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Biomedical subjects

A Madan

Publications and source records attributed to A Madan.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Limb/pelvis hypoplasia/aplasia with skull defect (Schinzel phocomelia): distinctive features and prenatal detection.

Schinzel phocomelia syndrome is characterized by limb/pelvis hypoplasia/aplasia: specifically, intercalary limb deficiencies and absent or hypoplastic pelvic bones. The phenotype is similar to that described in a related multiple malformation syndrome known as Al-Awadi/Raas-Rothschild syndrome. The additional important feature of large parietooccipital skull defects without meningocele, encephalocele, or other brain malformation has thus far been reported only in children with Schinzel phocomelia syndrome. We recently evaluated a boy affected with Schinzel phocomelia born to nonconsanguineous healthy parents of Mexican origin. A third-trimester fetal ultrasound scan showed severe limb deficiencies and an absent pelvis. The infant died shortly after birth. Dysmorphology examination, radiographs, and autopsy revealed quadrilateral intercalary limb deficiencies with preaxial toe polydactyly; an absent pelvis and a 7 x 3-cm skull defect; and extraskeletal anomalies including microtia, telecanthus, micropenis with cryptorchidism, renal cysts, stenosis of the colon, and a cleft alveolar ridge. A normal 46,XY karyotype was demonstrated, and autosomal recessive inheritance was presumed on the basis of previously reported families. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing severe pelvic and skull deficiencies (either post- or prenatally) in differentiating infants with Schinzel phocomelia from other multiple malformation syndromes that feature intercalary limb defects, including thalidomide embryopathy and Roberts-SC phocomelia.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

A physical map of the human genome.

The human genome is by far the largest genome to be sequenced, and its size and complexity present many challenges for sequence assembly. The International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium constructed a map of the whole genome to enable the selection of clones for sequencing and for the accurate assembly of the genome sequence. Here we report the construction of the whole-genome bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) map and its integration with previous landmark maps and information from mapping efforts focused on specific chromosomal regions. We also describe the integration of sequence data with the map.

Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial↗

Imaging of frontal sinus disease: concepts, interpretation, and technology.

Imaging of the frontal sinus is an integral part of patient evaluation. High-resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging is the preferred modality for evaluation of sinus inflammatory disease. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging plays an important role in differentiating tumors from inflammatory diseases and serves as a problem-solving tool.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Drugs, guns, and kids: the association between substance use and injury caused by interpersonal violence.

BACKGROUND: Drug and alcohol uses have been linked to the frequency of injury events, recurrent hospital admission for injury, and interpersonal violence. Data regarding the association of recent substance use and injury type and frequency in children and young adults are not available. Such data probably would be valuable in planning interventions to prevent substance use and reduce the risks of injuries. METHODS: Evidence of substance use was assessed in trauma patients presenting to the authors' level 1 trauma center over a 6-month interval. Demographic data, mechanisms of injury, revised trauma scores (RTS), injury severity scores (ISS), hospital days, and mortality rate were evaluated. Chi square analysis and 2-tailed, paired t tests were used for statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine the influence of individual variables. RESULTS: From a total group of 743 patients with life-threatening injuries, trauma registry records of 186 patients less than 21 years old were eligible for evaluation, and 126 of these had complete blood and urine drug assessments completed on admission to the trauma center. Forty-two percent (53 of 126) patients tested positive for alcohol or drugs. No patients less than 14 years of age (n = 61) had positive drug screen results. However, in the cohort of patients aged 14 and 15 (n = 17), 71% tested positive. Also, 72% of adolescents (age < 18) who were victims of injuries from gunshot wounds had evidence of substance use. Multivariate analysis showed gunshot wounds (P <.003) to be associated independently with positive drug screens. No statistical differences were observed in ethnic distribution, ISS, RTS, hospital days, or mortality rate when patients with positive screen results were compared with those without evidence of substance use. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma victims had evidence of substance use in early teen age years especially in the 14 and 15-year-old age groups. Toxicology screening disclosed that substance use is associated strongly with gunshot wounds. Substance use, along with poverty, inadequate family support, and peer pressure are factors that influence injury risk. Interventions to prevent substance use in young children may reduce the risk of injury.

Adolescent↗

Congenital hypomyelination neuropathy in a newborn infant: unusual cause of diaphragmatic and vocal cord paralyses.

We report a case of congenital hypomyelination neuropathy presenting at birth. The infant had generalized hypotonia and weakness. There was decreased respiratory effort along with a right phrenic nerve and left vocal cord paralyses. Tongue fasciculations were present. Deep tendon reflexes were absent in the upper extremities and hypoactive (1+) in the lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed no intracranial abnormalities, including normal cerebral myelination. Nerve conduction study showed absence of motor and sensory action potentials in the hands when the nerves in the upper limbs were stimulated. A motor response could be elicited only in the proximal leg muscles. Needle electromyography study was normal in the proximal limb muscles, but showed active denervation in the distal muscles of the arm and leg. These findings were thought to be consistent with a length-dependent sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy of axonal type with greater denervation of the distal muscles. A biopsy of the quadriceps muscle showed mild variability in fiber diameter, but no group typing or group atrophy. The muscle fibers showed no intrinsic abnormalities. Biopsy of the sural nerve showed scattered axons with very thin myelin sheaths. There was also a nearly complete loss of large diameter myelinated fibers. No onion bulb formations were noted. These findings were thought to be consistent with congenital hypomyelination neuropathy with a component of axonopathy. DNA analysis for identification of previously characterized mutations in the genes MPZ, PMP22, and EGR2 was negative. Several attempts at extubation failed and the infant became increasingly ventilator-dependent with increasing episodes of desaturation and hypercapnea. He also developed increasing weakness and decreased movement of all extremities. He underwent surgery at 2 months of age for placement of a gastrostomy tube and a tracheostomy. He was discharged from the hospital on a ventilator at 6 months of age. The infant was 13 months old at the time of submission of this report. Although he appears cognitively normal, he remains profoundly hypotonic and is on a home ventilator. There was no evidence of progressive weakness. Congenital hypomyelination neuropathy is a rare form of neonatal neuropathy that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a newborn with profound hypotonia and weakness. It appears to be a heterogeneous disorder with some of the cases being caused by specific genetic mutations.

Demyelinating Diseases↗

Coordinate regulation of xenobiotic and bile acid homeostasis by pregnane X receptor.

Identification and characterization of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) as a key regulator of cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) gene expression has led to an increased understanding of the molecular basis of many drug-drug interactions. Mice lacking PXR (PXR-KO) were used in the present study to delineate the role of PXR in regulating hepatomegaly and regulating the activity of CYP3A, organic anion transporting polypeptide-2 (Oatp2), and Cyp7a1 (cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase) gene products in vivo. Pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile (PCN) produced hepatomegaly in the wild-type mice but not in the PXR-KO mice. PCN increased both the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen immuno-positive nuclei and apparent cell size in the wild-type mice but not in the PXR-KO mice. To determine the role PXR plays in regulating CYP3A activity, 6beta-hydroxylation of testosterone and the duration of the loss of righting reflex following administration of the muscle-relaxant zoxazolamine were measured. PCN increased the level of testosterone 6beta-hydroxylation and decreased the duration of the loss of righting-reflex time following zoxazolamine administration in wild-type mice, but did not effect either of these parameters in PXR-KO mice. PCN increased the hepatic uptake of [(3)H]digoxin, an Oatp2 substrate, in wild-type mice but not in the PXR-KO mice. Similarly, PCN decreased bile acid excretion in wild-type mice but not in the PXR-KO mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate a pivotal role for PXR in the regulation of drug-induced hepatomegaly and in the metabolism (CYP3A), transport (Oatp2), biosynthesis (Cyp7a1), and excretion of xenobiotics and bile acids in vivo.

Animals↗

Characterization, chromosomal localization, and the complete 30-kb DNA sequence of the human Jagged2 (JAG2) gene.

The genomic sequence of the human Jagged2 (JAG2) gene, which encodes a ligand for the Notch receptors, was determined. The 30-kb DNA sequence spanning the JAG2 gene contains 26 exons and a putative promoter region. Several potential binding sites for transcription factors, including NF-kappab, E47, E12, E2F, Ets-1, MyoD, and OCT-1, were found in the human JAG2 promoter region. The JAG2 gene was also mapped to the chromosomal region 14q32 using fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Base Sequence↗

Regulation of tumor angiogenesis by p53-induced degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha.

The switch to an angiogenic phenotype is a fundamental determinant of neoplastic growth and tumor progression. We demonstrate that homozygous deletion of the p53 tumor suppressor gene via homologous recombination in a human cancer cell line promotes the neovascularization and growth of tumor xenografts in nude mice. We find that p53 promotes Mdm2-mediated ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of the HIF-1alpha subunit of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), a heterodimeric transcription factor that regulates cellular energy metabolism and angiogenesis in response to oxygen deprivation. Loss of p53 in tumor cells enhances HIF-1alpha levels and augments HIF-1-dependent transcriptional activation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in response to hypoxia. Forced expression of HIF-1alpha in p53-expressing tumor cells increases hypoxia-induced VEGF expression and augments neovascularization and growth of tumor xenografts. These results indicate that amplification of normal HIF-1-dependent responses to hypoxia via loss of p53 function contributes to the angiogenic switch during tumorigenesis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Expression and regulation of cytochrome P450 enzymes in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.

The aim of this study was to test suitable culture conditions for maintaining normal cellular cytoarchitecture and inducibility of P450 enzymes in primary cultures of human hepatocytes by prototypical inducers. The selectivity and sensitivity of a sandwich culture system were determined by treating cultures with a number of clinically relevant drugs that are known to be inducers of either rodent and/or human P450 enzymes. The results showed that considerable induction of CYP3A4 activity is observed at DMSO concentrations greater than 0.1% (v/v). No differences in P450 induction response were observed between cultures maintained under different matrix conditions. However, the matrix condition considered to be optimal for maintaining cellular integrity, protein yields, and P450 enzyme induction was a sandwich configuration in combination with modified Chee's medium containing insulin (6.25 microg/mL) and dexamethasone (< or =0.1 microM). Under these conditions, induction of CYP3A4 occurred at clinically relevant drug concentrations, and maximal activities were achieved after 3 days of exposure. Overall, the response of human hepatocyte cultures to treatment with both positive and negative modulators was found to reflect that observed in vivo with respect to both enzyme specificity and potency of enzyme induction, although considerable sample-to-sample variability was observed in the magnitude of induction.

Cells, Cultured↗

Gentamicin effects on urinary electrolyte excretion in healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and hypokalemia caused by renal electrolyte wasting occasionally develop in patients treated with aminoglycosides. This phenomenon has been attributed to aminoglycoside tubular injury. However, rats administered a single dose of gentamicin show immediate dose-related calcium and magnesium renal wasting without sodium or potassium wasting days before other evidence of tubular dysfunction or structural injury can be shown. The mechanism is undefined but transient and is not dependent on the presence of parathyroid hormone. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether gentamicin administration to humans causes renal electrolyte wasting. DESIGN: Five healthy volunteers ingested a 400-mg calcium, 100-mEq sodium diet for 1 week before the study. After a 90-minute baseline period, 5 mg/kg gentamicin was administered intravenously over 30 minutes. Urine and serum were collected for 5 hours after gentamicin administration. RESULTS: Peak serum gentamicin levels ranged from 12.8 to 20.6 microg/mL. There was no change in serum electrolytes. The urinary fractional calcium excretion rose from a baseline of 1.8% +/- 0.5% to 6.8% +/- 1.4% (P < .01), and the magnesium fractional excretion rose from 3.4% +/- 0.8% to 11.8% +/- 6.4% (P = .03). These effects were transient. Gentamicin caused no change in renal excretion of sodium, potassium, or phosphate. CONCLUSIONS: Gentamicin administered at the standard clinical dose causes immediate and transient renal calcium and magnesium wasting in normal humans. The mechanism of gentamicin-associated urinary magnesium wasting and calciuria is undefined. However, the pattern of electrolyte excretion after gentamicin administration suggests that the site of action of these gentamicin effects is the distal convoluted tubule.

Adult↗

Integration of modeling and acoustic microscopy measurements for thin films

A model for measuring the V(z) curve by line-focus acoustic microscopy contains the reflectance function of the specimen as a principal component. In this paper the reflectance function has been analyzed for multilayered thin films on a substrate for both fast-on-slow and slow-on-fast systems. The phase velocities of modes of surface acoustic wave propagation and their associated mode reflection coefficients can be obtained from the reflectance function. This information can be used together with estimates of the elastic constants to determine suitable frequency ranges for measuring the V(z) curve. Minimization of the difference between phase velocities obtained from measured and calculated V(z) curves is used to determine the elastic constants. Results are presented for TiN films on M2 high-speed steel substrates.

Journal Article↗

Testing the hypothesis of a recombinant origin of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype E.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic in Southeast Asia has been largely due to the emergence of clade E (HIV-1E). It has been suggested that HIV-1E is derived from a recombinant lineage of subtype A (HIV-1A) and subtype E, with multiple breakpoints along the E genome. We obtained complete genome sequences of clade E viruses from Thailand (93TH057 and 93TH065) and from the Central African Republic (90CF11697 and 90CF4071), increasing the total number of HIV-1E complete genome sequences available to seven. Phylogenetic analysis of complete genomes showed that subtypes A and E are themselves monophyletic, although together they also form a larger monophyletic group. The apparent phylogenetic incongruence at different regions of the genome that was previously taken as evidence of recombination is shown to be not statistically significant. Furthermore, simulations indicate that bootscanning and pairwise distance results, previously used as evidence for recombination, can be misleading, particularly when there are differences in substitution or evolutionary rates across the genomes of different subtypes. Taken jointly, our analyses suggest that there is inadequate support for the hypothesis that subtype E variants are derived from a recombinant lineage. In contrast, many other HIV strains claimed to have a recombinant origin, including viruses for which only a single parental strain was employed for analysis, do indeed satisfy the statistical criteria we propose. Thus, while intersubtype recombinant HIV strains are indeed circulating, the criteria for assigning a recombinant origin to viral structures should include statistical testing of alternative hypotheses to avoid inappropriate assignments that would obscure the true evolutionary properties of these viruses.

Evolution, Molecular↗

Maturational differences in hyperoxic AP-1 activation in rat lung.

Immature organisms (neonates; <12 h old) have vastly differing responses to hyperoxic injury than adults. A common feature of hyperoxic gene regulation is involvement of activator protein (AP)-1. We evaluated lung AP-1 binding as well as that of the AP-1 subunit proteins c-Fos, c-Jun, phosphorylated c-Jun, Jun B, and Jun D after exposure to >95% O(2) for 3 days. Unlike adults, neonates showed no increased AP-1 binding in hyperoxia despite a high affinity of the AP-1 binding complexes for phosphorylated c-Jun and Jun D as demonstrated by supershift of these antibodies with the AP-1 complexes. Moreover, neonatal lungs exhibited two distinguishable AP-1 binding complexes, whereas adult lungs had one. In neonates, sequential immunoprecipitation revealed that the lower AP-1 complex was composed of proteins from both the Fos and Jun families, whereas the upper complex consisted of Jun family proteins, with predominance of Jun D. In adults, the single AP-1 complex appeared to involve other Fos or non-Fos or non-Jun family proteins as well. Neonatal lungs showed a higher level of Jun B and Jun D immunoreactive proteins in both air and hyperoxia compared with those in adult lungs. These results suggest that significant maturational differences in lung AP-1 complexes exist and that these may explain transcriptional differences in hyperoxic gene regulation.

Aging↗

In vitro inhibition and induction of human hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes by modafinil.

The ability of modafinil to affect human hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities was examined in vitro. The potential for inhibition of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4/5, and CYP4A9/11 by modafinil (5-250 microM) was evaluated with pooled human liver microsomes. Modafinil exhibited minimal capacity to inhibit any CYP enzyme, except CYP2C19. Modafinil inhibited the 4'-hydroxylation of S-mephenytoin, a marker substrate for CYP2C19, reversibly and competitively with a K(i) value of 39 microM, which approximates the steady-state C(max) value of modafinil in human plasma at a dosage of 400 mg/day. No irreversible inhibition of any CYP enzyme was observed, and there was no evidence of metabolism-dependent inhibition. The potential for induction of CYP activity was evaluated by exposing primary cultures of human hepatocytes to modafinil (10-300 microM). Microsomes were then prepared and assayed for CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4/5 activities. The mean activities of microsomal CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4/5 from modafinil-treated hepatocytes were higher (up to 2-fold) than those in the solvent-treated controls but were less than those produced by reference inducers of these enzymes. At high concentrations of modafinil (>/=100 microM), the mean activity of CYP2C9 was decreased (up to 60%) relative to that in the solvent controls. Overall, modafinil was shown to have effects on human hepatic CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4/5 activities in vitro. Although effects obtained in vitro are not always predictive of effects in vivo, such results provide a rational basis for understanding drug-drug interactions that are observed clinically and for planning subsequent investigations.

Benzhydryl Compounds↗

Biotransformation of the anti-angiogenic compound SU5416.

SU5416 [3-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-1, 3-dihydro-indol-2-one], an inhibitor of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) receptor tyrosine kinase, Flk-1/KDR (fetal liver kinase 1/kinase insert domain-containing receptor), also known as VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is in advanced clinical trials for treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma and colorectal and nonsmall cell lung cancers. Since this chemical class has not been studied previously with therapeutic intent, the present study was designed to investigate the in vitro metabolism of SU5416 by mouse, rat, dog, monkey, and human liver microsomes and to identify the major metabolites of SU5416. An HPLC procedure was developed and validated to resolve and quantify SU5416 and its metabolites. To evaluate the in vitro metabolism of SU5416, pooled liver microsomes from mice, rats, dogs, monkeys, and humans were incubated with SU5416 (25 microM) in the presence of an NADPH-generating system. In the presence of NADPH, mouse, rat, dog, monkey, and human liver microsomes converted SU5416 to at least 12, 9, 9, 7, and 6 polar metabolites, respectively. Microsomal metabolism of SU5416 showed marked species differences in the levels of different metabolites formed. The overall rate of SU5416 metabolism by liver microsomes from the species examined followed the rank order: monkey > or = mouse approximately rat > dog > human. Two major metabolites of SU5416 were identified, a hydroxymethyl derivative of SU5416 (M12) and a carboxylic acid derivative of SU5416 (M6), by spectroscopic methods and comparison with authentic compounds. Both of these oxidative metabolites were further metabolized in vivo through glucuronidation. The metabolic fate of SU5416 in microsomes from various species as well as data from in vivo biotransformation in the rat are discussed.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

Effects of musk xylene and musk ketone on rat hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes.

The purpose of the present work was to characterize the effect of musk xylene (MX) and musk ketone (MK) treatment on rat hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes. Male F344 rats were dosed orally with MX (10, 50 or 200 mg/kg) or MK (20, 100 or 200 mg/kg) for 7 days, after which CYP1A, 2B and 3A enzyme activities and protein levels were determined. MX treatment resulted in a two- to four-fold increase in the activity of CYP1A, 2B and 3A enzymes. For CYP1A and 3A, these changes were consistent with small increases in immunoreactive proteins. However, for CYP2B, despite only a three-fold increase in enzyme activity, protein levels were increased nearly 50-fold relative to control. This induction occurred by transcriptional activation of the CYP2B1 gene as evidenced by increased steady state CYP2B1 mRNA levels. In contrast to MX, MK treatment increased CYP2B activity, protein and mRNA levels. However MK treatment also increased CYP1A enzyme activity nearly 30-fold higher than control rats, a profile that was markedly different from MX, and very different from its effects in mice (Stuard, S.B., Caudill, D., Lehman-Mc-Keeman, L.D., 1997. Characterization of the effects of musk ketone on mouse cytochrome P450 enzymes. Fund. Appl. Toxicol. 40, 264-271). These results indicate that in rats, MX is an inducer of CYP2B enzymes, but these enzymes are not functionally active. In contrast, MK also induces CYP2B enzymes, with no concurrent inactivation. MK also exhibits a unique pattern of cytochrome P450 induction by increasing both CYP1A and CYP2B in rats.

Animals↗