Role of albumin and high-density lipoprotein as endotoxin-binding proteins in rats with acute and chronic alcohol loading

In the present study, the role of albumin and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) as endotoxin (Et)-binding proteins in chronically alcohol-fed rats was studied. In acute ethanol-loaded rats, the Et clearance in the blood was slightly prolonged, and the amount of albumin and HDL- bound Et in the blood was markedly increased. In chronic ethanol-loaded rats, the Et clearance was significantly faster than that in the control, and HDL-bound Et was increased. In the chronic ethanol-fed rats with an additional 5 g/kg body weight of ethanol load, the Et clearance was much prolonged, and blood tumor necrosis factor and ALT was elevated, when HDL-bound Et was not further increased. Et-binding capacity of total proteins, albumin, and HDL in the hepatocyte culture medium were increased when the Kupffer cells were preincubated in the medium containing ethanol, and the resultant culture supernatant was added to the hepatocyte culture system. In the culture experiment in the chronic ethanol-loaded rats, such increases were not observed. These results suggest that the increase in Et-binding capacity of HDL and albumin may serve as a protective mechanism against Et in chronic ethanol-loaded rats. An addition of high-dose ethanol to these rats may lead to impaired Et binding and inactivation, which may finally result in increased endotoxicity.

[Structure of the histamine H1 receptor gene and transcriptional up-regulation of the H1 receptor]

Genomic clones of rat, guinea pig and human histamine H1 receptors were isolated with bovine H1 receptor cDNA used as a probe. They were all intronless genes. Amino acid sequence homologies among H1 receptors from four species were high in transmembrane domains and intracellular regions adjacent to membrane domains. The human H1 receptor gene was located in the chromosome 3p25. Four polyadenylation signals were found in the 3' noncoding region. TATA box and CACCC sequences, AP-1 binding site-like, AP-2 binding and NF-GMb binding sequences and many other binding sequences for inducers were found in the 5' noncoding region. Two H1 receptor mRNA bands with 3.0- and 3.5-kilobases were expressed in human peripheral tissues. The 5' noncoding region of the human H1 receptor gene possessed promoter activity, and the activity was enhanced 2.5-times by a protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester. H1 receptors in HeLa cells were time- and dose-dependently up-regulated by phorbol ester. This up-regulation was involved in the activation of the H1 receptor gene expression.

0/w-emulsion of alpha-linolenic acid stabilized with hydrophobized polysaccharide. Its effect on the growth of human colon cancer cells

To pursue a systemic administration of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a selective cytotoxic agent, we formulated an ALA o/w-emulsion stabilized by cholesterol-bearing pullulan (CHP-55-2.1) and trioctanoylglyceride (TriC8). This emulsion was stable even in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Peroxidation of ALA was drastically depressed by the emulsification using CHP. In addition, cytotoxic effect of the CHP/ALA/TriC8-emulsion against human colon cancer cell (RPM14788) was much higher than that of free ALA. However, no significant difference was observed in cell internalization efficiency of ALA between the two. These results suggest that difference in the cytotoxicity between the CHP/ALA/TriC8-emulsion and free ALA may come from difference in the intracellular behavior of ALA.

Safety profile of porcine factor VIII and its use as hospital and home-therapy for patients with haemophilia-A and inhibitors: the results of an international survey

A multicentre retrospective survey was conducted to re-assess the use of porcine factor VIII (HYATE:C), its side effects and the selection of patients for regular or home-therapy. 15,152,000 units of HYATE:C were used by 154 patients. The median inhibitor cross-reactivity to porcine VIIIC of 137 patients was 15%, 27% of patients lacking cross-reactivity. An absent, intermediate or brisk specific antiporcine anamnestic response was observed in 29, 40 and 31% of patients respectively. Seven patients were treated on-demand as home-therapy for a median 6.2, range 1.5-13 years, 23 further patients were treated regularly in hospital for a median of 3, range 2-7 years. This group used 8,319,000 U of porcine VIIIC for 2,000 bleeding episodes. The incidence of transfusion reactions was 0.001%, 0.64% and 2.3%, for domiciliary infusions, infusions in multiply treated in-patients, and unselected in-patient infusions, respectively. The risk of reactions was dose-related. A post-infusion fall in platelet count was common, but usually transient and clinically insignificant. This was also dose-related (r = -0.64, p = 0.002). Marked reductions in platelet count were occasionally seen, usually with intensive replacement therapy. The relative lack of side effects observed amongst patients treated at home is attributable to the low, median 33 U/kg, dose used by this group. A subgroup of inhibitor patients, identifiable by their absent or modest anamnestic response to porcine factor VIII may be treated regularly and safely with this product in small doses, over a period of years.

Bystander effect caused by suicide gene expression indicates the feasibility of gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

In the field of gene therapy using retroviral vectors, it appears impossible to introduce a foreign gene into all target cells. Therefore adjacent cell killing, the socalled bystander effect, caused by genetically modified cells provides therapeutic advantages for gene therapy against cancers. We retrovirally transduced the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) gene into murine and rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. These HSV-tk gene-transduced HCC cells were cocultured with the corresponding parental cells in the presence of ganciclovir, at a concentration not at all cytotoxic to the parental cells. When parental HCC cells were cocultured with their HSV-tk gene-transduced counterparts at a high density at which most cells were in contact with one another, they were markedly eliminated. Conversely, when cocultured at a low density at which none of the cells were in contact, a weak but statistically significant bystander effect was observed. Addition of lysates of HSV-tk gene-transduced cells in the presence of ganciclovir did not cause and killing of parental cells. Furthermore, media conditioned by transduced cells with ganciclovir exhibited weak cytotoxic effects on parental cells. These results indicate that cell-cell contact plays a major causative role in the bystander effect and that minor contributors to this phenomenon are some cytotoxic substance released from transduced cells. Importantly, the bystander effect was induced in vivo as well as in vitro. When mixtures of transduced and untransduced HCC cells were implanted into the flank region of mice, intraperitoneal ganciclovir administration considerably inhibited tumor development, indicating the feasibility of gene therapy with HSV-tk gene and ganciclovir against HCC.

Natural infection with attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (O 103:H-) in chicks

The existence of natural infection with attaching and effacing Escherichia coli (AEEC) in chicks was reported. Numerous Gram-negative bacilli were attached to the enterocyte in association with lesions characterized on a wavy appearance of the mucosal surface in the intestines of six chicks. Immunohistochemically, these bacteria reacted positively with antiserum to Escherichia coli (O 103). By electron microscopy, numerous colibacilli were seen to be closely attached to the surface membranes of the enterocytes. In regions of bacterial attachment, almost all cell microvilli were effaced, and some of the remaining ones were elongated and/or disoriented. Part of the cell membrane formed a cup invagination and pedestal-like protrusion associated with the attached bacteria. A concentration of electron-dense material was seen beneath the adherent organisms. Bacteriologically, numerous E. coli (O 103:H-) were isolated from the jejunal contents of two chicks and the E. coli did not produce verotoxin or enterotoxin. The characteristic lesions could also be induced in the cecal mucosa of young chicks experimentally inoculated with the isolated E. coli. This is the first report of natural infection in chicks with AEEC.

Interaction of Kupffer cells to splenic macrophages and hepatocytes in endotoxin clearance: effect of alcohol

An additional administration of high dose ethanol to chronic alcohol-fed rats led to a decrease in endotoxin clearance and an increase in endotoxin accumulation in the spleen accompanied by an elevation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) levels in the portal vein. Endotoxin uptake and TNF production by Kupffer cells (KC) and splenic macrophages in the chronic ethanol load rats were significantly greater than those in the control rats. When these cells were precultured in the medium containing 10 to 100 mmol/L ethanol, the endotoxin uptake and TNF production of KC were decreased. However, this did not affect the endotoxin uptake and TNF production of splenic macrophages. The hepatic production of endotoxin binding protein was increased when KC were preincubated in the medium containing ethanol and the resultant culture supernatant was added to the hepatocyte culture system. This endotoxin binding protein was proved to enhance the uptake of endotoxin and suppressed the production of TNF in the KC. When KC and hepatocytes were isolated from chronically alcohol-fed rats, further addition of ethanol to the culture medium of KC did not affect the hepatic production of endotoxin binding protein. The increase in hepatic production of endotoxin binding protein may serve as a defence mechanism against endotoxicity. There is a possibility that an impairment of this defence mechanism has a pivotal role in the development of endotoxaemia and endotoxicity in chronic alcoholics.

Relationship between sandblasting and composite resin-alloy bond strength by a silica coating

Modification of alloys for resin-bonded fixed partial dentures has been suspect since the introduction of the conservative procedure. This study investigated the effect of sandblasting on composite resin-alloy bond strengths with the Silicoating technique. Ag-Pd and Ni-Cr alloys were prepared for casting. The specimens then were sandblasted with 37 microns or 250 microns Al2O3 particles under the following conditions: 3 kg/cm2 for 30 seconds; 5 kg/cm2 for 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 45 seconds; and 7 kg/cm2 for 30 seconds. After each sandblasting treatment, the surfaces of the alloys were examined with the scanning electron microscope and the wettability of the alloy surfaces was measured. After sandblasting, the alloy surface was silica-coated, and light-cured composite resin then was bonded to the alloy. Specimens were divided, stored in dry air for 1 week, and thermocycled from 4 degrees to 60 degrees C for 10(4) cycles. Bond strength was measured by applying compressive shear stress. It was found that sandblasting made the alloy-water contact angle smaller and wettability greater. The adhesive strength of composite resins with alloys was influenced by sandblasting.

Mobilization of gastric histamine during repeated administration of a proton potassium adenosine triphosphatase inhibitor in intact and antrectomized rats

Intact and antrectomized female rats were treated with the potent proton pump inhibitor, E3810 (daily 40 mg/kg weight, s.c.) for 4 weeks. Plasma gastrin concentration and urinary excretion of N-terminal big gastrin increased until day 14 and persisted at a high level in intact rats treated with E3810, but did not increase in antrectomized rats. Urinary excretion of histamine increased progressively and reached 7 times the control value following 4 weeks of treatment with E3810 in intact rats, but not in antrectomized rats. At the termination of the treatment, the endocrine cell density in the oxyntic mucosa of intact rats had increased by 85% with increased histamine content and elevated histidine decarboxylase activity, while antrectomized rats showed a low histamine level and low histidine decarboxylase activity. Administration of gastrin-17 I (10 micrograms/kg weight, sc) itself caused a significant increase in urinary excretion of histamine, which was inhibited by the specific gastrin receptor antagonist, L-365,260. These results suggests that the massive urinary excretion of histamine caused by the treatment with E3810 reflects gastrin-induced mobilization of gastric histamine and that neither E3810 itself nor E3810-induced luminal pH elevation has direct effects on mobilization of oxyntic mucosal histamine.

Interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with hemophilia or von Willebrand's disease in Japan

Seven patients with chronic hepatitis C, six hemophiliacs and a patient with von Willebrand's disease, were treated with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). Either 9 MU of recombinant IFN-alpha 2a or 3 MU of lymphoblastoid alpha-IFN was administered daily for 2 weeks and then three times a week for 22 weeks. Liver histology, hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes, and HCV-RNA levels in sera were investigated in all of the patients before IFN therapy was instituted. Liver histology was classified by the European classification. HCV genotyping conformed to the so-called Okamoto's classification. HCV-RNA levels in sera were quantitated by competitive polymerase chain reaction, using mutant RNA. Liver histology, HCV genotype, and serum HCV-RNA level (copies/ml) in each patient were: patient 1, chronic persistent hepatitis, type II, 3 x 10(3) respectively; patient 2, chronic active hepatitis (CAH) 2a, type III, 6 x 10(4); patient 3, CAH2a, type IV, 2 x 10(5); patient 4, CAH2b, type I, 2 x 10(7); patient 5, CAH2b, type II, 8 x 10(4); patient 6, CAH2b, type III, 7 x 10(6); and patient 7, CAH2b, type IV, 1 x 10(7). Sustained elimination of HCV was achieved in patient 3 and temporary elimination was achieved in patients 1 and 2. The other patients showed persistent HCV-RNA positivity in sera both during and after IFN treatment. Poor responsiveness to IFN was observed in patients with relatively progressive liver histology and high levels of HCV viremia.

Helicobacter pylori increases gene expression of hepatocyte growth factor in human gastric mucosa

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces hyperproliferation of the gastric mucosa. This study was designed to clarify whether H. pylori infection is involved in the gene expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent stimulator of cell proliferation in gastric mucosa. Levels of HGF mRNA were determined by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in endoscopic gastric biopsy specimens from 9 control subjects and 9 patients with H. pylori infection. In patients with H. pylori infection, levels of HGF mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly higher than those in control subjects. HGF mRNA levels in patients with H. pylori infection were correlated with the severity of gastric mucosal inflammation. Our observations indicate that H. pylori infection increases the expression of HGF gene in gastric mucosa probably through the mucosal inflammation.

Purification and characterization of [3H]mepyramine (histamine H1 antagonist)-binding protein from rat liver: a highly homologous protein with cytochrome P450 2D

A protein having a high-affinity binding site for [3H]mepyramine (MBP) was purified to homogeneity from rat liver membranes. The purified MBP has a single type of binding site for [3H]mepyramine with Kd value of 18.5 nM, and its molecular weight was determined to be 56,000 by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amino acid sequences of twelve tryptic peptides derived from MBP are highly homologous with those of rat debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase (cytochrome P450 2D1) and other rat P450 2D subfamily members. In immunoblotting analysis, an antibody against rat P450 2D1 stained a band corresponding to MBP with Mr of 56,000; its migration position was clearly different from that of rat P450 2D1. Substrates and inhibitors of debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase potently displace [3H]-mepyramine binding to MBP. Quinine and quinidine showed 400 and 80 times, respectively, higher affinity for MBP than for debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase. These results suggest that MBP is a novel P450 2D family member.

Expression of the histamine H1 receptor gene in relation to atherosclerosis

Histamine in serum and arterial tissue contributes to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the formation of coronary artery vasospasm. As the effect of histamine at a given site will be mediated by its specific receptors, we investigated by in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis the expression and localization of human histamine H1 receptor mRNA in the arterial wall and in cultured human aortic intimal smooth muscle cells (SMC) and immortalized SMC (ISS10) and endothelial cells (SE1). In situ hybridization showed that SMC and endothelial cells expressed H1 receptor mRNA in vivo and that the expression was increased in SMC in the thickened intima of atherosclerotic foci in both the aorta and coronary artery. By Northern blot analysis, we also detected histamine H1 receptor mRNA in cultured SMC, ISS10, and SE1 and found that platelet-derived growth factor stimulated SMC to increase their expression of the mRNA in vitro. These results suggest that up-regulation of histamine H1 receptor expression by platelet-derived growth factor plays an important role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

A case of early gastric malignant lymphoma diagnosed and completely resected by strip biopsy

A case of early gastric malignant lymphoma definitively diagnosed by strip biopsy is reported. The subsequent operation revealed that the strip biopsy had resulted in radical resection. A 55-year-old woman visited our hospital for detailed examination of a small gastric lesion. Histologic findings of the specimens obtained by conventional forceps biopsy indicated reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, although the possibility of malignant lymphoma was not completely ruled out. Strip biopsy was, therefore, performed to establish a definitive diagnosis. Histopathological examinations of the strip biopsy specimen revealed definitive findings of malignant lymphoma, which was B-cell phenotype immunocytochemically. The margin of the resected specimen was free of invasion by malignant lymphoma and no lymph node involvement was suggested by endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and gallium scintigram. Subtotal gastrectomy was subsequently performed to rule out the possibility of remaining malignant lymphoma cells. It was proven that the strip biopsy removed the lesion completely and no perigastric lymph nodes were involved. While is still controversial as to whether strip biopsy should be adopted for the radical resection of early gastric lymphoma, this procedure can definitely provide excellent specimens for the accurate diagnosis of gastric malignant lymphoma and probably for group III lesions in the stomach.

Endotoxin inactivating action of plasma in patients with liver cirrhosis

The endotoxin inactivating action of plasma was evaluated in 62 patients with cirrhosis and 10 healthy subjects. Endotoxin from E. coli 0111:B4 was added to each plasma sample to a final concentration of 250 pg/ml and the percentage loss of endotoxin activity by incubation (37 degrees C for 1 h) was calculated as the endotoxin inactivating rate. The plasma endotoxin inactivating rate in cirrhotics was significantly greater than that in healthy subjects, although patients with Child C cirrhosis and marked hyperbilirubinemia had a significantly lower endotoxin inactivating rate than other cirrhotics. The plasma endotoxin inactivating rate was positively correlated to serum HDL-cholesterol levels. In patients with Child A and Child B cirrhosis, the endotoxin inactivating rate was positively correlated to the endotoxin binding capacity of plasma albumin. The present results support the assumption that the plasma of cirrhotics has a high endotoxin inactivating capacity. Its decrease may augment endotoxicity in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis.

Determination of histidine decarboxylase mRNA in various rat tissues by the polymerase chain reaction

Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) mRNA in various rat tissues were quantitated by using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in which a mouse mRNA was used as an internal standard. The stomach HDC mRNA level was the highest followed by the brain, skin, jejunum, spleen and liver. There was no measurable HDC mRNA in the kidney. The stomach HDC activity was also the highest followed by the brain, skin, spleen, jejunum, liver and kidney. A significant correlation (r = 0.940, p < 0.0001) was observed between the HDC mRNA levels and HDC activities in these tissues. We have also examined the HDC mRNA levels in fasting rats and found that HDC mRNA levels in the stomach were reduced after the 48-hr-fasting with the decrease in HDC activities. These observations indicate that there may exist a gene regulation, at least at the basal level, for the HDC activities in the rats.