Analysis of the promoters and 5'-UTR of mouse Cd59 genes, and of their functional activity in erythrocytes.

The complement regulatory protein CD59 inhibits formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), the terminal effector of the complement system. There are two mouse Cd59 genes in mice but only one in humans. In the work reported here we (a) mapped the promoter regions of both mCd59a and mCd59b genes, (b) identified two different promoters for each mCd59 gene, (c) defined a previously unrecognized additional exon 1 in each mCd59 gene, (d) identified that each mCd59 gene expresses two different tissue-specific transcripts that differ in their 5'-UTR, and (e) confirmed the presence of mCd59b mRNA in multiple tissues. At the functional level, comparison of the sensitivity of mCd59ab(-/-) and mCd59a(-/-) red blood cells to MAC-mediated lysis revealed that mCd59b protects RBC from MAC-mediated lysis, at least in the setting of mCd59a deficiency. Together these findings indicate that the mCd59 genes may have complex and perhaps different regulatory mechanisms in different tissues.

CEA-related cell adhesion molecule 1: a potent angiogenic factor and a major effector of vascular endothelial growth factor.

CEA-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) exhibits angiogenic properties in in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays. CEACAM1 purified from granulocytes and endothelial cell media as well as recombinant CEACAM1 expressed in HEK293 cells stimulate proliferation, chemotaxis, and capillary-like tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cells. They increase vascularization of chick chorioallantoic membrane and potentiate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)165. VEGF165 increases CEACAM1 expression both on the mRNA and the protein level. VEGF165-induced endothelial tube formation is blocked by a monoclonal CEACAM1 antibody. These data suggest that CEACAM1 is a major effector of VEGF in the early microvessel formation. Since CEACAM1 is expressed in tumor microvessels but not in large blood vessels, CEACAM1 may be a target for the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.

[Topic-centered discussions in ambulatory coronary groups--a report of experiences]. / Themenzentrierte Gespräche in ambulanten Koronargruppen--Ein Erfahrungsbericht.

Based on an introductory discussion of aspects involved in the nature of counselling in coronary patients and the problem of linkage between theoretical information and day-to-day living, a concept is set out for theme-centered counselling in the framework of out-patient coronary groups. Coping with the disease experience, reflecting the physical and psychosocial impact of the disease and its sequels, developing revised patterns of behaviour in dealing with stress and strain, as well as reassessing personal philosophies are suggested as essential objectives. Counselling techniques and contents of the approach implemented are outlined on the example of a group in existence for two years. The hitherto most important experience is that support within and by the group is the more effective, the more the group counselling process is pertinent to the social reality experienced by the various participants.

[Illness and threat. Forms of psychosocial coping in multiple sclerosis]. / Krankheit und Bedrohung. Formen psychosozialer Bewältigung der Multiplen Sklerose.

The onset of a chronic illness is synonymous with a massive breach in the stability and routine in the daily life of the patient. These individuals are thus confronted with the task of integrating the illness and its consequences into their lives in a manner that, despite and with the illness, will allow them to live as normal life as possible. Multiple Sclerosis, however, presents specific problems in the sense that it is chronic illness with uncertain prognosis whose course can neither be predicted nor influenced. The question as to how and how successfully the chronically ill cope with MS is pursued in this paper, focusing on a group of 60 MS-patients over a period of five years following diagnosis. Both the individual coping patterns as well as the occupational situation and the forms of mutual coping in the family or partner relationship are considered. These factors are decisive in determining the significance of the illness in the lives of all those involved and whether it will be possible to deal with the more grave forms of MS and their psychosocial consequences in a flexible manner.