Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Hamburg, 1978.

Mitochondrial and supernatant glutamate-oxalacetate transaminases (EC 2.6.1.1) and supernatant glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.2) were purified 89, 204 and 240-fold respectively, from dolphin muscle. Starch gel electrophoresis of crude and purified perparations revealed that all three enzymes exist as single forms. Km values of a-ketoglutarate, alanine, pyruvate and glutamate for the glutamate-pyruvate transaminase were 0.45, 8.2, 0.87 and 15 mM, respectively. For the glutamate-oxalacetate transaminases, the Km values of a-ketoglutarate, aspartate, oxalacetate and glutamate were 0.76, 0.50, 0.10 and 9.4 mM, respectively, for the mitochondrial form and 0.13, 2.4, 0.06 and 3.2 mM, respectively, for the supernatant form. In all cases, as the assay pH was decreased from pH 7.3, the Km values of the a-keto acids decreased while those of the amino acids increased. This caused the apparent equilibrium constants for the glutamate-oxalacetate transaminases to remain independent of pH. These values were 9.2 and 6.8 for the mitochondrial and supernatant forms, respectively where K'eq = [asPartate][α-ketoglutarate]/[glutamate][oxalacetate]. Studies of the inhibition of the glutamate-oxalacetate transaminases by dicarboxylic acids indicated that these enzymes may be controlled by pools of metabolic intermediates. Three key roles are suggested for the transminases in the energy metabolism of the diving mammal. First, it is believed that a combined action of the transaminases could enhance energy production during hypoxia by providing (1) fumarate from aspartate for the ATP producing reversal of succinate dehydrogenase and (2) α-ketoglutarate from glutamate for the GTP producing succinyl thiokinase reaction. Next, diving mammals probably accumulate more NADH than other mammals during hypoxia. The glutamate-oxalacetate transaminases seem particularly well suited for restoring redox balance via the malate-aspartate cycle after aerobic metabolism is resumed. Finally, since migrating divers oxidize large amounts of stored fats, the combined reactions of the transaminases could be instrumental in providing increased supplies of oxalacetate to condense with the fat derived acetyl CoA in the citrate synthase reaction. / Science, Faculty of / Zoology, Department of / Graduate

Estradiol (Compudose®, COM) implants are extensively used in beef cattle production systems to alter body composition and feed efficiency. Little information exists about the physiological mechanisms affected by COM treatment in growing, mature, and senescent female cattle. Moreover, no reports describe the level of blood estradiol resulting from COM treatment. The effect of COM on levels of plasma estradiol and blood metabolites and proteins, and relative content of glutamine synthetase (GS) and other amino acid nitrogen-metabolizing enzymes in liver tissue, was studied using three experimental models relevant to cow-calf production regimens: senescent cows (Trial 1), young mature (young) versus senescent (old) cows (Trial 2), and growing heifers (Trial 3). In Trial 1, plasma estradiol concentrations were 222 % more after 14 and 28 d in COM-implanted than sham implanted (Control) cows. COM treatment did not affect measured blood metabolites and enzymes, but increased hepatic GS protein expression by 350% after 14 d and 200% after 28 d of implantation. In contrast, protein expression of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and two glutamate transporters was not affected by COM. In Trial 2, plasma estradiol concentrations of COM implanted young and old cows were 48% higher than Control groups, whereas blood metabolites were not affected. COM implantation did not affect GS protein expression in young cows, but tended to increase GS expression in the old cows by 283% after 14 d and 41% after 28 d. GS mRNA content was increased about 38% in both young and old COM-treated cows. Hepatic content of beta-catenin and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) content was not affected by COM treatment, indicating that estradiol-mediated GS expression was not regulated by beta-catenin- or GPR30-controlled pathways. In Trial 3, plasma estradiol levels in COM-treated heifers were 70% higher in COM heifers, concomitant with increased levels of total bilirubin and creatine kinase, and decreased creatinine. Correlation analysis of plasma estradiol levels and blood constituents only identified a positive correlation between plasma estradiol and potassium. Collectively, these data describe positive estradiol-mediated effects on hepatic metabolism and blood parameters in female cattle.

Thesis (Ph.D. in Epidemiology) -- University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 83-102).

<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt / Bt &gt / Ur &gt / Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt / 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt / 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt / 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt / 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt / 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt / 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt / 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt / 0.05) / fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt / 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt / 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt / 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt / 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt / 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt / 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt / 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt / 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt / 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt / 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>

<p>Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this<br /> hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt &gt / Bt &gt / Ur &gt / Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p &gt / 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p &gt / 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p &lt / 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p &lt / 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p &lt / 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p &gt / 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p &lt / 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p &lt / 0.05) / fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p &gt / 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p &lt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p &gt / 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p &lt / 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p &lt / 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p &gt / 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p &lt / 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p &lt / 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p &lt / 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p &lt / 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p &gt / 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p &lt / 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p&lt / 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p &lt / 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed.</p>

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Camellia sinensis (tea) and Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) may improve reproductive function owing to their antioxidant properties. To test this hypothesis, male and female rats were given 2% and 5% green tea (Gt), black tea (Bt), unfermented rooibos (Ur) or fermented rooibos (Fr) as sole source of drinking for 52 and 21 days respectively. Control rats received tap water. In addition, TM3 Leydig cells were exposed to 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 % aqueous extracts of green tea, black tea, unfermented and fermented rooibos for 24h. In vitro analysis of tea and the herbal infusion revealed the phenolic property and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in the order Gt > Bt > Ur > Fr. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis revealed no significant effect on serum antioxidant capacity (p > 0.05) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) in the kidney or liver in both male and female rats and in the testes of the male rats (p > 0.05). In addition, the antioxidant levels were maintained in the testes, liver and kidneys in both the male and female rats. In the male rats, no significant alterations were observed in body weight gain, liver and reproductive organs weight, and serum testosterone (p > 0.05). Only, 5% green tea significantly increased testosterone level (p < 0.05). Seminiferous tubules displayed complete spermatogenesis with abundant sperm in the lumen in all treated groups. However, a significant decrease in diameter and germinal epithelial height of these tubules were observed (p < 0.05). In the epididymides, epithelial height of caput region showed a significant increase (p < 0.01), while the cauda region was increased by Camellia sinensis but decreased by Aspalathus linearis. Sperm concentration improved significantly by green tea and unfermented rooibos (p < 0.05), while black tea and fermented rooibos produced a non significant effect (p > 0.05). Sperm viability was enhanced in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, green tea, black tea and unfermented rooibos significantly improved the motility of rat sperm (p < 0.05); fermented rooibos tended to improve it (p > 0.05). In addition, green tea, black tea and fermented rooibos enhanced acrosome reaction (p < 0.05). Creatinine activity was significantly higher in rats treated with black tea, unfermented rooibos or fermented rooibos (p < 0.05), green tea tended to increase it (p > 0.05) reflecting the significant increased kidney weight in the treatment groups at high concentrations. Liver markers, ALT and AST, decreased significantly in all treated groups (p < 0.05), except in 5% fermented rooibos where a significant increase in AST level was observed (p < 0.01). In the female rats, the body weight gain, and reproductive organs weight was no affected (p > 0.05). However, 5% fermented rooibos reduced the ovarian weight (p < 0.05), while 5% unfermented rooibos significantly increased the uterine weight (p < 0.05). Liver weight increased significantly by black tea and unfermented rooibos (p < 0.05) while the kidney weight increased significantly by 5% black tea (p < 0.05). No significant effect was observed in the level of FSH produced, on the other hand, Camellia sinensis significantly lowered the level of LH (p < 0.05), while Aspalathus linearis had no effect (p > 0.05). Creatinine activity was enhanced significantly only by 5% fermented rooibos (p < 0.05). Liver markers, ALT and AST were reduced in most treated groups except in fermented rooibos where an increase was observed. In addition, histological sections revealed no obvious alteration in the ovaries, uteri, kidneys and liver of all treated female rats. Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly reduced the level of testosterone produced in TM3 Leydig cells under stimulated conditions in vitro (p< 0.05). Furthermore, both plants maintained the viability and morphology of the cells. However, at 0.5% of either plant extracts, a significant decrease in the viability (p < 0.05) and altered morphology of the TM3 Leydig cells was observed. In conclusion, Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis significantly improved certain sperm function which might be attributed to their high level of antioxidant activity. However, the prolonged exposure of both plant extracts might result in subtle structural changes in the male reproductive system and impair kidney function. In addition, fermented rooibos at high concentration may also impair the functions of the liver. In vitro, both plants were shown to possess anti-androgenic property on TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, both Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis may be classified as weak phytoestrogens due to the changes in the weight of the uterus and ovaries observed. / South Africa

Hepatite C tem evolução progressiva, persiste na maioria dos pacientes (85%) e leva a uma doença crônica assintomática.A maioria dos pacientes apresenta nível de ALT elevada e aproximadamente 25% normal. Estes geralmente são mulheres e não há associação entre genótipo e severidade da lesão hepática. Histologicamente apresentam lesão mínima e leve fibrose, embora cirrose tenha sido relatado.Visando estimar a prevalência, características demográficas, genotípicas e anatomopatológicas em pacientes com ALT normal, realizamos um estudo de série de 68 casos entre janeiro de 1997 a abril de 2000. A prevalência foi de 13,82%, 45,6% do gênero masculino e 54,4% feminino, média de idade 38 +/- 13 anos. Genótipo 1 em 84,75%, 2 em 6,78% e o 3 em 8,47%. Em 52,9% dos casos biópsia hepática revelou fígado reacional, porém uma importante proporção (29%) dos nossos pacientes com transaminases normais mostrou sinais de fibrose. Estes resultados sugerem a necessidade de revisar os algoritimos da prática de biópsia hepática nessa população / Hepatitis C evolves progressively persisting in the majority of patients (85%) resulting in na asymptomatic chronic disease.Most patients have high ALT levels and approximately 25% normal ALT.The latter are usually female and there is no association between genotype and severity hepatic lesion.Histology shows small lesion and low amount of fibrosis, despite cirrhosis having been reported.Aiming at assessing prevalence, demographic, genotypical and anatomopathological characteristics in patients with normal ALT levels, we studied a series of 68 cases between January 1997 and April 2000.There was a prevalence of 13,82%, 45,6% of which were male and 54,4% female, average age of 38+/-13 years.Genotype 1 in 84,75%, 2 in 6,78% and 3 in 8,47%.In 52,9% of the cases revealed liver reaction, however, an important proportion of patients showed histologic signs of fibrosis (29%).Theses results suggest the need to revisit the algorithm for liver biopsy practice

Hepatite C tem evolução progressiva, persiste na maioria dos pacientes (85%) e leva a uma doença crônica assintomática.A maioria dos pacientes apresenta nível de ALT elevada e aproximadamente 25% normal. Estes geralmente são mulheres e não há associação entre genótipo e severidade da lesão hepática. Histologicamente apresentam lesão mínima e leve fibrose, embora cirrose tenha sido relatado.Visando estimar a prevalência, características demográficas, genotípicas e anatomopatológicas em pacientes com ALT normal, realizamos um estudo de série de 68 casos entre janeiro de 1997 a abril de 2000. A prevalência foi de 13,82%, 45,6% do gênero masculino e 54,4% feminino, média de idade 38 +/- 13 anos. Genótipo 1 em 84,75%, 2 em 6,78% e o 3 em 8,47%. Em 52,9% dos casos biópsia hepática revelou fígado reacional, porém uma importante proporção (29%) dos nossos pacientes com transaminases normais mostrou sinais de fibrose. Estes resultados sugerem a necessidade de revisar os algoritimos da prática de biópsia hepática nessa população / Hepatitis C evolves progressively persisting in the majority of patients (85%) resulting in na asymptomatic chronic disease.Most patients have high ALT levels and approximately 25% normal ALT.The latter are usually female and there is no association between genotype and severity hepatic lesion.Histology shows small lesion and low amount of fibrosis, despite cirrhosis having been reported.Aiming at assessing prevalence, demographic, genotypical and anatomopathological characteristics in patients with normal ALT levels, we studied a series of 68 cases between January 1997 and April 2000.There was a prevalence of 13,82%, 45,6% of which were male and 54,4% female, average age of 38+/-13 years.Genotype 1 in 84,75%, 2 in 6,78% and 3 in 8,47%.In 52,9% of the cases revealed liver reaction, however, an important proportion of patients showed histologic signs of fibrosis (29%).Theses results suggest the need to revisit the algorithm for liver biopsy practice