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Biomedical subjects

Y Y Liu

Publications and source records attributed to Y Y Liu.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Tamoxifen induces selective membrane association of protein kinase C epsilon in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.

Tamoxifen, a synthetic antiestrogen, is known for its antitumoral action in vivo; however, it is well accepted that many tamoxifen effects are elicited via estrogen receptor-independent routes. Previously, we reported that tamoxifen induces PKC translocation in fibroblasts. In the present study, we investigated the influence of tamoxifen, and several triphenylethylene derivatives, on protein kinase C (PKC) in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. As measured by Western blot analysis, tamoxifen elicited isozyme-specific membrane association of PKC-epsilon, which was time-dependent (as early as 5 min post-treatment) and dose-dependent (5.0-20 microM). Tamoxifen did not influence translocation of alpha, beta, gamma, delta or zeta PKC isoforms. Structure-activity relationship studies demonstrated chemical requirements for PKC-epsilon translocation, with tamoxifen, 3-OH-tamoxifen and clomiphene being active. Compounds without the basic amino side chain, such as triphenylethylene, or minus a phenyl group, such as N,N-dimethyl-2-[(4-phenylmethyl)phenoxy]ethanamine, were not active. In vitro cell growth assays showed a correlation between agent-induced PKC-epsilon translocation and inhibition of cell growth. Exposure of cells to clomiphene resulted in apoptosis. Since PKC-epsilon has been associated with cell differentiation and cellular growth-related processes, the antiproliferative influence of tamoxifen on MCF-7 cells may be related to the interaction with PKC-epsilon.

Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal↗
PubMed1998

Synaptoid contacts between gland cells of the anterior pituitary of the rat.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence suggesting cross-talk among gland cells of the anterior pituitary. We had reported a rare form of synaptoid contact between corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary of the dog. We then found similar synaptoid contacts with different characteristics in the rat, as described in the present article. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The anterior pituitaries were prepared for ultrastructural study of substance P immunoreactivity of the anterior pituitary. Routine preembedding immunohistochemical staining was conducted, the sections were embedded in Epon 812 (Serva Feinbiochemica, Heidelberg, New York), and ultrathin sections were prepared. RESULTS: In the anterior pituitary of the rat, synaptoid contacts were found between corticotrophs and lactotrophs. They appeared very close to typical synapses in the central nervous system, aside from evident weakness of presynaptic density. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of synaptoid contacts suggests a form of cross-talk between the gland cells in the anterior pituitary of the rat.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Galanin-like immunoreactive nerve fibres in the anterior pituitary of the normal and adrenalectomized rat.

Our previous studies have shown the presence of substantial amounts of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactive nerve fibres in the anterior pituitary of the monkey, dog and rat. Furthermore, synaptic relationships have been demonstrated between these nerve fibres and the gland cells in the dog and rat. The substance P and calcitonin gene-related nerve fibres increase in number following adrenalectomy and ovariectomy, respectively. The present study was aimed to investigate the galanin-containing nerve fibres in the anterior pituitary of normal and adrenalectomized rats. The results showed only a small amount of galanin-like immunoreactive nerve fibres in the normal anterior pituitary, which were present among the gland cells as well as along the blood vessels. Following adrenalectomy, the number of galanin-like immunoreactive nerve fibres increased and ramification appeared more frequently. The results substantiate our hypothesis of a dual neural-humoral regulation of the mammalian anterior pituitary gland.

Adrenalectomy↗
PubMed1997

Differential interaction of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogues and their 20-epi homologues with the vitamin D receptor.

An important focus of structure-function studies of synthetic ligands for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) concerns the chiral center at carbon 20 of the steroid side chain; 20-epi analogues are 100-10, 000 times more potent transcriptionally than the natural hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3). We have compared the binding properties of three pairs of analogues either with a natural (N) or 20-epi (E) orientation. In intact cells, 45-60% of VDR.N-analogue complexes, but only 5-20% of VDR.E-analogue complexes, dissociated over a 3-h interval. The two groups of ligands induced distinct changes in VDR conformation as revealed by protease clipping assays. Mapping of ligand-VDR binding activity by deletions indicated that amino acids 420-427 were important for high affinity of VDR.N-analogue complexes, but not for VDR.E-analogue complexes. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that residues 421 and 422 were essential for 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3-induced conformational changes, high affinity of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 for VDR, and transcriptional activity, but not for binding of its 20-epi analogue. In contrast, deletion of residues 396-427 abolished binding of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3, but binding of its 20-epi analogue was still detectable. The results suggest that the ligand-binding domain of VDR has multiple and different contact sites for the two families of side chain-modified ligands, resulting in VDR.ligand complexes with different half-lives and transcriptional activities.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

A 20-epi side chain restores growth-regulatory and transcriptional activities of an A ring-modified hybrid analog of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 without increasing its affinity to the vitamin D receptor.

1 alpha-hydroxymethyl-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1 beta-hydroxymethyl -3 alpha,25-hydroxyvitamin D3, two analogs with modifications restricted to the A ring, bind poorly to vitamin D receptor (VDR). The effective doses required for 50% of maximal binding activity (ED50) are 7 x 10(-7) M for the former and 8 x 10(-8) M for the latter, and the ED50 for their growth-inhibitory activities is greater than 10(-6) M. Unexpectedly, a hybrid analog with 20-epi configuration at its side chain and a 1 beta-hydroxymethyl group but not a 1 alpha-hydroxymethyl group inhibits malignant cell growth with an ED50 of 7 x 10(-9) M. To determine if the restored biological activity of the hybrid analog is associated with better binding to VDR, we performed competitive binding assays in vitro with calf thymus VDR and in vivo with recombinant human VDR. We found that the 20 epi side chain reduced the affinity of the 1 beta- and the 1 alpha-hydroxymethyl hybrid analogs for VDR in vitro and in vivo fourfold to tenfold. To determine whether the 1 beta-hydroxymethyl analogs induced a VDR-mediated transcription, we tested the induction of reporter gene expression through the osteocalcin vitamin D response element (VDRE) in ROS 17/2.8 cells and the induction of binding activity of VDR to VDRE in COS-1 cells. We found that the ED50 for transcriptional activity of 1 beta-hydroxymethyl-3 alpha,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 was greater than 10(-6) M, but its 1 alpha diastereomer had barely detectable transcriptional activity. The 20-epi side chain preferentially increased the transcriptional activity of the 1 beta-hydroxymethyl hybrid analog to an ED50 of 10(-8) M, but the 1 alpha-hydroxymethyl hybrid analog remained inactive. To confirm that this transcriptional activity was dependent on the VDR, we repeated the assay in VDR-negative CV-1 cells and compared ligand-dependent expression of the VDRE/growth hormone reporter in the presence of either wild-type or transcriptionally inactive mutant VDR expression vectors. Transcription was induced by the 1 beta-hydroxymethyl compounds only in the presence of wild-type VDR. Thus, we conclude that it is possible, by adding a 20 epi side chain, to restore growth-inhibitory and VDR-mediated transcriptional activities without increasing binding to the VDR of A ring-modified analogs.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Determination of hemoglobin adducts in workers exposed to 2,4, 6-trinitrotoluene.

2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT) is an important occupational and environmental pollutant. TNT can be taken up through the skin and by inhalation. It is therefore essential to have fast and reliable methods to monitor human exposure. In rat experiments, it has been shown that TNT binds covalently to blood proteins and to tissue proteins. Hemoglobin (Hb) adducts of TNT are markers for the internal dose and possibly for the toxic effects of TNT, e.g. cataracts. In the present paper we introduce a new efficient method to quantify Hb adducts of TNT. Precipitated Hb was hydrolyzed with base in the presence of the surrogate internal standard 3,5-dinitroaniline (35DNA). The released 2-amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene (2ADNT) and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (4ADNT) were quantified against 35DNA by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with negative-ion chemical ionization. Hb of 50 workers and controls from a Chinese munition factory were investigated. The Hb adduct levels ranged from 3.7 to 522 ng for 4ADNT and from 0 to 14.7 ng for 2ADNT per gram of Hb. However, in control samples from Germany no Hb adducts of 4ADNT or 2ADNT could be found.

DNA↗
PubMed1996

Increased expression of low-affinity insulin receptor isoform and insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I hybrid receptors in term placenta from insulin-resistant women with gestational hypertension.

Gestational hypertension is associated with insulin-resistance; insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), acting through their receptors, play a role in the growth of the feto-placental unit. Since both receptors are exposed to the maternal circulation, it has been suggested that maternal metabolic abnormalities might affect placental insulin (HIR) and IGF-1 (IGF-1R) receptors. To clarify this issue, we characterized HIR and IGF-1R in placenta at term from normal women, normoinsulinaemic women with gestational hypertension (NGH), and hyperinsulinaemic women with gestational hypertension (HGH). Insulin binding was decreased in HGH women (B/T 0.12 +/- 0.03) compared to control and NGH women (B/T 0.18 +/- 0.07, p < 0.036; and 0.22 +/- 0.5, p < 0.009 respectively). Receptor affinity was lower in HGH women (ED50 0.95 +/- 0.32 nmol/l) than control and NGH women (ED50 0.42 +/- 0.19 nmol/l, p < 0.01; and 0.40 +/- 0.1 nmol/l, p < 0.007, respectively), whereas low-affinity Ex11+ isoform was higher in HGH women (Ex11+ 50 +/- 7, %) than in control and NGH women (Ex11+ 34 +/- 9%, p < 0.001; and 39 +/- 4%, p < 0.01, respectively). Increased expression of Ex11+ isoform was correlated with ED50 (r = 0.71; p < 0.002) and insulinaemia (r = 0.70, p < 0.002). IGF-I binding was increased in HGH women (B/T 0.17 +/- 0.03) compared to control and NGH women (B/T 0.09 +/- 0.05, p < 0.002; and 0.11 +/- 0.03, p < 0.002, respectively). IGF-IR affinity was similar in the three groups. The percentage of insulin/IGF-I hybrid receptors was increased in HGH women (85 +/- 3%) compared to control and NGH women (68 +/- 7%, p < 0.001; and 63 +/- 9%, p < 0.001, respectively), and was positively correlated with insulinaemia (r = 0.62, p < 0.018), ED50 of insulin binding (r = 0.62, p < 0.05), and maximal IGF-I binding (r = 0.69, p < 0.004); whereas it was inversely correlated with maximal insulin binding (r = -0.69, p < 0.004). Results provide the first evidence for altered expression of insulin/IGF-I hybrids found in insulin-resistance states.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Delayed intracellular dissociation of the insulin-receptor complex impairs receptor recycling and insulin processing in cultured Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes from insulin-resistant subjects.

Insulin-receptor internalization and processing are defective in insulin-resistant subjects. To assess the reversibility of these defects, we cultured Epstein-Barr virus-transformed-lymphoblasts from six normal, six obese, and six non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) subjects in media containing low (5 mmol/l) or high (25 mmol/l) glucose concentrations, and studied the insulin-receptor internalization and processing in vitro. In cells from normal, obese, and NIDDM subjects cultured in low glucose concentrations, exposure to 100 nmol/l insulin for 30 min at 37 degrees C reduced cell-surface 125I-insulin binding to a similar extent (82 +/- 2, 77 +/- 5, and 82 +/- 5% of initial values, respectively). The same results were obtained with cells cultured in high glucose concentrations. In cells cultured under both glucose conditions, and exposed to 100 nmol/l insulin for 30 min at 37 degrees C, a complete recovery of the initial 125I-insulin binding was observed in normal but not in obese and NIDDM subjects. Release of intracellular insulin and its degradation in vitro was determined by incubating cells with 600 pmol/l of 125I-insulin for 60 min at 37 degrees C, acid washing cells, and re-incubating in insulin-free buffer at 37 degrees C. The radioactivity released by cells was characterized by trichloroacetic acid precipitability, Sephadex G-50 column chromatography, and re-binding to fresh cells. Rates of release of internalized radioactivity were reduced in obese and NIDDM subjects (t1/2 = 61 +/- 9 min, p < 0.02; 58 +/- 10 min, p < 0.05; and 38 +/- 4 min in obese, NIDDM, and normal subjects, respectively). The percentage of intact insulin released from cells was significantly higher in obese and NIDDM subjects than in the normal subjects. The t1/2 of intracellular dissociation of insulin-receptor complexes measured by a polyethylene glycol assay was lower in normal (6 +/- 1 min) than in obese (12 +/- 2 min, p < 0.03) and NIDDM subjects (14 +/- 3 min, p < 0.02). The results suggest that in insulin-resistant subjects a primary defect in intracellular dissociation of insulin is responsible for alterations of receptor recycling and insulin processing.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

1alpha,25-dihydroxy-24-oxo-16-ene vitamin D3, a metabolite of a synthetic vitamin D3 analog, 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-16-ene vitamin D3, is equipotent to its parent in modulating growth and differentiation of human leukemic cells.

1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3, a synthetic analog of the steroid hormone, 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, has great potential to become a drug in the treatment of leukemia and other proliferative disorders, because of its minimal in vivo calcemic activity associated with a potent inhibitory effect on cell growth. However, at present, the mechanisms through which 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3 expresses its biological activities are still not completely understood. Our previous in vitro study in a perfused rat kidney indicated for the first time that 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3 and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 are metabolized differently. 1alpha,25(OH)2-24-oxo-16-ene-D3, an intermediary metabolite of 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3 formed through the C-24 oxidation pathway, accumulated significantly in the perfusate when compared to 1alpha,25(OH)2-24-oxo-D3, the corresponding intermediary metabolite of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. In a subsequent in vivo study, we also reported that 1alpha,25(OH)2-24-oxo-16-ene-D3 exerted immunosuppressive activity equal to its parent, without causing significant hypercalcemia. In order to establish further the critical role of 1alpha,25(OH)2-24-oxo-16-ene-D3, in generating some of the key biological activities ascribed to its parent, we performed the present in vitro study using a human myeloid leukemic cell line (RWLeu-4) as a model. Comparative target tissue metabolism studies indicated that 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3 and 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 are metabolized differently in RWLeu-4 cells, and the differences were similar to the ones we previously observed in the rat kidney. The significant finding was the accumulation of 1alpha,25(OH)2-24-oxo-16-ene-D3 in RWLeu-4 cells because of its resistance to further metabolism. Biological activity studies indicated that both 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3 and its 24-oxo metabolite produced growth inhibition and promoted differentiation of RWLeu-4 cells to the same extent, and these activities were several fold higher than those exerted by 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. In addition, the genomic action of each vitamin D compound was assessed in a rat osteosarcoma cell line (ROS 17/2.8) by measuring its ability to transactivate a gene construct containing the vitamin D response element of the osteocalcin gene linked to the growth hormone reporter gene. In these studies, both 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3 and its 24-oxo metabolite exerted similar but potent transactivation activity which was several fold greater than that exerted by 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 itself. In summary, our results indicate that the production and slow clearance of the bioactive intermediary metabolite, 1alpha,25(OH)2-24-oxo-16-ene-D3, in RWLeu-4 cells contributes significantly to the final expression of the enhanced biological activities ascribed to its parent analog, 1alpha,25(OH)2-16-ene-D3.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1996

Pharmacokinetics of [18F]fleroxacin in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and complicated urinary tract infection studied by positron emission tomography.

The pharmacokinetics of fleroxacin, a new broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone, were measured by positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]fleroxacin in five patients with acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and in five patients with symptomatic, complicated urinary tract infection. Two studies were performed with each patient, one within 24 h of the initiation and one within 24 h of the completion of a 7-day course of fleroxacin, 400 mg/day. For each study, the patient received an infusion of that day's therapeutic dose of fleroxacin (400 mg) supplemented with approximately 740 MBq of [18F]fleroxacin, and serial PET images and blood samples were collected for 6 to 8 h starting at the initiation of the infusion. Between studies, the drug was administered orally. In all infected tissues, there was rapid accumulation of radiolabeled drug, with stable levels achieved within 1 h after completion of the infusion. In kidneys, accumulation was greater in the presence of active infection (P < 0.01), while in lungs, accumulation was lower (P < 0.02). Infection of the lung or urinary tract had no effect on drug delivery to uninvolved tissues. Also, there was no difference between the results obtained at the beginning and the end of therapy. Overall, peak concentrations of drug many times the MIC at which 90% of the infecting organisms are inhibited (MIC90) were achieved in the kidneys (> 30 micrograms/g), prostate glands (> 11 micrograms/g), and lungs (> 14 micrograms/g). Plateau concentrations (2 to 8 h; given as mean micrograms per gram +/- standard error of the mean) of drug in kidneys (15.11 +/- 0.55), prostate glands (5.08 +/- 0.19), and lungs (5.75 +/- 0.22) were also well above the MIC90 for most relevant pathogens. All patients had a good therapeutic response to fleroxacin.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Maternal infusion of antioxidants (Trolox and ascorbic acid) protects the fetal heart in rabbit fetal hypoxia.

The antioxidants, Trolox (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid, a water soluble analog of vitamin E) and ascorbic acid (AA), protect the heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. We hypothesized that maternal infusion of Trolox and AA, would reduce the fetal bradycardia and myocardial damage observed in fetal hypoxia and increase the total antioxidant activity in fetal plasma. Either i.v. saline (control group) or Trolox + AA (drug group) was randomly administered to 29-d-old pregnant rabbits. Fetal hypoxia was induced by uterine ischemia. Fetal heart rate, plasma CK-MB activity, and plasma total radical antioxidant potential (TRAP) were measured in different sets of animals. Fetal heart rate in the drug group was higher than in the control group for the first 35 min (p < 0.05 at every 5-min interval). Fetal bradycardia (<60 beats/min) occurred after 39 min (median) in the drug group, and 29 min in the control group (p < 0.05). After 50 min of hypoxia, plasma CK-MB was lower in the drug group, 1204 +/- 132 U/L (mean +/- SEM), than in the control group, 2633 +/- 233 U/L (p < 0.05). TRAP was higher in the drug group, 3.01 +/- 0.15 mM (Trolox equivalent concentration), than in the control group, 1.48 +/- 0.27 mM (p < 0.05). Higher TRAP levels (> or = 2.0 mM) were associated with lower CK-MB levels (<2500 U/L) (p < 0.05). Administration of Trolox and AA to the mother has a beneficial effect on fetal myocardial damage after fetal hypoxia, and a small beneficial effect on fetal bradycardia during hypoxia. The beneficial effect may be due to the augmentation of fetal plasma antioxidants from maternal antioxidant pretreatment.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Novel extracellular matrix-associated serine proteinase inhibitors from human skin fibroblasts.

Serine proteinase inhibitors play a major role in the turnover of connective tissues. In this study, we isolated and determined partial amino-terminal amino acid sequence of trypsin/elastase/plasmin inhibitors (M(r) 33,000 and 31,000) from the extracellular matrix of SV40-transformed human skin fibroblasts. The antitrypsin activity of the inhibitors was monitored by substrate reverse zymography. Polyclonal antisera to alpha 1-antitrypsin, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, alpha 2-antiplasmin, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, plasminogen activator inhibitors-1 and -2, and a monoclonal antibody to protease nexin-1 did not label the 33-, 31-, and 27-kDa inhibitors. A computer search for amino acid sequence homology indicated that the 31-kDa inhibitor is novel. In contrast, the sequence of the 33-kDa inhibitor shared 70 to 90% homology with the amino-terminal sequence of a recently characterized 32-kDa trypsin/tissue factor inhibitor called tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2. The 33- and 31-kDa inhibitors bind to heparin-Sepharose and were recovered from the affinity beads as well as from the t12 FB extracellular matrix with 1 M NaCl. Based on these results, we propose that the extracellular matrix of human mesenchymal cells sequester a family of novel serine proteinase inhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Peptide-based radioimmunoassay for the two isoforms of the human insulin receptor.

The insulin receptor exists in two isoforms differing by the absence (HIR-A) or presence (HIR-B) of 12 amino acids in the COOH-terminus of the alpha-subunit as a consequence of alternative splicing of exon 11. In this study, we developed a radioimmunoassay for the two isoforms employing antibodies raised against two peptides, one (Pep-12) corresponding to residues encoded by exon 11, and the other (Pep-13) corresponding to a COOH-terminal domain of the alpha-subunit which is common to both HIR-A and HIR-B isoforms. These peptides were iodinated and used as both ligands and standards. The assay is specific, highly reproducible, and sensitive with a detection limit of 10 fmol of receptor. One mole of purified insulin receptor, measured by Scatchard analysis, is read as one mole of receptor in the radioimmunoassay with either Pep-12 or Pep-13 as standards. The radioimmunoassay is applicable to the measurement of total content and relative abundance of the two isoforms in extracts from various tissues. We applied the radioimmunoassay to measure the relative abundance of the two isoforms in fat and muscle from normal, obese non-diabetic and non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) subjects. Results demonstrate that expression of the low-affinity HIR-B form is significantly increased in obese and NIDDM subjects compared with control subjects. In addition, the increased expression of the HIR-B isoform was significantly correlated with both body mass index (r = 0.52; p = 0.006) and fasting glucose levels (r = 0.59; p = 0.001).

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1995

Substance P induces degranulation of mast cells and leukocyte adhesion to venular endothelium.

Substance P (SP), one of the established neurotransmitters, evokes an immunoinflammatory response involving leukocyte adhesion to venular endothelium and the degranulation of mast cells. The pathogenetic relationship between these responses, however, remains unresolved. In this study, we propose to examine the changes associated with the activation of mast cells, as well as leukocyte adhesion to venular endothelium by in vivo observation of the rat mesentery. The use of an in vitro assay for intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and the degranulation of mast cells demonstrated the significant upper shift of concentration response to SP (10(-4)-10(-5) M). In vivo experiments on the mesenteric microcirculation also showed that SP induced a significant increase in the number of degranulated mast cells as well as in the number of leukocytes adherent to the venular wall. Tranilast, a mast cell stabilizer, as well as SP antagonist (CP-96,345) significantly attenuated the extent of mast cell degranulation and leukocyte adhesion elicited by SP. Although an immunoneutralization against CD18 by WT-3 significantly attenuated the leukocyte adhesion, it had no influence on the mast cell degranulation after SP superfusion. These separate in vivo observations show that SP induces leukocyte adhesion to the venular endothelium, possibly through the degranulation of mast cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Monitoring human risk and exposure to trinitrotoluene (TNT) using haemoglobin adducts as biomarkers.

Two studies were carried out in a trinitrotoluene (TNT) plant using TNT haemoglobin (TNT-Hb) adduct as a biomarker to study dose-adduct and adduct-response relationships. In the first study, TNT-Hb adduct levels were determined in 117 TNT-exposed workers in different working sites with different exposure conditions. External exposure was calculated from the inhaled air concentration plus skin contamination. TNT-Hb adduct levels in blood were significantly correlated with their external exposure to TNT. Two methods, HPLC-UV and CI-ELISA, were developed for measuring TNT-Hb adduct: good correlations (r = 0.77 and 0.86) were found between these 2 methods. In the second study, TNT cataract was used as an indicator of health effects. The prevalence of cataract and the degree of lenticular damage increased with the increase of blood TNT-Hb level.

Cataract↗
PubMed1995

Alpha 1-antitrypsin is degraded and non-functional in chronic wounds but intact and functional in acute wounds: the inhibitor protects fibronectin from degradation by chronic wound fluid enzymes.

Fluid obtained from chronic and acute wounds were examined for the presence of fibronectin, alpha 1-antitrypsin, and proteinases capable of degrading both proteins. Immunoblot analysis of fluids from ten chronic wounds revealed that fibronectin and alpha 1-antitrypsin were degraded in nine of ten samples. In contrast, both fibronectin and alpha 1-antitrypsin were intact in acute wound fluids. The degradation of the inhibitor and fibronectin occurred in the same wound fluids, and these two events correlated perfectly. Chronic or acute wound fluid proteins were coupled to benzamidine Sepharose 6B beads and incubated with fibronectin or alpha 1-antitrypsin. Chronic wound fluid proteins degraded fibronectin in the presence of ethylenediaminetetraacetate, leupeptin, cystatin, and pepstatin but not in the presence of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Acute wound fluids and normal human serum did not contain enzymes capable of degrading fibronectin. These data suggest that serine proteinases are responsible for fibronectin degradation in chronic wound fluids. Chronic wound fluids that contained degraded alpha 1-antitrypsin also contain proteinases capable of degrading alpha 1-antitrypsin from human serum. Acute wound fluids and normal human serum did not contain enzymes capable of degrading alpha 1-antitrypsin. The inhibitor from acute wound fluids bound to one of its targets, trypsin. In contrast, the fragment(s) of alpha 1-antitrypsin from chronic wound fluids did not bind trypsin. Chronic wounds associated with degraded fibronectin and the inhibitor contained ten- to forty-fold more elastase activity than acute wounds. The degradation of fibronectin by chronic wound fluid enzymes was inhibited by alpha 1-antitrypsin in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results demonstrate that there are enzymes in chronic wounds that perturb the function of alpha 1-antitrypsin and allow fibronectin degradation by uninhibited serine proteinases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Partial characterization of matrix-associated serine protease inhibitors from human skin cells.

Serine protease inhibitors have important regulatory roles in angiogenesis, intravascular fibrinolysis, wound healing, and cell migration. In this study, the extracellular matrix secreted by cultured human keratinocytes, foreskin fibroblasts, and SV-40-transformed human skin fibroblasts was analyzed for serine protease inhibitors by substrate reverse zymography. We found that the extracellular matrix deposited by these cells contained three inhibitors (M(r) 33,000, 31,000, and 27,000). These inhibitors protected the degradation of gelatin by trypsin and elastase, and of casein by plasmin. In contrast, the gelatinolytic activities of thermolysin and papain were not inhibited. Compared to untreated cells, cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate showed a two- to 10-fold increase in the expression of these inhibitors. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D decreased the cellular expression of these inhibitors, suggesting the involvement of de novo protein and mRNA synthesis. Antitrypsin activity of these inhibitors was resistant to heat and sodium dodecylsulfate, but was lost after reduction of disulfide bonds. The inhibitors bound specifically to trypsin and could be eluted from a trypsin column in active form. Collectively, these data suggest that the extracellular matrix deposited by keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts contains active serine protease inhibitors.

Cell Line, Transformed↗