Leila Risteli - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Leila Risteli

Research paper thumbnail of Assay of Collagen-Galactosyltransferase and Collagen-Glucosyltransferase Activities and Preliminary Characterization of Enzymic Reactions with Transferases from Chick-Embryo Cartilage

European Journal of Biochemistry, 1975

Research paper thumbnail of Biochemical characterization of variants of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI

European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1983

Research paper thumbnail of Long-term hormonal follow-up after human Puumala hantavirus infection

Clinical Endocrinology, 2015

Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Puumala ... more Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Puumala hantavirus (PUUV). Pituitary haemorrhage and hypopituitarism may complicate recovery from acute NE. Forty-seven of our recent cohort of 58 NE patients volunteered to be re-examined in order to estimate the burden of hormonal deficiency 4 to 8 years after the acute illness. Two patients had suffered from pituitary haemorrhage, but many others exhibited pituitary oedema during their acute infection. In this study, we searched for symptoms of hormonal deficiency, performed hormonal laboratory screening, and most patients underwent pituitary MRI examination. The pituitary size had diminished in all patients in whom MRI was performed (P < 0·001). One patient with acute phase haemorrhage had made a complete recovery while the other continued to require hormonal substitution. In addition, hormonal laboratory abnormalities were observed in nine other patients; these being attributable to several reasons, for example independent peripheral hormonal diseases, side effects of medication or other secondary causes such as obesity. None of them had signs of late-onset pituitary insufficiency caused by their previous NE. Health-related quality of life (mean and median 15D score) of patients was comparable to that of age-standardized general population. None of our patients had developed obvious late-onset hypopituitarism despite of the fact that pituitary gland can be affected during acute NE. We recommend requesting a history of hantavirus infection whenever the possibility of pituitary dysfunction is suspected at least in patients originating from regions with high NE infection rate.

Research paper thumbnail of Separate and overlapping specificities in rheumatoid arthritis antibodies binding to citrulline- and homocitrulline-containing peptides related to type I and II collagen telopeptides

Arthritis research & therapy, Jan 9, 2015

IntroductionOur objective was to find out if there are antibodies binding to homocitrulline-conta... more IntroductionOur objective was to find out if there are antibodies binding to homocitrulline-containing type I and II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and if these antibodies cross-react with citrulline and homocitrulline in the same peptide sequence.MethodsA total of 72 RA and 72 control sera were analyzed for binding using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to citrulline- or homocitrulline-containing type I and II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides, as well as to cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and to mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV). Specificities of the antibodies were tested using inhibition-ELISA.ResultsOf the RA sera, 39 (54 %) and 41 (57 %) were positive for binding to CCP and MCV, respectively. Further, 34 (47%) and 30 (42%) of the patients had specific antibodies binding to and being inhibited by citrulline-containing type I collagen telopeptides and by citrulline-containing type II collagen carboxyterminal t...

Research paper thumbnail of Aggressive breast cancer leads to discrepant serum levels of the type I procollagen propeptides PINP and PICP

Cancer research, Jan 15, 1997

The propeptides PICP and PINP are derived from the synthesis of type I collagen, a major matrix p... more The propeptides PICP and PINP are derived from the synthesis of type I collagen, a major matrix protein of bone and soft tissues. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate their value as indicators of the aggressivity of breast cancer. Serum PINP, PICP, and total alkaline phosphatase were determined from 89 breast cancer patients. Forty had major bone and/or soft tissue metastases with an aggressive disease course: the progressive disease (PD) group. Forty-nine had either none or minor bone and/or soft tissue metastases with a stable clinical course: the stable disease group (SD). The mean value of PINP in the PD group was 7.2 times higher than that in the SD group (276 +/- 79 microg/l versus 38 +/- 3 microg/l, respectively; P = 0.005), whereas PICP mean value was only 1.7 times higher in the PD group (174 +/- 20 microg/l versus 100 +/- 5 microg/l; P = 0.001). The ratio of PICP to PINP was 1.02 +/- 0.07 in the PD group and 3.07 +/- 0.18 in the SD group (P < 0.001)....

Research paper thumbnail of Familial high serum concentrations of the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen

Clinical chemistry, 1994

We describe a family with an apparently autosomal-dominant trait that caused extremely high circu... more We describe a family with an apparently autosomal-dominant trait that caused extremely high circulating concentrations of the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP). All family members examined had normal values for other biochemical markers of bone formation and degradation and no related clinical abnormalities. Furthermore, their serum concentrations of the amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) were normal. Although PINP and PICP are released from the same precursor molecule, PINP is cleared from the circulation via the scavenger receptor in liver endothelial cells, whereas PICP is cleared via the mannose receptor of these cells. We thus hypothesize that the clearance of circulating PICP is compromised in the affected subjects of this family, the result of either a defective mannose receptor function or an abnormal molecular structure of their PICP.

Research paper thumbnail of Assays of type I procollagen domains and collagen fragments: Problems to be solved and future trends

Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation, 1997

The biochemical possibilities for developing specific assays for type I collagen metabolism are d... more The biochemical possibilities for developing specific assays for type I collagen metabolism are described. Type I collagen synthesis can be assessed either by the analysis of the carboxyterminal or aminoterminal propeptides, which are in principle produced in a molar ratio of 1:1. However, in clinical situations altered behaviour can be found, the reasons for which may be altered clearance or even the existence of variant forms of type I collagen. Type I collagen degradation can be specifically detected by analysis of either cross-linked carboxy- or aminoterminal telopeptides or by the cross-links themselves liberated during the degradation processes. The heterogeneity of the cross-links and the constituent chains of the cross-linked peptides in different tissues and possibly in different clinical situations introduce problems, which should be studied and resolved in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of age and diabetes on type IV collagen and laminin in human kidney cortex

Kidney International, 1986

Specific radioimmunoassays for the 7-S domain of type IV collagen and the fragment P1 of laminin ... more Specific radioimmunoassays for the 7-S domain of type IV collagen and the fragment P1 of laminin were used to quantify these basement membrane proteins in human kidney cortex at different ages and in some patients with diabetes mellitus. The antigens were solubilized by treating the tissue samples with the proteolytic enzymes collagenase, trypsin and pepsin. Total collagen content (as indicated by hydroxyproline concentration) increased with age, and the proportion of the collagen that could be solubilized by any enzyme treatment decreased. The type IV collagen concentration increased significantly with age, whereas the laminin concentration tended to decrease. In the one case of a type I diabetic the amounts of both antigens exceeded those in the age matched controls. In four type II diabetics the results were comparable with those for other aged cases. The distribution of the proteins was studied using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. The staining intensity and thickness of both antigens increased with age in the mesangium and Bowmans capsules, the change in type IV collagen staining being more evident. In diabetic patients these changes were more pronounced and other basement membranes appeared thicker in the stainings. These results indicate that basement membrane material accumulates in the kidney cortex during aging and that an alteration takes place in the composition of the basement membranes, the proportion of type IV collagen increasing and that of laminin decreasing.

Research paper thumbnail of Accumulation of laminin and type IV collagen in the kidney in congenital nephrosis

Kidney International, 1985

The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively the occurrence of the basement membrane prote... more The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively the occurrence of the basement membrane proteins laminin and type IV collagen in the kidneys of ten infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) aged from 3 to 23 months and to compare the results with those for age-matched controls. A slow accumulation of basement membrane (BM) material occurred in the glomerular mesangium, the peripheral capillaries, around atrophied tubules, and the renal vessels in the course of the disease. The staining pattern of accumulated material depended on the duration of the disease and subsequent renal parenchymal damage. Young CNF patients with slight morphological changes in the kidney had only focal and minimal increases in the amounts of mesangial matrix, but as the disease advanced, so the BMs of the glomerular capillaries, renal arteries, and atrophied tubules also became involved and were thicker than normal. The staining reaction was in all patients similar with antibodies against the fragment P1 of laminin and the 7-S domain of type IV collagen. The accumulation of BM material in CNF kidneys is regarded as a secondary phenomenon induced by an unknown pathogenetic defect in the metabolism of some BM component.

Research paper thumbnail of Type I procollagen synthesis is regulated by steroids and related hormones in human osteosarcoma cells

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 1998

Change in the synthesis of type I collagen, the major extracellular matrix component of skin and ... more Change in the synthesis of type I collagen, the major extracellular matrix component of skin and bone, are associated with normal growth, tissue repair processes, and several pathological conditions. Expression of the COL 1A1 gene is regulated by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. However, the hormonal regulation of type I collagen synthesis in human bone has not been well characterized. We have studied the influence of calcitriol, dexamethasone, retinoic acid, and estradiol on the COL 1A1 gene expression by determining the secretion of the C-terminal propeptide (PICP) and the levels of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA in cultured human MG-63 and SaOs-2 osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells. Similar experiments were also performed with respect to expression of the nuclear proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-jun, in MG-63 cells. In MG-63 cells, calcitriol stimulated the synthesis and secretion of PICP. The alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA level was elevated with no effect on message stability, indicating a transcriptional mechanism of regulation. In contrast, dexamethasone treatment was accompanied by an accelerated rate of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA turnover, observed as decreased amounts of the message and the secreted PICP, implying a posttranscriptional regulation. Retinoic acid, in turn, decreased the levels of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA and secreted PICP by slowing down transcription of the COL1A1 gene without any effect on message stability. The ability of these hormones to regulate the alpha 1(I) transcripts was sensitive to puromycin treatment, suggesting an involvement of an induced mediator protein in the action of the hormones on the COL1A1 gene. Both dexamethasone and calcitriol rapidly but transiently increased the expression of the c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes. Neither proto-oncogene responded to retinoic acid treatment with significant changes in mRNA levels. Estradiol treatment was found to have no influence on type I procollagen synthesis. In SaOs-2 cells, which are not as well differentiated as the MG-63 cells, calcitriol and dexamethasone did not influence type I procollagen synthesis. Retinoic acid as well as estradiol reduced collagen gene expression in these cells. These findings suggest that hormonal effects on type I procollagen synthesis may depend on the maturational state of the osteoblastic cells that express different regulatory factors and receptors, resulting in, in each case, a finely adjusted rate of gene expression.

Research paper thumbnail of Diurnal variation in serum markers of type I collagen synthesis and degradation in healthy premenopausal women

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of The response evaluation of bone metastases in mammary carcinoma. The value of radiology, scintigraphy, and biochemical markers of bone metabolism

Research paper thumbnail of Serum concentrations of CA 125 and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) in patients with endometrial carcinoma

Research paper thumbnail of Use of a marker of collagen formation in osteoporosis studies

Calcified Tissue International, 1991

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a combined estrogen-gestagen regimen on serum levels of the carboxy-terminal propeptide of human type I procollagen in osteoporosis

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2009

Estrogen stimulates osteoblastic collagen production in vitro, but whether the same stimulation t... more Estrogen stimulates osteoblastic collagen production in vitro, but whether the same stimulation takes place in vivo is still unknown. To test the stimulatory effects of a combined estrogen-gestagen regimen in vivo we monitored serum levels of the carboxy-terminal propeptide of human type I procollagen (S-PICP) in a group of 12 osteoporotic women over a 150 week treatment period. Spinal bone mineral content (BMC) increased to a maximum of 5% over pretreatment values around week 90. Serum alkaline phosphatase (S-AP) and serum bone gla protein (S-BGP) both fell from initial values of 220 U/liter and 39 ng/ml, respectively, to 146 U/liter (p less than 0.01) and 27.2 ng/ml (NS) around week 60 and remained reduced over the remaining treatment period. S-PICP also fell from 117 to 68 micrograms/liter at week 60 and 70 micrograms/ml at week 150 (P less than 0.01). This is equal to a reduction to 32 +/- 10% pretreatment levels. The reduction in S-PICP was not significantly different from that of the other two markers of bone formation (S-AP and S-BGP). Thus, provided the metabolic clearance of PICP remains unaltered after hormone replacement therapy, no major stimulation of osteoblastic collagen type I synthesis was demonstrable during estrogen-gestagen treatment in this population of osteoporotic women. The changes in bone markers seen in this study are therefore consistent with an estrogen-mediated reduction in the frequency of remodeling activation. Because of the reduction in bone turnover and methodologic limitations of bone marker assays, however, smaller increases in the amount of bone formed per activation could remain undetectable.

Research paper thumbnail of Serum type III procollagen and basement membrane proteins as noninvasive markers of hepatic pathology in Indian childhood cirrhosis

Hepatology, 1987

While serum concentrations of antigens of the aminopropeptide of type III procollagen have been c... more While serum concentrations of antigens of the aminopropeptide of type III procollagen have been considered as indicators of hepatic pathology in adults, the high concentrations normally found in children during growth may preclude their use in pediatric liver disease. To clarify this and to determine the role of other circulating connective tissue-related substances in children, we have measured serum concentrations of antigens related to aminopropeptide of type III procollagen, the 7S domain of type IV collagen and the P1 fragment of laminin in healthy subjects aged 1 month to 4 yeers and in children with Indian childhood cirrhosis, a particularly aggressive form of liver disease. In healthy subjects, there was a considerable age variation in serum aminopropeptide of type III procollagen but not in 7S collagen or laminin P1. In Indian childhood cirrhosis, all three serum antigens were increased (p < 0.001) above the upper limit of normal for age. Both the serum 7S collagen and laminin P1 concentrations showed a significant correlation with the degree of intralobular fibrosis and also with the severity of necrosis and cellular infiltration, suggesting that these serum antigens may be a noninvasive means of assessing and monitoring events associated with hepatic fibrosis in Indian childhood cirrhosis. The raised serum aminopropeptide of type III procollagen in Indian childhood cirrhosis did not correlate with any histological parameter assessed. Gel filtration of serum showed that, in healthy subjects, the predominant antigenic form of aminopropeptide of type III procollagen was a degradation peptide smaller than authentic aminopropeptide of type III procollagen; while in Indian childhood cirrhosis the authentic peptide and a larger degradation peptide predominated. These findings suggest that, in Indian childhood cirrhosis, serum aminopropeptide of type III procollagen raised above the normally high levels found in children reflect, at least in part, the very rapid hepatic type III collagen synthesis which occurs in this condition.

Research paper thumbnail of Systemic glucocorticoid treatment decreases serum concentrations of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen

British Journal of Dermatology, 1992

The effect of systemic glucocorticoid treatment on collagen synthesis in patients with various de... more The effect of systemic glucocorticoid treatment on collagen synthesis in patients with various dermatoses was studied by measuring the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and the aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) in serum. Changes in the propeptide concentrations were compared with those of osteocalcin, which reflects osteoblastic activity, and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), which reflects osteoclastic activity. The treatment caused significant decreases in levels of PICP, PIIINP and osteocalcin of 38, 34 and 49%, respectively (P less than 0.001). For TRAP, both increases and decreases were seen. The effects on PICP and PIIINP were evident 2-4 days after the onset of steroid therapy. The decrease in PICP was dose-related (r = 0.470, P less than 0.005) but even relatively small doses (0.1 mg of prednisone/kg/1 day) caused a significant reduction in PICP. After cessation of treatment, the levels of PICP returned to the pretreatment level in 1 week. The present study demonstrates that systemic glucocorticoid therapy in humans suppresses the synthesis of type I and III collagens and also non-collagenous bone matrix proteins.

Research paper thumbnail of Assay of Collagen-Galactosyltransferase and Collagen-Glucosyltransferase Activities and Preliminary Characterization of Enzymic Reactions with Transferases from Chick-Embryo Cartilage

European Journal of Biochemistry, 1975

Research paper thumbnail of Biochemical characterization of variants of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI

European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1983

Research paper thumbnail of Long-term hormonal follow-up after human Puumala hantavirus infection

Clinical Endocrinology, 2015

Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Puumala ... more Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by Puumala hantavirus (PUUV). Pituitary haemorrhage and hypopituitarism may complicate recovery from acute NE. Forty-seven of our recent cohort of 58 NE patients volunteered to be re-examined in order to estimate the burden of hormonal deficiency 4 to 8 years after the acute illness. Two patients had suffered from pituitary haemorrhage, but many others exhibited pituitary oedema during their acute infection. In this study, we searched for symptoms of hormonal deficiency, performed hormonal laboratory screening, and most patients underwent pituitary MRI examination. The pituitary size had diminished in all patients in whom MRI was performed (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0·001). One patient with acute phase haemorrhage had made a complete recovery while the other continued to require hormonal substitution. In addition, hormonal laboratory abnormalities were observed in nine other patients; these being attributable to several reasons, for example independent peripheral hormonal diseases, side effects of medication or other secondary causes such as obesity. None of them had signs of late-onset pituitary insufficiency caused by their previous NE. Health-related quality of life (mean and median 15D score) of patients was comparable to that of age-standardized general population. None of our patients had developed obvious late-onset hypopituitarism despite of the fact that pituitary gland can be affected during acute NE. We recommend requesting a history of hantavirus infection whenever the possibility of pituitary dysfunction is suspected at least in patients originating from regions with high NE infection rate.

Research paper thumbnail of Separate and overlapping specificities in rheumatoid arthritis antibodies binding to citrulline- and homocitrulline-containing peptides related to type I and II collagen telopeptides

Arthritis research & therapy, Jan 9, 2015

IntroductionOur objective was to find out if there are antibodies binding to homocitrulline-conta... more IntroductionOur objective was to find out if there are antibodies binding to homocitrulline-containing type I and II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides in sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and if these antibodies cross-react with citrulline and homocitrulline in the same peptide sequence.MethodsA total of 72 RA and 72 control sera were analyzed for binding using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to citrulline- or homocitrulline-containing type I and II collagen carboxyterminal telopeptides, as well as to cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and to mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV). Specificities of the antibodies were tested using inhibition-ELISA.ResultsOf the RA sera, 39 (54 %) and 41 (57 %) were positive for binding to CCP and MCV, respectively. Further, 34 (47%) and 30 (42%) of the patients had specific antibodies binding to and being inhibited by citrulline-containing type I collagen telopeptides and by citrulline-containing type II collagen carboxyterminal t...

Research paper thumbnail of Aggressive breast cancer leads to discrepant serum levels of the type I procollagen propeptides PINP and PICP

Cancer research, Jan 15, 1997

The propeptides PICP and PINP are derived from the synthesis of type I collagen, a major matrix p... more The propeptides PICP and PINP are derived from the synthesis of type I collagen, a major matrix protein of bone and soft tissues. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate their value as indicators of the aggressivity of breast cancer. Serum PINP, PICP, and total alkaline phosphatase were determined from 89 breast cancer patients. Forty had major bone and/or soft tissue metastases with an aggressive disease course: the progressive disease (PD) group. Forty-nine had either none or minor bone and/or soft tissue metastases with a stable clinical course: the stable disease group (SD). The mean value of PINP in the PD group was 7.2 times higher than that in the SD group (276 +/- 79 microg/l versus 38 +/- 3 microg/l, respectively; P = 0.005), whereas PICP mean value was only 1.7 times higher in the PD group (174 +/- 20 microg/l versus 100 +/- 5 microg/l; P = 0.001). The ratio of PICP to PINP was 1.02 +/- 0.07 in the PD group and 3.07 +/- 0.18 in the SD group (P < 0.001)....

Research paper thumbnail of Familial high serum concentrations of the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen

Clinical chemistry, 1994

We describe a family with an apparently autosomal-dominant trait that caused extremely high circu... more We describe a family with an apparently autosomal-dominant trait that caused extremely high circulating concentrations of the carboxyl-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP). All family members examined had normal values for other biochemical markers of bone formation and degradation and no related clinical abnormalities. Furthermore, their serum concentrations of the amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) were normal. Although PINP and PICP are released from the same precursor molecule, PINP is cleared from the circulation via the scavenger receptor in liver endothelial cells, whereas PICP is cleared via the mannose receptor of these cells. We thus hypothesize that the clearance of circulating PICP is compromised in the affected subjects of this family, the result of either a defective mannose receptor function or an abnormal molecular structure of their PICP.

Research paper thumbnail of Assays of type I procollagen domains and collagen fragments: Problems to be solved and future trends

Scandinavian Journal of Clinical & Laboratory Investigation, 1997

The biochemical possibilities for developing specific assays for type I collagen metabolism are d... more The biochemical possibilities for developing specific assays for type I collagen metabolism are described. Type I collagen synthesis can be assessed either by the analysis of the carboxyterminal or aminoterminal propeptides, which are in principle produced in a molar ratio of 1:1. However, in clinical situations altered behaviour can be found, the reasons for which may be altered clearance or even the existence of variant forms of type I collagen. Type I collagen degradation can be specifically detected by analysis of either cross-linked carboxy- or aminoterminal telopeptides or by the cross-links themselves liberated during the degradation processes. The heterogeneity of the cross-links and the constituent chains of the cross-linked peptides in different tissues and possibly in different clinical situations introduce problems, which should be studied and resolved in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of age and diabetes on type IV collagen and laminin in human kidney cortex

Kidney International, 1986

Specific radioimmunoassays for the 7-S domain of type IV collagen and the fragment P1 of laminin ... more Specific radioimmunoassays for the 7-S domain of type IV collagen and the fragment P1 of laminin were used to quantify these basement membrane proteins in human kidney cortex at different ages and in some patients with diabetes mellitus. The antigens were solubilized by treating the tissue samples with the proteolytic enzymes collagenase, trypsin and pepsin. Total collagen content (as indicated by hydroxyproline concentration) increased with age, and the proportion of the collagen that could be solubilized by any enzyme treatment decreased. The type IV collagen concentration increased significantly with age, whereas the laminin concentration tended to decrease. In the one case of a type I diabetic the amounts of both antigens exceeded those in the age matched controls. In four type II diabetics the results were comparable with those for other aged cases. The distribution of the proteins was studied using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. The staining intensity and thickness of both antigens increased with age in the mesangium and Bowmans capsules, the change in type IV collagen staining being more evident. In diabetic patients these changes were more pronounced and other basement membranes appeared thicker in the stainings. These results indicate that basement membrane material accumulates in the kidney cortex during aging and that an alteration takes place in the composition of the basement membranes, the proportion of type IV collagen increasing and that of laminin decreasing.

Research paper thumbnail of Accumulation of laminin and type IV collagen in the kidney in congenital nephrosis

Kidney International, 1985

The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively the occurrence of the basement membrane prote... more The aim of this study was to evaluate qualitatively the occurrence of the basement membrane proteins laminin and type IV collagen in the kidneys of ten infants with congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) aged from 3 to 23 months and to compare the results with those for age-matched controls. A slow accumulation of basement membrane (BM) material occurred in the glomerular mesangium, the peripheral capillaries, around atrophied tubules, and the renal vessels in the course of the disease. The staining pattern of accumulated material depended on the duration of the disease and subsequent renal parenchymal damage. Young CNF patients with slight morphological changes in the kidney had only focal and minimal increases in the amounts of mesangial matrix, but as the disease advanced, so the BMs of the glomerular capillaries, renal arteries, and atrophied tubules also became involved and were thicker than normal. The staining reaction was in all patients similar with antibodies against the fragment P1 of laminin and the 7-S domain of type IV collagen. The accumulation of BM material in CNF kidneys is regarded as a secondary phenomenon induced by an unknown pathogenetic defect in the metabolism of some BM component.

Research paper thumbnail of Type I procollagen synthesis is regulated by steroids and related hormones in human osteosarcoma cells

Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 1998

Change in the synthesis of type I collagen, the major extracellular matrix component of skin and ... more Change in the synthesis of type I collagen, the major extracellular matrix component of skin and bone, are associated with normal growth, tissue repair processes, and several pathological conditions. Expression of the COL 1A1 gene is regulated by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. However, the hormonal regulation of type I collagen synthesis in human bone has not been well characterized. We have studied the influence of calcitriol, dexamethasone, retinoic acid, and estradiol on the COL 1A1 gene expression by determining the secretion of the C-terminal propeptide (PICP) and the levels of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA in cultured human MG-63 and SaOs-2 osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells. Similar experiments were also performed with respect to expression of the nuclear proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-jun, in MG-63 cells. In MG-63 cells, calcitriol stimulated the synthesis and secretion of PICP. The alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA level was elevated with no effect on message stability, indicating a transcriptional mechanism of regulation. In contrast, dexamethasone treatment was accompanied by an accelerated rate of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA turnover, observed as decreased amounts of the message and the secreted PICP, implying a posttranscriptional regulation. Retinoic acid, in turn, decreased the levels of alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA and secreted PICP by slowing down transcription of the COL1A1 gene without any effect on message stability. The ability of these hormones to regulate the alpha 1(I) transcripts was sensitive to puromycin treatment, suggesting an involvement of an induced mediator protein in the action of the hormones on the COL1A1 gene. Both dexamethasone and calcitriol rapidly but transiently increased the expression of the c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogenes. Neither proto-oncogene responded to retinoic acid treatment with significant changes in mRNA levels. Estradiol treatment was found to have no influence on type I procollagen synthesis. In SaOs-2 cells, which are not as well differentiated as the MG-63 cells, calcitriol and dexamethasone did not influence type I procollagen synthesis. Retinoic acid as well as estradiol reduced collagen gene expression in these cells. These findings suggest that hormonal effects on type I procollagen synthesis may depend on the maturational state of the osteoblastic cells that express different regulatory factors and receptors, resulting in, in each case, a finely adjusted rate of gene expression.

Research paper thumbnail of Diurnal variation in serum markers of type I collagen synthesis and degradation in healthy premenopausal women

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2009

Research paper thumbnail of The response evaluation of bone metastases in mammary carcinoma. The value of radiology, scintigraphy, and biochemical markers of bone metabolism

Research paper thumbnail of Serum concentrations of CA 125 and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) in patients with endometrial carcinoma

Research paper thumbnail of Use of a marker of collagen formation in osteoporosis studies

Calcified Tissue International, 1991

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of a combined estrogen-gestagen regimen on serum levels of the carboxy-terminal propeptide of human type I procollagen in osteoporosis

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2009

Estrogen stimulates osteoblastic collagen production in vitro, but whether the same stimulation t... more Estrogen stimulates osteoblastic collagen production in vitro, but whether the same stimulation takes place in vivo is still unknown. To test the stimulatory effects of a combined estrogen-gestagen regimen in vivo we monitored serum levels of the carboxy-terminal propeptide of human type I procollagen (S-PICP) in a group of 12 osteoporotic women over a 150 week treatment period. Spinal bone mineral content (BMC) increased to a maximum of 5% over pretreatment values around week 90. Serum alkaline phosphatase (S-AP) and serum bone gla protein (S-BGP) both fell from initial values of 220 U/liter and 39 ng/ml, respectively, to 146 U/liter (p less than 0.01) and 27.2 ng/ml (NS) around week 60 and remained reduced over the remaining treatment period. S-PICP also fell from 117 to 68 micrograms/liter at week 60 and 70 micrograms/ml at week 150 (P less than 0.01). This is equal to a reduction to 32 +/- 10% pretreatment levels. The reduction in S-PICP was not significantly different from that of the other two markers of bone formation (S-AP and S-BGP). Thus, provided the metabolic clearance of PICP remains unaltered after hormone replacement therapy, no major stimulation of osteoblastic collagen type I synthesis was demonstrable during estrogen-gestagen treatment in this population of osteoporotic women. The changes in bone markers seen in this study are therefore consistent with an estrogen-mediated reduction in the frequency of remodeling activation. Because of the reduction in bone turnover and methodologic limitations of bone marker assays, however, smaller increases in the amount of bone formed per activation could remain undetectable.

Research paper thumbnail of Serum type III procollagen and basement membrane proteins as noninvasive markers of hepatic pathology in Indian childhood cirrhosis

Hepatology, 1987

While serum concentrations of antigens of the aminopropeptide of type III procollagen have been c... more While serum concentrations of antigens of the aminopropeptide of type III procollagen have been considered as indicators of hepatic pathology in adults, the high concentrations normally found in children during growth may preclude their use in pediatric liver disease. To clarify this and to determine the role of other circulating connective tissue-related substances in children, we have measured serum concentrations of antigens related to aminopropeptide of type III procollagen, the 7S domain of type IV collagen and the P1 fragment of laminin in healthy subjects aged 1 month to 4 yeers and in children with Indian childhood cirrhosis, a particularly aggressive form of liver disease. In healthy subjects, there was a considerable age variation in serum aminopropeptide of type III procollagen but not in 7S collagen or laminin P1. In Indian childhood cirrhosis, all three serum antigens were increased (p < 0.001) above the upper limit of normal for age. Both the serum 7S collagen and laminin P1 concentrations showed a significant correlation with the degree of intralobular fibrosis and also with the severity of necrosis and cellular infiltration, suggesting that these serum antigens may be a noninvasive means of assessing and monitoring events associated with hepatic fibrosis in Indian childhood cirrhosis. The raised serum aminopropeptide of type III procollagen in Indian childhood cirrhosis did not correlate with any histological parameter assessed. Gel filtration of serum showed that, in healthy subjects, the predominant antigenic form of aminopropeptide of type III procollagen was a degradation peptide smaller than authentic aminopropeptide of type III procollagen; while in Indian childhood cirrhosis the authentic peptide and a larger degradation peptide predominated. These findings suggest that, in Indian childhood cirrhosis, serum aminopropeptide of type III procollagen raised above the normally high levels found in children reflect, at least in part, the very rapid hepatic type III collagen synthesis which occurs in this condition.

Research paper thumbnail of Systemic glucocorticoid treatment decreases serum concentrations of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen and aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen

British Journal of Dermatology, 1992

The effect of systemic glucocorticoid treatment on collagen synthesis in patients with various de... more The effect of systemic glucocorticoid treatment on collagen synthesis in patients with various dermatoses was studied by measuring the carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and the aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) in serum. Changes in the propeptide concentrations were compared with those of osteocalcin, which reflects osteoblastic activity, and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), which reflects osteoclastic activity. The treatment caused significant decreases in levels of PICP, PIIINP and osteocalcin of 38, 34 and 49%, respectively (P less than 0.001). For TRAP, both increases and decreases were seen. The effects on PICP and PIIINP were evident 2-4 days after the onset of steroid therapy. The decrease in PICP was dose-related (r = 0.470, P less than 0.005) but even relatively small doses (0.1 mg of prednisone/kg/1 day) caused a significant reduction in PICP. After cessation of treatment, the levels of PICP returned to the pretreatment level in 1 week. The present study demonstrates that systemic glucocorticoid therapy in humans suppresses the synthesis of type I and III collagens and also non-collagenous bone matrix proteins.