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Biomedical subjects

A M Gelb

Publications and source records attributed to A M Gelb.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1981

Tissue culture of human epithelial cells from benign colonic tumors.

Human colonic epithelial cells from three classes of benign tumors have been reproducibly cultured free of fibroblasts for 8 wk using a supplemented Medium 199 (M 199S). The cultured colonic cells were identified as epithelial by the presence of junctional complexes (tight junctions, gap junctions, and desmosomes), a brush border on the apical surface, keratin fibrils, and by both a close-packed columnar or cuboidal morphology and the capability to transport water and ions to form hemicysts. Colony formation was initiated by groups of epithelial cells, not by single cells, and was inhibited by cocultivation with either lethally irradiated 3T3 cells or human diploid fibroblasts. Enhancement of epithelial colony formation was observed following culture on nonadherent, "floating" substrates compared with substrates attached directly to the bottom of the culture dish. Replication of epithelial cells in M 199S from the class of benign colonic tumors least prone to malignancy, the tubular, was significantly enhanced by epidermal growth factor (EGF). In contrast, EGF did not stimulate the growth of cells in M 199S from the other classes of benign tumors, the villotubular and the villous, which exhibit more malignant potential. These data imply that premalignant colonic epithelial cells lose responsiveness to growth modulation by EGF as they progress toward frank carcinoma.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1981

Methadone disposition in patients with chronic liver disease.

Chronic liver disease is common in methadone-maintained patients. We studied the disposition of this drug in 14 patients with biopsy-proved chronic liver disease and five otherwise healthy subjects receiving methadone maintenance treatment. The patients were divided into three groups based on the severity of liver disease, with group I having the most severe disease. The apparent terminal half-life of methadone was longer in group I than in group II and III (moderate and mild chronic liver disease, P less than 0.01) and the contrast group (P less than 0.05). All other kinetic indices determined for group I and all kinetic indices in groups II and III were essentially the same as those in the contrast subjects or in the other patient groups. Seven patients, including al five in group I, had flattened plasma methadone concentration-time curves. The data suggest that the maintenance dosage of methadone need not be changed in stable chronic liver disease.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1981

Hepatitis B serologic studies in narcotic users with chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAG) and antibody (anti-HBs), and antibody to the hepatitis B core antigen ( anti-HBc) were measured by radioimmunoassay in 46 current or former narcotic users who underwent liver biopsy for evaluation of chronic liver disease. Significant alcohol abuse was found in 38 narcotic users (82.6%). On liver biopsy, 24 had cirrhosis (52.2%), nine had chronic active hepatitis (19.6%), five had lipid accumulation (10.9%) and eight had other diagnoses (17.4%). At least one marker for hepatitis B was found in 45 of 46 narcotic users (97.8%). Five had HBsAg and anti HBc (10.9%), one had anti-HBs alone (2.2%), 30 had anti-HBs and anti-HBc (65.2%) and nine had anti-HBc alone. Although almost all narcotic users with chronic liver disease have active or resolved hepatitis B infection, alcohol abuse appears to be the major factor in the development of cirrhosis in the subset of narcotic users studied.

Adult↗
PubMed1979

Alcohol use in methadone maintenance clinics.

A study was undertaken to determine the frequency of alcohol use and the amount consumed by methadone maintenance patients. In four clinics of the Beth Israel Medical Center Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program, every fifth patient from an alphabetical clinic list was selected for interview. Among the 101 patients who were interviewed, mean alcohol consumption was 1.2 ounces per day. Among those who drank, there was a continuum in terms of amount consumed. Forty-three percent had totally abstained from alcohol during the prior 3 months, and an additional 30% drank one or less ounces per day. Independently obtained staff rankings generally approximated interview results, and thus supported the reliability of the interview. Since staff rankings for participants and nonparticipants in the interview were similar, it appears that those who participated were typical of the group selected for study.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Quantitative and temporal relationships of alcohol use in narcotic addicts and methadone maintenance patients undergoing alcohol detoxification.

Evidence exists that alcohol abuse frequently coexists with narcotic addiction and methadone maintenance treatment, and it is the major factor in the development of cirrhosis and liver failure. This study of patients hospitalized for alcohol detoxification compares the quantity of alcohol consumed by alcohol abusers, addicted to narcotics or in a methadone maintenance treatment program, to that consumed by patients not involved with narcotic addiction. Mean daily alcohol consumption was not significantly different in either group using narcotics, including methadone, or in the subgroup of methadone maintenance patients, from the amount consumed by nonnarcotic abusers. Determination of temporal sequence in the use of these substances revealed that in 68% regular alcohol abuse preceded narcotic use. Alcohol abuse reportedly began after entering a methadone maintenance treatment program in 29% of our patients. Alcohol abusers who were in a methadone maintenance treatment program were significantly younger than those who did not use narcotics, including methadone. Time interval according to the patients' estimates, from onset of regular alcohol consumption to heavy drinking, was not significantly different in the two groups.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1977

Venereal transmission of enteric pathogens in male homosexuals. Two case reports.

In two cases there was simultaneous or sequential occurrence of amebiasis, shigellosis, and giardiasis in male homosexuals. Enteric pathogens may, under the proper conditions, be venereally transmitted. In particular, the sexual practices of male homosexuals, most significantly, oral-anal contact, appear to provide the necesseary link for transmission. Evidence suggests that this is a growing problem.

Adult↗
PubMed1977

The spectrum and causes of liver diseases in narcotic addicts.

Fifty charts of patients discharged with a diagnosis of liver disease from the acute care service of a hospital for the treatment of addiction were analyzed. Among 42 active heroin users or former heroin addicts maintained on methadone, 79% were heavy alcohol abusers. Seventeen cases of cirrhosis were encountered. All occurred in those abusing alcohol. Reversible liver disease was seen in both alcohol abusers and nonalcoholics. This study suggests that alcohol is a major factor in the development of irreversible liver disease in active heroin addicts and ex-addicts on methadone maintenance.

Acute Disease↗