Clinical study of renal function of newborns with sclerema neonatorum / 中国综合临床

Objective To investigate the changes of urinary brush border membrane enzymes and serum cystatin C (Cys C) in newborns in order to develop early diagnostic indicators for sclerema neonatorum (SN) renal dysfunction.Methods Sixty-night cases with sclerema neonatorum and 30 cases of normal newborns were enrolled in this study.Of all sclerema neonatorum cases,39 cases were mild and 30 cases were moderate to severe sclerema neonatorum.Immunoca talytic assay method was adapted to detect the level of urinary brush border membrane.The levels of serum Cys C,blood urea nitrogen (BUN),creatinine (Cr) and urinary β32 microglobulin (β2-MG) in two groups were also measured.Results The levels of urinary brush border membrane enzyme,β2-MG and serum Cys C in sclerema neonatorum group were (40.09 ± 7.29) U/L,(4.65 ± 1.33) mg/L and (1.84 ± 0.32) mg/L,higher than those in control group ((23.19 ± 5.62) U/L,(2.49 ± 0.77) mg/L and (1.07 ± 0.25) mg/L; t =10.34,7.47 and 10.55,P ＜ 0.01).The levels of urinary brush border membrane enzyme and serum Cys C in moderate to severe sclerema neonatorum group were (42.06 ± 7.59) U/L and (1.93 ± 0.34) mg/L,higher than those in the mild group ((38.57 ± 6.70) U/L,(1.77 s0.29) mg/L;t =2.24,2.11,P ＜0.05).The abnormality rates of urinary brush border membrane enzyme and serum Cys C in sclerema neonatorum group were 79.7％ (55/69) and 72.5％ (50/69),higher than β2-MG abnormal rate (52.2％ (36/69),x2 =12.95,12.11,P ＜ 0.01).In sclerema neonatorum group,urinary brush border membrane enzyme was positively correlated with β2-MG (r =0.560,P ＜ 0.01),and serum Cys C was positively correlated with BUN,Cr (r =0.314,0.287,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Renal injury is common in SN.Urinary brush border membrane enzyme and serum Cys C are served as the diagnostic parameters for early detection of renal injury in SN.

Modulation of intestinal brush border membrane chemical composition during postnatal development in rats : Effect of gestational diabetes.

There was a significant increase in fucose (52%), total hexoses (16%) and hexosamine (56%) except sialic acid, which was reduced (77%) in the microvillus membrane of infants born to rat mothers made diabetic by injecting alloxan on day 3 of gestation. Expressed on the protein basis there were a significant increase in membrane, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and phospholipids content of brush border in pups from diabetic group between 5-45 days of postnatal age. Intestinal morphology in diabetic group showed, regression of tubular glands, distorted cellular organization of mucosal cells, reduction in the mucosal cell height and number of secretory goblet cells. These findings suggest that the gestational diabetes affects the sugar and lipid composition of the intestinal brush border membrane in rats during early stages of the postnatal development, which may be associated with compromised tissue functions later in life.

Effect of gallic acid on alkaline phosphatase and peptidase activities in rat intestine.

Gallic acid is a normal constituent of many edible foods, thus directly interacts with epithelial tissue in intestine. In the present study, the effect of gallic acid on intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) and peptidase activities in rat intestine was evaluated. Gallic acid (0.27-0.5 mM) inhibited activities of leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and -glutamyl transpeptidase (-GTP) by over 90%, compared to controls in rat intestine. In contrast, 0.1-0.6 mM gallic acid either had no effect or stimulated the activity of IAP in rat intestine. The observed inhibition of peptidases by gallic acid was reversible in nature. Kinetic analysis revealed no change in Vmax of LAP (0.42-0.44 units/mg protein) and -GTP (0.22-0.24 units/mg protein), while the values of apparent Km were increased 6-7 fold, exhibiting competitive-type of enzyme inhibition by gallic acid. The values of Ki for LAP and -GTP were 0.037 mM and 0.017 mM, respectively. These observations indicate that gallic acid is a potent inhibitor of brush border peptidases, and thus may interfere in the digestion and absorption of proteins in the intestine.

Topology of Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I (SR-BI) on Brush Border Membrane

Both hydropathy plot and in vitro translation results predict the topology of SR-BI; the receptor is an integral membrane protein of 509 amino acids, consisting of a short cytoplasmic N-terminus of 9 amino acids followed by a first transmembrane domain of 22 amino acids, the extracellular domain of 408 amino acids, the second transmembrane domain of 22 amino acids, and the cytoplasmic C-terminus of 47 amino acids. The immunoblot of rBBMV in the presence or absence of pAb589 peptide antigen (the C-terminal 22 amino acid residues of SR-BI) confirmed that the bands at apparent molecular weight of 140 and 210 kDa are SR-BI related protein which might be multimeric forms of SR-BI. 125I apo A-I overlay analysis showed that SR-BI can bind to its ligand, apo A-I, only when it is thoroughly matured - glycosylated and dimerized. The antibody which was generated against extracellular domain of SR-BI (pAb230) not only prevented 125I-labeled apo A-I from binding to 140 kDa band but also inhibited the esterified cholesterol uptake of rabbit BBMV with its IC50 value of 40 microgram/ml of IgG. In contrast, the antibody generated against the C-terminal domain of SR-BI (pAb589) did not show any effect either on cholesterol uptake of rabbit BBMV or 125I-labeled apo A-I binding to 140 kDa band. Overall results show that the ligand binding site of SR-BI in rabbit BBMV is located in extracellular domain, and SR-BI is only functional when it is part of dimeric forms which rationalize the previously found cooperative nature of the binding interaction and maybe a fundamental finding towards the so far poorly understood mechanism of SR-BI function.

Changes in phosphate transporter activity evaluated by phosphonoformic acid binding in cadmium-exposed renal brush-border membranes

Direct exposure of renal tubular brush-border membranes (BBM) to free cadmium (Cd) causes a reduction in phosphate (Pi) transport capacity. Biochemical mechanism of this reduction was investigated in the present study. Renal proximal tubular brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were isolated from rabbit kidney outer cortex by Mg precipitation method. Vesicles were exposed to 50~200 muM CdCl2 for 30 min, then the phosphate transporter activity was determined. The range of Cd concentration employed in this study was comparable to that of the unbound Cd documented in renal cortical tissues of Cd-exposed animals at the time of onset of renal dysfunction. The rate of sodium-dependent phosphate transport (Na+-Pi cotransport) by BBMV was determined by 32P-labeled inorganic phosphate uptake, and the number of Na+/-Pi cotransporters in the BBM was assessed by Pi-protectable 14C-labeled phosphonoformic acid ((14C)PFA) binding. The exposure of BBMV to Cd decreased the Na+-Pi cotransport activity in proportion to the Cd concentration in the preincubation medium, but it showed no apparent effect on the Pi-protectable PFA binding. These results indicate that an interaction of renal BBM with free Cd induces a reduction in Na+-Pi cotransport activity without altering the carrier density in the membrane. This, in turn, suggest that the suppression of phosphate transport capacity (Vmax) observed in Cd-treated renal BBM is due to a reduction in Na+-Pi translocation by existing carriers, possibly by Cd-induced fall in membrane fluidity.

Effects of ethanol on Na+-dependent solute uptake in rabbit renal brush-border membrane vesicles

This study was undertaken to examine the effect of ethanol on Na+-dependent transport systems (glucose, phosphate, and dicarboxylate) in renal brush-border membrane vesicles (BBMV). Ethanol inhibited Na+-dependent uptakes of glucose, phosphate, and succinate in a dose-dependent manner, but not the uptakes of Na+-independent. The H+/TEA antiport was reduced by 8% ethanol. Kinetic analysis showed that ethanol caused a decrease in Vmax of three transport systems, leaving Km values unchanged. Ethanol decreased phlorizin binding, which was closely correlated with the decrease in Vmax of Na+-glucose uptake. These results indicate that ethanol inhibits Na+-dependent uptakes of glucose, phosphate, and dicaboxylate and that the reduction in Vmax of Na+-glucose uptake is caused by a decrease in the number of active carrier proteins in the membrane.

Increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration by Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin in rat platelets; triggering mechanism of platelet cytolysis

Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin caused platelet cytolysis and increased intracellular calcium concentration ((Ca2+))i) of rat platelets in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of V. vulnificus cytolysin (3 HU/ml), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was increased from 1.3+/-0.4% of control to 64.3+/-3.4% in platelet suspension buffer. In Ca2+-free platelet suspension buffer, however, V. vulnificus cytolysin did not induce (Ca2+)i increase and LDH release. Addition of EGTA (2 mM) to suspension buffer after the initial Ca2+ influx reversed (Ca2+)i to the control level. However, a Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil (20 muM) or mefenamic acid (20 muM) did not inhibit V. vulnificus cytolysin-induced (Ca2+)i increase and LDH release. Divalent cations such as Co2+, Cd2+ or Mn2+ (2 mM each) also did not alter V. vulnificus cytolysin-induced (Ca2+)i increase and LDH release. V. vulnificus cytolysin (3 HU/ml)-induced calcium influx was completely blocked by lanthanum (2 mM). Lanthanum (2 mM) also completely blocked V. vulnificus cytolysin (3 HU/ml)-induced LDH release. Osmotic protectants such as, raffinose, sucrose or PEG600 (50 mM each) did not inhibit the lytic activity of V. vulnificus cytolysin. In conclusion, lanthanum sensitive Ca2+ influx plays a significant role in Vibrio vulnificus cytolysin-induced platelet cytolysis and thrombocytopenia in V. vulnificus infection.

Assessment of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) activity by determining urinary ratio of theobromine and caffeine in a Korean population after drinking a cup of coffee

To examine individual variation in drug metabolism catalyzed by flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO), 179 Korean volunteers' urinary molar concentration ratio of theobromine (TB) and caffeine (CA) was determined. Their urine was collected for 1 hr (between 4 and 5 hrs) after they drank a cup of coffee containing 115 mg CA and analyzed by an HPLC system. The lowest TB/CA ratio obtained was 0.40, the highest ratio was 15.17 (38-fold difference), and the median ratio for all subjects was 1.87. The mean was 2.66 with 2.36 S.D.. In 134 nonsmokers, the mean ratio was 2.35 +/- 1.93, that of 51 males was 2.30 +/- 2.26 and 83 females was 2.37 +/- 1.85, respectively. There was no significant gender difference in the obtained TB/CA ratio (Mann-Whitney test; p=0.518). There were no smokers among the 83 female volunteers. In the remaining 96 male subjects, the ratio obtained in 51 nonsmokers was 2.30 +/- 2.06 and that of 45 smokers was 3.62 +/- 3.19. This indicated that the TB/CA ratio was increased significantly in smokers (p=0.007). However, when the TB/CA ratios (FMO activity) obtained in all 179 Korean volunteers are compared with the urinary concentration ratios of paraxanthine (PX) plus 1,7-dimethylurate (17U) to CA (CYP1A2 activity), there was a weak but significant correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient test; r2=0.28, p<0.0001). This indicates that, although the urinary TB/CA ratio mostly represents FMO activity, minor contribution by CYP1A2 activity cannot be ignored. In conclusion, the FMO activity measured by taking the urinary TB/CA ratio from normal healthy Korean volunteers shows marked individual variations without significant gender differences and the increased TB/CA ratio observed in cigarette smokers may have been caused by the increased CYP1A2 activity.

Comparative effects on secretion of LH, FSH, prolactin, and testosterone by chronic and direct hypothalamic administration of nonylphenol to adult male rats

Nonylphenol (NP) is a widespread environmental pollutant that has been shown to exert both toxic and estrogenic effects on mammalian cells. As the effects of NP on the reproductive system of adult male vertebrates are virtually unknown, we investigated not only the changes of reproductive hormone secretion in serum after chronic exposure to NP but also, in order to identify the site of its action, the reproductive hormone secretion in serum 48 hours after microinfusion of NP within hypothalamic preoptic area (POA). In the chronic exposure, the luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone in serum were decreased but prolactin (PRL) concentrations were increased. The LH, FSH, and testosterone in serum were decreased through the direct infusion of NP into POA, while there was no difference in mean serum prolactin between NP and control groups. These observations suggest that NP as endocrine disruptor has modulatory effects on hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadalaxis and that the site of action of NP could be hypothalamic POA.

Thyroid hormone-induced alterations of Ca2+-ATPase and phospholamban protein expression in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

Alterations of cardiovascular function associated with various thyroid states have been studied. In hyperthyroidism left ventricular contractility and relaxation velocity were increased, whereas these parameters were decreased in hypothyroidism. The mechanisms for these changes have been suggested to include alterations in the expression and/or activity levels of various proteins; alpha-myosin heavy chain, beta-myosin heavy chain, beta-receptors, the guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein, and the sarcolemmal Ca2+-ATPase. All these cellular alterations may be associated with changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The most important regulator of intracellular Ca2+ concentration is the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), which serves as a Ca2+ sink during relaxation and as a Ca2+ source during contraction. The Ca2+-ATPase and phospholamban are the most important proteins in the SR membrane for muscle relaxation. The dephosphorylated phospholamban inhibits the SR Ca2+-ATPase through a direct interaction, and phosphorylation of phospholamban relieves the inhibition. In the present study, quantitative changes of Ca2+-ATPase and phospholamban expression and the functional consequences of these changes in various thyroid states were investigated. The effects of thyroid hormones on (1) SR Ca2+ uptake, (2) phosphorylation levels of phospholamban, (3) SR Ca2+-ATPase and phospholamban protein levels, (4) phospholamban mRNA levels were examined. Our findings indicate that hyperthyroidism is associated with increases in Ca2+-ATPase and decreases in phospholamban levels whereas opposite changes in these proteins occur in hypothyroidism.

Changes in renal brush-border sodium-dependent transport systems in gentamicin-treated rats

To elucidate the mechanism of gentamicin induced renal dysfunction, renal functions and activities of various proximal tubular transport systems were studied in gentamicin-treated rats (Fisher 344). Gentamicin nephrotoxicity was induced by injecting gentamicin sulfate subcutaneously at a dose of 100 mg/kg cntdot day for 7 days. The gentamicin injection resulted in a marked polyuria, hyposthenuria, proteinuria, glycosuria, aminoaciduria, phosphaturia, natriuresis, and kaliuresis, characteristics of aminoglycoside nephropathy. Such renal functional changes occurred in the face of reduced GFR, thus tubular transport functions appeared to be impaired. The polyuria and hyposthenuria were partly associated with a mild osmotic diuresis, but mostly attributed to a reduction in free water reabsorption. In renal cortical brush-border membrane vesicles isolated from gentamicin-treated rats, the Na+ gradient dependent transport of glucose, alanine, phosphate and succinate was significantly attenuated with no changes in Na+/-independent transport and the membrane permeability to Na+. These results indicate that gentamicin treatment induces a defect in free water reabsorption in the distal nephron and impairs various Na+/-cotransport systems in the proximal tubular brush-border membranes, leading to polyuria, hyposthenuria, and increased urinary excretion of Na+ and other solutes.

The neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2 in intestinal brush-border membrane:molecular and functional characteristics / 肠外与肠内营养

ASCT2 is a Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter in brush-border membrane of intestinal epithelial cells.The activity accounts for the majority of intestinal luminal neutral amino acid absorption,such as alanine,serine,cysteine,threonine,glutamine,asparagine and so on.The study about molecular and functional characteristics of ASCT2 will help to the understanding of bowel function,and offer the potential for developing new treatments for short bowel syndrome and other bowel dysfunction conditions.

Two forms of trehalase in rabbit enterocyte: Purification and chemical modification.

Trehalase found to be associated with the brush border membrane vesicles and the Ca2+ aggregated basolateral membrane vesicles were purified to homogeneity. They were found to differ in their molecular weight, subunit structure, heal stability, N-terminal residues, amino acid composition and also the active site residues. Chemical modification showed the presence of a histidine and tyrosine at the active site of brush border membrane vesicle trehalase and two histidines at the active site of basolateral membrane vesicle.

Effect of doxorubicin on the intestinal membranes in rats—Influence of α-tocopherol administration.

The effect of α-tocopherol on doxorubicin induced changes in intestinal brush border and basolateral membranes were studied in rats. Rats were treated with doxorubicin (2·5 mg/kg body wt.), intravenously, weekly for 8 weeks. α-Tocopherol (400 mg/kg body wt.) was given orally, daily for 2 months. Intestinal basolateral membrane bound ATPases and brush border membrane bound alkaline phosphatase activities were found to be decreased significantly in doxorubicin treated rats. The lipid peroxide level was found to be elevated with a significant depletion in membrane sulphydryl groups. In α-tocopherol coadministered animals, the enzyme activities were found to be restored with concomitant reduction in lipid peroxide levels and an increase in the membrane sulphydryl groups. The membrane cholesterol and phospholipid levels which were altered in doxorubicin treated animals were found to be maintained significantly. The results are discussed with reference to the effect of α-tocopherol on lipid peroxidation and membrane sulphydryl groups.

Purification and properties of trehalase from monkey small intestine.

Brush border membrane trehalase was purified from monkey small intestine by a procedure which includes solubilisation by Triton X-100, ammonium sulphate fractionation, and chromatography on DE-52 and hydroxyapatite. The purified enzyme had a specific activity of 11 units/mg protein and was purified 140-fold. The enzyme showed a single protein band on Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It had a Km value of 17·4 mM for trehalose and a Vmax of 1·33 units. Sucrose and Tris acted as competitive inhibitors of the enzyme.