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Abstract
Dr. Peters draws attention to the fact that no big work has been generally done to relieve those debilitated by influenza. There is hardship and need and slow recovery. Cincinnati organized relief along these lines, the Red Cross and the Health Department working in coöperation. Organization and results are given in some detail.
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van Erk MJ, Krul CAM, Caldenhoven E, Stierum RH, Peters WH, Woutersen RA, van Ommen B. Expression profiling of colon cancer cell lines and colon biopsies: towards a screening system for potential cancer-preventive compounds. Eur J Cancer Prev 2006; 14:439-57. [PMID: 16175049 DOI: 10.1097/01.cej.0000174781.51883.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Interest in mechanisms of colon cancer prevention by food compounds is strong and research in this area is often performed with cultured colon cancer cells. In order to assess utility for screening of potential cancer-preventive (food) compounds, expression profiles of 14 human cell lines derived from colonic tissue were measured using cDNA microarrays with 4000 genes and compared with expression profiles in biopsies of human colon tumours and normal tissue. Differences and similarities in the gene expression profiles of the cell lines were analysed by clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). Cytoskeleton genes and immune response genes are two functional classes of genes that contributed to the differences between the cell lines. A subset of 72 colon cancer-specific genes was identified by comparing expression profiles in human colon biopsies of tumour tissue and normal tissue. A separation of the cell lines based on the tumour stage of the original adenocarcinoma was observed after PCA of expression data of the subset of colon cancer-specific genes in the cell lines. The results of this study may be useful in the ongoing research into mechanisms of cancer prevention by dietary components.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J van Erk
- Wageningen University/TNO Centre for Food Toxicology, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Roes EM, Raijmakers MTM, Roelofs HM, Peters WH, Steegers EA. Urinary GSTP1-1 excretion is markedly increased in normotensive pregnancy as well as in preeclampsia. J Nephrol 2005; 18:405-8. [PMID: 16245244] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are present in large amounts in the human kidney, where they demonstrate a specific distribution. The assessment of urinary excretion of GST alpha (proximal tubules) and pi (distal and collecting tubules) could be helpful in determining if, and to what degree renal tubular damage is present in preeclampsia and whether this damage is in the proximal or distal region. METHODS Urine samples were collected from 22 women with severe preeclampsia and/or HELLP syndrome (PE), from 30 non-pregnant women with a history of severe preeclampsia (HPE), from 18 women with uncomplicated pregnancies (PC) and from 30 non-pregnant women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies (HPC). GSTA1-1 and GSTP1-1 were assayed by ELISA and were expressed as nanograms per 10 mmol creatinine (Cr). RESULTS Median urinary GSTP1-1 concentrations were significantly (p<0.001) higher in women with preeclampsia [62.2 (4.3-291.2) ng/10 mmol Cr] compared to non-pregnant women with a history of preeclampsia [22.3 (0-142.6) ng/10 mmol Cr]). In addition, in normotensive pregnant women, urinary GSTP1-1 concentrations were significantly (p<0.01) higher [82.6 (8.3-206.7) ng/10 mmol Cr]) compared to non-pregnant controls [5.1 (0-66.7) ng/10 mmol Cr]. No difference in GSTP1-1 concentrations was found between women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women. GSTA1-1 concentrations were not significantly different between the four groups of women investigated. There were no correlations between the degree of proteinuria and urinary GSTP1-1 or GSTA1-1 concentrations. CONCLUSION GSTP1-1 metabolism in the distal tubule changes during normotensive as well as preeclamptic pregnancy. Whether this is due to tubular cell damage, disturbed resorption or an increase in cellular levels cannot be determined as yet.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Roes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University Medical Center, Nijmegen - The Netherlands
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Boss EA, Peters WH, Roelofs HM, Boonstra H, Steegers EA, Massuger LF. Glutathione S-transferases P1-1 and A1-1 in ovarian cyst fluids. EUR J GYNAECOL ONCOL 2002; 22:427-32. [PMID: 11874074] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of the present study was to determine the gluthathione S-transferases (GST) P1-1 and A1-1 levels in cyst fluid from malignant, borderline, and benign ovarian tumors. The clinical relevance of these enzymes in cyst fluid was investigated, including the possible relation with resistance to chemotherapy. METHODS A total of 90 ovarian cysts were punctured for cyst fluid collection. GSTP1-1 and GSTA1-1 concentrations were determined by ELISA in cyst fluid from 23 malignant, 9 borderline, and 51 benign primary ovarian tumors, and levels were correlated with histopathological data. RESULTS Significantly higher GSTP1-I concentrations were found in cyst fluid from malignant (median: 477 ng/ml), compared with benign (median: 52 ng/ml) ovarian cysts (p < 0.0001), as well as in fluid from borderline (median: 366 ng/ml) compared with benign cysts (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found in cyst fluid GSTA1-1 concentrations between the histologic subgroups. In cyst fluid from malignant tumors higher GSTPI-1 and lower GSTAI-1 concentrations were found in patients with worse prognostic factors: FIGO II-III-IV, grade 2-3, residual tumor > 2 cm, presence of ascites, patients with recurrent disease, and survival, but differences were not significant. In the subgroup of patients that received cisplatin-based chemotherapy (n = 14) significantly higher GSTP1-1 (p = 0.01) concentrations were found in patients with recurrence compared with patients without recurrence. Considering only FIGO stage I patients, a differentiation could be made between patients with or without recurrence based on cyst fluid GSTP I - I concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Determination of glutathione S-transferases P 1-1 in cyst fluid samples from ovarian tumors can be of additiona] value in the differentiation between histologic subgroups. In case of possible low malignant potential cysts where sampling of the most representative tissue can be an issue, determination of GSTP- I concentrations in cyst fluid may optimise histopathologic classification. Cyst fluid GSTP1-1 seems to be a good marker for aggressiveness of the ovarian tumor, and it may predict response to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Boss
- Departments of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre, Nijmegen The Netherlands
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Grubben MJ, Nagengast FM, Katan MB, Peters WH. The glutathione biotransformation system and colorectal cancer risk in humans. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 2002:68-76. [PMID: 11768564 DOI: 10.1080/003655201753265479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for a protective role of the glutathione biotransformation system in carcinogenesis is growing. However, most data on this system in relation to colorectal cancer originate from animal studies. Here we review the human data. In humans, a significant association was found between glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the mucosa along the gastrointestinal tract and the corresponding tumour incidence. Low activity was correlated with high tumour incidence and vice versa. Also, in normal colonic mucosa, GST activity is lower in patients at risk of colon cancer than in healthy controls and therefore interventions which increase the glutathione detoxification capacity may reduce cancer incidence. Consumption of vegetables and fruit is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Human intervention studies showed that (components from) vegetables induced colonic glutathione detoxification capacity. Such an effect could contribute to a lower colon cancer risk, but further data are needed. The human GSTs consist of four main classes--alpha (A), mu (M), pi (P) and theta (T)--each of which is divided into one or more isoforms. Functional polymorphisms are known for the GST genes M1, P1 and T1 and they all lead to less active enzymes compared to the wild-type gene products. However, studies that compared these GST polymorphisms in relation to colon cancer risk were not conclusive with respect to an increased or decreased risk of a particular genotype. Diet or medication can also influence the expression levels of specific isoenzymes and the effect of such interventions on cancer risk deserves more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Grubben
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Garte S, Gaspari L, Alexandrie AK, Ambrosone C, Autrup H, Autrup JL, Baranova H, Bathum L, Benhamou S, Boffetta P, Bouchardy C, Breskvar K, Brockmoller J, Cascorbi I, Clapper ML, Coutelle C, Daly A, Dell'Omo M, Dolzan V, Dresler CM, Fryer A, Haugen A, Hein DW, Hildesheim A, Hirvonen A, Hsieh LL, Ingelman-Sundberg M, Kalina I, Kang D, Kihara M, Kiyohara C, Kremers P, Lazarus P, Le Marchand L, Lechner MC, van Lieshout EM, London S, Manni JJ, Maugard CM, Morita S, Nazar-Stewart V, Noda K, Oda Y, Parl FF, Pastorelli R, Persson I, Peters WH, Rannug A, Rebbeck T, Risch A, Roelandt L, Romkes M, Ryberg D, Salagovic J, Schoket B, Seidegard J, Shields PG, Sim E, Sinnet D, Strange RC, Stücker I, Sugimura H, To-Figueras J, Vineis P, Yu MC, Taioli E. Metabolic gene polymorphism frequencies in control populations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2001; 10:1239-48. [PMID: 11751440] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Using the International Project on Genetic Susceptibility to Environmental Carcinogens (GSEC) database containing information on over 15,000 control (noncancer) subjects, the allele and genotype frequencies for many of the more commonly studied metabolic genes (CYP1A1, CYP2E1, CYP2D6, GSTM1, GSTT1, NAT2, GSTP, and EPHX) in the human population were determined. Major and significant differences in these frequencies were observed between Caucasians (n = 12,525), Asians (n = 2,136), and Africans and African Americans (n = 996), and some, but much less, heterogeneity was observed within Caucasian populations from different countries. No differences in allele frequencies were seen by age, sex, or type of controls (hospital patients versus population controls). No examples of linkage disequilibrium between the different loci were detected based on comparison of observed and expected frequencies for combinations of specific alleles.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Garte
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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Zusterzeel PL, Wanten GJ, Peters WH, Merkus HM, Steegers EA. Neutrophil oxygen radical production in pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2001; 99:213-8. [PMID: 11788174 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(01)00377-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether severe pre-eclampsia complicated by hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome alters neutrophil oxygen radical production. MATERIALS AND METHODS Neutrophils were obtained from 10 healthy non-pregnant, 9 normal pregnant and 9 women with severe pre-eclampsia with concurrently HELLP syndrome. Oxygen radical production was evaluated using luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence and measured by cytochrome C reduction. Furthermore we incubated sera from cases and controls with isolated healthy neutrophils and measured their capacity to generate oxygen radicals. RESULTS Unstimulated neutrophil oxygen radical production was significantly lower in severe pre-eclamptics compared with healthy non-pregnant and pregnant subjects, whereas phorbol ester-induced oxygen radical production did not differ among categories. Cytochrome C reduction of unstimulated neutrophils showed similar results. Healthy neutrophils incubated with sera from pre-eclamptics enhanced the oxygen radical production significantly more than neutrophils incubated with sera from the healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS Severe pre-eclampsia is characterised by decreased unstimulated neutrophil oxygen radical production. This may be the result of an exhausted cellular response due to stimulation by a factor present in the serum of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Oijen AH, Verhulst ML, Roelofs HM, Peters WH, de Boer WA, Jansen JB. Eradication of Helicobacter pylori restores glutathione S-transferase activity and glutathione levels in antral mucosa. Jpn J Cancer Res 2001; 92:1329-34. [PMID: 11749699 PMCID: PMC5926681 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2001.tb02157.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GST) and glutathione peroxidases (GPO) are important in detoxification. GST activity in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract is inversely correlated with the development of gastrointestinal cancer. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been associated with gastric cancer. We studied GST activity and the substrate glutathione (GSH) in patients with H. pylori-associated gastritis. GST activity and isoenzyme levels, GPO activity and GSH levels were studied in antral biopsies of 38 H. pylori-positive patients, before and after eradication treatment. In 31 patients in whom H. pylori was successfully eradicated, antral GST enzyme activity before therapy was 532 (465 - 598) nmol / mg protein. min (mean and 95% confidence interval) and that after therapy was 759 (682 - 836) nmol / mg protein. min (P < 0.0001). Correspondingly, levels of GST alpha and GST-P1 were higher after eradication (P < 0.001). GSH concentration significantly increased: 21.2 (16.2 - 26.2) nmol / mg protein before and 27.1 (23.6 - 30.6) nmol / mg protein after therapy (P < 0.05). In 7 patients in whom H. pylori was not eradicated, GST activity was 671 (520 - 823) nmol / mg protein. min and 599 (348 - 850) nmol / mg protein before and after treatment respectively (P = 0.32). GSH levels were 17.4 (9.0 - 25.7) nmol / mg protein and 18.2 (9.1 - 27.3) nmol / mg protein, respectively (P = 0.84). No differences in antral GPO enzyme activity, both of selenium (Se)-dependent and total GPO, before and after successful treatment were found. Eradication of H. pylori infection increases GST activity and GSH levels in antral mucosa. Low GST activity and GSH concentration due to H. pylori infection might play a role in gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H Oijen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Medical Center, PO Box HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are important in intracellular binding and transport of numerous compounds, and play a central role in human detoxification processes. Human GSTs mainly consist of class Pi (GSTP), Mu (GSTM), Alpha (GSTA) and Theta (GSTT) enzymes, each subdivided into one or more isoenzymes. They catalyse the conjugation of glutathione (GSH) to toxic compounds, resulting in more water-soluble and less biologically active products that may be easily excreted. The reactive -SH group in GSH is provided by cysteine, an important amino acid in GSH synthesis. METHODS GST expression, enzyme activity and concentrations of cysteine and GSH in cytosolic fractions of organs from an embryo and a fetus at 8 and 13 weeks gestational age respectively were investigated. RESULTS GSTP1 was predominantly present in all tissues of both the embryo and fetus. GSTA (GSTA1 + GSTA2) concentrations were moderate as compared with GSTP1, whereas GSTM1 was present in only low amounts. GSTT1 was not detected in any tissue. GST activity was highest in organs exposed directly to amniotic fluid. In all embryonic and fetal organs, considerable amounts of GSH and cysteine were detected, with higher GSH concentrations in organs where lower cysteine concentrations were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that in embryonic and early fetal development cysteine, GSH and GSTs are present in high amounts, and that GSTP1 is the most important GST isoform at these developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Raijmakers
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The HELLP syndrome has been associated with postpartum unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Several types of disorders cause unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia, Gilbert's syndrome being the most common. In Caucasians a genetic defect in the TATA box of the promotor region of the gene encoding for bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase is tightly associated with Gilbert's syndrome. This defect was assessed by polymerase chain reaction in 237 women with the HELLP syndrome in their obstetric history and 236 controls. Fifteen percent of the cases and 10% of the controls had a homozygous genetic defect (chi2 = 2.9; P = 0.23). No evidence was found that Gilbert's syndrome is associated with the HELLP syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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van Rooij IA, Wegerif MJ, Roelofs HM, Peters WH, Kuijpers-Jagtman AM, Zielhuis GA, Merkus HM, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Smoking, genetic polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes, and nonsyndromic oral clefting: a gene-environment interaction. Epidemiology 2001; 12:502-7. [PMID: 11505167 DOI: 10.1097/00001648-200109000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The importance of maternal smoking in the pathogenesis of oral facial clefts is not clear. Susceptibility to cigarette smoke depends on biotransformation of the toxic compounds by mother and embryo. In a population-based case-control study, we investigated the effects of maternal smoking during the first pregnancy trimester and the interaction with polymorphisms in the biotransformation enzymes cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and glutathione S-transferase theta 1-1 (GSTT1) on the risk of nonsyndromic oral clefting in the offspring. We recruited 113 infants with nonsyndromic oral clefts and their mothers, as well as 104 control infants and their mothers. Maternal smoking habits were collected regarding the period 3 months before through 3 months after conception. Buccal swabs were taken from mothers and infants for genetic analysis. Maternal smoking was not strongly associated with oral clefting (odds ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval = 0.6-2.2), nor were CYP1A1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms. Mothers who smoked and carried the GSTT1-null genotype, however, had an increased risk for having a child with oral clefting compared with nonsmokers with the wild type genotype (odds ratio = 3.2; 95% confidence interval = 0.9-11.6). The risk was almost five times greater (odds ratio = 4.9; 95% confidence interval = 0.7-36.9) in mothers and infants both having the GSTT1-null genotype compared with both having the wild genotype. There was no interaction between CYP1A1 and maternal smoking in relation to oral clefting.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A van Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Medical Center Nijmegen, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Verhulst ML, Hopman WP, Peters WH, Jansen JB. Effects of Helicobacter pylori infection on endocrine and exocrine mucosal functions in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl 2001:21-31. [PMID: 11232487] [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: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori infection affects the concentration of regulatory peptides such as gastrin, somatostatin and cholecystokinin and the concentration and activity of glutathione and glutathione S-transferases in the gastric mucosa. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Although some of these peptides have been known since the beginning of this century, their action has changed since the discovery of H. pylori infection in 1983. Chronic infection with H. pylori might lead to an increased risk in developing gastric cancer. Glutathione S-transferases are involved in the cellular detoxification of xenobiotics and other toxic compounds. Since there is a close inverse relationship between the activity of glutathione S-transferase and incidence of malignancies in the gastrointestinal tract, the possible relation between H. pylori infection and activity of glutathione S-transferases in the gastric mucosa is discussed. CONCLUSION The effect of H. pylori infection on regulatory peptides and glutathione/glutathione S-transferases might play a role in the development of neoplastic changes of the H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Verhulst
- Dept. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Raijmakers MT, Roes EM, Steegers EA, van Der Wildt B, Peters WH. Umbilical cord and maternal plasma thiol concentrations in normal pregnancy. Clin Chem 2001; 47:749-51. [PMID: 11274029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M T Raijmakers
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital St. Radboud, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Preeclampsia represents one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy, however, little is known about its aetiology. Damage of the endothelial layer lining the blood vessel wall is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, accordingly, mild hyperhomocysteinaemia has been reported to be more prevalent among preeclamptic women. Therefore, we investigated the role of hyperhomocysteinaemia in preeclampsia by measuring plasma levels of homocysteine and studying the prevalence of the 677(C-->T) polymorphism in the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which may lead to reduced MTHFR enzyme activity and subsequently to higher plasma homocysteine levels. Plasma samples of 10 healthy non-pregnant women, 10 normotensive pregnant women, and 20 women with preeclampsia were analysed for total homocysteine levels by high performance liquid chromatography. Furthermore, 167 Dutch non-pregnant women previously hospitalised for preeclampsia and 403 population-based controls were analysed for the 677(C-->T) polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR/RFLP). In normotensive pregnancy homocysteine levels were lower compared with levels in healthy non-pregnant controls (8.4 versus 13.7micromol/l, P<0.001). Women with preeclampsia showed higher concentrations than women during normotensive pregnancy (13.3 versus 8.4micromol/l, P<0.02). However, levels of homocysteine in preeclampsia were comparable to those found in healthy non-pregnant women. PCR/RFLP showed no significant difference in the incidence of the 677(C-->T) polymorphism in the MTHFR gene between preeclamptic women with or without HELLP syndrome and controls (13 and 9% homozygous for the less common T-allele, respectively; OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8-2.6, P=0.17). In contrast with previous reports, we cannot confirm that mild hyperhomocysteinaemia is a risk factor for preeclampsia. Pregnancy induced hyperhomocysteinaemia found in preeclampsia might better be explained by fluctuations in plasma volume than by the presence of the 677(C-->T) polymorphism in the MTHFR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Raijmakers
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Zusterzeel PL, Peters WH, Visser W, Hermsen KJ, Roelofs HM, Steegers EA. A polymorphism in the gene for microsomal epoxide hydrolase is associated with pre-eclampsia. J Med Genet 2001; 38:234-7. [PMID: 11283205 PMCID: PMC1734856 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.38.4.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Microsomal epoxide hydrolase is an important enzyme involved in the metabolism of endogenous and exogenous toxicants. Polymorphic variants of the human epoxide hydrolase gene vary in enzyme activity. We determined whether genetic variability in the gene encoding for microsomal epoxide hydrolase contributes to individual differences in susceptibility to the development of pre-eclampsia with or without the syndrome of Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets (HELLP). METHODS A total of 183 non-pregnant women with a history of pre-eclampsia, 96 of whom had concurrently developed the HELLP syndrome, and 151 healthy female controls were genotyped for the 113Tyr-->His polymorphism in exon 3 and the 139His-->Arg polymorphism in exon 4 of the epoxide hydrolase gene by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. Chi-square analysis was used for statistical evaluation of differences in polymorphic rates. RESULTS In pre-eclampsia a higher frequency (29%) of the high activity genotype Tyr113 Tyr113 in exon 3 was found as compared to controls (16%, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.7). There was no difference between groups for the 139His-->Arg polymorphism. In women with a history of pre-eclampsia, no difference in epoxide hydrolase genotypes was found between women who either did or did not develop the HELLP syndrome. In addition, a significant association was found between predicted EPHX activity and pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS Women with the high activity genotype in exon 3, which could reflect differences in metabolic activation of endogenous or exogenous toxic compounds, may have enhanced susceptibility to pre-eclampsia. However, polymorphisms in the epoxide hydrolase gene do not seem to influence the risk for concurrent development of the HELLP syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Patients with villous atrophy due to coeliac disease have an increased risk of developing small intestinal malignancies. Intestinal glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) are involved in the protection against carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate GSH content and GST enzyme activity in small intestinal mucosa of untreated coeliacs compared to controls. We evaluated GSH content and GST enzyme activity, including the levels of GST classes alpha, mu, pi and theta, in small intestinal biopsies of untreated coeliacs (flat mucosa, Marsh IIIC, n = 12) compared to normal subjects (n = 23). Next, we evaluated GSH and GST's in coeliacs in remission (Marsh 0 - I, n = 11), coeliacs with persisting villous atrophy while on a gluten-free diet (partial villous atrophy, Marsh IIIA (n = 5); subtotal villous atrophy, Marsh IIIB (n = 6)) and patients with infiltrative / crypt-hyperplastic Marsh II lesions (n = 4). Total GST enzyme activity and content of GSTalpha are markedly suppressed in Marsh IIIC lesions compared to controls (resp. 220 +/- 79 vs. 464 +/- 189 nmol / mg protein*min (P < 0.001) and 2.79 +/- 2.46 vs. 6.47 +/- 2.29 mg / mg protein (P < 0.001)). In coeliacs in remission these levels normalized. Total GST enzyme activity and GSTalpha levels are proportionately lowered according to the degree of mucosal pathology in Marsh II, IIIA and IIIB. (Spearman's sigma correlation coefficient for total GST, -0.596, P < 0.001; GSTalpha, -0.620, P < 0.001). GSTmu, pi and theta and GSH levels are not significantly different in the selected study groups of mucosal pathology compared to controls. Total GST enzyme activity and content of GSTalpha in small intestinal mucosa are significantly lower in untreated coeliac disease compared to controls. In Marsh II, IIIA and IIIB, GST enzyme activity and GSTalpha content are proportionally lower according to the degree of mucosal pathology. Normal values are seen in coeliacs in remission. This correlation between coeliac disease and a suppressed GSH / GST detoxification system may explain in part the carcinogenic risk in untreated coeliac disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Wahab
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rijnstate Hospital Arnhem, PO Box 9555, 6800 TA, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
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Te Morsche RH, Zusterzeel PL, Raijmakers MT, Roes EM, Steegers EA, Peters WH. Polymorphism in the promoter region of the bilirubin UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (Gilbert's syndrome) in healthy Dutch subjects. Hepatology 2001; 33:765. [PMID: 11230763 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2001.0103303le03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
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Zusterzeel PL, Visser W, Blom HJ, Peters WH, Heil SG, Steegers EA. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms in preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome. Hypertens Pregnancy 2001; 19:299-307. [PMID: 11118403 DOI: 10.1081/prg-100101991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of the 677 (C --> T) and 1298 (A --> C) polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in our preeclamptic population. For a summary estimation of the risk of the 677 (C --> T) polymorphism for preeclampsia, we also performed a meta-analysis on four previously published case-control studies to which our results were added. METHODS Genotypes were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme analysis. The results of 176 nonpregnant women, previously hospitalized for preeclampsia in a tertiary care center, were compared with 403 Dutch population-based controls. Results were statistically analyzed with a chi-square test. MEAN OUTCOME MEASURES The incidence of the 677 (C --> T) and 1298 (A --> C) polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene. RESULTS The incidence of both MTHFR missense polymorphisms was not significantly different between cases and controls. We found an odds ratio (OR) of 1.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-2.6, p = 0.17] and an OR of 1.0 (95% CI 0.6-1.9, p = 0.23) for the 677 (C --> T) and the 1298 (A --> C) polymorphism, respectively, in cases comparing the prevalence of the homozygous genotype versus the other two genotypes. The meta-analysis resulted in a significant OR of 2.0 (95% CI 1.4-2.9). CONCLUSIONS In contrast to four previous studies, we were neither able to confirm an increased risk for preeclampsia to the 677 (C --> T) polymorphism nor did we find an increased risk for preeclampsia to the 1298 (A --> C) polymorphism. From the meta-analysis, however, we conclude that it cannot be ruled out that the homozygous 677TT genotype is a modest but significant risk factor for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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20
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure levels of oxidized and free thiols in whole blood of normotensive pregnant and preeclamptic women and evaluate the role of oxidative stress. METHODS We measured whole blood oxidized and free levels of cysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine, and glutathione by high performance liquid chromatography in women with normotensive pregnancies (n = 50), preeclampsia (n = 29), and preeclampsia complicated by the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome (n = 16). RESULTS Oxidized and free levels (median [range], micromol/L) of cysteine and homocysteine were higher in women with preeclampsia than normotensive pregnancies (45 [27-81] versus 29 [9-91], P <.001, and 98 [57-193] versus 69 [33-215], P <.001; 0.8 [0.2-4.4] versus 0.4 [0.01-1.6], P <.001, and 2.1 [0.7-9.4] versus 1.2 [0.2-21.2], P <.01; respectively). The ratios of free to oxidized cysteine, homocysteine, and cysteinylglycine were lower in preeclampsia than normotensive pregnancy (2.2 [1.3-3.0] versus 2.4 [1.7-4.3], P <.001; 2.3 [0.5-5.4] versus 2.9 [1.1-24], P <.001; 4.1 [2.3-11.6] versus 5.4 [2.6-24.3], P <.02, respectively), indicating a shift in favor of the oxidized form of those thiols. In HELLP syndrome, levels of oxidized and free cysteine and levels of oxidized homocysteine were higher than normal (44 [33-63] versus 29 [9-91], P <.001, and 102 [82-133] versus 69 [33-215], P <.001; 1.0 [0.3-2.9] versus 0.4 [0.01-1.6], P <.001, respectively). No significant differences were found in oxidized glutathione levels in women with preeclampsia (22 [5-49] versus 17 [2- 60], P =.06) or free levels in preeclamptic women with HELLP syndrome (757 [624-993] versus 842 [539-1516], P =.09) as compared with normotensive pregnant women. The ratios of free to oxidized cysteinylglycine and glutathione were higher in women with HELLP syndrome than in those with preeclampsia (5.4 [3.3-12.7] versus 4.1 [2.3-11.6], P =.02, and 56 [28-124] versus 45 [16-166], P =.02, respectively). CONCLUSION Significantly lower ratios of free to oxidized cysteine, homocysteine, and cysteinylglycine in preeclampsia might indicate oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Raijmakers
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
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21
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Abstract
Enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased levels of antioxidants may contribute to the development of pre-eclampsia. Protein carbonyls may be sensitive biomarkers for ROS-mediated protein damage, whereas the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) value may serve as marker for antioxidant capacity.Twenty-two healthy pregnant women and 50 patients with severe pre-eclampsia, 25 of whom with concurrent (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) HELLP syndrome were investigated prospectively with respect to placental and decidual levels of protein carbonyls and FRAP antioxidant capacity. Measurements were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney U -tests for comparison between groups, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for comparison within groups. Spearman's correlation tests were used for correlation analyses. Placental and decidual protein carbonyl levels were higher in pre-eclampsia with HELLP than in healthy pregnancy, whereas FRAP levels were lower. Differences between pre-eclampsia and healthy pregnancy showed the same trend, but did not reach statistical significance. In pre-eclampsia with HELLP syndrome carbonyl levels as well as FRAP levels were significantly higher in placenta as compared with decidua.Higher levels of protein carbonyls and lower antioxidant capacity in both placenta and decidua in pre-eclampsia with concurrent HELLP syndrome as compared to healthy pregnancy may indicate that considerable ROS-mediated damage occurs in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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22
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Berendsen CL, Mulder TP, Peters WH. Plasma glutathione S-transferase pi 1-1 AND alpha 1-1 levels in patients with bladder cancer. J Urol 2000; 164:2126-8. [PMID: 11061940] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transitional cell carcinomas of the human bladder and many gastrointestinal tumors often contain high amounts of the detoxification enzyme glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1-1). Elevated levels of GSTP1-1 have been found in serum and plasma from patients with gastrointestinal, lung or head and neck cancer. GSTP1-1 and glutathione S-transferase alpha (GSTA1-1) have been reported to be increased in 10 of 15 patients (67%) with bladder cancer. We evaluate the role of GSTP1-1 and GSTA1-1 as plasma tumor markers in 50 patients with bladder cancer before and after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Blood from patients with bladder cancer was sampled in ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid tubes. Plasma GSTA1-1 and GSTP1-1 were measured using the sensitive and specific sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Respective plasma GSTA1-1 and GSTP1-1 levels were above the upper normal reference limit in 2 (4%) and 14 (28%) of the 50 patients with bladder cancer. No significant decrease in plasma GSTA1-1 or GSTP1-1 was noted in matched pairs of plasma samples collected before and after treatment. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to earlier reports, only a limited number of patients with bladder cancer had increased plasma GSTA1-1 or GSTP1-1, which did not decrease after tumor resection. These findings argue against the use of GSTP1-1 or GSTA1-1 as plasma markers for bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Berendsen
- Department of Urology, Atrium Medical Center Heerlen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
An imbalance between oxidative stress and maternal detoxification or antioxidant capacity may explain the symptoms of preeclampsia and the haemolysis-elevated liver enzymes-low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. Oxidative stress is known to induce damage of the endothelium, which is one of the pathophysiological features of preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome. Administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant itself and a precursor of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione, might stabilize or even partly recover the process of endothelial damage and may lead to prolongation of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Roes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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24
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Abstract
Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by causing cell (membrane) damage and impaired endothelial function. Carbonyl derivatives of proteins, or protein carbonyls, may be sensitive biomarkers of ROS-mediated damage. The aim of the study was to compare levels of protein carbonyls in plasma of preeclamptic, healthy pregnant and healthy nonpregnant women. Plasma protein carbonyls were measured in 47 preeclamptic, 45 healthy pregnant and 22 healthy nonpregnant women by using a sensitive ELISA-method. ANOVA, the unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Preeclamptic women had significantly higher plasma protein carbonyl levels than healthy pregnant women (P < 0.0001). Healthy pregnant women showed significantly higher protein carbonyl levels (P < 0.001) as compared to nonpregnant controls. The higher levels of protein carbonyls as compared to nonpregnant controls suggest that increased oxygen free radical damage occurs in normal pregnancy and to a much higher extent in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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25
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Grubben MJ, Van Den Braak CC, Broekhuizen R, De Jong R, Van Rijt L, De Ruijter E, Peters WH, Katan MB, Nagengast FM. The effect of unfiltered coffee on potential biomarkers for colonic cancer risk in healthy volunteers: a randomized trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2000; 14:1181-90. [PMID: 10971235 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2000.00826.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidemiologic studies suggest that coffee use might protect against colorectal cancer. Inconsistencies as to the effect of coffee use and colorectal cancer between epidemiologic studies might be related to the type of coffee brew. OBJECTIVE We studied the effect of unfiltered coffee consumption on putative biomarkers for colonic cancer risk. DESIGN A total of 64 healthy volunteers (31 men and 33 women), with a mean age of 43 +/- 11 years were randomly assigned to two groups in a crossover design, with two intervention periods of 2 weeks separated by a washout period of 8 weeks. Treatments were 1 L of cafetière (French press) coffee daily or no coffee. At the end of each intervention period, fasting blood samples, colorectal biopsies and 48 h faeces were collected. RESULTS No effect of coffee on colorectal cell proliferation, assayed by estimating the Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen labelling index, was seen. Additionally, no effects were seen on the concentrations of faecal soluble bile acids and colorectal mucosal glutathione S-transferase activity. However, unfiltered coffee significantly increased the glutathione content in the colorectal mucosa by 8% and in plasma by 15%. Other aminothiols in plasma also increased on coffee. CONCLUSION Unfiltered coffee does not influence the colorectal mucosal proliferation rate, but might increase the detoxification capacity and anti-mutagenic properties in the colorectal mucosa through an increase in glutathione concentration. Whether this effect indeed contributes to a lower colon cancer risk remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Grubben
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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26
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Zusterzeel PL, van Troon HM, Peters WH, Raijmakers MT, Steegers EA. Erythrocyte instability in pregnancies complicated with pre-eclampsia. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2000; 79:785-6. [PMID: 10993103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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27
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Raijmakers MT, Jansen PL, Steegers EA, Peters WH. Association of human liver bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity with a polymorphism in the promoter region of the UGT1A1 gene. J Hepatol 2000; 33:348-51. [PMID: 11019988 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(00)80268-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Gilbert's syndrome is a benign form of a deficiency in bilirubin glucuronidation. It is associated with a homozygous polymorphism, A(TA)7TAA instead of A(TA)6TAA, in the TATA-box of the promoter region of the bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase gene. In this study the correlation between this promoter region polymorphism and in vitro human liver bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase enzyme activity was investigated. METHODS Liver samples from organ transplant donors n=39) and two known Gilbert's syndrome patients were used for measuring bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase enzyme activity and for isolation of DNA followed by detection of the promoter region polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction. Genotypes were assigned as follows; 6/6: homozygous for the A(TA)6TAA-allele, 7/7: homozygous for the A(TA)7TAA-allele, and 6/7: heterozygous with one of each alleles. RESULTS Seventeen out of 39 subjects (44%) had the homozygous 6/6 genotype, 18 subjects (46%) had the heterozygous 6/7 genotype, whereas four individuals (10%) and the two individuals with Gilbert's syndrome had the 7/7 genotype correlated with Gilbert's syndrome. This resulted in an allele frequency of 0.33 for the A(TA)7TAA-allele. The median bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase enzyme activity of the 17 subjects with the 6/6 genotype (1565 nmol/g liver/h) was significantly higher than the activity of the 18 subjects with the 6/7 genotype (985 nmol/g liver/h; p<0.05) and the six individuals with the 7/7 genotype (749 nmol/g liver/h; p<0.005). No significant differences in enzyme activity were found between the 6/7 and the 7/7 genotype groups. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a close association between the promoter region genotype and the expression of hepatic bilirubin UDP-glucuronyltransferase enzyme activity. Subjects who have a 7/7 genotype have the lowest enzyme activity, whereas subjects with the heterozygous 6/7 genotype have an intermediate enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Raijmakers
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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28
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia, a primary immunodeficiency disorder, suffer from recurrent infections of the respiratory and intestinal tract. Rapidly progressive colorectal cancer was diagnosed in three unrelated young adults with X-linked agammaglobulinaemia. This finding implies a 30-fold increase of risk for this cancer in this patient group. Glutathione S-transferases are a family of biotransformation enzymes involved in the detoxification of cytotoxic and carcinogenic compounds, that may function in the prevention of carcinogenesis. We investigated the possible role of the glutathione S-transferase enzyme system in the apparently increased colorectal cancer risk in X-linked agammaglobulinaemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analysed the glutathione levels and the glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity and iso-enzyme composition in normal colonic biopsies of eight X-linked agammaglobulinaemia patients, 25 patients with a recent history of colonic adenomas and 10 healthy volunteers. RESULTS X-linked agammaglobulinaemia patients had significantly lower glutathione S-transferase enzyme activities at all sites in the normal colonic mucosa as compared to adenoma patients. In X-linked agammaglobulinaemia patients the rectal glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity was lower than in the proximal colon and significantly lower as compared to controls. CONCLUSION This lower glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity might play a role in the apparently increased colorectal cancer risk in X-linked agammaglobulinaemia patients, assuming that detoxification of carcinogenic compounds plays a role in the aetiology of colon cancer of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Grubben
- University Hospital Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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29
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether genetic variability in biotransformation enzymes contributes to individual differences in susceptibility to preeclampsia or the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP). METHODS Polymorphisms in the genes of glutathione S-transferases and cytochrome P-450 1A1 were assessed by polymerase chain reaction in 170 nonpregnant women with a history of preeclampsia, 90 of whom had HELLP syndrome, and 109 healthy control women with an uncomplicated obstetric history. chi(2) analysis was used for statistical evaluation of differences in polymorphism rates. RESULTS A higher frequency of the glutathione S-transferase P1b-1b genotype was observed in preeclamptic women than in controls (14% in preeclampsia and 5% in controls; odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 10. 6, P =.02). Genetic polymorphisms in other glutathione S-transferases and cytochrome P-450 1A1 genes occurred equally frequently in cases and controls. In women with a history of preeclampsia, there were no differences in the occurrence of the genetic polymorphisms investigated in women who either did or did not develop the HELLP syndrome. CONCLUSION Women with the glutathione S-transferase P1b-1b genotype, which could result in lower glutathione S-transferase detoxification capacity, might have higher susceptibility to preeclampsia. However, polymorphisms in glutathione S-transferase genes do not seem to be a risk factor for development of the HELLP syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Nijmegen St Radboud, The Netherlands
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30
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Branten AJ, Mulder TP, Peters WH, Assmann KJ, Wetzels JF. Urinary excretion of glutathione S transferases alpha and pi in patients with proteinuria: reflection of the site of tubular injury. Nephron Clin Pract 2000; 85:120-6. [PMID: 10867517 DOI: 10.1159/000045644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with renal diseases, proteinuria is a major determinant of progressive renal failure, probably by causing tubular cell injury. Little is known on extent and site of tubular cell injury in patients with proteinuria. Glutathione S transferases (GST) are cytosolic enzymes. The alpha isoform is present only in proximal tubular cells, whereas the pi isoform is confined to distal tubular cells. We have studied the urinary excretion of both isoenzymes in 56 (38 male and 18 female) patients with glomerular diseases and proteinuria. The mean age was 45 +/- (SD) 16 years, the median creatinine clearance was 80 (range 27-159) ml/min, and the median albuminuria was 4.2 (range 0.7-16.9) g/10 mmol creatinine. The excretions of both GST alpha (median 35.9 ng/10 mmol creatinine) and GST pi (median 24.8 ng/10 mmol creatinine) were elevated as compared with control values (upper limits 10 and 12 ng/10 mmol creatinine, respectively). The urinary excretion of GST pi, but not that of GST alpha, was inversely correlated with the creatinine clearance. The highest levels of GST alpha were found in patients with a well-preserved renal function, whereas highest levels of GST pi were found in patients with renal failure. In a small number of patients we performed immunofluorescent studies of renal tissue. An increased urinary excretion of GST alpha correlated with brush border damage and decreased staining of proximal tubules for that isoenzyme. Our data suggest that in patients with proteinuria initial injury is apparent at the proximal tubules. Measurements of GST alpha and GST pi appear useful to study longitudinal timing and site of proteinuria-induced tubular cell injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Branten
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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31
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Zusterzeel PL, Nelen WL, Roelofs HM, Peters WH, Blom HJ, Steegers EA. Polymorphisms in biotransformation enzymes and the risk for recurrent early pregnancy loss. Mol Hum Reprod 2000; 6:474-8. [PMID: 10775653 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/6.5.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
An imbalance between phase I drug metabolizing enzymes and phase II detoxification enzymes may contribute to the development of pre-eclampsia. Polymorphic variants in the phase I enzyme, cytochrome P450 genes may lead to increased toxification, whereas polymorphisms in the phase II enzyme, glutathione S-transferase genes may result in impaired detoxification. Most abundant in placenta and decidua is glutathione S-transferase P1-1, which may therefore be of particular importance in reproduction. We studied the frequencies of polymorphic variants in those enzymes in 187 women with recurrent early pregnancy loss and in 109 women with an uncomplicated obstetric history. DNA was extracted and subsequently polymerase chain reaction based genotyping assays were used. chi(2)-Analysis and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical evaluation. The glutathione S-transferase P1b-1b genotype was found significantly more often in women with recurrent early pregnancy loss than in controls (12% versus 5%, P = 0.03), in particular in those who consumed coffee (P = 0.02) or smoked cigarettes (P = 0.04). Polymorphisms in other glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450 genes occurred equally frequently in cases and controls. In conclusion, the occurrence of the glutathione S-transferase P1b-1b genotype, leading to lower glutathione S-transferase Pi enzyme activity and consequently to impaired placental detoxification, may represent a risk factor for recurrent early pregnancy loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gastroenterology and Pediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen, St Radboud, The Netherlands
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Schipper DL, Wagenmans MJ, Peters WH, Wils JA, Wagener DJ. Glutathione S-transferases and iododeoxyuridine labelling index during chemotherapy of gastric cancer. Anticancer Res 2000; 20:1705-10. [PMID: 10928096] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is a major problem in the treatment of patients with gastric cancer. Many factors may play a role in the resistance to cytotoxic drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and cell proliferation as parameters for response and resistance to chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS In endoscopic biopsies of normal and malignant gastric tissue from 15 patients with gastric cancer treated by chemotherapy, the GSH content, GST activity and levels of GST Alpha, Mu and Pi isoenzymes were determined before the start of chemotherapy and after 2 and 6 cycles. Furthermore, cell proliferation was determined in these biopsies after in vivo Iododeoxyuridine (IdU) labelling. RESULTS None of the above mentioned parameters were predictive for response to chemotherapy. After 2 courses of chemotherapy there was an increase of median GSH content (367%) in three patients with partial response (PR), whereas there was a decrease (43%) in five patients with progressive disease (PD) (p < 0.05). Median GST activity increased (257%) in patients with PR and declined (31%) in patients with PD (p < 0.05). GST Pi showed a median increase of 326% in responding patients and a 59% decrease in progressive patients (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in GST Alpha and Mu. In seven patients with stable disease (SD) there were no significant changes in GSH/GST parameters. CONCLUSION GSH/GST parameters and IdU labelling index determined before the start of chemotherapy were not predictive for response to that chemotherapy. However, the differences of GSH and GST parameters between responding and progressive patients suggests a role for the GSH/GST system in the susceptibility of gastric tumor cells to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Schipper
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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34
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Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) form a family of enzymes, which play an important role in the prevention of cancer by detoxifying numerous potentially carcinogenic compounds. GSTs catalyze the conjugation of glutathione to such harmful molecules, and enable their secretion. Human GSTs can be divided into five main classes. The theta class of isoenzymes was only recently identified and limited (immunohistochemical) data on these enzymes are available. In the present study, paraffin-embedded sections of different gastrointestinal tissues were analyzed immunohistochemically for GSTalpha, GSTP1-1 and GSTT1-1 expression using specific antibodies. GSTalpha, GSTP1-1 and GSTT1-1 were highly expressed in all gastrointestinal tissues examined, with a unique cellular distribution. GSTT1-1 is the first GST isoenzyme demonstrated in duodenal Paneth cells and glands of Brunner. The common expression of GSTalpha, GSTT1-1 and GSTP1-1 in many cell types along the human gastrointestinal tract suggests an important role in the protection against carcinogens and other xenobiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C de Bruin
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Radboud University Hospital, PO Box HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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35
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Schipper DL, Wagenmans MJ, Peters WH, Wobbes T, Wagener DJ. Correlation between iododeoxyuridine and MIB-1 labelling index in gastric carcinoma and adjacent normal gastric tissue. Anticancer Res 2000; 20:707-14. [PMID: 10810344] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In vivo labelling with synthetic thymidine analogues, such as Iododeoxyuridine (IdU) and Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), has frequently been used to estimate tumour proliferation. However, this method requires intravenous administration of IdU or BrdU, thymidine analogues that are potential mutagens. Recently, the monoclonal antibody MIB-1 has been developed, recognizing the Ki-67 nuclear antigen, which is associated with cell cycle proliferation and is found throughout the cell cycle (G1, S, G2 and M phases), but not in resting (G0) cells. We studied the correlation between the MIB-1 labelling index (LI) and the IdU labelling index in normal and malignant gastric tissue. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty patients with gastric cancer received an intravenous injection of IdU (200 mg/m2) before surgery. Specimens were obtained from gastric carcinoma and adjacent normal gastric tissue. The samples were fixed in formalin and immunohistochemical analyses of IdU LI and MIB-1 LI were performed. The LI was defined as the percentage of labelled nuclei of 5000 nuclei counted. RESULTS The IdU LI ranged from 3.3% to 18.2% in gastric carcinoma and from 0.5% to 5.6% in adjacent normal gastric mucosa, whereas the MIB-1 LI ranged from 4.2% to 46.0% in gastric cancer and from 1.3% to 25.1% in adjacent normal gastric mucosa. Comparison of IdU LI with MIB-1 LI, using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient test showed a significant correlation between IdU LI and MIB-1 LI in normal gastric tissue (r = 0.63, p < 0.05). However, in gastric carcinoma no significant correlation was found between either proliferation marker (r = 0.07, N.S.). CONCLUSION MIB-1 accurately reflects the in vivo IdU LI in normal gastric tissue, whilst in gastric carcinoma the MIB-1 LI does not seem to be a substitute for the in vivo IdU LI.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Schipper
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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36
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Verhulst ML, van Oijen AH, Roelofs HM, Peters WH, Jansen JB. Antral glutathione concentration and glutathione S-transferase activity in patients with and without Helicobacter pylori. Dig Dis Sci 2000; 45:629-32. [PMID: 10749343 DOI: 10.1023/a:1005426130826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Previously we demonstrated an inverse relation between cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and glutathione S-transferase activity of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Chronic infection with H. pylori has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of glutathione and glutathione S-transferase activity in H. pylori-infected and noninfected antral mucosa. Glutathione and glutathione S-transferases were measured in antral biopsies of patients with nonulcer dyspepsia without H. pylori infection (A), with prior H. pylori infection who became H. pylori negative after eradication therapy (B) and with proven H. pylori infection (C). Glutathione concentration and glutathione S-transferase activity in group A were 31.0 (range 6.0-59.6) nmol/mg protein and 810 (range 165-1312) nmol/min/mg protein, in group B 27.0 (range 5.0-53.8) nmol/mg protein and 745 (range 403-1199) nmol/min/mg protein, and in group C 18.5 (range 1.6-55.8) nmol/mg protein and 572 (range 144-1047) nmol/min/mg protein, respectively. The glutathione and glutathione S-transferase values were significantly lower in patients infected with H. pylori than in patients who were H. pylori negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Verhulst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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37
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure plasma thiol levels in women with normal pregnancies, women with preeclampsia, and nonpregnant controls to define plasma thiol's effect on glutathione homeostasis and pathophysiology of preeclampsia. METHODS Total plasma cysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine, and glutathione levels were measured in ten nonpregnant women, ten women with normotensive pregnancies, and 20 women with preeclampsia at delivery. RESULTS Median total plasma levels of all thiols in normotensive pregnant women were significantly lower than in nonpregnant women. Median total plasma cysteine and homocysteine levels in women with preeclampsia were significantly higher compared with pregnant controls (254 versus 190 micromol/L, P < .001; and 13.3 versus 8.4 micromol/L, P < .02, respectively), whereas glutathione levels were significantly lower in women with preeclampsia compared with those in pregnant controls (5.1 versus 6.3 micromol/L, P < .05). CONCLUSION In women with preeclampsia, homocysteine and cysteine levels, which are lowered in normotensive pregnancy, were comparable to levels in nonpregnant women, whereas glutathione levels were lower. Those results suggest that in women with preeclampsia, glutathione use is higher or its synthesis is disturbed. Therefore, glutathione might affect pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Raijmakers
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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38
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Zusterzeel PL, Peters WH, De Bruyn MA, Knapen MF, Merkus HM, Steegers EA. Glutathione S-transferase isoenzymes in decidua and placenta of preeclamptic pregnancies. Obstet Gynecol 1999; 94:1033-8. [PMID: 10576196 DOI: 10.1016/s0029-7844(99)00433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate a possible involvement of glutathione S-transferases, major detoxificating enzymes, in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. METHODS Levels of glutathione S-transferase isoforms and enzyme activity were assessed in placental and decidual tissues in 22 preeclamptic and 21 normotensive women. Measured values were analyzed statistically using the Mann-Whitney U test for comparison between groups, and the signed-rank test for comparison within groups. RESULTS Glutathione S-transferase pi is the main glutathione S-transferase isoform in normal placental and decidual tissue. Lower median placental and decidual glutathione S-transferase pi levels were found in preeclamptic women compared with controls: 1268 (range: 524-3925) and 2185 (range: 503-6578), P = .05, for placenta; 1543 (range: 681-2967) and 2169 (range: 893-3929), P = .02, for decidua. The total amount of glutathione S-transferases in control and preeclamptic pregnancies was higher in decidua than in placenta. CONCLUSION Reduced levels of glutathione S-transferase class pi in preeclampsia might indicate a decreased capacity of the glutathione/glutathione S-transferase detoxification system. A higher total amount of glutathione S-transferases in decidual tissue might point to a more pronounced protective role of decidua compared with placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Knapen MF, Peters WH, Mulder TP, Merkus HM, Jansen JB, Steegers EA. Plasma glutathione S-transferase Pi 1-1 measurements in the study of hemolysis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Hypertens Pregnancy 1999; 18:147-56. [PMID: 10476616 DOI: 10.3109/10641959909023074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the value of plasma glutathione S-transferase Pi1-1(GSTP1-1) measurements in the assessment of hemolysis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. METHODS Plasma GSTP1-1 and haptoglobin levels and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured in 81 healthy nonpregnant female blood donors between 20 and 40 years of age, 41 women during uncomplicated normotensive pregnancy, 35 women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, 67 women with preeclampsia, and 34 women with the HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome. Levels in hypertensive pregnancies were compared to levels in normotensive pregnancy, and levels in normotensive pregnancy were compared to levels in blood donors by the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS Median GSTP1-1 and LDH levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01) and haptoglobin significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome as compared to normotensive pregnancy. Both GSTP1-1 and LDH levels were significantly higher in normotensive pregnant women as compared to nonpregnant women (p < 0.0001). The percentage of preeclamptic patients (26.9%) or patients with the HELLP syndrome (73.5%) with elevated GSTP1-1 levels was lower than those with elevated LDH (38.8% and 100%, respectively) or decreased haptoglobin levels (41.8% and 97%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that plasma GSTP1-1 levels may provide useful information on hemolysis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in addition to serum LDH activity and plasma haptoglobin levels and that the degree of hemolysis in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, especially in the HELLP syndrome, is probably less prominent than generally assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Knapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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40
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Knapen MF, Peters WH, Mulder TP, Merkus HM, Jansen JB, Steegers EA. Glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes in decidua and placenta of controls and women with pre-eclampsia. Placenta 1999; 20:541-6. [PMID: 10452907 DOI: 10.1053/plac.1999.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a major complication of pregnancy with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aetiology is still unclear but impaired detoxification or enhanced levels of reactive (oxygen) metabolites may contribute to the development or maintenance of pre-eclampsia. Glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes, as one of the major detoxificating and free-radical scavenging systems, may play a role in controlling the disease. Seventeen normotensive pregnant women and 24 pre-eclamptic women were investigated prospectively with respect to placental and decidual levels of total glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase activity (GST), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGPX) and total glutathione peroxidase activity (TGPX, both selenium- and non-selenium-dependent GPX). Decidual levels of glutathione and related enzymes were compared with placental levels, and the investigated parameters in pre-eclampsia were compared with those in normotensive pregnancy by the Mann-Whitney U -test. Clinical data were correlated with biochemical parameters by Spearman's correlation test. Glutathione levels were significantly higher in decidua as compared with placenta. Glutathione levels were elevated in pre-eclampsia and HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) as compared to normotensive pregnancy for decidua and in the placenta of patients with pre-eclampsia only. Glutathione S-transferase activity was not different between the two groups. In the placenta of patients with pre-eclampsia+HELLP, total glutathione peroxidase activity was elevated versus controls. Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in decidua versus placenta and in decidua of pre-eclamptic versus control subjects. Enhanced glutathione concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities were often found in placenta and decidua in pre-eclampsia, probably as a compensatory mechanism to prevent further damage by peroxides, (oxygen) radicals or other toxins in the placenta or in the feto-placental interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Knapen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, University Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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41
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Zusterzeel PL, Knapen MF, Roes EM, Steegers-Theunissen RP, Peters WH, Merkus HM, Steegers EA. Glutathione S-transferase alpha levels in epileptic and healthy women preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy. Gynecol Obstet Invest 1999; 48:89-92. [PMID: 10460997 DOI: 10.1159/000010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [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: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We studied plasma GSTA1-1 concentrations in preconceptionally recruited epileptic women who received antiepileptic drugs (n = 99) and a control group of healthy women (n = 106). Mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentrations in the control group did not show significant changes preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy. Six weeks postpartum, however, a significant increase in the mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentration (p < 0.001) was found as compared to preconceptional levels and levels during pregnancy. The mean plasma GSTA1-1 concentration in epileptic women was significantly higher in the 4th gestational week compared to those determined in healthy pregnant women (1.68 versus 1.08 microg/l, p < 0.001). Values between the groups in the second and third trimester and postpartum period showed no significant differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Zusterzeel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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42
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de Bruin WC, Wagenmans MJ, Board PG, Peters WH. Expression of glutathione S-transferase theta class isoenzymes in human colorectal and gastric cancers. Carcinogenesis 1999; 20:1453-7. [PMID: 10426791 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/20.8.1453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are a superfamily of detoxification enzymes, which play an important role in the protection of tissues against potentially harmful compounds. In humans, two theta class isoenzymes, GSTT1-1 and GSTT2-2, have been described so far. Both enzymes were claimed to have an important role in human carcinogenesis. In colorectal and gastric tissues, the expression of the other isoenzymes changes after malignant transformation. No data on the expression levels of the theta isoenzymes in these tissues are available. The aim of this study was to determine the protein levels of the two theta class isoenzymes in human colorectal and gastric cancers and paired normal tissue. Cytosolic fractions of normal and matched tumor tissue samples from 20 patients with colorectal or gastric adenocarcinomas were analyzed on immunoblots using specific antibodies against GSTT1-1 and GSTT2-2, respectively. In addition paraffin-embedded sections of these tissues were examined immunohistochemically for GSTT1-1 expression. In both types of tissue, theta class isoenzymes were highly expressed. Expression of GSTT1-1 was higher in gastric than in colorectal tissues. The GSTT2-2 levels were comparable in both tissues. A great interindividual difference in expression was demonstrated. In colon, there was no change in the theta class isoenzyme levels after malignant transformation. Gastric tumors had significantly lower expression of both theta class isoenzymes compared with the normal mucosa. In colon, GSTT1-1 was expressed in the enterocytes and goblet cells. In gastric tissues, staining was seen in upper and deeper mucous cells, chief cells and, to a lesser extent, in parietal cells. In both types of tumors, staining was seen in adenomatous cells. In conclusion, in both normal human colonic and gastric mucosa, GSTT1-1 and GSTT2-2 are present at high levels, whereas after malignant degeneration, expression is not influenced or is even downregulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C de Bruin
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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van Lieshout EM, van Haelst UJ, Wobbes T, Peters WH. Immunohistochemical localization of glutathione S-transferase alpha and pi in human esophageal squamous epithelium, Barrett's epithelium and carcinoma. Jpn J Cancer Res 1999; 90:530-5. [PMID: 10391093 PMCID: PMC5926098 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.1999.tb00780.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
High tissue levels of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), a family of detoxification enzymes, are inversely correlated with cancer risk in the human gastrointestinal tract. Patients with Barrett's esophagus, wherein squamous epithelium is replaced by columnar epithelium, have an increased risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. Biochemical analyses revealed that Barrett's epithelium contains lower levels of GST enzyme activity as well as some GST isoforms, as compared with squamous epithelium. So far, little information on the immunohistochemical distribution of the GST alpha and pi isoforms in normal squamous epithelium, in Barrett's metaplastic epithelium or in adeno- and squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus is available. Tissues were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. Three 4 microm thick sections were used for hematoxylin and eosin staining and for immunostaining with antibodies against GST alpha and pi. GST alpha and pi were seen in normal squamous epithelium (0% and 75%, respectively), Barrett's epithelium (75% and 100%), adenocarcinoma (25% and 100) and squamous cell carcinoma (27% and 91%). Staining was mainly cytoplasmic, though some nuclear staining with the GST pi antibody was apparent. The varying expression of GST alpha and pi in normal and (pre)neoplastic esophagus may have consequences for the treatment of these diseases and may contribute to an understanding of the development of these esophageal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M van Lieshout
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Recent data suggest that levels of glutathione S-transferase Alpha 1-1 in umbilical cord plasma may be a good indicator of neonatal hepatocellular integrity. In order to fully understand the significance of this new marker we compared the values of glutathione S-transferase Alpha 1-1 (GSTA1-1) with that of the well known liver function markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in arterial and corresponding venous umbilical cord blood of 93 patients. In addition, in 49 of these patients maternal venous blood was also studied. Both arterial and venous umbilical cord GSTA1-1 and AST levels were significantly higher than corresponding maternal venous levels, whereas ALT levels were not. Arterial umbilical cord GSTA1-1 correlated significantly with the corresponding AST and ALT levels (R = 0.46, P < 0.0001 and R = 0.41, P < 0.0001, respectively). Arterial umbilical cord AST correlated significantly with corresponding ALT levels (R = 0.58, P < 0.0001). Arterial umbilical cord plasma GSTA1-1 levels were significantly lower in the cesarean delivery group as compared to the vaginal birth group, whereas no difference was noted for AST or ALT. Arterial umbilical cord AST and GSTA1-1 levels correlated significantly with base deficit (R = 0.29, P = 0.005; R = 0.29, P = 0.005, respectively), whereas ALT did not (R = 0.06, P = 0.54). Arterial umbilical cord AST, ALT, and GSTA1-1 levels correlated significantly with birthweight. In conclusion, GSTA1-1 levels as assessed in neonatal umbilical cord blood, being unrelated to maternal levels, seem to be a more sensitive marker for early neonatal hepatocellular integrity as compared to ALT or AST and even might detect impaired hepatocellular integrity due to the vaginal birth process. Umbilical cord GSTA1-1 may provide a valuable indicator of neonatal condition immediately after birth, the clinical relevance of which needs to be further established.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Knapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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45
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Mulder TP, Court DA, Peters WH. Variability of glutathione S-transferase alpha in human liver and plasma. Clin Chem 1999; 45:355-9. [PMID: 10053036] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutathione S-transferases are a family of enzymes involved in the binding, transport, and detoxification of a wide variety of endogenous and exogenous compounds. Little information is available about the variability of class alpha glutathione S-transferases in human liver, where they are highly expressed, or in serum. METHODS Both total class alpha glutathione S-transferase (GST-alpha, composed of GSTA1-1, GSTA1-2, and GSTA2-2) as well as GSTA1-1 concentrations were measured by specific and sensitive ELISA in liver cytosols of 35 organ donors and in plasma samples of 350 healthy controls. RESULTS The mean total GST-alpha and GSTA1-1 in liver cytosols were 25.1 +/- 9.4 and 10.7 +/- 5.3 microg/mg protein, respectively, and did not correlate with activities of aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase. The mean total GST-alpha in liver was significantly higher in females compared with males (28.8 +/- 10.0 vs 22.0 +/- 7.8 microg/mg protein; P <0.05). In contrast, the median total GST-alpha in plasma was lower in females compared with males (2.0 and 2.8 microg/L, respectively; P <0.0001). The median ratios for GSTA1-1/total GST-alpha in liver and plasma were 0.42 and 0.58, respectively. CONCLUSIONS GSTA1-1 constitutes approximately one-half of the total amount of alpha class GSTs in human plasma and liver. Total GST-alpha values are higher in female liver but lower in plasma compared with the respective values in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Mulder
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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46
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van Lieshout EM, Roelofs HM, Dekker S, Mulder CJ, Wobbes T, Jansen JB, Peters WH. Polymorphic expression of the glutathione S-transferase P1 gene and its susceptibility to Barrett's esophagus and esophageal carcinoma. Cancer Res 1999; 59:586-9. [PMID: 9973204] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Factors determining individual susceptibility to esophageal cancer or premalignant Barrett's epithelium are still largely unclear. An imbalance between phase I drug metabolism [e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP)] and phase II detoxification [e.g., glutathione S-transferase (GST)] may contribute to the development of these diseases. Polymorphic variants in the CYP1A1 gene were described leading to increased levels of bioactive compounds, whereas polymorphisms in GST genes often resulted in impaired detoxification. We studied the frequencies of polymorphic variants in CYP1A1, GSTP1, GSTT1, and GSTM1 genes in 98 patients with Barrett's epithelium and 34 patients with esophageal cancer. The results were compared with those obtained from 247 healthy blood donors. DNA was extracted, and PCR-RFLP methods were used to detect genetic polymorphisms. Chi2 analysis, Spearman rank correlation, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used for statistical evaluation. Polymorphisms in CYP1A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 occurred at an equal frequency in patients and controls. Occurrence of the polymorphic GSTP1b variant in the GSTP1 gene resulted in a significantly lower GST enzyme activity (P < 0.05), and GSTP1b was found significantly more often in patients with Barrett's epithelium (70%; P < 0.001) and patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (76%; P = 0.005), as compared to healthy blood donors (41%). In conclusion, presence of the GSTP1b allele leads to lower GST enzyme activity levels and, consequently, impaired detoxification. This most important esophageal GST isoform may, therefore, contribute to the development of Barrett's epithelium and adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M van Lieshout
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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47
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Abstract
Glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes are pivotal for the normal functioning of several important biological processes in humans. Glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes are involved in the metabolism and detoxification of cytotoxic and carcinogenic compounds as well as reactive oxygen species. The role of reactive oxygen species in reproduction was the subject of many investigations, and there is compelling evidence for the involvement of these species in the physiology and pathology of both male and female reproductive systems. The glutathione/glutathione-related enzyme system was extensively studied in gynaecological oncology, but to a lesser extent in other topics related to reproduction. In this paper a review is provided on the glutathione/glutathione-related enzyme system in reproduction. Attention is given to its role as a detoxicating system, and as an early marker for disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Knapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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48
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van Lieshout EM, Tiemessen DM, Witteman BJ, Jansen JB, Peters WH. Low glutathione and glutathione S-transferase levels in Barrett's esophagus as compared to normal esophageal epithelium. Jpn J Cancer Res 1999; 90:81-5. [PMID: 10076569 PMCID: PMC5925975 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.1999.tb00669.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with Barrett's esophagus, wherein squamous epithelium has been replaced by columnar epithelium, have an increased risk for developing esophageal adenocarcinoma as compared to the general population. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), a family of detoxification enzymes consisting of class alpha, mu, pi, and theta isoforms, is involved in detoxification of carcinogens and low levels of these enzymes correlated with high cancer risk. We have now compared GST enzyme activity, GST isoenzyme composition and glutathione (GSH) content of Barrett's mucosa with that of adjacent normal squamous epithelium. Biopsy specimens of 98 patients with Barrett's esophagus were taken from both Barrett's and adjacent normal squamous epithelium. GST enzyme activity towards 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was measured, and GST isoenzyme levels were determined by densitometrical analyses of western blots after immunodetection with monoclonal antibodies. Total GSH content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after conjugation with monobromobimane. Wilcoxon's signed rank test and Spearman correlation analyses were used for statistical evaluation. As compared with adjacent normal squamous epithelium, GST enzyme activity in Barrett's epithelium was reduced by 35%, and GST mu, GST pi and GSH levels were reduced by 24%, 30%, and 63%, respectively. However, the minor GST alpha and GST theta levels were higher in Barrett's epithelium (by 625% and 33%, respectively). High levels of GSH and GSTs in general are correlated with protection against cellular or cytogenetic damage. The observed reduction in GSTs and GSH in Barrett's epithelium may therefore contribute to the increased cancer risk in this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M van Lieshout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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49
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Boven E, Pinedo HM, van Hattum AH, Scheffer PG, Peters WH, Erkelens CA, Schlüper HM, Kuiper CM, van Ark-Otte J, Giaccone G. Characterization of human soft-tissue sarcoma xenografts for use in secondary drug screening. Br J Cancer 1998; 78:1586-93. [PMID: 9862568 PMCID: PMC2063242 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1998.727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have established ten transplantable human soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) xenografts grown as subcutaneous tumours in the nude mouse. Nine xenografts originated from patients that needed chemotherapy in the course of their disease. The xenografts were tested for their sensitivity to maximum tolerated doses of five anti-cancer agents. Growth of treated tumours was expressed as a percentage of control tumour growth and a growth inhibition > 75% was measured for doxorubicin in 20% of the STS xenografts, for cyclophosphamide in 30%, for ifosfamide in 20%, for vincristine in 20%, whereas etoposide was not effective in the STS xenografts. In three out of ten STS xenografts MDR1 mRNA was detectable, but this was not related to the resistance against doxorubicin, vincristine or etoposide. Topoisomerase IIalpha mRNA expression levels did not reflect sensitivity to doxorubicin or etoposide. In all STS tissues, however, these levels were lower than topoisomerase IIalpha mRNA in a drug-sensitive human ovarian cancer xenograft. Glutathione concentrations and the activities of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were not related to resistance against the alkylating agents or doxorubicin. Of interest, in all STS tissues, glutathione S-transferase pi was the predominant isoenzyme present. In conclusion, chemosensitivity of the STS xenografts reflects clinical response rates in phase II trials on the same compounds in adult STS patients. Relatively low levels of topoisomerase IIalpha mRNA may partly account for intrinsic resistance against, for example, doxorubicin. Additional factors must contribute to moderate responsiveness to alkylating agents.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- DNA Topoisomerases, Type II/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Genes, MDR
- Isoenzymes/genetics
- Linear Models
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Sarcoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Sarcoma, Experimental/genetics
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Soft Tissue Neoplasms/genetics
- Transplantation, Heterologous
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Affiliation(s)
- E Boven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Academic Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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50
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Knapen MF, Mulder TP, Van Rooij IA, Peters WH, Steegers EA. Low whole blood glutathione levels in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets syndrome. Obstet Gynecol 1998; 92:1012-5. [PMID: 9840568 DOI: 10.1016/s0029-7844(98)00333-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the pathophysiologic involvement of glutathione in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome. METHODS Total whole blood glutathione levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography in 23 women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or the HELLP syndrome and in 22 normotensive gravidas. Total glutathione levels and the total glutathione/hemoglobin ratios of patients were compared with those of controls by the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Median total glutathione levels were lower in preeclamptic pregnancies or those complicated by the HELLP syndrome than in normotensive pregnancies (647 [range 268-986] and 750 [range 495-1572] micromol/L, P = .05). The median total glutathione/hemoglobin ratios were significantly lower in preeclamptic pregnancies or in those complicated by the HELLP syndrome than in normotensive pregnancies (0.079 [range 0.033-0.122] and 0.101 [range 0.073-0.210], P = .02). CONCLUSION Decreased total glutathione levels in maternal whole blood might indicate decreased detoxificating or free radical scavenging capacity in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or the HELLP syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Knapen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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