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Biomedical subjects

S Møller

Publications and source records attributed to S Møller.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

[Somatomedins (insulin-like growth factors), growth hormone and chronic liver disease].

Somatomedins or insulin-like growth factors (IGF) are peptides synthesized in the liver. IGFs have different anabolic and metabolic actions and are important in normal growth and development. The concentration of IGF is low in patients with chronic liver disease mainly due to the decreased liver function. Low levels of somatomedins are also seen in patients with growth hormone (GH) insufficiency, renal impairment and malnutrition. GH stimulates the production of IGF-1, and both are part of a negative feed-back system acting on hepatic, pituitary and hypothalamic levels. The basal and stimulated GH concentration is pathologically elevated in patients with chronic liver disease. The total daily secretion is unknown as urinary measurements have only recently been introduced. Alterations in liver IGF receptors in patients with chronic liver disease require still investigation as they may be important for the liver function.

Chronic Disease↗

Fundamental voice frequency in female puberty measured with electroglottography during continuous speech as a secondary sex characteristic. A comparison between voice, pubertal stages, oestrogens and androgens.

The change of fundamental voice frequency in continuous speech in female puberty was analysed in 47 girls by comparison of 2000 consecutive electroglottographic cycles in a reading situation. The results were compared with serum concentrations of androgens (dihydroepiandrosterone, delta-4-androstenedione, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin), oestrogens (oestradiol, oestrone, and oestronesulphate), and somatic puberty (weight, height, mamma stages, and pubic hair stages). Fundamental frequency in continuous speech was related only to oestrone r = -0.34, (P less than 0.05). But the tone range in continuous speech and the lowest tone in the phonetogram were found to be significantly correlated with many of the pubertal and hormone parameters. All these correlations could be explained by a common age-dependency. By multiple regression analysis different sets of variables for prediction of speaking fundamental frequency were found before and after menarche.

Adolescent↗

Flutamide-induced liver failure.

Two cases of clinically manifest liver failure in patients with metastatic prostatic cancer treated with the non-steroidal antiandrogen flutamide combined with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue are described. One patient developed severe hepatic insufficiency with jaundice, ascites and hepatic coma. The condition reversed after discontinuation of flutamide. The other patient only became jaundiced with a biochemical cholestatic pattern. Previous reports of hepatic adverse reactions only include elevated transaminase levels without clinical manifestations. The morphological lesions in the liver biopsy and the clinical condition may be due to a reversible interaction with metabolic processes in the hepatocytes.

Aged↗

Estimation of guinea pig antigen-specific and non-specific suppressor cell activity.

A functional assay for the quantitative estimation of suppressor cell (SC) activity in guinea pigs has been developed. Cultures of antigen-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from sensitized guinea pigs develop SC activity. The suppression of proliferation can be demonstrated in antigen-stimulated autologous co-cultures of precultured and freshly isolated PBL. The extent of suppression is dependent on the preculture antigen concentration but not the preculture period and it consists, as demonstrated with PBL from doubly sensitized guinea pigs, of an antigen-specific and a non-specific component. The observed SC activities were not due to an alteration of the kinetics of the co-cultures. The estimates of suppression are highly dependent on corrections for the values of the control cultures. The present method may prove useful in immunological studies of mycobacterial infections in guinea pigs.

Animals↗

[Severe toxic hepatitis during flutamide (Eulexin) treatment].

A case of severe toxic hepatitis in a patient with metastatic prostatic cancer treated for three months with flutamide (Eulexin) combined with an LHRH analogue, goserelin (Zoladex) is described. The patient developed severe liver failure with jaundice, ascites and severe encephalopathy. The condition reversed after discontinuation of flutamide. Less severe, but otherwise similar, adverse reactions have been reported in the literature, and the importance of considering the drug as a potential hepatotoxin is stressed.

Anilides↗

Lipopolysaccharides in a traditional pertussis vaccine.

Analysis of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) in cell sonicates of four Danish vaccine strains of Bordetella pertussis (3803, 3825, 3843 and 3860) and of purified strain 3803 LPS in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis by silver staining, showed identical profiles. The LPS profile revealed a dominant, brownish LPS II band and a minor, faster-migrating, black-stained LPS I band. However, the ratio of LPS I to LPS II in the preparation of purified LPS differed slightly from the cell sonicates. Using marker LPS, the molecular weights of LPS I and LPS II were estimated at 5.4 and 6.0 kD, respectively. Seven different lots of whole cell pertussis vaccine were assayed for LPS in the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate test and were found to contain 0.9-2.8 micrograms LPS/ml. No significant difference in the content of LPS in similar dilutions of the individual strains was observed. In addition, the distribution of free and cell-bound LPS in four pertussis vaccines was investigated. Most of the LPS was found to exist as free LPS. During several months, the course of both LPS and pertussis toxin (Pt) release in freshly killed B. pertussis preparations was followed. In the first few weeks, 35-50% of the LPS was released and after 5-6 months of storage 60-80% had been released. In contrast, less than 10% of the biologically active pertussis toxin was released during the experimental period. The possibility of producing a safer whole cell pertussis vaccine by reducing the amount of free LPS without reducing the protective value correspondingly is discussed.

Animals↗

Estimation of variability in the assay of human interleukin-1.

The variability in measurements of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) responsiveness of human monocyte (M phi)-depleted mononuclear cells (MDC) and in IL-1 production of human M phi has been estimated. Subjects were grouped so that inter- and intra-donor biological variability were evaluated, as well as day-to-day and basic intrinsic test-to-test methodological variability. IL-1 responsiveness was measured by the co-mitogenic effect of unstimulated and LPS-stimulated IL-1 standards on the PHA-induced proliferation of MDC. IL-1 production was measured by the enhancing effect of unstimulated and LPS-stimulated M phi-culture supernatants on PHA-stimulated allogeneic MDC. The variability of the IL-1 responsiveness of MDC was influenced mainly by biological factors, and this variability was effectively reduced by calculating the difference between the response of unstimulated and stimulated cultures, or by using cryopreserved MDC originating from a single stock of cells. In contrast, IL-1 production from both unstimulated and LPS-stimulated M phi was subjected to less biological and methodological variability, and this variability was not reduced by the above mentioned procedures. The results indicate that when assaying IL-1 production in clinical investigations involving longitudinal or comparative studies, a test system consisting of cryopreserved MDC from one stock of cells should be used. Alternatively the difference between the IL-1 activity from unstimulated and LPS-stimulated cultures should be calculated, since these procedures enhance the reproducibility of the measurements.

Analysis of Variance↗

Comparison in sensitized and unsensitized guinea-pigs of tuberculin PPDs RT 23 and PPD-M by skin tests and lymphocyte stimulation tests. Effect of immunization time.

The biological activities of tuberculin PPD RT 23 and the International Standard for Purified Protein Derivative of Mammalian Tuberculin (PPD-M) were compared in sensitized and unsensitized guinea-pigs by skin tests and lymphocyte stimulation (LS) tests. Estimates of relative potency (RP) from skin test results were dependent on the dose level, on the immunogen used, and, in guinea-pigs immunized with killed tubercle bacilli in oil, also on the immunization time. Relative potency estimates from LS results were dependent on the source of the lymphocytes and were different from estimates obtained from skin tests. Lymphocyte stimulation dose-response curves for the tuberculins were qualitatively different. In contrast to RT 23, PPD-M gave rise to non-specific skin reaction in unsensitized guinea-pigs. Both tuberculins were mitogenic to lymph node lymphocytes isolated from unsensitized guinea-pigs, PPD-M being the more mitogenic of the two tuberculins. The present results confirm that qualitatively different tuberculins cannot be unambiguously calibrated in identical terms and thus emphasize that the uncritical use of (international) standards should be avoided in tuberculin calibration.

Animals↗

Fundamental voice frequency measured by electroglottography during continuous speech. A new exact secondary sex characteristic in boys in puberty.

The variation of fundamental voice frequency measured by the average of 2000 consecutive electroglottographic cycles in a reading situation has been examined in relation to pubertal development and androgens. Fundamental frequency among other parameters was related to height (r -0.82), pubic hair stage (r -0.87), testis volume (r -0.78), total testosterone (r -0.73) and serum hormone binding globulin (r 0.75). Single observations of fundamental frequency show a clear grouping of results under and over 200 Hz. Fundamental frequency of more than 200 Hz and serum testosterone of more than 10 nmol/l probably represent values for a boy in puberty. There seem to be comparable relations with other androgens and with serum hormone binding globulin.

Adolescent↗

Interleukin 1 activity in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is a monocyte-derived mediator that participates in the regulation of various T-lymphocyte activities, among them IL-2 production. Since IL-2 deficiency is a central feature in the immunological profile of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the production of IL-1 from peripheral blood monocytes from male homosexuals with AIDS was investigated at the same time as the IL-1 responsiveness of monocyte-depleted mononuclear cells (MDC) from the same patients. The IL-1 was produced by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes and assayed by the capacity of monocyte supernatants to amplify the proliferation of phytohaemagglutinin-stimulated allogeneic MDC from healthy donors as well as murine thymocytes. The IL-1 responsiveness was measured by measuring the enhancing effect of an IL-1 standard on the proliferative response of patients' MDC. The IL-1 production was not reduced compared to the IL-1 production in a control group, but the IL-1 responsiveness of the patients' MDC was depressed. The results indicate that depressed IL-1 production is not one of the immunological disturbances in AIDS, but that the T-lymphocyte accessory properties of IL-1 are affected.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Susceptibility testing with disc diffusion for new cephalosporins: pre-diffusion revisited.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 20-hour pre-diffusion, i.e. placing the antibiotic-containing discs on the agar for 20 hours prior to inoculation, as compared to direct diffusion, i.e. placing the discs on the agar immediately after inoculation, for the newer 3. generation cephalosporins as represented by ceftazidime and ceftriaxone. Regression lines (zone sizes vs. inhibitory concentrations, as measured by plate-dilution) were constructed for three groups of bacteria chosen because of their differences in growth characteristics on agar: E. coli (n = 50), Enterobacter sp. (n = 35), and streptococci (n = 51). The results for both cephalosporins were: 20-hour pre-diffusion produced larger zones than direct diffusion, regression studies for 20-hour pre-diffusion as compared to direct diffusion resulted in greater variation in zone sizes, numerically lower slopes, lower residual variances and higher correlation coefficients, and regression lines were significantly different for the 3 groups of bacteria with direct diffusion but not so with 20-hour pre-diffusion. Considering the interpretation of zone sizes with disc diffusion for the cephalosporins tested, 20-hour pre-diffusion was superior to direct diffusion.

Ceftazidime↗

Abnormal androgen and oestrogen metabolism in men with steroid sulphatase deficiency and recessive X-linked ichthyosis.

Serum levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone, free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, oestradiol, oestrone, oestrone sulphate, FSH, and LH were measured in 20 steroid sulphatase-deficient men with recessive X-linked ichthyosis and in normal men. The serum oestrone sulphate level was significantly higher than normal in the patients (P less than 0.0001). In affected men, there was a tendency towards higher dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate levels and no decline with age was seen in the patients as opposed to normal men (interaction: P less than 0.025). Serum androstenedione, and oestradiol levels were lower than normal in the patients (P less than 0.0005 and P = 0.055, respectively), while their LH level was higher than normal (P less than 0.0005). The serum levels of SHBG, total and free testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, oestrone, and FSH were not significantly different from normal in the icthyotic patients. We suggest that the observed abnormalities in these patients are a consequence of the enzyme deficiency which severely impairs the ability of tissues to hydrolyse steroid sulphates.

Adult↗

Antibodies to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III in promiscuous healthy homosexual men. Relation to immunological and clinical findings.

Antibodies to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III Ab) were present in twenty-one out of sixty-four asymptomatic promiscuous homosexual men from Copenhagen. The presence of HTLV-III Ab was associated with lymphadenopathy (P less than 0.0005), cytomegalovirus isolation (P less than 0.01), low skin test reactivity (P less than 0.01) and episodes of fever within the 2 month period prior to investigation (P less than 0.05). No significant differences occurred in the total number of T-cells, T-suppressor cytotoxic cells, T-helper cells or helper to suppressor ratio (H/S ratio) between HTLV-III Ab positive and negative homosexuals. An H/S ratio less than or equal to 1.0 was significantly more frequent in homosexual men who both had HTLV-III Ab and excreted cytomegalovirus (P less than 0.01). The H/S ratio of HTLV-III negative homosexuals were significantly lower than that of the controls suggesting that a non-HTLV-III related immunosuppression occurs among homosexuals. Within 2 years after the investigation AIDS or the AIDS related complex developed in three of the men, who at the first investigation all had HTLV-III Ab, alterations in T-lymphocyte subsets and cutaneous anergy. It is suggested that a combination of T-cell subset determination and determination of HTLV-III Ab may provide more valuable prognostic information than isolated determination of HTLV-III Ab.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Antibacterial activity in vitro and regression studies for ceftazidime and ceftriaxone.

The antibacterial activity in vitro of ceftazidime and ceftriaxone was investigated against 575 recent clinical isolates. Both cephalosporins displayed excellent activity against most of the pathogens tested, in particular Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Apart from the Pseudomonas group, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Campylobacter jejuni ceftriaxone was slightly to moderately more active than ceftazidime overall. Ceftriaxone was moderately active against Streptococcus faecalis. Regression lines for the two antibiotics were almost identical. Corresponding to differences in susceptibility, the zone sizes differed for the two drugs with respect to certain bacterial groups, e.g. Pseudomonas sp. and enterococci. Therefore, the two cephalosporins cannot substitute for each other in disc susceptibility testing. Breakpoints for disc tests around 8-16 micrograms/ml, as suggested in the literature, appear too high considering the beneficial pharmacokinetic properties of the two drugs.

Acinetobacter↗