National Institutes of Health

About: National Institutes of Health is a government organization based out in Bethesda, Maryland, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Receptor. The organization has 149298 authors who have published 297896 publications receiving 21337431 citations. The organization is also known as: NIH & U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Human Gene Therapy

Abstract: Human gene therapy is a procedure that is being used in an attempt to treat genetic and other diseases. Eleven clinical protocols are under way at the present time, each with scientific and clinical objectives. Human genetic engineering raises unique safety, social, and ethical concerns.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐2 inhibits bFGF‐induced human microvascular endothelial cell proliferation

Abstract: Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), a protease inhibitor that binds to the latent and active forms of 72 kDa type IV collagenase (gelatinase A), was found to inhibit the in vitro proliferation of human microvascular endothelial (HME) cells stimulated with bFGF and 5% serum. The maximal inhibitory effect of TIMP-2 on incorporation of 3H-thymidine was evident 24 hours after bFGF stimulation of these cells and ranged between 45 and 60%. The half-maximal effective concentration of TIMP-2 was 107 +/- 12 nM (S.D.). In contrast, TIMP-1 was not found to slow the growth of HME cells. The inhibition of cell proliferation observed with TIMP-2 was not mimicked by addition to the culture medium of BB94, a general matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, nor antibodies to the 72 kDa type IV collagenase. In addition to growth, two other cell functions associated with the angiogenic process were tested for sensitivity to TIMP-2. Cell adhesion to tissue culture plastic was slightly stimulated by TIMP-2, and cell migration was inhibited with short-term exposure to TIMP-2, but neither process was affected by longer-term exposure. The ability of TIMP-2 to inhibit cultured endothelial cell proliferation independent of protease inhibitory activity suggests that TIMP-2 may have additional actions which may limit neovascularization associated with solid tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

Characteristics of adolescents and youth with recent-onset type 2 diabetes: the TODAY cohort at baseline

Abstract: Context: The Treatment Options for Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Youth (TODAY) cohort represents the largest and best-characterized national sample of American youth with recent-onset type 2 diabetes. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe the baseline characteristics of participants in the TODAY randomized clinical trial. Design: Participants were recruited over 4 yr at 15 clinical centers in the United States (n = 704) and enrolled, randomized, treated, and followed up 2–6 yr. Setting: The study was conducted at pediatric diabetes care clinics and practices. Participants: Eligible participants were aged 10–17 yr inclusive, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for less than 2 yr and had a body mass index at the 85th percentile or greater. Interventions: After baseline data collection, participants were randomized to one of the folllowing groups: 1) metformin alone, 2) metformin plus rosiglitazone, or 3) metformin plus a lifestyle program of weight management. Main Outcome Measures: Baseline data presented include demographics, clinical/medical history, biochemical measurements, and clinical and biochemical abnormalities. Results: At baseline the cohort included the following: 64.9% were female; mean age was 14.0 yr; mean diabetes duration was 7.8 months; mean body mass index Z-score was 2.15; 89.4% had a family history of diabetes; 41.1% were Hispanic, 31.5% were non-Hispanic black; 38.8% were living with both biological parents; 41.5% had a household annual income of less than $25,000; 26.3% had a highest education level of parent/guardian less than a high school degree; 26.3% had a blood pressure at the 90th percentile or greater; 13.6% had a blood pressure at the 95th percentile or greater; 13.0% had microalbuminuria; 79.8% had a low high-density lipoprotein level; and 10.2% had high triglycerides. Conclusions: The TODAY cohort is predominantly from racial/ethnic minority groups, with low socioeconomic status and a family history of diabetes. Clinical and biochemical abnormalities and comorbidities are prevalent within 2 yr of diagnosis. These findings contribute greatly to our understanding of American youth with type 2 diabetes.