Biomedical subjects

S Menzel

Publications and source records attributed to S Menzel.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1998

[Sclerosing in multiple familial glomangiomas].

Glomus tumors (glomangiomata) are benign tumors arising from glomus cells. Multiple glomangiomata are less frequent and less painful than the solitary variant, which is usually located subungually. Nonetheless multiple glomangiomata--sometimes being sensitive to pressure and changes in temperature--may cause considerable discomfort. Treatment of multiple glomangiomata is problematic because of the often large number of tumors. Sclerotherapy represents an alternative to surgical and cryosurgical therapy. We report on sclerotherapy in a 35 year old female patient with multiple hereditary glomus tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Endothelial expression of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 beta mRNA is regulated by the transcription factor Ets-1.

Cleavage of big endothelins (ETs) by endothelin-converting enzymes (ECEs) represents the final step in the biosynthesis of ETs. ECE-1 is expressed predominantly in endothelial cells and exists in two isoforms, termed alpha and beta, differing in their 5' termini. We have recently shown that isoform-specific mRNA expression is directed by alternative promoters. To investigate possible mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of ECE-1, we stimulated E.A. hy 926 cells with phorbol ester and found a greater than threefold increase in ECE-1 beta mRNA at 12-24 h of stimulation. Because the beta-specific promoter is characterized by multiple consensus sequences for transcription factors of the ETS family, Ets-1 and PEA3, we also analyzed Ets-1 mRNA expression and found at least a fivefold increase in Ets-1 mRNA at 3 h of phorbol ester stimulation. Gel shift analysis revealed a specific interaction of nuclear proteins isolated from E.A. hy 926 cells with an oligonucleotide harboring the Ets-1 consensus sequence. Using a specific anti-Ets-1 antibody, we detected a supershifted band indicating the expression of Ets-1 protein in E.A. hy 926 cells. We conclude that Ets-1 is involved in transcriptional upregulation of ECE-1 beta mRNA in E.A. hy 926 cells induced by phorbol ester.

Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases↗

PubMed1997

Evidence of alternative promoters directing isoform-specific expression of human endothelin-converting enzyme-1 mRNA in cultured endothelial cells.

The endothelins, a family of closely related vasoactive and mitogenic peptides, are thought to play an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology. The conversion of the inactive precursor "big endothelin" to the biologically active peptide is catalyzed in vitro and in vivo by endothelin-converting enzymes (ECE). Recently the cDNA cloning of two homologous proteins, termed ECE-1 and ECE-2, has been reported. ECE-1 may play a key role in the activation and regulation of the cardiovascular endothelin proteolytic cascade. ECE-1 mRNA is expressed in two isoforms, termed alpha and beta, which are identical except for the 5'-terminal regions. To investigate the transcriptional regulation of isoform-specific ECE-1 mRNA expression we isolated phage clones from a human genomic library and identified the alpha- and beta-specific exons of ECE-1. The exon/intron organization of the 5'-terminal region of the human ECE-1 gene in conjunction with putative transcription initiation start sites suggests the existence of two alternative promoters, each directing the expression of either isoform. A reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction assay indicated differential mRNA expression of ECE-1 isoforms. Using a luciferase reporter gene assay, we found that the genomic region upstream of exon 1 alpha confers strong promoter activity in the human endothelial cell line ECV 304, which was previously shown to express predominantly ECE-1 alpha mRNA. Transfection of serial deletion mutants in ECV304 cells indicated the existence of three positive and also one negative regulating element within 2 kb of the alpha-promoter region. Luciferase reporter gene studies also revealed that the genomic region upstream of exon 3, which encodes the putative ECE-1 beta specific N-terminus, was able to direct luciferase expression in primary cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells, indicating the existence of an alternative promoter. Transfection of nested deletions spanning 1.2 kb upstream of the putative translation initiation codon of ECE-1 beta suggested the existence of three positive regulating regions within the beta-specific promoter. Both ECE-1 promoters lack TATA or CAAT boxes, and the two show different patterns of consensus sequences for transcription factors, suggesting a differential transcriptional regulation of isoform-specific ECE-1 mRNA expression.

Aspartic Acid Endopeptidases↗

PubMed1997

Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha gene in MODY and early-onset NIDDM: evidence for a mutational hotspot in exon 4.

We have recently shown that mutations in the gene encoding the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha are the cause of one form of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY3). Here, we report the exon-intron organization and partial sequence of the human HNF-1alpha gene. In addition, we have screened the ten exons and flanking introns of this gene for mutations in a group of 25 unrelated white subjects from Germany who presented with NIDDM before 35 years of age and had a first-degree relative with NIDDM. Mutations were identified in nine of these individuals, suggesting that mutations in the HNF-1alpha gene are a common cause of diabetes in German subjects with early-onset NIDDM and a family history of diabetes. Thus, screening for mutations in this gene may be indicated in subjects with early-onset NIDDM. Interestingly, three of the nine mutations occurred at the same site in exon 4 with insertion of a C in a polyC tract, centered around codon 290 (designated Pro291fsinsC), thereby resulting in a frameshift during translation and premature termination. Analyses of linked DNA polymorphisms in the HNF-1alpha gene indicated that the Pro291fsinsC mutation was present on a different haplotype in each subject, implying that the polyC tract represents a mutational hot spot. We have also identified the mutation in the HNF-1alpha gene in the Jutland pedigree, one of the original MODY pedigrees reported in the literature, as being a T-->G substitution in codon 241, resulting in the replacement of a conserved Cys by Gly (C241G). The information on the sequence of the HNF-1alpha gene and its promoter region will facilitate the search for mutations in other subjects and studies of the role of the gene in determining normal beta-cell functions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha gene in maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY3)

The disease non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is characterized by abnormally high blood glucose resulting from a relative deficiency of insulin. It affects about 2% of the world's population and treatment of diabetes and its complications are an increasing health-care burden. Genetic factors are important in the aetiology of NIDDM, and linkage studies are starting to localize some of the genes that influence the development of this disorder. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY), a single-gene disorder responsible for 2-5% of NIDDM, is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and an age of onset of 25 years or younger. MODY genes have been localized to chromosomes 7, 12 and 20 (refs 5, 7, 8) and clinical studies indicate that mutations in these genes are associated with abnormal patterns of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The gene on chromosome 7 (MODY2) encodes the glycolytic enzyme glucokinases which plays a key role in generating the metabolic signal for insulin secretion and in integrating hepatic glucose uptake. Here we show that subjects with the MODY3-form of NIDDM have mutations in the gene encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha (HNF-1alpha, which is encoded by the gene TCF1). HNF-1alpha is a transcription factor that helps in the tissue-specific regulation of the expression of several liver genes and also functions as a weak transactivator of the rat insulin-I gene.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Mutations in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha gene in maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY1)

The disease maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a genetically heterogeneous monogenic form of non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), characterized by early onset, usually before 25 years of age and often in adolescence or childhood, and by autosomal dominant inheritance. It has been estimated that 2-5% of patients with NIDDM may have this form of diabetes mellitus. Clinical studies have shown that prediabetic MODY subjects have normal insulin sensitivity but suffer from a defect in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, suggesting that pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction rather than insulin resistance is the primary defect in this disorder. Linkage studies have localized the genes that are mutated in MODY on human chromosomes 20 (MODY1), 7 (MODY2) and 12 (MODY3), with MODY2 and MODY3 being allelic with the genes encoding glucokinase, a key regulator of insulin secretion, and hepatocyte nuclear factor-1alpha (HNF-1alpha), a transcription factor involved in tissue-specific regulation of liver genes but also expressed in pancreatic islets, insulinoma cells and other tissues. Here we show that MODY1 is the gene encoding HNF-4alpha (gene symbol, TCF14), a member of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily and an upstream regulator of HNF-1alpha expression.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Isolation and characterization of rat liver microsomal R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA synthetase.

Microsomal long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.1.2.3.) has been suggested to be involved in the stereoselective formation of the CoA thioester of ibuprofen. In this study, we demonstrated that the microsomal enzyme from rat liver responsible for palmitoyl-CoA synthesis also catalyzes the formation of R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA in a Mg(2+)- and ATP-dependent process. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase from rat liver microsomes was purified to homogeneity as evidenced by SDS-gel electrophoresis. Simultaneous measurements of palmitoyl-CoA and R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA formation with HPLC in various fractions and purification steps during protein isolation revealed a high correlation between both activities. The purification procedure included solubilization of the microsomes obtained from rat livers with Triton X-100 and subsequent chromatography of the 100,000 x g supernatant on blue-sepharose, hydroxyapatite, and phosphocellulose. The purified enzyme exhibited an apparent molecular weight of 72 kDa as estimated by SDS gel electrophoresis, with specific activities of 71 nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein and 901 nmol.min-1.mg-1 protein for formation of R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA and palmitoyl-CoA, respectively. Palmitoyl-CoA formation catalyzed by the purified enzyme exhibited biphasic kinetics indicative of two isoforms, a high-affinity (KM 0.13 +/- 0.11 microM), low-capacity form and a low-affinity (KM 81 +/- 11.5 microM), high-capacity form. In contrast, measurement of R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA synthesis over a concentration range from 5 to 3000 microM showed the participation of a single CoA ligase with a KM of 184 +/- 19 microM, corresponding to the low-affinity isoform of palmitoyl-CoA synthesis with a marked enantioselectivity towards the R-form of ibuprofen. R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA formation of the enzyme preparation was inhibited by palmitic acid (KI 13.5 +/- 0.5 microM) and S-ibuprofen (KI 405 +/- 10 microM). In summary, these data give strong evidence for the identity of R-ibuprofenoyl-CoA and long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Stereospecific determination of tiaprofenic acid in plasma: problems with drug degradation.

A sensitive stereospecific high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantification of tiaprofenic acid in human plasma was developed. The procedure involved extraction of tiaprofenic acid from acidified plasma into hexanediethyl ether (8:2, v/v). Stereospecific separation was achieved with a prepacked alpha1-acid glycoprotein column without derivatization. The mobile phase consisted of 2% 2-propanol in 0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 6.5. Tiaprofenic acid was detected at 317 nm. The limit of quantification was found to be 25 ng/ml for each enantiomer using a 0.5 ml plasma sample. The assay was reproducible and accurate to be applied to the stereoselective pharmacokinetic analysis of tiaprofenic acid in plasma. Because of photoinstability of tiaprofenic acid plasma sampling and sample extraction should be performed under light protection.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal↗

PubMed1996

Searching for NIDDM susceptibility genes: studies of genes with triplet repeats expressed in skeletal muscle.

The expansion of trinucleotide repeats has been associated with late-onset neurodegenerative disorders. Although the genes harbouring the triplet expansions may be widely expressed, the pathological expression of these diseases is restricted to specific tissues. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) shares several features with diseases resulting from such dynamic mutations including late-onset and specific but limited sites of tissue pathology-muscle, fat, liver and insulin-secreting pancreatic beta cells. In order to examine the contribution of genes containing polymorphic CAG/CTG repeats to the development of NIDDM, we screened an adult human skeletal muscle cDNA library for expressed sequences containing tandem repeats of CAG and/ or CTG. Ten different loci with polymorphic CAG/ CTG repeats were identified, of which seven had a heterozygosity greater than 0.20. There was no evidence for linkage between these seven loci and NIDDM in a group of affected Mexican-American sib pairs. Nor was there a significant difference in the distribution of alleles between Caucasian patients with NIDDM and normal healthy control subjects or evidence for repeat expansion in diabetic subjects. Thus, muscle genes with polymorphic CAG/CTG repeats do not appear to play a significant role in the development of NIDDM.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

A genome-wide search for human non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes genes reveals a major susceptibility locus on chromosome 2.

Non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a common disorder of middle-aged individuals characterized by high blood glucose levels which, if untreated, can cause serious medical complications and lead to early death. Genetic factors play an important role in determining susceptibility to this disorder. However, the number of genes involved, their chromosomal location and the magnitude of their effect on NIDDM susceptibility are unknown. We have screened the human genome for susceptibility genes for NIDDM using non-and quasi-parametric linkage analysis methods in a group of Mexican American affected sib pairs. One marker, D2S125, showed significant evidence of linkage to NIDDM and appears to be a major factor affecting the development of diabetes mellitus in Mexican Americans. We propose that this locus be designated NIDDM1.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 2↗

PubMed1996

Altered insulin secretory responses to glucose in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects with mutations in the diabetes susceptibility gene MODY3 on chromosome 12.

One form of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) results from mutations in a gene, designated MODY3, located on chromosome 12 in band q24. The present study was undertaken to define the interactions between glucose and insulin secretion rate (ISR) in subjects with mutations in MODY3. Of the 13 MODY3 subjects, six subjects with normal fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and seven overtly diabetic subjects were studied as were six nondiabetic control subjects. Each subject received graded intravenous glucose infusions on two occasions separated by a 42-h continuous intravenous glucose infusion designed to prime the beta-cell to secrete more insulin in response to glucose. ISRs were derived by deconvolution of peripheral C-peptide levels. Basal glucose levels were higher and insulin levels were lower in MODY3 subjects with diabetes compared with nondiabetic subjects or with normal healthy control subjects. In response to the graded glucose infusion, ISRs were significantly lower in the diabetic subjects over a broad range of glucose concentrations. ISRs in the nondiabetic MODY3 subjects were not significantly different from those of the control subjects at plasma glucose levels <8 mmol/l. As glucose rose above this level, however, the increase in insulin secretion in these subjects was significantly reduced. Administration of glucose by intravenous infusion for 42 h resulted in a significant increase in the amount of insulin secreted over the 5-9 mmol/l glucose concentration range in the control subjects and nondiabetic MODY3 subjects (by 38 and 35%, respectively), but no significant change was observed in the diabetic MODY3 subjects. In conclusion, in nondiabetic MODY3 subjects insulin secretion demonstrates a diminished ability to respond when blood glucose exceeds 8 mmol/l. The priming effect of glucose on insulin secretion is preserved. Thus, beta-cell dysfunction is present before the onset of overt hyperglycemia in this form of MODY. The defect in insulin secretion in the nondiabetic MODY3 subjects differs from that reported previously in nondiabetic MODY1 or mildly diabetic MODY2 subjects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

An approach for identifying simple sequence repeat DNA polymorphisms near cloned cDNAs and genes. Linkage studies of the islet amyloid polypeptide/amylin and liver glycogen synthase genes and NIDDM.

Genetic factors contribute to the development of NIDDM, and genes involved in regulating pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin's effects on glucose metabolism are good candidates for being NIDDM susceptibility loci. However, testing candidate genes for linkage to NIDDM depends on the identification of highly informative DNA polymorphisms in or near the candidate locus. Here we describe an approach for identifying highly polymorphic markers near candidate genes that utilizes the emerging physical map of the human genome. A sequence-tagged site from the candidate gene is used to screen the Centre d'Etude du Polymorphisme Humain megabase-insert yeast artificial chromosome library, which contains information on the physical localization of >3,000 genetically mapped simple sequence repeat DNA polymorphisms. Thus, identification of a yeast artificial chromosome containing the candidate locus will in many instances also identify a physically linked simple sequence repeat DNA polymorphism that can be used as a marker for the candidate gene in linkage studies. We have used this approach to identify a marker for the islet amyloid polypeptide gene on chromosome 12. The physical mapping of this gene to a yeast artificial chromosome showed that it was in the same yeast artificial chromosome as the gene encoding liver glycogen synthase, another possible NIDDM susceptibility gene. Affected sib pair studies using a simple sequence repeat DNA polymorphism physically linked to the islet amyloid polypeptide and liver glycogen synthase genes showed no evidence for linkage with NIDDM, indicating that they are not major genes contributing to NIDDM susceptibility.

Amyloid↗

PubMed1995

2-Arylpropionyl-CoA epimerase: partial peptide sequences and tissue localization.

The R-enantiomers of 2-arylpropionic acids (2-APAs) such as ibuprofen (IBU) exhibit the phenomenon of species- and substrate-dependent metabolic chiral inversion. Only R-enantiomers are activated to acyl-CoA-thioesters by an acyl-CoA-synthetase via an adenylate intermediate. The acyl-CoA-thioesters are substrates for an epimerase, which is responsible for chiral inversion. A 42 kDa epimerase from the cytosolic fraction of rat livers was isolated and purified to homogeneity. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against the epimerase in rabbits. The anti-epimerase antibodies were used for affinity column chromatography to separate homogeneous protein for amino acid sequence analysis. Sequence data analysis of 3 internal peptide sequences showed 50% and more homology with regions of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism. The polyclonal anti-epimerase antibodies were used to analyze the tissue distribution of the in guinea pigs and rats by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the correlation of inversion enzyme activity in various tissues under comparable incubation conditions and cross-reactivity in Western blot analysis was investigated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Tonic versus phasic pain: dose-related effects of ketoprofen.

Only recently has a new experimental technique been developed which combines tonic and phasic painful stimulation. By means of this technique the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen has been shown to produce a dose-related decrease in heterotopically applied phasic and tonic pain. The present study aimed to investigate the dose-related effects of the NSAID ketoprofen (50, 100, and 150 mg i.v.) when tonic and phasic stimuli were applied homotopically. Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in the double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. After an initial training session subjects took part in four experiments, each of which was divided into three sessions (before, 30, and 120 min after drug administration). During each session 45 painful phasic CO2 stimuli of three concentrations were presented to the left nostril in randomized order (duration 200 ms; interval 40 s; 45%, 52%, and 59% v/v CO2). The left nostril was additionally stimulated with a constant stream of dry air, which produced a tonic painful sensation described as dull and burning. Subjects rated the intensity of the painful stimuli by means of visual analogue scales. Chemosomatosensory event-related potentials (CSSERPs) were recorded in response to phasic painful CO2 stimuli. Ketoprofen reduced the subjects' estimates of tonic pain in a dose-related manner. In contrast, given the special conditions of homotopic application of tonic and phasic painful stimuli, estimates of phasic pain increased significantly, corresponding to a significant increase in CSSERP amplitudes. An explanation of this inverse effect of the drug on responses to tonic and phasic pain may be a lateralized interaction between both C-fiber and A delta-fiber systems at a spinal or peripheral level.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen enantiomers after different doses of the racemate.

The pharmacokinetics of the enantiomers of ketoprofen after oral administration of 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg and i.v. administration of 50 mg racemic ketoprofen to 24 healthy subjects were investigated. The AUC values of R- (r2 = 0.929) and S-ketoprofen (r2 = 0.930) were proportional to dose. The absolute bioavailability of the 50 mg oral dose was 84.5 (s.d. 20.6) % and 81.4 (18.0) % for R-ketoprofen and S-ketoprofen, respectively. With the exception of AUC values no dose dependent differences in pharmacokinetic parameters were observed. However, the R-enantiomer had higher AUC, lower clearance data and higher Cmax values than the S-form after oral administration. The results suggest that stereochemical and pharmacokinetic considerations cannot explain the lack of dose response observed with ketoprofen doses below 50 mg.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

Localization of MODY3 to a 5-cM region of human chromosome 12.

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a heterogeneous disorder that appears to be characterized by a primary defect in insulin secretion. Mutations in an unknown locus (MODY1) on chromosome 20 and the glucokinase gene (MODY2) on chromosome 7 can cause this form of non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Recent genetic studies have identified a third locus on chromosome 12 (MODY3) that is linked to MODY in a group of French families. We have identified three families from Denmark, Germany, and the U.S. (Michigan) showing evidence of linkage with MODY3 and a family from Japan showing suggestive evidence. Analysis of key recombinants in these families localized MODY3 to a 5-cM interval between the markers D12S86 and D12S807/D12S820.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Isolation of a cDNA clone encoding a KATP channel-like protein expressed in insulin-secreting cells, localization of the human gene to chromosome band 21q22.1, and linkage studies with NIDDM.

The metabolism of glucose in insulin-secreting cells leads to closure of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP), an event that initiates the insulin secretory process. Defects in insulin secretion are a common feature of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and the beta-cell KATP that couples metabolism and membrane potential is a candidate for contributing to the development of this clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. We screened a hamster insulinoma cDNA library by low-stringency hybridization with a probe coding for the G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channel GIRK1/KGA and isolated clones encoding a protein, KATP-2, whose sequence is 90% similar to that of the recently described KATP-1, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel expressed in heart and other tissues. RNA blotting showed that KATP mRNA was present in insulin-secreting cells and brain but not in heart. To assess the contribution of KATP-2 to the development of NIDDM, the human KATP-2 gene (symbol KCNJ7) was isolated and mapped to chromosome band 21q22.1 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. A simple tandem repeat DNA polymorphism, D21S1255, was identified in the region of the KATP-2 gene, and linkage studies between this marker and NIDDM were carried out in a group of Mexican-American sib pairs with NIDDM. There was no evidence for linkage between D21S1255 and NIDDM, indicating that KATP-2 is not a major susceptibility gene in this population.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1994

Localization of the gene encoding a neutral amino acid transporter-like protein to human chromosome band 19q13.3 and characterization of a simple sequence repeat DNA polymorphism.

The gene encoding a human neutral amino acid transporter-like protein (SLC1A5) was mapped to chromosome band 19q13.3 by fluorescence in situ hybridization to metaphase chromosomes. A simple sequence repeat DNA polymorphism of the form (GT)n was identified in the 3'-untranslated region of SLC1A5 mRNA. Studies in the CEPH families showed significant evidence of linkage between this DNA polymorphism and markers localized to the distal long arm of chromosome 19.

Amino Acid Transport Systems↗