Pressure-induced structural rearrangements of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor studied by FTIR spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with resolution enhancement techniques, second-derivative and difference spectroscopies, have been used to characterize pressure-induced changes in the structural rearrangements of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) in D2O solution at 25.0 degrees C. According to the observed changes in the amide I' band up to 550 MPa, the secondary structure elements of BPTI, such as the alpha-helix, 3(10)-helix, beta-sheet, and beta-turn, are scarcely rearranged except for the loop structure of residues of 9-17 and 36-43. The polypeptide backbone is not extensively unfolded up to 550 MPa. The minor pressure-induced structural rearrangements are completely reversible. A further increase in pressure above 1000 MPa associated with the precipitation of BPTI in D2O buffer solution induces the partial structural rearrangements of the alpha-helix, beta-turn and/or 3(10)-helix, and beta-sheet. The polypeptide backbone of BPTI is not fully unfolded even above 1000 MPa. Most of the protected backbone amide protons involved in the beta-sheet remain intact in the pressure range where BPTI is not precipitated, while those involved in the alpha-helix and beta-turn and/or 3(10)-helix are exchanged with solvent deuterons. The protected backbone amide protons located near the surface regions are more easily exchanged with solvent deuterons by application of high pressure than those involved in the core.

Nonasthmatic case of Churg-Strauss syndrome with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis

A 61-year-old man developed mononeuritis multiplex accompanied by eosinophilia in 1993. Approximately 3 years later, acute renal dysfunction, a subendocardial tumor, and a high peripheral anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titer were also detected. Renal biopsy revealed glomerular crescents and interstitial infiltration of eosinophils, so allergic granulomatosis and angiitis was diagnosed. These clinical abnormalities regressed with steroid therapy. He had no history of asthma. This was therefore considered to be an atypical form of Churg-Strauss syndrome with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica with carpal instability

We report a case of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica in the left wrist of a 9-year-old girl. This resulted in symptomatic carpal instability which was relieved by excision of the abnormal bone.

Antibody to hepatitis B e positive hepatitis induced by withdrawal of steroid therapy for polymyositis: response to interferon-alpha and cyclosporin A

A 57-year-old woman was admitted with symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, liver dysfunction, abnormal muscle enzymes, and she was an antibody to hepatitis B e (anti-HBe) positive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier. Biopsy of her left quadriceps femoris showed myositis, so prednisolone was started at 40 mg/day. However, her hepatic function deteriorated and liver biopsy after 4 months showed acute hepatitis with partial submassive necrosis. Treatment with interferon-alpha and cyclosporin A progressively reduced the transaminase and HBV-DNA levels. Early treatment with interferon-alpha plus cyclosporin A can control exacerbation of hepatitis B.

Inhibition by nimesulide of prostaglandin production in rat macrophages

We have investigated the inhibitory action of nimesulide (4-nitro-2-phenoxymethanesulfonanilide) on release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from rat peritoneal exudated macrophages (macrophages) and its mechanism of action. PGE2 release from macrophages stimulated with opsonized zymosan (OPZ) were increased in the 20 h after stimulation, whereas no significant increase was noted in PGE2 release from unstimulated macrophages. Nimesulide caused a weak inhibition of PGE2 release from macrophages at 15 min after OPZ stimulation as compared with indomethacin, but nimesulide caused approximately the same strong inhibition as indomethacin at 10 h after OPZ stimulation. Cellular cyclooxygenase (COX) activity in macrophage at 10 h after OPZ stimulation was increased approximately seven times the COX activity in macrophages before OPZ stimulation. Nimesulide caused approximately the same strong inhibition of cellular COX activity as indomethacin at 10 h after OPZ stimulation. COX-1 mRNA was expressed in macrophages irrespective of OPZ stimulation, but COX-2 mRNA was expressed only after OPZ stimulation, and COX-2 protein was simultaneously induced. Nimesulide affected neither the levels of COX-1 mRNA and COX-2 mRNA at 4 h after OPZ stimulation nor the levels of COX-2 protein at 10 h after OPZ stimulation. In contrast, actinomycin D caused strong inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression and protein induction. These results suggest that inhibition by nimesulide of PGE2 release from macrophages, namely inflammatory cells, would be neither due to inhibition of COX-2 mRNA expression nor COX-2 induction, but to the selective inhibition of COX-2 activity itself.

Immunoradiometric assay for the N-terminal fragment of proatrial natriuretic peptide in human plasma

Recently, the N-terminal fragment of proatrial natriuretic peptide (N-terminal proANP) has been proposed as a marker of chronic congestive heart failure. In this study, we established a two-step immunoradiometric assay using monoclonal antibodies and synthetic N-terminal proANP (1-67) as a standard. It allows us to measure plasma N-terminal proANP in only 4 h without prior extraction. The detection limit of this assay was 15 pmol/L for a 100 microL sample of plasma. Within-run CVs ranged from 1.7% to 2.9% and between-run CVs ranged from 4.2% to 5.1%. The dilution curves of plasma samples showed good linearity and analytical recovery was 89-104%. The mean (+/-SD) N-terminal proANP in plasma of 33 healthy subjects was 188 (+/-71) pmol/L and 1030 (+/-411) pmol/L in 25 patients with heart failure. Our immunoradiometric assay is rapid and precise enough for routine determination of N-terminal proANP in human plasma.

Biopsy sites suitable for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and the assessment of the extent of atrophic gastritis

OBJECTIVES

We performed this study to determine which biopsy sites in the stomach are suitable for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and the assessment of the extent of atrophic gastritis.

METHODS

Endoscopy was performed in 76 H. pylori-positive patients with histologically confirmed chronic gastritis. Biopsies were taken from the following six sites: the lesser curvatures of the mid-antrum (site 1), the angulus (site 2), the middle body (site 3), and the greater curvatures of the mid-antrum (site 4), the angulus (site 5), and the middle body (site 6) of the stomach. The extent of atrophic gastritis was assessed endoscopically as well as histologically, and patients were classified into five groups according to its extent. H. pylori status was assessed histologically. The histological severity of inflammation, activity, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia was assessed according to the Updated Sydney System. The grades of these items were compared among the six biopsy sites in each group of patients.

RESULTS

Site 6 was most reliable for the diagnosis of H. pylori infection, and site 4 was suitable for examining the status of H. pylori colonization in the antrum. Site 1, site 3, and site 6 were suitable for the assessment of the extent of atrophic gastritis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that for an accurate diagnosis and assessment, biopsies should be taken from the following four sites: the lesser curvatures of the mid-antrum (site 1) and middle body (site 3), and the greater curvatures of the mid-antrum (site 4) and middle body (site 6) of the stomach.

Primary structure and characterization of a bullfrog visual pigment contained in small single cones

A cDNA fragment encoding a putative visual pigment (FCV pigment) was isolated from the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. Its deduced amino acid sequence shows high similarities to those of short wavelength-sensitive pigments such as human blue-, chicken violet- and goldfish ultraviolet-sensitive pigments. An antiserum against its C-terminal amino acid sequence recognized the outer segments of small cone photoreceptor cells without oil droplets. It is suggested that the FCV pigment is a short wavelength-sensitive pigment contained in small single cones which have not been characterized previously.

Determinants of tachycardia recurrences after radiofrequency ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia

Clinical and electrophysiologic parameters were analyzed to define the factors potentially related to tachycardia recurrences in 79 patients undergoing successful radiofrequency ablation of idiopathic right or left ventricular tachycardia. It was found that the endocardial activation time at the successful ablation site was the only independent predictor of tachycardia recurrences.

LIM protein KyoT2 negatively regulates transcription by association with the RBP-J DNA-binding protein

The RBP-J/Su(H) DNA-binding protein plays a key role in transcriptional regulation by targeting Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) and the intracellular portions of Notch receptors to specific promoters. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we isolated a LIM-only protein, KyoT, which physically interacts with RBP-J. Differential splicing gave rise to two transcripts of the KyoT gene, KyoT1 and KyoT2, that encoded proteins with four and two LIM domains, respectively. With differential splicing resulting in deletion of an exon, KyoT2 lacked two LIM domains from the C terminus and had a frameshift in the last exon, creating the RBP-J-binding region in the C terminus. KyoT1 had a negligible level of interaction with RBP-J. Strong expression of KyoT mRNAs was detected in skeletal muscle and lung, with a predominance of KyoT1 mRNA. When expressed in F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, KyoT1 and KyoT2 were localized in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, respectively. The binding site of KyoT2 on RBP-J overlaps those of EBNA2 and Notchl but is distinct from that of Hairless, the negative regulator of RBP-J-mediated transcription in Drosophila. KyoT2 but not KyoT1 repressed the RBP-J-mediated transcriptional activation by EBNA2 and Notch1 by competing with them for binding to RBP-J and by dislocating RBP-J from DNA. KyoT2 is a novel negative regulatory molecule for RBP-J-mediated transcription in mammalian systems.

Free vascularized fibular graft in the treatment of Salmonella typhi osteomyelitis of the distal radius

The authors report a rare case of Salmonella typhi osteomyelitis involving the distal radius. The patient was treated successfully by wide resection and reconstruction of the distal radius with a vascularized fibular transfer. Local recurrence of infection did not occur. The free vascularized fibular graft is an effective procedure for the treatment of osteomyelitis of the distal radius.

The role of microglia and tumor-primed lymphocytes in the interaction between T lymphocytes and brain endothelial cells

We investigated the role of IFN-gamma activated microglia in the passage of T lymphocytes across a monolayer of brain endothelial cells (EC) in vitro. Microglia isolated from Fisher 344 (F344) newborn rats were stimulated with IFN-gamma (100 U/ml) for 48 h. T lymphocytes primed with glioma cells were 51Cr-labeled, and added to the monolayer of F344 brain EC. In the adhesion assay, when EC were cultured in medium containing the supernatant of reactive microglia before the assay was carried out, the number of T lymphocytes adhering was increased. In addition, this adhesion was blocked by the addition of anti-ICAM-1 mAb to the EC. In the migration assay, performed using the double chamber system, when reactive microglia adhered to the other side of EC, the number of T lymphocytes migrating to the underwell was also increased. When T lymphocytes were primed to tumor cells in vivo, both their adhesion and migration were enhanced. These results suggest that some soluble factors from reactive microglia are capable of enhancing the expression of ICAM-1 on the brain EC. As a consequence, large numbers of tumor-primed T lymphocytes can adhere to EC and migrate across the EC monolayer.

Factors Influencing Arteriovenous Fistula Dysfunction in Japanese Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Arteriovenous fistula dysfunction is a constant problem in chronic hemodialysis patients. We investigated the factors influencing fistula dysfunction in 184 patients on chronic hemodialysis. Stepwise regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to assess the relationship between fistula dysfunction and age, sex, duration of hemodialysis, diabetes mellitus, hematocrit, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, Kt/V, prothrombin time, blood pressure, anticoagulant therapy, dose of erythropoietin, calcium channel blocker therapy, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. Fistula dysfunction showed a significant relationship with a low systolic blood pressure, a low hematocrit, the presence of diabetes mellitus, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy. These results suggested that treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may help to prevent fistula dysfunction.

Analysis of p53 gene deletions in colorectal cancers using fluorescence in situ hybridization

To examine the relationship between the incidence of p53 gene deletion in each nucleus and the clinicopathological features in colorectal cancers, we performed a cytogenetic study using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). FISH was performed on 5 adenomas and 38 colorectal cancers that had been resected surgically. The nucleus, in which the copy number of the p53 signal was lower than that of chromosome 17, was determined as a deletion of the p53 gene. The mean frequency of the deletion of p53 in adenomas and cancers were 7.8% +/- 3.0% and 57.0% +/- 19.0%, respectively. Numerical aberrations of chromosome 17 or a deletion of p53 were also detected in DNA diploidy. The mean frequency of the deletion of p53 in 32 cases with aneusomy of chromosome 17 (65.7% +/- 14.5%) was significantly higher than that in cases of disomy (51.1% +/- 19.3%, P < 0.05). Even though this frequency was high in the early stage, it was not associated with any specific histopathological features. This frequency was also higher in double primary cancers (70.4% +/- 16.7%) compared with single colorectal cancers (53.4% +/- 18.1%) (P < 0.05). Using FISH, our results demonstrated that the clonal deletion of the p53 locus is an early genetic event of colorectal cancers and that a high incidence of p53 deletion may influence the occurrence of double primary cancers.

Effect of pressure on the mechanism of hydrolysis of maltotetraose, maltopentaose, and maltohexose catalyzed by porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase

Pressure effects on the time course of the products' composition accompanying the hydrolysis of maltooligosaccharides [maltotetraose (G4) maltopentaose (G5), and maltohexaose (G6)] catalyzed by porcine pancreatic alpha-amylase (PPA) were measured up to 300MPa at 30 degrees C. The composition of products, glucose (G ), maltose (G2), and maltotriose (G3), for the hydrolysis of G4, and G5 substrates changed a little by compression. But for G6 substrate, pressure induced some changes in the composition of products, G2, G3, and G4, respectively. From the pressure dependence of the observed rate constants on PPA catalyzed hydrolysis of G6, the volume difference between two kinds of Michaelis complexes of alpha-amylase-G6 is about 5.4 cm3/mol. The mechanism of an interesting pressure-induced reaction catalyzed by PPA is discussed in the terms of the reaction volumes.

[Relationship between the morphological changes of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollen grains and the release of major allergens from the pollen]

Release of major allergens (Cry j 1, Cry j 2) from Japanese cedar (C. japonica) pollen grains treated with high pressure was investigated. C. japonica pollen grains crushed by high pressure treatment using FRENCH Pressure Cell Press released greater amounts of major allergens, particularly Cry j 2, compared to those without crush. This suggests that the cytoplasm of C. japonica pollen grains contains more Cry j 2 than previously reported. The effect of nasal fluid on the release of major allergens from C. japonica pollen grains was analyzed in vitro. Nasal fluid from patients with nasal allergy remarkably increased the release of major allergens from pollen grains, compared to controls, and the amount of Cry j 1 was greater than Cry j 2. Further studies revealed that nasal fluid affects the outer wall of pollen grains, where Cry j 1 is located, to a greater extent than its effect on the cytoplasm, where Cry j 2 is located.

Suppression of intestinal polyp development by nimesulide, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in Min mice

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) suppress colon carcinogenesis in man and experimental animals. However, conventional NSAIDs inhibit both cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, and cause gastrointestinal side-effects. Nimesulide, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, is much less ulcerogenic. We, therefore, examined its influence on the development of intestinal polyps in Min mice. Female Min mice at 4 weeks old were given 400 ppm nimesulide in their diet for 11 weeks. This treatment resulted in a significant reduction of the numbers of both small and large intestinal polyps, the total being 52% of that in untreated control Min mice. The size of the polyps in the nimesulide-treated group was also significantly decreased. The results suggest that nimesulide is a good candidate as a chemopreventive agent for human colon cancer with low toxicity.

Low-density lipoprotein apheresis for focal glomerular sclerosis

We report on a 22-year-old female with focal glomerular sclerosis and hyperlipidemia who did not respond to long-term steroid or immunosuppressant therapy. When low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis was performed, her total daily protein excretion decreased, serum albumin increased, total cholesterol decreased from 1,052 mg/dl to 148 mg/dl after 3 months, and the serum lipoprotein(a) level also decreased from 117.8 mg/dl to 9.1 mg/dl. After this therapy, her clinical course was well maintained. By controlling hyperlipidemia, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein and lipoprotein(a), low-density lipoprotein apheresis may produce clinical improvement in focal glomerular sclerosis.

[A case of postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma successfully treated with arterial infusion chemotherapy using cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil]

We reported a 71-year-old male patient with multiple liver recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma, who responded to arterial infusion chemotherapy using CDDP and 5-FU. The patient was administered 10mg/body CDDP and 250 mg/body 5-FU on day 1-5./1 course. As a result, the tumor decreased and AFP was decreased to 50.8 ng/ml (from 93099 ng/ml). The patient is alive 13 months after the beginning of therapy in a condition of partial response (PR).

Atypical atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia with atrioventricular block mimicking atrial tachycardia: electrophysiologic properties and radiofrequency ablation therapy

INTRODUCTION

Fast-intermediate form AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) sometimes may mimic atrial tachycardia or atrial flutter and render the diagnosis difficult when the tachycardia rate is fast and AV block occurs during tachycardia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 45-year-old woman with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was referred to this institution. Initially, the tachycardia was thought to be an atrial tachycardia because of: (1) a short cycle length of the tachycardia with 2:1 and Wenckebach AV block; (2) a difference in the atrial activation sequence during tachycardia and during ventricular pacing; and (3) failure of burst ventricular pacing to affect the atrial rate and the atrial activation sequence during tachycardia. An accurate diagnosis of fast-intermediate form AVNRT was subsequently made based on the finding that the tachycardia was induced following delivery of a third ventricular extrastimulus, which showed a sequence of V-A-H and a change on atrial activation sequence of the induced beat. Successful radiofrequency ablation was achieved only after accurate diagnosis of the tachycardia was made.

CONCLUSION

Fast-intermediate form AVNRT sometimes may masquerade as atrial tachycardia. Accurate diagnosis is mandatory for successful ablation therapy.

[Analysis of pulmonary manifestations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

We studied chest X rays of 911 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The findings showed interstitial shadow in 28 patients (3.1%), pleuritis in 13 patients (1.4%) and nodular shadow in 3 patients (0.3%). RA patients with interstitial pneumonia were commonly male and older. And they had significantly high levels of rheumatoid factor (RF), RAPA and IgG-RF in serum, but they were not associated with high score of Lansbary index. All patients with more than 1500 IU/ml in RF value had a complication of interstitial pneumonia. These results suggest the importance of chest X-ray in the management of RA patients with high titer in RF.

Localization of hepatocyte growth factor and tubulointerstitial lesions in IgA nephropathy

To investigate the relationship between localization of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and tubulointerstitial lesions (TILs) in the cortical area of renal biopsy specimens, a clinicopathological study was performed in 35 patients with IgA nephropathy. HGF was detected by an enzyme-antibody method and TILs were assessed semiquantitatively by light microscopy. HGF was observed mainly on epithelial cells in the tubules, but not in the glomeruli. Fourteen patients had biopsies that were positive for HGF. There was a correlation between HGF positivity and histological damage, the TIL grade, and several clinical parameters determined at biopsy. Thus, HGF is related to TILs in IgA nephropathy, and may be a factor in the exacerbation of this disease.

Comparison of the effects of various fine particles on IgE antibody production in mice inhaling Japanese cedar pollen allergens

The adjuvant effects of various fine particles [Kanto loam dust, fly ash, carbon black, diesel exhaust particles (DEP), and aluminum hydroxide (alum)] on immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody production in female BDF1 mice were examined. In experiment 1, animals both received 25 micrograms of each particle intranasally and were exposed to aerosolized Japanese cedar pollen allergens (JCPA) for 30 min/d at 1-wk intervals for the first 8 wk. This was followed by exposure for 30 min every 3 wk for the next 9 wk. As parameters of allergic rhinitis, measurements were made of JCPA-specific IgE and IgG antibody titers, the protein-adsorbing capacity of each type of particle, and nasal rubbing movements. The increases in anti-JCPA IgE and IgG antibody production in mice treated with aerosolized JCPA plus respective particles were significantly greater than that found with aerosolized JCPA alone. This was associated with no marked differences in the other allergic rhinitis parameters. In experiment 2, after the administration of particles as in experiment 1, about 160,000 grains of Japanese cedar pollen (JCP, native dry pollen) were dropped onto the tip of the nose of mice twice a week for 16 wk. Six weeks after the first immunization, the anti-JCPA IgE antibody titers of groups treated with the respective particles were greater than 1:20, whereas those of mice treated with JCP alone were 1:10. No significant differences in the anti-JCPA IgE and IgG antibody productions, nasal rubbing counts, or histopathological changes were observed after 18 wk. These results suggested the nature of the particles, their capacity to adsorb antigens, and/or their size may not be related to enhancement of IgG antibody production nor symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, IgE antibody production seemed to occur earlier in mice treated with particles than in mice immunized with allergens alone.