These results implicate the involvement of miR-218-2 and its host gene SLIT3 in thyroid cancer cell invasion, migration, and proliferation. Our findings highlight the functional associations of intronic miRNAs and their host genes in thyroid carcinogenesis.

Background: Short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes has been proved effective in improving metabolic control and b-cell function, thus inducing long-term drug-free remission. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate whether CSII in combination with rosiglitazone, metformin, or a-lipoic acid separately brings about extra benefits. Patients and Methods: One hundred sixty patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes were randomized to one of four treatment groups: CSII alone, CSII in combination with rosiglitazone or metformin for 3 months, or CSII with a-lipoic acid intravenous infusion for 2 weeks. Duration of CSII treatment was identical in the four groups. Glucose and lipid profiles, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) indices, acute insulin response (AIR), intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) level, and malondialdehyde level were compared before and after intervention. Results: The near-normoglycemia rate at the third month in CSII alone and that in combination with rosiglitazone, metformin, or a-lipoic acid was 72.5%, 87.5%, 90%, and 75%, respectively (metformin group vs. CSII alone, P = 0.045). The metformin group achieved euglycemia in a shorter time (2.6 -1.3 vs. 3.7 -1.8 days, P = 0.020) with less daily insulin dosage and was more powerful in lowering total cholesterol, increasing AIR and HOMA b-cell function, whereas reduction of IMCL in the soleus was more obvious in the rosiglitazone group but not in the metformin group. The efficacy of combination with a-lipoic acid was similar to that of CSII alone. Conclusions: Short-term CSII in combination with rosiglitazone or metformin is superior to CSII alone, yet the efficacy of the two differs in some way, whereas that with a-lipoic acid might not have an additive effect.

Background and ObjectivesRecent studies have supported a role for both newer and more established vitamin D compounds in improving proteinuria, although systematic evaluation is lacking. Furthermore, concerns remain regarding the influence of vitamin D on the progression of renal function. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of vitamin D in non-dialysis patients and compared the use of newer versus established vitamin D compounds by performing a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.DesignA literature search of PubMed (1975 to September, 2012), EMBASE.com (1966 to September, 2012) and Ovid EBM Reviews (through September, 2012) was conducted.ResultsEighteen studies were eligible for final inclusion; of these, six explored the effects of vitamin D on proteinuria, twelve studied the effects of supplementation on renal function, and fifteen discussed the incidence of hypercalcemia. Compared to the placebo or no interference, both the newer and established vitamin D sterols reduced proteinuria to a similar extent (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.42 to 2.81). No decrease in the glomerular filter rate was observed (SMD, −0.10; 95%CI, −0.24 to 0.03), and the risk for dialysis initiation was 1.48 (95% CI, 0.54 to 4.03) with vitamin D treatment. Additionally, there was an increased risk of hypercalcemia for patients treated with either newer or established vitamin D compounds as compared with the controls (RR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.20 to 10.37). The head-to-head studies showed no differences in the effects of either newer or established compounds on proteinuria or the risk of hypercalcemia. No serious adverse events were associated with the administration of vitamin D.ConclusionsVitamin D therapy appears to decrease proteinuria and have no negative influence on renal function in non-dialysis patients. But the occurrence of hypercalcemia should be evaluated when vitamin D is provided. No superiority for newer versus established vitamin D analogue is found.

Fufang Xue Shuan Tong (FXST) capsules, a traditional Chinese medicine, have been used to treat diabetic nephropathy for many years. FXST has been shown to attenuate elevated levels of oxidative stress in the retina of diabetic rats. However, whether FXST protects kidneys through the same mechanism(s) remains unclear. In this study, diabetes was induced in rats by administration of a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. Rats were administered low (450 mg/kg/day), middle (900 mg/kg/day) or high (1800 mg/kg/day) doses of FXST orally for 3 months. Another group was administered 50 mg/kg/day orally for the same period. The results indicated that all doses of FXST reduced urinary protein excretion and creatinine clearance and ameliorated the diabetic nephropathy-related mesangial matrix expansion. However, only middle and high doses of FXST prevented glomerular hypertrophy in diabetic rats, and the high dose showed the greatest inhibitory effect with regard to mesangial matrix expansion. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activities were significantly elevated, whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced in the renal cortex following FXST treatment. The kidney-protective role of FXST is not inferior to that of captopril, one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, FXST retards the progression of diabetic nephropathy, while high-dose FXST shows the most prominent effect in counteracting the pathological changes of diabetic nephropathy. The renoprotective action of FXST is induced by the reduction of oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy.

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