@article {1957, title = {Patients affected by metabolic syndrome show decreased levels of circulating platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB.}, journal = {Clin Nutr}, volume = {32}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Apr}, pages = {259-64}, abstract = {

BACKGROUND \& AIMS: The development and/or progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in overweight and obese individuals have been associated to low-grade inflammation, but few studies have simultaneously analyzed the circulating levels of several cytokines.

METHODS: In this pilot study, a group of 27 cytokines and growth factors was analyzed in the serum of obese patients (n=40) diagnosed for MetS in comparison with sex- and age-matched control subjects without MetS (n=53) by using a multiplex immunoassay. Release of cytokines was measured in culture supernatants of human primary endothelial cells, THP-1 macrophagic cells and HuH-7 hepatoma cells upon exposure to a high fat mixture.

RESULTS: While the majority of cytokines did not show significant differences between the investigated groups, the circulating levels of CXCL10/IP-10 and IL-6 were higher in the MetS group versus overweight control group. In contrast, PDGF-BB serum levels were significantly decreased in MetS patients. The in~vitro addition of a high fat mixture increased the release of IL-6 and/or CXCL10/IP-10 in the culture supernatant of human primary endothelial cells and THP-1 macrophagic cells, while the same mixture significantly decreased the release of PDGF-BB by human THP-1 macrophagic and HuH-7 hepatoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS: The current demonstration that MetS is associated with decrease of the pro-fibrotic PDGF cytokine is a completely novel finding, which adds complexity to the interplay between inflammation and fibrosis in patients affected by MetS.

}, keywords = {Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Case-Control Studies, Cell Line, Tumor, Chemokine CXCL10, Endothelial Cells, Female, Humans, Interleukin-6, Linear Models, Male, Metabolic Syndrome X, Middle Aged, Obesity, Pilot Projects, Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis, RNA, Messenger, Young Adult}, issn = {1532-1983}, doi = {10.1016/j.clnu.2012.07.003}, author = {Tisato, Veronica and Toffoli, Barbara and Monasta, Lorenzo and Bernardi, Stella and Candido, Riccardo and Zauli, Giorgio and Secchiero, Paola} } @article {1932, title = {Potential role of TRAIL in the management of autoimmune diabetes mellitus.}, journal = {Curr Pharm Des}, volume = {18}, year = {2012}, month = {2012}, pages = {5759-65}, abstract = {

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease, due to the immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, whose incidence has been steadily increasing during the last decades. Insulin replacement therapy can treat T1DM, which, however, is still associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. For this reason, great effort is being put into developing strategies that could eventually prevent and/or cure this disease. These strategies are mainly focused on blocking the immune system from attacking β-cells together with functional islet restoration either by regeneration or transplantation. Recent experimental evidences suggest that TNFrelated apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), which is an immune system modulator protein, could represent an interesting candidate for the cure for T1DM and/or its complications. Here we review the evidences on the potential role of TRAIL in the management of T1DM.

}, keywords = {Animals, Autoimmunity, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Humans, Hypoglycemic Agents, Insulin, Insulin-Secreting Cells, Islets of Langerhans, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand}, issn = {1873-4286}, author = {Bernardi, Stella and Norcio, Alessia and Toffoli, Barbara and Zauli, Giorgio and Secchiero, Paola} }