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Biomedical subjects

Y F Lin

Publications and source records attributed to Y F Lin.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Cytokine production during hemodialysis: effects of dialytic membrane and complement activation.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are closely associated with acute and chronic inflammatory processes in hemodialytic patients. However, the mechanisms concerning cytokine production by monocytes during hemodialysis are still conflicting. With the use of the more specific monoclonal antibody ELISA method, contamination detection and crossover protocol of complement-activating and noncomplement-activating hollow fibers, we were able to confirm augmented II-1 beta production by zymosan-stimulated monocytes with complement-activating hollow fiber as compared to noncomplement-activating hollow fiber before (1,411.9 +/- 865.7 +/- 149.9 pg/ ml/2 x 10(6) monocytes, p < 0.01). at the 15th minute (530.6 +/- 89.1 vs. 247.3 +/- 45.2 pg/ml/2 x 10(6) monocytes, p < 0.01) and at the end of dialysis (1,201.8 +/- 135.1 vs. 707.4 +/- 109.3 pg/ml/2 x 10(6) monocytes, p < 0.01). Similar results were observed with TNF-alpha production. IL-1 beta as well as TNF-alpha production decreased significantly at the 15th min of dialysis, thereafter they increased and approached the baseline levels towards the end of hemodialysis with both hollow fibers. Plasma C3a at the 15th minute correlated positively with postdialysis IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha production, while plasma C3a did not change in patients dialyzed with noncomplement-activating hollow fiber. Complement activation with complement-activating hollow fiber as well as monocyte-membrane interaction with complement-activating and noncomplement-activating hollow fiber might be involved in the pathogenesis of cytokine production during hemodialysis. Uremic toxin removal as well as stimulation of cytokine production inhibitor might contribute to the decreased cytokine production at the 15th minute of hemodialysis and monocyte-membrane interaction with or without complement activation resulted in augmented cytokine production toward the end of hemodialysis with both hollow fibers. We thus concluded that hollow fiber of bioincompatibility triggered much more cytokine production throughout the dialysis procedure.

Cellulose↗

Changes in thyroid hormone metabolism in exertional heat stroke with or without acute renal failure.

The effects of exertional heat stroke (ExHS), with or without acute renal failure (ARF), on thyroid hormone metabolism were investigated. Eighteen ExHS patients were recruited and divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of ARF. Eleven age-matched healthy subjects served as a control group. Serum values of T3, T4, TSH, free T4 (FT4), rT3, and sulfated T3 (T3S) were measured in these groups during the acute and recovery stages of ExHS. Serum T3, T4, and FT4 levels were reduced, with reciprocal increases in rT3 and T3S levels as the severity of ExHS increased. The following mean levels of thyroid hormones were found (controls vs. ExHS without ARF vs. with ARF): T3, 1514 vs. 1164 vs. 393 pmol/L (P < 0.05 each); T4, 97 vs. 79 vs. 49 nmol/L (P = NS and P < 0.05, respectively); FT4, 20.5 vs. 19.5 vs. 19.0 pmol/L (P = NS each); rT3, 371 vs. 617 vs. 805 pmol/L (P < 0.05 and P = NS, respectively); and T3S, 30.1 vs. 34.2 vs. 71.1 pmol/L (P = NS and P < 0.05, respectively). The serum TSH levels were not significantly different among the three groups. Significantly negative correlations were found between serum creatinine and T3 (r = -0.75; P < 0.001) and T4 levels (r = -0.65; P < 0.001), whereas no relationship was noted between serum creatinine and rT3 values (r = 0.11; P < 0.05). In contrast, a correlation was observed between serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase and rT3 (r = 0.45; P < 0.01). Thyroid function tests returned to normal after patients recovered. In conclusion, our results show that patients suffering from ExHS, with or without ARF, displayed altered serum thyroid function in proportion to the severity of their condition. No significant changes in serum levels of rT3 were observed between the two groups, whereas a positive relationship was observed between serum rT3 and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase values, suggesting that the changes in serum rT3 levels were more dependent on extrarenal illness than on renal disease per se. The moderate increase in serum T3S levels found in patients suffering from both ExHS and ARF may represent a decrease in tissue 5'-monodeiodinase activity as found in other nonthyroidal illnesses. A return of serum thyroid function tests to normal values after recovery from ExHS suggests that the low T3 state may play a protective role to prevent undesirable catabolic effects. Replacement therapy is thus not recommended.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Enhancement of recombinant alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor whole-cell currents by protein kinase C is mediated through phosphorylation of both beta 1 and gamma 2L subunits.

The gamma-aminobutyric acidA (GABA)A receptor (GABAR) beta 1 and gamma 2L subtypes have been shown to be phosphorylated in vitro by protein kinase C (PKC) [J. Biol. Chem. 267:14470-14476 (1992); Neuron 12:1081-1095 (1994)]. To determine the physiological consequences of phosphorylation of GABAR isoforms containing the beta 1 and gamma 2L subtypes, the specific serine residues phosphorylated by PKC (beta 1 S409, gamma 2L S327 and S343) were changed to alanines through site-directed mutagenesis. Wild-type (alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L GABARs) and three mutant GABAR isoforms [alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L(S327A, S343A), alpha 1 beta 1(S409A) gamma 2L, and alpha 1 beta 1(S409A) gamma 2L(S327A, S343A) GABARs) were expressed in mouse L929 fibroblasts through transient cotransfection. Recordings were obtained from each cell with the use of the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The initial recording was made with the use of control intrapipette solution, and a second recording from the same cell was obtained with pipettes containing either constitutively active PKC [protein kinase M (PKM)] or control solution to obtain paired GABA concentration-response relationships. All GABAR isoforms studied had equivalent maximal GABA currents and similar GABA concentration-response profiles under the control condition. Intracellular PKM treatment increased the maximal current and EC50 value in cells expressing wild-type GABARs. However, PKM reimpalement did not significantly change these parameters in cells expressing any of the mutant GABAR isoforms, indicating that the mutation of either the beta 1 or gamma 2L subtype alone was sufficient to prevent enhancement of GABAR current by PKM. No significant changes were obtained during control reimpalement recordings of wild-type or mutant receptors. Furthermore, PKM treatment did not after the time constants of GABA current desensitization kinetics measured from cells expressing wild-type or mutant receptors. These data thus suggest that PKC phosphorylation of the beta 1 and gamma 2L subtypes enhances GABAR current and that both subtypes are required for complete PKC-mediated enhancement of alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L GABAR current.

Alanine↗

Infective endocarditis complicated with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: a case report.

A 26-year-old man who had suffered from intermittent chills and fever over a two month period was quite clear of heart or kidney involved developed acute deterioration of renal function. A new pansystolic murmur over the apex of the heart was heard on auscultation, and echocardiography clearly showed a vegetation about 0.7-0.9 cm in size on the atrial site of the mitral value. Laboratory investigation displayed normochromic anemia with negative Coombs' test. Immunological studies were positive for rheumatoid factor and circulating immune complex. High serum levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, nephritic sediment of urinalysis and negative blood cultures for bacteria, tuberculosis or fungus were also noted. Abdominal sonography showed normal kidney size, bilaterally. Renal biopsy revealed typical crescentic glomerulonephritis. After intravenous penicillin therapy for two weeks, the serum creatinine level recovered from 6.7 mg/dl to 2.0 mg/dl and circulating immune complex disappeared. In consideration of cardiac insufficiency and the potential risk for complications of the vegetation, the patient underwent mitral valve replacement. Four weeks after operation, all the abnormal data had resolved completely. These data suggested that infective endocarditis with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is curable by antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention.

Adult↗

The antioxidant and prooxidant activity of some B vitamins and vitamin-like compounds.

The antioxidant and prooxidant properties of some B vitamins (BVIT) and vitamin-like compounds (VLC) that are commonly included in multivitamin preparations were investigated. Microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by FeCl3 and ascorbate was dose-dependently inhibited by pyridoxal and pantothenate but was stimulated by thiamin, pyridoxine and carnitine. Among the compounds tested, only pyridoxine and pyridoxal reacted, but rather poorly, with superoxide anions. All test compounds reacted with .OH with second-order rate constants comparable or higher than that for mannitol, as assayed using deoxyribose oxidation by a system containing EDTA-chelated Fe(III), H2O2 and ascorbate. When assayed in the absence of EDTA, pyridoxal showed increased inhibition of deoxyribose oxidation over that in the presence of EDTA, suggesting a potent ability of pyridoxal to bind and deactivate iron. Pantothenate, pyridoxine and myo-inositol appeared to equally inhibit deoxyribose oxidation both in the presence and absence of EDTA. The lack of inhibition on deoxyribose oxidation in the absence of EDTA by thiamin, carnitine and choline may suggest that the .OH-scavenging ability is equalled by the ability of the scavenger-iron complexes to form .OH or other redox active species. However, stimulation of lipid peroxidation by pyridoxine was unexplained and the effect was not attributed to reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). This study shows that the radical-scavenging ability of BVIT and VLC did not correlate with their effects on microsomal lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the stimulation of lipid peroxidation by thiamin, pyridoxine and carnitine suggests that supplementation of large amounts of these compounds may not be desirable.

Animals↗

Circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme, von Willebrand factor antigen and thrombomodulin in exertional heat stroke.

1. Military recruits frequently succumb to exertional heat stroke during intensive training. Since widespread endothelial injury is often associated with exertional heat stroke, the relationship between changes in three circulating endothelial cell markers (angiotensin-converting enzyme, von Willebrand factor antigen and thrombomodulin) and exertional heat stroke was studied. 2. Twelve recruits who had succumbed to exertional heat stroke during basic physical training (5000 m running) were included in the study. Another 10 age-matched healthy subjects who had gone through the same physical training regimen were selected as controls. 3. Blood was withdrawn on admission and on discharge for analyses of angiotensin-converting enzyme, von Willebrand factor antigen and thrombomodulin. Other physiological parameters and biochemical analyses reflecting renal and liver functions were also recorded. 4. Our results indicated that these subjects with exertional heat stroke exhibited impaired liver function as revealed by the significant elevation of both serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (P < 0.05) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (P < 0.05) as compared with normal healthy control subjects. Unfortunately, these values remained mostly somewhat elevated on discharge, although serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase was reduced dramatically. Indices of kidney functions, including creatinine clearance and uric acid and phosphorus secretion, were not significantly different from those observed in healthy controls. 5. Circulating angiotensin-converting enzyme activities in exertional heat stroke patients on admission were significantly lower than in normal subjects (10.68 +/- 2.15 versus 21.21 +/- 3.18 nmol hippuric acid min-1 ml-1, P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

A prospective study of calcium metabolism in exertional heat stroke with rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.

Intensive training in a humid and warm environment can cause exertional heat stroke (ExHS) and rhabdomolysis (RBD) in military recruits. To investigate the role of vitamin D and monomeric calcitonin (CT) on the calcium metabolism in ExHS with RBD and acute renal failure (ARF), we studied 21 recruits with ExHS (mean age 21.4 years), 7 of which had ARF. Another 11 age-matched recruits with heat exhaustion (HE) and 11 healthy subjects were selected as controls. Our results showed that in 14 ExHS patients without ARF, mean serum creatinine (Cr) levels were significantly higher (151.16 vs. 106.08 mumol/l, p < 0.01), whereas serum osteocalcin (OC) levels were significantly lower (2.22 vs. 4.65 micrograms/l, p < 0.01) than in healthy controls. In 7 patients with ExHS and ARF, the mean serum Cr (774.38 vs. 105.20 mumol/l, p < 0.01), phosphorus (P) (2.26 vs. 1.26 mmol/l, p < 0.05), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) 274,143.97 vs. 85.78 IU/l, p < 0.05), intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH) (299.81 vs. 18.66 ng/l, p < 0.05) and CT (13.58 vs. 6.63 ng/l, p < 0.01) levels on admission were significantly higher while the mean ionized calcium (iCa) levels were significantly lower than the healthy controls (0.9 vs. 1.18 mmol/l, p < 0.01). The mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were not significantly different from healthy controls. However, mean serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] levels and the ratio of 1,25(OH)2D to 25(OH)D were significantly lower than healthy controls throughout the whole course of ARF. None of the 7 patients with ExHS and ARF developed hypercalcemia during the diuretic phase. Their mean serum I-PTH levels decreased significantly from 299 to 18 ng/l during the recovery phase (p < 0.05). Our study seems to suggest that the abnormal calcium metabolism in this unique patient group is in part caused by persistently decreased renal production of 1,25(OH)2D, although increased monomeric CT levels were associated with hypocalcemia. However, whether or not a causal relationship exists merits further investigation.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

Effect of calcitriol treatment on psoriasis in hemodialysis patient: a case report.

The case of a 67-year-old man who has had psoriasis with multiple joints involvement for 30 years and renal failure for 1 year is described. He was admitted because of uremic symptoms and exacerbation of psoriasis. Hypocalcemia and low serum active 1.25(OH)2D3 were also observed. Hemodialysis, oral 1.25(OH)2D3 and CaCO3 supplement were employed. Interestingly, the psoriasis strikingly improved. The relationships among psoriasis, renal failure, 1.25(OH)2D3, serum calcium level and dialysis are discussed.

Aged↗

Protein kinase C enhances recombinant bovine alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L GABAA receptor whole-cell currents expressed in L929 fibroblasts.

The beta 1 and gamma 2L subunits of the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAR) contain phosphorylation sites for PKC. To determine the effect of PKC on GABAR function, whole-cell recordings were obtained from mouse fibroblasts expressing recombinant alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L receptors, and catalytically active PKC (PKM) was applied via the recording pipette. The first experiment was a population study. Intracellular application of PKM increased GABAR currents, and the enhancement was antagonized by coapplication of the PKC inhibitory peptide. No acceleration or deceleration of GABAR desensitization was observed. The second experiment was a reimpalement study in which paired recordings were made successively from individual cells. Enhancement of GABAR currents by PKM was again obtained. PKM increased GABAR currents at high (> 10 microM) but not at low (< 10 microM) GABA concentrations, resulting in increases in both EC50 and maximal GABAR current. Thus, PKC phosphorylation enhanced recombinant alpha 1 beta 1 gamma 2L GABAR current by increasing maximal current without increasing the affinity of GABA for the GABARs.

Animals↗

Effects of intravenous calcitriol on lipid profiles and glucose tolerance in uraemic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

1. Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure may contribute to abnormalities of lipid metabolism and glucose tolerance. Amelioration of secondary hyperparathyroidism has been reported to mitigate the hyperlipidaemia and improve glucose tolerance experimentally. 2. The effect of the partial suppression of hyperparathyroidism by intravenous calcitriol on lipid levels and glucose tolerance was studied in 15 haemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. All received intravenous calcitriol 1 microgram at the end of haemodialysis thrice weekly for eight weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test and plasma lipid profiles including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apoprotein A-I and apoprotein B were determined simultaneously before and after eight weeks of therapy. 3. Before calcitriol treatment, uraemic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism displayed a significant higher triglyceride and a significant lower HDL-C and apoprotein A-I as well as marked glucose intolerance with an increment of the area below the glucose curve when compared with healthy control subjects. 4. After eight weeks of calcitriol treatment, there was a significant decrement in serum intact parathyroid hormone (476.45 +/- 48.33 versus 191.37 +/- 30.17 ng/l, P < 0.001) and plasma triglyceride (2.24 +/- 0.34 versus 1.80 +/- 0.29 mmol/l, P < 0.05) as well as a significant increment of plasma apoprotein A-I (38.13 +/- 2.14 versus 44.19 +/- 2.18 mumol/l, P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant change in serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and apoprotein B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Rapid correction of metabolic acidosis in chronic renal failure: effect on parathyroid hormone activity.

To investigate the effect of rapid correction of chronic metabolic acidosis on circulating intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH) activity by free calcium clamp in chronic renal failure, 18 patients were enrolled in this study. Metabolic acidosis was corrected by continuous bicarbonate infusion while plasma ionized calcium was clamped at the preinfusion level throughout the entire procedure. The plasma pH, bicarbonate, total CO2, sodium, serum total calcium and 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 levels increased significantly while serum concentrations of I-PTH, alkaline phosphatase and albumin showed significant decreases after bicarbonate infusion. The plasma ionized calcium, potassium, serum magnesium and inorganic phosphorus levels showed no significant difference before and after bicarbonate infusion. These results demonstrate that rapid correction of metabolic acidosis attenuates circulating PTH activity in chronic renal failure and may underline the importance of maintaining normal acid-base homeostasis particularly in the presence of secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

[Effects of morphine, pethidine and fentanyl on isolated rabbit trachea].

Effects of morphine, pethidine and fentanyl on tension of isolated rabbit trachea were measured by electric field stimulation. Findings obtained were: 1) Morphine 53 mumol.L-1 increased markedly the trachea contraction (P < 0.01); 2) Fentanyl 1.9 mumol.L-1 decreased the trachea contraction (P < 0.05); 3) Pethidine 705 mumol.L-1 not only decreased markedly the trachea contraction (P < 0.01), but also relaxed the trachea; 4) Naloxone 2.2 mumol.L-1 had no influence on the trachea directly (P > 0.05), but reversed the effect of morphine on the trachea. The results indicated that the excitation of morphine receptor in trachea may be one of the mechanisms of the contraction of the trachea.

Animals↗

Effect of intravenous calcitriol on platelet intracellular calcium in uremic hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of the reversal of hyperparathyroidism on platelet intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) by pharmacological parathyroidectomy with intravenous calcitriol in uremic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (2 degrees HPT). METHODS: Serum concentrations of intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH) were measured by two-site immunometric assay, and platelet [Ca2+]i was assessed using the fluorescent indicator fura-2. Fifteen hemodialysis patients with 2 degrees HPT and serum I-PTH 4 times greater than the normal upper limits, were selected for treatment with intravenous calcitriol 1 microgram thrice weekly for one month. RESULTS: An increase of serum I-PTH (449.17 +/- 52.35 vs 32.52 +/- 1.95 pg/ml) and elevated platelet [Ca2+]i (139.49 +/- 8.78 vs 74.70 +/- 6.48 nM/L) was observed in uremic patients with 2 degrees HPT. Serum I-PTH levels were significantly correlated with platelet [Ca2+]i in uremic patients with 2 degrees HPT (r = 0.736, p = 0.002). The serum I-PTH levels decreased from 449.17 +/- 52.35 to 221.27 +/- 35.66 pg/ml (p < 0.001) and platelet [Ca2+]i fell from 139.49 +/- 8.78 to 97.86 +/- 7.25 nM/L (p < 0.001) after treatment. Fall in platelet [Ca2+]i was related to concomitant reduction in PTH levels (r = 0.572, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that an increase in cytosolic calcium in uremia may be at least in part induced by PTH. Besides, intravenous calcitriol can provide an effective way to suppress elevated serum I-PTH and attenuate platelet free calcium in uremia with 2 degrees HPT.

Adult↗