Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Implant-Supported Mandibular Overdenture after Partial Glossectomy and Radiation Therapy: A Case Report.

Implant-supported overdenture is a well-established treatment option for many patients who have functional problems with conventional dentures. It may be primary choice for patients with altered jaw anatomy, neuromuscular disorders, pronounced gag reflex, severe residual ridge resorption and oral tissue defects. In this article we describe a case report, where tongue cancer patients occlusion was rehabilitated with an implantretained overdenture. In 2001 patient was operated for squamous cell carcinoma on the left side of the tongue. Before preoperative radiation therapy, small residual mandibular dentition was removed because of its poor prognosis. Radiation dose on mandible was 57-66 Gy. After tumor surgery patient received conventional complete dentures. Ten years later, the patient was referred again to the Turku University Central Hospital due to constant ulceration under the mandibular denture. The residual ridge of the mandible was severely resorbed. Patient's existing lower complete denture was replaced with a milled bar-retained overdenture on four implants. Treatment turned out to be challenging due to severely restricted tongue movement and tissue defects.

Brown adipose tissue triglyceride content is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity, independently of age and obesity.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) can non-invasively assess triglyceride content in both supraclavicular fat depots and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (WAT) to determine whether these measurements correlate to metabolic variables. A total of 25 healthy volunteers were studied using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and (15)O-H2O PET perfusion during cold exposure, and (1)H-MRS at ambient temperature. Image-guided biopsies were collected from nine volunteers. The supraclavicular triglyceride content determined by (1)H-MRS varied between 60 and 91% [mean ± standard deviation (s.d.) 77 ± 10%]. It correlated positively with body mass index, waist circumference, subcutaneous and visceral fat masses and 8-year diabetes risk based on the Framingham risk score and inversely with HDL cholesterol and insulin sensitivity (M-value; euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp). Subcutaneous WAT had a significantly higher triglyceride content, 76-95% (mean ± s.d. 87 ± 5%; p = 0.0002). In conclusion, the triglyceride content in supraclavicular fat deposits measured by (1)H-MRS may be an independent marker of whole-body insulin sensitivity, independent of brown adipose tissue metabolic activation.

Aromatic hydrocarbon receptor-driven Bax gene expression is required for premature ovarian failure caused by biohazardous environmental chemicals.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are toxic chemicals released into the environment by fossil fuel combustion. Moreover, a primary route of human exposure to PAHs is tobacco smoke. Oocyte destruction and ovarian failure occur in PAH-treated mice, and cigarette smoking causes early menopause in women. In many cells, PAHs activate the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a member of the Per-Arnt-Sim family of transcription factors. The Ahr is also activated by dioxin, one of the most intensively studied environmental contaminants. Here we show that an exposure of mice to PAHs induces the expression of Bax in oocytes, followed by apoptosis. Ovarian damage caused by PAHs is prevented by Ahr or Bax inactivation. Oocytes microinjected with a Bax promoter-reporter construct show Ahr-dependent transcriptional activation after PAH, but not dioxin, treatment, consistent with findings that dioxin is not cytotoxic to oocytes. This difference in the action of PAHs versus dioxin is conveyed by a single base pair flanking each Ahr response element in the Bax promoter. Oocytes in human ovarian biopsies grafted into immunodeficient mice also accumulate Bax and undergo apoptosis after PAH exposure in vivo. Thus, Ahr-driven Bax transcription is a novel and evolutionarily conserved cell-death signaling pathway responsible for environmental toxicant-induced ovarian failure.

Plasma level of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as a predictor of disease severity and case fatality in patients with bacteraemia: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is expressed on a variety of different immune cells and vascular endothelial cells during inflammation. Previous studies indicate that a high plasma concentration of the soluble form of the receptor (suPAR) predicts poor outcome in infectious diseases. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Plasma suPAR levels were measured in 132 patients with bacteraemia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, ß-haemolytic streptococcae or Escherichia coli using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Values were measured on days 1-4 after a positive blood culture, on days 13-18 and on recovery. RESULTS: The maximum suPAR values on days 1-4 were markedly higher in nonsurvivors compared to survivors (15.8 vs. 7.3 ng mL(-1) , P < 0.001) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC(ROC) ) in the prediction of case fatality was 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76-0.93, P < 0.001). At a cut-off level of 11.0 ng mL(-1) , the sensitivity and specificity of suPAR for fatal disease was 83% and 76%, respectively. A high level of suPAR (≥ 11 ng mL(-1) ) was associated with hypotension (mean arterial pressure < 70 mmHg) (odds ratio (OR) 6.5; 95% CI 2.9-14.6) and high sequential organ failure assessment score (≥ 4) (OR 9.3; 95% CI 4.0-21.9). A high suPAR level remained an independent risk factor for case fatality in a logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders. CONCLUSION: Plasma suPAR level is a sensitive and specific independent prognostic biomarker in patients with bacteraemia.

Reactive arthritis in a population exposed to an extensive waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak after sewage contamination in Pirkanmaa, Finland.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the occurrence, clinical picture, and triggering infections of reactive arthritis (ReA) associated with a large waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak. METHODS: After an extensive sewage contamination of the water supply system, an estimated 8453 of the 30 016 inhabitants of the town of Nokia fell ill. General practitioners and occupational physicians were advised to refer any patients with suspicion of new ReA to rheumatological examination including faecal culture, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and antibody tests for Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Yersinia. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (33 females, 12 males) aged 16-77 years (median 53) were referred. ReA was diagnosed in 21, postinfectious arthralgia in 13, and other musculoskeletal conditions in 11 patients. HLA-B27 was positive in five out of 44 patients (11%). Of the 21 patients with ReA, possible triggering infections were observed in seven (33%), Campylobacter in four, Yersinia in three, and Salmonella in one, who also had Campylobacter infection. ReA was mild in all but one patient who presented with persistent Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis infection. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account the large population contaminated with potentially arthritogenic agents, the occurrence of ReA was rare and mild in character.

An extensive gastroenteritis outbreak after drinking-water contamination by sewage effluent, Finland.

An inappropriate cross-connection between sewage- and drinking-water pipelines contaminated tap water in a Finnish town, resulting in an extensive waterborne gastroenteritis outbreak in this developed country. According to a database and a line-list, altogether 1222 subjects sought medical care as a result of this exposure. Seven pathogens were found in patient samples of those who sought treatment. To establish the true disease burden from this exposure, we undertook a population-based questionnaire investigation with a control population, infrequently used to study waterborne outbreaks. The study covered three areas, contaminated and uncontaminated parts of the town and a control town. An estimated 8453 residents fell ill during the outbreak, the excess number of illnesses being 6501. Attack rates were 53% [95% confidence interval (CI) 49.5-56.4] in the contaminated area, 15.6% (95% CI 13.1-18.5) in the uncontaminated area and 6.5% (95% CI 4.8-8.8) in the control population. Using a control population allowed us to differentiate baseline morbidity from the observed morbidity caused by the water contamination, thus enabling a more accurate estimate of the disease burden of this outbreak.

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia in Tampere University Hospital: a case-control study, Finland October 2002 to January 2010.

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a frequent pathogen in blood cultures in Pirkanmaa Hospital District (HD), Finland. To study risk factors for MRSA bacteraemia and the adequacy of empirical antimicrobial treatment, we retrospectively reviewed the hospital records of 102 patients, 51 with MRSA, and 51 with meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteraemias respectively, who had been admitted to Tampere University Hospital in Pirkanmaa HD, from October 2002 to January 2010. For each patient with MRSA bacteraemia, one consecutively detected unmatched patient with MSSA bacteraemia was chosen as control. Patients with MRSA bacteraemias were significantly older (median age: 73 years vs 59 years, p=0.001), were more likely to have been transferred directly from another healthcare facility or were already in the hospital at the onset of bacteraemia (39/51 vs 26/51, p=0.007) and had a higher McCabe class than patients with MSSA bacteraemia (p=0.005). Patients with MRSA bacteraemia more seldom received adequate empirical antimicrobial therapy when compared to those with MSSA bacteraemia (13/51 vs 43/51, p<0.001). Of previously known MRSA carriers 10 of 29 received adequate empirical antimicrobial therapy for their condition. The percentage of MRSA bacteraemias among all S. aureus bacteraemias in Pirkanmaa HD is high compared to corresponding figures for the whole of Finland.

Basal and cold-induced fatty acid uptake of human brown adipose tissue is impaired in obesity.

Fatty acids (FA) are important substrates for brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism, however, it remains unclear whether there exists a difference in FA metabolism of BAT between lean and obese healthy humans. In this study we evaluated supraclavicular BAT fatty acid uptake (FAU) along with blood perfusion in lean and obese subjects during cold exposure and at room temperature using positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). Additionally, tissue samples were taken from supraclavicular region (typical BAT region) from a subset of subjects to evaluate histological presence of BAT. Non-shivering cold stress elevated FAU and perfusion of BAT in lean, but not in obese subjects. Lean subjects had greater FAU in BAT compared to obese subjects during cold exposure and interestingly also at room temperature. The higher BAT FAU was related to younger age and several indicators of superior systemic metabolic health. The subjects who manifested BAT histologically had several folds higher BAT FAU compared to subjects with no such histological manifestation. Together, obese subjects have less active tissue in supraclavicular region both in basal and cold-activated state and the FA metabolism of BAT is blunted in obesity.

MRI evaluation of the endolymphatic space in otosclerosis and correlation with clinical findings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features of ears with otosclerosis and their correlation with endolymphatic hydrops and blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) impairment on 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective imaging study. Thirty-nine ears from 29 patients (17 men, 12 women; mean age 52±12 [SD] years; range 27-74 years) with non-operated otosclerosis were included. All patients underwent three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI sequences performed 4hours after the intravenous administration of a single dose of gadolinium-based contrast material. MRI examinations were analyzed by two radiologists for the presence of saccular hydrops (SH) and BLB impairment. Results of MRI examinations were compared with clinical findings, hearing levels and extent of otosclerotic lesions based on high-resolution computed tomography findings. BLB impairment was evaluated using the signal intensity ratio, ratio of intensities between the basal turn of the cochlea and the medulla. RESULTS: SH was observed in 1/39 (3%) otosclerotic ears and BLB impairment in 8/39 (21%) while 8/29 patients with otosclerosis (28%) had vertigo. No significant associations were found between SH or BLB impairment on MRI, and the presence of vertigo or the degree of sensorineural hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Clinical manifestations of otosclerosis (sensorineural hearing loss and rotatory vertigo) were not significantly associated with MRI findings such as BLB impairment and endolymphatic hydrops. SH was only observed in one patient with obstruction of the vestibular aqueduct by an otosclerotic focus.

PLA2 (group IIA phospholipase A2) as a prognostic determinant in stage II colorectal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of all colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are diagnosed with stage II disease. Adjuvant therapy is not widely recommended. However, it is well established that a subgroup of patients with stage II are at high risk for recurrence within their lifetime and should be considered for adjuvant chemotherapy. The present work was designed to assess the value of group IIA phospholipase A2 (PLA2) as a predictor of disease outcome in stage II CRC patients with long-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study comprises a series of 116 patients who underwent bowel resection for stage II CRC during 1981-1990 at Turku University Hospital. Archival paraffin-embedded CRC tissue samples were used to prepare tissue microarray blocks for immunohistochemical staining with PLA2. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of all tumors were positive for PLA2. There was no significant correlation between PLA2 expression and age, sex, depth of invasion and lymph node status. In Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, there was a significant (P = 0.010) difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between patients with negative tumors (longer DFS) and those with positive tumors. The same was true with disease-specific survival (DSS), patients with PLA2-negative tumors living significantly longer (P = 0.025). In multivariate (Cox) survival analysis, however, PLA2 was not an independent predictor of DFS or DSS. In subgroup analysis, the right-sided tumors with negative PLA2 staining had remarkably better prognosis (P = 0.010) than PLA2-positive left-sided tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Quantification of PLA2 expression seems to provide valuable prognostic information in stage II CRC, particularly in selecting the patients at high risk for recurrent disease who might benefit from adjuvant therapy.

Acetaminophen bioactivation by human cytochrome P450 enzymes and animal microsomes.

Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic antipyretic agent. When used at low doses, it is a safe drug, but at higher doses it can cause acute hepatic necrosis in humans and experimental animals. The key mechanism in the hepatotoxicity is cytochrome P450 (CYP)-catalysed formation of the reactive metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) that is capable of binding to cellular macromolecules and in that way an LC/MS liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method was developed to measure NAPQI formation by trapping it to reduced glutathione. This method was used to determine the bioactivation of acetaminophen at two concentrations: 50 microM therapeutic and 1 mM toxic by using nine human recombinant CYP enzymes: CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4; and with different microsomes from experimental animals. At the toxic concentration the formation of NAPQI-glutathione was highest with CYP3A4 followed by CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP2D6. At the therapeutic concentration, CYP3A4 had also the highest bioactivation capacity. In a comparison of the enzyme kinetics, CYP3A4 was the most efficient CYP with the lowest K(m) value 130 microM (95% confidence interval = 63-210 microM). Dexamethasone-induced rat liver microsomes had the most effective bioactivation capacity at therapeutic and toxic acetaminophen concentrations. This study suggests that CYP3A4 is the major CYP enzyme form catalysing acetaminophen oxidation to NAPQI in human liver.

Gene-environment interaction between MBL2 genotype and smoking, and the risk of gram-positive bacteraemia.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) insufficiency caused by point mutations in the MBL2 gene has been associated with increased susceptibility to bacteraemic infections. We here investigated the effect of MBL2 polymorphisms on the susceptibility and clinical course of bacteraemia. The study cohort comprised 145 patients with bacteraemia and 400 controls. In the case of patients with bacteraemia, laboratory findings and clinical data were registered on admission and during six consecutive days. MBL2 structural polymorphisms at codons 52 (CGT-->TGT; designated D or O), 54 (GGC-->GAC; B or O) and 57 (GGA-->GAA; C or O) in exon 1 of the MBL2 gene and promoter region polymorphisms at position -221 (G-->C, designated Y or X alleles) were determined. No difference in MBL2 genotype frequencies between the bacteraemic patients and controls was detected, and MBL2 genotype had no independent effect on mortality, nor disease severity. However, smoking proved a significant risk factor for Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae or beta-haemolytic streptococci) bacteraemia in patients carrying the variant O allele (53% current smokers in Gram-positive bacteraemia patients compared with only 21% in controls, odds ratios 4.2, 95% confidence intervals 2.0-9.0; P < 0.001), while it did not have an effect in those homozygous for the A allele. The same effect was not detected in Escherichia coli bacteraemia. In conclusion, MBL2 genotypes representing MBL insufficiency were not associated with the overall risk of bacteraemia or disease severity, but smoking in carriers of the structural variant O allele may have a deleterious effect increasing the risk of Gram-positive bacteraemia.

Model films from native cellulose nanofibrils. Preparation, swelling, and surface interactions.

Native cellulose model films containing both amorphous and crystalline cellulose I regions were prepared by spin-coating aqueous cellulose nanofibril dispersions onto silica substrates. Nanofibrils from wood pulp with low and high charge density were used to prepare the model films. Because the low charged nanofibrils did not fully cover the silica substrates, an anchoring substance was selected to improve the coverage. The model surfaces were characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The effect of nanofibril charge density, electrolyte concentration, and pH on swelling and surface interactions of the model film was studied by quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) and AFM force measurements. The results showed that the best coverage for the low charged fibrils was achieved by using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTS) as an anchoring substance and hence it was chosen as the anchor. The AFM and XPS measurements showed that the fibrils are covering the substrates. Charge density of the fibrils affected the morphology of the model surfaces. The low charged fibrils formed a network structure while the highly charged fibrils formed denser film structure. The average thickness of the films corresponded to a monolayer of fibrils, and the average rms roughness of the films was 4 and 2 nm for the low and high charged nanofibril films, respectively. The model surfaces were stable in QCM-D swelling experiments, and the behavior of the nanofibril surfaces at different electrolyte concentrations and pHs correlated with other studies and the theories of Donnan. The AFM force measurements with the model surfaces showed well reproducible results, and the swelling results correlated with the swelling observed by QCM-D. Both steric and electrostatic forces were observed and the influence of steric forces increased as the films were swelling due to changes in pH and electrolyte concentration. These films differ from previous model cellulose films due to their chemical composition (crystalline cellulose I and amorphous regions) and fibrillar structure and hence serve as excellent models for the pulp fiber surface.

Urinary free cortisol: an intermediate phenotype and a potential genetic marker for a salt-resistant subset of essential hypertension.

CONTEXT: Emerging evidence suggests a role for cortisol in essential hypertension, and preliminary reports indicate that urinary free cortisol (UFC) may be an intermediate phenotype. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were: 1) confirm bimodality of UFC, 2) assess whether UFC variations aggregate in hypertensive families, and 3) compare low-mode and high-mode UFC groups for distinguishing features. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Subjects included 390 hypertensives and 166 normotensives from the general community. DESIGN/INTERVENTIONS: Subjects had blood pressure and laboratory measurements on high- and low-salt diets. Familial aggregation was evaluated in 250 hypertensive siblings from 117 families. RESULTS: Hypertensives had higher UFC than normotensives (P<0.001) and bimodal distribution of UFC (P<0.0001). Analyses were controlled for gender and dietary sodium, which are confounding determinants of UFC. Mean low-mode UFC (33.8+/-10.6 microg per 24 h) was similar to that of normotensives. The high mode, comprising 31.3% of hypertensives, had less change in mean arterial pressure between diets than the low mode (P=0.01) without any other significant differences. Observed proportions of concordance and discordance for UFC mode differed significantly from that expected (P<0.001). Observed concordance for the high mode was twice that expected, whereas for the low mode, it was similar to that expected by chance. Family membership explained a significant proportion of variance in UFC classification (P=0.027). UFC mode of one sibling was a significant predictor of the UFC mode of the other sibling [odds ratio 6.6, 95% confidence interval (2.4-18.0), P<0.001]. CONCLUSION: High-mode UFC is an intermediate phenotype of hypertension associated with salt resistance and a strong familial component supporting heritability.

An investigation into the practices of dairy producers and veterinarians in dehorning dairy calves in Ontario.

The objective of this survey was to describe the current state of dehorning practices by dairy producers and veterinarians in Ontario and to identify opportunities to improve on existing practices. Two hundred and seven producers and 65 veterinarians completed a survey on dehorning practices during the summer of 2004. Seventy-eight percent of dairy producers dehorn their own calves; 22% use local anesthetics. Veterinarians dehorn calves for 31% of dairy clients; 92% use local anesthetics. Pain management was the most common reason for use of local anesthetics for both groups, while time (veterinarians) and time and cost (producers) were the most common reasons for lack of use. Producers who used local anesthetics were 6.5 times more likely to have veterinary involvement in their dehorning decisions. Thirteen percent of producers were unaware of the options for pain management. These results suggest that veterinarians should take the initiative to educate their clients about the options for pain management.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition increases basal vascular tissue plasminogen activator release in women but not in men.

OBJECTIVE: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition (ACEI) increases vascular tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) release through endogenous bradykinin (BK). We tested the hypothesis that gender influences the effect of ACEI on t-PA release. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured the effect of intra-arterial enalaprilat (0.33 microg/min per 100 mL forearm volume) on forearm blood flow (FBF) and net t-PA release before and during BK (25 to 400 ng/min) and methacholine (3.2 to 12.8 microg/min) in premenopausal women, postmenopausal women not using hormone replacement, young men, and older men. Baseline net t-PA release was similar among groups. Enalaprilat increased basal t-PA release in premenopausal (from 0.9+/-1.0 to 5.1+/-1.7 ng/min per 100 mL, P=0.023) and postmenopausal women (from -3.9+/-2.2 to 3.9+/-1.1 ng/min per 100 mL, P=0.010) but not in young or older men (P=0.028 men versus women). Enalaprilat potentiated the effect of exogenous BK on FBF similarly in all groups. However, during enalaprilat, BK-stimulated t-PA release was greatest in premenopausal women (339.9+/-86.4 ng/min per 100 mL at the 100 ng/min dose, P<0.05 versus any other group), intermediate in postmenopausal women (243.8+/-51.1 ng/min per 100 mL, P<0.05 versus either male group), and least in young (111.9+/-19.2 ng/min/100 mL) and older men (103.4+/-27.6 ng/min/100 mL). CONCLUSIONS: ACEI enhances basal t-PA release in women, independent of menopausal status, but not in men. During ACEI, both gender and menopausal status affect BK stimulated t-PA release.

Ionically self-assembled carboxymethyl cellulose/surfactant complexes for antistatic paper coatings.

We show that ionically self-assembled polyelectrolyte/surfactant complexes allow a facile route to tailor the electrical surface resistance of paper sheets for antistatic dissipative regime. We use anionic polyelectrolyte carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) where cationic alkyltrimethylammonium chloride surfactants (C(n)TAC) with the alkyl chain lengths n=12, 14 or 16 methyl units are ionically complexed by precipitation from aqueous solutions. Such alkyl chains are sufficiently long to allow self-assembly in solid films after solvent evaporation. Short chain lengths, e.g., n=8, did not lead to precipitation. Small angle X-ray scattering indicates cylindrical self-assembly in bulk samples. Upon exposing bulk samples under humidity of 50% RH for 18 h, conductivity of ca. 10(-5) S/cm at room temperature is achieved based on AC-impedance analysis. Flexographic printing and spray coating were selected to conceptually test the feasibility as paper coatings and surface sheet resistances of ca. 10(9) Omega are reached. The results indicate that self-assembled polyelectrolyte/surfactant complexes can allow sufficient conductivity levels for antistatic paper coatings potentially due to protonic conductivity and suggest to develop processes and materials for realistic applications.

Human colorectal cancer cells efficiently conjugate the cyclopentenone prostaglandin, prostaglandin J(2), to glutathione.

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins (PGs), particularly those of the J-series, affect proliferation and differentiation in a number of cell lines. J-ring PGs have been shown to be ligands for the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma and to modulate NF-kappaB-mediated gene transcription. We have previously reported that large quantities of eicosanoids, including PGJ(2), are produced by the human colorectal cancer cell line HCA-7 while lesser amounts of Delta(12)-PGJ(2) and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) are formed. In this and other cell lines, cyclopentenone PGs have been shown to increase cell proliferation, but factors that influence their formation and metabolism are poorly understood. Unlike other PGs, cyclopentenone PGs contain alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl groups that readily adduct various biomolecules such as glutathione (GSH) in vitro. We now report that in HCA-7 cells, PGJ(2) is largely metabolized by conjugation to GSH. Characterization of the adducts by liquid chromatography (LC)-mass spectrometry (MS) revealed two major metabolites consisting of (1) a novel GSH conjugate in which the carbonyl at C-11 of PGJ(2) is reduced and (2) intact PGJ(2) conjugated to GSH. Approximately 70% of the PGJ(2) added to HCA-7 cells was esterifed to GSH after 2 h of incubation, suggesting this pathway represents the major route of metabolic disposition of PGJ(2) in HCA-7 cells.