were challenged with cigarette smoke and

(2020). Statement of retraction: Interferon-α2b (IFN-α2b)-induced apoptosis is mediated by p38 MAPK in hepatocytes from rat preneoplastic liver via activation of NADPH oxidase. Growth Factors: Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 127-127.

Abstract During the period of lactation, there is extensive growth and development of the mammary gland in order to fulfil the increased demands of milk for the growing infant. Angiogenesis plays a key role in alveolar development and facilitates optimal milk production. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the key growth factors regulating angiogenesis in mammary gland. Apart from VEGF

Abstract FGF2 is a potent stimulator of vascular growth; however, even with a deficiency of FGF2 (Fgf2-/-), developmental vessel growth or ischaemia-induced revascularization still transpires. It remains to be elucidated as to what function, if any, FGF2 has during ischaemic injury. Wildtype (WT) or Fgf2-/- mice were subjected to hindlimb ischaemia for up to 42 days. Limb function, vascular growth

Abstract Cyclosporine-A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressant. In this study, we explore the pathway through which CsA suppressed the Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g-LPS)-induced increase in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities in co-cultured human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and THP-1 monocytes. In the co-culture, we found that CsA inhibited the expression of cyclophilin A

Abstract Trophic factors are naturally produced by different tissues that participate in several functions such as the intercellular communication, in the development, stability, differentiation and regeneration at the cellular level. Specifically, in the case of spinal injuries, these factors can stimulate neuronal recovery. They are applied both in experimental models and in clinical trials in patients

This study aimed to characterize the effect of different running modes on serum irisin concentrations in rats. A total of 18, 10-week-old rats were divided into three groups; control group, 16° uphill running group (concentric exercise; CON) and, −16° downhill running group (eccentric exercise; ECC). The running group’s rats ran on the inclined treadmill at 16 m/min, for a total of 90 min. Blood was

We aimed to compare the concentrations of serum cytokines in patients undergoing coronary angiography and finding their possible associations with metabolic syndrome. Twelve serum cytokines and growth factors (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, MCP-1, IFN-γ, EGF, and VEGF) were measured by sandwich chemiluminescence assays, on the Evidence Investigator® system. There were significant

Mitochondria uncoupling protein2 (UCP2) expressed ubiquitously is a key molecule of energy metabolism. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a hormone, a target molecule of growth hormone (GH) signal pathway, which is also known as the drug “mecasermin” for clinical usages. IGF-1 is seemed to be closely related to metabolic diseases, such as adult GH deficiency. However, there has not been reports

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on impaired glucose homeostasis, disrupted islet insulin secretion, and pancreatic oxidative status in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats. A total of 64 Sprague-Dawley male were randomized to four groups including controls, diabetes, control-PRP, and diabetes-PRP. The rats received the PRP (0.5 ml/kg, SC injection) twice weekly

The discovery of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) revealed the connection between EGF-like ligands, signaling from the EGFR family members and cancer. Over the next fifty years, analysis of EGFR expression and mutation led to the use of monoclonal antibodies to target EGFR in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and this treatment has improved outcomes for patients

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a novel cytokine secreted by a variety of cells like macrophages, adipocytes, normally expressed in high amounts by placenta. It is also highly expressed in multiple carcinomas like Colon, Breast, Pancreas, Liver, and Ovarian. Several reports on serum GDF-15 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of cancer are hampered by the lack of robust

The in-vitro development of primordial follicles is critical for improving mammalian fertility and wildlife conservation. This study aimed to optimise the effective doses of bpV (HOpic) and stem cell factor (SCF) for the in-vitro activation of sheep primordial follicles. To do this, sheep ovarian cortex was treated with bpV (1.5, 15, and 150 μM) and SCF (50 and 100 ng/ml). Follicular count indicated

Lowe syndrome is an x-linked disorder characterized by congenital cataracts, nervous system abnormalities and renal tubular dysfunction. With the rising number of reported cases, more patients are found to suffer from endocrine abnormalities. Hereby, three Chinese patients with typical symptoms and extremely short stature were described. The OCRL gene was analyzed. A combination of blood biochemistry

The objective of this study was to determine if plasma CCN2 is associated with abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA), and future need for AAA repair, and further to assess the potential clinical value of CCN2 in predicting disease outcome. CCN2 was quantified in plasma samples obtained from a cohort of 679 men aged 65-74 at initial ultrasound screening for AAA in the Viborg Vascular (VIVA) screening trial

Despite strong evidence for the involvement of PDGF signaling in breast cancer, little is known about the PDGF ligand responsible for PDGFR activation during breast cancer progression. Here, we found PDGF-C to be highly expressed in breast carcinoma cell lines. Immunohistochemical analysis of invasive breast cancer revealed an association between increased PDGF-C expression and lymph node metastases

We studied direct effects of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on phenotypical properties of human macrophage cells in vitro. CD14+ monocyte/macrophages (Mc/Mphs) were isolated from blood of healthy donors by positive magnetic separation. G-CSF (0.01-1.0 ng/mL), when added to Mc/Mphs along with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1.0 μg/mL), was able to noticeably reduce proportions of CD119

The objective of this study was to test the association of the variation in a 360 bp region in exon 2 of the ovine bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) gene with growth performance (birth weight, pre-weaning average daily gain, weaning weight, post-weaning average daily gain and marketing weight) and body conformational traits (height at withers, height at hips, body length, heart girth, thigh circumference

Nowadays, transplantation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged as a potential cellular therapy for liver cirrhosis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays an important role in the regeneration of the liver. The objective of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of HGF-transfected human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in

Pancreatic ß cell proliferation, survival and function are key elements that need to be considered in developing novel antidiabetic therapies. We recently identified CCN5/WISP2 to have potential growth promoting properties when overexpressed in ß cells; however, further investigations are needed to validate those properties. In this study, we demonstrated that exogenous treatment of insulinoma cells

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) regulates the wound repair process and it is secreted by inflammatory and endothelial cells, and by myofibroblasts. This study aimed to establish the expression patterns of FGF2 and myofibroblastic differentiation during wound healing in rats treated with subcutaneous ozone injection. We created full-thickness excisional wounds in rats, and the healing process was

Angiogenic blood vessel growth is essential to ensure organs receive adequate blood supply to support normal organ function and homeostasis. Angiogenesis involves a complex series of cellular events through which new vessels grow out from existing vasculature. Growth factor signaling, layered over a range of other signaling inputs, orchestrates this process. The response of endothelial cells (ECs)

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer amongst women worldwide. The mortality rate for patients with early-stage breast cancer has been decreasing, however, the 5-year survival rate for patients with metastatic disease remains poor, currently at 27%. Here, we have reviewed the current understanding of the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in breast cancer progression, and

To investigate (1) the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGFB) on lipid accumulation and the alteration of fatty acids and fatty acid-related enzymes in C2C12 myotubes incubated with fatty acids and (2) the regulatory effect of VEGFB on skeletal muscle lipid metabolism. Mouse C2C12 myotubes were incubated with oleic acid (OA) and palmitic acid (PA), and differentiated mature C2C12 myotubes

Wnts and Hedgehogs (Hh) are large, lipid-modified extracellular morphogens that play key roles in embryonic development and stem cell proliferation of Metazoa. Both morphogens signal through heptahelical Frizzled-type receptors of the G-Protein Coupled Receptor family and there are several other similarities that suggest a common evolutionary origin of the Hh and Wnt pathways. There is evidence that

Biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by progressive destruction of the biliary system leading to liver fibrosis and deterioration of liver function. Serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to be increased in cirrhotic diseases including BA. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of HGF levels in sera and liver tissue for the further disease course. A total of 49

Interleukin (IL)-11 belongs to the IL-6 family of cytokines, discovered over 30 years ago. While early studies focused on the ability of IL-11 to stimulate megakaryocytopoiesis, the importance of this cytokine to inflammatory disease and cancers is only just beginning to be uncovered. This review outlines recent advances in our understanding of IL-11 biology, and highlights the development of novel

Escherichia coli bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2) had a larger yield but less osteoinductivity than Chinese hamster ovary cell bone morphogenetic protein-2 (CrhBMP-2). Since the release profile of rhBMP-2 affects its osteoinductivity, an appropriate carrier could improve the effect of ErhBMP-2. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) was one of the most widely used bone substitutes, but few studies

Assessing the relationship between IGF-1 and height in type 1 diabetes children. Seventy-two type 1 diabetes children and 190 controls were recruited. The height standard deviation score of type 1 diabetes children was significantly higher than controls. The height standard deviation score was higher than the target height standard deviation score in both type 1 diabetes and controls. Serum IGF-1 levels

SHIP-1 is a hematopoietic-specific inositol phosphatase activated downstream of a multitude of receptors including those for growth factors, cytokines, antigen, immunoglobulin and toll-like receptor agonists where it exerts inhibitory control. While it is constitutively expressed in all immune cells, SHIP-1 expression is negatively regulated by the inflammatory and oncogenic micro-RNA miR-155. Knockout

Paired cartilage and subchondral bone of subjects with no clinical history of joint disorders were analyzed to determine whether antioxidant enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and growth factors can be linked to a pre-osteoarthritis. Tissue explants were phenotyped according to Osteoarthritis Research Society International grading and micro-computed tomography, and also screened for the expression of

Humoral regulation by ligand/receptor interactions is a fundamental feature of vertebrate hematopoiesis. Zebrafish are an established vertebrate animal model of hematopoiesis, sharing with mammals conserved genetic, molecular and cell biological regulatory mechanisms. This comprehensive review considers zebrafish hematopoiesis from the perspective of the hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs), their receptors

We performed this study to better elucidate the correlations between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene polymorphisms and congenital heart diseases (CHD). Eligible articles were searched in PubMed, Medline, Embase and CNKI. Eighteen studies were finally included in our meta-analysis. A significant association with the risk of CHD was detected for the rs1570360 polymorphism in additive comparison

The present study evaluates the effects of leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) combined with open flap debridement (OFD) on clinical parameters and growth factors levels (GFL) in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02594605. 16 patients (32 sites) with chronic periodontitis who had at least two areas of horizontal bone loss, were treated with

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common diseases, affecting more than 10% of populations and thus creating immense socioeconomic burden. The pathological changes of OA involve the entire joint, which is composed of multiple types of tissues and cells, exemplified by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone thickening, osteophyte formation, synovium inflammation and hypertrophy, and ligament degeneration

Pulmonary inflammation and progressive lung destruction are the major causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), resulting in emphysema and irreversible pulmonary dysfunction. Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), is known to play a protective role in the process of various inflammatory diseases. However, its effect on COPD is poorly understood. This study was designed to determine

In the past decade, the role of inflammation has been shown in diabetes and its complications. Little is available on high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) actions on the proteins involved in insulin signal transduction, which may be altered to result in insulin resistance in the retina. Retinal endothelial cells (REC) were grown in normal or high glucose and treated with recombinant human HMGB1, an Epac1

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are essential components of cell communication pathways utilized from the embryonic to adult stages of life. These transmembrane receptors bind polypeptide ligands, such as growth factors, inducing signalling cascades that control cellular processes such as proliferation, survival, differentiation, motility and inflammation. Many viruses have acquired homologs of growth

Bone disorders and disturbed calcium (Ca) homeostasis are common disorders in β-thalassaemia major (β-TM). In the present study, two bone related markers are studied in β-TM patients with negative C-reactive protein for the first time; fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and CAPS protein. Another goal is to estimate the correlation between the recent parameters and bone biomaterials as a function

The development and activity of our immune system are largely controlled by the action of pleiotropic cytokines and growth factors, small secreted proteins, which bind to receptors on the surface of immune cells to initiate an appropriate physiological response. Cytokine signalling is predominantly executed by intracellular proteins known as the Janus kinases (JAKs) and the signal transducers and activators