BACKGROUND We have shown that 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-α-D-glucopyranose (α-PGG), an orally effective hypoglycemic small molecule, binds to insulin receptors and activates insulin-mediated glucose transport. Insulin has been shown to bind to its receptors on platelets and inhibit platelet activation. In this study we tested our hypothesis that if insulin possesses anti-platelet properties then...

MBX-102/JNJ-39659100 (MBX-102) is a selective, partial PPAR-γ agonist that lowers glucose in the absence of some of the side effects, such as weight gain and edema, that are observed with the TZDs. Interestingly MBX-102 also displays pronounced triglyceride lowering in preclinical rodent models and in humans. Although in vitro reporter gene studies indicated that MBX-102 acid is a highly select...

Dexmedetomidine, a potent α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist, is extensively used in the operating room (OR) and intensive care unit (ICU) has been applied for treatment of several diseases. Western blotting routinely to investigate protein levels α-adrenergic receptor (α-AR), apoptosis related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax Cleaved Caspase 3) range associated with Nrf2/ARE pathway (Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, SOD) ...

BACKGROUND Alterations in brain density and signaling associated with monoamine receptors are believed to play a role in depressive disorders. This study evaluates the functional status of α₂(A)-adrenoceptors in postmortem frontal cortex of depressed subjects. METHODS G-protein activation and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity induced by the α₂-adrenoceptor agonist UK14304 were meas...

Activation of α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α-7 nAchR) has a neuro-protective effect on ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. However, the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. We hypothesized that α-7 nAchR agonist protects brain injury after ischemic stroke through reduction of pro-inflammatory macrophages (M1) and oxidative stress. C57BL/6 mice were treated with PHA568487 (PH...