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Biomedical subjects

S S Harris

Publications and source records attributed to S S Harris.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

The BsmI vitamin D receptor restriction fragment length polymorphism (BB) predicts low bone density in premenopausal black and white women.

We conducted a study to determine whether a recently described restriction fragment length polymorphism in the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR-RFLP) predicts bone mineral density (BMD) in unrelated, premenopausal women as well as to determine the racial contribution to any genotypic influences on BMD. White (n = 83) and black (n = 72) women between 20 and 40 years of age were genotyped based on the presence (b) or absence (B) of a BsmI restriction enzyme site in the VDR gene, and BMD in the lumbar spine and femur neck was determined for each subject. There were 16 BB, 73 Bb, and 66 bb women. No significant difference was observed in genotypic distribution between the racial groups. The interaction of race by genotype on age- and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted BMD was not significant at either site. Age- and BMI-adjusted BMD was higher in black women at the spine (by 7.2%, p = 0.046) and femur neck (7.3% higher, p = 0.004). In the group as a whole, mean BMD in the femur neck was lower in the BB women that the bb (by 8.1%, p = 0.034) or Bb women (by 9.3%, p = 0.015) after controlling for age, BMI, race, and the race by genotype interaction. Adjusted lumbar spine BMD was lower in the BB women than the Bb women (6.4% lower, p = 0.036) in the group as a whole. No difference were detected between Bb and bb women at either site. A similar pattern of low BMD at the femur neck and the lumbar spine was seen in BB women of both races.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1995

Bone mineral density of the total body and forearm in premenopausal black and white women.

This study was conducted to report and compare bone mineral density (BMD) of the total body and distal forearm, as measured by X-ray absorptiometry, in 65 black and 73 white premenopausal women between the ages of 20 and 40. The black women had higher current and recalled body weights, a higher percent body fat, and more pregnancies and births, were younger at menarche, and reported lower alcohol intakes than the white women studied. A smaller percent of the black women had experienced amenorrhea, and a higher percent had lived at southern latitudes. Smoking history and lifetime use of oral contraceptives were similar in the two groups. Total body BMD, adjusted for body mass index (BMI), was 5.9% higher in the black than in the white women [mean +/- standard deviation (SD): 1.230 +/- 0.076 g/cm2 compared with 1.161 +/- 0.075; difference (95% confidence interval [CI95]: 0.068 (0.042, 0.095)]. Forearm BMD, adjusted for BMI, was 9.3% higher in the black women [mean +/- SD: 0.505 +/- 0.046 compared with 0.462 +/- 0.045; difference (CI95): 0.043 (0.027, 0.059)]. Adjustment for the other medical and lifestyle differences noted before had little effect on estimated BMD differences between the two groups.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1995

Rates of bone loss in postmenopausal women randomly assigned to one of two dosages of vitamin D.

We conducted a study to determine whether increasing vitamin D intake above the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of 5.0 micrograms (200 IU)/d reduces bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women residing at latitude 42 degrees N. In this double-blind, randomized 2-y trial, we enrolled 247 healthy ambulatory postmenopausal women who consumed an average of 2.5 micrograms (100 IU) vitamin D/d in their usual diets. The women were given either 2.5 micrograms (100 IU) or 17.5 micrograms (700 IU) vitamin D/d. All women received 500 mg supplemental calcium per day as citrate malate. Duplicate hip and spine and single whole-body scans were performed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at 6-mo intervals selected to flank the periods when 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (calcidiol) concentrations are highest (summer/fall) and lowest (winter/spring). Plasma calcidiol and serum osteocalcin were measured in these seasons in year 1. Both treatment groups lost bone mineral density from the femoral neck, but the 17.5-micrograms group lost less than (-1.06 +/- 0.34%; mean +/- SE) the 2.5-micrograms group (-2.54 +/- 0.37%, P = 0.003). Seventy percent of the benefit each year occurred in winter/spring and 30% in summer/fall. Changes in spinal and whole-body bone densities did not differ by treatment group and were minimal after 2 y. Serum osteocalcin and plasma calcidiol (2.5-micrograms group only) fluctuated with season. In conclusion, in healthy, calcium-supplemented, postmenopausal women residing at latitude 42 degrees N, an intake of 5.0 micrograms (200 IU) vitamin D/d is sufficient to limit bone loss from the spine and whole body but it is not adequate to minimize bone loss from the femoral neck.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Calcium absorption responses to calcitriol in black and white premenopausal women.

On the basis of recent findings that adult black women had similar calcium absorption but higher levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] than white women, we hypothesized that blacks have a gut resistance to the action of calcitriol. To test this, we studied 11 black [age, 32.4 +/- 5.7 (+/- SD) yr] and 12 white women (28.4 +/- 5.5 yr). The women were maintained on a constant 500-mg calcium diet for 4 weeks, and each received calcitriol (0.25 microgram) four times daily for the last 2 weeks. After 2 and 4 weeks, each subject had measurements of fractional 45Ca absorption index and blood and urine tests. At 2 weeks, the black women had similar calcium absorption indexes [18.7 +/- 1.9% (+/- SEM)/L vs. 20.0 +/- 1.8%/L; age adjusted], borderline higher 1,25-(OH)2D levels [95.7 +/- 6.4 (+/- SEM) vs. 78.2 +/- 6.2 pmol/L; P = 0.071; age adjusted], higher serum PTH levels, and lower urinary calcium excretion. Calcitriol therapy induced similar increments in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D levels in the two groups, but a smaller increment in calcium absorption in the black women (18.4 +/- 8.6% vs. 44.6 +/- 7.8%; P = 0.043; means adjusted for age and initial absorption index). These findings support the hypothesis that, compared with whites, healthy premenopausal black women have gut resistance to the action of calcitriol.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Calcium absorption on high and low calcium intakes in relation to vitamin D receptor genotype.

The finding that the link between polymorphism at the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and rates of bone loss from the femoral neck in postmenopausal women is enhanced at low calcium intakes suggests that intestinal calcium absorption is a site of differential action of the VDR alleles. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] and its receptor mediate active calcium transport, the major mechanism of calcium absorption at low calcium intakes. We compared fractional calcium absorption in healthy late postmenopausal women with (bb) and without (BB) the BSM-1 restriction site. In 60 women (26 BB and 34 bb), we measured calcium absorption and plasma 1,25-(OH)2D after 2 weeks on a high (1500 mg/day) and 2 weeks on a low (< 300 mg/day) calcium intake. The mean 45Ca absorption indexes were similar in the two groups on the high calcium intake [19.01 +/- 1.12% (+/- SEM)/L in BB and 20.45 +/- 0.97%/L in bb; P = 0.346] and differed significantly on the low calcium intake (20.57 +/- 1.10%/L vs. 23.66 +/- 0.95%/L; P = 0.044). Calcium restriction induced similar percent increases in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D, but the BB group had a smaller increase in the fractional 45Ca absorption index [7.8 +/- 3.8% (+/- SEM) vs. 20.7 +/- 3.3% in bb; P = 0.016; increments adjusted for initial absorption value]. In conclusion, compared to women with the bb variants, women with BB allelic variants of the VDR have reduced calcium absorption efficiency on low calcium intake, consistent with a functional defect in the intestinal VDR. The impact of this heritable difference is reduced at higher calcium intakes.

Absorption↗
PubMed1994

Caffeine and bone loss in healthy postmenopausal women.

The effects of caffeine consumption on rates of change in bone mineral density (BMD) were examined in 205 healthy, nonsmoking, postmenopausal women. BMD of the spine and total body were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and dietary intakes by food-frequency questionnaire. Among women with calcium intakes above the median (744 mg/d), 1-y rates of bone change--adjusted for years since menopause, body mass index, physical activity, and baseline BMD--did not differ by caffeine intake. However, among women consuming less calcium, those with the highest caffeine intakes (> 450 mg/d) had significantly more bone loss (ANCOVA, P < 0.05) than did women consuming less caffeine (0-171 and 182-419 mg/d). Percent change in BMD by lowest to highest tertile of caffeine consumption was 0.26 +/- 2.74, 0.70 +/- 2.70, and -1.36 +/- 2.70 at the spine and -0.19 +/- 1.24, 0.23 +/- 1.23, and -0.68 +/- 1.25 at the total body. Daily consumption of caffeine in amounts equal to or greater than that obtained from about two to three servings of brewed coffee may accelerate bone loss from the spine and total body in women with calcium intakes below the recommended dietary allowance of 800 mg.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Coordinated strategies for controlling micronutrient malnutrition: a technical workshop.

Participants in a November 1991 workshop concluded that coordinated strategies for controlling malnutrition due to iodine, iron, vitamin A and other micronutrients deficiencies are technically feasible and should be given consideration in planning control efforts. Coordinated surveys involving clinical, biochemical and dietary assessment of multiple micronutrients are feasible. Multiple fortification is also possible using such vehicles as salt, processed rice or sugar. Supplementation efforts can be integrated with existing health care programs. Food-based strategies are also effective. The best examples have been community-based and have included a strong nutrition and health education component designed to change food consumption patterns, improve food preservation and preparation practices, and link income-generating activities with food production activities. Successful coordinated efforts will require a strong political commitment and a supportive infrastructure. Specific recommendations include the formation of national coordinating bodies for micronutrient deficiency control, establishment of a micronutrient information network and expansion of technical exchange and training.

Developing Countries↗
PubMed1989

Neonatal hyperparathyroidism: the natural course in the absence of surgical intervention.

The case of a premature infant with the onset of hypercalcemia and apparent primary hyperparathyroidism in the immediate neonatal period is presented. Although the treatment in most such cases has been parathyroidectomy, this infant was managed medically and survived infancy without apparent complications. We believe her disorder represents the neonatal manifestations of familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia. Her course supports the contention that this disorder may be self-limited in some infants and that appropriate medical management can preclude the need for surgical intervention in selected cases.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Effect of aluminium on mineralization of rat third molar in vitro.

Crl: COBS rat third-molar explants were cultured for 12 days in either 0.6 X 10(-2), 4 X 10(-2) or 6 X 10(-2) mM aluminium, or for 12 days with exposure to 13 X 10(-2) mM Al at different 6-day intervals. Total protein, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and phosphorous were measured to evaluate cell viability and the degree of mineralization. Al in concentrations above 4 X 10(-2) mM significantly reduced the Ca and P content of explants cultured for 12 days. Explants exposed to 13 X 10(-2) mM Al for the first 6 days had less Ca and P than those exposed for the last 6 days of culture. Haematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of explants showed no gross abnormalities.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1986

In vivo and in vitro study of the effects of vitamin A deficiency on rat third molar development.

We have examined the effect of in vivo vitamin A status on subsequent rat third molar formation and mineralization in an in vitro organ culture system. Vitamin A deficiency imposed during an eight-day in vitro period caused effects very similar to those of vitamin A deficiency imposed on rats in vivo. Analysis of the data also demonstrates that retinoic acid is capable of reversing the interference in mineralization of third molars induced by vitamin A deficiency in the organ culture system.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Organ culture study of effect of vitamin-A-deficiency on rat third molar development.

A culture procedure for rat third molars suitable for nutritional-developmental studies is described. Unerupted third molars from 12-day-old rats were cultured in BGJb media containing 20 per cent rat serum and supplemented with 25 mM HEPES buffer, 25 mg ascorbic acid, 20 mg L-glutamine, 12 mg penicillin G and 10 mg streptomycin sulphate per 100 ml of media. Molars were cultured at the liquid-gas interphase using a 50 per cent O2, 45 per cent N2, 5 per cent CO2 gas mixture at 10 lb-psig (pounds per square inch guage). Molar cultures were maintained successfully for 9-14 days without evidence of necrosis, although they developed at a slower rate than in vivo. Molars cultured in 50 per cent O2 compared to those cultured in 21 per cent O2 for periods of 2, 4, 6 and 8 days had higher values for protein, alkaline phosphatase (AP), Ca, P and Ca/P. Vitamin-A-deficiency gave lower values for AP, Ca, P, Ca/P, 45Ca, 35S and [14C]-proline uptake. Histologically, A - molars had atrophic ameloblasts, some foci of squamous metaplasia and abnormal keratin formation. Thus, deficiency of vitamin A imposed during in-vitro development of rat third molars retarded dentinogenesis and interfered with early mineralization of enamel and dentine.

Aging↗
PubMed1984

Effect of primary renal disease in patients with renovascular insufficiency.

The effect of laboratory evidence of renal parenchymal abnormality on the results of renal revascularization in 83 patients with renovascular hypertension was determined. Primary renal disease (PRD) was defined as an abnormal urinalysis (proteinuria, hematuria, or casts) in the absence of urinary infection, or decreased renal function (elevated serum creatinine level greater than 1.5 mg/dl and/or decreased creatinine clearance). All patients were hypertensive on medical therapy preoperatively. Patients were defined as cured if postoperative diastolic blood pressure (BP) was less than 90 mm Hg on no medication and improved if BP less than 90 mm Hg on medication. Sixty-six patients (80%) were cured or improved following revascularization. Of 45 patients (63%) with evidence of PRD preoperatively, 28 (62%) were cured or improved compared with 33 patients without PRD, of whom all (100%) were cured or improved (p less than 0.001). Each of five patients with transplant renal artery stenosis had two operations; four were cured or improved. The serum creatinine level was elevated preoperatively in 37 cases. Eighteen of the 37 (49%) improved to within normal limits following operation. Fifteen patients had simultaneous bilateral renal artery revascularization, and 12 (80%) were cured or improved. Fourteen patients (17%) had concomitant vascular procedures: aortobifemoral bypass (seven), abdominal aneurysm resection (five), femoral endarterectomy (one), and aortoiliac bypass (one). Twelve of these 15 patients had PRD, and 8 of the 12 (67%) were cured or improved. Only one death occurred in the perioperative period. Thirty-eight patients (46%) had been treated for hypertension for more than 12 months before referral.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Effects of vitamin A deficiency on rat incisor formation.

Vitamin A deficiency (A-) is known to cause morphologic changes in tooth structures. However, its effects on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) distribution in dental pulp, and the role of retinoic acid (RA) in altering these effects are not clearly defined. Tissue changes induced by vitamin A deficiency and RA administration were evaluated histologically in incisors of rats fed on one of 3 different diets: a) vitamin A sufficient (A+); b) vitamin A deficient (A-); and c) vitamin A deficient supplemented with retinoic acid (A-/RA). Four weeks after the onset of vitamin A deficiency, all rats were killed and their 4 continuously erupting incisors evaluated histologically. A- rats had altered dentine and pulp with disrupted histodifferentiation of pulpal mesenchymal cells to normal odontoblasts. The frequency of these abnormalities in dentine and pulp was lower in A-/RA rats. The enamel organ was unremarkable in the 4-week deficient period. Using special stains, we noted that pulpal GAG accumulation in A- and A-/RA rats was limited to the lingual area, while in A+ rats, GAG were distributed throughout. These data suggest that vitamin A deficiency affects histodifferentiation of pulpal mesenchymal cells to odontoblasts, as well as GAG distribution in pulp. RA administration reduces the A- changes and therefore, appears to have some activity in dentinogenesis.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Interaction of vitamin A deficiency and excess fluoride in calcification of rat bones and teeth.

Using a 2 X 2 factorial design, we evaluated the possible interaction of vitamin A deficiency and excess fluoride in rat dentin and bone. Simultaneous presence of excess fluoride plus vitamin A deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in bone fluoride concentration compared to the presence of excess fluoride alone. Vitamin A deficiency alone significantly reduced calcium concentration in dentin formed during the deficient period.

Administration, Oral↗