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Biomedical subjects

K Kluge

Publications and source records attributed to K Kluge.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system ameliorates genetically determined hyperinsulinemia.

This study was performed in order to assess the potentially different effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril and of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist irbesartan on the metabolic syndrome in an animal model. Male NZO/BL6 F1 mice were treated with captopril, irbesartan, or placebo for 10 months: Control animals treated with placebo developed a metabolic syndrome with obesity (55.5+/-6.3 g), hypertension (146+/-10 mm Hg), hyperinsulinemia (7.2+/-5.7 ng/ml), hypercholesterolemia (5.1+/-0.7 mmol/l), cardiac hypertrophy (269+/-44 mg) and atherosclerotic plaques in the ascending aorta (3.6+/-1.5 microm(2)). Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonist significantly (p<0.001) reduces hypertension (73+/-5 and 78+/-11 mm Hg), cardiac hypertrophy (203+/-26 and 202+/-18 mg) and atherosclerosis (2.2+/-0.9 and 1.8+/-0.8 microm(2)). In addition, they prevented the development of obesity (42.2+/-3.5 and 38.3+/-2.8 g) and hyperinsulinemia (3.6+/-1.5 and 1.8+/-0.4 ng/ml). In conclusion, long-term treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptor antagonist can ameliorate obesity and hyperinsulinemia in a genetically determined mouse model.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed2002

The atopy patch test -- reproducibility and comparison of different evaluation methods.

BACKGROUND: There is still a lack of standardization of the atopy patch test (APT) in test procedures and evaluation methods. Our aim was to examine the reproducibility of APT results and to compare visual evaluation to chromametry and laser Doppler imaging. METHODS: Fifty-two volunteers with atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS) were included. The APT was performed on tape-stripped and unstripped test fields on their backs using cat dander, house dust mite and grass pollen allergens from two different suppliers. Responders were re-tested 4-12 weeks later with the same allergens on their forearms. RESULTS: Using Allergopharma allergens, 14 (26.9%) volunteers showed one or more positive reactions. The reproducibility rate was 56.3%. The Erlangen atopy score in APT-positive and negative volunteers was 19 +/- 6 vs 15 +/- 6. The test agreement in volunteers tested with both allergens, from Allergopharma and Stallergènes, was poor. Correlation of the results between the three evaluation methods was significant (P < or = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The low reproducibility rate of APT results and the poor inter-test-agreement using allergens from different suppliers show that much work remains to make the APT a reliable tool in identifying relevant aeroallergens that lead to flare ups of AEDS. Compared to chromametry and laser Doppler imaging, visual scoring was superior in differentiation between irritative and allergic reactions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Clinical effectiveness and tolerance of climbazole containing dandruff shampoo in patients with seborrheic scalp eczema].

Pityrosporum ovale appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of dandruff as a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis. Climbazole is an antimycotic agent with a high in vitro and in vivo efficacy against P. ovale. In the presented work we investigated the efficacy and safety of a climbazole 0.65% shampoo on seborrheic dermatitis of 30 volunteers. Subjects were diagnosed as having moderate to severe seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. After a 1-week washout and a 4-week treatment the clinical evaluation showed a successful reduction of dandruff, skin redness and itching in 80% of the volunteers and a mild improvement in 20% of the volunteers. The cosmetic acceptability was very good by the majority. It is concluded that the formulation tested is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe dandruff.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Effects of preventative footwear on foot pressure as determined by pedobarography in diabetic patients: a prospective study.

AIMS: This study analysed the effects of specially manufactured insoles on foot pressures in diabetic patients during a 1-year prospective observation period. METHODS: We studied 81 type 2 diabetic patients without foot lesions. Using pedobarography three different regions of interest were examined: maximum peak pressure (MPP) of the total foot area, heel region and head of metatarsal bone I-III. Eighteen patients with high risk pressure (MPP of total foot 474 +/- 183 kPa; heel region 278 +/- 147 kPa, metatarsal 389 +/- 222 kPa) received optimal insole support. Sixty-three patients as a control group (MMP of total foot 367.7 +/- 157 kPa; heel 263.1 +/- 127 kPa, metatarsal 339.9 +/- 171 kPa) received conventional footwear. RESULTS: After insole support a 30% pressure reduction of total foot MMP (474 +/- 183 kPa vs. 290 +/- 106 kPa) was achieved in the treatment group. After 6 months (324 +/- 127 kPa) and 1 year (380 +/- 190 kPa) a pressure reduction was found. Between the 6- and 12-month controls plantar pressures again increased. In the control group a significant increase of all peak pressures occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Early insole support is successful in reducing plantar pressure. A repeated adjustment should be performed every 6 months to prevent foot pressure increases. The comparison of foot pressure development between the two groups showed constant levels in the treatment group. In the control group a marked increase of the pressure values was found. Identification and subsequent support of patients with high ulceration risk may help to reduce the high amputation rate.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

In vitro differentiation of endothelial cells from AC133-positive progenitor cells.

Recent findings support the hypothesis that the CD34(+)-cell population in bone marrow and peripheral blood contains hematopoietic and endothelial progenitor and stem cells. In this study, we report that human AC133(+) cells from granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood have the capacity to differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs). When cultured in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the novel cytokine stem cell growth factor (SCGF), AC133(+) progenitors generate both adherent and proliferating nonadherent cells. Phenotypic analysis of the cells within the adherent population reveals that the majority display endothelial features, including the expression of KDR, Tie-2, Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1, and von Willebrand factor. Electron microscopic studies of these cells show structures compatible with Weibel-Palade bodies that are found exclusively in vascular endothelium. AC133-derived nonadherent cells give rise to both hematopoietic and endothelial colonies in semisolid medium. On transfer to fresh liquid culture with VEGF and SCGF, nonadherent cells again produce an adherent and a nonadherent population. In mice with severe combined immunodeficiency, AC133-derived cells form new blood vessels in vivo when injected subcutaneously together with A549 lung cancer cells. These data indicate that the AC133(+)-cell population consists of progenitor and stem cells not only with hematopoietic potential but also with the capacity to differentiate into ECs. Whether these hematopoietic and endothelial progenitors develop from a common precursor, the hemangioblast will be studied at the single-cell level.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A contribution to safety assessment of veterinary drug residues: in vitro/ex vivo studies on the intestinal toxicity and transport of covalently bound residues.

1. The gastrointestinal fate of protein-bound residues of the model compound furazolidone (FZD) was investigated in vitro and ex vivo. Protein-bound residues were generated in rat liver microsomes, isolated by solvent extraction and digested with 0.5% hydrochloric acid and Pronase E. 2. During digestion, 3-amino-2-oxazolidinone (AOZ), the side chain of furazolidone, was partly released from bound residues. 3. The absorption of free AOZ and digested protein-bound residues was tested in isolated perfused rat gut segments (IPGS) and in the intestinal cell line Caco-2. Free AOZ was transfered both in the IPGS model and in Caco-2 monolayer cultures, while no indications for passage of bound residues were obtained. 4. No acute toxicity of AOZ or digested food residues respectively was observed in gut segments and Caco-2 cells at concentrations that were substantially above maximum residue levels to be expected in food of animal origin after administration of therapeutic doses. 5. The results demonstrate that digestive processes can alter the chemical nature of drug residues and yield degradation products that may be bioavailable for the consumer. Thus, the covalent binding of xenobiotics to macromolecular tissue constituents cannot necessarily be regarded as an irreversible endpoint of residue bioavailability and toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Determination of reference ranges and effect of maternal and fetal factors on insulin and C-peptide level in umbilical cord blood].

OBJECTIVE: The risks of pregnancy caused by maternal diabetes are well known. Patients with unrecognized gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represent a special problem. The aim of our study was to find out, whether the determination of insulin and C-peptide in cord blood serum offers a valuable tool for retrospective analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 600 paired serum samples from maternal venous blood and neonatal cord blood insulin and C-peptide were determined radioimmunologically. A reference group consisting of 338 mothers and their newborns was established by exclusion of all patients with known pregnancy complications. RESULTS: Positive correlations could be identified between fetal insulin and fetal C-peptide, as well as correlations of these parameters with birth weight and body length, with maternal values of insulin, C-peptide, body-mass index, weight, and weight gain during pregnancy respectively. Increased levels of cord serum insulin were found in complicated pregnancies as well as in patients with previous pregnancy losses, preterm deliveries or stillbirths. CONCLUSIONS: Cord serum insulin and C-peptide were found to be useful parameters for immediate postnatal identification of impaired glucose tolerance during the course of pregnancy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Legal determinations concerning narcotics which are important for the veterinarian].

In January 1998 the German legislation of narcotic drugs was subject of important changes also concerning the use of narcotic drugs in veterinary practice. The annexes I-III of the law of narcotic drugs (BtMG) containing all substances classified as narcotics were reorganized. Furthermore, the directive on the prescription of narcotic drugs (BtMVV) was changed with the aim to facilitate the prescription as well as the supply of narcotic drugs by veterinarians in their home dispensary. The directive on inland trade of narcotics (BtMBinHV) regulating the distribution of narcotic drugs from wholesalers to veterinarians remained unchanged. The following regulations of prescription or distribution of narcotic drugs by veterinarians for treated animals are described in detail: notification of participation on supply of narcotic drugs, general principles of the use of narcotic drugs, safety measurements, inactivation of narcotics, prescription for patients or for use in veterinary practice/clinics, details of prescription, supply to animal owners by the veterinarian home-dispensary, book-keeping, purchase of narcotic drugs.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Lipoproteins and hydrolysis of organophosphorus compounds.

Paraoxonase of human and animal sera was shown to be a structural part of high density lipoproteins (HDL) by immunoprecipitation, heparin- or polyethyleneglycol fractionation, ultracentrifugation and gel chromatography. Frequency distribution of paraoxonase activity in human sera is trimodal. Human individuals, with respect to paraoxon detoxication, can be distinguished into low and high detoxicators using ratios of phenylacetate and paraoxon hydrolysis as well as activation with ethanolamine and sodium chloride. With conversion of alpha-lipoprotein subtype HDL3 to HDL2, specific activities of paraoxonase and arylesterase are increasing about 3.5-fold in low detoxicator individuals and 1.9-fold in high detoxicators, indicating that more than 90% of HDL2 particle-bound paraoxonase and arylesterase activity are incorporated during the HDL conversion process. HDL cholesterol concentrations in individual sera were shown to be positively correlated to both serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Detection of subtle aluminum-related renal osteodystrophy.

We compared the sensitivity of aurin tricarboxylic acid (ATA) or acid solochrome azurine (ASA) for detecting bone aluminum histochemically in 87 biopsy specimens obtained between 1983 and 1987 from 84 patients receiving dialysis therapy. Two consecutive biopsy sections were stained, one with ATA and the other with ASA, and then interpreted independently by two experienced observers. Three groups were established: group 1 (N = 61) had positive results of both ATA and ASA staining, group 2 (N = 25) had negative ATA but positive ASA sections, and group 3 (N = 1) had negative results of both ATA and ASA. No significant differences existed between groups 1 and 2 for age of the patients or serum calcium or immunoreactive parathyroid hormone levels. Patients in group 1 had significantly higher bone aluminium content (110 versus 61 micrograms/g dry ash weight), higher serum aluminum levels (151 versus 26 ng/ml), and longer duration of dialysis (85 versus 30 months) than did patients in group 2. Bone biopsy diagnoses (group 1 versus group 2) included low-turnover bone disease, 8 versus 7; osteomalacia, 26 versus 0; mixed uremic bone disease, 10 versus 1; hyperparathyroidism, 12 versus 14; and mild uremic bone disease, 5 versus 4. On the basis of ATA staining, 7 of 15 patients with low-turnover and 1 of 11 patients with mixed uremic bone disease may have been incorrectly diagnosed as having non-aluminum-related bone disorders. The levels of bone and serum aluminum were lower in group 2 than in group 1 but still much higher than normal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aluminum↗
PubMed1990

[Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in allo-arthroplasty].

Since 1984 the perioperative prophylaxis was carried out using the antibiotics Oxacillin or Halospor in artificial joint replacement of the hip. We started with 1 g Oxacillin at the very beginning of the anaesthesie. Further 0.5 g Oxacillin were administered 2 and 6 hours later. 964 hip joints operated between 1982-1988 were followed up. We observed a marked decrease of the rate of infection from 7.2% to 1.0% after the introduction of the perioperative prophylaxis.

Hip Prosthesis↗
PubMed1990

[Hip joint endoprosthesis and metal sensitivity. Studies using the leukocyte migration test].

The Leukocyte-Migration-Test (LMT) is a sensitive method for the proof of metal sensitivity in organism. There were no difference in the sensitivity of chromium, cobalt and/or nickel in 42 patients suffering for coxarthrosis and 41 patients after total hip replacement. We found no connection between metal sensitivity and loosening of artificial hip joints in two groups of patients suffering as well from metal sensitivity as from loosening of the artificial hip joint.

Cell Migration Inhibition↗