Effect of various agents on the cytoplasmic calcium concentration in cultured human muscle cells

1. We determined the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured human muscle cells using the fluorescent indicator Quin-2. 2. The [Ca2+]i was dependent on the external Ca2+ concentration. Acetylcholine in the presence of external Ca2+ caused a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. Inhibition by nifedipine indicated that this response was mediated through activated voltage-operated channels. In nominally Ca2(+)-free buffer acetylcholine did not markedly increase [Ca2+]i. Therefore, the increase in [Ca2+]i as a response to depolarization is mainly due to influx of external Ca2+. 3. Various concentrations of caffeine did not influence the [Ca2+]i. Dantrolene decreased [Ca2+]i, both in the presence and absence of external Ca2+. The reduction probably resulted from an action of dantrolene on the intracellular Ca2+ stores, since dantrolene did not influence 45Ca2+ influx or efflux and caffeine partially counteracted the reduction.     

Stress protein of cyanobacteria CP36: interaction with photoactive complexes and formation of supramolecular structures

Cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans R2, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (wild-type strain and mutants Delta2 and Delta3 lacking PSII and PSI, respectively), and Synechocystis sp. BO 9201 synthesize the pigment--protein complex CP36 (CPIV-4, CP43') under iron deficiency in the medium. Accumulation of CP36 is accompanied by structural reorganizations in the photosynthetic membranes. Integrating mean times of excitation relaxation (quenching) are 2.2 nsec (CP36), 1 nsec (PSI), and 420 psec (PSII in Fm state). The energy migration between CP36 and the photosystems can be described by a model of a one-layer ring of CP36 around core-complexes. The excitation from CP36 to PSI is transferred within <10 psec. The energy transfer from CP36 to PSII occurs during 170 psec. Cells with low content of CP36 probably contain only a latent fraction of unbound to phycobilisomes PSII which is the analog of PSIIbeta of higher plants. In PSI there are four binding sites for CP36 monomers per RC. PSII can bind up to 32 molecules of CP36 per RC. Cells with a large amount of CP36 contain monomer form of PSII core-complex which can bind eight tetramers of CP36 (8 binding sites). In conditions of iron deficiency only one monomer of a dimer PSII core-complex is destroyed and released chlorophyll is accumulated in CP36. Accumulation of CP36 in A. nidulans cells can be accompanied by membrane stacking which is similar to the stacking in chlorophyll b-containing organisms. The stacking can occur in the region of localization of PSII latent fraction bound to CP36. The membrane stacking shields PSII stromal surfaces from the aqueous phase for activation of electron transfer on the acceptor side of PSII.     

Adenosine triphosphatases during maturation of cultured human skeletal muscle cells and in adult human muscle.

Na+/K(+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase are examined in cultured human skeletal muscle cells of different maturation grade and in human skeletal muscle. Na+/K(+)-ATPase is investigated by measuring ouabain binding and the activities of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and K(+)-dependent 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphatase (3-O-MFPase). SR Ca(2+)-ATPase is examined by ELISA, Ca(2+)-dependent phosphorylation and its activities on ATP and 3-O-methylfluorescein phosphate. Na+/K(+)-ATPase and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase are localized by immunocytochemistry. The activities of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase show a good correlation with the other assayed parameters of these ion pumps. All ATPase parameters investigated increase with the maturation grade of the cultured muscle cells. The number of ouabain-binding sites and the activities of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and K(+)-dependent 3-O-MFPase are significantly higher in cultured muscle cells than in muscle. The Mg(2+)-ATPase activity, the content of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and the activities of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca(2+)-dependent 3-O-MFPase remain significantly lower in cultured cells than in muscle. The ouabain-binding constant and the molecular activities of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase are equal in muscle and cultured cells. During ageing of human muscle the activity as well as the concentration of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase decrease. Thus the changes of the activities of the ATPases are caused by variations of the number of their molecules. Na+/K(+)-ATPase is localized in the periphery of fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibers and at the sarcomeric I-band. SR Ca(2+)-ATPase is predominantly confined to the I-band, whereas fast-twitch fibers are much more immunoreactive than slow-twitch fibers. The presence of cross-striation for Na+/K(+)-ATPase and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase in highly matured cultured muscle cells indicate the development and subcellular organization of a transverse tubular system and SR, respectively, which resembles the in vivo situation.     

The calcium homeostasis and the membrane potential of cultured muscle cells from patients with myotonic dystrophy

Using the fluorescence indicator, quin2, we compared the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) of cultured myotubes obtained from control subjects and myotonic dystrophy (MyD) patients. In Ca2(+)-free buffer the [Ca2+]i of the cultured MyD muscle cells was not significantly different from that of the control cells. In the presence of 1 mM external Ca2+ the cultured MyD muscle cells showed a significantly higher [Ca2+]i, which was due to the influx of Ca2+ through voltage-operated nifedipine-sensitive Ca2+ channels. In the presence of external Ca2+, MyD myotubes did not respond to acetylcholine, whereas control myotubes showed a transient increase in [Ca2+]i after addition of acetylcholine. This increase was inhibited by the addition of nifedipine. The differences in Ca2(+)-homeostasis between cultured MyD muscle cells and control cells were not due to differences in the resting membrane potential or the inability of the MyD cells to depolarize as a response to acetylcholine. Therefore, cultured MyD muscle cells exhibit altered nifedipine-sensitive voltage-operated channels which are active under conditions in which they are normally present in the inactive state, and which are unable to respond to depolarization caused by acetylcholine.     

MR 弥散加权成像对鉴别诊断良恶性椎体压缩性骨折的临床价值研究

目的：探讨MR弥散加权成像(DWI)鉴别诊断良恶性椎体压缩性骨折的临床价值。方法：对57 例经临床或病理证实的椎体 良恶性压缩性骨折患者行矢状位T1WI、T2WI、T2WI/FS 及DWI扫描,研究其在常规序列和DWI序列上的表现,将常规MR 序列 和DWI序列检出率进行比较,测量正常椎体及病变椎体的表观弥散系数(ADC)值,并进行统计学分析。结果：(1)MR 常规序列和 DWI序列(b=500s/mm2)表现：良性椎体压缩性骨折呈长T1 长或等T2 改变,T2WI/FS 呈高信号,DWI 可以呈高信号、等信号及低 信号;恶性椎体压缩性骨折呈长T1 长T2 信号,大部分病灶T2WI/FS 及DWI呈高信号,少数变现为低信号;(2)MR 常规序列和 DWI 序列(b=500s/mm2)病灶检出率的比较：T1WI、T2WI/FS 及DWI序列病灶检出率均高于T2WI 序列,其间的差别有显著性意 义(P<0.01),T1WI、T2WI/FS 及DWI序列病灶检出率之间无显著性差异(P>0.01);(3)ADC 值比较：在DWI(b=500 s/mm2)上,良性组 ADC 值为(2.03± 0.83)× 10-3mm2/s,恶性组ADC 值为(1.37 ± 0.75)× 10-3mm2/s,正常组ADC值为(0.36± 0.21)× 10-3mm2/s,成像条 件相同时,良性组高于恶性组,两组间有明显的统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论：DWI可较好的反映椎体的弥散特征,ADC值作为量化 指标可对良恶性椎体压缩性骨折进行可靠鉴别。     

Ovarian Cyst Fluid of Serous Ovarian Tumors Contains Large Quantities of the Brain Amino Acid N-acetylaspartate

Background

In humans, N-acetyl L-aspartate (NAA) has not been detected in other tissues than the brain. The physiological function of NAA is yet undefined. Recently, it has been suggested that NAA may function as a molecular water pump, responsible for the removal of large amounts of water from the human brain. Ovarian tumors typically present as large cystic masses with considerable fluid accumulation.

Methodology and Principal Findings

Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, we demonstrated that NAA was present in a high micromolar concentration in oCF of epithelial ovarian tumors (EOTs) of serous histology, sometimes in the same range as found in the extracellular space of the human brain. In contrast, oCF of EOTs with a mucinous, endometrioid and clear cell histological subtype contained a low micromolar concentration of NAA. Serous EOTs have a cellular differentiation pattern which resembles the lining of the fallopian tube and differs from the other histological subtypes. The NAA concentration in two samples of fluid accumulation in the fallopian tube (hydrosalpinx) was in the same ranges as NAA found in oCF of serous EOTs. The NAA concentration in oCF of patients with serous EOTs was mostly 10 to 50 fold higher than their normal serum NAA concentration, whereas in patients with other EOT subtypes, serum and cyst fluid NAA concentration was comparable.

Conclusions and Significance

The high concentration of NAA in cyst fluid of serous EOTs and low serum concentrations of NAA in these patients, suggest a local production of NAA in serous EOTs. Our findings provide the first identification of NAA concentrations high enough to suggest local production outside the human brain. Our findings contribute to the ongoing research understanding the physiological function of NAA in the human body.     

新疆甘草化学成分研究

从新疆甘草(GlycyrrhizauralensisFisch.)根中分离得到5个化合物,分别鉴定为:槲皮素(1)、甘草次酸(2)、阿魏酸(3)、5,7,3′,4′-四羟基-7-葡萄糖基二氢黄酮醇(4)、8,5′-二羟基3′α-鼠李糖黄酮(5)。其中化合物4,5为首次从该植物中分离得到。     

高血压脑出血患者术后重症监护治疗与早期再出血的相关因素分析

目的:探究高血压脑出血患者术后重症监护治疗与早期(24 h内)再出血的相关因素。方法:回顾性分析2014年1月至2018年10月于中山大学附属第一医院及中山市人民医院行手术治疗并进行重症监护的高血压脑出血患者的相关资料,记录术后早期发生再出血情况,比较其相关因素,包括年龄、性别、术前格拉斯哥昏迷量表(GCS)评分、出血量、术前收缩压、术后收缩压、镇静时间、插管时间、有无使用止血药、血压波动、血压差、有无镇痛情况,分析术后早期再出血的影响因素。结果:本研究共纳入465例患者,其中术后早期再出血患者44例,未再出血患者421例,再出血发生率为9.46%(44/465)。高血压脑出血术后早期再出血患者的术后收缩压、有无镇痛、血压差、血压波动与未再出血患者比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后早期再出血患者的年龄、性别及术前GCS评分、出血量、术前收缩压、镇静时间、插管时间、有无使用止血药与未再出血患者比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,患者血压波动大是术后早期再出血的危险因素,手术前后血压差大、术后使用镇痛治疗是其保护因素。结论:高血压脑出血患者术后血压波动、手术前后血压差及术后镇痛治疗均是早期再出血的影响因素,合理降压及镇痛治疗可减少脑出血术后早期再出血的发生。     

Optimized Metabolomic Approach to Identify Uremic Solutes in Plasma of Stage 3–4 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of various potential toxic solutes. Furthermore, uremic plasma is a complex mixture hampering accurate determination of uremic toxin levels and the identification of novel uremic solutes.

Methods

In this study, we applied ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, following three distinct deproteinization strategies, to determine differences in the plasma metabolic status of stage 3–4 CKD patients and healthy controls. Moreover, the human renal proximal tubule cell line (ciPTEC) was used to study the influence of newly indentified uremic solutes on renal phenotype and functionality.

Results

Protein removal via ultrafiltration and acetonitrile precipitation are complementary techniques and both are required to obtain a clear metabolome profile. This new approach, revealed that a total of 14 metabolites were elevated in uremic plasma. In addition to confirming the retention of several previously identified uremic toxins, including p-cresyl sulphate, two novel uremic retentions solutes were detected, namely dimethyl sulphone (DMSO₂) and 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid (2-HIBA). Our results show that these metabolites accumulate in non-dialysis CKD patients from 9±7 µM (control) to 51±29 µM and from 7 (0–9) µM (control) to 32±15 µM, respectively. Furthermore, exposure of ciPTEC to clinically relevant concentrations of both solutes resulted in an increased protein expression of the mesenchymal marker vimentin with more than 10% (p<0.05). Moreover, the loss of epithelial characteristics significantly correlated with a loss of glucuronidation activity (Pearson r = −0.63; p<0.05). In addition, both solutes did not affect cell viability nor mitochondrial activity.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of sample preparation techniques in the identification of uremic retention solutes using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, and provide insight into the negative impact of DMSO₂ and 2-HIBA on ciPTEC, which could aid in understanding the progressive nature of renal disease.     

Novel Polyomaviruses of Nonhuman Primates: Genetic and Serological Predictors for the Existence of Multiple Unknown Polyomaviruses within the Human Population

Polyomaviruses are a family of small non-enveloped DNA viruses that encode oncogenes and have been associated, to greater or lesser extent, with human disease and cancer. Currently, twelve polyomaviruses are known to circulate within the human population. To further examine the diversity of human polyomaviruses, we have utilized a combinatorial approach comprised of initial degenerate primer-based PCR identification and phylogenetic analysis of nonhuman primate (NHP) polyomavirus species, followed by polyomavirus-specific serological analysis of human sera. Using this approach we identified twenty novel NHP polyomaviruses: nine in great apes (six in chimpanzees, two in gorillas and one in orangutan), five in Old World monkeys and six in New World monkeys. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that only four of the nine chimpanzee polyomaviruses (six novel and three previously identified) had known close human counterparts. To determine whether the remaining chimpanzee polyomaviruses had potential human counterparts, the major viral capsid proteins (VP1) of four chimpanzee polyomaviruses were expressed in E. coli for use as antigens in enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Human serum/plasma samples from both Côte d''Ivoire and Germany showed frequent seropositivity for the four viruses. Antibody pre-adsorption-based ELISA excluded the possibility that reactivities resulted from binding to known human polyomaviruses. Together, these results support the existence of additional polyomaviruses circulating within the human population that are genetically and serologically related to existing chimpanzee polyomaviruses.