Three-dimensional intracellular calcium gradients in single human burst-forming units-erythroid-derived erythroblasts induced by erythropoietin

We have previously shown that the intracellular free Ca2+ increase induced by erythropoietin is likely related to differentiation rather than proliferation in human BFU-E-derived erythroblasts (1989. Blood. 73:1188-1194). Since cell differentiation involves transcription of specific regions of the genome, and since nuclear endonucleases responsible for single strand DNA breaks observed in cells undergoing differentiation are Ca2+ dependent, we investigated whether the erythropoietin-induced calcium signal is transmitted from cytosol to nucleus in this study. To elucidate subcellular Ca2+ gradients, the technique of optical sectioning microscopy was used. After determining the empirical three-dimensional point spread function of the video imaging system, contaminating light signals from optical planes above and below the focal plane of interest were removed by deconvolution using the nearest neighboring approach. Processed images did not reveal any discernible subcellular Ca2+ gradients in unstimulated erythroblasts. By contrast, with erythropoietin stimulation, there was a two- to threefold higher Ca2+ concentration in the nucleus compared to the surrounding cytoplasm. We suggest that the rise in nuclear Ca2+ may activate Ca2(+)-dependent endonucleases and initiate differentiation. The approach described here offers the opportunity to follow subcellular Ca2+ changes in response to a wide range of stimuli, allowing new insights into the role of regional Ca2+ changes in regulation of cell function.

Problem drinking and depression among DWI offenders: a three-wave longitudinal study

Longitudinal data collected at 3 occasions of measurement from a convicted driving-while-intoxicated sample (n = 302) were used to study the interrelations between problem drinking and depressive symptomatology. Time intervals between occasions of measurement were approximately 9 months. Cross-lagged latent variable models indicated that higher levels of depression at Time 1 were significantly associated with lower levels of problem drinking at Time 2. Similarly, higher levels of problem drinking at Time 1 were significantly associated with lower levels of depression at Time 2. However, the direction of effects for the cross-lagged coefficients were reversed for the Time-2-Time-3 relations. Higher levels of depression at Time 2 were significantly associated with higher levels of problem drinking at Time 3, and higher levels of problem drinking at Time 2 were associated with higher levels of depression at Time 3. The results are interpreted to reflect a biphasic process.

Problem drinking and depression among DWI offenders: A three-wave longitudinal study

Longitudinal data collected at 3 occasions of measurement from a convicted driving-while-intoxicated sample (n = 302) were used to study the interrelations between problem drinking and depressive symptomatology. Time intervals between occasions of measurement were approximately 9 months. Cross-lagged latent variable models indicated that higher levels of depression at Time 1 were significantly associated with lower levels of problem drinking at Time 2. Similarly, higher levels of problem drinking at Time 1 were significantly associated with lower levels of depression at Time 2. However, the direction of effects for the cross-lagged coefficients were reversed for the Time-2-Time-3 relations. Higher levels of depression at Time 2 were significantly associated with higher levels of problem drinking at Time 3, and higher levels of problem drinking at Time 2 were associated with higher levels of depression at Time 3. The results are interpreted to reflect a biphasic process.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor reactivates fetal hemoglobin synthesis in erythroblast clones from normal adults

Reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF, alpha 2 gamma 2) synthesis was previously reported in normal human adult erythroblast colonies ("bursts") generated by erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) in fetal calf serum-supplemented (FCS+) semisolid cultures stimulated with erythropoietin (Ep). Our studies focused on the reactivation of HbF synthesis in normal adult erythroid bursts generated by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) seeded in FCS+ methylcellulose culture. Reactivation is almost totally suppressed when (a) PBMCs are grown in optimized FCS- culture, or (b) PBMCs are first stringently depleted of monocytes and then plated in FCS+ medium (ie, BFU-E growth in FCS+ Mo- culture). In both experimental conditions, the proliferation of lymphocytes and macrophages interspersed among colonies is drastically reduced, and the cloning efficiency of granulocyte-macrophage (GM) progenitors is sharply diminished. In either case, addition of biosynthetic GM colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) induces a dose-related increase of HbF synthesis up to the level in FCS+ culture, with even more elevated values on delayed addition of Ep. A dose-related increase was also observed in erythroblast clones generated by highly purified BFU-E. These results suggest that reactivation of HbF synthesis in normal adults is at least in part mediated by GM-CSF. Furthermore, they imply intriguing hypotheses on the mechanism(s) of perinatal Hb switching. Finally, they raise the possibility of reactivation of HbF synthesis in beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia by GM-CSF therapy.

Spousal violence among alcoholic women as compared to a random household sample of women

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between spousal violence and women's alcoholism problems. This study compares two samples: (1) 45 alcoholic women selected from local treatment agencies and Alcoholics Anonymous groups and (2) 40 nonalcoholic women selected randomly from households. Two-hour interview schedules were administered to both samples. The Conflict Tactics Scale was used to assess spouse-to-woman violence. Alcoholic women were found to have higher levels of spouse-to-woman negative verbal interaction, moderate violence and severe violence as compared to the household women. Multivariate analyses revealed that spouse violence scores were strong predictors of type of sample. This was true even after controlling for presence of alcohol problems in the spouse, income, parental violence, parental alcohol problems and changes in parental family. These findings suggest that alcoholism treatment programs should screen for spousal violence among women alcoholics and that victims of spousal violence should be screened for alcohol-related problems.

MB-02 cells undergo fetal to adult globin gene switching in response to erythropoietin

The recently described MB-02 human cell line requires Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) for continuous growth and terminally differentiates into enucleate, hemoglobinized cells in response to erythropoietin. Here, analysis of globin production now demonstrates that uninduced MB-02 cells produce alpha globin and the fetal globin chains G gamma and A gamma in a ratio of 1:3. Addition of erythropoietin results in de novo synthesis of beta globin chains and a marked increase in total Hb/cell. Thus, the MB-02 cell line partially recapitulates the fetal to adult globin switch that occurs during erythroid and human fetal development and provides a new clonal human erythroid progenitor system for investigating the biochemical and molecular events involved in globin gene switching.

Alcoholism and depressive symptomatology among convicted DWI men and women

Interrelationships between DSM-III-based alcoholism diagnostic groups and depressive symptomatology were assessed for a sample of 461 convicted DWI offenders. The highest rate of depressive symptomatology was reported by persons diagnosed as alcohol dependent, and such findings were robust across male and female offenders. However, a significant interaction effect was found in which alcohol-dependent women reported higher levels of depressive symptomatology than alcohol-dependent men. With the exception that men reported significantly more previous DWI arrests than women, few differences were found between the gender groups with respect to a range of demographic variables, alcohol use and alcohol-related problems.

Cancer and other mortality patterns among United States furniture workers

Cause specific mortality was investigated among 36,622 members of a national furniture workers' union who were first employed in unionised shops between 1946 and 1962. Overall mortality for each race and sex group was less than expected when compared with United States death rates (white men SMR = 0.8, black men SMR = 0.7, white women SMR = 0.8, black women SMR = 0.5); however, raised risks were observed among white men employed in specific types of furniture industries and followed up for 20 or more years after first employment. Lymphatic and haematopoietic cancers were significantly raised (SMR = 1.8) among wood furniture workers followed up for at least 20 years due to excess deaths from leukaemia (SMR = 2.0) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SMR = 2.0). Mortality from acute myeloid leukaemia was particularly high in this group (SMR = 4.7) based on six observed cases. Metal furniture workers followed up for at least 20 years experienced a significant excess of all cancers combined (SMR = 1.6), with non-significant increases in cancers of the lung, stomach, and colorectum. This group also had non-significant excesses of liver cirrhosis, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Nasal cancer was not found to be significantly raised in this cohort, though the average follow up period may not have been sufficient to detect an excess risk for this uncommon tumour.

Sodium butyrate enhances fetal globin gene expression in erythroid progenitors of patients with Hb SS and beta thalassemia

Increasing the expression of the gamma globin genes is considered a useful therapeutic approach to the beta globin diseases. Because butyrate and alpha-amino-n-butyric acid (ABA) augment gamma globin expression in normal neonatal and adult erythroid progenitors, we investigated the effects of sodium butyrate and ABA on erythroid progenitors of patients with beta thalassemia and sickle cell anemia who might benefit from such an effect. Both substances increased fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) expression in Bfu-e from 7% to 30% above levels found in control cultures from the same subjects with sickle cell anemia. The fraction of cultured erythroblasts producing Hb F increased more than 20% with sodium butyrate treatment in 70% of cultures. In most cultures, this produced greater than 20% total Hb F and greater than 70% F cells, levels which have been considered beneficial in ameliorating clinical symptoms. Alpha: non-alpha (alpha-non-alpha) imbalance was decreased by 36% in erythroid progenitors of patients with beta thalassemia cultured in the presence of butyrate compared with control cultures from the same subjects. These data suggest that sodium butyrate may have therapeutic potential for increasing gamma globin expression in the beta globin diseases.

Human papillomavirus infection and anal cancer

To study the association of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with anal cancer, we examined tissue specimens from 126 patients with malignant lesions of the anal skin or mucosa. The patients were enrolled in a population-based, case-control study of ano-rectal cancer which is being conducted in the state of Washington and the Province of British Columbia. Histologic sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were tested for the presence of HPV DNA by in situ hybridization with biotin-labelled HPV 6, 11, 16, 18 and 31 DNA probes. HPV DNA sequences were found in tumor tissues from 24 of the 126 subjects (19.0%). When only squamous neoplasms are considered, 23 of 70 subjects (32.9%) had lesions which contained detectable HPV DNA. One HPV-positive patient had a cloacogenic carcinoma that contained regions of squamous differentiation and it was in these squamous cells that HPV DNA was localized. Of the 23 squamous lesions that harbored detectable HPV DNA, 8 contained HPV 6, 10 contained HPV 16, 1 contained HPV 18 and 4 contained an unclassified virus type(s). HPV DNA was found in tissues from 14 patients with carcinoma-in situ and 10 subjects with invasive carcinoma. These results demonstrate that some malignant tumors of the anus, in both men and women, are associated with HPV infection. We conclude that the anal squamous epithelium is another site where infection with the common genital tract HPVs may carry a risk of malignant transformation.

Erythropoietin stimulates a rise in intracellular-free calcium concentration in single BFU-E derived erythroblasts at specific stages of differentiation

Human cord blood progenitor-derived erythroblasts have recently been shown to respond to erythropoietin (Epo) or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) with a transient increase in intracellular free calcium concentration [Cac]. However, the importance of [Cac] changes in mediating cell proliferation and/or differentiation is undefined. In the present study, the response of erythroid precursors at different stages of differentiation to Epo was examined. Erythroblasts were derived from adult blood erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) at day 7 or day 10 of culture. [Cac] was measured in individual Fura-2 loaded cells with fluorescence microscopy coupled digital video imaging. The dynamic range (Rmax/Rmin) of intracellular Fura-2 was similar to that measured in free solution, suggesting insignificant amounts of intracellular Ca insensitive forms of Fura-2. Baseline [Cac] of erythroid cells calculated with an in vitro calibration method was 44 +/- 4 nmol/L and with an in vivo method was 46 +/- 4 nmol/L. Treatment of day 7 BFU-E derived erythroblasts with Epo resulted in no significant increase in [Cac]. In contrast, in more mature erythroblasts (day 10 of culture), Epo stimulated a large increase in [Cac] from 49 +/- 11 nmol/L at baseline to 279 +/- 47 nmol/L. This [Cac] increase occurred in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing no added calcium. The increase in [Cac] persisted for 18 minutes and was dose dependent. Day 7 and day 10 control cells treated with either insulin or media showed no significant change in [Cac] during 18 minutes of observation. Our data demonstrate that early (day 7) and late (day 10) erythroblasts display different responses to Epo, at least in terms of intracellular Ca++ fluxes. The differential [Cac] response observed in early and late erythroid precursors to growth factor stimulation suggests that [Cac] may be an important signal in cell differentiation.

Augmentation of influenza antibody response in elderly men by thymosin alpha one. A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study

Influenza remains a major cause of illness and death in elderly people despite current vaccination programs. One factor is an immunization failure rate in the elderly that may be as high as 50%. To test whether administration of thymosin alpha 1 would result in greater antibody production, we administered it (900 micrograms/m2 subcutaneously twice weekly for eight doses) in conjunction with the 1986 trivalent influenza vaccine. Ninety men (65-99 years old, mean age 77.3 years) were randomized double-blind to receive thymosin alpha 1 or placebo by the same schedule; the sera from 85 of these men were acceptable for analysis. The two groups were similar with respect to underlying disease, medications, and age. No toxicity was observed in either group. Antibody response rate was defined as a four-fold rise in antibody titer over 3-6 weeks following vaccination and was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Analysis was performed on treatment groups and subgroups divided by the mean age: the older group consisted of subjects aged 77 years and older, and the younger group those aged from 65-76 years. Baseline and change in absolute antibody levels were compared by t test and using age as a continuous variable by multiple regression analysis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A deletion/insertion polymorphism in the human BCR gene on chromosome 22

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Erythropoietin stimulates a rise in intracellular free calcium concentration in single early human erythroid precursors

Erythropoietin and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulate the differentiation and proliferation of erythroid cells. To determine the cellular mechanism of action of these growth factors, we measured changes in intracellular free calcium concentration [( Cac]) in single human erythroid precursors in response to recombinant erythropoietin and GM-CSF. [Cac] in immature erythroblasts derived from cultured human cord blood erythroid progenitors was measured with fluorescence microscopy digital video imaging. When stimulated with erythropoietin, [Cac] in the majority of erythroblasts increased within 3 min, peaked at 5 min, and returned toward baseline at 10 min. The percentage of cells that responded to erythropoietin stimulation increased in a dose-dependent manner. Additional stimulation with GM-CSF in cells previously exposed to erythropoietin resulted in a second [Cac] increase. Immature erythroblasts treated with GM-CSF followed by erythropoietin responded similarly to each factor with a rise in [Cac]. The source of transient calcium is intracellular since erythroblasts were incubated in medium devoid of extracellular calcium. Our observations suggest that changes in [Cac] may be an intracellular signal that mediates the proliferative/differentiating effect of hematopoietic growth factors.

Influence of hydroxyurea on fetal hemoglobin production in vitro

Cytotoxic drugs increase circulating fetal hemoglobin levels. We examined the mechanism by measuring the fetal hemoglobin produced per BFU-E-derived erythroblast following hydroxyurea treatment in vivo and in vitro. Treatment of four sickle cell patients increased the percentage of circulating F reticulocytes. The frequencies of bone marrow or peripheral blood BFU-E or CFU-E-derived colonies and their fetal hemoglobin content were unaffected. In all cases, the number of erythroid cells/progenitor-derived colony increased. To explore further the effect of hydroxyurea on fetal hemoglobin production, we added 50 mumol/L hydroxyurea to cultures of peripheral blood BFU-E-derived erythroblasts on 1 of 9 days (day 5 through 13) to nine samples. These BFU-E were derived from the peripheral blood of normal donors, sickle trait donors, and sickle cell anemia patients and from the bone marrows of monkeys. This concentration of hydroxyurea was selected so that the frequency of BFU-E and their size was moderately decreased. Addition of hydroxyurea to these progenitor-derived erythroid cells had no effect on fetal hemoglobin content per cell. Neither did transient exposure of progenitors to hydroxyurea prior to culture in nontoxic concentrations (0 to 500 mumol/L) result in a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin content in progenitor-derived erythroblasts. These data suggest that hydroxyurea does not directly alter the HbF program expressed by progenitor-derived erythroid cells. Instead, it enhances hemoglobin F content secondarily, possibly by inducing alterations in erythropoiesis.

Butryic acid analogues augment gamma globin gene expression in neonatal erythroid progenitors

The gamma----beta globin gene switch in humans is normally on a set developmental clock but is delayed in infants of diabetic mothers. We cultured cord blood erythroid progenitors and assayed globin produced in the presence and absence of metabolites that are elevated in such infants. Analogues of butyric acid at supranormal concentrations significantly augmented gamma and inhibited beta globin expression. The uptake of alpha-amino-n-butyric acid into colony-derived erythroblasts was increased in the presence of supranormal insulin. These findings suggest that elevated levels of alpha-amino-n-butyric acid and insulin in the developing fetus delay the globin switch and may offer potential for augmenting gamma globin expression in the beta globin chain diseases.

Analysis of hemoglobin F production in Saudi Arabian families with sickle cell anemia

Erythrocytes and progenitor-derived erythroblasts of sickle cell anemia patients from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia contain increased fetal hemoglobin and G gamma globin. A distinctive DNA polymorphism haplotype in the beta globin gene cluster (++- +-), tightly coupled to a C----T substitution at position -158 5' to the cap site of the G gamma globin gene, is strongly associated with sickle cell disease in this region. To determine whether the increased fetal hemoglobin production and/or elevated G gamma globin content are tightly linked to this haplotype, we studied 55 members of five Saudi families in which sickle cell disease is present. The results did not suggest a tight linkage of the haplotype to increased fetal hemoglobin production. On the other hand, several sickle trait family members heterozygous for the haplotype had normal fetal hemoglobin production in culture but elevated G gamma to A gamma ratios in peripheral blood. This observation suggests that in this genetic background increased expression of the G gamma globin gene may occur without a measurable increase in total fetal hemoglobin production. The family studies also clearly demonstrate that increased fetal hemoglobin production by erythroid progenitors is dependent on zygosity for the sickle gene in this population. These findings strongly suggest that other factors, such as the products of genes stimulated by hemolytic stress or other genetic determinants associated with the Saudi beta S chromosome, may interact with the -158 C----T substitution and influence gamma globin gene expression in this population.

Activation of abundant precursors associated with the response of Mlsa H-2k spleens to Mlsc antigen

We have determined the frequency of splenic interleukin 2-producing T-cell precursors that respond to H-2-identical, Mls-disparate stimulating cells. Gene products of the Mlsa and Mlsd alleles are highly stimulatory in primary mixed lymphocyte reactions and activate substantial numbers of T-cell precursors in normal spleens. Although the product of the Mlsc allele has been described as weakly stimulatory in primary mixed lymphocyte reactions, we detected abundant T-cell precursors responsive to Mlsc under our limiting dilution conditions; H-2k Mlsa T-cell precursors responding to Mlsc were as frequent (2.605 per 1000) as H-2k Mlsb or Mlsc T-cells responsive to Mlsd (1.975 per 1000). In contrast, using the frequency of self-responding cells as a threshold, we were unable to detect precursors for Mlsa, Mlsb, Mlsc, or Mlsd in H-2b mice, for Mlsb in H-2k mice, or for Mlsc in H-2k Mlsb or Mlsd mice. Thus, we conclude that in select strain combinations and under our experimental conditions Mlsc stimulators can activate T-cell precursors that are as abundant as precursors reactive to strong stimulators Mlsa and Mlsd.

Alcohol use by violent and property offenders

Offenders incarcerated for violent and property crimes were compared with respect to their alcohol and drug use, both chronic and immediately before their crime. There were only slight differences between the groups. The proportions of violent offenders who drank before the crime were greater than the proportion of property offenders, but this was not true for offenders with low education. The disinhibition theory of alcohol involvement in violent crime was not supported.

Gamma-interferon alters globin gene expression in neonatal and adult erythroid cells

Interferons have the ability to enhance or diminish the expression of specific genes and have been shown to affect the proliferation of certain cells. Here, the effect of gamma-interferon on fetal hemoglobin synthesis by purified cord blood, fetal liver, and adult bone marrow erythroid progenitors was studied with a radioligand assay to measure hemoglobin production by BFU-E-derived erythroblasts. Coculture with recombinant gamma-interferon resulted in a significant and dose-dependent decrease in fetal hemoglobin production by neonatal and adult, but not fetal, BFU-E-derived erythroblasts. Accumulation of fetal hemoglobin by cord blood BFU-E-derived erythroblasts decreased up to 38.1% of control cultures (erythropoietin only). Synthesis of both G gamma/A gamma globin was decreased, since the G gamma/A gamma ratio was unchanged. Picograms fetal hemoglobin per cell was decreased by gamma-interferon addition, but picograms total hemoglobin was unchanged, demonstrating that a reciprocal increase in beta-globin production occurred in cultures treated with gamma-interferon. No toxic effect of gamma-interferon on colony growth was noted. The addition of gamma-interferon to cultures resulted in a decrease in the percentage of HbF produced by adult BFU-E-derived cells to 45.6% of control. Fetal hemoglobin production by cord blood, fetal liver, and adult bone marrow erythroid progenitors, was not significantly affected by the addition of recombinant GM-CSF, recombinant interleukin 1 (IL-1), recombinant IL-2, or recombinant alpha-interferon. Although fetal progenitor cells appear unable to alter their fetal hemoglobin program in response to any of the growth factors added here, the interaction of neonatal and adult erythroid progenitors with gamma-interferon results in an altered expression of globin genes. This supports the concept that developmental globin gene switching can be regulated by environmental factors.

Molecular analysis of the high-hemoglobin-F phenotype in Saudi Arabian sickle cell anemia

Patients from the eastern province of Saudi Arabia who have sickle cell anemia have high circulating levels of fetal hemoglobin (hemoglobin F, 17 percent), and they therefore have a mild form of the disease. To examine the molecular basis of the elevated production of hemoglobin F, we searched for mutations in the promoter regions of the two hemoglobin F gamma-globin genes (G gamma and A gamma). The DNA sequences 450 bp (base pairs) upstream of both the G gamma and A gamma globin genes were normal except for a single-base cytosine-to-thymidine (C----T) substitution at -158 bp 5' to the cap (preinitiation) site of the G gamma-globin gene of the high-hemoglobin-F chromosome. We searched for an association between this -158 C----T substitution and the production of hemoglobin F and G gamma in normal Saudis and Saudis with sickle cell disease or trait. The substitution was present in nearly 100 percent of the patients with sickle cell disease or trait, and in 22 percent of the normal Saudis. Homozygosity for this mutation had no demonstrable effect on hemoglobin F production in the normal Saudi population. We conclude that this mutation is not uniquely responsible for the increase in hemoglobin F in Saudi patients. It may nevertheless have an important role in regulating hemoglobin F production, but its expression is complex and requires interaction with additional factors, such as hemolytic stress or other molecular determinants, possibly linked to the sickle cell gene.

Alcoholism diagnoses for convicted drinking drivers referred for alcoholism evaluation

The types and extent of alcohol-related problems were determined for a sample of 461 convicted drinking drivers who were referred to an alcoholism treatment facility for evaluation and possible treatment. Using responses to questionnaire and structured interview questions on alcohol-related problems, DSM III diagnoses are constructed; approximately three-quarters of the sample are diagnosed with sufficient severity for a DSM III diagnosis of abuse or dependence. Self-reported consumption levels and drinking/driving incidents increase as the level of the alcohol problem increases; persons in the Alcohol Abuse category are heavier consumers and drive more frequently after drinking than are persons who are not diagnosed by the DSM III as having an alcohol problem. Persons in the Alcohol Dependence category are heavier consumers than either the Alcohol Abuse or Undiagnosed Problem categories and report more drinking/driving incidents. The DSM III provides useful subcategories of convicted drinking drivers referred for alcoholism evaluation and distinguishes groups differing in quality, frequency, and self-reported DWI measures, independent of basic demographics. These analyses suggest that drinking/driving countermeasures should include intervention efforts to address alcohol-related problems. Serious alcohol problems exist among some drinking drivers, and drinking/driving incidents are more frequent among these individuals.