Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:2.6.1.2 (alanine aminotransferase)
26,722 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The glycoprotein B (gB) region of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major envelope glycoprotein that is a principal target of neutralizing antibodies and is known to stimulate the immune response of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. HCMV is currently classified into four genotypes on the basis of the nucleotide sequence of the gB region. The presence of HCMV in patients under 3 years of age was determined by subjecting urine samples taken from the patients to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Analysis by direct sequencing of the gB region was carried out in 90 cases. These cases were grouped into the gB genotype 1 and gB genotype 3. Of 28 cases with a peak serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level(> or =100 IU/l), the duration of observed serum ALT elevation in the gB genotype 1 patients (166.7+/-126.7 days [mean+/-S.D.] [19 cases]) was significantly longer than that in the gB genotype 3 patients (39.7+/-31.7 days [9 cases]) (p<0.01). In the 54 cases with a serum ALT level(> or =50 IU/l), similar tendency was seen (p<0.05). These findings suggest that when serum ALT elevation is confirmed in young children infected with HCMV, analysis of the gB region is helpful for prediction of the duration of serum ALT elevation in the early stage of infection.
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PMID:Relationship between human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotype and serum alanine aminotransferase elevation in infants. 1529 39

Gene transfer into hepatocytes is highly desirable for the long-term goal of replacing deficient proteins and correcting metabolic disorders. Vectors based on herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) have been demonstrated to mediate efficient gene transfer into hepatocytes both in vitro and in vivo. Large transgene capacity and extrachromosomal persistence make HSV-1/EBV hybrid amplicon vectors an attractive candidate for hepatic gene replacement therapy. To assess liver-directed gene transfer, we constructed (i) a conventional HSV-1 amplicon vector encoding a secreted reporter protein (secreted alkaline phosphatase, SEAP) under the control of the HSV-1 immediate-early 4/5 promoter; (ii) a HSV-1 amplicon encoding SEAP under the control of the artificial CAG promoter (the chicken beta-actin promoter and cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early enhancer); and (iii) a HSV-1/EBV hybrid amplicon, also encoding SEAP under the control of the CAG promoter. While all three vector constructs yielded high SEAP concentrations in vitro and in vivo, use of HSV-1/EBV hybrid amplicon vectors significantly prolonged the duration of gene expression. Using conventional amplicon vectors in cultured hepatocytes, SEAP was detected for two weeks, whereas SEAP was detected for at least six weeks when HSV-1/EBV amplicons were used. Intraparenchymal injection into the liver of SICD mice yielded high (up to 77 ng of SEAP per milliliter serum) and sustained (greater than three weeks) expression of SEAP. Serum transaminases (ALT/AST) were measured at different time points to monitor for hepatocellular damage. While initially elevated four times above baseline, the transaminase levels returned to normal after three to seven days. These results demonstrate the usefulness of HSV-1-based amplicons and SEAP for the evaluation of gene replacement strategies in the liver.
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PMID:Gene transfer into hepatocytes mediated by herpes simplex virus-Epstein-Barr virus hybrid amplicons. 1558

IFN-alpha/beta-mediated functions promote production of MIP-1alpha (or CCL3) by mediating the recruitment of MIP-1alpha-producing macrophages to the liver during early infection with murine CMV. These responses are essential for induction of NK cell inflammation and IFN-gamma delivery to support effective control of local infection. Nevertheless, it remains to be established if additional chemokine functions are regulated by IFN-alpha/beta and/or play intermediary roles in supporting macrophage trafficking. The chemokine MCP-1 (or CCL2) plays a distinctive role in the recruitment of macrophages by predominantly stimulating the CCR2 chemokine receptor. Here, we examine the roles of MCP-1 and CCR2 during murine CMV infection in liver. MCP-1 production preceded that of MIP-1alpha during infection and was dependent on IFN-alpha/beta effects for induction. Resident F4/80(+) liver leukocytes were identified as primary IFN-alpha/beta responders and major producers of MCP-1. Moreover, MCP-1 deficiency was associated with a dramatic reduction in the accumulation of macrophages and NK cells, as well as decreased production of MIP-1alpha and IFN-gamma in liver. These responses were also markedly impaired in mice with a targeted disruption of CCR2. Furthermore, MCP-1- and CCR2-deficient mice exhibited increased viral titers and elevated expression of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase in serum. These mice also had widespread virus-induced liver pathology and succumbed to infection. Collectively, these results establish MCP-1 and CCR2 interactions as factors promoting early liver inflammatory responses and define a mechanism for innate cytokines in regulation of chemokine functions critical for effective localized antiviral defenses.
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PMID:Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and CCR2 interactions are required for IFN-alpha/beta-induced inflammatory responses and antiviral defense in liver. 1566 15

Adenoviral vectors are widely used in cancer gene therapy. After systemic administration however, the majority of the virus homes to the liver and the expressed transgene may cause hepatotoxicity. To restrict transgene expression to tumor cells, tumor- or tissue-specific promoters are utilized. The tumor antigen epithelial glycoprotein-2 (EGP-2), also known as Ep-CAM, is expressed in many cancers from different epithelial origins. In this study, the EGP-2 promoter was shown to restrict the expression of luciferase and thymidine kinase in an adenoviral context in different cell lines. In vivo, the EGP-2 promoter mediated efficient expression of luciferase in tumors but showed a 3-log lower activity in liver tissue when compared with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Similarly, the EGP-2 promoter mediated specific cell killing after ganciclovir treatment in EGP-2-positive cells. Moreover, in vivo, this treatment regiment did not cause any rise in the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), demonstrating absence of liver toxicity. In contrast, CMV-mediated expression of thymidine kinase in combination with ganciclovir treatment resulted in high ASAT and ALAT values. This study demonstrates the value of the EGP-2 promoter to restrict transgene expression to a broad range of tumor types, thereby preventing liver toxicity.
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PMID:The carcinoma-specific epithelial glycoprotein-2 promoter controls efficient and selective gene expression in an adenoviral context. 1609 50

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a potent immunosuppressive agent used in renal transplantation. Gastrointestinal and hematological side effects are commonly observed, but hepatotoxicity has not been reported. In this study, we assessed MMF-related hepatotoxicity in renal transplant recipients. A total of 124 renal transplantation recipients (RTRs) were evaluated for elevated liver enzymes associated with MMF, and 79 patients were enrolled to the study. Patients used MMF 2 g/day. The patients who had progressive increase in liver enzymes after renal transplantation and their AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, bilirubin levels, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), abdominal ultrasonography, duration of hepatotoxicity, and decreased dosage or withdrawal of MMF were recorded. Also, we evaluated their liver enzymes while the patients were on the waiting list. Of the 79 patients, 11 patients (13.9%) had a progressive increase in liver enzymes. The median (min-max) age of the patients with MMF-hepatotoxicity was 29 (19-54) and 72.7% of them were male. None of the patients had hepatitis B or C, CMV infection, or other possible causes for elevated liver enzymes and their abdominal ultrasonography were normal. High liver enzyme levels regressed after the withdrawal (n=6) or reduce dosage (n=5) of MMF. The median time of the increase in liver enzymes was 28 (4-70) days and after 50% reduction or withdrawal of MMF, returned to normal values in 16 (4-210) days. The median levels of ALT in waiting list (I), before (II), and after (III) reduction dosage or withdrawal of MMF were 22.0 (3-22), 222.0 (51-508), and 33.0 (21-64) U/L, respectively (p I-II=0.004,p I-II=0.013, andp II-III=0.005). There were no differences for ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin levels. Also, the correlation between recovery time of ALT and persistence time of ALT elevation before adjustment of MMF was significant (r=0.739, p=0.009). Consequently, after renal transplantation, hepatotoxicity can occur due to a lot of reason including MMF usage. If hepatotoxicity related to MMF is not considered, especially in the early period of renal transplantation, resolution of hepatotoxicity can be required long term.
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PMID:Uncommon side effect of MMF in renal transplant recipients. 1615 98

A 17-year-old girl previously in good health presented with a 2-month history of recurrent, high-grade fever; general fatigue; anorexia; a 10-kg weight loss; and multiple, painful, reddish skin lesions on the lower abdomen. Some lesions were ulcerated, with an oily yellowish brown discharge. A systemic review was unremarkable other than bleeding from the nose. Her medical and family histories were unremarkable. On examination, the patient was pale, jaundiced, and febrile (temperature of 39 degrees C). She had enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary and inguinal areas. There was moderate hepatosplenomegaly. Local skin examination revealed multiple erythematous, tender, and firm subcutaneous nodules of variable size (1-2 cm) on the lower abdomen. Some nodules were ulcerated, with oily yellowish brown discharge and overlying ecchymosis (Figures 1 and 2). Mucous membranes were free of lesions. Laboratory investigations showed pancytopenia, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (>80 mm/h), normal renal function tests, abnormal hepatic function tests (alanine aminotransferase 172 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 229 U/L, alkaline phosphatase 725 U/L, and total bilirubin 100 mmol/L [normal range 0-18 mmol/L]), conjugated bilirubin 45 mmol/L (normal range 0-5 mmol/L), and high triglycerides 855 mg/dL (normal range 20-200 mg/dL). Prolonged prothrombin time, 26 seconds (normal range 13-16 seconds); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, 61 seconds (normal range 26-38 seconds); positive disseminated intravascular coagulation studies evidenced by low fibrinogen, 74 mg/dL (normal range 160-350 mg/dL); and positive fibrinogen degradation products were also noted. Throat, midstream urine, and blood culture results were negative. Serologic tests for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B and C viruses were negative. Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus serologic values revealed evidence of past infection. Tuberculin and Coombs tests were negative. The alpha1-antitrypsin level was normal. Antinuclear and anti-smith antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and cryoglobulins were negative. CT showed enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary and inguinal areas, bilateral small pleural effusion, moderate hepatosplenomegaly, severe fatty infiltration of the liver, and thickening of lower abdominal subcutaneous tissue. A liver biopsy showed steatohepatitis. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine were normal. A deep punch biopsy of a nodule from the right lower abdomen revealed lobular panniculitis with atypical lymphocytes and large macrophages with cytophagocytosis ("beanbag" cells) (Figures 3 and 4). Immunohistochemistry showed that these atypical cells were positive for CD3, CD8, granzyme B, and perforin, and negative for CD56. T-cell gene rearrangement studies on skin lesions revealed a monoclonal T-cell receptor (gamma-chain) gene rearrangement, supporting the diagnosis of subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma. On presentation, the initial treatment included 6 U of fresh frozen plasma, 2 U of packed red blood cells, and 2 g IV fibrinogen for 3 consecutive days. The patient was started on prednisolone 60 mg orally once daily and cyclosporine A 5 mg/kg/d orally in two divided doses. The fever and other systemic symptoms and skin lesions resolved within 2 weeks after the treatment. The prednisolone dose was tapered gradually, and a maintenance dose of cyclosporine A was continued. The patient's condition remained in remission at 12-month follow-up; there was no evidence of clinical relapse.
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PMID:Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma with hemophagocytic syndrome successfully treated with cyclosporin A. 1685 14

We retrospectively evaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic between March 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminases and serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history of transfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis of recent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT was increased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosis of CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice, the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgM against CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infection should be investigated.
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PMID:[Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults]. 1687 6

It is generally accepted that the risk for fetal infection is greatest with maternal primary cytomegalovirus CMV infection and much less likely with recurrent infection. Here, we report a fatal case of congenital CMV infection following recurrent maternal infection after a 7-year interval. A 3-month-old female baby presented with fever, jaundice, vomiting and stopping breast-feeding. Physical examination revealed mild respiratory distress, hepatosplenomegaly, microcephaly and growth retardation. Laboratory examination included bilirubin concentrations Total: 7.17 mg/dl; conjugated 6.67 mg/dl, aspartate transaminase 141 IU, and alanine transaminase 499 IU. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test results revealed + CMV IgM and + CMV IgG. She died on the 10th day of admission with the diagnosis of CMV hepatitis, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure. Nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions were demonstrated in the lung, liver and brain on postmortem biopsy. This case highlights that the outcome of babies born to mothers with recurrent maternal CMV infection may be more severe and fatal than previously thought.
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PMID:Fatal congenital cytomegalovirus infection following recurrent maternal infection after a 7-year interval. 1726 7

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in inmunocompetent hosts generally is asymptomatic or may present as a mononucleosis syndrome but rarely can lead to severe organ complications. We report a case of simultaneous hepatic and pericardic CMV infection in a 36-year old immunocompetent man. He was admitted to coronary unit with fever, chest pain radiated to shoulders, changes on electrocardiogram with diffuse ST elevation and modest laboratory elevations in the MB fraction of creatine kinase (CK-MB) of 33.77 microg/L (0.1-6.73), serum cardiac troponin T of 0.904 ng/mL (0-0.4), creatine kinase of 454 U/L (20-195) and myoglobin of 480.4 microg/L (28-72). Routine laboratory test detected an elevation of aminotransferase level: alanine aminotransferase 1445 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase 601 U/L. We ruled out other causes of hepatitis with normal results except IgM CMV. The patient was diagnosed with myopericarditis and hepatitis caused by cytomegalovirus and started symptomatic treatment with salicylic acid. In few days the laboratory findings became normal and the patient was discharged.
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PMID:Cytomegalovirus hepatitis and myopericarditis. 1727 38

Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) following liver transplantation (LT) is universal. A subset of these patients develop advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis and it is believed that this leads to increased posttransplantation mortality. The specific aims of this study were to determine the incidence of advanced fibrosis and those factors associated with this process, and to evaluate causes for mortality in patients with recurrent HCV. A total of 227 patients who underwent LT with chronic HCV were monitored prospectively. The mean age of this group at LT was 49.5 yr; 76% were male and 85% were Caucasian. Fibrosis progression was monitored by protocol liver biopsy, initially performed 6 months after LT and then at 6- to 24-month intervals. Advanced fibrosis, defined as the bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis, developed in 1%, 11%, 25%, and 41% of patients after 1, 3, 5, and 6-10 yr, respectively. Acute cellular rejection hepatic steatosis, a persistent elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase and donor-race were associated with the development of advanced fibrosis. In contrast, the development of advanced fibrosis was not affected by the use of interferon prior to undergoing LT, cytomegalovirus disease, or donor age. A total of 60 patients (26%) died over 15 yr of follow-up. Although graft failure accounted for 45% of deaths in patients with advanced fibrosis, this represented only 8% of all deaths in patients with recurrent HCV. Sepsis was the most common cause of death and this was observed with similar frequency in patients who developed advanced fibrosis (45%) and in those with less advanced fibrosis (47%). In conclusion, approximately 41% of patients with recurrent HCV developed advanced fibrosis 6-10 yr after LT. However, complications associated with sepsis, not recurrent cirrhosis, was the most common cause of death in patients with recurrent HCV and this was similar in patients with or without advanced fibrosis.
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PMID:A prospective evaluation of fibrosis progression in patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus following liver transplantation. 1760 Mar 60


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