Showing papers on "Serum albumin published in 1997"

Species Differences of Serum Albumins: I. Drug Binding Sites

Abstract: Purpose. The purpose of this study was the classification and identification of drug binding sites on albumins from several species in order to understand species differences of both drug binding properties and drug interaction on protein binding. Methods. Binding properties and types of drug-drug interaction on the different albumins were examined using typical site I binding drugs, warfarin (WF) and phenylbutazone (PBZ), and site II binding drugs, ibuprofen (IP) and diazepam (DZ) on human albumin. Equilibrium dialysis was carried out for two drugs and the free concentrations of drugs were then treated using the methods of Kragh-Hansen (Mol. Pharmacol. 34. 160−171, (1988)). Results. Binding affinities of site I drugs to bovine, rabbit and rat albumins were reasonably similar to human albumin. However, interestingly, those to dog albumin were considerably smaller than human albumin. On the other hand, binding parameters of DZ to bovine, rabbit and rat albumins were apparently different from those of human albumin. These differences are best explained by microenvironmental changes in the binding sites resulting from change of size and/or hydrophobicity of the binding pocket, rather than a variation in amino acid residues. Conclusions. We will propose herein that mammalian serum albumins used in this study contain specific drug binding sites: Rabbit and rat albumins contain a drug binding site, corresponding to site I on human albumin, and dog albumin contains a specific drug binding site corresponding to site II on the human albumin molecule.

Role of interleukin-6 in the paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome associated with renal-cell carcinoma.

Abstract: We investigated the possible causative role of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome and in paraneoplastic cholestasis (Stauffer syndrome) associated with renal-cell carcinoma in a series of 119 patients with metastases. IL-6 levels were found significantly higher in patients with paraneoplastic fever and weight loss. Patients with detectable serum IL-6 (n = 90, 76%) had significantly higher serum CRP, haptoglobin, and serum alkaline-phosphatase and gammaglutamyl-transferase levels. Platelets, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) and monocyte counts were also significantly higher in patients with detectable serum IL-6; in contrast, hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients with serum IL-6 over 80 pg/ml. Three of these patients were included in a phase-II trial of an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody given daily during 21 days. Reductions of CRP, haptoglobin and serum alkalin phosphatases were observed in all 3 patients during anti-IL-6 administration, with a subsequent increase up to or above pre-treatment levels after the end of anti-IL-6. Decrease of platelets, PMN and monocyte counts were also observed in the 3 patients during anti-IL-6 administration, with a normalization of cell counts in a patient with increased platelets, PMN and monocyte counts. Hemoglobin concentration, serum albumin concentration and lymphocyte counts remained stable in the 3 patients during and after anti-IL-6 administration. Serum IL-6, as evaluated by IRMA, decreased in the 3 patients during anti-IL-6 administration, but increased above pre-treatment levels after the end of anti-IL-6 administration. These results demonstrate that IL-6 is involved in the physiopathology of paraneoplastic syndromes observed in patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma, in particular CRP and haptoglobin increase, paraneoplastic cholestasis, also paraneoplastic thrombocytosis, neutrophilia and monocytosis.

Vascular dysfunction induced by elevated glucose levels in rats is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor.

Abstract: The purpose of these experiments was to investigate a potential role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in mediating vascular dysfunction induced by increased glucose flux via the sorbitol pathway. Skin chambers were mounted on the backs of Sprague-Dawley rats and 1 wk later, granulation tissue in the chamber was exposed twice daily for 7 d to 5 mM glucose, 30 mM glucose, or 1 mM sorbitol in the presence and absence of neutralizing VEGF antibodies. Albumin permeation and blood flow were increased two- to three-fold by 30 mM glucose and 1 mM sorbitol; these increases were prevented by coadministration of neutralizing VEGF antibodies. Blood flow and albumin permeation were increased approximately 2.5-fold 1 h after topical application of recombinant human VEGF and these effects were prevented by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors (aminoguanidine and N(G)-monomethyl L-arginine). Topical application of a superoxide generating system increased albumin permeation and blood flow and these changes were markedly attenuated by VEGF antibody and NOS inhibitors. Application of sodium nitroprusside for 7 d or the single application of a calcium ionophore, A23187, mimicked effects of glucose, sorbitol, and VEGF on vascular dysfunction and the ionophore effect was prevented by coadministration of aminoguanidine. These observations suggest a potentially important role for VEGF in mediating vascular dysfunction induced by "hypoxia-like" cytosolic metabolic imbalances (reductive stress, increased superoxide, and nitric oxide production) linked to increased flux of glucose via the sorbitol pathway.

Methimazole and propylthiouracil equally cross the perfused human term placental lobule

Abstract: Propylthiouracil (PTU) is widely believed to cross the placenta less freely than methimazole (MMI) and is therefore regarded as the preferred drug for treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Clinical studies comparing the two drugs show, however, no differences in maternal or fetal thyroid function. We investigated transfer from the maternal to the fetal circuit in the isolated perfused term human placental lobule of low and high doses of PTU (4 micrograms/mL and 40 micrograms/mL) and MMI (1.5 micrograms/mL and 15 micrograms/mL) in protein-free perfusate and low doses of both drugs with addition of 40 g/L of bovine albumin. Both drugs readily crossed the placenta, reaching equilibrium in all experiments in about 2 h. Drug concentrations in the two circuits fitted a two compartmental model. Transfer kinetics for the two drugs were similar, nonsaturable, and unaffected by addition of albumin. Clearances (mL.min-1.g-1, means +/- SD) of PTU from maternal to fetal circuits were: 0.229 +/- 0.110, 0.216 +/- 0.065, and 0.170 +/- 0.032; and for transfer of MMI: 0.165 +/- 0.025, 0.232 +/- 0.153, and 0.174 +/- 0.009 (for low doses without, low doses with, and high doses without albumin, respectively). Clearances of PTU from fetal to maternal circuits were: 0.147 +/- 0.072, 0.109 +/- 0.014, and 0.116 +/- 0.028; and for transfer of MMI: 0.095 +/- 0.029, 0.122 +/- 0.088, and 0.12 +/- 0.005 (in the same experiments). There was no significant difference between drugs or drug doses and no effect of addition of albumin. We conclude that PTU and MMI have similar placental transfer kinetics.

Endoproteinase Activity of Type A Botulinum Neurotoxin: Substrate Requirements and Activation by Serum Albumin

Abstract: Type A botulinum neurotoxin, a zinc-dependent endoproteinase that selectively cleaves the neuronal protein SNAP-25, can also cleave relatively short peptides. We found that bovine and other serum albumins stimulated the type A-catalyzed hydrolysis of synthetic peptide substrates, through a direct effect on the kinetic constants of the reaction. Furthermore, with bovine serum albumin in the assays, the optimum substrate size was 16 residues (11 on the amino-terminal side of the cleavage site and 5 on the carboxy-terminal side). To further investigate the catalytic requirements of the neurotoxin, peptides were synthesized with various amino acid substitutions at the P5 through P5′ substrate sites. Changes at all of these locations affected values for both kcat and Km. Substitutions at the P2, P1′, and P2′ sites had more pronounced effects on hydrolysis rates than did substitutions at the P1 site. Enzyme–substrate interactions at the P3′ threonine probably involved the side-chain methyl group rather than the hydroxyl group. Replacing the P2′ alanine with leucine eliminated detectable hydrolysis, but not binding, since this peptide was an inhibitor. A negatively charged residue was preferred at P5, but not at P4. The data indicate that type A botulinum neurotoxin has an extended substrate recognition region and a requirement for arginine as the P1′ residue.

Massive targeting of liposomes, surface-modified with anionized albumins, to hepatic endothelial cells

Abstract: Human serum albumin (HSA) derivatized with cis-aconitic anhydride was covalently coupled to liposomes with a size of approximately 100 nm [polyaconitylated HSA (Aco-HSA) liposomes]. Within 30 min after injection into a rat, Aco-HSA liposomes were completely cleared from the blood and almost exclusively taken up by the liver, whereas in control liposomes 80% was still present in the blood at that time. Endothelial cells were shown to account for almost two-thirds of the hepatic uptake of the Aco-HSA liposomes, the remainder being recovered mainly in the liver macrophages (Kupffer cells). With fluorescently labeled liposomes it was shown that the Aco-HSA liposomes target a vast majority (>85%) of the cells in the endothelial cell population. Control liposomes were not taken up to a significant extent by the endothelial cells. Uptake of Aco-HSA liposomes by both endothelial and Kupffer cells was inhibited by preinjection with polyinosinic acid, indicating the involvement of scavenger receptors in the uptake process. The uptake of Aco-HSA liposomes by liver endothelial cells was dependent on liposome size; with increasing liposome diameter endothelial cell uptake decreased in favor of Kupffer cell uptake. We have demonstrated that massive in vivo targeting of liposomes to a defined cell population other than macrophages is possible. Aco-HSA liposomes thus may represent an attractive drug carrier system for treatment of various liver or liver endothelium-associated disorders.

Effect of global system for mobile communication (GSM) microwave exposure on blood-brain barrier permeability in rat

Abstract: We investigated the effects of global system for mobile communication (GSM) microwave exposure on the permeability of the blood-brain barrier using a calibrated microwave exposure system in the 900 MHz band. Rats were restrained in a carousel of circularly arranged plastic tubes and sham-exposed or microwave irradiated for a duration of 4 h at specific brain absorption rates (SAR) ranging from 0.3 to 7.5 W/kg. The extravasation of proteins was assessed either at the end of exposure or 7 days later in three to five coronal brain slices by immunohistochemical staining of serum albumin. As a positive control two rats were subjected to cold injury. In the brains of freely moving control rats (n = 20) only one spot of extravasated serum albumin could be detected in one animal. In the sham-exposed control group (n = 20) three animals exhibited a total of 4 extravasations. In animals irradiated for 4 h at SAR of 0.3, 1.5 and 7.5 W/kg (n = 20 in each group) five out of the ten animals of each group killed at the end of the exposure showed 7, 6 and 14 extravasations, respectively. In the ten animals of each group killed 7 days after exposure, the total number of extravasations was 2, 0 and 1, respectively. The increase in serum albumin extravasations after microwave exposure reached significance only in the group exposed to the highest SAR of 7.5 W/kg but not at the lower intensities. Histological injury was not observed in any of the examined brains. Compared to other pathological conditions with increased blood-brain barrier permeability such as cold injury, the here observed serum albumin extravasations are very modest and, moreover, reversible. Microwave exposure in the frequency and intensity range of mobile telephony is unlikely to produce pathologically significant changes of the blood-brain barrier permeability.

Increased hyaluronidase levels in breast tumor metastases

Abstract: Hyaluronidase, a matrix-degrading enzyme, was assayed in extracts from breast primary tumors and regional metastases using a pool of human sera as a standard. Optimal activities of tumor extracts and serum were found for concentrations of 0.15-0.20 M NaCl in pH 3.8-4.0 buffer. In evaluating contamination by serum due to vascular proliferation, we expressed our results as the ratio of the entire activity (mU/l extract) on serum albumin content of tumors (g/l). Median (interquartile range) activities were 9.02 (6.04-14.34) for primary tumors and 37.36 (24.06-99.63) mU/g albumin for metastases. The difference was significant. Zymographic analysis showed that 3 bands of activity were detected which corresponded to 68, 53 and 49 kDa for tumoral hyaluronidase. The same pattern was observed for cellular extracts of breast cancer cell line CAL51, demonstrating that hyaluronidase detected in tumor extracts had mainly a cellular origin. Our results suggest that hyaluronidase may be involved in the metastatic process.

Immunological evidence for hypochlorite-modified proteins in human kidney.

Abstract: Oxygen radicals and oxidatively modified proteins seem to participate in degenerative vascular and inflammatory diseases. Factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, eg, oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), may also contribute to glomerulosclerosis. Although the nature of the in vivo oxidants remains unknown, recent findings indicated that the myeloperoxidase (MPO)-H2O2-halide system could play an important role in modification of (lipo)proteins in human tissues. MPO, the enzyme responsible for hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl-) formation, is present in human atherosclerotic lesions and in inflammatory conditions. In the present study, MPO was identified by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical technique in diseased human kidney either with primarily sclerotic or inflammatory lesions. Furthermore, the presence of HOCl-modified proteins was demonstrated in diseased renal tissues using a specific monoclonal antibody (clone 2D10G9), raised against HOCl-modified LDL, that does not cross-react with native LDL or Cu(2+)-, 4-hydroxynonenal-, or malondialdehyde-modified LDL. The antibody recognized HOCl-modified proteins in glomerular and tubulointerstitial inflammatory and fibrotic lesions and pronounced immunostaining was demonstrated in mononuclear cells. LDL or human serum albumin oxidized by HOCl in vitro, but not native LDL or human serum albumin, effectively competed with epitopes in diseased kidney for antibody binding. Western blot analysis in diseased kidney protein samples revealed at least two major proteins recognized by the anti-HOCl-modified protein monoclonal antibody. Densitometric evaluation of immunoreactive bands obtained under these conditions demonstrated that expression of HOCl-modified proteins is tightly coupled to expression of immunoreactive MPO in the same tissue samples. From our studies it is proposed that oxidation of proteins by HOCl might be a leading event in glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury. By this mechanism, mononuclear cells, a permanent source for MPO, may play a key role in the development of nephrosclerosis, glomerulo-clerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, respectively.

Pulmonary epithelial cell injury and alveolar-capillary permeability in berylliosis.

Abstract: Inhaled beryllium induces specific sensitization and nonspecific effects leading to chronic beryllium disease (CBD). It is not known whether beryllium induces epithelial cell injury and increases alveolar-capillary leak. We hypothesize that lung injury is an early event in this disease and that markers of lung injury reflect severity of CBD. We measured serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) KL-6 level, a marker of epithelial cell injury, and BALF/serum albumin, a marker of alveolar-capillary permeability, in 26 patients with CBD, 15 beryllium-sensitized subjects without disease (BeS), and 32 control subjects (Ctrl). We examined the association of these markers, BAL cellularity, pulmonary function, gas exchange, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, chest radiograph, the effects of glucocorticoid therapy, and clinical course. BALF/serum albumin and serum KL-6 increased in CBD and were discriminative markers for CBD. BALF KL-6 and BALF/serum albumin reflected mainly lung cellular and granulomatous inflammation. Serum KL-6, like and BALF KL-6, was associated with permeability change and reflected functional and radiologic abnormalities. Serum KL-6 detected early lung injury in BeS. Epithelial injury and permeability changes occur early in CBD, indicating disease severity. Monitoring of these events with serum KL-6 may be useful for management of CBD.

Assessment of nutritional status in CAPD patients: serum albumin is not a useful measure.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION In CAPD patients serum albumin is frequently used as an index of nutritional status, although it is recognized that hypoalbuminaemia may be caused by many factors. We have further examined the relationship between serum albumin and nutrition. METHODS Nutritional status was assessed by biochemistry, anthropometry, mid-arm muscle circumference, muscle strength (hand grip and back), and lean body mass (from anthropometry, creatinine kinetics and bioimpedance) in a group of 76 stable CAPD patients. Correlations between biochemical and nutritional parameters were sought and data were compared between patient groups defined by serum albumin (> or = 37 vs < 37 g/l on two occasions 2 months apart) and separately according to subjective global assessment score (normal nutrition, A vs mild to moderate, B, and severe, C, malnutrition). RESULTS In patients with a low SGA score, actual body weight, body mass index, mid-arm muscle circumference, lean body mass, subscapular skinfold thickness, hand grip strength (males and females) and iliac and triceps skinfold thicknesses and back strength (females only) were all significantly less than in patients with a normal SGA score. In contrast, none of these variables differed in either gender when patients were compared according to serum albumin. Serum albumin was correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.45, P = 0.01), daily urine protein excretion (r = -0.42, P = 0.02) and uncorrected weekly creatinine clearance (r = -0.39) in females, but not with any index of body composition in either gender. CONCLUSION Whilst SGA identified a patient group with significantly abnormal body mass, muscle mass and muscle strength, serum albumin did not. Serum albumin is not a useful marker of malnutrition in stable patients on CAPD.

Serum selenium versus lymphocyte subsets and markers of disease progression and inflammatory response in human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection

Abstract: Serum selenium levels were determined cross-sectionally in 57 HIV-infected patients who were classified according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1993 classification system. Mean serum selenium levels were lower in CDC stage II (58.7±12.2 μg/L;p<0.01;n=18) and stage III (47.6±11.3 μg/L;p<0.01;n=19) HIV-infected patients, than in healthy subjects (80.6±9.6 μg/L;n=48) and stage I patients (73.6±16.5 μg/L;n=20). Serum selenium levels were positively correlated with CD4 count, CD4/8 ratio, hematocrit, and serum albumin (r=0.42;r=0.39;r=0.48; andr=0.45;p<0.01, respectively) and inversely with serum levels of thymidine kinase (r=−0.49;p<0.01;n=49) and β2-microglobulin (r=−0.46;p<0.001;n=49). In addition, serum selenium levels in 20 randomly selected AIDS-free individuals (CDC I:n=10; CDC II:n=10) were inversely correlated with serum concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) types I and II. There was no correlation with serum immuneglobulin A and total serum protein levels. The results show that the progressive deprivation of serum selenium in HIV-infection is associated with loss of CD4+-cells and with increased levels of markers of disease progression and inflammatory response.

Allergic cross-reactions between cat and pig serum albumin. Study at the protein and DNA levels.

Abstract: After observing a patient allergic to cat dander and pork but devoid of other allergies, we prospectively screened patients known to be allergic to cat for a second sensitization to pork. After collecting the sera of 10 young patients found to contain specific IgE to cat dander and pork, we undertook this study to detect the possible cross-reactive allergen, define its molecular characteristics, and evaluate its clinical relevance. Through immunoblotting techniques, cat and porcine serum albumin were found to be jointly recognized molecules. These findings were further analyzed by specific anti-albumin IgE titrations and cross-inhibition experiments. Cat serum albumin cDNA was obtained from cat liver, and the corresponding amino acid sequence was deduced and compared to the known porcine and human serum albumin sequences. Inhibition experiments showed that the spectrum of IgE reactivity to cat serum albumin completely contained IgE reactivity to porcine serum albumin, suggesting that sensitization to cat was the primary event. In two cohorts of cat-allergic persons, the frequency of sensitization to cat serum albumin was found to lie between 14% and 23%. Sensitization to porcine albumin was found to lie between 3% and 10%. About 1/3 of these persons are likely to experience allergic symptoms in relation to pork consumption. Sensitization to cat serum albumin should be considered a useful marker of possible cross-sensitization not only to porcine serum albumin but also to other mammalian serum albumins.