bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Concentrations of Dimeric Inhibin A and B in the Male Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)1
Authors: Plant T. M. , Padmanabhan V. , Ramaswamy S. , McConnell D. S. , Winters S. J. , Groome N. , Midgley A. R. , McNeilly A. S.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative concentrations of inhibin A and B in peripheral serum of the adult male rhesus monkey and to examine the testicular contribution to these circulating forms of inhibin. In addition, inhibin B concentrations were also determined in peripheral sera of neonatal and juvenile males and in spermatic vein blood of adults. Immunoradiometric assays specific for the measurement of inhibin A and B were used. These assays also provided an opportunity to reexamine the physiological significance of a replacement infusion of recombinant human (rh)-inhibin A previously employed to study the role of this hormone in regulating FSH secretion in the monkey. In intact adults, the mean (± se) serum concentration of inhibin B was 1008 ± 184 pg/mL. In contrast, circulating inhibin A concentrations were very low (<46 pg/mL). Inhibin B was consistently detected in neonatal monkey serum (275 ± 57 pg/mL), and concentrations of this inhibin dimer increased throughout postnatal development, reaching maximum values in adulthood. Circulating inhibin A concentrations in neonatal and juvenile monkeys were undetectable (<7 pg/mL). Both forms of inhibin were generally undetectable in castrate sera. The ratio of inhibin B concentrations in testicular venous blood to those in the peripheral circulation was 1.4:1. These findings indicate that, in the male monkey, inhibin B is the principal form of circulating dimeric inhibin, and that this hormone is derived exclusively from the testis. The elevated levels of circulating inhibin B in the juvenile male monkey suggest that, during this phase of development, testicular inhibin B secretion is relatively gonadotropin independent. Additionally, we found that the concentration of circulating inhibin A in castrate animals that had earlier received an iv infusion of rh-inhibin A (832 ng/h/kg BW) was 9881 ± 2135 pg/mL, indicating that this mode of inhibin replacement may not have been entirely physiological.
Liver Microsomal Transport of Glucose-6-Phosphate, Glucose, and Phosphate in Type 1 Glycogen Storage Diseases1
Authors: Marcolongo P. , Bánhegyi G. , Benedetti A. , Hinds C. J. , Burchell A.
Published: January 2014

The transport of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), glucose, and orthophosphate into liver microsomes, isolated from six patients with various subtypes of type 1 glycogen storage disease (GSD), was measured using a light-scattering method. We found that G6P, glucose, and phosphate could all cross the microsomal membrane, in four cases of type 1a GSD. In contrast, liver microsomal transport of G6P and phosphate was deficient in the GSD 1b and 1c patients, respectively. These results support the involvement of multiple proteins (and genes) in GSD type 1. The results obtained with the light-scattering method are in accordance with conventional kinetic analysis of the microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase system. Therefore, this technique could be used to directly diagnose type 1b and 1c GSD.
Phenotypic Variability in Familial Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency Caused by a PROP1 Gene Mutation Resulting in the Substitution of Arg→Cys at Codon 120 (R120C)1
Authors: Flück Christa , Deladoey Johnny , Rutishauser Kuno , Eblé Andrée , Marti ULRICH , Wu Wei , Mullis Primus E.
Published: January 2014

As pituitary function depends on the integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, any defect in the development and organogenesis of this gland may account for a form of combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). A mutation in a novel, tissue-specific, paired-like homeodomain transcription factor, termed Prophet of Pit-1 (PROP1), has been identified as causing the Ames dwarf (df) mouse phenotype, and thereafter, different PROP1 gene alterations have been found in humans with CPHD.

We report on the follow-up of two consanguineous families (n = 12), with five subjects affected with CPHD (three males and two females) caused by the same nucleotide C to T transition, resulting in the substitution of Arg→Cys in PROP1 at codon 120. Importantly, there is a variability of phenotype, even among patients with the same mutation. The age at diagnosis was dependent on the severity of symptoms, ranging from 9 months to 8 yr. Although in one patient TSH deficiency was the first symptom of the disorder, all patients became symptomatic by exhibiting severe growth retardation and failure to thrive, which was mainly caused by GH deficiency (n = 4). The secretion of the pituitary-derived hormones (GH, PRL, TSH, LH, and FSH) declined gradually with age, following a different pattern in each individual; therefore, the deficiencies developed over a variable period of time. All of the subjects entered puberty spontaneously, and the two females also experienced menarche and periods before a replacement therapy was necessary.
Complete Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG) Deficiency Produced by a Mutation in Acceptor Splice Site Causing Frameshift and Early Termination of Translation (TBG-Kankakee)12
Authors: Carvalho Gisah A. , Weiss Roy E. , Refetoff Samuel
Published: January 2014

Fourteen T4-binding globulin (TBG) variants have been identified at the gene level. They are all located in the coding region of the gene and 6 produce complete deficiency of TBG (TBG-CD). We now describe the first mutation in a noncoding region producing TBG-CD. The proband was treated for over 20 yr with L-T4 because of fatigue associated with a low concentration of serum total T4. Fifteen family members were studied showing low total T4 inherited as an X chromosome-linked trait, and affected males had undetectable TBG in serum. Sequencing of the entire coding region and promoter of the TBG gene revealed no abnormality. However, an A to G transition was found in the acceptor splice junction of intron II that produced a new HaeIII restriction site cosegregating with the TBG-CD phenotype. Sequencing exon 1 to exon 3 of TBG complementary DNA reverse transcribed from messenger RNA of skin fibroblasts from an affected male, confirmed a shift in the ag acceptor splice site. This results in the insertion of a G in exon 2 and causes a frameshift and a premature stop at codon 195. This early termination of translation predicts a truncated TBG lacking 201 amino acids.
Two Novel Mutations of the Vasopressin Gene Associated with Familial Diabetes Insipidus and Identification of an Asymptomatic Carrier Infant1
Authors: Grant Frederick D. , Ahmadi Arshanoush , Hosley Catherine M. , Majzoub Joseph A.
Published: January 2014

Familial diabetes insipidus (FDI) is a syndrome of central vasopressin deficiency that is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and that typically becomes clinically apparent in the first decade of life. Two novel mutations of the vasopressin gene have been identified in two previously unstudied kindreds with FDI. In each kindred, the inheritance of the FDI phenotype was consistent with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. In each proband, the diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus had been confirmed previously with a water deprivation protocol. After extraction of genomic DNA from each individual, the three exons of the vasopressin gene were separately amplified by PCR and directly sequenced using an automated dye termination method. In the proband and two other carriers of one kindred, a heterozygous C to T mutation was identified at nucleotide 1857. This is predicted to produce a serine to phenylalanine substitution at residue 56 of the vasopressin-related neurophysin peptide encoded by the mutated allele. The mutation also abolished an MspI site in the vasopressin sequence, and analysis of genomic DNA from eight members of the kindred (five with FDI) confirmed segregation of the mutation with the FDI phenotype. Another member of the kindred, a 13-month-old infant, also has the heterozygous C to T mutation, but a formal water balance study showed no evidence of diabetes insipidus. In the proband of the other kindred, a heterozygous G to A mutation was identified at nucleotide 1873. This mutation would be predicted to cause a cysteine to tyrosine substitution at residue 61 of the neurophysin encoded by the mutated allele. This heterozygous mutation was confirmed by the presence of an RsaI restriction site in one vasopressin allele in two members of the kindred. Therefore, two novel heterozygous mutations of the vasopressin gene have been identified in FDI kindreds. In one kindred, an asymptomatic carrier infant was identified and will require continued observation to determine whether she will develop clinical diabetes insipidus. The presence of these two novel mutations in a region of the vasopressin gene where other FDI mutations have been reported suggests that the part of the neurophysin peptide encoded by these sequences may be critically important in the appropriate expression of vasopressin.
Vasodilator Actions of Urocortin and Related Peptides in the Human Perfused Placenta in Vitro1
Authors: Leitch Ian M. , Boura Alan L. A. , Botti Chiara , Read Mark A. , Walters William A. W. , Smith Roger
Published: January 2014

Urocortin, is a recently isolated peptide belonging to the CRH family that binds with high affinity to the CRH2 receptor. Like CRH, urocortin causes hypotension in the rat, but its vasoactive actions have not yet been studied in the human. We have compared the vasoactive properties of urocortin, CRH, and urotensin-1 in the human fetal placental vasculature in vitro. Single placental lobules were bilaterally perfused (maternal and fetal sides, 5 mL/min each; 95% O2-5% CO2; 37 C), and changes in fetal arterial perfusion pressure were recorded. Submaximal vasoconstriction was induced by PGF2α (4 ± 0.7μ mol/L), which increased perfusion pressure from 19.6 ± 1.4 to 100.7 ± 3.1 mm Hg (n = 38; P < 0.001). Subsequent fetal arterial infusion of urocortin (0.001–1 nmol/L) caused concentration-dependent vasodilatation. Urocortin was equipotent with urotensin-1 and 25 times more potent than CRH in causing vasodilatation. Nevertheless, the maximum vasodilator responses to each of the peptides were similar (P > 0.05). The CRH receptor antagonist, α-helical CRH-(9–41) (0.2 nmol/L) significantly attenuated the vasodilatation produced by urocortin, urotensin-1, and CRH (P < 0.05). These results indicate a possible physiological role for urocortin in the modulation of human fetal placental vascular tone by activation of CRH2-like receptors.
Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Inhibits Luteinizing Hormone-Stimulated P450c17 Gene Expression and Androgen Production by Isolated Thecal Cells of Human Ovarian Follicles1
Authors: Erden H. F. , Zwain I. H. , Asakura H. , Yen S. S. C.
Published: January 2014

Recently, we reported that the thecal compartment of the human ovary contains a CRF system replete with gene expression and protein for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF-Receptor 1 (CRF-R1), and the blood-derived high affinity CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP). Granulosa cells are devoid of the CRF system. The parallel increases in intensity of CRF, CRF-R1, and 17α-hydroxylase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and proteins in thecal cells with follicular maturation suggest that the intraovarian CRF system may play an autocrine role regulating androgen biosynthesis, with a downstream effect on estrogen production by granulosa cells. The functionality of the ovarian CRF system may be conditioned by the relative presence of plasma-derived CRF-BP by virtue of its localization of protein, but not transcript in thecal cells and its ability to compete with CRF for the CRF receptor.

To further these findings, in the present study we have examined the effect of CRF on LH-stimulated 17α-hydroxylase (P450c17) gene expression and androgen production by isolated thecal cells from human ovarian follicles (11–13 mm). During the 48-h culture, addition of LH (10 ng/mL) to the medium increased by 5- and 6-fold dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione production by thecal cells. Remarkably, the LH-stimulated, but not basal, androgen production was inhibited by CRF in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The half-maximal (ID50) effect dose of CRF occurred at 5 × 10−8 mol/L, and at a maximal concentration of 10−6 mol/L, CRF completely inhibited LH-stimulated androgen production. This inhibitory effect of CRF became evident at 12 h (45%), and by 24 h the effect was more pronounced, with a 70% reduction from baseline. As determined by Northern analyses, CRF dose dependently decreased LH-stimulated P450c17 mRNA levels, with a maximal inhibition of 85% P450c17 gene expression at a CRF concentration of 10−6 mol/L. With the addition of 10−6 mol/L of the antagonist α-helical CRF-(9–41), the inhibitory effect of CRF was partially reversed for both P450c17 mRNA (75%) and androgen production (50%), indicating the CRF-R1-mediated event.

In conclusion, the present study demonstrated a potent inhibitory effect of CRF on LH-stimulated dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione production that appears to be mediated through the reduction of P450c17 gene expression. Thus, the ovarian CRF system may function as autocrine regulators for androgen biosynthesis in the thecal cell compartment to maintain optimal substrate for estrogen biosynthesis by granulosa cells. Further studies to define the role of CRF-BP in the endocrine modulation of the intraovarian CRF system are needed.
Effects of Physiological Hypercortisolemia on the Regulation of Lipolysis in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue1
Authors: Samra Jaswinder S. , Clark Mo L. , Humphreys Sandy M. , MacDonald Ian A. , Bannister Peter A. , Frayn Keith N.
Published: January 2014

Cortisol is known to increase whole body lipolysis, yet chronic hypercortisolemia results in increased fat mass. The main aim of the study was to explain these two apparently opposed observations by examining the acute effects of hypercortisolemia on lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue and in the whole body. Six healthy subjects were studied on two occasions. On one occasion hydrocortisone sodium succinate was infused iv to induce hypercortisolemia (mean plasma cortisol concentrations, 1500 ± 100 vs. 335± 25 nmol/L; P < 0.001); on the other occasion (control study) no intervention was made.

Lipolysis in the sc adipose tissue of the anterior abdominal wall was studied by measurement of arterio-venous differences, and lipolysis in the whole body was studied by constant infusion of[ 1,2,3-2H5]glycerol for measurement of the systemic glycerol appearance rate. Hypercortisolemia led to significantly increased arterialized plasma nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA; P < 0.01) and blood glycerol concentrations (P < 0.05), with an increase in systemic glycerol appearance (P < 0.05). However, in sc abdominal adipose tissue, hypercortisolemia decreased veno-arterialized differences for NEFA (P < 0.05) and reduced NEFA efflux (P < 0.05). This reduction was attributable to decreased intracellular lipolysis (P < 0.05), reflecting decreased hormone-sensitive lipase action in this adipose depot. Hypercortisolemia caused a reduction in arterialized plasma TAG concentrations (P < 0.05), but without a significant change in the local extraction of TAG (presumed to reflect the action of adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase). There was no significant difference in plasma insulin concentrations between the control and hypercortisolemia study. Site-specific regulation of the enzymes of intracellular lipolysis (hormone-sensitive lipase) and intravascular lipolysis (lipoprotein lipase) may explain the ability of acute cortisol treatment to increase systemic glycerol and NEFA appearance rates while chronically promoting net central fat deposition.
The ret/ptc1 Oncogene Is Activated in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis-Associated Thyroid Papillary Carcinomas1
Authors: Cetta Francesco , Chiappetta Gennaro , Melillo Rosa Marina , Petracci Margherita , Montalto Giulia , Santoro Massimo , Fusco Alfredo
Published: January 2014

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is caused by germ-line mutations of the apc gene, and it is associated with an increased risk of developing papillary thyroid carcinomas. We have previously reported that a significant fraction of sporadic human papillary thyroid carcinomas is characterized by gene rearrangements affecting the ret protooncogene. These rearrangements generate chimeric transforming oncogenes designated ret/ptc. By a combined immunohistochemical and RT-PCR approach, we analyzed, for ret/ptc oncogene activation, papillary thyroid carcinomas occurred in two FAP kindreds, both showing typical apc gene mutations. Kindred 1 had seven members affected by FAP, and among these, three patients showed papillary thyroid carcinomas. Kindred 2 had two patients, mother and daughter, affected by colonic polyposis; the 20-yr-old daughter showed also a papillary carcinoma. Here we report that ret/ptc1 oncogene was activated in two of the three papillary carcinomas of FAP kindred 1 and in the papillary carcinoma of FAP kindred 2. These findings document that loss of function of apc coexists with gain of function of ret in some papillary thyroid carcinomas, suggesting that ret/ptc1 oncogene activation could be a progression step in the development of FAP-associated thyroid tumors.
Glucocorticoids Dose-Dependently Increase Plasma Levels of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in Man
Authors: Jilma Bernd , Stohlawetz Petra , Pernerstorfer Thomas , Eichler Hans-Georg , Müllner Claudia , Kapiotis Stylianos
Published: January 2014

Glucocorticoids increase neutrophil counts by decreasing the margination of neutrophils and mobilizing neutrophils from the bone marrow pool. The mechanisms for these effects however are not fully elucidated, but it has been demonstrated that dexamethasone enhances release of colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in-vitro. We therefore hypothesized, that dexamethasone may increase plasma levels of G-CSF. A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, three-way cross-over trial was conducted in nine healthy men. Every subject received four identical infusions of saline, 0.04 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg dexamethasone during three observation periods of 48 hours each. The low dose of dexamethasone increased G-CSF levels from a baseline of 15.5 ng/L (CI: 10.6–20.4) by 240% (CI: 115–366%) at 24 hours. The high dexamethasone dose increased G-CSF levels from a baseline of 12.3 ng/L (CI: 9.7–14.9) by 871% (CI: 592–1149%) at 24 hours (P = 0.008 for all comparisons). No further increase was observed at 48 hours but the effect was less pronounced (P < 0.008 and P = 0.08 for the high and the low dose of dexamethasone, respectively). Granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF) levels were below the assay’s detection limit of 0.36 ng/L in all subjects. In conclusion, dexamethasone dose dependently increases G-CSF levels in healthy men, an effect which may account for some of its effects on neutrophils.
Biochemical Markers of Calcium and Bone Metabolism during 18 Months of Lactation in Gambian Women Accustomed to a Low Calcium Intake and in Those Consuming a Calcium Supplement1
Authors: Prentice Ann , Jarjou Landing M. A. , Stirling Dorothy M. , Buffenstein Rochelle , Fairweather-Tait Susan
Published: January 2014

The effect of 18 months of lactation on indexes of calcium and bone metabolism was studied in 60 Gambian women accustomed to a very low calcium intake. Half the women consumed a calcium supplement from 10 days postpartum for 52 weeks (supplement, 714 mg Ca/day; total Ca intake, 992 ± 114 mg/day), and half consumed placebo (total Ca intake, 288 ± 128 mg/day). Fasting blood and 24-h urine samples were collected at 1.5, 13, 52, and 78 weeks of lactation and analyzed for calciotropic hormones (intact PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and calcitonin), bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase, and urinary deoxypyridinoline), and plasma minerals (calcium and phosphate). The first months of lactation were associated with increased bone turnover and plasma phosphate, and decreased PTH and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. These effects diminished by 52 weeks, although breast milk volumes remained high. The Gambians had higher PTH, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and bone formation than British women with a greater customary calcium intake. None of the biochemical indexes was affected by calcium supplementation, with the possible exception of bone alkaline phosphatase (−29% at 52 weeks; P = 0.015). These data demonstrate that lactation-associated changes in calcium and bone metabolism are physiological and are independent of dietary calcium supply in women with very low calcium intakes.
Growth Hormone Treatment Prevents the Decrease in Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Gene Expression in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery1
Authors: Bjarnason Ragnar , Wickelgren Ruth , Hermansson Majlis , Hammarqvist Folke , Carlsson Björn , Carlsson Lena M. S.
Published: January 2014

Acquired GH resistance together with reduced skeletal muscle mass are found in patients with increased protein catabolism due, for example, to sepsis, trauma, or major surgery. Both administration of glutamine-containing parenteral nutrition and GH treatment have been found to diminish this catabolism. The effects of GH are mediated in part by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) that is produced in the liver and locally in GH target tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GH treatment on expression of the IGF-I gene and GH receptor (GHR) gene in skeletal muscle after major surgery. A new quantitative RT-PCR-based assay was established to measure IGF-I gene expression.

Metabolically healthy patients, without significant preoperative weight loss, who were undergoing elective abdominal surgery were included in the study. Five patients (one woman and four men) were treated with daily injections of GH (0.3 IU/kg·day) in addition to being given total parenteral nutrition including glutamine (0.28 g/kg·day). The control group consisted of eight patients (three women and five men), who were given glutamine-enriched total parenteral nutrition but no GH. A muscle biopsy was taken from the lateral portion of the quadriceps femoris muscle preoperatively (day 0) after induction of anesthesia. A second biopsy was taken under local anesthesia on postoperative day 3. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from the muscle biopsies, and IGF-I messenger RNA (mRNA) and GHR mRNA were measured by competitive quantitative RT-PCR assays. IGF-I mRNA and GHR mRNA levels were related to the expression of a housekeeping gene (cyclophilin). In the control group, IGF-I mRNA levels decreased from 1505 ± 265 (mean ± sem) transcripts/cpm cyclophilin on day 0 to 828 ± 172 on day 3 (P < 0.05). In contrast, IGF-I mRNA levels did not change in the GH-treated group (1188 ± 400 transcripts/cpm cyclophilin on day 0 vs. 1089± 342 transcripts/cpm cyclophilin on day 3). No statistically significant changes were seen in GHR expression.

We conclude that administration of GH prevents the reduction in IGF-I gene expression in skeletal muscle after abdominal surgery.
Immortalized Human Pituitary Cells Express Glycoproteinα -Subunit and Thyrotropin β (TSHβ)
Authors: Ham J. , Webster J. , Bond J. A. , Jasani B. , Lewis M. D. , Hepburn P. J. , Davies J. S. , Lewis B. M. , Thomas D. Wynford , Scanlon M. F.
Published: January 2014

A major problem in the study of human pituitary cells is their lack of proliferative capacity in vitro. To address this issue, we have infected normal human, postmortem pituitary cells in monolayer culture with a temperature-sensitive (tsA58) mutant of SV40 large T antigen. Several epithelial-like colonies were isolated; and one, designated CHP2, has been studied in detail to identify its functional characteristics. CHP2 cells have undergone more than 150 culture passages and retain an epithelial morphology. They exhibit tight temperature-dependent growth, in the presence and absence of serum, with cell division at 33 C and growth inhibition at 39 C. CHP2 cells, at both temperatures, showed diffuse immunostaining for humanα -subunit and focal staining for TSHβ. Gene expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and sequencing. TRH and GnRH receptors were not detectable, and their absence was confirmed by their lack of effects on intracellular calcium and inositol phospholipids. Cytogenetic analysis showed that the cells had a modal peak in the diploid range and a smaller peak in the tetraploid range. There was also a consistent loss of chromosome 22 and a normal chromosome 2 homologue, the latter being replaced by one of two chromosome 2 markers, M2A or M2B. In conclusion, we have immortalized human pituitary cells using SV40 tsT, from which we have cloned a cell line expressing α-subunit and TSHβ.
Novel Chromosomal Abnormalities Identified by Comparative Genomic Hybridization in Parathyroid Adenomas1
Authors: Palanisamy Nallasivam , Imanishi Yasuo , Rao Pulivarthi H. , Tahara Hideki , Chaganti R. S. K. , Arnold Andrew
Published: January 2014

The molecular basis of parathyroid adenomatosis includes defects in the cyclin D1/PRAD1 and MEN1 genes but is, in large part, unknown. To identify new locations of parathyroid oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, and to further establish the importance of DNA losses described by molecular allelotyping, we performed comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) on a panel of 53 typical sporadic (nonfamilial) parathyroid adenomas. CGH is a new molecular cytogenetic technique in which the entire tumor genome is screened for chromosomal gains and/or losses. Two abnormalities, not previously described, were found recurrently: gain of chromosome 16p (6 of 53 tumors, or 11%) and gain of chromosome 19p (5 of 53, or 9%). Losses were found frequently on 11p (14 of 53, or 26%), as well as 11q (18 of 53, or 34%). Recurrent losses were also seen on chromosomes 1p, 1q, 6q, 9p, 9q, 13q, and 15q, with frequencies ranging from 8–19%. Twenty-four of the 53 adenomas were also extensively analyzed with polymorphic microsatellite markers for allelic losses, either in this study (11 cases) or previously (13 cases). Molecular allelotyping results were highly concordant with CGH results in these tumors (concordance level of 97.5% for all informative markers/chromosome arms examined).

In conclusion, CGH has identified the first two known chromosomal gain defects in parathyroid adenomas, suggesting the existence of direct-acting parathyroid oncogenes on chromosomes 16 and 19. CGH has confirmed the locations of putative parathyroid tumor suppressor genes, also defined by molecular allelotyping, on chromosomes 1p, 6q, 9p, 11q, 13q, and 15q. Finally, CGH has provided new evidence favoring the possibility that distinct parathyroid tumor suppressors exist on 1p and 1q, and has raised the possibility of a parathyroid tumor suppressor gene on 11p, distinct from the MEN1 gene on 11q. CGH can identify recurrent genetic abnormalities in hyperparathyroidism, especially chromosomal gains, that other methods do not detect.
Cytokine-Mediated Regulation of 92-Kilodalton Type IV Collagenase, Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-3 Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells1
Authors: Huang Hong-Yuan , Wen Yan , Irwin Juan C. , Kruessel Jan S. , Soong Yung-Kuei , Polan Mary Lake
Published: January 2014

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is expressed in human endometrium and has been shown to play an integral role in local cellular interactions during implantation. In addition, the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and its inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), are crucial during implantation, mediating in vitro trophoblast penetration, and are regulated by several cytokines expressed by trophoblast cells. We have investigated the roles of IL-1β and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) in regulating TIMP-1, TIMP-3, and 92-kDa type IV collagenase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in human endometrial stromal cells using quantitative competitive PCR. Confluent stromal cell cultures treated with progesterone and estradiol for 9 days were stimulated with IL-1β, IL-1β plus anti-IL-1β antibody, TGFβ, and TGFβ plus anti-TGFβ antibody for an additional 24 h. Competitive complementary DNA fragments were constructed by deletion of a defined fragment from each of the target complementary DNA sequences and coamplified in quantitative competitive PCR as an internal standard. TIMP-1 and TIMP-3, but not 92-kDa type IV collagenase mRNA, were expressed in stromal cells. The 92-kDa type IV collagenase mRNA was only expressed after stimulation with IL-1β. IL-1β both augmented 92-kDa type IV collagenase mRNA expression and decreased TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, TGFβ augmented TIMP-1 and TIMP-3 mRNA expression, but did not affect 92-kDa type IV collagenase expression. IL-1 and TGFβ-mediated changes were both neutralized by specific antibodies. These results provide indirect evidence that IL-1 and TGFβ may play crucial roles at the embryo-maternal interface during trophoblast invasion by regulating stromal cell expression of TIMP-1, TIMP-3, and 92-kDa type IV collagenase, all of which are known to be important in trophoblast invasion.
In Vitro Secretion of Cytokines by Human Bone Marrow: Effects of Age and Estrogen Status1
Authors: Cheleuitte Domingo , Mizuno Shuichi , Glowacki Julie
Published: January 2014

It has been proposed that cytokines mediate the acceleration of bone loss following menopause. Because of the intimate relationship between bone marrow stromal cells and bone tissue, it is possible that marrow cells and their products contribute to the bone microenvironment and influence the regulation of bone cell differentiation and activity. We examined the production of cytokines by bone marrow stromal cells from a total of 37 women and 15 men undergoing total hip replacement for noninflammatory joint disease. Low-density mononuclear cells were isolated from bone marrow and were cultured in phenol red-free αMEM medium supplemented with 10% FBS and antibiotics. Constitutive secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was positively correlated with age in a series of 8 women and 5 men measured by bioassay (r = 0.98; P < 0.01) and in a series of 18 women and 10 men measured by immunoassay (r = 0.56; P < 0.01). The pattern of cytokine production by bone marrow stromal cells was examined in detail in 23 postmenopausal women, aged 49–88 yr. Basal secretion of immunoreactive IL-6 and IL-11, but not granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, increased with time in culture. Exogenous IL-1β stimulated secretion of IL-6 and IL-11 in a saturable, dose-dependent manner. Secretion of soluble IL-6 receptor was not correlated with secretion of IL-6, either constitutively or in the presence of IL-1β. In 4 of 14 samples, IL-1β also stimulated secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. IL-1β was undetectable in 7 of 9 cultures during the 2-week culture period. IL-6 did not stimulate secretion of IL-1β in the 7 cultures tested. Cells were dependent upon serum for viability and growth and were not sustained by a serum substitute (1% insulin-transferrin-selenium-BSA). Cells grown in medium with 10% FBS and supplemented with 1% insulin-transferrin-selenium-BSA secreted 10-fold more IL-6 than cells grown in serum alone. Marrow from 7 women receiving estrogen replacement therapy showed lower constitutive secretion of IL-6 (75%; P < 0.006) and IL-11 (43%; P< 0.05) than marrow from age-matched controls and had blunted stimulation of IL-6 and IL-11 secretion by exogenous IL-1β. These data indicate distinct patterns of cytokine production by human marrow stromal cultures dependent upon age and estrogen status.
Pro239Ser: A Novel Recessive Mutation of the Pit-1 Gene in Seven Middle Eastern Children with Growth Hormone, Prolactin, and Thyrotropin Deficiency1
Authors: Pernasetti Flavia , Milner Robert D. G. , Al Ashwal Abdullah A. Z. , de Zegher Francis , Chavez Viviana M. , Muller Marc , Martial Joseph A.
Published: January 2014

Pit-1, a member of the POU-homeo domain protein family, is one of the transcription factors responsible for anterior pituitary development and pituitary-specific gene expression. Here, we describe seven children with GH, PRL, and TSH deficiency from three, reportedly unrelated, Middle Eastern families, harboring a newly recognized Pro->Ser recessive mutation in codon 239 of the Pit-1 gene. The mutated residue is located at the beginning of the second α-helix of the POU-homeodomain and is strictly conserved among all POU proteins. The Pro239Ser mutant binds DNA normally but is unable to stimulate transcription.
Steroid 21-Hydroxylase Mutations and 21-Hydroxylase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in Human Adrenocortical Tumors1
Authors: Beuschlein Felix , Schulze Egbert , Mora Patricia , Gensheimer Hans-Peter , Maser-Gluth Christiane , Allolio Bruno , Reincke Martin
Published: January 2014

Twenty-one hydroxylase (P450c21) is a key enzyme essential for normal zona glomerulosa and fasciculata function. Recently, 21-hydroxylase deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical tumors. Therefore, we investigated the mutational spectrum of the CYP21B gene and the messenger RNA expression of P450c21 in six aldosterone-producing adenomas, seven cortisol-producing adenomas, two nonfunctional incidentally detected adenomas, and four adrenal carcinomas. DNA from leukocytes and tumors was amplified by PCR using primers specific for the CYP21B gene. The 10 exons, intron 2, intron 7, all other exon/intron junctions, and 380 bp of the promoter region of CYP21B were automatically sequenced. Poly(A) RNA was extracted from tumor tissue, dot blotted on a nylon membrane, and hybridized with 32P-labeled P450 side-chain cleavage, P450 17-α-hydroxylase, and P450c21 complementary DNA probes. We detected heterozygous germline mutations (exon 7, Val 281Leu) in two patients, one with a cortisol-producing adenoma and the other with an androgen-secreting adrenocortical carcinoma. A somatic, heterozygous microdeletion was found in exon 3 of one aldosterone-producing adenoma. The P450c21 gene expression correlated with the clinical phenotype of the tumor, with low P450c21 messenger RNA expression in nonfunctional adenomas (18.8%, 1.5%) compared with high P450c21 expression in aldosterone- and cortisol-producing adenomas (84 ± 8% and 101 ± 4%, respectively, vs. normal adrenals, 100 ± 10%). In conclusion, the prevalence of heterozygous germline mutations in the CYP21B gene was higher in patients with adrenocortical tumors (11%; 95% confidence interval, 1–34%) than in the general European population (2%; 95% confidence interval, 1.93–2.06%), but this difference is questionable because of the low number of subjects in our series. The pathophysiological significance of this finding in the presence of one normal CYP21B gene seems to be low, suggesting that 21-hydroxylase deficiency is not a major predisposing factor for adrenal tumor formation.
Effects of Eight Months Treatment with Graded Doses of a Growth Hormone (GH)-Releasing Peptide in GH-Deficient Children1
Authors: Mericq Verónica , Cassorla Fernando , Salazar Teresa , Avila Alejandra , Iñiguez Germán , Bowers Cyril Y. , Merriam George R.
Published: January 2014

Stimulation of pituitary GH secretion with administered GHRH can be effective therapy for those GH deficient (GHD) patients whose disorder results from insufficient endogenous GHRH secretion. We have previously shown that most such patients also respond acutely to the GH-releasing peptides (GHRP’s), which have a different mechanism of action from GHRH, with release of GH. In this study we tested whether the GH response to a newer GHRP, GHRP-2, would be sustained over time. Six prepubertal children with GHD and growth failure received stepwise increasing sc doses of GHRP-2, at 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 μg/kg/day, in successive 2-month treatment periods, with monitoring of overnight 12 h episodic GH secretion and toxicity measures at the end of each period. During a fourth 2-month period, they received 3 μg/kg GHRP-2 together with 3 μg/kg sc GHRH. Serum levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were also measured, and stadiometer height measurements were recorded. GHRP-2 administration produced a dosewise increase in overnight GH secretion. GH profiles showed that the effect of GHRP-2 injections was relatively brief, with little effect upon GH secretion later in the night. Serum levels of IGF-I and of IGFBP-3 did not increase. Growth velocity was higher during GHRP-2 treatment than during pretreatment and post-treatment evaluations. There were no side effects or toxicities observed. Thus GHRP-2 is well tolerated and is able to stimulate GH secretion. Formulations or routes of administration that allow for a longer duration of action will likely be needed to use GHRP-2 in therapy.
Decreased Leptin Levels in Normal Weight Women with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea: The Effects of Body Composition and Nutritional Intake1
Authors: Miller Karen K. , Parulekar Manisha S. , Schoenfeld Elizabeth , Anderson Ellen , Hubbard Jane , Klibanski Anne , Grinspoon Steven K.
Published: January 2014

Leptin is a protein encoded by the ob gene and expressed in adipocytes. A sensitive marker of nutritional status, leptin is known to correlate with fat mass and to respond to changes in caloric intake. Leptin may also be an important mediator of reproductive function, as suggested by the effects of leptin infusions to restore ovulatory function in an animal model of starvation. We hypothesized that leptin levels are decreased in women with hypothalamic amenorrhea and that leptin may be a sensitive marker of overall nutritional status in this population. We, therefore, measured leptin levels and caloric intake in 21 women with hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and 30 age-, weight-, and body fat-matched eumenorrheic controls. Age (24 ± 5 vs. 24 ± 3 yr), body mass index (20.6 ± 1.3 vs. 21.1 ± 1.5 kg/m2), percent ideal body weight (94.9 ± 5% vs. 96.3 ± 6.3%), and fat mass (14.2 ± 3.6 vs. 15.5 ± 2.9 kg, determined by dual energy x-ray absortiometry) did not differ between the groups. Leptin levels were significantly lower in the HA subjects compared with those in the controls (7.1 ± 3.0 vs. 10.6 ± 4.9 μg/L; P = 0.005). Total caloric intake (1768 ± 335 vs. 2215 ± 571 cal/day; P = 0.003), fat intake (333 ± 144 vs. 639 ± 261 cal/day; P < 0.0001), and insulin levels (5.6 ± 1.2 vs. 7.4 ± 3.2 μU/mL; P = 0.015) were lower in the women with HA than in the eumenorrheic controls. The difference in leptin levels remained significant after controlling for insulin (P = 0.023). These data are the first to demonstrate hypoleptinemia, independent of fat mass, in women with HA. The hypoleptinemia may reflect inadequate calorie intake, fat intake, and/or other subclinical nutritional disturbances in women with HA. The mechanism and reproductive consequences of low leptin in this large population of women remain unknown.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Three Doses of Percutaneous Dihydrotestosterone Gel in Healthy Elderly Men–A Clinical Research Center Study1
Authors: Wang C. , Iranmanesh A. , Berman N. , McDonald V. , Steiner B. , Ziel F. , Faulkner S. M. , Dudley R. E. , Veldhuis J. D. , Swerdloff R. S.
Published: January 2014

abstract

Twenty-five men, 60–80 yr old, participated in a pharmacokinetic study to compare three doses (16, 32, and 64 mg/day, n = 8 or 9 in each group) of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gel (0.7% hydroalcoholic gel with 2.3 g gel delivering 16 mg DHT) applied daily over one upper arm (16 mg); both arms and shoulders (32 mg); and bilateral arms, shoulders, and upper abdomen (64 mg), respectively. Multiple blood samples for the pharmacokinetic profile for DHT and testosterone (T) were drawn over a 24-h period before application, after first application, and after 14 days of daily application of DHT gel. Additional blood samples for DHT, T, and estradiol were obtained 24 h after application on days 3, 5, 7, and 11 and after discontinuation of DHT gel for 3, 5, 7, and 14 days (days 17, 19, 21, and 28 after first instituting treatment). No skin irritation was observed in any of the subjects. Before treatment, mean serum DHT and T levels were not different among the three dose groups. The serum DHT levels increased gradually after gel application on the first day, reaching a plateau between 12–18 h. During the 14 days of daily application of DHT gel, the mean baseline DHT levels reached steady state by day 2 or 3 and were elevated considerably above baseline. Mean serum DHT levels varied between 8–11, 12–17, and 14–24 nmol/L in the 16-, 32-, and 64-mg groups, respectively. The area under curve (AUC) of serum DHT levels over 24 h on day 14 were 6.0-, 6.9-, and 16.1-fold above pretreatment levels for the three doses. Concomitant with the increase in serum DHT levels, the AUC produced by endogenous serum T levels decreased to 75, 56, and 36% of baseline after 14 days of 16, 32, and 64 mg/day DHT gel. Similar patterns of decreases in AUC of serum estradiol levels were found. The calculated mean total androgen levels (T + DHT) rose with DHT gel application in all groups (P < 0.0001) on both days 1 and 14. We conclude that the three doses of DHT gel tested might provide adequate androgen replacement in hypogonadal men at the low, middle, and high physiological androgen (T + DHT) range.
Identification of a Novel Secretogranin II-Derived Peptide (SgII187–252) in Adult and Fetal Human Adrenal Glands Using Antibodies Raised against the Human Recombinant Peptide1
Authors: Anouar Youssef , Desmoucelles Christine , Yon Laurent , Leprince Jerome , Breault Lyne , Gallo-Payet Nicole , Vaudry Hubert
Published: January 2014

abstract

Molecular cloning of secretogranin II (SgII) in phylogenetically distant species has recently revealed the existence of a highly conserved 66-amino acid peptide flanked by preserved pairs of basic residues. This observation suggested that this peptide, named EM66, which had not been described to date, could be an important processing product of SgII. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible occurrence of EM66 in the human adrenal gland. The EM66 peptide was generated in Escherichia coli, which was programmed to make a fusion protein containing the human EM66 sequence. The affinity-purified fusion protein was used to raise polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. The free EM66 peptide was obtained by cleavage of the fusion protein followed by high performance liquid chromatography purification. Immunohistochemical analysis using the EM66 antibodies revealed intense labeling of adrenochromaffin cells in the adult adrenal medulla and the fetal adrenal gland. A sensitive and specific RIA was developed and applied to the detection of EM66-like immunoreactivity in extracts of adult adrenal medulla and whole fetal adrenal gland after high performance liquid chromatographic analysis. A major immunoreactive species exhibiting the same retention time as recombinant EM66 was detected in both adult and fetal adrenal extracts. Taken together, these data demonstrate that posttranslational processing of SgII actually generates EM66 in the adrenal gland. The strong conservation of the amino acid sequence of EM66 in the vertebrate phylum and the occurrence of the mature peptide in both fetal and adult chromaffin cells suggest that EM66 could play an important physiological role in the human adrenal gland.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Is Not Degraded by the Lungs in Humans
Authors: Iervasi Giorgio , Clerico Aldo , Pilo Alessandro , Sabatino Laura , Manfredi Cristina , Forini Francesca , Del Chicca Maria Grazia , Palmieri Cataldo , Ravani Marcello , Donato Luigi
Published: January 2014

abstract

In an attempt to identify and quantify the sites of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) degradation, particularly the lungs, a new tracer method to study ANP metabolism in vivo in humans was developed and applied to patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Thirteen male, normotensive, cardiac patients with different degrees of left ventricular myocardial involvement were enrolled in the study. The study protocol required constant infusion (3 patients) or bolus injection (10 patients) of 125I-labeled ANP just upstream of the right atrium and blood sampling from different sites (pulmonary artery, aorta, inferior vena cava, and femoral vein) during the hemodynamic study. Data analysis was based on a kinetic model consisting of three blocks in series (right heart, lungs and left heart, and periphery) supplied by the same plasma flow (plasma cardiac output). Plasma levels of native ANP were measured with a sensitive and specific immunoradiometric assay method. ANP values measured in the aorta (163.9 ± 144.8 pg/mL, n = 80) were superimposable on those measured in the pulmonary artery (161.8 ± 136.5 pg/mL, n = 80). Negligible extraction of 125I-labeled ANP was found in the lungs and left heart block (on average 0.08 ± 3.92%), whereas the peripheral block extraction (46.2 ± 7.8%) accounted for almost total hormone removal from the blood (whole body extraction was 46.4 ± 6.6%). ANP metabolic clearance rate (3.11 ± 1.48, range 1.4–6.8 L/min) declined with the progression of left ventricular dysfunction (plasma cardiac output 3.46 ± 1.08, range 1.2–5.7 L/min), and a close correlation between metabolic clearance rate and cardiac output was evident. Our data suggest that lungs do not extract, or extract only very small amounts, of labeled ANP administered iv to patients with different degrees of left ventricular myocardial involvement, and whole body extraction of labeled ANP remains relatively stable with the progression of disease, and the large reductions in clearance values observed in our patients can be ascribed mainly to the reductions in cardiac output.
Molecular Characterization of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency and Fertility in a Swedish Family1
Authors: Nordenskjöld Agneta , Ivarsson Sten-Anders
Published: January 2014

The molecular background of 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency was investigated in a Swedish family with no known consanguinity and in which the affected males were fertile. The three male siblings were born with ambiguous external genitalia, and the diagnosis of 5α-reductase deficiency was established at the ages of 16, 14, and 10 yr, respectively. All three siblings underwent surgery for hypospadias repair. At least two of the brothers are demonstrably fertile. Molecular analysis showed the three brothers to be compound heterozygotes, carrying two different mutations in exon 4 of the 5α-reductase type 2 gene. The two mutations (G196S and H231R) have been described previously and reported to give rise to partially functioning enzymes, which may explain the milder phenotype and perhaps the fertility in the preset three patients.