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Biomedical subjects

M Das

Publications and source records attributed to M Das.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources

Effects of mixed-function oxidase modifiers on neurotoxicity of acrylamide in rats.

The effects of modifiers of the microsomal mixed-function oxidase system on acrylamide-induced hind-limb paralysis were investigated in rats. Pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital, trans-stilbene oxide or dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) resulted in an earlier onset and subsequent development of acrylamide-induced hind-limb paralysis than that observed in animals treated only with acrylamide. Cobalt chloride pretreatment of rats caused a significant delay in the onset and development of hind-limb paralysis. Our results suggest that an intermediate formed by the cytochrome P-450 system may be responsible for acrylamide neurotoxicity.

Acrylamide↗

Brain microsomal enzyme mediated covalent binding of benzo[a]pyrene to DNA.

The covalent binding of benzo[a]pyrene (BP) to calf thymus DNA by brain microsomes isolated from control and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) treated rats was investigated. The influence of incubation time, pH, and concentrations of protein, BP and NADPH on covalent binding was investigated to obtain optimum conditions for the in vitro binding of [3H]BP to DNA. Treatment of rats to 3-MC resulted in a 1.53-fold increase in the brain microsomal mediated covalent binding of [3H]BP to DNA. Inhibitors of monooxygenase enzyme activity such as alpha-naphthoflavone, metyrapone, 1-benzylimidazole and ellagic acid significantly inhibited the binding of [3H]BP to DNA from control and 3-MC stimulated brain microsomes. Our results indicate that inhibitors and inducers of monooxygenases may modulate brain enzyme-mediated binding of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to DNA.

Animals↗

Effect of ellagic acid on hepatic and pulmonary xenobiotic metabolism in mice: studies on the mechanism of its anticarcinogenic action.

Our recent studies have shown that ellagic acid, a naturally occurring dietary plant phenol, protects BALB/c mice against 3-methylcholanthrene-induced skin tumorigenesis. To further elucidate the mechanism of the antineoplastic action of ellagic acid its effect on hepatic and pulmonary benzo[a]pyrene (BP) metabolism, cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases and glutathione S-transferase activities were studied in BALB/c mice. Chronic oral feeding of the compound in drinking water (0.3 mg/l for 16 weeks) or acute intraperitoneal administration (50 mg/kg for five consecutive days) of ellagic acid resulted in 20-25% decreases in hepatic and pulmonary cytochrome P-450 levels. Hepatic and pulmonary aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activities in both groups of ellagic acid-treated animals were 33-52% and 28-43% lower than their respective non-ellagic acid-treated controls. Hepatic as well as pulmonary aminopyrine N-demethylase and epoxide hydrolase activities were unchanged in both groups of ellagic acid-treated mice. Hepatic glutathione S-transferase activity towards BP-4,5-oxide or 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene as substrates was found to be enhanced 51-79% and 38-58% in both groups of animals. H.p.l.c. analysis of organic solvent-soluble metabolites of BP by liver and lung microsomes indicated a substantial inhibition of diol formation (including BP-7,8-diol), as well as of phenols and quinones. In liver, these inhibitory effects were more pronounced after oral feeding than after intraperitoneal administration. Our results indicate that both acute and chronic administration of ellagic acid inhibits BP metabolism and/or enhances glutathione S-transferase activity. Thus the modulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism by ellagic acid may be related to the anticarcinogenic effects of this compound.

7-Alkoxycoumarin O-Dealkylase↗

Altered patterns of cutaneous xenobiotic metabolism in UVB-induced squamous cell carcinoma in SKH-1 hairless mice.

Cutaneous xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes including aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD), epoxide hydrolase (EH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were examined in SKH hairless mice chronically irradiated with UVB to induce squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Enzyme activities in irradiated tumor-bearing skin were compared to those present in the skin of nonirradiated control animals as well as in unirradiated non-tumor bearing skin sites of the SCC-bearing mice. The inducibility of skin AHH and ECD in each set of animals was assessed following a single topical application of coal tar (1 ml/100 g). Enzyme-mediated binding of [3H]benzo(a)pyrene (BP) and its metabolite 7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha,10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo(a)pyrene (BPDE-I) to epidermal DNA was also evaluated. Basal AHH and ECD activities in microsomes from UVB-irradiated SCC-bearing dorsal skin were 4.6- and 4.8-fold lower than those in dorsal skin of nonirradiated control animals. Enzyme activities in non-tumor bearing ventral skin from the UVB-irradiated SCC-bearing mice also were 2.2 to 2.8-fold lower as compared to activities in the nonirradiated control animals. The reduction in AHH activity paralleled the levels of enzyme-mediated binding of radiolabeled BP metabolites and of BPDE-I to epidermal DNA. GST activity was found to be increased (173%) in non-tumor bearing ventral skin of UVB-irradiated mice whereas no difference in activity between SCC-bearing dorsal skin and dorsal skin of control animals could be detected. EH activity was unchanged in each group of animals. Treatment with topically applied coal tar resulted in higher inducibility of AHH and ECD in both SCC-bearing (13-fold) as well as in non-tumor skin sites (6-fold) of UVB-irradiated mice than in skin of control animals (3-fold). Coal tar application also increased the covalent binding of [3H]BP and of the metabolite BPDE-I to skin DNA. This was greater in SCC-bearing dorsal skin (119-129%) than in nonirradiated skin of control animals (48-62%). Our studies suggest that the metabolism of BP by cutaneous cytochrome P-450 dependent monooxygenases is impaired in skin of mice irradiated chronically with UVB. The higher inducibility of these monooxygenases by topically applied coal tar and the enhancement of the associated enzyme-mediated covalent binding of BP metabolites and BPDE-I to epidermal DNA indicate that repetitive exposure of mammalian skin to UVB radiation can profoundly alter the activity and the inducibility of drug and carcinogen metabolizing enzymes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Administration, Topical↗

Interaction of certain metal ions with aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase of rat lung microsomes.

The effect of varying concentrations of cadmium, copper, zinc, and selenite on the activity of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) of rat lungs was studied in vitro. All the metals resulted in a strong inhibition of enzyme activity. Copper and zinc were more inhibitory to rat lung AHH than cadmium and selenite. There was an additive inhibition of AHH activity when copper or zinc was added in the presence of cadmium. EDTA or glutathione exerted a protective effect on cadmium-induced inhibition of AHH activity. Prior incubation of the microsomes with N-ethylmaleimide, a thiol-blocking agent, had no effect on the inhibition of AHH activity caused by cadmium. Addition of cadmium along with zinc-thionein resulted in increased inhibition of rat lung AHH.

Animals↗

Steroid binding protein(s) in yeasts.

A progesterone binding protein has been detected in the cytosol prepared from glucose grown cells of both Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The specific activity of this binding protein is much higher in C. albicans, a pathogenic yeast as compared to the non-pathogenic yeast S. cerevisiae.

Alpha-Globulins↗

Role of active oxygen species in the photodestruction of microsomal cytochrome P-450 and associated monooxygenases by hematoporphyrin derivative in rats.

The cytochrome P-450 in hepatic microsomes prepared from rats pretreated with hematoporphyrin derivative was shown to be rapidly destroyed in the presence of long-wave ultraviolet light. The photocatalytic destruction of the heme-protein was dependent on both the dose of ultraviolet light and of hematoporphyrin derivative administered to the animals. The destructive reaction was accompanied by increased formation of cytochrome P-420, loss of microsomal heme content, and diminished catalytic activity of cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases such as aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase. The specificity of the effect on cytochrome P-450 was confirmed by the observation that other heme-containing moieties such as myoglobin and cytochrome c were not susceptible to photocatalytic destruction. The destruction of cytochrome P-450 was a photodynamic process requiring oxygen since quenchers of singlet oxygen, including 2,5-dimethylfuran, histidine, and beta-carotene, each substantially diminished the reaction. Scavengers of superoxide anion such as superoxide dismutase and of H2O2 such as catalase did not protect against photodestruction of cytochrome P-450, whereas inhibitors of the hydroxyl radical, including benzoate, mannitol, and ethyl alcohol, did afford protection. These results indicate that lipid-rich microsomal membranes and the heme-protein cytochrome P-450 embedded therein are potential targets of injury in cells exposed to hematoporphyrin derivative photosensitization.

Animals↗

Photoenhancement of lipid peroxidation associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species in hepatic microsomes of hematoporphyrin derivative-treated rats.

Hepatic microsomes prepared from rats pretreated with hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) undergo rapid enhancement of lipid peroxidation in the presence of solar radiation (approximately 400 nm). Quenchers of singlet oxygen, including 2,5-dimethylfuran, histidine, and beta-carotene, and inhibitors of the hydroxyl radical, including benzoate, mannitol, and ethanol, largely protected against the enhancement of lipid peroxidation caused by HPD photosensitization. Catalase, a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide dismutase, a scavenger of superoxide anion, had little or no protective effect against HPD-photosensitized enhancement of lipid peroxidation. Our data indicate that in vitro irradiation of hepatic microsomes prepared from HPD-treated rats results in the generation of both singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical. These reactive moities are associated with a rapid increase in microsomal lipid peroxidation which may explain the unique susceptibility of membranous components of cells to this type of phototoxic injury.

Animals↗

Trampoline and minitrampoline injuries to the cervical spine.

The purpose of this paper is to (1) examine the world's literature documenting cervical spine injuries; (2) attempt to identify common factors regarding patient characteristics, environment, injury mechanisms, and pathology; (3) review policy statements and safety guidelines of various medical and athletic administrative bodies; and (4) evaluate what effect, if any, these policies and guidelines have had on documented injuries. On the basis of this review, we believe that the American Academy of Pediatrics was ill-advised in altering its position on the use of trampolines. It is our opinion that both the trampoline and the minitrampoline are dangerous devices when used in the best of circumstances, and their use has no place in recreational, educational, or competitive gymnastics.

Accident Prevention↗

Antithrombin III deficiency: an etiology of Budd-Chiari syndrome.

This report documents a unique case of Budd-Chiari syndrome associated with antithrombin III deficiency and massive thrombus in the superior vena cava and right atrium. This aberration of the coagulation mechanism is proposed as an etiologic factor in the pathogenesis of hepatic venous obstruction whenever the cause is obscure. Antithrombin III was restored to a level adequate to permit thrombus extraction with cardiopulmonary bypass and relief of portal hypertension with a mesoatrial shunt. The protocol for reversing this hypercoagulable state with fresh frozen plasma and warfarin (Coumadin) is discussed, and technical innovations employed in the management of this complex problem are described.

Antithrombin III Deficiency↗

Receptor modulating properties of an antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor.

A murine antiserum with specificity for the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor was used to investigate EGF receptor function. The IgG fraction of this antiserum displayed no EGF-like mitogenic activity, even when cross-linking was ensured by sequential treatment with rabbit anti-(mouse IgG). The interaction of antibody with solubilized purified EGF receptor was characterized in detail. The binding of 125I-antibody to the receptor was not blocked by EGF, but the binding of 125I-EGF to the receptor was blocked by the immune IgG. Scatchard analysis of this reaction revealed a reduction in maximal EGF binding but an enhanced EGF binding affinity. In addition, at low concentrations, the immune IgG was found to enhance receptor kinase activity in the absence of EGF. The enhancement of kinase activity, as measured by receptor phosphorylation, was due to a decreased Km for ATP, and an increased V. These results suggest that the antibody is capable of altering conformations at receptor active sites by binding to non-active species-specific epitopes.

Animals↗

Plant phenols as in vitro inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase(s).

Ellagic acid, a commonly occurring plant phenol, was shown to be a potent in vitro inhibitor of GSH-transferase(s) activity. Other plant phenols such as ferrulic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid also showed a concentration dependent inhibition of GSH-transferase(s) activity. The I50 values of ellagic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferrulic acid were 8.3 X 10(-5)M, 14.0 X 10(-5)M, 20.0 X 10(-5)M and 22.0 X 10(-5)M respectively, suggesting that ellagic acid is the most potent inhibitor of all the four studied plant phenols. At 55 microM concentration of ellagic acid, a significant inhibition (35-47%) was observed on GSH-transferase activity towards CDNB, p-nitrobenzyl chloride and 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane as substrates. Ellagic acid inhibited GSH-transferase(s) activity in a non-competitive manner with respect to CDNB while with respect to GSH it inhibited the enzyme activity in a competitive manner. Other phenolic compounds purpurogallin , quercetin, alizarin and monolactone also showed a concentration dependent inhibition of the enzyme activity with a I50 of 0.8 X 10(-5)M, 1.0 X 10(-5)M, 8.0 X 10(-5)M and 16.0 X 10(-5)M respectively. These inhibitors of GSH-transferase(s) activity should be useful in studying the in vitro enzyme mediated reactions of exogenous and endogenous compounds.

Animals↗

Effect of prostaglandin E2 on acetylcholine release from some peripheral cholinergic nerve terminals.

The effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the acetylcholine (ACh) release evoked from rat phrenic nerve terminals and from Auerbach's plexus of the guinea-pig ileum was investigated. PGE2 enhanced the evoked release of ACh from phrenic nerve terminals and from Auerbach's plexus in a concentration-dependent manner. Preincubation with 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid, the PGE receptor blocker, and indomethacin inhibited the PGE2-induced increase of evoked release of ACh while atropine failed to do so. Whereas a single administration of either 7-oxa-13-prostynoic acid or indomethacin significantly inhibited the control evoked release of ACh from the Auerbach's plexus, they failed to alter the control evoked release of ACh from the phrenic nerve terminals. The study indicates that the PGE2-induced increase in release of ACh from cholinergic nerve terminals is accomplished through activation of prostaglandin receptors and that PGE2 may play a physiological role in ACh liberation from the cholinergic autonomic nerve terminals but not from motor nerve terminals.

Acetylcholine↗

Protection against 3-methylcholanthrene-induced skin tumorigenesis in Balb/C mice by ellagic acid.

Topical application of ellagic acid, a naturally occurring dietary plant phenol, to Balb/C mice resulted in significant protection against 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced skin tumorigenesis. Ellagic acid was found to be an effective inhibitor of tumor formation whether the tumor data are considered as percent mice with tumors, cumulative number of tumors, tumors per mouse or tumors per tumor bearing animal as a function of the number of weeks on test. By 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 weeks of testing, the number of tumors per mouse in the group receiving MCA alone was 2.0, 3.4, 4.0, 4.9 and 5.3, respectively, whereas the corresponding numbers in the group receiving MCA plus 2 mumol ellagic acid were 0, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.2, respectively. At the termination of the experiment (16 weeks) aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity in skin and liver and the extent of 3H-BP-binding to skin, liver and lung DNA were determined and both of these parameters were found to be significantly inhibited in the animals treated with ellagic acid. These results indicate that ellagic acid can inhibit the metabolism of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and modulate skin carcinogenesis induced by these chemicals.

Animals↗