Preventive effects of Glycyrrhizae radix extract on estrogen-related endometrial carcinogenesis in mice

Short- and long-term experiments were conducted to examine the effects of Glycyrrhizae radix (Gl radix) extract on mouse endometrial carcinogenesis. Gl radix treatment (2 weeks) decreased the levels of c-fos/jun mRNA and the corresponding oncoproteins induced by estradiol-17 beta (E2) in castrated mice uteri, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot analysis, and immunohistochemical methods, respectively. For the long-term assays, 98 female ICR mice were given N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) solution (1 mg/100 g body wt.) and normal saline (as controls) into their left and right uterine corpora, respectively. They were divided into four groups as follows: group 1 was given 0.625% Gl radix- and 5 ppm E2-containing diet; group 2, 5 ppm E2-containing diet; group 3, 0.625% Gl radix-containing diet; and group 4, the basal diet alone. Gl radix treatment significantly decreased uterine weights and the incidences of uterine endometrial atypical hyperplastic and malignant lesions. It is suggested that Gl radix has inhibitory effects on E2-related endometrial carcinogenesis in mice, through suppression of estrogen-induced c-fos/jun-expressions.

Serum antibodies to Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in patients with Crohn's disease

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis has been suggested as a causative organism of Crohn's disease. Despite a long-term debate to prove this possibility, the role of this bacteria in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is still a subject of controversy. In the present study, serum antibodies (IgG, IgA, and IgM) to the protoplasmic antigen of M. paratuberculosis were quantified in patients with Crohn's disease and in control subjects by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay whose specificity was increased by preabsorbing the sera with cell extracts of Mycobacterium phlei. As compared to normal controls (1/20; 0.062+/-0.022), a significant difference was seen in the antibody-positive prevalence rate and mean values of the serum IgG titer in patients with Crohn's disease (5/13; 0.102+/-0.039) (P < 0.05), but not in patients with ulcerative colitis (2/20; 0.065+/-0.035) and tuberculosis (0/4; 0.053+/-0.008). No significant differences were seen in the antibody-positive prevalence rate and mean values of the serum IgA and IgM titers among the four study groups. These results indicate the unique immune response to M. paratuberculosis in patients with Crohn's disease, suggesting that this organism may play some role in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease.

Exercise-induced changes in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide and brain natriuretic peptide concentrations in healthy subjects with chronic sleep deprivation

Recent observations have shown that plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) correlate with cardiac function or prognosis in heart failure patients. However, relatively little is known about changes in their plasma concentration during commonly occurring physiological states such as fatigue. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the physiological changes of plasma ANP and BNP concentrations using a chronic sleep-deprivation model. Bicycle ergometer cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed in 10 healthy volunteers (mean age: 22.7 years). Blood samples for measuring ANP and BNP were drawn during the resting state and immediately after each exercise test. Cardiac output (CO) was measured during the exercise test by the impedance method. The study conditions were designed as follows: (A) a day following a period of normal sleep (control state) and (B) a day preceded by 1 month during which sleep lasted <60% of normal (chronic sleep-deprived state). Results were as follows. (1) Peak oxygen uptake and peak CO decreased during the sleep-deprived state compared with the control state. (2) There was no difference between peak heart rates measured during exercise under the 2 conditions. (3) Plasma ANP concentration during exercise increased significantly during the control state, whereas only a tendency toward increase was observed during the sleep-deprived state. (4) Plasma BNP concentration during exercise tended to increase in the control state compared with the resting state, whereas there was no difference in plasma BNP between after exercise and resting state in the sleep-deprived state. These results indicate that changes of ANP or BNP induced by exercise tended to be decreased by chronic sleep deprivation.

The effectiveness of perineal rectosigmoidectomy for the treatment of rectal prolapse in elderly and high-risk patients

We report herein on the follow-up of ten consecutive patients who underwent perineal rectosigmoidectomy, and discuss the indications, surgical technique, and outcomes of this procedure. The median age of the patients was 79 years, with a range of 26 to 85 years, and eight patients had complicating medical conditions. Of five patients who underwent this procedure for a recurrent prolapse after another type of perineal procedure, four had previously undergone the Thiersch operation combined with the Gant-Miwa technique. The mean length of the excised rectum and sigmoid colon was 22.1 cm. Pain was minimal or absent in all patients and oral intake was commenced after 2 days. There were no mortalities, but anastomotic leakage occurred in one patient. The mean follow-up period was 3.5 years. Only one patient developed recurrent rectal prolapse 24 months after the operation. Of seven patients who underwent concomitant levatoroplasty for incontinence, five became fully continent within 3 weeks after the operation, while the remaining two improved after 2 months. We propose that perineal rectosigmoidectomy is indicated for patients who have suffered an early recurrence of prolapse after another transperineal repair; elderly or high-risk patients with incontinence; male patients; and patients with an incarcerated or gangrenous prolapsed rectal segment.

Decreased expression of the peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme and carbonyl reductase in human hepatocellular carcinomas

Human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are known to frequently exhibit clear-cell or fatty change. The expression of three enzymes related to fatty acid metabolism, the peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme (enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase, BE), cytosolic carbonyl reductase (CR) and the alpha-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) was investigated immunohistochemically in 45 HCC samples, to examine their relevance to this phenomenon and to antioxidant cellular defence. The tumour sizes ranged from 3 mm to 37 mm in diameter (mean 19 mm). Of 8 highly differentiated carcinomas (Edmondson's grade 1), 5 and 6 showed positive staining for BE and CR respectively, like the surrounding non-hepatoma tissues. Of 37 Edmondson's grade II-IV lesions, 31 exhibited negative or only weakly positive staining for both enzymes, as compared with the surrounding tissues. The combined rates for weakly positive and negative staining for BE or CR were proportional to the degree of dedifferentiation. However, 3 of 26 grade III tumours showed enhanced staining. Intensities of staining for CR were in accordance with those for BE in 40 of the total of 45 HCC. Immunoblot analysis also demonstrated concerted alteration of the two enzymes in carcinoma tissues. The staining of the alpha-class GST was hardly changed in Edmondson's grade I and II cases but was decreased in 24 of 31 grade III and IV lesions. The great majority of the BE-negative carcinomas did not demonstrate fatty or clear-cell change. These results suggested that BE and CR might be possible markers for the analysis of multistage hepatocarcinogenesis but that decrease or loss was not reflected in increased fat storage.

Novel gelatinolytic activities in rat organs

Novel gelatinolytic activities in both latent and active forms were detected in the normal organs of rat by gelatin zymography. Multiple active bands were detected in the extracts from the skin, jejunum, muscle, and kidney without any activation. These activities were inhibited by 1,10-phenanthroline or leupeptin, nor by E64, suggesting that these activities were derived from metallo-proteinases or serine-proteinases. Some gelatinolytic active bands were newly induced or enhanced by p-aminophenylmercuric acetate. These results suggest that matrix degrading activities due to metallo- and serine-proteinases were constitutively expressed in various rat normal organs.

Pseudomyxoma retroperitonei

We report a rare case of pseudomyxoma retroperitonei in a 58-year-old woman with a past history of severe appendicitis. The imaging showed a multicystic mass similar to pseudomyxoma peritonei, but the tumor was located in the retroperitoneal space.

Sequence and expression of a cDNA encoding the red sea bream androgen receptor

The cDNA of the androgen receptor (AR) has been isolated from the ovary of red sea bream, Pagrus major, and sequenced. The amino acid sequence of red sea bream AR (rsAR) shows about 45% identity with that of Xenopus, rat, mouse, and human AR. It is shown that rsAR has the ability to trans-activate the responsive gene depending on the presence of androgen.

Thirty-six cases of obturator hernia: does computed tomography contribute to postoperative outcome?

Obturator hernia is relatively rare and occurs mostly in elderly, thin, multiparous women. Recent reports have highlighted the importance of pelvic computed tomography (CT) for the preoperative diagnosis. Thirty-six patients with an obturator hernia operated in our hospital were divided retrospectively into two groups (group A: 18 operations from 1973 to 1986, before we used CT; group B: 18 CT cases from 1987 to 1995). Preoperative diagnoses, operative procedures, and postoperative course were reviewed. No statistically significant differences were found between groups A and B in terms of patient characteristics. Rates of accurate preoperative diagnoses were significantly higher in group B: 39% (7/18) in group A and 78% (14/18) in group B (p = 0.018). The intraoperative findings, occurrence of postoperative complications, and overall mortality rates were similar between the two groups. There were four postoperative deaths (mortality rate 11%). Three of four patients who died had panperitonitis because of small bowel perforation. The correct preoperative diagnosis of obturator hernia was facilitated by CT of the pelvis, but it has no impact on patient outcome. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential for this rare entity.

Enhanced hepatocyte growth factor expression associated with prolonged rat hepatic allograft survival in recipients pretreated with donor-specific blood

BACKGROUND

Pretransplantation injection of freshly heparinized donor blood (donor-specific blood transfusion, or DST) significantly prolongs the survival of hepatic allografts from ACI(RT1a) to LEW(RT1l) rats. We investigated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression in rat hepatic allografts of recipients pretreated with or without DST.

METHODS

The levels of HGF mRNA and protein in hepatic allografts were determined after transplantation. The localization of HGF+ cells was identified with a rat anti-HGF monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

Plasma HGF concentrations in transplanted rats treated with DST were significantly and persistently increased compared to untreated rats with hepatic allografts. The number of HGF+ cells in hepatic allografts of recipients pretreated with DST on day 14 was significantly greater than that in allografts of untreated recipients on day 7. HGF+ cells were also found in the marginal zone and red pulp of recipient spleens. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of three HGF+ cell phenotypes: HGF+ED1+, HGF+ED2+, and HGF+ED1-ED2-. Most HGF+ cells were ED1-ED2-. In situ hybridization demonstrated HGF mRNA in the mononuclear cells in the portal and sinusoidal areas as well as the marginal zone and red pulp in both DST-treated and untreated recipient spleens.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced HGF expression in rat hepatic allografts is associated with immunologic unresponsiveness induced by DST.

Increased mucosal production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is related to a delay in neutrophil apoptosis in Inflammatory Bowel disease

Tissue accumulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in Inflammatory Bowel disease (IBD) might be, in part, due to a delay in apoptotic processes associated with the effects of their specific growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. We addressed this hypothesis by examining the activity of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage CSF (GM-CSF) in the organ culture supernatants of colonic mucosal specimens and their regulatory effects on PMN apoptosis in patients with IBD. The contents of G-CSF and GM-CSF in the supernatants were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and PMN apoptosis was evaluated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, respectively. Mucosal specimens obtained from patients with active IBD exhibited higher levels of G-CSF and GM-CSF activity than controls. Notably, the levels of G-CSF activity were approximately 1000-fold higher than those of GM-CSF activity. Freshly isolated PMN showed a time-related increase in the proportion of cells with characteristic features of apoptosis when they were incubated with the culture medium alone and exposure of PMN to recombinant G-CSF and GM-CSF caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of apoptosis. Incubation of PMN with the supernatants from patients with active IBD induced an inhibitory effect on PMN apoptosis; this effect was abrogated to a significant degree by pre-incubation of the supernatants with anti-G-CSF serum. This study suggests that PMN apoptosis may be delayed under the influence of soluble mediators, especially G-CSF, in the microenvironment of IBD-affected mucosa, thus providing possible mechanisms for tissue accumulation of PMN in IBD.

Altered expression of membrane inhibitors of complement in human gastric epithelium during Helicobacter-associated gastritis

AIMS

Membrane inhibitors of complement are thought to protect bystander cells from complement mediated damage. Expression of these proteins is enhanced in the colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis. Our aim was to investigate the regulation of complement activity in Helicobacter-associated chronic gastritis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We immunohistochemically assayed expression of three membrane inhibitors of complement, decay accelerating factor (DAF; CD55), 20 kDa homologous restriction factor (HRF20; CD59) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46), in 55 biopsy specimens of the human gastric mucosa. DAF, expressed in 33 (60%) of biopsy specimens, and HRF20, expressed in 45 (82%) of the samples, were located mainly on the apical surface of the epithelial cells, whereas MCP, expressed in 48 (87%) of the biopsies, was found on the basolateral surface. We found strong correlation between expression of DAF on gastric mucosal epithelium and the severity of mucosal infiltration of neutrophils (rs = 0.875, P < 0.0001) and mononuclear cells (rs = 0.773, P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was observed between HRF20 expression and neutrophil or mononuclear cell infiltration, while there was a weak negative correlation between MCP expression and these cellular infiltrations. When we assayed immunostaining of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in these biopsy specimens, strong correlation with the degree of neutrophil (P < 0.0001) and mononuclear cell (P < 0.0001) infiltration were observed. The expression of DAF and H. pylori infection in these biopsies were also significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated. No correlation between HRF20 expression and H. pylori infection was observed, but we did find a significant negative correlation (P < 0.005) between the expression of MCP and H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results, demonstrating altered expression of membrane inhibitors of complement in gastric mucosa during inflammation and/or H. pylori infection, suggest that complement may significantly participate in the pathology of gastric inflammation. Moreover, DAF and MCP may play an important role in the regulation of complement activation in the alimentary tract.

CytA protein, a delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis is associated with DNA

CytA protein (27 kDa) is produced by Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (BTI) and is contained in its inclusion bodies. We previously reported the isolation of 25 kDa portion of CytA protein (p25-CytA protein) and its strong cytotoxic activity to mammalian cells. When p25-CytA protein was applied to an anion-exchange column for further purification, three fractions (M1, M2 and M3) were separated. M1 and M2 fractions were both shown to be 25 kDa protein, while M3 was a high molecular weight complex composed of 25 kDa protein and DNA. Purification and amino acid sequence analysis showed that M1 and M2 fractions were proteins lacking 29 and 31 N-terminal amino acids from CytA protein, respectively, and M3 was M1 protein associated with DNA. DNA was detected in BTI cells co-localizing with inclusion bodies. Both M1 and M2 proteins could bind to double-stranded DNA of BTI genome in vitro; the DNA binding ability of M1 protein was higher than that of M2 protein. These results suggested that CytA protein has DNA binding ability and is associated with DNA in the mother cell.

Attenuation of telomerase activity by a hammerhead ribozyme targeting the template region of telomerase RNA in endometrial carcinoma cells

Telomerase activity is found in almost all carcinoma cells but not in most somatic cells, suggesting that telomerase is an excellent target for cancer therapy. We designed hammerhead ribozymes against human telomerase RNA and studied their possible use as a tool for cancer therapy. Three ribozymes targeting the 3' end of the GUC sequence at 33-35 (the template region), 168-170, and 313-315 from the 5' end of telomerase RNA were designed. In a cell-free system, these three hammerhead ribozymes efficiently cleaved the RNA substrate. When these ribozyme RNAs were introduced into Ishikawa cells, which are endometrial carcinoma cells, only a ribozyme targeting the RNA template region could diminish the telomerase activity. Next we subcloned the ribozyme sequence into an expression vector and introduced this into AN3CA cells, which are endometrial carcinoma cells. The clones that were obtained showed reduced telomerase activity and telomerase RNA with expression of the ribozyme. These data suggest that the ribozyme against the RNA template region is a good tool to repress telomerase activity in cancer cells.

Role of gap junctions in inhibiting ischemia-reperfusion injury of rat gastric mucosa

Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is known to be important in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. However, the role of GJIC in gastric mucosa has not been well investigated. We tested the hypothesis that maintenance of GJIC protects rat gastric mucosa against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) stress by using irsogladine, an activator of GJIC, and octanol, an inhibitor of GJIC. Intragastric perfusion with octanol before ischemia resulted in a significant increase in 51Cr-EDTA clearance after reperfusion. Intraduodenal pretreatment with irsogladine attenuated the increase in 51Cr-EDTA clearance produced by octanol in a dose-dependent manner. Epithelial gap junctions reacted with anticonnexin-32 monoclonal antibodies were not changed after I/R stress alone. Intragastric perfusion with octanol caused a significant reduction in immunoreactive connexin-32 spots, which was completely reversed by irsogladine. These results indicate that inhibition of GJIC weakens the barrier function of gastric mucosa and subsequently causes damage of the barrier function in combination with I/R. Facilitation of GJIC and maintenance of gap junctions protect gastric mucosal barrier functions by potentiating cellular integrity.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome accompanied by submucosal invasive carcinoma

We report a case of carcinoma in solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. The diagnosis was made by colonoscopic appearance and biopsy. A tumor measuring 0.9 x 0.6 cm was found in a resected solitary rectal ulcer. The lesion exhibited typical histological features of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, with a well differentiated adenocarcinoma invading submucosal layers and some dysplastic glands. We believe that the adenocarcinoma represents a malignant transformation from solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, because similar to longstanding chronic idiopathic colitis, colorectal dysplasia and carcinoma may develop.

Reduced interferon gamma production by antigen-stimulated cord blood mononuclear cells is a risk factor of allergic disorders--6-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

It is not sufficient to predict 'high allergic risk newborns' on the basis of increased IgE concentrations of cord blood alone, because a raised cord blood IgE concentration is specific but not sensitive in the prediction of the development of allergic disorders. Warner et al. have reported that interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) production by allergen-triggered cord blood cells is a predictor of atopic eczema, based on the 1-year follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether IFN-gamma production by antigen-stimulated cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) is a risk factor of allergic disorders, based on the 6-year follow-up study.

METHODS

The relationships among cord blood IgE concentrations, IFN-gamma and interleukin-2 (IL-2) productions by antigen-stimulated CBMCs, and the development of allergic disorders in 21 infants for 6 years were investigated.

RESULTS

Atopic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis and bronchial asthma developed in seven of 21 subjects. The maximal IFN-gamma concentration in culture supernatants of ovalbumin (OA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) stimulated CBMCs in infants who developed allergic disorders was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than that in infants who did not develop any allergic disorders. In contrast, the maximal IL-2 concentration in culture supernatants of OA- or BSA-stimulated CBMCs in infants who developed allergic disorders was not lower than in infants who did not develop any allergic disorders. Moreover, the IFN-gamma concentrations were negatively correlated with cord blood IgE concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Reduced IFN-gamma production by antigen-stimulated CBMCs is a risk factor of allergic disorders.

Structural determination of a mutagenic aminophenylnorharman produced by the co-mutagen norharman with aniline

Norharman (9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole), widely distributed in our environment, including cigarette smoke and cooked foodstuffs, is not mutagenic to Salmonella strains, but becomes mutagenic to S.typhimurium TA98 and YG1024 with S9 mix in the presence of non-mutagenic aromatic amines such as aniline and o-toluidine. To elucidate the mechanisms of co-mutagenicity, we tried to isolate the mutagen(s) produced by a reaction between norharman and aniline with S9 mix. By HPLC purification, two mutagenic compounds (I and II), one (I) showing mutagenicity with and the other (II) without S9 mix, were isolated. The structure of compound I was deduced to be a coupled compound of norharman and aniline, 9-(4'-aminophenyl)-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (aminophenylnorharman), by a variety of spectrometry techniques and this was confirmed by its chemical synthesis. The mutagenic activity of this novel heterocyclic amine was tested using the pre-incubation method and was found to induce 187,000 revertants in TA98 and 1,783,000 revertants in YG1024 per microg with S9 mix. Compound II was shown to be hydroxyaminophenylnorharman. Formation of the same DNA adducts was observed in YG1024 when aminophenylnorharman or a mixture of norharman plus aniline was incubated with S9 mix. The hydroxyamino derivative also yielded the same DNA adducts in YG1024. Thus, the appearance of mutagenicity by norharman with aniline in the presence of S9 mix suggests that the coupled mutagenic compound, aminophenylnorharman, is formed from norharman and aniline, then converted to the hydroxyamino derivative and forms DNA adducts to induce mutations in TA98 and YG1024.

Telomerase activity is found in the epithelial cells but not in the stromal cells in human endometrial cell culture

Telomerase activity is associated with the proliferative activity of cells. In the endometrium, telomerase activity is higher in the proliferative phase than in the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, suggesting that telomerase activity may occur primarily in the glandular epithelial cells. To test this, a dissociated cell culture of the endometrium was performed, and the telomerase activity in each cell fraction was analysed. Telomerase activity was found in all 10 endometrial tissues of the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Both the fragments of epithelial glands and single cells, which were prepared by enzymatic dissociation, showed telomerase activity. In the 7 day cell culture, it was found in nine out of 10 epithelial cell enriched fractions, but in none of the stromal cell enriched fractions. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the epithelial enriched fraction was contaminated with a predominant number of stromal cells, while the stromal cell enriched fraction was comprised mostly of stromal cells with apparent proliferative activity. Our results suggest that telomerase activity of the endometrium occurs primarily in the epithelial cells in the endometrium and that the stromal cells do not express telomerase activity regardless of their potent proliferative activity.

Role of endogenous nitric oxide in ischaemia-reperfusion injury of rat gastric mucosa

It has been suggested that endogenous nitric oxide may act as a protective factor for gastric mucosa since nitric oxide increases blood flow and may scavenge certain oxyradicals. We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide protects rat gastric mucosa against ischaemia-reperfusion stress. Gastric ischaemia was induced by clamping the left gastric artery for 20 min. Rats were treated with two kinds of specific inhibitors of nitric oxide production, NG-nitro-L-arginine or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine. Gastric mucosal integrity was continuously monitored by measuring the blood-to-lumen clearance of [51chromium]-labelled ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) under control conditions, during ischaemia and after reperfusion. Oxidative stress in gastric mucosa was assessed by measuring dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence intensity before ischaemia and after reperfusion. Blockade of nitric oxide resulted in a significant increase in [51Cr]-EDTA clearance and DCF fluorescence intensity after reperfusion. These effects of nitric oxide inhibitors were attenuated by pretreatment with L-arginine. In conclusion, these findings support the hypothesis that endogenous nitric oxide acts as an important protective factor against ischaemia-reperfusion stress in rat gastric mucosa.

Rebamipide protects against oxygen radical-mediated gastric mucosal injury in rats

Rebamipide, a novel antiulcer agent, has been shown to protect against gastric injury by free radicals. The effect of rebamipide was examined using two rat models of mucosal injury: the stomach was exposed to luminal perfusion of 10 mM H2O2 for 10 min or to local ischemia for 30 min. The effect of deferoxamine, a chelator of Fe3+, was also evaluated to determine whether Fe3+-mediated production of hydroxyl radicals contributed to the damage induced by H2O2. The pylorus was ligated and a double-lumen cannula was inserted into the forestomach for luminal perfusion. [51Cr]EDTA was administered intravenously and mucosal integrity was monitored by measuring blood-to-lumen [51Cr]EDTA clearance. Rebamipide reduced the increase in EDTA clearance induced by ischemia or H2O2. Furthermore, deferoxamine attenuated the H2O2-induced increase. These results suggest that rebamipide has a protective effect against oxygen radical-mediated gastric damage and that Fe3+ is involved in the H2O2-induced injury.

Influence of aerobic exercise training on brain natriuretic peptide secretion in patients in the chronic phase of myocardial infarction

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) secretion increases after myocardial infarction (MI); its plasma level may reflect the degree of left ventricular dysfunction. This study examines how aerobic exercise therapy for MI influences BNP secretion. Subjects included 70 patients (mean age, 62.0+/-11.3 years) who were divided into four groups: (1) 20 patients with an anterior MI and exercise training; (2) 20 patients with an anterior MI and no exercise training; (3) 15 patients with an inferior MI and exercise training; and (4) 15 patients with an inferior MI and no exercise training. The training groups performed aerobic exercise 3 times a week for 2 months. Exercise intensity was defined as a heart rate of anaerobic threshold (AT), derived from the treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing at 1 month after the onset of MI. The subjects underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing again at 3 months after the onset of MI. To measure BNP, blood samples were obtained in the resting state and immediately after the peak exercise. AT and peak oxygen uptake increased in the training group with anterior MI and in both the training and nontraining groups with inferior MI. Significant serial change in plasma BNP level was not observed in the inferior MI groups. Plasma BNP level decreased longitudinally only in the nontraining anterior MI group. It was concluded that exercise training in patients with an anterior MI could delay the recovery of left ventricular function, but will increase exercise tolerance.

45,X/46,X,idic(Yq) mosaicism: clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular studies in four individuals

45,X/46,X,idic(Yq) mosaicism is associated with a variety of sex phenotypes, including Ullrich-Turner syndrome (UTS), intersexuality, and complete male. It remains unclear whether the phenotypic variability results from a dilutional effect by the 45,X cell line in the primordial gonad or an abnormality of the SRY gene (SRY). We conducted cytogenetic and molecular studies on four patients with such mosaicism, two of whom had a complete male phenotype and two who had UTS. Chromosome analyses showed that the frequency of cells carrying an idic(Yq) chromosome in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts was not related to the given sex phenotype. The SRY, PABY, and ZFY genes were present in all four patients. A fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study showed that both a patient with a complete male phenotype and another with UTS had duplicate copies of SRY in their idic(Yq) chromosomes, whereas a patient with UTS had a single copy of the gene. These findings suggested that the coexisting 45,X cell line is more influential on the determination of the sex phenotype in individuals with 45,X/ 46,X,idic(Yq) mosaicism.

Evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis using a scoring system devised from magnetic resonance imaging of rheumatoid knees

We studied the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 120 knees in 86 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and of 14 unaffected knees in 12 control cases. We also developed a scoring system as a quantitative analysis method. We divided the MRI into 10 items, and classified the severity of the symptoms into 4 grades (score 0 to 3). The average total score increased according to the radiographic grade. Soft tissue lesions were clearly detected, even in the early stages of RA. Items such as synovial proliferation showed a high score even in the early stages, suggesting that it was the initial symptom of RA. The score also showed a correlation with the inflammatory signs. These results suggest that this scoring system is very sensitive and yields a good reflection of RA activity. We demonstrated that this system is simple and convenient for routine diagnostic use. We further demonstrated that it is useful for following the advancement of RA and for evaluating the response to treatment.