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Biomedical subjects

R M Kay

Publications and source records attributed to R M Kay.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Molecular cloning of cDNA sequences coding for the major alpha- and beta-globin polypeptides of adult Xenopus laevis.

This report describes the synthesis and cloning of almost complete DNA copies of the mRNAs encoding the major alpha-globin and major beta-globin of X. laevis. Double-stranded globin cDNA was inserted into the PstI site of the plasmid pBR322 and two cloned recombinants (designated pXG6C1 and pXG8D2) were selected. These were shown to contain almost complete copies of X. laevis globin mRNA. Restriction enzyme maps were determined for each cDNA sequence using the established method of partial digestion of end labelled DNA. However, this procedure was modified such that isolation of individual DNA fragments was no longer required. Each plasmid was shown, by both hybrid arrested translation and filter selection of complementary RNA, to contain a sequence coding for one or other of the two major globin polypeptides. Sufficient DNA sequence information has been determined from each cDNA clone to demonstrate that pXG8D2 contains a beta-globin sequence and pXG6C1 contains an alpha-globin sequence.

Animals↗

Acute effects of the pattern of fat ingestion on plasma high density lipoprotein components in man.

Since Apoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is partially synthesized in the intestine and is secreted into plasma via chylomicrons, we have tested the effects of the daily distribution of fat intake on the concentration and composition of plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL). Ten normal subjects ingested 136 g fat either as a single load (SL) at 0 h or in 6 divided doses from 0 to 10 h (DL). Serial blood samples were obtained over a 24-h period. Studies were performed 7 days apart using a double crossover design and paired comparisons. HDL apo A-I increased during DL (+11% at 9 h, P < 0.01) but was not significantly altered after SL. The HDL Apo A-II concentration did not change. HDL cholesterol decreased significantly (-4 to -7%) during postprandial lipaemia in both phases of the study. Apo A-I and A-II were detected in lipoproteins of d < 1.006 during alimentary lipaemia but not in fasting plasma. These results indicate that HDL apo A-I increases when fat intake is distributed throughout the day (DL), perhaps due to intestinal production of particles with a higher protein/lipid ratio during DL than after a large bolus of oral lipid (SL). Alimentary lipaemia is associated with acute alterations in HDL components including a transient reduction in HDL cholesterol and an increase in the apo A-I/A-II ratio during DL.

Adolescent↗

Linkage of adult alpha- and beta-globin genes in X. laevis and gene duplication by tetraploidization.

We have used cloned adult X. laevis alpha- and beta-globin cDNAs to analyze globin genes in X. laevis DNA. We detected alpha 1- and beta 1-globin genes which contain intervening sequences and code for the major adult globins, plus additional diverged alpha 2- and beta 2-globin genes of unknown coding potential. Unlike the case in mammals, the X. laevis alpha 1- and beta 1-globin genes are closely linked and occur in the sequence 5'-alpha 1-9 kb-beta 1-3'. The alpha 2- and beta 2-globin genes are also linked, and analysis of globin genes in X. tropicalis suggests that this duplication of an alpha-beta-globin gene pair in X. laevis is the result of chromosome duplication by tetraploidization. The close linkage of alpha- and beta-globin genes in Xenopus provides evidence that vertebrate alpha- and beta-globin genes evolved by tandem duplication of a single primordial globin gene.

Animals↗

Internal organization of the major adult alpha- and beta-globin genes of X. laevis.

We describe the isolation of two recombinant lambda phages, each containing genomic DNA fragments encoding both the major adult alpha- and beta-globin mRNAs of X. laevis. The DNA fragment in the two clones have restriction maps which indicate that they are each derived from a different member of the pair of alleles present in the heterozygote used as the source of DNA for cloning. The characterization of these two clones by restriction mapping, R looping and DNA sequencing shows that the alpha 1- and beta 1-globin genes lie in the orientation separated by 7.7 kb of DNA. There are two introns in the alpha 1-globin gene and two in the beta 1-globin gene, and they interrupt the genes at exactly the same positions as the introns found in all known mammalian alpha- and beta-globin genes. The exon sequences proximal to the introns show a much higher degree of homology with mammalian sequences than the sequences distal to intron/exon junctions, and the introns in the beta 1-globin gene of X. laevis are very similar in length to the corresponding introns in the beta-globin genes of several mammals and the chicken.

Animals↗

Multivariate analysis of diet and serum lipids in normal men.

The relationships among intake of dietary fiber, fat, and serum lipids were examined in a population of 200 normal men. Univariate analyses indicated that men with lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were consuming significantly more dietary fiber and proportionately fewer fat calories. However, higher fiber consumption was also associated with differences in relative body weight, fat intake, and cigarette smoking; the relationship of dietary fiber intake to serum lipids was largely mediated by those coexisting differences in other environmental variables. In contrast, the percentage of total calories consumed as fat was independently positively related to both serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Adult↗

Ileal excretion and bacterial modification of bile acids and cholesterol in patients with continent ileostomy.

Bile acid (acidic sterol) and neutral steroid excretion were determined in 15 patients, five with conventional ileostomy, five with continent ileostomy, and five with continent ileostomy and an ileal resection. Acidic sterol losses were normal in conventional ileostomy patients and not significantly increased in those with continent ileostomy alone. Bile acid excretion rates were significantly increased in patients with a continent ileostomy and an ileal resection. Neutral steroid excretion was similar in all groups and not different from normal. Deoxycholic acid was not detected in ileal effluent of patients with conventional ileostomy and less than 2% of neutral steroid excreted was in the form of bacterial metabolites of cholesterol. The same was true of six of the 10 patients with continent ileostomies; in the other four patients at least 10% of acidic or neutral steroids were excreted as secondary bile acids or as a coprostanol. Modification of steroids was not related to ileal resection. Continent ileostomy was associated with a significant increase in percentage water content and a reduction in the pH of ileal effluent.

Adult↗

Fats and atheroma.

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Arteriosclerosis↗

Changes in milk production, fertility and calf mortality associated with retained placentae or the birth of twins.

The milk yield and fertility records of cows which at any time either gave birth to twin calves or retained their placenta have been examined. Milk yield was higher in the lactation preceding the birth of twins than in any other lactation and the lactation following the birth of twins tended to be longer. Milk yields of cows which retained their placenta were not significantly different from those of cows which cleansed normally. Many cows which gave birth to twins or which retained their placenta were subsequently barren. There was significantly greater mortality among twin calves and after the birth of twins placentae were more often retained.

Animals↗

The effect of wheat fibre on plasma lipids and faecal steroid excretion in man.

1. The effect of isoenergetic substitution of bran and wholemeal bread for white flour and white bread was investigated in six healthy volunteers in a metabolic unit. 2. A 21 d high-fibre experimental period was preceded and followed by a 14 d control period, so that each experiment lasted 7 weeks. Blood samples were taken on each of the last 3 d and faeces collected (using carmine markers) for the last 6 d of each diet period. 3. Plasma cholesterol, triglycerides and serum calcium concentrations were not altered by the addition of wheat fibre. 4. Wheat fibre caused a significant increase in faecal bulk and frequency. Faecal steroid excretion was the same in the last week of the first control and the high-fibre periods but increased in the subsequent control period.

Adult↗

Effect of citrus pectin on blood lipids and fecal steroid excretion in man.

Citrus pectin (15 g/day) was added for 3 weeks to metabolically controlled diets in nine subjects. Pectin was consumed with fruit and sugar as a gel in divided doses with meals. Plasma cholesterol concentrations were reduced by a mean of 13% (P less than 0.001). Fecal fat excretion increased by 44% (P less than 0.001); neutral steroids by 17% (P less than 0.001) and fecal bile acids by 33% (P less than 0.02). Plasma triglyceride levels did not change.

Adult↗