Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Factor For Inversion Stimulation Protein”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources

IGFBP-1: a metabolic signal associated with exercise-induced amenorrhoea.

Severe exercise in young females is a potent cause of menstrual irregularity, although the exact pathogenesis is currently unknown. We performed a cross-sectional endocrine and metabolic analysis of a group of elite athletes and dancers in order to establish which variable, if any, was specifically associated with changes in menstruation. By using a step-wise discriminant analysis, two independent predictors, elevated serum cortisol and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) levels, were found to account for the majority (67%) of the variance. IGFBP-1 is a hepatic protein which is acutely and inversely regulated by insulin, and is thought to modulate the peripheral actions of IGF-1. While the change in serum cortisol may reflect activation of central stress pathways, these findings suggest for the first time that there is a second peripheral signal, IGFBP-1, which may relate the availability of metabolic fuels to the control of reproduction.

Adult↗

Control of COX-2 gene expression through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in human cervical cancer cells.

PURPOSE: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), a ligand-dependent transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors, has been implicated in the control of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 expression in some tissue, although the exact mechanism(s) of this activity has not been elucidated. In this study we explored the possible mechanism(s) of control of COX-2 gene expression through PPARgamma signaling in human cervical cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Using primary human cervical tissues and the CaSki human cervical cancer cell line, we assayed for PPARgamma and COX-2 mRNA expression by reverse transcription-PCR. Nuclear protein binding activities to three response elements located in the COX-2 promoter [nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), cyclic AMP response element, and activator protein (AP)-2] were measured by gel mobility shift assays. We used transient transfection assays with COX-2 promoter reporter gene constructs to determine the regulatory sites in this promoter, which mediates PPARgamma regulation of COX-2 activity. RESULTS: We showed, for the first time, that primary human cervical cancer tissues express PPARgamma. Using CaSki cells, we demonstrated that COX-2 and PPARgamma mRNA levels were inversely regulated by PPARgamma ligands in that these compounds up-regulated PPARgamma but down-regulated COX-2. In contrast, epidermal growth factor (EGF), a potent activator of COX-2, decreased PPARgamma mRNA levels. This down-regulation of PPARgamma mRNA by EGF was blocked in the presence of NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. PPARgamma ligands suppressed the binding activities of AP-1 (binding to CRE) and NFkappaB but not AP-2. Transient transfection results indicated that EGF stimulated whereas PPARgamma ligands inhibited COX-2 promoter (-327/+59) activity. This effect by PPARgamma ligands on the COX-2 promoter was blocked when the CRE, but not the NFkappaB, binding site was mutagenized. CONCLUSION: Cervical cancer cells express readily detectable levels of PPARgamma. There is reciprocal negative regulation between COX-2 and PPARgamma signaling in human cervical cancer cells. The ability of PPARgamma ligands to inhibit COX-2 appears to be mediated predominantly through inhibition of AP-1 protein binding to the CRE site in the COX-2 promoter.

Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein↗

Positive and negative host factors for Sendai virus transcription and their organ distribution in rat.

In vitro mRNA synthesis by Sendai virus is almost entirely dependent on the addition of cellular proteins (positive host factors), one of which could be tubulin. In this study, we investigated the distribution of host factors in various rat organs. Extracts from the brain, thymus, heart, lung, testis, ovary, and uterus all supported in vitro Sendai virus transcription, among which the highest activity was obtained with the brain extract. On the other hand, little or no activity was detected in the liver, spleen, and kidney extracts. An inverse correlation between the apparent host factor activity to stimulate mRNA synthesis and RNase activity that hydrolyzes Sendai virus mRNAs was found, except in the liver extract. However, when a transcription initiation complex was isolated and subjected to RNA chain elongation reaction, all of the extracts including those from liver, spleen and kidney, were active. Immunoblotting showed that tubulin molecules were integrated in these initiation complexes, supporting the notion that tubulin is involved in the initiation complex formation. We also identified a transcription inhibitory activity without any detectable RNase activity in the liver extract. This negative host factor seemed to act on RNA chain elongation. It is likely that Sendai virus transcription is regulated by both positive and negative regulatory factors.

Animals↗

Green tea polyphenol and curcumin inversely regulate human involucrin promoter activity via opposing effects on CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein function.

Antioxidants are important candidate agents for the prevention of disease. However, the possibility that different antioxidants may produce opposing effects in tissues has not been adequately explored. We have reported previously that (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a green tea polyphenol antioxidant, stimulates expression of the keratinocyte differentiation marker, involucrin (hINV), via a Ras, MEKK1, MEK3, p38delta signaling cascade (Balasubramanian, S., Efimova, T., and Eckert, R. L. (2002) J. Biol. Chem. 277, 1828-1836). We now show that EGCG activation of this pathway results in increased CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta) factor level and increased complex formation at the hINV promoter C/EBP DNA binding site. This binding is associated with increased promoter activity. Mutation of the hINV promoter C/EBP binding site eliminates the regulation as does expression of GADD153, a dominant-negative C/EBP factor. In contrast, a second antioxidant, curcumin, inhibits the EGCG-dependent promoter activation. This is associated with inhibition of the EGCG-dependent increase in C/EBP factor level and C/EBP factor binding to the hINV promoter. Curcumin also inhibits the EGCG-dependent increase in endogenous hINV levels. The curcumin-dependent suppression of C/EBP factor level is inhibited by treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, suggesting that the proteasome function is required for curcumin action. We conclude that curcumin and EGCG produce opposing effects on involucrin gene expression via regulation of C/EBP factor function. The observation that two antioxidants can produce opposite effects is an important consideration in the context of therapeutic antioxidant use.

Antioxidants↗

ATP6V0C competes with von Hippel-Lindau protein in hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) binding and mediates HIF-1alpha expression by bafilomycin A1.

HIF-1alpha not only enables cells to survive under hypoxic conditions but also promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Therefore, its expression should be controlled at optimal levels in growing tumors. We recently reported that bafilomycin A1 exorbitantly expressed HIF-1alpha and induced the p21(WAF1/Cip1)-mediated growth arrest of tumors (Mol Pharmacol 70:1856-1865, 2006). In the present study, we addressed the mechanism underlying bafilomycin-induced HIF-1alpha expression. Bafilomycin stabilized HIF-1alpha under normoxic conditions without changes in intracellular pH. However, when ATP6V0C, the target protein of bafilomycin, was knocked down, this bafilomycin effect was significantly attenuated. Inversely, ATP6V0C expression increased HIF-1alpha levels in a gene dose-dependent manner. ATP6V0C competed with Von Hippel-Lindau protein in HIF-1alpha binding by directly interacting with HIF-1alpha, which was stimulated by bafilomycin. In confocal images, ATP6V0C was normally present in the cytoplasm but was translocated in company with HIF-1alpha to the nucleus by bafilomycin. The N-terminal end (amino acids 1-16) of HIF-1alpha was identified as the ATP6V0C-interacting motif. These results suggest that ATP6V0C, a novel regulator of HIF-1alpha, mediates HIF-1alpha expression by bafilomycin.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Cell spreading and lamellipodial extension rate is regulated by membrane tension.

Cell spreading and motility require the extension of the plasma membrane in association with the assembly of actin. In vitro, extension must overcome resistance from tension within the plasma membrane. We report here that the addition of either amphiphilic compounds or fluorescent lipids that expanded the plasma membrane increased the rate of cell spreading and lamellipodial extension, stimulated new lamellipodial extensions, and caused a decrease in the apparent membrane tension. Further, in PDGF-stimulated motility, the increase in the lamellipodial extension rate was associated with a decrease in the apparent membrane tension and decreased membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion through phosphatidylinositol diphosphate hydrolysis. Conversely, when membrane tension was increased by osmotically swelling cells, the extension rate decreased. Therefore, we suggest that the lamellipodial extension process can be activated by a physical signal (perhaps secondarily), and the rate of extension is directly dependent upon the tension in the plasma membrane. Quantitative analysis shows that the lamellipodial extension rate is inversely correlated with the apparent membrane tension. These studies describe a physical chemical mechanism involving changes in membrane-cytoskeleton adhesion through phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate-protein interactions for modulating and stimulating the biochemical processes that power lamellipodial extension.

3T3 Cells↗

Dysregulation of the insulin/IGF binding protein-1 axis in transgenic mice is associated with hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance.

The insulin/IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) axis is important in coordinating insulin- and IGF-mediated regulation of glucose metabolism and glycemia. Dysregulation of the axis may play a role in the pathophysiology of disorders of insulin deficiency and resistance. We have investigated this hypothesis by generating transgenic mice that overexpress hIGFBP-1. To study the axis in its true physiological context, we used a human (h) IGFBP-1 cosmid clone so that transgene expression is responsive to normal hormonal stimuli. hIGFBP-1 mRNA is expressed in a tissue-specific fashion, and measurement of serum protein levels by specific immunoassay indicates normal physiological regulation in response to fasting/feeding and appropriate post-translational modification as indicated by the detection of phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated isoforms of the protein. The hypoglycemic response to exogenous IGF-I is attenuated in transgenic mice. Transgenic mice exhibit an enhanced insulin secretory response to a glucose challenge, although basal and stimulated blood glucose levels are similar to controls. There is a sexual dimorphism in phenotypic expression: male transgenic mice had higher stimulated glucose and insulin levels than did females. Transgenic mice exhibit fasting hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and glucose intolerance in later life, indicating an age-related decline in glucocompetence. These findings demonstrate the importance of the normal inverse relationship between serum insulin and IGFBP-1 levels in glucoregulation and that sustained dysregulation of the insulin/IGF-I/IGFBP-1 axis is associated with impaired glucose tolerance and abnormalities of insulin action.

Aging↗

Modulation of the immunophenotype of ovarian cancer cells by N,N-dimethylformamide and transforming growth factor-beta 1.

Exposure of HOC-7 ovarian adenocarcinoma cells to regulators of cell differentiation caused inducer-dependent alterations of the antigenic pattern of the cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed that N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) elevated the membrane staining for epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor and for desmoplakins I and II. DMF also stimulated cytoplasmic and surface labeling for CA 125 and the deposition of fibronectin into the extracellular matrix. Stimulation of fibronectin was also seen after addition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1. These responses were quantified using a fixed-cell, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and revealed that DMF dose-dependently induced expression of EGF-receptor, CA 125, fibronectin, and desmoplakins I and II. TGF-beta 1 stimulated fibronectin and desmoplakins I and II only. Production of EGF and TGF-alpha was not affected by these inducers. Immunocytochemistry, ELISA and Western blotting showed that both inducers caused down-regulation of myc oncoproteins. DMF was more effective in changing the immunophenotype of HOC-7 cells than TGF-beta 1. Desmoplakins I and II demonstrated elevated epithelial differentiation, whereas fibronectin indicated stimulation of extracellular matrix formation. Elevated EGF-receptor could not compensate for the growth inhibition induced by DMF. The expression of myc oncoproteins was inversely related to cell proliferation. CA 125, however, seems to be unrelated to cell growth.

Blotting, Western↗

Inverse regulation of human ERBB2 and epidermal growth factor receptors by tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha decreased the expression of ERBB2 mRNA by stimulating p55 TNF receptors of pancreatic tumor cells. This decrease contrasts with an increase in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA. Both effects were selectively achieved by TNF-alpha or -beta, whereas interferon alpha or gamma or transforming growth factor beta showed no such effects. The inverse regulatory effects of TNF on ERBB2 and EGFR mRNA levels were evoked by different signaling pathways of p55 TNF receptors. The TNF-mediated ERBB2 mRNA decrease was followed by a reduction in protein. Four of five pancreatic tumor cell lines exhibited this down-regulation. This decrease of ERBB2 is a singular example of a modulation of this growth factor receptor by TNF. Overexpression of ERBB2 has been reported to cause resistance to TNF and other cytotoxic cytokines. In our study we show that the TNF-mediated down-regulation of ERBB2 in pancreatic tumor cells is accompanied by an increase in growth inhibition at low doses of TNF. The simultaneous alteration of the ERBB2/EGFR balance by TNF represents a striking model of cytokine receptor transregulation in the growth control of malignant pancreatic epithelial cells.

Down-Regulation↗

The M(r) 35,000 beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA-binding protein induced by agonists requires both an AUUUA pentamer and U-rich domains for RNA recognition.

Delineating the molecular basis for agonist-induced destabilization of mRNA of G-protein-linked receptors that contributes to receptor down-regulation is fundamental to our understanding of long-term regulation of receptors by agonist. Previously we identified a prominent, M(r) 35,000 cytosolic RNA-binding protein that (i) binds selectively to beta 1 and beta 2-adrenergic receptor mRNAs, both of which undergo agonist-induced down-regulation; (ii) does not bind either to alpha 1b-adrenergic receptor mRNA, which does not undergo agonist-induced down-regulation, or to beta-globin mRNA; (iii) displays binding to beta 2-adrenergic receptor mRNA that is selectively competed by poly(U) RNA, but not poly(A),-(C), or -(G) RNA; and (iv) its abundance varies inversely with the level of receptor mRNA, being induced by agonists that down-regulate receptor mRNA (Port, J. D., Huang, L.-y., and Malbon (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 24103-24108). We demonstrate here that the binding of beta-adrenergic receptor mRNA by this protein, termed beta-ARB protein, is sensitive to competition by AU-rich domains of the 3'-untranslated regions of c-fos, c-myc, and human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Using the AU-rich 3'-untranslated regions of wild-type adenovirus IVa2 mRNA and variants with defined mutations in the AUUUApentamer, AU-rich, and U-rich domains, we were able to define sequences critical to the binding of the beta 2-receptor mRNA by the beta-ARB protein. Recognition of beta-ARB protein requires not only an AUUUA destabilization pentamer, but also a flanking U-rich domain(s). Using radiolabeled 3'-untranslated regions of short-lived mRNA, we were able to identify this same M(r) 35,000 cytosolic RNA-binding protein(s), beta-ARB protein, as selective for beta 2-adrenergic receptor mRNA.

Animals↗

G-protein function is reduced in hypertension.

A functional impairment in vasodilator tone may be important in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of elevated peripheral vascular resistance in hypertension. Previous studies of hypertensive subjects have demonstrated impaired beta-adrenergic-mediated vasodilation paralleling a reduction in lymphocyte beta-adrenergic-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity. We have suggested that this impairment is related to a defect in G-protein function. To determine whether this defect alters the coupling between the G-protein complex and adenylyl cyclase, we performed [3H]forskolin binding studies in lymphocytes from hypertensive subjects, older normotensive subjects, and younger normotensive control subjects. Maximal specific [3H]forskolin binding was used as an index of adenylyl cyclase binding sites. Gpp(NH)p-, NaF/AlCl3-, and isoproterenol-stimulated binding were used as indices of G-protein/adenylyl cyclase coupling. In the absence of other stimulators, maximal [3H]forskolin binding was not significantly different among groups. However, both Gpp(NH)p- and isoproterenol-stimulated [3H]forskolin binding were significantly decreased in lymphocytes from hypertensive subjects. Overall, Gpp(NH)p- and isoproterenol-stimulated [3H]forskolin binding were significantly inversely correlated with blood pressure. No differences in NaF/AlCl3-stimulated [3H]forskolin binding were detected between groups. These studies indicate that G-protein/adenylyl cyclase coupling is impaired in lymphocytes from younger hypertensive subjects and may contribute to the blood pressure-related defect in beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Reverse cholesterol transport: physiology and pharmacology.

Reverse cholesterol transport identifies a series of metabolic events resulting in the transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver and plays a major role in maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the body. High density lipoproteins (HDL) are the vehicle of cholesterol in this reverse transport, a function believed to explain the inverse correlation between plasma HDL levels and atherosclerosis. An attempt to stimulate, by the use of drugs, this transport process seems to be of great promise in the prevention and treatment of arterial disease. Only few drugs are now known that can modify the activity of the various factors involved in the process. Clofibrate reduces cholesterol esterification, but the newer fibric acids are generally ineffective as anion-exchange resins. Probucol directly increases the activity and mass of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, thus possibly improving the physiological process of cholesterol removal from tissues. The few available data on the effects of drugs on reverse cholesterol transport should stimulate the search for new agents specifically stimulating this antiatherogenic process.

Animals↗

Elevated endothelial-cell-stimulating angiogenic factor activity in rodent glycolytic skeletal muscles.

1. Capillary density is greater in skeletal muscles comprised of predominantly oxidative (type I) fibres than in those comprised of mainly glycolytic (type II) fibres. In order to investigate further the angiogenic mechanisms involved in muscle capillarization, endothelial-cell-stimulating angiogenic factor activities in various rodent skeletal muscles were compared. 2. Eleven untrained adult male Wistar rats were killed and the predominantly oxidative (type I) muscle,s soleus and heart, the predominantly glycolytic (type II) muscle, extensor digitorum longus, and the mixed-fibre muscle, gastrocnemius, were removed. Each sample was separately homogenized and centrifuged and the supernatants were diafiltered to isolate the low-molecular-mass fraction containing endothelial-cell-stimulating angiogenic activity. This was assayed for its ability to activate latent collagenase and was expressed as units, where 1 unit represents the percentage activation of the enzyme h-1 (mg of protein in the supernatant)-1. 3. The results (medians and ranges) demonstrated significantly greater endothelial-cell-stimulating angiogenic factor activity in extensor digitorum longus muscle (2.14 units, 0.62-2.87 units, n = 13) than in soleus (0.82 units, 0.59-1.79 units, n = 15), gastrocnemius (0.34 units, 0.28-0.40 units, n = 4) or heart (0.43 units, 0.16-0.52 units, n = 11) (P less than 0.01 for each) muscle. 4. These findings suggest that endothelial-cell-stimulating angiogenic activity in muscle is either inversely or not related to the local capillary density, which may be at or near a maximum in physiologically contracting, predominantly oxidative muscles.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗

Effect of sera from male type I (insulin-dependent) diabetics on human aortic smooth muscle cells in culture.

The effects of sera from male type I (insulin-dependent) diabetics in variable metabolic control were studied on the proliferation and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, collagen and non-collagenous proteins in cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (HSMCs). Sera from diabetics in poor metabolic control had a decreased growth-promoting effect on HSMCs as compared with that of sera from non-diabetic healthy male controls. The synthesis of hyaluronic acid in HSMCs was increased in the presence of type I diabetic sera, irrespective of the metabolic control of serum donors. The synthesis of collagen by HSMCs was stimulated only by the diabetic sera which were derived from diabetics in poor metabolic control. The synthesis of non-collagenous proteins in HSMCs was not affected by type I diabetic sera. The stimulatory effect of diabetic sera on hyaluronic acid synthesis by HSMCs correlated inversely with plasma HDL cholesterol of serum donors, whereas the effect of diabetic sera on DNA and collagen syntheses in HSMCs showed an inverse correlation with plasma triglycerides of serum donors. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-I did not correlate with the above functions of HSMCs. Addition of insulin and growth hormone directly into HSMC cultures had no effect on the proliferation or synthesis of connective tissue macromolecules of HSMCs. The results suggest that type I diabetic sera contain factors other than insulin, growth hormone or insulin-like growth factor-I that affect the proliferation and synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen of HSMCs in culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Lethality of Rw/Rw mouse embryos during early postimplantation development.

Three mutations in the mouse, white spotting (W), rump white (Rw), and patch (Ph), are described as a "gene triplet" on the basis of their close genetic linkage and similar mutant phenotypes. The finding that the W phenotype results from mutations altering the c-kit protooncogene, and that Ph is associated with the deletion of Pdgfra, suggested specific molecular reagents which could be used for the analysis of the chromosomal structure of the third mutation, rump white. Such studies indicated that Rw is associated with a large chromosomal inversion. In this study, we showed that it is possible to generate molecular markers specific for the Rw chromosome, as recombination is suppressed between the inverted portion of the Rw chromosome and the wild-type homologue. Using one such marker, we were able to genotype the offspring of Rw/+ intercrosses. This enabled us to show that Rw homozygote embryos die around 9.5 days of gestation. Histological analysis revealed that the embryos undergo gastrulation, forming three germ layers, and in some cases, exhibit a defined axial midline with an apparent notochordal plate. However, mutant embryos are significantly smaller than the wild-type, with the size difference evident from Day 7.5 and becoming more disparate as development progresses. These morphological data further support the genetic evidence indicating that the developmental lethality of the Rw mutation is not caused by the disruption of a gene within the cluster of RTKs in the central portion of mouse chromosome 5. Furthermore, we present evidence that both Kit and Pdgfra are expressed from the Rw chromosome in several adult tissues. The results of these studies suggest that the identification of the sequence(s) disrupted by the Rw mutation will provide further insight into the regulation of early postimplantation development.

Animals↗

Expression of the E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus (HPV16) extends the life span of human myoblasts.

Primary human myoblasts (satellite cells), like other human cells, have a limited life span in vitro. Here we show that expression of the E6E7 early region from human papillomavirus type 16 can greatly extend the life span of both fetal and satellite cell-derived myoblasts and release them from dependence on the growth factors normally necessary for their proliferation. Expression of either the E6 or the E7 gene alone was not sufficient to confer this phenotype, although expression of E7 did delay cellular senescence. The steady-state level of E6E7 transcripts in clonal cultures correlated with proliferative capacity and inversely with the capacity to differentiate into multinuclear myotubes. The expression of E7 alone markedly inhibited cell fusion in both adult and fetal cultures. These effects on myoblast differentiation could be related in part to the level of retinoblastoma protein (pRb), the major cellular target of E7. Terminal differentiation of skeletal myoblasts is associated with permanent withdrawal from the cell cycle; however, continued expression of E6E7 in differentiated myotubes permits reentry of myotube nuclei into S phase in response to growth factor stimulation. These results support a key role for pRb in the acquisition and maintenance of the differentiated state in human skeletal muscle and, in cooperation with p53, in the control of proliferative capacity and response to external growth factors.

3T3 Cells↗

Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF binding protein-1 and insulin and the response to human menopausal gonadotrophins in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

In order to determine which factors influence the large variations in sensitivity to gonadotrophins witnessed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prospective study was conducted of the correlation between basal clinical and endocrinological features and gonadotrophin requirements of 20 women with clomiphene-resistant PCOS undergoing ovulation induction. Baseline evaluation of serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, fasting insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were performed before administering gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Two weeks later, human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) was given in a standard individualized protocol according to ovarian response, until human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) was given. Serum concentrations of insulin, IGF-1, and IGFBP-1 were unaffected by GnRHa. The BMI correlated positively with insulin and inversely with IGFBP-1 serum concentrations and insulin and IGFBP-1 were inversely correlated. The amount of HMG required correlated positively with BMI and insulin concentrations and inversely with IGFBP-1 in the whole group and these correlations were maintained in the sub-group of lean women. No correlation was observed between HMG requirements and IGF-1 or other hormones. Women with hyperinsulinaemia and low IGFBP-1 concentrations required significantly more HMG. Multiple regression analysis revealed that insulin concentration is the most significant determinant of HMG requirement even when dissociated from BMI. We concluded that requirements of HMG in PCOS is not merely determined by obesity but by a cardinal role of insulin concentrations which, when high, induce, hypothetically, a hyperandrogenic intrafollicular milieu.

Adult↗

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 regulates proliferation and activation of T-helper cells.

Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) have been implicated in regulation of T-cell activation and cytokine-mediated differentiation of T-helper cells. In this study we have characterized the pattern of SOCS expression in naïve and activated primary T-helper cells, examined whether expression of SOCS genes is regulated by cytokine or T-cell receptor signaling, and analyzed the function of SOCS in differentiated T-cells. We show that SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, CIS (cytokine-induced SH2 protein) genes are constitutively expressed in naïve T-helper cells, with SOCS3 being the most abundant. Antigen stimulation of naïve T-helper cells down-regulates SOCS3 expression and concomitantly up-regulates SOCS1, SOCS2, and CIS gene transcription, suggesting that SOCS genes are regulated differentially by T-cell activation. Down-regulation of SOCS3 expression is subsequently followed by gradual increase in SOCS3 level and corresponding decline in interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion. In fact, SOCS3 mRNA levels are inversely correlated with the amount of IL-2 secretion and proliferative responses of differentiating T-helper cells, suggesting mutually antagonistic effects of SOCS3 and IL-2 and feedback regulation of T-cell activation by SOCS3. Furthermore, the degree of SOCS3 inhibition is antigen concentration-dependent and is mediated in part by growth factor independence-1, a T-cell transcription factor that regulates S-phase entry in T-cells. Forced overexpression of SOCS3 inhibits proliferation of T-helper cells, whereas depletion of endogenous SOCS3 by antisense SOCS3 cDNA enhances T-cell receptor- and cytokine-induced proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest a role for SOCS3 in maintaining T-helper cells in a quiescent state. Transient inhibition of SOCS3 by antigen stimulation may therefore be essential in allowing activation of resting T-cells.

Animals↗