Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0018799 (heart disease)
 34,133 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The effect of gastric acidity on the absorption of a cardiac glucoside has been studied in vivo in three groups of patients with heart disease, measuring blood levels and urinary excretion of the digitalis compound by radioimmunologic assay. The median blood levels were lower in hyperacidic subjects and higher in hypoacidic patients; the urinary excretion of the digitalis compound showed no essential differences.
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PMID:[The influence of gastric acidity on digoxinemy (author's transl)]. 101 Feb 20

Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagasic heart disease, a major public health problem in Latin America. The mechanism of interaction of this protozooan parasite with host cells is poorly understood. We recently found that the infective trypomastigote form a T. cruzi exhibits neuraminidase activity and can desialylate mammalian erythrocytes. However, it is not known if T. cruzi can also modify the surfaces of cardiovascular cells that are directly involved in the most important clinical manifestations of this disease. Accordingly, this study determined whether T. cruzi can remove sialic acid from cultured rat myocardial or human vascular endothelial cells. Sialic acid was labeled metabolically with the precursor 3H-N-acetyl-D-mannosamine. Soluble neuraminidase, isolated from intact T. cruzi trypomastigotes, caused significant release of labeled material from myocardial cells (e.g., 2,174 +/- 27 dpm/h vs. spontaneous release of 306 +/- 30 dpm/h, n = 4, P less than 0.001). Chromatographic analysis showed that the bulk of the radioactivity released by T. cruzi neuraminidase was sialic acid. Intact T. cruzi trypomastigotes also released sialic acid from metabolically labeled myocardial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, a noninfective form of T. cruzi, the amastigote, did not desialylate these cells. Galactose oxidase labeling demonstrated newly desialylated glycoproteins on the surface of myocardial cells treated with T. cruzi neuraminidase. Desialylation of myocardial cells was confirmed histochemically by the appearance of binding sites for peanut agglutinin, a lectin that binds to complex oligosaccharide moieties after removal of the terminal sialyl residue. T. cruzi neuraminidase also removed sialic acid from adult human saphenous vein endothelial cells, as determined by both histochemical and metabolic labeling studies. Thus, infective forms of T. cruzi can chemically modify the surfaces of myocardial and vascular endothelial cells by desialylation. This alteration may play a role in the initial interaction of this parasite with these important target cells of the host cardiovascular system.
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PMID:A neuraminidase from Trypanosoma cruzi removes sialic acid from the surface of mammalian myocardial and endothelial cells. 308 Apr 70

We report a boy aged 12 years 7 months with mental retardation, hydrocephalus, dysmorphic facial features, congenital heart disease, and skeletal and renal anomalies. The karyotype showed a mosaic tetrasomy 9p involving the secondary constriction. This result was confirmed by tetraplex gene dosage effect for galactose-1-P-uridyltransferase (GALT). Comparing the clinical features of our case with those of previously reported patients, tetrasomy 9p appears to be a distinctive and clinically recognisable malformation syndrome.
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PMID:Tetrasomy 9p confirmed by GALT. 664 73

Contrast echocardiography performed during cardiac catheterization has mostly been limited to a few published case reports. We studied 37 patients with congenital heart disease to assess the capability of the method to diagnose cardiac shunts and valve regurgitation. Injections of 5% dextrose in water through an angiographic catheter were made to evaluate septal integrity and valve competence compared with conventional contrast angiography. An overall sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 78% were found. In four cases of atrial septal defect and seven of mitral regurgitation, the sensitivity was 100%. It was slightly lower for eleven cases of ventricular septal defect (91%) and four of patent ductus arteriosus (75%). When assessing aortic, tricuspid and pulmonary valve competence, the method proved to be more sensitive than conventional angiography to detect mild regurgitation. Contrast echocardiography is a sensitive and safe technique that may be used in association with conventional angiography reducing the need for radiographic contrast and ionizing radiation time.
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PMID:Contrast echocardiography during cardiac catheterization in patients with congenital heart diseases. 834 95

Brain abscesses are classical complications of congenital heart disease (CHD) in children and adolescents. This association is rarely observed in adults. We report a 46-year-old man presenting a fronto-parietal abscess associated with an asymptomatic atrial septal defect. Positron emission tomography (PET) study revealed high uptake of L-[methyl-11C]methionine ([11C]methionine) and 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) around the brain abscess. We suggest (1) to exclude a silent cardiac malformation in the presence of a cerebral abscess of unknown source occurring in adults; (2) to consider the diagnosis of brain abscess in cases of high uptake of [11C]methionine and FDG in relation to a brain lesion.
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PMID:PET findings in a brain abscess associated with a silent atrial septal defect. 859 7

Eosinophilia in humans is often associated with heart disease and cardiac localization of eosinophil granule proteins, and several results suggest that granule proteins mediate endomyocardial damage. Here we investigated the in vitro effects of the four principal eosinophil granule proteins (eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), major basic protein (MBP), eosinophil-derived neurotoxin, and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO)) on the activation of effector cells of inflammation (mast cells) isolated from human heart tissue (HHMC). ECP and, to a lesser extent, MBP (0.3-3 microM), but not eosinophil-derived neurotoxin and eosinophil peroxidase stimulated the release of preformed (histamine and tryptase) and the de novo synthesis of vasoactive and proinflammatory mediators (PGD2) from HHMC. Activation of HHMC by ECP and MBP was Ca2+- and temperature-dependent and was abolished by preincubation (15 min, 37 degrees C) with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (10 mM) and antimycin A (1 microM). There was a significant correlation between the maximal percentage of histamine release induced by ECP and anti-IgE from HHMC (rs = 0.73; p < 0.005), by MBP and anti-IgE (rs = 0.79; p < 0.001), and by ECP and MBP (rs = 0.65; p < 0.005). A positive correlation was also found between histamine and tryptase secretion (rs = 0.71; p < 0.001) and between histamine and PGD2 release induced by ECP from HHMC (rs = 0.85; p < 0.001). This is the first demonstration that some eosinophil cationic proteins, namely ECP and MBP, found at the site of heart damage in patients with eosinophilia, act as complete secretagogues on HHMC. This observation indicates another mechanism by which infiltrating eosinophils and their metabolic products cause inflammatory reactions and thus endomyocardial lesions in patients with eosinophilia.
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PMID:Eosinophil granule proteins activate human heart mast cells. 875 29

During the last decade there were extensive investigations in clinical and molecular andrology with emphasis on assisted reproduction, micromanipulation techniques of gametes, sperm/egg interaction, male contraception, diabetes mellitus, varicocele, andropause versus menopause, sexual dysfunction, associated hypertension/stress, prostatic carcinoma and molecular parameters of male reproduction. Sperm hyperactivation is a required step in capacitation sequence. Sperm motility is measured by videotape to evaluate the Straight Line Velocity (microm/s) (VSLI). Fertilization/embryonic development results from single sperm transfer (S-MIST) and multiple sperm transfer. Fertilization/embryo development is achieved by injection of immotile sperm into the perivitelline space. To assess sperm viability, a supravital stain suitable for use in combination with immunofluorescent assay, Hoeschst 33258, is used. The dye fluoresces with an intense blue when bound to DNA. To assess sperm plasma membrane integrity, a hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) is performed, using fluoresceinated D-mannose enriched albumin (FITC-DMA). The ability of sperm to swell under hypo-osmotic conditions indicates an intact membrane. A human protein, C-peptide, thought to be a useless byproduct of insulin may protect against devastating heart and nerve damage that diabetes causes. Human diabetics may benefit from the substance. Over 15 million Americans have diabetes, in which blood sugar levels rise out of control. There are two types of diabetics: Type I diabetics produce no insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type II diabetics are unable to use their insulin properly. Diabetics are at great risk of heart disease and nerve damage, as arteries throughout the body leak and nerve-cell impulses fail. C-peptide is a byproduct of insulin production; it can be produced by the body or synthetically. Production of this protein is not induced by insulin, so diabetics who take insulin do not get C-peptide with it. Varicocele occurs unilaterally on the left side in 78% to 93% of men. Typically the presence of a varicocele is associated with an abnormal semen analysis (sperm density and morphology) and a decreased testicular volume on the affected side. Impaired sperm motility occurs in 89.5% of all varicocele patients. Varicocele ligation improves semen parameters in two thirds of patients. A few studies on andropause included sexual dysfunction, hormonal changes, medical/psychological correlates of impotence, ostenopenia/osteoporosis and bone loss; indices of bone remodeling, testosterone supplementation, androgen, negative feedback and hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis. Prostatic cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for men between the ages of 60 and 80. Early detection involves a simple blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA). Regular screening and early detection are essential. This is an important test because a high antigen count can be the only symptom. Since no screening is 100% accurate, physicians recommend both a PSA blood test and a physical examination. Although heredity plays a major role in whether a man will develop prostate cancer, men who lead healthy lives can dramatically reduce their chances of cancer: low-fat diet, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and not smoking. Recent advances in molecular andrology include peptide hormone binding proteins; gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists/antagonists analog; gonadotropins/their receptors; growth factors/reproduction; peptides as intratesticular regulators; molecular cloning of reproductive proteins/peptides. Gene cloning is applied for characterization/expression of genes coding. The interaction of gp120 with CD4 receptor plays a role in syncytium formation, apoptosis and CD4 cell deletion in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The recombinant V3 peptide of fragment 307-330 of HIV-1 can induce sperm head agglutination. The generation process of react
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PMID:Recent advances in clinical/molecular andrology. 958 57

The bioavailability in human subjects of non-nutrient plant factors, including dietary flavonoids and phyto-oestrogens, is of great importance relative to their reported health protective effects. These effects include protection against heart disease, and also in the case of the phyto-oestrogens, hormone-dependent cancers. Epidemiological studies have shown flavonoid intake (mostly quercetin) to be inversely associated with mortality from CHD. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant in vitro, and protection against the oxidative damage to LDL implicated in atherogenesis has been suggested as a possible mechanism. Human subjects can absorb significant amounts of quercetin (particularly in the glucoside form) and it would appear to be sufficiently bioavailable to act as an antioxidant in vivo; however, following our recent study (J O'Reilly, TAB Sanders and H Wiseman, unpublished results), it is currently less clear whether quercetin really can act as an antioxidant in vivo. The isoflavone phyto-oestrogens genistein and daidzein are much less effective antioxidants than quercetin in vitro, however, they are well-absorbed by human subjects and appear to be sufficiently bioavailable to act as antioxidants in vivo. In our recent study (O'Reilly et al. 1998) lower plasma isoprostane concentrations and increased resistance of LDL to oxidation were observed following the high-isoflavone dietary phase compared with the low-isoflavone dietary phase. Considerable inter-individual variation in isoflavone metabolite excretion has been observed, in particular the production of equol (the gut bacterial metabolite of daidzein; a more potent antioxidant and more oestrogenic than daidzein), and this appears to be influenced by habitual diet. Further studies on the bioavailability of these non-nutrient plant factors and related influencing factors are clearly still required.
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PMID:The bioavailability of non-nutrient plant factors: dietary flavonoids and phyto-oestrogens. 1034 51

Determination of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) is essential for the diagnosis, and the timing and type of management of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Usually cardiac catheterization, an expensive and invasive technique, is required for accurate measurement. A number of noninvasive methods for the assessment of PASP have been developed, one of which is estimation of PASP using contrast-enhanced tricuspid regurgitation Doppler signals (TRDS). In this study, right ventricular systolic pressures (RVSP) and PASP of 36 patients (19 girls, 17 boys; aged 5 months to 15 years) with CHD were estimated by TRDS before and after galactose solution (GS) and were compared with catheterization measurements. Significant TRDS (> 1 m sec.) were obtained in nine of 36 (25%), patients before GS and in 23 of 36 patients (64%) after GS. TRDS were increased significantly by contrast agent. Estimated RVSP and PASP were significantly different from the measured pressures before and after GS. There were significant correlations between the estimated RVSP and PASP and measured RVSP after GS. Estimated pressures were underestimated. We conclude that it is better to use the estimated PASP on patients with significant TRDS for the classification of PASP.
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PMID:Estimation of pulmonary artery pressure by contrast-enhanced Doppler signals and comparison with catheter-measured pressures. 1176 62

2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose (18FDG) was developed in 1976 in a collaboration between scientists at the National Institutes of Health, the University of Pennsylvania, and Brookhaven National Laboratory. It was developed for the specific purpose of mapping brain glucose metabolism in living humans, thereby serving as a tool in the basic human neurosciences. With 18FDG it was possible for the first time to measure regional glucose metabolism in the living human brain. Around the same time, the use of 18FDG for studies of myocardial metabolism and as a tracer for tumor metabolism were reported. After the first synthesis of 18FDG via an electrophilic fluorination with 18F gas (produced via the 20Ne(d,alpha)18F reaction), small volume enriched water targets were developed that made it possible to produce large quantities of [18F]fluoride ion via the high-yield 18(p,n)18F reaction. This was followed by a major milestone, the development of a nucleophilic fluorination method that produced 18FDG in very high yield. These advances and the remarkable properties of 18FDG have largely overcome the limitations of the 110-minute half-life of 18F so that 18FDG is now available to most regions of the United States from a number of central production sites. This avoids the need for an on-site cyclotron and chemistry laboratory and has opened up the use of 18FDG to institutions that have a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner (or other imaging device) but no cyclotron or chemistry infrastructure. Currently, 18FDG is used by many hospitals as an off the shelf radiopharmaceutical for clinical diagnosis in heart disease, seizure disorders, and oncology, the area of most rapid growth. However, it remains an important tool in human neuroscience and in drug research and development.
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PMID:Initial and subsequent approach for the synthesis of 18FDG. 1183 70


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