SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Essential elements”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 973 records · Page 54Linked to original sources

PubMed1993

A novel, erythroid cell-specific murine transcription factor that binds to the CACCC element and is related to the Krüppel family of nuclear proteins.

We describe a novel erythroid cell-specific cDNA (EKLF [erythroid Krüppel-like factor]) isolated by enriching for genes expressed in a mouse erythroleukemia cell line but not expressed in a mouse monocyte-macrophage cell line. The complete cDNA sequence is predicted to encode a protein of approximately 38,000 Da that contains a proline-rich amino domain and three TFIIIA-like zinc fingers within the carboxy domain. Additional sequence analyses reveal that the EKLF zinc fingers are most homologous to the Krüppel family of transcription factors and also allow us to predict potential DNA-binding target sites for the EKLF protein. On the basis of this prediction, we show that EKLF is able to bind the sequence CCA CAC CCT, an essential element of the beta-globin promoter. Its tissue distribution establishes that the EKLF transcript is expressed only in bone marrow and spleen, the two hematopoietic organs of the mouse, and analysis of murine cell lines indicates that EKLF expression is limited to erythroid and mast cell lines. Cotransfection assays establish that EKLF transcriptionally activates a target promoter that contains its DNA-binding site. The tissue expression pattern of EKLF, in conjunction with its function as a transcriptional activator, strongly suggests that the EKLF protein may be intimately involved in establishment and/or maintenance of the erythroid cell phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Quantitative nature of the Prolamin-box, ACGT and AACA motifs in a rice glutelin gene promoter: minimal cis-element requirements for endosperm-specific gene expression.

The -197 bp promoter of the rice seed storage protein gene, GluB-1, is capable of conferring endosperm-specific gene expression. This proximal 5' flanking region contains four motifs, GCN4, AACA, ACGT and Prolamin-box, which are conserved in many seed storage protein genes. We previously showed that multiple copies of GCN4 conferred endosperm expression pattern when fused to the -46 core promoter of CaMV 35S. In this paper we demonstrate, using a similar approach, that tandem repeated copies of any of the other three motifs are unable to direct expression in seeds as well as other tissues of transgenic rice plants. Mutational analysis of individual motifs in the -197 bp promoter resulted in remarkable reductions in promoter activity. These results indicate that the GCN4 motif acts as an essential element determining endosperm-specific expression and that the AACA, ACGT and Prolamin-box are involved in quantitative regulation of the GluB-1 gene. A set of gain-of-function experiments using transgenic rice showed that either the Prolamin-box or AACA, although often coupled with GCN4 in many genes, is insufficient to form a functional promoter unit with GCN4, whereas a combination of GCN4, AACA and ACGT motifs was found sufficient to confer a detectable level of endosperm expression. Taken together, our results provide direct insight into the importance of combinatorial interplay between cis-elements in regulating the expression of seed storage protein genes.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Deletion analysis of promoter elements of the Aspergillus oryzae agdA gene encoding alpha-glucosidase.

The nucleotide sequence of a 1.5-kb fragment of the promoter region of the Aspergillus oryzae agdA gene encoding alpha-glucosidase was determined. A comparison with the promoter regions of other Aspergillus amylase genes indicated that there are three highly conserved sequences, designated Regions I, II and III, located at -670 nt, -596 nt and -544 nt relative to the start codon, respectively. The function of these consensus sequences in the agdA promoter was investigated by deletion analysis of a promoter fusion with the Escherichia coli uidA gene, using the niaD homologous-transformation system. Deletion of the upstream half of Region III (IIIa; -544 to -529) resulted in a more than 90% reduction in GUS activity and abolished maltose induction, suggesting that Region IIIa is a functionally essential element for high-level expression and maltose induction. Deletion of Region I and the downstream half of Region III (IIIb; -521 to -511) resulted in a significant reduction in GUS activity, but did not affect maltose induction. This suggested that these two elements most likely contain sequences involved in efficient expression in cooperation with Region IIIa. In addition, deletion of a 340-bp region between Region IIIb and the putative TATA box resulted in a 2-fold increase in activity.

Aspergillus oryzae↗

PubMed2006

The importance of atmospheric deposition, charge and atomic mass to the dynamics of minor and rare elements in developing, ageing, and wilted leaves of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.).

The amounts of sixty elements in developing, maturing, senescent and wilting leaves, and in the wintering dead leaves attached to the branches, are reported for a beech (Fagus sylvatica) forest on mor Podzol in south Sweden, a site with no local sources of pollution or geological anomalies. The amounts (contents per leaf) of K (potassium), Rb (rubidium), Cs (caesium), Cu (copper) and P (phosphorus) were highest in young leaves, decreasing throughout the growing season and usually in the subsequent winter. The entirely opposite pattern with a continuous, mostly even increase of the amounts was measured with Be (beryllium), Ba (barium), Hg (mercury), Al (aluminium), Tl (thallium), Pb (lead), Bi (bismuth), V (vanadium), W (tungsten), As (arsenic), Sb (antimony), and Se (selenium). Amounts of rare-earth elements and some transition metals, such as Co (cobalt), Ti (titanium), and the actinides Th (thorium) and U (uranium) were more stable during the growing season, after an initial increase in early summer, but increased greatly in the winter. This winter increase in dead attached leaves has to be accounted for by uptake from long-distance transported constituents in dry and wet deposition. It was similar to deposition rate estimates using moss carpets from the same locality. A passive uptake was positively related to ionic charge and atomic mass. However, the amounts of several, mainly non-essential elements, such as Ni (nickel), Sc (scandium), Zr (zirconium), Cr (chromium), Ag (silver), and Cd (cadmium) were not much lower in the young or maturing leaves than in the wintered dead leaves of this deciduous (hardwood) forest and a proportion apparently originated from internal translocation in the trees. Seasonal fluxes or cycling of many of the scarce or rare elements reported here have never been studied before in forest ecosystems.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed2006

Assessment of genetic stability of Brucella melitensis Rev 1 vaccine strain by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis.

The assessment of the genetic stability is one of the essential elements to guarantee the biological quality of live anti-bacteria vaccines. Live attenuated Brucella melitensis Rev 1 is the most effective vaccine against brucellosis in small ruminants. Thirty-six B. melitensis Rev 1 vaccine strains isolated from human or animal sources from different geographic regions, from different commercial batches or laboratory collections were typed by the multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) recently described for Brucella spp. Our results demonstrated that B. melitensis Rev 1 group as assayed by MLVA is genetically very homogeneous. We believe that MLVA methodology could be an essential assay to guarantee the quality and stability of live anti-bacterial vaccines being produced worldwide and can be included as in vitro control.

Animals↗

PubMed1992

Indistinguishable nuclear factor binding to functional core sites of the T-cell receptor delta and murine leukemia virus enhancers.

We have previously shown that the delta E3 site is an essential element for transcriptional activation by the human T-cell receptor (TCR) delta enhancer and identified two factors, NF-delta E3A and NF-delta E3C, that bound to overlapping core (TGTGGTTT) and E-box motifs within delta E3. In this study, we show that protein binding to the core motif is necessary but not sufficient for transcriptional activation by the delta E3 element. In contrast, protein binding to the E-box motif does not contribute significantly to enhancer activity. A similar core motif present within the enhancers of T-cell-tropic murine retroviruses has been shown to contribute to transcriptional activity of the viral long terminal repeat in T lymphocytes and to viral T-cell tropism. We therefore determined the relationship between the nuclear factors that bind to the TCR delta and Moloney murine leukemia virus core motifs. On the basis of electrophoretic mobility shift binding and competition studies, biochemical analysis of affinity-labeled DNA-binding proteins, and the binding of a purified core binding factor, the proteins that bound to the TCR delta core site were indistinguishable from those that bound to the murine leukemia virus core site. These data argue that DNA-binding proteins that interact with the core site of murine leukemia virus long terminal repeats and contribute to viral T-cell tropism also play an essential role in the T-cell-specific expression of cellular genes.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2004

Low iron diet and parenteral cadmium exposure in pregnant rats: the effects on trace elements and fetal viability.

The effects of latent iron deficiency combined with parenteral subchronic or acute cadmium exposure during pregnancy on maternal and fetal tissue distribution of cadmium, iron and zinc, and on fetal viability were evaluated. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on semisynthetic test diets with either high iron (240 mg kg) or low iron (10 mg kg), and concomitantly exposed to 0, 3 or 5 mg cadmium (as anhydrous CdCl2) per kilogram body weight. Animals were exposed to cadmium from gestation day 1 through 19 by subcutaneously implanted mini pumps (Subchronic exposure) or on gestation day 15 by a single subcutaneous injection (Acute exposure). All rats were killed on gestation day 19. Blood samples, selected organs and fetuses were removed and prepared for element analyses by atomic absorption spectrometry. Low iron diet caused decreases in maternal body weight, maternal and fetal liver weights, placental weights and tissue iron concentrations. By cadmium exposure, both subchronic and acute, tissue cadmium concentrations were increased and the increase was dose-related, maternal liver and kidney zinc concentrations were increased, and fetal zinc concentration was decreased. Cadmium concentration in maternal liver was additionally increased by low iron diet. Acute cadmium exposure caused lower maternal body and organ weights, high fetal mortality, and decreased fetal weights of survivors. In conclusion, parenteral cadmium exposure during pregnancy causes perturbations in essential elements in maternal and fetal compartments. Acute cadmium exposure in the last trimester of gestation poses a risk for fetal viability especially when combined with low iron in maternal diet.

Animal Feed↗

PubMed1999

Molecular cloning and characterization of the 5' region of the mouse trkA proto-oncogene.

The trkA proto-oncogene encodes a high-affinity NGF receptor that is essential for the survival, differentiation and maintenance of many neural and non-neural cell types. Altered expression of the trkA gene or trkA receptor malfunction have been implicated in neurodegeneration, tumor progression and oncogenesis. We have cloned and characterized the 5' region of the mouse trkA gene and have identified its promoter. trkA promoter sequences are GC-rich, lack genuine TATA or CAAT boxes, and are contained within a CpG island which extends over the entire first coding exon. The mouse trkA transcription start site is located 70/71 bp upstream to the AUG translation initiation codon. Sequence analysis showed that the gene encoding the insulin receptor-related receptor, IRR, is located just 1.6 kbp upstream to the trkA gene and is transcribed in the opposite direction. We have used trkA-CAT transcriptional fusions to study trkA promoter function in transient transfection experiments. RNase protection assays and CAT protein ELISA analyses showed that a 150 bp long DNA segment, immediately upstream to the start site, is sufficient to direct accurate transcription in trkA-expressing cells. Dissection of this fragment allowed us to identify a 13 bp cis-regulatory element essential for both promoter activity and cell-type specific expression. Deletion of this 13 bp segment as well as modification of its sequence by site-directed mutagenesis led to a dramatic decline in promoter activity. Gel mobility shift assays carried out with double-stranded oligonucleotides containing the 13 bp element revealed several specific DNA-protein complexes when nuclear extracts from trkA-expressing cells were used. Supershift experiments showed that the Sp1 transcription factor was a component of one of these complexes. Our results identify a minimal trkA gene promoter, located very close to the transcription start site, and define a 13 bp enhancer within this promoter sequence.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed2006

Histamine and its receptors modulate temperature-preference behaviors in Drosophila.

Temperature profoundly influences various life phenomena, and most animals have developed mechanisms to respond properly to environmental temperature fluctuations. To identify genes involved in sensing ambient temperature and in responding to its change, >27,000 independent P-element insertion mutants of Drosophila were screened. As a result, we found that defects in the genes encoding for proteins involved in histamine signaling [histidine decarboxylase (hdc), histamine-gated chloride channel subunit 1 (hisCl1), ora transientless (ort)] cause abnormal temperature preferences. The abnormal preferences shown in these mutants were restored by genetic and pharmacological rescue and could be reproduced in wild type using the histamine receptor inhibitors cimetidine and hydroxyzine. Spatial expression of these genes was observed in various brain regions including pars intercerebralis, fan-shaped body, and circadian clock neurons but not in dTRPA1-expressing neurons, an essential element for thermotaxis. We also found that the histaminergic mutants showed reduced tolerance for high temperature and enhanced tolerance for cold temperature. Together, these results suggest that histamine signaling may have important roles in modulating temperature preference and in controlling tolerance of low and high temperature.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Good practice guidelines for the treatment of autistic spectrum disorders].

INTRODUCTION: Due to the inexistence of an aetiology-based intervention for autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) families and professionals are exposed to diverse and sometimes conflictive recommendations when they have to decide the most adequate alternative for treatment. AIM: To elaborate treatment guidelines agreed by consensus at the ASD Study Group of the (National) Institute of Health Carlos III. DEVELOPMENT: Information about treatment of ASD was searched and gathered through available evidence based medical (EBM) databases. The data generated was complemented with practice parameters published elsewhere, reports from prestigious international institutions, focus oriented searches in PubMed and, finally, the opinion and experience of a multidisciplinary Study Group with extensive experience in treating ASD in Spain. Most popular treatment methods were reviewed as well as the common elements to be considered in successful support programs. CONCLUSION: No simple treatment algorithm can be produced at this time, and the level of available evidence based recommendations are in the weaker degrees of EBM classifications. Nevertheless, there is widespread agreement to stress that education, with special incidence in the development of communication and social competence, with the addition of community support are the main means of treatment. They can be complemented, depending on individual needs, with medication, behavioural approaches and cognitive-behavioural therapy for associated psychological problems in persons with higher cognitive level. Support to families and community empowerment are essential elements for the quality of life of persons with ASD.

Autistic Disorder↗

PubMed1998

Formation and amplification of a novel tombusvirus defective RNA which lacks the 5' nontranslated region of the viral genome.

Defective interfering (DI) RNAs of tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) are small, subgenomic, helper-dependent replicons that are believed to be generated primarily by aberrant events during replication of the plus-sense RNA genome. Prototypical TBSV DI RNAs contain four noncontiguous segments (regions I through IV) derived from the 5' nontranslated region (NTR) (I), an internal section (II), and the 3'-terminal portion (III and IV) of the viral genome. We have studied the formation of these molecules by using engineered precursor DI RNA transcripts and report here the consistent accumulation of a novel defective RNA species, designated RNA B. Northern blot, primer extension, and sequence analyses indicated that, unlike prototypical DI RNAs, RNA B lacks region I. In vitro transcripts corresponding to the region II-III-IV structure of RNA B were amplified when coinoculated with helper, indicating that the 5' NTR of the genome does not harbor cis-acting replication elements essential for viral RNA replication. Region I is, however, important for DI RNA fitness, since molecules lacking it accumulated to significantly lower levels ( approximately 10-fold reduction). Analysis of the minus-strand sequence of region I led to the identification of an RNA undecamer sequence, arranged in tandem, at its very 3' terminus. Additional variants of the undecamer motif were also identified at internal positions in region I and in the negative strands of regions II, III, and IV. Features of the undecamer motif, the consensus of which is (-)3'-CCCAAAGAGAG, are consistent with a role as a cis-acting replication element. It is proposed that the ability of RNA B to be amplified is due, in part, to compensatory effects of a strategically positioned undecamer motif in region II. Possible replicase-mediated mechanisms for the generation of this novel viral RNA are also presented.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1995

A GCC element and a G-box motif participate in ethylene-induced expression of the PRB-1b gene.

The PRB-1b gene codes for a basic-type pathogenesis-related protein and is activated at the transcriptional level by the plant hormone ethylene. To identify cis-acting DNA elements essential for ethylene induction, deleted and mutant forms of the PRB-1b promoter, fused to the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) coding region, were introduced in transgenic tobacco plants. A 73 bp fragment (X1 region) of the PRB-1b promoter, located between positions -213 and -141, was sufficient to confer ethylene responsiveness to the reporter gene. The X1 region contains a TAAGAGCCGCC motif (GCC-box) well conserved in several ethylene-inducible genes. A substitution mutation in this sequence, in the context of a 213 bp PRB-1b promoter, completely abolished ethylene induction in transgenic tobacco, defining this conserved motif as part of a cis-acting element responsive to ethylene. Three other mutations in the X1 region caused a pronounced decrease in the PRB-1b promoter activity in transgenic plants, but did not affect ethylene inducibility. One of them, localized in a G-box like motif (CACGTG), disrupted the binding site for a nuclear factor, as observed in gel-shift analysis. Interestingly, the mobility of the complex formed on the G-box element was dependent on its phosphorylation state. These results suggest that a cis-acting element involved in the perception of the ethylene signal resides in a GCC motif and acts in concert with additional elements in the regulation of ethylene-induced PRB-1b expression.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Future of monoclonal antibodies in solid organ transplantation.

The ultimate objective of immunosuppressive therapy is to block transplant recipient reactivity to allograft incompatibilities while sparing other responses. Increased clarification of rejection mechanisms has made possible the precise suppression of specific elements of the immune response using murine anti-human monoclonal antibodies. In addition, recombinant DNA technology has made available novel agents including "humanized," bispecific, or toxin-conjugated molecules, which avoid some of the limitations of murine reagents. Using such agents, donor-specific tolerance has been induced in experimental models after a limited course of therapy directed against selected effector cell surface-associated molecules such as CD4, CD25, and CD54. It remains to be determined how such observations can be successfully transferred to the human situation. It seems likely, however, that as new molecular agents are developed, increasingly effective suppression of specific cellular targets will become an essential element of clinical protocols. Such agents may provide long-term immunosuppression with limited periods of immunosuppressive agent administration.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Analysis of ligand binding to the synthetic dodecapeptide 185-196 of the acetylcholine receptor alpha subunit.

A synthetic dodecapeptide corresponding to residues 185-196 of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor alpha subunit, which contains the adjacent cysteine residues at positions 192 and 193, was recently shown by us to contain the essential elements for alpha-bungarotoxin binding. In the present study, we have used Sepharose-linked peptides for quantitative analysis of the cholinergic binding properties of this and other synthetic peptides. Sepharose-linked peptides corresponding to residues 1-20, 126-143, 143-158, 169-181, 185-196, 193-210, and 394-409 of the alpha subunit of Torpedo acetylcholine receptor, as well as a peptide corresponding to residues 185-196 of the alpha subunit of human acetylcholine receptor, were tested for their toxin-binding capacity. Of these immobilized peptides, only peptide 185-196 of the Torpedo acetylcholine receptor bound toxin significantly, thus verifying that this synthetic peptide contains essential components of the receptor toxin-binding site. Analysis of toxin binding to the peptide yielded a dissociation constant of 3.5 X 10(-5) M. This binding was inhibited by various cholinergic ligands. The inhibition potency obtained was alpha-bungarotoxin greater than Naja naja siamensis toxin greater than d-tubocurarine greater than decamethonium greater than acetylcholine greater than carbamoylcholine. This pharmacological profile resembles that of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and therefore suggests that the synthetic dodecapeptide also includes the neurotransmitter binding site. Reduction and carboxymethylation of the cysteine residues on peptide 185-196 inhibit its capacity to bind toxin, demonstrating that an intact disulfide is required for toxin binding. A decrease in toxin binding was also obtained following chemical modification of the tryptophan residue at position 187, thus implying its possible involvement in toxin binding. The failure to detect binding of toxin to the corresponding human sequence 185-196, in which the tryptophan residue is replaced by serine, supports this hypothesis.

Binding Sites↗

PubMed1999

A soluble form of the avian hepatitis B virus receptor. Biochemical characterization and functional analysis of the receptor ligand complex.

Avian hepatitis B virus infection is initiated by the specific interaction of the extracellular preS part of the large viral envelope protein with carboxypeptidase D (gp180), the primary cellular receptor. To functionally and biochemically characterize this interaction, we purified a soluble form of duck carboxypeptidase D from a baculovirus expression system, confirmed its receptor function, and investigated the contribution of different preS sequence elements to receptor binding by surface plasmon resonance analysis. We found that preS binds duck carboxypeptidase D with a 1:1 stoichiometry, thereby inducing conformational changes but not oligomerization. The association constant of the complex was determined to be 2.2 x 10(7) M-1 at 37 degreesC, pH 7.4, with an association rate of 4.0 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 and a dissociation rate of 1.9 x 10(-3) s-1, substantiating high affinity interaction of avihepadnaviruses with their receptor carboxypeptidase D. The separately expressed receptor-binding domain, comprising about 50% of preS as defined by mutational analysis, exhibits similar constants. The domain consists of an essential element, probably responsible for the initial receptor contact and a part that contributes to complex stabilization in a conformation sensitive manner. Together with previous results from cell biological studies these data provide new insights into the initial step of hepadnaviral infection.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Interprofessional cooperation.

This paper presents various views on interprofessional cooperation and discusses the significant components and desired outcomes of such a relationship. Historically, the nurse-doctor relationship has been fraught with conflict; however, the challenge is to dismantle this imbalanced relationship and fashion new interdisciplinary collaboration. Collaborative practice is an ongoing, dynamic process, requiring time to develop. The creation of true partnership demands energy and commitment. Collaboration, a relationship of interdependence, is built on respect and understanding of the unique and complementary perspectives each profession makes to achieve desired outcomes. The health literature abounds with issues associated with interdisciplinary collaboration. Essential elements of collaboration, advantages and barriers to collaborative affiliation, impact of collaborative practice, and changes in practice patterns among professionals of various disciplines are some of the issues highlighted. Several universities and medical centres support faculty-practice joint appointment and believe this collaborative affiliation will bridge the accountability gap and will enhance the educational and organizational goals. The problem-based learning curriculum is permeating nursing schools. This educational strategy is valuable in that students learn team collaboration. Many studies believe that practice questions can be addressed better by merging the talents of clinicians and those in the academic setting. The authors point out that research-based knowledge is essential for clinicians to solve patient care problems. Favourable outcomes to collaborative practice outweigh the barriers. No doubt there is synergism when a new partnership is created which is the hallmark of a true interprofessional relationship. This affiliation must be nurtured and reinforced, for it holds great promise for enhancement of patient care and for providing job satisfaction in an increasingly complex and constraining world of health care.

Delivery of Health Care↗

PubMed1988

[Expert opinion on biologic stains. Determination of status, future trends].

In this paper an attempt is made to critically review the literature, with special emphasis on bloodstain analysis. One essential aim is the integration of this field into casework. Three basic components in skillful assessment of stains are described: (1) analysis of stain morphology, (2) discriminating and attributing analyses, (3) individualization. Regarding the first, the analysis of stain morphology is based upon the extensive experimental literature published since 1895--mainly in continental Europe. Since 1971 there have also been publications in the American literature. The large family of stain forms and their dependency on multiple variables are described, especially regarding the modes of formation, the energy of impact, and the physical properties of the substrate. The essential elements for reconstruction of the crime are described. The areas of application are arranged in case groups. Since in case work the stain pattern is complicated by many artifacts and overlaps, forensic pathologists are considered the ideal experts for the analysis of bloodstain patterns, as they have a profound knowledge of the type and sequence of injuries. If this is not the case, the forensic pathologist should at least be integrated into the investigating team. In practical application, the stain form is not always adequately analysed. The education and training of pathologists should be improved to achieve this standard. Analysis of the stain morphology and a subsequent selection of stains are also essential prerequisites for meaningful further investigations. By the use of discriminating and attributing analyses, one can as a rule arrive at a definite answer by using only one test. This is true for basic questions such as the identification of blood type, as well as proof of exclusion. One can distinguish between traditional methods, the new field of immunochemistry and rarely used methods. Immunochemistry has permitted success in recent years in determination of the blood group from hair. It is recommended that reference laboratories be established for training in these rare methods. Individualization analyses are subdivided into two large fields: non-DNA individualization and DNA individualization. It is postulated that in the future stain laboratory both areas will coexist. In non-DNA individualization, essential progress has been made. The detection of protein polymorphisms by blotting and subsequent visualization by antibody-linked enzyme/substrate reactions has led to a considerable increase in sensitivity and specificity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Blood Stains↗

PubMed2004

Blood oxidative stress status in patients with macrophagic myofasciitis.

The study aimed at determining the presence of an oxidative stress in patients with macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF), a new inflammatory myopathy with suspected toxic etiology related to aluminium hydroxide-containing vaccines. A total of 30 MMF patients (nine males, 21 females; aged 42+/-14 years), whose diagnosis was confirmed by deltoid biopsy, have been included and compared to 38 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects (10 males, 28 females; aged 43+/-8 years). The blood oxidative stress status has been evaluated by assaying six parameters: plasma lipid peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances: TBARS) and antioxidant defense systems: plasma vitamin E and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, erythrocyte GSH-Px and Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Plasma selenium was also determined as a trace element essential to the activity of GSH-Px. Statistical significance was evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test. Plasma GSH-Px activity, selenium and vitamin E concentration were significantly lower in MMF group than in controls (P=0.004, P=0.003 and P=0.009, respectively), with a positive correlation in MMF patients between plasma GSH-Px activity and selenium concentration (rho=0.0001). The other parameters of oxidative stress did not significantly differ between both groups. A macrophage activation could occur in MMF, consequently to chronic stimulation by aluminium-containing vaccines, and could participate to the lower values of selenium and vitamin E observed in comparison with controls. Nevertheless, since no deficiency in these elements has been observed, no supplementation is to be considered.

Adult↗