DNA structure in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic viral liver damages

We studied DNA damages (single-strand breaks and alkali-labile sites) in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic viral hepatitis and cirrhosis of mixed etiology. The structure of DNA was estimated fluorometrically by changes in the intensity of ethidium bromide fluorescence. Monoinfection with hepatitis B and C viruses was not accompanied by considerable changes in DNA structure in peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with chronic diseases. The incidence of DNA damages in lymphocytes increased in patients with hepatitis G virus and TTV monoinfection. This is probably related to replication of these viruses in nucleated blood cells. Our results suggest that hepatitis C virus potentiates damaging effect of hepatitis G virus on DNA in lymphocytes.     

The effects of intrinsic pathway protease deficiencies on plasminogen-deficient mice

Plasminogen (Plg)-deficient mice experience wasting and have decreased longevity due to disseminated fibrin deposition. We generated mice with combined deficiencies of Plg and coagulation factor IX (fIX) or XI (fXI) to determine the effects on the Plg null phenotype. Mice lacking Plg and fIX (Plg(-/-)/fIX-/-) have lower mortality at age 6 months than Plg(-/-)/fIX+/+ mice (15% and 67%, respectively) and less severe wasting, consistent with the importance of fIX in fibrin formation. In contrast, combined Plg and fXI deficiency (Plg(-/-)/fXI-/-) reduces life span (more than 90% mortality at 6 months) and is associated with leukocyte infiltration of the lungs and pulmonary fibrosis. These abnormalities are not seen in Plg-/- or Plg(-/-)/fIX-/- animals. Activated fXI is thought to function primarily as a fIX activator; however, our observation suggests that fXI may have functions in regulation of inflammation or tissue repair distinct from its role in coagulation.     

A comparison between epoetin omega and epoetin alfa in the correction of anemia in hemodialysis patients: a prospective, controlled crossover study

The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of epoetin omega (produced in baby hamster kidney cells) and epoetin alfa (produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells) in sustaining the correction of anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The study, a prospective and controlled crossover, was completed in 38 stable patients treated with both epoetins for 24 weeks. Group A (17 patients) started with epoetin omega, and Group B (21 patients) started with epoetin alfa. After 24 weeks, a 4 week crossover (wash out) was made: Group A was switched to epoetin alfa and group B to epoetin omega for the next test period of 24 weeks. Both epoetins were administered subcutaneously after each dialysis. Doses were adjusted with the aim of maintaining a target hemoglobin level between 10 and 12 g/dl (hematocrit 30% to 35%). The mean weekly dose of epoetin omega/kg body weight (BW) was 67 +/- 43 U. The mean weekly dose of epoetin alfa/kg BW was 86 +/- 53 U. The average of all mean values of hemoglobin (Hb) during treatment with epoetin omega was 11.4 +/- 0.7 g/dl (hematocrit 34 +/- 2%), and during treatment with epoetin alfa was 11.3 +/- 0.7 g/dl (hematocrit 33 +/- 2%) (not significant). Thromboses of vascular access occurred in 3 patients during an epoetin omega treatment and in 3 patients during epoetin alfa treatment. At the site of injection, only 1 patient described a mild pain when treated with epoetin omega and only 6 patients when treated with epoetin alfa. In conclusion, both epoetin omega and epoetin alfa were effective in correcting the anemia of all studied patients. However, lower doses of epoetin omega were needed to maintain the same target hemoglobin level. No serious side effects with either epoetin were noted. The authors believe that additional comparisons of different epoetin preparations should be performed and will provide better insight into their biological activity and clinical responsiveness.     

Filling Hemodialysis Catheters in the Interdialytic Period: Heparin Versus Citrate Versus Polygeline: A Prospective Randomized Study

Heparin and saline are commonly used to fill hemodialysis central venous catheters to prevent their thrombosis during the interdialytic period. The purpose of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate whether replacing heparin with citrate or polygeline could ensure satisfactory catheter function without exposing patients to the risk of systemic heparinization. Thirty end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with subclavian or jugular single lumen catheters as temporary vascular access for hemodialysis were enrolled. After the insertion of the catheters, the patients were randomly assigned to one of the following three filling groups: Group A, heparin; Group B, citrate; Group C, polygeline. Before each dialysis, the filling solution was aspirated and clot volume, if present, was measured. The catheter usage time and the clot volume were 23 ± 24 days and 0.052 ± 0.035 ml in Group A, 51 ± 36 days and 0.059 ± 0.032 ml in Group B, and 32 ± 10 days and 0.056 ± 0.038 ml in Group C, respectively. Our results indicate that citrate or polygeline can replace heparin effectively as a filling solution for single lumen temporary hemodialysis catheters.