Febrile-range temperature but not heat shock augments the acute phase response to interleukin-6 in human hepatoma cells

The relationship between the stress protein response and the acute phase response (APPR) was studied in human hepatoma cells to investigate the hierarchy of regulation of these survival responses. Huh-7 cells were subjected to heat treatment (febrile-range temperature 40 degrees C or heat shock 43 degrees C) followed by recovery at 37 degrees C in the presence or absence of IL-6 given either before or after heat treatment. The effects on total, fractional, and acute phase protein synthesis were then analyzed by metabolic labeling, ELISA, real-time PCR, Northern blot analysis, and activation of an alpha(1)-antitrypsin reporter plasmid. Cell energetics were studied under the same conditions using an index of mitochondrial activity and measurement of cellular ATP levels. Febrile-range temperature (40 degrees C) augmented acute phase protein production when cells had been pretreated with IL-6. Pretreatment of cells with IL-6 also prevented heat shock-induced suppression of alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin (ACT) but not transferrin. mRNA expression of ACT and alpha(1)-antitrypsin reporter activation studies was consistent with transcriptional regulation of these proteins. Expression of mRNA transcripts for transferrin was increased despite protein expression being reduced by heat shock. The effects of heat shock on acute phase protein synthesis can be modified by preincubation with IL-6, whereas addition of this ligand after heat treatment has no effect on the suppressive effect of heat on the APPR. The mechanism of this action appears to be transcriptionally regulated in the case of ACT, but in the case of transferrin, it may be mediated by another process such as posttranslational modification.

Nuclear factor-1-X regulates astrocyte-specific expression of the alpha1-antichymotrypsin and glial fibrillary acidic protein genes

Discrete tissue-specific changes in chromatin structure of the distal serpin subcluster on human chromosome 14q32.1 allow a single gene encoding alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) to be expressed in astrocytes and glioma cells. This astrocyte-specific regulation involves activatory protein-1 (AP-1) because overexpression of dominant-negative c-jun(TAM67) abolishes ACT expression in glioma cells. Here we identify a new regulatory element, located within the -13-kb enhancer of the ACT gene, that binds nuclear factor-1 (NFI) and is indispensable for the full basal transcriptional activity of the ACT gene. Furthermore, down-regulation of NFI expression by siRNA abolishes basal ACT expression in glioma cells. However, NFI does not mediate astrocyte-specific expression by itself, but likely cooperates with AP-1. A detailed analysis of the 14-kb long 5'-flanking region of the ACT gene indicated the presence of adjacent NFI and AP-1 elements that colocalized with DNase I-hypersensitive sites found in astrocytes and glioma cells. Interestingly, knock-down of NFI expression also specifically abrogates the expression of glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP), which is an astrocyte-specific marker protein. Mutations introduced into putative NFI and AP-1 elements within the 5'-flanking region of the GFAP gene also diminished basal expression of the reporter. In addition, we found, using isoform-specific siRNAs, that NFI-X regulates the astrocyte-specific expression of ACT and GFAP. We propose that NFI-X cooperates with AP-1 by an unknown mechanism in astrocytes, which results in the expression of a subset of astrocyte-specific genes.

Ibuprofen suppresses interleukin-1beta induction of pro-amyloidogenic alpha1-antichymotrypsin to ameliorate beta-amyloid (Abeta) pathology in Alzheimer's models

Epidemiological and basic research suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should protect against the most common forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ibuprofen reduces amyloid (Abeta) pathology in some transgenic models, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Although some reports show select NSAIDs inhibit amyloid production in vitro, the possibility that in vivo suppression of amyloid pathology occurs independent of Abeta production has not been ruled out. We show that ibuprofen reduced Abeta brain levels in rats from exogenously infused Abeta in the absence of altered Abeta production. To determine whether ibuprofen inhibits pro-amyloidogenic factors, APPsw (Tg2576) mice were treated with ibuprofen for 6 months, and expression levels of the Abeta and inflammation-related molecules alpha1 antichymotrypsin (ACT), apoE, BACE1, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma) (PPARgamma) were measured. Among these, ACT, a factor whose overexpression accelerates amyloid pathology, was reduced by ibuprofen both in vivo and in vitro. IL-1beta, which was reduced in our animals by ibuprofen, induced mouse ACT in vitro. While some NSAIDs may inhibit Abeta42 production, these observations suggest that ibuprofen reduction of Abeta pathology may not be mediated by altered Abeta42 production. We present evidence supporting the hypothesis that ibuprofen-dependent amyloid reduction is mediated by inhibition of an alternate pathway (IL-1beta and its downstream target ACT).

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) complexed to alpha1-antichymotrypsin improves prostate cancer detection using total PSA in Japanese patients with total PSA levels of 2.0-4.0 ng/mL

OBJECTIVE

To assess the utility of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) complexed to alpha1-antichymotrypsin (PSA-ACT) in prostate cancer screening in Japanese men with a total PSA level of 2.0-4.0 ng/mL, as improving cancer detection in men with these total PSA levels is a challenge for clinical urologists.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Total PSA and PSA-ACT were prospectively assessed and prostate biopsy recommended for patients who met either of two thresholds, i.e. a total PSA of > or = 2.0 ng/mL or a PSA-ACT of > or= 1.5 ng/mL. The diagnostic ability of total PSA and PSA-ACT, and free-to-total PSA ratio and prostate volume-adjusted density were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1003 men enrolled, 547 met the biopsy criteria and a biopsy was taken in 315 (57.6%) patients. The area under the ROC curve for PSA-ACT (0.679) was significantly greater than that for total PSA (0.601, P = 0.04) and equivalent to that for the free-to-total ratio (0.686, P = 0.911) in 116 men, including 27 with cancer with total PSA levels of 2.0-4.0 ng/mL. PSA-ACT was more specific than the free-to-total ratio at a sensitivity of 95% (36% vs 18%, P < 0.05). The best variable for discriminating between cancer and benign disease in men with PSA levels of 2.0-4.0 ng/mL was PSA-ACT density (area under the curve 0.852) which provided 66% specificity at a sensitivity of 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

PSA-ACT is better than total PSA and equivalent to the free-to-total ratio for detecting prostate cancer in men with PSA levels of 2.0-4.0 ng/mL, and is thus useful for reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies.

Duration of alpha 1-antichymotrypsin gene activation by interleukin-1 is determined by efficiency of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha resynthesis in primary human astrocytes

Expression of alpha1antichymotrypsin (ACT) is significantly activated by interleukin-1 (IL-1) in human astrocytes; however, it is barely affected by IL-1 in hepatocytes. This tissue-specific regulation depends upon an enhancer that contains both nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activating protein 1 (AP-1) elements, and is also observed for an NF-kappaB reporter but not for an AP-1 reporter. We found efficient activation of NF-kappaB binding in both cell types; however, this binding was persistent in glial cells and only transient in hepatocytes. IL-1-activated NF-kappaB complexes consisted of p65 and p50, with p65 transiently phosphorylated on serine 536 in glial cells whereas more persistently in hepatic cells. Overexpression of p65 or constitutively active IKKbeta (inhibitor of NF-kappaB kinase beta) resulted in an efficient activation of the ACT reporter in hepatic cells, indicating that a specific mechanism exists in these cells terminating IL-1 signaling. IL-1 effectively induced the degradation of inhibitor of NF-kappaBalpha (IkBalpha) and IkBepsilon in both cell types but IkBbeta was not affected. However, IkBalpha was resynthesized much more rapidly in hepatic cells in comparison to glial cells. In addition, the initial levels of IkBalpha were much lower in glial cells. We propose that the tissue-specific regulation of the ACT gene expression by IL-1 is determined by different efficiencies of IkBalpha resynthesis in glial and hepatic cells.

Aberrant expression of acute-phase reactant proteins in sera and breast lesions of patients with malignant and benign breast tumors

We have analyzed unfractionated sera of newly diagnosed patients (n=10) with breast carcinoma (BC), prior to treatment, and patients (n=5) with fibrocystic disease of the breast (FDB) by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and silver staining. The patients' 2-DE serum protein profiles obtained were then subjected to image analysis and compared to similar data generated from sera of normal healthy female controls (n=10) of the same range of age. The relative expression of alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), clusterin, and complement factor B was significantly higher in all BC patients as compared to normal controls. However, the expression of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) in BC patients was apparently lower than that of the controls. Similar differential expression of ACT was detected in the FDB patients. The aberrant expression of the serum acute-phase proteins of patients with BC and FDB was confirmed by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Similar altered proteins expression was also observed from immunohistochemical studies of malignant (n=5) and benign (n=5) breast lesions of the respective patients performed using antisera to the aberrantly expressed proteins. However, the malignant breast lesions were instead positively stained for AAT. The differential expression of the serum proteins was apparently abrogated when a six-month follow-up study was performed on nine of the BC patients subsequent to treatment.

Binding of alpha1-antichymotrypsin to the surface of lymphocytes--preliminary study

PURPOSE

The paper presents preliminary results of investigation of binding of alpha1-antichymotrypsin to the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Pooled serum samples from healthy individuals served as source of alpha1-antichymotrypsin for isolation using chromatography. Binding of alpha1-antichymotrypsin to the surface of peripheral blood lymphocytes was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Even on native cells alpha1-antichymotrypsin may be detected. After incubation with isolated preparation the percentage of positive lymphocytes increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of alpha1-antichymotrypsin on the surface of lymphocytes may imply its regulatory role during acute phase response and early immune response.

[Some acute phase proteins in children suffering from recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to compare the character of inflammatory reaction in the groups of sick children, asymptomatic carriers of HPV and healthy children by quantitative and qualitative study of chosen acute phase proteins like CRP, AT, ACT. Profile of glycosylation of ACT was analysed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study group was 21 children treated in ENT Department of Pediatric Institute of the Karol Marcinkowski University for laryngeal papillomatosis (infected by HPV 6/11 in 100%) and the group of 22 selected asymptomatic carriers of HPV 6/11. The control group were 22 children in which the presence of HPV 6/11 DNA was excluded using PCR technique. Serum concentration of the APP was measured using immunoelectrophoresis technique according to Laurell. Qualitative study of the APP based on analysis of AGP and ACT microheterogeneity using crossed immuno-affinoelectrophoresis on agarose gel according to Bog-Hansen in Mackiewicz modification was carried out.

RESULTS

The results were analysed with regard to: 1. the age of the first incident (ten children in whom the first symptoms occurred up to the second year of life, and eleven in whom the first symptoms were detected later; 2. severity of the disease course (seven children in whom four or more microsurgeries were performed within a year, and fourteen children in whom fever than four interventions were carried out). The decrease of ACT, AT levels in serum was observed. It was found that the ACT glycosylation profile is close to normal in sick children, what suggests the absence of inflammatory reaction stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that clinical infection of HPV is likely to be connected with discoordination of immunological reaction mechanism.

Cognitive impairment in PDAPP mice depends on ApoE and ACT-catalyzed amyloid formation

Biochemical and genetic studies indicate that the inflammatory proteins, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) and alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin (ACT) are important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using several lines of multiply transgenic/knockout mice we show here that murine ApoE and human ACT separately and synergistically facilitate both diffuse A beta immunoreactive and fibrillar amyloid deposition and thus also promote cognitive impairment in aged PDAPP(V717F) mice. The degree of cognitive impairment is highly correlated with the ApoE- and ACT-dependent hippocampal amyloid burden, with PDAPP mice lacking ApoE and ACT having little amyloid and little learning disability. A analysis of young mice before the onset of amyloid formation shows that steady-state levels of monomeric A beta peptide are unchanged by ApoE or ACT. These data suggest that the process or product of amyloid formation is more critical than monomeric A beta for the neurological decline in AD, and that the risk factors ApoE and ACT participate primarily in disease processes downstream of APP processing.

Granzyme M Is a Regulatory Protease That Inactivates Proteinase Inhibitor 9, an Endogenous Inhibitor of Granzyme B

Granzyme M is a trypsin-fold serine protease that is specifically found in the granules of natural killer cells. This enzyme has been implicated recently in the induction of target cell death by cytotoxic lymphocytes, but unlike granzymes A and B, the molecular mechanism of action of granzyme M is unknown. We have characterized the extended substrate specificity of human granzyme M by using purified recombinant enzyme, several positional scanning libraries of coumarin substrates, and a panel of individual p-nitroanilide and coumarin substrates. In contrast to previous studies conducted using thiobenzyl ester substrates (Smyth, M. J., O'Connor, M. D., Trapani, J. A., Kershaw, M. H., and Brinkworth, R. I. (1996) J. Immunol. 156, 4174-4181), a strong preference for leucine at P1 over methionine was demonstrated. The extended substrate specificity was determined to be lysine = norleucine at P4, broad at P3, proline > alanine at P2, and leucine > norleucine > methionine at P1. The enzyme activity was found to be highly dependent on the length and sequence of substrates, indicative of a regulatory function for human granzyme M. Finally, the interaction between granzyme M and the serpins alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin, alpha(1)-proteinase inhibitor, and proteinase inhibitor 9 was characterized by using a candidate-based approach to identify potential endogenous inhibitors. Proteinase inhibitor 9 was effectively hydrolyzed and inactivated by human granzyme M, raising the possibility that this orphan granzyme bypasses proteinase inhibitor 9 inhibition of granzyme B.

Allele-specific overexpression in astrocytes of an Alzheimer's disease associated alpha-1-antichymotrypsin promoter polymorphism

Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), a serine proteinase inhibitor is synthesised predominantly in the liver and in other tissues including the brain. ACT is a major component of the senile plaques (SP) characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increased production locally in the brain may be associated with Alzheimer's disease as ACT acts as a "pathological chaperone", promoting beta-amyloid assembly into neurotoxic fibrils. Recent reports suggest that the T allele of a G/T polymorphism at position -51 of ACT is associated with cognitive decline in AD patients. We demonstrate that the T allele is markedly overexpressed by almost 225% in an astrocytic cell line in response to oncostatin M (OSM) compared with a 35% increase in a mixed population of brain-derived cells. This effect is probably mediated by a higher binding affinity of the transcription initiation complex to the higher expressing allele and overexpression of ACT by astrocytes could thus contribute to increased beta-amyloid fibril formation in AD.

Mutants of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 designed to inhibit neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G are more effective in vivo than their endogenous inhibitors

Neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G are abundant intracellular neutrophil proteinases that have an important role in destroying ingested particles. However, when neutrophils degranulate, these proteinases are released and can cause irreparable damage by degrading host connective tissue proteins. Despite abundant endogenous inhibitors, these proteinases are protected from inhibition because of their ability to bind to anionic surfaces. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), which is not an inhibitor of these proteinases, possesses properties that could make it an effective inhibitor of neutrophil proteinases if its specificity could be redirected. PAI-1 efficiently inhibits surface-sequestered proteinases, and it efficiently mediates rapid cellular clearance of PAI-1-proteinase complexes. Therefore, we examined whether PAI-1 could be engineered to inhibit and clear neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G. By introducing specific mutations in the reactive center loop of wild-type PAI-1, we generated PAI-1 mutants that are effective inhibitors of both proteinases. Kinetic analysis shows that the inhibition of neutrophil proteinases by these PAI-1 mutants is not affected by the sequestration of neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G onto surfaces. In addition, complexes of these proteinases and PAI-1 mutants are endocytosed and degraded by lung epithelial cells more efficiently than either the neutrophil proteinases alone or in complex with their physiological inhibitors, alpha1-proteinase inhibitor and alpha1-antichymotrypsin. Finally, the PAI-1 mutants were more effective in reducing the neutrophil elastase and cathepsin G activities in an in vivo model of lung inflammation than were their physiological inhibitors.

The SANT2 domain of the murine tumor cell DnaJ-like protein 1 human homologue interacts with alpha1-antichymotrypsin and kinetically interferes with its serpin inhibitory activity

The murine tumor cell DnaJ-like protein 1 or MTJ1/ERdj1 is a membrane J-domain protein enriched in microsomal and nuclear fractions. We previously showed that its lumenal J-domain stimulates the ATPase activity of the molecular chaperone BiP/GRP78 (Chevalier, M., Rhee, H., Elguindi, E. C., and Blond, S. Y. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 19620-19627). MTJ1/ERdj1 also contains a large carboxyl-terminal cytosolic extension composed of two tryptophan-mediated repeats or SANT domains for which the function(s) is unknown. Here we describe the cloning of the human homologue HTJ1 and its interaction with alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin (ACT), a member of the serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) family. The interaction was initially identified in a two-hybrid screening and further confirmed in vitro by dot blots, native electrophoresis, and fluorescence studies. The second SANT domain of HTJ1 (SANT2) was found to be sufficient for binding to ACT, both in yeast and in vitro. Single tryptophan-alanine substitutions at two strictly conserved residues significantly (Trp-497) or totally (Trp-520) abolished the interaction with ACT. SANT2 binds to human ACT with an intrinsic affinity equal to 0.5 nm. Preincubation of ACT with nearly stoichiometric concentrations of SANT2 wild-type but not SANT2: W520A results in an apparent loss of ACT inhibitory activity toward chymotrypsin. Kinetic analysis indicates that the formation of the covalent inhibitory complex ACT-chymotrypsin is significantly delayed in the presence of SANT2 with no change on the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme. This work demonstrates for the first time that the SANT2 domain of MTJ1/HTJ1/ERdj1 mediates stable and high affinity protein-protein interactions.

The expression of selected immunocytochemical diagnostic markers in the case of chondrosarcoma with a mesenchymal component

The case of 52-year-old man is presented, who had suffered from pains in his right brachial region and in whom, upon admission to the Lower Silesia Centre of Oncology, a tumour of 20 cm in diameter and restricted mobility was disclosed in the right brachial region and proximal 1/3 of his right arm. Radiograms of his right humerus disclosed non-uniform restructuring of the osseous tissue, dominated by osteosclerosis in the upper half of his right humerus, while in the surrounding dift tissues of the proximal portion non-uniform shades were seen of calcified appearance. The patient was qualified to surgical biopsy and histopathological examination of the sample disclosed Chondrosarcoma G II. Following amputation of the right upper extremity together with the scapula, the tumour was subjected to histopathological and immunocytochemical examination in the Department of Pathomorphology, Lower Silesia Centre of Oncology. In numerous samples of the tumour dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma was diagnosed with a dominating component of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), which was confirmed by detecting a high expression of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) within the spindle-shaped cell component of the chondrosarcoma. Spindle-shaped elements in dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma (DChSa) may represent patterns of fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma or the malignant fibrohistiocytoma (MFH) type and they are present as if in the form of restricted fields with no reciprocal infiltrates. Moreover, due to the worse prognosis in the case of the MFH component in dedifferentiated chondrosarcoman as compared to that in classical chondrosarcoma, common evaluation of the material was made by a surgeon, radiologist and histopathologist, accompanied by a minimum panel of immunocytochemical tests (ACT, Vimentyna, Desmina, S-100). This enabled a final diagnosis for all tumour components to be established and prognosis to be made regarding the further fate of the patient.

Distribution and secretory pathways of prostate specific antigen, alpha1-antichymotrypsin and prostate secretory granules in prostate cancers

Using 19 radical prostatectomy specimens, we studied the histological distribution of free prostate specific antigen (PSA), total PSA, alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and prostate secretory granules (PSG) in both normal and cancerous cells of the prostate. After glutaraldehyde fixation, numerous fine eosinophilic droplets of PSG could be found mainly in the apical portions of normal acinous epithelial cells, but was markedly decreased in cancer cells. With antibodies against free PSA, normal acinous cells were granularly positive in the apical portion of the epithelium, which corresponded to the PSG, whereas cancer cells were diffusely positive. With antibodies against ACT, normal duct cells and cancer cells were often positive, but few normal acinous cells were positive. Presumably, these findings indicate that free PSA is secreted into the lumen as PSG in normal glands, but not by the same pathway in cancers where free PSA appears to accumulate due to a decrease of PSG, then leak into the blood producing complexed PSA to some extent in the cytoplasm. One factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the correlation of tumor differentiation or Gleason score with serum values of total PSA, free PSA and a free/total PSA ratio demonstrated no significant links. Elucidation of secretory mechanisms should provide better comprehension of various PSA indices for prostate cancer screening.

[Does the estimation of acute phase protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and/or in serum in patients with viral meningitis carry diagnostic importance? Part I. Lymphocytic meningitis caused by epidemic parotitis]

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether an acute phase reaction could occur in children with lymphocytic meningitis of homogeneous etiology (parotitis epidemic from the Paramyxoviridae family), a sign of which would be an increase in concentrations of acute phase proteins (APP's) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and/or in blood serum. We also tested the usefulness of the determination of selected APP's concentrations in CSF and serum in diagnosis and monitoring of the course of the disease, provided that an increase in concentrations of selected APP's were discernible.

METHODS

Cases were 78 children with lymphocytic meningitis as a complication of parotitis epidemic. Controls were 30 healthy children (control group K1) and 19 children hospitalized with suspected meningitis (control group K2). The following APP's presence in CSF and serum were tested: C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha-2-haptoglobin (HPT), alpha-1-antitripsin (AAT) and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), alpha-2-ceruloplasmin (CER) and alpha-2-macroglobulin (AMG). The results were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

The results of the research show a significant increase in all APP's determined, except for CRP and AAG, in children with parotidal meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Determination of CRP concentration either in CSF or in serum is not useful in diagnosis of parotidal meningitis and in differentiation of lymphocytic and bacterial forms of the disease.

Alzheimer's peptide and serine proteinase inhibitors in glaucoma and exfoliation syndrome

The occurrence of inflammation with accompanying amyloid formation in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) resembles other inflammation-associated amyloidoses such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). To test whether the same proteins can be identified in PEX as in AD, we qualitatively analysed for Alzheimer's peptide (Abeta1-42) and the proteinase inhibitors alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and alpha-antitrypsin (AAT) in the aqueous humor of patients with and without PEX material. Ninety aqueous humor samples were collected from patients in the age group between 46 and 95 during cataract surgery. Protein profiles in samples were analysed by electrophoresis followed by Western blotting. Blots were developed using specific antibodies against Abeta1-42, AAT and ACT and peroxidase-conjugated IgG as a second antibody. At least one of the analysed proteins was found in 68.8% of 90 cases studied. Abeta1-42 peptide was found in 22.2% of all cases, among them in seven cases with PEX (total n =16) and in four with glaucoma (total n = 10). ACT and AAT were detected in 17.8 and 28.9% of all cases, respectively. In addition, female patients had significantly higher frequencies of detected ACT and AAT, compared to males. Abeta1-42, ACT and AAT were also found in 17.6, 14.7 and 23.5% of the control (non-XF and non-glaucoma) samples (n = 68). Alzheimer's peptide is present in the aqueous humor of patients with PEX and glaucoma suggesting that these diseases may share common features in the biochemistry and etiologies with AD. The presence of Abeta and inflammation-associated proteins in aqueous from cataract cases without detectable PEX raises the possibility that these proteins may reflect early amyloid-related changes in the eye.

[Influence of tonsillectomy in adults on the concentration and glycosylation profile of acute phase proteins]

Chronic tonsillitis (ch.t.) in adults can have the effect on immunological system and its function. The aims of this study were: 1. the estimation of concentration and glycosylation of acute-phase serum protein (a.ph.s.p.)--C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), alpha 1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), transferrin (Tf) and the concentration of immunoglobulins (Ig) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2-M) in adults with ch.t. 2. the influence of tonsillectomy on the concentration and glycosylation a.ph.s.p. in I week and 6-8 months after surgery and determination of normalization estimated parameters. 116 patients with ch.t. and 15 healthy persons were evaluated. In all patients with ch.t. the concentration of acute-phase serum protein, alpha 2-M and immunoglobulins were determined before, in I-II day, VII day and 6-8 months after surgery. In patients with ch.t. were observed the significantly higher the concentration of CRP, AGP, ACT, IgG and the significantly decreased the concentration of serum transferrin before tonsillectomy, as an effects of immunological response on chronic inflammation. Tonsillectomy induced further increases the concentration of a.ph.s.p. and the highest value attained the CRP level. The change of glycosylation of AGP and ACT were results of chronic inflammatory process and analysis the glycosylation of these proteins can be useful in the estimation of activity of inflammatory process. The normalization of the concentration of acute-phase serum protein were observed in 6-8 months after tonsillectomy and confirmed the withdrawal of inflammatory process.

Improving the utility of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: the use of PSA derivatives and novel markers

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing is now a routine part of the investigation of men with suspected prostate cancer. While a very useful test it still has its problems, in particular its lack of specificity means abnormal results are often caused by benign disease. This review describes the current problems with PSA testing in prostate cancer diagnosis and highlights potential ways in which these may be reduced.

Identification and expression of human cytomegalovirus transcription units coding for two distinct Fcgamma receptor homologs

Cellular receptors for the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) (FcgammaRs) comprise a family of surface receptors on immune cells connecting humoral and cellular immune responses. Several herpesviruses induce FcgammaR activities in infected cells. Here we identify two distinct human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded vFcgammaR glycoproteins of 34 and 68 kDa. A panel of HCMV strains exhibited a slight molecular microheterogeneity between Fcgamma-binding proteins, suggesting their viral origin. To locate the responsible genes within the HCMV genome, a large set of targeted HCMV deletion mutants was constructed. The mutant analysis allowed the identification of a spliced UL119-UL118 mRNA to encode vFcgammaR gp68 and TRL11/IRL11 to encode vFcgammaR gp34. Both vFcgammaRs are surface resident type I transmembrane glycoproteins. Significant relatedness of sequences in the extracellular chain of gpUL119-118 and gpTRL11 with particular immunoglobulin supergene family domains present in FcgammaR I and FcgammaRs II/III, respectively, indicates a different ancestry and function of gpUL119-118 and gpTRL11. The HCMV-encoded vFcgammaRs highlight an impressive diversification and redundancy of FcgammaR structures.

The effects of reactive site location on the inhibitory properties of the serpin alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin

The large size of the serpin reactive site loop (RSL) suggests that the role of the RSL in protease inhibition is more complex than that of presenting the reactive site (P1 residue) to the protease. This study examines the effect on inhibition of relocating the reactive site (Leu-358) of the serpin alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin either one residue closer (P2) or further (P1') from the base of the RSL (Glu-342). alpha(1)-Antichymotrypsin variants were produced by mutation within the P4-P2' region; the sequence ITLLSA was changed to ITLSSA to relocate the reactive site to P2 (Leu-357) and to ITITLS to relocate it to P1' (Leu-359). Inhibition of the chymotrypsin-like proteases human chymase and chymotrypsin and the non-target protease human neutrophil elastase (HNE) were analyzed. The P2 variant inhibited chymase and chymotrypsin but not HNE. Relative to P1, interaction at P2 was characterized by greater complex stability, lower inhibition rate constants, and increased stoichiometry of inhibition values. In contrast, the P1' variant inhibited HNE (stoichiometry of inhibition = 4) but not chymase or chymotrypsin. However, inhibition of HNE was by interaction with Ile-357, the P2 residue. The P1' site was recognized by all proteases as a cleavage site. Covalent-complexes resistant to SDS-PAGE were observed in all inhibitory reactions, consistent with the trapping of the protease as a serpin-acyl protease complex. The complete loss in inhibitory activity associated with lengthening the Glu-342-reactive site distance by a single residue and the enhanced stability of complexes associated with shortening this distance by a single residue are compatible with the distorted-protease model of inhibition requiring full insertion of the RSL into the body of the serpin and translocation of the linked protease to the pole opposite from that of encounter.

Antioxidant status and proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance in colorectal cancer

Free radicals participate in the development of cancer. When the antioxidant defence system is not longer capable to destroy free radicals they may cause lipid and protein oxidation. Lipid peroxidation products also modify proteins. In such a situation the proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance existing in the blood may be changed. Therefore the aim of this study was to examine the correlation between antioxidant status and activity of proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors in cases of colorectal cancer. This study included 55 patients with colorectal cancer. The blood was taken before surgery and plasma was collected. Total antioxidant status, the levels of lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal) and activity of cathepsin G, elastase and their inhibitors (alpha-1-antitrypsin and alpha-2-macroglobulin) were determined in plasma. It was shown that during the development of cancer total antioxidant status was signficantly decreased while lipid peroxidation products were increased. Activity of alpha-2-macroglobulin was decreased and activity of determined enzymes was not significantly changed. The observed changes indicate a shift in proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance which may enhance carcinogenesis.

Development and validation of a quantitative ELISA for the measurement of PSA concentration

BACKGROUND

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been used for the diagnosis and follow up of prostate cancer (PCa).

METHODS

Mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were generated against human prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the development of a sensitive total PSA (t-PSA) assay. Two MAbs, denoted CB-PSA.4 and CB-PSA.9, with affinities of 3.7 x 10(9) and 4.7 x 10(10) l/mol, respectively, were used to develop an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for quantifying serum t-PSA concentration.

RESULTS

The detection limit (DL) of the assay was 0.1 microg/l (n=20, mean of "zero" standard+3S.D.), and the recovery of t-PSA was 96-103%. The within-run and between-day coefficients of variation (CV) ranged from 2.1% to 3.2%, and from 2.8% to 6.3% for PSA concentrations of 10 and 1 microg/l, respectively. The equimolar detection of t-PSA and free-PSA was demonstrated by two different methods, one consisted in the comparative evaluation of a sera panel (n=9) with our enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and four commercial total PSA assays and the concordance with CIS bio total PSA assay. The assay had a linear range of 0.12 to 25 microg/l.

CONCLUSIONS

The analytical performance characteristics of our PSA ELISA suggest that it will provide clinically useful PSA results, particularly when diagnostic algorithms are used.

Alpha1-antichymotrypsin/Alzheimer's peptide Abeta(1-42) complex perturbs lipid metabolism and activates transcription factors PPARgamma and NFkappaB in human neuroblastoma (Kelly) cells

Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) and the serpin proteinase inhibitor alpha1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) are components of the amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Abeta exists in soluble monomeric and oligomeric forms and in an insoluble polymerised fibrillar form, but it is not clear which of these plays the most important role in the etiology of AD. In vitro, Abeta(1-42) interacts with ACT, and as a result of this, ACT loses its proteinase inhibitor activity and polymerisation of Abeta(1-42) is promoted. Here we provide evidence that new molecular forms resulting from incubation of ACT with Abeta(1-42) have multiple cellular level effects on neuronal cells. The mixture of soluble Abeta and an ACT/Abeta complex formed by 2 hr incubation at a 10:1 molar ratio of Abeta:ACT strongly induce cellular proliferation and expression of transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) and NFkappaB, and also increase uptake and depress degradation of native and oxidised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by cells. Similar but less pronounced effects are seen when cells are exposed to the Abeta peptide alone preincubated for 2 hr. Abeta(1-42) and to a lesser extent ACT/Abeta(1-42) complex mixture prepared by 2 hr incubation both inhibit association of native LDL with cells. Neither ACT alone nor the Abeta(1-42) and ACT/Abeta(1-42) forms prepared by 24-hr incubation show any significant effects in these assays. We propose that specific molecular forms of Abeta(1-42) and ACT/Abeta(1-42) complex mixture, both dependent on the abundances of Abeta(1-42) and ACT/Abeta(1-42) in vivo and on their time of exposure to each other, have cellular effects which are important for the initiation and progression of the pathologies associated with AD.