Elevation of plasma thioredoxin levels in HIV-infected individuals

Thioredoxin (Trx), a ubiquitous protein intimately involvedin redox and protein disulfide reductions, has been shown tobe released from cells and to have cytokine-like activities.In addition, Trx has been implicated in the redox regulationof immunological responses and shown to be deficient in tissuesfrom AIDS patients. In studies presented here, plasma Trx levelswere measured by ELISA in plasma samples from HIV-infected individuals(n = 136) and HIV-negative controls (n = 47). To account forthe release of Trx into plasma due to hemolysis, the Trx measurementswere corrected according to the level of hemoglobin in the plasmasample. Data presented show that, in contrast to tissue Trxlevels, corrected plasma Trx levels are significantly higherin HIV-infected individuals than in controls (P < 0.0001).Furthermore, {small tilde}25% of the HIV-infected individualsstudied have plasma Trx levels greater than the highest levelfound in controls (37 ng/ml). Detailed multiparameter FACS analysisof peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the infectedindividuals demonstrates that those with higher plasma Trx levels(37 ng/ml or greater) tend to have lower overall CD4 counts.In addition, increases in plasma Trx levels correlate with decreasesin monochlorobimane staining (indicative of lower intracellularglutathione levels in PBMC) and with changes in surface antigenexpression (CD62L, CD38 and CD20) that occur in the later stagesof HIV infection. These correlations suggest that elevationof plasma Trx levels may be an important component of advancedHIV disease, perhaps related to the oxidative stress that oftenoccurs at this stage.     

Cellular distribution of the iron-binding protein lactotransferrin in the mesencephalon of Parkinson’s disease cases

Changes in the distribution of the iron-binding protein lactotransferrin have recently been described in the central nervous system during a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. To investigate whether lactotransferrin is associated with the neuropathological changes that characterize Parkinson’s disease, we analyzed the distribution of this protein in the mesencephalon of neurologically normal individuals and patients affected with Parkinson’s disease using quantitative immunohistochemical methods. High levels of lactotransferrin were observed in a large population of neurons in the substantia nigra of control cases. Lactotransferrin-positive neurons were severely affected by the neurodegenerative process that occurs in Parkinson’s disease as indicated by a severe decrease in the number of immunolabeled neurons in all of these cases. Quantitative analysis also demonstrated higher immunolabeling levels of lactotransferrin in the surviving neurons in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area of Parkinson’s disease cases compared to control cases. These results suggest that lactotransferrin may participate actively in the mechanism of neuronal degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. Received: 16 October 1995 / Revised, accepted: 1 December 1995     

Low doses of the 5-HT1A agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)-tetralin (8-OH DPAT) increase ethanol intake

Previous work has reported that the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)_1A agonist, 8-hydroxy 2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH DPAT), reduces ethanol intake by rats. However, as 8-OH DPAT reduces 5-HT neurotransmission, these findings are inconsistent with the proposed inhibitory role of central 5-HT neurons on ethanol intake. We examined the effect of 8-OH DPAT on ethanol, water and food intake in rats maintained on a limited access schedule using a lower dose range (6–250 µg/kg) and by assessing concomitant changes in behaviour. Low doses of 8-OH DPAT enhanced ethanol intake even when food and water were offered as alternatives. Suppression in ethanol intake was observed at higher doses where elements of the 5-HT syndrome were apparent. Similar observations were made in both fluid and non-fluid deprived water drinking rats, suggesting the latter effect is non-selective. Therefore 8-OH DPAT may both increase or decrease ethanol consumption in the rat depending on the dose used.     

蛭弧菌与微生物污染的相互关系探讨

本文在实验室条件下动态观察了蛭弧菌含量与微生物污染的相互关系。结果表明：蛭弧菌含量的增加滞后于水体污染，而污染过后蛭弧菌则可在较长时间内维持较高水平，这一特性在水污染指示中的可能作用值得进一步探讨。     

Efficacy of an air-cleaning device equipped with a high efficiency particulate air filter in house dust mite respiratory allergy

The efficacy of an air-cleaning device equipped with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter (without further avoidance measures) was studied in patients allergic to house dust mite. The effects of the air-cleaner on indoor Dermatophagoides sp. levels, symptom score and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in nine mite-allergic patients were assessed using a cross-over controlled study. No significant effect was demonstrated on indoor Dermatophagoides sp. levels when comparing the period of air-cleaner activity (2 months) with the control period (2 months). The Dermatophagoides sp. levels in the houses studied were lower than the risk level for asthmatic attacks, making it difficult to assess any effect on asthma; however, neither bronchial hyperresponsiveness nor rhinitis symptom score were changed by air-cleaner activity. During the trial period, however the mean level of Dermatophagoides sp. allergen in the houses changed spontaneously from 4.4 micrograms/g (mean level in the first 2 trial months) to 1.75 micrograms/g of dust (second 2 months) (P less than 0.05). Owing to this change, the mean rhinitis symptom score also decreased (P less than 0.05), even if no significant correlation was demonstrated (r = 0.4 P = 0.089). HEPA filter air-cleaners appear insufficient as substitutes for standard avoidance measures in mite allergic patients.     

Oxidative stress: does it play a role in the genesis of essential hypertension and hypertension of uraemia?

Reactive oxygen species: general aspects Reactive oxygen species, including superoxide radicals, hydrogenperoxide, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, hydroxyl radicals andhypochlorous acid are by-products of normal metabolic processesin cells. Reactive oxygen species can be found in several cellsincluding macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells. At lowconcentrations reactive oxygen species can act as physiologicalmediators of cellular responses whereas higher concentrationsmay cause cell damage [1,2]. The major sources of reactive oxygenspecies are leakages from the electron transport chains of mitochondriaand endoplasmic reticulum. Cellular energy metabolism is basedon the production of ATP through the electron transport reactionin which O₂ accepts electrons and H⁺ and then is eventuallyreduced to water. Only 1–2% of the electrons are leakedto generate superoxide radicals in reactions mediated by coenzymeQ and ubiquinone and its complexes. During ageing (and probablyin patients     

Effect of dialysis flux and membrane material on dyslipidaemia and inflammation in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidaemia, inflammation and oxidative stress are prominent risk factors that potentially cause vascular disease in haemodialysis patients. Dialysis modalities affect uraemic dyslipidaemia, possibly by modifying oxidative stress, but the effects of dialyser flux and membrane material on atherogenic remnant particles and oxidized low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are unknown. METHODS: We performed a randomized crossover study in 36 patients on haemodialysis to analyse the effect of dialyser flux and membrane material on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Stable patients on low-flux dialysis with polysulphone for >/=6 weeks were assigned to high-flux polysulphone or high-flux modified cellulose with similar dialyser surface area and permeability characteristics and crossed over twice every 6 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty patients completed the study per protocol. Treatments with high-flux polysulphone and modified cellulose lowered serum triglyceride (by 20% and 10%, respectively; P<0.05) and remnant-like particle cholesterol by 32% (P<0.001) and 11% (NS) after the first 6 weeks of treatment. Oxidized LDL decreased significantly with high-flux polysulphone, but not with modified cellulose. Apolipoproteins CII and CIII were reduced, whereas the ratio CII/CIII was increased (all P<0.05). Acute-phase proteins and LDL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS: This randomized crossover study demonstrates a potent effect of high-flux haemodialysis on uraemic dyslipidaemia. Polysulphone membrane material showed superiority on oxidatively modified LDL, an indicator of oxidative stress in haemodialysis patients.     

A novel access method for endovascular procedures in the porcine model

Objective To evaluate the use of the saphenous artery as an alternative access for endovascular procedures in the porcine model. Methods Fourteen adult pigs (25-35kg) were used in this study, 3 pigs from an acute study and 11 from chronic studies. A 2-3 cm incision was made and a saphenous artery cutdown was performed in 24 sides. Micropunc ture sets (Boston Scientific) or 18 G puncture needles were used to access the artery. Different sizes of introducers (4-7F) were used to establish endovascular access. Angiographic catheters were then used to confirm if the access was usable. Four saphenous arteries were explanted in the pigs from a chronic study 4 to 28 days after surgical procedure. Results The saphenous artery was very easy to expose and 4-5 F introducer sheaths were able to be inserted to establish access for endovascular procedures in the pigs. The saphenous artery was unable to accomodate an introducer with a size larger than 6 F. Four saphenous arteries were injured when 5 and 6 F introducers were used, but angiographic procedures could still be performed. Morphologic evaluation of the explanted arteries demonstrated occlusion of the saphenous arteries without injury or disruption of the adjacent femoral arteries. Conclusion The saphenous artery can be used as an access site in pigs for angiographic and interventional procedures if the catheter size is less than 6 F. This vessel is easier to access and can preserve the femoral artery for repeat procedures in the future.     

压力性尿失禁的病因学研究

目的　绝经后压力性尿失禁 (SUI)患者补充雌激素的临床疗效尚有争议。本研究通过对血雌二醇 (E2 )浓度及子宫韧带的雌激素受体 (ER)的观察 ,分析雌激素与SUI和盆底组织膨出 (POP)发生的关系。方法　绝经前、后对照组、POP组和绝经后SUI组共 5组 73例子宫全切患者 ,免疫组化方法测定主韧带、宫骶韧带ER含量。结果　 ( 1)绝经前POP组血E2 浓度 ( 4 7.2 9pg ml± 38.30pg ml)、韧带ER值明显低于绝经前对照组 (E2 73.83pg ml± 5 2 .72pg ml;ER主韧带9.5 8%± 2 .39% ,ER宫骶韧带11.6 4 %±2 .6 8% ) ,差异非常显著 (P <0 .0 1)。 ( 2 )绝经后韧带ER值 :对照组 (ER主韧带10 .89%± 2 .5 4 % ,ER宫骶韧带13.0 9%± 3.0 3% )、POP组 (ER主韧带11.85 %± 2 .89% ,ER宫骶韧带13.2 1%± 3.4 6 % )及SUI组 (ER主韧带9.6 4 %± 5 .0 1% ,ER宫骶韧带11.12 %± 6 .13% )之间无显著差异 ( P >0 .0 5 )。 ( 3)绝经前、后对照组韧带ER值无显著差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。绝经前对照组月经增生期、分泌期韧带ER值无显著差异 (P >0 .0 5 )。血E2 浓度与韧带ER值无相关性。 ( 4 )绝经后对照组绝经时间与主韧带ER值成正相关 ,与宫骶韧带ER值无相关性。绝经后POP组和SUI组主韧带、宫骶韧带ER值与绝经时间成正相关。 ( 5 )各组研究对?     

3种桩核系统修复喇叭形根管的抗折性比较

目的 :比较 3种桩核系统修复喇叭形根管的牙根修复后的抗折性及其折断模式。方法 :30个完整的上颌中切牙 ,在根管治疗后 ,沿釉牙骨质界弧形顶点冠方 2mm切除牙冠 ,将根管上 1/3敞开形成喇叭形根管 ,样本随机分成 3组 :A组 ,铸造桩核金属全冠修复 ;B组 ,玻璃纤维树脂核全冠修复 ;C组 ,成品不锈钢平行螺纹桩树脂核全冠修复。样本固定于MTS810测试机上 ,与牙体长轴呈 135°加载 ,测试折断强度并观察折断模式。结果采用方差分析。结果 :铸造桩核修复抗折强度最高 [(76 3.86± 86 .38)N],其次是成品螺纹桩树脂核修复 [(6 19.91± 118.89)N],玻璃纤维树脂核组最小 [(40 5 .5 4± 111.86 )N],统计学分析差异具有显著性。结论 :铸造桩核树脂核修复后抗折强度最高 ,玻璃纤维树脂核修复最低 ,但后者折断模式最有利于重新修复 ,而前者通常无法再行修复。