We found that primary astrocytes express different sterol hydroxylases and are able to uptake exogenous 27-hydroxycholesterol. We found that both microglia and astrocytes express preferentially Lxr beta. However, despite this similarity, we observed cell-specific responsiveness of known and novel (including Cyp27a1) target genes to LXR activation. The increase of mRNA and protein levels in treated astrocytes is paralleled by transactivation of the proximal Cyp27a1 promoter in transfected astrocytes. We

suggest that the astrocyte-restricted up-regulation of Cyp27a1 may be ascribable to differential expression of transcriptional co-activators. Given the role of astrocytes in maintaining brain homeostasis, we hypothesize that impairment of CYP27 activity in these cells may alter critical features HDAC inhibitor of the astrocytes, from the handling and delivery of cholesterol to neurons to the release of signaling molecules. (C) 2009 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights RG7112 nmr reserved.”
“Purpose: We evaluated whether high voiding pressures in patients with posterior urethral valves are associated with reduced kidney function.

Materials and Methods: A total of 25 children younger than 12 months with posterior urethral valves underwent urodynamic

evaluation within 15 days of valve ablation between 1994 and 2007. Six patients underwent primary urodynamics before and 19 after valve ablation. A total of 17 patients underwent repeat studies after I month and 1 year. Maximum detrusor pressures during voiding and cystometric bladder capacity were compared with kidney function tests. Maximum detrusor pressures during voiding was compared with a control group and data from other studies of male infants.

Results: At presentation median cystometric bladder capacity was 22 ml (range 5 to 125) and maximum voiding pressure was 112 cm H(2)O (40 to 331). There was no statistical

difference in bladder capacity and voiding selleck screening library pressures before and after valve ablation. Also, patients with and without vesicoureteral reflux had similar bladder capacities and voiding pressures. There was no association between primary voiding pressures and serum creatinine levels or kidney split function during the first year of life. Primary voiding pressures were about the same as in a control group and in previous studies of males who were healthy, who had reflux or whose status was post-pyelonephritis. Voiding pressures had decreased and bladder capacity had increased significantly at 1-year followup.

Conclusions: Voiding pressures in infants with posterior urethral valves are as high as but not higher than other male infants. High voiding pressures postnatally are not associated with reduced kidney function.”
“Ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) and autophagy lysosome pathway (ALP) are the two most important routes for degradation of aggregated/misfolded proteins.