Kombucha as a Health-Beneficial Drink for Human Health

Kombucha is a unique fermented beverage made from a symbiotic culture of yeast and bacteria. Kombucha is normally based on black tea added to water, then sugar is added as a substrate for fermentation in this beverage. This unique beverage is composed of amino acids, flavonoids, vitamins, and some active enzymes. Several beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial effects have been reported as a result of probiotics and prebiotics presence. These health effects of kombucha are attributed to its bioactive chemical and biological agents of probiotics bacteria e.g., Gluconobacter, Acetobacter and yeasts like Saccharomyces sps., along with glucuronic acid as the main sources of the health protection. This review focuses on the beneficial effects of Kombucha including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer antidiabetic properties, as well as liver protection, treat of gastrointestinal problems, AIDS, gastric ulcers, obesity (and energy production), detoxification, and skin health.

Improving the chemical and sensory properties of Cheddar cheese using adjunct cultures

Background:

Dairy consumption and especially cheese consumption has been increasing in most countries of the world due to its favorable taste. European countries and the United States are the major producers and consumers of cheese. Due to the nutritional and economic importance of cheese, various schemes have been considered to increase its consumption and the most important of which is to improve its sensory properties. Several factors affect the development of cheese properties including chemical composition, residual coagulation factors, enzymes in milk, microbial flora of cheese and the storage conditions during the ripening stage, microorganisms in cheese especially lactic acid bacteria.

Objective:

Various methods have been studied to improve the sensory properties of cheese in the world and the most successful of which is the addition of adjunct culture. Adjunct cultures are a variety of selected microorganisms that are added to milk to improve the sensory quality or to accelerate the ripening of the product. The major adjunct cultures are lactobacilli. Many studies show that Lactobacillus helveticus LH212 and Lactobacillus helveticus CNRZ32 are among the most desirable bacteria. Adjunct cultures are used in two ways: attenuated and live cultures. There are several methods for preparing attenuated cultures, but most researchers focus on physical methods such as heat shock, freezing shock and spray drying.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this article is to express the role of adjunct cultures (types of Lactobacilli) in the sensory properties of cheddar cheese, selection criteria, and the amount, and time of adding adjunct cultures in the cheese-making process.

Recent advances in Biodecontamination of Aflatoxins in Foodstuffs: using Biomass (2011-2021)

Background:

Aflatoxin is one of the most hazardous toxins produced by Aspergillus spp. and contaminates animal feed and therefore human food. Aflatoxin exposure causes several health problems including liver, kidney, and intestine disorders for human beings. Therefore, an efficient decontamination method for food stuff seems essential.

Objective:

The aim of this mini-review was to go over the recent advances in the decontamination of aflatoxins in foodstuffs and explain the bio-removal methods based on microorganisms during the last decade.

Methods:

Literature research was performed using the keywords “aflatoxin”, “bio removal”, “decontamination”, “food”, and “biomass” individually or all together, in Scopus, Web of Science, and Pubmed in the last decade.

Results:

LABs and yeasts are the most useful and successful microorganisms in this field. These methods are very efficient, specific, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, also they do not affect the nutritional value of the foodstuffs, unlike the physical or chemical techniques. The bio-removal methods contain aflatoxin adsorption and degradation.

Conclusion:

Although more studies and researches are required to evaluate the different types of toxin removal using various microorganisms and their practical aspects and the highest efficiency should be determined.

Potential probiotic strains with heavy metals and mycotoxins bioremoval capacity for application in foodstuffs

Heavy metals and mycotoxins in foodstuffs are one of the major concerns of our world nowadays. Food decontamination with the help of microbial biomass is a cheap, easy, efficient, and green method known as bioremoval. Probiotics are able to reduce the availability of heavy metals and toxins in food products. The purpose of this review is to summarize the probiotics and potential probiotics' interesting role in food bio-decontamination. After a brief glance at the definition of potential probiotic strains with bioremoval ability, LABs (lactic acid bacteria) are described as they are the most important groups of probiotics. After that, the role of the main probiotic and potential probiotic strains (Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Bifidobacterium, Pediococcus, Propionibacterium, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for heavy metals and mycotoxins bioremoval are described. Additionally, the bioremoval mechanism and the effect of some factors in bioremoval efficiency are explained. Finally, the investigations about probiotic and contaminant stability are mentioned. It is worth mentioning that this review article can be exerted in different food and beverage industries to eliminate the heavy metals and mycotoxins in foodstuffs.

SARS-CoV-2 Igg seroprevalence in IBD patients treated with biologics: first vs. second pandemic wave in a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

In a prospective study, SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence was assessed during the second pandemic wave (W2) in a cohort of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients using biologics. The secondary aim was to compare, in the same cohort, the frequency of seropositivity and of COVID-19 during the second vs. the first (W1) wave.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From November 2020 to March 2021, SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity and the prevalence of COVID-19 were assessed in a cohort of IBD patients using biologics already studied at W1.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

age ≥ 18 years; diagnosis of IBD; follow-up; written consent.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Risk factors for infection, compatible symptoms, history of infection or COVID-19, nasopharyngeal swab test were recorded. Data were expressed as median [range]. The χ2 test, Student's t-test, logistic regression analysis was used.

RESULTS

IBD cohort at W1 and W2 included 85 patients: 45 CD (52.9%), 40 UC (47.1%). When comparing the same 85 patients at W2 vs. W1, a higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at W2 was at the limit of the statistical significance (9.4% vs. 2.3%; p=0.05). The prevalence of COVID-19 at W2 vs. W1 was 3.5% (3/85) vs. 0% (0/85) (p=0.08). Contacts with COVID-19 patients and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 were more frequent at W2 vs. W1 (18.8 % vs. 0%; p=0.0001; 34.1% vs. 15.3%; p=0.004). At W2, history of contacts and new onset diarrhea were more frequent in seropositive patients [4/8 (50%) vs. 12/77 (15.6%); p=0.01 and 4/8 (50%) vs. 2/77 (2.6%); p=0.0001]. At W2, the risk factors for seropositivity included cough, fever, new onset diarrhea, rhinitis, arthromyalgia, dysgeusia/anosmia at univariate (p<0.05), but not at multivariate analysis. History of contacts was the only risk factor for seropositivity at univariate (p=0.03), but not at multivariate analysis (p=0.1).

CONCLUSIONS

During W2, characterized by a high viral spread, IBD and biologics appeared not to increase the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 disease. New onset diarrhea mimicking IBD relapse may be observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Role of the lactobacilli in food bio-decontamination: Friends with benefits

Food contamination such as toxins and heavy metals has been increasing in the last few decades as a result of industrialization in general and as part of food production in particular. Application of microorganisms in toxins and heavy metals bio-removal has been documented and applied as a favorable decontamination approach due to being environmentally friendly, reasonably simple, and economically feasible. Lactobacilli have been proposed and applied as a beneficial biologic sorbent for toxins and heavy metals in processes of reducing their hazardous bio-availability. The purpose of this review is to summarize the known role of Lactobacillus bacterial species in food bio-decontamination processes. After a quick glimpse of the worthy properties of lactobacilli, their cell wall structure is mentioned. Then the potential role of Lactobacillus strains for mycotoxins (aflatoxins, patulin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, zearalenone, cyanotoxins, and trichothecenes) and heavy metals (lead, arsenic copper, mercury, cadmium, zinc, aluminum, chromium, and iron) bio-removal were described. In addition, the role of various factors in removal yield and the decontamination mechanism were explained. Finally, the lactobacilli-contaminant stability, in vivo studies, and being a friend or foe of Lactobacillus bacteria are discussed.

Low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

Treatments used in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have been associated with enhanced risk of viral infections and viral reactivation, however, it remains unclear whether IBD patients have increased risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity in IBD patients followed at our referral center. The role of treatments for IBD and risk factors for infection were also evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective study, all IBD patients followed at our referral centre between May 27th and July 21st, 2020 and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Specific IgG antibodies were evaluated by a commercial ELISA kit and SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab was performed in seropositive patients.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and eighteen patients, 128 Crohn's disease (CD) and 90 Ulcerative colitis (UC) [age 44, (19-77) years; ongoing biologics in 115 (52.7%)] were enrolled. No patient had major SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 IgG were detected in 3 out of 218 (1.37%) patients with IBD (2 CD and 1 UC), all on biologics (2.6%). In all of the 3 seropositive patients, the nasopharyngeal swab was negative. There was no relationship between SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and the demographic/clinical characteristics of IBD patients. In contrast, history of recent travel was more frequent in the SARS-CoV-2 seropositive patients (2/3; 66.6%) than in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative patients [7/215 (3.25%); p<0.0001].

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity in IBD patients appears to be comparable to the non-IBD population and not influenced by ongoing treatments. Risk factors for infection common to the general non-IBD population should be considered when managing patients with IBD.

The Effect of Cuminum Essential Oil on Rheological Properties and Shelf Life of Probiotic Yoghurt

Background: Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the essential oils (EOs) are important in food industry. This study investigated the effects of EO from Cuminum cyminum on the preservation of yogurt containing Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Methods: The yogurt samples’ biological, physicochemical, and sensorial characteristics were evaluated at three levels of 1%, 2% and 3% of EO during the storage (7, 14, and 21 days). Results: The bacterial activity declined significantly in all samples during the storage (P < 0.05). Adding EO decreased the rate of bacterial growth of both probiotic and starter strains over 21 days. The titratable acidity (TA) and syneresis were increased (P < 0.05), while the pH levels were decreased (P < 0.05) during the storage. The highest viscosity was 8600 mili paskal secent (mPa.s) in control sample in the first day and 5700 mPa.s for 1% cuminum cyminum essential oil (CEO) on the 21st day. The CEO had no effects on flavor, odor, and overall acceptability. Conclusion: Generally, the high level of phenols influenced the biological, physicochemical, and rheological properties of bioyogurts positively.

Lead and cadmium biosorption from milk by Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356

The food and water contamination with heavy metals is increasing due to the environmental pollutions. Lead and cadmium are the toxic heavy metals for humans that can be found in air, soil, water, and even food. Lactic acid bacteria have the ability to remove and diminish the level of heavy metals. In this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus was used to remove lead and cadmium in milk and the capability of this valuable bacterium in biosorption of these metals low concentrations (µg/L or ppb) in milk was evaluated. First, the variables on lead and cadmium removal by this bacterium have been studied by Plackett-Burman design. Then, the bioremoval process was optimized and the three main factors, the bacterium concentration, contact time, and the initial heavy metal concentration were chosen by using a central composite design. The optimum lead and cadmium bioremoval yield of 80% and 75% were observed, respectively, at 1 × 1012 CFU of L. acidophilus in milk at the 4th day and the initial ion concentration of 100 µg/L. The 3D plots analysis showed the interaction effects on metal biosorption. This study showed that L. acidophilus is a natural effective biosorbent for lead and cadmium removal from milk.

The Von Willebrand Factor Antigen Plasma Concentration: a Monitoring Marker in the Treatment of Aortic and Mitral Valve Diseases

Von Willebrand disease is a commonly inherited bleeding disorder caused by defects of von Willebrand factor (vWF). In the most common valve diseases, aortic valve stenosis (AVS) and mitral valve regurgitation (MVR), a bleeding tendency has been described in a number of patients. This has been associated to a high turbulence of blood flow through the compromised valve, promoting degradation of vWF with loss of high-molecular-weight multimers of vWF (HMWM), leading to an acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AvWS). We analysed three groups of patients, one affected by AVS, treated with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), the second group of patients affected by MVR, treated with Mitraclip® mitral valve repair. The third group was represented by patients also affected by AVS, but not eligible for TAVI and treated with standard surgery. A fourth group of patients that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting was used as a control. Our results demonstrated that the level of vWF measured as antigen concentration (vWF:Ag) increases in all cohorts of patients after treatment, while in control PCI patients, no modification of vWF:Ag has been registered. Western blot analysis showed only a quantitative loss of vWF in the pre-treatment time, but without significant HMWM modification. The monitoring of the vWF:Ag concentration, but not the quality of HMWM, can indicate the status of blood flow in the treated patients, thus introducing the possibility of using the vWF antigen detection in monitoring the status of replaced or repaired valves.

High serum osteopontin levels are associated with prevalent fractures and worse lipid profile in post-menopausal women with type 2 diabetes

PURPOSE

Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have increased fracture risk. Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein involved in bone remodeling and inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of OPN with fracture prevalence and with metabolic parameters in post-menopausal women with T2DM.

METHODS

Sixty-four post-menopausal women with T2DM (age 67.0 ± 7.8 years, diabetes duration 8.9 ± 6.7 years), enrolled in a previous study, were followed up (3.6 ± 0.9 years). Previous fragility fractures were recorded. The FRAX score (without BMD) was calculated and biochemical parameters (plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile and renal function) were assessed. Serum 25OH-vitamin D, calcium, PTH and OPN were evaluated at baseline. The association between OPN and fracture prevalence at baseline was evaluated by a logistic model.

RESULTS

OPN levels were higher in patients with previous fractures (n.25) than in patients without previous fractures at baseline (n.39) (p = 0.006). The odds of having fractures at baseline increased by 6.7 (1.9-31.4, 95% CI, p = 0.007) for each increase of 1 ng/ml in OPN levels, after adjustment for vitamin D and HbA1c levels. Fracture incidence was 4.7%. Higher OPN associated with a decrease in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.048), after adjustment for age, basal HDL-cholesterol, basal and follow-up HbA1c and follow-up duration. 25OH-vitamin D associated with an increase in FRAX-estimated probability of hip fracture at follow-up (p = 0.029), after adjustment for age, 25OH-vitamin D and time.

CONCLUSIONS

In post-menopausal women with T2DM, OPN might be a useful marker of fracture and worse lipid profile.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in patients receiving rituximab and cyclophosphamide after haplo-identical T-cell replete transplantation and review of the literature

John Cunningham virus (JCV) reactivation, occurring mainly in immunocompromised patients, leads to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, an uncommon but lethal disease. JCV reactivation after T-cell replete haploidentical stem cell transplantation, in the pre-cyclophosphamide era, is poorly represented in the literature. We therefore describe two cases of acute myeloid leukemia who developed JCV reactivation after receiving cyclophosphamide and rituximab post haploidentical stem cell transplantation, and review the literature, aiming to a better understanding of the disease course and its risk factors.

EVAR and OPEN treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm: What is the role of MMP-9 in the follow-up?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of our study is to verify the role of metalloproteinases in endovascular repair (EVAR) and OPEN surgery treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Postoperatively, these enzymes could represent an important biomarker to adapt diagnostic tests and further investigations during follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

From 2004 to 2008, 55 patients were considered with AAA. Of these, 33 patients (mean age: 70.1 years), (mean AAA diameter: 5.4cm) were treated with OPEN surgery (group A) and 22 (mean age: 74.1 years) (mean AAA diameter: 5.1cm) were treated with EVAR. In 17 of them, there were no signs of endoleak (group B1), while in 5 patients, a presence of endoleak (group B2) was detected. Plasma samples were collected in order to determine MMP-9 activity. Enzyme immunoassay was performed preoperatively at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Patients treated conventionally were clinically examined after 1 and 12 months by ultrasound. Patients undergoing EVAR treatment were clinically examined by CT scan after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The analysis was done by assessing the interaction over time of the MMP-9 value in B1 and B2 groups.

RESULTS

The average values observed for MMP-9 were preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, respectively: in group A 150.8ng/mL (SD=30.5), 252.5ng/mL (SD=25.2), 315.4ng/mL (SD=22.7), 295.3ng/mL (SD=26.8), 210.7ng/mL (SD=30.2); in group B1 105ng/mL (SD=10.8), 125.6ng/mL (SD=18), 85.8ng/mL (SD=19.9), 95ng/mL (SD=20.2), 80.4ng/mL (SD=15.6); in group B2 149ng/mL (29.2), 375.4ng/mL (SD=40.2), 215ng/mL (SD=35.9), 180ng/mL (SD=20.2), 175ng/mL (SD=33.4). The MMP-9 level was higher in group B2 compared to group B1 (P=0.01), suggesting a correlation with the presence of the endoleak.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study shows that MMP-9 may be a biomarker of the presence of endoleak. Other further investigations and larger series are needed to show that metalloproteases could play a role in the follow-up of EVAR treated patients.

Allelic frequencies of 3' Ig heavy chain locus enhancer HS1,2-A associated with Ig levels in patients with schizophrenia

Infectious and autoimmune pathogenic hypotheses of schizophrenia have been proposed, prompting searches for antibodies against viruses or brain structures, and for altered levels of immunoglobulins. Previous experiments have shown that allele frequencies of the Ig heavy chain 3' enhancer HS1,2*A are associated with several autoimmune diseases, suggesting a possible correlation between HS1,2 alleles and Ig production. To test this, we analyzed levels of serum Igs and HS1,2*A genotypes in two independent cohorts, one of 88 schizophrenic inpatients (24 women) and a second of 133 healthy subjects (59 women). Both groups were similar in the frequency of individuals with altered serum concentration of Ig classes and IgG subclasses (schizophrenia panel-80 percent; controls-68 percent). With the possible exception of a stabilizing effect of olanzapine, no psychopharmacological drug consumed during the month prior to serum sampling in the schizophrenia group significantly affected Ig levels. In both patient and control cohorts, an increased frequency of the HS1,2*2A allele corresponded to increased Ig plasma levels, while an increased frequency of the HS1,2*1A allele corresponded to decreased Ig plasma levels. EMSA analysis with nuclear extracts from human B cells showed that the transcription factor SP1 bound to the polymorphic region of both HS1,2*1A and HS1,2*2A while NF-kB bound only to the HS1,2*2A. We predict that differences in transcription factor binding sites in the two allelic variants of the 3' IgH enhancer HS1,2 may provide a mechanism by which differences in Ig expression are affected.

Cognitive and psychiatric effects of topiramate monotherapy in migraine treatment: an open study

Few data are available on cognitive and psychiatric effects of topiramate (TPM) monotherapy in migraine. Twenty patients affected by migraine were treated with TPM monotherapy. At the same time, twenty control subjects were selected. A comprehensive neuropsychological and behavioural battery of tests were performed at baseline (T0), at titration (T1) and in maintenance period (T2). Topiramate serum levels were also investigated at T1 and T2. On comparison with the control group, no cognitive and psychiatric differences were detected at baseline. A significant reduction of word fluency score (P < 0.05) was evident after TPM treatment, both at T1 and T2. No patient developed psychiatric adverse events. TPM induced an impairment of verbal fluency and no psychiatric adverse events, demonstrating selective negative cognitive profile in migraine therapy. Slow titration, low doses, lack of previous psychiatric disorders and/or familial history may explain our data.

Intravesical electromotive administration of oxybutynin in patients with detrusor hyperreflexia unresponsive to standard anticholinergic regimens

PURPOSE

About 15% to 20% of patients with detrusor hyperreflexia do not benefit from oral oxybutynin regimens, frequently because of unpleasant side effects. Several reports indicate that intravesical oxybutynin is effective in many of these patients but there are some who still fail to respond.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A select group of 10 adults with detrusor hyperreflexia unresponsive to standard oral and intravesical oxybutynin regimens were treated at weekly intervals with 5 mg. oxybutynin orally, or 5 mg. oxybutynin in 100 ml. intravesically for 60 minutes of passive diffusion and for 30 minutes with 5 mA. electrical current. Each treatment (plus oral placebo and 2 intravesical controls) was associated with an 8-hour, full urodynamic monitoring session, and periodic blood and bladder content sampling.

RESULTS

There was no significant objective improvement with oral or intravesical passive diffusion oxybutynin. Conversely there was significant improvement in 5 of 6 objective urodynamic measurements with intravesical electromotive oxybutynin. Plasma profiles were a single peak and decay following oral oxybutynin and 2 distinct peaks with intravesical passive diffusion and electromotive oxybutynin. Area under the curve for intravesical passive diffusion were 709 ng. per 8 hours versus oral 1,485 (p <0.05) versus intravesical electromotive 2,781 (p <0.001). Bladder content samples confirmed oxybutynin absorption. Oral oxybutynin caused anticholinergic side effects in 7 of 10 patients. There were no side effects with intravesical passive diffusion or electromotive administrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Accelerated intravesical administration results in greater bioavailability and increased objective benefits without side effects in previously unresponsive patients compared with oral and intravesical passive diffusion oxybutynin administration.

Genetic variation in human stromelysin gene promoter and common carotid geometry in healthy male subjects

A common variant in the promoter of the human stromelysin gene, causing reduced enzyme expression, has been associated with the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. On the other hand, increased stromelysin activity may promote plaque rupture. The present study was undertaken to investigate the relationship between the genetic variation in the human stromelysin gene promoter and common carotid geometry. Forty-two healthy male subjects without major coronary heart disease risk factors were investigated. The polymorphism in the stromelysin gene promoter was studied through polymerase chain reaction amplification with the use of mutagenic primers. Age, blood pressure, lipids, glucose, viscosity, and body mass index were similar in homozygotes for the 5A allele (5A/5A), heterozygotes (5A/6A), and homozygotes for the 6A allele (6A/6A). Serum matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels did not differ significantly among genotypes. Common carotid diameters and intima-media thickness, measured by noninvasive ultrasonography, were significantly larger in 6A/6A subjects (for respective 6A/6A, 5A/6A, and 5A/5A subjects, diameter at the R wave was 0.63+/-0.09, 0.55+/-0.06, and 0.53+/-0.04 cm [mean+/-SD], P<0.005 by ANOVA; intima-media thickness was 765+/-116, 670+/-116, and 630+/-92 microm [mean+/-SD], P<0.05 by ANOVA). Wall shear stress, calculated as blood velocityxblood viscosity/internal diameter, was significantly lower in 6A/6A subjects (for respective 6A/6A, 5A/6A, and 5A/5A subjects, mean wall shear stress was 10.4+/-2.9, 13.5+/-3.5, and 12.6+/-1.9 dyne/cm(2) [mean+/-SD], P<0.05 by ANOVA). The results demonstrate that the gene polymorphism in the promoter region of stromelysin is associated with structural and functional characteristics of the common carotid artery in healthy male subjects without major risk factors for atherosclerosis. Individuals with the 6A/6A genotype (associated with lower enzyme activity) show a triad of events, namely, increased wall thickness, enlarged arterial lumen, and local reduction of wall shear stress, which might predispose them to atherosclerotic plaque localization.

Extraction and determination of oxybutynin in human bladder samples by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method is described for the determination of oxybutynin (OXB) in human bladder samples. Following homogenization, tissue samples underwent double extraction with hexane and eventually were concentrated by freeze-drying before analysis. Chromatographic separation was performed with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-water-1 M ammonium acetate, pH 7.0 (85:13:2, v/v/v) at a flow-rate of 0.5 ml/min and double (electrochemical and UV) detection was applied. The retention time of oxybutynin eluting peak was around 18 min. Using a standard curve range of 10 to 500 ng/ml the quantification limit with electrochemical detection was 5 ng/ml with an injection volume of 100 microl. Within-day and day-to-day relative standard deviation values were 4.9 and 9.81%, respectively, while a 94% accuracy and a 72% recovery was attained. We applied this method to compare the OXB levels into bladder wall tissue samples after passive diffusion and after electromotive drug administration (EMDA), using a two-chambered poly(vinyl chloride) diffusion cell designed and developed in our laboratory. The results obtained show that EMDA enhanced OXB penetration into bladder wall and that this novel way of local drug administration can be potentially used in patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction or urinary incontinence.

Electromotive versus passive diffusion of mitomycin C into human bladder wall: concentration-depth profiles studies

The objectives of these investigations were: (a) to make a preliminary study to assess concentration-depth profiles of mitomycin C (MMC) in the bladder wall at specified time intervals after passive diffusion (PD); and (b) to conduct a major study to compare concentration-depth profiles after PD and electromotive drug administration (EMDA) of MMC. Full thickness sections of viable human bladder wall were placed in two-chamber cells with urothelium exposed to donor compartments containing 40 mg of MMC in 100 ml of 0.96% NaCl solutions and with serosa-facing receptor compartments containing 0.9% NaCl solutions. In the preliminary study during each of nine experimental sessions, five sections of bladder wall were individually exposed to MMC for either 5, 15, 30, 45, or 60 min. In the major study, an anode and a cathode were sited in the donor and receptor compartments, and 14 paired experiments--current (20 mA)/no current--were conducted over a 30-min period. Bladder wall sections were cut serially into 40-microm slices parallel to the urothelium and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography for MMC concentration (microg/g wet tissue weight). Tissue viability and morphology and MMC stability were assessed by trypan-blue exclusion test, histological examination, and mass spectrometry analysis. In the preliminary study (PD only), mean MMC concentrations (microg) at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min were: (a) for urothelium, 15.3, 60.0, 58.2, 60.1, and 57.8, respectively; (b) for lamina propria, 2.2, 18.9, 19.3, 16.1, and 17.3, respectively; and (c) for muscularis, 0.4, 2.0, 1.8, 1.3, and 2.4, respectively. In the comparative study, MMC concentrations and coefficients of variation (CV) were as follows: (a) for urothelium after PD, 46.6 with CV = 69%, and after EMDA, 170.0 with CV = 43% (P < 0.0001); (b) for lamina propria after PD, 16.1, with CV = 60%, and after EMDA, 65.6 with CV = 29% (P < 0.0001); and (c) for muscularis after PD, 1.9 with CV = 82%, and after EMDA, 15.9 with CV = 82% (P < 0.0005). All of the bladder sections remained viable, and the chemical structure of MMC was unchanged. It was concluded that EMDA significantly enhances MMC transport into all of the layers of the bladder wall, and sections of viable human bladder are a reliable tool for assessing different modes of drug delivery.

Systemic administration of cocaine, given alone or in combination with sensory stimuli, differentially affects L-arginine-nitric oxide metabolism in discrete regions of the brain of rat

The effect of cocaine on brain regional metabolism of L-arginine to nitric oxide (NO) has been studied in rat by measuring the level of citrulline, the co-product of NO synthesis, using a HPLC based methodology. A single i.p. administration of 1 mg/kg cocaine, and a daily treatment for up to 5 consecutive days, failed to affect significantly citrulline content in the striatum, hippocampus and cortex. By contrast, in these regions of the brain a single or 5-day repeated higher dose of cocaine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) caused a significant increase in the co-product of NO synthesis and this has been abolished in a stereoselective fashion by L-NAME (10 mg/kg i.p. given 30 min before). Under cocaine high dose treatment, 1 h acoustic stimulation, which per se resulted ineffective, enhanced stimulant-induced increases in citrulline content seen in the striatum and abolished the increase of this amino acid observed in the hippocampus and cortex both after single or 5-day repeated injection of cocaine. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that cocaine stimulates the conversion of L-arginine to NO in the brain of rat and this is affected by concomitant exposure to acoustic stimulation.

Common mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Correlation with homocysteine and other risk factors for vascular disease

A common mutation in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene results in elevated homocysteine levels and, presumably, in increased atherosclerotic risk. We evaluated serum homocysteine levels, MTHFR genotype, and a panel of variables in a sample of 155 middle-aged Italian subjects (mean age 38.1 years). Biometrical, hematological, and biochemical variables (including serum folate and vitamin B12) and lifestyle characteristics were investigated. MTHFR genotype was studied by polymerase chain reaction. The frequency of the genotype Val/Val (homozygosity for the mutant allele) was 16.13%. The Val/Val genotype was associated with increased levels of homocysteine; no differences among genotypes were seen in individuals with folate or vitamin B12 levels at or above the median values. In multivariate analysis, MTHFR genotype was an independent predictor of homocysteine levels in both biochemical and non biochemical regression models. Sex and diastolic blood pressure emerged as non biochemical variables independently associated with homocysteine. Apart from cofactors, uric acid was the only biochemical variable independently associated with homocysteine, particularly in subjects with Val/Val genotype. The observed parallel increases in homocysteine and uric acid levels in subjects with thermolabile MTHFR warrant further investigation.

Fully automated assay for total homocysteine, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, glutathione, cysteamine, and 2-mercaptopropionylglycine in plasma and urine

We describe a 6-min HPLC method to measure the total concentrations of the most important thiols in plasma and urine--cysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine, and glutathione--as well as the concentrations in plasma and urine, respectively, of cysteamine and 2-mercaptopropionylglycine, two compounds used to treat disorders of cysteine metabolism. Precolumn derivatization with bromobimane and reversed-phase HPLC were performed automatically by a sample processor. Throughput was up to 100 samples in 24 h. The within-run CV ranged from 0.9% to 3.4% and the between-run CV ranged from 1.5% to 6.1%. Analytical recovery was 97-107%, with little difference between plasma and urine samples. The detection limit was approximately 50 nmol/L for all the analytes studied. Thiol concentrations were determined in the plasma of 206 healthy donors and in the urine of 318 healthy donors distributed for age and sex. Mean values of plasma cysteine and homocysteine were significantly lower in infants (ages, <1 y) compared with other age groups (P <0.005). In adults, mean plasma homocysteine values were higher in males than in females (9.2 vs 6.7 micromol/L, P <0.0001) and in the 6- to 10-year-old group (P <0.05). Mean values for glutathione and cysteinylglycine were not sex- and age-dependent. In urine, both cysteine and homocysteine showed a wide range of variation.

Electromotive administration of oxybutynin into the human bladder wall

PURPOSE

To compare concentrations of oxybutynin in the human bladder wall after either passive delivery (PD) or electromotive administration (EMDA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tissue sections of human bladder were inserted into a diffusion cell with urothelium exposed to the donor compartment containing oxybutynin (4.5 mg. in 100 ml. NaCl 0.45%) and an anode. Twelve paired experiments, "current 5 mA/no current", were conducted over 15 minutes. Oxybutynin tissue contents were measured and tissue viability, morphology and oxybutynin stability were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean oxybutynin tissue concentrations were 3.84 micrograms./gm. in samples exposed to EMDA and 0.87 microgram./gm. in samples exposed to PD (p = 0.0006). The mean coefficients of variation were 57.85% in EMDA experiments and 89.78% in PD experiments. Tissues were viable and undamaged histologically and no oxybutynin structural modification was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

EMDA enhances oxybutynin administration into viable bladder wall and reduces the variability in drug delivery rate.

Electromotive delivery of mitomycin C into human bladder wall

The aim of this investigation was to establish an appropriate tissue pharmacokinetic model to compare concentrations of mitomycin C (MMC) in the human bladder wall after either passive delivery or electromotive administration (EMDA) and to evaluate the effects of EMDA on tissue morphology and MMC structure. Tissue sections of human bladder were inserted into two chamber cells with urothelium exposed to donor compartments containing MMC (10 mg in 100 ml of 0.24% NaCl solution) and an anode and with serosa exposed to receptor compartments containing 100 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution and a cathode. Fourteen paired experiments ("current 5 mA/no current") were conducted over 15 min; MMC tissue content was assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Tissue viability and morphology and MMC stability were assessed by trypan blue exclusion test, tissue pH, histological analysis, and mass spectrometry analysis. MMC concentrations were increased, and variability in drug delivery rate was reduced in all tissue in samples exposed to electric current. Tissues were viable and undamaged histologically, and no MMC structural modification was observed. In conclusion, EMDA enhances administration of MMC into viable bladder wall tissue and reduces the variability in drug delivery rates.

In vitro antitumor activity of 3'-desamino-3'(2-methoxy-4-morpholinyl) doxorubicin on human melanoma cells sensitive or resistant to triazene compounds

A new methoxymorpholinyl derivative of Adriamycin (ADR), FCE 23762 (MRD), has recently been selected for phase I clinical trials for its reduced cardiotoxicity and for its cytotoxic activity against a broad spectrum of solid tumors and leukemias that are sensitive or resistant to ADR. The purpose of the present study was to compare the in vitro antitumor activity of MRD and ADR on human melanoma lines with different chemosensitivity to triazene compounds, among which dacarbazine remains a reference drug in the treatment of melanoma. Both MRD and ADR were tested in vitro on three melanoma lines, MI13443-MEL, SK-MEL-28, and M14, previously screened for their chemosensitivity to the triazene compound p-(3-methyl-1-triazeno) benzoic acid, potassium salt (MTBA). The three lines were also analyzed for P-170 expression, total glutathione (GSH) content, and GSH-related enzyme activity. All melanomas, whether sensitive or resistant to MTBA, were susceptible to anthracycline treatment. The cytotoxic activity of MRD was comparable with that of ADR, and no substantial difference was found in cell growth inhibition between the two drugs. When the relative chemosensitivity of the three lines was considered, SK-MEL-28 was found to be slightly less sensitive to MRD treatment than the other tumors. This finding seems to correlate with the higher GSH-peroxidase activity of this melanoma relative to that of the MI13443 and M14 lines. These results show a homogeneous response of melanoma lines to MRD treatment in vitro, suggesting that phase I clinical trials concerning this drug, which in vivo appears to be activated to a more cytotoxic metabolite, could be extended to metastatic melanomas, including those completely resistant to triazene compounds.

Increased expression of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I hybrid receptors in skeletal muscle of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus subjects

Insulin receptors (IR) and IGF-I receptors (IGF-IR) have been shown to form hybrid receptors in tissues coexpressing both molecules. To date there is no information about the distribution of hybrids in tissues of normal or diabetic subjects. We developed a microwell-based immunoassay to quantitate hybrids in small human tissues samples. Microwells were coated with MA-20 anti-IR antibody or alpha-IGF-IR-PA antibody directed against the IGF-IR alpha-subunit, and incubated with skeletal muscle extracts of patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and normal controls. Immobilized receptors were incubated with 125I-insulin or 125I-IGF-I in the presence or absence of the two unlabeled ligands. Hybrids were quantified as the fraction of 125I-IGF-I binding immunoadsorbed with MA-20 and expressed as percentage of total IGF-IR (type I+hybrids) immobilized with alpha-IGF-IR-PA. The immunoassay was validated using Western blotting analysis. Relative abundance of hybrids detected in NIDDM patients was higher than in controls. The percentage of hybrids was negatively correlated with IR number and in vivo insulin sensitivity measured by an insulin tolerance test, whereas the percentage was positively correlated with insulinemia. Insulin binding affinity was lower in NIDDM patients than in controls, and was correlated with the percentage of hybrids. Maximal IGF-I binding was significantly higher in muscle from NIDDM patients compared to controls and was positively correlated with the percentage of hybrid receptors whereas IGF-I binding affinity did not differ between the two groups. These results raise the possibility that alterations in expression of hybrid receptors may contribute to decreased insulin sensitivity, and to increased sensitivity to IGF-I. Because IGF-I has been proposed as a hypoglycemic agent in NIDDM, these results are relevant to the development of new approaches to the treatment of insulin resistance of NIDDM.

Systemic administration of lithium chloride and tacrine but not kainic acid augments citrulline content of rat brain

The effects of tacrine (5 mg/kg i.p.) in lithium chloride (LiCl; 12 mEq/kg i.p.)-pretreated (24 h beforehand) animals and of kainate (10 mg/kg i.p.) on brain citrulline, the co-product of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, were studied in rats. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of whole brain tissue homogenates from rats treated with LiCl and tacrine revealed a significant increase in citrulline content before the onset of seizures. This effect was prevented in a stereoselective manner by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg i.p., given 20 min before tacrine), an inhibitor of NO synthase. By contrast, kainic acid (10 mg/kg i.p.) did not affect significantly brain citrulline during the pre-convulsive period. In conclusion, our data indicate that in rats seizures induced by LiCl and tacrine but not kainic acid are triggered by excessive NO production in the brain.

Age-dependent changes of NO synthase activity in the rat brain

We report that NO synthase activity, as expressed by citrulline and nitrite formation in brain homogenates, is decreased in 24-month old in comparison to 3-month old rats. In particular, a Ca(++)-dependent NO synthase activity was detected in homogenates obtained from cortical, hippocampal, cerebellar and lower brain stem slices from both 3- and 24 month-old rats. The amount of citrulline generated from L-arginine was significantly decreased in the hippocampus and lower brain stem by 40 and 48%, respectively. No changes were observed in NO synthase activity in cortical and cerebellar homogenates. Thus, the L-arginine-NO pathway seems to be impaired in selected areas of rat brain and this may contribute to the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying age-related cerebral disorders.

Autocatalytic acylation of phospholipase-like myotoxins

Several snake venoms contain a phospholipase A2 in which position 49 in the active site is occupied by a lysine or a serine instead of the aspartate residue normally found. Although these proteins do not bind Ca2+ and are devoid of catalytic activity, they are still highly specific myotoxins and have recently been shown to induce membrane leakage by a new type of cytolytic mechanism. Three of these toxins, myotoxin II from Bothrops asper, ammodytin L from Vipera ammodytes, and the K49 protein from Agkistrodon piscivorus piscivorus, were examined for their interaction with fatty acids and were found to bind long-chain fatty acids covalently by a rapid, spontaneous, autocatalytic process. The fatty acids could be released by treatment with 1 M NH2OH or NaOH, but not with 1 M NaCl or by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Electron spin resonance studies using spin-labeled fatty acids showed that only the carboxyl headgroup of the fatty acid was linked to protein amino acid, the carbon chain had free mobility and did not bind tightly to the protein surface. Stearic acid methyl esters and short-chain fatty acids did not bind to the toxins. Acylated myotoxins bound to the surface of liposomes and isolated muscle membranes, with the fatty acid moiety inserted into the lipid bilayer and possibly acting as an anchor. The phospholipase-like myotoxins represent the first group of proteins able to undergo acylation by spontaneous reaction with free fatty acids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression and down-regulation by retinoic acid of IGF binding protein-2 and -4 in medium from human neuroblastoma cells

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) regulate the autocrine/paracrine growth of neuroblastomas. The IGFs bind to specific binding proteins (IGFBPs) which modulate their biological activity. We investigated, by Western ligand blotting (WLB), the presence of IGFBPs and their possible modulation by retinoic acid (RA), IGF-I, IGF-II and truncated Des(1-3)IGF-I in conditioned medium (CM) of the human neuroblastoma SK-N-BE(2) cell line. We demonstrated the presence of two IGFBPs, with MW 37 kDa and 25 kDa. Following immunoprecipitation, they turned out to be IGFBP-2 and -4, respectively. The RA-induced differentiation in SK-N-BE(2) cells was accompanied by a marked reduction of the intensity of both IGFBP bands after 48 h (32% and 24% of control, respectively) and 72 h (2% and 0% of control, respectively) incubation. The addition of exogenous IGFs, which did not induce cell differentiation, did not change the IGFBP pattern significantly, except for the truncated form of IGF-I, which induced a marked decrease in both the 37 kDa and 25 kDa bands after 72 h incubation (45% and 18% of control, respectively). These findings suggest that IGFBPs have a role in RA-induced differentiation in human neuroblastoma cells.

The generation of nitric oxide participates in gamma IFN-induced MHC class II antigen expression by cultured astrocytoma cells

The effects of interferon gamma (gamma IFN) on the MHCII antigen expression by human cultured astrocytoma cells were investigated. The co-incubation of gamma IFN with T67 astrocytoma cells produced a dose-dependent increase of MHCII antigen expression as evaluated by flow cytometric (FACS) analysis and confocal laser microscopy analysis. The number of MHCII molecules expressed by gamma IFN-pretreated astrocytoma cells was reduced by co-incubation with N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide (NO)-synthesizing enzyme. In addition, methylene blue, which inhibits the biological activity of NO acting at the guanylate cyclase level, strongly antagonized the MHCII antigen expression on astrocytoma cells induced by gamma IFN. Furthermore, gamma IFN increased the activity of the inducible isoform of NO-synthase as well as the concentration of nitrite, one of the breakdown products of NO and the antiplatelet activity of astrocytoma cells. In conclusion, the present data show that gamma IFN increases the synthesis and release of NO by cultured astrocytoma cells and this could co-participate in the MHCII antigen expression by this cell type. Therefore, the generation of NO by cultured astrocytoma cells may represent an important step in the development of the immunocompetent activity of astrocytes.

Systemic administration of lithium chloride and tacrine increases nitric oxide synthase activity in the hippocampus of rats

We planned to ascertain whether the administration of the anticholinesterase, tacrine (5 mg/kg i.p.), to rats pretreated 24 h before with lithium chloride (LiCl; 12 mEq/kg i.p.) produced any change in nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity in the hippocampus. A significant increase in hippocampal Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent NO synthase activity occurred 15 min after tacrine injection and was blocked by atropine (5 mg/kg i.p. given 15 min before tacrine) and by N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (300 micrograms given into one lateral cerebral ventricle 10 min before tacrine), a NO synthase inhibitor. A consistent cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) accumulation was also seen. In conclusion, the present results show that tacrine given to LiCl-pretreated rats produces a significant increase in NO synthase activity in the hippocampus and this may be responsible, at least in part, for seizures and related brain damage elicited by these drugs.

Cytokine-induced nitric oxide generation by cultured astrocytoma cells involves Ca(++)-calmodulin-independent NO-synthase

The effect of several cytokines (IL1 beta and TNF alpha) on the inducible biosynthesis and release of NO by cultured astrocytoma cells was investigated and compared to that observed following pretreatment of cells with LPS. Preincubation for 4, 12, 24 and 48 h of astrocytoma cells with IL1 beta (10 ng ml-1), TNF alpha (500 U ml-1) and LPS (0.5 micrograms ml-1) enhanced their ability to inhibit thrombin-induced platelet aggregation through the release of an NO-like factor and increased nitrite levels in supernatants of stirred cells. The enhancement of NO production induced by cytokines as well as LPS was mediated by a time-dependent increase of NO-synthase activity in cell homogenates being mainly Ca(++)-calmodulin-independent. However, LPS activated earlier than cytokines the inducible NO-synthase and its effect was, at least in part, related to the release of IL1 beta by astrocytoma cells. In conclusion, the present data show, for the first time, that astrocytoma cells possess a cytokine-inducible Ca(++)-calmodulin-independent NO-synthase, whose activation seems to occur with a mechanism different from that described for LPS.