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Biomedical subjects

H M Perry

Publications and source records attributed to H M Perry.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

The effects of thiazide diuretics on calcium metabolism in the aged.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of long-term use of the thiazide diuretic chlorthalidone on serum bone-related biochemical variables in older persons. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparison. SETTING: Community-dwelling subjects who had participated in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly (SHEP) program. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-six Caucasians (36 male and 30 female), age range 70 to 89 years, of whom 23 were taking a thiazide diuretic. MEASUREMENTS: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, calcitonin, and serum bioavailable testosterone. RESULTS: In both groups, there was a high prevalence of low 25 (OHD) levels (30%). Log 25OHD showed a significant inverse relationship to parathyroid hormone (r = .33, P < 0.05). Thiazide users had lower levels of osteocalcin (P < 0.05) and parathyroid hormone levels (P < 0.05) compared with non-thiazide users. Male thiazide users had decreased bioavailable testosterone levels compared with non-thiazide users (P < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin was significantly related to bioavailable testosterone in men not on thiazide (r = .43, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D is a common finding in older individuals with associated elevations in parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone and testosterone concentration (in men) are correlated with serum osteocalcin, a measure of osteoblastic activity. Long-term thiazide use alters these relationships and produces a biochemical profile suggestive of decreased bone formation. Reduced bioavailable testosterone may also play a role in these biochemical changes.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1993

A preliminary report of vitamin D and calcium metabolism in older African Americans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal serum bone-related biochemical variables in older African-Americans. DESIGN: A convenience sample of older African-Americans who had a health screening and blood testing for calciotropic hormones was compared with white Americans who were recruited at the end of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) study and were not on a thiazide diuretic. SETTING: Community-dwelling African-Americans who participated in SHEP or who attended one of two mass health screenings. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two African-Americans aged 68-93 years and 43 white Americans aged 70-89 years. MEASUREMENTS: Twenty-five hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, and calcitonin. RESULTS: Serum 25OHD levels in 38% of the African-American men and 38% of African-American women were less than 8 ng/mL compared with 22% of Caucasian men and 40% of Caucasian women. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was above the normal range in 25% of men and 33% of women of African-American descent and 14% of Caucasian men and 30% of Caucasian women. Serum 25OHD was lower (P < 0.05) in individuals with a previous history of fracture. Serum albumin (P < 0.05), calcitonin (P < 0.05), and osteocalcin (P < 0.05), but not 25OHD, were lower in African-Americans (men and women) when compared with Caucasians (P < 0.05). Serum calcium corrected for albumin was higher in the African-Americans than in the Caucasians (P < 0.05). As previously reported in Caucasians, PTH was inversely related to log 25OHD in African-Americans. Serum osteocalcin was positively correlated to PTH in African-Americans, as previously reported in Caucasians. Log 25OHD correlated inversely with osteocalcin in African-Americans, but this was not seen in Caucasians. CONCLUSIONS: In this limited sample, hypovitaminosis D (as assessed by 25OHD level) with secondary hyperparathyroidism occurred frequently in elderly African-Americans. Osteocalcin, a measure of osteoblast activity, correlated with 25OHD and parathyroid hormone. Osteocalcin serum levels were lower in African-Americans than Caucasians, but serum calcium corrected for albumin was higher in the former compared to the latter.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Development of monoclonal antibodies to parathyroid hormone-induced resorptive factors from osteoblast-like cells.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) induces osteoblast-like cells to secrete factors capable of increasing cellular bone resorption; these factors are extremely labile. We have partially isolated them from supernatants of PTH-stimulated ROS 17.2 cells using affinity chromatography. Products eluted from the matrix, carboxymethyl cellulose covalently linked to Cibacron Blue F3GA, (CM-AB) were used as immunogens in mice. Serum from these mice blocked the effect of PTH-stimulated supernatants in a bioassay for bone resorption (the bone rudiment system). Then, hybridomas were produced from spleen cells of these mice. Screening of these hybridoma cultures revealed a consistent blocking effect of supernatants at a dilution of 1:100 in the bioassay. At higher dilution (1:1000), however, fewer culture supernatants blocked this effect in the bioassay. Mixed hybridoma cultures have been cloned and subcloned. Evaluation of the resulting hybridoma supernatants revealed that supernatants from at least three clones were necessary to neutralize the effect of the PTH-induced, osteoblast-produced resorption factors in organ culture. Similarly, using sucrose density gradient analysis, it is necessary to use three antibodies to bind all the 35S-labeled protein from supernatants of PTH-stimulated ROS cultures (equivalent to the fraction used as immunogen in the mice). The effect of PTH in organ culture is blocked by this same group of hybridoma supernatants. The antibodies appear specific for osteoblast-like cell resorption factors, as they do not block the effect of PTH on cAMP accumulation in ROS cell cultures. On the other hand, they do block the effects of dibutyryl cAMP on resorption in organ culture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Dying to be big: a review of anabolic steroid use.

Anabolic steroids use is commonly perceived to be the domain of the higher echelons of competitive athletes. However, a great deal of anabolic steroid use occurs in private gymnasia (non-local authority) among non-competitive recreational athletes. Our study has attempted to give an insight into the prevalence of the use of these drugs, the hazards associated with it, and the public health responses which we have adopted.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Difficulties in diagnosing hypertension: implications and alternatives.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the magnitude of misclassification rates with commonly used algorithms for the detection of hypertensives and to suggest a sequential approach to screening. DESIGN: A conventional statistical model was used with several different algorithms to determine the number and types of errors made in categorizing two different populations, a general population sample and a population with a high risk of hypertension. METHODS: The calculations were made for single-visit screens, similar to those used in epidemiologic studies, for three-visit screens commonly used in clinical practice and clinical trials for cutoff points of 85, 95 and 105 mmHg. A sequential probability ratio screen was proposed and the error rates estimated. RESULTS: Perhaps only one-third to two-thirds of people whose measured diastolic pressures exceed 95 mmHg actually have average pressures that high. The disparity between a single measured diastolic pressure and the mean of many pressure values also leads to errors in identifying individual subjects with mild hypertension. In a general population, single measurements of diastolic pressure exceed 95 mmHg in approximately equal numbers of normotensive, borderline and hypertensive subjects; moreover, one-third of those who are usually in the hypertensive range are not identified. All commonly used screening algorithms give too many false-positive and/or false-negative results. A sequential screening algorithm averaged 3.8 visits per subject and identified 95% of the hypertensives, with only 2.5% of those identified having usual diastolic pressures below 90 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Population-based surveys like the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) may markedly overestimate the true prevalence of hypertension. This overestimate is greatest for mild hypertension and could significantly affect the cost/benefit analyses of public health policy. Alternative screening methods, such as the sequential algorithm proposed, may have significant benefits in providing a correct classification.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The management of diabetes mellitus in older individuals.

Nearly 50% of individuals with type II diabetes mellitus are over the age of 65 years. There are numerous reasons to maintain blood glucose levels below 11.1 nmol/L (200 mg/dl) in older persons, and there are a number of changes often seen with advancing age that persons, and there are a number of changes often seen with advancing age that may interfere with the management of diabetes mellitus, e.g. hypodipsia, anorexia, visual disturbance, altered renal and hepatic function, depression, impaired basoreceptor response and multiple medications. Hyperglycaemia appears to produce cognitive impairment which may lead to poor compliance. It is often difficult to manipulate diet in older people, and in fact dietary changes can lead to severe protein energy malnutrition. High maximum voluntary oxygen intake has been correlated with increased glucose disposal, but there is little evidence that physical exercise can improve diabetic control in the elderly. Oral sulphonylurea hypoglycaemic agents are extremely useful in the treatment of diabetes in these patients, but it should be remembered that they are more liable to develop hypoglycaemia than are younger diabetics. The role of metformin in the management of older diabetic patients is poorly studied. Many older persons can cope well with insulin therapy, but those with visual disturbances often make errors when drawing up insulin and require special attention. Combination therapy of insulin with oral hypoglycaemic agents is not recommended in this group of patients, and serum fructosamine is preferred to glycated haemoglobin to monitor control. Successful management of elderly diabetic patients thus requires an interdisciplinary team approach.

Aging↗
PubMed1989

Effects of reduction in drugs or dosage after long-term control of systemic hypertension.

The possibility of discontinuing--compared to reducing--antihypertensive drug treatment was investigated in 606 male hypertensive patients with entry diastolic blood pressure (BP) in the range of 90 to 114 mm Hg. Diastolic BP was controlled at less than 90 mm Hg with 1 of 4 regimens: low dose hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), 25 mg twice daily; high dose HCTZ, 50 mg twice daily; or high dose HCTZ plus a low or high dose of a step II drug (propranolol, clonidine or reserpine). After 6 months of treatment that controlled BP, dosages were reduced in two-thirds of the patients. In those patients receiving low dose HCTZ and randomized to dose reduction, antihypertensive drugs were completely discontinued. Although approximately half of these patients remained normotensive for the first 6 months, a significantly greater proportion had elevation of BP compared to the control group, which continued to receive treatment (p less than 0.0001). In the high dose HCTZ drug group, the proportion of patients remaining normotensive did not differ among those stepped down to low dose HCTZ and the fully treated control group. While not achieving significance the trend was similar with the step II regimens. Although some patients remained normotensive after discontinuation of step II drugs, a greater proportion returned to elevated BP than when step II dosage was unchanged. Therefore, while stopping therapy may be effective in some patients, a decreased dosage is significantly more effective as a method for maintaining an antihypertensive effect. Decreasing drug dosages offers the dual benefit of minimizing side effects and reducing drug costs.

Antihypertensive Agents↗
PubMed1989

Reversal of cadmium-induced hypertension by D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate.

The aim of this experiment was to test whether a chelating agent, D-myo-inositol-1,2,6-trisphosphate (PP56), could reverse cadmium-induced hypertension. Four groups of weanling female Long-Evans rats received ad libitum a rye-based, metal-poor diet and deionized water fortified with essential metals for 15 mo from the time of weaning. A control group received neither cadmium nor chelating agent. A second group had 0.1 ppm cadmium added to their water from weaning through mo 5. A third group had 60 ppm PP56 added to their water for mo 6-10. The fourth group had 0.1 ppm cadmium added to their water from weaning through mo 5 and 60 ppm PP56 from mo 6-10. All groups were followed without either cadmium or PP56 for mo 11-15. At approximately monthly intervals, systolic pressure was measured by the indirect tail cuff method in unanesthetized rats. Chronic cadmium feeding induced the expected hypertension, with an average increase in systolic pressure of about 15 mm Hg; the pressor effect persisted with little change for the 10 mo after cadmium was withdrawn. PP56 completely reversed the cadmium-induced hypertension, and the inhibition persisted for 5 mo after PP56 was withdrawn. PP56 by itself had no demonstrable depressor effect.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Hypertension and associated cardiovascular abnormalities induced by chronic barium feeding.

Because high barium concentrations (2-10 ppm) in human drinking water have been reported to be associated with elevated cardiovascular mortality, hypertension and other cardiovascular effects were sought in rats chronically exposed for 1-16 mo to drinking water containing 1, 10, or 100 ppm barium. From weaning, female Long-Evans rats were kept in a "low contamination" environment and fed a diet low in trace metals. Their drinking water was deionized, fortified with 5 essential trace metals, and either 0, 1, 10, or 100 ppm barium was added. Indirect systolic pressure of unanesthetized rats was measured in triplicate at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 mo. Average systolic pressure increased significantly after exposure to 100 ppm barium for 1 mo or longer and after exposure to 10 ppm barium for 8 mo or longer. After 4 or 16 mo, barium exposure failed to alter organ weights or tissue concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium; however, both 10 and 100 ppm barium resulted in significant increases in tissue barium. Rats exposed to 100 ppm Ba for 16 mo exhibited depressed rates of cardiac contraction and depressed electrical excitability in the heart. Hearts from these maximally exposed rats also had significantly lower ATP content and phosphorylation potential, as measured by 31P NMR spectroscopy. Although the barium-induced increase in the blood pressure of rats was modest, comparable mild hypertension in humans would have major health implications.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Morbidity and mortality in the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) pilot study.

The pilot study of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of drug therapy for isolated systolic hypertension. It followed 551 elderly participants with untreated blood pressures of greater than 160/less than 90 mm Hg for an average of 34 months. Mean age of the participants was 72 years; 63% were women, and 82% were white. Pretreatment blood pressures averaged 172/75 mm Hg. Participants were randomly assigned to treatment with chlorthalidone or placebo as Step I medication. Blood pressures at annual visits averaged 141/68 and 157/73 mm Hg for the drug-treated and placebo-treated groups, respectively, with 60% and 33% of the survivors on blinded medication having systolic blood pressures of less than 160 mm Hg at their last annual visit. All-cause mortality rates for the drug-treated and placebo-treated groups were 25.4 and 22.7 deaths per 1,000 participant-years of risk, and rates for definite "first stroke" were 8.3 and 12.8 per 1,000 years of risk. Differences between groups were significant for systolic and diastolic blood pressure but not for death or stroke rates. A full-scale study has begun to determine the effects of drug therapy for isolated systolic hypertension on stroke and mortality rates.

Antihypertensive Agents↗
PubMed1989

Partial characterization of a parathyroid hormone-stimulated resorption factor(s) from osteoblast-like cells.

PTH stimulates osteoblast-like cells to produce a product(s) capable of increasing cellular bone resorption. We have investigated this phenomenon using primary cultures of osteoblasts and the clonal osteoblast-like cell line ROS 17/2. Conditioned medium from PTH-stimulated populations of either culture increases bone resorption compared to conditioned medium measured in three independent assay systems; the isolated osteoclast assay system, elicited macrophages, and the fetal bone rudiment system. Characterization of the factor(s) of PTH-stimulated osteoblast-like cell (ROS 17/2) suggests that the compound(s) is not prostaglandin (no inhibition by indomethacin; not extractable in diethylacetate). Rather, it is heat and protease sensitive. In addition, secretion of the product is sensitive to cycloheximide. These findings lead us to the conclusion that the factor(s) is protein. Further work demonstrates the necessity for a divalent cation for retention of factor activity. Finally, we have estimated the molecular radius of the factor as about 110,000 daltons and perhaps a second at about 70,000 daltons using a sizing column. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of [35S]methionine-labeled PTH-stimulated ROS culture supernatants reveals relatively increased secretion of proteins with these approximate molecular radii.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

University of California, Davis, conference: Mild hypertension.

Prevalence of "higher than normal" blood pressures in a community is inversely related to the magnitude of the elevation; the milder grades of elevation are far more prevalent. A multifactorially inherited tendency to develop hypertension is modulated by multiple environmental influences. Autonomic nervous and behavioral factors plausibly appear to contribute to the initiating mechanisms of hypertension; the associated hemodynamic changes and the resulting cardiovascular structural changes interact to perpetuate the process. The complex interaction of hypertension and atherosclerosis is further complicated by direct as well as secondary effects of antihypertensive drugs on atherogenesis. Attributable cardiovascular risk is generally proportional to the degree of hypertension across the entire range of elevated blood pressure; this kind of relationship holds also for normal versus subnormal blood pressure values. Pharmacologic lowering of blood pressure, however, does not confer proportional benefit. Thus, such lowering of blood pressure to normotensive levels does not reduce the risk level to that in the normotensive population. Therapeutic outcome is influenced by the interaction of blood pressure lowering, type of antihypertensive agents used, existing risk factors, and target organ damage. Benefits of lowering blood pressure in established mild hypertension (diastolic blood pressure greater than 95 mm Hg) are confirmed. Drug treatment of patients with lower diastolic blood pressure or with isolated elevations of systolic blood pressures continues to be controversial as does the choice of initial therapeutic agent(s). The large-scale experience of clinical trials encompassing the long-term risks and benefits of the drug treatment of mild hypertension is limited to the use of diuretics and adrenergic beta blockers. A variety of new and promising therapeutic agents for use as alternate choices for initial therapy needs to undergo comparative evaluation.

Adolescent↗