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Diaz K, Kohut ML, Russell DW, Stegemöller EL. Peripheral inflammatory cytokines and motor symptoms in persons with Parkinson's disease. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 21:100442. [PMID: 35308082 PMCID: PMC8927904 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) impact quality of life and are not fully ameliorated by current pharmacological and surgical treatments. A better understanding of the pathophysiology underlying these symptoms is needed. Previous research has suggested that inflammation may play a significant role in PD pathophysiology and progression, but there is limited research exploring how inflammation directly relates to motor symptoms in PD. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between peripheral immune inflammatory markers and motor symptoms of PD, specifically, tremor, bradykinesia, and postural and gait instability. We hypothesized that peripheral inflammatory cytokines would predict the severity of motor symptoms in persons with PD, and that there will be higher levels of peripheral inflammatory cytokine markers in persons with PD when compared to age-matched healthy older adults. Methods Twenty-six participants with PD and fourteen healthy older adults completed the study. For participants with PD, the motor section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) was recorded and scored by two Movement Disorders Neurologists masked to the study. A blood sample was collected from both participants with PD and the healthy older adults. Through the MILLIPLEX® map High Sensitivity Human Cytokine Kit, key inflammation-related markers were analyzed (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-2, IL-7, IL-5, IL-13, IL, 4, IL-10 IL-12p70, GM-CSF, and IL-6). Results Results revealed significantly higher levels of IL-6 in persons with PD when compared to healthy older adults (p = 0.005). Moreover, results revealed that higher levels of IL-4 (p = 0.011) and lower levels of IFNγ (p = 0.003) significantly predicted more severe tremor in persons with PD. No other associations between the peripheral inflammation markers and other motor symptoms were observed. Conclusions Overall, these results are consistent with a growing body of literature that implicates inflammatory cytokines in the PD, and further suggests that inflammatory cytokines, or lack thereof, may be associated with tremor in persons with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Diaz
- Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - M L Kohut
- Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - D W Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - E L Stegemöller
- Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
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Pieruzzini R, Ayala-Grosso C, de Jesus Navas J, Rodriguez W, Parra N, Luque E, Sanchez-Gago A, Gonzalez S, Hagobian A, Grullon A, Diaz K, Morales M, De Jesus M, Pena S, Rodriguez L, Pena L, Asaro A, Magris M. What smell and taste disorders by SARS-CoV-2 do we know? Predictive value of the Venezuelan Olfactory Test and RT-PCR molecular analysis in COVID-19 infection. RHINOL 2021. [DOI: 10.4193/rhinol/21.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Smell and taste disorders are reported very frequently and at an early stage in SARS-CoV-2 infectious disease. These symptoms could be sensitive and specific to establish possible severity of the infection, and may suggest the flow of decisions as to further therapy. Objective: We asked whether smell and taste impairment are earlier and more sensitive symptoms than the RT-PCR molecular assays for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Methods: Subjects (N=275) with a probable COVID-19 diagnosis were classified as follows: Symptomatic with chemosensory dysfunction, symptomatic without chemosensory dysfunction, and asymptomatic. Validated unbiased testing of the chemosensory dysfunction was performed by means of the Venezuelan Olfactory Test and taste test. Nasal swabs and blood samples were analyzed by RT-PCR molecular analysis a rapid diagnostic test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus and viral antibodies, respectively. Smell and taste testing and RT-PCR were performed every 3 to 5 days to patients until full recovery. Results: Out of 144 patients that were positive for SARS-CoV-2: 45.83% had COVID-19 symptoms, smell and taste disorders; 23.61% had COVID-19 symptoms but not smell or taste disorders, and 30.55% were asymptomatic. Mild hyposmia and hypogeusia were frequently associated with SARS-CoV-2 symptoms. Recovery from chemosensory dysfunction occurred between day 3 and 14. RT-PCR becomes negative after 21 days. The Venezuelan Olfactory Test and taste test has a 61.68% positive predictive value, 45.83% sensitivity, and 68.7% specificity for SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Smell and taste disorders are associated symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not a predictor of the disease, as compared to the molecular RT-PCR test.
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Al-Hamashi AA, Diaz K, Huang R. Non-Histone Arginine Methylation by Protein Arginine Methyltransferases. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:699-712. [PMID: 32379587 PMCID: PMC7529871 DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666200507091952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) enzymes play a crucial role in RNA splicing, DNA damage repair, cell signaling, and differentiation. Arginine methylation is a prominent posttransitional modification of histones and various non-histone proteins that can either activate or repress gene expression. The aberrant expression of PRMTs has been linked to multiple abnormalities, notably cancer. Herein, we review a number of non-histone protein substrates for all nine members of human PRMTs and how PRMT-mediated non-histone arginine methylation modulates various diseases. Additionally, we highlight the most recent clinical studies for several PRMT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayad A. Al-Hamashi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Baghdad, Bab-almoadham, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Krystal Diaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
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Chen D, Li L, Diaz K, Iyamu ID, Yadav R, Noinaj N, Huang R. Novel Propargyl-Linked Bisubstrate Analogues as Tight-Binding Inhibitors for Nicotinamide N-Methyltransferase. J Med Chem 2019; 62:10783-10797. [PMID: 31724854 PMCID: PMC7296983 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) catalyzes the methyl transfer from the cofactor S-adenosylmethionine to nicotinamide and other pyridine-containing compounds. NNMT is an important regulator for nicotinamide metabolism and methylation potential. Aberrant expression levels of NNMT have been implicated in cancer, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases, which makes NNMT a potential therapeutic target. Therefore, potent and selective NNMT inhibitors can serve as valuable tools to investigate the roles of NNMT in its mediated diseases. Here, we applied a rational strategy to design and synthesize the tight-binding bisubstrate inhibitor LL320 through a novel propargyl linker. LL320 demonstrates a Ki value of 1.6 ± 0.3 nM, which is the most potent inhibitor to date. The cocrystal structure of LL320 confirms its interaction with both the substrate and cofactor binding sites on NNMT. Importantly, this is the first example of using the propargyl linker to construct potent methyltransferase inhibitors, which will expand our understanding of the transition state of methyl transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular
Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Linjie Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular
Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Krystal Diaz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular
Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Iredia D. Iyamu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular
Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Ravi Yadav
- Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of
Biological Sciences and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and
Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United
States
| | - Nicholas Noinaj
- Markey Center for Structural Biology, Department of
Biological Sciences and the Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and
Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United
States
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular
Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue
University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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Ndiaye M, Niang S, Diop A, Diallo M, Diaz K, Ly F, Dioussé P, Diatta B, Seck N, Diallo S, Ndiaye M, Diadie S, Dieng M, Kane A. Ulcères de jambe au cours de la drépanocytose : étude rétrospective de 40 cas. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2016; 143:103-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Spurgeon SEF, Chen AI, Ratterree B, Okada C, Palmbach G, Diaz K, Subbiah N, Capper C, Epner EE. Activity of vorinostat (SAHA), cladribine (2-CdA), and rituximab in previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma: A phase I/II study. J Clin Oncol 2011. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.29.15_suppl.8023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Forchuk C, Giustizia S, Annett N, Connoy M, Csiernik R, Diaz K, Edwards B, Elkin D, Fisman S, Godin M, Jeng M, Laverty K, Mitchell B, Norman R, Ouseley S, Richardson J, Rudnick A, Wilk P. FC27-01 - Youth matters in London: Mental health, addiction and homelessness. Eur Psychiatry 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/s0924-9338(11)73668-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This project will work closely with existing service partners involved in street level services and focus on testing and evaluating three approaches for street level interventions for youth who are homeless and who have severe or moderate mentally illness. Youth will be asked to choose their preferred service approach:Housing First related initiatives focused on interventions designed to move youth to appropriate and available housing and ongoing housing supports.Treatment First initiatives to provide Mental Health/Addiction supports and treatment solutions, and; Simultaneous attention to both Housing and Treatment TogetherOur primary objective is to understand the service delivery preferences of homeless youth and understand the outcomes of these choices. Our research questions include:1.Which approaches to service are chosen by youth?2.What are the differences and similarities between groups choosing each approach?3.What are the critical ingredients needed to effectively implement services for homeless youth from the perspectives of youth, families and service providers?Focus groups with staff and family members will occur to assist in understanding the nature of each of service approach, changes that evolve within services, & facilitators and barriers to service delivery. This work will be important in determining which approach is chosen by youth and why. Evaluating the outcomes with each choice will provide valuable information about outcomes for the service options chosen by youth. This assist in better identifying weaknesses in the services offered and inform further development of treatment options that youth will accept.
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Tian Y, Ramesh CV, Ma X, Naqvi S, Patel T, Cenizal T, Tiscione M, Diaz K, Crea T, Arnold E, Arnold GF, Taylor JW. Structure-affinity relationships in the gp41 ELDKWA epitope for the HIV-1 neutralizing monoclonal antibody 2F5: effects of side-chain and backbone modifications and conformational constraints. J Pept Res 2002; 59:264-76. [PMID: 12010517 DOI: 10.1034/j.1399-3011.2002.02988.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The human monoclonal antibody, mAb 2F5, has broad HIV-1 neutralizing activity and binds a conserved linear epitope within the envelope glycoprotein gp41 having a core recognition sequence ELDKWA. In this study, the structural requirements of this epitope for high-affinity binding to mAb 2F5 were explored using peptide synthesis and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Expansion of the minimal epitope to an end-capped, linear nonapeptide, Ac-LELDKWASL-amide, was sufficient to attain maximal affinity within the set of native gp41-sequence peptides assayed. Scanning single-residue alanine and d-residue substitutions then confirmed the essential recognition requirements of 2F5 for the central DKW sequence, and also established the importance of the terminal leucine residues in determining high-affinity binding of the linear nonapeptide. Further studies of side-chain and backbone-modified analogs revealed a high degree of structural specificity for the DK sequence in particular, and delineated the steric requirements of the Leu(3) and Trp(6) residues. The nine-residue 2F5 epitope, flanked by pairs of serine residues, retained a high affinity for 2F5 when it was conformationally constrained as a 15-residue, disulfide-bridged loop. However, analogs with smaller or larger loop sizes resulted in lower 2F5 affinities. The conformational effects of the gp41 C-peptide helix immediately adjacent to the N-terminal end of the ELDKWA epitope were examined through the synthesis of helix-initiated analogs. Circular dichroism (CD) studies indicated that the alpha-helical conformation was propagated efficiently into the LELDKWASL epitope, but without any significant effect on its affinity for 2F5. This study should guide the design of a second generation of conformationally constrained ELDKWA analogs that might elicit an immune response that mimics the HIV-neutralizing actions of 2F5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Tian
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, USA; also Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Norman RM, Malla AK, Cortese L, Cheng S, Diaz K, McIntosh E, McLean TS, Rickwood A, Voruganti LP. Symptoms and cognition as predictors of community functioning: a prospective analysis. Am J Psychiatry 1999; 156:400-5. [PMID: 10080555 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.156.3.400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been suggested that level of cognitive functioning as assessed by formal neurocognitive tests may be as important as, or even more important than, symptoms in predicting level of community functioning for patients with schizophrenia. The results of past prospective studies, when carefully examined, do not consistently support this hypothesis. In the current study, the authors used symptom and neurocognitive data to predict subsequent level of functioning in the community. METHOD Neurocognitive and symptom data collected as part of an earlier study were used to predict the community functioning of 50 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Using the Life Skills Profile, staff of a community mental health program assessed community functioning while blind to the earlier symptom ratings and neurocognitive performance. RESULTS Symptoms were more predictive of community functioning than were neurocognitive measures. Disorganization symptoms were generally more predictive of community functioning than was either psychomotor poverty or reality distortion. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study and of previous longitudinal studies suggest the importance of using symptom levels after optimal treatment, rather than symptoms during acute episodes, as predictors of community functioning. They also indicate the need to evaluate the effects of treatment on disorganization as a separable dimension of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Norman
- Department of Psychiatry, London Health Sciences Centre, Ont., Canada.
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Malla AK, Norman RM, McLean TS, Cheng S, Rickwood A, McIntosh E, Cortese L, Diaz K, Voruganti LP. An integrated medical and psychosocial treatment program for psychotic disorders: patient characteristics and outcome. Can J Psychiatry 1998; 43:698-705. [PMID: 9773219 DOI: 10.1177/070674379804300704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of a comprehensive and integrated case-management program that incorporates principles of assertive community treatment and combines effective medical and psychosocial interventions and to present the results of a process and outcome evaluation of the program, with particular emphasis on its impact on service utilization and consumer satisfaction. METHOD Data on demographic, clinical, and several outcome measures were collected on all patients who received care in the program for a minimum of 6 months. For process evaluation we assessed the extent to which the program adhered to its goals and satisfied the patients, their families, and community-service agencies. Outcome-evaluation data on the number and length of hospital admissions were compared for each subject with individual historical data for a period equal to the time spent in the program. In addition, relapses of psychotic symptoms that did not result in hospital admissions were calculated for each patient while in the program. RESULTS Demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of clients show that the program has succeeded in maintaining its focus on providing services to relatively chronically ill patients with psychotic disorders over a mean period of 3 years. The process-evaluation data indicated a high level of satisfaction by patients, families, and other service agencies with the services received. Information on outcome variable showed that the program achieved significantly lower rates of hospital admissions and relapse of psychosis than expected. There was a highly significant reduction achieved in the utilization of inpatient hospital resources for patients receiving care in the program. Most of the inpatient service utilization was attributed to patients either who were resistant to treatment with antipsychotic agents or who refused to accept or comply with medication. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to provide effective continuity of care from inpatient treatment to community adjustment for most individuals with psychotic disorders across the spectrum by blending hospital and community resources within an integrated case-management model of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Malla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London.
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Contreras I, Caro JF, Aveledo L, Diaz K, Durrego P, Weisinger JR. In chronic uremia, insulin activates receptor kinase but not pyruvate dehydrogenase. Nephron Clin Pract 1992; 61:77-81. [PMID: 1326722 DOI: 10.1159/000186839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied in vivo biochemical effects of insulin in the skeletal muscle of chronically uremic and control rats. The rate of disappearance of blood glucose (determined with a short intravenous test) was reduced by 38% in uremia (p less than 0.05). Intraperitoneal treatment with insulin plus glucose for 30 min caused a 3-fold increase in the activity of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase in the skeletal muscle of both rat groups. Conversely, pyruvate dehydrogenase activity increased by 115% in controls but only by 26% in uremics (p less than 0.01). Exercise (swimming for 30 min) increased muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase activity approximately 2-fold in both groups of animals. These experiments show that in uremic rats, insulin binds normally to its muscle receptors and adequately activates receptor tyrosine kinase but fails to activate an otherwise responsive pyruvate dehydrogenase.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Contreras
- Division de Nefrología, Hospital Universitario de Caracas, Venezuela
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Walters MD, Diaz K. Q-tip test: a study of continent and incontinent women. Obstet Gynecol 1987; 70:208-11. [PMID: 3601284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Urethral axis position and mobility, as determined by the "Q-tip test," were measured in subjectively continent women (N = 26), women with genuine stress incontinence (N = 28), and women with other types of urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction (N = 20). Diagnostic urodynamic evaluation in symptomatic women included standard history, physical examination, urine culture, Q-tip test, uroflowmetry, standing "stress test," resting and stress urethral pressure profiles, and subtracted medium-fill water cystometry with provocation. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the existence of significant clinical predictors of the dependent variables (stress angle, urethral mobility). These factors were used as covariates to identify differences between the adjusted group means. The results indicate a wide range of values for each Q-tip test measurement in all groups. Age, parity, resting Q-tip angle, and the presence of anterior vaginal relaxation were associated with maximum stress Q-tip measurement. Significant differences in maximum stress Q-tip angle and urethral mobility were noted only between the continent controls and women with genuine stress incontinence. No differences were found between the two incontinent study groups. We conclude that urethral position and mobility as measured by the Q-tip test are related to defects in anterior vaginal support, but not to specific urologic diagnosis.
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