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Metabolite profiling for plant functional genomics.

Multiparallel analyses of mRNA and proteins are central to today's functional genomics initiatives. We describe here the use of metabolite profiling as a new tool for a comparative display of gene function. It has the potential not only to provide deeper insight into complex regulatory processes but also to determine phenotype directly. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), we automatically quantified 326 distinct compounds from Arabidopsis thaliana leaf extracts. It was possible to assign a chemical structure to approximately half of these compounds. Comparison of four Arabidopsis genotypes (two homozygous ecotypes and a mutant of each ecotype) showed that each genotype possesses a distinct metabolic profile. Data mining tools such as principal component analysis enabled the assignment of "metabolic phenotypes" using these large data sets. The metabolic phenotypes of the two ecotypes were more divergent than were the metabolic phenotypes of the single-loci mutant and their parental ecotypes. These results demonstrate the use of metabolite profiling as a tool to significantly extend and enhance the power of existing functional genomics approaches.

Arabidopsis↗

Expression profiles and biological function.

Expression arrays facilitate the monitoring of changes in expression patterns of large collections of genes. It is generally expected that genes with similar expression patterns would correspond to proteins of common biological function. We assess this common assumption by comparing levels of similarity of expression patterns and statistical significance of biological terms that describe the corresponding protein functions. Terms are automatically obtained by mining large collections of Medline abstracts. We propose that the combined use of the tools for expression profiles clustering and automatic function retrieval, can be useful tools for the detection of biologically relevant associations between genes in complex gene expression experiments. The results obtained using publicly available experimental data show how, in general, an increase in the similarity of the expression patterns is accompanied by an enhancement of the amount of specific functional information or, in other words, how the selected terms became more specific following an increase in the specificity of the expression patterns. Particularly interesting are the discrepancies from this general trend, i.e. groups of genes with similar expression patterns but very little in common at the functional level. In these cases the similarity of their expression profiles becomes the first link between previously unrelated genes.

Cluster Analysis↗

Dietary methionine intake effects on egg component yield, composition, functionality, and texture profile analysis.

The influence of supplemental Met levels ranging from 413 to 556 mg per hen per d (mg/HD) on liquid egg component yield, composition, and functionality was examined in mature layers (29 wk of age). Egg weight, component yield, solids, and CP content of albumen and yolk were determined. Texture profile analysis, feed ingredient functionality testing, and PAGE were conducted to determine whether increased egg total solids and CP content resulted in altered egg component functionality or electrophoretic protein banding pattern. Albumen component yield increased significantly on a mass basis at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Yolk mass yield was significantly increased at 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Consumption above 413 mg/HD Met resulted in significantly increased albumen total solids and protein. Yolk solids were not significantly different; however, yolk CP was significantly increased at 507 and 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 mg/HD Met. Albumen and yolk functionality at 413 and 507 g/HD Met were not significantly different in relation to cake volume or height. Emulsion separation at 120 min was significantly increased for 556 mg/HD Met compared to 413 and 507 g/HD Met. There were no significant differences in hardness or springiness of albumen and yolk gel plugs and electrophoretic protein banding patterns. Increased understanding of the influence of Met on liquid egg yield and composition may provide the egg producer with an effective and advantageous management technique for shell egg production specifically managed to maximize liquid egg product.

Albumins↗

Soft tissue facial profile changes following functional appliance therapy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the facial profile resulting from the use of a twin block (TB) functional appliance. The sample comprised 38 patients (24 males and 14 females) with a Class II division 1 malocclusion. Nineteen subjects were treated with a functional appliance while the remaining 19, who did not undergo any intervention, served as the control. The mean age of the treated group was 9.5 years (SD 10 months) and of the control group 9.9 years (SD 13 months). Lateral cephalograms were obtained for all subjects at the initial consultation and again after one year. The changes in facial profile, resulting from treatment with the TB, were analysed after the influence of growth had been taken into account. The results showed a significant improvement in the facial profile, which closely followed the underlying dentoskeletal changes. Thus, the most significant effects were a total facial profile improvement, retraction of the upper lip and anterior movement of soft tissue pogonion (P < 0.05). Subjects treated with a TB appliance achieved improved facial harmony, but such changes were not observed in the control group.

Cephalometry↗

A comparative study of endralazine and captopril in essential hypertension: effect on renin levels, pulmonary function studies and lipid profile.

A comparative study of the effects of captopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and endralazine, a new vasodilator drug, were performed in a group of 20 homogeneous patients with moderate hypertension (WHO: phase I and II). Both drugs produced a marked (p less than 0.001) decrease in mean arterial pressure, but the drop in blood pressure levels and the percentage of patients free of side-effects (p less than 0.001) were greater in patients treated with endralazine. Neither drug affected the lipid profile, nor pulmonary function tests and both increased significantly (p less than 0.001) plasma renin activity levels. The results of this study suggest that both drugs may be recommended for the treatment of hypertensive asthmatic patients, but endralazine should be preferred as first-choice drug, due to its lower incidence of side-effects and higher hypotensive effect obtained with the administration of a lower daily dosage.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Characteristics of enzymes of erythrocytes from newborn infants and adults: activity, thermostability, and electrophoretic profile as a function of cell age.

THe level of enzyme activity, the enzyme thermostability profile, and the isozyme electrophoretic pattern were determined in young and old erythrocytes from newborn infants and adults and in samples from adult individuals with increased reticulocyte counts. Cord blood samples had higher levels of enzymatic activity for 12 of the 14 enzymes measured, adenylate kinase and phosphoglucomutase being the exceptions. The largest differences in activity between newborns and adults were for glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, hexokinase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase, while glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and pyruvate kinase showed the largest differences between young and old cells. The levels of activity of glutathione reductase, adenylate kinase, phosphoglucomutase, lactate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerokinase, and glucose phosphate isomerase in cord blood samples suggest the regulation of expression of these enzymes is different in fetal erythrocytes than in erythrocytes from an adult. Differences in the thermostability profile of enzymes from cells from different sources and/or of different ages were noted for 5 of 9 enzymes. No unique electrophoretically identifiable fetal isozymes were observed, although differences in isozyme distribution and staining intensity associated with cell source and/or cell age were noted for many of the 23 enzymes examined. Many of these differences in enzyme characteristics have the potential to be confused with genetic alterations in enzyme structure and function.

Adult↗

Effects of propofol and taurine on intracellular free amino acid profiles and immune function markers in neutrophils in vitro.

We have examined the effects of propofol, taurine, and the combination of propofol and taurine on amino acid profiles and the immune function markers superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and released myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in neutrophils (PMN). Propofol led to significant changes in the dynamic PMN-free amino acid pool. Exogenous taurine significantly reduced PMN neutral amino acid and alpha-aminobutyrate (alpha-aba) as intracellular taurine increased. Incubation with propofol plus taurine resulted in lower intracellular taurine levels and elevated alpha-aba and neutral amino acid concentrations compared to propofol alone. Concerning PMN immune function markers, propofol significantly decreased O2- and H2O2 formation and released MPO. Taurine led to an increased release of MPO and concomitant significantly reduced O2- and H2O2 levels. When propofol and taurine were applied together they appeared to act additively with regard to superoxide and hydrogen peroxide formation. In the case of MPO, taurine neutralized propofol's effects, supporting the idea that MPO activity may be regulated by taurine. We believe therefore that taurine is important for strengthening PMN host defense capability, although the mechanisms are not yet clear. Moreover, taurine appears to act primarily by altering the PMN osmotic balance, while propofol seems to affect PMN amino acid metabolism and/or uptake and release.

Adult↗

Perioperative temporal profile of cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing hip surgery.

To test the hypothesis that elderly patients who have surgery for femoral neck fractures may have delirium not only after surgery but before surgery, we prospectively investigated the perioperative temporal profile of cognitive function in such patients. We performed the Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) six times in each patient (on the day of admission, 3 days after admission, on the day before surgery, 2 days after surgery, 7 days after surgery, and on the day of discharge). Patients were given no premedication and were anesthetized with spinal anesthesia using 0.2% hypobaric tetracaine. Of the 68 patients who were admitted because of a diagnosis of fractured neck of the femur and were scheduled to have surgery, 27 patients were subjected to analysis. Four and three patients showed a significant decrease (3 or more points) in AMT score 2 and 7 days after surgery, respectively. We conclude that surgery may have a stronger impact on cognitive function than environmental change shortly after admission in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

Aged↗

Profile of cognitive functioning in women with the fragile X mutation.

Two studies tested the specificity of the neurocognitive profile of women with fragile X syndrome (FXS). First, women with an FXS full mutation were compared with women with a premutation and women without FXS who grew up in FXS families. Women with FXS had a significantly lower IQ than the other groups, and analyses of subtest profiles showed they had a relative weakness on Arithmetic and strength on Picture Completion. Women with FXS performed worse than the other groups on executive function, spatial ability, and visual memory. Next, women with FXS were compared with women without FXS matched on age and IQ. A similar IQ profile was found, but women with FXS were worse than controls only on executive function. The authors also examined which neurocognitive indices were related to the underlying biology of the disorder. Overall, the results indicated that executive rather than visuospatial deficits were primary in the neurocognitive profile of FXS.

Adolescent↗

Beta2-adrenoceptor genotype and function affect hemodynamic profile heterogeneity in postural tachycardia syndrome.

Previous studies suggest that the beta2-adrenoceptor functions abnormally in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and may contribute to their altered hemodynamic profile. To test the hypothesis that the beta2-adrenoceptor response is decreased in POTS, we studied: (1) the arterial vasodilation response to the beta agonist, isoproterenol, and (2) the distribution of common polymorphisms (codons 16 and 27) of the gene coding the receptor (beta2-AR) in a large population with POTS. We measured plasma catecholamines and monitored hemodynamics and changes in forearm and leg blood flow to incremental doses of intraarterial isoproterenol in 9 patients with POTS compared with 8 healthy subjects. For polymorphism assessment we collected DNA from 57 patients with POTS and compared with 67 age-sex matched healthy subjects. Circulating catecholamines were significantly higher in POTS subjects compared with controls. Intrabrachial and intrafemoral isoproterenol infusion elicited a dose-dependent increase in blood flow. In healthy subjects, blood flow increased (mean+/-SEM) 400+/-70% in the forearm and 170+/-40% in the leg, but only 280+/-60% in forearms and 120+/-20% in legs of patients with POTS (ANOVA for both P<0.001). The genotype and allele distributions for codons 16 and 27 beta2-AR variants were not different in the 2 groups. However, the blood pressure and plasma norepinephrine levels diverged in patients according to their genotype. Patients with Gly16Gly and patients with Glu27Glu had lower plasma catecholamines and higher supine and upright blood pressure, compared with other genotypes. Therefore, both decreased beta2-adrenoceptor-related vasodilation and beta2-AR polymorphisms may contribute to the hemodynamic diversity of patients with POTS.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Beneficial effects of ACTH on the serum lipoprotein profile and glomerular function in patients with membranous nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that short-term treatment with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) has a strong and rapid lipid-lowering effect. In this long-term study of nephrotic patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy, the influence of ACTH on the serum lipoprotein profile and glomerular function as well as the dose-effect relationship was investigated. METHODS: Fourteen patients received ACTH intramuscularly at increasing doses during 56 days. Serum concentrations of lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins as well as variables of glomerular function were analyzed, and the side-effects were recorded. ACTH treatment, in the estimated optimal dosage, was then continued in five patients with severe steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. In these five patients, the total treatment period was 12 months, and the follow-up time after discontinuing treatment was 18 months. RESULTS: Taking both the statistically significant therapeutic effects and the modest side-effects into consideration, the optimal dosage of ACTH was estimated to be 1 mg twice per week. At that dose, reductions by 30 to 60% in the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) were observed, whereas the serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein AI rose by 30 to 40%. In addition, the urinary albumin excretion decreased by 90%, and the glomerular filtration rate increased by 25%. Deterioration was observed in all cases when ACTH was discontinued after a treatment duration of 56 days. However, the five patients in whom ACTH therapy was resumed were still in remission 18 months after discontinuance of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: In nephrotic patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy, treatment with ACTH 1 mg twice per week was associated with significant long-term improvements in serum lipoprotein pattern and glomerular function.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

A semi-separable utility function for health profiles.

Under expected utility, the individual preferences over lotteries on health profiles can be represented either by a multiplicative utility function, when mutual utility independence is claimed, or, an additive one (known as QALY), when it is claimed additive independence. In this paper, we impose a weaker condition, i.e., utility independence with respect to the initial health states of an individual decision maker, initial independence, and we derive a semi-separable utility function. In addition, we assess its parameters by a Standard Gamble procedure. Our results could be useful in cost-utility analysis for carrying out health care program evaluations.

Cost-Benefit Analysis↗

Effects of diazepam on neutrophil (PMN) free amino acid profiles and immune functions in vitro. Metabolical and immunological consequences of L-alanyl-L-glutamine supplementation.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of diazepam, L-alanyl-L-glutamine (ala-gln) or diazepam combined with ala-gln on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) free amino acid profiles. In a parallel study the effects on PMN immune functions were also documented for the first time. The incubation of whole blood with diazepam led to significant changes in PMN free glutamine, aspartate, glutamate, ornithine, arginine, citrulline, taurine and methionine as well as branched chain and neutral amino acid concentrations. Ala-gln caused significant increases in PMN glutamine and alanine and asparagine, aspartate, glutamate, ornithine, arginine, serine and glycine profiles. Regarding PMN immune functions, diazepam significantly decreased superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) and hydrogen peroxide production (H(2)O(2)) and myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) while ala-gln significantly increased PMN immune functions. Ala-gln supplemented to diazepam largely reversed the changes in PMN amino acid profiles and PMN immune functions brought about by diazepam. Overall, diazepam or ala-gln lead to significant changes in PMN free amino acids. Important PMN immune functions also seem to be affected. In regards to the results, there is significant relevance to the pharmacological regimens which enhance the supply of diazepam or ala-gln in whole blood suggesting that considerable changes in PMN "labile free amino acid pool" occur. These regimens often follow beneficial nutritional therapy or maleficent pharmacological stress and may be one of the determinants in cell nutrition which influence PMN function. It is partially through its effect on PMN labile free amino acid pool that ala-gln supplemented to diazepam may maintain PMN immune functions in vitro.

Journal Article↗

Functional and transcriptional profiling of MUTZ-3, a myeloid cell line acting as a model for dendritic cells.

The incidence of allergy is steadily increasing, but the molecular mechanisms involved in the allergic immune response are still not fully understood. In particular, further investigations focusing on dendritic cells, which are central in orchestrating the immune response, are needed. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of myeloid leukaemia-derived cell lines, such as KG-1, THP-1 and MUTZ-3, to serve as in vitro models for dendritic cells. The ability of these cell lines to mature into functional dendritic cells, expressing costimulatory molecules, was assessed by functional and transcriptional profiling and compared with that of monocyte-derived dendritic cells, which are now used as a standard source of dendritic cells. High-density microarray analysis was utilized to study the transcriptional activity and kinetics of activation of the differentiated MUTZ-3 cell line, in response to a cocktail of inflammatory cytokines. The data obtained clearly demonstrate that MUTZ-3 cells have the ability to induce antigen-independent proliferation in CD4(+) CD45RA(+) T cells, whereas KG-1 and THP-1 only induced a marginal response. Furthermore, MUTZ-3 displayed the phenotypic and transcriptional profiles of immature dendritic cells, after differentiation with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4. Upon activation with inflammatory cytokines, MUTZ-3 matured phenotypically and exhibited a gene induction similar to that of monocyte-derived dendritic cells. This delineation of the cellular and transcriptional activity of MUTZ-3, in response to maturational stimuli, demonstrates the significance of this cell line as a model for functional studies of inflammatory responses.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗

Effects of melatonin and zinc on lipid profile and renal function in type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled with metformin.

Glycemic control and prevention of secondary complications are the most important goals of using pharmacologic treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). The inadequate responses to oral hypoglycemic agents may be attributed to inadequate postreceptor events even when insulin levels are quite sufficient, and associated with oxidative stress induced by long-term hyperglycemia. The administration of antioxidants such as melatonin and zinc may improve tissue responses to insulin and increase the efficacy of drugs, e.g. metformin, which act through this pathway. This project was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin and zinc on the lipid profile and renal function in type 2 DM patients poorly controlled with metformin. A placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was performed in which 46 type 2 diabetic patients were selected and allocated into three groups. These groups were treated with single daily oral doses of both 10 mg of melatonin and 50 mg of zinc acetate alone: 10 mg of melatonin and 50 mg of zinc acetate in addition to the regularly used metformin or placebo, given at bedtime for 90 days. Fasting lipid profiles and microalbuminuria (MAU) were measured before initiating the treatments (zero time) and after 30 and 90 days of treatment. Daily administration of melatonin and zinc improved the impaired lipid profile and decreased the level of MAU; the addition of this treatment regimen in combination with metformin improved the tissue responses to this oral hypoglycemic agent. In conclusion, the combination of melatonin and zinc acetate, when used alone or in combination with metformin, improves DM-related complications such as the impaired lipid profile and MAU in type 2 DM patients.

Adult↗

Platelet functions and lipid profile in haemorrhagic and thrombotic stroke patients.

The present study was conducted in 17 patients of haemorrhagic stroke (HS), 19 patients of thrombotic stroke (TS) and 14 control subjects. In each subject platelet functions (spontaneous platelet aggregation (SPA), aggregation induced with 10, 5, 2.5 microM ADP and 10 micrograms/ml of collagen) and complete lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL], very low density lipoprotein [VLDL] and LDL/HDL ratio) were performed within 7 days of onset of stroke. Platelet aggregation with 2.5 microM ADP was significantly lower (P < 0.05), in both the stroke groups in comparison to controls. No other changes were significant. Mean serum triglycerides and VLDL of TS group were significantly higher than that of controls. Mean LDL/HDL ratio of the same group was significantly lower than HS group. It can be concluded that alterations in platelet functions and lipid profile are induced by both types of strokes in acute stage.

Adult↗

Assigning protein functions by comparative genome analysis: protein phylogenetic profiles.

Determining protein functions from genomic sequences is a central goal of bioinformatics. We present a method based on the assumption that proteins that function together in a pathway or structural complex are likely to evolve in a correlated fashion. During evolution, all such functionally linked proteins tend to be either preserved or eliminated in a new species. We describe this property of correlated evolution by characterizing each protein by its phylogenetic profile, a string that encodes the presence or absence of a protein in every known genome. We show that proteins having matching or similar profiles strongly tend to be functionally linked. This method of phylogenetic profiling allows us to predict the function of uncharacterized proteins.

Bacterial Proteins↗

Lung lavage fluid from patients with alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency or chronic obstructive bronchitis: anti-elastase function and cell profile.

The anti-elastase composition of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (alpha 1PI) deficient and bronchitic patients was determined by immunological and functional assays, together with the cell profile of the BAL fluid. alpha 1PI, anti-leucoprotease and alpha 2-macroglobulin were present in all the samples BAL fluid alpha 1PI concentrations were significantly lower in the group with serum alpha 1PI deficiency. Lavage fluid from alpha 1PI deficient subjects inhibited less porcine pancreatic elastase than bronchitic BAL fluid (P less than 0.005). However, the alpha 1PI was only about 50% active as an inhibitor in both groups. There was no difference in the amount of neutrophil elastase (NE) inhibited per ml of lavage fluid or per mol of the measured inhibitors in the secretions, but both groups inhibited more enzyme than would be expected for these inhibitors (alpha 1PI deficient: median 4.78 mol of NE/mol of known inhibitors, range 0.88-78.80; bronchitic: 1.14, 0.21-4.66), suggesting that an additional inhibitor is present. The total leucocyte and neutrophil counts were elevated (2P less than 0.01) in the lavages of alpha 1PI deficient patients, suggesting a greater potential elastase burden than subjects with normal alpha 1PI.

Adult↗