Re-uptake of nascent low-density lipoproteins by HepG2 cells

The kinetics and specificity of the interaction of nascent HepG2 LDL with the HepG2 LDL receptor were examined. 125I-Labeled HepG2 LDL and plasma LDL were bound by HepG2 cells in a specific and saturable manner at 4 degrees C. Competition studies with HepG2 LDL and plasma LDL indicated that both ligands bound to the same receptor. Scatchard analyses of the specific 4 degrees C-binding data revealed a Kd of 75 nM for HepG2 LDL and a Kd of 30 nM for plasma LDL suggesting that HepG2 LDL bind less efficiently to the HepG2 LDL receptor than plasma LDL. Binding, internalization and degradation studies carried out at 37 degrees C indicated that HepG2 cells are capable of catabolizing their own nascent LDL; however, under normal experimental conditions re-uptake of nascent LDL is quantitatively insignificant.

Esophagectomy for metastatic carcinoma of the esophagus from lung cancer

A patient with metastatic carcinoma of the esophagus from lung cancer is reported. The patient was a 54-year-old woman who underwent a left lower lobectomy for lung cancer 5 years previously. The authors performed a thoracic esophagectomy, dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes, and reconstruction of the esophagus; the surgery was followed by chemotherapy. Because the histologic pattern of the esophageal tumor was similar to that of lung cancer and mucosal involvement was not seen, the esophageal tumor was interpreted to be a metastasis from lung cancer. The patient is well without recurrence of disease 23 months after operation. This is the first report of a successful esophagectomy for metastatic carcinoma of the esophagus from lung cancer.

Interindividual variability of carbonyl reductase levels in human livers

Interindividual variability of carbonyl reductase levels in human livers (N = 11) was examined by measuring reductase activity toward various substrates and by western blot analysis using anti-rat ovarian carbonyl reductase CR2 antibody. The carbonyl reductase activity toward p-nitrobenzaldehyde (PNBA) (58.1 +/- 5.4 nmol/mg protein/min, mean +/- SE) was highest among the substrates examined, followed by 4-benzoylpyridine (4BP) (14.4 +/- 2.0 nmol/mg protein/min) and p-nitroacetophenone (PNAP) (2.00 +/- 0.37 nmol/mg protein/min). The reductase activity (6.33 +/- 0.56 pmol/mg protein/min) toward 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (15KD-PGF2 alpha), which is a diagnostic substrate for rat ovarian carbonyl reductases, was relatively high compared to that in other species. Western blot analysis revealed that each human liver contained several immunoreactive proteins to anti-CR2 antibody. The activities toward 15KD-PGF2 alpha (r = 0.85, P < 0.01) and 4BP (r = 0.84, P < 0.01), but not PNBA (r = 0.53, not significant) or PNAP (r = 0.52, not significant), were closely correlated with the relative amounts of the high molecular weight immunoreactive proteins determined with a densitometer. Thus, the major carbonyl reductases in human liver are similar to those of rat ovarian enzymes.

[Detection of chromosomal aberration using fluorescence in situ hybridization in DNA diploid colorectal carcinomas]

Numerical aberrations of chromosomes can be detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), using chromosome-specific probes. It is possible to observe this in solid tumors from which it is very difficult to obtain metaphase nuclei. The present study employed surgical specimens from 15 cases of colorectal carcinoma, all of which showed DNA diploidy. In the same samples, we analyzed chromosomal numerical aberration by FISH according to the method of Pinkel et al. Biotinylated DNA probes specific to chromosome #7, #11 and #17, were used. The hybridization spots were observed by fluorescent microscopy. As a result, the numerical aberrations of chromosomes detected by FISH were found in DNA diploid cases by FCM. They were trisomy and monosomy. These results indicate that FISH is useful to detect the chromosomal aberrations of DNA diploid cases.

[Evaluation of chemosensitivity test for cancer using the collagen gel embedded culture system--DNA ploidy pattern and chemosensitivity]

The authors previously reported the advantages of a collagen gel embedded culture system for chemosensitivity tests for cancer. In this report, the chemosensitivities of surgically resected specimens were evaluated by the collagen gel embedded culture system and compared with the DNA ploidy pattern, measured by flow cytometry. The chemosensitivity and DNA ploidy pattern were determined in 11 patients with lung cancer, 8 with gastric cancer and 46 with colorectal cancer. Anticancer agents were MMC and CDDP at Cmax for one hour of exposure, and 5-FU, VDS, VP-16 and ADM at one tenth the Cmax for 24 hours of exposure. Results were compared with those of DNA histogram. In eight lung cancers which were demonstrated to be sensitive by the collagen gel system, 5 showed DNA aneuploidy (DA) and 3 DNA diploidy (DD). Seven cases (87.5%) of gastric cancer were demonstrated to be sensitive with the collagen gel system. Two of them showed DA and five DD. On the other hand, 19 cases (41.3%) of colorectal cancer were found to be sensitive, and 7 of them showed DA and twelve DD. Lung cancer and gastric cancer exhibiting aneuploidy demonstrated sensitivity with the collagen gel system, but the rate of sensitivity was only 28% in colorectal cancer, and even aneuploidy cases showed a low sensitivity.

[Ultrasonic findings of the cholecyst and biliary tract after gastrectomy]

Periodical ultrasonic findings were taken up to 1 year after operation in 207 gastric cancer patients and generation of gallstones after gastrectomy was examined. Abnormal ultrasonic findings were observed frequently in cases with advanced cancer and cases which received anticancer drugs, but operative procedures, reconstruction procedures and the degree of removal of lymph nodes did not significantly affect ultrasonic findings. Gallstone findings were observed from 3 months after operation. Among 18 of 135 cases (13.3%) with gallstone findings observed 12 months after operation, 10 had shifted from biliary debris and sludges to gallstones. In 53 cases which were able to be observed periodically from the preoperative period, 9 (17.0%) of gall stones were observed after 12 months, and 7 had shifted from biliary debris and sludges. In cases with abnormal ultrasonic findings, the serum GOT levels on day 1 and day 7, and GPT levels on day 1, day 7, and day 14 were significantly higher than the preoperative values. Hepatic dysfunction of the early postoperative stage and generation of biliary debris and sludges may play an important role in gallstone formation, and anticancer drugs after gastrectomy may have an aid of gallstone formation.

Hyperthyroidism with potent thyroid-stimulation-blocking antibodies and negative thyroid-stimulating antibodies after subtotal thyroidectomy for Graves' disease with follicular thyroid carcinoma

A 39-year-old woman with Graves' disease associated with follicular thyroid carcinoma underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. TSH-binding inhibitor immunoglobulins (TBII) were positive, whereas thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb) and thyroid-stimulation-blocking antibodies (TSBAb) were both negative before the operation. After the operation, TBII markedly increased above the pretreatment value. TSBAb became positive 3 months after the operation and then their activity increased, while TSAb remained negative after the operation. Subtotal thyroidectomy may have influenced the development of TSBAb in this patient. Irrespective of these findings, the patient became hyperthyroid again several months after the operation.

[Comparison of typical and atypical bronchoplasty for bronchogenic carcinoma]

One-hundred and twenty-eight patients who underwent bronchoplasty for bronchogenic carcinoma from 1969 to 1990 were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-six patients had upper sleeve lobectomy or upper lobectomy with wedge bronchoplasty (typical procedure) and 32 underwent bronchoplasty with lobectomy other than upper lobes (atypical bronchoplasty). The two groups were statistically similar in preoperative characteristics including sex, age, cell types and stages. In typical group, right upper sleeve lobectomy was performed in 48 patients, left upper sleeve lobectomy in 27, right upper lobectomy with wedge bronchoplasty in 11, left upper lobectomy with wedge bronchoplasty in 7 and sleeve bronchoplasty alone in 2. In atypical group, right middle and lower lobectomy with sleeve bronchoplasty in 10 patients, left lower sleeve lobectomy in 5, right lower lobectomy with wedge bronchoplasty in 4 and others in 13. Postoperative mortality was 5.2% in the typical group and 9.4% in the atypical group. Postoperative respiratory complications occurred in 16 patients (50%) in the patients with the atypical group and in 33 (34.7%) in those with typical group. Three years and 5 years survival rates in the typical group were 46 and 40% and those in the atypical group, 27 and 18%. However, there was no statistical difference in survival between the two groups. In conclusion, atypical bronchoplasty is useful for preserving the lung parenchyma, but, careful perioperative management and surgical technique of bronchoplasty are mandatory.

Product dependence of deuterium isotope effects in enzyme-catalyzed reactions

Theory for enzyme-catalyzed reactions is developed for the dependence on product concentration of deuterium isotope effects on V and V/K. Generally, a product that decreases the off-rate for a second product to zero causes the isotope effect on V/K to decrease to DKeq and that on V to decrease to a value between 1 and DKeq. If the second product off-rate is decreased to a finite value, DV and D(V/K) will decrease to a value greater than DKeq, while if there is no effect on the off-rate for the second product, DV and D(V/K) will not change. Interestingly, for a ping-pong mechanism, the presence of the product that provides a reversible connection between the isotope-sensitive step and the isotope-insensitive half-reaction will give an isotope effect on V/K for the latter. (In the absence of the product, the isotope effect on V/K for the isotope-insensitive half-reaction will be unity.) Theory is supported with data for alcohol and lactate dehydrogenases. For lactate dehydrogenase, D(V/Kpyruvate) decreases from 1.93 +/- 0.02 at zero to 1.16 +/- 0.02 at infinite lactate concentration, while DV decreases from a value of 1.75 +/- 0.03 at zero to a value of 0.93 +/- 0.05 at infinite lactate concentration. Thus, it appears that the pathway in which lactate is released first is greatly preferred, but the pathway in which NAD+ is released before lactate is observed at high lactate concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanical modulation of a voltage-dependent non-inactivating K+ current in cultured bullfrog sympathetic neurones

Cultured bullfrog sympathetic ganglion cells were voltage-clamped with a whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Local flow of a solution (identical to the bathing solution) from a micropipette to a cell, but not other mechanical stimuli, produced a non-inactivating outward (in 34 cells out of 141) or inward (in 70 cells) current [I(f)(out) or I(f)(in), respectively] depending on cells. Both I(f)(out) and I(f)(in) appeared at voltages more positive than -60 mV. The mechanism, however, was activated even at -70 mV, as I(f)(out) or I(f)(in) appeared on shifting membrane potential to -30 mV immediately after the local flow. I(f)(out) and I(f)(in) were accompanied by increases and decreases, respectively, in the membrane conductance and current relaxation to a voltage jump between -30 mV and -55 mV without a change in its time constant (whose value was similar to that of a voltage-dependent non-inactivating K+ current, IM), and reversed at a membrane potential close to the equilibrium potential for K+. Both I(f)(out) and I(f)(in) were blocked by Ba2+ (4-8 mM), a blocker of IM, and by muscarine (10 microM), which produced either an "apparent inward" or outward current. A transient outward current activated by a voltage jump from -85 mV (or -75 mV) to -30 mV was little affected by a local flow of a solution which produced I(f)(out) or I(f)(in). These results suggest that the local solution flow produced I(f)(in) or I(f)(out) by deactivating or activating IM, respectively.

Transformation of HepG2 nascent lipoproteins by LCAT: modulation by HepG2 d > 1.235 g/ml fraction

We have previously shown that lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) can transform ultracentrifugally isolated HepG2 lipoproteins (d < 1.235 g/ml) into particles that differ substantially from their nascent precursors. Transformed high density lipoprotein (HDL) subpopulations, as judged by nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE), resemble plasma HDL, i.e., HDL2a- and HDL3a-sized particles predominate. In HepG2 conditioned medium (CM), 60-70% of apoA-I is in the d > 1.235 g/ml fraction (lipid-poor apoA-I); hence we investigated whether inclusion of d > 1.235 g/ml fraction in LCAT incubations altered HDL subpopulations. After 18 h incubation of CM (containing lipoproteins and d > 1.235 g/ml fraction) with purified LCAT, the major transformation product on GGE was a large 9.7-nm particle (HDL2b pattern); a minor component appeared at 7.4 nm (HDL3c). Differences in particle size distribution between CM and isolated lipoprotein incubations were not the result of differences in LCAT activity; mass ratios of unesterified cholesterol:cholesteryl ester and phospholipid:cholesteryl ester were similar. Removal of apoA-I from the d > 1.235 g/ml fraction by immunoaffinity chromatography prior to incubation with the d < 1.235 g/ml fraction produced the same products (i.e., HDL2b pattern) as incubations performed with the unaltered d > 1.235 g/ml fraction; therefore, lipid-poor apoA-I does not influence nascent HDL transformation. Cholesteryl ester was transferred from HepG2 HDL to LDL in CM incubations; however, cholesteryl ester transfer protein was not immunochemically identified. Removal of HepG2 LDL from CM prior to incubation with LCAT still resulted in the HDL2b pattern. We conclude that HepG2 cells secrete a factor(s) that modifies nascent HDL transformation products into a predominantly HDL2b subpopulation.

[A case of traumatic aortic valve rupture]

A case of aortic valve rupture as a result of blunt trauma by motorcycle accident is presented. A previously healthy 18-year-old male developed severe congestive heart failure 46 days after the initial trauma. There were crescentic tears in the right and non-coronary cusps parallel to and along the whole length of the cusps. The valve was excised and replaced with a 21 mm St. Jude Medical prosthesis. Following the procedure he made an relatively uneventful recovery and was discharged on the 83rd postoperative day. The possibility of damage to the heart valves in traffic accidents must be borne in mind since rapid deterioration can occur and early surgical therapy is essential.

[Flow cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy pattern in breast cancer: malignant potential and prognostic implication]

Flow cytometric DNA analysis in solid tumors has developed over the past ten years. In human breast cancer, flow cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy pattern recently reported were reviewed. There are conflicting data regarding the value of DNA ploidy pattern obtained by flow cytometric analysis for determining prognosis for breast cancer patients. Some data seem to indicate that S-phase fraction alone or in combination with DNA ploidy pattern may be more important prognostically than DNA ploidy pattern alone, although the results have not been uniform. These suggests that a consensus of determination for DNA ploidy pattern in breast cancer and further investigations on DNA ploidy pattern are required.

[Establishment and characterization of a human squamous cell carcinoma cell line LK-52 which produce direct activator of coagulant factor X]

Uterus origin squamous cell carcinoma cell line LK-52 was established from surgical specimen of lung metastatic nodule. LK-52 produce poorly differentiated squamous carcinoma in nude mouse, and doubling time in vitro was 38 hours. Chromosome analysis show various abnormality and main mode number was 67 and 68. LK-52 shed active procoagulant substance into culture medium. The culture medium of LK-52 shortening recalcification time of normal human plasma and factor VII or factor IX deficient plasma but not factor X deficient plasma. Procoagulant activity of LK-52 product may induced with direct activation of coagulant factor X. Procoagulant activity which produced by cancer cell may play a important roll in the unbalanced haemostasis of cancer patient.

Purification and characterization of serine proteinase inhibitors form gourd (Lagenaria leucantha Rusby var. Gourda Makino) seeds

Gourd seed inhibitors were purified in the following manner: gourd seeds were ground and extracted with 10 mM ammonium carbonate, pH 7.8. The extract was precipitated with 65-90% acetone and the acetone precipitates were gel filtered in a Cellulofine GCL-90-m column. Fractions of 3000 Da showing trypsin inhibitory activity were combined and purified further by ion exchange and reversed phase chromatographies. Three inhibitors, LLTI-I, II, and III were thus purified to homogeneity and the amino acid sequences of these inhibitors were: [sequence: see text] The exact sequences are unique but very similar to proteinase inhibitors belonging to the squash family. Based on the sequence, it is assumed that the peptide bond (Arg-Ile) found in the three inhibitors is the reactive site for trypsin. The Ki values estimated for complexes of LLTI-I, II, and III with bovine trypsin were 3.6 x 10(-10) M, 6.5 x 10(-11) M, and 3.0 x 10(-11) M, respectively.

[Cystic tumors of mediastinum]

Nine of twenty-four mediastinal tumors showed cystic lesions were operated at Kinki University Hospital. These nine mediastinal cysts included 5 of thymic cysts, 3 teratomas and one pericardial cyst. By the preoperative imagings, thymic cysts showed a smooth wall and homogenous content with water density. Teratoma consisted of cystic and solid parts, and the irregular thickness of the wall was found. One of these teratomas was ruptured into the pleural cavity, it has been proposed that digestive enzyme derived from pancreatic tissue with Langerhans island caused autolysis and necrosis with result in rupture. Pericardial cyst located at cardiophrenic angle mostly and which is useful on diagnosis.

[Utricular papillomatosis. A case report]

A case of utricular papillomatosis is reported herein. A 50-year-old male patient consulted our hospital with a complaint of asymptomatic macrohematuria. Endoscopic examination revealed papillomatous tumor tightly growing within the utricle. Transurethral resection of the tumor was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor consisted of numerous villous structures with slender fibrovascular cores and overlying cuboidal cells in 2 to 3 cell layers. Invasive growth or cellular atypia could not be found. Utricular papillomatosis is rare, and only one similar case was reported to my knowledge in the English literature for the last five years. Such rarity and peculiar clinicopathological characteristics prompted us to report this case.

Studies on natural antioxidants in citrus species. I. Determination of antioxidative activities of citrus fruits

The antioxidative activities of twenty types of citrus fruits were investigated with a screening method which is based on rat liver microsomal lipid peroxidation induced by dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The activities of the exocarp were greater than those of the sarcocarp and the activities from immature fruits (collected in July-August) were greater than those from mature fruits. The strongest antioxidative activity was found in ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco) collected in July.

Antioxidant effect of calmodulin antagonists in rat brain homogenate

Several calmodulin antagonists, W-7, amitriptyline, trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, dibucaine, prenylamine, calmidazolium, and compound 48/80, inhibited lipid peroxidation induced non-enzymatically in rat brain homogenate by ascorbate and Fe2+. Suggestions of involvement of calmodulin in various oxidative cellular responses, based on experiments using calmodulin antagonists, may need to be re-evaluated.

[Statistics on operations at Hara Genitourinary Hospital (1971-1991)]

The statistical analysis of the inpatients and operations in our department from April, 1971 to March, 1991 revealed a total of 9,170 operations. One of the biggest changes in treatment is a marked increase in closed surgery. This includes endourological surgeries; transurethral resections of prostate and bladder tumor (TUR-P, TUR-Bt), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL), transurethral uretero-lithotripsy (TUL) and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL). From 1976 to 1980 there were 721 open surgical procedures (71.0% of cases) and 295 closed procedures (21.0% of cases). This ratio has now been reversed completely. From 1986-1991, there were 342 open procedures (8.2% of cases) and 3808 closed procedures (91.8% of cases). The main reason for this change was the introduction of the new techniques PNL, TUL and ESWL. Other important observations include: The incidence of emergency operations was higher in this private institution than that seen in non-private hospitals. From 1986, there was an increase in the use of PNL and TUL for the management of urinary calculi, and from 1988, ESWL has overtaken PNL and TUL in the treatment of this condition. Recently the limitations of ESWL have been appreciated and the value of a combined approach to therapy, for selected cases, is being recognized. A total of 238 ileal or ileocecal conduits were created with good results. A low complication rate has been observed with preservation of renal function.