Construction of a sorghum RFLP linkage map using sorghum and maize DNA probes

Previous reports on sorghum restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) mapping have been limited to the use of heterologous maize clones. In this study, both sorghum and maize probes were used to construct an RFLP map based on an F2 population from a cross between sorghum lines BSC 35 and BTX 631. A set of single-or low-copy number clones from a sorghum genomic library was preselected to use as hybridization probes. Forty-nine of the 101 clones (49%) tested were polymorphic between the two parental lines. In comparison, 53 of the 135 maize probes (39%) detected polymorphism with the same restriction enzymes. In total, 71 RFLP markers (38 sorghum and 33 maize) were placed into 15 linkage groups spanning 633 cM with an average marker distance of 8.9 cM. Comparison of our linkage map with other published sorghum maps, based on maize probes, showed resemblance for several linkage groups, indicating that these maps can be integrated. Homologous sorghum probes are useful in improving the coverage and resolution of RFLP linkage map in sorghum.

The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy

Between 20% and 40% of patients with diabetes ultimately develop diabetic nephropathy, which in the US is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Diabetic nephropathy has several distinct phases of development and multiple mechanisms contribute to the development of the disease and its outcomes. This Review provides a summary of the latest published data dealing with these mechanisms; it focuses not only on candidate genes associated with susceptibility to diabetic nephropathy but also on alterations in various cytokines and their interaction with products of advanced glycation and oxidant stress. Additionally, the interactions between fibrotic and hemodynamic cytokines, such as transforming growth factor beta1 and angiotensin II, respectively, are discussed in the context of new information concerning nephropathy development. We touch on the expanding clinical data regarding markers of nephropathy, such as microalbuminuria, and put them into context; microalbuminuria reflects cardiovascular and not renal risk. If albuminuria levels continue to increase over time then nephropathy is present. Lastly, we look at advances being made to enable identification of genetically predisposed individuals.

Pharmacologic therapy of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted disorder that affects between 5% and 8% of women. As a syndrome, PCOS is comprised of reproductive, metabolic, and cardiovascular components. Hyperandrogenemia and hyperinsulinemia are central to the pathogenesis of PCOS and thus typically serve as the targets for treatment. The spectrum of therapeutic options is broad and ranges from lifestyle intervention to specific pharmacologic agents. This chapter details current pharmacologic treatments for women with PCOS using a symptom-specific approach with a special focus on the metabolic effects of each treatment. Generally, oligomenorrhea mandates regulation of menstrual cyclicity and protection of the endometrium against the development of dysplasia and carcinoma. Progestins, either alone or in combination with estrogen (in the form of an oral contraceptive) are the mainstay of treatment of oligomenorrhea. Insulin lowering therapies also improve menstrual regularity. When androgen excess is the main target for therapy, an antiandrogen and/or oral contraceptives is typically chosen. Metabolic concerns of PCOS include excess body weight and insulin resistance. Metformin and thiazolidenediones both improve hyperinsulinemia but their differential effects on body weight must be considered.