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R Schirmer

Publications and source records attributed to R Schirmer.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Substitution of the thioredoxin system for glutathione reductase in Drosophila melanogaster.

The disulfide reducing enzymes glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase are highly conserved among bacteria, fungi, worms, and mammals. These proteins maintain intracellular redox homeostasis to protect the organism from oxidative damage. Here we demonstrate the absence of glutathione reductase in Drosophila melanogaster, identify a new type of thioredoxin reductase, and provide evidence that a thioredoxin system supports GSSG reduction. Our data suggest that antioxidant defense in Drosophila, and probably in related insects, differs fundamentally from that in other organisms.

Amino Acid Motifs↗
PubMed2001

Antioxidant status and nitric oxide in the malnutrition syndrome kwashiorkor.

The pathophysiology of kwashiorkor, a severe edematous manifestation of malnutrition, is still poorly understood. The syndrome is, however, known to be associated with alterations in redox metabolism. To further elucidate the role of oxidative stress in kwashiorkor, we carried out a longitudinal study on the major blood antioxidants at the St. Joseph's Hospital, Jirapa, Ghana. All kwashiorkor patients (K) were followed up for 20 d. In comparison with local healthy controls (C), the plasma total antioxidant status was reduced to less than 50% in the patients (C, 0.87 +/- 0.21 mM; K, 0.40 +/- 0.20 mM; p<0.001). Similarly, the major plasma antioxidant albumin (C, 40.9 +/- 2.5 g/L; K, 19.1 +/- 7.4 g/L; p < 0.001) and erythrocyte glutathione (C, 2.39 +/- 0.28 mM; K, 1.01 +/- 0.33; p < 0.001) were decreased, whereas the levels of bilirubin and uric acid were not significantly altered. Nitrite and nitrate were found to be increased by a factor of 2 in kwashiorkor (C, 120 +/- 46 microM; K, 235 +/- 107 microM; p < 0.001). Over the observation period, the trends of albumin and glutathione levels were related to clinical outcome. These concentrations rose in patients who recovered and fell in patients who did not. Our study strongly supports the hypothesis that oxidative and nitrosative stress play a role in the pathophysiology of edematous malnutrition. Prophylactic and therapeutic strategies should aim at the careful correction of the reduced antioxidant status of the patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Effect of combined antibiotic therapy on fertility in brood bitches infected with Brucella canis.

Bitches with naturally occurring Brucella canis infection were treated with combined antibiotic therapy consisting of tetracycline, dihydrostreptomycin, and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. After treatment, all but 1 bitch became abacteremic, and serologic titers declined for a variable length of time (3 months to 1 years). Abortion did not occur while these bitches were abacteremic. Although sequential antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks did not eradicate Brucella canis from affected bitches, it did not prevent abortion. The number of live pups whelped and weaned by treated bitches was comparable with that in bitches before they became infected.

Abortion, Septic↗
PubMed1981

Superoxide release by zymosan-stimulated rat Kupffer cells in vitro.

Kupffer cells were isolated from pronase-perfused rat livers and were maintained as a monolayer culture in a state of high purity and viability. Immediately after contact with zymosan particles, O2 uptake of the Kupffer cells increased fivefold; about 50% of the net oxygen consumed was accounted for as superoxide released into the medium. Concomitantly, a transient burst of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, an increased activity of NAD(P)H oxidase and a stimulation of the flow of glucose through the hexose monophosphate shunt were observed. Chemiluminescence and O2- production were almost completely inhibited by superoxide dismutase and iodoacetate. Zymosan-induced chemiluminescence was not inhibited in the presence of the non-penetrating thiol reagents, 5,5'-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoate and iodoacetyl-sepharose. Iodoacetate acted on the cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase rather than on NAD(P)H oxidase of the cell membrane.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Thrombolytic therapy with special reference to old venous occlusions].

It is reported on own results and experiences in 53 thrombolyses with the streptokinase preparation Awelysin. In the greater part of the 46 patients with phlebothrombosis the cases in question were late thromboses (n = 32). In 7 cases an arterial lysis was performed. The author enters in detail the questions of dosage and side-effects as well as complications. By reason of the phlebographic and clinical findings before and after therapy also in older thromboses may be still reckoned with complete or extensive recanalisation in 65.5% and with a clinical symptom-free state in 71%. In comparison to reports on results in early lysis the findings got do not show essential deviations in late lysis.

Adolescent↗