bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute saline infusion induces extracellular acidification and activation of the Na+/H+ exchanger in man
Authors: KESSLER R. , LEIBHAMMER S. , LAUE O. , SACHINIDIS A. , SIFFERT W. , HOLS H. , VETTER H. , DÜSING R.
Published: November 2003

The effect of acute expansion of the extracellular fluid volume (ECV) with isotonic (0.9%) saline on the activity of the lymphocyte Na+/H+ antiport (NHE) was studied in a total of 18 healthy volunteers. Saline was infused at a constant rate so that 4 mmol kg−1 b.w. was administered over 2 h. NHE activity was measured by quantifying cytosolic pH (pHi) recovery following acidification of the cells with propionic acid and by pH clamping at various pHi values between 7.2 and 5.8 using nigericin. Both methods demonstrate NHE activation associated with intravenous saline infusion, the kinetic difference being a marked decrease in the Hill coefficient n from 3.28 ± 0.21 (SEM) to 2.22 ± 0.11 in the absence of changes in baseline pHi (7.14 ± 0.02 vs. 7.08 ± 0.02; P = 0.15), Vmax (42.8 ± 2.7 vs. 48.1 ± 2.8 mmol L−1 min−1; P = 0.08) and pK (6.32 ± 0.04 vs. 6.35 ± 0.02). NHE activation was associated with significant decreases in serum chloride (P = 0.016), calcium (P = 0.008), total cholesterol (P = 0.008), low‐density lipoproteins (P = 0.016) and high‐density lipoproteins (P = 0.008). Moreover, saline infusion induced extracellular acidification with a decrease in pH from 7.39 ± 0.01 to 7.37 ± 0.01 (P = 0.016), HCO3− from 23.3 ± 0.43 mmol L−1 to 21.3 ± 0.25 mmol L−1 (P = 0.008) and base excess from −1.03 ± 0.38 mmol L−1 to −3.00 ± 0.31 mmol L−1 (P = 0.008). Our results show for the first time that acute ECV expansion with isotonic saline is followed by an activation of the lymphocyte NHE. The underlying mechanism(s) remain to be investigated. However, the demonstration in our study of marked changes in acid–base balance induced by acute saline points to a possible inter‐relationship of antiporter activation and extracellular acidification.
Antibodies to mycobacterial 65‐kD heat shock protein cross‐react with the main mitochondrial antigens in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: VILAGUT L. , PARÉS A. , VIÑAS O. , VILA J. , JIMÉNEZ DE ANTA Ma T. , RODÉS J.
Published: November 2003

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease associated with autoimmune disorders. The aetiology is unknown, although it has been suggested that the disease may be related to infectious agents. Previous studies revealed that sera from patients with PBC react against Mycobacterium gordonae. This specific reactivity, characterized by a recognition of two membrane polypeptides of 70–65 and 55 kD, cross‐react with the two major mitochondrial autoantigens of PBC. As the most immunogenic components of mycobacteria are the heat shock proteins (hsp), which have been associated with autoimmunity, this study has been undertaken to characterize whether the reacting polypeptides in PBC are hsp from M. gordonae. Cultures of M. gordonae were incubated at 37 °C and 46 °C before sonication, protein extraction and separation by SDS‐PAGE. Exposure of M. gordonae to heat shock treatment resulted in membrane protein overexpression, similar to the 70–65‐kD polypeptide recognized by the sera from patients with PBC. Immunoprecipitation assays with a monoclonal antibody directed against the Hsp65 kD of mycobacteria and with sera from patients with PBC revealed similar reacting profiles characterized by the precipitation of the overexpressed 65‐kD polypeptide from M. gordonae. Competitive immunoblotting showed that binding of the monoclonal antibody to the Hsp65 kD protein was prevented by preincubation with sera from patients with PBC, but not with sera from healthy subjects. Furthermore, monoclonal antibody to the Hsp65 kD protein recognized the main mitochondrial autoantigens of PBC (PDH‐E2 and BCKDH‐E2). These data indicate the existence of cross‐reacting epitopes contained on M. gordonae Hsp65 kD and the main mitochondrial antigens in patients with PBC.
Influence of family history of hypertension on insulin sensitivity in lean and obese hypertensive subjects
Authors: GRANDI A. M. , GAUDIO G. , FACHINETTI A. , ZANZI P. , BIANCHI L. , CERIANI L. , GUASTI L. , VENCO A.
Published: November 2003

We evaluated the influence of family history of hypertension on insulin sensitivity in lean and obese hypertensive subjects (H): 40 lean [body mass index (BMI)  25 kg m−2] H with normotensive parents (F−), 50 lean H with one or two parents hypertensive (F+), 30 obese HF− (BMI  30 kg m−2) and 35 obese HF+. The four groups were comparable in terms of age, sex and ambulatory blood pressure values. We evaluated glucose, insulin and C‐peptide before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after an oral glucose load, insulin sensitivity index (ISI, fasting glucose/insulin ratio), fasting insulin/C‐peptide ratio (I/Cp). Glucose, fasting and during test, and I/Cp were similar among the four groups; insulin and C‐peptide, fasting and stimulated, were significantly higher and ISI lower in obese H than in lean H; at similar BMI, insulin and C‐peptide were significantly higher in F+ than in F−. Insulin directly correlated with night‐time blood pressure only in lean HF−. The correlation between insulin and BMI was significantly closer in F− than in F+. In conclusion, family history of hypertension appears to play a relevant role in insulin sensitivity in hypertensive subjects also in the presence of obesity.
α1‐Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency and ANCA‐positive systemic vasculitis: genetic and clinical implications
Authors: CALLEA F. , GREGORINI G. , SINICO A. , GONZALES G. , BOSSOLASCO M. , SALVIDIO G. , RADICE A. , TIRA P. , CANDIANO G. , ROSSI G. , PETTI A. , RAVERA G. , GHIGGERI G. , GUSMANO R.
Published: November 2003

A high incidence of α1‐antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency has been reported in patients with C‐ANCA systemic vasculitis in association with antibodies against proteinase‐3 (PR3). To clarify the role of AAT deficiency in the acute vasculitic process as well as in progression of the disease, we studied 84 patients with either C‐ANCA or P‐ANCA vasculitis with special reference to: (a) the AAT gene, (b) the phenotypic (Pi) variants and (c) the serum levels during both acute illness and remission. The PiZ gene was found in six patients (8% vs. 1.5% controls) irrespective of the type of autoantibodies (C‐ANCA vs. P‐ANCA). All PiZ patients displayed the ability to raise their AAT serum levels up to the normal range during acute illness. In contrast, 24 patients with the PiM phenotype presented low AAT serum levels during acute illness. In all these patients, the AAT levels returned to normal values during the remission. Low AAT levels were associated with low levels of C‐reactive protein (PCR) (P < 0.001), with a less severe renal involvement or a minor risk of death, and, in one tested patient, with a novel point mutation (TCGA → TCAA) at the enhancer–promoter region of the AAT gene. Low AAT serum levels did not correlate with either type/titre of autoantibody or distribution/severity of the vasculitis process. In the case–control study, high AAT levels emerged as a major determinant of progression towards end‐stage renal failure [odds ratio 3 (95% CI 1.1–8.4)]. These results indicate: (a) a high incidence of the PiZ gene of AAT in systemic vasculitis irrespective of the type of autoantibodies; (b) a novel form of AAT deficiency associated with the normal PiM phenotype becoming manifest only during acute illness; (c) dysregulation of the acute‐phase response affecting selectively AAT or both AAT and PCR; (d) correlation between low plasma levels of AAT and less severe renal involvement or risk of death.
Microalbuminuria and renal haemodynamics in essential hypertension
Authors: MATTEI P. , ARZILLI F. , GIOVANNETTI R. , PENNO G. , ARRIGHI P. , TADDEI S. , SALVETTI A.
Published: November 2003

The present study was designed to evaluate the renal haemodynamic pattern of never‐treated microalbuminuric and normoalbuminuric patients with essential hypertension. A total of 19 never‐treated essential hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria were selected and, as control subjects, 24 never‐treated essential hypertensive patients without microalbuminuria (determined on three 24‐h urine collections) were recruited. In the two groups, we compared blood pressure values, standing plasma noradrenaline, plasma renin activity, plasma aldosterone, urinary aldosterone, lipid profile, serum glucose and uric acid, glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow. In comparison with normoalbuminuric patients, microalbuminuric patients showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure values (P < 0.05), higher renal vascular resistances (P < 0.05) and lower plasma renin activity values (P < 0.01). Urinary albumin excretion showed a significant positive correlation with systolic (r = 0.46, P < 0.005) and mean blood pressure (r = 0.38, P < 0.05), serum uric acid (r = 0.43, P < 0.005) and triglyceride values (r = 0.36, P < 0.005), and a significant negative correlation with plasma renin activity (r =  − 0.34, P < 0.05). The present data are consistent with the occurrence of renal vasoconstriction in microalbuminuric never‐treated essential hypertensive patients.
Inhibition of paracrine angiotensin‐converting enzyme in vivo: effects on interstitial glucose and lactate concentrations in human skeletal muscle
Authors: MÜLLER M. , FASCHING P. , SCHMID R. , BURGDORFF T. , WALDHÄUSL W. , EICHLER H. G.
Published: November 2003

Microdialysis was used to selectively assess the effect of the paracrine renin–angiotensin system (RAS) on interstitial glucose and lactate concentration profiles in skeletal muscle of healthy volunteers (n = 8) during basal and insulin‐stimulated conditions. Paracrine RAS was selectively inhibited by local retrodialysis with enalaprilate. Under basal conditions, local administration of enalaprilate (2 μg mL−1) increased interstitial dialysate glucose concentration from 0.71 ± 0.14 mmol L−1 to 0.84 ± 0.14 mmol L−1 and decreased the serum interstitial gradient (SIGglu) compared with baseline (P < 0.02). Under clamp conditions, enalaprilate, even at the lowest concentration (0.02 μg mL−1), increased interstitial dialysate glucose concentration from 0.77 ± 0.11 mmol L−1 to 1.02 ± 0.09 mmol L−1 and decreased SIGglu compared with baseline (P < 0.01). Interstitial lactate concentrations slightly increased during basal as well as during clamp conditions (P < 0.05 vs. baseline). Selective inhibition of paracrine muscle angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) increases interstitial glucose and lactate concentrations and decreases SIGglu in muscle by facilitating transcapillary glucose transport. This effect is more pronounced during hyperinsulinaemia and may be of clinical relevance in diabetic patients treated with therapeutic doses of enalapril.
Endothelial transport processes and tissue metabolism: evidence for microvascular endothelial dysfunction in insulin‐resistant diseases?
Authors: WASCHER T. C.
Published: November 2003

Clinical manifestations of the insulin resistance syndrome are accompanied by endothelial dysfunction at the level of conductance and resistance vessels. Other conditions, such as smoking, also associated with endothelial dysfunction, exhibit insulin resistance too. Hypercholesterolaemia, in contrast, despite being the classical disease of endothelial dysfunction, is not associated with insulin resistance. Furthermore, only in insulin‐resistant diseases, markers of microvascular alteration, such as microalbuminuria or increased plasma concentrations of von Willebrand factor, are found. At capillary sites, in contrast, transendothelial transport of both insulin and glucose takes place. These transport processes are thought to contribute to overall insulin sensitivity. In this article, I not only hypothesize but also summarize existing experimental and clinical evidence that a distinct capillary endothelial dysfunction is closely involved in the insulin resistance syndrome.
Muramic acid in human peripheral blood leucocytes in different age groups
Authors: LEHTONEN L. , EEROLA E. , TOIVANEN P.
Published: November 2003

Presence of muramic acid (as a marker for bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan) was analysed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in the peripheral blood leucocytes of subjects from a range of ages (9–80 years) and groups (healthy individuals, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthrosis, essential hypertension or multiple sclerosis). Sixty per cent of the sample from the youngest subjects contained detectable muramic acid. The percentage of people with circulating leucocytes containing muramic acid decreased gradually with age, being less than 5% in all groups over 40 years. No clear correlation between the presence of muramic acid and the disease was observed.
Postprandial chylomicron and plasma vitamin E responses in healthy older subjects compared with younger ones
Authors: BOREL P. , MEKKI N. , BOIRIE Y. , PARTIER A. , GROLIER P. , ALEXANDRE‐GOUABAU M. C. , BEAUFRERE B. , ARMAND M. , LAIRON D. , AZAIS‐BRAESCO V.
Published: November 2003

The effect of ageing on vitamin E bioavailability in humans was assessed by comparing chylomicron and plasma α‐tocopherol postprandial concentrations after a dose of vitamin E (432 or 937 IU as dl‐α‐tocopherol acetate), in eight young (20–30 years old) and eight healthy elderly men (64–72 years old). The fasting plasma α‐tocopherol concentration was significantly higher in the elderly (33 ± 2 μmol L−1) than in the young (22 ± 2 μmol L−1). In both groups, the plasma and chylomicron α‐tocopherol postprandial concentrations were significantly, approximately twofold, higher after the 937‐IU meal than after the 432‐IU meal. For both test meals, the chylomicron α‐tocopherol areas under the curve were significantly lower in the elderly than in the young subjects: 98.9 ± 16.5 (young group) vs. 55.3 ± 7.8 (elderly group) μmol L−1 h for the 937‐IU test meal and 60.4 ± 14.1 (young group) vs. 26.0 ± 7.6 (elderly group) μmol L−1 h for the 432‐IU test meal, whereas the plasma α‐tocopherol area under the curve was significantly higher in elderly than in young subjects: 337.56 ± 16.11 (937‐IU test meal) vs. 159.81 ± 35.55 (432‐IU test meal) μmol L−1 h in the young group and 709.55 ± 69.33 (937‐IU test meal) vs. 436.39 ± 41.08 (432‐IU test meal) μmol L−1 h in the elderly group. We concluded that (a) the amount of vitamin E appearing in plasma is proportional to the dose ingested (up to 937 IU); (b) the intestinal absorption of vitamin E is not increased, even possibly decreased, in the elderly; and (c) the amount of vitamin E transported by non‐chylomicron lipoproteins is apparently higher in the elderly. This suggests that vitamin E postprandial transport is affected by ageing, mainly as the consequence of age‐related modifications of lipoprotein metabolism.
Mack Forster Award Lecture Receptor nuclear medicine: vasointestinal peptide and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy for diagnosis and treatment of tumour patients
Authors: VIRGOLINI I.
Published: November 2003

The multiple aspects of radioligand–receptor interactions do not only show a major impact of certain cell surface‐bound receptors in the pathophysiology of human disease: the concept of radioligand–receptor interactions has also been extended to the clinic. In particular, naturally occurring peptides, when radiolabelled, are clinically useful for the imaging diagnosis of human disease and have future implications for the treatment of tumour expressing certain target receptors using radiolabelled peptide tracers. The finding that receptors for VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) and SST (somatostatin) are overexpressed on tumour cells presents a breakthrough into this direction. Recent data indicate that [123I]‐VIP receptor scintigraphy is clinically useful for the in vivo localization of small primary adenocarcinomas, liver metastases and certain endocrine tumours of the gastrointestinal tract. After the successful clinical introduction of the SST analogues [123I]‐Tyr3‐octreotide and [111In]‐DTPA‐d‐Phe1‐octreotide for localization diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumours in 1989, P829, labelled with the more cost‐effective radionuclide 99mTc, nowadays promises to be a potential novel diagnostic imaging agent for tumours expressing SST/VIP receptors. Furthermore, the novel SST analogue [90Y]‐MAURITIUS is entering the clinic for treatment of VIP/SST receptor‐expressing tumours.
Intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein variation associated with variation in the response of plasma lipoproteins to dietary fibre
Authors: HEGELE R. A. , WOLEVER T. M. S. , STORY J. A. , CONNELLY P. W. , JENKINS D. J. A.
Published: November 2003

Increased dietary fibre intake is a component of prudent dietary advice, although the mechanism of its beneficial effect is unclear. Furthermore, plasma lipoprotein response to dietary fibre seems to vary both between individuals and according to the type of fibre consumed. Two common genetic variants, A54 and T54, of the intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein gene (FABP2) have different in vitro binding affinities for long‐chain fatty acids. We have hypothesized that variation in FABP2 would be associated with interindividual variation in the response of plasma lipoproteins to either dietary soluble or insoluble fibre. We studied 43 subjects who participated in a year‐long cross‐over study of the effect of insoluble and soluble fibre on plasma lipoproteins. We tested for associations between FABP2 genotypes and the response of plasma lipoproteins to dietary fibre. When compared with subjects homozygous for FABP2 A54, we found that subjects with FABP2 T54 had significantly greater decreases in plasma total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol and apoB during the period when the diet was high in soluble fibre than during the period when the diet was high in insoluble fibre. Furthermore, compared with subjects with the FABP2 A54 allele, subjects with the FABP2 T54 allele had significantly lower secretion of total fecal bile acids, but this did not increase with dietary soluble fibre. Genetic variation in FABP2 may thus contribute to interindividual variation in the response of plasma lipoproteins to different dietary fibres, but the mechanism does not appear to be related to increases in fecal bile acid secretion.
Evidence for non‐adaptive immune response in HIV infection
Authors: TZAVARA V. , VLACHOYIANNOPOULOS P. G. , KORDOSSIS T. , GALARIS D. , TRAVLOU A. , DAFNI U. , MOUTSOPOULOS H. M.
Published: November 2003

Increased levels of soluble forms of adhesion molecules such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and E‐selectin have been found in the sera of HIV‐infected patients and have been associated with disease progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this phenomenon reflects activation of the non‐adaptive immune response in HIV infection. Fifty‐one patients with HIV infection (42 men, nine women) were classified into two subgroups: those with HIV infection but without evidence of AIDS indicator conditions (HIV infected non‐AIDS cases, n = 27) and those with AIDS (AIDS cases, n = 24). The activation of non‐adaptive immune response was evaluated as the production of reactive oxygen species that cause lipid peroxidation, which was assessed by measuring thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) using the thiobarbituric acid assay (TBA). Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF), measured by rocket immunoelectrophoresis, were used to show activation of endothelial cells even in the absence of any other causative agent, in these patients. TBARS levels in non‐AIDS cases were significantly higher than in control subjects (n = 17) or AIDS cases (P < 0.001). The mean vWF levels were higher in AIDS cases than in non‐AIDS cases or normal subjects (P < 0.05). TBARS levels remained significantly higher in non‐AIDS cases after adjusting for age, CD4 T‐cell and neutrophil counts, antiretroviral therapy and vWF plasma levels. The above findings indicate that in HIV infection, the virus per se is responsible for the increased oxidative stress that in turn activates various transduction pathways, maybe leading to endothelial cell activation and shedding of adhesion molecules from the cell surface.
Adult groin hernias: new insight into their biomechanical characteristics
Authors: PANS A. , PIERARD G. E. , ALBERT A. , DESAIVE C.
Published: November 2003

The biomechanical properties of the transversalis fascia and rectus abdominis aponeurosis were assessed in adult groin hernias, using a computerized‐suction device (Cutometer®) equipped with a 2‐mm probe. Evaluations were made ex vivo on fresh samples collected from 63 patients with unilateral or bilateral hernias and 30 control subjects without hernias. Under 50 and 200 mbar suctions, there was no statistical difference between the overall mechanical properties of control and patient aponeuroses. For both 50 and 200 mbar suctions, the maximum distension (MD) and the biological elasticity (BE) of fasciae from direct hernias were significantly increased, compared with control fasciae. In the same comparison, the MD‐50 and ‐200 and the BE‐50 of patient fasciae from the non‐herniated sides were also significantly increased. It is concluded that the presently reported biomechanical alterations seem to be the cause and not the consequence of the hernias. These data suggest that a functional connective tissue pathology probably plays a role in the genesis of groin hernias.
Cisplatin‐induced renal effects and thromboxane A2 receptor blockade
Authors: DORNER G. T. , PEHAMBERGER H. , KORNEK G. , STEGER G. , MÜLLER M. , WOLZT M. , KLETTER K. , JAMES P. , BREITENEDER H. , EICHLER H. G. , BLÖCHL‐DAUM B.
Published: November 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal protective effect of linotroban, a thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, in 25 patients with malignant tumours scheduled for cisplatin therapy. Cisplatin was administered 1 h after the start of a 24‐h continuous infusion of linotroban or placebo. Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow were measured. Infusions of cisplatin decreased glomerular filtration rate by 17 ± 25 mL min−1 (P = 0.049 vs. baseline) and effective renal plasma flow by 94 ± 150 mL min−1 (P = 0.049 vs. baseline) in the placebo group. In the linotroban group a decrease in glomerular filtration rate by 11 ± 18 mL min−1 (P = 0.050 vs. baseline) and in effective renal plasma flow by 26 ± 63 mL min−1 (P = 0.2 vs. baseline) was noted. However, no difference was noted between groups in response to treatment. Our findings indicate that linotroban may not be useful for prevention of cisplatin's acute nephrotoxic effects.
Formation of black pigment gallstone in a hamster model of experimental cirrhosis
Authors: SAKATA R. , UENO T. , SATA M. , SUJAKU K. , TAMAKI S. , TORIMURA T. , TANIKAWA K.
Published: November 2003

The relationship between liver cirrhosis and the pathogenesis of black pigment stones has not been clarified. We attempted to induce black pigment stone formation in the gallbladders of hamsters. Male golden hamsters were divided into a cirrhosis group and a control group. Liver cirrhosis was induced by administering drinking water containing thioacetamide. The control group was given tap water. Gallstones at 48 weeks after treatment were examined by stereoscopic microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The copper content of the black pigment stones was analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Black pigment stones in the gallbladder were detected in 25% of the cirrhosis group. Their surface and cross‐section appeared amorphous. Black pigment stones contained copper. We confirmed the formation of gallstones in an animal model of cirrhosis by thioacetamide. Our findings may contribute to the clarification of the relationship between the pathogenesis of black pigment stones and the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis.
Effects of endothelin‐1 on circulating adhesion molecules in man
Authors: JILMA B. , SZALAY T. , DIRNBERGER E. , EICHLER H.‐G. , STOHLAWETZ P. , SCHWARZINGER I. , KAPIOTIS S. , WAGNER O. F.
Published: November 2003

Several studies point to a role for endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in enhancing adhesion molecule expression and leucocyte adhesion. We thus hypothesized that ET‐1 would induce expression of adhesion molecules by endothelial cells and by leucocytes in humans, and hence compared with placebo the effect of a continuous 6‐h ET‐1 infusion on plasma levels of circulating (c)E‐selectin, cP‐selectin, intercellular and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1. In addition, we investigated the effects of ET‐1 on expression of the leucocyte adhesion molecules CD11b/CD18 and L‐selectin on monocytes and neutrophils. After an open pilot study to evaluate the safety of a 6‐h ET‐1 infusion of 0.4 pmol kg−1 min−1 (n = 4), the main study was conducted as a randomized, double‐blind, two‐way, cross‐over trial in 12 additional young healthy male volunteers, who received the same treatment and were observed over a period of 24 h. ET‐1 infusion decreased renal plasma flow by 43% (CI 35–51%; P < 0.001) and increased the filtration fraction by 80% (CI 20–110%; P < 0.001). Heart rate decreased by −10% (CI −4% to −15%) at 6 h under ET‐1 infusion in the cross‐over trial (P = 0.012 between periods). Although ET‐1 infusions increased plasma levels of ET‐1 by about 300%, ET‐1 elicited no relevant changes in any circulating adhesion molecules or leucocyte adhesion molecules measured. In the placebo period small diurnal changes were observed for cP‐selectin (–8%, CI −14 to −3%, P = 0.008) and cE‐selectin (–6%, CI −10 to −3%, P = 0.003) at 12 h (20.45 h). In sum, ET‐1 does not regulate circulating adhesion molecules in healthy men. Circadian variations may exist for plasma levels of cP‐selectin and cE‐selectin.
Increased nitric oxide production in collagenous and lymphocytic colitis
Authors: LUNDBERG J. O. N. , HERULF M. , OLESEN M. , BOHR J. , TYSK C. , WIKLUND N. P. , MORCOS E. , HELLSTRÖM P. M. , WEITZBERG E. , JÄRNEROT G.
Published: November 2003

The production of nitric oxide (NO) is increased in active ulcerative colitis and in Crohn's disease. We have studied NO production in collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC), both of which are inflammatory bowel disorders of unknown aetiology. NO levels were measured directly in gas sampled from the colon during colonoscopy. Plasma levels of NO metabolites (nitrate/nitrite) were also measured. Luminal NO levels were more than 100 times higher in patients with CC compared with controls. In addition, plasma levels of nitrate/nitrite were increased in the patients as compared with controls. Measurements of NO directly in the colon or its oxidation products in plasma may be a helpful tool in further understanding the role of NO in the pathophysiology of CC and LC. Moreover, it is tempting to speculate that these measurements could be clinically useful in the diagnosis and therapy monitoring of these two inflammatory bowel diseases.
Gender differences in serum leptin in obese people: relationships with testosterone, body fat distribution and insulin sensitivity
Authors: VETTOR R. , DE PERGOLA G. , PAGANO C. , ENGLARO P. , LAUDADIO E. , GIORGINO F. , BLUM W. F. , GIORGINO R. , FEDERSPIL G.
Published: November 2003

Testosterone levels are decreased in obese men but increased in obese women. The interplay between gonadal steroids and leptin is, at present, far from being elucidated. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between serum leptin, plasma insulin, insulin sensitivity and free testosterone in 46 men (29 obese and 17 lean) and 65 premenopausal women (42 obese and 23 lean). In all subjects, anthropometric parameters and serum levels of insulin, leptin, free testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and sex hormone‐binding globulin were measured. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and an insulin tolerance test were also performed to determine the insulin sensitivity index. Our results show a significant difference in serum leptin between lean and obese men (3.19 ± 0.71 vs. 20.28 ± 0.26 ng mL−1; P < 0.0005) as well as between lean and obese women (10.78 ± 2.14 vs. 34.79 ± 2.26 ng mL−1; P < 0.00001). Basal T concentration in the obese men was significantly lower than in the control group (18.6 ± 1.3 vs. 23.3 ± 1.4 ng L−1; P < 0.01), whereas in the obese women it was significantly higher than in the control group (2.0 ± 0.2 vs. 1.3 ± 0.1 ng L−1; P < 0.05). When multiple linear regression was performed without body mass index (BMI) in the statistical model, leptin was correlated with basal insulin (P < 0.0001), insulin sensitivity (P < 0.0001) and T (P < 0.0001) in both men and women. When BMI was included in the model as an independent variable, leptin was significantly correlated only with BMI (P < 0.0001), the degree of insulin resistance (P < 0.05) and T (only in men, P < 0.05). This study confirms that serum leptin is strongly correlated with the degree of obesity and female sex. The negative correlation between leptin and T in men, independent of BMI, is consistent with the hypothesis that T may possess an inhibitory effect on adipocyte ob gene transcription.
Advanced glycation end products, oxidant stress and vascular lesions
Authors: CHAPPEY O. , DOSQUET C. , WAUTIER M‐P. , WAUTIER J‐L.
Published: November 2003

The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is observed in conditions such as diabetes mellitus and ageing, both associated with vascular disorders. AGEs form by the interaction of an aldose with NH2 of proteins, and the subsequent Amadori rearrangement leads to complex molecules. The heterogeneous class of AGE molecules is found in plasma, cells and tissues and accumulates in the vessel wall and the kidney. AGE reactions can generate reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs), which can act as signal mediators and can be deleterious for molecules or cells. The AGEs and ROI‐induced cellular dysfunctions can interfere with the gene expression of peptides and cytokines regulating cell proliferation and vascular functions. The interaction of AGEs with the AGE receptor (RAGE) is followed by a series of intracellular modifications that may be involved in the development of atherosclerosis. An attempt to minimize AGE formation and to limit ROI production by an appropriate therapy may result in the reduction or slowing of vascular disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Human fibroblast‐derived molecules as antigens in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for coeliac disease‐specific IgA
Authors: MARTTINEN A. , SULKANEN S. , MA¨KI M.
Published: November 2003

We have recently shown that cultured human fibroblasts synthesize and secrete protein molecules that bind to IgA‐class anti‐reticulin and anti‐endomysium antibodies but not to anti‐gliadin antibodies in coeliac disease patient sera. In the present report, we describe a reproducible method for purification of these antigen molecules from fibroblast culture medium. Using reversed‐phase chromatography as the final purification step, four different protein molecules reacting with coeliac disease patient sera IgA were obtained. In enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for coeliac disease‐specific IgA, a mixture of 0.5 μg of the four reversed‐phase‐separated molecules was used as antigen. The optical density values in ELISA of the sera from newly diagnosed coeliac disease patients (n = 34) were 0.740–3.400 (mean 1.830) and in control patients (n = 66) 0.090–0.850 (mean 0.320). Using an arbitrary cut‐off level of 0.700, the sensitivity of the present autoantibody test was 100%, specificity 91% and positive predictive value 85%. Our identified autoantigens may generate the production of the classical tissue antibodies, known as anti‐reticulin and anti‐endomysium antibodies, and may be used as antigen in an immunoassay for the antibodies.
Oxidative protein damage in human diabetic eye: evidence of a retinal participation
Authors: ALTOMARE E. , GRATTAGLIANO I. , VENDEMAILE G. , MICELLI‐FERRARI T. , SIGNORILE A. , CARDIA L.
Published: November 2003

Considerable evidence indicates that the maintenance of protein redox status is of fundamental importance for cell function, whereas structural changes in proteins are considered to be among the molecular mechanisms leading to diabetic complications. In this study, protein redox status and antioxidant activity were investigated in the lens and vitreous of diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects. A significantly lower content of sulphydryl proteins was found in lens and vitreous of diabetic patients than in those of non‐diabetic and control subjects. Moreover, an increased formation of protein‐bound free sulphydryls and carbonyl proteins, indices of oxidative damage to proteins, was noted in diabetic patients. All these parameters were shown to be altered particularly when diabetes was complicated with retinal alterations. In addition, glutathione peroxidase activity and ascorbic acid levels, known to exert important antioxidant functions in the eye compartment, were found to be significantly decreased in the lens of diabetic patients, especially in the presence of retinal damage. This study indicates an alteration of protein redox status in subjects affected by diabetes mellitus; lens and vitreous proteins were found to be oxidized to a greater extent in the presence of retinal disease, together with a marked decrease of eye antioxidant systems. These results suggest that oxidative events are involved in the onset of diabetic eye complications, in which the decrease in free radical scavengers was shown to be associated with the oxidation of vitreous and lens proteins. Protein oxidation may, therefore, represent an important mechanism in the onset of eye complications in diabetic patients.
US Atlantic coast striped bass: issues with a recovered population
Authors: Hartman K. J. , Margraf F. J.
Published: November 2003

Striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), is an anadromous species naturally occurring along the US Atlantic coast, which historically supported valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. In response to a near order‐of‐magnitude decline in landings, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission enacted a management plan in 1981 protecting fish until they could spawn at least once. By 1989, recruitment increased in natal rivers and regulations were relaxed, permitting limited fisheries by 1990. By 1995, the stock was declared fully recovered. Since the recovery, concern has increased over the health of the stocks. In the 1990s, fish in poor physical condition with dermal lesions became common in Chesapeake Bay. Pathogens of most concern in cultures from fish include the genus Mycobacterium. Coincident with declines in fish health were changes in diets, declines of preferred prey, and reduced growth and condition. Theories were suggested linking declines in condition to reductions in forage base or pathogens. Diets have changed since the 1950s and while many Chesapeake fish are infected with mycobacteria, it is still not known how or if these factors are linked. The highest priorities for research were considered to be: linking numerous local and regional studies to provide a coast‐wide perspective; continuation of investigations linking population health to the prey‐base; determination of the cause‐effect of mycobacteria infections; and formulation of management options.
Use of tag data to compare growth rates of Atlantic coast striped bass stocks
Authors: Welsh S. A. , Kahnle A. W. , Versak B. A. , Latour R. J.
Published: November 2003

Migratory stocks of Atlantic coast striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), range primarily from North Carolina (NC) northward to Canadian waters. Between 1986 and 2000, 267 045 wild striped bass were tagged and released from NC to Massachusetts as part of the Cooperative Striped Bass Tagging Program. Direct measurements of growth of individual fish can be obtained from tag data and are useful for understanding the dynamics of fish populations. Growth rates from regressions of length‐increment vs. time‐at‐liberty were estimated for striped bass tagged and released in three southern states [NC, Virginia (VA) and Maryland (MD)] and three northern states (New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island). Striped bass tagged in waters of northern states grew faster (significantly steeper regression slopes) than those tagged in southern areas. Migratory patterns, stock mixing, and unmeasured biotic and abiotic influences on growth precluded conclusions that observed growth patterns are stock‐specific. These results, however, indicate latitudinal differences in growth rates, and should be considered in future research and management of Atlantic coast striped bass.
Mortality associated with catch and release of striped bass in the Hudson River
Authors: Millard M. J. , Welsh S. A. , Fletcher J. W. , Mohler J. , Kahnle A. , Hattala K.
Published: November 2003

Catch‐and‐release fishing has increased in many fisheries, but its contribution to fishing mortality is rarely estimated. This study estimated catch and release mortality rates of striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), for the spring recreational fishery in the Hudson River. Treatment fish (caught with live bait on spinning gear) and control fish (captured by electric fishing) were placed in in situ holding pens for 5 days. Mortality rates were estimated using conditional instantaneous mortality rates and additive finite mortality rates. Influences of variables (playing and handling time, hook location, degree of bleeding and fish length) on hooking mortality rates were examined by logistic regression. Conditional instantaneous mortality rates and additive finite mortality rates were 31 and 28%, respectively. Hook location significantly affected the survival of striped bass. Angling catch, effort, and release rates must be integrated with associated hooking mortality rates before this component of overall population mortality can be incorporated into management decisions.
The prevalence of mycobacterial infections in striped bass in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Overton A. S. , Margraf F. J. , Weedon C. A. , Pieper L. H. , May E. B.
Published: November 2003

Several species of bacteria have been isolated from diseased striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), in Chesapeake Bay. Mycobacteria species are of particular interest because of their association with chronic lesions in both fish and humans. The resulting disease in fish may be characterised by emaciation, inflammation of the skin, exophthalmia (pop‐eye), ascites (dropsy), open lesions, and ulceration. The prevalence of mycobacterial infection in 217 striped bass in the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay was determined to provide evidence of decreased overall condition of fish affected by these bacteria. The density of the granulomas was higher in the spleen and head kidney than either the heart or liver, and appeared to be most closely associated with the presence of an external lesion. Thirty‐eight per cent of the fish showed some sign of an external lesion. Granulomas appeared in at least one organ in 53% of the fish sampled regardless of the presence or absence of an external skin lesion. Condition factor was significantly higher for striped bass without external lesions (0.96) than those with lesions (0.82). Striped bass with no internal granulomas and no external lesion had the highest condition factor (0.99) and fish with granulomas and external lesions the lowest (0.81). Slopes of the regression loge weight (g) and loge length (mm) for striped bass with external lesions was significantly higher than those fish without external lesions and had a lower r2. The results suggest that striped bass that are infected with mycobacteria have decreased overall health.
Population‐level consumption by Atlantic coastal striped bass and the influence of population recovery upon prey communities
Authors: Hartman K.J.
Published: November 2003

The potential impact of increasing striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), populations on prey biomass under two different spatial scales: a broad perspective involving Atlantic coast‐wide populations and a finer‐scale analysis within the Hudson River, was modelled. Coast‐wide striped bass consumption ranged from 17 900 t (1982) to 147 900 t (1995). This level of consumption is equivalent of up to 57% of US menhaden landings over this period. Assuming 10% of diets comprise alosids, Hudson River striped bass ate 26.4–140.7 t of alosids annually from 1985 to 1994 – exceeding the estimated age‐0 alosid biomass in the river in 1990 (15.3 t). Analysis of possible management actions to reduce predatory demand was conducted. However, to achieve a 30% reduction in predatory demand would require movement towards historical overfishing conditions. Thus, it may not be possible to manage for high striped bass population levels and high levels of other species upon which they feed due to the competing demands for those species as prey and commercial or recreational resources.
Predator–prey analysis of striped bass and Atlantic menhaden in upper Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Uphoff J. H.
Published: November 2003

Between 1997 and 2000, an outbreak of skin lesions and observations of emaciated striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), in upper Chesapeake Bay were attributed to a perceived shortage of its main prey, Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus Latrobe. Abundance estimates, Atlantic menhaden consumption per recruit analysis (modified yield‐per‐recruit), bioenergetics analysis and predator–prey theory were combined to explore whether an imbalance between striped bass and Atlantic menhaden in upper Chesapeake Bay was plausible. Reduced fishing mortality and higher size limits that underpinned the effort to restore striped bass during the 1980s and 1990s lead to more abundant and larger striped bass in upper Chesapeake Bay, increasing predatory demand for forage‐sized Atlantic menhaden, the abundance of which declined to a historic low. Nominal losses of age 0–2 Atlantic menhaden to harvest and potential striped bass predation exceeded supply after 1998. The outbreak of lesions in upper Chesapeake Bay striped bass coincided with increased variation in weight‐at‐length, decreased length‐at‐age, and decreased presence of Atlantic menhaden in diets. Decreased attack success, inferred from a 97% decline in ratios of forage‐sized Atlantic menhaden to striped bass between 1983 and 1998, would have expected to have been followed by a deterioration of striped bass nutritional state. Transmission of disease would have been aided by high density of striped bass in poor nutritional condition residing in degraded habitat (Chesapeake Bay was the most hypoxic estuary in the mid‐Atlantic region in the late 1990s). These problems suggest that striped bass exceeded their carrying capacity in Chesapeake Bay during the late 1990s.
Stable isotope ratios in archived striped bass scales suggest changes in trophic structure
Authors: Pruell R. J. , Taplin B. K. , Cicchelli K.
Published: November 2003

Stable carbon isotope ratios were measured in archived striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), scales to identify changes in the feeding behaviour of this species over time. Striped bass tissue and scale samples were collected from Rhode Island coastal waters during 1996 and archived scale samples (1982–1997) were obtained from Chesapeake Bay. Known striped bass prey items were also collected from Chesapeake Bay and analysed for δ13C. A significant correlation was observed between carbon isotope ratios in striped bass scales and muscle tissue (r2 = 0.52; P < 0.05). Carbon isotope ratios were enriched (less negative) in scales relative to muscle tissue by about 3‰. Carbon isotope ratios in archived striped bass scales from Chesapeake Bay increased significantly from −16.7 ± 0.2‰ in 1982 to −15.1 ± 0.3‰ in 1997. Benthic species, especially invertebrates, were isotopically enriched relative to pelagic fish species collected from the main‐stem of Chesapeake Bay. Prey samples collected from riverine locations within Chesapeake Bay were isotopically depleted relative to those collected in the open portion of the Bay. The changes in the carbon isotope ratios of the striped bass scales could be related to changes in the relative proportions of pelagic and benthic food items in the diet of striped bass or to changes in the feeding locations of this species. In either case, there have been changes in the feeding behaviour and/or relationships of the striped bass between 1982 and 1997. Such changes may be related to changing ecological conditions within the estuary, which could influence the health of Chesapeake Bay striped bass.
Atlantic coast feeding habits of striped bass: a synthesis supporting a coast‐wide understanding of trophic biology
Authors: Walter J. F. , Overton A. S. , Ferry K. H. , Mather M. E.
Published: November 2003

The recent increase in the Atlantic coast population of striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), prompted managers to re‐evaluate their predatory impact. Published and unpublished diet data for striped bass on the Atlantic Coast of North America were examined for geographical, ontogenetic and seasonal patterns in the diet and to assess diet for this species. Diets of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) striped bass were similar across the Upper Atlantic (UPATL), Chesapeake and Delaware Bays (CBDEL) and North Carolina (NCARO) areas of the Atlantic coast where either fish or mysid shrimp dominate the diet. For age one and older striped bass, cluster analysis partitioned diets based on predominance of either Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (Latrobe), characteristic of striped bass from the CBDEL and NCARO regions, or non‐menhaden fishes or invertebrates, characteristic of fish from the UPATL, in the diet. The predominance of invertebrates in the diets of striped bass in the UPATL region can be attributed to the absence of several important species groups in Northern waters, particularly sciaenid fishes, and to the sporadic occurrences of Atlantic menhaden to UPATL waters. In all regions, across most seasons and in most size classes of striped bass, the clupeiod fishes; menhaden, anchovies (Anchoa spp.) and river herrings (Alosa spp,) and Atlantic herring, Clupea harengus L., dominated the diets of striped bass above the first year of life.