0000000000234994
AUTHOR
Karen Gertz
Faim2 contributes to neuroprotection by erythropoietin in transient brain ischemia.
Delayed cell death in the penumbra region of acute ischemic stroke occurs through apoptotic mechanisms, making it amenable to therapeutic interventions. Fas/CD95 mediates apoptotic cell death in response to external stimuli. In mature neurons, Fas/CD95 signaling is modulated by Fas-apoptotic inhibitory molecule 2 (Faim2), which reduces cell death in animal models of stroke, meningitis, and Parkinson disease. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been studied as a therapeutic strategy in ischemic stroke. Erythropoietin stimulates the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway, which regulates Faim2 expression. Therefore, up-regulation of Faim2 may contribute to neuroprotection by EPO. Male Faim…
Vascular effects of diet supplementation with plant sterols.
Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate vascular effects of diet supplementation with plant sterol esters (PSE). Background Plant sterol esters are used as food supplements to reduce cholesterol levels. Their effects on endothelial function, stroke, or atherogenesis are not known. Methods In mice, plasma sterol concentrations were correlated with endothelial function, cerebral lesion size, and atherosclerosis. Plasma and tissue sterol concentrations were measured by gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 82 consecutive patients with aortic stenosis. Results Compared with those fed with normal chow (NC), wild-type mice fed with NC supplemented with 2% PSE showed increase…