A meta-analysis of Lactate Ringer's solution versus Normal Saline in the treatment of acute pancreatitis

Fluid resuscitation is an important way in the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). This meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of Lactate Ringer's solution (LR) and Normal Saline (NS) in the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis. Searched in PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection (Clarivate), Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, China Wanfang, and China VIP database. All randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were identified. Six studies with 431 patients were included. Compared with NS, LR can significantly reduce the incidence of SIRS at 24h, reduce the length of hospitalization, moderate-severe AP, ICU admission and local complications, especially pancreatic necrosis. It is safe and effective to choose LR for fluid resuscitation in AP, but due to the small number of included studies, multi-center and large-sample RCTs are still needed for further verification. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022322788.

Brucella infection-induced hemophagocytic syndrome with subsequent development of the probable vanishing bile duct syndrome: A case report and literature review

Vanishing bile duct syndrome is a rare clinical manifestation, and many clinicians tend to classify vanishing bile duct syndrome as a surgical disease and perform emergency surgery, leading to poor prognosis for patients. In this report, we present a case of a patient initially diagnosed with probable vanishing bile duct syndrome. However, through a meticulous step-by-step investigation, we ultimately determined that the patient was suffering from Brucella infection-induced hemophagocytic syndrome, which contributed to the development of the probable vanishing bile duct syndrome. Once a definitive diagnosis was established, the patient underwent treatment following anti-Brucella and Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis-2004 protocols, leading to an improvement in the patient's condition. We conducted a literature review on brucellosis, and it demonstrated the lack of specificity in diagnosing Brucella infections and the diverse range of clinical manifestations. Failure to arrive at a definitive diagnosis may result in clinical misdiagnosis and delayed treatment, thereby leading to grave consequences.

Physical activity, sedentary behavior and pancreatitis risk: Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Although observational studies have shown that physical activity is a protective factor for acute pancreatitis, the causal associations between PA/ sedentary behavior and acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) remain unclear.

METHODS

We used Mendelian randomization as a strategy to assess the causalities between exposures and outcomes by simulating randomized experiments with genetic variation. The collected genetic variants data of physical activity were from UK Biobank, the data on sedentary behavior were also from UK Biobank, and both of them could be found in the GWAS catalog, and the data on AP and CP were from FinnGen. There were three physical activity related activity patterns (moderate to vigorous physical activity [MVPA], accelerometer-based physical activity with average acceleration, [AccAve] and accelerometer-based physical activity with accelerations >425 milli-gravities, [Acc425]) and three sedentary behavior-related lifestyle patterns (Leisure screen time [LST], Sedentary commuting, Sedentary behavior at work). We used inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median and MR-Egger for the analysis of Mendelian randomization, followed by sensitivity tests with the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercepts analysis and MR-PRESSO.

RESULTS

A causal relationship was found between LST and acute pancreatitis based on IVW analysis (odds ratios [OR] = 1.38, corresponding 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.16-1.64, p = 0.0002) and there were no causal relationships between physical activity/sedentary behavior and chronic pancreatitis. Sensitivity analysis showed no pleiotropy and heterogeneity of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that reducing LST contributes to the prevention of acute pancreatitis, thereby reducing the health burden associated with it.

Efficacy and safety of early enteral and intravenous fluid resuscitation in severe acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of enteral fluid resuscitation (via nasointestinal tube or colorectal tube) and intravenous fluid resuscitation (via intravenous route) in the early treatment of severe acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

In this study, 8 electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, China HowNet database, Wanfang database, and VIP database) were searched to collect clinical studies from inception to June 12, 2022. After the quality evaluation and data extraction of the included studies, the RevMan 5.3 software was used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of seven studies including 580 patients were studied in this meta-analysis, in which 291 cases were treated with enteral fluid resuscitation and 289 cases were treated with intravenous fluid resuscitation. Compared with the intravenous route group, the enteral route resuscitation group reduced the incidence of new organ failure (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.12-0.43, P < 0.00001), the incidence of persistent organ failure (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22-0.64, P = 0.0003), the incidence of mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03-0.69, P = 0.01), the incidence of ICU care (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27-0.88, P = 0.02), and the incidence of pancreatic infection (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.83, P = 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences in mortality (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.35-1.66, P = 0.50), surgical intervention rate (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.19-1.18, P = 0.11), and incidence of localized ascites (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.25-1.73, P = 0.39).

CONCLUSION

Early enteral fluid resuscitation is safe and effective for in severe pancreatitis. But this conclusion needs to be verified by more additional multi-centre randomized controlled trials with large samples.

UXT at the crossroads of cell death, immunity and neurodegenerative diseases

The ubiquitous expressed transcript (UXT), a member of the prefoldin-like protein family, modulates regulated cell death (RCD) such as apoptosis and autophagy-mediated cell death through nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), P53, P62, and methylation, and is involved in the regulation of cell metabolism, thereby affecting tumor progression. UXT also maintains immune homeostasis and reduces proteotoxicity in neuro-degenerative diseases through selective autophagy and molecular chaperones. Herein, we review and further elucidate the mechanisms by which UXT affects the regulation of cell death, maintenance of immune homeostasis, and neurodegenerative diseases and discuss the possible UXT involvement in the regulation of ferroptosis and immunogenic cell death, and targeting it to improve cancer treatment outcomes by regulating cell death and immune surveillance.

The role of UXT in tumors and prospects for its application in hepatocellular carcinoma

UXT is widely expressed in human and mouse tissues and aberrantly expressed in various tumor tissues. UXT may play a pro-cancer or tumor suppressor role in different tumor types and microenvironments with different mechanisms of action. Studies have shown that UXT can interact with related receptors to exert its functions and affect tumor proliferation and metastasis, leading to a poor prognosis when the biological functions of these tumors are changed. Interestingly, the signaling pathways and mechanism-related molecules that interact with UXT are closely related to the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during disease progression. This article reviews the research progress of UXT and prospects for its application in HCC, with the aim of providing possible scientific suggestions for the basic research, diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Open Abdomen Treated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Indications, Management and Survival

BACKGROUND

Open abdomen treatment (OAT) is a significant burden for patients and is associated with considerable mortality. The primary aim of this study was to report survival and cause of mortality after OAT. Secondary aims were to evaluate length of stay (LOS) in intensive care unit (ICU) and in hospital, time to abdominal closure and major complications.

METHODS

Retrospective review of prospectively registered patients undergoing OAT between October 2006 and June 2014 at Trondheim University Hospital, Norway.

RESULTS

The 118 patients with OAT had a median age of 63 (20-88) years. OAT indications were abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) (n = 53), prophylactic (n = 29), abdominal contamination/second look laparotomy (n = 22), necrotizing fasciitis (n = 7), hemorrhage packing (n = 4) and full-thickness wound dehiscence (n = 3). Eight percent were trauma patients. Vacuum-assisted wound closure (VAWC) with mesh-mediated traction (VAWCM) was used in 92 (78 %) patients, the remaining 26 (22 %) had VAWC only. Per-protocol primary fascial closure rate was 84 %. Median time to abdominal closure was 12 days (1-143). LOS in the ICU was 15 (1-89), and in hospital 29 (1-246) days. Eighty-one (68 %) patients survived the hospital stay. Renal failure requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) (OR 3.9, 95 % CI 1.37-11.11), ACS (OR 3.1, 95 % CI 1.19-8.29) and advanced age (OR 1.045, 95 % CI 1.004-1.088) were independent predictors of mortality in multivariate analysis. The nine patients with an entero-atmospheric fistula (EAF) survived.

CONCLUSION

Two-thirds of the patients treated with OAT survived. Renal failure with RRT, ACS and advanced age were predictors of mortality, whereas EAF was not associated with increased mortality.

Advances in the treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis

Non-selective beta-blockers and handling of esophageal varices has been key elements in the treatment of portal hypertension in recent decades. Liver vein catheterization has been essential in diagnosis and monitoring of portal hypertension, but ongoing needs for noninvasive tools has led to research in areas of both biomarkers, and transient elastography, which displays promising results in discerning clinically significant portal hypertension. Novel research into the areas of hepatic stellate cell function and the dynamic components of portal hypertension has revealed promising areas of treatment modalities, targeting intestinal decontamination, angiogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Future studies may reveal if these initiatives lead to developments of new drugs for treatment of portal hypertension.

Clinical reappraisal of SHORT syndrome with PIK3R1 mutations: toward recommendation for molecular testing and management

SHORT syndrome has historically been defined by its acronym: short stature (S), hyperextensibility of joints and/or inguinal hernia (H), ocular depression (O), Rieger abnormality (R) and teething delay (T). More recently several research groups have identified PIK3R1 mutations as responsible for SHORT syndrome. Knowledge of the molecular etiology of SHORT syndrome has permitted a reassessment of the clinical phenotype. The detailed phenotypes of 32 individuals with SHORT syndrome and PIK3R1 mutation, including eight newly ascertained individuals, were studied to fully define the syndrome and the indications for PIK3R1 testing. The major features described in the SHORT acronym were not universally seen and only half (52%) had four or more of the classic features. The commonly observed clinical features of SHORT syndrome seen in the cohort included intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) <10th percentile, postnatal growth restriction, lipoatrophy and the characteristic facial gestalt. Anterior chamber defects and insulin resistance or diabetes were also observed but were not as prevalent. The less specific, or minor features of SHORT syndrome include teething delay, thin wrinkled skin, speech delay, sensorineural deafness, hyperextensibility of joints and inguinal hernia. Given the high risk of diabetes mellitus, regular monitoring of glucose metabolism is warranted. An echocardiogram, ophthalmological and hearing assessments are also recommended.

Prevalence and diversity of Synergistetes taxa in periodontal health and disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Members of the phylum Synergistetes have previously been identified within periodontitis subgingival plaque and are considered putative periodontopathogens. This study compared the diversity of subginigval Synergistetes in a cohort of subjects with periodontitis (n = 10) vs. periodontitis-free controls (n = 10).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pooled subgingival plaque samples from all deep periodontal pockets or all sulci were collected from the periodontitis and periodontitis-free subjects, respectively. Bacterial 16S rRNA genes were PCR-amplified from purified subgingival plaque DNA using a Synergistetes 'selective' primer set. PCR products were cloned and sequenced to analyze the prevalence and diversity of Synergistetes operational taxonomic units (OTUs) present in plaque samples of both subject groups.

RESULTS

A total of 1030 non-chimeric 16S rRNA clones were obtained, of which 162 corresponded to members of the phylum Synergistetes. A significantly larger number of Synergistetes clones were obtained from periodontitis subgingival plaque than from periodontitis-free controls (25.4% vs. 5.9%, p < 0.001). All Synergistetes clones corresponded to cluster A oral Synergistetes, and fell into 31 OTUs (99% sequence identity cut-off). Twenty-nine Synergistetes OTUs were detected in the periodontitis group while eight were detected in the periodontitis-free group (p < 0.001). Five Synergistetes OTUs; including one OTU corresponding to the recently-characterized species Fretibacterium fastidiosum, were more prevalent in the periodontitis subjects (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

OTUs belonging to oral Synergistetes cluster A were more readily detectable and were more diverse in subgingival plaque from periodontitis subjects compared with periodontitis-free controls. Specific Synergistetes OTUs appear to be associated with periodontitis.

Prognostic analysis for carcinoid tumours of the rectum: a single institutional analysis of 106 patients

AIM

Rectal carcinoid is a rare rectal tumour with a good prognosis. The aim of this study was to assess its clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors in a single institution.

METHOD

Clinical and pathological information was retrospectively collected in a single institution, and patients' outcomes were determined. Multivariate analyses were performed to find independent prognostic factors attributed to overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients with rectal carcinoid were included. In all, 66% of the patients underwent transanal local excision and 34% had transabdominal surgery. The 5-year survival rate was 87%. Muscularis invasion was the only independent prognostic factor for predicting 5-year survival (P = 0.00046). Tumour size was found to be significantly associated with muscular invasion (P = 0.00003). The area under the curve of tumour size in the receiver operating characteristic curve for predicting muscular invasion was 0.92.

CONCLUSION

Patients with rectal carcinoid have a good prognosis. Muscular invasion is an independent risk factor of survival.

[Clinicopathological and molecular genetic analysis in Chinese typical hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer pedigrees]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinicopathological and molecular genetic characteristics of Chinese hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) pedigrees.

METHODS

Four Chinese HNPCC pedigrees were studied using microdissection, microsatellite instability analysis, immunohistochemistry staining and direct DNA sequencing for hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes.

RESULTS

All five tumor tissues from 4 probands showed high level of microsatellite instability at more than 2 loci(RER + phenotype). Three of 4 cases lost hMSH2 protein expression and one case showed no hMLH1 protein expression. Three pathological germline mutations (2 on hMSH2 and 1 on hMLH1) were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese typical HNPCC kindreds showed relatively frequent germline mutations of mismatch repair genes. Microsatellite instability analysis and immunohistochemistry staining might be the effective screening methods before direct DNA sequencing for the detection of mismatch repair genes. It is necessary to establish clinical criteria and molecular diagnostic strategies more suitable for Chinese HNPCC kindreds.

[Clinical study on treatment 82 cases of chronic primary glomerulopathy with deficiency of yin with damp-heat symptom with dan shao tang]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment effect of Dan Shao Tang on chronic primary glomerulopathy with deficiency of Yin with damp-heat symptom.

METHODS

132 cases of chronic glomerulopathy with deficiency of Yin with damp-heat symptom, which divided into two groups at random, the 82 cases which were the therapy group using Dan Shao Tang and west medicine, and the other 50 cases which treated only by west medicine. We observed the effect and indexes change including renal function, proteinuria, hematuria.

RESULTS

The effective rate of the therapy group is 90.24%, and the effective rate of the control group is 66% (P < 0.05), The therapy group is superior to the control group in improving renal function, decreasing proteinuria and hematuria in evidence(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Dan Shao Tang is effective to treatment on chronic primary glomerulopathy with deficiency of Yin with damp-heat symptom.

Hausdorff dimension of critical fluctuations in abelian gauge theories

The geometric properties of the critical fluctuations in Abelian gauge theories such as the Ginzburg-Landau model are analyzed in zero background field. Using a dual description, we obtain scaling relations between exponents of geometric and thermodynamic nature. In particular, we connect the anomalous scaling dimension eta of the dual matter field to the Hausdorff dimension D(H) of the critical fluctuations, which are fractal objects. The connection between the values of eta and D(H), and the possibility of having a thermodynamic transition in finite background field, is discussed.

[X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of carbon nitride (CN) films]

The chemical structure of carbon nitride thin films, prepared by rf-dc plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) was studied by XPS. Analyzing the C(1s) and N(1s) core level lines indicated two types of chemical structure N-sp3C and N-sp2C binding states existed in the CN films. There is also little N-spC binding state in the CN film with a nitrogen content of 22%. The ratio of N/C in N-sp3C binding state is 1.28 which is near 4 : 3, thus demonstrated the existence of C3N4-like phase. High nitrogen content in the CN films is useful to increase the content of beta-C3N4 phase. Light changes of the chemical structure of the CN films can be observed under ion irradiation. With the increase of ion dose, the ratio of N-sp3C/N-sp2C increase, while the N/C ratio in the films decrease.

[Study on the determination method of Mo in the internal organs of body by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry]

A new method for the determination of Mo in the heart by tantalum-lining graphite tube was developed. The tantalum-lining graphite tube can entirely eliminate effects of stable carbide formed. The sensitivity was enhanced to compare with the conventional graphite tube. At the same time, it also climinates memory effect completely and reduces the interferences of coexistent elements such as Fe, Na, K etc. The method is simple, accurate and rapid.

[Influence of functional groups of huatanyuxin decoction on Ca2+ transmembrane influx in rat aorta]

OBJECTIVE

To study the Ca2+ antagonistic effect of functional groups of Huatanyuxin decoction.

METHOD

The 45Ca transmembrane influx technique was used to measure the Ca2+ blocking effect of leak, receptor-operated Ca2+ channel (ROC) and potential-dependent Ca2+ channel (PDC) in rat aorta.

RESULT

ROC and PDC could be blocked when the complex prescription was used at concentrations of 0.5-5 mg/ml. Among the functional groups, Huoxue group (activating blood) and Xinqi group (promoting and normalizing flow of vital energy) showed better Ca2+ antagonistic effect.

CONCLUSION

The mechanism of therapeutic effect of Huatanyuxin decoction may be related to its Ca2+ blocking effect similar to verapamil.

[Study of the background absorption of ErCl3 and Er(NO3) matrices in GFAAS]

The investigation shows that the background absorption of Er matrices is significantly wavelength dependent. The effects of ashing temperature, heating mode, atomization temperature, recording time and matrix modifiers on the non-specific absorption of Er matrices have also been studied.

Adaptive, quadratic preprocessing of document images for binarization

This paper presents an adaptive algorithm for preprocessing document images prior to binarization in character recognition problems. Our method is similar in its approach to the blind adaptive equalization of binary communication channels. The adaptive filter utilizes a quadratic system model to provide edge enhancement for input images that have been corrupted by noise and other types of distortions during the scanning process. Experimental results demonstrating significant improvement in the quality of the binarized images over both direct binarization and a previously available preprocessing technique are also included.

[A study on the treatment and restoration of the complete fractured teeth]

In order to keep the fractured teeth with their important function of mastication the authors had adopted a kind of improved calvital preparation to carry out the pulp treatment for 56 cases, 63 teeth, together with periodontal washing, the application of medicine and the periodontal treatment of gingivectomy and flap operation, etc. from Jan. 1989 to Jan. 1993. The regularization of the filling of the fragmental area, the combination and the fixation of the split tooth were strengthened with spiral root post and dentin retaining nails, and then the full cast crown was restorated. The results were satisfied. It turns out that complete fracture of posterior teeth, thought to be pulled out in the past because they had split well below the gum, or even affected the pulp chamber floor, can be kept if given treatment and proper restoration.

[Management and prognosis of patients with locally recurrent soft tissue sarcomas]

OBJECTIVE

The results and prognositic factors in treating locally recurrent soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of the extremities and trunk were identified.

METHODS

The clinical, pathologic, and therapeutic characteristics of 96 STS patients were investigated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Seventy-six patients (79.2%) had high grade sarcoma and 20 patients (20.8%) had low grade sarcoma. Operative procedures were wide excision (surgical margin > or = 2 cm) in 66, local excision (surgical margin < 2 cm) in 6, and amputation in 24 patients. Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy was administered in 24 and 36 patients respectively.

RESULTS

After reoperation of the recurrent tumor, the 5-year local control and overall survival rates were 70.1% and 59.1%, respectively. High grade, large size, and tumor in the upper extremities were associated with decreased overall survival.

CONCLUSION

The authors emphasize that the initial management of primary STS should be adequate and suggest that safty margin of > or = 2 cm should be adhered to. In patients with local recurrence only, the overall survival may not be adversely affected if the recurrent lesion is properly treated. Investigations of more effective multimodality therapy needs to be done.

Na(+)-H+ and Na(+)-Li+ exchange are mediated by the same membrane transport protein in human red blood cells: an NMR investigation

Na(+)-H+ exchange is a transport system present in erythrocytes which plays an important role in the regulation of intracellular pH, cellular volume, and transmembrane ion transport. Na(+)-Li+ exchange has received much attention and has been investigated in more detail than have any of the other ion transport systems, because of its high reproducibility. Both red blood cell (RBC) Na(+)-H+ and Na(+)-Li+ exchange are elevated in essential hypertensive patients relative to normotensive individuals. RBC Na(+)-Li+ exchange may be a mode of operation of Na(+)-H+ exchange. Amiloride and its analogue, 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA), are well-known inhibitors of Na(+)-H+ exchange, whereas phloretin strongly inhibits Na(+)-Li+ exchange. In this study, we tested the effects of amiloride, HMA, and phloretin on Na(+)-Li+ exchange activity in intact RBCs by using atomic absorption. We investigated by using 7Li nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy the effects of HMA and phloretin inhibition on Li+ efflux across resealed H(+)- and Li(+)-loaded RBC ghosts in the absence and presence of pH gradients. Amiloride inhibitory activities on both Na+ and Li+ binding to exposed RBC membranes under different pH conditions were also studied by 23Na and 7Li NMR relaxation time measurements. We found that Na(+)-Li+ exchange activity was inhibited by amiloride, HMA, and phloretin in suspensions of intact RBCs and of resealed RBC ghosts. Li+ efflux rates across resealed H(+)- and Li(+)-loaded RBC ghosts were significantly lower when a pH gradient was present, presumably because of the competition between Li+ and H+ for transport by the same transport protein. Amiloride had similar inhibitory constants on both Na+ and Li+ binding to RBC membranes (1021 +/- 48 M-1 vs 964 +/- 40 M-1 at pH 8.0; 731 +/- 147 M-1 vs 716 +/- 27 M-1 at pH 7.0). These results suggest that Na(+)-H+ exchange and Na(+)-Li+ exchange are mediated by the same RBC membrane transport protein.

Reinvestigation of the transmembrane difference in 7Li NMR T1 values in Li(+)-loaded human erythrocyte suspensions

In contrast to the findings in a recent study (R. P. Gullapalli, R. M. Hawk, R. A. Komoroski, Magn. Reson. Med. 20, 240 (1991)), we found that, even at high hematocrits, the T1 values for extracellular 7Li were at least three times longer than those for intracellular Li+. We conclude that a transmembrane difference in T1 values can be used for separate observation of intracellular and extracellular Li+ in human red blood cell suspensions.

Plasminogen activator activity in human prostate and breast tumors: relationship to steroid receptors

Using a fluorometric assay based on the activation of human plasminogen, plasminogen activator (PA) activity was measured in cytosolic and lysosomal extracts prepared from normal, benign hyperplastic (BPH), and carcinomatous human prostates. In all three types of prostatic tissue, the lysosomal extracts had much higher concentrations of PA activity than did the cytosolic extracts. The mean PA activity in lysosomal extracts of the carcinomatous prostates was 170% and 85% higher than that measured in normal and BPH prostates, respectively (Student's t-test, p less than .05). With prostatic carcinoma and BPH specimens there was an inverse (negative) relationship between lysosomal PA activity and the nuclear concentration of androgen-receptors (correlation coefficient, -0.84). By comparison in specimens of human breast tumors, there were weakly positive correlations between PA activity and either estrogen (ER) or progestin (PR) receptors (correlation coefficients of + 0.23 and + 0.54, respectively). While as a group ER+, PR+ breast tumors had higher PA activity that ER+, PR- or ER-, PR- tumors, the differences were not statistically significant (Student's t-test, p greater than .05). Thus in breast tumors, it is uncertain whether high levels of PA activity are indicative of hormonal dependence. However, our findings with prostatic tumors infer that in contrast, high concentrations of this enzyme may reflect a malignant phenotype characterized by a decrease in both androgen responsiveness and differentiation.

Plasminogen activator in prostatic tumors of Nb rats

Using a fluorometric assay, nonspecific proteolytic activity and plasminogen activator were measured in transplantable tumors of the dorsal prostate of Nb rats. Nonspecific proteolytic activity in prostatic tumors did not differ significantly from that measured in normal dorsal prostate, whereas plasminogen activator activity, undetectable in the latter tissue, was readily measurable in the tumors. Furthermore, plasminogen activator activity in prostatic tumors characterized by hormone-insensitive growth was 8-fold higher than in tumors characterized by androgen-stimulated growth. In both typess of tumors, the plasminogen activator activity per mg protein was highest in the lysosomal fractions. The results indicate that plasminogen activator may be a useful marker for discriminating between androgen-stimulated and autonomous prostatic tumors.

Nuclear binding of androgens and acid phosphatase activity in prostatic tumors of Nb rats

A transplantable prostatic adenocarcinoma derived from the dorsal lobe of the prostate gland of an Nb rat was analyzed for the concentration of nuclear androgen-binding sites and the presence of acid phosphatase activity. When extracts of nuclei from normal prostatic tissue were labelled with [1,2-3H]dihydrotestosterone in the absence and presence of competitor, two types of specific binding were observed: type 1 was characterized by an association constant (Ka) of 6 x 10(7) M-1 and involved a molecule that was excluded from Sephadex G-200; type 2 was characterized by a Ka of 3 x 10(8) M-1 and depended on a binding component that was retained by Sephadex G-200. Nuclei from androgen-stimulated tumors contained reduced concentrations of both androgen-binding components, whereas nuclei from autonomous tumors had only a trace amount of type 1 sites and were entirely devoid of type 2 sites. In all tumors the acid phosphatase activity per mg of protein was markedly elevated. Relative to normal, the activity of this enzyme was 140% and 350% higher in androgen-stimulated and autonomous tumors, respectively. These findings indicate that prostatic tumors are characterized by a decrease in nuclear androgen-binding, and an increase in specific activity of acid phosphatase, and also that such changes are more pronounced in autonomous than in androgen-stimulated tumors.