Mice lacking mitochondrial uncoupling protein are cold-sensitive but not obese

The mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) in the mitochondrial inner membrane of mammalian brown adipose tissue generates heat by uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation. This process protects against cold and regulates energy balance. Manipulation of thermogenesis could be an effective strategy against obesity. Here we determine the role of UCP in the regulation of body mass by targeted inactivation of the gene encoding it. We find that UCP-deficient mice consume less oxygen after treatment with a beta3-adrenergic-receptor agonist and that they are sensitive to cold, indicating that their thermoregulation is defective. However, this deficiency caused neither hyperphagia nor obesity in mice fed on either a standard or a high-fat diet. We propose that the loss of UCP may be compensated by UCP2, a newly discovered homologue of UCP; this gene is ubiquitously expressed and is induced in the brown fat of UCP-deficient mice.

Orexins, orexigenic hypothalamic peptides, interact with autonomic, neuroendocrine and neuroregulatory systems

We determined the immunohistochemical distributions of orexin-A and orexin-B, hypothalamic peptides that function in the regulation of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis. Orexin-A and -B neurons were restricted to the lateral and posterior hypothalamus, whereas both orexin-A and -B nerve fibers projected widely into the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, and brainstem. Dense populations of orexin-containing fibers were present in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, central gray, raphe nuclei, and locus coeruleus. Moderate numbers of these fibers were found in the olfactory bulb, insular, infralimbic and prelimbic cortex, amygdala, ventral, and dorsolateral parts of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus except the lateral magnocellular division, arcuate nucleus, supramammillary nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. Small numbers of orexin fibers were present in the perirhinal, motor and sensory cortex, hippocampus, and supraoptic nucleus, and a very small number in the lateral magnocellular division of the paraventricular nucleus. Intracerebroventricular injections of orexins induced c-fos expression in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus, locus coeruleus, arcuate nucleus, central gray, raphe nuclei, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, and paraventricular nucleus except the lateral magnocellular division. The unique neuronal distribution of orexins and their functional activation of neural circuits suggest specific complex roles of the peptides in autonomic and neuroendocrine control.

Cloning of a TGF beta type I receptor that forms a heteromeric complex with the TGF beta type II receptor

A cDNA clone encoding a 53 kd serine/threonine kinase receptor with an overall structure similar to that of the type II receptor for transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) was obtained. 125I-TGF beta 1 bound to porcine endothelial cells transfected with the cDNA and formed a cross-linked complex of 70 kd, characteristic of a TGF beta type I receptor. Immunoprecipitation of the cross-linked complexes by antibodies against the cloned receptor revealed the 70 kd complex as well as a 94 kd TGF beta type II receptor complex. The immunoprecipitated novel serine/threonine kinase receptor had biochemical properties of the TGF beta type I receptor and was observed in different cell types. Transfection of the cloned cDNA into TGF beta type I receptor-deficient cells restored TGF beta-induced plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 production. These results suggest that signal transduction by TGF beta involves the formation of a heteromeric complex of two different serine/threonine kinase receptors.

Emergence of brown adipocytes in white fat in mice is under genetic control. Effects on body weight and adiposity

The mRNA levels for the mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP1) in fat tissues of A/J and C57BL/6J inbred strains of mice varied in a regional-specific manner after stimulation of adrenergic signaling by cold exposure or treatment with a beta3-adrenergic agonist. While the differences between strains were minimal in interscapular brown fat, large differences occurred in white fat tissues, particularly in retroperitoneal fat. Among the AXB recombinant inbred strains, the Ucp1 mRNA levels varied up to 130-fold. This large induction at the mRNA level was accompanied by a corresponding increase in brown adipocytes as revealed by immunohistology with anti-UCP1 antibodies. A high capacity to induce brown fat in areas of traditional white fat had no impact on the ability to gain weight in response to high fat and sucrose diets, but did correlate with the loss of weight in response to treatment with a beta3-adrenergic agonist (CL 316,243). This genetic variation in mice provides an experimental approach to identify genes controlling the induction of brown adipocytes in white fat tissues.

A glucose-responsive transcription factor that regulates carbohydrate metabolism in the liver

Carbohydrates mediate their conversion to triglycerides in the liver by promoting both rapid posttranslational activation of rate-limiting glycolytic and lipogenic enzymes and transcriptional induction of the genes encoding many of these same enzymes. The mechanism by which elevated carbohydrate levels affect transcription of these genes remains unknown. Here we report the purification and identification of a transcription factor that recognizes the carbohydrate response element (ChRE) within the promoter of the L-type pyruvate kinase (LPK) gene. The DNA-binding activity of this ChRE-binding protein (ChREBP) in rat livers is specifically induced by a high carbohydrate diet. ChREBP's DNA-binding specificity in vitro precisely correlates with promoter activity in vivo. Furthermore, forced ChREBP overexpression in primary hepatocytes activates transcription from the L-type Pyruvate kinase promoter in response to high glucose levels. The DNA-binding activity of ChREBP can be modulated in vitro by means of changes in its phosphorylation state, suggesting a possible mode of glucose-responsive regulation. ChREBP is likely critical for the optimal long-term storage of excess carbohydrates as fats, and may contribute to the imbalance between nutrient utilization and storage characteristic of obesity.

Characterization of type I receptors for transforming growth factor-beta and activin

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and activin exert their effects by binding to heteromeric complexes of type I and type II receptors. The type II receptors for TGF-beta and activin are transmembrane serine-threonine kinases; a series of related receptors, denoted activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 1 to 5, have recently been identified, and ALK-6 is described here. ALK-5 has been shown to be a functional TGF-beta type I receptor. A systematic analysis revealed that most ALKs formed heteromeric complexes with the type II receptors for TGF-beta and activin after overexpression in COS cells; however, among the six ALKs, only ALK-5 was a functional TGF-beta type I receptor for activation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and only ALK-2 and ALK-4 bound activin with high affinity.

Cloning and characterization of a human type II receptor for bone morphogenetic proteins

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily. Several members of this family have been shown to transduce their signals through binding to type I and type II serine-(threonine) kinase receptors. Here we report the cDNA cloning and characterization of a human type II receptor for BMPs (BMPR-II), which is distantly related to DAF-4, a BMP type II receptor from Caenorhabditis elegans. In transfected COS-1 cells, osteogenic protein (OP)-1/BMP-7, and less efficiently BMP-4, bound to BMPR-II. BMPR-II bound ligands only weakly alone, but the binding was facilitated by the presence of previously identified type I receptors for BMPs. Binding of OP-1/BMP-7 to BMPR-II was also observed in nontransfected cell lines. Moreover, a transcriptional activation signal was transduced by BMPR-II in the presence of type I receptors after stimulation by OP-1/BMP-7.

Osteogenic protein-1 binds to activin type II receptors and induces certain activin-like effects

Proteins in the TGF-beta superfamily transduce their effects through binding to type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. Osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, also known as bone morphogenetic protein-7 or BMP-7), a member of the TGF-beta superfamily which belongs to the BMP subfamily, was found to bind activin receptor type I (ActR-I), and BMP receptors type IA (BMPR-IA) and type IB (BMPR-IB) in the presence of activin receptors type II (ActR-II) and type IIB (ActR-IIB). The binding affinity of OP-1 to ActR-II was two- to threefold lower than that of activin A. A transcriptional activation signal was transduced after binding of OP-1 to the complex of ActR-I and ActR-II, or that of BMPR-IB and ActR-II. These results indicate that ActR-II can act as a functional type II receptor for OP-1, as well as for activins. Some of the known biological effects of activin were observed for OP-1, including growth inhibition and erythroid differentiation induction. Compared to activin, OP-1 was shown to be a poor inducer of mesoderm in Xenopus embryos. Moreover, follistatin, an inhibitor of activins, was found to inhibit the effects of OP-1, if added at a 10-fold excess. However, certain effects of activin, like induction of follicle stimulating hormone secretion in rat pituitary cells were not observed for OP-1. OP-1 has overlapping binding specificities with activins, and shares certain but not all of the functional effects of activins. Thus, OP-1 may have broader effects in vivo than hitherto recognized.

Characterization of a novel aquaretic agent, OPC-31260, as an orally effective, nonpeptide vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist

1. OPC-31260, a benzazepine derivative, has been studied for its ability to antagonize the binding of arginine vasopressin (AVP) to receptors in rat liver (V1) and kidney (V2) plasma membranes, for antagonism of the antidiuretic action of AVP in alcohol-anaesthetized rats and for diuretic action in conscious normal rats. 2. OPC-31260 caused a competitive displacement of [3H]-AVP binding to both V1 and V2 receptors with IC50 values of 1.2 +/- 0.2 x 10(-6) M and 1.4 +/- 0.2 x 10(-8) M, respectively. 3. OPC-31260 at doses of 10 to 100 micrograms kg-1, i.v., inhibited the antidiuretic action of exogenously administered AVP in water-loaded, alcohol-anaesthetized rats in a dose-dependent manner. OPC-31260 did not exert an antidiuretic activity suggesting that it is not a partial V2 receptor agonist. 4. After oral administration at doses of 1 to 30 mg kg-1 in normal conscious rats, OPC-31260 dose-dependently increased urine flow and decreased urine osmolality. The diuretic action of OPC-31260 was characterized as aquaresis, the mode of diuretic action being different from previously known diuretic agents such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone. 5. The results indicate that OPC-31260 is a selective V2 receptor antagonist and behaves as an aquaretic agent. OPC-31260 will be a useful tool in studying the physiological role of AVP and in the treatment of various conditions characterized by water retention.

Identification of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors for growth/differentiation factor-5

Growth/differentiation factor-5 (GDF-5) is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, which plays an important role in bone development in vivo. Mutations in the GDF-5 gene result in brachypodism in mice and Hunter-Thompson type chondrodysplasia in human. BMPs transduce their effects through binding to two different types of serine/threonine kinase receptors, type I and type II. However, binding abilities appear to be different among the members of the BMP family. BMP-4 binds to two different type I receptors, BMP receptors type IA (BMPR-IA) and type IB (BMPR-IB), and a type II receptor, BMP receptor type II (BMPR-II). In addition to these receptors, osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1, also known as BMP-7) binds to activin type I receptor (ActR-I) as well as activin type II receptors (ActR-II and ActR-IIB). Here we investigate the binding and signaling properties of GDF-5 through type I and type II receptors. GDF-5 induced alkaline phosphatase activity in a rat osteoprogenitor-like cell line, ROB-C26. 125I-GDF-5 bound to BMPR-IB and BMPR-II but not to BMPR-IA in ROB-C26 cells and other nontransfected cell lines. Analysis using COS-1 cells transfected with the receptor cDNAs revealed that GDF-5 bound to BMPR-IB but not to the other type I receptors when expressed alone. When COS-1 cells were transfected with type II receptor cDNAs, GDF-5 bound to ActR-II, ActR-IIB, and BMPR-II but not to transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor. In the presence of type II receptors, GDF-5 bound to different sets of type I receptors, but the binding was most efficient to BMPR-IB compared with the other type I receptors. Moreover, a transcriptional activation signal was efficiently transduced by BMPR-IB in the presence of BMPR-II or ActR-II after stimulation by GDF-5. These results suggest that BMPR-IB mediates certain signals for GDF-5 after forming the heteromeric complex with BMPR-II or ActR-II.

Atrial natriuretic polypeptide: topographical distribution in the rat brain by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry

The widespread distribution of neurons containing alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide-like immunoreactivity in the rat brain was demonstrated using radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry in conjunction with specific antisera. The highest concentrations of alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide-like immunoreactivity were in the hypothalamus and septum, with low but still appreciable concentrations in the mesencephalon, cerebral cortex, olfactory bulb and thalamus by radioimmunoassay. Immunohistochemical studies clearly showed that the perikarya of immunoreactive neurons are most prevalent in the ventral part of the lateral septal nucleus, periventricular preoptic nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, periventricular and dorsal parts of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, ventromedial nucleus, dorsomedial nucleus, arcuate nucleus, median mamillary nucleus, supramamillary nucleus, zona incerta, medial habenular nucleus and the periaqueductal grey matter. Scattered neurons were seen in the cingulate cortex, endopiriform nucleus, lateral hypothalamic area, and pretectal and dorsal thalamic areas. In addition to the areas mentioned above, high concentrations of immunoreactive varicose fibers were seen in the glomerular layer of the olfactory bulb, external layer of the median eminence, central to paramedian parts of the interpeduncular nucleus and the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. The globus pallidus, medial and central amygdaloid nuclei, dorsal raphe, dorsal parabrachial nucleus, locus coeruleus, vagal dorsal motor nucleus, solitary nucleus and some circumventricular organs, including the subfornical organ and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis, contained considerable numbers of immunoreactive varicose fibers. In dehydrated rats and homozygous Brattleboro rats, the pattern of alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide-immunoreactive neurons and varicose fibers was qualitatively similar to that seen in normal conditioned rats. This study gives an atlas of the distribution of the alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide-containing neuronal system in the rat brain and provides the groundwork for studying the influence of this new peptide on various brain functions.

Centrally administered orexin/hypocretin activates HPA axis in rats

The effects of i.c.v. administration of orexin/hypocretin on plasma ACTH, corticosterone and c-fos mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the rat were examined. Plasma ACTH levels were markedly increased at 30 min after i.c.v. administration of orexin-A. Plasma corticosterone levels were significantly increased in a dose-related manner 30 min after i.c.v. administration of orexin-A and orexin-B. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that the induction of the c-fos mRNA in the parvocellular division of the PVN was increased in a dose-related manner 30 min after i.c.v. administration of orexin-A and orexin-B. These results suggest that central orexin/hypocretin activates hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and may be involved in stress-induced activation of the HPA axis.

Aqueous humour levels of cytokines are correlated to vitreous levels and severity of macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion

AIM

To investigate whether the aqueous levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are correlated to the vitreous levels of these substances and to the severity of macular oedema in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

METHODS

Aqueous and vitreous samples were obtained during cataract and vitreous surgery from 24 patients (24 eyes) with macular oedema in BRVO. The VEGF and IL-6 levels in aqueous humour, vitreous fluid, and plasma were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The degree of retinal ischaemia was evaluated in terms of the area of capillary nonperfusion using the Scion Image. The severity of macular oedema was evaluated using the OCT.

RESULTS

The aqueous level of VEGF was significantly correlated with the vitreous level of VEGF (P<0.0001). Vitreous levels of VEGF and IL-6 were significantly correlated with the nonperfusion area of BRVO (P<0.0001, P=0.0061, respectively), as were the aqueous levels of VEGF and IL-6 (P<0.0001, P=0.0267, respectively). Furthermore, the vitreous levels of VEGF and IL-6 and the aqueous level of VEGF were significantly correlated with the severity of macular oedema of BRVO (P=0.0001, P=0.0331, P=0.0272, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the aqueous level of VEGF may reflect its vitreous level. Measurement of the aqueous level of VEGF may be clinically useful to indicate the severity of macular oedema with BRVO.

Risk factors for cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction in a Japanese rural community

A ten-year follow-up study of stroke among residents 40 years and older in a rural community located on Shikoku Island, Japan, was completed in 1977. The response rate for the initial examinations was 85% of 920 males and 90% of 1,012 females. Seven hundred and seventy-two males and 901 females who were initially free of stroke were followed from July 1967 through June 1977. The incidence of all strokes was 10.47 per thousand person-years for males and 6.41 per thousand person-years for females. The statistically significant risk factors for stroke were age, male sex, elevated blood pressure, ECG abnormalities, and funduscopic abnormalities. Elevated blood pressure was the strongest risk factor and mean arterial pressure was the best predictive measure. Twice as high a proportion of strokes were subclassified as cerebral hemorrhage (26%) in this study as have been reported in comparable studies in the United States (12-15%). An inverse relationship between serum cholesterol levels and cerebral hemorrhage incidence, but not cerebral infarct, was observed. High alcohol intake was a risk factor for cerebral hemorrhage but not for cerebral infarct. No relationship between stroke and weight was observed despite the relationship of stroke to blood pressure and of weight to blood pressure.

Randomized phase III study of bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI and bevacizumab plus mFOLFOX6 as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (WJOG4407G)

BACKGROUND

FOLFIRI and FOLFOX have shown equivalent efficacy for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but their comparative effectiveness is unknown when combined with bevacizumab.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

WJOG4407G was a randomized, open-label, phase III trial conducted in Japan. Patients with previously untreated mCRC were randomized 1:1 to receive either FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab (FOLFIRI + Bev) or mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab (mFOLFOX6 + Bev), stratified by institution, adjuvant chemotherapy, and liver-limited disease. The primary end point was non-inferiority of FOLFIRI + Bev to mFOLFOX6 + Bev in progression-free survival (PFS), with an expected hazard ratio (HR) of 0.9 and non-inferiority margin of 1.25 (power 0.85, one-sided α-error 0.025). The secondary end points were response rate (RR), overall survival (OS), safety, and quality of life (QoL) during 18 months. This trial is registered to the University Hospital Medical Information Network, number UMIN000001396.

RESULTS

Among 402 patients enrolled from September 2008 to January 2012, 395 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. The median PFS for FOLFIRI + Bev (n = 197) and mFOLFOX6 + Bev (n = 198) were 12.1 and 10.7 months, respectively [HR, 0.905; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.723-1.133; P = 0.003 for non-inferiority]. The median OS for FOLFIRI + Bev and mFOLFOX6 + Bev were 31.4 and 30.1 months, respectively (HR, 0.990; 95% CI 0.785-1.249). The best overall RRs were 64% for FOLFIRI + Bev and 62% for mFOLFOX6 + Bev. The common grade 3 or higher adverse events were leukopenia (11% in FOLFIRI + Bev/5% in mFOLFOX6 + Bev), neutropenia (46%/35%), diarrhea (9%/5%), febrile neutropenia (5%/2%), peripheral neuropathy (0%/22%), and venous thromboembolism (6%/2%). The QoL assessed by FACT-C (TOI-PFC) and FACT/GOG-Ntx was favorable for FOLFIRI + Bev during 18 months.

CONCLUSION

FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab was non-inferior for PFS, compared with mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab, as the first-line systemic treatment for mCRC.

CLINICAL TRIALS NUMBER

UMIN000001396.

Phase II study of weekly intravenous and intraperitoneal paclitaxel combined with S-1 for advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis

BACKGROUND

A phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of weekly i.v. and i.p. paclitaxel (PTX) combined with S-1 was carried out in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Gastric cancer patients with peritoneal dissemination and/or cancer cells on peritoneal cytology were enrolled. PTX was administered i.v. at 50 mg/m(2) and i.p. at 20 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8. S-1 was administered at 80 mg/m(2)/day for 14 consecutive days, followed by 7 days rest. The primary end point was the 1-year overall survival (OS) rate. Secondary end points were the response rate, efficacy against malignant ascites and safety.

RESULTS

Forty patients were enrolled, including 21 with primary tumors with peritoneal dissemination, 13 with peritoneal recurrence and six with positive peritoneal cytology only. The median number of courses was 7 (range 1-23). The 1-year OS rate was 78% (95% confidence interval 65% to 90%). The overall response rate was 56% in 18 patients with target lesions. Malignant ascites disappeared or decreased in 13 of 21 (62%) patients. The frequent grade 3/4 toxic effects included neutropenia (38%), leukopenia (18%) and anemia (10%).

CONCLUSION

Combination chemotherapy of i.v. and i.p. PTX with S-1 is well tolerated and active in gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastasis.

Ultrasonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules: prediction of malignancy

BACKGROUND

High-resolution real-time ultrasonography (US) can detect characteristics of thyroid nodules, but the US differentiation between malignant nodules and benign nodules is not well described.

HYPOTHESIS

Ultrasonography is useful for predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of 329 thyroid nodules (> or =5 mm) in 309 patients comparing US characteristics and pathological results.

SETTING

A center for the treatment of thyroid diseases where about 1400 thyroid operations are performed per year.

PATIENTS

Between January 1 and June 30, 1999, 309 patients were examined by US before thyroidectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The US characteristics to predict malignancy for both follicular and nonfollicular neoplasms by means of multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of preoperative US diagnosis was 86.5% for nonfollicular neoplasms and 18.2% for follicular neoplasms. The specificity was 92.3% and 88.7%, respectively. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, margin, shape, echo structure, echogenicity, and calcification were reliable indication of malignancy in nonfollicular neoplasms. According to a receiver operating characteristic curve constructed from this multiple logistic regression analysis, the best point not to overlook malignancy is the point at which sensitivity is 94% and specificity is 87%. The probability of malignancy at this point is greater than 0.2. For follicular neoplasms, ultrasonographic diagnosis was unreliable, even when multiple logistic regression analysis was applied.

CONCLUSION

We can predict malignancy of nonfollicular neoplasms of the thyroid by using multiple logistic regression analysis based on only 5 features: margin, shape, echo structure, echogenicity, and calcification.

UCP1 deficiency increases susceptibility to diet-induced obesity with age

Loss of nonshivering thermogenesis in mice by inactivation of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein gene (Ucp1-/- mice) causes increased sensitivity to cold and unexpected resistance to diet-induced obesity at a young age. To clarify the role of UCP1 in body weight regulation throughout life and influence of UCP1 deficiency on longevity, we longitudinally analyzed the phenotypes of Ucp1-/- mice maintained in a room at 23 degrees C. There was no difference in body weight and lifespan between genotypes under the standard chow diet condition, whereas the mutant mice developed obesity with age under the high-fat (HF) diet condition. Compared with Ucp1+/+ mice, Ucp1-/- mice showed increased expression of genes related to thermogenesis and fatty acid metabolism, such as beta3-adrenergic receptor, in adipose tissues of the 3-month-old mutants; however, the augmented expression was reduced in Ucp1+/+ mice in 11-month-old Ucp1-/- mice fed the HF diet. Likewise, the increased levels of UCP3 and cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the brown adipose tissue of Ucp1-/- mice given the standard diet were decreased significantly in that of Ucp1-/- mice fed the HF diet, which animals showed impaired norepinephrine-induced lipolysis in their adipose tissues. These results suggest profound attenuation of beta-adrenergic responsiveness and fatty acid utilization in Ucp1-/- mice fed the HF diet, bringing them to late-onset obesity. Our findings provide evidence that UCP1 is neither essential for body weight regulation nor for longevity under conditions of standard diet and normal housing temperature, but deficiency increases susceptibility to obesity with age in combination with HF diet.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma: modified radical neck dissection improves prognosis

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain whether modified radical neck dissection offers a survival advantage for some subsets of patients with papillary cancer of the thyroid.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of 2966 patients curatively treated at the Noguchi Thyroid Clinic and Hospital Foundation, Oita, Japan, between 1946 and 1991.

SETTING

A center for the treatment of thyroid disease, where about 1400 thyroid operations are performed per year.

PATIENTS

Between 1946 and 1991, patients with papillary cancer whose primary tumor was 1 cm or larger and who were curatively treated were studied. Of the 2859 patients, 72.1% underwent modified radical neck dissection, 8.5% underwent partial node excision, and 19.4% underwent no node excision.

RESULTS

A univariate analysis revealed a subset of patients who benefited from modified radical neck dissection. A multivariate analysis revealed that sex (P<.001), age at the time of the operation (P<.001), size of the primary tumor (P<.001), extrathyroidal invasion (P<.001), and the presence of nodal metastasis (P<.01) are significant risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with nodal metastasis, patients in whom the primary tumor invades beyond the thyroid capsule, and women older than 60 years can benefit from modified radical neck dissection.

Absence of ACAT-1 attenuates atherosclerosis but causes dry eye and cutaneous xanthomatosis in mice with congenital hyperlipidemia

Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) catalyzes esterification of cellular cholesterol. To investigate the role of ACAT-1 in atherosclerosis, we have generated ACAT-1 null (ACAT-1-/-) mice. ACAT activities were present in the liver and intestine but were completely absent in adrenal, testes, ovaries, and peritoneal macrophages in our ACAT-1-/- mice. The ACAT-1-/- mice had decreased openings of the eyes because of atrophy of the meibomian glands, a modified form of sebaceous glands normally expressing high ACAT activities. This phenotype is similar to dry eye syndrome in humans. To determine the role of ACAT-1 in atherogenesis, we crossed the ACAT-1-/- mice with mice lacking apolipoprotein (apo) E or the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), hyperlipidemic models susceptible to atherosclerosis. High fat feeding resulted in extensive cutaneous xanthomatosis with loss of hair in both ACAT-1-/-:apo E-/- and ACAT-1-/-:LDLR-/- mice. Free cholesterol content was significantly increased in their skin. Aortic fatty streak lesion size as well as cholesteryl ester content were moderately reduced in both double mutant mice compared with their respective controls. These results indicate that the local inhibition of ACAT activity in tissue macrophages is protective against cholesteryl ester accumulation but causes cutaneous xanthomatosis in mice that lack apo E or LDLR.

Popularity of complementary and alternative medicine in Japan: a telephone survey

OBJECTIVE

To obtain information on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Japan.

DESIGN

Nationwide, random-sampled and population-weighted telephone survey.

METHODS

The survey was conducted by a telephone survey company in April 2001. The sample size of respondents was 1000. Using a region-, gender- and age-weighted sampling table, professional operators called respondents with random-digit dialling. Respondents were asked questions about their use of CAM in the past 12 months, out-of-pocket expenditures on CAM and orthodox Western medicine, reasons for the use of CAM and so on, as well as general socio-demographics.

RESULTS

The percentage of respondents who had used at least one CAM therapy in the past 12 months was greater than those who had used orthodox Western medicine (76.0% (95% CI: 73.4-78.6) vs 65.6% (95% CI: 62.7-68.5). The percentage of use for each CAM therapy was as follows: nutritional and tonic drinks (43.1%), dietary supplements (43.1%), health-related appliances (21.5%), herbs or over-the-counter Kampo (17.2%), massage or acupressure (14.8%), ethical Kampo (Kampo prescribed by medical doctors) (10.0%), aromatherapy (9.3%), chiropractic or osteopathy (7.1%), acupuncture and moxibustion (6.7%), homeopathy (0.3%), and other therapies (6.5%). Regarding the reasons for the use of CAM, 60.4% responded that 'the condition was not serious enough to warrant orthodox Western medicine', and 49.3% were 'expecting health promotion or disease prevention'. Average annual out-of-pocket expenditures of all the 1000 respondents for CAM were half as much as those for orthodox Western medicine (19,080 yen (95% CI: 15,824-22,336) vs 38,360 yen (95% CI: 30,439-46,280)).

CONCLUSIONS

CAM is very popular in Japan and the expenditures for them are not negligible, although there is still an overwhelming dominance of orthodox Western medicine with regard to cost, variety of indications, and severity of conditions.