Research reports from Zhejiang University, Medical Department provide new insights into gene therapy
2007 NOV 21 -- "MAP Kinase Phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is a dual specific phosphatase selective for MAP kinases, and was believed to implicate in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. However, whether MKP-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is still unknown," researchers in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China report. "We employed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic SpragueDawley rats to study the alteration of the MKP-1 expressions in the left ventricular myocardium in diabetic and normal groups by immunchistochernistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The weight, blood sugar and urine sugar were measured before and after model induction in both control and diabetic groups. Changes of heart ultrastructure were analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy. The data of weight, blood sugar and urine sugar indicated no significant difference between the two groups before animal model induction. Eight weeks after the induction of diabetes, the differences between the control and the diabetic groups in weight, blood sugar and urine sugar were significant (P < 0.01). When compared with control, diabetic myocardium ultrastructural changes included myofibrillar disarrangements, mitochondria disruption, and increase in nuclear membrane invaginations. A significant decrease of MKP1 expression was observed in the diabetic rats' myocardium (P < 0.01). Our study provides experimental evidences that hyperglycernia could damage myocardial ultrastructure," wrote Y. Weng and colleagues, Zhejiang University, Medical Department. The researchers concluded: "Moreover, we provided first evidence that down-regulation of cardio protective peptide MKP-1, the MAPK pathway negative regulator, in myocardium of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, which may contribute to the deterioration of cardiac function and lead to diabetic cardiomyopathy." Weng and colleagues published their study in Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes (Expression changes of mitogen-actilvated protelin kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in myocardium of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes, 2007;115(7):455-460). For additional information, contact X. Zhang, Zhejiang University, School Medical, Dept. of Physiol, 353 Yan Rd., Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. Publisher contact information for the journal Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes is: Johann Ambrosius Barth Verlag Medizinverlage Heidelberg GmbH, Ruedigerstr 14, D-70469 Stuttgart, Germany. Keywords: People's Republic of China, Hangzhou, Biotechnology, Gene Therapy, Zhejiang University, Medical Department. This article was prepared by Fitness & Wellness Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Fitness & Wellness Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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