Showing papers on "Blood serum published in 2005"

Immunogenicity in humans of an edible vaccine for hepatitis B.

Abstract: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) expressed in potatoes and delivered orally to previously vaccinated individuals. The potatoes accumulated HBsAg at ≈8.5 μg/g of potato tuber, and doses of 100 g of tuber were administered by ingestion. The correlate of protection for hepatitis B virus, a nonenteric pathogen, is blood serum antibody titers against HBsAg. After volunteers ate uncooked potatoes, serum anti-HBsAg titers increased in 10 of 16 volunteers (62.5%) who ate three doses of potatoes; in 9 of 17 volunteers (52.9%) who ate two doses of transgenic potatoes; and in none of the volunteers who ate nontransgenic potatoes. These results were achieved without the coadministration of a mucosal adjuvant or the need for buffering stomach pH. We conclude that a plant-derived orally delivered vaccine for prevention of hepatitis B virus should be considered as a viable component of a global immunization program.

The Consortium for Metabonomic Toxicology (COMET): aims, activities and achievements

Abstract: The utility of metabonomics in the evaluation of xenobiotic toxicity has been comprehensively assessed by the Consortium for Metabonomic Toxicology (COMET), formed between five major pharmaceutical companies and Imperial College London, UK. The main objectives were to assess methodologies, to generate a metabonomic database using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of rodent urine and blood serum and to build a predictive expert system for target organ toxicity. The analytic and biologic variation that might arise through the use of metabonomics was evaluated and a high degree of robustness demonstrated. With the completion of 147 studies, the chief deliverables of a curated database of rodent biofluid NMR spectra and computer-based expert systems for the prediction of kidney or liver toxicity in rat and mouse based on the spectral data have been generated, and delivered to the sponsoring companies. The project, with its relatively modest resources, has met and exceeded all of its targets and...

Effect of powdered fermented milk with Lactobacillus helveticus on subjects with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Two tripeptides (Val-Pro-Pro and Ile-Pro-Pro) that have inhibitory activities for angiotensin I-converting enzyme are produced in milk fermented with Lactobacillus helveticus. In this study we evaluated the effect and safety of powdered fermented milk with L. helveticus CM4 on subjects with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension. METHODS: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted using 40 subjects with high-normal blood pressure (HN group) and 40 subjects with mild hypertension (MH group). Each subject ingested 6 test tablets (12 g) containing powdered fermented milk with L. helveticus CM4 daily for 4 weeks (test group) or the same amount of placebo tablets for 4 weeks (placebo group). RESULTS: During treatment, the decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the test group tended to be greater than in the placebo group for both blood pressure groups. At the end of treatment (week 4), a significant decrease in DBP in the HN group was observed (i.e. 5.0 mm Hg (0.1, 9.9; p = 0.04) compared with the placebo group). There was no significant change in SBP (3.2 mm Hg (95% CI -2.6, 8.9; p = 0.27). In the MH group, SBP decreased by 11.2 mm Hg (4.0, 18.4; p = 0.003) and there was a statistically non-significant decrease in DBP of 6.5 mm Hg (-0.1, 13.0; p = 0.055) compared with the placebo group. No marked changes were observed in other indexes, including pulse rate, body weight and blood serum variables, and no adverse effects attributed to the treatment was found in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Daily ingestion of the tablets containing powdered fermented milk with L. helveticus CM4 in subjects with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension reduces elevated blood pressure without any adverse effects.

Role of advanced glycation end products and their receptors in development of diabetic neuropathy.

Abstract: Diabetic neuropathy is a life-threatening complication involving both peripheral and autonomic nerves. The hyperglycemia-induced polyol pathway as well as enhanced oxidative stress are among the factors implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy. Their effects are possibly exerted by direct nerve tissue damage or mediated by endothelial injury or vascular dysfunction. Formation of advanced glycation end product (AGE) is another important candidate for the cause of peripheral neuropathy. Indeed, the levels of AGEs were increased in the serum and also in the peripheral nerves obtained from diabetic patients. Structural and functional proteins of those nerves are also glycated, resulting in impaired nerve function and characteristic pathologic alterations. In addition, interaction between AGEs and their receptors induce biological effects on the target tissues for diabetic complications. In the peripheral nerve, the receptor for AGE (RAGE) is expressed in endothelial and Schwann cells. It is thus anticipated that interactions between AGEs and RAGE facilitate endoneural vascular dysfunction, leading to microangiopathy in the peripheral nerve. The roles of these mechanisms, in particular on the molecular mechanisms of AGE-RAGE interactions in the development of diabetic neuropathy are largely still speculative and yet to be explored.

Temporal gene expression profiling of liver from periparturient dairy cows reveals complex adaptive mechanisms in hepatic function

Abstract: Long-term molecular adaptations in liver from high-producing dairy cows are virtually unknown. Liver from five Holstein cows was biopsied at -65, -30, -14, +1, +14, +28, and +49 days relative to parturition for transcript profiling using a microarray consisting of 7,872 annotated cattle cDNA inserts. More than 5,000 cDNA elements represented on the microarray were expressed in liver. From this set we identified 62 differentially expressed genes related to physiological state, with a false discovery rate threshold of P = 0.20. The dominant expression pattern consisted of upregulation from day -30 through day +1, followed by downregulation through day +28. There was a threefold decrease from day -65 through day +14 in expression of IGFBP3, GSTM5, and PDPK1. These genes mediate IGF-I transport, oxidative stress, and glucose homeostasis, respectively. IGFBP3, EIF4B, and GSTM5 mRNA levels were positively correlated with blood serum total protein. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between serum nonesterified fatty acids and mRNA expression for SAA1, CPT1A, ACADVL, and TFAP2A. Transcript levels of ACSL1, PPARA, and TFAP2A were positively correlated with serum beta-hydroxybutyrate. Expression patterns for certain genes (e.g., IGFBP3, HNF4A, GPAM) revealed adaptations commencing well ahead of parturition, suggesting they are regulated by factors other than periparturient hormonal environment. Results provide evidence that hepatic inflammatory responses occurring near parturition initiate or augment adipose catabolism. In this context, cytokines, acute-phase proteins, and serum nonesterified fatty acids are key players in periparturient cow metabolism. We propose a model for integrating gene expression, metabolite, and liver composition data to explain physiological events in placenta, adipose, and liver during the periparturient period.

Responses of cypermethrin‐induced stress in haematological parameters of Korean rockfish, Sebastes schlegeli (Hilgendorf)

Abstract: An increasing number of synthetic pyrethroids are used as an environmental friendly substitute of organophosphate and organochlorine insecticides. Pesticide pollution in the coastal ecosystem of Korea is considered to be a cause of slow growth and prevalence of diseases in commercial fishes. Therefore, it is necessary to develop fast techniques to detect insecticide toxicities. In the present work the results of rapid and inexpensive laboratory experiments show the patho-physiological alteration of blood parameters to sublethal concentration of pyrethroid insecticide (cypermethrin) in the commercially important Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli). Cypermethrin-exposed fish showed erythropenia, low haematocrit and haemoglobin content and hyperglycemia, especially for long-term exposure at high concentrations. Cypermethrin caused increased levels of serum glutamic-acid-oxylacetic-acid-transaminase, glutamic-acid-pyruvic-acid-transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, concomitant with a decreased concentration of chloride ion and blood serum osmolality, indicating the disruptive activity of cypermethrin after 8 weeks exposure. Moreover, reduced level of serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, lysozyme activity and significantly higher level of glucose, bilirubin and malondialdehyde were measured and attributed to an increased demand for energy by fish under stress to cope with detrimental conditions imposed by chronic exposure to the toxicant.

Serum lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels in male and female diabetic patients.

Abstract: Introduction: The depletion of defensive body chemicals called antioxidants may increase the risk of complications from the most common form of diabetes mellitus. This study aims to evaluate blood serum lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde), an antioxidant, in non-insulin dependent male and female type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Blood serum samples were collected from the diabetic patients and non-diabetic healthy controls. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, which is an index of endogenous lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and protein content of the serum were estimated. Results: A significant elevation in MDA level and decrease in glutathione and protein content was observed in both male and female diabetic patients in comparison to non-diabetic controls. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the increase in the lipid peroxidation product MDA and decline in glutathione-dependent antioxidant defences may appear early in non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus patients before the development of secondary complications.

Closed-loop, multiobjective optimization of analytical instrumentation: Gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry of the metabolomes of human serum and of yeast fermentations

Abstract: The number of instrumental parameters controlling modern analytical apparatus can be substantial, and varying them systematically to optimize a particular chromatographic separation, for example, is out of the question because of the astronomical number of combinations that are possible (i.e., the “search space” is very large). However, heuristic methods, such as those based on evolutionary computing, can be used to explore such search spaces efficiently. We here describe the implementation of an entirely automated (closed-loop) strategy for doing this and apply it to the optimization of gas chromatographic separations of the metabolomes of human serum and of yeast fermentation broths. Without human intervention, the Robot Chromatographer system (i) initializes the settings on the instrument, (ii) controls the analytical run, (iii) extracts the variables defining the analytical performance (specifically the number of peaks, signal/noise ratio, and run time), (iv) chooses (via the PESA-II multiobjective ge...

The Effects of Cadmium on Levels of Glucose in Serum and Glycogen Reserves in the Liver and Muscle Tissues of Cyprinus carpio (L., 1758)

Abstract: The common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758) was exposed to sublethal concentrations of cadmium (0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mgl -1 ) for 10 days. The levels of serum glucose and glycogen reserves in the liver and muscle tissues were measured both in fish exposed and not exposed to Cd. The levels of glycogen reserves in the liver and muscle tissues were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in fish exposed to sublethal concentrations of Cd compared with the levels measured in the control groups. The decrease in glycogen levels in the liver and muscle tissues under the highest metal concentration (1.0 mgl -1 ) were 24% and 29%, respectively. The blood serum glucose levels of fish exposed to Cd were significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared with the levels measured in the control groups. This increase was correlated with the increase in water Cd concentrations. -1 'lik subletal deriflimlerinin etkisine b›rak›lm›flt›r. Cd etkisinde kalan bal›klarla metal icermeyen ortamda bulunan kontrol bal›klar›n›n kas ve karacier dokular›ndaki glikojen duzeyleri ile serum glukoz duzeyleri olculmufltur. Kadmiyumun belirtilen ortam deriflimlerinin etkisinde kas ve karacier dokular›ndaki glikojen duzeyi kontrole gore onemli olcude azalm›flt›r (P < 0,05). Bu azalma, en yuksek metal derifliminin (1,0 mgl - 1 ) etkisinde karacierde % 24, kas dokusunda ise % 29 duzeyinde olmufltur. Kadmiyum etkisinde kalan bal›klar›n serum glukoz duzeyleri, metal etkisinde kalmayan bal›klara gore onemli duzeyde artarken, bu art›fl›n metalin ortam deriflimindeki art›fl›na paralel olduu saptanm›flt›r.

Free Radical Scavenging and Hepatoprotective Actions of the Medicinal Herb, Crassocephalum crepidioides from the Okinawa Islands

Abstract: Free radical scavenging and protective actions against chemically induced hepatotoxicity of Crassocephalum crepidioides were investigated. A water extract of C. crepidioides strongly scavenged superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and also stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. Galactosamine (GalN, 400 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 microg/kg) induced hepatotoxicity of rats as seen by an elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and of lipid peroxidation in liver homogenates was significantly depressed when the herbal extract was given intraperitoneally 1 and 15 h before GalN and LPS treatment. Similarly, carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver injury as evidenced by an increase in AST and ALT activities in serum was also inhibited by the extract pretreatment. Isochlorogenic acids, quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were identified as active components of C. crepidioides with strong free radical scavenging action. These results demonstrate that C. crepidioides is a potent antioxidant and protective against GalN plus LPS- or CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Extracellular 8-oxo-dG as a sensitive parameter for oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro

Abstract: 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) is one of the mutagenic base modifications produced in DNA by the reaction of reactive oxygen species. The biological significance of 8-oxo-dG is shown by the existence of repair pathways that are able to recognize and remove this lesion from both DNA and the nucleotide pool. The final outcome of these evolutionarily conserved repair mechanisms in man is excretion of 8-oxo-dG/8-oxo-Gua from the intracellular to extracellular milieu including the blood plasma and urine. The aim of this investigation was to establish dose response relations for radiation-induced appearance of extracellular 8-oxo-dG in cellular model systems. Here we report on excretion of 8-oxo-dG after in vitro irradiation of whole blood and isolated lymphocytes with clinically relevant doses. We find that this excretion is dependent on dose and individual repair capacity, and that it saturates above doses of 0.5-1 Gy of gamma radiation. Our data also suggest that the nucleotide pool is a significant target that contributes to the levels of extracellular 8-oxo-dG; hence the mutagenic target for oxidative stress is not limited to the DNA molecule only. We conclude that extracellular 8-oxo-dG levels after in vitro irradiation have a potential to be used as a sensitive marker for oxidative stress.

Serum Antibodies to Oral Anaerobic Bacteria in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the component that causes the disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which shows great resemblance to periodontitis in a pathologic context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within this study, the pathogen-specific IgG levels formed against Porphyromonas gingivalis FDC 381, Prevotella melaninogenica ATCC 25845, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4, Bacteroides forsythus ATCC 43047, and Prevotella intermedia 25611 oral bacteria were researched from the blood serum samples of 30 RA patients and 20 healthy controls with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: The IgG levels of P gingivalis, P intermedia, P melaninogenica, and B forsythus were found to be significantly higher in RA patients when compared with those of the controls. Of the other bacteria antibodies, A actinomycetemcomitans was not found at greater levels in RA serum samples in comparison with the healthy samples. CONCLUSION: The antibodies formed against P gingivalis, P intermedia, P melaninogenica, and B forsythus could be important to the etiopathogenesis of RA.

Critical window of male reproductive tract development in rats following gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been shown to interfere with the development of the male reproductive tract by acting as an antiandrogen. This study was conducted to identify the critical days for the abnormal development of the male reproductive tract, specifically the testis and epididymis. METHODS: Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with DBP at 500 mg/kg/day on gestation day (GD) 14 and 15, 15 and 16, 16 and 17, 17 and 18, 18 and 19, or 19 and 20 (GD 0=plug day). Anogenital distance (AGD) was measured on postnatal day (PND) 1 and 13, while areloa number was recorded on PND 13 only. After weaning, males were allowed to mature to PND 90 at which time they were necropsied. Areloa number and AGD were recorded and testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, kidneys, and liver weighed. Blood serum was collected and assayed for total testosterone concentration. RESULTS: There were no observable effects on litter size, sex ratio, serum testosterone concentration, or mortality of pups. Statistically significant permanent reductions in AGD were seen in males exposed prenatally to DBP on GD 15 and 16 or GD 18 and 19. On PND 13, areola were present in males exposed to DBP on GD 15 and 16, 16 and 17, 17 and 18, and 19 and 20. However, permanent retention occurred only in males after DBP exposure on GD 16 and 17. Exposure to DBP on only GD 17 and 18 elicited a reduction in epididymal weights; while exposure on only GD 16 and 17 caused a significant increase in the weights of the testes due to edema. In this study, epididymal and testicular malformations were most prevalent after exposure to DBP on any gestational day. Epididymal malformations, characterized by agenesis of various regions and small or flaccid testes were significantly increased in DBP-exposed males only on GD 16 and 17. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that 2-day DBP exposure is highly detrimental to the developing reproductive tract of the male fetus and the critical window for abnormal development is GD 16–18. Birth Defects Res B 74:277–285, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PCR Analysis of Egyptian Respiratory Adenovirus Isolates, Including Identification of Species, Serotypes, and Coinfections

Abstract: Eighty-eight adenovirus (Ad) isolates and associated clinical data were collected from walk-in patients with influenza-like illness in Egypt during routine influenza surveillance from 1999 through 2002. Respiratory Ad distributions are geographically variable, and serotype prevalence has not been previously characterized in this region. Serotype identity is clinically relevant because it predicts vaccine efficacy and correlates strongly with both clinical presentation and epidemiological pattern. Species and serotype identities were determined using several well-validated multiplex PCR protocols culled from the literature and supplemented with a few novel primer sets designed to identify rare types. The isolates included common species B1 serotypes (Ad3 and Ad7), common species C serotypes (Ad1, Ad2, and Ad5), the less common species B2 serotype Ad11, and three isolates of the rare species B1 serotype Ad16. Two isolates that appear to be variant Ad16 were also identified. Fifteen coinfections of multiple adenoviral types, primarily AdB/AdC and Ad3/Ad7 dual infections, were detected. The majority of these were verified using redundant PCR tests targeted at multiple genes. PCR is able to resolve coinfections, in contrast to traditional serum neutralization tests. PCR is also comparatively rapid and requires very little equipment. Application of the method allowed an inclusive determination of the serotypes found in the Egyptian respiratory sample set and demonstrated that coinfections are common and may play a previously unrecognized role in adenovirus pathogenesis, evolution, and epidemiology. In particular, coinfections may influence adenoviral evolution, as interserotypic recombination has been identified as a source of emerging strains.

Inactivation of endotoxin by human plasma gelsolin.

Abstract: Septic shock from bacterial endotoxin, triggered by the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecules from the outer wall of Gram-negative bacteria, is a major cause of human death for which there is no effective treatment once the complex inflammatory pathways stimulated by these small amphipathic molecules are activated. Here we report that plasma gelsolin, a highly conserved human protein, binds LPS from various bacteria with high affinity. Solid-phase binding assays, fluorescence measurements, and functional assays of actin depolymerizing effects show that gelsolin binds more tightly to LPS than it does to its other known lipid ligands, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and lysophosphatidic acid. Gelsolin also competes with LPS-binding protein (LBP), a high-affinity carrier for LPS. One result of gelsolin-LPS binding is inhibition of the actin binding activity of gelsolin as well as the actin depolymerizing activity of blood serum. Simultaneously, effects of LPS on cellular functions, including cytoskeletal actin remodeling, and collagen-induced platelet activation by pathways independent of toll-like receptors (TLRs) are neutralized by gelsolin and by a peptide based on gelsolin residues 160-169 (GSN160-169) which comprise part of gelsolin's phosphoinositide binding site. Additionally, TLR-dependent NF-kappaB translocation in astrocytes appears to be blocked by gelsolin. These results show a strong effect of LPS on plasma gelsolin function and suggest that some effects of endotoxin in vivo may be mediated or inhibited by plasma gelsolin.

Hepatitis C virus in the semen of men coinfected with HIV-1: prevalence and origin.

Abstract: Objective: To compare the prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) RNA in semen from men infected with HCV and those coinfected with HIV-1 /HCV and to study the origin of HCV shed in semen. Design: Two prospective studies (HC EP09 and BINECO) included 120 HCV-positive men, 82 coinfected with HIV-1; all had positive HCV RNA detection in blood. Methods: Paired blood and semen samples were collected for HCV RNA detection and quantification in seminal plasma and in blood serum; repeated semen samples were obtained for 45 men. HCV RNA was sought in spermatozoa and non-sperm cells. Phylogenetic analysis of the HVR-1 region of HCV compared the quasispecies in blood serum and seminal plasma of two men. Results: HCV RNA was more frequently found in the semen of men coinfected with HIV-1 (37.8%) than in those with only HCV infection (18.4%) (P = 0.033). HCV RNA detection in semen was intermittent and was positive in at least one semen sample of 42.8% of HIV-1/HCV-coinfected men who provided repeated samples. Men with HCV-positive semen had significantly higher HCV load in blood than men with HCV-negative semen (P = 0.038). Phylogenetic comparison of HCV quasispecies in blood and in semen showed no evidence of HCV replication in genital leukocytes; however, a phenetic structure was observed between compartments (P < 0.001). Conclusions: HCV particles in semen originate from passive passage from blood, with preferential transfer of some variants. Nearly half of HIV-1/HCV-coinfected men may intermittently harbour HCV in their semen. Recommendations of protected sex for HIV-infected individuals should be reinforced.

Growth, Carcass Quality and Serum Constituents of Slow Growing Chicks as Affected by Betaine Addition to Diets Containing 2. Different Levels of Methionine

Abstract: The response of slow growing chicks to different dietary levels of choline and\or betaine was investigated during the starter-grower period from 1 to 56 d of age. Therefore, a basal all-mash corn-soybean meal diet was formulated to contain 872 mg of choline based on native one. This diet was supplemented with 0, 300 and 600 mg of choline, from feed grade choline chloride (50%), which is equal to 872, 1172 and 1472 mg total choline/kg feed. Each choline level was supplemented with, 0.0, 0.072 and 0.144% betaine. Thus there were nine experimental diets; each diet was fed to 45 chicks divided equally among 5 replicates of nine unsexed chicks each. Irrespective of betaine addition, choline supplementation at 300 mg/kg diet significantly increased BWG by 3.2% and insignificantly improved FCR by 3.3% compared to unsupplemented basal diet (872 mg choline/kg diet). Choline supplementation at either medium or hig h level significantly increased blood serum albumin, while response to SRBC's was linearly (P<0.05) increased with increasing choline supplementation. Furthermore, choline at only 1172 mg/kg diet significantly decreased relative weight of abdominal fat, while increasing choline level to 1472 mg/kg diet did not affect relative weight of abdominal fat. Irrespective of choline supplementation, betaine addition at either 0.072 or 0.144% significantly improved BWG by 4.4 and 4.8%, and FCR by 4.2 and 6.1% compared to the basal diet, respectively. Betaine addition at 0.072 and 0.144% significantly increased serum total protein, albumen, and secondary response to SRBC's, while primary responses to SRBC's was linearly increased (P<0.05) with increasing betaine addition. Betaine significantly decreased relative weight of abdominal fat linearly. Results indicated that betaine addition at 0.072% to 872, 1172 or 1472 mg choline- containing diet increased BWG by 3.9, 4.1 and 5.1% and improved FCR by 4.1, 4.3 and 4.8% compared to their respective controls, respectively. Also, betaine addition at 0.144% to 872, 1172 and 1472 mg/kg diet increased BWG by 5.0, 4.9 and 4.4% and improved FCR by 4.8, 4.3 and 4.1% compared to their respective controls, respectively. Betaine addition at 0.072 or 0.144% to the basal diet containing 872 mg choline resulted in similar BWG and FCR, serum total protein, albumen and primary response to SRBC's of those fed diet containing 1172 or 1472 mg choline. In conclusion, slow growing chicks gained 13.3 g/d during 1-56 d of age required a choline level of 1172 mg/kg feed. However, choline level of 872 mg choline, which derived from native one, was adequate when dietary 0.072% betaine was added. Key word: Choline, betaine, growth performance, antibody response, meat quality

Biomarkers of human exposure to ochratoxin A

Abstract: Low blood serum/plasma concentrations of ochratoxin A (OTA) have been reported for healthy persons in more than 20 countries. Epidemiology studies in Bulgaria, Romania, Spain, the Czech Republic, T...

Stabilizing the stabilizer: group psychoeducation enhances the stability of serum lithium levels.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the effect on the serum lithium levels of a psychoeducational program in patients with bipolar disorder. Method: This is a subanalysis of data obtained from a larger study on the efficacy of group psychoeducation in the prophylaxis of recurrences in bipolar disorders. Data on plasma lithium levels were obtained at five time points: baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Serum lithium levels of patients who had received psychoeduction (psychoeducated) (N = 49) and non-psychoeducated patients (N = 44) were compared. Results: Mean serum lithium levels were significantly higher and more stable for the psychoeducation group. Conclusions: As changes in serum lithium level may be a powerful predictor of recurrence for bipolar patients, the addition of group psychoeducation to standard pharmacological treatment may be beneficial to optimize serum lithium levels and, thereby improve outcome.

Anti-fibrosclerotic effects of shock wave therapy in lipedema and cellulite.

Abstract: In vivo measurements in 26 female patients with lipedema and cellulite parameters were carried out before and after therapy by means of complex physical decongestive therapy (CPDT) including manual lymph drainage and compression as main components and/or shock wave therapy (SWT). Oxidative stress parameters of blood serum and biomechanic skin properties/smoothening of dermis and hypodermis surface were evaluated. Oxidative stress in lipedema and cellulite was demonstrated by increased serum concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasma protein carbonyls compared with healthy control persons. Both MDA and protein carbonyls in blood plasma decreased after serial shock wave application and CPDT. The SWT itself and CPDT itself lead to MDA release from edematous tissue into the plasma. Obviously both therapy types, SWT and CPDT, mitigate oxidative stress in lipedema and cellulite. In parallel SWT improved significantly the biomechanic skin properties leading to smoothening of dermis and hypodermis surface. Significant correlation between MDA depletion of edematous and lipid enriched dermis and improvement of mechanic skin properties was demonstrated. From these findings it is concluded, that a release of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products from edematous dermis is an important sclerosis-preventing effect of SWT and/or CPDT in lipedema and cellulite. Expression of factors stimulating angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis such as VEGF was not induced by SWT and/or CPDT and, therefore, not involved in beneficial effects by SWT and/or CPDT.

Designer antibacterial peptides kill fluoroquinolone-resistant clinical isolates.

Abstract: A significant number of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterial strains in urinary tract infections are resistant to fluoroquinolones. Peptide antibiotics are viable alternatives although these are usually either toxic or insufficiently active. By applying multiple alignment and sequence optimization steps, we designed multifunctional proline-rich antibacterial peptides that maintained their DnaK-binding ability in bacteria and low toxicity in eukaryotes, but entered bacterial cells much more avidly than earlier peptide derivatives. The resulting chimeric and statistical analogues exhibited 8−32 μg/mL minimal inhibitory concentration efficacies in Muller−Hinton broth against a series of clinical pathogens. Significantly, the best peptide, compound 5, A3-APO, retained full antibacterial activity in the presence of mouse serum. Across a set of eight fluoroquinolone-resistant clinical isolates, peptide 5 was 4 times more potent than ciprofloxacin. On the basis of the in vitro efficacy, toxicity,...