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Biomedical subjects

F Sandhofer

Publications and source records attributed to F Sandhofer.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A deletion polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme gene is not associated with coronary heart disease in an Austrian population.

This study examined a possible relationship between genetic variation in the gene coding for the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) in an Austrian population. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the genotypes for an insertion/deletion polymorphism in intron 16 of the ACE gene in 315 patients with CHD and in 149 normal controls. In the control group, the relative allele frequencies of the polymorphism were similar to those of previously published European studies. The genotype distribution among our patients was not significantly different from that among controls. We were not able to show a significant association of the DD genotype with coronary heart disease in subgroups containing patients considered at low coronary risk. There was no association of lipid parameters and ACE genotype. From these data we conclude that, in the Austrian population, the insertion/deletion polymorphism in the ACE gene cannot be used as a marker for coronary risk assessment.

Adult↗

Lipoprotein lipase deficiency due to a 3' splice site mutation in intron 6 of the lipoprotein lipase gene.

In a patient with primary hyperchylomicronemia as a result of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency, we sequenced all translated exons and intron-exon boundaries of the LPL gene. We found a C-->A mutation in position -3 at the acceptor splice site of intron 6 which caused aberrant splicing. The major transcript showed a deletion of exons 6 through 9 and amounted to about 3% of the normal transcript of a healthy control individual. In addition to this major transcript, we found trace amounts of both a normally spliced LPL mRNA and a second aberrant transcript devoid of exon 7. On the same allele, we detected in the LPL gene of our patient four polymorphic variations, three of which have not as yet been described. A second patient from an unrelated family, but from the same geographic area, was also found to be homozygous for the same mutation. Of the relatives of the two probands studied, 11 were heterozygous and 5 were unaffected by the mutation. LPL activity in postheparin plasma was near zero in the probands and reduced in 4 of the 10 heterozygotes. A third hyperchylomicronemic patient from the same area was found to be a compound heterozygote who carried on one allele the 3' splice site mutation of intron 6 and on the other one an already described missense mutation resulting in Gly188-->Glu substitution.

Alleles↗

[Physiology and pathophysiology of the metabolism of lipoproteins].

UNLABELLED: PHYSIOLOGY: Lipoproteins (LP) are generally classified according to their density. Triglycerides are mainly transported in chylomicrons and very low density LP (VLDL), cholesterol is mainly transported in low density LP (LDL) and high density LP (HDL). The metabolism of LP is controlled by their apolipoproteins, by specific receptors, enzymes, and transfer proteins. Triglycerides and cholesterol from the diet are transported in chylomicrons. The triglycerides are rapidly hydrolyzed by LP-lipase to yield chylomicron remnants. The released free fatty acids are used either for storage in adipose tissue or for oxidation in other tissues. Dietary cholesterol is transported in the chylomicron remnants to the liver. Cholesterol and triglyceride are also synthesized in the liver and then secreted into the blood in the form of VLDL. VLDL triglycerides are metabolized by LP-lipase to intermediate density LP (IDL), which are either taken up by the liver or further catabolized to LDL. LDL are bound and taken up by specific receptors (LDL receptors) in the liver and many other tissues. By this pathway, cholesterol is transported from the liver to peripheral tissues. LDL can be modified by oxidation and then taken up by macrophages in the arterial intima resulting in the formation of foam cells, an important step in atherogenesis. HDL play an important role in reverse cholesterol transport (transport of cholesterol back to the liver, the only site of cholesterol excretion). PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: Various mutations in the LP-lipase gene or in the apo C-II gene result in LP-lipase deficiency. Homozygous carriers of the mutated gene show defective metabolism of chylomicrons and VLDL with extreme hypertriglyceridemia, eruptive xanthomas, hepatosplenomegaly and recurrent bouts of acute pancreatitis. Many mutations in the LDL receptor gene have been described as the primary cause of familial hypercholesterolemia due to LDL receptor deficiency. LDL receptor deficiency results in the accumulation of LDL in the plasma and deposition of LDL cholesterol in tendons and skin (xanthomas) and arteries (atheromas). In homozygotes, coronary heart disease begins in childhood. Familial defective apo B-100 is caused by a mutation in codon 3500 of the apo B gene. LDL with the mutated apo B is not recognized by the LDL receptor and LDL accumulates in the blood. Mutant forms of apo E (apo E-2 and others) are not bound to the LDL(B,E)-receptor resulting in accumulation of chylomicrons and VLDL remnants (beta-VLDL) and IDL. For the manifestation of type III hyperlipemia, additional genetic, hormonal or environmental factors are involved. Cholesterol deposition in macrophages of the arterial intima and skin gives rise to atherosclerosis of coronary and peripheral arteries and xanthomas. The pathogenesis of familial combined hyperlipemia, the most frequent form of primary hyperlipemias, is multifactorial and has not been clarified in detail.

Humans↗

The mechanism by which the human apolipoprotein B gene reducer operates involves blocking of transcriptional activation by hepatocyte nuclear factor 3.

Previously, we showed that when a DNA fragment extending from -3067 to -2734 of the human apolipoprotein B (apo-B) gene is inserted immediately upstream of an apo-B promoter segment (-139 to +121), transcription from this promoter is reduced by about 10-fold in cultured colon carcinoma cells (CaCo-2) but not in cultured hepatoma cells (HepG2). We postulated that this reducer operates by a mechanism involving active repression of a transcriptional activator that binds to the segment from -111 to -88 of the apo-B promoter (B. Paulweber and B. Levy-Wilson, J. Biol. Chem. 266:24161-24168 1991). In the current study, the reducer element has been localized to a 24-bp sequence from -2801 to -2778 of the apo-B gene that contains a binding site for the negative regulatory protein ARP-1. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 alpha (HNF-3 alpha) binds to the sequence 5'-TGTTTGCTTTTC-3' from -95 to -106 of the apo-B promoter, to stimulate transcription. Transcriptional activation by HNF-3 is repressed when the reducer sequence is inserted immediately upstream of the HNF-3 binding site, suggesting a mechanism by which the reducer-bound protein blocks the activation promoted by HNF-3. Data from cotransfection experiments in which ARP-1 is overexpressed in the absence of its binding site suggest that ARP-1 interacts either directly or via a mediator protein with proteins recognizing the HNF-3 site and that this interaction is sufficient to repress transcriptional activation by HNF-3. Because transcriptional activation by Sp1 is not affected by the reducer, it is unlikely that the reducer interacts directly with basic components of the transcriptional machinery.

Apolipoproteins B↗

Heterozygous lipoprotein lipase deficiency due to a missense mutation as the cause of impaired triglyceride tolerance with multiple lipoprotein abnormalities.

In 16 members of two Austrian families affected by a missense mutation at codon 188 of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene (8 heterozygous and 8 normal subjects), carrier status for the mutation as determined by DNA analysis was related to LPL activity in postheparin plasma, to the magnitude of postprandial lipemia, and to concentration, composition, and size of the major lipoprotein classes of postabsorptive plasma. Carriers exhibited clearly reduced LPL activity, normal fasting triglycerides, but pronounced postprandial lipemia. The carriers' impaired triglyceride tolerance, as evident in the postprandial state of challenge only, was associated with a fasting lipoprotein constellation characterized by (a) enrichment of HDL2 with triglycerides, (b) reduced HDL2-cholesterol, (c) enrichment of VLDL and intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) with cholesteryl esters, (d) elevated IDL levels, and (e) small-sized LDL. Within any given individual, the degrees of expression of these characteristics were quantitatively and continuously related with each other as well as with the magnitude of lipemia and with LPL activity.

Adolescent↗

Molecular basis of lipoprotein lipase deficiency in two Austrian families with type I hyperlipoproteinemia.

To determine the molecular basis for type I hyperlipoproteinemia in two Austrian families, the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene of two patients exhibiting LPL deficiency was analyzed by Southern blotting and by direct genomic sequencing of DNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All exons of the LPL gene except part of the noncoding region of exon 10, all splice donor and acceptor sites, as well as 430 basepairs of the 5'-region including the promotor were sequenced. A homozygous substitution of adenine for guanine in the fifth exon at cDNA position 818 of the LPL gene was found in both patients. Our sequencing strategy largely ruled out a linkage disequilibrium of the identified nucleotide change with another defect potentially causing the clinical phenotype. The base change described abolishes a normally present AvaII restriction site allowing the identification of carriers of the mutant allele by AvaII digestion of PCR fragments of exon 5; three members of the two families were homozygous for this mutation and ten members were heterozygous. The activity of LPL in postheparin plasma was almost completely absent in homozygotes and about half normal in heterozygotes. The loss of activity was related to LPL protein structure. This mutation alters the amino acid sequence at residue 188 from Gly to Glu. The conformational preferences of the protein chain around position 188 were calculated with the use of a knowledge-based computerized method. The most probable conformation is a beta-turn formed by residues 189-192. The mutation seems to destabilize the beta-turn and/or a yet larger domain critical for substrate alignment.

Adult↗

Hypervariability in a minisatellite 3' of the apolipoprotein B gene in patients with coronary heart disease compared with normal controls.

Several recent reports have examined whether there is a correlation between the presence of some minor alleles of the highly polymorphic apolipoprotein B gene and atherosclerosis and premature heart disease. The present study extends this investigation. A high-resolution method was used to study the allele frequencies of a hypervariable minisatellite region close to the apolipoprotein B gene in 110 patients with severe coronary disease and in 117 normal controls. Alleles containing 38, 44, 46, or 48 hypervariable elements showed an association with coronary heart disease. These alleles were also associated with elevated serum levels of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B among patients and with elevated serum levels of total triglycerides among controls. The hypervariable region showed strong linkage disequilibrium with a polymorphic EcoRI site in exon 29 and was in linkage equilibrium with a polymorphic MspI site in exon 26. Two patients carried a base change at codon 3500 that results in an arginine-to-glutamine substitution; the base change was linked in both instances to the allele with 48 hypervariable elements.

Adult↗

Indirect immunofluorescence test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Campylobacter pylori.

An indirect immunofluorescence test (IIF) has been developed for detecting Campylobacter pylori in gastroduodenal biopsies. This test was compared with standard methods of C. pylori diagnosis, namely Gram staining and urease test, in a study population of 226 patients; 121 of the biopsy specimens were cultured for C. pylori as well. C. pylori colonization was detected in 154 of 226 patients (68%) by at least one of these methods (IIF, 96%; Gram staining, 78%; urease test, 60%; cultivation, 55%). Serum samples from 191 patients of the study population were screened for circulating antibodies to C. pylori by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with whole, untreated bacteria as antigen. Of these serum specimens, 140 (73%) revealed absorbance readings above the limit of positivity, which was determined as an optical density of greater than 0.35 at 405/620 nm. Of 132 serum specimens, 128 (97%) from patients with C. pylori detected in biopsies, but only 12 (20%) of 59 specimens from those without C. pylori detection showed elevated specific antibody levels. Our data revealed that IIF proved to be the superior rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic method. The correlation between microbiological findings and the immune response favors our enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as an additional tool in C. pylori diagnosis.

Adolescent↗

Genetic variation in the apolipoprotein AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster and coronary heart disease.

Six RFLPs in the apolipoprotein (apo) AI-CIII-AIV gene region detected with the restriction enzymes XmnI, MspI, PstI, SstI and PvuII were used to study the role of genetic variation at this locus in the development of coronary heart disease and in the regulation of serum levels of various lipid and lipoprotein parameters in the Austrian population. 106 male patients with coronary heart disease and 118 matched controls were investigated. None of the alleles defined by these RFLPs was associated with increased coronary risk. In the patients, but not in the control group individuals with the genotype P1P2 for the PstI polymorphism in the 3' flanking region of the apo AI gene had significantly lower serum levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and apo AI levels than those with the genotype P1P1. The S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism at the 3' end of the apo CIII gene was significantly associated with elevated serum levels of triglycerides in the patient, but not in the control group. Controls with the genotype V2V2 for the PvuII(A) polymorphism at the 5' end of the apo CIII gene had significantly higher serum levels of apo B than those with V1V1 or V1V2. This association did not exist among the patients. These findings suggest that variation associated with some of these RFLPs is contributing to the determination of lipid levels in patients and controls, but that the RFLPs themselves cannot be used as markers for increased coronary risk in the Austrian population.

Adult↗

Lipoprotein binding to cultured human hepatoma cells.

Binding of various 125I-lipoproteins to hepatic receptors was studied on cultured human hepatoma cells (Hep G2). Chylomicrons, isolated from a chylothorax, chylomicron remnants, hypertriglyceridemic very low-density lipoproteins, normotriglyceridemic very low-density lipoproteins (NTG-VLDL), their remnants, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and HDL-E (an Apo E-rich high-density lipoprotein isolated from the plasma of a patient with primary biliary cirrhosis) were bound by high-affinity receptors. Chylomicron remnants and HDL-E were bound with the highest affinity. The results, obtained from competitive binding experiments, are consistent with the existence of two distinct receptors on Hep G2 cells: (a) a remnant receptor capable of high-affinity binding of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and HDL-E, but not of Apo E free LDL, and (b) a LDL receptor capable of high-affinity binding of LDL, NTG-VLDL, and HDL-E. Specific binding of Apo E-free LDL was completely abolished in the presence of 3 mM EDTA, indicating that binding to the LDL receptor is calcium dependent. Specific binding of chylomicron remnants was not inhibited by the presence of even 10 mM EDTA. Preincubation of the Hep G2 cells in lipoprotein-containing medium resulted in complete suppression of LDL receptors but did not affect the remnant receptors. Hep G2 cells seem to be a suitable model for the study of hepatic receptors for lipoprotein in man.

Apolipoproteins E↗

Altered metabolism of low density lipoprotein in humans after prolonged incubation in plasma.

Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in combination with exchange and transfer proteins is known to alter the composition of all plasma lipoprotein fractions. Human plasma from healthy donors was incubated for 24 h at 37 degrees C in the absence and at 4 degrees C and at 37 degrees C in the presence of the LCAT inhibitors sodium iodoacetate (5 mmol/l), and the low density lipoprotein fractions (LDL) were isolated. LDL isolated from LCAT-active plasma (LDL-a) exhibited pronounced alterations in their surface material: the relative content of phospholipids and of free cholesterol was reduced and the content of tetramethylurea-soluble apolipoproteins was increased. LDL isolated from plasma incubated at 37 degrees C with or without sodium iodoacetate showed significantly increased triglyceride concentrations. The LDL fractions from LCAT-active and LCAT-inactive (LDL-i) incubates were iodinated with 125I and 131I respectively, and their metabolic behaviour was studied in humans. LDL-a was cleared from circulation at a slower rate as compared with LDL-i (t 1/2 = 3.17 +/- 0.47 vs 2.88 +/- 0.45 days). The apparent fractional catabolic rate of LDL-a, calculated according to a two-pool model, was reduced by 22.2 +/- 3.1%. Comparing LDL-a with LDL isolated from LCAT-inactive plasma which had been incubated at 37 degrees C, the changes in the metabolic variables were less pronounced. It is concluded that physiological alterations of the chemical compositions, caused by LCAT and exchange/transfer proteins, influence the metabolism of LDL.

Adult↗

Demonstration of receptor binding of two apo-B containing lipoproteins by differential labelling with colloidal gold.

The interaction of two types of apo-B containing lipoproteins, human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and lipoprotein-a (Lp(a], with cultured human skin fibroblasts was studied by differential colloidal gold labelling in conjunction with thin sectioning and surface replication techniques. After separate exposure of the fibroblasts to either gold labelled LDL or Lp(a) for 15 to 30 min at 37 degrees C, labelled lipoproteins were predominantly found in coated pit areas. Excess of unlabelled LDL or Lp(a) completely displaced the gold labelled lipoproteins, indicating specific binding by the LDL-receptor. Simultaneous exposure of fibroblasts to LDL-16 nm gold and Lp(a)-40 nm gold conjugates revealed that both LDL and Lp(a) are bound in the same coated pit and internalized into the same endosome. In contrast to native lipoproteins, gold labelled acetylated lipoproteins were found diffusely distributed on membrane surface areas predominantly representing fibronectin-containing fibrils.

Apolipoproteins B↗

The interaction of human apoB-containing lipoproteins with mouse peritoneal macrophages: a comparison of Lp(a) with LDL.

Cholesteryl ester accumulation in macrophages and foam cell formation is believed to play an important role in atherogenesis. The effect of Lp(a) on the incorporation of [14C]oleate into cholesteryl esters was studied in mouse peritoneal macrophages. In view of the physico-chemical similarities between Lp(a) and LDL, the results were compared with those obtained with LDL. Native Lp(a) and LDL did not stimulate cholesteryl ester formation. Incubation of macrophages with Lp(a)- or LDL-dextran sulfate complexes caused a significant increase in cholesteryl ester formation. A similar effect was observed when Lp(a) or LDL were incubated with macrophages in the presence of antibodies directed against the specific Lp(a) apoprotein or against LpB. Treatment of Lp(a) with acetic anhydride or malondialdehyde (MDA) was followed by precipitation of most of the lipoprotein. Therefore, these modifications were not suitable to study the uptake of modified Lp(a) by macrophages. Studies with acetyl-LDL or MDA-treated LDL caused the well-known stimulation of [14C]oleate incorporation into cholesteryl esters. Thus, the modification of Lp(a) by sulfated polysaccharides or by treatment with antibodies yields similar cholesteryl ester deposition in mouse peritoneal macrophages as observed with modified LDL. This might be one mechanism by which Lp(a) exerts its atherogenicity.

Animals↗

[A combination of methyldopa, hydrochlorothiazide and amiloride in the treatment of essential hypertension].

41 patients (35 males and 6 females) with moderate hypertension were treated with a combination of methyldopa/hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride (M/HCT/A). In a double blind study the blood-pressure-lowering effect of this combination was compared with the effect of M or HCT/A alone. After 8 weeks of treatment, the combination of M/HCT/A lowered the elevated blood pressure more efficiently than the two monotherapies . M counteracted the potassium-loosing effect of HCT/A, but did not prevent the elevation of serum urea, creatinine and uric acid which is observed under treatment with HCT/A.

Adult↗

[Retrospective study of the evaluation of peptic ulcer recurrence after 4 weeks of pirenzepin (Gastrozepin) treatment].

In a recent study the effect of Pirencepine in the treatment of peptic gastric or duodenal ulcers was reported. Relapse rates were investigated one year after the end of these studies. The patients did not receive any treatment to prevent ulcer recurrence. It was found that 20% of the patients who have had ulcer healing after 4 weeks of Pirenzepine treatment, exhibited recurrent ulcers. The relapse rate was higher in these patients who had one or more ulcers prior to the Pirencepine studies. From the results of the present investigation it is concluded that Pirenzepine has a more beneficial effect in the treatment of peptic ulcers than placebo as observed in other studies.

Benzodiazepinones↗

[The effect of an infusion of glucose-insulin-potassium and of heparin on the plasma free fatty acid levels and on blood glucose].

In the treatment of acute myocardial infarction infusion of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIP) and/or heparin are frequently administered. The effect of an infusion of GIP, heparin or GIP plus heparin on the concentration of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and blood glucose was studied over a period of 90 min in 10 healthy volunteers. GIP caused a continuous decrease in the FFA level to 34% of the initial value. There was only a slight increase in blood glucose concentration. After the administration of heparin, a rapid increase was observed in the FFA level to nearly the double value of the initial concentration. Thereafter, the FFA level decreased in spite of continuous heparin infusion and after 90 min the FFA level was only 13% above the initial value. Heparin had no effect on the blood glucose concentration. The simultaneous administration of GIP plus heparin caused a rapid increase in FFA concentration, of the same magnitude as observed with heparin alone. Thereafter, the FFA level decreased slightly faster than with heparin alone. In some subjects, GIP plus heparin caused a substantially higher increase in blood glucose concentration than GIP alone. The possible implications of these metabolic effects on the course of acute myocardial infarction are discussed.

Adult↗

[Effect of acute beta 1 and beta 1/beta 2 receptor blockade on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism during exertion].

The influence of acute beta 1-receptor blockade using 50 mg metoprolol or beta 1/beta 2-blockade using 40 mg propranolol resulted in an equipotent reduction of cardiac frequency and systolic blood pressure without influencing diastolic pressure in ten healthy probands. There was no reduction of maximal bicycle ergometric exercise by either beta-receptor blocking agent. Serum glucose levels did not change during metoprolol in comparison to pre-test values. In contrast, propranolol resulted in a significant decrease of glucose levels during maximal exercise and 5 minutes after end of exercise. Plasma lactate was moderately lowered by both beta-receptor blockers after 20 min constant exercising when compared to pre-medication. Both substances reduced the insulin level in a comparable way during the exercise test. Serum triglyceride concentrations did not alter significantly during exercise tests. Serum free fatty acid levels showed a decreasing tendency until maximal exercise; however, there was no significant difference between values obtained with metoprolol or propranolol and drug-free pre-test.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗