Tolerance and Biological Activity of Pentosan Polysulfate After Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Administration for Ten Days in Human Volunteers

This study reports on the tolerance and the pharmacological activity of pentosan polysulfate (PPS) administered to healthy volunteers for 10 days. Three groups of 10 subjects received either one daily injections of 100 mg of PPS by I. M. route (group I), or two daily injection of 50 mg of PPS by I. M. or S. C. route (groups II and III, respectively). In each group two random subjects received a placebo for the 10 days; on day 0, each subject was injected by a placebo. Clinical tolerance was checked by a daily physical examination; biological tolerance was assessed comparing the results of the main biochemical and haematological constants measured before starting the treatment (day 0) and 12 or 24 h after the end of the treatment (day 11). The pharmacological activity was measured on serial samples taken before treatment and between 1 and 6 h after the drug injection on days 1, 3 and 10; the results were compared to those obtained on day 0. Clinical tolerance was good. The biological side effects concern the transaminase levels and the platelet counts. An increase above the upper normal limit was observed in 18/i4 and 3/24 for alanine and aspartic transaminase respectively. The mean platelet reduction ranged between 24 and 34% according to the groups. The drug injection induced a slight Quick time (PT) prolongation, no significant alteration of factors II, VII-X, V levels and of thrombin clotting time. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly prolonged and there was a weak but significant circulating anti-Xa activity. The fibrinolytic activity was enhanced without increase in the tissue plasminogen activator antigen level. These pharmacological effects were at their maximum between 2 and 4 h after the drug injection and returned to the pre-injection equilibrium between 4 and 6 h except for circulating anti-Xa activity; these effects remained unchanged all over the 10-day therapeutic period. The comparison between group I and II indicates that the PT and APTT effects are dose-dependent while the anti-Xa and the profibrinolytic effects are not; the comparison between group II and III indicates that the S. C. and I. M. route are bioequivalent.

Individual and combined effects of low oral doses of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol in mice

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV) are toxic Fusarium secondary trichothecene metabolites that often co-occur regularly in cereal grains. These compounds were compared for their toxicity towards C57BL/6 mice on several parameters including alteration in plasma biochemistry, immune system reactivity and hepatic drug metabolism capacity. Mice received individual or combined oral doses of each toxin: 0.071 or 0.355 mg/kg of body weight, administrated three days a week for 4 weeks. Food consumption was altered by the single administration of 0.355 mg/kg of NIV, although no noticeable change of body and organ weights or liver protein contents was detected. NIV administration did cause also significant changes in total CO2 and uric acid concentrations in plasma. Individual toxin exposures led to increases in plasma IgA without no detectable change in the ex vivo production of cytokine by splenocytes. The liver ethoxyresorufin O-deealkylase, pentoxyresorufin O-depenthylase and glutathione S-transferase activities were increased in concert with cytochrome P4501a and P4502b subfamily expression. Administration of combinations of DON and NIV resulted in responses similar to that observed using individual doses of each toxin. However, depending on the ratio of toxin doses and biochemical parameters, some responses could be also additive (plasma IgA and hepatic DCNB conjugation) or synergistic (plasma uric acid).

Biological validation of coenzyme Q redox state by HPLC-EC measurement: relationship between coenzyme Q redox state and coenzyme Q content in rat tissues

The properties of coenzymes Q (CoQ9 and CoQ10) are closely linked to their redox state (CoQox/total CoQ) x 100. In this work, CoQ redox state was biologically validated by high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical measurement after modulation of mitochondrial electron flow of cultured cells by molecules increasing (rotenone, carbonyl cyanide chlorophenylhydrazone) or decreasing (antimycin) CoQ oxidation. The tissue specificity of CoQ redox state and content were investigated in control and hypoxic rats. In control rats, there was a strong negative linear regression between tissular CoQ redox state and CoQ content. Hypoxia increased CoQ9 redox state and decreased CoQ9 content in a negative linear relationship in the different tissues, except the heart and lung. This result demonstrates that, under conditions of mitochondrial impairment, CoQ redox control is tissue-specific.

Detection and incidence of muscular adverse drug reactions: a prospective analysis from laboratory signals

AIMS

The awareness of muscular adverse drug reactions (ADRs) increased since the withdrawal of cerivastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, from the market in August 2001. Our objectives were to assess the detection and incidence of muscular ADRs in a University Hospital using biochemical laboratory data and to evaluate the underreporting rate of drug-induced muscular disorders.

METHODS

A prospective study was undertaken at Toulouse University Hospital, France, for 1 week per month from November 2001 to October 2002. Patients were selected by means of a computerized process using biochemical laboratory data based on serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values (over twofold normal). Medical records of all selected patients were then consulted.

RESULTS

During the period of the study, 2017 CPK tests were performed, among which 171 values were over twofold normal corresponding to 129 patients. Because of lack of data, 26 patients were excluded. Among these patients ( n=103), 28 cases of muscular ADRs were suspected, 22 of which were detected in outpatient departments. Four patients were totally asymptomatic and five had an increase of CPK over fivefold normal. Nine cases were classified as "serious". Withdrawal of suspected drugs were done in 16 cases with regression of ADRs in 13 cases. According to hospitalization data, the incidence of muscular ADRs was estimated as 7.2 (2.6-15.7) per 10,000 inpatients and 9.3 (5.8-14.1) per 10,000 outpatients over 12 weeks. The involved drugs were mainly: statins (46.4%), fibrates (14.3%), antiretrovirals (14.3%), angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (10.7%), immunosuppressants (7.1%) or hydroxychloroquine (7.1). Only two cases, judged as "serious", were spontaneously reported by physicians during the same period.

CONCLUSION

The results of this survey underline the importance to take into account drug hypothesis in muscular injuries diagnosis.

Total parenteral nutrition decreases liver oxidative metabolism and antioxidant defenses in healthy rats: comparative effect of dietary olive and soybean oil

BACKGROUND

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is used for critically ill patients undergoing surgery, after trauma, or during disease conditions that favor oxidative stress. We studied the effect of TPN on liver oxidative metabolism and antioxidant defenses in rats, and we compared the effect of soybean oil- and olive oil-based diets.

METHODS

Seven-week-old rats (n = 28) were divided into four groups. Two experimental groups received a TPN solution containing soybean oil (TPN-S) or a mixture of olive/soybean oil, 80/20 (TPN-O), IV for 6 days. Orally fed animals received a solid diet including soybean oil (Oral-S) or olive/soybean oil, 80/20 (Oral-O). The following parameters were measured: DL-alpha-tocopherol, vitamin A, malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (MDA-TBARS), and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) in serum; DL-alpha-tocopherol, vitamin A, glutathione (GSH), and catalase (Cat) activity in liver homogenate; fatty acids from phospholipid, cytochrome P-450 content, NADPH-cytochrome c2 reductase activity in liver microsomes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in liver cytosol.

RESULTS

The soybean or olive oil diets modified the liver microsomal fatty acid phospholipid composition, but the unsaturation index remained unchanged. TPN specifically increased the saturation of the membrane. The cytochrome P-450 level and the NADPH-cytochrome c2 reductase, SOD, Gpx, Cat, and GST activities were unchanged by soybean oil or olive oil diet but decreased receiving TPN.

CONCLUSIONS

In rats, TPN decreased the liver oxidative metabolism and enzymatic antioxidant defenses. This may be related to saturation of the liver microsomal fatty acids.

Relationship between the fatty acid composition of rat lymphocytes and immune functions

The effects of dietary lipids on the fatty acid composition, activation and proliferation of lymphocytes were investigated. Weanling male Wistar rats were fed for 8 weeks on one of two low-fat diets which contained 50 g lipid/kg, or one of two high-fat diets containing 200 g lipid/kg, from either coconut oil or soyabean oil. The fatty acid composition of phospholipids from splenocyte membranes was affected by dietary lipid manipulation, and these differences influenced lymphocyte functions. Increased levels of linoleic acid in spleen lymphocytes correlated negatively with interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain expression determined either by measuring the mean fluorescence or by the proportion of cells staining positive for CD25, and with the cell proliferation index. However, we found a positive correlation between interleukin-2 receptor alpha-chain expression determined by measuring the mean fluorescence and the cell proliferation index with the oleic acid concentration of spleen lymphocytes. Since phospholipid hydrolysis occurs early in lymphocyte activation, immunosuppressive effects induced by polyunsaturated fatty acids, described in the literature, could be due to an increase of linoleic acid or a decrease of oleic acid affecting many components of plasma-membrane-associated events involved in lymphocyte activation.

In vivo effects of olive oil-based lipid emulsion on lymphocyte activation in rats

Numerous studies suggest that immune function may be compromised by lipid emulsions rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. In our study, we compared the effect of a new olive oil-based lipid emulsion (ClinOleic(R)) containing 18% linoleic acid, and an emulsion based on soybean oil (Ivelip(R); 52% linoleic acid) on lymphocyte functions. Weaning Wistar rats (n= 24) were fed for 4 weeks on an oral diet that contained 12% of total energy as lipids from soybean oil. Then they received, during 6 days, a total parenteral nutrition (260 kcal/kg/d) in which 12% of total energy was brought by one of the two lipid emulsions. The fatty acid profile of spleen lymphocyte phospholipids reflected lipid intakes, with a higher content of oleic acid in ClinOleic(R) group and linoleic acid in Ivelip(R) group. A greater proportion of cells expressed the interleukin-2 receptor a-chain (CD25) after administration of ClinOleic(R) when compared to Ivelip(R) (55.43 +/- 3.47 vs 45.48 +/- 3.26%, P<< 0.05). Moreover, the CD25 expression was positively correlated with oleic acid content of spleen lymphocyte phospholipids (r= 0.500, P<< 0.018). These results show that ClinOleic(R) is able to induce, in vivo, a greater proportion of cells expressing CD25, and suggest that oleic acid could have a role in the observed effects.

Dietary essential fatty acid deficiency differentially affects tissues of rats

Quantitative variations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were studied in various tissues: red blood cells (RBC), hepatic microsomes, kidney, skeletal muscle and heart of young rats fed either a control diet (n = 7) or an essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient diet (n = 7). After 4 wk, the EFA-[deficient rats had significantly lower proportions of (n-6) and (n-3) fatty acids in RBC, hepatic microsomes and kidney than the control group. Paradoxically, normal proportions of arachidonic acid [20:4(n-6)] and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid [20:5(n-3)] were retained in heart and skeletal muscle despite generally lower proportions of the precursors, 18:2(n-6) and 18:3(n-3). Moreover, absolute levels of 20:4(n-6) and 20:5(n-3) in skeletal muscle of the EFA deficient group were significantly higher than in controls and 22:5(n-3) and 22:6(n-3) levels were comparable. This suggests that fatty acid proportions alone, without any consideration of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid quantities, may not reflect the (n-6) and (n-3) PUFA status of individual tissues. This study indicates that diet-[induced changes in the PUFA composition of RBC, which are often used in clinical investigations, do not fully reflect the changes in the fatty acid composition of organs, and that individual tissues respond differently to EFA deficiency. The conservation of proportional and absolute levels of 20:5(n-3) and 20:4(n-6), and the decrease in the more unsaturated homologues in the heart, suggest that this organ may avidly retain 20:5(n-3) and 20:4(n-6) in order to maintain eicosanoid production.

Decreases in retinol and retinol-binding protein during total parenteral nutrition in rats are not due to a vitamin A deficiency

Perfusion feeding in rats induced a decrease in circulating retinol despite an adequate supply of vitamin A. We studied the effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) on the retinol specific carrier in rat, analyzing holo-RBP (bound to retinol) and apo-RBP (without retinol) in serum and in liver. Vitamin A-sufficient (A+) and -deficient (A-) rats were characterized in terms of vitamin A and RBP status and then perfused (TPN-A+ and TPN-A-) or orally pair-fed (O-A+ and O-A-) with vitamin A. In A+ rats, a decrease in serum retinol (2.6-fold) and an increase in apo-RBP was concomitant with a massive accumulation of RBP in the liver. In TPN-A rats, both circulating RBP and liver total RBP were decreased. In TPN-A+ rats, there was a decrease in circulating retinol (2.4-fold) in parallel to a decrease of serum and liver RBP protein and mRNA. We provide evidence that infused retinyl palmitate was not responsible for serum retinol and RBP decrease and that retinol depletion was not due to vitamin A deficiency. Whatever the vitamin A status, TPN may induce in rats a down-regulation of hepatic RBP synthesis, which may, at least partially, explain the alteration of retinol and RBP in serum.

Hormonal changes related to eating behavior in oligomenorrheic women

The aim of this study was to determine those hormonal alterations in the gonadotropin-ovarian axis that are related to eating behavior in oligomenorrheic patients. We studied 74 oligomenorrheic women aged 26.2 +/- 0.8 years, divided into group IA (N = 13) with eating disorders, group IB (N = 61) without eating disorders and 18 normally cycling controls aged 29.2 +/- 1.6 years (group II). No subject had ovarian failure, pituitary disease, thyroid dysfunction or was taking any drug. Blood samples were taken on days 3-6 after the last menses. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in two plasma pools, each made up of three samples taken at 30-min intervals, starting at 15.00 h (LH-15h) and 09.00 h (LH-9h), which allowed the mean LH (mLH) and variability in LH (V-LH: percentage increase from the lower to the higher of the two LH values) to be calculated. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), sex steroids, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated LH (sLH) and -FSH (sFSH) were also evaluated. Eating behavior was evaluated with the EAT questionnaire; the EAT 26 score, the dieting score (DS) and bulimia score (BS) were calculated. Dietary intake was evaluated in 35 group IB patients based on food diaries analyzed with the REGAL program, to evaluate daily calorie intake (Cal) and calories provided by carbohydrates (Carb), lipids (Lip) and proteins (Prot). Comparisons between groups were done by analysis of variance (followed by the Fisher PLSD test) and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Groups IA, IB and II did not differ regarding age, body mass index, LH-9h, LH-15h, mLH, FSH, sLH, sFSH, estradiol or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; group IA had a higher V-LH than group II (p < 0.02) and a higher testosterone level than groups IB and II (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were found between V-LH and DS (p < 0.01) and BS (p < 0.05), and between testosterone and BS (p < 0.02) and DS (p < 0.05). The V-LH was negatively correlated with Cal and Carb, and testosterone was positively correlated with Cal and Lip. In patients referred for oligomenorrhea, it is concluded that testosterone levels and variability of LH levels are related to eating behavior.

[Isoforms of creatine kinase and myoglobin in myocardial infarct treated by thrombolysis]

The isoforms of creatinine kinase (CK) and myoglobin were analysed by serial samplings in 45 patients admitted consecutively for myocardial infarction treated by thrombolysis according to the usual indications. Angiographic controls were carried out systematically in the first 24 hours, including 20 cases at the end of thrombolysis. The patients were divided into two groups according to the patency of the infarct related artery: Group I (n = 35) with a patent vessel and Group II (n = 10) with an occluded vessel; 4 patients in Group II were successfully revascularised by angioplasty. The total CK had a higher peak value in Group II (2,393 +/- 1,991 UI/l at 547 +/- 247 min versus 2,888 +/- 2,189 IU/l at 584 +/- 395 min) but the difference was not statistically significant. The analysis of CK isoforms showed the MM3/MM1 ratio to be higher at the 2nd hour in Group I (3.74 +/- 2.37 versus 3.09 +/- 1.43) with a faster increase, without attaining statistical significance. A fourth CK MM fraction was observed at the 2nd hour in 71% of patients in Group I compared with only 20% of patients in Group II. Analysis of myoglobin showed a significantly earlier peak value in Group I (1,218 +/- 1,117 micrograms/l at 133 +/- 62 min versus 1,309 +/- 1,549 micrograms/l at 210 +/- 84 min). The sensitivity and specificity of these different markers were respectively 40%, 86%, 77%, and 60%, 70% and 67% for the CK (peak before 8 hours), the MM3/MM1 ratio (increase of over 35% in the first hour) and myoglobin (peak before 2 hours).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Production of oxygen free radicals in myocardial infarction treated by thrombolysis. Analysis of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde]

Many enzyme systems such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) neutralise the oxygen derived free radicals produced during myocardial reperfusion by thrombolysis. Erythrocytic SOD, plasma and erythrocytic GPx and their cofactor selenium, substances reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) were analysed by repeated sampling between T0 and 48 hours in 24 patients treated by thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction. Angiographic control was undertaken systematically between 60 and 180 minutes after initiating thrombolytic therapy: 18 patients had a patent vessel and 6 patients had an occluded vessel recanalised in 5 cases by angioplasty. Biological analysis was performed in the 23 patients successfully revascularised by thrombolysis, eventually completed by angioplasty. The plasma GPx decreased non-significantly between T0 and 2 hours from 246.8 +/- 53.3 to 233 +/- 39 U/ml with a significant increase between 2 and 48 hours from 233 +/- 39.2 to 294 +/- 76 U/ml, whereas the erythrocytic GPx rose significantly and constantly between T0 and 48 hours from 34.8 +/- 7.1 to 37.6 +/- 7.5 U/gHb with significant consumption of selenium between T0 and 4 hours from 81.2 +/- 14 to 68.5 +/- 12.6 micrograms/l. The erythrocytic SOD increased significantly between T0 and 48 hours from 318.9 +/- 40.8 to 337 +/- 59 U/gHb. Finally, the analysis of plasma TBARS showed a non-significant rise between T0 and 30 minutes from 1.59 +/- 0.30 to 1.71 +/- 1.43 mm/l with a return to the basic line values after about 2 hours. These results show a significant increase in the activity of enzymes protecting against the liberation of oxygen free radicals, such as erythrocyte or plasma GPx and erythrocyte SOD between T0 and 48 hours with consumption of selenium, cofactor of GPx, and an increase in circulating lipid peroxydes in acute myocardial infarction treated by thrombolysis. They also illustrate the oxidative stress which occurs in this situation.

Comparative study of the action of flunixin meglumine and tolfenamic acid on prostaglandin E2 synthesis in bovine inflammatory exudate

An acute non-immune inflammation model was used to compare the action of two non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, flunixin meglumine and tolfenamic acid, on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis in bovine inflammatory exudate. The tissue cage model used involves subcutaneous implantation of polypropylene cages and subsequent stimulation by carrageenan injection of the granulation tissue which develops within the cage. Twelve calves were randomly assigned to three groups receiving placebo, flunixin meglumine and tolfenamic acid, respectively. Inflammatory exudate was sampled 30 min after carrageenan injection and at seven subsequent time points. PGE2 levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. At each time point post-carrageenan injection, flunixin meglumine inhibited PGE2 synthesis to a greater extent than tolfenamic acid. At 4, 8, 12 and 24 h these differences were statistically significant.

Copper-ligand interactions and physiological free radical processes. Part 2. Influence of Cu2+ ions on Cu(+)-driven .OH generation and comparison with their effects on Fe(2+)-driven .OH production

In our search to establish a reference .OH production system with respect to which the reactivity of copper(II) complexes could then be tested, the influence of free Cu2+ ions on the Cu+/H2O2 reaction has been investigated. This influence depends on the CCu2+/CCu+ ratio. At low Cu2+ concentrations, .OH damage to various detector molecules decreases with increasing Cu2+ concentrations until CCu2+/CCu+ reaches unity. Above this value, .OH damage increases sharply until CCu2+/CCu+ becomes equal to 5 with salicylate and 2 with deoxyribose, ratios for which the protective effect of Cu2+ cancels. Finally, at higher concentrations, Cu2+ ions logically add their own .OH production to that normally expected from Cu+ ions. The possible origin of this unprecedented alternate effect has been discussed. The possible influence of Cu+ ions on the generation of .OH radicals by water gamma radiolysis has also been tested and, as already established for Cu2+ in a previous work, shown to be nonexistent. This definitely confirms that either form of ionised copper cannot scavenge .OH radicals in the absence of a ligand.

Copper-ligand interactions and physiological free radical processes. pH-dependent influence of Cu2+ ions on Fe2(+)-driven OH. generation

Prior to comparative studies on the reactivity of various copper complexes with respect to OH. radicals, the influence of free Cu2+ ions on the superoxide-independent generation of OH. radicals through Fenton assays and water gamma radiolysis has been tested in the present work. Cu2+ ions have been shown to behave in a distinct manner towards each of these two production systems. As was logically expected from the noninvolvement of copper in OH. radical production through gamma radiolysis, no influence of Cu2+ ions has been observed on the amount of radicals detected in that case. In contrast, Cu2+ ions do influence OH. radical generation through iron-driven Fenton reactions, but differently depending on copper concentration. When present in high concentrations, Cu2+ ions significantly contribute to OH. radical production, which confirms previous observations on the reactivity of these in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. At lower levels corresponding to copper/iron ratios below unity on the contrary, Cu2+ ions behave as inhibitors of the OH. production in a pH-dependent manner over the 1-6 range investigated: the lower the pH, the greater the inhibition. The possible origin of this previously unreported inhibitory effect is discussed.

Increased concentrations of endogenous 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoic acids in diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, as demonstrated by HPLC

Endogenous 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoic acids have been quantitated in human serum using a solvent extraction procedure followed by isocratic reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography and UV detection. In healthy adults, after an overnight fasting period, the concentrations of 13-cis- and all-trans-retinoic acids yielded 5.3 +/- 2.43 nmol/l and 11.8 +/- 3.3 nmol/l, respectively (mean +/- SD). The method has been successfully applied to the analysis of both isomers in serum from patients with idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in whom, the 13-cis- as well as all-trans-retinoic acid levels were raised as compared to the control group.

Retinol storage in the rat liver after daily intramuscular administration of physiological doses of a vitamin A oil emulsion

We have recently shown the kinetic behavior of liver retinyl esters in rats with adequate vitamin A levels receiving oral vitamin supplementation. In the present work we have studied the effects of intramuscular administration of a vitamin A preparation on the metabolism of vitamin A in the rat. Retinol administered intramuscularly to rats in the form of an emulsion brought about a significant increase in the serum and liver concentration of vitamin A; this increase was slightly less than in orally treated rats. In each group, retinyl palmitate constituted 80-85% of the total retinyl esters, followed by stearate (9-13%), laurate, palmitoleate, myristate, linoleate and pentadecanoate making up 3-10%. The subcellular localization of all retinyl esters is similar and dependent on age but not on the route of administration. These results indicate that although the best hepatic storage is achieved with an orally administered vitamin A emulsion, the intramuscular administration of a physiological dose might provide an effective supplementation method if oral vitamin A is contraindicated.

mu-Opioid receptors and not kappa-opioid receptors are coupled to the adenylate cyclase in the cerebellum

The putative regulatory effect of opioids on adenylate cyclase was investigated in two different preparations containing, respectively, two different populations of opioid receptors: the rabbit cerebellum (greater than 75% mu-opioid receptors) and the guinea pig cerebellum (greater than 80% kappa-opioid receptors). In the mu-preparation, but not in the kappa-preparation, opioids inhibited the basal and the forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in a dose-dependent manner and stereospecifically. The inhibition was in the 20-30% range, required the presence in the assay medium of Mg2+ and of GTP, but was independent of the presence of Na+. Pharmacological characterization of the inhibitory response in the rabbit cerebellum clearly showed that it was under the control of a mu-opioid binding site, with the effect being elicited by non-selective (etorphine and morphine) and mu-selective (Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Me-Phe-Gly-ol) agonists, whereas delta- and kappa-selective agonists were almost totally ineffective. ADP ribosylation of inhibitory GTP-binding protein by pertussis toxin failed to block the inhibitory effect of opioids, and data presented suggest that this failure is likely to be the consequence of a limited access of the toxin to its substrate in rabbit cerebellum membranes.

Fatty acid composition of adipocyte membrane phospholipids and stored triglycerides in infants receiving total parenteral nutrition

Fatty acid (FA) composition of membrane phospholipids (PL) and stored triglycerides (TG) from adipose tissue was studied in eight infants aged 1 to 4 months receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) since birth. During this period, essential fatty acid (EFA) intake consisted exclusively of soybean oil emulsion administered by intravenous route (Intralipid 20%) representing 301 +/- 88 mg/kg/24 hr of linoleic acid and 58 +/- 18 mg/kg/24 hr of alpha-linolenic acid, or 2.3 +/- 0.6% and 0.4 +/- 0.1%, respectively, of total energy intake. The results were compared with those of eight control infants of the same age receiving orally a normal milk diet with an intake of 660 +/- 260 mg/kg/24 hr of linoleic acid and 101 +/- 35 mg/kg/24 hr of alpha-linolenic acid, or 4.5 +/- 0.7% and 0.7 +/- 0.3%, respectively, of total energy intake. Although their EFA intake was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) and administered only parenterally, after 1 to 4 months the infants receiving TPN still had a membrane phospholipid FA pattern of adipose tissue which was not significantly different from that of normal children of the same age. In stored adipocyte TG, the percentage of linoleic acid was significantly lower (p less than 0.01) in infants receiving TPN. This is probably of nutritional importance as at this stage of life the child builds up its stores of EFA. The proportion of the other fatty acids in adipocyte TG was not significantly modified.

Placental taurine and low birth weight infants

In order to determine whether the decrease in taurine concentration in the placenta during pregnancy could affect fetal development, as has been observed in animals, we measured the concentration of taurine in placentas obtained after vaginal expulsion. 31 placentas from women with normal pregnancies of over 37 weeks who have given birth to infants of normal weight (3,200 +/- 310 g) were included in the study. In addition, 26 placentas of infants considered to be hypotrophic were also included (gestation over 37 weeks, birth weight: 2,260 +/- 230 g). The taurine was assayed using gaz-liquid chromatography. The concentration of taurine in the placenta was 2.80 +/- 0.56 mumol/g for the placentas of normal birth weight infants and 2.40 +/- 0.64 mumol/g for the placentas of hypotrophic infants (p less than 0.02). There is no significant correlation in normal and hypotrophic newborns between the gestation period, the weight and height at birth, the weight of the placenta, and the taurine concentration in the placenta. The taurine concentration in placentas of hypotrophic born infants is significantly reduced compared to the placentas from normal infants.

Taurine in developing brain, liver and muscle in infants

In order to evaluate tissue taurine storage during pregnancy, we determined the taurine concentration of a skeletal muscle (abdominal wall), the brain (left parietal lobe), and the liver (right lobe) in 41 children aged 1-10 days, born after 24-41 weeks gestation. Samples were obtained during autopsy. Taurine dosage was carried out by gas chromatography. Muscle and liver taurine concentrations decreased with the duration of gestation. For a given duration of pregnancy, there was no correlation between birth weight and these three tissue concentrations. From these results, we estimate that the fetus accumulates 35-40 mumol/24 h of taurine during the last 3 months of gestation.

Clinical biochemistry of sporidesmin natural intoxication (facial eczema) of sheep

The effects of facial eczema, i.e. intoxication by the mycotoxin sporidesmin, were investigated by extensive biochemical screening of serum in 100 controls (A), 31 clinically ill (B) and 219 apparently healthy (C) Manech ewes under field conditions. Dramatic increases of gamma-glutamyltransferase1), alkaline phosphatases, bilirubin, cholesterol, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, and lactate dehydrogenase confirmed the severity of liver damage in group B, but they were also observed in slightly more than 50% of group C animals. This demonstrated the true extent of the disease, which could be best assessed by the measurement of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase; but since this enzyme was still elevated one year later, it cannot be used as a reliable prognostic parameter.

[Influence of oral taurine supplementation on the intraduodenal concentration and conjugation of bile acids in full-term newborn infants]

We studied the effects of oral taurine supplementation on bile acids conjugation and duodenal bile salt concentrations in infants. Seventeen infants receiving enteral artificial nutrition were investigated. At the beginning of the study they were 6 to 14 weeks old, in good nutritional state, without malabsorption, protein-losing enteropathy and liver or infectious diseases. After at least 8 days of a stable, taurine-free regimen the infants received oral taurine supplementation (36-45 micromol/kg.24 h) for 8 days. Bile acids were measured before and after each supplementation period in bile samples obtained by duodenal tubing, using enzymatic methods and colorimetry. According to the initial plasma taurine levels before supplementation, the infants were divided into two groups: I) plasma taurine levels less than 60 mumol/l (mean 47 +/-5 mumol/l, n = 8); II) plasma taurine levels greater than 70 mumol/l (mean 77 +/- 2 mumol/l, = 9). After 8 days of taurine supplementation a significant increase of plasma and urinary taurine (P less than 0.01),total duodenal bile salt concentrations (P less than 0.05), total duodenal tauroconjugates (P less than 0.05),taurocholate (P less than 0.01), taurochenodeoxycholate (P less than 0.05), and glycocholate (P less than 0.01), duodenal concentrations, and a significant decrease of the glycoconjugate/tauroconjugate ratio (P less than 0.05), were observed, but only in group I. in group II infants we only noted a significant increase of urinary taurine (P less than 0.01), and of duodenal total tauroconjugates (P less than 0.05). This study shows that the biliary effects of an oral taurine supplementation depends on taurine status and that in taurine-depleted infants intakes of exogenous taurine higher than 45 mumol/kg. 24 h are perhaps necessary for optimal bile salt effects.

Metabolic utilization of linoleic acid from fat emulsion in infants during total parenteral nutrition

The metabolic utilization of linoleic acid (C18:2w6) from intravenous (iv) soybean oil emulsion via its conversion to higher homologues and prostaglandin biosynthesis was studied in 21 infants. The infants were of normal birth weight, in good clinical and metabolic condition, and aged from 1-4 months. They all received total parenteral nutrition after birth for more than 1 month; the only lipid was provided by iv Intralipid 20%, at levels approximating 350 mg/kg/24 h of linoleic acid (2.5% of the infants' total daily energy intake). Study of the fatty acids of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids in these infants, compared to healthy controls of the same age (N = 26), showed that 350 mg/kg/24 hr of C18:2w6 supply resulted in normalization of erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid distribution. This was particularly true of the higher homologues of C18:2w6 (C18:3w6, C20:3w6, and C20:4w6). This suggested that delta 6 and delta 5 desaturation activities are normal in these conditions with this C18:2w6 supply. These results were confirmed by the study of 24-hr urinary excretion of prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2. With 350 mg/kg/24 hr of C18:2w6 supply their urinary levels were not significantly different from those observed in normal children of the same age receiving an equivalent oral C18:2w6 intake.

Fatty acid composition and kinetic behaviour of liver retinyl esters in vitamin A sufficient and deficient rats

Weanling rats were fed vitamin A deficient diets (-A) or diets supplemented with vitamin A (+A) (4.4 mg retinol equivalents/kg diet) for a period of 7 or 6 wk, respectively. In liver tissues of these two groups of animals both the subcellular localization as well as the fatty acid composition of the retinyl esters was studied. During vitamin A supplementation or deprivation, the kinetics of the different ester forms were investigated. Results indicate that the subcellular localization of all retinyl esters is similar and dependent on age. Two pools exist, ie one consisting of the nuclear/cell debris and mitochondrial-lysosomal fractions and the other containing the microsomal and cytosol fractions. HPLC analysis showed retinyl palmitate as the predominating (80%) form of the various retinyl esters. By supplementation clearly two kinetic behaviours can be demonstrated: one being a relatively stable storage of the palmitate and stearate, increasing with time and the second one being a more labile pattern for the ester forms with other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. By vitamin A depletion all retinyl esters are affected indicating that the ester forms other than palmitate and stearate are also storage forms of vitamin A.

The diagnostic value of acetylcholinesterase/butyrylcholinesterase ratio in Hirschsprung's disease

Aganglionosis of large bowel (Hirschsprung's disease; HD) is associated with higher acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE activity). Occasionally, especially in the neonatal period, the AChE activity may not be of diagnostic value. The authors previously reported that simultaneous estimation of butyrylcholinesterase activity (BChE activity) and the determination of AChE/BChE ratio may have discriminatory diagnostic value. They extended this finding to 31 cases of HD, in 16 of which resected tissue was available for study. All cases had histologic confirmation of aganglionosis. The AChE/BChE ratio was found to be higher than 2.0, with the exception of a case in which the biopsy weight was low (i.e., less than 3 mg), even when the AChE activity was normal or borderline. The estimation of AChE/BChE ratio is easy, rapid, and, in the author's experience, of discriminatory diagnostic value.

Routine Hematology and Clinical Chemistry in Female Dogs with Benign and Malignant Mammary Tumors

Routine hematological and serum biochemical screening was done in 61 female dogs with benign mammary tumors and 51 female dogs with malignant mammary tumors. Most parameters were not significantly different from age-matched female controls; moreover, no significant difference could be observed between animals with benign and malignant tumors. It is concluded that routine hematology and biochemistry offer little diagnostic or prognostic benefit in female dogs with mammary tumors.

Cholinesterase activities in resected bowel specimens from children with Hirschsprung's disease

We have measured acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities along strips of resected bowel specimens from thirteen children with Hirschsprung's disease. The AChE activity was variable along the length of the resected bowel, while the BChE activity remained constant. By contrast, the AChE/BChE ratio decreased rapidly to low levels when ganglion cells were present. We suggest that this ratio can be used to determine the normal segments of the bowel, to specify the anatomic forms (i.e. rectal or rectosigmoid) and may be useful in determining the anastomotic level.

Human serum pancreatic lipase and trypsin 1 in aging: enzymatic and immunoenzymatic assays

Two major human pancreatic proteins, lipase and trypsin I, were measured in human sera from 35 elderly healthy adults and 51 young healthy adults. Lipase enzymatic activity was determined by a turbidimetric assay in the presence of colipase; lipase immunoreactive protein and trypsin immunoreactive protein were measured by using immunoenzymatic assays. Serum levels of the pancreatic enzymes were similar in young and elderly adults, with no significant differences between the groups for any of the assays. There was a close correlation between lipase enzyme activity and immunoreactivity in all participants, suggesting that the catalytic activity of lipase was not affected by aging. There were also significant correlations between the levels of immunoreactive lipase protein and immunoreactive trypsin protein, within and between the two groups, suggesting an age-independent relationship between these two pancreatic enzymes.

Assay of human pancreatic lipase in biological fluids using a non-competitive enzyme immunoassay

A sandwich enzyme immunoassay has been developed for human pancreatic lipase using polystyrene balls coated with specific IgG as the first antibody and peroxidase-labelled IgG as the second antibody. The detection limit was 0.5 microgram/l. Good parallelism was observed with the curves obtained from standard lipase and lipase present in serum, pancreatic juice and duodenal contents, demonstrating that the assay may be used to measure the level of the protein in different biological fluids. Mean values of lipase in human sera were 12.3 +/- 6.8 micrograms/l in adults and 4.5 +/- 2.7 in newborns. In all cases a good correlation was found in serum between the catalytic activity and the enzyme immunoassay. Lipase is detectable in amniotic fluids at the 18th week of pregnancy but at a very low level (0.95 +/- 0.32 microgram/l). In pancreatic juices, lipase concentration was 14.6% of the total protein content. A study on cystic fibrosis patients showed a poor correlation between blood pancreatic lipase concentration and fat malabsorption underlying the difficulty in assessing pancreatic function by the measurement of serum pancreatic enzymes. The use of the lipase assay in duodenal contents would permit better assessment of pancreatic function in patients presenting a severe or borderline defect in fat digestion and absorption.

Plasma phospholipid fatty acids and urinary excretion of prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2 in infants during total parenteral nutrition, with continuous or sequential administration of fat emulsion

During total parenteral nutrition, using an identical supply of fat emulsion (350 mg/kg/24 hr) to correct essential fatty acid deficiency in children, the efficacy of two methods of administration was studied: continuous over 24 hr, or discontinuous 3 hr/day. At the beginning of the study, all the infants (1-4 months old) had proven essential fatty acid deficiency. After at least 1 month of one of the two nutritional protocols (continuous or discontinuous), plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition and PGE1 and PGE2 urinary excretion were measured. The results obtained indicate better utilization of the fat emulsion when it is administered almost every day, in continuous infusion over 24 hr (1 g/kg/24 hr of Intralipid 20%).

Human pancreatic chymotrypsinogen A: a non-competitive enzyme immunoassay, and molecular forms in serum and amniotic fluid

A sandwich enzyme immunoassay has been developed for human pancreatic chymotrypsin(ogen) using polystyrene balls coated with specific IgG as the first antibody and peroxidase-labelled IgG as the second antibody. The detection limit was 0.5 microgram/l. A good parallelism was observed with the curves obtained from standard chymotrypsinogen A and chymotrypsin(ogen) present in pancreatic juice; however, a slight discrepancy in parallelism with chymotrypsin(ogen) present in serum and amniotic fluid was noticed. Chymotrypsinogen concentration in pancreatic juice was evaluated to represent 9% of total proteins. Mean values of chymotrypsin(ogen) in human sera were 24.6 +/- 8.3 micrograms/l in adults and 20.9 +/- 8.8 micrograms/l in newborns. In amniotic fluid at the 18th week of pregnancy the values were scattered (5-70 micrograms/l). The molecular forms of immunoreactive chymotrypsin(ogen) in normal serum and amniotic fluid have been investigated by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. Two peaks of immunoreactive chymotrypsin(ogen) were observed in normal serum; the first peak elutes in a position consistent with a complex of chymotrypsin with serum inhibitor (Mr 76,000), and the second peak elutes with a molecular weight of approx. 25,000 corresponding to the elution position of free chymotrypsin(ogen). In normal amniotic fluid three peaks of immunoreactive material were present; the first and second peaks elute in the same position as in serum, and the third peak with a molecular weight of about 14,500 may represent a degraded form of chymotrypsin.

[Stool electrolyte concentration in acute infantile diarrhea in France]

Sodium, potassium and chloride stool content was studied in 107 children aged 1 to 32 months (11 +/- 8 months) presenting with acute diarrhea related to a rotavirus infection (34 cases), to an invasive pathogen (Salmonella or Shigella 14 cases, E. coli 4 cases), or of non-identified etiology (65 cases). The therapeutic protocol was the same in all cases: rehydration for the first 24 hours, progressive realimentation from the second or third day, no drugs being given. An average of 4 stools were analysed for each child (range 2-14), the fecal samples being collected over 2 to 4 consecutive days. Na+ and K+ (n = 366) were assayed by flame photometry and chloride (n = 88) by continuous colorimetry. In the stool samples taken as a whole, without taking into account etiology or day of sampling, the electrolyte concentration (mean +/- SD) was 42 +/- 20 mmol/l for Na+ (range 4-166), 51 +/- 24 mmol/l for K+ (range 5-195), and 24 +/- 11 mmol/l for Cl- (range 4-93). No significant variation of these values was observed according to etiology, duration, severity of the diarrheal syndrome, oral rehydration or nutrition.

[Metabolism of vitamin A in Forestier-Rotès-Quérol hyperostosis]

High doses of retinol produce hyperostotic lesions in animals and humans. In this study we measured in fasting subjects and 5 hours after administering 50,000 IU of retinol, levels in the serum of retinol, retinol-binding protein (RBP) and prealbumin in 35 hyperostotic subjects (HVA) and 22 control subjects. Retinol levels were equally high after fasting and after consumption of vitamin A (p 0.01). The levels of retinol-binding protein and prealbumin increase in parallel, such that the molar ratios of retinol to retinol-binding protein or to prealbumin are not changed. Taken with literature data, those of the present study indicate that vitamin A is responsible for the production of hyperostotic lesions.

Tolerance and biological activity of pentosan polysulfate after intramuscular or subcutaneous administration for ten days in human volunteers

This study reports on the tolerance and the pharmacological activity of pentosan polysulfate (PPS) administered to healthy volunteers for 10 days. Three groups of 10 subjects received either one daily injections of 100 mg of PPS by I. M. route (group I), or two daily injection of 50 mg of PPS by I. M. or S. C. route (groups II and III, respectively). In each group two random subjects received a placebo for the 10 days; on day 0, each subject was injected by a placebo. Clinical tolerance was checked by a daily physical examination; biological tolerance was assessed comparing the results of the main biochemical and haematological constants measured before starting the treatment (day 0) and 12 or 24 h after the end of the treatment (day 11). The pharmacological activity was measured on serial samples taken before treatment and between 1 and 6 h after the drug injection on days 1, 3 and 10; the results were compared to those obtained on day 0. Clinical tolerance was good. The biological side effects concern the transaminase levels and the platelet counts. An increase above the upper normal limit was observed in 18/24 and 3/24 for alanine and aspartic transaminase respectively. The mean platelet reduction ranged between 24 and 34% according to the groups. The drug injection induced a slight Quick time (PT) prolongation, no significant alteration of factors II, VII-X, V levels and of thrombin clotting time. The activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was significantly prolonged and there was a weak but significant circulating anti-Xa activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Physiologically elevated concentration of serum trypsin-like immunoreactivity in newborns. Comparison with lipase

Comparative measurements on the levels of immunoreactive trypsin(ogen)-1 and lipase have been performed on newborn and adult sera. Values observed for immunoreactive trypsin(ogen)-1 with newborn sera are more dispersed and significantly higher (mean +/- SD, 31.9 +/- 12.9 micrograms/l) than the values obtained with adult sera (20.2 +/- 7.3 micrograms/l). The molecular size distribution of the immunoreactive trypsin-like material in newborns was studied by gel filtration. This material was eluted with a molecular weight of 25,000 which eliminates the possibility of an increased intestinal permeability of active trypsin which would be bound to serum protease inhibitors. In contrast to trypsin values, the mean serum lipase value at birth was significantly lower (7.0 +/- 3.2 micrograms/l) than the value observed for adults (26.9 +/- 8.2 micrograms/l). The possibility of an adaptation process in newborns is evoked.

Nutritional and toxicological effects of long-term ingestion of phosphine-fumigated diet by the rat

The fumigation of stored foodstuffs with phosphine (PH3) is likely to become widely used in the future because of its technological efficiency and the rapid desorption of the fumigant. In a long-term feeding study of a phosphine-fumigated diet, rats were monitored for weight gain, food intake, plasma chemistry, haematology and urinary changes. Histopathological studies, including organ-weight determinations, were carried out after treatment of the rats for 1 and 2 yr. The results show that ingestion of a phosphine-fumigated diet by the rat for 2 yr does not cause any marked modification of growth, food intake, nitrogen balance, body composition, functional behaviour or the incidence or type of tumours.

[Value of the assay of cholinesterase activity in superficial biopsies of the rectum in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease]

Cholinesterase activity have been estimated in rectal biopsies of 19 children with Hirschsprung's disease and 80 normal children. A high level of acetyl-cholinesterase is a strong argument for the diagnosis of aganglionosis. However the ratio acetylcholinesterase over butyrylcholinesterase seems to be a better sign allowing a right diagnosis in 99% of the cases.

[Hydrocephalus during central parenteral feeding. Role of vitamin A poisoning]

Five children receiving central parenteral nutrition presented between the 6th and 16th day of renutrition with hydrocephalus unrelated to intercurrent neurologic disorder. Repeated determinations of plasma retinol and of the transport complex components made the proof of vitamin A intoxication in 2 cases. Vitamin A had been provided in the form of a water-soluble vitamin-solution incorporated in the nutrition mixture (doses: 1,500 micrograms and 3,000 micrograms retinol equivalent respectively). These 2 case reports have to be compared with 3 other cases of hydrocephalus occurring during total parenteral nutrition. One child presented with bilateral jugular thrombosis secondary to percutaneous venous approach trials, while the 2 other were probably within the framework of an accelerated weight recovery following nutritional marasmus.

Variations in blood composition in dairy cows during pregnancy and after calving

The effects of pregnancy and of the onset of lactation on blood composition was studied in 21 Friesian cows. Among the 23 components studied only seven showed significant variations. Serum iron decreased at the end of pregnancy while creatinine increased throughout the last six months. There were decreases in blood glucose, cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase at the end of pregnancy. Triglycerides increased rapidly after drying-off and serum urea increased in the first month after calving.

[Evaluation of the lean body and/or muscle mass in children receiving artificial nutrition. Comparative value of anthropometric data and the urinary excretion of creatinine and 3-methylhistidine]

Lean body mass was estimated in 15 adequately nourished and afebrile children, aged 1 to 24 months, receiving parenteral and/or enteral nutrition with anthropometric measurements (30 analyses). At the same time, muscle mass was evaluated from the 24 hour-urinary excretion of creatinine and 3-methylhistidine. Statistical computations showed and excellent correlation between the results obtained by both methods. The stable conditions for these children receiving artificial nutrition (normal nitrogen, carbohydrate and fat intakes, excluding exogenous creatinine and 3-methylhistidine) allow the use of these two biological measurements as markers of muscle mass and provide a control for the validity of the results of anthropometric measurements. Urinary excretion of 3-methyl-histidine not correlated with that of creatinine or with anthropometric data should suggest an increase in myofibrillary catabolism. These 3 simple, non invasive tests may be particularly useful in patients receiving artificial nutrition, to study the short- and long-term efficacy of the methods of artificial feeding used and to modulate the intake of nitrogen, carbohydrates and fat.