Antitumor action of glycopeptides from the cell wall of Lactobacillus bulgaricus

The antitumor action of the substance blastolysin, the main components of which are glycopeptide fragments from the cell wall ofLactobacillus bulgaricus, was studied. Blastolysin exhibits a specific antitumor effect against sarcoma S-180, leukemia P-388, plasmacytoma MOPC-315, adenocarcinoma AKATOL, melanosarcoma B-16, carcinoma LLC, and spontaneous tumors of mice. It has low toxicity, does not depress hematopoiesis, and in the character of its action on tumor tissue it differs essentially from known chemotherapeutic preparations.M. M. Shemyakin Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Moscow. Scientific-Production Laboratory of Biologically Active Substances, Sofia, Bulgaria. Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 84, No. 12, pp. 709–712, December, 1977.     

Regulator of G-protein signaling 2 inhibits acid-induced mucin5AC hypersecretion in human airway epithelial cells

Mucus hypersecretion is a common pathological feature of inflammatory airway diseases. Previous studies have shown that acidic microenvironment of inflamed airways may provoke the pathophysiology of inflammatory airway diseases. However, the acidic-sensing and negative regulatory mechanisms that mediate mucus hypersecretion in inflamed airway remain elusive. Thus, we sought to explore the role of ovarian cancer G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) in acid-induced mucin5AC (MUC5AC) hypersecretion in human airway epithelium and the inhibitory effect of regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2) in this process. We found that airway acidification increased [Ca²⁺]_i, which was required for MUC5AC secretion. Knocking-down OGR1 and G_q with siRNAs and pretreating cells with phospholipase C inhibitor effectively attenuated acid-induced cellular responses. Moreover, the overexpression of wild-type RGS2 attenuated acid-induced cellular responses. In contrast, reducing RGS2 with siRNA enhanced the increases in acid-induced cellular responses. These data suggest that airway acidification can induce MUC5AC hypersecretion through an OGR1-mediated mechanism and RGS2 can inhibit acid-induced MUC5AC hypersecretion at OGR1 receptor level.     

In vivo release and turnover of secreted platelet antiheparin proteins in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Human and rhesus monkey platelets secrete at least two antiheparin proteins: platelet factor 4 (PF4) and low affinity platelet factor 4 (LA-PF4). Neither of these proteins showed species-related antigenic differences. As determined by radioimmunoassay, the levels of PF4 and LA-PF4 antigen per 10(9) monkey platelets amounted to 10.7 and 20.3 microgram, respectively. One milliliter of monkey plasma prepared from blood collected into an anticoagulant composed of EDTA, prostaglandin E1, and theophylline solution contained 22.4 ng LA-PF4 and 8.0 ng PF4. Concentrations of these two platelet-specific proteins in monkeys closely resembled levels found in human platelets and plasma. Infusion of prostacyclin (PGI2) (100 or 300 ng/kg/min) into monkeys for 15 min resulted in a significant decrease of plasma levels of LA-PF4 antigen and of PF4 by 40%--60% (p < 0.0001). This decrease was related to the inhibitory effect of PGI2 on the secretion of platelets stimulated by a catheter or by venipuncture. Longer infusion of PGI2 did not produce further significant change. The supernate obtained after aggregation of human platelets stimulated by thrombin was injected into monkeys receiving PGI2 infusion. The disappearance of LA-PF4 antigen in monkey plasma followed a biphasic exponential curve with half-lives for the fast and slow components of 8.4 and 63 min. PF4 disappeared faster but followed the same pattern (half-lives for the fast and slow component of 2.1 and 70 min). Analysis of the experimental data suggests that the low levels of secreted platelet proteins in monkey plasma are related to their minimal in vivo release and to their rapid clearance.     

N-acetyltransferase activity as a possible criterion in prognosing the anti-tumor effect of cyclophosphamide.

The results obtained in the present study indicated that a reduction in the activity of N-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.5) occurs in cyclophosphamide-treated mice with sarcoma 37. A difference in variations of the level of N-acetyltransferase activity in outbred mice with and without tumors was observed in cyclophosphamide-treated animals. It was established that the effect of cyclophosphamide on the activity of N-acetyltransferase depends on the initial level of the enzyme activity (phenotype of acetylation) as well as on the genotype which determines the N-acetyltransferase activity.     

Diagnosis and the surgical treatment of tumors of the anterior abdominal wall]

In 1015 patients with various diseases of soft tissues the pathological process was localized in the anterior abdominal wall in 64 patients (6,3%): desmoids were found in 41 patients, sarcomas -- in 12, benign tumors -- in 5 and non-tumor diseases -- in 6 patients. Dissection of the tumor must be performed not less than 2 -- 3 cm further than the pulpated borders. When plasty with local tissues is not possible, it is expedient to employ synthetic (terylene) prostheses.     

Correction of Lower Limb Deformities Using Ilizarov's Technique

Background

India accounts for approximately 10 million orthopaedically handicapped children and adults with limb deformity. Ilizarov ring fixator could treat most of these deformities.

Methods

Twenty cases of deformities of lower limb managed with Ilizarov technique during period between March 2001 and February 2003 were studied.

Results

55% were in the age group of 11-30 years. Out of the 20 cases studied, 6 were congenital talipes equino varus, 8 were fixed flexion deformity of knee, 4 were equines deformity of the ankle and 2 were malunited fracture shaft of tibia.4 patients who had recurrence were operated for fixed flexion deformity of the knee. The main complication encountered was pin tract infection, which was seen in 15(75%) cases. In 16(80%) cases, the results were excellent with no recurrence of deformity and patients were able to walk independently. In 4 (20%) cases, recurrence was mild to moderate (10 to 20) but all of them were able to ambulate idependently and carry out their routine activities.

Conclusion

Ilizarov ring fixator is a superior compared to conventional methods for correction of deformities of lower limb.Key Words: Ilizarov method, Ligamentotaxis, Distraction     

Efficacy and Toxicity Profile of Methotrexate Chloroquine Combination in Treatment of Active Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background

The present study was conducted to study the efficacy and toxicity profile of methotrexate chloroquine combination in treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

24 patients of rheumatoid arthritis confirming to revised American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria were studied prospectively for twenty months. Clinical evaluation was made every 3 months. Clinical disease variables measured at each visit were number of joints with swelling, number of joints with tenderness and pain, duration of morning stiffness and physician and patient assessment of disease activity. Blood counts, liver function tests and other adverse effects due to drugs were monitored every 2 months.

Results

10 patients demonstrated more than 50% improvement. 4 patients withdrew from study, 2 because of excessive nausea and vomiting and 2 because of noncompliance. Other side effects noted were hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, skin rashes, raised transaminases and stomatitis.

Conclusion

Methotrexate chloroquine combination has good efficacy and toxicity profile. Gastrointestinal side effects are most common and usually responsible for the discontinuation of the drugs.Key Words: Rheumatoid arthritis, Methotrexate, Chloroquine, Efficacy, Toxicity