Adenylate kinase 7 is a prognostic indicator of overall survival in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC), a common malignant heterogeneous gynecological tumor, is the primary cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Adenylate kinase (AK) 7 belongs to the adenylate kinase (AK) family and is a cytosolic isoform of AK. Recent studies have demonstrated that AK7 is expressed in several human diseases, including cancer. However, there is a scarcity of reports on the relationship between AK7 and OC. Here, we compared the expression of AK7 in normal and cancerous ovarian tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and used the c2 test to assess the correlation between AK7 levels and the clinical symptoms of OC. Finally, the prognostic significance of AK7 in OC was determined using the Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox regression and performed gene set enrichment analysis to detect any relevant signaling pathways. We found that AK7 levels were substantially downregulated in OC than that in normal ovarian tissues (P < .001). Low AK7 levels were related to the patients' age (P = .0093) in OC. The median overall survival (OS) of patients with low AK7-expressing OC was shorter than patients with high AK7-expressing OC (P = .019). The Cox regression analysis (multivariate) identified low AK7 levels were independently related to the prognosis of OC (HR 1.34; P = .048). Our study demonstrated that the downregulated levels of AK7 could serve as an independent prognostic indicator for the OS in OC. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis revealed that EMT, apical junction, TGF-b signaling, UV response, and myogenesis were associated in the low AK7 expression phenotype (NOM P < .05).

Regulators of blood lipids and lipoproteins? PPARδ and AMPK, induced by exercise, are correlated with lipids and lipoproteins in overweight/obese men and women

PPARδ is a transcription factor regulating the expression of genes involved in oxidative metabolism, which may regulate blood cholesterols through transcription of oxidative and lipoprotein metabolism genes. To determine the association of skeletal muscle PPARδ content with blood lipids and lipoproteins before and following exercise, overweight and obese men (n = 9) and women (n = 7) were recruited; age, BMI, body fat percentage, and Vo(2max) were (means ± SE) 45 ± 2.5 yr, 31.9 ± 1.4 kg/m(-2), 41.1 ± 1.5%, and 26.0 ± 1.3 mLO(2)·kg(-1)·min(-1), respectively. Subjects performed 12 wk of endurance exercise training (3 sessions/wk, progressing to 500 kcal/session). To assess the acute exercise response, subjects performed a single exercise session on a treadmill (70% Vo(2max), 400 kcal energy expenditure) before and after training. Muscle and blood samples were obtained prior to any exercise and 24 h after each acute exercise session. Muscle was analyzed for protein content of PPARδ, PPARα, PGC-1α, AMPKα, and the oxidative and lipoprotein markers FAT/CD36, CPT I, COX-IV, LPL, F(1) ATPase, ABCAI, and LDL receptor. Blood was assessed for lipids and lipoproteins. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no influence of sex on measured outcomes. PPARδ, PGC-1α, FAT/CD36, and LPL content were enhanced following acute exercise, whereas PPARα, AMPKα, CPT I, and COX-IV content were enhanced only after exercise training. PPARδ content negatively correlated with total and LDL cholesterol concentrations primarily in the untrained condition (r ≤ -0.4946, P < 0.05), whereas AMPKα was positively correlated with HDL cholesterol concentrations regardless of exercise (r ≥ 0.5543, P < 0.05). Our findings demonstrate exercise-induced expression of skeletal muscle PPARs and their target proteins, and this expression is associated with improved blood lipids and lipoproteins in obese adults.

Allozymic variation as an estimate of heterozygosity in Belgian pig breeds

An electrophoretic survey of 13 enzymes corresponding to 19 loci has been carried out in Belgian Landrace and Pietrain pig breeds. Four of these enzymes have been shown to exhibit electrophoretically detectable polymorphism. The average heterozygosity per locus was found to be 0.066 in the Belgian Landrace and 0.028 in the Pietrain pigs.

Erythrocyte adenylate kinase deficiency: characterization of recombinant mutant forms and relationship with nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia

OBJECTIVE

Red cell adenylate kinase (AK) deficiency is a rare hereditary erythroenzymopathy associated with moderate to severe nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia and, in some cases, with mental retardation and psychomotor impairment. To date, diagnosis of AK deficiency depends upon demonstration of low enzyme activity in red blood cells and detection of mutations in AK1 gene. To investigate the molecular bases of the AK deficiency, we characterized five variants of AK1 isoenzyme-bearing mutations (118G>A, 190G>A, 382C>T, 418-420del, and 491A>G) found in AK-deficient patients with chronic hemolytic anemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The complete AK1 cDNA was obtained by standard procedures and using as template the reticulocyte RNA. The cDNA was cloned in a plasmid vector and the enzyme was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLysS, and purified by standard protocols to homogeneity. DNA mutants bearing point mutations were obtained from the cloned wild-type cDNA using standard methods of site-directed mutagenesis, whereas the DNA mutant with deletion of codon 140 was obtained by a two-step method.

RESULTS

Four mutant enzymes (Gly40Arg, Gly64Arg, Arg128Trp, Asp140del) were severely affected in activity, displaying a catalytic efficiency of four orders of magnitude lower than the wild-type; one (Tyr164Cys) was grossly perturbed in protein stability.

CONCLUSIONS

The altered properties displayed by the mutant enzymes support the cause-effect relationship between AK1 mutations and hemolytic anemia.

Adenylate kinase 5 autoimmunity in treatment refractory limbic encephalitis

We report two men with limbic encephalitis (LE) refractory to corticosteroids, IVIg and plasma exchange. Both patients had serum/CSF antibodies that reacted with the cytoplasm of neurons. Probing of a hippocampal cDNA library resulted in the isolation of adenylate kinase 5 (AK5). Patients' antibodies, but not those of 111 controls, recognized AK5-expressing phage plaques. Human AK5-affinity purified antibodies reproduced the neuronal immunolabeling of patients' antibodies, and co-localized with a rabbit AK5 antibody, confirming that the brain autoantigen was AK5. Detection of antibodies to AK5 in LE patients carries a poor prognosis, and suggests the prompt use of aggressive immunosuppression.

Metformin Restores the Penile Expression of Nitric Oxide Synthase in High-Fat-Fed Obese Rats

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for erectile dysfunction, which is associated with reduced penile nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression. Recently it was reported that metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which increases the expression of neuronal (n) NOS and endothelial (e) NOS. Thus, to evaluate whether metformin restores NOS expression in penile tissue, we measured penile expression of nNOS and eNOS after 4 weeks of metformin treatment (300 mg/kg/d) in 5-month-old high-fat-fed obese (HFO) rats. HFO rats have increased fat accumulation in visceral areas and marked suppression of nNOS and eNOS expression in penile tissue. However, metformin treatment decreased visceral fat deposition and restored nNOS and eNOS expression in penile tissue. The levels of AMPK and phosphorylated AMPK were also decreased in HFO rats but were subsequently elevated by metformin treatment. These results suggest that expression of NOS was suppressed by the high-fat diet but restored by metformin treatment. The effect of metformin on the expression of NOS may be associated with its activation of AMPK.

Multiple sprint work : physiological responses, mechanisms of fatigue and the influence of aerobic fitness

The activity patterns of many sports (e.g. badminton, basketball, soccer and squash) are intermittent in nature, consisting of repeated bouts of brief (<or=6-second) maximal/near-maximal work interspersed with relatively short (<or=60-second) moderate/low-intensity recovery periods. Although this is a general description of the complex activity patterns experienced in such events, it currently provides the best means of directly assessing the physiological response to this type of exercise. During a single short (5- to 6-second) sprint, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is resynthesised predominantly from anaerobic sources (phosphocreatine [PCr] degradation and glycolysis), with a small (<10%) contribution from aerobic metabolism. During recovery, oxygen uptake (V-O2) remains elevated to restore homeostasis via processes such as the replenishment of tissue oxygen stores, the resynthesis of PCr, the metabolism of lactate, and the removal of accumulated intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi). If recovery periods are relatively short, V-O2 remains elevated prior to subsequent sprints and the aerobic contribution to ATP resynthesis increases. However, if the duration of the recovery periods is insufficient to restore the metabolic environment to resting conditions, performance during successive work bouts may be compromised. Although the precise mechanisms of fatigue during multiple sprint work are difficult to elucidate, evidence points to a lack of available PCr and an accumulation of intracellular Pi as the most likely causes. Moreover, the fact that both PCr resynthesis and the removal of accumulated intracellular Pi are oxygen-dependent processes has led several authors to propose a link between aerobic fitness and fatigue during multiple sprint work. However, whilst the theoretical basis for such a relationship is compelling, corroborative research is far from substantive. Despite years of investigation, limitations in analytical techniques combined with methodological differences between studies have left many issues regarding the physiological response to multiple sprint work unresolved. As such, multiple sprint work provides a rich area for future applied sports science research.

Soluble purine-converting enzymes circulate in human blood and regulate extracellular ATP level via counteracting pyrophosphatase and phosphotransfer reactions

Extracellular ATP and other purines play a crucial role in the vasculature, and their turnover is selectively governed by a network of ectoenzymes expressed both on endothelial and hematopoietic cells. By studying the whole pattern of purine metabolism in human serum, we revealed the existence of soluble enzymes capable of both inactivating and transphosphorylating circulating purines. Evidence for this was obtained by using independent assays, including chromatographic analyses with 3H-labeled and unlabeled nucleotides and adenosine, direct transfer of gamma-terminal phosphate from [gamma-32P]ATP to NDP/AMP, and bioluminescent measurement of ATP metabolism. Based on substrate-specificity and competitive studies, we identified three purine-inactivating enzymes in human serum, nucleotide pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.9), 5'-nucleotidase (EC 3.1.3.5), and adenosine deaminase (EC 3.5.4.4), whereas an opposite ATP-generating pathway is represented by adenylate kinase (EC 2.7.4.3) and NDP kinase (EC 2.7.4.6). Comparative kinetic analysis revealed that the Vmax values for soluble nucleotide kinases significantly exceed those of counteracting nucleotidases, whereas the apparent Km values for serum enzymes were fairly comparable and varied within a range of 40-70 micro mol/l. Identification of soluble enzymes contributing, along with membrane-bound ectoenzymes, to the active cycling between circulating ATP and other purines provides a novel insight into the regulatory mechanisms of purine homeostasis in the blood.

Diagnosis of the hemolytic state using serum levels of erythrocyte adenylate kinase

Red cell hemolysis is classically diagnosed by a combination of nonspecific laboratory tests, including serum bilirubin, LDH, and the reticulocyte count. None of these tests alone or in combination has the specificity to reliably ascertain the presence of hemolysis. We have previously demonstrated that erythrocyte adenylate kinase (EAK) is a red cell specific enzyme released from damaged red cells. Its activity can be measured in serum by rapid electrophoresis or immunological methods and correlates linearly with the degree of hemolysis in vitro. We now report on a clinical study comparing EAK levels in patients with and without hemolysis. The clinical diagnosis of hemolysis was established in hospitalized patients with anemia by the combined elevation of the bilirubin, LDH, and reticulocyte count in the absence of liver disease and demonstrable blood loss. The normal range of serum EAK was determined in 30 healthy nonanemic voluntary blood donors and was 0-3.5 Units (mean = 0.5). In 25 patients with hemolytic anemia due to sickle cell disease, hemolytic transfusion reactions, or TTP, the mean EAK level was 62.4 with a range 0-298 Units (P < 0.001 compared to normals). Levels of EAK exceeded the normal range in 24 of 25 patients (96%). In a control group of 44 hospitalized patients with liver disease or myocardial infarction and no clinical evidence of hemolysis, the mean EAK level was 0.12 with a range of 0-3.2 (P = 0.1, NS compared to normals and P < 0.001 compared to patients with hemolysis). None of the control patients had EAK levels that exceeded the normal range. The diagnostic sensitivity of the EAK assay for hemolysis, as calculated according to Baye's algorithm, was 96%, with a specificity and accuracy of 97%. Measurement of serum EAK represents a highly sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of hemolytic anemia.

Erythrocyte enzyme activities in cord blood of extremely low-birth-weight infants

To investigate the features of erythrocyte metabolism in extremely immature infants, we assayed 21 enzyme activities and glutathione level in cord erythrocytes from 28 extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWI; defined as birth weight <1,000 g). The results were compared with those from normal adults and non-neonatal reticulocyte-rich controls. Statistical analysis revealed that activities of six enzymes (glucosephosphate isomerase, phosphoglycerate kinase, monophosphoglycerate mutase, enolase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and glutathione reductase) were significantly higher, and those of eight other enzymes (phosphofructokinase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), glutathione peroxidase, adenylate kinase, adenosine deaminase, acetylcholinesterase, NADH methemoglobin reductase, and catalase) were lower in ELBWI taking their marked reticulocytosis into consideration. The 6PGD/G6PD ratio, which is consistently unchanged under various physiological and pathological conditions, was markedly reduced in ELBWI. Our results support the previous reports that neonatal erythrocytes have a unique metabolic pattern which is different from that of adult erythrocytes, and also suggest that the 6PGD/G6PD ratio might be an index for the developmental immaturity of fetal erythrocytes. This is the first report describing the pattern of erythrocyte enzyme activities in ELBWI.

Differentiation and resolution of erythrocyte and muscle adenylate kinase activities in serum by electrophoresis

Adenylate kinase activity originating from erythrocytes has been shown to be distinct from muscle adenylate kinase or myokinase activity, until now considered to be identical enzyme activities. The two activities can be differentiated by electrophoretic fractionation, thus making it possible to quantify the erythrocyte adenylate kinase activity present in serum.

Congenital haemolytic anaemia associated with adenylate kinase deficiency

Chronic haemolytic anaemia associated with adenylate kinase (AK) deficiency is very rare and only seven cases in five families have been described. We present six children of one family who are deficient of this enzyme and in three of them a combined G6PD deficiency was found. AK deficiency was transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene and heterozygous state was not accompanied by disease, whereas homozygously affected individuals present a congenital chronic non-spherocytic haemolytic anaemia with haemoglobin levels of 8-9 g/dl. Patients also deficient in G6PD suffer from a more severe haemolytic anaemia with haemoglobin levels around 6 g/dl. The AK-deficient children are also mentally retarded. Splenectomy performed in five of the six patients resulted in complete remission of the haemolytic process.

Storage of platelets in additive solutions: the effect of citrate and acetate in in vitro studies

The in vitro effects of storage of platelets prepared from 6 pooled buffy coat units and stored in a platelet storage medium consisting of CPD and plasma and different platelet additive solutions were evaluated. The total count of platelets per pooled unit included in the present investigation (n = 20) was 335 +/- 35 x 10(9) (mean +/- SD). Measurements of pH, pO2, pCO2, glucose, lactate, ATP, total adenine nucleotide content, and extracellular adenylate kinase activity were performed in a three-part study. The observations were 1) During storage in saline and citrate (10 mmol/L of citrate), the consumption of glucose and the production of lactate were significantly increased over the values with storage in saline, which were used as a reference. The values for pH at Day 6 were significantly lower. 2) The effects of different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mmol/L) of acetate in saline were studied. With the exception of significantly higher pH values in saline and acetate, no significant differences were seen in the effects with saline and those with saline and acetate. 3) The combined effect of citrate and acetate was evaluated. The consumption of glucose and the production of lactate, the values for pO2, and extracellular adenylate kinase activity were significantly lower with saline and citrate and acetate than with saline and citrate. Significantly higher values for pH were found at Day 5.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acute leukemia with t(1;3)(p36;q21), evolution to t(1;3)(p36;q21), t(14;17)(q32;q21), and loss of red cell A and Le(b) antigens

At transformation of refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts to acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) the bone marrow cells of a 75-year-old woman showed three different karyotypes, i.e., 46,XX,46,XX,t(1;3)(p36;q21) and 46,XX,t(1;3)(p36;q21),t(14;17)(q32;q21). She received no antileukemic therapy, and 1 year later, all her bone marrow cells were t(1;3)(p36;q21),t(14;17)(q32;q21). In association with the onset and first 11 months of ANLL, the platelet count increased 10-fold to a peak of 750 x 10(9)/L, providing further evidence that the t(1;3)(p36;q21) translocation causes stimulation of thrombopoiesis. Six months after transformation, her red cells showed reduced expression of A and Leb antigens. Serum alpha-n-3-acetylgalactosaminyl transferase (blood group A transferase) and red cell adenylate kinase were both reduced. The genes for both these substances are at 9q34, which suggests an abnormality here, although cytogenetically chromosome 9 appeared normal. This is the first case with t(1;3)(p36;q21) to show concurrent loss of red cell antigens and the first report detailing the course of untreated ANLL with t(1;3)(p36;q21).

Maternal leukocyte metabolism during pregnancy and puerperium, and its relation to fetal growth

Changes of energy metabolism in maternal leukocytes were studied longitudinally in 33 normal term pregnancies at 12, 20 and 36 weeks of gestation and 40 days post partum. Nutrient intakes were calculated from 3-day weighed food records at the same periods. Women tended to decrease their mean dietary intakes of energy and of most nutrients from early to late pregnancy. Glucose-6-P dehydrogenase (G6P-DH), pyruvic kinase (PK) and adenylate kinase (AK) activities rose significantly after the 12th week of pregnancy, reaching maximal values at week 20. The following period up to week 36 showed a significant decrease that continued in the puerperium, when their values were lowest. Adenine nucleotide contents and protein/DNA ratio followed a different pattern. A significant increase was also observed from weeks 12 to 20, remaining without changes during the second half of gestation, and falling at puerperium. The PK and AK activities showed a positive correlation with energy intake at 36 weeks of gestation and AK activity was negatively correlated with folic acid intake in the middle of pregnancy. At week 20, PK activity showed a positive correlation with both head circumference and body mass index of the newborn. There was also a correlation between protein/DNA ratio and head circumference at the 36th week of gestation. These findings may suggest a relationship between the metabolism of maternal leukocytes, and fetal development in utero.

Genetic study of five populations of Bihar, India

Four-hundred fifty-nine people, including 106 Santals, 43 Bhuiyas, 107 Sakaldipi Brahmins, 108 Chamars, and 95 Ansari Muslims, of the Giridhi district of Bihar have been tested for transferrin, group-specific component, phosphoglucomutase subtypes, and glyoxalase-I, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and adenylate kinase types. Genetic distance estimates by both dendrogram and principal component methods for these 5 populations and the Oraons on the basis of 19 alleles at 6 polymorphic loci indicate 2 major clusters: Brahmins and Muslims, the latter of which is composed of two subclusters (Santals and Bhuiyas, and Oraons and Chamars). The Santal and Bhuiya tribes both speak Mundari, whereas the Oraons speak a Dravidian language. The Chamars, although low-caste Hindus, seem to have a non-Europoid origin, as do the Oraons.

Hereditary erythrocyte adenylate kinase deficiency: a defect of multiple phosphotransferases?

Adenylate kinase (AK) modulates the interconversion of adenine nucleotides (AMP + adenosine triphosphate----2 ADP). We evaluated the fifth kindred with hereditary erythrocyte (RBC) AK deficiency. The proband had chronic hemolytic anemia. Her RBC had undetectable AK activity when measured spectrophotometrically, whereas those of her parents had half-normal AK activity. AK electrophoresis showed only AK-1 in the parents. The activities of pyruvate kinase and phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase were decreased given the young age of the proband's RBC. Despite the absence of spectrophotometric AK activity, the proband's RBC were able to incorporate 14C-adenine into 14C-adenine nucleotides at 50% of the rate expected for her young RBC population, suggesting the possibility of an alternative pathway for the formation of ADP from AMP. Normal hemolysate had AMP:guanosine triphosphate (GTP) phosphotransferase activity, which produced ADP at 8% to 9% of the rate of AK (6.8 +/- 0.8 IU/mL RBC). AMP:GTP phosphotransferase activity was not detectable in the proband's or parent's hemolysates. These additional biochemical defects in the AK-deficient RBC further support the concept that AK deficiency per se may not cause hemolytic anemia. We propose that defects occur in multiple phosphotransferases in the AK-deficient RBC and that these other biochemical defects may produce deleterious lesions that promote the shortened RBC survival in AK deficiency.

Comparison of two immunoinhibitory methods with agarose gel-electrophoresis for measuring the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase in serum from cases of suspected myocardial infarction

Two immunoinhibitory methods for measuring creatine kinase-MB (a dry chemical and a wet chemical method) were compared with the commonly used agarose gel electrophoretic method, using 563 serum samples from 235 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. Comparison of the electrophoretic and the dry chemistry methods showed the linear relationship: electrophoretic method = -6.5 U/l + 1.22 x dry chemistry method, r = 0.943. For the wet chemistry method the relationship was: electrophoretic method = -7.2 U/l + 1.19 x wet chemistry method, r = 0.854. Parallel determinations of total creatine kinase were also done and the methods were virtually identical in performance. Compared with the electrophoretic method (which showed a 15% prevalence of acute myocardial infarction), these classifications showed sensitivities of 0.92 and 0.67 and specificities of 0.94 and 0.99 (dry and wet chemistry, respectively; using methods recommended by the manufacturers). After optimization of discriminators the sensitivity was increased to 0.94/0.92 and the specificity to 0.99/0.99.

Adenylate kinase as a marker for platelet lysis

The level of extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity is often used as an indicator for the leakage of cytosolic platelet contents. The objective of this investigation was to study the possibility of using a different enzyme, adenylate kinase (AK), as a substitute for LDH. A bioluminescent assay was used, and three different platelet storage containers were studied. In a comparative study of AK and LDH activities during platelet storage, similar results were obtained, but some differences were also observed. Because more AK (in percentages) than LDH is contained in platelets, the initial levels of AK are lower than those of LDH. The release of AK activity from damaged platelets is delayed or is somewhat lower than that of LDH. The amount of AK activity released per platelet is correlated with the volume of the platelet units. A smaller volume entails increased AK activity. This observation applies to all storage conditions investigated, and the results in one of the containers indicate that this is also true for LDH. The results of the investigation demonstrate that similar information is obtained with LDH and AK. AK can be used as an alternative to LDH for studies of lytic processes during platelet storage.

Evaluation of a nonequilibrium isoelectric focusing (IEF) method for the simultaneous typing of esterase D (EsD), red cell acid phosphatase (AcP1), phosphoglucomutase (PGM1), adenylate kinase (AK), and adenosine deaminase (ADA)

A nonequilibrium isoelectric focusing method incorporating the chemical spacers MOPS and HEPES was developed and subsequently evaluated for its ability to reliably discriminate common and rare phenotypes in the esterase D (EsD), red cell acid phosphatase (AcP1), phosphoglucomutase (PGM1), adenylate kinase (AK), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) isoenzyme systems. The validation procedures used were blind testing, comparison of results to conventional methods, and evaluation of known rare variant phenotypes. This method proved to be a quick and reliable method for typing all five isoenzyme systems, while providing an excellent probability of discrimination (PD = 0.96).

Evaluation of platelets prepared by apheresis and stored for 5 days. In vitro and in vivo studies

To evaluate the effect of storage on apheresis platelets collected with a closed-system blood cell separator, an in vitro investigation was performed, with measurements of pH, lactate, ATP, the ratio of ATP to the total adenine nucleotide content, and adenylate kinase. Unmodified apheresis platelets and apheresis platelets with plasma added were compared with conventional platelets stored in PL-1240 or PL-732 plastic containers. During 6 days of storage, there were similar changes in all variables with one exception: the extracellular activity of adenylate kinase was lower in apheresis platelets with plasma than in the other three groups (p less than 0.01). In vivo studies were carried out with 111Indium-labeled autologous platelets in eight volunteers. Apheresis platelets with 100 mL of plasma added were stored in two 1000-mL containers (PL-732) at 22 degrees C during agitation. Platelets from one of the containers were labeled with 111Indium and transfused into the volunteer within 24 hours. Platelets from the other container were labeled after 5 days of storage and transfused into the same donor. There were no significant differences between apheresis platelets stored for 1 day and those stored for 5 days: the mean percentage of recovery was 58.4 and 57.6 percent, t1/2 was 69 and 67 hours, and the survival time was 5.5 and 5.6 days, respectively.

Human adenylate kinase deficiency associated with hemolytic anemia. A single base substitution affecting solubility and catalytic activity of the cytosolic adenylate kinase

Adenylate kinase deficiency in the erythrocyte is a rare genetic disorder associated with hemolytic anemia. To determine the molecular basis of this disorder, we first cloned the normal gene encoding human cytosolic adenylate kinase (AK1) and determined the structure. The gene was 12 kilobase pairs long and was split into 7 exons. The structures of 5'- and 3'-flanking regions were determined by primer extension and RNA blot analysis. The results showed that two species of mRNA with 0.9 and 2.5 kilobases, which differed at the 3'-end portion, were generated by the AK1 gene. Alu sequences were found in the largest intron (intron 5) and in the noncoding region of exon 7. Next, both alleles of the AK1 gene were cloned from DNA of a patient bearing the adenylate kinase deficiency and their nucleotide sequences determined. A transition (C----T) was found in exon 6 on an allele, which resulted in an Arg to Trp (CGG----TGG) substitution at the 128th residue of AK1. Since chicken AK1 is highly homologous to human AK1 with respect to the amino acid sequence, we introduced an Arg to Trp substitution to chicken AK1 at the same position by oligodeoxynucleotide-directed mutagenesis. The mutant chicken AK1 expressed in Escherichia coli showed a reduced catalytic activity as well as a decreased solubility and a change in affinity to phosphocellulose. Thus it was considered that the observed C----T transition was a cause of the decreased AK1 activity of the patient's erythrocyte. Analysis on phosphocellulose chromatography of erythrocyte AK1 of the patient and parents revealed that the patient's mutant allele was derived from the mother.

Adenylate kinase enzyme activity in cases of brain infarction

The adenylate kinase (AK) enzyme activity in plasma and CSF of acute brain infarctions was examined. The normal values of enzyme activity in plasma reached from 1.7-5.6 U/l, and in CSF from 0.23-0.71 U/l. According to this present classification a significant CSF increase in AK activity was found with semi-severe and severe brain infarctions. With the CCT an increased enzyme activity was shown with infarction in or close to the cortex. In no case was an alteration of AK activity in the serum sample. CSF samples showing blood contamination or pleocytosis led to false pathological results with examination of AK activity.

Enzymatic characterization of Babesia bovis

Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to identify metabolic enzymes in Babesia bovis and B. bigemina. Glutamate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose phosphate isomerase, and hexokinase were identified in B. bovis- and B. bigemina-infected erythrocytes and B. bovis merozoite preparations. A specific electrophoretic mobility was observed for each enzyme. Malate dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, and adenylate kinase were only detected in normal erythrocyte preparations. Inter-species, but not intra-species, variation was noted when comparing electrophoretograms of both species. Kinin-activating activity was not detected in B. bovis-infected erythrocyte or merozoite preparations at pH 4.2 or 7.6.

Rapid purification of adenylate kinase from human erythrocytes and skeletal muscle

Adenylate kinase from human erythrocytes and skeletal muscle can be purified to homogeneity by a new procedure based on DEAE-Sepharose and Blue Sepharose affinity chromatography and Sephadex G-75 fractionation. For the enzyme purified from erythrocytes the specific activity is 3,000 U/mg of protein, and the overall yield is 70%. For the enzyme purified from skeletal muscle the specific activity is 2,075 U/mg of protein, and the overall yield is 44%. The sequence of steps takes advantage of the high isoelectric point, the high affinity for Blue Sepharose, and the low molecular weight of the isoenzyme from these two human tissues.

Muscle adenylate kinase in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

On the basis of electrophoretic and enzyme inhibition studies it was postulated that an aberrant adenylate kinase occurs in muscle and serum of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Schirmer, R.H. and Thuma, E. (1972) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 268, 92-97; Hamada, M. et al. (1981) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 660, 227-237; Hamada et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 11595-11602). On the basis of the following results we conclude that Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients do not possess an unusual adenylate kinase isoenzyme. In muscle biopsies from five Duchenne patients, the electrophoretic mobility of adenylate kinase and the inhibition of the enzyme by P1, P5-di(adenosine-5')pentaphosphate (Ap5A) was normal. Because of the high SH-group content of the extracts from Duchenne muscle, high concentrations of Ellman's reagent were needed to inhibit adenylate kinase activity in these samples. In Duchenne plasma the adenylate kinase activity was elevated. Like in muscle specimens, the DTNB inhibition curves were shifted to higher reagent concentrations; this was due to a high SH-group content of Duchenne plasma when compared with normal plasma. With respect to inhibition by Ap5A and electrophoretic mobility, Duchenne adenylate kinase in Duchenne plasma behaved like normal muscle adenylate kinase in normal plasma. It was noted that normal muscle adenylate kinase changes its electrophoretic behaviour when mixed with normal or Duchenne plasma. This finding had been considered previously as evidence for the presence of an aberrant adenylate kinase in Duchenne plasma.

A double origin electrophoretic method for the simultaneous separation of adenosine deaminase, adenylate kinase, and carbonic anhydrase II

A rapid, reliable method for the simultaneous separation of adenosine deaminase, adenylate kinase, and carbonic anhydrase II by agarose gel electrophoresis is presented. This method uses a double origin sample application system. Unreduced sample extracts for adenylate kinase analysis are applied 13.0 cm from the anode. Reduced sample extracts for the remaining proteins of interest are applied 7.0 cm from the anode. The use of applicator foils and an increased voltage gradient result in superior resolution, linearity, and band sharpness of the allozyme patterns. Further, there is no masking of the adenylate kinase 2 band as a result of the use of a reducing agent, and carbonic anhydrase II is resolved without interference from hemoglobin as has been observed with other multisystem methods.

Normal levels of ATP, total nucleotides and activities of three enzymes related to nucleotide metabolism in fetal erythrocytes

Pure fetal blood was obtained by direct-vision fetoscopy from 30 fetuses at 17-23 weeks gestation. The erythrocyte concentrations of ATP and total nucleotides and the activities of the enzymes pyrimidine-5'-nucleotide nucleosidase (Pyr5N), phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PRPP) synthetase and adenylate kinase (AK) were analysed by established techniques to find the normal ranges for this gestational age. The ranges were relatively narrow and could serve as reference values for the prenatal diagnosis of defects in nucleotide metabolism. The results from the fetal erythrocytes were compared with the corresponding values from the maternal blood collected and analysed concurrently. The ATP and total nucleotide concentrations and the activity of Pyr5N in the fetal cells were substantially higher than those of the maternal blood. The activities of PRPP synthetase and AK were much lower. The significance of these findings is discussed.

Polymorphisms of Pi, Hp, ADA and AK in Mongolian, Korean and Zhuang populations of China

Three minority ethnic groups from China, Mongolian, Koreans, and Zhuangs were studied for the genetic markers AK, ADA, Hp, and Pi. AK was monomorphic in Koreans and Zhuangs. Significant differences were observed in the Hp system between Mongolians and Zhuangs.

Clinical and analytical evaluation of kits for measurement of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB

We studied the analytical and clinical performance of six methods for creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) isoenzyme MB (CK-MB): three immunoassays (Behring, Hybritech, and International Immunoassay Labs); one immunoinhibition assay (Roche); one immunoinhibition/column method (Du Pont); and one electrophoretic method (Beckman). Between-day precision for all kits was poor at the upper reference limit. All methods gave results linearly related to CK-MB concentration and all were free from CK-MM, CK-BB, and adenylate kinase interference. Only the Du Pont method was adversely affected by atypical isoenzymes. For diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in a coronary care population (n = 40; prevalence = 45%), all methods were approximately 95% efficient, when appropriate reference criteria were used. Some manufacturers fail to provide data for an appropriate (acutely ill, non-infarct) reference population; decreased diagnostic specificity may result from use of reference ranges based on results for healthy subjects. Expression of CK-MB as a percent of total CK degrades efficiency unless total CK is markedly increased.

Simultaneous identification and determination of species origin, ABH antigens and isoenzyme markers in the same bloodstain

A reliable procedure for the simultaneous identification of blood, determination of species origin and ABH antigens, and typing of isoenzyme markers from a sample of three 1-cm threads is described. Results obtained from known control as well as from casework bloodstains using this procedure were consistent with those obtained in parallel, conventional, individual tests under blind trial conditions.

Reactivation of serum creatine kinase isoenzyme BB in patients with malignancies

Reactivation of serum creatine kinase isoenzyme BB (CK-BB) with 2-mercaptoethanol and EDTA increased the electrophoretic detection rate of CK-BB from 34% to 78% in 58 hospitalized patients with various malignancies. Patients with solid tumors showed the largest and patients with hematologic malignancies the smallest percentage increase in CK-BB after reactivation. For serum from 50 hospitalized patients without cancer, reactivation resulted in detectable CK-BB in two patients; the CK-BB band was never seen in 15 healthy adults. For reasons unknown, five of eight patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type showed CK-BB in serum after reactivation, as did two of five patients suspected of having this disorder. Serum CK-BB may be a useful tumor marker if reactivation with a thiol and EDTA is used immediately after collection.

[Role of adenylate kinase, AMP deaminase and 5'-nucleotidase in the metabolism of adenylic nucleotides]

The activities of adenylate kinase, AMP-deaminase and 5'-nucleotidase in various tissues of the rat were studied. The activity of the forward adenylate kinase reaction (ATP + AMP----2 ADP) against the back one (2 ADP----ATP + AMP) was predominant. The liver was shown to contain two, while the blood serum--three adenylate kinase isoenzymes. In the skeletal muscles, the catabolism of adenylic acid involving AMP-deaminase and 5'-nucleotidase predominantly occurred via deamination, in the liver--via dephosphorylation, while in the leucocytes, erythrocytes and blood serum the activity of these processes was essentially the same. In vitro, ATP enhanced the activity of AMP-deaminase in the liver, leucocytes and erythrocytes and decreased it in the blood serum. Under effects of ATP, the activity of 5'-nucleotidase in the leucocytes and blood serum was markedly elevated, that in the liver and erythrocytes was unaffected.

Leakage of adenylate kinase from stored blood cells

The bioluminescent firefly luciferase assay for ATP was used to measure adenylate kinase activity in plasma. The formation of ATP from ADP was measured continuously in a coupled assay using a luminometer. Optimal analytical conditions were determined for the coupled reaction. The assay was used to follow accumulation of adenylate kinase in plasma of different preparations of stored red blood cells. Adenylate kinase was found to be released concomitantly with hemoglobin during aging. There was a high degree of correlation between the amount of accumulated hemoglobin and adenylate kinase. The assay was also used to measure lysis of stored platelets during aging.

Distribution of three red-cell enzyme polymorphisms (ACP, PGM1 and AK) in gypsies from Slovakia (Czechoslovakia)

Data are presented on the red cell acid phosphatase (ACP), phosphoglucomutase (PGM1), and adenylate kinase (AK) iso-enzyme distributions in a sample of gypsies (Roms) from Slovakia (Czechoslovakia). The findings of very low Pa (0.289) and PGM11 (0.656) gene frequencies as well as the complete absence of the Pc gene are in accordance with the generally accepted assumption of the Indian origin of European gypsies, and demonstrate that the rate of European admixture in Slovak gypsies is low. The finding of a very high AK1 gene frequency (0.984), on the other hand, contradicts this assumption, but with the limited available data on the iso-enzyme distribution in other gypsy and in Indian populations it cannot readily be explained.

[Adenylate kinase isoenzymes in rat liver and blood serum in radiation sickness]

A study was made of isoenzyme activity of adenylate kinase of rat liver and blood serum 3, 7 and 15 days following whole-body X-irradiation in a dose of 154.8 mC/kg. A considerable increase was noted in activity of isoenzyme II in mitochondria, and isoenzyme I in the liver supernatant fraction. Out of three isoenzymes of blood serum isoenzyme I was most changeable in activity.

Metabolic compensation for profound erythrocyte adenylate kinase deficiency. A hereditary enzyme defect without hemolytic anemia

A child with hemolytic anemia was found to have severe erythrocyte adenylate kinase (AK) deficiency, but an equally enzyme-deficient sibling had no evidence of hemolysis. No residual enzyme activity was found in erythrocytes by spectrophotometric methods that could easily have detected 0.1% of normal activity. However, concentrated hemolysates were shown to have the capacity to generate small amounts of ATP and AMP from ADP after prolonged incubation. Hemolysates could also catalyze the transfer of labeled gamma-phosphate from ATP to ADP. Intact erythrocytes were able to transfer phosphate from the gamma-position of ATP to the beta-position, albeit at a rate substantially slower than normal. They could also incorporate 14C-labeled adenine into ADP and ATP. Thus, a small amount of residual AK-like activity representing about 1/2,000 of the activity normally present could be documented in the deficient erythrocytes. The residual activity was not inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide, which completely abolishes the activity of the normal AK1 isozyme of erythrocytes. The minute amount of residual activity in erythrocytes could represent a small amount of the AK2 isozyme, which has not been thought to be present in erythrocytes, or the activity of erythrocyte guanylate kinase with AMP substituting as substrate for GMP. Peripheral blood leukocytes, cultured skin fibroblasts, and transformed lymphoblasts from the deficient subject manifested about 17, 24, and 74%, respectively, of the activity of the concurrent controls. This residual activity is consistent with the existence of genetically independent AK isozyme, AK2, which is known to exist in these tissues. The cause of hemolysis in the proband was not identified. Possibilities include an unrelated enzyme deficiency or other erythrocyte enzyme defect and intraction of another unidentified defect with AK deficiency.

The levels of creatine kinase and adenylate kinase in the plasma of dystrophic chickens reflect the rates of loss of these enzymes from the circulation

The rates of loss of adenylate kinase and creatine kinase from the circulation after intravenous injection of homogenous chicken skeletal muscle enzymes were examined to determine the role of plasma clearance rates in determining the plasma levels of these enzymes in normal and dystrophic chickens. The rapid clearance of adenylate kinase activity (average half-life of 5 min) and the slower biphasic clearance of creatine kinase activity (average half-lives of 0.95 and 11 hr) are consistent with the elevation of creatine kinase but not adenylate kinase in the blood plasma of dystrophic chickens compared to normal chickens. The rates of clearance of these enzymes were similar in normal chickens compared to dystrophic chickens. Radioiodinated enzymes were cleared at similar, but slightly more rapid rates than the loss of enzyme activity. The loss of adenylate kinase activity from the circulation may be due in part to inactivation since adenylate kinase activity is rapidly inactivated in serum in vitro, and because no increase in adenylate kinase activity is observed in the most specific sites of clearance of the radioiodinated enzyme, the liver and spleen. The comparison of enzyme activities in press juices to the activities in high-ionic-strength homogenates of muscle tissue from normal and dystrophic muscle, indicates that adenylate kinase activity is not associated with intracellular structures to the extent that would prohibit release from dystrophic muscle tissue. These results, and those presented previously with regard to plasma levels and clearance rates of AMP aminohydrolase and pyruvate kinase in normal and dystrophic chickens (11) support our hypothesis that the rates of loss of muscle enzyme activities from the circulation are important in determining the circulating levels of muscle enzymes in dystrophic chickens. Furthermore, from the measurement of plasma levels and clearance rates of creatine kinase, it was estimated that the efflux rate of creatine kinase from dystrophic muscle tissue is 2.0% of the total breast muscle creatine kinase per day.

Red cell adenylate kinase deficiency associated with hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia: clinical and biochemical studies

We report here a case of red cell adenylate kinase (AK) deficiency associated with hereditary hemolytic anemia. The proband is a 10-year-old Japanese girl. Her physical and mental development was normal. She has shown moderate to mild hemolytic anemia since the neonatal period and hepatosplenomegaly. The red cell AK activity was 44% of normal. Contents of red cell glycolytic intermediates and adenine nucleotides were normal when compared with a comparable reticulocyte-rich control. Glucose consumption and lactate formation were normal. Hexose monophosphate shunt activity was somewhat lower than that of a comparable reticulocyte-rich control. There were no significant differences in the contents of adenine nucleotides between the younger and older red cells of the patient. Enzymatic characterization by hemolysate revealed that the patient's AK had an increased Michaelis constant for adenosine diphosphate and slight thermal instability. The patient's enzyme migrated approximately half-way between the AK 1 and AK 2 position on starch-gel electrophoresis. The mode of inheritance of this case is obscure. The mechanism of hemolysis might be a structural gene mutation that caused altered electrophoretic and kinetic properties.

Ten genetic polymorphisms in bladder cancer

Data are presented on a group of cases of primary carcinoma of the bladder, detailing red cell surface blood group antigenic phenotypes, serum haptoglobin phenotypes, and some red cell isoenzyme phenotypes. Account is taken of the stage of the disease at presentation. The results are compared with corresponding phenotype frequencies in groups of presumed healthy persons originating either in Yorkshire or County Durham. Differences in relative incidences were found in the haptoglobin, phosphoglucomutase (PGM), and some other systems. These are both differences between all cases and controls and between particular stages at presentation and controls.