Indolyl-naphthyl-maleimides as potent and selective inhibitors of protein kinase C-α/β

The indolyl-naphthyl maleimide 7 is a potent inhibitor of the classical PKC isotypes α,β and shows excellent selectivity over the novel PKC isotypes δ,ε,η,θ and other kinases belonging to the AGC family. The SAR around 7 as well as the physico-chemical characteristics of selected derivatives and their activity in T and B cell activation and proliferation assays are discussed.     

Effects of high levels of glucose on the steroidogenesis and the expression of adiponectin receptors in rat ovarian cells

Background  

Reproductive dysfunction in the diabetic female rat is associated with altered folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the reduction of steroid production have not been described. Adiponectin is an adipocytokine that has insulin-sensitizing actions including stimulation of glucose uptake in muscle and suppression of glucose production in liver. Adiponectin acts via two receptor isoforms – AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 – that are regulated by hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinaemia in liver and muscle. We have recently identified AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in rat ovary. However, their regulation in ovaries of diabetic female rat remains to be elucidated.