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Abstract: Tunicates comprising a wide variety of different species synthesize antimicrobial peptides as important effector molecules of the innate immune system. Recently, two putative gene families coding for antimicrobial peptides were identified in the expressed sequence tag database of the tunicate Ciona intestinalis. Two synthetic peptides representing the cationic core region of one member of each of the families displayed potent antibacterial and antifungal activities. Moreover, the natural peptides were demonstrated to be synthesized and stored in distinct hemocyte types. Here, we investigated the presence of these natural peptides, namely Ci-MAM-A and Ci-PAP-A, in the tunic of C. intestinalis considering that the ascidian tunic is a body surface barrier exposed to constant microbial assault. Furthermore, as the tunic may represent a major route of entry for pathogen invasion after its damage we monitored the location of these peptides upon a local inflammatory-like reaction induced by injection of foreign cells. Using immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy both peptides were localized to the tunic and were massively present in granulocytes of inflamed tissue. Conclusively, antimicrobial peptides may constitute a chemical barrier within the tunic of urochordates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Problem: The metabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors thought to indicate increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Clinical utility of the metabolic syndrome lies in identifying patients at risk of T2DM and CVD and motivating them to reduce underlying risks. However, there appears to be a paradoxical difference in the incidence and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome when comparing African Americans to other population groups. This study is meant to examine capability of detecting metabolic syndrome among minority individuals in a community-based sample. Methods: Relevant measures were collected from 107 community-members at a community-based event. Means for measures were calculated, as were estimates of the sample likely to have metabolic syndrome based on ATP-III criteria. Results: Participants had a mean age of 49.5 years. Various proportions of the sample reflected components of the metabolic syndrome using ATP-III criteria, including high blood pressure (59.6%), elevated waist circumference (49.3%), elevated triglyceride levels (33.7%), elevated fasting blood glucose levels (28.6%) and reduced HDL-C (26.7%). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was considered for 71 (66.35%) of the sample with adequate data; 28.17% presented with three or more of the ATP-III components. Conclusions: There is a need for a primary prevention intervention among minority community-members. An intensive lifestyle intervention to address all of the metabolic risk factors simultaneously, including an atherogenic diet, weight loss, increased physical activity and smoking cessation is preferable rather than only pharmacologic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]