Enhancement of immune responses to an HBV DNA vaccine by electroporation

These studies document the ability of electroporation (EP)-based DNA vaccination to induce multi-specific CTL responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccination in normal mice and marked immune responses to multivalent HBV DNA immunization in larger animal species. These results suggest that electroporation-mediated HBV DNA vaccination is worth pursuing as a treatment for chronic HBV infection.

Kidney-targeted naked DNA transfer by retrograde injection into the renal vein in mice

We recently developed a novel kidney-targeted gene transfer technique in rats, using the retrograde renal vein injection of naked plasmid DNA. Many animal disease models are created in mice by transgenic or knockout technologies. However, it is much harder to perform renal vein injection in mice than in rats because they have a thin and short vein. Here we transferred the mouse interleukin (IL)-10 gene into mice by retrograde renal vein injection, using an IL-10 and immunoglobulin fusion protein (IL-10/Fc) (96-kDa) expression plasmid, pCAGGS-IL10/Fc. We observed a dose-response relationship between serum IL-10 levels and the amount of injected DNA. The serum IL-10 levels peaked at day 1 and then were sustained for at least 2 weeks. These results demonstrate that the kidney-targeted naked plasmid DNA transfer of mice by retrograde renal vein injection can be achieved, and the kidney serves as a depot organ for the production of large proteins.

Structure and expression of 12-oxophytodienoate reductase (subgroup I) genes in pea, and characterization of the oxidoreductase activities of their recombinant products

Recently, we observed that expression of a pea gene (S64) encoding an oxophytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) was induced by a suppressor of pea defense responses, secreted by the pea pathogen Mycosphaerella pinodes. Because it is known that OPRs are usually encoded by families of homologous genes, we screened for genomic and cDNA clones encoding members of this putative OPR family in pea. We isolated five members of the OPR gene family from a pea genomic DNA library, and amplified six cDNA clones, including S64, by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-PCR). Sequencing analysis revealed that S64 corresponds to PsOPR2, and the amino acid sequences of the predicted products of the six OPR-like genes shared more than 80% identity with each other. Based on their sequence similarity, all these OPR-like genes code for OPRs of subgroup I, i.e., enzymes which are not required for jasmonic acid biosynthesis. However, the genes varied in their exon/intron organization and in their promoter sequences. To investigate the expression of each individual OPR-like gene, RT-PCR was performed using gene-specific primers. The results indicated that the OPR-like gene most strongly induced by the inoculation of pea plants with a compatible pathogen and by treatment with the suppressor from M. pinodes was PsOPR2. Furthermore, the ability of the six recombinant OPR-like proteins to reduce a model substrate, 2-cyclohexen-1-one (2-CyHE), was investigated. The results indicated that PsOPR1, 4 and 6 display robust activity, and PsOPR2 has a most remarkable ability to reduce 2-CyHE, whereas PsOPR3 has little and PsOPR5 does not reduce this compound. Thus, the six OPR-like proteins can be classified into four types. Interestingly, the gene structures, expression profiles, and enzymatic activities used to classify each member of the pea OPR-like gene family are clearly correlated, indicating that each member of this OPR-like family has a distinct function.

Hydrodynamics-based transfer of PCR-amplified DNA fragments into rat liver

A high level of plasmid DNA expression in rat liver can be achieved by the rapid injection of a large volume of a naked DNA solution into the tail vein, called the 'hydrodynamics-based procedure.' The preparation of PCR-amplified DNA fragments is easier than that of naked DNA. In this paper we evaluated the effects of expressing the erythropoietin (Epo) gene in the rat liver by injecting fCAGGS-Epo, an Epo-expressing PCR-amplified DNA fragment, via the tail vein. After injection of 5 pmol fCAGGS-Epo (10 microg) or pCAGGS-Epo (18.4 microg), plasmid DNA, the serum Epo levels peaked at week 1, then persisted for at least 12 weeks. Transgene-derived Epo secretion resulted in significant erythropoiesis. These results demonstrated that transfer of PCR-amplified DNA fragments into the rat liver via rapid tail vein injection can be achieved. This method may provide a useful means for studying the physiologic function of a putative gene.

Binding protein-3-selective insulin-like growth factor I variants: engineering, biodistributions, and clearance

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a potent anabolic peptide that mediates most of its pleiotropic effects through association with the IGF type I receptor. Biological availability and plasma half-life of IGF-I are modulated by soluble binding proteins (IGFBPs), which sequester free IGF-I into high affinity complexes. Elevated levels of specific IGFBPs have been observed in several pathological conditions, resulting in inhibition of IGF-I activity. Administration of IGF-I variants that are unable to bind to the up-regulated IGFBP species could potentially counteract this effect. We engineered two IGFBP-selective variants that demonstrated 700- and 80,000-fold apparent reductions in affinity for IGFBP-1 while preserving low nanomolar affinity for IGFBP-3, the major carrier of IGF-I in plasma. Both variants displayed wild-type-like potency in cellular receptor kinase assays, stimulated human cartilage matrix synthesis, and retained their ability to associate with the acid-labile subunit in complex with IGFBP-3. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue distribution of the IGF-I variants in rats differed from those of wild-type IGF-I as a function of their IGFBP affinities. These IGF-I variants may potentially be useful for treating disease conditions associated with up-regulated IGFBP-1 levels, such as chronic or acute renal and hepatic failure or uncontrolled diabetes. More generally, these results suggest that the complex biology of IGF-I may be clarified through in vivo studies of IGFBP-selective variants.

High prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium in female commercial sex workers in Japan

Our objectives were to explore the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium in Japanese female commercial sex workers (CSWs), in comparison with pregnant women as controls. A high-risk group of 174 female CSWs and 90 asymptomatic pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Detection of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium on the endocervix of the women was performed mainly by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays. The prevalence rates of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium were 19.0%, 32.8%, and 12.6%, respectively, in the CSWs, compared with 5.6%, 0%, and 1.1% respectively, in the pregnant women. These results suggest a high prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium in Japanese CSWs. We conclude that continued close monitoring of the prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium infection in CSWs is important for preventing the dissemination of these microorganisms, and that further investigation of M. genitalium as a sexually transmitted pathogen in women is needed.

Eosinophilia of dystrophin-deficient muscle is promoted by perforin-mediated cytotoxicity by T cell effectors

Previous investigations have shown that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) contribute to muscle pathology in the dystrophin-null mutant mouse (mdx) model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy through perforin-dependent and perforin-independent mechanisms. We have assessed whether the CTL-mediated pathology includes the promotion of eosinophilia in dystrophic muscle, and thereby provides a secondary mechanism through which CTLs contribute to muscular dystrophy. Quantitative immunohistochemistry confirmed that eosinophilia is a component of the mdx dystrophy. In addition, electron microscopic observations show that eosinophils traverse the basement membrane of mdx muscle fibers and display sites of close apposition of eosinophil and muscle membranes. The close membrane apposition is characterized by impingement of eosinophilic rods of major basic protein into the muscle cell membrane. Transfer of mdx splenocytes and mdx muscle extracts to irradiated C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection resulted in muscle eosinophilia in the recipient mice. Double-mutant mice lacking dystrophin and perforin showed less eosinophilia than was displayed by mdx mice that expressed perforin. Finally, administration of prednisolone, which has been shown previously to reduce the concentration of CTLs in dystrophic muscle, produced a significant reduction in eosinophilia. These findings indicate that eosinophilia is a component of the mdx pathology that is promoted by perforin-dependent cytotoxicity of effector T cells. However, some eosinophilia of mdx muscle is independent of perforin-mediated processes.

Correlation between microvessel density and tumor cell proliferation with clinical factors in breast carcinomas

Fifty-nine methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded human breast carcinomas were immunostained by QB-END/10 (an antibody to CD34 antigen) to observe microvessels and by PC10 (an antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCNA) to determine tumor cell proliferation; 9 normal human breast tissue specimens were also immunostained by QB-END/10. The number of microvessels in the periphery of the breast carcinoma was significantly greater than both that in the center of the breast carcinoma and that in the normal breast. There was also a significant relationship between the number of microvessels in the periphery of breast carcinomas and the histological tumor size and lymph node status. However, there was no significant relationship between the tumor cell proliferation activity (PCNA positive cell ratio) and any clinical or histopathological variables. The number of microvessels and the tumor cell proliferation activity showed a weak negative correlation.

Ablation depths and morphological changes in human enamel and dentin after Er:YAG laser irradiation with or without water mist

OBJECTIVE

This investigation was performed quantitatively to determine the ranges of ablation and to evaluate the morphological changes in human enamel and dentin irradiated by Er:YAG laser with or without water mist.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Recently, several infrared lasers have been introduced in the dental clinic to remove carious dental hard tissues in anticipation of replacing the high-speed dental drill. Among them, the Er:YAG laser has shown the most promise for hard tissue ablation.

METHODS

An Er:YAG laser was used to ablate human dental hard tissues using a pulse energy that ranged from 100 to 400 mJ at a frequency of 2 Hz for 5 seconds. Ablation rates with or without water mist at different pulse energies were measured, and the morphological changes on enamel and dentin were also investigated by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The relationship between ablation depths and energies was almost linear at both enamel and dentin samples. The irradiation with water mist reduced the ablation depths, but only minimally, when compared to those irradiated without water mist. Morphological findings by SEM indicated that Er:YAG laser irradiation with water mist could produce the cavities without signs of thermal damage to the surrounding enamel and dentin.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that addition of a fine water mist directed at the ablation sites does not greatly decrease the ablation, and does not cause any carbonization and melting in the surrounding dental hard tissues.

Immunohistochemical study of mammary and extramammary Paget's disease

Immunophenotypes of mammary (MPD) and extramammary Paget's disease (EPD) are still not well understood. Thirty-four formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 33 patients with 6 MPD and 28 EPD were studied immunohistochemically with the use of polyclonal c-erbB-2 and pS2 antisera, and monoclonal nm23, B6.2, GCDFP-15, and p53 antibodies. Cases of MPD expressed a high incidence of c-erbB-2 and nm23 compared with those of EPD (100% vs. 29%; p < 0.01, and 83% vs. 29%; p < 0.05, respectively). Although high expression of B6.2 (> 83%) and moderate expression of GCDFP-15 (33-39%), pS2 (33-46%) and p53 (39-50%) were seen, the positivity was not significantly different between MPD and EPD. These findings indicate that MPD and EPD share immunohistochemical features but partially differ in their patterns of antigen expression.

Effects of two different doses of leuprolide acetate depot on uterine cavity area in patients with uterine leiomyomata

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of two different doses of a monthly depot injection of a GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) on uterine cavity area in patients with uterine leiomyomata.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

Hospital department of obstetrics and gynecology.

PATIENTS

Thirty-six premenopausal women, 25 to 52 years of age, with uterine leiomyomata.

INTERVENTION

Leuprolide acetate (LA) depot, 1.88 or 3.75 mg, was administered SC every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Uterine cavity area before and after treatment was assessed by hysterosalpingography.

RESULTS

The 1.88- and 3.75-mg LA depots significantly reduced uterine cavity area by 40.8% and 40.2%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Monthly injection of 1.88 or 3.75 mg LA depots appears to reduce uterine cavity area to a similar extent in patients with uterine leiomyomata.

Cytotoxic cells directed against placental cells detected in human habitual abortions by an in vitro terminal labeling assay

PROBLEM

From the clinical point of view, it has been proposed that an immunological imbalance between the mother and the fetus might exist in one of the mechanisms for human habitual abortion. However, in the definition of habitual abortion, we have no distinct immunological criteria for this clinical entity at the moment.

METHOD

We employed aborted placental cells as the target cells in an in vitro terminal labeling (IVTL) assay system, in which the cytotoxic activity of maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against the placental cell was examined.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the cytotoxic activity of maternal PBMCs was significantly higher in the habitual aborters (the mean target cell destruction: %TCD = 34.9%, N = 14) than that in the women with a normal first trimester (the mean % TCD = 8.9%, N = 14, P < .01). The results from the IVTL assay did not correlate with other assays using paternal lymphocytes as the target cells. The surface marker analyses revealed that CD16+ cells, CD14+ cells, and CD5+ cells were involved in the cytotoxic response against the placental cells in various degrees among the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The above evidence suggests that a variety of cytotoxic cells participate in the phenomenon of human habitual abortion.

A rapid microassay for dichloroacetate in serum by gel-permeation chromatography

We have developed a novel, rapid microassay for dichloroacetate in the serum. The serum sample is directly injected into a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The peak of dichloroacetate appears after a giant protein peak. The method requires a very small amount of serum (10 microliters), and the analysis time is short (20 min). Using this micro method, we measured the serum concentrations of dichloroacetate in healthy adult volunteers and paediatric patients with congenital lactic acidosis. Although the effect of dichloroacetate on the neurological manifestations of congenital lactic acidosis has not been proved to be beneficial, the potential usefulness of dichloroacetate in refractory lactic acidosis in cardiac and respiratory failure has been recognized, and human as well as animal studies have been undertaken in many laboratories. To prevent possible side effects of dichloroacetate, it has been recommended that the minimal effective dose be used. Our microassay method is useful for both human and animal experiments, even after administration of minimal doses.

Changes in phospholipase A2 activity of the rabbit ampullary epithelium by ovarian steroids

Phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) activity of the ampullary epithelium from rabbit oviducts was compared in the presence of various ovarian steroids to assess how they could modulate prostaglandins (PG) biosynthesis in the oviduct. The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity of the cells from ovariectomized rabbits (control) was 190.8 +/- 9.8 pmol/min/mg. The PLA2 activity of the cells from progesterone-treated rabbits was 156.0 +/- 41.8 pmol/min/mg and was not significantly different from the control activity. However, the PLA2 activity of the cells from the estrogen-treated rabbits was 233.5 +/- 29.0 pmol/min/mg, which was significantly higher than the control activity (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the PLA2 activity of the cells from progesterone-treated rabbits after being primed with estrogen was 116.3 +/- 25.9 pmol/min/mg, which was significantly lower than the control activity (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the effects on PLA2 activity of ovarian steroids could regulate the local production of PG which plays a role in both smooth muscle contractility and ciliary activity.

Regional differences of phospholipase A2 activity in the rabbit oviductal epithelium

To evaluate the biosynthesis of prostaglandins in the oviducts, phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) activities were first measured in the epithelial cells obtained from rabbit oviducts. At least four kinds of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities with respect to calcium dependency and pH requirement were observed. There were two calcium-dependent, pH optima of 7.5 and 8.5 activities, and two calcium-independent, pH optima of 4.0 and 8.0 activities. One of those activities, a calcium-dependent and alkaline active PLA2 activity of the epithelial cells was then compared between the ampullary portion and the isthmic portion of the oviducts. The activity was significantly higher in the ampullary epithelium than in the isthmic epithelium (223.2 +/- 57.2 or 103.8 +/- 32.3 pmol/min/mg, p < 0.05). These results support the idea that the production of prostaglandins, which is dependent upon the activity of the arachidonate cascades, was higher in the ampullary portion of oviduct than that in the isthmic portion. The PLA2 activity of the ampullary epithelium may thus play an important role in the regulation of smooth muscle contractility and ciliary movement.

Efficacy of a low-dose leuprolide acetate depot in the treatment of uterine leiomyomata in Japanese women

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of two different doses, 1.88 mg and 3.75 mg, of a monthly depot injection of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in the treatment of uterine leiomyomata.

DESIGN

A prospective randomized study.

SETTING

Hospital department of gynecology and obstetrics.

PATIENTS

Forty-one premenopausal Japanese women, 25 to 53 years of age, with uterine leiomyomata.

INTERVENTIONS

Depot type of GnRH-a, leuprolide acetate (LA) 1.88 mg or 3.75 mg was administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Efficacy of treatment was assessed in terms of uterine volume, serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and adverse symptoms during treatment.

RESULTS

In both groups, a significant reduction in uterine volume, 52% in 1.88 mg group and 47% in 3.75 mg group, was obtained at week 24, with near maximal reduction (41%, 45%) apparent by 12 weeks. No significant difference was observed between the groups in percent uterine volume reduction at each treatment week. Both groups showed significant and equal suppression of serum levels of E2, LH, and FSH. In addition, the incidence of adverse symptoms was not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Monthly injection of 1.88 mg or 3.75 mg LA depot has equivalent treatment efficacy in reducing uterine volume. Twelve weeks of treatment is enough to obtain near maximal reduction.

Cervical cancers in uterus didelphys

Two cases of cervical cancer in uterus didelphys are presented. One was extensive adenocarcinoma and one was squamous cell carcinoma in situ. In both cases the cancers appeared to have originated separately in each cervix.

Vascular pedicle transposition of an ovary with subsequent intrauterine pregnancy

In a patient who underwent both a right salpingectomy because of right tubal pregnancy and left ovarian cystectomy due to an ovarian cyst, we performed an operation whereupon the normal right ovary was shifted toward the position of the left ovary together with the pelvic infundibular ligament. By observation of the ovarian follicle through ultrasonic tomography, the follicle, as seen only from the right preoperatively, was seen only from the left after the operation. The patient delivered a baby by normal pregnancy 3 months after the operation. This method requires no complicated technique and could prove to be a promising therapeutic procedure treating patients with infertility.

Effects of lathyrogens on the mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament in the rat mandibular first molar

Effects of lathyrogens such as aminoacetonitrile (AAN), beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and cysteamine--known inhibitors of cross-linking of collagen--on the mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament of the rat mandibular first molar were examined by measuring the ultimate load required to extract the tooth from its socket in the dissected jaw. Single injections of AAN (40 approximately 100 mg/100 g body weight) or of BAPN (100 mg/100 g body weight) caused significant decreases of the mechanical strength 24 h after administration of the drugs but that of cysteamine (30 mg/100 g body weight) did not. Significant correlations between the dose of AAN or of BAPN and the mechanical strength were found following daily administrations of the drugs for 5 days. The relative potency of AAN to BAPN was estimated to be 4.5 by a slope ratio assay. The rapid appearance and disappearance of the effect of lathyrogens on the mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament of the rat mandibular first molar provide further evidence that the turnover of the collagen in the tissue is fast. The half-time of collagen synthesis was estimated to be approximately 3 d.

Expression and immunogenicity of the extracellular domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein, gp160

The envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is synthesized as a precursor, gp160, that subsequently is cleaved to yield mature gp120 and gp41. In these studies, the gene encoding gp160 was mutagenized so as direct the synthesis of a truncated protein consisting of the extracellular domains of both gp120 and gp41. The variant protein, termed sgp160, consisted of 458 amino acids of gp120 and 172 amino acids of gp41. To facilitate protein purification, the normal polyglycoprotein processing site between gp120 and gp41 was deleted through the use of site-directed mutagenesis. This allowed for the synthesis of a molecule that could be purified by affinity chromatography, using acid elution, without dissociation of the gp120 polypeptide from the gp41 polypeptide. The conformation of the sgp160 variant appeared to be functionally relevant, as reflected by its ability to bind to CD4 with an affinity comparable to that of the variant rgp120. The structure of the sgp160-containing polypeptide differed from that of rgp120 in that it tended to form high-molecular-weight aggregates that could be dissociated to monomers and dimers in the presence of reducing agents. Antibodies against the sgp160 protein reacted with authentic virus-derived gp160, gp120, and gp41; neutralized viral infectivity; and inhibited the binding of rgp120 to CD4. Rabbit antibodies to the sgp160 protein differed from those raised against rgp120 in that they were enriched for populations that blocked CD4 binding but did not prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1-induced syncytium formation.

Two-dimensional pulsed Doppler echocardiographic technique for estimating pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio in children with atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus

A two-dimensional pulsed Doppler echocardiographic method was evaluated for quantifying the pulmonary (Qp) to systemic (Qs) blood flow ratio. Twenty six patients were studied, 15 with atrial septal defect (ASD) and 11 with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). An apical four-chamber view was used to measure the maximal Doppler flow velocities in the right and left ventricular inflow regions (RVIR and LVIR) and the maximal diameters of the tricuspid and mitral anuli at diastole. The two-dimensional pulsed Doppler pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) estimation involved calculating the area of the Doppler flow velocity signal along the time scale multiplied by the diameter of either the tricuspid or mitral anulus as measured on the apical four-chamber view. In ASD patients, Qp was measured at RVIR and Qs at LVIR. In PDA patients, Qp was calculated at LVIR and Qs at RVIR. Twenty-six healthy children comprised the control group. The areas of the Doppler flow velocity signals along the time scales of RVIR and LVIR were also quantified and the diameters of the tricuspid and mitral anuli were measured. In the control group, the linear correlation of the trans-mitral M(d)*M(a) to trans-tricuspid T(d)*T(a) value was r = 0.909, n = 26. The correlations between Doppler Qp/Qs ratio estimates and those obtained at cardiac catheterization were r = 0.902, n = 15 in ASD and r = 0.967, n = 11 in PDA. These results suggest a clinical application of this Doppler echocardiographic method in the noninvasive estimation of the cardiac shunt in ASD and PDA.