Chemokines induce migrational responses in human breast carcinoma cell lines

Chemokines have been shown to chemoattract and activate different leukocyte populations. Here we report the in vitro effect of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, MIP-1beta, regulated on activation, normal T-cells, expressed and secreted (RANTES), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interferon inducible protein-10 (IP-10), neutrophil-activating peptide-2 (NAP-2), growth-related protein (GRO)-alpha and GRO-gamma, on the migration of 3 human breast carcinoma cell lines, MCF-7, T47D and ZR-75-1, using a microchemotaxis chamber to assess migration across fibronectin-coated polycarbonate membranes. MCF-7 cells responded chemotactically to all chemokines tested in a pattern which was dose and time dependent, although responses to the different chemokines were variable. ZR-75-1 responded to MIP-1beta and GRO-alpha, giving maximum migration indices of 3.7 and 5.3, respectively, and exhibited a migratory response to MIP-1alpha, IL-8 and MCP-1 although to a lower degree. T47D was unresponsive to the chemokines tested, but both MCF-7 and T47D cells bound radiolabelled ligands with binding constants (Kd) ranging from 0.6 to 2.2 nM and 0.6 to 2.1 nM, respectively. The specificity of the chemotactic response of MCF-7 to MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta was confirmed using chemokine-specific neutralising antibodies and heat denaturation, and was demonstrated to involve G protein and cyclic AMP signalling pathways. MIP-1beta and MIP-1alpha were shown to induce changes in the organisation of the actin cytoskeleton and the level of F-actin in MCF-7 cells, as determined using flow cytometric analysis and confocal microscopy. Our results show that breast carcinoma cells can respond to chemokines, and suggests a potential role for these molecules in the process of tumour cell migration, invasion and metastasis.

Mechanisms of polymer degradation in implantable devices. I. Poly(caprolactone)

Poly(caprolactone) is a biodegradable aliphatic (poly(alpha-hydroxy acid), with important applications in the field of human therapy, due to its biocompatibility and bioresorbability. The degradation of poly(alpha-hydroxy acids) depends on chemical hydrolysis, but there is much interest in the precise mechanisms, including the role of free radicals, especially oxygen free radicals and their role in human disease. The hydrolytic degradation of poly(caprolactone) in aqueous environments was used as the control in a study of the effects of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous solutions. Different methods (GPC, DSC, SEM) were employed to investigate the mechanism of degradation of this semicrystalline physiologically absorbable polymer. The data indicate that hydroxyl radical is likely to be a major factor in the degradation of this polymer.

Mechanisms of polymer degradation in implantable devices. 2. Poly(DL-lactic acid)

The hydrolytic degradation of poly(DL-lactic acid) in an aqueous environment in which hydroxyl radicals have been generated has been investigated. Different methods (gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy) were employed to study the mechanisms of degradation of this amorphous physiologically absorbable polymer. The data indicated that the hydroxyl radical is likely to be a significant factor in the degradation of this polymer.

A multicountry randomized controlled trial of comprehensive maternal nutrition supplementation initiated before conception: the Women First trial

Background

Reported benefits of maternal nutrition supplements commenced during pregnancy in low-resource populations have typically been quite limited.

Objectives

This study tested the effects on newborn size, especially length, of commencing nutrition supplements for women in low-resource populations ≥3 mo before conception (Arm 1), compared with the same supplement commenced late in the first trimester of pregnancy (Arm 2) or not at all (control Arm 3).

Methods

Women First was a 3-arm individualized randomized controlled trial (RCT). The intervention was a lipid-based micronutrient supplement; a protein-energy supplement was also provided if maternal body mass index (kg/m2) was <20 or gestational weight gain was less than recommendations. Study sites were in rural locations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guatemala, India, and Pakistan. The primary outcome was length-for-age z score (LAZ), with all anthropometry obtained <48 h post delivery. Because gestational ages were unavailable in DRC, outcomes were determined for all 4 sites from WHO newborn standards (non-gestational-age-adjusted, NGAA) as well as INTERGROWTH-21st fetal standards (3 sites, gestational age-adjusted, GAA).

Results

A total of 7387 nonpregnant women were randomly assigned, yielding 2451 births with NGAA primary outcomes and 1465 with GAA outcomes. Mean LAZ and other outcomes did not differ between Arm 1 and Arm 2 using either NGAA or GAA. Mean LAZ (NGAA) for Arm 1 was greater than for Arm 3 (effect size: +0.19; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.30, P = 0.0008). For GAA outcomes, rates of stunting and small-for-gestational-age were lower in Arm 1 than in Arm 3 (RR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49, 0.98, P = 0.0361 and RR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.88, P < 0.001, respectively). Rates of preterm birth did not differ among arms.

Conclusions

In low-resource populations, benefits on fetal growth-related birth outcomes were derived from nutrition supplements commenced before conception or late in the first trimester. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01883193.

Isolation, structural, and functional characterization of an apoptosis-inducing L-amino acid oxidase from leaf-nosed viper (Eristocophis macmahoni) snake venom

The enzyme L-amino acid oxidase (LAO) from the leaf-nosed viper (Eristocophis macmahoni) snake venom was purified to homogeneity in a single step using high performance liquid chromatography on a Nucleosil 7C18 reverse phase column. The molecular mass of the purified enzyme was 58734.0 Da, as determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The N-terminal amino acid sequence (ADDKNPLEEAFREADYEVFLEIAKNGL) and the chemical composition of the purified LNV-LAO shows close structural homology with other L-amino acid oxidases isolated from different snake venoms. The secondary structural contents analysis of LAO, established by means of circular dichroism, revealed ca. 49% alpha-helix, 19% beta-sheet, 10% beta-turn, and 22% random coil structure. The purified LNV-LAO not only retained its specific enzymatic activity (73.46 U/mg), determined against L-leucine as a substrate, but also exhibited potent haemolytic (1-10 microg/ml), edema- (MED 4.8 microg/ml) and human platelet aggregation-inducing (ED50 33 microg/ml) properties. Unlike other haemorrhagic snake venom L-amino acid oxidases, the LNV-LAO does not produce haemorrhage. In addition to these local effects, the purified LNV-LAO showed apoptosis-inducing activity in the MM6 cell culture assay. After 18 h treatment with 25-100 microg/ml of LAO, the typical DNA fragmentation pattern of apoptotic cells was observed by means of fluorescent microscopy and agarose gel electrophoresis.

Maternal anaemia and maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in a prospective cohort study in India and Pakistan

OBJECTIVE

To describe the association of maternal anaemia with maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Rural India and Pakistan.

POPULATION

Pregnant women residing in the study catchment area.

METHODS

We performed an analysis of a prospective pregnancy registry in which haemoglobin is commonly obtained as well as maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes for 42 days post-delivery. Women 40 years or older who delivered before 20 weeks or had a haemoglobin level of <3.0 g/dl were excluded. Our primary exposure was maternal anaemia, which was categorised in keeping with World Health Organization criteria based on a normal (≥11 g/dl), mild (>10-10.9 g/dl), moderate (7-9.9 g/dl) or severe (<7 g/dl). haemoglobin level. The primary maternal outcome was maternal death, the primary fetal outcome was stillbirth, and the primary neonatal outcome was neonatal mortality <28 days.

RESULTS

A total of 92 247 deliveries and 93 107 infants were included, of which 87.8% were born to mothers who were anaemic (mild 37.9%, moderate 49.1%, and severe 0.7%). Maternal mortality (number per 100 000) was not associated with anaemia: normal 124, mild 106, moderate 135, and severe 325 (P = 0.64). Fetal and neonatal mortality was associated with severe anaemia: stillbirth rate (n/1000)-normal 27.7, mild 25.8, moderate 30.1, and severe 90.9; P < 0.0001; 28-day neonatal mortality (n/1000)-normal 24.7, mild 22.9, moderate 28.1, and severe 72.6 (P < 0.0001). Severe maternal anaemia was also associated with low birthweight (<2500 and <1500 g), preterm birth, and postpartum haemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

Severe maternal anaemia is associated with higher risks of poor maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes but other degrees of anaemia are not. Interventions directed at preventing severe anaemia in pregnant women should be considered.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Severe maternal anaemia is associated with adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes in low/middle-income countries.

Epidemiological and etiological study of oral submucous fibrosis among gutkha chewers of Patna, Bihar, India

An etiological and epidemiological study of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has been done in Patna, Bihar. Total 157 cases of OSMF and 135 control subjects were selected for study in the period of 2002-2004. It was observed that Male:Female ratio was 2.7:1. The youngest case of OSMF was 11 year old and the oldest one was 54 years of age. Maximum number of cases were belonging to 21-40 years of age and they were belonging to low or middle socioeconomic class. Most of the OSMF cases used heavy spices and chillies, where as control mild spices and chillies. Gutkha was the most commonly used by the OSMF cases only 3 per cent did not use any gutkha or other areca nut product where as 80 per cent control did not have any chewing habit. The OSMF cases used gutkha and other products 2-10 pouches per day and kept in the mouth for 2-10 minutes and they were using since 2-4 years. Most of the OSMF cases kept gutkha in the buccal vestibule or they chewed and swallowed it, only a small number of patients chewed and spitted it out. It was also observed that OSMF developed on one side of the buccal vestibule where they kept the chew and other side was normal.

Molecular biointeractions of biomedical polymers with extracellular exudate and inflammatory cells and their effects on the biocompatibility, in vivo

The stability of biomedical polymers in physiological environments is crucial for the normal operation of devices, as well as determining their effect on the tissue response. Degradation is an important factor in polymer biocompatibility, since the environment of the human body can be aggressive to polymers. Most implanted polymers suffer degradation to some extent, and the kinetics and mechanisms of the processes can be affected significantly by various biologically active species, especially enzymes, lipids, peroxides, free radicals and phagocytic cells. The degradation of poly(caprolactone) and poly(DL-lactic acid) under controlled in vivo conditions was studied using a poly(methyl methacrylate) chamber designed to control the exposure of polymers to physiological environments. In particular they may be designed to allow access of extracellular exudate only or access to cells as well as the fluid. The chambers, sealed with filters of pore size either 0.45 micron (impervious to cells) or 3.0 microns (allowing cells to enter the chamber), were implanted subcutaneously into experimental animals for 10, 20 and 30 wk periods. Degradation and molecular interactions of the polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and scanning electron microscopy. The extracellular exudate formed within the implanted chamber is active in promoting the degradation of some biomedical polymers. Inflammatory cells are involved in the biodegradation of implanted polymers by releasing biologically active species such as free radicals into the area surrounding the implant. The data have demonstrated that the hydroxyl radical is likely to be one of the main causes of polymer degradation.

Migration responses of human monocytic cell lines to alpha- and beta-chemokines

The beta-chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1alpha), MIP-1beta and regulated on activation, normal T cells, expressed and secreted (RANTES) induced the in vitro migration of the monocytic cell line MonoMac-6. MCP-1 exhibits the most potent chemotactic effect on this cell line while MIP-1alpha, RANTES and to a lesser extent MIP-1beta were more moderate inducers of cell migration. MonoMac-6 migration in response to chemokines was shown to be a chemotactic and not a chemokinetic response, which was inhibited by pertussis and cholera toxins suggesting a role for G proteins in chemokine receptor-mediated signalling in these cells; chemotaxis of MonoMac-6 cells in response to MCP-1 was abrogated by the addition of anti-MCP-1 antibody. The response of MonoMac-6 cells to the alpha-chemokines IL-8, IP-10, growth-related peptide (Gro) alpha and MIP-2beta was substantially weaker than to the beta-chemokines. MCP-1 caused an alteration in cellular morphology by increasing ruffling at the cell membrane and the number of cells exhibiting extended pseudopodia. The chemotactic response of MonoMac-6 cells to beta-chemokines was compared with less well-differentiated myelomonocytic cell lines. THP-1 showed a similar, but weaker response to the beta-chemokines while both HL60 and U937 failed to respond to any member of this subfamily when tested under the same conditions. These results suggest that the differentiation status of cells of monocytic lineage may affect their response to beta-chemokines.

Collagen type IV promotes the differentiation of neuronal progenitors and inhibits astroglial differentiation in cortical cell cultures

In an effort to elucidate the interactions between cells in the developing cortex and their microenvironment, we have employed dissociated cell cultures and immunocytochemistry to analyze the effect of collagen type IV (COL) on the proliferation and differentiation of rat cortical progenitor cells during the period of corticogenesis. COL, present in the proliferative zones throughout the period of neurogenesis, belongs to a group of macromolecular proteins that make up a considerable portion of the extracellular matrix (ECM). We have shown that this ECM molecule inhibits cell proliferation and glial cell differentiation while promoting neuronal differentiation. We have also demonstrated that COL, when applied to the cultures with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), induces glial cell differentiation while continuing to promote neuronal differentiation. These results indicate that cortical progenitor cells respond differentially to local environmental signals, and that components of the ECM are involved in the regulation of corticogenesis.

Nodavirus infection causes mortalities in hatchery produced larvae of Lates calcarifer: first report from India

Larvae (15 to 21 d post hatch, dph) of the Asian sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch) suffered heavy mortalities (60 to 90%) during the hatchery-rearing phase. Darkened and moribund larvae showed no evidence of bacterial or parasitic infections. Tissue sections of brain and spinal cord showed clear necrotic vacuolation. Electron microscopy revealed membrane-bound viral particles in the cytoplasm of the nerve cells. The viral particles measured 28 to 30 nm in diameter. Primer sets, designed for the amplification of the RNA2 segment of the piscine nodavirus coat protein gene, were used in the RT-PCR analysis of moribund larvae of 20 and 21 dph which produced the amplified product of 430 bp. The clinical manifestations, pathology and electron microscopy observations supported by the RT-PCR analysis suggest that the nerve necrosis was due to nodavirus infection in the larvae. This is the first report of piscine nodavirus infection from the Indian sub-continent.

Sequencing identifies a distinct signature of circulating microRNAs in early radiographic knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

MicroRNAs act locally and systemically to impact osteoarthritis (OA) pathophysiology, but comprehensive profiling of the circulating miRNome in early vs late stages of OA has yet to be conducted. Sequencing has emerged as the preferred method for microRNA profiling since it offers high sensitivity and specificity. Our objective was to sequence the miRNome in plasma from 91 patients with early [Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade 0 or 1 (n = 41)] or late [KL grade 3 or 4 (n = 50)] symptomatic radiographic knee OA to identify unique microRNA signatures in each disease state.

DESIGN

MicroRNA libraries were prepared using the QIAseq miRNA Library Kit and sequenced on the Illumina NextSeq 550. Counts were produced for microRNAs captured in miRBase and for novel microRNAs. Statistical, bioinformatics, and computational biology approaches were used to refine and interpret the final list of microRNAs.

RESULTS

From 215 differentially expressed microRNAs (FDR < 0.01), 97 microRNAs showed an increase or decrease in expression in ≥85% of samples in the early OA group as compared to the median expression in the late OA group. Increasing this threshold to ≥95%, seven microRNAs were identified: hsa-miR-335-3p, hsa-miR-199a-5p, hsa-miR-671-3p, hsa-miR-1260b, hsa-miR-191-3p, hsa-miR-335-5p, and hsa-miR-543. Four novel microRNAs were present in ≥50% of early OA samples and had 27 predicted gene targets in common with the prioritized set of predicted gene targets from the 97 microRNAs, suggesting common underlying mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Sequencing of well-characterized patient cohorts produced unbiased profiling of the circulating miRNome and identified a unique panel of 11 microRNAs in early radiographic knee OA.

Monitoring polio supplementary immunization activities using an automated short text messaging system in Karachi, Pakistan

PROBLEM

Polio remains endemic in many areas of Pakistan, including large urban centres such as Karachi.

APPROACH

During each of seven supplementary immunization activities against polio in Karachi, mobile phone numbers of the caregivers of a random sample of eligible children were obtained. A computer-based system was developed to send two questions--as short message service (SMS) texts--automatically to each number after the immunization activity: "Did the vaccinator visit your house?" and "Did the enrolled child in your household receive oral polio vaccine?" Persistent non-responders were phoned directly by an investigator.

LOCAL SETTING

A cluster sampling technique was used to select representative samples of the caregivers of young children in Karachi in general and of such caregivers in three of the six "high-risk" districts of the city where polio cases were detected in 2011.

RELEVANT CHANGES

In most of the supplementary immunization activities investigated, vaccine coverages estimated using the SMS system were very similar to those estimated by interviewing by phone those caregivers who never responded to the SMS messages. In the high-risk districts investigated, coverages estimated using the SMS system were also similar to those recorded--using lot quality assurance sampling--by the World Health Organization.

LESSONS LEARNT

For the monitoring of coverage in supplementary immunization activities, automated SMS-based systems appear to be an attractive and relatively inexpensive option. Further research is needed to determine if coverage data collected by SMS-based systems provide estimates that are sufficiently accurate. Such systems may be useful in other large-scale immunization campaigns.

Spinal-cerebrospinal fluid leak demonstrated by radiopharmaceutical cisternography

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are known to occur under several conditions: lumbar puncture performed for contrast myelography, spinal surgery, spinal stab wounds, fracture of the thoracic spine, inadvertent spinal puncture during epidural anesthesia, traumatic lumbar meningocele, and bronchopleural subarachnoid fistula due to bronchogenic carcinoma. Spontaneous spinal leaks are uncommonly encountered in neurosurgical practice, but they are increasingly recognized as a cause of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Most CSF leaks are located at the cervicothoracic junction or in the thoracic spine. The disease is often self-limiting. A CSF leak can be detected directly by accumulation of radioactivity outside the subarachnoid space or suggested indirectly by the rapid disappearance of tracer from the subarachnoid space and early appearance in the urinary bladder. In this paper we present two unusual cases of CSF leak identified by radiopharmaceutical cisternogram.

Red Sea Drillings

Recent drilling in the Red Sea has shown that much of the basin is underlain by evaporites of a similar age to that of evaporites found in the Mediterranean Sea. These evaporites and their structural positions indicate that other brine areas are present-and, indeed, several others have been discovered.

Interaction of Doxorubicin with phospholipid monolayer and liposomes

The effect of Doxorubicin which is (an anthracycline antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antitumor activity) on the monolayer and bilayer in the form of large Multilamellar Vesicles (MLV's) of Dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) were studied by means of monolayer techniques (surface pressure, penetration kinetics, and association constant) and light scattering technique. The monolayer technique showed that addition of DXR to a lipid film composed of (DPPC/CHOL/PEG-PE) at a molar ratio of (100:0:0) produced a less condensed Monolayer. In the (pie-A) curves, DXR induced shift towards larger area/molecule, where the area/molecule was shifted from 61 to 89 A2, and 116 A2 in the presence of 20 and 40 nM DXR, respectively. The three curves collapsed at a pressure pi = 45 mN/m. In penetration kinetics experiment (delta pi-t), the change in pressure with time was 8 and 14 mN/m for a DXR concentration of 20 and 40 nM, respectively, and the increase in surface pressure presented a plateau over a period of 30 min. The measured association constant (K) was found to be 5 x 10(5)/M. In the light scattering experiment, there was a shift of the transition temperature (Tm) of (MLV's) of the same composition of the monolayer towards a smaller value from 40.5 degrees to 34.5 degrees C. Incorporation of CHOL and PEG-PE as DPPC/CHOL/PEG-PE at a molar ratio of (100:20:0), (100:20:4) and (100:20:4) greatly counteracted the effect of DXR and made the lipid membrane more condense and rigid. Moreover, the penetration of DXR into the membrane was greatly reduced. There was a very small shift for the (pi-A) and (delta pi-t) curves, and the association constant of the drug for these different lipid compositions was greatly reduced down to 2.5 x 10(5)/M and the transition temperature (Tm) was increased up to (42.5 degrees C) in the presence of 40 nM DXR. Our results suggest that DXR has a great effect on the phospholipid membrane, and that addition of CHOL or PEG-PE to the phospholipid membrane causes stabilization for the membrane, and reduces the interaction with Doxorubicin.

Chemokines induce the cellular migration of MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells: subpopulations of tumour cells display positive and negative chemotaxis and differential in vivo growth potentials

We previously reported that chemotactic cytokines (chemokines) induce the directional migration of cells derived from the breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 in vitro, however it was apparent that only a small percentage of cells displayed the ability to migrate upon stimulation. In the present study three sub-lines derived from the parental MCF-7 cell line were selected for their ability to migrate in response to MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta or RANTES across Transwell filters of 8 microm pore size. The first round selection of migratory cells resulted in sub-populations which demonstrated an increased chemotactic response compared with parental cells. Cells migrating to MIP-1beta were subjected to four further rounds of positive or negative selection, resulting in two sub-lines, MCF-7L4 and MCF-7U4 which displayed an increased and decreased chemotactic response respectively to MIP-1alpha MIP-1beta and RANTES. No difference in chemokine receptor RNA message expression between these sub-lines and the parental MCF-7 line were detected, although increased levels of alpha3, alpha6 and alphav integrin sub-units were shown for MCF-7L4 (positively selected sub-line) compared with MCF-7U4 cells. Moreover, the in vivo growth of cells derived from the two MCF-7 sub-lines was inversely correlated with their chemotactic response. The results of this study depict further the inherent heterogeneity in cancer, suggesting that the chemotactic response may influence the migratory traits of sub-populations within the tumour and potentially contribute to their in vivo behavior, growth and survival.

Purification and primary structure of low molecular mass peptides from scorpion (Buthus sindicus) venom

The primary structures of four low molecular mass peptides (Bs 6, 8, 10 and 14) from scorpion Buthus sindicus were elucidated via combination of Edman degradation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Bs 8 and 14 are cysteine-rich, thermostable peptides composed of 35-36 residues with molecular weights of 3.7 and 3.4 kDa, respectively. These peptides show close sequence homologies (55-78%) with other scorpion chlorotoxin-like short-chain neurotoxins (SCNs) containing four intramolecular disulfide bridges. Despite the sequence variation between these two peptides (37% heterogeneity) their general structural organization is very similar as shown by their clearly related circular dichroism spectra. Furthermore, Bs6 is a minor component, composed of 38 residues (4.1 kDa) containing six half-cystine residues and having close sequence identities (40-80%) with charybdotoxin-like SCNs containing three disulfide bridges. The non-cysteinic, bacic and thermolabile Bs10 is composed of 34 amino acid residues (3.7 kDa), and belongs to a new class of peptides, with no sequence resemblance to any other so far reported sequence isolated from scorpions. Surprisingly, Bs10 shows some limited sequence analogy with oocyte zinc finger proteins. Results of these studies are discussed with respect to their structural similarities within the scorpion LCNs, SCNs and other biologically active peptides.

Topical anesthesia with 50 mg of lidocaine spray facilitates upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

To investigate the value of 50 mg of topical lidocaine spray in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was undertaken with 50 mg of lidocaine spray as the active treatment. All patients were sedated with diazepam after administration of the spray. Included in the study were 158 consecutive patients aged 18 years or older being treated at the endoscopy unit of Scunthorpe district general hospital. Tolerance to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy as assessed by endoscopists and patients was evaluated. Of the 158 patients, 85 received the placebo spray and 73 the lidocaine spray. Patient acceptability for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was significantly greater in the lidocaine group than in the placebo group (p = 0.001), and tolerance to the procedure as assessed by the endoscopist was also significantly greater in the lidocaine group than in the placebo group (p = 0.008). We conclude that topical anesthesia with 50 mg of lidocaine spray facilitates upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the endoscopist and increases patient tolerance for the procedure.

Sea snake Hydrophis cyanocinctus venom. I. Purification, characterization and N-terminal sequence of two phospholipases A2

Two phospholipases A2 (PLA2, H1 and H2) from sea snake Hydrophis cyanocinctus venom were purified to homogeneity in a single step using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography on a Nucleosil 7C18 column. The molecular weights of H1 and H2, as estimated by MALDI MS, were 13588.1 and 13247.2 Da, respectively. The N-terminal 60 amino acid residues were determined by direct automated Edman degradation analysis. Since both PLA2s show close sequence homologies to those of PLA2s from other Elapid snakes (60-84%) they have been tentatively classified as belonging to group-IA and Asp-49 phospholipases A2. Despite the sequence variation (18%) between H1 and H2, their general structural organization is very similar as shown by their clearly related CD spectra. Furthermore, both enzymes are quite thermostable (60-65 degrees C) as determined by temperature variable CD spectra, indicating that the enzymes contain compact folded structure, mainly based on the core structure of disulfide bridges. However, the major PLA2 (H1) shows higher toxicity to albino rats (LD50 i.p. 0.04 mg/kg) and purification resulted in 18-fold increase in toxicity over the crude or whole venom (LD50 i.p. 0.80 mg/kg). H1 also shows edema-inducing and indirect haemolytic but no haemorrhagic activity. Unlike the toxic PLA2-H1, enzyme H2 was not toxic to albino rats but showed edema-inducing and indirect haemolytic activities.

Role of vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid on hyperhomocysteinemia in a Pakistani population of patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Pakistani people belong to an ethnic group which has the highest rate of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the possible correlation between deficiency of vitamins B6, B12 or folic acid and hyperhomocysteinemia in Pakistani patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). A case-control study was carried out involving 224 AMI patients (age 30-70 years; 55 females and 169 males) and 126 normal healthy subjects (age 31-70 years; 35 females and 91 males).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Fasting venous blood was obtained from cases and controls. Serum was analyzed for folic acid and B12 using radioassays. Plasma was analyzed for pyridoxal phosphate (PLP; coenzymic form of B6) using a radioenzymatic assay and for total homocysteine using a fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Mean serum B12 concentration in AMI patients was found to be significantly lower than the mean for controls (241+/-185 pg/ml vs 608+/-341 pg/ml; p < 0.001). Mean serum folate level in patients was also found to be lower than controls (3.35+/-3.78 ng/ml vs 4.93+/-2.93 ng/ml), however, the differences were not statistically significant. Similarly, mean PLP concentration in plasma of cases (19.4+/-24.4 nmol/l) was lower than the concentration in controls (23.2+/-17.6 nmol/l), but the difference was not statistically significant. Mean plasma homocysteine level in AMI cases (18+/-8.36 micromol/l) was higher than the mean level in controls (16.4+/-4.9 micromol/l), but not to a significant extent. However, this mean homocysteine concentration in normal healthy subjects was among the highest reported in the literature and was significantly more than mean values reported in most Eastern and Western studies. Compared to controls, there was significantly greater deficiency of folate (32.5% vs 67.1%), B12 (3.2% vs 63.4%) and PLP (49.2% vs 74.1%) in AMI patients. Deficiencies of folate, B12 and PLP were defined as serum folate levels less than 3.5 ng/ml, serum levels of B12 less than 200 pg/ml and plasma PLP levels less than 20 nmol/l. Mean plasma homocysteine levels in smokers were found to be significantly higher in both cases and controls. Similarly, mean serum folate levels in smokers (compared to nonsmokers) were significantly lower in both cases and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial nutritional deficiencies of these three vitamins along with mild hyperhomocysteinemia, perhaps through an interplay with the classical cardiovascular risk factors (highly prevalent in this population), could be further aggravating the risk of CAD in the Pakistani population.

Spectro- and electrochemical studies of some ruthenium and osmium complexes of 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole; complexes with intra-molecular charge transfer

Reaction of Ru3(CO)12, with 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole (HPBI) resulted in the formation of Ru(CO)3(HPBI) (I) complex. In presence of pyridine or dipyridine, the two derivatives [Ru(CO)3(HPBI)].Py (II) and [Ru(CO)3(HPBI)].dpy (III) were isolated. The corresponding reactions of Os3(CO)12 yielded only one single product; Os(CO)2(HPBI)2 (IV). Spectroscopic studies of these complexes revealed intramolecular metal to ligand CT interactions. Reactions of RuCl3 with HPBI gave three distinct products; [Ru(HPBI)2Cl2]Cl (V), [Ru(HPBI)(dipy)Cl2]C1 (VI) and [Ru(PBI)2(py)2]Cl (VII). The UV-vis studies indicated the presence of intramolecular ligand to metal CT interactions. Electrochemical investigation of the complexes showed some irreversible, reversible and quasi-reversible redox reactions due to tautomeric interconversions through electron transfer.

Clinical-epidemiologic study of alopecia areata

BACKGROUND

Alopecia areata is a common disease and may be associated with autoimmune disease, atopy, Down syndrome, emotional stress, and foci of sepsis.

METHODS

Seven cases of alopecia areata were diagnosed among workers in the Water and Effluent Treatment Sector (WETS) of a paper factory, representing a 0.6% incidence, when the value for the population at large is 0.1%. Three of these workers are assigned to the WETS on a permanent basis and four provide maintenance services. One of the latter patients had alopecia areata that fully regressed. Because biologic treatment of water and effluents involves saprophytic bacteria and fungi as well as chemical substances such as acrylamide, a clinical examination and laboratory tests were performed on all workers assigned permanently to the WETS (N = 9) and on 25% of the workers, selected at random providing services to the sector (N = 14).

RESULTS

There was no association between alopecia areata and atopy, dermatophytosis, or bacteria isolated. Toxicologic evaluation revealed an acrylamide-like substance in 7 workers with alopecia areata, with a statistically significant correlation. Measures were taken at the workplace to decrease worker contact with the mists (probably containing acrylamide) in the pulp-pressing room; no other cases of alopecia areata had been detected 1 year after the study.

CONCLUSIONS

A survey of the literature did not show reports of alopecia areata as an occupational dermatosis, but our conclusion is, that this dermatosis could be due to the professional activities of the workers at the paper factory studied.

A semisynthetic fetal calf serum-free liquid medium for in vitro cultivation of Leishmania promastigotes

A semisynthetic, autoclavable, liquid medium that does not require inclusion of fetal calf serum (FCS) for the successful cultivation of Leishmania promastigotes in vitro is described. The parasites were grown in commercially available medium 199 supplemented with 10% FCS and 2% mammalian urine and the growth was compared with the same medium without FCS. The growth of the parasites in the semidefined medium without FCS was found to be as good as or slightly better that with medium 199 supplemented with FCS.