Genotypes of ALDH2 related to liver and pulmonary diseases and other genetic factors related to alcoholic liver disease

Genetic factors related to the development of alcoholic liver and pancreatic diseases (ALD and APD) and of alcohol-induced asthma were analyzed. The development of ALD is genetically controlled and is directly associated with the polymorphisms of the genes of acetaldehyde (Ac-CHO) and ethanol-metabolizing enzymes, aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) and cytochrome P4502E1. The development of ALD and APD may also be genetically linked with the induction of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GTT) by alcohol. Alcohol-induced asthma is related to the genotypes of ALDH2 and is caused by rapid elevation of blood Ac-CHO. ALDH1 plays a very important role in the oxidation of Ac-CHO in blood.

Characterization of three cloned cell lines from a N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine-induced transplantable hamster pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

To investigate characteristics of pancreatic carcinoma growth behavior, the cloned cell lines, HPD1NR, HPD2NR, and HPD3NR, were established from a transplantable hamster ductal adenocarcinoma induced by N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP). All three clones showed similar epithelial cell morphology and grew as sheets in culture with no differences in doubling times, ranging from 23-28 h. Mutation in the c-Ki-ras exon 1 was detected in common. The modal chromosome numbers were also found to be similar at 60, 62, and 60-62 in the less than tetraploid cells in the three clones. In contrast, a clear difference in frequencies of tetraploid or polyploid cells at 24.7, 22.5, and 75.5% in HPD1NR, HPD2NR, and HPD3NR, respectively, was evident. Tumorigenic potency evaluated by transplanting individual clones revealed HPD3NR to display pronouncedly less growth in syngeneic hamsters. The results suggest that increase in frequency of tetraploid or polyploid cells might be associated with a decreased in vivo growth potential of hamster pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, and suggest that these clones might become a valuable tool for understanding in vivo growth mechanisms of cancer cells.

Clinical characteristics and proliferating activity of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

To assist in the development of new approach to the palliation and treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas, we classified tumours into mass-forming (MF), peri-ductal extension (PD), and spicula-forming (SF) types in 14 subjects who underwent surgical treatment. Lymph node metastasis and microscopic lymphatic invasion were pronounced in the PD and SF types. Furthermore, in SF type tumours the incidence of microscopic vascular and perineural invasion was high. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen labelling index, a reflection of the proliferation rate of tumour cells, was significantly higher in PD and SF types than in the MF type. The prognosis associated with the MF type tended to be better than that of the other two types. For the MF type, liver resection with tumour free margins must be performed, whereas for the PD and SF types, aggressive treatment, that is a combination of extensive liver resection, lymph node dissection, and effective adjuvant anti-cancer therapy should be provided to aim at life-long cure.

Effects of novobiocin on the induction of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase positive foci in the liver of rats treated with diethylnitrosamine

Effects of novobiocin on the induction of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase(GGT)-positive foci, an early lesion occurring during hepatocarcinogenesis, after diethylnitrosamine(DEN) initiation were investigated in Fischer 344 rats. Animals were given DEN at a dose of 20 mg/kg b. w. followed by novobiocin at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b. w. The latter two doses, but not 50 mg/kg b. w., significantly inhibited the development of GGT-positive foci, providing evidence of the possible involvement of mono(ADP-ribosyl)ation in the initiation phase of hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Sarcophytol A: a new chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agent for pancreatic cancer

Sarcophytol A (SaA), a cembrane-type diterpene isolated from the marine soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum showed anticancer and cancer preventive effects in two different experiments. Growth of transplanted human pancreatic cancer cells (MIA paca-2, 1 x 10(7)) in nude mice (BALB/C 4W female) (Experiment 1) and pancreatic carcinogenesis induced by N-nitrobis-(2-hydroxypropyl) amine (BHP, 500 mg/kg) in Syrian golden hamsters (7W female) (Experiment 2) were inhibited by feeding the animals a diet containing 0.01% SaA. In Experiment 1, on day 29 after transplantation, tumor volume was significantly less in the SaA group than in the control group (1,759 + 310 mm3 vs. 2,364 + 467 mm3) (p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, the incidence of pancreatic tumors in the SaA group was 42.8% and that in the control group was 90.0% at 25-27 weeks. Thus, pancreatic carcinoma developed more slowly in the SaA group than in the control group. In addition, the incidence of atypical ductal hyperplasia and carcinoma in situ was lower in the SaA group. These results indicate that oral SaA administration is an effective vehicle for inhibition of certain types of cancer in hamsters.

Inhibition by catechol and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate of pancreatic carcinogenesis after initiation with N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine in Syrian hamsters

The effects of dietary administration of catechol (CC), paramethylcatechol (PMC) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) were compared with that of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in Syrian hamsters initiated with N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP). Development of pancreatic atypical hyperplasias and adenocarcinomas in terms of combined multiplicity was significantly reduced by CC and DEHP. A similar slight but non-significant tendency was observed for BHA, while PMC was without effect. No statistically significant reduction of liver or gall bladder lesions was observed. The results thus suggest that both antioxidant and peroxisome proliferator categories of agents can inhibit pancreatic carcinogenesis in hamsters.

Femoral and spinal bone mineral density in Japanese osteoporotics with hip fracture

In the present study, bone mineral density (BMD) of femoral neck and lumbar spine was compared between 38 Japanese female patients with hip fracture (age 63-89 years, mean +/- SD 76 +/- 7 years) and 162 age-matched female controls (age 62-90 years, mean +/- SD 75 +/- 7 years). BMD was measured in the femoral neck and lumbar spine (L2-4) using dual-photon absorptiometry (Norland model 2600). BMD values of femoral neck as well as lumbar spine were significantly lower in patients with hip fracture than in controls (0.504 +/- 0.097 v 0.597 +/- 0.101, p < 0.01, for femoral neck; 0.661 +/- 0.146 v 0.720 +/- 0.128, p < 0.05, for lumbar spine). Patients with hip fracture and controls were stratified according to their BMD levels at two measuring sites, and the ratio of the number of patients and controls at each BMD level was calculated as an indicator of fracture rate. This ratio showed an exponential increase as the femoral neck BMD declined, but only a gradual increase as the lumbar spine BMD declined. Specificity-sensitivity analysis revealed that BMD values of 0.59 and 0.54 g/cm2 at the femoral neck provided a specificity of 52% and 68% with a sensitivity of 90% and 75%, respectively. These findings suggest that Japanese patients with hip fracture are more osteoporotic than age-matched controls and that the selective measurement of femoral neck would be useful for predicting the risk of hip fracture.

Microheterogeneity of serum glycoproteins in alcoholics: is desialo-transferrin the marker of chronic alcohol drinking or alcoholic liver injury?

The appearance of desialo-transferrin (De-TF) in serum has been reported to be a biochemical marker of chronic alcoholism. However, conclusive evidence of whether De-TF is a marker for chronic alcohol drinking or for alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has not yet been obtained. Glycoproteins can be divided into two groups, a transferrin (TF) group and an alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (A1-AG) group, based on the characteristics of microheterogeneity (M-HTG) of each protein. In the present study, the appearance of M-HTG in serum TF and A1-AG in alcohol drinkers was compared. In 96 patients with ALD, M-HTG of TF was found in 66 patients (68.8%), and M-HTG of A1-AG was found in 61 patients (63.5%). In 20 patients with alcoholic pancreatitis, the detection rate of M-HTG of A1-AG was significantly higher than that of TF. In six patients with pancreatitis but not liver disease, M-HTG of TF was not detected. In 14 alcoholics without liver or pancreas disease, M-HTG of TF was not detected, whereas M-HTG of A1-AG was detected in 6 cases--a significant difference. The amount of alcohol consumed was not different in patients with and without liver disease. In non-ALD, M-HTG of both proteins was detected only in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. The detection rate of M-HTG in TF was significantly higher than in A1-AG. These results suggest that M-HTG of serum TF is a marker of ALD and that of serum A1-AG is a marker of chronic alcohol drinking.

Radial bone mineral content of normal Japanese infants and prepubertal children: influence of age, sex and body size

The present study was performed to measure appendicular bone mass of Japanese infants and children, and to assess the influence of age, sex and body size on bone mass during the period of bone growth. The bone mineral content (BMC) and bone width (BW) at the distal third of the radius were measured by single photon absorptiometry (SPA) in 229 healthy Japanese infants and children aged 0-12 years, and the BMC/BW ratio was calculated to give the bone mineral density (BMD). BMC and BW increased with age until 2 years, while BMD did not obviously change until 2 years. After 2 years of age, the overall effect of aging appeared more prominent in BMC and BMD than in BW. There were no significant differences in BMC, BW and BMD between males and females aged 0-12 years. Age, body height, and body weight were strongly correlated with three parameters of bone mass (BMC, BW, and BMD). Among the three parameters of bone mass, BMC showed the highest Pearson coefficient of correlation with age (r = 0.955), body height (r = 0.957) and body weight (r = 0.966), as compared with BW and BMD. The present cross-sectional study provides normative data of the appendicular bone mass in healthy Japanese children, which may serve as a standard for assessment of bone mineralization in Japanese infants and children with medical problems.

Spontaneous passage of a colon cast in the absence of abdominal aneurysm

The spontaneous passage of colon cast from a 76-year-old Japanese female patient is reported. Macroscopically, the colon case was shaped like the airbladder of a fish. Histopathologically, the cast consisted of degenerated colonal mucosa, including glands. No inflammatory reaction was apparent. The patient lacked any evidence of abdominal aneurysm. Since there have been only five reported cases of colon cast in the literature, and since in all of those association with abdominal aneurysms was always described, the present study represents the first report demonstrating the formation of a colon cast in the absence of associated abdominal aneurysm. However, the patient was found to exhibit several risk factors for ischemic colitis, such as arteriosclerosis on the wall of the abdominal aorta, chronic constipation, and colonic stenosis. Her colonal mucosal surface, indeed, suggested ischemic colitis. This case report, therefore, indicates that ischemic colitis, due to various causes, may be responsible for the formation of colon casts, and that the presence of an abdominal aneurysm is not necessarily a prerequisite for colon cast formation. This report may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of colon casts.

Detection of antigens related to hepatitis C virus RNA encoding the NS5 region in the livers of patients with chronic type C hepatitis

Hepatitis C virus is a positive single-strand RNA virus distantly related to flaviviruses. Therefore RNA replicase, an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, may be essential for the replication of hepatitis C virus, as well as other RNA viruses. In this study we synthesized the recombinant polypeptide (HCV-NS5 antigen) with a 576 bp cDNA encoding a part of the NS5 region of the HCV genome that has the Gly-Asp-Asp motif. The antibody against this polypeptide was obtained from rabbit serum. In Western-blot analysis with NS5 IgG HCV antibody, an 84-kD protein was clearly detected as a single band in the microsomal fraction but not in the nuclear and mitochondrial fractions or in the cytosol fraction. Immunohistochemically, HCV-NS5 antigen was clearly stained in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes but not in the nucleus or cell membrane. Moreover, as determined on immunoelectron microscopy, HCV-NS5 antigen was demonstrated with fine granular distribution along the endoplasmic reticulum but not in other organelles, including the nucleus and mitochondria. Immunoreaction in other cell types was negative. These results indicate that replication of HCV may occur only in hepatocytes and that HCV-NS5 may be produced in the endoplasmic reticulum of these cells. HCV-NS5 antigen was stained only in the livers of hepatitis C virus-positive patients but not in sections from patients with chronic type B hepatitis or alcoholic fibrosis. In chronic type C liver disease, the overall detection rate of HCV-NS5 antigen was 56% (33% in chronic persistent hepatitis, 52% in chronic active hepatitis and 86% in cirrhosis).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression of cripto in human pancreatic tumors

The expression of cripto gene product was examined immunohistochemically in 45 surgically resected pancreatic tumors, including 32 invasive ductal carcinomas, 4 intraductal papillary adenocarcinomas, 4 intraductal papillary adenomas, 2 mucinous cystadenomas, 2 islet cell tumors, and one solid and cystic tumor, and compared with that in 32 areas of accompanying chronic pancreatitis present in the cases of invasive ductal carcinomas and 5 non-tumorous areas of pancreas without pancreatitis. All pancreatic ductal tumors including adenomas and carcinomas showed positive staining with no difference in terms of staining intensity among intraductal tumors and invasive carcinomas with or without mucin hypersecretion. Islet cell tumors were positively stained but the solid and cystic tumor was negative. Duct epithelial cells and acinar cells were negative but islet cells were positive in the pancreas tissues without pancreatitis. Cells arranged in duct-like structures in areas of accompanying chronic pancreatitis were positively stained. The results suggest that cripto expression might be associated with a growth advantage of tumor cells and also with differentiation to form duct-like structures.

Hepatic messenger RNA contents of cytochrome P4502E1 in patients with different P4502E1 genotypes

Since heavy drinkers do not always develop alcoholic liver disease (ALD), genetic factors may be involved. Cytochrome P4502E1 (P4502E1) is the main enzyme that oxidizes ethanol in the non-alcohol dehydrogenase pathway. Recently, the presence of genetic polymorphisms at the 5'-flanking region of this enzyme was confirmed. We recently detected the c2 gene of P4502E1 in most patients with ALD, suggesting that development of ALD may be genetically controlled. Although high transcriptional activity of the c2 gene was confirmed in studies using the Hep G2 cell, little is known about transcriptional activity in humans with the c2 gene. Therefore, messenger RNA (mRNA) contents of P4502E1 in livers of patients with different P4502E1 genotypes were measured. Hepatic mRNA contents in type B were three times higher than in type A, suggesting that transcriptional activity of the c2 gene of P4502E1 is stronger than that of the c1 gene, even in human liver. The results of the present study are compatible with those in the Hep G2 cells. These results suggest that polymorphisms of the P4502E1 gene may be linked to the development of ALD through enhancement of ethanol metabolism in the non-alcohol dehydrogenase pathway.

Homologous up-regulation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in alpha T3-1 cells is associated with unchanged receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) levels and altered mRNA activity

In primary cultures of rat pituitary, GnRH receptor has been reported to up-regulate when exposed to GnRH. The molecular basis of this regulation could, in theory, involve modulation of gene transcription, RNA processing or stability, translation, and/or receptor degradation. The role of altered biosynthesis was investigated in the mouse gonadotrope cell line, alpha T3-1 cells, by studying the homologous up-regulation of GnRH receptor binding, mRNA levels, and mRNA activity. After GnRH exposure, ligand binding was performed on alpha T3-1 cell membranes. To correlate changes in receptor number and measurements of biosynthetic activity, GnRH receptor mRNA levels were quantitated by solution hybridization/RNase protection assay and Northern blot analysis, and the capacity of RNA from treated cells to direct the synthesis of new receptors (mRNA activity) was evaluated using a Xenopus oocyte-based bioassay. GnRH agonist radioligand binding assay results showed that exposure of alpha T3-1 cells to 10(-10) or 10(-8) M GnRH for 20 min induced an approximately 50% increase in the number of GnRH receptors, similar to previously reported results in rat pituitary primary culture. Despite the increase in receptor number, however, cytosolic and total GnRH receptor mRNA levels assayed by solution hybridization/RNase protection assay with GnRH receptor cRNA probes and by Northern blot analysis were not altered. In contrast to the unchanging mRNA levels, the measurements of mRNA activity paralleled the changes observed at the binding level. alpha T3-1 RNA from treated and control cells were injected into Xenopus oocytes, and the GnRH-induced Cl- current was quantified 48 h later by voltage clamp recording of the response to GnRH.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of ethanol-inducible cytochrome P-450 2E1 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma by the chemical carcinogen, N-nitrosodimethylamine

Cytochrome P-450 2E1 is a specific isozyme of cytochrome P-450 induced by ethanol. P-450 2E1 may also be the only enzyme that metabolizes N-nitrosodimethylamine at a very low concentration. Because N-nitrosodimethylamine is a procarcinogen, the possibility that induction of P-450 2E1 by alcohol abuse may accelerate the carcinogenic action of a very small dose of N-nitrosodimethylamine should be considered. To investigate this possibility, effects of ethanol on the hepatic carcinogenic action of a very small dose of N-nitrosodimethylamine were analyzed in rats. Sixty Wistar male rats were divided into two groups (ethanol and control) according to the liquid diets they were fed. After preliminary feeding, N-nitrosodimethylamine in two concentrations (1.5 ng/ml and 3.0 micrograms/ml) in drinking water was given with the diets for 40 or 60 wk. To avoid metabolic competition between ethanol and n-nitrosodimethylamine, we gave N-nitrosodimethylamine and the diets alternately. The average amount of N-nitrosodimethylamine consumed per day was 11 to 37 ng/kg body weight in the 1.5-ng group and was 27 to 37 micrograms/kg body weight in the 3.0-microgram group. Hepatic P-450 2E1 content was six times higher in the ethanol-treated groups than in the control groups throughout the experiment. Visible nodules and enzyme-altered foci were not found in rats in any group at the end of the fortieth week. These preneoplastic changes were found at the end of the sixtieth week only in rats in the groups treated with both ethanol and N-nitrosodimethylamine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Establishment of a leukaemic cell line from a patient with acquisition of chromosomal abnormalities during disease progression in myelodysplastic syndrome

A cell line designated SKM-1 was newly established from leukaemic cells of a 76-year-old Japanese male patient with monoblastic leukaemia following myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The cells were obtained from peripheral blood of the patient when he lost multiple point mutations of ras genes with acquisition of chromosomal abnormalities during disease progression in MDS. The cells grew as a single floating cell, and have been continuously growing with the morphological characteristics of immature monoblasts by serial passages during the past 42 months with a doubling time of about 48 h. By cytochemical analysis, the cloned cells were positive for butyrate esterase, but negative for the Epstein-Barr virus associated nuclear antigen. Phenotypic analysis revealed the expression of myelomonocyte specific antigens such as CD4, CD13, CD33 and HLA-DR. Cells from the primary peripheral blood and those from 50 passages of the SKM-1 cell line both possessed no activated ras genes but showed karyotype abnormalities with 46,XY, del(9)(q13;q22), der(17) t(17;?)(p13;?). The SKM-1 cells have two mutations in p53 gene and overexpress the p53 products. This cell line may contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms in the progression from MDS to myelogenous leukaemia.

K-ras gene mutation in early ductal lesions induced in a rapid production model for pancreatic carcinomas in Syrian hamsters

The presence of K-ras gene mutation was examined in experimentally induced preneoplastic pancreatic ductal lesions. Syrian hamsters received 70 mg/kg of N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP) followed by repeated exposure to an augmentation pressure regimen consisting of choline-deficient diet combined with DL-ethionine and L-methionine and administration of 20 mg/kg BOP. After two augmentation pressure cycles, pancreatic ductal cell hyperplasias appeared and after three cycles, atypical hyperplasias of pancreatic ductal cells and intraductal carcinomas developed. K-ras mutations were detected by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction products and nucleotide sequencing. The results showed that K-ras mutation had occurred in one of 9 simple hyperplasias of pancreatic ductal epithelium, in 5 of 9 atypical hyperplasias, and in 4 of 8 intraductal carcinomas. The findings thus suggested that K-ras is activated in association with very early stage malignant transformation of pancreatic ductal cells in hamsters.

Increased expression of nucleoside diphosphate kinase/nm23 and c-Ha-ras mRNA is associated with spontaneous lung metastasis in rat-transplantable osteosarcomas

The relationship between expression of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDP kinase)/nm23, c-Ha-ras, and c-myc genes and metastatic potential was assessed in rat-transplantable osteosarcoma lines, derived from spontaneous and chemical carcinogen (4-hydroxyamino quinoline 1-oxide)-induced osteosarcomas in Fischer 344/NS1c rats. These osteosarcomas possess metastatic potential and highly metastatic lines spontaneous osteosarcoma-selected lung metastatic lesions and 4-hydroxyamino-quinoline 1-oxide-induced osteosarcoma-selected lung metastatic lesions were respectively established by selectively transplanting lung metastatic lesions. Northern blot analysis revealed that the levels of NDP kinase/nm23 and c-Ha-ras gene expression were increased in line with metastatic ability; thus transcript levels were remarkably greater in both spontaneous osteosarcoma-selected lung metastatic lesions and 4-hydroxyamino-quinoline 1-oxide-induced osteosarcoma-selected lung metastatic lesions highly metastatic lines than in their respective low metastatic spontaneous and chemical carcinogen (4-hydroxyamino quinoline 1-oxide)-induced osteosarcoma counterparts. c-myc mRNA expression was observed in all tumor lines, without any correlation with metastatic ability. Southern blot analysis did not show evidence of gross rearrangement or amplification of NDP kinase/nm23, c-Ha-ras, or c-myc genes suggesting regulation of their gene expression at the transcriptional and/or posttranscriptional level. These results indicate that NDP kinase/nm23 and c-Ha-ras might be cooperatively involved in a positive manner in signal transduction processes, especially involving G-protein reactions, responsible for metastasis of rat-transplantable osteosarcomas.

Growth factor-induced process formation of megakaryocytes derived from CFU-MK

The extended cytoplasmic processes from megakaryocytes (MK) are believed to be structural intermediates between MK and platelets. We could observe differentiation of purified rat CFU-MK toward mature MK to form extended cytoplasmic processes. Recombinant rat interleukin-3 (IL-3), human erythropoietin (Epo), and human interleukin-6 (IL-6) each was able to stimulate process formation although they varied somewhat in their potential. Electron microscopic observations showed that these processes were very similar to those from mature MK so far reported. The combination of IL-6 with IL-3 or Epo synergistically increased the number of MK forming processes without further increase in the number of total MK formed in the presence of IL-3 or Epo alone. In addition, IL-6 significantly increased the megakaryocytic diameter and DNA content of MK induced by IL-3 or Epo and shortened the MK transit time to hasten the process formation of MK. These findings suggest that IL-6 promotes further maturity in both the cytoplasm and ploidy of MK to form extended cytoplasmic processes. The ability of these factors to generate the process formation in vitro may be related to their thrombopoietic effects in vivo.

A ureteral small cell carcinoma mixed with malignant mesodermal and ectodermal elements: a clinicopathological, morphological and immunohistochemical study

A 60-year-old male with a small cell carcinoma of the right lower ureter is presented. The tumor mainly comprised a small cell carcinoma but also included a full variety of histological types such as transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, leiomyosarcoma and chondrosarcoma. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for neuron specific enolase and cluster 1 small cell lung cancer antigen/N-CAM in the small cell carcinoma and S-100 in the chondrosarcoma component. The patient underwent a right nephroureterectomy, and received prophylactic radiation of the pelvic and para-aortic lymph node regions and cisplatin and etoposide combination chemotherapy. Eight months after the chemotherapy, a transitional cell carcinoma was found in the bladder neck, and a cystectomy with urethrectomy performed. To our knowledge, this is the second report of a small cell carcinoma originating from the ureter.

Comparison of the effect of zopiclone and brotizolam on sleep EEG by quantitative evaluation in healthy young women

We studied the effect of brotizolam (BRO) (0.25 mg) and zopiclone (ZPC) (7.5 mg) on the sleep electroencephalograms (EEG) of seven healthy young women (ages 20-21 years). In addition to conventional sleep scoring, we performed spectral analysis of EEG wave forms using the Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) method. Four weeks following two consecutive polysomnographic recordings with placebo administration (for baseline data), polysomnography with BRO or ZPC administration was performed on the subjects who were then crossed over to polysomnography with ZPC or BRO, respectively, 1 week later. Total rapid eye movement (REM) time was decreased on the ZPC and BRO nights and REM latency was prolonged on the ZPC night compared with baseline (BL) night. Other parameters, however, were not significantly different between the drug nights and the BL night. There were also no differences in standard scoring results between both drug nights. FFT analysis revealed significant differences in total power density percentage and mean power density percentage in both nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and REM sleep between ZPC and BRO nights and between both drug nights compared to the BL night. Total power density and mean power density per epoch showed significant decreases in the theta band (6.0-8.0 Hz) and sigma band (12.0-14.0 Hz) on the ZPC night versus the BRO night or BL night during specific NREM periods. The results of this study corroborate previous reports that suggest computer-aided quantitative electroencephalography aids in differentiating specific effects of hypnotics and other central-nervous-system-acting agents on the sleep EEG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Increased anti-HIV-1 activity of CD4 CDR3-related synthetic peptides by scrambling and further structural modifications, including D-isomerization and dimerization

We recently showed that S1, a sequence-scrambled form of CD4 CDR3-related synthetic peptide, has more potent inhibitory activities on HIV-1 replication and HIV-1-induced syncytium formation than the original form. In this study, a series of derivatives of S1 were synthesized and their anti-HIV-1 activities were evaluated. A D-isomer was as potent as S1, and a homodimer was 10- to 18-fold more potent than S1. The increased antiviral activity of the dimer peptide was related to alpha-helix formation, as detected by circular dichroism.

Comparison of K-ras oncogene activation in pancreatic duct carcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas induced in hamsters by N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine

The presence of K-ras point mutations in pancreatic duct carcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas induced by N-nitrosobis(2-hydroxypropyl)amine (BHP) in Syrian hamsters was investigated by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis of polymerase chain reaction products from frozen fresh materials in order to clarify the K-ras mutation rates in those two carcinomas induced simultaneously by one carcinogen, BHP. In the examined pancreatic duct carcinomas, 10 out of 16 were positive for a mutation in codon 12 while 3 out of 12 cholangiocarcinomas demonstrated mutation of K-ras gene. G-to-A transition was detected in the second position of codon 12 in both pancreatic carcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas. These results suggest that the role of genetic alteration in carcinogenesis may differ with the target organ, even when initiation is with the same carcinogen.

Age-related accumulation of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide in cultured human diploid cells and its prevention by alpha-tocopherol

The levels of phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide in serially cultured human fetal diploid fibroblasts at various population doubling levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with chemiluminescence detection. This methodology utilizes a mixture of cytochrome c and luminol as post-column hydroperoxide group specific luminescent reagents. The cellular hydroperoxide content increased with age from 0.34 to 27.72 pmol/10(6) cells. At the end of the cells' in vitro lifespan (51st population doubling level), the hydroperoxide content per 10(6) cells reached about 80 times the level found in cells of the 20th population doubling level. Supplementation of exogenous alpha-tocopherol to the culture medium prevented hydroperoxide accumulation, but did not extend the lifespan in vitro. The results indicate that substantial intracellular phospholipid hydroperoxide accumulation occurred in the course of aging of human fetal diploid fibroblasts.