Inhibition of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation by the flavonoid apigenin

Background

Lytic reactivation of EBV has been reported to play an important role in human diseases, including NPC carcinogenesis. Inhibition of EBV reactivation is considered to be of great benefit in the treatment of virus-associated diseases. For this purpose, we screened for inhibitory compounds and found that apigenin, a flavonoid, seemed to have the ability to inhibit EBV reactivation.

Methods

We performed western blotting, immunofluorescence and luciferase analyses to determine whether apigenin has anti-EBV activity.

Results

Apigenin inhibited expression of the EBV lytic proteins, Zta, Rta, EAD and DNase in epithelial and B cells. It also reduced the number of EBV-reactivating cells detectable by immunofluorescence analysis. In addition, apigenin has been found to reduce dramatically the production of EBV virions. Luciferase reporter analysis was performed to determine the mechanism by which apigenin inhibits EBV reactivation: apigenin suppressed the activity of the immediate-early (IE) gene Zta and Rta promoters, suggesting it can block initiation of the EBV lytic cycle.

Conclusion

Taken together, apigenin inhibits EBV reactivation by suppressing the promoter activities of two viral IE genes, suggesting apigenin is a potential dietary compound for prevention of EBV reactivation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12929-016-0313-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Luteolin inhibits Epstein-Barr virus lytic reactivation by repressing the promoter activities of immediate-early genes

The lytic reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been reported to be strongly associated with several human diseases, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Inhibition of the EBV lytic cycle has been shown to be of great benefit in the treatment of EBV-associated diseases. The administration of dietary compounds is safer and more convenient than other approaches to preventing EBV reactivation. We screened several dietary compounds for their ability to inhibit EBV reactivation in NPC cells. Among them, the flavonoid luteolin showed significant inhibition of EBV reactivation. Luteolin inhibited protein expression from EBV lytic genes in EBV-positive epithelial and B cell lines. It also reduced the numbers of EBV-reactivating cells detected by immunofluorescence analysis and reduced the production of virion. Furthermore, luteolin reduced the activities of the promoters of the immediate-early genes Zta (Zp) and Rta (Rp) and also inhibited Sp1-luc activity, suggesting that disruption of Sp1 binding is involved in the inhibitory mechanism. CHIP analysis revealed that luteolin suppressed the activities of Zp and Rp by deregulating Sp1 binding. Taken together, luteolin inhibits EBV reactivation by repressing the promoter activities of Zp and Rp, suggesting luteolin is a potential dietary compound for prevention of virus infection.

The synergistic effect of chemical carcinogens enhances Epstein-Barr virus reactivation and tumor progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Seroepidemiological studies imply a correlation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). N-nitroso compounds, phorbols, and butyrates are chemicals found in food and herb samples collected from NPC high-risk areas. These chemicals have been reported to be risk factors contributing to the development of NPC, however, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We have demonstrated previously that low dose N-methyl-N’-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG, 0.1 µg/ml) had a synergistic effect with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium butyrate (SB) in enhancing EBV reactivation and genome instability in NPC cells harboring EBV. Considering that residents in NPC high-risk areas may contact regularly with these chemical carcinogens, it is vital to elucidate the relation between chemicals and EBV and their contributions to the carcinogenesis of NPC. In this study, we constructed a cell culture model to show that genome instability, alterations of cancer hallmark gene expression, and tumorigenicity were increased after recurrent EBV reactivation in NPC cells following combined treatment of TPA/SB and MNNG. NPC cells latently infected with EBV, NA, and the corresponding EBV-negative cell, NPC-TW01, were periodically treated with MNNG, TPA/SB, or TPA/SB combined with MNNG. With chemically-induced recurrent reactivation of EBV, the degree of genome instability was significantly enhanced in NA cells treated with a combination of TPA/SB and MNNG than those treated individually. The Matrigel invasiveness, as well as the tumorigenicity in mouse, was also enhanced in NA cells after recurrent EBV reactivation. Expression profile analysis by microarray indicates that many carcinogenesis-related genes were altered after recurrent EBV reactivation, and several aberrations observed in cell lines correspond to alterations in NPC lesions. These results indicate that cooperation between chemical carcinogens can enhance the reactivation of EBV and, over recurrent reactivations, lead to alteration of cancer hallmark gene expression with resultant enhancement of tumorigenesis in NPC.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Rta-mediated EBV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus lytic reactivations in 293 cells

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) Rta belongs to a lytic switch gene family that is evolutionarily conserved in all gamma-herpesviruses. Emerging evidence indicates that cell cycle arrest is a common means by which herpesviral immediate-early protein hijacks the host cell to advance the virus's lytic cycle progression. To examine the role of Rta in cell cycle regulation, we recently established a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible Rta system in 293 cells. In this cell background, inducible Rta modulated the levels of signature G1 arrest proteins, followed by induction of the cellular senescence marker, SA-β-Gal. To delineate the relationship between Rta-induced cell growth arrest and EBV reactivation, recombinant viral genomes were transferred into Rta-inducible 293 cells. Somewhat unexpectedly, we found that Dox-inducible Rta reactivated both EBV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), to similar efficacy. As a consequence, the Rta-mediated EBV and KSHV lytic replication systems, designated as EREV8 and ERKV, respectively, were homogenous, robust, and concurrent with cell death likely due to permissive lytic replication. In addition, the expression kinetics of EBV lytic genes in Dox-treated EREV8 cells was similar to that of their KSHV counterparts in Dox-induced ERKV cells, suggesting that a common pathway is used to disrupt viral latency in both cell systems. When the time course was compared, cell cycle arrest was achieved between 6 and 48 h, EBV or KSHV reactivation was initiated abruptly at 48 h, and the cellular senescence marker was not detected until 120 h after Dox treatment. These results lead us to hypothesize that in 293 cells, Rta-induced G1 cell cycle arrest could provide (1) an ideal environment for virus reactivation if EBV or KSHV coexists and (2) a preparatory milieu for cell senescence if no viral genome is available. The latter is hypothetical in a transient-lytic situation.

Familial tendency and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in taiwan: effects of covariates on risk

In the present study, the authors compared the long-term risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) of male participants in an NPC multiplex family cohort with that of controls in a community cohort in Taiwan after adjustment for anti-Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) seromarkers and cigarette smoking. A total of 43 incident NPC cases were identified from the 1,019 males in the NPC multiplex family cohort and the 9,622 males in the community cohort, for a total of 8,061 person-years and 185,587 person-years, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio was 6.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.3, 20.1) for the multiplex family cohort compared with the community cohort. In the evaluation of anti-EBV viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin A and anti-EBV deoxyribonuclease, the adjusted hazard ratios were 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3, 6.0) and 15.1 (95% CI: 4.2, 54.1) for those positive for 1 EBV seromarker and positive for both seromarkers, respectively, compared with those negative for both EBV seromarkers. The adjusted hazard ratio was 31.0 (95% CI: 9.7, 98.7) for participants who reported a family history of NPC and who were anti-EBV-seropositive compared with individuals without such a history who were anti-EBV-seronegative. The findings suggest that both family history of NPC and anti-EBV seropositivity are important determinants of subsequent NPC risk and that the effect of family history on NPC risk cannot be fully explained by mediation through EBV serologic responses.

Epstein-Barr virus DNase (BGLF5) induces genomic instability in human epithelial cells

Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) DNase (BGLF5) is an alkaline nuclease and has been suggested to be important in the viral life cycle. However, its effect on host cells remains unknown. Serological and histopathological studies implied that EBV DNase seems to be correlated with carcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigate the effect of EBV DNase on epithelial cells. Here, we report that expression of EBV DNase induces increased formation of micronucleus, an indicator of genomic instability, in human epithelial cells. We also demonstrate, using γH2AX formation and comet assay, that EBV DNase induces DNA damage. Furthermore, using host cell reactivation assay, we find that EBV DNase expression repressed damaged DNA repair in various epithelial cells. Western blot and quantitative PCR analyses reveal that expression of repair-related genes is reduced significantly in cells expressing EBV DNase. Host shut-off mutants eliminate shut-off expression of repair genes and repress damaged DNA repair, suggesting that shut-off function of BGLF5 contributes to repression of DNA repair. In addition, EBV DNase caused chromosomal aberrations and increased the microsatellite instability (MSI) and frequency of genetic mutation in human epithelial cells. Together, we propose that EBV DNase induces genomic instability in epithelial cells, which may be through induction of DNA damage and also repression of DNA repair, subsequently increases MSI and genetic mutations, and may contribute consequently to the carcinogenesis of human epithelial cells.

Recurrent chemical reactivations of EBV promotes genome instability and enhances tumor progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an endemic malignancy prevalent in South East Asia. Epidemiological studies have associated this disease closely with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Previous studies also showed that EBV reactivation is implicated in the progression of NPC. Thus, we proposed that recurrent reactivations of EBV may be important for its pathogenic role. In this study, NPC cell lines latently infected with EBV, NA and HA, and the corresponding EBV-negative NPC cell lines, NPC-TW01 (TW01) and HONE-1, were treated with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium n-butyrate (SB) for lytic cycle induction. A single treatment with TPA/SB revealed that DNA double-strand breaks and formation of micronuclei (a marker for genome instability) were associated with EBV reactivation in NA and HA cells. Examination of EBV early genes had identified several lytic proteins, particularly EBV DNase, as potent activators that induced DNA double-strand breaks and contribute to genome instability. Recurrent reactivations of EBV in NA and HA cells resulted in a marked increase of genome instability. In addition, the degree of chromosomal aberrations, as shown by chromosome structural variants and DNA copy-number alterations, is proportional to the frequency of TPA/SB-induced EBV reactivation. Whereas these DNA abnormalities were limited in EBV-negative TW01 cells with mock or TPA/SB treatment, and were few in mock-treated NA cells. The invasiveness and tumorigenesis assays also revealed a profound increase in both characteristics of the repeatedly reactivated NA cells. These results suggest that recurrent EBV reactivations may result in accumulation of genome instability and promote the tumor progression of NPC.

Characterization of monoclonal antibody to the Epstein-Barr virus BHRF1 protein, a homologue of Bcl-2

A monoclonal antibody (MAb), designated 3E8, was produced against the Epstein-Barr virus BHRF1 which is a viral homologue of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The MAb recognized the BHRF1 protein in extracts from EBV-containing cell lines after activation and EBV-negative cell lines transfected by the BHRF1 gene. Epitope mapping by Western blot analysis revealed that the antibody bound region encompassing amino acid residues 28-33 of the BHRF1. In addition to immunoblotting, the MAb could be applied widely in detection of the BHRF1 in many assays, including immunofluorescence assay, immunohistochemistry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation. Most of all, when used in immunoprecipitation experiments, the MAb 3E8 showed a better effect than the existing anti-BHRF1 MAbs since radioactive isotopes were not required to intensify signals of its target antigen. Based on its great use in a variety of immunological reactions, it is a powerful tool to elucidate the biological functions of BHRF1.

Epstein-Barr virus seroreactivity among unaffected individuals within high-risk nasopharyngeal carcinoma families in Taiwan

Most adults have been infected with EBV. Many studies have indicated that antibodies against specific EBV antigens, particularly IgA antibodies, can be predictive or prognostic of EBV-associated malignancies, such as NPC. We hypothesized that healthy individuals from families with a history of multiple members affected with NPC (who therefore might be genetically susceptible to NPC themselves) might have an EBV antibody profile that is distinct from that seen in healthy individuals from the community at large. To explore this possibility and examine determinants of anti-EBV antibody levels in healthy, high-risk individuals, we evaluated data from 2 parallel studies of NPC in Taiwan, which included 1,229 healthy members of families in which 2 or more individuals were affected with NPC and 320 controls from the community at large. Blood collected from participants was tested for IgA antibodies against EBV VCA and EBNA-1 and for neutralizing antibodies against EBV DNase using standard assays. We observed evidence of familial aggregation of EBV seroreactivity among individuals from high-risk, multiplex NPC families. Anti-VCA IgA and anti-EBNA-1 IgA antibody seroprevalence in unaffected family members of NPC cases was 5-6 times higher than in members of the community (p < 0.01). This elevated seroprevalence among unaffected individuals from high-risk families was observed regardless of the relationship of the unaffected individual to the closest affected relative (siblings, parents, children or spouses). No sociodemographic or environmental factors examined were found to strongly and consistently correlate with elevated seroprevalence, but patterns emerged of increasing seroprevalence among older individuals and among females. Unaffected individuals from high-risk NPC families have elevated anti-EBV IgA antibody titers. The etiologic and clinical implications of this finding remain to be established.

Neutral fat hydrolysis and long-chain fatty acid oxidation during anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse wastewater

Neutral fat hydrolysis and long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) oxidation rates were determined during the digestion of slaughterhouse wastewater in anaerobic sequencing batch reactors operated at 25 degrees C. The experimental substrate consisted of filtered slaughterhouse wastewater supplemented with pork fat particles at various average initial sizes (D(in)) ranging from 60 to 450 microm. At the D(in) tested, there was no significant particle size effect on the first-order hydrolysis rate. The neutral fat hydrolysis rate averaged 0.63 +/- 0.07 d(-1). LCFA oxidation rate was modelled using a Monod-type equation. The maximum substrate utilization rate (kmax) and the half-saturation concentration (Ks) averaged 164 +/- 37 mg LCFA/L/d and 35 +/- 31 mg LCFA/L, respectively. Pork fat particle degradation was mainly controlled by LCFA oxidation rate and, to a lesser extent, by neutral fat hydrolysis rate. Hydrolysis pretreatment of fat-containing wastewaters and sludges should not substantially accelerate their anaerobic treatment. At a D(in) of 450 microm, fat particles were found to inhibit methane production during the initial 20 h of digestion. Inhibition of methane production in the early phase of digestion was the only significant effect of fat particle size on anaerobic digestion of pork slaughterhouse wastewater. Soluble COD could not be used to determine the rate of lipid hydrolysis due to LCFA adsorption on the biomass.

Treatment and outcome of Taiwanese patients with 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase gene mutations

Ten cases of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency were identified in 1,337,490 newborns screened in a Chinese population in Taiwan. The high incidence of BH4 deficiency in the Taiwanese population may be explained by a founder effect, since all of the patients revealed 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase gene mutations, and grouping N52S and P87S mutations together constituted 88.9% of the disease alleles. BH4 supplementation with restriction of high-protein foods gave control of plasma phenylalanine within normal range, and levodopa itself prevented seizure. However, the average intelligence quotient (IQ) score of these patients was only 76 +/- 14 (56-98). Statistically, the age of starting medication, including 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), was inversely correlated to IQ scores of these patients. We suggest the combination of BH4, levodopa and 5-HTP as the standard protocol to commence the treatment of BH4 deficiency as early as possible, although prenatal brain damage could have existed.

Expression of the Epstein-Barr virus BHRF1 gene, a homologue of Bcl-2, in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissue

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated closely with the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The EBV gene product, BHRF1, has been demonstrated in vitro and is structurally and functionally similar to the oncogene bcl-2, that is able to protect cells from programmed cell death. To determine whether the BHRF1 gene is expressed in vivo, BHRF1 mRNA or protein were sought in tissues from NPC and non-NPC patients. BHRF1 transcripts were specifically detected in the NPC tumours (32 out of 44, 72.7%) rather than the non-NPC tissues (0 out of 25) by reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction and Southern hybridization. Other EBV genes, such as the lytic gene BZLF1 and latent genes EBNA1 and LMP2A, were also investigated. BZLF1 transcripts also were found specifically in NPC tumours (33 out of 44, 75%). EBNA1 was expressed in 79.5% of NPC, and 28% of non- NPC, tissues and LMP2A was expressed in 70.5% of NPC, and 88% of non-NPC, tissues. BHRF1 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry in 4 metastatic NPC, of 36 NPC tissue sections available. The BHRF1 protein was distributed in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of the neoplastic epithelial cells. IgG antibody against the BHRF1 protein was detected in 6 of 17 (35. 3%) NPC plasma, but the protein and IgG were both absent from the non-NPC controls. BHRF1 DNA sequences were determined for 11 NPC and 3 non-NPC samples. No sequence was specific for the EBV isolates from NPC tissue. Amino acids 79 and 88 always appeared in the same form, however, for every tested isolate and both were valine or leucine. This particular characteristic was not present in the B95-8 strain or in the corresponding regions of homologues, Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, and was regarded as unique to Oriental EBV strains.

Late-onset holocarboxylase synthetase deficiency with homologous R508W mutation

Holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS) is responsible for the biotinylation of pyruvate carboxylase, propionyl coenzyme A (CoA) carboxylase, beta-methylcrotonoyl CoA carboxylase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase. We report on a patient with HCS deficiency resulting in a rare metabolic disease. The patient, a 2-year-old boy, presented with vomiting, consciousness disturbance, and dyspnea. Laboratory examinations showed hyperglycemia, hyperammonemia, lactic acidosis, and excretion of large amounts of beta-hydroxyisovalerate and beta-methylcrotonylglycine in the urine. After 10 days of treatment with biotin 5 mg.kg-1.day-1, the abnormal organic acids in his urine had almost completely disappeared. There were no subsequent attacks, and his growth and development remained normal during 1 year of follow-up. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the HCS cDNA of the patient revealed a homozygous 1809C-->T (R508W) mutation. The R508W mutation is found worldwide, and might be associated with higher residual HCS activity than other mutations. Late-onset HCS deficiency cannot be differentiated clinically from biotinidase deficiency. Prompt and correct diagnosis is important for these biotin-responsive disorders.

Antibody against the Epstein-Barr virus BHRF1 protein, a homologue of Bcl-2, in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) open reading frame BHRF1, a homologue of the oncogene bcl-2, was cloned from a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The resulting recombinant BHRF1 fusion protein, with an apparent molecular weight of 35 KD, was used as antigen in an immunoblotting assay for IgG antibody in human sera. Anti-BHRF1 antibody was detected in 57 (61.3%) of 93 patients with NPC, 5 (5.7%) of 87 patients with nonmalignant diseases of the nasopharynx, and in 1 (1.3%) of 78 healthy blood donors. The positivity rate in these nonmalignant patients was 4.4 times that of the normal controls. Negative results were observed in four patients with infectious mononucleosis and patients with other cancers, including 4 with esophageal cancer, 11 with lung cancer, 10 with lymphoma, 13 with gastric carcinoma, 10 with cervical carcinoma, and 10 with other head and neck cancers. Antibody neutralizing EBV DNase and IgA antibody to viral capsid antigen (VCA) were assayed in parallel. The results showed that 7.5% of the NPC patients were negative for anti-DNase and anti-VCA antibodies and EBV infection could be detected by the anti-BHRF1 antibody alone. The demonstration of anti-BHRF1 antibody in most NPC sera strongly supports the hypothesis that the EBV BHRF1 protein is expressed in most NPC patients and its specific antibody can be a useful marker for the diagnosis of NPC.

Alcoholic beverage preference and risks of alcohol-related medical consequences: a preliminary report from the National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Survey

In studying the alcohol-morbidity association, a substantial amount of attention and efforts has been focused on volume of alcohol intake. Considerably less is known about the differential health effects of beverage types. The present study used a most recent national household survey of the U.S. general population on drinking practices, alcohol use disorders, and their associated disabilities. The prevalence of a broad range of alcohol-related diseases was examined with respect to preferred beverage type, as well as consumption level. Our findings showed a reduced health risk associated with beer and wine drinking for a number of physical disorders, and a somewhat favorable cardiovascular effect of these two beverage types in relation to abstention. Among preferrers of beer, wine, and liquor, the results indicate that liquor preference is associated with elevated morbidity for several medical consequences. However, interpretation of results and the public health implications of these findings need to be taken cautiously, because sociodemographic and other behavioral characteristics were not considered in this preliminary report.

Association of downregulation of cyclin D1 and of overexpression of cyclin E with p53 mutation, high tumor grade and poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The major regulatory events leading to cell proliferation occur in the G1 phase of cell cycle, and the deranged expression of G1 cyclins is related to oncogenesis. In this study, we analyzed the aberrant expressions of cyclins D1 and E, and their role in hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

We examined paired hepatocellular carcinoma and liver RNAs taken from 71 patients who had been followed for more than 4 years after tumor resection, using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction supplemented with Northern blotting and immunohistochemistry. The genetic alterations of the p53 gene were also studied.

RESULTS

Downregulation of cyclin D1 mRNA was detected in 29 hepatocellular carcinomas (40.8%), while overexpression was detected in only 4 hepatocellular carcinomas (5.6%). Downregulation of cyclin D1 was associated significantly with large hepatocellular carcinomas (p=0.0006) and poorly differentiated (grades III-IV) hepatocellular carcinoma (p=0.057), but not seen in any of 15 minute hepatocellular carcinomas (< or =2.5 cm in size). Cyclin E mRNA was overexpressed in 40 hepatocellular carcinomas, regardless of tumor size. Overexpression of cyclin E was significantly associated with poorly differentiated and invasive hepatocellular carcinoma (p=0.001 and p=0.015, respectively). Downregulation of cyclin D1 and overexpression of cyclin E were significantly associated with the p53 mutation (p=0.023 and p=0.005, respectively). Hepatocellular carcinomas expressing both downregulation of cyclin D1 and overexpression of cyclin E had the worst 4-year survival (p<0.03), and higher frequencies of the p53 mutation (p<0.001), large hepatocellular carcinoma (p<0.001), and invasive tumor (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The deranged expressions of G1 cyclins correlate with the p53 mutation, tumor progression, and tumor biologic behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma. Overexpression of cyclin E occurs early, and downregulation of cyclin D1 late in hepatocellular carcinoma growth.

The relationship between drinking and heart disease morbidity in the United States: results from the National Health Interview Survey

This study, based on data drawn from the responses of 18,323 males and 25,440 females to the 1988 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative, multistage probability sample of the United States, attempts to define more precisely the level of drinking at which the relationship between heart disease and alcohol consumption is a protective one. Its attempt at precision derives from (1) using drinking categories that represent various points within the range of moderate drinking (1-6 drinks) defined in the literature as protective; (2) adjusting for underreporting that commonly occurs in population surveys by using consumption at time of heaviest drinking; and (3) controlling for age, body mass, smoking, former drinker, and former smoker status, duration of drinking, and sociodemographic factors. It also examines whether the relationship derived from these levels conforms to the U-shaped curve that demonstrates the protective effect of moderate drinking when abstainers are not used as the reference group. Relative to infrequent drinkers (less than 1 drink per day), men report more heart disease at the level of more than five drinks per day. However, black men also report more heart disease, relative to infrequent drinkers, at the greater than two drinks per day level; and women report more heart disease at the level of more than two drinks per day at the time of their heaviest drinking. Former drinkers of both genders, considered as an independent variable in the regression analysis, were more likely to report having heart disease. Abstainers, light drinkers, and infrequent drinkers were not significantly different in their reports of heart disease. Our results are consistent with studies that suggest protection from heart disease occurs only at lower levels of drinking.

Medical consequences of alcohol consumption--United States, 1992

There is plenty of evidence in the alcohol literature that chronic excessive use of alcohol poses a threat to every organ system in the body. At the same time, there is a growing consensus that drinking in moderation protects against cardiovascular disease. This study was based on the most recent national household survey of the United States general population on drinking practices, alcohol use disorders, and their associated disabilities. The prevalence of major alcohol-related diseases were examined across different categories of drinking status. Excess morbidity caused by heavy intake of alcohol was also studied. Results were generally in agreement with the popular belief that light or moderate drinking is beneficial relative to abstention, particularly that moderate alcohol consumption confers a beneficial cardiovascular effect. Our findings also pointed toward the injurious effect of heavy alcohol use. However, results on benefits of drinking must be interpreted with caution.

Metabolic function and liver histopathology in Reye-like illnesses

Forty children with Reye syndrome (RS) or Reye-like illnesses were investigated to elucidate the underlying aetiologies. Extensive biochemical studies including patterns of organic acids and amino acids, liver histopathology, and, if available, a DNA approach were performed. In addition to classical RS (n = 10), the causes of Reye-like conditions included hereditary organic acidaemias (n = 13), urea cycle defects (n = 4), mitochondrial disorders (n = 3), fulminant hepatitis (n = 2), tyrosinaemia (n = 1), valproate-associated hepatotoxicity (n = 1), and other non-specific generalized organic acid disorders (n = 6). It is important to collect specimens when encephalopathy with liver dysfunction of unknown causes is noted. When the underlying inherited metabolic disorders are confirmed, the prevention of the recurrence by adequate diet control and medications, and genetic counselling become possible.

Subgroup variation in U.S. drinking patterns: results of the 1992 national longitudinal alcohol epidemiologic study

Data from the 1992 National Longitudinal Alcohol Epidemiologic Study (NLAES) revealed that 44% of U.S. adults 18 years of age and older were current drinkers who had consumed at least 12 drinks in the year preceding the interview. Twenty-two percent were former drinkers, and 34% were lifetime abstainers. These figures represent an 8% decrease in the prevalence of current drinking relative to 1988. The proportion of current drinkers decreased with age, was higher for men than women, increased with education and income, was lower than average among Black and Hispanic adults, was highest among never-married adults and lowest among those who were widowed, was lower in the South than in other regions, and was lower in rural than urban areas. The probabilities of ever having consumed five or more (5+) drinks or having been intoxicated in the past year revealed similar patterns to those already noted, but the probabilities of heavy drinking or intoxication on a weekly or more frequent basis showed no variation by race or ethnicity. Average daily consumption of more than 1 ounce of ethanol differed from the preceding measure of heavy drinking in its variation across population subgroups, declining less sharply with age and exhibiting a U-shaped pattern with respect to income. Examination of the prevalence of heavy drinking among current drinkers rather than within the total population revealed several differences, the most striking reversal being that the probability of heavy drinking decreased with education and income. Multiple logistic regression models predicting the various drinking outcomes indicated that most of the differentials held true after adjusting for intercorrelation among the sociodemographic variables.

An examination of the alcohol consumption and peptic ulcer association--results of a national survey

Excessive alcohol consumption causes damages to the stomach or duodenum by impairing the integrity of the mucosal barrier. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between alcohol consumption and peptic ulcer, utilizing a large representative sample of the U.S. population, while controlling for cigarette smoking and major sociodemographic variables. Results indicated that alcohol consumption only minimally increased the odds of peptic ulcer. Thus, this study offers little support for the association between ethanol intake and peptic ulcer.

Bradykinin-stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. Stimulation of bradykinin (BK) receptors coupled to phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was investigated in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). BK, kallidin, and des-Arg9-BK, stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphates (IPs) accumulation in a dose-dependent manner with half-maximal responses (EC50) at 20 +/- 5, 13 +/- 4, and 2.3 +/- 0.7 nM, (n = 5), respectively. 2. D-Arg[Hyp3, D-Phe7]-BK and D-Arg[Hyp3, Thi5,8, D-Phe7]-BK, B2 receptor antagonists, were equipotent in blocking the BK-induced IPs accumulation with pKB = 7.1 and 7.3, respectively. 3. Short-term exposure of TSMCs to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) attenuated BK-stimulated IPs accumulation. The concentrations of PMA that gave half-maximal and maximal inhibition of BK-induced IPs accumulation were 15 +/- 4 nM and 1 microM, n = 3, respectively. The inhibitory effect of PMA on BK-induced response was reversed by staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PMA was mediated through the activation of PKC. 4. Prolonged incubation of TSMCs with PMA for 24 h, resulted in a recovery of receptor responsiveness which may be due to down-regulation of PKC. The inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol 12, 13-didecanoate at 1 microM, did not inhibit this response. 5. The site of this inhibition was further investigated by examining the effect of PMA on AlF(4-)-induced IPs accumulation in canine TSMCs. AlF(4-)-stimulated IPs accumulation was inhibited by PMA treatment, suggesting that the G protein(s) can be directly activated by AlF4-, which is uncoupled from phospholipase C by PMA treatment. 6. Incubation of TSMCs in the absence of external Ca2+ or upon removal of Ca2+ by addition of EGTA, caused a decrease in IPs accumulation without changing the basal levels. Addition of Ca2+ (3-620 nM) to digitonin-permeabilized TSMCs stimulated IPs accumulation was obtained by inclusion of either guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) or BK. The combination of GTP gamma S and BK caused an additive effect on IPs accumulation.7. Pretreatment of TSMCs with cholera toxin enhanced BK-stimulated IPs accumulation, whereas there was no effect with pertussis toxin.8. These data suggest that BK-stimulated PI metabolism is mediated by the activation of BK B2 receptors coupling to a G protein which is not blocked by cholera toxin or pertussis toxin treatment and dependent on external Ca2+. The transduction mechanism of BK coupled to PI hydrolysis is sensitive to feedback regulation by PKC.

A study of the gender differences in morbidity among individuals diagnosed with alcohol abuse and/or dependence

The majority of studies on medical consequences of excessive alcohol consumption have been carried out with male subjects, mostly from clinical or hospitalized samples. The purpose of this report was to study differences in morbidity outcomes of men and women among respondents diagnosed with alcohol abuse and/or dependence. Utilizing data from the 1988 National Health Interview Survey, this study compared several indicators of physical morbidity among male and female respondents meeting the criteria for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) alcohol abuse and/or dependence. The results revealed complex gender differences, not all of which can be explained by differences in sociodemographic characteristics or drinking practices. Moreover, the results indicated that it is inadequate to generalize results based on morbidity data of men with alcohol abuse and/or dependence to their female counterparts or female drinkers. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Sex differences in morbidity among respondents classified as alcohol abusers and/or dependent: results of a national survey

To date, none of the studies on gender differences in physical morbidity have focused on persons classified as DSM-III-R alcohol abusers and/or dependent in the general population. This Data Note presents data from a nationally representative survey on drinking practices and related problems for the purpose of examining gender differences in physical morbidity among respondents receiving these diagnoses. Results indicated that for certain major sociodemographic subgroups of the population, gender differences in morbidity were significant. The female-to-male odds ratios of these subgroups generally varied within the range of 1.5 and 2.0, reflecting about two times greater odds of experiencing morbid conditions for females when compared to males.

Muscarinic regulation of cytosolic free calcium in canine tracheal smooth muscle cells: Ca2+ requirement for phospholipase C activation

1. The relationship between muscarinic receptor-mediated phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) breakdown and the increase of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+])i has been examined in canine cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). 2. Addition of acetylcholine (ACh) and carbachol led to a 2-3 fold increase in [Ca2+]i over the resting level as determined by fura-2, with half-maximal stimulation (EC50) obtained at concentrations of 97 and 340 nM, respectively. Addition of the partial agonist, bethanechol, showed a smaller increase in PIP2 turnover and [Ca2+]i than did ACh or carbachol. 3. Addition of ACh or carbachol to TSMCs that had been prelabelled with [3H]-inositol led to the rapid (5-15 s) release of inositol mono, bis and trisphosphates IP1, IP2 and IP3. The time course of IP3 accumulation is correlated with the time course of the peak rise in [Ca2+]i. 4. Inclusion of EGTA lowered the resting [Ca2+]i and markedly reduced the extent of the agonist-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. When assayed under conditions similar to those used for the [Ca2+]i measurements, EGTA reduced the muscarinic agonist-stimulated inositol phosphates (IPs) accumulation. Conversely, ionomycin could stimulate IPs accumulation and elevate [Ca2+]i. The addition of Ca2+ (2.7-617 nM) to digitonin-permeabilized TSMCs directly stimulated IPs accumulation. 5. Both Ca2+ and guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) stimulated the formation of IPs in digitonin-permeabilized TSMCs prelabelled with [3H]-inositol. A further calcium-dependent increase in IPs accumulation was obtained by inclusion of either GTP gamma S or carbachol. The combined presence of carbachol and GTP gamma S elicited a synergistic effect on IPs accumulation, with half-maximal stimulation observed at approximately 8 nM free Ca2+.6. These results indicate that (i) the magnitude of the initial rise in [Ca2+], is directly related to the production of IPs and (ii) the phospholipase C-mediated PIP2 breakdown in TSMCs is sensitive to regulation by physiologically relevant concentrations of free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]f).

Fragile-X mental retardation--a combination of cytogenetic and molecular approaches, with greater emphasis on DNA analysis

Fragile X syndrome is one of the most frequent causes of hereditary mental retardation. In the past, its diagnosis depended primarily on cytogenetic demonstration of chromosome fragile site Xq27.3. Recently, the gene FMR-1 has been found responsible for this disease. Here a combined method was used to study fragile X syndrome. A fragment (pP1fr) of DNA was subcloned from pE5.1 by polymerase chain reaction. With this probe, DNA samples from two cytogenetically proved families were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphisms. It was demonstrated that EcoRI polymorphism was an easy and accurate method for diagnosis of the fragile X syndrome. To study methylation status of patients, another methylation-sensitive enzyme, BssHII, could be used together with EcoRI. The PstI polymorphism of one family was also studied and showed one kb fragment as normal, and detected more precise changes in length. Prominent mosaicism necessary was characteristic in PstI polymorphism. The DNA diagnosis of fragile X syndrome was a reliable method.

Primary culture of canine tracheal smooth muscle cells in serum-free medium: effects of insulin-like growth factor I and insulin

The effects of growth factors on cell growth and muscarinic receptor (mAChR) expression of canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) were observed under serum-free medium supplemented with 0.1% BSA. In the presence of 0.1% BSA, TSMCs withdraw from cell cycle as compared with 10% FBS and allow to determine the effects of growth factors on mAChR expression. The individual components of growth factors (IGF-I, insulin, and aFGF) at the concentration used are not sufficient to stimulate growth of TSMCs in the primary culture with 0.1% BSA. IGF-I (10 ng/ml) and insulin (1 microgram/ml), alone or in combination, could stimulate the expression of mAChRs of cultured TSMCs. Heparin could inhibit these stimulatory effects of mAChR expression. The stimulatory effects of IGF-I and insulin on mAChR expression were mediated through their own receptors since these effects were reversed by pretreatment of TSMCs with antibodies of the respective growth factor receptors. The pharmacological response of functional mAChRs, determined as accumulation of inositol phosphates induced by carbachol, is greater in the medium containing IGF-I and insulin than that cultured in 0.1% BSA. These results firmly establish that IGF-I and insulin could stimulate the expression of mAChRs in TSMCs under serum-free culture condition.

Early onset of drinking as a risk factor for lifetime alcohol-related problems

Heavy drinking among students has been a major public health concern over the past decade. A nationally representative 1988 survey on drinking practices and related problems examined the effect of age of of onset of drinking on lifetime alcohol-related problems. Prevalence estimates were obtained for major demographic subgroups of the population. Results and implications are discussed in the context of minimum legal drinking age.

Measurement of urinary orotic acid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Urinary excretion of orotic acid is increased in many inborn errors of ureagenesis and some other diseases. Urine orotic acid is found to be accurately measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MASS) under the conditions for organic acids analysis. Therefore, GC-MASS analysis of urine is also helpful in the diagnosis of urea cycle disorders in patients with hyperammonemia. Specific tests for orotic acid measurement are not necessary if urine organic acids analysis is available.

Empirical subtypes of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence: United States, 1988

The purpose of the present study was to quantify the degree of heterogeneity of the DSM-III-R alcohol dependence category by comparing the number of potential subtypes of dependence to those empirically observed in a general population survey. Forty-one percent (n = 189) of the 466 potential subtypes of DSM-III-R alcohol dependence were observed, indicating that the category is indeed heterogeneous, but not as heterogeneous as theoretically predicted. Variations in the number, percent and configuration of empirical subtypes of dependence are discussed in terms of coincident morbidity, premature death from alcoholism or death from other competing causes, reporting biases and differences in drinking patterns. The predominance of the 'tolerance' 'withdrawal' and 'impaired control over drinking' criteria among the empirically observed subtypes of dependence are examined within the context of the physiological dependence subtype proposed for the DSM-IV category of alcohol dependence and difficulties encountered in operationalizing these diagnostic criteria. The relevance of study findings to the validation of diagnostic categories in psychiatry is also highlighted.

Regulation of functional muscarinic receptor expression in tracheal smooth muscle cells

Recent studies have shown that cultured tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) do not respond to muscarinic agonists with a significant increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This may be due to a downregulation of muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) in TSMCs. We report here that the individual component of growth factors or hormones at the concentration used is not sufficient to stimulate growth of TSMCs in the primary culture with 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS). In the presence of 1% FBS, TSMCs withdraw from the cell cycle and express high levels of cell surface mAChRs. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and insulin (Ins), alone or in combination, could stimulate the expression of mAChRs on the cultured TSMCs in 1% FBS without changing the affinity of receptors. Heparin could inhibit these stimulatory effects on mAChR expression. The pharmacological response of functional mAChRs, determined as accumulation of inositol phosphates induced by carbachol, is greater in the medium containing IGF-I and Ins than those cultured in 1% FBS. This action may be partially mediated through a cholera toxin-sensitive protein. The results conclude that IGF-I and Ins are necessary for TSMCs to express functional mAChRs.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes coupled to generation of different second messengers in isolated tracheal smooth muscle cells

1. Activation of muscarinic receptor subtypes leads to contraction, an increase in the accumulation of inositol phosphates (IPs) and a decrease in adenosine 3': 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) synthesis in tracheal smooth muscle. The concentrations of carbachol that produced a half-maximal effect (EC50) in inhibition of cyclic AMP generation, stimulation of IPs formation and contraction were 15 nM, 2.0 microM and 0.17 microM, respectively. 2. Pirenzepine, a selective M1 antagonist, displayed a low affinity for antagonizing cyclic AMP inhibition, IPs formation and contraction induced by carbachol (pKB = 6.8, 7.0, and 7.1, respectively). 3. Methoctramine, a cardioselective M2 antagonist, blocked cyclic AMP inhibition with a high affinity (pKB = 7.5), while it antagonized IPs formation and contraction with a low affinity (pKB = 6.2 and 6.1, respectively). 4. 4-Diphenylacetoxy-N-methylpiperidine (4-DAMP), a selective smooth muscle M3 antagonist, possessed a high affinity in blocking IPs formation (pKB = 8.8) and contraction (pKB = 9.2) as well as a low affinity for antagonism of cyclic AMP inhibition (pKB = 8.1). 5. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that M2 and M3 receptor subtypes are coupled to different effector systems in tracheal smooth muscle. An M1 receptor subtype is not involved in the generation of the second messengers examined. Inhibition of cyclic AMP formation may be coupled to the M2 receptor subtype. The accumulation of IPs and presumably IP-induced Ca2+ release may function as the transducing mechanism for cholinergic contraction of tracheal smooth muscle through the activation of M3 receptors.

Cellular fatty acid composition of Oerskovia species, CDC Coryneform groups A-3, A-4, A-5, Corynebacterium aquaticum, Listeria denitrificans and Brevibacterium acetylicum

Twenty four strains representing eight species of gram positive yellow-pigmented rods (Oerskovia turbata, Oerskovia xanthineolytica, CDC Coryneform groups A-3, A-4, A-5, Listeria denitrificans, Corynebacterium aquaticum and Brevibacterium acetylicum) were divided into two major groups based on the relative amounts of 12 methyltetradecanoate (15:0a) obtained by capillary gas liquid chromatography. O. turbata, O. xanthineolytica, CDC groups A-3 and A-4, L. denitrificans and C. aquaticum were placed in the first group due to the presence of a higher percentage (29-47%) of 15:0a, than CDC group A-5 and B. acetylicum. The latter contained 2-6% of this fatty acid, and were placed in the second group. All species in the two groups except C. aquaticum and CDC group A-4, were further separated from each other based on the qualitative and quantitative differences in their fatty acid compositions. In addition, the eight strains of CDC group A-5 revealed four different patterns and were further divided into four subgroups. This study supports the importance of the composition of cellular fatty acids in differentiating some closely related organisms.

Effect of ferrous sulfate, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium pyruvate on survival of Campylobacter jejuni

A combination of ferrous sulfate, sodium metabisulfite and sodium pyruvate, incorporated in solid medium, maintained the characteristic morphology, motility, and viability of six isolates of Campylobacter jejuni stored at room temperature and 4 degrees C for up to 20 and 30 days, respectively, under normal atmospheric conditions.