Biomedical subjects

M Akbar

Publications and source records attributed to M Akbar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Olympia participation 6 months after surgical replacement of a cruciate ligament -- optimal rehabilitation of a top athlete].

We present the medical history of an Olympic wrestler who suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Operative reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament was performed using an autogenous semitendinosus-gracilis-tendon-transplant. The operation was followed by an aggressive rehabilitation program set up to meet the individual requirements. Six months later the athlete was able to compete at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Paraplegia in cases of septic diseases of the spine].

BACKGROUND: Paraplegia of non-traumatic origin has an increasing incidence. Infection of the spine is a major contributor to the number of these cases. Besides adequate management of spinal cord injury, the treatment of these patients requires specific therapeutic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with acute pyogenic infection of the spine and spinal cord injury were admitted to our facility in the years 1997-2000. All except two patients were treated by surgical debridement and internal stabilisation. RESULTS: The infections healed after surgical treatment in all cases. Neurological function improved and no patient showed neurological deterioration. Both patients who were not fit for surgery died during treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgical instrumentation and replacement of the destroyed vertebra, despite a pyogenic environment, resulted in permanent resolution of the infection. There is potential for neurological recovery but full recovery is rare.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Inhibitory effects of tandospirone, a 5-HT1A agonist, on medial vestibular nucleus neurons responding to lateral roll tilt stimulation in rats.

An electrophysiological study was performed using chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats to determine whether tandospirone, a 5-HT1A agonist, affects neuronal activities of the medial vestibular nucleus (MVN), since serotonergic innervation and 5-HT1A receptors are present in this nucleus. Tandospirone applied microiontophoretically at a current of 20-60 nA caused an inhibition of tilt-induced firing of alpha-type neurons, which showed increased and decreased firing with lateral tilt ipsilateral and contralateral to the recording site, respectively, along with that of beta-type neurons which exhibited the reverse responses to ipsilateral and contralateral tilt stimulation. The inhibition was antagonized during simultaneous, iontophoretic application of WAY-100635 (20-60 nA), a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, although WAY-100635 alone rarely affected spontaneous or tilt-induced firing in either type of neurons. These results suggest that tandospirone acts on a 5-HT1A receptor to inhibit transmission of otolith information to alpha- and beta-type MVN neurons.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2001

Inhibition by L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine of hippocampal CA1 neurons with facilitation of noradrenaline and gamma-aminobutyric acid release.

Electrophysiological studies were performed to elucidate whether L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) acted on hippocampal CA1 neurons, since this drug has been reported to act as a neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus and striatum. Hippocampal slices (450 microM thick) obtained from male Wistar rats (4-7 weeks of age) were placed in a bath (maintained at 30+/-1 degrees C) continuously perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid. The population spikes elicited by electrical stimuli applied to the Schaffer collateral/commissural fibers were recorded in the hippocampal CA1 region, using a glass micropipette filled with 3 M NaCl. Drugs were applied in the bath through a perfusion system. The population spikes were inhibited by L-DOPA (1 nM-10 microM) with a bell-shaped concentration-response curve (n=7-15). Maximum inhibitory effects were obtained at 100 nM. L-DOPA cyclohexyl ester, a putative L-DOPA recognition site antagonist, antagonized the L-DOPA-induced inhibition of population spike. However, the inhibition remained unaffected in the presence of 3-hydroxybenzylhydrazine, an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor. Furthermore, bath application of either phentolamine, an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist, or bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, antagonized the inhibitory effects of L-DOPA on population spikes. In addition, bicuculline (1 microM) antagonized the inhibition of population spike induced by 6-fluoronorepinephrine (10 microM), an alpha-adrenoceptor agonist, while phentolamine (10 microM) did not affect the muscimol (1 microM)-induced inhibition. These results suggested that L-DOPA itself acted on L-DOPA recognition sites to release noradrenaline, and that the latter facilitates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release via alpha-adrenoceptors located on the GABA-containing cells and/or their nerve terminals, thereby inhibiting the population spikes in the hippocampal CA1 field.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2001

Predictors of positive margins after local excision of ductal carcinoma in situ.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the association between clinicopathologic parameters and positive margins in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated by breast-conserving surgery (BCS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data of 100 women who had undergone BCS for DCIS in our center. RESULTS: Sixty-seven percent of patients presented via breast screening and 55% of all cases were diagnosed preoperatively on fine needle aspiration cytology ([FNAC] ie, C5). Overall, 45% of patients had clear margins after initial local excision. Positive margins showed a nonsignificant trend of association with distribution of microcalcifications (MCC), nonconsultant operating surgeon, inconclusive preoperative FNAC, presence of necrosis, and low specimen weight. There was a highly significant association between low grade DCIS (P = 0.003) and incomplete excision. There was no significant association with age, associated invasive focus, morphology of MCC, or with mode of presentation. CONCLUSION: Positive margins after local excision of DCIS are significantly associated with low nuclear grade, and preoperative determination of nuclear grade by core biopsy may have surgical implications.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMed2000

Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). Role of phosphatidylserine in antiapoptotic effect.

Enrichment of Neuro 2A cells with docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) decreased apoptotic cell death induced by serum starvation as evidenced by the reduced DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. The protective effect of 22:6n-3 became evident only after at least 24 h of enrichment before serum starvation and was potentiated as a function of the enrichment period. During enrichment 22:6n-3 incorporated into phosphatidylserine (PS) steadily, resulting in a significant increase in the total PS content. Similar treatment with oleic acid (18:1n-9) neither altered PS content nor resulted in protective effect. Hindering PS accumulation by enriching cells in a serine-free medium diminished the protective effect of 22:6n-3. Membrane translocation of Raf-1 was significantly enhanced by 22:6n-3 enrichment in Neuro 2A cells. Consistently, in vitro biomolecular interaction between PS/phosphatidylethanolamine /phosphatidylcholine liposomes, and Raf-1 increased in a PS concentration-dependent manner. Collectively, enrichment of neuronal cells with 22:6n-3 increases the PS content and Raf-1 translocation, down-regulates caspase-3 activity, and prevents apoptotic cell death. Both the antiapoptotic effect of 22:6n-3 and Raf-1 translocation are sensitive to 22:6n-3 enrichment-induced PS accumulation, strongly suggesting that the protective effect of 22:6n-3 may be mediated at least in part through the promoted accumulation of PS in neuronal membranes.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Negative regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) by melatonin in the rat pineal gland.

In this paper evidence that supports a new role for melatonin as a negative endogenous regulator of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) is presented. When rat pineal glands were incubated in culture, time-dependent release of arachidonic acid (AA) was observed, which was significantly inhibited by a known 85-kDa cPLA(2) inhibitor, methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate. Co-incubation with melatonin inhibited the AA release in a concentration-dependent manner, and this decrease was accompanied by a reduction of cPLA(2) protein and mRNA expression. Melatonin-receptor agonists, 2-iodo-N-butanoyl-5-methoxytryptamine and 5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine, also decreased AA release and cPLA(2) protein and mRNA levels, while pre-incubation with the melatonin receptor antagonists luzindole and 2-phenylmelatonin abolished the melatonin effect. In vivo, as melatonin production reflected a typical diurnal variation, endogenous non-esterified AA and cPLA(2) mRNA levels in the rat pineal gland showed an off-phase diurnal pattern in relation to melatonin levels. Intravenous administration of isoproterenol, which has been shown to elevate melatonin production, also decreased the levels of non-esterified AA and cPLA(2) mRNA significantly. Direct administration of melatonin to rats by intravenous injection decreased the levels of non-esterified AA, cPLA(2) protein and mRNA in rat pineal glands. In conclusion, melatonin endogenously down-regulates cPLA(2) expression, presumably through melatonin-receptor-mediated processes.

Amino Acids↗

PubMed2000

Autosomal recessive hereditary neuropathy with focally folded myelin sheaths and linked to chromosome 11q23: a distinct and homogeneous entity.

We describe a six generation Saudi kindred, with a recessive hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN). Four individuals were affected including two children (a boy and a girl) and a 23-year-old man. The fourth (a female) died at the age of 14 years. Onset of the disease was early (< 2 years) and the clinical and neurophysiological features were, generally, quite similar to those of an Italian family linked to chromosome 11q23. The peculiar pathologic pattern was irregular and redundant loops associated with folding of the myelin sheaths. The genetic study confirmed linkage to chromosome 11q23 and refined the location of the gene between D11S1311 and D11S917, a 3.3 cM region. These findings support the existence of a homogeneous and distinct entity within the form of HMSN associated with focally folded myelin sheaths.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Endothelial K(+) channel lacks the Ca(2+) sensitivity-regulating beta subunit.

Hyperpolarizing large-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK) are important modulators of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cell function. In vascular smooth muscle cells, BK are composed of pore-forming alpha subunits and modulatory beta subunits. However, expression, composition, and function of BK subunits in endothelium have not been studied so far. In patch-clamp experiments we identified BK (283 pS) in intact endothelium of porcine aortic tissue slices. The BK opener DHS-I (0.05-0.3 micromol/l), stimulating BK activity only in the presence of beta subunits, had no effect on BK in endothelium whereas the alpha subunit selective BK opener NS1619 (20 micromol/l) markedly increased channel activity. Correspondingly, mRNA expression of the beta subunit was undetectable in endothelium, whereas alpha subunit expression was demonstrated. To investigate the functional role of beta subunits, we transfected the beta subunit into a human endothelial cell line (EA.hy 926). beta subunit expression resulted in an increased Ca(2+) sensitivity of BK activity: the potential of half-maximal activation (V(1/2)) shifted from 73.4 mV to 49.6 mV at 1 micromol/l [Ca(2+)](i) and an decrease of the EC(50) value for [Ca(2+)](i) by 1 microM at +60 mV was observed. This study demonstrates that BK channels in endothelium are composed of alpha subunits without association to beta subunits. The lack of the beta subunit indicates a substantially different channel regulation in endothelial cells compared to vascular smooth muscle cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Melatonin: an endogenous negative modulator of 12-lipoxygenation in the rat pineal gland.

Major biochemical activities of the pineal gland include melatonin biosynthesis and 12-lipoxygenation. In this paper, we provide evidence in vivo that melatonin regulates 12-lipoxygenation via 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) expression. The relationship between these two biochemical activities was established by monitoring levels of endogenous melatonin and a 12-LOX metabolite, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), in the rat pineal gland both during the light-dark cycle and after isoproterenol injection using GC/MS with negative ion chemical ionization. As pineal melatonin production reflected a typical diurnal variation, 12-HETE levels showed an off-phase diurnal pattern in relation to melatonin levels. Intravenous administration of isoproterenol, which has been shown to elevate melatonin production, decreased the 12-HETE level significantly. The reduction of 12-HETE levels during the dark phase and after isoproterenol injection was accompanied by decreases in 12-LOX mRNA and protein levels. Direct administration of melatonin to rats by intravenous injection decreased pineal 12-LOX protein levels significantly, indicating that melatonin plays a role in down-regulating 12-LOX expression. When pineal glands were incubated with exogenous melatonin in culture, time-dependent reduction of 12-LOX protein levels was observed. The melatonin-induced reduction in 12-LOX protein was abolished in the presence of the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole, establishing further the role of melatonin in this process. Incubation of pineal homogenates with exogenous melatonin partially inhibited 12-LOX activity. Taken together, an inverse relationship exists in the endogenous production of 12-HETE, 12-LOX mRNA and protein with respect to melatonin production in the rat pineal gland. Melatonin decreased both 12-LOX mRNA and protein levels in addition to 12-LOX enzyme activity, indicating that melatonin is an endogenous modulator of pineal 12-lipoxygenation.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

PubMed1999

[Effects of OPC-24439, a sigma ligand, on neuronal activities in the hippocampus].

Sigma receptors in the central nervous system have been considered to play an important role in the modulation of mental diseases and memory/learning. However, the physiological function of sigma receptors still remains unknown. To elucidate physiological functions of the sigma receptors in modulation of neuronal activities, the effects of OPC-24439 (a sigma receptor ligand) on neuronal activities in hippocampal slices were studied with electrophysiological methods. Hippocampal slices (thickness ca. 450 microns) were prepared from male Wistar rats (4-7 weeks of age). In extracellular recording, population spikes in the CA1 region evoked by stimulation applied to the Schaffer collateral/commissural fibers were suppressed by OPC-24439 (1-100 microM) in a dose-dependent manner. This inhibition was antagonized by simultaneously applied haloperidol at 1 microM. In intracellular recording experiments, OPC-24439 (100 microM) did not affect the resting membrane potentials of neurons recorded. In addition, OPC-24439 had no effects on depolarization and firing induced by glutamate. These results indicate that sigma receptor activation caused suppression of neuronal activities in the hippocampus via the sigma receptors. This inhibition probably mediated via the suppression of ion channels that are not related to membrane potentials on post-synaptic neurons and/or sigma receptors on pre-synaptic neurons or interneurons.

Animals↗

PubMed1998

A novel form of familial congenital muscular dystrophy in two adolescents.

We report on two brothers (the product of first-degree consanguineous marriage; aged 15 and 12 years) who presented with severe hypotonia at birth, proximal muscle weakness associated with delayed motor milestones but normal cognitive function. Investigations (at 4 years of age) revealed mildly elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels (300 and 824 IU/l; N < or = 210). Muscle biopsies showed minimal change myopathy, no neurogenic atrophy but remarkable type-1 fibre predominance (up to 85.5%) without fibre-type disproportion. Clinical examination at 12 and 9 years, respectively, showed mild facial weakness and high-arched palate in both patients. The younger sibling also had ptosis but otherwise normal external ocular muscles. They showed symmetric proximal muscle weakness and wasting associated with calf-muscle hypertrophy. They could walk independently. A repeat muscle biopsy showed advanced dystrophic changes in the younger patient at the age of 10 years. Virtually all the remaining fibres were type 1. Immunohistochemistry revealed normal expression of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC), including dystrophin, beta-dystroglycan, alpha-(adhalin), beta-, gamma-, and delta-sarcoglycan, laminin-alpha2 chain (merosin) and syntrophin. Mild dystrophic features and type-1 fibre predominance (92.5%) were seen in the biopsy of the older patient, whereas immunohistochemistry showed normal expression of the DGC. Both cases also showed clear expression of integrin alpha7 at the muscle fibre surface and in the blood vessels. Three years later, they could still walk, but with difficulty, and the older brother showed enlargement of the tongue and echocardiographic features of left ventricular dilated cardiomyopathy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Mild congenital muscular dystrophy in two patients with an internally deleted laminin alpha2-chain.

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorders inherited in an autosomal recessive mode. The alpha2-chain of laminin-2 (previously called merosin) has been shown by immunohistochemical and genetic analyses to be implicated in the pathogenesis of the 'classic' form of CMD. In the 'merosin-deficient' subgroup, which represents about half of the cases, more definite evidence of the involvement of the laminin alpha2-chain has recently been reported with the identification of mutations in the gene encoding the alpha2-chain of laminin 2 (LAMA2) in CMD patients. Here we report on two siblings from a consanguineous family expressing an internally deleted laminin alpha2-chain as a result of a splice site mutation in the LAMA2 gene which causes the splicing of exon 25. The predicted protein lacks 63 amino acids in domain IVa which forms a globular structure on the short arm of the alpha2-chain. Interestingly, these patients appear mildly affected compared to others who completely lack this protein. This situation presents a striking analogy with Becker muscular dystrophy, where in-frame deletions in the dystrophin gene result in the expression of a semi-functional protein and lead to a mild phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1997

Sphingosine 1-phosphate stimulates hydrogen peroxide generation through activation of phospholipase C-Ca2+ system in FRTL-5 thyroid cells: possible involvement of guanosine triphosphate-binding proteins in the lipid signaling.

Exogenous sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) stimulated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation in association with an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. S1P also induced inositol phosphate production, reflecting activation of phospholipase C (PLC) in the cells. These three S1P-induced events were inhibited partially by pertussis toxin (PTX) and markedly by U73122, a PLC inhibitor, and were conversely potentiated by N6-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine, an A1-adenosine receptor agonist. In FRTL-5 cell membranes, S1P also activated PLC in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S), but not in its absence. Guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) inhibited the S1P-induced GTP gamma S-dependent activation of the enzyme. To characterize the signaling pathways, especially receptors and G proteins involved in the S1P-induced responses, cross-desensitization experiments were performed. Under the conditions where homologous desensitization occurred in S1P-, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-, and bradykinin-induced induction of Ca2+ mobilization, no detectable cross-desensitization of S1P and bradykinin was observed. This suggests that the primary action of S1P in its activation of the PLC-Ca2+ system was not the activation of G proteins common to S1P and bradykinin, but the activation of a putative S1P receptor. On the other hand, there was a significant cross-desensitization of S1P and LPA; however, a still significant response to S1P (50-80% of the response in the nontreated control cells) was observed depending on the lipid dose employed after a prior LPA challenge. S1P also inhibited cAMP accumulation in a PTX-sensitive manner. We conclude that S1P stimulates H2O2 generation through a PLC-Ca2+ system and also inhibits adenylyl cyclase in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. The S1P-induced responses may be mediated partly through a putative lipid receptor that is coupled to both PTX-sensitive and insensitive G proteins.

Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors↗

PubMed1996

Muscular dystrophy associated with beta-Dystroglycan deficiency.

beta-Dystroglycan, a 43-kd transmembrane dystrophin-associated glycoprotein, plays an important role in linking dystrophin to the laminin-binding alpha-dystroglycan. alpha-/beta-Dystroglycan is encoded by a single gene on chromosome 3p21 and ubiquitously expressed in muscle and nonmuscle tissues. No known human diseases have been mapped to this locus. Here, we describe the selective deficiency of beta-dystroglycan in a 4-year-old Saudi boy with muscular dystrophy. The patient had a borderline elevation of serum creatine kinase level and early-onset proximal symmetrical muscle weakness and wasting without calf hypertrophy. The milder phenotype may suggest a secondary deficiency of beta-dystroglycan; however, the unique immunofluorescence labeling suggests that the patient may present a novel form of muscular dystrophy.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed1995

Intracellular cross-talk between thyrotropin receptor and A1 adenosine receptor in regulation of phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase in COS-7 cells transfected with their receptor genes.

COS-7 cells were transiently transfected with human thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) and dog A1 adenosine receptor (A1R) cDNA. TSH stimulated both inositol phosphate production and cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in the cells. An A1 agonist, N6-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), which is ineffective alone, significantly enhanced TSH-induced inositol phosphate production, but insignificantly inhibited TSH-induced cAMP accumulation was revealed by short-term treatment with the protein kinase C inhibitors, staurosporine and K252a, or long-term treatment with 12-myristate 13-acetate, suggesting that endogenous protein kinase C inhibits the A1R-mediated inhibition of the TSHR-adenylate cyclase system. In staurosporine-treated cells, the stimulatory and inhibitory permissive actions of PIA on TSH-induced phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase activation respectively were completely reversed by pretreatment with pertussis toxin whereas intrinsic TSH-induced effects were hardly affected by the toxin. The cross-talk between the signalling pathway for TSHR and that for A1R was not detected in a mixture of cells expressing either TSHR or A1R. We conclude that a single species of A1R, via pertussis-toxin-sensitive GTP-binding proteins, not only inhibits adenylate cyclase but also stimulates phospholipase C in collaboration with an activated TSHR within a single cell expressing both types of receptor.

Adenylate Cyclase Toxin↗

PubMed1994

Genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, is also a competitive antagonist for P1-purinergic (adenosine) receptor in FRTL-5 thyroid cells.

Genistein, a potent inhibitor for protein tyrosine kinase, remarkably inhibited the stimulatory action of N6-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), an A1-adenosine receptor agonist, on thyrotropin (TSH)-induced phospholipase C activation in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. This drug also suppressed both the A1-receptor-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation in the cells and binding of [3H]8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, a specific antagonist for A1-receptor, to the cell membranes in a competitive manner. Adenosine-induced cAMP accumulation through A2-receptor in pertussis toxin-treated cells was also competitively antagonized by genistein. We conclude that genistein is also a competitive antagonist for P1-purinergic receptors.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

PubMed1994

Phospholipase C activation and Ca2+ mobilization by cloned human somatostatin receptor subtypes 1-5, in transfected COS-7 cells.

We transfected the COS-7 cells with cDNAs encoding different human somatostatin receptor (hSSTR) subtypes, and found that hSSTR subtypes mediate not only the inhibition of forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation but also the stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC) and Ca2+ mobilization. Activation of PLC by 1 microM somatostatin (SRIF) was in the order of: hSSTR5 > hSSTR2 > hSSTR3 > hSSTR4 >> hSSTR1. Pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment completely or partially reversed the PLC activation. 1 nM SRIF was equally effective for adenylate cyclase (AC) inhibition in a PTX-sensitive manner, in all the cells expressing different hSSTRs, except for hSSTR1. Nevertheless, SRIF stimulated AC even in the presence of forskolin at higher doses of SRIF in PTX-treated hSSTR5-expressing cells. We conclude that the cloned hSSTRs differentially couple to PTX-sensitive and -insensitive G-proteins to modulate PLC, Ca2+ mobilization and AC.

Calcium↗