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Corticosterone and growth hormone levels in shorebirds during spring and fall migration stopover.

Large numbers of shorebirds stop over at Delaware Bay during spring migration and undergo major mass increases within a two- to three-week period. We studied plasma levels of corticosterone and growth hormone in three species of migrants that use this site, sanderlings, Calidris alba, semipalmated plovers, Charadrius semipalmatus, and semipalmated sandpipers, Calidris pusilla. Semipalmated sandpipers were also studied at a fall migration stopover in Manomet, Massachusetts. These two hormones were chosen because they modulate the physiological processes of lipogenesis/lipolysis and promote increased feeding in birds. The stress response was not suppressed in the shorebirds studied, and plasma levels of corticosterone were elevated compared to other studies. We believe that the high levels of corticosterone relate to the rapid fat deposition that takes place at this stop-over site. There was a significant negative correlation between plasma growth hormone and body mass, indicating the lipolytic effects of the growth hormone. Because the lighter birds are recent arrivals to Delaware Bay they may have elevated plasma growth because of fat breakdown during flight to this stop-over site. High levels of growth hormone may also result in protein synthesis, replenishing tissues broken down during the previous migratory bout. J. Exp. Zool. 284:645-651, 1999.

Animals↗

Fibrin(ogen) in cardiovascular disease: an update.

The notion that fibrinogen is strongly, consistently, and independently related to cardiovascular risk has been widely accepted. The evidence is based on numerous prospective epidemiological studies and clinical observations. In meta-analysis, an association between even modest increases (10%) in fibrinogen and future coronary heart disease (CHD) endpoints has been found with an odds ratio for CHD of 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.0, if the top tertile of the fibrinogen distribution was compared to the bottom tertile; but fibrinogen levels were also associated with unstable and stable coronary artery disease, and coronary complications after interventions. Similar results have been obtained for incident stroke, progression of peripheral arterial disease, and finally for total mortality. The reasons however, why fibrinogen is elevated in cardiovascular disease and in atherosclerosis in general, are only incompletely understood; but all cells involved in the atherogenetic process are able to produce cytokines which induce an acute phase reaction, and thus increase fibrinogen plasma levels. The potential pathophysiological mechanisms by which elevated fibrinogen levels mediate cardiovascular risk are manyfold: It forms the substrate for thrombin and represents the final step in the coagulation cascade; it is essential for platelet aggregation; it modulates endothelial function; it promotes smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration; it interacts with the binding of plasmin with its receptor, and finally it represents a major acute phase protein. Whether or not fibrinogen is causally involved in atherothrombogenesis still remains to be determined, and even though other unsolved issues await conclusive answers, fibrinogen has emerged as an important additional marker of cardiovascular risk.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗

The effect of distraction upon bone, muscle, and periosteum.

Bone lengthening was achieved on rabbit tibias by means of callus distraction (callotasis) using a dynamic external fixator. The periosteum and the muscle fascia were labeled with metal markers; changes in position of these markers during slow progressive distraction were monitored by soft radiography. During the waiting period before commencing distraction, the periosteal markers around the osteotomy site were elevated from the bone surface by newly formed external callus. There was an apparent lag period until the periosteal reaction occurred after osteotomy. Subperiosteal callus was first formed in an uncalcified state and subsequently became calcified. As distraction began, longitudinal migration of the periosteal markers was observed. It appears that the periosteum slides over the bone cortex, mitigating local stretching of the muscle around osteotomy site. The elongation of muscle occurs throughout the muscle substance and not simply at the site of osteotomy.

Animals↗

[Multiple forms of NADPH-dependent glutathione reductase in serum. Studies on the NADPH-dependent glutathione-reductase in serum II. (author's transl)].

Sera with elevated activities of glutathione reductase were investigated by gel electrophoresis in agar or polyacrylamide, and by gel filtration. In both separation methods the glutathione reductase activity in individual samples was resolved, showing up to three fractions differing in rate of migration and molecular size. The fractions with the lowest and highest molecular weight, corresponded respectively to the slowest and fastest migrating bands in agar gel electrophoresis. Preincubation of the serum samples with FAD or neuraminidase had no effect on the rate of migration of the three fractions. After the addition of beta-mercaptoethanol to the serum, gel electrophoresis and gel filtration showed only the enzyme fraction with the slowest rate of migration and the lowest molecular weight (140,000). The other two fractions reappeared after removal of the thiol from the serum. Further studies on the isolated (agar gel electrophoresis) fractions showed the existence of oligomeric forms of the enzyme, which are reversibly interconvertible.

Electrophoresis, Agar Gel↗

A new method for correlating pancreatic and biliary duct pressures and sphincter of Oddi electromyography.

Myoelectric activity of the sphincter of Oddi and duodenum was correlated with pancreatic and biliary duct pressures in eight opossums, in both the fasted and fed states. Four bipolar electrode pairs were implanted in the sphincter of Oddi and duodenum. A polyethylene T tube was placed in the pancreatic duct. The common duct was cannulated through a small bile duct. This method allowed pressure recording for several weeks and avoided interference with the flow of bile or pancreatic juice into the duodenum. The frequency of slow waves was the same in the sphincter of Oddi and duodenum (19 per minute). The variation in the frequency of spike potentials in the sphincter of Oddi correlated to that of the migrating myoelectric complex in the duodenum. The average frequency of slow waves that have superimposed spike potentials in the sphincter of Oddi and duodenum was 3.0 and 0 in phase 1, 4.7, and 6.2 in phase II, 6.1 and 15.1 in phase III, and 3.4 and 6.3 in phase IV, respectively. The average duration of a migrating myoelectric complex cycle was 92 minutes. After feeding, the interdigestive phases of the migrating myoelectric complex were abolished and substituted by a feeding activity pattern that was characterized by an average number of sphincter of Oddi and duodenum spikes of 6.6 and 10.7, respectively. The mean fasting pressure in the pancreatic and biliary duct was 15 and 13 mmHg, respectively. Pressure changes were of two types--synchronous with respiratory movements and with each sphincter of Oddi spike potential. There was no variation in the baseline pressure during the migrating myoelectric complex phases and the fed state. It is concluded that the sphincter of Oddi of the fasting opossum exhibits cyclic changes in the number of spike potentials that correlate with the migrating myoelectric complex in the duodenum. However, the number and amplitude of spike potentials are different in the sphincter of Oddi and duodenum. There is no change in the baseline pressure during fasting and feeding states, and a temporary pressure elevation synchronic with each sphincter of Oddi spike potential was observed.

Action Potentials↗

Lysosome lipid storage disorder in NCTR-BALB/c mice. I. Description of the disease and genetics.

We describe a strain of BALB/c mice, designated NCTR-BALB/c, carrying a new genetic disorder characterized by excessive tissue deposition of cholesterol and phospholipid. The mice exhibit progressive incoordination, grow less rapidly, and die 80-120 days after birth. In comparison with control animals of the same age, organ weights in the affected animals are lower in absolute value but higher relative to body weight, except for the thymus, which is atrophied, and for the lung and testes, whose absolute weights are not changed. Vacuolated cells are found in many tissues, and large foam cells are present in reticuloendothelial system (RES)-rich organs. Compared with those of BALB/c controls, serum lipoproteins migrate more slowly on electrophoresis; the amount of beta-lipoproteins is increased, while alpha-lipoprotein content is decreased. Serum total cholesterol remains normal. The serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase are elevated. Free cholesterol levels are increased 8-10-fold in liver, spleen, and thymus, and about 2-fold in other tissues; but esterified cholesterol levels are normal. The phospholipid content of several tissues is increased 50-100%, largely as a result of an increase in sphingomyelin content. Significant increases in phosphatidylcholine occur also in spleen and lung. The disorder is inherited, affecting both sexes equally, and appears to be transmitted as an autosomal recessive mutation.

Animals↗

Prevalence and clinical correlates of beta-migrating very-low-density lipoprotein. Lipid Research Clinics Program Prevalence Study.

The prevalence and clinical associations of beta-migrating very-low-density lipoprotein (beta-very-low-density lipoprotein), an atherogenic lipoprotein associated with type III hyperlipidemia, were compared in men and women using and not using estrogen-containing hormones. Beta-very-low-density lipoprotein was more common in men, 0.54 percent or one in 185, than in women not taking hormones, 0.30 percent or one in 333, and was least common in women taking hormones, 0.04 percent or one in 2,500. Beta-very-low-density lipoprotein-positive men and women were heavier and had higher triglyceride, cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with beta-very-low-density lipoprotein-negative subjects, but 30 percent of the men and 21 percent of the nonuser women did not have elevated triglyceride or cholesterol levels. The very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/total triglyceride ratio exceeded 0.30 in 55 percent and 54 percent of beta-very-low-density lipoprotein-positive men and women compared with 3.3 percent and 3.9 percent of beta-very-low-density lipoprotein-negative men and women. Ninety-three percent of the beta-very-low-density lipoprotein-positive subjects had some lipoprotein lipid abnormality and 60 percent had an abnormal glucose, liver, or renal function test result or high alcohol or dietary cholesterol intake. In conclusion, beta-migrating very-low-density lipoprotein is more common in men than in women, consistent with a protective effect of estrogen. About half of the time, beta-very-low-density lipoprotein is associated with an elevated very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/total triglyceride ratio, indicating that beta-very-low-density lipoprotein can be present independent of other markers of type III hyperlipidemia. Nonetheless, beta-very-low-density lipoprotein signifies abnormal lipoprotein metabolism of some kind in almost every instance, is frequently associated with treatable medical conditions, and may on pathophysiologic grounds be considered important in its own right in predicting atherosclerosis risk. Beta-very-low-density lipoprotein-associated conditions should attract medical attention.

Adult↗

Oleuropein, a non-toxic olive iridoid, is an anti-tumor agent and cytoskeleton disruptor.

Oleuropein, a non-toxic secoiridoid derived from the olive tree, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-angiogenic agent. Here, we show it to be a potent anti-cancer compound, directly disrupting actin filaments in cells and in a cell-free assay. Oleuropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of advanced-grade tumor cell lines in a dose-responsive manner. In a novel tube-disruption assay, Oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness; these effects were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, Oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. When tumors were resected prior to complete regression, they lacked cohesiveness and had a crumbly consistency. No viable cells could be recovered from these tumors. These observations elevate Oleuropein from a non-toxic antioxidant into a potent anti-tumor agent with direct effects against tumor cells. Our data may also explain the cancer-protective effects of the olive-rich Mediterranean diet.

Actins↗

Platelet-derived growth factor. Distinct signal transduction pathways associated with migration versus proliferation.

Figure 2 summarizes our current interpretation of data concerning signals from the activated PDGF receptor involved in directed migration and proliferation of human arterial SMC. Binding of PDGF (PDGF-BB or PDGF-AA) causes PDGF-receptor dimerization, tyrosine autophosphorylation, and subsequent binding of several molecules containing SH2 domains to the activated receptor. Binding and activation of PLC gamma by the PDGF receptor leads to PIP2 hydrolysis, resulting in generation of diacylglycerol (DAG) and IP3. Subsequently, intracellular levels of calcium are elevated as a result of IP3-mediated calcium release from intracellular compartments. The decreased levels of PIP2 and increased levels of calcium both favor actin-filament disassembly by inducing capping of actin-filament barbed ends and actin-monomer sequestration. A localized, and transient, actin-filament disassembly enables the cell to extend filopodia towards PDGF, thereby enabling chemotaxis to take place. At a later time and/or in a different compartment, actin-filament assembly is promoted by PDGF by a mechanism that is not completely understood, but that may involve small GTP-binding proteins, such as Rho, and formation of DAG. Migration on collagen requires functional alpha 2 beta 1 integrins, which may either constitute a permissive state required for a cell to migrate, or which may be actively involved in intracellular signals leading to migration. PDGF-induced DNA synthesis and proliferation involves activation of Ras, MAP kinase kinase, and MAP kinase. Cross-talk between PKA signaling and tyrosine-kinase receptor signaling results in PKA inhibition of the MAP kinase cascade, probably at the level of Raf. Activation of PI 3-kinase, or a PI 3-kinase-like enzyme, is also likely to contribute to the mitogenic effects of PDGF in these cells (Bornfeldt, unpublished observation). What determines if a SMC will migrate and/or proliferate in response to PDGF? Results are starting to emerge that show regulation of expression of molecules involved in intracellular signaling with different phenotypic states of SMC. For example, expression of PLC gamma is very low in intact vascular wall (where SMC show a "contractile phenotype"), and induced when SMC are converted to a "synthetic phenotype" in culture. Proliferation and expression of MAP kinase, but not calcium signaling, appear to be regulated by the extracellular matrix, and the profile of integrin expression is different in SMC in culture compared to SMC in the vascular wall. Thus, the relation between expression of signaling molecules involved in migration and signaling molecules involved in proliferation, as well as cross-talk between different signal-transduction pathways, may determine the net effect of PDGF.

Animals↗

A functional promoter polymorphism in the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene associated with disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine and regulates the anti-inflammator effects of glucocorticoids. An important role for MIF within the cytokine cascade is to act in concert with endogenous glucocorticoids to control the set-point and magnitude of the inflammatory response. Elevated expression of MIF in the circulation and in the synovial joint has been documented in rheumatoid arthritis. MIF also has been linked to the development of joint damage and disease pathology in experimental animal models. We describe herein a novel CATT-tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism at position -794 of the human Mif gene and show that it functionally affects the activity of the MIF promoter in gene reporter assays. We describe four genotypes which comprise 5, 6, 7, or 8-CATT repeat units and show that the 5-CATT allele has the lowest level of basal and stimulated MIF promoter activity in vitro. The presence of the low expressing, 5-CATT repeat allele correlated with low disease severity in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

Circulating catecholamine and glucose concentrations in Japanese toads (Bufo japonicus) during the breeding season.

We investigated the relationship between catecholamine neurohormones and glucose during seasonal reproductive activity in Japanese toads (Bufo japonicus). Field studies found that plasma epinephrine concentration increased as toads migrated to their breeding ponds, where amplexus most frequently took place. Blood glucose concentration also increased as toads arrived at the ponds, even though these animals did not eat during the breeding season, and there was a positive correlation between epinephrine and glucose levels. Blood glucose concentration was higher in amplectic than in solitary males, whereas this relationship did not occur in females. For both males and females, plasma epinephrine concentration was elevated during amplexus. The plasma concentration of norepinephrine was lower than that of epinephrine and did not correlate with either the proximity of the animal to the breeding ponds or the blood glucose concentration. Laboratory experiments showed that systemic injection of [Trp7,Leu8]gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) increased plasma epinephrine to levels characteristic of amplectic feral toads. These results suggest that a physiological role of GnRH-like peptides may be to stimulate epinephrine secretion and consequently to increase glucose production in toads under the starvation conditions associated with the breeding migration.

Animals↗

Mononuclear phagocyte differentiation, activation, and viral infection regulate matrix metalloproteinase expression: implications for human immunodeficiency virus type 1-associated dementia.

The pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated dementia (HAD) is mediated mainly by mononuclear phagocyte (MP) secretory products and their interactions with neural cells. Viral infection and MP immune activation may affect leukocyte entry into the brain. One factor that influences central nervous system (CNS) monocyte migration is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In the CNS, MMPs are synthesized by resident glial cells and affect the integrity of the neuropil extracellular matrix (ECM). To ascertain how MMPs influence HAD pathogenesis, we studied their secretion following MP differentiation, viral infection, and cellular activation. HIV-1-infected and/or immune-activated monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and human fetal microglia were examined for production of MMP-1, -2, -3, and -9. MMP expression increased significantly with MP differentiation. Microglia secreted high levels of MMPs de novo that were further elevated following CD40 ligand-mediated cell activation. Surprisingly, HIV-1 infection of MDM led to the down-regulation of MMP-9. In encephalitic brain tissue, MMPs were expressed within perivascular and parenchymal MP, multinucleated giant cells, and microglial nodules. These data suggest that MMP production in MP is dependent on cell type, differentiation, activation, and/or viral infection. Regulation of MMP expression by these factors may contribute to neuropil ECM degradation and leukocyte migration during HAD.

AIDS Dementia Complex↗

Pain associated with phase III of the duodenal migrating motor complex in patients with postcholecystectomy biliary dyskinesia.

BACKGROUND: Correlation between various gastrointestinal events and particular aspects of the migrating motor complex has been reported. This study correlates postcholecystectomy pain to variations in biliary pressure associated with the duodenal motor cycle. METHODS: In 18 patients with postcholecystectomy pain and 10 control subjects, biliary and duodenal pressures were recorded simultaneously with microtransducers. After recording a spontaneous cycle, morphine was administered to induce a premature phase III and spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and then cerulein was administered to stop the spasm. RESULTS: Transient but significant elevations of biliary pressure occurred at duodenal phase III in both groups, but a greater percentage of the patients developed pain during phase III (89% vs. 20%, p<0.01). Morphine produced premature phase III and biliary pressure elevation, which were accompanied by pain more frequently in the patients than in the control subjects (78% vs. 30%, p<0.05). Biliary pressure dropped after the cerulein injection, relieving the pain in 13 of 14 patients and in 2 of 3 control subjects who had morphine-induced pain. The phase III-related pain was relieved by endoscopic sphincterotomy in 14 of 15 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The cyclic elevation of biliary pressure in coordination with phase III of the duodenal motor cycle may contribute to the development of pain in patients with postcholecystectomy biliary dyskinesia.

Adult↗

Class endogamy, inbreeding and migration during the Argentinean colonial period: analysis based on individuals of European ancestry.

During the Spanish colonial period, Córdoba was an important town due to its location suitable for controlling communication throughout a wide region of Argentina. As a typical colonial society, where individuals belonged to a well established social class, marriages among Whites were the result of strict norms and prejudices founded on nets of kinship, friendship and neighbouring. The objective of this paper is to determine, whether the elevated class endogamy among Whites during the colonial period resulted in high consanguinity and whether a process of selection of surnames was present in 1813. In both cases the interaction with the migratory flow was taken into account. It is concluded that (a) Although an endogamy of "class" existed among Whites, there is no evidence of the consequences on the biological structure of the population through preferential mating between relatives, as deduced from the low level of inbreeding from isonymy. (b) There was no differential reproduction reflecting the selection of families carrying certain surnames; therefore surnames followed a "neutral" model. (c) The diversity of surnames and the gene flow deduced from them were of a magnitude similar to present populations; this fact could have balanced the effect of the "class" endogamy. (d) Finally, the congruence between information derived from the population age distribution and historic data and the quantification of migration from surnames allowed the detection of mistakes in the census data file regarding the number of foreigners, thus validating the use of surnames as biological markers of the population structure.

Adolescent↗

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: a neuroendocrine modulator of chronic inflammation.

The diverse actions of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) within the immuno-neuroendocrine system are yet to be fully understood, but it is clear that MIF plays a pivotal role in the regulation of both the innate and adaptive immune response. An emerging body of data presently indicates that MIF's position within the cytokine cascade is to act in concert with glucocorticoids to control the 'set point' and magnitude of the immune and inflammatory response. In this article we will review the actions of MIF within the immune system and discuss the overlapping and contrasting aspects of MIF and glucocorticoid biology. In particular we will focus on the role of MIF within the immuno-neuroendocrine interface and suggest molecular mechanisms by which MIF may counter-regulate glucocorticoid function. Finally we will discuss emerging evidence that functional MIF gene-promoter polymorphisms render one susceptible to elevated MIF expression, and the development of an exaggerated immune/inflammatory response that potentiates the progression to chronic inflammatory disease.

Chronic Disease↗

Impaired angiogenesis in glutathione peroxidase-1-deficient mice is associated with endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction.

Several vascular disease are characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Vascular endothelium is protected from oxidant stress by expressing enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase type 1 (GPx-1). In this study, we investigated the effect of vascular oxidant stress on ischemia-induced neovascularization in a murine model of homozygous deficiency of GPx-1. GPx-1-deficient mice showed impaired revascularization following hindlimb ischemic surgery based on laser Doppler measurements of blood flow and capillary density in adductor muscle. GPx-1-deficient mice also showed an impaired ability to increase endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) levels in response to ischemic injury or subcutaneous administration of vascular endothelial growth factor protein. EPCs isolated from GPx-1-deficient mice showed a reduced ability to neutralize oxidative stress in vitro, which was associated with impaired migration toward vascular endothelial growth factor and increased sensitivity to ROS-induced apoptosis. EPCs isolated from GPx-1-deficient mice were impaired in their ability to promote angiogenesis in wild-type mice, whereas wild-type EPCs were effective in stimulating angiogenesis in GPx-1-deficient mice. These data suggest that EPC dysfunction is a mechanism by which elevated levels of ROS can contribute to vascular disease.

Animals↗

Age and sex differentials in mortality during two nineteenth century population crises.

"The exceptionally detailed Finnish materials are used to examine age- and sex-specific mortality in different regions during the country's last famine, the Great Famine of the 1860s. This is compared with another mortality crisis, the 1808-09 War. The results show that in cases when multiple infectious diseases were responsible for elevated mortality, the increases for different age categories were, by and large, proportional to the levels prevailing during normal times. However, excess mortality showed more variability for children. Furthermore, age- and sex-specific social behaviour (specifically large-scale temporary migration) during the crisis period shaped the age patterns and sex differentials in mortality." (SUMMARY IN FRE)

Behavior↗

Trace Element Concentrations in Two Subpopulations of Lesser Snow Geese from Wrangel Island, Russia

Lesser snow geese (Anser c. caerulescens) from the Wrangel Island, Russia breeding colony spend the winter in two widely separated areas: the northern subpopulation in southern British Columbia and northern Washington and the southern subpopulation in the Central Valley of California. We examined 19 trace elements in the eggs and livers of geese from these two subpopulations to examine whether geese from the different wintering areas have similar trace element burdens. Eggs collected at the breeding colony from geese of the southern subpopulation had slightly higher levels of manganese, an element that can cause neurological damage and behavioral changes in chicks, than geese of the northern subpopulation. Livers from adult geese collected on the two wintering areas showed significant differences in trace elements including copper, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, and zinc. Copper concentrations in the livers of geese from the southern subpopulation were much higher than those from the northern subpopulation (&xmacr; = 116 vs. 46 ppm; dry weight). Elevated levels of copper may induce anemia in birds. The differences in trace element concentrations of these two subpopulations may be related to farming practices in their wintering areas. Geese from the northern subpopulation feed in pastures and coastal marshes and migrate along the coast, but geese from the southern subpopulation feed predominantly in rice fields and migrate over farm land. Copper and manganese are major components of fertilizers and fungicides commonly applied during rice cultivation.

Journal Article↗