Antihypertensive actions of methylripariochromene A from Orthosiphon aristatus, an Indonesian traditional medicinal plant

Methylripariochromene A (MRC) was isolated from the leaves of Orthosiphon aristatus (Lamiaceae) and subjected to the examination of several pharmacological actions related to antihypertensive activity. The following four findings were revealed from the present study: 1) MRC caused a continuous decrease in systolic blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate after subcutaneous administration in conscious male SHRSP, 2) MRC exhibited the concentration-dependent suppression of contractions induced by high K+, l-phenylephrine or prostaglandin F2alpha in endothelium-denuded rat thoracic aorta, 3) MRC showed a marked suppression of contractile force without a significant reduction in the beating rate in isolated bilateral guinea pig atria, and 4) MRC increased urinary volume and the excretion of Na+, K+ and Cl- for 3 h after oral administration with a load of saline in fasted rats. These findings indicate that MRC possesses some actions related to a decrease in blood pressure, i.e. vasodilating action, a decrease in cardiac output and diuretic action. Furthermore, it is presumed that the traditional use of this plant in the therapy of hypertension may be partially supported by these actions with MRC.

Invasion of the lacrimal system by basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The rate of recurrence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in the periorbital region is higher than that in other areas because of the spread of the tumor along barrier structures.

OBJECTIVE

A better understanding of the biological behavior of BCC in this area, in particular as it relates to the lacrimal system, should improve the outcome of surgery.

METHODS

A study was made of two cases of BCC that developed in the periorbital region and invaded the lacrimal system.

RESULTS

The tumors were found to have invaded the lacrimal system along the mucosal epithelium. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not suggest any abnormalities in this area. In one patient, the tumor had infiltrated the nasal cavity without destruction of the periorbital bone and nasal cartilage. A preoperative fiberscopic examination clearly demonstrated the involvement of the nasal cavity in this case.

CONCLUSION

The lacrimal system is often invaded by BCC that originates from the periorbital region. Physicians and surgeons need to be well aware of the possibility of such aggressive infiltration by BCC.

Smad8B, a Smad8 splice variant lacking the SSXS site that inhibits Smad8-mediated signalling

BACKGROUND

Members of the TGF-beta superfamily of ligands bind to and activate surface serine/threonine-kinase receptors. Transduction of these signals requires the Smad proteins, which transiently interact with the activated receptor complex and are phosphorylated on their C terminus, SSXS site, by the type I receptor. Smad8 is a downstream signalling mediator of ALK2/ActRIA.

RESULTS

We have cloned a splice variant of Smad8, designated Smad8B. The Smad8 and Smad8B cDNAs are identical in sequence, except that Smad8B lacks a portion encoding 47 amino acids, including the SSXS phosphorylation site, in the C-terminal MH2 region. Both Smad8 and Smad8B were expressed in many of the same cell types. Smad8B was capable of specific complex formation with either Smad8 or Smad4 in mammalian cells. In cells expressing constitutively activated ALK2, Smad8B was localized to the cytoplasmic region, whereas Smad8 was translocated into the nucleus. In mammalian cells, Smad8B acted as a dominant inhibitor of BMP signalling.

CONCLUSIONS

Smad8B, a splice variant of Smad8, was isolated and found to specifically associate with both Smad8 and Smad4. Smad8B inhibited BMP signalling. Smad8 and Smad8B thus represent novel signal transduction proteins that may regulate the BMP signalling pathway.

Involvement of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in transforming growth factor-beta-induced gene expression

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase family, is suggested to be involved in TGF-beta-induced gene expression, but the signaling mechanism from TAK1 to the nucleus remains largely undefined. We have found that p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its direct activator MKK6 are rapidly activated in response to TGF-beta. Expression of dominant negative MKK6 or dominant negative TAK1 inhibited the TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activation as well as the p38 activation. Constitutive activation of the p38 pathway in the absence of TGF-beta induced the transcriptional activation, which was enhanced synergistically by coexpression of Smad2 and Smad4 and was inhibited by expression of the C-terminal truncated, dominant negative Smad4. Furthermore, we have found that activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2), which is known as a nuclear target of p38, becomes phosphorylated in the N-terminal activation domain in response to TGF-beta, that ATF-2 forms a complex with Smad4, and that the complex formation is enhanced by TGF-beta. In addition, expression of a nonphosphorylatable form of ATF-2 inhibited the TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activation. These results show that the p38 pathway is activated by TGF-beta and is involved in the TGF-beta-induced transcriptional activation by regulating the Smad-mediated pathway.

A mouse gene knockout model for juvenile ceroid-lipofuscinosis (Batten disease)

The human hereditary ceroid-lipofuscinoses are a group of autosomal recessively inherited diseases characterized by massive accumulations of autofluorescent lysosomal storage bodies in the cells of many tissues and by neuronal degeneration throughout the central nervous system. There are a number of clinically and genetically distinct forms of ceroid-lipofuscinosis, the most common of which is the juvenile type, also known as Batten disease and CLN3. To study the mechanisms that lead to pathology in CLN3 and to evaluate potential therapies, a mouse model has been generated by targeted disruption of the mouse ortholog of the CLN3 gene (Cln3). As in affected humans, mice homozygous for the disrupted Cln3 allele show accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in neurons and other cell types. The storage material consists of membrane-bounded intracellular inclusions with ultrastructural features typical of the ceroid-lipofuscinoses. The accumulation of this storage material validates the Cln3 knockout mice as a model for the human disorder.

Successful interstitial treatment for bilateral tongue cancer

We report three cases of bilateral tongue cancer who received interstitial brachytherapy successively for each tumour. Tumour control following treatment are as good as that for unilateral tongue cancer and there have been no severe complications in, or around, the tumour area after using a mandibular protective spacer and dose reduction for the second treatment.

Moyamoya disease: evaluation with diffusion-weighted and perfusion echo-planar MR imaging

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical efficacy of diffusion-weighted and perfusion echo-planar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the evaluation of moyamoya disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients with moyamoya disease were examined prospectively with diffusion-weighted and perfusion echo-planar MR imaging and conventional angiography. The change in the effective transverse relaxation rate (delta R2*) peak value, delta R2* peak time, and delta R2* integral were calculated to assess regional cerebral perfusion. The MR images were compared with angiographic images.

RESULTS

Of the 34 posterior cerebral arteries (PCAs) of the 17 patients, 14 PCAs (41%) in 11 patients showed stenosis or occlusion. The delta R2* peak value ratio in the cerebral hemispheres decreased significantly, and the delta R2* peak time ratio increased significantly, with PCA stenosis and occlusion. However, no correlation was apparent between perfusion and extent of the stenotic or occlusive lesions of the internal carotid artery bifurcation. The frequency of cerebral infarctions was significantly increased in patients with stenotic or occlusive PCA lesions. For three acute infarctions, a decrease in the apparent diffusion coefficient was significantly correlated with a decrease in the delta R2* peak value, an increase in the delta R2* peak time, and a decrease in the delta R2* integral.

CONCLUSION

Regional cerebral perfusion in moyamoya disease is decreased and delayed with PCA stenosis, with greater decrease and delay with PCA occlusion. Diffusion-weighted and perfusion imaging are useful for evaluating cerebral ischemia in moyamoya disease.

Association between drinking-related antisocial behavior and a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene in a Japanese population

BACKGROUND

Involvement of the serotoninergic system (S/S) in alcoholism has been suggested in both mice and humans. Previous studies have suggested the S/S genotype of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism to be associated with severe alcohol dependence marked by severe withdrawal symptoms. It has also been associated with alcoholics who exhibit a dissocial personality disorder.

METHODS

We examined the polymorphism in 166 Japanese alcoholics who experienced withdrawal seizure or delirium and 290 Japanese controls.

RESULTS

The S/S genotype was not increased in the patients. Exploratory analyses showed significantly less frequent S allele and S/S genotype frequencies in the alcoholics with a history of drinking-related arrests than in the controls (p = 0.009 and p = 0.03, respectively), perhaps reflecting previously reported harm avoidance personality traits associated with S/S. Alcoholics with the L allele had a significantly earlier onset of alcohol dependence than those with the S/S genotype (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study failed to provide supportive evidence for an association of the S/S genotype with severe alcoholism marked by physical withdrawal symptoms or with antisocial behaviors among the Japanese. Although our data support involvement of the central serotoninergic system in some types of alcoholism, the potential association findings of this study emerged as only exploratory and, therefore, should be understood as tentative until replicated in other studies.

67Ga whole-body scintigraphy in the evaluation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The diagnostic accuracy of 67Ga-citrate whole-body scintigraphy for the evaluation of primary tumours, local recurrences, cervical node metastases and distant metastases was investigated in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Altogether, 102 67Ga-citrate whole-body scans were performed on 83 patients with head and neck SCC using a dual-headed gamma camera. The results were compared with those of computed tomography (CT) and final diagnosis. 67Ga scintigraphy correctly diagnosed 28 of 29 primary lesions, a sensitivity of 97% (CT = 97%). For tumour recurrence, 67Ga scintigraphy correctly diagnosed 13 of 15 recurrences and 53 of 58 instances of no recurrence, giving a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 91% (CT = 80 and 62%, respectively). Scintigraphy correctly diagnosed 23 of 31 metastatic sides of the neck and all 173 negative sides of the neck, giving a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 100% (CT = 90 and 84%, respectively). Finally, scintigraphy correctly diagnosed all 12 distant metastases as well as 86 of 90 cases of no metastasis, resulting in a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96%. Furthermore, in five patients, distant metastases were initially detected on 67Ga scintigraphy. In conclusion, 67Ga whole-body scintigraphy with a dual-headed camera resulted in a high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of primary lesions, recurrences and distant metastases of head and neck SCC. Although the sensitivity for detecting neck node metastases was relatively low, the specificity was high. Thus, 67Ga scintigraphy is an effective technique for the evaluation of head and neck SCC, especially tumour recurrence and distant metastases.

The TAK1-NLK-MAPK-related pathway antagonizes signalling between beta-catenin and transcription factor TCF

The Wnt signalling pathway regulates many developmental processes through a complex of beta-catenin and the T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) family of high-mobility-group transcription factors. Wnt stabilizes cytosolic beta-catenin, which then binds to TCF and activates gene transcription. This signalling cascade is conserved in vertebrates, Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans. In C. elegans, the proteins MOM-4 and LIT-1 regulate Wnt signalling to polarize responding cells during embryogenesis. MOM-4 and LIT-1 are homologous to TAK1 (a kinase activated by transforming growth factor-beta) mitogen-activated protein-kinase-kinase kinase (MAP3K) and MAP kinase (MAPK)-related NEMO-like kinase (NLK), respectively, in mammalian cells. These results raise the possibility that TAK1 and NLK are also involved in Wnt signalling in mammalian cells. Here we show that TAK1 activation stimulates NLK activity and downregulates transcriptional activation mediated by beta-catenin and TCF. Injection of NLK suppresses the induction of axis duplication by microinjected beta-catenin in Xenopus embryos. NLK phosphorylates TCF/LEF factors and inhibits the interaction of the beta-catenin-TCF complex with DNA. Thus, the TAK1-NLK-MAPK-like pathway negatively regulates the Wnt signalling pathway.

Elimination of Kupffer cells and nafamostat mesilate rinse prevent reperfusion injury in liver grafts from agonal non-heart-beating donors

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that microcirculatory disturbance was an obstacle to liver transplantation (LTx) from non-heart-beating donors (NHBDs) and that it was attributed mainly to a deterioration of sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) and sinusoidal narrowing. This study was designed to examine porcine orthotopic LTx using livers obtained from pretreated agonal NHBDs, and to determine whether the maintenance of the liver microcirculation would result in successful LTx from agonal NHBDs.

METHODS

Pigs were allocated to five groups: (i) control group; (ii) NM group, in which grafts were rinsed with nafamostat mesilate (NM) rinse; (iii) LD group, in which Kupffer cells in grafts were eliminated by liposome-encapsulated dichloromethylene diphosphonate (L-DMDP); (iv) LDNM group, in which grafts pretreated with L-DMDP were rinsed with NM rinse; (v) heart-beating donor (HBD) group. In all groups, but the HBD group, the livers were pretreated with FK506 and prostaglandin I2 analogue, and were preserved in University of Wisconsin solution after cardiac arrest. Thereafter orthotopic LTx was performed.

RESULTS

After reperfusion, it was histologically demonstrated that elimination of Kupffer cells prevented SECs deterioration and NM rinse prevented sinusoidal narrowing. The hepatic energy charge recovered in all groups except the control group. In the LDNM group, three of four recipients survived more than 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

For a successful LTx from agonal NHBDs, it is important to prevent microcirculatory disturbance caused by SEC deterioration and sinusoidal narrowing after reperfusion. Combination therapy consisting in the elimination of Kupffer cells and NM rinse prevented primary graft non-function in liver grafts from agonal NHBDs.

Purification and characterization of recombinant Mortierella vinacea alpha-galactosidases I and II expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The cDNAs coding for Mortierella vinacea alpha-galactosidases I and II were expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under the control of the yeast GAL10 promoter. The recombinant enzymes purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate were glycosylated, and had properties identical to those of the native enzymes except for improving the heat stability of alpha-galactosidase II and decreasing the specific activities of both enzymes.

Identification of two Smad4 proteins in Xenopus. Their common and distinct properties

Smad family proteins have been identified as mediators of intracellular signal transduction by the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Each member of the pathway-restricted, receptor-activated Smad family cooperates and synergizes with Smad4, called co-Smad, to transduce the signals. Only Smad4 has been shown able to function as a common partner of the various pathway-restricted Smads in mammals. Here we have identified a novel Smad4-like molecule in Xenopus (XSmad4beta) as well as a Xenopus homolog of a well established Smad4 (XSmad4alpha). XSmad4beta is 70% identical to XSmad4alpha in amino acid sequence. Both of the Xenopus Smad4s can cooperate with Smad1 and Smad2, the pathway-restricted Smads specific for bone morphogenetic protein and TGF-beta, respectively. However, they show distinct properties in terms of their developmental expression patterns, subcellular localizations, and phosphorylation states. Moreover, XSmad4beta, but not XSmad4alpha, has the potent ability to induce ventralization when microinjected into the dorsal marginal region of the 4-cell stage of the embryos. These results suggest that the two Xenopus Smad4s have overlapping but distinct functions.

Perfusion and blood pool scintigraphy for diagnosing soft-tissue arteriovenous malformations

PURPOSE

Six arteriovenous malformations were assessed to determine the effectiveness of perfusion and blood pool scintigraphy to diagnose arteriovenous malformations of soft tissue.

METHODS

After injection of Tc-99m RBC or Tc-99m DTPA-HSA, dynamic perfusion and early and delayed blood pool images were analyzed.

RESULTS

Four of six arteriovenous malformations showed increased activity on perfusion images and slightly increased activity on blood pool images; the remaining two arteriovenous malformations showed increased activity on perfusion and normal activity on blood pool studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This expansion of the authors' previous studies of hemangiomas shows that perfusion and blood pool scintigraphy are useful methods to differentiate arteriovenous malformations from various types of hemangiomas.

Metastases to pelvic lymph nodes from carcinoma in the pelvic cavity: diagnosis using thin-section CT

OBJECTIVE

To assess the accuracy of thin-section computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of pelvic lymph nodes affected by metastatic cancer.

METHODS

Incremental CT was performed by obtaining 3 mm sections with 3 mm intervals in 34 patients who had carcinoma in the pelvis, pre-operatively and prospectively. CT diagnoses were made before surgery using the cine mode with a manual trackball. Lymph nodes with a maximum short axis diameter of greater than 5 mm were considered enlarged.

RESULTS

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of CT diagnoses were 79.7%, 54.5%, 84.9%, 42.9% and 90.0% on a hemipelvis basis; and 79.4%, 85.7%, 77.8%, 50.0% and 95.5% on a patient basis, respectively. There was only one false-negative case on a patient basis analysis.

CONCLUSION

Because of a fairly high negative predictive value, negative thin-section CT can be considered an alternative to surgical lymphadenectomy. This is clinically important as unnecessary staging operations and extended surgery are avoided.

A BMP-inducible gene, dlx5, regulates osteoblast differentiation and mesoderm induction

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, have been identified by their ability to induce cartilage and bone from nonskeletal cells and have been shown to act as a ventral morphogen in Xenopus mesoderm. We isolated a murine homeobox-containing gene, distal-less 5 (mDlx5), as a BMP-inducible gene in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. Stable transfectants of MC3T3-E1 that overexpress mDlx5 mRNA showed increase in various osteogenic markers, a fourfold increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, a sixfold increase in osteocalcin production, and appearance in mineralization of extracellular matrix. Furthermore, mDlx5 was induced orthotopically in mouse embryos treated with BMP-4 and in fractured bone of adult mice. Consistent with these observations, we also found that injection of mDlx5 mRNA into dorsal blastomeres enhanced the ventralization of Xenopus embryos. These findings suggest that mDlx5 is a target gene of the BMP signaling pathway and acts as an important regulator of both osteogenesis and dorsoventral patterning of embryonic axis.

Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma of the head and neck

We reviewed the clinical and imaging files of 15 patients with pathologically confirmed recurrent pleomorphic adenomas of the head and neck. The primary tumours were in the lacrimal gland (1 case), cheek (2), palate (5), parotid gland (4), and submandibular gland (3). Recurrence was generally late, with an average of 14.9 years between initial surgery and recurrence. Multiple recurrent tumours, measuring 5-50 mm were found in eight patients. In all palatal cases recurrence was large and solitary. Most recurrent pleomorphic adenomas were well delineated with smooth margins, like most primary tumours. Irregularity of the margins was seen in four patients. In four of the five tumours of the palate and in the orbital lesion, the recurrent tumours caused bone destruction, thus mimicking malignant lesions. Irregular-margined recurrences seem to be rather small and found among multiple recurrent nodules.

Negative regulation of Wingless signaling by D-axin, a Drosophila homolog of axin

Wnt/Wingless directs many cell fates during development. Wnt/Wingless signaling increases the amount of beta-catenin/Armadillo, which in turn activates gene transcription. Here the Drosophila protein D-Axin was shown to interact with Armadillo and D-APC. Mutation of d-axin resulted in the accumulation of cytoplasmic Armadillo and one of the Wingless target gene products, Distal-less. Ectopic expression of d-axin inhibited Wingless signaling. Hence, D-Axin negatively regulates Wingless signaling by down-regulating the level of Armadillo. These results establish the importance of the Axin family of proteins in Wnt/Wingless signaling in Drosophila.

Early diagnosis of lung cancer

Recent advances in computer-assisted image analysis, tumor biology, PCR-based assays, fluorescence bronchoscopy, spiral CT, endobronchial treatment modalities, and chemoprevention make it possible to re-examine the strategy of early detection in the comprehensive management of lung cancer.

Diffusion coefficients in abdominal organs and hepatic lesions: evaluation with intravoxel incoherent motion echo-planar MR imaging

PURPOSE

To determine the true diffusion coefficients of abdominal organs and hepatic lesions with intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) echo-planar magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-eight patients suspected of having hepatic lesions were examined with IVIM echo-planar MR imaging at 1.5 T. There were 77 hepatic masses (27 hepatocellular carcinomas, 10 metastatic tumors, eight hemangiomas, and 32 cysts) in the 78 patients. The true diffusion coefficient D and the perfusion fraction f were calculated and compared with the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

RESULTS

Specific values of D were found for abdominal organs (liver, 0.72 x 10(-3) mm2/sec; spleen, 0.80 x 10(-3) mm2/sec; kidney, 1.38 x 10(-3) mm2/sec; gallbladder, 2.82 x 10(-3) mm2/sec) and for hepatic lesions (hepatocellular carcinoma, 1.02 x 10(-3) mm2/sec; metastasis, 1.16 x 10(-3) mm2/sec; hemangioma, 1.31 x 10(-3) mm2/sec; cysts, 3.03 x 10(-3) mm2/sec). The ADCs of solid organs and solid lesions were significantly higher than their D values, indicating a high contribution of perfusion to the ADCs.

CONCLUSION

Perfusion contributes to the ADCs of abdominal organs and hepatic lesions. The D and f values are useful for the characterization of hepatic lesions.

No association between C-45T polymorphism in the Sp1 binding site of the promoter region of the cholecystokinin gene and alcoholism

The activity of dopamine-containing neurons in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens may play a role in alcoholism. Cholecystokinin (CCK) co-exists in a large proportion of A10 dopamine neurons to exert some effect on dopamine-induced behavior. Recently, a C-45T polymorphism was discovered in the Sp1 binding site in the CCK gene promoter region. We investigated an association between the polymorphism and alcoholism in 209 Japanese DSM-III-R alcoholics and 113 Japanese control subjects. The patients and the control subjects had similar allele and genotype frequencies: the T allele frequencies were 0.27 in the patients and 0.28 in the control subjects and the CC, CT, and the TT genotype frequencies 0.53, 0.39, and 0.08 in the alcoholics and 0.53, 0.37, and 0.10 in the control subjects. Frequencies of clinical characteristics of Feighner's criteria for the lifetime diagnosis of alcoholism were not significantly different among the patient groups divided by the genotype. These findings indicate that the polymorphism has no major effect on the etiology of alcoholism.

A long-term surviving patient with cancer of papilla of Vater after local resection

We report successful local resection for cancer of papilla of Vater in an 86-year-old woman. She was referred to our hospital because of right hypochondralgia. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography showed marked dilatation of the common bile duct (CBD). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography disclosed a small shadow defect in the terminal of the dilated CBD. Biopsy of the papilla revealed well-to-moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Considering her extreme old age and keeping in mind her quality of life after the operation, and the finding that the tumor was localized within the papilla and highly differentiated, we performed local resection. In addition, the intrapancreatic portion of the CBD and part of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) were further resected to secure a negative margin, confirmed by frozen section. The MPD was reapproximated to the duodenal mucosa and a choledocho-duodenostomy was performed for CBD reconstruction. Histopathological examination showed the tumor was papillary adenocarcinoma, 10 x 15 mm in size; there was no invasion beyond the sphincter of Oddi, it had partly infiltrated the CBD, but had not invaded to the pancreas or duodenum. The patient's postoperative course was not eventful and she has had good quality of life for the past 6 years since the operation, without any evidence of recurrence. Although radical pancreaticoduodenectomy is now the standard procedure in patients with malignant tumor of the papilla of Vater, local resection is a reasonable alternative for high-risk patients with highly differentiated, apparently localized carcinomas.