Two-year stability of NT-proBNP in frozen samples using the Roche Elecsys system.

BACKGROUND: The in vitro stability of N-terminal (NT)-proBNP (brain natriuretic peptide) at room temperature and at 4 degrees C is excellent and has been well studied. However, less is known concerning its stability after a long-term frozen storage. This notion could be of major interest in the context of clinical evaluations. METHODS: NT-proBNP was measured on 97 heparinized samples before and after a two-year frozen storage (-20 degrees C) using the Roche Elecsys system. RESULTS: There is a slight but significant decrease of NT-proBNP concentration after frozen storage. However, this decrease is <10% for more than 90% of the samples and the maximum decrease is 16%. Moreover, values on frozen samples are well correlated with values on fresh samples (r = 0.99) using the following equation: NT-proBNP(stored sample) = 0.93 NT-proBNP(fresh sample) + 81. A similar equation was found in lower concentrations (NT-proBNP < or = 2000 ng/L). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that NT-proBNP can be stored for at least two years at -20 degrees C before measurement without a substantial loss of immunoreactivity.

[NT-proBNP measurement on Immulite 2500 (DPC): analytical performance and comparison with Roche Diagnostics and Dade-Behring NT-proBNP immunoassays]. / Dosage du NT-proBNP sur l'Immulite 2500 (DPC): évaluation analytique et comparaison avec les trousses Roche-Diagnostics et Dade-Behring.

The measurement of the N-terminal part of the proBNP (NT-proBNP) may be used to assess the secretion of the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a marker of heart failure. In this study, we have evaluated the NT-proBNP immunoassay proposed by DPC Company for the Immulite 2500 analyzer and compared the results with those obtained with the two other immunoassays respectively commercialized by Roche Diagnostics (Elecsys 2010 analyzer) and Dade-Behring (Dimension RXL). The obtained results show very good general performance of the DPC's technique with a CV inferior to 8% for the values superior to 40 ng/L. The within run CVs are 3.1, 3.5 and 3.5% and the between run CVs are 3.8, 4.7 and 4.8% for the NT-proBNP levels of 151, 1601 and 5255 ng/L, respectively. We found a very good correlation between DPC's and Roche Diagnostics's assays (regression analysis: y = 0.88 x + 25.2 ; r = 0.998) and DPC's and Dade-Behring assays (regression analysis: y = 0.93 x + 16.4 ; r = 0.997). Although a small bias appeared between these assays, similar cut-points may be used to exclude both heart failure in ambulatory patients and cardiac origin in acute dyspnea.

An analysis of the substrate specificity of insulin-stimulated protein kinase-1, a mammalian homologue of S6 kinase-II.

The specificity determinants for insulin-stimulated protein kinase-I (ISPK-1) have been investigated with synthetic peptides based on naturally-occurring protein phosphoacceptor sequences. Peptides (Arg-Arg-Xaa-Ser-Xaa) that fulfill the consensus sequence for cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase (PK-A) are also phosphorylated readily by ISPK-1. The phosphorylation efficiency is improved by increasing the number of N-terminal arginine residues and by moving the arginyl cluster one residue further away from the serine, the nonapeptide (Arg)4-Ala-Ala-Ser-Val-Ala being the best substrate among all the short peptides tested (Km = 15 microM). Conversely, the substitution of either Thr for Ser or Lys for Arg is detrimental. Likewise, two flanking Pro residues and an Arg immediately N-terminal to the Ser act as negative specificity determinants. While the specificity of ISPK-1 shows several similarities to that of PK-A, including an absolute requirement for basic residues on the N-terminal side of the target Ser, it differs in several other respects including (1), the detrimental effect of a Lys for Arg substitution which is still compatible with some phosphorylation by ISPK-1, but not PK-A; (2), the presence of C-terminal acidic residues which are tolerated very well by ISPK-1, but are detrimental to PK-A; (3), the effect of substituting Phe for Val in the peptide Arg-Arg-Ala-Ser-Val-Ala, which improves the efficiency of phosphorylation by PK-A (lowering the Km 4-fold), but has no effect on phosphorylation by ISPK-1. These differences in peptide substrate specificity may account in part for the different rates of phosphorylation of physiological substrates for ISPK-1 and PK-A, such as the G subunit of protein phosphatase-1.

[Brain natriuretic peptide: physiological, biological and clinical aspects]. / Le BNP: aspects physiologiques, biologiques et cliniques.

Brain natriuretic peptide is one member of the natriuretic peptide family, including also ANP, CNP, DNP and urodilatin. In human, brain natriuretic peptide is mainly secreted by the cardiac ventricles. BNP is synthetized as pre-proBNP form, secondary cleaved in proBNP, itself equimolarly cleaved in BNP and NT-proBNP. The biological action of BNP is mediated by the NPR-A receptor. This peptide is eliminated from the systemic circulation by a neutral endopeptidase and by a clearance receptor (NPR-C). The BNP and NT-proBNP concentrations are measured using automated rapid immunoassay techniques. Plasma concentrations of the two peptides physiologically increase with age and are found to be higher in women than in men. The action of BNP against fluid expansion is explained by its vascular (vasodilatation), renal (diuretic and natriuretic) and cerebral activities. The measurement of these two peptides contributes to the diagnosis of heart failure. These peptides are prognostic markers both in heart failure and in acute coronary syndromes. In renal insufficiency, the interpretation of the increase in these two peptide concentrations may be difficult, particularly with the NT-proBNP which is mainly excreted by the kidneys.

[Macromolecular complex of cardiac troponin I: differences of reactivity with DPC and Dade-Behring assays]. / Complexe macromoléculaire de troponine I cardiaque: différence de réactivité des trousses de dosage DPC et Dade-Behring.

We have recently identified a macromolecular 440-kDa cardiac troponin I (cTnI) complex after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (Clin Chem 2003; 49: 505-7). The aim of the work was to confirm the existence of such a complex by using another cTnI assay (Dimension RXL, Dade-Behring). We have first studied the correlation between the two assays by using heparinized samples [cTnI(Immulite) = 2.00 cTnI(Dimension) - 0.01 (n = 176; r = 0,987)]. Then, cTnI taken 120 minutes after PTCA for two patients was measured with the two assays after fractionation by FPLC. The obtained results confirmed the existence of the 440-kDa cTnI complex and showed that the reactivity between the assays (DPC/Dade-Behring ratio) depended on the nature of the complex: the ratio increased from 0.7 (440-kDa cTnI complex) to 3 (80-kDa cTnI complex) therefore suggesting caution in the comparison between the different cTnI assays in the context of reperfusion therapy.

[Prescription, assay and interpretation of cardiac troponins tests: guidelines from SFBC-CNBC troponin working group]. / Recommandations sur la prescription, le dosage et l'interprétation des troponines cardiaques.

Troponin (I or T) has become the gold-standard marker in acute coronary syndromes during the last few years, as confirmed by a national survey realized within french clinical chemists, cardiologists and emergency practitioners. The importance of this marker and the heterogeneousness of circulating forms of troponin after myocardial necrosis fully justify international studies about standardization of this assay, which is a central bulk to reach a global market coherence. Checking analytical problems, although necessary, must be absolutely associated with an informed clinical interpretation. The knowledge of the crucial thresholds of each assay, the kinetic curves and the specificity limits of troponin assays allow the best use of their potential in diagnosis and prognosis together with an optimal patient care in very different clinical settings, in addition to others clinical and technical arguments. The quality improvement through successive generations of assay kits must nowadays persuade the physicians never to ignore a significant and valid troponin increase, which mainly reveals a cardiac injury, whatever its origin.

True hermaphroditism: from female to male endocrine status.

True hermaphroditism was revealed by monthly intrascrotal bleeding in a 21-yr-old subject of male phenotype who had undergone surgical treatment for gonadal ectopy at the age of 7 yr. The presence of an ovary was demonstrated by the endocrine profile of an ovulatory menstrual cycle. Evidence for the presence of a testis was provided by a plasma testosterone increase after hCG administration (5000 IU/day for 3 days) and its spontaneous response to an endogenous preovulatory LH peak. Further endocrine studies revealed that both gonads were stimulated by endogenous gonadotropins. At surgery, a hemiuterus and an ovary with corpus luteum were found in the left hemiscrotum, and a testis and epididymis were found in the right hemiscrotum. After removal of the ovary, the subject passed from a predominantly female to a male endocrine status, which suggests that the endocrine secretion of the testis was inhibited by the negative feedback effect of ovarian steroids on gonadotropin secretion.

Inhibition of protein phosphatases activates glucose-6-phosphatase in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Incubation of hepatocytes in the presence of microcystin-LR, okadaic acid, calyculin A (inhibitors of protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A) or microcystin-RR (a specific inhibitor of PP2A) activated glucose-6-phosphatase both in the supernatant and in intact or disrupted microsomes. Puromycin, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, totally suppressed this activating effect, suggesting the involvement of protein phosphatases in the regulation of glucose-6-phosphatase synthesis.

AMP-activated protein kinase counteracted the inhibitory effect of glucose on the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression in rat hepatocytes.

The effect of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the regulation of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene expression was studied in isolated rat hepatocytes. Activation of AMPK by AICAR counteracted the inhibitory effect of glucose on the PEPCK gene expression, both at the mRNA and the transcriptional levels. It is proposed that a target for AMPK is involved in the inhibitory effect of glucose on PEPCK gene transcription.

Cell swelling increased the alpha2-macroglobulin gene expression in cultured rat hepatocytes.

The effect of cell swelling on the expression of the alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2M) gene was studied in hepatocytes in culture. Hypoosmolarity induced an increase (3-fold increase) in the level of alpha2M mRNA through a corresponding stimulation of the rate of transcription of the alpha2M gene. The addition of raffinose (100 mM) corrected the effect of hypoosmolarity at both mRNA and transcriptional level, demonstrating that cell swelling per se was responsible for the observed effect on the expression of the alpha2M gene. Moreover, the effect of cell swelling was additive to that of interleukin 6, a major mediator of the acute-phase response.

Glutamine accelerates interleukin-6 production by rat peritoneal macrophages in culture.

The effect of glutamine on the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was studied in rat peritoneal macrophages in culture. A maximal production of IL-6 was measured at 4 h in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, and addition of glutamine (5 mM) anticipated this increase by 1 h without any increase in the IL-6 mRNA level. The effect of glutamine required the presence of LPS. Thus, glutamine accelerates IL-6 production from the pre-existing mRNA. The effect of glutamine was not mediated by cell swelling since culture of macrophages in hypoosmotic condition decreased the production of IL-6 in the culture medium with a corresponding decrease in the IL-6 mRNA level.

Hypoosmolarity and glutamine increased the beta-actin gene transcription in isolated rat hepatocytes.

The mechanism of action of hydration state was studied on beta-actin gene expression in isolated hepatocytes. Results obtained with Northern blot analysis and run on transcription assays show that hypoosmolarity increased and hyperosmolarity decreased the beta-actin mRNA level through a corresponding modulation of the rate of the gene transcription. Glutamine, which is known to induce cell swelling, also increased the beta-actin mRNA level in a dose-dependent manner and induced a stimulation of the beta-actin gene transcription. Thus, cell hydration state regulates gene expression in the liver through a transcriptional mechanism.

Protein synthesis is involved in the modulation of the level of the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase mRNA by changes in cell volume in isolated rat hepatocytes.

The mechanism of action of hydration state was studied on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) gene expression in isolated rat hepatocytes. Hypoosmolarity decreased the level of the PCK mRNA after a lag period of about 60 min. The decreasing effect of hypoosmolarity was totally blocked by inhibitors of both protein synthesis and gene transcription. Moreover, hypoosmolarity specifically increased the synthesis of a 45000 Mr protein, which decreased in the presence of inhibitors of transcription. A close relationship between the synthesis of the 45000 Mr protein and the decrease in the PCK mRNA level was observed, suggesting that this protein might potentially be involved in the regulation of the level of the PCK mRNA by cell swelling.

Down-regulation of negative acute-phase response genes by hypotonic stress in HepG2 hepatoma cells.

An increased hepatocellular hydration state (HS) that can be induced by hypotonic stress or a high glutamine uptake modulates the transcription of given genes in liver. This could be important in the acute phase (AP) of a systemic inflammation where both HS and glutamine uptake transiently increase in liver. In HepG2 hepatoma cells cultured in conditions of hypotonic stress or a high extracellular glutamine availability, a specifically decreased expression of two human mRNAs, namely those of alphal-microglobulin/bikunin precursor (AMBP) and alpha2-HS-glycoprotein, that are also down-regulated in liver by AP, could be seen. A functional analysis of the AMBP promoter indicated that this hypotonic stress-induced down-regulation takes place at a transcriptional level. In these experiments, the mRNA level and transcription of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene that are known to be unmodified in AP did not exhibit any change. Given that hypotonic stress also upregulates the transcription of a liver gene that is also upregulated in AP [Meisse et al. (1998) FEBS Lett. 422, 3463481, the AP-associated increase in hepatocellular HS now appears to participate in the transcriptional control of both sets of genes that are up- or down-regulated in AP.

Cell swelling activates STAT1 and STAT3 proteins in cultured rat hepatocytes.

In this paper, we demonstrated that in cultured rat hepatocytes cell swelling induced the activation of STAT1 and STAT3 proteins without any effect on STAT4, STAT5 and STAT6 proteins. Cell swelling induced an activation of STAT proteins through an increase in the phosphorylation of the tyrosine residue also phosphorylated by interleukin-6, but without any activation of JAK kinases. The signaling pathway by which cell swelling activated STAT1 and STAT3 is discussed.

Influence of 2-chloroadenosine on the nucleotide content of isolated rat hepatocytes.

2-Chloroadenosine is presumably a non-metabolizable analogue of adenosine; however, this compound induced an increase in the enzymatically measured nucleotide content of isolated rat hepatocytes. HPLC separation and spectral analysis of the peaks showed that this increase may be related to the formation of 2-chloro nucleotides and that the 2-chloro nucleotides appeared in the first minutes of the incubation period. These results demonstrate that 2-chloroadenosine may be metabolized by phosphorylation in rat liver cells.

Influence of beta,gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate and 2-phosphoglycerate on rat liver phosphoglycerate kinase.

The inhibitory action on rat liver phosphoglycerate kinase of structural analogs of the two substrates of this enzyme (beta,gamma- methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate for ATP and 2-phosphoglycerate for 3-phosphoglycerate) was studied. In the direction of ADP utilization, the inhibition patterns obtained with beta,gamma-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate are compatible with the reaction mechanism proposed previously (Lavoinne, A., Marchand, J.C., Chédeville, A. & Matray, F. (1983) Biochimie 65, 211-220). In the direction of ATP utilization, the normally observed nonlinear kinetics were changed into linear kinetics in the presence of these substrate analogs. Our results suggest that saturation of the substrate sites induces a conformational change of the enzyme.

Repartition of ATP, ADP and PO4 in isolated hepatocytes from fed and fasted rats.

1. The digitonin fractionation procedure [Zuurendonk, P. F. and Tager, J. M. (1974) Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 333, 393-399] was used to determine the repartition of adenine nucleotides and inorganic phosphate in isolated hepatocytes from fed and fasted rats. 2. This repartition is not significantly modified in the presence of pyruvate or alanine or lactate + pyruvate for isolated hepatocytes from fasted rats. 3. In isolated hepatocytes from fasted rats, the mitochondrial ATP/ADP X PO4 ratio is two-fold lower than in isolated hepatocytes from fed rats. 4. The cytosolic ATP/ADP X PO4 ratio depends on the nutritional state and (or) on the added substrate for neoglucogenesis.

Glutamine and regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells. Special reference to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).

The repertoire of the actions of specific amino acids on gene expression is relatively limited in mammalian cells. Glutamine constitutes the most studied amino acid and recent works intended to demonstrate its mechanism of action on two genes: the beta-actin and the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase genes. From these studies, it appears that glutamine may regulate gene expression by, at least, two different mechanisms: one through the glutamine-induced cell swelling, and another through its intracellular metabolism. The involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in the signaling pathway triggered by cell swelling is discussed.

[Rat liver phosphoglycerate kinase. I. Purification and kinetic properties in the biosynthesis of 1-3 diphosphoglycerate]. / Phosphoglycérate kinase de foie de rat. I. - Purification et propriétés cinétiques dans le sens de la formation du 1-3 diphosphoglycérate.

Phosphoglycerate kinase (MgATP 3-phospho-D-glycerate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.2.3) has been isolated from rat liver with a purification ratio of 960 and a specific activity of 300 IU/mg of protein. The purity of the enzyme preparations was estimated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight, determined by gel filtration is 42 000. The "subunit" size of phosphoglycerate kinase as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis is 46 000, indicating that the enzyme is monomeric. The rate of the enzyme reaction as a function of the concentration of D-3-phosphoglycerate indicated the usual Michaelis Menten relationship. The rate of the enzyme reaction as a function of the concentration of MgATP2- did not fit the usual Michaelis Menten relationship: two distinct regions can be fitted with different straight lines and suggest the presence of two sites for the Mg ATP2-. This hypothesis seems to be confirmed by the study of the action of the free and complexed nucleotides.