Biomedical subjects

L Xi

Publications and source records attributed to L Xi.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Essential role of inducible nitric oxide synthase in monophosphoryl lipid A-induced late cardioprotection: evidence from pharmacological inhibition and gene knockout mice.

BACKGROUND: Monophosphoryl lipid A (MLA), a nontoxic analogue of endotoxin, is a pharmacological agent that is known to have anti-ischemic effects. Mechanisms involved with the cardioprotection are still unclear. A role for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was recently proposed. We tested this hypothesis using S-methylisothiourea (SMT), one of the specific pharmacological inhibitors of iNOS, as well as iNOS gene knockout mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult male ICR or B6,129 mice were pretreated with either MLA 35 or 350 microg/kg IP (MLA35 or MLA350) or vehicle 24 hours before global ischemia/reperfusion, which was carried out in a Langendorff isolated perfused heart model (n=8 to 9 per group). Another group of MLA350 mice received SMT 3 mg/kg IP 30 minutes before heart perfusion. Ventricular contractile function and heart rate were not different between the groups during the preischemia and reperfusion periods (P>0.05). Preischemic basal coronary flow was significantly increased in all MLA350 but not MLA35 mice. Myocardial infarct size was reduced significantly, from 26.9+/-2.9% of risk area in vehicle-treated mice to 13.5+/-2.4% in the MLA350 group (mean+/-SEM, P<0.05). This reduction in infarct size was accompanied by augmented nitrite/nitrate accumulation, from 0.23+/-0. 05 nmol/mg protein in the vehicle group to 0.97+/-0.27 nmol/mg protein in MLA350 mice (P<0.01). Infarct size increased significantly, to 22.2+/-2.8% after treatment with SMT in the MLA350 group. Furthermore, MLA350 failed to reduce infarct size in iNOS knockout mice (25.5+/-3.6%). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a direct association of infarct size reduction with increased NO production with MLA350. An obligatory role for iNOS in mediating the cardioprotective effect induced by MLA was confirmed with the pharmacological inhibition and gene knockout mice.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in the inducible nitric oxide synthase knockout mice.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in the inflammatory process of certain major cardiac disorders including myocardial infarction and allograft rejection. However, the role of iNOS in acute myocardial ischemia has not been well defined. We determined the effects of genetically disruption of the intact iNOS system on cardiac tolerance to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Adult male wild-type (WT) and iNOS knockout (KO) B6,129 mice were subjected to 20 min global ischemia and 30 min reperfusion in a Langendorff isolated perfused heart model (37 degrees C, n = 10/each group). Ventricular contractile function, heart rate, coronary flow, and leakage of intracellular enzymes (CK and LDH) were not significantly different between the groups during pre-ischemia as well as reperfusion period (P > 0.05). Myocardial infarct size was also not significantly different between WT (20.2+/-2.0% of risk area) and KO mice (23.5+/-3.8%; Mean+/-SEM, P > 0.05). However, the post-ischemic heart rate was significantly preserved in KO as compared to WT (P < 0.05). We conclude that disruption of iNOS gene does not exacerbate ischemia/ reperfusion injury in the heart.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Reduction in hMSH2 mRNA levels by premature translation termination: implications for mutation screening in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

We have used single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and heteroduplex analysis to examine DNA from 50 colorectal carcinoma patients coming from families meeting the Amsterdam criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) or having developed colorectal carcinoma at age 45 or younger. We identified mutations in 12 of these patients, with seven of these being novel mutations. We examined four of the truncating mutations using in vitro transcription and translation (IVTT) assays and determined that the mutation causing an in-frame deletion of exon 5 could easily be detected by the IVTT assay, but the three mutations resulting in premature translation termination were not detected because the steady-state levels of the mutant allele transcripts are too low. Our findings suggest that some but not all mutant hMSH2 alleles have significantly lower steady-state mRNA levels than the normal allele. Under ideal circumstances, where lymphoblastoid cell lines are available for RNA extraction, IVTT may be useful for detecting truncating mutations. However, our data suggest that caution should be taken in using IVTT in routine screening of clinical samples for truncating HNPCC mutations, as many mutations may go undetected.

Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis↗

PubMed1999

Reduced expression of cyclooxygenase 2 proteins in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers relative to sporadic cancers.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Evidence suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and that this effect is mediated through COX inhibition. We analyzed and compared expression of the inducible COX-2 isoform in colorectal neoplasms from patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and sporadic CRC. Given that COX-2 is induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and that TGF-beta type II receptor (RII) mutations are found in HNPCCs, we determined the relationship between RII status and COX-2 expression. METHODS: COX-2 protein expression was determined in colorectal epithelia using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Patients with HNPCC had known mutations in hMLH1 or hMSH2 genes and/or met the Amsterdam criteria. In CRCs from HNPCC cases, mutations were sought in the coding region of the RII gene using the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: COX-2 was detected in adenomas from 2 of 3 HNPCC, 6 of 7 FAP, and 5 of 8 sporadic cases. In CRCs, COX-2 staining was found in 16 of 24 (67%) HNPCC vs. 24 of 26 (92%) sporadic cases (P = 0.035) and in 2 of 2 FAP cases. Staining intensity was reduced in HNPCCs compared with sporadic CRCs (P = 0.035). Staining localized to the cytoplasm of neoplastic cells; normal epithelial cells were negative for COX-2. Overexpression of COX-2 in CRCs relative to normal mucosa was confirmed by Western blotting. TGF-beta RII mutations were detected in 12 of 14 HNPCCs examined, including 3 of 4 COX-2-negative and 9 of 10 COX-2-positive cancers. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency and intensity of COX-2 expression was significantly reduced in HNPCCs relative to sporadic CRCs, and was not a consequence of RII mutations. Given that many HNPCCs express COX-2, inhibition of this enzyme may be an important strategy to prevent CRC in these patients.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

PubMed1999

Glycolipid RC-552 induces delayed preconditioning-like effect via iNOS-dependent pathway in mice.

We recently demonstrated that monophosphoryl lipid A (MLA)-induced delayed cardioprotection is mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in mice. In the present study, we determined whether RC-552, a novel synthetic glycolipid related in chemical structure to MLA, could afford similar protection. Adult mice were pretreated with vehicle or RC-552 (350 microg/kg ip, n = 7 mice/group) 24 h before global ischemia and reperfusion in a Langendorff isolated, perfused heart model. A group of RC-552-treated mice received S-methylisothiourea (SMT), a selective inhibitor of iNOS (3 mg/kg ip), 30 min before heart perfusion. Myocardial infarct size was significantly reduced from 19.2 +/- 2.0% in vehicle to 8.2 +/- 2.9% in RC-552 group (P < 0.05). Treatment with SMT abolished RC-552-induced reduction in infarct size (20.0 +/- 3.9%). In addition, RC-552 failed to reduce infarct size in isolated hearts from iNOS knockout mice (27.1 +/- 2.8%) compared with that in hearts from control knockout mice without drug treatment (22.9 +/- 5.4%). Acute buffer perfusion with RC-552 (0.1, 1.0, or 2.5 microg/ml) for 8 min immediately before ischemia-reperfusion did not reduce infarct size significantly. We concluded that RC-552 induces delayed cardioprotection via an iNOS-dependent pathway.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Myocardial preconditioning: basic concepts and potential mechanisms.

Preconditioning is a phenomenon, where brief periods of stress such as ischemia, heat shock or certain pharmacological agents make the heart tolerant to subsequent lethal ischemic injury. Preconditioning seems to involve a variety of stress signals which include activation of membrane receptors and signaling molecules such as protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinases, opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channel and expression of a number of protective proteins. In this review, the potential role of these mechanisms is discussed.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Benzene increases aneuploidy in the lymphocytes of exposed workers: a comparison of data obtained by fluorescence in situ hybridization in interphase and metaphase cells.

Benzene is an established human leukemogen that increases the level of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes of exposed workers. Numerical aberrations (aneusomy) can be observed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in both interphase and metaphase cells. Whereas interphase FISH allows nondividing cells to be analyzed, one advantage of metaphase FISH is that it can also detect structural changes. The present study compares the abilities of metaphase and interphase FISH to detect aneusomy of chromosomes 7 and 8 in healthy benzene-exposed human subjects. Metaphase and interphase cells from the peripheral blood of 43 workers exposed to benzene (median = 31 ppm, 8-hr TWA) and 44 frequency-matched controls were analyzed by FISH. Normal diploid cells contained two hybridization signals, whereas those that were potentially monosomic contained one, trisomic 3 and tetrasomic 4. The frequency of cells with one hybridization signal for chromosome 7 in metaphase spreads rose from 2.72 +/- 0.19 (%, mean +/- SE) in controls to 3.79 +/- 0.63 in workers exposed to 31 or fewer ppm benzene and 5.9 +/- 0.85 in those exposed to more than 31 ppm (P(trend) < 0.0001). No similar dose-dependent increase in the frequency of cells with one hybridization signal was observed by interphase FISH, probably because of probe overlap artifact. Although significant dose-dependent increases in the frequency of cells with three hybridization signals for chromosome 7 were detected by both methods in the higher-exposed group, a larger, more significant difference was detected by metaphase FISH between controls and workers exposed to 31 or fewer ppm. Similar data were obtained for chromosome 8. Interphase and metaphase FISH were moderately correlated for three hybridization signals but not for one hybridization signal in chromosome 7 or 8. In general, metaphase FISH was more sensitive in detecting both monosomy and trisomy in the lymphocytes of exposed workers.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Nitric oxide-dependent mechanism of anti-ischemic myocardial protection induced by monophosphoryl lipid A.

Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MLA) is a detoxified derivative of endotoxin and was first derived and purified from bacterial lipopolysaccharide in 1980s. This pharmacological agent has been studied as a vaccine adjunct, anti-septic, or anti-tumor agent by means of its immunomodulatory properties. In addition, MLA is one of the most well documented protective drugs against cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury in various animal species. Mechanisms involved with the MLA-induced cardioprotection are still not fully understood. A key role for ATP-sensitive potassium channels and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been proposed. This article provides a brief overview on the updated understanding of MLA-induced cardioprotection and focuses on the new evidence and insights that were brought into the field by a number of new publications during 1998-1999. Our recent study in a globally ischemic mouse heart model is particularly highlighted. An obligatory role for nitric oxide (NO) in mediating the delayed cardioprotective effect induced by MLA via induction of iNOS was double-confirmed by using S-methylisothiourea (SMT)--a specific inhibitors of iNOS as well as the iNOS gene knockout mice. A direct association of the MLA-induced infarct size reduction with increased NO production was also demonstrated in this study. Future studies should target on identifying the key type(s) of cytokine and the receptors as well as free radical-activated transcription factors that may be responsible for induction of iNOS and the subsequent anti-ischemic cardioprotection with MLA. Information gathered in the studies on MLA may eventually enhance our understanding in the mechanisms of delayed phase of myocardial preconditioning and its clinical applications.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, emodin and its derivative repress HER-2/neu-induced cellular transformation and metastasis-associated properties.

We have previously shown that emodin suppresses tyrosine kinase activity of HER-2/neu-encoded p185neu receptor tyrosine kinase. In this study, we examine the relationship between the chemical structure and the activity of emodin and nine derivatives, and identified that one methyl, one hydroxy, and one carbonyl functional groups are critical for the biological activities of emodin. We also found that one of the derivatives 10-(4-acetamidobenzylidene)-9-anthrone (DK-V-47) is more effective than emodin in repressing the tyrosine phosphorylation of p185neu and in inhibiting the proliferation and transformation of HER-2/neu-overexpressing human breast cancer cells. Using mutation-activated HER-2/neu transformed 3T3 cells, we also investigated whether emodin and DK-V-47 can inhibit malignant transformation induced solely by the HER-2/neu oncogene. We found that DK-V-47 is more potent than emodin in suppressing transformation phenotypes of activated HER-2/neu transformed 3T3 cells including anchorage-dependent and -independent growth, metastasis-associated properties. These results clearly indicate that the inhibition of p185neu tyrosine kinase by both emodin and DK-V-47 is capable of suppressing the HER-2/neu associated transformed phenotypes including the ability to induce metastatic potential. Our results also support the chemotherapeutic implications of the use of either emodin or DK-V-47 to target HER-2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells.

3T3 Cells↗

PubMed1998

Increased translocations and aneusomy in chromosomes 8 and 21 among workers exposed to benzene.

Chromosome aberrations in peripheral blood lymphocytes have been used for many years to monitor human populations exposed to potential carcinogens. Recent reports have confirmed the validity of this approach by demonstrating that elevated levels of chromosome aberrations in lymphocytes are associated with subsequent increased cancer risk, especially for increased mortality from hematological malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We postulated that this approach could be improved in two ways: (a) by detecting oncogenic disease-specific aberrations; and (b) by using chromosome painting so that many more metaphases could be analyzed. Numerical and structural aberrations in chromosomes 8 and 21 are commonly observed in AML. In the present study, we painted chromosomes 8 and 21 in lymphocyte metaphases from 43 healthy workers exposed to benzene, an established cause of AML, and from 44 matched controls. To examine dose-response relationships the workers were divided into two groups at the median exposure level, a lower-exposed group (< or = 31 ppm; n = 21), and a higher-exposed group (> 31 ppm; n = 22). Benzene exposure was associated with significant increases in hyperdiploidy of chromosomes 8 (1.2, 1.5, and 2.4 per 100 metaphases; P < 0.0001) and 21 (0.9, 1.1, and 1.9 per 100 metaphases; P < 0.0001). Translocations between chromosomes 8 and 21 were increased up to 15-fold in highly exposed workers (0.01, 0.04, and 0.16 per 100 metaphases; P < 0.0001). In one highly exposed individual, these translocations were reciprocal and were detectable by reverse transcriptase-PCR. These data indicate a potential role for t(8;21) in benzene-induced leukemogenesis and are consistent with the hypothesis that detection of specific chromosome aberrations may be a powerful approach to identify populations at increased risk of leukemia.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1998

Studies on the genotoxicity of molybdenum salts in human cells in vitro and in mice in vivo.

Molybdenum is an essential element in plants and animals as a cofactor for enzymes. Molybdenum trioxide is used in metallurgical processes, in cosmetics as a pigment, and in contact lens solution, yet limited information is available on molybdenum genotoxicity. In the present study the micronucleus (MN) assay in human lymphocytes and mouse bone marrow and the dominant lethal assay in mice were used to assess the genotoxic effects of molybdenum salts in vitro and in vivo. Two salts of molybdenum were tested in whole blood cultures. Ammonium molybdate was more potent than sodium molybdate in causing a dose-dependent decrease in viability and replicative index and an increase in MN formation in binucleated lymphocytes (P < 0.001). A dose-response in both kinetochore-positive MN (caused by chromosome lagging) and kinetochore-negative MN (associated with chromosome breakage) was observed. Based on the results of a toxicity study of sodium molybdate, two doses, 200 and 400 mg/kg, were assessed in the bone marrow MN assay in mice (two i.p. injections 24 and 48 hr prior to euthanasia). A modest but statistically significant increase in MN frequency in polychromatic erythrocytes was observed (P < 0.05). The same treatment protocol was used to analyze dominant lethality. A dose-dependent increase in postimplantation loss represented mostly by early resorptions was observed the first week after treatment (P = 0.003). These preliminary data suggest that sodium molybdate induces dominant lethality at the postmeiotic stage of spermatogenesis. Overall, molybdenum salts produced moderately positive results both in vitro in human cells and in vivo in mice.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Whole body heat shock fails to protect mouse heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury: role of 72 kDa heat shock protein and antioxidant enzymes.

The transgenic mice overexpressing heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) or antioxidants have been reported to be more resistant to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. However, it remains unknown whether whole body heat stress (HS) which may induce HSP72 or endogenous antioxidants affords similar protection in the mouse heart. Adult male mice were treated with either HS (42 degrees C for 15 min) or anesthesia only (SC) against a group of non-stressed controls (NC). At 6 or 24 h later, the hearts were excised and perfused at a constant pressure of 55 mmHg in Langendorff mode. Following 30 min equilibration, hearts were subjected to 20 min of global ischemia and 30 min reperfusion (37 degrees C). Ventricular force was measured by a force-displacement transducer attached to the apex. Leakage of intracellular enzymes (CK, LDH) was measured in coronary efflux. Infarct size was determined by tetrazolium staining. The results showed that no significant differences between HS, SC, and NC groups in ventricular contractile function, CK and LDH release, or infarct size were observed at either time window. HS enhanced the expression of HSP72 in mouse hearts by two- to three-fold, whereas antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and MnSOD) did not change significantly. We conclude that HS does not precondition the isolated perfused mice hearts against ischemia/reperfusion injury, despite induction of HSP72.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

Ischemic preconditioning in isolated perfused mouse heart: reduction in infarct size without improvement of post-ischemic ventricular function.

Genetically engineered mice provide an excellent tool to study the role of a particular gene in biological systems and will be increasingly used as models to understand the signal transduction mechanisms involved in ischemic preconditioning (IP). However, the phenomenon of IP has not been well characterized in this species. We therefore attempted to examine whether IP could protect isolated mouse heart against global ischemia/reperfusion (GI/R) injury. Thirty adult mice hearts were perfused at constant pressure of 55 mmHg in Langendorff mode. Following 20 min equilibration, the hearts were randomized into three groups (n = 10/each): (1) Control Group; (2) IP2.5 Group: IP with two cycles of 2.5 min GI + 2.5 min R; (3) IP5 Group: IP with 5 min GI + 5 min R. All hearts were then subjected to 20 min of GI and 30 min R (37 degrees C). Ventricular developed force was measured by a force transducer attached to the apex. Leakage of CK and LDH was measured in coronary efflux. Infarct size was determined by tetrazolium staining. Following sustained GI/R, infarct size was significantly reduced in IP2.5 (13.8+/-2.3%), but not in IP5 (20.1+/-4.0%), when compared with non-preconditioned control (23.6+/-3.8%) hearts. CK & LDH release was also reduced in both IP2.5 and IP5 groups. No significant improvement in post-ischemic ventricular contractile function was observed in either IP groups. We conclude that IP with repetitive cycles of brief GI/R is able to reduce myocardial infarct size and intracellular enzyme leakage caused by a sustained GI/R in the isolated perfused mouse heart. This anti-necrosis cardioprotection induced by IP was not associated with the amelioration of post-ischemic ventricular dysfunction.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1997

Benzene poisoning, a risk factor for hematological malignancy, is associated with the NQO1 609C-->T mutation and rapid fractional excretion of chlorzoxazone.

Benzene is a ubiquitous occupational hematotoxin and leukemogen, but people vary in their response to this toxic agent. To evaluate the impact of interindividual variation in enzymes that activate (i.e., CYP2E1) and detoxify (i.e., NQO1) benzene and its metabolites, we carried out a case-control study in Shanghai, China, of occupational benzene poisoning (BP; i.e., hematotoxicity), which we show is itself strongly associated with subsequent development of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia and the related myelodysplastic syndromes (relative risk, 70.6; 95% confidence interval, 11.4-439.3). CYP2E1 and NQO1 genotypes were determined by PCR-RFLP, and CYP2E1 enzymatic activity was estimated by the fractional excretion of chlorzoxazone (fe(6-OH)) for 50 cases of BP and 50 controls. Subjects with both a rapid fe(6-OH). and two copies of the NQO1 609C-->T mutation had a 7.6-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.8-31.2) increased risk of BP compared to subjects with a slow fe(6-OH) who carried one or two wild-type NQO1 alleles. In contrast, the CYP2E1 PstI/RsaI polymorphism did not influence BP risk. This is the first report that provides evidence of human susceptibility to benzene-related disease. Further evaluation of susceptibility for hematotoxicity and hematological malignancy among workers with a history of occupational exposure to benzene is warranted.

Benzene↗

PubMed1997

A flavin reductase stimulates DszA and DszC proteins of Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8 in vitro.

Rhodococcus erythropolis IGTS8 is a gram positive bacterium, which can catabolize dibenzothiophene to 2-hydroxybiphenyl and inorganic sulfur without the cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds. Three structural genes, dszA, dszB, and dszC, have been cloned and shown to be necessary for this phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that a FMN:NADPH oxidoreductase from Vibrio harveyi complements activities of purified DszA and DszC proteins. Furthermore, we propose that DszA and DszC are oxygenase units that do not use NAD(P)H directly, but instead use FMNH2 from a FMN:NADPH oxidoreductase for oxygenation.

Bacterial Proteins↗

PubMed1997

Induction of chromosome-specific aneuploidy and micronuclei in human lymphocytes by metabolites of 1,3-butadiene.

1,3-Butadiene is a carcinogen in rodents, but its potential carcinogenicity to humans remains controversial. Numerous studies have shown that butadiene and its metabolites cause sister chromatid exchanges in vitro and in vivo. To test for other types of genotoxicity, the micronucleus assay and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have been used to detect chromosome damage in human lymphocytes caused by two reactive metabolites of butadiene, diepoxybutane (DEB) and monoepoxybutene (MEB). DEB (0.5-5.0 microM) significantly increased micronucleus formation 4- to 6-fold (P <0.01) and MEB (1-500 microM) by 2- to 4-fold (P <0.01) over control levels. The ability of DEB and MEB to induce aneuploidy of chromosomes 7, 8, 12, and X was examined using dual-color FISH in both interphase and metaphase cells. These chromosomes were chosen because of their involvement in leukemogenesis. Both DEB and MEB caused dose-dependent increases in hyperdiploidy of chromosomes 12 and X, but had no discernible effect on chromosomes 7 and 8. These results suggest that DEB and MEB cause chromosome-specific aneuploidy in human cells. If formed in sufficient amounts, DEB and MEB may produce chromosome damage of the type found in leukemia following exposure to butadiene.

Aneuploidy↗

PubMed1997

Neural-mechanical coupling of breathing in REM sleep.

During rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep the ventilatory response to airway occlusion is reduced. Possible mechanisms are reduced chemosensitivity, mechanical impairment of the chest wall secondary to the atonia of REM sleep, or phasic REM events that interrupt or fractionate ongoing diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) activity. To differentiate between these possibilities, we studied three chronically instrumented dogs before, during, and after 15-20 s of airway occlusion during non-REM (NREM) and phasic REM sleep. We found that 1) for a given inspiratory time the integrated diaphragm EMG (Di) was similar or reduced in REM sleep relative to NREM sleep; 2) for a given Di in response to airway occlusion and the hyperpnea following occlusion, the mechanical output (flow or pressure) was similar or reduced during REM sleep relative to NREM sleep; 3) for comparable durations of airway occlusion the Di and integrated inspiratory tracheal pressure tended to be smaller and more variable in REM than in NREM sleep, and 4) significant fractionations (caused visible changes in tracheal pressure) of the diaphragm EMG during airway occlusion in REM sleep occurred in approximately 40% of breathing efforts. Thus reduced and/or erratic mechanical output during and after airway occlusion in REM sleep in terms of flow rate, tidal volume, and/or pressure generation is attributable largely to reduced neural activity of the diaphragm, which in turn is likely attributable to REM effects, causing reduced chemosensitivity at the level of the peripheral chemoreceptors or, more likely, at the central integrator. Chest wall distortion secondary to the atonia of REM sleep may contribute to the reduced mechanical output following airway occlusion when ventilatory drive is highest.

Air Pressure↗

PubMed1996

hprt mutation frequency among workers exposed to 1,3-butadiene in China.

Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (hprt) mutation frequency (M(f)) was studied in workers at a polybutadiene rubber production facility in Yanshan, China. Exposed workers included for study were active either as process analysts, who sampled butadiene production process lines and analyzed product by gas chromatography, or as process operators, who did routine process control, minor maintenance and, as needed, major repair operations. For process analysts at the polymer and dimethyl formamide (DMF) facilities, the median air levels of BD were 1.0 and 3.5 ppm, respectively. Among process operators, air levels of 1.1 ppm were found during routine activities, while the median air level during pump repair and related operations was 45 ppm (6-h time-weighted average). Overall, M(f) was similar in unexposed (mean M(f) = 20.2 x 10(-6)) and butadiene-exposed (mean M(f) = 21.6 x 10(-6)) workers (P = 0.68). M(f) decreased with cloning efficiency, increased with age, and was moderately greater in women than in men. After adjustment by multiple regression analysis for mean age, sex, and cloning efficiency, the adjusted mean M(f)(Xadj) was 13.6 x 10(-6) in unexposed and 18.0 x 10(-6) in butadiene-exposed. This 32% difference was, however, not statistically significant (P = 0.13). Butadiene exposure was associated with a modest, if any, increase in hprt M(f) in this population of Chinese workers.

Adult↗