Immunohistochemical detection of imidazolone, a novel advanced glycation end product, in kidneys and aortas of diabetic patients.

To investigate the role of the Maillard reaction in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, we produced several clones of monoclonal antibodies against advanced glycation end products (AGEs) by immunizing mice with AGE-modified keyhole limpet hemocyanin, and found that one clone (AG-1) of the anti-AGE antibodies reacted specifically with imidazolones A and B, novel AGEs. Thus, the imidazolones, which are the reaction products of the guanidino group of arginine with 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a reactive intermediate of the Maillard reaction, were found to be common epitopes of AGE-modified proteins produced in vitro. We determined the erythrocyte levels of imidazolone in diabetic patients using ELISA with the monoclonal anti-imidazolone antibody. The imidazolone levels in the erythrocytes of diabetic patients were found to be significantly increased as compared with those of healthy subjects. Then we studied the localization of imidazolone in the kidneys and aortas obtained from diabetic patients by immunohistochemistry using the antibody. Specific imidazolone immunoreactivity was detected in nodular lesions and expanded mesangial matrix of glomeruli, and renal arteries in an advanced stage of diabetic nephropathy, as well as in atherosclerotic lesions of aortas. This study first demonstrates the localization of imidazolone in the characteristic lesions of diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerosis. These results, taken together with a recent demonstration of increased serum 3-DG levels in diabetes, strongly suggest that imidazolone produced by 3-DG may contribute to the progression of long-term diabetic complications such as nephropathy and atherosclerosis.     

Tape stripping of human stratum corneum yields cell layers that originate from various depths because of furrows in the skin

Received: 21 November 1996     

Investigations of a novel ferrocene-containing lipid by cyclic voltammetry and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy

A novel chiral redox-active ferrocene compound (FcVI) with amphiphilic properties has been synthesized. Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM) has been used to estimate the shape and size of the FcVI aggregates in solution. Uni- and multi-lamellar vesicles (between 40 and 300 nm in diameter) were observed in water. Large particles (of more than 1 μm in diameter) with a hexagonal fine structure were found in 50 mM aqueous Na₂SO₄ solution. Sonication transformed the latter into ‘rosette’-like structures. Cyclic voltammetry has been employed to investigate the electrochemical properties of FcVI. The amphiphile adsorbed on graphite electrodes and a reversible electrochemical behaviour, characteristic of ferrocene, was observed with redox potentials between 330 and 350 mV.     

Experimental wax mixtures for dental use

summary Improvements in the properties of dental waxes were sought by alterations in their composition. Twenty-six blends of paraffin wax, beeswax and inorganic filler were subjected to the following tests: plastic deformation (flow), linear thermal expansion, elastic modulus and flexural strength. Flow tests were conducted in accordance with the corresponding ISO specification, Thermal expansion coefficients were estimated using thermomechanical analysis. Mechanical properties were tested using a universal testing machine. Pure paraffin and beeswax were used as controls. The results were subjected to analysis using correlation and regression. Regression coefficients in the range of 0.90–0.99 were obtained in most cases, flow tests exhibiting the highest coefficients and flexural strength the lowest. The incorporated filler particles reduced the flow of the natural waxes, especially of the ester-containing beeswax, and improved the elastic modulus and strength. Good correlation was found between the ingredient proportions and measured properties, suggesting a relationship between them, although this is quite complicated in the case of tertiary wax mixtures. The experimental blends exhibited properties that are potentially useful for a range of clinical applications.