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Biomedical subjects

K Kuokkanen

Publications and source records attributed to K Kuokkanen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Do elevated temperature and CO2 generally have counteracting effects on phenolic phytochemistry of boreal trees?

Global climate change includes concomitant changes in many components of the abiotic flux necessary for plant life. In this paper, we investigate the combined effects of elevated CO2 (720 ppm) and temperature (+2 K) on the phytochemistry of three deciduous tree species. The analysis revealed that elevated CO(2) generally stimulated increased carbon partitioning to various classes of phenolic compounds, whereas an increase in temperature had the opposite effect. The combined effects of both elevated CO2 and temperature were additive, i.e., canceling one another's individual effects. Obviously, the effects of global climate change on leaf chemistry must simultaneously consider both temperature and CO2. If these results are generally applicable, then the counteracting effect of the temperature is likely to play a major role in alpine, boreal, and arctic zones in determining the balance between populations of plants and herbivores.

Betula↗
PubMed2001

PPP2R1B gene in chronic lymphocytic leukemias and mantle cell lymphomas.

Deletion of chromosome bands 11q22-q23 is one of the most common structural chromosome alterations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The PPP2R1B gene is located very close to the minimal common deletion region of 11q22-q23 in CLL and MCL. Recently, the PPP2R1B gene was found to be mutated in human lung and colon cancers. To evaluate the role of the PPP2R1B gene in the pathogenesis of CLL and MCL, we performed RT-PCR analysis and cDNA sequencing on 10 CLL RNA samples and SSCP analysis on 26 CLL and 37 MCL genomic DNA samples. A deletion of exon 3 was found in one CLL sample. No mutation was detected in the SSCP analysis. To exclude the possibility of large genomic deletions we performed Southern blotting analysis. One MCL sample showed abnormal bands. Our results do not suggest that the PPP2R1B gene has a major pathogenic role in CLL and MCL.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2000

A double-blind, randomized study to compare the efficacy and safety of terbinafine (Lamisil) with fluconazole (Diflucan) in the treatment of onychomycosis.

In a randomized, double-blind, double-placebo, multicentre study, terbinafine 250 mg daily for 12 weeks was compared with fluconazole 150 mg once weekly for 12 or 24 weeks in the treatment of onychomycosis. A total of 137 patients with culture-confirmed onychomycosis was divided into three groups: group A received terbinafine for 12 weeks, group B received fluconazole for 12 weeks, while group C received fluconazole for 24 weeks. At completion of the study (week 60), the mycological cure rate was higher in the terbinafine group than in the fluconazole groups: 89% vs. 51% and 49%, respectively (P < 0.001). The length of unaffected nail increased until week 24 in group B and until week 36 in group C, but was still increasing in group A at the final visit (week 60). Complete clinical cure of the target nail at week 60 was 67% in the terbinafine group, compared with 21% and 32% in the fluconazole groups, respectively. The incidence of adverse events was low for both study agents. We conclude that terbinafine 250 mg daily for 12 weeks is significantly more effective in the treatment of onychomycosis than fluconazole 150 mg once weekly for either 12 or 24 weeks.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Neuronal histamine deficit in Alzheimer's disease.

Histamine is known to be a neurotransmitter in the brain, but it has not been clearly implicated in major diseases. All histaminergic neurons reside in the posterior hypothalamus and innervate most brain areas, which is compatible with the concept that histamine is involved in general central regulatory mechanisms. A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic fluorimetric method was used to measure histamine contents in post mortem Alzheimer brains and age-matched controls. The cellular storage sites and distribution of histaminergic nerve fibers were examined with a specific immunohistochemical method. The histamine content was significantly reduced in the hypothalamus (42% of control value), hippocampus (43%) and temporal cortex (53%) of Alzheimer brains. Differences in other cortical areas, putamen and substantia nigra were not significant. Histamine-containing nerve fibers were found in the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus and subiculum of both Alzheimer brains and controls. No histamine-containing mast cells were seen in these temporal structures. Histamine in the human temporal lobe is stored in nerve fibers originating from the posterior hypothalamus, and not in mast cells. Decrease in brain histamine may contribute to the cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease directly or through the cholinergic system. Development of drugs that penetrate the blood brain barrier and increase histaminergic activity might be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Cloning of the human type XVII collagen gene (COL17A1), and detection of novel mutations in generalized atrophic benign epidermolysis bullosa.

Generalized atrophic benign epidermolysis bullosa (GABEB) is a nonlethal variant of junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). Previous findings have suggested that type XVII collagen is the candidate gene for mutations in this disease. We now have cloned the entire human type XVII collagen gene (COL17A1) and have elucidated its intron-exon organization. The gene comprises 56 distinct exons, which span approximately 52 kb of the genome, on the long arm of chromosome 10. It encodes a polypeptide, the alpha1(XVII) chain, consisting of an intracellular globular domain, a transmembrane segment, and an extracellular domain that contains 15 separate collagenous subdomains, the largest consisting of 242 amino acids. We also have developed a strategy to identify mutations in COL17A1 by use of PCR amplification of genomic DNA, using primers placed on the flanking introns. The PCR products are scanned for sequence variants by heteroduplex analysis using conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis and then are subjected to direct automated sequencing. We have identified several intragenic polymorphisms in COL17A1, as well as mutations, in both alleles, in two Finnish families with GABEB. The probands in both families showed negative immunofluorescence staining with an anti-type XVII collagen antibody. In one family, the proband was homozygous for a 5-bp deletion, 2944del5, which resulted in frameshift and a premature termination codon of translation. The proband in the other family was a compound heterozygote, with one allele containing the 2944del5 mutation and the other containing a nonsense mutation, Q1023X. These results expand the mutation database in different variants of JEB, and they attest to the functional importance of type XVII collagen as a transmembrane component of the hemidesmosomes at the dermal/epidermal junction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Clinical, light and electron microscopic features of recessive congenital ichthyosis type I.

Based on electron microscopic features, recessive congenital ichthyoses have recently been divided into four subgroups designated ichthyosis congenita (IC) types I, II, III and IV. Type II is characterized by cholesterol clefts in the horny cells, type III by perinuclear elongated membranes in the granular and horny cells, and type IV by masses of lipid membranes in granular and horny cells. Clear electron microscopic criteria for type I are lacking, although the presence of lipid droplets in the horny cells has been suggested as a criterion. In the present study we included ichthyosis patients with (i) recessive inheritance, (ii) erythrodermic fine scaling, (iii) lack of fine structural markers of IC types II-IV. Patients with ichthyotic syndromes were excluded. The case material consisted of 21 patients from 14 families. Eight were collodion babies at birth, but three were normal. Nine had ectropion, the flexures were affected in 12, and the palms and soles were thickened in all but one patient. On electron microscopy lipid vacuoles in the horny cells were common, but were absent in four patients. Changes in other lipid-related structures, including keratinosomes, were common. We conclude that currently type I can be diagnosed only by excluding the other types of ichthyosis. Clinically, IC type I corresponds to classical non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, but there is marked heterogeneity among affected individuals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Recessive ichthyosis congenita type IV.

Two patients suffering from ichthyosis with unusual ultrastructural features were examined. One was a 14-year-old boy with ichthyotic skin since birth. The ichthyosis was initially erythrodermic and later presented as follicular hyperkeratosis. The other patient was an ichthyotic child who died 2 days after birth of respiratory distress syndrome. Although apparently not consanguineous, both families came from the same relatively isolated rural area and autosomal recessive inheritance seems likely. Light microscopy did not yield diagnostic features, but the ultrastructural findings in the granular and horny cells showed diagnostic lamellar membrane packages. Identical ultrastructural features have previously been published in one prematurely born baby who died soon after birth and once in a prenatal diagnosis in the same family; the disease was termed "ichthyosis congenita type IV".

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Birthmarks in 4346 Finnish newborns.

We examined all babies born live (4346) at two Finnish hospitals in the course of one year to determine the frequency of birthmarks, specially pigmented lesions, among Finnish newborns. All birthmarks excluding common salmon patches on the forehead and neck were recorded and photographed at birth. The babies were re-examined at the age of three months. Various birthmarks were recorded for 241 of 4346 babies, i.e. for 5.5% of all newborns. Ninety-one (2.1%) infants had congenital pigmented skin lesions, 167 (3.8%) had various vascular lesions and 21 (0.5%) had other birthmarks. The frequency of congenital melanocytic naevi was 1.5%. Most of the naevi were less than 20 mm in diameter. Only one child had a giant naevus. The frequency of congenital naevi in our study was the same or somewhat higher than previously described (1-8) but fewer other pigmented skin lesions were found than in previous studies perhaps due to racial differences.

Female↗
PubMed1991

Recessive ichthyosis congenita type II.

In the heterogeneous group of recessive congenital ichthyoses the disorder of desquamation seems to be a basic problem. Desquamation is strongly dependent on the normal lipid metabolism of the keratinocytes. We describe a group of patients who have a typical clinical picture of large scale ichthyosis and cholesterol clefts in the thickened corneal layer, evidencing a disturbance of the lipid metabolism of the skin. The corneocytes also show a thin or absent cornified envelope, which could indicate a disturbance of protein synthesis. These patients have a severe ichthyosis, but good general health and no associated symptoms. This disorder has recently been named 'ichthyosis congenita type II' by the Heidelberg group on the basis of electron microscopic findings. According to the present examination this group corresponds clinically to the currently used diagnosis 'lamellar ichthyosis'.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Neuropeptides in cutaneous neurofibromas of von Recklinghausen's disease.

The occurrence of neuropeptides was studied in neurofibromas of von Recklinghausen's disease by indirect immunofluorescence. All non-plexiform cutaneous neurofibromas contained abundant vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, peptide histidine-isoleucine and calcitonin gene-related peptide immunoreactive nerves. The nerves were small and unmyelinated. Neuropeptides might be responsible for itch that occurs especially in small cutaneous neurofibromas. Neuropeptides are also suggested to act as modulators and/or trophic factors for neurofibroma growth.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide↗
PubMed1987

Parakeratotic horns in a patient with myeloma.

We describe a patient who in association with myeloma developed generalized keratotic horns. Light microscopy revealed parakeratotic plugs resembling those seen in Kyrle's disease. Electron microscopy showed distortion of keratinosomes and laminated bodies indicating a profound disturbance in keratinization. A strong C3 and weaker IgG and IgA immunofluorescence were seen in the areas of epidermal plugs and horns but no circulating epidermal antibodies were detected. All symptoms disappeared when therapy for myeloma was started favoring that they were of paraneoplastic origin.

Humans↗
PubMed1987

Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05% vs hydrocortisone 1.0%: potential to induce cutaneous atrophy in children.

Alclometasone dipropionate 0.05% and hydrocortisone 1.0% ointments were applied twice daily for three weeks to bilateral, paired eczematous lesions of children. Study ointments were assigned to left- and right-sided test sites in a randomized, double-blind manner. The potential of these preparations to induce clinically significant cutaneous atrophy was evaluated in 34 children by visual assessment of the test sites under magnification for telangiectasia. Efficacy was evaluated in 32 children by ratings of the severity of erythema, induration, and pruritus and global evaluations of eczema at the test sites. Safety and efficacy evaluations were performed prior to initial application of the study agents and after each week of treatment. Telangiectasia and other signs of cutaneous atrophy were not observed at any test site during the study, and treatment was well tolerated. Only one of the 34 children experienced an adverse effect: a mild, transient urticarial rash occurring with the application of both study ointments during the first week of the study. In general, the ointments were equally effective in relieving the children's signs and symptoms of eczema. After three weeks of therapy, improvement in the total score of ratings of the severity of signs and symptoms averaged 88% at alclometasone-treated sites and 86% at hydrocortisone-treated sites.

Atrophy↗
PubMed1985

Cellular immunity in acne vulgaris during transfer factor treatment.

The effect of treatment with human dialyzable transfer factor was investigated on acne vulgaris patients in a double-blind study. About 1/3 of the patients improved clinically during the study period but there was no correlation between clinical improvement and transfer factor treatment. Prior to treatment parameters of cell-mediated immunity were significantly altered in the patients. These alterations normalized during the study in all patients irrespective of transfer factor treatment, possibly due to the immunostimulatory effect of repeated skin testing. The present results support previous findings that acne patients have slightly altered cell-mediated immunity, but the results further suggest that abnormalities are not significant in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.

Acne Vulgaris↗