Virginia Utermohlen

Identification of Pro- and Mature Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Human Saliva

OBJECTIVE Growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are polypeptides that are involved in the maintenance, survival, and death of central and peripheral cells. Numerous growth factors have been identified in saliva and are thought to promote wound healing and maintenance of the oral epithelium. The aim of this study was to determine if BDNF is also found in human saliva. METHODS Whole, unstimulated saliva samples (n = 30) were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot using an anti-human BDNF antibody. Proteolytic cleavage products were similarly assessed following the incubation of pooled saliva with N-glycanase F and plasmin. Subjects were also genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). RESULTS These experiments revealed the presence of immunoreactive bands at 14, 32 and 34 kDa, corresponding to mature (mBDNF) and proBDNF, as well as a truncated pro-form at 24 kDa. Not every sample contained all forms of BDNF. Treatment with N-glycanase and plasmin reduced the size of the higher molecular weight bands, confirming the glycosylated pro-form of BDNF. mBDNF was detected significantly less often in subjects with the Val66Met SNP, compared to those without the polymorphism (chi(2) = 4.05; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS While the function of salivary BDNF still requires elucidation, these findings suggest that it may be possible to use saliva in lieu of blood in future studies of BDNF and the Val66Met polymorphism.

Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Human Saliva: ELISA Optimization and Biological Correlates

In order to assess the physiological significance of human salivary brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), we have optimized a sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We determined the range of salivary BDNF concentrations, the impact of saliva collection method, and the association of salivary BDNF with several biological characteristics. The ELISA had a detection limit of 62.5 pg/mL, and intra-assay and interassay precisions of 4.2% and 8.2%, respectively. Salivary BDNF concentrations were highly variable between individuals (median = 618 pg/mL) and were affected by collection method. Women had significantly higher levels of salivary BDNF than men. There was no relationship, however, between salivary BDNF levels and the other biological characteristics examined.

The relationship between direct migration inhibition with measles antigen and E rosettes in normals and patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Direct migration inhibition with measles antigen and “avid” E-rosette formation are directly correlated in normal subjects. Both functions are decreased in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). These findings suggest that common factors affect both specific measles reactivity and nonspecific T-cell function in MS.

The effect of fatty acid addition in vitro on direct migration inhibition with paramyxoviral antigens

Abstract Sodium linoleate was found to significantly decrease direct migration inhibition (DMI) of leukocytes taken from healthy subjects that displayed a vigorous DMI response to paramyxoviral antigens (measles and parainfluenza Type 1) and to increase reactivity of leukocytes from subjects with poor response to these antigens. Similar effects were found with sodium arachidonate, PGE1, and PGE2, but not with sodium oleate. Linoleate was found to exert its effects through its conversion to prostaglandins by a nonglass-adherent mononuclear subpopulation of the white blood cells.

Decreased cellular immune response in wasted but not in stunted children

Abstract BCG immunization was given to 114 rural Mexican children who had not responded with a positive reaction to a previous tuberculin test. A second tuberculin test was given to these children 5 weeks after the immunization. Heights, weights and upper-arm circumferences were also measured at these two time points. The diameter of induration resulting from the tuberculin test was measured. The percent of E rosette-forming lymphocytes and the mean number of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) per lymphocyte were also determined in 27 of these children. The diameter of the induration, the percent of rosette-forming lymphocytes and the mean number of SRBC per lymphocyte were positively associated with measures of wasting, but not with measures of stunting. We conclude that cell-mediated immunity is impaired in wasted, even when mild to moderate, but not in stunted children.

Culture-specific influences on body image and eating distress in a sample of urban Bulgarian women: The roles of faith and traditional fasting

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of local culture on body image and eating distress in a sample of urban Bulgarian women. Specifically, we focused on two affiliated factors unique to the Bulgarian context: faith and traditional fasting. Findings revealed that women could be divided into two groups who behaved differently based on the severity of their eating disorder symptomatology. For women with higher EAT-40 scores (i.e., vulnerable women), faith seemed to have harmful effects, perhaps by virtue of motivating or reinforcing asceticism and dietary restraint. For these women fasting was likely but one strategy for weight management and the achievement of a desired thin figure consistent with the socio-cultural models. In contrast, among women with lower EAT-40 scores, faith seemed to have a protective effect against excessive dieting. These women were more likely to use fasting in the way intended by religious scripture, for faith-related reasons that have nothing to do with body image. This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of culturally unique factors that may be implicated in the relationship between body dissatisfaction and overt eating distress in the trans-cultural context. When expanded, this research can be of use in helping formulate custom interventions and public health policies aimed at preventing such conditions in Bulgaria and possibly in similar post-communist cultures.

Was Proust A Taster? Taste Sensitivity To 6-N-Propylthiouracil and the Relationships Among Memory, Imagination, Synesthesia, and Emotional Response to Visual Experience

Individuals can be classified as tasters or nontasters of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP), based on the strength of their taste response to this chemical. We studied the taste sensitivity of 202 college students and grouped them into tasters and nontasters.

Direct migration inhibition with measles antigen: effect of measles vaccination.

Abstract The direct migration inhibition (DMI) assay with measles antigen was performed on leukocytes from 24 Trinidadian children both before and after measles vaccination. The children had no clinical history or serological evidence of measles before vaccination. After vaccination, the measles (HI) antibody titer (geometric mean titer) rose to 1:128. Despite the lack of prior measles exposure, migration inhibition to the antigen was high before vaccination and did not significantly differ from migration inhibition after vaccination. This finding suggests that reactivity to measles in the DMI assay is probably nonspecific and does not depend on prior exposure to measles.

Lymphocyte agglutination with paramyxovirus antigens in multiple sclerosis

Abstract Patients with multiple sclerosis show a decreased lymphocyte agglutination (LA) titer to measles antigen but not to parainfluenza type 1 or mumps antigens. LA titer to measles antigen is not correlated with age and is highly reproducible. There is no correlation between LA titer and direct migration inhibition with measles antigen.