Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

G Berg

Publications and source records attributed to G Berg.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

[Essential-fatty-acid deficiency syndrome in man].

The syndrome of essential fatty acid deficiency was first described in rats in 1929. Not before 1958, a corresponding syndrome was observed in infants after administration of cow's milk over longer periods of time. Until recently, the syndrome of essential fatty acid deficiency in adults was completely unknown. In 1970, it was reported in a 44-year-old male patient who had received fatfree parenteral nutrition for 70 days. In its course, a desquamative exanthema developed which completely remitted after administration of linoleic acid. Between 1970-1973, we observed two patients who developed hyperkeratotic dermatoses after long-term administration of a synthetic formula diet (Vivasorb). The lack of essential fatty acids could also be demonstrated in gas-chromatographic studies of the course of the process.

Adult↗

[Ketone bodies in the blood during sorbitol infusion].

The concentration of hydroxybutyrate and pyruvate during infusion of sorbitol was significantly depressed in 12 healthy subjects. The dosage ranged between 0.25 and 0.50 g/kg BW/h. Considering the blood parameter the hunger ketosis was depressed by the infusion rate of 0.25 g/kg/h. Cholesterol concentration, too, was significantly lowered by sorbitol.

Acetoacetates↗

The structure and properties of 27S and larger iodoproteins in the thyroid gland.

Iodoproteins larger than 19S were isolated from hog and calf thyroid glands using gel filtration on Sepharose 6B and one or two centrifugations in glycerol density gradients. Purified protein fractions were analysed in the analytical ultracentrifuge and characterized by the combined use of electrophoresis in continuous polyacrylamide gel gradients and electron microscopy. Three bands migrating more slowly than 19S could be identified in the polyacrylamide gels. Electron microscopy of the fastest of these species, having a sedimentation constant of 27S, showed pairs of 19S thyroglobulin molecules which had the same size and the same ovoid shape as normal, well-iodinated thyroglobulin molecules. The ovoids were randomly attached side to side, end to end. The more slowly migrating proteins were shown to consist of similar aggregates of three, four or more randomly attached molecules. Iodine and sialic acid determinations in 27S and 19S separated from the same pool of well iodinated protein showed no difference in iodine content but a larger amount of sialic acid in 27S than in 19S.

Animals↗

Electron microscopy of low iodinated thyroglobulin molecules.

Thyroglobulin molecules were studied in the electron microscope with negative staining technique. In a first series of experiments samples of thyroglobulin varying in iodine content from 0.5 to 0.03% were prepared from the thyroids of mice and rats kept on iodine-poor diets. All samples contained thyroglobulin molecules of the normal ovoid shape, not deviating in size or shape from molecules obtained from normal thyroids. However, in addition, another type of molecule having a cylindrical shape was observed in all samples. The proportion of these cylindrical molecules increased from a few per cent in the moderately iodine-poor thyroglobulin samples to more than 80% in the highly iodine-deficient thyroglobulin (0.03%). In a second series of experiments extremely iodine-poor thyroglobulin (smaller than 0.005%) was obtained from propylthiouracil-treated rats. In these preparations practically all molecules had a cylindrical shape. These samples also contained smaller particles interpreted to be dissociation products. The cylindrical molecules were of two types, one appearing compact and measuring 250 times 135 A (length times diameter) and the other appearing porous and having a length of 145 and a diameter of 205 A. It is concluded that the cylindrical molecules represent non- or low-iodinated thyroglobulin and it is suggested that the porous cylindrical molecule is an unfolded form of the compact cylinder.

Animals↗

[Serum lipoproteids and ketone bodies after constant infusion of sorbitol i.v. (author's transl)].

20 patients of a metabolic ward received a six-hour infusion of sorbitol at a dosis of 0.125 g/kg/h(n equal to 10) and 0.25 g/kg/h(n equal to 10) body weight. Cholesterol levels showed a significant fall in both groups (p smaller than 0.05) and triglycerides rose significantly (p smaller than 0.05). The concentrations of acetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate were lowered irrespective of the dosis. The cholesterol-reducing effect can be explained by the antiketogenic action, whereas the increase in triglycerides possibly could be the result of raised alpha-glycerophosphate.

Acetoacetates↗

Suitability of non-glucose-carbohydrates for parenteral nutrition.

Postoperative parenteral nutrition can only be optimally effective if the characteristics of post-traumatic metabolism are taken into account. Two main possibilities are discussed for the carbohydrate component of parenteral nutrition during this phase: glucose with high doses of insulin or non-glucose carbohydrates (sugar substitutes) possibly in a suitable combination with glucose. The risks as well as the technical and organisational problems involved in the use of them are discussed and the authors prefer the second of the two alternatives. Possible side effects of non-glucose carbohydrates are pointed out and it is shown how these can be avoided by observing dose guidelines. So far a combination of frucose : glucose : xylitol in a ratio of 2 : 1 :1 with a total dose of 0.50 g/kg/hour has been studied most thoroughly. This combination normalises the fat metabolism and improves glucose tolerance without requiring exogenous insulin. Experiences with this combination as well as individual non-glucose carbohydrates on operated patients have been given continuously for up to 7 days and in some cases even for several weeks. No side effects, no deviations from a steady state and no abnormal changes of the laboratory values occurred. The authors are of the opinion that non glucose carbohydrates are necessary if the facilities for frequent blood sugar controls are not available.

Adenine Nucleotides↗

[Metabolic effect of a carbohydrate combination during simultaneous amino acid infusion].

During a period of 12 hours, eight normal subjects were infused with an electrolyte containing combined 24% carbohydrate solution of fructose, glucose, and xylitol at a ratio of 2:1:1 (Triofusin E 1000 Pfrimmer) with a rate of supply of 0.6 gm/kg/h. Lamino acids (Aminofusin L 10% carbohydrate-free Pfrimmer) were simultaneously administered at a rate of 0.1 gm/kg/h. The serum substrate concentrations of fructose, glucose and xylitol and their excretion were measured. The utilization of fructose was 99%, of glucose practically 100% and of xylitol 88%. In accordance with the slight glucose increase, the concentration of insulin also showed an only slight increase. An increased serum concentration of oxalate was not observed. Despite the infusion of a glycine containing amino acid mixture, the excretion of oxalic acid even decreased during the infusion. The dilution effect measured by means of hematocrit, hemoglobin, erythrocyte count, total protein, and albumin was between 2 and 5%. The lactate concentration did not change significantly whereas hydroxy butyrate decreased significantly by the end of the infusion indicating the antiketogenic effect. A disturbance of fat metabolism was not observed as was indicated by the concentrations of neutral fat and cholesterol. The decrease of free glycerol cannot be clearly explained. A highly significant reduction of the serum uric acid concentration resulted from an increased renal elimination. The electrolyte concentrations of potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphate showed only slight modifications. The concentration of potassium initially rose significantly within normal ranges. Sodium and chloride remained constant whereas calcium decreased slightly but not significantly and phosphate decreased significantly until the 12th hour. The serum transaminase and bilirubin concentrations did not show any change. During the permanent infusion, a respiratory alkalosis developed. The average urinary excretion was 134 ml per hour, the excretion of potassium was 6 mEq/h, of sodium 15 mEq/h, and of phosphate 27 mg/h. The utilazation of a combined carbohydrate solution was in the same range with or without the simultaneous application of amino acids. The reduction of the uric acid concentration and the absent increase of lactate, bilirubin and oxalate may be considered as an additional desirable effect of the simultaneous application of amino acids.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

[Behavior of electrolytes in the metabolism of hunger].

In 20 patients, undergoing a fasting period of 14 days, electrolyt balances were studied. Ten patients received 80 mval potassium per day. Sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphate in blood did not change; bicarbonate and chloride levels diminished. Balance studies showed a significant loss of potassium in both groups. Product of sodium and potassium was constant; calcium balance was positive, whereas that of phosphate was negative. During addition of 80 mval potassium per day significant change of sodium balance occurred.

Bicarbonates↗

[Zinc and magnesium balance in long-term infusion of carbohydrates in healthy subjects].

According to their physiological importance magnesium and zinc have to be infused during complete parenteral nutrition. 8 male volunteers obtained a continous infusion of a solution of carbohydrates combined with amino acids over a period of 12 hours. In this period 18-24 mval Mg and 9-12 mg Zn were infused. In another experiment 7-10 vmal Mg were applicated, but no zinc. Magnesium and zinc concentrations in serum and urine were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results gained in this period showed a positive balance with the applicated amounts of magnseium and zinc. The excretion of both elements in urine were extremely high while no significant changes in serum concentration were detectable. In our opinion the infusion rate could be reduced especially for zinc.

Carbohydrates↗

[Recommendations for the use of carbohydrates in the infusion therapy].

In healthy subjects the recommended dosages of carbohydrates are as follows: glucose 0.750 g/kg/h during 12 hours, fructose 0.250 g/kg/h during 12 hours. sorbitol 0.250 g/kg/h during 12 hours, xylitol 0.125 g/kg/h during 12 hours, glucose, fructose and xylitol as a carbohydrate mixture (2:1:1) 0.500 g/kg/h during 12 hours. Increase in uric acid, bilirubin and lactate levels is diminished if the carbohydrate mixture and amino acids are infused together. During application of an electrolyte-free carbohydrate solution the electrolyte loss depends on the dosage. This electrolyte loss is diminished when carbohydrates and electrolytes are given in combination. The precise dosage of trace elements like zinc or magnesium is unknown. A 12-hours infusion time is recommended. Thereafter a pause is needed for the normalisation of metabolic changes.

Amino Acids↗