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T T Nguyen

Publications and source records attributed to T T Nguyen.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Nucleotide sequence of class D tetracycline resistance genes from Salmonella ordonez.

Plasmid pIP173, isolated from Salmonella ordonez strain BM2000, confers resistance to tetracycline and a number of other antibiotics. We determined the nucleotide sequence of the pIP173 tetR repressor and tetA resistance genes. The pIP173 tetR gene is essentially identical to the class D tetR gene from plasmid RA1. The pIP173 tet genes are flanked by directly repeated copies of the insertion sequence IS26. Interestingly, the 3' end of the tetR gene, encoding the C-terminal 16 amino acids of the TetR protein, extends into the flanking IS26 sequence. The relationships between the class A, B, C, and D TetA sequences parallel the relationships between the corresponding TetR sequences; class D is more closely related to class B than to either class A or C. Overall, the four TetA sequences show 38% identity and 57% similarity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Binding and degradation of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine by rat intestinal bacteria.

Intestinal bacteria hydrolyze conjugates of thyroxine (T4) and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) secreted in bile, but it is not clear whether they have any other role in metabolism, storage, transport, or action of thyroid hormone in the intestines. We have examined aspects of T3 and T4 binding and degradation processes in fresh feces and cecum contents, obtained from normal control rats and from rats partially decontaminated by treatment with oral antibiotics for 2-3 wk. Samples were homogenized in phosphate buffer, fractionated, and subjected to various test conditions and incubated at 37 degrees C with 125I-labeled T3 (T3*) or T4 (T4*) for 2 or 24 h. Supernatants of high-speed centrifuged incubates were chromatographed to test for degradation products, and percentage binding was measured in the pellets. Substantial binding of T3* and T4* was found in all control rat feces and cecum content samples by 2 h, but binding was absent or significantly reduced in partially decontaminated rat samples. Bacterial binding of T3* and T4* were further shown to be competitive with graded doses of bovine serum albumin. Considerable degradation of T3* and T4* to labeled iodide (I*) only was also observed in feces and cecum content samples and was much greater in control rat than in corresponding partially decontaminated rat samples. Light had no effects in our system and heat reduced I* production. Propylthiouracil and sodium ipodate had little effect or equivocal effects, but dithiothreitol substantially inhibited I* production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

5'- and 5-deiodinase activities in adult rat cecum and large bowel contents inhibited by intestinal microflora.

Enzymatic mechanisms for deiodination of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine or thyroxine in the phenolic ring (5'-deiodinase) or tyrosyl ring (5-deiodinase) are found in cells of many organs, including the intestinal wall. Deiodinases are highly active in intestinal tissue of developing rat fetuses and relatively inactive in adult intestinal cells, but little is known about these systems in the luminal contents of intestines. We have found both 5- and 5'-deiodinase activities in adult rat intestinal contents and have shown that their expression is inhibited by resident intestinal microflora, which are normally present in the adult but not in the fetus, possibly because they are bound by intestinal bacteria in the adult.

Animals↗

Enterohepatic regulation and metabolism of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine in hypothyroid rats.

Several steady state indices of thyroid hormone distribution, metabolism, excretion, and absorption were measured in intact hypothyroid and euthyroid rats, to explore the role of intestines and enterohepatic pathways in the dynamic regulation of whole-body thyroid hormone in these two states. Ten rats were studied, 5 normal control (N) and 5 rendered hypothyroid (3.48 vs. 19.8 ng/ml TSH) by surgical thyroidectomy 3.5 weeks earlier (HYPO). High specific activity 125I-labeled T3 (T3*) was infused at the same constant rate for 7 days from osmotic minipumps implanted sc. Daily urine and feces, and seventh-day cardiac and portal venous blood, bile, and whole intestinal contents were assessed. Bowel and feces were homogenized, extracted, and chromatographed, along with serum, bile, and urine samples. Bile, bowel, and fecal extract samples were also hydrolyzed with aryl-sulfatase and/or beta-glucuronidase and chromatographed to identify conjugates and determine total T3* in all fluid and tissue samples. In the N group, the bowel contained 21.2 +/- 1.22 (SD) times more T3* (mass) than plasma (199 ng vs. 9.39 ng), this ratio falling to 9.03 +/- 1.78 in the HYPO group (30.4 ng vs. 3.37 ng), a shift to relatively more T3* in blood. Urinary T3* was zero in both groups. But fecal excretion was 34 +/- 4.43% of total T3* infused (production) in N and only 20.3 +/- 3.05% in HYPO rats, closely paralleling reduced fecal bulk flow, and thus providing more time for T3* absorption. Endogenous T3 and T4 concentrations measured in portal plasma were 15-31% greater in normals and 69-95% greater in HYPO rats than in corresponding systemic plasma samples, a direct indication of absorption of endogenous T3 and T4 in both groups, with greater absorption in the HYPO group. About 66% total T3* was metabolically degraded in N rats, rising to approximately 80% in HYPO rats. Plasma clearance rates of T3 fell more than 50% in HYPO rats, and total T3 production fell to about 20% of normal. It appears that HYPO rats compensate for low T3 by fecally excreting a much smaller fraction of total T3 production, absorbing more T3 and T4, and leaving a larger fraction for T3 action and degradative metabolism.

Animals↗

Transfer kinetics of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine from rat blood to large and small intestines, liver, and kidneys in vivo.

Enterohepatic circulation of thyroid hormone in the rat involves transfer of hormone to intestines in bile from the liver and absorption of some intestinal hormone, via portal blood to liver. Transfer of hormone to intestines from mesenteric arterial blood has generally been considered minimal, although this alternate pathway has received little attention. We have measured uptake kinetics of iv trace doses of radioactivity labeled T3 (T3*) and T4* from blood to intestines, longitudinally in 14 segments of total intestines in situ, with bowel contents included and bile duct ligated, and also to liver and kidneys, for comparison. Both T3* and T4* entered the entire length of intestines from blood, and into contents as well as tissue. Tissue uptake of T3* and T4* were fairly uniform longitudinally, but uptake into contents and thus into total intestines (tissue + contents) decreased linearly from pylorus to anus. Unidirectional uptake rate constants (hours-1) or clearance rates (milliliters per h) of T3* were 13 times greater than corresponding T4* fractional uptake rates to intestines. In contrast, T4 mass fluxes (congruent to 38 ng/h.100 g body wt) exceed T3 fluxes (congruent to 6.3 ng/h.100 g body wt) about 6-fold, because plasma contains far more T4 than T3. Comparing these results with published biliary and fecal T3 and T4 flux data, it appears that mesenteric arterial mass influxes to intestines are 3-5 times greater than both biliary secretion and fecal excretion of T3 and T4. Intestinal kinetics, in the absence of biliary influx, are characterized by a moderately rapid uptake followed by a very slow washout phase, which fit into neither the fast nor slow compartment paradigms of a 3-compartment mammillary model, in contrast to liver and kidney kinetics, which fit well into a single fast compartment. Intestinal dynamics are consistent with an organ in which storage and exchange of thyroid hormone dominate over metabolic and excretory processes.

Animals↗

Steady state organ distribution and metabolism of thyroxine and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine in intestines, liver, kidneys, blood, and residual carcass of the rat in vivo.

We have directly measured the relative distribution and steady state pool sizes of T4 and T3 in blood and extrathyroidal tissues of the whole euthyroid male rat, plus several steady state T3 and T4 metabolism indices in the whole animal, in eight rats infused sc for 7 days with labeled 125I-T3 (T3*) or 125I-T4 (T4*) via implanted minipumps. Liver, kidneys, complete intestine, and residual carcass homogenate extracts and sera were chromatographed on both Sephadex and HPLC. Total tissue T3* and T4* in steady state were assessed and corrected for hormone trapped in residual blood in tissues using radioactive albumin as a vascular marker. Labeled Triac* and/or Tetrac* were prominent among steady state metabolites of T3* or T4* in intestines, feces, and residual carcass, but not in liver or kidneys. Extrathyroidal steady state T3 and T4 pools in residual carcass were 52.8 +/- 5.74 (SD) % of total T3 and 41.2 +/- 4.57% of total T4. The largest extrathyroidal organ pools containing exchangeable T3 and T4 were intestines, with 33.1 +/- 5.46% of total (extrathyroidal) T3 and 18.1 +/- 2.80% of total T4, whereas liver and kidney pools, previously reported as the largest measured, had only 8.0 +/- 1.45% and 2.30 +/- 0.26% of total T3 and 8.72 +/- 1.56% and 1.01 +/- 0.111% of total T4, respectively. Whole blood contained 3.6 +/- 0.385% of total T3 and 31.2 +/- 1.70% of total T4. Also, 21.3 +/- 8.2% of total body T4 was converted to T3 in the whole rat (residual carcass+intestines+liver+kidneys), the production rate of T4 was PR4 = 37.1 +/- 5.28 ng/h.100 g BW and the plasma appearance rate of T3 (PR3min) was 10.6 +/- 2.83 ng/h.100 g BW. T3 production from extrathyroidal T4 was CR3-4 = 6.63 +/- 0.94 ng/h and the minimum T3 secretion rate (SR3min) was 4.02 +/- 0.94 ng/h, each per 100 g BW, indicating that the thyroid secretes more than 38% of whole body T3 in euthyroid steady state. T4 and T3 plasma clearance rates (PCR) were 1.01 +/- 0.29 (T4) and 23.7 +/- 4.36 (T3) ml/h.100 g BW.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

Lipoprotein compositional changes in the fasting and postprandial state on a high-carbohydrate low-fat and a high-fat diet in subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Our aims were 1) to examine the effects of a high-carbohydrate low-fat diet on fasting and postprandial plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apo), and lipoprotein composition in noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and 2) to determine whether postprandial shift of apo between triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLP) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) is affected by diet. A cross-over study, of 4 weeks duration, of a high-carbohydrate (60% carbohydrate, 20% fat) and a high-fat (40% carbohydrate, 40% fat) diet was performed in seven subjects with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. TRLP, low density lipoproteins (LDL), and HDL were separated by fast protein liquid chromatography. The high-carbohydrate diet resulted in a decrease of fasting total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol and a trend toward an increase in plasma triglycerides. The apo composition of fasting TRLP and HDL was similar on both diets. TRLP apo CII, CIII, and E increased whereas HDL apo CII, CIII, and E decreased postprandially on both diets. In contrast, TRLP apo CI increased, and HDL apo CI decreased only after the high-carbohydrate diet. We conclude that 1) a high carbohydrate diet results in a decrease in total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol and a trend toward an increase in plasma triglycerides; 2) fasting TRLP and HDL apo composition was similar on a high-carbohydrate or a high-fat diet; and 3) on both diets, apo CII, CIII, and E transfer from HDL to TRLP postprandially. However, only the high-carbohydrate diet induced postprandial transfer of apo CI from HDL to TRLP. This may explain in part the changes in lipoproteins observed with this diet.

Aged↗

Hierarchical analysis of linkage disequilibrium in Rhizobium populations: evidence for sex?

Many bacterial species exhibit strong linkage disequilibrium of their chromosomal genes, which apparently indicates restricted recombination between alleles at different loci. The extent to which restricted recombination reflects limited migration between geographically isolated populations versus infrequent mixis of genotypes within populations is more difficult to determine. We examined the genetic structure of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar phaseoli populations associated with wild and cultivated beans (Phaseolus spp.) over several spatial scales, ranging from individual host plants to throughout the Western Hemisphere. We observed significant linkage disequilibrium at scales at least as small as a cultivated plot. However, the amount of disequilibrium was much greater among isolates collected throughout the Western Hemisphere than among isolates from one area of Mexico, even when disequilibrium was quantified using an index that scales for allelic diversity. This finding suggests that limited migration between populations contributes substantially to linkage disequilibrium in Rhizobium. We also compared the genetic structure for R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli taken from a cultivated plot with that for Escherichia coli obtained from one human host in an earlier study. Even at this fine scale, linkage disequilibrium in E. coli was very near the theoretical maximum level, whereas it was much less extreme in the local population of Rhizobium. Thus, the genetic structure for R. leguminosarum bv. phaseoli does not exclude the possibility of frequent mixis within local populations.

Enzymes↗

Nerve growth factor-induced phosphorylation cascade in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Association of S6 kinase II with the microtubule-associated protein kinase, ERK1.

Microtubule-associated protein (MAP) kinases form a group of serine/threonine kinases stimulated by various growth factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and hormones such as insulin. Interestingly, MAP kinases are thought to participate in a protein kinase cascade leading to cell growth as they have been shown to phosphorylate and activate ribosomal protein S6 kinase. To further evaluate the interactions between the different components of this cascade, we looked at the possible coprecipitation of MAP kinase activator(s) or MAP kinase substrate(s) with MAP kinase. Using antipeptides to the C terminus of the M(r) 44,000 MAP kinase, ERK1, and cell extracts from unstimulated or NGF-treated PC12 cells, we obtained in addition to MAP kinase itself coprecipitation of a protein with a M(r) in the 90,000 range. We further show that this protein is a protein kinase since it becomes phosphorylated on serine residues, after sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transfer to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane. In vitro phosphorylation performed before sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrates NGF-sensitive phosphorylation of this 90-kDa protein on both serine and threonine; the serine phosphorylation is likely to be due to autophosphorylation, and the threonine phosphorylation due to phosphorylation by the copurifying MAP kinase. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation of this 90-kDa protein was obtained with antibodies to S6 kinase II. Finally, using in situ chemical cross-linking, we were able to demonstrate in intact cells the occurrence of an anti-ERK1 immunoreactive species with a molecular mass of approximately 125,000 compatible with a complex between ERK1 and a 90-kDa S6 kinase. Taken together, our observations demonstrate that the 44-kDa MAP kinase is associated, in intact PC12 cells, with a protein kinase which is very likely to be S6 kinase II. In conclusion, our data represent strong evidence for a physiological role of the MAP kinase-S6 kinase cascade in PC12 cells. Finally, our antipeptides provide us with a powerful tool to search for additional physiologically relevant substrates for MAP kinase, a key integrator enzyme for growth factors and hormones.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Antihyperglycemic activity of novel substituted 3H-1,2,3,5-oxathiadiazole 2-oxides.

A series of substituted 3H-1,2,3,5-oxathiadiazole-2-oxides (6) was prepared and tested for antihyperglycemic activity in the db/db mouse, a model for type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus. The oxathiadiazoles 6 were synthesized by a two-step sequence: treatment of a substituted acetonitrile (4) with hydroxylamine to give the corresponding amidoxime (5) and cyclization with thionyl chloride to yield 6. In terms of potency, the 2-naphthalenylmethyl group (as in compound 3) was found to be the optimal substituent in this series. Compound 3 was approximately 5 times more potent than ciglitazone (1).

Animals↗

Class III antiarrhythmic activity of novel substituted 4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]benzamides and sulfonamides.

The synthesis and Class III antiarrhythmic activity of a series of 4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]benzamides and sulfonamides are described. Selected compounds show a potent Class III activity and are devoid of effects on conduction both in vitro (dog Purkinje fibers) and in vivo (anesthetized dogs). Compounds having a 2-aminobenzimidazole group were found to be the most potent, and one compound having this heterocycle (5, WAY-123,398) was selected for further characterization. Compound 5 was shown to have good oral bioavailability and a favorable hemodynamic profile to produce a 3-fold increase of the ventricular fibrillation threshold and to terminate ventricular fibrillation, restoring sinus rhythm in anesthetized dogs. Voltage-clamp studies in isolated myocytes show that 5 is a potent and specific blocker of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IK) at concentrations that cause significant prolongation of action potential duration.

Action Potentials↗

Acute physical exercise alters apolipoprotein E and C-III concentrations of apo E-rich very low density lipoprotein fraction.

To evaluate the influence of exercise on the apolipoprotein (apo) composition of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) subfractions, we exercised 6 sedentary men for 30 min, 1 h after a fatty meal. VLDL fractions from samples drawn 4, 6 and 8 h post-prandially were separated from pre-stained plasma by high performance liquid chromatography and fractionated to apo E-poor (heparin-unbound) and apo E-rich (heparin-bound) fractions. The postprandial peak area (volts) and apo E, C-II and C-III concentrations (mg/dl) of post-exercise VLDL fractions were compared with corresponding postprandial values obtained at rest. Plasma triglycerides (TG) levels (mg/dl) were significantly lower 4 (P < 0.05), 6 (P < 0.02) and 8 h (p < 0.05) postprandially; the apo E-poor VLDL fraction was not modified by exercise and its apo concentrations were in the low range of detection; the apo E-rich VLDL peak area significantly decreased 4 (P < 0.01), 6 (P < 0.01) and 8 h (P < 0.05) postprandially; the apo E concentration of apo E-rich VLDL was significantly lower 4 (P < 0.02) and 6 h (P < 0.05) postprandially; the apo C-III concentration of apo E-rich VLDL significantly increased, 4 and 6 h postprandially (P < 0.05). Apo E-rich VLDL is, presumably, the metabolically active fraction of the particle and may regulate plasma TG level following exercise. The metabolic role of apo E-poor VLDL remains to be defined.

Adult↗

Nicotinic acid-induced toxicity associated with cytopenia and decreased levels of thyroxine-binding globulin.

We report the occurrence of cytopenia and hypothyroxinemia attributed to decreased levels of thyroxine-binding globulin in patients receiving nicotinic acid. We describe two patients in whom hypothyroxinemia developed while they were taking nicotinic acid; these patients also had decreased levels of thyroxine-binding globulin. Results of all thyroid function tests returned to normal when use of the nicotinic acid was discontinued. In one patient, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia developed during nicotinic acid therapy alone. These conditions were reversed after the drug regimen was discontinued. In another patient, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia developed during combination nicotinic acid and lovastatin therapy. When administration of both drugs was discontinued, the hematologic abnormalities, which could have been due to either nicotinic acid or lovastatin, diminished. We suggest that cytopenia may develop in patients receiving nicotinic acid; thus, thyroid function tests should be interpreted in light of a possible decreased level of thyroxine-binding globulin.

Aged↗

Sites and patterns of absorption of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine and thyroxine along rat small and large intestines.

It is clear that some thyroid hormone is absorbed from mammalian intestines, but numerous aspects of this process remain unresolved, including elucidation of the locations, extent and mechanisms of absorption, and the role of absorption in thyroid hormone economy. Our goal was to identify the sites and patterns and estimate rates of absorption of both tracer T4* and T3* comprehensively along the entire length of rat intestines, with normal contents included, to gain further insight into the role of this organ in whole-body thyroid hormone regulation. We measured absorption directly in situ in fed rats, using a variant of the classic intestinal loop technique used by others demonstrating absorption of T4 or of T3 from portions of rat intestines under various conditions. Rats were anesthetized, bile ducts were ligated, and absorption was measured from pylorus to anus, in 14 loops of intestines previously injected with T3* or with T4*, or with T3* and T4* injected in adjacent loops. Rats were maintained under otherwise approximately normal conditions, with intestines in situ and abdomen closed, until killing at 2 h. Excised loop radioactivity was measured and loops were homogenized, extracted, and chromatographed quantitatively to evaluate remaining and absorbed T3* and T4*. Absorption of both T3* and T4* were clearly present and were approximately uniform from all small and large intestinal sections, all containing normal intestinal contents, indicating that the entire organ is involved in whole-body thyroid hormone regulation. Furthermore, T3* and T4* were absorbed at approximately the same rate, adding to evidence reported by others for a simple diffusion absorption mechanism.

Animals↗

Tyrosine and threonine phosphorylation of an immunoaffinity-purified 44-kDa MAP kinase.

We have approached the functioning of a MAP kinase, which is thought to be a "switch kinase" in the phosphorylation cascade initiated from various receptor tyrosine kinases including the insulin receptor. To do so, antipeptide antibodies were raised against the C-terminal portion of ERK1 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1), a protein kinase belonging to the family of MAP kinases. With these antipeptide antibodies, we observed the following: (i) a 44-kDa protein can be specifically recognized both under native and denaturing conditions; (ii) a 44-kDa phosphoprotein can be revealed in 32P-labeled cells; its phosphorylation is stimulated by insulin, sodium orthovanadate, and okadaic acid; (iii) a MBP kinase activity can be precipitated, which phosphorylates MBP on threonine residues, and which is stimulated by insulin, sodium orthovanadate, okadaic acid, and fetal calf serum; (iv) this MBP kinase activity appears to be correlated with the in vivo induced phosphorylation of the 44-kDa protein. We next studied the in vitro phosphorylation of this 44-kDa/ERK1-immunoreactive protein. A time- and manganese-dependent phosphorylation was stimulated by the in vitro addition of sodium orthovanadate. Phosphoamino acid analysis of the in vitro phosphorylated 44-kDa protein revealed both threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, this in vitro phosphorylation of MAP kinase results in activation of phosphorylation of added MBP substrate. As a whole, our data indicate that the 44-kDa phosphoprotein identified by our antipeptide antibodies very likely corresponds to a MAP kinase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of diols and tetrols from reactions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon epoxides with hemoglobin.

We have evaluated both electron ionization (EI) and negative-ion chemical ionization (NICI) methods for the analysis of trimethylsilyl derivatives of a series of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) alcohols including styrene diol, benzo[e]pyrene diol and tetrols, cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene diols, benzo[a]pyrene-4,5-diols, chrysene tetrols, benz[a]anthracene tetrols I and II, and syn- and anti-benzo[a]pyrene tetrols. NICI is the more sensitive method for all compounds except styrene diol. Detection limits are compound-dependent and range from 1 fmol for cyclopenta[c,d]pyrene diol to 1 pmol for benzo[e]pyrene diol. The EI detection limit for styrene diol is 60 fmol. PAH alcohols related to the compounds listed above were observed following hydrolysis of hemoglobin which had been reacted with PAH epoxides in vitro. Benzo[a]pyrene tetrols and a chrysene tetrol were observed following hydrolysis of hemoglobin isolated from human smokers' blood. Hydrolysis of styrene oxide treated hemoglobin in 18O-labeled water revealed at least two mechanisms of ester hydrolysis, including the BAL 1 pathway.

Alcohols↗

[The role of the opiate mechanisms of the hippocampus and substantia nigra in the behavioral and convulsive disorders in picrotoxin-induced kindling].

It was shown in the experiments on rats that the repeated picrotoxin administration resulted in the kindling of generalized seizures. Generalized convulsions were followed by the development of either postictal depression or explosiveness. The injection of mu-opiate agonist met-enkephalin into hippocampus of kindled rats resulted in the increase in the severity of seizure reactions which were induced by picrotoxin and also in the increase in the number of animals with postictal explosiveness. The injection of dynorphin-A-1-13 (kappa-opiate agonist) into substantia nigra reticulata induced the locomotor depression which was like one in postictal period and resulted in the decrease of picrotoxin-induced seizures severity. It was concluded that mu-opiate system of hippocampus took part in the formation of generator of pathologically enhanced excitation in the structure during kindling and the development of seizure syndrome, providing also the postictal explosiveness. Kappa-opiate system of substantia nigra plays an important role in the activation of the antiepileptic system, limitation of seizures and the development of postictal depression.

Analgesics↗