A novel method aimed at counteracting the side effects caused by prostaglandin e2 deficiency during non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy.

Background: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays key physiological roles within the body's organs and the systemic environment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the biosynthesis of PGE2, which can lead to global PGE2 deficiency, resulting in serious side effects in the gastrointestinal, renal and other systems. In contrast, various pyridine derivatives have been found to increase endogenous PGE2 levels within multiple organs and the systemic environment.

First-trimester enzyme exclusion of Farber disease using a micromethod with [3H]ceramide.

Farber disease was diagnosed in a patient with typical features and ceramide accumulation in lipogranulomatous nodules. [3H]Ceramide with high specific activity was prepared and used to confirm diagnosis in the patient after her death and for prenatal studies in this family. A micromethod was developed for ceramidase assay in chorionic villi.

[Expression of lysosomal enzymes in pregnancy].

Activities of 6 lysosomal enzymes in leukocytes and 3 enzymes in blood serum were studied in pregnant women. Only activity of beta-D-glucosidase was not altered within all the pregnancy of I-III trimesters, while activity of all the other enzymes studied was distinctly increased to the third trimester. Use of the data obtained in prenatal diagnosis of lysosomal storage diseases is discussed.