Familial subepithelial corneal amyloidosis (gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy): exclusion of linkage to lactoferrin gene

PURPOSE

Because corneal tissue with familial subepithelial corneal amyloidosis (FSCA; gelatinous drop-like dystrophy of the cornea) contains lactoferrin the possibility that the FSCA gene was the human lactoferrin (hLF) gene was investigated. Due to contradictory published information we also mapped the hLF gene.

METHODS

We mapped the hLF gene using a genomic clone of the entire hLF gene as a probe by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Utilizing PCR primers that are specific to the hLF gene, we also mapped the hLF via radiation somatic cell hybrid analysis. Linkage of the FSCA gene to the hLF gene was evaluated by genetic linkage analysis using polymorphic markers within and in the vicinity of the hLF gene.

RESULTS

The hLF gene mapped to the short arm of chromosome 3 at 3p21. Linkage analysis using polymorphic markers for hLF and haplotype analysis of the 3p21 loci indicates that the FSCA gene is not linked to the 3p21 locus.

CONCLUSIONS

The gene for FSCA is not the hLF gene in these families.

Free transverse colon transplantation for functional reconstruction of intra-oral lining: a clinical and histologic study

A variety of free-tissue transplantations are available for oropharyngeal (lining) reconstruction. The most commonly used flap, the radial forearm flap, is relatively thin, adaptable, and reliable but does not provide lubrication. In this study, the potential of the transverse colon to provide a lubricating tissue for replacement of oral lining was investigated. Eleven patients requiring replacement of oral lining received transverse colon flap transplantation between November of 1993 and December of 1995. There was one complete flap loss and one partial loss. Flap size used for reconstruction averaged 40.4 cm2, and average vessel length and diameter were 7 cm and 2.0 mm, respectively. In a follow-up period from 15 to 48 months, all colon flaps proved to be durable with continuous lubrication function. Histologic assessment of the transplanted colon flaps at various postoperative times showed an adequate amount of mucus-secreting goblet cells even after irradiation. There was no donor-site morbidity. The main disadvantage seemed a tendency to transplant too much tissue, which resulted in formation of redundant pockets affecting food handling. Thus, 8 out of 10 patients with flap survival required one to three debulking procedures. Given an accurate estimation of the area of mucosa defect and adequate trimming of the colon flaps, the transverse colon flap offers a good alternative for reconstruction of the oral lining, especially when lubrication is desirable in cases with large defects and preoperative or postoperative irradiation, or in case a radial forearm flap is not available.

Gouty os trigonum tarsi: case report

Os trigonum tarsi is found in 7% of the world adult population. However, it rarely causes symptoms. The majority of patients with os trigonum tarsi are found incidentally. This condition is often found in ballet dancers, javelin throwers and soccer players. It rarely produces symptoms in normally active adults. The etiology of os trigonum syndrome is impingement of an unfused ossicle or a fractured posterior lateral tubercle of talus over the posterior rim of tibial plafond. We present a case of os trigonum syndrome in a young man. His posterior heel pain was due to tophaceous gout around the os trigonum tarsi, instead of the common pathogenesis of repeated hyperflexion of the ankle joint. Pictures of the specimen showed marked giant cell reaction which resulted in pseudotumor formation. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of os trigonum tarsi and gout and present the treatment of our patient.

Effects of zinc supplementation on the plasma glucose level and insulin activity in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice

The effects of zinc supplementation (20 mM ZnCl2 from the drinking water for eight weeks) on plasma glucose and insulin levels, as well as its in vitro effect on lipogenesis and lipolysis in adipocytes were studied in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice and their lean controls (+/?). Zinc supplementation reduced the fasting plasma glucose levels in both obese and lean mice by 21 and 25%, respectively (p < 0.05). Fasting plasma insulin levels were significantly decreased by 42% in obese mice after zinc treatment. In obese mice, zinc supplementation also attenuated the glycemic response by 34% after the glucose load. The insulin-like effect of zinc on lipogenesis in adipocytes was significantly increased by 80% in lean mice. However, the increment of 74% on lipogenesis in obese mice was observed only when the zinc plus insulin treatment was given. This study reveals that zinc supplementation alleviated the hyperglycemia of ob/ob mice, which may be related to its effect on the enhancement of insulin activity.

Zinc supplementation on serum levels and hepatic conversion of thyroid hormones in obese (ob/ob) mice

The supplemental effects of zinc on thyroid status in obese (ob/ob) mice were studied. Four-week-old obese mice and their lean controls were fed either a basal diet or a zinc-supplemented diet (200 mg/kg diet) for 8 wk. Following the 8-wk basal diet, obese mice had lower serum T4 values, as well as hepatic T4 and T3 values, than lean mice (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in hepatic 5'-deiodinase activity was also observed in obese mice. Dietary zinc supplementation significantly reduced serum T4 levels in both the obese and lean mice. However, the zinc-supplemented effects on diminishing hepatic T4 and T3 values, as well as on 5'-deiodinase activities, were found only in obese mice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the 5'-deiodinase activities in hepatic microsomal pellets after incubation with various zinc concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mM) were also examined. The 5'-deiodinase activities, in hepatic samples from all mice, were significantly attenuated by zinc treatments. However, this effect was more predominant in obese mice following the addition of 0.5 mM zinc. This study suggests that a lower hepatic 5'-deiodinase activity, resulting from a higher zinc level, might be related to abnormal energy metabolism in the ob/ob mice.

Congenital absence of bilateral inferior rectus muscles: a case report

A case has been presented in this article of congenital absence of bilateral inferior rectus muscles combined with restriction of the lateral rectus muscle and malinsertion of the inferior oblique muscle to the lateral rectus muscle. The surgical procedures for correction of the absence of the inferior rectus muscle and embryogenesis of extraocular muscles were also reviewed.

Zinc status in plasma of obese individuals during glucose administration

To know whether plasma zinc status is altered under acute hyperglycemic state, the interrelationships among plasma glucose, insulin, and zinc concentrations during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in obese individuals and their lean controls were studied. Plasma glucose and insulin concentrations under fasting as well as those values in response to OGTT were significantly higher in obese individuals than those in lean controls. On the other hand, the obese had lower fasting plasma zinc concentrations compared to lean controls (13.5 vs 18.1 mumol/L, p < 0.005). Under fasting, plasma zinc concentrations in overall individuals inversely correlated to their body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.516), plasma glucose (r = -0.620), and plasma insulin (r = -0.510). However, there were no significant changes in plasma zinc and copper values during OGTT in both obese individuals and lean controls. This study showed that plasma zinc values had no changes during OGTT in obese individuals. The results also indicated that lower fasting plasma zinc concentrations in obese individuals were not the short-term metabolic result.

Olestra affects serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids but not vitamin D or vitamin K status in free-living subjects

Normal, healthy, free-living adults ingested either 18 g/d olestra, with or without 1.1 mg tocopheryl acetate/g olestra, or 18 g/d triglyceride placebo, for 16 wk in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Serum concentrations of alpha-tocopherol, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein/zeaxanthin, retinol and cholesterol were measured biweekly. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and plasma concentration of functional prothrombin (Simplastin-Ecarin assay) were measured at wk 0, 8 and 16. Relative to the placebo group, serum alpha-tocopherol concentration was reduced 6% for the group given 18 g/d olestra. Addition of tocopheryl acetate to olestra partially offset the effect of olestra. For the group given 18 g/d olestra plus 1.1 mg tocopheryl acetate/g olestra, serum alpha-tocopherol concentration was 4% less than the placebo value. Olestra reduced serum concentration of beta-carotene by 27%; the other carotenoids were similarly affected. Serum cholesterol concentration was reduced approximately 4.5% in the olestra groups, relative to placebo, but the differences were not significant. Serum triglycerides, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time or the plasma concentration of under-gamma-carboxylated prothrombin were unaffected by olestra. Clinical observations and laboratory measures indicated no health-related effects of olestra; mild-to-moderate transient gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, cramping, loose stools and diarrhea were reported by all groups.

Zinc attenuation of GDP binding to brown adipocytes mitochondria in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice

In this study, we investigate the in vitro effect of zinc addition on guanosine diphosphate (GDP) binding to mitochondria in brown adipocytes of genetically obese (ob/ob) mice. Interscapular brown adipocytes of male mice (obese; lean) at 4 and 12 wk of age were incubated with 0, 50, 100, or 200 microM zinc sulfate. Mitochondria were then isolated and their GDP binding capacities were measured. The GDP-binding capacities of ob/ob mice were lower than lean mice, with or without zinc addition, in both age groups (p < 0.05). Zinc addition did not have any significant effect on GDP binding in lean mice. GDP binding decreased with increasing zinc addition in ob/ob mice, and this attenuation was more predominant in 12-wk old ob/ob mice. Moreover, we found that high magnesium addition (5 mM) increased GDP binding in lean mice, but this effect was not significant in ob/ob mice. This study reveals that brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in ob/ob mice could be greatly attenuated by zinc addition, suggesting that zinc may play a regulatory role in obesity.

The effects of cantharidin analogues on xanthine oxidase

Norcantharidin[3], the demethylated product of cantharidin[1] has been used for the treatment of hepatoma, carcinomas of esophagus and gastric cardia, leukopenia and hepatitis. Since the enzyme xanthine oxidase is involved in the diseases mentioned above, and the reactive oxygen species produced by the enzyme induces DNA damage and oxidative damage of tissues, fourteen cantharidin analogues and cantharidimide derivatives were tested for their effects on xanthine oxidase. The results showed that these compounds, listed in Figure 1, displayed very weak inhibitory effects on xanthine oxidase. Contrary to expectation, disodium cantharidate [2], Norcantharidin [3], dehydronorcantharidin [4], disodium dehydronorcantharidate [5], N-(2-pyridyl) cantharidimide [12], N-(3pyridyl) cantharidimide [13] and N-(4-pyridyl) cantharidimide [14] showed a slight stimulating effect on xanthine oxidase at several concentrations.

Enteric intussusception due to metastatic intestinal tumors

Enteroenteric intussusception caused by metastatic tumors is a very rare condition. Because of its rarity and rather mild abdominal physical presentation, preoperative diagnosis is not easily made. Two cases of enteric intussusception due to metastatic intestinal tumors, with the main symptom of melena, are reported. Intussusception was caused by metastatic liposarcoma in one patient and metastatic melanoma in the other. Both patients had long histories of malignant disease, for 15 and 8 years, respectively. They had undergone repeated surgical treatment for metastatic lesions. The diagnosis of enteric intussusception was initially made by computed tomographic scans and small bowel series and was confirmed by laparotomy and pathologic findings. We suggest that tumor metastasis to the small intestine with intussusception should be considered in patients with recurrent tumors and tarry stools.

Double mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta

Infection in the vascular tree has been proved to be one of the greatest challenges for cardiovascular surgeons. Of these, mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta were considered to be almost always lethal until recently. A thorough survey of the literature indicates that only 42 cases of mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta have been reported. All the reported cases of mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta were a single lesion in the ascending aorta except a case reported in 1993. This report describes an additional case of double mycotic aneurysms of the ascending aorta caused by Pseudomonas infection.

Hepatic injury during ketoconazole therapy in patients with onychomycosis: a controlled cohort study

To evaluate the incidence, severity, and course of ketoconazole-associated hepatic injury, 211 patients with onychomycosis were randomized by a ratio of 2:1 to receive either ketoconazole (137 patients) or griseofulvin (74 patients). All of them were seronegative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) and had no biochemical abnormality before therapy. The two groups were comparable in age, sex, and pretherapy liver biochemical tests. Liver biochemical tests were followed up biweekly for 3 months, and then at monthly intervals during the remaining course of therapy. No biochemical abnormality or hepatic injury was found in patients during griseofulvin treatment. Of the patients treated with ketoconazole, 24 (17.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 11.1% to 23.9%) showed asymptomatic transaminase elevation. Ketoconazole was discontinued immediately after overt hepatitis developed in another 4 patients (2.9%; 95% CI, 0.1% to 5.7%) who did not succumb to hepatic decompensation. The abnormal biochemical changes in patients with overt hepatitis returned to normal after discontinuing ketoconazole. Elderly patients were more prone to develop overt hepatitis. In patients with asymptomatic liver injury, the abnormal biochemical changes gradually returned to normal despite continuing ketoconazole therapy. The results of this cohort study suggest that ketoconazole-induced overt hepatitis is more common than previously believed and that transient subclinical injury is much more common than overt hepatitis. Therapy with ketoconazole may be continued with caution in the absence of symptoms and/or hyperbilirubinemia, but should be discontinued if overt hepatitis occurs.

Zinc supplementation aggravates body fat accumulation in genetically obese mice and dietary-obese mice

A perturbation of zinc metabolism has been noted in numerous laboratory animals with diabetes and obesity. The effects of zinc supplementation on body fat deposition in two types of experimental obese mice: genetically obese (ob/ob) mice and high-fat diet-induced ICR obese (HF) mice were investigated in this study. Their lean controls were +/? mice, and ICR on basal diet, respectively. The mice in the zinc-supplemented groups were administered 200 mg/kg zinc in their diets for 6 wk. Both the ob/ob mice and the HF mice, that were fed a diet containing a marginal zinc dosage (4-6 mg/kg), had lower zinc levels in their serum and carcass, and higher body fat content than their respective lean controls (p < 0.01). After zinc supplementation, ob/ob mice and the HF mice significantly (p < 0.05) increased their body fat by 49.4% and 18.9%, respectively. This study revealed that body fat deposition can be aggravated by zinc supplementation in both types of obese mice. Zinc may be associated with the energy homeostasis of obesity, via its interaction with dietary fat consumption.

Dietary copper supplementation increases the catecholamine levels in genetically obese (ob/ob) mice

The interactive relationship between Cu deficiency and depressed synthesis of certain neurotransmitters has been recognized. To investigate the effects of dietary Cu supplementation on the catecholamine levels in genetically obese mice, male obese (ob/ob) mice and their lean (+/?) counterparts were administered either a control diet (4.0 mg/kg) or a Cu-supplemented diet (50 mg/kg) for 4 wk. The ob/ob mice that were fed a control diet showed lower liver and higher plasma levels of Cu. Depressed levels of plasma and brain catecholamines were also found in ob/ob mice that were fed the control diet. The ob/ob mice that received a Cu-supplemented diet showed significant increases in the levels of catecholamine in the plasma and brain. This study showed that catecholamine levels in ob/ob mice can be increased by dietary Cu supplementation. However, the interaction between Cu and sympathetic nervous activity in obesity was not elucidated in this study.

Postoperative diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients undergoing open-heart surgery

Diaphragmatic elevation after cardiac surgery may result in compromized post operative respiratory function, prolonged ventilator use, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays, poor quality of life and even mortality. 200 patients receiving open-heart surgery during the two years from October 1990 to October 1992 were studied retrospectively. 26 patients developed postoperative diaphragmatic elevation (Group 2). On the other hand, 174 patients did not (Group 1). The mean age of Group 1 (37.3 +/- 20.0 years) was younger than that of Group 2 (57.4 +/- 9.1 years), P < 0.0001. The mean aortic cross-clamp time was 70.1 +/- 38.1 minutes in Group 1. On the other hand, Group 2 had a longer crossclamp time (84.5 +/- 31.3 Minutes), p < 0.03. Our study revealed that the patients who suffered post operative diaphragmatic dysfunction were older and had a longer aortic crossclamp time than the patients who did not.

Selected metals status in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

In order to investigate the relationships between metals zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], magnesium [Mg], or Calcium [Ca] and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 65 patients of newly diagnosed noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 54 nondiabetic healthy controls were studied. The concentrations of selected metals in fasting blood samples and 24-h urine collections were determined. Hyperzincuria and hypermagnesuria were detected in diabetic patients (p < 0.01). The diabetics also had lower Zn and Mg, and higher Cu, and Ca levels in their plasma than those of the controls, but the statistical differences in Ca and Mg were not significant. Significantly lower Zn and higher Ca levels in erythrocytes were found in diabetic patients (p < 0.01). There is evidence of a significant difference in metals status between diabetic patients with or without the specific complications. This study further indicates that patients with NIDDM on Taiwan also have distinct changes in their metals status, and these perturbations are associated with some diabetic complications.

In vivo and in vitro studies on the neurotoxic potential of 6-hydroxydopamine analogs

In an attempt to determine which physical and biological properties could best be correlated with neurotoxic potential, seven analogs of 1-(2,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl)-2-aminoethane (1), better known as 6-hydroxydopamine, were synthesized and compared to 1 in a variety of ways both in vivo and in vitro. The analogs, in combination with the standard 1, include all eight of the 2,4,5-trisubstituted-phenyl derivatives of phenethylamine and alpha-methylphenethylamine in which the substitution is of the trihydroxy or aminodihydroxy form. Low (60 nmol) and high (300 nmol) intracerebroventricular doses of all analogs produced long-term (7 day) reduction of mouse whole brain norepinephrine (NE) and lesser depletions of dopamine (DA), and effects on serotonin were varied. The analog 1-(5-amino-2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-aminopropane (8) was both more complete and more selective than the standard 1 in depleting NE. Using a histofluorometric glyoxylic acid method and Fink-Heimer silver degeneration stain, it was determined that overt neural degeneration was produced by 8. In vitro, the ease of oxidation of the eight analogs was found to be represented by a formal potential range of -130 to -212 mV vs SCE. However, there was no obvious relationship between ease of oxidation and the extent of monoamine depletion from mouse brain. Using kinetic analysis of synaptosomal accumulation of [3H]NE and [3H]DA, it was found that the standard 1 is more potent in its interaction with the DA uptake site (Ki = 12 +/- 0 microM) than the NE uptake site (Ki = 51 +/- 1 microM). A correlation analysis was used to determine that differences in NE and DA depletion by each analog could not be explained by differences in potency for in vitro uptake blockade. However, there was a correlation between the Ki for [3H]NE uptake blockade and the EC50 for synaptosomal release of preloaded [3H]NE for the eight analogs (R2 = 0.96; for log:log plot, R2 = 0.54), indicating that the results for these two in vitro tests both reflect interaction with the same NE neuronal membrane transport site. A similar correlation between Ki and EC50 was shown for all eight analogs using [3H]DA (R2 = 0.92; for log:log plot, R2 = 0.52), indicating interaction with the same DA neuronal membrane transport site. These findings demonstrate that there is no single property that can account for selectivity of action and/or potency of catecholamine neurotoxins related to 6-hydroxydopamine.

Effects of artesunate on immune function in mice

AIM

To study the effects of artesunate (dihydroartemisinine-12-alpha-succinate, Art) on immune function in mice.

METHODS

Hemolysin concentration was determined by colorimetric method. Serum IgG and C3 contents were measured by single immunodiffusion method. Percentage of lymphocyte transformation, phagocytosis percentage and phagocytic index were counted under microscope.

RESULTS

Art im 75 mg kg-1 bid x 7 d decreased the humolysin-forming capacity and levels of serum IgG of mice sensitized with sheep red blood cell. The serum complement 3 level rose remarkably, when Art was given im to Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Art enhanced the PHA-induced lymphocyte transformation rate (in vivo) in mice and increased the weight of spleen but reduced that of thymus in mice. Art elevated the DNFB-induced delayed-type hypersensitivity. Art im 75 mg kg-1 bid x 5 d reduced the percentage of phagocytosis of peritoneal macrophages and the phagocytic index.

CONCLUSION

Art suppressed the humoral immune responses but enhanced the cell-mediated immunity.

Emphysematous gastritis secondary to acute gastric dilatation

Emphysematous gastritis is a life-threatening disease. Although rare in incidence, it has a fulminating course with a high mortality rate. A case of a 58 year old male with emphysematous gastritis is reported. Initially, he presented with acute gastric dilatation secondary to anorexia/bulimia-like behaviour. Later, emphysematous gastritis developed. The abdominal sonographic findings, which have not been previously described in the literature, showed intramural gas and gastric wall thickening. After receiving a total gastrectomy, he had a satisfactory outcome. The present report discusses the possible aetiologic relationship between acute gastric dilatation and emphysematous gastritis, and suggests abdominal sonography to be the first choice of diagnostic measure for patients and the intramural gas in the gastric wall. This is the first case of emphysematous gastritis diagnosed by abdominal sonography.

Granulomatous hepatitis associated with scrub typhus

A 56 year old patient with scrub typhus infection having unusual presentation of hepatic injury resembling acute hepatitis is described. The clinical features of fever, headache, eschar, lymphadenopathy, lymphocytosis and high Rickettsia tsutsugamushi immunofluorescence titres confirmed the diagnosis of scrub typhus. Acute hepatitis was proven by hepatic biochemical tests and liver biopsy. The patient had a complete recovery soon after antibiotic treatment. The presentation of this case suggests that scrub typhus infection should be included in the list of differential diagnosis of acute hepatitis or granulomatous hepatitis, at least in the Asian Pacific region where scrub typhus still prevails.

Early gastric cancer--a clinicopathological study

From 1983 to 1991. 981 cases with gastric cancer underwent gastric resection in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Ninety-two cases (9.4%) had early gastric cancer with a mean age of 54.5 years. The most commonly present symptoms were epigastralgia and abdominal fullness (79.3%). Most lesions were located in the lower third of stomach (64.0%). Type IIc was the most common macroscopic type (31.5%). The tumor was confined to the mucosa layer in 40 (43.5%) cases; submucosa invasion was noted in the remaining 52 (56.5%) patients. Lymph node involvement was found in 5 (5.4%) cases. No statistical correlation between the depth of tumor invasion and the size of the tumor was noticed. Three patients died of tumor recurrence on the 11th, 13th and 36th months after operation. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for five year survival was 96.4% in these 92 cases. 96.6% in mucosa cancer and 95.6% in submucosa cancer. The risk factor for mortality was lymph node metastasis which had a positive correlation with the depth of tumor invasion. There were four (4.3%) cases of minute early gastric cancer. However, there was neither mortality nor lymph node metastasis in these four cases. Retrospectively, the review of original histological slides in 40 cases, the intestinal type of early gastric cancer had a higher association with intestinal metaplasia, had more frequency of submucosa invasion (70% vs 35%, p = 0.026), and were older in age (61 vs 50.4 years old) than the diffuse type. Although statistically insignificant, the intestinal type had the tendency to involve the lymph node.

Hepatic tuberculosis: comparison of miliary and local form

The clinical and pathological features of 22 patients, 11 males and 11 females 17-70 years of age (48.0 +/- 16.0 years), with hepatic tuberculosis were reviewed. Five patients had no evidence of extrahepatic tuberculosis (local form), and 17 had the miliary form. The clinical features of the miliary and local forms were similar with pyrexia, abdominal pain, hepatomegaly and body weight loss as the main manifestations. The biochemical findings were also quite similar in reversed albumin and globulin (A/G) ratio (2.9/3.5 vs. 3.2/3.4 g/dl) and disproportionate elevation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in comparison with bilirubin values but lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (40.4 +/- 51.0 vs. 170.8 +/- 209.4 U/l; p < 0.05) and ALP (208.5 +/- 138.9 vs. 389.5 +/- 271.1 U/l; p < 0.05) in the miliary form. Patients with the local form had higher albumin (3.2 +/- 0.8 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.7 g/dl), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (160.4 +/- 221.7 vs. 65.9 +/- 69.7 U/l), and gamma glutamyl-transpeptidase (gamma GT) (217.0 +/- 144.0 vs. 136.0 +/- 92.1 U/l), although the differences were not significant. The histopathological features of the miliary form were also similar to the local form with granuloma, caseation, acid-fast bacilli, fatty change and portal fibrosis as the main findings. The local form revealed more severe signs of hepatocytic damage while the miliary form was more wasting. The results suggest that the miliary and local forms of hepatic tuberculosis had quite similar clinical presentations and pathological features. The biochemical tests suggesting hepatic tuberculosis were reversed A/G ratio and disproportionate elevation of ALP.

Effect of caffeine on the levels of brain serotonin and catecholamine in the genetically obese mice

BACKGROUND

Most obesities are known low in sympathetic activity, and brain neurotransmitters may play roles in the defective exhibitions of obesity. Caffeine, a stimulant, which can prompt lipolysis, has been applied on the therapy of obesity. Although the interactive combinations between caffeine and certain neurotransmitters has been appreciated recently, but its regulatory mechanisms are still obscure. This study investigated the effect of caffeine on the body fat deposition, and its interactions with brain serotonin and catecholamine in the genetically obese (ob/ob) mice.

METHODS

At 12-week of age, obese mice and their lean counterparts (+/?) were administered with caffeine (4 mg/d) in water for 4 weeks. The brain neurotransmitters levels and body fat content were measured.

RESULTS

The obese mice without caffeine treatment had lower brain norepinephrine and epinephrine levels than the lean controls. And there had no difference between obese and lean mice in brain levels of serotonin, tryptophan, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid. Caffeine treatment showed no effect on the food intake, but decreased the body fat content significantly in obese mice. Mice with caffeine treatment showed increase of the levels of brain neurotransmitters in both phenotypes; this effect was more predominant in obese mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that the effect of caffeine to decrease body fat deposition in the obese mice might be associated with the recovered increases of sympathetic activity.

Pregnancy following cardiac prosthetic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of cardiac valve replacement on pregnancy outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively 151 pregnancies in 88 women: 56 pregnancies in 31 women with mechanical valves and anticoagulation therapy, and 95 pregnancies in 57 women with porcine tissue valves. Student t, chi 2, and Fisher exact tests were used for analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significantly greater rate of fetal loss in patients with mechanical valve replacements than in those with porcine tissue valves (27.7 versus 12.3%, respectively; P < .05). No significant differences were found in prematurity (5.9 versus 7.7%) or small for dates infants (8.8 versus 10.8%). Two congenital anomalies were noted in the mechanical valve group. Maternal complications in patients with mechanical valves included valve dysfunction (three), thromboembolism (three), abruptio placentae (two), postpartum hemorrhage (two), severe oligohydramnios (two), and puerperal fever caused by brain abscess (one). Four cases of valve dysfunction and one of infectious endocarditis complicated the condition of patients with porcine tissue valves. The 10-year graft survival rate in the porcine valve group was lower following two subsequent pregnancies (16.7%) than following one (54.8%).

CONCLUSION

Fewer fetal and maternal complications occurred in subsequent pregnancies after porcine valve replacement. However, the need for reoperation is more likely, and pregnancy might accelerate the degenerative process.

Liquid chromatographic method for determining the percent of olestra in lipid samples

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method has been developed to determine the percent of olestra in lipid samples. To achieve the highest degree of accuracy, this method requires the use of an olestra standard with the same molecular composition as the olestra in the lipid sample to be analyzed. Samples were analyzed by reversed-phase LC using an evaporative light-scattering detector. Chromatography was performed with a 5 microns octadecylsilane-Zorbax column that separates olestra from other lipophilic components. Three types of olestra standards (soybean-oil olestra, unheated cotton-seed-oil olestra, and heated cottonseed-oil olestra), each analyzed in soybean oil, showed linearity when the amount of olestra injected ranged from 20 to 160 micrograms (r = 0.9996). The area under the olestra peak (retention time 3.5 to 4.9 min) was used to quantify the amount of olestra in olestra-lipid samples, by comparing the olestra area for the sample with that of the standard using a curve derived by linear regression. The method was evaluated using 3 types of olestra blended with soybean oil and varying the percent of olestra in the olestra-lipid blend from 5 to 90%. Recovery of olestra from these olestra-lipid blends varied from 99.2 to 106.0%, demonstrating excellent accuracy, with method precision expressed as the coefficient of variation, 0.9%. Each error estimate was derived from 5 parallel determinations. With proper validation (e.g., running an olestra-free blank for each lipid matrix), this method provides a rapid, accurate, and precise technique for measuring the percent of olestra in lipids extracted from olestra-formulated foods and in olestra-lipid blends.

Herpes esophagitis: a cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in an immunocompetent patient

Herpes esophagitis presents as dysphagia and odynophagia in the majority of cases. Rarely has hematemesis been reported. We report a case of herpes esophagitis presenting with hematemesis in an immunocompetent patient. This 67-year-old man suffered from herpes esophagitis, proven by a panendoscopic examination, with characteristic histological findings. He presented with hematemesis and passage of tarry stools, but was otherwise healthy with normal humoral, cell-mediated immunity and was negative for human immunodeficiency virus antibody. Only supportive treatment was given. He has been well for the past nine months since the initial diagnosis.

Relationship between brain serotonin and calmodulin in young, genetically obese (ob/ob) mice

The possible relationships between altered brain serotonin and calmodulin contents on the development of obesity were studied. Eight groups of mice separated by differences in phenotype, sex and age were used in this study. The brain contents of tryptophan, serotonin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and calmodulin were assayed. The contents of brain tryptophan showed no significant differences in any of the mice. The amount of brain serotonin in obese mice was 82% higher than that in their lean counterparts at four weeks of age, but only 11% higher at eight weeks of age. Regardless of age and sex, brain serotonin was positively correlated to the brain calmodulin in the lean mice (r = 0.559, p < 0.01), yet this was not found in obese mice. There was a strong positive correlation between serotonin and 5-HIAA in all mice (r = 0.679, p < 0.001). The elevated amount of serotonin in the brain of four-week-old obese mice is suggested to have important effects on thermoregulation in young genetically obese mice. The results also suggest that abnormal brain serotonin synthesis in obese mouse regulated by calmodulin might interact with certain factors, such as calcium ions, to complete the activation of serotonin-synthesized enzymes in the development of obesity.

Expression of cytolytic mediators by synovial fluid lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis

To understand the role of cytolytic lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, we investigated the expression of lymphocyte cytotoxicity mediators, perforin, and serine esterases, in lymphocytes derived from the synovial fluid of 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Previous work has shown that CD8+ lymphocytes that possess markers of activation appear to be present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By means of in situ hybridization techniques and immunohistochemical analysis, the authors show that perforin and two serine esterases (serine esterase 1/Hanukah factor/granzyme A, and serine esterase 2/granzyme B) are expressed by subpopulations of CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes obtained from synovial fluid. The presence of these cytotoxic mediators suggests a possible mechanism for tissue damage, and provides evidence implicating cytolytic lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of RA.

[Investigation of the profile of selected trace metals in genetically obese (ob/ob) and lean (+/?) mice]

Trace metals are known to have important effects on the activity of metalloenzymes and insulin secretion and to be involved in the etiology of various diseases. This study was designed to investigate the distribution and concentration of selected trace metals in the tissues of genetically obese mice, which were known to have hyperinsulinemia. Different phenotypes (ob/ob; +/?) and sexes of 4, 8, 12 week-old mice were killed by decapitation. Metal levels (Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr) in the brain, liver, serum, hair and carcass were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that obese mice had lower concentrations of zinc in the serum, hair, liver and carcass than lean controls (p less than 0.05), but there was no difference in the brain. Obese mice also had a low carcass cadmium concentration (p less than 0.01), which depended on the sex-age interaction. When expressed in terms of total content, obese mice had higher total liver zinc and carcass chromium contents (p less than 0.05). Obese mice had a higher total carcass copper content at 8 weeks of age. Serum and carcass zinc were showed to be inversely related to body fat in obese mice. The results indicate that zinc may play a special role in thermoregulation and fat metabolism in the liver of obese mice. The tissue distribution and absorption of zinc may have an important correlation in the development of obesity. The roles of copper, cadmium and chromium are still obscure, the related regulations are still open for further questions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Intracellular acidification is associated with enhanced morphological transformation in Syrian hamster embryo cells

A series of studies has indicated that the frequency of morphological transformation induced by chemical carcinogens in early passage Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells is significantly higher when these cells are cultured in medium of reduced bicarbonate concentration and pH (6.70) compared with cells cultured in medium of higher pH. It has also been shown that intercellular gap junctional communication is decreased in these cells when they are cultured at pH 6.70 compared with medium of higher pH. The purpose of the studies reported here was to characterize the effect of changing extracellular pH on intracellular pH in SHE cells. The frequency of morphological transformation induced by benzo(a)pyrene was established at various extracellular pHs and compared with intracellular pH values. Cells cultured in medium of pH ranging from 6.70 to 7.35 were loaded with the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2',7'-bis(carboxyethyl)-5,6-carboxyfluorescein, and either the steady-state intracellular pH values or the kinetics of change in intracellular pH following refeeding of the cultures with medium of pH ranging from pH 6.70 to pH 7.35 was monitored via image analysis techniques. Results from these studies indicate that, at culture medium pH above 6.95, SHE cells were relatively insensitive to changes in extracellular pH, maintaining an intracellular pH of 7.30 to 7.35 in medium containing 0% serum or pH 7.05 to 7.10 in medium containing 20% fetal bovine serum. At extracellular pHs below 6.95, intracellular pH decreased and, in the presence of serum, equilibrated with extracellular pH. The decrease in intracellular pH was closely associated with an increase in benzo(a)pyrene-induced morphological transformation frequency observed in parallel studies. These results indicate that SHE cells have active intracellular pH regulatory activities and suggest that intracellular acidification plays a role in the increased frequency of transformation observed in SHE cells cultured under acidic conditions.

[Investigation of the relationships between zinc and obesity]

Zinc is known to be an essential trace metal which is necessary for health and growth, and is also essential for the function and activity of over 200 metalloenzymes. A relationship between zinc and obesity was first found in obese patients and obese mice (genetically and dietary obese) to that the obese had lower blood zinc levels than their lean controls, and the zinc level was inversely related to the degree of obesity. The therapeutic effect of zinc on obesity is still a controversial subject. This study was to investigate the alterations of tissues zinc distribution, dietary zinc effect in obese mice, and the interactive combinations of zinc and endocrine factors in obese patients. Zinc and body fat contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer and gravimetrically, respectively. The results indicated that dietary zinc treatment increased body fat deposition in obese mice. Obese mice carried markedly low zinc levels in most of the peripheral tissues, but retained a great amount of zinc in liver and adipose tissues compared with lean mice. Clinically, zinc was found to be correlated with thyroid hormone conversion and insulin resistance. Although the true metabolic role of zinc in obesity is still obscure, the relationships between zinc, endocrine factors, and neurotransmitters, and interactions with other trace metals are needed to throw light on the subject. These approaches to thermoregulation and metabolic mechanisms of obesity and diabetes mellitus may be of great interest in the future.

Expression of perforin by natural killer cells within first trimester endometrium in humans

The lymphocyte pore-forming protein (PFP)--perforin, also named cytolysin--is a potent mediator of cytotoxicity found in the granules of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. Granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells found in the pregnant mouse uterus express perforin and are thought to be highly activated cytolytic lymphocytes related to NK cells. Their role in pregnancy is unknown. Human endometrial granulocytes (EGs) are phenotypically similar to murine GMG cells and, like them, express NK cell markers. However, up to now it was not known whether EGs also express perforin. By means of immunohistochemical analysis, using antisera specific for perforin and monoclonal antibodies to CD56 (NKH-1), CD2 (T11), CD3 (Leu-4), CD4 (Leu-3a), and CD8 (OKT-8), we demonstrated that perforin is present in EGs in the decidualized endometrial stroma and decidual tissue of first-trimester gestational endometrium. In fact, double immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated the co-expression of perforin and NKH-1. This population also expressed some T-cell surface antigens (Leu-4 and T11), but not Leu-3a or OKT-8. Chorionic villi, in contrast, lack perforin+ cells. The presence of a potent cytolytic mediator in NK-like cells in both murine and human pregnant uterus raises the issue of the function of such cells in pregnancy.

[Zinc sulfate and thyroxine treatment on the obese patients]

Zinc has recently been found to have important effects on metabolism and thermoregulation of obese individuals. The effects of zinc sulfate and thyroxine treatment on the obese patients were studied. The obese patients, selected from outpatients at the Taichung VGH, all had their body weight 20% higher than they normally should have, and body mass indexes (BMI = Wt/Ht2) greater than 25 kg/m2. They were separated into three groups to have 600mg zinc sulfate or/and 0.1mg thyroxine per day, respectively. Serum zinc and copper contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer. The alterative of body weight was also recorded. After 8 weeks of therapy, the zinc sulfate and zinc sulfate + thyroxine treatment had more significant effects on weight reduction (male: -1.10 +/- 0.38; -1.10 +/- 0.19, female: -1.75 +/- 0.19; -3.16 +/- 0.21 kg, P less than 0.05, respectively). The serum zinc content was found to inversely relate to the body weight reduction (r = -0.605, P less than 0.001). The results also showed that zinc sulfate and thyroxine treatment did not have satisfactorily greater effects on body weight reduction at short-term therapy on obese patients. We conclude that zinc therapy on the obese patients still need more evaluation and suggest that zinc may have important effects on the thyroid hormones conversion, and may have certain regulatory effects on the insulin activity through its interaction with thyroid hormones in the development of obesity.

Pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa due to adenocarcinoma arising from choledochal cyst: report of an autopsy case

An 18-year-old male was admitted due to acute respiratory failure. His chest roentgenogram demonstrated bilateral fine reticular densities and right massive pleural effusion. Autopsy revealed pulmonary lymphangitis carcinomatosa. The primary cause was adenocarcinoma of choledochal cyst with dissemination.

Differential effects of propranolol on the IgE-dependent, or calcium ionophore-stimulated, phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization in a mast (RBL 2H3) cell line

Our previous studies demonstrated that propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase (PAPase) (EC 3.1.3.4) blocks the IgE-dependent mediator release from a rat mast (RBL 2H3) cell line. To continue these studies, we examined the ability of propranolol to inhibit the IgE-dependent or ionomycin-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization in RBL 2H3 cells. RBL 2H3 cells, sensitized with mouse monoclonal anti-trinitrophenol IgE (anti-TNP IgE), were stimulated to release both histamine and peptidoleukotrienes (LT) in response to a suboptimal concentration of trinitrophenol-ovalbumin conjugate (TNP-OVA) or ionomycin. Preincubation of the cells with d,l-propranolol (300 microM) significantly (P less than 0.05) inhibited the effects of both TNP-OVA and ionomycin on histamine and LT release. There was no difference in potency for the different isomers of propranolol, indicating that these effects were not a consequence of an effect on beta 2-adrenergic receptors. TNP-OVA produced a rapid hydrolysis of phosphoinositides resulting in a time-dependent increase in mono- (IP1), di- (IP2), tri- (IP3), and total inositol phosphate production. Ionomycin also produced a rapid increase in total inositol phosphate production; however, this largely reflected an accumulation of IP1. Both secretagogues produced a rapid elevation in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i); however, the effect of ionomycin maximized within a much shorter time frame than the effect of TNP-OVA. The effects of TNP-OVA on phosphoinositide hydrolysis and increase in [Ca2+]i were inhibited by propranolol over exactly the same concentration range as the effects of this compound on TNP-OVA-stimulated mediator release. In contrast, propranolol had no effect on the increase in [Ca2+]i and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in response to ionomycin. Taken together, these results suggest that PAPase/phospholipase D (PLD) (EC 3.1.4.4) activation may be a prerequisite for both IgE-dependent and ionomycin-stimulated mediator release from RBL 2H3 cells. Although other explanations are possible, the data further suggest that receptor-mediated, but not ionophore-stimulated, phosphoinositide hydrolysis and [Ca2+]i in RBL 2H3 cells may be regulated by a propranolol-sensitive pathway involving possible activation of PAPase.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of free-living subjects consuming olestra

The effect of olestra on vitamin D status was assessed in a 6-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 202 free-living adults. Subjects consumed a total of 20 g/d of olestra or triglycerides in cookies eaten at each meal. A 20-micrograms ergocalciferol capsule was taken with each morning meal. Serum 25-hydroxyergocalciferol (25-OHD2) concentrations rose from approximately 5.7 to 39.0 and 31.7 nmol/L in the placebo and olestra groups, respectively, at week 6. At week 6, 25-OHD2 contributed 46-54% to total serum 25-OHD concentration compared with 11% at baseline. The 19% decrease in serum 25-OHD2 concentrations produced by olestra in this study is equivalent to a decrease of approximately 1.2 nmol/L under nonsupplemented dietary conditions. Ingesting 20 g olestra/d in the diet is thus not expected to affect vitamin D nutritional status.

Vitamin K status of free-living subjects consuming olestra

The potential for 20 g olestra/d to affect vitamin K status was assessed in a 6-wk study involving 202 free-living subjects. Functional prothrombin [Simplastin (S)-Ecarin (E) assay] concentrations and classical clotting times were unaffected by olestra. Initial S:E values were 0.80 and 0.79 for the olestra and placebo groups, respectively, compared with a value of 0.92 for normal reference plasma. At week 6 the value was 0.81 for both groups. Mean phylloquinone serum concentrations, expressed as differences from baseline, were not significantly different between groups. Weekly food diaries indicated that the average phylloquinone intake of the subjects was low, approximately 60 micrograms/d. Sensitive measures of vitamin K status were unaffected in a population where any significant decrease in phylloquinone bioavailability should have been reflected in those measures, indicating that 20 g olestra/d in the diet did not affect vitamin K status.

Activation of phospholipase D in a rat mast (RBL 2H3) cell line. A possible unifying mechanism for IgE-dependent degranulation and arachidonic acid metabolite release

RBL 2H3 cells (a model of mast cell function) were sensitized with anti-TNP IgE (0.5 micrograms/ml) and triggered to secrete both histamine and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites by the addition of TNP-OVA (0 to 100 ng/ml). After a 3-min delay, the release of both groups of mediators proceeded in a parallel manner. In cells labeled with [14C]-AA, TNP-OVA produced a rapid increase in phosphatidic acid (PA), and subsequently, 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and intracellular AA levels. Concurrently, there was a decrease in [14C]-AA labeled phosphatidylcholine. The release of labeled AA from phosphatidylcholine in response to TNP-OVA was paralleled by a liberation of free choline but no evidence of liberation of phosphorylcholine. When ethanol (0.05 to 2% v/v) was included in the culture medium, phosphatidylethanol was synthesized at the expense of PA and DAG, with a resulting inhibition of secretion. D,1 propranolol, an inhibitor of PA phosphohydrolase, inhibited the IgE-dependent production of [14C]-DAG, and [14C]-free fatty acid but not [14C]-PA. The IgE-dependent release of both histamine and AA metabolites was completely inhibited by pretreatment with propranolol. Taken together, the above results suggest that phospholipase D is activated upon cross-bridging of IgE receptors on the surface of RBL 2H3 cells and that this may be a pivotal step in the signal transduction cascade leading to the release of both presynthesized and de novo synthesized mediators.

Activation of phospholipase D in a rat mast (RBL 2H3) cell line. A possible unifying mechanism for IgE-dependent degranulation and arachidonic acid metabolite release

RBL 2H3 cells (a model of mast cell function) were sensitized with anti-TNP IgE (0.5 micrograms/ml) and triggered to secrete both histamine and arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites by the addition of TNP-OVA (0 to 100 ng/ml). After a 3-min delay, the release of both groups of mediators proceeded in a parallel manner. In cells labeled with [14C]-AA, TNP-OVA produced a rapid increase in phosphatidic acid (PA), and subsequently, 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and intracellular AA levels. Concurrently, there was a decrease in [14C]-AA labeled phosphatidylcholine. The release of labeled AA from phosphatidylcholine in response to TNP-OVA was paralleled by a liberation of free choline but no evidence of liberation of phosphorylcholine. When ethanol (0.05 to 2% v/v) was included in the culture medium, phosphatidylethanol was synthesized at the expense of PA and DAG, with a resulting inhibition of secretion. D,1 propranolol, an inhibitor of PA phosphohydrolase, inhibited the IgE-dependent production of [14C]-DAG, and [14C]-free fatty acid but not [14C]-PA. The IgE-dependent release of both histamine and AA metabolites was completely inhibited by pretreatment with propranolol. Taken together, the above results suggest that phospholipase D is activated upon cross-bridging of IgE receptors on the surface of RBL 2H3 cells and that this may be a pivotal step in the signal transduction cascade leading to the release of both presynthesized and de novo synthesized mediators.

An alkaline pH-activated Cl(-)-anion exchanger regulates pH homeostasis in fibroblasts

Alkalinization of the cytoplasm in human fibroblasts activates Cl- efflux. The pathway of Cl- efflux is inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) or by removal of Cl- from the extracellular medium, but it is insensitive to the Cl(-)-cation cotransport inhibitor bumetanide. These data indicate that the alkali-stimulated Cl- pathway is a Cl(-)-anion exchanger. One function of this pathway appears to involve intracellular pH homeostasis. Thus, after alkalinization of the cytoplasm, recovery of the pH to basal levels is impaired by DIDS or by removal of HCO3- from the extracellular medium, but it is unaffected by the Na(+)-H+ exchange inhibitor amiloride. Reports from a number of laboratories, including our own, have described a biphasic efflux of Cl- in which kinetics suggested the presence of two subcellular Cl- compartments. The data presented in this study provide a mechanism to explain this kinetic behavior. The biphasic Cl- efflux kinetics are the result of a transient alkalinization of the cytoplasm associated with a change in PCO2 as cells are transferred from the incubator to the bench top for the efflux assay.

Gastric xanthelasma in hyperplastic gastric polyposis

Hyperplastic polyps of the stomach are uncommon, while xanthelasma of the gastric mucosa has a variable reported frequency. The frequency of both lesions appear increased in association with chronic gastritis and previous gastrointestinal anastomosis. The present article consists of a case report that documents for the first time (to our knowledge) the coexistence of these two lesions in a patient with a history of erosive gastritis.

Zinc in hair and serum of obese individuals in Taiwan

Zinc concentrations in both serum and hair were assessed in 135 obese patients (51 males, 84 females) and in 57 controls (28 males, 29 females) to study the correlation between Zn and obesity. The body mass index (wt/ht2) was also measured to evaluate its relationship to the Zn level in obese individuals. The serum and hair Zn contents in obese patients were markedly lower than in normal control subjects by 22 and 34%, respectively. The Zn content was inversely related to the body mass index. Thus Zn may play an important metabolic role in the development of obesity.

Self-association of hyaluronate segments in aqueous NaCl solution

The potential for self-association by hyaluronate (HA) chains in 0.15 M NaCl was investigated, using low molecular weight HA segments as a model system. HA segments were derived from the polymer by controlled enzymatic digestion, and purified by gel filtration chromatography. Seven samples of narrow molecular weight distribution were analyzed by sensitivity-enhanced polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and found to have the following weight-average numbers of repeating disaccharide units: A, 90; B, 51; C, 38; D, 31; E, 23; F, 18; G, 13. The segment preparations were studied in 0.15 M NaCl by capillary viscometry, low angle laser light scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The data indicate concentration-dependent intermolecular association of short segments, and a capability for intramolecular association (hairpin formation) by larger HA segments.

Identification of a defective cAMP-stimulated Cl- channel in cystic fibrosis fibroblasts

Cl- efflux from normal human fibroblasts is stimulated by elevation of cAMP and by elevation of intracellular free Ca2+. In both cases the stimulated Cl- transport occurs via electrically conductive pathways. In six lines of normal human fibroblasts, dibutyryl cAMP increased total Cl- efflux by an average of 13%. In six lines of fibroblasts from patients with cystic fibrosis, dibutyryl cAMP was without effect. The electrically conductive component of Cl- transport was increased an average of 30% by dibutyryl cAMP in normal cells and was unaffected by dibutyryl cAMP in cystic fibrosis cells. Stimulation of the Ca2+-sensitive Cl- channel by addition of A23187 increased Cl- efflux by an average of 30% in normal and 30% in cystic fibrosis fibroblasts. The data indicate that there is a defect in a cAMP-activated Cl- channel in cystic fibrosis fibroblasts.

Effects of zinc and thyroxine treatment on dietary-obese mice

Altered thyroid hormone metabolism is known to be an important factor contributing to the defective expression of thermogenesis in the obese mouse, and the action of zinc on thyroid hormone conversion may be an important factor in the energy metabolism of obesity. The effects of zinc and thyroxine treatment on dietary-obese mice were examined. The dietary-obese mice were successfully induced by high-fat diet (80% fat), and every mouse was administered daily 1.25 mg zinc sulfate and/or 5 micrograms thyroxine. After 8 weeks of treatment, serum zinc, serum triacylglycerols and body fat composition were determined. On high-fat diets, fat deposition was found in male mice treated with zinc sulfate. However, when mice were treated with zinc and thyroxine at the same time, serum triacylglycerols and body fat composition decreased significantly on both basal and high-fat diets. When mice were treated with thyroxine alone, body fat composition decreased significantly, but there was no significant effect on serum triacylglycerols on either diet. Obesity was significantly correlated with dietary fat, zinc and thyroid hormone. It is suggested that zinc may play an important role, through its action on thyroid hormone conversion and via insulin action, in the energy metabolism of dietary-obese mice.

Malignant transformation in a solitary dermal cylindroma

We describe a case of a solitary dermal cylindroma with focal malignant transformation. The scalp tumor measured 3 cm in greatest dimension and was successfully surgically excised. The patient has been followed up for the last two years with no recurrences. Changes of malignant transformation included loss of peripheral palisading, destruction of the hyaline sheath, areas of necrosis, and pleomorphism of nuclei with frequent mitosis. We reviewed data on 12 other reported cases of dermal cylindromas with malignant transformation. Morphologic features of both benign cylindromas and their malignant counterparts are described. The literature was reviewed regarding the controversy of the cell of origin.