Anaemia associated with canine lymphoma

Dogs with previously untreated multicentric lymphoma were evaluated for the presence of the anaemia of chronic disease (ACD). Specimens were collected for histopathology, haematology, serum biochemistry, direct antiglobulin test (DAT), total serum iron concentration (TSI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), bone marrow cytology, bone marrow iron determination and serum erythropoietin concentration (EPO). Thirty-five dogs were included in the study. The haematocrit of anaemic dogs (n = 15, mean ± standard error: 0.316 ± 0.00841/1, reference range 0.37–0.55l/l) was significantly (p<0.0001) less than non-anaemic dogs (n = 20, mean 0.446 ± 0.0128 1/l). Anaemic dogs had normal TSI (mean 23 ± 3.1μmol/l, reference range 6–26μmol/l, normal TIBC (mean 61 ± 2.70μmol/l, reference range 50–69μmol/l, increased serum ferritin concentration (mean 1104 ± 192μg/l, reference range 80–800μg/l, and normal serum EPO (mean 14.6 ±1.88 U/1, reference range 5–15 U/l). Non-anaemic dogs had slightly increased TSI (mean 30 ± 2.8μmol/l), normal TIBC (mean 60 ± 4.3μmol/l), increased serum ferritin concentration (mean 1543 ± 302μg/l, and normal serum EPO (mean 14.5 ± 1.64 U/l,n = 23). These values were not significantly different between groups (p>0.1). Bone marrow iron stores were normal to increased in all dogs. These results do not support ACD as the cause of anaemia in dogs with lymphoma.     

Anaemia associated with canine lymphoma

Dogs with previously untreated multicentric lymphoma were evaluated for the presence of the anaemia of chronic disease (ACD). Specimens were collected for histopathology, haematology, serum biochemistry, direct antiglobulin test (DAT), total serum iron concentration (TSI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), bone marrow cytology, bone marrow iron determination and serum erythropoietin concentration (EPO). Thirty-five dogs were included in the study. The haematocrit of anaemic dogs (n = 15, mean ± standard error: 0.316 ± 0.00841/1, reference range 0.37–0.55l/l) was significantly (p<0.0001) less than non-anaemic dogs (n = 20, mean 0.446 ± 0.0128 1/l). Anaemic dogs had normal TSI (mean 23 ± 3.1μmol/l, reference range 6–26μmol/l, normal TIBC (mean 61 ± 2.70μmol/l, reference range 50–69μmol/l, increased serum ferritin concentration (mean 1104 ± 192μg/l, reference range 80–800μg/l, and normal serum EPO (mean 14.6 ±1.88 U/1, reference range 5–15 U/l). Non-anaemic dogs had slightly increased TSI (mean 30 ± 2.8μmol/l), normal TIBC (mean 60 ± 4.3μmol/l), increased serum ferritin concentration (mean 1543 ± 302μg/l, and normal serum EPO (mean 14.5 ± 1.64 U/l,n = 23). These values were not significantly different between groups (p>0.1). Bone marrow iron stores were normal to increased in all dogs. These results do not support ACD as the cause of anaemia in dogs with lymphoma.     

Arginase is involved in cervical lesions progression and severity

BackgroundLittle is known about the relationship between arginase, an immunosuppressive enzyme, and cervical lesions. The present study is aimed at evaluating arginase activity in plasma and mRNA arginase isoforms expression in cervical cells of patients with abnormal cytology and identifying their relationship with Human papillomavirus (HPV) related parameters such as: HPV type, HPV circulating viral load and anti-HPV16 IgG.MethodsThis study included 77 women with cervical lesions and 95 matched controls. Arginase activity was detected by colorimetric assay. Arginase mRNA expression and HPV viral load were evaluated by quantitative real time PCR and anti-HPV16 antibodies were assessed by ELISA.ResultsCompared to controls, the arginase activity was higher among women with cervicitis / low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) (OR: 1.872, 95% CI: 0.833–4.210), and also among women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) / squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (OR: 3.358, 95% CI: 1.670–8.910). Compared to controls, mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in women with cervical cervicitis and SIL for ARG1, and in women with cancer lesions for ARG2. Arginase activity was positively correlated to ARG2 mRNA expression but not to ARG1. High arginase activity was associated with HPV16, high levels of HPV viral load, and low levels of anti-HPV16 antibodies.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that arginase activity and isoforms expression were enhanced in women with HPV-related precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Further studies are needed to identify how arginase enzyme induces disease progression and severity.     

丹酚酸B对缺血小鼠脑能量代谢和脑水肿的影响

目的： 通过探讨丹酚酸B（SalB）对缺血小鼠脑能量代谢的影响，研究其对脑水肿的作用。方法：将NIH小鼠分为假手术组、缺血组、SalB治疗组和尼莫地平（Nim）治疗组，测定缺血30 min时脑组织能荷（EC）、磷酸肌酸（PCr）、ATP酶活性、兴奋性氨基酸（EAA）含量以及脑含水量。结果：SalB治疗组EC（0.520±0.034）和PCr［（98.344±13.249）μmol/g］的含量、Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase［（0.593±0.013）×10³ U/g］和Ca²⁺-ATPase［（0.484±0.053）×10³ U/g］的活性明显高于缺血组EC（0.465±0.037）、PCr［（81.614±9.919）μmol/g］的含量、Na+-K+-ATPase［（0.244±0.065）×10³ U/g］和Ca²⁺-ATPase［（0.321±0.086）×10³ U/g］ 的活性，2者相比显著差异（P<0.01）；而SalB治疗组Glu［（0.405±0.110）μmol/g］和Asp［（0.141±0.020）μmol/g］的含量和脑含水量［（38.1±0.1）%］ 则明显低于缺血组Glu［（0.550±0.140）μmol/g］、Asp［（0.287±0.050）μmol/g］的含量和脑含水量［（44.1±0.1）%］，2者比较亦有显著差异（P<0.05,P<0.01）。结论：增强脑组织能量代谢和ATP酶活性，并降低脑组织中兴奋性氨基酸的含量，可能是SalB减轻小鼠缺血性脑水肿的作用机制。     

Sustainable use of the spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus florida for production of lignocellulolytic enzymes

Spent mushroom substrate (SMS), a major byproduct of the mushroom industry, is a lignocellulosic biomass, which contains approximately 57–74.3% of holocellulose fraction. This study was aimed at utilizing SMS of Pleurotus florida for recovery of lignocellulolytic enzymes and sugars and also as a substrate for production of cellulolytic enzymes using different isolates of Trichoderma and Aspergillus under solid-state fermentation (SSF). SMS of P. florida extracts contained significant amounts of laccase (3,015.8 ± 29.5 U/g SMS) and xylanase (1,187.9 ± 12 U/g SMS) activity. Crystallinity pattern and chemical changes in SMS revealed that SMS had a lower crystallinity index (34.2%) as compared with the raw biomass (37.8%), which, in turn, helps in enhancing the accessibility of cellulolytic enzymes to holocellulose. Among the isolates, Trichoderma longibrachiatum A-01 showed maximum activity of endoglucanase (220.4 ± 5.9 U/mg), exoglucanase (78.5 ± 3.2 U/mg) and xylanase (1,550.4 ± 11.6 U/mg) while Aspergillus aculeatus C-08 showed maximum activity of cellobiase (113.9 ± 3.9 U/mg). Extraction with sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.8) showed maximum cellulolytic enzyme activity as compared with other solvents tested. Partial purification of endoglucanase, exoglucanase, xylanase, and cellobiase resulted in 56.3% (1,112.5 U/mg), 48.4% (212.5 U/mg), 44% (4,492.3 U/mg), and 62% (705.0 U/mg) yield with an increase by 5.2-, 4.5-, 4.1-, and 5.0-fold as compared with crude extract. The results reveal that SMS from P. florida could be a potential and cost-effective substrate for production of cellulolytic enzymes from T. longibrachiatum A-01 and A. aculeatus C-08.     

Arginase activity and nitric oxide levels in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

OBJECTIVE:

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is characterized by repetitive obstruction of the upper airways, and it is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. There have been several studies demonstrating low levels of nitric oxide in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome compared with healthy controls. In this study, we hypothesized that reduced nitric oxide levels would result in high arginase activity. Arginase reacts with L-arginine and produces urea and L-ornithine, whereas L-arginine is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, which produces nitric oxide.

METHODS:

The study group consisted of 51 obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients (M/F: 43/8; mean age 49±10 years of age) and 15 healthy control subjects (M/F: 13/3; mean age 46±14 years of age). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease. Nitric oxide levels and arginase activity were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of serum samples.

RESULTS:

Serum nitric oxide levels in the control subjects were higher than in the obstructive sleep apnea patients with and without cardiovascular diseases (p<0.05). Arginase activity was significantly higher (p<0.01) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without cardiovascular diseases compared with the control group. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients with cardiovascular diseases had higher arginase activity than the controls (p<0.001) and the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome patients without cardiovascular diseases (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Low nitric oxide levels are associated with high arginase activity. The mechanism of nitric oxide depletion in sleep apnea patients suggests that increased arginase activity might reduce the substrate availability of nitric oxide synthase and thus could reduce nitric oxide levels.     

Comparison of left side or right side vagotomy in the rat subjected to acute pancreatitis

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the effects of unilateral vagotomy (right-VR or left-VL) on the severity of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP).Material and methodsVR or VL was done in Wistar rats 4 days before AP, except in control, sham operated group. Following 5 h administration of subcutaneous injections of caerulein, the pancreatic blood flow (PBF), serum lipase and IL-10 in caval blood samples were measured. The pancreatic specimens were taken from sacrificed rats for the assessment of MDA-4-HNE and morphology.ResultsPBF decreased from 310 ± 20 ml/min/100 g of tissue in control rats to 130 ± 12 units in AP (p < 0.01). VR and VL alleviated this effect to 234 ± 22 and 229 ± 26 units, respectively, (p < 0.01). There was an immense increase of serum lipase in AP, from 100 ± 7 U/L up to 5220 ± 210 U/L (p < 0.01). Only VL limited this increase to 3469 ± 300 U/L (p < 0.01). Serum IL-10 increased uniformly in AP, without any effect of preceding VR or VL. VL performed in rats subjected subsequently to AP resulted in stronger reduction of histological changes, such as pancreatic edema and leukocyte infiltration, than the above parameters in AP rats with VR. MDA+4-HNE increased from 7.5 ± 0.1 pmol/g of tissue in control group to 30.6 ± 3 units in AP group (p < 0.01). Concentration of MDA+4-HNE in pancreatic tissue achieved 16.48 ± 3 pmol/g after VR and 13.84 ± 4 pmol/g following VL.ConclusionOur observation might suggest that protective effect of VL could be stronger than VR in the protection on AP. However changes of PBF seem to be similar in both groups of rats.     

Serum biochemistry of ostrich (Striothio camelus) in Iran

Serum biochemistry (Striothio camelus), was determined in 75 clinically normal ostrich (42 females and 33 males, 39 under 2 years of age and 36 over 2 years). The following results were obtained: total protein 3.35±0.61 g/dl; prealbumin 0.1±0.01 g/dl; albumin 1.49±0.25 g/dl; α1 globulin 0.24±0.08 g/dl; α2 globulin 0.71±0.19 g/dl; β globulin 0.42±0.18 g/dl; γ globulin 0.63±0.21 g/dl; glucose 163±17 mg/dl; cholesterol 65±15 mg/dl; creatinin 0.26±0.05 mg/dl; triglyceride 151±56 mg/dl; urea 8.68±0.77 mg/dl; uric acid 11.87±3.56 mg/dl; aspartate amino transferase 357±95 U/l; alanin amino transferase activity 14.24±2.7 U/l; alkaline phosphatase 490±241 U/l; and lactate dehydrogenase 1124±31 0U/l.     

Immunohistochemical study of arginase in cancer of the stomach

High levels of arginase have been detected in gastric adenocarcinoma. To examine the hypothesis that this is due to macrophage infiltration into the tumour, we localized the cellular distribution of arginase by immunohistochemical staining. We examined gastric adenocarcinomas and their corresponding normal tissues (n=45), leiomyomas (n=2), leiomyosarcomas (n=3), human gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines (n=3), and benign gastric ulcers (n=4) by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. Macrophages with strong arginase immunoreactivity were observed infiltrating both gastric normal and cancer tissues. No arginase immunoreactivity was observed in normal mucosal gland, muscular and serosal tissues or benign gastric ulcers. The immunoreactivity of arginase was positive but heterogeneous in most specimens of gastric adenocarcinoma (62.2%) and was absent from gastric intestinal metaplasia, leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. Among the 28 neoplasms with arginase immunoreactivity, scattered immunoreactivity was also noted in adjacent dysplastic glands in 12 (42.8%) specimens. Arginase immunoreactivity was observed in all three gastric cancer cell lines. Arginase is present in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus. These data suggest that the high arginase levels in adenocarcinoma cancer tissues originate largely from cancer cells.     

Comparison of the effects of salmeterol and salbutamol on clinical activity and eosinophil cationic protein serum levels during the pollen season in atopic asthmatics

Background In atopic asthma there is strong evidence of eosinophils playing an active role in pathogencsis. Some investigations demonstrated that eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) serum levels increased in atopic patients with asthma during pollen season. Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of short-term (1 week) β2-agonist treatment on lung function and eosinophil activity in asthmatic patients. Methods We used an open, randomized, cross-over design to compare the effects of salbutamol (200μg q.i.d.) and salmeterol (50μg b.i.d.) on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), blood eosinophil count and serum levels of ECP as a measure of eosinophil activity in 20 mild atopic asthmatics. Results Morning and evening PEFR values were both significantly higher during salmeterol treatment than during the salbutamol period. Conversely, both morning and evening daily asthma symptom scores were significantly lower during salmeterol treatment compared with those recorded during the salbutamol period. The mean basal eosinophil blood count on salmeterol treatment (601 ± 189mm³) was not higher than the mean count on salbutamol treatment (612 ± 204 mm³). After both treatments the mean eosinophil blood counts were unchanged (619 ± 189mm³ and 576 ±212 mm³, respectively). No significant differences in blood eosinophil counts were observed between or within treatments at any time. No significant difference was observed in baseline mean ECP serum concentration (43.8 ± 263 μg L on salmeterol treatment and 41.7 ± 29.8 μg L on salbutamol treatment, respectively). After salmeterol treatment the mean ECP serum concentration had fallen significantly to 20.9± 18.6μg/L (P < 0.01), whereas after salbutamol treatment it was unchanged (42.0 ± 25.1 μg /L). Salmeterol treatment produced a decrease in ECP serum levels without any changes in blood eosinophil count. Conclusion This study demonstrates that salmeterol affords a significant improvement in asthma control during the pollen season, measured by both subjective and objective parameters, compared with salbutamol. This greater efficacy may be related to inhibition of eosinophil degranulation during the pollen season.     

Mitochondrial oxygen consumption, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme systems in skeletal muscle of senile dystrophic mice

 To evaluate age-dependent abnormalities in mitochondrial redox metabolism specifically in dystrophic skeletal muscle, oxygen consumption, thiobarbituric acid reactivity (TBARS), free-radical scavengers and oxidative marker enzymes were measured in the skeletal muscle from adult and senile control (C57BL/10) and dystrophic (mdx/+) mice. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption in state 3 was significantly lowered with age in the senile dystrophic (–52%) and less markedly in the senile control (–30%) skeletal muscle. Compared with adult muscle, mitochondrial concentration of TBARS and cellular concentration of lipofuscin were significantly increased in senile control and dystrophic muscle. Enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and concentration of α-tocopherol were significantly increased in the senile control (GSH-Px 43±5.7 vs 53±8.7 U/g protein, α-tocopherol 0.19±0.09 vs 0.29±0.14 μmol/g total lipids), but significantly decreased in the senile dystrophic (GSH-Px 80±8.0 vs 53±12 U/g protein, α-tocopherol 0.45±0.13 vs 0.19±0.03 μmol/g total lipids) muscle. Selenium content was significantly decreased only in senile dystrophic muscle (1.37±0.42 vs 0.78±0.21 nmol/g wet muscle). In conclusion, the enzymatic adaptation to reactive oxygen species was limited in the dystrophic skeletal muscle, suggesting a higher need for antioxidants, especially α-tocopherol. Received: 3 June 1998 / Received after revision: 11 September 1998 / Accepted: 14 September 1998     

Immunomodulation of experimental pulmonary fibrosis by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

Objectives: To assess the immunomodulatory effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) using an experimental model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods: Pulmonary fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by direct intratracheal injection of bleomycin. Mice were treated with IVIG 1 week prior to (prevention protocol), or 10 days following bleomycin injection, when the disease was in progress. The controls used in the study included mice given phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and mice subjected to a commercial individual-IgG. Collagen-I deposits in the affected lungs were detected by Sirius red staining of paraffin embedded lung sections. The collagen-I content was measured by employing the hydroxyproline assay.

Results: Prevention of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by IVIG has been demonstrated by reduced expression of collagen-I protein in the affected lungs. The hydroxyproline levels in the lungs of the IVIG-treated mice were 214.33 ± 13.56 μg/1 g tissue, compared to the higher levels in lungs of IgG treated mice (342.44 ± 35.60 μg/1 g tissue) or untreated controls 328.00 ± 45.55 μg/1 g tissue, (p < 0.0001). Effective treatment of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by IVIG has been demonstrated by the reduced expression of collagen-I protein in the affected lungs, detected by sirius red histological staining. The hydroxyproline levels in the lungs of the IVIG-treated mice were 261.00 ± 18.81 μg/1 g tissue, in comparison to the higher levels in the lungs of the IgG treated mice (342.43 ± 32.89 μg/1 g tissue) and of untreated controls (344.33 ± 49.85 μg/1 g tissue), (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Based on these preliminary studies, we conclude that IVIG may have a beneficial effect in the down regulation of collagen-I levels in the lungs of mice with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.     

Rapid response to and long-term effectiveness of anti-CD20 antibody in conventional therapy resistant Graves’ orbitopathy: A five-year follow-up study

Abstract

The aim of this investigations was to study the effectiveness of anti-CD20 antibody therapy in Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) resistant to glucocorticoids. Five patients were entered in the study. The protocol required no improvement of orbital status after a recent course of glucocorticoids. Activity of GO was confirmed by three independent techniques: clinical activity score (CAS), ^99mTc-labeled diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (^99mTc DTPA) single photon emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Rituximab (RTX) was given as weekly infusions of 375?mg/m² body surface area for four weeks. The mean follow-up period was 67 (range 58–81) months. Improvement of GO has been observed in all patients: CAS before therapy was 6.5?±?1.7 and decreased to 3.4?±?1.6 by one month (p?<?0.05) and remained unchanged (3.2?±?1.7) at 12 months. No further CAS change, in either direction, was detected during the yearly follow-up visits. The mean DTPA uptake before therapy was 16.52?±?4.51?MBq/cm³ and decreased to 11.97?±?2.36?MBq/cm³ at one year (p?<?0.002). The mean of T2 relaxation times before and one year after therapy were 96.91?±?17.61?ms and 84.29?±?9.41?ms, respectively (p?<?0.001). The mean serum TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) levels before therapy, at the one month and one year control visits were 7.4?±?3.4?U/L, 5.6?±?4.5?U/L and 1.7?±?1.5?U/L, respectively (p?<?0.004). No correlation between changes of TRAb and activity parameters has been found. Anti-CD20 treatment seems to influence positively the clinical course of GO, and this effect seems to be stable for five years. To our knowledge, this is the longest published follow-up of RTX treatment in GO.     

Ornithinische Transcarbamylase und Arginase bei manchen parasitischen Würmern der Rinder

Zusammenfassung Die Aktivität der ornithinischen Transcarbamylase in Fasciola (22,7), Dicrocoelium (17,5), Paramphistomum (6,15) und Moniezia (6,1) ist im Vergleiche mit der ornithinischen Transcarbamylase in der Rinderleber (52,3) relativ groß. Die Anwesenheit der aktiven ornithinischen Transcarbamylase in allen vier untersuchten Parasiten zeigt, daß dieselben über gut ausgefragte metabolische Wege verfügen, die vom Carbamyl-Phosphat bis Citrullin führen.Die Aktivität der Arginase im Fasciola (210), Dicrocoelium (50,0), Paramphistomum (46,5) und Moniezia (80,0) ist im Vergleiche zur Arginase-Aktivität in der Rinderleber (340) hoch. Die Anwesenheit der aktiven Arginase bei Paramphistomum und Moniezia, den Parasiten, die keinen Harnstoff ausscheiden, ist unerwartet, und läßt die Voraussetzung aufkommen, daß im Gewebe kein Arginin, das Substrat zur Wirkung der Arginase entsteht, d.h. daß ihre Gewebe nicht im Besitze des dritten und vierten Schrittes in der Harnstoff-Synthese sind.

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Summary The activities of ornithine transcarbamylase from Fasciola hepatica (22,7), Dicrocoelium (17,5), Paramphistomum (6,15), and from Moniezia (6,1) are relatively great in comparison with the activity of the beefliver ornithine transcarbamylase (52,3). The presence of an active ornithine transcarbamylase in all the four investigated parasites suggest that in all of them there are well defined metabolic pathways leading from carbamyl phosphate to citrullin.The activity of arginase from Fasciola hepatica (210). Dicrocoelium (50,0), Paramphistomum (46,5) and Moniezia (80,0) is also high compared to the activity of the arginase from beef-liver (340). It is surprising to find active arginase in Paramphistomum and Moniezia, i. e. in parasites which do not excrete urea. It may be that in the tissues of these species arginin is not being produced thereby providing no substrate for the action of arginase. This would imply that the third and the fourth step of the urea synthesis are lacking in these tissues.

     

Elevations of serum cancer biomarkers correlate with severity of COVID-19

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the levels of a series of serum biomarkers in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients (mild: 131; severe: 98; critical: 23). We found that there were significant increases in levels of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) (73.6 ± 38.3 vs 46.5 ± 14.7 pmol/L; P < .001), cytokeratin-19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) (2.2 ± 0.9 vs 1.9 ± 0.8 μg/L; P < .001), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) (3.4 ± 2.2 vs 2.1 ± 1.2 μg/L; P < .001), carbohydrate antigens (CA) 125 (18.1 ± 13.5 vs 10.5 ± 4.6 μg/L; P < .001), and 153 (14.4 ± 8.9 vs 10.1 ± 4.4 μg/L; P < .001) in COVID-19 mild cases as compared to normal control subjects; their levels showed continuous and significant increases in severe and critical cases (HE4, CYFRA21-1, and CA125: P < .001; CEA and CA153: P < .01). Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) and CA199 increased significantly only in critical cases of COVID-19 as compared with mild and severe cases and normal controls (P < .01). There were positive associations between levels of C-reactive protein and levels of HE4 (R = .631; P < .001), CYFRA21-1 (R = .431; P < .001), CEA (R = .316; P < .001), SCC (R = .351; P < .001), CA153 (R = .359; P < .001) and CA125 (R = .223; P = .031). We concluded that elevations of serum cancer biomarkers positively correlated with the pathological progressions of COVID-19, demonstrating diffuse and acute pathophysiological injuries in COVID-19.     

Electroacupuncture at the ST36 acupoint increases interleukin-4 responsiveness in macrophages, generation of alternatively activated macrophages and susceptibility to Leishmania major infection

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat inflammatory diseases. Alternatively activated macrophages (AAMo) stimulated by cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and IL-13 are anti-inflammatory and mildly microbicidal. This study aimed to evaluate whether EA at the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) would change the profile of healthy murine macrophages, particularly the generation of AAMo and susceptibility to Leishmania major infection.

Methods

BALB/c mice were treated with EA (15/30?Hz) at the ST36 acupoint for 20?min/d for 5 d. After the final EA session, the mice were euthanized and their peritoneal cells were harvested and counted for determination of arginase activity, nitric oxide (NO) production and microbicidal activity after culture in the presence or absence of IL-4, interferon-?? (IFN??) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or both IFN?? and LPS. Twelve mice were infected with L. major promastigotes into the footpads after the final EA session and the infection course was monitored.

Results

Peritoneal cells freshly obtained from EA-treated mice had similar arginase and microbicidal activities to cells from sham-treated mice. After culture with IL-4, cells from EA-treated mice exhibited significant increases in the arginase activity (sham: 58?±?11.3 vs. EA: 80.7?±?4.6%, P?=?0.025) and number of parasites/infected cell (sham: 2.5?±?0.4 vs. EA: 4.3?±?0.8 cells, P?=?0.007). The NO production was lower in cells from EA-treated mice cultured in the presence of a combination of IFN?? and LPS (sham: 31.6?±?6.5 vs. EA: 22.3?±?2.1???M, P?=?0.025). The lesion size in mice infected with L. major promastigotes was larger in EA-treated mice (sham: 3.26?±?0.29 vs. EA: 2.23?±?0.4?mm, P?=?0.039).

Conclusion

EA at the ST36 acupoint increases IL-4 responsiveness in macrophages, Generation of AAMo and susceptibility to L. major infection     

Stimulation of peritoneal cell arginase by bacterial lipopolysaccharides.

The conditions under which bacterial endotoxins stimulate arginase production in mouse peritoneal macrophages have been defined. Both lipid-A and lipid-A-associated protein are potent activators. Fetal calf serum and normal mouse serum enhance macrophage arginase levels in the presence and absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS in the amount of 10(-1) microgram/ml represents a maximal stimulus for macrophage arginase production and release. Thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal cells have increased arginase activity, compared with resident cells. This activity can be stimulated further by the addition of LPS. Arginase levels may alter the outcome of in vitro immunologic processes by depleting arginine and may also serve as a useful indicator of the state of activation of macrophages.     

心肌梗死患者血管紧张素转换酶基因多态性与ACE、PAI-1活性的相关性

目的:研究心肌梗死(MI)患者血管紧张素转换酶(ACE)基因插入/缺失(I/D)多态性与ACE、PAI-1活性的关系。 方法: 应用PCR方法扩增93例MI患者及87例健康体检者ACE基因特异性片段，同时应用比色法测定血清ACE活性，发色底物法测定PAI-1活性，并对结果进行相关性分析。 结果:①MI组ACE DD基因型频率(32.3%)和D等位基因频率(54.3%)显著高于对照组(12.6%和37.4%)(均P<0.01)。②MI组血清ACE(216.00±58.26)U/L及血浆PAI-1活性(0.85±0.19)AU/mL均显著高于对照组(170.19±48.99)U/L, (0.66±0.20)AU/mL(均P<0.01)；MI组与对照组ACE与PAI-1活性均呈显著正相关(r分别为0.7108，0.7829,均P<0.01)；③MI组DD基因型血清ACE(251.64±57.76)U/L、血浆PAI-1活性(0.96±0.16)AU/mL显著高于ID基因型(211.47±51.87)U/L，(0.82±0.18)AU/mL及Ⅱ基因型(179.84±52.65)U/L，(0.71±0.17)AU/mL(均P<0.01)；ID基因型血清ACE、血浆PAI-1活性亦显著高于Ⅱ型(P<0.05)。对照组DD基因型血清ACE(195.53±54.76)U/L、血浆PAI-1活性(0.78±0.20)AU/mL，显著高于II基因型(154.98±52.74)U/L，(0.59±0.17)AU/mL(均P<0.05)。 结论:由ACE基因所决定的ACE活性，可能参与血浆PAI-1水平的调节；ACE基因I/D多态性与ACE、PAI-1水平相关，ACE基因种类影响纤溶平衡，这可能是其促使MI发病的重要机制之一。     

Die Aktivit?t der ornithinischen Transcarbamylase und Arginase im Gewebe verschiedener Entwicklungsstadien des gro?en Leberegels (Fasciola Hepatica L.)

Zusammenfassung Die ornithinische Transcarbamylase ist in allen Entwicklungsstadien des großen Leberegels (Eier 4,92, Miracidien 8,52, Metacercarien 17,72 und juvenile Leberegeln 24,25) anwesend, und das Gewebe aller Entwicklungsstadien kann das beigegebene C¹⁴-dl-Orinithin in C¹⁴-Citrullin umwandeln. Demzufolge kann dieses Enzym als konstitutiv angesehen werden. Arginase wurde in Leberegeleiern, bei Miracidien und Metacercarien nicht festgestellt, doch kommt diese bei 15 Tage alten juvenilen Leberegeln (10,02) vor. Die Tatsache, daß Arginase erst in jenem Entwicklungsstadium, in dem der Parasit in Berührung mit der Leber kommt, nachweisbar wird, läßt den Gedanken aufkommen, daß Arginase erst in Berührung mit Lebergewebe induziert wird.

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Summary Ornithine transcarbamylase was found in all development stages of the liver fluke (eggs 4.99 M/g/hour, miracidia 8.52 M/g/h, metacercaria 15.72 M/g/h, and juvenile flukes 24,25 M/g/h). Troughout the development the tissues are able to transform the introduced C¹⁴-dl-ornithine into C¹⁴-citruline. Hence, ornithine transcarbamylase may be considered as a constitutive enzyme. Arginase was not observed neither in flukes eggs, nor in miracidia and metacercaria, but it does occur in juvenile flukes (10.02 M/h/g) 15 days old. The occurrence of arginase only after the parasite comes into contact with liver is suggestive of arginase being induced by the liver tissue.

     

Skeletal muscle creatine kinase MB alterations in women marathon runners

Summary Total creatine kinase (CK) and CK MB activities were determined in gastrocnemius muscle and serum obtained from 14 female marathon runners. The level of CK MB in muscle increased significantly (p<0.05) after chronic exercise training from 5.3% to 10.5% of the total CK activity, but not after acute exercise (post-marathon 8.9%). No significant differences in total CK activities were detected. However, the total CK activity in the muscles were significantly (p<0.05) less than those previously reported from the muscle of men runners (1800 U/g, 3000 U/g respectively). No significant correlation existed between fiber type and muscle CK MB activity. Additionally, trace amounts of mitochondrial CK and CK BB were present in muscle homogenates. A significant correlation was observed in the increase in mean serum total CK (597 UL^–1) and CK MB (23 UL^–1) activities 24 h after the race (r=0.97,P<0.05). These results suggest that gastrocnemius muscle in women adapts to training with increased CK MB activities and imply that skeletal muscle is the major source of elevated serum CK MB activities in women marathon runners.Presented in part at the American College of Sports Medicine National Meeting, Nashville, TN, May 1985. Supported in part by: American Heart Association, Minnesota Affiliate; Minnesota Medical Foundation; Department of Pathology, Hennepin County Medical Center