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Biomedical subjects

C Picat

Publications and source records attributed to C Picat.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis and elliptocytosis in a Caucasian family. Transmission of the same molecular defect in spectrin through three generations with different clinical expression.

Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis (HPP) is a severe hemolytic anemia characterized by a material instability of the red cell membrane leading to cell fragmentation. This fragility may be correlated with functional and structural defects of spectrin. Most HPP patients have been black. We now report three HPP patients from a Caucasian family, the proposita and her two maternal uncles. The proposita's mother and daughter presented mild type I hereditary elliptocytosis (HE), while the proposita's father was clinically and hematologically normal. Our studies revealed a defective ability of spectrin to self-associate, resulting in an excess of spectrin dimer in 4 degrees C extracts in the three HPP patients and to a similar extent in HE relatives. Limited tryptic digestion of spectrin showed a molecular variant in the alpha I domain as expressed by a decreased amount of 80,000-dalton peptide with a concomitant increase in the 74,000-dalton peptide. Investigations in the proposita's father revealed no abnormalities of the erythrocyte membrane. The co-transmission of HPP and HE phenotypes in the same lineage might suggest variability in the clinical expression of the same molecular defect and lead us to discuss the hypothesis of a double heterozygosity in HPP patients.

Adult↗

Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase structural mutant (Gly281----Glu) in a case of porphyria.

Uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase deficiency in man is responsible for familial porphyria cutanea tarda and hepatoerythropoietic porphyria. A recent study of a family with hepatoerythropoietic porphyria showed that the enzyme defect resulted from rapid degradation of the protein in vivo. Cloning and sequencing of a complementary DNA for the mutated gene revealed that the mutation was due to the replacement of a glycine residue by a glutamic acid residue at position 281. This base change leads to a protein that is very rapidly degraded in the presence of cell lysate. Characterization of the mutation will allow comparison of this defect in a homozygous patient with defects in other patients with familial porphyria cutanea tarda.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Double inheritance of an alpha I/65 spectrin variant in a child with homozygous elliptocytosis.

Hemolytic anemia with red cell fragmentation, poikilocytosis, and elliptocytosis was discovered in a 6-week-old black infant. Both parents and a brother of the propositus had compensated mild Hereditary Elliptocytosis (HE). Elliptocytosis was prominent in the proband's father with the presence of numerous rod-shaped cells whereas, in the proband's mother, elliptocytosis was less marked and cells were less elongated than in the father. The proband's red cells fragmented at 45 degrees C instead of 49 degrees C for control cells. Both the parents' and brother's red cells fragmented at 47 degrees C. The deformability of the proband's red cells was markedly reduced when measured with the ektacytometer; the red cells of both the proband's parent and brother exhibited an intermediate decrease in red cell deformability. Spectrin self-association was defective in the propositus as well as in his parents and brother. Limited tryptic digestion of the proband's spectrin, followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), revealed a complete absence of the normal 80,000 dalton alpha I domain and the presence of an abnormal 65,000 dalton peptide. Two-dimensional isoelectric focusing/SDS-PAGE of limited tryptic digests of spectrin from both the proband's parents and brother revealed a decrease in the normal 80,000 alpha I domain and the presence of the 65,000 peptide variant. On the basis of biochemic studies performed on the patients' spectrin, we concluded that the proband had homozygous HE, having inherited the structural defect of spectrin present in a heterozygous state in each of his parents. On a clinical and morphologic level, homozygous HE imitates two other forms of congenital hemolytic anemia associated with a spectrin self-association defect: HE with pycnocytosis in infancy and Hereditary Pyropoikilocytosis. This report emphasizes the importance of confronting clinical and rheological as well as biochemical investigations in studying and discussing different entities.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

Pathologic and nonpathologic variants of the spectrin molecule in two black families with hereditary elliptocytosis.

Five patients with hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) from two unrelated black families were studied. The patients had prominent elliptocytosis and a decreased erythrocyte resistance to heat treatment. In one infant blood smears showed elliptocytosis and poikilocytosis; his erythrocytes fagmented at a lower temperature than those of his mother and sister, both having typical mild HE. Defective dimer-dimer association was present in all patients. Limited tryptic digestion of spectrin and subsequent analysis by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed a similar and reproducible decrease in the 80,000-dalton peptide (alpha I domain) and the concomitant appearance of a 46,000-dalton peptide. All the patients had the polymorphism of the spectrin alpha II domain commonly observed in black populations. In addition, modifications relative to the alpha III domain were detected; similar variants were found in one black control subject out of 136 and are likely related to a genetic polymorphism of the alpha III domain. No differences were observed between the peptide patterns in the infant with poikilocytosis and those of his HE sister and mother.

Adult↗

Erythrocytic pyruvate kinase deficiency and hemolytic anemia inherited as a dominant trait.

A nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, associated with a pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency apparently inherited as a dominant trait has been identified in a family. In the affected members, the residual PK activities were 20% that of normal controls, an unusually low level for heterozygous subjects. The anemia was mild except in the proband, a 2-year-old boy who suffered from a severe anemia. The PKs of the proband and of his both parents have been characterized as kinetically and electrophoretically normal enzymes. Immunoprecipitation tests indicated a large amount of L-type inactive protein in the proband and his father. Moreover, an M2 type PK was present in the father's hemolysate, suggesting the existence of a compensatory process that derepressed the corresponding structural gene. We suggest that the presence of one or more mutated subunits in the tetrameric forms of L-type PK leads to the inactivation of these tetramers. This hypothesis accounts for the low residual activity in affected heterozygous members of this family. The severity of the hematological symptoms in the proband, in comparison with the mild hemolysis observed in the other heterozygous members of the family points to the existence of a large spectrum of pathologic expression for an identical PK defect present in a family.

Adult↗

A liver-type mutation in a case of pronounced erythrocyte phosphofructokinase deficiency without clinical expression.

A marked erythrocyte phosphofructokinase deficiency was detected in a healthy man. His enzymatic activity was only 25% that of normal controls. His father and his son had erythrocytic phosphofructokinase activities of 50-55% that of normal controls. The chromatographic separation of erythrocytic phosphofructokinase isozymes, as well as immunological studies revealed a decrease in L-type phosphofructokinase activity. The lowered erythrocytic L-type phosphofructokinase activity was not accompanied by a decreased level of L-type phosphofructokinase in proteins. The L/M subunit ratio was similar to that of normal subjects. The defect resulted from the synthesis of stable L-type mutant subunit with high electrophoretic mobility. White blood cells, which synthesize mostly the same isozyme as L-type phosphofructokinase also showed a decreased activity and a high electrophoretic mobility. In spite of this important deficiency, and of significant metabolic alterations (a slight decrease in ATP; 2,3-diphosphoglycerate; triose phosphate), hemolysis did not appear in the propositus.

Antigen-Antibody Complex↗

Immunological studies of PK and PFK deficiencies induced by chemotherapy.

Pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) erythrocyte deficiencies induced by chemotherapy were studied in 6 patients. From immunological tests it may be assumed that the PK and PFK deficiencies were due to different direct mechanisms: a disturbance of the synthesis of one of the PFK subunit; mutation(s) in the structural gene of PK which result in the synthesis of mutant proteins. Several molecular mechanisms are probably at the origin of all the disturbances induced by chemotherapy in the red blood cells. The study of these alterations which mimic those detected in preleukaemic and leukaemic states, provides information on the molecular events in the possible production of chemo-induced cancers.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

A red cell pyruvate kinase mutant with normal L-type PK in the liver.

The erythrocytic and liver pyruvate kinases (PK) from a patient with congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia have been studied. In red blood cells, the residual activity, 28% of the normal control, presented normal kinetic properties, instability to heat and urea, and slow electrophoretic mobility. The L-type PK from the patient's liver was characterized by normal activity, kinetic properties, stability to heat and urea, and electrophoretic mobility. The fact that erythrocyte mutant PK may, as in previous reports, or may not be associated, as in the present observation, with molecular abnormalities of the liver PK provides support for the hypothesis of a gene rearrangement compatible with two different tissue-specific mRNAs.

Adult↗

Influence of free Mg2+ on the kinetics of human erythrocyte phosphofructokinase.

The influence of Mg2+ on the reaction catalyzed by human erythrocyte phosphofructokinase has been investigated using kinetic methods. The catalytic activity of PFK is dependent upon the presence of Mg2+ which constitutes with ATP the true Mg-ATP2- substrate. Free Mg2+ has no influence on the affinity of the enzyme for Mg-ATP2- substrate. Erythrocyte PFK is more inhibited by ATP4- and uncomplexed citrate than it is by Mg-ATP2- and Mg-citrate. Free Mg2+ relieves the MgATP2- and Mg-citrate inhibition under conditions where free ATP4-is negligible. We can assume that uncomplexed Mg2+ acts as positive effector by direct binding to the enzyme. These results emphasize the role of Mg2+ in the regulation of PFK activity in the erythrocyte.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Inherited erythrocyte phosphofructokinase deficiency: molecular mechanism.

Erythrocyte PFK activity 50--60% that of normal controls was found in a mother and her son, without muscular or hematological symptoms. The PFK activity of the mother's muscle was normal in fresh preparations and partially unstable to storage at 4 degrees C. Electrophoresis of muscle PFK revealed two bands, on normal and one abnormal with an anodic mobility greater than normal. Both patients were characterized as heterozygotes for an unstable muscle PFK. Unstable M'subunits disappeared in erythrocytes which are old cells devoid fo protein synthesis. Consequently an increased E/M subunit ratio leads to a distribution of the five isozymes different from that of normal erythrocytes. In these patients, we observed a loss of the M4 enzyme together with an increase in the E4 isozyme. The kinetic and immunologic data were compatible with these modifications. Isoelectric focusing of hemolysates from the two patients revealed an acidification of the main activity band, suggesting that an increase in E4 isozyme resulted in a change of the total electric charge.

Chromatography, DEAE-Cellulose↗

Gd(-) Rennes, a new deficient variant of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase associated with congenital nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia found in France.

A new variant of G6PD with total enzyme deficiency associated with nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia in a 60 year old Frenchman is characterized. Partially purified enzyme revealed slow electrophoretic mobility, decreased G6P affinity, thermal instability, abnormal pH curve with a single peak at pH 5.0, abnormal utilization of 2-deoxy-G6P and deamino NADP. This variant differs from all previously reported variants associated with chronic nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia. Accordingly this variant is designated Gd(-) Rennes.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Nonspherocytic↗

Studies on the mechanism of the erythrocyte enzyme abnormalities induced by chemotherapy.

With the aim of determining the possible mechanisms of the red cell enzyme deficiencies induced by chemotherapy, deficient red cell glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD), pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) from 17 patients were purified and characterized. In all cases G-6-PD showed normal kinetics, electrophoretic mobility and thermostability suggesting that a decreased enzyme synthesis was possible for the deficient enzyme activity. In each case studied, at least one of the PK properties was modified, either in affinity for phosphoenol pyruvate, thermal stability or electrophoretic mobility, indicating a primary or secondary molecular abnormality. In some patients PFK had significantly increased affinity for citrate inhibitor; however, neither the quantity nor quality of the M subunits seemed to be altered. Thus it appears that chemotherapy can induce qualitative as well as quantitative red cell enzyme abnormalities by different mechanisms. These are similar to those observed in spontaneous leukaemia and preleukaemic states. Such a similarity poses the question of whether or not the red cell enzyme abnormalities induced by chemotherapy could be considered as the first sign of secondary leukaemia due to treatment by oncostatic drugs.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Red blood cell enzyme abnormalities in patients treated with chemotherapy.

Sxiteen red blood cell enzyme activities and fetal haemoglobin level have been assayed in 60 patients treated for haematologic or nonhaematologic malignant diseases with various combinations of cytostatic drugs. Acquired enzyme deficiency was found in 20 patients. The most frequently decreased activities were those of G6PD (12 cases), PK (seven cases), PFK (six cases) and AK (three cases). In many patients decreased activity of some enzymes contrasted with increased activity of others such as ALD, TPI, G3PD, PGK, ENOL and 6PGD. The number of abnormalities seems to be related to the duration of the treatment. Incidence of enzyme deficiencies was similar in patients previously treated or not with radiotherapy. Enzyme abnormalities were correlated neither with haemoglobin level nor with reticulocyte count. They were very similar to those observed in primary acquired dyserythropoietic and preleukaemic states. Their prognostic value and mechanism are discussed.

Drug Therapy, Combination↗

Phosphofructokinase isozymes from human organs and blood cells.

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) isozymes of blood cells and some human tissues were studied by starch gel electrophoresis and immunoprecipitation by anti-muscle and anti-erythrocyte PFK sera. PFK from muscle, heart, brain and placenta were totally precipitated by both antisera. PFK from blood cells (erythrocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, platelets) were precipitated more strongly by anti-erythrocyte PFK serum than by anti-muscle PFK serum. Liver, kidney and monoblast PFK were slightly precipitated by both antisera. From the electrophoretic patterns and the immunoprecipitation curves we may conclude that muscle contains the homotetrameric M4 forms; platelet, liver and kidney the homotetrameric E4 form, and blood cells the M-E hybrids. Monoblasts probably contain a E4 type PFK precursor, and heart, placenta and brain, a modified M4 type PFK. Other isozymes, unrelated with muscle and erythrocyte, were revealed in liver and kidney.

Blood Cells↗

Reaction mechanism of erythrocyte phosphofructokinase.

The reaction mechanism of erythrocyte phosphofructokinase (PFK) was investigated by the initial velocity and the product inhibition. Intersecting lines obtained with initial velocity studies are consistent with a sequential mechanism and the formation of ternary complex as an intermediate. The product inhibition studies support an ordered Bi Bi mechanism in which fructose 6 phosphate (F6P) is the first substrate binding and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is dissociated from the enzyme before fructose-1,6-P2 (FDP).

Adenosine Diphosphate↗