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Biomedical subjects

H Eriksson

Publications and source records attributed to H Eriksson.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Effects of a simplified programme for dietary treatment of hyperlipdaemia in primary health care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a model for dietary treatment of hyperlipidaemia in primary health care. DESIGN: The participating men received their initial dietary instructions from a dietitian, in a group, together with their wives. Thereafter the nurses used a checklist to evaluate dietary compliance throughout the year. The participants completed a simplified food frequency questionnaire six times during the study period. RESULTS: Throughout the year the total body weight, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio decreased significantly. HDL cholesterol was significantly increased after one year. SETTING: The Industrial Health Care Centre, Ovansiljans Företagshälsovård AB in Mora, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: 35 men, aged 39-63 years (mean 51), with hyperlipidaemia, discovered at a health survey of persons attending an industrial health care centre. CONCLUSION: A simplified model for treatment of hyperlipidaemic patients can improve the dietary habits in the long term.

Adult↗

Receptor-mediated endocytosis of a manganese complex of transferrin into neuroblastoma (SHSY5Y) cells in culture.

Exposure to manganese compounds often occurs as the result of industrial production or mining. Although manganese appears in traces in animal and human tissue and is essential to certain biological processes, it is also toxic. In humans and animals, toxicity is mainly associated with the nervous system. The mechanism underlying behavioral and biochemical alterations observed after manganese intoxication is not fully understood. We have shown that the manganese present in serum after exposure to manganese oxide is bound to transferrin as trivalent manganic ion. In this study of manganese uptake and storage we used a clone of human neuroblastoma cells (SHSY5Y). These cells differentiate and express catecholaminergic properties. Saturation binding analysis of the transferrin-manganese complex to the cells revealed a single class of binding sites, with an apparent KD of 13 +/- 1 nM and a density of 11,000 +/- 2,000 binding sites per cell. The complex was internalized in a temperature-dependent way and reached saturation after 2 h when approximately 2% of the added manganese had been internalized. About 80% of the internalized manganese was found in ferritin after 24 h of exposure. The results demonstrate that the transferrin receptor on SHSY5Y cells can bind and internalize a manganese-transferrin complex as efficiently as an iron-transferrin complex, although a saturation of the manganese uptake was achieved.

Chloroquine↗

Risk factors for coronary heart disease during 25 years of follow-up. The study of men born in 1913.

We followed 845 50-year-old men initially free of coronary heart disease (CHD) for 25 years. Blood pressure, serum cholesterol and smoking habits were significant and independent risk factors for CHD during the first 15 years of follow-up and for the whole follow-up period. CHD during the last 10 years of follow-up could be predicted by blood pressure, serum cholesterol and triglycerides and also by body mass index, but not by smoking habits in univariate analyses. Only blood pressure was an independent risk factor for CHD during the last 10 years of follow-up in multivariate analysis.

Aged↗

Induction of the estrogen receptor by growth hormone and glucocorticoid substitution in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes.

Hepatic estrogen receptors (ER) mediate estrogenic effects on mammalian liver metabolism and are thereby involved in the regulation of important physiological/pathological processes, such as coagulation, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. The regulation of the formation of the ER in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes was studied by assaying ER and ER mRNA under different endocrine conditions. The ER concentration was measured using two different methods, a ligand-binding technique and an ER enzyme immunoassay. The results obtained by the two methods showed good correlation, and linear regression analysis gave a correlation coefficient of 0.95. ER concentrations fell to low steady state levels within 16 h after establishing the cell culture and remained low in the absence of hormonal substitution. Upon medium supplementation with pituitary GH and the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) in combination, the ER concentration increased 6-fold from 4.2 +/- 1.0 to 25.8 +/- 7.0 fmol/mg cytosolic protein. ER mRNA was measured by solution hybridization. Substitution with GH and DEX in combination increased ER mRNA to 210 +/- 14% of control levels. No effect on ER mRNA stability was seen after hormone treatment. It is concluded that the regulatory effects of GH and DEX on the hepatic ER in this in vitro system are very similar to the effects of these hormones under in vivo conditions. The inducible expression of the ER has never before, to our knowledge, been demonstrated in any mammalian liver cell culture system.

Animals↗

Complement component C1r mediated cleavage of the heavy chain of the major histocompatibility class I antigens.

Apart from cleaving C1s, we demonstrate for the first time that: 1) at concentrations found in serum, the activated forms of the complement components C1r in addition to C1s can cleave the heavy chain of MHC class I antigens, 2) the cleavage by C1r and C1s is seemingly dependent upon a native configuration of the MHC class I antigen, since heat denaturation of the HLA antigens reduce the cleavage. The proteolytic fragments following C1 cleavage were characterized by precipitation with Con A-Sepharose, anti-MHC class I and anti-beta 2-microglobulin antibodies. The proteolysis of the alpha-chain of MHC class I was shown to take place between the alpha 2- and alpha 3- domains as estimated by the Con A-Sepharose precipitation pattern on SDS-PAGE. The alpha 1/alpha 2 fragment was still shown to interact with beta 2-microglobulin as shown by immunoprecipitation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Hyperinsulinaemia is not a major coronary risk factor in elderly men. The study of men born in 1913.

Insulin and insulin resistance have attracted considerable interest as possible risk factors for coronary heart disease during the last decade. We therefore examined the 8-year incidence of coronary heart disease in 595 67-year-old men in relation to baseline insulin and other risk factors. The incidence of coronary heart disease increased from 9% among non-diabetic men to 13.5% among those with impaired glucose tolerance, 12.9% among newly-detected diabetic men and up to 31.3% among men with known diabetes. The incidence of coronary heart disease was related to fasting blood glucose and 1 h and 2 h blood glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test and to serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides. Fasting serum insulin was of borderline significance for the risk of coronary heart disease. When known diabetic subjects were excluded only serum cholesterol and serum triglycerides remained as statistically significant risk factors. Among diabetic subjects (known and newly-detected) only blood glucose was related to the risk of coronary heart disease. In multivariate analyses the different degrees of glucose intolerance or fasting blood glucose were independently related to the risk of coronary heart disease (p = 0.008-0.010). Serum triglycerides were also an independent risk factor in three out of four multivariate models (p = 0.02-0.09). Fasting serum insulin was not an independent risk factor. These findings do not support the hypothesis that hyperinsulinaemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease in elderly men. Hyperglycaemia (or diabetes mellitus) seems to be the most important risk factor.

Aged↗

Receptor alterations in manganese intoxicated monkeys.

The density of four different receptors and one marker of dopamine uptake sites were analyzed in monkey brains after manganese exposure (0.1 g manganese per month during 26 months, a dose comparable to that workers might inhale in dusty environments) by means of quantitative receptor autoradiography. The binding of 3H-mazindol to the dopamine uptake sites was reduced by 75% in both the head of the caudate nucleus and putamen, while it remained unchanged in the other regions analyzed. The binding of the D1 receptor ligand 3H-SCH 23,390 was reduced about 45% in the same areas as mazindol binding, while the density of D2 receptors was unaffected. The muscarinic acetylcholine receptors as well as GABAA receptors remained also unchanged in all brain areas analyzed after manganese exposure. Thus the dopaminergic neurons must be considered to be vulnerable to manganese concentrations attainable in the work environment. Our results also indicate that postsynaptic structures containing D1 receptors are sensitive while cells containing D2 receptors are either spared or compensated for by up-regulation of the number of receptors on remaining sites.

Animals↗

Manganese induced brain lesions in Macaca fascicularis as revealed by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

A series of positron emission tomography scans was made on two monkeys during a 16-month period when they received manganese(IV)oxide by subcutaneous injection. The distribution of [11C]-nomifensine uptake, indicating dopamine terminals, was followed in both monkey brains. The brain distributions of [11C]-raclopride, demonstrating D2 dopamine receptors, and [11C]-L-dopa, as a marker of dopamine turnover, were followed in one monkey each. The monkeys developed signs of poisoning namely unsteady gait and hypoactivity. The [11C]-nomifensine uptake in the striatum was reduced with time and reached a 60% reduction after 16 months exposure. This supports the suggestion that dopaminergic nerve endings degenerate during manganese intoxication. The [11C]-L-dopa decarboxylation was not significantly altered indicating a sparing of [11C]-L-dopa decarboxylation during manganese poisoning. A transient decrease of [11C]-raclopride binding occurred but at the end of the study D2-receptor binding had returned to starting values. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed that the manganese accumulated in the globus pallidus, putamen and caudate nucleus. There were also suggestions of gliosis/edema in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. MRI might be useful to follow manganese intoxication in humans as long as the scan is made within a few months of exposure to manganese, i.e. before a reversal of the manganese accumulation.

Animals↗

Quality assessment of medical research and education.

Different aspects of the process of evaluating research and education are discussed, using the discipline of medicine as a model. The focus is primarily on potential problems in the design of an evaluation. The most important aspects of an assessment are: to create confidence in the evaluation among scientists and/or teachers who are being assessed before beginning; to find experts for whom the scientists and/or teachers have professional respect; to choose assessment methods in relation to the focus, level, and objectives of the evaluation; and to make the report of the evaluation's findings short and explicit.

Data Collection↗

Metabolic disturbances in hypertension: results from the population study 'men born in 1913'.

A clustering of metabolic disturbances has been indicated in hypertension. The distribution of such factors was assessed among hypertensives and normotensives in a general population sample of 644 men aged 67 years. Fasting serum insulin, glucose and triglyceride levels were measured. In this study hypertension was defined as DBP > or = 95 mmHg or present use of antihypertensives. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus, hyperinsulinaemia (> or = 20 mU l-1) and hypertriglyceridaemia (> or = 2.3 mmol l-1) were defined as metabolic disturbances. When all these disturbances were present simultaneously a complete 'metabolic syndrome' was considered to be present. Hypertension was found in 185 (29%) men, IGT in 15%, diabetes mellitus in 11%, hyperinsulinaemia in 18% and hypertriglyceridaemia in 19%. Among hypertensives, 11 (6%) men had a 'metabolic syndrome', compared to 12 (3%) men in the normotensive group (P = 0.039). At least one metabolic disturbance was present in 109 (59%) of the hypertensive men, and in 173 (38%) of the normotensive men (P < 0.001). The prevalence rates of metabolic disturbances did not differ significantly between lean (BMI < 26 kg m-2) and obese (BMI > or = 26 kg m-2) hypertensives. Only hypertriglyceridaemia was more frequent in obese than in lean hypertensives (20% vs. 37%, P = 0.015). The 'metabolic syndrome' was found in 6% of all hypertensives, which was twice as common as in the normotensive population. The 'metabolic syndrome' was uncommon in both lean and obese hypertensives (5% vs. 7%, NS). These findings indicate that hypertension and metabolic disturbances may have a common underlying cause, at least in some individuals.

Aged↗

The cDNA sequence of a neutral horseradish peroxidase.

A cDNA clone encoding a horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) peroxidase has been isolated and characterized. The cDNA contains 1378 nucleotides excluding the poly(A) tail and the deduced protein contains 327 amino acids which includes a 28 amino acid leader sequence. The predicted amino acid sequence is nine amino acids shorter than the major isoenzyme belonging to the horseradish peroxidase C group (HRP-C) and the sequence shows 53.7% identity with this isoenzyme. The described clone encodes nine cysteines of which eight correspond well with the cysteines found in HRP-C. Five potential N-glycosylation sites with the general sequence Asn-X-Thr/Ser are present in the deduced sequence. Compared to the earlier described HRP-C this is three glycosylation sites less. The shorter sequence and fewer N-glycosylation sites give the native isoenzyme a molecular weight of several thousands less than the horseradish peroxidase C isoenzymes. Comparison with the net charge value of HRP-C indicates that the described cDNA clone encodes a peroxidase which has either the same or a slightly less basic pI value, depending on whether the encoded protein is N-terminally blocked or not. This excludes the possibility that HRP-n could belong to either the HRP-A, -D or -E groups. The low sequence identity (53.7%) with HRP-C indicates that the described clone does not belong to the HRP-C isoenzyme group and comparison of the total amino acid composition with the HRP-B group does not place the described clone within this isoenzyme group. Our conclusion is that the described cDNA clone encodes a neutral horseradish peroxidase which belongs to a new, not earlier described, horseradish peroxidase group.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The "adjuvant effect" of the polymorphic B-G antigens of the chicken major histocompatibility complex analyzed using purified molecules incorporated in liposomes.

The polymorphic B-G region of the chicken major histocompatibility complex has previously been shown to mediate an "adjuvant effect" on the humoral response to other erythrocyte alloantigens. We demonstrate here that B-G molecules purified with monoclonal antibodies exert this adjuvant effect on the production of alloantibodies to chicken class I (B-F) molecules, when the two are in the same liposome. The adjuvant effect may in part be mediated by antibodies, since the antibody response to B-G molecules occurs much faster than the response to B-F molecules, and conditions in which antibodies to B-G are present increase the speed of the response to B-F molecules. We also found that the presence of B-G molecules in separate liposomes results in a lack of response to B-F molecules. In the light of this and other data, we consider the possible roles for the polymorphic B-G molecules, particularly for the generation of B cell diversity, in the immune systems of birds and other animals.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Concentrations of nuclear progesterone receptors in endometrium of virgin and repeat breeder heifers after embryo transfer.

The present study aimed to correlate the repeat breeder syndrome in the bovine with an impaired or suboptimal uterine progestational response. Concentrations of nuclear (i.e. transformed) receptors for progesterone (PRn) were determined with a binding and exchange method in endometrial samples from virgin (VH) and repeat breeder (RBH) heifers 15 days post oestrus. The heifers were recipients of Day 7 demi-embryos collected from donors with normal fertility and transferred 8 days prior to tissue sampling. Results were compared with both the type of heifer, the condition of the embryo present within the uterus and the temporal relationship to the hormone plasma levels. The binding data for PRn indicated that a single class of high-affinity, low-capacity sites existed. The amount of PRn in VH endometria holding embryonic structures was significantly greater than in RBH, but no statistical differences were found in their plasma progesterone levels. PRn concentrations were also higher in the uterine horn in which an elongated (greater than 15 mm), morphologically normal embryo was present, when compared to cornua with small (less than 5 mm) embryos, regardless of recipient group. Furthermore, in endometria with an elongated embryo in the lumen, the relative amount of PRn was significantly greater in VH than in RBH. The present results indicate that the RBH recipients of Day 7 demi-embryos by Day 15 have fewer numbers of specific receptors for maternal progesterone, which could explain in part the poorer development of the transferred embryos compared with that in virgin heifers.

Animals↗

Epidemiology and prognosis of heart failure.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, and has a prognosis similar to that of several malignancies. There are increasing trends in both prevalence and incidence rates of CHF which points towards CHF becoming a major community health problem. Early detection of CHF is dependent upon criteria to define the initial stages of a condition which progresses slowly over many years. In western countries the dominant causes of CHF are hypertension and coronary heart disease, which account for more than 75% of the cases. Other precursors are diabetes and rheumatic heart disease. Independent risk factors for CHF are hypertension, smoking, obesity, and psychological stress. Early detection of CHF through identification of early symptoms such as dyspnea on exertion, treatment of known heart diseases, and treatment of risk factors may prevent its progress. Epidemiological data indicate that primary preventive efforts should be directed against hypertension, smoking and obesity. A multiple risk factor interventional approach seems to yield the best result since these risk factors act synergistically.

Cause of Death↗

Triglycerides, a major coronary risk factor in elderly men. A study of men born in 1913.

We examined two 'cohorts' of elderly men, 60 and 67 years old. The two 'cohorts' overlapped to a large extent in terms of numbers but not in the follow-up periods. The mean have been followed-up for 7 and 8 years respectively. Among the 748 60-year-old men without prior myocardial infarction the 7-year incidence of coronary heart disease was 8%. The incidence was related to blood pressure, smoking habits and serum triglycerides (but not serum cholesterol) both in univariate and multivariate analyses. The incidence of coronary heart disease increased 5-fold from the lowest to the highest quintile of triglycerides. Among the 595 67-year-old men without prior myocardial infarction the 8-year incidence of coronary heart disease was 11%. Both serum cholesterol and triglycerides were significant risk factors in univariate analyses but only triglycerides in multivariate analyses. The incidence of coronary heart disease increased almost three-fold from the lowest to the highest quintile of triglycerides. Increased serum triglycerides is a major coronary risk factor in elderly men.

Aged↗

Transcriptional control of CYP2E1 in the perivenous liver region and during starvation.

Previous data indicate that the CYP2E1 gene is transcriptionally activated after birth, but that the expression of ethanol-inducible CYP2E1 protein, hereafter, is regulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms. The constitutive expression of CYP2E1 protein is restricted to the perivenous region of the liver lobule. Here we present results from in situ hybridization and run off experiments indicating that this regioselectivity is caused by a higher rate of gene transcription in the perivenous hepatocytes. We also show that transcription of the CYP2E1 gene is activated by starvation, indicating that also this P450 gene is under transcriptional control under certain physiological conditions.

Acetone↗