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Biomedical subjects

P Höglund

Publications and source records attributed to P Höglund.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Expression of SLC26A3, CFTR and NHE3 in the human male reproductive tract: role in male subfertility caused by congenital chloride diarrhoea.

Congenital chloride diarrhoea (CLD) is a rare inherited disease caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 26 member 3 (SLC26A3) gene. Disruption of intestinal Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchange causes watery Cl(-) rich diarrhoea from birth, and recently male subfertility was observed as a novel manifestation. Expression of SLC26A3, together with interacting proteins cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3), was studied using immunohistochemistry in the testis (n = 2) and efferent ducts (ED) (n = 1) of patients with CLD (V317del genotype) and in the testis and epididymis (n = 11), seminal vesicle (n = 9) and prostate (n = 4) of the controls. SLC26A3 was immunolocalized in the head of the elongating spermatids (stages III-VI) and CFTR in the elongating spermatids (stages III and IV) and pachytene (stages III-V) and diplotene spermatocytes. In the non-ciliated cells of the ED, apical expression of all three proteins was observed, but only SLC26A3 and CFTR were detected on the luminal border of the apical mitochondria-rich cells (AMRC) of the ductus epididymis and in the epithelium of the seminal vesicle. Only CFTR was present in the epithelium of the prostatic duct. In the patient with CLD, the expression of both SLC26A3 and CFTR was absent in the ED, but testicular expression was identical to that of the controls. These results suggest a primary role for SLC26A3 in male reproduction. Tissue-specific co-expression with CFTR and NHE3 supports diverse functions of SLC26A3 and may have an impact on pathophysiology of male subfertility both in CLD and in cystic fibrosis (CF), as well as spermatoceles.

Adult↗

NK cells in autoimmune disease.

The role of NK cells in autoimmunity has not been extensively studied. Speaking for a disease-promoting role for NK cells in autoimmune diseases are recent results suggesting that IFN-gamma production by NK cells may help adaptive immune responses diverge in the direction of a Th1 response. NK cells may also be involved in direct killing of tissue cells, which could lead to acceleration of autoimmunity. However, NK cells have also been shown to protect from some autoimmune diseases. A possible reason for this discrepancy may lie in the capacity of NK cells also to produce Th2 cytokines, which could downregulate the Th1 responses that are common in autoimmune disorders. Thus there is at present no coherent view on the role of NK cells in autoimmunity, and more work is needed to clarify why NK cells in some cases aggravate disease and in some cases protect from disease.

Animals↗

Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery are often difficult to diagnose, and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for these complications. METHOD: Between 1996 and 2001 data were collected prospectively from 6119 patients who underwent 6186 cardiac surgical procedures. Data from patients who experienced major gastrointestinal complications were analysed retrospectively by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Fifty major gastrointestinal complications were identified in 47 patients (incidence 0.8 per cent). Thirteen of these patients died within 30 days. The most common complication was upper gastrointestinal bleeding (16 patients). Intestinal ischaemia was the most lethal complication (eight of ten patients died). Abdominal surgical operations were performed in 12 patients. Multivariate analysis identified nine variables that independently predicted major gastrointestinal complications: age over 80 years, active smoker, need for preoperative inotropic support, New York Heart Association class III-IV, cardiopulmonary bypass time more than 150 min, postoperative atrial fibrillation, postoperative heart failure, reoperation for bleeding and postoperative vascular complications. CONCLUSION: Nine risk factors for the development of major gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery were identified. Gastrointestinal complications were often lethal but did not independently predict death within 30 days.

Aged↗

Low number of H-2Dd-negative haematopoietic cells in mixed bone marrow chimeras convey in vivo tolerance to H-2Dd-negative cells but fail to prevent resistance to H-2Dd-negative leukaemia.

Natural killer (NK) cells kill cells lacking self major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I. This missing self reactivity is beneficial in haploidentical bone marrow transplantations to cure leukaemia, in which donor-derived NK cells reject MHC disparate leukaemia cells and prevent relapse. To understand the role of NK cells in transplantation, we have studied NK cell tolerance in mice receiving mixed bone marrow transplants with limiting number of the MHC disparate component. Using an MHC class I (Dd) transgenic mouse model, we generated bone marrow chimeras carrying mixtures of Dd-positive and -negative cells. NK reactivity against Dd-negative cells (missing self) was assayed by outgrowth of lymphoma cells, stability of the chimerism in vivo and killing of Concanavalin A blasts in vitro. Up to 20% Dd-negative haematopoietic cells reduced, but did not abrogate, rejection of Dd-negative tumours and killing of Dd-negative T-cell blasts. In contrast, the ratios between Dd-positive and -negative cells were stable in vivo, suggesting tolerance to normal cells. Our data suggest that NK cell tolerance to normal cells and tumours in mixed MHC environments is differentially regulated, tolerance to normal cells being more easily induced. These results are important in relation to the role of NK cells in antileukaemic reactions after bone marrow transplantation.

Animals↗

High-dose methotrexate: on the relationship of methotrexate elimination time vs renal function and serum methotrexate levels in 1164 courses in 264 Swedish children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

PURPOSE: The objectives of the present study were to determine the relationship between methotrexate (MTX) elimination time and various aspects of renal function and to evaluate the prognostic value of elevated serum MTX and creatinine for delayed MTX elimination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The majority of the 264 children were being treated for ALL. According to the NOPHO-92 protocol, 5 or 8 g MTX/m(2) was administered over 24 h. Serum creatinine was assessed daily. In 11 patients from one centre, renal function was studied in more detail using serum cystatin C, iohexol clearance, and urinary albumin, IgG and protein HC. RESULTS: Increased serum creatinine correlated significantly with the elimination time of MTX, whereas no indications were found of tubular or barrier function damage. Of the 1164 courses, 44 had delayed elimination of MTX (>/=120 h). Serum MTX >150 microM at the end of infusion had a sensitivity of 0.27 and a specificity of 0.94 to predict delayed MTX elimination, and >/=50% increase in serum creatinine during the first treatment day (creatinine ratio) had a sensitivity of 0.32 and a specificity of 0.99. The corresponding risk ratios were 5 and 19 for MTX >150 micro M and creatinine ratio, respectively. In courses with a normal elimination time (<72 h), 99% of the courses had a rise in serum creatinine of less than 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of serum creatinine by more than 50% is a better predictor of delayed elimination than the level of serum MTX at the end of MTX infusion, especially if information on previous creatinine measurements is used to reduce the impact of an occasionally low serum creatinine value before the start of the MTX infusion.

Adolescent↗

Pharmacokinetics of thalidomide in patients with impaired renal function and while on and off dialysis.

There is a renewed interest in thalidomide for use in malignancies and systemic inflammatory diseases. Reduced renal function is not uncommon among patients with these disease states but the pharmacokinetics has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of thalidomide in haemodialysis patients while on and off dialysis and in myeloma patients with varying degrees of renal function. Two studies were performed. To establish the pharmacokinetics of thalidomide in patients with mild to moderate renal failure, blood samples were taken over 12 weeks from 40 patients with multiple myeloma. A second study was performed in six patients with end-stage renal disease both on a non-dialysis day and before and during a haemodialysis session. Thalidomide concentration was determined by HPLC. A one-compartment open model with first-order absorption and elimination was used to fit total thalidomide concentration to population pharmacokinetics and statistical models using the NONMEM program. Clearance and volumes were slightly below 10 L h-1 and 1 L kg-1, respectively, in both patient groups. The inter- and intra-patient variability was low. Clearance was doubled during dialysis. There was no correlation between thalidomide clearance and renal function. In conclusion, the pharmacokinetics of thalidomide in patients with renal failure are very similar to values reported by others for patients with normal renal function. Although clearance during dialysis is doubled, thalidomide dose need not be changed for patients with decreased kidney function. There is also no need for a supplementary dose due to haemodialysis.

Adult↗

Gastrectomized rats respond with exaggerated hypercalcemia to oral and intravenous calcium loads because of impaired ability of bone to take up Ca2+.

BACKGROUND: Gastrectomy (Gx) causes osteopenia. The hypothesis tested in the present study is that Gx affects Ca homeostasis and that an impaired ability to handle Ca contributes to the Gx-evoked osteopenia. METHODS: SHAM-operated and Gx rats were compared with respect to changes in blood Ca2+ after oral or intravenous loads of CaCl2 1-2 weeks or 2-4 months after the operations. RESULTS: Different doses of oral CaCl2 raised blood Ca2+ more in Gx than in SHAM rats, more so after 2-4 months than after 1-2 weeks. The rise was greater in fasted (48 h) rats than in fed rats regardless of whether they were SHAM or Gx. While SHAM rats tolerated high doses of CaCl2 well, Gx rats died when exposed to quite modest doses, particularly 2-4 months after Gx. Intravenous infusion of CaCl2 (2,500 micromol/kg/h) induced a greater and steeper rise in blood Ca2+ in Gx rats than in SHAM rats. Kinetic analysis of the blood Ca2+ data showed Gx rats to display: 1) a decreased Ca2+ elimination clearance from the central distribution compartment (blood), 2) a reduced size of the peripheral distribution compartment (the so-called bone fluid compartment). and 3) a spectacular decrease in the intercompartmental clearance (transfer of Ca2+ from blood to bone). These effects were notably apparent after 2-4 months. At sacrifice, the Gx-evoked osteopenia was confirmed by planimetric analysis of the calvariae. revealing 40% reduction of bone tissue after 2-4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present data we argue that Gx rats respond with exaggerated hypercalcemia to oral and intravenous CaCl2 loads because of a greatly impaired transfer of Ca+ from blood to bone. We suggest that with time this impairment results in osteopenia.

Administration, Oral↗

Upregulation of CFTR expression but not SLC26A3 and SLC9A3 in ulcerative colitis.

In inflamed colonic mucosa, the equilibrium between absorptive and secretory functions for electrolyte and salt transport is disturbed. We compared the expression of three major mediators of the intestinal salt transport between healthy and inflamed colonic mucosa to understand the pathophysiology of diarrhea in inflammatory bowel disease. Expression levels of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) (Cl- channel), SLC26A3 (Cl-/HCO exchanger) and SLC9A3 (Na+/H+ exchanger) mRNAs were measured by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in peroperative colonic samples from controls (n = 4) and patients with ulcerative colitis (n = 10). Several samples were obtained from each individual. Tissue samples were divided into three subgroups according to their histological degree of inflammation. Expression of CFTR and SLC26A3 proteins were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting from the same samples, respectively. Increased expression of CFTR mRNA was observed in all three groups of affected tissue samples, most pronounced in mildly inflamed colonic mucosa (5-fold increase in expression; P < 0.001). The expression of the CFTR protein was detected from health and inflamed colon tissue. Although the expression of the SLC26A3 mRNA was significantly decreased in severe ulcerative colitis (P < 0.05), the SLC26A3 protein levels remained unchanged in all groups. The expression of SLC9A3 mRNA was significantly changed between the mild and severe groups. Intestinal inflammation modulates the expression of three major mediators of intestinal salt transport and may contribute to diarrhea in ulcerative colitis both by increasing transepithelial Cl- secretion and by inhibiting the epithelial NaCl absorption.

Antiporters↗

Acquisition of external major histocompatibility complex class I molecules by natural killer cells expressing inhibitory Ly49 receptors.

Murine natural killer (NK) cells express inhibitory Ly49 receptors specific for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. We report that during interactions with cells in the environment, NK cells acquired MHC class I ligands from surrounding cells in a Ly49-specific fashion and displayed them at the cell surface. Ligand acquisition sometimes reached 20% of the MHC class I expression on surrounding cells, involved transfer of the entire MHC class I protein to the NK cell, and was independent of whether or not the NK cell expressed the MHC class I ligand itself. We also present indirect evidence for spontaneous MHC class I acquisition in vivo, as well as describe an in vitro coculture system with transfected cells in which the same phenomenon occurred. Functional studies in the latter model showed that uptake of H-2D(d) by Ly49A+ NK cells was accompanied by a partial inactivation of cytotoxic activity in the NK cell, as tested against H-2D(d)-negative target cells. In addition, ligand acquisition did not abrogate the ability of Ly49A+ NK cells to receive inhibitory signals from external H-2D(d) molecules. This study is the first to describe ligand acquisition by NK cells, which parallels recently described phenomena in T and B cells.

Animals↗

Maternal and paternal chromosomes 7 show differential methylation of many genes in lymphoblast DNA.

Genomic imprinting, the differential expression of paternal and maternal alleles, involves many chromosomal regions and plays a role in development and growth. Differential methylation of maternal and paternal alleles is a hallmark of imprinted genes, and thus methylation assays are widely used to support the identification of novel imprinted genes. Either blood or lymphoblast DNAs are most often used in these assays, even though methylation levels may change in cell culture. We undertook a systematic survey of parent-of-origin-specific methylation of chromosome 7 genes and ESTs by comparing DNA samples from cases of maternal and paternal uniparental disomy for chromosome 7 using DNA from fresh blood and lymphoblast cell lines. Our results revealed that up to 41% of genes and ESTs show parent-of-origin-specific methylation differences in lymphoblast DNA after only a short time in culture, whereas methylation differences were not seen in blood DNA. The methylation changes occurred most commonly on paternal chromosome 7, whereas alterations on maternal chromosome 7 were more infrequent and weaker. These findings indicate that methylation patterns may change significantly during cell culture in a parent-of-origin-dependent manner and suggest that methylation is maintained differently on maternal and paternal chromosomes 7.

Adolescent↗

Identification of seven novel mutations including the first two genomic rearrangements in SLC26A3 mutated in congenital chloride diarrhea.

Congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by defective intestinal electrolyte absorption, resulting in voluminous osmotic diarrhea with high chloride content. A variety of mutations in the solute carrier family 26, member 3 gene (SLC26A3, previously known as CLD or DRA) are responsible for the disease. Since the identification of the SLC26A3 gene and the determination of its genomic structure, altogether three founder and 17 private mutations have been characterized within miscellaneous ethnic groups. We screened for mutations in seven unrelated families with CLD. The diagnoses were confirmed by fecal chloride measurements. The combined PCR-SSCP and sequencing analyses revealed altogether seven novel mutations including two missense mutations (S206P, D468V), two splicing defects (IVS12-1G>C, IVS13-2delA), one nonsense mutation (Q436X), one insertion/deletion mutation (2104-2105delGGins29-bp), and an intragenic deletion of SLC26A3 exons 7 and 8. Two previously identified mutations were also found. This is the first report of rearrangement mutations in SLC26A3. Molecular features predisposing SLC26A3 for the two rearrangements may include repetitive elements and palindromic-like sequences. The increasingly wide diversity of SLC26A3 mutations suggests that mutations in the SLC26A3 gene may not be rare events.

Antiporters↗

Clinical pharmacology of thalidomide.

BACKGROUND: Thalidomide has a chiral centre, and the racemate of (R)- and (S)-thalidomide was introduced as a sedative drug in the late 1950s. In 1961, it was withdrawn due to teratogenicity and neuropathy. There is now a growing clinical interest in thalidomide due to its unique anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. OBJECTIVE: To critically review pharmacokinetic studies and briefly review pharmacodynamic effects and studies of thalidomide in consideration of its chemical and stereochemical properties and metabolism. METHODS: Literature search and computer simulations of pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: Rational use of thalidomide is problematic due to lack of basic knowledge of its mechanism of action, effects of the separate enantiomers and metabolites and dose- and concentration-effect relationships. Due to its inhibition of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and angiogenesis, racemic thalidomide has been tested with good effect in a variety of skin and mucous membrane disorders, Crohn's disease, graft-versus-host disease, complications to human immunodeficiency virus and, recently, in multiple myeloma. Adverse reactions are often related to the sedative effects. Irreversible toxic peripheral neuropathy and foetal malformations are serious complications that can be prevented. The results of several published pharmacokinetic studies can be questioned due to poor methodology and the use of non-stereospecific assays. The enantiomers of thalidomide undergo spontaneous hydrolysis and fast chiral interconversion at physiological pH. The oral bioavailability of thalidomide has not been unequivocally determined, but available data suggest that it is high. Absorption is slow, with a time to maximum plasma concentration of at least 2 h, and may also be dose-dependent; however, that of the separate enantiomers may be faster due to higher aqueous solubility. Estimation of the volume of distribution is complicated by probable hydrolysis and chiral inversion also in peripheral compartments. A value of around 11/kg is however plausible. Plasma protein binding is low with little difference between the enantiomers. Elimination of thalidomide is mainly by pH-dependent spontaneous hydrolysis in all body fluids with an apparent mean clearance of 10 l/h for the (R)- and 21 l/h for the (S)-enantiomer in adult subjects. Blood concentrations of the (R)-enantiomer are consequently higher than those of the (S)-enantiomer at pseudoequilibrium. The mean elimination half-life of both enantiomers is 5 h. One hydroxylated metabolite has been found in low concentrations in the blood. Since both enzymatic metabolism and renal excretion play minor roles in the elimination of thalidomide, the risk of drug interactions seems to be low. CONCLUSIONS: The interest in and use of thalidomide is increasing due to its potential as an immunomodulating and antiangiogenic agent. The inter-individual variability in distribution and elimination is low. Apart from this, its use is complicated by the lack of knowledge of dose- or concentration-effect relationships, possible dose-dependent oral absorption and of course by its well-known serious adverse effects.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors↗

A new liposomal liver-specific contrast agent for CT: first human phase-I clinical trial assessing efficacy and safety.

In this first clinical trial liposome-encapsulated iodixanol, CT particles (CTP) were studied. The aims of the present trial were to assess the efficacy of CTP in CT and to determine the safety of different doses of CTP. A total of 47 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the present study. The CTP was administered at doses 10, 30, 70 and 100 mg encapsulated I/kg bw. Efficacy was assessed using single-slice CT of the abdomen and evaluated by dose-response attenuation curves over time in liver, spleen, and abdominal vessels. Safety was assessed by blood tests, clinical examinations and recording of subjective adverse events (AE). The attenuations in liver tissue increased with the dose and maximal values above baseline were 20, 39 and 45 HU at the doses 30, 70 and 100 mg encapsulated I/kg bw, respectively. Maximal increases were seen 12.5 min after contrast administration. As for liver, the attenuations in spleen increased with the dose, but higher attenuations were obtained. In early images clinically significant enhancement was seen in abdominal vessels. Mild and moderate subjective AE were encountered at the doses 70 and 100 mg encapsulated I/kg bw. The CTP is efficacious in enhancing hepatic and splenic tissues and in early imaging of abdominal vessels. Adverse event precludes a clinical use of CTP in the current formulation.

Adult↗

Distinct outcomes of chloride diarrhoea in two siblings with identical genetic background of the disease: implications for early diagnosis and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Congenital chloride diarrhoea (CLD, OMIM 214700) is a serious inherited defect of intestinal electrolyte absorption transmitted in an autosomal recessive fashion. The major clinical manifestation is diarrhoea with high chloride content which can be balanced by substitution. The molecular pathology involves an epithelial Cl(-)/HCO(3)(-) exchanger protein, encoded by the solute carrier family 26, member 3 gene (SLC26A3), previously known as CLD or DRA (downregulated in adenomas). To date, almost 30 different mutations in the SLC26A3 gene have been identified throughout the world. No clear genotype-phenotype correlation has been established. PATIENTS/METHODS: Two siblings presenting with CLD were studied for disease history, supplementation, or other treatments, and for mutations in the SLC26A3 gene. RESULTS: Mutation analysis revealed a homozygous I544N mutation in both patients. However, despite the uniform genetic background of CLD in this family, the clinical picture and outcome of the disease were remarkably different between siblings. The older sibling had a late diagnosis and chronic course of the disease whereas the younger one, who was diagnosed soon after birth and immediately received supplementation therapy, grows and develops normally. CONCLUSION: Time of diagnosis, substitution therapy, compliance, and compensatory mechanisms are more important modulators of the clinical picture of CLD than the type of mutation in the SLC26A3 gene.

Chloride Channels↗

Drug concentration effect relationship of estradiol from two matrix transdermal delivery systems: Menorest and Climara.

OBJECTIVES: To relate the pharmacokinetics of estradiol to pharmacological effects. METHODS: Drug concentration effect relationship of estradiol from two matrix transdermal delivery systems, Menorest and Climara, was studied in a single centre, open, randomised, comparative crossover study. The trial consisted of two treatment periods, 14 days for each patch separated by a 4-week washout period. Blood hormone levels were followed during the second week of each treatment. Estradiol levels during treatments were related to three concentration levels previously proposed as efficacy or safety limits. The effect of treatment on FSH-levels was examined and the relationship between the levels of estradiol and FSH was described using an inhibitory sigmoidal I(max) model. Estrone levels and estradiol/estrone before and during treatment were followed. RESULTS: The C(average) of FSH during treatment was 38% lower than baseline plasma levels. Estradiol had an inhibitory effect on FSH with an I(max) of 0.68 and an IC(50) of 19 pg/ml. The fraction of time above the minimum concentration for therapeutic effect and the tolerability limit did not differ between the two treatments, whereas the fraction of time above the suggested threshold for osteoporosis prophylaxis was significantly larger for Menorest than for Climara (P<0.05). The low baseline estradiol/estrone ratios increased towards pre-menopausal levels during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The drug concentration effect relationship of estradiol may be of use in evaluation of the effects of prophylactic estrogen therapy and to facilitate comparisons between different forms of estrogen treatments.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Bioavailability of estradiol from two matrix transdermal delivery systems: Menorest and Climara.

OBJECTIVES: To compare two estradiol transdermal matrix systems with regard to bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and tolerability. METHODS: A single centre, open, randomized, comparative cross-over study in 20 healthy postmenopausal women. Menorest with 3 or 4 days of suggested use and Climara with 7 days of suggested use (both 50 microg/24 h) were compared at steady state. Two 14-day treatment periods were separated by a 4 week washout. Plasma levels of estradiol were monitored during the second week of each treatment. Tolerability was assessed by open questions and inspection of the application site. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two treatments with regards to AUC, Cmax, Cmin, Caverage or fluctuations of plasma estradiol. Tmax was significantly shorter for Menorest than Climara. Cmax and Cmin were significantly higher for the second Menorest patch during the monitoring period compared to the first. All local reactions were mild and there were three cases of erythema with Menorest and a total of 21 skin reactions in 15 subjects with Climara. Systemic tolerability was similar between treatments with eight estrogen-related adverse events in eight subjects (period pains, uterine bleeding, mastodynia, headache and vaginal discharge) with Menorest and 13 events in ten subjects with Climara. CONCLUSIONS: The bioavailability of estradiol from the two matrix transdermal delivery systems Menorest and Climara was similar, but the products were not bioequivalent because Tmax was significantly shorter for Menorest than for Climara. Tolerability of treatment was good for both patches but with a higher number of local reactions and estrogen related adverse events for Climara.

Administration, Cutaneous↗