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Biomedical subjects

C Nielsen

Publications and source records attributed to C Nielsen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Synthesis of 3'-alkylthio-2',3'-dideoxy nucleosides with potential anti-HIV activity from 2-deoxy-D-ribose, using a phosphorus pentoxide reagent.

Direct condensation of 2-deoxy-D-ribose (1) with mercaptans using the P4O10/H2O/Bu3N reagent in chloroform resulted in coupling at C-3 to give the anomeric mixtures of the corresponding pentopyranoses 2 and pentofuranoses 3. After acetylation with acetic anhydride in dry pyridine of these 3-alkylthio pentofuranoses, coupling with the nucleobases uracil, thymine, and cytosine in accordance with the Friedel-Crafts catalyzed silyl Hilbert-Johnson method yielded the acetylated D-erythro nucleosides 7 as anomeric mixtures, separable only by means of chromatography either before or after deprotection with ammonia. The nucleosides 8a-e were devoid of any activity against HSV-1 and HIV-1.

Antiviral Agents

Development of resistance to zidovudine in HIV strains isolated from CD4+ lymphocytes and plasma during therapy.

An assay based on production of HIV antigen in cultures of CD4+ lymphocytes infected 'in vitro' with cell-free virus was established. Using this assay it was possible to isolate, propagate and reliably determine the zidovudine susceptibility of HIV isolates from all patients despite differences in cellular tropism and syncytium inducing capacity. Using this assay, differences in zidovudine susceptibility of 52 serial isolates obtained from 16 patients before and after initiation of therapy were examined. HIV with a 10- to 100-fold reduced susceptibility to zidovudine were isolated from 13 patients as early as 4 months after initiation of therapy. Number of months of zidovudine treatment was strongly associated with development of viral resistance, and high CD4 cell counts tended to be associated with lower rates of development of resistance. That patients can harbor mixtures of virus strains with different susceptibility to zidovudine was confirmed by the differences in susceptibility between isolates obtained simultaneously from CD4+ lymphocyte and plasma, and by the differences in susceptibility between virus strains isolated from clones of CD4+ lymphocytes.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Sensitive non-radioactive detection of HIV-1: use of nested primers for the amplification of HIV DNA.

This report describes the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the non-radioactive detection of HIV-1 proviral genomic sequences in HIV-1 infected cells. We have developed a sensitive assay, using three different sets of nested primers and our results show that this method is superior to standard PCR for the detection of HIV-1 DNA. The assay described features the use of a simple and inexpensive sample preparation technique and a non-radioactive hybridization procedure for confirmation of results. To test the suitability of the assay for clinical purposes, we tested cell samples from 76 anti-HIV-1 positive patients. All were positive for at least one primer set: 88% were positive for all three sets of primers; 9% were positive for two sets of primers and 3% were positive for only one set of primers. It provides a useful approach to the study of HIV-1 infection in patient samples where genomic copies often are present at such low numbers that they are otherwise undetectable.

Base Sequence

N-acetylcysteine by metered dose inhaler in the treatment of chronic bronchitis: a multi-centre study.

Sixty-five patients with chronic bronchitis were studied at five different centres in a double-blind, randomized trial. Two parallel groups were treated with either N-acetylcysteine or placebo by metered dose inhalers for 16 weeks. Following a 1-week run-in period, each patient recorded subjective impressions of the drug action on their bronchitic symptoms in a diary once a week. In addition, exacerbations were registered. Lung function testing and adverse effects were evaluated by four visits to the chest clinics during the 16 weeks. We could not demonstrate that N-acetylcysteine by metered dose inhalers had any significant effect on patients' feeling of well-being, sensation of dyspnoea, intensity of coughing, mucus production, or expectoration or lung function. Its effect in reducing exacerbations could not be estimated because of a very low number of exacerbations reported. N-acetylcysteine inhalation was safe when used over a 16-week period.

Acetylcysteine

FK 383 DS, a new silica gel for the determination of unsaturated haptocorrin and transcobalamin II in serum.

The ability of selective absorption of the polypeptide transcobalamin II by silica gel was used for the determination of the unsaturated cobalamin binding capacity of haptocorrin and transcobalamin II. Two different silica gels, QUSO G 761 and FK 383 DS, were compared by Sephacryl gel-filtration and by determination of unsaturated haptocorrin and transcobalamin II from forty different patient sera. It was found that the silica gels act identically for this purpose.

Chromatography, Gel

Synergistic antiviral effect in vitro of azidothymidine and amphotericin B methyl ester in combination on HIV infection.

The nucleoside analogue azidothymidine (AZT) and the methyl ester of amphotericin B (AME) were assayed for antiviral effect on HIV infection singly and in combination. Both compounds were effective in inhibiting HIV infection of MT-4 cells. At concentrations where either compound alone had no significant effect on infection, the compounds in combination were potent inhibitors of HIV as evaluated by reduction in HIV antigen production and HIV induced cytopathic effect. These results indicate that a combination therapy employing compounds with different modes of action like AZT and AME may have synergistic antiviral properties. Amphotericin B itself significantly reduced HIV infectivity in vitro and should not be used as an antifungal agent in cultures intended to propagate HIV.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Trend towards decreased survival in patients infected with HIV resistant to zidovudine.

The survival of 35 patients with AIDS or advanced HIV infection on treatment with zidovudine was related to the viral sensitivity to the drug and to the CD4+ cell count. 14 patients died, the survivors were followed up for an average of 804 days. In a univariate Cox model, survival was strongly related to log IC90 (p = 0.0003) and to the CD4+ count (p = 0.0002). In a bivariate model, log IC90 and the CD4+ count contributed to the prediction of survival (p = 0.12 and 0.06, respectively). Large studies of combination or alternation therapy with several anti-HIV drugs should be given high priority.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Synthesis of 5-homologous AZT and D4T derivatives.

The 3'-iodonucleosides 4 have been synthesized by condensation of silylated 5-alkyluracils 2 with methyl 5-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2,3-dideoxy-3-iodo-D-threo-pentofur anoside (3). 4 was treated with sodium azide and the deprotected nucleoside 5 was subsequently obtained by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride. The nucleoside 4 produced the corresponding 2',3'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxy nucleoside 6 and 3',4'-didehydro-2',3'-dideoxy nucleoside 7 in elimination reactions on treatment with sodium methoxide.

Antiviral Agents

Autologous HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies: emergence of neutralization-resistant escape virus and subsequent development of escape virus neutralizing antibodies.

The capacity of consecutive human sera to neutralize sequentially obtained autologous virus isolates was studied. HIV-1 was isolated three times over a 48-164-week period from three individuals immediately after seroconversion and from two individuals in later stages of infection. Development of neutralizing antibodies to the primary virus isolates was detected 13-45 weeks after seroconversion. Emergence of escape virus with reduced sensitivity to neutralization by autologous sera was demonstrated. The patients subsequently developed neutralizing antibodies against the escape virus but after a delay. Titers of neutralizing antibodies against late virus isolates were generally low compared to initial neutralizing titers against primary virus isolates. The delay in appearance of neutralizing antibodies to the dominant viral strain at any time in the patient and the emergence of neutralization resistant escape virus may be part of the explanation of the apparent failure of the immune system to control HIV infection.

HIV Antibodies

[Therapeutic monitoring of drug concentration in blood. Are the analyses correctly ordered?].

In order to use therapeutic drug monitoring, it is important that a therapeutic range is established, and that doctors are familiar with the conditions necessary for this. Information and timing of 175 drug requests (digoxin, lithium, theophylline, valproic acid and carbamazepine) from the out-patients of the Department of Clinical Chemistry were studied by means of a questionnaire. The relationship between the last dose and blood sampling time showed great variation between the various drugs. 37% of the patients had received no information from their doctor concerning the correct time of the last dose of the relevant drug before sampling. The results showed the importance of thorough information to the patients by their doctors about the time of the last dose prior to sampling.

Blood Chemical Analysis

Isolation of HIV from cultures of purified CD4+ lymphocytes.

Isolation of HIV from cultures of CD4+ lymphocytes purified from peripheral blood by indirect panning was optimized and evaluated. Infectious HIV was isolated by single isolation attempts in 98% of 102 HIV-antibody-positive patients (55 had AIDS or ARC and 47 were clinically healthy). The average culture time required for positive cultures was largely independent of the CD4 count of the patients and 87% of the positive isolation cultures from both groups of patients became positive within 14 days of culture. An evaluation of the possible influence of media additives on propagation of HIV showed that: amphotericin-B had a suppressive effect on HIV replication at concentrations recommended for anti-fungal activity; recombinant and human interleukin-2 were equally suitable for both isolation cultures and for propagation of HIV, and polybrene, at a concentration of 2 micrograms/ml in the culture medium had a beneficial effect.

Amphotericin B

Effect of anti-carbohydrate antibodies on HIV infection in a monocytic cell line (U937).

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against carbohydrate epitopes of gp120 have recently been found to inhibit HIV infection of lymphocytes in vitro thereby opening new possibilities for vaccine considerations. Antibody-dependent enhancement of infection has however come increasingly into focus. This study therefore investigated the neutralization of HIV in a monocytic cell line (U937) using mAbs against these carbohydrate gp120-epitopes. While antibodies against one of the epitopes (AI) neutralized infection of U937 cells despite binding to the Fc-receptor, one mAb against the sialosyl-Tn epitope enhanced infection. This enhancement was independent of complement and could be blocked by mAb Leu3a against the CD4-receptor. The study indicated that enhancement of infection in monocytic cells can occur by the same anti-carbohydrate antibodies that neutralize infection in lymphocytes, and that antibody mediated enhancement may depend on location of the epitope on gp120 rather than whether the antibody binds Fc-receptors.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

A model for cortical 40 Hz oscillations invokes inter-area interactions.

Computer simulation of the dynamics of neuronal assemblies within minicolumns, and of the interactions between minicolumns in different cortical areas, has produced a quantitative explanation of the 35-60 Hz oscillations recently observed in adult cat striate cortices. The observed behavior suggests an association mechanism that exploits the NMDA receptor's properties. Detectable oscillations are predicted in cortical areas not directly stimulated, provided these are associatively linked with areas receiving sensory input.

Animals

Antibody to histo-blood group A antigen neutralizes HIV produced by lymphocytes from blood group A donors but not from blood group B or O donors.

Three virus isolates HTLV-IIIB/lyA, HTLV-IIIB/lyB and HTLV-IIIB/lyO, obtained by passaging and propagating the HTLV-IIIB/H9 isolate in three separate cultures of mixed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from donors of blood type A, B or O, respectively, were tested for susceptibility for virus neutralization by the monoclonal antibody (MAb) AH16 directed against the blood group A epitope. MAb AH16 was previously shown to inhibit cell-free virus infection using HTLV-IIIB propagated in H9 cells. AH16 showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the HTLV-IIIB/lyA isolate but did not inhibit the HTLV-IIIB/lyB or the HTLV-IIIB/lyO isolate. Specificity of the MAb-mediated inhibition was shown using A-antigen (tetrasaccharide). Thus, HIV infection of PBMC from donors with blood type A appears to induce expression of host-cell-encoded carbohydrate blood group A epitope on HIV which can be a target for MAb-mediated virus neutralization.

ABO Blood-Group System

Broadly neutralizing antibodies targeted to mucin-type carbohydrate epitopes of human immunodeficiency virus.

The cancer-related mucin-type carbohydrate neoantigen Tn was found on gp160 and gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Tn neutralized infection with cell-free virus and blocked fusion between HIV-infected and uninfected cells. This inhibition was found in infection of both lymphocytic cells and monocytoid cells. Viruses tested included six HIV-1 and five HIV-2 isolates propagated in different cells, as well as infectious plasma from AIDS patients. The antiviral effect of anti-Tn MAbs occurred by specific binding of the MAb to the virus; this binding was inhibitable by pure Tn antigen, and indications were found that this inhibition occurred at a pre-entry step. Boosting the naturally occurring low-titer anti-Tn activity may be of prophylactic value, as suggested by the in vitro neutralization found in this study.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Involvement of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in HIV infection: inhibition by monoclonal antibody.

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the alpha- and beta-chain of lymphocyte-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) were examined for inhibition of HIV-1 infection in vitro. Infection of the T cell line MT4 and the monocytic cell line U937 by isolates HTLVIIIB and SSI-002, respectively was inhibited in a concentration dependent manner by MAb against the beta-chain but not against the alpha-chain. No cross-reactivity was found between MAb against LFA-1 and against the CD4 receptor (MAb Leu3a). MAbs against the beta-chain and the CD4 receptor were found to act synergistically in inhibiting HIV infection. These data indicate that the beta-chain of LFA-1 in addition to the CD4 receptor may be involved in HIV infection in vitro.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infectivity with a broad range of lectins.

Five lectins with specificity for N- and O-linked oligosaccharides were examined for inhibition of HIV-1 and HSV-1 infectivity in vitro. HIV-1 isolate HTLVIIIB was preincubated with lectin and subsequently inoculated onto MT-4 cells. Lectins specific for N-linked oligosaccharides blocked HIV infection in nanomolar-micromolar concentrations, but no anti-HIV effect was found with the lectin HPA, mainly reacting with O-linked oligosaccharides. HSV-1 infectivity was measured in a plaque reduction assay using Vero cells, and while both N- and O-linked oligosaccharide -specific lectins inhibited HSV-1 infection, the most potent inhibition was found with the lectin HPA. These results indicate that lectins may have a broad antiviral effect on enveloped viruses only limited by types of oligosaccharides present on individual viruses.

Animals