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Mok A, Mui OOY, Tang KP, Lee WY, Ng CF, Wong SH, Wong MCS, Teoh JYC. Public awareness of preventive measures against COVID-19: an infodemiology study. Hong Kong Med J 2023; 29:214-223. [PMID: 37349138 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj219556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an increase in global awareness of relevant public health preventive measures. This awareness can be explored using online search trends from major search engines, such as Google Trends. We investigated the relationship between public awareness of preventative measures and progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Search data for five queries ('mask', 'hand washing', 'social distancing', 'hand sanitizer', and 'disinfectant') were extracted from Google Trends in the form of relative search volume (RSV). Global incidence data for COVID-19 were obtained from 1 January to 30 June 2020. These data were analysed and illustrated using a global temporal RSV trend diagram, a geographical RSV distribution chart, scatter plots comparing geographical RSV with average number of daily cases, and heat maps comparing temporal trends of RSV with average number of daily cases. RESULTS Global temporal trends revealed multiple increases in RSV, associated with specific COVID-19-related news events. The geographical distribution showed top regions of interest for various preventive measures. For the queries 'mask', 'hand washing', 'hand sanitizer', and 'disinfectant', heat maps demonstrated patterns of early RSV peaks in regions with lower average number of daily cases, when the temporal element was incorporated into the analysis. CONCLUSION Early public awareness of multiple preventive measures was observed in regions with lower average number of daily cases. Our findings indicate optimal public health communication regarding masks, hand washing, hand sanitiser, and disinfectant in the general population during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early public awareness may facilitate future disease control efforts by public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mok
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - O O Y Mui
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K P Tang
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W Y Lee
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C F Ng
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S H Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M C S Wong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J Y C Teoh
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Office of Global Engagement, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Chan VWS, Rahman L, Ng HHL, Tang KP, Mok A, Tang A, Liu JPH, Ho KSC, Chan SM, Wong S, Teoh AYB, Chan A, Wong MCS, Yuan Y, Teoh JYC. Mitigation of COVID-19 transmission in endoscopic and surgical aerosol-generating procedures: a narrative review of early-pandemic literature. Hong Kong Med J 2023. [PMID: 37217445 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj209089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V W S Chan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - L Rahman
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - H H L Ng
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - K P Tang
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A Mok
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A Tang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - J P H Liu
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K S C Ho
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S M Chan
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A Y B Teoh
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - A Chan
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M C S Wong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Y Yuan
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - J Y C Teoh
- SH Ho Urology Centre, Department of Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Chiu PF, Mok A, Leow J, Zhang K, Chiang C, Hsieh P, Lam W, Tsang W, Chan H, Fan Y, Lin T, Hayashi T, Kamoi K, Uno H, Letran J, Zhu Y, Wang H, Chan T, Huang C, Zhu G, Wu H, Chiong E, Ng C, Shoji S. The role of systematic biopsy in the era of MRI guided prostate biopsy in a multi-centre Asian cohort. Eur Urol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(23)00347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Mok A, Leow J, Chiang C, Hsieh P, Lam W, Tsang W, Chan H, Law M, Leung C, Li C, So H, Liu P, Au W, Fan Y, Lin T, Teoh J, Tsu J, Ng C, Wu H, Tan T, Chiong E, Huang C, Chiu PF. Role of PSA density in prediction of significant prostate cancer among Asian men with MRI-guided biopsies: A multicenter evaluation. Eur Urol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/s0302-2838(22)00705-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tempelman C, Jacobs J, Ramkhelawan S, Mok A, van der Zalm W, Degirmenci V. Processing of agricultural apple fruit waste into sugar rich feedstocks for the catalytic production of 5-HMF over a Sn Amberlyst-15 resin catalyst. J IND ENG CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2021.04.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Lee WY, Mok A, Chung JPW. Potential effects of COVID-19 on reproductive systems and fertility; assisted reproductive technology guidelines and considerations: a review. Hong Kong Med J 2021; 27:118-126. [PMID: 33853972 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj209078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) employs the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in the renin-angiotensin system for viral entry. The ACE2 receptor is present in both female and male reproductive systems, and reports of multi-organ involvement have led to uncertainty regarding its effects on the reproductive system and fertility. We review the existing literature regarding the function of ACE2 and the renin-angiotensin system in the female and male reproductive systems to postulate the possible implications of SARS-CoV-2 regarding fertility. Because of the presence of ACE2 in the ovaries, SARS-CoV-2 infection may disrupt ovarian function and hence oocyte quality. Higher expression of ACE2 in the endometrium with age and during the secretory phase raises concern about increased susceptibility to infection during periods of high ACE2 expression. The possibility of vertical transmission and the presence of ACE2 in the placenta and during pregnancy are also discussed. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen is controversial, but impaired semen quality has been found in men with moderate coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Evidence of orchitis and hormonal changes seen in male coronavirus disease 2019 infection may lead to infertility. The implications of these effects on assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes are also explored. The ART guidelines from different fertility societies for the management of patients treated with ART are provided. The importance of prioritising 'time-sensitive' patients for ART, counselling patients about the uncertainty and risks of ART, and pregnancy during the pandemic is discussed. Recommendations are also provided for infection control and safe regulation of ART centres and laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Y Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - A Mok
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - J P W Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Babona-Pilipos R, Liu N, Pritchard-Oh A, Mok A, Badawi D, Popovic MR, Morshead CM. Calcium influx differentially regulates migration velocity and directedness in response to electric field application. Exp Cell Res 2018; 368:202-214. [PMID: 29729231 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neural precursor cells (NPCs) respond to externally applied direct current electrical fields (DCEFs) by undergoing rapid and directed migration toward the cathode in a process known as galvanotaxis. It is unknown if the underlying mechanisms of galvanotactic migration is common to non-electrosensitive cells and if so, how NPCs and other galvanotactic cells sense and transduce electrical fields into cellular motility. In this study, we show that distinct aspects of NPC galvanotactic migration: motility (quantified through |velocity|) and directedness, are differentially regulated by calcium. We use low-Ca2+ culture conditions; an intracellular Ca2+ chelator; and voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) inhibitors to specific channels expressed on NPCs, to demonstrate the role of Ca2+ influx in DCEF-induced NPC migration. Consistent with existing literature, we show Ca2+ is involved in F-actin polymerization that lengthens NPC membrane protrusions necessary for cellular motility. However, inhibiting Ca2+ results in reduced velocity but has no effect on DCEF-induced directedness. This dissociation between velocity and directedness reveal that these migration parameters can be independently regulated, thus suggesting a parallel process of sensing DCEFs by NPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Babona-Pilipos
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - N Liu
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Pritchard-Oh
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Mok
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - D Badawi
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M R Popovic
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - C M Morshead
- Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Sokolowska P, Passemard S, Mok A, Schwendimann L, Gozes I, Gressens P. Neuroprotective effects of NAP against excitotoxic brain damage in the newborn mice: implications for cerebral palsy. Neuroscience 2010; 173:156-68. [PMID: 21073926 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.10.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 10/23/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) was shown to be essential for embryogenesis and brain development while NAP, an active motif of ADNP, is neuroprotective in a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study, we examined the protective potential of ADNP/NAP in a mouse model of excitotoxic brain lesion mimicking brain damage associated with cerebral palsy. We demonstrated that NAP had a potent neuroprotective effect against ibotenate-induced excitotoxic damage in the cortical plate and the white matter of P5 mice, and moderate against brain lesions of P0 mice. In contrast, endogenous ADNP appears not to be involved in the response to excitotoxic challenge in the studied model. Our findings further show that NAP reduced the number of apoptotic neurons through activation of PI-3K/Akt pathway in the cortical plate or both PI-3K/Akt and MAPK/MEK1 kinases in the white matter. In addition, NAP prevented ibotenate-induced loss of pre-oligodendrocytes without affecting the number of astrocytes or activated microglia around the site of injection. These findings indicate that protective actions of NAP are mediated by triggering transduction pathways that are crucial for neuronal and oligodendroglial survival, thus, NAP might be a promising therapeutic agent for treating developing brain damage.
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Abstract
The proprotein convertase. subtilisin/kexin type 5, or PCSK5, mediates post-translational endoproteolytic processing for several integrin alpha subunits. We identified two silent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in PCSK5, which were found to vary in frequency across ethnic groups. The identification of these amplification primers and SNPs provides tools to investigate PCSK5 for association with inflammatory or vascular phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Cao
- Blackburn Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory, John P. Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorders of kidney development represent a major cause of renal failure and end-stage renal disease in the pediatric population. To understand further the prenatal pathogenesis of obstructive renal dysplasia, a fetal monkey model was developed using ultrasound-guided techniques. METHODS Ureteropelvic obstruction (N = 13) was induced during the early or late second trimester by the injection of purified guluronic alginate spheres. All fetuses were monitored sonographically, and then fetal tissues were removed at varying time points during the second and third trimesters. RESULTS There was no evidence of oligohydramnios during the course of gestation, and the obstructed kidneys were typically progressively smaller than the contralateral (nonobstructed) kidneys when monitored sonographically over time. Obstructed kidneys displayed most features of renal dysplasia, including numerous cortical cysts of various sizes derived predominantly from collecting ducts and glomeruli. Mesenchymal changes included expansion of both the cortical and medullary interstitium, as well as mesenchymal-myocyte transformation, expressed as pericystic and peritubular fibromuscular collar formation. An important feature of this model was the disruption of normal glomerular development and architecture, associated with significant podocyte apoptosis, evident as early as the prevascularized S-shaped nephron. As in other models, collecting duct cell apoptosis was apparent, particularly in areas of cyst formation and cellular atrophy. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate the importance of this nonhuman primate model for exploring the pathophysiology of congenital obstructive uropathy and highlight the potential role of podocyte injury in determining long-term renal function associated with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Tarantal
- California Regional Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California 95616-8542, USA.
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Abstract
Complement homologous restriction factor CD59 and complement receptor CD35 are typically involved in the regulation of the host defense system. Recent observations in the human fetal kidney suggest a further role for complement cell surface regulators CD35 and CD59 in kidney development and maturation. We investigated this possible role by localizing CD35 and CD59 protein and mRNA in the developing and adult kidney. Adult tissue and fetal tissue ontogeny were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. CD35 protein and mRNA were localized to the podocyte of the glomerulus in the human fetal and adult kidney. Expression was initiated after vascularization of the early developing glomerulus. CD59 protein and mRNA were observed as early as 8 weeks' gestation and were localized primarily to the ureteric duct epithelium in the fetal kidney and predominantly to the collecting duct in the adult. Interestingly, CD59 expression was translocated from the basolateral surface in the fetal kidney to the apical surface in the adult kidney. The specific spatial and temporal expression of CD35 and CD59 suggests a possible role for these complement regulatory proteins in renal cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Bridgewater
- Child Health Research Institute, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Abstract
The issue of children on hunger strike (voluntary total fasting) has not been reported before. The World Medical Association Declaration of Tokyo 1975 and the Declaration of Malta 1991 (revised 1992) provide clinicians with guidelines for the management of adult patients on hunger strike but do not mention children. We report the management of 14 Vietnamese children, aged 1 to 12 years, who took part in a hunger strike at a refugee detention centre in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mok
- Department of Paediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin
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Sinn J, Brown J, Mok A. Current concepts in asthma management. Aust Fam Physician 1993; 22:1797-800. [PMID: 8280004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This short paper investigates the effects of prophylaxis on re-admission rates at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New South Wales.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Sinn
- Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New South Wales
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Veldhuizen RA, Mok A, McMurray WC, Possmayer F. Examination of the potential role of the glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) pathway in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine by liver and lung. Biochim Biophys Acta 1989; 1005:157-61. [PMID: 2775769 DOI: 10.1016/0005-2760(89)90181-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The potential involvement of the glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) pathway for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) has been examined in rat liver and lung and in a human line, the A549 cell which possesses characteristics representative of mature alveolar type II epithelial cells. Although mitochondrial and microsomal fractions from the above sources readily incorporated radioactive glycerophosphate into lipids, the only incorporation observed with radioactive GPC was a small variable labelling with the mitochondrial and microsomal fractions from rat lung. Even with these fractions, no radioactivity from GPC was incorporated into PC or lysoPC. Attempts to increase the incorporation of GPC into lipids by manipulating the incubation conditions were unsuccessful. It was concluded that the occurrence of the GPC pathway in liver and lung is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Veldhuizen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Mok A, Wong T, Filgueiras O, Casola PG, Nicholson DW, McMurray WC, Harding PG, Possmayer F. Characterization of CDPdiacylglycerol hydrolase in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions from rat lung. Biochem Cell Biol 1988; 66:425-35. [PMID: 2841952 DOI: 10.1139/o88-051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
CDPdiacylglycerol pyrophosphatase (E.C. 3.6.1.26) activity has been examined in rat lung mitochondrial and microsomal fractions. While the mitochondrial hydrolase exhibited a broad pH optimum from pH 6-8, the microsomal activity decreased rapidly above pH 6.5. Apparent Km values of 36.2 and 23.6 microM and Vmax values of 311 and 197 pmol.min-1.mg protein-1 were observed for the mitochondrial and microsomal preparations, respectively. Addition of parachloromercuriphenylsulphonic acid led to a marked inhibition of the microsomal fraction but slightly stimulated the mitochondrial activity at low concentrations. Mercuric ions were inhibitory with both fractions. Although biosynthetic reactions utilizing CDPdiacylglycerol require divalent cations, addition of Mg2+, Mn2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Cu2+ all inhibited the catabolic CDPdiacylglycerol hydrolase activity in both fractions. EDTA and EGTA also produced an inhibitory effect, especially with the mitochondrial fraction. Although addition of either adenine or cytidine nucleotides led to a decrease in activity with both fractions, the marked susceptibility to AMP previously reported for this enzyme in Escherichia coli membranes, guinea pig brain lysosomes, and pig liver mitochondria was not observed. These results indicate that rat lung mitochondria and microsomes contain specific CDPdiacylglycerol hydrolase activities, which could influence the rate of formation of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol for pulmonary surfactant.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mok
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Mogenson GJ, Mok A, Grace JE, Stevenson JA. Behavioral and alimentary response of the rat to acute and chronic changes in environmental temperature. J Physiol (Paris) 1971; 63:346-9. [PMID: 5121944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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