The Italian wall lizard (Podarcis sicula) as a bioindicator of oil field activity

The aim of this study was to develop and to validate a methodology based on biomarker responses and residue analysis on the terrestrial lizard Podarcis sicula to assess the ecotoxicological effects associated with on-shore oil extraction. The oil treatment plant investigated is located in Val d'Agri (southern Italy). Italian wall lizards were sampled on four stations along a transect determined on the basis of prevailing winds downwind of the oil plant. Cytochrome P450 1A1 activities (EROD and BPMO), AChE activity, PAH bile metabolites and contaminant levels (PAHs and trace elements) were measured. Major results in the evaluation of toxicological impact of oil field activity in the Italian wall lizards were obtained for Cd, Hg, total and carcinogenic PAH levels, and PAH metabolites in bile. Results obtained validate, for the first time, P. sicula as a terrestrial bioindicator for the assessment of the toxicological impact of on-shore extraction activity.

Osteoblast apoptosis in periodontal disease: role of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

Periodontal disease (Pd) is characterized by an increased osteoclast resorption and a decreased osteoblast (OB) bone formation. OBs obtained from alveolar bone of Periodontitis patients (Pp) undergo apoptosis in the presence of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). We studied the intracellular apoptotic pathway induced by TRAIL; TRAIL death (DR4, DR5) and decoy (DcR1, DcR2) receptors expression in Periodontitis patients OBs (PpOBs), and we measured the concentration of TRAIL in the serum of Pp. We demonstrated that DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 in PpOBs, following TRAIL stimulation, occurred in shorter time; moreover, a higher amount of both caspases was activated in order to direct OBs. Down-regulation of DcR2 in PpOBs was demonstrated and high TRAIL levels were detected in the serum of Pp. In conclusion, our data suggest that PpOBs are more sensitive to TRAIL-induced apoptosis when compared to the control group. The down-regulation of DcR2 possibly leads to an imbalanced ratio between death and decoy receptors. Our findings highlight a role of TRAIL in the pathogenesis of Pd.

Pancreas transplantation inside Emilia-Romagna, Italy: referral pattern, demand forecasting, and organ availability

In Italy, referral of diabetic patients for pancreas transplantation (PT) is an unstructured process, resulting in a low rate of activity and late referrals, often when the patient has already undergone dialysis. In addition, the continuous improvement in pancreas transplant alone, offering the opportunity to reduce cardiovascular risk due to proteinuria and reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), is rarely appreciated. We therefore analyzed (1) referral activity to PT during the time frame 2001-2005 in Emilia-Romagna, Italy (four million inhabitants), by collecting ICD 9 CM codes (55.69 + 52.80; 52.86 and 52.80 alone) by residence of the patient; (2) demand for PT among a sample population of 1670 diabetes patients, whose charts were reviewed for the type of diabetes and presence of overt diabetic nephropathy (DN: proteinuria >300 mg/24 h and/or GFR <60 mL/min); (3) potential pancreas availability as the ratio between pancreas and hearts utilized (UP/HR) in different areas of our country. As a results, (1) referral activity reached 8.4 PT per million people in 5 years in the whole region, ranging from 2.6 in the province where a PT program is active, to a maximum value of 20.7 in the province where a devoted outpatient clinic is operated by nephrologists. (2) Prevalence of overt DN was 6% in our cohort, corresponding to 510 D1 patients worthy of evaluation for PT inside Emilia-Romagna region. (3) During 2006, UP/HR was 0.58 in Associazione Inter-Regionale Trapianti agency, 1.16 in Tuscany, 0.30 in Piedmont, and 0.26 in our region. Taken together, our data showed that (1) the referral of D1 to PT has to be empowered, keeping in touch with all patients suffering from diabetic nephropathy; (2) the outpatient clinic devoted to evaluation and recruitment of D1 with nephropathy plays the key role in this program of timely and widespread referral; (3) the availability of pancreata can be increased by utilizing broader criteria for harvesting, increased consent rate to donation and increased the demand for PT (recipient pool). Pancreas grafts need to increase, since the current low demand produces underutilization of the pancreas resource, due to the frequent lack of a suitable recipient.

["Terzo fuoco", lead poisoning and chronic renal failure]

BACKGROUND

In ceramics, "Terzo fuoco" (Third fire) means a third firing of clay to fix colors on tiles or pottery. The low firing temperatures (800-900 degrees C) and the use of a spray gun are risk factors for lead poisoning. Because of their small size, handicraft companies often fail to implement the preventive measures that are utilized efficiently in large tile factories. We report a case of chronic lead poisoning with special emphasis on diagnostic tools and treatment goals.

CASE REPORT

A 38-year-old woman was hospitalized in 2005 because of grade 3 chronic renal failure (serum creatinine 1.69 mg%, Cockroft-Gault glomerular filtration rate [GFR] 45 mL/min), hypertension and elevated serum uric acid (13.4 mg%) without gout. She had been previously hospitalized elsewhere and diagnosed as suffering from hypertensive nephropathy. Her occupational history included acute lead poisoning 12 years before, which was treated with a short leave from work. She subsequently continued her job, using a spray gun for decorative drawing in a small tile company until 2004. Because of a low GFR she underwent a 3-day chelation test with 750 mg CaNaEDTA i.v., and excreted 1056 microg Pb (n.v < 600 microg) -- (PbU/EDTA ratio 1.41; n.v < 0.6). A renal biopsy showed chronic interstitial nephropathy with severe arteriolosclerosis. The patient was treated with 5 courses of EDTA, resulting in a final Pb excretion of 517 microg/72 h (PbU/EDTA 0.69). Her serum creatinine fell to 1.32 mg% (CFR 58 mL/min). A further course of chelation therapy is planned.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The EDTA chelation test allows to determine the lead body burden (PbBB) and to titrate subsequent chelation therapy. Recent papers have shown that PbBB is a major factor in the progression of chronic renal failure besides pressure control, and have indicated a PbBB safety level of less than 100 microg/test (PbU/EDTA < 0.1). In order to prevent the development of chronic renal failure, it is important that not only occupational but also environmental lead exposure be identified and adequately treated.

Lymphocytes and synovial fluid fibroblasts support osteoclastogenesis through RANKL, TNFalpha, and IL-7 in an in vitro model derived from human psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory joint disease, characterized by extensive bone resorption, whose mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Thus, in the present study we investigated the involvement of RANKL, TNFalpha, and IL-7 in the osteoclastogenesis of PsA patients. In vitro osteoclastogenesis models, consisting of unfractionated and T-cell-depleted mononuclear cells from peripheral blood (PBMCs) and synovial fluid (SFMCs) of 20 PsA patients as well as from healthy donors were studied. Freshly isolated T and B cells from PBMCs and T cells and fibroblasts from SFMCs of PsA patients were subjected to RT-PCR to detect the levels of RANKL, TNFalpha, and IL-7. Osteoclastogenesis was studied in the presence of RANK-Fc, anti-TNFalpha, and anti IL-7 functional antibodies. We demonstrate that lymphocytes and fibroblasts support osteoclast (OC) formation in PsA patients through the production of osteoclastogenic cytokines. In particular, OC formation was completely abolished in unstimulated T cell-depleted PBMC cultures, and reduced by approximately 70% in unstimulated T cell-depleted SFMC cultures. Freshly isolated T cells from PBMCs and SFMCs of PsA patients overexpressed RANKL and TNFalpha, while fibroblasts from synovial fluid produced only RANKL. We show that the presence of RANK-Fc and/or anti-TNFalpha functional antibodies reduced OC formation. Moreover, T and B cells from PBMCs as well as T cells and fibroblasts from SFMCs expressed IL-7 mRNA. Finally, the anti-IL-7 functional antibody significantly reduced osteoclastogenesis. Our results suggest that fibroblasts, B and T lymphocytes support OC formation by producing RANKL, TNFalpha, and IL-7, contributing to the aggressive bone resorption in PsA patients.

Alteration of activity and survival of osteoblasts obtained from human periodontitis patients: role of TRAIL

Periodontal disease (Pd) is characterized by extensive alveolar bone loss, that occurs as a consequence of the impairment of the normal bone remodelling. Bone remodelling is regulated by the correct balance between osteoclast and osteoblast formation and activity. Alveolar bone loss could be due to an increased bone resorption by osteoclasts or a decreased bone formation by osteoblasts (OBs) or both. Although the role played by osteoclasts in increasing bone resorption in Pd is already known, the behaviour of OBs in this disease is poorly understood. In the present study we hypothesized that activity and survival of OBs, locally present in alveolar bone of Pd patients, are altered. Thus, we studied the activity and survival of OBs obtained from alveolar bone fragments of Pd patients. The results, obtained in OBs from the patients were compared with those from OBs obtained from healthy donors. We demonstrated that OBs from Pd patients weakly express OB phenotype in respect to the control cells. In particular, the alkaline phosphatase activity and the collagen type I production, as well as the formation of mineralized nodules, typical markers of differentiated OBs, were significantly lower in Pd patients. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that OBs from the patients were more sensitive to the apoptotic effect induced by TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). TRAIL, a member of the TNF superfamily, induces apoptosis by interacting with its death receptors, (DR4, DR5). However, its activity can be modulated by two decoy receptors, DcR1 and DcR2. Thus, the sensitiveness of TRAIL induced apoptosis is determined by the ratio of death and decoy receptor. We demonstrated that OBs from Pd patients showed an imbalanced ratio between death and decoy TRAIL receptors due to the down-regulation of DcR2 expression. Furthermore, the levels of TRAIL in the serum of the same patients were significantly higher than those detected in the controls. In conclusion, we show for the first time that the alveolar bone loss in Pd patients could be due to the increased TRAIL-mediated apoptosis of OBs.

Use of biomarkers to investigate toxicological effects of produced water treated with conventional and innovative methods

The aim of this study was to develop and apply a multi-biomarker system to assess the toxicological effects of produced water (PW) from a Mediterranean off-shore oil platform. The selected bioindicator organism, mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), was exposed in the laboratory to high concentrations of different PW: PW before treatment (BT), after conventional treatment (ACT) and after innovative treatment with zeolites in a prototype system (AIT). A set of biomarkers (benzo(alpha)pyrene monooxygenase, ethoxyresorufin-o-deethylase, vitellogenin, porphyrins, PAH bile metabolites, esterases, catalase, micronuclei) and PAH concentrations were measured in the experimental organism. The methodology proved to be appropriate and biomarker responses (CYP 1A1, PAH bile metabolites, micronuclei, esterases, porphyrins) affected by BT were less affected by ACT. PW treated with zeolites (AIT) had the lowest toxicological impact. The results obtained applying this multi-biomarker approach suggest that the system using zeolites is effective for treating produced water.

T cells support osteoclastogenesis in an in vitro model derived from human periodontitis patients

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is characterized by alveolar bone destruction; however, the mechanisms responsible for bone damage are poorly understood. It has been reported that T cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. It has been also demonstrated that activated T lymphocytes secrete receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and can support the differentiation of monocytes into resorbing osteoclasts (OCs). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the OC formation in periodontitis patients (PP) and the role of T cells in osteoclastogenesis.

METHODS

To study OC formation, we used an in vitro model consisting of unstimulated and unfractionated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from PP and controls. In parallel, T-cell-depleted PBMCs from the same patients were also established. The expression of RANKL and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot in fresh T cells isolated from PP and controls. Functional antibodies, anti-RANKL and anti-TNF-alpha, were utilized to study osteoclastogenesis in PBMC cultures from PP.

RESULTS

We showed that, in unfractionated PBMCs from PP, the OCs spontaneously developed in a T-cell-dependent way. The addition of macrophage colony stimulating factor (MCSF) and RANKL was necessary to promote the osteoclastogenesis in T-cell-depleted PBMC cultures from PP and in unfractionated PBMCs from periodontally healthy controls. Moreover, freshly isolated T cells from PBMCs of PP overexpressed RANKL and TNF-alpha. Finally, functional anti-RANKL and anti-TNF-alpha antibodies significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that T cells support spontaneous osteoclastogenesis in PP via RANKL and TNF-alpha overexpression.

Interleukin-7 production by B lymphocytes affects the T cell-dependent osteoclast formation in an in vitro model derived from human periodontitis patients

Periodontitis is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar bone and connective tissue attachment in the periodontium. We recently reported that T cells support the osteoclastogenesis by the overproduction of nuclear factor-kappa-B-ligand (RANKL) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in an in vitro osteoclastogenesis model from periodontitis patients (Pp). It is known that IL-7 stimulates the production of osteoclastogenic factors by T cells and IL-6 potentiates IL-7 expression. Thus, we studied the involvement of IL-6 and IL-7 in the T cell regulation of osteoclast (OC) formation, in an in vitro osteoclastogenesis model from Pp. We demonstrated high levels of IL-7 in both the media collected from PBMC cultures of Pp and the sera of the same patients. We also demonstrated that freshly isolated B cells from PBMCs of Pp were the source of IL-7 in our model. B cells, in fact, overexpressed IL-7 at mRNA and protein levels, and this production was up-regulated by IL-6. Moreover, the OC formation decreased in the presence of anti-IL-6 and IL-7 functional antibodies in PBMC cultures from Pp. These data suggest that B cells could be responsible for the T cell-dependent osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis through the involvement of IL-6 and IL-7.

L-carnitine and isovaleryl L-carnitine fumarate positively affect human osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro

Age-related bone loss is characterized by decreased osteoblast activity, possibly related to the reduction of energy production. Carnitine promotes energy availability and its concentration declines with age; Therefore, two Carnitine derivatives, L-carnitine fumarate (LC) and isovaleryl L-carnitine fumarate (Iso-V-LC), have been tested on several parameters of human osteoblasts in vitro. Both compounds significantly increased osteoblast activity, but the new compound Iso-V-LC was more efficient than LC at lower concentrations. They both significantly enhanced cell proliferation, [3H]-proline incorporation and the expression of collagen type I (COLLI), and the bone sialoproteins (BSPs) and osteopontin (OPN). The percentage of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive cells and the secretion of osteocalcin were not modified by LC and Iso-V-LC. Both molecules increased the formation of mineralized nodules, but Iso-V-LC reached the maximum effect at a concentration 10-fold lower than that of LC. Furthermore, we showed that insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II mRNA levels were not modified by the treatment. However, the two compounds induced an increase of insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and a decrease of IGFBP-5 in both osteoblast lysates and the extracellular matrix (ECM). In conclusion these data suggest that carnitine and, in particular, its new derivative, Iso-V-LC supplementation in the elderly may stimulate osteoblast activity and decrease age-related bone loss.

Interactions of different types of localized corrosion in surgical implants

Surgical implants often show different types of localized corrosion such as corrosion fatigue cracking, pitting and crevice corrosion on the same part. Interactions of these different corrosion phenomena were investigated. This was done by cyclic loading of electropolished tensile specimens at different constant and changing potentials. Material investigated was a surgical implant steel X2CrNiMo18-15-3 which was immersed in physiological NaCl solution. Pitting and repassivation potentials were determined. Samples with and without artificial cracks as well as masked specimens were tested. Incubation period for first damage, density and size of pits by coulometric and volumetric method were determined. The fracture surfaces were then investigated by SEM. Results show that not in all cases pitting corrosion was the cause for corrosion fatigue cracking. Also pitting is favoured by crack formation. Density of pits increases by a factor of 5 without any change to pitting potential. There are primary pits formed prior to crack initiation and secondary pits formed after crack initiation. At samples without crack there is almost no difference between the optically measured value of total pit volume and the coulometrically determined value. At samples with cracks coulometric volume of pits is much larger than optical one. This proves that there is a significant amount of crevice corrosion in the crack. The corrosion current density in the crack increases by two orders of magnitude when comparing it to electropolished surface of the sample. Results of laboratory experiments are confirmed by failure of a real implant.

Biomarkers for endocrine disruptors in three species of Mediterranean large pelagic fish

The hypothesis that Mediterranean top predator species, such as large pelagic fish, are potentially at risk due to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), is investigated. The potential estrogenic effects of PHAHs in three fish species of commercial interest, the top predators bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus thynnus), swordfish (Xiphias gladius), and Mediterranean spearfish (Tetrapturus belone), were investigated using vitellogenin (Vtg), zona radiata proteins (Zrp) and mixed function oxidases (EROD, BPMO) as diagnostic tools. High induction of Vtg and Zrp was detected by western blot and ELISA techniques in adult males of X. gladius and T. thynnus thynnus, suggesting that these species are at high toxicological risk in the Mediterranean sea. Comparison of BPMO and EROD activities in the three species indicated, both in male and female, much higher MFO activity in bluefin tuna. This data suggests high exposure of this species to lipophilic xenobiotic contaminants in the Mediterranean environment.

Multi-trial biomarker approach in Meganyctiphanes norvegica: a potential early indicator of health status of the Mediterranean "whale sanctuary."

The aim of this study was to propose a suite of biomarkers (BPMO activity, NADPH-cytocrome c reductase, NADH-ferricyanide reductase. esterases, porphyrins, vitellogenin and zona radiata proteins) and residue levels (organochlorines, PAHs and heavy metals) in the zooplanktonic euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica as a potential multi-disciplinary diagnostic tool for assessment of the health status of the Mediterranean "whale sanctuary". Very little difference in BPMO was detected between sites, with values ranging from 0.75 to 2.68 U.A.F./mg prot/h. On the other hand larger differences between sites were found for reductase activities. Esterases (AChE), porphyrins (Copro-, Uro-, Proto-porphyrins) vitellogenin and zona radiata proteins were also detectable in this zooplanctonic species. Hg showed mean levels of 0.141 ppm d.w., Cd 0.119 ppm d.w. and Pb 0.496 ppm d.w. Total PAHs ranged from 860.7 to 5,037.9 ng/g d.w., carcinogenic PAHs from 40.3 to 141.7 ng/g d.w., HCB from 3.5 to 11.6 ng/g d.w., DDTs from 45.3 to 163.2 ng/g d.w. and the PCBs from 84.6 to 210.2 ng/g d.w.

HGF and M-CSF modulate adhesion of MDA-231 breast cancer cell by increasing osteopontin secretion

Recent studies reported an increased expression of osteopontin (OPN) in metastatic breast cancer cells, but the mechanisms modulating OPN production and the interaction of the cells with the secreted protein are far from clear. In this work, we utilized as an experimental system the cell line MDA-231 and we showed that HGF and M-CSF significantly enhance their adhesion onto OPN. Furthermore, in the presence of HGF and M-CSF, MDA-231 cells can adhere when plated onto BSA via increased OPN secretion. Moreover HGF and M-CSF induce de novo synthesis of OPN. In conclusion, these data suggest that HGF and M-CSF stimulate OPN production by MDA-231 cells, and that OPN is subsequently used as a substrate for cell adhesion.

Rat hindlimb unloading by tail suspension reduces osteoblast differentiation, induces IL-6 secretion, and increases bone resorption in ex vivo cultures

In this research we utilized tail-suspended rats as an in vivo model for bone loss studies in order to investigate the effects of the tail suspension on the structure of the suspended bones and in ex vivo cultures the activities of trabecular osteoblasts, marrow-derived osteogenic cells, and osteoclasts obtained from treated animals, compared with untreated controls. After a 5-day hind limb unloading, trabecular thinning was already evidenced in the tibial primary spongiosa. In the secondary spongiosa, the bone formation activity was reduced whereas osteoclastic parameters were not yet altered. Bone marrow-derived osteogenic cells and differentiated osteoblasts from enzymatic digestion of posterior limb trabecular bone were prepared from 5 day tail-suspended rats and from normally loaded rats as controls. Cell morphology, alkaline phosphatase (ALPH) activity, production of mineral matrix, osteocalcin, and IL-6 secretion were evaluated in both cell populations. Tail suspension reduced the osteogenic potential of stromal marrow cells and of already differentiated osteoblasts. In fact, ALP positive colonies were significantly reduced in number and were smaller in size compared with controls and bone nodules formed in permissive conditions were also significantly fewer and smaller, whereas in cultures of cells from control conditions, large mineralizing nodules were formed. Osteocalcin secretion was not affected by unloading. Finally, IL-6 concentration was increased in marrow-derived cells from treated rats compared with controls. Primary cultures of osteoclasts were obtained from the nonadherent fraction of the bone marrow of the same animals. The number of TRAP positive cells in culture from tail-suspended rats was significantly increased, as well as bone resorption activity, measured as resorbed surfaces of a suitable synthetic hydroxyapatite, compared with controls. These data clearly suggest that skeletal unloading not only reduces the osteogenic potential of osteoblastic cells but induces an increased osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity in ex vivo cultures. They also indicate for the first time that a possible mediator responsible for the increased osteoclastogenesis could be represented by the IL-6 whose secretion by bone marrow cells was significantly enhanced by unloading.

Calixarene--poly(dithiophene)-based chemically modified electrodes

The stepwise synthesis of cone and partial cone 1,3-bridged n-propoxy-calix[4]crown ethers ("monomers" 2 and 3) with an electropolymerizable 2,2'-dithiophene-3-yl-hexylene functionality at the lower rim, is described. The potential of 2 and 3 as sensing agents for alkali metal ions was investigated by 1H NMR titration experiments with NaSCN and KSCN. The results obtained have confirmed that the presence of the heterocyclic subunit does not affect the well-known size-selectivity observed with calix[4]crowns. Monomers 2 and 3 were electropolymerized (Pt as a working electrode, CH2Cl2/CH3CN, Bu4NPF6) to produce the title chemically modified electrodes (CMEs). After coating with a PVC membrane containing a lipophylic cation exchanger, CMEs based on calix[4]-crown-5 2b (cone) and 3b (partial cone) were tested for the potentiometric recognition of alkali metal ions in aqueous solution. In agreement with NMR titration studies, a satisfactory potentiometric response in terms of K+/Na+ selectivity was obtained only with CME 2b (pK(K/Na) 1.51). The amperometric responses of PVC-uncoated CMEs were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in CH3CN solution. High Na- selectivity was found with the CME based on partial cone calix[4]crown-4 3a, and frequency response analysis (FRA) measurements support this finding.

Development of latent fingerprints on metallic surfaces using electropolymerization processes

We propose a new process for developing latent fingerprints on metal items, applicable to unfired weapons made of Ergal in particular. The method is based on the presence of fatty acids that are contained in fingerprints and act as an insulator on the surface where fingerprints are to be developed. The process of polymerization occurs on the metal portions left untouched by finger contact. Hence, the developing process results as a negative pattern of the original fingerprint. The reaction consists in the electropolymerization of pyrrole and substituted porphyrins, i.e., tetra (o-aminophenyl) porphyrine: radical-cations are generated on superficial nucleation sites by oxidation of monomer, close to the electrode surface; subsequently, the radical species react with the neutral monomer, which begins to diffuse to the electrode. We have also studied the polymer's morphology by means of SEM and AFM, in order to find a correlation between the reagent to be used and the quality of the enhancement process. These are only preliminary results; however, they show that the suggested method is a new way to increase the rate of success in developing latent fingerprints on metal surfaces. In this regard, it may be considered complementary to other conventional procedures, due to the low costs of the instruments and reagents, and the rapidity and simplicity of the treatment.

Survey of residual tetracyclines in kidneys of diseased animals in Aichi Prefecture, Japan (1985-1997)

A survey was conducted to determine the incidence of tetracycline antibiotic (TCAs) residues in the kidneys of slaughtered animals that did not pass inspection for human consumption by the Japanese Food Sanitation Law and the Meat Inspection Law at the slaughterhouses in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, from April 1985 to March 1998. The kidneys were analyzed by the AOAC Official Method 995.09. Among 424 animals (147 cattle and 277 pigs), 131 (30.9%) were contaminated with TCAs, including 69 (16.3%) with chlortetracycline (CTC), 61 (14.4%) with oxytetracycline (OTC), 3 (0.7%) with tetracycline (TC), and 1 (0.2%) with doxycycline (DC). One sample (cattle kidney) was contaminated with both OTC and DC. The frequencies of OTC and TC residues were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cattle than in pigs, whereas, the frequency of CTC was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in pigs. Pig kidney samples collected in 1991-1997 had significantly higher incidences of TCAs and CTC (p < 0.01) residues than those in 1985-1986.

Morphological analysis of knee synovial membrane biopsies from a randomized controlled clinical study comparing the effects of sodium hyaluronate (Hyalgan) and methylprednisolone acetate (Depomedrol) in osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

The study was part of a randomized open-label clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of intra-articular injections of hyaluronan (Hyalgan) (HY) in osteoarthritis (OA) of the human knee. Data were compared with those obtained after treatment with methylprednisolone acetate (Depomedrol) (MP).

METHODS

Synovial membranes from patients with OA of the knee, primary or secondary to a traumatic event and classified according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, were examined by arthroscopy and by light and electron microscopy before and 6 months after local injection of HY (2 ml of 500-730 000 MW hyaluronan, 10 mg/ml in saline, one injection per week for 5 weeks) or MP (1 ml of methylprednisolone acetate, 40 mg/ml, one injection per week for 3 weeks).

RESULTS

Arthroscopy revealed a significant decrease in inflammatory score after both treatments. Histology showed that HY treatment was effective (P< or =0.05) in reducing the number and aggregation of lining synoviocytes, as well as the number and calibre of the vessels. MP treatment significantly reduced the number of mast cells in primary OA. Both treatments tended to decrease the number of hypertrophic and to increase the number of fibroblast-like lining cells, to decrease the numbers of macrophages, lymphocytes, mast cells and adipocytes, and to decrease oedema, especially in primary OA, and to increase the number of fibroblasts and the amount of collagen. These phenomena were evident throughout the thickness of the synovial tissue.

CONCLUSION

At least in the medium term, both HY and MP modified a number of structural variables of the synovial membrane of the osteoarthritic human knee towards the appearance of that of normal synovium. The effect was more evident in primary OA than in OA secondary to a traumatic event. This is the first evidence that local hyaluronan injections modify the structural organization of the human knee synovium in OA.

Effects of alpha-difluoromethylornithine on the Fas expression and apoptosis in Hep-2 cells

DFMO is an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxilase (ODC), the key enzyme in mammalian polyamine biosynthesis, and has been shown to induce apoptosis. In this paper, the relation between the effects of DFMO on the polyamine content, apoptotic index and Fas expression in HEP-2 cells was determined. Fas is a type I membrane protein with a molecular mass of 45 kDa, which mediates apoptosis. The results suggest that the treatment with the polyamine inhibitor DFMO induced the expression of the surface antigen Fas, which could be responsible for trigger apoptosis in these cells.