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In this study, we showed that IL-6 gene expression is significantly higher in undifferentiated MSCs as compared to their chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic derivatives. Moreover, we found that MSCs secrete copious amounts of IL-6 protein, which decreases dramatically during osteogenic differentiation. We further evaluated the role of IL-6 for maintenance of MSC 'stemness,' using a series of functional assays. The data showed that IL-6 is both necessary and sufficient for enhanced MSC proliferation, protects MSCs from apoptosis, inhibits adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs, and increases the rate of in vitro wound healing of MSCs. We further identified ERK1/2 activation as the key pathway through which IL-6 regulates both MSC proliferation and inhibition of differentia...MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Biochemistry, Volume 0, Issue 0, Articles ASAP (As Soon As Publishable). (Source: Biochemistry)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Merck is committed to putting patients first and providing accurate information regarding the efficacy, safety and tolerability of our medicines. Merck offers the following statement concerning the osteoporosis medication FOSAMAX® (alendronate sodium) and reports of jaw problems associated with delayed healing and infection of the jaw often following tooth extraction. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Italy approved the use of the abortion drug RU-486 late Thursday, capping years of debate and defying opposition from the Vatican.

The bill, a work in progress called H.R. 3200, is already phone-book thick. The latest amendments this week swamped Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building, home turf of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Some 250 amendments had appeared by Wednesday night, and the number jumped to 350 by...

A new study confirms that having whey protein as part of your breakfast helps to reduce your appetite at lunch. The study compared the appetite effects of whey to soy protein and casein protein – and whey was superior. Another study by the same researchers showed that whey with glycomacropeptides made the biggest difference in appetite regulation. This is the type of whey I have recommended for some time. Starting your day on the right foot can have a profound effect on how well you maintain your diet later in the day. On any day that you eat in the afternoon or eat too much at dinner simply pay attention to your breakfast. Oftentimes it will be lacking in high quality protein.

Columnist Nicholas Kristof examines maternal health in developing countries in his latest New York Times opinion piece .