Analysis of linkage between beta-lactoglobulin and J blood group system loci in cattle

Linkage between loci controlling variants of beta-lactoglobulin and blood groups of the J system in cattle was studied by means of stochastic genetic methods reported earlier. The studies were conducted on a herd of Black Pied cattle improved with Holstein sires; population genetic data were analyzed. A plot for lod score was constructed, and point (r - 0.28) and interval estimations of the coefficient of recombination were obtained. The results are in good agreement with earlier reported data on other subjects.     

End labeling studies of fragmented DNA in the avian growth plate: evidence of apoptosis in terminally differentiated chondrocytes

The chondro-osseous junction has been the subject of considerable scrutiny, especially in terms of the fate and role of the terminally differentiated chondrocyte. Although it has been proposed that these cells change their phenotype and survive in the epiphysis, possibly as osteoblasts, evidence from a number of other studies suggests that chondrocytes may undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death. A useful test for programmed cell death is to end label DNA in cryosections using the commercial reagent ApopTag and detect antibody binding to fragmented DNA by epifluorescence; more direct assessments include examination of the nucleus for condensation of chromatin evaluating fragmentation through alkaline and pulsed field agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA, and measuring apoptosis by flow cytometry. We found that we could label cells in the proliferative and the hypertrophic region of the proximal tibial growth plate of the chick with ApopTag. Most of the chondrocytes in the hypertrophic region were labeled by the reagent; in contrast, few proliferative chondrocytes were stained by the end-labeling procedure. Both agarose and pulsed field electrophoresis were used to confirm that there was fragmentation of chondrocyte DNA. Alkaline gel electrophoresis indicated that there was more fragmentation of DNA from hypertrophic cells than from proliferative chondrocytes. Further evidence in support of apoptosis was provided by electron microscopic observation of cells in the hypertrophic region of the growth plate. We noted that many of the cells in this region of the growth plate appeared to be undergoing programmed cell death since their nuclei contained condensed chromatin. Finally, we used flow cytometry to analyze chondrocytes isolated from the proliferating and hypertrophic regions of the growth plate for apoptosis. Dual parameteric flow cytometric contour plots of Hoechst and 7-amino-actinomycin D fluorescence showed that abut 8% of cells in the plate were apoptotic. Most of these cells were in hypertrophic cartilage. In summary, the results of this investigation indicate that chondrocytes terminate their life history by apoptosis. While it is possible that the terminal labeling studies may overestimate the number of cells undergoing this event, the data lend credence to the view that cells are removed from the epiphysis through apoptosis. If this is the case, then chondrocytes probably enter the terminal phase of their life as fully functioning cells and genomic, and/or local environmental conditions provide termination signals that initiate events that lead to programmed cell death.     

Pelvic lymphadenectomy can be omitted in selected patients with carcinoma of the prostate: development of a system of patient selection

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of pelvic lymph node metastases in men with clinically localized prostate cancer has decreased dramatically over the past decade, possibly due to efforts at early detection. With a significantly lower incidence of pelvic node involvement, it may be possible to identify a segment of patients for whom pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) may be omitted. This study was conducted to develop a method to select patients for whom PLND could be omitted. METHODS: We analyzed serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), clinical stage, biopsy Gleason score, and final pathologic stage in 481 men with clinically localized prostate cancer. These variables were compared to the risk of positive pelvic lymph nodes. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis determined that combining all three variables provided the best determination of final pathologic stage. A series of probability curves have been created to estimate the risk of positive lymph nodes in a given patient. Based on the distribution of patients in this study and using these probability functions, PLND could be avoided in up to 50% of patients with localized prostate cancer diagnosed by contemporary methods. CONCLUSIONS: In properly selected patients, pelvic lymphadenectomy can be omitted in the staging and treatment of localized prostate cancer.     

On vitamin B1 metabolism in avitaminosis and its correction with thiamine and taurine

The levels of phosphate esters and the activities of thiamine biotransformation enzymes in the blood and tissues of albino rats were studied during oxythiamine-induced B1 deficiency and after metabolic correction with thiamine and taurine. Among thiamine phosphates, the most informative indicators of thiamine deficiency were shown to be triphosphate esters and free thiamine diphosphate. The biosynthetic enzymes thiamine kinase and thiamine diphosphate kinase played a decisive role in maintaining the initial rate and in recovering the physiologically active forms of vitamin B1. The activation of hydrolytic enzymes of thiamine phosphate esters occurred by producing abundant free thiamine diphosphate and thiamine triphosphate. Within the first hours, taurine favoured the acceleration of phosphoester biosynthesis and, accumulating in the tissues, inhibited vitamin phosphorylation reactions.     

U.K. Prospective Diabetes Study. XV: Relationship of renin-angiotensin system gene polymorphisms with microalbuminuria in NIDDM

We performed a case-control study to determine whether molecular variants of genes of the renin-angiotensin system were associated with the presence of albuminuria in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). A total of 180 diabetic patients with persistent microalbuminuria [median urinary albumin (interquartile range) of 74 (54 to 126 mg/liter)] were matched with two control groups of diabetic patients without microalbuminuria [median urinary albumin 7 (5 to 10) mg/liter] for variables known to be associated with raised urinary albumin concentration including hemoglobin A1c and triglyceride. One control group was also matched for blood pressure and the other group was not, to allow assessment of interactions with hypertension. Association with the I/D polymorphism of the ACE gene and M235T variant of the angiotensinogen gene (AGT) with microalbuminuria and retinopathy was examined. There were no significant differences in genotype frequency between cases and controls for ACE or AGT irrespective of blood pressure matching. However, among subjects with microalbuminuria, those with the ACE DD genotype had a significantly greater urinary albumin excretion than individuals with a non-DD genotype [median 88 (68 to 170) mg/liter vs. 67 (53 to 113) mg/liter, P < 0.001]. More subjects with the DD than non-DD genotype had persistent albuminuria > 100 mg/liter, twice the upper normal range (60% vs. 38%, P = 0.006). When increased albumin excretion occurs, the presence of the ACE DD genotype appears to be associated with higher urinary albumin levels. No association with retinopathy was observed.     

The effects of D-23129, a new experimental anticonvulsant drug, on neurotransmitter amino acids in the rat hippocampus in vitro

Recent literature continues to promote the early use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), especially the less toxic agents such as hydroxychloroquine. Reports of combination DMARD treatments have been disappointing, and careful attention must be paid to clinical trial design if the efficacy of combination therapies is to be established. Methotrexate retains its prominent role, and its mechanism of action has been the subject of many reports; its toxicity remains the most common reason for treatment termination. Guidelines for monitoring hepatic toxicity of methotrexate have been published and may help reduce the need for invasive biopsy procedures. Significant risk factors for methotrexate pulmonary toxicity remain difficult to identify. Large placebo-controlled studies of both sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine have been reported and have demonstrated the efficacy of these agents in the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. Awareness of drug-toxicity profiles is important for physicians who prescribe these agents.