Evaluation of bepridil efficacy by electrophysiologic testing in patients with recurrent ventricular tachycardia: comparison of two regimens

The purpose of the study was to evaluate this effect of different doses of intravenous and oral bepridil on the induction of ventricular tachycardia. Thirty-eight patients underwent electrophysiologic evaluation for recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT). Sustained monomorphic VT was induced by programmed ventricular stimulation, using up to three extrastimuli in all patients. The effects of intravenous bepridil (2 mg/kg) were evaluated during the initial study. Intravenous bepridil prevented the induction of sustained VT in eight patients (21%). Electrophysiologic study was repeated after oral bepridil. In six patients the study was stopped because of adverse effects or VT recurrence. Thirty-two patients underwent repeat study 7 days later, taking oral bepridil, 500 mg/day (n = 16) or 900/day (n = 16). A dose of 500 mg/day of bepridil prevented the induction of sustained VT in only one patient. A dose of 900 mg/day of bepridil prevented the induction of sustained VT in eight patients. There were no significant clinical adverse effects, except in one patient receiving intravenous bepridil. The response to intravenous bepridil did not predict the response to oral bepridil. The response to intravenous or oral bepridil was not related to the plasma level of bepridil but was related to a higher left ventricular ejection fraction. Eight patients (21%) in whom VTs were noninducible on oral bepridil were discharged on 300 mg/day of bepridil if their initial loading dose was 500 mg/day or on 600 mg/day if their initial loading dose was 900 mg/day. They remained free of VT during a follow-up of at least 6 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) on glycosyltransferase activity from human osteoarthritic cartilage

The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the activity of glycosyltransferases required for the synthesis of the polysaccharide chains of proteoglycans, was studied in human osteoarthritic cartilage in vitro. Using exogenous acceptors, salicylate and indomethacin suppressed the activity of glucuronyl- and xylosyltransferases in a concentration-dependent manner, but had little effect on N-acetylgalactosaminyl- and galactosyltransferases. When used at a concentration derived from the values found in the synovial fluid, salicylate, indomethacin and chloroquine significantly suppressed the activity of glucuronyl- and xylosyltransferases, while tiaprofenic acid, paracetamol (acetaminophen), floctafenine, ketoprofen, ibuprofen and tenoxicam had no effect on the enzymes. An alteration of some glycosyltransferases could explain the reported suppressive effect of some NSAIDs on cartilage proteoglycan synthesis.

[Serum hyaluronic acid and phospholipase A2 in an arthritic population]

Serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and A2 phospholipase (A2PL) activity were measured by radioimmunoassay (Pharmacia) and using a specific phospholipid substrate respectively, as potential markers of osteoarthritic synovitis. With neither age, treatment nor sample time taken into consideration, the concentration of HA (micrograms/ml) was 585 +/- 1,054 in rheumatoid arthritis, 379 +/- 409 in knee osteoarthrosis, 272 +/- 384 in hip osteoarthrosis, 131 +/- 144 in low back pain and 44 +/- 23 in osteoporosis, with no significant difference between the groups. HA was nevertheless found to be significantly higher in knee osteoarthrosis patients than in normal controls, when samples were drawn at the same time of day. Physical exercise (pedalling), as well as 20 hours lying flat and an intra-articular injection of corticosteroids did not cause any significant variation in serum HA levels in knee osteoarthrosis patients, in contrast to 20 hours of rest in the controls. A2PL activity was significantly higher in osteoarthrosis patients than in the controls, decreased with rest and corticosteroids and was not dependent upon sample time.

The ability of suramin to block CD4-gp120 binding is reversed in the presence of albumin

We have shown that suramin can directly inhibit the binding of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 envelope protein to immobilized CD4, thus helping to explain the previously described antiviral properties of suramin. However, physiological concentrations of serum albumin significantly attenuated suramin's antiviral effects, suggesting that only free suramin has antiviral properties. Reported discrepancies between in vitro and clinical activities of suramin may be due to differences between free suramin levels in experimental assays and those achievable clinically.

In vitro effect of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on proteoglycanase and collagenase activity in human osteoarthritic cartilage

The effects of several nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, used at concentrations achievable in synovial fluid, on human osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage metallo-protease activity in vitro was studied. Acetaminophen and ketoprofen had no effect; sodium salicylate, indomethacin, and diclofenac slightly decreased proteoglycanase activity. Piroxicam and tenoxicam suppressed proteoglycanase activity by 48.2% and 68.3%, respectively, and suppressed collagenase activity by 19.1% and 36.8%, respectively. Use of these NSAIDs may help to decrease cartilage catabolism in patients with OA.

Pharmacokinetics of an indomethacin pro-drug: apyramide after intravenous administration in dog

The pharmacokinetics of apyramide, an ester of indomethacin and acetaminophen (paracetamol), were determined after intravenous administration to nine beagle dogs. Indomethacin and its pro-drug, apyramide, were extracted from acetonitrile-precipitated plasma by a solvent-demixing procedure and the concentration of these two drugs was measured by a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic assay. The kinetic evolution with time of plasma levels of apyramide and of indomethacin resulting from enzymatic hydrolysis was compared with values obtained for indomethacin injected in equimolar dose. Plasma levels of apyramide quickly decreased and the mean (+/- SD) half life was 0.15 +/- 0.08 h. For metabolic indomethacin, the mean (+/- SD) area under curve was 12.36 +/- 4.80 mg.h/l and the mean (+/- SD) half life of terminal phase was 16.71 +/- 9.46 h. After administration of indomethacin, these values were 17.60 +/- 4.12 mg.h/l and 7.89 +/- 2.20 h, respectively.

[Cytokines, prostaglandin E2, phospholipase A and metalloproteases in synovial fluid in osteoarthritis]

Concentrations of prostaglandin E2, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, phospholipase A2, collagenase and proteoglycanase activity were determined in synovial fluid from 26 patients with osteoarthrosis of the knee and 10 with rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthrosis synovial fluid was characterised by the absence of interleukin 1 beta while tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 were present in relatively large amounts, by a very high phospholipase A2 activity contrasting with a very low concentration of prostaglandin E2, and by a collagenase/proteoglycanase activity only slightly less constant and high as in rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthrosis patients, the interleukin 6 concentration, but not that of tumor necrosis factor alpha, was correlated with the collagenase and proteoglycanase activity of synovial fluid.

[Effects of naproxen (naprosyne) on the metabolism of arthrotic cartilage in man in vivo]

Degradative enzyme (proteoglycanase and collagenase) as well as proteoglycan synthesis enzyme (glycosyl-transferase) activity was studied in osteoarthritic fibrillated cartilage. Proteoglycanase activity was significantly lower in 10 patients with hip osteoarthritis treated with Naproxen (1 g/daily for 4 weeks) than in 10 patients treated with acetaminophen. Synthesis enzyme activity was similar in both groups. The results which confirm in vitro studies suggest that naproxen has not toxic effect on human osteoarthritic cartilage and could rather be beneficial.

Return of ATP/PCr and EEG after 75 min of global brain ischemia

Acute, progressive global brain ischemia was induced in awake or anesthetized rats for 5-75 min. Ischemia was achieved with a subclavian-carotid artery occlusion technique (SCOT). After thoracotomy, both subclavian arteries (proximal to their vertebral branches) were tied-off and carotid artery catheter-snares installed. Results show progressive morphological, physiological and neurochemical damage when CBF was reduced from preischemic levels of 115 ml to 0 blood flow. 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy of high energy phosphate metabolites in vivo showed loss of PCr and beta-ATP signals after 6 min brain ischemia. Energy metabolite levels, EEG and CBF normalized within hours after reperfusion. Degree of neuropathologic damage to hippocampal region appeared linearly related to the ischemic duration of ischemia. Thus, acute global brain ischemia resulted in loss of high energy phosphate metabolites, EEG and neuronal integrity in the hippocampal subfields. Reperfusion following short (5 min) or long (75 min) periods of global brain ischemia induced return of 31P-spectra, EEG and CBF to normal but was unable to reverse all of the neuronal damage at the end of the 72-h observation period.

Calmodulin-dependent collagenase and proteoglycanase activities in chondrocytes from human osteoarthritic cartilage

Chondrocyte metalloproteinases appear to play a major role in the development of osteoarthritis. The intracellular post-traductional mechanisms regulating collagenase and proteoglycanase are not known. Calmodulin antagonists including phenothiazine and sulfonamide derivatives significantly increased proteoglycanase activity and decreased collagenase activity. H-7, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, had no effect on the two metalloproteinase activities, and calmodulin was ineffective in in vitro assays upon metalloproteinase activities. We postulate that collagenase and proteoglycanase activities are controlled by calmodulin-dependent regulation.

Plasma fibronectin and complement following infusion of colloidal solutions after spinal anaesthesia

A randomized study of 30 patients undergoing uncomplicated surgery under spinal anesthesia was conducted to assess the influence of colloids on the kinetics of plasma fibronectin and complement. Both are opsonins of the reticuloendothelial system; moreover fibronectin is concerned with host resistance against septic complications following trauma and surgery. The patients were assigned to receive either Ringer's lactate (Group 1), gelatin (Group 2) or dextran 40 (Group 3). Blood samples were withdrawn before colloids or Ringer's infusion and during the 4 postoperative days. There was a reduction in plasma fibronectin throughout the study in groups 1 and 3, but an increase in group 2 by 24 h. The adhesion of plasma fibronectin to gelatin was maximal 1 h after infusion (44%) and remained significant up to day 2 in group 2. There was no relationship in groups 1 and 3. C3 and C4 components of complement exhibited a low value in the early post-operative period, due to hemodilution. This study shows an in vivo fibronectin-gelatin interaction, and suggests that gelatin infusion inhibits the increased shift of plasma fibronectin at the site of tissue injury after surgery.

Study of an inhibitor of plasminogen activator (tranexamic acid) in the treatment of experimental osteoarthritis

The effects of tranexamic acid, an inhibitor of plasminogen activator, were evaluated in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis induced by section of the knee joint anterior cruciate ligament. Prophylactic treatment administered intramuscularly thrice weekly for 12 or 24 weeks significantly reduced cartilage destructive lesions, increased cartilage hypertrophy but did not prevent changes in cartilage water and proteoglycan content. A suppression of synovial membrane stromelysin and collagenase activity was found while phospholipase A2 activity was unaffected.

Serotonin-stimulated phospholipase A2 and collagenase activation in chondrocytes from human osteoarthritic articular cartilage

We have previously described several receptors on the chondrocyte membrane. In an attempt to further characterize the coupling mechanisms of serotoninergic receptors, here we examined the involvement of serotonin in the phospholipase A2 activity. Serotonin dose-dependently stimulated phospholipase A2. This activation enhanced collagenase type II activity and had no effect on proteoglycanase activity.

Endless-loop tachycardias: description and first clinical results of a new fully automatic protection algorithm

Endless-loop tachycardia (ELT) is one of the most common pacemaker mediated tachycardia. An innovative ELT protection algorithm has proven to be clinically effective. A new improved version that will eliminate the need to program any parameter is now under clinical evaluation. Nine patients entered the study: six men and three women, aged 52 +/- 22 years. This automatic algorithm needs only 10 cycles to detect and confirm an ELT. Three hundred thirty-three ELTs lasting more than 9 cycles have been induced and analyzed. The total results are the following: mean duration: 6.7 sec +/- 3.1; mean ELT rate: 137 +/- 21.9 bpm, mean programmed upper rate limit (URL): 142.5 +/- 26.5 bpm (Only 70% of ELTs presented rates equal to programmed URL). (1) ELTs reduced by postventricular atrial refractory period (PVARP) extension on one cycle: 291 ELTs (87%). ELT rate: 128.5 +/- 18.2 bpm. (2) Retrograde block: algorithm operation may induce a retrograde block due to a short atrioventricular delay (AVD) applied during the confirmation phase to discriminate an ELT from a stable sinus rhythm. Thirty-two ELTs (10%) have been reduced and detected on a retrograde block occurrence. (3) Algorithm failure due to an unstable ventriculoatrial conduction time (VACT) even at fixed rate or to a retrograde Wenckebach behavior on AVD reduction during the confirmation phase. A total of 10 algorithms failed to detect or confirm an ELT have been recorded (3%). Mean duration: 8.2 +/- 4.2 sec, mean ELT rate: 148.9 +/- 14.3 bpm. This new fully automatic algorithm has reduced 97% of ELTs, including high rate episodes (100-175 bpm).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

French multicenter trial of anistreplase versus heparin in acute myocardial infarction

Eighty-four patients aged less than 71 years with less than 4-hour duration acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were randomized in a multicenter study to 30 U anistreplase or heparin (single injection of 6500 IU followed by 1000 IU/hr). Early reperfusion was assessed from ECG changes (50% of sum ST decrease 2 hours postdosing) and the CK release profile (CK peak less than 16 hours after onset of symptoms, CK slope greater than 10%/hr). Reperfusion rates in patients meeting at least two criteria of reperfusion were 62.5% on anistreplase versus 27.5% on heparin. On delayed angiogram (13.7 +/- 3.4 days), patency rates were 66% with anistreplase versus 47% (NS) with heparin in 76 patients. Global LVF was similar in both groups. With anistreplase, the mean lowest fibrinogen level was 0.43 +/- 0.55 g/l, plasminogen was 20 +/- 9%, and the highest F.D.P. was 1447 +/- 548 micrograms/ml. All values recovered by hour 48. In-hospital and 1-year follow-up mortality was 7.2% (three patients) with anistreplase versus 10.2% (four patients) with heparin. Bleeding occurred in 9.7% and 5.1% of the patients (NS), respectively. No intracranial hemorrhage occurred. Thus, with combined clinical criteria or reperfusion, anistreplase is twice as efficient as heparin, has a good tolerance, and is easy to use as a single injection.

Study of the effect of a glycosaminoglycan-peptide complex on the degradative enzyme activities in human osteoarthritic cartilage

The in vitro collagenolytic and proteoglycanasic activity from human fibrillated osteoarthritic cartilage was determined using labelled proteoglycans and type II collagen as substrates. In vitro, a glycosaminoglycan-peptide complex (GP-C Rumalon) induced a dose-dependent inhibition of both collagenolytic and proteoglycanasic activities while sodium salicylate and indomethacin had only a weak suppressive effect on proteoglycanase. Phospholipase A2 activity was unmodified by GP-C suggesting that the effect of the drug on degradative enzymes was unrelated to prostaglandin formation.

Suramin blockade of insulinlike growth factor I-stimulated proliferation of human osteosarcoma cells

The polyanionic compound suramin is currently being evaluated for antineoplastic activity. On the basis of previous in vitro studies, it has been suggested that the mechanism of action of suramin may be related to its ability to attenuate the mitogenic effects of peptide growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor and epidermal growth factor. We recently reported that MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells are mitogenically responsive to insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I). We now demonstrate for the first time that suramin interferes with the interaction between IGF-I and its receptor and abolishes in vitro IGF-I-stimulated proliferation of these osteosarcoma cells. The fact that cell proliferation resumes when suramin is removed indicates that this is not a cytotoxic effect. We conclude that IGF-I should be added to the list of growth factors whose bioactivity can be attenuated by suramin and that clinical studies of suramin and its analogues are indicated in IGF-I-receptor-positive malignancies such as osteogenic sarcoma.

[Effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the enzymatic degradation of osteoarthritic cartilage]

The proteoglycannasic and collagenolytic activity the fissured, osteoarthritic human cartilage has been studied in vitro, using proteoglycannases and collagen type II respectively as marked substrates. The effect of various NSAIDs, used at a concentration corresponding to that of the synovial fluid, on these enzymatic activities has been measured in vitro. Naproxen decreases in a significant and dose-dependent way the enzymatic degradation of the cartilage, but only an inhibition of the proteoglycannase can be hoped for in vivo. Not all NSAIDs seem to have inhibitory effects on the enzymatic degradation of the osteoarthritic cartilage.

Insulinlike growth factor I: a potent mitogen for human osteogenic sarcoma

Insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I) is among the peptide mitogens that play key roles in the regulation of normal skeletal growth. To investigate the possibility that certain skeletal neoplasms retain a sensitivity to mitogenic stimulation by IGF-I, we studied the effects of this growth factor on human osteosarcoma. Competitive-binding assays and affinity-labeling experiments on membranes prepared from MG-63 immortalized human osteosarcoma cells and primary human osteogenic sarcoma cells demonstrate the presence of specific IGF-I receptors. Furthermore, we show that IGF-I is a potent stimulator of proliferation of MG-63 cells in vitro and is active at concentrations as low as 10(-10) M. A blocking antibody against the IGF-I receptor (alpha-IR3) significantly reduces IGF-I-stimulated proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that at least a subset of human osteogenic sarcomas are responsive to IGF-I and indicate that it may be possible to exploit this responsiveness therapeutically.

Cartilage degradative enzymes in human osteoarthritis: effect of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administered orally

The activity of stromelysin and collagenase was determined in fibrillated human OA cartilage using labeled proteoglycans and type II collagen as substrates. In vitro paracetamol had no effect on metalloprotease whereas TA induced a significant inhibition of stromelysin. In cartilage and synovium from nine patients treated with TA and nine patients treated with paracetamol during 8 weeks before surgery for hip OA, stromelysin activity was significantly lower in the TA than in the paracetamol group. The results suggest that TA has a potential chondroprotective effect in OA.

[Adaptation of Goldmann's cupula to the detection of subjective cyclodiplopia. Preliminary study]

Although the single binocular visual field provides an indication of the area free of horizontal or vertical diplopia, it does not assess cyclorotary diplopia. A cylindric glass is adapted on the Goldmann perimeter and gives a linear spot, allowing the determination of the cyclorotary component of diplopia.

Intestinal glycosyl-transferase activities. Nutritional regulation by a chemically-modified protein: methionyl-casein

In order to estimate the effect of a chemically modified casein, glycosylation processes were studied in rats fed a diet containing this protein. Two groups of rats were fed either a methionyl-casein diet or a normal casein diet. The methionyl-casein was enriched in methionine by covalent linkage of this amino-acid. The nutritional data (growth, protein intake...) were not modified by the diet. The microsomal N-acetylgalactosaminyl- and fucosyl-transferase activities were unaffected by the diet. On the contrary, the soluble fucosyl-transferase activity was enhanced and the activation of fucose transfer in cytosol from methionyl-casein-diet fed rats disappeared after enzyme purification by DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The activation was not explained by changes in some interfering reactions (glycosyl-nucleotide pyrophosphatase, oxidase, protease activities).