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[Validity of "Gravistat" device for the improvement of statics and locomotion: interrelation with neuro-auto-immune reactions].

The purpose was to study the interrelation between effectiveness of the dynamic proprioceptive correction (DPC) of static and locomotor disorders at the late residual phase of children's cerebral paralysis (CCP) with the help of "Gravistat" and the auto-immune reactions (AIR) to neurospecific proteins (NSP). Data of an original method of AIR evaluation by the ratio of IgC to proteins S-100 and alpha-2-glycoprotein in blood serum make it evident that the method can pinpoint events in the perinatal period (3.5-18 yrs.) both in healthy individuals and patients with residual CCP. In addition, the method can predict efficiency of the DPC therapy of CCP and, probably, cerebral circulation disturbances, craniocerebral injury, and other conditions with a neuro-autoimmune component.

Adolescent↗

Isolation and characterization of the mouse Aire gene.

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by Addison's disease and/or hypoparathyroidism and/or chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Patients may also have other clinical symptoms both within and outside the endocrine system, mainly as a result of autoimmunity against organ-specific autoantigens. The gene for APECED has recently been identified and termed AIRE (for AutoImmune REgulator). APECED is a model of organ-specific autoimmunity and isolation and characterization of the homologous mouse gene, Aire, will provide tools for dissection of the mechanisms underlying this human disorder and defining molecular pathways involved in organ-specific autoimmunity. We have isolated and completely sequenced the mouse Aire gene which is split into 14 exons over 13 kb and encodes a predicted protein of 552 amino acids. The predicted mouse and human AIRE proteins are 71% identical and contain motifs suggestive of a transcriptional regulator. Additional conserved motifs are emerging in the AIRE/Aire proteins including a nuclear localization signal, an "ASS" domain, and a "SAND" domain. The human and mouse AIRE promoters have conserved sites for several thymus-specific transcription factors and others important in hematopoesis, consistent with its expression in rare cells of the thymus medulla, lymph nodes, and fetal liver. We have mapped mouse Aire to mouse chromosome 10 by FISH, to the same region as Pwp2 and Pfkl, confirming synteny to the corresponding region of human chromosome 21.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Phases dispersion and oxygen transfer in a simulated fermentation broth containing castor oil and proteins.

The sizes of air bubbles and castor oil drops were studied by image analysis as a function of the concentration of soluble protein (bovine serum albumin [BSA] and lipase, as model proteins) in a three-phase system using a simulated fermentation medium (aqueous salt solution, castor oil, and air). Small amounts of proteins (<0.02 g/L) caused an important decrease in oil drops and bubbles sizes, together with a pronounced decrease in surface tension. The extent and profiles of this decrease seem to be determined by the conformation of the protein at the interface. The kLa value increased considerably for increasing concentration (up to 0.02 g/L) of the two proteins but was very different (2-fold higher for the lipase) at the highest concentrations tested (0.5 g/L), a phenomenon that can be caused by the extent to which bubbles are trapped within oil drops.

Biomimetics↗

Autoimmune regulator is expressed in the cells regulating immune tolerance in thymus medulla.

The AIRE gene (autoimmune regulator), coding for a putative transcriptional regulatory factor, is mutated in autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). We have investigated the expression of the AIRE gene by mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in various human tissues. Here we show that AIRE is expressed in distinct cells in thymus medulla, and also in rare cells in lymph node paracortex and medulla, and in spleen and fetal liver, but not in the target organs of autoimmune destruction. Double immunofluorescence studies revealed that in thymus medulla both epithelial (cytokeratin positive) and non-epithelial cells expressed AIRE. Subcellularly, AIRE was localised in nuclear dots in thymus and lymph node and also in transfected cells. The cellular localisation of AIRE and its nuclear localisation, compatible with its predicted protein domains, suggest that AIRE may regulate the mechanisms involved in the induction and maintenance of immune tolerance.

Biomarkers↗

Daily variation in fine and ultrafine particulate air pollution and urinary concentrations of lung Clara cell protein CC16.

BACKGROUND: Daily variations in ambient particulate air pollution have been associated with respiratory mortality and morbidity. AIMS: To assess the associations between urinary concentration of lung Clara cell protein CC16, a marker for lung damage, and daily variation in fine and ultrafine particulate air pollution. METHODS: Spot urinary samples (n = 1249) were collected biweekly for six months in subjects with coronary heart disease in Amsterdam, Netherlands (n = 37), Erfurt, Germany (n = 47), and Helsinki, Finland (n = 47). Ambient particulate air pollution was monitored at a central site in each city. RESULTS: The mean 24 hour number concentration of ultrafine particles was 17.3x10(3) cm(-3) in Amsterdam, 21.1x10(3) cm(-3) in Erfurt, and 17.0x10(3) cm(-3) in Helsinki. The mean 24 hour PM2.5 concentrations were 20, 23, and 13 microg/m3, respectively. Daily variation in ultrafine particle levels was not associated with CC16. In contrast, CC16 concentration seemed to increase with increasing levels of PM2.5 in Helsinki, especially among subjects with lung disorders. No clear associations were observed in Amsterdam and Erfurt. In Helsinki, the CC16 concentration increased by 20.2% (95% CI 6.9 to 33.5) per 10 microg/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration (lag 2). The respective pooled effect estimate was 2.1% (95% CI -1.3 to 5.6). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that exposure to particulate air pollution may lead to increased epithelial barrier permeability in lungs.

Aged↗

Differential effects of salmeterol on lung endothelial and epithelial leakage in sheep.

Salmeterol has been shown to prevent the influx of proteins into the air spaces of lungs of guinea pigs given intravenous histamine. To determine whether the salmeterol acts to stabilize the epithelial or endothelial barrier, we ventilated anesthetized sheep with aerosolized salmeterol before infusing histamine intravenously at a rate of 4 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 for 3 h. Changes in endothelial permeability were assessed by measuring the flow of lymph and proteins from the lungs. The influx of proteins into the air spaces was detected by performing single-cycle lavages to measure the concentration of circulating 125I-albumin in the epithelial lining fluid. Intravenous histamine increased the lymph flow to 13.2 +/- 6.8 ml/h compared with the control value of 5.6 +/- 2.8 ml/h (P < 0.05). Histamine also increased the concentration of 125I-albumin in the epithelial lining fluid from 1.8 +/- 0.9 to 8.5 +/- 2.5% of the plasma concentration (P < 0.01) and the postmortem lung water volume from 3.5 +/- 0.5 to 5.0 +/- 0.8 mg/g dry lung wt (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with 2.5 mg of aerosolized salmeterol prevented the influx of proteins into the air spaces and the increase in the postmortem lung water volume but it also increased the lung lymph flow even further to 20.0 +/- 5.6 ml/h (P < 0.05), increased the lymph-to-plasma protein ratio from 0.77 to 0.91, and tripled the increase in alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient caused by histamine alone. Pretreatment with 2.5 mg of intravenous salmeterol had essentially the same effect as salmeterol administered by aerosol. We conclude that salmeterol decreases lung epithelial permeability but increases lung endothelial permeability due to intravenous histamine in sheep.

Albuterol↗

[Serum proteins levels of school children in areas with variable air pollution, especially by carbon disulfide (CS2)].

Within an epidemiological transversal study concerning the effect of CS2 immissions on the health state of school children during 1987/1988, 340 9 to 10 years old children (198 exposed, 142 non-exposed) have been investigated. From a venous blood sample 12 serum proteins have been determined, among other determinations. From these 12 immunological parameters, relating the mean concentrations of them in connection to the two different areas 7 were significantly different, 2 probably different, and 3 had no differences (T-test). These results are discussed in connection with other data from the literature.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Miscibility of binary monolayers at the air-water interface and interaction of protein with immobilized monolayers by surface plasmon resonance technique.

The miscibility and stability of the binary monolayers of zwitterionic dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and cationic dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DOMA) at the air-water interface and the interaction of ferritin with the immobilized monolayers have been studied in detail using surface pressure-area isotherms and surface plasmon resonance technique, respectively. The surface pressure-area isotherms indicated that the binary monolayers of DPPC and DOMA at the air-water interface were miscible and more stable than the monolayers of the two individual components. The surface plasmon resonance studies indicated that ferritin binding to the immobilized monolayers was primarily driven by the electrostatic interaction and that the amount of adsorbed protein at saturation was closely related not only to the number of positive charges in the monolayers but also to the pattern of positive charges at a given mole fraction of DOMA. The protein adsorption kinetics was determined by the properties of the monolayers (i.e., the protein-monolayer interaction) and the structure of preadsorbed protein molecules (i.e., the protein-protein interaction).

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

Across-tissue expression and evolution of genes controlled by the Aire transcription factor.

Aire (autoimmune regulatory protein) enhances expression of certain genes in thymic medullary epithelial cells (MECs). Using publicly available data, we examined expression patterns, across 82 distinct tissue types, of genes previously identified as Aire-activated, Aire-repressed, and Aire-independent. Consistent with the hypothesis that the effect of Aire in MECs is to increase expression of tissue-specific genes, Aire-activated genes had a low overall level of expression but a large range between the lowest and the highest levels of expression in different tissues. By contrast, Aire-repressed genes tended to have a high overall level of expression and less marked differences between the highest and the lowest levels of expression. Nonetheless, the expression scores of Aire-repressed genes showed broader ranges of values than those of Aire-independent genes. Phylogenetic analyses of members of two gene families that included two Aire-activated genes illustrated two contrasting patterns of the relationship of Aire-activated genes within the same family. The two Aire-activated members of the major urinary protein family arose through a recent gene duplication (after the rat-mouse divergence), whereas the most recent common ancestor of the two Aire-activated members of cytochrome p450 family 2 duplicated prior to the radiation of the eutherian orders. In the latter family, the Aire-activated Cyp2a4 gene and the Aire-independent Cyp2a5 gene arose through a recent duplication, after the rat-mouse divergence. Thus the set of Aire-activated genes is subject to change over evolutionary time and includes genes of recent origin.

Animals↗

Behavior of a GPI-anchored protein in phospholipid monolayers at the air-water interface.

The interaction between alkaline phosphatase (AP), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein (AP-GPI), and phospholipids was monitored using Langmuir isotherms and PM-IRRAS spectroscopy. AP-GPI was injected under C16 phospholipid monolayers with either a neutral polar head (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine monohydrate (DPPC)) or an anionic polar head (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (DPPS)). The increase in molecular area due to the injection of protein depended on the surface pressure and the type of phospholipid. At all surface pressures, it was highest in the case of DPPS monolayers. The surface elasticity coefficient E, determined from the pi-A diagrams, allowed to deduct that the AP-GPI-phospholipid mixtures presented a molecular arrangement less condensed than the corresponding pure phospholipid films. PM-IRRAS spectra suggested different protein-lipid interactions as a function of the nature of the lipids. AP-GPI modified the organization of the DPPS deuterated chains whereas AP-GPI affected only the polar group of DPPC at low surface pressure (8 mN/m). Different protein hydration layers between the DPPC and DPPS monolayers were suggested to explain these results. PM-IRRAS spectra of AP-GPI in the presence of lipids showed a shape similar to those collected for pure AP-GPI, indicating a similar orientation of AP-GPI in the presence or absence of phospholipids, where the active sites of the enzyme are turned outside of the membrane.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗

Clearance of different-sized proteins from the alveolar space in humans and rabbits.

Investigation of the clearance of proteins from the air spaces is important for an understanding of the resolution of pulmonary edema and also because of current interest in delivery of therapeutic peptides via the distal air spaces. Few experimental studies have examined the size dependence for alveolar clearance of large macromolecules; there have been no human studies. In anesthetized rabbits, we measured clearance of cyanocobalamin and different-sized human proteins instilled into the air spaces. After 8 h, the amounts of instilled tracer recovered in the lungs were [57Co]cyanocobalamin, 19.4 +/- 3.0% (Stokes radius 0.65 nm); 125I-labeled insulin, 64.6 +/- 3.9% (1.2 nm); 131I-labeled albumin, 87.0 +/- 4.0% (3.5 nm); and 125I-labeled immunoglobulin G, 91.8 +/- 3.3% (5.5 nm) (P < 0.05). Sieving of different-sized proteins occurred across the alveolar epithelial barrier because tracer concentrations in air space lavage fluid after 8 h were decreased more for the smaller tracers than the larger ones. Size selectivity for alveolar protein clearance in humans with resolving alveolar edema was investigated by measuring the changes in albumin and total protein concentration. The fraction of total protein concentration made up of albumin was greater in the edema fluid than in the plasma initially. The albumin fraction decreased with time in 9 of 10 patients with resolving edema, from 0.62 +/- 0.2 to 0.58 +/- 0.10 (P < 0.05) after 10 +/- 5 h. Thus both rabbit studies and human studies provide evidence for size-dependent clearance of protein from the air spaces of the lung.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Albumins↗

Disproportionation of clustered protein-stabilized bubbles at planar air-water interfaces.

The rate of shrinkage of air bubbles, of initial radius from 50 to 200 microm, injected beneath a planar air-water interface has been measured. Bubbles were stabilized in solutions of 0.05 wt% gelatin or pure beta-lactoglobulin. It has been observed that small size differences between two closely spaced or touching bubbles result in markedly divergent rates of shrinkage for the two. By studying a number of different initial bubble configurations, it is demonstrated that the overall change in bubble size distribution is strongly dependent on local, interbubble gas diffusion. In this respect, the strong tendency for the gelatin-stabilized bubbles to aggregate and shrink, while remaining in contact, produced patterns of disproportionation significantly different from those observed with beta-lactoglobulin. In beta-lactoglobulin solutions, it was usually found that bubbles initially in contact shrank away from each other with time, becoming increasingly isolated as a result. A theoretical approach that can exactly incorporate the perturbation of local diffusion fluxes due to the proximity of two bubbles is presented. This enables one to map a "stability diagram" that delineates regions where the larger bubble of a pair will either shrink or grow, according to the relative size of the bubbles and their separation. Theoretical calculations show that it is possible for a bubble to exhibit more complex shrinkage behavior than is predicted by a mean field approach or the Lifshitz, Slyozov, and Wagner (LSW) theory of Ostwald ripening for dilute systems. The inclusion of dilatational elasticity in the theoretical model introduces additional complications, which are also briefly discussed.

Air↗

Inhibition of zymosan-induced air-pouch inflammation by rat seminal vesicle protein and by its spermidine derivative.

The anti-inflammatory effect of one of the major proteins secreted by rat seminal vesicles (SVIV) and of its spermidine derivative (Spd2-SVIV) was evaluated by measuring polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration, protein release, platelet-activating factor (PAF) and prostaglandin E2 levels in the mouse air-pouch exudate following zymesan treatment. Both proteins were found to markedly reduce dose dependently PAF and prostaglandin E2 levels in the exudate as well as the other parameters. Concurrent injection of either arachidonic acid or PAF, directly into the pouch, significantly counteracted the anti-inflammatory effect of SVIV and of its polyaminated derivative. These results support the notion that the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of SVIV and Spd2-SVIV is linked to the inhibition of both phospholipase A2 and acetyl:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase.

Animals↗

Structural characteristics of hydrolysates of proteins from extracted sunflower flour at the air-water interface.

The structural and topographical characteristics of a sunflower protein isolate (SPI) and its hydrolysates at different degrees of hydrolysis (DH = 5.62%, 23.5%, and 46.3%) spread at the air-water interface at pH 7 and 20 degrees C were determined from pi-A isotherms coupled with Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). The structural characteristics of SP hydrolysate spread monolayers depend on the degree of hydrolysis. We observed a significant shift of the pi-A(APPARENT) isotherms toward lower molecular areas as the degree of hydrolysis (DH) increased. This phenomenon was attributed to spreading of the protein at the interface, especially at DH 46.3%. A change in the monolayer structure was observed at a surface pressure of 12-15 mN/m. At a microscopic level, the heterogeneous monolayer structures visualized near the monolayer collapse and during the monolayer expansion proved the existence of large regions of protein aggregates. Reflectivity increased with surface pressure and was a maximum at the monolayer collapse. The monolayer thickness decreased as the degree of hydrolysis increased. These phenomena explain the poor functional properties for the formation and stabilization of a dispersion (emulsion or foam) of protein hydrolysates at high degrees of hydrolysis.

Biophysical Phenomena↗

Adsorption at the air-water interface and emulsification properties of grain legume protein derivatives from pea and broad bean.

Functional properties of native and modified (through induced autolysis) pea (Pisum sativum L.) and broad bean (Vicia faba L.) protein derivatives are studied. In specific, protein solubility and behavior at the air-water interface through surface pressure measurements are investigated. Furthermore the ability of the protein products to act as emulsifying agents and to stabilize emulsions is studied through oil droplet size distribution measurements and by the protein adsorbed at the oil-water interface. The data reveal that the ability of the proteins to act as surfactants and build up a rigid film around the oil droplets, mainly depends on their suitable molecular configuration and structure. Hydrolysis did not promote the functionality of the legume proteins. Broad bean exhibited better functionality than pea, before and after hydrolysis. Some comparisons were also made with lupin (Lupinus albus L.) protein isolate.

Adsorption↗

Alveolar fluid clearance in the resected human lung.

Although the mechanisms responsible for alveolar liquid clearance have been studied in several species, there has not been any information regarding the effect of ion transport agonists or antagonists on alveolar liquid clearance in the human lung. Therefore, we studied alveolar liquid clearance in the recently resected human lung from patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer. A test solution of 40 ml of isosmolar albumin solution was instilled into one segment of a resected lobe within 10 min of resection. Because protein leaves the air spaces very slowly, the concentration of alveolar protein over 4 h was used to quantify alveolar liquid clearance. Basal alveolar liquid clearance was 12 +/- 2% over 4 h. Amiloride (10(-5) M), an inhibitor of apical Na+ uptake, and ouabain (10(-3) M), an inhibitor of Na,K-ATPase activity, reduced alveolar liquid clearance by 40 and 49%, respectively (p < 0.005). Terbutaline (10(-3) or 10(-4) M) doubled alveolar liquid clearance to 28 +/- 9% over 4 h (p < 0.05). Propranolol (10(-4) M) and amiloride (10(-5) M) inhibited the terbutaline-induced increase in alveolar liquid clearance. In conclusion, (1) alveolar liquid clearance in the human lung can be markedly reduced by inhibition of apical sodium channel uptake or Na,K-ATPase activity, and (2) beta-adrenergic stimulation markedly increases the rate of alveolar liquid clearance in the resected human lung without pulmonary perfusion.

Aged↗

Purification and properties of a recombinant DNA-derived ovine growth hormone analogue (oGH1) expressed in Escherichia coli.

An Escherichia coli JM109 clone containing a plasmid, pOGHe101, based on pUC8 and the ovine GH (oGH) cDNA sequence, showed very high expression (up to 25% of total cell protein) of an oGH analogue (oGH1) after induction. oGH1 was found in the particulate fraction of induced bacteria, where electron-dense granules could be seen by electron microscopy. A simple method for the purification of oGH1 is described. The particulate fraction isolated from sonicated bacteria was dissolved in 6M guanidinium chloride containing dithiothreitol. After threefold dilution the proteins were reoxidized by gentle stirring overnight in air. Soluble renatured protein, recovered after dialysis, was further purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Purified oGH1 had an Mr of 22,000, an isoelectric point of about 6.7 and an N-terminal sequence corresponding to that of oGH, with an extension of eight amino acids replacing the N-terminal alanine. oGH1 behaved similarly to authentic bovine GH in a radioimmunoassay, a radioreceptor assay and a weight-gain assay in hypophysectomized rats. Thus the renatured hormone appears to be correctly folded and the N-terminal extension has little or no effect on biological activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗