Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Cogenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a family of genetic disorders from a deleterious mutation in a gene encoding adrenal steroidogenic enzyme essential for cortisol biosynthesis. Recent molecular advances have provided the genetic basis for the phenotypic variability in CAH, a means for accurately genotyping family members of CAH patients including prenatal prediction of the genotype in fetuses at risk of the disorder, and have helped to better define the hormonal criteria for the varying spectrum of CAH disorders. Biochemical advances have simultaneously aided the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of CAH patients. Prenatal maternal dexamethasone therapy for fetal CAH prevents or minimizes virilizing sequelae in the majority of prenatally treated affected females, but was associated with significant maternal side effects. Newborn screening for CAH has contributed to the prevention of morbidity of delayed diagnosis of CAH in more than two third of affected neonates. Current treatment methods, however, may not be optimal for achieving normal genetic height and appropriate weight in CAH patients, and more effective approaches to CAH therapy remain to be explored.

Genetic Transformation of Wheat Mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

A rapid Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system for wheat was developed using freshly isolated immature embryos, precultured immature embryos, and embryogenic calli as explants. The explants were inoculated with a disarmed A. tumefaciens strain C58 (ABI) harboring the binary vector pMON18365 containing the [beta]-glucuronidase gene with an intron, and a selectable marker, the neomycin phosphotransferase II gene. Various factors were found to influence the transfer-DNA delivery efficiency, such as explant tissue and surfactants present in the inoculation medium. The inoculated immature embryos or embryogenic calli were selected on G418-containing media. Transgenic plants were regenerated from all three types of explants. The total time required from inoculation to the establishment of plants in soil was 2.5 to 3 months. So far, more than 100 transgenic events have been produced. Almost all transformants were morphologically normal. Stable integration, expression, and inheritance of the transgenes were confirmed by molecular and genetic analysis. One to five copies of the transgene were integrated into the wheat genome without rearrangement. Approximately 35% of the transgenic plants received a single copy of the transgenes based on Southern analysis of 26 events. Transgenes in T1 progeny segregated in a Mendelian fashion in most of the transgenic plants.

Changes of intracellular Na(+) concentration in erythrocytes caused by pulsed electrical field

Changes of sodium ionic concentration of human erythrocytes applied to pulsed electrical field (PEF) were studied by using shift reagent and NMR spectroscopy. The results show that the concentration of intraceUular Na(+) increases with the increasing intensity of PEF when the erythrocytes are applied to PEF with higher intensities. The relationship between intracellular Na(+) concentrations and the intensities of PEF does not follow linear or exponential behavior. As the intensities increase, the intracellular Na(+) concentrations increase even faster by an exponential curve. However under effects of PEF at lower intensities, intracellular Na(+) concentration decreases. Ouabain can inhibit the decrease of intracellular Na(+) concentration, and the inhibition increases with the increasing concentration of ouabain, suggesting that Na(+), K(+)-ATPase on cell membrane can be activated by PEF at lower intensities. Direct measurement of activities of the enzyme by using Malachite green method has confirmed this observation. Cell permeabilities to ions, activation of enzymes by electrical fields and transmission of physical signals like PEF across cell membranes are discussed.

Current status of neonatal screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Greater than 7.5 million newborns have been screened for 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) worldwide. As a result of such screening efforts, neonatal screening for CAH has proven to be highly reliable and has benefited countless numbers of affected newborns with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency by contributing to the early diagnosis of the disorder. The screening process, however, is less reliable among low-birth-weight or preterm infants, and recent studies show that newly established normative reference levels based on birth weight or gestational age may minimize false-positive rates and improve the efficacy of newborn screening for CAH, particularly in low-birth-weight newborns.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

A clinical spectrum, varying from prenatal onset to postnatal onset of symptoms, exists in all hyperandrogenic forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Postnatal onset hyperandrogenic symptoms such as premature pubarche, clitoromegaly, hirsutism, menstrual disorders and infertility are well known manifestations of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency or 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency. These hyperandrogenic symptoms of CAH are clinically indistinguishable from other causes of hyperandrogenism. The molecular data has proven the genetic basis for the phenotypic variability of CAH disorders. Specific hormonal criterion(a) defined by the molecular proof of the disorder should aid in discriminating between symptomatic patients due to CAH and other causes, and between those with mild and severe CAH disorders. Prevalence of the hyperandrogenic forms of CAH, as well as pubertal maturation and reproductive function in women with hyperandrogenic forms of CAH, are discussed.

Identification of a positive regulatory element responsible for tissue-specific expression of prostate-specific antigen

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter (PSA-P) has been identified, characterized, and determined to be tissue specific. Compared with high expression of the genomic PSA gene in prostate cells, expression of the transgene driven by the putative PSA promoter is low. This suggests that the identified promoter may be incomplete or may function optimally with additional regulatory elements. To identify the presence of additional regulatory elements, we screened sequences upstream of the PSA promoter and identified a DNA fragment of 822 bp, which enhances PSA gene expression. Combining the newly identified PSA gene regulatory sequence (PSAR) with our previously identified PSA promoter (PCPSA-P) exhibited enhanced expressional activity in the PSA-producing LNCaP cell line. With the addition of 10 to 100 nM dihydrotestosterone, a more than 1000-fold increase in expression was observed as compared to androgen-negative controls. Furthermore, although the combined regulatory element (PSAR)-PSA promoter (PCPSA-P) sequence resulted in high transgene expression in LNCaP cell lines, the combined regulatory element-promoter sequence resulted in minimal expression in the non-PSA-producing prostate cell line PC-3, renal tumor cell line R11, and cervical adenocarcinoma cell line HeLa. The newly identified 822 bp alone could also function as a promoter. Compared with the combined promoter, however, the 822-bp fragment alone demonstrated lower activity and lower responsiveness to androgen stimulation. Our results suggest that coupling the PSA promoter with an upstream regulatory element results in a marked increase in PSA expression, suggesting that the complete PSA promoter contains two functional domains: a proximal promoter and a distal promoter, which can also function as an enhancer. The enhanced gene expression of the new construct, combined with its tissue specificity and androgen responsiveness, in turn provides a foundation for the development of tissue-specific vectors for prostate cancer gene therapy.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function following cranial irradiation

We assessed the effect of cranial irradiation on hypothalamic-pituitary (HP)-adrenal function in 17 patients (12 females, 5 males) treated with cranial/ craniospinal irradiation for acute leukemia (2 patients) or tumors distant from the hypothalamus and pituitary (8 medulloblastoma, 3 astrocytoma, 3 rhabdomyosarcoma, 1 ependymoma). Estimated doses of radiation (RT) to the HP region ranged from 18 to 72 Gy. Thirteen of seventeen patients were also treated with chemotherapy. Patients were a median of 3.75 years of age (1.5-19 years) at diagnosis and were studied at a median of 5 years (0.1-20 years) after RT. Patients received corticotropin-releasing factor (oCRF, 1 microgram/kg i.v.), and sampling for cortisol and ACTH levels was performed at -15, 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. The-5- and 0-min levels were combined for a standardized baseline value (Base). Cortisol levels at 0, Base, 30 and 120 min, as well as the peak cortisol response, were significantly lower in the patients. Twelve of seventeen patients' peak cortisol levels fell below the normal range. The patients' mean integrated values for cortisol (area under the curve) were not, however, different from controls. The ACTH responses to oCRF did not differ between patients and controls. No relationship was observed between ACTH or cortisol responses and the time elapsed from treatment or dose of HP RT. Further, in 10 of 12 patients, 0-min dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were lower than the expected normal mean levels for age, sex and pubertal status, and in 4 of these 10 patients the values were below the normal range. These data suggest that some patients treated with HP RT may be at risk for adrenal insufficiency.

Studies of 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase genes in infants and children manifesting premature pubarche and increased adrenocorticotropin-stimulated delta 5-steroid levels

Classic 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) results from a mutation in the type II 3 beta HSD gene encoding adrenal and gonadal 3 beta HSD. We investigated the type II and type I 3 beta HSD gene sequences in 15 infants and children with premature pubarche (PP; mean/range of age at PP, 4/0.08-9 yr) and elevated ACTH-stimulated delta 5 precursor steroid levels. Compared to Tanner I control subjects of similar age, ACTH-stimulated hormonal levels were at 2.3-10.7 SD for 17-hydroxypregnenolone (delta 5-17P) in all PP subjects, at 2.2-17 SD for dehydroepi-androsterone (DHEA) and 2.4-5.6 SD for the delta 5-17P/cortisol (F) ratio in all PP subjects except 1 infant, and at 2.3-10 SD for the DHEA/ androstenedione (delta 5-A) ratio in 8 PP subjects. Compared to Tanner II normal children, the hormonal levels were at 3-8 SD for delta 5-17P in all 13 PP children, at 2.3-4.7 SD for the delta 5-17P/F ratio in 6 PP children, and at 2.3-6.5 SD for DHEA and 3.5-9 SD for the DHEA/delta 4-A ratio in 7 PP children. Type II 3 beta HSD gene sequences, including regions of a putative promoter, all exons (I, II, III, and IV), and exon-intron boundaries, were normal in all subjects. Sequences of the type I 3 beta HSD gene encoding extraadrenal and extragonadal 3 beta HSD were normal in the 6 patients tested. The ACTH-stimulated delta 5-17P levels and delta 5-17P/F ratios in the PP children without type II 3 beta HSD gene mutation were exceedingly lower than the respective reported hormonal data for children with 3 beta HSD deficiency CAH with proven type II 3 beta HSD gene mutation. The ACTH-stimulated DHEA levels and DHEA/delta 4-A ratios were not exceedingly different between the children with and without type II 3 beta HSD gene mutation. These findings suggest that the degree of ACTH-stimulated delta 5 precursor steroid abnormality, such as delta 5-17P levels up to 10 SD above the normal mean level found in our PP patients, is not caused by a mild variant of 3 beta HSD deficiency CAH resulting from type II or type I 3 beta HSD gene mutation. The hormonal criterion for ACTH-stimulated delta 5-17P levels in patients with mild variant 3 beta HSD deficiency, therefore, is predicted to be higher than 10 SD above the normal mean value.

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction does not improve preoperative prostate cancer staging: a clinicopathological molecular analysis of 121 patients

PURPOSE

To improve on current staging and monitoring methods for prostate cancer, we applied the technique of quantitative polymerase chain reaction to measure the degree of tumor burden in the circulation and correlate this with pathological tumor stage. A reproducible, highly sensitive and specific, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction amplification technique to quantify prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostate specific membrane antigen gene expression in the peripheral circulation was developed. Using a 32phosphorus-gamma-adenosine triphosphate-5'PSA and prostate specific membrane antigen primer incorporation assay, the ribonucleic acid signal extracted from a single neoplastic cell (LNCaP) premixed in 10 cc normal whole blood could be amplified. PSA and prostate specific membrane antigen polymerase chain reaction indexes have been created for clinical application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From September 1994 through July 1995 specimens from 121 patients were prospectively analyzed for PSA and prostate specific membrane antigen signals.

RESULTS

Circulating PSA producing cells were present in 29 of 33 patients (88%) with metastatic prostate cancer. Two of 19 patients (11%) with no known prostate cancer exhibited positive signals (1 later had prostate cancer), establishing a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 94% for our assay. Positive PSA polymerase chain reaction signals were detected in 30 of 51 patients (59%) with stages pT1 and pT2 disease and in 13 of 18 (72%) with stage pT3 cancer. No statistically significant relationship of a positive PSA polymerase chain reaction signal to pathological stage, tumor grade, apical involvement or positive surgical margins was found, and no benefit was derived by measuring the quantity of circulating PSA polymerase chain reaction signals. Circulating prostate specific membrane antigen polymerase chain reaction signals were identified mostly in patients with advanced prostate cancer and offered no benefit to preoperative staging.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high incidence of false positive signals in patients with pathologically determined localized disease, in our experience polymerase chain reaction based assays offer no immediate benefit for preoperative prostate cancer staging. The prognostic significance of detecting circulating prostate specific signals awaits longer followup in this cohort of patients, which is currently under study.

[Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and tumor suppressor gene P53 in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of salivary glands]

To explore the expression of proliferating cellnuclear antigen (PCNA) and tumor suppressor gene P53 product in mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary glands, we studied 41 cases by immunohistochemical method. All of the cases were PCNA positive. The positive index, distribution pattern and cellular staining intensity for PCNA expression were correlated with carcinoma grade. P53 protein expression was found in 17 (41.5%) of the 41 cases; among them the expressions were weak in 9 cases. These results indicate that positive index, distribution pattern and cellular staining intensity of PCNA expression may be served as an indicator for evaluating the differentiating degree of the tumor.

In vitro modulation of tumor progression-associated properties of hormone refractory prostate carcinoma cell lines by cytokines

BACKGROUND

Cytokines exert cytostatic and immunomodulatory effects on carcinoma cells. Growth inhibition of human prostate carcinoma by cytokines has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, whereas the cellular and molecular changes in prostate carcinoma properties after cytokine treatment have never been characterized. We have thus investigated whether the intrinsic properties of prostate carcinoma cells that are associated with tumor development and progression can be altered by direct cytokine treatment.

METHODS

LNCaP, DU-145, and PC-3 cell lines were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (200 U/mL), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) (500 U/mL), human leukocyte interferon (IFN-alpha) (500 U/mL), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) (400 U/mL). The expression of (prostate-specific antigen [PSA] and prostate-specific membrane [PSM]), androgen receptor (AR), growth factors, oncogenes, collagenase, cell adhesion molecules, HLA antigens, cell adhesion to human bone marrow stroma, and cell growth were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, and cell attachment and proliferation assays, and were compared with non-treated cells.

RESULTS

PCR analysis indicated that only LNCaP cells expressed PSA, PSM, and AR mRNA. Cytokine treatment did not alter PSM mRNA expression, whereas a 15-fold decrease in PSA and a 5-fold reduction in AR mRNA expression was detected in TNF-alpha-treated cells. The down regulation of PSA production was also demonstrated at the protein level in a dose-dependent fashion. A fivefold decrease in PSA mRNA was also detected in IL-2-treated LNCaP cells but without a reduction in AR. Down regulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) mRNA expressions were detected in TNF-alpha- and IFN-alpha-treated DU-145 and PC-3 cells, whereas, only reduced EGF-R expression was observed in LNCaP cells. IFN-gamma and IL-2 treatment down regulated the expression of collagenase Type IV mRNA in DU-145 and PC-3 cells, whereas tumor transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and IL-6 mRNA expressions did not exhibit any essential changes after cytokine treatment. A reduction in c-myc mRNA expression was observed in TNF-alpha- and IFN-alpha-treated cells, whereas no change in HER-2 expression was noted in any cytokine treated cells. Up regulated P-cadherin, but not E-cadherin, mRNA expression was detected in TNF-alpha- and IFN-gamma-treated PC-3 cells. FACS analysis revealed that all but IL-2-treated cells had enhanced HLA Class I expression, with the maximum effect seen in TNF-alpha-treated LNCaP cells (threefold increase). Up regulated HLA Class II expression was seen only in IFN-gamma-treated cells. All cytokine-treated DU-145 and PC-3 cells expressed reduced levels of alpha3, but not beta1, integrin. Up regulated of ICAM-1 expression was seen in all cytokine treated DU-145 and PC-3 cells, whereas no change in CD44 occurred. Cytokine treatment reduced the binding affinity of LNCaP and DU-145, but not of PC-3 cells, to human bone marrow stromal cells, and all cytokines but IL-2 showed a mild to moderate growth inhibition to prostate cancer cells, with a marked inhibition only observed in TNF-alpha-treated LNCaP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytokine treatment can effectively alter several prostate carcinoma properties that are closely associated with tumor invasion and a metastatic phenotype, suggesting that immunotherapy via the local delivery of cytokines may have a potentially therapeutic role in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer through both direct and indirect antitumor mechanisms.

Natural immune reactivity-associated therapeutic response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and interleukin-2-based therapy

Combination therapy with systemically administered interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) demonstrates significant clinical activity in some patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The objective of this study was to identify predictors of therapeutic response in patients with IL-2- and TIL-based immunotherapy. We characterized and compared immunologic properties of tumors, TILs, peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and sera of responding (R, n = 8) with nonresponding patients (NR, n = 9). Before undergoing nephrectomy, responding patients exhibited a higher percentage of circulating natural killer (NK) cells (CD56+ CD3-) (43 +/- 20%) as compared with nonresponders (18 +/- 16%) (p < 0.01). After nephrectomy, the CD56+ CD3-/CD56- CD3+ ratio in responding patients (pre: 2.60 +/- 2.24; post: 0.28 +/- 0.19; p < 0.05) significantly decreased and was similar to that of patients not responding to therapy (0.42 +/- 0.36). Sera from patients responding to immunotherapy, obtained before and after completion of therapy, contained natural killer (NK)-enhancing factor(s) that significantly enhanced the proliferation (3.2 x 10(3) +/- 25%/ 3.6 x 10(3) +/- 13% counts/min) and cytotoxicity [17.6 +/- 4.0/18.0 +/- 1.9 lytic units (LU)] of fresh PBLs as compared with normal serum (1.8 x 10(3) +/- 8% counts/min; 13.4 +/- 2.5 LU) or sera from nonresponders (1.6 x 10(3) +/- 25%/1.5 x 10(3) +/- 20% counts/min; 8.3 +/- 5.9/6.8 +/- 4.8 LU). In contrast to noncultured tumor suspension, IL-2 cultivation induced TIL growth, cytotoxicity, and multicytokine synthesis, and a complete clearance of tumor cells. No significant differences were observed between responders and nonresponders in the in vitro characteristics of tumor/TIL, which include the degree of intratumoral lymphocytic infiltrate, TIL expansion, specific lysis of autologous tumor, phenotype, expansion time, quantity of TIL infused, cytokine release, and degree of tumor aggressiveness. We conclude that clinical response to TIL and IL-2-based immunotherapy is associated with patients' baseline natural immune status. The percentage of circulating NK cells and the presence of serum NK-cell-enhancing factors may serve as potential predictors of response in patients with advanced RCC. The in vitro study of RCC-TIL suggests that activated TIL may provide a synergistic effect to that of administered IL-2 on activation of cellular immune response in situ, rendering a tumor eradication, while the clinical outcome is largely dependent on the pretreatment immune status of patient.

A new compound heterozygous frameshift mutation in the type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) gene causes salt-wasting 3 beta-HSD deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia

We report a new compound heterozygous frameshift mutation in the type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) gene in a Pakistanian female child with the salt-wasting form of 3 beta-HSD deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The child, born with clitoral enlargement, manifesting salt-wasting adrenal crisis, and public hair growth during infancy, was treated with hormonal replacement therapy. The etiology of her congenital adrenal hyperplasia, however, was not defined. Two of her siblings, as well as one paternal cousin with ambiguous genitalia and palpable gonads and another paternal cousin with normal female genitalia, had symptoms of adrenal crisis and died during early infancy. Thus, although the family history suggested possible 3 beta-HSD deficiency disorder, suppressed adrenal function caused by excess glucocorticoid therapy in this child at 7 yr of age did not allow hormonal diagnosis. To confirm 3 beta-HSD deficiency, we sequenced the type II 3 beta-HSD gene in the patient, her family, and the parents of her decreased paternal cousins. The type II 3 beta-HSD gene region of a putative promoter, exons I, II, III, and IV, and exon-intron boundaries were amplified by PCR and sequenced in all subjects. The DNA sequence of the child revealed a single nucleotide deletion at codon 318 [ACA (Thr)-->AA] in exon IV in one allele, and two nucleotide deletions at codon 273 [AAA(Lys)-->A] in exon IV in the other allele. The remaining gene sequences were normal. The codon 318 mutation was found in one allele from the father, brother, and parents of the deceased paternal cousins. The codon 273 mutation was found in one allele of the mother and a sister. These findings confirmed inherited 3 beta-HSD deficiency in the child caused by the compound heterozygous type II 3 beta-HSD gene mutation. Both codon 273 and 318 mutations yielding frameshift and premature stop codons at codons 279 and 367, respectively, are predicted to result in an altered and truncated type II 3 beta-HSD protein, thereby causing salt-wasting 3 beta-HSD deficiency in the patient. The type II 3 beta-HSD gene findings and clinical history of her family members suggest that the patient's deceased siblings were likely affected males with the same compound heterozygous mutations of the gene as in the proband, whereas the deceased cousins were likely affected with the homozygous codon 318 mutation in the gene.

Efficacy of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using intentionally cryopreserved epididymal spermatozoa

Microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration was a great advance in the therapy of patients with non-reconstructable, obstructive azoospermia, most notably congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. Using conventional in-vitro fertilization, pregnancies were rarely achieved because the rate of oocyte fertilization was extremely poor. However, the use of retrieved spermatozoa in conjunction with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has dramatically increased the likelihood of embryo formation. Typically, sperm and oocyte harvesting are performed simultaneously. We have investigated whether frozen-thawed spermatozoa work as well as fresh spermatozoa. When we had concluded from our own population of patients (groups I and II) that they did, we adopted a policy of aspirating spermatozoa, primarily cryopreserving them and using them for ICSI at a later date. We found the fertilization rates of this latter cohort of patients (group III) to be excellent (37% per oocyte), and the ongoing pregnancy rate is quite satisfactory (40% per couple, 29% per cycle). We offer this approach as an alternative to the traditional scheme because it markedly eases the burden of partner scheduling on both the couple and the clinicians involved. In addition, assurance of the availability of male partner spermatozoa can be attained prior to beginning ovulation induction.

In vivo cancer gene therapy with a recombinant interleukin-2 adenovirus vector

Recombinant adenovirus (AdV) vectors are highly efficient at in vitro and in vivo gene delivery. In vivo therapy of established murine fibrosarcoma and mammary carcinomas was attempted with intratumoral injections of a recombinant AdV vector in which the human interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene was driven by the cytomegalovirus enhancer/promoter. Delayed growth and rejection of some tumors could be achieved with a cumulative virus dose of 2 to 6 x 10(9) plaque-forming units in two or three divided doses. Lower viral doses were ineffective, and higher doses resulted in animal death due to IL-2 toxicity. Using AdV vectors with the marker genes beta-galactosidase and luciferase, it is clear that even small volume (10 to 20 microL) intratumoral injections result in substantial systemic delivery of a portion of the virus dose. These findings define the potential and limitations of in vivo AdV-based cancer gene therapy and provide support for strategies to develop tumor-specific vectors.

Prostate tissue specificity of the prostate-specific antigen promoter isolated from a patient with prostate cancer

We have cloned and characterized a 620-bp fragment of DNA that flanks 5' of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene from a prostate cancer patient. Using DNA transfection, the efficacy of this putative promoter in regulating gene expression was quantitated in several prostate and nonprostate tissue cell lines. Our results demonstrated that the 620-dp DNA fragment actively drives gene expression in LNCaP, a PSA-producing prostate tumor cell line. No promoter activity was detected in the non-PSA-producing prostate tumor lines, DU145 and PC-3, nor in a renal (R11) or breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line. Furthermore, the promoter activity could be regulated in vitro by androgen stimulation. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) concentrations between 3 and 30 nM induced the highest promoter activity in the transfected LNCaP cells, which parallels the expression profile of the androgen receptor in LNCaP cells. In addition, our PSA promoter exhibited competitive inhibition of the endogenous genomic PSA promoter in transfected LNCaP cells, suggesting that prostate cell-specific DNA-binding proteins are required to activate the PSA promoter. increased its potency four- to five-fold while retaining tissue specificity. Our data suggest that a strong tissue-specific negative regulatory element capable of overriding the nonspecific CMV promoter is present in the PSA promoter and confers its tissue specificity. The use of a highly specific promoter-driven gene vector will allow selective expression of therapeutic genes within PSA-producing prostate cancer cells, providing a unique strategy for prostate cancer gene therapy.

In vivo pathogenic properties of two clonal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates

We have investigated the in vivo pathogenic properties of two molecularly cloned strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-1NL4-3 and HIV-1JR-CSF, in human fetal thymus/liver implants in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Studies comparing their in vivo replication kinetics and abilities to induce CD4+ thymocyte depletion were performed. HIV-1NL4-3 replicated in vivo with faster kinetics and induced greater levels of CD4+ thymocyte depletion than did HIV-1JR-CSF. These results demonstrate that different viral isolates have different pathogenic properties in this system. In the SCID-hu model, this pathogenesis most likely occurs in the absence of an immune response. Therefore, we investigated whether the absence of immune selection resulted in extensive genetic variation and the generation of viral quasispecies. To this end, DNA corresponding to the fourth variable domain region of the viral envelope gp120 protein recovered from biopsy samples at 6 weeks postinfection was sequenced. Little genetic variation was noted in either HIV-1JR-CSF- or HIV-1NL4-3-infected implants. The mutation levels demonstrated in both viral strains were more reflective of the acute rather than the chronic phase of HIV-1 infection in humans. These results suggest that the SCID-hu mouse model can be used to study the in vivo pathogenicity of different HIV-1 isolates in the absence of host immune selective pressures.

Clearance of HIV infection in a perinatally infected infant

BACKGROUND

We describe a child who was identified shortly after birth as infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), but whose infection appears to have completely cleared. Asymptomatic HIV-1 infection was diagnosed in the mother during the fourth month of pregnancy. The infant was delivered vaginally at 36 weeks, received no blood products, and was not breast-fed.

METHODS AND RESULTS

HIV-1 was detected by culture of the infant's peripheral-blood mononuclear cells at 19 and 51 days of age. Plasma from the infant was also culture-positive for HIV-1 at 51 days of age by DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nucleotide-sequence analysis of HIV-1 DNA showed extremely close homology of the cultures obtained 32 days apart, and forensic markers of genetic identity for the two cultures were identical. Hence, inadvertent viral contamination or error in the collection of specimens was highly unlikely. At 12 months of age the infant was seronegative for HIV-1, and numerous subsequent cultures and tests by PCR have also been negative for HIV-1. The child is five years of age at this writing, is HIV-seronegative, and remains well, with normal growth and development and no laboratory or clinical evidence of HIV-1 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The infant we describe was infected perinatally with HIV-1, but the infection subsequently cleared and the infant remained without detectable HIV-1 infection five years later.

[Investigation on an ancient edition of On Five Viscera unearthed in Dunhuang-Turfan]

Careful investigation on three different ancient editions of On Five Viscera reveals that all the following editions, viz. the latter parts of A and C edition of Zhang Zhongjing's On Five Viscera, Treating humankind of classified collectics of recipes, are ancient editions of Zhang Zhongjing's On Five Viscera which are derived from a common source edition. Since the contents of Zhang Zhongjing's and Jiva's On Five Viscera are basically the same; they are all apocryphal books. This paper also summarizes the achievements of these three books, including macrocosm-microcosm unison, anatomy, three-segment theory of human body, acupoints, and herbology.

Evidence of a steroidogenic enzyme gene dose effect on adrenal gene expression in hereditary rabbit congenital adrenal hyperplasia

We previously reported the gene deletion encoding cytochrome P-450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P-450SCC, resulting in complete elimination of the adrenal gene expression and causing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the rabbit. Using the rabbit congenital adrenal hyperplasia model, we investigated the wild type (wt) P-450SCC gene dose effect on gene expression in three P-450SCC genotype animals [wt/wt, wt/mutant (mt), mt/mt] identified by Southern blot analysis. Northern blots using a rabbit P-450SCC cDNA probe revealed no detectable P-450SCC mRNA in individual adrenals of animals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (mt/mt) and approximately half or slightly less than half the levels of the mRNA in the pooled adrenals of five heterozygous (wt/mt) newborn animals compared with the mRNA levels in the pooled adrenals of five homozygous normal (wt/wt) newborn animals. Identical P-450SCC mRNA levels were found individual adrenals of adult animals with regard to the P-450SCC genotype, although at a higher expression level than in the newborn animals of the same genotype. Control Northern blots using human CPY21-B cDNA and cytoplasmic actin cDNA probes confirmed the accuracy and integrity of RNA. Western immunoblotting using anti-ovine P-450SCC antibody revealed decreased P-450SCC protein in the adrenals of wt/mt animals at approximately half the level of the P-450SCC protein in the adrenals of the wt/wt animals. Baseline and ACTH-stimulated serum corticosterone (B) levels in vivo were similar between the age-matched wt/mt and wt/wt animals, whereas ACTH-stimulated B levels in adult animals were higher than those in the newborn animals irrespective of P-450SCC genotype.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Molecular basis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia in two siblings with classical nonsalt-losing 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency

We report mutations of the type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) gene in two siblings, male and female, with congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by classical nonsalt-losing 3 beta HSD deficiency. During childhood, the male sibling, born with ambiguous genitalia, and the female sibling, born with normal genitalia, both manifested symptoms of mild androgen excess; both apparently had normal zona glomerulosa function. Gonadal dynamic study at puberty showed the presence of partial gonadal 3 beta HSD deficiency in both siblings despite their spontaneous pubertal maturation. The 5'-region as well as exons I-II, III, and IV and portions of the adjacent introns of the type II 3 beta HSD gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced. In both siblings and their mother, an identical single nucleotide substitution mutation in intron III, six bases up-stream from exon IV, was identified in one allele. This mutation, G to A at nucleotide 6651, may create a new splicing junction and affect the normal splicing of the messenger ribonucleic acid. In the other allele of both siblings, a missense mutation from GGG (Gly) to AGG (Arg) at codon 129 (G129R) in exon IV was found. We assessed the effect of the G129R missense mutation on enzymatic activity by in vitro analysis of the mutant recombinant enzyme generated by site-directed mutagenesis after its transient expression in COS-1 cells. Using homogenates from transfected cells, the G129R 3 beta HSD enzyme showed a Km value for pregnenolone of 10 +/- 2 mumol/L compared with 1.00 +/- 0.03 mumol/L for the wild-type type II 3 beta HSD enzyme. When dehydroepiandrosterone was used as substrate, the Km value for G129R3 beta HSD was 14 +/- 2 mumol/L compared with 2.1 +/- 0.2 mumol/L for the wild-type II 3 beta HSD enzyme. In addition to an apparent decrease in affinity, the G129R mutation caused a marked decrease in the apparent relative specific activity, thus leading to apparent relative specific efficiencies (relative specific activity/Km) of 2.0% and 4.7% that of the normal type II 3 beta HSD using pregnenolone or dehydroepiandrosterone as substrate, respectively. It appears likely that this low level of activity is sufficient to prevent salt loss, but it is also possible that part of the enzymatic activity comes from the putative remaining percentage of correctly spliced n6651 allele in these patients.

In vitro modulation of the invasive and metastatic potentials of human renal cell carcinoma by interleukin-2 and/or interferon-alpha gene transfer

BACKGROUND

Continuous local delivery of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) via gene transfer appears to be more effective than systemic therapy in preventing the growth of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in vitro and in vivo. To understand further if cytokine-gene transfection of RCC could alter certain cellular properties that are associated with the invasive and metastatic potentials of tumor, the authors characterized six cell lines that produce IL-2 and/or IFN-alpha in their expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and CD44; binding affinity to extracellular matrix (ECM) components (fibronectin, laminin, type IV collagen, and vitronectin); and preference in forming homotypic aggregation and mRNA levels of c-myc, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), tumor transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and type IV collagenase. These six lines were compared with control vector transfected parental R11 line.

METHODS

The expression of ICAM-1 and CD44 was determined by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis, the tumor cell binding affinity to ECM components was measured by cell attachment assay, the degree of homotypic aggregation was quantified by cell aggregation assay, and the mRNA levels of c-myc, EGF-R, TGF-beta, and collagenase were analyzed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

RESULTS

Both IL-2-gene- and IFN-alpha-gene-modified R11 exhibited enhanced expression of ICAM-1, suppression of CD44, and decreased binding affinity to ECM components, when compared with the R11-control vector. All cytokine-producing tumor lines showed a decreased preference to form homotypic aggregation. Interferon-alpha gene transfer downregulated c-myc, EGF-R, and type IV collagenase mRNA expression, whereas only the higher producers of IL-2 downregulated TGF-beta mRNA expression. Exogenous IL-2 and/or IFN-alpha treatment of a IFN-alpha-resistant RCC enhanced both HLA class I antigen and ICAM-1 expression and suppressed CD44 expression, but had no effect on tumor growth rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The local production of high concentrations of IL-2 and IFN-a at the tumor site may directly alter tumor properties associated with invasive and metastatic phenotypes of RCC. Interleukin-2 and/or IFN-alpha gene therapy may be an effective strategy for treatment of patients with advanced renal cancer.

Comparison of adrenocorticotropin and adrenal steroid responses to corticotropin-releasing hormone versus metyrapone testing in patients with hypopituitarism

We compared the responses of ACTH and cortisol (F) to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) administration (ovine 1 microgram/kg i.v. bolus) with the responses of urinary 17-OH corticosteroids (17-OHCS) and serum deoxycorticosterone (DOC) to metyrapone administration (450 mg/m2/dose every 4 h x seven doses) in 16 hypopituitary patients. Glucocorticoid therapy for these patients was withheld for a minimum of 3 wk before testing. The CRH test was performed 3 d before or 3 wk after the metyrapone test was used to diagnose the ACTH reserve status. In nine ACTH-intact hypopituitary patients (post-metyrapone 17-OHCS > 12.2 mumol/m2/d; DOC > or = 11.5 nmol/L), the peak F (497-773 nmol/L) and ACTH (5.2-22 pmol/L) responses to CRH stimulation were similar to those of normal subjects (F peak = 554-993 nmol/L and ACTH peak = 6-25 pmol/L at 15-60 min). In one patient with partial ACTH deficiency (postmetyrapone 17-OHCS = 10.5 mumol/m2/d; DOC = 6 nmol/L), the peak F response was low and delayed (246 nmol/L at 180 min) and the peak ACTH response was normal (7 pmol/L). Six severely ACTH-deficient patients (postmetyrapone 17-OHCS < 5.4 mumol/m2/d; DOC < or = 3.4 nmol/L) had a low F response at 15-90 min in all, with a delayed rise in three at 120-180 min in response to CRH administration, whereas ACTH responses were variable: absent or low, normal, delayed, or persistently exaggerated. In conclusion, the CRH-stimulated F response pattern in hypopituitary patients was comparable to the urinary 17-OHCS and serum DOC response to metyrapone administration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Prenatal diagnosis and treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Advances in technology have made possible the prenatal diagnosis and treatment of female fetuses with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Hormonal measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, testosterone and 21-deoxycortisol and HLA typing and DNA analysis for 21-OH/C4/HLA class I and II genes in chorionic villus cells and amniocytes are utilized for prenatal diagnosis. Maternal dexamethasone administration begun in the first trimester has prevented or ameliorated virilization in approximately three-fourths of infants. Maternal estriol levels appear to be the most accurate measure of fetal adrenal suppression. Maternal side effects are not infrequent and include excess weight gain, edema, glucose intolerance, hypertension and gastrointestinal problems. Severe permanent striae have been reported. Although no complications of prenatal treatment in the treated fetus or child have been reported long-term follow-up with careful neuropsychologic evaluation is not yet available and is necessary to fully evaluate possible long-term side-effects of prenatal dexamethasone treatment.

Molecular cloning and tissue distribution of PHAS-I, an intracellular target for insulin and growth factors

Although the actions of insulin and a number of growth factors that signal via protein-tyrosine kinase receptors are believed to involve increased phosphorylation of key intracellular proteins, relatively few of the downstream phosphoproteins have been identified. In this report we describe a cDNA encoding one of the most prominent insulin-stimulated phosphoproteins in rat adipocytes. The cDNA encodes a protein, designated PHAS-I, which has 117 amino acids and a M(r) of 12,400. When translated in vitro and subjected to SDS/PAGE, PHAS-I migrates anomalously, having an apparent M(r) of 21,000. The predicted amino acid composition is interesting in that approximately 45% of the PHAS-I protein is accounted for by only four amino acids--serine, threonine, proline, and glycine. The PHAS-I gene is expressed in a variety of tissues, although the highest levels of mRNA are present in fat and skeletal muscle, two of the most insulin-responsive tissues. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of PHAS-I differ from any that have been reported, and homology screening provided no clues concerning the function of the protein. However, in view of its tissue distribution and the fact that the protein is phosphorylated in response to insulin, we speculate that PHAS-I is important in insulin action.

Mutations in the type II 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene in a patient with classic salt-wasting 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Inherited adrenal and gonadal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) deficiency is most likely caused by a mutation of the type II 3 beta-HSD gene. Cloning and sequencing of exons I-II, III, and IV and portions of the adjacent introns, amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers specific for the type II gene, in one male pseudohermaphrodite with salt-wasting classic 3 beta-HSD deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia revealed the same mutation in all nine clones of exon IV consisting of a missense mutation at codon 248 [GTC(Val)-->AAC(Asn)] followed by a frameshift mutation at codon 249 [CGA (Arg)-->TA], resulting in a stop codon TAG, and normal sequences of exon I-II and III and the adjacent portions of introns. The same codon 248 and 249 mutations were found on one clone of his mother's DNA, but two other clones revealed normal sequences. These data indicate a homozygous combined missense/frameshift mutation in exon IV of the type II 3 beta-HSD gene resulting in severe salt-wasting adrenal and gonadal 3 beta-HSD deficiency in the patient.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function in pubertal male and female siblings with glucocorticoid-treated nonsalt-wasting 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia

We report pubertal maturation and dynamic studies of gonadotropin and gonadal hormone secretion in long term glucocorticoid-treated siblings with nonsalt-wasting classic adrenal and gonadal 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) deficiency. The 18-yr-old female siblings spontaneously developed thelarche and menarche at 10 and 12 yr, respectively, and manifested irregular menses, hirsutism, and polycystic ovaries at 17 yr. The 16-yr-old male sibling spontaneously developed secondary sex characteristics at age 11 yr and exhibited Tanner IV-V pubic hair, a 6.5 x 3.0-cm surgically repaired penis, and enlarged nonnodular testes. Overnight (2200-0700 h) plasma gonadotropin (every 20 min) and gonadal steroid levels (every 2 h) under ACTH adrenal suppression revealed the following. In the male sibling, there were overall normal Tanner V male LH (3-21 mIU/mL) and FSH (1.2-13 mIU/mL) levels, normal peak frequency and amplitude of LH (70 +/- 62 min and 15 +/- 3 mIU/mL, respectively) and FSH (65 +/- 28 min and 13 +/- 3 mIU/mL), and low normal Tanner V testosterone (T) levels (11.4-17.9 nmol/L). In the female sibling, there were normal follicular phase range LH (10-28 mIU/mL) and FSH (5.1-17.2 mIU/mL) levels, normal peak frequency and amplitude of LH (96 +/- 17 min and 22 +/- 4.5 mIU/mL, respectively) and FSH (62 +/- 27 min, 13 +/- 4 mIU/mL), and early follicular phase estradiol (E2) levels (100-170 pmol/L). The LH-releasing hormone-stimulated LH response was in the normal adult range in the male and normal for the early follicular phase in the female. In contrast, ACTH and adrenal delta 5-steroid responses to CRH administration were elevated in each sibling. Gonadal suppression via Norlutin administration (30 mg/day for 3 days) after prolonged adrenal suppression by dexamethasone resulted in suppression of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and E2 in the female and DHEA and T in the male. Gonadal stimulation via hCG administration (5000 IU/day for 3 days, im) during continuous adrenal suppression resulted in a low E2 response in the female (200 pmol/L; control, 295-660 pmol/L) and a low T response in the male (15.3 nmol/L; control, 17-39 nmol/L), whereas delta 5-17-hydroxypregnenolone and DHEA levels rose 2- to 4.7-fold in each sibling. In conclusion, despite partial gonadal 3 beta HSD deficiency, the dynamics of gonadotropin and gonadal hormone secretion in these siblings indicate the absence of increased LH secretion, in contrast to the markedly increased ACTH secretion resulting from adrenal 3 beta HSD deficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

GLUT-4 NH2 terminus contains a phenylalanine-based targeting motif that regulates intracellular sequestration

Expression of chimeras, composed of portions of two different glucose transporter isoforms (GLUT-1 and GLUT-4), in CHO cells had indicated that the cytoplasmic NH2 terminus of GLUT-4 contains important targeting information that mediates intracellular sequestration of this isoform (Piper, R. C., C. Tai, J. W. Slot, C. S. Hahn, C. M. Rice, H. Huang, D. E. James. 1992. J. Cell Biol. 117:729-743). In the present studies, the amino acid constituents of the GLUT-4 NH2-terminal targeting domain have been identified. GLUT-4 constructs containing NH2-terminal deletions or alanine substitutions within the NH2 terminus were expressed in CHO cells using a Sindbis virus expression system. Deletion of eight amino acids from the GLUT-4 NH2 terminus or substituting alanine for phenylalanine at position 5 in GLUT-4 resulted in a marked accumulation of the transporter at the plasma membrane. Mutations at other amino acids surrounding Phe5 also caused increased cell surface expression of GLUT-4 but not to the same extent as the Phe5 mutation. GLUT-4 was also localized to clathrin lattices and this colocalization was abolished when either the first 13 amino acids were deleted or when Phe5 was changed to alanine. To ascertain whether the targeting information within the GLUT-4 NH2-terminal targeting domain could function independently of the glucose transporter structure this domain was inserted into the cytoplasmic tail of the H1 subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor. H1 with the GLUT-4 NH2 terminus was predominantly localized to an intracellular compartment similar to GLUT-4 and was sequestered more from the cell surface than was the wild-type H1 protein. It is concluded that the NH2 terminus of GLUT-4 contains a phenylalanine-based targeting motif that mediates intracellular sequestration at least in part by facilitating interaction of the transporter with endocytic machinery located at the cell surface.

Inherited congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the rabbit is caused by a deletion in the gene encoding cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) comprises a family of inherited human disorders caused by a defect in cortisol biosynthesis. We previously reported absent cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme cytochrome P450 (P450scc) expression in rabbits affected with CAH. Further molecular studies via Southern blotting analyses, using a full-length human P450scc cDNA probe and a cloned rabbit P450scc cDNA probe, demonstrated the absence of P450scc DNA fragments in CAH animals. Reverse transcriptase-based polymerase chain reactions revealed that P450scc mRNA was not detectable in the adrenals of CAH rabbits, confirming the previous findings of absent P450scc gene expression by Northern and Western blotting. Cloning and sequencing of a 1336-basepair fragment of rabbit P450scc cDNA (85% of the coding sequence) revealed an approximately 80% identical nucleotide sequence and a 76% identical amino acid sequence compared to the human P450scc cDNA. We conclude that a large deletion mutation in the P450scc gene is most likely responsible for the absent P450scc gene expression resulting in the lethal and feminizing form of CAH in the rabbit. Further investigation of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenic enzyme gene expression in this CAH animal model will provide a greater understanding of the molecular genetics of CAH, while wild-type P450scc gene transfer experiments using CAH adrenals in vitro or in vivo will ultimately characterize the molecular basis of CAH and provide a foundation for CAH gene therapy modality.

The relationship between luteinizing hormone and estradiol secretion in female precocious puberty: evaluation by sensitive gonadotropin assays and the leuprolide stimulation test

We used the GnRH agonist (GnRHa) stimulation test (20 micrograms/kg leuprolide sc, followed by 24-h serial sampling) to investigate the relationship between gonadotropin and estradiol (E2) secretion in the early phase of female central precocious puberty (CPP). Girls with CPP and moderately increased (early pubertal) peak E2 concentrations after GnRHa stimulation (136 +/- 11 pmol/L; range, 92-176; group B; n = 7) were compared to girls with CPP and higher (midpubertal) peak E2 responses to GnRHa (mean +/- SE, 590 +/- 63 pmol/L; range, 235-1189; group C; n = 19) and to a group of subjects with no breast development and a prepubertal hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (peak E2 response to GnRHa, 39 +/- 7 pM/L; range, 18-62; group A; n = 6). Compared to group A subjects, patients in group B had similar (P > 0.2) peak GnRHa-stimulated LH concentrations (B, 4.8 +/- 1 IU/L; A, 2.3 +/- 0.5 IU/L) and peak nocturnal LH (B, 0.81 +/- 0.2; A, 0.25 +/- 0 IU/L), but higher peak GnRHa-stimulated FSH concentrations (B, 26 +/- 7; A, 11 +/- 2 IU/L; P < 0.05) and mean nocturnal FSH (B, 4.2 +/- 1; A, 1.1 +/- 0.3 IU/L; P < 0.05) concentrations. Compared to group B, group C patients had higher (P < 0.001) GnRHa-stimulated peak LH (67 +/- 19 IU/L) and higher (P < 0.05) peak nocturnal LH (9.7 +/- 2.9 IU/L) concentrations, but similar GnRHa-stimulated peak FSH (27 +/- 3 IU/L) and mean nocturnal FSH (3.8 +/- 0.5 IU/L) levels. Group C patients with a ratio of peak GnRHa-stimulated LH to FSH concentrations below or above 1, respectively, had similar peak E2 responses to GnRHa (516 +/- 80 vs. 644 +/- 92 pM/L; P > 0.1). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that the peak LH response to GnRHa (r = 0.76; P < 0.001), but none of the FSH secretory parameters (P > 0.10), affected the E2 response to GnRHa. These data suggest that girls with CPP in the early phase of activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are capable of clinically relevant E2 production, which may occur in the face of low LH secretion and low LH/FSH ratios and cannot be explained solely on the basis of increased FSH secretion. Thus, endocrine or paracrine factors other than gonadotropins may be important in amplifying E2 secretion in the early phase of CPP.

Normal and elevated 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide concentrations in women with various causes of hirsutism and its correlation with degree of hirsutism and androgen levels

We investigated peripheral androgen metabolic activity in 54 hirsute females (HF) by evaluating the serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3AG) concentration, hirsutism score (HS), and etiology of hirsutism. Based on basal and ACTH-stimulated steroid profiles (1 h post-Cortrosyn, 0.25 mg, i.v. bolus), the causes of hirsutism were determined to be increased adrenal androgen production (greater than 2 SD above normal mean), increased ovarian testosterone (T) production (greater than 2 SD above normal mean basal T of ovarian source only), or idiopathic cause (normal steroid profile). Serum 3AG levels in each group of HF were significantly higher (P less than 0.01-0.001) than those in normal females [normal: 2.9 +/- 0.94 nmol/L (n = 28); HF: increased adrenal androgen production of undefined cause, 7.7 +/- 7.5 nmol/L (n = 14); 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 7.6 +/- 7.4 nmol/L (n = 5); increased ovarian T production 5.5 +/- 3.5 nmol/L (n = 18); idiopathic cause, 5.8 +/- 4.8 nmol/L (n = 17)]. However, normal 3AG levels (less than 5.2 nmol/L) were present in 50-67% of HF in each group. Collectively, 3AG levels in HF correlated significantly (P less than 0.01) with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA; r = 0.41) and DHEA sulfate (DS; r = 0.44), while the correlation with androstenedione (r = 0.15) or T (r = 0.19) was not significant. Serum 3AG and adrenal androgen levels decreased in all subjects after dexamethasone treatment (0.5-1 mg at hour of sleep; 2 mg/day for 3-5 days). The correlation between 3AG and HS was significant (r = 0.6-0.74; P less than 0.01-0.001) only in HF with increased adrenal androgen secretion and idiopathic cause, and was not significant (r = 0.42) in HF with increased ovarian T secretion. There was no significant correlation between androgen levels and HS. We conclude that the serum 3AG level was not consistently elevated in HF and did not differ significantly between the various causes. Significant correlations between 3AG and DHEA/DS levels, and the simultaneous decrease in 3AG and adrenal androgens after dexamethasone administration in HF suggest that adrenal androgens contribute significantly to 3AG production. The significant correlation between 3AG and HS in HF with increased adrenal androgen secretion and idiopathic cause indirectly suggests an adrenal androgen contribution to both 3AG production and hirsutism in these HF. The insignificant correlation between 3AG and HS in HF with increased ovarian T secretion may result from a confounding effect of ovarian T on hirsutism.

Developmental expression of insulin-regulatable glucose transporter GLUT-4

The insulin-regulatable glucose transporter (GLUT-4) is expressed in adipose tissue and in cardiac and skeletal muscle (D. E. James, R. Brown, J. Navarro, and P. F. Pilch. Nature Lond. 333: 183-185, 1988). We examined GLUT-4 development between postnatal days 1 and 41 (P1-P41) in male and female rats in these tissues by quantitative immunoblotting. GLUT-4 was detectable in each tissue at comparable levels at P1. However, the subsequent patterns of GLUT-4 development were distinctive. GLUT-4 increased in the diaphragm after P7, peaked at P20, and then declined. GLUT-4 expression in the heart increased rapidly after P7 to plateau on P41 at levels four times greater than the diaphragm. In sharp contrast, adipose tissue expression was highest between P3 and P5 but declined to a nadir at P20 before rebounding at P34. These patterns were observed for both sexes within each tissue, but female GLUT-4 expression was higher in diaphragm and heart and lower in adipose tissue. The expression of GLUT-4 appears to be regulated in a tissue-specific manner by a developmental program that may coordinate the expression of other proteins of metabolic importance.

Combined bromocriptine and growth hormone (GH) treatment in GH-deficient children with macroprolactinoma in situ

Experience with PRL-secreting macroadenomas in the pediatric and adolescent population is limited. Although use of synthetic GH after treatment of central nervous system tumors in children without active disease is accepted practice, reports of GH use in patients with central nervous system tumors in situ are rare. Furthermore, the effect of GH on tumor growth is not known. We report GH treatment (10 and 11.5 months), concomitant with bromocriptine (BC; dopamine agonist) therapy in two children, a 15.5-yr-old male and a 15.5-yr-old female, with PRL-secreting macroadenomas in situ. Surgical resection was deemed undesirable because of the risk of major morbidity due to the large size of the tumors and the close proximity to major vessels. Both patients were GH deficient and had heights below the fifth percentile coupled with arrested pubertal progress. During BC therapy, a decrease in tumor size and a reduction in serum PRL levels occurred in both patients, which continued after the addition of GH treatment. Neither patient experienced changes in visual acuity during combined treatment, and both experienced marked improvement in growth velocity. We conclude that in children with PRL-secreting tumors and GH deficiency in whom surgery is not advised, combined treatment with BC and GH appears to be safe and efficacious. To our knowledge, these patients represent the first report of the combined therapeutic use of BC and GH as the primary mode of treatment in children with prolactinoma in situ with documented GH deficiency.

Inherited congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the rabbit: absent cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 gene expression

We investigated adrenal steroidogenic enzymes, their activity and mRNA expression, and in vitro biosynthesis of an enzyme in rabbits with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH; weight: CAH, 19 +/- 5 mg/adrenal; normal, 2.7 +/- 1.0 mg/adrenal). Serum pregnenolone (delta 5-P) levels in CAH newborn rabbits (12-36 h) were normal (mean/range, 438/51-2191 ng/dl), but corticosterone levels were low [0.05 +/- 0.05 microgram/dl; P less than 0.001 vs. normal (0.66 +/- 0.57)]. Serum Na+ levels in CAH newborn rabbits were in the normal range (143 +/- 30 meq/liter), but K+ levels were elevated [7 +/- 1.1 meq/liter; P less than 0.05 vs. normal (5.9 +/- 0.6 meq/liter)]. Minced normal adrenal tissue incubated with [3H] cholesterol (30-100 pmol/flask) and ACTH (100 mU/flask) produced [3H]delta 5-P (newborn, 21 and 45 fmol/100 mg; adult, 3 and 5 fmol/100 mg) and [3H]corticosterone (newborn, 23 fmol/100 mg; adult, 11.3 fmol/100 mg), but CAH adrenals produced no product (less than 1.3 fmol/100 mg). Adrenal mitochondria from normal newborn rabbits produced delta 5-P (4.4-7 nmol/mg protein), but CAH adrenals did not, while CAH adrenal mitochondria demonstrated over 4 times greater 11 beta-hydroxylase activity. A Western blot of adrenal homogenate from normal newborn rabbits revealed a cholesterol side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P450scc)-immunoreactive species (mol wt, 53 x 10(3), but this species was absent in CAH adrenals; CAH adrenals had a normal adrenodoxin and intensified 17 alpha-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (P450(17)alpha) band compared to normal adrenals. In vitro translation of RNA in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte lysate system containing [35S] methionine yielded a precursor P450scc protein (mol wt, 58.5 x 10(3)) with normal adrenal RNA, but not with CAH adrenal RNA. P450scc mRNA was detected in all normal adrenals, but was not detected in all CAH adrenals. 21-Hydroxylase cytochrome P450 mRNA expression was detected at a similar level in both normal and CAH adrenals. We conclude that CAH in the rabbit is caused by inherited absent P450scc gene expression. The clinical, pathological, and biochemical manifestations of P450scc deficiency in the rabbit are nearly identical to the human disorder. Increased 11 beta-hydroxylase activity and increased P450(17)alpha on Western blot of CAH adrenals indicate altered gene expression of other steroidogenic enzymes due to CAH. Further molecular analysis of the P450scc gene in this animal CAH model will facilitate understanding of P450scc deficiency CAH.

Maternal side effects of prenatal dexamethasone therapy for fetal congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Prenatal treatment of virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia in female fetuses via maternal dexamethasone (Dex) therapy (1-1.5 mg/day) from first trimester to birth was associated with excessive weight gain (47-56 pounds at 35-37 weeks gestation), Cushingoid facial features, severe striae resulting in permanent scarring, and hyperglycemic response (8-11.7 nmol/L) to oral glucose administration in all our experience (three cases). Other symptoms included hypertension, gastrointestinal intolerance, or extreme irritability. Previous pregnancies were uncomplicated by these problems. In each case, first or second trimester amniotic fluid 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP, 17-41 nmol/L; normal less than 0.4 nmol/L), androstenedione (22-31 nmol/L, normal less than 5 nmol/L), and testosterone levels (0.54-0.7 nmol/L, normal less than 0.4 nmol/L) during Dex treatment were elevated regardless of the newborn genital outcome. Maternal serum estriol (E3) levels in one mother (normal newborn genitalia) were consistently low (less than 0.2 nmol/L) during the second and third trimester. In two mothers (partially virilized newborn genitalia) initial second trimester E3 levels were unsuppressed (11, 17.4 nmol/L) and suppressed (less than 1.4 nmol/L) following short-term increased dose.

CONCLUSION

prenatal Dex treatment of virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia at a dose of 1-1.5 mg daily throughout gestation is associated with significant maternal side effects. Parents should be informed of these side effects before initiation of treatment. Careful monitoring for signs of side effects, medical intervention when necessary, and lowering of Dex dose during the second half of gestation would minimize the side effects. Maternal serum E3 levels appear useful for prediction of fetal outcome while amniotic fluid steroid levels may not.

Translocation of the glucose transporter (GLUT4) to the cell surface in permeabilized 3T3-L1 adipocytes: effects of ATP insulin, and GTP gamma S and localization of GLUT4 to clathrin lattices

Insulin stimulates the movement of two glucose transporter isoforms (GLUT1 and GLUT4) to the plasma membrane (PM) in adipocytes. To study this process we have prepared highly purified PM fragments by gently sonicating 3T3-L1 adipocytes grown on glass coverslips. Using confocal laser immunofluorescence microscopy we observed increased PM labeling for GLUT1 (2.3-fold) and GLUT4 (eightfold) after insulin treatment in intact cells. EM immunolabeling of PM fragments indicated that in the nonstimulated state GLUT4 was mainly localized to flat clathrin lattices. Whereas GLUT4 labeling of clathrin lattices was only slightly increased after insulin treatment, labeling of uncoated PM regions was markedly increased with insulin. These data suggest that GLUT4 recycles from the cell surface both in the presence and absence of insulin. In streptolysin-O permeabilized adipocytes, insulin, and GTP gamma S increased PM levels of GLUT4 to a similar extent as observed with insulin in intact cells. In the absence of an exogenous ATP source the magnitude of these effects was considerably reduced. Removal of ATP per se caused a significant increase in cell surface levels of GLUT4 suggesting that ATP may be required for intracellular sequestration of these transporters. When insulin and GTP gamma S were added together, in the presence of ATP, PM GLUT4 levels were similar to levels observed when either insulin or GTP gamma S was added individually. Addition of GTP gamma S was able to overcome this ATP dependence of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 movement. GTP gamma S had no effect on constitutive secretion of adipsin in permeabilized cells. In addition, there was no effect of insulin or GTP gamma S on GLUT4 movement to the PM in noninsulin sensitive streptolysin-O-permeabilized 3T3-L1 fibroblasts overexpressing GLUT4. We conclude that the insulin-stimulated movement of GLUT4 to the cell surface in adipocytes may require ATP early in the insulin signaling pathway and a GTP-binding protein(s) at a later step(s). We propose that the association of GLUT4 with clathrin lattices may be important in maintaining the exclusive intracellular location of this transporter in the absence of insulin.

Rapid generation of sequence variation during primary HIV-1 infection

OBJECTIVE

HIV-1 undergoes extensive genetic variation in infected individuals. The extent of genetic variation has been examined in patients with AIDS, but little is known regarding the appearance of HIV-1 genetic variation immediately following infection during the primary phase of HIV-1 infection prior to seroconversion.

DESIGN

We examined HIV-1 genetic variation during this early phase of HIV-1 infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleotide sequence analysis of the V4 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nucleotide sequence analysis of the V4 variable region and the CD4-binding domain.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that extensive sequence variation is seen early after infection, although a predominant HIV-1 species is maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of variants that occur are dynamic, changing over time, and the mutations seen are consistent with those expected from random occurrence, unlike the pattern of variation previously reported during later stages of disease.

Scatter factor and hepatocyte growth factor: activities, properties, and mechanism

Scatter factor (SF) was first identified as a fibroblast-derived protein which disperses (i.e., "scatters") cohesive colonies of epithelium. SF-like proteins were found in human smooth muscle cell conditioned medium, amniotic fluid, and placental tissue. SFs markedly stimulate migration of epithelial, carcinoma, and vascular endothelial cell types at picomolar concentrations. Hepatocyte growth factors (HGFs) were originally described as platelet- and serum-derived proteins which stimulate hepatocyte DNA synthesis. Partial amino acid sequence data for mouse and human SFs indicate significant homology with HGFs. We used biological, biochemical, and immunological assays to evaluate and compare the activities, properties, and mechanisms of action of mouse SF, human SF (fibroblast or placenta derived), and recombinant human HGF (hrHGF). We report the following findings: (a) mouse SF exhibits species-related differences in biological activities relative to the human factors; (b) human SF and hrHGF show significant overlap in biological activities (i.e., hrHGF stimulates motility of multiple normal and carcinoma cell types, whereas human SF stimulates DNA synthesis in several normal cell types); (c) the three factors contain common antigenic determinants; and (d) all three proteins stimulate rapid phosphorylation of tyrosine residues on the c-met protooncogene protein product (the putative receptor for HGF) and on another protein with Mr 110,000. A few biological and immunological differences between human SFs and hrHGF were observed. These may reflect minor variations in amino acid sequence or posttranslational modification related to the sources of the factors. Taken as a whole, our findings suggest that by structural, functional, immunological, and mechanistic criteria, human SF and human HGF are essentially identical.

3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide in virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a useful serum metabolic marker of integrated adrenal androgen secretion

To determine whether serum 3 alpha-androstanediol glucuronide (3AG) reflects the overall effect of integrated adrenal androgen secretion in the virilizing form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CVAH), circadian levels (0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h) of serum 3AG and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) or 11-deoxycortisol (S), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), and 24-h urinary 17-ketosteroids (17KS) were examined in seven patients (pts) with classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) and one pt with classical 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11 beta OHD). Hormonal studies were conducted during the second day of dexamethasone (Dex) administration (2 mg/day). In five poorly controlled CVAH pts, including the 11 beta OHD pt, highly elevated baseline morning (AM) serum 17OHP or S as well as A levels, and elevated AM T levels in three pts decreased markedly in the evening (PM), while elevated serum 3AG showed no significant circadian changes; 17KS levels were markedly elevated for age. During Dex, moderately or slightly elevated AM 17OHP, A, or T in two to four pts with 21OHD decreased to the normal range in the PM. In the pt with 11 beta OHD, S, A, and T levels were suppressed. 3AG levels were modestly elevated or normal, without circadian changes, in these pts; 17KS levels were elevated or normal. In two other 21OHD pts, modestly elevated AM baseline 17OHP and A levels decreased in the PM; elevated AM T decreased in one pt in the PM; modestly elevated 3AG levels showed no circadian changes; 17KS levels were modestly elevated. During Dex, normal or slightly elevated serum steroids and 17KS levels were associated with normal or high normal 3AG levels without circadian changes. In one postpubertal female with 21OHD, modestly elevated AM baseline 17OHP levels decreased at 2000 h; normal A and T levels throughout the day and low normal 17KS were associated with slightly low 3AG levels, without circadian variation. During Dex treatment, normal 17OHP, A, T, and low 17KS levels were associated with low 3AG levels without circadian variation. In all pts as a group, an excellent correlation (r = 0.9) was found between either 0800 h or mean, or 2000 h serum 3AG levels and 17KS. In addition, AM and PM serum 3AG levels in five normal women were similar. We conclude that the high correlation between serum 3AG and urinary 17KS and the absence of a significant circadian variation in 3AG indicate that serum 3AG, regardless of sample time, is a useful metabolic index of integrated adrenal androgen secretion in CVAH.

The auditory P 300 correlates with specific cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease

An abnormally prolonged latency of the P 300 event-related potential has been reported in several types of dementing illnesses, including Parkinson's disease (PD). While some PD patients have dementia, a significant number of PD patients have less severe cognitive impairments. We examined the relationship between the auditory P 300 and a neuropsychological battery of 11 tasks in 43 PD patients. The quantitative relationship between the individual neuropsychological measures and the P 300 was examined using partial correlation and analysis of covariance techniques which controlled for age, education, and illness duration. The strongest correlations were between P 300 and both short-term memory and visual perception. Global cognitive deficits do not appear to relate to the abnormal P 300 responses in PD: instead, specific aspects of cognitive decline accounted for the electrophysiological abnormalities. An abnormally long or absent P 300 correlated with deficits on select cognitive tasks: those involving memory, visual perception, and abstract reasoning. The interactions between anatomical and neurochemical abnormalities in PD are discussed in light of the pattern of deficits seen in this study.

Newborn screening, prenatal diagnosis, and prenatal treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency can be detected by newborn screening. Benefits of screening for affected newborns include the prevention of severe adrenal crisis, its sequelae, and progressive signs of androgen excess. First-trimester prenatal diagnosis is possible by HLA typing and/or DNA analysis of genes within the HLA complex of chorionic villus cells; for second-trimester diagnosis, hormonal measurement o f amniotic fluid and HLA typing or DNA analysis of amniotic cells are used. Results of prenatal treatment of CAH have varied, and the efficacy of prenatal treatment by maternal glucocorticoid therapy requires further investigation.

Swelling-induced release of glutamate, aspartate, and taurine from astrocyte cultures

Swelling of primary astrocyte cultures by exposing them to hypotonic media caused release of label after the cells had been allowed to accumulate 3H-L-glutamate, 3H-D-aspartate, or 3H-taurine. Comparable release of endogenous L-glutamate or taurine, as measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), was also found. Release of label was not affected by treating the cells with cytochalasin B, indicating that microfilament polymerization was not significantly involved. Hypotonic-induced release did not appear to principally involve reversal of the Na(+)-dependent uptake system since increasing external K+ to depolarize the cells by replacement of external Na+, thus maintaining isotonic conditions, increased release to a lesser extent. Threo beta-hydroxyaspartate, a potent 3H-L-glutamate uptake blocker, added externally stimulated efflux of 3H-L-glutamate independently of the swelling-induced efflux. Upon restoration of swollen cells to isotonic medium they showed an unimpaired ability to take up 3H-L-glutamate. The swelling-induced release of label was inhibited by a number of anion transport inhibitors, one of which has been shown to significantly improve outcome in an experimental brain trauma/hypoxia model in which astrocyte swelling is an early event.

[Research on the critical dose for antithrombotic effectiveness of aspirin in the Chinese]

We studied 345 cases taking aspirin due to increased platelet aggregation. 220 were male and 125 were female. They were divided into five groups (0, 30 mg, 50 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg, daily) with double-blind method. Platelet aggregation tests were performed before and after medication. The result shows that the response in male is good. For female, the benefit in menopausal women and contraceptive taker is more prominent than that in adolescent and middle aged women. From our clinical trial we suggest 50 mg of aspirin daily as the optimal dosage.

High levels of unintegrated HIV-1 DNA in brain tissue of AIDS dementia patients

In the host cell, retroviral DNAs exist in three main forms: unintegrated linear, unintegrated circular, and integrated (the provirus). High levels of unintegrated forms of retroviral DNA often correlate with superinfection and accompanying cytopathic effects, as, for example, in the case of feline acquired immunodeficiency. In culture, HIV-1 infection also results in high levels of unintegrated viral DNA although direct correlations with cytopathicity have not been made. The low frequency of HIV-1-infected cells in patients has made it difficult to determine the structure of the viral DNA in fresh tissue samples from AIDS patients by standard methods such as Southern hybridization. The PCR technique however, which allows the detection of viral DNA at levels far below that possible by other hybridization methods is, in its conventional form, of limited use for quantitative analysis. To study the amount and form of HIV-1 DNA in primary tissue of AIDS patients we have therefore modified the PCR method. Our results indicate that each of the three species of viral DNA are detectable in blood and brain of AIDS patients, and that in autopsy samples from patients with HIV encephalitis there is a considerably higher proportion of unintegrated viral DNA.