Cardiovascular risk factors in people with different genotypes in the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism at the locus for angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)

The deletion (D) allele of an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism at the locus for angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has been reported to be an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI), particularly in people lacking traditional risk factors. Furthermore, a borderline association between Lp(a) lipoprotein level and the I/D polymorphism at the ACE locus was reported in one study. We have searched for possible "level gene" or "variability gene" effects of ACE genes on Lp(a) lipoprotein, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDLC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDLC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B (apoB), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and body mass index (BMI). None of these variables differed significantly between genotypes in the I/D polymorphism in any of three population samples. A single population sample created by combining the three series, exhibited an insignificant trend towards individuals carrying the D-allele having a higher level of Lp(a) lipoprotein than those lacking it, and DD homozygotes had a significantly higher Lp(a) lipoprotein level than the combined group of ID/II individuals (p = 0.03). These results may indicate that the D-allele of the I/D polymorphism at the ACE locus could influence the level of Lp(a) lipoprotein.     

Synergistic effect of a combination of nicarbazin and monensin against coccidiosis in the chicken caused by Eimeria spp.

ABSTRACT

A clinical study was made into the abilities of nicarbazin and monensin and a nicarbazin?+?monensin combination to control Eimeria acervulina, E. maxima, and E. tenella in chickens. When included in the feed, at concentrations of 40?ppm nicarbazin or 40?ppm monensin, these products showed partial efficacy evaluated by daily weight gain (DWG) but no activity judged by daily feed intake (DFI) or feed conversion ratio (FCR). By contrast, the combination of 40?ppm nicarbazin?+?40?ppm monensin provided complete control of infection judged by greater DWG and DFI, and lower FCR. Monensin at a concentration of 40?ppm was ineffective in preventing lesions caused by all three species. Nicarbazin at a concentration of 40?ppm was unable to suppress lesions of E. acervulina and E. maxima but was able to suppress lesions caused by E. tenella. Nicarbazin 40?ppm?+?monensin 40?ppm suppressed lesions of all three species.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

• Nicarbazin or monensin at 40 ppm gave only partial control of Eimeria spp.

• A combination of 40 ppm nicarbazin + 40 ppm monensin controlled DWG, DFI and FCR.

• Nicarbazin or monensin at 40 ppm did not suppress all Eimeria spp. lesions.

• Nicarbazin 40 ppm + monensin 40 ppm suppressed lesions of all three species.

     

The CD8+ granzyme B+ T-cell subset in peripheral blood from healthy individuals contains activated and apoptosis-prone cells.

Granzyme B (GrB) has been implicated in induction of apoptosis in target cells. The presence of GrB in peripheral blood CD8+ T cells from healthy individuals was analysed in immunocytochemical and flow cytometric studies. Furthermore, CD8+ GrB- T cells and CD8+ GrB+ T cells were compared regarding phenotypical characteristics and susceptibility to both spontaneous and Fasmediated apoptosis. GrB was expressed by approximately one-fifth of CD8+ T cells. Compared with the CD8+ GrB- T-cell subset, the CD8+ GrB+ T-cell subset contained cells that were relatively more activated and more prone to spontaneous apoptosis. Culturing of cells with immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-Fas monoclonal antibody had no additional effect on the number of CD8+ GrB+ T cells undergoing apoptosis. We suggest that the presence of CD8+ GrB+ T cells in peripheral blood from healthy individuals results from immune surveillance or contact with infectious agents, and that spontaneous apoptosis of these cells might serve as a mechanism for their eventual clearance.     

ALK expression in extranodal anaplastic large cell lymphoma favours systemic disease with (primary) nodal involvement and a good prognosis and occurs before dissemination

AIMS: In anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), the site of origin has been described as an important prognostic factor. Recently, a fusion protein containing anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was described in systemic nodal ALCL, and shown to be associated with a good prognosis. The aims of this study were to investigate whether the presence of ALK protein differs between ALCL of different sites of origin; to determine whether ALK expression occurs before dissemination to other sites; and, finally, to investigate whether the site of origin remains a prognostic parameter in ALK negative ALCL. METHODS: ALK expression, as detected by immunohistochemistry using the monoclonal antibodies ALK1 and ALKc, was studied in 85 ALCLs from different sites of origin. In 22 patients, ALK expression was studied in multiple biopsies from different sites (including 13 skin, 16 lymph node, and nine other). Overall survival time was analysed using the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS: ALK expression was found in 20 of 51 systemic ALCLs with (primary) nodal involvement. No ALK expression was found in 15 primary cutaneous, 14 gastrointestinal, and five nasal ALCLs. Multiple and subsequent biopsies of patients showed ALK expression to be identical to that seen in the primary diagnostic biopsy. Kaplan Meier survival curves showed that in ALK negative ALCLs originating from different sites, primary cutaneous cases are associated with an excellent overall survival, whereas the other cases show a comparable five years survival of less than 40%. CONCLUSIONS: If present, ALK expression favours systemic ALCL with (primary) nodal involvement, and can be used in differentiating between extranodal involvement of systemic (nodal) ALCL and primary extranodal ALCL. ALK is expressed consistently in multiple biopsies of a given patient, indicating that the chromosomal abnormality leading to aberrant ALK expression occurs before dissemination to other sites. Finally, in ALK negative non-cutaneous ALCLs, different sites of origin show comparable poor survival.     

A comparison of labetalol and prazosin combined with atenolol in non-responders to atenolol plus hydrochlorothiazide in uncomplicated hypertension

Summary After screening two local populations in the northern part of The Netherlands for hypertension, patients with a diastolic pressure (DP) between 95 and 120 mmHg were treated daily either with 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide or 100 mg atenolol. Non-responders were given the combination and if necessary the dose of atenolol was increased to 200 mg. Non-responders to the latter combination were randomized and treated either with 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide and labetalol or with 50 mg hydrochlorothiazide, 200 mg atenolol and prazosin. If after 1 month a DP90 mmHg had been reached the patient was reassessed after a further 3 months. If a DP>90 mmHg was found the dose of labetalol or prazosin was increased and the patient was re-examined after 1 month.This protocol was followed until the maximum dose was reached or adverse reactions prevented a further increase in dosage.During 6 months of treatment there was a further drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressures under both regimens of, respectively, 8.6 and 2.4 mmHg for labetalol, and 7.7 and 5.0 mmHg for the prazosin group. At the end of the period the average daily doses of labetalol and prazosin were 1256 mg and 4.3 mg, respectively. There was no significant difference in the average number of complaints between the labetalol and the prazosin group.     

Coronary risk factors in middle-aged men as related to smoking, coffee intake and physical activity.

The relationship between lifestyle and coronary risk factors in blood was investigated in 165 middle-aged men. Plasma fibrinogen, serum triacylglycerols (TG), and apolipoprotein B (apo B) were higher, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) lower in smokers (n = 69) than in non-smokers (n = 96). By linear regression analysis there was a significant positive association between degree of smoking and either total cholesterol (TC), apo B, or plasma fibrinogen, whereas smoking was inversely related to HDLc. Smoking and coffee intake were positively correlated with an atherogenic index, reflecting the balance between low and high density lipoproteins. Sedentary men (n = 59) had higher mean TC, apo B, and atherogenic index than physically active men (n = 104). Smokers used salt more often than non-smokers. Physically active men used vegetables more often than sedentary men. Combining several habits into a "bad habit" score gave a high level of significance for its association with TC, apo B, and the atherogenic index. The results indicate that lifestyle may influence several blood factors involved in atherosclerosis development.     

No effect of a Taql polymorphism in DNA at the endothelin I (EDN1) locus on normal blood pressure level or variability

Endothelin is a peptide reported to be one of the most potent vasoconstrictors known. Presumably, endothelin could play a role in the physiological regulation of blood pressure in healthy or hypertensive people. We have studied a normal restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the endothelin-I (EDN1) locus detected with the restriction enzyme TaqI. In three different series comprising 166, 120 and 207 unrelated individuals, we found no evidence for association between genotype in this polymorphism and level of systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In two series of 156 and 117 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs, respectively, there was no difference between genotypes in within-pair variation in systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Thus neither "level gene" nor "variability gene" effects of normal genes at the EDN1 locus could be detected with the polymorphism analyzed, in healthy population samples.     

T gamma/delta lymphocytes in renal transplant recipients.

T gamma/delta lymphocytes are able to perform allospecific cytotoxicity and natural killer cytotoxicity in vitro. However, very little is known about their function in vivo. To investigate the possible involvement of T gamma/delta lymphocytes in the immune response to renal allografts, fine-needle aspiration biopsies and peripheral blood of 15 renal transplant recipients were studied during the first 4 weeks after transplantation. In addition peripheral blood of patients before transplantation, half a year and one year after transplantation was studied. No increase in the percentage of T gamma/delta lymphocytes in the fine-needle aspiration biopsies, including those taken during acute rejection episodes, was found. A significant decrease in the percentage of T gamma/delta lymphocytes was observed in peripheral blood after transplantation. We conclude that T gamma/delta lymphocytes seem to play no major role in the immune response to renal allografts.     

Medically equipped emergency ambulance units at "H?pital Civil de Charleroi". Four years' activity

In narrow collaboration with the so-called "900 Service", the civil Hospital of Charleroi provides, since 1971, medical attendance for two emergency medical aid flying squads. Five hospital doctors belonging to this "900 Service" alternately assume, night and day, such responsibilities. Their background is reanimation anesthesia. Medical attendance is assumed on the ground of gravity criterions which are appreciated by a switchboard operator working at the Telephone calls' Centre. The number of such emergency medical attendances is gradually increasing: 377 in 1974, 489 in 1975, 973 in 1976, 1661 in 1977, 2135 in 1978. The proportion of "flying" attendances assumed for sheer medical affections is also gradually increasing in regard to those assumed for traumatological causes. The daily average of such "flying interventions" reaches 5.8 with a daily peak record of 15, which unquestionably shows that such an organised medical service is definitely positive. One should concede that a better selection among such emergency telephone calls could make the good results now recorded even better. The way to improve this selection could be achieved if the operator were a physician as this is the case in France with the S.A.M.U. services. In theory, such an improvement could be reached through a Regional Centre for Emergency Medical Aid, such a Centre being activated by both local medical and hospital forces interdependent in the pursuit of the same goal i.e. "Cases of Emergency".