Renal 21-hydroxylation of 19-hydroxy-progesterone to 19-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone

19-Nor-deoxycorticosterone (19-nor-DOC) is a mineralocorticoid present in both rat and human urine, and it is elevated in some forms of experimental and human hypertension. Although the exact steps in the biosynthesis of 19-nor-DOC are uncertain, it is probably produced from a 19-oxygenated derivative of DOC, which undergoes 19-desmolation in the kidney. Since DOC biosynthesis is partly due to renal 21-hydroxylation of progesterone (Prog), we sought to determine whether a parallel pathway could exist for the biosynthesis of 19-hydroxy-DOC, a precursor to 19-nor-DOC. In order to test this hypothesis, authentic 19-hydroxy-progesterone was incubated with homogenized renal tissues from either rat or human sources. Formation of 19-hydroxy-DOC was found to be the major metabolite in both rat and human incubations, as demonstrated by an HPLC retention time identical to authentic 19-hydroxy-DOC. 19-Hydroxy-DOC formation was further verified by GC/MS analysis with highly sensitive selected ion recording. Since it has been demonstrated that the placenta can convert progesterone to 19-hydroxy-progesterone, the renal 21-hydroxylation of 19-hydroxy-progesterone to 19-hydroxy-DOC could be an alternate pathway of 19-nor-DOC production especially during pregnancy.     

Mouse Chromosome 19

Chair of Committee for Mouse Chromosome 19     

Mouse chromosome 19

Chair of Committee for Mouse Chromosome 19     

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its unprecedented global societal and economic disruptive impact highlight the urgent need for safe and effective vaccines. Taking substantial advantages of versatility and rapid development, two m RNA vaccines against COVID-19 have completed late-stage clinical assessment at an unprecedented speed and reported positive results. In this review, we outline keynotes in m RNA vaccine development, discuss recently published data on COVID-19 m RNA vaccine candidates, focusing on those in clinical trials and analyze future potential challenges.     

Trisomy 19 q.

Two sibs with trisomy for the long arm of chromosome 19 are reported. The common features included flat facial profile with microcephaly, hypertelorism, ptosis, prominence of the glabella, small nose with anteverted nostrils and a characteristic fish-shaped mouth. In addition congenital heart disease, physical retardation and seizures were seen in both sibs. That tristomy 19q can be suspected clinically is emphasized.