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R Zimmermann

Publications and source records attributed to R Zimmermann.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources

Implications of endogenous and exogenous lipoprotein lipase for the selective uptake of HDL3-associated cholesteryl esters by mouse peritoneal macrophages.

To investigate the implications of endogenous LPL on selective uptake of HDL3-associated cholesteryl esters (HDL3-CEs) by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPMs), we have performed uptake experiments with MPMs obtained from control mice and transgenic knockout animals expressing LPL exclusively in muscle but not in macrophages. The capacity for HDL3 holoparticle, total HDL3-CE, and selective HDL3-CEs was independent of the expression of functional endogenous LPL (161 vs. 187, 1251 vs. 1300, and 1900 vs. 1113 ng HDL3/mg cell protein; control and LPL-deficient macrophages, respectively). Both control and LPL-deficient macrophages displayed, however, pronounced capacity for total HDL3-CE uptake in excess of HDL3 holoparticle uptake exceeding particle uptake by 7-fold. Despite the fact that endogenous LPL was without any effect on selective uptake, the addition of exogenous LPL led to a significant increase in cellular selective HDL3-CE uptake. Upon addition of purified LPL, HDL3 holoparticle (internalization and degradation), total HDL3-CE, and selective HDL3-CEs, was increased up to 2-fold. HDL3 holoparticle binding to control and LPL-deficient MPMs at 4 degrees C was enhanced 2.7- and 2.6-fold, respectively, in the presence of LPL. The present results suggest that endogenous LPL is without effect on selective uptake of HDL3-CEs. In contrast, the addition of exogenous LPL enhanced selective uptake of HDL3-CEs along with HDL3 holoparticle uptake apparently by the proposed bridging function of the enzyme.

Animals↗

Trapping and metabolism of radioiodinated PHIPA 3-10 in the rat myocardium.

UNLABELLED: PHIPA 3-10 [13-(4'-iodophenyl)-3-(p-phenylene)tridecanoic acid] is a p-phenylene-bridged, radioiodinated omega-phenyl fatty acid that has recently been developed to study coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathies. Here, we demonstrate that PHIPA 3-10 exhibits the characteristics of a long-chain fatty acid, including its ability to be efficiently taken up by myocytes and to function as a substrate for beta-oxidation before it is trapped. METHODS: Myocardial metabolism of carrier-added and carrier-free 131I-PHIPA 3-10 preparations were investigated in rats in vivo and in isolated Langendorff rat hearts. Heart extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, negative-ion electrospray mass spectrometry and investigation of intracellular distribution using density-gradient centrifugation. RESULTS: A single, rapidly formed metabolite was found in the heart extract and also, surprisingly, in the hydrolyzed lipids. The total amount of metabolite increased from 43% to 51% between 15 and 60 min postinjection. By high-performance liquid chromatography comparison with synthetic potential catabolites, the metabolite was assigned the name PHIPA 1-10 [11-(4'-iodophenyl)-1-(p-phenylene)undecanoic acid] and was the product of one beta-oxidation cycle. Additional proof was obtained from the mass spectrometric analysis of the metabolite formed in vivo. The formation of this metabolite could be suppressed by Etomoxir, a carnitine palmitoyl transferase I inhibitor, indicating beta-oxidation of 131I-PHIPA 3-10 in mitochondria. Final evidence for the involvement of mitochondria in the degradation of 131I-PHIPA 3-10 was obtained by density-gradient centrifugation of homogenized rat heart tissue. The position of the labeled free PHIPA 3-10 and free metabolite peaked within the fraction containing mainly mitochondria. CONCLUSION: In spite of its bulky structure, 131I-PHIPA 3-10 is extracted by the myocardium in a manner similar to the extraction of the unmodified fatty acid analog, IPPA. The retention of PHIPA 3-10 in heart muscle results from the presence of the p-phenylene group, which prevents more than one beta-oxidation cycle. Intracellular free PHIPA 3-10 and free PHIPA 1-10 are present in the mitochondria, whereas most of the esterified metabolite was found in the cytosolic lipid pool. Hence, the rapid appearance of PHIPA 1-10 in the lipid pool must be accounted for by mitochondrial leakage or by an unknown in-out transport system.

Animals↗

A microsomal ATP-binding protein involved in efficient protein transport into the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum.

Protein transport into the mammalian endoplasmic reticulum depends on nucleoside triphosphates. Photoaffinity labelling of microsomes with azido-ATP prevents protein transport at the level of association of precursor proteins with the components of the transport machinery, Sec61alpha and TRAM proteins. The same phenotype of inactivation was observed after depleting a microsomal detergent extract of ATP-binding proteins by passage through ATP-agarose and subsequent reconstitution of the pass-through into proteoliposomes. Transport was restored by co-reconstitution of the ATP eluate. This eluate showed eight distinct bands in SDS gels. We identified five lumenal proteins (Grp170, Grp94, BiP/Grp78, calreticulin and protein disulfide isomerase), one membrane protein (ribophorin I) and two ribosomal proteins (L4 and L5). In addition to BiP (Grp78), Grp170 was most efficiently retained on ATP-agarose. Purified BiP did not stimulate transport activity. Sequence analysis revealed a striking similarity of Grp170 and the yeast microsomal protein Lhs1p which was recently shown to be involved in protein transport into yeast microsomes. We suggest that Grp170 mediates efficient insertion of polypeptides into the microsomal membrane at the expense of nucleoside triphosphates.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

[Pneumococcal vaccination after heart and liver transplantation. Immune responses in immunosuppressed patients and in healthy controls].

BASIC PROBLEM AND OBJECTIVE OF STUDY: Among other effects, therapeutic immunosuppression after organ transplantation impairs antibody formation. But because of the increased risk of infection, the efficacy of prophylactic immunization is of particular importance in patients after transplantation. For this reason the immunogenicity after immunization against pneumococcus was investigated in transplanted patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 23-valent vaccine of capsular polysaccharides (Pneumovax 23) was administered to 31 patients 4-85 months after transplantation (16 hearts transplants, 15 liver transplants; age range 22-63 years). The same immunization was given to 23 healthy control subjects. The immune response was measured serologically in all groups. RESULTS: Immunization was well tolerated by all participants, and there were no infectious or systemic side effects. Mean postvaccinal global pneumococcus-specific antibody titres were comparable in the healthy and transplanted subjects (controls: 5490 U/ml, heart transplanted: 5513 U/ml, liver transplanted: 4148 U/ml; differences not significant). Analysis of individual titres for the nine most important serotypes showed comparable results for six serotypes, reduced titres being found for serotypes 3 and 8 after heart transplantation, and for serotypes 8 and 23 after liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: Safe antipneumococcal immunization is possible during therapeutic immunosuppression after heart or liver transplantation. The achieved immune response is comparable to that in healthy controls. The high efficacy of the pneumococcal vaccine, compared with other vaccines, in immunosuppressed patients may be due to T-cell dependent antibody production against polysaccharides.

Adult↗

[Pregnancy counseling in clinical practice].

In Switzerland, labour has become much safer during the last 100 years for both mother and child. During this period the maternal mortality has decreased from 7 to 0.04%, the perinatal mortality from 5 to 0.7%. Modern obstetrical management is one important factor for this success. The means of the obstetrician are mainly screening procedures. One important part of effective care during pregnancy is giving general advice on pregnancy. Besides this, history, physical examination, biochemical and ultrasound examinations contribute to increase safety for both mother and child. In selected cases, feto-uteri therapies are possible to prevent major sequelae after birth. The following recommendations are in line with the new law for health insurance in Switzerland.

Counseling↗

Luciferase assembly after transport into mammalian microsomes involves molecular chaperones and peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans-isomerases.

The assembly of a heterodimeric luciferase was studied after de novo synthesis of corresponding precursor proteins in reticulocyte lysate and concomitant transport into dog pancreas microsomes. This cytosolic luciferase from a prokaryotic organism (Vibrio harveyi) was specifically used as a model protein to investigate (i) whether the eukaryotic cytosol and the microsomal lumen have similar folding capabilities and (ii) whether the requirements of a polypeptide for certain molecular chaperones and folding catalysts are determined by the polypeptide or the intracellular compartment. The two luciferase subunits were fused to the preprolactin signal peptide. Data indicate that efficient assembly of luciferase occurs in the mammalian microsomes. Furthermore, it was observed that luciferase assembly can be separated in time from synthesis and membrane transport, depends on ATP hydrolysis, is partially sensitive to cyclosporin A and FK506, and in the absence of lumenal proteins is less efficient as compared with the presence of lumenal proteins. Thus, heterodimeric luciferase depends on functionally related molecular chaperones and folding catalysts during its assembly in either the eukaryotic cytosol or the microsomal lumen.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Efficient folding of firefly luciferase after transport into mammalian microsomes in the absence of luminal chaperones and folding catalysts.

Folding of polypeptides emerging from the protein translocase in the membrane of mammalian microsomes was analyzed after synthesis of corresponding precursor proteins in a mammalian translation system. Firefly luciferase was used as a model protein; the corresponding hybrid precursor contained the preprolactin signal peptide. The rates and efficiencies of folding of luciferase in microsomes were compared with those of folding of luciferase in the cytosol. Furthermore, folding of luciferase in microsomes was compared with that in proteoliposomes, i.e. in the absence of luminal molecular chaperones and folding catalysts. Folding in microsomes was less efficient compared with folding in the cytosol. Folding in the absence of luminal proteins was more efficient compared with folding in their presence and identical to folding in the cytosol. Thus, firefly luciferase emerging from translocase can efficiently fold to its native conformation without chaperoning by any luminal proteins. There may be molecular chaperones present in the microsomal membrane that can efficiently substitute for the cytosolic chaperone machinery comprising Hsp40, Hsp60, and Hsp70 with respect to folding of firefly luciferase.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Predictive value of lipid profile for salutary coronary angiographic changes in patients on a low-fat diet and physical exercise program.

In this study, 113 patients with modestly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (<210 mg/dl) and coronary artery disease were randomized to an intervention group (n=56) or a control group (n=57). The intervention program consisted of daily exercise and a low-fat diet according to the American Heart Association's recommendation phase III; patients in the control group received "usual care" rendered by their private physician. After 1 year, complete data were available for all 92 patients (intervention: n=40; control: n=52) who underwent repeat coronary angiography. During the study course, patients in the intervention group showed an increase in apolipoprotein A-I(123 +/- 18 vs 129 +/- 20 mg/dl; p < 0.02) and apolipoprotein A-I/B (1.3 +/- 0.4 vs 1.5 +/- 0.4; p <0.01) and a decrease in apolipoprotein B (99 +/- 20 vs 89 +/- 18 mg/dl; p < 0.01), while apolipoprotein A-II remained unchanged (38 +/- 6 vs 38 +/- 6 mg/dl; p=NS). In the control group, there were no significant changes (apolipoprotein A-I, 124 +/- 17 vs 128 +/- 13 mg/dl; apolipoprotein A-II, 38 +/- 6 vs 39 +/- 6 mg/dl; apolipoprotein B, 100 +/- 21 vs 99 +/- 16 mg/dl; apolipoprotein A-I/B, 1.3 +/- 0.3 vs 1.4 +/- 0.5; all p=NS). As previously reported, there was a significant retardation of progression in patients in the intervention group (progression 23%, no change 45%, regression 32%) compared with the control group (progression 48%, no change 35%, regression 17%) (p < 0.05). Although retardation of progression was significantly associated with an increase in apolipoprotein A-I/B and a decrease in apolipoprotein B (p < 0.05), these gave way in multivariate analysis to changes in total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, absolute levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and, in a subgroup of patients, to leisure-time physical activity (all p < 0.05). These data demonstrate that an intervention based on a low-fat diet and intensive physical exercise is capable of improving apolipoprotein levels, associated with retardation of progression of coronary artery disease. However, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol appear superior to apolipoproteins as metabolic markers for effective treatment in patients with coronary artery disease.

Adult↗

Cyclosporin A inhibits the degradation of signal sequences after processing of presecretory proteins by signal peptidase.

Targeting of presecretory proteins to, and insertion into, the microsomal membrane are mediated by signal sequences. These signal sequences are removed from presecretory proteins by signal peptidase. We demonstrate that the signal sequence of preprolactin, after translocation into microsomes and cleavage by signal peptidase, is converted to an intermediate form. This intermediate was found outside the microsomes, where it was degraded in the presence of cytosol. Degradation of the signal sequence of another presecretory protein, preprocecropinA, occurred even in the absence of cytosol. The immunosuppressant cyclosporin A inhibited trimming of the preprolactin signal sequence and degradation of the preprocecropinA signal sequence. We observed by cross-linking studies that cleaved signal sequences are bound to two microsomal proteins prior to degradation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of differentially expressed genes following brief cardiac ischemia.

For the study of ischemia-related adaptations we employed DDRT-PCR on mRNA obtained from heart regions undergoing brief (10') occlusions/reperfusions. We found and sequenced 52 differentially expressed clones that we further characterized using Northern analysis with RNA from a wide variety of tissues. We selected only clones (1) with a new sequence, (2) that showed a Northern signal, and (3) that exhibited organ-specific (heart, muscle) or (4) situation-specific (ischemia, non-specific stress) expression. We found two new heart-specific transcripts and three new stress-inducible genes. The transcripts with known sequences showed an expression pattern typical for repair processes after ischemia-reperfusion (ubiquitin, ATPases). About 20% of clones were truly differentially expressed.

Animals↗

Protein folding within and protein transport into mammalian microsomes are differentially affected by photoaffinity labeling of microsomes with 8-azido-ATP.

Transport of presecretory proteins into mammalian microsomes involves a microsomal protein which is sensitive to photoaffinity labeling with 8-azido-ATP. Typically, protein folding within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum of mammalian cells depends on ATP and the member of the Hsp70 protein family, BiP. Here we addressed the question of whether protein transport into and folding within microsomes are differentially affected by photoaffinity labeling of microsomes with 8-azido-ATP. Folding of heterodimeric luciferase to the native state was more azido-ATP-sensitive compared to transport of the precursors of the two subunits. Therefore, we conclude that the microsomal protein which is responsible for the ATP-dependence of protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum is sensitive to photoaffinity labeling with 8-azido-ATP and that this microsomal protein is distinct from the microsomal ATP-binding protein which is involved in protein transport.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Age-independent indices in second-trimester serum screening for Down's syndrome are useless.

Serum screening for fetal Down's syndrome in the second trimester is far more efficient in older mothers than in younger ones because the risk calculation is based on maternal age. In recent publications, several authors have tried to better the 'classical' test for Down's syndrome screening by creating an age-independent index. This procedure, however, requires the assumption that at least for one parameter the mean MOM or the variance is not constant in relation to maternal age, leading to a smaller overlap in younger women. This study, based on almost 3000 normal cases and 161 cases with Down's syndrome, could not demonstrate any relationship between maternal age and MOM distribution for alpha-fetoprotein, unconjugated oestriol, total human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and free beta hCG. We conclude that for a constant false-positive rate, the detection rate of the 'classical' test for Down's syndrome screening in younger women cannot be bettered by creating an age-independent index.

Adult↗

Prolonged allograft survival by the inhibition of costimulatory CD2 signals but not by modulation of CD48 (CD2 ligand) in the rat.

The CD2 receptor is an important costimulatory molecule in T cell activation. Its ligand CD48 in rodents is supposed to be a homologue of human CD58, because of its similarities in structure and distribution. We evaluated the immunosuppressive activity of CD2/CD48-directed therapy in vitro and in vivo for the efficacy in prolonging rat heart allograft survival in a high responder transplant model. CD2-directed monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy significantly prolonged median survival time to 45 days (P < 0.001). Suppression was mediated by down-modulation of CD2 below 20% on lymph node cells without considerable cell depletion. In contrast, CD48 mAb could not prolong graft survival. Rejection occurred in the presence of complete CD48 modulation and, therefore, despite disruption of the CD2-CD48 interaction. CD48 mAb failed to inhibit lymphocyte activation via a mitogenic pair of CD2 mAbs and inhibited mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) only by an unspecific mechanism. In conclusion, our results suggest a negative regulatory signal transduction by inhibitory CD2 mAbs and argue against a pivotal role of mere disruption of the CD2-CD48 interaction in CD2-mediated immunosuppression.

Animals↗

The antioxidative activity of the mucoregulatory agents: ambroxol, bromhexine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. A pulse radiolysis study.

Ambroxol and bromhexine are shown to be scavengers of both superoxide and hydroxyl radicals as determined by pulse radiolysis experiments. The dismutation of superoxide was accelerated 3-fold by bromhexine and 2.5-fold by ambroxol over the rate of spontaneous dismutation. The reaction constants of hydroxyl radicals with bromhexine and ambroxol were determined by competition kinetics to be 1.58 +/- 0.15 x 10(10) M-1S-1 and 1.04 +/- 0.1 x 10(10) M-1S-1, respectively. N-acetyl-L-cysteine also reacted with hydroxyl radicals (1.28 +/- 0.14 x 10(10) M-1S-1) but not with superoxide radical. These effects may be clinically relevant in the treatment of oxidant-associated lung damage induced by inflammatory agents and/or environmental pollutants.

Acetylcysteine↗

Optimal timing of repeated rh-erythropoietin administration improves its effectiveness in stimulating erythropoiesis in healthy volunteers.

We studied the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on erythropoiesis when given at different time intervals to healthy adults. 15 volunteers were randomly selected to receive rhEPO (2 x 300 U/kg) and parenteral iron (2 x 200mg) either within a 24 h or 72 h interval. Controls received parenteral iron only. Maximum EPO levels were found 24 h after the first intravenous injection (day 1) with a mean value of 364 and 390 U/l for the rhEPO-treated groups. When second rhEPO administration was after 72 h (group III), volunteers showed significantly higher absolute reticulocyte counts and a higher percentage of young RNA-rich reticulocytes (HFR ratio) over several days compared to those who received rhEPO within a 24 h interval (group II). Both rhEPO-treated groups showed an increase in the mean reticulocyte cell volume. Reticulocyte haemoglobin concentration was inversely correlated with the increasing cell size with a nadir on day 8. Reticulocyte haemoglobin content showed a significant decrease in group II after day 5. Serum ferritin levels showed an inverse pattern to the rate of erythropoiesis. After an initial rise, the serum ferritin decrease was most pronounced in group III. Contrary to previous reports with oral iron supplementation, functional iron deficiency was not seen during rhEPO stimulation, due to parenteral iron administration. Our data suggest that the time has interval between repeated administrations of rhEPO has an important influence on its pharmacodynamics. rhEPO given within an interval of 72 h was more effective in stimulating erythropoiesis than administration within 24 h interval for the same total dose.

Adult↗