Measurement of serum circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and its clinical significance in hepatocellular carcinoma: preliminary report

Serum circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (cICAM-1) was measured in 50 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mean cICAM-1 level in the 50 patients was 2220 ng/ml and 43 patients (86%) had a high level of cICAM-1 - more than 1000 ng/ml. Comparative analysis of cICAM-1 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in the HCC patients showed that serum AFP level was negative (<20 ng/ml) in five patients or "questionable positive" (20-90 ng/ml) in ten patients, while the levels of cICAM-1 in these patients were 1810 and 1710 ng/ml, respectively. Seven patients who underwent hepatectomy had tumor recurrences during a follow-up period of 6-18 months. Their serum AFP levels were lower than 200 ng/ml (mean value, 27 ng/ml), but their mean cICAM-1 level was 1956 ng/ml at the time tumor recurrence was diagnosed. We suggest that the measurement of serum cICAM-1 is not only useful for prediction of the progression and prognosis of HCC, but that it may also be an important marker for the early diagnosis of the disease, and for monitoring postoperative recurrence, particularly in patients with low levels of serum AFP.

Degradation of cardiac troponin I in serum complicates comparisons of cardiac troponin I assays

BACKGROUND

Up to a 20-fold variation in serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentration may be observed for a given patient sample with different analytical methods. Because more limited variation is seen for control materials and for purified cTnI, we explored the possibility that cTnI was present in altered forms in serum.

METHODS

We used four recombinantly engineered cTnI fragments to study the regions of cTnI recognized by the Stratus(R), Opus(R), and ACCESS(R) immunoassays. The stability of these regions in serum was analyzed with Western blot.

RESULTS

The measurement of several control materials and different forms of purified cTnI using selected commercial assays demonstrated five- to ninefold variation. Both the Stratus and Opus assays recognized the N-terminal portion (NTP) of cTnI, whereas the ACCESS assay recognized the C-terminal portion (CTP) of cTnI. Incubation of recombinant cTnI in normal human serum produced a marked decrease in cTnI concentration as determined with the ACCESS, but not the Stratus, immunoassay. Western blot analysis of the same samples using cTnI NTP- and CTP-specific antibodies demonstrated preferential degradation of the CTP of cTnI.

CONCLUSIONS

The availability of serum cTnI epitopes is markedly affected by the extent of ligand degradation. The N-terminal half of the cTnI molecule was found to be the most stable region in human serum. Differential degradation of cTnI is a key factor in assay-to-assay variation.

Accelerated healing of Dacron grafts seeded by preclotting with autologous bone marrow blood

> Studies have suggested that bone marrow-derived cells in the circulation may have the capacity and potential to endothelialize and heal vascular graft surfaces. We have investigated whether accelerated endothelialization could be achieved for Dacron grafts seeded by preclotting with bone marrow blood (BMB). Five 8 mm x 6 cm Dacron grafts seeded and preclotted with BMB and four controls preclotted with peripheral blood were implanted in the descending thoracic aorta (DTA) of mongrel dogs for 2 and 4 weeks. Two additional BMB DTA grafts were studied for 3 months. Five pairs of BMB and control grafts (4 mm x 6 cm) were bilaterally implanted into the carotids of dogs for 1 week and five pairs for 4 weeks. All grafts remained patent. BMB seeding/preclotting was a simple, effective method to accelerate early graft endothelialization without increasing thrombogenicity. Further studies are needed before clinical application can be recommended.

Morphology and histology of human and canine internal thoracic arteries

BACKGROUND

We evaluated human and canine internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) to determine whether the latter is valid for studies relevant to clinical use.

METHODS

We studied 19 human ITAs obtained from 1 female and 14 male victims of recent fatal accidents who had no evidence of cardiovascular disease (mean age = 39+/-19 years; range = 15 to 79 years), and ITAs of 21 randomly-selected mongrel dogs of both sexes, weighing 18-40 kg (average = 24.3+/-5.7 kg). Specimens were fixed in formalin at a controlled pressure of 120 mm Hg, before extensive assessment that included intimal thickening, condition of the internal elastic lamina, and number of medial elastic lamellae and vasa vasorum.

RESULTS

The canine morphology and histology were similar to the human ITAs, but there was no intimal hyperplasia, and the media and adventitia were thinner (ITAs of humans older than 40 years had significant increases in medial thickness, as well as in overall length). Morphologically and histologically, the left and right canine ITAs were almost completely the same.

CONCLUSIONS

Canine ITAs are valid for bilateral comparative studies and are a useful tissue source and model for clinically-relevant experimental studies.

Monoclonal antibodies, antigens and molecular diagnostics: a practical overview

The development of monoclonal antibody-based immunochemical assays to measure antibodies, antigens and small molecules, such as drugs, ushered in a revolution in modern diagnostic medicine. The impact of monoclonal antibodies on diagnostic imaging technologies and therapeutic regimes was equally dramatic. Additionally, the application of immunological techniques to the biochemical research lab was partially responsible for the exponential growth in our understanding of human physiology, biochemistry and genetics. Monoclonal antibody technology is limited, however, by the manner in which antigen-antibody interactions can be controlled and by the ability to consistently produce antibodies with appropriate affinity and specificity. Recent advances in recombinant antigen preparation and antibody engineering have been used to enhance the applications of this technology. In this review, current strategies to generate and engineer monoclonal antibodies as well as their clinical applications are summarized. A brief review of molecular diagnostics and its future trend is also included.

[The genomic characterization of the Cuban strain with a light cytopathic effect]

The genomic characterization of the strain of light cytopathic effect by nucleotide sequence is presented. It was possible to sequence 90% of the strain of light cytopathic effect. A close relationship with Coxsackie A9 was observed. The greatest mutations occurred in the region of the genome that codifies for the structural proteins. Therefore, it may be considered as a variant of Coxsackie A9 never reported before.

HIV risk behaviours of current sex workers attending syringe exchange: the experiences of women in five US cities

Existing research indicates that sex workers who inject drugs are vulnerable to HIV infection through both risky sexual and drug use practices. This study is the first attempt to learn whether this increased risk persists among current sex workers who participate in syringe exchange programmes (SEPs). With data from interviews with randomly selected participants in five US cities, we compared the demographic characteristics, sexual risk behaviours, drug use practices, emotional and physical health, and SEP utilization patterns of currently active female sex workers who attend SEPs with female SEP participants who do not engage in sex work. Data indicate that women enrolled in SEPs who were currently trading sex typically reported greater HIV risk than women non-sex workers. Current sex workers reported higher levels of risk for every drug risk variable examined in bivariate analysis. They were more likely than other women to inject with a syringe previously used by someone else, to inject daily and to attend shooting galleries; they were less likely to use a condom with their primary partners and to report higher levels of psychological distress than their counterparts. The relationship between sex work status and risky injection practices persisted when potential confounders were controlled for in multivariate analysis. SEPs can serve a pivotal role in providing sex workers with services and referrals which would help them reduce risk behaviours.

Griseofulvin-induced aneuploidy and meiotic delay in male mouse germ cells: detected by using conventional cytogenetics and three-color FISH

Griseofulvin (GF) was tested in male mouse germ cells for the induction of meiotic delay and aneuploidy. Starved mice were orally treated with 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of GF in corn oil and testes were sampled 22 h later for meiotic delay analysis and chromosome counting in spermatocytes at the second meiotic metaphase (MMII). A dose-related increase in meiotic delay by dose-dependently arresting spermatocytes in first meiotic metaphase (MMI) or/and prolonging interkinesis was observed. Hyperhaploid MMII cells were not significantly increased. Sperm were sampled from the Caudae epididymes 22 days after GF-treatment of the males for three-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The frequencies of diploidies were 0.01-0.02% in sperm of the solvent control animals and increased dose-dependently to 0.03%, 0.068% and 0.091%, respectively, for 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of GF. The frequencies of disomic sperm were increased significantly above the controls in all GF-treated groups but showed no dose response. The data for individual classes of disomic sperm indicated that MII was more sensitive than MI to GF-induced non-disjunction in male mice. A comparison of the present data from male mice and literature data from female mice suggests that mouse oocytes are more sensitive than mouse spermatocytes to GF-induced meiotic delay and aneuploidy.

Audio-computer interviewing to measure risk behaviour for HIV among injecting drug users: a quasi-randomised trial

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess audio-computer-assisted self-interviewing (audio-CASI) as a method of reducing under-reporting of HIV risk behaviour among injecting drug users.

METHODS

Injecting drug users were interviewed at syringe-exchange programmes in four US cities. Potential respondents were randomly selected from participants in the syringe exchanges, with weekly alternate assignment to either traditional face-to-face interviews or audio-CASI. The questionnaire included items on sociodemographic characteristics, drug use, and HIV risk behaviours for 30 days preceding the interview. We calculated odds ratios for the difference in reporting of HIV risk behaviours between interview methods.

FINDINGS

757 respondents were interviewed face-to-face, and 724 were interviewed by audio-CASI. More respondents reported HIV risk behaviours and other sensitive behaviours in audio-CASI than in face-to-face interviews (odds ratios for reporting of rented or bought used injection equipment in audio-CASI vs face-to-face interview 2.1 [95% CI 1.4-3.3] p=0.001; for injection with borrowed used injection equipment 1.5 [1.1-2.2] p=0.02; for renting or selling used equipment 2.3 [1.3-4.0] p=0.003).

INTERPRETATION

Although validation of these self-reported behaviours was not possible, we propose that audio-CASI enables substantially more complete reporting of HIV risk behaviour. More complete reporting might increase understanding of the dynamics of HIV transmission and make the assessment of HIV-prevention efforts easier.

Direct correlation between nitric oxide synthase II inducibility and metastatic ability of UV-2237 murine fibrosarcoma cells carrying mutant p53

The relationship between nitric oxide synthase II (NOS II) inducibility and the metastatic ability of UV-2237 murine fibrosarcoma cells was determined. Highly metastatic cells survived to produce numerous lung metastases after i.v. injection in syngeneic C3H/HeN mice, whereas poorly metastatic cells did not. Highly metastatic clones exhibited higher levels of NOS II than did poorly metastatic clones in response to interleukin 1alpha and IFN-gamma stimulation. Furthermore, both poorly and highly metastatic clones contained an identical p53 mutation. Overexpression of NOS II in a highly metastatic clone by transfection with NOS II gene retarded tumor growth and completely suppressed metastasis. Our data indicate that a low to moderate level of NOS II expression directly correlates with metastatic ability of UV-2237 fibrosarcoma cells carrying mutant p53 and that a high level of nitric oxide production suppresses tumor growth and metastasis.

Clinical and experimental demonstration of complete healing of porous Dacron patch grafts used for closure of the arteriotomy after carotid endarterectomy

A clinical porous Dacron patch graft used for closure after carotid endarterectomy was explanted 24 hr postmortem during autopsy. There had been no TIAs or stroke postoperatively, and the cause of death was congestive heart failure. The graft had been implanted for 25 months. The specimen had a very clean surface, was completely incorporated by full-wall tissue ingrowth, and the flow surface was covered with well-organized neointima containing endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, as confirmed by immunological studies. For comparison, animal experiments were performed. In both the clinical and experimental specimens the carotid patches were patent without neointimal compromise of the lumen, and their healing patterns were similar, with endothelium on the flow surface.

[Clinicopathological study of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of salivary glands]

OBJECTIVE

To study the histopathological features and pathogenesis of mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALT-oma) of salivary glands.

METHODS

Surgical specimens from 27 cases of MALT-oma of salivary glands were studied using paraffin-embedded section, immunohistochemical method (SP method) and electron microscope.

RESULTS

12 tumors were located in the pariotid glands, the other 15 in the submandibular glands. Much of the MALT-oma of the salivary glands were composed of diffuse centrocyte-like (CCL) cells with "lymphoepithelial lesions". Immunohistochemically, CD20 expression was found to be positive and CD45RO expression was negative in all MALT-omas of salivary glands.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the MALT-omas are low grade malignant tumors and the tumor cells have a "homing back" phenomenon. A small number of MALT-omas can become highly malignant tumors with poor prognosis. Acquired MALT may develop as a reaction to autoimmune disease and/or infection. Hyperimmune reaction and MALT hyperplasia under continuous stimulation may result in myoepithelial sialadenitis and develop into MALT-oma of salivary glands.

Marked inhibition of tumor growth in a malignant glioma tumor model by a novel synthetic matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor AG3340

Synthetic matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors have activity against a variety of tumors in preclinical models but have not been studied in gliomas. We determined the effect of AG3340, a novel synthetic MMP inhibitor with Ki values against gelatinases in the low picomolar range, on the growth of a human malignant glioma cell line (U87) in SCID-NOD mice. Mice were injected s.c. with U87 cells. Tumors were allowed to grow to a size of approximately 0.5 x 0.5 cm (after about 3 weeks), and the mice were randomized to receive either: (a) 100 mg/kg AG3340 in vehicle; or (b) vehicle control (0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose, 0.1% pluronic F68), both given daily i.p. Tumor area was measured twice weekly, and animals were sacrificed when moribund, or earlier if premorbid histology was examined. In vivo inhibition of tumor growth was profound, with AG3340 decreasing tumor size by 78% compared with controls after 31 days (when controls were sacrificed; P < 0.01, Wilcoxon test). Control animals survived 31 days after the i.p. injections began, and AG3340 mice survived 71 days, representing a >2-fold increase in survival associated with tumor growth delay. Histological examination found that AG3340-treated tumors were smaller, had lower rates of proliferation, and significantly less invasion than control-treated tumors. Hepatic or pulmonary metastases were not seen in either group. In a separate experiment, the tumors were smaller and sampled after a shorter duration of treatment; the changes in proliferation were more marked and occurred earlier than differences in tumor invasion between the two groups. Furthermore, in vitro cell growth was not inhibited at AG3340 concentrations of <1 mM. AG3340 plasma concentrations in vivo, 1 h after administration, ranged from 67 to 365 nM. Thus, AG3340 produced a profound inhibition of glioma tumor growth and invasion. AG3340 markedly increased survival in this in vivo glioma model. Treatment with AG3340 may be potentially useful in patients with malignant gliomas.

[Influence of aging and sex on chromosome 21 segregation in human lymphocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the influence of aging and sex on the segregation of chromosome 21.

METHODS

Lymphocytes were obtained from healthy donors of different ages, both sexes, and were treated with cytochalasin B. Binucleated cells were hybridized with chromosome 21 specific probe, and simultaneously, chromosome 21 loss and non-disjunction were detected.

RESULTS

The coefficients of correlation between age and binucleated cells containing 4, 2 and 6 signals were -0.35(P<0.01), 0.18 and 0.38(P<0.01) respectively. The coefficients of correlation between age and nondisjunction of chromosome 21 and micronuclei were 0.56(P<0.01) and 0.70(P<0.01) respectively.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant increase with age in the number of micronuclei and missegregation. Nondisjunction of chromosome 21 is much more frequent than loss in vivo and in vitro. No significant difference in nondisjunctioin between male and female was noted. Age effect is more significant in female than in male.

The distribution of zinc selenite and expression of metallothionein-III mRNA in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia of the rat suggest a role for zinc in sensory transmission

Zinc appears to play a role in synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. We tested the hypothesis that zinc is similarly involved in sensory transmission by determining whether vesicular zinc and metallothionein-III (MT-III), a zinc-binding protein, are localized in rat primary afferent neurons. MT-III mRNA, measured using RT-PCR, and MT-III immunoreactivity, were both present in the spinal cord as well as the thoracic and lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG). At a time (24 hr) that allows retrograde transport of zinc selenite to cell bodies, only small-diameter neurons and neurons scattered throughout lamina V of the spinal cord were stained by sodium selenite injected intrathecally. This stain disappeared if a ligature was placed on the dorsal root to block axonal transport, demonstrating that these cells are, in fact, zinc-containing primary afferent neurons. When assessed 1 hr after sodium selenite, stain was distributed throughout the neuropil of the spinal cord, especially in lamina III and the area surrounding the central canal. Even in rhizotomized animals, large- and small-diameter DRG neuronal cell bodies were also stained with either selenite (1 hr) or 6-methoxy 8-para-toluene sulfonamide quinoline (TSQ). Paradoxically, this unique pool of zinc was eliminated in large-diameter DRG neurons after neonatal capsaicin treatment, which had no effect on selenite stain or MT-III mRNA content in small-diameter DRG neurons. In summary, we demonstrate that there is a population of capsaicin-insensitive small-diameter primary afferent neurons that are zinc-containing. In addition, there is a unique pool of capsaicin-sensitive zinc that is associated with large-diameter cell bodies.

[Studies on the supercritical-CO2 fluid extraction and quality evaluation of ginger oils]

Essential oils from the dried rhizomes of Zingiber officinale were extracted by supercritical-CO2 fluid(SFE-CO2) and traditional water still distillation (WSD) methods, and the SFE extraction technology and quality (GC-MS, etc.) of the oils were studied. The results showed that the SFE-CO2 contains 49 constituents, such as 6-paradol, etc, the ginger peppery component of them gets to 22.90%.

[A DNA probe suitable for the detection of chromosome 21 copy number in human interphase nuclei by fluorescence in situ hybridization]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare DNA probe which can be used to accurately detect chromosome 21 copy number in human interphase nuclei by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

METHODS

A probe was produced by universal primer PCR from YAC clone 881D2 and characterized by FISH to metaphases and interphase nuclei of peripheral lymphocytes from 8 normal individuals and 5 patients suffering from trisomy 21.

RESULTS

A DNA probe was produced and its characteristics were :(1) Most of the probes ranged in size from 350bp to 750bp; (2) The hybridization signals of the probes were located near centromere on long arm of human chromosome 21; (3) In 1524 metaphases scored, about 99.95% of hybridization signals were located on chromosome 21; (4) The signals were very bright and recognizable easily in both metaphases and interphases nuclei; (5) The expected copy number of chromosome 21 was detected by FISH with the probe in more than 98.40% of interphase nuclei and 99.60% of metaphases.

CONCLUSION

The DNA probe reported here is suitable for the detection of chromosome 21 copy number in interphase nuclei and for the study of segregation of chromosome 21 during mitoses of human lymphocytes in culture.

Glucose rapidly decreases plasma membrane GLUT4 content in rat skeletal muscle

We have previously demonstrated that chronic hyperglycemia per se decreases GLUT4 glucose transporter expression and plasma membrane content in mildly streptozotocin- (STZ) diabetic rats (Biochem. J. 284, 341-348, 1992). In the present study, we investigated the effect of an acute rise in glycemia on muscle GLUT4 and GLUT1 protein contents in the plasma membrane, in the absence of insulin elevation. Four experimental groups of rats were analyzed in the postabsorptive state: 1. Control rats. 2. Hyperglycemic STZ-diabetic rats with moderately reduced fasting insulin levels. 3. STZ-diabetic rats made normoglycemic with phlorizin treatment. 4. Phlorizin-treated (normoglycemic) STZ-diabetic rats infused with glucose for 40 min. The uniqueness of the latter model is that glycemia can be rapidly raised without any concomitant increase in plasma insulin levels. Plasma membranes were isolated from hindlimb muscle and GLUT1 and GLUT4 proteins amounts determined by Western blot analysis. As predicted, STZ-diabetes caused a significant decrease in the abundance of GLUT4 in the isolated plasma membranes. Normalization of glycemia for 3 d with phlorizin treatment restored plasma membrane GLUT4 content in muscle of STZ-diabetic rats. A sudden rise in glycemia over a period of 40 min caused the GLUT4 levels in the plasma membrane fraction to decrease to those of nontreated STZ-diabetic rats. In contrast to the GLUT4 transporter, plasma membrane GLUT1 abundance was not changed by the acute glucose challenge. It is concluded that glucose can have regulatory effect by acutely reducing plasma membrane GLUT4 protein contents in rat skeletal muscle. We hypothesize that this glucose-induced downregulation of plasma membrane GLUT4 could represent a protective mechanism against excessive glucose uptake under hyperglycemic conditions accompanied by insulin resistance.

Syringe exchange in the United States, 1996: a national profile

OBJECTIVES

This paper provides 1996 information on the status of US syringe exchange programs and compares these findings with data from our 1994 survey.

METHODS

In November 1996, questionnaires were mailed to 101 syringe exchange programs. Program directors were contacted to conduct telephone interviews based on the mailed questionnaires. Data collected included number of syringes exchanged, syringe exchange program operations, legal status, and services offered.

RESULTS

Eighty-seven programs participated in the survey. A total of 46 (53%) were legal, 20 (23%) were illegal but tolerated, and 21 (24%) were illegal-underground. Since 1994, there has been a 54% increase in the number of cities and a 38% increase in the number of states with syringe exchange programs. Eighty-four programs reported exchanging approximately 14 million syringes, a 75% increase from 1994. Syringe exchange programs also provided a variety of other services and supplies, and legal programs were more likely than illegal ones to provide these services.

CONCLUSION

Despite continued lack of federal funding, syringe exchange programs expanded in terms of the number of syringes exchanged, the geographic distribution of programs, and the range of services offered.

Application of transcranial Doppler in subarachnoid hemorrhage

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) was dynamically performed on 25 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) before and after treatment. In the first 4 days of clinical course, 3 cases demonstrated elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), 6 cases showed stenosis of blood vessels, and 16 cases gave normal findings. At 7-14 days of clinical course, 20 cases showed vascular spasm or narrowing, 4 cases imparted normal findings and 1 patient died of elevated ICP. After the third TCD performed on the 20th day of the clinical course, 5 cases showed mean blood flow velocities (Vm) below normal values, indicating poor cerebral perfusion, 9 cases still had Vm above normal levels, 10 cases yielded completely normal findings. In conclusion, TCD conducted at different phases of SAH can not only demonstrate the functional and pathological status of cerebral blood vessels following SAH, but also reflect the outcome of clinical features. It is very helpful in the evaluation of the causes and the prognosis of SAH.

Structures and stereochemistry of pseudolarolides K and L, novel triterpene dilactones from pseudolarix kaempferi

Pseudolarolides K(1) and L(2), two novel triterpenedilactones, were isolated from the seeds of Pseudolarix kaempferi, and their structures characterized from spectral data.

Genetic tracing of arterial graft flow surface endothelialization in allogeneic marrow transplanted dogs

In order to trace genetically the source of fallout endothelialization on arterial grafts, six beagle dogs with successful autologous bone marrow transplantation received composite tandem aortic grafts with an isolated, totally impervious Dacron graft and a porous Dacron graft for 12 weeks. For impervious segments, five of 12 fresh tissue samples were Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor + (FVIII/vWF) and seven had faint or negative signals; three of the FVIII/vWF + samples had alpha-actin + smooth muscle cells. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study showed eight had a pure donor DNA genotype and four had donor/host mixed, with the donor predominant. Of 12 AgNO3-stained samples, 11 showed pure donor type and one had donor/host mixed, with the donor predominant. For porous segments, all 12 fresh samples had positive flow surface FVIII/vWF and alpha-actin cells. PCR showed all these samples and all 12 AgNO3-stained samples had donor/host mixed type, but the host pattern was predominant. Porous graft healing appears to involve both cellular fallout and tissue ingrowth, and bone-marrow-derived cells may be a source for fallout.

The opioid peptide analog D-Ala2-Met-enkephalinamide decreases bile flow by a central mechanism

The existence of an opioid central pathway that may regulate bile secretion was explored by studying the effect of the intracisternal (i.c.) administration of the opiate D-Ala2-Met-enkephalinamide (DAME) on bile secretion in anesthetized male rats. The i.c. administration of DAME was associated with a dose-related decrease in bile flow that ranged from 12% to 41%, which was prevented by the opiate antagonist naloxone. Bicarbonate secretion into bile decreased significantly after i.c. DAME. Chemical adrenergic denervation and cholinergic pharmacological blockade with atropine did not prevent the DAME-induced decrease in bile flow. The data support the existence of an opioid-mediated pathway that starts in the brain and that contributes to the regulation of bile secretion.