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Biomedical subjects

Stephen A Smith

Publications and source records attributed to Stephen A Smith.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

A recombinant vaccine expressing a mammalian Mycobacterium sp. antigen is immunostimulatory but not protective in striped bass.

A recombinant vaccine was constructed for piscine mycobacteriosis utilizing a Brucella abortus strain RB51 vector expressing a mammalian Mycobacterium sp. 85A antigen. Juvenile striped bass were inoculated with the resulting construct at doses equivalent to 10(6), 10(7), 10(8), 10(9), and 10(10) colony-forming units/fish. Blood and tissue samples from these fish demonstrated significant specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses towards the 85A antigen in a dose-dependent manner. However, survival studies determined that inoculated fish failed to demonstrate cross-protective responses after live Mycobacterium marinum challenge 70 days post-inoculation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

The identification of clinical candidate SB-480848: a potent inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.

Modification of the pyrimidone 5-substituent in clinical candidate SB-435495 has given a series of inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) with sub-nanomolar potency. Cyclopentyl fused derivative 21, SB-480848, showed an enhanced in vitro and in vivo profile versus SB-435495 and has been selected for progression to man.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed2003

Resistin is expressed in human macrophages and directly regulated by PPAR gamma activators.

Resistin is a cysteine-rich protein postulated to be a molecular link between obesity and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PPAR gamma in the regulation of resistin expression in human primary macrophages. Fluorescent real-time PCR (Taqman) analysis of resistin expression across a range of human tissues showed that resistin is highly expressed in bone marrow compared to other tissues. Taqman analysis and Western blotting showed that rosiglitazone decreased resistin expression at both the mRNA and protein levels in human primary monocyte-derived macrophages in vitro. Resistin expression was reduced by up to 80% after exposure to 100 nM rosiglitazone for 96 h. Bioinformatics analysis of the genomic sequence upstream of the resistin coding sequence identified several putative PPAR response elements of which one was shown to bind PPAR gamma using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Our data support a direct role for PPAR gamma in the regulation of resistin expression.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2003

A formal total synthesis of (+)-apicularen A: base-induced conversion of apicularen-derived intermediates into salicylihalamide-like products.

A synthesis of apicularen precursor (-)-6 in 18 steps from D-glucal is reported. As (+)-6 has been converted into the potent, naturally occurring salicylate anti-cancer agent, (-)-apicularen A in 8 steps, this study constitutes a formal total synthesis of (+)-apicularen A. Key steps in the synthetic route include: (i) useful D-glucal elaboration processes, (ii) organometallic displacements at carbohydrate C-6 triflates using Knochel-type and related functionalised, aromatic Grignard reagents, (iii) stereoselective allyltrimethylsilane-acetal reactions generating C-allyl systems, (iv) stereocontrolled aldehyde allylation processes from both substrate and reagent, and (v) a novel Keck-type macrolactonisation. In addition, preliminary studies are reported in which a procedure has been devised to convert apicularen-derived intermediates into salicylihalamide-like products.

Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic↗
PubMed2003

Prostaglandin D2 synthase enzymes and PPARgamma are co-expressed in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes and human tissues.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a critical regulator of adipocyte differentiation. Whilst 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15-d-PGJ2) has been identified as a putative endogenous ligand for this transcription factor, it is unclear whether the enzymes necessary for 15-d-PGJ2 biosynthesis are co-expressed with PPARgamma. Prostaglandin D2 synthase (PGDS) enzymes represent the terminal enzymatic components responsible for 15-d-PGJ2 production. Both glutathione (GSH)-dependent and GSH-independent PGDS isoenzymes exist. We have, therefore, examined the expression of PGDS isoenzymes in mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and various human tissues. The GSH-independent PGDS was found to be expressed in 3T3-L1 cells both before and after their differentiation into adipocytes. By contrast, we were unable to detect expression of the GSH-dependent PGDS at any stage during the adipose conversion of 3T3-L1 cells. Quantitative analysis of mRNA levels for PPARgamma and each PGDS isoenzyme revealed their co-expression in a number of human tissues and cell types, including adipose tissue, placenta, prostate, and macrophages. These data reveal the potential for de novo 15-d-PGJ2 synthesis in the context of PPARgamma expression, suggesting that this prostaglandin may contribute to PPARgamma signalling in vivo.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2003

Use of lithium and SB-415286 to explore the role of glycogen synthase kinase-3 in the regulation of glucose transport and glycogen synthase.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is inactivated by insulin and lithium and, like insulin, Li also activates glycogen synthase (GS) via inhibition of GSK3. Li also mimics insulin's ability to stimulate glucose transport (GT), an observation that has led to the suggestion that GSK3 may coordinate hormonal increases in GT and glycogen synthesis. Here we have used Li and SB-415286, a selective GSK3 inhibitor, to establish the importance of GSK3 in the hormonal activation of GT in terms of its effect on GS in L6 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Insulin, Li and SB-415286 all induced a significant inhibition of GSK3, which was associated with a marked dephosphorylation and activation of GS. In L6 myotubes, SB-415286 induced a much greater activation of GS (6.8-fold) compared to that elicited by insulin (4.2-fold) or Li (4-fold). In adipocytes, insulin, Li and SB-415286 all caused a comparable activation of GS despite a substantial differentiation-linked reduction in GSK3 expression ( approximately 85%) indicating that GSK3 remains an important determinant of GS activation in fat cells. Whilst Li and SB-415286 both inhibit GSK3 in muscle and fat cells, only Li stimulated GT. This increase in GT was not sensitive to inhibitors of PI3-kinase, MAP kinase or mTOR, but was suppressed by the p38 MAP kinase inhibitor, SB-203580. Consistent with this, phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase induced by Li correlated with its stimulatory effect on GT. Our findings support a crucial role for GSK3 in the regulation of GS, but based on the differential effects of Li and SB-415286, it is unlikely that acute inhibition of GSK3 contributes towards the rapid stimulation of GT by insulin in muscle and fat cells.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2003

Reduction of intramyocellular lipid following short-term rosiglitazone treatment in Zucker fatty rats: an in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance study.

The aim of the study was to characterize the effects of rosiglitazone, an oral insulin sensitizer, on intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content in tibialis anterior muscle and whole body lipid deposition in Zucker fatty rats using in vivo (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The IMCL/EMCL (extramyocellular) ratio was significantly lower in the rosiglitazone (FRSG) group at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of treatment at 3 mg/kg/d (0.04 +/- 0.01, 0.09 +/- 0.03, 0.11 +/- 0.02, and 0.07 +/- 0.02, respectively) versus baseline (0.43 +/- 0.12, P <.01 v all time points), whereas there was no difference in the control (FC) group at these time points (0.31 +/- 0.08, 0.36 +/- 0.08, 0.40 +/- 0.14, and 0.49 +/- 0.18, respectively) versus baseline (0.37 +/- 0.07). Absolute IMCL content was also lower at 28 days in the FRSG (0.41 +/- 0.09 micromol/g) versus FC (2.13 +/- 0.40 micromol/g, P <.005) group. To further characterize the temporal nature of this change, the IMCL/EMCL ratio was examined in the FRSG group on each of the first 4 days of treatment, and a steady decline was observed (0.38 +/- 0.12, 0.21 +/- 0.08, 0.12 +/- 0.04, 0.09 +/- 0.04, 0.05 +/- 0.03 at baseline and days 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively, P <.05 baseline v all time points). To examine the relationship between IMCL and insulin sensitivity, a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and IMCL measurement was performed on 7-day treated FRSG and FC groups. There was a negative correlation between absolute IMCL content and glucose infusion rate (r = -0.47, P <.04). The FRSG and the FC groups had similar whole body lipid content (expressed as a percentage of whole body water content) at baseline (48% +/- 5% and 44% +/- 2%, respectively), but the value was greater in the FRSG group following 28 days of treatment (103% +/- 4 v 84% +/- 6%, respectively, P <.02). In summary, there was a rapid (days) and pronounced reduction ( downward arrow approximately 70%) in IMCL content in tibialis anterior muscle following rosiglitazone treatment. Additionally, the increase in whole body lipid in the FRSG group suggests that there was increased adipocyte lipid storage following long-term rosiglitazone treatment. These results support the hypothesis that rosiglitazone indirectly increases peripheral insulin sensitivity by decreasing adipocyte lipolysis, thereby lowering IMCL content.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Resistin and type 2 diabetes: regulation of resistin expression by insulin and rosiglitazone and the effects of recombinant resistin on lipid and glucose metabolism in human differentiated adipocytes.

Resistin, an adipocyte secreted factor, has been suggested to link obesity with type 2 diabetes in rodent models, but its relevance to human diabetes remains uncertain. Although previous studies have suggested a role for this adipocytokine as a pathogenic factor, its functional effects, regulation by insulin, and alteration of serum resistin concentration by diabetes status remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the aims of this study were to analyze serum resistin concentrations in type 2 diabetic subjects; to determine the in vitro effects of insulin and rosiglitazone (RSG) on the regulation of resistin, and to examine the functional effects of recombinant human resistin on glucose and lipid metabolism in vitro. Serum concentrations of resistin were analyzed in 45 type 2 diabetic subjects and 34 nondiabetic subjects. Subcutaneous human adipocytes were incubated in vitro with insulin, RSG, and insulin in combination with RSG to examine effects on resistin secretion. Serum resistin was increased by approximately 20% in type 2 diabetic subjects compared with nondiabetic subjects (P = 0.004) correlating with C-reactive protein. No other parameters, including adiposity and fasting insulin levels, correlated with serum resistin in this cohort. However, in vitro, insulin stimulated resistin protein secretion in a concentration-dependent manner in adipocytes [control, 1215 +/- 87 pg/ml (mean +/- SEM); 1 nM insulin, 1414.0 +/- 89 pg/ml; 1 microM insulin, 1797 +/- 107 pg/ml (P < 0.001)]. RSG (10 nM) reduced the insulin-mediated rise in resistin protein secretion (1 nM insulin plus RSG, 971 +/- 35 pg/ml; insulin, 1 microM insulin plus RSG, 1019 +/- 28 pg/ml; P < 0.01 vs. insulin alone). Glucose uptake was reduced after treatment with 10 ng/ml recombinant resistin and higher concentrations (P < 0.05). Our in vitro studies demonstrated a small, but significant, reduction in glucose uptake with human recombinant resistin in differentiated preadipocytes. In human abdominal sc adipocytes, RSG blocks the insulin-mediated release of resistin secretion in vitro. In conclusion, elevated serum resistin in human diabetes reflects the subclinical inflammation prevalent in type 2 diabetes. Our in vitro studies suggest a modest effect of resistin in reducing glucose uptake, and suppression of resistin expression may contribute to the insulin-sensitizing and glucose-lowering actions of the thiazolidinediones.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed2003

Differential regulation of lipogenesis and leptin production by independent signaling pathways and rosiglitazone during human adipocyte differentiation.

Since leptin levels are independently correlated with risk of coronary heart disease, we have identified signaling pathways important in mediating leptin production and lipogenesis in human preadipocytes. We used inhibitors of p70(S6) kinase, p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p38 MAPK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Human preadipocytes were induced to differentiate in insulin, dexamethasone, triiodothyronine, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine in the presence or absence of inhibitors and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma activator rosiglitazone. Differentiation was assessed by measuring leptin secretion, lipid content, and lipogenic activity. Rosiglitazone increased cell protein by 15%, the lipid content of the cell layer was doubled, and the lipogenic activity increased sevenfold but did not stimulate leptin secretion. None of the inhibitors significantly inhibited protein content over 20 days, but lipid content and lipogenic activity were inhibited by p70(S6) kinase and p38 MAPK inhibition but not by p42/44 MAPK or PI3K inhibition. All of the inhibitors significantly decreased leptin secretion, and these inhibitory effects were increased by coincubation with rosiglitazone. We conclude that PI3K and p42/44 MAPK pathways are not critical to the differentiation program leading to lipid accumulation, but stimulation of leptin secretion is dependent on these as well as the p70(S6) kinase and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed2002

The discovery of SB-435495. A potent, orally active inhibitor of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) for evaluation in man.

The introduction of a functionalised amido substituent into a series of 1-(biphenylmethylacetamido)-pyrimidones has given a series of inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) with sub-nanomolar potency and very encouraging developability properties. Diethylaminoethyl derivative 32, SB-435495, was selected for progression to man.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2002

Nonlethal clinical techniques used in the diagnosis of diseases of fish.

Numerous nonlethal clinical techniques can be used on live fish to yield valuable diagnostic information. These techniques include skin, fin, and gill biopsies; bacteriologic cultures of gill or skin lesions; tissue and fluid aspiration; and radiography Most techniques can be performed on live fish without the use of anesthesia, although light sedation of the fish often simplifies the procedure, making the procedure more easily accomplished and less stressful on the fish. Because water conditions have a considerable effect on the health and well-being of aquatic animals, an in-house evaluation of water quality (eg, temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and salinity) is also paramount to any clinical diagnostic evaluation. As with domestic animals, a complete and accurate history and thorough external examination are prerequisite to the selection of appropriate diagnostic techniques as well as the formulation of any management or therapeutic plan. Through the correlation of clinical history, water quality variables, and results of diagnostic testing, an informed plan of action can be devised to correct acute or chronic problems in aquatic animals.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

PPARgamma is not a critical mediator of primary monocyte differentiation or foam cell formation.

In the present report we clarify the role of PPARgamma in differentiation and function of human-derived monocyte/macrophages in vitro. Rosiglitazone, a selective PPARgamma activator, had no effect on the kinetics of appearance of monocyte/macrophage differentiation markers or on cell size or granularity. Depletion of PPARgamma by more than 90% using antisense oligonucleotides did not influence accumulation of oxidized LDL or prevent the upregulation of CD36 that normally accompanies oxLDL treatment. In contrast, PPARgamma depletion reduced the expression of ABCA1 and LXRalpha mRNAs. Metalloproteinase-9 expression, a marker of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, was suppressed by rosiglitazone. We conclude that activation of PPARgamma does not affect monocyte/macrophage differentiation. In addition, PPARgamma is not absolutely required for oxLDL-driven lipid accumulation, but is required for full expression of ABCA1 and LXRalpha. Our data support a role for rosiglitazone as a potential directly acting antiatherosclerotic agent.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter 1↗
PubMed2002

Potent, orally active inhibitors of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2): 1-(biphenylmethylamidoalkyl)-pyrimidones.

A series of 1-(biphenylmethylamidoalkyl)-pyrimidones has been designed as nanomolar inhibitors of recombinant lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) with high potency in whole human plasma. 5-(Pyrazolylmethyl) derivative 16 and 5-(methoxypyrimidinylmethyl) derivative 27 demonstrated excellent pharmacodynamic profiles which correlated well with their pharmacokinetic effects.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed2002

Insulin and rosiglitazone regulation of lipolysis and lipogenesis in human adipose tissue in vitro.

Lipolysis is an important process determining fuel metabolism, and insulin regulates this process in adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of insulin, an insulin enhancer (rosiglitazone [RSG]), and insulin in combination with RSG on the regulation of lipolysis and lipogenesis in human abdominal subcutaneous fat. Lipolysis and lipogenesis were assessed by protein expression studies of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) (84 kDa) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) (56 kDa), respectively. In addition, lipolytic rate was assessed by glycerol release assay and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha release measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (n = 12). In subcutaneous adipocytes, increasing insulin doses stimulated LPL expression, with maximal stimulation at 100 nmol/l insulin (control, 1.0 +/- 0.0 [mean +/- SE, protein expression relative to control]; 1 nmol/l insulin, 0.87 +/- 0.13; 100 nmol/l insulin, 1.68 +/- 0.19; P < 0.001). In contrast, insulin at the 100 nmol/l dose reduced the expression of HSL (100 nmol/l insulin, 0.49 +/- 0.05; P < 0.05), while no significant reduction was observed at other doses. Higher doses of insulin stimulated both HSL (1,000 nmol/l insulin, 1.4 +/- 0.07; P < 0.01) and LPL (control 1.00 +/- 0.0; 1,000 nmol/l insulin, 2.66 +/- 0.27; P < 0.01) protein expression. Cotreatment with RSG induced an increased dose response to insulin for LPL and HSL (P < 0.05); RSG alone also increased LPL and HSL expression (P < 0.05). Insulin stimulated TNF-alpha secretion in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.01); the addition of RSG (10(-8) mol/l) reduced TNF-alpha secretion (P < 0.05). In summary, chronic treatment of human adipocytes with insulin stimulates lipolysis and LPL protein expression. The addition of RSG reduced the lipolytic rate and TNF-alpha secretion. The increase in lipolysis is not explained by changes in HSL expression. These data, therefore, may explain in part why hyperinsulinemia coexists with increased circulating nonesterified free fatty acids and increased adiposity in obese and/or type 2 diabetic patients.

Adipocytes↗
PubMed2002

Normalization of skeletal muscle glycogen synthesis and glycolysis in rosiglitazone-treated Zucker fatty rats: an in vivo nuclear magnetic resonance study.

The aim of this study was to characterize insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose metabolism in Zucker fatty rats and to provide insight into the therapeutic mechanism by which rosiglitazone increases insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in these rats. Metabolic parameters were measured using combined in vivo (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure skeletal muscle glucose uptake and its distributed fluxes (glycogen synthesis and glycolysis), and (31)P NMR was used to measure simultaneous changes in glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P) during a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in awake Zucker fatty rats. Three groups of Zucker fatty rats (fatty rosiglitazone [FRSG], fatty control [FC], lean control [LC]) were treated for 7 days before the experiment (3 mg/kg rosiglitazone or vehicle via oral gavage). Rates of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis were assessed after treatment by monitoring 1,6-(13)C(2) glucose label incorporation into 1-(13)C glycogen, 3-(13)C lactate, and 3-(13)C alanine during a euglycemic ( approximately 7-8 mmol/l)-hyperinsulinemic (10 mU. kg(-1). min(-1)) clamp. The FRSG group exhibited a significant increase in insulin sensitivity, reflected by an increased whole-body glucose disposal rate during the clamp (24.4 +/- 1.9 vs. 17.6 +/- 1.4 and 33.2 +/- 2.0 mg. kg(-1). min(-1) in FRSG vs. FC [P < 0.05] and LC [P < 0.01] groups, respectively). The increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in the FRSG group was associated with a normalization of the glycolytic flux (52.9 +/- 9.1) to LC (56.2 +/- 16.6) versus FC (18.8 +/- 8.6 nmol. g(-1). min(-1), P < 0.02) and glycogen synthesis flux (56.3 +/- 11.5) to LC (75.2 +/- 15.3) versus FC (16.6 +/- 12.8 nmol. g(-1). min(-1), P < 0.05). [G-6-P] increased in the FRSG and LC groups versus baseline during the clamp (13.0 +/- 11.1 and 16.9 +/- 5.8%, respectively), whereas [G-6-P] in the FC group decreased (-23.3 +/- 13.4%, P < 0.05). There were no differences between groups in intramyocellular glucose, as measured by biochemical assay. These data suggest that the increased insulin-stimulated glucose disposal in muscle after rosiglitazone treatment can be attributed to a normalization of glucose transport and metabolism.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Selection of a standard culture medium for primary culture of limulus polyphemus amebocytes.

This study provides information relevant to future research aimed at producing Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) in vitro, which would potentially reduce the need to harvest and bleed horseshoe crabs as in the current methods of LAL production. To address the need for primary culture of horseshoe crab amebocytes, this study tested the effects of a variety of standard insect cell culture media on amebocyte morphology and viability after 7 d of maintenance. Amebocyte morphology was least altered from in vivo form in Grace's Modified Insect Medium, with no observed degranulation of cells, as compared to the other media tested. There were significant differences in amebocyte viability among the six insect cell culture media tested. Grace's Modified Insect Medium sustained viability of 77.2 +/- 5.1% (mean +/- standard deviation) of amebocytes, followed distantly by Grace's Insect Medium with 35.1 +/- 8.7% amebocyte viability. Results indicate that Grace's Modified Insect Medium with horseshoe crab serum supplementation was the best candidate of the six media tested for future medium optimization for Limulus amebocyte requirements.

Animals↗