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Biomedical subjects

A Forbes

Publications and source records attributed to A Forbes.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1986

Purification of foetal steroid-binding protein from human serum by affinity chromatography on 5 alpha-androstane-3 beta,17 beta-diol 3-hemisuccinate-aminohexyl-Sepharose 6B.

In order to develop an immunoassay for foetal steroid-binding protein in human serum, which is impossible to assay quantitatively in normal samples by conventional ligand-binding techniques, the protein was purified by salt precipitation, affinity chromatography and gel filtration. Elution was by competing ligand or alkaline pH. The purified protein was further characterized and a highly specific antiserum was raised in rabbits.

Androstane-3,17-diol↗
PubMed1986

Preponderance of serum and intra-hepatic 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone in males with hepatocellular carcinoma despite low circulating androgen levels.

To investigate possible influences of the sex-steroid milieu on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and vice versa, circulating and intra-hepatic sex-steroid levels were investigated and compared with the levels in cirrhosis alone. In cirrhotic men with HCC, serum 17 beta-oestradiol levels were normal, unlike the elevated levels in men with cirrhosis alone. Total and free levels of testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were lower in patients with HCC than in cirrhotic or normal men; the greater decrease in testosterone levels caused an elevated DHT: testosterone ratio. Hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction demonstrated for HCC and cirrhotic groups could not explain the differences in sex-steroids between them. Compared with normal tissue, HCC cytosol had lower testosterone and similar DHT levels; both androgens were higher than in cirrhotic tissue, and the intracellular DHT: testosterone ratio in the tumour was much higher than in control tissue. Results suggest alterations in sex-steroid metabolism in HCC favouring hepatic accumulation of 5 alpha-reduced metabolites aided by the elevated intracellular sex-hormone binding globulin levels shown in HCC tissue.

Aged↗
PubMed1985

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for fetal steroid binding protein of human serum.

The binding characteristics and quantitation of the recently reported fetal steroid binding protein (FSBP) cannot be determined on unpurified samples; an immunoassay was therefore desirable. The protein was purified to homogeneity in order to raise a highly specific polyclonal antibody. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay applicable to unpurified samples was developed. Intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation are 8.0% and 9.2% respectively; there is a sensitivity of 30 fmol FSBP per well, and there is no cross-reactivity with other binding proteins. Results obtained with the assay correlate with the more complex ligand binding assay (r = 0.85; p less than 0.02). Measurement of sera showed that FSBP levels are higher in women than in men (51.2 +/- 10.62 nM; 41.2 +/- 13.65 respectively; p less than 0.05) and are elevated in cirrhotic women (66.4 +/- 18.67; p less than 0.05) and in males with hepatocellular carcinoma (62.2 +/- 13.05; p less than 0.002). Use of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed the identity of FSBP separate from sex hormone binding globulin.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed1985

Recombinant human gamma-interferon in primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

A phase II trial of recombinant human gamma-interferon in the treatment of unresectable primary hepatocellular carcinoma is reported. The trial was terminated prematurely after recruitment of only 7 patients because of unacceptable toxicity, predominantly renal. There was no evidence of response in any of the 7 patients but some evidence that disease progression was more rapid during the treatment period.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Relapsing acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Twenty five children with non-traumatic relapsing acute or chronic pancreatitis who had been followed up from five months to seven years were studied. Seven had congenital anomalies, including two with choledochal cysts and four with pancreas divisum. Alcohol related disease was suspected in one child. The importance of diabetes in two patients and a positive family history in a further three is discussed, but in 12 children no association was found. Management was similar to that for adults. Surgical intervention was required in six patients, and percutaneous drainage of pseudocysts in a further three. Outcome has generally been good.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1984

ERCP and sphincterotomy after Billroth II gastrectomy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures are more difficult in patients who have undergone partial gastrectomy with Billroth II anastomosis. Results improve with experience; we have achieved full diagnostic information in only 52% of 63 attempts, but ultimately in 60% of the 53 patients concerned. Therapeutic endeavours were more successful with useful results in eight of 10 patients during the last two years. Alternative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques should be used wherever possible in these patients.

Adult↗