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Silva M, Bergh VD, Allegaert K, Aerts JM, Berckmans D, Huffel V, Mijović B. Assessment of Pain Expression in Infant Cry Signals Using Empirical Mode Decomposition. Methods Inf Med 2018; 49:448-52. [DOI: 10.3414/me09-02-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Summary
Background:The presence of decoupling, i.e. the absence of coupling between fundamental frequency variation and intensity contour during phonetic crying, and its extent, reflects the degree of maturation of the central nervous system.
Objectives: The aim of this work was to evaluate whether Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is a suitable technique for analyzing infant cries. We hereby wanted to assess the existence and extent of decoupling in term neonates and whether an association between decoupling (derived from EMD) and clinical pain expression could be unveiled.
Methods: To assess decoupling in healthy term neonates during procedural pain, 24 newborns were videotaped and crying was recorded during venous blood sampling. Besides acoustic analysis, pain expression was quantified based on the Modified Behavioral Pain Scale (MBPS). Fundamental frequency and the intensity contour of the cry signals were extracted by applying the EMD to the data, and the correlation between the two was studied.
Results: Based on data collected in healthy term neonates, correlation coefficients varied between 0.39 and 0.83. The degree of decoupling displayed extended variability between the neonates and also in different cry bouts in a crying sequence within an individual neonate.
Conclusion: When considering the individual ratio between the mean correlation of cry bouts during a crying sequence and their standard deviation, there seems to be a positive trend with increasing MBPS value. This might indicate that higher stressed subjects have less consistency in the investigated acoustic cry features, concluding that EMD has potential in the assessment of infant cry analysis.
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Tambuyzer T, Guiza F, Boonen E, Meersseman P, Vervenne H, Hansen TK, Bjerre M, Van den Berghe G, Berckmans D, Aerts JM, Meyfroidt G. Heart rate time series characteristics for early detection of infections in critically ill patients. J Clin Monit Comput 2016; 31:407-415. [PMID: 27039298 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-016-9870-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
It is difficult to make a distinction between inflammation and infection. Therefore, new strategies are required to allow accurate detection of infection. Here, we hypothesize that we can distinguish infected from non-infected ICU patients based on dynamic features of serum cytokine concentrations and heart rate time series. Serum cytokine profiles and heart rate time series of 39 patients were available for this study. The serum concentration of ten cytokines were measured using blood sampled every 10 min between 2100 and 0600 hours. Heart rate was recorded every minute. Ten metrics were used to extract features from these time series to obtain an accurate classification of infected patients. The predictive power of the metrics derived from the heart rate time series was investigated using decision tree analysis. Finally, logistic regression methods were used to examine whether classification performance improved with inclusion of features derived from the cytokine time series. The AUC of a decision tree based on two heart rate features was 0.88. The model had good calibration with 0.09 Hosmer-Lemeshow p value. There was no significant additional value of adding static cytokine levels or cytokine time series information to the generated decision tree model. The results suggest that heart rate is a better marker for infection than information captured by cytokine time series when the exact stage of infection is not known. The predictive value of (expensive) biomarkers should always be weighed against the routinely monitored data, and such biomarkers have to demonstrate added value.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Tambuyzer
- Division Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001, Louvain, Belgium
| | - F Guiza
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Department, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - E Boonen
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Department, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - P Meersseman
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Department, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium.,Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - H Vervenne
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Department, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - T K Hansen
- Immunoendocrine Research Unit, Medical Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - M Bjerre
- Immunoendocrine Research Unit, Medical Department M, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - G Van den Berghe
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Department, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
| | - D Berckmans
- Division Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001, Louvain, Belgium
| | - J M Aerts
- Division Animal and Human Health Engineering, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, 3001, Louvain, Belgium.
| | - G Meyfroidt
- Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Division Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Clinical Department, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Louvain, Belgium
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Martens GA, Motté E, Kramer G, Stangé G, Gaarn LW, Hellemans K, Nielsen JH, Aerts JM, Ling Z, Pipeleers D. Functional characteristics of neonatal rat β cells with distinct markers. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 52:11-28. [PMID: 24049066 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal β cells are considered developmentally immature and hence less glucose responsive. To study the acquisition of mature glucose responsiveness, we compared glucose-regulated redox state, insulin synthesis, and secretion of β cells purified from neonatal or 10-week-old rats with their transcriptomes and proteomes measured by oligonucleotide and LC-MS/MS profiling. Lower glucose responsiveness of neonatal β cells was explained by two distinct properties: higher activity at low glucose and lower activity at high glucose. Basal hyperactivity was associated with higher NAD(P)H, a higher fraction of neonatal β cells actively incorporating (3)H-tyrosine, and persistently increased insulin secretion below 5 mM glucose. Neonatal β cells lacked the steep glucose-responsive NAD(P)H rise between 5 and 10 mM glucose characteristic for adult β cells and accumulated less NAD(P)H at high glucose. They had twofold lower expression of malate/aspartate-NADH shuttle and most glycolytic enzymes. Genome-wide profiling situated neonatal β cells at a developmental crossroad: they showed advanced endocrine differentiation when specifically analyzed for their mRNA/protein level of classical neuroendocrine markers. On the other hand, discrete neonatal β cell subpopulations still expressed mRNAs/proteins typical for developing/proliferating tissues. One example, delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) was used to investigate whether neonatal β cells with basal hyperactivity corresponded to a more immature subset with high DLK1, but no association was found. In conclusion, the current study supports the importance of glycolytic NADH-shuttling in stimulus function coupling, presents basal hyperactivity as novel property of neonatal β cells, and provides potential markers to recognize intercellular developmental differences in the endocrine pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Martens
- Diabetes Research Center, Brussels Free University (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B1090 Brussel, Belgium Department of Clinical Chemistry and Radioimmunology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, B1090 Brussels, Belgium Department of Medical Biochemistry, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Barrios JM, Verstraeten WW, Maes P, Aerts JM, Farifteh J, Coppin P. Relating land cover and spatial distribution of nephropathia epidemica and Lyme borreliosis in Belgium. Int J Environ Health Res 2012; 23:132-154. [PMID: 22894742 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2012.708918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) and nephropathia epidemica (NE) are zoonoses resulting from two different transmission mechanisms and the action of two different pathogens: the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and the Puumala virus, respectively. The landscape configuration is known to influence the spatial spread of both diseases by affecting vector demography and human exposure to infection. Yet, the connections between landscape and disease have rarely been quantified, thereby hampering the exploitation of land cover data sources to segment areas in function of risk. This study implemented a data-driven approach to relate land cover metrics and an indicator of NE/LB risk at different scales of observation of the landscape. Our results showed the suitability of the modeling approach (r² > 0.75, ρ < 0.001) and highlighted the relevance of the scale of observation in the set of landscape attributes found to influence disease risk as well as common and specific risk factors of NE and LB.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Barrios
- Biosystems Department, M3-BIORES, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 34, B3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
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Haredasgt SA, Barrios M, Maes P, Clement J, Lagrou K, Ranst MV, Coppin P, Berckmans D, Aerts JM. P1-387 Time series analysis performed on nephropathia epidemica in Belgium. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976f.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
1. In previous studies it was found that automatic broiler weighing systems can have accuracy problems. Researchers reported poor agreement between automatic and manual mean weighing used as a reference. The difference was observed especially after 4 to 5 weeks and this was explained by assuming that heavier birds visited the weighing system less at the end of the growing period. 2. Our study tested this hypothesis under practical production conditions. 3. In total, 193,536 digital images of broilers on and in the neighbourhood of the platforms were collected over three growing periods of 6 weeks. The area (upper view) of the broilers was calculated using image analysis techniques. 4. The hypothesis that the weighing system was used less frequently by heavier animals was confirmed. More specifically, statistical differences between the area of broilers on and in the neighbourhood of the weighing system could be demonstrated for week 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Chedad
- Laboratory for Agricultural Buildings Research, Catholic University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Van Brecht A, Nuyttens D, Aerts JM, Quanten S, De Bruyne G, Berckmans D. Quantification of ventilation characteristics of a helmet. Appl Ergon 2008; 39:332-341. [PMID: 17959135 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2007.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2004] [Revised: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 08/30/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite the augmented safety offered by wearing a cyclist crash helmet, many cyclists still refuse to wear one because of the thermal discomfort that comes along with wearing it. In this paper, a method is described that quantifies the ventilation characteristics of a helmet using tracer gas experiments. A Data-Based Mechanistic model was applied to provide a physically meaningful description of the dominant internal dynamics of mass transfer in the imperfectly mixed fluid under the helmet. By using a physical mass balance, the local ventilation efficiency could be described by using a single input-single output system. Using this approach, ventilation efficiency ranging from 0.06 volume refreshments per second (s(-1)) at the side of the helmet to 0.22s(-1) at the rear ventilation opening were found on the investigated helmet. The zones at the side were poorly ventilated. The influence of the angle of inclination on ventilation efficiency was dependent on the position between head and helmet. General comfort of the helmet can be improved by increasing the ventilation efficiency of fresh air at the problem zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Van Brecht
- Measure, Model and Manage Bioresponses, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
Gaucher disease is caused by a deficiency of glucocerebrosidase. It is the first lysosomal storage disorder for which effective enzyme-supplementation therapy has become available. The enzyme, alglucerase, is glucocerebrosidase derived from human placental tissue; its oligosaccharide chain has been modified to expose terminal mannose residues, facilitating uptake in macrophages. Many patients have been shown to benefit from treatment with the enzyme. Spleen and liver volumes decrease and cytopenia improves. Over a longer period of time, bone involvement can also be diminished, although severe pre-existing bone abnormalities do not change. The safety profile of alglucerase seems excellent, with only few adverse events and approximately 12% of patients developing antibodies. Because long term safety is unknown and the enzyme is very expensive, studies have focused on the determination of the optimum individual dosage. Different dosages have shown to be effective, but so far the identification of patients who need a high or a low dosage is unclear. Other issues that deserve attention are the selection criteria for the initiation of treatment and the place of prophylactic treatment. Diversity in the course of the disease, which in many cases cannot be predicted by genotyping, hampers the establishment of strict rules. Multicentre studies, in which comparison of data is made possible by the use of standardised measurements of disease manifestations, may be needed to solve these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Serlie MJ, Meijer AJ, Groener JE, Duran M, Endert E, Fliers E, Aerts JM, Sauerwein HP. Short-term manipulation of plasma free fatty acids does not change skeletal muscle concentrations of ceramide and glucosylceramide in lean and overweight subjects. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:1524-9. [PMID: 17264178 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-2347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Increased plasma free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations may be in part responsible for the increased levels of ceramide in skeletal muscle of obese subjects. OBJECTIVE We studied the effect of lowering and increasing plasma FFA levels on muscle ceramide and glucosylceramide concentrations in lean and obese subjects. DESIGN Plasma FFAs were either increased or decreased for 6 h by infusing a lipid emulsion or using Acipimox, respectively. Muscle biopsies were performed before and after the intervention for measurements of ceramide and glucosylceramide. STUDY SUBJECTS Eight lean [body mass index 21.9 (range, 19.6-24.6) kg/m2] and six overweight/obese [body mass index 34.4 (27.8-42.5) kg/m2] subjects without type 2 diabetes mellitus participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Differences in muscle ceramide and glucosylceramide upon manipulation of plasma FFAs were measured. RESULTS There were no differences in muscle ceramide and glucosylceramide between lean and obese subjects, respectively. Increasing or decreasing plasma FFAs for 6 h had no effect on ceramide [high FFAs: 24 (19-25) vs. 24 (22-27) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.46; and 22 (20-28) vs. 24 (18-26) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.89 in lean and obese, respectively; low FFAs: 26 (24-35) vs. 23 (18-27) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.17 and 24 (15-44) vs. 24 (19-42) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.6 in lean and obese, respectively] and glucosylceramide [high FFAs: 2.0 (1.7-4.3) vs. 3.4 (2.1-4.6) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.17; and 3.0 (1.3-6.7) vs. 2.6 (1.2-3.9) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.89 in lean and obese, respectively; low FFAs: 2.2 (1.0-4.4) vs. 1.7 (1.4-3.0) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.92; and 6.6 (1.0-25.0) vs. 4.3 (1.3-7.6) pmol/mg muscle, P=0.7 in lean and obese, respectively] concentrations in skeletal muscle. CONCLUSION Short-term manipulation of plasma FFAs has no effect on ceramide and glucosylceramide concentrations in skeletal muscle from lean and obese subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Serlie
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Academic Medical Center F5-169, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Fiems LO, Vanacker JM, De Boever JL, van Caelenbergh W, Aerts JM, De Brabander DL. Effect of energy restriction and re-alimentation in Belgian Blue double-muscled beef cows on digestibility and metabolites. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2007; 91:54-61. [PMID: 17217391 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2006.00641.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Four groups of five non-lactating and non-pregnant Belgian Blue double-muscled (BBDM) cows were used to investigate the effect of energy level (E) on digestion, and blood and urine metabolites. The energy levels of the groups, applied indoors during a 140-day restriction period, were 100%, 90%, 80% or 70% of their energy requirements (E100, E90, E80, E70) respectively. Afterwards, animals grazed on the same swards for 203 days (re-alimentation period). Balance trials were conducted at the end of the restriction period (BT1) and at the end of the re-alimentation period (BT2). Blood was sampled at the end of these trials. Diets consisted of maize silage and straw (80/20 on a dry matter basis) and a mineral-vitamin premix, fed at the appropriate E during BT1, or maize silage and a mineral-vitamin premix, fed at 125% of the maintenance requirements, during BT2. Significant increases of the digestibility coefficients were found during BT1 when E decreased, resulting in a better net energy capture of 7% for E70 compared with E100 (p < 0.05). Slightly, but non-significantly higher digestibility coefficients were observed for decreasing E during BT2. Plasma concentrations of glucose and creatinine did not differ between treatments during BT1, while differences were found for triacylglycerols and alpha-amino nitrogen. A tendency for a linear increase was observed for non-esterified fatty acids with decreasing E. Differences in blood metabolite concentrations disappeared in BT2. Urinary creatinine excretion was not affected by E, while body nitrogen loss increased linearly with energy restriction in BT1. No differences were found during BT2, suggesting that non-lactating and non-pregnant BBDM cows are able to adapt to a cyclic change of body weight and body reserves. These data show that restricted cows mobilized body fat as well as body protein. It is concluded that the qualitative aspects of metabolism during energy restriction are comparable in double-muscled cows with those in non-double-muscled animals, although the magnitude of the effects may be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O Fiems
- Department Animal Nutrition and Husbandry, Agricultural Research Centre, Melle, Belgium.
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Abstract
In the incubation process of domestic avian eggs, the development of the embryo is mainly influenced by the physical microenvironment around the egg. Only small spatiotemporal deviations in the optimal incubator air temperature are allowed to optimize hatchability and hatchling quality. The temperature of the embryo depends on 3 factors: (1) the air temperature, (2) the exchange of heat between the egg and its microenvironment and (3) the time-variable heat production of the embryo. Theoretical estimates on the heat exchange between an egg and its physical microenvironment are approximated using equations that assume an approximate spherical shape for eggs. The objective of this research was to determine the heat transfer between the eggshell and its microenvironment and then compare this value to various theoretical estimates. By using experimental data, the overall and the convective heat transfer coefficients were determined as a function of heat production, air humidity, air speed, and air temperature. Heat transfer was not affected by air humidity but solely by air temperature, embryonic heat generation, and air speed and flow around eggs. Also, heat transfer in forced-air incubators occurs mainly by convective heat loss, which is dependent on the speed of airflow. A vertical airflow is more efficient than a horizontal airflow in transferring heat from the egg. We showed that describing an egg as a sphere underestimated convective heat transfer by 33% and was, therefore, too simplistic to accurately assess actual heat transfer from real eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Van Brecht
- Department of Agro-engineering and -Economics, Catholic University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Brinkman J, Wijburg FA, Hollak CE, Groener JE, Verhoek M, Scheij S, Aten J, Boot RG, Aerts JM. Plasma chitotriosidase and CCL18: early biochemical surrogate markers in type B Niemann-Pick disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 2005; 28:13-20. [PMID: 15702402 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-005-4416-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2004] [Accepted: 08/06/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Type B Niemann-Pick disease (NPD) is a nonneuronopathic lysosomal storage disorder which is characterized by accumulation of sphingomyelin-laden macrophages. The availability of plasma markers for storage cells may be of great value in facilitating therapeutic decisions. Given the similarity of the storage cells in NPD and Gaucher disease, we studied Gaucher plasma markers (chitotriosidase and CCL18) in two siblings homozygous for the R228C mutation in acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and a type B course of NPD. The older sibling, first examined at the age of 9 months, showed marked hepatosplenomegaly and pulmonary involvement. The younger sibling has mild asymptomatic hepatosplenomgaly at the age of 5 months. Analysis of plasma specimens revealed markedly increased levels of chitotriosidase and CCL18 in the older sibling. In the younger child also, plasma chitotriosidase and CCL18 were clearly elevated above normal values almost immediately after birth and rapidly increased further. Histochemistry confirmed production of CCL18 by foam cells. In conclusion, plasma chitotriosidase and CCL18 may also serve as markers for the formation of pathological lipid-laden macrophages in type B NPD, in analogy to Gaucher disease. The availability of sensitive plasma surrogate markers may be of great value for monitoring the efficacy of enzyme supplementation therapy that is currently being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brinkman
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Kristensen
- Laboratory For Agricultural Building Research, KU, Leuven, Kasteelpark 30 B, Belgium
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Aerts JM, Van Buggenhout S, Vranken E, Lippens M, Buyse J, Decuypere E, Berckmans D. Active control of the growth trajectory of broiler chickens based on online animal responses. Poult Sci 2004; 82:1853-62. [PMID: 14717542 DOI: 10.1093/ps/82.12.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the research reported here was to control the growth trajectory of broiler chickens during the production process based on an adaptive compact dynamic process model. More specifically, the daily feed supply was calculated, based on a model-based control algorithm, with the aim of following a previously defined target growth trajectory as close as possible. For the modeling of the dynamic growth response of broiler chickens to the control input, feed supply, an online parameter estimation was used. The developed control algorithm was able to grow the birds according to different target trajectories ranging from restricted (final BW of 1,800 g and 1,945 g in experiments 1 and 3, respectively) to compensatory growth trajectories (final BW of 2,400 g and 2,100 g in experiments 2 and 4, respectively). The mean relative error (MRE) between the different predefined target growth trajectories and the realized growth trajectories ranged from 3.7% to 6.0%. With a few exceptions, the numerical values of feed conversion ratio and mortality after wk 1 were lower and the values of uniformity index were higher in the controlled groups compared with animals fed ad libitum. As a conclusion, it can be stated that integration of dynamic data-based modeling approaches with new hardware and sensing techniques to measure information from the animals should make it possible to control broiler growth trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Aerts
- Laboratory for Agricultural Buildings Research, Department of Agro-engineering and -Economics, Catholic University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
1. The objective was to investigate the possibility of detecting daily body weight changes of broiler chickens with computer-assisted image analysis. 2. The experiment included 50 broiler chickens reared under commercial conditions. Ten out of 50 chickens were randomly selected and video recorded (upper view) 18 times during the 42-d growing period. The number of surface and periphery pixels from the images was used to derive a relationship between body dimension and live weight. 3. The relative error in weight estimation, expressed in terms of the standard deviation of the residuals from image surface data was 10%, while it was found to be 15% for the image periphery data. 4. Image-processing systems could be developed to assist the farmer in making important management and marketing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Wet
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa
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Van Brecht A, Aerts JM, Degraeve P, Berckmans D. Quantification and control of the spatiotemporal gradients of air speed and air temperature in an incubator. Poult Sci 2003; 82:1677-87. [PMID: 14653461 DOI: 10.1093/ps/82.11.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Around the optimal incubator air temperature only small spatiotemporal deviations are allowed. However, air speed and air temperature are not uniformly distributed in the total volume of the incubator due to obstruction of the eggs and egg trays. The objectives of this research were (1) to quantify the spatiotemporal gradients in temperature and velocity and (2) to develop and validate a control algorithm to increase the uniformity in temperature during the entire incubation process. To improve the uniformity of air temperature, the airflow pattern and the air quality need to be controlled more optimally. These data show that the air temperature between the eggs at a certain position in a large incubator is the result of (1) the mean air temperature of the incubator; (2) the exchange of heat between the egg and its micro-environment, which is affected by the air speed at that certain position; (3) the time-variable heat production of the embryo; and (4) the heat influx or efflux as a result from the movement of hot or cold air in the incubator toward that position, which is affected by the airflow pattern. This implies that the airflow pattern needs to be controlled in a more optimal way. To maximize the uniformity of air temperature, an active and adaptive control of the three-dimensional (3-D) airflow pattern has been developed and tested. It was found to improve the spatiotemporal temperature distribution. The chance of having a temperature reading in the interval from 37.5 to 38.1 degrees C increased by 3% compared to normal operating conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Van Brecht
- Department of Agro-Engineering and -Economics, Catholic University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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Aerts JM, Lippens M, De Groote G, Buyse J, Decuypere E, Vranken E, Berckmans D. Recursive prediction of broiler growth response to feed intake by using a time-variant parameter estimation method. Poult Sci 2003; 82:40-9. [PMID: 12580243 DOI: 10.1093/ps/82.1.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore whether time-variant parameter estimation procedures allow modeling and predicting the dynamic growth response of broiler chickens to feed intake in real time. A recursive linear model was used that estimated the model parameters every 24 h based on a fixed number of actual and past measurements (i.e., time window). Based on 48 datasets, it was concluded that the mean relative prediction error (MRPE) of the recursive linear modeling approach had a minimum for a window size of 5 d. Weight of the birds could be predicted during the growth process 3 to 7 d ahead with a mean relative prediction error of 5% or less. In comparison with the prediction results of three static empirical growth models (one linear and two nonlinear models), the recursive modeling technique had a similar accuracy to the nonlinear empirical models (MRPE of 1.4% to 2.3% vs. 1.1% to 2.8%), but it was less accurate for larger prediction horizons (2 to 7 d). The compact recursive linear model was more accurate than the static linear growth model for prediction horizons of one up to 4 d, depending on the feeding strategy. Since such recursive modeling approach allows the prediction of broiler growth without any prior knowledge of the system and takes into account the time-variant (nonlinear) nature of the growth process based on only a small window of measured information, it is suitable for real-time integration in process management.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Aerts
- Department of Agro-Engineering and -Economics, Catholic University of Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 30, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Platt FM, Jeyakumar M, Andersson U, Priestman DA, Dwek RA, Butters TD, Cox TM, Lachmann RH, Hollak C, Aerts JM, Van Weely S, Hrebícek M, Moyses C, Gow I, Elstein D, Zimran A. Inhibition of substrate synthesis as a strategy for glycolipid lysosomal storage disease therapy. J Inherit Metab Dis 2001; 24:275-90. [PMID: 11405346 DOI: 10.1023/a:1010335505357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The glycosphingolipid (GSL) lysosomal storage diseases are caused by mutations in the genes encoding the glycohydrolases that catabolize GSLs within lysosomes. In these diseases the substrate for the defective enzyme accumulates in the lysosome and the stored GSL leads to cellular dysfunction and disease. The diseases frequently have a progressive neurodegenerative course. The therapeutic options for treating these diseases are relatively limited, and for the majority there are no effective therapies. The problem is further compounded by difficulties in delivering therapeutic agents to the brain. Most research effort to date has focused on strategies for augmenting enzyme levels to compensate for the underlying defect. These include bone marrow transplantation (BMT), enzyme replacement and gene therapy. An alternative strategy that we have been exploring is substrate deprivation. This approach aims to balance the rate of GSL synthesis with the impaired rate of GSL breakdown. The imino sugar N-butyldeoxynojirimycin (NB-DNJ) inhibits the first step in GSL biosynthesis and has been used to evaluate this approach. Studies in an asymptomatic mouse model of Tay-Sachs disease have shown that substrate deprivation prevents GSL storage in the CNS. In a severe neurodegenerative mouse model of Sandhoff disease, substrate deprivation delayed the onset of symptoms and disease progression and significantly increased life expectancy. Combining NB-DNJ and BMT was found to be synergistic in the Sandhoff mouse model. A clinical trial in type I Gaucher disease has been undertaken and has shown beneficial effects. Efficacy was demonstrated on the basis of significant decreases in liver and spleen volumes, gradual but significant improvement in haematological parameters and disease activity markers, together with diminished GSL biosynthesis and storage as determined by independent biochemical assays. Further trials in type I Gaucher disease are in progress; studies are planned in patients with GSL storage in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Platt
- Glycobiology Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, UK
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19
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Boot RG, Blommaart EF, Swart E, Ghauharali-van der Vlugt K, Bijl N, Moe C, Place A, Aerts JM. Identification of a novel acidic mammalian chitinase distinct from chitotriosidase. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:6770-8. [PMID: 11085997 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m009886200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chitinases are ubiquitous chitin-fragmenting hydrolases. Recently we discovered the first human chitinase, named chitotriosidase, that is specifically expressed by phagocytes. We here report the identification, purification, and subsequent cloning of a second mammalian chitinase. This enzyme is characterized by an acidic isoelectric point and therefore named acidic mammalian chitinase (AMCase). In rodents and man the enzyme is relatively abundant in the gastrointestinal tract and is found to a lesser extent in the lung. Like chitotriosidase, AMCase is synthesized as a 50-kDa protein containing a 39-kDa N-terminal catalytic domain, a hinge region, and a C-terminal chitin-binding domain. In contrast to chitotriosidase, the enzyme is extremely acid stable and shows a distinct second pH optimum around pH 2. AMCase is capable of cleaving artificial chitin-like substrates as well as crab shell chitin and chitin as present in the fungal cell wall. Our study has revealed the existence of a chitinolytic enzyme in the gastrointestinal tract and lung that may play a role in digestion and/or defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Boot
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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20
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Abstract
The introduction of enzyme supplementation therapy for Gaucher disease has had a great impact on the lives of many patients. Organomegaly, cytopenia and bone disease have been shown to improve in response to treatment, resulting in an improvement in quality of life. However, the assessment of organ system involvement is not always done in such a way that the relationship with clinically relevant endpoints is clear. The lack of adequately validated methods of assessment, especially for bone disease, has hindered the establishment of treatment goals and guidelines for treatment optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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21
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Linthorst GE, Hollak CE, Bosman DK, Heymans HS, Aerts JM. [Fabry's disease; towards a treatment]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2000; 144:2391-5. [PMID: 11145093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Fabry's disease, deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder. Clinical symptoms are caused by continuous deposition of specific glycolipids in endothelial cells, neural cells, skin and cornea. These depositions give rise to skin (angiokeratoma) and eye abnormalities (cornea verticillata), acroparaesthesias and anhidrosis and later in life cause renal insufficiency and cardiovascular complications. Hemizygous males suffer from Fabry's disease, whereas female carriers (heterozygotes) are usually asymptomatic. Recently, an atypical presentation of Fabry's disease was described in males who only presented with cardiac involvement. Therefore, the actual number of Fabry patients in the Netherlands could be higher than the predicted 300. Diagnosis in males can be established by measuring alpha-galactosidase enzyme activity in plasma, leukocytes or fibroblasts. Apart from kidney transplantation only symptomatic therapy is available today. Enzyme supplementation therapy (as shown in Gaucher's disease) and substrate deprivation are possible ways of treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- G E Linthorst
- Afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde, onderafd. Klinische Hematologie, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam.
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Aerts JM, Berckmans D, Saevels P, Decuypere E, Buyse J. Modelling the static and dynamic responses of total heat production of broiler chickens to step changes in air temperature and light intensity. Br Poult Sci 2000; 41:651-9. [PMID: 11201447 DOI: 10.1080/713654981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
1. The objective of this work was to explore the possibilities of modelling the static and dynamic responses of total heat production of broiler chickens to step changes in temperature and light intensity (light-dark alterations) using compact dynamic model structures. 2. Seventy-seven experiments were performed in an open-circuit respiration chamber to measure the dynamic response of heat production to step variations in temperature and light (on/off). The animal responses were modelled using transfer function model structures. 3. It was demonstrated that the complex process of the dynamic response of heat production of broiler chickens to step changes in air temperature and light-dark alterations can be modelled assuming 1st order dynamics. The coefficient of determination between measured and simulated heat production was on average 0.83 for responses to air temperature and 0.93 for responses to light-dark alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Aerts
- Department of Agro-engineering and Economics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium
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23
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Boot RG, Hollak CE, Verhoek M, Sloof P, Poorthuis BJ, Kleijer WJ, Wevers RA, van Oers MH, Mannens MM, Aerts JM, van Weely S. Glucocerebrosidase genotype of Gaucher patients in The Netherlands: limitations in prognostic value. Hum Mutat 2000; 10:348-58. [PMID: 9375849 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1098-1004(1997)10:5<348::aid-humu3>3.0.co;2-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Gaucher disease is a recessively inherited lysosomal storage disorder that is caused by a deficiency in glucocerebrosidase activity. The clinical expression is markedly heterogeneous with respect to age of onset, progression, severity, and neurological involvement. The relative incidence of glucocerebrosidase (GC) mutations has been studied extensively for Jewish but not for non-Jewish Caucasian patient populations. The present survey on mutant GC genotypes prevalent in Gaucher disease in The Netherlands was taken of 72 patients from different genetic backgrounds. This number is more than half the total number of affected Gaucher patients to be expected on the basis of the incidence of the disorder in this country. Analysis of nine GC mutations led to the identification of 74% of the mutant GC alleles in patients from 44 unrelated Dutch families (i.e., families that have lived in The Netherlands for at least several generations) and of 44% of the mutant GC alleles in patients from nine unrelated families that recently immigrated from both European and non-European countries. The N370S (cDNA 1226G) GC mutation proved to occur most frequently (41%) in the unrelated Dutch patients and less frequently (6%) in the unrelated immigrant patients and was always associated with the nonneuronopathic (Type 1) form of the disease. Apart from the association of the N370S mutation with Type 1 Gaucher disease, the prognostic value of GC genotyping was limited, since a particular GC genotype did not correlate closely to a specific clinical course, or to a specific relative responsiveness to enzyme-supplementation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Boot
- Department of Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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24
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Van Sluijters DA, Van Woerkom GM, Aerts JM, Meijer AJ. Sphingomyelinase treatment of rat hepatocytes inhibits cell-swelling-stimulated glycogen synthesis by causing cell shrinkage. Eur J Biochem 1999; 266:653-9. [PMID: 10561609 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1999.00914.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Breakdown of plasma-membrane sphingomyelin caused by TNF-alpha is known to inhibit glucose metabolism and insulin signalling in muscle and fat cells. In hepatocytes, conversion of glucose to glycogen is strongly activated by amino acid-induced cell swelling. In order to find out whether breakdown of plasma-membrane sphingomyelin also inhibits this insulin-independent process, the effect of addition of sphingomyelinase was studied in rat hepatocytes. Sphingomyelinase (but not ceramide) inhibited glycogen synthesis, caused cell shrinkage, decreased the activity of glycogen synthase a, but had no effect on phosphorylase a. Cell integrity was not affected by sphingomyelinase addition as gluconeogenesis and the intracellular concentration of ATP were unchanged. As a control, glycogen synthesis was studied in HepG2 cells. In these cells, the basal rate of glycogen production was high, could not be stimulated by amino acids, nor be inhibited by sphingomyelinase. Regarding the mechanism responsible for the inhibition of glycogen synthase a, sphingomyelinase did not affect amino acid-induced, PtdIns 3-kinase-dependent, phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, but caused an increase in intracellular chloride, which is known to inhibit glycogen synthase phosphatase. It is concluded that the decrease in cell volume, following the breakdown of sphingomyelin in the plasma membrane of the hepatocyte, may contribute to the abnormal metabolism of glucose when TNF-alpha levels are high.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Van Sluijters
- Department of Biochemistry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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25
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Lauw FN, te Velde AA, Dekkers PE, Speelman P, Aerts JM, Hack CE, van Deventer SJ, van der Poll T. Activation of mononuclear cells by interleukin-12: an in vivo study in chimpanzees. J Clin Immunol 1999; 19:231-8. [PMID: 10471977 DOI: 10.1023/a:1020520130792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-12 is considered a central regulator of host resistance against a variety of pathogens. Therefore, IL-12 has been advocated as a potential therapeutic agent in infections. To determine the in vivo effects of IL-12 on mononuclear cells involved in the host immune response, four chimpanzees received an intravenous injection of recombinant IL-12 (1 microgram/kg). IL-12 induced a sustained decrease in lymphocyte counts, with decreases in CD3+/CD4+ and CD3+/CD8+ cells, while monocyte counts showed a transient increase. IL-12 injection resulted in a shift toward a Th1-mediated immune response as indicated by increased interferon-gamma production during whole-blood stimulation, while not influencing IL-4 production. IL-12-induced activation of NK cells and phagocytes, as indicated by increased NK cell cytotoxicity and increased plasma levels of granzymes A and B and of chitotriosidase activity. These data support the hypothesis that IL-12 may serve as a useful therapeutic agent in infections where a cell-mediated response is protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- F N Lauw
- Laboratory of Experimental Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Boot RG, van Achterberg TA, van Aken BE, Renkema GH, Jacobs MJ, Aerts JM, de Vries CJ. Strong induction of members of the chitinase family of proteins in atherosclerosis: chitotriosidase and human cartilage gp-39 expressed in lesion macrophages. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 1999; 19:687-94. [PMID: 10073974 DOI: 10.1161/01.atv.19.3.687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is initiated by the infiltration of monocytes into the subendothelial space of the vessel wall and subsequent lipid accumulation of the activated macrophages. The molecular mechanisms involved in the anomalous behavior of macrophages in atherogenesis have only partially been disclosed. Chitotriosidase and human cartilage gp-39 (HC gp-39) are members of the chitinase family of proteins and are expressed in lipid-laden macrophages accumulated in various organs during Gaucher disease. In addition, as shown in this study, chitotriosidase and HC gp-39 can be induced with distinct kinetics in cultured macrophages. We investigated the expression of these chitinase-like genes in the human atherosclerotic vessel wall by in situ hybridizations on atherosclerotic specimens derived from femoral artery (4 specimens), aorta (4 specimens), iliac artery (3 specimens), carotid artery (4 specimens), and coronary artery (1 specimen), as well as 5 specimens derived from apparently normal vascular tissue. We show for the first time that chitotriosidase and HC gp-39 expression was strongly upregulated in distinct subsets of macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaque. The expression patterns of chitotriosidase and HC gp-39 were compared and shown to be different from the patterns observed for the extracellular matrix protein osteopontin and the macrophage marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. Our data emphasize the remarkable phenotypic variation among macrophages present in the atherosclerotic lesion. Furthermore, chitotriosidase enzyme activity was shown to be elevated up to 55-fold in extracts of atherosclerotic tissue. Although a function for chitotriosidase and HC gp-39 has not been identified, we hypothesize a role in cell migration and tissue remodeling during atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Boot
- Departments of Biochemistry, and Vascular Surgery, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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27
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van Royen-Kerkhof A, Poll-The BT, Kleijer WJ, van Diggelen OP, Aerts JM, Hopwood JJ, Beemer FA. Coexistence of Gaucher disease type 1 and Joubert syndrome. J Med Genet 1998; 35:965-6. [PMID: 9832051 PMCID: PMC1051500 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.35.11.965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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28
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Overkleeft HS, Renkema GH, Neele J, Vianello P, Hung IO, Strijland A, van der Burg AM, Koomen GJ, Pandit UK, Aerts JM. Generation of specific deoxynojirimycin-type inhibitors of the non-lysosomal glucosylceramidase. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:26522-7. [PMID: 9756888 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.41.26522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of a non-lysosomal glucosylceramidase in human cells has been documented (van Weely, S., Brandsma, M., Strijland, A., Tager, J. M., and Aerts, J. M. F. G. (1993) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1181, 55-62). Hypothetically, the activity of this enzyme, which is localized near the cell surface, may influence ceramide-mediated signaling processes. To obtain insight in the physiological importance of the non-lysosomal glucosylceramidase, the availability of specific inhibitors would be helpful. Here we report on the generation of hydrophobic deoxynojirimycin (DNM) derivatives that potently inhibit the enzyme. The inhibitors were designed on the basis of the known features of the non-lysosomal glucosylceramidase and consist of a DNM moiety, an N-alkyl spacer, and a large hydrophobic group that promotes insertion in membranes. In particular, N-(5-adamantane-1-yl-methoxy)pentyl)-DNM is a very powerful inhibitor of the non-lysosomal glucosylceramidase at nanomolar concentrations. At such concentrations, the lysosomal glucocerebrosidase and alpha-glucosidase, the glucosylceramide synthase, and the N-linked glycan-trimming alpha-glucosidases of the endoplasmic reticulum are not affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Overkleeft
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Amsterdam, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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29
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Boot RG, Renkema GH, Verhoek M, Strijland A, Bliek J, de Meulemeester TM, Mannens MM, Aerts JM. The human chitotriosidase gene. Nature of inherited enzyme deficiency. J Biol Chem 1998; 273:25680-5. [PMID: 9748235 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.40.25680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The human chitinase, named chitotriosidase, is a member of family 18 of glycosylhydrolases. Following the cloning of the chitotriosidase cDNA (Boot, R. G., Renkema, G. H., Strijland, A., van Zonneveld, A. J., and Aerts, J. M. F. G. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 26252-26256), the gene and mRNA have been investigated. The chitotriosidase gene is assigned to chromosome 1q31-q32. The gene consists of 12 exons and spans about 20 kilobases. The nature of the common deficiency in chitotriosidase activity is reported. A 24-base pair duplication in exon 10 results in activation of a cryptic 3' splice site, generating a mRNA with an in-frame deletion of 87 nucleotides. All chitotriosidase-deficient individuals tested were homozygous for the duplication. The observed carrier frequency of about 35% indicates that the duplication is the predominant cause of chitotriosidase deficiency. The presence of the duplication in individuals from various ethnic groups suggests that this mutation is relatively old.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Boot
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Buyse J, Michels H, Vloeberghs J, Saevels P, Aerts JM, Ducro B, Berckmans D, Decuypere E. Energy and protein metabolism between 3 and 6 weeks of age of male broiler chickens selected for growth rate or for improved food efficiency. Br Poult Sci 1998; 39:264-72. [PMID: 9649882 DOI: 10.1080/00071669889231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
1. A new open-circuit respiration unit consisting of 6 respiration chambers, gas analysis unit and data-acquisition system is briefly described. 2. Energy and protein metabolism in broiler lines selected for improved food efficiency (FC) or for growth rate (GL) were measured weekly from 3 to 6 weeks of age. 3. Gross and apparent metabolisable energy intake per kg W0.75 was on average higher for GL than for FC chickens without differences in metabolisability. Fed and fasted heat production per kg W0.75 did not differ between the lines. FC chickens retained less energy per kg W0.75 than GL chickens. 4. FC chickens deposited much less of the retained energy as fat than their GL counterparts and also showed greater protein conversion efficiency. The leaner composition of the body weight gain in FC chickens was confirmed by the estimated lower fat deposition per kg W0.75 and by the lower fat: protein ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Buyse
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences, K.U. Leuen, Belgium
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31
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de Jong JG, Aerts JM, van Weely S, Hollak CE, van Pelt J, van Woerkom LM, Liebrand-van Sambeek ML, Wevers RA. Oligosaccharide excretion in adult Gaucher disease. J Inherit Metab Dis 1998; 21:49-59. [PMID: 9501269 DOI: 10.1023/a:1005311430722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disease characterized by storage of glucocerebroside due to lysosomal glucocerebrosidase deficiency. Increased urinary excretion of sialyloligosaccharides and mannosylglycoasparagines has been described for two patients with the infantile form of the disease, probably as a consequence of obstruction of lysosomal functioning due to the glycolipid accumulation in lysosomes. By thin-layer chromatography, we found increased urinary oligosaccharide excretion in a series of adult non-neuronopathic patients. Oligosaccharide patterns were comparable between patients and also with the pattern observed in infantile Gaucher disease. Composition was analysed by methanolysis and gas chromatography. Mannose and N-acetylglucosamine are the main carbohydrates in all oligosaccharide bands. A statistically significant correlation was found between oligosaccharide excretion and the severity of the disease expressed as severity score index. Patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy showed a reduction up to 65% of the original oligosaccharide excretion after 1 year of treatment, comparable with the reduction in spleen volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G de Jong
- Laboratory for Neurology and Pediatrics, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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32
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Renkema GH, Boot RG, Au FL, Donker-Koopman WE, Strijland A, Muijsers AO, Hrebicek M, Aerts JM. Chitotriosidase, a chitinase, and the 39-kDa human cartilage glycoprotein, a chitin-binding lectin, are homologues of family 18 glycosyl hydrolases secreted by human macrophages. Eur J Biochem 1998; 251:504-9. [PMID: 9492324 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.1998.2510504.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In various mammals, enzymatically active and inactive members of family 18 glycosyl hydrolases, containing chitinases, have been identified. In man, chitotriosidase is the functional chitinolytic enzyme, whilst the homologous human cartilage 39-kDa glycoprotein (HC gp-39) does not exhibit chitinase activity and its function is unknown. This study establishes that HC gp-39 is a chitin-specific lectin. It is experimentally demonstrated that a single amino acid substitution in the catalytic centre of the 39-kDa isoform of chitotriosidase, which generates a similar sequence to that in HC gp-39, results in a loss of hydrolytic activity and creates the capacity to bind to chitin. The possible implication of the finding for chitinolytic and chitin-binding proteins that are produced in high quantities by activated macrophages are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Renkema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands
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33
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Abstract
An overview of the most important plasma abnormalities that can be found in Gaucher's disease is presented in this chapter. Attention is focussed on their practical applications and possible clinical relevance. In addition, the result of studies on metabolic alterations in Gaucher's disease are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Aerts
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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34
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Schiffmann R, Heyes MP, Aerts JM, Dambrosia JM, Patterson MC, DeGraba T, Parker CC, Zirzow GC, Oliver K, Tedeschi G, Brady RO, Barton NW. Prospective study of neurological responses to treatment with macrophage-targeted glucocerebrosidase in patients with type 3 Gaucher's disease. Ann Neurol 1997; 42:613-21. [PMID: 9382473 DOI: 10.1002/ana.410420412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We prospectively evaluated the clinical and biochemical responses to enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) with macrophage-targeted glucocerebrosidase (Ceredase) infusions in 5 patients (age, 3.5-8.5 years) with type 3 Gaucher's disease. The patients were followed for up to 5 years. Enzyme dosage ranged from 120 to 480 U/kg of body weight/month. Systemic manifestations of the disease regressed in all patients. Neurological deficits remained stable in 3 patients and slightly improved in 1. One patient developed myoclonic encephalopathy. Cognitive deterioration occurred in 1 patient and electroencephalographic deterioration in 2. Sequential cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained during the first 3 years of treatment in 3 patients and were analyzed for biochemical markers of disease burden. Glucocerebroside and psychosine levels were not elevated in these specimens, whereas chitotriosidase and quinolinic acid were elevated in 2 patients. Progressive decrease in the CSF levels of these latter macrophage markers during 3 years of treatment implies a decreased number of Gaucher cells in the cerebral perivascular space. Similar changes were not observed in the patient who had a poor neurological outcome. In conclusion, ERT reverses systemic manifestations of type 3 Gaucher's disease and appears to reduce the burden of Gaucher cells in the brain-CSF compartment in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Schiffmann
- Developmental and Metabolic Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD 20892-1260, USA
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35
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Hollak CE, Corssmit EP, Aerts JM, Endert E, Sauerwein HP, Romijn JA, van Oers MH. Differential effects of enzyme supplementation therapy on manifestations of type 1 Gaucher disease. Am J Med 1997; 103:185-91. [PMID: 9316550 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9343(97)00134-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In type 1 Gaucher disease (GD), the accumulation of glucocerebroside in macrophages, caused by deficient activity of glucocerebrosidase, results in a variety of disease manifestations. In addition to the characteristic features of hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and bone abnormalities, resting energy expenditure (REE) and glucose production are increased. In this study the effects of enzyme supplementation therapy on metabolic parameters in relation to other disease manifestations in type 1 GD patients are investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS In 12 adult type 1 GD patients, measurements of REE (by indirect calorimetry), liver and spleen volume (by spiral computerized axial tomography [CT]) and hemoglobin and platelet count were obtained before and after 6 months of alglucerase therapy (15 U/kg per month). In 7 of the 12 patients hepatic glucose production was measured by infusing 3-3H glucose. For comparison, REE and glucose metabolism were studied in 7 weight- and age-matched healthy subjects. RESULTS REE and glucose production were increased in GD patients as compared with controls (REE: 29.8 kcal/kg/24 h +/- 3.6 and 23.1 +/- 2.3 kcal/kg/24 h, respectively, P < 0.05; glucose production: 14.00 mumol/kg/min +/- 0.51 and 10.77 mumol/kg/min +/- 0.26, respectively, P < 0.03). There were no differences in plasma glucose concentrations. Whereas the elevated REE decreased after 6 months of alglucerase therapy from 129% to 120% of predicted values (P < 0.01), the increase in hepatic glucose production did not change. An increase in weight occurred after 6 months of treatment (1.7 +/- 0.8 kg, P < 0.001), which was accounted for by an increase in fat mass of 1.6 +/- 1.5 kg (P < 0.02). Hemoglobin levels increased from 11.2 mg/dL to 12.1 mg/dL (P = 0.05) and platelet counts rose from 84 x 10(9)/L to 113 x 10(9)/L (P < 0.05). Although liver and spleen volumes decreased by approximately 10% and approximately 20%, respectively, there was no correlation between the decrease in organ volumes and the decrease in REE. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with alglucerase improves hypermetabolism and organomegaly in GD, whereas the increase in glucose production persists. Therefore, the dose-response effects of alglucerase are variable for the different manifestations of type 1 GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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36
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Abstract
In type 1 Gaucher disease, decreased activity of glucocerebrosidase results in accumulation of glucosylceramide in macrophages. Infiltration of liver, spleen and bone marrow by lipid-laden macrophages leads to hepatosplenomegaly, bone lesions and cytopenia. These abnormal macrophages may produce and release macrophage derived factors and cytokines, which could contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. Whether these cytokines and factors are elevated in Gaucher disease is currently unknown. In 29 type 1 Gaucher disease patients we measured serum levels of the macrophage derived cytokines IL8, IL6, TNFalpha, M-CSF and the monocyte/macrophage activation marker sCD14. These factors were studied in relation to disease severity and during treatment with enzyme supplementation therapy. Most patients showed remarkably elevated levels of M-CSF (2-8 fold) and sCD14 (2-5 fold) as compared to normal controls. Levels of IL8 were elevated in all patients (2-20 fold), whereas levels of IL6 and TNFalpha were normal. There was a significant correlation between severity of the disease as determined by the severity score index (SSI), and M-CSF, sCD14 and IL8 levels. M-CSF and sCD14 levels also correlated with the excess liver and spleen volumes. During treatment with alglucerase, levels of M-CSF and sCD14 declined, but IL8 remained unchanged. The relative reduction in excess liver and spleen volume did not correlate with the relative reduction in M-CSF or sCD14 levels. We conclude that serum levels of M-CSF, sCD14 and IL8 are increased in type 1 Gaucher disease. The biological activities of M-CSF and IL8 may add to the pathophysiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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37
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Hodanová K, Hrebícek M, Cervenková M, Aerts JM, Zeman J. Incorrect assignment of N370S mutation status by mismatched PCR/RFLP method in two Gaucher patients. J Inherit Metab Dis 1997; 20:611-2. [PMID: 9266405 DOI: 10.1023/a:1005331814799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K Hodanová
- Institute of Inherited Metabolic Disorders, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Praha, Czech Republic
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38
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Abstract
The objective of the study was to present a method to quantify the behavioural response of animals to their micro-environment by using a camera system and a digitiser board. An algorithm was developed for analysing images and calculating activity, occupied zone and boundary of the animals. The developed method was tested on 3 different applications and animals. In the first application, the behavioural responses of broiler chickens to their thermal environment was measured. In the second application behavioural responses of pigs to their thermal environment were measured. In the third application, the response of water fleas to a chromium pollution was measured using the developed technique. Based on the experimental results, it can be concluded that the developed image analysis technique can be employed to quantify the behavioural responses of the tested animals to their micro-environment, in an easy and accurate way.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Bloemen
- Laboratory for Agricultural Building Research, Heverlee, Belgium
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39
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Hollak CE, Levi M, Berends F, Aerts JM, van Oers MH. Coagulation abnormalities in type 1 Gaucher disease are due to low-grade activation and can be partly restored by enzyme supplementation therapy. Br J Haematol 1997; 96:470-6. [PMID: 9054650 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.1997.d01-2076.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In type 1 Gaucher disease a bleeding tendency occurs which is partly caused by thrombocytopenia due to massive splenomegaly. In addition, low levels of factors IX and XI have been described. The mechanism responsible for these clotting factor abnormalities is unknown. We performed a detailed study of parameters of coagulation and fibrinolysis in 30 type 1 Gaucher disease patients (14 splenectomized) before and after treatment with enzyme supplementation therapy. Pre-treatment aPTT and PT were prolonged in 42% and 38% of patients, respectively. In 30-60% serious deficiencies (< 50%) of coagulation factors XI, XII, VII, X, V and II were observed. The low levels of factor V correlated with platelet count and were inversely associated with splenic volume. Levels of inhibitors were mildly decreased. Markers for activation of coagulation (thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complex) and fibrinolysis (PAP complex, fibrin cleavage product D-dimer) were significantly elevated, especially in the splenectomized patients, indicating ongoing activation of these processes. After 12 months of enzyme supplementation therapy partial correction occurred. Thus, severe disorders of the coagulation system occur in Gaucher disease, contributing to the bleeding tendency. The deficiencies may be the result of consumption of coagulation factors caused by ongoing low-level coagulation activation. possibly due to mononuclear cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Haematology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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40
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Renkema GH, Boot RG, Strijland A, Donker-Koopman WE, van den Berg M, Muijsers AO, Aerts JM. Synthesis, sorting, and processing into distinct isoforms of human macrophage chitotriosidase. Eur J Biochem 1997; 244:279-85. [PMID: 9118991 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1997.00279.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chitotriosidase, the human analogue of chitinases from non-vertebrate species, has recently been identified. The macrophage-derived enzyme is remarkably heterogeneous in molecular mass and isoelectric point. The synthesis and modification of the enzyme in cultured macrophages is reported. Chitotriosidase is synthesized as a 50-kDa protein with a pI of about 6.5 and 7.2. It is predominantly secreted, but in part processed into a 39-kDa form with a pI of 8.0 that accumulates in lysosomes. In the C-terminal extension of the 50-kDa chitotriosidase, sialic-acid containing O-linked glycans are present, causing its heterogeneous acidic isoelectric point. Chitotriosidase lacks N-linked glycans and the mechanism of routing to lysosomes proves to be distinct from that of soluble, N-glycosylated, lysosomal enzymes. It was observed that, in macrophages, alternative splicing generates a distinct chitotriosidase mRNA species, encoding a 40-kDa chitotriosidase that is C-terminally truncated. This enzyme is almost identical to the 39-kDa chitotriosidase formed from the 50-kDa precursor by proteolytic processing. It is concluded that the C-terminus present in the 50-kDa chitotriosidase, but absent in the 39-kDa isoform, was found to mediate tight binding to chitin. In the blood stream the secretory 50-kDa chitotriosidase occurs predominantly, whilst in tissues the 39-kDa form is also abundant. These findings are consistent with the data on the synthesis and processing of chitotriosidase in the cultured macrophage model.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Renkema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands
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41
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Michelakakis H, Spanou C, Kondyli A, Dimitriou E, Van Weely S, Hollak CE, Van Oers MH, Aerts JM. Plasma tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) levels in Gaucher disease. Biochim Biophys Acta 1996; 1317:219-22. [PMID: 8988238 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4439(96)00056-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) levels were measured in the plasma of patients with different types of Gaucher disease (GD) and patients with other lysosomal storage diseases. The highest TNF-a levels were observed in the most severe neuronopathic type of GD, exceeding those found in healthy individuals as well as patients with other lysosomal disorders. Type I GD cases showed a wide range of TNF-a levels ranging from normal to 2.5 x the highest control value. TNF-a is a pleiotropic cytokine produced mainly by activated macrophages. Our data suggest that it may play a role in the pathophysiology of GD disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Michelakakis
- Department of Enzymology and Cellular Function, Ag. Sophia Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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42
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Hrebícek M, Zeman J, Musilová J, Hodanová K, Renkema GH, Vepreková L, Ledvinová J, Hrebícek D, Sokolová J, Aerts JM, Elleder M. A case of type I Gaucher disease with cardiopulmonary amyloidosis and chitotriosidase deficiency. Virchows Arch 1996; 429:305-9. [PMID: 8972767 DOI: 10.1007/bf00198347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Severe cardiopulmonary amyloidosis developed several months after a total splenectomy in a patient with type 1 Gaucher disease and led within a year to his death at 48 years of age. The autopsy findings were dominated by extensive pulmonary and cardiac amyloid infiltration. No Gaucher cells were found in the lungs. Aside from a glucocerebrosidase deficiency the patient was also deficient in chitotriosidase, an enzyme whose activity is usually greatly increased in the serum of Gaucher patients. Analysis of mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene revealed heterozygosity for N370S and D409H mutations. The normal amount of glucocerebrosidase was found in the spleen by Western blotting. We suggest that amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe cardiopulmonary disease in Gaucher patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hrebícek
- Institute of Inherited Metabolic Diseases, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, Praha 2, Czech Republic
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43
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Mikhaylova M, Wiederschain G, Mikhaylov V, Aerts JM. The enzymatic hydrolysis of 6-acylamino-4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucosides: identification of a novel human acid beta-glucosidase. Biochim Biophys Acta 1996; 1317:71-9. [PMID: 8876629 DOI: 10.1016/0925-4439(96)00040-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluorogenic 6-acylamino-4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucosides were found to be poor substrates for the three known human beta-glucosidases, i.e., lysosomal and non-lysosomal glucocerebrosidases and cytosolic broad-specificity beta-glucosidase. However, homogenates of human tissues and human cell types showed significant enzymatic hydrolysis of 6-ethanoylamino-4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucoside (EMGlc) due to the activity of a hitherto undescribed beta-glucosidase, called here EMGlc-ase. It was shown that the isozyme is hardly active towards 4-methylumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucoside or glucosylceramide. EMGlc-ase exhibits maximal activity at pH 4.5 and 5.0 in the absence and presence of sodium taurocholate respectively. It is a soluble lysosomal enzyme with a discrete isoelectric point of about 5.0. EMGlc-ase is not inhibited by conduritol B-epoxide, is activated by sodium taurocholate and binds strongly to Concanavalin A. This enzyme is not deficient in relation to Gaucher disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mikhaylova
- Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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44
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Hollak CE, van Oers MH, Maaswinkel P, Aerts JM, Goudsmit R. [The treatment of Gaucher's disease in The Netherlands using enzyme substitution therapy]. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 1996; 140:1011-3. [PMID: 8684492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Universiteit van Amsterdam, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Afd. Inwendige Geneeskunde en Hematologie
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45
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Bijsterbosch MK, Donker W, van de Bilt H, van Weely S, van Berkel TJ, Aerts JM. Quantitative analysis of the targeting of mannose-terminal glucocerebrosidase. Predominant uptake by liver endothelial cells. Eur J Biochem 1996; 237:344-9. [PMID: 8647071 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1996.00344.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Gaucher's disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder that is caused by a deficiency of glucocerebrosidase. The resulting accumulation of the substrate glucosylceramide in macrophages of liver, spleen, and bone marrow causes severe clinical symptoms. Gaucher's disease is treated by intravenous administration of a modified glucocerebrosidase (Alglucerase), which has exposed mannose residues to promote uptake by target macrophages. To evaluate the effectiveness of the targeting of Alglucerase, we studied the fate of the enzyme in the rat. Intravenously injected Alglucerase was rapidly cleared from the circulation (half-life 2.0 +/- 0.5 min). The liver was the main site of uptake, with 65.6 +/- 1.2% of the dose present at 10 min after injection. Smaller amounts ( < 3% of the dose) were taken up by spleen and bone marrow. Previous injection with mannan substantially increased the plasma half-life of the enzyme (14.8 +/- 3.2 min versus 1.7 +/- 0.3 min in solvent-preinjected controls) and uptake of the enzyme by liver, spleen and bone marrow was reduced by > 90%. These findings indicate that the enzyme is taken up by these organs via mannose-specific receptors. Subcellular fractionation of the liver indicated that the enzyme is internalized and transported to the lysosomes. By isolating various liver cell types after injection of the Alglucerase, it was found that endothelial cells are the main site of uptake of the enzyme: 60.8 +/- 3.4% of the total liver uptake. Parenchymal and Kupffer cells were responsible for 31.0 +/- 3.1% and 8.2 +/- 0.7% of the hepatic uptake, respectively. We conclude that Alglucerase is rapidly cleared from the circulation by mannose-specific receptors in liver, spleen, and bone marrow. However, less than 10% of the enzyme taken up by the liver is accounted for by Kupffer cells, the hepatic target cells for therapeutic intervention. It is suggested that alterations of the formulation of the therapeutic enzyme may lead to a higher uptake by Kupffer cells and other macrophages, and thus to a more (cost)effective therapy of Gaucher's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Bijsterbosch
- Division of Biopharmaceutics, Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research, The Netherlands
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46
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Abstract
Current methods to estimate changes in intralysosomal pH in hepatocytes do not discriminate between lysosomes and other intracellular acidic compartments. To obtain selective information on the change in lysosomal function in response to a change in lysosomal pH we have used the liberation of fluorescent 4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide from low concentrations of lysyl-alanyl-4-methoxy-2-naphthylamide, a substrate of lysosomal dipeptidylpeptidase II. Using permeabilized and intact hepatocytes, the activity of this enzyme in response to manipulations meant to increase the intralysosomal pH was compared with intralysosomal protein degradation and with the accumulation of [14C]chloroquine as a pH indicator of intracellular acidic compartments. The data show that changes in intralysosomal pH are indicated by changes in dipeptidylpeptidase II activity and that these are mainly due to a pH-dependent change in substrate accumulation in the lysosomes. Subsequently, the method was applied to establishing the extent to which an increase in intralysosomal pH can contribute to the inhibition of autophagic proteolysis in intact hepatocytes caused by a decrease in intracellular ATP, by an increase in amino acid concentration and by hypo-osmotic cell swelling. The following observations were made. (a) Moderate changes in intracellular ATP do not affect the lysosomal pH. (b) Hypo-osmotic cell swelling, which promotes inhibition of proteolysis by amino acids in freshly isolated hepatocytes, does not affect the lysosomal pH. (c) In addition to their known inhibitory effect on autophagic sequestration, amino acids (leucine in particular) can increase the lysosomal pH and thus inhibit intralysosomal protein degradation directly. (d) Low concentrations of the acidotropic agent methylamine increase the lysosomal pH without having an effect on autophagic proteolytic flux. It is concluded that autophagic proteolysis is not controlled by changes in the lysosomal pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Luiken
- E.C. Slater Institute, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Bosman
- Emma Children's Hospital/AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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48
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Boot RG, Renkema GH, Strijland A, van Zonneveld AJ, Aerts JM. Cloning of a cDNA encoding chitotriosidase, a human chitinase produced by macrophages. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:26252-6. [PMID: 7592832 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.44.26252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We have recently observed that chitotriosidase, a chitinolytic enzyme, is secreted by activated human macrophages and is markedly elevated in plasma of Gaucher disease patients (Hollak, C. E. M., van Weely, S., van Oers, M. H. J., and Aerts, J. M. F. G. (1994) J. Clin. Invest. 93, 1288-1292). Here, we report on the cloning of the corresponding cDNA. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned cDNA predicts a protein with amino acid sequences identical to those established for purified chitotriosidase. Secretion of active chitotriosidase was obtained after transient transfection of COS-1 cells with the cloned cDNA, confirming its identity as chitotriosidase cDNA. Chitotriosidase contains several regions with high homology to those present in chitinases from different species belonging to family 18 of glycosyl hydrolases. Northern blot analysis shows that expression of chitotriosidase mRNA occurs only at a late stage of differentiation of monocytes to activated macrophages in culture. Our results show that, in contrast to previous beliefs, human macrophages can synthesize a functional chitinase, a highly conserved enzyme with a strongly regulated expression. This enzyme may play a role in the degradation of chitin-containing pathogens and can be used as a marker for specific disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Boot
- E. C. Slater Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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49
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Abstract
Previous studies have shown that enzyme supplementation therapy with alglucerase for type 1 Gaucher's disease is effective at doses of 30-130 U/kg per month. Since both the clinical presentation and the response to therapy in Gaucher's disease are highly variable, individual dosing seems indicated. This notion, as well as the high costs of alglucerase and the unknown long-term side-effects, led us to investigate the efficacy of an individualised very low dose of alglucerase. Twenty-five adults with symptomatic type 1 Gaucher's disease (thirteen splenectomised) received alglucerase 1.15 U/kg three times a week (15 U/kg per month). Every 6 months, the dose was halved, maintained, or doubled, according to the response (based on haematological variables and liver and spleen volume). After 6 months of treatment, eighteen (72%) patients had a response (seventeen moderate, one good). After 12 months (in nineteen patients) and 18 months (in seven patients), all had sustained improvement. Severe splenomegaly resulted in slower haematological responses. Our results are similar to those obtained by others with higher-dose regimens and better than a low-dose regimen of 10U/kg every 2 weeks. We conclude that very low initial doses of alglucerase, when administered frequently, are effective and cost-saving in the treatment of type 1 Gaucher's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Hollak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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50
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Renkema GH, Boot RG, Muijsers AO, Donker-Koopman WE, Aerts JM. Purification and characterization of human chitotriosidase, a novel member of the chitinase family of proteins. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:2198-202. [PMID: 7836450 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.5.2198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently we noted (Hollak, C.E.M., van Weely, S., van Oers, M.H.J., and Aerts, J.M.F.G. (1994) J. Clin. Invest. 93, 1288-1292) that the clinical manifestation of Gaucher disease is associated with a several hundred-fold increase in chitotriosidase activity in plasma. We report on the purification and characterization of the protein. Two major isoforms of chitotriosidase with isoelectric points of 7.2 and 8.0 and molecular masses of 50 and 39 kDa, respectively, were purified from the spleen of a Gaucher patient. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the two forms proved to be identical. An antiserum raised against the purified 39-kDa chitotriosidase precipitated all isozymes. Chitotriosidase activity was earlier found to be completely absent in some individuals. These findings in combination suggest that a single gene may encode the different isoforms of chitotriosidase. Both the N-terminal sequence and an internal sequence chitotriosidase proved to be homologous to sequences in proteins that are members of the chitinase family (Hakala, B.E., White,C., and Recklies, A.D. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 25803-25810). The human chitotriosidase described here showed chitinolytic activity toward artificial substrates as well as chitin and may therefore be considered to be a chitinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Renkema
- E. C. Slater Institute, Department of Biochemistry, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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