[The status of genome-based information. Public-health-genomics and genetic exceptionalism].
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Genetic Counseling↗
Biomedical subjects
P Schröder
Publications and source records attributed to P Schröder.
Microbiological aspects of determination of trichloroacetic acid in soil.
Soils have been shown to possess a strong microbial trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-degrading activity. High TCA-degradation rate was also observed during soil extraction with water. For correct measurements of TCA levels in soil all TCA-degrading activities have to be inhibited immediately after sampling before analysis. We used rapid freezing of soil samples (optimally in liquid nitrogen) with subsequent storage and slow thawing before analysis as an efficient technique for suppressing the degradation. Frozen soil samples stored overnight at -20 degrees C and then thawed slowly exhibited very low residual TCA-degrading activity for several hours. Omitting the above procedure could lead to the confusing differences between the TCA levels previously reported in the literature.
Biodegradation, Environmental↗
Trichloroacetic acid in Norway spruce/soil-system. II. Distribution and degradation in the plant.
Independently from its origin, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as a phytotoxic substance affects coniferous trees. Its uptake, distribution and degradation were thus investigated in the Norway spruce/soil-system using 14C labeling. TCA is distributed in the tree mainly by the transpiration stream. As in soil, TCA seems to be degraded microbially, presumably by phyllosphere microorganisms in spruce needles. Indication of TCA biodegradation in trees is shown using both antibiotics and axenic plants.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Trichloroacetic acid cycling in Sitka spruce saplings and effects on sapling health following long term exposure.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA, CCl(3)COOH) has been associated with forest damage but the source of TCA to trees is poorly characterised. To investigate the routes and effects of TCA uptake in conifers, 120 Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr) saplings were exposed to control, 10 or 100 microg l(-1) solutions of TCA applied twice weekly to foliage only or soil only over two consecutive 5-month growing seasons. At the end of each growing season similar elevated TCA concentrations (approximate range 200-300 ng g(-1) dwt) were detected in both foliage and soil-dosed saplings exposed to 100 microg l(-1) TCA solutions showing that TCA uptake can occur from both exposure routes. Higher TCA concentrations in branchwood of foliage-dosed saplings suggest that atmospheric TCA in solution is taken up indirectly into conifer needles via branch and stemwood. TCA concentrations in needles declined slowly by only 25-30% over 6 months of winter without dosing. No effect of TCA exposure on sapling growth was measured during the experiment. However at the end of the first growing season needles of saplings exposed to 10 or 100 microg l(-1) foliage-applied TCA showed significantly more visible damage, higher activities of some detoxifying enzymes, lower protein contents and poorer water control than needles of saplings dosed with the same TCA concentrations to the soil. At the end of each growing season the combined TCA storage in needles, stemwood, branchwood and soil of each sapling was <6% of TCA applied. Even with an estimated half-life of tens of days for within-sapling elimination of TCA during the growing season, this indicates that TCA is eliminated rapidly before uptake or accumulates in another compartment. Although TCA stored in sapling needles accounted for only a small proportion of TCA stored in the sapling/soil system it appears to significantly affect some measures of sapling health.
Air Pollutants↗
Trichloroacetic acid in Norway spruce/soil-system. I. Biodegradation in soil.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) as a phytotoxic substance affects health status of coniferous trees. It is known as a secondary air pollutant (formed by photooxidation of tetrachloroethene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane) and as a product of chlorination of humic substances in soil. Its break-down in soil, however, influences considerably the TCA level, i.e. the extent of TCA uptake by spruce roots. In connection with our investigations of TCA effects on Norway spruce, microbial processes in soil were studied using 14C-labeling. It was shown that TCA degradation in soil is a fast process depending on TCA concentration, soil properties, humidity and temperature. As a result, the TCA level in soil is determined by a steady state between uptake from the atmosphere, formation in soil, leaching and degradation. The process of TCA degradation in soil thus participates significantly in the chlorine cycle in forest ecosystems.
Biodegradation, Environmental↗
Uptake, translocation and fate of trichloroacetic acid in a Norway spruce/soil system.
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a secondary atmospheric pollutant formed by photooxidation of chlorinated solvents in the troposphere--it has, however, recently been ranked among natural organohalogens. Its herbicidal properties might be one of the factors adversely affecting forest health. TCA accumulates rapidly in conifer needles and influences the detoxification capacity in the trees. The aim of the investigations--a survey of which is briefly given here--was to elucidate the uptake, distribution and fate of TCA in Norway spruce. For this purpose young nursery-grown plants of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were exposed to [1,2-14C]TCA and the fate of the compound was followed in needles, wood, roots, soil and air with appropriate radio-indicator methods. As shown by radioactivity monitoring, the uptake of TCA from soil by roots proceeded most rapidly into current needles at the beginning of the TCA treatment and was redistributed at later dates so that TCA content in older needles increased. The only product of TCA metabolism/biodegradation found in the plant/soil-system was CO(2) (and corresponding assimilates). TCA biodegradation in soil depends on TCA concentration, soil humidity and other factors.
Air Pollutants↗
Taxonomic distribution of plant glutathione S-transferases acting on xenobiotics.
Soluble and microsomal glutathione S-transferase activities for five model xenobiotics (nitrobenzene derivatives), two pesticidal xenobiotics (atrazine and fluorodifen), and a natural substrate (cinnamic acid), were determined in 59 different plant species and four plant cell suspension cultures. These enzyme activities were widely distributed over the plant kingdom with certain species showing particularly high activities. Marine macroalgae had a remarkably broad substrate range that included the substrates atrazine and fluorodifen. It is concluded that the evolutionary 'green liver' concept derived for xenobiotic metabolism in higher plant species is also valid for the constitutive soluble and microsomal glutathione S-transferases of lower plant species.
Atrazine↗
Effects of halone 1301 on Lepidium sativum, Petunia hybrida and Phaseolus vulgaris.
Halone 1301 belongs to a group of widely used fire repellants. Although banned in several countries, the production has still not been discontinued, and thus hazards due to use or spill can be expected. The study reports on effects of the halone 1301 on three plant species frequently used for bioindication studies: Lepidium sativum (mouse-ear cress), Phaseolus vulgaris (bush bean) and Petunia hybrida. Plants were exposed to 1 ppbv of the gas in ambient air under controlled conditions for 18 days (L. sativum), and 45 days (P. vulgaris, P. hybrida), respectively. None of the plants showed visible stress symptoms. Chlorophylls in cress and petunia were unaffected whereas in beans significant changes of the photosynthetic pigments were observed. Photosynthesis and gas exchange of bean plants were monitored during the experiment, and a lowering of transpiration was noticed. In all investigated plants, protein contents declined significantly, but despite this reduction, activity of the glutathione S-transferases (GST) increased strongly in bean and petunia. The significance of this reaction as detoxification step is discussed.
Bromochlorofluorocarbons↗
Latest on enzymology of serotonin biosynthesis in walnut seeds.
Serotonin (5-HT) accumulation in walnut cotyledons is seen as a detoxification mechanism protecting the sensitive plant tissues of seeds from highly toxic ammonia concentrations following seed desiccation. Different metabolic pathways and cell compartments are involved in biosynthesis and storage of 5-HT. Ammonia fixation and incorporation into the indole moiety of tryptophan is followed by 5-HT biosynthesis via tryptamine in a two-step pathway with the adaptive tryptophan decarboxylase and the constitutive tryptamine 5-hydroxylase. Evidence is provided that tryptamine 5-hydroxylase is a member of the cytochrome P450 family which is involved in lipid hydroxylation processes in the very early period of seed development.
Ammonia↗
Xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the canine respiratory tract.
Airway epithelial surface is the primary target of airborne pollutants. To estimate the distribution of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes in the respiratory tract of dogs, epithelia from different airway sites of four animals were analyzed for metabolism of sulfite (sulfite oxidase) and formaldehyde (formaldehyde dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase). In addition, glutathione S-transferases were assayed using several model substrates. Enzyme activities were compared with those found in liver parenchyma. The activity of sulfite oxidase was found to be comparable in nose, trachea, and proximal and medium bronchi, but appeared to be lower in lung parenchyma of most animals. In contrast, hepatic sulfite oxidase activity of these animals was substantially higher compared to that in airway epithelia. The activity of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH) appeared to be highest in nose and lowest in distal bronchi, lung, and liver parenchyma. The distribution pattern of the glutathione-independent aldehyde dehydrogenase (AldDH) in the respiratory tract was different from that of FDH. Levels of AldDH were about 5- to 10-fold lower than those of FDH, suggesting that AldDH is of minor importance for pulmonary formaldehyde detoxification. With regard to ethanol detoxification by a class I alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), no measurable enzyme activity could be detected at most respiratory sites contrary to the high activity found in liver parenchyma. Regarding glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), different distributions of enzyme activities were found in the large and small airways when using three substrates. The 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB)-related activities in the cytosolic fraction of the upper (nose, trachea) and lower airways (proximal, medium and distal bronchi) were higher than those in the microsomal fraction. Interestingly, there was no difference between CDNB-related activities in the cytosolic and microsomal fraction of the liver. Highest cytosolic activities were found in the nose, and were comparable to those detected in the liver parenchyma. The cytosolic 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB)-related activities in the nose, proximal bronchi, and lung parenchyma were appeared to be markedly higher than those in trachea and medium and distal bronchi, while the microsomal activities were not detectable at most respiratory sites. In contrast, distinctly higher activities were measured in both fractions of liver tissue. Cytosolic 1, 2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)-propane (EPNP)-related activities were present in upper and lower airways including lung parenchyma at comparable levels, while in liver tissue the mean activities were distinctly lower. No EPNP-related activities were found in the microsomal fractions. In conclusion, most xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes investigated in this study could be detected in epithelia of various respiratory sites. The most outstanding result revealed higher levels of FDH activity in the nose and downstream to the medium bronchi in comparison to those found in the small airways, lung, and liver tissue. Similarly, the EPNP-related GST exhibited a distinctly higher activity at all respiratory sites compared to the activity in liver tissue, suggesting a different regulation of this enzyme in lung and liver.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase↗
Splice variants of the nuclear dot-associated Sp100 protein contain homologies to HMG-1 and a human nuclear phosphoprotein-box motif.
Sp100 and PML are interferon-inducible proteins associated with a new class of nuclear domains (known as nuclear dots or PML bodies) which play a role in tumorigenesis, virus infections, and autoimmunity. While PML is extensively alternatively spliced, only two splice variants are known for Sp100. Here we describe the identification and characterization of several Sp100 splice variant proteins and support their existence by elucidation of the 3'-end of the Sp100 gene. Some of the splice variants contain a domain of significant sequence similarity with two previously described highly related interferon-inducible nuclear phosphoproteins as well as to suppressin and DEAF-1, which altogether define a novel protein motif, termed HNPP-box. One class of splice variants contains an almost complete and highly conserved copy of the DNA-binding high mobility group 1 protein sequence and thus represent novel HMG-box proteins. When expressed transiently, both major classes of Sp100 splice variant proteins localize in part to nuclear dots/PML bodies and in addition to different nuclear domains. Furthermore, PML was occasionally redistributed. These data indicate that alternatively spliced Sp100 proteins are expressed, differ in part in localization from Sp100, and might bind to chromatin via the HMG domain.
Alternative Splicing↗
Cloning and sequencing of the bovine STAT5A cDNA reveals significant sequence divergence with ovine.
The transcription factors STAT5 mediates prolactin signals in mammary epithelial cells. The cDNA of bovine STAT5A was cloned, sequenced and compared to other species. The encoded protein proves to be > 95% homologous to other mammals. We show that the STAT5A mRNA of the closely related ovine species contains an extended (by 130 nt) 5'-untranslated region, being encoded by an extra-exon, and accounts, possibly, for improved translation efficiency.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Degradation of glutathione S-conjugates by a carboxypeptidase in the plant vacuole.
For plants, glutathione conjugation is a major pathway to detoxify organic xenobiotic. Glutathione S-conjugates (SG-conjugates) are formed in the cytosol, the in vitro transport over the tonoplast has been described and a final storage in the vacuole has been postulated. We show here that alachlor rapidly accumulates as GS-conjugates in the plant vacuole and that the first step of its degradation, the formation of the respective gamma-glutamylcysteinyl-S-conjugate, is catalyzed by a vacuolar carboxypeptidase. These results suggest the glutathione conjugate as a transport form but not a storage form of xenobiotic molecules.
Carboxypeptidases↗
Characterization of glutathione S-transferases in needles of Norway spruce trees from a forest decline stand.
Glutathione S-transferases (GST) detoxify many electrophilic xenobiotics, including several volatile organic compounds and pesticides. The GST activity for the conjugation of several xenobiotic substances was isolated from needles of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) trees from a forest decline stand in the northern alps. Trees that exhibited different degrees of damage were selected from several stands in an altitude profile. The GST activity toward 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) in crude protein extracts of needles showed a seasonal pattern with highest activity during summer. The GST activity exhibited a strong dependence on the altitude of the stand showing highest activities in trees growing in the valley and lowest activities in trees growing in the summit regions of the mountain. When cytosolic GST from needles of healthy and damaged trees was purified, trees of healthy appearance exhibited three distinct GST isozymes with activities for the conjugation of CDNB and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB), whereas severely defoliated trees exhibited four GSTs with additional activity for the conjugation of ethacrynic acid. The main GST isozymes catalyzing the conjugation of CDNB differed in molecular weight, isoelectric point and catalytic properties between damaged and healthy trees.
Journal Article↗
[Conception, implementation and evaluation of the new general medicine continuing education curriculum in Südbaden].
Since 1994, seminars for the new curriculum in general practice are conducted by the Academy of Continuing Medical Education (consists of the regional medical board and the association of public health insurance in Südbaden). Specialists of different medical disciplines supported by general practitioners in the role of moderators are preparing and teaching a wide range of topics. The general practitioners are supervising the different courses, thus, facilitating the learning process of the participants. Furthermore, the facilitators have to work out the specific needs and requirements of general practice and family medicine. The topics are presented in a form of lessons and clinical cases discussed in small groups (problem-oriented approach). The evaluation of two seminars was carried out in 1994 and 1995 including two thirds of the complete curriculum in general practice. From the positive results of the evaluation, modification and improvement of the didactic concept for future seminars in 1996 are derived.
Curriculum↗
Epithelial ion transport in the ileal J-pouch after proctocolectomy in the rat.
In ulcerative colitis and polyposis coli, creation of an ileal pouch with ileoanal anastomosis after proctocolectomy has become a common surgical method. The aim of our study was to characterize the adaptation of the epithelial ion transport function in the pouch by using electrophysiologic techniques. Proctocolectomy and ileoanal anastomosis was performed in rats either with (pouch) or without (control) creation of an ileal J-pouch. To characterize the epithelial barrier function, impedance analysis was performed 6 months after surgery. Epithelial resistance was 29 +/- 2 omega.cm2 in controls and was unchanged in the pouch (28 +/- 4 omega.cm2; NS). In contrast, subepithelial resistance increased from 33 +/- 3 omega.cm2 to 54 +/- 5 omega.cm2 (P < 0.01) owing to work hypertrophy of the muscle layers in the pouch. To detect changes in net ion transport, ion tracer fluxes were measured in the Ussing chamber. In control ileum, absorptive net Na and Cl fluxes of similar magnitude were present, indicating that electroneutral NaCl absorption was the predominant ion transport system. Neither Isc nor net Na and Cl fluxes were significantly altered in the pouch. Glucose-coupled Na absorption was measured as the 3-o-methyl-glucose-induced increase in Isc. Km remained unaltered, while Vmax decreased from 7.5 +/- 2.1 mu eq.h-1 cm-2 in controls to 1.7 +/- 0.8 mu eq.h-1 cm-2 (P < 0.05) in the pouch. Then, maximal transport capacity for electrogenic Cl secretion was measured as the Cl-induced increase in Isc blockable by serosal bumetanide (in the presence of theophylline and prostaglandin E1).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Adaptation, Physiological↗
Characterization of glutathione S-transferase from dwarf pine needles (Pinus mugo Turra).
Glutathione S-transferase activity conjugating xenobiotics with glutathione (GSH) was found in extracts from needles of dwarf pine (Pinus mugo Turra). In vivo incubation of needle segments with the herbicide fluorodifen at 25 degrees C resulted in conversion of the xenobiotic to water-soluble products at initial rates of 0.7 nmol h(-1) g(fw) (-1). At 15 degrees C, the initial rate of product formation was decreased to 0.1 nmol h(-1) g(fw) (-1). In vitro conjugation studies with chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB) as model substrates gave apparent K(m) values of 0.5 mM GSH and 1.14 mM CDNB in the GSH/CDNB system and 0.3 mM GSH and 0.44 mM DCNB in the GSH/DCNB system. The pH optimum was between 7.7 and 7.9 for both the GSH/CDNB and the GSH/DCNB systems. The temperature optimum for these model substrates was between 30 and 35 degrees C, and only minute amounts of enzyme activity were detected at 15 degrees C. The activation energy in the temperature range of 15 to 30 degrees C was 46 kJ mol(-1). Dwarf pine glutathione S-transferase exhibited an approximate molecular weight of 52 kD.
Journal Article↗
Emission of volatile sulfur compounds from spruce trees.
Spruce (Picea Abies L.) trees from the same clone were supplied with different, but low, amounts of plant available sulfate in the soil (9.7-18.1 milligrams per 100 grams of soil). Branches attached to the trees were enclosed in a dynamic gas exchange cuvette and analyzed for the emission of volatile sulfur compounds. Independent of the sulfate supply in the soil, H(2)S was the predominant reduced sulfur compound continuously emitted from the branches with high rates during the day and low rates in the night. In the light, as well as in the dark, the rates of H(2)S emission increased exponentially with increasing water vapor flux from the needles. Approximately 1 nanomole of H(2)S was found to be emitted per mole of water. When stomata were closed completely, only minute emission of H(2)S was observed. Apparently, H(2)S emission from the needles is highly dependent on stromatal aperture, and permeation through the cuticle is negligible. In several experiments, small amounts of dimethylsulfide and carbonylsulfide were also detected in a portion of the samples. However, SO(2) was the only sulfur compound consistently emitted from branches of spruce trees in addition to H(2)S. Emission of SO(2) mainly proceeded via an outburst starting before the beginning of the light period. The total amount of SO(2) emitted from the needles during this outburst was correlated with the plant available sulfate in the soil. The diurnal changes in sulfur metabolism that may result in an outburst of SO(2) are discussed.
Journal Article↗