[Iodine deficiency in the world and in the Czech Republic--current status and perspectives]

Iodopenia is importance world-wide problem--the cause of spectrum of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD). The "simple" way for its compensation is iodine supplementation--preferably by iodinization of salt: in the Czech Republic prevalence of IDD was very high in the past. The complex program for compensation of iodine deficiency realized in the CR includes improvement of salt iodization, supplementation of pregnant and lactating women, fortification of products for babies' nutrition and increasing use of iodinized salt in general population incl. food industry. Thus CR is country with compensated iodine deficiency according to criteria WHO, UNICEF, ICCIDD. In future, however, systematic interest should be focused on optimalization of iodine saturation, esp. in pregnant women and evaluation of possible risk of supranormal iodine intake (impairment of thyroid function, activation of thyroid autoimmunity). Taking in account, the changes of nutrition and life style systematic monitoring of quality of iodine supplementation seems to be essential.

[Influence of iodine saturation on thyreopathy incidence in selected regions of the Czech Republic]

Thyreopathy--a disorder of thyroid gland--is, together with diabetes, one of the most common endocrine diseases and, similarly to other endocrinopathies, higher prevalence is seen in women than in men. When eliminating iodine deficiency, it should to be taken into account that the mean ioduria in the general population reaches 100-200 microg/l, just 1.3% of the population does not reach ioduria of 50 microg/l and the prevalence of goitre in school children declines below 5%. The 1991 and 1997 period was a period of slight iodine deficiency (ioduria < 100 microg/I) and was followed, between 1998 and 2006, by a period of optimum iodine saturation (ioduria > 100 microg/l). Median ioduria observed over one year follow up differed in different age groups, highest values were seen in the 18-35 age group and declined with age. Median iodinuria depended on the year of follow up, age and gender (p < 0.0000). Thyroid gland hypofunction was more frequent in women and ioduria levels > 100 microg/I, thyroid gland hyperfunction was also more frequent in women but with ioduria levels < 100 microg/l. Hypofunction, subclinical hypofunction, hyperfunction and subclinical hyperfunction were more frequent in women. Of unexplained laboratory findings, isolated hypothyroxinemia was more frequent in women and isolated hyperthyroxinemia was more frequent in men. Euthyreosis was more frequent in men than women.

Lipoblastoma in children: an analysis of 5 cases

Lipoblastoma is a very rare benign tumour that is caused by embryonal fat. The present five cases of lipoblastoma operated on during the years 1996-2005. The localization of the lipoblastomas in our series were very unusual. A six-monthold girl with giant mediastinal lipoblastoma; a two-year old boy with very rare lipoblastoma of the kidney; a three-year old boy with mesenterial lipoblastoma; a seven-year old boy with mesenterial lipoblastoma; and an eight-week old girl with perineal localization. Histological diagnosis can be difficult. The basic differential diagnosis is to be made between lipoblastoma, myxoid, and round cell liposarcoma. In our sample group of patients all lipoblastomas were successfully and completely removed and we did not see any recurrence of the tumours. In only one case was more radical surgery needed. One patient with mesenterial lipoblastoma had to undergo a 30 cm long resection of the small intestine.

[Evaluation of results of iodine prophylaxis in Czech Republic]

BACKGROUND

Improvement of system of iodine prophylaxis in Czech Republic resulted in compensation of iodine deficiency. Effects of increased iodine intake on the status of thyroid gland (volume, function, autoimmune disorders) should be determined. The aim of the study was to evaluate those effects in an epidemiological survey.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A randomly selected sample of adult population (18-65 years old) from 3 regions was investigated using the same methods at the interval of 5 years. A significant increase of ioduria was proved with the marked increase of prevalence of high category (over 300 ug of I per 100 mL of urine). Volume of the thyroid gland decreased significantly in women, not in men. No significant changes of TSH were observed, however FT4 level slightly, but significantly increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeated epidemiological survey of the randomly selected sample of adult population in 3 regions verified the effectiveness of improved iodine prophylaxis with not unequivocally positive increase of high (supraphysiological) category of ioduria. Decrease of thyroid volume was proved in women only, a tendency of mild (clinically not important) increase of thyroid function was also observed.

[Selenium deficiency of west Bohemia population]

To estimate status and intake of selenium in inhabitants of the most Western region of the Czech Republic (Cheb region) 241 serum, 404 urine and 30 hair samples from randomly selected persons in the age between 6 and 65 years is performed. Serum and hair samples were analysed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), while Se in urines was detected by means of fluorimetry. Urine iodine was determined in the same group by Sandell-Kolthoff method for the possibility to detect concomitant Se and I deficiency and/or correlations between these two essential trace elements necessary for metabolism of thyroid hormones. Average values of Se indexes are low (55.4 +/- 13.8 microg Se/L serum; 15.4 +/- 5.7 microg Se/L urine; 13.6 +/- 6.0 microg Se/g creatinine; 0.268 +/- 0.051 microg Se/g hair) and prove Se deficiency in the searched population. Statistical evaluation of Se in subgroups of boys, girls, men and women proved significant differences as far as age is concerned, gender differences were found only between boys and girls. Some significant and highly significant differences were found also in subgroups according age and gender (males and females in the age of 6, 10, 13, 18-35, 36-49 and 50-65 years). On the other hand, urine iodine average value (126 +/- 65 microg/L) is on the lower optimum level. By the use of correlation analysis, slight but significant correlations were found between Se and I in urine and some of thyroid hormone parameters and their influence on the organism.

[Is decreased thyroid echogenity a good indicator of thyroid autoimmune disorder?]

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid gland with mildly decreased or significantly decreased echogenity is indicating possible autoimmune disorder even before first symptoms, i.e. change in laboratory tests measuring the level of thyroid hormones and antibodies to thyroid antigens occur.

TARGET

to consider changes in thyroid gland echogenity suspecting thyroid autoimmune disorder and to determine antibodies to thyroid antigens in the respective type of thyroid echogenity (increased, normal, mildly decreased or significantly decreased) to consider the activity of autoimmune thyropathies related to echogenity and to compare these factors.

METHODS

Echogenity of the thyroid gland was examinated in randomly selected population (n = 1 055, 360 male, 695 female) in 11 regions of the Czech republic, all presented with urinary iodine concentration > 100 microg/L of urine. The echogenity was determined in 4-level scale as increased (1), normal (0), mildly decreased (-1) and significantly decreased (-2). Texture of thyroid was evaluated in 2-level scale as homogenous or non-homogenous. For the evaluation of the relation between echogenity type (1 to -2) and TgAb, and between the type of echogenity and TOPAb frequence analysis (logarithm-linear modules) was used, i.e. the complete module was compared with the measured values.

RESULTS

The selected adults (695 female, 360 male) with urinary iodine concentration > 100 microg/L of urine presented with increased echogenity in 2 females (0.28%) and 1 male (0.28%), normal echogenity in 281 females (40.42%) and 206 males (57.22%), mildly decreased echogenity in 288 females (41.43%) and 128 males (35.56%) and significantly decreased echogenity in 124 females (17.84%) and 25 males (6.95%). The biggest group, both in males and in females, presented with normal and mildly decreased echogenity. Homogenous thyroid gland structure was found in 223 females (32.08%) and 220 males (61.11%). Non-homogenous texture was found in 472 females (67.92 %) and 140 males (38.89%). Frequence analysis both in males and in females was focused on: 1. relation between the echogenity (ECHO) and TgAb: in females with positive TgAb (14.23%), significant relation to ECHO can be seen (p < 0,0001), in contradiction to males; 2. relation between the echogenity (ECHO) and TPOAb: this relation is very significant both in males and in females (p < 0.0001); 3. mutual relation between TgAb and TPOAb: both in males and in females very significant (p < 0.0001); positive relation between antibodies can be seen. Positive presence of antibodies can be found less frequent, negative presence of both antibodies is more frequent; 4. relation between the echogenity, TgAb and TPOAb: no statistic significance was found.

CONCLUSION

Homogenous thyroid gland structure was mainly found in males and, on the contrary, non-homogenous structure in females. In 52.7% of adults with significantly decreased echogenity, autoimmune disorder was confirmed in laboratory tests at the same time. With echogenity increasing, TgAb and TPOAb decreased, vice versa. Sonography, evaluating decreased echogenity, can be an early indicator of serious thyropathies before function parameters and clinical symptoms appear. Detected risky adults with sonographic signs of autoimmune disorder have to be monitored and respective treatment considered and started at the very first occurence of positive antibodies even if the function is still normal.

Experimental hypoxia and embryonic angiogenesis

We examined the role of hypoxia and HIF factors in embryonic angiogenesis and correlated the degree of hypoxia with the level of HIF and VEGF expression and blood vessel formation. Quail eggs were incubated in normoxic and hypoxic (16% O(2)) conditions. Tissue hypoxia marker, pimonidazol hydrochloride, was applied in vivo for 1 hr and detected in sections with Hypoxyprobe-1 Ab. VEGF and HIF expression was detected by in situ hybridization. HIF-1alpha protein was detected in sections and by Western blot. Endothelial cells were visualized with QH-1 antibody. Hypoxic regions were detected even in normoxic control embryos, mainly in brain, neural tube, branchial arches, limb primordia, and mesonephros. The expression patterns of HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta factors followed, in general, the Hypoxyprobe-1 marked regions. HIF-2alpha was predominantly expressed in endothelial cells. Diffuse VEGF expression was detected in hypoxic areas of neural tube, myocardium, digestive tube, and most prominently in mesonephros. Growing capillaries were directed to areas of VEGF positivity. Hypoxic regions in hypoxic embryos were larger and stained more intensely. VEGF and HIF-1 factors were proportionately elevated in Hypoxyprobe-1 marked regions without being expressed at new sites and were followed by increased angiogenesis. Our results demonstrate that normal embryonic vascular development involves the HIF-VEGF regulatory cascade. Experimentally increasing the level of hypoxia to a moderate level resulted in over-expression of HIF-1 factors and VEGF followed by an increase in the density of developing vessels. These data indicate that embryonic angiogenesis is responsive to environmental oxygen tension and, therefore, is not entirely genetically controlled.

[The volumes of the thyroid gland in adults aged 18-65 years in the Czech Republic--determination of the norms]

OBJECTIVE

In the areas with moderate iodine deficit the sonographic examination of thyroid gland is a precious method of precise determination of its volume. The objective of the work was the sonographic examination of males and females aged 18-65 years and to determine the norms of the volumes of thyroid gland.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, by random sampling, there were sonographically examined 3 416 adults in 11 areas of the Czech Republic; there was chosen a set of 971 females and 681 males whose iodinuria level in first morning urine sample was equal or higher than 100 microg/l. This set was divided according to sex and into the age categories in 5-year interval. The measurement of 3 dimensions of the thyroid gland was determined by Medison-Kretz SA 600 sonographic device with the use of 7.5 MHz linear probe for the depth and width measurement and 3.5 MHz probe was used for the lengths measurement. The volume was determined for each lobe individually using Brunn's formula: V (ml) = 0.479 x length x depth x width. Our results imply the age-related increase of the volume of thyroid gland at both sexes (F-ratio = 1.99, p < 0.0001). At men and women the volume of thyroid gland fluently increases to the 30th year equally, from 30 years to 55 years it increases more rapidly in men while in women there is observed a moderate plateau. Further increase of the volume of thyroid gland is equally fluent from the age of 55 years.

CONCLUSION

We managed to determine first own norms of the volumes of thyroid gland for men and women aged 18-65 years in the Czech Republic in five-year age categories. In terms of practical use we recommend 90th percentile as a limit for the evaluation of upper limit of thyroid gland and the 10th percentile for the evaluation of lower limit of the volume of thyroid gland.

Overexpression of v-myb oncogene or c-myb proto-oncogene in insect cells: characterization of newly induced nucleolus-like structures accumulating Myb protein

The oncoprotein v-Myb induces myeloid leukemia and its cellular counterpart c-Myb is involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Although intensively studied, their precise subcellular localization is not known. In order to expand our knowledge in this respect, we used an artificial system overexpressing these proteins. We investigated the subcellular localization of Myb proteins in cultured non-synchronized insect cells transfected with recombinant baculoviruses overexpressing either v-myb oncogene or c-myb proto-oncogene. The cell expressing Myb proteins underwent extensive nuclear changes and exhibited distinct nuclear structures resembling nucleoli. The bulk of v-Myb and c-Myb proteins accumulated in such nucleolus-like structures which, according to the nucleolar nomenclature, we classified to three types: compact of enlarged size (type I), large ring-shaped (type II) and with nucleolonemas (type III). We investigated these structures for the presence of important nucleolar macromolecules in order to establish whether they were compatible with the function in the production of ribosomes. Strikingly, our results indicated that the different forms of these structures did not represent genuine nucleoli. They rather reflected progressive changes, induced by the virus infection and high expression of v-myb genes, accompanied by the formation of these prominent nucleolus-like structures highly enriched in Myb protein. Gradual changes in number of individual nucleolus-like forms during infection, increasing amount of Myb protein and DNA localized in them together with decreasing amount of RNA and their different interaction with viral particles indicate that the nucleolus-like structure of type I is a precursor of the type II and finally of the type III.

The leucine zipper region of Myb oncoprotein regulates the commitment of hematopoietic progenitors

The development of blood cells proceeds from pluripotent stem cells through multipotent progenitors into mature elements belonging to at least 8 different lineages. The lineage choice process during which stem cells and progenitors commit to a particular lineage is regulated by a coordinated action of extracellular signals and transcription factors. Molecular mechanisms controlling commitment are largely unknown. Here, the transcription factor v-Myb and its leucine zipper region (LZR) are identified as regulators of the commitment of a common myeloid progenitor and progenitors restricted to the myeloid lineage. It is demonstrated that wild-type v-Myb with the intact LZR directs development of progenitors into the macrophage lineage. Mutations in this region compromise commitment toward myeloid cells and cause v-Myb to also support the development of erythroid cells, thrombocytes, and granulocytes, similar to the c-Myb protein. In agreement with that, the wild-type v-Myb induces high expression of myeloid factors C/EBP beta, PU.1, and Egr-1 in its target cells, whereas SCL, GATA-1, and c-Myb are more abundant in cells expressing the v-Myb LZR mutant. It is proposed that Myb LZR can function as a molecular switch, affecting expression of lineage-specifying transcription factors and directing the development of hematopoietic progenitors into either myeloid or erythroid lineages.

Association and linkage studies of candidate genes involved in GABAergic neurotransmission in lithium-responsive bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVE

To test for genetic linkage and association with GABAergic candidate genes in lithium-responsive bipolar disorder.

DESIGN

Polymorphisms located in genes that code for GABRA3, GABRA5 and GABRB3 subunits of the GABAA receptor were investigated using association and linkage strategies.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 138 patients with bipolar 1 disorder with a clear response to lithium prophylaxis, selected from specialized lithium clinics in Canada and Europe that are part of the International Group for the Study of Lithium-Treated Patients, and 108 psychiatrically healthy controls. Families of 24 probands were suitable for linkage analysis.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The association between the candidate genes and patients with bipolar disorder versus that of controls and genetic linkage within families.

RESULTS

There was no significant association or linkage found between lithium-responsive bipolar disorder and the GABAergic candidate genes investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study does not support a major role for the GABAergic candidate genes tested in lithium-responsive bipolar disorder.

Baculovirus expression system cells expressing v-myb oncogene: the distribution of RNA and DNA in specific nuclear compartments with respect to structures interacting with anti-v-Myb antibody

The distribution of RNA, total DNA and newly synthesized DNA within nucleoli-like structures in insect cells overexpressing v-myb oncogene was investigated. Three types of these structures which revealed interaction with anti-v-Myb oncoprotein antibody were found at the ultrastructural level. Specific staining by toluidine blue at pH 5.2 showed the presence of RNA in these nucleoli-like structures. To detect total DNA, the in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-immunogold technique was used. In addition to an expected labeling of host condensed chromatin, the labeling of the three types of nucleoli-like structures differed from each other. While the compact (type I) and ring-shaped (type II) nucleoli-like structures were labeled only on their periphery and in the proximity of baculovirus particles that interacted with them, the structures with an appearance of nucleolonemas (type III) were labeled strongly. Incorporation of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine, in spite of a poor labeling of newly synthesized DNA, confirmed these results. We suggest that the nucleoli-like structures of type I and II are of nucleolar origin. The type III more likely represents virogenic stroma or viral DNA storage site.

Association and linkage studies of CRH and PENK genes in bipolar disorder: a collaborative IGSLI study

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and proenkephalin (PENK) are hypothalamic peptides involved in the stress response and hypothalamic-pituitary axis regulation. Previous research has implicated these peptides in the pathogenesis of affective disorders. In this study we investigated two polymorphisms located in the genes that code for CRH and PENK by means of association and linkage analyses. A total of 138 bipolar patients and 108 controls were included in the association study. In addition, 24 families were available for linkage analysis, including six families of probands with documented periodic positivity of dexamethasone suppression tests (DST) during remission. We found no association of bipolar disorder with either gene. Similarly, we did not find any evidence of linkage (P = 0.56 for CRH and 0.52 for PENK) in the entire sample or in the subsample of families of DST positive probands. In conclusion, our study does not support the hypothesis that genes coding for CRH or PENK contribute to the genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:178-181, 2000.

Polyglutamine coding genes in bipolar disorder: lack of association with selected candidate loci

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested that expanded trinucleotide repeats, particularly CAG, may have a role in the etiology of BD. Results obtained with the repeat expansion detection technique (RED) have indicated that bipolar patients have an excess of expanded CAG repeats. However, it is not clear which loci account for this difference.

METHODS

Using lithium-responsive bipolar patients in order to reduce heterogeneity, we investigated five loci that are expressed in the brain and contain translated CAG repeats. A sample of 138 cases and 108 controls was studied. Genotypes were coded quantitatively or qualitatively and repeat distributions were compared.

RESULTS

No difference was found in allele distribution between cases and controls for any of the loci studied. In one locus - L10378 - patients had a tendency to present shorter alleles (28.1 versus 27.9 repeats; t=2.55, df=205, P=0.011), however, this difference disappeared after correction for multiple testing.

LIMITATIONS

The study has limitations common to most candidate gene association studies, that is, limited number of loci investigated and limited power to detect loci that account for a small proportion of the total genetic variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the loci investigated have no major role in the genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder.

Myb-interacting protein, ATBF1, represses transcriptional activity of Myb oncoprotein

Using the yeast two-hybrid system, the transcription factor ATBF1 was identified as v-Myb- and c-Myb-binding protein. Deletion mutagenesis revealed amino acids 2484-2520 in human ATBF1 and 279-300 in v-Myb as regions required for in vitro binding of both proteins. Further experiments identified leucines Leu325 and Leu332 of the Myb leucine zipper motif as additional amino acid residues important for efficient ATBF1-Myb interaction in vitro. In co-transfection experiments, the full-length ATBF1 was found to form in vivo complexes with v-Myb and inhibit v-Myb transcriptional activity. Both ATBF1 2484-2520 and Myb 279-300 regions were required for the inhibitory effect. Finally, the chicken ATBF1 was identified, showing high degree of amino acid sequence homology with human and murine proteins. Our data reveal Myb proteins as the first ATBF1 partners detected so far and identify amino acids 279-300 in v-Myb as a novel protein-protein interaction interface through which Myb transcriptional activity can be regulated.

MAOA: association and linkage studies with lithium responsive bipolar disorder

A number of association studies have investigated the role of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene in the susceptibility to bipolar disorder. Although some studies have reported positive findings, there remains some controversy, because results from different studies have not been consistent. A common explanation for inconsistencies between studies is genetic heterogeneity. We have focused on lithium responsive bipolar disorder as a way to reduce heterogeneity. In this study, we investigated the role of MAOA in lithium responsive bipolar patients using association and linkage study designs. The investigation used 138 patients and 108 normal controls. In addition, 25 families were also studied. Our results were not supportive of a major role of MAOA in the predisposition to bipolar disorder.

Evidence for a role of phospholipase C-gamma1 in the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder

Several studies have indicated that patients with bipolar disorder (BD) who respond well to lithium prophylaxis constitute a biologically distinct subgroup. Lithium is thought to stabilize mood by acting at the phosphoinositide cycle. We have investigated a polymorphism located in the gene (PLCG1) that codes for a gamma-1 isozyme of phospholipase (PLC), an enzyme that plays an important role in the phosphoinositide second messenger system. A population-based association study and a family-based linkage study were carried out on patients who were considered excellent responders to lithium prophylaxis. Response to lithium was evaluated prospectively with an average follow-up of 14.4 +/- 6.8 years. The PLCG1 polymorphism was investigated in 136 excellent lithium responders and 163 controls. In addition, the segregation of this marker was studied in 32 families ascertained through lithium-responsive bipolar probands. The allele distributions between lithium-responsive bipolar patients and controls were different, with a higher frequency of one of the PLCG1 polymorphisms in patients (chi2 = 8.09; empirical P = 0.033). This polymorphism, however, confers only a small risk (OR = 1.88, CI 1.19-3.00). Linkage studies with the same marker yielded modest support for the involvement of this gene in the pathogenesis of BD when unilineal families were considered (Max LOD = 1.45; empirical P = 0.004), but not in the whole sample. Our results provide preliminary evidence that a PLC isozyme may confer susceptibility to bipolar disorder, probably accounting for a fraction of the total genetic variance. Whether this polymorphism is implicated in the pathogenesis of BD or in the mechanism of lithium response remains to be determined.

The Myb leucine zipper is essential for leukemogenicity of the v-Myb protein

The AMV v-Myb oncoprotein causes oncogenic transformation of myelomonocytic cells in vivo and in vitro. Its transforming capacity is strictly dependent upon the N-terminal DNA binding domain, the central transactivation region, and on the C-terminal domain containing a putative leucine zipper motif. Here we show that the v-MybL3,4A mutant, in which Leu325 and Leu332 of the leucine zipper have been replaced by alanines, failed to induce leukemia in virus infected chicken. This demonstrates that the leucine zipper domain is indispensable for v-myb induced leukemogenesis in vivo. v-MybL3,4A was, however, still able to transform myelomonocytic cells from chicken bone marrow in vitro. Yet, while v-mybL3,4A transformed cells were impaired in growth at 37 degrees C, they failed to grow at 42 degrees C, the physiological body temperature of avian species. This might explain the loss of v-MybL3,4A leukemogenic potential in vivo. We also demonstrate that the v-Myb leucine zipper domain interacts in vitro with two host cell proteins, p26 and p28. This interaction is compromised in v-MybL3,4A indicating that binding of v-Myb to p26 and p28 might be important for the leukemogenic potential of v-Myb.

[Interleukin-6 and acute phase reactants in the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma]

In 115 women (healthy controls and patients with benign and malignant gynaecological tumors) interleukin-6 was determined in blood plasma with the aim to decide whether elevated IL-6 levels may be used as a marker of ovarian carcinoma. In spite of statistically significantly increased IL-6 levels the authors do not regard at present the IL-6 values as a useful marker of ovarian carcinoma for two reasons: first, until now it is not decided whether elevated IL-6 values originate only from the cells of epithelial ovarian carcinoma or if they are also produced by tumour-associated macrophages or both and second: in a large number of cases (both controls and patients with malignant tumors) no IL-6 levels in blood plasma could be detected. For these reasons it seems to be more convenient (even economically) to determine in suspected cases and after exclusion of any inflammatory process the levels of prealbumin and transferrin. Significantly decreased levels of both have a high value of primary sensitivity (66% and 87% resp.).

V-myb oncogene and c-myb proto-oncogene expression in avian cells: morphological changes of the cells and topographic localization of myb proteins

Morphological changes of avian cells expressing the v-myb oncogene or c-myb proto-oncogene were studied by means of electron microscopy. Expression of both genes lead to distinct morphological changes of these cells. The nucleus of LSCC-BM2 cells espressing v-myb gene was of normal size but usually of irregular shape. It contained large unravelled nucleoli with typical interstices in some cells. Small nucleolar structures were also localized in the periphery of nuclear membrane. Nuclear envelope revealed reduced perinuclear space between two membranes. LSCC-BK3 cells expressing the c-myb gene were characterized by distinctly enlarged nucleus, in most cases of irregular shape. It contained only one nucleolus markedly enlarged, often unravelled, with apparent interstitial area. Nucleoli with nucleolonemas were observed in some cells. Nuclear envelope formed by two obscure membranes showed reduced perinuclear space. Topographic localization of v-Myb and c-Myb protein products was not basically different, both being detected in the nucleus of avian cells. v-Myb and c-Myb markers were distributed mostly in clusters, usually associated with interchromatin granules, but some marker was associated also with the nuclear membrane. Both Myb products were never detected in nucleolar structures of avian cells. Morphological changes of avian cells expressing myb genes and topographic localization of Myb proteins in these cells were different from those found in the insect cells expressing myb genes. The observed differences are discussed.

[Correlation of neuropsychological tests and density of brain white matter in schizophrenia]

In a group of 10 subjects, nine schizophrenic patients and one healthy twin (seven men and three women, i.e. two monozygotic twin pairs: two patients and a healthy man and his sick twin brother, one dizygotic pair of two female patients, three male patients and one female patient without their appropriate twin siblings) Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRNB) was used and partial neuropsychological tests (Wechsler Memory Scale, the Stroop Color-Word Test, Tonal Memory). The parameters of white matter density were evaluated by computed tomography. The fundamental findings include: In our small group numerous statistically significant correlations were found between neuropsychological tests and white matter density. 2. Higher density is associated with poorer neuropsychological efficiency. There are very similar correlations between neuropsychological variables and density parameters in different areas of the brain. 4. The majority of correlations of neuropsychological parameters is from the area of tactile and motor functions. 5. It is striking that there are statistically significant correlations of density with the simultaneous performance of both hands and the performance of the non-dominant hand but not with the performance of the dominant hand alone. 6. Some correlations pertain in addition to density also to the very controversial problem of the brain size of schizophrenic patients. In the investigated group an association between better neuropsychological performance and larger size of the brain was found. All findings will have to be tested in larger groups of patients and healthy subjects.

[The effect of insufficient iodine intake on the size and function of the thyroid gland]

BACKGROUND

The supply of iodine indisputably affects the function of the thyroid gland. It is not clear, however, as to what extent a moderate iodopenia affects common thyroid parameters. OBJECTIVES, STARTING POINT AND MAIN PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of iodopenia (ioduria below 50 micrograms of iodine per litre of urine) on the values of T4, T3, TSH, the ankle-jerk time and sonographically ascertained thyroid gland volume in randomly selected sample of Czech population from 4 regions.

METHODS

Ioduria was assessed by means of Sandel-Kolthoff method, total thyroxine, triiodothyronine and thyreotropic hormone by immunoluminiscence method; the volume of the thyroid gland sonographically according to Gutekunst and the ankle-jerk reflex by electromagnetic record method.

RESULTS

Iodopenia affects a majority of investigated parameters in dependence on age. T4 is significantly higher in iodopenic adults, T3 is significantly higher in iodopenic children, TSH is significantly higher in iodopenic adults and the ankle-jerk time is prolonged in iodopenic adults. The statistical significance of the effect of iodopenia on the volume of thyroid gland was not proved.

CONCLUSION

Iodopenia of a mediate degree affects commonly used parameters of the thyroid gland function in dependence on age and other factors which are to be more precisely analyzed using a larger sample. The statistical significance of the effect of iodopenia on the volume of thyroid gland was not proved. (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 13.).

Morphological changes of the insect cells in the baculovirus system as a function of v-myb and c-myb inserts expression and topographic localization of v-Myb and c-Myb proteins

Structural changes of insect cells Spodoptera frugiperda in the baculovirus expression system after expression of v-myb oncogene and c-myb protooncogene inserts were studied by means of electron microscopy. Expression of v-myb gene insert was accompanied by extensive changes in cell structure, when compared with those of the noninfected and wild-type virus-infected cells. Enormous increase in nuclear content was apparent within 48 hrs after infection, along with changes in nucleolus appearance. Large ring-shaped nucleoli, compact nucleoli and nucleoli with nucleolonemas were detected together with dense nucleolus of normal appearance and small nucleolar structures localized in the nuclear periphery. The cytoplasm practically disappeared 72 hrs after infection. Morphological changes of insect cells expressing the c-myb gene were significantly less distinct, but more frequent unraveling of nucleoli was observed. Both v-Myb and c-Myb proteins were localized in the nucleus of infected cells as was revealed by fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. c-Myb marker decorated distinctly the ring-shaped area of nucleolus with some less intensive labelling of the inner part of nucleolus and proximal area on nuclear membrane. v-Myb protein revealed predominantly more compact and homogeneous distribution inside the nucleolus but a small proportion of it was also detected outside the nucleolus in the nuclear compartment. The data obtained on insect cells suggest that Myb proteins may participate also in the processes in which the nucleolus plays a role.

The effect of long-term glucocorticoid therapy on glucocorticoid receptor content and on steroid response to ACTH

The effect of long-term glucocorticoid therapy for systemic diseases on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) content and on basal and ACTH-stimulated levels of plasma and salivary cortisol 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone, androstenedione, 11 beta-hydroxyandrostenedione, DHEA, its sulfate and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), as well as on basal levels of aldosterone, was investigated in a group of 24 children treated with prednisone for at least 8 months. The therapy was interrupted 24 h before the ACTH test and before plasma and saliva sampling. The control group consisted of 21 healthy children of corresponding age and sex. The patients were divided into two subgroups with normal and subnormal basal cortisolemia, they also differed in their response to ACTH. The GR levels in patient groups were indistinguishable from those found in controls. No correlation was found between GR content and basal levels of the above steroids or their response to ACTH. The best markers, apart from basal cortisolemia, for evaluation of the degree of suppression of adrenal function appeared to be the response of salivary (but not of plasma) cortisol and 17 alpha-hydroxy-progesterone to ACTH. Surprisingly, significantly lower levels of SHBG levels, which rose markedly after ACTH, were found in all the patients.

Maintenance of a circadian phase adjustment of the human melatonin rhythm following artificial long days

In winter, a 5-day exposure of 4 human subjects to a skeleton photoperiod, with 3 h of bright light in the evening and again in the morning, phase advanced the morning serum melatonin offset by 1-3 h as compared with the original winter melatonin rhythm pattern. The phase advance persisted for 3 days even after the bright light withdrawal. The data indicate that the long skeleton photoperiod had a prevailing phase-advancing effect on the melatonin rhythm and its underlying pacemaker. The maintenance of the phase advance might be due to the fixed sleep-wake schedule.

[Neuropsychological tests and smooth pursuit eye movements in schizophrenic twins]

The authors compares results of neuropsychological tests/Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Battery, Stroop test, Wechsler Memory Scale, Seashore Tonal Memory Test/with results of smooth pursuit eye movements in nine pairs of twins/5 monozygotic and 4 dizygotic pairs/. In all instances at least one twin suffered from schizophrenia. The majority of neuropsychological tests differentiated clearly schizophrenic and healthy twins. Of seven parameters of smooth pursuit eye movements big saccades differentiated significantly. The authors found also correlations between neuropsychological tests and smooth pursuit eye movements. Significant correlations pertained to motor velocity (correlation of the Oscillation test with big saccades and with small saccades), complex psychomotor abilities (correlation of the Tactual Performance Test-Localization with big saccades), general indicators of cerebral activity or neuropsychological performance (correlation of the Tonal Memory test with big saccades and correlation of the Rhythm test with the amplitude of the curve), memory (correlation of the memory quotient MQ and the Logical Memory sub-test with small saccades) and work performance during a perception or psychic load (correlation of Stroop sub-test with big saccades). The method of smooth pursuit eye movements is not time consuming and does not involve major demands on the patient's cooperation. On the other hand, neuropsychological tests have the advantage that they reveal the impact of possible pathological conditions of the brain on behaviour. On the whole the results support the hypothesis that in schizophrenic patients a disease with structural or functional abnormalities of the brain is involved.

Turnover of canavanine-containing proteins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown for 2 h in the presence of 0.5 mmol/L canavanine in a synthetic medium with ethanol as the sole carbon source (OEC) exhibited a slowing down of protein synthesis for 3-4 h after a shift to fresh ethanol-based medium containing 1.0 mmol/L arginine (OEA) in comparison with untreated cells grown on OEA. The change of carbon source from ethanol to glucose (OGA) after growth in the OEC medium resulted in an even deeper decline of protein synthesis. The degradation of canavanine-containing proteins in cells pregrown and labelled in an OEC medium after transfer to OEA was more rapid than in the OGA medium. The initial rate of protein degradation during the first hour in the OGA medium was less than 1%/h whereas in the OEA medium it reached almost 10%/h. The fraction of proteins with high turnover (half-life 0.46 h) constituted 8.3% on OEA, while during subsequent growth on OGA it was only 0.75% with a half-life of 0.12 h.

Are proton symports in yeast directly linked to H(+)-ATPase acidification?

Transport of amino acids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an H(+)-driven secondary active transport. Inhibitors of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, particularly heavy water, diethylstilbestrol and suloctidil, were shown to affect the H(+)-extruding ATPase activity as well as the ATP-hydrolyzing activity, to a similar degree as they inhibited the transport of amino acids. The inhibitors had virtually no effect on the membrane electric potential or on the delta pH which constitute the thermodynamically relevant source of energy for these transports. Transport of acidic amino acids was affected much more than that of the neutral and especially of the basic ones. The effects were greater with higher amino acid concentrations. All this is taken as evidence that the amino acid carriers respond kinetically to the presence of protons directly at the membrane site where they are extruded by the H(+)-ATPase, rather than to the overall protonmotive force.

Human circadian rhythm in serum melatonin in short winter days and in simulated artificial long days

Serum melatonin rhythm was studied in 6 human subjects experiencing short winter days resembling light/dark (LD) 8:16 h and in 6 subjects exposed at the same time to a long, LD 16:8 h skeleton photoperiod, with 3 h of bright light in the evening and again in the morning; 4 out of the 6 subjects entrained to the simulated summer photoperiod within 3 days. In the synchronized subjects, the nocturnal melatonin signal was 3 h shorter than in those experiencing just winter days. The data indicate that humans are able to respond to environmental day length by forming a proper endogenous photoperiodic signal.

Early morning bright light phase advances the human circadian pacemaker within one day

One day after a single exposure to bright light from 03.00 to 09.00 h the morning declines in the serum melatonin concentration were phase-advanced in all subjects relative to pre-exposure patterns by 1.2-2.6 h. The evening melatonin rise was phase-advanced in 5 out of 6 subjects by 0.6-2.2 h. The data suggest that an underlying human circadian pacemaker controlling the melatonin rhythm may be phase-advanced within one day; however, the evening melatonin rise and the morning decline do not necessarily phase-shift by the same amount.

[Laterality in schizophrenics and their relatives--a trait marker?]

The authors present the results of investigations of a developmental deviation in the functional symmetry of paired motor and sensory organs (laterality) in a group of 160 schizophrenics and 126 healthy relatives of these patients (88 parents, 38 siblings). As a control group served 754 healthy subjects (Prague population). The phenotype of motor laterality (hands and feet) and sensory laterality (eyes and ears) was assessed by diagnostic tests for assessment of laterality. For assessment of the lateral cerebral dominance the torque test was used. For mathematical processing analysis of multidimensional frequency tables by means of Cox'models for binary data was used. The distribution of motor laterality of the upper extremities in schizophrenics is almost reverse, as compared with the distribution in the population. Defined dextrolaterality is lower in patients (P less than 0.0001) and little defined dextrolaterality is, on the other hand, significantly higher (P less than 0.0001). For schizophrenics ambiguousness (ambidextrity) is typical, being twice as frequent as in the healthy population (P less than 0.0001). In parents and siblings similar changes of laterality of the hand were found, in particular as regards defined and little defined dextrolaterality but not as far as ambidexterity is concerned. As regards left-handedness in patients and their relatives no changes were recorded. Incomplete lateralization of functions of the left hemisphere and abnormal cerebral dominance resp. were confirmed by the torque test in a large proportion of schizophrenics and to a smaller extent also in their relatives. Marked preference for the right side (score 0) which was recorded in 47.6% controls was found only in 15.8% schizophrenics, 23.9% parents and 31.4% siblings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[The LDH virus and changes in cellular immunity in schizophrenics and their relatives]

In a long-term investigation the authors investigated in a group of schizophrenics and their grade 1 relatives the immunological response to schizophrenic cortex (from the frontal and temporal lobe) and to LDH viral antigen (lactate dehydrogenase virus). In the group of 261 subjects (84 patients, 60 parents, 37 siblings) a significant increase of a certain type of cytophil antibodies was detected, manifested by positive reactivity to gray matter of the schizophrenic and healthy brain, not only in patients but also in their parents and siblings who were healthy from the clinical and psychiatric aspect. At the same time a highly positive immune response to the LDH viral antigen was found not only in patients but also in their relatives. In some positive subjects, in particular as regards the viral antigen, the number of non-adhered cells in the LAI test (Leucocyte adherence inhibition) exceeded 100% which suggest leucocyte proliferation. Microscopic examination revealed repeatedly that during two-hour leucocyte incubation with antigen at 37 degrees C in these subjects enhanced mitotic leucocyte division occurs. This finding was recorded in 22% of all positive schizophrenics and in 13% of the parents; in healthy siblings (although they had a positive immune response to the viral antigen) direct cell division did no occur in any of the cases. Assessment of circulating immune complexes revealed positive values in a total of 93% of all investigated subjects. As compared with controls (80 mentally and physically healthy blood donors), the mean levels are more than double and the difference is highly significant (P less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Transport of L-tryptophan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

In addition to the general amino acid transport system (GAP) of S. cerevisiae L-tryptophan is transported by another system with approximately 25% capacity of GAP, with a KT of 0.41 +/- 0.08 mmol/L and with a similar specificity as GAP (lower inhibition by Met, Pro, Ser, Thr and 2-aminoisobutyric acid; greater inhibition by Glu and His). The pH optimum of this system is at 5.0-5.5, activation energy above the transition point (20 degrees C) was 20 kJ/mol, below the transition point 55 kJ/mol. The transport by this system was virtually unidirectional, efflux amounting to at most 10% into a tryptophan-free medium. The transport itself was blocked by 2,4-dinitrophenol, antimycin A and uranyl nitrate. The system was synthesized de novo during preincubation with glucose = fructose greater than trehalose greater than ethanol within 30 min, and was degraded with a half-time of 15 min in the absence of further synthesis. The accumulation ratios of L-tryptophan in gap1 mutants were concentration-dependent (200:1 at 1 mumol L-Trp/L, 4:1 at 2.5 mmol L-Trp/L) and decreased with increasing suspension density from 200:1 to 5:1 (for 10 mumol L-Trp/L). The involvement of hydrogen ions in the uptake was clearly demonstrated by the effect of D2O even if it could not be established by either shifts of pHout or membrane depolarization.

Deuterons cannot replace protons in active transport processes in yeast

Replacement of ordinary water with heavy water causes a sharp reduction of the rates of both primary hydrogen ion transport (at the plasma membrane ATPase) and secondary symports (H(+)-associated transports of sugars and amino acids) in several species of yeast. At the same time, the hydrolytic activity of the ATPase is affected only very little. Likewise, the membrane potential, the delta pH and, correspondingly, the accumulation ratios of the various symported solutes are altered much less. This serves as evidence that H+ or H3O+ ions are direct participants in the various active transports of nutrients in yeast.

[Schizophrenia in childhood and adolescence]

An analysis of 24 schizophrenic patients, treated at the psychiatric clinic in Plzen during the last 20 years with the onset of the disease in childhood or adolescence. Not a single case was observed with onset of the disease under the age of 10 years, at the age of 10-14 years six times, at the age of 15-18 years 18 times. In the group boys predominated insignificantly. In about one quarter of the patients the disease started as acute psychosis, most frequently with amentiform, less frequently with paranoid-hallucinatory or manioform symptomatology. With a slow onset of the disease in three quarters of the patients the symptomatology was paranoid or paranoid hallucinatory. After five years the majority of patients lived a civil life but only a small proportion was able to engage in unskilled working activity. After 10 years none of the patients were able to engage in any activity and 30% of the patients were hospitalized on a long-term basis in psychiatric institutes.

[Incidence of HLA-DR antigens in endogenous psychoses]

The authors examined 29 patients with endogenous psychosis (incl. 25 suffering from paranoid schizophrenia and four suffering from bipolar psychosis diagnosed according to DSM III criteria) with the aim to reveal the relationship of hitherto little studied HLA-DR antigens and the psychotic disease. Moreover, the passesed in the group also the ration of HLA-A, B, C antigens. In patients with paranoid schizophrenia and in all patients they found a higher incidence of HLA-DR2 antigens and a lower incidence of HLA-DRw6 and DR7. A statistically significant result was obtained only for HLA-DR2, and only before correction of p. The corrected p value (for the number of antigens) was no longer significant. This finding may serve as a stimulus to resolve the relationship of HLA-DR antigens and schizophrenia in a larger number of patients and in a greater number of departments.

Genetic aspects in chronic schizophrenia. Morbidity risks and contributory factors

112 schizophrenics, over 55 years old, and their relatives were studied. Aims of the study were (1) to evaluate the assumption that using an appropriate selection of probands and methods of the morbid risk estimation, one may expect to obtain a higher (and probably more realistic) value of risk to children; and (2) to assess the possible influence of patients' and relatives' characteristics on the magnitude of the morbid risk. The main results were (1) the values of risks (0.04 +/- 0.02 for spouses; 0.08 +/- 0.02 for siblings; 0.17 +/- 0.04 for offspring); (2) the risk to siblings and to children increased with the numbers of other relatives affected; (3) no clinical symptoms in probands (evaluated throughout the lifetime course of the disease) were associated with an increased/decreased value of risk to any class of relatives.

Membrane transport in an osmotically fragile mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Transport properties of the osmotically fragile strain VY1160 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were compared with those of the parent S288c strain. Mediated diffusion of 6-deoxy-D-glucose was practically unaffected; membrane-potential-dependent transport of D-glucosamine was very much depressed in the fragile strain. The H+-driven transport of L-lysine and L-proline, as well as that of the hitherto uninvestigated D-glucose-6-phosphate, were also very depressed. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose transport displayed slightly different kinetic parameters. Primary H+ extrusion by the plasma membrane H-ATPase was not diminished although the ATP-splitting activity was depressed by about 50%. The overall proton-motive force (pmf) of the fragile mutant at pH 5.5 was only 20 mV while in the parent strain it was 108 mV. In parallel with this, spontaneous acidification of the external medium (a CO2-associated event) was only about 2% of that in the parent strain. The defect in this, together with the inability to stimulate transport protein synthesis by glucose, may account for the generally poorer transport performance of the fragile mutant.

Pharmacogenetic study with diazepam in twins

In a study with healthy volunteers (6 monozygotic and 4 dizygotic twin pairs) we followed up diazepam serum levels and psychotropic effects of diazepam after single-dose administration. We found that pharmacokinetic properties of diazepam as well as its influence on memory and performance are probably not under genetic control. On the other hand, genetic factors seem to contribute to effects of diazepam on affectivity.

Histocompatibility antigens in primary affective disorders

We determined 27 histocompatibility antigens of A, B, and C locus with a standard lymphocyte cytotoxicity test in 125 patients suffering from primary affective disorders, 77 of bipolar type, 24 of unipolar type, and 24 with schizo-affective psychosis. Comparison with a normal control group showed significant increases in the frequencies of antigens Bw40 and Cw4 in unipolar patients and a significantly decreased frequency of antigen Cw3 in bipolar patients. The statistical significances which were at the 5% level, disappeared when the P values were corrected for the number of antigens investigated. Our results failed to confirm previous findings of significantly altered antigen frequencies among patients with primary affective disorders.