European journal of clinical investigation
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Acylation Stimulating Protein (ASP) is a human plasma protein that stimulates both triacylglycerol synthesis and glucose transport. ASP is identical to C3adesArg and is generated by the interaction of factor B, complement C3 and adipsin. ⋯ The results demonstrate that (i) there was little ASP production by differentiating adipocytes over the first 7 days, with a marked increase in ASP thereafter (up to sixfold); (ii) this increase was paralleled by large increases in the message level of factor B and complement C3 and moderate increases in adipsin message; (iii) increases in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) message and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity (both key enzymes for substrate supply for triacylglycerol synthesis) occurred earlier than the increase in ASP; and (iv) in spite of the increase in LPL and GPDH, triacylglycerol synthetic capacity only markedly increases following the increase in ASP production in adipocytes. Although the present study cannot be interpreted as showing causality with respect to triacylglycerol synthesis, it does point to an important role for ASP in human adipose tissue physiology.
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Kidney transplant patients display decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass. Whether this altered body composition is due to glucocorticoid induced altered fuel metabolism is unclear. To answer this question, 16 kidney transplant patients were examined immediately after kidney transplantation (12 +/- 4 days, mean +/- SEM) and then during months 2, 5, 11 and 16, respectively, by whole body dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (Hologic QDR 1000W) and indirect calorimetry. ⋯ These results indicate that in prednisone treated renal transplant patients fuel metabolism is regulated in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, dietary measures, such as caloric and fat intake restriction as well as increase of protein intake, can prevent muscle wasting as well as part of the usually observed fat accumulation. Furthermore, the concept of preferential upper body fat accumulation as consequence of prednisone therapy in renal transplant patients has to be revised.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Nov 1995
Platelet activation and interaction with leucocytes in patients with sepsis or multiple organ failure.
This study focuses on the role of platelet membrane glycoproteins and platelet-leucocyte adhesion in patients with sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF). Specifically, the study raises the following issues: (1) the influence of sepsis and MOF on platelet activation as assessed by surface expression of platelet membrane glycoproteins GPIIb-IIIa and thrombospondin; and (2) the effect of sepsis and MOF on platelet adhesion to circulating leucocytes. In addition, platelet activation and platelet-leucocyte adhesion are evaluated according to clinical outcome. ⋯ We conclude that sepsis is associated with increased surface expression of platelet adhesion molecules and an increased occurrence of circulating platelet-leucocyte aggregates. The decrease in circulating platelet-leucocyte peripheral sequestration. An increased platelet-leucocyte adhesion and sequestration might account for development of MOF in the course of sepsis.