Добавил:
kiopkiopkiop18@yandex.ru t.me/Prokururor I Вовсе не секретарь, но почту проверяю Опубликованный материал нарушает ваши авторские права? Сообщите нам.
Вуз: Предмет: Файл:
Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_753_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана.pdf
Скачиваний:
0
Добавлен:
30.08.2026
Размер:
48 Мб
Скачать
2 Teaching Hernia Surgery: TheExperience oftheItalian School
9
Table 2.1 Feedback form
1. How do you evaluate this basic training course? (a) Very well (b) Well (c) Sufcient (d) Insufcient
2. Do you consider appropriate the duration of this course?
(a) Ye s (b) No
3. Do you consider the topics to be considerable for your updating in the hernia surgery?
(a) Very cosiderable (b) Considerable (c) Not considerable
4. Are you satised with the whole organization?
(a) Very satised (b) Satised (c) Sufciently satised (d) Not satised
on with the description and analysis of the differ­ent meshes, both synthetic and biologic, available on the market, carefully evaluating pros and cons of each material. Then standardized surgical pro­cedures for groin, umbilical, and ventral hernia repairs are described step-by-step. The most per­formed open and endoscopic techniques are shown with the help of a large number of lm clips, particularly focusing on the need of stan­dardization and reproducibility of procedures, in order to minimize complications and recurrences. These subjects will be discussed in the following topics together with medicolegal issues.
The second day is entirely dedicated to a live-
surgery session with expert surgeons demonstrat­ing some of the previously described open and laparoscopic techniques, directly from the opera­tive room, using a Visera 4K UHD system that allows a ultrahigh denition and visualization of the procedures. During each operation, different technical options and devices are shown with a special emphasis on the reasons leading to the nal selection. A continuous interactive commu­nication between audience and operating sur­geons is strongly stimulated.
The third day is dedicated to particular aspects
of hernia surgery, as pre- and postoperative man­agement, hernia in sportsmen, parastomal her­nias, open abdomen and complex abdominal wall
Table 2.2 Key points of the basic course
– Historical aspects of hernia surgery and its state
of the art
– Prosthetic materials in hernia surgery and the
biology of repair process – Anatomy of the groin abdominal wall – EHS classication of groin and abdominal wall
hernias – Open and laparoscopic surgery in groin hernias – Postoperative complications and chronic pain – Biological implants – Open and laparoscopic surgery and component
separations in ventral hernia repair – Pre- and postoperative management in complex
abdominal wall hernias – Umbilical hernias – Parastomal hernia repair – Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) and
open abdomen – Plastic surgeon’s keynotes
repairs, panniculectomy, and plastic and recon­structive techniques (Table2.2).
During the course, industries involved in the Alliance for Hernia are invited to give short pre­sentations regarding new techniques or incoming materials and devices. Industries’ sponsorship does not inuence any teaching or planned sub­jects neither the choice of devices to be implanted in the live-surgery session. Teachers and partici­pants are encouraged to have meals together to promote their relationships and offer a further chance of discussion.
Since the beginning of this experience (2010–
2017), a total of 396 surgeons and surgery resi­dents have attended the basic course (Table2.3). Results were monitored through participants’ response to the feedback form, and some con­tents were accordingly updated. Each edition of the course recorded a high level of customers’ and teachers’ satisfaction increased over the years (Tables 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7).
A critical analysis of this experience reveals that the Italian School should denitively be improved with the implementation of practical activities. A weak point seems to be the lack of hands-on exercise with anatomy specimens, to improve knowledge in anatomy of the groin. This is the reason why a cadaver lab has been recently organized to integrate the basic course, in spite of
10
060
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
ab
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
100
120
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Table 2.3 (a) Courses participants 2010–2017. (b) Courses participants 2010–2017
P. Negro et al.
participants
0
Table 2.4 How do you evaluate this basic training course?
very well well
sufficient
insufficient
%(n=396)
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
0102030405
Surgeons Surgery residents
Table 2.5 Do you consider appropriate the duration of
this course?
adequate not adequate
%(n=396)
80
60
40
0
the high costs of cadavers and, therefore, the respective fees.
Only few participants have undergone clinical stages in accredited hernia centers, probably due to economic problems and working distance. A more active participation of trainee surgeons in the operating table should improve their skills with appropriate learning curve under the super-
20
0
vision of experienced surgeons. This is particu­larly true when performing laparoscopic repair, whose learning curve is undoubtedly longer than open procedures. Besides costs, difculties lay in the selection of the training centers. In a recent paper [5], the need was stressed to identify hospi­tal units and referral centers accredited inabdom­inal wall reconstruction in Italy, with suitable
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
%(n=396)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
2 Teaching Hernia Surgery: TheExperience oftheItalian School
11
Table 2.6 Do you consider the topics to be considerable
for your updating in the hernia surgery?
Very considerable Considerable Not considerable
0
Table 2.7 Are you satised with the whole organization?
%(n=396)
At the moment, the Italian School seems to have contributed to the continuous learning and education of Italian surgeons, with the regular review of basic hernia care, and the knowledge of new techniques, updating also materials and devices, to ensure that hernia patients receive “tai­lored” care, leading to excellent outcomes. It has been highlighted the need that expert surgeons with particular skill in hernia surgery actively train and educate a new generation of surgeons.
A systematic, standardized, and widespread educational program of continuing training is strongly advisable with the creation and the development of local training courses in each European country. The excellent experience of the German-Austrian Hernia School [13] together with the know-how of the Italian School should perform as a model to promote the awareness of standardized groundwork, updating surgeons’ knowledge and skills in hernia surgery, according to the suggestion of the EHS.
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
very satisfied satisfied
sufficintly satisfied unsatisfied
structural and organizational features and quanti­tative and qualitative standards, useful also in the educational training of hernia surgeons. In order to be more competitive, these centers should have more than one seat in different areas of the coun­try and provide adequate human, structural, and technological resources, with a sufcient yearly number of procedures, the skill of training sur­geons to perform all laparoscopic and open tech­niques for hernia repair with a low rate of complications and adequate follow-up, and a theoretical and updated knowledge in hernia eld.

References

1. Reza Zahiri H, Park AE, Pugh CM, Vassiliou M,
Voeller G. “See one, do one, teach one”: inadequacies of current methods to train surgeons in hernia repair. Surg Endosc. 2015;29:2867–72.
2. Poulose BK, Shelton J, Phillips S, Moore D, Nealon
W, Penson D, Beck W, Holzman MD.Epidemiology and cost of ventral hernia repair: marketing case for hernia research. Hernia. 2012;16:179–83.
3. Simons M, Aufenacker T, Bay-Nielsen M, Bouillot
J, Campanelli G, Conze J, De Lange D, Fortelny R, Heikkinen T, Kingsnorth A.European Hernia Society guidelines on the treatment of inguinal hernia in adult patients. Hernia. 2009;13:343–403.
4. Sanders DL, Kingsnorth AN, Windsor ACJ.Is there a
role for hernia subspecialist? Or is this a step too far? Hernia. 2016;20:637–40.
5. Gossetti F, D’Amore L, Ceci F, Tuscano D.
Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR): the need to identify the hospital units and referral centers enti­tled to perform it. Updat Surg. 2017;69(3):289–90.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13304-017-0428-x.
6. Kulacoglu H, Oztuna D.Current status of hernia cen-
tres around the globe. Indian J Surg. 2015;77(Suppl.3): 1023–6.
7. Hope WW, O’Dwyer B, Adams A, Hooks WB III,
Kotwall CA, Clancy TV.An evaluation of hernia edu­cation in surgical residency programs. Hernia. 2014; 18:535–42.
12
P. Negro et al.
8. Ipponi PL, Negro P, Gianetta E, Campanelli GP.The Italian school of abdominal wall and hernia surgery. Hernia. 2009;13(Suppl.1):S100.
9. Desyne M, Soroff HS.Must we specialize herniorrha­phy for better results? Am J Surg. 1990;160:239–40.
10. Negro P, Flati G, Gossetti F, Carboni M.Ruolo dei corsi di perfezionamento in chirurgia dell’ernia ingui­nale. Groin Incisional Hernias News. 1994;2:74–5.
11. Palumbo P, Turano R, Gallinaro LS, Bertagni A, Montesano G, Forte A, Angelici AM.Inguinal hernia
repair in a teaching course for surgeons. A training program. G Chir. 2001;22:321–4.
12. Simmermacher MKJ. Teaching hernia in Europe. Hernia. 2009;13(Suppl 1):S1–S32.
13. Lorenz R, Stechemesser B, Reinpold W, Fortelny R, Mayer F, Schroder W, Kokerling F.Development of a standardized curriculum concept in hernia surgery: German Hernia School. Hernia. 2016;21(2):153–62.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10029-016-1566-7.
Alterations oftheExtracellular Matrix oftheConnective Tissue inInguinal Herniogenesis
GemmaPascual andJuanM.Bellón
3

3.1 Introduction

Inguinal hernia is still one of the most frequently performed procedures by general surgeons. Their socio-health and labor costs are important. In the USA, this pathology has a cost of approximately three billion dollars a year [1]. Its etiology and pathogenesis are complex, with multiple factors contributing to its development, including indi­vidual predisposition and some congenital altera­tions such as peritoneal-vaginal duct persistence. Positive familial susceptibility to inguinal hernia development has been demonstrated, suggesting the role of genetic contribution in the etiology of the disease, but site-specic familial factors might exist [2]. Studies of families with inguinal hernia propose a genetic trait for both primary and recurrent inguinal hernias [3]. Mutations in different collagen genes have been recently sug­gested to be associated with the development of
G. Pascual Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
J. M. Bellón (*) Department of Surgery, Medical and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), University of Alcalá, Madrid, Spain e-mail: juanm.bellon@uah.es
inguinal hernia [4], and four novel inguinal her­nia susceptibility loci have been identied, show­ing an important role for two of these genes (EFEMP1 and WT1) in connective tissue mainte­nance and homoeostasis [5].
From a general point of view, the integrity of the abdominal wall at the level of the inguinal region depends on the oblique orientation of the inguinal canal, a sphincter-like structure that forms part of the deep inguinal ring and the trans­verse fascia (TF) [6]. The latter structure, which constitutes the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, is the one that nally prevents hernia for­mation and, in a special way, direct hernias. Some authors [7], after performing mechanical studies, attribute to the integrity of TF, a containment mechanism that would prevent the formation of both direct and indirect type hernias.
The development of hernias at the abdominal wall level and its recurrence has been shown to occur more frequently in patients with connective tissue disorders, not to mention some other important factors such as smoking [8]. It has been suggested that defective connective tissue metab­olism is involved in the pathogenesis of both the indirect and the direct types of inguinal hernia. In diseases with connective tissue alterations, the incidence of inguinal hernia is higher, such as patients with aortic aneurysm, Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, cutis laxa, osteogene­sis imperfecta, and congenital dislocation of the hip [9, 10].
© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018 G. Campanelli (ed.), The Art of Hernia Surgery, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72626-7_3
13
14
Physiological processes
G. Pascual and J. M. Bellón
An important database study [11] including a large number of patients operated on inguinal hernia has been published some years ago show­ing that patients with direct or recurrent inguinal hernias are at a higher risk of developing ventral hernia repair compared to patients with indirect inguinal hernia. This fact was supported by previ­ous studies demonstrating that the more impor­tant connective tissue alterations are found in these patients suffering direct or recurrent ingui­nal hernia, suggesting future research that reveals the specic alterations of the connective tissue.
This review paper aims to collect the experi­ence and previous results of our group in the study of the constituents of the abdominal wall extracellular matrix of connective tissue, in the development of inguinal herniogenesis.
3.2 Role oftheExtracellular
Matrix inHernia Pathology
The extracellular matrix is a complex integrated system developing a structural network that sup­ports and surrounds cell populations within the connective tissue. It includes a set of tissue bers such as collagen and elastic bers that are present in variable amounts depending on the structural needs or function of the connective tissue. In addi­tion this matrix contains a variety of proteoglycans, multiadhesive glycoproteins, and glycosaminogly­cans that constitute the ground substance.
The mechanisms of the development of the inguinal hernia involve changes in the expression of different components of the extracellular matrix detectable at the TF level, such as colla­gen turnover (collagen I/III ratio) and metallo­proteinases (MMPs). In the same way, the elastic component that forms part of the extracellular brillar matrix may contribute to the develop­ment of this pathology.
The biological factors, proposed by the Read group, involved in the development of hernia have gained acceptance in recent years, confer­ring a particularly relevant role to metabolic fac­tors in the development of inguinal hernia [1214]. Other groups such as Jansen etal. [15] have located inguinal hernias in the context of a
condition generated by an abnormal composition of the extracellular matrix.
Patients with inguinal hernia show some alter­ations in collagen metabolism and signicantly altered collagen types I/III ratios [16, 17], but few data are known about the elastic component of the extracellular matrix and factors involved in tissue remodeling that may affect the metabolism of elastin.
The extracellular matrix is a very complex integrated system, responsible for the mechanical properties of the connective tissue. The different constituents of the matrix interact with each other, and any alteration of one of them may lead to a disorganization of the extracellular matrix and the development of different pathologies such as inguinal hernia (Fig.3.1).
Among the most studied different constituents of the extracellular matrix in relation to hernia pathology, collagen and MMPs are found. However, it has been demonstrated by our group that other soluble mediators, such as certain growth factors or enzymes related to the cross­linking of the matrix brillar proteins, may be altered in patients suffering from hernias [18, 19].
Following, we will review the most studied extracellular matrix constituents in relation to the pathology of inguinal hernia, with special empha­sis on the ndings obtained by our research group.
Extracellular Matrix
Structural components:
- Collagen Fibers
- Elastic Fibers, Elastin, Microfibrils
Soluble mediators/enzymes:
- Growth factors (TGF-β)
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
- Lysyl oxidases (LOX/LOXL)
Increase / decrease
Component expression
Pathological processes
Matrix degradation
(MMPs, elastase)
PATHOLOGY
Inguinal hernia
Fig. 3.1 Scheme of the different constituents of the
extracellular matrix as a complex integrated system and its disorganization in the development of different pathol­ogies such as inguinal hernia
3 Alterations oftheExtracellular Matrix oftheConnective Tissue inInguinal Herniogenesis
15
3.2.1 Collagen Fibers
Collagen is the main and most abundant brillar protein in the extracellular matrix. This protein is mainly synthesized by connective tissue bro­blasts. In the process of collagen formation, important hydroxylation reactions occur at the intracellular level to form hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline, which are essential in the syn­thesis process and confer stability to the collagen molecule. This molecule is formed by three poly­peptide α chains assembled at the intracellular level in the form of a triple helix. It is secreted into the extracellular matrix in the form of procollagen, which after a process of cleavage of its terminal uncoiled ends by procollagen pepti­dases, will become tropocollagen, assembling in the form of collagen bril in the extracellular space [20]. This cross-linking is mediated by enzymes of the family of lysyl oxidases that pro­mote the formation of highly resistant covalent bonds between lysine and hydroxylysine residues and provides strength and stability to collagen bril, which are highly organized polymers that further associated with each other to form larger collagen bers. Some groups [21] have shown a decrease in proline hydroxylation in TF accom­panied by a signicant decrease in the content of proline and hydroxyproline in the rectus sheath [22] of patients with direct inguinal hernia, indi­cating a compromised collagen stability at the level of the fascia.
The α chains that constitute the helix are not all the same; to date at least 42 types of α chains encoded by different genes have been identied. There are more than 28 genetically different types of collagens that have been categorized on the basis of the combination of α chains [23]. Type I collagen is the most resistant, widely dis­tributed in the human body, including the fascia, the integumentary system, the ligaments, and the brous tissue. Type III collagen is found in small amounts in the same tissues and in greater pro­portion in the initial stages of tissue repair and wound healing [8, 23]. Type I confers mainly ten­sile strength, while type III is related to a tempo­ral matrix during the tissue remodeling process.
Therefore, a change in the ratio of collagen in favor of the type III would results in a loss of resistance of the structures involved.
Several studies reported an imbalance between type I collagen and type III collagen [16, 17]. When the collagen content in tissue samples is analyzed, the result is frequently quantied by the ratio of collagen type I:III.This collagen ratio has been found that was signicantly decreased in the TF of patients with indirect inguinal hernia compared to controls [24]. In contrast, other studies have shown an increase in type III colla­gen but do not report statistically signicant dif­ferences in the collagen I: III ratio in TF between patients with inguinal hernia and controls [21,
25]. Other authors [7] have shown that TF of
patients with direct hernia shows higher levels of immature type III collagen and that the total amount of collagen is lower in direct hernia than in indirect hernia [26]. Ultrastructural studies using transmission electron microscopy have focused on the study of the collagen and inter­brillar matrix of the connective tissue of patients with this pathology, showing the absence of alter­ations in the diameter of the collagen bers in the TF of patients with inguinal hernia [27].
Our group [21], examining the TF ultrastruc­ture of patients with direct and indirect hernia, observed that there were no differences in the uniformity of collagen brils nor in their char­acteristic banding pattern; however, the inter­brillar matrix was more abundant in direct hernias, showing a large amount of small parti­cles with high electrodensity (Fig.3.2). In this same work, and by using biochemical studies, the degree of hydroxylation of the lysine and proline, essential in the process of synthesis and stability to the molecule of collagen, was ana­lyzed. No differences were observed in proline hydroxylation in different types of hernia, and only a small decrease in lysine hydroxylation was detected in patients with direct hernia of more than 40years (Fig.3.3). The ratio of col­lagen type I:III studied by immunoenzymatic analysis did not show statistically signicant differences between controls and patients with hernia pathology (Fig.3.4).
16
Hydroxylation grade
1
Control Direct Indirect
G. Pascual and J. M. Bellón
Control
Direct
Fig. 3.2 Transmission electron microscopy images of the
connective tissue of the transversalis fascia showing absence of ultrastructural alterations of the collagen bers
Fig. 3.3 Hydroxylation
of proline and lysine in the transversalis fascia of the control groups
0,8
and direct and indirect inguinal hernias, depending on the age factor of the population.
0,6
A signicant decrease in lysine hydroxylation was observed in the direct hernias of the older group compared to the rest of the study groups ( Pro, Hydroxyproline/ Proline ratio; Hyl/Lys,
*
p<0.05) (Hyp/
0,4
0,2
0
hydroxylysine/lysine ratio)
in the different study groups. Lead citrate and uranyl ace­tate staining (Magnication 85,000×)
Hyp/Pro
20-40 years 41-60 years 20-40 years
Indirect
Hyl/Lys
*
41-60 years
Optical density (O.D)
12
Control Direct Indirect
3 Alterations oftheExtracellular Matrix oftheConnective Tissue inInguinal Herniogenesis
17
Collagen I:III Ratio
10
8
6
4
2
0
20-40 years
Fig. 3.4 Collagen I:III ratio observed in the different study
groups, taking into account the age factor of the population. No signicant differences were observed between the dif­ferent groups of patients (OD optical density)
41-60 years
3.2.2 Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc dependent important proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, which is sub­jected to a constant dynamic balance between its synthesis and degradation by the action of these enzymes. The MMPs are known to regulate the synthesis and degradation of collagen, but also of many other components of the extracellular matrix, such as proteoglycans, elastin, bronec­tin, etc. There are about 23 different types of human MMPs that are grouped into collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, matrilysins, membrane MMPs, and other MMPs [28]. The classical MMPs include collagenases like MMP-1, MMP­8, and MMP-13, involved in the degradation of type I, II, and III collagens, and the MMP-2 and MMP-9 gelatinases involved in the degradation of denatured type IV collagens and proteogly­cans. However, MMP-2 is also capable of degrad­ing native type I, II, and III collagens [29, 30]. Collagenases and gelatinases are probably the most important MMPs in relation to hernia formation.
In general MMPs are expressed at very low level; however, their expression may be induced as a consequence of different pathological mech­anisms. Pro-inammatory cytokines, growth fac-
tors, and hormones are important regulators of MMPs expression. The proteolytic activity of these enzymes, latently secreted, is mainly con­trolled by the activation of tissue inhibitors of MMPs known as TIMPs [29, 31]. It has been shown that doxycycline administration, as MMPs inhibitor, results in signicantly improved strength of repair fascial interface tissue along with a remarkable increase in collagen I, II, and III ratios [32, 33].
Experimental studies performed by different groups have shown that there are no signicant differences in the levels of the MMP-1, MMP-9, and MMP-13 enzymes in the TF of patients with direct or indirect hernia compared to controls [34, 35]. Unlike other studies that found signi­cantly higher values of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9, in inguinal hernia cases [36]. Other authors have found signicantly elevated levels of MMP-2in patients with direct inguinal hernia compared to indirect hernia or control, accompa­nied by a signicant decrease in their inhibitor TIMP-2 [37, 38].
The degradation of the extracellular matrix by the effect of MMPs on the TF has also been the objective of our investigations. Four differ­ent types of MMPs (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9) were analyzed by our group in tis­sue sections, using immunohistochemical tech­niques with specic monoclonal antibodies. However, we found only signicant differences in the protein expression of MMP-2 [21], where a signicant overexpression of the enzyme was observed in the direct hernias of the young patients group with respect to the rest of the groups (Fig.3.5).
After this study we carried out a second invitro phase [39], using broblasts, in order to check whether the overexpression of MMP-2 observed in tissue was maintained in the cultured cells obtained from TF.The results obtained with immunocytochemical, immunoblotting, and zymography techniques corroborated that MMP-2 would be involved in the degradation process of the TF matrix in patients with direct hernia. The persistence of alterations in MMP-2
18
*
20
16
12
8
MMP-2 Activity
4
0
20-40 years
Direct
Control Direct Indirect
G. Pascual and J. M. Bellón
41-60 years
Indirect
Fig. 3.5 Immunohistochemical staining images for the
detection of MMP-2in tissue sections of transversalis fas­cia. An increase in expression may be observed in the group of direct inguinal hernia (Magnication 200×).
levels in cell cultures seems to suggest a genetic defect or irreversible change as the origin of this pathology rather than environmental factors that may later be involved in the development of the disease (Fig.3.6). These works were the rst in the literature to implicate MMP-2in the pathogenesis of a type of hernia, namely, direct hernia in patients under 40years of age, where this hernia is often bilateral.
Our research group has even more previous experience [40] related to MMP-2 and its modu­lators, using human skin biopsies obtained from patients suffering inguinal hernia repair. In this study immunocytochemical and immunoblotting techniques were used in intact tissue and bro­blast cell cultures, as well as zymography tech­niques to analyze the degradative activity of MMP-2. These results indicate an overexpression of the active form of MMP-2 in the group of direct hernias that could point to an abnormal
Quantication of MMP-2 activity in the different study groups, depending on the age of the population. A signi-
*
cant (
p < 0.05) increase in expression was observed in
direct hernias in the group of patients younger than 40years
systemic metabolism as a risk factor for the development of this type of hernia.
3.2.3 Growth Factors
Cytokines or growth factors like TGF-β (trans­forming growth factor beta) are involved in remodeling processes of different types of tis­sues. TGF-β is a multifunctional secretion pro­tein that regulates many aspects of cellular function, including cell proliferation, differentia­tion, and metabolism of the extracellular matrix, [41] through its binding to specic cellular recep­tors. Five different isoforms have been described, and three of them are found in all species of mammals. TGF-β1 is most widespread and is a 25,000 Kd molecular weight homodimeric pro­tein composed of two identical 12.5 Kd proteins linked by a disulde bridge [42, 43]. A wide vari-