Biomedical subjects

F Lin

Publications and source records attributed to F Lin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Composition of atherosclerotic plaques in the epicardial coronary arteries in juvenile (type I) diabetes mellitus.

The composition of atherosclerotic plaques in 331 five-mm segments of the 4 major (left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right) epicardial coronary arteries of 8 patients with juvenile (mean age at onset, 9 years; mean age at death, 29 years) diabetes mellitus was determined by computerized planimetric analysis. Analysis of all coronary segments disclosed that the plaques consisted primarily of dense (53%) and cellular (38%) fibrous tissue. Pultaceous debris (7%), foam cells (1.2%) and calcific deposits (0.7%) occupied a small percentage of the plaques. Thus, 91% of the coronary plaques in these young diabetic patients consisted of fibrous tissue and nearly all of the remaining 9% consisted of lipid deposits. Analysis of composition according to degrees of cross-sectional luminal narrowing revealed marked increases in dense fibrous tissue (from 31 to 74%), pultaceous debris (from 3 to 12%), and calcific deposits (from 0% to 3%) as the cross-sectional area narrowing increased from < or = 25% to > 75%. Compared with older patients with fatal coronary artery disease, the patients with juvenile diabetes had more dense fibrous tissue and pultaceous debris and less calcific deposits.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Selenoperoxidase-mediated cytoprotection against merocyanine 540-sensitized photoperoxidation and photokilling of leukemia cells.

Photodynamic therapy with the lipophilic sensitizing dye merocyanine 540 (MC540) is a promising new approach for extracorporeal purging of neoplastic cells from autologous remission bone marrow grafts. Resistance-conferring cellular defenses against the cytotoxic effects of MC540/photodynamic therapy have not been well characterized. This study focuses on the cytoprotective effects of the glutathione-dependent selenoperoxidases GPX and PHGPX, which can detoxify a wide variety of hydroperoxides, including lipid-derived species (LOOHs). Murine leukemia L1210 cells were grown in 1% serum media without [L.Se(-)] and with [L.Se(+)] selenium supplementation. L.Se(-) cells expressed 10- to 20-fold lower GPX and PHGPX activities than L.Se(+) controls and were markedly more sensitive to MC540-mediated photoperoxidation (LOOH formation) and clonally assessed photokilling. Susceptibility of L.Se(-) cells to photoperoxidation and photokilling could be fully reversed to L.Se(+) levels by replenishing Se, and partially reversed by treating with Ebselen, a selenoperoxidase mimetic. Altered lipid composition, greater uptake of MC540, and defective catabolism of H2O2 were all ruled out as possible factors in the elevated photosensitivity of L.Se(-) cells. Human leukemia K562 cells (capable of expressing PHGPX but not GPX) exhibited 5- to 10-fold lower PHGPX activity under Se-deficient relative to Se-sufficient conditions. Although MC540 uptake (nmol/mg lipid) by K562 and L1210 cells was essentially the same, the former were more resistant to photoinactivation. However, like murine counterparts, Se-deficient cells were more susceptible to photoperoxidation and photokilling than Se-sufficient controls. These results clearly demonstrate that GPX and/or PHGPX in L1210 cells and PHGPX in K562 cells play an important cytoprotective role during photooxidative stress. Whether membrane damage due to lipid photoperoxidation is causally related to cell death is not certain; however, the parallel effects of Se deficiency on LOOH formation and cell killing are at least consistent with this possibility.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Localization of epidermal growth factor and its receptor in mandibular molars of the rat prior to and during prefunctional tooth eruption.

Immunoperoxidase localization of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) itself was examined in rat first and second mandibular molars postnatally from day 0 to 12. The results showed that the dental follicle stained heavily for EGFR from day 0 to 8, declined in staining at day 9, and was devoid of stain from day 10 onward. Preosteoblasts and osteoblasts of alveolar bone also stained and lesser staining of ameloblasts and odontoblasts was observed. Except for staining of occasional isolated cells, the stellate reticulum did not stain. Light staining of the dental pulp of the first mandibular molar was seen from day 0 onward but the pulp of the second molar did not stain until approximately day 6. With respect to EGF, the dental follicle also stained for it until day 12. The ameloblasts stained more intensely for EGF than for EGFR. Because injections of EGF cause premature eruption of teeth and because the presence of a dental follicle is necessary for eruption, this study suggests that EGF could have its effect on the follicle as seen by the presence of EGFR receptors on the follicle. Moreover, because EGF exerts its effects early (day 0-3) to cause eruption and because the influx of monocytes into the follicle to form osteoclasts for bone resorption for eruption occurs early, the heavy staining for EGFR in the follicle early followed by the absence of staining at day 10 correlates chronologically with the key molecular and cellular events of eruption. Finally, the presence of EGF in the follicle, as well as enamel organ, could provide an endogenous source of EGF to regulate tooth eruption, either by an autocrine or a paracrine effect. Thus, the localization of EGFR and EGF in the dental follicle coupled with the chronology of localization suggests that EGF could play a physiological role in tooth eruption.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Culture and characterization of dental follicle cells from rat molars.

Because the dental follicle is necessary for the eruption of teeth of limited eruption, it was the objective of this study to determine if the cells of the follicle could be cultured in vitro. To achieve this, dental follicles and associated enamel organs were dissected from the first and second mandibular molars of 6-7-day-old rats (secretory stage of amelogenesis), and then cultured in a medium that promotes fibroblast growth--the predominant cell type of the dental follicle. The cultured cells grew to confluency and were kept through 3 passages before experimentation. The cultured cells were fibroblastic in shape, elongate with processes, and transmission electron microscopy revealed that they contained an abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, but did not form desmosomes. Immunofluorescent staining for anti-vimentin showed that all the cells stained and electron-microscopic immunogold labeling indicated that the antibody was associated with intermediate filaments. As revealed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, the cultured cells synthesized and secreted the extracellular matrix molecules fibronectin and procollagens. Subsequent immunofluorescence staining of permeabilized and non-permeabilized cells confirmed the presence of fibronectin and type I collagen both intra- and extracellularly. Thus, based on all the above characteristics, the cultured cells appeared to be fibroblasts derived from the dental follicle, although a few of the fibroblasts may be derived from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells interposed between the alveolar bone and follicle. Experiments now can be conducted to determine how these cultured cells respond directly to growth factors that alter the rates of tooth eruption.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on cultured dental follicle cells from rat mandibular molars.

Analysis of the total proteins secreted by cultured dental follicle cells revealed that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) stimulated them to secrete more extracellular matrix proteins into a serum-free medium than did follicle cells not exposed to the growth factor. Electrophoresis and scanning densitometry showed that secretion of all the major proteins was increased by exposure to the growth factor but the amounts ranged from a 66% increase for one of the procollagen chains to a 7% increase for fibronectin. Immunofluorescence using anti-type I collagen and anti-fibronectin showed that the intracellular concentration and intracellular localization of the antibodies was not changed by incubating the cells with the growth factor. The growth factor did not cause an increase in cell number but did modify the association of the cells in the culture, causing them to aggregate into clusters whereas the control cells formed a confluent monolayer. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 may signal the fibroblasts of the dental follicle to secrete the extracellular matrix needed for its development into a periodontal ligament.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Isolation of granule proteins from cells of the dental follicle and stellate reticulum of rat mandibular molars.

The presence of a dental follicle is required for eruption of teeth of limited eruption but it is uncertain if any molecules indigenous to the follicle regulate this eruption. However, electron-dense granules of unknown composition and function are present in the fibroblasts of the dental follicle of rat molars, as well as the adjacent stellate reticulum, before and during tooth eruption. Here the granules have been isolated; two proteins, of 167 and 200 kDa, have been determined by biochemical and immunological methods to be major components of the granules.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Granule proteins of the dental follicle and stellate reticulum inhibit tooth eruption and eyelid opening in postnatal rats.

Electron-dense granules within cells of the dental follicle and stellate reticulum of rat mandibular molars can be isolated; their major components are 167 and 200 kDa proteins. Injecting these granule proteins into postnatal rats results in a delay of incisor eruption and eyelid separation. These inhibitory effects were most pronounced with the 167 kDa protein (a delay of 3 days in incisor eruption and of 2 days in eyelid opening) and were opposite to the stimulatory effects of epidermal growth factor. Thus, these granules may play an inhibitory part in tooth eruption.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

3-(Phenylamino)alanine, a novel aniline-derived amino acid associated with the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: a link to the toxic oil syndrome?

The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) is an inflammatory disease that occurred in epidemic proportions in the United States during 1989. Cases of EMS were also reported in Europe and elsewhere. Clinically, EMS resembles the Spanish toxic oil syndrome. EMS has been associated with ingestion of manufactured L-tryptophan and, more specifically, with lots of tryptophan that contained the trace contaminant 1,1'-ethylidenebis(tryptophan) (EBT). Another trace contaminant ("peak UV-5") has been reported, but the strength of its association with EMS has not been demonstrated. Herein we report independently that peak UV-5 is 3-(phenylamino)alanine (PAA). Patients with EMS ingested significantly greater amounts of both PAA and EBT than did control tryptophan users. PAA is chemically similar to 3-phenylamino-1,2-propanediol, an aniline derivative isolated from samples of oil that were consumed by persons in whom the toxic oil syndrome developed. The discovery of an aniline-derived contaminant in tryptophan raises the possibility that EMS and toxic oil syndrome may have a common etiologic trigger.

Alanine↗

PubMed1992

Breast cancer with extensive intraductal component: treatment with immediate interstitial boost irradiation.

Extensive intraductal component (EIC) has been reported to have a prominent role in local recurrence after treatment of early-stage breast cancer with lumpectomy and irradiation. Pathologic specimens from 250 breasts (245 patients) treated between June 1982 and June 1990 with lumpectomy, immediate (boost) interstitial iridium-192 to 15-20 Gy, and external-beam irradiation to the entire breast to 45-50 Gy were reviewed. EIC was present in 61 breasts. At a median follow-up period of 58 months (range, 14-110 months), there were 10 recurrences in the 250 treated breasts. Of these 10, three were in patients from the group with EIC. The 10-year actuarial recurrence rates in breasts with and without EIC were 9.1% and 5.2%, respectively. The difference between the two rates was not significant. If an immediate boost with interstitial iridium is used in therapy, the influence of EIC on local failure is insignificant.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[Experimental study of use of shuttle vector to develop a system of detecting mutagenesis in mammalian cells].

UNLABELLED: The paper presents a series of experimental studies of the use of shuttle vector to develop a short-time mutagenesis system of detecting gene mutation in the mammalian cell at DNA level. The system is based on the finding that in the EB virus the shuttle vector pMCi5 carries LacI gene. The LacI is used as a target of induced mutagenesis in mouse cells. Use pMCi5 plasmid to transform the 3T3 mouse cell, expose it to a chemical mutagen, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS); transfer the treated plasmid DNA to E. coli strain MC1061F' 150Kan; and then plate the transformation on a special culture medium containing X-gal for rapid detection and analysis of LacI mutation. RESULTS: The spontaneous mutant frequency of the system is less than 1.21 x 10(-4). After the treatment with 300 micrograms/ml EMS, the induced mutant frequency increases to 3.8 x 10(-3). No gross alteration has been discovered in seven LacI mutants at DNA level. No point mutation has occurred in the EcoRI site by analysis with restriction enzyme EcoRI.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1992

Detection of circulating antigen by McAb-AST for evaluating the efficacy of anti-Leishmania chemotherapy.

We have adapted the simple and sensitive McAb-antigen spot test (AST) for evaluating the efficacy of anti-Leishmania chemotherapy. Serum samples from 37 kala-azar patients were tested by McAb-AST, and all showed definite positive reactions before treatment. After a course of antimony treatment, 20 turned negative, coupled with the disappearance of clinical symptoms; another 12 cases responded with weak positivity accompanied by an improvement of clinical manifestations; and the remaining 5 antimony-resistant patients showed strong positive reactions, with their conditions gradually worsening. Furthermore, all 6 cases in which the diagnosis was missed by the bone marrow smear method turned McAb-AST negative after chemotherapy. These results suggest that McAb-AST can be used to evaluate the efficacy of chemotherapy as well as to avoid missed diagnosis by the bone marrow smear method.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

[Reduction mammaplasty].

Twenty-eight breasts of 15 patients with macromastia underwent reduction mammaplasty from 1982 to 1989. We followed up these patients postoperatively for 6 months to 7 years. The follow-up time for 8 patients was over 1 year, and 4 patients over 5 years. And 3 patients labored and lactated. These 15 patients were satisfied with this operative results. The operative technology was based on Pitange's method. This method improved the site of the nipple, transposition of nipple-areola complex, and design of dermal pedicle, so that it had better effects in the breast shape, breast fixation and incision scar concealed. We suggest that the purpose of macromastia treated in reducing volume, improving breast shape, preserving lactating function. This paper also discusses the methods for nipple site, nipple-areola complex transposition, breast resection and mastopexy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Gastroduodenal intussusception secondary to a gastric lipoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Gastroduodenal intussusception is an extremely uncommon condition usually caused by the prolapse of a benign gastric tumor into the duodenum with subsequent invagination of a portion of the stomach wall. A rare case of this condition associated with a gastric lipoma is presented. Clinical manifestations may mimic many other disease entities and are nonspecific. Diagnosis, however, can often be made preoperatively with noninvasive tests, which are usually associated with more specific signs. Treatment involves reduction of the intussusception and surgical excision of the lead point, either endoscopically or through a formal laparotomy.

Aged↗

PubMed1991

Eosin Y staining of proteins in polyacrylamide gels.

A staining method is described in which various proteins in polyacrylamide gels can be stained by using eosin Y. After a brief incubation of a polyacrylamide gel in an acidic solution of 1% eosin Y, various proteins, including human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins which are not detectable by Coomassie blue R-250 (CB), can be detected with a sensitivity of 10 ng protein. This is far more sensitive than CB staining and is comparable to the sensitivity of silver staining. In a Western blot, the antigenicity of an eosin Y stained protein is retained. In addition, proteins on an immunoblot sheet can be detected by eosin Y staining. The method described is rapid, sensitive, and reproducible with various proteins in polyacrylamide gels and has the added advantage of also staining sialoglycoproteins.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed1991

Competitive blockage of the sodium channel by intracellular magnesium ions in central mammalian neurones.

The aim of this study was to determine from macroscopic current analysis how intracellular magnesium ions, Mgi2+, interfere with sodium channels of mammalian neurones. It is reported here that permeation across the sodium channel is voltage- and concentration-dependently reduced by Mgi2+. This results in a general reduction of sodium membrane conductance and an outward sodium peak current at large positive potentials. 30 mM Mgi2+ leads ot a negative shift of voltage dependence of sodium channel gating parameters, probably due to the surface potential change of the membrane. This shift alone is, however, insufficient to explain the reduction of outward sodium currents. The blockage by Mgi2+ is decreased upon increasing intracellular or extracellular Na+ concentration, which suggests that Mgi2+ interferes with sodium permeation by competitively occupying sodium channels. Using a kinetic model to describe the sodium permeation, the dissociation constant (at zero membrane potential) of Mgi2+ for the sodium channel has been calculated to be 8.65 +/- 1.51 mM, with its binding site located at 0.26 +/- 0.05 electrical distance from the inner membrane. This dissociation constant is smaller than that of Nai+, which is 83.76 +/- 7.60 mM with its binding site located at 0.75 +/- 0.23. The low dissociation constant of Mgi2+ reflects its high affinity for the sodium channel.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Voltage dependent calcium channels in cerebellar granule cell primary cultures.

Voltage activated calcium channels were studied in rat cerebellar granule cells in primary culture. Macroscopic currents, carried by 20mM Ba2+, were measured in the whole-cell configuration. Slowly inactivating macroscopic currents, with a maximum value at a membrane potential around 5 mV, were recorded between the 1st and the 4th day in culture. These currents were completely blocked by 5mM Co2+, partially blocked by 10 microM nifedipine, and increased by 2 to 5 microM BAY K-8644. Two types of channels, in the presence of 80 mM Ba2+, were identified by single channel recording in cell-attached patches. The first type, which was dihydropyridine agonist sensitive, had a conductance of 18 pS, a half activation potential of more than 10 mV and did not inactivate. This type of channel was the only type found during the first four days in culture, although it was also present up to the 11th day. The second type of channel was dihydropyridine insensitive, had a conductance of 10 pS, a half activation potential less than -15 mV, and displayed voltage dependent inactivation. This second type of channel was found in cells for more than four days in culture.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

PubMed1991

Transfer of silver-stained proteins from polyacrylamide gels to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes.

We have developed a method to transfer proteins from a silver-stained polyacrylamide gel to a polyvinylidene difluoride (Immobilon-P) transfer membrane (Millipore, Bedford, MA). If the silver stained gels are rinsed in 2 x SDS Laemmli sample buffer prior to transfer, almost all proteins can be transferred comparably to non-stained controls. Some proteins stained with silver can be directly transfer, almost all proteins can be transferred comparably to non-stained controls. Some proteins stained with silver can be directly transferred to a single sheet of Immobilon-P without a prior rinse in sample buffer. Most important in the Western blot the antigenicity of the transferred protein is retained in either way. The method described is simple, inexpensive and versatile. A slight modification of the technique permits one to extract minor proteins, or detect their antigenic activities, without contamination of contiguous proteins.

Blotting, Western↗

PubMed1991

Local recurrence of soft tissue sarcoma following brachytherapy.

Twenty-five patients with soft tissue sarcomas were treated with Ir192 implants following wide local excision at our institution between 1982 and 1987. External beam radiotherapy was given in addition to the implant in a majority of patients. The median follow-up in these 25 patients is 36 months (12 to 75 months). Twenty patients have had no evidence of local recurrence following their primary treatment (FFR = 80%). A multivariate analysis using stepwise logistic regression was used to predict failure in 3 years or less. Potential predictors examined included age, sex, tumor location, primary versus recurrent disease, grade, histology, surgical margins, implant only versus implant plus external beam, and a ratio of the volume of tissue which received 65 Gy (TV65) to the tumor volume (TV), that is (TV65/TV). The single variable which was significantly associated with local failure by 3 years was a TV65/TV of less than one. Once this variable was entered into the analysis, no other factor proved statistically significant. Our data suggest that when attempting local control of soft tissue sarcomas with brachytherapy, the volume of tissue receiving 65 Gy (TV65) from both implant and external beam must exceed the volume of the excised lesion (TV). Since the volume of a tumor can be readily determined prior to surgical excision either by CT or MRI scanning, pre-planning of the implant volume could potentially reduce the rate of local failure.

Adolescent↗