No abstract

The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1␤ (IL-1␤Elevated plasma levels of cytokines, including IL-1␤ and TNF found in various inflammatory, infectious, and malignant diseases, are often associated with hypocholesterolemia (7-11). Systemic infusion of cytokines has been shown to lower serum cholesterol levels in animals and humans (12-14). The concentrations of IL-1␤ and TNF similar to those found following infection induce low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells, and this effect is not part of its mitogenic response, as IL-1␤ did not increase DNA synthesis (15-18). Interestingly, a 1.56-kilobase pair region of the 5Ј-flanking region of the human LDL receptor promoter has been shown to confer IL-1␤-dependent induction to an heterologous gene, suggesting that increased receptor expression results from activation of LDL receptor transcription and is not due to an alteration in LDL receptor mRNA stability (18). These studies have also established that, unlike TNF, IL-1␤-induced LDL receptor transcription does not require protein synthesis and, therefore, likely depends on activation of a preexisting component(s). The initial step in their action is the association of agonist with its cell surface receptors, followed by intracellular protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation (19 -21). The downstream effectors linking receptor activation with the different cellular responses are still largely to be defined, although several signaling pathways have been proposed (20,21). The signal transduction mechanisms by which these cytokines stimulates LDL receptor expression are poorly characterized. Many extracellular signals elicit specific biological responses through activation of MAPK cascades (22-26). The three major subfamilies of MAPKs in higher eukaryotes include ERK-1/2, 46/54 JNK , and p38 MAPK , all of which are activated by phosphorylation of a tyrosine and a threonine residue catalyzed by a dual specificity MAPK kinase. ERKs are most strongly activated by mitogenic signals such as growth factors or 12-Otetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), whereas p46/54 JNK , and p38MAPK are activated by stressful stimuli such as the inflammatory cytokines, IL-1␤, and TNF, thermal shock, and osmotic shock (23,27). Activation of MAPKs leads to distinct cellular responses mediated by phosphorylation of specific target substrates (25). Recently, we have shown involvement of ERK-1/2 signaling cascade in TPA-induced LDL receptor expression in HepG2 cells (28).In this study, we have investigated the early in vivo signal-

Using primary socialization theory and theory of planned behavior, this study examined how targeted parent–child communication against substance use and parents' references to the negative consequences of their own past substance use (from the youth's perspective) directly and indirectly relate to Latino and European American youth's external norms (e.g., injunctive and descriptive), internal beliefs (e.g., personal norms, attitudes, and refusal efficacy), and substance use. This study used cross‐sectional survey data from 253 Latino and 308 European American (N =  561) 6th‐ to 8th‐grade students. Targeted parent–child communication was related to higher levels of antisubstance‐use perceptions, whereas parents' references to their own past use was related to lower levels of antisubstance‐use perceptions. Ethnic differences emerged with respect to specific mediators.

We investigated communication and care in the context of lung cancer through qualitative interviews with 35 adult children. Participants described two core influences on communication: situational and relational influences. Participants also suggested that the ways in which support was communicated impacted how they managed challenges and how they were able to cope with the loss of their parent. This research adds to the literature on caregiving and communicating social support by exploring the experiences of families coping with lung cancer. We suggest theoretical and practical implications for the ways family members might communicate about illness.

This study assessed characteristics associated with on-again/off-again (on–off) partners’ perceived relational stability. We employed a three-category conceptualization of stability in which participants were classified as believing the relationship was relatively stable, permanently dissolved, or continuing to cycle between breakups and renewals. Investment theory was first used to distinguish the three stability groups with satisfaction and alternatives mostly strongly associated with perceived stability. We also assessed specific characteristics salient to on–off relationships. Most were associated with perceived stability, but relational uncertainty, relational stress, positive feelings about the relationship, and number of renewals emerged as the best discriminators. Overall, the cycling group reported moderate levels of most characteristics along with greater uncertainty, suggesting they have a more ambivalent view of their relationship.