Saint Francis University

About: Saint Francis University is a education organization based out in Loretto, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Osteoblast. The organization has 1694 authors who have published 2038 publications receiving 87149 citations.

Inflammation and coagulation factors in persons >65 years of age with symptoms of depression but without evidence of myocardial ischemia∗☆

Abstract: Depression is associated with increased cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study examines associations of depressive symptoms with inflammation and coagulation factors in persons aged > 65 years. Blood samples were obtained from 4,268 subjects free of cardiovascular disease (age 72.4 +/- 5.5 years, 2,623 women). Inflammation markers were C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) count, total platelet count, and albumin; coagulation factors included factors VIIc and VIIIc and fibrinogen. Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and states of energy depletion with a validated exhaustion index. Statistical adjustments were made for risk factors (age, sex, race, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes mellitus) and physical measures of frailty (isometric handgrip, timed 15-feet walk test, activity level). Depression was associated with elevated CRP (3.31 +/- 0.10 vs 3.51 +/- 0.21 mg/L), WBC (6.14 +/- 0.03 vs 6.43 +/- 0.11 10(6)/L), fibrinogen (319 +/- 1 vs 326 +/- 3 mg/dl), and factor VIIc (124.6 +/- 0.6% vs 127.2 +/- 1.3%; all p 65 years.

Parathyroid hormone enhances the transcript and polypeptide levels of insulin-like growth factor I in osteoblast-enriched cultures from fetal rat bone.

Abstract: PTH stimulates bone resorption and formation, but the mechanism of its anabolic effect is unknown. The effects of PTH on bone formation could be mediated by local regulators, either by altering their binding to receptors or by modulating their synthesis. Cell extracts from PTH-treated osteoblast-enriched cultures isolated from fetal rat parietal bones were examined by Northern blot analysis for changes in mRNAs encoding insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), transforming growth factor-β, and β2-microglobulin. PTH did not influence transforming growth factor-β or β2-microglobulin transcript levels. In contrast, PTH-(1-34) had a biphasic stimulatory effect on IGFI transcript levels; 0.1-10 nM PTH increased IGF-I transcripts by 100-200% after a 6-h treatment, while 100 nM PTH induced a 100% increase. In addition, PTH at 0.01-10 nM increased immunoreactive IGF-I (iIGF-I) in culture medium by 40-200% at 24 h. Maximal increases in IGF-I transcripts occurred at 6 h, while iIGF-I accumulated throughout 24 h of cul...

Osteopenia and decreased bone formation in osteonectin-deficient mice

Abstract: Bone continuously remodels in response to mechanical and physiological stresses, allowing vertebrates to renew bone as adults. Bone remodeling consists of the cycled synthesis and resorption of collagenous and noncollagenous extracellular matrix proteins, and an imbalance in this process can lead to disease states such as osteoporosis, or more rarely, osteopetrosis. There is evidence that the extracellular matrix glycoprotein osteonectin or secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (BM-40) may be important in bone remodeling. Osteonectin is abundant in bone and is expressed in areas of active remodeling outside the skeleton. In vitro studies indicate that osteonectin can bind collagen and regulate angiogenesis, metalloproteinase expression, cell proliferation, and cell-matrix interactions. In some osteopenic states, such as osteogenesis imperfecta and selected animal models for bone fragility, osteonectin expression is decreased. To determine the function of osteonectin in bone, we used contact x-ray, histomorphometry, and Northern blot analysis to characterize the skeletal phenotype of osteonectin-null mice. We found that osteonectin-null mice have decreased bone formation and decreased osteoblast and osteoclast surface and number, leading to decreased bone remodeling with a negative bone balance and causing profound osteopenia. These data indicate that osteonectin supports bone remodeling and the maintenance of bone mass in vertebrates.