Molecular biology of histidine decarboxylase and prostaglandin receptors

Histamine and prostaglandins (PGs) play a variety of physiological roles as autacoids, which function in the vicinity of their sources and maintain local homeostasis in the body. They stimulate target cells by acting on their specific receptors, which are coupled to trimeric G proteins. For the precise understanding of the physiological roles of histamine and PGs, it is necessary to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in their synthesis as well as their receptor-mediated responses. We cloned the cDNAs for mouse l-histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and 6 mouse prostanoid receptors (4 PGE2 receptors, PGF receptor, and PGI receptor). We then characterized the expression patterns and functions of these genes. Furthermore, we established gene-targeted mouse strains for HDC and PG receptors to explore the novel pathophysiological roles of histamine and PGs. We have here summarized our research, which should contribute to progress in the molecular biology of HDC and PG receptors

Effects of the PRo-active interdisciplinary Self-MAnagement (PRISMA, Dutch DESMOND) program on dietary intake in type 2 diabetes outpatients: a pilot study

To investigate the effect on dietary intake of the PRo-active Interdisciplinary Self-MAnagement (PRISMA) program, developed analogous to DESMOND, in overweight type 2 diabetes patients. All type 2 diabetes patients referred to the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of the VU University Medical Center Amsterdam with a BMI >25kg/m(2), were eligible for inclusion to the PRISMA program. At baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up, macronutrient intake, anthropometric, biomedical and psychosocial measures were evaluated by using Generalized Estimation Equations. Included into the study were 38 patients, of which 22 completed a 1-year follow-up. After 6 months energy and macronutrient intake were significantly decreased. Reductions after 12 months were still significant for protein, unsaturated fat and dietary fiber and borderline significant for energy and saturated fat intake. Patients positively evaluated the program, and most patients held the view that they had learned something from PRISMA. The PRISMA program reduced energy and macronutrient intake up to 6 months. After 6 months, attention should be paid to patients' food product choices. Follow-up counselling might further improve long-term outcome. This pilot study shows that the PRISMA program is promising in decreasing dietary intake in newly diagnosed and established overweight type 2 diabetes patients in secondary car