Bcl-2 slows in vitro breast cancer growth despite its antiapoptotic effect

BACKGROUND

Although the Bcl-2 protein promotes tumor cell survival by blocking programmed cell death (apoptosis), Bcl-2 expression has been associated with favorable prognostic indicators in breast cancer. We hypothesize that despite its antiapoptotic effects, Bcl-2 slows tumor cell proliferation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bcl-2-negative breast cancer cells (SKBr3) were transfected with the bcl-2 gene (Bcl2-1 clone, low expression; Bcl2-2 clone, high expression) or plasmid control (Neo). Cell cycle distribution and kinetics were analyzed using bivariate flow cytometry (PI staining and pulse BrdU uptake). Cells were treated for 72 h with doxorubicin (100 ng/ml) or vehicle (0.01% DMSO) and assayed for cytosolic DNA with diphenylamine to measure apoptosis.

RESULTS

Cell counting showed increased doubling time in the Bcl-2-expressing clones Bcl2-1 and Bcl2-2 (Bcl-2(+)) relative to the Bcl-2-nonexpressing lines SKBr3 and Neo (Bcl-2(-)). Cell cycle analysis showed a decreased S phase fraction in Bcl-2(+) cells. Pulse BrdU uptake showed an increased G1/G0 fraction in Bcl-2(+) cells. Doxorubicin-induced apoptosis occurred in Bcl-2(-) but not in Bcl-2(+) cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite antiapoptotic effects favoring tumor survival, Bcl-2 prolongs cell cycle. Decreased tumor proliferation may account for the association of Bcl-2 expression with a favorable outcome in breast cancer, even though Bcl-2 may mediate chemoresistance in some patients.

One-year treatment with ethyl esters of n-3 fatty acids in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and glucose intolerance: reduced triglyceridemia, total cholesterol and increased HDL-C without glycemic alterations

n-3 Fatty acids in the form of ethyl esters (EE) allow lower daily doses and improved compliance. Administration of n-3 fatty acids to patients with glucose intolerance has led to controversial findings, some studies indicating worsening of the disorder, others no effect, or an improvement. A total of 935 patients with hypertriglyceridemia, associated with additional cardiovascular risk factors, i.e. glucose intolerance, NIDDM and/or arterial hypertension were entered a double blind (DB) protocol lasting 6 months with n-3 EE versus placebo, followed by a further 6 months of open study (n = 868) on 2 g a day of n-3 EE. At the end of the DB period, triglyceridemia in the total group was reduced significantly more by n-3 EE, without alterations in glycemic parameters. In the 6 months open follow up, patients on n-3 EE with type IIB hyperlipoproteinemia showed a significant reduction of total cholesterol, both in cases with (-4.15% vs. the 6 month levels) and without NIDDM (-3.8%). HDL-cholesterol had an overall mean rise of 7.4%, maximal in type IV patients with (+9.1%) and without (+10.1%) NIDDM. No alterations in glycemic parameters were detected in treated patients. Administration of n-3 EE to patients with hypertriglyceridemia associated with NIDDM or impaired glucose tolerance appears safe and effective.

The caspase-3 precursor has a cytosolic and mitochondrial distribution: implications for apoptotic signaling

Caspase-3-mediated proteolysis is a critical element of the apoptotic process. Recent studies have demonstrated a central role for mitochondrial proteins (e.g., Bcl-2 and cytochrome c) in the activation of caspase-3, by a process that involves interaction of several protein molecules. Using antibodies that specifically recognize the precursor form of caspase-3, we demonstrate that the caspase-3 proenzyme has a mitochondrial and cytosolic distribution in nonapoptotic cells. The mitochondrial caspase-3 precursor is contained in the intermembrane space. Delivery of a variety of apoptotic stimuli is accompanied by loss of mitochondrial caspase-3 precursor staining and appearance of caspase-3 proteolytic activity. We propose that the mitochondrial subpopulation of caspase-3 precursor molecules is coupled to a distinct subset of apoptotic signaling pathways that are Bcl-2 sensitive and that are transduced through multiple mitochondrion-specific protein interactions.

In vivo induction of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in mice and rhesus macaques immunized with DNA vector encoding an HIV epitope fused with hepatitis B surface antigen

DNA immunization offers a novel means to induce humoral and cellular immunity in inbred or in outbred animals. Here we have tested the efficiency of genetic immunization with hepatitis B virus (HBV) envelope-based vectors. In naive primates, injection of a plasmid DNA encoding HBV envelope proteins induced an HBV-specific cytotoxic response and appearance of potentially protective anti-HBs antibodies. Moreover, intramuscular and intradermal injections of a DNA expression vector encoding an epitope of the human immunodeficiency virus envelope fused to the surface protein of the hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) induced strong humoral and cytotoxic responses to antigenic determinants of both viruses in mice and nonhuman primates alike. In addition, in protein-primed Rhesus monkeys B-cell memory was successfully boosted by DNA injection of hybrid vectors and animals subsequently developed a multispecific cellular response. This suggests that DNA-based immunization could be used to boost efficiently and broaden the immune response in individuals immunized with conventional vaccines, regardless of their genetic variability. These results also indicate that it might be possible to rationally design HBsAg-based expression vectors to induce multispecific immune responses for vaccination against hepatitis B and other pathogens.

Detection and monitoring of trisomy 8 by fluorescence in situ hybridization in acute myeloid leukemia: a multicentric study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The role of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the detection and monitoring of trisomy 8 (+8) in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has not been defined exactly. This multicentric study was performed in order to: i) analyze the sensitivity of interphase FISH with respect to conventional chromosome analysis (CCA) in detecting +8; ii) compare the results of FISH and CCA in the quantitation of the frequency of +8-positive cells; iii) analyze the possible role of FISH in the cytogenetic follow-up of patients with +8.

DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred and ninety-eight nonconsecutive patients with a diagnosis of AML seen at five centers over a 3-year period were studied by CCA and FISH with a chromosome 8-specific centromeric probe. Two hundred interphase cells were scored in each test and the cut-off for the recognition of +8 was set at 3%. An irrelevant pericentromeric probe was used as negative control in those cases with an apparently normal karyotype and trisomy 8 in interphase cells. FISH studies were conducted at diagnosis and, in 14 cases with +8, on 1.5 occasions during follow-up.

RESULTS

Karyotype aberrations were seen in 121 cases (61.1%), with +8 being present in 38 of them (16 as the sole aberration). Interphase FISH detected +8 in 37/38 cases; in a patient with 1/10 metaphases with +8, 2.3% interphase cells with 3 signals were seen. Fourteen additional cases with occult +8 were detected by FISH, which showed 4-22% interphase cells with three signals; 6 patients had an abnormal karyotype without +8, 3 had a normal karyotype, 5 had no analyzable mitoses. In 24 cases with > 15 analyzable metaphases, percent variations between CCA and FISH in the estimation of the size of the trisomic clone ranged between 0.4% and 51%, median value 22%. Underestimation of the percent of trisomy 8 by FISH occurred in all 10 cases with > 90% +8 metaphases. In 7/14 cases investigated sequentially, FISH detected 5-35% trisomic cells in the BM after induction therapy (4 CR, 3 PR); 4 cases relapsed with +8 at 8-15 months. The absence of +8 in remission marrows was documented in the remaining 7 cases, 4 of which relapsed at 20-32 months.

INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that FISH was a valuable method in this multicentric study since it showed greater sensitivity than CCA in detecting minor clones with +8, in patients with both normal and abnormal karyotypes. The role of FISH in the cytogenetic follow-up of trisomies in AML patients may be promising.

NaCl sensitivity of essential hypertensive patients is related to insulin resistance

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate insulin sensitivity of essential hypertensive patients with different salt sensitivities of blood pressure in the absence of confounding factors such as obesity, glucose intolerance and the inclusion both of normotensive and of hypertensive subjects that have affected most previous studies.

PATIENTS

Ninety-nine patients with untreated mild or moderate essential hypertension, World Health Organization class I-II, participated in the study.

METHODS

Salt sensitivity was estimated using the Weinberger protocol with minor modifications and the patients were classified into tertiles of salt sensitivity.

RESULTS

Patients with high NaCl sensitivities were slightly older and had somewhat higher blood pressures than did subjects with low salt sensitivities. Plasma renin activity significantly decreased with increasing salt sensitivity. There were no differences among the three groups in terms of body mass index, fasting blood glucose and insulin plasma levels. There were no differences among the groups in the integrated glucose and insulin response to a standard oral-glucose tolerance test However, there was a significant difference in insulin sensitivity between two subgroups of the upper and lower tertile of salt sensitivity, the salt-sensitive hypertensives having a markedly lower utilization of glucose than did the salt-resistant ones, with a minor overlap (5.4 +/- 0.6 versus 7.4 +/- 0.3 mg/kg per min, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that essential hypertensive patients with high NaCl sensitivities were relatively insulin resistant compared with those with low NaCl sensitivities, independently of confounding factors such as age, obesity and glucose intolerance. Insulin resistance was not associated with overt hyperinsulinaemia among these patients.

In vivo ultrasound assessment of respiratory function of abdominal muscles in normal subjects

Ultrasonography has recently been proposed for assessing changes in thickness and motion of the diaphragm during contraction in humans. Data on ultrasound assessment of abdominal muscles in humans are scarce. We therefore investigated the changes in thickness and the relevant mechanical effects of abdominal muscles using this technique during respiratory manoeuvres in normal subjects. We evaluated the thickness of the abdominal muscle layers in six normal male subjects (aged 26-36 yrs) using a 7.5 MHz B-mode ultrasound transducer. Gastric (Pg) and mouth pressures, muscle thickness of external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), transversus abdominis (TA) and rectus abdominis (RA) were assessed at functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV), total lung capacity (TLC), during progressive (PEEs) and maximal expiratory efforts (MEEs) against a closed airway and during homolateral (HTR) and contralateral (CTR) trunk rotation. Abdominal muscle thickness was found to be reproducible (coefficient of variation and two-way analysis of variance). Compared to FRC, the thickness of IO, TA and RA significantly increased at RV and during MEEs, whereas EO remained unchanged; at TLC, the thickness of IO and TA significantly decreased. During PEEs, a significant relationship between increase in Pg and TA thickness was observed in all subjects, the thickness of the other abdominal muscles being inconsistently related to Pg. Finally, a significant increase in the thickness of IO and EO was found during HTR and CTR, respectively. We conclude that during maximal expiratory manoeuvres, transversus abdominis, internal oblique and rectus abdominis thickened similarly. Transversus abdominis seems to be the major contributor in generating abdominal expiratory pressure during progressive expiratory efforts. External oblique seems to be preferentially involved during trunk rotation. These results suggest the possible value of studying the abdominal muscles by ultrasonography in various respiratory disorders.

Respiratory muscle overloading and dyspnoea during bronchoconstriction in asthma: protective effects of fenoterol

Whether, and to what extent, beta 2-agonists protect against respiratory muscle overloading and breathlessness during bronchoconstriction remains to be defined in patients with asthma. In a double blind placebo-controlled study, 100 micrograms of fenoterol were administered to six stable asthmatics before a bronchial provocation test, performed by inhaling doubling concentrations of histamine from a Devilbiss 646 nebulizer. We recorded breathing pattern (tidal volume VT, inspiratory time TI, total time of the respiratory cycle TTOT), inspiratory capacity (IC), dynamic pleural pressure swing (Pplsw), total lung resistance (RL) and FEV1. VT was expressed both in actual values and as % of IC. Changes in VT (%IC) during histamine inhalation reflected changes in dynamic end-inspiratory lung volume (EILV). Pplsw was expressed as % of maximal (the most negative in sign) pleural pressure, obtained under control conditions during a sniff manoeuvre (Pplsn). Pplsw (%Pplsn) is an index of inspiratory muscle effort. The test ended when the concentration of histamine which caused a decrease in FEV1 of > or = 40% post-saline was reached. Dyspnoea rating was scored by a modified Borg scale. At the ultimate degree of bronchoconstriction (UDB) with histamine: (i) decrease in FEV1 was similar after placebo and fenoterol, while increase in RL was lower after fenoterol (P < 0.005); (ii) VT(%IC) increased less after fenoterol (P < 0.027); (iii) increases in Pplsw (%Pplsn) was lower after fenoterol (P < 0.001); (iv) delta Borg (from saline) was lower (P < 0.01) after fenoterol; (v) differences in delta Borg, from placebo to fenoterol, related to concurrent changes in VT(%IC) (r2 = 0.67). In conclusion, at UDB 100 micrograms of fenoterol produced a beneficial effect on the degree of inspiratory muscle loading and breathlessness, an effect greater than it would be expected from measuring FEV1 alone.

Mitochondrial proliferation and paradoxical membrane depolarization during terminal differentiation and apoptosis in a human colon carcinoma cell line

Herbimycin A, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, induces cellular differentiation and delayed apoptosis in Colo-205 cells, a poorly differentiated human colon carcinoma cell line. Cell cycle analysis in conjunction with end labeling of DNA fragments revealed that G2 arrest preceded apoptotic cell death. Ultrastructural examination of herbimycin-treated cells demonstrated morphologic features of epithelial differentiation, including formation of a microvillar apical membrane and lateral desmosome adhesions. A marked accumulation of mitochondria was also observed. Fluorometric analysis using the mitochondrial probes nonyl-acridine orange and JC-1 confirmed a progressive increase in mitochondrial mass. However these cells also demonstrated a progressive decline in unit mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim) as determined by the DeltaPsim-sensitive fluorescent probes rhodamine 123 and JC-1 analyzed for red fluorescence. In concert with these mitochondrial changes, Colo-205 cells treated with herbimycin A produced increased levels of reactive oxygen species as evidenced by oxidation of both dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate and dihydroethidium. Cell-free assays for apoptosis using rat-liver nuclei and extracts of Colo-205 cells at 24 h showed that apoptotic activity of Colo-205 lysates requires the early action of mitochondria. Morphological and functional mitochondrial changes were observed at early time points, preceding cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. These results suggest that apoptosis in differentiated Colo-205 cells involves unrestrained mitochondrial proliferation and progressive membrane dysfunction, a novel mechanism in apoptosis.

A procedure for preparing undecalcified and unembedded bone sections for light microscopy

We have developed a procedure for light microscopic investigation of undecalcified and unembedded bone sections. Biopsy samples of human metatarsus and femur and rat femur were fixed in aldehydes and sectioned with a cutting machine equipped with a diamond saw blade. Free sections 100-150 microns thick, stained with toluidine blue and von Kossa, did not show artifacts following the cutting, and the spatial relations of mineralized and nonmineralized components remained intact. Compact and trabecular bone, bone marrow and all cell types appeared well preserved and easily recognizable. Our procedure provides a simple and rapid method for preparing bone sections which undergo no chemical treatment other than fixation. This method is a useful alternative to standard histological protocols for studying bone specimens.

Respiratory mechanics in patients with tense cirrhotic ascites

Lung volumes are decreased by tense ascites and increase after large volume paracentesis (LVP). The overall effect of ascites and LVP on the respiratory function is poorly understood. We studied eight cirrhotic patients with tense ascites before and after LVP. Inspiratory muscle force (maximal transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi,max), and the lowest pleural pressure (Pp1,min)) was assessed while the patients were seated. Rib cage and abdominal volume displacements, as well as pleural and gastric pressures were measured during quiet breathing while the patients were supine. Pdi,max and Ppl,min were normal and did not change after LVP (from 84.2+/-19.7 to 85.2+/-17.0 cmH2O and from 68.3+/-19.7 to 74+/-15.9 cmH2O, respectively). The abdominal contribution to the generation of tidal volume was greater than that of the rib cage (79 vs 21%), a pattern which did not change after LVP (73 and 27%). Before LVP, tidal swings both of pleural pressure (Ppl,sw) and transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi,sw) were large (15.3+/-4.3 and 18.5+/-3.9 cmH2O, respectively) and the load on inspiratory muscles was increased as a consequence of elevated dynamic elastance of the lung (El,dyn) (11.4+/-2.6 cmH2O x L(-1)) and ("intrinsic") positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) (4.3+/-3.5 cmH2O). LVP reduced the load on the inspiratory muscles, as shown by the significant decrease in Ppl,sw (10.6+/-2.0 cmH2O), Pdi,sw (12.8+/-3.0 cmH2O), El,dyn (10.0+/-2.0 cmH2O x L(-1)) and PEEPi (1.1+/-1.3 cmH2O). The amount of fluid removed was closely related to changes in Ppl,sw and PEEPi. We conclude that the strength of the inspiratory muscles is normal or reduced in seated cirrhotic patients. In the supine position, tense ascites results in an increase in lung elastic load and development of positive end-expiratory pressure, with a consequent overload and increased activation of inspiratory muscles. Large volume paracentesis decreases overloading and activation, but does not change the strength of the inspiratory muscles.

DNA-based immunization against hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in normal and HBsAg-transgenic mice

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a serious worldwide health problem and the possibility to control it will depend on the availability of safe, effective and affordable vaccines. Recombinant protein or plasma-derived vaccines containing HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) are safe and generally efficacious, however, they are too expensive for widespread use in areas of HBV endemicity and are only partially effective for treatment of HBV chronic carriers. Immunization of mice by injection of HBsAg-expressing plasmid DNA results in rapid induction of strong and long-lasting humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Here we report optimization of the humoral response with the use of necrotizing agents, co-expression of cytokines or co-stimulatory molecules and formulation of the DNA with cationic liposomes. DNA-based immunization of HBsAg-transgenic mice can also overcome non-response to HBsAg. Thus, DNA vaccines against HBV may be useful for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes.

N-3 fatty acids do not lead to an increased diabetic risk in patients with hyperlipidemia and abnormal glucose tolerance. Italian Fish Oil Multicenter Study

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, place-bo-controlled study evaluated the possible worsening of glycemic control after a moderate daily intake of n-3 fatty acid ethyl esters in patients with hypertriglyceridemia with and without glucose intolerance or diabetes. A total of 935 patients of both sexes in 63 Italian clinical centers were selected; 55% had either impaired glucose tolerance or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). They received for 2 mo either 1 g n-3 ethyl esters three times a day or a corresponding placebo, followed by 4 mo of either 1 g n-3 ethyl esters twice a day or placebo. In addition to the complete lipid and lipoprotein evaluation, patients with impaired glucose tolerance also underwent an oral-glucose-tolerance test; in patients with NIDDM, serum insulin and glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c) concentrations were determined. Plasma triacylglycerol concentrations decreased significantly, up to 21.53% at 6 mo compared with baseline (decreased 15% compared with placebo), with a tendency toward a progressive reduction with time. There was no evidence for a different response in patients with either NIDDM or impaired glucose tolerance. Among NIDDM patients, the triacylglycerol reduction was greater in those with high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol < or = 0.91 mmol/L. There was no alteration in the major glycemic indexes: fasting glucose, Hb A1c, insulinemia, and oral glucose tolerance in patients with impaired glucose tolerance or NIDDM after treatment with n-3 ethyl esters. Treatment with a moderate daily dose of n-3 ethyl esters over a prolonged period of time significantly reduced triacylglycerol concentrations without any worsening of glucose tolerance in patients with hypertriglyceridemia with and without impaired glycemic regulation.

Abdominal muscle recruitment and PEEPi during bronchoconstriction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

It has been recently shown that, when breathing at rest, many patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contract abdominal muscles during expiration, and that this contraction is an important determinant of positive end expiratory alveolar pressure (PEEPi). In this study the effects of acute bronchoconstriction on abdominal muscle recruitment in patients with severe COPD were studied, together with the consequence of abdominal muscle action on chest wall mechanics.

METHODS

Breathing pattern, pleural (PPL) and gastric (PGA) pressures, and changes in abdomen anteroposterior (AP) diameter were studied in 14 patients with COPD (mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) 1.06 (0.08) 1) under control conditions and during histamine-induced bronchoconstriction.

RESULTS

The analysis of plots of PGA versus the AP diameter of the abdomen revealed that during maximal broncho-constriction (decrease in FEV1 of 34.8% (95% confidence intervals (CI) 29.9 to 39.7)) the expiratory rise in PGA increased significantly whereas end expiratory abdomen AP diameter decreased, indicating marked abdominal muscle recruitment. As a consequence, the rib cage compartment accounted for all of the volume of hyperinflation during bronchoconstriction (mean value 0.66 I, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.83). Positive end expiratory alveolar pressure during progressive bronchoconstriction was related directly to the expiratory rise in PGA and inversely to the expiratory time.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that, in patients with severe COPD, the abdominal muscles are recruited during acute bronchoconstriction. This recruitment probably preserves diaphragm length at the beginning of inspiratory muscle contraction despite the hyperinflation, and contributes significantly to positive end expiratory alveolar pressure. The degree of dynamic pulmonary hyperinflation during bronchoconstriction can be overestimated if abdominal muscle contraction is not assessed.

Breathlessness and control of breathing in patients with COPD

We tried to verify, in a clinical setting, the hypothesis that enhanced perception of dyspnoea (PD) and increased respiratory drive (RD): 1) relate to each other; and 2) elicit an integrated response that leads to a decrease in RD and tidal volume (VT) aimed at minimizing PD. In 34 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dyspnoea was graded on a four-point scale after a Medical Research Council (MRC) questionnaire concerning respiratory symptoms. Patients were divided into four groups according to the dyspnoea score. Pulmonary volumes, arterial blood gases, VT, respiratory frequency (fR), inspiratory time (tI), expiratory time (tE), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured. RD was also assessed in terms both of mouth occlusion pressure (P0.1) and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the respiratory muscles. Increase in dyspnoea rating was associated with decrease in vital capacity (VC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), MIP, VT and tI; and increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension (Pa,CO2), P0.1, and EMG (analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's test). A rapid and shallow pattern of breathing (RSB) characterized the group with the highest dyspnoea rating. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that: 1) tI and FEV1 accounted for a substantial proportion of the variability in VT and tI, respectively; 2) VT and MIP, together, predicted a substantial proportion of the variability in Pa,CO2 (r2 = 0.50). We conclude that, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clinical rating of dyspnoea appears to be associated with muscle weakness and increase in respiratory drive. The increased respiratory drive is modulated into a rapid and shallow pattern of breathing, which leads to hypercapnia.

Selection and fine mapping of chromosome-specific cDNAs: application to human chromosome 1

We have developed a methodology for identification and fine mapping of chromosome-specific transcripts. Combining digestion of DNA with different restriction enzymes, ligation to "bubble" linkers, and PCR amplification from Alu and "bubble" primers, we have synthesized human chromosome 1-specific sequences from DNA of a somatic cell hybrid, A9Neol. After hybridization to human fetal brain cDNA, we could efficiently capture chromosome 1-specific cDNAs. The cDNAs were sequenced and used as probes in hybridizations to high-density filters containing the arrayed CEPH Mega-YAC library and to the arrayed cDNA library from infant brain made by B. Soares, which has been extensively sequenced. By this approach we have been able to select chromosome 1-specific cDNAs, to map them to chromosome 1 YAC contigs, and to identify and map corresponding longer cDNAs and ESTs.

Pravastatin reduces carotid intima-media thickness progression in an asymptomatic hypercholesterolemic mediterranean population: the Carotid Atherosclerosis Italian Ultrasound Study

PURPOSE

The Carotid Atherosclerosis Italian Ultrasound Study (CAIUS) was performed to test the effects of lipid lowering on the progression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in 305 asymptomatic patients from a Mediterranean country.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligibility included hypercholesterolemia (baseline means: low-density lipoprotein [LDL] = 4.68 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] = 1.37 mmol/L), and at least one 1.3 < IMT < 3.5 mm in the carotid arteries. Patients (mean age 55 years, 53% male) were assigned to pravastatin (40 mg/day, n = 151) or placebo (n not equal to 154). Ultrasound imaging was used to quantify IMT at baseline, and semiannually thereafter for up to 3 years. The mean of the 12 maximum IMTs (MMaxIMT), was calculated for each patient visit, and used to determine each patient's longitudinal progression slope. The intention-to-treat group difference in the MMaxIMT progression was chosen a priori as the primary end point.

RESULTS

Five serious cardiovascular events (1 fatal myocardial infarction), and 7 drop-outs for cancer were registered. In the pravastatin group, LDL decreased -0.22 after 3 months versus -0.01 in the placebo group, and remained substantially unchanged afterward (-0.23 versus +0.01 at 36 months, respectively). Progression of the MMaxIMT was 0.009 +/- 0.0027 versus -0.0043 +/- 0.0028 mm/year (mean +/- SE, P < 0.0007) in the placebo and pravastatin groups, respectively. IMT progression slopes diverged after 6 months of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Pravastatin stops the progression of carotid IMT in asymptomatic, moderately hypercholesterolemic men and women. This finding extends the beneficial effects of cholesterol lowering to the primary prevention of atherosclerosis in a population with relatively low cardiovascular event rates, and suggests that this benefit is mediated by specific morphological effects on early stages of plaque development.

Long-term effects of fish oil on insulin resistance and plasma lipoproteins in NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridemia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term (6-month) effects of moderate fish oil supplementation on insulin sensitivity and plasma lipoproteins in NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The study has been performed according to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design with a parallel group sequence. After a washout period of 4 weeks and a run-in period of 3 weeks, 16 NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride [TG], 2.25-5.65 mmol/l) were randomly assigned to either fish oil (2.7 g/day eicosapentaenoic plus docosahexaenoic acid for 2 months, then 1.7 g/day for 4 more months) (n = 8) or placebo (n = 8). Diet and hypoglycemic drugs remained unchanged throughout the whole experiment. At baseline and after 6 months, insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (insulin infused, 2.0 mIU.kg-1 body wt.min-1). At the same time, blood glucose control, fasting and postprandial serum insulin and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations, and fasting plasma lipoprotein concentrations were evaluated.

RESULTS

In the group treated with fish oil compared with the baseline, there was: 1) a significant reduction in both plasma TG (2.92 +/- 0.23 vs. 3.85 +/- 0.32 [mean +/- SE] mmol/l, P < 0.001) and VLDL-TG (2.35 +/- 0.24 vs. 4.25 +/- 0.66 mmol/l, P < 0.01), without significant changes in blood glucose control; 2) a significant reduction in fasting NEFA concentrations (572 +/- 100 vs. 825 +/- 131 mumol/l, P < 0.01); and 3) a significant enrichment in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids of erythrocyte membrane phospholipids. In the placebo group, there were no changes in any of the variables analyzed. The insulin-mediated glucose uptake was unchanged in both groups (fish oil, 4.04 +/- 0.82 mg.kg-1.min-1 at baseline and 3.96 +/- 0.50 mg.kg-1.min-1 at 6 months; placebo, 3.51 +/- 0.62 mg.kg-1.min-1 at baseline and 4.09 +/- 0.49 mg.kg-1.min-1 at 6 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridemia, moderate amounts of fish oil induce a long-term significant reduction in plasma triglycerides, VLDL triglycerides, and NEFA and a significant enrichment in the erythrocyte phospholipid content of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, without deteriorating blood glucose control. However, this amount of omega-3 fatty acids was unable to improve insulin sensitivity in this group of patients.

DNA-mediated immunization in a transgenic mouse model of the hepatitis B surface antigen chronic carrier state

Transgenic mice expressing the sequences coding for the envelope proteins of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the liver have been used as a model of the HBV chronic carrier state. We evaluated the possibility of inducing a specific immune response to the viral envelope antigens and thus potentially controlling chronic HBV infection. Using HBV-specific DNA-mediated immunization in this transgenic model, we show that the immune response induced after a single intramuscular injection of DNA resulted in the complete clearance of circulating hepatitis B surface antigen and in the long-term control of transgene expression in hepatocytes. This response does not involve a detectable cytopathic effect in the liver. Adoptive transfer of fractionated primed spleen cells from DNA-immunized mice shows that T cells are responsible for the down-regulation of HBV mRNA in the liver of transgenic mice. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a potential immunotherapeutic application of DNA-mediated immunization against an infectious disease and raises the possibility of designing more effective ways of treating HBV chronic carriers.

Comparison of plasmid DNA preparation methods for direct gene transfer and genetic immunization

Plasmid DNA is widely used for direct gene transfer in animals to study gene therapy, gene regulation, drug delivery and genetic immunization. Here we compare cesium chloride and anion-exchange purified plasmid DNA for direct gene transfer in mouse muscle and show no differences in efficiency of transfection with reporter genes or in humoral response to DNA-based immunization.

The presence of arterial anatomical variations can affect the results of duplex sonographic evaluation of penile vessels in impotent patients

PURPOSE

Since penile arterial communications are present in a significant percentage of impotent patients, we evaluated whether peak systolic cavernous blood velocity after intracavernous prostaglandin E1 injection might be different in patients with and without arterial variants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cavernous blood flow was assessed with echo color Doppler ultrasound before and after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 in 63 impotent patients. The penile shaft was accurately evaluated to detect arterial anatomical variants. Clinical erectile response was assessed by visual inspection and palpation.

RESULTS

Of 23 patients who obtained a full erection with full rigidity after prostaglandin E1 injection the cavernous peak blood velocities in 11 with penile arterial communications were significantly less than those in 12 without arterial communications.

CONCLUSIONS

The generally accepted limit of normal for cavernous peak blood flow obtained after prostaglandin E1 injection (greater than 25 to 30 cm. per second) must be interpreted carefully because lower peak blood velocities may be found in subjects with a full erectile response if arterial communications are present.