Effect of chronic elevated asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels on granulopoiesis

The endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is elevated in both animal models of chronic inflammatory disorders as well as in patients with chronic inflammatory disease. In vivo data suggest that ADMA can increase the number of circulating monocytes and possibly affect their adhesion potential in vitro. The aim of our study was to evaluate possible effects of chronically elevated levels of ADMA on white blood cell count (WBC), leukocyte subsets, and WBC distribution pattern using a model of chronic exogenous ADMA infusion. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n?=?20, 10 weeks of age) were randomized to receive either (1) isotonic saline or (2) ADMA applied by osmotic mini pumps. After 28 days of infusion, all animals were sacrificed for blood and tissue sampling. WBC count, flow cytometry for subtype assessment, and histological assessment were performed. Over a time period of 28 days, continuous ADMA infusion significantly increased mean plasma levels (1.26?±?0.07 μmol/l) as compared to saline infusion (0.57?±?0.02 μmol/l). Clinical side effects were not observed. Despite a physiologically relevant rise in ADMA plasma levels, measured by decrease of the l-arginine/AMDA ratio—a surrogate parameter of NO production capacity—there was no effect on WBC count or pattern of leukocyte subsets. Numbers and morphology of peripheral blood cells as well as number of NK-cells leveling liver and spleen were not affected by chronic ADMA infusion. Chronically elevated ADMA levels in otherwise healthy rats did not affect WBC counts or leukocyte subsets. Furthermore, anemia frequently found in patients with progressive renal failure and elevated ADMA levels, was not observed. In a chronic inflammatory state, elevated ADMA levels themselves are rather the result than the cause of the underlying inflammatory process.     

Recent Update on Bacteria as a Delivery Carrier in Cancer Therapy: From Evil to Allies

Pharmaceutical Research - Cancer is associated with a comprehensive burden that significantly affects patient’s quality of life. Even though patients’ disease condition is improving...     

Autophagy and GLUT4: The missing pieces

Background

Autophagy is a process devoted to degrade and recycle cellular components inside mammalian cells through lysosomal system. It plays a main function in the pathophysiology of several diseases. In type 2 diabetes, works demonstrated the dual functions of autophagy in diabetes biology. Studies had approved the role of autophagy in promoting different routes for movement of integral membrane proteins to the plasma membrane. But its role in regulation of GLUT4 trafficking has not been widely observed. In normal conditions, insulin promotes GLUT4 translocation from intracellular membrane compartments to the plasma membrane, while in type 2 diabetes defects occur in this translocation.

Obesity an overview: Genetic conditions and recent developments in therapeutic interventions

Obesity is a complex disorder that is linked to many coexisting disorders. Recent epidemiological data have suggested that the prevalence of obesity is at an all-time high, growing to be one of the world's biggest problems. There are several mechanisms on how individuals develop obesity which includes genetic and environmental factors. Not only does obesity contribute to other health issues but it also greatly affects the quality of life, physical ability, mental strength and imposes a huge burden in terms of healthcare costs. Along with that, obesity is associated with the risk of mortality and has been shown to reduce the median survival rate. Obesity is basically when the body is not able to balance energy intake and output. When energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, excess calories will be stored as fat leading to weight gain and eventually obesity. The therapeutic market for treating obesity is composed of many different interventions from lifestyle intervention, surgical procedures to pharmacotherapeutic approaches. All of these interventions have their respective benefits and disadvantages and are specifically prescribed to a patient based on the severity of their obesity as well as the existence of other health conditions. This review discusses the genetic and environmental causes of obesity along with the recent developments in anti-obesity therapies.