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Biocompatibility evaluation of ePTFE membrane modified with PEG in atmospheric pressure glow discharge.

ePTFE membranes were modified by poly(ethylene glycol) having a molecular weight of 600 (PEG-600) in atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APG) plasma treatment. ePTFE membranes were immersed in 1%, 3%, or 5% (w/v) PEG-600 in dehydrated ethanol. PEG-600-penetrated ePTFE membranes were dried in a vacuum to immediately remove ethanol, then treated with APG at 20 kHz and 60-70 W for 15 min and thoroughly washed with ethanol and water. PEG-600-modified ePTFE membranes were analyzed using contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ePTFE membrane contact angles were reduced after PEG-600 plasma treatment. FTIR-ATR spectra showed an absorption band due to a PEG hydroxyl group (-OH). SEM showed that ePTFE fiber surfaces were uniformly immobilized with PEG-600 and retained their porous structure. A general biological evaluation of the PEG-modified ePTFE membranes showed no cytotoxicity on CHO-K1 cell lines and no hemolytic action. Albumin adsorption on the PEG-modified ePTFE membranes increased with increasing PEG-600 deposited on ePTFE membranes. Fibrinogen adsorption decreased with increasing PEG-600 deposited on ePTFE membranes. gamma-Globulin adsorption did not change before or after PEG plasma modification. 1% and 3% PEG-600 plasma-treated ePTFE only slightly increased platelet adhesion, but adhering platelets evidenced no pseudopod formation. 5% PEG-600-modified ePTFE showed relatively large numbers of platelet adhesion. We concluded that 3% PEG-600-modified ePTFE membrane had the best physical properties and biological compatibility, indicating 3% PEG-600-modified ePTFE membranes exhibit the potential for blood filter application.

Adsorption↗

The influence of fixation peg design on the shear stability of prosthetic implants.

The variety of fixation peg designs existing on prosthetic implants indicates uncertainty regarding the optimum design of fixation pegs for the reduction of stress and relative motion at the bone-implant interface. Fixation pegs have a number of important functions on a prosthesis, one of which is to reduce shear stress and shear displacement at the bone-implant interface. This is a parametric study intended to identify trends in the shear stability of prostheses incorporating a range of fixation peg designs. The parameters varied included the number of fixation pegs on a surface, the size of the pegs, and the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of the pegs. Mechanical tests were performed on urethane foam blocks with mechanical properties comparable to trabecular bone. The results indicated the following: (a) Fixation pegs act independently in resisting shearing force if they are spaced sufficiently far apart. (b) For any given shear displacement, smaller pegs generate a greater resistive shear force per unit of peg projected area in the direction of the applied load than larger pegs having the same aspect ratio. (c) Smaller diameter pegs cause the supporting material to yield at lower displacements. (d) Pegs with a high aspect ratio provide high shear stability with a minimum amount of bone removed, but may bend if the aspect ratio becomes excessive. (e) Smaller, slender pegs generate a greater resistive shear force at a given displacement per unit of peg volume than larger, lower aspect ratio pegs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Equipment Design↗

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable nanoparticles entrapping immunodominant peptide conjugated with PEG for oral tolerance induction.

PEG-conjugated immunodominant peptides for collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were prepared for oral tolerance induction instead of whole Type II collagen (CII), because a small peptide can be converted to a macromolecule soluble in methylene chloride by the coupling of poly-ethylene glycol (PEG). PEG-pep1 was synthesized from a peptide and mPEG-NH2 (Mw approximately 5000) using SPDP as a linker, whereas PEG-pep2 was prepared by the direct disulfide coupling between PEG-OD (Mw approximately 10,000) and the peptide. PEG-pep1 and PEG-pep2 were purified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and the peak fractions of GPC were identified by GPC and MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. The peptide coupling gave much earlier retention times for PEG-pep1 (11.26 min) and PEG-pep2 (10.61 min) than for mPEG-SPDP (15.63 min) and mPEG-OD (14.58 min). The Mw's of mPEG-NH2, mPEG-SPDP, PEG-pep1, mPEG-OD and PEG-pep2 were 5451, 5588, 7035, 10,360 and 11,826, respectively, suggesting that PEG-pep1 and PEG-pep2 of high purity could be obtained. The nanoparticles entrapping PEG-pep1 and PEG-pep2 (NP/PEG-pep1 and NP/PEG-pep2) were prepared by the o/w solvent evaporation method, whereas the peptide-loaded nanoparticles (NP/pep) were prepared by the w/o/w double emulsion method. Although all the nanoparticles had a similar spherical morphology under scanning electron microscopy, NP/pep showed up as having a larger mean size than the others, which was confirmed by dynamic light scattering analysis (NP/pep, 499.7+/-27.2 nm; NP/PEG-pep1, 333.0+/-16.8 nm; NP/PEG-pep2, 342.4+/-15.1 nm). The lower encapsulation efficiency of NP/pep (21.0+/-1.6%) than NP/PEG-pep1 (66.5+/-5.0%) and NP/PEG-pep2 (73.8+/-5.5%) can also be attributed to the preparation method. In in vitro release studies, NP/PEG-pep1 and NP/PEG-pep2 displayed a similar release profile, close to a linear release pattern, whereas NP/pep displayed a tri-phasic release profile. From these results, it was demonstrated that nanoparticles entrapping a PEG-conjugated peptide could be an alternative delivery method for the induction of oral tolerance rather than CII and peptide.

Animals↗

Conjugates of cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline and poly(PEG-Lys), a water soluble poly(ether urethane): synthesis and evaluation of antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo.

Synthetic approaches for the preparation of macromolecular conjugates of the antifibrotic agent cis-4-hydroxy-L-proline (cHyp) were explored, and the efficacy of the conjugates in inhibiting collagen accumulation was investigated in vitro and in vivo. In one approach, poly(PEG-Lys), an alternating copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and lysine, was used as the carrier. To prepare pendent chain systems, cHyp was attached to poly(PEG-Lys) through an amide linkage [poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp amide)] or through an ester linkage [poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp ester)]. In an alternative approach, cHyp was incorporated into the backbone of a linear copolymer consisting of PEG, succinic acid, and cHyp units [poly(PEG-succinate-cHyp)]. Bioactivity in vitro was assessed by the ability of the cHyp conjugates to inhibit growth of cultured smooth muscle cells (SMC) and rat lung fibroblasts (RLF). Cell numbers were compared to control experiments in the presence of biologically inactive trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (tHyp). After a 5 day period, the presence of 8 micrograms/mL of cHyp delivered by poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp amide) resulted in a 47% reduction in the number of SMC (p < 0.05), the presence of 36 micrograms/mL of cHyp delivered by poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp ester) resulted in a 38% reduction in the number of SMC (p < 0.05), while the presence of 118 micrograms/mL of cHyp delivered by poly(PEG-succinate-cHyp) resulted in a 31% reduction in the number of cells (p < 0.05). An identical trend was observed for the inhibition of RLF growth. In general, poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp amide) was most active, followed by poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp ester) and the backbone system, poly(PEG-succinate-cHyp). Specifically, poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp amide) was over 100-fold more active in inhibiting cell growth than free cHyp. Bioactivity in vivo was evaluated by measuring collagen accumulation in subcutaneously implanted poly(vinyl alcohol) sponges in rats. Among the tested conjugates, poly(PEG-Lys-cHyp amide) was most active, reducing collagen accumulation in the sponge by 33% after 14 days relative to controls (p < 0.05). This result indicates that the covalent attachment of cHyp to poly(PEG-Lys) carries may be a useful strategy for the local inhibition of collagen accumulation in tissues.

Animals↗

Site-specific PEGylation of hemoglobin at Cys-93(beta): correlation between the colligative properties of the PEGylated protein and the length of the conjugated PEG chain.

Increasing the molecular size of acellular hemoglobin (Hb) has been proposed as an approach to reduce its undesirable vasoactive properties. The finding that bovine Hb surface decorated with about 10 copies of PEG5K per tetramer is vasoactive provides support for this concept. The PEGylated bovine Hb has a strikingly larger molecular radius than HbA (1). The colligative properties of the PEGylated bovine Hb are distinct from those of HbA and even polymerized Hb, suggesting a role for the colligative properties of PEGylated Hb in neutralizing the vasoactivity of acellular Hb. To correlate the colligative properties of surface-decorated Hb with the mass of the PEG attached and also its vasoactivity, we have developed a new maleimide-based protocol for the site-specific conjugation of PEG to Hb, taking advantage of the unusually high reactivity of Cys-93(beta) of oxy HbA and the high reactivity of the maleimide to protein thiols. PEG chains of 5, 10, and 20 kDa have been functionalized at one of their hydroxyl groups with a maleidophenyl moiety through a carbamate linkage and used to conjugate the PEG chains at the beta-93 Cys of HbA to generate PEGylated Hbs carrying two copies of PEG (of varying chain length) per tetramer. Homogeneous preparations of (SP-PEG5K)(2)-HbA, (SP-PEG10K)(2)-HbA, and (SP-PEG20K)(2)-HbA have been isolated by ion exchange chromatography. The oxygen affinity of Hb is increased slightly on PEGylation, but the length of the PEG-chain had very little additional influence on the O(2) affinity. Both the hydrodynamic volume and the molecular radius of the Hb increased on surface decoration with PEG and exhibited a linear correlation with the mass of the PEG chain attached. On the other hand, both the viscosity and the colloidal osmotic pressure (COP) of the PEGylated Hbs exhibited an exponential increase with the increase in PEG chain length. In contrast to the molecular volume, viscosity, and COP, the vasoactivity of the PEGylated Hbs was not a direct correlate of the PEG chain length. There appeared to be a threshold for the PEG chain length beyond which the protection against vasoactivity is decreased. These results suggest that the modulation of the vasoactivity of Hb by PEG could be a function of the surface shielding afforded by the PEG, the latter being a function of the disposition of the PEG chain on the protein surface, which in turn is a function of the length of the PEG chain. Thus, the biochemically homogeneous PEGylated Hbs described in the present study, surface-decorated with PEG chains of appropriate size, could serve as potential candidates for Hb-based oxygen carriers.

Animals↗

Final report on the safety assessment of PEG-6, -8, and -20 sorbitan beeswax.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-6, -8, and -20 Sorbitan Beeswax are ethoxylated derivatives of Beeswax that function as surfactants in cosmetic formulations. Only PEG-20 Sorbitan Beeswax is currently reported to be used, at concentrations up to 11%. Few data on the PEGs Sorbitan Beeswax ingredients were available. This safety assessment relied upon the available data from previous safety assessments of Beeswax, Synthetic Beeswax, Sorbitan Esters, PEGs, and PEG Sorbitan fatty acid esters, also known as Polysorbates. The ester linkage of PEG Sorbitan fatty acid esters was hydrolyzed after oral administration, and the PEG Sorbitan moiety was poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Sorbitan Stearate was hydrolyzed to stearic acid and anhydrides of sorbitol in the rat. PEGs are readily absorbed through damaged skin and are associated with contact dermatitis and systemic toxicity in burn patients. PEGs were not sensitizing to normal skin. PEGs did not cause reproductive toxicity, nor were tested PEGs mutagenic or carcinogenic. Sorbitol was not a reproductive or developmental toxin in multigenerational studies in rats. Neither Beeswax nor Synthetic Beeswax produced significant acute animal toxicity, ocular irritation, skin irritation, or skin sensitization. Polysorbates produced no acute or long-term effects, were generally not irritating or sensitizing, and were noncarcinogenic, although studies did demonstrate enhancement of the activity of chemical carcinogens. Sorbitan fatty acid esters were relatively nontoxic via ingestion, generally were not skin irritants or sensitizers, and were not mutagenic or carcinogenic. Sorbitan Laurate was a cocarcinogen in a mouse skin-painting study. PEG-6 Sorbitan Beeswax delivered via a stomach tube was nontoxic in rats in acute studies. Undiluted PEG-6 Sorbitan Beeswax was nonirritating to the eyes of rabbits and was non-irritating to intact and abraded skin of rabbits. PEG-20 Sorbitan Beeswax was only minimally irritating to rabbit eyes at concentrations as high as 30%, and was not a significant skin irritant in rabbits exposed to a product with PEG-20 Sorbitan Beeswax at 2%. In clinical tests, PEG-6 and -20 Sorbitan Beeswax at concentrations up to 3% were only minimally irritating and were nonsensitizers. Careful consideration was made of the data on the cocarcinogenesis, but the high exposure levels, high frequency of exposure, and absence of a dose-response led to the conclusion that there was not a cocarcinogenesis risk with the use of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Accordingly, these ingredients were considered safe for use in cosmetic formulations under the present practices of use.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗

A new titanium peg system for hydroxyapatite orbital implants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new hydroxyapatite-coated titanium sleeve and titanium peg system for HA orbital implants. METHODS: The authors followed 54 patients receiving an HA-coated titanium sleeve and peg system and analyzed the complications associated with this peg system. The following data were recorded: type of surgery performed, size of implant used, type of HA used, time of pegging, follow-up duration, problems encountered, and treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients received the HA-coated titanium peg and sleeve system. The average duration of follow-up was 15 months (range, 3-30 months). Three patients were lost to follow-up after 1 month. Complications associated with peg placement in 54 patients included: discharge (9.2%), pyogenic granulomas (14.8%), peg falling out during prosthesis removal (9.2%), poor transfer of movement (1.8%), clicking (3.7%), conjunctiva overgrowing peg (1.8%), part of sleeve shaft visible (9.2%), peg drilled on an angle (1.8%), HA visible around peg hole (3.7%), and loose sleeve (3.7%). CONCLUSION: The HA-coated titanium sleeve and titanium peg is a new peg system available for HA orbital implants. Many of the complications associated with this peg system are similar to the commonly used polycarbonate peg system. Pyogenic granulomas and discharge, however, appear to be less frequently encountered with this new system. The HA-coated titanium sleeve and titanium pegs were well tolerated and appeared quieter in the socket than most polycarbonate pegs.

Adult↗

Anticoagulant efficacy of PEG-Hirudin in patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Heparins are currently the anticoagulants of choice in long-term hemodialysis (HD). Because of their shortcomings, including the increasing incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT II), alternative anticoagulation is necessary. The study objectives were to provide safe and effective HD by investigating an appropriate PEG (polyethylene glycol)-Hirudin dosage regimen in patients on HD, as well as to compare the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of PEG-Hirudin with that of unfractionated heparin (UFH). METHODS: Twenty patients (12 males, 8 females, mean age 57.8 years) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) took part in the study. Dialysis sessions lasting a mean of 4.3 hours (QB 250 to 300 mL/min, QD 500 mL/min) were performed 3 times a week with a Gambro GFS plus 16 dialyzer. Ten patients (group I) received UFH at 3 regular dialysis sessions (HD1-3) followed by 5 dialysis sessions using PEG-Hirudin (HD4-8). Another 10 patients (group II) received UFH at 3 regular dialysis sessions (HD1-3) followed by 10 sessions on PEG-Hirudin (HD4-13). The starting dose of PEG-Hirudin was a single bolus injection of 80 microg/kg BW (HD4), except for the first patient, who received 50 microg/kg BW followed by a 12 microg/kg bolus. Before each of the following sessions (HD5-13), an individualized PEG-Hirudin dose of between 26 to 65 microg/kg body weight (BW) (mean dose 41 microg/kg BW) was injected. PEG-Hirudin plasma and blood concentrations derived from anti-Iia activity and ecarin clotting time (ECT), respectively, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), bleeding time, and arteriovenous (AV) fistula compression time were investigated to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters or to assess anticoagulant efficacy. RESULTS: Mean predialysis PEG-Hirudin plasma concentrations increased up to a maximum of 488 ng/mL in group I (HD8) and up to 536 ng/mL in group II (HD8). Mean plasma concentrations measured at 5 minutes after the 1st (HD4), 5th (HD8), and 10th (HD13) PEG-Hirudin injection ranged from 1076 to 1298 ng/mL. Mean post-dialysis plasma levels ranged from 818 to 995 ng/mL. Mean predialysis aPTT was not affected by UFH, but was prolonged by 46 to 56 seconds by PEG-Hirudin. Five minutes after injecting PEG-Hirudin or UFH, mean aPTT was prolonged to a maximum of 85 and 188 seconds, respectively. Mean post-dialysis aPTT values ranged from 60 to 68 seconds after PEG-Hirudin and 34 to 46 seconds after UFH. PEG-Hirudin was well tolerated; no serious adverse events or bleeding complications were observed. Safety assessments yielded no significant difference between the two anticoagulants. CONCLUSION: This pilot study confirmed the usefulness and tolerability of a PEG-Hirudin dose regimen consisting of a single, fixed bolus dose of 80 microg/kg BW injected before starting the first dialysis session (HD4) and followed by a dose titration period over at least 4 sessions (HD5-8), which again was followed by a fixed maintenance dose period (HD9-13). On the basis of PEG-Hirudin data from patients with various degrees of renal insufficiency but not undergoing hemodialysis and prior recombinant-hirudin (r-hirudin) experience, patients were titrated into an EC-controlled dose range that proved to be efficacious enough to prevent clotting and safe enough to prevent bleeding. Due to the favorable pharmacokinetic properties of PEG-Hirudin, a residual anticoagulant effect is maintained in the intervals between dialysis sessions, and this permanent state of anticoagulation may prevent vascular access complications as well as other vascular events.

Adult↗

Enhancement of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified cationic liposome-mediated gene deliveries: effects on serum stability and transfection efficiency.

In this study, we modified cationic liposomes either by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafting or PEG-adding methods, and compared the physical properties of transfection complexes and transfection efficiency in-vitro and prolonged circulation in-vivo. The PEG-grafted transfection complexes were prepared by mixing plasmid DNA with PEG-grafted cationic liposomes, which were composed of DSPE-PEG 2000 and cationic lipids. The PEG-added transfection complexes were prepared by adding DSPE-PEG 2000 to the mixture of cationic liposomes and plasmid DNA. The particle sizes of the PEG-modified transfection complexes (approximately 200 nm) changed a little over 4 weeks compared with the conventional transfection complexes. In the presence of serum, the transfection efficiency of the conventional transfection complexes was lowered whereas the transfection efficiency of the PEG-modified transfection complexes was maintained. Moreover, the transfection efficiency of the conventional transfection complexes was significantly reduced when they were stored. However, the transfection efficiency was stable for the PEG-modified transfection complexes, even after two weeks of storage. Of the in-vitro transfection efficiencies, there was no difference between PEG-grafted and PEG-added transfection complexes. When the conventional, PEG-grafted, and PEG-added transfection complexes were administered into mice by the tail vein, the PEG-added transfection complexes showed a prolonged circulation of plasmid DNA compared with other transfection complexes. These results suggest that the PEG-added transfection complexes could be a useful non-viral vector because of their simplicity in preparation, enhanced stability and prolonged circulation compared with the conventional transfection complexes.

Cations↗

Analysis of peg formation in cucumber seedlings grown on clinostats and in a microgravity (space) environment.

In young cucumber seedlings, the peg is a polar out-growth of tissue that functions by snagging the seed coat, thereby freeing the cotyledons. Previous studies have indicated that peg formation is gravity dependent. In this study we analyzed peg formation in cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L. cv Burpee Hybrid II) grown under conditions of normal gravity, microgravity, and simulated microgravity (clinostat rotation). Seeds were germinated on the ground, in clinostats and on board the space shuttle (STS 95) for 1-2 days, frozen and subsequently examined for their stage of development, degree of hook formation, number of pegs formed, and peg morphology. The frequency of peg formation in space grown seedlings was found to be nearly identical to that of clinostat grown seedlings and to differ from that of seedlings germinated under normal gravity only in a minority of cases; approximately 6% of the seedlings formed two pegs and nearly 2% of the seedlings lacked pegs, whereas such abnormalities did not occur in ground controls. The degree of hook formation was found to be less pronounced for space grown seedlings, compared to clinostat grown seedlings, indicating a greater degree of decoupling between peg formation and hook formation in space. Nonetheless, in all seedlings having single pegs and a hook, the peg was found to be positioned correctly on the inside of the hook, showing that there is coordinate development even in microgravity environments. Peg morphologies were altered in space grown samples, with the pegs having a blunt appearance and many pegs showing alterations in expansion, with the peg extending out over the edges of the seed coat and downwards. These phenotypes were not observed in clinostat or ground grown seedlings.

Cucumis sativus↗

A reactive poly(ethylene glycol) layer to achieve specific surface plasmon resonance sensing with a high S/N ratio: the substantial role of a short underbrushed PEG layer in minimizing nonspecific adsorption.

A reactive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-brushed layer was constructed on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor chip using a heterobifunctional PEG possessing an acetal group at one end and a mercapto group at the other end (alpha-acetal-omega-mercapto-PEG). The density of the PEG brushed layer substantially increased with repetitive adsorption/rinse cycles of the PEG on the sensor chip, allowing dramatic reduction of nonspecific protein adsorption. Notably, formation of a short, filler layer of PEG (2 kDa) in the preconstructed longer PEG brushed layer (5 kDa) achieved almost complete prevention of nonspecific protein adsorption. The acetal group located at the distal end of the tethered PEG was converted to an aldehyde group by the acid treatment, followed by the installation of biocytin hydrazide through Schiff base formation. SPR sensing of streptavidin was done with a very high S/N ratio even in a proteinous medium using the biotinylated PEG (5 kDa) tethered chip with an inert filler layer of short PEG (2 kDa). Furthermore, the specific affinity of streptavidin for the biotinylated PEG was highly influenced by the length of the filler PEG and was significantly reduced when the length of the filler PEG was longer than that of the biotinylated PEG. This result clearly revealed the substantial importance of the steric factor on biospecific interaction at the distal end of tethered PEG on the sensor surface.

Adsorption↗

Mechanism of the augmentative effect of high polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations on the thyroid stimulating activity in TSAb-IgG using a porcine thyroid cell assay.

We previously demonstrated that high polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentrations (5% PEG) significantly augmented cAMP production in response to TSAb-IgG using the porcine thyroid cell (PTC) assay. The mechanism of the stimulatory effect of 5% PEG on cAMP production was examined by a two-step incubation with PTC. TSAb-IgG was preincubated with or without addition of 5% PEG in the PTC assay for 2.5 hr (1st incubation) and separated PTC was re-incubated with fresh Hank's buffer for 5 hr (2nd incubation). cAMP production in the 1st incubation medium by co-incubation of TSAb-IgG and 5% PEG for 2.5 hr was significantly increased (3.3-fold) compared to that without 5% PEG. When the cAMP content in PTC and the incubation medium were compared in the same volume of incubation medium after co-incubation of TSAb-IgG and 5% PEG for 2.5 hr, cAMP contents in PTC were about 7-fold higher than that in the incubation medium, and this ratio did not change in the incubation medium of TSAb-IgG without 5% PEG. Similar increases in cAMP contents in PTC (6.6-fold) compared to the incubation medium were also observed with bTSH, although there was no augmentative effect of 5% PEG on cAMP production by bTSH in either the incubation medium or PTC. When PTC, which had been preincubated with normal-IgG and 5% PEG in the 1st incubation, was re-incubated with TSAb-IgG in the 2nd incubation medium, cAMP production by TSAb-IgG was not stimulated by 5% PEG. The augmentative effect of 5% PEG on cAMP production by TSAb-IgG was observed whenever 5% PEG and TSAb-IgG were co-incubated in either the 1st or 2nd incubation. However, no stimulatory effect of 5% PEG on bTSH was observed. These results suggested the stimulatory effect of 5% PEG on TSAb-IgG-stimulated cAMP production may be due to the increase of binding or incorporation of TSAb-IgG into the membranes of PTC compared to TSH.

Animals↗

Evaluation of the oxygen delivery ability of PEG-hemoglobin in Sprague-Dawley rats during hemodilution.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugation allows bovine hemoglobin (Hb) to retain its oxygen delivery capability while increasing its plasma expansion capacity. To determine whether PEG-Hb's ability to sustain life is due to its oxygen delivery capability rather than its plasma expansion capacity, Sprague-Dawley rats were exchange-transfused up to an 85% hematocrit reduction with either PEG-Hb, PEG-50%-methemoglobin (PEG-mHb), PEG-carbon monoxide hemoglobin (PEG-COHb) or PEG-human serum albumin (PEG-HSA). Survival and respiratory rates were monitored during the exchange transfusion, at five minutes, 24 hours and 48 hours post operative. Rats surviving 14 days were evaluated for hematology, blood chemistry and histopathology. Rats infused with PEG-Hb had a survival rate of 100% during the transfusion and 79% at 24 hours, as compared to 24 hour survival rates of 30% for PEG-mHb, and 0% for both PEG-COHb and PEG-HSA. PEG-Hb treated rats that survived the 2 week observation period had normal hematological and blood chemistry levels and no significant morphological effects. Therefore, this study demonstrates that PEG-Hb can sustain life while similar plasma expansion agents with less oxygen delivery capability are not as effective.

Animals↗

PEGylated adenovirus vectors containing RGD peptides on the tip of PEG show high transduction efficiency and antibody evasion ability.

BACKGROUND: PEGylation of adenovirus vectors (Ads) is an attractive strategy in gene therapy. Although many types of PEGylated Ad (PEG-Ads), which exhibit antibody evasion activity and long plasma half-life, have been developed, their entry into cells has been prevented by steric hindrance by polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. Likewise, sufficient gene expression for medical treatment could not be achieved. METHODS: A set of PEG-Ads, which have different PEG modification rates, was constructed, and gene expression was evaluated using A549 cells. A novel PEGylated Ad (RGD-PEG-Ad), which contained RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptides on the tip of PEG, was developed. We evaluated gene expression both in Coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR)-positive as well as -negative cells, and in vivo gene expression was also determined. Furthermore, the antibody evasion ability and the specificity of infection exhibited by this RGD-PEG-Ad were also evaluated. RESULTS: Whereas PEG-Ads decreased gene expression in CAR-positive cells, RGD-PEG-Ad enhanced gene expression notably, to a level about 200-fold higher than that of PEG-Ads. Moreover, gene expression of RGD-PEG-Ad was almost equal to that of Ad-RGD, which contains an RGD-motif in the fiber and exhibits among the highest gene expression of CAR-positive and -negative cells. Furthermore, although Ad-RGD gene expression decreased remarkably in the presence of anti-Ad antiserum, RGD-PEG-Ad maintained its activity against antibodies. In vivo experiments also demonstrated that the modification of Ads with RGD-PEG induced efficient gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we demonstrated that a new strategy, which combined integrin-targeting the RGD peptide on the tip of PEG and modified the Ad using this material, could enhance gene expression in both CAR-positive and -negative cells. At the same time, this novel PEGylated Ad maintained strong protective activity against antibodies. This strategy could also be easily modified for developing other vectors using other targeting molecules.

Adenoviridae↗

Outcome of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG): comparison of two policies in a 4-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the technique of choice for long-term enteral nutrition. Though safe and technically simple, PEG has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. AIM: We compared the outcome of strategies applied in two different periods; the original approach of PEG insertion during hospitalization (upon request), and PEG insertion 30 days after hospital discharge. METHODS: A cohort of 127 patients scheduled for PEG insertion from 1.1.1997 to 31.12.2000, was evaluated. In 61 consecutive patients admitted from 1.1.1997 to 31.12.1998 the PEG insertion was planned during hospitalization, as close to the time of the physician's request (period 1). Sixty-six consecutive patients admitted from 1.1.1999 to 31.12.2000 were scheduled for the PEG insertion 30 days after discharge (period 2). The 30-day mortality rate was calculated from the time of the request. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to find predictive factors for 30-day mortality. RESULTS: There were 61 patients with a mean age of 78+/-13 in period 1, and 66 patients with a mean age of 77.8+/-15.5 in period 2. There was no significant difference between patients of the two periods in regard to age, sex, underlying disease, nutritional and mental status. Patients received PEG 30 days after hospital discharge had a 40% lower 30-day mortality rate than patients who received PEG during hospitalization from the time of request for PEG (P=0.01) and a 87.5% lower rate when calculated from the time of insertion (P<0.0001). In-hospital PEG insertion, bed-ridden and disorientation were found to be independent factors predictive of 30-day mortality after PEG insertion (P=0.016,P=0.001, and P=0.0005, respectively). CONCLUSION: PEG insertion during hospitalization increases mortality and should be avoided. A grace period of 30 days with nasogastric tube feeding before PEG insertion may prevent mortality and achieve a long-term enteral nutrition.

Adult↗

The presence of PEG-lipids in liposomes does not reduce melittin binding but decreases melittin-induced leakage.

Poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG), anchored at the surface of liposomes via the conjugation to a lipid, is commonly used for increasing the liposome stability in the blood stream. In order to gain a better understanding of the protective properties of interfacial polymers, we have studied the binding of melittin to PEG-lipid-containing membranes as well as the melittin-induced efflux of a fluorescent marker from liposomes containing PEG-lipids. We examined the effect of the polymer size by using PEG with molecular weights of 2000 and 5000. In addition, we studied the role of the anchoring lipid by comparing PEG conjugated to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) which results in a negatively charged PEG-PE, with PEG conjugated to ceramide (Cer) which provides the neutral PEG-Cer. Our results show that interfacial PEG does not prevent melittin adsorption onto the interface. In fact, PEG-PE promotes melittin binding, most likely because of attractive electrostatic interactions with the negative interfacial charge density of the PEG-PE-containing liposomes. However, PEG-lipids limit the lytic potential of melittin. The phenomenon is proposed to be associated with the change in the polymorphic tendencies of the liposome bilayers. The present findings reveal that the protective effect associated with interfacial hydrophilic polymers is not universal. Molecules like melittin can sense surface charges borne by PEG-lipids, and the influence of PEG-lipids on liposomal properties such as the polymorphic propensities may be involved in the so-called protective effect.

Adsorption↗

PEG-SOD and myocardial protection. Studies in the blood- and crystalloid-perfused rabbit and rat hearts.

BACKGROUND: Polyethylene glycol, covalently linked to superoxide dismutase (PEG-SOD), has a long plasma half-life (greater than 30 hours) and has been proposed as an effective agent for reducing free radical-mediated injury ischemia and reperfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using an isolated rabbit heart perfused with arterial blood from a support rabbit, we have demonstrated that pretreatment with PEG-SOD (30,000 units/kg, intravenous bolus, 12-24 hours before 60 minutes of normothermic global ischemia), combined with addition of PEG-SOD to the blood perfusion circuit (30,000 units/kg to the support rabbit) and inclusion of PEG-SOD (150 micrograms/ml) in a cardioplegic solution, enhanced the postischemic recovery of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) from 51 +/- 6 to 74 +/- 9 mm Hg (p less than 0.05; n = 9 per group). In further studies we showed that, whereas maximum protection was obtained when PEG-SOD was given as a combined pretreatment and additive to both the cardioplegic and the reperfusate solutions (postischemic LVDP recovery increased from 44 +/- 4% in the control group to 70 +/- 3% in the PEG-SOD group), the administration of PEG-SOD during pretreatment plus cardioplegia or during reperfusion alone also resulted in a significant improvement in postischemic function (62 +/- 7% and 60 +/- 3%, respectively). However, the use of PEG-SOD as a cardioplegic additive alone failed to afford protection (47 +/- 4% recovery of LVDP). In dose-response studies (with 0, 3,000, 6,000, 12,000, 30,000, or 60,000 units/kg; n = 8 per group), maximum recovery of LVDP was obtained with the administration of 12,000 units/kg of PEG-SOD. Studies of the plasma activity of PEG-SOD confirmed its long half-life and showed that the treatment with PEG-SOD either 1 hour or 12-24 hours before the study resulted in similar levels of plasma activity. In an attempt to assess any involvement of blood-borne elements in the protection afforded by PEG-SOD, studies were also carried out in the crystalloid-perfused rabbit heart, and no protection was observed. Similarly, no protection was observed at any one of a variety of doses in the crystalloid-perfused rat heart. CONCLUSIONS: PEG-SOD can afford protection in the blood-perfused rabbit heart; this protection is dose dependent and probably involves some action of PEG-SOD on blood-borne elements, possibly leukocytes.

Animals↗

Repeat percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG): an outpatient procedure.

Patients who have previously undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) with subsequent PEG removal occasionally require elective repeat PEG. Adhesion of the stomach to the abdominal wall after the original PEG allows repeat PEG to be performed as an outpatient procedure and full-volume tube feeding to be started immediately. Elective repeat PEG was performed in ten patients. Repeat PEG was performed at the site of the original PEG in all cases. Six of the ten repeat PEGs were performed as an outpatient procedure. No complications were attributed to repeat PEG, and full-volume tube feedings were tolerated in all cases when attempted. To obviate the need for repeat PEG, we recommend immediate replacement after inadvertent PEG removal and avoiding elective removal of PEGs used in patients with long-term neurologic impairment for at least 6 months.

Ambulatory Surgical Procedures↗