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Biomedical subjects

G Klein

Publications and source records attributed to G Klein.

At least 505 records · Page 28Linked to original sources

[Lack of effectiveness of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) in long-term treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy].

In a chronic, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over study a potential therapeutic effect of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) was investigated in 25 patients suffering from dilative cardiomyopathy (NYHA functional class I, II, III). During a period of four months patients were treated with 3x 33.3 mg of coenzyme Q10 per day, given orally, 15 patients received verum during the first four months and placebo during the following four months (V/P). In the second group of patients (n = 10) the sequence of treatment was reversed (P/V). Therapeutic effect was assessed by means of echocardiogram, chest x-ray, radionuclide ventriculography combined with exercise test and impedance cardiography. Control values for left ventricular function parameters were similar in both groups (left ventricular ejection fraction: 39.5 +/- 11.5% (P/V), 37.6 +/- 17.0% (V/P); left ventricular enddiastolic diameter: 65 +/- 9 mm (P/V), 67 +/- 8 mm (V/P); Cl: 5.1 +/- 1.4 l/min (P/V), 5.1 +/- 1.1 l/min (V/P]. Chronic treatment by coenzyme Q10 did not exhibit any influence on hemodynamic parameters, on the electrocardiogram, on incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, or on exercise tolerance. It was not possible to demonstrate any therapeutic effect of coenzyme Q10 in patients with dilative cardiomyopathy.

Adult↗

Nucleotide sequence of the rat Bmyc gene.

We have cloned and sequenced the rat Bmyc gene. The rat Bmyc gene contains sequences related to the central part of c-myc, namely the first intron, the second exon, and the noncoding part of the third exon. The homology drops in the 3' part of the c-myc second exon, but continues in the noncoding part of the third exon. We have sequenced the total predicted coding region of the Bmyc. The longest open reading frame in Bmyc suggests a protein of 178 amino acids, which is only 41% of the c-myc protein size. To confirm the putative open reading frame, we have produced a trpE-Bmyc protein that is detected with a pan-myc antibody. We discuss these findings in the context of potential functional domains and the possibility of overlapping and distinct activities of myc-family proteins.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Length of hospital stay in surgical service patients with nosocomial Hemophilus influenzae infections.

The length of hospitalization was characterized for 24 surgical service patients with nosocomial respiratory tract infections associated with Hemophilus influenzae. The mean number of days were: admission to surgery 8.22; surgery to culture of the nosocomial pathogen 7.00; admission to culture 16.71; admission to discharge 38.75; surgery to discharge 25.48; and culture to discharge 21.42. The length of hospital stay was prolonged for those patients with nosocomial respiratory tract infections related to H influenzae.

Cross Infection↗

Evaluation of a new alpha-amylase assay using 4.6-ethylidene-(G7)-1-4-nitrophenyl-(G1)-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside as substrate.

The determination of alpha-amylase activity using an ethylidene-blocked 4-nitrophenyl-maltoheptaoside (EPS) has been evaluated in five laboratories on eight different analysers at 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 37 degrees C. The protecting ethylidene group inhibits hydrolysis at the non-reducing end of the substrate molecule by the auxiliary enzyme, alpha-glucosidase. The combined reagent is therefore stable for at least 10 days at 2-8 degrees C. HEPES is used, because the molar absorbance of 4-nitrophenol is independent of temperature in the presence of this buffer. Compared with the method using unprotected substrate 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside (4NP-G7), the present method is equal or better with respect to the imprecision, linearity and interlaboratory transferability of results in human and control sera. Since the protected and unprotected substrates differ in their turnover rate, the new assay yields activities which differ from those of the 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside method. Based on the homogeneous results obtained in method comparisons between EPS and 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside, and in order to maintain the 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside reference values, a conversion factor was derived to eliminate the above differences: activityEPS x 2.50 = activity4NP-G7. The temperature and instrument independence of this relationship was demonstrated in a total of 720 human sera and plasmas.

Glucosides↗

[Acquired, surface giant nevus cell nevi in generalized, atrophic, benign epidermolysis bullosa].

A 10-year old girl with generalized benign atrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB) developed large nevomelanocytic nevi over a period of 1 year. Since such nevoid lesions have been repeatedly observed in other patients with generalized benign atrophic EB they should be regarded as a characteristic clinical feature of this type of mechanobullous disease. Regular observation of such patients will demonstrate the significance of these pigmented lesions as precursors of malignant melanoma.

Biopsy↗

[Changes in uric acid and blood lipids in patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia treated with diet therapy in a rehabilitation procedure].

More than 300 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricaemia had been included in lipometabolic analysis performed before and after 4 weeks of a special low-cholesterol, low-triglyceride and low-purine dietetic regimen. Remarkable in almost the entire hyperuricaemic population (96.7%) had been the presence of serum cholesterol levels of more than 200 mg/dl. Lipoprotein analysis showed that 87% of the patients had increased LDL- and 69% increased VLDL-levels; HDL-levels were pathologically lowered to below 40mg/dl in 41% of the group. After a four-week rehabilitation programme, all lipometabolic parameters and serum urate concentrations were found to have been significantly reduced by the special diet. The results therefore are impressive proof of the major health benefits of purposive nutritional behaviour.

Adult↗

Role of laminin A chain in the development of epithelial cell polarity.

Kidney organ culture was used to study the conversion of embryonic mesenchymal cells into a polarized, differentiated kidney epithelium. We examined the expression of laminin, a basement membrane glycoprotein, during this conversion. The B chains of laminin were constitutively expressed, whereas the appearance of the A chain of laminin was dependent on embryonic induction and coincided with the onset of cell polarization. Antisera against the carboxy-terminal end of laminin inhibited polarization but did not affect the developmental events that precede polarization. Antisera against N-terminal parts of laminin failed to inhibit morphogenesis. Since the fragments at the carboxy-terminal end contain parts of the A chain, we suggest that the appearance of this chain is fundamental for initiation of cell polarity.

Animals↗

Expression of the Epstein-Barr virus encoded EBNA-1 gene in stably transfected human and murine cell lines.

Five murine and 3 human tumor cell lines were transfected with a retroviral vector that carries the EBV encoded EBNA-1 gene. All cell lines expressed intranuclear EBNA-1 as detected by anticomplement immunofluorescence and Western blot assays. The cell lines differed in the level of EBNA-1 expression and the size of the protein. The internal major late promoter of adenovirus was efficient in directing the transcription of EBNA-1 in the human lymphoma line BJAB, the murine T-cell lymphoma Tikaut, RBL-5, EL-4 and in the mouse sarcoma line MSWBS but was less efficient in Ramos, an EBV negative Burkitt lymphoma line, the human T-cell leukemia line 1301TK and the P815-X2 mouse mastocytoma line. All transfected lines except MSWBS contained EBNA-1 in a truncated form. The truncated EBNA-1 polypeptide reacted with the conventional human antibody reagents in an EBNA specific fashion but failed to bind rabbit or human antibody directed against the glycine-alanine repeat sequence. MSWBS contained a truncated as well as a full size EBNA-1 polypeptide. It also reacted with antibody directed against the glycine-alanine repeat. This indicates that the repeat sequence is regularly affected by the truncation.

Adenoviridae↗

Natural resistance against lymphoma grafts conveyed by H-2Dd transgene to C57BL mice.

The H-2Dd transgenic strain D8 on C57BL background was more resistant to subcutaneous challenge of RBL-5 lymphoma cells than B6 controls. The direct role of the H-2Dd antigen was investigated by the use of (D8 x B6)F1 crosses and (D8 B6) x B6 backcrosses. The latter showed cosegregation with regard to Dd antigen expression and lymphoma resistance, both of which were inherited in a pattern consistent with control by a single dominant gene. The rejection potential in (D8 x B6)F1 mice appeared as strong as that seen in crosses between B6 and MHC congenic mice (on B10 background) carrying H-2Dd. The lymphoma resistance could be abrogated by treatment with anti-asialo GM1 antiserum or anti-NK 1.1 mAb, indicating a role for NK cells.

Animals↗

Expression of Epstein-Barr virus-encoded proteins in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Expression of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encoded nuclear antigens (EBNA 1 to 6) and membrane-associated protein (LMP) was investigated by immunoblotting in 83 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsies and 25 other tumor and normal tissue specimens from the head and neck region. Fifty-eight of the 83 NPC biopsies were large enough to yield parallel data on virus DNA and viral expression. All 16 cases of clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed NPCs from North Africa contained EBV DNA and expressed EBNA-1. Of 31 clinically diagnosed NPCs from China, 29 contained EBV DNA and 25 of these expressed EBNA-1. One control tissue biopsy from the oropharynx of NPC patients contained EBV DNA, but none expressed EBNA-1. The latent membrane protein (LMP) was detected in 22/31 of the Chinese and in 10/16 of the North African NPC biopsies. None of the NPC biopsies or control tissues expressed detectable amounts of EBNA 2 or any of the other 4 nuclear antigens which are invariably expressed in EBV-transformed B cells. A smaller number of tumors from Malaysia and East Africa exhibited a similar pattern of expression. EBV was rescued from a nude-mouse-passaged North African NPC tumor by co-cultivation of the tumor cells with umbilical cord blood lymphocytes. The tumor expressed EBNA 1 and LMP, but not EBNA 2 or the other 4 EBNAs. The resulting LCLs expressed all 6 nuclear antigens, EBNA 1 to 6 and LMP. Our data suggest that expression of the EBV genome is regulated in a tissue-specific fashion.

Animals↗

T-cell-mediated inhibition of EBV-induced B-cell transformation: recognition of virus particles.

In order to analyze the components of EBV-specific immunological memory that contribute to the T-cell-mediated inhibition of EBV-induced B-cell transformation, we have investigated the growth inhibitory potential of T cells cultured for 3 days with B cells exposed to transforming and non-transforming EBV preparations. T cells cultured for 3 days with EBV-infected autologous B cells inhibited the transformation of newly infected B lymphocytes. T cells cultured with the virus, with autologous uninfected B cells, or in the presence of 10 micrograms/ml Con-A had a significantly weaker inhibitory capacity. The inhibitory capacity was induced by co-cultivation with B cells infected with the transforming B95-8 virus strain, with the non-transforming P3HRI virus strain, and also with UV-inactivated B95-8 virus. B-cells infected with transforming B95-8 virus induced the strongest growth inhibitory activity. Activation of the T cells was shown by their IL-2 production, proliferation, and generation of non-specific cytotoxicity. These results suggest that the initial event of the T-cell response in EBV-infected cultures is induced by antigens associated with the viral particles presented by B lymphocytes.

Antigens, Viral↗

Direct outgrowth of in vivo Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells into permanent lines.

In the course of our efforts to characterize the EBV-carrying cells that are responsible for direct growth or the 2-step mechanism, based on virus release from the explanted cells and subsequent transformation of previously uninfected cells, we have encountered an unusual CLL patient who carried a small subpopulation of in vivo EBV-infected leukemia cells. These were predominantly present in the low-density fraction and grew into EBV-carrying lines upon explantation after a relatively short latency period, 3-4 weeks. Cytogenetic examination conclusively proved the leukemic origin of the established CLL lines. They carry a ring chromosome 15 and are trisomic for chromosome 12. The same changes are also found in the majority of the peripheral blood lymphocyte population. Taken together, our results suggest that the EBV-genome and the cytogenetic changes may have contributed to the immortalization of the CLL cells in a complementary or synergistic fashion.

Antigens, Viral↗

Differential expression of HLA antigens on human B-cell lines of normal and malignant origin: a consequence of immune surveillance or a phenotypic vestige of the progenitor cells?

Pairs of BL-derived cell lines and in vitro EBV-transformed LCLs, derived from the same patient, were compared for the expression of MHC class-I antigenic determinants as shown both by monoclonal antibody (MAb) binding and by sensitivity to HLA-specific CTL clones. BL lines expressed all polymorphic determinants tested at a lower level than the corresponding LCLs, as indicated by the binding of the MAbs AUF 5.13 (anti-HLA A3,A11), GS 142.1 (anti-HLA A1), GS 114.1 (anti-HLA A24), GSP 35.1 (anti-HLA A2,A28), GSP 55.1 (anti-HLA A25,A32), TER MA32 (anti-HLA A32), GSP 145.2 (anti-HLA B27), B27 M.1 (anti-HLA B27,B7) and GSP 8.1 (anti-HLA B8). The difference was most pronounced for HLA A11 and least for B27,A1 and B8 with intermediate differences for the other specificities. The BL lines were also less sensitive to lysis by HLA-specific CTL clones directed to the same and to additional antigens. The polymorphic determinants detected by the AUF 5.13 and GSP 35.1. MAbs were expressed at a lower level in resting T and B cells compared to mitogen- and EBV-induced blasts. An analogous change in the expression of polymorphic determinants was observed in EBV-converted sublines of originally EBV-negative BLs that have become more "LCL-like" after conversion. The appearance of B-cell activation markers was paralleled by the up-regulation of both the serologically defined and the CTL-target epitopes. The findings suggest that the low expression of HLA determinants on the BL cells is a phenotypic vestige of the normal BL precursor.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

[Hyperlipoproteinemia in primary gout and asymptomatic hyperuricemia].

More than 800 patients suffering from primary gout or asymptomatic hyperuricemia were examined for the values of total cholesterol and triglycerides and the pattern of lipoproteins. The values for HDL (high-density-lipoprotein = alpha-lipoprotein), LDL (low-density-lipoprotein = beta-lipoprotein) and VLDL (very-low-density-lipoprotein = pre-beta-lipoprotein), found in lipid electrophoresis, were significant abnormal as well in the group of patients with gout (n = 147) as in the group of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (n = 700) versus the healthy controls. It was remarkable, that the values of lipoproteins in asymptomatic hyperuricemia almost were abnormal just as often as in primary gout. Approximately 80% of both groups showed an increased LDL, around 35% a decreased HDL, and an increased VLDL was found in 72% of patients with gout and in 54% of asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Pathological changes of all lipoproteins (HDL, LDL and VLDL) appeared in 23% of patients with gout and in 20% of patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia. Only 2.7% of patients with gout and 4.8% with hyperuricemia showed a normal lipometabolism.

Adolescent↗