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Biomedical subjects

E Roth

Publications and source records attributed to E Roth.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

[A new mode of expression for the assessment of capacities of DNA repair by flow cytometry].

Flow cytometry technic was used to study DNA synthesis of Hep G2 cells following mitomycin C and adriblastine treatments during 24 hours. DNA synthesis was expressed by 2 methods: the new expression global DNA synthesis (S+G2)/G1 that considered the cells during scheduled and unscheduled DNA syntheses of S and G2 phases and the cell cycle (Fox program) that evaluated the cells during scheduled DNA synthesis by the terms G1 = 2n, S = 2n+x and G2 = 4n which excluded unscheduled DNA synthesis. The experimental data treated with this new expression led to the determination of threshold concentrations for the two tested compounds where the DNA repair mechanisms were overloaded, leading to cell death. This term was shown to be more accurate to describe the genotoxic action of compounds. Furthermore, these threshold concentrations of DNA damages was found to be linked with significant increase of micronuclei in the micronucleus test.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic

Transhepatic metabolism of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and endotoxin in the early hepatic reperfusion period after human liver transplantation.

Several studies have shown that the postoperative course of cytokines such as TNF-alpha or IL-6 is predictive of rejection and infection after human orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to evaluate the impact of transhepatic metabolism of endotoxin (ET), tumor necrosis-factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion on the postoperative graft function. In 13 consecutive elective adult OLT patients with primary grafts, we determined concentrations of ET, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 in the radial artery, portal vein, and right hepatic vein at 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 min after reperfusion. Of the 13 patients, four had ET levels below the detection limit (< 10 ng/L), and one patient had extremely high ET concentrations (151 ng/L in the hepatic vein). In the remaining patients the mean ET levels were 26 +/- 14, 26 +/- 15, and 24 +/- 14 ng/L in the portal vein, hepatic vein, and in the radial artery, respectively. These values indicate that in patients with a moderately elevated ET level, no transhepatic concentration differences of ET exist. However, in the patient with severe endotoxemia, the liver was apparently an ET-producing organ (HV-P: 29 +/- 13 ng/L). TNF-alpha levels were not measurable in four patients, and varied between 15 and 72 pg/ml (portal vein) in the remaining patients. The transhepatic concentration differences (HV-P and HV-A, respectively) of patients with PNF or dysfunction were higher than in those with "good" or "excellent" graft function (HV-P: 160 +/- 122 pg/ml vs. 7.3 +/- 9.7 pg/ml; P < 0.01 and HV-A: 137 +/- 101 pg/ml vs. 3.9 +/- 12 pg/ml; P < 0.01, respectively). Arterial IL-6 levels were below 88 pg/ml (mean value: 31 +/- 20 pg/ml) at the beginning of the operation, and increased considerably in three patients during the anhepatic phase and after reperfusion. No clinical correlation was found with the transhepatic concentration differences of IL-6. We conclude that in OLT patients without infection no transhepatic ET exchange was documented. However, a stimulated hepatic TNF-alpha release seems to be predictive of the beginning of liver dysfunction.

Adolescent

Ca2+ release and Ca2+ entry induced by rapid cytosolic alkalinization in Jurkat T-lymphocytes.

4-Aminopyridine (4-AP), a compound usually known as a K(+)-channel inhibitor, induced rapid cytosolic alkalinization from pH 7.15 to pH 7.4, and subsequently Ca2+ mobilization in the T-lymphocyte cell line Jurkat. Other weak bases, such as NH4Cl or triethanolamine, induced a smaller and/or slower increase in cytosolic pH, resulting in a lower or no detectable Ca2+ signal. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, 4-AP mediated a rapid and sustained increase in the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration similar to that obtained by T-cell receptor-mediated stimulation. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, 4-AP transiently released Ca2+ from an intracellular store that is most likely identical with the agonist- and Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool of Jurkat T-cells. As possible mechanisms for Ca2+ release from this particular pool as induced by 4-AP we examined (i) formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and (ii) sensitization of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor/Ca(2+)release system by increasing intracellular pH. Although 4-AP did not induce formation of inositol polyphosphates, as demonstrated by h.p.l.c. analysis, in permeabilized cells the dose-response curve for Ins(1,4,5)P3 was shifted to the left by changing the intracellular pH from 7.2 to 7.4. This indicated that sensitization of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-receptor/Ca(2+)-release system was responsible for the effects of 4-AP seen in intact cells. In conclusion, 4-AP appears a novel tool for depletion of the agonist-sensitive Ca2+ pool of T-cells without simultaneous formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3, thereby inducing capacitative Ca2+ entry in these cells.

4-Aminopyridine

L-735,524: an orally bioavailable human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease inhibitor.

To date, numerous inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease have been reported, but few have been studied extensively in humans, primarily as a consequence of poor oral bioavailability in animal models. L-735,524 represents a class of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease inhibitors, termed hydroxyaminopentane amides, that incorporate a basic amine into the hydroxyethylene inhibitor backbone. L-735,524 is a potent inhibitor of virus replication in cell culture and inhibits the protease-mediated cleavage of the viral precursor polyproteins that results in the production of noninfectious progeny viral particles. The compound is effective against viruses resistant to reverse transcriptase inhibitors and is synergistically active when used in combination with reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Most importantly, L-735,524 exhibits good oral bioavailability and plasma pharmacokinetic profiles in two species of laboratory animals by using clinically acceptable formulations. Accordingly, the compound was selected for evaluation of safety and pharmacokinetic studies in humans.

Administration, Oral

L-Arginine deficiency after liver transplantation as an effect of arginase efflux from the graft. Influence on nitric oxide metabolism.

L-Arginine plays an important role in protecting animals against ammonia intoxication, enhances immune function, stimulates wound healing, and is the precursor for the endothelium-derived relaxing factor, recently recognized as nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we investigated the influence of hepatic reperfusion on amino acid metabolism after human OLT. After 10 sec of reperfusion, the arterial plasma levels of L-arginine dropped from 105 +/- 12 mumol/L to 3.8 +/- 0.6 mumol/L (P < 0.001), whereas plasma ornithine increased from 40 +/- 5.5 mumol/L to 129 +/- 15 mumol/L (P < 0.001). The reduced L-arginine levels remained subnormal for several hours after OLT. This drop in plasma L-arginine was due to an arginase release from the implanted graft. Immediately after reperfusion, the plasma concentrations of arginase increased from pretransplantation values of 18 +/- 13 IU/L to 2384 +/- 1456 IU/L (P < 0.01). Measurement of plasma nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-), which are the stable end products of NO, revealed that NO2- decreased about 50% after reperfusion (from 1.64 +/- 0.32 mumol/L to 0.80 +/- 0.17 mumol/L; P < 0.001), whereas NO3- levels remained unchanged (76 +/- 23 mumol/L vs. 63 +/- 8 mumol/L). We conclude that hepatic reperfusion causes L-arginine deficiency by liberating high amounts of arginase from the implanted graft. This L-arginine depletion may influence the NO synthesis in patients after OLT.

Adult

Oxidative stress transforms acetylcholinesterase to a molten-globule-like state.

Exposure of purified acetylcholinesterase from Torpedo california to a system generating oxygen radicals (viz. ascorbic acid/Fe(EDTA)2/H2O2) inactivated the enzyme. The enzyme retained its native dimeric form, but electrophoresis under denaturing conditions showed some cleavage of peptide bonds. Spectroscopic characterization revealed a shift to the red in the intrinsic fluorescence emission peak, a large decrease in molar ellipticity in the near UV with a much smaller decrease in the far UV, and increased binding of the amphiphilic probe, 1-anilino-8-naphthalene sulfonate, all relative to native enzyme. The treated enzyme was also highly susceptible to proteolysis. These data show that oxygen radical treatment converts acetylcholinesterase to a partially unfolded state, which retains most of its secondary structure but lacks substantial tertiary structure, thus resembling a 'molten globule' state. This model system may offer a mechanism for explaining the consequences of oxidative stress in vivo: partially unfolded proteins generated by oxidative stress may interact with molecular chaperons of the heat shock family, thus activating the heat-shock factor and, thereby, activating heat-shock genes.

Acetylcholinesterase

Purification and analytical characterization of an anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody for human therapy.

A purification process for the monoclonal anti-CD4 antibody MAX.16H5 was developed on an analytical scale using (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography on MonoQ or Q-Sepharose, hydrophobic interaction chromatography on phenyl-Sepharose and gel filtration chromatography on Superdex 200. The purification schedule was scaled up and gram amounts of MAX.16H5 were produced on corresponding BioPilot columns. Studies of the identity, purity and possible contamination by a broad range of methods showed that the product was highly purified and free from contaminants such as mouse DNA, viruses, pyrogens and irritants. Overall, the analytical data confirm that the monoclonal antibody MAX.16H5 prepared by this protocol is suitable for human therapy.

Animals

Importance of liver and kidney for the utilization of glutamine-containing dipeptides in man.

The impact of hepatic and renal failure on the metabolism of L-alanyl-L-glutamine (Ala-Gln) and glycyl-L-glutamine (Gly-Gln) was investigated in 11 healthy volunteers, five patients with liver cirrhosis, and six patients with chronic renal failure. The clearance (mL.kg-1.min-1) of Ala-Gln was significantly higher than that of Gly-Gln in all three groups. Renal failure significantly reduced clearances of both Ala-Gln and Gly-Gln (13.27 +/- 0.71 and 3.06 +/- 0.28) when compared with control values (21.68 +/- 1.21 and 7.08 +/- 0.38). Liver failure had no significant influence on the clearances of Ala-Gln and Gly-Gln (22.62 +/- 2.89 and 6.20 +/- 0.88). Liver failure delayed and renal failure almost abolished the increases in plasma concentrations of free amino acid residues after peptide injection. It is concluded that other organs can substitute for the peptide-clearing function of the liver, but not of the kidney. Kidney is the most important organ for the clearance of dipeptides and the release of amino acid residues into circulation. Our data show that clearance rates of both Ala-Gln and Gly-Gln are sufficient to avoid accumulation of either peptide if infused in the presently recommended doses. Both Ala-Gln and Gly-Gln could therefore be used as sources for glutamine in parenteral nutrition even in patients with chronic renal failure.

Adult

Elimination of amino acids in renal failure.

The elimination of intravenously infused amino acids was evaluated in six patients with acute renal failure (ARF), 6 with conservatively treated chronic renal failure (CRF), 6 subjects receiving regular hemodialysis treatment (RDT), and 5 healthy control subjects. In ARF, CRF, and RDT groups, whole-body clearance (Cltot) of the 10 amino acids was elevated (113.5 +/- 1.5; 94.2 +/- 1.5 and 127.6 +/- 12.4, respectively, vs 85.2 +/- 4.8 mL.kg-1.min-1 in control subjects, P < 0.001). In ARF, Cltot of histidine, lysine, and methionine was higher and Cltot of phenylalanine and valine was lower as compared with control subjects. In CRF, Cltot of tryptophan and histidine was elevated and Cltot of phenylalanine was reduced; in RDT, Cltot of histidine, methionine, tryptophan, lysine, isoleucine, and leucine was raised. In all groups the relative clearance (% of total clearance) of phenylalanine and valine was reduced, and relative clearance of histidine and tryptophan was elevated. We conclude that in renal failure the elimination of amino acids from the intravascular space is profoundly altered and that the pattern of metabolic aberrations is similar in ARF, CRF, and RDT groups.

ADP-Ribosylation Factor 6

Acute effects of insulin-like growth factor I on inter-organ amino acid flux in protein-catabolic dogs.

The effects of acute administration of human recombinant insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) on amino acid (AA) flux between hindlimbs, liver and gut were investigated in anaesthetized post-operative dogs. rhIGF-I produced about a 10-fold increase in plasma IGF-I concentrations above baseline values (P < 0.001), increased the plasma levels of glucagon and adrenaline (P < 0.05), and evoked a fall in plasma glucose (-55 +/- 8%; (P < 0.001) and plasma total AA levels (-23 +/- 8%; P < 0.05). AA flux in post-absorptive dogs under NaCl infusions was characterized by an efflux of AA from the hindlimbs (as a result of the protein-catabolic situation), an equal AA balance across the gut and an AA uptake by the liver. The administration of rhIGF-I increased hepatic AA uptake in the NaCl group from 3.51 +/- 0.8 to 7.5 +/- 0.4 mumol/min per kg (P < 0.01) and in the AA-infused group from 16.8 +/- 0.6 to 22.4 +/- 1.5 mumol/min per kg (P < 0.05), but did not influence the AA balance across hindlimbs and gut. Glucose infusions normalized the plasma concentrations of counter-regulatory hormones without influencing the inter-organ AA balances. We conclude that hypoaminoacidaemia caused by rhIGF-I infusions is the result of a stimulated AA uptake by the liver, but is unrelated to alterations of AA exchange across the hindlimbs.

Amino Acids

Cellular hydration state: an important determinant of protein catabolism in health and disease.

There is evidence that cellular hydration state is an important factor controlling cellular protein turnover; protein synthesis and protein degradation are affected in opposite directions by cell swelling and shrinking. An increase in cellular hydration (swelling) acts as an anabolic proliferative signal, whereas cell shrinkage is catabolic and antiproliferative. The cellular hydration state is mainly determined by the activity of ion and substrate transport systems in the plasma membrane. Hormones, substrates, and oxidative stress can change the cellular hydration state within minutes, thereby affecting protein turnover. We postulate that a decrease in cellular hydration in liver and skeletal muscle triggers the protein catabolic states that accompany various diseases.

Amino Acids

Intracellular Ca2+ pools in Jurkat T-lymphocytes.

Jurkat T-lymphocytes comprise at least four intracellular Ca2+ pools. Pool I was agonist-sensitive and contained 23 +/- 8% (n = 18) of the total Ca(2+)-storage capacity, as shown in intact cells in the presence of EGTA. The time courses of the agonist-induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and of the Ca2+ release from pool I were nearly superimposable, indicating that the agonist-sensitive pool I is emptied by Ins(1,4,5)P3. Likewise, in permeabilized cells, the size of the Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive Ca2+ pool I was 27 +/- 11% (n = 14). Pool II contained 26 +/- 5% (n = 9) of intracellularly stored Ca2+ and was liberated by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) Ca(2+)-ATPase. Addition of thapsigargin before addition of agonist abolished the agonist-induced Ca2+ release in both intact and permeabilized cells, indicating that pool I is a subcompartment of the ER Ca2+ pool. The content of this ER Ca2+ pool (pools I and II) amounted to 51 +/- 15% (n = 9) in intact cells and 49 +/- 16% (n = 16) in permeabilized cells. Caffeine released Ca2+ even when the ER pool (pools I and II) was emptied by previous addition of thapsigargin, indicating the presence of a third pool independent of pools I and II. Pool III contained 23 +/- 6% (n = 8) in intact cells, but 41 +/- 8% (n = 5) in permeabilized cells. The remaining intracellularly stored Ca2+ was released by addition of the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin. This fourth pool contained 27 +/- 8% (n = 9) in intact cells, but less than 10% in permeabilized cells. The size of pool III was increased when pools I and II were emptied before addition of caffeine, whereas the size of pool IV was decreased under such conditions. In conclusion, this first comprehensive description of intracellular Ca2+ pools in Jurkat T-lymphocytes demonstrates the presence of four different Ca2+ pools, provides estimates of their sizes and describes relationships between each other. Release of Ca2+ from pool I [Ins(1,4,5)P3-sensitive] has previously been shown to play a major role in T-cell activation, whereas the physiological role of pools II-IV remains to be established.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Preincubation with anti-CD4 influences activation of human T cells by subsequent co-cross-linking of CD4 with CD3.

Under physiological conditions, T cell activation by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-antigen complexes requires engagement of both the T cell receptor (TcR) and the CD4 (or CD8) accessory molecules. It has been shown, however, that ligation of CD4 and CD8 can also inhibit T cell activation in an MHC-independent way. Therefore, the role of CD4 in T cell activation and the mechanism of the suppression of T cell functions by anti-CD4 are as yet unclear. We activated T cells by CD4/CD3 co-cross-linking and studied the effect of preincubation with anti-CD4 on this activation. We show here that anti-CD4 effects T cell activation in a complex, time-dependent manner. Whereas short preincubations with anti-CD4 usually enhanced T cell proliferation in response to subsequent co-cross-linking of CD3 with CD4, longer preincubations led to its decrease. The observed suppression of proliferation after a long preincubation with anti-CD4 was apparently due to impairment of TcR signaling, as assessed by measurement of Ca2+ mobilization and tyrosine phosphorylation in T cells. These results add a temporal element to the previously observed synergism between the TcR and CD4 in T cell activation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Human submandibular saliva aggregates HIV.

Incubation of HIV with human whole, parotid, or submandibular saliva leads to a decrease in viral infectivity in Sup-T1 cells. The effect is most pronounced with submandibular saliva. Inhibition is seen within 2 min, and increases with time. There is little inhibition seen after incubation of saliva with HSV, and no effect with adenovirus, suggested that there is some viral specificity. Electron microscopic studies revealed that HIV-saliva aggregates are trapped in 0.45-microns pore size nitrocellulose filters. If these inhibitory effects are manifest in vivo, this could account for the low level of virus detected in oral secretions.

Adenoviridae

Perioperative TNF alpha and IL-6 concentrations correlate with septic state, organ function, and APACHE II scores in intra-abdominal infection.

OBJECTIVE: To find out if concentrations of tumour necrosis factor a (TNF alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) play a part in the pathophysiology of intra-abdominal infection, and try to identify patients who would benefit from immunotherapy against TNF alpha. DESIGN: Prospective open study. SETTING: University hospital. SUBJECTS: 19 consecutive patients (septic shock, n = 4; sepsis syndrome, n = 6; and no sepsis syndrome, n = 9, classified by the APACHE II score and the criteria of the Methyl-prednisolone Severe Sepsis Study Group) who were to undergo their first operation for intra-abdominal infection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between median (interquartile) concentrations of TNF alpha and IL-6 (pg/ml), and APACHE II score, plasma lactate concentration, and organ function. RESULTS: Perioperative concentrations of both TNF alpha (p = 0.001) and IL-6 (p = 0.006) were significantly higher in patients with septic shock. Preoperative cardiovascular and respiratory failure were associated with significantly raised TNF alpha (p < 0.001 in both cases) and IL-6 concentrations (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). The preoperative APACHE II score correlated with the increased TNF alpha concentration (r = 0.5, p < 0.001) and plasma lactate concentration with that of IL-6 (r = 0.7, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Perioperative TNF alpha and IL-6 concentrations correlated with the severity of intra-abdominal infection, so it is possible that patients who present with either septic shock or the sepsis syndrome may benefit from immunotherapy against TNF alpha.

Abdomen

Chemical modification of Torpedo acetylcholinesterase by disulfides: appearance of a "molten globule" state.

Modification of Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase (AChE) both by bis(1-oxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-imidazolin-4-yl)disulfide (biradical) and by 4,4'-dithiopyridine, via a thiol-disulfide exchange reaction, was monitored by EPR and optical spectroscopy, respectively. Incubation with these reagents caused complete loss of enzymic activity. Treatment with glutathione of AChE modified by either of the two disulfides led to rapid release of the bound reagent with simultaneous regeneration of the single free thiol group of the enzyme. However, no concomitant recovery of catalytic activity was observed. SDS-PAGE showed that both the modified and demodified enzymes retained their structure as a disulfide-linked dimer. Circular dichroism revealed that modification of AChE by the disulfide agents with or without demodification by glutathione led to a complete disappearance of the ellipticity in the near-UV and to a much smaller decrease in ellipticity in the far-UV. The CD spectra observed are typical of the "molten globule" state of proteins. 1-Anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate binding measurements and an enhanced susceptibility to trypsinolysis supported the supposition that chemical modification had transformed native AChE to a "molten globule".

Acetylcholinesterase