PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

J C Bode

Publications and source records attributed to J C Bode.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Effect of ammonia on plasma and cerebrospinal fluid amino acids in dogs with and without portacaval anastomoses.

To elucidate the possible connection between ammonia-induced changes of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amino acid levels and the development of hepatic encephalopathy in dogs, beagle dogs were given an ammonium acetate infusion both before and following portacaval shunt (PCS). During ammonia-induced coma and after recovery in the dogs prior to PCS the plasma and CSF concentrations of most amino acids were decreased. Following PCS the plasma and CSF concentrations of the aromatic amino acids (AAA), phenylalanine and tyrosine, increased and the levels of the branched chain amino acids (BCAA), valine, leucine, and isoleucine, decreased during ammonia-induced coma. The CSF/plasma molar ratio for the AAA exhibited a marked increase after recovery as compared to the value during coma in the Eck-fistula dogs. With respect to the AAA, no correlation was observed between signs of neurologic impairment in the animals and the following parameters: glutamine and methionine levels of CSF, and the plasma molar ratio (Formula: see text). The data obtained do not support the hypothesis that high concentrations of phenylalanine and tyrosine in the brain may be primarily responsible for altered neurotransmission leading to the development of hepatic encephalopathy.

Amino Acids↗

A controlled study on the use of intravenous fat in patients suffering from acute attacks of pancreatitis.

Thirty-one acute attacks of pancreatitis in 27 patients were studied. 15 attacks were treated with standard therapeutic measurements alone, and 16 attacks were, in addition, treated with intravenous infusions of a commercial fat emulsion (Intralipid). Fat infusions were started on the 2nd day after admission in a dose of 1,5 g fat/kg B.W./24 h. There was a tendency of quicker alleviation of pain in the controls, but the amounts of analgesics and antispasmodics required by these patients were higher. With regard to all other variables, which are commonly used to characterize the course of acute attacks of pancreatitis, we did not observe significant differences between the controls and the patients treated with fat. We conclude that intravenous infusions of fat in the dosage used in this study does not influence the course of acute attacks of pancreatitis.

Acute Disease↗

Catecholamines in the plasma and urine of patients with alcoholic liver damage under resting and exercise conditions.

Heart rate and plasma catecholamines were determined in 16 patients with alcoholic fatty liver and 14 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver. The measurements were performed at rest and after exercise on the bicycle ergometer, on average 11 days after admission to hospital. In comparison with a control group, the mean heart rate of the patient group was significantly increased at rest and under graduated loading. Significantly increased plasma catecholamine concentrations under resting conditions were observed in both groups of patients, the increase being more pronounced in the cirrhotics (increased with progressive liver damage, significant differences being found between the control group and each of the two groups of patients). During exercise under a load of 50 or 100 watts, the increases in adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations were greatest in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. With reference to the initial values, however, the increases in concentration were identical in all three groups. In the patients, metabolism of the catecholamines remained unchanged after an average of 11 days abstinence from alcohol; they showed a significantly diminished elimination of vanillylmandelic acid in the urine and, compared with the greatly elevated plasma catecholamine levels, they showed only a moderate increase in the excretion of catecholamines. The results reported here support the assumption that changes in catecholamine metabolism compatible with an increased sympathetic activity are present in chronic alcoholics without advanced liver damage.

Adult↗

[Alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. Drinking behavior and incidence of clinical, clinico-chemical and histological findings in 282 patients].

Drinking pattern as well as clinical, biochemical and histological findings were recorded of 282 males with alcohol-induced liver disease (fatty liver in 103, hepatitis in 61, cirrhosis in 118). The proportion of persons under 50 years of age was significantly greater with alcoholic hepatitis (70%) than cirrhosis (46%). Mean daily alcohol consumption was clearly lower among those with fatty liver than hepatitis or cirrhosis (P less than 0.02). Duration of alcohol abuse was on average shorter in patients with fatty liver and hepatitis than with cirrhosis (excessive consumption of less than 15 years was 61% and 62%, respectively, in the former, 28% in the latter (P less than 0.02). Symptoms and clinical and biochemical findings did not help in differentiating between hepatitis without cirrhotic change and cirrhosis. The most marked differences between cirrhosis and hepatitis, on one hand, and fatty liver, on the other, related to the frequency of certain signs and symptoms: upper abdominal pain, hard consistency of the liver, generalized jaundice, bleeding from esophageal varices and ascites; among biochemical findings they were: elevation of serum-bilirubin concentration above 34 mumol/l (2 mg/dl), lowering of the Quick values and of albumin concentration. Mortality rate during hospital stay was lower among patients with hepatitis but no cirrhotic change (6.6%) than among those with cirrhotic change (31.4%). While the prognosis under abstinence was relatively more favourable in patients with mild or moderately severe hepatitis, nonicteric forms require closer attention than has been given them so far.

Adult↗

The effect of cimetidine treatment on ethanol formation in the human stomach.

Ethanol concentrations were determined in the gastric juice of 53 patients treated with a nasogastric tube. Significant ethanol concentrations ranging from 1 to 27 mmol/l were found in a subgroup of 29 patients receiving cimetidine (n = 22) or antacids (n = 7). The mean ethanol concentration in these patients was higher 1-2 h after a liquid meal (means +/- SEM, 6.95 +/- 2.6) than in the fasting state (3.44 +/- 2.1; p less than 0.05). In the second subgroup of 24 patients, who were not treated with cimetidine or antacids, ethanol concentrations in gastric juice of more than 1 mmol/l were found in 6 cases, with maximal ethanol values of 2.2 mmol/l. The alcohol concentration correlated significantly with the pH of the gastric juice. It is assumed that an increase in the yeast and/or bacterial population in the stomach due to the reduction of gastric acidity induced by cimetidine or antacids is responsible for the enhanced production of ethanol.

Antacids↗

Jejunal microflora in patients with chronic alcohol abuse.

The types and numbers of bacteria were examined in aspirates from the jejunums of 27 chronic alcoholics and 13 hospitalized control patients of comparable age distribution without alcohol abuse or diseases of the liver. Samples of jejunal juice were aspirated in the fasting state. The mean number of microorganisms obtained during anaerobic incubation was distinctly higher in the alcoholics (log10, mean +/- SD: alcoholics 4.9 +/- 2.2, controls 3.2 +/- 1.5, p less than 0.025). A similar difference was found for the number of aerobic bacteria (alcoholics 4.7 +/- 1.9, controls 3.3 +/- 2.1, p less than 0.05). Significant counts (greater than 10(5)/ml) of bacteria obtained during anaerobic incubation were more frequent in the alcoholics (48.1%) than in the controls (7.6%, p less than 0.001). Coliform microorganisms were cultured much more frequently from the jejunal fluid of the alcoholics (alcoholics 55.6%, controls 15.4%, p less than 0.025). In addition the incidence of Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria and endospore-forming rods was higher in the aspirates from alcoholics (p less than 0.05). In both groups the number of microorganisms in jejunal fluid correlated closely with the pH found in the gastric juice. No correlation was found between the numbers or types of microorganisms in the jejunum and the type or degree of liver disease in the alcoholics. It is concluded that bacterial overgrowth might contribute to functional and/or morphological abnormalities of the small intestine commonly found in patients with chronic alcohol abuse.

Actinomyces↗

[Aminoacid concentration in plasma of patients with liver necrosis after carbon tetrachloride poisoning (three cases) (author's transl)].

Three men (aged 29 to 36 years) were admitted after swallowing 20-40 ml of carbon tetrachloride-containing liquid. On admission the Quick values were between 15 and 45%, maximal transaminase values 1900-5500 U/1. Acute renal failure occurred, requiring dialysis in two. In addition to the usual biochemical values, daily plasma concentrations of 18 amino acids were determined. The concentrations of phenylalanine, tyrosine, methionine, valine, leucine, ornithine and lysine were definitely elevated in the first 2-12 days. Except for glycine, tryptophan and arginine, the other aminoacids were slightly or definitely elevated for two to six days in two of the patients. Arginine concentrations were extremely low in the first two days. This shift in the pattern of plasma aminoacids in patients with carbon tetrachloride poisoning largely corresponds to those with severe acute liver necrosis of other aetiology and in part differ from the aminoacid pattern observed in animal experiments.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Quantitative histomorphometric study of the jejunal mucosa in chronic alcoholics.

Jejunal suction biopsies of 18 chronic alcoholics (alcohol intake of more than 100 g of ethanol per day for several years) and 10 nonalcoholic control subjects were analyzed quantitatively using the microdissection technique described by Clarke. Both groups were comparable concerning age, body weight and sex. The duration of alcohol withdrawal in the alcoholics before the biopsy was taken ranged from 2 to 7 days. The mean number of villi and surface per villus was slightly lower in the jejunum of the alcoholics. The mucosal surface per mm2 was significantly lower in the latter group when compared to the controls (p less than 0.005). The ratio of the number of crypts per villi was increased in the alcoholics (p less than 0.05). Histological evaluation revealed a more than twofold increase in the number of interepithelial mononuclear cells (p less than 0.005), while the number of epithelial cells/100 microns of villous mucosa and the mean height of the epithelial cells were comparable in both groups.

Adult↗

Salivary secretion in chronic pancreatitis with special reference to albumin and lactoferrin.

Saliva from one parotid gland was collected under citric acid stimulation in three groups consisting of 69 control subjects and two groups consisting of 25 patients with chronic and relapsing chronic pancreatitis. Mixed saliva was collected under mechanical stimulation from 10 patients and 6 control subjects. Flow rates and the contents of bicarbonate, amylase and protein were determined. In a subgroup of patients and controls albumin and lactoferrin were measured. Wide inter- and intraindividual variations of secretory values were observed and normal values (which are reported in detail) were highly dependent from conditions of stimulation. Secretory patterns were not significantly different between patients and control subjects. It is concluded that the alterations leading to an elevation of albumin and lactoferrin and a fall in other secretory values are restricted to the exocrine pancreas and do not affect salivary glands in chronic pancreatitis.

Adult↗

Activities of cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and brush border enzymes in jejunal mucosa of chronic alcoholics.

The activity of certain enzymes of the energy producing metabolism of the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial compartment and of disaccharidases was determined in jejunal biopsies of 24 chronic alcoholics (CA) and 10 non-alcoholic control subjects (C). The activity of glucokinase, an enzyme of glycolysis, was markedly (44%, p less than 0.05) increased in the biopsies obtained from CA, while the activity of fructose bisphosphatase, an enzyme of gluconeogenesis, was significantly (p less than 0.05) depressed in CA when compared to C. The activity of other glycolytic enzymes was not affected in CA. The activity of L-alanine amino-transferase was lower in CA (p less than 0.05). A reduction was also seen for mean succinate dehydrogenase activity in CA (-30%), however, this difference was not statistically significant. The mean activity of lactase, maltase and sucrase was comparable in both groups.

Alanine Transaminase↗

[Assessment of the course of chronic hepatic encephalopathy. Comparison of various measurements with special reference to the trail-making test].

In eight patients with hepatic cirrhosis and chronic hepatic encephalopathy stage I and II the following measurements were performed in parallel on 58 occasions over eight months: number connection test, time-linked orientation, presence of liver flap, arithmetical test, handwriting sample, electroencephalogram, and venous blood ammonia level. The number connection test correlated significantly with all other parameters apart from the ammonia level. The number connection test had the highest correlation coefficient. The electroencephalogram showed a significant but only weak correlation with each of the other parameters. Results of the arithmetical test, time-linked orientation and handwriting correlated significantly with each other and with the other tests with the exception of the ammonia level. In contrast to the EEG multiple linear correlation of all parameters allowed accurate prediction of the early stage of chronic hepatic encephalopathy if the number of connection test is taken as the measure of the stage. The number of connection test is easy to perform and shows accurate reproducibility. It gives a value as to the severity of onsetting chronic hepatic encephalopathy which is independent of the tester.

Aged↗

Influence of feeding fructose on fructose and glucose absorption in rat jejunum and ileum.

The influence of feeding isocaloric diets containing either 65% of fructose (F 65) on 65% of glucose (G 65) were studied on the uptake of both sugars in segments of rat proximal jejunum and distal ileum. The hexose absorption was compared to that obtained in animals receiving isocaloric amounts of a diet containing 30% of glucose (G 30). Feeding fructose (F 65) for 3 days resulted in a 2.5-fold increase of fructose uptake in the jejunum and a 40% increase in the ileum as compared to group G 30. When fructose (F 65) was administered instead of G 65 the uptake of fructose was enhanced by 75% in the jejunum and 35% in the ileum. Stimulation of glucose absorption in segments of the proximal and distal small intestine by diets F 65 and G 65 was nearly identical as compared to the values of group G 30. The stimulation of the uptake of fructose induced by fructose feeding parallels an adaptive increase in the activity of enzymes involved in fructose metabolism in the mucosa of the small intestine.

Animals↗

Effect of fructose feeding on the activity of enzymes of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate shunt in the liver and jejunal mucosa of rats.

The influence of fructose feeding for 1 to 12 days on the activity of enzymes of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis was studied in the jejunal mucosa and the liver of rats. In the jejunal mucosa fructose feeding leads to an increase in the activity of 6-phosphofructokinase (p less than 0.05) and fructose-1.6-bisphosphate aldolase (p less than 0.05), while the activity of hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase remains unchanged. Fructose feeding increases the activity of fructose-bisphosphatase in the jejunal mucosa, however, the absolute values of this enzyme remain low (less than 10%) when compared to those in the liver. In the liver fructose feeding is followed by a marked increase of the activity of fructose-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. In contrast, the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase decreases significantly under a fructose enriched diet. The enzyme activity rose to a maximum within 3 days; in the following time of observation no major changes occurred. The results are in accordance with the assumption that fructose feeding leads in the jejunal mucosa mainly to adaptive alterations of the activity of those enzymes which are involved in the breaking-down of fructose, whereas in the liver the activity of those enzymes is increased, which take part in the new synthesis of glucose-6-phosphate or which direct glucose-6-phosphate into the pentose-phosphate.

Animals↗

Effect of storage at 20 degrees C on the concentration of amino acids in plasma.

Amino acids were determined in whole and deproteinized plasma from six subjects, before and after storage at -20 degrees C over a period of four weeks. When the native plasma was stored the following changes were observed after four weeks (fractions, mean +/- SEM): increase of glutamic acid (to 1.30 +/- 0.11), decrease of glutamine (to 0.91 +/- 0.03), half-cystine (to 0.24 +/- 0.09) and arginine (to 0.94 +/- 0.02). In stored deproteinized plasma, only glutamine decreased slightly (to 0.96 +/- 0.02) in four weeks. The concentration of 22 other amino acids remained unchanged irrespective of the type of storage.

Amino Acids↗