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Background Development of betulinic acid derivatives for clinical use has been hampered by adverse pharmacological and physico-chemical characteristics of this class of compounds. We here present a novel semi-synthetic betulinic acid-derived drug candidate well suited for further clinical development. Materials and methods In vitro activity and mode of action of NVX-207 were determined using normal as well as cancer cell lines. Gene expression profiling was performed with Affymetrix U133 microarrays. NVX-207 binding partners were identified using a heterobifunctional chemical crosslinker system. Potential binding proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) analysis. Clinical studies were conducted in canine cancer patients suffering from spontaneously arising pre-treated tumours. Results NVX-207 showed anti-tumour activity (mean IC50 = 3·5 μM) against various human and canine cell lines. NVX-207-induced apoptosis was associated with activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway via cleavage of caspases -9, -3, -7 and of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Global gene expression profiling demonstrated regulation of genes associated with lipid metabolism, most notably an upregulation of genes coding for insulin-induced gene 1 (Insig-1), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA). NVX-207 bound to apolipoprotein A-I, a major regulator of lipid metabolism and cholesterol transport. A phase I/II study in dogs suffering from naturally occurring cancer receiving local treatment of NVX-207 (10 mg mL−1) showed excellent clinical responses including a complete remission in so far 5/5 treated animals. Conclusions NVX-207 is well tolerated and has significant anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo in dogs with treatment-resistant malignancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of constitutively activating mutations (CAMs) of the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor display a partially activated receptor. Thus, full receptor activation requires a multiplex activation process. To define impacts of different transmembrane helices (TMHs) on cooperative signal transduction, we combined single CAMs in particular TMHs to double mutations and measured second messenger accumulation of the Gαs and the Gαq pathway. We observed a synergistic increase for basal activity of the Gαs pathway, for all characterized double mutants except for two combinations. Each double mutation, containing CAMs in TMH2, 6 and 7 showed the highest constitutive activities, suggesting that these helices contribute most to Gαs-mediated signaling. No single CAM revealed constitutive activity for the Gαq pathway. The double mutations with CAMs from TMH1, 2, 3 and 6 also exhibited increase for basal Gαq signaling. Our results suggest that TMH2, 6, 7 show selective preferences towards Gαs signaling, and TMH1, 2, 3, 6 for Gαq signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several mutations that decrease the basal signaling activity of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with pathogenic implications are known. Here we study the molecular mechanisms responsible for this phenotype and investigate how basal and further activated receptor conformations are interrelated. In the basally active thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) we combined spatially-distant mutations with opposing effects on basal activity in double-mutations and characterized mutant basal and TSH induced signaling. Mutations lowering basal activity always have a suppressive influence on TSH induced signaling and on constitutively activating mutations (CAMs). Our results suggest that the conformation of a basally ‘silenced’ GPCR might impair its intrinsic capacity for signaling compared to the wild-type. Striking differences in conformation and intramolecular interactions between TSHR models built using the crystal structures of inactive rhodopsin and partially active opsin help illuminate the molecular details underlying mutations decreasing basal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Neurohumoral stimulation comprising both autonomic-nervous-system dysfunction and activation of hormonal systems including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) was found to be associated with Type-2-diabetes (T2D). Therapeutic strategies such as RAAS interference proved to be beneficial in both T2D treatment and prevention. In addition to an activated RAAS, hyperleptinemia in obesity, hyperinsulinemia in conditions of peripheral insulin resistance and overall oxidative stress in T2D represent known activators of the sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system. Here, we hypothesize that sympathetic activation may cause peripheral insulin resistance defined as partial blocking of insulin effects on glucose uptake. Resulting hyperinsulinemia or hyperglycemia-related oxidative stress may further aggravate sympathoexcitation. This notion leads to a secondary hypothesis: sympathetic activation worsens from obesity towards insulin resistance, and further towards T2D. In this review, existing evidence relating to neurohumoral stimulation in T2D and consequences thereof, such as oxidative stress and inflammation, are discussed. The aim of this review is to provide a rationale for therapies, which are able to intercept neuroendocrine pathways in T2D and precursor states such as obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a common endocrine disorder that predominantly affects postmenopausal women. It is mostly caused by solitary tumours within the parathyroid glands. Although the pathophysiology of pHPT is still incompletely understood, recent studies provide new clues on the development and cellular growth of tumours within the parathyroids associated with hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone and hypercalcaemia. The natural course of pHPT is rather benign. Nowadays, it has become an oligo- or asymptomatic disease often only detected by routine blood tests. These facts raise the question whether to perform parathyroidectomy on oligo- and asymptomatic patients with pHPT or whether it is possible to monitor these patients without surgery. The aim of this article is to review the literature as regards (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie parathyroid neoplasia and (ii) the defective calcium-sensing in patients with pHPT (iii) environmental and/or genetic risk factors that predispose to or promote parathyroid neoplasia, as well as (iv) alternative approaches to treat oligo- and asymptomatic patients with pHPT medically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) can be caused by mutation of the pituitary transcription factors POU1F1 or PROP1. More recently mutations in the HESX1, the LHX3 and LHX4 transcription factor genes have also been described as a cause in patients with CPHD. In most patients the disorder is characterized by an impaired production of GH, TSH, PRL and gonadotropins. In some cases of CPHD adrenocorticotropin deficiency is also present. We report the progressive CPHD and its molecular etiology in a woman with CPHD presenting with first symptoms of ACTH/ cortisol deficiency at the age of 48 years. The 49 year old patient's initial symptoms were growth retardation at the age of 2 years and symptoms of hypothyroidism at the age of 5 years. The patient never entered puberty spontaneously. No familial history of delayed puberty, growth retardation or other symptoms of CPHD were present. At the age of 48 years the patient presented with the first symptoms of hypocortisolism such as recurring hypoglycaemias and hyponatriaemia with coma. Cortisol, ACTH, TSH, fT3, fT4 and GH as well as LH, FSH and PRL were measured in basal conditions. GH, cortisol and ACTH were also measured in response to an Insulin Tolerance Test. Molecular analysis was performed by PCR amplification and sequencing of exon 1–3 of the PROP1 gene. The patient had insufficiencies of TSH, LH, FSH and GH. PRL was normal. Serum cortisol was low and basal ACTH was normal. However, there were no responses of cortisol, ACTH and GH to hypoglycaemia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a hypoplastic anterior pituitary lobe. Direct sequencing revealed a homozygous 2 base-pair deletion 301–302delAG in exon 2 of the PROP1 gene. This case suggests that in patients with CPHD ACTH producing cells may be involved at a rather late age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the expression of Th1- and Th2-associated chemokine receptors on peripheral blood lymphocytes at diagnosis and in the first phase of type 1 diabetes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 25 patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, 10 patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes, and 35 healthy control subjects were examined for expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR4 (naive T-cells), CCR5 and CXCR3 (Th1 associated), and CCR3 and CCR4 (Th2 associated) on CD3+ lymphocytes. Furthermore, we analyzed chemokine serum levels (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1alpha, MIP-1beta, and RANTES [regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted]) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cytokine secretion of Th1- (gamma-interferon [IFN-gamma] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]) and Th2 (interleukin [IL]-4 and -10)-associated cytokines by PBMC. The patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were followed for these parameters at 6-12 months after diagnosis. The PBMCs of patients with newly diagnosed but not with longstanding type 1 diabetes showed reduced expression of the Th1-associated chemokine receptors CCR5 (P < 0.001 vs. control subjects) and CXCR3 (P < 0.002 vs. control subjects). This reduction correlated with reduced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha production of PBMCs after PHA stimulation and reversed 6-12 months after diagnosis to normal levels. CCR4 cells were reduced in both newly diagnosed and longstanding type 1 diabetic patients, which correlated to reduced PHA-stimulated IL-4 production. MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta levels were considerably elevated in a subgroup of patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. We assume that Th1-associated peripheral T-cells are reduced in a narrow time window at the time of diagnosis of diabetes, possibly due to extravasation in the inflamed pancreas. Thus, chemokine receptor expression of peripheral blood lymphocytes may be a useful surrogate marker for the immune activity of type 1 diabetes (e.g., in intervention trials). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the expression of Th1- and Th2-associated chemokine receptors on peripheral blood lymphocytes at diagnosis and in the first phase of type 1 diabetes. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 25 patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, 10 patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes, and 35 healthy control subjects were examined for expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR4 (naive T-cells), CCR5 and CXCR3 (Th1 associated), and CCR3 and CCR4 (Th2 associated) on CD3+ lymphocytes. Furthermore, we analyzed chemokine serum levels (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES [regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted]) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated cytokine secretion of Th1- (γ-interferon [IFN-γ] and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) and Th2 (interleukin [IL]-4 and -10)-associated cytokines by PBMC. The patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes were followed for these parameters at 6-12 months after diagnosis. The PBMCs of patients with newly diagnosed but not with longstanding type 1 diabetes showed reduced expression of the Th1-associated chemokine receptors CCR5 (P < 0.001 vs. control subjects) and CXCR3 (P < 0.002 vs. control subjects). This reduction correlated with reduced IFN-γ and TNF-α production of PBMCs after PHA stimulation and reversed 6-12 months after diagnosis to normal levels. CCR4 cells were reduced in both newly diagnosed and longstanding type 1 diabetic patients, which correlated to reduced PHA-stimulated IL-4 production. MIP-1α and MIP-1β levels were considerably elevated in a subgroup of patients with newly diagnosed diabetes. We assume that Th1-associated peripheral T-cells are reduced in a narrow time window at the time of diagnosis of diabetes, possibly due to extravasation in the inflamed pancreas. Thus, chemokine receptor expression of peripheral blood lymphocytes may be a useful surrogate marker for the immune activity of type 1 diabetes (e.g., in intervention trials). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/hypothesis: Increased plasma concentrations of circulating adhesion molecules in patients with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus could be associated with the increased cardiovascular risk in these patients. However, it is controversial whether increased adhesion molecule plasma concentrations are primarily related to hyperglycaemia or to hyperinsulinaemia. Methods: We evaluated the plasma concentrations of soluble E-selectin, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) at baseline and during euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp in three different groups without additional cardiovascular risk factors: group A (control group), 28 healthy volunteers with normal glucose tolerance; group B, 24 subjects with fasting hyperinsulinaemia, normal fasting glucose but impaired glucose tolerance; group C, 32 patients with Type II diabetes, fasting hyperinsulinaemia and chronic hyperglycaemia. Results: Plasma soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in patients with Type II diabetes (group C) compared with the other groups. The adhesion molecule concentrations correlate with the fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.59, p < 0.001), the 2-h OGTT plasma glucose (r = 0.70, p < 0.01), and the HbA1 c value (r = 0.61, p < 0.05). The E-selectin but not the ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 plasma concentrations correlated with the fasting insulin concentrations (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) or the whole body glucose uptake (r = 0.59, p < 0.05) in the clamp. The hyperinsulinaemia during the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp had no significant effect on the plasma concentrations of E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in all three groups. Conclusion/interpretation: Our results suggest that increased E-selectin concentrations are related to hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance, whereas increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 plasma concentrations in patients with Type II diabetes are rather related to hyperglycaemia than to hyperinsulinaemia or insulin resistance. [Diabetologia (2002) 45: 210–216] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large number of mutations have been identified in the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor (TSHR) gene causing human diseases. Toxic thyroid nodules are frequently associated with somatic constitutively activating TSHR mutations. Autosomal dominant nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism is caused by activating TSHR germline mutations. Inactivating germline mutations cause TSH unresponsivness. Discovery of the different TSHR mutations in various regions of the receptor molecule has led to the identification of important domains for intramolecular TSHR signal transduction. However, despite the functional characterization of the naturally occurring mutations the precise molecular mechanisms of receptor activation including the processes of hormone binding, intramolecular signaling between the different TSHR domains and of G protein coupling are not completely understood. This review discusses the importance of the various receptor domains for TSHR activation identified on the basis of the naturally occurring gain or loss of function mutations and in vitro investigations performed with site-directed mutagenesis, synthetic peptides, or antibodies. Several in vitro studies have provided new insights into structure-function relationships by site-directed mutagenesis in combination with molecular modeling. These in vitro investigations have often been guided by naturally occurring mutations and have provided new insights into intramolecular changes during receptor activation. This has led to progress in understanding the mechanism of TSHR activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In euthyroidism the circadian rhythm and pulsatility of TSH is well known. With regard to hyperthyroidism only very preliminary data were described. In this tudy we investigated the secretion pattern of the pituitary-thyroid axis hormones during 24 h in latent and overt hyperthyroidism and in euthyroidism with regard to common and different properties. Blood was obtained for 24 h at 10-min intervals. In euthyroidism we found intraindividually three overlapping patterns of TSH, which are different in amplitude and frequency and can be found interindividually, too. These patterns are equal to the circadian rhythm, pulsatile secretion and lastly to the methodic rustle. The circadian rhythm in latent hyperthyroidism is distinctly suppressed and in overt hyperthyroidism totally. Whereas in latent hyperthyroidism pulsatile secretion is extant, in overt hyperthyroidism the TSH pulses are absent. To record the patients' TSH circadian rhythm with only three blood samples, we defined the TSH-Triplex. In young as well as in elderly healthy volunteers it demonstrated significantly higher TSH levels at midnight (at 24:00 h) than it did at 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. The present study shows a significantly different TSH pattern in latent hyperthyroidism compared to euthyroidism. It should be discussed whether latent hyperthyroidism could be defined as hyperthyroidism stage I. On the other hand, latent hyperthyroidism could be an illness with its own cause, different from hyperthyroidism. Our data suggest that the laboratory findings of latent hyperthyroidism in each age are non-physiological. However, the cause for this disorder is unclear until now; hence further investigations are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many compounds which directly or indirectly inhibit gluconeogenesis have been described. Some of them showed hypoglycemic action in animal experiments. 2-(3-Methylcinnamylhydrazono)-Propionat (MCHP) a derivative of hydrazine demonstrated marked hypoglycemic action in animal experiments. Nontheless the administration of MCHP to type II diabetic patients showed no hypoglycemic action. Clinical or biochemical sideeffects could not be observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Monatsschrift Kinderheilkunde is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We recently described the presence of a thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R) variant in orbital tissues. Although the presence of this TSH-R variant could provide the antigenic link between the thyroid and the orbit in Graves' disease and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), the etiopathophysiological significance of this finding remains to be elucidated. Graves' disease and TAO are autoimmune diseases which are likely to be caused by a breakdown of tolerance. We therefore investigated the presence of this variant TSH-R transcript in human thymus. Using primers specific for this variant in reverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments, Southern blotting, and sequencing of the PCR products we demonstrate the presence of this transcript in RNA extracted from normal human thymus of a 2-year-old child. We were also able to amplify this variant TSH-R transcript from a normal human thyroid cDNA library, but not from an epithelial thymus library. The presence of the variant TSH-R transcript in RNA prepared from normal human thymus suggests that induction of immunological tolerance against this variant TSH-R transcript in the thymus is possible. A lack of tolerance induction for this variant TSH-R transcript could provide an explanation for a possible antigenic link between Graves' disease and TAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal dimerization of the conjugated 10- trans, 12- trans linoleate (250C, 5 hr) produced a dimer whose structure is shown to be that of the Diels-Alder reaction between two molecules of monomer, with one molecule acting as diene, and either one of the two double bonds of the second molecule acting as dieneophile. This produces four skeletal isomers of a tetrasubstituted (1,2,3,4) cyclohexene structure with α- β unsaturation on one chain. The isomers formed depend on whether the 10 or the 12 double bond acts as dieneophile, and whether the monomers add 'head to head' or 'head to tail.' Evidences for the structures include chemical analyses, ozonolysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, IR and UV spectrometry and particularly mass spectrometry of the distilled dimer, of the completely hydrogenated dimer, and of the aromatized dimer formed by catalytic dehydrogenation. The hydrogenated dimer can be separated into two components by TLC. These are probably related to 'head to head' vs. 'head to tail' addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dehydro-dimer of methyl oleate was prepared and its structure determined as a model of a non-ring dimer for reference in studying the structure of other fatty dimer acids. The dehydro-dimer of methyl oleate is formed by the action of di-t-butyl peroxide on methyl oleate. The reaction is stoichiometric; one mole of DTBP producing one mole of dehydrodimer and two moles of t-BuOH, when excess methyl oleate is used. The dimer was shown to contain two double bonds, and to be formed by carbon-to-carbon linkages predominantly and equally at the 8, 9, 10 and 11 carbons of the oleate monomer segments. Unsaturation was determined by quantitative hydrogenation and far UV absorption. The points of linkage were established by diagnosis of the positions of the involved tertiary carbons of the hydrogenated dimer 1) by chemical oxidation, and 2) by mass spectrometry. Positions of the double bonds were determined by quantitative ozonization, reductive cleavage followed by gas chromatography of the aldehydes and aldehyde esters. Precise molecular weight of the hydrogenated dimer was determined from the parant mass peak at the expected m/e of 594, confirming the non-ring structure. The unhydrogenated dimer showed a parent m/e peak at the expected value of 590. The bridging at the 8 and 10 positions is explained as being due to coupling of radicals with limiting resonance structures resulting from loss of a hydrogen atom from the methylene at position 8. The bridging at the 9 and 11 positions is explained as due to coupling of limiting resonance structures resulting from loss of a hydrogen atom from the methylene at position 11. Mass spectrometric data indicate that the dimerization is a coupling of the expected free radical forms, rather than attack by an oleate free radical on the double bond of an intact oleate molecule, with subsequent loss of hydrogen to form the second double bond in the dimer. Coupling at the 2-position (α to COOCH) occurs in not more than 5-10% of the molecules. A small amount of cyclic dimer may be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen transfer catalysts are known to promote the elaidinization and conjugation of unsaturated fatty acid derivatives. More extensive reactions were indicated when palladium was tried as a polymerization catalyst. A subsequent study showed that methyl linoleate could be readily cyclized and aromatized in the presence of palladium. Methyl linoleate was heated in an evacuated ampule for 6 hrs. at 270°C. with 5% of a 10% palladium on charcoal. The iodine value was lowered to 43.9 and the apparent linoleate content to less than 2%. The products were separated by urea segregation and distillation. They consisted of approximately 7% polymer, 18% methyl stearate, 40% monoolefins, and 30% of a methyl ester of an aromatic fatty acid (handling loss 5%). The aromatic material was readily oxidized to orthophthalic acid. The mechanism by which aromatics, mono-olefins, and saturates are produced through cyclization and hydrogen transfer is not known, but possible routes are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rates of polymerization of alpha and beta eleostearates agree with second order kinetics, as would be expected for a bimolecular Diels-Alder addition. The all- trans, beta isomer reacts faster than the cis, trans, trans alpha isomer, in agreement with known cis, trans effects on diene activity. The polymerization of normal linoleate follows an apparent first order reaction. It is suggested that conjugation is the slow rate determining monomolecular reaction, as has been proposed for the non-conjugated linoleate isomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Linseed oil has been polymerized at 300° for 1.5, 3, and 6 hours. The polymeric glycerides have been separated from the monomeric glycerides, and the derived methyl esters of each fraction have been analyzed for monomer, dimer, and trimer. 2. The monomeric glycerides show very little intradimerization, ranging from 1.3 to 6% of their acid groups, or 3 to 4% of the total polymeric acid groups in the whole oil. 3. The polymeric glycerides show appreciable intradimerization, from 10 to 20% of their total polymeric acid groups. 4. There is no evidence that a shift from intra- to interdimerization is the major cause of the sudden increase in viscosity in the later stages of thermal polymerization. 5. The rapid rise in viscosity is due to the nature of the relationship of viscosity to molecular weight and of molecular weight to extent of reaction in the difunctional polymerization system present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]