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Biomedical subjects

H Melzer

Publications and source records attributed to H Melzer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Pathological excretion patterns of urinary proteins in miners highly exposed to dinitrotoluene.

A cohort of 161 underground miners who had been highly exposed to dinitrotoluene (DNT) in the copper-mining industry of the former German Democratic Republic was reinvestigated for signs of subclinical renal damage. The study included a screening of urinary proteins excreted by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and quantitations of the specific urinary proteins alpha 1-microglobulin and glutathione-S-transferase alpha (GST alpha) as biomarkers for damage of the proximal tubule and glutathione-S-transferase pi (GST pi) for damage of the distal tubule. The exposures were categorized semiquantitatively (low, medium, high, and very high), according to the type and duration of professional contact with DNT. A straight dose-dependence of pathological protein excretion patterns with the semiquantitative ranking of DNT exposure was seen. Most of the previously reported cancer cases of the urinary tract, especially those in the higher exposed groups, were confined to pathological urinary protein excretion patterns. The damage from DNT was directed toward the tubular system. In many cases, the appearance of Tamm-Horsfall protein, a 105-kD protein marker, was noted. Data on the biomarkers alpha 1-microglobulin, GST alpha, and GST pi consistently demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in tubular damage, which confirmed the results of screening by SDS-PAGE and clearly indicated a nephrotoxic effect of DNT under the given conditions of exposure. Within the cluster of cancer patients observed among the DNT-exposed workers, only in exceptional cases were normal biomarker excretions found.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1999

Extended recombinant bacterial ghost system.

Controlled expression of cloned PhiX174 gene E in Gram-negative bacteria results in lysis of the bacteria by formation of an E-specific transmembrane tunnel structure built through the cell envelope complex. Bacterial ghosts from a variety of bacteria are used as non-living candidate vaccines. In the recombinant ghost system, foreign proteins are attached on the inside of the inner membrane as fusions with specific anchor sequences. Ghosts have a sealed periplasmic space and the export of proteins into this space vastly extends the capacity of ghosts or recombinant ghosts to function as carriers of foreign antigens. In addition, S-layer proteins forming shell-like self assembly structures can be expressed in candidate vaccine strains prior to E-mediated lysis. Such recombinant S-layer proteins carrying foreign epitopes further extend the possibilities of ghosts as carriers of foreign epitopes. As ghosts have inherent adjuvant properties, they can be used as adjuvants in combination with subunit vaccines. Subunits or other ligands can also be coupled to matrixes like dextran which are used to fill the internal lumen of ghosts. Oral, aerogenic or parenteral immunization of experimental animals with recombinant ghosts induced specific humoral and cellular immune responses against bacterial and target components including protective mucosal immunity. The most relevant advantage of recombinant bacterial ghosts as immunogens is that no inactivation procedures that denature relevant immunogenic determinants are employed in this production. This fact explains the superior quality of ghosts when compared to other inactivated vaccines. The endotoxic component of the outer membrane does not limit the use of ghosts as vaccine candidates but triggers the release of several potent immunoregulatory cytokines. As carriers, there is no limitation in the size of foreign antigens that can be inserted in the membrane and the capacity of all spaces including the membranes, peri-plasma and internal lumen of the ghosts can be fully utilized. This extended recombinant ghost system represents a new strategy for adjuvant free combination vaccines.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1999

Importance of sodium dodecyl sulfate pore-graduated polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the differential diagnostic of Balkan nephropathy.

Balkan nephropathy (BN) is an endemic disease, which leads to end-stage renal failure and artificial renal replacement therapy. Pathologically it is characterized by progressive interstitial nephritis in a large population of villages situated in the proximity of a bend of the Danube up to a distance of 100 km from the river in several parts of Bulgaria, Romania, and the former Yugoslavia. The urinary proteins of 19 patients with BN from the region of Vratza, Bulgaria were examined using ultrathin layer sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) pore-graduated polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining. The documentation of urinary proteins pattern was performed using laser densitometry and consecutive electronic processing for the purpose of characterizing and quantifying protein excretion. Our results show that the proteinuria of BN is predominantly tubular, consisting of low molecular weight species (10-65 kilodaltons). The amount of tubular protein changes with the progression of the disease. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is a diagnostic method for early diagnosis of tubular failure in BN. Using our method of SDS-PAGE, tubular failure can be detected even at a total protein concentration below 0.1 g/L and when the serum creatinine concentration is normal. Additionally, our method of SDS-PAGE supports the differentiation of BN from glomerular disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Pathological excretion patterns of urinary proteins in renal cell cancer patients exposed to trichloroethylene.

A study was carried out to investigate urinary protein excretion patterns by means of SDS-polyacrylamide-gel-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in renal cell cancer patients who had previously been exposed to high levels of trichloroethylene. Thirty-eight out of 41 (93%) renal cell cancer patients investigated had former extensive trichloroethylene exposure, but only 23 out of 50 (46%) renal cell cancer patients without a history of occupational exposure to trichloroethylene revealed urinary protein patterns indicative of toxic effects on the tubular system. One hundred controls without histories of overt renal disease and not occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene were examined in the same way; only 11 (11%) of them displayed protein excretion patterns indicative of damage to the renal tubule. These results are supported by alpha 1-microglobulin excretion data. The following conclusions are drawn: (1) Substantially more cases of tubular damage are found amongst renal cell carcinoma patients having been exposed to substantial levels of trichloroethylene over many years as compared with renal cell carcinoma patients not exposed to trichloroethylene. (2) The results support the view that chronic tubular damage is a precondition for the nephrocarcinogenic effect of trichloroethylene. (3) The findings indicate that urine protein patterns, on the basis of the SDS-PAGE methodology, represent a 'biological effect parameter' for the medical surveillance of persons occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene.

Aged↗
PubMed1996

[Can examination of spontaneous urine samples adequately replace 24-hour-urine samples for determining excretory rate of various lithogenic and inhibitory substances in metabolic evaluation of kidney calculi patients?].

The gold standard for metabolic evaluation of stone-forming patients is the 24-h urine specimen. Recently, some authors have suggested that for routine metabolic evaluation spot urine samples are as valuable as the 24-h urine specimen. The purpose of our study, was to determine the value of the spot urine sample in comparison with the 24-h urine specimens. Eighty-eight healthy volunteers on different diets were investigated (32 vegetarians, 12 body-builders without protein concentrates, 28 body-builders on protein concentrates, and 16 subjects on a regular European diet). Using 24-h specimens, excretion rates of oxalate, calcium, sodium and potassium were determined. The concentration ratio of these electrolytes to creatinine was calculated for spot urine samples. A highly significant correlation between the excretion rates and the results of the spot urine samples was found for all parameters. However, the correlations showed considerable variations. On the other hand, we were able to show that creatinine excretion is highly dependent on daily protein intake, body weight and glomerular filtration rate. This leads to a considerable inter- and intraindividual variation in creatinine excretion. This variation of the creatinine excretion is the major cause for the variation in the results of spot urine samples. It is concluded that spot urine samples are an inadequate substitute for the 24-h urine specimen and that the 24-h urine specimen is still the basis for metabolic evaluation in stone patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Decreased glomerular basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan in essential hypertension.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are major components of the glomerular basement membrane and play a key role in the molecular organization and function of the basement membrane. Moreover, their presence is essential for maintenance of the selective permeability of the glomerular basement membrane. Recently, we isolated and characterized a novel small basement membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan from human aorta and kidney. Partial amino acid sequence data clearly show that this heparan sulfate proteoglycan is distinct from the large basement membrane-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan (perlecan). Using specific monoclonal antibodies, we have shown that the novel heparan sulfate proteoglycan is located predominantly in the glomerular basement membrane and, to a lesser extent, in the basement membrane of tubuli. Turnover or, in the course of kidney diseases, degradation of heparan sulfate proteoglycan from glomerular basement membranes may lead to urinary excretion of heparan sulfate proteoglycan, which can be measured by a sensitive enzyme immunoassay. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether changes in the structure and function of glomerular basement membranes can be directly detected by measurement of the excretion of a component of this basement membrane, eg, heparan sulfate proteoglycan into urine. The excretion of this small heparan sulfate proteoglycan was compared after physical exercise in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. Normotensive subjects and treated, essential hypertensive patients underwent a standardized workload on a bicycle ergometer. Biochemical characterization of the urinary proteins and heparan sulfate proteoglycan was performed before and 15 and 45 minutes after exercises.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Removal of beta 2-microglobulin using grafted affinity adsorbents as therapeutic approach for the treatment of hemodialysis patients.

Patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis are increasingly faced with the problem of developing amyloidosis. This is particularly manifested in a deposition of amyloid in diverse tissues and joints. For the treatment and prevention of amyloidosis, novel affinity adsorbents, which were prepared on the basis of radiation grafted polyamide, have been developed to remove beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-MG) which is the main constituent of the amyloid. Various affinity ligands, such as alkyl residues with different chain lengths, as well as collagen and gelatin were tested for removing beta 2-MG from human serum and hemofiltrates (HF). Collagen and gelatin carriers show the best adsorption performances. They remove > 95% and > 50% of the beta 2-MG from HF and serum, respectively. The results show that the present approach can be used as the basis for future development of beta 2-MG adsorbents as an additional means in the treatment of dialysis patients.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1993

Differentiation of proteins in polyacrylamide gels by a modification of silver staining for the PhastSystem and a laser densitometer.

Nonspecific background staining of the gel matrix is the limiting factor in the differentiation of proteins using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It is caused by nonspecific binding of silver ions in the gel matrix, either to nonprotein compounds or through the chemistry of the polyacrylamide gel itself. The resulting stain of the gel produces a stain baseline, making differentiation of protein bands with a laser densitometer difficult. We have therefore developed a modified silver staining method for the PhastSystem to reduce such nonspecific background staining. Apart from slowing the development program by lowering the temperature to 15 degrees C and shortening the incubation time to 4 min, the essential step in the modification is the combined use of an EDTA and Tris-acetate buffer solution which stops the reduction of silver ions. The reduced background staining leads to an improved detection of protein bands and virtually identical zero lines for the laser densitograms and the stain baselines. The total staining time is 91 min. All steps in the program are fully automated and continuous, employing the PhastSystem staining unit.

Densitometry↗
PubMed1992

Influence of oral contraceptive agents on kidney function and protein metabolism.

The present study was an investigation of the effect of oral contraceptives on kidney function as well as a brief examination of protein metabolism, since glomerular filtration rate depends to a large extent on daily protein intake. 28 healthy women not taking contraceptives and 46 healthy women (aged 20-28 y) on one of three different types of oral contraceptive (combination preparations) were investigated [Minulet/Femovan, Marvelon, Diane]. In all groups on oral contraceptives the endogenous creatinine clearance was significantly increased. The potassium excretion rate was significantly elevated in the groups taking Marvelon and Diane, and the sodium excretion rate was significantly increased in those on Minulet/Femovan and Diane. In all groups on contraceptives the albumin excretion rate was numerically but not significantly elevated. No significant differences were found in the daily oral protein intake or the nitrogen excretion rate on comparing the groups taking contraceptives with the control group. However, the ratio nitrogen excretion rate/daily protein intake was significantly increased in those on Minulet/Femovan and Diane. The study has shown that besides their various effects on renal tubular function, oral contraceptives are able to increase the glomerular filtration rate, and certain types have a protein catabolic effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

[Artificial human donor insemination as a treatment possibility for sterile couples at the gynecologic clinic of the Chemnitz "Friedrich Wolf" district hospital].

We inform about 106 married couples who were treated between 1/I/81 and 31/XII/89 with 1,110 donor inseminations in 380 cycles. By 106 first and 11 repeated treatments 83 (78.3 per cent) pregnancies could be achieved; 80 per cent of the pregnancies occurred during the first 3 cycles, 20 per cent between the 4th and 6th cycle. We noticed 43 spontaneous deliveries, 23 operative deliveries, 10 abortions and 2 interruptions (rate of abortus 14.5 per cent) and had to take notice of the loss of 5 underweight children. The problems in connection with a modern therapy of sterility are pointed out.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Incidence of abnormalities following the use of hormonal contraceptives].

In order to get evidence about the incidence of malformations as because of intrauterine exposition of steroids as after cessation of hormonal contraception in dependence on the time interval between the last intake of hormonale contraceptives (h.c.) and on different pills 5,866 pregnant women have been entered into a case-control-study. 2,834 pregnant women had taken h.c. during pregnancy or got pregnant within 6 menstrual cycles after discontinuation of pills (= cases). For control the data of 3,032 pregnant women were examined. These one had never taken pills or their pregnancy occurred after 7 menstrual cycles after cessation of pill ingestion. Perinatal mortality, Apgar-score (5 min) and incidence of twins were not different in cases and controls. The incidence of malformations was significant (p less than or equal to 0.01) higher in controls than in cases. It depended on age in form of an increase with rising age. The incidence of malformations in both groups increased significantly (p less than or equal to 0.01) with a rising cigarette consumption during pregnancy. The results of this study suggest that smoking regarding malformations represents a higher risk than the intake of h.c.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗
PubMed1987

[Therapeutic results in hyperprolactinemic sterility patients].

Out of 30 female patients wanting a baby we diagnosed in 27 cases a functional hyperprolactimaemia and in 3 women a macroprolactinom. Therapy was based on bromocryptin, in three cases preceded by a transsphenoidal adenomectomy. We obtained altogether 26 gravidities in 22 patients, including two abortions. 23 children are in good health, one child we lost by haemorrhage as a result of insertion velamentosa.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1985

[Results of endocrinologic diagnosis in sterility patients. A clinical report of experiences].

Prolactin and FSH were radioimmunologically found in 16 cases of primary amenorrhoea, 73 cases of secondary amenorrhoea, 27 cases of oligomenorrhoea as well as 22 cases of eumenorrhoea and we diagnosed 36 hyperprolactinaemias, 4 tumours of the hypophysis and 4 hypergonadotropic amenorrheas. In 25 cases of post-pill-amenorrhoeas we found 12 functional hyperprolatinaemias. The prolactinomas were subjected to microsurgical therapy. Functional hyperprolactinaemia was treated with bromocryptin, especially in those cases where a child was wanted.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1983

A selective inhibitor of thromboxane biosynthesis enhances immediate and inhibits late cutaneous allergic reactions in man.

Thromboxanes may be involved in late cutaneous reactions (LCRs). A new selective inhibitor of thromboxane biosynthesis was studied for its effect on immediate skin test reactions (WFRs) and LCRs in nine adult nonatopic volunteers (open study) and eight adult atopic patients (double-blind study vs. placebo). WFRs and LCRs were elicited by intradermal injections of 25 micrograms of compound 48/80 and 200 IU of rabbit anti-human IgE antibodies, and the patients' receiving injections of 0.32, 1.6, 8, 40, and 200 IU of anti-IgE antibodies. Dazoxiben (100 mg orally three times once every 4 hr) increased the diameter of wheals (p less than 0.005 in volunteers; p less than 0.05 in six patients receiving no additional drug treatment), favored their dispersion (lymphangitis/pseudopodia), and caused systemic reactions (headache, chills) in at least two out of eight patients. Edema formation during LCRs was markedly depressed in 13 out of 16 persons. Flare diameter and erythemata during LCRs were not altered. These data suggest a role of thromboxanes and their natural antagonists (e.g., prostacyclin) in the regulation of allergic inflammatory processes.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

[Maritogenic insemination - a contribution to the treatment of childless couples. Report on clinical experiences].

We treated 34 couples who urgently wanted to have children by means of artificial maritogenic insemination. Indications for this were combined asthenospermia and oligozoospermia (in 27 cases), therapy-refactory impotentia coeundi of the husband (in 3 cases) and sterility of uncertain origin (4 couples). We achieved 7 pregnancies. Abortions did not occur. 9 additional pregnancies were registered in 8 couples following treatment. In special cases artificial maritogenic insemination availed to recover from marital sterility. Pregnancies obtained after unsuccessful maritogenic insemination are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

[Comparison of intra-uterine devices, Copper-T-200 and Dana-Super-Fix-Cuprum (author's transl)].

The two above IUDs were compared by application to 411 patients, with the Copper-T 200 being used on 239 and the Dana-Super-Fix-Cuprum on 172. Gravidity occurred to 2.9 or 5.8 per cent of all probands. The Pearl indices were 2.6 or 4.2. Spontaneous expulsion was observed in 2.5 or 3.5 per cent of all cases. Devices had to be extracted from 9.6 or 11.6 per cent of the patients. Adnexitis was diagnosed in 0.4 or 1.7 per cent of the cases. Continuity values were 85.0 per cent for the Copper-T-200 and 79.1 per cent for the Dana-Super-Fix-Cuprum. No substantial difference in effectiveness was found to exist between the two above copper-based intra-uterine devices.

Adolescent↗