Separation of some neutral lipids by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on a cyanopropyl column: ubiquinone, dolichol, and cholesterol levels in sheep liver

ISOPRENOID PATHWAY-RELATED MEMBRANE DYSFUNCTION IN NEUROPSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

The membrane composition and the isoprenoid pathway metabolites important in maintaining cell membrane integrity was studied in neurological and psychiatric disorders. The results indicate alteration in cholesterol:phospholipid ratio of the RBC membrane which is increased in glioma, schizophrenia, and bipolar mood disorder (MDP); decreased in multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; and not significantly altered in epilepsy. The concentration of total glycosaminoglycans (GAG), hexose, and fucose decreased in the RBC membrane and increased in the serum. The RBC membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity was reduced and serum HMG CoA reductase activity was increased. There were increased serum levels of digoxin, cholesterol, and dolichol and decreased levels of ubiquinone. The serum magnesium and tyrosine levels were reduced and tryptophan increased. The results indicate a defect in membrane formation and a decreased membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity in all the disorders studied. The results are discussed, and a hypothesis regarding the relationship between these disorders and defective membrane architecture and membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibition is presented.

SCHIZOID NEUROCHEMICAL PATHOLOGY-INDUCED MEMBRANE NA+-K+ ATPASE INHIBITION IN RELATION TO NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS

Psychiatric abnormalities have been described in primary neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, primary generalized epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), central nervous system glioma, and syndrome X with vascular dementia. It was therefore considered pertinent to compare monoamine neurotransmitter pattern in schizophrenia with those in the disorders described above. The end result of neurotransmission is changes in membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity. Membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase inhibition can lead to magnesium depletion, which can lead to an upregulated isoprenoid pathway. The isoprenoid pathway produces three important metabolites--digoxin, an endogenous membrane Na(+) -K+ ATPase inhibitor; ubiquinone, a membrane antioxidant and component of mitochondrial electron transport chain; and dolichol, important in N-glycosylation of protein. The serum/plasma levels of digoxin, dolichol, ubiquinone, magnesium, HMG CoA reductase activity, and RBC Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity were estimated in all these disorders. The result showed that the concentration of serum tryptophan and serotonin was high and serum tyrosine, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline low in all the disorders studied. The plasma HMG CoA reductase activity, serum digoxin, and serum dolichol levels were high and serum ubiquinone levels, serum magnesium, and RBC Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity were low in all the disorders studied. The significance of these changes in the pathogenesis of syndrome X, multiple sclerosis, primary generalized epilepsy, schizophrenia, SSPE, and Parkinson's disease is discussed in the setting of the interrelationship between these disorders documented in literature.

HYPOTHALAMIC DIGOXIN, HEMISPHERIC CHEMICAL DOMINANCE, AND ONCOGENESIS: EVIDENCE FROM MULTIPLE MYELOMA

This study assessed the changes in the isoprenoid pathway and its metabolites digoxin, dolichol, and ubiquinone in multiple myeloma. The isoprenoid pathway and digoxin status were also studied for comparison in individuals of differing hemispheric dominance to find out the rote of cerebral dominance in the genesis of multiple myeloma and neoplasms. The following parameters were assessed: isoprenoid pathway metabolites, tyrosine and tryptophan catabolites, glycoconjugate metabolism, RBC membrane composition, and free radical metabolism--in multiple myeloma, as well as in individuals of differing hemispheric dominance. There was elevation in plasma HMG CoA reductase activity, serum digoxin, and dolichol, and a reduction in RBC membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity, serum ubiquinone, and magnesium levels. Serum tryptophan, serotonin, nicotine, strychnine, and quinolinic acid were elevated, while tyrosine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and morphine were decreased. The total serum glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan fractions, the activity of GAG degrading enzymes and glycohydrolases, carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins, and serum glycolipids were elevated. The RBC membrane glycosaminoglycans, hexose, and fucose residues of glycoproteins, cholesterol, and phospholipids were reduced. The activity of all free-radical scavenging enzymes, concentration of glutathione, iron binding capacity, and ceruloplasmin decreased significantly, while the concentration of lipid peroxidation products and nitric oxide increased. Hyperdigoxinemia-related altered intracellular Ca++/Mg++ ratios mediated oncogene activation, dolichol-induced altered glycoconjugate metabolism, and ubiquinone deficiency-related mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. The biochemical patterns obtained in multiple myeloma are similar to those obtained in left-handed/right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals by the dichotic listening test. But all the patients with multiple myeloma were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant by the dichotic listening test. Hemispheric chemical dominance has no correlation with handedness or the dichotic listening test. Multiple myeloma occurs in right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals and is a reflection of altered brain function.

Hypothalamic digoxin, hemispheric chemical dominance, and sarcoidosis

The isoprenoid pathway produces three key metabolites--endogenous digoxin, dolichol, and ubiquinone. This was assessed in patients with systemic sarcoidosis. All l5 patients with sarcoidosis were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant by the dichotic listening test. The pathway was also studied in normal right hemispheric, left hemispheric, and bihemispheric dominant individuals for comparison to find out the role of hemispheric dominance in the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. In patients with sarcoidosis there was elevated digoxin synthesis, increased dolichol, and glycoconjugate levels, and low ubiquinone and elevated free radical levels. There was also an increase in tryptophan catabolites and a reduction in tyrosine catabolites. There was an increase in cholesterol:phospholipid ratio and a reduction in glycoconjugate level of RBC membrane in these patients. The neurotransmitter/digoxin-mediated increased intra cellular calcium induced immune activation, ubiquinone deficiency-related mitochondrial dysfunction/free radical generation, and increased dolichol-related altered glycoconjugate metabolism/endogenous self-glycoprotein antigen generation are crucial to the pathogenesis of sarcoidosis. The biochemical patterns obtained in sarcoidosis are similar to those obtained in left-handed/right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals by the dichotic listening test. But all the patients with sarcoidosis were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant by the dichotic listening test. Hemispheric chemical dominance has no correlation with handedness or the dichotic listening test. Sarcoidosis occurs in right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals and is a reflection of altered brain function.

A hypothalamic digoxin-mediated model for autism

The isoprenoid pathway and its metabolites--digoxin, dolichol, and ubiquinone--were assessed in autism. The isoprenoid pathway and digoxin status was also studied for comparison in individuals of differing hemispheric dominance to determine the role of cerebral dominance in the genesis of autism. There was an upregulation of the isoprenoid pathway as evidenced by elevated HMG CoA reductase activity in autism. Digoxin, an endogenous Na+-K+ ATPase inhibitor secreted by the hypothalamus, was found to be elevated and RBC membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity was found to be reduced in autism. Membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibition can result in increased intracellular Ca2+ and reduced magnesium levels. Hypothalamic digoxin can modulate conscious and subliminal perception and its dysfunction may lead to autism. Digoxin can also preferentially upregulate tryptophan transport over tyrosine resulting in increased levels of depolarizing tryptophan catabolites--serotonin, quinolinic acid (NMDA agonist), strychnine (blocks glycinergic inhibitory transmission), and nicotine (promotes dopamine release) and decreased levels of hyperpolarizing tyrosine catabolites--dopamine, noradrenaline, and morphine--contributing to membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibition. Increased nicotine levels can produce increased dopaminergic transmission in the presence of low dopamine levels. NMDA excitotoxicity could result from hypomagnesemia induced by membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibition and quinolinic acid, an NMDA agonist acting on the NMDA receptor. Hypomagnesemia and increased dolichol level can affect glycoconjugate metabolism and membranogenesis leading on to disordered synaptic connectivity in the limbic allocortex and defective presentation of viral antigens and neuronal antigens contributing to autoimmunity and viral persistence important in the pathogenesis. Membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibition can produce immune activation, a component of autoimmunity. Mitochondrial dysfunction consequent to altered calcium/magnesium ratios and reduced ubiquinone levels can result in increased free radical generation and reduced free radical scavenging and defective apoptosis leading to abnormal synaptogenesis. Autism can thus be considered a syndrome of hypothalamic digoxin hypersecretion consequent to an upregulated isoprenoid pathway. The biochemical patterns including hyperdigoxinemia observed in autism correlated with those obtained in right hemispheric chemical dominance. Right hemispheric chemical dominance is a predisposing factor for autism.

Hypothalamic digoxin, hemispheric chemical dominance, and mesenteric artery occlusion

The role of the isoprenoid pathway in vascular thrombosis, especially mesenteric artery occlusion and its relation to hemispheric dominance, was assessed in this study. The following parameters were measured in patients with mesenteric artery occlusion and individuals with right hemispheric, left hemispheric, and bihemispheric dominance: (1) plasma HMG CoA reductase, digoxin, dolichol, ubiquinone, and magnesium levels; (2) tryptophan/tyrosine catabolic patterns; (3) free radical metabolism; (4) glycoconjugate metabolism; and (5) membrane composition. In patients with mesenteric artery occlusion there was elevated digoxin synthesis, increased dolichol and glycoconjugate levels, low ubiquinone, and elevated free radical levels. The RBC membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity and serum magnesium were decreased. There was also an increase in tryptophan catabolites and reduction in tyrosine catabolites in the serum. There was an increase in cholesterol:phospholipid ratio and a reduction in glycoconjugate level of RBC membrane in these patients. The biochemical patterns obtained in mesenteric artery occlusion is similar to those obtained in left-handed/right hemispheric dominant individuals by the dichotic listening test. But all the patients with mesenteric artery occlusion were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant by the dichotic listening test. Hemispheric chemical dominance has no correlation with handedness or the dichotic listening test. Mesenteric artery occlusion occurs in right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals and is a reflection of altered brain function. Hemispheric chemical dominance may thus control the risk for developing vascular thrombosis in individuals.

Hypothalamic-mediated model for systemic lupus erythematosis: relation to hemispheric chemical dominance

The isoprenoid pathway including endogenous digoxin was assessed in systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE). All the patients with SLE were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant by the dichotic listening test. This was also studied for comparison in patients with right hemispheric and left hemispheric dominance. The isoprenoid pathway was upregulated with increased digoxin synthesis in patients with SLE and in those with right hemispheric dominance. In this group of patients (i) the tryptophan catabolites were increased and the tyrosine catabolites reduced, (ii) the dolichol and glycoconjugate levels were elevated, (iii) lysosomal stability was reduced, (iv) ubiquinone levels were low and free radical levels increased, and (v) the membrane cholesterol:phospholipid ratios were increased and membrane glycoconjugates reduced. On the other hand, in patients with left hemispheric dominance the reverse patterns were obtained. The biochemical patterns obtained in SLE is similar to those obtained in left-handed/right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals. But all the patients with SLE were right-handed/left hemispheric dominant by the dichotic listening test. Hemispheric chemical dominance has no correlation with handedness or the dichotic listening test. SLE occurs in right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals, and is a reflection of altered brain function. The role of the isoprenoid pathway in the pathogenesis of SLE and its relation to hemispheric dominance is discussed.

Isoprenoid pathway dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The isoprenoid pathway was assessed in 15 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The pathway was also assessed in individuals with differing hemispheric dominance to assess whether hemispheric dominance has any correlation with these disease states.

METHODS

The isoprenoid metabolites - digoxin, dolichol and ubiquinone - RBC membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity, serum magnesium and tyrosine/tryptophan catabolic patterns were assessed. The free radical metabolism, glycoconjugate metabolism and RBC membrane composition were also assessed.

RESULTS

Membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity and serum magnesium levels were decreased while HMG-CoA reductase activity and serum digoxin levels were increased in CFS. There were increased levels of tryptophan catabolites - nicotine, strychnine, quinolinic acid and serotonin - and decreased levels of tyrosine catabolites -dopamine, norepinephrine and morphine - in CFS. There was an increase in dolichol levels, carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins, glycolipids, total/individual glycosaminoglycans (GAG) fractions and lysosomal enzymes in CFS. Reduced levels of ubiquinone, reduced glutathione and free radical scavenging enzymes as well as increased lipid peroxidation products and nitric oxide were noticed in CFS. The biochemical patterns in CFS correlated with those obtained in right hemispheric dominance.

CONCLUSIONS

The role of hypothalamic digoxin and neurotransmitter-induced immune activation, altered glycoconjugate metabolism and resultant defective viral antigen presentation, NMDA excitotoxicity and cognitive and mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of CFS is stressed. CFS occurs in individuals with right hemispheric dominance.

Hypothalamic digoxin-mediated model for epileptogenesis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study assessed the changes in the isoprenoid pathway and its metabolites in seizure disorder (ILAE classification - I generalized - idiopathic generalized epilepsy with age-related onset - epilepsy with generalized tonic clonic seizures on awakening) and the metabolic cascade produced by isoprenoid pathway dysregulation.

METHODS

The following parameters were assessed in seizure disorder: isoprenoid pathway metabolites, tyrosine and tryptophan catabolites, glycoconjugates metabolism and red blood cell (RBC) membrane composition.

RESULTS

There was elevation in plasma HMG-CoA reductase activity, serum digoxin and dolichol and a reduction in RBC membrane Na-K+ ATPase activity, serum magnesium and ubiquinone levels. Serum tryptophan, serotonin, strychnine, nicotine and quinolinic acid were elevated while tyrosine, dopamine, morphine and norepinephrine were decreased. The total serum glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan fractions (except dermatan sulfate), the activity of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) degrading enzymes and glycohydrolases, carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins and serum glycolipids were elevated. Total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and free fatty acids were increased while HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were unaltered. The concentration of membrane hexose, fucose, cholesterol and phospholipids in the RBC membrane decreased significantly but the total RBC membrane GAG was unaltered.

CONCLUSIONS

Epileptogenesis could be due to a dysfunctional isoprenoidal pathway and paroxysmal hypothalamic digoxin hypersecretion.

Hypothalamic digoxin, cerebral chemical dominance and myalgic encephalomyelitis

The isoprenoid pathway was assessed in 15 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. The pathway was also assessed in individuals with differing hemispheric dominance to assess whether hemispheric dominance had any correlation with these disease states. The isoprenoid metabolites--digoxin, dolichol, and ubiquinone--RBC membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity, serum magnesium and tyrosine/tryptophan catabolic patterns were assessed. The free-radical metabolism, glycoconjugate metabolism, and RBC membrane composition was also assessed. Membrane Na+-K+ ATPase activity and serum magnesium levels were decreased while HMG CoA reductase activity and serum digoxin levels were increased in myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). There were increased levels of tryptophan catabolites--nicotine, strychnine, quinolinic acid, and serotonin--and decreased levels of tyrosine catabolites--dopamine, noradrenaline, and morphine in ME. There was an increase in dolichol levels, carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins, glycolipids, total/individual GAG fractions, and lysosomal enzymes in ME. Reduced levels of ubiquinone, reduced glutathione, and free-radical scavenging enzymes, as well as increased lipid peroxidation products and nitric oxide, were noticed in ME. The biochemical patterns in ME correlated with those obtained in right hemi spheric chemical dominance. The role of hypothalamic digoxin and neurotransmitter induced immune activation, altered glycoconjugate metabolism, and resultant defective viral antigen presentation, NMDA excitotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction, and mitochondrial dysfunction related myalgia in the pathogenesis of ME is stressed. ME occurs in individuals with right hemispheric chemical dominance.

Hypothalamic digoxin and brain function

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The study assessed the biochemical differences between right hemispheric-dominant and left hemispheric-dominant individuals. The chemical hemispheric-dominance in various systemic and neuropsychiatric diseases was also studied.

METHODS

The isoprenoid metabolites, digoxin, dolichol and ubiquinone, glycoconjugate metabolism, free radical metabolism and the RBC membrane composition, were studied in individuals with differing hemispheric-dominance. The digoxin levels and RBC membrane Na+-K+ATPase activity were also studied in systemic and neuropsychiatric diseases.

RESULTS

The results showed that right hemispheric-dominant individuals had elevated digoxin levels, increased free radical production and reduced scavenging, increased tryptophan catabolites and reduced tyrosine catabolites, increased glycoconjugate levels and increased cholesterol : phospholipid ratio of RBC membranes. Left hemispheric-dominant individuals had the opposite patterns. This patterns could be correlated with various systemic and neuropsychiatric diseases.

CONCLUSION

Right hemispheric-dominance represents a hyperdigoxinaemic state with membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition. Left hemispheric-dominance represents the reverse pattern with hypodigoxinaemia and membrane sodium-potassium ATPase stimulation. Hemispheric-dominance could predispose to various systemic and neuropsychiatric diseases.

Hypothalamic digoxin-mediated model for Parkinson's disease

The isoprenoid pathway produces four key metabolites important in cellular function--digoxin (endogenous membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase inhibitor), dolichol (important in N-glycosylation of proteins), ubiquinone (free-radical scavenger), and cholesterol (component of cellular membranes). This study assessed the changes in the isoprenoid pathway and the consequences of its dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). There was an elevation in plasma HMG CoA reductase activity, serum digoxin and dolichol levels, and a reduction in serum magnesium, RBC membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity, and serum ubiquinone levels. Serum tryptophan, serotonin, strychnine, nicotine, and quinolinic acid were elevated, while tyrosine, morphine, dopamine, and noradrenaline were decreased. The total serum glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and glycosaminoglycan fractions (except chondroitin sulphates and hyaluronic acid), the activity of GAG degrading enzymes, carbohydrate residues of serum glycoproteins, the activity of glycohydrolase-beta galactosidase, and serum glycolipids were elevated. HDL cholesterol was reduced and free fatty acids increased. The RBC membrane glycosaminoglycans, hexose and fucose residues of glycoproteins and cholesterol were reduced, while phospholipid was increased. The activity of all serum free-radical scavenging enzymes, concentration of glutathione, alpha tocopherol, iron binding capacity, and ceruloplasmin decreased significantly in PD, while the concentration of serum lipid peroxidation products and nitric oxide increased. A dysfunctional isoprenoid pathway and related cascade are important in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. A hypothalamic digoxin mediated model for Parkinson's disease is also postulated.

Hypothalamic digoxin--central role in conscious perception, neuroimmunoendocrine integration and coordination of cellular function--relation to hemispheric dominance

A family with a high prevalence of Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, neoplasms, syndrome-X, rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy has been described. The psychological behavioural patterns of the family were as follows--creativity and high IQ, hypersexual behaviour, reduced appetite and eating behaviour, insomnia and reduced sleep patterns, increased tendency for spirituality, increased tendency for addiction, less of bonding and affectionate behaviour and left handedness. Digoxin, an endogenous Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor secreted by the hypothalamus, was found to be elevated and RBC membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity was found to be reduced in all the disorders and in the indexed family studied. Hypothalamic digoxin can modulate conscious perception and its dysfunction may lead to schizophrenia. Digoxin can also preferentially upregulate tryptophan transport over tyrosine resulting in increased levels of depolarising tryptophan catabolites - serotonin, quinolinic acid, strychnine and nicotine and decreased levels of hyperpolarising tyrosine catabolites dopamine, noradrenaline and morphine contributing to membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibition in all the above disorders and the indexed family. Digoxin induced membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibition can result in increased intracellular Ca(2+) and reduced Mg(++) levels leading to glutamate excitotoxicity, oncogene activation and immune activation. Digoxin induced altered Ca(++)/Mg(++) ratios, reduced ubiquinone and increased dolichol can affect glycoconjugate metabolism, membrane formation and structure and mitochondrial function leading to the diverse disorders described above including those in the indexed family. The isoprenoid pathway and neurotransmitter patterns were compared in right-handed/left hemispheric dominant and left-handed/right hemispheric dominant individuals. The biochemical patterns in the indexed family and the diverse disorders studied correlated with those obtained in right hemispheric dominance. The hyperdigoxinemic state indicates right hemispheric dominance. Hypothalamic digoxin can thus function as the master conductor of the neuroimmunoendocrine orchestra and co-ordinate the functions of various cellular organelles.

Hypothalamic digoxin, cerebral chemical dominance, and pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases

The isoprenoid pathway is a key regulatory pathway in the cell. It synthesizes digoxin, an endogenous membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase inhibitor and modulator of synaptic transmission. The role of the isoprenoid pathway in lung diseases and its relation to hemispheric dominance was assessed in this study. The following parameters were measured in patients with (i) bronchial asthma, (ii) chronic bronchitis emphysemia, (iii) idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, (iv) sarcoidosis, and (v) in individuals with right hemispheric, left hemispheric and bihemispheric dominance: 1. plasma HMG CoA reductase, digoxin, dolichol, ubiquinone, and magnesium levels, 2. tryptophan, tyrosine catabolic patterns, 3. free radical metabolism, 4. glycoconjugate metabolism, and 5. membrane composition. In patients with lung disease there was elevated digoxin synthesis, increased dolichol and glycoconjugate levels, and low ubiquinone and elevated free radical levels. The RBC membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity and serum magnesium were decreased. There was also an increase in tryptophan catabolites and reduction in tyrosine catabolites in the serum. There was an increase in cholesterol:phospholipid ratio and a reduction in glycoconjugate level of RBC membrane in these patients. The same biochemical patterns were obtained in individuals with right hemispheric chemical dominance. An upregulated isoprenoid pathway and hyperdigoxinemia are characteristic of lung disease and right hemispheric chemical dominance. Right hemispheric chemical dominance is important in deciding the predisposition to lung disease.

Isoprenoid pathway related cascade in multiple myeloma

This study assessed the changes in the isoprenoid pathway and its metabolites digoxin, dolichol and ubiquinone in multiple myeloma. The following parameters were assessed: isoprenoid pathway metabolites, tyrosine and tryptophan catabolites, glycoconjugate metabolism, RBC membrane composition and free radical metabolism. There was elevation in plasma HMG CoA reductase activity, serum digoxin and dolichol and a reduction in RBC membrane Na+ - K+ ATPase activity, and serum ubiquinone levels. Serum tryptophan, serotonin, nicotine, strychnine and quinolinic acid were elevated while tyrosine, dopamine, noradrenaline and morphine were decreased. The total serum glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan fractions, the activity of GAG degrading enzymes and glycohydrolases, carbohydrate residues of glycoproteins and serum glycolipids were elevated. The RBC membrane glycosaminoglycans, hexose and fucose residues of glycoproteins, cholesterol and phospholipids were reduced. The activity of all free radical scavenging enzymes, concentration of glutathione, iron binding capacity and ceruloplasmin decreased significantly while the concentration of lipid peroxidation products and NO increased. Hyperdigoxinemia related altered intracellular Ca++ mediated oncogene activation, dolichol induced altered glycoconjugate metabolism and ubiquinone deficiency related mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. The biochemical findings reported could be the cause or the consequence of multiple myeloma.

Hypothalamic digoxin, cerebral dominance, and mitochondrial function/free radical metabolism

The present study assessed the biochemical differences of free radical metabolism and mitochondrial function between right hemispheric dominant and left hemispheric dominant individuals. The following parameters were measured: (1) plasma HMG CoA reductase activity, (2) isoprenoid metabolites--digoxin and ubiquinone, (3) plasma magnesium and RBC membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity; (4) lipid peroxidation products--malondialdehyde, hydroperoxides and conjugated dienes, and NO, (5) reduced glutathione, and (6) activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, GSH peroxidase, and GSH reductase. The results showed that right hemispheric dominant individuals had (i) increased plasma HMG CoA reductase activity and elevated digoxin levels, (ii) decreased plasma magnesium and RBC membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase activity, (iii) reduced ubiquinone levels, (iv) with increased levels of lipid peroxidation products and NO, (v) decreased levels of reduced glutathione and free radical scavenging enzymes, and (vi) increased tryptophan and reduced tyrosine levels. Left hemispheric dominant individuals had the opposite patterns. Right hemispheric dominance represents a hyperdigoxinemic state with membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition and increased lipid peroxidation. Left hemispheric dominance represents the reverse pattern with hypodigoxinemic/membrane sodium-potassium ATPase stimulation and decreased lipid peroxidation. Cerebral dominance can regulate mitochondrial function and free radical metabolism.

Hypothalamic digoxin, hemispheric chemical dominance, and endocrine/metabolic/cellular regulation

The hypothalamus produces an endogenous membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase inhibitor and regulator of neurotransmission, digoxin. Digoxin, a steroidal glycoside, is synthesized by the isoprenoid pathway. In view of the reports of elevated digoxin levels in metabolic syndrome X with high body mass index, the isoprenoid-mediated pathway biochemical cascade was assessed in individuals with high and low body mass index. It was also assessed in individuals with differing hemispheric dominance to find out the relationship among digoxin status, body mass index, and hemispheric dominance. The isoprenoid pathway metabolites, tryptophan/tyrosine catabolic patterns, glycoconjugate, and free radical metabolism, as well as membrane composition, were assessed. In individuals with high body mass index, an upregulated isoprenoid pathway with increased digoxin levels, increased glycoconjugates, and dolichol levels, reduced lysosomal stability, low ubiquinone levels with increased free radical generation, and increased membrane cholesterol:phospholipid ratio were observed. The reverse patterns were seen in individuals with a low body mass index. The patterns in individuals with a high body mass index and low body mass index correlated with right hemispheric dominance and left hemispheric dominance, respectively. Hemispheric dominance and digoxin status regulated the differential metabolic pattern observed in individuals with high and low body mass index. Hypothalamic digoxin/cerebral dominance can regulate the metabolic/endocrine function, as well as the structure/function of cellular organalle.

Hypothalamic digoxin-mediated model for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

The isoprenoid pathway including endogenous digoxin was assessed in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). This was also studied for comparison in patients with right hemispheric and left hemispheric dominance. The following parameters were measured in patients with SSPE and in individuals with right hemispheric, left hemispheric and bihemispheric dominance-(a) plasma HMG CoA reductase, digoxin, dolichol, ubiquinone, and magnesium levels; (b) tryptophan/tyrosine catabolic patterns; (c) free-radical metabolism; (d) glycoconjugate metabolism; and (e) membrane composition and RBC membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity. The isoprenoid pathway was upregulated with increased digoxin synthesis in patients with SSPE and in those with right hemispheric dominance. In this group of patients: (a) the tryptophan catabolites were increased and the tyrosine catabolites reduced; (b) the dolichol and glycoconjugate levels were elevated; (c) lysosomal stability was reduced; (d) ubiquinone levels were low and free-radical levels increased; and (e) the membrane cholesterol:phospholipid ratios were increased and membrane glycoconjugates reduced. On the other hand, in patients with left hemispheric dominance the reverse patterns were obtained. The upregulated isoprenoid pathway and hypothalamic digoxin are involved in the pathogenesis of SSPE. SSPE occurs in right hemispheric chemically dominant individuals and a pathogenetic model for SSPE implicating hypothalamic digoxin is proposed.

Hypothalamic digoxin, hemispheric dominance, and neuroimmune integration

The isoprenoid pathway produces three key metabolites--digoxin (membrane Na(+)-K+ ATPase inhibitor, regulator of neurotransmitter transport, and immunomodulatory agent), dolichol (regulatory of N-glycosylation of proteins), and ubiquinone (free-radical scavenger). The pathway was assessed in systemic lupus erythematosis with neuropsychiatric manifestations, slow viral diseases (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis [SSPE], and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease [CJD]) and patients with recurrent respiratory infections. This was also studied for comparison in patients with right hemispheric and left hemispheric dominance. The isoprenoid pathway was upregulated with increased digoxin synthesis in patients with neurolupus, SSPE, and CJD, and in those with right hemispheric dominance. The tryptophan catabolites were increased and the tyrosine catabolites reduced. In these patients the dolichol and glycoconjugate levels were elevated and lysosomal stability was reduced. The ubiquinone levels were low and free-radical levels increased in these patients. The membrane cholesterol:phospholipid ratios were increased and membrane glycoconjugates reduced. On the other hand, in patients with recurrent respiratory infection and left hemispheric dominance, the reverse patterns and hypodigoxinemia with a downregulated isoprenoid pathway were noticed. The isoprenoid pathway is important in the pathogenesis of neurolupus, CJD, SSPE, and recurrent respiratory infections. Hypothalamic digoxin and chemical hemispheric dominance play an important role in the regulation of immunity.

Hypothalamic digoxin related membrane Na+-K+ ATPase inhibition and familial basal ganglia calcification

The isoprenoid pathway produces three key metabolites-digoxin (membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibitor and regulator of intracellular calcium-magnesium ratios), dolichol (regulator of N-glycosylation of proteins) and ubiquinone (free radical scavenger). The pathway was assessed in a rare and specific type of familial basal ganglia calcification described. The family had a coexistence of basal ganglia calcification (six out of 10 cases), schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic tumours and syndrome X and were all right hemispheric dominant. The isoprenoid pathway was also studied for comparison in right hemispheric dominant, bihemispheric dominant and left hemispheric dominant individuals. The isoprenoid pathway was upregulated with increased digoxin synthesis in familial basal ganglia calcification. Membrane sodium-potassium ATPase inhibition can lead on to increase in intracellular calcium and calcification of the basal ganglia. There was increase in tryptophan catabolites and a reduction in tyrosine catabolites. There was also an increase in dolichol and glycoconjugate levels with reduced lysosomal stability in these patients. The ubiquinone levels were low and free radical levels increased. The cholesterol-phospholipid ratio was increased and glycoconjugate level of the RBC membrane reduced in these group of patients. No significance difference was noted in family members with and without basal ganglia calcification. This findings were correlated with the pathogenesis of syndrome X, immune mediated diseases, degenerations, tumours and psychiatric disorders noted in the familial basal ganglia calcification described. The biochemical patterns obtained in familial basal ganglia calcification correlated with those in right hemispheric dominance.

Lipid class composition of the protozoan Perkinsus marinus, an oyster parasite, and its metabolism of a fluorescent phosphatidylcholine analog

Perkinsus marinus is one of two important protozoan parasites of the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. The other is Haplosporidium nelsoni. Lipids extracted from 7-d-old in vitro cultured P. marinus meronts, incubated with fluorescent-labeled phosphatidylcholine (FL PC) and nonincubated P. marinus meronts, were analyzed by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system equipped with a diol phase column, in combination with thin-layer chromatography coupled with a flame-ionization detector (TLC/FID), and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Various polar and neutral lipid classes were separated by HPLC using a two-gradient solvent system. Five polar lipid classes--phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), cardiolipin (CL), sphingomyelin (SM), and phosphatidylserine (PS)--were identified from P. marinus extracts. Four neutral lipid classes--triacylglycerol (TAG), steryl ester (SE), cholesterol (CHO), and fatty alcohol--were distinguished. TLC/FID analysis of meront lipids showed that the weight percentages of PC, PE, CL, SM, PS/PI, TAG, SE, and CHO were 21, 10.7, 4, 2.3, 4.3, 48.7, 7.8, and 1.2%, respectively. HPLC and HPTLC analyses revealed the presence of two SM and PS isomers in P. marinus extracts. Perkinsus marinus effectively incorporated FL PC acquired from the medium and metabolized it to various components (i.e., free fatty acid, monoacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, TAG, PE, and CL). Uptake and interconversion of FL PC in P. marinus meronts increased with time. After 48 h the total uptake of fluorescence (FL) was 28.9% of the FL PC added to the medium, and 43% of the incorporated FL resided in TAG.

Separation of neutral lipids by high-performance liquid chromatography: quantification by ultraviolet, light scattering and fluorescence detection

The recent increased use of cell cultures to model physiological events, in particular signal transduction and traumatic injury, has produced a need for a quantitative, high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of neutral lipid classes with a high degree of resolution and reproducibility. We report an isocratic separation using a Phenomenex Selectosil silica column (5 microns). Two solvents were used, 1.2% 2-propanol in n-hexane containing 0.1% acetic acid (90%) and n-hexane (10%) at a flow-rate of 0.6 ml/min. Column temperature was maintained at 55 degrees C and this temperature was critical for baseline resolution of 1,3-diacylglycerol and cholesterol. The use of 10% n-hexane permitted the resolution of low polarity compounds such as butylated hydroxytoluene, triacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters. All of the detectors used produced standard curves with linearity over a wide concentration range.

[Determination of mono-, di- and triglycerides using HPLC]

The determination of monoglycerides, diglycerides and triglycerides in the normal phase system: Separon SGX-CN (silica gel with phase-bonded cyanoethyl) and mobile phase hexane-isopropanol-formic acid by HPLC with refractometric detection, is described. It was found that the separation was according to the molecular mass of glycerides, i.e. in groups. This was demonstrated with palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. The diglycerides and especially monoglycerides of olive and sunflower oils were partly separated according to the ECN1 values of the glycerides. The response factors related to triglycerides were estimated for the glycerides of the fatty acids and oils mentioned above. The value of response factors depends on the number of double bonds of the fatty acids.

Determination of coenzyme Q by non-aqueous reversed- phase liquid chromatography

A non-aqueous reversed-phase liquid chromatographic method for determination of coenzyme Q10 in pharmaceutical formulations has been developed. The reversed-phase system provides better reproducibility and better selectivity for the separation of coenzyme Q10 analogues and degradation products than studied normal-phase systems. Furthermore, the non-aqueous mobile phase showed a very good solubility and provides a greater variety of work-up solvents for the lipophilic formulations than aqueous mobile phases. Validation studies showed detector response linearity over a concentration range of 0.2-100 micrograms/ml. The lower limit of detection was 2 ng on-column. The intra-assay precision (relative standard deviation) for a soybean oil formulation was 2.0% (n = 11).

Fibric acid derivatives: effects on the synthesis of isoprenoid lipids in cultured human lymphocytes

Fibric acid derivatives have been demonstrated to reduce circulating lipoprotein and triacylglycerol concentrations and to inhibit hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase, a key regulatory enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis. This study describes the effect of four fibric acid derivatives on the biosynthesis of isoprenoid products from acetate and mevalonate in Molt-4 cells, a human leukemic T-lymphocyte cell line. The isoprenoids analyzed were cholesterol as well as dolichol and ubiquinone, alternative products of the branched isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway. None of the fibric acid derivatives showed significant effects on the synthesis of cholesterol from acetate or mevalonate and there was little change in the flux of these metabolites into either dolichol and ubiquinone compared to cells grown in drug-free medium. Therefore, in contrast to the reported inhibitory effects of fibric acids on hepatic sterol synthesis in rats and humans and on hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase activity in human nonmalignant lymphocytes, our results show that these drugs do not significantly affect any of the post-reductase enzymes in the branched metabolic pathways leading from acetate to dolichol, ubiquinone and cholesterol in short term culturing of human malignant lymphocytes.

Dolichol biosynthesis in human malignant cells

Cholesterol, ubiquinone and dolichol biosynthesis from mevalonic acid was measured in non-malignant and malignant cultured human lymphocytes, freshly isolated human mononuclear leucocytes and in cultured human hepatoma cells. The relative flux of mevalonate into ubiquinone, dilichol and cholesterol was not significantly different between malignant and non-malignant cells, although the extent of labelling of each product was an order of magnitude greater in the malignant cultured cells. The most prominent dolichol isolated from total cellular lipid and synthesized in short-term labelling of cultured leukaemic cells had a chain length one isoprene unit shorter than that observed in normal human cells. Cultured human hepatoma cells and mononuclear leucocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of individuals with lymphoblastic and myelogenic leukaemia similarly synthesized shorter-chain dolichols. The dolichols made in cultured non-tumorigenic cells, freshly isolated mononuclear leucocytes from a normal individual or a patient with non-haematological malignancy had normal chain length.

Characterization of the submitochondrial compartments: study of the site of synthesis of dolichol and dolichol-linked sugars

The fractionation of mitochondrial membranes on discontinuous sucrose gradient leads to the obtaining of free outer membranes, free inner membranes and two distinct membrane contact site populations characterized as follows. Only outer membrane contact sites and inner membrane contact sites bind hexokinase. Outer membranes and outer membrane contact sites are cholesterol-rich fractions. The endogenous dolichol content is twice fold higher in outer membranes and outer membrane contact sites than in inner membranes and inner membrane contact sites, only the biosynthesis of dolichol in inner membrane contact sites is not stimulated by addition of exogenous [14C]-IPP and FPP. The glycosylation of endogenous dolichol from labeled nucleotide-sugars (UDP-GlcNAc, GDP-Man and UDP-Glc) leads to the synthesis of dolichol-pyrophosphoryl-sugars and dolichol-monophosphoryl-sugars with the rate of synthesis proportional to the dolichol content of each submitochondrial fraction.

Ovine ceroid-lipofuscinosis. I: Lipopigment composition is indicative of a lysosomal proteinosis

The ceroid-lipofuscinoses are inherited lysosomal storage diseases of children and animals characterised by a fluorescent lipopigment stored in a variety of tissues. Defects in lipid metabolism or the control of lipid peroxidation have been postulated to explain their pathogenesis but the underlying biochemical defect is still unknown. In the present study lipopigment was isolated from liver, kidney, pancreas and brain of sheep affected with ceroid-lipofuscinosis. Approximately two-thirds of the lipopigment mass was protein. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a major polypeptide band of Mr 14,800, heterogeneous polypeptides between 5,000-9,000 Mr and a major band of Mr 3,500. These were not normal lysosomal proteins. I125 radiolabeling studies indicated that they were 47% of the pancreatic lipopigment mass, the 3,500 Mr polypeptides alone accounting for 26%. Lipopigment polypeptides were not subunits of a larger protein held together by disulphide bonds. The presence of the 3,500 Mr proteins in whole affected tissue homogenates distinguished them from homogenates of normal tissues. Lipopigment phospholipids were the same species as normal lysosomal phospholipids, including bis (monoacylglycero) phosphate, a lysosomal marker. Similarly the neutral lipids, notably dolichol, ubiquinone and dolichyl esters were typical of those in lysosomal membranes. Lipopigments contained 1-1.7% metals. Analyses of them indicated a functional lysosomal origin for the lipopigment. It was concluded that low Mr proteins are specifically stored in ovine ceroid-lipofuscinosis and that this disease is a lysosomal proteinosis.

Role of biosynthesis of cholesterol and isoprenoid derivatives in regulation of G1 progression and cell proliferation of 3T6 cells

The growth of 3T6-cells was rapidly decreased, although not completely stopped, as a consequence of treatment of the cell cultures with serum-free medium. By analyzing the cell cycle traverse it was found that the decrease in growth rate was attributable to a 6-8-h delay in progression through the proximal part of G1. These effects of serum depletion on cell-cycle traverse and cell proliferation were compared with simultaneous effects on the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase and the biosynthesis of cholesterol and the two isoprenoid derivatives coenzyme Q and dolichol. The activity of HMG CoA reductase was unaffected during the first 8 h of serum depletion and depressed by approximately 50% during the next 16 h. In contrast, the rate of coenzyme Q and dolichol synthesis, as related to cholesterol synthesis, was substantially decreased, and within 4 h after shift to serum-free medium both were reduced by 70-80%. As distinguished from dolichol synthesis, the synthesis of coenzyme Q was even decreased following exposures of the cell cultures to cholesterol-poor serum. This indicates that the rate of coenzyme Q synthesis is dependent on the concentration of serum cholesterol, whereas rate of dolichol synthesis is stimulated by some other serum factor(s). In addition, supplementation with dolichol to serum-depleted cells partially normalized G1 traverse and DNA synthesis, whereas cholesterol or coenzyme Q was ineffective. Taken together, the results suggest that a certain level of de novo synthesis of dolichol is required to maintain normal cell-cycle traverse and growth of 3T6 cells.

Separation of phospholipids by high-performance liquid chromatography: all major classes, including ethanolamine and choline plasmalogens, and most minor classes, including lysophosphatidylethanolamine

High-performance liquid chromatographic methods for the separation and quantitation of phospholipids were developed and shown to give sensitive, reliable measurements of tissue phospholipids, including difficult-to-resolve pairs such as choline plasmalogen (plasmenylcholine) and phosphatidylcholine, choline glycerophospholipids and sphingomyelin, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylserine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine. Separations of most phospholipids including those mentioned above are more complete than in existing procedures, and require only 40 min per injection. Utilization of the hexane-2-propanol-water system has an advantage over separation techniques that employ acidic solvents in that the plasmalogens are not hydrolyzed and a less degradative environment for labile lipids is provided. Further, a rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure for the separation of intact ethanolamine plasmalogen (plasmenylethanolamine) from phosphatidylethanolamine was developed. Previous procedures have required derivatized samples or acid hydrolysis of the plasmalogen vinyl ether linkage. A slight modification of the primary method (method I) increases the resolution of lysophosphatidylethanolamine from other classes (method II). A third modification (method III) can replace the standard silicic acid column separation of lipids into neutral, glycolipid, and phospholipid fractions.

Antioxidant analysis in edible oils and fats by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Following a simple dilution in the appropriate phase, the sample is injected directly onto either of two normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography systems (3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene or 3-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole-tert.-butylhydroquinone) with UV detection at 280 nm. An isocratic ternary mobile phase, incorporating acetonitrile as the polar modifier, has been found to facilitate such an approach, thereby avoiding the discriminatory and recovery problems inherent in other techniques requiring prior sample manipulations. The three most commonly used antioxidants may be estimated at levels down to 3 ppm (3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene or 3-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole) and 10 ppm (tert.-butylhydroquinone) within 30 min.

Distribution, metabolism and function of dolichol and polyprenols

Polyisoprenoid alcohols consisting of 9 or more isoprene units are present in all living cells. They can be fully unsaturated (polyprenols) or alpha-saturated (dolichol). Dolichol forms may have additional saturation at or near the omega-end. Some species contain ony dolichol or only polyprenols while others have nearly equal amounts of both types. Some polyisoprenoid alcohols consist entirely of trans isoprene units but most, including dolichol, contain both trans and cis units. Considerable advances in lipid methodology have occurred since the first review of polyisoprenoid alcohols by Hemming in 1974. For example, direct analysis of both dolichol and Dol-P by HPLC has replaced earlier methods which were often both insensitive and inaccurate. The availability of radiolabeled dolichol and polyprenols has facilitated studies concerning the metabolism and distribution of these compounds. Those studies suggest that only a small portion of the dolichol present in cells is likely to be involved in glycosylation. Polyisoprenoid alcohols are usually present at a family of homologues where each differs in size by one isoprene unit. Little or no size related specificity has been observed for any reaction involving dolichol or polyisoprenol intermediates. The overall length of polyisoprenoid alcohols may, however, affect the manner in which these compounds influence the physical and biochemical properties of membranes. Studies on the biosynthetic pathway leading from cis, trans Pol-PP by phosphatase action. The formation of the dolichol backbone from a polyprenol requires the action of an additional enzyme, an alpha-saturase. This enzyme does not always act at the level of a single common substrate, since Pol-PP, Pol-P, and polyprenol all appear to be utilized as substrates. The major product of the de novo pathway differs among different species. Dol-P would appear to be the most energy efficient end-product since it can participate directly in glycoprotein formation. Most often, however, Dol-P is not the major product of metabolic labeling experiments. In some cases, dolichol is formed so that rephosphorylation is required to provide Dol-P for participation in glycoprotein formation. The kinase responsible for this phosphorylation appears to bypass the considerable stores of dolichol present in tissues (i.e. sea urchin eggs) in favor of dolichol derived directly from de novo synthesis. Although HMGR is a major regulatory component of the pathway leading to polyisoprenoid alcohols and cholesterol, control is most often not co-ordinated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Dolichol and phosphorylated dolichol content of tissues in ceroid-lipofuscinosis

Concentrations of free dolichol, total non-phosphorylated dolichol, and total phosphorylated dolichol were measured in autopsy specimens of brain and liver from ceroid-lipofuscinosis (CL) and control cases. Levels of non-phosphorylated dolichol, mainly as free dolichol, were increased approximately two-fold in late-infantile CL brain. No increase was observed for CL liver. In late-infantile and juvenile CL brain, the increase in phosphorylated dolichol was at least ten-fold, but no significant difference was found for CL liver. A substantial part of the increase in phosphorylated dolichol in CL brain appeared to be due to lipid-linked oligosaccharides. The results suggest that CL might involve a defect in the metabolism of dolichol-linked oligosaccharides.