Understanding the regulation of β-catenin expression and activity in colorectal cancer carcinogenesis: beyond destruction complex

Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling is central to colorectal cancer carcinogenesis. The well-known potential of targeting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway for the treatment of CRC is largely attributed to the ability of this pathway to regulate various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immune response, apoptosis, and cellular metabolism. However, with the current approach of targeting this pathway, none of the Wnt-targeted agents have been successfully implicated in clinical practice. Instead of using classical approaches to target this pathway, there is a growing need to find new and modified approaches to achieve the same. For this, a better understanding of the regulation of β-catenin, a major effector of the canonical Wnt pathway is a must. The present review addresses the importance of understanding the regulation of β-catenin beyond the destruction complex. Few recently discovered β-catenin regulators such as ZNF281, TTPAL, AGR2, ARHGAP25, TREM2, and TIPE1 showed significant potential in regulating the development of CRC through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Although the expression and activity of β-catenin is influenced by many protein regulators, the abovementioned proteins not only influence its expression and activation but are also directly involved in the development of CRC and various other solid tumors. Therefore, we hypothesise that focusing the current research on finding the detailed mechanism of action of these regulators may assist in providing with a better treatment approach or improve the current therapeutic regimens.

Study of twenty preparations of human albumin solution which failed in quality control testing due to elevated sodium content, a poor internal quality control at manufacturing unit

Current study is conducted in our laboratory due to failure in quality control testing of twenty batches of Human Albumin solution in which sodium content is higher than the prescribed limit. These batches are received in short duration from indigenous manufacturer and is the first incident of failure of Human albumin preparation in sodium content of manufacturer. On request of manufacturer, study is conducted to rule out the cause. Repeat testing of each out of specification batch is conducted and a trend analysis is drawn between our findings and manufacturer's results, also study of trend analysis of manufacturer for the last one year. Trend analysis data indicated towards poor consistency of batches with major shift at various time intervals in sodium content of human albumin preparation. Further analysis rule out that non-traceable quality of standard used in the internal quality control testing by manufacturer is the root cause of the problem.

Bystander effects of ionizing radiation can be modulated by signaling amines

Actual risk and risk management of exposure to ionizing radiation are among the most controversial areas in environmental health protection. Recent developments in radiobiology especially characterization of bystander effects have called into question established dogmas and are thought to cast doubt on the scientific basis of the risk assessment framework, leading to uncertainty for regulators and concern among affected populations. In this paper we test the hypothesis that small signaling molecules widely used throughout the animal kingdom for signaling stress or environmental change, such as 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), l-DOPA, glycine or nicotine are involved in bystander signaling processes following ionizing radiation exposure. We report data which suggest that nano to micromolar concentrations of these agents can modulate bystander-induced cell death. Depletion of 5-HT present in tissue culture medium, occurred following irradiation of cells. This suggested that 5-HT might be bound by membrane receptors after irradiation. Expression of 5-HT type 3 receptors which are Ca(2+) ion channels was confirmed in the cells using immunocytochemistry and receptor expression could be increased using radiation or 5-HT exposure. Zofran and Kitryl, inhibitors of 5-HT type 3 receptors, and reserpine a generic serotonin antagonist block the bystander effect induced by radiation or by serotonin. The results may be important for the mechanistic understanding of how low doses of radiation interact with cells to produce biological effects.

Characterization of a radiation-induced stress response communicated in vivo between zebrafish

Radiation-induced communication of stress signals between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W) have recently been described by this group and linked to the bystander effect. This paper addresses the question of whether another totally unrelated fish species (Danio rerio L) can demonstrate the effect and also looks at attenuation of both the bystander signal, from irradiated fish, and the bystander effect, in naive fish. The data show that zebrafish produce bystander signals, and that, as with rainbow trout these can affect naïve (i.e., non-irradiated) fish placed in water with X-rayed fish or in water previously occupied by X-rayed fish. Skin explants from directly X-rayed fish still reduce HPV-G reporter cell growth 6 h after X-ray, but the bystander signal to naïve fish is lost. Twelve h after X-ray the signal is lost in X-rayed fish. The bystander effect is also attenuated if induction was by placing naïve fish in water which previously held the X-rayed fish. However, the effect is retained if induction was by placing X-rayed and naïve fish together. This suggests the signal is not retained by water for long periods of time. Individual fish data reveal unique responses by bystander fish which could indicate varying levels of sensitivity to signal strength among individuals.

Communication of radiation-induced stress or bystander signals between fish in vivo

We report data in this paper suggesting that fish irradiated to 0.5 Gy total body dose can release factors into the water that signal other unexposed fish and cause induction of bystander effects expressed as increased cell death in a reporter system. Radiation-induced bystander effects, resulting in the appearance of radiation damage or induction of typical radiation responses in unirradiated cells and tissues are now an established consequence of exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation, however little work has been done in vivo or in species other than humans or mice. In these experiments rainbow trout were irradiated and then paired with unirradiated fish for two hours. Additionally, unirradiated fish were placed in water which had previously been used to hold irradiated fish for 2 h. Sham-irradiated fish and absolute control fish were also examined all using blind protocols. Following a two h incubation period, at these various exposure regimes, the fish were killed by a blow to the head and dissected. Five organs were removed from each fish and tissue explants were cultured using an established technique. After 2 days, the culture medium was harvested and used in a reporter assay to determine whether a bystander effect had been induced. The explants were cultured on in Clonetics growth medium for a further 14 days then fixed for assay of radiation response proteins. The responses varied according to the cell type in the original explants, with the gill and fin showing the most pronounced response. The results suggest that communication signals leading to a typical radiation response can be passed between fish and seem to involve secretion of a chemical messenger into the water.

Comparative in vitro activities of seven new beta-lactams, alone and in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors, against clinical isolates resistant to third generation cephalosporins

We examined the drug susceptibility pattern of Gram-negative bacilli to seven new beta-lactams. A total of 277 non-duplicate gramnegative bacilli strains belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter species, isolated from various clinical samples were tested for susceptibility to imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam, ticarcillin/clavulanate, cefdinir, cefepime and cefpirome with the disk diffusion technique. The percentage resistance was low for imipenem (7.2%), piperacillin/tazobactam (2.8%), cefoperazone/sulbactam (5.4%). However, a high frequency of resistance was observed to ticarcillin/clavulanate (83.9%), cefdinir (70.6%), cefepime (45.5%) and cefpirome (84.4%). We conclude that imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam and cefoperazone/sulbactam are effective antibiotics in our environment, whereas ticarcillin/clavulanate, cefdinir, cefepime and cefpirome are relatively uneffective.

Salmonella typhi septic arthritis of hip--a case report

A case of rarely encountered Salmonella Typhi septic arthritis of the hip in a child with no preexisting disease is reported. Salmonella etiology was not suspected in this case, and the diagnosis was made only after bacterial isolation. Arthrotomy was done as an initial mode of management, followed by intravenous ciprofloxacin therapy to which the child responded favorably.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates from neonatal septicemia

A retrospective study of bacterial isolates from cases of neonatal septicemia was undertaken over a period of 5 years (July 1998 - June 2003) at the Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh, India. The study was carried out to determine the bacterial profile, the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates, and the change in trends over the study period. A total of 3,064 blood samples for blood culture were obtained, out of which 588 were positive for bacterial isolates. Most of the cases detected by blood culture occurred in the first week of life (64.4%). Gram-negative bacilli (58.5%) predominated over Gram-positive cocci (41.5%). Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common isolate (35.0%). The incidence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms changed little over the 5 year span. However, a constant and significant rise in the incidence of Acinetobacter spp. was observed between the first to fifth year of the study period. Amikacin was found to be the most effective drug against Gram-negative bacteria. For S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, overall resistance percentages of 5 years show that netilmicin and ciprofloxacin, respectively, were the most effective drugs.

Aerobic bacterial isolates from burn wound infections and their antibiograms--a five-year study

A retrospective study of major aerobic bacterial isolates from pus/wound swabs taken from patients admitted to the burn unit at Govt. Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh, India, over a period of 5 years (June 1997-May 2002) was undertaken. The study was carried out to determine the bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates and to describe the change in trends over the study period. The pus/wound swabs yielded very high culture positivity (96%) for 665 total isolates. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be most common isolate (59%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (17.9%), Acinetobacter spp. (7.2%), Klebsiella spp. (3.9%), Enterobacter spp. (3.9%), Proteus spp. (3.3%) and others (4.8%). Although P. aeruginosa continued to remain the predominant isolate over the five years, a constant and significant increase in the incidence of Acinetobacter spp. was found. Amikacin was found to be the most effective drug against gram negative bacteria, however, resistance to it was significantly increased over 5 years. For S. aureus and P. aeruginosa netilmicin and piperacillin were found to be the most effective drugs. Most of the isolates showed high level resistance to antimicrobial agents.

Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adherence by a peptide derived from neuraminyl lactose binding adhesin

Helicobacterpylori, like many other gut colonizing bacteria, binds to sialic acid rich macromolecules present on the gastric epithelium. NLBH (neuraminyl lactose binding haemagglutinin) a 32 kDa adhesin located on the surface of H. pylori has been shown to have specific affinity towards NeuAcalpha2,3Galbeta1,4Gluc(3'SL). This sialic acid moiety is over-expressed in an atrophic stomach undergoing parietal cell depletion. Antibodies against a lysine rich peptide fragment of NLBH inhibit agglutination of human erythrocytes. This lysine rich sequence from NLBH was proposed to be the receptor-binding site. In order to elucidate the binding of NLBH to gastric epithelium, a peptide (D-P-K-R-T-I-Q-K-K-S) was synthesized. A series of experiments were performed involving adherence inhibition assays, 2D-NMR, molecular modelling and measurement of modulation in acid secretion. Results indicated that the peptide fragment could be involved in receptor recognition, which is important for the binding of H. pylori to gastric epithelium. The binding is possibly through hydrogen bonding. Two lysines and a threonine residue seem to be within the hydrogen bonding distance of NeuAcalpha2,3Galbeta1,4Gluc. Further, in vitro assays were performed to evaluate the role of the peptide on acid secretion by parietal cells isolated from human fundal biopsies. Interestingly, the peptide increases acid secretion only in H. pylori negative and in treated patients but not in H. pylori positive patients. This highlights the role of NLBH in acid secretion and could be of some consequence in the prognosis of the disease.

Modulation of acid secretion in common bile duct ligation-related gastropathy in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertensive gastropathy is associated with fundic gland atrophy, resulting in a decrease in chief and parietal cells, and diminished acid secretion.

METHODS

Acid secretion by isolated parietal cells was measured (acridine orange retention), along with the levels of various second messengers (intracellular Ca(2+), cyclic adenosine monophosphate and protein kinase C) in the common bile duct, ligated portal hypertensive rats and compared with sham-operated controls.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the response of isolated parietal cells to the secretagogues histamine and carbachol. This resulted in the blunted acid secretion in the common bile duct ligated group. In addition, all the second messengers studied were significantly decreased as compared with the sham-operated controls.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the blunted acid secretory response in the portal hypertensive rat is caused by an alteration in the intracellular signal transduction mechanism.

Activity of brush border membrane enzymes in proximal jejunum of portal hypertensive rats

PURPOSE

Malabsorption accompanies portal hypertension, especially when associated with chronic liver disease. The development of portal hypertension is accompanied by significant alterations in the splanchnic microcirculation. In this study, the effect of extrahepatic and intrahepatic portal hypertension on brush border membrane enzymes was estimated.

METHODS

Portal hypertension was induced in rats by partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) (n = 6) and common bile duct ligation (CBDL) (n = 6), and the activity of sucrase, lactase, alkaline phosphatase, and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) in the intestinal homogenate was measured.

RESULTS

Intrasplenic pulp pressure (ISPP) (in cm of saline) was found to be elevated in PPVL (21.3 +/- 1.47) and CBDL animals (21.5 +/- 1.79) as compared with findings in their respective sham-operated controls (12.74 +/- 0.86, 11.83 +/- 1.04). Only sucrase and LAP activity was significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in the PPVL group. No changes were observed in the CBDL group.

CONCLUSION

Only sucrase and LAP activities were increased in PPVL rats.

Micro-perfusion flow cell for imaging cultured cells

We present a unique design for a flow cell with a small working volume that allows rapid displacement of media viewed under high power and short working distance objectives. The flow cell has a small internal depth (ca. 0.033 cm) and volume (ca. 0.05 mL) and is easy to handle. Made of Delrin, the flow cell is biologically inert. We have used the flow cell for fluorescence imaging of PC12 cells loaded with tetramethylrhodamine dextran (TMRD) and other dyes.

Morphological changes associated with long-term potentiation

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a long-lasting form of synaptic plasticity induced by brief repetitive afferent stimulation that is thought to be associated with learning and memory. It is most commonly studied in the hippocampus where it may last for several weeks, and involves the synthesis of new proteins that might play a structural role. In this review we summarize the evidence in favor of modifications of neuronal architecture during LTP. We focus our attention on changes occurring at the level of single synapses, including components of postsynaptic dendrites (dendritic spines, the postsynaptic density, and synaptic curvature), of presynaptic terminals, and the formation of new synapses. We conclude that although many morphological changes at various sites have been observed during LTP, there is no definitive proof in favor of structural changes associated with LTP. However, morphological modifications remain a valid candidate for mechanisms of learning and memory.

Characterization of lymphocytic subsets and cytokine production in gastric biopsy samples from Helicobacter pylori patients

BACKGROUND

This study characterized the phenotypic subsets of isolated gastric lymphocytes and the cellular immune response in cultured gastric biopsy specimens.

METHODS

Endoscopy specimens from 40 Helicobacter pylori-positive and 40 H. pylori-negative patients were studied. a) Isolated gastric lymphocytes were analysed for CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocyte subsets, activated T cells, and natural killer cells on a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, using monoclonal antibodies. b) The supernatant of cultured gastric biopsy specimens were assayed for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, and IL-6 levels.

RESULTS

In H. pylori-positive patients there was (a) a decrease in CD4+/CD8+ T cells, no change in activated T cells, and an increase in natural killer cells, and (b) no change in IL-2 levels and a significant increase in IL-4 and IL-6 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an increase in CD8+ lymphocytes and natural killer cells, and the observed increase in IL-4 and IL-6 might be important in H. pylori-associated gastritis.

Extrahepatic portal hypertensive gastropathy in Wistar rats: modulation of acid secretion in isolated parietal cells

Stimulated acid secretion in portal hypertensive gastropathy is blunted and could be due to defective signal transduction in the parietal cell. Therefore, an attempt was made to study the levels of second messengers in parietal cells in experimental extrahepatic portal hypertensive gastropathy. Our aim was to measure acid secretion, intracellular free calcium, calcium transport, cyclic AMP, and ATP levels in the parietal cells isolated from the gastric mucosa of portal hypertensive rats. Acid secretion using acridine orange, intracellular free calcium using Fura-2/AM, calcium influx and efflux by 45CaCl2 and cyclic AMP by RIA kits were measured in unstimulated and histamine- and carbachol-stimulated isolated parietal cells in rats with partial portal vein ligation and sham operation. ATP was measured by HPLC. In portal hypertensive gastropathy, stimulated acid secretion was blunted, and there was a decrease in basal intracellular free calcium. Calcium influx and efflux were at a higher level, and there was a decrease in elevation of intracellular free calcium and cyclic AMP levels with secretagogues. There was also a decrease in ATP. In conclusion, there exists a low energy state in addition to multiple aberrations at the second messenger level in parietal cells in portal hypertensive gastropathy.

Free cyclic AMP increases in PC12 cells on depolarization

The temporal dynamics of the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) were monitored in living PC12 cells by digital fluorescence ratio imaging using FlCRh, a single-excitation dual-emission cAMP indicator. When the cells were depolarized by exposure to high K+, the free cAMP concentration was elevated, and then slowly decreased back to resting levels when the depolarizing stimulus was removed. Furthermore, the cAMP elevation due to depolarization decreased with successive depolarizations.

Diminution in parietal cell number in experimental portal hypertensive gastropathy

Portal hypertensive gastropathy is a well-established clinical entity. Although stimulated acid secretion has been found to be decreased in portal hypertensive rats, the parietal cell mass has not been studied. Portal hypertension was produced in Wistar rats either by partial portal vein ligation (N = 16) or by common bile duct ligation (N = 23) and confirmed by intrasplenic pulp pressure measurement. The parietal cells were isolated and counted in a Neubaur hemacytometer. The parietal cell count was also done in microscopic sections at direct histopathological examination. The viable, isolated parietal cell count and parietal cell count on histopathological examination were significantly decreased in partial portal vein ligated rats. Similarly, in common bile duct ligated rats, the parietal cell count was decreased as compared to sham-operated rats. In experimental portal hypertensive gastropathy there is a decrease in parietal cell number.

A flowcytometric study of CD4+ & CD19+ cell lymphopenia in patients with alopecia areata

Twenty five patients with alopecia areata and 20 healthy controls were studied by flowcytometry employing direct two colour immunofluorescence in erythrocyte lysed whole blood. A significant reduction was observed in helper/inducer (CD4+) lymphocytes (29.4 +/- 7.4 vs 39.45 +/- 8.0, P < 0.01) and B (CD 19+) lymphocytes (11.04 +/- 6.57 vs 15.0 +/- 5.05, P < 0.01) in comparison with healthy controls. Decrease in T-lymphocytes (CD3+) and suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8+) was not significant and activated (HLADR+) lymphocytes and natural killer cells (CD16+ and CD56+) were within normal limits. Our findings suggest a significant T helper (CD4+) and B (CD19+) cell lymphopenia in alopecia areata.

Plasma reactive nitrogen intermediate levels in patients with clinically active rheumatoid arthritis

We studied reactive nitrogen intermediate levels in 31 patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking indomethacin and 20 healthy controls using nitrite and citrulline levels, measured by spectrophotometry, as markers. Twenty patients with RA were followed up after 4 and 8 wk of treatment with additional therapy in the form of methotrexate. Mean nitrite levels in 31 patients were 0.94 +/- 0.41 mumol/ml and 20 controls it was 1.18 +/- 0.99. After treatment with methotrexate for 4 and 8 wk the levels were 0.9 +/- 0.45 and 1.25 +/- 1.15 mumol/ml, respectively. Mean citrulline levels in all patients was 1.68 +/- 0.11 and controls was 1.39 +/- 0.6 mumol/ml. Following therapy with methotrexate for 4 and 8 wk the levels were 1.40 +/- 0.49 and 1.40 +/- 0.51 mumol/ml, respectively. It is possible that serum levels of these products may not reflect alterations in the synovial fluid levels. Alternatively, whatever lowering may have been achieved by the anti-inflammatory effect of the therapy may have been countered by drug derived free radicals.

Experimental extrahepatic obstruction of portal vein: documentation of histopathological alterations in liver and extrahepatic tissues

The histopathology of the portal vein in human extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) in the form of cavernomatous transformation of the portal vein is well documented. However, a similar detailed histopathology has not been documented in experimental EHPVO, even though the model has been in existence for many years. An experimental model of EHPVO was created by partial ligation of the portal vein in 20 rats. A control group of 11 sham operated (SO) rats was also studied. Development of portal hypertension was confirmed by measurement of intrasplenic pulp pressure (19.7 + 7.1 cm normal saline vs 12.9 + 1.1 cm of normal saline in SO rats). Histopathological evidence included varices in the oesophagus and congestion in the submucosa and mucosa of the stomach and capillarization of sinusoids in the spleen. Animals were killed at 22-265 days post-ligation. While SO animals showed mild focal sinusoidal congestion and a normal portal vein, the experimental group of animals with EHPVO showed oedema around the portal vein, multiple dilated vascular channels near the hilum resembling cavernomatous transformation and severe sinusoidal congestion. Jejunum and kidneys showed congested veins in the experimental group. None of the SO animals showed this change. Thus experimental EHPVO does reproduce some histological changes observed in human EHPVO.

Role of reactive oxygen species in renal damage in experimental leprosy

Renal involvement is known to occur in leprosy. In the present study the possible role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in causation of renal damage in mice infected with Mycobacterium leprae has been investigated. At least six animals from each group (control and infected) were killed at 0 day, 3, 6 and 9 months postinfection. The results showed a significant increase in the chemiluminescence (CL) response of peritoneal macrophages which was maximum between 3 and 6 months. No significant increase was observed in CL response of blood neutrophils. A significant increase in lipid peroxidation was observed at 3 and 6 months as evident by an increase in malondialdehyde levels. The increased ROS production might be the cause of lipid peroxidation. The renal damage is alos evident by decrease in the activity of renal brush border membrane enzymes, namely, alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase and r-glutamyl transpeptidase. Thus ROS might play a role during early stages of M. leprae infection but in the later stages other immunological mechanisms may overpower the effect of ROS.

Duodenal ulcer. Calcium status in isolated parietal cells

Although the etiology of duodenal ulcer is not known, its treatment with drugs that reduce acid secretion is well accepted. The central role of calcium in stimulus-secretion coupling resulting in acid secretion by gastric parietal cells is documented. However, the status of intracellular calcium in gastric parietal cells in the basal state in patients with duodenal ulcer is not known. Multiple endoscopic gastric mucosal biopsies from the corpus of the stomach of 52 patients were processed and isolated parietal cells were studied. Intracellular calcium was estimated using fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester. Influx and efflux were determined by using radioactive calcium. Acridine orange retention was used to assess acid production. Only calcium influx at 20 min was significantly (P < 0.01) more in patients with duodenal ulcer as compared to the control group. There was no difference between the groups in calcium influx at 0 and 60 min; calcium efflux at 0, 20, and 60 min; intracellular free calcium and acid secretion. We conclude that in the unstimulated state calcium homeostasis in isolated parietal cells of patients with duodenal ulcer shows only a minimal difference as compared to controls.

Bacillaemia and Mycobacterium leprae cell wall antigen in paucibacillary leprosy

A study was undertaken to estimate bacillaemia and M. leprae antigen detection in 54 paucibacillary leprosy patients (TT, BT). Acid-fast bacilli were detected in the blood of 14.8% patients of borderline tuberculoid (BT) leprosy. M. leprae antigen was demonstrated in 48.2% patients of BT leprosy. Slit-skin smears were negative in all these patients. At the end of treatment (6 months of WHO-MDT) all the follow-up blood samples were negative for both bacillaemia and M. leprae antigen in the serum.

Detection of a Mycobacterium leprae cell wall antigen in the urine of untreated and treated patients

A total of 90 leprosy patients, 12 household contacts and 10 normal subjects were studied for the detection of Mycobacterium leprae cell wall antigen in urine using monoclonal antibody (ML30A2 IgG). In untreated multibacillary leprosy (BL-LL) the M. leprae cell wall antigen could be demonstrated in the urine of 14 (64%) patients by immunofluorescence (IF) and 22 (100%) by ELISA. In untreated paucibacillary leprosy (TT-BT), it could be demonstrated in 3 (11.5%) and in 13 (50%) patients by IF and ELISA methods respectively. All but 1 household contact (later confirmed to have BL leprosy) and all 10 normal subjects' urine was negative for M. leprae cell wall antigen by both methods. The same antigen was, however, demonstrated in urine of 50% paucibacillary patients who had received 6 months of treatment and in 68% multibacillary patients who had received 24 months of WHO recommended multidrug therapy. M. leprae cell wall antigen assays in urine will not be useful in the follow-up of leprosy patients on multidrug therapy.

Acute phase reactants in leprosy

Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma levels of fibronectin (Fn) were studied in 74 untreated leprosy patients. CRP was detected by latex agglutination in 25.6% of the patients. A significant increase in Fn levels was seen in all the groups of leprosy patients, as compared to the controls.

Biochemical response to cadmium. Dose-time effect

Dose- and time-related effects of Cd (II) (0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg, Cd as CdCl2.H2O, subcutaneously, daily for 48 h, 1, 3, or 6 wk) were investigated in rats. A dose-related increase in the activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT), and alanine aminotransferase (GPT) was evident only at 6 wk, whereas an early rise in ALP and LDH was seen at 3 wk in 1.0 mg Cd group only. The hepatic and renal metallothionein (MT) induction displayed a dose- as well as time-related increase with Cd accumulation. A significant increase in hepatic Zn and renal Cu, no change in hepatic Cu, and a slight increase in renal Zn was observed. Urinary ALP and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) showed an initial increase at 48 h, thereafter returned to near normal. A second phase of enzymuria (ALP, LAP, GOT, GPT, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), proteinuria, and aminoaciduria occurred at 6 wk in a dose-related manner. The urinary excretion of specific renal enzymes appeared closely related to the MT induction and organ Cd levels.