Serum Con Research Articles

PSIX-28 Examining the effects of estradiol, trenbolone acetate, or polyamines on bovine satellite cell differentiation

Abstract The mechanism through which anabolic implants improve skeletal muscle growth of beef animals is incompletely understood. Polyamines (PA) are bioactive amino acid derivatives that act as potent growth stimulants. The objective of this study was to determine effects of anabolic implants, PA and their precursors on bovine satellite cell (BSC) differentiation. Primary BSC were cultured to approximately 80% confluency, at which time they were induced to differentiate in the presence of 3% horse serum (Con) and treated with 10nM TBA, 10 nM E2, or 10nM TBA and 10 nM E2 (ETBA), 10 mM methionine (Met), 8 mM ornithine (Orn), 2 mM putrescine (Put), 1.5 mM spermidine (Spd) or 0.5 mM spermine (Spe). Total mRNA was isolated 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, or 48 h post-treatment and abundance of paired box transcription factor 7 (Pax7) and myogenic differentiation factor (MyoD) were analyzed. Treatment with the hormones (TBA, E2, or ETBA) and PA (Orn, Put, Spd, and Spe) increased (P < 0.05) abundance of MyoD 4 h post-treatment when compared to Con cultures. However, 24 h post-treatment, MyoD abundance was decreased in the presence of hormone treatments when compared to the Con, while the PA treatments increased (P < 0.05) abundance of MyoD when compared to the Con cultures. Treatment with either the hormones or PA had no effect (P > 0.05) on Pax7 abundance at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, or 48 h post-treatment when compared to Con cultures (P > 0.05). These results indicate that treatment with PA or hormones increases abundance of MyoD, though temporally different indicating that these two classes of growth promoters impact differentiation via alternate physiological pathways. Additional research is underway in order to determine the effects of both PA and hormones on differentiation of primary BSC.

Serum ApoA4 levels predicted the progression of renal impairment in T2DM.

Among multiple causes, diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major underlying renal disease that leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and early diagnosis can effectively prevent or delay the progression to ESRD. Therefore, the current study aimed to develop noninvasive, accurate detection markers. For this study, 62 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, 59 DN patients and 21 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. All participants' serum samples were subjected to concavanalin (Con) A affinity chromatography, which utilizes glycoproteins to discover potential markers. From nano LC-MS and Western blot analysis, apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA4) was selected which featured a gradual, almost twofold increase in the order of HC, DM and DN. In the Con A-based ELISA, the DM group was 1.91-fold higher than the HC group, while the DN group was 2.56-fold higher than the HCs and 1.33-fold higher than the DM group. In addition, significant positive correlations were observed between ApoA4 and blood urea nitrogen levels and between ApoA4 and creatine levels, while significant negative correlations were seen between serum protein levels and between serum albumin levels in comparisons of DM and DN samples. Serum Con A-bound ApoA4 levels were higher in the DM group than in HCs, and further increased in the DN group. Levels of ApoA4 were positively correlated with blood urea nitrogen and creatine, but negatively correlated with serum protein and albumin. This evidence supports serum Con A-bound ApoA4 as a circulating marker for predicting the progression of renal impairment in DM patients.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and selected diet components in postmenopausal women.

Nutrition and lifestyle factors play an important role in the development and maintenance of peak bone mass and the prevention of bone degradation. The aim of the present study was to assess 25-hydroxy- cholecalciferol [25(OH)D] serum concentration in postmenopausal women during the winter period and the supply of selected components in their diet. The study was conducted on a group of 35 women aged 54&ndash;77, using a question- naire, including a 24-hour recall related to a subject&rsquo;s nutrient consumption. Serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were determined. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Mean 25(OH)D serum concentration was found to be 61.2% of the minimum healthy level, according to the reference values. The supply of vitamin D and calcium covered 36.2% and 56.7% of RDA respectively. Correlation analysis has shown a significant inverse relationship between 25(OH)D serum con- centration and body fat (p < 0.05). The study indicates a decreased serum concentration of 25(OH)D in postmenopausal women during the winter period and a low supply of vitamin D and calcium in their diet. Nutrition education should be introduced to the adult population to prevent bone fractures.

Practice guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole: a consensus review of the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Arbekacin (ABK) was approved and widely used in Japan for treatment of patients infected with MRSA, and TDM was introduced in clinical practice. The Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring decided to develop a clinical practice guidelines for TDM of ABK for the following reasons. First, although the daily dose of 150e200 mg was approved in Japan, recent PK- PD studies revealed that higher serum concentration is required to achieve better clinical efficacy and several findings concerning the usefulness of higher dosage regimen have obtained recently. Second, although maximal concentrations that obtained immediately after the end of administration (Cmax )w as generally adopted, the serum concentration at 1 h after initiation of administration (peak serum con- centration (Cpeak)) proved to be more suitable as an efficacy indicator of aminoglycosides. Lastly, as ABK is approved only in Japan, no international practice guideline for TDM has not been available in ABK to date. This guideline evaluated the scientific data associated with serum ABK monitoring and provided rec- ommendations based on the available evidence. Potential limitations of this guideline, however, include the findings that few prospective clinical trials of TDM of ABK are available in the treatment of MRSA infections and that most of the published literature describes observational studies.

Practice guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of vancomycin: a consensus review of the Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

Arbekacin (ABK) was approved and widely used in Japan for treatment of patients infected with MRSA, and TDM was introduced in clinical practice. The Japanese Society of Chemotherapy and the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring decided to develop a clinical practice guidelines for TDM of ABK for the following reasons. First, although the daily dose of 150e200 mg was approved in Japan, recent PK- PD studies revealed that higher serum concentration is required to achieve better clinical efficacy and several findings concerning the usefulness of higher dosage regimen have obtained recently. Second, although maximal concentrations that obtained immediately after the end of administration (Cmax )w as generally adopted, the serum concentration at 1 h after initiation of administration (peak serum con- centration (Cpeak)) proved to be more suitable as an efficacy indicator of aminoglycosides. Lastly, as ABK is approved only in Japan, no international practice guideline for TDM has not been available in ABK to date. This guideline evaluated the scientific data associated with serum ABK monitoring and provided rec- ommendations based on the available evidence. Potential limitations of this guideline, however, include the findings that few prospective clinical trials of TDM of ABK are available in the treatment of MRSA infections and that most of the published literature describes observational studies.

Beneficial effect of fish oil on bone mineral density and biomarkers of bone metabolism in rats

This study evaluated the effect of fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids on bone characteristics in Sprague-Dawley rats. Wean - ling male rats were randomized to receive either a diet containing high fish oil (FO), fish oil blended with corn oil (FICO), or soy oil rich in n-6 fatty acids (SO) for 4 weeks. All diets provided 70 g/kg fat based on the AIN-93G diet. Growth and biomarkers of bone metabolism were analyzed, and femur bone characteristics were measured by dual-energy X-ray ab- sorptiometry. After the dietary treatment, no significant differences among the diet groups were observed for serum con - centrations of Ca, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, or osteocalcin. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly great - er in FO-fed rats compared to that in the FICO and SO groups, whereas no difference in deoxypyridinoline values was observed, supporting the positive effect of a FO diet on bone formation. These results were accompanied by a significant increase in femur bone mineral density (BMD) in FO-fed rats. These findings suggest that providing fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids correlates with higher alkaline phosphatase activity and BMD values, favoring bone formation in growing rats. (Korean J Nutr 2012; 45(2): 121 ~ 126)

Adjustment of dosing of antimicrobial agents for bodyweight in adults

Adjustment of dosing of antimicrobial agents for bodyweight in adults

High prevalence of impaired glucose metabolism in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACTS- Cardiac Function and Heart Failure 181A 11:00 a.m. 854-3 Myocardial Collagen Turnover in Hypertrophic Cardlomyopathy: Comparison to Healthy Subjects R~ffaalla Lombardi, Sandro Betocchi, Maria Angela Losi, Quidno Ciampi, Cado G. Tocchefti, EIpidio Pszzella, Filippo Finizio, Mariano Aversa, Marianna Miranda, Veronica De Crescanzo, Massimo Chiariello, Department of Clinical Medicine, Cardivascular and Immunological Science, University of Naples, Naples, Italy. BACKGROUND LV hypertrophy and fibrosis are characteristics of hypertrophic cardi- omyopathy (HCM). We assessed the impact of collagen turnover on LV anatomy and function in HCM. METHODS We studied 29 HCM patients (36±9 years) and 10 age and sex-matched controls. We assessed cardiac fibrosis by RIA measurement of serum con- centrations of: procollagsn III N-terminal propeptide (PtilNP), index of collagen III synthe- sis; procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP) and collagen I C-terminal telopeptide (ICTP), indexes of collagen I synthesis and degradation. They were In-transformed. LV hypertrophy was quantified by the Wigle's score. Diastolic function was evaluated by the duration difference in antegrada (mitral) and retrograde (pulmonary vein) A wave (Adiff). RESULTS PIIINP and ICTP were higher in HCM than in controls (1.3(.4) vs .9(.3) ng/ml, p=.002; 1.0(.4) vs .8(.2) ng/ml, p=.048) and inversely related to age in HCM (r=-.424, p=.022; r=-.651, p<.001). PICP and ICTP were directly related to one another (r=.395, p=.013). PtlINP was inversely related to LV end-diastolic dimension, while ICTP was directly related to Wigle's score (Figure). PIIINP and ICTP were inversely related to Adiff (r=-.393, p=.035; and r=-.584, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS In HCM patients collagen metabolism is more active than in controls and it decreases with age. Collagen I degra- dation parallels synthesis (steady state). Collagen turnover influences degree of hyper- trophy, cavity size and passive diastolic properties.

Detection of structural alterations in LDL isolated from type 2 diabetic patients: application of the fructosamine assay to evaluate the extent of LDL glycation

Modifications in LDL such as glycation contribute to the accelerated development of macrovascular alterations in diabetic patients [1], but to date there is no recommended method to determine the extent of plasma LDL glycation. The fructosamine assay originally described by Johnson et al. [2] to evaluate medium term glycemic control in diabetic patients, was previously applied to measurements of glycated protein in LDL fractions isolated from in vitro glycated plasma obtained from non-diabetic subjects [3]. However, fructosamine values in LDL from diabetic patients are as yet unknown. Therefore, we re-adapted and evaluated the fructosamine assay for the determination of glycated LDL in type 2 diabetic patients. Besides, we characterized LDLs by means of their chemical composition and estimated the predominance of small dense LDL through the total proteins/cholesterol ratio in the LDL fraction [4]. Twenty-three type 2 diabetic patients of either sex, whose ages ranged from 47 to 82 years, were studied. Mean (9S.D.) levels of HbA1c were 8.592.5%, serum fructosamine 370990 mmol/l and glycemia in the fasting state 213956 mg/dl. Mean (9S.D.) levels of plasma triglycerides (TG) and total, HDLand LDLcholesterol were 173976, 227942, 49913 and 1419 36 mg/dl, respectively. Throughout, there was no clinical or laboratory evidence of impaired liver or kidney function. The control group comprised 19 subjects of either sex, ages ranging from 22 to 87 years, whose mean (9S.D.) levels of HbA1c were 4.990.5%, serum fructosamine 230910 mmol/l and glycemia in the fasting state 8697 mg/dl. Mean (9S.D.) levels of plasma triglycerides and total, HDLand LDLcholesterol were 85938, 197944, 59916 and 118943 mg/dl, respectively. LDL was isolated from fasting plasma supplemented with EDTA 1 g/l, by sequential ultracentrifugation within the 1.019–1.063 g/ml density range. The proposed assay was evaluated as below. An LDL aliquot obtained from controls was used to make up a pool to check the correlation between the degree of in vitro glycation and the measurement of fructosamine in the LDL fraction isolated, as well as to determine assay recovery and reproducibility. For this purpose, an aliquot of the pool was incubated with 100 mmol/l glucose during 1–7 days. Another aliquot was incubated at 37°C with glucose concentrations ranging from 13 to 100 mmol/l during 4 days, a period roughly equal to LDL mean life in plasma. Fructosamine was determined in LDL fractions using Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) reagent and serum con* Corresponding author. Fax: +54-1-823-7351; e-mail: ssanguinetti@dbc.ffyb.uba.ar.

An extemporaneous itraconazole suspension for pediatric use

Objective. To report the use of an extemporane ously prepared acidic suspension of itraconazole for pediatric oncology patients. Case Summary. Itraconazole was adminis tered to a 4-year-old AML patient with Alternaria sp sinusitis. An acidic itraconazole suspension was prepared using 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and cherry syrup. Bioassay for serum itraconazole suggested the product achieved adequate peak serum con centrations. Discussion. Fasting and reduced gastric acid ity will decrease the absorption of itraconazole. The use of an acidic suspension provides more accurate dosing for pediatric patients, allows pro vision of itraconazole in an acidic media, and allows dosing in patients unable or unwilling to swallow capsules. Conclusions. Itraconazole prepared in an acidic suspension appears to be absorbed. Further study is needed to establish stability of this prepa ration, as well as, the extent and consistency of its absorption.

Progestins in Mid- to Late-Pregnant Mares

Summary Two experiments were conducted to determine when a placental source of progestin was sufficient for maintaining pregnancy in the mare. In the first study, embryos were transferred into ovariectomized mares and pregnancy was maintained with altrenogest a Altrenogest treatment was terminated at either day 100 (n=6) or day 150 (n=6). Twelve ovarian-intact mares were assigned to a second experiment on day 100 of gestation. On day 160 of gesta- tion, these mares were assigned to one of three treatments: 1) ovariectomy on day 160 and given altrenogest to day 200 (n=4); 2) ovariectomy on day 180 and given altrenogest to day 250 (n=4); or 3) ovariectomy on day 200 and given altrenogest to day 300 (n=4). Blood samples were collected every 2 weeks from all mares in both experiments from day 100 to parturition and assayed for concentrations of pro- gestins. Pregnancy loss from day 100 to parturition was not different among groups in either experiment. Serum con- centrations ofprogestins in ovary-intact mares were greater (P

High-performance affinity chromatography of human serum concanavalin a binding proteins

A high-performance concanavalin A (Con A) affinity column Gelpack GL-L55C (Hitachi Kasei Industries) was successfully used for the fractionation of human serum Con A-binding proteins. Serum proteins that have strong affinity to Con A (ca. 11% of the recovered proteins) could be fractionated within 80 min. By analysing the eluates from the column by micro two-dimensional electrophoresis, followed by blotting and Con A staining, the specificity of the column was effectively visualized. Although the protein-binding capacity of the column gradually decreased during repeated loading of serum or tissue extracts, the specificity of the column to Con A-binding proteins did not change. Serum lipoproteins have been eluted from the column with 6 M urea, suggesting that the capacity decrease is caused by the binding of lipids or lipoproteins to the column.

SERUM LIPIDS AND LIPOPROTEINS AT BIRTH BASED ON A STUDY OF 2815 NEWOKN INFANTS

Abstract. In a consecutive series of 2 815 newborn infants the triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CHOL) concentrations were determined in total cord serum and in high density lipoprotein (HDL) containing serum after precipitation of very low (VLDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) with heparin manganese chloride. The serum Concentrations of TG and CHOL in VLDL+LDL were calculated as the differences between the concentrations in total serum and HDL. By multiple, stepwise, linear regression analysis the influence of various factors during pregnancy and delivery on the serum concentrations of TG and CHOL totally and in lipoproteins was investigated. All investigated factors had only minor or no influence on the lipid concentrations. For CHOL the sex was the variable with the highest coefficient of determination. Infants of diabetic mothers had a higher serum con centration of total and HDL CHOL. Gestational age, Apgar score, duration of labour, maternal blood pressure and dysmaturity showed a positive and birth weight a negative correlation with the TG content in total serum and lipoproteins. These factors did not, how ever, explain all the high serum concentrations of TG and CHOL, either totally or in lipo proteins. It is concluded that other factors are more important than materno‐foetal complica tions in determining the lipid and lipoprotein levels at birth.