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Biomedical subjects

M T Lin

Publications and source records attributed to M T Lin.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

The various effects of fractionated oxidized low density lipoproteins on the growth of smooth muscle cells in culture.

The effects of fractionated oxidized low density lipoproteins (oxidized LDL) on the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and their relationship to the formation of lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) as well as the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) were studied. VSMC were isolated from porcine aorta by explant culture. LDL was isolated from porcine blood by sequential ultracentrifugation and oxidized LDL was obtained by incubating LDL with 5 microM CuSO(4) at 37 degrees C for various lengths of time. Our results showed that LDL oxidized for 12 h and eluted from fast protein liquid chromatography at 43 min inhibited the growth of VSMC, and that LDL oxidized for longer than 48 h and eluted at 48 min stimulated the growth of VSMC. The formation of lyso-PC in the oxidized LDL correlated well with its stimulatory effect, suggesting that lyso-PC is responsible for the mitogenic effect of oxidized LDL. This stimulatory effect of oxidized LDL was inhibited by staurosporine, a PKC inhibitor. Treatment with oxidized LDL increased the activity of membrane PKC, but it decreased that of cytosolic PKC, suggesting the translocation of PKC from cytosol to the membrane in the presence of oxidized LDL. These results suggested that the oxidized LDL-stimulated VSMC growth was mediated by the formation of lyso-PC and the activation of PKC.

Animals↗

Ornithine decarboxylase in bovine corpora lutea.

The ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in cytosol and in dispersed cells of bovine corpora lutea was characterized in detail. The enzyme activity was maximal at an assay temperature of 38 C and was linear with respect to both duration of incubation and the amount of cytosol protein or cell number added. The pH optima for the enzyme was rather broad, i.e. 7.2 to 8.5. The apparent Km for ornithine (140-280 micro M) was similar for cytosol and cell ODC. Thiol compounds were required for the maximal enzyme activity and there was an absolute requirement for pyridoxal phosphate as a cofactor, with an apparent Km of 15 micro M. There was a modest competitive inhibition of ODC activity by the end products of ornithine catabolism. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), prostaglandin (PG)E1, PGF2 alpha and cyclic nucleotides had no direct effect on ODC activity. There was no consistent response of ODC in cells and tissues slices pretreated with hCG and PGs. Only the corpus luteum part of bovine ovary of pregnancy contained ODC and this enzyme activity was unchanged throughout pregnancy.

Animals↗

Magnolol protects against cerebral ischaemic injury of rat heatstroke.

1. Free radicals mediate cerebral ischaemic injury associated with heatstroke. Magnolol, an active component of Magnolia officinalis, is 1000-fold more potent than alpha-tocopherol in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether magnolol attenuated cerebral ischaemic injury and free radical formation associated with heatstroke. 2. Urethane-anaesthetized rats were exposed to heat stress (ambient temperature 42 degrees C) to induce heatstroke. Controlled rats were exposed to 24 degrees C. Mean arterial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure and cerebral blood flow after the onset of heatstroke were all significantly lower than in control rats. However, colonic temperature, intracranial pressure, heart rate, cerebral free radicals, lipid peroxidation and the neuronal damage score were greater after the onset of heatstroke. 3. Magnolol (20 or 40 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly attenuated the heatstroke-induced hyperthermia, arterial hypotension, intracranial hypertension, cerebral ischaemia and neuronal damage and increased free radical formation and lipid peroxidation in the brain. The extracellular concentrations of ischaemic (e.g. glutamate and lactate/pyruvate ratio) and damage (e.g. glycerol) markers in the corpus striatum were increased after the onset of heatstroke. Magnolol significantly attenuated the increase in striatal ischaemia and damage markers associated with heatstroke. 4. Thus, it appears that magnolol has impressive effects against heatstroke reactions.

Animals↗

Inhibition of the dopamine system in rat amygdala attenuates the picrotoxin-induced locomoter hyperactivity and hypertension.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether picrotoxin-induced locomotor hyperactivity and hypertension can be inhibited by dopaminergic inhibition in rat amygdala. Locomotor activity was detected using a modularized infrared light matrix system in freely moving rats. In anaesthetized rats, blood pressure was measured while dopamine release was detected using in vivo voltammetry with carbon fibre electrodes. Systemic administration of picrotoxin (1-4 mg/kg) increased both locomotor activity (including horizontal motion, vertical motion and total distance travelled) and the number of turnings (both clockwise and anticlockwise), but inhibited postural freezing. The locomotor hyperactivity induced by systemic administration of picrotoxin was mimicked by direct injection of a small dose (1-3 micro g in 1.0 micro L) of picrotoxin into the amygdala. In vivo voltammetry data revealed that systemic administration of picrotoxin increased the release of dopamine in the amygdala of rat brain accompanied by hypertension. Local injection of kainic acid into the paramedian reticular nucleus (PRN) of the medulla oblongata decreased both the spontaneous release of dopamine in the amygdala and spontaneous levels of locomotor activity in rats. Furthermore, the picrotoxin-induced locomotor hyperactivity, hypertension and increased amygdaloid dopamine release were all suppressed following chemical stimulation of the PRN with kainic acid. Blockade of dopamine receptors with systemic or intra-amygdaloid injection of haloperidol (a dopamine receptor antagonist) significantly attenuated the picrotoxin-induced locomotor hyperactivity and hypertension. These results demonstrate that picrotoxin-induced hyperactivity and hypertension involve an increase in amygdaloid dopamine transmission that can be modulated by ascending projections from the PRN in the medulla oblongata.

Amygdala↗

Effects of Shan-dou-gen (Euchresta formosana) on metabolic, respiratory and vasomotor activities as well as body temperature in rats.

The effects of the Chinese herb Shan-dou-gen, Euchresta formosana, on metabolic, respiratory and vasomotor activities as well as body temperature were assessed in conscious rats at various ambient temperatures. Systemic administration of Shan-dou-gen produced a dose-dependent hypothermia in rats at room temperature (22 degrees C) and below. The hypothermia in response to Shan-dou-gen was brought about by both cutaneous vasodilatation and decreased metabolic heat production. There were no changes in respiratory evaporative heat loss. However, in the heat (30 degrees C), administration of Shan-dou-gen produced no changes in rectal temperature or other thermoregulatory variables. Furthermore, the hypothermia induced by Shan-dou-gen was greatly antagonized by pretreatment of animals with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (predominantly a depletor of central serotonin nerve fiber), but not with 6-hydroxydopamine (a relative depletor of central catecholamine nerve fiber). It appears that the hypothermic effects of Shan-dou-gen may be mediated through serotonin release within the brain.

Animals↗

Effects of glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition on cytokine production and T cell population in septic rats.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the effects of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) enriched with glutamine (GLN) on in vivo cytokine production and cellular immune response in early and late septic stages of rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into 2 experimental groups and received TPN solution at an energy level of 270 kcal/kg body weight. The TPN solutions were isonitrogenous and identical in nutrients composition except for differences in amino acid content. One group received 2% GLN, whereas the other group received glycine (Gly) instead. TPN was maintained for 5 or 6 days according to the sacrifice schedule of the rats. On day 5, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Respective groups of rats were sacrificed 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after CLP. RESULTS: Sepsis resulted in a negative nitrogen balance in both groups, and nitrogen loss was significantly lower in the GLN than the Gly group. Interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma in most of the samples collected at various time points were not detectable in plasma or peritoneal lavage fluid. No differences in plasma IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations were observed between the GLN and Gly groups. Also, there were no significant differences in IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha concentrations in peritoneal lavage fluid between the 2 groups at various time points. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was significantly higher in the GLN group than in the Gly group only at 4 hours after CLP, and no difference was observed at 24 hours after CLP. CONCLUSIONS: TPN preinfused with a GLN-supplemented solution had a beneficial effect in ameliorating the extent of negative nitrogen balance in septic rats. However, parenterally administered GLN did not reduce the production of inflammatory mediators systemically or at the site of injury, and the influence on enhancing cellular immunity was not obvious.

Animals↗

Alanyl-glutamine enriched total parenteral nutrition improves local, systemic, and remote organ responses to intraperitoneal bacterial challenge.

BACKGROUND: Standard total parenteral nutrition (STD-TPN) may diminish host defense against infection. Glutamine (Gln) is suggested to enhance host immunity. This study investigated the effects of antecedent alanyl-glutamine enriched TPN (Ala-Gln-TPN) on host responses to intraperitoneal bacterial challenge compared with STD-TPN. METHODS: Rats were divided into STD-TPN and Ala-Gln-TPN groups. They received isocaloric and isonitrogenous nutrition for 7 days and were challenged intraperitoneally with E. coli. Rats were killed before (0 hour) challenge and at 2 and 6 hours after challenge. Bacterial numbers in peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF), liver, spleen, and blood were determined. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin (IL)-8, and interferon-gamma (IFN) in plasma and PLF were measured. Hepatic TNF, splenic TNF, and splenic IFN levels were determined. RESULTS: The numbers of E. coli in systemic blood at 2 hours after intraperitoneal bacterial challenge were significantly lower in the Ala-Gln-TPN than in STD-TPN group. E. coli numbers in blood significantly correlated with those in the liver. The Ala-Gln-TPN also resulted in significantly higher PLF and hepatic TNF levels, higher splenic IFN levels, and lower plasma IL-8 levels at 6 hours after challenge compared with the STD-TPN. CONCLUSIONS: Antecedent Ala-Gln enriched TPN enhance local, systemic, and remote organ immune responses to intraperitoneal bacterial challenge. Ala-Gln-TPN may enhance host defense and be more beneficial than standard TPN in sepsis.

Animals↗

Effects of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) treatments on the nitrogen metabolism and hepatic IGF-1-messenger RNA expression in postoperative parenterally fed rats.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have made direct comparisons of the metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). We have assessed the dose-dependent effects of GH and IGF-1 treatments on nitrogen metabolism, intestinal structure, and hepatic IGF-1-messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in postoperative parenterally fed rats. METHODS: Rats were maintained on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 3 days after gastrectomy. GH (0.4 or 0.8 IU/kg/d) or IGF-1 (1,2, or 4 mg/kg/d) was infused throughout the experimental period. Anabolic effects of GH and IGF-1 were assessed by body weight change, nitrogen excretion, and whole-body protein turnover. Organ weights, intestinal structure, plasma IGF-1 levels and hepatic IGF-1-mRNA contents were also determined. RESULTS: Both GH and IGF-1 attenuated body weight loss and nitrogen excretion and increased whole-body protein synthesis and spleen weight. These observations suggest that the anabolic effects of 1 mg/kg/d of IGF-1 were equivalent to those of 0.66 IU/kg/d of GH. IGF-1, but not GH, reduced atrophy of the intestinal mucosa. GH treatment increased hepatic IGF-1-mRNA and the plasma IGF-1 level, whereas IGF-1 treatment increased the plasma IGF-1 level with no change in the hepatic IGF-1-mRNA content. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of GH or IGF-1 attenuates catabolism after surgery. The anabolic effects of 1 mg/kg/d of IGF-1 are equivalent to those of 0.66 IU/kg/d of GH. IGF-1 reduces intestinal mucosal atrophy. GH increases hepatic IGF-1-mRNA and the plasma IGF-1 level.

Animals↗

Alanyl-glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition improves survival and protein metabolism in rat protracted bacterial peritonitis model.

BACKGROUND: The effects of glutamine-enriched total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solution on survival, and protein turnover in the whole body and in individual organs were investigated in a rat protracted peritonitis model. METHODS: Twenty-three rats underwent venous catheter insertion. Osmotic pumps were implanted in the peritoneal cavity to allow continuous delivery of Escherichia coli (4 x 10(8) CFU/d). The conventional TPN group received a conventional amino acid solution. The Ala-Gln TPN group received an alanyl-glutamine-enriched TPN solution. The two TPN solutions were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. RESULTS: Over the 5 days of TPN treatment, the survival rate of the Ala-Gln group was significantly higher than that of the conventional group. The Ala-Gln group tended to have increased whole-body protein turnover compared with the conventional group. Fractional protein synthetic rates (FSR) in the liver and gastrocnemius muscle of the Ala-Gln group were significantly higher than those of the conventional group. The serum glutamine concentration correlated positively with the FSR of both liver and muscle. The Ala-Gln group showed significantly greater mucosal height and mitoses per crypt, in the small intestine, than did the conventional group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that, in comparison with standard glutamine-free TPN, Ala-Gln-supplemented TPN increases protein synthesis in the liver and skeletal muscle, protects the morphology of the intestinal mucosa, and improves survival in protracted bacterial peritonitis. Ala-Gln supplementation may be useful in septic patients.

Alanine↗

Insulin-like growth factor 1 has beneficial effects, whereas growth hormone has limited effects on postoperative protein metabolism, gut integrity, and splenic weight in rats with chronic mild liver injury.

BACKGROUND: Both growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) improve protein metabolism after surgical insult in subjects without liver disease. However, these effects in chronic liver injury, in which the GH-IGF-1 axis is impaired, have not been investigated. We examined the anabolic effects of GH and IGF-1 after gastrectomy in rats with chronic mild liver injury. METHODS: Rats with chronic mild liver injury induced by thioacetamide were used. After gastrectomy, the rats were randomized into vehicle control, GH, and IGF-1 groups. In the latter two groups, 0.8 IU/kg/d of GH or 4 mg/kg/d of IGF-1 was infused for 72 hours. Anabolic effects were assessed by body weight change, 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) excretion, nitrogen excretion, and whole-body protein turnover. Organ weights, plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and IGF-1, tissue IGF-1 levels, hepatic messenger RNA (mRNA) content, and intestinal structure were also determined. RESULTS: Both GH and IGF-1 decreased nitrogen excretion. IGF-1, but not GH, increased postoperative body weight, whole-body protein turnover, and splenic weight. IGF-1 reduced atrophy of the intestinal mucosa. GH treatment increased hepatic IGF-1-mRNA and the plasma IGF-1 level, whereas IGF-1 treatment increased the plasma IGF-1 level with no change in the hepatic IGF-1-mRNA content. There were no significant differences in plasma glucose or insulin levels among the three groups. Neither GH nor IGF-1 affected the gastrocnemius muscle IGF-1 level. CONCLUSIONS: IGF-1 has beneficial effects, whereas GH has only limited effects on post-operative protein metabolism, gut integrity, and splenic weight in chronic mild liver injury.

Animals↗

Glutamine-enriched enteral diet enhances bacterial clearance in protected bacterial peritonitis, regardless of glutamine form.

BACKGROUND: The effects of glutamine (Gln)-enriched enteral diets on bacterial clearance were investigated in a rat protracted peritonitis model. The effects of the Gln form, peptide-based vs free amino acid-based, were also compared. METHODS: Twenty-three rats underwent gastrostomy. An osmotic pump was implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The rats received a continuous intragastric infusion of one of three diets: Gln-depleted (Gln 0), Gln-enriched with the Gln in free amino acid form (Gln F), or Gln-enriched with the Gln in oligopeptide form (Gln P). The three formulas were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The pumps delivered a continuous infusion of Escherichia coli, starting at 48 hours after implantation, for 24 hours. Then, the animals were killed. RESULTS: Bacterial numbers in peritoneal lavaged fluid (PLF) and the liver were significantly lower in the Gln P and Gln F groups than in the Gln 0 group. The bacterial number in PLF correlated with that in the liver. Neither the number nor the population of peritoneal exudative cells differed among groups. Plasma levels of proline, alanine and citrulline were significantly higher in the Gln P and Gln F groups than in the Gln 0 group. Both Gln supplemented groups showed significantly greater villous height, crypt depth, and numbers of mitoses per crypt in the small intestine than the Gln 0 group. CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental Gln enhances peritoneal and hepatic bacterial clearance, regardless of Gln form. Gln-enriched may be more beneficial than Gln-depleted enteral diets in peritonitis.

Animals↗

The effect of tooth preparation form on the fit of Procera copings.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the marginal and internal adaptation of Procera copings using different tooth preparations. The variations comprised 4 finish line forms, 3 occlusal forms, 3 occlusocervical undulation forms to the proximal finish line, and 3 proximal auxiliary retention forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty preparations were made and copings were fabricated, cemented, embedded in an epoxy resin, sectioned, and measured at 14 sites. RESULTS: The feather-edge finish line had the highest mean external marginal opening (135 +/- 79 microns), compared with the chamfer finish line (64 +/- 38 microns), the 0.8-mm rounded shoulder (51 +/- 34 microns), and the 0.5-mm rounded shoulder (68 +/- 56 microns). All 3 forms of occlusal reduction produced comparable internal adaptation at the axial wall. Specimens with normal occlusal reduction had the best occlusal adaptation at the cusp tip but not to a statistically different degree from the exaggerated form. Variations in the vertical height of interproximal finish lines did not significantly affect marginal opening. However, proximal retentive features less than 2.5 mm wide and more than 0.5 mm deep cannot be accurately reproduced with the present Procera scanner tip. CONCLUSION: Feather-edge finish-line forms, deep retentive grooves, and deep occlusal morphology are not well reproduced using this system, but all other finish-line forms and design variations are accurately and clinically acceptably reproduced using this system.

Analysis of Variance↗

Nephrocalcinosis in childhood.

Charts of 16 children with nephrocalcinosis between 1990 and 1997 were reviewed. The cause of nephrocalcinosis was believed to be iatrogenic in 7 patients (43.8%) and non-iatrogenic in 9 (56.2%). Vitamin D therapy was responsible for 5 patients of iatrogenic nephrocalcinosis, and furosemide therapy for the remaining iatrogenic patients. Non-iatrogenic cases consisted of 3 patients with renal tubular acidosis, 3 patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria, and the 3 other patients with rare underlying conditions. Abdominal X-ray detected nephrocalcinosis in only 2 (12.5%) of the total 16 patients. None showed resolution of nephrocalcinosis during these years of follow-up.

Adolescent↗

Treatment results of the TPOG-NHL92 protocols for childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in Taiwan: a report from the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG)

A nation-wide chemotherapeutic trial for childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was conducted by the Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group (TPOG). Four TPOG-NHL92 protocols based on stage and histology were activated in 1992: TPOG-92LD (treatment duration: 8 months) was used for localized (stages I/II) NHL with any histology, 92LB (2 years), 92SNC (5 months), and 92LC (1 year) for advanced (stages III/IV) lymphoblastic (LB), small non-cleaved cell (SNC), and large cell (LC) lymphoma, respectively. From January 1992 through June 1998, 200 children with newly diagnosed NHL from 13 member hospitals of TPOG were enrolled. There were 140 boys and 60 girls. Their ages at diagnosis ranged from 2.4 months to 18.3 years with a median of 8.2 years. There were 54 (27.3%) patients with LB, 94 (47.5%) with SNC including B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and 50 (25.2%) with LC. Stages I, II, III, and IV (including B-ALL) of the disease comprised 5%, 10%, 43%, and 42% of cases, respectively. There were 176 patients eligible for evaluation of treatment results. The remission rate of induction was 82.4%, induction failed in 22 (12.5%) patients, and nine patients died during induction. As of August 31, 1999, 26 patients relapsed, six died during remission, one patient developed secondary acute myelomonocytic leukemia, and 105 patients remained in continuous remission with a median remission duration of 49 months. The event-free survival (EFS) at 7 years was 63.5%, 61.5% and 65% for LB, SNC, and LC groups (P = 0.8298). The 7-year EFS for stages I/II, III, and IV of the disease was 73%, 68.9%, and 50.3% (P = 0.0212), respectively. We concluded that following the strategy of stratification of therapy, only disease stages had prognostic significance in this study. More efforts are needed to improve our treatment results.

Adolescent↗