Vitexin significantly reduced

Vitexin significantly reduced HDAC inhibitor the elevation of the ST segment of ECG and myocardial infarct size. LDH and CK activities and MDA content were attenuated in serum, while SOD activity was markedly enhanced. Vitexin significantly attenuated I/R-induced increases of myocardial NF-kappa B and TNF-alpha. Moreover, Western Blot analysis presented

that vitexin markedly enhanced the expression of phospho-ERK and weakened the expression of phospho-c-Jun compared to I/R group. The significant protective effect against myocardial ischemical/reperfusion injury in rat, which is exhibited by vitexin, may be related to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammatory cytokines and the MAPK pathway.”
“A simple and highly efficient procedure has AZD2014 in vitro been proposed for the synthesis of heterocyclic and aromatic N-benzyl amines via reductive amination of substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of sodium tetrahydridoborate-acetic acid system generating reactive sodium triacetoxyhydridoborate.”
“Multiple

sclerosis (MS) presents with optic neuritis (ON) in 20 % of cases and 50 % of ON patients develop MS within 15 years. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effects of vitamin D3 administration on the conversion of ON to MS (primary outcome) and on the MRI lesions (secondary outcome) of ON patients with low serum 25 (OH) D levels. Thirty ON patients (15 in each of 2 groups, aged 20-40 years) with serum 25 (OH) D levels of less than 30 ng/ml were enrolled in a double blind, randomized, parallel-group trial. The treatment group (cases) received 50,000 IU of

vitamin D3 weekly for 12 months and the control group (controls) received a placebo weekly for 12 months. Finally, the subsequent relapse rate and changes in MRI plaques were compared between the two groups. Risk reduction was 68.4 % for the primary outcome in the treatment group (relative risk selleck = 0.316, p = 0.007). After 12 months, patients in the treatment group had a significantly lower incidence rate of cortical, juxtacortical, corpus callosal, new T2, new gadolinium-enhancing lesions and black holes. The mean number of total plaques showed a marginally significant decrease in the group receiving vitamin D3 supplementation as compared with the placebo group (p = 0.092). Administration of vitamin D3 supplements to ON patients with low serum vitamin 25 (OH) D levels may delay the onset of a second clinical attack and the subsequent conversion to MS.”
“Objective Spontaneous rupture causing a hemoperitoneum is a life-threatening complication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to document clinical features and prognostic factors in patients with a ruptured HCC.\n\nMethods The medical records of 1412 patients with HCC admitted to a single tertiary medical center from January 2000 to August 2010 were reviewed.

These somatomotor-sympathetic neurons (SMSNs) were detected in a

These somatomotor-sympathetic neurons (SMSNs) were detected in a number of brain regions. However, the most prominent nodes in this circuitry included the paraventricular, dorsomedial, and lateral nuclei of the hypothalamus, ventrolateral periaqueductal grey and ventromedial medulla. Phenotypic studies revealed subsets of SMSNs to be capable of synthesizing serotonin, or to contain neuroactive peptides vasopressin, oxytocin, orexins, or melanin-concentrating hormone. Based on these data and the results of studies employing monosynaptic tracers a

central somatomotor-sympathetic circuit is proposed. This circuitry is likely recruited in diverse situations, including stress responses, cold defense, exercise and sleep. Furthermore, activation of specific classes of SMSNs likely shapes distinct stress-coping strategies. Dysregulation in the organization and function of this circuit Selleckchem Pevonedistat may also contribute to the expression of physical symptoms of affective disorders, such as major depression, anxiety and panic.”
“Immunochromatographical fecal occult blood tests were shown to have higher sensitivity for detecting colorectal neoplasms than the commonly used guaiac-based test. However, positivity rates, sensitivity and specificity vary widely. We aimed to assess the reasons for this heterogeneity. Six dichotomous (qualitative)

immunochromatographical tests were used in the same stool samples, taken before cathartic bowel

preparation, www.selleckchem.com/products/icg-001.html from 1,330 participants of the German colonoscopy screening Kinase Inhibitor Library order program. Positivity rates were determined, and inter-test agreement beyond chance was quantified by kappa coefficients (kappa). In addition, kappa coefficients were expressed in relation to their maximum possible values given differences in test positivity rates (kappa/kappa(max)). Furthermore, the distribution of fecal hemoglobin concentration was assessed by an additional quantitative test in participants classified as clearly positive, borderline positive or clearly negative according to the qualitative tests. Positivity rates strongly varied from 6.4 to 46.8%. As a result, overall agreement between tests was only poor to moderate, with kappa ranging from 0.14 to 0.61. However, apart from the different positivity rates, agreement was mostly very high, with kappa/kappa(max) ranging from 0.53 to 1.00, and exceeding 0.70 in 12 of 15 cases. Distribution of fecal hemoglobin concentrations in the various categories strongly varied across tests. The observed patterns suggest that the strongly different positivity rates essentially reflect different cutoff levels of tests with otherwise very high inter-test agreement. Definition of cutoffs is a critical issue in the application of immunochromatographical tests and should be redefined for several of these tests.

5 years of data collected at Mbeli Bai in northern

Congo

5 years of data collected at Mbeli Bai in northern

Congo. Access to mates and offspring survival were both major sources of variance in male reproductive success. Males with larger harems had lower offspring mortality with no apparent reduction in female fertility or observed tenure length, so the size of harems did not seem to be limited by female feeding competition or by the risk of takeovers and infanticide by outsider males. The lower mortality in larger harems may reflect improved vigilance against predators, and females may cluster around males that enhance offspring survival. Thus, this study illustrates how a detailed analysis of the components of male this website reproductive success can shed light on the interrelated social and ecological aspects that affect it.”
“A novel tertiary amine catalyst (TAC) and trithiocarbonate (TTC) synergistic photo-induced controlled radical polymerization of methacrylates in the absence of conventional photo-initiators, metal-catalysts, Wnt drug or dye sensitizers, has been realized under mild UV irradiation (lambda(max) approximate to 365 nm), yielding polymethacrylates with low molecular weight distributions and excellent end-group fidelity.”
“Loco-regional treatments play a key role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

(HCC). Image-guided tumor ablation is recommended in patients with early-stage HCC when surgical options are precluded. Radiofrequency ablation has shown superior anticancer effects and greater survival benefit with respect to the seminal percutaneous technique, ethanol injection, in meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, and is currently established as the standard method for

local tumor treatment. Novel thermal and nonthermal techniques for tumor ablation including microwave ablation, Ruboxistaurin datasheet irreversible electroporation, and light-activated drug therapy seem to have potential to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency ablation and warrant further clinical investigation. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard of care for patients with asymptomatic, noninvasive multinodular tumors at the intermediate stage. The recent introduction of embolic microspheres that have the ability to release the drug in a controlled and sustained fashion has been shown to significantly increase safety and efficacy of TACE with respect to conventional, lipiodol-based regimens. The available data for radioembolization with yttrium-90 suggests that this is a potential new option for patients with HCC, which should be investigated in the setting of randomized controlled trials. Despite the advances and refinements in loco-regional approaches, the long-term survival outcomes of patients managed with interventional techniques are not fully satisfactory, mainly because of the high rates of tumor recurrence.

EphA2 transport can be blocked by physical barriers nanofabricate

EphA2 transport can be blocked by physical barriers nanofabricated onto the underlying substrate. This physical reorganization of EphA2 alters the cellular response to ephrin-A1, as observed by changes in cytoskeleton morphology

and recruitment of a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10. Quantitative analysis of receptor-ligand spatial organization across a library of 26 mammary epithelial cell lines reveals characteristic differences that strongly correlate with invasion potential. These observations reveal a mechanism for spatio-mechanical regulation of EphA2 signaling pathways.”
“Novel superparamagnetic chitosan-coated C-18-functionalized magnetite find more nanoparticles (MNPs) were successfully synthesized

and applied as an effective sorbent for the preconcentration of several typical phthalate ester compounds from environmental water samples. The MNPs were 20 nm in diameter and had a high magnetic saturation value (52 emu g(-1)), which endowed the sorbent with a large surface area and the convenience of isolation from water samples. Phthalate esters could be extracted by the interior octadecyl groups through hydrophobic interaction. The hydrophilic porous chitosan polymer coating promoted the dispersion of MNPs in water samples, and improved the anti-interference ability of the sorbent without influencing the adsorption of analytes. The main factors affecting BIX 01294 manufacturer the adsorption of phthalate esters, including the pH of the solution, humic acid, sample loading volume, adsorption time, and desorption conditions, were investigated and optimized. Under the conditions selected (pH 11, adsorption time 20 min, elution with 10 mL of acetonitrile, and concentration to 0.5 mL), concentration factors of 1,000 were achieved by extracting 500 mL of several environmental water samples with 0.1 g of MNP sorbent. The method detection limits obtained for di-n-propyl phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, dicyclohexyl phthalate, and di-n-octyl phthalate

were 12.3, 18.7, 36.4, and 15.6 ng L-1, respectively. Navitoclax inhibitor The recoveries of spiked samples ranged from 60 to 100%, with a low relative standard deviation (1-8%), which indicated good method precision.”
“Study Design. In vitro and in vivo study. Objective. To evaluate the role of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP2) on breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231 cells) growth.\n\nSummary of Background Data. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are expressed in a variety of human carcinoma cell lines and are known to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. However, their roles in tumor progression have not been fully clarified. In addition, there is no in vivo study regarding the inhibitory effect of BMP2 on breast cancer cell proliferation.\n\nMethod. Cell proliferation was determined by BrdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry. BMP2 signal transduction pathways were estimated on Western blot.

We hypothesized that colloid solutions, compared with crystalloid

We hypothesized that colloid solutions, compared with crystalloid, would produce the largest increase in CO and have the lowest incidence of hypotension.\n\nMETHODS: Sixty healthy term women scheduled for planned cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were recruited for this randomized, double-blind study. Baseline heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), CO, and FTc were recorded in the left lateral tilt position. Patients were randomized to receive 1 of 3 fluid preload regimens given over 15 min: 1.5 L crystalloid (Hartman’s solution), 0.5 L of 6% w/v hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution (HES 0.5), or I L of 6% w/v HES solution (HES 1.0). Further measurements were made after fluid loading

every 5 min for 30 min. After 30 min, spinal anesthesia was induced with hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg with fentanyl 15 mu g and recordings were continued selleck every 5 min for 20 min or until surgery

GDC-0973 mw started. The primary outcome, CO, was compared among groups. The incidence of hypotension (defined as a 20% reduction in SBP from the baseline), ephedrine use, and umbilical cord blood gases were also compared.\n\nRESULTS: Patient characteristics, heart rate, SBP, and cord gases were similar among groups. Although CO and FTc increased after preload in all groups (P < 0.005), this was only maintained with HES 1.0 after spinal anesthesia (P < 0.005). There were no differences among groups in the incidence of hypotension (70% vs 35%

vs 65% for Hartman’s solution, HES 0.5, and HES 1.0, respectively; P = 0.069) or mean ephedrine dose (10.4 vs 5.7 vs 9.7 mg; P = 0.26).\n\nCONCLUSION: Despite CO and FTc increases after fluid preload, particularly with HES 1.0 L, hypotension still occurred. The data suggest that CO increases after these preload regimens cannot compensate for reductions in arterial blood pressure after spinal anesthesia. (Anesth Analg 2009:109:1916-21)”
“Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced injury is the key factor associated with islet graft dysfunction. This study aims to examine the effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on islet survival and insulin secretion under H/R conditions. Islets from rats were isolated, purified, cultured with or without MSCs, and exposed to hypoxia (O(2) <= 1%) for 8 h and reoxygenation BAY 73-4506 for 24 and 48 h, respectively. Islet function was evaluated by measuring basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Apoptotic islet cells were quantified using Annexin V-FITC. Antiapoptotic effects were confirmed by mRNA expression analysis of hypoxia-resistant molecules, HIF-1 alpha, HO-1, and COX-2, using semi-quantitative retrieval polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Insulin expression in the implanted islets was detected by immunohistological analysis. The main results show that the stimulation index (SI) of GSIS was maintained at higher levels in islets co-cultured with MSCs.

In the amygdala, subsequent ontological analyses using the GOMine

In the amygdala, subsequent ontological analyses using the GOMiner algorithm demonstrated significant enrichment in categories related to cytoskeletal reorganization and cation transport, as well as in gene families related to synaptic transmission and neurogenesis. In the hippocampus, significant enrichment in gene expression within categories related to cytoskeletal reorganization and cation transport was similarly observed. Furthermore, unique to the hippocampus, enrichment in transcription factor activity and GTPase-mediated signal transduction was identified. Overall, these data identify specific and unique neurochemical pathways chronically altered following selleck kindling in

the two sites, and provide a platform for defining the molecular basis for the differential behaviors observed in the interictal period.”
“Gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormone (gamma-MSH) is a peptide derived from the ACTH precursor, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and belongs to a family of peptides called the melanocortins that also comprises alpha- and beta-MSH. Although conserved in tetrapods, the biological role of gamma-MSH remains largely undefined. It has been demonstrated previously that gamma-MSH is involved in the regulating the activity of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) activity in the adrenal and more recently, in the adipocyte. It has been shown also to have effects on the cardiovascular and renal systems.\n\nThis short review will provide a

brief overview of the role of gamma-MSH in the adrenal and the more recent report that it can also regulate HSL function in the adipocyte. We also present some preliminary data purporting a direct role for Lys-gamma(3)-MSH selleck chemical in the regulation of HSL phosphorylation in the heart. Taken together these data suggest that gamma-MSH peptides might play a more widespread role in lipid and cholesterol utilization. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Background: Although there are increasing numbers of long-term survivors

on dialysis, there is remarkably little information about their medical and social wellbeing. Methods: A group of 46 current survivors of long-term dialysis at a single centre were identified and asked to complete a structured interview; selected routine blood tests were also reviewed. The group’s background and renal replacement history Ulixertinib supplier are described, along with frequencies of various complications. Results: Younger age and non-diabetic renal disease are associated with longer survival. Substantial morbidity accumulated over the time on dialysis, particularly vascular disease ( 57%) which was strongly linked to smoking history, as well as musculoskeletal complications ( 78%) and nutritional decline ( 80%). Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis developed in 4 patients, after between 9 and 13 years of peritoneal dialysis. Conclusions: Despite accumulating morbidity, a surprisingly stable and socially well- adjusted group is revealed, with low rates of hospital admission in the majority.


“The ‘disco’ or ‘electric’ clam Ctenoides ales (Limidae) i


“The ‘disco’ or ‘electric’ clam Ctenoides ales (Limidae) is the only species of bivalve known to have a behaviourally mediated photic display. This display is so vivid that it has been repeatedly confused

for bioluminescence, but it is actually the result of scattered light. The flashing occurs on the mantle lip, where electron microscopy revealed two distinct tissue sides: one highly scattering side that contains dense aggregations of spheres composed of silica, and one highly absorbing side that does not. High-speed video confirmed that the two sides act in concert to alternate between vivid broadband reflectance and strong absorption in the blue region of the spectrum. Optical modelling suggests that the diameter of the spheres is nearly optimal for scattering visible GSK2126458 chemical structure light, especially at shorter wavelengths which predominate in their environment. This simple mechanism produces a striking optical effect that may click here function as a signal.”
“Purpose: Open component separation (CS) has traditionally been a popular method for management of complex abdominal wall hernias. However, it has been

associated with significant wound complications. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the evidence in the literature on modern CS techniques (endoscopic and minimally invasive) for the management of such hernias. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed (2000 to 2013) using major electronic databases (PUBMED, EMBASE). The outcomes of interest were hernia recurrence rate and wound morbidity. Results: A total of 33 publications were retrieved. Thirteen studies involving in total 220 patients were included in this analysis. No randomised controlled trials

were identified. The overall hernia recurrence and wound complication rates appear similar and in some studies superior to the results of open CS. Conclusions: The initial results of the 2 more recent component separation techniques appear encouraging. However, better quality studies with longer follow-up are needed.”
“Aims: Sweden and Canada are known for quality of living and exceedingly high life expectancy, but recent data on how these countries Adriamycin compare are lacking. We measured life expectancy in Canada and Sweden during the past decade, and identified factors responsible for changes over time. Methods: We calculated life expectancy at birth for Canada and Sweden annually from 2000 to 2010, and determined the ages and causes of death responsible for the gap between the two countries using Arriaga’s method. We determined how population growth, ageing, and mortality influenced the number of deaths over time. Results: During 2000-2010, life expectancy in Canada caught up with Sweden for men, and surpassed Sweden by 0.4 years for women. Sweden lost ground owing to a slower reduction in circulatory and tumour mortality after age 65 years compared with Canada.

Consistent

Consistent SBI-0206965 inhibitor with these results, PS dose-dependently phosphorylated Tyro3 on neurons (EC(50) = 25 +/- 3 nM). In an in vivo model of NMDA-induced excitotoxic lesions in the striatum, PS dose-dependently reduced the lesion volume in control mice (EC(50) = 22 +/-

2 nM) and protected Axl(-/-) and Mer(-/-) transgenic mice, but not Tyro3(-/-) transgenic mice. Using different structural PS analogs, we demonstrated that the C terminus sex hormone-binding globulin-like (SHBG) domain of PS is critical for neuronal protection in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our data show that PS protects neurons by activating the Tyro3-PI3K-Akt pathway via its SHGB domain, suggesting potentially a novel neuroprotective approach for acute brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative disorders associated with excessive activation of NMDARs.”
“Iron deficiency (ID) is prevalent among infants world-wide and may be more likely among infants born to women living in disadvantaged environments. A strategy to address ID in this context is to feed

iron-fortified formula, but this may create risk for gastrointestinal (GI) infection. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between infant feeding practices, iron status, and likelihood of a GI infection in the first 6 mo of life. We conducted a prospective study at a public hospital in Guadalajara, Mexico. Healthy women who gave birth to a healthy term infant were eligible to participate. Each month, mothers (n = 154) provided information on infant feeding methods and symptoms of GI infection. At

6 me of age, infants’ iron status was assessed [hemoglobin AS1842856 (Hb), and serum ferritin concentration]. When compared with nonpredominantly selleck products breast-fed [partially breast-feeding (PBF) and formula feeding (FF) combined], predominantly breast-fed (PRBF) infants to 6 me had a lower incidence of GI infection from 0-6 mo [18 vs. 33%; P = 0.04, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.2, 1.0] but a higher risk for ID (serum ferritin < 12 mu g/L) at 6 mo (22 vs. 4%; P = 0.001; adjusted OR = 9.2; 95% CI = 2.3, 37.0). Anemia (Hb < 110 g/L) prevalence did not differ among feeding groups (13% for PRBF, 19% for PBF, and 4% for FF; P = 0.09). In this low-income population, our results suggest that PREF should be promoted and the risk for ID managed using public health and nutrition strategies.”
“Purpose of reviewThe present review provides a conceptual introduction to sleep and circadian research in psychiatric illness, and discusses recent experimental and intervention findings in this area.Recent findingsIn this review, studies published since January 2011 on circadian disturbance and psychiatric illness have been summarized.SummaryExciting new results have increasingly utilized objective and validated instruments to measure the circadian system in experimental studies. Since 2011, treatment research has still predominantly utilized self-report measures as outcome variables.


“Background: Candida albicans has a variety of virulence f


“Background: Candida albicans has a variety of virulence factors, including

secreted aspartyl proteases, which are determinant factors in the pathogenesis of this yeast in immunocompromised patients. Aims: Proteinase activity was identified in C. albicans strains isolated from the oral cavity of immunocompromised patients with cancer, diabetes and HIV+, with oral candidiasis and in healthy subjects. Methods: Two hundred and fifty C. albicans strains were analyzed, distributed in 5 different groups: patients with cancer, diabetes, HIV+, with oral candidiasis and healthy subjects. Results: Proteolytic activity was identified NVP-BSK805 purchase in 46% of the strains from cancer patients, 54% from HIV+ patients, 60% from diabetics, 70% from oral candidiasis patients, and 42% from healthy subjects. Activity was higher in strains from

immunocompromised and oral candidiasis patients than in healthy subjects. Differences were observed between the candidiasis-healthy, candidiasis-HIV+, and diabetic-healthy groups. No differences were observed between the oral candidiasis, diabetes and cancer patients, between the diabetes and HIV+ patients, or between the cancer patients, HIV+ patients and healthy subjects. Conclusions: The present results suggest that although secreted aspartyl proteases are important in the pathogenesis of C albi cans, their activity depends on host conditions. (C) 2012 Revista lberoamericana de Micologia. Published by Elsevier Espaiia, S.L. All rights reserved.”
“Management of children with HIV/AIDS is specially

challenging. Age-related issues do not allow for direct transposition of adult observations to this Nocodazole molecular weight population. CXCR4 tropism has been associated with disease progression in adults. The geno2pheno web-base is a friendly tool to predict viral tropism on envelope V3 sequences, generating a false positive rate for a CXCR4 prediction. We evaluated the association of HIV-1 tropism prediction with clinical and laboratory outcome of 73 children with HIV/AIDS in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The CXCR4 tropism was strongly associated with a lower (nadir) CD4 documented during follow-up (p smaller than 0.0001) and with disease severity (clinical event and/or CD4 below 200 cells/mm(3)) at the last observation, using commonly applied clinical cutoffs, such as (FPRclonal)-F-10% (p = 0.001). When variables click here obtained during follow-up are included, both treatment adherence and viral tropism show a significant association with disease severity. As for viremia suppression, 30% (22/73) were undetectable at the last observation, with only adherence strongly associated with suppression after adjustment. The study brings further support to the notion that antiretroviral treatment adherence is pivotal to management of HIV disease, but suggests that tropism prediction may provide an additional prognostic marker to monitor HIV disease in children. (C) 2013 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

In this study using computational analysis of sequenced rice geno

In this study using computational analysis of sequenced rice genome, we identified eight and seven potential non-redundant members involved in AsA and tocochromanol biosynthetic pathways, respectively. JPH203 chemical structure The results reveal that the common feature

of these gene promoters is the combination of light-responsive, hormone-responsive, and stress-responsive elements. These findings, together with expression analysis in the MPSS database, indicate that AsA and tocochromanols might be co-related with the complex signaling pathways involved in plant responses. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“The cytotoxicity of polyelectrolytes commonly employed for layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMUs) was assessed using rat smooth muscle A7r5 and human osteosarcoma U-2 OS cells. Cell growth, viability, and metabolic assays were used to compare the responses

of both cell lines to poly(acrylic acid), PAA, and poly(allylamine hydrochloride), PAR, in solution at concentrations up to 10 mM and to varying thicknesses of (PAA/PAH) PEMUs. Cytotoxicity correlated with increasing concentration Belnacasan molecular weight of solution polyelectrolytes for both cell types and was greater for the positively charged PAR than for the negatively charged PAA. While metabolism and proliferation of both cell types was slower on PEMUs than on tissue culture plastic, little evidence for direct toxicity on cells was observed. In fact, evidence for more extensive adhesion and cytoskeletal organization was observed with PAR-terminated

PEMUs. Differences in cell activity and viability on different thickness PEMU surfaces resulted primarily from differences in attachment for these adhesion-dependent cell lines.”
“The human colon carcinoma cell line Caco-2 is often used as a model for intestinal drug absorption. To better understand xenobiotic glucuronidation in Caco-2 cells, we have examined the expression selleckchem levels of different UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in them. The effects of two main factors were investigated, namely, passage number and cell differentiation. Hence, the mRNA levels of 15 human UGTs of subfamilies 1A and 2B were assessed in both undifferentiated and fully differentiated cells at four passage levels: P31, P37, P43, and P49. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the mRNA levels of individual UGTs, and the values were normalized using beta-actin as a reference gene. The results indicate that although passage number in the tested range exerts a mild effect on the expression level of several UGTs, the contribution of cell differentiation is much larger. The expression of nearly all the UGTs that were examined in this study was significantly, sometimes greatly, increased during cell differentiation.