Menstrual cycle modulation of tender points

OBJECTIVE: A summary about the final results of the Hungarian double-blind placebo controlled randomised trial of periconceptional folic acid containing multivitamin and trace element supplementation. RESULTS: The major finding is a significant prevention of the first occurrence of neural-tube defect, urinary tract and cardiovascular defects, in addition a decrease in the rate of limb deficiencies and congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Fertility was slightly improved and the rate of twins increased significantly after periconceptional multivitamin supplementation. The effect of multivitamin supplementation for fetal death is controversial, but in general there is no clinically significant change. Periconceptional multivitamin supplementation can reduce the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS: Consumption of foods which are rich in folate may not be the best way to prevent neural-tube defects and other congenital abnormalities. Periconceptional multivitamin supplementation is part of the periconceptional care in Hungary and it is an appropriate forum for the practical delivery for this primary prevention action. However, as a large proportion of pregnancies are unplanned, the widespread use of bread fortified with folic acid, vitamin B12 and B6 may decrease a considerable part of neural-tube defects and some other congenital abnormalities, in addition to vascular diseases due to hyperhomocysteinemia.     

Properties of human hemoglobins with increased polarity in the alpha- or beta-heme pocket. Carbonmonoxy derivatives

The spectroscopic, conformational, and functional properties of mutant carbonmonoxy hemoglobins in which either the beta-globin Val67(E11) or the alpha-globin Val62(E11) is replaced by threonine have been investigated. The thermal evolution of the Soret absorption band and the stretching frequency of the bound CO were used to probe the stereodynamic properties of the heme pocket. The functional properties were investigated by kinetic measurements. The spectroscopic and functional data were related to the conformational properties through molecular analysis. The effects of this nonpolar-to-polar isosteric mutation are: (i) increase of heme pocket anharmonic motions, (ii) stabilization of the A0 conformer in the IR spectrum, (iii) increased CO dissociation rates. The spectroscopic data indicate that for the carbonmonoxy derivatives, the Val --> Thr mutation has a larger conformational effect on the beta-subunits than on the alpha-subunits. This is at variance with the deoxy derivatives where the conformational modification was larger in the heme pocket of the alpha-subunit (Cupane, A., Leone, M., Militello, V., Friedman, R. K., Koley, A. P., Vasquez, G. P., Brinigar, W. S., Karavitis, M., and Fronticelli, C. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 26271-26278). These effects are attributed to a different electrostatic interaction between Ogamma of Thr(E11) and the bound CO molecule. Molecular analysis indicates a more favorable interaction of the bound CO with Thr Ogamma in the beta-subunit heme pocket.     

Immunoaffinity localization of the enzyme xanthine oxidase on the outside surface of the endothelial cell plasma membrane

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen metabolites generated from endothelial xanthine oxidase (XO) trigger reperfusion injury in many organs. We evaluated the possibility that endothelial XO was localized on the endothelial cell surface, as well as within the cytoplasm. METHODS: Primary cultures of bovine (BAECs) and porcine (PAECs) aortic endothelial cells were grown in media documented to be free of XO. Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies were developed against XO. These antibodies were used to evaluate BAEC and PAEC for cell surface XO through immunofluorescence staining, hybridoma cell surface labeling, and endothelial cell surface binding. RESULTS: These antibodies bound specifically to the surface of these cells when the membrane was shown to be intact and impermeable (and the cytoplasm inaccessible) to immunoglobulins Moreover, hybridoma cells expressing monoclonal antibody to XO bound specifically to the endothelial cell surface. Finally, intact endothelial cells bound specifically to the anti-XO polyclonal antibodies immobilized to the surface of a Petri dish. The integrity of these endothelial cell plasma membranes was demonstrated by the subsequent growth and replication of these cells in culture. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that XO is present on the outside surface of the endothelial cell plasma membrane. This would not only explain the known in vivo efficacy of intravascularly administered large molecular weight antioxidants (such as superoxide dismutase) but could have important implications for inflammatory signaling.     

Is familial hyperparathyroidism a unique disease?

BACKGROUND: Familial hyperparathyroidism is a rare condition reported to behave more aggressively than sporadic hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: A retrospective (1975 to 1995) analysis was performed on 30 such patients. All patients had at least one first-degree relative with surgically treated hyperparathyroidism and no personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia. RESULTS: There were 19 women and 11 men with a mean age of 39 years (range, 13 to 78 years). Fourteen patients (47%) had nephrolithiasis. The mean serum calcium level was 11.6 mg/dl (range, 10.5 to 15.3 mg/dl). Twenty-three primary and 15 repeat explorations (eight recurrent and seven persistent disease) were performed during the study period. Follow-up was obtained on all patients and ranged from 1 to 21 years (mean, 12 years). At the conclusion of the study, hypercalcemia (five recurrent and one persistent) was present in six patients (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Familial hyperparathyroidism is a distinct and unique entity. Patients are diagnosed at a young age and have a high incidence of nephrolithiasis. Long-term follow-up is mandatory because of the high incidence of both recurrent and persistent hyperparathyroidism. Surgical treatment should include subtotal parathyroidectomy and routine transcervical thymectomy performed in centers with experience in the management of multiple-gland parathyroid disease.