Impaired polymorphonuclear leukocyte anticandidal function in injured adults with elevated Candida antigen titers

Per protocol, adults with an Injury Severity Score of 18 or greater underwent Candida antigen titer measurements weekly. If titers were 1:4 or greater, neutrophil function against Candida albicans was determined with use of a tritiated glucose incorporation assay, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes obtained from healthy blood donors were studied concurrently for comparison. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes from healthy blood donors and injured patients with elevated titers were able to inhibit C albicans growth in a dose-dependent fashion. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes from injured patients with elevated titers had a significantly depressed ability to inhibit Calbicans growth compared with those from healthy blood donors at all effector cell-to-target cell ratios tested. Cytokine-treated polymorphonuclear leukocytes from healthy blood donors and injured patients with elevated Candida antigen titers demonstrated significantly improved anticandidal activity at all ratios of polymorphonuclear leukocytes-to-Candida. Granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor was the most potent cytokine at reconstituting polymorphonuclear leukocyte function, followed by interferon gamma and interleukin 8. In conclusion, an elevated Candida antigen titer in injured adults is associated with impaired polymorphonuclear leukocyte antifungal activity. This depressed activity can be reconstituted by the addition of cytokine.

Resolution of dihydroxyeicosanoates and of dihydroxyeicosatrienoates by chiral phase chromatography

A chromatographic method is described for the direct enantiomeric characterization of 5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12-, and 14,15-vic-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), metabolites of the cytochrome P-450 arachidonate epoxygenase pathway, and of their corresponding saturated vic-dihydroxyeicosanoic acids. Following esterification, the individual methyl or pentafluorobenzyl esters are resolved by chiral-phase chromatography utilizing a Chiralcel OC or OD column. This methodology will find analytical and preparative applications since it is simple and efficient and preserves, intact, the diol functionality.

Recombinant interleukin-8 induces changes in cytosolic Ca2+ in human neutrophils

Activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) by most soluble stimulants is associated with a marked increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a monocyte-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor and potent neutrophil-activating cytokine, effectively enhanced the resting free [Ca2+]i within human PMNL in a dose-dependent manner (maximal effect with 100 ng/mL). The increase in [Ca2+]i was substantially (55%) inhibited in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Thus, the increase was due to extra- and intracellular cooperative mobilization of Ca2+, as supported by the reduced effect of IL-8 on [Ca2+]i after quenching with Mn2+. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interferon-gamma failed to induce a change in [Ca2+]i, suggesting that they may operate through different signal pathways. Pretreatment with Bordetella pertussis toxin largely inhibited the IL-8-induced change in [Ca2+]i. Thus, IL-8-induced cooperative mobilization of intra- and extracellular Ca2+ leads to a net Ca2+ influx into the cytoplasm through a process mediated by a guanosine triphosphate-binding protein.

Cytochrome P-450 arachidonic acid epoxygenase. Regulatory control of the renal epoxygenase by dietary salt loading

The rat kidney microsomal epoxygenase catalyzed the asymmetric epoxidation of arachidonic acid to generate as major products: 8(R),9(S)-, 11(R),12(S)- and 14(S),15(R)-epoxyeicosatrienoic acids with optical purities of 97, 88, and 70%, respectively. Inhibition studies utilizing a panel of polyclonal antibodies to several rat liver cytochrome P-450 isoforms, indicated that the renal epoxygenase(s) belongs to the cytochrome P-450 2C gene family. Dietary salt, administered either as a 2-2.5% (w/v) solution in the drinking water or as a modified solid diet containing 8% NaCl (w/w), resulted in marked and selective increases in the renal microsomal epoxygenase activity (416 and 260% of controls, for the liquid and solid forms of NaCl, respectively) with no significant changes in the microsomal omega/omega-1 oxygenase or in the hepatic arachidonic acid monooxygenase reaction. Immunoblotting studies demonstrated that dietary salt induced marked increases in the concentration of a cytochrome P-450 isoform(s) recognized by polyclonal antibodies raised against human liver cytochrome P-450 2C10 or rat liver cytochrome P-450 2C11. Comparisons of the stereochemical selectivity of the induced and non-induced microsomal epoxygenase(s) with that of purified rat liver cytochrome P-450 2C11 suggest that the salt-induced protein(s) is catalytically and structurally different from liver cytochrome P-450 2C11. The in vivo significance of dietary salt in regulating the activities of the kidney endogenous arachidonic acid epoxygenase was established by the demonstration of a salt-induced 10-20-fold increase in the urinary output of epoxygenase metabolites. These results, in conjunction with published evidence demonstrating the potent biological activities of its metabolites, suggest a role for the epoxygenase in the renal response to dietary salt.

Lymphokine-activated killer cell regulation of T-cell-mediated immunity to Candida albicans

Monocytes are important accessory cells in the activation of T cells for specific antigen recognition yet little is known of their regulation. We demonstrated here that interleukin-2 (IL-2)-induced human lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells can inhibit monocyte antigen presentation, depending on the state of differentiation of the monocytes. Adherent monocytes cultured for 4 days in medium or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) were found to equally process and present intact Candida albicans to autologous Percoll gradient-isolated T cells, as measured by [3H]thymidine uptake. However, only the GM-CSF-cultured monocytes were functionally inhibited by autologous 4-day IL-2-induced LAK cells. Even soluble candidal cell wall mannoprotein antigens could not be presented by these monocytes after exposure to LAK cells. Pretreatment of these monocytes with LAK cells for 1 h, followed by subsequent removal of the nonadherent LAK cells, was sufficient to cause significant inhibition, with maximal inhibition observed after 4 h. Northern (RNA) blot analysis indicated that mRNA expression for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta in response to C. albicans stimulation was also down-regulated in GM-CSF-cultured monocytes exposed to LAK cells. Interestingly, freshly isolated, Percoll gradient-purified large granular lymphocytes did not suppress antigen presentation in GM-CSF-treated monocytes. Another important finding was the inability of LAK cells to suppress the ability of freshly isolated or gamma interferon-cultured monocytes, which are resistant to LAK cell-mediated lysis, to present antigen to T cells. In contrast, IL-3 was similar to GM-CSF in inducing LAK cell susceptibility in monocytes. Taken together, these results indicated that IL-2 can induce LAK cells to down-regulate antigen presentation function in a select set of monocytes that have been activated by colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF and IL-3) but not by gamma interferon. LAK cells may therefore play an important role in regulation of monocytes and their function, depending on their differentiation state.

[Effects of mixture of Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri lucidi and Eclipta prostrata on immune function in mice]

A Chinese medicine mixture containing Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Eclipta prostrata(AFE), was fed to mice 9g/kg, 20g/kg, respectively for seven days. Observe the effects of AFE on the immune function in mice. The experiment showed that the two dosages of AFE could obviously raise the conversion percentage of lymphocytes (P < 0.01) and serum IgG level (41%-47%) of the mice. The weights of the thymus and spleensed increased in the two groups compared with those in the normal control. The larger dosage of AFE could also raise activity of Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) obviously (P < 0.01). AFE turned out a resistance to the immunosuppressive effect caused by cyclophosphamide.

Effects of endothelin-1 and conversion of big endothelin-1 in the isolated perfused rabbit lung

We examined the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on pulmonary hemodynamic and transvascular fluid filtration and the conversion of big endothelin-1 (big ET-1), a precursor of ET-1, in isolated perfused rabbit lungs at constant vascular and airway pressures. Furthermore we examined whether ET-1 contributes to cyclooxygenase metabolism. The perfusate flow decreased significantly after bolus administration of 1 or 0.1 nmol of ET-1. Lung weight did not increase throughout the experimental period. Big ET-1- (1 nmol) induced decrease in the flow was slow in developing, although the maximum response was comparable to that induced by the same dose of ET-1. The concentration of bit ET-1 in the perfusate progressively decreased, while that of ET-1 increased in a time-dependent manner. Phosphoramidon, an inhibitor of metalloproteinase, suppressed the pressor effect of big ET-1 (P less than 0.01) and the increase in the concentration of ET-1 in the perfusate (P less than 0.05). The present findings provide the first evidence suggesting that the potent vasocontractile effect of big ET-1 in pulmonary circulation can be attributed to the production of ET-1 by the conversion from big ET-1 in the vascular bed. ET-1-induced perfusate flow changes were not affected by indomethacin, and the concentration of 6-ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha, a metabolite of prostacyclin, did not increase after ET-1 administration.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of short-term course and regular course of antithyroid drug therapy for Graves' disease]

One hundred and- eighteen newly diagnosed patients with Graves' disease were treated by tapazole for 6 months (short-term course) and followed up for another 12 months. Forty three percent remission rate was found in this group. A regular course of antithyroid drug therapy for 1.5-2 years with 50% remission rate was taken as control. Cost-effectiveness analysis was made to compare the cost in the two different kinds of therapy. The results showed that the total costs of the treatment per 100 cases were 17,746 yuan for the short-term therapy and 30,708 yuan for the regular therapy, with an average of 412.7 yuan and 614.2 yuan per case respectively. In comparison with the short-term therapy, the regular course could remit 7 more cases at a cost of 12,962.40 yuan, with an average of 1851.80 yuan per case. Therefore, the cost was high by prolonged course of therapy to increase slightly remission rate, although it could remit a few more cases. This study suggests that six-month treatment is preferable for those who live in the rural or remote area where the economy was less developed. A longer course of therapy may be unnecessary for those who have been treated by antithyroid drugs for 6 months or longer and are predicted to obtain a possible prolonged remission.

Metallo-Carbohedrenes [M8C12+ (M = V, Zr, Hf, and Ti)]: A Class of Stable Molecular Cluster Ions

Findings of magic peaks corresponding to M(8)C(12)(+) (M = V, Zr, and Hf) formed from reactions of the respective metals with various small hydrocarbons, in conjunction with recent findings for the titanium system, establish metallo-carbohedrenes as a stable general class of molecular cluster ions. A dodecahedral structure of T(h) point symmetry accounts for the stability of these ionic clusters.

[Relationship between height, collagen metabolism, hair zinc and excessive fluoride intake]

After eliminating confounding factors, the study was made on the relationship between height, collagen metabolism, hair zinc and excessive fluoride intake. 140 schoolchildren aged 12-13 years born and reared in endemic fluorosis areas were surveyed. The results were as follows: 1. The average height of children with dental fluorosis III degree (DF III degree) was appreciably smaller than that of children without dental fluorosis. Among children with excessive fluoride intake, a negative correlation between the height and fluoride level in staple foods was seen. 2. The more the fluoride ingested, the higher the urinary THP excreted, showing that fluoride intoxication interfered with the collagen metabolism. 3. Among children with excessive fluoride intake, the height showed negative correlation with urinary THP/Cr, suggesting that the effect of fluoride on collagen metabolism indicated the mechanism of height retardation. 4. As compared to control group with the excessive fluoride intake but without dental fluorosis group, there was a significant reduction in hair zinc in group with DF III degree, suggesting that the zinc in the body decreased because of zinc metabolism disturbance by excessive fluoride intake. But among cases with excessive fluoride intake, no appreciable correlation between hair zinc and height was found. Therefore, it could not be confirmed that the effect of fluoride on zinc metabolism affected the height development.

Arachidonic acid epoxygenase: structural characterization and quantification of epoxyeicosatrienoates in plasma

Gas chromatographic/mass spectroscopic and chiral analysis showed the presence of enzymatically derived 8,9-, 11,12- and 14,15-EET in rat plasma (2.8:1:3.4 molar ratio, respectively; 10.2 +/- 0.4 ng total EET/ml plasma). Greater than 90% of the plasma EETs was esterified to the phospholipids of circulating lipoproteins. The lipoprotein fraction with the highest EET concentration was LDL (8.1 +/- 0.9 ng/mg of protein) followed by HDL and VLDL (3.5 +/- 0.1 and 1.9 +/- 0.3 ng/mg of protein, respectively). In light of the biological activities of the EETs, these results suggest a potential systemic function for the cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase.

Localization of an ataxia-telangiectasia locus to a 3-cM interval on chromosome 11q23: linkage analysis of 111 families by an international consortium

Linkage of at least two complementation groups of ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) to the chromosomal region 11q23 is now well established. We provide here an 18-point map of the surrounding genomic region, derived from linkage analysis of 40 CEPH families. On the basis of this map, 111 AT families from Turkey, Israel, England, Italy, and the United States were analyzed, localizing the AT gene(s) to an 8-cM sex-averaged interval between the markers STMY and D11S132/NCAM. A new Monte Carlo method for computing approximate location scores estimates this location as being at least 10(8) times more likely than the next most likely interval, with a support interval midway between STMY and D11S132 that is either 5.2 cM (sex-averaged and conservatively based on 3 lod scores from the maximum-location score) or 2.8 cM (male specific, based on a 2.72:1 interval-specific female-to-male distance ratio.

[Evaluation of a logistic regression model in predicting the prognosis of Graves' disease treated by antithyroid drugs]

One hundred and twelve new cases of Graves' disease were treated by tapazole for 6 months and followed up for another 12 months. The initial dose was 30 mg/d. Clinical and biochemical euthyroidism was achieved within 1 to 3 months, then a maintenance was given until cessation of drugs at 6 months. One hundred and eleven cases completed the study. Remission and relapse were defined at the end of follow-up for 1 year according to the presence or absence of clinical manifestation of hyperthyroidism and the levels of T3 and T4. The results of the 12-month follow-up showed that 46 of 111 cases were in remission, and the remaining 65 cases suffered relapse. A logistic regression model with 4 variables was established, which included thyroid suppression rate and goitre size by palpation at the end of drug treatment, the level of T3 before therapy, and the patients' age. The model had 81.5% sensitivity, 84.8% specificity and 82.9% (92/111) accuracy in predicting the outcome of Graves' disease after withdrawal of drug for 1 year. The results were much better than any other univariate analysis in this study.

Genetic linkage analysis and homology relationships of genes located on human chromosome 11q

We have used DNA polymorphisms detected by probes for 11q to order 16 genes and to determine the genetic distances between them. Our map includes the genes for CD20, tyrosinase, progesterone receptor, stromelysin, collagenase, N-CAM, dopamine-D2 receptor, apolipoproteins AI-CIII-AIV, CD3-epsilon, -delta, and -gamma, porphobilinogen deaminase, thy-1, and ets-1. These genes have previously been sequenced as well as placed on the 11q cytogenetic map, which now makes them anchor points between the cytogenetic, genetic, and physical maps of this region. The ordering and distances between these genes are of immediate use in testing hypotheses of candidate genes for human genetic diseases associated with chromosome 11q. A comparison between our genetic map and similar maps from other species defines regions of homologous synteny that may be useful in mapping human genetic disease genes localized to the 11q region. Analysis of such homology provides additional bases for speculation of the evolutionary histories of gene families in this region.

Suppression of human monocyte function against Candida albicans by autologous IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer cells

We have previously reported that IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells have the capacity to lyse autologous and allogeneic monocytes. To understand the biologic significance of this interaction, we investigated the function of human monocytes against the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, subsequent to a short exposure to autologous LAK cells. A highly sensitive radiolabel assay, which makes use of the incorporation of [3H]glucose into residual Candida after their incubation with monocytes, was developed to measure antifungal activity. Cultured monocytes, after 2 to 6 h exposure to LAK cells, were found to be substantially suppressed in their ability to control fungal growth. Moreover, monocytes cultured in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage (GM)-CSF or IL-3, were even more suppressed in function after a short incubation with LAK cells. The effect of GM-CSF was both time and dose dependent, with peak susceptibility induced after 4 days of culture with as little as 10 U/ml of the cytokine. These GM-CSF-cultured monocytes, however, were relatively resistant to inhibition by freshly isolated large granular lymphocytic NK cells. Therefore, IL-2 induces in large granular lymphocytic cells the capacity to inhibit monocyte function. In contrast to GM-CSF and IL-3, IFN-gamma was found to have a protective effect on monocytes, because monocytes cultured 4 days in IFN-gamma were not significantly inhibited by LAK cells. These results indicate that LAK cells may be involved in regulation of monocyte function and suggest that the state of differentiation induced by different cytokines may dictate the level of control of the monocytes by LAK cells.

Suppression of human monocyte function against Candida albicans by autologous IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer cells

We have previously reported that IL-2-induced lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells have the capacity to lyse autologous and allogeneic monocytes. To understand the biologic significance of this interaction, we investigated the function of human monocytes against the opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, subsequent to a short exposure to autologous LAK cells. A highly sensitive radiolabel assay, which makes use of the incorporation of [3H]glucose into residual Candida after their incubation with monocytes, was developed to measure antifungal activity. Cultured monocytes, after 2 to 6 h exposure to LAK cells, were found to be substantially suppressed in their ability to control fungal growth. Moreover, monocytes cultured in the presence of granulocyte/macrophage (GM)-CSF or IL-3, were even more suppressed in function after a short incubation with LAK cells. The effect of GM-CSF was both time and dose dependent, with peak susceptibility induced after 4 days of culture with as little as 10 U/ml of the cytokine. These GM-CSF-cultured monocytes, however, were relatively resistant to inhibition by freshly isolated large granular lymphocytic NK cells. Therefore, IL-2 induces in large granular lymphocytic cells the capacity to inhibit monocyte function. In contrast to GM-CSF and IL-3, IFN-gamma was found to have a protective effect on monocytes, because monocytes cultured 4 days in IFN-gamma were not significantly inhibited by LAK cells. These results indicate that LAK cells may be involved in regulation of monocyte function and suggest that the state of differentiation induced by different cytokines may dictate the level of control of the monocytes by LAK cells.

Further mapping of an ataxia-telangiectasia locus to the chromosome 11q23 region

We recently mapped the gene for ataxia-telangiectasia group A (ATA) to chromosome 11q22-23 by linkage analysis, using the genetic markers THY1 and pYNB3.12 (D11S144). The most likely order was cent-AT-S144-THY1. The present paper describes further mapping of the AT locus by means of a panel of 10 markers that span approximately 60 cM in the 11q22-23 region centered around S144 and THY1. Location scores indicate that three contiguous subsegments within the [S144-THY1] segment, as well as three contiguous segments telomeric to THY1, are each unlikely to contain the AT locus, while the more centromeric [STMY-S144] segment is most likely to contain the AT locus. These data, together with recent refinements in the linkage and physical maps of 11q22-23, place the AT locus at 11q23.

[The evaluation of thyroid suppression test in predicting the outcome of Graves' disease treated by short-term antithyroid drugs]

One hundred and fifteen new patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism were received thyroid suppression test after cessation of 6 month course of drug therapy. The results of follow up for another 12 months were that one of them had lost, 48 cases were in remission, and 66 cases had relapsed. The present study shows that thyroid suppression test, including the 4th, 6th and 24th hour suppression rates, is useful in predicting the outcome of drug therapy. The effect of 6th hour suppression rate is better than that of 24th and 4th hours, with 75.8% sensitivity, 75.0% specificity and 75.4% accuracy when 30% of thyroid suppression rate is as out-off point which is decided by ROC curve. It is suggested that 6 hour 30% suppression rate is better than the traditional 24 hour 50% suppression rate in the prediction of outcome of drug therapy.

[Chemical constituents in the stem of Premna crassa Hand. -Mazz]

In this paper four compounds isolated from the stem of Premna crassa are described. Their structures have been identified as friedelin, epifriedelanol, stearic acid and beta-sitosterol respectively by comparing their chemical and spectroscopic data with those of the authentic samples.

Physical mapping of the human chromosome 11q23 region containing the ataxia-telangiectasia locus

Two breakpoints within chromosome 11q23 were characterized with 29 DNA probes to establish a physical map of the region. This region is notable in that it contains at least 14 functional genes which are also syntenic in the mouse (chromosome 9). Chromosome 11q23 includes these markers: STMY, CLG, NCAM, DRD2, APOA1, APOC3, APOA4, CD3E, CD3D, CD3G, PBGD, THY1, ets-1, and cbl-2. The two breakpoints, herein called "X;11" and "4;11," defined a region of approximately 8 cM containing the APO and CD3 complexes as well as the polymorphic marker D11S29. DRD2 localized centromeric to the X;11 breakpoint despite evidence for close genetic linkage to D11S29, suggesting that DRD2 lies close to the X;11 breakpoint. THY1, PBGD, and cbl-2 localized telomeric to the 4;11 breakpoint and thus to the [D11S29--APO--CD3] grouping as well. The physical map helps to correlate the cytogenetic and linkage maps of this region. It also suggests that the human 11q23 syntenic grouping is inverted with respect to its murine counterpart. Based on this physical map and on our primary linkage map of the 11q23 region, we are able to confirm a preliminary localization of the gene for ataxia-telangiectasia group A (ATA) to a region centromeric to the interval defined by D11S144 (pYNB3.12) and THY1.

[Observation of the outcome of 112 cases with Graves' disease treated by short-term antithyroid drug therapy for one year]

One hundred and twelve new cases with Graves' disease were treated by tapazole for 6 months and followed-up for another 12 months in a prospective study. One hundred and eleven cases completed the whole course of study, and only one failed to be followed up. The results of the follow-up for 12 mon showed that the remission rate was 41.4% (46/111) and relapse rate was 58.6% (65/111). The present study indicated that the remission or relapse was related with serum levels of T3 before treatment, shrank goiter and disappearance of goiter bruit during the treatment as well as thyroid suppression rate, but not related to sex, age, period of illness before therapy or severity of the disease. It is suggested that a 6-mon antithyroid drug therapy instead of traditional long term therapy may be suitable for those patients who are with a reduced goiter and disappeared goiter bruit during the antithyroid therapy, and suppressible thyroid up-take by T3 and whose serum levels of T3 before treatment are not very high. So the patients may benefit from the short-term therapy. They are not only able to obtain a prolonged remission but also save time and money.