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Dual role of serum soluble E-cadherin as a biological marker of metastatic development in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Soluble E-cadherin serum levels as a potential biological marker for gastric cancer were analysed with special consideration to clinical and pathological features. METHODS: Seventy-one healthy control subjects and 166 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled. Gastric cancer patients were classified into intestinal-type (51%) and diffuse-type (49%), according to Laurén. Soluble E-cadherin serum levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The mean logarithmic concentrations of soluble E-cadherin in gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those of control subjects, with an average of 4.03 (+/- 0.32) versus 3.86 (+/- 0.24), respectively (P < 0.0001). The concentration of soluble E-cadherin was significantly higher in the intestinal-type group than in the diffuse-type group, with an average of 4.07 +/- 0.3 versus 3.98 +/- 0.34, respectively (P = 0.0494). In the intestinal-type group, concentrations of soluble E-cadherin were significantly higher in more advanced stages (stages III-IV) than in earlier stages (stages I-II), with an average of 4.13 +/- 0.29 versus 3.96 +/- 0.31, respectively (P = 0.0234). In the diffuse-type group, concentrations of soluble E-cadherin were significantly higher in localized than in metastatic gastric cancer, with an average soluble E-cadherin concentation of 4.15 +/- 0.3 versus 3.95 +/- 0.32, respectively (P = 0.0139). CONCLUSION: Serum soluble E-cadherin concentrations exhibit a completely different pattern in intestinal-type and diffuse-typegastric cancer. Serum levels are increased in intestinal-type gastric cancer, especially in advanced stages, whereas in diffuse-type gastric cancer E-cadherin levels are decreased in advanced, metastasized cancer.We conclude that soluble E-cadherin concentrations should be interpreted along with Laurén classification and thus might serve as a biological marker in intestinal-type gastric cancer.

Adolescent↗

Soluble L-selectin at levels present in septic patients diminishes leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in mice in vivo: a mechanism for decreased leukocyte delivery to remote sites in sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Recent in vivo studies of both septic humans and animals demonstrate that leukocyte delivery is attenuated to sites remote from the primary infection. The mechanisms for this are not entirely clear. L-selectin is integral to rolling, the first step in leukocyte recruitment to an inflammatory site. L-selectin is shed from leukocytes in sepsis, resulting in increased levels of soluble L-selectin in plasma (2.33 microg/mL). This study investigates the effects of soluble L-selectin at levels found in sepsis on leukocyte trafficking in vivo. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled trial. SETTING: Surgical research laboratory in a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Swiss white male mice of 25-35 g. INTERVENTIONS: Mice were randomized to one of three study groups: soluble L-selectin 2.33, soluble L-selectin 8.0, or albumin. Intravital microscopy was performed on postcapillary venules of 20-40 microm in diameter in the cremaster muscle of mice. Leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions (rolling, adherence, and rolling velocity) were measured pre- and post- (1, 15, 30, and 45 mins) intravenous infusion of human recombinant soluble L-selectin (2.33 and 8.0 microg/mL) or human albumin (8.0 microg/mL). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The intravenous administration of soluble L-selectin to a systemic concentration of 2.33 microg/mL diminished rolling significantly. Soluble L-selectin at 8.0 microg/mL decreased rolling and increased rolling velocity to a greater degree. Injection of albumin did not alter leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions at any time point. No difference between groups in blood pressure, shear rate, or leukocyte counts was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Soluble L-selectin diminishes leukocyte rolling at levels present in sepsis (2.33 microg/mL). This effect is dose dependent, and could not be explained by differences in blood pressure, shear rate, or leukocyte counts. These findings identify increased soluble L-selectin levels as one of the mechanisms for decreased leukocyte delivery and exudation to remote sites in septic patients.

Analysis of Variance↗

Chromosomal mapping and expression levels of a mouse soluble epoxide hydrolase gene.

The chromosomal location of a murine soluble epoxide hydrolase gene was determined using in situ mapping, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) analysis. In situ hybridization to mouse metaphase chromosomes using a soluble epoxide hydrolase cDNA probe showed that soluble epoxide hydrolase maps at band D of chromosome 14. An RFLP found between Mus castaneus (CAST) and Mus musculus (MEV) was used to map the soluble epoxide hydrolase gene in CAST x MEV intersubspecific testcross progeny to 14 cM from the Np-1 locus on mouse chromosome 14. SSLP markers were then used to confirm the location of soluble epoxide hydrolase at 14.0 +/- 3.7 cM distal to Np-1 and 19.2 +/- 4.3 cM proximal to D14Mit7. This region of mouse chromosome 14 is homologous with human chromosomes 8, 13 and 14. Enzyme assays and immunoblotting results suggest significant quantitative differences in expression of soluble epoxide hydrolase among three mouse strains. Northern blotting analysis showed that soluble epoxide hydrolase mRNA levels were correlated with the relative level of soluble epoxide hydrolase enzyme activity and soluble epoxide hydrolase protein in all three mouse strains.

Animals↗

Soluble adhesion molecules, endothelial function and vitamin E in type 1 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of soluble adhesion molecules are found in subjects with vascular disease and inconsistently in subjects with conditions predisposing them to atherosclerosis, such as hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), protein kinase C and lower than normal levels of NO appear to be important for expression of adhesion molecules, raising the possibility that vitamin E is useful for downregulating levels. We have recently shown that administration of 1000 IU vitamin E for 3 months will improve endothelial vasodilator function (EVF) in uncomplicated type-1 diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether levels of soluble adhesion molecules in young subjects with uncomplicated diabetes are elevated, whether there is a relationship between levels of soluble adhesion molecule and EVF as well as parameters of diabetes and lipid levels and whether an improvement in EVF related to vitamin E therapy is also associated with a decrease in levels of soluble adhesion molecules. DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, study. RESULTS: There was no difference between levels of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1; 621 +/- 17 versus 635 +/- 37 ng/ml) and P-selectin (59 +/- 2 versus 57 +/- 6 ng/ml) for the diabetic and control groups. For the diabetic cohort, levels of soluble VCAM-1 were inversely related to flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery (r = -0.41, P < 0.005) and directly related to levels of total cholesterol (r = 0.44, P < 0.005) and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) and duration of diabetes (r = 0.55, P < 0.0005) but there was no relationship with susceptibility of LDL to oxidation or vitamin-E content of LDL. Levels of soluble P-selectin were directly related to duration of diabetes (r = 0.43, P < 0.05) and inversely related to size of LDL particles (r = 0.32, P < 0.05) but were not related to EVF. Vitamin E produced no change in levels of soluble P-selectin and VCAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of soluble VCAM-1 and P-selectin in young subjects with type-1 diabetes and no evidence of overt vascular disease do not appear to be elevated and are not influenced by vitamin-E supplementation.

Adolescent↗

Soluble P-selectin, interleukin 6, and thrombopoietin levels in children with acute and chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and their relationship with mega-dose methylprednisolone therapy: a pilot study.

We observed less severe symptoms in patients with chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) than in patients with acute ITP with similar platelet counts. Thrombopoietin (TPO), soluble P-selectin, soluble P-selectin per platelet, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were evaluated in children with ITP before treatment in 16 acute and 22 chronic cases and after treatment in 10 acute and chronic cases who received mega-dose methylprednisolone. The levels of IL-6, soluble P-selectin, soluble P-selectin per platelet, and platelet count were similar in acute and chronic ITP (P > 0.05) but TPO in acute ITP was higher than that of the patients with chronic ITP (P < 0.05). The posttreatment IL-6 and TPO declined (P < 0.05), but soluble P-selectin and platelet count increased (P < 0.05). Posttreatment soluble P-selectin per platelet levels were higher than the normal values (P < 0.05). These results suggest that IL-6, soluble P-selectin, and soluble P-selectin per platelet are not responsible for the milder symptoms in chronic than in acute ITP. Mega-dose methylprednisolone seems to keep the soluble P-selectin levels elevated.

Acute Disease↗

Dimeric but not monomeric soluble CD40 prolongs allograft survival and generates regulatory T cells that inhibit CTL function.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that adenovirus mediated CD40Ig gene therapy (AdCD40Ig) induced long-term acceptance of fully allogeneic rat cardiac allografts, however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified. To address this we have compared the ability of dimeric and monomeric soluble CD40 to prolong allograft survival in vivo and generate regulatory T cells in vitro. METHODS: The ability of CD40Ig (soluble dimmer, containing an Fc region) or CD40/Myc/His (soluble monomer, lacking an Fc region) therapy to generate CD4CD25 regulatory T cells in vitro and to prevent rejection of rat cardiac allografts (ACI to LEWIS) was compared. Immunoregulatory capacity of regulatory T cells generated was determined by suppression of alloantigen specific proliferation and cytotoxicity. RESULTS: Dimeric soluble CD40Ig did not inhibit CD4 T cell proliferation but rather promoted IL-2 production and the generation of CD4CD25 T cells, which regulated alloantigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. Treatment with either AdCD40Ig or purified soluble CD40Ig prolonged the survival of rat cardiac allografts. In contrast, although monomeric soluble CD40/Myc/His suppressed IL-12 production in a similar manner to that achieved by CD40Ig, it did not augment IL-2 production. Moreover, while CD40/Myc/His also generated CD4CD25 T cells, they did not exhibit regulatory activity and administration of soluble CD40/Myc/His failed to prolong cardiac allograft survival. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest signaling through CD154 in addition to blocking of CD154-CD40 interaction is important for the immunomodulatory effects of soluble CD40Ig. Taken together, our results provide new insight into the mechanism of immunomodulation by soluble CD40 constructs.

Animals↗

Detection of circulating soluble CD28 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren's syndrome and systemic sclerosis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and the role of the serum soluble costimulatory molecule CD28 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and systemic sclerosis (SSc). Soluble CD28 concentration was determined by ELISA in 45 patients with SLE, 45 patients with primary SS, 30 patients with SSc, and 45 healthy subjects. We also evaluated CD28 mRNA expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR, and the biological activity of recombinant soluble CD28 on T lymphocyte activity. Concentrations of soluble CD28 were significantly higher in patients with SLE, primary SS and SSc than in healthy subjects. Soluble CD28 concentrations were higher in patients with systemic primary SS than in patients with glandular-limited primary SS. PCR analysis suggested that soluble CD28 resulted from the shedding of the membrane form. In vitro assay revealed that soluble CD28 inhibits the anti-CD3 mAb induced T cell proliferation. Soluble CD28, which modulates the proliferation of T lymphocytes, could be associated with disease severity in patients with autoimmune disease, especially primary SS. These results suggest that soluble CD28 could play an important role in the regulation of autoimmune diseases.

Adolescent↗

Stabilization of apoglobin by low temperature increases yield of soluble recombinant hemoglobin in Escherichia coli.

Accumulation of soluble recombinant hemoglobin (rHb1.1) in Escherichia coli requires proper protein folding, prosthetic group (heme) addition, and subunit assembly. This served as a new model system for the study of the effects of temperature, protein synthesis rates, and protein accumulation rates on protein solubility in E. coli. Fermentation expression of rHb1.1 at 30 degrees C from cultures containing a medium or high globin gene dosage (pBR-based or pUC-based plasmids with rHb1.1 genes under the control of the tac promoter) was compared. A medium gene dosage resulted in rHb1.1 accumulating to approximately 7% of the soluble cell protein, of which 78% was soluble. A high globin gene dosage resulted in a > or = 3-fold increase in total globin to 23 to 24% of the soluble cell protein, but 70% was insoluble. Accumulation of insoluble rHb1.1 began immediately upon induction. The proportion of rHb1.1 from the high globin gene dosage that accumulated as insoluble globin was affected by reducing (i) the inducer concentration and (ii) the temperature. Reducing the inducer concentration reduced globin synthesis up to eightfold but increased the proportion of soluble rHb1.1 to 93%. In contrast, total globin protein synthesis was barely affected by reducing the temperature from 30 to 26 degrees C, while soluble globin accumulation increased > 2-fold to approximately 15% of the soluble cell protein. The contrast between the effects of reducing rates of protein synthesis and accumulation and those of reducing temperature suggests that lower temperature stabilizes one or more folding intermediates. We propose a simplified physical model which integrates protein synthesis, folding, and heme association. This model shows that temperature-dependent apoglobin stability is the most critical factor in soluble rHb1.1 accumulation.

Apoproteins↗

Increased in vitro release of soluble interleukin 2 receptor by colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells in inflammatory bowel disease.

Increased concentrations of the soluble form of the interleukin 2 receptor have been observed in the sera of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients. In this study we have observed the spontaneous release of soluble interleukin 2 receptor by unstimulated, isolated normal and inflammatory bowel disease colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells. Lamina propria mononuclear cells from Crohn's disease patients (median = 204 U/ml (interquartile range 126-396, n 17) secreted significantly (p less than 0.01) more soluble interleukin 2 receptor than normal controls (median = 124.5 U/ml (108-131), n 12). No statistically significant differences were seen between ulcerative colitis (median = 135 U/ml (92-196), n 20) and normal controls. Moreover, significantly (p less than 0.01) increased amounts of soluble interleukin 2 receptor were secreted by colonic diverticulitis lamina propria mononuclear cells (median = 259 U/ml (149-282), n 15) which were used as disease specificity controls. Time course experiments showed that the majority of soluble interleukin 2 receptor was released by isolated lamina propria mononuclear cells in the first six days of culture. Upon stimulation with pokeweed mitogen, Crohn's disease (median = 2258 U/ml (1435-3584), n 14), normal control (median = 2622 U/ml (2030-3180), n 14) and diverticulitis lamina propria mononuclear cells (median = 2745 U/ml (1733-3192), n 10) reached similar maximal soluble interleukin 2 receptor secretion levels, while ulcerative colitis lamina propria mononuclear cells secreted significantly (p less than 0.005) less soluble interleukin 2 receptor (median = 912 U/ml (494-1259), n 17). These results suggest that enhanced shedding/secretion of soluble interleukin 2 receptor by intestinal lymphocytes may account in part for increased serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor concentrations during chronic intestinal inflammatory reactions.

Cells, Cultured↗

Increased plasma levels of soluble P-selectin in rheumatic mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that platelet activation occurs in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). However, in patients with MS, the plasma level of soluble P-selectin (a marker of platelet activation) remains unsettled. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with symptomatic MS undergoing percutaneous transluminal mitral valvuloplasty (PTMV) were studied (group 1; 16 patients in permanent atrial fibrillation, and 4 patients in sinus rhythm). The plasma levels of soluble P-selectin in the femoral vein and artery, and right and left atria before PTMV and those in the peripheral venous blood at the 1-week and 4-week follow-ups after PTMV were determined by solid-phase, sandwich, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mitral valve area was calculated by means of the Doppler pressure half-time method. In addition, we measured plasma concentrations of soluble P-selectin in the peripheral venous blood samples obtained from 22 control patients (including 14 healthy volunteers in sinus rhythm [group 2] and 8 patients in permanent lone atrial fibrillation [group 3]). The plasma levels of soluble P-selectin were significantly elevated in group 1 patients (49.78 +/- 37.72 ng/mL) [mean +/- SD] compared with group 2 (25.52 +/- 15.38 ng/mL) and group 3 patients (32.17 +/- 14.18 ng/mL) [p < 0.005]. In group 1 patients, the plasma levels of soluble P-selectin in the left atrium did not significantly differ from those in the right atrium, femoral vein, or femoral artery (p = 0.05). The area of mitral valve increased significantly after PTMV (1.06 +/- 0.17 cm(2) vs 1.48 +/- 0.32 cm(2), p < 0.0001). The mean left atrial pressure fell significantly and immediately after PTMV (23.0 +/- 5.1 mm Hg vs 17.6 +/- 5.9 mm Hg, p < 0.0001). The peripheral venous plasma levels of soluble P-selectin obtained before PTMV did not significantly fall after PTMV (before, 49.8 +/- 37.7 ng/mL; 10 min after, 39.8 +/- 19.1 ng/mL; 1 week after, 46.1 +/- 20.8 ng/mL; and 4 weeks after, 41.2 +/- 15.9 ng/mL; p = 0.145). CONCLUSIONS: The venous plasma levels of soluble P-selectin in patients with moderate-to-severe MS were significantly higher than those in healthy volunteers or patients with lone atrial fibrillation. In addition, in patients with MS, there was no difference in the plasma levels of soluble P-selectin between the left and right atrial blood and between peripheral and atrial blood. Moreover, there was no change in soluble P-selectin levels as a result of PTMV.

Adult↗

Absorption kinetics and action profiles after sequential subcutaneous administration of human soluble and lente insulin through one needle.

The effects of sequential administration through one needle of human soluble and human lente insulin on plasma insulin levels and action profiles, assessed with glucose clamping, were studied in six healthy volunteers. Insulin kinetics after administration of human soluble insulin (0.22 IU/kg) alone were compared with those after sequential administration of 1) human soluble insulin followed by human lente insulin and 2) human lente insulin followed by human soluble insulin. Total insulin dose in both sequences was 0.55 IU/kg, 40% of which was short-acting insulin. Plasma insulin levels were not significantly different at any time point between 0 and 240 min after soluble insulin compared with either combination. Although insulin levels were slightly but significantly lower at 30 and 105 min after lente followed by soluble insulin compared with soluble followed by lente insulin, these differences probably reflect chance occurrences. Glucose requirements were not significantly different after either of the three administrations. We therefore conclude that the unwanted retarding effect after mixing of human soluble insulin with human lente insulin in the syringe on the onset of action of the soluble insulin can be prevented by sequential subcutaneous injection of these insulins with two syringes through one needle.

Absorption↗

Evaluation of the prognostic value of serum soluble CD 44 in patients with breast cancer.

The outcome of breast carcinoma is usually determined by multiple factors. Aberrant expression of the cell adhesion molecule CD 44 has been claimed to be associated with poor prognosis in various human malignancies. This study was designed to investigate any correlation between the soluble adhesion molecule CD 44 and the clinicopathologic variables and to evaluate the possible prognostic significance of soluble CD 44. Venous blood samples were preoperatively collected from 100 patients with invasive breast carcinoma. The serum levels of different soluble CD 44 molecules (CD 44 standard form and CD 44 splice variant V6) were measured with an enzyme immunoassay method. The data of primary tumor status, age, estrogen receptor status, lymph node status, histologic grading, distant metastases status, TNM staging, S-phase fraction, and ploidy pattern were collected and evaluated simultaneously with the serum levels of soluble CD 44 st and CD 44 V6. Twenty healthy subjects were used as the control group. The serum levels of soluble CD 44 st showed no significant elevation in patient group. The mean value of soluble CD 44 V6 in patient group was 269.2 +/- 94.3 ng/ml and that of the control group was 179.5 +/- 50.7 ng/ml; the difference was significant (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, distant metastasis (p < 0.05) and TNM staging (p < 0.01) appeared as independent factors regarding the significant higher serum levels of soluble CD 44 V6. Based on our preliminary results, preoperative serum soluble CD 44 V6 is closely related to distant metastases and TNM staging. The possible role of soluble CD 44 V6 in the prognostic value of breast carcinoma deserves further elucidation and evaluation with long-term patient follow-up.

Adult↗

[Detection of soluble Apo-1/Fas in plasma, pleural and ascites fluid of malignant tumor patients and its clinical significance].

OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in plasma, pleural and ascites fluid of malignant tumor patients and to evaluate their clinical significance. METHODS: The soluble Apo-1/Fas levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the plasma of 157 malignant tumor patients and 25 normal controls as well as in the pleural and ascite fluids of 129 patients with various diseases. RESULT: The plasma soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in acute and chronic leukemia and multiple myeloma were significantly higher than those in normal controls (P <0.05). The plasma soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in chronic myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia were significantly higher than those in acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia, respectively (P <0.05). After chemotherapy, the plasma soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in complete remission group were distinctly decreased(P <0.05),whereas the levels in no remission and recurrence groups remained high. Compared with normal controls, the plasma soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in solid tumors were significantly increased (P <0.01), and the levels in metastasis cancers were significantly higher than those in non-metastasis cancer (P <0.0 1). Simultaneously the levels in remission cancer patients after operation and radiotherapy were distinctly lower than those before treatment(P <0.01), but were significantly increased in recurrence cancer patients (P <0.01). The soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in pleural and ascites fluid of malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in tuberculous effusions and transudates. CONCLUSION: The soluble Apo-1/Fas levels in plasma, pleural and ascites fluid of malignant tumor patients are markedly increased, which might be associated with the progress of cancers. The changes of soluble Apo-1/Fas levels may be useful for understanding the pathologic process of cancers and to differential diagnosis of various pleural and ascites fluids.

Adolescent↗

[Soluble P-selectin levels in synovial fluid and serum from patients with psoriatic arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: P-selectin is an adhesion molecule expressed by activated endothelial cells and platelets favouring the leukocyte adherence to microvascular endothelium. A soluble form of this molecule has been described, whose serum levels were found to be elevated and correlate with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Aim of this study was to determine soluble P-selectin levels in synovial fluid (SF) and serum from patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), where it has never been investigated, to define its involvement in PsA synovial damage. METHODS: we analysed, by ELISA, soluble P-selectin serum and SF levels in 100 patients presenting a knee joint effusion: 38 of them presented PsA, 40 RA and 22 osteoarthritis (OA). We examined the main clinical and laboratory parameters of these patients. Soluble P-selectin serum levels were also detected in 15 healthy subjects. RESULTS: soluble P-selectin SF levels were significantly higher in PsA and RA patients respect to OA subjects. Soluble P-selectin SF levels were lower than those found in serum and the SF/serum ratio was higher in PsA and RA patients respect to OA. Soluble P-selectin serum levels were not significantly different among patients and controls. No correlation was found between SF and serum levels of soluble P-selectin and the main clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: our study of soluble P-selectin in PsA reveals a prominent local role of this molecule, with no differences respect to RA. Histological findings may be of help in understanding the role of this adhesion molecule in PsA.

Adolescent↗

New fusion protein systems designed to give soluble expression in Escherichia coli.

Three native E. coli proteins-NusA, GrpE, and bacterioferritin (BFR)-were studied in fusion proteins expressed in E. coli for their ability to confer solubility on a target insoluble protein at the C-terminus of the fusion protein. These three proteins were chosen based on their favorable cytoplasmic solubility characteristics as predicted by a statistical solubility model for recombinant proteins in E. coli. Modeling predicted the probability of soluble fusion protein expression for the target insoluble protein human interleukin-3 (hIL-3) in the following order: NusA (most soluble), GrpE, BFR, and thioredoxin (least soluble). Expression experiments at 37 degrees C showed that the NusA/hIL-3 fusion protein was expressed almost completely in the soluble fraction, while GrpE/hIL-3 and BFR/hIL-3 exhibited partial solubility at 37 degrees C. Thioredoxin/hIL-3 was expressed almost completely in the insoluble fraction. Fusion proteins consisting of NusA and either bovine growth hormone or human interferon-gamma were also expressed in E. coli at 37 degrees C and again showed that the fusion protein was almost completely soluble. Starting with the NusA/hIL-3 fusion protein with an N-terminal histidine tag, purified hIL-3 with full biological activity was obtained using immobilized metal affinity chromatography, factor Xa protease cleavage, and anion exchange chromatography.

Animals↗

Reactivity of soluble fibrin assays with plasmic degradation products of fibrin and in patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy.

The ability to identify the products of thrombin and plasmin action on fibrinogen is important in patients with thrombotic and fibrinolytic disorders. New assays have been developed for "soluble fibrin" which represents soluble derivatives other than fibrinopeptides formed from fibrinogen by thrombin. These assays are either immunological, using antibodies for fibrin-specific neoepitopes, or functional and based on the cofactor activity of soluble fibrin in the tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA)-mediated conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. As plasmic derivations of fibrin share structural features with soluble fibrin, they may be reactive with assays for soluble fibrin. Therefore, we prepared plasmic digests of fibrin and determined the degree of reactivity with four soluble fibrin assays. Three assays used Mabs directed toward the fibrin-specific neoepitopes at alpha17-23 (A), gamma312-324 (B) and alpha17-78 (D). A fourth (C) was based on t-PA co-factor activity. Tests A and C demonstrated marked crossreactivity with fibrin degradation products, and digests containing the largest derivatives showed greatest reactivity. Plasmic derivatives of crosslinked fibrin had greater reactivity than those of non-crosslinked fibrin. Tests B and D demonstrated minimal reactivity with plasmic derivatives of crosslinked or of non-crosslinked fibrin. Samples from patients with lower limb peripheral arterial occlusion were assayed for soluble fibrin, D-dimer and fibrinogen at presentation and eight hours after thrombolytic therapy. Variable results were seen at presentation with elevations in 13, 1, 0 and 4 of 19 patients using Tests A, B, C and D, respectively. After fibrinolytic therapy, marked increases in soluble fibrin levels were observed up to 600-fold above normal. A strong correlation between baseline levels was observed with Test B and Test D, which showed the least cross-reactivity with plasmic derivations. After thrombolytic therapy there were either weak or no correlations among the different assays. The results demonstrate that assays for soluble fibrin may react with plasmic derivatives of fibrin and this must be considered in interpreting clinical results.

Anticoagulants↗

Food labeling: health claims; soluble dietary fiber from certain foods and coronary heart disease. Interim final rule.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the regulation authorizing a health claim on the relationship between beta-glucan soluble fiber from whole oat sources and reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The amendment adds as an additional eligible source of whole oat beta-glucan soluble fiber, the soluble fraction of alpha-amylase hydrolyzed oat bran or whole oat flour with a beta-glucan soluble fiber content of up to 10 percent on a dry weight basis (dwb) and not less than that of the starting material (dwb). We (FDA) are taking this action in response to a petition jointly filed by the Quaker Oats Co. and Rhodia, Inc. (the petitioners). We concluded previously that there was significant scientific agreement that a relationship exists between the beta-glucan soluble fiber of certain whole oat sources and the reduction of risk of CHD by lowering blood cholesterol levels. We now have concluded, based on the publicly available scientific evidence that, in addition to rolled oats, oat bran, and whole oat flour, the soluble fraction of alpha-amylase hydrolyzed oat bran or whole oat flour with a beta-glucan content up to 10 percent (dwb) and not less than that of the starting material (dwb) is an appropriate source of beta-glucan soluble fiber for the health claim. Therefore, we are amending the regulation that authorizes a health claim on the relationship between soluble fiber from whole oats and reduced risk of CHD to include this additional source of beta-glucan soluble fiber.

Avena↗

High serum soluble E-selectin levels are associated with postoperative haematogenic recurrence in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

E-selectin has been reported to be associated with haematogenic metastasis in various cancer patients. In order to evaluate the risk of postoperative haematogenic recurrence of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, we examined the preoperative serum levels of soluble E-selectin and clinicopathological data of the patients. Preoperative serum was obtained from 135 esophageal SCC patients who received esophagectomies from 1990 to 1998. Serum soluble E-selectin levels were measured by means of enzyme linked immunoreactive synthesis assay (ELISA). The expression of sialyl Lewis A and X antigens were evaluated in 58 out of 135 patients. Thirty-five patients (25.9%) had haematogenic recurrence in their postoperative course. Serum soluble E-selectin levels of the haematogenic recurrence group (mean 55.6 ng/ml) were significantly higher than those of the non-haematogenic recurrence group (mean 41.1 ng/ml). When the cut-off level of soluble E-selectin was 56 ng/ml, the logistic regression analysis showed that high serum soluble E-selectin levels, lymph node metastasis and intraepithelial spread were associated with postoperative haematogenic recurrence of the esophageal SCC patients (OR 2.99, p=0.047, OR 4.94, p=0.009 and OR 5.0, p=0.019. respectively). Univariate analysis revealed that the patients with a high serum soluble E-selectin level tended to have poor survival (p=0.078) and Cox multivariate analysis revealed that a high serum soluble E-selectin level was a prognostic factor in esophageal SCC patients (RR 1.84, p=0.065). The patients with a high serum soluble E-selectin concomitant with expression of sialyl Lewis antigens had a significant risk of postoperative haematogenic recurrence (p=0.005). These results indicated that preoperative high serum soluble E-selectin was a risk factor in the development of postoperative haematogenic recurrence and was a prognostic factor in esophageal SCC patients.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗