The Trp64 A rg mutation of the B3- Adrenergic Receptor Is associated with hyperglycemia and current body mass index in Jamaican women

The Trp64Arg mutation the the beta3-adrenergic receptor (beta3-AR) has been linked to earlier onset of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, and an increase capacity to gain weight in some European and Japanese populations. We studied the prevalence of the mutation and its association with NIDDM and obesity in our population, in which both rates are high, especially in women. The frequency of the homozygous mutation was 1.53 percent, and of the Arg allele, 10.5 percent. Rates were similar in men and women. Significantly higher body mass index (BMI), weight, hip circumference, and fasting and postchallenge 2 hour blood glucose concentrations were associated with the presence of the Arg allele in women but not in men. The association with weight and hip measurements and with hyperglycemia was present only in women aged less than 55 years. In multivariate analysis, the mutation was associated with the BMI and sex in a model that also included age. The variation in fasting and 2 hour blood glucose levels were predicted by beta3-AR, gender, age and BMI. These results suggest that the presence of the mutation contributes to obesity and hyperglycemia in our female population.(AU)

Differential patterns of serum biomarkers of immune activation in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis, and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) are associated with differing patterns of immune dysfunction. Biomarkers of immune activation may correlate with perturbations of immune function associated with these diseases. We conducted a pilot cross-sectionalstudy to assess four candidate biomarkers of immune activation, beta 2-microglobulin, neopterin, tryptophan, and kynurenine levels were assayed in storedsera from asymptomatic, human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTL V-I) seronegative (HTLV-I-) and HTLV-I-seropositive (HTLV-I+) individuals, and ATL and HAM/TSP patients previously enrolled in seroepidemiological studies in Jamaica. Mean levels of beta 2-microglobulin, neopterin, and kynurenine were significantly elevated among ATL patients compared to the other study groups. Mean tryptophan levels were signigicantly lower among ATL and HAM/TSP patients than HTLV-I- and HTLV-I+ groups. No significant differences in biomarkers were found between HTLV-I- and HTLV-I+ groups. Among HAM/TSP patients, a significant association was found between elevated neopterin levels and symptoms of less than 4 years duration. In Cox proportional hazards regression modeling, neopterin and tryptophan were found to be independent predictors of survival among ATL patients. This study demonstrates a differential pattern of biomarkers of immune activation among ATL and HAM/TSP patients compared to HTLV-I- amd HTLV-I+ individuals. Neopterin and tryptophan may be useful clinical indicators of disease severity and prognosis among HAM/TSP and ATL patients. (AU)

Bronchomotor tone in protein-energy malnutrition

The study examined the reactivity of the tracheobronchial tree of rats maintained on low protein and tryptophan-deficient diets. It was found that: (1) Rats maintained on 5 percent protein or triptophan-deficient diets showed little or no weight gain. A 15 percent protein diet was adequate for normal growth of female rats, but not of male rats. (2) Airways of malnourished rats showed significant bronchoconstriction when treated to an acetylcholine (AcCH) concentration of 10 to the 11 power M. The treshold concentration of AcCh for normal rats was 10 to the -5 M. Airways of malnourished rats were also more sensitive to cold. (3) Rehabilitation of the malnourished rats attenuated the response to AcCh. Recovery, however, was not complete. (4) Prior application of phentolamine and atropine markedly reduced the sensitivity of the airways of malnourished rats to AcCh. The results seem to indicate that O-adrenoceptors and the vagus nerve may be involved in the observed increased reactivity of airways of malnourished rats.(AU)

Dietary deficiency and pre-eclamptic toxaemia: a preliminary communication

Pre-eclamptic toxaemia is a major obstetric and neonatal problem in the Caribbean. It is associated with a high incidence of mortality and morbidity. The cause of pre-eclamptic toxaemia is not known. It is postulated that dietary deficiency in lysine and tryptophon may be the factors. A preliminary clinical trial is being conducted and a more complete survey is contemplated, depending on funds (AU)