186Re-etidronate. Efficacy of palliative radionuclide therapy for painful bone metastases

Pain palliation with bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals is an effective treatment modality in patients with advanced metastatic bone cancer. Several studies have shown encouraging clinical results of palliative therapy using 186Re-HEDP, with an overall reported response rate of +/-71% for painful osseous metastasized prostate and breast cancer patients. 186Re-HEDP is a very potential isotope with numerous advantageous characteristics for this purpose. Myelosuppressive toxicity is limited and reversible, which makes repetitive treatment safe. However, individual studies are difficult to compare, and are hampered by the numerous and different methods used to assess clinical response. Standardized clinical response assessment using the objective multi-dimensional pain evaluation model should therefore be implemented.

Identification of vacuolar serine proteinase as a major allergen of Aspergillus fumigatus by immunoblotting and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis

Aspergillus species are common airborne fungi that have been identified as causative agents of extrinsic bronchial asthma. More than 10 allergens from A. fumigatus have been recently characterized by cDNA cloning. The objective of this study is to identify A. fumigatus allergens through immunoblot analysis using sera from asthmatic patients. IgE-binding components of A. fumigatus and IgE cross-reactivity among allergens of different prevalent airborne fungal species were analysed by immunoblot and immunoblot inhibition, respectively, using sera from asthmatic patients. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of major allergens identified were determined by Edman degradation. Among two batches (70 and 41 sera) of asthmatic sera tested, 19 (27%) and 14 (34%), respectively, have IgE immunoblot reactivity towards components of A. fumigatus. A 34-kDa protein that reacts with IgE antibodies in 15 (79%) and 11 (79%) of the 19 and 14 positive samples, respectively, may be considered a major allergen of A. fumigatus. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of the 34 kDa major allergen and the 30.5 and 30 kDa IgE-binding components of A. fumigatus showed sequence identity to that of the vacuolar serine proteinase from A. fumigatus. The results from immunoblot inhibition show IgE cross-reactivity among major allergens of A. fumigatus, P. notatum and P. oxalicum. Results obtained suggest that the 34 kDa major allergen of A. fumigatus may be a vacuolar serine proteinase. There is IgE cross-reactivity among serine proteinase allergens of A. fumigatus, P. notatum and P. oxalicum.

Spontaneous resolution of infantile esotropia

PURPOSE

To report the spontaneous resolution of infantile esotropia in 3 patients.

METHODS

The clinical histories and the results of ophthalmologic examinations in 3 patients with infantile esotropia were reviewed and analyzed with reference to the literature.

RESULTS

All 3 patients with infantile esotropia were diagnosed with 25 to 30 PD of esotropia before the age of 6 months. All of them had insignificant refractive errors. Against medical advice, they were not brought in for follow-up examinations. At the age of 34 months to 59 months, the esotropia of the patients had changed into exophoria, esophoria less than 4 PD, or orthophoria. All patients eventually showed dissociated vertical deviation and overaction of the inferior oblique muscles. Of the 2 cooperative patients, 1 consistently identified Titmus stereograms with 3000 seconds of arc and fused Worth 4 dots at near and at distance. The other patient could not identify stereo targets and suppressed one eye on Worth 4 testing at distance, though she showed no suppression at near.

CONCLUSION

In these cases, infantile esotropia with a relatively small angle may spontaneously resolve without any treatment. However, all these patients showed poor stereoacuity, dissociated vertical deviation, and overaction of the inferior oblique muscles.

cDNA cloning and immunologic characterization of Pen o 18, the vacuolar serine protease major allergen of Penicillium oxalicum

Penicillium species are prevalent indoor airborne fungi that have been identified as causative agents of human extrinsic bronchial asthma. In the preparation of standardized diagnostic reagents, it is imperative to define the allergens of these ubiquitous fungi. Results from our previous study on P. oxalicum suggest that the 34-kd major immunoglobulin E-reacting component of this prevalent Penicillium species is probably a vacuolar serine protease. The purpose of the present study was to define this major P. oxalicum allergen (Pen o 18) through cDNA cloning and immunologic characterization. The cDNA of Pen o 18 was isolated through a combination of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification cDNA ends reactions. The primers used in these reactions were constructed according to the internal amino acid sequences of Pen o 18 and the conserved amino acid sequences of fungal serine proteases. Our results showed that a 1897-bp cDNA with an open reading frame of 503 residues was isolated for the proenzyme of Pen o 18. The encoded protein has a 16-residue signal peptide and a 119-residue prosequence. On maturation, the protein has an N-terminal glutamate that is the 136th residue encoded by the cDNA. Apparently the precursor also undergoes C-terminal processing with the cleavage of about 47 amino acids. The cDNA for Pen c 18 (the vacuolar serine protease allergen from P. citrinum ) was also isolated for comparison. Contrary to a previous report, the C-terminal region of Pen c 18 is similar to that of Pen o 18. Recombinant proteins (rPen o 18 and rPen c 18) with the putative mature N-termini and a his-tag were obtained by expressing the corresponding cDNAs in Escherichia coli. Serum samples from 7 asthmatic patients with immunoglobulin E reactivity to the 34-kd component of P. oxalicum also react to his-tagged recombinant Pen o 18. The presence of immunoglobulin E cross-reactivity between rPen o 18 and rPen c 18 was detected by immunoblot inhibition. Two monoclonal antibodies (PCM39 and FUM20) against fungal serine proteases react with rPen o 18, rPen c 18, and the 35/34-kd components in the corresponding crude fungal extracts. These components also react with immunoglobulin E antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients. In conclusion, results obtained confirm that the 34-kd major allergen of P. oxalicum is a vacuolar serine protease. The cDNAs of Pen o 18 and Pen c 18 encode precursor molecules that appear to undergo both N-terminal and C-terminal processing. Constructs beginning with mature N-terminal can be expressed in E. coli to produce recombinant polypeptides that are reactive to monoclonal antibodies or immunoglobulin E antibodies in serum samples from asthmatic patients. Results obtained may provide useful information and materials for preparation of standardized diagnostic reagents in clinical mold allergy.

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of the EEG in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia

To assess nonlinear EEG activity in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), the authors estimated the correlation dimension (D2) and the first positive Lyapunov exponent (L1) of the EEGs in both patients and age-matched healthy control subjects. EEGs were recorded in 15 electrodes from 12 AD patients, 12 VaD patients, and 14 healthy subjects. The AD patients had significantly lower D2 values than the normal control subjects, (P < H > 0.05), except at the F7 and the O1 electrodes, and the VaD patients, except at the C3 and the C4 electrodes. The VaD patients had relatively increased values of D2 and L1 compared with the AD patients, and rather higher values of D2 than the normal control subjects at the F7, F4, F8, Fp2, O1, and O2 electrodes. The L1 values of the EEGs were also lower for the AD patients than for the normal control subjects, except in the O1 and the O2 channels, and for the VaD patients at all electrodes. The L1 values were higher for the VaD patients than for the normal control subjects (F3, F4, F8, O1, and O2). In addition, the authors detected that the VaD patients had an uneven distribution of D2 values over the regions than the AD patients and the normal control subjects, although the statistics do not confirm this. By contrast, AD patients had uniformly lower D2 values in most regions, indicating that AD patients have less complex temporal characteristics of the EEG in entire regions. These nonlinear analyses of the EEG may be helpful in understanding the nonlinear EEG activity in AD and VaD.

Microtubule- and dynein-mediated movement of Orientia tsutsugamushi to the microtubule organizing center

The host cell microfilaments and microtubules (MTs) are known to play a critical role in the life cycles of several pathogenic intracellular microbes by providing for successful invasion and promoting movement of the pathogen once inside the host cell cytoplasm. Orientia tsutsugamushi, an obligate intracellular bacterium, enters host cells by induced phagocytosis, escapes to the cytosol, and then replicates in the cytosol. ECV304 cells infected with O. tsutsugamushi revealed the colocalization of the MT organizing center (MTOC) and cytosolic orientiae by indirect immunofluorescence assay. Using immunofluorescence microscopy in the presence and absence of MT-depolymerizing agents (colchicine and nocodazole), it was shown that the cytosolic oriential movement was mediated by MTs. By transfection study (overexpression of dynamitin [also called p50], which is known to associate with dynein-dependent movement), the movement of O. tsutsugamushi to the MTOC was also mediated by dynein, the minus-end-directed MT-related motor. Although the significance of this movement in the life cycle of O. tsutsugamushi was not proven, we propose that the cytosolic O. tsutsugamushi bacteria use MTs and dyneins to propel themselves from the cell periphery to the MTOC.

Acute Viral Hepatitis

The mainstay of treatment for acute viral hepatitis is supportive care, as most cases are self-limited. General measures in all types of acute viral hepatitis include bedrest if the patient is very symptomatic, a high-calorie diet, avoidance of hepatotoxic medications, and abstinence from alcohol with the anticipation that most patients will recover uneventfully. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous rehydration if the patient is unable to maintain adequate oral intake due to nausea and vomiting or if there is any alteration of mental status to suggest evolving fulminant hepatic failure. Acute hepatitis A is a self-limited disease, but can be fulminant. Lamivudine at a dosage of 100 mg/d orally may be beneficial in acute hepatitis B. Interferon-alpha therapy in acute hepatitis C may decrease the risk of developing chronic hepatitis C. Fulminant liver failure due to acute viral hepatitis is uncommon, but orthotopic liver transplantation occasionally may be life saving.

The usefulness of orbital lines in detecting blow-out fracture on plain radiography

The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of orbital line changes on plain radiographs in detecting blow-out fracture. 92 cases of surgically confirmed blow-out fracture were retrospectively analysed in regard to plain radiographs and CT. Anterior and posterior lamina papyracea lines (ALPL and PLPL, respectively) of the orbital medial wall as well as the posteromedial floor line (PMFL) were assessed on orbital posteroanterior projections. The inferomedial orbital line (IMOL) and the inferior wall line were assessed on Waters projections. Orbital lines on plain radiographs were compared with CT findings. Of 53 cases of lamina papyracea fracture, 47 cases showed orbital line changes on plain radiographs (sensitivity 88.7%). Changes of PLPL (41/47), IMOL (29/47), ALPL (4/47) and PMFL (2/47) were demonstrated as depression, loss, discontinuity and irregularity. In four cases showing normal radiographs, the fractures measured less than 9 mm in size on CT. All 25 cases with orbital floor fracture accompanying medial wall fracture demonstrated orbital line changes of PMFL (16/25), PLPL (14/25), ALPL (3/25) and IMOL (2/25) (sensitivity 100%). 12 of 14 cases with orbital floor fracture demonstrated changes of inferior wall line (7/12) and PMFL (6/12) (sensitivity 85.7%). Two cases demonstrated asymmetric focal soft tissue density without orbital line changes. Orbital line changes on plain radiographs corresponded well with CT findings, confirming the usefulness of plain radiographs in detecting blow-out fracture.

Successful orthotopic liver transplantation for lamivudine-associated YMDD mutant hepatitis B virus

YMDD hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants emerge in more than one third of patients treated with lamivudine. The development of escape mutants potentially limits the efficacy of this new therapy for chronic HBV infection. Transplant centers may be hesitant to perform orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with progressive liver disease who develop the YMDD mutant because of concerns of graft reinfection. We describe a 56-year-old man with chronic liver disease caused by HBV who successfully underwent OLT after the emergence of a YMDD mutant and progressive liver disease. Perioperatively, he received high-dose intravenous hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) treatment with continued lamivudine treatment. Thirty-two months after OLT, there was no evidence of HBV reinfection with the use of lamivudine and high-dose HBIG. Our experience suggests that the emergence of a YMDD HBV mutant is not a contraindication to OLT. The combination of lamivudine and high-dose HBIG can protect against reinfection of the hepatic allograft with the YMDD HBV escape mutant.

Stratified tests, stratified slopes, and random effects models for clinical trials with missing data

Because missing observations may affect the size and power of statistical tests of equality, various analytical techniques explicitly or implicitly condition the analysis on the amount of information available per person. We illustrate the difference between stratifying a slope estimate and stratifying a test statistic based on slopes. We compare a nonparametric version of the latter approach with the parametric tests available from SAS Proc Mixed. Power and size of these two approaches are considered under different parametric settings, distributions, and missing data mechanisms.

An efficacy and cost-effectiveness analysis of combination hepatitis B immune globulin and lamivudine to prevent recurrent hepatitis B after orthotopic liver transplantation compared with hepatitis B immune globulin monotherapy

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was limited until recently by poor graft and patient outcomes caused by recurrent HBV. Long-term immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) dramatically improved post-OLT survival, but recurrent HBV still occurred in up to 36% of the recipients. More recently, combination HBIG and lamivudine has been shown to effectively prevent HBV recurrence in patients post-OLT. The aim of the current study is to determine long-term outcome and cost-effectiveness of using combination HBIG and lamivudine compared with HBIG monotherapy in patients who undergo OLT for HBV. A retrospective chart review identified 59 patients administered combination HBIG and lamivudine and 12 patients administered HBIG monotherapy as primary prophylaxis against recurrent HBV. Lamivudine, 150 mg/d, was administered orally indefinitely. HBIG was administered under a standard protocol (10,000 IU intravenously during the anhepatic phase, then 10,000 IU/d intravenously for 7 days, then 10,000 IU intravenously monthly) indefinitely. A decision-analysis model was developed to evaluate the potential economic impact of prophylaxis against HBV with combination therapy compared with monotherapy. Recurrent HBV was defined as the reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after its initial disappearance post-OLT. In the combination-therapy group, no patient redeveloped serum HBsAg or HBV DNA during mean follow-ups of 459 and 416 days, respectively. In the monotherapy group, 3 patients (25%) had reappearance of HBsAg in serum during a mean follow-up of 663 days. Combination therapy resulted in a dominant, cost-effective strategy with an average cost-effectiveness ratio of $252,111/recurrence prevented compared with $362,570/recurrence prevented in the monotherapy strategy. Combination prophylaxis with HBIG and lamivudine is highly effective in preventing recurrent HBV, may protect against the emergence of resistant mutants, and is significantly more cost-effective than HBIG monotherapy with its associated rate of recurrent HBV.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to serine proteinase allergens in Penicillium and Aspergillus species

BACKGROUND

Alkaline and/or vacuolar serine proteinases are major allergens in prevalent airborne Penicillium and Aspergillus species.

OBJECTIVE

The object of this study is to generate and characterize monoclonal antibodies against these serine proteinase allergens.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized individually with the Penicillium citrinum culture medium or the crude extract and culture medium preparations of Aspergillus fumigatus. Hybridoma cells that secrete monoclonal antibodies against serine proteinase allergens were selected by immunoblotting. Antigens in three different Penicillium (P. citrinum, P. notatum and P. oxalicum) and two different Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus, and A. flavus) recognized by these monoclonal antibodies were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblotting and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis.

RESULTS

Four (PCM8, PCM10, PCM16 and PCM39) and one (FUM20) monoclonal antibodies against serine proteinase allergens were generated after fusion of NS-1 cells with spleen cells obtained from BALB/c mice immunized with antigens from P. citrinum and A. fumigatus, respectively. Immunoblotting results showed that PCM8 reacted with an alkaline serine proteinase allergen in P. citrinum and P. notatum. PCM10 and PCM39 reacted with the alkaline serine proteinase in two Penicillium (P. citrinum, P. notatum) and two Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus, and A. flavus) tested. PCM16 reacted with the alkaline serine proteinase allergen in P. citrinum, A. fumigatus and A. flavus but not with that in P. notatum. MoAb FUM20 reacted with the alkaline serine proteinase allergen in two Aspergillus species (A. fumigatus and A. flavus) but not with that in two different Penicillium species (P. citrinum, P. notatum) tested. Among these five monoclonal antibodies generated, only PCM39 and FUM20 can react with the vacuolar serine proteinase allergen in P. notatum, P. oxalicum and in A. fumigatus. The 35 kDa P. citrinum component that reacted with FUM20 has an N-terminal amino acid sequence of DSPSVEKNAP.

CONCLUSION

Five monoclonal antibodies against different epitopes of the serine proteinase major allergens in prevalent Penicillium and Aspergillus species were generated in the present study. Antibodies obtained may be useful in the characterization and standardization of serine proteinase allergens in crude fungal extracts.

Evolutionary trends of the mitochondrial lineage differentiation in species of genera Martes and Mustela

We compared partial sequences (402 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene in 68 individuals of martens (Martes), weasels (Mustela) and their relatives from the Northern Hemisphere to identify the modes of geographic differentiation in each species. We then compared complete sequences (1140 bp) of the gene in 17 species of the family Mustelidae to know the spatial and temporal modes of speciation, constructing linearized trees with transversional substitutions for deeper lineage divergences and with transversions and transitions for younger lineages. Our data suggested that these lineages of Martes and Mustela differentiated in a stepwise fashion with five radiation stages from the generic divergences (stage I) to the intraspecific divergences (stage V), during the last 10 or 20 million years as the fossil evidence suggests. In the lineage of Martes, the first offshoots are of Martes flavigula, M. pennanti, and Gulo gulo (stage II), the second is M. foina (stage III), and the third are M. americana, M. martes, M. melampus, and M. zibellina (stage IV). The divergence of the lineages of Mustela is likely to have taken place concurrently with the radiations of the Martes. These divergence processes are attributable in part to the geographic allocation along the two continents, North America and Eurasia, as well as among peripheral insular domains, such as Taiwan and the Japanese Islands. In addition, the Eurasian continent itself was shown to have been involved in the species diversification in the martens and weasels.

IFN-gamma up-regulates IL-18 gene expression via IFN consensus sequence-binding protein and activator protein-1 elements in macrophages

Constitutive IL-18 expression is detected from many different cells, including macrophages, keratinocytes, and osteoblasts. It has been known that IL-18 gene expression is regulated by two different promoters (p1 promoter and p2 promoter). When RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with IFN-gamma, IL-18 gene expression was increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. IFN-gamma activated the inducible promoter 1, but not the constitutive promoter 2. Mutagenesis studies indicated that an IFN consensus sequence-binding protein (ICSBP) binding site between -39 and -22 was critical for the IFN-gamma inducibility. EMSA using an ICSBP oligonucleotide probe showed that IFN-gamma treatment increased the formation of DNA-binding complex, which was supershifted with anti-IFN regulatory factor-1 Ab and anti-ICSBP Ab. Another element, an AP-1 site between -1120 and -1083, was important. EMSA using an AP-1-specific oligonucleotide demonstrated that IFN-gamma or LPS treatment increased the AP-1-binding activity. The addition of anti-c-Jun Ab or anti-c-Fos Ab to IFN-gamma- or LPS-treated nuclear extracts resulted in the reduction of AP-1 complex or the formation of a supershifted complex. Taken together, these results indicate that IFN-gamma increased IL-18 gene expression via ICSBP and AP-1 elements.

Endoscopic management of biliary leaks after T-tube removal in liver transplant recipients: nasobiliary drainage versus biliary stenting

This study presents the long-term sequelae of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-managed biliary leakage in patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and compares the relative efficacy, safety, and charges of nasobiliary drainage (NBD) versus biliary stenting (BS). We identified all orthotopic liver transplant recipients from January 1, 1993, to December 31, 1997, who had undergone ERCP for biliary leakage. Clinical outcome and charges were calculated on an intention-to-treat basis according to initial endoscopic therapy. Of the 1,166 adult OLTs performed during the study period, 442 patients underwent elective T-tube removal. ERCP was attempted in 69 patients (16%) who developed biliary leakage after T-tube removal. Three patients (5%) in whom initial ERCP was unsuccessful underwent surgery. NBD and BS were used as primary therapy in 45 (68%) and 21 patients (32%), respectively. Three patients initially treated with NBD required reendoscopy or surgery compared with 6 patients initially treated with BS (P <.05). Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward greater expense in the BS group compared with the NBD group. ERCP is a safe and effective method of managing biliary leakage after T-tube removal in orthotopic liver transplant recipients. However, our results suggest NBD is the preferred method because recurrent leaks were more common in patients treated initially with BS. With prompt use of ERCP, surgery is rarely needed for this complication of OLT.

Requirement of hydrogen peroxide generation in TGF-beta 1 signal transduction in human lung fibroblast cells: involvement of hydrogen peroxide and Ca2+ in TGF-beta 1-induced IL-6 expression

Stimulation of human lung fibroblast cells with TGF-beta1 resulted in a transient burst of reactive oxygen species with maximal increase at 5 min after treatment. This reactive oxygen species increase was inhibited by the antioxidant, N-acetyl-l -cysteine (NAC). TGF-beta1 treatment stimulated IL-6 gene expression and protein synthesis in human lung fibroblast cells. Antioxidants including NAC, glutathione, and catalase reduced TGF-beta1-induced IL-6 gene expression, and direct H2O2 treatment induced IL-6 expression in a dose-dependent manner. NAC also reduced TGF-beta1-induced AP-1 binding activity, which is involved in IL-6 gene expression. It has been reported that Ca2+ influx is stimulated by TGF-beta1 treatment. EGTA suppressed TGF-beta1- or H2O2-induced IL-6 expression, and ionomycin increased IL-6 expression, with simultaneously modulating AP-1 activity in the same pattern. PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase kinase 1, suppressed TGF-beta1- or H2O2-induced IL-6 and AP-1 activation. In addition, TGF-beta1 or H2O2 increased MAPK activity which was reduced by EGTA and NAC, suggesting that MAPK is involved in TGF-beta1-induced IL-6 expression. Taken together, these results indicate that TGF-beta1 induces a transient increase of intracellular H2O2 production, which regulates downstream events such as Ca2+ influx, MAPK, and AP-1 activation and IL-6 gene expression.

2-Amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline inhibits nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by blocking p38 kinase activation

We show that 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ), a heterocyclic amine, significantly inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The decrease in NO production was found to correlate well with a decrease in inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression as demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with IQ selectively inhibited the activation of NF-kappaB/Rel, an important transcription factor of iNOS gene expression, while neither AP-1 nor Oct was affected by IQ. Since iNOS transcription has been shown recently to be under the control of the p38 kinase signaling cascade, we assessed the effect of IQ on p38 kinase activation. Treatment of RAW 264.7 with IQ inhibited LPS-stimulated p38 kinase phosphorylation in a dose-related manner. IQ also inhibited the p38 kinase activity. Collectively, this series of experiments indicates that IQ inhibits LPS-induced expression of iNOS gene in RAW 264.7 cells. Based on our findings, the most likely mechanism that can account for this biological effect involves the negative regulation of NF-kappaB/Rel and p38 kinase pathway.

Liver transplantation. Selection, listing criteria, and preoperative management

Although only the expansion of the donor pool will have a major impact on the survival of patients with decompensated cirrhosis awaiting OLT, anticipation of complications such as SBP may improve the likelihood of a patient surviving until OLT, and may ameliorate some of the major causes of morbidity of cirrhosis, such as osteoporosis. Close communication between the treating physicians and the transplant center is crucial to ensure that the patients' UNOS status can be appropriately adjusted if additional complications of cirrhosis, such as intractable ascites, have occurred.

Dexamethasone inhibits IL-1 beta gene expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by blocking NF-kappa B/Rel and AP-1 activation

In the present study, the mechanism by which dexamethasone (DEX) inhibited IL-1beta gene expression in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The decrease in LPS-induced IL-1beta mRNA expression was demonstrated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Since the promoter in IL-1beta gene contains binding motifs for NF-kappaB/Rel, AP-1, NF-IL6, and CREB/ATF, which appear to be important in LPS-mediated IL-1beta induction, the effects of DEX on the activation of these transcription factors were examined. Treatment of DEX to RAW 264.7 cells induced a dose-related inhibition of NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 in chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity, while neither NF-IL6 nor CREB/ATF activation was affected by DEX. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with DEX inhibited DNA binding of NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 proteins to their cognate DNA sites as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). DEX treatment caused a significant reduction in nuclear c-rel, p65, and p50 protein contents, and these decreases were paralleled by the accumulation of cytoplasmic c-rel, p65, and p50. DEX treatment of RAW 264.7 cells did not inhibit the nuclear translocation of c-jun and c-fos. We found that the inhibition of IL-1beta production by DEX is not related to p38, which is important in the IL-1beta induction. These results suggest that DEX may inhibit IL-1beta gene expression by a mechanism involving the blocking of LPS-induced NF-kappaB/Rel and AP-1 activation.

Chlorophyllin suppression of lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells

Chlorophyllin (CHL), a water-soluble derivative of chlorophyll, functions as an anticarcinogen and antioxidant. In the present study, we investigated the effect of CHL on nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Treatment with CHL inhibited nitric oxide production in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264. 7 cells in a dose-related manner. Competitive RT-PCR analysis, using a DNA competitor as an internal standard, demonstrated that the treatment with 1, 10, and 50 microM CHL decreased LPS-induced iNOS mRNA expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Since the expression of the iNOS gene is mainly regulated by NF-kappaB, we then examined the effects of CHL on the NF-kappaB DNA binding activity, using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. CHL down-regulated the NF-kappaB DNA binding on its cognate recognition site at the concentrations just noted. Employing a transfection and reporter gene expression system with p(NF-kappaB)(3)-chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT), the treatment of CHL produced a dose-dependent inhibition of CAT activity in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, CHL partially restored LPS-decreased IkappaBalpha, an inhibitory protein against NF-kappaB activation, in the cytosolic extract from the LPS-treated cells determined by immunoblot analysis. CHL also protected the hydroxyl radical-induced cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells, indicating its antioxidant effect. These results suggest that CHL suppresses the nitric oxide production and iNOS mRNA expression mediated by the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation, and its action mechanism may be based on its antioxidant effect.