Epidemiological survey of definite cases of Meniere's disease collected by the seventeen members of the Meniere's Disease Research Committee of Japan in 1975--1976

Between Aril 1975 and December 1976, the second nationwide survey of Meniere's disease in Japan was made by the 17 members of the Meniere's Disease Research Committee of Japan. The epidemiological data from 520 patients with definite Meniere's disease were analyzed in comparison with those from the 126 patients in the non-Meniere vertiginous group (Control A) and the 228 patients in the rhinolaryngological group (Control B). The male:female ratio of definite cases of Meniere's disease was almost the same, and the age distribution peaked at the age group of 40--49 years for males, while the peak for females was at the age group of 30--39 years. 5.8% of the 520 patients had a close relative who also suffered from Meniere's disease. From the epidemiological features, it may appear that the occurrence of vertiginous attacks in Meniere's disease is influenced much more by individual than by environmental factors. However, this feature can be considered as another evidence of the psychosomatic disorders involved in Meniere's disease.

In vitro expansion of CD34(+)CD38(-) cells under stimulation with hematopoietic growth factors on AGM-S3 cells in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia

Using serum-containing culture, we examined whether AGM-S3 stromal cells, alone or in combination with hematopoietic growth factor(s), stimulated the proliferation of CD34(+) cells from patients with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). AGM-S3 cells in concert with stem cell factor plus thrombopoietin increased the numbers of peripheral blood CD34(+) cells to approximately 20-fold of the input value after 2 weeks in nine JMML patients with either PTPN11 mutations or RAS mutations, who received allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) also augmented the proliferation of JMML CD34(+) cells on AGM-S3 cells. The expansion potential of CD34(+) cells was markedly low in four patients who achieved spontaneous hematological improvement. A large proportion of day-14-cultured CD34(+) cells were negative for CD38 and cryopreservable. Cultured JMML CD34(+)CD38(-) cells expressed CD117, CD116, c-mpl, CD123, CD90, but not CXCR4, and formed GM and erythroid colonies. Day-7-cultured CD34(+) cells from two of three JMML patients injected intrafemorally into immunodeficient mice stimulated with human GM-CSF after transplantation displayed significant hematopoietic reconstitution. The abilities of OP9 cells and MS-5 cells were one-third and one-tenth, respectively, of the value obtained with AGM-S3 cells. Our culture system may provide a useful tool for elucidating leukemogenesis and for therapeutic approaches in JMML.

Age-dependent effect of obestatin on intestinal contractility in Wistar rats

Obestatin is a 23-amino acid peptide encoded by the ghrelin gene. We have investigated the effect of obestatin on intestinal contractility in rats ranging from the suckling period till adolescence. Duodenal and middle jejunum whole-thickness preparations from neonatal and adult rats were studied in an organ bath, for isometric recording under treatment with obestatin (1μmolL(-1)) in the presence of acetylocholine (ACh), atropine and tetradotoxin (TTX). Both the EFS and ACh-stimulated contractile response, as well as spontaneous contractile activity is age-dependent and specific for the segment of jejunum. Except for the middle jejunum of 7day old rats, treatment with obestatin caused a significant TTX-sensitive increase in the amplitude of EFS-stimulated off-contraction of both intestinal segments studied. Following injection of obestatin, the amplitude of spontaneous contraction in the duodenum increased in 7day old rats. In the middle jejunum, treatment with obestatin significantly increased both the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contraction in rats till the 28th day of life, whereas in adult rats the observed effect of obestatin was the opposite (P<0.001 and P<0.0001, respectively). The effects of treatment with obestatin on stimulation with increasing doses of ACh were only observed in the preparations from suckling rats. ACh-stimulated contractility in the duodenum was decreased while in the middle jejunum the observed effect was opposite. These results indicate the importance of peripheral obestatin in the cholinergic control of intestinal contractility in both neonatal and adult rats.

Impact of antihypertensive medication adherence on blood pressure control in hypertension: the COMFORT study

BACKGROUND

It has not been fully elucidated whether antihypertensive medication adherence affects blood pressure (BP) control in hypertension cases.

AIM

To investigate the association of adherence to antihypertensive drug regimens and BP control using data from the Combination Pill of Losartan Potassium and Hydrochlorothiazide for Improvement of Medication Compliance Trial (COMFORT) study.

DESIGN

An observational analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

A total of 203 hypertensive subjects were randomly assigned to a daily regimen of a combination pill (losartan 50 mg/hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg) or two pills, an angiotensin II receptor blocker and a thiazide diuretic. Medication adherence calculated based on pill counts and BPs was evaluated at 1, 3 and 6 months after randomization.

RESULTS

The subjects were divided into three groups according to their adherence, i.e. relatively low-adherence (<90%; n = 19), moderate-adherence (90-99%; n = 71) and high-adherence (100%; n = 113) groups. Clinical characteristics of the subjects including BP, sex, randomized treatments and past medical history did not differ significantly among the three groups. Achieved follow-up BPs over the 6-month treatment period, which were adjusted for age, sex, baseline BP and randomized treatment, were significantly higher in the low-adherence group (135/78 mmHg) compared with the high-adherence (130/74 mmHg; P = 0.02/0.02) and the moderate-adherence (128/74 mmHg; P = 0.003/0.02) groups.

CONCLUSION

Low adherence to an antihypertensive-drug regimen was associated with poor BP control.

Influence of fundectomy and intraperitoneal or intragastric administration of apelin on apoptosis, mitosis, and DNA repair enzyme OGG1,2 expression in adult rats gastrointestinal tract and pancreas

Apelin, endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled apelin receptor (APJ), is released into the gastrointestinal lumen, however, local effect of luminal apelin on gut epithelium has not been elucidated so far. The present study aimed to determine the effects of fundectomy, and intraperitoneal or intragastric administration of apelin on pancreatic, gastric and intestinal epithelium apoptosis, mitosis and DNA repair enzyme OGG1,2 expression in adult Wistar rats. Apelin-13 was given by intraperitoneal or gastric gavage twice a day for 10 days (100 nmol/kg b. wt./day). Fundectomized rats did not receive apelin. Control groups received saline as placebo. At the end of the experiment the rats were sacrificed and the pancreas, gastric fundus, duodenum, middle jejunum and colon tissue samples were harvested for immunofluorescence studies. Intraperitoneal and intragastric apelin-13 reduced apoptosis, mitosis and number of DNA damages in rats gastrointestinal tract (p≤0.001) as compared to control. In fundectomized rats, the apoptotic index in the pancreas and colon was decreased (p<0.001), and in the stomach and jejunum was increased (p<0.001). Mitotic index was decreased in all gastrointestinal tissues. Number of DNA damages (p≤0.001) in fundectomized rats was reduced except stomach where OGG1,2 expression was increased (p≤0.001) as compared to control. In conclusion, circulating and luminal exogenous apelin-13 caused similar effects on intestinal epithelium. Endogenous (gastric) apelin is important for renewal of intestinal epithelium in adult rats. Pharmacological doses of apelin-13 may reduce the cell turnover in the upper gastrointestinal tract epithelium and pancreas, and improve the overall gut health.

Soluble fragments of e-cadherin cell-adhesion molecule increase in urinary-excretion of cancer-patients, potentially indicating its shedding from epithelial tumor-cells

E-cadherin (Ecad) is well known to be a calcium-ion-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule expressed mostly in epithelial tissues. Previous immunohistochemical studies suggested that this cell adhesion molecule acts as an invasion suppressor and is negligibly detected in cancer metastatic regions. Soluble Ecad fragments derived from the proteolysed membrane-associated form were detected in culture supernatants of two cell lines, COLO 205 and A-431, with normal distribution of cell surface Ecad. Soluble Ecad levels released into culture of COLO 205 exhibiting reduced cell-cell adhesion were apparently elevated above those of A-431 with tight cell-cell adhesion. Furthermore, human circulation and urine continuously contain soluble Ecad which consists mainly of homogeneous 75-85 kDa extracellular domains. Soluble Ecad urinary level per urinary creatinine level was found to be significantly elevated in 53% of patients suffering from various types of cancers including lung, liver, stomach, colon and rectal cancers, as compared with those in the age-matched healthy subjects. These results suggest that dysfunction of cell surface Ecad is responsible for its enhanced proteolytic shedding in tumorigenesis, which may lead to the decrease of cell surface Ecads. Furthermore, excretion of high levels of soluble Ecad fragments potentially indicates the progression of epithelial tumors excessively degrading cell surface Ecad in clinical subjects.

Deletion of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β improves diabetic nephropathy in Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (Thr286Asp) transgenic mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) signalling is increased in the glomeruli and tubules of diabetic animals. In this study, we examined the role of PDGFR-β signalling during the development of diabetic nephropathy.

METHODS

We recently generated pancreatic beta cell-specific Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (Thr286Asp) transgenic mice (CaMKIIα mice), which show very high plasma glucose levels up to 55.5 mmol/l and exhibit the features of diabetic nephropathy. These mice were crossed with conditional knockout mice in which Pdgfr-β (also known as Pdgfrb) was deleted postnatally. The effect of the deletion of the Pdgfr-β gene on diabetic nephropathy in CaMKIIα mice was evaluated at 10 and 16 weeks of age.

RESULTS

The plasma glucose concentrations and HbA(1c) levels were elevated in the CaMKIIα mice from 4 weeks of age. Variables indicative of diabetic nephropathy, such as an increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, kidney weight/body weight ratio and mesangial area/glomerular area ratio, were observed at 16 weeks of age. The postnatal deletion of the Pdgfr-β gene significantly decreased the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio and mesangial area/glomerular area ratio without affecting the plasma glucose concentration. Furthermore, the increased oxidative stress in the kidneys of the CaMKIIα mice as shown by the increased urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion and the increased expression of NAD(P)H oxidase 4 (NOX4), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) was decreased by Pdgfr-β gene deletion.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The activation of PDGFR-β signalling contributes to the progress of diabetic nephropathy, with an increase in oxidative stress and mesangial expansion in CaMKIIα mice.

Investigation of the presence of ghrelin in the central nervous system of the rat and mouse

Ghrelin and ghrelin receptor agonist have effects on central neurons in many locations, including the hypothalamus, caudal brain stem, and spinal cord. However, descriptions of the distributions of ghrelin-like immunoreactivity in the CNS in published work are inconsistent. We have used three well-characterized anti-ghrelin antibodies, an antibody to the unacylated form of ghrelin, and a ghrelin peptide assay in rats, mice, ghrelin knockout mice, and ghrelin receptor reporter mice to re-evaluate ghrelin presence in the rodent CNS. The stomach served as a positive control. All antibodies were effective in revealing gastric endocrine cells. However, no specific staining could be found in the brain or spinal cord. Concentrations of antibody 10 to 30 times those effective in the stomach bound to nerve cells in rat and mouse brain, but this binding was not reduced by absorbing concentrations of ghrelin peptide, or by use of ghrelin gene knockout mice. Concentrations of ghrelin-like peptide, detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in extracts of hypothalamus, were 1% of gastric concentrations. Ghrelin receptor-expressing neurons had no adjacent ghrelin immunoreactive terminals. It is concluded that there are insignificant amounts of authentic ghrelin in neurons in the mouse or rat CNS and that ghrelin receptor-expressing neurons do not receive synaptic inputs from ghrelin-immunoreactive nerve terminals in these species.

Indication of electron neutrino appearance from an accelerator-produced off-axis muon neutrino beam

The T2K experiment observes indications of ν(μ) → ν(e) appearance in data accumulated with 1.43×10(20) protons on target. Six events pass all selection criteria at the far detector. In a three-flavor neutrino oscillation scenario with |Δm(23)(2)| = 2.4×10(-3)  eV(2), sin(2)2θ(23) = 1 and sin(2)2θ(13) = 0, the expected number of such events is 1.5±0.3(syst). Under this hypothesis, the probability to observe six or more candidate events is 7×10(-3), equivalent to 2.5σ significance. At 90% C.L., the data are consistent with 0.03(0.04) < sin(2)2θ(13) < 0.28(0.34) for δ(CP) = 0 and a normal (inverted) hierarchy.

Development of a thick CdTe detector for BNCT-SPECT

As well known, it is difficult to know the exact treatment effect of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). It depends on the irradiation time, which is changed rather flexibly. At present, it is once fixed before BNCT. Then the actual stopping time is adjusted during BNCT by some means like activation foils. The author's group hence started development of a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) system for BNCT to know the effect of BNCT in real time. By adopting a side surface (1×2 mm(2)) of a CdTe detector (1×2×20 mm(3)) as radiation entrance window, acceptable spatial resolution and high detection efficiency were simultaneously achieved. Also in about 30 min acceptable number of counts for 478 keV gamma-rays could be expected. In addition, employing a Schottky type detector the energy resolution could be improved. Discrimination of 478 keV and annihilation gamma-rays would thus be successfully made. In the next phase, it is planned to design and develop an array type detector to be implemented in the BNCT-SPECT system.

Biological effects of probiotics: what impact does Lactobacillus casei shirota have on us?

Probiotics have been defined as live bacteria beneficial to the host when administered in adequate amounts. To evaluate the effect of probiotics on the prevention of carcinogenesis, Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) was given to the patients who had undergone the resection of superficial bladder cancer, and administration of LcS significantly reduced the recurrence rate of bladder cancer. When LcS was given to the patients whose colonic polyps were surgically removed, the recurrence of colorectal cancer with moderate or severe atypia was suppressed. To assess the putative actions of LcS on innate immune responses, we examined the effect of LcS on natural killer (NK) cell activity in humans. Daily ingestion of fermented milk containing LcS restored NK cell activity in healthy subjects with low NK cell activity as well as human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-1-associated myelopathy patients. When peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy humans were cultured in the presence of heat-killed LcS, NK cell activity was augmented, which were partly mediated by monocyte-derived interleukin (IL)-12. These findings suggest that LcS may help the reinforcement of our defense system against cancer by modulating innate immune functions.

Role of hormonal axis, growth hormone - IGF-1, in the therapeutic effect of ghrelin in the course of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis

Ghrelin is a ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor and stimulates release of growth hormone (GH). Recent studies have shown that treatment with ghrelin exhibits protective and therapeutic effect in the course of experimental pancreatitis. The aim of present study was to examine the role of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in these effects. Acute pancreatitis was induced by cerulein. Study was performed on pituitary-intact hypophysectomized rats. Ghrelin was administered twice a day at the dose of 8 nmol/kg/dose. IGF-1 was given twice a day at the dose of 20 nmol/kg/dose. The severity of acute pancreatitis was assessed 0 h or 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 days after the last dose of cerulein. Administration of cerulein led to the development of acute edematous pancreatitis. In pituitary-intact rats, treatment with ghrelin reduced biochemical indexes of the severity of acute pancreatitis and morphological signs of pancreatic damage, leading to faster regeneration of the pancreas reduction in serum concentration of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1β and decrease in serum activity of amylase and lipase. These effects were accompanied with an improvement of pancreatic blood flow and an increase in pancreatic DNA synthesis. Hypophysectomy delayed the healing of the pancreas and abolished the therapeutic effect of ghrelin. In hypophysectomized rats with pancreatitis, treatment with IGF-1 exhibits therapeutic effect similar to that observed in ghrelin-treated rats with the intact pituitary. We conclude that therapeutic effect of ghrelin in cerulein-induced pancreatitis is indirect and depends on the release of GH and IGF-1.

Therapeutic effect of ghrelin in the course of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in rats

Recent studies have shown that pretreatment with ghrelin exhibits protective effect in the gut. Administration of ghrelin reduces gastric mucosal damage, as well as inhibits the development of experimental pancreatitis. However, this protective effect requires administration of ghrelin before gastric or pancreatic damage and thus has a limited clinical value. The aim of present study was to assess the influence of ghrelin administered after development of acute pancreatitis on the course of this disease. Acute pancreatitis was induced by cerulein. Ghrelin was administered twice a day for 1, 2, 4, 6 or 9 days at the dose of 4, 8 or 16 nmol/kg/dose. The first dose of ghrelin was given 24 hours after last injection of cerulein. The severity of acute pancreatitis was assessed between 0 h and 10 days after cessation of cerulein administration. Administration of caerulein led to the development of acute edematous pancreatitis and maximal severity of this disease was observed 24 hours after induction of pancreatitis. Treatment with ghrelin reduced morphological signs of pancreatic damage such as pancreatic edema, leukocyte infiltration and vacuolization of acinar cells, and led to earlier regeneration of the pancreas. Also biochemical indexes of the severity of acute pancreatitis, serum activity of lipase and amylase were significantly reduced in animals treated with ghrelin. These effects were accompanied by an increase in the pancreatic DNA synthesis and a decrease in serum level of pro-inflammatory interleukin-1b. Administration of ghrelin improved pancreatic blood flow in rats with acute pancreatitis. We conclude that: (1) treatment with ghrelin exhibits therapeutic effect in caerulein-induced experimental acute pancreatitis; (2) this effect is related, at least in part, to the improvement of pancreatic blood flow, reduction in proinflammatory interleukin-1beta and stimulation of pancreatic cell proliferation.

Centrally administered neuromedin S inhibits feeding behavior and gastroduodenal motility in mice

Neuromedin S (NMS) was recently identified as an endogenous ligand for the FM-4/TGR-1 receptor in the rat hypothalamus. No previous studies have examined the effect of NMS on gut motility. We examined the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of NMS on food intake in food-deprived and free-feeding mice, and on gastroduodenal motility by using a manometric method, and gastric emptying in mice. We found that NMS decreased food intake and the gastric emptying rate. It also disrupted the motor activity in the antrum and duodenum of conscious food-deprived mice. These results suggest that NMS influences gut motility as well as feeding behavior.