1
|
Fuat A, Adlen E, Monane M, Coll R, Groves S, Little E, Wild J, Kamali FJ, Soni Y, Haining S, Riding H, Riveros-Mckay F, Peneva I, Lachapelle A, Giner-Delgado C, Weale ME, Plagnol V, Harrison S, Donnelly P. A polygenic risk score added to a QRISK®2 cardiovascular disease risk calculator demonstrated robust clinical acceptance and clinical utility in the primary care setting. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2024; 31:716-722. [PMID: 38243727 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to assess the real-world feasibility, acceptability, and impact of an integrated risk tool for cardiovascular disease (CVD IRT, combining the standard QRISK®2 risk algorithm with a polygenic risk score), implemented within routine primary practice in the UK National Health Service. METHODS AND RESULTS The Healthcare Evaluation of Absolute Risk Testing Study (NCT05294419) evaluated participants undergoing primary care health checks. Both QRISK2 and CVD IRT scores were returned to the healthcare providers (HCPs), who then communicated the results to participants. The primary outcome of the study was feasibility of CVD IRT implementation. Secondary outcomes included changes in CVD risk (QRISK2 vs. CVD IRT) and impact of the CVD IRT on clinical decision-making. A total of 832 eligible participants (median age 55 years, 62% females, 97.5% White ethnicity) were enrolled across 12 UK primary care practices. Cardiovascular disease IRT scores were obtained on 100% of the blood samples. Healthcare providers stated that the CVD IRT could be incorporated into routine primary care in a straightforward manner in 90.7% of reports. Participants stated they were 'likely' or 'very likely' to recommend the use of this test to their family or friends in 86.9% of reports. Participants stated that the test was personally useful (98.8%) and that the results were easy to understand (94.6%). When CVD IRT exceeded QRISK2, HCPs planned changes in management for 108/388 (27.8%) of participants and 47% (62/132) of participants with absolute risk score changes of >2%. CONCLUSION Amongst HCPs and participants who agreed to the trial of genetic data for refinement of clinical risk prediction in primary care, we observed that CVD IRT implementation was feasible and well accepted. The CVD IRT results were associated with planned changes in prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ella Adlen
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | - Mark Monane
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | - Ruth Coll
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | - Sarah Groves
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | | | | | | | - Yusuf Soni
- Riverside General Practice, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Shona Haining
- Research and Evidence, NHS North of England Commissioning Support, Durham, UK
| | - Helen Riding
- Research and Evidence, NHS North of England Commissioning Support, Durham, UK
| | | | - Iliana Peneva
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | | | | | - Michael E Weale
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | - Vincent Plagnol
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | - Seamus Harrison
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| | - Peter Donnelly
- Genomics plc, King Charles House, Park End Street, Oxford OX1 1JD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Baukmann HA, Cope JL, Bannard C, Schwinges AR, Lamparter MR, Groves S, Ravarani CN, Amulic B, Klinger JE, Schmidt MF. Exploring disease-causing traits for drug repurposing in critically ill COVID-19 patients: A causal inference approach. iScience 2023; 26:108185. [PMID: 37965141 PMCID: PMC10641251 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent development of vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients remains an important goal. In principle, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) provide a shortcut to the clinical evidence needed to repurpose existing drugs; however, genes identified frequently lack a causal disease link. We report an alternative method for finding drug repurposing targets, focusing on disease-causing traits beyond immediate disease genetics. Sixty blood cell types and biochemistries, and body mass index, were screened on a cohort of critically ill COVID-19 cases and controls that exhibited mild symptoms after infection, yielding high neutrophil cell count as a possible causal trait for critical illness. Our methodology identified CDK6 and janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors as treatment targets that were validated in an ex vivo neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation assay. Our methodology demonstrates the increased power for drug target identification by leveraging large disease-causing trait datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Colin Bannard
- University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | | | | | - Sarah Groves
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1DT, UK
| | | | - Borko Amulic
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1DT, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rice CM, Lewis P, Ponce-Garcia FM, Gibbs W, Groves S, Cela D, Hamilton F, Arnold D, Hyams C, Oliver E, Barr R, Goenka A, Davidson A, Wooldridge L, Finn A, Rivino L, Amulic B. Hyperactive immature state and differential CXCR2 expression of neutrophils in severe COVID-19. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:6/2/e202201658. [PMID: 36622345 PMCID: PMC9748722 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201658] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neutrophils are vital in defence against pathogens, but excessive neutrophil activity can lead to tissue damage and promote acute respiratory distress syndrome. COVID-19 is associated with systemic expansion of immature neutrophils, but the functional consequences of this shift to immaturity are not understood. We used flow cytometry to investigate activity and phenotypic diversity of circulating neutrophils in acute and convalescent COVID-19 patients. First, we demonstrate hyperactivation of immature CD10- subpopulations in severe disease, with elevated markers of secondary granule release. Partially activated immature neutrophils were detectable 12 wk post-hospitalisation, indicating long term myeloid dysregulation in convalescent COVID-19 patients. Second, we demonstrate that neutrophils from moderately ill patients down-regulate the chemokine receptor CXCR2, whereas neutrophils from severely ill individuals fail to do so, suggesting an altered ability for organ trafficking and a potential mechanism for induction of disease tolerance. CD10- and CXCR2hi neutrophil subpopulations were enriched in severe disease and may represent prognostic biomarkers for the identification of individuals at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Rice
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Philip Lewis
- University of Bristol Proteomics Facility, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Fernando M Ponce-Garcia
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Willem Gibbs
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Groves
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Drinalda Cela
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Fergus Hamilton
- Academic Respiratory Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Arnold
- Academic Respiratory Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Catherine Hyams
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Academic Respiratory Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Elizabeth Oliver
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rachael Barr
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anu Goenka
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Linda Wooldridge
- Bristol Veterinary School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Laura Rivino
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Borko Amulic
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cela D, Knackstedt SL, Groves S, Rice CM, Kwon JTW, Mordmüller B, Amulic B. PAD4 controls chemoattractant production and neutrophil trafficking in malaria. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:1235-1242. [PMID: 34755385 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.4ab1120-780r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) is a key regulator of inflammation but its function in infections remains incompletely understood. We investigate PAD4 in the context of malaria and demonstrate a role in regulation of immune cell trafficking and chemokine production. PAD4 regulates liver immunopathology by promoting neutrophil trafficking in a Plasmodium chabaudi mouse malaria model. In human macrophages, PAD4 regulates expression of CXCL chemokines in response to stimulation with TLR ligands and P. falciparum. Using patient samples, we show that CXCL1 may be a biomarker for severe malaria. PAD4 inhibition promotes disease tolerance and may represent a therapeutic avenue in malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Drinalda Cela
- University of Bristol, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sarah Groves
- University of Bristol, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher M Rice
- University of Bristol, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | - Jamie Tae Wook Kwon
- University of Bristol, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| | - Benjamin Mordmüller
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné (CERMEL), Lambaréné, Gabon.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Borko Amulic
- University of Bristol, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Makin S, Groves S. Summary of latest NHS England Emergency Preparedness Resilience and Response (EPRR) guidance. BMJ Mil Health 2018; 166:12-16. [PMID: 29487206 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2018-000925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The National Health Service (NHS) England Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response Framework exists to provide a structure by which NHS England and NHS-funded bodies prepare for and respond to a range of emergencies. This framework exists to ensure that in emergencies the NHS retains the capability to deliver appropriate care to patients. Rather than dealing with individual scenarios, the framework aims to maintain the adaptability and capacity to deal with a variety of emergencies, their consequences and guide recovery plans. This paper summarises this guidance and elucidates the reasoning and mechanisms by which this care will be facilitated and delivered.
Collapse
|
6
|
O’Shea DJ, Thomas A, Turner-Cobb J, Hill I, Clarke E, Groves S, France B, Sengupta R. AB0835-HPR Evaluating the impact of a specialist ankylosing spondylitis rehabilitation programme on patient’s quality of life. Ann Rheum Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-eular.3157] [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: 11/04/2022]
|
7
|
Perry J, Allen DG, Pimm C, Meek A, Lowe K, Groves S, Cohen D, Felce D. Adults with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour: the costs and outcomes of in- and out-of-area placements. J Intellect Disabil Res 2013; 57:139-152. [PMID: 22471517 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2012.01558.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with severe challenging behaviour are vulnerable to exclusion from local services and removal to out-of-area placements if locally available supported accommodation is insufficient to meet their needs. There are concerns about the high costs and potentially poorer outcomes of out-of-area placements but relatively little is known about how costs and outcomes compare with provision for a similar population placed locally. METHODS Costs, quality of care and a wide range of quality of life outcomes for 38 people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour living in-area and 38 similar people living out-of-area were compared. The two groups were matched as far as possible on risk factors for out-of-area placement. The out-of-area group represented two-thirds of the total number of people who originated from the territory served by the largest specialist health service in Wales and were placed in residential settings at least 10 miles beyond its boundaries. RESULTS There was a mixed pattern of quality of care and quality of outcome advantages between the two types of setting, although in-area placements had a greater number of advantages than out-of-area placements. Unexpectedly, out-of-area placements had lower total costs, accommodation costs and daytime activity costs. CONCLUSIONS No overall conclusion could be reached about cost-effectiveness. A number of potential reasons for the differences in cost were identified. Although additional resources may be needed to provide in-area services for those currently placed out-of-area, government policy to provide comprehensively for those who want to live locally, irrespective of their needs, appears to be attainable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Perry
- Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kaye DK, Muhwezi WW, Kasozi AN, Kijjambu S, Mbalinda SN, Okullo I, Nabirye RC, Oria H, Atuyambe L, Groves S, Burnham G, Mwanika A. Lessons learnt from comprehensive evaluation of community-based education in Uganda: a proposal for an ideal model community-based education for health professional training institutions. BMC Med Educ 2011; 11:7. [PMID: 21362181 PMCID: PMC3056836 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-11-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based education (CBE) can provide contextual learning that addresses manpower scarcity by enabling trainees acquire requisite experiences, competence, confidence and values. In Uganda, many health professional training institutions conduct some form of community-based education (CBE). However, there is scanty information on the nature of the training: whether a curriculum exists (objectives, intended outcomes, content, implementation strategy), administration and constraints faced. The objective was to make a comprehensive assessment of CBE as implemented by Ugandan health professional training institutions to document the nature of CBE conducted and propose an ideal model with minimum requirements for health professional training institutions in Uganda. METHODS We employed several methods: documentary review of curricula of 22 institutions, so as to assess the nature, purpose, outcomes, and methods of instruction and assessment; site visits to these institutions and their CBE sites, to assess the learning environment (infrastructure and resources); in-depth interviews with key people involved in running CBE at the institutions and community, to evaluate CBE implementation, challenges experienced and perceived solutions. RESULTS CBE was perceived differently ranging from a subject, a course, a program or a project. Despite having similar curricula, institutions differ in the administration, implementation and assessment of CBE. Objectives of CBE, the curricula content and implementation strategies differ in similar institutions. On collaborative and social learning, most trainees do not reside in the community, though they work on group projects and write group reports. Lectures and skills demonstrations were the main instruction methods. Assessment involved mainly continuous assessment, oral or written reports and summative examination. CONCLUSION This assessment identified deficiencies in the design and implementation of CBE at several health professional training institutions, with major flaws identified in curriculum content, supervision of trainees, inappropriate assessment, trainee welfare, and underutilization of opportunities for contextual and collaborative learning. Since CBE showed potential to benefit the trainees, community and institutions, we propose a model that delivers a minimum package of CBE and overcomes the wide variation in the concept, conduct and implementation of CBE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan K Kaye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Wilson W Muhwezi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ann N Kasozi
- Office of the Dean, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven Kijjambu
- Office of the Dean, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Scovia N Mbalinda
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Isaac Okullo
- Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rose C Nabirye
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hussein Oria
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lynn Atuyambe
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Groves
- Department of Nursing, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gilbert Burnham
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Mwanika
- Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Dawson A, Perrins CM, Sharp PJ, Wheeler D, Groves S. The involvement of prolactin in avian molt: the effects of gender and breeding success on the timing of molt in Mute swans (Cygnus olor). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 161:267-70. [PMID: 19523387 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2008] [Revised: 01/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that decreasing plasma prolactin stimulates or permits the initiation of avian molt. Changes in the concentration of plasma prolactin in Mute swans (Cygnus olor) were compared in non-breeding singletons and breeding pairs. In breeding swans, the onset of molt is delayed compared to non-breeders, and is delayed further in breeding males compared to their female partners. The seasonal decrease in prolactin in non-breeding birds of both sexes started at the end of May and was associated with the initiation of molt 4 weeks later. The decrease in plasma prolactin in incubating females was more pronounced, as a consequence of increased prolactin secretion associated with incubation behavior, but also started at end of May, and was associated the onset of molt 6 weeks later. In breeding males, plasma prolactin increased at the end of May when they started to care for their newly hatched cygnets. Correspondingly, prolactin began to decrease 3-5 weeks later in males than in females. These males started to molt in mid August, at least 4 weeks later than females. It is concluded that molt is related to decreasing plasma prolactin, and is inhibited when plasma prolactin is increasing or high.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Dawson
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Midlothian, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
van Loenhout K, Groves S, Moainie S, Galazka M, Sherman B, O'Keefe S, Wade C, Britt E, Lesser S, Todd N, van Hal P, Griffith B, Iacono A. 430: Alemtuzumab Induction Therapy in Lung Transplantation: Early Outcomes. J Heart Lung Transplant 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2008.11.437] [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: 11/25/2022] Open
|
11
|
Galazka M, Groves S, Corcoran T, Johnson B, Suffredini A, Britt E, Sherman B, Augustine S, Moainie S, Todd N, Griffith B, Iacono A. 403: Preservation of Pulmonary Function by Inhaled Cyclosporine in Lung Transplant Recipients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2007.11.415] [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: 11/27/2022] Open
|
12
|
Antier D, Carswell HVO, Brosnan MJ, Hamilton CA, Macrae IM, Groves S, Jardine E, Reid JL, Dominiczak AE. Increased levels of superoxide in brains from old female rats. Free Radic Res 2004; 38:177-83. [PMID: 15104211 DOI: 10.1080/10715760310001643294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension, aging and a range of neurodegenerative diseases are associated with increased oxidative damage. The present study examined whether superoxide (O2*-) levels in brain are increased during aging in female rats, and the role of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and oestrogen in regulating O2*- levels. Young adult (3 month) and old (11 month) female spontaneously hypertensive stroke prone rats (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were studied. O2*- levels were measured in brain homogenates by lucigenin chemiluminescence and SOD expression by Western blotting. Ageing significantly increased brain O2*- levels in WKY (cortex +216%, hippocampus +320%, striatum +225%) and to a greater extent in SHRSP (cortex +540%, hippocampus +580%, striatum +533%). Older SHRSP showed a decline in cortical Cu/Zn SOD expression compared to young adult SHRSP. Oestrogen did not attenuate O2*- levels. The results show a significant age-dependent increase in brain O2*- levels which is exaggerated in SHRSP. The excess cortical O2*- levels in the SHRSP may be associated with a down-regulation of Cu/Zn SOD but are not related to a decrease in oestrogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Antier
- Division of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to study gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor function in alcohol-dependent subjects during withdrawal, using the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil. In particular, we wanted to examine the hypotheses that an endogenous inverse agonist ligand at the GABA-A benzodiazepine receptor (GBzR) is active during withdrawal (in which case flumazenil should be anxiolytic), or whether chronic alcohol intake results in a shift in sensitivity of the receptor in the inverse agonist direction (in which case flumazenil should be anxiogenic). Results from 15 alcohol-dependent subjects in a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study showed that flumazenil was neither anxiolytic nor anxiogenic, although withdrawal scores were reduced during the course of the study. The fact that flumazenil was not anxiogenic, as it is in panic disorder, suggests that the GBzR is functioning differently in these two clinically similar conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Potokar
- Psychopharmacology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Groves S, Dezfoulian B, Bonardeaux C, Brassinne M. Netherton's syndrome in two sisters. A ten year experience of therapy with retinoids. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 1995. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.1995.tb00540.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/28/2022]
|
16
|
Charpentier A, Groves S, Simmons-Menchaca M, Turley J, Zhao B, Sanders BG, Kline K. RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate inhibits proliferation and enhances secretion of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) by human breast cancer cells. Nutr Cancer 1993; 19:225-39. [PMID: 8346072 DOI: 10.1080/01635589309514254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate form of vitamin E inhibits the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive and estrogen receptor-negative human breast cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Analyses of cell-conditioned medium from RRR-alpha-tocopheryl succinate growth-inhibited cells revealed the presence of a potent antiproliferative activity. Characterization of the antiproliferative activity as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was established by 1) growth inhibition of the TGF-beta-responsive Mv1Lu-CCL-64 mink lung and murine CTLL-2 cell lines, 2) combination of physical characteristics including heat stability, acid stability, and Bio-Gel P-60 column chromatography elution profile, and 3) neutralization of the antiproliferative activity in the conditioned media by antibodies specific for TGF-beta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Charpentier
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Texas, Austin 78712-1097
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
A serine protease with a pH optimum from 7 to 9 and activity over the range of pH 3 to 10 was isolated and purified from culture filtrates of Penicillium charlesii 16 days after inoculation. The enzyme was purified by the following sequence of procedures: (i) gel permeation chromatography through Sephacryl S-200, (ii) DEAE-Sepharose anion-exchange chromatography, and (iii) fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) over Superose 12. Anion-exchange chromatography separated the protease activity into a major activity (protease PII, 82%) and two minor activities (proteases PI and PIII, 10 and 8%, respectively, of the total activity). Protease PII has a molecular mass of 44 kilodaltons. Purified preparations of this enzyme are susceptible to autodegradation. FPLC of heat-treated PII gave one major species (PIIa), whereas untreated enzyme resulted in three species (PIIb, PIIc, and PIId). PIIb and PIIc also catalyzed the hydrolysis of protein (hide powder azure). PIIb and PIIc were in the molecular mass range of 10 to 20 kilodaltons. Protease PII is completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). The protease has primary substrate specificity for phenylalanyl or arginyl amino acyl residues attached to amines. The enzyme has amidase, but no esterase activity toward similar synthetic substrates such as occurs with trypsinlike microbial serine proteases. The addition of PMSF (final concentration, 10(-4) M) to 1- and 2-day-old cultures of P. charlesii inhibited the production of extracellular peptidophosphogalactomannan (pPGM) by 41 and 34%, respectively, and inhibited the alkaline protease activity by 85%. These results suggest that the production and release of pPGM may be affected by alkaline protease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C A Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
|