Improved differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, including many Beijing genotype strains, using a new combination of variable number of tandem repeats loci

Variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) typing was done on 230 Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, including 41 strains isolated from 17 groups of epidemiologically linked patients. By PCR amplification, 185 (80.4%) of the 230 strains were Beijing genotype strains. VNTR typing was performed using the 15 loci proposed as a standard set by Supply et al. [Supply, P., Allix, C., Lesjean, S., Cardoso-Oelemann, M., Rusch-Gerdes, S., Willery, E., Savine, E., de Haas, P., van Deutekom, H., Roring, S., Bifani, P., Kurepina, N., Kreiswirth, B., Sola, C., Rastogi, N., Vatin, V., Gutierrez, M.C., Fauville, M., Niemann, S., Skuce, R., Kremer, K., Locht, C., van Soolingen, D., 2006. Proposal for standardization of optimized mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. J. Clin. Microbiol. 44, 4498-4510], and cluster analyses of these data were done. By the VNTR typing with the proposed 15 loci, strains having low similarity values by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis were clustered. Use of a supplemental9 loci, proposed as a high-resolution tool, with the 15 loci showed that strains with low similarity by RFLP analysis were still clustered. Twelve VNTR loci were selected based on previously reported discriminatory index (DI) values and used with the proposed 15 loci for better differentiation by VNTR typing. When eight loci with higher DI values were used with the 15 loci, there were no clusters, including strains with low RFLP similarity. The15 loci and eight additional loci decreased the numbers of clustered strains isolated from epidemiologically unlinked patients significantly compared to using only the 15 loci. Among all tested loci, obvious differences of DI values were observed for 8 loci (miru10, miru16, miru39, Mtub29, Mtub30, QUB11a, QUB26, and QUB1895) of RD105 lineage strains compared to those of other lineage strains. These results suggest that the proposed VNTR typing method cannot be used as a routine epidemiological tool in areas where Beijing genotype strains are prevalent. Several VNTR loci should be added to the proposed method based on differences in polymorphism of VNTR loci among Beijing genotype lineages.

Decrease in the S1 protein of 30-S ribosomal subunits in polyamine-requiring mutants of Escherichia coli grown in the absence of polyamines

The reason for the decrease of polypeptide-synthetic activity of 30-S ribosomal subunits obtained from two polyamine-requiring mutants of Escherichia coli, grown in the absence of polyamines, has been studied by analyzing the total and split proteins of 30-S subunits by disc gel and slab gel electrophoresis. It was concluded that the decrease of S1 protein in 30-S subunits was responsible for the decrease of polypeptide synthesis in polyamine-requiring mutants of E. coli grown in the absence of polyamines.

336 COMPARISON OF FETAL DEVELOPMENT AND FETAL HEARTBEAT BY ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN ARTIFICIALLY INSEMINATED AND EMBRYO-TRANSFERRED DAIRY COWS

Bovine fetal size and fetal heartbeat are important factors for detecting abnormal pregnancies in artificially inseminated and embryo-transferred dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to compare fetal growth and fetal heartbeat by transrectal ultrasonography in the early pregnancy of artificially inseminated (AI) and embryo-transferred (ET) dairy cows. The pregnancies of 86 animals were examined by fetal heartbeat count (n = 35 per animal of AI versus n = 51 per animal of ET) every 5 days from 35 to 60 days after breeding (the day of ovulation = day 0). The pregnancies of 237 animals were measured by fetal crown-rump length (n = 95 per animal of AI versus n = 142 per animal of ET) at 30 days and 60 days after breeding. Built-in electronic calipers were used to measure fetal dimensions on the ultrasonic screen. In addition, the times of first fetal heartbeats were recorded. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results are presented in the Table (Values were mean ± SD except for No. of animals). There were no differences in the range of fetal heartbeat for AI and ET (161.0 to 185.3 beats min−1 versus 169.7 to 184.6 beats min−1). However, fetal heartbeats of AI at 35 days of gestation was higher (P < 0.05) than those in cows at days 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 of gestation (185.3 ± 8.7 beats min−1 versus 161.0 ± 9.5, 165.0 ± 19.5, 170.3 ± 26.8, 169.4 ± 27.8, and 171.2 ± 11.9 beats min−1, respectively). There were no differences in fetal crown-rump length between AI and ET. The prediction equation for crown-rump length in relation to fetal age of AI was y = 0.0046x2 − 0.2452x + 4.4424, R2 = 0.9643, while that for ET was y = 0.0049x2 − 0.2699x + 4.9396, R2 = 0.9728. Crown-rump length at 30 days and 60 days of gestation did not differ between AI and ET (1.2 ± 0.1 cm versus 1.2 ± 0.1 cm, 6.4 ± 0.3 cm versus 6.5 ± 0.4 cm, respectively). In conclusion, there were no differences in fetal development and heartbeats between AI and ET dairy cows. In addition, there were no differences in fetal crown-rump length between AI and ET dairy cows. Table 1. Comparison of fetal development and heartbeat by ultrasonography in AI and ET dairy cows

A new dynamical approach to auditory evoked magnetic field by blind identification

A new approach to understand neural dynamics underlying the generation of auditory evoked magnetic field is proposed. MEG time series data are temporally decorrelated by using a blind signal separation method. Two components are selected from their periodical property and a remixing matrix is applied to the two selected components to retrieve MEG signals of auditory evoked magnetic field. After principal component data for each sensor pairs are calculated, a minimum phase innovation model is identified from the viewpoint of statistical inverse problem. By using a blind identification method based on feedback system theory transfer functions can be evaluated to get a dynamical understanding of brain auditory functions. It is reported that all changes of their impulse responses between right and left hemisphere decay within about 40 ms, and that directional differences in transfer functions can be found.

337THE ONSET AND DURATION OF OVULATION IN DAIRY COWS SUPEROVULATED FOLLOWING SYNCHRONIZATION OF FOLLICLE WAVE WITH CIDR AND ESTRADIOL BENZOATE

Determining the optimal time for AI of superovulated cattle is important for yielding acceptable fertilization rates. The objectives of this study were to determine the interval to onset, and the duration of ovulation in dairy cows superstimulated with FSH following synchronization of follicular wave emergence with a CIDR and estradiol benzoate (EB). Holstein (n=8) and Jersey (n=1) cows received an intravaginal progesterone insert (CIDR-B, InterAg, Hamilton, New Zealand) combined with an injection of 2mg EB at a random stage of the estrous cycle (Day 0). Superstimulatory treatments were initiated on Day 6 with a total dose of 24 or 36mg FSH (Antrin, Denka, Kawasaki, Japan) via twice-daily i.m. injections in decreasing doses for 4 days. At 72h after the first FSH injection, 30mg PGF (Pronalgon F, Pharmacia, Tsukuba, Japan) was administered, and CIDR-B were removed at 80h. Transrectal ultrasonography of ovaries was performed at 3-h intervals from 40 to 77h after the PGF injection. The numbers of ovulations were counted as previously described (Purwantara et al. 1994 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 37, 1–5). All detected follicles were counted and classified as small, medium, or large (diameter 2–4mm, 5–9mm, or ≥10mm, respectively). The number of ovulations recorded after each scanning was defined as the change in the number of large- and medium-sized follicles observed since the previous scanning. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results are presented in Table 1. There were two patterns of ovulations: one was a concentrated pattern of ovulations (ovulatory period &lt;10h); the other was a prolonged pattern of ovulations (ovulatory period &gt;10h). In cows with a high superovulatory response (≥14 ovulations), the onset of ovulation was earlier (P&lt;0.05) and the duration of the ovulatory period was longer (P&lt;0.05) than in cows with lower (≤8 ovulations) responses. In conclusion, concentrated and prolonged ovulation patterns were seen in dairy cows superstimulated after synchronization of the follicle wave with a CIDR and EB. In cows with a large number of follicles, the onset of ovulation tended to be earlier and the duration of the ovulatory period longer than in cows with fewer follicles. Table 1 The onset and duration of ovulation in dairy cows superstimulated following synchronization of the follicle wave with a CIDR and EB

181COMPARISON OF THE PREGNANCY RATES AFTER SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION USING GnRH AND PGF2± IN RECIPIENT DAIRY CATTLE

Treatments with GnRH and PGF2α for synchronization of ovulation has resulted in acceptable pregnancy rates after fixed-time artificial insemination in dairy cows without estrus detection. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the practicability of ovulation synchronization (Ovsynch, Pursley JR et al. 1995 Theriogenology 44, 915–923) in dairy cattle using GnRH and PGF2α for the embryo transfer recipients. Dairy cattle (cows; n=100, heifers; n=88) were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The control group (cows; n=45, heifers; n=37) was composed of cows in natural estrus. The ovulation synchronization group (cows; n=55, heifers; n=51) was treated with an intramuscular injection of 100μg of GnRH at a random stage of the estrous cycle. Seven days later, the cattle received PGF2α (Cows; 25–30mg) or PGF2α analog (Heifers; 0.5mg) in order to regress the corpora lutea (CL). Forty-eight hours later, cows and heifers received a second injection of 100μg GnRH. Embryo transfer was carried out 7 days after the second injection of GnRH in the ovsynch group and 7 days after estrus in the control group. The cattle judged to have CL 17mm were classified as acceptable recipients. The size of the follicles and the CL were determined to be of estrus stage and embryo transfer by means of ultrasonography. The mean numbers of follicles and CL were analyzed by ANOVA, while pregnancy rates were analyzed by chi-square test. The results are presented in the Table. The proportion of cows and heifers determined to be acceptable embryo transfers was not different between the control group and the ovsynch group. There were no differences in the proportion of acceptable embryo transfers between the control group and the ovsynch group. Follicle diameter at the time of estrus in the control group (cows; 20.7±0.7mm, heifers; 16.8±0.5mm) were significantly larger than that of the ovsynch group (cows; 18.0±1.0mm, heifers; 14.7±0.2mm) (P&lt;0.05). Although CL diameter at the time of embryo transfer in heifers showed no differences between the control group and the ovsynch group (25.0±1.0mm v. 22.8±1.5mm), The CL diameter of the control cow group was larger than that of the ovsynch group (29.8±0.7mm v. 26.1±1.0mm, P&lt;0.05). However, no differences in pregnancy rate were seen between the control group and the ovsynch group. These results suggest that ovsynch can be effectively applied in an embryo transfer program for cattle. Table 1 Proportion of acceptable embryo transfer recipients and pregnancy rate in dairy cattle in the control ovsynch groups

Transfer and distribution profiles of dietary sulphonamides in the tissues of the laying hen

The five sulphonamides, sulphadiazine (SDZ), sulphadimidine (SDD), sulphamethoxazole (SMX), sulphamonomethoxine (SMM) and sulphaquinoxaline (SQ), were fed to laying hens at a dietary concentration of 100 mg kg(-1), respectively. On the 7th day after the start of feeding, the drug concentrations in the plasma, muscle and the main tissues involved in egg formation, the liver, and ovary and oviducts (magnum and isthmus plus shell grand) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Dietary sulphonamides were distributed throughout the above tissues. SQ was found at the highest concentration in all tissues, while the reverse was true for SDD. The ratio of SDD concentrations in the main tissues involved in egg formation to that in the plasma were greater than those for the other drugs.

Enhancement of the aquaporin adipose gene expression by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

The current study demonstrates that aquaporin adipose (AQPap), an adipose-specific glycerol channel (Kishida, K., Kuriyama, H., Funahashi, T., Shimomura, I., Kihara, S., Ouchi, N., Nishida, M., Nishizawa, H., Matsuda, M., Takahashi, M., Hotta, K., Nakamura, T., Yamashita, S., Tochino, Y., and Matsuzawa, Y. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 20896-20902), is a target gene of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma. The AQPap mRNA amounts increased following the induction of PPARgamma in the differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The AQPap mRNA in the adipose tissue increased when mice were treated with pioglitazone (PGZ), a synthetic PPARgamma ligand, and decreased in PPARgamma(+/-) heterozygous knockout mice. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, PGZ augmented the AQPap mRNA expression and its promoter activity. Serial deletion of the promoter revealed the putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element (PPRE) at -93/-77. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, the expression of PPARgamma by transfection and PGZ activated the luciferase activity of the promoter containing the PPRE, whereas the PPRE-deleted mutant was not affected. The gel mobility shift assay showed the direct binding of PPARgamma-retinoid X receptor alpha complex to the PPRE. DeltaPPARgamma, which we generated as the dominant negative PPARgamma lacking the activation function-2 domain, suppressed the promoter activity in 3T3-L1 cells, dose-dependently. We conclude that AQPap is a novel adipose-specific target gene of PPARgamma through the binding of PPARgamma-retinoid X receptor complex to the PPRE region in its promoter.

Matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction and high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of residual sulfonamides in chicken

Simultaneous determination of the six sulfonamides (SAs) sulfadiazine, sulfadimidine, sulfamonomethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine and sulfaquinoxaline in chicken using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) with neutral aluminium oxide as an MSPD sorbent and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is presented. In the present MSPD, six SAs could be isolated by only one step, elution with a 70% (v/v) aqueous ethanol solution, without the sorbent conditioning and the sorbent-tissue matrix washing. For the HPLC determination, a LiChrospher 100 RP-8 and a mixture of 1% acetic acid solution (pH 3.0, in water)-acetonitrile-N,N-dimethylformamide (78:22:5, v/v/v) as the mobile phase with a photodiode array detector were used. Average recoveries were greater than 87.6% with relative standard deviations between 0.5 and 8.6%. The total time and amount of solvent required for the analysis of one sample were <1.5 h and <12 ml, respectively.

Visceral fat is a major contributor for multiple risk factor clustering in Japanese men with impaired glucose tolerance

OBJECTIVE

The significance of abdominal visceral fat accumulation was evaluated in Japanese men with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The IGT subjects (n = 123) were aged 55 +/- 9 years with a BMI of 24 +/- 3 kg/m(2). The 148 control subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were matched for age and BMI. IGT and NGT were classified according to the 1985 World Health Organization criteria. Abdominal fat distribution was analyzed by computed tomography at umbilical level. Plasma lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations and blood pressure (BP) were measured.

RESULTS

In subjects with IGT, the average visceral fat area (VFA) was significantly greater than in subjects with NGT. Fasting insulin, the sum of insulin concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test, insulin resistance according to a homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), systolic BP, and serum triglyceride were significantly higher, whereas the DeltaI(30-0)/DeltaG(30-0) was significantly lower, in subjects with IGT. Subjects with IGT and NGT were then divided into three subgroups according to the number of risk factors they possessed (dyslipidemia, hypertension, neither, or both). In both IGT and NGT subjects, BMI, VFA, subcutaneous fat area, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, and insulin secretion of the homeostasis model assessment were significantly higher in the double-risk factor subgroup than in the no-risk factor subgroup, and VFA was a potent and independent variable in association with the presence of a double risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral fat accumulation is a major contributor for multiple risk factor clustering in Japanese men with IGT and NGT.

High-performance liquid chromatographic procedure for routine residue monitoring of seven sulfonamides in milk

A simplified method for routine monitoring of 7 residual sulfonamides (SAs) (sulfadiazine (SDZ), sulfamerazine (SMR), sulfadimidine (SDD), sulfamonomethoxine (SMM), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), sulfadimethoxine (SDM), and sulfaquinoxaline (SQ)) in milk using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a photodiode array detector is described. The spiked and blank samples were cleaned up by using an Ultrafree-MC/PL centrifugal ultrafiltration unit. For determination/identification, a Mightysil RP-4 GP column and a mobile phase of 25% (v/v) ethanol in water with a photodiode array detector were used. Average recoveries from milk samples spiked with 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 microg mL(-1) of each drug were >82%. The inter- and intra-assay variabilities were 2.0-3.1%. The practical detection limits for 7 SAs were 0.005-0.02 microg mL(-1). The total time and amount of solvent required for the analysis of one sample were <40 min and <6 mL of ethanol, respectively. No toxic solvents were used.

[Increasing incidence and the mechanism of resistance of nalidixic acid resistant Shigella sonnei]

One hundred and fourteen Shigella sonnei strains obtained in 1991 to 2000 were tested for their susceptibilities to 12 antimicrobial agents. Nalidixic acid (NA) resistance was found in 2 of 15 strains (13.3%) in 1993, 2 of 8 strains (25%) in 1996, one of 5 strains (20%) in 1998, 7 of 21 strains (33.3%) in 1999 and 6 of 12 strains (50%) in 2000. The incidence of resistance to NA in S. sonnei strains increased significantly during this period. Among those 19 NA resistant strains, 11 strains were derived from patients with traveler's diarrhea and 8 strains were derived from patients who had not traveled abroad before the infection, namely domestic patients. PFGE analysis with Xba I revealed that all strains tested differentiated into two major clonal clusters, one cluster consisted of strains derived from patients who had traveled to India after 1993, and another cluster included strains derived from domestic patients. Mechanism of NA resistance was examined by sequencing the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA gene. Among 19 NA resistant strains tested, 11 strains presented a change at Ser-83 to Leu and 7 strains presented a change at Asp-87 to Try (5 strains) or Asn (2 strains), whereas 3 NA sensitive strains had no change in the region. These findings indicated that this mutation in gyrA plays an important role in acquisition of Nalidixic-acid resistance in clinical isolates of S. sonnei.

Genomic structure and insulin-mediated repression of the aquaporin adipose (AQPap), adipose-specific glycerol channel

Aquaporin adipose (AQPap) is a putative glycerol channel in adipocytes (Kishida, K., Kuriyama, H., Funahashi, T., Shimomura, I., Kihara, S., Ouchi, N., Nishida, M., Nishizawa, H., Matsuda, M., Takahashi, M., Hotta, K., Nakamura, T., Yamashita, S., Tochino, Y., and Matsuzawa, Y. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 20896-20902). In the current study, we examined the genomic structure of the mouse AQPap gene and its regulation by insulin. The mouse AQPap gene spanned 12 kilobase pairs in chromosome 4 and consisted of 8 exons and 7 introns. The first two exons, designated exon 1 and exon 1', are alternatively spliced to common exon 2, and thus the AQPap gene possessed two potential promoters. The exon 1-derived transcript is dominant in both adipose tissues and adipocytes on the basis of RNase protection assay and promoter analysis. The mRNA increased after fasting and decreased with refeeding. Insulin deficiency generated by streptozotocin enhanced the mRNA in adipose tissue. Insulin down-regulated AQPap mRNA in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The AQPap promoter contained heptanucleotide sequences, TGTTTTT at -443/-437, similar to the insulin-response element identified previously in the promoters of insulin-repressed genes. Deletion and single base pair substitution analysis of the promoter revealed that these sequences were required for insulin-mediated repression of AQPap gene transcription. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway was involved in this inhibition. We conclude that insulin represses the transcription of AQPap gene via insulin response element in its promoter. Sustained up-regulation of AQPap mRNA in adipose tissue in the insulin-resistant condition may disturb glucose homeostasis by increasing plasma glycerol.

Galectin-12, an Adipose-expressed Galectin-like Molecule Possessing Apoptosis-inducing Activity

Galectins constitute a family of proteins that bind to beta-galactoside residues and have diverse physiological functions. Here we report on the identification of a galectin-like molecule, galectin-12, in a human adipose tissue cDNA library. The protein contained two potential carbohydrate-recognition domains with the second carbohydrate-recognition domain being less conserved compared with other galectins. In vitro translated galectin-12 bound to a lactosyl-agarose column far less efficiently than galectin-8. Galectin-12 mRNA was predominantly expressed in adipose tissue of human and mouse and in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Caloric restriction and treatment of obese animals with troglitazone increased galectin-12 mRNA levels and decreased the average size of the cells in adipose tissue. The induction of galectin-12 expression by the thiazolidinedione, troglitazone, was paralleled by an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in adipose tissue. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that galectin-12 was localized in the nucleus of adipocytes, and transfection with galectin-12 cDNA induced apoptosis of COS-1 cells. These results suggest that galectin-12, an adipose-expressed galectin-like molecule, may participate in the apoptosis of adipocytes.

PPARgamma ligands increase expression and plasma concentrations of adiponectin, an adipose-derived protein

Insulin resistance and its dreaded consequence, type 2 diabetes, are major causes of atherosclerosis. Adiponectin is an adipose-specific plasma protein that possesses anti-atherogenic properties, such as the suppression of adhesion molecule expression in vascular endothelial cells and cytokine production from macrophages. Plasma adiponectin concentrations are decreased in obese and type 2 diabetic subjects with insulin resistance. A regimen that normalizes or increases the plasma adiponectin might prevent atherosclerosis in patients with insulin resistance. In this study, we demonstrate the inducing effects of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are synthetic PPARgamma ligands, on the expression and secretion of adiponectin in humans and rodents in vivo and in vitro. The administration of TZDs significantly increased the plasma adiponectin concentrations in insulin resistant humans and rodents without affecting their body weight. Adiponectin mRNA expression was normalized or increased by TZDs in the adipose tissues of obese mice. In cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes, TZD derivatives enhanced the mRNA expression and secretion of adiponectin in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, these effects were mediated through the activation of the promoter by the TZDs. On the other hand, TNF-alpha, which is produced more in an insulin-resistant condition, dose-dependently reduced the expression of adiponectin in adipocytes by suppressing its promoter activity. TZDs restored this inhibitory effect by TNF-alpha. TZDs might prevent atherosclerotic vascular disease in insulin-resistant patients by inducing the production of adiponectin through direct effect on its promoter and antagonizing the effect of TNF-alpha on the adiponectin promoter.

The expression of SPARC in adipose tissue and its increased plasma concentration in patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Adipocytes secrete various cytokines and matrix proteins. Several of them precipitate in obesity-associated diseases, including atherosclerosis. In the current study, we have examined the expression of secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) in adipose tissue and its significance in obesity and coronary artery disease (CAD).

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

The SPARC mRNA expressions both in vivo and in vitro were detected by Northern blot analysis. Plasma SPARC concentrations were measured by enzyme immunosorbent assay. First, we investigated the plasma SPARC levels of 88 unrelated adult Japanese subjects (62 men and 26 women; average age: [+/- SD] 50 +/- 12 years; body mass index [BMI]: 16 to 46 kg/m(2)). Additionally 31 subjects with CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography (20 men and 11 women) were also investigated.

RESULTS

Human adipose tissues expressed abundant SPARC mRNA. SPARC expression in adipose tissues was upregulated in obese db/db mice. Markedly enhanced expression of SPARC mRNA was observed in 3T3-L1 fibroblasts during adipocyte differentiation. Consistent with these results, plasma SPARC levels proved a positive correlation with BMI in humans (r = 0.27; p < 0.01). Interestingly, plasma SPARC concentrations were significantly elevated in age- and BMI-matched subjects with CAD (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

SPARC was expressed in adipose tissues and its expression was enhanced in obese mice. In human, plasma SPARC levels were elevated in obesity and CAD patients. This elevated SPARC may be involved in the progression of CAD.

[Evaluation of emergence from total intravenous anesthesia with propofol for long neurosurgery]

In six neurosurgical patients we examined their emergence from more than six hours of total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and fentanyl. The anesthesia was maintained properly with total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and fentanyl without nitrous oxide. We calculated the estimated blood concentration of propofol from the anesthesia record using a three-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The patients were extubated after they had shown good awareness. The average time for extubation was 18 minutes after discontinuation of propofol infusion. The mean estimated concentration of propofol at the extubation was 1.36 micrograms.ml-1 (range: 1.1-1.5 micrograms.ml-1). The estimated emergence times in these cases, also calculated with the pharmacokinetic model, correlated significantly with the time from discontinuation of propofol infusion to the patients' awakening. It was concluded, first, that the estimated concentration of propofol at extubation after long anesthesia was similar to that measured in common cases, and second, that we could reduce the emergence time at the tail end of long-sustained neurosurgery by avoiding the delay in emergence.

Adipocyte-derived plasma protein, adiponectin, suppresses lipid accumulation and class A scavenger receptor expression in human monocyte-derived macrophages

BACKGROUND

Excessive lipid accumulation in macrophages plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Recently, we discovered an adipocyte-specific plasma protein, adiponectin, that is decreased in patients with coronary artery disease. We previously demonstrated that adiponectin acts as a modulator for proinflammatory stimuli and inhibits monocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. The present study investigated the effects of adiponectin on lipid accumulation in human monocyte-derived macrophages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Human monocytes were differentiated into macrophages by incubation in human type AB serum for 7 days, and the effects of adiponectin were investigated at different time intervals. Treatment with physiological concentrations of adiponectin reduced intracellular cholesteryl ester content, as determined using the enzymatic, fluorometric method. The adiponectin-treated macrophages contained fewer lipid droplets stained by oil red O. Adiponectin suppressed the expression of the class A macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR) at both mRNA and protein levels by Northern and immunoblot analyses, respectively, without affecting the expression of CD36, which was quantified by flow cytometry. Adiponectin reduced the class A MSR promoter activity, as measured by luciferase reporter assay. Adiponectin treatment dose-dependently decreased class A MSR ligand binding and uptake activities. The mRNA level of lipoprotein lipase as a marker of macrophage differentiation was decreased by adiponectin treatment, but that of apolipoprotein E was not altered. Adiponectin was detected around macrophages in the human injured aorta by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

The adipocyte-derived plasma protein adiponectin suppressed macrophage-to-foam cell transformation, suggesting that adiponectin may act as a modulator for macrophage-to-foam cell transformation.