Biomedical subjects

K Wu

Publications and source records attributed to K Wu.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Visual acuity and quality of life in patients with cataract in Doumen County, China.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of cataract surgery in achieving sight restoration and vision-related quality-of-life (QOL) in patients from rural southern China. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 109 cataract operated persons (152 eyes) and 654 unoperated persons. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used in identifying a random sample of 5342 persons 50 years of age and older for visual acuity and eye examinations. Visual functioning (VF) and QOL questionnaires were administered to aphakic and pseudophakic individuals, unoperated persons with presenting visual acuity less than 0.10 in either eye, and a sample of those with normal vision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance visual acuity, VF, and QOL questionnaire scores. RESULTS: Among the cataract operated participants, 43 (39.4%) were bilaterally operated on, 32.1% had presenting visual acuity less than 0.10 in both eyes with 8.3% greater than or equal to 0.32 in both eyes. Of operated eyes, 52.6% presented with visual acuity less than 0.10, 23.7% greater than or equal to 0.32; with best correction, the corresponding percentages were 21.1% and 42.1%. Uncorrectable aphakia due to surgical complications was common. In a multivariate regression model, better visual acuity outcomes were associated with higher level surgeon practice settings and recent surgery. On a 0 to 100 scale, mean VF and QOL scores for the cataract operated population were 41.6 and 54.5, respectively. Mean scores ranged from 84.4 and 93.4, respectively, for the unoperated persons with normal vision, to 14.6 and 31.2, respectively, for those with visual acuity less than 0.05 in both eyes. The VF and QOL scores were closely correlated with presenting visual acuity in both cataract operated and unoperated populations (r = 0.49-0.64). Scores among the cataract operated population were not influenced by age, gender, or education level. Among the unoperated population, lack of education was associated with lower VF and QOL scores (P = 0.017 and P = 0.005, respectively), and older age was associated with lower QOL scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients in rural southern China are not realizing the full sight-restoring potential of modern-day cataract surgery. Remedial efforts are needed to improve the performance of local eye surgeons.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Telomerase activity is spontaneously increased in lymphocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis and correlates with cellular proliferation.

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme involved with cellular proliferation and cellular senescence. The aim of the present study was to investigate telomerase activity in lymphocytes from patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to observe its regulation of cellular proliferation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 15 patients with AD and 13 healthy donors. Cells were stimulated with purified protein derivative (PPD) of tuberculin (10 microg/ml), interleukin 2 (IL-2) (100 U/ml), anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD3) (1 microg/ml), anti-CD3 plus IL-2, and staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) (0.1 microg/ml). Telomerase activity was measured by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol-based telomerase polymerase chain reaction enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 0 and 72 h of incubation. In addition, DNA synthesis of the cells was assayed using 3H-thymidine incorporation. We found that telomerase activity in non-stimulated PBMC from patients with AD was significantly up-regulated without any stimulation during the 72 h of in vitro incubation. The most potent stimulator of telomerase activity was SEA, followed by anti-CD3 plus IL-2, anti-CD3 alone, and PPD. IL-2 did stimulate telomerase activity and DNA proliferation with increasing dosage of IL-2. The DNA proliferation was paralleled by increase in telomerase activity. There was no significant difference between telomerase activity in stimulated lymphocytes from AD patients and normal donors, but the relative increase in telomerase activity tended to be less in AD patients. A spontaneously higher telomerase activity in lymphocytes from AD patients could indicate that T lymphocytes are already stimulated in vivo or that a population of T cells in peripheral blood exhibits an increased telomerase activity compatible with cellular immaturity.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Recruitment of a ROC1-CUL1 ubiquitin ligase by Skp1 and HOS to catalyze the ubiquitination of I kappa B alpha.

Activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B in response to proinflammatory stimuli requires the phosphorylation-triggered and ubiquitin-dependent degradation of the NF-kappa B inhibitor, I kappa B alpha. Here, we show the in vitro reconstitution of the phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination of I kappa B alpha with purified components. ROC1, a novel SCF-associated protein, is recruited by cullin 1 to form a quatemary SCFHOS-ROC1 holenzyme (with Skp1 and the beta-TRCP homolog HOS). SCFHOS-ROC1 binds IKK beta-phosphorylated I kappa B alpha and catalyzes its ubiquitination in the presence of ubiquitin, E1, and Cdc34. ROC1 plays a unique role in the ubiquitination reaction by heterodimerizing with cullin 1 to catalyze ubiquitin polymerization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Role of retinoid receptors in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Retinoids are vitamin A-related compounds that have been found to prevent cancer in animals and humans. In this review, we discuss the role of retinoids and their receptors in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. The retinoid receptors are expressed in normal and malignant breast cells, and are critical for normal development. In breast cells, when bound by retinoid hormones, these proteins regulate proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. The mechanism by which retinoids inhibit breast cell growth has not been completely elucidated, however, retinoids have been shown to affect multiple signal transduction pathways, including IGF-, TGFbeta-, and AP-1-dependent pathways. Retinoids have also been shown to suppress the growth and prevent the development of breast cancer in animals. These agents suppress tumorigenesis in carcinogen-treated rats and in transgenic mice, and inhibit the growth of transplanted breast tumors. These promising preclinical results have provided the rationale to test retinoids in clinical trials for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. Several retinoids, including all trans retinoic acid and 9-cis retinoic acid, have been shown to have modest activity in the treatment of breast cancer, and these agents are now in clinical trials in combination with cytotoxic agents and anti-estrogens. Another retinoid, 4-HPR, is currently being tested in a human cancer prevention trial. Preliminary results suggest that 4-HPR may suppress breast cancer development in premenopausal women. Future clinical trials will focus on testing new synthetic retinoids that have reduced toxicity and enhanced therapeutic and preventive efficacy.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Hypertension is associated with a high risk of cancer.

To investigate the possible relationship between hypertension and cancer, a retrospective analysis was carried out using a database including 1225 cases, of which 552 were hypertensives and 673 normotensives. Seventy cases of cancers with different origins were found during a 17-year follow-up. Odds ratio (OR) for occurrence of cancer was calculated. It was shown that an age over 40 years, male sex, alcohol-taking, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP) were the five risk factors for the occurrence of cancers, while occupation, smoking, body mass index, left ventricular hypertrophy, and antihypertensive medication had no effect on cancer incidence. Hypertensives were at a high risk of overall cancer incidence with OR 2.2 (P < 0.01). After stratification of age, OR for hypertensives aged 40-49 years old with SBP > or =140 mm Hg or DBP > or =90mm Hg was 3.18 and 2.98 (P < 0.01 respectively). The OR of cancer for non-alcohol taking male hypertensives with SBP < or =140 mm Hg or DBP > or =90 mm Hg were 3.6 (95%CI 1.37-9.68, P = 0.003) and 5.67 (95%CI 2.01-16.75, P < 0.001), 7.55 (95%CI 2.10-33.19, P < 0.001) and 7.80 (95%CI 2.14-33.79, P < 0.001) for non-alcohol taking female hypertensives with SBP > or =140 mm Hg or DBP > or =90 mm Hg. After adjustment of age, sex and alcohol taking, the OR of the cancer incidence was 3.45 (95%CI 1.30-9.01, P < 0.01) for male and 5.0 (95%CI 1.56-16.67, P < 0.01) for female hypertensives aged 40-49 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis shows that age over 40 years, male sex, alcohol-taking, and DBP were the four independent risk factors for cancers. It is concluded that hypertension is associated with a high risk of cancer.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

A novel glutamic acid to aspartic acid mutation near the end of the 2B rod domain in the keratin 1 chain in epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.

We report a mutation in a mild case of epidermolytic hyperkeratosis that results in a glutamic acid to aspartic acid substitution in a novel location, codon 477 or position 106 of the 2B rod domain of the keratin 1 chain. This residue has been conserved in all intermediate filament chains and lies near the beginning of the highly conserved helix termination sequence and just prior to the predicted molecular overlap region. Keratin filaments assembled in vitro from chains bearing this substitution are abnormal, indicating that the glutamic acid residue is critically involved in ionic interactions in intermediate levels of filament structure.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

PubMed1999

Effect of oxidant stress on growth factor stimulation of proliferation in cultured human proximal tubule cells.

Restoring kidney function after injury involves cell migration and proliferation, processes that are yet to be precisely defined. Because epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) promote recovery from acute renal failure, we used SV-40 immortalized human proximal tubule cells to examine the effects of these growth factors on cell proliferation after peroxide injury (1.5 mM for 1 hour). ATP levels decreased to approximately 15% of control values immediately after injury but returned to nearly normal levels after 4 hours of recovery. Under control conditions, both EGF and IGF-1 stimulated proliferation and their effects were additive. However, 20-24 hours after injury, while IGF-1 stimulated proliferation, EGF was no longer effective nor was the combination of EGF and IGF-1. Although the EGF receptor was decreased 20 hours after injury, the lack of IGF-1 effect could not be explained by loss of the IGF-1 receptor, which remained unchanged after peroxide injury. Thus, the mechanism responsible for the blunting of the IGF-1 effect on proliferation following injury remains speculative. However, we conclude that the effects of growth factors under control conditions may not predict their effects after injury.

Cell Division↗

PubMed1999

Molecular characterization of binding of substrates and inhibitors to DT-diaphorase: combined approach involving site-directed mutagenesis, inhibitor-binding analysis, and computer modeling.

The molecular basis of the interaction of DT-diaphorase with a cytotoxic nitrobenzamide CB1954 [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2, 4-dinitrobenzamide] and five inhibitors was investigated with wild-type DT-diaphorase (human and rat) and five mutants [three rat mutants (rY128D, rG150V, rH194D) and two human mutants (hY155F, hH161Q)]. hY155F and hH161Q were generated to evaluate a hypothesis that Tyr155 and His161 participate in the obligatory two-electron transfer reaction of the enzyme. The catalytic properties of hY155F and hH161Q were compared with a naturally occurring mutant, hP187S. Pro187 to Ser mutation disturbs the structure of the central parallel beta-sheet, resulting in a reduction of the binding affinity of the flavin-adenine dinucleotide prosthetic group. With NADH as the electron donor and menadione as the electron acceptor, the k(cat) values for the wild-type human DT-diaphorase, hY155F, hH161Q, and hP187S were measured as 66 +/- 1, 23 +/- 0, 5 +/- 0 and 8 +/- 2 x 10(3) min(-1), respectively. Because hY155F still has significant catalytic activity, the hydroxyl group on Tyr155 may not be as important as proposed. Interestingly, hY155F was found to be 3. 3 times more active than the human wild-type DT-diaphorase in the reduction of CB1954. Computer modeling based on our results suggests that CB1954 is situated in the active site, with the aziridinyl group pointing toward Tyr155 and the amide group placed near a hydrophobic pocket next to Tyr128. Dicoumarol, Cibacron blue, chrysin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, and phenindone are competitive inhibitors of the enzyme with respect to nicotinamide coenzymes. The binding orientations of dicoumarol, flavones, and phenindone in the active site of DT-diaphorase were predicted by results from our inhibitor-binding studies and computer modeling based on published X-ray structures. Our studies generated results that explain why dicoumarol is a potent inhibitor and binds differently from flavones and phenindone in the active site of DT-diaphorase.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1999

Hypothermia and prostaglandin E(1) produce synergistic attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion lung injury.

Current methods of preserving lung tissue for transplantation are inadequate. In this study, we tested whether the combination of hypothermia plus prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) treatment would have synergistic attenuation on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) lung injury. Isolated rat lung experiments with ischemia for 1 h then reperfusion for 1 h, were conducted using six different perfusates: (1) University of Wisconsin solution (UW) at 30 degrees C (n = 5), (2) UW at 22 degrees C (n = 5), (3) UW at 10 degrees C (n = 4), (4) UW+PGE(1) at 30 degrees C (n = 4), (5) UW+PGE(1) at 22 degrees C (n = 4), and (6) UW+PGE(1) at 10 degrees C (n = 4). Hemodynamic changes, lung weight gain, capillary filtration coefficients, and lung pathology were analyzed to evaluate the I/R injury. Compared with 30 degrees C UW, animals treated with 22 degrees C UW and 10 degrees C UW had less I/R lung injury, with the groups receiving 22 degrees C UW showing superior results to group receiving 10 degrees C UW. The addition of PGE(1) to UW solution produced more attenuation of I/R injury than did UW alone. Among the six groups, 10 degrees C UW+PGE(1) produced the most reduction of I/R injury. This study has shown that hypothermia can attenuate I/R injury with the optimal flushing temperature being near 22 degrees C. PGE(1) also has a protective effect on I/R. Furthermore, hypothermia and PGE(1) have synergistic attenuation of I/R lung injury. We propose that pulmonary artery flushed with cooling UW+PGE(1) might improve lung preservation and improve results in lung transplantation.

Adenosine↗

PubMed1999

Human placental TEF-5 transactivates the human chorionic somatomammotropin gene enhancer.

Human chorionic somatomammotropin (hCS) gene expression in the placenta is controlled by an enhancer (CSEn) containing SV40-related GT-IIC and SphI/SphII enhansons. These enhancers are controlled by members of the transcription enhancer factor-1 (TEF-1) family. Recently TEF-5, whose mRNA is abundant in placenta, was shown to bind cooperatively to a unique, tandemly repeated element in CSEn2, suggesting that TEF-5 regulates CSEn activity. However, expression of TEF-5 using a cDNA lacking the 5'-untranslated region and containing a modified translation initiation site was not accompanied by CSEn activation. Using nested, degenerate PCR primers corresponding to conserved TEF domains, several novel TEF-1-related cDNAs have been cloned from a human placental cDNA library. The open reading frame of one 3033-bp clone was identical to TEF-5 and contained 300- and 1423-bp 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions, respectively. The in vitro generated approximately 53-kDa TEF-5 polypeptide binds specifically to GT-IIC and SphI/SphII oligonucleotides. Overexpression of TEF-5 in BeWo cells using the intact 3033-bp cDNA transactivates the hCS and SV40 enhancers and artificial enhancers comprised of tandemly repeated GT-IIC enhansons, but not OCT enhansons. The data demonstrate that TEF-5 is a transactivator that is likely involved in the transactivation of CSEn enhancer function. Further, the data suggest that elements within the untranslated regions, initiation site, or both control TEF-5 expression in ways that influence its transactivation function.

5' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1999

A prospective study on folate, B12, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6) and breast cancer.

To investigate the incidence of breast cancer and prediagnostic serum levels of folate, B12, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (B6), we conducted a nested case-control study using resources from the Washington County (Maryland) serum bank. In 1974, 12,450 serum specimens were donated, and in 1989, 14,625 plasma specimens were donated by female residents of Washington County. One hundred ninety-five incident breast cancer cases and 195 controls were matched by age, race, menopausal status at donation, and cohort participation as well as by date of blood donation. In both cohorts and all menopausal subgroups, median B12 concentrations were lower among cases than controls. Differences reached statistical significance only among women who were postmenopausal at donation (1974 cohort, 413 versus 482 pg/ml, P = 0.03; 1989 cohort, 406 versus 452 pg/ml, P = 0.02). Among women postmenopausal at blood donation, observed associations of B12 suggested a threshold effect with increased risk of breast cancer in the lowest one-fifth compared to the higher four-fifths of the control distribution [lowest versus highest fifth: 1974 cohort, matched odds ratio = 4.00 (95% confidence interval = 1.05-15.20); 1989 cohort, matched odds ratio = 2.25 (95% confidence interval = 0.86-5.91)]. We found no evidence for an association between folate, B6, and homocysteine and breast cancer. Findings suggested a threshold effect for serum B12 with an increased risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women in the lowest one-fifth compared to the higher four-fifths of the control distribution. These results should stimulate further investigations of potentially modifiable risk factors, such as these B-vitamins, for prevention of breast cancer.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[Cloning and expression analyses of down-regulated cDNA C6-2A in human esophageal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To clone genes associated with the genesis of human esophageal cancer. METHODS: Identifying missing or low expressing cDNAs in human esophageal cancer tissues by mRNA differential display and examining its mRNA expression in 4 human cancer cell lines, 9 fetal tissues and other matched esophageal cancer tissues by Northern blot, dot blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: One cDNA fragment named C6-2A, was cloned and sequenced. There was no identical sequence with C6-2A in BLASTN database; but in querying Genbank EST, the authors found that C6-2A was identical with ne27b03.s1NCI-CGAP-C03 humans sapiens cDNA clone IMAGE:898541 3' and zv30g07.rl Soares ovary tumor NbHOT homo sapiens cDNA clone 755196. 6/6 esophageal cancer tissues in Northern blot and 7/8 in dot blot did not or slightly express C6-2A. RT-PCR analysis showed that C6-2A was expressed much lower in 17/20 esophageal cancer tissues than adjacent microscopically normal mucosa, highly expressed in fetal esophageal mucosa, skin, cerebrum, placenta; moderately expressed in fetal stomach and liver, but not detected in fetal heart, small intestine and kidney. CONCLUSION: The high frequency of deletion of decreased expression of C6-2A in esophageal cell lines and human esophageal cancer tissues suggested that C6-2A might be involved in the carcinogenesis of esophagus.

Cloning, Molecular↗

PubMed1999

[Greater reduction of urinary albumin excretion in hypertensive patients with perindopril than nifedipine].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of perindopril and nifedipine on renal function in patients with essential hypertension (EH). METHODS: 52 cases with EH were divided randomly into two groups: perindopril group (4mg qd, n = 26); nifedipine group (10 mg tid, n = 26). Treatment period lasted for 24 weeks. Parameters of renal function were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: (1) After treatment, the arterial pressure decreased in a similar way in the two groups, urinary albumin excretion was significantly less after treatment in the perindopril group [urinary albumin excretion/24 h (mg/24 h): 66.7 +/- 25.9 vs 104.5 +/- 41.8, P < 0.01; urine protein/24h (g/L): 0.17 +/- 0.039 vs 0.24 +/- 0.064, P < 0.01], GFR (ml/min) was higher in the perindopril group after treatment (125.5 +/- 15.2 vs 112.2 +/- 13.2, P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed with nifedipine (P < 0.05). (2) No significant correlation between the decrement of urinary albumin excretion and of SBP, DBP was found in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is shown that perindopril, but not nifedipine, is able to reduce urinary excretion of albumin in patients with essential hypertension independently of its effective antihypertensive property. It is probable that the positive effect of perindopril on microalbuminuria is attributable to modification in intrarenal hemodynamics or to change in glomerular permeability.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[The characteristics and management of shotgun wounds of the extremities].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the characteristics, classification and the problem of management for shotgun wounds of the extremities. METHODS: 82 shotgun wounds of the extremities, classified according to the modified rule form Sherman and Ordog's, were treated by "incision and drainage" initially, and were closed in primary, delay and later phase. The fractures were fixed by plaster, external fixator, simple internal fixator or plate fixation. Vascular injury was repaired by suture end-to-end or autograft. The injured nerves were treated in the primary or later period. RESULTS: The rate of infection was the highest in the primary closed wound, and the healing time was the longest in the later closed wound. The rate of infection was much higher in the fracture fixed by plate than the others. The results of nerve recovery in primary repair were not significantly different (except 2 case infection) from those in the later repair. CONCLUSIONS: A significant difference was noted between shotgun wound and other wound. Removal of wadding, prevention of fascial compartment syndrome, repeat planned exploration of wound, proper wound closing, external fixation of fracture, vascular debridement before anastomosis and delayed nerves repair contribute to a successful outcome in patients with extremity shotgun wounds.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1999

[The vision distribution and causes of blindness in elderly population in Doumen county].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vision distribution and the leading cause of blindness in farmer aged >or= 50 years in Doumen county. METHODS: Cluster sampling size was estimated within an error bound of 0.35% with 95% confidence limit, 1.25 design effect and 85% response rate. Presenting visual acuity was measured by ETDRS (early treatment diabetic retinopathy study) tumbling chart. Eye examinations of external eye, anterior chamber, lens, fundus and intraocular pressure were carried out by ophthalmologists. A diagnosis of the principal cause for all the eyes with presenting visual acuity less than 0.3 was made as well. The field survey was conducted by two teams after pilot agreement testing. RESULT: 5,342 individuals were examined in 36 sampling units. The prevalence of blindness was five-fold in the group aged >or= 70 years than in the group 50 - 59 years. The rate of blindness in the group with less education was higher than the group with 5 years schooling. The leading causes of blindness were cataract (44.90%), cornea opacity (16.36%), globe disorders (10.76%), refractive error (7.08%) and glaucoma (5.88%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and low vision was 2.67% and 19.91%, respectively in farmers aged >or= 50 years. The leading cause of blindness was cataract.

Age Distribution↗

PubMed1999

[A study on visual function and quality of life in elderly population].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the visual impairment by visual function and quality of life assessment in elderly population. METHOD: All subjects aged >or= 50 years were identified by randomly clustering sampling. Visual Function and Quality of Life Questionnaire (VF/QOL) was administered by 5 interviewers for all subjects with presenting visual acuity less than 0.1 in at least one eye (as visual impairment group) and part of the subjects with presenting visual acuity better than 0.3 in both eyes (as control group). RESULTS: Five hundred and thirty-five eligible visual impairment subjects (90.8%) and 119 control subjects were successfully interviewed. In a 0 - 100 scores' scale, the subjective VF and QOL mean scores were 51.0 and 65.9 respectively. The mean score was correlated with age, sex and education. Mean VF and QOL scores decreased from 84.4 and 93.4 to 14.6 and 31.2 along with the visual status worsening from normal to severe blindness respectively. In stepwise linear regression model, the VF and QOL scores were significantly correlated with age and education instead of sex. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly population with visual impairment, subjective visual function and quality of lift status are deteriorated substantially. Their scores are significantly correlated with age and education.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

[The prevalence of cataract in Doumen County, Guangdong Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of cataract, cataract blindness and the cataract burden in population aged >or= 50 years in Doumen County. METHOD: 5,759 individuals aged >or= 50 were identified from sampling units. The definition of cataract was the vision < 0.7 caused by lens opacity in either eye, among them the person whose vision in both eyes was < 0.1 was cataract burden and whose vision in both eyes was < 0.05 was cataract blindness. RESULT: The response rate was 92.76%. The prevalence of cataract, cataract blindness and cataract burden was 20.93%, 1.67% and 3.86%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The huge community necessary for cataract surgery still remains as a great challenge in China.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1999

[Evaluation of potential harmful effects of organic pollutants in tap water on mice in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To study the harmful effects of organic concentrates from tap water on mammal animals in vivo. METHODS: Organic pollutants were absorbed with resin XAD-2 from tap water and administered the mice via a stomach tube or intraperitoneal injection. Micronucleus rate in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes, testicular chromosome aberration rate, indices for immune functions and the activity of ethoxyresourufin o-deethylase (EROD) in S(9) fraction of the liver were determined. RESULTS: Micronucleus rate and chromosome aberration rate increased by 1.7 and 3.5 folds, respectively, after administration of high dose of organic pollutants from the tap water (200 liters of tap water per kilograms of body weight) for three days. Humoral immunity and non-specific immune functions were obviously inhibited after administration of low-dose (6 L/kg). In addition, organic concentrates from tap water also could significantly induce the activity of EROD, with a good dose-dependent relationship. CONCLUSION: Organic concentrates from tap water could cause chromosome damage to somatic and germ cells and decrease in immune functions in the mice, as well as they could induce the activity of cytochrome P448 in the liver microsome. It suggested that organic pollutants concentrated from tap water had potential carcinogenic effects on mammal animals.

Animals↗