Cytosolic and nuclear spermidine acetyltransferases in growing NIH 3T3 fibroblasts stimulated with serum or polyamines: relationship to polyamine-biosynthetic decarboxylases and histone acetyltransferase

The expression (mRNA level of enzymic activity) of cytosolic and nuclear spermidine acetyltransferases was studied in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, either (1) serum-starved and stimulated to grow by serum refeeding, or (2) treated with inhibitors of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) (MDL 72.175) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) (MDL 73.811) and stimulated to grow by spermidine. Expression of the known growth-regulated genes for ODC, AdoMetDC and histone acetyltransferase was also examined. The mRNA for spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SAT) accumulated after serum refeeding (between 6 and 16 h) and even more after spermidine addition (16 h). Histone acetyltransferase activity increased after both growth stimuli, whereas spermidine N8-acetyltransferase activity remained unchanged. After serum stimulation, the ODC mRNA level and activity rose between 6 and 16 h, whereas AdoMetDC mRNA accumulation occurred later (16 h) than the increase in enzyme activity (6 h). Stimulation of ODC and AdoMetDC activities was suppressed by the inhibitors added alone or in combination with spermidine, whereas mRNA accumulation was down-regulated by spermidine. These results indicate that the expression of SAT was growth-controlled and that SAT mRNA level was regulated by polyamines.

Controlled vitamin K content diet for improving the management of poorly controlled anticoagulated patients: a clinical practice proposal

The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a diet with a known vitamin K content on the monitor test for oral anticoagulant therapy. We studied 10 poorly controlled patients (7 women and 3 men, mean age 48 +/- 15 years) in therapy with acenocoumarol for at least 1 year. Another group of 10 poorly controlled patients was considered as a control group. After a baseline period, during which a free diet was allowed, patients were administered a diet with a controlled vitamin K content; in the same period, control subjects were not subjected to any dietary restriction. Thrombotest (Nyegaard, Oslo) was employed for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy, with a therapeutic range between 2.3 and 4.8 INR. We found a significant difference by thrombotest between the percentages within the therapeutic range obtained before and during dietary treatment (p = 0.0001). The difference in percentages was -0.31 and the 95% CI, of the difference ranged from -0.45 to -0.17. No significant difference was shown in the control group in the same periods. Our data suggest that a diet with a controlled vitamin K content is effective in increasing the percentage of tests within the therapeutic range in patients with poorly controlled anticoagulation.

Inbreeding coefficients from the surnames of grandparents of the schoolchildren in Albanian-speaking Italian villages

Data on grandparental surnames were obtained from children in 45 Italo-Albanesi villages in nine provinces of southern Italy and Sicily. Concordance of surnames (isonymy) and inbreedding by village were estimated for each province and on the total sample. Total mean isonymy is 0.0251. The weighted mean inbreeding coefficient, and its random and non-random components are 0.0063, 0.0024 and 0.0039, respectively. Isonymy values are similar to those of rural Italian villages except that Alpine and some Appennine villages appear to be more isolated and inbred.

Expression of a growth arrest specific gene (gas-1) in transformed cells

A set of growth arrest-specific (gas) genes negatively regulated by serum has been identified. We report the analysis of the expression of one of them (gas-1) in transformed cells. We found a down regulation of gas-1 expression in NIH 3T3 cells transfected in vitro with an activated Ha-ras oncogene. In five chemically-induced mouse tumours grown in vivo the amounts of gas-1 mRNA were largely different but not related to the proliferating activity (evaluated by both H3 histone expression and 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA). The amount of gas-1 mRNA in the tumours was in general higher than in normal tissues. Expression of c-myc was also evaluated and found to be high in tumours which exhibited low gas-1 expression. Two fibrosarcomas, CA-2 and CB-20, with similar phenotype, similar growth rate, different expression of c-myc and 100-fold difference in gas-1 expression were further investigated and gas-1 expression was found to be correlated with the expression of a differentiated function (as judged from collagen expression). Cell lines derived from CA-2 and CB-20 and maintained under different culture conditions showed that the cell cycle regulation and serum response of gas-1 expression were lost in CA-2. The higher steady state level of gas-1 mRNA in spite of a shorter mRNA half life suggests that in CB-20 cells the gas-1 gene is transcribed faster than in CA-2 cells indicating that transcriptional regulation is the major determinant of gas-1 gene expression in tumour cells. The finding of gas-1 expression in tumour cells suggests that its expression is not sufficient to maintain cells into quiescence, however, as a marker specific for the G0 phase, it could be useful, in conjunction with other growth related genes, to define the cell cycle distribution of a cell population.

Genetic structure of the population of Sicily

Genetic heterogeneity within Sicily was investigated on the basis of ACP1, ADA, ESD, GLO1, PGD, PGM1, PGM2, SODA, ABO, and MN gene frequencies, and compared to those of other regions of Italy for which these same loci have been examined. Correspondence analysis revealed no differences within the island, at least at the provincial level, but showed genetic differentiation among Italian regions, distinctly clustering northern, central, and southern populations, respectively. These data indicate a close relationship between Sicily and southern Italy. In addition, the contribution of Middle Eastern populations to the gene pool of Sicily was evident.

ESD, GLO1, PGD, PGM1 and PGM2 gene frequencies in the Salerno Province (Italy)

Esterase D (ESD), glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) and phosphoglucomutase 1 and 2 (PGM1 and PGM2) systems have been studied in the Salerno province (Campania, Southern Italy). The mean weighted frequencies for the Campania region were calculated. These frequencies show a general similarity to those reported for the other Italian regions.

Marriage trends in the Italo-Greeks of Italy

The Italo-Greek ethnolinguistic minority, living in thirteen villages of southern Italy, marry largely amongst themselves but there are some intermarriages with native Italians. The majority of marriages are within the villages, but there is some marriage movement from one Italo-Greek village to another. Data on marriage and birthplace of parents and grandparents obtained by questionnaires to families of primary school children (aged 6-13 years) are analysed, to show the trends in breakdown of isolation over the last two generations.

Down-regulation of SPARC/osteonectin/BM-40 expression in methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcomas and in Kirsten-MSV transformed fibroblasts

SPARC (secreted protein acid and rich in cysteine), also known as osteonectin or BM-40, is a glycoprotein associated with the extracellular matrix of bone as well as with many soft tissues that produce extracellular matrix, including matrix-producing tumours. Northern and slot-blot analyses were used to study SPARC expression in tumours induced in vivo by methylcholanthrene (MCA) and in transformed cells induced in vitro by Kirsten-MSV and SV-40 infection. MCA-induced tumours expressed SPARC mRNA at quantitatively different levels. Fibroblasts transformed in vitro by Kirsten-MSV, and, to a lesser extent, by SV-40, showed reduced levels of SPARC mRNA expression compared with normal fibroblasts. Run-on assay indicated that transcription of SPARC was lower in the Kirsten-MSV transformed cells than in the normal parental fibroblast culture. However, SPARC mRNA in the transformed culture was as stable as that in normal culture. The difference, therefore, between levels of SPARC mRNA in transformed and normal culture was mainly due to different rates of transcription. Cloned cell lines derived from the Kirsten-MSV transformed culture also showed heterogeneous expression of SPARC: two lines had high and two had low expression of the gene. The level of mRNA correlated with that of the protein secreted. The SPARC expression might contribute to the malignant phenotype.

Inbreeding coefficients from isonymy in the Italian-Greek villages

There are four Italian-Greek communes in one area of Calabria and nine in an area of Apulia. The communes are too small to give good information on marital isonymy for each, but in the Calabrian area the weighted mean inbreeding coefficient and its random and non-random components are F = 0.01442, Fr = 0.00450 and Fn = 0.00997, respectively. The weighted means in the more populous Apulian area are significantly lower, F = 0.00423, Fr = 0.00379, Fn = 0.00045.

Relationships estimated by isonymy among the Italo-Greco villages of southern Italy

Surnames of parents and grandparents were collected from 1993 children in the primary schools of the thirteen Italo-Greco communes that lie in two areas, four communes in Reggio Calabria in the "toe" of Italy and nine in Lecce in the "heel." The coefficients of relationship by isonymy show almost no relationship between the two areas. The smaller area in Reggio Calabria Province has consistently larger coefficients of relationship between communes than the larger area in Lecce Province. The difference can be ascribed to greater accumulated random isonymy in the smaller area. These populations are not genetic isolates, but each area shows a degree of cohesiveness with respect to surnames that suggests that they are genetically somewhat distinct. Contiguous pairs of communes tend to have higher coefficients of relationship than pairs of communes separated by intervening communes.

Bleeding time is prolonged during oral anticoagulant therapy

We have performed the BT test in 55 patients undergoing oral anticoagulant therapy monitored by means of Thrombotest (TT). Patients in steady state of anticoagulation showed longer BT than normal controls; patients in overdose phase had longer BT values than either controls or patients in steady state. After recovery the overdose phase patients showed BT values not different from those of the controls. Moreover we were able to find in our patients a significant linear correlation between BT and TT. Impairment in primary haemostasis could be due either to a scarce fibrin deposition in the haemostatic plug or to deficiency of a possible vitamin K dependent vascular "bleeding factor".

Rehabilitation of children after total correction of tetralogy of Fallot

Nine children who had undergone total correction of tetralogy of Fallot were studied with the purpose of observing the physical changes that might be produced by a period of rehabilitation in hospital and comparing these results with those of a control group having the same pathology but which had not followed a protocol for physical activity. Precise criteria were used in the selection of the patients. Careful clinical examinations and exercise tests were conducted before and after the programme, in particular maximal stress testing on the bicycle ergometer and submaximal exercise on the treadmill. The sessions were held three times weekly in a gymnasium over three months, gradually increasing the duration of each session to a maximum of one hour. During the session, heart rate was monitored with a Sport-tester 3000 so as not to exceed 60%, then 70%, of the maximal heart rate recorded during the stress test. Testing at the end of the programme demonstrated an improvement in tolerance under maximal stress in 7 of the 9 patients. As for submaximal performance, 8 out of 9 children covered a greater distance using the same parameters as for initial testing. At the end of the programme, the children all showed increased independence and initiative and more self-confidence in establishing social relations. The programme has proven to be a comprehensive method for safely improving physical fitness in these patients and represents an important starting point for a better future.

Genetic polymorphisms in the Croatian ethno-linguistic minority of Italy

Phenotype and gene frequencies of twelve genetic markers (ABO, RH, MNS, ACP1, ESD, PGD, PGM1, PGM2, HB, ALB, CP and HP) of the three Croatian communities (Acquaviva Collecroce, Montemitro and S. Felice del Molise) living in Southern Italy are reported. From the comparison with the surrounding Italian population and with Balkan populations, some instances of still incomplete genetic admixture can be inferred (ABO*A and O, ESD, PGD and PGM1).

Red-cell enzyme polymorphisms in the Reggio Calabria province (Italy)

Acid phosphatase (ACP1), adenosine deaminase (ADA), esterase D (ESD), glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (PGD) and phosphoglucomutase 1 and 2 (PGM1 and PGM2) polymorphisms have been studied in the Reggio Calabria province (Southern Italy). The ACP1*A allele and ADA, GLO1, PGD and PGM1 systems have frequencies similar to those reported for Sicily and Southern Italy.

Common and rare genetic variants of human red blood cell enzymes in Italy

In the present paper we report on new data of the frequency of common and rare variants in the Italian population for ADA, AK-1, 6-PGD, EsA, EsB, EsD, PGM-1, PGM-2, SOD-A, AcP, GPT, and PGI. Moreover we present a comprehensive review of the available data on the electrophoretic variants of red cell enzymes in Italians. We find a considerable degree of genetic heterogeneity between the various populations living in the Peninsula and between the population of the Peninsula and of Sardinia. We also find that the estimates of the average heterozygosity are considerably smaller for the population of Sardinia as compared to Peninsula and Sicily. Finally, we report on the occurrence of several uncommon enzyme variants, which overall frequency is very similar to previously reported estimates for North European populations (Harris et al. 1974).

[Activity of the coagulation and fibrinolysis in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In vivo study]

In vivo study of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis activities in non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. The aim of the study was to investigate in vivo blood coagulation and fibrinolysis activities in a group of diabetic patients NIDDM with and without vascular complications. For this purpose we determined two sensitive indicators in vivo of blood coagulation and fibrinolytic activities such as fibrinopeptide A and B beta 15-42 respectively. Moreover, we computed the ratio between B beta 15-42 and fibrinopeptide A in order to investigate a possible imbalance in vivo between blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. Control groups were 15 healthy subjects and 28 non diabetic patients affected by atherosclerotic disease. Fibrinopeptide A and B beta values were significantly higher in the diabetic patients than controls but there was no difference between the former group and the atherosclerotic patients. Also, no correlation was found for FPA, B beta, B beta/FPAr and HbAlc, fructosamine and blood glucose levels. There was no difference in B beta, FPA and B beta/FPAr values for patients treated with insulin and for those treated with either hypoglycemic agents or diet. Our data indicate that in diabetic patients fibrinolysis activity is increased, but it cannot counterbalance thrombin activity which appears much more enhanced. Finally, the lack of correlation for FPA, B beta, B beta/FPAr and HbAlc, fructosamine and blood glucose suggests that blood coagulation and fibronolysis abnormalities are not related to the degree of blood glucose control.

Colour blindness (CB) distribution in the male population of Albanian and Croatian communities of Molise, Italy (with a review of the published Caucasoid CB gene frequencies)

All the secondary school students of the Albanian and Croatian communities of Molise were tested for colour vision. Percent frequencies of red-green colour blindness were 5.91 +/- 1.73 and 7.02 +/- 3.38. These figures are in agreement with those found for Central Italy thus confirming the similarity of these communities with the rest of Italy as described for several other autosomal polymorphisms. The distribution of red-green CB genes in Europe shows that they are slightly more frequent in Northern Europe than in Southern Europe and Northern Africa.

Subclinical activation of fibrinolysis in atherosclerotic disease detected by B beta 15-42 assay

Plasma B beta 15-42 and fibrinopeptide A (FPA) concentrations, which are respectively indicators of plasmin and thrombin in vivo activity, were measured in 46 patients with ischemic arterial disease without signs of acute thrombosis. In the group as a whole, an increase in both B beta 15-42 and FPA was found. When the patients were divided in two groups on the basis of their reversible (transitory ischemic attacks and unstable angina) or irreversible (stroke and myocardial infarction) ischemic episodes, the levels of B beta 15-42 were significantly elevated only in the former group when compared to controls (p less than 0.01). In the latter group we found significantly increased levels of FPA with respect to both controls (p less than 0.01) and patients with reversible and transient ischemic episodes (p less than 0.05). Moreover, the B beta 15-42/FPA ratio was significantly lower in patients with irreversible ischemic episodes than in controls (p less than 0.01) and patients with transient ischemic episodes (p less than 0.01), while no difference was found between the latter group and controls, although FPA and B beta 15-42 were significantly higher. These results suggest that in patients with transient and reversible ischemic episodes fibrinolytic activity is able to counterbalance an increased thrombin activity, while this does not appear to occur in patients with irreversible ischemic episodes.

Osteonectin transcript and metastatic behavior in v-Ki-ras transformed fibroblasts

Osteonectin is one of the major non-collagenous proteins of bone. However, its transcript has been found in many soft, extracellular matrix-producing tissues; an osteonectin-related protein was detected in tumor basement membrane. We have investigated the expression of osteonectin gene in fresh BALB/c fibroblasts transformed by v-Ki-ras. Transformed cells exhibited lower levels of RNA as compared with normal fibroblasts. The transformed cells were cloned after in vivo tumorigenic assay, and 4 clones were analyzed for osteonectin expression by Northern blots. Two of them were selected for high or low osteonectin expression and tested in vivo in spontaneous and artificial metastasis assays. High osteonectin expression was correlated with high lung colonization. When 10(5) cells were injected i.v., median colony value was 55 and 20 in higher expressor vs. lower expressor respectively (p less than 0.005). Spontaneous metastasis indicates a possible reverse correlation. Our data align osteonectin with other matrix-components and adhesion molecules in affecting potential metastatic spreading of transformed cells.

Study of the nasopharynx in man by scanning electron microscopy

To date only few and often disagreeing studies about human nasopharynx are available. The present research has the purpose to give a contribution to the knowledge of nasopharyngeal epithelium using S.E.M. The study was carried out on biopsies taken from 20 healthy volunteers. The surface of nasopharynx is covered by ciliated cells, microvilli provided cells and goblet cells. Areas covered with squamous epithelium and presumably transitional epithelium were observed. The possibility that ciliated cells become microvilli provided cells is discussed.

Migration pattern and genetic marker distribution of the Afro-American population of Bluefields, Nicaragua

On a sample of the population of mixed African ancestry living in Bluefields, Nicaragua, the pattern of migration and the distribution of red cell and serum genetic markers have been studied. It is concluded that, in spite of a considerable level of internal and external migration, a distinctive genetic structure is maintained by the population. Moreover, a strongly negative assortative mating can be observed between people inhabiting the western and eastern areas of Nicaragua. It is estimated that most, if not all, of the genetic pool of the population is accounted for by a process of admixture between African and Indian peoples.

Red cell polymorphisms in Sardinia

Acid phosphatase (ACP1), esterase D (ESD) and phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) polymorphisms have been studied in Sardinia and the following gene frequencies have been found: ACP1*A = 0.235, ACP1*B = 0.684 and ACP1*C = 0.081; ESD*2 = 0.118 and PGM1*2 = 0.233. These findings confirm the genetic uniqueness of Sardinians compared to the other Italian and European populations.

Genetic study of the haptoglobin polymorphism in Italy: I. Bari and Genoa provinces

A random sample of 686 unrelated subjects from Bari (Southern Italy) and Genoa (Northern Italy) provinces was studied for HP polymorphism. The correlation between the HP*1 frequencies and geographical coordinates was studied for the populations of Italy, Europe, Middle East and Mediterranean basin. The results reveal the existence of a gradient of declining HP*1 frequencies from north-west to south-east across Europe and the Middle East.

Polymorphism of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase in the Albanian and Croatian settlements of Molise (Italy)

Four Albanian and three Croatian communities settled in Molise (Italy) have been investigated for galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) polymorphism. To obtain a detailed identification of each phenotype, electrophoresis and quantitative enzymatic analysis were performed on all samples. In addition to this isoelectric focusing was utilized to confirm and the D and LA variants. The gene frequencies of the different GALT alleles turned out to be: N = 0.912 (Albanians) and N = 0.868 (Croatians); G = 0.004 (Albanians); D = 0.051 (Albanians) and D = 0.081 (Croatians); LA = 0.033 (Albanians) and LA = 0.051 (Croatians). Both variants show frequencies similar to that observed in other Caucasoid populations.

[Effect of the unsaponifiables of the most common edible oils on the development of E. coli bacteria]

The writers within the context of the research on the biological actions of the unsaponificables in the most common edible oils, have tested the effects produced by such unsaponificables on the culture of E. Coli. The unsaponificables, and those of seed oils of peanuts and sunflowers in particular, aid the doubling of the E. Coli. Similar research on the culture of animal cells (in vitro) and unicellular algae, are at present outstanding.

[Biological effects of non-saponifiable sunflower seed oil. Preliminary research]

By inserting near the under-axillary gland of the rats Wistar (one month age) compressed material containing g. 0.250 of non-saponificable sunflower seeds oil, it has been noted an increase of the number of the mitosis in the under-axillary gland, in the lung and some mitosis in the liver. Such results are similar to those obtainable by administering, with similar method 0.050 g. of 3,4benzopyrene or 0.100 g. of the hydrocarbon oxidization products. The histological analysis have been effected on the organs of rats sacrificed one month after inoculation.

[Anionic detergents in Mytilus Galloprovincialis of the gulf of Naples]

The authors have investigated on the anionics detergents rate inside the Mytilus Galloprovincialis, used as animal-monitor of the environment state of a certain part of the Gulf of Naples. The data concerning 14 zones in which were drown mussels cultivated in the Gulf of Naples resumed in a specific list, shown an high concentration of above detergents.

[Interaction between alkaloids of Claviceps purpurea and development of some bacteria and bacteriophages. Preliminary experiments]

It has been tested the bacteriolytic activity and the interaction among the development of the bacteriophage T4 and Ergot alkaloids. It has been determined a bacteriolytic action on the bacterial stub "E. Coli host of bacteriophage T4. It exist an interaction also among such alkaloids and the development of the bacteriophage T4, which appears through an increase of the quantity of lysis areas, becoming evident in solid bodies containing the lysing bacterium. Further researches with other bacterial and virus stubs will be effected and mentioned afterward.

[Eventual presence of 3-4 benzopyrene in the non-saponificable part of sunflower oil]

Within the limit of the research on the chemical composition of the nonsaponds of the edible oils, under execution in our Institute have been affected some cromatografic gas and spectoskopic analysis (U.V.) on a sample of sunflower seeds oil. Concentrating our research essentially on the determination of the presence of 3-4 benzopyrene in the above oil, we have treated about 8,3 gr. of nonsapond with appropriate chemical methodologies, in order to obtain specific samples for the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon analysis. The results of the cromatografic gas and spectoskopic of two fractions, obtained through the process of the preparation of the nonsapond sample, compared with those of a standard solution of 3-4 benzopyrene, exclude the presence of the hydrocarbon in the sunflower oil.

[Free amino acids in calf embryos]

In this work have been reported the research results tending to establish the free amino acidis concentration, existing in the calf embryos. The free embryonal amino acidis composition has been determined through an analysis effected with "Amino Acid Analyzer". Such studies, which conern the researches under execution in our Institute on the chemical composition of the calf embryos furnish the biochemical determination of a biological material, used in some Nations like a commercial product.

[Estrogens in calf embryos]

A particular technique has been restated for the analysis of extradiol and extrones. Availing ourselves of such a technique, we have determined the presence of the steroid hormones, extradiol and extrones, in the calf embryos. The above studies are framed within the sphere of the researches made in our Institute, having the scope of determining the biological effects and the chemical composition of the calf embryos, which is utilized like a commercial product in some other Nations.