Myostatin: more than just a regulator of muscle mass

The presence of sufficient skeletal muscle mass is of paramount importance for body function and the myostatin cascade is known to inhibit muscle growth in mammals. In addition, myostatin seems to have an important role in the cross-talk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and is involved in insulin sensitivity. In this article we highlight the latest developments related to the myostatin system, emphasizing therapeutic implications for wasting diseases and also the involvement of the system in other organs, in addition to skeletal muscle, such as heart or adipose tissue. Moreover, we highlight the possible role of the myostatin system in the cross-talk between skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, an important aspect that deserves consideration in wasting diseases.     

Endothelium-derived C-type natriuretic peptide: more than just a hyperpolarizing factor

The perceived importance of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the mammalian vasculature has been raised by its recent identification as an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). This aspect of its biological activity is likely to be significant in the regulation of vascular tone, local blood flow and systemic blood pressure. However, the importance of CNP to cardiovascular homeostasis is likely to extend beyond that of a "hyperpolarizing factor" ; indeed, there is evidence that CNP has a key role in preventing smooth muscle proliferation, leukocyte recruitment and platelet reactivity. As such, endothelium-derived CNP is likely to exert a strong anti-atherogenic influence on blood vessel walls and represent a new therapeutic target in the fight against inflammatory cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, this profile of activity defines a new paradigm for the biological significance of EDHF.     

Ticks--due to climatic changes, much more than just Ixodes ricinus, TBE and Lyme disease

Ectoparasitic arthropodes, like ticks, confer numerous pathogenic bacterial and viral germs upon human beings and/or animals. Since these vectors are poikilothermic, there is a strong dependence on environmental conditions. Climatic as well as microclimatic conditions play a major role. Against this background, it can be anticipated that climatic changes also influence the bionomics of ticks and of the pathogens conferred by them.     

Telomerase inhibition as an adjuvant anticancer therapy: it is more than just a waiting game

Background: There is increasing evidence that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) sense host tissue damage by engaging with endogenous ligands. TLRs are considered to be involved in many primarily non-immune-related diseases. Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) represents one of these disorders. Objective: To present the latest findings supporting the involvement of TLRs in liver IRI and to explore their role as potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Methods: A review of the literature summarizing the latest advances in TLR signaling, the role of TLRs in each hepatic cell population and the involvement of TLRs in the pathophysiology of hepatic IRI. The potential role of TLR-targeting treatment strategies in liver IRI is discussed. Conclusions: Recent experimental evidence suggests that TLR activation on Kupffer cells provides the triggering signal for pro-inflammatory responses that lead to liver IRI. Modulating TLR signaling could have a beneficial effect in patients with liver IRI.     

Telomerase inhibition as an adjuvant anticancer therapy: it is more than just a waiting game

A telomere maintenance mechanism is essential for cancer cells to divide indefinitely. As telomerase maintains telomeres in the vast majority of human cancers, targeting tumor cells in patients with antitelomerase-based strategies is very appealing. However, as the complexities of telomere dynamics and telomerase regulation and function continue to unfold, translating this knowledge into well-designed clinical trials becomes daunting. Here, the authors discuss potential shortcomings for antitelomerase approaches and predict that inhibition of telomerase will be an effective targeted approach against cancer as a polytherapy in the adjuvant setting.     

Ascorbic acid in the 21st century - more than a simple antioxidant

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an essential micronutrient for man, with many biological roles. It is a powerful antioxidant both directly via scavenging of reactive oxygen species and indirectly through regeneration of other antioxidant systems. Paradoxically, under certain conditions (low concentration in vitro, presence of metal ions) it can exert a pro-oxidant effect, increasing oxidative damage to lipids, DNA and protein. Herein, the effects of vitamin C both in vitro and in vivo are addressed in terms of modulation of oxidative DNA damage, gene expression and protein oxidation. The view of AA as a simple scavenger is outdated, where the arrival of new bioinformatic techniques, heralds a new dawning in our understanding of ascorbate as a potential direct or indirect modulator of gene expression.