Mice lacking 12/15-lipoxygenase have attenuated airway allergic inflammation and remodeling

Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (LO)-1 has been implicated in allergic inflammation and asthma. The overall effect of 15-LO in allergic inflammation in vivo is, however, unclear. This study investigates systemic allergen sensitization and local allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in mice lacking the murine 12/15-LO, the ortholog to human 15-LO-1. Upon systemic sensitization with intraperitoneal ovalbumin, 12/15-LO-/- mice produced elevated levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E compared with wild-type (Wt) controls. However, when challenged with repeated aerosolized allergen, sensitized 12/15-LO-/- mice had an impaired development of airway allergic inflammation compared with Wt controls, as indicated by reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid leukocytes (eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), as well as tissue eosinophils. Allergen-induced airway epithelial proliferation was also significantly attenuated in 12/15-LO-/- mice, whereas goblet cell hyperplasia was unaffected. However, 12/15-LO-/- mice had significantly reduced luminal mucus secretions compared with Wt controls. The repeated allergen challenges resulted in a dramatic increase of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive alveolar cells in the peripheral airways, a phenomenon that was significantly less developed in 12/15-LO-/- mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that 12/15-LO-/- mice, although having a fully developed systemic sensitization, did not establish a fully developed allergic airway inflammation and associated manifestations of central and peripheral airway remodeling. These data suggest that 12/15-LO-derived metabolites play an important pathophysiologic role in allergen-induced inflammation and remodeling. Hence, pharmacologic targeting of the human 15-LO-1 may represent an attractive therapeutic strategy to control inflammation and remodeling in asthma.     

Role of apolipoproteins E and A-I: epistatic villains of triglyceride mediation in coronary heart disease

The epistatic effects of ApoE (HhaI) and ApoA-I (PstI) genes as the genetic modulators of lipid levels were investigated in 165 angiographically verified CHD patients and 120 controls of Punjab, a northwest province of India. It has been revealed that of all the genotypic combinations of ApoE and ApoA-I, E4 allele carriers (E4+) with P1P2 genotype (ApoA-I/PstI) had higher risk of CHD (OR 2.99, CI 1.31-6.8, P<0.01) which exacerbated (OR 3.44, CI 1.45-8.15, P<0.01) after adjustment with the confounders. Individually, neither ApoA-I nor ApoE was found to be associated with TG levels however, pairwise epistasis (additive x additive model) explored their significant synergistic contributions with raised TG levels (P<0.01).     

Acute effects of Helicobacter pylori extracts on gastric mucosal blood flow in the mouse

AIM： To investigate the mechanisms underlying the reduction in gastric blood flow induced by a luminal water extract of Hellcobacter pylori （HPE）. METHODS： The stomachs of isoflurane-anesthetized mice were exteriorized, and the mucosal surface exposed. Blood flow was measured with the laserDoppler technique, and systemic arterial blood pressure monitored. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to water extract produced from Hpylori strain 88-23. To investigate the role of a nerveor iNOS-mediated pathway, we used intraluminal lidocaine and iNOS-/- mice. Blood flow response to the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethyl arginine （ADMA） was also assessed. RESULTS： In wild-type mice, HPE decreased mucosal blood flow by approximately 30%. This reduction was abolished in iNOS-deficient mice, and by pre-treatment with lidocaine. Luminally applied ADMA resulted in reduction in blood flow similar to that observed in wildtype mice exposed to HPE. CONCLUSION： A H py/ori water extract reduces gastric mucosal blood flow acutely through iNOS- and nerve-mediated pathways.     

Parasympathetic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy assessed by heart rate variability: comparison between short-term and 24-h measurements

In this study, we evaluate cardiac autonomic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by assessing heart rate variability (HRV), comparing a short-term laboratory method with an ambulatory (24-h) method, in patients with and without beta-blockade. Reduced HRV is a risk factor for adverse events in some cardiac diseases, but is not a proven risk indicator in HCM. Analysis of HRV has been based on either short- or long-term electrocardiographic recordings and previous studies in HCM have shown conflicting results. There is no consensus on which method to prefer, and we evaluate, for the first time, both short- and long-term analyses in patients with HCM. Long- and short-term HRV analyses were performed in 43 patients with HCM. They were divided in two groups, 22 patients on beta-blockade and 21 non-treated patients. As controls, 121 healthy subjects were used. Young patients without beta-blockade showed a reduction in HRV parameters reflecting parasympathetic function, both in the short- and long-term registrations, which was attenuated by beta-blockade. Parasympathetic autonomic regulation was found to be impaired in young patients with HCM. This may be of clinical relevance as abnormal autonomic function might be a substrate for malignant dysrhythmias. The impairment was attenuated by beta-blockade, which might indicate a clinically useful effect. We also show that short- and long-term methods yield similar results, suggesting that a short-term registration might be sufficient to assess HRV in patients with HCM.     

S-Naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronidation by human liver microsomes and recombinant human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT): role of UGT2B7 in the elimination of naproxen

AIMS: To characterize the kinetics of S-naproxen ('naproxen') acyl glucuronidation and desmethylnaproxen acyl and phenolic glucuronidation by human liver microsomes and identify the human UGT isoform(s) catalysing these reactions. METHODS: Naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronidation were investigated using microsomes from six and five livers, respectively. Human recombinant UGTs were screened for activity towards naproxen and desmethylnaproxen. Where significant activity was observed, kinetic parameters were determined. Naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronides were measured by separate high-performance liquid chromatography methods. RESULTS: Naproxen acyl glucuronidation by human liver microsomes followed biphasic kinetics. Mean apparent K(m) values (+/-SD, with 95% confidence interval in parentheses) for the high- and low-affinity components were 29 +/- 13 microm (16, 43) and 473 +/- 108 microm (359, 587), respectively. UGT 1A1, 1A3, 1A6, 1A7, 1A8, 1A9, 1A10 and 2B7 glucuronidated naproxen. UGT2B7 exhibited an apparent K(m) (72 microm) of the same order as the high-affinity human liver microsomal activity, which was inhibited by the UGT2B7 selective 'probe' fluconazole. Although data for desmethylnaproxen phenolic glucuronidation by human liver microsomes were generally adequately fitted to either the single- or two-enzyme Michaelis-Menten equation, model fitting was inconclusive for desmethylnaproxen acyl glucuronidation. UGT 1A1, 1A7, 1A9 and 1A10 catalysed both the phenolic and acyl glucuronidation of desmethylnaproxen, while UGT 1A3, 1A6 and 2B7 formed only the acyl glucuronide. Atypical glucuronidation kinetics were variably observed for naproxen and desmethylnaproxen glucuronidation by the recombinant UGTs. CONCLUSION: UGT2B7 is responsible for human hepatic naproxen acyl glucuronidation, which is the primary elimination pathway for this drug.     

Viscoelasticity of rabbit vocal folds after injection augmentation

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Vocal fold function is related to the viscoelasticity of the vocal fold tissue. Augmentation substances used for injection treatment of voice insufficiency may alter the viscoelastic properties of vocal folds and their vibratory capacity. The objective was to compare the mechanical properties (viscoelasticity) of various injectable substances and the viscoelasticity of rabbit vocal folds, 6 months after injection with one of these substances. STUDY DESIGN: Animal model. METHODS: Cross-linked collagen (Zyplast), double cross-linked hyaluronan (hylan B gel), dextranomers in hyaluronan (DHIA), and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) were injected into rabbit vocal folds. Six months after the injection, the animals were killed and the right- and left-side vocal folds were removed. Dynamic viscosity of the injected substances and the vocal folds was measured with a Bohlin parallel-plate rheometer during small-amplitude oscillation. RESULTS: All injected vocal folds showed a decreasing dynamic viscosity with increasing frequency. Hylan B gel and DiHA showed the lowest dynamic viscosity values, and vocal folds injected with these substances also showed the lowest dynamic viscosity (similar to noninjected control samples). Teflon (and vocal folds injected with Teflon) showed the highest dynamic viscosity values, followed by the collagen samples. CONCLUSION: Substances with low viscoelasticity alter the mechanical properties of the vocal fold to a lesser degree than substances with a high viscoelasticity. The data indicated that hylan B gel and DiHA render the most natural viscoelastic properties to the vocal folds. These substances seem to be appropriate for preserving or restoring the vibratory capacity of the vocal folds when glottal insufficiency is treated with augmentative injections.     

The origin,fate, and health effects of combustion by-products: a research framework

Incomplete combustion processes can emit organic pollutants, metals, and fine particles. Combustion by-products represent global human and environmental health challenges that are relevant not only in heavily industrialized nations, but also in developing nations where up to 90% of rural households rely on unprocessed biomass fuels for cooking, warmth, and light. These issues were addressed at the Seventh International Congress on Combustion By-Products, which convened 4-6 June 2001 in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. This congress included a diverse group of multidisciplinary researchers and practitioners who discussed recent developments and future goals in the control of combustion by-products and their effects of exposure on human and ecologic health. Participants recommended that interdisciplinary, coordinated research efforts should be focused to capitalize on the important potential synergisms between efforts to reduce the adverse human health effects linked to exposures to combustion by-products and broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy through efficiency. In this article we summarize the principal findings and recommendations for research focus and direction.     

Effects of amrinone on shortening velocity and force development in skinned skeletal muscle fibres

Summary The effects of amrinone were studied on single skinned fibres isolated from rat hindlimb muscles. In each fibre a force-velocity relation was determined during maximal calcium activation (pCa=4.45) in control conditions and in the presence of amrinone. The MgATP concentration was 3.93 mm, close to the physiological value. After the experiment the fibre was classified as fast or slow on the basis of its reactivity with anti-myosin monoclonal antibodies. In fast fibres amrinone (3 mm) potentiated isometric tension (P ₀) by 13.8±2.9% (n=13), reduced maximum shortening velocity (V _max ) by 32.6±3.2% and the curvature of the force-velocity relation (a/P ₀) was increased by 98.9±46.0%. All these effects were less pronounced in slow fibres, where V _max was reduced only by 11.4±3.6 (n=16). The effects of amrinone (0.3–6 mm) on the ATPase activity of myofibrils and myosin prepared from fast (tibialis anterior) and slow (soleus) rat skeletal muscles were studied. Amrinone was found to depress Ca–Mg dependent ATPase activity of myofibrillar preparations of the tibialis anterior (up to 16.6±2%) and, to a lesser extent, of the soleus (up to 7.2±1.2%). On the contrary, Ca-stimulated myosin ATPase activity was significantly increased by amrinone in myosin preparations from the tibialis anterior. Experiments were carried out to test whether amrinone (3 mm) might affect the sensitivity of the contractile system to MgATP concentration ([MgATP]). The results obtained showed that (1) the [MgATP] value at which isometric tension reached its maximum was shifted by amrinone from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, (2) the slope of the negative relation between [MgATP] and a/P ₀ was made more steep by amrinone, and (3) the Km of the hyperbolic relation between [MgATP] and V _max was increased from 0.39 to 1.71 mm by amrinone, thus indicating a reduced affinity of myosin for MgATP. These results are in accordance with the hypothesis that amrinone exerts a direct effect on the contractile mechanism.