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J Alam

Publications and source records attributed to J Alam.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Doping induced surface chemistry dictating the characteristics of Schottky contacts to III-V nitride semiconductors.

While lightly doped semiconductors are preferred for Schottky contacts, heavily doped semiconductors are preferred for Ohmic contacts. The upper limit of doping for Schottky contacts and the lower limit of doping for Ohmic contacts have not, however, been quantified. To address this problem, the influence of doping induced surface chemistry on the electrical characteristics of Schottky diodes has been studied. Hall measurement, current-voltage measurements, and transmission electron microscopy have been performed. The most remarkable observation of the study is a relationship between the surface dislocation density and the ideality factor of the Schottky diodes. The observation leads to a conclusion that the upper limit of the semiconductor doping for Schottky diodes should be such that it leads to negligible barrier height reduction without the creation of excessive surface dislocation density.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway mediates heme oxygenase-1 regulation by lipopolysaccharide.

The stress-inducible protein heme oxygenase-1 exerts potent antiinflammatory, antiapoptotic and cytoprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. Another important mediator of cytoprotection, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway activates many proteins involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Since activation of heme oxygenase-1 and PI3K/Akt both protect the cellular environment, we postulated that PI3K/Akt can regulate the induction of heme oxygenase-1 by proinflammatory stress. The treatment of primary murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) with lipopolysaccharide induced heme oxygenase-1 protein and mRNA expression, and increased the phosphorylation of Akt and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). These cellular effects of lipopolysaccharide were markedly diminished by pre-treatment with wortmannin, a specific inhibitor of PI3K. Furthermore, lipopolysaccharide-inducible heme oxygenase expression was blocked by SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK. Both wortmannin and SB203580 decreased lipopolysaccharide-inducible NF-E2-related factor (Nrf2) DNA binding activity. Transfection of macrophages with dominant negative mutants of PI3K, Akt and Nrf2, as well as wortmannin treatment, significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of a minimal heme oxygenase-1 promoter luciferase construct (D33HO-1luc). We demonstrate, to our knowledge for the first time, that upon proinflammatory stimulation heme oxygenase-1 gene expression in macrophages depends on PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK acting upstream of Nrf2-dependent promoter activation.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Pulmonary function abnormalities associated with exposure to automobile exhaust in a diesel bus garage and roads.

In Kolkata city the road transports are maintained by private and Government organization. A major work force belonged to the State Transport Corporation (KSTC), Government of West-Bengal. The pollution caused by these vehicles affects the workers health and caused different types of respiratory problems. This study was undertaken to assess the pulmonary function status of these workers. City KSTC garage workers were investigated and categorically divided into two group: garage mechanics and the (2) those transporting the passengers (drivers and conductors). Vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were recorded by Spirovit-SP-10 (Schiller Ltd, Switzerland) and Wright's Peak Flow Meter (UK) on 236 workers. The different flow volumes, FEV(1), FEV(1%), and flow rates, FEF(02-121), FEF(25-75%), etc. were calculated. The administrative people had higher PFT than the other categories. Drivers and conductors have almost equal mean PFT values but mechanical workers had slightly higher. PFT values according to different age ranges and duration of exposure showed gradual decrement as age and duration of exposure increased. Non-smokers had higher lung volumes compared to smokers and ex-smokers. Restrictive, obstructive and combined types of impairments were noticed in 28.4%, 1.7% and 2.9%, respectively, workers. The restrictive impairment was found to be 30.4% in conductors; 28.9% in drivers, 27.9% in mechanics and 21.7% in administration people. Obstructive type of impairment was found to be 2.9% in both drivers and conductors. The effect of pollution by dust and fumes may be responsible for these pulmonary function impairments, restrictive impairments being greater.

Forced Expiratory Volume↗
PubMed2003

Transcriptional regulation of the heme oxygenase-1 gene via the stress response element pathway.

The heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction in the catabolism of heme yielding products with pleiotropic, but ultimately, cytoprotective activities. High levels of HO-1 are frequently detected in various pathological states and generally in states of cellular oxidative stress. Induction of HO-1, regulated at the level of gene transcription, is essential for manifestation of the enzyme's cytoprotective function. Extensive analysis of the mouse gene, and to a lesser extent of the human gene, has identified a common mechanism the stress response element (StRE)/Nrf2 transcription factor pathway for gene regulation in response to a diverse array of HO-1 inducers including the substrate heme, various environmental and industrial toxins, and plant-derived polyphenolic compounds. In addition to Nrf2 complexes, numerous dimeric transcription factors bind to the StRE, permitting induction, repression and overall fine-tuning of gene activity. In principle, the multiplicity of StRE binding proteins also provides for a range of pharmaceutical targets for controlled production of the potentially therapeutic HO-1 protein.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cobalt induces heme oxygenase-1 expression by a hypoxia-inducible factor-independent mechanism in Chinese hamster ovary cells: regulation by Nrf2 and MafG transcription factors.

We have shown previously that activation of the heme oxygenase-1 (ho-1) gene by hypoxia in aortic smooth muscle cells is mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). In mutant (Ka13) Chinese hamster ovary cells lacking HIF activity, accumulation of ho-1 mRNA in response to hypoxia and the hypoxia-mimetic CoCl(2) was similar to that observed in wild type (K1) cells. These results support the existence of HIF-dependent and HIF-independent mechanisms for ho-1 gene activation by hypoxia and CoCl(2). In Ka13 cells, CoCl(2) stimulated expression of a luciferase reporter gene under the control of a 15-kilobase pair mouse ho-1 promoter (pHO15luc). Mutation analyses identified the cobalt-responsive sequences as the stress-response elements (StREs). In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, two specific StRE-protein complexes were observed using extracts from Ka13 cells. In response to cobalt, the level of the slower migrating complex X increased, whereas that of complex Y decreased, in a time-dependent manner. Members of the AP-1 superfamily of basic-leucine zipper factors bind to the StRE. Antibody supershift electrophoretic mobility shift assays did not detect Jun, Fos, or ATF/CREB proteins but identified Nrf2 and the small Maf protein, MafG, as components of complex X. Furthermore, dominant-negative mutants of Nrf2 and small Maf, but not of other bZIP factors, attenuated cobalt-mediated gene activation. Additional experiments demonstrated that induction by cobalt does not result from increased expression of MafG or regulated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 but is dependent on cellular oxidative stress. Unlike cobalt, hypoxia did not stimulate pHO15luc expression and did not increase StRE binding activity, indicating distinct mechanisms for ho-1 gene activation by cobalt and hypoxia in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

H(mox-1) constitutes an adaptive response to effect antioxidant cardioprotection: A study with transgenic mice heterozygous for targeted disruption of the Heme oxygenase-1 gene.

BACKGROUND: Heme oxygenase-1 (H(mox-1)) has been implicated in protection of cells against ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: To examine the physiological role of H(mox-1), a line of heterozygous H(mox-1)-knockout mice was developed by targeted disruption of the mouse H(mox-1) gene. Transgene integration was confirmed and characterized at the protein level. A 40% reduction of H(mox-1) protein occurred in the hearts of H(mox-1)(+/)(-) mice compared with those of wild-type mice. Isolated mouse hearts from H(mox-1)(+/)(-) mice and wild-type controls perfused via the Langendorff mode were subjected to 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion. The H(mox-1)(+/)(-) hearts displayed reduced ventricular recovery, increased creatine kinase release, and increased infarct size compared with those of wild-type controls, indicating that these H(mox-1)(+/)(-) hearts were more susceptible to ischemia/reperfusion injury than wild-type controls. These results also suggest that H(mox-1)(+/)(-) hearts are subjected to increased amounts of oxidative stress. Treatment with 2 different antioxidants, Trolox or N:-acetylcysteine, only partially rescued the H(mox-1)(+/)(-) hearts from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Preconditioning, which renders the heart tolerant to subsequent lethal ischemia/reperfusion, failed to adapt the hearts of the H(mox-1)(+/)(-) mice compared with wild-type hearts. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that H(mox-1) plays a crucial role in ischemia/reperfusion injury not only by functioning as an intracellular antioxidant but also by inducing its own expression under stressful conditions such as preconditioning.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2001

Identification of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) as an Nrf2-interacting protein. Implication for heme oxygenase-1 gene regulation.

Nrf2 regulates expression of genes encoding enzymes with antioxidant (e.g. heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)) or xenobiotic detoxification (e.g. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, glutathione S-transferase) functions via the stress- or antioxidant-response elements (StRE/ARE). Nrf2 heterodimerizes with small Maf proteins, but the role of such dimers in gene induction is controversial, and other partners may exist. By using the yeast two-hybrid assay, we identified activating transcription factor (ATF) 4 as a potential Nrf2-interacting protein. Association between Nrf2 and ATF4 in mammalian cells was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and mammalian two-hybrid assays. Furthermore, Nrf2.ATF4 dimers bound to an StRE sequence from the ho-1 gene. CdCl(2), a potent inducer of HO-1, increased expression of ATF4 in mouse hepatoma cells, and detectable induction of ATF4 protein preceded that of HO-1 (30 min versus 2 h). A dominant-negative mutant of ATF4 inhibited basal and CdCl(2)-stimulated expression of a StRE-dependent/luciferase fusion construct (pE1-luc) in hepatoma cells but only basal expression in mammary epithelial MCF-7 cells. A dominant mutant of Nrf2 was equally inhibitory in both cell types in the presence or absence of CdCl(2). These results indicate that ATF4 regulates basal and CdCl(2)-induced expression of the ho-1 gene in a cell-specific manner and possibly in a complex with Nrf2.

Activating Transcription Factor 3↗
PubMed2001

Cellular overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 up-regulates p21 and confers resistance to apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protects against diverse insults in the kidney and other tissues. We examined the effect of overexpression of HO-1 on cell growth, expression of p21, and susceptibility to apoptosis. METHODS: LLC-PK1 cells were genetically engineered to exhibit stable overexpression of HO-1. The effects of such overexpression on cell growth, the cell cycle, and the cell cycle-inhibitory protein, p21, were assessed; additionally, the susceptibility of these HO-1 overexpressing cells to apoptosis induced by three different stimuli (TNF-alpha/cycloheximide, staurosporine, or serum deprivation) was evaluated by such methods as the quantitation of caspase-3 activity, phase contrast microscopy, and the TUNEL method. RESULTS: HO-1 overexpressing LLC-PK1 cells demonstrated cellular hypertrophy, decreased hyperplastic growth, and growth arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. HO-1 overexpressing cells were markedly resistant to apoptosis induced by TNFalpha/cycloheximide or staurosporine as assessed by the caspase-3 activity assay. Such overexpression also conferred resistance to apoptosis induced by serum deprivation as evaluated by the TUNEL method; in these studies, inhibition of HO attenuated the resistance to apoptosis. Expression of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor, p21CIP1, WAF1, SDI1, as judged by Northern and Western analyses, was significantly increased in HO-1 overexpressing cells, and decreased as HO activity was inhibited. Moreover, this reduction in expression of p21 attendant upon the inhibition of HO activity in HO-1 overexpressing cells paralleled the loss of resistance of these cells to apoptosis when HO activity is inhibited. The pharmacologic inducer of HO-1, hemin, increased expression of p21 in wild-type cells and decreased apoptosis provoked by TNF-alpha/cycloheximide. CONCLUSION: Cellular overexpression of HO-1 up-regulates p21, diminishes proliferative cell growth, and confers marked resistance to apoptosis. We speculate that such up-regulation of p21 contributes to the altered pattern of cell growth and resistance to apoptosis. Our studies uncover the capacity of HO-1 to markedly influence the cell cycle in renal epithelial cells. In light of the profound importance of the cell cycle as a determinant of cell fate, we speculate that the inductive effect of HO-1 on p21 and the attendant inhibitory effect on the cell cycle provide a hitherto unsuspected mechanism underlying the cytoprotective actions of HO-1.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Heme protein-induced chronic renal inflammation: suppressive effect of induced heme oxygenase-1.

BACKGROUND: Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the degradation of heme; its inducible isozyme, HO-1, protects against acute heme protein-induced nephrotoxicity and other forms of acute tissue injury. This study examines the induction of HO-1 in the kidney chronically inflamed by heme proteins and the functional significance of such an induction of HO-1. METHODS: Studies were undertaken in a patient with chronic tubulointerstitial disease in the setting of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), in a rat model of chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy caused by repetitive exposure to heme proteins, and in genetically engineered mice deficient in HO-1 (HO-1 -/-) in which hemoglobin was repetitively administered. RESULTS: The kidney in PNH evinces robust induction of HO-1 in renal tubules in the setting of chronic inflammation. The heme protein-enriched urine from this patient, but not urine from a healthy control subject, induced expression of HO-1 in renal tubular epithelial cells (LLC-PK1 cells). A similar induction of HO-1 and related findings are recapitulated in a rat model of chronic inflammation induced by repetitive exposure to heme proteins. Additionally, in the rat, the administration of heme proteins induces monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1). The functional significance of HO-1 so induced was uncovered in the HO-1 knockout mouse: Repeated administration of hemoglobin to HO-1 +/+ and HO-1 -/- mice led to intense interstitial cellular inflammation in HO-1 -/- mice accompanied by striking up-regulation of MCP-1 and activation of one of its stimulators, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). These findings were not observed in similarly treated HO-1 +/+ mice or in vehicle-treated HO-1 -/- and HO-1 +/+ mice. CONCLUSION: We conclude that up-regulation of HO-1 occurs in the kidney in humans and rats repetitively exposed to heme proteins. Such up-regulation represents an anti-inflammatory response since the genetic deficiency of HO-1 markedly increases activation of NF-kappaB, MCP-1 expression, and tubulointerstitial cellular inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Protective effect of heme oxygenase-1 gene transfer against oxyhemoglobin-induced endothelial dysfunction.

The current study was designed to determine the effect of recombinant heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression on endothelial function in cerebral arteries. Isolated canine basilar arteries were exposed ex vivo (30 minutes at 37 degrees C) to an adenoviral vector (10(10) PFU/mL, total volume 300 microL) encoding either the HO-1 gene (AdCMVHO-1) or the beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) reporter gene (AdCMVbeta-Gal). Twenty-four hours after transduction, arterial rings were suspended in organ chamber for isometric force recording. Endothelium-dependent relaxations were obtained in response to bradykinin (10(-10) to 10(-6) mol/L) during contraction to uridine-5'-triphosphate (UTP; 3 x 10(-6) to 3 x 10(-5) mol/L). Certain rings were incubated with oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb; 10(-5) mol/L) overnight (16 to 18 hours of 24 hours). Expression and localization of recombinant protein were shown by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin and endothelium-independent relaxation to forskolin (10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L) and DEA-NONOate (10(-10) to 10(-5) mol/L) were identical in beta-Gal- and HO-1-transduced arteries. Exposure to OxyHb caused impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin (P < 0.01). In contrast, OxyHb did not affect endothelium-dependent relaxation in arteries expressing recombinant HO-1 ( P > 0.05). This protective effect of HO-1 was reversed by coincubation with tin protoporphyrin (SnPP9; 10(-5) mol/L), a selective inhibitor of HO-1 (P < 0.01). Basal levels of 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) in HO-1-transduced vessels were not significantly different from those in beta-Gal-transduced vessels. Pretreatment with OxyHb significantly reduced cGMP level in beta-Gal-transduced rings (P < 0.01), whereas it had no effect in HO-1-transduced rings. These results demonstrate that HO-1 gene transfer does not affect endothelial and smooth muscle function of normal arteries, and that expression of recombinant HO-1 in cerebral arteries protects vasomotor function against OxyHb-induced injury.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Effect of cyclic stretch on alpha-subunit mRNA expression of Na+-K+-ATPase in aortic smooth muscle cells.

We previously demonstrated that protein expression of both alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-catalytic subunits of the Na+-K+-ATPase is elevated after a 2- to 4-day chronic cyclic stretch regimen in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC). In the present study, we investigated whether cyclic stretch affects mRNA expression of the alpha-isoforms of the Na+-K+-ATPase. Using a stretch apparatus, rat ASMC were cyclically stretched 10 or 20% of their length for 1, 3, or 6 h. alpha-Isoform mRNA levels were measured using Northern analysis. A 3-h 10% stretch had no significant affect on mRNA expression for either isoform, but a 20% stretch increased mRNA of both isoforms approximately twofold. Whereas a 6-h 20% stretch increased alpha(1) mRNA by 3.3-fold, alpha(2) was not affected any further. Actinomycin D blocked the stretch-induced stimulation of mRNA expression of both alpha-subunits. In conclusion, cyclic stretch stimulates the mRNA expression of both alpha(1)- and alpha(2)-subunits of Na+-K+-ATPase. The sensitivity of the two genes to the degree and duration of stretch is different. The stretch-induced increase of mRNA may be a result of increased transcription.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Gene microarray analysis reveals a novel hypoxia signal transduction pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

The molecular details of hypoxia-induced cellular responses have been difficult to identify since there is as yet no known oxygen receptor. We used cDNA microarray technology to extend our studies pertaining to these molecular details in human hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep3B) cells that produce erythropoietin (Epo) in response to hypoxia. Of approximately 1200 genes in the array, those associated with integrin-linked kinase (ILK), fibronectin precursor and glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) were markedly stimulated after exposure of Hep3B cells to low oxygen (1%) for 6 h. Epo, HIF-1, and von Hippel-Lindau cDNAs were measured in parallel as markers of low oxygen responses in Hep3B cells. ILK is a serine, threonine protein kinase that interacts with the cytoplasmic domains of integrin beta1 and beta3. This interaction localizes ILK to focal adhesion plaques. ILK is stimulated by cell-fibronectin interaction as well as insulin. It is regulated in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase dependent manner and can phosphorylate protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) and GSK-3beta. As a result of these and other activities ILK has been shown to affect anchorage-independent cell survival, cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis in nude mice. ILK has also been implicated in the Wnt pathway and as a critical target in PTEN-dependent tumor therapies. To our knowledge this is the first report implicating the ILK pathway in low oxygen responses. Other genes identified as a result of the microarray analysis not previously known to change as a result of low oxygen treatment were elongation factor-1alpha, glycyl-tRNA synthetase, and laminin receptor protein-1. These findings were all corroborated by RT-PCR assays and in some instances Western blot analysis.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed2001

Salivary glucose concentrations in patients with diabetes mellitus--a minimally invasive technique for monitoring blood glucose levels.

Salivary and blood glucose concentrations were determined in non-diabetic healthy individuals and patients with diabetes mellitus (type II). Glycosylated haemoglobin A1c was also determined in some of the patients (n = 25) and a significant correlation (r = 0.82) was found between HbAlc and serum glucose concentrations in these patients, indicating that these patients had average elevated blood glucose concentration over an extended time period. Glucose was only found in the saliva of patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 135), while the salivary samples of age matched non-diabetic subjects (n = 25) did not show the presence of glucose. A significant correlation (r = 0.78) was found between salivary and blood concentrations in the diabetics. This finding suggests that saliva can be used reliably for reflecting and monitoring the blood glucose concentration in the patients of diabetes mellitus.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Induction of heme oxygenase-1 expression in macrophages by diesel exhaust particle chemicals and quinones via the antioxidant-responsive element.

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) contain organic chemicals that contribute to the adverse health effects of inhaled particulate matter. Because DEP induce oxidative stress in the lung and in macrophages, effective antioxidant defenses are required. One type of defense is through the expression of the antioxidant enzyme, heme oxygenase I (HO-1). HO-1 as well as phase II detoxifying enzymes are induced via antioxidant response elements (ARE) in their promoters of that gene. We show that a crude DEP total extract, aromatic and polar DEP fractions, a benzo(a)pyrene quinone, and a phenolic antioxidant induce HO-1 expression in RAW264.7 cells in an ARE-dependent manner. N-acetyl cysteine and the flavonoid, luteolin, inhibited HO-1 protein expression. We also demonstrate that the same stimuli induce HO-1 mRNA expression in parallel with the activation of the SX2 enhancer of that gene. Mutation of the ARE core, but not the overlapping AP-1 binding sequence, disrupted SX2 activation. Finally, we show that biological agents, such as oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, could also induce HO-1 expression via an ARE-dependent mechanism. Prior induction of HO-1 expression, using cobalt-protoporphyrin, protected RAW264.7 cells against DEP-induced toxicity. Taken together, these data show that HO-1 plays an important role in cytoprotection against redox-active DEP chemicals, including quinones.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2000

Mechanism of heme oxygenase-1 gene activation by cadmium in MCF-7 mammary epithelial cells. Role of p38 kinase and Nrf2 transcription factor.

The mouse heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene, ho-1, contains two inducible enhancers, E1 and E2. Of several cell lines tested, induction of an E1/luciferase fusion construct, pE1-luc, by CdCl(2) is most pronounced in MCF-7 cells. In these cells, E1, but not E2, is necessary and sufficient for ho-1 gene activation. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to 10 micrometer CdCl(2) stimulates phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, implicating one or more of these signaling pathways in ho-1 gene induction. SB203580, an inhibitor of p38, diminishes cadmium-stimulated pE1-luc expression and HO-1 mRNA levels by up to 70-80%. PD098059, an ERK pathway inhibitor, does not affect HO-1 mRNA induction at the highest concentration (40 micrometer) tested. Similarly, co-expression of a dominant-negative mutant of p38alpha, but not of ERK1, ERK2, JNK1, or JNK2, reduces basal and cadmium-induced pE1-luc activity. E1 contains binding sites for the activator protein-1 (Fos/Jun), Cap'n'Collar/basic leucine zipper (CNC-bZIP), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) families of transcription factors. A dominant-negative mutant of Nrf2 (a CNC-bZIP member), but not of c-Jun or C/EBPbeta, inhibits pE1-luc activation by cadmium. Induction of the endogenous ho-1 gene is also inhibited by the Nrf2 mutant. Mutations of E1 that inhibit cadmium inducibility also suppress the trans-activation and DNA binding activities of Nrf2, and SB203580, but not PD098059, attenuates Nrf2-mediated trans-activation of pE1-luc. Taken together, these results indicate that cadmium induces ho-1 gene expression via sequential activation of the p38 kinase pathway and Nrf2.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The indispensability of heme oxygenase-1 in protecting against acute heme protein-induced toxicity in vivo.

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate limiting enzyme in the degradation of heme, and its isozyme, HO-1, may protect against tissue injury. One posited mechanism is the degradation of heme released from destabilized heme proteins. We demonstrate that HO-1 is a critical protectant against acute heme protein-induced toxicity in vivo. In the glycerol model of heme protein toxicity-one characterized by myolysis, hemolysis, and kidney damage-HO-1 is rapidly induced in the kidney of HO-1 +/+ mice as the latter sustain mild, reversible renal insufficiency without mortality. In stark contrast, after this insult, HO-1 -/- mice exhibit fulminant, irreversible renal failure and 100% mortality; HO-1 -/- mice do not express HO-1, and evince an eightfold increment in kidney heme content as compared to HO-1 +/+ mice. We also demonstrate directly the critical dependency on HO-1 in protecting against a specific heme protein, namely, hemoglobin: doses of hemoglobin which exert no nephrotoxicity or mortality in HO-1 +/+ mice, however, precipitate rapidly developing, acute renal failure and marked mortality in HO-1 -/- mice. We conclude that the induction of HO-1 is an indispensable response in protecting against acute heme protein toxicity in vivo.

Acute Kidney Injury↗
PubMed2000

A pilot study of recombinant interferon beta-1a for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

AIMS: Interferon alpha monotherapy induces a sustained response in less than 20% of patients treated for chronic hepatitis C. Interferon beta represents a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of recombinant interferon beta-la administered subcutaneously. METHODS: Twenty-one drug-naive patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with recombinant interferon beta-la administered, subcutaneously, for 24 weeks using two different regimens: 9 MU, three times per week (n=11) and 12 MU, three times per week (n=10). RESULTS: At the end of the treatment period, nine (43%) patients had a biochemical and virological response (i.e. normal ALT and absence of hepatitis C virus RNA by PCR). Four of these patients were in the 9 MU group and five in the 12 MU group. A biochemical and virological sustained response occurred in four (19%) patients, all in the 9 MU dose group. The 4 patients with a sustained response maintained their response during a follow-up period of 33 to 58 months. Side effects were mild and 19 (90%) patients completed the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study indicate that interferon beta-la administered subcutaneously is an effective therapy for some patients with chronic hepatitis C, and suggest that interferon beta-1a deserves further evaluations in larger trials especially in combination with ribavirin.

Adult↗