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Biomedical subjects

U Roth

Publications and source records attributed to U Roth.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Strategy for the characterization of autoantigens in autoimmune diseases. Investigation of the target antigens of antimitochondrial antibodies by radioimmunoassay, immunoblotting, monoclonal antibodies and affinity chromatography.

We present a strategy to characterize specific antigen/autoantibody systems using polyclonal sera from patients as a probe and crude antigenic preparations such as mitoplasts. Sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) are characterized by at least one of two specific subtypes of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA), anti-p48 or anti-p62. Immunoblotting of such sera with mitoplast preparations derived from human, rat and rabbit livers revealed three proteins of approximately 27, 48 and 68 kDa as target antigens. On the basis of the molecular weight of these antigens we were able to purify them by elution from preparative SDS gels. Immunization of NZB mice with the high molecular weight component (the 68 kDa antigen from human liver mitoplasts) elicited a monoclonal antibody. The 68 kDa protein was then isolated by affinity chromatography and may well represent the prime target antigen of anti-p62 antimitochondrial antibodies. This experimental approach could be applied to protein target antigens of other autoantibodies.

Animals↗

Left heart function in chronic obstructive lung disease.

In patients with varying degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), simultaneous measurements of central hemodynamics and left ventricular radionuclide ventriculograms at rest and during exercise were made. In 21 of these patients, satisfactory echocardiograms could be performed. In seven of the patients, arterial blood pressure at rest was increased. Decreased compliance of the left ventricle was thought to be present in patients with COPD and additional arterial hypertension. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at rest was in the high normal range in all patients. During exercise, no further increase was observed. This pattern of LVEF response seems to be typical in patients with COPD. Because the highest values were observed in the more severe COPD and right ventricular hypertrophy, it is unlikely that an impairment of left ventricular function is caused by COPD. In five of 27 patients, an abnormal decrease of LVEF and regional hypokinesis occurred during exercise, thus suggesting additional coronary heart disease. The fact that at least 30% of the patients with COPD suffered from arterial hypertension and 20% of the patients exhibited unexpected ischemia detected by regional hypokinesis in RNV during exercise, but not in the ECG, may be of practical relevance. Coronary angiography was not indicated because most of these patients were over 65 and the factor limiting the working capacity was ventilatory impairment and not angina pectoris, in all patients. For this reason, a diagnostic uncertainty remains with regard to additional coronary heart disease in the older patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aged↗

Pulmonary gas exchange and central hemodynamics at rest and during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Right-heart catheterization and ergometry with arterial and mixed venous blood gas analysis were performed in 27 patients with a wide range of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The purpose of the examination was to evaluate the risk in patients for lung surgery or to detect additional heart diseases. Patients who developed exertional hypoxia (group 1) were compared with others who did not (group 2). In all patients the steady-state maximal workload was determined by ventilatory dysfunction. Both groups had normal values for mixed venous pO2 and normal increase of the circulatory parameters during exercise. The patients with exertional hypoxia differed from the others in that they showed no decrease of venous admixture and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient. In addition, these patients had increasing pCO2 values at rest compared with exercise, indicating alveolar hypoventilation and ventilation-perfusion mismatching. Because of the good correlation of the absolute values of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) with pulmonary artery pressures, parameters of gas exchange and working capacity, this lung function parameter seems to have a central role in predicting the functional state of patients with chronic obstructive disease. Ergometry and blood gas analysis should be performed in addition because these values cannot be predicted with the calculated postoperative FEV1.

Aged↗

[Leo-insulins in the treatment of diabetes. Experiences from an internal medicine practice].

An account is given on the long-term control of 27 unselected diabetics treated with Leo insulins in private internal medical practice. Both primary adjustments in recently manifested juvenile diabetes and change-over from other insulins or oral antidiabetics were carried out as outpatient treatment. Thorough training of the patient, which is a prerequisite to successful cooperation between the diabetic and his physician, is just as important as regular metabolic check-ups. The therapeutic results was considerably improved using Leo insulins. While 26 out of 27 patients were inadequately compensated before the beginning of therapy, the subsequent observation revealed very good adjustment in 11, good adjustment in 3 and satisfactory adjustment in 4 patients.

Adolescent↗