COMPARISON OF TWO COMMERCIAL TEST KITS FOR QUANTIFICATION OF SERUM CARBOHYDRATE-DEFICIENT TRANSFERRIN

Serum levels of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) weremeasured in subjects of two independent studies using two differentcommercial kits. The kits measure CDT either as a percentageof total transferrin (AXIS %CDT^TM, AXIS Biochemicals AS, Norway),or as the absolute amount (CDTect^TM, Pharmacia, Sweden). Ina population of males (mean age 41 years) consisting of alcoholics,heavy, moderate and non-drinkers, a strong correlation was foundbetween AXIS %CDT and CDTect results (r=0.92, n=58, P<0.001).Sensitivity and specificity in detecting chronic alcoholic drinkingof over 60 g/day were 78 and 94% for the AXIS assay, and 83and 88% for the CDTect assay, respectively. In a populationfrom a birth cohort study, consisting of 21-year-old males andfemales with less excessive alcohol consumption, the correlationbetween AXIS %CDT and CDTect CDT was weaker but still statisticallysignificant (r=0.46. n=212, =<0.001). In this population,with specificities >83% in detecting alcohol consumptionlevels of     

Brief communication The primate MHC contains sequences related to the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene family

We have cloned and sequenced a genomic region centromeric of the HLA-B locus from different MHC ancestral haplotypes. These haplotypes are associated with several diseases. The sequences were analyzed for coding potential and their relevance to disease associations were assessed with respect to the level of polymorphism. Analysis of sequences located approximately 25kb centromeric of HLA-B reveals the existence of fibroblast growth factor receptor related sequences. These sequences designated PERB1 (FGFR6 ) reveal 80% homology, at both nucleic acid and amino acid level, to the immunoglobulin domain 1 (Ig-1) of the human fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 ( FGFR3 ) gene. Amino acid comparison of the Ig-1 domain of PERB1 to those of other FGFR molecules indicates that PERB1 is more closely related to FGFR3 and FGFR5 than to FGFR1 , FGFR2 or FGFR4 . Genomic sequence analysis, however, reveals no consensus splice sites and indicates the existence of inframe premature stop codons in the putative coding sequences. The results suggest that these sequences may represent FGFR gene fragments existing within the central MHC. Sequence analysis of the Mhc in 6 chimpanzee and one orangutan indicates that the existence of PERB 1 predates the spe-ciation of the three species. The fact that the MHC contains a mixture of functional and nonfunctional (pseudo) genes suggests that a functional copy of PERB1 (FGFR6 ) may exist within or in close proximity to the MHC.     

Development of intestinal epithelial cell lines using a transgenic mouse

The epithelial cells of the colonic mucosa of the animal have proved impossible to culture using standard tissue culture techniques. Immortalization of adult colonic epithelial cells has been unsuccessful due to the lack of DNA synthesis in these cells once they are isolated from the tissue. Recently an unique transgenic mouse bearing a temperature sensitive mutant of the known immortalizing gene, SV40 large T has become available. The advantage of this mouse is that the SV40 large T gene is expressed in every cell. Active immortalizing protein is produced in each cell at the permissive temperature. We have used colonic mucosa from these mice to initiate cultures of epithelial cells from the colon of adult mice. The cells grow readily at the permissive temperature but die within 7 days at the non-permissive temperature. The methods used to develop these cultures are described.     

Total anorectal reconstruction with a double dynamic graciloplasty after abdominoperineal reconstruction for low rectal cancer

PURPOSE: Total anorectal reconstruction with a double dynamic graciloplasty was performed after abdominoperineal reconstruction (APR) for low rectal cancer. In four patients an additional pouch was constructed to improve neorectal motility and capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results in the first 20 patients and to report on the preliminary results of patients with an additional pouch. METHODS: Twenty patients with a mean age of 52 (range, 25–71) years and a rectal tumor at a mean of 3 (range, 0–5) cm from the anal verge were treated. In 14 patients the Miles resection, colon pull-through, and construction of a neosphincter were performed in one session. Six patients had the double graciloplasty at an average of 4.1 (range, 1.1–8.8) years after APR. In four patients a pouch was constructed with an isolated segment of distal ileum. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 24 (range, 1–60) months after APR, none of the patients developed local recurrence, whereas four patients developed distant metastasis. Fifteen of 20 patients were available for evaluation, and 5 patients were still in training. Of these 15 patients, 8 patients were continent (53 percent), 2 patients were incontinent, and in 5 patients the perineal stoma was converted to an abdominal stoma. Failures were attributable to necrosis of the colon stump (n=2) and incontinence (n=3). At 26 weeks mean resting pressure was 44 (standard deviation (SD), 28) mmHg, and mean pressure during stimulation was 90 (SD, 46) mmHg at a mean of 35 (SD, 1.2) volts at 52 weeks. Mean defecation frequency was three times per day (range, 1–5). Of the eight patients who were continent, six used daily enemas. Mean time to postpone defecation was 11 (range, 0–30) minutes. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, the double dynamic graciloplasty is an oncologically safe procedure that can have an acceptable functional outcome in a well-selected group of patients. However, to improve the outcome, further modifications will be necessary. So far, the addition of a pouch has not resulted in improved outcome. Supported by the Profileringsfonds of the Maastricht University Hospital, The Netherlands, and by the Stichting Fondsenwervingsactie Volksgezondheid, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Read in part at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Seattle, Washington, June 9 to 14, 1995.     

Cell surface molecules of human teratoma cell lines

Conventional antisera, monoclonal antibodies and lectins have been used to investigate the cell surface composition of several human teratoma-derived cell lines. This review summarizes our current knowledge obtained from such investigations and uses the information available on murine teratocarcinoma systems as a framework for discussion to compare and contrast the human and murine systems. The potential application of antibodies directed against cell surface molecules in such techniques as in vivo tumour imaging and drug targeting is also discussed.     

Phase II Study of Mitoxantrone in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

A phase II study of mitoxantrone was performed in 24 patientswith non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Mitoxantrone was administeredby intravenous drip infusion of 12 mg/m² every three weeks.There were no responders among the 21 evaluable patients includingfive patients without prior therapy. The major hematologicaltoxic effect was leukocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia and decreasein hemoglobin were slight. A change in the electrocardiogramwas observed in one patient and one patient experienced cardiogenicshock. Mitoxantrone is not acceptable for the treatment of NSCLC becauseof its low antitumor activity, and careful observation is neededfor administration of this agent to patients with pre-existingrisk factors, such as prior anthracycline exposure, mediastinalradiation or underlying cardiovascular disease.     

Maternal Luteoma of Pregnancy Presenting With Virilization of the Female Infant

BackgroundVirilization in female newborns typically results from congenital adrenal hyperplasia, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. We report a rare cause of virilization, maternal pregnancy luteoma, responsible for virilization of both a newborn and the mother. Luteomas are usually asymptomatic tumour-like ovarian lesions of pregnancy that secrete androgens in only 25% of cases. Many female infants born to masculinized mothers will also be virilized.CaseA term infant born with ambiguous genitalia was transferred to a referral centre for investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. Assessment identified Prader II-III genitalia, an elevated serum testosterone level, a normal serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone level, and a normal female karyotype (46,XX). The mother had had virilization from the second trimester and was found to have an elevated serum testosterone level. Pelvic ultrasound assessment in the mother showed a complex right ovarian mass. Laparotomy was performed, and the mass was excised. Histopathology examination confirmed a luteoma.ConclusionHigh maternal serum testosterone levels due to a luteoma can result in virilization in the female newborn. This report emphasizes the need to consider possible underlying maternal pathology in evaluating a virilized female infant.