Isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase from purified extracts of liver, intestine, pancreas and bone of rats were determined by their isoelectric points and compared with those from serum. 1) The extracts obtained from homogenized tissues were centrifuged at 65,000xg and filtered through an Ultrogel AcA 34 column. Among the three major peaks obtained by gel filtration, the second peak fractions were further separated by isoelectric focusing. Isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase were found only in the second peak. 2) Isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase were distinguishable with pH 3.5-10 ampholytes. When pH 3-6 ampholytes were used, isoenzymes were more clearly separated, e.g., 4in serum, 5 in intestine and 2 each in the liver, pancreas, and bone. 3) Comparing the bands of the isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase to those of serum, only the band with 5.04 pI was the same between serum and intestine. These results indicate that several forms of alkaline phosphatase, even though all are from the rat, may exist; and some of the isoenzymes of alkaline phosphatase found in the serum originated from the intestine.
Alkaline Phosphatase/analysis* ; Alkaline Phosphatase/blood ; Animal ; Isoenzymes/analysis* ; Isoenzymes/blood ; Rats

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the effect of combined various microgrooves and thermal oxidation on the titanium (Ti) and to evaluate various in vitro responses of human periodontal ligament cells (PLCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Grade II titanium disks were fabricated. Microgrooves were applied on titanium discs to have 0/0 microm, 15/3.5 microm, 30/10 microm, and 60/10 microm of respective width/depth by photolithography. Thermal oxidation was performed on the microgrooves of Ti substrata for 3 h at 700degrees C in air. The experiments were divided into 3 groups: control group (ST), thermal oxidation group (ST/TO), and combined microgrooves and thermal oxidation group (Gr15-TO, Gr30-TO, Gr60-TO). Surface characterization was performed by field-emission scanning microscopy. Cell adhesion, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization were analyzed using the bromodeoxyurdine (BrdU), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and extracellular calcium deposition assays, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the oneway analysis of variance and Pearson's bivariate correlation analysis (SPSS Version 17.0). RESULTS: In general, the combined microgrooves and thermal oxidation group (Gr15-TO, Gr30-TO, Gr60-TO) showed significantly higher levels compared with the control (ST) or thermal oxidation (ST-TO) groups in the BrdU expression, ALP activity, and extracellular calcium deposition. Gr60-TO group induced highest levels of cell adhesion and osteoblastic differentiation. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, we conclude that the Ti surface treatment using combined microgrooves and thermal oxidation is highly effective in inducing the cell adhesion andosteoblastic differentiation. The propose surface is also expected to be effective in inducing rapid and strong osseointegration of Ti oral implants.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Analysis of Variance ; Bromodeoxyuridine ; Calcium ; Cell Adhesion ; Humans ; Microscopy ; Osseointegration ; Osteoblasts* ; Periodontal Ligament ; Titanium*

The laparoscopic cholecystectomy is now a standard part of general surgical practice. Conversion from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to an open cholecystectomy is sometimes required. To identify the factors predisposing to conversion, we retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy from December 1991 to June 1996 at Chosun University Hospital. Factors evaluated were age, sex, history of acute cholecystitis, previous abdominal surgery, associated disease, laboratory findings, and thickened gallbladder wall identified by preoperative ultrasound. Conversion to an open cholecystectomy was required in 42(9.0%) of the 465 patients. The most common reason for conversion was the inability to define the anatomy secondary to inflammation or adhesions. Significant predictors of conversion to an open cholecystectomy were increasing age (age over 60 years), presense of associated disease, a thickened gallbladder wall found by preoperative ultrasound, acute cholecystitis, and increased alkaline phosphatase level. Multivariate analysis found a patients age of over 60 years to be an independent predictor of conversion to an open cholecystectomy. An appreciation for these predictors of conversion will allow appropriate planning by the patients, the institution, and the surgeons. Although data are lacking, increasing experience with laparoscopic cholecystectomy has likely resulted in earlier recognition of the need for conversion to an open cholecystectomy with a resultant decrease in morbidity.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Cholecystectomy* ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Cholecystitis, Acute ; Gallbladder ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Multivariate Analysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) are commonly observed in patients with acute pyelonephritis. The goal of this study was to examine the clinical significance of elevated serum AP and γ-GT levels and to explore the mechanisms underlying these changes. METHODS: We examined serum AP and γ-GT levels in 438 patients with acute pyelonephritis. Urine AP/creatinine (Cr), urine γ-GT/Cr, fractional excretion of AP, and fractional excretion of γ-GT (FE(γ-GT)) were evaluated in patients with elevated and normal serum levels. AP isoenzymes were also examined. RESULTS: We identified 77 patients (17.6%) with elevated serum AP and 134 patients (30.6%) with elevated serum γ-GT. Among them, both enzymes were elevated in 64 patients (14.6%). Older age, longer hospital stay, elevated baseline serum Cr, and complicated pyelonephritis were associated with increases in serum AP and γ-GT. Multivariate analysis showed that high serum AP levels were significantly correlated with renal impairment (odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–4.19; P = 0.029). FE(γ-GT) was significantly lower in patients with elevated serum enzyme levels. The liver fraction for AP isoenzyme profile did not increase in patients with elevated serum AP. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that elevated serum AP and γ-GT levels are associated with complicated pyelonephritis and renal impairment. Lower FE(γ-GT) levels in patients with elevated serum enzymes may be the result of decreased urinary excretion of these enzymes.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; Humans ; Isoenzymes ; Length of Stay ; Liver ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pyelonephritis ; Transferases

OBJECTIVESTo construct the cancellous bone explant model and a method of culturing these bone tissues in vitro, and to investigate the effect of mechanical load on growth of cancellous bone tissue in vitro.

METHODSCancellous bone were extracted from rabbit femoral head and cut into 1-mm-thick and 8-mm-diameter slices under sterile conditions. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy were employed to identify the histomorphology of the model after being cultured with a new dynamic load and circulating perfusion bioreactor system for 0, 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. We built a three-dimensional model using microCT and analyzed the loading effects using finite element analysis. The model was subjected to mechanical load of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 με respectively for 30 minutes per day. After 5 days of continuous stimuli, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were detected. Apoptosis was analyzed by DNA ladder detection and caspase-3/8/9 activity detection.

RESULTSAfter being cultured for 3, 5, and 7 days, the bone explant model grew well. HE staining showed the apparent nucleus in cells at the each indicated time, and electron microscope revealed the living cells in the bone tissue. The activities of AKP and TRAP in the bone explant model under mechanical load of 3000 and 4000 με were significantly lower than those in the unstressed bone tissues (all P<0.05). DNA ladders were seen in the bone tissue under 3000 and 4000 με mechanical load. Moreover, there was significant enhancement in the activities of caspase-3/8/9 in the mechanical stress group of 3000 and 4000 με(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe cancellous bone explant model extracted from the rabbit femoral head could be alive at least for 7 days in the dynamic load and circulating perfusion bioreactor system, however, pathological mechanical load could affect the bone tissue growth by apoptosis in vitro. The differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts might be inhibited after the model is stimulated by mechanical load of 3000 and 4000 με.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Bone Development ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Finite Element Analysis ; Isoenzymes ; metabolism ; Male ; Rabbits ; Stress, Mechanical ; Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase ; X-Ray Microtomography

OBJECTIVETo establish a more stable method to isolate osteocytes in vitro, and then to find the differences with osteoblast biological characteristics.

METHODSOsteocytes and osteoblasts were isolated from the bone tissue of 3-day-old rats using sequential collagenase digestion. The cells were identified through cell morphology after 24 hours later. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) kit was used to stain the first generation cells by Kaplow-way, the bone gla protein (BGP) of the cells were stained by immunocytochemitry. Measured ALP and computed its activity.

RESULTSOsteocytes and osteoblasts showed obviously differences in cell morphology. Osteocytes were star-shaped or dendrite-shaped within more dendrites, while osteoblasts were spindle-shaped with short dendrites. Osteocytes were negative for ALP, but osteoblasts were positive; Osteocytes were more positive for BGP, and osteoblasts were less positive. The secretion of ALP in osteocytes was lower than that of osteoblasts.

CONCLUSIONOsteocytes can be isolated and cultured in vitro. These characteristics of osteocytes are apparently difference with those of osteoblasts.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; analysis ; Animals ; Cell Separation ; methods ; Osteoblasts ; chemistry ; cytology ; Osteocalcin ; analysis ; Osteocytes ; chemistry ; cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the osteoblast-like functional characteristics exhibited by human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under mechanical force.

METHODSHuman PDLCs cultured in vitro were stretched by mechanical force. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure the expression of secreting alkaline phosphotase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN). The non-secreting ALP, OCN and osteopontin (OPN) in cells were determined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSIt exhibited increasing of ALP secreted into conditional media, and in the 24 hour period there were two peaks which appeared at the 2nd and 4th hour and the 24th hour (P < 0.01). While in the late of the 24 hours, expression of OCN in conditional media increased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONMechanical force induces hPDLCs to differentiate into functional osteoblast-like cells and plays a role in bone remodeling.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans ; Osteocalcin ; analysis ; Osteoclasts ; physiology ; Osteopontin ; Periodontal Ligament ; cytology ; Sialoglycoproteins ; analysis ; Stress, Mechanical

OBJECTIVEThrough correlation and path analysis between total saponins content in rhizome/mycorrhizal infection rate in roots of Pairs polyphylla var. yunnanensis and soil factors, to make an inquiry into the role of soil factors in the quality formation of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.

METHODTested total saponins in rhizome, mycorrhizal fungal infection rate in root and physical and chemical properties in rhizosphere soil in 25 different growth areas, and statistically analyzed the relationship between total saponins in rhizome/mycorrhizal infection rate in roots of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and soil factors by using correlation and path analysis.

RESULTThe symbiosis relationship between AM mycorrhizal and roots of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis were better established under natural condition, of which the infection ratio between 36.41%, 83.37%. There were significantly positive correlation between total saponins content in rhizome and urease activity or alkaline phosphatase activities or organic matter in soil, but there was significantly negative correlation between total saponins content and bulk density. There was significantly positive correlation between AM infection ratio and alkaline nitrogen. Path analysis indicated that total saponins of rhizome mainly affected by alkaline nitrogen in soil rhizosphere, secondly by soil organic matter and soil urease activity. While the mycorrhizal fungal colonization ratio was mainly affected by soil pH, secondly by alkaline nitrogen, urease activity, and available phospherus in soil.

CONCLUSIONThere is closed relationship between quality formation of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis and soil factors. Path analysis is better for reflecting the contribution of soil factors to total saponins and mycorrhizal infection ratio.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Liliaceae ; chemistry ; microbiology ; Mycorrhizae ; growth & development ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Saponins ; analysis ; Soil ; analysis ; Urease ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation among some biochemical indexes in the fluoride workers.

METHODSThe activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and the level of calcitonin (CT), parathyroid hormone (PTH), IgG, IgA, IgM, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Se2+, F- in serum and in urine were measured in fifty male fluoride workers and fifty controls.

RESULTSThe levels of F-, CT, PTH, AKP and GSH-Px in serum and F- in urine in exposed group were significantly different from that in control group. Correlation analysis indicated that F- in urine and CAT(r = 0.3133, P < 0.05), CT and PTH(r = 0.5173, P < 0.01), Se2+ and CAT(r = 0.4354, P < 0.05) were positively correlated. There were significantly negative correlation between F- in serum and GSH-Px (r = -0.5202, P < 0.01) and positive correlation among Cu2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in serum.

CONCLUSION(1) Excess of fluoride may affect secretion of calcium adjusting hormone (CT, PTH); (2) Changes of AKP and GSH-Px may be regarded as health monitoring indexes; (3) The correlation of biochemical indexes plays an important role in studying the mechanism and the early prevention and treatment of industrial fluorosis.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; analysis ; Calcitonin ; analysis ; Catalase ; analysis ; Environmental Monitoring ; Fluorides ; toxicity ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; analysis ; Humans ; Male ; Occupational Exposure ; Parathyroid Hormone ; analysis ; Superoxide Dismutase ; analysis

We analyzed the risk factors to the survival in 80 patients with advanced prostatic cancer who were managed in Seoul National University Hospital from 1979 to 1987. Variables were age, weight loss, hemoglobin, serum acid and alkaline phosphatase, pain, extent of metastasis on bone scan, Gleason`s sum metastatic site and treatment regimens. Univariate analysis using Logrank test and multivariate analysis of Cox`s proportional hazards regression model was performed. Median follow-up was 56 months (11-112) and median survival was 29 months in overall patients. The l, 3 and 5-year survival rate was 75%, 40%, and 17% respectively. In univariate analyses anemia, weight loss, Gleason`s sum, serum acid phosphatase, extent of metastasis on bone scan influenced the survival significantly(P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified anemia and weight loss as the most important factor, followed by Gleason`s sum and the serum acid phosphatase level. serum acid phosphatase level. Based on these prognostic factors we divided the patients into 2 groups: the low and high risk group, with median survival of 44 and 15 months, 3 year survival rate of 64% and 4%, respectively. These prognostic factors and grouping may be useful for anticipating the fate of individual patient and the biologic behavior of the tumor. The effective management could be planned according to these criteria.
Acid Phosphatase ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Anemia ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Risk Factors ; Seoul ; Survival Rate ; Weight Loss