Antioxidative and antimutagenic effects of theaflavins from black tea

Theaflavins, polyphenolic ingredients of black tea, were observed to inhibit in vitro lipid peroxidation in the erythrocyte membrane ghost and microsomal systems. Theaflavins also showed inhibition of DNA single-strand cleavage and mutagenicity, both induced by hydrogen peroxide. These results suggest that theaflavins scavenge radicals to produce antioxidative and antimutagenic effects. It was also found that the gallic acid moiety of theaflavins is essential for their potent antioxidative activities.

Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in cultured human osteoblast-like periosteal cells by inhibiting prostaglandin H synthase activity

Prostaglandin (PG) E2, a potent bone-resorbing agent, is synthesized in osteoblast-like cells. Since vitamin K reportedly plays an important role in bone metabolism, we investigated the effects of vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) on PGE2 production by human osteoblast-like periosteal cells. In cells incubated with menatetrenone (1 microgram/mL = 2.25 x 10(-6) M) for 2 days, PGE2 production was reduced to 50% of that in untreated control cells. This inhibition was dose and time dependent for up to 10 micrograms/mL and 20 days, respectively, and involved two major steps. In one of these menatetrenone at doses of 0.5-10 micrograms/mL dose dependently inhibited the calcium ionophore A23187-induced release of arachidonic acid (AA) from membrane phospholipids, and in the other the conversion of AA to PG was inhibited, as evidenced by the PG-synthesizing activity in the homogenates of menatetrenone-treated cells with AA being lower than that in untreated cells. The inhibitory effect was almost identical to that for PG production. The PG synthesizing activity in cell homogenates was inhibited only by a high concentration of menatetrenone (10 micrograms/mL) when this was added directly. Menatetrenone (1 microgram/mL) also inhibited 52% of the purified PGH synthase activity from a ram seminal vesicle. This study shows that menatetrenone inhibited PGE2 release from cells by inhibiting both PG production steps, AA release from the membrane and PG synthesizing activity with AA. Inhibition of PGE2 production by menatetrenone might be important in improving bone metabolism.

Effects of estrogen replacement on insulin-like growth factor I concentrations in serum and bone tissue and on interleukin 1 secretion from spleen macrophages in oophorectomized rats

Oophorectomy (OOX) has been known to increase bone turnover, but its precise mechanism is not fully understood. In order to further investigate the mechanism, we determined insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations in serum and bone tissue and interleukin 1 (IL-1) release from spleen macrophages in oophorectomized rats because it has been demonstrated that IGF-I stimulates bone formation and IL-1 stimulates bone resorption. Female 8-week-old Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) OOX, (3) OOX given estradiol, and (4) control given estradiol. Ten micrograms/kg of 17 beta-estradiol was given daily by subcutaneous injection. After 5 weeks of treatment, IGF-I concentrations in the extract from right femur and in serum were determined by specific radioimmunoassay. IL-1 activity released from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated spleen macrophages was determined by bioassay. IGF-I contents in the femur and IGF-I concentrations in serum in oophorectomized rats were significantly higher than those in control rats. Treatment by estradiol inhibited the increase in IGF-I concentrations both in femur and in serum. IL-1 release from LPS-stimulated spleen macrophages in oophorectomized rats was increased, and treatment by estradiol also inhibited the stimulated IL-1 release. The ash weights and the calcium contents of left femur in oophorectomized rats were lower than those in control rats. These results suggest that both IGF-I and IL-1 may be involved in the mechanism of the regulation of bone turnover in oophorectomized rats.

Risk factors for development of retinopathy in elderly Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To define the risk factors for the development of diabetic retinopathy in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 110 diabetic outpatients > 60 yr of age who were free of diabetic retinopathy at the first visit and were followed for at least 5 yr to examine the relationships between the initial findings and the subsequent development of retinopathy.

RESULTS

A total of 49 of the subjects developed diabetic retinopathy during the follow-up period; of these, 4 patients progressed to preproliferative and 3 to proliferative retinopathy. Univariate analysis showed that the initial fasting plasma glucose levels, the HbA1 values, the 2-h postload plasma glucose levels, the estimated duration of diabetes, and the presence of persistent proteinuria were all associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. However, age at the initial examination, estimated age at diabetes onset, sex, body mass index, type of therapy, and hypertension had little impact on the development of retinopathy. Stepwise multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that the initial HbA1 or fasting plasma glucose, the diabetes duration, and the presence of persistent proteinuria are significant independent predictors for the development of retinopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial fasting plasma glucose, diabetes duration, and proteinuria are important risk factors for the development of retinopathy in elderly patients with diabetes mellitus.

Randomized comparison of doxorubicin alone versus ifosfamide plus doxorubicin or mitomycin, doxorubicin, and cisplatin against advanced soft tissue sarcomas

PURPOSE

This three-armed phase III study in adults with advanced soft tissue sarcomas was planned as a comparison of objective regression rates, toxicity, and survival of patients receiving doxorubicin alone, ifosfamide plus doxorubicin, and mitomycin plus doxorubicin plus cisplatin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between December 1987 and July 1990, 279 patients with histologically confirmed sarcomas were enrolled to receive treatment A (doxorubicin 80 mg/m2), treatment B (ifosfamide 7.5 g/m2 plus doxorubicin 60 mg/m2), or treatment C (mitomycin 8 mg/m2 plus doxorubicin 40 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 60 mg/m2).

RESULTS

Of 262 assessable patients, 74 (29%) achieved objective tumor regression. Objective regression occurred in 20% of the 90 patients who received doxorubicin alone (complete remission [CR] rate, 2%), in 34% of the 88 who received ifosfamide plus doxorubicin (CR rate, 3%), and in 32% of the 84 who received mitomycin plus doxorubicin plus cisplatin (CR rate, 7%). With grade 3 or greater myelosuppression in 53% of group A, 80% of group B, and 55% of group C, regimen B was significantly more myelosuppressive than either regimen A or C (P = .01) with two, three, and one treatment-related deaths, respectively. Synovial sarcomas were responsive to ifosfamide plus doxorubicin, especially among patients younger than 40 years of age.

CONCLUSION

Ifosfamide plus doxorubicin produced a significantly higher regression rate (P = .03) than did doxorubicin alone; however, this was achieved at a level of myelosuppression significantly more intense than that produced by the single agent or by the three-drug combination. Mitomycin, doxorubicin, and cisplatin also appeared to be more active than the single agent; however, at a myelosuppression level similar to that of doxorubicin alone, this trend (P = .07) did not attain the usual level for significance. No significant survival differences were observed.

Menatetrenone inhibits bone resorption partly through inhibition of PGE2 synthesis in vitro

We studied the effect of menatetrenone, a vitamin K2 homolog, on bone resorption stimulated by interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]. Bone-resorbing activity was assessed by measurement of calcium and hydroxyproline in the media and calvariae. IL-1 alpha (0.1-100 U/ml), 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10(-10)-10(-7) M), PGE2 (10(-9)-10(-6) M), and PTH (3 x 10(-8)-3 x 10(-7) M) dose dependently increased the levels of calcium and hydroxyproline in the medium. Indomethacin (10(-6) M) completely inhibited bone resorption induced by IL-1 alpha and partially inhibited bone resorption induced by 1,25-(OH)2D3. However, indomethacin did not affect the action of PGE2 or PTH. Menatetrenone (3 x 10(-6)-3 x 10(-5) M) inhibited the bone resorption induced by IL-1 alpha (2 U/ml), PGE2 (10(-7) M), PTH (3 x 10(-7) M), and 1,25-(OH)2D3 (3 x 10(-10) M) in a dose-dependent manner. Menatetrenone also inhibited the PGE2 production stimulated by IL-1 alpha. These results indicate that menatetrenone may inhibit bone resorption through at least two different mechanisms; one possibly is an inhibitory effect on prostaglandin production.

Secretion of osteocalcin and its propeptide from human osteoblastic cells: dissociation of the secretory patterns of osteocalcin and its propeptide

Specific immunoassay systems for intact human osteocalcin (I-OC) and its 26-residue propeptide have been newly developed to assess their usefulness as biochemical markers of bone metabolism. Using human cultured osteoblastic periosteal cells, we monitored 24 h secretion of these molecules from the osteoblastic cells and also examined the deposition of Ca, P, and I-OC on the extracellular matrix. At day 5, both I-OC and its propeptide were secreted by osteoblastic cells in a concentration-dependent manner by treatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3. This propeptide was not detected in the serum of adult subjects but was detected in the serum of normal children, which confirmed this in vitro result of propeptide secretion. The secretion of I-OC into medium transiently decreased at day 11, when the rapid accumulation of I-OC, Ca, and P, namely mineralization, was observed on the extracellular matrix of osteoblastic cells, although secretion of the propeptide constantly increased throughout the culture period. Therefore, the ratio of the amount of propeptide to I-OC in the supernatant markedly increased when mineralization started. These data demonstrate the superior specificity of propeptide as a marker of osteoblastic function in vitro compared with I-OC and that monitoring the changes in propeptide to I-OC ratios in the culture supernatant may be useful for predicting the timing of mineralization on the extracellular matrix of osteoblastic cells.

The ultra long-term treatment of senile osteoporosis with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3

We have attempted to examine the effects of long-term treatment with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 (1 alpha-OHD3; 0.5-1.0 microgram/day) on bone and chemical parameters in osteoporosis, retrospectively. Twenty-six pairs of age-, period of observation- and initial bone mineral density-matched patients with or without treatment were selected from 86 patients with osteoporosis. An 11% decrease (-2.2%/year) and a 6% increase in radial mineral density at the peripheral cortical bone site was observed in the control and the treated group after 5 years, respectively (P < 0.05-0.01). There were no patients who showed hypercalcemia nor an abnormally high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level in both groups. These results indicate that 1 alpha-OHD3 treatment in osteoporosis is effective and has no serious adverse effects. Although the facts were obtained from observations only at the peripheral cortical bone site, 1 alpha-OHD3 treatment may be considered as a potential mode of therapy for osteoporosis.

ELISA detection of glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-linked proteoglycans in gingival crevicular fluid

The purpose of this study was to develop an ELISA method to detect chondroitin sulfate isomer-linked proteoglycans in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and to elucidate the role played by the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in GCF during experimentally-induced periodontitis in dogs. Experimental periodontitis was induced by placement of a silk ligature below the gingival margin of the molar teeth in 3 mongrel dogs. GCF was collected using microcapillary tubes at 0, 7, 21 and 60 days after ligature placement. To compare with GAG in GCF, bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan monomer, dog's serum and supernatant of homogenized gingival tissue were prepared. Combination of monoclonal antibodies, 3B3 and 9A2, and specific enzymatic digestion made possible the identification of chondroitin 4 sulfate (C4S), chondroitin 6 sulfate (C6S) and dermatan sulfate (DS). The ELISA method detected very small amount of chondroitin sulfate (CS) isomers (15-1000 ng/ml of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan). The ELISA value of CS isomers in GCF was lower than that of homogenized gingival tissue but higher than that of the serum. The ELISA value of C4S, C6S and DS, although fluctuating, increased in proportion to the severity of the inflammation.

Phase II trials of interferons-alpha and -beta in advanced sarcomas

Interferons (IFNs)-alpha and -beta were administered to patients with metastatic sarcomas in two different Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group studies. In one study, patients received IFN-alpha 2b, 20 million units/m2 i.v. 5 days/week x 4, then 10 million units s.c.t.i.w. In the second study, patients received IFN-beta ser 180 million units t.i.w. Of 87 patients evaluable for response, there were three responses in 64 patients (5%) treated with IFN-alpha-2b and no responses in 23 patients treated with IFN-beta ser. Severe or life-threatening fatigue with decline in performance status complicated treatment of 37% of patients receiving IFN-alpha 2b and 17% of patients receiving IFN-beta ser. Further investigation of IFNs in sarcomas should depend on evidence from preclinical studies demonstrating synergistic effects of IFNs combined with a cytoreductive modality which has proven activity in these malignancies.

Sandwich immunoassay for intact human osteocalcin

To overcome the problems of limited-region specificity associated with conventional radioimmunoassay (RIA), we developed a sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for intact human osteocalcin (hOC). For this EIA we used antibodies to the N- and C-terminal regions of hOC that were raised against an N-terminal 20-residue peptide and a C-terminal 7-residue peptide, both synthetic. Immunoassay profiles of tryptic digests of hOC and serum from patients with renal failure, fractionated by reversed-phase HPLC, facilitated direct demonstration of the region specificity of this method. A preliminary study of serum osteocalcin concentrations in patients with renal failure further confirmed this specificity, showing lower positive rates obtained by this method than by conventional RIA. The cross-reactivity data of hOC with bovine and rat osteocalcins by the sandwich method indicated its species specificity. These studies demonstrate the superior specificity of this sandwich EIA compared with conventional RIA and thus confirm its potential diagnostic superiority.

Sandwich Immunoassay for Intact Human Osteocalcin

To overcome the problems of limited-region specificity associated with conventional radioimmunoassay (RIA), we developed a sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for intact human osteocalcin (hOC). For this EIA we used antibodies to the N- and C-terminal regions of hOC that were raised against an N-terminal 20-residue peptide and a C-terminal 7-residue peptide, both synthetic. Immunoassay profiles of tryptic digests of hOC and serum from patients with renal failure, fractionated by reversed-phase HPLC, facilitated direct demonstration of the region specificity of this method. A preliminary study of serum osteocalcin concentrations in patients with renal failure further confirmed this specificity, showing lower positive rates obtained by this method than by conventional RIA. The cross-reactivity data of hOC with bovine and rat osteocalcins by the sandwich method indicated its species specificity. These studies demonstrate the superior specificity of this sandwich EIA compared with conventional RIA and thus confirm its potential diagnostic superiority.

Ovarian serous borderline epithelial tumors with multiple retroperitoneal nodal involvement: metastasis or malignant transformation of epithelial glandular inclusions?

One of four patients who underwent lymph node excision at exploration for ovarian serous borderline epithelial tumor (OSBT) at Baystate Medical Center was found to have FIGO Stage III C lesion associated with extensive ovarian external (surface) papillary growth, peritoneal implants in the omentum and cul-de-sac, and involvement of multiple pelvic and periaortic lymph nodes by the tumor. Histologically, the lymph nodes showed an admixture of endosalpingeal glandular inclusions with neoplastic tissue identical to the ovarian tumor. The exact histogenesis and the prognostic significance of the nodal involvement by OSBT are still not fully understood. Although there is a small number of reported cases of lymph node involvement associated with OSBT, they are described as examples of nodal metastases or independent primary foci of malignant transformation. This paper presents an interesting association of OSBT with extensive pelvic and periaortic nodal involvement and reviews the relevant literature.

[Time course changes in bone mineral density and calcium metabolism after oophorectomy]

Time course changes in bone mineral density and calcium metabolism after oophorectomy were investigated in comparison with those in hysterectomized and pre-operated women, retrospectively. A total of 191 women who had a regular menstrual period for 1 year prior to entering the study or to the operation, were divided into 3 groups; group 1 consisted of 33 women who were admitted to receive a gynecological operation (pre-OP group), group 2 consisted of 57 women who received hysterectomy within 5 years prior to entering the study (HX group) and group 3 consisted of 101 women who received hysto-oophorectomy (bilateral) at the same timing as the HX group (OOX group). All the subjects had their bone mineral density measured at the lumbar vertebrae (L2-4BMD) by means of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and at the metacarpal bone by the microdensitometrical (MD) method. Serum and urinary parameters related to bone and calcium metabolism were also evaluated. After dividing the subjects in accordance with the length of time after the operation, the time course changes in each parameter were calculated. In the 2 years after OOX, the L2-4BMD decreased significantly and rapidly, and the change in L2-4BMD in the subsequent period was quiescent. In the HX group, there was no significant change in L2-4BMD. When the period after the OOX was divided into 2 subcategories in accordance with the speed of decline in lumbar BMD as the rapid and the slow phases, the time course changes in blood and urine parameters showed different trends.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Changes in spinal and femoral bone mineral density due to pelvic irradiation following oophorectomy]

Since radiation therapy has been known to be a cause of bone atrophy (radiation osteopathy), it could be important whether postoperative radiotherapy in patients who have undergone oophorectomy further promotes bone mineral loss or not. Nineteen patients with stage Ib to IIb cervical cancer were studied. Eleven of the 19 patients received only surgical treatment and 8 received postoperative radiotherapy (50 grays to the pelvis and 40 grays to the lumber spine), because of the presence of advanced lesions or positive lymphnodes. A significant increase in FSH and decrease in E2 (p less than 0.01) compared to before treatment were observed in both groups. A significant increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activities (p less than 0.01), urine-calcium/creatinine ratio (p less than 0.05) and urine-hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (p less than 0.01), which indicated high bone turnover, compared to before treatment in both groups also appeared. Although these chemical parameters in both groups changed coincidentally, the decline in spinal bone mineral density in the irradiated group was delayed at 12 months after the treatment. On the other hand, there was no difference in the changes in femoral bone mineral density in the two groups. These results suggest that radiotherapy might inhibit the bone mineral loss at the irradiated bone site even when there was an estrogen lack.

[Changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover within 12 months after oophorectomy: a prospective study compared with hysterectomized controls]

Nineteen patients (pts) with stage Ib to IIb uterine cervical cancer were studied for changes in bone mineral density and bone turnover within 12 months after radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Eleven out of 19 pts also underwent oophorectomy (OX), and the other 8 pts without OX were studied as controls. A significant increase in FSH and decrease in E2 (p less than 0.01) in OX pts indicated the completeness of oophorectomy, whereas no significant change in those levels showed retained ovarian function in the controls. In OX pts significantly increased serum alkaline phosphatase (p less than 0.01), urine-calcium/creatinine (p less than 0.05) and hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio (p less than 0.01) indicating high bone turnover after the oophorectomy were observed. However, a transient but significant (p less than 0.05) rise in these levels in the 3rd month in the controls was noted. In OX pts the spinal bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual photon absorptiometry was significantly reduced to approximately 10% (p less than 0.05) within 12 months after oophorectomy, while in the controls loss of BMD was also observed up to 6 months, and it appeared to have returned towards baseline levels at 12 months after hysterectomy. These data suggest that a rapid and considerable loss of spinal BMD was mainly accelerated by the oophorectomy, but in part was contributed to by the stress or reduced physical activity for up to 6 months after radical hysterectomy.

Relation between body size and bone mineral density with special reference to sex hormones and calcium regulating hormones in elderly females

We studied the relation between body size and bone mineral density in elderly females. The study included a total of 93 ambulatory females aged over 60 years. They were divided into 3 groups according to their body mass index (BMI; kg/m2): slender group with BMI less than 20 (n = 28), normal group with BMI of 20 to 24.9 (n = 43) and obese group with BMI greater than or equal to 25 (n = 22). Fracture incidence, bone mineral density, calcium regulating hormones and steroid hormones were studied in an intergroup comparative manner. The incidence of vertebral fracture was found to be negatively correlated with BMI (the incidences of vertebral fracture in slender, normal and obese were 78.6, 48.8 and 22.7%, respectively) and bone mineral density was also BMI-related (0.390 +/- 0.016, 0.456 +/- 0.015 and 0.493 +/- 0.018 g/cm2, respectively: p less than 0.01 in ANOVA; mean +/- SE). The number of years after menopause was shorter in patients with a higher BMI. There was no intergroup difference in serum levels of PTH, vitamin D and estrogens. On the other hand, serum levels of calcitonin, DHEA, DHEAS, delta-4 androstenedione and testosterone were found to be higher in subjects with a higher BMI. From the present results, it seems that bone mineral density is supported not only by weight-bearing stress upon bone, but also by serum levels of calcitonin and androgens in obese females.

[The characteristics of metabolic acidosis in aged patients with chronic renal failure]

The present study was designed to clarify the characteristics of metabolic acidosis in aged patients with chronic renal failure. The subjects consisted of ambulatory cooperative patients (19 males and 18 females). Their values of creatinine clearance (Ccr) varied from 6.8 to 107.5 ml/min/1.73 m2. The relationship of Ccr to acid-base and electrolyte disturbances was investigated. The estimations of normal values in acid-base and electrolyte composition were based on the method of Hoffmann. The results are summarized as follows: 1. A high incidence of metabolic acidosis was demonstrated in patients whose Ccr values were below 20 ml/min/1.73 m2. 2. A significant positive correlation of Ccr values and plasma levels of bicarbonate (p less than 0.001) and a significant inverse correlation of Ccr values and serum levels of chloride (p less than 0.01) were observed. 3. The values of the anion gap did not change, irrespective of Ccr values. 4. Serum concentrations of potassium were inversely correlated with plasma levels of bicarbonate (p less than 0.01). Hyperchloremic normal anion gap acidosis with hyperpotassemia was the characteristic feature of metabolic acidosis in aged patients with chronic renal failure. The normal anion gap could be explained by normophosphatemia or mild hyperphosphatemia, even in the patients with advanced renal failure.

Involvement of leukotriene B4 in ovulation in the rabbit

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of lipoxygenase products on ovulation, oocyte maturation, and steroid production in the perfused rabbit ovary preparation. Ovulatory efficiency was significantly reduced when rabbit ovaries were perfused with human CG (hCG) plus nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) at 10(-5) or 10(-6) M, as compared to contralateral hCG-treated controls. The addition of NDGA to the perfusate inhibited hCG-induced ovulation in a dose-related manner. The percentage of ovulated ova and follicular oocytes achieving germinal vesicle breakdown did not differ significantly between NDGA-treated ovaries and contralateral controls. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production by the perfused rabbit ovaries reached its maximum 6 h after exposure to hCG and then declined. The addition of NDGA at 10(-5) M significantly inhibited hCG-stimulated LTB4 production by rabbit ovaries throughout the entire perfusion periods. The ovulatory efficiency in ovaries treated with hCG alone or with hCG plus NDGA correlated significantly with LTB4 production by perfused rabbit ovaries 6 h after exposure to hCG (alpha = 0.8893, P less than 0.01). Furthermore, the addition of LTB4 at 100 ng/ml to the perfusate reversed the inhibitory effects of NDGA on hCG-induced ovulation. However, exposure to NDGA affected neither progesterone nor estradiol production elicited by hCG administration. These results suggest that NDGA may block hCG-induced ovulation in vitro, probably via the inhibition of LTB4 production by rabbit ovaries.

[The effect of estrogen and, sex-steroids and thyroid hormone preparation on bone mineral density in senile osteoporosis--a comparative study of the effect of 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol (1 alpha-OHD3) on senile osteoporosis]

In order to assess the effect of sex steroids on bone mineral density in Japanese with senile osteoporosis, the bone mineral density in 1/3 distal site of radius was measured serially before and after treatment for 2 years using single photon absorptiometry. Sixty seven old females with senile osteoporosis were divided into 4 groups, Group 1 (n = 28, mean age; 74.4 +/- 1.3 y.o., mean +/- SEM) was the control group, Group 2 (n = 14, mean age; 73.7 +/- 1.7 y.o.) was treated with 0.5-1.0 micrograms/day of 1 alpha -OHD3, Group 3 (n = 12, mean age; 75.4 +/- 2.9 y.o.) was treated with conjugated estrogen (Premarin) in a dose of 0.3125 mg/day (3 approximately 4 weeks administration followed by 1 week rest) and Group 4 (n = 13, mean age; 76.4 +/- 1.8 y.o.) was treated with sex-steroids (pregnenolone : androstenedione : androstenediol : testosterone : estrone = 1.0 mg : 1.0 mg : 0.5 mg : 0.1 mg : 5 micrograms/tablet) and thyroid hormone (thyroid-sicca 7.5 mg/tablet) preparation in a dose of 2 tablets/day. When the radial bone mineral density (RMD) before the treatment was taken as 100%, RMDs of each group at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 96.4 +/- 3.1%, 97.3 +/- 2.0%, 93.7 +/- 2.1% and 96.1 +/- 1.8% in Group 1, 100.8 +/- 2.8%, 106.4 +/- 2.1%, 101.3 +/- 3.4% and 108.8 +/- 2.9% in Group 2, 103.0 +/- 2.8%, 106.2 +/- 3.5%, 105.9 +/- 4.3% and 100.2 +/- 4.7% in Group 3, 105.3 +/- 2.2%, 104.7 +/- 2.3%, 112.6 +/- 6.4% and 112.1 +/- 6.7% in Group 4, respectively. Therefore, significant increases in RMD were observed in Groups 2, 3 (transient) and 4 when compared with Group 1. In Group 3, serum level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was significantly (p less than 0.05) increased from 0.28 +/- 0.03 ng/ml before the treatment to 0.55 +/- 0.15 ng/ml at 24 months after the treatment. In Group 2, transient (6 months after the treatment) but significant (p less than 0.01) increase in urinary Ca/Creatinine ratio from 0.15 +/- 0.04 to 0.20 +/- 0.03 was found. Serum A1-P activities in Group 4 was shown to increase transiently from 131 +/- 10 IU to 151 +/- 12 IU (p less than 0.05) at 6 months and to 158 +/- 13 IU (p less than 0.01) at 12 months followed by subsequent decrease to 135 +/- 6 IU at 18 months and 133 +/- 10 IU at 24 months after the treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Vitamin E and the susceptibility of erythrocytes and reconstituted liposomes to oxidative stress in aged diabetics

A remarkable increase in the permeability of erythrocyte ghosts and liposomal membranes composed of erythrocyte lipids from aged diabetics was revealed by measuring [14C]glucose leakage. There were no significant differences in the contents of free cholesterol or phospholipids, or in the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio between diabetic and normal erythrocyte membranes, but significantly higher amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were observed in the erythrocyte membranes of diabetics. Reconstituted liposomes prepared from aged diabetic erythrocyte lipids were highly susceptible to superoxide-induced oxidative stress. Vitamin E was highly effective in suppressing the peroxidative lysis of liposomes composed of diabetic erythrocyte lipids. The effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the inhibition of peroxidation of unsaturated lipids within liposomal membranes was less than that of vitamin E.

Calcium requirement in elderly Japanese women

In order to evaluate calcium requirements (RC) in Japanese elderly women, a calcium balance study was carried out in 9 osteoporotics (73.9 +/- 2.7 years old, mean +/- SE) and 9 normal elderly women (67.0 +/- 2.5 years old). Diet containing 700 mg/day of calcium were given for at least 1 week. Then, diets containing approximately 700 mg/day (722.5 +/- 91.9 mg/day) of calcium in the 1st week and 1,474 mg/day of calcium in the 2nd week were served. The amount of calcium intake to maintain zero balance, defined as daily RC, was 550.4 +/- 50.0 and 648.8 +/- 44.7 mg/day in normal and osteoporotic subjects, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between these two groups. Although the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for the adult Japanese is 600 mg/day, our study suggests that RDA in the elderly Japanese should be 847 mg.

Phase II trial of carboplatin in soft-tissue sarcoma

As part of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group program for the assessment of new drugs in sarcomas, a Phase II trial of carboplatin was performed in patients who had received no more than one prior chemotherapy regimen. A total of 50 patients received either 400 mg/m2 or 320 mg/m2 depending on whether they had received prior radiotherapy. A response rate of 16% (95% confidence interval 6-32%) occurred in the 37 patients who had received doxorubicin as their only prior systemic therapy. Three of the six responses were complete and persisted for 7 to 34 months. In contrast none of the 13 patients who received carboplatin after initial progression on doxorubicin and subsequent progression on interferon alpha responded. The overall response rate was therefore 12% (95% confidence interval 5-24%). Toxicity was primarily hematologic, with 14 patients having Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) grade 3 toxicity and no grade 4 or 5 toxicities. In view of the number of complete responses, carboplatin should be studied further in untreated patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

[Possible involvement of leukotriene B4 on human luteal function: special reference to determination of leukotriene B4 produced by cultured luteal cells]

The present study was undertaken to determine the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) by cultured human luteal cells in the mid-luteal phase using a reverse phase column (C8). The luteal cells were cultured with or without hCG at 100 ng/ml for 8 days. In the preliminary experiment, methods for extracting culture media samples were assessed prior to radioimmunoassay. Reverse phase column C8, but not C18, made possible the determination of LTB4 produced by human luteal cells. Progesterone (P) production by cultured luteal cells reached its maximum on day 4 following exposure to hCG, and then declined gradually. The concentrations of LTB4 produced by luteal cells varied from 100 to 500 pg/10(5) cells/2 days. However, exposure to hCG did not affect LTB4 production by cultured luteal cells. The level of LTB4 in culture medium (115.0 +/- 37.8 pg/10(5) cells/2 days) was reduced on day 4, but increased thereafter. LTB4 production appeared to decrease concomitantly with increased P production of cultured luteal cells. In conclusion, cultured luteal cells produced considerable amounts of LTB4 throughout the entire culture period. These results suggest that lipoxygenase activity of luteal cells may be closely related to steroidogenic potential.

Progesterone protects oocytes from premature degeneration within the follicle

The present study was designed to determine the effects of gestrinone (R2323) in the process of follicle rupture and oocyte maturation and degeneration in an in vitro perfused rabbit ovary model. In the first experiment, R2323 at 10(2), 10(3), or 10(4) ng/ml was added to the perfusate of one ovary. The contralateral control ovary was perfused simultaneously with medium alone. Thirty minutes after the onset of perfusion, 50IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was added to the perfusate of both ovaries. All ovaries exposed to R2323 plus hCG or hCG alone ovulated. The addition of R2323 to the perfusate did not affect the ovulatory efficiency of ovaries treated with hCG. No significant difference in the percentage of ovulated ova or follicular oocytes demonstrating germinal vesicle breakdown was seen with R2323 treatment. R2323 increased the degeneration rate of ovulated ova in a dose-dependent fashion. In the second experiment, in which experimental ovaries were perfused with R2323 (10(4) ng/ml) plus progesterone (10(3) ng/ml) and the control ovaries with R2323 (10(4) ng/ml) alone ovulation occurred in response to hCG. However, the addition of progesterone to the perfusate reduced the degeneration-inducing effect of R2323 on both ovulated ova and follicular oocytes. In conclusion, R2323 appears to act as an antiprogesterone, thereby promoting the degeneration of oocytes. The increased production of progesterone in the preovulatory follicle following the gonadotropin surge protects oocytes from premature degeneration within the follicles.

Randomized comparison of doxorubicin and vindesine to doxorubicin for patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas

Two treatment regimens for metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas were compared in a randomized trial in the cooperative group setting. Histopathologic diagnosis was affirmed by pathology reference panel review in 72% of the 347 patients. In 21% of patients, the reference panel affirmed the diagnosis of soft-tissue sarcoma but disagreed as to type; 7% of patients were ineligible based upon cell type. Of 298 patients evaluable, measurable tumor regression (partial or complete response) occurred in 17% of patients to doxorubicin (70 mg/m2 intravenously) and 18% of patients to doxorubicin (70 mg/m2 intravenously) and vindesine (3 mg/m2 intravenously), each given every 3 weeks. No difference existed in complete response (4% for doxorubicin, 6% for doxorubicin and vindesine) or median survival (9.4 months for doxorubicin, 9.9 months for doxorubicin and vindesine). Overall, 60% of those patients on doxorubicin and vindesine and 46% on doxorubicin experienced a severe or worse toxicity of treatment (P = 0.01). With greater toxicity and lack of any gains in efficacy, the results do not support use of the combination of doxorubicin and vindesine for metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas.

Immunohistochemical study of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate proteoglycan in dental pulp and dentin

We investigated the localization of chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate proteoglycans in the dental pulp and dentin of rats, using a combination of an immunohistochemical technique coupled with specific enzymatic digestion. Chondroitin 4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate were found to be widespread in pulpal connective tissue, predentin and dentinal tubules. The response to predentin was found to be particularly strong. Chondroitin 6-sulfate was stretched in pulpal connective tissue and predentin, but showed only a weak response.

Gallbladder and biliary tract candidiasis: nine cases and review

We review biliary tract and gallbladder candidiasis and define patient demographics, risk factors, prognostic factors, and treatment strategies for this infection. This is a 3-year retrospective review of our experience with this disease and a review of the English-language literature. Thirty-one cases of biliary tract and gallbladder candidiasis, including nine in our series, have been examined. The same risk factors that predispose patients to other forms of candidal infection are implicated here. No mortality was found with uncomplicated candidal cholecystitis in nonneutropenic patients treated with cholecystectomy alone. Patients with associated extrabiliary tract candidiasis or candidemia had worse outcomes and required both surgical intervention and antifungal therapy. When risk factors exist for the development of biliary tract or gallbladder candidiasis, the physician should be alert to this possibility. There is no need for antifungal therapy in cases of isolated candidiasis of the gallbladder in nonneutropenic patients.

[Effect of aging on bone mineral content. Part VII. The evaluation of osteoporosis treatment by the measurement of total body bone mineral content using dual photon absorptiometry]

In order to evaluate the degree of accuracy of measurement of total body bone mineral content (TBBMC) by dual photon absorptiometry (DPA), the TBBMC in four healthy male volunteers were measured serially for 3 to 12 months. In three to six determinations of TBBMC in various stage of radiation source (153-Gd), the coefficients of variation in four subjects were 1.59, 0.74, 1.25 and 1.27%. Thus, the mean CV was 1.22 +/- 0.35% (mean +/- SD). This indicates that the measurement of TBBMC using DPA is an accurate tool for long-term follow up of bone mineral content and up to 1.6% change of TBBMC might be considered to be a significant change in TBBMC. No apparent drift of TBBMC associated with source decay was noticed in the present study. Subsequently, fifteen females with osteoporosis were studied to evaluate the efficacy of certain therapeutic modes. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 10) given 10 to 40 U of elcatonin (eel calcitonin derivative) intramuscularly every week for 3 to 6 months. Group 2 (n = 5) were treated with 0.5 mu/day of oral 1-alpha-OHD3 for 3 to 6 months. The TBBMC of these fifteen patients were followed by DPA (Lunar DP-4). Seven patients out of ten treated with elcatonin (70%) showed significant (up to 1.6% change in TBBMC compared with baseline) increase in TBBMC after 3 to 6 months treatment. The mean percentage change in TBBMC in group 1 was 101.9 +/- 2.7% (mean +/- SD) when the initial TBBMC was taken as 100%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effects of age and gender on serum levels of apolipoprotein A-I, A-II, B, C-II, C-III and E, measured by turbidimetric immunoassay, in normolipidemic Japanese elderly]

Accumulating evidence has suggested significant roles of apolipoproteins in lipoprotein metabolism. Therefore it is important to measure serum levels of apolipoproteins to understand the pathophysiology of lipid metabolism. The newly developed turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA) method for the determination of serum apolipoprotein concentration is the first method which can be employed with autoanalyzer, and is expected to be used widely. The standard values of serum concentrations of apolipoproteins measured by the TIA method for Japanese adults and children have been reported recently, but not yet for the elderly. Therefore, we investigated serum concentrations of apolipoproteins (A-I, A-II, B, C-II, C-III and E) in healthy normolipidemic elderly, aged 65-99 years, in order to obtain the standard values of apolipoproteins for the elderly. The subjects consisted of 84 males and 91 females. They had normal serum values for total cholesterol (TC) (120-220 mg/dl) and triglyceride (TG) (50-150 mg/dl). No one demonstrated clinical, biochemical or haematological evidence of cardiovascular, peripheral-vascular, cerebrovascular, hepatic, renal or endocrine disorders. Between-assay and intra-assay coefficient variations were approximately 5% and approximately 1.5%, respectively, in all apolipoproteins examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of lipoxygenase products on progesterone and prostaglandin production by human corpora lutea

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of the products of the lipoxygenase pathway on steroidogenesis and the production of prostaglandins (PGs) by human corpora lutea in the midluteal phase. In the first experiment luteal cells were cultured with 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) at 10, 100, 500, or 1000 ng/mL in the presence or absence of hCG at 100 ng/mL for 10 days. The addition of 5-HETE dose-dependently inhibited progesterone (P) production by the cultural luteal cells. P production stimulated by exposure to hCG was also reduced significantly in response to 5-HETE. However, 5-HETE had no effect on the production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGF2 alpha, or PGE2 by cultured luteal cells at any point during the culture period. In the second experiment the reaction products of soybean lipoxidase of arachidonic acid (AA-LIP) were added to cultured luteal cells. Treatment with either AA or LIP alone had no effect on basal P production. The addition of AA-LIP at all concentrations tested reduced P production by cultured luteal cells in the presence or absence of hCG. AA-LIP significantly reduced basal 6-keto-PGF1 alpha secretion in cultured luteal cells on day 2. Although the stimulatory effect of AA on luteal PGE2 production was maintained throughout the entire culture period, the lipoxygenase products of AA did not affect AA-stimulated PGE2 production by cultured luteal cell. These results suggest that the products of the lipoxygenase pathway may be important in the involution of human corpora lutea.

[Immunohistochemical localization of the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan in demineralized rat periodontal tissue]

We investigated the immunohistochemical localization of the chondroitin sulfates (chondroitin-4 sulfate, -6 sulfate and dermatan sulfate) in demineralized rat periodontal tissue using monoclonal antibodies (2-B-6, 3-B-3). Also, fixative and demineralized methods were established using these monoclonal antibodies. The result showed that the most effective combination of fixative and demineralized methods was 2% glutaraldehyde 1% para-formaldehyde and 5% EDTA. Chondroitin-4 sulfate and dermatan sulfate were widespread in gingival connective tissue and periodontal membrane, with an especially strong response of dermatan sulfate shown along collagen fiber bundles. Chondroitin-6 sulfate was located in peripheral blood vessels. In alveolar bone, chondroitin-4 sulfate and dermatan sulfate were found inside Hareversion canals, Volkman's canals and lacunae. Chondroitin-6 sulfate was localized at peripheral blood in alveolar bone. In cementum, chondroitin-4 sulfate and dermatan sulfate were found at lacunae of cellular cementum and a part of embedding Sharpey's fiber.

Phase II trial of 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine versus aclacinomycin-A in advanced sarcomas and mesotheliomas

Ninety-eight patients with previously-treated advanced soft tissue sarcoma, bone sarcoma, or mesothelioma were randomly assigned to one of two intravenous single-agent treatment regimens, either 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON; brief infusions of 50 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days every 4 weeks) or aclacinomycin-A (ACM-A, as 30-min infusions of 100 mg/m2 or 85 mg/m2, administered every 3 weeks). Of 43 patients who were evaluable for response, survival and toxicity, there were two responses (5%) produced by ACM-A; one in a male with mesothelioma, and one in a female with malignant fibrous histiocytoma. None of the 36 evaluable patients treated with DON developed an objective tumor response. Median survival was 4.8 months in the DON treatment arm, and 6.8 months in the ACM-A treatment arm. No patients on the DON arm experienced lethal or life-threatening toxicities, and severe toxicities resulting from this treatment included nausea and emesis (10%), stomatitis (2%), gastrointestinal toxicity (2%), and anemia (2%). Moderate toxicities included vomiting (24%), hematologic toxicity (24%), neurologic toxicity (7%), diarrhea (7%), mucositis (5%), fever (5%), palpitations (2%), hepatotoxicity (2%), bleeding (2%) and edema (2%). Fifteen percent experienced at least one severe reaction, and 63% experienced at least one moderate or greater toxicity. ACM-A was associated with four cases of life-threatening myelosuppression (7%); severe toxicities included myelosuppression (11%), neurologic toxicity (4%), diarrhea (2%), respiratory toxicity (2%), pain and muscle spasms (2%), edema (2%), and ulceration following extravasation (2%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prolactin inhibits plasminogen activator activity in the preovulatory follicles

The present study was designed to determine the effects of PRL on changes in morphology and plasminogen activator (PA) activity in the preovulatory follicles. Rabbit ovaries were perfused with hCG alone or with hCG plus at 10, 10(2), or 10(3) ng/ml. PRL at 10(3) ng/ml directly inhibited the degeneration and decomposition of surface epithelial cells induced by hCG exposure. The subsurface connective tissue was visualized by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate, which removed surface epithelial cells from the ovary, thereby exposing collagen fibrils and the basal lamina. Sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment revealed inhibition of connective tissue disruption at the apex of the follicle wall in PRL-treated ovaries. PA activity in mature follicles in perfused rabbit ovaries exposed to hCG increased from 1.40 +/- 0.08 to 28.4 +/- 4.25 IU/g tissue after 4 h of perfusion. The addition of PRL to the perfusate inhibited the hCG-stimulated increase in intrafollicular PA activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Although at 7 h mature follicles treated by hCG alone showed greater intrafollicular PA activity than those treated with hCG plus PRL, this difference was not significant. These results suggest that PRL may act directly by interfering with mechanical events within the ovary that are required for the rupture of mature Graafian follicles, probably via the inhibition of intrafollicular tissue PA activity.

[Effects of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) on progesterone and prostaglandin production by human corpora lutea]

The present study was undertaken to assess the effects of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) on steroidogenesis and prostaglandin (PG) production in cultured luteal cells derived from human corpora lutea in the mid-luteal phase. The luteal cells were cultured with 5-HETE at 10, 100, 500, or 1,000 ng/ml in the absence or presence of hCG at 100 ng/ml for 10 days. The addition of 5-HETE to the culture media did not affect growth curves of cultured luteal cells. 5-HETE significantly inhibited progesterone (P) production by cultured luteal cells in a dose-related fashion on day 2. P production stimulated by exposure to hCG was also reduced significantly in response to 5-HETE. The addition of 5-HETE did not affect estradiol production by cultured luteal cells. The production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha by cultured luteal cells in the presence of 5-HETE was slightly but not significantly less than that observed in the absence of 5-HETE. However, 5-HETE affects neither PGF2 alpha nor PGE2 production by cultured luteal cells throughout the culture period. The present study demonstrates that 5-HETE inhibits P production in cultured luteal cells by a mechanism(s) other than through PG production. These data suggest the involvement of a lipoxygenase pathway in the synthesis of P and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha of luteal cells.

[The effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on bone mineral content in senile osteoporosis--a dose-finding study]

In order to clarify the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the bone mineral content in senile osteoporosis, we examined the radial mineral density in 41 female cases of senile osteoporosis treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. The diagnostic criteria of senile osteoporosis were as follows. 1) Radial mineral density at below 0.5 g/cm2 by SPA 2) Bone dystrophy score in vertebra at over I degree 3) Presence of vertebral fracture 4) Over 60 years of age The subjects were divided into 5 groups: a control group (n = 11), a 0.25 microgram of 1,25(OH)2D3 once-a-day group (n = 5), a 0.5 microgram of 1,25(OH)2D3 once-a-day group (n = 8), a 0.25 microgram of 1,25(OH)2D3 twice-a-day group (n = 8) and a 0.25 microgram of 1,25(OH)2D3 three times-a-day group (n = 9). There was no significant difference in background data among these groups except for serum Al-P activity. The radial mineral density was measured in these 5 groups before and every 3 months after, starting the treatment by single photon absorptiometry in 1/3 distal site of radius for 1 year. No significant difference was detected in the serum levels of Ca, Pi and Al-P activity after starting the treatment among the 5 groups. The area under curve (AUC) of the radial mineral content after the treatment was calculated in each group. There was a significant dose-related increase in the AUC (p less than 0.05). However, the urinary Ca/Cr ratio was increased in the group receiving 0.75 microgram/day of 1,25(OH)2D3 The final AUC in the group receiving 0.5 microgram/day of 1,25(OH)2D3 tended to be very high compared with that in the other groups. From the above, it was suggested that 1,25(OH)2D3 might be effective for the treatment of senile osteoporosis especially at the dose of 0.5 microgram/day.

Pathologic analysis of advanced adult soft tissue sarcomas, bone sarcomas, and mesotheliomas. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) experience

A total of 488 tumors entered in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Study EST 3377 were evaluated histologically by a panel of pathologists from member institutions for quality control purposes. The overall agreement rate between the eligible submitting diagnosis and the pathology review panel's diagnosis was 74% (312/424). In 10% (44/424), the case was excluded because it was deemed to be nonsarcoma. In the other 16%, the disagreement concerned the type of sarcoma. The histologic type with the lowest agreement rate was rhabdomyosarcoma (17%), followed by sarcoma not otherwise specified (NOS) (27%), angiosarcoma (33%), and fibrosarcoma (48%). These figures reflect the significant degree of difficulty in the diagnosis of these tumor types. The treatment response rate of soft tissue sarcomas in the randomized study of Adriamycin (Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH) regimens was slightly higher for those with lower grade sarcomas, i.e., 25% (four of 16) response rate for Grade 1 lesions; 22% (17/77) for Grade 2, and 21% (35/170) for Grade 3. When adjusted for type of sarcoma, there was no noticeable difference between Grade 1-2 versus 3 in response rate. A statistically significant difference in the percentage of complete responders was noted between Group A tumors (synovial sarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, sarcoma NOS, and Ewing's; 12.2%) versus Group B tumors (all other types--mostly spindle cell sarcomas; 3.5%) (P = 0.02).

[Role of endosalpinx in the oviductal environment]

The oviducal fluid and serum samples from rabbits were obtained daily during estrus and pseudopregnancy and were analyzed for electrolytes, steroid hormones and prostaglandins (PGs). The oviducal fluid volume reached its maximum (1.72 +/- 0.39 ml/day) 48 hours after hCG exposure and then declined gradually. Although the ratios of Na+/K+ and Ca++/Mg++ in the oviducal fluid did not change substantially throughout the observation period, the levels of K+ in the oviducal fluid were consistently 2.5 times greater than those in the serum. The concentrations of progesterone in the oviducal fluid were significantly smaller than those found in the serum. The levels of estradiol in the oviducal fluid were consistently elevated above the serum levels. The concentrations of PGF2 alpha in the oviducal fluid increased rapidly following ovulation and reached levels that were 10-14 times greater than those found in the estrus, whereas PGF2 alpha levels in the serum did not change significantly during the observation period. A significant difference between PGF2 alpha/PGE2 in the oviducal fluids (3.66 +/- 0.72) and serum (0.25 +/- 0.11) was observed at 24 hours after hCG. A surface morphologic study revealed a decrease in the number of ciliated cells, and an increase and expansion of secretory cells after hCG administration. The qualitative and qualitative differences between the oviducal fluid and serum suggest the involvement of secretory cells in the microenvironment for fertilization and preimplantation embryonic development.

[Autoradiographic studies on the metabolism of gingival glycosaminoglycans in experimental periodontitis]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of the gingiva during a period of experimental periodontitis induced by placing a silk ligature below the gingival margin of dog molars. Incorporation of 3H-glucosamine into the gingiva was determined autoradiographically. The gingiva was collected at 0, 7, 21, 60 and 90 days and cultured in vitro in the presence of 3H-glucosamine. The autoradiographs showed a predominantly epithelial location of the silver grains in all gingival epithelia. The location was intercellular in all epithelia. The results suggest greater 3H-glucosamine incorporation by the epithelium compared with the connective tissue and markedly more rapid metabolic turnover of epithelial GAGs.

[Clinical evaluation of synthetic hydroxyapatite implants for human periodontal osseous defects. 6 cases studied more than 3 years after the surgery]

We applied of granular hydroxyapatite HAP to periodontal bone defects, for the purpose of restoring the periodontal tissue destroyed by periodontal disease, the subjects were 6 patients (6 regions) with chronic marginal periodontitis who had passed more than 3 years since HAP implantation. After routine periodontal initial treatment, a flap operation was performed, and granular HAP, or a combination of granular and block-like HAP, was implanted into the periodontal bone defect. Clinical parameters were probing depth, clinical attachment level, clinical gingival margin, residual HAP volume and X-ray before operation, at 3, 6, 12 months, and 2, 3, and 4, 6 years after the operation. The results revealed that all measured values showed good results for both granular HAP and the combination of granular and block-like HAP after implantation, and that all cases showed stable results from 12 months on. No remarkable difference was noted between the implanted regions.