Tumour necrosis factor (TNFalpha) as a novel therapeutic target in symptomatic corticosteroid dependent asthma

BACKGROUND

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a major therapeutic target in a range of chronic inflammatory disorders characterised by a Th1 type immune response in which TNFalpha is generated in excess. By contrast, asthma is regarded as a Th2 type disorder, especially when associated with atopy. However, as asthma becomes more severe and chronic, it adopts additional characteristics including corticosteroid refractoriness and involvement of neutrophils suggestive of an altered inflammatory profile towards a Th1 type response, incriminating cytokines such as TNFalpha.

METHODS

TNFalpha levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of 26 healthy controls, 42 subjects with mild asthma and 20 with severe asthma were measured by immunoassay, and TNFalpha gene expression was determined in endobronchial biopsy specimens from 14 patients with mild asthma and 14 with severe asthma. The cellular localisation of TNFalpha was assessed by immunohistochemistry. An open label uncontrolled clinical study was then undertaken in 17 subjects with severe asthma to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of treatment with the soluble TNFalpha receptor-IgG1Fc fusion protein, etanercept.

RESULTS

TNFalpha levels in BAL fluid, TNFalpha gene expression and TNFalpha immunoreative cells were increased in subjects with severe corticosteroid dependent asthma. Etanercept treatment was associated with improvement in asthma symptoms, lung function, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings may be of clinical significance in identifying TNFalpha as a new therapeutic target in subjects with severe asthma. The effects of anti-TNF treatment now require confirmation in placebo controlled studies.

Methylation associated inactivation of RASSF1A from region 3p21.3 in lung, breast and ovarian tumours

Previously we analysed overlapping homozygous deletions in lung and breast tumours/tumour lines and defined a small region of 120 kb (part of LCTSGR1) at 3p21.3 that contained putative lung and breast cancer tumour suppressor gene(s) (TSG). Eight genes including RASSF1 were isolated from the minimal region. However, extensive mutation analysis in lung tumours and tumour lines revealed only rare inactivating mutations. Recently, de novo methylation at a CpG island associated with isoform A of RASSF1 (RASSF1A) was reported in lung tumours and tumour lines. To investigate RASSF1A as a candidate TSG for various cancers, we investigated: (a) RASSF1A methylation status in a large series of primary tumour and tumour lines; (b) chromosome 3p allele loss in lung tumours and (c) RASSF1 mutation analysis in breast tumours. RASSF1A promoter region CpG island methylation was detected in 72% of SCLC, 34% of NSCLC, 9% of breast, 10% of ovarian and 0% of primary cervical tumours and in 72% SCLC, 36% NSCLC, 80% of breast and 40% of ovarian tumour lines. In view of the lower frequency of RASSF1 methylation in primary breast cancers we proceeded to RASSF1 mutation analysis in 40 breast cancers. No mutations were detected, but six single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified. Twenty of 26 SCLC tumours with 3p21.3 allelic loss had RASSF1A methylation, while only six out of 22 NSCLC with 3p21.3 allele loss had RASSF1A methylation (P=0.0012), one out of five ovarian and none out of six cervical tumours with 3p21.3 loss had RASSF1A methylation. These results suggest that (a) RASSF1A inactivation by two hits (methylation and loss) is a critical step in SCLC tumourigenesis and (b) RASSF1A inactivation is of lesser importance in NSCLC, breast, ovarian and cervical cancers in which other genes within LCTSGR1 are likely to be implicated.

The serum concentration of active transforming growth factor-beta is severely depressed in advanced atherosclerosis

Recent evidence has led us to propose that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a key inhibitor of atherosclerosis. We show here that a population of patients with advanced atherosclerosis all have less active TGF-beta in their sera than patients with normal coronary arteries, with a fivefold difference in average concentration between the two groups. This correlation with atherosclerosis is much stronger than for other known major risk factors and it may therefore have important diagnostic and prognostic significance. Aspirin medication correlates with an increase in active TGF-beta concentration, indicating that therapeutic interventions for TGF-beta are possible.

Hepatitis E virus transmission to a volunteer

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes an enteric non-A, non-B hepatitis. The disease occurs in epidemic settings and sporadically, and viral transmission is thought to be faecal-oral. We present here a single volunteer study of HEV transmission followed by disease. Clinical and biochemical features of the infection correlated with HEV detection in the stools and sera by reverse transcription/polymerase chain amplification. IgG antibody has persisted for 2 years. The presence of HEV in serum before clinical signs appeared suggests that in endemic areas sporadic transmission of HEV may also occur parenterally.

Early complications after dual chamber versus single chamber pacemaker implantation

This study was performed to compare the frequency of early complications after single chamber versus dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation. Early complication was defined as one occurring in the 6-week period following implantation. We prospectively analyzed consecutive pacemaker implantation from January 1987 to June 1993 at our regional center. All complications were also analyzed for the relationship to operator experience, the venous access route, and the presence of temporary pacing wire at the time of implantation of the permanent pacing system. A total of 2019 new pacemaker units were implanted during this period. 1733 patients (85.8%) received a VVI pacemaker and 286 (14.2%) a DDD unit. Wound infection occurred in 11 (0.6%) VVI patients and 6 (2.1%) DDD patients. Lead displacement occurred in 18 (1%) VVI patients and 15 (5.2%) DDD patients (11 [3.8%] atrial and 4 [1.4%] ventricular). There were 10 (0.6%) pneumothoraces, 9 (0.5%) hematomas requiring drainage, 1 (0.06%) chylocele, and 2 (0.1%) deaths in the VVI group. There were 2 (0.7%) pneumothoraces, 2 (0.7%) hematomas, and no deaths in the DDD group. There was no significant increase in complications for experienced infrequent implanters (< 12 systems per year). In both groups the subclavian approach was associated with a risk of pneumothorax when compared to the cephalic approach. The rate of wound infection was higher in patients who had a temporary pacing wire in place. The use of prophylactic antibiotics does not appear to affect the incidence of wound infection.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Oxidative stress in HIV demented patients and protection ex vivo with novel antioxidants

OBJECTIVE

To determine the role of oxidative stress in mediating HIV dementia and to identify novel therapeutic compounds that may block this oxidative stress.

METHODS

Brain tissue from patients with HIV encephalitis and macaques with simian immune deficiency virus encephalitis was immunostained for lipid peroxidation. Oxidized proteins in CSF of patients with various stages of HIV dementia were quantitated and we determined whether CSF from these patients could alter mitochondrial function. Several novel compounds with antioxidant effects were screened to determine their relative efficacy in protecting against CSF-induced neurotoxicity.

RESULTS

Evidence for oxidative stress was present both in brain and in CSF. The presence of oxidized proteins in the CSF and CSF-induced progressive decrease in mitochondrial activity correlated with the severity of cognitive impairment, but only the group of patients with moderate to severe dementia reached statistical significance. L-deprenyl, didox, imidate, diosgenin, and ebselen blocked the CSF-induced toxicity. No effect of trimidox, ruthenium red, or Quercetin was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased oxidative stress is present in brain and CSF of HIV-infected patients. There is also an accumulation of toxic substances in the CSF that are capable of inducing oxidative stress. The authors have identified several novel compounds that are capable of blocking the CSF-induced toxicity, the therapeutic potential of which is worthy of further exploration.

Alterations in mitochondrial DNA copy number and the activities of electron transport chain complexes and pyruvate dehydrogenase in the frontal cortex from subjects with autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social deficits and behavioral abnormalities. Recent evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may contribute to the etiology of autism. This is the first study to compare the activities of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes (I-V) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), as well as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in the frontal cortex tissues from autistic and age-matched control subjects. The activities of complexes I, V and PDH were most affected in autism (n=14) being significantly reduced by 31%, 36% and 35%, respectively. When 99% confidence interval (CI) of control group was taken as a reference range, impaired activities of complexes I, III and V were observed in 43%, 29% and 43% of autistic subjects, respectively. Reduced activities of all five ETC complexes were observed in 14% of autistic cases, and the activities of multiple complexes were decreased in 29% of autistic subjects. These results suggest that defects in complexes I and III (sites of mitochondrial free radical generation) and complex V (adenosine triphosphate synthase) are more prevalent in autism. PDH activity was also reduced in 57% of autistic subjects. The ratios of mtDNA of three mitochondrial genes ND1, ND4 and Cyt B (that encode for subunits of complexes I and III) to nuclear DNA were significantly increased in autism, suggesting a higher mtDNA copy number in autism. Compared with the 95% CI of the control group, 44% of autistic children showed higher copy numbers of all three mitochondrial genes examined. Furthermore, ND4 and Cyt B deletions were observed in 44% and 33% of autistic children, respectively. This study indicates that autism is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain.

Inhibition of mast cell tryptase by inhaled APC 366 attenuates allergen-induced late-phase airway obstruction in asthma

BACKGROUND

APC 366, a selective inhibitor of mast cell tryptase, has been shown to inhibit antigen-induced early asthmatic response (EAR), late asthmatic response (LAR), and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) in a sheep model of allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of APC 366 on antigen-induced EAR, LAR, and BHR in mild atopic asthmatics not on any anti-inflammatory therapy.

METHODS

Sixteen mild atopic asthmatics, each with a demonstrable antigen-induced EAR, LAR, and BHR to histamine, were recruited into this randomized, double-blinded, crossover study. APC 366 (5 mg)/placebo was administered by aerosol inhalation 3 times per day on treatment days 1 through 4. Allergen challenge was carried out on day 4. Histamine challenge was performed the following morning, 1 hour after final dosing.

RESULTS

Subjects were shown to have a significantly smaller overall mean area under the curve for the LAR (P =.012) and mean maximum fall in FEV(1) for the LAR (P =.007) after pretreatment with APC 366 in comparison with placebo. No significant effects on BHR were demonstrable. Although the EAR was reduced by 18% after treatment with APC 366 in comparison with placebo, this was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Short-term repeated administration of APC 366 significantly reduced the magnitude of antigen-induced LAR in atopic asthmatics, which supports the role of mast cell tryptase in the pathophysiology of the LAR.

Aging-associated endothelial dysfunction in humans is reversed by L-arginine

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the hypothesis that aging selectively impairs endothelium-dependent function, which may be reversible by administration of L-arginine.

BACKGROUND

An impaired response to acetylcholine with aging has been demonstrated in humans. However, the mechanisms underlying this impaired response of the coronary microvasculature remain to be determined.

METHODS

We infused the endothelium-independent vasodilators papaverine and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine (1,3,10 and 30 micrograms/min) into the left coronary artery of 34 patients (27 to 73 years old) with atypical chest pain, negative exercise test results, completely normal findings on coronary angiography and no coronary risk factors. Coronary blood flow was measured with an intracoronary Doppler catheter. The papaverine and acetylcholine infusions were repeated in 14 patients (27 to 73 years old) after an intracoronary infusion of L-arginine (160 mumol/min for 20 min).

RESULTS

There was a significant negative correlation between aging and the peak coronary blood flow response evoked by acetylcholine (r = -0.73, p < 0.0001). However, there was no correlation to papaverine (r = -0.04, p = 0.82) and GTN (r = -0.24, p = 0.17). The peak coronary blood flow response evoked by acetylcholine correlated significantly with aging before L-arginine infusion (r = -0.87, p < 0.0001), but this negative correlation was lost after L-arginine infusion (r = -0.37, p = 0.19).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that aging selectively impairs endothelium-dependent coronary microvascular function and that this impairment can be restored by administration of L-arginine, a precursor of nitric oxide.

Interaction of amyloid beta-protein with anionic phospholipids: possible involvement of Lys28 and C-terminus aliphatic amino acids

Fibrillar amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) is the major protein of amyloid plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mechanism by which normally produced soluble Abeta gets fibrillized in AD is not clear. We studied the effect of neutral, zwitterionic, and anionic lipids on the fibrillization of Abeta 1-40. We report here that acidic phospholipids such as phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol (PI), PI 4-phosphate, PI 4,5-P2 and cardiolipin can increase the fibrillization of Abeta, while the neutral lipids (diacylglycerol, cholesterol, cerebrosides), zwitterionic lipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin) and anionic lipids lacking phosphate groups (sulfatides, gangliosides) do not affect Abeta fibrillization. Abeta was found to increase the fluorescence of 1-acyl-2-[12-[(7-nitro-2-1, 3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) amino] dodecanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphate (NBD-PA) in a concentration-dependent manner, while no change was observed with 1-acyl-2- [12-[(7-nitro-2-1, 3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl) amino] dodecanoyl]-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (NBD-PE). Under similar conditions, other proteins such as apolipoprotein E, gelsolin and polyglutamic acid did not interact with NBD-PA. The order of interaction of amyloid beta-peptides with NBD-PA was Abeta 1-43 = Abeta 1-42 = Abeta 17-42 > Abeta 1-40 = Abeta 17-40. Other Abeta peptides such as Abeta 1-11, Abeta 1-16, Abeta 1-28, Abeta 1-38, Abeta 12-28, Abeta 22-35, Abeta 25-35, and Abeta 31-35 did not increase the NBD-PA fluorescence. These results suggest that phosphate groups, fatty acids, and aliphatic amino acids at the C-terminus end of Abeta 1-40/Abeta 1-42 are essential for the interaction of Abeta with anionic phospholipids, while hydrophilic Abeta segment from 1-16 amino acids does not participate in this interaction. Since positively charged amino acids in Abeta are necessary for the interaction with negatively charged phosphate groups of phospholipids, it is suggested that Lys28 of Abeta may provide anchor for the phosphate groups of lipids, while aliphatic amino acids (Val-Val-Ile-Ala) at the C-terminus of Abeta interact with fatty acids of phospholipids.

Fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography coronary angiography in the assessment and management of stable chest pain: the FORECAST randomized trial

Aims 

Fractional flow reserve (FFR_CT) using computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) determines both the presence of coronary artery disease and vessel-specific ischaemia. We tested whether an evaluation strategy based on FFR_CT would improve economic and clinical outcomes compared with standard care.

Methods and results 

Overall, 1400 patients with stable chest pain in 11 centres were randomized to initial testing with CTCA with selective FFR_CT (experimental group) or standard clinical care pathways (standard group). The primary endpoint was total cardiac costs at 9 months. Secondary endpoints were angina status, quality of life, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, and use of invasive coronary angiography. Randomized groups were similar at baseline. Most patients had an initial CTCA: 439 (63%) in the standard group vs. 674 (96%) in the experimental group, 254 of whom (38%) underwent FFR_CT. Mean total cardiac costs were higher by £114 (+8%) in the experimental group, with a 95% confidence interval from −£112 (−8%) to +£337 (+23%), though the difference was not significant (P = 0.10). Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events did not differ significantly (10.2% in the experimental group vs. 10.6% in the standard group) and angina and quality of life improved to a similar degree over follow-up in both randomized groups. Invasive angiography was reduced significantly in the experimental group (19% vs. 25%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion 

A strategy of CTCA with selective FFR_CT in patients with stable angina did not differ significantly from standard clinical care pathways in cost or clinical outcomes, but did reduce the use of invasive coronary angiography.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on coronary blood flow

BACKGROUND

Although neurostimulation has been shown to be of benefit in angina pectoris, the exact mechanism of its action is not clear. This study was performed to examine the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on coronary blood flow.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation was studied in 34 syndrome X patients (group 1), 15 coronary artery disease patients (group 2), and 16 heart transplant patients (group 3). Coronary blood flow velocity (CBFV) in the left coronary system was measured at rest and after a 5-minute stimulation period with a Judkins Doppler. There was a significant increase in the resting CBFV in group 1 (from 6.8 +/- 4.1 to 10.5 +/- 5.7 cm/s, P < .001) and group 2 (from 6.8 +/- 4.1 to 10.5 +/- 5.7 cm/s, P < .001). However, there was no significant change in the resting CBFV in group 3. There were no significant changes in the coronary arterial diameters as a result of neurostimulation. There was a significant decrease in the epinephrine levels in group 1 (from 79.6 +/- 17.8 to 58.5 +/- 17.5 ng/L, P = .01) and group 2 (from 102.2 +/- 27.2 to 64.1 +/- 19.1 ng/L, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can increase resting coronary blood flow velocity. The findings suggest that the site of action is at the microcirculatory level and that the effects may be mediated by neural mechanisms.

Chemotaxis of a Ralstonia sp. SJ98 toward different nitroaromatic compounds and their degradation

A Ralstonia sp. SJ98, isolated by a chemotactic enrichment technique, was capable of utilizing different nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). It utilized p-nitrophenol, 4-nitrocatechol, o-nitrobenzoic acid, and p-nitrobenzoic acid as the sole source of carbon and energy. It was observed that Ralstonia sp. SJ98 was chemotactic to the above-mentioned NACs as tested by the drop assay, swarm plate assay, and capillary assay. However, it failed to show chemotactic behavior toward those compounds which were not degraded by the microorganism. This is the first report which shows the chemotaxis of a microorganism toward different NACs and their subsequent degradation. Some of the intermediates of the NACs' degradative pathways have been identified using TLC, GC, and GC-MS studies. The results presented here indicate a correlation between chemotaxis and biodegradation of NACs.

Kinetics of biodegradation of p-nitrophenol by different bacteria

Three bacterial species, i.e., Ralstonia sp. SJ98, Arthrobacter protophormiae RKJ100, and Burkholderia cepacia RKJ200, have been examined for their efficiency and kinetics behavior toward PNP degradation. All the three bacteria utilized PNP as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. The rates of radiolabeled [U-(14)C]PNP degradation by all the bacteria were higher in the nitrogen-free medium compared to the medium with nitrogen. The apparent K(m) values of PNP degradation by SJ98, RKJ100, and RKJ200 were 0.32, 0.28, and 0.23 mM, respectively, as determined from the Michaelis-Menten curves. The maximum rates of PNP degradation (V(max)) according to Lineweaver-Burk's plots were 11.76, 7.81, and 3.84 micromol PNP degraded/min/mg dry biomass, respectively. The interpretation drawn from the Lineweaver-Burk's plots showed that the PNP degradation by SJ98 was stimulated by 4-nitrocatechol and 1, 2,4-benzenetriol. Benzoquinone and hydroquinone inhibited PNP degradation by RKJ100 noncompetitively and competitively, respectively, whereas in the case of RKJ200, benzoquinone and hydroquinone inhibited PNP degradation in an uncompetitive manner. beta-Ketoadipate did not affect the rate of PNP degradation in any case.

Both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent function is impaired in patients with angina pectoris and normal coronary angiograms

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasodilatation in syndrome X patients. Recently selective impairment of endothelium-dependent function has been reported in a small number of syndrome X patients. However, other investigators have reported impaired endothelium-independent function.

METHODS

We infused the endothelium-independent vasodilators papaverine and glyceryl trinitrate, and endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine in the left coronary artery of 35 patients with syndrome X and in 17 control subjects (atypical chest pain, negative exercise test, and normal coronary angiograms). Coronary blood flow was measured with an intracoronary Doppler catheter positioned in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery, and the artery diameter was assessed using quantitative coronary angiography.

RESULTS

The mean increase in coronary blood flow in response to a 12 mg dose of papaverine was significantly less in the syndrome X group (185 +/- 74% vs 411 +/- 59%, P < 0.001). The increase in coronary blood flow in response to acetylcholine, at doses of 1, 3, 10, and 30 micrograms.min-1, was also significantly lower in the syndrome X group (12 +/- 13 (P < 0.05), 41 +/- 33, 57 +/- 68, and 124 +/- 87% (P < 0.001)) as compared to the control group (76 +/- 49, 214 +/- 116, 355 +/- 115, and 361 +/- 74%).

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate that both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent dilatation of the coronary microvasculature is impaired in syndrome X.

Plasmid-encoded degradation of p-nitrophenol and 4-nitrocatechol by Arthrobacter protophormiae

Arthrobacter protophormiae strain RKJ100 is capable of utilizing p-nitrophenol (PNP) as well as 4-nitrocatechol (NC) as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy. The degradation of PNP and NC by this microorganism takes place through an oxidative route, as stoichiometry of nitrite molecules was observed when the strain was grown on PNP or NC as sole carbon and energy sources. The degradative pathways of PNP and NC were elucidated on the basis of enzyme assays and chemical characterization of the intermediates by TLC, GC, (1)H NMR, GC-MS, UV spectroscopy, and HPLC analyses. Our studies clearly indicate that the degradation of PNP proceeds with the formation of p-benzoquinone (BQ) and hydroquinone (HQ) and is further degraded via the beta-ketoadipate pathway. Degradation of NC involved initial oxidation to generate 1,2,4-benzenetriol (BT) and 2-hydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone; the latter intermediate is then reductively dehydroxylated, forming BQ and HQ, and is further cleaved via beta-ketoadipate to TCA intermediates. It is likely, therefore, that the same set of genes encode the further metabolism of HQ in PNP and NC degradation. A plasmid of approximately 65 kb was found to be responsible for harboring genes for PNP and NC degradation in this strain. This was based on the fact that PNP(-) NC(-) derivatives were devoid of the plasmid and had simultaneously lost their capability to grow at the expense of these nitroaromatic compounds.

Binding of gelsolin, a secretory protein, to amyloid beta-protein

Soluble amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) is normally present in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. However, it is fibrillized and deposited as plaques in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contains several circulating proteins (apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein J, and transthyretin) that bind to Abeta. We report here that gelsolin, a secretory protein, also binds to Abeta in a concentration-dependent manner. Under similar conditions, other proteins such as G-actin, protein kinase C, polyglutamic acid, and gelatin did not bind to Abeta. Solid phase binding assays showed two Abeta binding sites on gelsolin that have dissociation constants (Kd) of 1.38 and 2.55 microM. Abeta was found to co-immunoprecipitate along with gelsolin from the plasma, suggesting that gelsolin-Abeta complex exists under physiological conditions. The gelsolin-Abeta complex was sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)stable in the absence of reducing agent, but was dissociated when the SDS stop solution contained dithiothreitol (reducing agent). This study suggests that the function of secretory gelsolin in the CSF and plasma is to bind and sequester Abeta.

Chemotaxis and biodegradation of 3-methyl- 4-nitrophenol by Ralstonia sp. SJ98

3-Methyl-4-nitrophenol is one of the major breakdown products of fenitrothion [O,O-dimethyl O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl) thiophosphate], a recalcitrant organophosphate insecticide used in agriculture. Being the non-polar methylated aromatic compound, 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol is highly toxic and, therefore, a complete degradation of this compound is important for environmental decontamination/bioremediation purposes. A gram negative, motile Ralstonia sp. SJ98 was isolated by selective screening from a soil sample contaminated with pesticides. The microorganism was capable of utilizing 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol as the sole source of carbon and energy. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed to determine the possible intermediates in the degradative pathway of this compound. Taken together, catechol was found to be one of the major intermediate of the pathway. Furthermore, the chemotactic behavior of Ralstonia sp. SJ98 towards 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol was tested using three different methods i.e., drop assay, swarm plate assay and capillary assay, which were found to be positive towards this compound. This is the first report clearly indicating the involvement of a microorganism in the chemotaxis and biodegradation of methyl-4-nitrophenol and formation of catechol as an intermediate in the degradative pathway.

Plasmid-encoded degradation of p-nitrophenol by Pseudomonas cepacia

A Pseudomonas cepacia strain RKJ 200 capable of utilising p-nitrophenol (PNP+) as the sole source of carbon, nitrogen, and energy was isolated by selective enrichment. The degradation of PNP by this strain proceeds through an oxidative route as indicated by the accumulation of nitrite molecules in the culture medium. Initial studies indicate that the degradation of PNP occurs via hydroquinone as shown by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography studies; hydroquinone is further degraded via the beta-ketoadipate pathway. A plasmid of approximately 50 kilobase pairs was found to be responsible for carrying genes for PNP degradation in this strain. This was based on the facts that the PNP- mutants lacked the plasmid and that the PNP+ phenotype could conjugally be transferred. In addition, the same plasmid also encoded resistance to inorganic zinc ions.

Abnormal cardiac pain perception in syndrome X

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a diminished cardiac pain threshold contributes to chest pain in patients with syndrome X.

BACKGROUND

There have been some reports of an altered pain perception in syndrome X.

METHODS

Intracardiac catheter manipulation was performed in four groups of patients (syndrome X [group 1, 36 patients]; mitral valve disease and normal coronary arteries [group 2, 36 patients]; mitral valve disease and coronary artery disease [group 3, 36 patients]; and heart transplant recipients with normal coronary arteries [group 4, 36 patients]). Coronary flow velocity was measured in patients with syndrome X and in transplant recipients by use of an intracoronary Doppler catheter positioned in the left anterior descending coronary artery at intracardiac catheter manipulation. Coronary flow reserve in response to papaverine was also measured in patients with syndrome X and in transplant recipients.

RESULTS

Intracardiac stimulation produced typical anginal chest pain in 34 group 1 (syndrome X) patients (94%). However, chest pain was produced only in five patients (14%) in group 2, seven patients (19%) in group 3 and no patients in group 4. There were no significant changes in coronary blood flow velocity associated with chest pain in group 1 patients. Coronary flow reserve in response to a hyperemic dose of intracoronary papaverine was significantly lower in the syndrome X group. There was no significant difference in the prevalence with which the stimulation tests produced chest pain in patients with syndrome X with an impaired coronary flow reserve or a positive radionuclide scan.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study suggest that abnormal cardiac pain perception is a fundamental abnormality in syndrome X.

Activation of protein kinase C by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) was partially purified from rat liver cytosol and used to synthesize phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), using phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) as a substrate. Purified PIP3 (free of chromatographic oxalate) activated protein kinase C (PKC) in the presence of phosphatidylserine and calcium (PKC -cofactors) in a concentration-dependent manner. In the absence of these cofactors, effect of PIP3 was not observed. Comparison of the effects of PIP3 and PIP2 on PKC activity indicates that PIP3 is a more potent PKC-activator than PIP2. The affinity of PKC to PIP3 was 4 fold higher than that to PIP2 (KPIP3 = 0.022 and KPIP2 = 0.087 mol %), while its maximal velocity (Vmax) was similar to that of PIP2-stimulated PKC activity (0.4 - 0.5 mumol/mg/min). These results suggest a physiological role for PIP3 in signal transduction, and support the previous finding (Chauhan et al. (1991) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 287,283) that PKC-activation by phosphoinositides increases with the state of phosphorylation of these lipids. We propose that PIP3 by activating PKC may initiate a cascade of events from PIP3-->PKC- activation-->effects on other protein kinases such as MAP-kinase-->gene expression.

Probucol reduces plasma and aortic wall oxysterol levels in cholesterol fed rabbits independently of its plasma cholesterol lowering effect

To understand further the antiatherogenic mechanism of probucol, the antioxidant effect of this agent was studied on specific cholesterol oxidation products in plasma and aortic wall in equally hypercholesterolemic New Zealand white rabbits. In order to maintain equal plasma total cholesterol levels, five control rabbits (C group) received a 1% followed by a 0.5% cholesterol enriched diet, while the probucol treated rabbits (C+P group) received a graded increase in the cholesterol supplemented diet from 1% to 3%; probucol supplementation was constant at 1%. After 9 weeks of feeding, the plasma oxysterols, cholest-5-ene-3 beta,7 alpha-diol, cholest-5-ene-3 beta,7 beta-diol, 5,6 beta-epoxy-5 alpha-cholestan-3 beta-ol, 5,6 alpha-epoxy-5 alpha-cholestan-3 alpha-ol and 5 alpha-cholestane-3 beta,5,6 beta-triol significantly increased over baseline levels in both experimental groups. However, the increase in all these products in plasma was 20-60% less in the C+P group than the C group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the C+P aortic wall cholesterol oxide concentrations were 50-90% less than the C group (P < 0.05). The oxysterol pattern of the aortic wall was similar to plasma. Additionally, the aortic wall cholesterol content in the C+P group was 50% less than the C group (P < 0.05). The plasma cholesterol levels were not significantly different at any time point during the study and the cholesterol oxide content in the diets was the same. These results are consistent with the contention that the antioxidant properties of probucol serve as the basis for its antiatherogenic effects in vivo.

Profilin and gelsolin stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity

Actin-binding proteins such as profilin and gelsolin bind to phosphatidylinositol (PI) 4,5-bisphosphate (PI 4,5-P2) and regulate the concentration of monomeric actin. We report here that profilin and gelsolin stimulate PI 3-kinase-mediated phosphorylation of PI 4,5-P2 (lipid kinase activity) in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect is specific to profilin and gelsolin because other cytoskeletal proteins such as tau or actin do not affect PI 3-kinase activity. In addition to lipid kinase activity, PI 3-kinase also has protein kinase activity: it phosphorylates proteins (p85 subunit of PI 3-kinase). However, the protein kinase activity of PI 3-kinase was not affected in the presence of profilin. Kinetic analysis, as a function of varying concentrations of ATP and PI 4,5-P2, showed that profilin affects the Vmax of PI 3-kinase without affecting k(m). Profilin may also affect PI 3-kinase activity by its direct association to the enzyme because dot-blot analysis using antibody to glutathione S-transferase (GST) suggested that GST-85 kDa, a fusion protein of PI 3-kinase, binds to profilin. However, PI 3-kinase did not affect the actin-sequestering ability of profilin (determined by pyrene-labeled actin), which indicates that actin and p85 do not share a common binding site on profilin. These studies suggest that profilin and gelsolin may control the generation of 3-OH phosphorylated phosphoinositides, which in turn may regulate the actin polymerization.