Uptake, distribution, and turnover rates of selenium in barley

The present communication elucidates initially the topographic distribution of selenium in barley grains. Then by the fluorimetric method the uptake of selenium (selenite) in 8-16 d old germinating barley was estimated. Finally by means of 75Se the anabolic and catabolic rates (turnover) of 75Se (selenite) was compared. The distribution of selenium in barley was evaluated after micro-dissection of barley grains. In dried grains the highest concentration was found in husk and pericarp with about 0.6 ppm Se. Then followed Scutellum with 0.4 and 0.3 ppm in embryon. The aleurone layer, embryonic leaves, and initial root did only have 0.2 ppm Se. In order to know more about the uptake and distribution of selenium in 8-d-old barley, the plants were cultivated for a further 8 d in the culture medium with variation in selenite concentration. In roots and leaves, the uptake did not arrive at saturation during the period studied since the dose-response curve increased up to 0.34 mM selenite in the medium, whereas the selenium levels were about 200 ppm in roots and 30 ppm in leaves. However, the uptake was linear, with concentration during 8 d of cultivation up to 0.84 microM selenite for grain and stem. At higher concentrations the dose-response curve diminished its slope. At 0.34 mM selenite the concentration in grain increased to 6.87 ppm and in the stem to 8.13 ppm. The uptake, distribution, and catabolic rate of selenium components in germinating barley were further evaluated by exposing the plants to 0.0492 microCi 75Se (12.6 microM selenite) for up to 4 d. Then the plants were moved to a selenium deficient medium for further 4 d. Then finally the medium was supplemented with high doses of cold selenite (0.126 mM selenite) for further 4 d. The first third period made it possible to estimate the rate of uptake. It was highest in roots (313 fmol/h/mg dw), i.e., about 10 times those of grains, stems, and leaves. The intermediate period where the barley was transferred to a selenium deficient medium made it possible to estimate the kinetics and eventual sparing mechanisms. The selenium losses were highest for leaves (39%), then followed by roots and stems (22 and 25%, respectively). The losses were lowest in grain with 9% Se losses. The losses were three times more pronounced during the first day than in the following 3 d. These data may argue that the selenium is distributed into different pools and that sparing mechanisms may be in function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections in Cape Town, South Africa

The full spectrum of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease has not been documented previously in Africa. This 1-year prospective study was designed to determine the epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in Cape Town children. During this period, 142 children with invasive disease were hospitalized; 85 (59.9%) presented with meningitis, 35 (24.6%) with pneumonia and 22 (15.5%) with other diseases. No cases of epiglottitis were seen. Sixty per cent of cases were male and 40% female. The median age of the children was 9 months, with a range of 1-144 months, and 65.5% were aged < 12 months. Neurological dysfunction was noted in 40% and 18% of children with meningitis on admission and discharge, respectively. The overall case fatality rate (95% confidence intervals) was 9.2% (4.9-15.7), and for meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia it was 4.7% (1.2-16.4), 14.3% (4.6-31.8) and 40% (8-78.1), respectively. Serotype b accounted for 86.5% of all cases, 97.3% of cases of meningitis, 71.4% of cases of pneumonia, 50% of cases of septicaemia, all cases of arthritis and cellulitis and none of mastoiditis. The incidence rates (95% confidence intervals) for all invasive type b infections were 169 (122-198) and 47 (39-57) per 100,000 population for children < 1 and < 5 years, respectively. For meningitis the rates were 112 (84-148) and 34 (25-40) per 100,000, respectively. Rates for mixed race and white children were similar, but those for black children were more than double those rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of blood pressure cuff inflation on sleep. A polysomnographic examination

Ambulatory blood pressure monitors are being used increasingly to define blood pressure in contexts other than the doctor's office. With increasing interest in both effects of treatment on quality of life and chronobiology of hemodynamic regulation, such monitors have also been used to define blood pressure during sleep. Unfortunately, few investigators have scrutinized the effect of such recordings on sleep, as defined precisely with polysomnography. We studied a diverse group of 12 unmedicated individuals, measuring BP by cuff inflation every 60 min. The polysomnogram was then analyzed for periods of wakefulness and arousals from sleep. Cuff inflation was associated with increased arousals (P < .0001) and wakefulness (P < .0001). In addition, subjects recalled 58% of the cuff inflations. Effects of cuff inflation on a second night of recording indicated some habituation. Nocturnal BPs measured by such techniques are still valuable, but one must have some reservations that these measures accurately reflect BP during sleep.

Do endogenous retroviruses have etiological implications in inflammatory and degenerative nervous system diseases?

Vertebrates carry large numbers of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and related sequences in their genomes. These retroviral elements are inherited as Mendelian traits. Generally, ERVs are defective without the ability of being expressed as viral particles. However, ERV sequences often have a potential for expression of at least some proteins. So far, the possible biological significance of ERVs is not clear. Nonetheless, there are observations suggesting a connection between ERVs and various diseases. This is the case with murine lupus and a spinal cord disease of certain mouse strains. In the present review, we discuss possible mechanisms by which ERVs could contribute to the development of human degenerative and inflammatory nervous system diseases, including direct effects on nervous system cells and immune cells. Interactions between ERVs and infectious viruses are also discussed. Finally, we review a possible retroviral etiology of multiple sclerosis.

Comparison of DNA adduct formation by means of synchronous scanning and by isotope tracers: in-vitro study on formation of DNA adducts in human lymphocytes exposed to benzo(a)pyrene

The P-450 complex transforms polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PA) into active intermediates that may cause mutations due to DNA adduct formation. The present communication compares the rate of DNA adduct formation in human lymphocytes incubated for varying times with different concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene (B(A)P). In the presence of B(A)P the cultures were standardized as to medium and lectin concentration. Then the cells were exposed to increasing levels of cold and 3H-labelled B(A)P for varying times. B(A)P adducted to DNA was estimated both by synchronous scanning (SS) and by counting radioactivity. SS revealed a synchronous signal at 382 nm, corresponding to data available from the literature, and the peak height declined linearly with dose of B(A)P. However, it appeared that the signal height decreased if the DNA was successively extracted with chloroform. Five times extraction gave rise to a stable content of B(A)P of about 25% of the B(A)P originally found in the DNA. This DNA could only be traced with the radioactive tracer, since the concentration of adducted B(A)P was below the lower level of detection by the SS method. Even at low B(A)P levels the carcinogen exists in two forms in DNA: as 'free' non-adducted (extractable with lipid solvents) and an adducted form. Time variation showed that the DNA was incorporated linearly with both forms of B(A)P for up to 2 hours, then the take-up was constant. Concentration variation showed linear incorporation up to 1 microM B(A)P. The present data may explain conflicting data on the extent to which lymphocytes adduct B(A)P to DNA. The lipid-soluble planar B(A)P of DNA may, like photosensitizers, intercalate between the two DNA strands. Like the intercalation of acridines into DNA, which is known to cause frameshift mutations, the intercalation of B(A)P may also have mutagenic consequences.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis an enigmatic disease with B-cellular and anti-retroviral immune responses

OBJECTIVES

The most frequent sporadic adult motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, affects more men, follows no epidemiologic pattern, and was long considered a pure spinal cord disorder. It now becomes evident that the disease is characterized by spinal, cerebral and extra-neuromuscular changes including B-cellular responses and ultrastructural skin alterations. Do these parameters identify subgroups or correlate with the male preponderance of the disease?

METHODS

We analyzed age at and site of onset, sex, duration of clinical disease, and human foamy retroviral seroreactivity in 47 consecutive patients with a definite diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The results were compared with antivisna seroreactivity, immunoglobulin isotypes, circulating immune complexes, neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin as well as skin biopsies in respective subsets of the same 47 patients.

RESULTS

Seroreactivity to recombinant human spuma retrovirus (HSRV) envelope and/or capsid protein was positive in 20/47 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, and 28/30 competed with specific retroviral antibodies on maedi-visna antigen. Anti HSRV-seronegative patients had lower immunoglobulin IgG3 isotype concentrations, while HSRV-gag plus HSRV-env antibody positives demonstrated highest circulating IgG immune complexes. All 11 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients partially reacting to recombinant HSRV-env or HSRV-gag antigen were men, and male amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients tended to have higher total cerebrospinal fluid protein levels. Neopterin and beta 2-microglobulin as markers of a cellular immune activation remained basically normal in serum and cerebrospinal fluid.

CONCLUSION

We suggest a particular B-lymphocytic and retroviral involvement in this enigmatic, relentlessly progressing, at present untreatable and most frequent neurological system degeneration. To our opinion this situation justifies the search for novel anti-retroviral therapeutic strategies.

[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis--indications of increased antiretroviral seroreactivity without obvious epidemiology]

Of 25 male and 13 female patients diagnosed as sporadic cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis between 1989 and 1992, 17 had reproducible serum antibodies against human foamy virus (HFV = human spuma retrovirus, HSRV). HFV-positive ALS patients had higher IgG3 concentrations than HFV-negatives (P < 0.05) and competed better on maedi-visna retroviral antigen than HFV-negatives or controls (P < 0.05), but did not differ otherwise. Two HFV-positive patients were living in the same building; two other ALS patients lived within 300 m of one another, and three HFV gag reactive men (2 ALS, 1 control) were living in neighbouring villages. These were the closest geographic clusters found among current patients. We summarize recent findings compatible with a pathogenetic role for endogenous and/or exogenous retroviral sequences in adult motor neuron disease, and confirm a male preponderance as well as an inverse correlation between survival time and age at onset.

Mercury and multiple sclerosis

It has occasionally been claimed that multiple sclerosis (MS) may be due to a chronic mercury intoxication, e.g. from mercury liberated from dental fillings. Therefore, the present communication compares the mercury content assayed by neutron activation in 8 macroscopically normal areas (frontal lobe) of MS autopsy brains with those of 8 control samples. No significant differences could be traced between the two groups concerning total mercury. However, the lipid-soluble mercury (preferably methyl mercury) expressed per cell unit (DNA) was found significantly decreased in MS. These data may be explained either by a wash-out of lipid soluble mercury due to break-down of the blood-brain barrier in MS or to abnormalities in methylation processes probably related to the vitamin B12 metabolism in MS.

Prediction of drug distribution in distribution dialysis and in vivo from binding to tissues and blood

Relationships between the binding and the distribution of drugs have been studied in vitro and compared with in vivo data. By use of a standardized technique of distribution dialysis, 10 model drugs were allowed to be distributed among blood and homogenates of seven tissues. The drugs represented a variety of distinct molecules with different lipophilicities, ionization constants, and binding characteristics. The tissue/blood drug concentration ratios were below unity for salicylic acid and phenylbutazone, at about unity for antipyrine (phenazone) and morphine, and above unity for two barbiturates and four basic lipophilic drugs. The binding of the 10 drugs to blood and homogenates of seven tissues was determined by use of conventional equilibrium dialysis and experimental conditions identical to those used in distribution dialysis. From these binding values (free fractions), the theoretical concentration ratios were calculated. There was a good correlation between the calculated values and those determined by distribution dialysis. Thus, the distribution of drugs in the in vitro model of distribution dialysis clearly is the result of binding competition and is predictable from binding values. The correlation between distribution in vitro (or calculated from binding values) and distribution in vivo, on the basis of literature data, indicated a reasonable agreement for antipyrine and the acidic lipophilic drugs used, as well as for the basic lipophilic drugs, with respect to the brain, muscle, and adipose tissue. However, the distribution of the latter drugs in the lungs, liver, and kidneys was grossly underestimated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lung function in insulation workers

To evaluate the effects of working with modern insulation materials (rock and glass wool), the members of the Copenhagen Union of Insulation Workers were invited to participate in a study based on a health examination that included lung function tests. Three hundred and forty men (74%) agreed to participate, and 166 bus drivers served as the control group. Age distribution, height, and smoking habits were similar in the two groups. Forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were used as tests for lung function. There were no differences in FVC between the study and control groups, but the insulation workers had significantly lower values of FEV1 (mean 2.51) compared with the controls (mean 3.4 1), independent of smoking habits. Six years before the present study, 114 of the insulation workers participated in a similar study, and eight years after the initial study, the lung function of 59 of the bus drivers was tested. The decline in FVC in insulation workers who smoked was significantly higher (7.7 cl/year) than in bus drivers who smoked (3.1 cl/year); the decline in FEV1 was significantly higher in insulation workers independent of smoking habits (17.0 cl/year v 2.9 cl/year). Self assessed former exposure to asbestos was not associated with lung function in insulation workers. The study concludes that working with modern insulation materials is associated with increased risk of developing obstructive lung disease.

Method for estimation of benzo[a]pyrene DNA adducts

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzo[a]pyrene (B(a)P) are known carcinogens/mutagens. These compounds may be metabolized by the P450 mixed function monooxygenase to more nucleophilic compounds which may form adducts to the cellular macromolecules, e.g., DNA, RNA, and proteins. We have used synchronous fluorescence scanning for the assay of DNA adduct formation. In our earlier work with in vitro exposed human lymphocytes we estimated the adduct formation (femtomoles B(a)P per microgram DNA) to be higher than that estimated by other workers. We suggested that this difference may be related to the DNA isolation method used. In order to elucidate these differences we compared DNA adduct formation in human lymphocytes where DNA was isolated by the two different methods, i.e., using phenol extraction or the Gene Clean method. The data demonstrate that the phenol extraction procedure gives a yield of adducts per microgram DNA lower than that obtained by the Gene Clean method. The principle of the Gene Clean method for DNA isolation is protein denaturation by means of NaI followed by catching of DNA by absorption on silica particles. In contrast, the phenol extraction method is based upon phenol-mediated denaturation of proteins in the cell lysate leaving the hydrophilic nucleotides in the aqueous phase. However, during adduct formation more lipophilic adducts derived from DNA may redistribute between the aqueous phase and the phenol phase. In support of this theory we found higher adduct concentration per microgram DNA by the Gene Clean method 40 to 60 times than that found by the phenol method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Search for a retrovirus in multiple sclerosis by enzymatic amplification of DNA from brain capillaries, brain tissue and mononuclear cells from peripheral blood

Attempts were made to trace a possible retrovirus in multiple sclerosis (MS) by means of polymerase chain reaction. The primers derived from conserved sequences in the genome of human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type I (HTLV-I) and the amplifications were carried out at varying stringency conditions (i.a. annealing at low stringency to enhance the cross-reactivity of the primers). Included in the study were samples of DNA from brain capillaries (five MS patients), brain tissue (three MS patients) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (three MS patients). Using an HTLV-I derived probe at relaxed conditions of stringency, hybridization signals were not recorded with amplified material from any of these samples. Aspects of infections with neurotropic retroviruses that could be relevant to the search for a retrovirus in MS are reviewed.

Seroreactivity to human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 and related retroviruses in multiple sclerosis patients from Denmark and the Faroes

A total of 40 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from Denmark and 10 from the Faroes were examined for antibodies with affinity to human T cell leukemia/lymphoma virus type 1 (HTLV-I) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2). Using ELISA, MS patients and a group of healthy controls did not differ significantly in their reactivities to HTLV-I. However, elevated reactivities were recorded with 5 MS sera, whereas only 2 of the sera from the controls produced highly values. Ten patients with other neurological diseases all seemed to exhibit low reactivity in HTLV-I ELISA. The reactivities of 2 MS sera decreased considerably by absorption with an HTLV-I lysate. In immunofluorescence assay, two other MS sera reacted with HTLV-I transformed cell lines as well as with non-infected cells. Examined by Western blotting (WB), a single MS serum produced a distinct HTLV-I p19 band. With ELISA for detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, 2 MS sera exhibited borderline reactions. Further examination of these two sera by WB revealed weak reactivities against p24 and p53 of HIV-1. One the whole, the present observations do not suggest that a putative MS retrovirus would be closely related with HTLV-I, HIV-1 or HIV-2.

Blood pressure and mortality: an epidemiological survey with 10 years follow-up

The Copenhagen City Heart Study is a prospective ischaemic heart disease population study designed to evaluate incidence of, and risk factors for, ischaemic heart disease. A random population sample of approximately 20,000 men and women was invited to participate in a health survey, which was carried out in 1976-78. The participation rate was 74%. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was measured with the London School of Hygiene sphygmomanometer after 5 minutes in the sitting position. Risk factors were assessed by a questionnaire and non-fasting plasma cholesterol was measured. Information about subsequent death and causes of death was obtained from the Danish Death Register. Follow-up was virtually complete over an observation time of 10 years. Analysis of the independent effect of SBP and DBP measured at entry on the 10 year total and cause-specific mortality was performed using the Cox regression model. Antihypertensive medication and/or diuretic therapy, physical activity during leisure time, economic and educational status, tobacco and alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, plasma cholesterol levels, age and sex were entered as confounders. Total mortality was increased only in the higher quintiles of SBP. Concerning ischaemic heart disease mortality and cerebrovascular mortality, the risk increased in a graded manner with increasing quintile of SBP and DBP. With regard to cancer mortality, a U-shaped association was observed between quintile of SBP (and DBP) and death rate. With advancing age, the predictive power of SBP on total and cause-specific mortality changed, especially in males, as a pronounced U-shape of the association between BP and mortality appeared. The reasons for this are discussed. The relative risk in subjects receiving antihypertensive medication was 1.7 (CL 1.5-2.0) regarding total mortality, 2.0 (CL 1.5-2.7) regarding ischaemic heart disease mortality, 0.8 (CL 0.5-1.4) regarding cerebrovascular mortality, and 1.3 (CL 1.0-1.7) regarding cancer mortality. This finding is in agreement with clinical trials experiences, and may have an impact on management of high blood pressure.

Computerized apnea detection in ambulatory sleep recording with the Somnolog system

Apnea detection from a traditional polysomnographic sleep recording is tedious and time consuming. With a new portable device, the Somnolog, it is possible to make ambulatory sleep recording and apnea detection.

The influence of selenium and vitamin E on the enhanced respiratory burst reaction in smokers

The respiratory burst reaction (RBR) of neutrophilic granulocytes of the peripheral blood was estimated by means of the luminol reaction in 10 smokers and in 10 nonsmokers. Compared to the nonsmokers, the RBR of smokers' granulocytes showed a significantly higher rate of RBR. RBR consists of two enzymatic systems, i.e., NADPH-oxidase generating superoxide anions and myeloperoxidase, generating hypochlorous acid. Furthermore the superoxide anion may undergo dismutation to oxygen and peroxide. Thus, since the RBR may cause an oxidative stress, the smokers were supplemented for 10 d with antioxidants, i.e., 200 micrograms L-Se-methionine and 1000 mg vitamin E/d. After 10 d of supplementation with the antioxidants, the RBR of the smokers was significantly decreased by 20-75 percent. Since the oxidative stress associated with RBR may cause autodigestive reactions in the lungs of smokers, it may be beneficial for smokers to use relatively high doses of such antioxidants in order to hamper the pathological processes associated with smoking.

Uptake and distribution in rat brain of organic and inorganic selenium

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) occur in relatively high amounts in phospholipids of the synapses. PUFAs may thus determine the fluidity of the synaptosomal membrane and, hereby, they may regulate the neuronal transmission. It was therefore tempting to suggest a system in the brain, that inhibits autooxidation of PUFAs. In order to trace such a protection system, Wistar rats were equally loaded with 4500 kBq of 75-Se either as selenite or as L-Se-methionine. By means of gradient ultracentrifugation, particulate fractions of the brains were isolated, and the radioactivity as well as the glutathione-transferase and -peroxidase activities were estimated. The distribution of the two selenium components among the particulate fractions was different. Thus, selenite gave higher radioactivity in myelin, then followed by the light synaptosomal and the vesicular fraction. L-Se-methionine was more equally incorporated in all particulate fractions, although highest activity was found in the mitochondrial fraction. Myelin and synaptic vesicles were devoid of transferase activity. On the other hand, the synaptosomal fraction showed highest specific transferase activity. The glutathione peroxidase activity was highest in the myelin fraction, followed by the vesicular and the synaptosomal fractions. The data obtained thus support the idea that the PUFAs of the synaptic compartment are protected against peroxidation, at least in part, by the selenium containing glutathione peroxidase.

Are blood pressure levels increasing in Denmark?

The Copenhagen City Heart Study is a prospective cardiovascular population study designed to evaluate the incidence of and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A random population sample comprising approximately 20,000 individuals was invited to participate. Blood pressure was measured, and information regarding the use of antihypertensive medication was collected in an initial survey during the period 1976-1978 (attendance rate 74%) and from a second survey during the period 1981-1983 (attendance rate 70%). A significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between survey 1 and survey 2 was found among both men and women greater than 40 years of age and not using antihypertensive medication. The increase in blood pressure in the follow-up survey could not be explained by changes in methods, changes in the prescription of antihypertensive medication, or selection bias. Factors associated with changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were examined by multiple linear regression analysis. Both increase in body mass index and increase in alcohol consumption were positively correlated with changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while use of antihypertensive medication, a high value of body mass index at survey 1 and a high level of education were negatively correlated with changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Female sex and advanced age were also negatively correlated with changes in diastolic blood pressure. Consumption of tobacco and alcohol, income and changes in consumption of tobacco were not significantly correlated with changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Brainstem auditory-evoked responses with and without sedation in autism and Down's syndrome

Brainstem auditory-evoked responses (BAER) were obtained from 46 control, 16 Down's syndrome, and 48 autistic male subjects. Six Down's syndrome and 37 autistic subjects were tested with sedation. Sedated and unsedated Down's syndrome subjects displayed shorter absolute and interpeak latencies for early components of the BAER whereas the sedated autistic group showed longer latencies for the middle and late components. The prolongation of latencies in the sedated autistic group was unrelated to age or intellectual level. Although individuals requiring sedation may have a higher probability of neurological impairment, an effect of sedation on the BAER cannot be ruled out.

Antibody reactivity against animal retroviruses in multiple sclerosis

A total of 27 MS patients and 82 controls were studied for presence of antibodies reacting with maedi-visna virus and bovine leukemia virus by means of 2 ELISA techniques. Furthermore, the differentiated antibody response against BLV antigens was evaluated by immunoblotting. People with elevated activities against MVV were detected in the MS group as well as controls. Elevated antibody activity against BLV as determined by biotinylated protein A and peroxidase-labelled streptavidin tended to occur more frequently in MS patients than in controls. No such difference was found, however, when peroxidase-conjugated antibodies against human kappa chain were used for detection of antibodies reacting with BLV. Immunoblotting revealed no difference between the MS and the control group when anti-kappa antibodies were used to detect antibody binding to BLV antigens. The protein A method revealed significantly decreased antibody activity against a BLV antigen with molecular weight of about 29 kD in MS compared with controls, whereas a significant rise in number of MS patients responding to a component of about 53 kD was observed. The differences between the 2 detection systems could be due to unspecific reactions. The present data indicate that MS patients exhibit an inhomogeneous and, in some cases elevated, antibody activity against BLV.

Biochemical and clinical effects of an antioxidative supplementation of geriatric patients. A double blind study

Ninety seven geriatric patients from two Danish homes for old people accepted to participate in a blinded experiment designed to counteract ageing phenomena. The subjects were split into two groups, i.e., the verum and the placebo group. The verum group received daily for one year an antioxidative cocktail consisting of: 300 micrograms selenium as L-selenomethionine, 45 mg zinc, 270 mg vitamin C, 2.7 mg vitamin A, 6 mg vitamin B-6, and 465 mg vitamin E (d-alfatocopherol). Furthermore, in order to enhance exchange in polyenoic acids, each subject received daily 250 mg gamma-linolenic acid. The placebo groups received similar looking pills and capsules without the active components. During one year in the verum group, the whole blood selenium, the hydrogen-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) of erythrocytes, and the vitamin E level in serum was found increased compared to the pretreatment values and to the placebo group. No change could be traced in the t-butylhydroperoxide dependent GSH-Px, an enzyme that also assays the glutathione-s-transferase. During the same period of time, the fasting levels of serum fatty acids and the content of lipofuscin in erythrocytes were estimated. Compared to the pretreatment values, the lipofuscin level declined significantly and the level of w-3 penta- and hexaenoic acids increased in the verum, but not in the placebo group. During the study period, slight, but significant improvements in psychological scores could be traced. Furthermore, the assays of bloodflow in different areas of the brain surface (i.e., the ISI values) revealed a general trend to improvement in all areas, when the ISI values were compared during treatment with the pretreatment values and the values in the placebo group.