The matrilin-3 VWA1 domain modulates interleukin-6 release from primary human chondrocytes

OBJECTIVE

We previously demonstrated the ability of matrilin-3 to modulate the gene expression profile of primary human chondrocytes (PHCs) toward a state favoring cartilage catabolism. The structure within matrilin-3 responsible for the induction of these catabolic genes is unknown. Here, we investigated the potential of matrilin-3 (MATN3) and truncated matrilin-3 proteins, in both monomeric and oligomeric form, to stimulate interleukin (IL)-6 release in PHCs.

METHODS

We expressed full-length matrilin-3 oligomers, matrilin-3 von Willebrand factor A (VWA) domain oligomers, matrilin-3 four epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain oligomers, matrilin-3 monomers without oligomerization domains, matrilin-3 VWA domain monomers, and matrilin-3 4EGF monomers. We then incubated PHCs in the absence or presence of full-length matrilin-3 or one of the truncated matrilin-3 proteins and finally determined the release of IL-6 in cell-culture supernatants.

RESULTS

The addition of full-length matrilin-3 oligomers, matrilin-3 VWA domain oligomers, and, less pronounced, matrilin-3 monomers without oligomerization domains, and matrilin-3 4EGF-oligomers to the cell-culture medium led to a significant induction of IL-6 in PHCs.

DISCUSSION

Based on recombinant expression of different matrilin-3 domains in both monomeric and oligomeric form, this work demonstrated that the VWA1 domain of matrilin-3 is primarily responsible for the induction of IL-6 release and that the oligomerization of the VWA1 domain markedly promotes its activity.

Novel derivatives of cyclodextrins, modified with poly(ethylene oxide) and their complexation properties

A new family of bouquet-like molecules based on cyclodextrins is described. These compounds were obtained by polymerization of ethylene oxide. This reaction was initiated by primary and secondary hydroxyl groups of cyclodextrins, which constitute an organizing core. Analysis of structure and composition of conjugates based on alpha-CD and beta-CD was performed using the data of MALDI-MS, GC-MS, and 13C-NMR spectra. Glass transition behavior of the conjugates shows that the above compounds are amorphous. Complexation properties of the conjugates are described with respect to sodium 4-nitrophenolate and calcium acetylhomotaurinate, which are used as guest molecules. Binding interaction between cyclodextrins or their conjugates and sodium 4-nitrophenolate was studied using differential absorption spectra. Association constants Ka between CD hosts and calcium acetylhomotaurinate composed of two equal anionic moieties were studied using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The values of binding constant for beta-CD were found to increase by more than 2 orders of magnitude than that of the corresponding system based on alpha-CD. alpha-CD was shown to form the inclusion complex with one anionic moiety, whereas beta-CD produces a ternary complex with two anionic moieties of CAHT. For PEO derivatives of CDs, Ka decreases as compared with that of parent CD for both guests. These conjugates may be used as potent drug-delivery systems.

[Absorption of di-linoleoylphosphatidylcholine after oral administration]

Essentiale and Lipostabil contain "essential" phospholipids from the soybean, mainly 1,2-dilinoleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (CAS 998-06-1, DLPC) which is considered as the main active ingredient. A single oral dose of d15-DLPC loaded with deuterium 9 times in the choline and 6 times in the linoleic acid of the 1-position was given to volunteers. Sera from 11 blood samples taken within 48 h after application were examined by means of mass spectrometry with regard to d9-choline and d6-linoleic acid in the 1- and 2-position of serum phosphatidylcholines (PC) as well as in the serum triglycerides. d9-choline, i.e. the total of d15-PC and d9-PC, showed maximum values of 5.6% of the total serum PC concentration. Normally, about 1.3% of PC in the human serum is DLPC. Serum 1-linoleoyl-PC was increased by 32-40% after oral application of d15-DLPC. A minor uptake of d6-linoleic acid into the 2-position of serum PC, which is rich in linoleic acid, and into the serum triglycerides was observed with peak values of 2.3% and 6.1%, resp. The uptake of polyunsaturated PC species like DLPC and 1-linoleoyl-PC into the liver after oral application of drugs containing such species in high amounts like "essential" phospholipids with about 50% of DLPC let expect therapeutic effects on membranes into which this special species is incorporated.

Characterization of oligomers in poly(ethylene terephthalate) by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was used for the characterization of extracted and synthesized oligo(ethylene terephthalate)s. Generally, cyclic oligomers [GT]n could be found in technical yarns and tiles, whereas our synthesized model oligomers mainly consisted of linear chains H-[GT]n-G. In addition, some other distributions could be identified as H-[GH]n-OH and H-[GGT]1-[GT]n-7/-G linear oligomers and H-[GGT]1-[GT]n-1 cyclic oligomers, where G is an ethylene glycol unit, GG is a diethylene glycol unit, caused by impurities of ethylene glycol, and T is a terephthalic acid unit. NMR and IR investigations were carried out to verify these results.

Indications for surgery and prognosis in patients with cerebral cavernous angiomas

Seventy-three cerebral cavernous angiomas were removed microsurgically from a series of 71 patients between August, 1983 and December, 1989. This retrospective investigation assessed the current indications for surgery and determined the prognosis for patients with cerebral cavernous angioma. There were 38 males and 33 females with a mean age of 37 years. Analysis included clinical presentation and history, neuroradiological findings, indications for surgery, and postoperative course. After an average follow-up period of 15 months, 35 patients were symptom-free, 16 had improved preoperative complaints, six were unchanged, and eight had deteriorated. Microsurgical extirpation of the malformation is indicated in all symptomatic patients where neuroimaging demonstrates the presence of a readily accessible cerebral cavernoma. Surgery is recommended in cases with deep-seated lesions causing massive hemorrhage, repetitive minor bleeding, or significant long-standing and progressive neurological disabilities. Clinically silent cavernomas located in eloquent regions of the brain contraindicate surgery, but should be closely monitored. Patients presenting with convulsions or neurological deficits caused by easily accessible cavernomas of the hemispheres have the best prognosis and a negligible risk for surgical complications. Those with deep-seated lesions of eloquent regions of the brain that have bled or caused sustained neurological disorders face the highest risk for morbidity owing to the surgical intervention, requiring careful preoperative evaluation.

Characteristic nucleolar-reticular immunofluorescence staining pattern on touch prints of hamster liver: a marker for Scl-70 antibody

Sera from 48 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and from 62 patients with other connective tissue diseases were studied for nuclear staining patterns by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using touch prints of hamster liver, HEp-2 and cryostat sections of monkey esophagus as substrates. Immunodiffusion studies performed in all cases disclosed Scl-70 antibody in 36 SSc patients. The IIF pattern of Scl-70 antibody is characterized by diffuse granular and nucleolar staining on HEp-2, a combined nucleolar and diffuse reticular staining on imprints of hamster liver and large speckled (nucleolar) fluorescence on cryostat sections of monkey esophagus. Touch prints of hamster liver revealed a partially nucleolar fluorescence as a dominant sign of the combined staining. Hamster liver substrate which is easily available might replace the expensive HEp-2 cells for detecting Scl-70 antibody.

Prognostic risk factors in advanced Hodgkin's lymphoma. Report of the German Hodgkin Study Group

In a national multicentre trial in the FRG patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma in stages CS/PS III B/IV were entered into the HD 3 protocol and received induction chemotherapy with 3 x (COPP + ABVD). Patients in complete remission (CR) received consolidation therapy by either radiotherapy (20 Gy IF) or chemotherapy (COPP + ABVD). Patients not in CR received salvage therapy (40 Gy in case of persisting nodal disease, else 4 x CEVD chemotherapy). Between July 1983 and May 1987 230 untreated patients aged 15 to 60 qualified for this HD 3 protocol. This analysis is based on the first 137 patients evaluable for response. Of these, 86 (63%) achieved CR after induction chemotherapy. Including salvage therapy a total of 104 patients (76%) achieved CR. Univariate and multivariate prognostic risk factor analyses were performed using freedom from treatment failure (FFTF) as endpoint. Sex, age, splenectomy, bone marrow, liver and bone involvement had no prognostic impact nor had stage according to the Ann Arbor classification. In contrast, a pretreatment erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) above 80 mm/h and a serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) above 230 IU/ml appeared as significant risk factors (p less than 0.01, relative risk 2.3). The two parameters were not independent. Comparing a group A (ESR less than or equal to 80 and AP less than or equal to 230) versus a pooled group B (ESR greater than 80 and/or AP greater than 230) increased the difference (p less than 0.001, relative risk of 2.8) which was also significant for survival (p less than 0.04).