Proteomics to display lovastatin-induced protein and pathway regulation in rat liver.

Lovastatin is a lipid lowering agent that acts by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, a key regulatory enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. In this study the pattern of gene network regulation induced in hepatic proteins as a response to lovastatin treatment was analyzed by proteomics. In livers of male F344 rats treated with 1.6 mg/kg/day lovastatin or 150 mg/kg/day lovastatin for seven days, 36 proteins were found to be significantly altered (p<0.001) in relation to treatment. The changed proteins were classified according to their cellular function and participation in biochemical pathways. The following observations were made: (i) inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase provoked a regulatory response in the cholesterol synthesis pathway including the induction of cytosolic HMG-CoA synthase and of isopentenyl-diphosphate delta-isomerase, (ii) manipulation of the lipid metabolism triggered alterations in key enzymes of the carbohydrate metabolism, and (iii) lovastatin treatment was associated with signs of toxicity as reflected by changes in a heterogeneous set of cellular stress proteins involved in functions such as cytoskeletal structure, calcium homeostasis, protease inhibition, cell signaling or apoptosis. These results present new insights into liver gene network regulations induced by lovastatin and illustrate a yet unexplored application of proteomics to discover new targets by analysis of existing drugs and the pathways that they regulate.

[Wild is not really wild: brain weight of wild domestic mammals]. / Verwildert ist nicht gleich wild: Die Hirngewichte verwilderter Haussäugetiere.

Domestication leads to the reduction of brain weight, decreases reach from 8.1% in laboratory rats up to 33.6% in domesticated pigs. The question is: Do brain weights increase by feralization? We compared the brain weights of domesticated mammals (cat, dog, pig, goat, ass) with their feral forms. In none of the cases studied, brain weight is increased in wild domestic mammals. So, feral mammals do not return back to the status of their wild species.

[Are zoo Przewalski horses domesticated horses?]. / Sind Zooprzewalskipferde Hauspferde?

Analysed were the brain case capacities and brain weights of wild przewalski horses, przewalski horses from zoological gardens and domesticated horses. Domesticated horses have about 14% less brain case capacity and 16% less brain weight than wild przewalski horses. Przewalski horses from zoological gardens also have about 14% less brain capacity than wild przewalski horses. The brain weight of przewalski horses from zoological gardens shows no difference to the brain weight of domesticated horses. If we look at the brain size, przewalski horses from zoological gardens are domesticated horses.

Volumetric analysis of brain structures, especially of the visual system in wild and domestic turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

The total brain volume, the volumes of the main brain subdivisions and regions belonging to the visual system of wild and domestic turkeys of either sex were measured and related to body weight. Using allometric methods sex-related reductions in brain size from wild to domesticated state was examined. Male domestic turkeys have 29% and female domestic turkeys 24% less brain volume. The total reduction of the brain size results from decreases of the brain subdivisions and structures of functional systems at various degree. The general reduction of prosencephalic brain parts is greater (males: 35%, females: 30%) than that of the rhombencephalon (males: 21%, females: 14%). Visual brain structures are reduced by 25% in males and 22% in females. The tertiary areas of this system have more decreased than secondary and primary visual targets. It was also shown that differences in size are accompanied by changes in the proportions of the brain. Telencephalic brain parts are relatively smaller in domestic turkeys. Different decreases in brain size of diverse species from wild to domestic state are regarded as processes of functional adaptation that is controlled by intensive breeding.

[Early rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients with the electrolarynx?]. / Frührehabilitation Laryngektomierter mit dem Elektrolarynx?

Seventy-three patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire to determine whether a laryngectomee can be rehabilitated better with the oesophageal voice or with the vibrator voice. This evaluation showed no significant difference between these two methods of voice rehabilitation. Patients rehabilitated with the vibrator learn oesophageal voice in addition without undue difficulties. Therefore, we recommend voice rehabilitation of the laryngectomee by both the above methods.

[The concept of comprehensively oriented rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients]. / Konzept einer ganzheitlich orientierten komplexen Rehabilitation von Laryngektomierten.

A comprehensive rehabilitation program for laryngectomized patients is presented, consisting of close cooperation between the ENT clinic, phoniatric department and post-operative reconvalescent institution. Four main points are emphasized: (1) rehabilitation with both the oesophageal voice and the vibrator voice; (2) involvement of the patient's partner in the whole rehabilitation program, including participation in the 4-week stay in a post-operative reconvalescent institution; (3) information for the employer about the special needs of a laryngectomee; (4) contact with the regional branch of the laryngectomees' association.

[The comprehensively oriented complex rehabilitation of laryngectomized patients]. / Eine ganzheitlich orientierte komplexe Rehabilitation Laryngektomierter.

We report 14 patients who took part in a specially designed comprehensive rehabilitation programme for the laryngectomee. Our results clearly indicate that it is only possible to carry out such a project successfully if there is intensive communication between all participants in the programme, including the patient and his/her partner.

[Vocal function after laser therapy]. / Stimmfunktion nach Lasertherapie.

A prospective study of vocal function was undertaken before and after CO2-laser surgery for benign tumors and lesions of the larynx: 50 patients with polyps, Reinke's oedema's, leukoplakia etc. were investigated and controlled phoniatrically, including indirect microlaryngoscopy and microstroboscopy. 3 investigators rated the results independently. Laser surgery can minimise tissue damage, as demonstrated by good restoration of vocal function.