Quantitative immunodiffusion assay of serum protein patterns in protein calorie malnutrition (PCM)

Serum protein components were evaluated by the specific radial immunodiffusion technique in a number of protein energy malnourished infants and young children, as well as in a group of parallel controls. Results show a drop in both serum prealbumin and albumin in concordance with the severity of the condition in both KWO and marasmus. Serum level of varies as 1-acidic glycoprotein was elevated, being more marked in KWO than in marasmus. Serum oc1-antitrypsin, haemopexin, ceruloplasmin and transferrin were all reduced but to a varying extent in both KWO and marasmus. The levels of serum IgA and IgM were above normal in all disease entities except for a slight decrease of IgA in 2nd grade marasmus. On the other hand, serum IgG was reduced in the majority of cases. The ratio of serum cerutoplasmin to transferrin in KWO was found to be of diagnostic value in different grades of the disease.

Red cell membrane protein in thalassemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency anemia

Twenty cases of thalassemia major and 20 children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency were studied for the protein content of their red cell membrane as well as for its fractions, compared to 20 normal controls. The results showed that the total membrane proteins per red cell and the various fraction percentages in both conditions were not significantly different from normal controls. Also the acrylamide gel electrophoretic studies of the red cell membrane proteins gave band patterns identical with those of normal controls. These results are discussed.

[Carcinoma simulating alterations of the breast in axillary vein thrombosis (author's transl)]

Two observations of mammographic findings in axillary vein thrombosis showed the main similarities of alterations in the soft parts of the arm and/or breast (vein dilation, thickening of the skin, edema). Radiological findings can simulate the possibility of a tumor or even a total carcinoma.

Sphingomyelinases in human tissues. II. Absence of a specific enzyme from liver and brain of Niemann-Pick disease, type C

Sphingomyelinase was obtained in excellent yield from liver and brain by homogenization with 0.05 M citrate-phosphate buffer, pH 4.5, containing 0.25% Triton-X-100 (v/v) followed by dialysis of the supernatant fluids against 1% glycine. Total recovery of enzyme was slightly less with tissue from Niemann-Pick disease compared with control tissue. Isoelectric focusing of liver and brain extracts was successfully used to resolve several species of sphingomyelinase. Three (I-III) of the five species were partially characterized. Enzyme I (pI 4.6) had a pH optimum of 4.8-5.0 in acetate buffer and a Km value of 0.026 mM. Both sphingomyelinases I and II were the major enzymes, whereas III, IV, and V were found at lower levels. Of the two major species in normal liver and brain (I and II), species I alone persisted in liver from the two cases of type C, while species III, IV, and V were present. In brain, only species II was decreased but the resolution of the brain enzymes was less satisfactory.

Sphingomyelinases in human tissues. III. Expression of Niemann-Pick disease in cultured skin fibroblasts

Sphingomyelinase was effectively extracted cultured fibroblasts homogenized in 1% glycine. The average specific activity was 24.6 nmol substrate hydrolyzed per hr per mg protein. Cultured cells from two cases of Niemann-Pick disease type A and one case of type B had markedly reduced enzyme activity, whereas, in type E cells, total activity was twice normal. Sphingomyelinase was resolved by isoelectric focusing into three peaks of activity (I-II), where I and II were the major forms. Species I had a pI of 4.6, II a pI of 4.8, and III a pI of 5.0. All three peaks, although markedly reduced, were present in cell extracts from both types A and B. All species of enzyme in B cells were found at higher levels than in A cells. Cultured cells from a case of type E contained sphingomyelinase I at a level several fold higher than normal, species II was absent, whereas III was found at near normal levels.

Red cell membrane lipids in thalassaemia

Red cell and plasma lipids and their fractions were estimated in 20 cases of thalassaemia and 20 normal controls. In thalassaemia there was reduction in red cell lipids and their fractions, plasma lipids and their fractions, and derangement of liver functions. On the other hand, the intestinal fat absorption, morphology of intestinal mucosa and histochemical studies of fat absorption were normal. Hypolipidaemia may be possibly caused by deranged liver functions and is probably responsible for the diminution in erythrocyte lipids. A genetic factor producing reduction in red cell lipids may be also present.

Study of red cell membrane lipids in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency anemia

Red cell membrane lipids and plasma lipids were studied in 20 patients with G.6.P.D. deficiency, during acute hemolysis and 45-60 days later-20 normal controls were similarly investigated. All lipids in G-6-P-D deficient cells were found to be diminished during the attack of hemolysis and to return back with the exception of lecithin to normal after recovery. Plasma cholesterol and phospholipids were markedly diminished during acute hemolysis, but slightly reduced on recovery.

Platelet adhesiveness, plasma free fatty acids, and serum triglycerides in kwashiorkor

The concentrations of plasma free fatty acids and triglycerides were studied in 15 cases of kwashiorkor and in 14 normal controls in relation to the degree of platelet adhesiveness. A significant rise in the level of free fatty acids was found which correlated with a significant increase in platelet adhesiveness in these cases.

Serum and red cell folates, and serum vitamin B 12 in protein calorie malnutrition

In 22 cases of kwashiorkor, 19 cases of marasmus, and 16 normal controls, red cell folate, serum folate, and serum vitamin B₁₂ were estimated, and the bone marrow and peripheral blood examined. Erythrocyte folate deficiency was shown in 9 cases of kwashiorkor and 7 cases of marasmus. Serum folate deficiency was present in 14 cases of kwashiorkor and 7 cases of marasmus. Megaloblastosis was found in 45% of cases of kwashiorkor and 37% of cases of marasmus. Megaloblastosis and macrocytosis correlated more with erythrocyte than with serum folate deficiency. Serum vitamin B₁₂ levels in children with kwashiorkor or marasmus did not differ from those of normal controls. The role of folate deficiency in the pathogenesis of megaloblastosis in protein calorie malnutrition was confirmed.

The Morphology of the Cercaria of Schistosomum mansoni from Planorbis boissyi of Egypt

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