The effect of neuropeptides/hormones on Langerhans cells

Neuropeptides/hormones have been shown to regulate the various functions of many immunocompetent cells. A number of neuropeptides/hormones has been demonstrated to be present in the skin and a close anatomical association between calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-containing nerves and Langerhans cells (LC) has been reported. In addition to the CGRP receptor, receptors for several neuropeptides including pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) and gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) are found on LC, suggesting these neuropeptides might have some effects on LC. CGRP inhibits alloantigen presentation and stimulation of a specific-antigen responsive T-cell clone by LC. Pre-treatment of LC with CGRP also inhibits the elicitation of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in tumor immune mice. Upregulation of B7-2 expression on LC is suppressed by CGRP, which might be, in part, responsible for the inhibitory effect of CGRP in the functional assay. The production of some inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 by LC-like cell line XS52 is regulated by CGRP and the functional effect of CGRP appears to be at least partially mediated through the autocrine regulation of IL-10. Alpha-MSH is another neuropeptide, the effect of which has been well studied in the cutaneous immune system. Pre-treatment of mice with alpha-MSH produces inhibitory effects in contact hypersensitivity (CHS). IL-10 has been suggested to be involved in the inhibitory effect of alpha-MSH. The receptors and the functional effects of other proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides including beta-endorphin and catecholamines on LC are under investigation.

Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism due to multiple adenomas associated with ossifying jaw fibroma and multiple uterine adenomyomatous polyps

We describe three siblings with hyperparathyroidism due to multiple parathyroid adenomas without evidence of other endocrinological abnormalities. A 22-year-old woman had two parathyroid adenomas complicated by multiple ossifying jaw fibromas. Her sister, aged 29, also suffered from primary hyperparathyroidism associated with two parathyroid adenomas one of which was also suspected to be a carcinoma. These two female patients had unusual multiple small uterine polyps, which were diagnosed as adenomyomatous polyps. Their brother, aged 17, had two parathyroid adenomas complicated by urolithiasis. These three patients are characterized by young adult-onset familial isolated hyperparathyroidism due to multiple adenomas with various complications including ossifying jaw fibroma and uterine adenomyomatous polyps. These clinical features are different from those of familial hyperparathyroidism associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Serum concentrations of carboxyterminal propeptide of type 1 procollogen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 in patients with dermatomyositis

Serum levels of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) have been used as indices of collagen synthesis in patients with various fibrotic diseases during the active stages. One of the suggested contributory factors to the development of tissue fibrosis is a decrease in collagenase activity, which may be related to levels of serum tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1). In this study, the serum levels of PICP and PINP in 20 patients with dermatomyositis and 29 control subjects and of TIMP-1 in 29 patients with dermatomyositis and 29 control subjects were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or a radioimmunoassay (RIA). We found that the mean PICP level in patients with dermatomyositis was significantly higher than that in normal controls (mean +/- SD 326+/-76 ng/ml vs 135+/-88 ng/ml; P < 0.001). In 60% of dermatomyositis patients, the serum PICP level was elevated (more than 311 ng/ml, i.e. 2 x SD above the mean control value). Elevated serum PICP levels were correlated with the incidence of elevated serum creatine kinase levels in patients with dermatomyositis. The serum concentration of PINP was not elevated in comparison with that of the normal control subjects (mean +/- SD 36+/-30 ng/ml vs 63+/-34 ng/ ml). The mean TIMP-1 level in the patients with dermatomyositis was also significantly higher than in the normal control subjects (mean +/- SD 438+/-328 ng/ml vs 163+/-63 ng/ml; P < 0.001). In 59% of dermatomyositis patients, the mean serum TIMP-1 level was elevated (more than 289 ng/ml, i.e. 2 x SD above the mean control value). Serum PICP and TIMP-1 levels might be useful for detecting disease activity or severity in dermatomyositis.

Distinctive dermatoscopic features of acral lentiginous melanoma in situ from plantar melanocytic nevi and their histopathologic correlation

BACKGROUND

An acral lentiginous melanoma in situ on the sole is often difficult to differentiate with the naked eye from an acquired plantar melanocytic nevus. Recent technical advances in epiluminescence microscopy have contributed to the differentiation of these two pigmented skin lesions.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the correlation between dermatoscopic and histopathologic findings of acral lentiginous melanoma in situ on the sole are compared to those of acquired plantar melanocytic nevi.

METHODS

Three acral lentiginous melanomas in situ on the sole, and two cases of acral lentiginous melanoma were compared with 50 acquired plantar melanocytic nevi by means of dermatoscopy and histopathology.

RESULTS

The dermatoscopic surface profiles of acquired melanocytic nevi were composed of linear pigmentation accentuated mainly on the sulcus superficialis. Histologically, some areas of the sulcus superficialis corresponded to rete ridges of the epidermis, and nests of nevus cells were also often located there. In contrast, the acral lentiginous melanomas in situ showed diffuse, irregularly shaped pigmentation distributed in a disorderly fashion over the entire surface. Histologically, isolated areas of proliferation and small nest formations of atypical melanocytes were irregularly distributed in the epidermis.

CONCLUSION

A distinctive dermatoscopic feature of acral lentiginous melanoma in situ is diffuse and irregular pigmentation over the entire surface of the lesion. This feature is helpful for differentiating acral lentiginous melanoma in situ from acquired plantar melanocytic nevi.

DNA analysis of a grandfather-father-son relationship from 300-year-old remains of the Date clan in Japan

The grandfather-father-son relationship of the first three lords of the Date clan in Japan was ascertained by HLA-DNA sequencing analysis. From their hairs and dried lung tissue found in ca. 300-year-old remains, DNA was extracted with usual phenol-chloroform method followed by purification with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Two HLA class II genes, HLA-DQA1 and -DPB1, were amplified by seminested, or dual/triple PCR. The PCR products were cloned and analyzed by automated sequencing. Since the three lords shared a haplotype of DQA1*0301-DPB1*0402, we concluded that there is no inconsistency in their lineage. This is the first case of biological evidence for a historical Samurai family relationship in the 17-18th centuries.

High seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with systemic sclerosis: association with esophageal involvement

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and clinical relevance of Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from 124 patients with SSc (67 with limited cutaneous SSc, 57 with diffuse cutaneous SSc). Fifty samples from age and sex matched individuals were used as controls. IgG antibodies to H. pylori infection were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

IgG antibodies to H. pylori were found in 55.6% (69 of 124) of the patients with SSc, significantly more than in the controls. There was a significant correlation of the presence of antibodies to H. pylori with the prevalence of esophageal hypomotility in the patients with SSc (p < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Patients with SSc have H. pylori infection at a higher prevalence than the general population. H. pylori might play a role in the development of esophageal dysfunction in SSc.

Low concentrations of adenosine receptor blocker decrease protection by hypoxic preconditioning in ischemic rat hearts

A role for adenosine in ischemic preconditioning and hypoxic preconditioning (HP) has been established in several species but is controversial in rats, due in part to the inconsistency of the data from the different experimental design. Our objective was to investigate the role of adenosine in the protection of the ischemic myocardium by HP in rats.

METHODS

perfused hearts isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 5 min of hypoxic perfusion before 25 min of global ischemia followed by 20 min of reperfusion. The effects of adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-(p-sulfophenyl)-theophylline (8SPT) on HP-based changes in left-ventricular function, energy metabolites, and release of creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined. To minimise non-specific effects of 8SPT, low concentrations of agent (0.5 or 1.0 micro mol/l) were used.

RESULTS

8SPT alone had no deleterious effects on normoxically perfused hearts or on ischemic/reperfused hearts. HP improved the recovery of LV function and creatine phosphate, and reduced the release of enzymes during reperfusion. 8SPT (1.0 micromol/l) ameliorated the beneficial effect of HP on cardiac function, but did not reverse the reduction in release of enzymes by HP completely.

CONCLUSION

results suggest that the protective effect of HP on myocardial contractile function may be mediated by receptor(s) that can be inhibited by low concentrations of antagonist but may not have a primary role in the reduction of cellular damage by HP in rats.

Two major antigenic polypeptides of molluscum contagiosum virus

A library of molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) transferred into the cowpox vector expression system was screened with 12 sera from molluscum patients. Two recombinant proteins of 70 and 34 kDa were detected by immunoblotting and mapped to the open-reading frames MC133L and MC084L, respectively. Consensus sites were found between the C-terminus of the 70-kDa MCV protein and the 14-kDa fusion protein of vaccinia and variola virus, and between the 34-kDa MCV protein and the 37.5-kDa viral membrane-associated protein of vaccinia and variola virus. Rabbit antisera against these two proteins were prepared. An immunofluorescence study demonstrated that the 70- and 34-kDa proteins were predominantly expressed on the surface of recombinant virus-infected HeLa cells, indicating the potential to be inserted into the membrane. On immunoelectron microscopy, antiserum against 70-kDa protein showed significant labeling of the MCV membrane, while the antiserum against 34-kDa protein failed to do so.

Increased production of interleukin 6 and interleukin 8 in scleroderma fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

To determine additional abnormal characteristics related to cytokines in fibroblasts derived from systemic sclerosis (SSc), we examined the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 and their mRNA levels both in scleroderma fibroblasts and in those from normal skin.

METHODS

Cultured fibroblasts from patients with SSc and healthy controls were examined. Production of IL-6 and IL-8 was assessed by specific ELISA, and the levels of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Basal production of both IL-6 and IL-8 was significantly increased in scleroderma fibroblasts compared with controls. When cells were stimulated with either IL-1beta (50 pg/ml) or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha: 10 ng/ml), the production of IL-6 and IL-8 was predominantly increased in both cell strains and there was no significant difference in the production of IL-6 and IL-8 between them. When normal fibroblasts were stimulated with IL-1beta for 48 h and subcultured, both IL-6 and IL-8 production were significantly increased, and production remained elevated even after 3 passages. RT-PCR revealed that IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA were detected in scleroderma fibroblasts but not in normal skin fibroblasts without cytokine stimulation. When stimulated with IL-1beta, both cell strains expressed IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA to almost the same extent.

CONCLUSION

Increased production of IL-6 and IL-8 by scleroderma fibroblasts suggests that these cells may have been stimulated by certain cytokines in vivo.

Molecular cloning of plant spermidine synthases

Four cDNAs for spermidine synthase (SPDS), which converts the diamine putrescine to the higher polyamine spermidine using decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine as the co-factor, were isolated from Nicotiana sylvestris, Hyoscyamus niger, and Arabidopsis thaliana. When the N.sylvestris SPDS cDNA was expressed in a SPDS-deficient E. coli mutant, the recombinant protein showed high SPDS activity, but did not have any spermine synthase activity. The plant SPDSs have molecular masses of about 34 kDa, possess the co-factor binding motifs which have been proposed for S-adenosylmethionine, and are more homologous in amino acid sequence to tobacco putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT) than to SPDSs from mammals and E. coli. The SPDS gene is expressed in root, stem, and leaf in N.sylvestris, whereas the PMT gene is expressed only in root. The potential evolution of plant SPDS and PMT, and their evolutionary relationships with animal SPDS are discussed.

Circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the sera of patients with systemic sclerosis: enhancement by inflammatory cytokines

We measured serum levels of circulating intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (cICAM-1) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and normal controls. The levels of cICAM-1 were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera from 88 patients with SSc and in 20 healthy controls. In addition, these levels were examined in the supernatants of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and dermal fibroblasts from 10 patients with SSc and 10 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of cICAM-1 were significantly higher in patients with SSc than in healthy controls. Serum cICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) than in patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). These serum levels were correlated with the presence of contracture of phalanges, pulmonary fibrosis, joint involvement and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The release of cICAM-1 was significantly increased in the supernatants of cultured PBMC from patients with SSc. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines (interferon-gamma, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) enhanced the release of cICAM-1 in vitro in SSc cells. These findings suggest that cICAM-1 may be involved in immune reactions in this disease.

Distribution of anti-p80-coilin autoantibody in collagen diseases and various skin diseases

Anti-p80-coilin antibody produces a unique pattern of immunofluorescence staining called nuclear dots characterized by the presence of up to six discrete nuclear bodies in interphase cell nuclei. The distribution of this antibody and its clinical relevance have not been established. We studied the prevalence of anti-p80-coilin antibody in the sera from 810 patients with collagen diseases and various skin diseases. Five sera showed the nuclear dot pattern by indirect immunofluorescence on an HEp-2 cell substrate, and reacted by immunoblotting with 80-kDa protein in a nuclear extract from HeLa cells. Four of these sera were from patients with localized scleroderma, and the other was from a patient with primary Raynaud's phenomenon. The patients with localized scleroderma who were positive for anti-p80-coilin antibody had all been classified as having linear scleroderma. They had only one or two lesions, and were negative for antihistone and anti-single-stranded DNA antibodies. Our data indicate that anti-p80-coilin antibody is uncommon in skin diseases: however, this antibody is present in patients with a milder form of linear scleroderma, although the incidence of positivity may not be high.

Prevalence and clinical relevance of 52-kDa and 60-kDa Ro/SS-A autoantibodies in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of 52-Kda and 60-Kda Ro/SS-A autoantibodies in serum samples from Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

Serum samples from 263 Japanese patients with SSc were examined by double immunodiffusion and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

By double immunodiffusion, 29 serum samples from patients with SSc were found to possess anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies. By ELISA, 31 serum samples were positive for anti-Ro52 and/or anti-Ro60. Of 27 serum samples that were positive by both methods, 15 reacted with both Ro52 and Ro60, five with Ro52 alone, and seven with Ro60 alone. Eleven of 12 patients with both anti-Ro52 and anti-Ro60 and all five patients with anti-Ro52 alone had Sjögren's syndrome, while only one of six patients with anti-Ro60 alone had this disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-Ro52 may be a serological marker for the presence of Sjögren's syndrome in anti-Ro/SS-A-positive patients with SSc.

Phosphorylation of Ser465 and Ser467 in the C terminus of Smad2 mediates interaction with Smad4 and is required for transforming growth factor-beta signaling

Members of the Smad family of intracellular signal transducers are essential for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) to exert its multifunctional effects. After activation of TGF-beta receptors, Smad2 and Smad3 become phosphorylated and form heteromeric complexes with Smad4. Thereafter, these activated Smad complexes translocate to the nucleus, where they may direct transcriptional responses. Here we report that TGF-beta mediates phosphorylation of Smad2 at two serine residues in the C terminus, i.e. Ser465 and Ser467, which are phosphorylated in an obligate order; phosphorylation of Ser465 requires that Ser467 be phosphorylated. Transfection of Smad2 with mutation of Ser465 and/or Ser467 to alanine residues into Mv1Lu cells resulted in dominant-negative inhibition of TGF-beta signaling. These Smad2 mutants were found to stably interact with an activated TGF-beta receptor complex, in contrast to wild-type Smad2, which interacts only transiently. Mutation of Ser465 and Ser467 in Smad2 abrogated complex formation of this mutant with Smad4 and blocked the nuclear accumulation not only of Smad2, but also of Smad4. Thus, heteromeric complex formation of Smad2 with Smad4 is required for nuclear translocation of Smad4. Moreover, peptides from the C terminus of Smad2 containing phosphorylated Ser465 and Ser467 were found to bind Smad4 in vitro, whereas the corresponding unphosphorylated peptides were less effective. Thus, phosphorylated Ser465 and Ser467 in Smad2 may provide a recognition site for interaction with Smad4, and phosphorylation of these sites is a key event in Smad2 activation.

Reproduction of excursive tooth contact in an articulator with computerized axiography data

PURPOSE

This study assessed the reproduction of excursive tooth contacts with a SAM2 "P" articulator set up with the aid of computerized axiography.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Articulator excursive tooth contacts were compared with intraoral excursive contacts identified with occlusogram wax. The maxillary casts were mounted with a kinematic face-bow, and the mandibular cast was oriented to the intercuspal position. The articulator was set using information obtained from computerized axiography. Protrusion and laterotrusion to the left and right sides were examined. The first 4 mm of excursive tooth contacts in the occlusogram were compared with the 4 mm of excursive tooth contacts in the articulator.

RESULTS

The articulator reproduced 82% of the teeth with protrusive tooth contacts and 90% of the teeth with laterotrusive tooth contacts. The exact locations of excursive tooth contacts were reproduced in 66% of protrusive contacts and 81% of laterotrusive contacts. The articulator also created additional eccentric dental contacts that were not originally present in the occlusogram. Twenty percent of the subjects showed these additional contacts during protrusion; in lateral movement of the articulator these additional contacts were present in 27% to the left side and 20% to the right. Clinically, these findings suggest that there are limits to the ability of the articulator to reproduce excursive tooth contacts. These limitations should be kept in mind when an articulator is used for diagnostic and restorative dental procedures.

A rapid typing system at three STR loci from bloodstains using a simple DNA extraction kit and capillary electrophoresis

A rapid typing method for STR analysis from bloodstains was devised. DNA from three-year-old bloodstains of six individuals was extracted with a cationic detergent in a newly-released kit. Amounts of DNA extracted by the kit were 16.2 +/- 1.8 ng from 10 microliters of fresh blood samples. DNA was also extracted from bloodstains of three months and three years left at room temperature, and amounts of extracted DNA were estimated at 2.2 +/- 1.0 ng and 0.1 +/- 0.1 ng, respectively. The PCR mixture supplied with the kit, plus three sets of fluorescently labeled primers, were directly added to the tube used for DNA extraction. The amplified products were then analyzed by capillary electrophoresis, and the obtained data were automatically sized and typed using computer software. Three genotypes of all bloodstains except one sample at a single locus were determined correctly as those of freshly collected blood from the same individuals although some stains contained no more than 0.1 ng. Using this typing system, we were able to type three STR loci, HUMTH01, HUMF13A1 and HUMFES/FPS, from a single bloodstain within five hours. This typing is particularly useful for forensic practice.

Cutaneous lupus mucinosis: a review of our cases and the possible pathogenesis

Cutaneous lupus mucinosis (CLM) is a rare variant of lupus erythematosus eruptions. Our 5 cases with CLM were reviewed. All were men with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). CLM occurred as asymptomatic cutaneous papules, nodules, or plaques on the trunk, upper and lower extremities, and face. Histopathology of CLM mainly revealed abundant mucin deposits among splayed collagen bundles throughout the dermis. However, some CLM lesions showed discoid lupus erythematosus-like epidermal and dermal changes and/or lupus profundus. Vasculitis was also revealed in the CLM lesions of 2 cases. The pathogenesis of CLM may be closely related to its two important features, the male preponderance and the association with SLE. Vasculopathy may also be involved in the development of CLM.

TGF-beta receptor-mediated signalling through Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4

Smad family members are newly identified essential intracellular signalling components of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Smad2 and Smad3 are structurally highly similar and mediate TGF-beta signals. Smad4 is distantly related to Smads 2 and 3, and forms a heteromeric complex with Smad2 after TGF-beta or activin stimulation. Here we show that Smad2 and Smad3 interacted with the kinase-deficient TGF-beta type I receptor (TbetaR)-I after it was phosphorylated by TbetaR-II kinase. TGF-beta1 induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in Mv1Lu mink lung epithelial cells. Smad4 was found to be constitutively phosphorylated in Mv1Lu cells, the phosphorylation level remaining unchanged upon TGF-beta1 stimulation. Similar results were obtained using HSC4 cells, which are also growth-inhibited by TGF-beta. Smads 2 and 3 interacted with Smad4 after TbetaR activation in transfected COS cells. In addition, we observed TbetaR-activation-dependent interaction between Smad2 and Smad3. Smads 2, 3 and 4 accumulated in the nucleus upon TGF-beta1 treatment in Mv1Lu cells, and showed a synergistic effect in a transcriptional reporter assay using the TGF-beta-inducible plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter. Dominant-negative Smad3 inhibited the transcriptional synergistic response by Smad2 and Smad4. These data suggest that TGF-beta induces heteromeric complexes of Smads 2, 3 and 4, and their concomitant translocation to the nucleus, which is required for efficient TGF-beta signal transduction.

Testosterone suppresses anti-DNA antibody production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To study the in vitro effect of testosterone on anti-DNA antibody production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in order to elucidate its regulatory role in SLE.

METHODS

PBMC from SLE patients were cultured with testosterone. IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, total IgG, and cytokine activity in the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Testosterone suppressed both IgG anti-dsDNA antibody and total IgG production in PBMC from SLE patients. Antibody production in B cells was also suppressed by testosterone, although the magnitude of its effect on B cells was lower than that on PBMC. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) partially restored the testosterone-induced decrease in antibody levels in PBMC. Testosterone reduced IL-6 production in monocytes.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that testosterone may directly suppress anti-DNA antibody production in PBMC from SLE patients by inhibiting B cell hyperactivity and, indirectly, by down-regulating IL-6 production in monocytes. These results support the therapeutic effects of testosterone on SLE.