The burgeoning obesity and diabetes epidemics threaten health worldwide, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are incompletely understood. Recently, attention has focused on the potential contributions of environmental pollutants that act as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. Because glucocorticoid signaling is central to adipocyte differentiation, the ability of EDCs to stimulate the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and drive adipogenesis was assessed in the 3T3-L1 cell line. Various EDCs were screened for glucocorticoid-like activity using a luciferase reporter construct, and four (bisphenol A (BPA), dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP), endrin, and tolylfluanid (TF)) were shown to significantly stimulate GR without significant activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were then treated with EDCs and a weak differentiation cocktail containing dehydrocorticosterone (DHC) in place of the synthetic dexamethasone. The capacity of these compounds to promote adipogenesis was assessed by quantitative oil red O staining and immunoblotting for adipocyte-specific proteins. The four EDCs increased lipid accumulation in the differentiating adipocytes and also upregulated the expression of adipocytic proteins. Interestingly, proadipogenic effects were observed at picomolar concentrations for several of the EDCs. Because there was no detectable adipogenesis when the preadipocytes were treated with compounds alone, the EDCs are likely promoting adipocyte differentiation by synergizing with agents present in the differentiation cocktail. Thus, EDCs are able to promote adipogenesis through the activation of the GR, further implicating these compounds in the rising rates of obesity and diabetes.

Background Impaired signaling in the IFN-γ/IL-12 pathway causes susceptibility to severe disseminated infections with mycobacteria and dimorphic yeasts. Dominant gain-of-function mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) have been associated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Objective We sought to identify the molecular defect in patients with disseminated dimorphic yeast infections. Methods PBMCs, EBV-transformed B cells, and transfected U3A cell lines were studied for IFN-γ/IL-12 pathway function. STAT1 was sequenced in probands and available relatives. Interferon-induced STAT1 phosphorylation, transcriptional responses, protein-protein interactions, target gene activation, and function were investigated. Results We identified 5 patients with disseminated Coccidioides immitis or Histoplasma capsulatum with heterozygous missense mutations in the STAT1 coiled-coil or DNA-binding domains. These are dominant gain-of-function mutations causing enhanced STAT1 phosphorylation, delayed dephosphorylation, enhanced DNA binding and transactivation, and enhanced interaction with protein inhibitor of activated STAT1. The mutations caused enhanced IFN-γ–induced gene expression, but we found impaired responses to IFN-γ restimulation. Conclusion Gain-of-function mutations in STAT1 predispose to invasive, severe, disseminated dimorphic yeast infections, likely through aberrant regulation of IFN-γ–mediated inflammation.

The skin phenotype of new-onset pediatric AD is substantially different from that of adult AD. Although excess T2 activation characterizes both, T9 and T17 are highly activated at disease initiation. Increases in IL-19 levels might link T2 and T17 activation.

Background: Zinc is vital to normal prostate function and uniquely concentrates in healthy prostate. A hallmark of prostate cancers is diminished zinc levels. Results: The miR-183 family is overexpressed in prostate cancer and regulates intracellular zinc via suppression of zinc transporters. Conclusion: Prostatic zinc homeostasis is regulated by microRNAs. Significance: The miR-183 family regulates zinc and may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis.

Thyroid nodule size is inversely related to malignancy risk, as larger nodules have lower malignancy rates. However, the relationship of size to malignancy varies by FNA status. All nodules (regardless of FNA status) demonstrate a risk trough at ≥2 cm. Nodules subject to FNA show step-wise decline in malignancy rates by size, demonstrating that size alone should not be considered as an independent risk factor. Size at ultrasound shows relatively good correlation with final pathologic size. False negative rates are low in this series. Lesions with the appropriate constellation of clinical and radiographic findings should undergo FNA regardless of size. Both size and FNA diagnosis should influence the clinical decision-making process.

NRAS and BRAF mutations occur in congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), but results are contradictory. Sixty-six prospectively collected CMN patients were analyzed for NRAS Q61 mutations using Sanger sequencing. Negative cases were evaluated for BRAF V600E mutation. NRAS Q61 mutations affected 51 patients (77.3%), and BRAF V600E was found in 5 (7.6%). NRAS Q61 mutation affected 29 (80.6%) of 36 giant, 16 (80.0%) of 20 large, and 5 (62.5%) of 8 medium-size CMN; BRAF mutation affected 1 (5%) of 20 large and 4 (11.4%) of 36 giant CMN. Compared to NRAS, BRAF-mutated nevi show scattered/extensive dermal and subcutaneous nodules (100% BRAF+ vs 34.8% NRAS+) (P=0.002). Neurocutaneous melanocytosis (NCM) affected 16 (24.2%) of 66 patients, with NRAS Q61 mutation in 12 (75.0%), and BRAF V600E in 2 (12.5%), P=0.009. Two patients were negative for both mutations (12.5%). In conclusion, although NRAS Q61 mutations predominate, BRAF V600E mutation also affects patients with large/giant CMN (L/GCMN), and with NCM, a novel finding. BRAF V600E is also associated with increased dermal/subcutaneous nodules. These findings open the possibility of BRAF-targeted therapy in some L/GCMN and NCM cases.

Older women who undergo PMBR have better breast-related QOL outcomes than those who do not. Moreover, the outcomes of PMBR in older women are similar to those seen in younger women. When appropriate, older women should be encouraged to consider PMBR.

Risk, II.