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K Pettersson

Publications and source records attributed to K Pettersson.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Development and evaluation of three immunofluorometric assays that measure different forms of osteocalcin in serum.

BACKGROUND: Circulating human osteocalcin (hOC) has been used as a marker of bone formation. Our aim was to validate three immunofluorometric assays (IFMAs), measuring different forms of hOC. METHODS: The two-site IFMAs were based on previously characterized monoclonal antibodies. Assay 2 recognized intact hOC, assays 4 and 9 measured the NH(2)-terminal mid-fragment and the intact hOC. In addition, assay 9 required hOC to be gamma-carboxylated. RESULTS: A 76-79% increase of serum immunoreactive hOC was found in the postmenopausal group compared with the premenopausal group with all IFMAs. With EDTA-plasma samples, the observed increases were lower (49-65%). The hOC concentration in the postmenopausal group receiving hormone replacement therapy was 42-44% lower than that in the postmenopausal control group in both serum and EDTA-plasma samples. The depressed carboxylation in warfarin-treated patients was accompanied by lower results in assay 9. The ratio of assay 9 to assay 4 totally discriminated the warfarin-treated patients from the controls. Assay 9 showed the smallest decreases in measured hOC after storage of serum or plasma for 4 weeks at 4 degrees C, followed by assay 4 and assay 2. Results from the last assay were <17% of their initial values after 4 weeks of storage. No diurnal variation was observed with assay 9 as opposed to the two other IFMAs. CONCLUSION: The three assays with their distinct specificity profiles (intact vs fragmented and carboxylated vs decarboxylated hOC) may provide valuable tools for investigating the significance of different hOC forms in various bone-related diseases.

Aged↗

Prediction of short-term outcome in patients with suspected myocardial infarction.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Although specific cardiac injury markers have enhanced early patient classification, the ECG remains a necessary investigation in the acute phase of chest pain. Combined use of both tests could further improve the diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. METHODS: We studied 311 consecutive patients who came to the emergency department of a regional referral hospital for the differential diagnosis of acute chest discomfort. The admission ECG was classified using an automated interpretation program and tested together with elevated admission creatine kinase isoform MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (TnI) concentration for prediction of final myocardial injury (44%) and in-hospital mortality (14%). RESULTS: Combining the information from the admission ECG and cardiac markers, the sensitivity for becoming final myocardial injury (maximal CK-MB >/=11 microg/L) was 90% and specificity 61%. The proportion of false-negative results (10%) was independent of symptom duration. Age, positive ECG findings, and increased admission TnI levels were predictive for in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: The commonly available biochemical and ECG criteria allow risk stratification of patients with a suspected acute ischemic event. The data analysis can easily be automated and is independent of patient delay.

Adult↗

Dual-label time-resolved immunofluorometric assay of free and total prostate-specific antigen based on recombinant Fab fragments.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant Fab fragments are attractive as reagents for novel sandwich immunoassays, but no such assays have been described. We developed a dual-label two-site immunoassay based entirely on recombinant Fab fragments and compared it to the same assay with intact monoclonal antibodies. METHODS: The capture Fab fragment, which binds free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA in complex with alpha(1)-antichymotrypsin on an equimolar basis, is site-specifically biotinylated and attached to the solid phase in streptavidin-coated microtitration wells. The Fab fragment that detects only free PSA is site-specifically labeled with a fluorescent europium chelate, and the Fab fragment that detects both free and serpin-complexed PSA in an equimolar fashion is labeled with a fluorescent terbium chelate. Time-resolved fluorescence is used to measure both europium and terbium signals in one well. RESULTS: The detection limits of the assay (mean + 3 SD of zero calibrator) were 0.043 and 0.28 microgram/L, respectively, for free and total PSA. The within-run and day-to-day CVs were 2-11% and 4-10%, respectively. Mean recoveries were 93% and 98% in female and male sera, respectively. Compared with the commercial ProStatus PSA Free/Total Assay, the intercepts of the regression equations (r >0. 99) were not significantly different from zero, and the slopes were 0.95-1.01. In one female serum sample, PSA was falsely increased with the monoclonal assay but was undetectable with the recombinant assay. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of this novel assay based on recombinant components is comparable to a conventional assay based on monoclonal antibodies. The more complete control of the essential characteristics of site-specifically derivatized recombinant Fab fragments will be valuable for the design of miniaturized and multianalyte assay concepts where correct antibody orientation, density, and capacity as well as uncompromised binding affinity are required.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Genetic variant of luteinizing hormone and risk of breast cancer in older women.

A genetic variant of luteinizing hormone (LH) characterized by two point mutations in codons 8 (TGG-->CGG) and 15 (ATC-->ACC) of the LH beta-subunit gene has been described recently. As compared with wild-type LH, the variant LH appears to have higher in vitro bioactivity but a shortened circulatory half-life, and it has been reported to affect circulating levels of sex hormones. Our purpose was to determine whether the variant form of LH is associated with an altered risk of breast cancer. This hypothesis was addressed in a case-control study nested within a prospective cohort that included 270 cases of breast cancer and twice as many matching control subjects. The study was limited to subjects diagnosed at age 50 years or older. The LH status was determined by the combination of two immunofluorometric assays of serum using monoclonal antibodies. Frequency of the variant LH was similar in breast cancer cases and controls (11.5% versus 10.7%). In conditional regression models, the presence of the variant LH was not associated with a considerable increase of breast cancer risk (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.69). Adjustment for potential confounders did not notably change the risk estimate (odds ratio, 1.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.69-1.78). These observations do not appear to support the hypothesis that this particular variant of LH is associated with altered risk of breast cancer diagnosed at age 50 years and older.

Adult↗

Production and characterization of novel anti-prostate-specific antigen (PSA) monoclonal antibodies that do not detect internally cleaved Lys145-Lys146 inactive PSA.

BACKGROUND: The nature of free, uncomplexed prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the circulation is still unknown. In this study, we developed novel anti-PSA antibodies using PSA produced by a metastasized cancer cell line, LNCaP, as an immunogen. METHODS: Hybridoma cell lines were screened with different methods that aimed at finding antibodies specific for the forms of free PSA produced by LNCaP cell line. Obtained antibodies were further studied for their characteristics related to previously characterized monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS: Numerous anti-PSA antibodies were obtained, of which four represented unique epitopes previously unrecognized by us. One free-PSA-specific antibody was bound to PSA on two distinct epitopes, and one antibody was bound to the carboxyl-terminal peptide of PSA. Two antibodies were found to bind to the peptide sequence adjacent to the internal cleavage site Lys145-Lys146. These antibodies failed to recognize internally cleaved PSA at Lys145-Lys146. We could not find anti-proPSA antibodies despite the fact that LNCaP PSA contained more than one-half of the zymogen form of PSA. CONCLUSIONS: We report, for the first time, novel anti-PSA antibodies that do not recognize internally cleaved PSA at Lys145-Lys146 and thus are specific for intact, unclipped PSA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Transcriptional targets shared by estrogen receptor- related receptors (ERRs) and estrogen receptor (ER) alpha, but not by ERbeta.

The physiological activities of estrogens are thought to be mediated by specific nuclear receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. However, certain tissues, such as the bone, that are highly responsive to estrogens only express a low level of these receptors. Starting from this apparent contradiction, we have evaluated the potentials of two related receptors ERRalpha and ERRbeta to intervene in estrogen signaling. ERalpha, ERRalpha and ERRbeta bind to and activate transcription through both the classical estrogen response element (ERE) and the SF-1 response element (SFRE). In contrast, ERbeta DNA-binding and transcriptional activity is restricted to the ERE. Accordingly, the osteopontin gene promoter is stimulated through SFRE sequences, by ERRalpha as well as by ERalpha, but not by ERbeta. Analysis of the cross-talk within the ER/ERR subgroup of nuclear receptors thus revealed common targets but also functional differences between the two ERs.

Animals↗

Mutations and polymorphisms in gonadotropin genes.

Mutations in gonadotropin genes are extremely rare. Only one case of inactivating human luteinizing hormone (LH) beta mutation exists in the literature, a male with absence of Leydig cells, lack of spontaneous puberty and infertility. A total of four cases of inactivating mutation of the follicle-stimulating hormone beta (FSHbeta) gene (two female and two male) are known. The phenotype of the women was primary amenorrhea and absence of follicular maturation, the men were azoospermic. In addition, a common genetic variant (v) of LH was recently discovered. It is caused by two point mutations in the LH beta-subunit gene, resulting in amino acid alterations: Trp8 --> Arg and Ile15 --> Thr. In addition, the latter change introduces an extra glycosylation signal for oligosaccharide attachment to Asn13. The v-LHbeta allele has a carrier frequency ranging from 0 to > 50% in various populations. The variant LH molecule has increased intrinsic bioactivity in vitro, but decreased circulatory half-life in vivo, and the v-LHbeta promoter is about 50% more active in cell line transfections than that of wild-type (wt) LH. These differences in LH synthesis and action in individuals homo- or heterozygous for the v-LH allele are reflected by altered disposition to pathologies of pituitary-gonadal function, such as delayed puberty, polycystic ovarian syndrome and infertility.

Female↗

Mode of infant feeding and achieved growth in adolescence: early feeding patterns in relation to growth and body composition in adolescence.

OBJECTIVE: Feeding mode in infancy and differences in childhood growth have been studied in several longitudinal studies, but few studies have followed children up to adolescent age. There is evidence that formula-fed infants weigh more and are taller than their breast-fed counterparts, and indications that this difference may sustain. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We have studied the relations between length of breast-feeding, growth, and body composition in a group of 781 representatively chosen adolescents. Data on feeding pattern in infancy and on weight and height from birth up to 18 years were collected. We studied the relation between high body mass index (BMI) (defined as < or =85th percentile) in adolescence and length of breast-feeding. RESULTS: Girls who were not breast-fed or breast-fed for less than 3 months had a significantly higher height curve than girls exclusively breast-fed for more then 3 months. There were tendencies towards higher values of adipose tissue measured by skinfolds in girls breast-fed for 3 months or less. Short duration of exclusive breast-feeding was associated with higher BMI (p<0.04). In a subgroup of 194 adolescents, body composition was measured with dual energy X-ray. Both boys and girls who were exclusively breast-fed for more than 3 months were leaner and showed a trend towards lower skinfold values. CONCLUSION: These results are important to include in the debate about optimal feeding in infancy. Regarding breast-feeding as a standard, our results imply that formula fed infants may be at risk for overfeeding, which might lead to overweight, even up to adolescent age.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Significance and metabolism of complexed and noncomplexed prostate specific antigen forms, and human glandular kallikrein 2 in clinically localized prostate cancer before and after radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We studied plasma concentrations and elimination rates of prostate specific antigen (PSA) complexed to alpha1-antichymotrypsin and alpha2-macroglobulin, free PSA, total PSA (free PSA plus PSA alpha1-antichymotrypsin) and human glandular kallikrein 2 before, during and after radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma was collected and frozen within 10 minutes after sampling from 18 patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostate cancer. One sample was drawn preoperatively. Subsequent sampling intervals were 5 to 20 minutes perioperatively, 2 to 4 hours during the first 12 postoperative hours and 24 to 48 hours until postoperative day 14. Free PSA, PSA alpha1-antichymotrypsin, total PSA, PSA alpha2-macroglobulin and human glandular kallikrein 2 were measured with time resolved immunofluorometric assays. RESULTS: Preoperatively PSA alpha2-macroglobulin was undetectable (less than 2 ng./ml.) in 17 of 18 patients. Human glandular kallikrein 2, free PSA and total PSA but not PSA alpha1-antichymotrypsin were significantly higher in patients with extraprostatic cancer (pT3a-pT4a, pN1) compared to those with organ confined cancer (pT2a/b). Surgical manipulation of the prostate caused no detectable elevation of human glandular kallikrein 2, PSA alpha1-antichymotrypsin or PSA alpha2-macroglobulin. In contrast, a mean 9.6-fold increase (range 3.4 to 22) in free PSA was noted 5 minutes after prostatectomy. Free PSA was eliminated from plasma in a biphasic exponential pattern with an early plasma half-life of 55 minutes and a late plasma half-life of 18 hours. PSA alpha1-antichymotrypsin decreased slowly, whereas human glandular kallikrein 2 was detectable only 12 hours after prostatectomy. PSA alpha2-macroglobulin remained at insignificant, nondetectable concentrations during the entire perioperative and postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Release of free PSA contributes to the elevation of plasma total PSA after prostatectomy. Free PSA is enzymatically inactive as the release does not result in subsequent elevation of PSA alpha1-antichymotrypsin or PSA alpha2-macroglobulin. Biphasic exponential elimination of free PSA may be explained by rapid extracellular redistribution (early half-life) and glomerular filtration in the kidneys (late half-life). Our data suggest rapid metabolism of human glandular kallikrein 2 but do not support suggestions of the significance in vivo of complex formations with alpha2-macroglobulin as a major means to eliminate PSA from plasma in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer.

Aged↗

Time-resolved fluorescence in immunocytochemical detection of prostate-specific antigen in prostatic tissue sections.

Chelates with fluorescent lanthanides such as europium and terbium are widely used in immunofluorometric assays, e.g. for the measurement of different molecular forms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum for detection and monitoring of prostate cancer. These chelates have also been introduced as non-radioactive labels in immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. In the present study, sections of non-malignant prostate were investigated using monoclonal IgGs against PSA. Detection of specific immunostaining employing time-resolved fluorescence with europium-labeled streptavidin was compared with conventional detection by streptavidin conjugated to horse-radish peroxidase. The high PSA concentration in the tissue produced high intensity, specific time-resolved fluorescence signals in the epithelial cells of the prostate gland without disturbance from non-specific tissue autofluorescense. This allowed short exposure times to be used which resulted in insignificant photobleaching. Two of the three europium-chelates evaluated yielded high signal intensities. Counterstaining was found to be optimal with Gill No. 1-Haematoxylin solution and Merckoglas was the best mounting medium for the europium chelates tested. In conclusion, time-resolved fluorescence imaging is an attractive alternative to conventional detection of streptavidin conjugated to horse-radish peroxidase, as it provides linear, high intensity, specific signals subsequent to the decay of non-specific tissue autofluorescence.

Aged↗

Characterization and processing of prostate specific antigen (hK3) and human glandular kallikrein (hK2) secreted by LNCaP cells.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA, hK3) in serum is predominantly complexed to alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT), but a minor fraction remains in a free form despite the very large excess of serine protease inhibitors and alpha-2-macroglobulin. The fraction of free to total PSA is significantly lower in prostate cancer (CaP) compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which provides improved discrimination of these conditions. The molecular nature of free PSA in the circulation and the reason for its varying concentration in malignant and benign conditions is currently not known. The objective of the present investigation was to study the secretion of PSA and human glandular kallikrein 2 (hK2) by the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line, and to purify and characterize both proteins. LNCaP PSA was thoroughly characterized by immunological characterization, SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, gel filtration, aminoterminal sequencing, reverse-phase chromatography, mass spectrometry and enzymatic activity measurements. LNCAP cells produced approximately equal amounts of zymogen (proPSA) and the one-chain mature form of PSA, whereas there was no evidence for the secretion of any internally cleaved forms. LNCaP cells secreted hK2 into the growth medium at about 3-5% of the amount of PSA. One-chain, mature PSA and hK2 obtained when LNCaP cells were grown in the presence of fetal bovine serum, had no enzymatic activity, but were active when the cells were grown in the absence of serum. Using enzymatically active recombinant hK2, it was possible to activate proPSA secreted by LNCaP cells. ProPSA formed two bands with high isoelectric points (8.2 and 8.4), which disappeared when proPSA was converted to mature PSA with hK2. Cancerous cells produce the zymogen forms of PSA, which by their isoelectric pI points seem to be found in serum of prostate cancer patients, but not BPH patients. Mature, one-chain PSA is inactive in the presence of serum. These findings may be highly relevant for the understanding of the generation of free and complexed PSA in the circulation.

Journal Article↗

Time-resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI) for direct immunofluorescence of PSA and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin in prostatic tissue sections.

We have developed a direct immunofluorescence technique utilising chelates of the lanthanide ions europium and terbium conjugated to monoclonal IgGs (Mabs) against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and alpha-1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) for the detection and quantification on the same tissue section. Strong signals without disturbance from tissue autofluorescence were demonstrated in paraffin sections of ten benign and six malignant prostate tissue specimens. The signal intensity increased linearly with the amount of labelled Mab until epitope saturation began. The highest concentrations of bound IgG in tissue sections were 27.3 fmol/pixel for ACT and 7.2 for PSA. Time-resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI) offers an attractive method for histochemical studies based on specific and quantitative detection of fluorescent lanthanide chelates.

Journal Article↗

A common polymorphic allele of the human luteinizing hormone beta-subunit gene: additional mutations and differential function of the promoter sequence.

A common genetic variant (V) of the human luteinizing hormone (LH) beta-subunit gene was recently discovered. The V-LH molecules have higher bioactivity in vitro, but shorter half-life in circulation, which apparently is related to the alterations of LH function observed in individuals homo- and heterozygous for the V-LHbeta allele. We have now studied whether additional mutations in the V-LHbeta promoter sequence could contribute to the altered physiology of the LH variant molecules. The 661 bp 5'-flanking region of the V-LHbeta gene, retrieved from human genomic DNA by PCR, contained eight single-nucleotide changes, as compared with the wild-type (wt) LHbeta promoter. The finding was consistent in DNA samples of different ethnic groups. Reporter constructs with various lengths of the wt- and V-LH promoter sequences, driving the firefly luciferase reporter gene, were transfected into an immortalized mouse pituitary cell line, LbetaT(2), known to express the endogenous LHbeta gene, and into a non-endocrine human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK 293. Basal expression levels of the V-LHbeta promoter constructs were on average 36% higher in LbetaT(2)cells ( P < 0.001; n = 29), and 40% higher in HEK 293 cells ( P < 0.001; n = 16), as compared with the respective wt sequences. Numerous qualitative and quantitative differences were found between the two cell lines in responses of the two promoter sequences to stimulation with 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, forskolin, 8-bromo-cAMP, progesterone and gonado- tropin-releasing hormone. In conclusion, the V-LHbeta promoter has higher basal activity, and differs in response to hormonal stimulation, as compared with the wt-LHbeta promoter. The altered promoter function of the V-LHbeta gene provides evidence for differences in regulation of the wt- and V-LHbeta genes, which may contribute to the differences observed in pituitary-gonadal function between carriers of the two LHbeta alleles. The findings also suggest a novel evolutionary mechanism whereby polymorphic changes resulting in altered bioactivity of a gene product may be compensated for by additional mutations in the cognate promoter sequence, changing transcription of the same gene.

8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate↗

Inhibition by a coantioxidant of aortic lipoprotein lipid peroxidation and atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E and low density lipoprotein receptor gene double knockout mice.

Antioxidants can inhibit atherosclerosis in animals, though it is not clear whether this is due to the inhibition of aortic lipoprotein lipid (per)oxidation. Coantioxidants inhibit radical-induced, tocopherol-mediated peroxidation of lipids in lipoproteins through elimination of tocopheroxyl radical. Here we tested the effect of the bisphenolic probucol metabolite and coantioxidant H 212/43 on atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E and low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene double knockout (apoE-/-;LDLr-/-) mice, and how this related to aortic lipid (per)oxidation measured by specific HPLC analyses. Dietary supplementation with H 212/43 resulted in circulating drug levels of approximately 200 microM, increased plasma total cholesterol slightly and decreased plasma and aortic alpha-tocopherol significantly relative to age-matched control mice. Treatment with H 212/43 increased the antioxidant capacity of plasma, as indicated by prolonged inhibition of peroxyl radical-induced, ex vivo lipid peroxidation. Aortic tissue from control apoE-/-;LDLr-/- mice contained lipid hydro(pero)xides and substantial atherosclerotic lesions, both of which were decreased strongly by supplementation of the animals with H 212/43. The results show that a coantioxidant effectively inhibits in vivo lipid peroxidation and atherosclerosis in apoE-/-;LDLr-/- mice, consistent with though not proving a causal relationship between aortic lipoprotein lipid oxidation and atherosclerosis in this model of the disease.

Animals↗

Reactivity of anti-PSA monoclonal antibodies with recombinant human kallikrein-2.

Seventy-nine monoclonal antibodies submitted to the ISOBM TD-3 PSA Workshop were tested for their reactivity with recombinant human kallikrein-2 (rhK2). A sandwich immunofluorometric assay using polyclonal anti-prostate-specific antigen (PSA) antiserum-coated plates was used to capture rhK2 and subsequently the test antibody. The response of each test antibody was compared with 3 reference antibodies (H50, H117 and 5E4) known to react with hK2. Nine antibodies from the workshop panel failed to react with purified PSA and rhK2 in this assay and were subsequently excluded. From the remaining panel of antibodies, 11/70 showed strong reactivity with rhK2, 9/70 showed weak reactivity with rhK2, while 50/70 antibodies did not react with rhK2 in this assay format. All antibodies binding to rhK2 recognized both free and complexed PSA.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Dissociation of atherogenesis from aortic accumulation of lipid hydro(pero)xides in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic rabbits.

Antioxidants can inhibit atherosclerosis, but it is unclear how inhibition of intimal lipid oxidation relates to atherogenesis. Here we tested the effect of probucol and its metabolite bisphenol on aortic lipid (per)oxidation and atherogenesis in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. LDL and aortas from rabbits fed probucol contained bisphenol at concentrations comparable to those in bisphenol-treated animals. Bisphenol treatment increased plasma cholesterol slightly, and plasma and aortic alpha-tocopherol more substantially; these parameters were unaffected by probucol. Bisphenol and probucol treatment both enhanced the resistance of circulating LDL to peroxyl radical-induced lipid peroxidation; this was due to bisphenol, not probucol. Only probucol enhanced LDL's resistance to Cu(2+)-induced oxidation. Both bisphenol and probucol treatment strongly inhibited aortic accumulation of hydroperoxides and hydroxides of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides [LO(O)H]. Despite this, however, probucol had a modestly significant effect on the extent of lesion formation; bisphenol had no inhibitory effect. In addition, the extent of atherosclerosis did not correlate with amounts of aortic LO(O)H present, but, as expected, it did correlate with aortic alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol. Together, these results suggest that aortic accumulation of LO(O)H is not required for, nor is alpha-tocopherol depleted during, the initiation and progression of atherogenesis in WHHL rabbits.

Animals↗

Demonstration of the predominant urine osteocalcin fragments detectable by two-site immunoassays.

We have isolated and characterized human osteocalcin (OC) fragments from pubertal urine. The fragments were isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography based on monoclonal antibody 6F9 and further purified by reverse phase chromatography. The major isolated forms, which were detectable with two-site immunofluorometric assays for serum OC, span residues 6-30 and 7-30 as determined by mass spectrometry and N-terminal amino acid sequencing. Full-length OC was not detectable in the supernatant fraction of urine but could be extracted with guanidinium hydrochloride from the sediment of urine samples. Urine samples from subjects with different menopausal status were measured by two different two-site assays. Urine OC (uOC) concentrations were 12- to 16-fold higher in the pubertal group than in the adult group. Also, the uOC concentration in a postmenopausal group was significantly higher than in a premenopausal group. The difference was 125% and 75% (values for p < 0.0001), respectively, when measured with the two assays. uOC concentrations in postmenopausal subjects on hormone replacement therapy were indistinguishable from the premenopausal subjects. The fact that uOC can be measured by a noncompetetive two-site assay design offers improved analytical sensitivity. Urine as the sample matrix is also especially interesting because the predominant markers of bone resorption, collagen type I peptides or cross-links, are performed on urine samples. Our results from the technical validation of two-site assays for uOC and from applying these to human pubertal and pre- and postmenopausal samples calls for more extensive clinical validation.

Adolescent↗

Two-site immunoassays for osteoclastic tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase based on characterization of six monoclonal antibodies.

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), an enzyme expressed in bone-resorbing osteoclasts, is secreted into the circulation during bone resorption. We used six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to optimize direct two-site fluoroimmunoassays for determining serum TRAP concentrations. Four of the MABs, 1F1, 2H1, 4E6, and 5C1, were raised against recombinant human TRAP, and the other two, O1A and J1B, against human bone TRAP. 2H1, J1B, and O1A appeared to be highly specific for TRAP. 1F1 and 4E6 were poor in recognizing bone TRAP and were not useful in the assay. 5C1, while having a good affinity for the bone enzyme, was not specific. Serum TRAP is relatively stable, because 7 days of storage of serum samples at 4 degreesC and -20 degreesC or five thawing-freezing cycles, did not change the TRAP concentration detected using the two-site assays. All studied assays detected an increase in serum TRAP concentrations of postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women, the difference being highest with MAB pairs 2H1-5C1 and O1A-J1B. These results suggest that serum TRAP may be a useful bone resorption marker, and the MAB pairs 2H1-5C1 and O1A-J1B may be useful in determining the bone resorption rate.

Acid Phosphatase↗