Another unusual type of citric acid cycle enzyme in Helicobacter pylori: the malate:quinone oxidoreductase.

The only enzyme of the citric acid cycle for which no open reading frame (ORF) was found in the Helicobacter pylori genome is the NAD-dependent malate dehydrogenase. Here, it is shown that in this organism the oxidation of malate to oxaloacetate is catalyzed by a malate:quinone oxidoreductase (MQO). This flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent membrane-associated enzyme donates electrons to quinones of the electron transfer chain.

Early indicators for the risk of atherogenesis. A field test of a new methodology on kindergarten children in Düsseldorf.

Parameters related to the risk of atherogenesis in adults were investigated in kindergarten children living in an industrial city. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured and capillary blood obtained. This study is a field test of methods for the analysis of 11 metabolic variables in capillary serum [glucose (GLUC), uric acid (UA), total, free and esterified cholesterol (TC, C, CE), triacylglycerols (TG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC); beta-, pre-beta- and alpha-lipoproteins (LPs)].

On the composition of capillary and venous blood serum.

The concentrations of various clinical-chemical substances in the capillary and venous blood serum of apparently healthy adults (20-30 yr) were examined in the fasting state. Total protein, bilirubin, calcium, sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly lower (less than or equal to 5%) in capillary than in venous serum. In non-hemolytic capillary sera, the concentration of potassium was nearly the same as in venous samples.

[Creatine kinase "NAC-activated": reference values for children (author's transl)].

Reference values for 327 children aged between 1 day and 15 years are given for the revised standard method for the determination of serum creatine kinase (CK) activity by activation with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). No sex-dependence could be observed, but CK activity was found to vary markedly with age. The following values are suggested as upper limits of the reference ranges for measurements at 25 degrees C: neonates: 1-3 days: less than or equal to 370 U/l, 4-10 days: less than or equal to 200 U/l, 11-31 days: less than or equal to 100 U/l; children (2 months-15 years): less than or equal to 90 U/l.

Differences in lipid and lipoprotein concentrations of capillary and venous blood samples.

The concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins measured in capillary blood serum taken from young adults were significantly lower than in venous blood, although they correlated satisfactorily. These differences may reflect differences in the morphological and hemodynamic conditions existing either in large veins or in the peripheral circulatory system. It was concluded that venous and capillary blood serum cannot be used interchangeably for these estimations.