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Biomedical subjects

G B Moore

Publications and source records attributed to G B Moore.

13 recordsLinked to original sources

Mammalian class Sigma glutathione S-transferases: catalytic properties and tissue-specific expression of human and rat GSH-dependent prostaglandin D2 synthases.

GSH-dependent prostaglandin D(2) synthase (PGDS) enzymes represent the only vertebrate members of class Sigma glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) identified to date. Complementary DNA clones encoding the orthologous human and rat GSH-dependent PGDS (hPGDS and rPGDS, respectively) have been expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins isolated by affinity chromatography. The purified enzymes were both shown to catalyse specifically the isomerization of prostaglandin (PG) H(2) to PGD(2). Each transferase also exhibited GSH-conjugating and GSH-peroxidase activities. The ability of hPGDS to catalyse the conjugation of aryl halides and isothiocyanates with GSH was found to be less than that of the rat enzyme. Whilst there is no difference between the enzymes with respect to their K(m) values for 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, marked differences were found to exist with respect to their K(m) for GSH (8 mM versus 0.3 mM for hPGDS and rPGDS, respectively). Using molecular modelling techniques, amino acid substitutions have been identified in the N-terminal domain of these enzymes that lie outside the proposed GSH-binding site, which may explain these catalytic differences. The tissue-specific expression of PGDS also varies significantly between human and rat; amongst the tissues examined, variation in expression between the two species was most apparent in spleen and bone marrow. Differences in catalytic properties and tissue-specific expression of hPGDS and rPGDS appears to reflect distinct physiological roles for class Sigma GST between species. The evolution of divergent functions for the hPGDS and rPGDS is discussed in the context of the orthologous enzyme from chicken.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression pattern of human P2Y receptor subtypes: a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction study.

The diverse biological actions of extracellular nucleotides in tissues and cells are mediated by two distinct classes of P2 receptor, P2X and P2Y. The G protein-coupled P2Y receptors comprise at least six mammalian subtypes (P2Y(1,2,4,6,11,12)), all of which have been cloned from human tissues, as well as other species. The P2Y receptor subtypes differ in their pharmacological selectivity for various adenosine and uridine nucleotides, which overlap in some cases. Data concerning the mRNA expression patterns of five P2Y receptors (P2Y(1,2,4,6,11)) in different human tissues and cells are currently quite limited, while P2Y mRNA distribution in the human brain has not previously been studied. In this study, we have addressed this deficiency in receptor expression data by using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction approach to measure the precise mRNA expression pattern of each P2Y receptor subtype in a number of human peripheral tissues and brain regions, from multiple individuals, as well as numerous human cell lines and primary cells. All five P2Y receptors exhibited widespread yet subtype-selective mRNA expression profiles throughout the human tissues, brain regions and cells used. Our extensive expression data indicate the many potentially important roles of P2Y receptors throughout the human body, and will help in elucidating the physiological function of each receptor subtype in a wide variety of human systems.

Actins↗

Concordant mRNA expression of UCP-3, but not UCP-2, with mitochondrial thioesterase-1 in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in db/db diabetic mice.

A recent hypothesis concerning the function of uncoupling protein-3 (UCP-3) depends upon a positive relationship with mitochondrial thioesterase (MTE-1) in situations where fatty acid beta-oxidation is increased. MTE-1 mRNA levels are raised in transgenic mice overexpressing UCP-3 in skeletal muscle and we sought to extend these findings by quantifying in vivo expression of endogenous MTE-1, UCP-1, UCP-2, and UCP-3 mRNA levels in white adipose tissue, interscapular brown adipose tissue, and skeletal muscle in db/db mice. In this study we show that changes in MTE-1 mRNA levels as a result of differences between db/db vs db/+ mice or following long-term treatment of db/db mice with rosiglitazone or Wy-14,643 were more closely correlated with changes in UCP-3 than either UCP-1 or UCP-2 mRNA levels in the tissues examined. The present data contribute to the argument that UCP-3 and MTE-1 are linked within the same metabolic pathway either in response to, or as regulators of, fatty acid beta-oxidation.

Adipose Tissue, Brown↗

Differential regulation of adipocytokine mRNAs by rosiglitazone in db/db mice.

The precise mechanism by which PPARgamma activation by thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improves insulin sensitivity is still unclear. Recent studies have focused on the role of adipocytokines in metabolic control and their regulation by TZDs. In this study, we compared the chronic effects of antihyperglycemic doses of the TZD rosiglitazone, the beta3-adrenoceptor agonist BRL-35135, and the PPARalpha agonist Wy-14,643 on the mRNA expression of adipocytokines in WAT of db/db mice. Rosiglitazone treatment decreased adiponectin and resistin mRNA levels by 57 and 72%, respectively (P < 0.001), with no effect on the level of TNFalpha or RELMalpha transcripts. In comparison, Wy-14,643 reduced adiponectin transcript levels by 31% (P = 0.015) while BRL-35135 increased RELMalpha mRNA expression by 245% (P < 0.001) without effect on the other transcripts. Our results indicate that although a reduction in adiponectin and resistin mRNA levels in WAT by rosiglitazone treatment of diabetic mice may contribute to the antidiabetic effects, an alteration in TNFalpha, adiponectin, resistin, or RELMalpha mRNA expression is not absolutely required for the regulation of blood glucose concentration in the db/db mouse.

Adiponectin↗

Overexpression of UCP-3 in skeletal muscle of mice results in increased expression of mitochondrial thioesterase mRNA.

Mice overexpressing human UCP-3 in skeletal muscle (UCP-3tg) are lean despite overeating, have increased metabolic rate, and their skeletal muscle mitochondria show increased proton conductance. The true function of UCP-3 however, has yet to be determined. It is assumed that UCP-3tg mice have increased fatty acid beta-oxidation to fuel their increased metabolic rate. In this study we have quantified skeletal muscle mRNA levels of a number of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. mRNA levels of uncoupling protein-2, carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1beta and fatty acid binding proteins, and transporters were unchanged when compared to wild-type mice. Lipoprotein lipase mRNA was slightly, but significantly, increased by 50%. The most notable change in gene expression was a threefold increase in mitochondrial thioesterase (MTE-1) expression. In the face of a chronic increase in mitochondrial uncoupling these changes suggest that increased flux of fatty acids through the beta-oxidation pathway does not necessarily require marked changes in expression of genes involved in fatty acid metabolism. The large increase in MTE-1 both confirms the importance of this gene in situations where mitochondrial beta-oxidation is increased and supports the hypothesis that UCP-3 exports fatty acids generated by MTE-1 in the mitochondrion.

Animals↗

Mice overexpressing human uncoupling protein-3 in skeletal muscle are hyperphagic and lean.

Uncoupling protein-3 (UCP-3) is a recently identified member of the mitochondrial transporter superfamily that is expressed predominantly in skeletal muscle. However, its close relative UCP-1 is expressed exclusively in brown adipose tissue, a tissue whose main function is fat combustion and thermogenesis. Studies on the expression of UCP-3 in animals and humans in different physiological situations support a role for UCP-3 in energy balance and lipid metabolism. However, direct evidence for these roles is lacking. Here we describe the creation of transgenic mice that overexpress human UCP-3 in skeletal muscle. These mice are hyperphagic but weigh less than their wild-type littermates. Magnetic resonance imaging shows a striking reduction in adipose tissue mass. The mice also exhibit lower fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels and an increased glucose clearance rate. This provides evidence that skeletal muscle UCP-3 has the potential to influence metabolic rate and glucose homeostasis in the whole animal.

Adipose Tissue↗

Plasma leptin concentrations and OB gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue are not regulated acutely by physiological hyperinsulinaemia in lean and obese humans.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of obesity on fasting plasma leptin levels and assess the effects of feeding on plasma leptin and OB gene expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue in non-diabetic subjects. DESIGN: Blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue needle biopsy samples were obtained after an overnight fast and 1, 2 and 3 h following a mixed meal (606 kcal). SUBJECTS: Eighteen female subjects: eight lean with a mean age of 40.1 yr (range 20-65) and mean body mass index of 22.24 kg/m2 (range 18.6-26.6) and ten obese subjects with a mean age of 48.6 yr (range 29-71) and body mass index of 33.53 kg/m2 (range 28.7-41.7). RESULTS: Apart from obesity the only significant difference between groups was a 2.6 fold higher fasting plasma leptin concentration in obese subjects compared to leans (26.9 +/- 2.9 vs 10.2 +/- 2.22 (P < 0.05) respectively). Adipose tissue OB mRNA levels were not significantly higher in the obese group. Plasma leptin correlated with BMI and visceral fat weight in lean subjects only. No significant association between plasma leptin and adiposity was evident in obese patients. In addition, there was no association between plasma leptin and the insulin: glucose ratio (an index of insulin sensitivity). Following a mixed meal, post-prandial plasma insulin levels were significantly increased, with a concomitant significant reduction in plasma NEFA levels in both groups. Despite the large increase in plasma insulin, there were no post-prandial changes in either plasma leptin concentrations or subcutaneous adipose tissue OB mRNA levels in either lean or obese subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that plasma leptin levels are correlated with the degree of adiposity, especially in lean subjects, and confirm that circulating leptin levels are greater in obese subjects than lean subjects. The present study also failed to show a significant association between plasma leptin and insulin sensitivity in lean and obese women. Furthermore, plasma leptin and subcutaneous adipose tissue OB gene expression are not under short term regulation following feeding in fasted lean or obese female subjects.

Adipose Tissue↗

The thiazolidinedione insulin sensitiser, BRL 49653, increases the expression of PPAR-gamma and aP2 in adipose tissue of high-fat-fed rats.

The effects of the thiazolidinedione insulin sensitiser BRL 49653 on plasma leptin concentrations and on epididymal fat OB, PPAR-gamma and aP2 mRNA expression were examined in high-fat-fed and high-carbohydrate-fed adult Wistar rats. Diets were given for 4 weeks, with BRL 49653 (10 micromol/kg/day) administered by oral gavage for the last 4 days. Treatment with BRL 49653 reduced plasma leptin concentrations in high-fat-fed rats from 2.34 +/- 0.19 (n=9) to 1.42 +/- 0.09 (n=9) ng/ml (p<0.001). Plasma leptin was unaffected by BRL 49653 in the high-carbohydrate-fed rats. There was no difference in OB mRNA expression between high-fat-fed and high-carbohydrate-fed rats, with or without treatment. PPAR-gamma and aP2 mRNA expression were significantly increased in the high-fat-fed rats treated with BRL 49653 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively), but not in carbohydrate-fed rats.

Adipose Tissue↗

Do you know that one of your employees is looking for a new employer?

Turnover of employees is a natural event. It is sometimes a relief when a particular employee leaves the office. On the other hand, the cost of losing any employee can be high because of the costs related to lost productivity, training, and the time required for recruiting a replacement. Because of these cost elements, it makes sense to try to delay an employee's departure. By "buying time," the manager can minimize the time required to recruit a replacement and possibly even redistribute the workload among current employees before the job-hunting employee leaves the organization. This approach allows the manager to control the situation. Sometimes it is better to let the employee leave immediately upon submitting a resignation if this will avoid disruption in work flow or the "chemistry" among the rest of the employees. Some employees become negative in their behavior patterns once they decide to leave the organization. The knowledge that an employee is looking for a new position is vitally important information to a manager. The clues provided by the job-hunting employee can go a long way toward maintaining the stability of the work force and the effectiveness of the manager in achieving the goals of the organization.

Employment↗

Information architects: data by design.

HMOs and other network-based health plans are harnessing the power of information--building integrated data infrastructures to meet the needs of members, caregivers, and employers.

Community Networks↗