Iron chelators may help prevent photoaging

For years, cosmetic ingredients for anti-aging treatments have attracted consumers. Skin aging is accelerated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated by exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), in a process known as photoaging. Because cutaneous iron catalyses ROS generation, it is thought to play a key role in photoaging. Iron is essential to almost all forms of life. However, excess iron is potentially toxic as its catalytic activity induces the generation of ROS. Iron-catalysed ROS generation is involved in numerous pathological conditions, including cutaneous damage. When skin is directly exposed to UVR, cutaneous intracellular catalytic iron levels increase because of the release of iron from iron-binding proteins such as ferritin. Consequently, the subsequent ROS generation may overwhelm cutaneous defense systems such as the cellular iron sequestration and ROS scavenging capacity. The harmful role of excess cutaneous iron implies that there may be a potential for topical iron chelator treatments. We now consider cutaneous photodamage skin photoaging as the result of iron-catalysed ROS generation and discuss preventative strategies based on iron chelators.

Blockade of PKCdelta proteolytic activation by loss of function mutants rescues mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons from methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT)-induced apoptotic cell death

The use of methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) as a gasoline additive has raised health concerns and increased interest in understanding the neurotoxic effects of manganese. Chronic exposure to inorganic manganese causes Manganism, a neurological disorder somewhat similar to Parkinson's disease. However, the cellular mechanism by which MMT, an organic manganese compound, induces neurotoxicity in dopaminergic neuronal cells remains unclear. Therefore, we systematically investigated apoptotic cell-signaling events following exposure to 3-200 microM MMT in mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal (N27) cells. MMT treatment resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in reactive oxygen species generation and cell death in N27 cells. The cell death was preceded by sequential activation of mitochondrial-dependent proapoptotic events including cytochrome c release, caspase-3 activation, and DNA fragmentation, indicating that the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic cascade primarily triggers MMT-induced apoptotic cell death. Importantly, MMT induced proteolytic cleavage of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), resulting in persistently increased kinase activity. The proteolytic activation of PKCdelta was suppressed by treatment with 100 microM Z-VAD-FMK and 100 microM Z-DEVD-FMK, suggesting that caspase-3 mediates the proteolytic activation of PKCdelta. Pretreatment with 100 microM Z-DEVD-FMK and 5 microM rottlerin (a PKCdelta inhibitor) also significantly attenuated MMT-induced DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, overexpression of either the kinase inactive dominant negative PKCdelta(K376R) mutant or the caspase cleavage resistant PKCdelta(D327A) mutant rescued N27 cells from MMT-induced DNA fragmentation. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic cascade mediates apoptosis via proteolytic activation of PKCdelta in MMT-induced dopaminergic degeneration and suggest that PKCdelta may serve as an attractive therapeutic target in Parkinson-related neurological diseases.

Proteolytic activation of proapoptotic kinase PKCdelta is regulated by overexpression of Bcl-2: implications for oxidative stress and environmental factors in Parkinson's disease

We previously demonstrated that the organochlorine pesticide dieldrin, a potential chemical risk factor for development of Parkinson's disease (PD), impairs mitochondrial function and promotes apoptosis in dopaminergic PC12 cells. We further demonstrated that caspase-3-dependent proteolytic activation of a member of the novel PKC family, protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta), contributes to apoptotic cell death in dopaminergic cells. In the present study, we report that the proapoptotic function of PKCdelta can be regulated by overexpression of the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 in dieldrin-treated dopaminergic cells. Exposure to dieldrin (30 or 100 micro M) for 3 h produced a dose-dependent increase in caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation in vector-transfected PC12 cells. Overexpression of human Bcl-2 in PC12 cells completely suppressed dieldrin-induced caspase-3 activation and DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, dieldrin-induced proteolytic activation of PKCdelta was also remarkably reduced in Bcl-2-overexpressed cells. Together, these results suggest that the proapoptotic function of PKCdelta can be regulated by mitochondrial redox modulators during neurodegenerative processes.

Dieldrin induces apoptosis by promoting caspase-3-dependent proteolytic cleavage of protein kinase Cdelta in dopaminergic cells: relevance to oxidative stress and dopaminergic degeneration

We previously reported that dieldrin, one of the potential environmental risk factors for development of Parkinson's disease, induces apoptosis in dopaminergic cells by generating oxidative stress. Here, we demonstrate that the caspase-3-dependent proteolytic activation of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) mediates as well as regulates the dieldrin-induced apoptotic cascade in dopaminergic cells. Exposure of PC12 cells to dieldrin (100-300 microM) results in the rapid release of cytochrome C, followed by the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The superoxide dismutase mimetic Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid)porphyrin chloride significantly attenuates dieldrin-induced cytochrome C release, indicating that reactive oxygen species may contribute to the activation of pro-apoptotic factors. Interestingly, dieldrin proteolytically cleaves native PKCdelta into a 41 kDa catalytic subunit and a 38 kDa regulatory subunit to activate the kinase. The dieldrin-induced proteolytic cleavage of PKCdelta and induction of kinase activity are completely inhibited by pretreatment with 50-100 microM concentrations of the caspase inhibitors benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-VAD-FMK) and benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone (Z-DEVD-FMK), indicating that the proteolytic activation of PKCdelta is caspase-3-dependent. Additionally, Z-VAD-FMK, Z-DEVD-FMK or the PKCdelta specific inhibitor rottlerin almost completely block dieldrin-induced DNA fragmentation. Because dieldrin dramatically increases (40-80-fold) caspase-3 activity, we examined whether proteolytically activated PKCdelta amplifies caspase-3 via positive feedback activation. The PKCdelta inhibitor rottlerin (3-20 microM) dose-dependently attenuates dieldrin-induced caspase-3 activity, suggesting positive feedback activation of caspase-3 by PKCdelta. Indeed, delivery of catalytically active recombinant PKCdelta via a protein delivery system significantly activates caspase-3 in PC12 cells. Finally, overexpression of the kinase-inactive PKCdelta(K376R) mutant in rat mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal cells attenuates dieldrin-induced caspase-3 activity and DNA fragmentation, further confirming the pro-apoptotic function of PKCdelta in dopaminergic cells. Together, we conclude that caspase-3-dependent proteolytic activation of PKCdelta is a critical event in dieldrin-induced apoptotic cell death in dopaminergic cells.

Dieldrin-induced oxidative stress and neurochemical changes contribute to apoptopic cell death in dopaminergic cells

We examined the acute toxicity of dieldrin, a possible environmental risk factor of Parkinson's disease, in a dopaminergic cell model, PC12 cells, to determine early cellular events underlying the pesticide-induced degenerative processes. EC(50) for 1 h dieldrin exposure was 143 microM for PC12 cells, whereas EC(50) for non-dopaminergic cells was 292-351 microM, indicating that dieldrin is more toxic to dopaminergic cells. Dieldrin also induced rapid, dose-dependent releases of dopamine and its metabolite, DOPAC, resulting in depletion of intracellular dopamine. Additionally, dieldrin exposure caused depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometric analysis showed generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within 5 min of dieldrin treatment, and significant increases in lipid peroxidation were also detected following 1 h exposure. ROS generation was remarkably inhibited in the presence of SOD. Dieldrin-induced apoptosis was significantly attenuated by both SOD and MnTBAP (SOD mimetic), suggesting that dieldrin-induced superoxide radicals serve as important signals in initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, pretreatment with deprenyl (MAO-inhibitor) or alpha-methyl-L-p-tyrosine (TH-inhibitor) also suppressed dieldrin-induced ROS generation and DNA fragmentation. Taken together, these results suggest that rapid release of dopamine and generation of ROS are early cellular events that may account for dieldrin-induced apoptotic cell death in dopaminergic cells.

[Changes of fatty acid composition of brain synaptosomal phospholipids in isoflurane exposure rat]

We examined effects of inhalational anesthetic drug, isoflurane, on phospholipid and fatty acid in brain synaptosome. Wistar strain male rat was treated by inhalation of isoflurane. Rats were divided into 3 groups each 6 rats, one was 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) exposure group, 1MAC group, and another was 2 times of MAC exposure group, 2MAC group, and the other was non exposure group, control group. The animals were kept in to box (0.343 m3) and the gas flow rate was set in 4 L/min by anesthetic instrument. After 60 minutes of exposure, rats were decapitated. Immediately, cerebrums were removed and fraction of synaptosome was sampled. In 2MAC group, C14:0 of phosphatidylcholine (PC) increased significantly as compared to the control group, but C16:1, C18:0, C18:2 and C20:3 decreased significantly. And also, C18:2 and C20:3 decreased significantly in 1MAC group. In terms of phosphatidylethanolamine(PE), C18:1 in 1MAC group, C14:0 and C16:1 in 2MAC group increased, but C20:3, C20:4 and C22:5 in 2MAC group decreased significantly as compared to the control group. Regarding phosphatidylserine + phosphatidylinositol, C14:0 in 2MAC group increased, but C22:5 decreased. In lysophosphatidylcholine, C12:0 and C14:0 in 2MAC group and C18:0, C20:4 in 1MAC group increased significantly, but C18:1 in 2MAC decreased. The changes of phospholipids and fatty acid in synaptosome were due to the metabolism of phospholipids of basic matrix and this was caused by effects of isoflurane on neural cellular membrane. The results indicated the suppression of membrane activity. Isoflurane has physiological activity on metabolism of phospholipid of cellular membrane. Thus, it has effects on neural cellular functions in brain.

Effect of KMD-3213, an alpha1A-adrenoceptor antagonist, on the prostatic urethral pressure and blood pressure in male decerebrate dogs

BACKGROUND

KMD-3213 is an alpha1A-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist currently being developed for the treatment of urinary outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the present study, the uroselectivity of KMD-3213 was evaluated and compared with that of prazosin and tamsulosin in a decerebrate dog model.

METHODS

Intercollicular decerebration was carried out in male mongrel dogs under anesthesia. The inhibitory effects of intravenously and intraduodenally administered compounds on the increase in intraurethral pressure (IUP) induced by electrical stimulation of the hypogastric nerve were estimated. Systemic blood pressure was measured simultaneously.

RESULTS

The alpha1-antagonists tested produced a dose-dependent inhibition of the induced IUP response and decreased mean blood pressure (MBP). The ID50 of KMD-3213, tamsulosin and prazosin for IUP (dose required to inhibit the increase in IUP by 50%) was 3.15, 1.73 and 11.8 microg/kg i.v., respectively, and the ED20 for the hypotensive effect (dose required to reduce MBP by 20%) was 8.03, 0.59 and 2.46 microg/kg i.v., respectively. The data indicate that uroselectivity (ED20/ID50) of KMD-3213 is 12- and 7.5-fold higher than that of prazosin and tamsulosin, respectively. When the drugs were administered intraduodenally, KMD-3213 was sufficiently absorbed from the digestive tract and continued to demonstrate at least 3.8-fold higher uroselectivity than tamsulosin.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, KMD-3213 appears to be an effective orally active compound for decreasing urethral resistance during micturition that does not induce any negative cardiovascular effects in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Protection against murine coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis by T cell vaccination

T cell vaccination regulates autoimmunity by the modification of helper and suppressor T cells. The present study was performed to examine whether T cell vaccination can prevent viral myocarditis in vivo. We used coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis in mice as an animal model with the analysis of lymphokine-activated killer cell activity. Vaccination of the mice with T lymphocytes significantly prolonged survival and improved cardiac histology of murine myocarditis. The effects of T cell vaccination were most evident when T cells sensitized with the same virus were used. Vaccination of the mice with T cells from other strains of mice showed lesser protective effects. Clearance of myocardial virus was not affected by this treatment. The efficacy of T cell vaccination was confirmed in vitro by the decrease of the lymphokine-activated killer cell activity against EL-4 tumor cells and cultured myocytes. T cell vaccination of mice prolonged survival and improved myocardial lesions of animals inoculated with coxsackievirus B3.

Treatment of renovascular hypertension using stent implantation in an elderly patient with NIDDM

A 70-year-old man with NIDDM was diagnosed as having renovascular hypertension (RVH), based on a stenosis of the ostial portion of the left renal artery with markedly elevated plasma renin activity (PRA) in both the left renal vein and the peripheral blood, and positive captopril tests. After percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA), his blood pressure (BP) and PRA normalized. However, since restenosis occurred three months later, stent therapy was applied, and consequently BP and PRA normalized immediately after this procedure. During the one-year follow-up, side effects have not been noted. We propose that stent therapy may be feasible for ostial renal artery stenosis in elderly diabetic patients.

Reduction of ultraviolet light-induced oxidative stress by amino acid-based iron chelators

The generation of free radicals by ultraviolet (UV) light accelerates skin aging, which is known as photoaging. Cutaneous iron catalyzes the generation of free radicals. We designed novel antioxidants that suppressed the iron-catalyzed free radical generation and the ensuing UV-induced damage by mimicking the binding site of iron sequestering proteins. These antioxidants, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)amino acids, were prepared by condensation of amino acids such as glycine and L-serine with salicylaldehyde and followed by catalytic reduction. The compounds formed a 2:1 complex to iron ion. These amino acid derivatives inhibited the iron-induced hydroxyl radical generation (the Fenton reaction). The compounds also suppressed UV-induced lipid peroxidation in murine dermal fibroblast homogenates. In addition, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-L-serine showed protective activity against UV-induced cytotoxicity in murine dermal fibroblasts. Desferrioxamine, a strong iron sequestering compound, was effective in inhibiting the Fenton reaction and the lipid peroxidation, but it was ineffective in protecting against UV-induced cytotoxicity. The results suggest that UV-induced oxidative stress can be reduced by these amino acid derivatives.

KMD-3213, a uroselective and long-acting alpha(1a)-adrenoceptor antagonist, tested in a novel rat model

KMD-3213, an alpha(1a)-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonist, is under development for the treatment of urinary outlet obstruction in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. In the present study, we developed a rat model to investigate simply the effects of alpha(1)-AR antagonists on the intraurethral pressure (IUP) response to phenylephrine. Using this model, inhibitory effects of both i.v. and intraduodenally administered KMD-3213 on the IUP response were evaluated and compared to those of other reference compounds, including prazosin and tamsulosin. In addition, the hypotensive effects of these compounds were estimated to evaluate uroselectivity. Intravenously administered alpha(1)-AR antagonists tested, including KMD-3213, potently inhibited the IUP response in a dose-dependent manner. Although the higher doses of those compounds almost completely inhibited the IUP response, yohimbine failed to inhibit the response. When the in vivo potencies of those compounds on IUP response were correlated with their affinities for the human or animal recombinant alpha(1)-AR subtypes, alpha(1a)-AR gave the best correlation. In this model, KMD-3213 had greater uroselectivity than any other compounds examined, by both i.v. and intraduodenal routes. Moreover, 12, 18, and 24 h after the oral administration of KMD-3213, a dose-dependent inhibition of the IUP response was found, whereas the effect of tamsulosin disappeared at 18 h after the oral administration. These data indicate that KMD-3213 is a highly uroselective alpha(1)-AR antagonist with a longer duration of action. In addition, this model is useful for not only estimation of uroselectivity but also some part of the administration, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of many compounds to discover uroselective compounds.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations are associated with both decreased insulin secretion and advanced microvascular complications in Japanese diabetic subjects

To assess the roles of various mitochondrial (Mt) DNA mutations in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects, we screened Mt DNAs at the 3243 base pair (bp) and its adjacent portion in unrelated Japanese diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. Furthermore, to clarify the clinical features of diabetic subjects harboring a Mt DNA mutation, we evaluated the ability of insulin secretion and microvascular complications in diabetic subjects. Five hundred thirty-seven diabetic patients and 612 unrelated nondiabetic subjects were recruited into this study. In Mt DNA analyses, Mt DNA was isolated from peripheral leukocytes of the subjects, and then an Mt DNA fragment surrounding the tRNA(Leu(UUR)) site was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using two sets of primers. These fragments were further digested with three kinds of restriction endonucleases and were subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis. When a mutation was present, Mt DNA fragments were directly sequenced with an autosequencer. Baseline characteristics in all subjects were examined, and microvascular complications and insulin secretory capacity in diabetic subjects were newly evaluated. Eight kinds of Mt DNA mutations, which were point mutations, were found in 74 subjects. Each affected subject had only one mutation in the Mt DNA examined. Among them, the mutations at np 3316, 3394, 3593, and 3391 were accompanied by amino acid replacement. Thirty-eight diabetic patients were affected (7.1%), including two subjects with a point mutation at np 3243, and 26 nondiabetic subjects were affected (4.2%). Thus, there was a higher prevalence in diabetic subjects than in nondiabetic subjects. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of maternally inherited diabetes between these two groups. The mean level of urinary C-peptide excretion was lower in diabetic subjects with an Mt DNA mutation (DM+) than in those without it (DM-). Although the prevalence of hypertension in DM+ was higher than that in DM-, diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy in DM+ were problematic, in comparison with those in DM-, when statistical corrections were performed for the effect of hypertension. Furthermore, a strategy based on logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced retinopathy and decreased urinary C-peptide excretion in all diabetic subjects studied were strongly related to the presence of Mt DNA mutation. Our results suggest that Mt DNA mutations in Japanese diabetic subjects are related to the development of diabetes, and also that these mutations are associated with not only a decrease in insulin secretion but also advanced diabetic microvascular complications.

Reversed circadian blood pressure rhythm independently predicts endstage renal failure in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus subjects

To investigate the significance of reversed circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm as a predictor for diabetic endstage renal failure, introduction of hemodialysis (HD) was determined as an end point in 325 noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) subjects, in whom 24-h BPs had been monitored during their first admissions between 1988 and 1996. Circadian BP rhythm was analyzed by the COSINOR method, as previously reported. After exclusion of 68 dropout subjects, 257 were recruited for further analyses, in which 194 had normal circadian BP rhythms (N), and the remaining 63 had reversed rhythms (R). During this follow-up period, the numbers of HD-introduced subjects in N and R were 6 and 16, respectively, showing a higher prevalence in the latter (p < 0.001, chi2 test). Follow-up periods were significantly shorter in HD-introduced diabetic subjects of N and R than those in HD-free subjects of each group. In baseline characteristics, there were no differences in age, gender, or serum creatinine between HD-free and HD-introduced subjects of N or R. With regard to microvascular complications, the degree of retinopathy and nephropathy in N and R tended to be more pronounced in HD-introduced subjects than in HD-free subjects. Further, mean levels of circadian mean BP rhythms in HD-introduced subjects of N or R were similarly high, compared with those in HD-free subjects of each group, irrespective of circadian BP pattern. Unadjusted HD-free times were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, with a significant difference noted between N and R (p < 0.001; log-rank test). The Cox proportional-hazards model adjusted for circadian BP pattern, age, gender, blood pressure level, glycemic control, duration of diabetes, serum total protein, and serum creatinine demonstrated that circadian BP pattern, age, gender (female), blood pressure level (hypertension), and serum creatinine exhibited significant high relative risks. Thus, our data suggest that reversed circadian BP rhythm is an independent predictor of endstage renal failure in NIDDM subjects.

Isolation and some properties of a novel killer toxin-like protein produced by Streptomyces sp. F-287

A killer toxin-like protein was found in the culture supernatant of a strain isolated from soil. The strain was classified and designated as Streptomyces sp. F-287. The molecular weight of the purified killer toxin-like protein was estimated to be 9,500 by SDS-PAGE. The purified protein was heat stable (100 degrees C, 5 min), pH stable (pH 6.0-9.0, 60 degrees C, for 30 min), and had a relatively wide action spectra. The SKLP showed a cytocidal effect on both budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303 (IC50 = 15.6 micrograms/ml) and on fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe SP870 (IC50 = 20.0 micrograms/ml). The SKLP also caused morphological changes on some sensitive yeasts and filamentous fungi. These characteristics are apparently different from known killer toxins. These results suggest that this is a novel killer toxin-like protein from Streptomyces sp. strain F-287.

A homology modeling method of an icosahedral viral capsid: inclusion of surrounding protein structures

A methodological development is presented for homology modeling of an icosahedrally symmetric assembly of proteins. In the method, a main-chain structure of an asymmetric unit of a protein assembly is constructed and structure refinement is performed, taking the surrounding symmetry-related proteins into consideration with rotational symmetry boundary conditions. To test the procedure, three models of a poliovirus capsid were constructed with different modeling conditions based on the X-ray structure of a rhinovirus capsid. Model S and model N were constructed with and without considering surrounding proteins, respectively. Model N2 was obtained by refinement in rotational symmetry boundary conditions of the structure of model N. The three models were compared with the X-ray structure of a poliovirus capsid. Root mean square deviations and C alpha distances indicate that model S is the most accurate. Examination of the intermolecular short contacts indicates that model S and model N2 are superior to model N, because they do not make severe intermolecular short contacts. Symmetric intermolecular interactions are important for both the structural fragment search and energy minimization to predict better loop structures. The programs developed in this study are thus valuable in homology modeling of an icosahedral viral capsid.

Suppression of laser-induced choroidal neovascularization by oral tranilast in the rat

PURPOSE

To determine whether tranilast administered to pigmented rats inhibits formation of choroidal neovascularization induced by diode-laser photocoagulation.

METHODS

Female Brown Norway rats were used. On day 0, choroidal neovascularization was induced by diode-laser photocoagulation, using a setting of 75 microm spot size, 0.1 second's duration, and 100 mW intensity. Tranilast (200 or 600 mg/kg per day) was administered orally twice daily for 14 days. Indomethacin (1 and 5 mg/kg per day) was administered orally once a day for 14 days. Choroidal neovascularization was evaluated on days 7 and 14 by fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Late-phase fluorescein angiography was scored according to four grades. The animals were killed on day 14, and the lesions were evaluated histologically.

RESULTS

In the vehicle-treated group, 34 of 35 burns (97%) showed fluorescein staining and late leakage on day 14. Choroidal neovascularization was identified by light microscopy in all the lesions that showed fluorescein staining and late leakage. The score of fluorescein staining was reduced in rats given 200 mg/kg per day or 600 mg/kg per day (P < 0.01) of tranilast. The thickness of the laser-induced lesions was reduced in a dose-dependent manner by tranilast, a significant difference was observed with 600 mg/kg per day (P < 0.05). Oral indomethacin treatment did not reduce fluorescein staining on day 14.

CONCLUSIONS

Tranilast inhibits the development of choroidal neovascularization in this experimental model.

Antioxidants modulate acute solar ultraviolet radiation-induced NF-kappa-B activation in a human keratinocyte cell line

Exposure of the human skin to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) leads to depletion of cutaneous antioxidants, regulation of gene expression and ultimately to the development of skin diseases. Although exogenous supplementation of antioxidants prevents UVR-induced photooxidative damage, their effects on components of cell signalling pathways leading to gene expression has not been clearly established. In the present study, the effects of the antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and the flavonoid extract silymarin were investigated for their ability to modulate the activation of the transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) in HaCaT keratinocytes after exposure to a solar UV simulator. The activation of NF-kappaB and AP-1 showed a similar temporal pattern: activation was detected 2 h after UV exposure and maintained for up to 8 h. To determine the capacity of activated NF-kappaB to stimulate transcription, NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression was measured using a reporter gene assay. The effects of the antioxidants on NF-kappaB and AP-1 activation were evaluated 3 h after exposure. While a high concentration of NAC could achieve a complete inhibition, low concentrations of alpha-lipoic acid and silymarin were shown to significantly inhibit NF-kappaB activation. In contrast, AP-1 activation was only partially inhibited by NAC, and not at all by alpha-lipoic acid or silymarin. These results indicate that antioxidants such as alpha-lipoic acid and silymarin can efficiently modulate the cellular response to UVR through their selective action on NF-kappaB activation.

Interstitial fibrin-fibronectin deposition with T cell infiltrates precedes fibrosis in murine viral myocarditis

This study was carried out to investigate interstitial fibrin and fibronectin deposition and subsequent myocardial connective tissue abnormalities in BALB/c-nu/+ (euthymic and normal T cell function) and BALB/c-nu/nu (athymic and T cell-deficient) mice. Both types of mice were inoculated with encephalomyocarditis virus and sacrificed periodically. Sections of the hearts were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, trichrome, lymphocyte subsets, silver impregnation, and fibrin or fibronectin. In addition, myocardial collagen concentration was measured. Interstitial fibrin and fibronectin appeared in parallel with inflammatory T lymphocytes and myocardial necrosis in the BALB/c-nu/+ mice. The changes increased until 14 days, subsequently decreasing with time. Interstitial fibrosis and abnormal reticulin fibres were absent until 7 days postinfection, and then increased with time until 60 days. In BALB/c-nu/nu mice, in contrast, although myocardial necrosis and fibrin-fibronectin deposition associated with immature T lymphocytes were evident on days 7 and 14, subsequent myocardial fibrosis and reticulin fibre abnormalities were minimal on days 30 and 60. In BALB/c-nu/+ mice, myocardial collagen concentration increased on day 30, but it did not in BALB/c-nu/nu mice. Thus, interstitial fibrin-fibronectin deposition resulting from virus-induced and T lymphocyte-mediated myocyte necrosis precedes the subsequent development of interstitial fibrosis and abnormal reticulin architectures in this model of murine myocarditis.

Mitochondrial DNA point mutation at nucleotide pair 3316 in a Japanese family with heterogeneous phenotypes of diabetes

A mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) point mutation at nucleotide pair (np) 3316 has been reported in relation to diabetes. We recently encountered a non-obese family with this type of mutation. The proband in the affected family, a 49-year-old woman who had been previously diagnosed as having an insulin-requiring non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), was referred to our hospital for treatment of diabetic gangrene in her left foot. Her insulin secretory capacity was markedly reduced, but the insulin sensitivity evaluated by the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was normal. In addition, her serum lactate level was markedly increased after a 5 min ambulation, although her serum pyruvate and ketones remained within the normal range. Twenty-year-old twin sons had been treated with insulin since the age of 7, when both were diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The proband's mother, a 68-year-old, was nondiabetic at this time. MtDNA analysis revealed a point mutation at np 3316 in all family members, which was homoplasmic for the mutation on a photograph of agarose gel electrophoresis containing ethidium bromide under ultraviolet light. This mutation seemed to be maternally transmitted in the family, and the onset of diabetes was occurring earlier and the insulin secretory capacity was declining from generation to generation, so that these findings suggest that the point mutation at np 3316 is associated with various phenotypes of diabetes.

Reversed circadian blood pressure rhythm is associated with occurrences of both fatal and nonfatal vascular events in NIDDM subjects

To assess the significance of reversed circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythms as a predictive factor of vascular events in NIDDM, vital status after an average 4-year follow-up was determined in 325 NIDDM subjects in whom the circadian BP profile had been monitored between 1988 and 1996. Circadian BP rhythm was analyzed by the COSINOR (a compound word for cosine and vector) method, as previously described. After exclusion of 37 dropped-out subjects, 288 were recruited to the further analysis, of which 201 had a normal circadian BP rhythm (group N) and the remaining 87 had a reversed one (group R). There was no difference in sex, HbA1c, the prevalence of smokers, serum lipids, or serum electrolytes between groups N and R at baseline, whereas age, the prevalence of hypertension, serum creatinine, and diabetic complications were more pronounced in group R than in group N. During the follow-up period (which averaged 52 months in group N and 36 months in group R), fatal and nonfatal vascular (cerebrovascular, cardiovascular, peripheral vascular arteries, and retinal artery) events occurred in 20 subjects in group N and 56 in group R. Unadjusted survival times and event-free times were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method, and there was a significant difference in both unadjusted survival and event-free survival rates between groups N and R (P < 0.001 each; log-rank test). The Cox proportional-hazards model adjusted for age, sex, circadian BP pattern, duration of diabetes, therapy for diabetes, various diabetic complications, and hypertension demonstrated that circadian BP pattern and age exhibited significant, high adjusted relative risks for fatal events, and that diabetic nephropathy, postural hypotension, and hypertension as well as circadian BP pattern exhibited significant, high adjusted relative risks with respect to the occurrence of various nonfatal vascular events. These results suggest that reversed circadian BP rhythm is associated with occurrences of both fatal and nonfatal vascular events in NIDDM subjects.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis concomitant with diabetic nephropathy

We describe a rare case of a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) superimposed on diabetic nephropathy. A 68-year-old woman with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) complicated with diabetic triopathy demonstrated a rapid deterioration of renal function. Her urinary sediment contained many red blood cell (RBC) cells and casts, suggesting an additional renal disease accompanying diabetic nephropathy. Renal biopsy revealed crescent formation in many glomeruli characteristic of the pauci-immune type of RPGN. Steroid pulse therapy transiently halted the deterioration in renal function, but the patient died of pneumonia complicated with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The unusual findings in diabetic nephropathy indicated the coexistence of primary glomerulonephritis and diabetic glomerulosclerosis in this case.

Isolation and some properties of sorbitol oxidase from Streptomyces sp. H-7775

A sorbitol oxidase (SOX) was found in the cell-free extract of a strain isolated from soil. The strain was classified and designated as Streptomyces sp. H-7775. SOX is constitutively expressed in the cell. The molecular weight of SOX that purified from the cell-free extract was 45,000. The optimum pH and the K(m) for sorbitol were 6.5-7.5 and 0.26 mM, respectively. The prosthetic group was a covalently bound FAD. SOX catalyzed oxidation of D-sorbitol to glucose and hydrogen peroxide without any requirements of exogenous cofactors. SOX did not react with glucose, a reaction product of D-sorbitol. This feature is useful in its application for diagnosis.

Extracellular matrix remodeling in coxsackievirus B3 myocarditis

The connective tissue abnormality in relation to T lymphocytes was investigated in murine myocarditis. Inbred BALB/c-nu/+ (euthymic and normal T cell function) and BALB/c-nu/nu (athymic and T cell deficient) mice were inoculated with coxsackievirus B3 (CB3). Hearts were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Malloryazan, and silver impregnation, for reticulin fiber abnormalities, and T lymphocyte subsets. In BALB/c-nu/+ mice, active myocardial necrosis appeared parallel with T lymphocyte infiltrates, that is, it was absent on day 0, increased until 14 days, and then decreased with time. In contrast, the abnormal reticulin fiber architecture and interstitial fibrosis increased with time until 60 days, when ventricular remodeling was noted. In the hearts of BALB/c-nu/nu mice, although minimal myocardial necrosis associated with infiltrating immature T lymphocytes was noted earlier, subsequent interstitial fibrosis and reticulin fiber abnormalities were not documented later. The abnormal reticulin fiber architecture seen in BALB/c-nu/+ mice may contribute to the extracellular matrix remodeling in murine CB3 myocarditis in which dilated cardiomyopathy develops later.

Intraocular pressure and central visual field of normal tension glaucoma

AIM

To study whether damage in the central 30 degrees field of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is relatively heterogeneous or homogeneous with respect to intraocular pressure (IOP) related damage.

METHODS

Using the results of Humphrey perimeter examinations, the central 30 degrees field was divided into four subfields; superior and inferior hemifields excluding the caecocentral field (30-2 program) and superior and inferior 10 degrees hemifields (10-2 program). In 103 NTG cases, the intraindividual bilateral difference in the mean of total deviations (mean TD) in the four subfields was analysed by multiple linear regression to correct the effects of factors other than IOP. Explanatory variables were the intraindividual bilateral difference in the mean of clinic IOP (IOPmean), that in the ratio of area of peripapillary atrophy corresponding to each subfield to disc area, and that in myopic refraction.

RESULTS

The intraindividual bilateral difference in the mean TD was significantly and negatively correlated with that in IOPmean in three of the above four subfields (p < 0.005) and correlation tended to be negative (p = 0.07) in the superior 10 degrees hemifield.

CONCLUSIONS

Diffuse IOP related damage was suggested in the central 30 degrees field of NTG; greater extent of the damage in the above four subfields was correlated with higher mean IOP. The present findings may have clinical implications.

Potentiating effects of calcium chelators on basal and stimulated aldosterone production by bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro

We previously reported the potentiation of basal aldosterone production by the addition of the calcium chelator ethyleneglycol-bis (beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to an extracellular solution of bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro. To assess whether the addition of the calcium chelators ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and EGTA can potentiate basal and stimulated aldosterone production, we compared the effect of EDTA with that of EGTA on basal and the agonist (potassium; 8 mM, angiotensin II; 10 nM, ACTH; 10 nM)-stimulated aldosterone production by the cells in vitro. These two chelators lowered the extracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]o) concentration in a similar manner. The levels of basal and the agonist-stimulated aldosterone production in the presence of EDTA (1 mM) and EGTA (1 mM) were significantly (P < 0.01 or less) increased when compared with those in the absence of EDTA and EGTA, respectively. These results show that the addition of EDTA and EGTA to an extracellular solution potentiates basal and the agonist-stimulated aldosterone production in vitro. Although an increase in basal aldosterone production in the presence of EDTA (1 mM) and EGTA (1 mM) was completely inhibited by the voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonist nifedipine (1 microM) or the calmodulin antagonist pimozide (1 microM), the potentiation of the agonist-stimulated aldosterone production does not seem to be induced by CA2+/calmodulin-dependent nor cAMP-dependent systems. These findings suggest that calcium chelators such as EDTA and EGTA may possess activating effect on basal and stimulated aldosterone production in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells.

Interactions between vitamin E homologues and ascorbate free radicals in murine skin homogenates irradiated with ultraviolet light

The mechanism of oxidation of ascorbic acid in mouse skin homogenates by UV light was investigated by measuring ascorbate free radical formation using electron spin resonance signal formation. Addition of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol or alpha-tocotrienol) had no effect, whereas short-chain homologues (2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-6-hydroxychroman-2-carboxylic acid [Trolox] and 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-hydroxychromane [PMC]) accelerated ascorbate oxidation. The similar hydrophilicity of ascorbate, Trolox and PMC increased their interaction, thus rapidly depleting ascorbate. When dihydrolipoic acid was added simultaneously with the vitamin E homologues, the accelerated ascorbate oxidation was prevented. This was due to the regeneration of ascorbate and PMC from their free radicals by a recycling mechanism between ascorbate, vitamin E homologues and dihydrolipoic acid. Potentiation of antioxidant recycling may be protective against UV irradiation-induced damage. The rate of ascorbate oxidation in the presence of vitamin E homologues was enhanced by a photosensitizer (riboflavin) but was not influenced by reactive oxygen radical quenchers, superoxide dismutase or 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide. These experimental results suggest that the UV irradiation-induced ascorbate oxidation in murine skin homogenates is caused by photoactivated reactions rather than reactive oxygen radical reactions.

Enhancement of potassium-, and angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone production by the calcium chelator EGTA in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro

The present study was designed to assess the effect of the calcium chelator EGTA (ethylenglycolbis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid; 1.0 mM) on potassium (8 mM)- and angiotensin II (AII; 10 nM)-stimulated aldosterone production in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro. The combined administration of EGTA and potassium, or of EGTA and AII, yielded a significant increase in the levels of aldosterone production. The net increment in aldosterone production after the combined administration of EGTA and potassium, or that after the combined administration of EGTA and AII was also significantly higher than the sum of that evoked by EGTA and potassium alone, or the sum of that evoked by EGTA and AII alone, respectively. At similar concentrations of extracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]out) or magnesium, the levels of agonist-stimulated aldosterone production were markedly elevated by the administration of EGTA. These results indicate that lowering [Ca2+]out concentrations with EGTA enhances potassium- and AII-stimulated aldosterone production in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in vitro. This enhancement may be predominantly due to another effect of EGTA, in addition to the stimulation of calcium entry into the cells.

Isolation and characterization of chitinase from a flake-chitin degrading marine bacterium, Aeromonas hydrophila H-2330

A flake-chitin degrading marine bacterium was isolated and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila. This strain secreted five chitinases and an beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase. The main chitinase (Chi-A) was purified and characterized. The optimum pH of Chi-A was 5-8, and the activity was inhibited by Hg2+ and Fe3+. Chi-A was different from chitinases of other Aeromonas species with respect to molecular weight (62,000) and insensitivity to monoiodoacetate. The amino-terminal amino acid sequence showed extensive similarity with chitinases from Gram-negative bacteria.

Effect of KMD-3213, an alpha 1a-adrenoceptor-selective antagonist, on the contractions of rabbit prostate and rabbit and rat aorta

KMD-3213, (-)-(R)-1-(3-hydroxypropyl)-5-[2-[[2-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy) phenoxy]ethyl]amino]propyl]indoline-7-carboxamide, a newly synthesized alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, has been shown to have potent action toward, and to be selective for human cloned and native alpha 1-adrenoceptors. In the present study, we characterized the inhibitory effect of KMD-3213 on the phenylephrine (alpha 1-adrenoceptor-selective agonist)-induced contraction of rabbit prostate, rabbit thoracic aorta and rat thoracic aorta to functionally confirm the tissue selectivity of KMD-3213. The mean pA2 value for KMD-3213 for the inhibition of the rabbit prostatic contraction was 10.05, whereas the values for the rabbit and rat aortic contractions were 9.36 and 8.13, respectively. The order of mean pA2 values for the inhibition of the rabbit prostatic contraction was KMD-3213 > or = tamsulosin >> prazosin, whereas that for the rabbit and rat aortic contractions was tamsulosin > KMD-3213 > prazosin and tamsulosin > or = prazosin >> KMD-3213, respectively. KMD-3213 produced a sigmoidal inhibition curve for single-dose phenylephrine-induced contractions of rabbit prostate, whereas it produced a non-sigmoidal curve for that of rabbit aorta. KMD-3213 had no effect on isoproterenol-induced chronotropic action in guinea-pig atria, and 5-hydroxytryptamine-, histamine- and acetylcholine-mediated contractions of rabbit aorta. These results indicate that the potency of the inhibitory activity of KMD-3213 depends on the tissue subtype expression and that KMD-3213 preferentially antagonizes prostatic contraction.

Effects of posture on the plasma hormonal and renal water-electrolyte excretory responses to acute water loading in diabetic subjects with hypoadrenergic orthostatic hypotension

The effects of posture on the plasma hormonal and renal water-electrolyte excretory responses to acute water loading (20 mL/kg BW, orally) were studied in six non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) subjects with hypoadrenergic orthostatic hypotension (HOH), eight NIDDM subjects without HOH, and seven nondiabetic subjects. The three groups were similar with respect to basal levels of mean blood pressure (MBP), serum sodium and osmolality, plasma renin activity (PRA), the plasma volume regulatory hormones alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), arginine vasopressin (AVP) and aldosterone, and urinary water and sodium excretion. In the supine state, while allowing the subjects to stand only to void, water loading resulted in no changes in MBP and similar responses of these plasma and urinary parameters in the three groups. In the standing state, water loading produced responses of MBP, and plasma and urinary parameters comparable to those in the supine state in the diabetic group without HOH and the nondiabetic group. In the diabetic group with HOH, however, MBP and hourly urinary water and sodium excretion rates were low compared to those in the other two groups. During water loading, plasma ANP decreased, and, despite the fall of MBP, plasma AVP remained unchanged, and PRA and plasma aldosterone increased normally in the diabetic group with HOH. These results demonstrate that, in NIDDM subjects with HOH, changing from lying to standing induces deranged renal water and sodium handling after water loading, accompained by a decrease in plasma ANP, and inadequate responses of plasma AVP, PRA, and plasma aldosterone to hypotension.

[Studies on the synthesis of cholecystokinin A receptor antagonists. III. Synthesis and cholecystokinin A receptor inhibitory activities of naphthyl sulfone derivatives]

A number of naphthyl sulfone derivatives were synthesized and tested for cholecystokinin A (CCK-A) receptor inhibitory activity in order to study structure-activity relationships. Significant CCK-A receptor inhibitory activities were found in sulfone-carboxylic acid derivatives (7) having very hydrophobic sidechains. As the most preferred compound, (R)-4-[N-(3-methoxypropyl)-N-pentylcarbamoyl]-5-(2-naphthylsulf onyl) pentanoic acid ((R)-7c) was selected.

Altered circadian blood pressure rhythm and progression of diabetic nephropathy in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus subjects: an average three year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

In addition to autonomic dysfunction, diabetic nephropathy has been identified as another factor inducing a reversed circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm in diabetic subjects. This study was carried out to assess the relationship between alterations in circadian BP rhythm and progression of diabetic nephropathy in subjects with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

METHODS

Ambulatory 24-hour BP, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate (UAE), and plasma hormonal factors were measured during an average 3-year follow-up in 16 hospitalized subjects with NIDDM. Twelve age-matched control subjects were also studied.

RESULTS

During an average 3-year follow-up, diabetic subjects had no significant progression of severe nephropathy and/or somatic neuropathy and showed no transition from a normal to a reversed mean blood pressure (mBP) pattern. However, mBP during whole day or nighttime, but not daytime, at baseline in diabetic subjects was high as compared with control subjects exhibiting an increased night/day mBP ratio and a decreased night/day mBP difference. The mBPs during various time periods (whole day, daytime, and nighttime) at follow-up in diabetic subjects were more elevated than those at baseline, showing a more increased night/day mBP ratio and a more decreased night/day mBP difference. In diabetic subjects, UAE during follow-up was increased, and UAE increments were well correlated with changes in mBP during whole day and nighttime. Plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (PA) were decreased, while plasma alpha-atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was increased at follow-up, compared with at baseline. The mBP increments during various time periods were well correlated with changes in these hormonal factors, and UAE increments were well correlated with changes in PA and plasma ANP.

CONCLUSIONS

The altered circadian BP rhythm observed in diabetic subjects may occur at the early stage of diabetic nephropathy with opposite changes in plasma renin-aldosterone and plasma ANP.

[Studies on the synthesis of cholecystokinin A receptor antagonists. II. Synthesis and cholecystokinin A receptor inhibitory activities of sulfur-containing amide-carboxylic acid derivatives]

A number of sulfur-containing amide-carboxylic acid derivatives were synthesized and tested for cholecystokinin A (CCK-A) receptor inhibitory activity in order to study structure-activity relationships. Significant CCK-A receptor inhibitory activities were found in only two series, that is, sulfoxide-carboxylic acid derivatives (9) and sulfone-carboxylic acid derivatives (10). As the most preferred compound, 5-(3,4-dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-4-(N,N-dipentylcarbamoyl)pent anoic acid (10n) was selected.

Suppression of iron catalyzed free radical generation by iron tyrosinate protein models

Novel antioxidants, N-(2-Hydroxy-1-naphthal)amino acids which mimic iron proteins, have been intensively studied for suppressive effect on iron-catalyzed free radical generation. These compounds exhibit inhibition of the Fenton reaction in electron spin resonance assessment. In addition, it is shown that the compounds inhibit iron-induced peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid test. Since these antioxidants form stable complexes with Fe3+, this antioxidative activity is expected to be derived from sequestration of catalytic iron.

[Studies on the synthesis of cholecystokinin A receptor antagonists. I. synthesis and cholecystokinin A receptor inhibitory activities of malonamide derivatives]

2-Substituted malonamide derivatives were synthesized and tested for cholecystokinin A (CCK-A) receptor inhibitory activity. Significant CCK-A receptor inhibitory activities were found in only three compounds (4g-i) which have carboxyl group. In order to study structure-activity relationships, carboxyethyl group was selected for 2-substituent and a number of N-substituted malonamides were prepared. After these compounds were tested for CCK-A receptor inhibitory activity, 4-(3,4-dichlorophenylcarbamoyl)-N,N-dipentylglutaramic acid (4h) was selected as the most preferred compound.

Effect of aging on spontaneous micronucleus frequencies in peripheral blood of nine mouse strains: the results of the 7th collaborative study organized by CSGMT/JEMS.MMS. Collaborative Study Group for the Micronucleus Test. Environmental Mutagen Society of Japan. Mammalian Mutagenesis Study Group

The spontaneous frequencies of micronucleated reticulocytes (MNRETs) were examined monthly over the life spans of animals belonging to nine mouse strains for the 7th collaborative study organized by the CSGMT/JEMS.MMS. Both sexes of the BDF1 strain and females of the A/J strain showed a statistically significant increase in mean spontaneous MNRET frequency in their last month of life, suggesting the possibility of strain-specific, age-dependent chromosomal instability. SAMP6/Tan, an accelerated senescence-prone strain, showed the same tendency, although it was not statistically significant. The other strains studied, ddY, CD-1, B6C3F1, SAMR1, and MS/Ae, did not show significant age-related differences in mean of MNRET frequencies. More extensive statistical analyses are underway, and the outcomes will be reported separately.

Effects of long-term cilazapril treatment on glucose and lipid metabolism in hypertensive patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The effects of long-term cilazapril treatment on glucose and lipid metabolism were assessed in 25 hypertensive patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Patients were treated with 0.5 to 1 mg of cilazapril once daily or a combination of cilazapril and other antihypertensive drugs once daily for 48 weeks. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) throughout the study with no significant changes in heart rate and no adverse effects such as cough. There were no significant changes in body mass index or serum levels of glycated hemoglobin A1c, fructosamine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), or apolipoproteins (apo A-I, apo C-II, apo C-III, apo B, and apo E). Cilazapril caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in levels of apo A-II and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the apo B:apo A-I ratio, an index of arteriosclerosis. These results suggest that cilazapril has favorable effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and that it may be useful as the first or second choice of antihypertensive drugs in hypertensive patients with NIDDM.

[An experiment on drinking using breath alcohol monitor (Alcomed 3010) by an electrochemical method]

A drinking experiment was performed to evaluate the efficiency of a breath alcohol monitor, Alcomed 3010. The ethanol concentrations in blood and breath were determined by gas chromatography, and in particular the breath ethanol concentration was determined with the breath alcohol monitor and by gas chromatography. The results obtained by two methods were compared. Based on the blood and breath ethanol concentrations, the following conclusions were drawn reading the breath alcohol monitor. The monitor has practical merit for determination of the breath ethanol level. It is small, usable anywhere, with little error in determination. In measuring principle, tobacco and acetone did not affected levels with the meter, but methanol, n-propanol and n-butanol affected determinations with the alcohol monitor. The breath (AM)/blood (GC) ethanol ratio was 1:2555. Comparison of the values determined with the alcohol monitor and gas chromatography yielded the equation: y = 0.998 x +/- 0.012 (r = 0.994). When determinations were made on the pure ethanol gas by the meter and gas chromatograph, the equation was: y = 0.974 x +/- 0.021 (r = 0.994). It may be said therefore that the alcohol monitor is both practically and functionally excellent.

Effect of 24 weeks of treatment with epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, on peripheral neuropathy in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The effects of treatment with epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, on peripheral neuropathy were studied in 45 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Epalrestat 150 mg three times daily was given for 24 weeks. Subjective symptoms, such as spontaneous pain in the lower extremities and numbness and hypoesthesia of the extremities or trunk, were significantly (P < 0.001) relieved after 12 and 24 weeks of epalrestat treatment. Vibratory perception thresholds, as measured by using a tuning fork (C-128) and a vibrometer, were improved after 24 weeks of treatment. Furthermore, there were no adverse effects on glucose or lipid metabolism during treatment. These results suggest that long-term (24-week) epalrestat therapy can be used effectively to treat peripheral neuropathy in NIDDM patients without affecting glucose or lipid metabolism.

[Angles among main cranial sutures in Japanese]

To examine a relation of angles among the coronal, sagittal and lambdoid sutures to the size of the calvaria as well as to the remains of the metopic suture, 158 adult Japanese calvae or calottes were observed. The calvae used consisted of four groups: group M composed of 74 male calvae without the metopic suture; group F, of 41 female calvae without the same suture; group Un, of 27 sex-unknown calvae without the same suture; and group Um, of 16 sex-unknown calvae with the same suture. The angles among the sutures were measured at both bregma and lambda. The size of the calvaria was represented by bistephanic arc and breadth (distance between the stephanions), and by parietal sagittal arc and chord (distance from the bregma to the lambda). Results obtained were as follows. The distances both between the stephanions and from the bregma to the lambda were larger in M than in F, though these distances in M, F and Un were much the same as those in Um. The bistephanic index (breadth/arc) was higher in Um than in F, whereas the sagittal parietal indices (arc/chrod) in M, F and Um were similar to one another. Apical angle of the frontal squama was larger in M than in F, and was larger in Um than in M and F. However, apical angle of the occipital squama showed no difference among M, F and Um.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Simultaneous measurement of alcohols and hydrogen cyanide in biological specimens using headspace gas chromatography

We attempted to analyze biological specimens simultaneously for alcohols and hydrogen cyanide. A headspace gas chromatographic method with thick film wide bore column (PEG 20M) for the simultaneous determinations of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol and hydrogen cyanide in blood has been developed. This method was applied for the determinations of methanol, ethanol and hydrogen cyanide in a forensic autopsy case and animal experiments.

[Concentrations of ethanol and ethanol metabolites and symptoms of acute alcohol-intoxicated patients]

Five patients who presented to an emergency room and did not have other injury and disease with acute alcohol intoxication were analyzed about blood and urine ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate and acetone levels. The average concentrations of ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate and acetone in blood were 37.0 mM (1.7 mg/ml), 18 microM, 1.00 mM and 18 microM, respectively and the concentrations in urine were 50.8 mM (2.3 mg/ml), 37 microM, 0.79 mM and 47 microM, respectively. Clinical symptoms were concerned with both ethanol concentration and concentrations of ethanol metabolites. Their symptoms of acute alcohol-intoxicated patients were caused by the ethanol concentrations which was less than the levels reported in early studies.

Changes in free and bound alcohol metabolites in the urine during ethanol oxidation

Free and bound ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetate, acetone and methanol in urine during alcohol oxidation were analyzed by means of a head space gas chromatography. Four healthy male volunteers drank beer for 20 min with 16 ml/kg for non-flushers (A, B) and 8 ml/kg for flushers (C, D). In the urine, the highest bound ethanol levels were between 0.5-1.1 mM for the non-flushers (NF) and 0.2-0.3 mM for the flushers (F). The urine free ethanol levels were 23-70 times as high as bound ethanol levels. The maximum free acetaldehyde in urine was 11-13 microM for the NF and 26-55 microM for the F. The urine bound acetaldehyde levels were 4-5 microM for the NF and 7-15 microM for the F. Urine acetaldehyde existed in free forms at 2.4-3.6 times as high concentrations as in bound forms during ethanol oxidation. The urine free acetate ranged between 0.3-2.0 mM. The bound acetate varied between 0.7-1.1 mM. The urine free methanol at 70-110 microM before the intake increased to 104-180 microM. The bound methanol reached to 78-126 microM from 48-97 microM before the intake. Ethanol levels in the urine were ethanol dose-dependent, whereas it was thought that free and bound acetaldehyde or acetate reflected individual metabolic abilities and not the amount of ethanol consumed.

Pharmacological profile of KSG-504, a new cholecystokinin-A-receptor antagonist

Pharmacological effects of KSG-504, a newly synthetized compound, on the response induced by exogenous CCK-8 were investigated. KSG-504 inhibited 125I-CCK-8 binding to both rat pancreas and cerebral cortex with IC50 values of 2.0 x 10(-7) M and 8.0 x 10(-5) M, respectively. The selectivity ratio of KSG-504 for pancreatic CCK receptor (CCK-A) was estimated as 400. In the isolated pancreatic acini of rats, KSG-504 caused a parallel rightward shift of the concentration-response curve for CCK-8-stimulated amylase release with no change in its maximal response, indicating a competitive antagonism of the drug for the CCK-A receptor (Schild plot analysis; slope = 0.927, pA2 = 6.9). In addition, KSG-504 produced a significant inhibition of CCK-8-induced pancreatic amylase secretion when administered intravenously or intraduodenally to rats (ED50: 52 micrograms/kg/min by the i.v. route and 12.1 mg/kg by the i.d. route). KSG-504 had equipotent inhibitory effects on both CCK-8-stimulated pancreatic secretion and gallbladder contraction in dogs with ED50 values of 0.98 and 0.84 mg/kg, respectively. KSG-504 also inhibited the CCK-8-induced contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 3.0 x 10(-6) M). These results demonstrate that KSG-504 is a competitive and selective CCK-A-receptor antagonist that is effective in vivo after oral administration.

[A case of amylase producing lung cancer]

The patient was a 72-year-old man, who was admitted to our hospital because of cough. Chest X-rays showed a mass shadow in the right lower lung field. Amylase activities in serum and urine were extremely high. Amylase isozyme pattern identified salivary type amylase. Cytological examination of the sputum suggested adenocarcinoma. Amylase activities in serum and urine gradually decreased with the administration of chemotherapy. Afterwards, pleural effusion increased, and the amylase activity in pleural fluid was also extremely high. Pleural fluid also showed adenocarcinoma. Enzyme-labeled antibody method (PAP) on this specimen from pleural fluid proved that tumor cells were producing amylase ectopically.