Synthesis and evaluation of hydroxyproline-derived isoprenyltransferase inhibitors

A series of peptidomimetics based on a hydroxyproline scaffold was prepared and evaluated for inhibition of farnesyltransferase and geranylgeranyltransferase I in both enzymatic and cell-based assays. A number of analogs were potent and selective inhibitors of FTase, while one compound (22) was nonselective in the enzymatic assays but eight-fold selective for inhibition of GGTase in the cellular assay (IC50 = 0.39 microM).

Rapid recovery from cognitive deficits in abstinent alcoholics: a controlled test-retest study

The pattern of cognitive deficits and their time-dependent recovery were investigated in a cohort of 49 male alcohol-dependent patients using a repeated measurement design with 49 healthy male controls matched for age, education, and marital status. We combined parts of the Halstead Reitan Battery and the Wechsler Memory Scale with tests that are widely used in German-speaking countries. Patients were tested in the first week (T1) and 5 weeks later (T2) at the end of the in-patient treatment programme. Matched controls were tested also at T1 and T2, which enabled us to take learning effects into account. At T1, the patients showed distinct cognitive deficits on 5 of 12 neuropsychological parameters (perceptual-motor speed, verbal short-term memory, verbal knowledge, non-verbal reasoning, spatial imagination). At T2, significant improvements had occurred in four of the five dysfunctional domains with a significant difference remaining in verbal short-term memory. Duration of dependency and length of abstinence prior to testing had no essential effects on neuropsychological functions. Our results provide evidence for the well-established fact that chronic alcoholism has detrimental effects on cognitive performance, but that performance improves with neuropsychological recovery which occurs rapidly within weeks when abstinence is maintained. Cognitive deficits seem to be similar across different studies and cultures.

Mersilene mesh chin augmentation. A 14-year experience

During the past 20 years, a variety of alloplastic materials have been introduced for chin augmentation. Mersilene mesh (Ethicon, Sommerville, NJ), introduced in 1950, demonstrates many qualities that make it an ideal implant. This article reviews the senior author's (S.W.P.) successful 14-year experience using Mersilene mesh chin implants. Between 1983 and 1997, 264 patients underwent chin implantation procedures. The results show a low rate of infection (0.8%) and displacement (1.5%). There were 14 temporary paresthesias and no cases of permanent anesthesia. There were no incidences of absorption, rejection, or extrusion. Mersilene provides a soft, natural appearance to the chin, and it continues to be our choice for chin implantation.

Treatment outcome in alcoholism - a comparison of self-report and the biological markers carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and gamma-glutamyl transferase

The primary source for evaluating treatment outcome in alcoholism is usually verbal self-report. Because the validity of self-report is often doubted, more objective markers for treatment outcome are needed. In this study, we compared self-report data from 238 male alcohol-dependent patients participating in a combined 6-week inpatient followed by a 1-year outpatient treatment program with the biological markers carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). According to self-report, over 70% of the patients had a positive treatment outcome (57% abstinence, 16% intermediate relapse). These results are supported by the general reduction of CDT and GGT during the treatment period (p < 0. 001). When we performed a cross-sectional analysis at 6 months during the outpatient program, there was a high consistency of self-report data with the biological markers (CDT 93%, GGT 91%, CDT/GGT 85%). Our results support the hypothesis that in abstinence- oriented treatment programs, self-reports are valid and can be used as the basis of measurement for treatment outcome.

Serum-stimulated cell cycle entry of fibroblasts requires undisturbed phosphorylation and non-phosphorylation interactions of the catalytic subunits of protein kinase CK2

Protein kinase CK2 is a pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase occurring as alpha2beta2, alpha'2beta2, or alphaalpha'beta2 tetramers. A requirement in serum-stimulated cell cycle entry in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of human fibroblasts for phosphorylation(s) by CK2 has been concluded from stimulation inhibition by microinjected antibodies against the regulatory subunit (beta). We have now examined this idea more directly by microinjection-mediated perturbation of phosphorylation and non-phosphorylation interactions of the catalytic subunits (alpha and alpha'), and by verifying the supposed matching of the cellular partition of CK2 subunits in the fibroblasts employed. While immunostaining and cell fractionation indicate that the partitions of subunits indeed match each other (with their predominant location in the nucleus in both quiescent and serum-stimulated cells), microinjection of substrate or pseudosubstrate peptides competing for the CK2-mediated phosphorylation in vitro resulted in significant inhibition of serum stimulation when placed into the nucleus but not when placed into the cytoplasm. Also inhibitory were nuclear but not cytoplasmic injections of antibodies against alpha and alpha' that affect neither their kinase activity in vitro nor their complexing to beta. The data indicate that the role played by CK2 in serum-stimulated cell cycle entry is predominantly nuclear and more complex than previously assumed, involving not only phosphorylation but also experimentally separable non-phosphorylation interactions by the catalytic subunits.

Protein kinase CK2alpha may induce gene expression but unlikely acts directly as a DNA-binding transcription-activating factor

The gene-inducing property ofCK2alpha, a Ser/Thr protein kinase that appears normally to be complexed to a CK2beta protein controlling activity and substrate selectivity, has been unclear. We show here that CK2alpha induces in human JEG-3 cells the expression of Aromatase, an estrogen-synthesis key enzyme, which is regulated at transcriptional level. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicate that CK2alpha binds to the Aromatase gene promoter. To test for CK2alpha's transactivating ability as a DNA-binding protein, a CK2alpha binding site was cloned in front of indicator genes. The constructs were used to transform a yeast-based one-hybrid system. Overexpression of activation-domain fused CK2alpha in this system, i.e., CK2alpha in its native configuration, failed to activate the transcription machinery. The data indicate CK2alpha to affect gene expression at the level of transcription via an indirect as yet unknown mechanism rather than directly as a DNA-binding transcription-activating protein.

Aggressiveness, onset of dependence, and treatment outcome in socially well-adapted alcoholics

Current typologies of alcoholism derive from the whole spectrum of afflicted persons. One type is characterized by variables such as early onset of dependence, violence, and aggressiveness. In previous research, this has been shown to be correlated with poorer prognosis. We tested this association in a fairly homogeneous subgroup of 258 socially rather well-adjusted male inpatients. Aggressiveness was assessed psychometrically. As a group, patients did not differ from general population norms. However, age was negatively correlated with aggressiveness. Even after taking patients' age and duration of dependence into account, aggressiveness was associated with an early onset of dependence and further aspects of drinking history, thus confirming results from previous typology research. Overall treatment outcome after 6 and 12 months was quite good, but was not influenced by aggression.

Epicardial intimal thickening in transplant coronary artery disease and resistance vessel response to adenosine: a combined intravascular ultrasound and Doppler study

BACKGROUND

Transplant coronary artery disease is the major factor limiting long-term survival after cardiac transplantation. Both intravascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS) and intracoronary flow studies have been used to assess the morphologic and functional importance of the disease. However, the impact of epicardial intimal thickening, as quantitated by IVUS, on the resistance vessel response to adenosine has not been explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy-six coronary arteries without angiographically overt coronary disease (diameter stenosis visually, < or =50%) were studied with both IVUS and intracoronary Doppler in 54 patients 0.5 to 127 months after transplantation. Mean intimal index and mean lumen cross-sectional area (CSA) were determined by IVUS, and the average was obtained for every coronary artery. Coronary flow average peak velocity (APV) was obtained by Doppler before and after administration of 16 microg adenosine to calculate coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR) and coronary vascular resistance index (CVRI). The hyperemic pressure-flow velocity ratio (hyperemic mean aortic pressure/hyperemic APV) as an index of minimal coronary resistance was further derived. The intimal index (mean, 20.0+/-10%) did not correlate with either CFVR (mean, 2.9+/-0.7, r=.12) or CVRI (mean, 0.33+/-0.1, r=.16). However, a significant correlation between the intimal index and the hyperemic pressure-flow velocity ratio (mean, 1.52+/-0.47 mm Hg/cm/s, r=.74, P<.0001) was found. The hyperemic pressure-flow velocity ratio was not influenced by the presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy or a mild acute rejection period (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation grades IA and IB).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that in patients without angiographically overt coronary disease, the degree of epicardial intimal thickening as quantified by IVUS did not predict the adenosine vasodilator response, when determined by commonly used parameters such as CFVR and CVRI. The hyperemic pressure-flow velocity ratio best reflected the functional significance of transplant coronary artery disease.

Coronary plaque morphologic characteristics early and late after heart transplantation: in vivo analysis with intravascular ultrasonography

To characterize plaque morphologic characteristics of transplant coronary artery disease early and late after cardiac transplantation, 72 patients were studied with intravascular ultrasonography during routine coronary angiography (group 1, 25 patients < or = 2 months after surgery; group 2, 47 patients > or = 12 months after surgery). Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Three hundred fifty-one segments were imaged in 127 coronary arteries (4.9 +/- 1.8 segments per patient). By intravascular ultrasonography, relevant intimal thickening (> 0.3 mm) was found in the majority of patients (68% for group 1 and 72% for group 2). Angiography detected abnormal findings in only 16% and 32% for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean intimal index was higher in patients late after transplantation (27% +/- 12% vs 17% +/- 12%, respectively; p < 0.01). Maximal and mean plaque thickness were comparable in both groups, whereas a higher mean plaque circumference was found in group 2 (278 +/- 66 degrees vs 211 +/- 75 degrees, respectively; p < 0.002). The lesions were more eccentric in patients early after transplantation (mean eccentricity index 95% +/- 7% vs 77% +/- 15%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Diffuse, concentric intimal thickening was not a common pattern. Maximal plaque thickness correlated with donor age (r = 0.50, p < 0.0001). Coronary lesions were frequent even early after transplantation, with predominantly eccentric plaque morphologic characteristics indicative of preexisting atherosclerosis. Later after transplantation, a more homogeneous plaque distribution was seen, partly with diffuse concentic intimal thickening. Late transplant coronary artery disease appears to be a combination of preexisting native and acquired immune-mediated coronary artery disease.

[Changes in the self-concept of alcohol dependent women and men during inpatient psychotherapy]

At the beginning and at the end of a six week treatment programme, the self-concepts of 82 male and 31 female alcoholic inpatients were assessed. The Giessen test (a 40 item questionnaire comprising six scales oriented towards psychosocial aspects of personality) was applied. Compared to normative data from the general population, patients described themselves as being more depressed, less controlled, less socially responsive and more reserved. During inpatient treatment, patients approached the levels of the general population. With regard to control and depressiveness, however, there were still significant differences at the end of inpatients treatment. Changes on scales relating to interpersonal contact (social responsiveness, openess) are discussed as specific effects of group psychotherapy. Social potency showed a significant interaction effect, with women responding better to treatment than men.

Mucus entrapment of particles by a suspension-feeding tilapia (Pisces: Cichlidae)

A miniature fiberoptic endoscope was used to observe the processes of particle encounter and retention inside the buccopharyngeal cavity of suspension-feeding tilapia. Small particles (38 &micro;m to 1.0 mm in diameter) were trapped in strands and aggregates of mucus, which usually slid posteriorly on the ceratobranchials of arches I&shy;IV towards the esophagus while the fish pumped water through the buccopharyngeal cavity. During stage 1 of periodic reversals of water flow inside the buccopharynx, mucus-bound particles usually lifted off the arch surfaces and travelled a short distance in an anterior or anterodorsal direction. During stage 2 of a reversal, the mucus usually resumed travel in a posterior or posteroventral direction and exited the field of view. Mucus was present less often during feeding on large particles (3&shy;10 mm in diameter) than on small particles, and large particles were rarely observed to be attached to mucus. We discuss the advantages to suspension-feeding fishes of using aerosol filtration by mucus entrapment rather than sieving, and predict that many cichlid and cyprinid suspension feeders that consume bacteria and phytoplankton use mucus for aerosol filtration.

Effects of disease-related cues in alcoholic inpatients: results of a controlled "Alcohol Stroop" study

We tested the hypothesis that alcoholics develop a disease-related attentional bias. Therefore, alcohol-related, but task-irrelevant, words should cause a specific perceptual-processing bias. We investigated this by using a special color-naming task. We subjected 40 male alcohol-dependent inpatients and 40 healthy male controls (matched according to age and verbal IQ) to a modified card version of the Stroop color-naming task that consisted of a neutral and an alcohol word condition ("Alcohol Stroop"). Alcoholic inpatients performed significantly poorer than the control group under the critical experimental condition (color-naming of disease-related words), as compared with the noncritical condition (color-naming of neutral words; p = 0.03). Concerning the possible neuropsychological impairment of the patients, no effects could be found on the reaction time of the "Standard Stroop" using only neutral words (i.e., color-naming of incongruent color words administered without time limitation). The information processing bias on the "Alcohol Stroop" thus qualifies as a cognitive process, which is independent from putative neuropsychological deficits of alcoholic patients and might represent an essential feature of alcoholic psychopathology. The "Alcohol Stroop" contributes to the experimental psychopathology of alcoholism.

Inhibition of cyclic AMP-triggered aromatase gene expression in human choriocarcinoma cells by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide

Aromatase, an endomembrane-bound cytochrome P450, is the key enzyme of estrogen biosynthesis. Aromatase inhibitors, therefore, are clinically important tools in the treatment of estrogen-dependent tumor growth. To improve the specificity of these tools, inhibition at the nucleic acid level was examined. An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide complementary to the translation start region of human aromatase transcripts (antisense-arom) was synthesized and used to inhibit cyclic AMP-triggered aromatase gene expression in a human choriocarcinoma cell line (JEG-3), both as occurring in an autocrine fashion by secreted human chorionic gonadotropin or as induced by application of the membrane-permeating dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Significant inhibition was obtained in both cases, reaching 70% and 60%, respectively. In addition, the antisense-arom treatment led to accelerated mRNA degradation. The inhibition at the nucleic acid level was accompanied by a decrease of both the aromatase protein and microsomal aromatase activity. The data appear to indicate the antisense strategy to be a most promising approach for the development of a novel type of specific aromatase inhibitor.

Distraction resulting from disease related words in alcohol-dependent inpatients: a controlled dichotic listening study

To test whether alcoholics develop an information processing bias towards disease-related stimuli, 30 alcoholic inpatients and 30 controls were administered a dichotic listening task. Three different stimulus types were presented to the right (ignored) channel: neutral words, rare neutral words and alcohol-related words. The hypothesized information processing bias should cause patients to make disproportionally more shadowing errors in the third condition. An ANOVA revealed a significant condition effect (P < 0.001), a tendency towards a group effect (P = 0.09) and a significant interaction (P < 0.01) in the expected direction. There was a marked increase of errors in alcoholics when disease-related stimuli were presented compared to the neutral conditions and to the controls.

Peptidomimetic inhibitors of Ras farnesylation and function in whole cells

The ras protooncogene is involved in regulation of cell growth. Mutations that activate the protein result in uncontrolled cell growth. Ras undergoes a series of posttranslational processing events, the first of which, farnesylation, is crucial for the function of the protein. Inhibitors of the farnesyltransferase enzyme are therefore potential candidates for the development of anticancer drugs. Tetrapeptides have been reported to be good inhibitors of this enzyme in vitro. We have synthesized analogs of the tetrapeptide Cys-Val-Phe-Met by replacement of the amino-terminal amide bonds. One inhibitor, B581, is permeable to the cell membrane. In the cell, it inhibits processing of two farnesylated proteins, H-ras and lamin A, but it does not inhibit processing of a geranylgeranylated protein, Rap 1A. Microinjection of B581 into frog oocytes inhibits maturation induced by activated, farnesylated H-ras but not maturation induced by activated, geranylgeranylated H-ras or by progesterone. These results demonstrate that this peptide mimic inhibits farnesylation selectively in the cell. The inhibition of farnesylation results in inhibition of H-ras function.

Light-induced GTPase activity and GTP[gamma S] binding in squid retinal photoreceptors

Illumination greatly increases the GTPase activity in homogenates of squid (Loligo) whole retinas or rhabdomeric membranes. Adenylylimidodiphosphate inhibits the light-insensitive (but not the light-sensitive) GTPase activity in these homogenates. Illumination also greatly increases the binding of GTP[gamma S] to the rhabdomeric membranes. This binding at saturating illuminations indicates that there are approximately 10-100 times more rhodopsin molecules than G-protein molecules in squid photoreceptors. Each light-activated rhodopsin molecule activates about 10 G-protein molecules which might provide amplification for the first stage of the phototransduction cascade.

[Computer-supported cleft lip and palate documentation]

In the interdisciplinary treatment of cleft lip and palate patients large data sets are compiled, the storage and management of which seems to be most appropriately done by a computer system. An efficient and PC-compatible system is introduced which features simplicity of use, clearness of structure and suitability for clinic and practice.