[Methylthioadenosine phosphorylase and p16 as surrogate diagnostic markers for CDKN2A homozygous deletion in brain tumors]

Objective: To examine whether immunohistochemistry of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) and p16 could be used to predict the CDKN2A status in various brain tumors. Methods: A total of 118 cases of IDH-mutant astrocytomas, 16 IDH-wildtype glioblastoma, 17 polymorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) and 20 meningiomas diagnosed at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from November 2017 to October 2023 were collected and analyzed. The CDKN2A status was detected by using fluorescence in situ hybridization or next-generation sequencing. Expression of MTAP and p16 proteins was detected with immunohistochemistry. The association of loss of MTAP/p16 expression with CDKN2A homozygous/heterozygous deletion was examined. Results: Among the 118 cases of IDH-mutant astrocytoma, 13 cases showed homozygous deletion of CDKN2A. All of them had no expression of MTAP while 9 cases had no expression of p16. Among the 16 cases of IDH wild-type glioblastoma, 6 cases showed homozygous deletion of CDKN2A. All 6 cases had no expression of MTAP, while 3 of these cases had no expression of p16 expression. Among the 17 PXA cases, 4 cases showed homozygous deletion of CDKN2A, and the expression of MTAP and p16 was also absent in these 4 cases. Among the 20 cases of meningiomas, 4 cases showed homozygous deletion of CDKN2A. Their expression of MTAP and p16 was also absent. Among the four types of brain tumors, MTAP was significantly correlated with CDKN2A homozygous deletion (P<0.05), with a sensitivity of 100%. However, it was only significantly correlated with the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of CDKN2A in astrocytomas (P<0.001). P16 was associated with CDKN2A homozygous deletion in IDH-mutant astrocytoma and PXA (P<0.001), but not with the LOH of CDKN2A. Its sensitivity and specificity were lower than that of MTAP. Conclusions: MTAP could serve as a predictive surrogate for CDKN2A homozygous deletion in adult IDH-mutant astrocytoma, PXA, adult IDH-wildtype glioblastoma and meningioma. However, p16 could only be used in the first two tumor types, and its specificity and sensitivity are lower than that of MTAP.

[Effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis among primary school students in endemic foci of Wuhan City]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control among primary school students in endemic foci of Wuhan City.

METHODS

Yucai Hankou Primary School in Jiang' an District, Wuhan City was selected in 2021, and all students at grades 4 and 5 were sampled using a cluster sampling method to receive peer education about schistosomiasis. The changes of knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control were compared before and after peer education to evaluate the effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control.

RESULTS

The overall awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis-related behaviors increased from 51.50%, 93.70% and 92.99% before peer education to 86.50%, 98.98% and 98.72% after peer education among primary school students, respectively (χ²=149.457, 21.692 and 20.691, all P values < 0.05). The overall awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis-related behaviors were 49.19%, 92.20% and 92.72% among Grade 4 primary school students and 53.83%, 95.21% and 93.28% among Grade 5 primary school students prior to peer education (χ² = 1.214, 2.034 and 0.096, all P values > 0.05), and increased to 75.93%, 98.09% and 97.59% among Grade 4 primary school students and 97.16%, 99.87% and 99.87% among Grade 5 primary school students after peer education, respectively (χ² = 40.798, 9.572, 7.207, 133.194, 9.678 and 14.926, all P values < 0.05). The overall awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis-related behaviors were 51.25%, 76.92% and 77.97% among male primary school students and 51.80%, 94.42% and 95.70% among female primary school students prior to peer education, the differences in the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis-related behaviors between male primary school students and female primary school students were significant (χ² = 30.462 and 33.416, both P values < 0.05), and increased to 86.23%, 98.25% and 97.79% among male primary school students and 86.83%, 99.85% and 99.85% among female primary school students after peer education (χ² = 0.081, 3.529 and 3.335, all P values > 0.05), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer education is effective to improve the knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control among primary school students in endemic foci of Wuhan City, which may be more effective to improve the awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and proportion of correct schistosomiasis-related behaviors among primary school students at high grades.

Changes in the Volatile Composition of Fresh Pork Sausage with Natural Antioxidants During Long-Term Frozen Storage

Pre-rigor meat was formulated into fresh pork sausages with a combination of synthetic antioxidants (butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and propyl gallate) or the same synthetic antioxidants in combination with rosemary (R, 1500, 2000, 2500 mg/kg) and green tea (G, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg). Sausages were stored frozen (-20°C) for 15, 90, or 180 d followed by refrigerated storage (3 ± 1°C). The volatile compounds from these sausages were identified using solid phase microextraction (SPME), gas chromatography coupled with a mass selective detector (GC-MSD), and OSME-gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO-OSME). Fifty-five aroma compounds were identified from the headspace of pork sausage where spice-derived volatiles such as terpenes (α-pinene, α-thujene) and terpenoids (isopulegol, 1,8-cineole) were the most abundant compounds in the headspace of the fresh product (0 d). Aldehydes (heptanal, 2-heptenal, (E,E)-2,4-decadienal) and alcohols (1-octen-3-ol, 1-penten-3-ol) characteristic of lipid degradation and microbial metabolites (methanethiol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, acetoin) were associated with more intense odorants as the product neared the end of shelf life at 14 d of refrigerated storage. Incorporation of R resulted in lower levels of hexanal (cut grass) and 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom) across all frozen storage periods. After 180 d of frozen storage, higher levels of G contained lower concentrations of ethanol (alcoholic), 3-methylbutanoic acid (sweaty), and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (popcorn). As R and G concentration increased in the sausage, there were greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of terpenes and less (P < 0.05) acetic acid throughout refrigerated storage. Incorporation of R resulted in less (P < 0.05) 2,4-decadienal (oxidized ginger-nutmeg), and methanethiol (sulfur) following 90 d of freezing. After 180 d frozen storage, higher levels of G led to less (P < 0.05) 3-methyl-1-butanol and methyl isovalerate (spoiled fruit). Enhanced protection by natural plant extract combinations was observed, especially beyond 90 d of frozen storage where oxidation associated aroma-impact volatiles were reduced in sausages with higher rosemary and/or green tea extract concentrations.

Effects of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and Green Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Extracts on Sensory Properties and Shelf-Life of Fresh Pork Sausage during Long-Term Frozen Storage and Subsequent Retail Display

The quality attributes of whole hog fresh pork sausages (28% fat) formulated with combinations of rosemary extract (R: 1500, 2000, 2500 ppm), green tea extract (G: 100, 200, 300 ppm), and synthetic antioxidants (approximately 0.02% BHA, BHT, and propyl gallate based on fat %) were evaluated after 0.5, 3, and 6 mo at –20°C followed by simulated retail display (3 ± 1°C) for up to 21 d. R and G delayed lipid oxidation across all frozen storage periods. The TBARS were reduced (P < 0.05) in treatments with higher amounts of R compared with the control (synthetic antioxidants only) after 6 mo of frozen storage. Volatile lipid oxidation products, including 2,4-decadienal were less abundant (P < 0.05) in sausages with higher concentrations of R following 3 mo of frozen storage. Greater concentrations of combined R and G extracts resulted in increased (P < 0.05) redness and yellowness and decreased (P < 0.05) lightness after 6 mo of storage. Higher concentrations of R enhanced (P < 0.05) chroma and slowed (P < 0.05) discoloration throughout 14 d of retail display after 3 and 6 mo of storage. Addition of R and G resulted in greater (P < 0.05) consumer acceptability than the control, which displayed spoilage and detectable rancidity by d 7 following 6 mo of storage in comparison to approximately 14 d for treatments with G and R. Pork, nutmeg, ginger, spice complex, and rosemary aromas were highest (P < 0.05) in sausages with increased concentrations of R following 0.5 and 3 mo of storage. Increasing green tea concentration reduced the intensities of ginger, copper-herbal, rancid, off-flavor and off-odor descriptors (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of R and G enhanced the shelf-life of fresh pork sausages throughout 6 mo of frozen storage and helped maintain their quality during retail display for up to 14 d.

Inhibition of oxidant-induced biochemical changes of pork myofibrillar protein by hydrolyzed potato protein

The objective of the study was to investigate the role of hydrolyzed potato protein (HPP) in protecting myofibril protein isolate (MPI) from oxidative modification. MPI prepared from pork muscle was suspended (30 mg protein/mL) in 15 mM piperazine-N, N-bis(2-ethane sulfonic acid) buffer (pH 6.0) with 0, 0.3, 0.75, and 1.5 mg/mL of antioxidative HPP (1-h Alcalase hydrolysate). Oxidation was induced by incubating the protein suspensions at 4 degrees C for 24 h with (1) an iron-catalyzed oxidizing system (IOS: 0.01 mM FeCl3, 0.1 mM ascorbic acid, and 1.0 mM H202) and (2) a metmyoglobin-oxidizing system (MOS: 0.1 mM metmyoglobin and 0.1 mM H2O2). Changes in oxidized MPI were measured as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonylcontent, Ca- and K-ATPase activities, and ultraviolet (UV) spectra. Oxidation increased the production of TBARS and protein carbonyls by 2.9- and 0.24-fold in IOS and 5.6- and 2.2-fold in MOS, respectively. The 2 oxidizing systems altered the Ca- and K-ATPase activities and exposed hydrophobic groups buried in MPI. The presence of HPP reduced the extent of MPI oxidation in all physicochemical categories tested. Therefore, HPP may be used as a potential functional ingredient in meat products to enhance their oxidative stability.

Prolonged cardiac allograft survival in presensitized rats after a high activity Yunnan-cobra venom factor therapy

Complement-dependent antibody-mediated acute humoral rejection is the major obstacle of clinical transplantation across ABO incompatibility and human leukocyte antigen presensitization. We previously demonstrated that Yunnan-cobra venom factor (Y-CVF) could almost completely abrogate complement activity and successfully prevent hyperacute rejection in some xenotransplant models without any obvious toxicity. In this study we investigated whether depletion of complement by Y-CVF prevented acute humoral allograft rejection in presensitized rats thereby prolonging graft survival.

METHODS

Presensitization was achieved in Lewis rats by sequential grafting of three full-thickness skin pieces from Brown Norway rats. Serum cytotoxic alloantibody titers were determined by a modified in vitro complement-dependent microcytotoxicity assay. After presensitization, each Lewis rat received a heterotopic Brown Norway cardiac allograft. Fifteen recipients were divided into two groups: (1) no treatment control (n = 7); (2) Y-CVF therapy group (86 u/kg, IV, day -1) (n = 8). After cessation of the heart beat, allograft rejection was confirmed by pathologic as well as IgG and C3 immunohistochemical examinations.

RESULTS

The mean graft survival time was significantly prolonged to 99.50 +/- 38.72 hours among rats that received Y-CVF vs 12.71 +/- 13.94 hours in nontreated controls (P < .001). Upon pathological and immunohistochemical examination, acute humoral rejection was mainly exhibited in the control group, whereas acute cellular rejection was mainly displayed in the Y-CVF therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that complement depletion by Y-CVF significantly inhibited acute humoral allograft rejection in presensitized rats. As a therapeutic immunointervention tool for complement, Y-CVF has shown potential efficacy across ABO incompatible and positive cross-match barriers.

Vitamin D3 supplementation of cull cows: Effects on longissimus and semitendinosus muscle tenderness

Previous studies have shown that supplementation of vitamin D3 to cow diets for 4 to 10 d before slaughter lowers Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values and increases sensory tenderness scores in beef cuts. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on muscle calcium concentration, WBSF values, and sensory tenderness ratings of LM and semitendinosus (ST) muscles from cull, predominately Angus, cows (eight cows per treatment). Treatments included 0 (control), 5 million IU, or 7.5 million IU of vitamin D3 supplemented daily for 7 d preslaughter. Twenty-four hours after slaughter, 2.54-cm-thick LM and ST muscle steaks were cut; aged for either 0, 7, 14, or 21 d (ST steaks aged for 7 d only); and frozen at -20 degrees C for WBFS and sensory analysis. Mean values for LM calcium concentration tended to increase (P = 0.14) with vitamin D3 supplementation (154, 176, and 183 microig/g, fresh basis, for 0, 5, and 7.5 million IU/d, respectively). After 7 d of aging, LM steaks from cows fed 7.5 million IU had lower (P < 0.05) WBSF values than 7-d steaks from controls and cows fed 5.0 million IU/d aged 7 d; however, vitamin D3 supplementation had no (P > 0.05) effect on WBSF values of ST steaks aged 7 d. Vitamin D3 supplementation did not (P > 0.05) affect sensory tenderness ratings for either LM or ST steaks at any aging period. Aging, however, had a linear (P < 0.001) effect on tenderness, with an increase in tenderness as aging time increased from 0 to 21 d. Thus, results from the present study indicate that vitamin D3 supplementation, at these levels and duration before slaughter, provided little benefit to muscle tenderness of beef from cull cows.

In vitro activities of small peptides from snake venom against clinical isolates of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis

The recent re-emergence of tuberculosis, especially the multidrug-resistant cases, has highlighted the importance of screening effective novel drugs against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, the in vitro activities of small peptides isolated from snake venom were investigated against multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by the Bactec TB-460 radiometric method. A small peptide with the amino acid sequence ECYRKSDIVTCEPWQKFCYREVTFFPNHPVYLSGCASECTETNSKWCCTTDKCNRARGG (designated as vgf-1) from Naja atra (isolated from Yunnan province of China) venom had in vitro activity against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis. The MIC was 8.5 mg/l. The antimycobacterial domain of this 60aa peptide is under investigation.

Antioxidative activity of whey protein hydrolysates in a liposomal system

Whey protein isolate (WPI) with or without preheating (90 degrees C for 5 min) was hydrolyzed for 0.5 to 6 h using four pure enzymes (pepsin, papain, trypsin, and chymotrypsin) and three commercial crude proteases. After determining the degree of hydrolysis, the hydrolysates were incubated (37 degrees C, 1 h) with a liposome oxidizing system (50 mM FeCl3/0.1 mM ascorbate, pH 7.0). Lipid oxidation was measured by determining the concentrations of TBA-reactive substances (TBARS). The degree of hydrolysis of WPI ranged from 4 to 37% depending on the enzymes used and whether the substrate was heated or not. WPI hydrolysates prepared by pure enzyme treatments did not prevent TBARS formation in the oxidative model system, but WPI hydrolyzed by the commercial crude enzymes, especially protease F, exhibited antioxidant activity. The antioxidative potential of hydrolyzed WPI was not affected by the degree of hydrolysis, and it was improved by preheat treatment in only some samples.

Purification and characterization of jerdofibrase, a serine protease from the venom of Trimeresurus jerdonii snake

A fibrin(ogen)olytic serine protease from Trimeresurus jerdonii venom was identified and purified to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis homogeneity. It is a single chain polypeptide with a molecular weight of 32kDa under reduced condition and 28kDa under non-reduced condition, respectively. The venom protease catalysed the hydrolysis of some chromogenic substrates such as S2238, S2160, S2302 and S2251. It degraded Bbeta-chain of human fibrinogen preferentially. Also the enzyme degraded fibrin directly. Its enzymatic activity was completely inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), but not affected by EDTA. That suggested it was a serine protease. N-terminal sequence of the purified component showed high homology with other snake venom serine proteases.

Characterization of a thrombin-like enzyme from the venom of Trimeresurus jerdonii

From the venom of Trimeresurus jerdonii, a distinct thrombin-like enzyme, called jerdonobin, was purified by DEAE A-25 ion-exchange chromatography, Sephadex G-75 gel filtration, and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). SDS-PAGE analysis of this enzyme shows that it consists of a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight of 38,000. The NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequence of jerdonobin has great homology with venom thrombin-like enzymes documented. Jerdonobin is able to hydrolyze several chromogenic substrates. The enzyme directly clots fibrinogen with an activity of 217 NIH units/mg. The fibrinopeptides released, identified by HPLC, consisted of fibrinopeptide A and a small amount of fibrinopepide B. The activities of the enzyme were inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and p-nitrophenyl-p-guanidinobenzoate (NPGB). However, metal chelator (EDTA) had no effect on it, indicating it is venom serine protease.

Electrophoretic pattern, thermal denaturation, and in vitro digestibility of oxidized myosin

Physicochemical changes and in vitro digestibility of chicken breast myosin oxidized with a nonenzymic free-radical-generating system (FeCl(3)/H(2)O(2)/ascorbate) were studied by SDS-PAGE, differential scanning calorimetry, and o-phthaldialdehyde assay. Oxidation caused fragmentation and polymerization of myosin. Myosin polymers were cross-linked mainly through disulfide bonds. Hydroxyl radicals destabilized myosin, lowering its denaturation temperature by up to 4 degrees C. Oxidized myosin also produced a new thermal transition in the 60-80 degrees C temperature range, which could be attributed to the formation of disulfide-stabilized polymers. The proteolytic susceptibility of myosin to pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin was increased by oxidation. Under nonreducing conditions, however, oxidized myosin showed decreased digestibility. The results may help explain variations in the functionality and nutritional quality of muscle foods in meat processing in which oxidation is involved.

A nerve growth factor from the venom of Chinese cobra (Naja naja atra) and its effects on male reproductive system in rats

A nerve growth factor (NGF) was isolated from the venom of Chinese cobra (Naja naja atra) by ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). The N-terminal sequence of 22 amino acid residues was identical with other NGFs previously purified from the venom of the same genus. The NGF monomer molecular weight was estimated to be 13,500 by reducing SDS-PAGE and the isoelectric point was determined to be 7.2 by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis. NGF improved the epididymal sperm motility of male rats and increased the pregnancy rate and fetus number of mated female rats. The serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of male rats administrated NGF + gossypol was lower than that of male rats administrated gossypol. Histological sections of testes and epididymides showed that NGF reduced the destructive effects of gossypol on rat testes.

Biochemical changes of plasma in paratroops after parachuting: a preliminary investigation

OBJECTIVE

To study whether physiological and psychological stresses during parachuting jumps may result in biochemical changes of plasma in parachutists.

METHOD

Differences in the levels of hormones (cortisol, growth hormone, insulin, pancreatic glucagon, endothelin, angiotonin I and II, aldosterone), activities of enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S transferase), levels of the free radical damage indicator malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and the main heat stress protein, HSP70, in the plasma and serum were investigated in control (non-parachuting) and parachuting paratroops.

RESULT

Significantly higher levels of serum hormones such as growth hormone, insulin, angiotonin 1, renin activities, as well as MDA and plasma TNF-alpha and HSP70 were observed in the parachuting group.

CONCLUSION

Whether these changes can potentially serve as useful biomarkers to assess possible abnormal stress in parachutists and to evaluate the health condition and to select parachutists remains to be further studied.

Monitoring phosphate marinade penetration in tumbled chicken filets using a thin-slicing, dye-tracing method

A simple dye-tracing method was developed to monitor the kinetic process of water penetration in chicken filets subjected to rotary tumble marination. A total of 860 chicken breast filets were tumbled for 0, 5, 15, and 30 min in marinades containing 1.6 or 3.2% sodium PP, TPP, or HMP with or without 8% NaCl. Marinade penetration was monitored by tracing a dye (FD&C Blue No. 1) migrating into different layers of the filets using a spectrophotometric measurement (absorbance at 627 nm). Marinades penetrated most rapidly in the initial 5 min, e.g., PP, TPP, and HMP at a low level (1.6%) enhancing the rate of penetration of unsalted water in the first 5 min by 196, 171, and 138%, respectively. However, the effect of phosphates was diminished when their concentration was high (3.2%) or when salt was present. Overall, low-level (1.6%) phosphates facilitated water penetration deep into the filets, whereas high-level (3.2%) phosphates and salt improved water penetration in the surface layers of the filets.

Time-dependent marinade absorption and retention, cooking yield, and palatability of chicken filets marinated in various phosphate solutions

The time course of phosphate marinade absorption and its influence on the cooking yield and sensory characteristics of chicken filets were investigated. Water uptake by the filets was rapid in the initial 5 min, and was substantially slower from 15 to 30 min during tumble marination. The rate of marinade absorption increased markedly (P < 0.05) by the presence of either high (3.2%) or low (1.6%) concentrations of sodium phosphates in the order: pyrophosphate (PP) > tripolyphosphate (TPP) > hexametaphosphate (HMP). Salt (8% NaCl) also promoted (P < 0.05) moisture absorption but tended to diminish the effects of phosphates. Percentage marinade retention after 24 h, which was also influenced by phosphates and salt, was well correlated (r2 = 0.93) with marinade absorption. Cooking yields increased gradually (P < 0.05) with marination time except for water-marinated control filets and filets treated with HMP and salt, which had reduced cooking yields as the marination time increased. All phosphate solutions, whether containing NaCl or not, improved (P < 0.05) cooking yield when compared to the water-marination control. Taste panel detected little differences, except for saltiness (P < 0.10), between high- and low-level phosphate treatments, and considered TPP-treated filets to be similar to PP-treated but higher than HMP-treated filets in juiciness, saltiness, and overall flavor intensity (P < 0.10).

Characterization of the proteases involved in gel weakening of beef heart surimi

The goal of this study was to elucidate the nature and characteristics of the proteases involved in gel weakening of beef heart surimi. Acidic (E1) and neutral (E2) protease extracts were prepared from the surimi. The major active components in E1 were found to be cathepsins B and L. E1 exhibited optimum activity to hydrolyze substrates specific to cathepsins B and B+L at 50 degrees C and pH 5.5. At pH 6.0, it retained approximately 50% of its maximum activity. The catheptic activity of E1 was inhibited almost completely by E-64 and leupeptin. The active component in E2 was unidentified and was not inhibited by cysteine or serine protease inhibitors. However, beef plasma powder effectively inhibited the hydrolysis of FITC-casein and myosin heavy chain by E2.

Effects of aluminum potassium sulfate on learning, memory, and cholinergic system in mice

AIM

To study the relationship between aluminum potassium sulfate (APS) and memory deficits of mice.

METHODS

30, 60, or 90 d after the mice were given daily APS i.g., the step-through latency (STL) was determined with a passive avoidance task. Aluminum (Al) contents in brain and blood were assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Acetylcholine (ACh) content in brain was determined with chemiluminescent method and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity was measured radiochemically.

RESULTS

APS 1 g.kg-1 increased blood-Al only after 30 d. After 60 d, STL, ACh content and ChAT activity decreased by 46.4%, 8.5%, and 22.6%, respectively. These parameters decreased by 50%, 11.1%, and 27.8%, respectively, with increased Al in blood and brain, after 90 d. APS 0.25 g.kg-1 had no effects on mice except blood-Al. In ethylcholine mustard aziridium chloride (AF64A) treated mice, APS 1 g.kg-1 only increased blood and brain-Al.

CONCLUSION

The intake of APS 1 g.kg-1.d-1 for 60 d induced learning and memory deficits in mice.

Characterization of three fibrinogenolytic enzymes from Chinese green tree viper (Trimeresurus stejnegeri) venom

From the venom of Chinese green tree viper (Trimeresurus stejnegeri), three distinct fibrinogenolytic enzymes: stejnefibrase-1, stejnefibrase-2 and stejnefibrase-3, were purified by gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and reverse-phase high-performance chromatography (HPLC). SDS-PAGE analysis of those three enzymes showed that they consisted of a single polypeptide chain with mol. wt of 50000, 31000 and 32000, respectively. Like TSV-PA (a specific plasminogen activator) and stejnobin (a fibrinogen-clotting enzyme) purified from the same venom, stejnefibrase-1, -2 and -3 were able to hydrolyze several chromogenic substrate. On the other hand, different from TSV-PA and stejnobin, stejnefibrase-1, -2 and -3 did not activate plasminogen and did not possess fibrinogen-clotting activity. The three purified enzymes directly degraded fibrinogen to small fragments and rendered it unclottable by thrombin. Stejnefibrase-2 degraded preferentially Bbeta-chain while stejnefibrase-1 and -3 cleaved concomitantly Aalpha and Bbeta-chains of fibrinogen. None of these proteases degraded the gamma-chain of fibrinogen. When correlated with the loss of clottability of fibrinogen, the most active enzyme was stejnefibrase-1. The activities of the three enzymes were inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and p-nitrophenyl-p-guanidinobenzoate (NPGB), indicating that like TSV-PA and stejnobin, they are venom serine proteases.

Characterization of a fibrinogen-clotting enzyme from Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom, and comparative study with other venom proteases

Trimeresurus stejnegeri venom which contains TSV-PA (a specific plasminogen activator sharing 60-70% sequence homology with venom fibrinogen-clotting enzymes), also possesses fibrinogen-clotting activity in vitro. A fibrinogen-clotting enzyme (stejnobin) has been purified to homogeneity by gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography on a Mono-Q column. It is a single-chain glycoprotein with a mol. wt of 44,000. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of stejnobin shows great homology with venom fibrinogen-clotting enzymes and TSV-PA. Like TSV-PA, stejnobin was able to hydrolyse several chromogenic substrates. Comparative study of substrate specificities of stejnobin and other venom proteases purified in our laboratory was carried out on five chromogenic substrates. Stejnobin clotted human fibrinogen with a specific activity of 122 NIH thrombin-equivalent units/mg protein. However, stejnobin did not act on other blood coagulation factors, such as factor X, prothrombin and plasminogen. Diisopropyl fluorophosphate and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride inhibited its activity, whereas ethylenediamine tetracetic acid had no effect on it, indicating that it is a serine protease. Although stejnobin showed strong immunological cross-reaction with polyclonal antibodies raised against TSV-PA, it was interesting to observe that, unlike the case of TSV-PA, these antibodies did not inhibit the amidolytic and fibrinogen-clotting activities of stejnobin.

Effects of Pallas' viper (Agkistrodon halys pallas) venom on blood coagulation and characterization of a prothrombin activator

The action of Pallas' viper (Agkistrodon halys pallas) venom on blood coagulation was examined in vitro and a strong anticoagulant effect was observed. This action was abolished after treatment with a specific inhibitor of phospholipase A2 activity (p-bromophenacyl bromide), revealing a procoagulant action in low concentrations of treated venom (around 1 microgram/ml). The effect of the venom on haemostasis was further characterized by measuring its ability to activate purified blood coagulation factors. It is concluded that A. halys pallas venom contains prothrombin activation activity. A prothrombin activator (aharin) was purified from the venom by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography on a Mono-Q column. It consisted of a single polypeptide chain, with a mol. wt of 63,000. Purified aharin possessed no amidolytic activity on chromogenic substrates. It did not act on other blood coagulation factors, such as factor X and plasminogen, nor did it cleave or clot purified fibrinogen. The prothrombin activation activity of aharin was readily inhibited by ethylenediamine tetracetic acid (a metal chelator), but specific serine protease inhibitors such as diisopropyl fluorophosphate and phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride had no effect on it. These observations suggest that, like those prothrombin activators from Echis carinatus and Bothrops atrox venoms, the prothrombin activator from A. halys pallas venom is a metalloproteinase.

[Effects of 1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylethylamino) propane hydrochloride on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and PDGF-B, bFGF, c-sis, c-myc in spontaneously hypertensive rat]

In order to determine the effects of 1-(2, 6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenylethylamino) propane hydrochloride(DDPH) on proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMC), growth factor PDGF-B, bFGF and expression of oncogene c-sis and c-myc in spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR), 3H-thymidine(3H-TdR) incorporation, electronic microscopy, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays were used. The results showed that after DDPH administration (50 mg i.g. q.d. x8 wk to SHR), morphological change of VSMC was antagonized, blood pressure and 3H-TdR incorporation were significantly reduced. Furthermore, DDPH was shown to reverse the enhanced antigen PDGF-B and bFGF and reverse the reduced expression of oncogene c-sis and c-myc in SHR. These results suggest that DDPH may inhibit VSMC proliferation in SHR, which may be relevant to the molecular biological mechanism of growth factors and oncogene control.

Effect of captopril on proliferation of aortic smooth muscle cells

AIM

To study the effect of captopril (Cap) on proliferation of smooth muscle cells (SMC).

METHODS

Proliferation of cultured porcine aortic SMC was promoted by hyperlipidemic sera (HLS).

RESULTS

Cap (0.2 mg.L-1) remarkably reduced [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) incorporation, inhibited DNA synthesis and proliferation of SMC, and lessened morphological changes caused by HLS. After administration of Cap, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity were reduced, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and cAMP contents were obviously increased (P < 0.05-0.01).

CONCLUSION

Cap inhibited the proliferation of SMC, associated with MDA, PAI, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and cAMP.

Effect of captopril on antithrombus function of endothelium

The experimental models of cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells (EC) in vitro were established. 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), thromboxane B2(TXB2)content, plasminogen activator (PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity in cultured medium and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in EC were measured with radioimmunoassay (RIA), chromogenic substrates methods, in order to assess the effect and mechanism of captopril (CP) on antithrombus function of EC. The results showed that after administration of CP, the contents of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and cAMP and PA activity were significantly higher, PAI activity were remarkably lower than those of control group. These effects were dose-dependent. Our finding indicated that CP might act as a prospective drug for antithrombosis through promoting anticoagulation and fibrinolysis function and increasing antithrombus action of EC.

Isolation and properties of a blood coagulation factor X activator from the venom of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

A specific blood coagulation factor X activator was purified from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah by gel filtration and two steps of FPLC Mono-Q column ion-exchange chromatography. It showed a single protein band both in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and alkaline polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The mol. wt was estimated to be 62,000 in non-reducing conditions and 64,500 in reducing conditions by SDS-PAGE. The isoelectric point was found to be pH 5.6. The enzyme had weak amidolytic activities toward CBS 65-25, but it showed no activities on S-2266, S-2302, thrombin substrate S-2238, plasmin substrate S-2251 or factor Xa substrate S-2222. It had no arginine esterase activity toward substrate benzoylarginine ethylester (BAEE). The enzyme activated factor X in vitro and the effect was absolutely Ca2+ dependent, with a Hill coefficient of 6.83. It could not activate prothrombin nor had any effect on fibrinogen and thus appeared to act specifically on factor X. The procoagulant activity of the enzyme was almost completely inhibited by serine protease inhibitors like PMSF, TPCK and soybean trypsin inhibitor; partially inhibited by L-cysteine. Metal chelator EDTA did not inhibit its procoagulant activity. These results suggest that the factor X activator from O. hannah venom is a serine protease.

An activator of blood coagulation factor X from the venom of Bungarus fasciatus

A specific activator of blood coagulation factor X was purified from the venom of Bungarus fasciatus by gel filtration and by ion-exchange chromatography on a Mono-Q column (FPLC). It consisted of a single polypeptide chain, with a mol. wt of 70,000 in reducing and non-reducing conditions. The enzyme had an amidolytic activity towards the chromogenic substrates S-2266 and S-2302 but it did not hydrolyse S-2238, S2251 or S-2222, which are specific substrates for thrombin, plasmin and factor Xa, respectively. The enzyme activated factor X in vitro and the effect was Ca2+ dependent with a Hill coefficient of 7.9. As with physiological activators, the venom activator cleaves the heavy chain of factor X, producing the activated factor Xa alpha. The purified factor X activator from B. fasciatus venom did not activate prothrombin, nor did it cleave or clot purified fibrinogen. The amidolytic activity and the factor X activation activity of the factor X activator from B. fasciatus venom were readily inhibited by serine protease inhibitors such as diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), benzamidine and by soybean trypsin inhibitor but not by EDTA. These observations suggest that the factor X activator from B. fasciatus venom is a serine protease. It therefore differs from those of activators obtained from Vipera russelli and Bothrops atrox venoms, which are metalloproteinases.

Experimental studies on preventive effects of API0134 on vessel reocclusion after thrombolysis

24 model rabbits with femoral arterial thrombosis were divided into two groups: the treatment group consisting of 12 rabbits which received API0134, and the control group composed of another 12 rabbits. 2 hours after recanalization by urokinase thrombolysis, reocclusion occurred only in 1/12 vessel (8%) with incomplete occlusion in the treated group, but in 8/12 (67%) with complete occlusion in the control group as assessed by angiograsphy. Pathological examination of specimen taken 24 hours after thrombolysis showed that 6/12 (50%) of the treated group gave the evidence of thrombus occlusion, and milder intimal injury and less adhered blood cells than in the control group, 83% of which had thrombus occlusion. In comparision with the control group, the function of platelet in the treated group demonstrated lower platelet aggregation rate (PAgR) and plasma thromboxane A2 (TXA2) level, higher prostacyclin (PGI2) and plasminogen activator (PA) activity as well as lower plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity. From the above it may be concluded that the preventive effect of API0134 on reocclusion might be due to inhibition of platelets aggregation and promotion of fibrinolysis.

Characterization of OhS1, an arginine/lysine amidase from the venom of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

In this paper, we present the results of purification and characterization of an arginine/lysine amidase from the venom of Ophiophagus hannah (OhS1). It was purified by Sephadex G-75 gel filtration and ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B. It is a protein of about 43,000, consisting of a single polypeptide chain. It is a minor component in the venom. The purified enzyme was capable of hydrolysing several tripeptidyl-p-nitroanilide substrates having either arginine or lysine as the C-terminal residue. We studied the kinetic parameters of OhS1 on six these chromogenic substrates. OhS1 did not clot fibrinogen. Electrophoresis of fibrinogen degraded with OhS1 revealed the disappearance of the alpha- and beta-chains and the appearance of lower mol. wt fragments. OhS1 had no hemorrhagic activity. It did not hydrolyse casein, nor did it act on blood coagulation factor X, prothrombin and plasminogen. The activity of OhS1 was completely inhibited by NPGB, PMSF, DFP, benzamidine and soybean trypsin inhibitor, suggesting it is a serine protease. Metal chelator (EDTA) had no effect on it.

[Effects of guifu dihuang pills extract on rabbit IgG accelerated mouse nephritis induced by nephrotoxic serum]

The effects of Guifu Dihuang Pills extract were observed in rabbit IgG accelerated mouse nephritis model induced by nephrotoxic serum. The results showed that this preparation could increase serum albumin, reduce urine protein, serum urea nitrogen and total cholesterol in serum, and improve the histological lesions in kidneys. The effects of Guifu Dihuang Pills extract in dosages of 0.3g/kg and 1.2g/kg were similar to those of cyclophosphamide 0.015g/kg.

Myofibrillar protein from different muscle fiber types: implications of biochemical and functional properties in meat processing

Texture, moisture retention, and tenderness of processed muscle foods are influenced by the functionality of myofibrillar protein. Recent studies have revealed large variations in processing quality between red and white muscle groups that can be attributed to differences in the functional properties of myofibrillar protein associated with the type of fiber. Myofibrillar proteins from fast- and slow-twitch fibers exhibit different biochemical and rheological characteristics and form gels with distinctly different viscoelastic properties and microstructures. The existence and wide distribution of the numerous myosin isoforms in different muscle and fiber types contribute to the various functional behaviors of myofibrillar protein. The different sensitivities of fast and slow myofibrillar proteins to pH, ionic environment, temperature, and other external factors have been well documented and illustrate the importance of adjusting meat processing conditions, according to fiber type profile to achieve maximum protein functionalities, and hence, uniform quality of the final muscle foods.

[Immune function of guifudihuang pills (GFDH) and their oral liquid preparation]

Experimental observation was made on the effect of GFDH pills and their oral liquid preparation on thymus and spleen weight, formation of the antibody haemolysis plaque and phagocytic function of the macrophages of peritoneal cavity. The result revealed that both GFDH pills and their oral liquid preparation were found helpful to the enhancement of immunological function. The oral liquid preparation also increased markedly the plasma level of testosterone in immature rats.

Variations in muscle chemical composition, pH, and protein extractability among eight different broiler crosses

Variations in muscle chemical composition, pH, and protein extractability were studied using male broilers of eight different genetic crosses of commercial strains. Three replicate groups of 24 birds of each cross were grown in floor pens using commercial corn-soybean meal diets. At 8 wk of age, three birds per replicate, weighing within 5% of the pen average, were slaughtered, scalded, defeathered, eviscerated, and chilled in ice slurries overnight. Muscles were excised from breasts and thighs, and trimmed of skin and external fat. Proximate analysis was conducted using ground muscle pooled within replicate groups. Breast muscle of all strain crosses contained more (P < or = .05) total protein (ranging from 20.7 to 23.6%) and moisture (74.6 to 75.9%), and less fat (1.0 to 2.0%) than thigh muscle, which contained 18.1 to 21.3% protein, 72.8 to 73.8% moisture, and 5.0 to 7.2% fat. The pH of breast muscle was lower (P < or = .05) than that of thigh muscle for four of the eight strains, and protein extractability of breast muscle was greater (P < or = .05) than that of thigh muscle for all strains. There were significant differences among strains in chemical composition, pH, and protein extractability for both breast and thigh muscles. The correlation between percentage protein and fat was positive in breast (r = .72, P < .05) and negative in thigh muscle (r = -.77, P < .05). However, no significant correlations were observed between the chemical constituents of breast muscle with the respective constituents of thigh muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)