Effect of protein properties on display efficiency using the M13 phage display system

The M13 phage display system is a powerful technology for engineering proteins such as functional mutant proteins and peptides. In this system, it is necessary that the protein is displayed on the phage surface. Therefore, its application is often limited when a protein is poorly displayed. In this study, we attempted to understand the relationship between a protein's properties and its display efficiency using the well-known pIII and pVIII type phage display system. The display of positively charged SV40 NLS and HIV-1 Tat peptides on pill was less efficient than that of the neutrally charged RGDS peptide. When different molecular weight proteins (1.5-58 kDa) were displayed on pIII and pVIII, their display efficiencies were directly influenced by their molecular weights. These results indicate the usefulness in predicting a desired protein's compatibility with protein and peptide engineering using the phage display system.

A novel exogenous concentration-gradient collagen scaffold augments full-thickness articular cartilage repair

OBJECTIVES

A collagen scaffold has been long used in order to enhance the regeneration of articular cartilage. In the present study, we investigate the effectiveness of a concentration-gradient (CG) collagen that is designed to recruit efficiently the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the central region of the full-thickness cartilage defects via haptotaxis.

METHODS

The present study used Cellmatrix (0.3% type I collagen; Nitta gelatin, Osaka, Japan) as the collagen material. We prepared 33%CG collagen gel and 50%CG collagen gel. No gradient collagen gel served as negative control. Full-thickness cartilage defects were created at the patella groove of the rabbit knee, to which the three different collagen gels were transplanted. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) positive, proliferating cells were enumerated and localized, whereas the histological grading score for cartilage regeneration was counted. The expression of type I and type II collagens was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We also confirmed that the MSCs migrate toward the collagen substrate of higher concentration in a stringently in vitro haptotactic manner.

RESULTS

Enumeration of the BrdU-positive cells demonstrated that 33%CG collagen gel recruited a significantly larger number of proliferating cells to the central region of the cartilage defect. The histological grading score for the regenerated cartilage treated with 33%CG collagen gel was superior to the other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

CG collagen scaffold recruits effectively the MSCs to the center of full-thickness cartilage defect and enhances regeneration of the full-thickness cartilage defect.

Comparative study on transduction and toxicity of protein transduction domains

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Protein transduction domains (PTDs), such as Tat, antennapedia homeoprotein (Antp), Rev and VP22, have been extensively utilized for intracellular delivery of biologically active macromolecules in vitro and in vivo. There is little known, however, about the relative transduction efficacy, cytotoxicity and internalization mechanism of individual PTDs.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We examined the cargo delivery efficacies of four major PTDs (Tat, Antp, Rev and VP22) and evaluated their toxicities and cell internalizing pathways in various cell lines.

KEY RESULTS

The relative order of the transduction efficacy of these PTDs conjugated to fluorescein was Rev>Antp>Tat>VP22, independent of cell type (HeLa, HaCaT, A431, Jurkat, MOLT-4 and HL60 cells). Antp produced significant toxicity in HeLa and Jurkat cells, and Rev produced significant toxicity in Jurkat cells. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the uptake of PTD-fluorescein conjugate was dose-dependently inhibited by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, cytochalasin D and amiloride, indicating that all four PTDs were internalized by the macropinocytotic pathway. Accordingly, in cells co-treated with 'Tat-fused' endosome-disruptive HA2 peptides (HA2-Tat) and independent PTD-fluorescent protein conjugates, fluorescence spread throughout the cytosol, indicating that all four PTDs were internalized into the same vesicles as Tat.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings suggest that macropinocytosis-dependent internalization is a crucial step in PTD-mediated molecular transduction. From the viewpoint of developing effective and safe protein transduction technology, although Tat was the most versatile carrier among the peptides studied, PTDs should be selected based on their individual characteristics.

Role of interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA in thermal hyperalgesia induced by chronic inflammation in mice

The present study investigated whether the endogenous pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)]-dependent expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA within the spinal cord could be involved in the development of chronic inflammatory pain-like behaviors in mice. We demonstrated that the expression of COX-2 mRNA on the ipsilateral side of the spinal cord was significantly increased 6 h and 3 days after intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), compared with the expression in saline-treated mice. In addition, the chronic pain-like behaviors following CFA injection were markedly suppressed by repeated intrathecal (i.t.) pre-treatment with the COX-2 inhibitor etodolac, but not with the COX-1 inhibitor mofezolac. The cytosolic level of the activated form of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB), which is a major contributor to the induction of COX-2, on the ipsilateral side of the mouse spinal cord was also increased compared with that in the saline-treated mice. The key finding in the present study was that a single i.t. injection with either IL-1beta or TNF-alpha induced a marked increase in spinal COX-2 mRNA and persistent thermal hyperalgesia in mice. Furthermore, CFA-induced hypersensitivity to inflammatory pain was significantly reduced by repeated i.t. pre-injection of the recombinant Fc chimera of IL-1 receptor I or soluble TNF receptor I, which sequesters endogenous IL-1beta or TNF-alpha, respectively. In contrast, the expression of spinal COX-2 mRNA in CFA-treated mice was similar to that in saline-treated mice at 7 days after CFA injection. The present findings strongly indicate the early intrathecal use of the COX-2 inhibitor for the relief of chronic inflammatory pain. Furthermore, together with the result in a previous study that pro-inflammatory cytokines lead to stimulation of a NF-kappaB-dependent transcriptional pathway, these findings suggest that a spinal cytokine/NF-kappaB/COX-2 pathway may play an important role in the development, but not maintenance, of chronic pain following peripheral tissue inflammation.

Plasma metabolite concentrations and hepatic enzyme activities in pregnant Romney ewes with restricted feeding

Plasma metabolite concentrations and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in plasma, peripheral leukocytes and liver of pregnant Romney ewes with restricted feeding were measured to assess those metabolites and enzymes as indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions in the ewes. The body weights and plasma lactate concentrations of the low-feeding ewes (about 1.0 times maintenance) were significantly lower than those of the high-feeding ewes (about 1.5 times maintenance). There were no significant differences in plasma protein, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, pyruvate and immunoreactive insulin concentrations and plasma and leukocyte enzyme activities between both groups. Hepatic malate dehydrogenase activities were significantly higher and hexokinase activities were significantly lower in the low-feeding ewes than in the high-feeding ewes. Restricted feeding could maintain pregnancy and some plasma metabolites and peripheral leukocyte enzymes may be useful indicators for evaluating metabolic changes in ewes.

Creation of a novel cell penetrating peptide, using a random 18mer peptides library

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have drawn attention as carriers for intracellular drug delivery. It is commonly believed that TAT peptide is the best carrier among the existing CPPs due to its high translocational activity. Despite considerable research, the cellular uptake mechanism of TAT peptide remains unclear. Additionally, the transduction efficiency of TAT peptide is insufficient for use in intracellular therapy. In this study, we attempted to identify novel CPPs from a random 18mer peptide library using a phage display system. To isolate novel CPPs more effectively, PSIF (protein synthesis inhibition factor) was used with the screening system. Consequently, we isolated 7 novel CPPs from the library and determined by flow cytometry and confocal laser microscopy that these CPPs were taken up into cells. Once the cellular uptake pathway of these CPPs has been determined, it may be possible to use them for intracellular therapy.

Pneumococcal surface protein A family types of Streptococcus pneumoniae from community-acquired pneumonia patients in Japan

We assessed pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) family types of 141 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from community-acquired pneumonia patients in Japan. Families 1 and 2 were expressed in 78 (55.3%) and 58 (41.1%) isolates, respectively. Five isolates were not typed either as family 1 or 2. PspA family types were not associated with age, sex, or pneumonia severity. Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae was more likely to belong to family 2 whereas organisms highly resistant to erythromycin and positive for ermB were more prevalent in family 1. The association of PspA type with antimicrobial resistance was possibly affected by prevalent serotypes or resistance clones. It would therefore be necessary to include both family 1 and 2 proteins in a PspA-containing vaccine to cover the major PspA families and to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Congenital unilateral upper limb muscular hypertrophy associated with contracture of an extrinsic extensor tendon

We report a case of congenital unilateral upper limb muscular hypertrophy which presented with loss of extensor tendon excursion of a single digit in late adolescence. The reason for the problem arising is not clear and is not clearly explained by the underlying congenital pathology.

Estimation of soft X-ray and EUV transition radiation power emitted from the MIRRORCLE-type tabletop synchrotron

The tabletop synchrotron light sources MIRRORCLE-6X and MIRRORCLE-20SX, operating at electron energies E(el) = 6 MeV and E(el) = 20 MeV, respectively, can emit powerful transition radiation (TR) in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and the soft X-ray regions. To clarify the applicability of these soft X-ray and EUV sources, the total TR power has been determined. A TR experiment was performed using a 385 nm-thick Al foil target in MIRRORCLE-6X. The angular distribution of the emitted power was measured using a detector assembly based on an NE102 scintillator, an optical bundle and a photomultiplier. The maximal measured total TR power for MIRRORCLE-6X is P(max) approximately equal 2.95 mW at full power operation. Introduction of an analytical expression for the lifetime of the electron beam allows calculation of the emitted TR power by a tabletop synchrotron light source. Using the above measurement result, and the theoretically determined ratio between the TR power for MIRRORCLE-6X and MIRRORCLE-20SX, the total TR power for MIRRORCLE-20SX can be obtained. The one-foil TR target thickness is optimized for the 20 MeV electron energy. P(max) approximately equal 810 mW for MIRRORCLE-20SX is obtained with a single foil of 240 nm-thick Be target. The emitted bremsstrahlung is negligible with respect to the emitted TR for optimized TR targets. From a theoretically known TR spectrum it is concluded that MIRRORCLE-20SX can emit 150 mW of photons with E > 500 eV, which makes it applicable as a source for performing X-ray lithography. The average wavelength, \overline\lambda = 13.6 nm, of the TR emission of MIRRORCLE-20SX, with a 200 nm Al target, could provide of the order of 1 W EUV.

Effect of supplementation of Agaricus mushroom meal extracts on enzyme activities in peripheral leukocytes of calves

To investigate the effect of Agaricus mushroom meal on the energy metabolism in animal tissues; plasma glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in plasma and peripheral leukocytes were measured in Japanese Black WagyuxHolstein F1 calves supplemented with Agaricus blazei Murill (A. blazei) extract in milk-replacer at the dose of 60g/head/day for 4 weeks. Activities of malate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase in cytosol and glutamate dehydrogenase in mitochondria, and the malate dehydrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase ratio in cytosol in peripheral leukocytes of calves with A. blazei were significantly higher than those in control calves without A. blazei. It was concluded that supplementation of Agaricus mushroom meal extract was effective in activation of enzymes related to energy metabolism in peripheral leukocytes of calves.

Optimization of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha single chain Fv displayed on phages for creation of functional antibodies

In this study, we converted the immunoglobulin-type anti-human tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) monoclonal antibody (Mab) to a scFv-type antibody in order to assess its basic properties. The immunoglobulin VH and VL genes were isolated from the hybridoma that produced an anti-TNF-alpha neutralizing Mab, and they were then linked together to create scFvs of the VL-VH or VH-VL-form. The binding affinity to TNF-a was retained in both scFvs. Interestingly, the VL-VH-type scFv effectively inhibited the TNF-alpha-mediated cytotoxicity, while this neutralization activity was dramatically decreased in the VH-VL-type scFv. These results suggest that the VL-VH-type scFv is a suitable template to create improved versions of the anti-TNF-alpha antibody using a phage display system, and they also show that the structural format must be taken into account in manufacturing scFvs.

MRI appearance of primary giant ovarian leiomyoma in a hysterectomised woman

Primary leiomyoma is a rare, benign tumour of the ovary. We describe the MRI features of an ovarian leiomyoma identified in a 51-year-old woman after hysterectomy. The tumour appeared as a well-circumscribed low signal intensity mass on T(1) weighted imaging, with mixed signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging. Areas of high signal intensity on T2 weighted imaging corresponded to degeneration of leiomyoma. Dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging revealed early enhancement of the lesion. MRI appearance was thus similar to that of uterine leiomyoma. This case suggests the potential usefulness of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for the diagnosis of ovarian leiomyoma.

Secretory IgA, salivary peroxidase, and catalase-mediated microbicidal activity during hydrogen peroxide catabolism in viridans streptococci: pathogen coaggregation

Viridans streptococci can kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) through the production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). However, several hundred viridans streptococci cells are necessary to kill 1 cfu of MRSA. We analyzed the potency of bactericidal and fungicidal effector molecules induced by catabolism of H2O2 in the oral cavity. Secretory IgA (SIgA) and an unidentified salivary component bound Streptococcus sanguinis, a viridans streprococcus, and MRSA into coaggregates. In these coaggregates, salivary peroxidase and the MRSA catalase produced singlet molecular oxygen (1O2) from H2O2 produced by viridans streptococci. SIgA converted 1O2 into ozone, which has potent bactericidal and fungicidal activity. We calculated that <10 cfu of Streptococcus sanguinis were necessary to kill 1 cfu of MRSA in the coaggregate. SIgA, Aspergillus niger catalase, and H2O2 in saliva killed Candida albicans, which is highly resistant to reagent H2O2. Together with indigenous bacteria and innate immunity, SIgA potentially constitutes a novel system that may sustain oral homeostasis.

Comparison of Activities of Enzymes Related to Energy Metabolism in Peripheral Leukocytes and Livers between Holstein Dairy Cows and ICR Mice

Activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism and isoenzyme patterns of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined in peripheral leukocytes and livers of Holstein dairy cows and Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. In dairy cow liver, activities of enzymes in glycolysis, malate-aspartate shuttle and lipogenesis were lower, but activities of glucose-6-phosphatase in gluconeogenesis were higher than those in mouse liver. Glucokinase activities were below detection limit in leukocytes and liver of the cows. Dairy cow leukocytes and liver showed the isoenzyme patterns with dominance of LDH-1, -2 and-3, whereas mouse leukocytes and liver showed that LDH-5 was dominant. The LDH isoenzyme patterns were very similar between leukocytes and liver in each animal species. Some enzymes in leukocytes may reflect those enzymes activities in liver and be a useful indicator for energy metabolism in animals.

Changes in peripheral leukocytes enzymes activity and plasma metabolite concentrations in growing Holstein calves

Plasma metabolite and immunoreactive insulin concentrations and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in peripheral leukocytes were measured in growing Holstein calves. A ratio of girth of abdomen divided by girth of thorax (A/T ratio) of calves was significantly elevated after weaning, and the A/T ratio maybe a good indicator to evaluate rumen development. Plasma glucose and free fatty acid concentrations were changed in calves accompanying change in feeding. Activities of lactate dehydrogenase with pyruvate as substrate (LDH-P) and hexokinase (HK) in cytosolic fractions of peripheral leukocytes decreased significantly after weaning the calves reflecting the change of energy source from milk replacer with high percentages of fat and glucose and lactose as absorbable carbohydrate to pelleted feed containing starch as less absorbable carbohydrate and roughage. Some peripheral leukocyte enzymes such as LDH and HK may be good indicators to evaluate changes in energy metabolism of growing calves.

The Lower Lumbar Spine Moment and the Axial Rotational Motion of a Body During One-Handed and Double-Handed Backhand Stroke in Tennis

To analyze the load on the lumbar spine and the motion pattern of a body during a backhand stroke when playing tennis, kinematic and kinetic data of eleven amateur tennis players were collected. Each subject performed one-handed and double-handed strokes at low, medium, and high racket speeds. The three-dimensional motion of the strokes was optically measured by tracking markers attached to their body segments. Floor reaction forces were measured for the right and left feet separately. Using the body motion and the floor reaction force data, the lower lumbar spine moment was calculated based on a segment-link model. Peak and plateau values of the joint moment before and after ball impact were analyzed statistically using a factorial ANOVA (stroke, racket speed). Similarly, the axial rotation angle of the pelvis against the feet and that of the shoulder against the pelvis were analyzed. In all the moments except the lateral bending moment before ball impact and all the rotation angles, there were significant main effects of racket speed. The one-handed strokes showed significantly smaller extension moment before ball impact as well as smaller lateral bending and axial rotation moments after ball impact than the double-handed strokes. The one-handed strokes also showed a significantly smaller axial rotation angle of the shoulder against the pelvis and that of the pelvis against the feet. These results indicate that during one-handed strokes the shoulder and elbow joints share the rotational motion necessary for backhand strokes and consequently reduce the maximal moments imposed on the spinal joints.

Subtypes of peripheral adenocarcinoma of the lung: differentiation by thin-section CT

The purpose of this study was to scrutinize morphological characteristics of thin-section CT of the histopathological subtypes of adenocarcinoma of the lung. The subjects consisted of 83 patients with 87 adenocarcinomas measuring 3 cm or less in the largest. The tumors were divided into three groups (group I: Noguchi's histological subtypes type A and B tumors, group II: type C tumors, and group III: type D, E, and F tumors). In each group, tumor size, shape (round versus polygonal), presence of air bronchogram, bubble-like areas, coarse spiculation, pleural tag, and ratio of ground glass attenuation (GGA) were evaluated. Most of the group II lesions showed polygonal shape, whereas tumors in other groups were round in shape (P<0.01). Air bronchogram and bubble-like areas of low attenuation was seen more frequently in group II compared with those in group III (P<0.01). GGA areas were largest in group I and smallest in group III (P<0.01). We believe thin-section CT findings reflect the histopathological subtypes of adenocarcinoma of the lung. The presence of air bronchogram and bubble-like areas of low attenuation areas in particular is useful to differentiate replacement growth tumors from non-replacement growth tumors.

Cooperative ordering of gapped and gapless spin networks in Cu2Fe2Ge4O13

The unusual magnetic properties of a novel low-dimensional quantum ferrimagnet Cu2Fe2Ge4O13 are studied using bulk methods, neutron diffraction, and inelastic neutron scattering. It is shown that this material can be described in terms of two low-dimensional quantum spin subsystems, one gapped and the other gapless, characterized by two distinct energy scales. Long-range magnetic ordering observed at low temperatures is a cooperative phenomenon caused by weak coupling of these two spin networks.

Load of heavy metals in the airborne dust particulates of an urban city of central India

The geographical and temporal distribution patterns of airborne dust particulates have been studied in different representative areas of Raipur City. Dust fall samples from different sites were collected and some selected toxic metals namely Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sb and Pb in them were determined by AAS. Total annual flux of 11.7, 541.4, 2751.0, 14.2, 9.8, 90.9, 17.6, and 17.7 kg km(-2) y(-1) were measured for Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sb, and Pb respectively. The occurrence of metal concentration were generally in the order industrial > heavy traffic > commercial > residential area in Raipur city. The results of analysis show the existence of toxic metal concentration in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb approximately Sb > Ni > Cr > Cu in Raipur city. These large levels of metal pollutants have also been correlated with some meteorological parameters like temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity, and strong positive correlations have been observed.

Testicular atrophy after bile duct ligation in chickens

Testicular atrophy associated with biliary obstruction in chickens, produced by the ligation of both extrahepatic bile ducts, was examined grossly, histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally. Grossly, reduction in testicular size and volume was evident in chickens that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL). Histologically, there was marked reduction in tubular diameter, peritubular fibrosis, loss of spermatogenic cells, and tubules lined only by Sertoli cells. In addition, Leydig cells, which accumulated in the interstitium of the testes, contained numerous large lipid vacuoles, as determined by electron microscopy. These features suggest that BDL in chickens causes hypogonadism and low serum testosterone.

Increased level of neuronal phosphoinositide 3-kinase γ by the activation of μ-opioid receptor in the mouse periaqueductal gray matter: further evidence for the implication in morphine-induced antinociception

It has been proposed that phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), one of the phosphatidylinositol kinases, can be regulated by G-protein-coupled receptor as well as nerve growth factor-associated receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether in vivo treatment with morphine, a mu-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist, could directly regulate PI3Kgamma isoform in the mouse periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Using the polyclonal antibody recognizing a p110gamma catalytic subunit of PI3Kgamma, PI3Kgamma-like immunoreactivity (IR) was mostly seen in the membrane of the cell labeled by anti-neuron-specific nuclear protein. A single s.c. injection of morphine caused a marked increase in the number of PI3Kgamma-IR expressing cells in the PAG. Double immunolabeling assay showed that MOR-IR was mostly overlapped with PI3Kgamma-IR on the cell surface in the PAG section. Additionally, phosphorylated-phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1-IR) was highly detected in the membrane compartment of the increased PI3Kgamma-IR-positive cells of this region. Further pharmacological evidence for the critical role of PI3Kgamma in MOR-mediated antinociceptive response was provided by the warm-plate test. The dose-response lines for antinociceptive effects of morphine were significantly shifted to the right following i.c.v. treatment with PI3K inhibitors. These findings suggested that acute treatment with morphine may directly activate the PI3Kgamma/PLCgamma1 pathway in the PAG. This effect may, at least in part, result in the expression of morphine-induced pharmacological actions including antinociception in mice.

Determination of the position and orientation of artificial knee implants using markers embedded in a bone: preliminary in vitro experiments

This study describes the method of determination of the position and orientation of artificial knee implants using a single-plane radiograph. To simplify the 3D/2D matching problem, we proposed to use small markers embedded in a bone. From the image coordinates of markers, it is possible to estimate the position and orientation of implants if the relationship between the markers and the implant is known. The results of the in vitro experiment showed that rms errors in in-plane/out-of-plane translations and rotations were 0.2/2.3 mm and 0.2/0.2 degrees, respectively.

Articular cartilage degradation and de-differentiation of chondrocytes by the systemic administration of retinyl acetate-ectopic production of osteoblast stimulating factor-1 by chondrocytes in mice

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin A derivatives are widely used therapeutic agents for the treatment of dermatological and rheumatological disorders. Long-standing administration of these drugs, in turn, causes skeletal changes including ossification of ligaments, premature fusion of epiphyses and abnormalities of modeling. Recent in vitro experiments have further suggested that retinoid treatment of cultured chondrocytes may cause apoptotic cell death. The present study aims to address detailed cartilage changes associated with in vivo administration of vitamin A derivatives.

METHODS

Retinyl acetate was administrated to experimental mice, C3H-Heston, for more than 12 months. Modified morphometry on the articular cartilage and fluorescent labeling of the subchondral bone were carried out to address the changes in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone. In order to address the detailed chondrocytes phenotypes, electron microscopy was carried out. Since findings of these studies suggested that biological properties of the cartilage matrix might be altered, the present study also immunolocalized functional matrix molecules, type I collagen and osteoblast-stimulating factor-1 (OSF-1).

RESULTS

Histomorphometry demonstrated that retinoid administration lead to progressive atrophy of the articular cartilage with concomitant proliferation of subchondral bone. Furthermore, detailed light and electron microscopy suggested that the subchondral bone proliferates into the degenerating cartilage. The affected articular cartilage also resembled that of osteoarthritis in terms of ectopic type I collagen production. Furthermore, the affected articular cartilage produced a developmentally regulated matrix molecule, osteoblast-stimulating factor-1 (OSF-1) that is normally expressed in both the fetal cartilage and the epiphyseal growth plate cartilage but not in the articular cartilage.

CONCLUSION

The present results indicate that the systemic retinoid administration may alter the biological properties of the articular cartilage.

Leiomyoma of the prostate: CT and MR findings

Pure prostatic leiomyoma is very rare. We report a case of magnetic resonance imaging findings of prostatic leiomyoma. The mass was expansile and had a slightly higher signal intensity than skeletal muscle on T2-weighted images. Normal prostatic glandular tissue could be clearly distinguished from the tumor.

High insulin enhances neutrophil transendothelial migration through increasing surface expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 via activation of mitogen activated protein kinase

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

There is increasing evidence that hyperinsulinaemia is linked with the development of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes. However, the mechanisms by which hyperinsulinaemia causes accelerated atherosclerosis, especially with respect to leukocytes transendothelial migration, are poorly understood. We examined whether hyperinsulinaemia directly affects neutrophil transendothelial migration and surface expression of related endothelial adhesion molecules.

METHODS

Experiments on the transmigration of neutrophils from healthy volunteers and from patients with Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus across human umbilical vein endothelial cells cultured in insulin-rich medium using cell-culture inserts were carried out. Migrated neutrophils were quantified by measuring their myeloperoxidase activities, and the surface expression of endothelial adhesion molecules was examined using an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

High insulin (over 50 microU/ml for 24 h) enhanced neutrophil transendothelial migration in a dose-dependent manner. This was associated with increased expression of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) but not of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), P-selectin or E-selectin. Both phenomena were attenuated by pretreatment with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, especially a mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, but not by inhibitors of other second messengers. In addition, a mitogen-activated protein kinase activator, anisomycin, by itself enhanced both neutrophil transendothelial migration and PECAM-1 expression within 3 h in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors had no effect on these events.

CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION

These results suggest that hyperinsulinaemia could accelerate atherosclerosis by directly enhancing neutrophil transendothelial migration through increasing endothelial PECAM-1 expression via mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.

Neuropeptides in experimental and degenerative arthritis

Classical symptoms of both inflammatory and degenerative arthritides may contribute to neurogenic responses like wheal, flare, edema, and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with an immunogenetic background. Neurogenic inflammation has been considered to play an essential role in RA, in part because of the symmetrical involvement (cross-spinal reflexes) and the predominant involvement of the most heavily innervated small joints of the hands and the feet (highly represented in the hominiculus). In contrast, osteoarthritis (OA) is considered to arise as a result of degeneration of the hyaline articular cartilage, which secondarily results in local inflammation and pain. However, it is possible that the age-related and predominant (compared to nociceptive nerves) degeneration of the proprioceptive, kinesthetic and vasoregulatory nerves can represent the primary pathogenic events. This leads to progressive damage of tissue with extremely poor capacity for self-regeneration. Inflammation, be it primary/autoimmune or secondary/degenerative, leads to peripheral sensitization and stimulation, which may further lead to central sensitization, neurogenic amplification of the inflammatory responses and activation of the neuro-endocrine axis. Neuropeptides serve as messengers, which modulate and mediate the actions in these cascades. Accordingly, many neuropeptides have been used successfully as experimental treatments, most recently VIP, which effectively controlled collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Therefore, it can safely be concluded that better treatment/control of disease activity and pain can be achieved by blocking the cascade leading to initiation and/or amplification of inflammatory process combined with effects on central nociceptive and neuroendocrine responses.

A factor of inducing IgE from a filarial parasite is an agonist of human CD40

Immune responses to parasitic helminth are usually characterized by quite mysterious phenomena: dominance of Th2-like immunity and antigen-nonspecific IgE secretion. We previously purified a factor from Dirofilaria immitis that induces antigen-nonspecific IgE in rats and named it DiAg. In the presence of IL-4, DiAg induces mouse B cells to secrete IgE, which is antigen-nonspecific polyclonal antibody. We investigated the biochemical characteristics of DiAg as a factor of inducing IgE in this study. Recombinant DiAg (rDiAg) with interleukin (IL)-4 induced IgE synthesis in highly purified human normal B cells in vitro cell culture systems. The addition of recombinant human soluble CD40 IgG fusion protein (rsCD40-Ig) inhibited induction of IgE synthesis by rDiAg with IL-4. Monocyte cells were stimulated with rDiAg and recombinant human soluble CD40L (rsCD40L); IL-12 and TNF-alpha were induced. The addition of rsCD40-Ig to THP-1 cells activated with rDiAg and rsCD40L inhibited the production of IL-12. rDiAg bound to the monocyte cell membrane fraction and recombinant human soluble CD40; this binding of rDiAg was competitively inhibited by addition of rsCD40L. Moreover, in CD40-deficient mice, IgE production and MLN-B cell proliferation by rDiAg were completely absent. Based on these results, we concluded that DiAg is an agonist of CD40.

Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor subtypes in human atherosclerosis

To clarify the involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) in atherosclerotic plaque formation, we investigated the expression patterns of mRNA and protein of PPARalpha and PPARgamma in human aorta. Atheromatous plaque, fatty streak, and diffuse intimal thickening (DIT) were separated macroscopically, and each sample was divided into halves. Half of them were used for analysis of mRNA expression with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the others were used for histologic analysis. Both PPARalpha and PPARgamma mRNA were detected in all atheromatous plaques, all fatty streaks, and in some DIT. However, expressions of PPARalpha and PPARgamma were obviously less frequently found in DIT than in atheromatous plaques, and the intensity of these expressions was stronger in the atheromatous plaques than in the DIT. Compared with PPARalpha, PPARgamma mRNA was expressed more frequently in atheromatous plaques. In atheromatous plaques, PPARgamma mRNA was expressed independently, whereas PPARalpha mRNA was coexpressed with PPARgamma. PPARgamma protein was obviously found in the nuclei of endothelial cells, macrophages, mononuclear cells, and smooth muscle cells in the aortic intima. These results suggest that expressions of PPARalpha and PPARgamma in human aortic wall are involved in atherogenesis from the early stages.

Overexpression of the p53 gene product in canine mammary tumors

p53, a tumor suppressor gene, is a target of genetic alternations in many human and animal cancers. Compared to normal tissues, cancer tissues overexpress mutant p53 protein thus allowing their detection by a number of immunochemical procedures. To what extent the expression of mutant p53 correlates with dog mammary tumorigenesis has not been fully studied. In the present study, 20 spontaneously arising canine mammary tumors were examined for overexpression of mutant p53. Two different monoclonal antibodies, BP53-12 and PAb122, which recognize different epitopes of the p53 product, were used. The canine tumors in the present study exhibited five different histological types: i) osteosarcoma (n=7); ii) carcinosarcoma (n=4); iii) solid carcinoma (n=5); iv) complex carcinoma (n=3); and v) tubulopapillar carcinoma (n=1). The positive ratios against BP53-12 and PAb122 antibodies were 50% (10/20) and 60% (12/20) respectively. Among these positive samples, 35% (7/20) reacted to both antibodies. Finally, 15 out of 20 tumors showed positivity against one of the monoclonal antibodies. Mostly, as in human mammary tumor cells, BP53-12 staining was observed in the nuclei of tumor cells. PAb122 staining, however, was confined to cytoplasm of osteosarcoma or carcinosarcoma cells. To confirm the location of the staining, immunoelectron microscopy was done. The results showed that the cytoplasm of cartilage cells in the sarcomas had positive staining. These results indicate that anti-p53 antibodies BP53-12 and PAb122, generated against human p53 are cross reacting with the same molecule in canine cells and that the role of p53 in tumorigenesis is not only confined to tumors in human. Our finding suggests that a combination of p53 monoclonal antibodies should be used to screen, not only canine mammary tumors but also human mammary tumors, to obtain a better tumor prognosis.

[Measurements of cerebral blood flow by the noninvasive microsphere method with 123I-IMP and fan beam collimator: comparison with the continuous arterial blood sampling method]

PURPOSE AND METHODS

The noninvasive microsphere (NIMS) method quantifies cerebral blood flow with N-isopropyl-p-[123I]-iodoamphetamine (123I-IMP) without blood sampling of a patient, but when a fan beam collimator is used for collecting raw data in single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), the procedure is complicated because we have to change the collimator. In phantom and clinical studies we investigated the validity of using a fan beam collimator in collecting planar and SPECT raw data.

RESULTS

The phantom study suggested that using a fan beam collimator for planar imaging was feasible because of the image magnification rate and the count rate. Mean cerebral blood flow (mCBF) values obtained by the NIMS method with the fan beam collimator were compared with mCBF simultaneously estimated from the conventional continuous arterial blood sampling (microsphere: MS) method in twenty patients with ischemic cerebral vascular diseases. There was good correlation (y = 1.033x + 8.004, r2 = 0.729, p < 0.01) in mCBF between the fan beam NIMS method and the MS method.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this method for the measurement of CBF was acceptable for routine clinical studies.

Negative control of p53 by Sir2alpha promotes cell survival under stress

The NAD-dependent histone deacetylation of Sir2 connects cellular metabolism with gene silencing as well as aging in yeast. Here, we show that mammalian Sir2alpha physically interacts with p53 and attenuates p53-mediated functions. Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3) inhibits an NAD-dependent p53 deacetylation induced by Sir2alpha, and also enhances the p53 acetylation levels in vivo. Furthermore, Sir2alpha represses p53-dependent apoptosis in response to DNA damage and oxidative stress, whereas expression of a Sir2alpha point mutant increases the sensitivity of cells in the stress response. Thus, our findings implicate a p53 regulatory pathway mediated by mammalian Sir2alpha. These results have significant implications regarding an important role for Sir2alpha in modulating the sensitivity of cells in p53-dependent apoptotic response and the possible effect in cancer therapy.

A factor of inducing IgE from a filarial parasite prevents insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in nonobese diabetic mice

Parasitic helminth infections are characterized by eosinophilia and markedly elevated levels of circulating antigen-nonspecific immunoglobulin E (IgE), responses from which concern helminth protection. We previously purified a factor from Dirofilaria immitis that induces antigen-nonspecific IgE in mice and rats. Recombinant DiAg (rDiAg) has various biological activities. It is also known that parasitic helminth infection generates tremendous Th2 responses. The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse spontaneously develops Th1 cell-dependent autoimmune diabetes. Here we investigated the effects of rDiAg on the initiation and progression of this disease. rDiAg treatment of 6-week-old NOD females (the age at which insulitis typically begins) completely prevented insulitis and diabetes. Thus, rDiAg impaired the islet Ag-specific Th1 cell response in vivo, and the prevention of diabetes by rDiAg was associated with switching of the response from a Th1 to a Th2 profile. Since rDiAg clearly prevented insulitis by inhibiting the development and further accumulation of pathogenic Th1 cells to islets of Langerhans, we conclude that DiAg is a native Th2 inducer in filarial helminth and that Th1 responses are required for early events in the development of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes. In conclusion, the presence of parasitic helminth infections may play an important role as an immunomodulator in some autoimmune diseases or allergies.

The biological activity of ABA-1-like protein from Ascaris lumbricoides

The elevation of non-specific IgE (total IgE) in Ascaris infection can be seen one week after infection, and reaches a peak after approximately two weeks. It has been reported that ABA-1 protein is the main constituent in the pseudocoelomic fluid of Ascaris suum. To investigate the effect of the ABA-1-like protein from Ascaris lumbricoides (ALB), the cDNA was cloned by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, using original primers based on the consensus sequences of ABA-1 and TBA-1, that is an ABA-1-like protein from Toxocara canis. The clone was sequenced, we constructed the recombinant polyprotein of ALB (rALB14 and rALB7) based on the ALB sequence, and rALB was administrated to BALB/c mice. Fourteen days after inoculation with rALB14 which is the full length of ALB, the elevation of total IgE which we supposed to contain non-specific IgE was observed, and the results were as we expected. Furthermore, in an in-vitro experiment, we confirmed that the spleen cells proliferated when stimulated by rALB14 and concanavalin A. Therefore, the whole conformation of ALB is considered to be involved in the elevation of non-specific IgE, and is involved in the activation of T cells.

[Significance of soluble thrombomodulin in the coronary circulation of patients with coronary artery disease]

OBJECTIVES

The relationship between plasma levels of soluble thrombomodulin, a probable marker for endothelial damage, and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was investigated.

METHODS

Plasma soluble thrombomodulin levels were evaluated in 160 patients(mean age 62 +/- 11 years) who underwent coronary angiography. Blood samples were obtained from the peripheral vein, ostium of the left coronary artery and coronary sinus. The levels of plasma thrombomodulin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The change of thrombomodulin level in the coronary circulation (delta TM) was calculated as the coronary sino-arterial difference. Patients were classified into four groups according to the number of diseased vessels, and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was evaluated with the modified Gensini score.

RESULTS

Coronary sinus levels of thrombomodulin were significantly higher in the two or more vessel disease(VD) groups than in the no or one VD groups(p < 0.05). delta TM were significantly higher in the 2VD than in the 0VD groups(p < 0.05), and higher in the 3VD than in the 0VD or 1VD groups(p < 0.05). delta TM showed positive correlation with Gensini score for left coronary arteries(r = 0.347, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The increment of thrombomodulin across the coronary circulation was significantly correlated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a close association between the progression of coronary atherosclerotic stenosis and damage to the endothelial surface.

Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor reduces vascular injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion in the rat hind limb

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of an Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, SM-20550, on ischemia-reperfusion injury in the skeletal muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ischemia and reperfusion by clamping and releasing clamps both at the abdominal aorta and the bilateral femoral arteries. Rats were divided into three groups; the sham, the SM-20550 treated (SM), and the untreated control (Control) groups. In the SM and control groups, rats were exposed to 5-hr ischemia and 5-hr reperfusion. In the sham group, vessel isolation only was performed. SM-20550 (2.8 mg/kg/hr) in the SM group or vehicle in the sham and control group was continuously administered during ischemia and reperfusion periods. The wall thickness of the vessels were significantly (p<0.01) decreased in the control group than any other group. The internal diameter was significantly (p<0.01) higher in the control and SM group than in the sham group. The wall thickness/internal diameter ratio was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the control group than in the SM group. Thus, an Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, SM-20550, ameliorated the morphological change due to ischemia reperfusion. These findings provide a clue into the mechanism of ischemia reperfusion injury.

[Whole-body MR imaging for evaluation of bone marrow cellularity in aplastic anemia]

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of whole-body MRI(WB-MRI) in the evaluation of cellularity in bone marrow and the distribution of fatty marrow in aplastic anemia. WB-MRI was performed on five patients with aplastic anemia who ranged in age from 62 to 70 years of age, and on four controls with malignant lymphoma who ranged in age from 59 to 67 years. Coronal images were obtained using a body coil with an FOV of 48 cm x 48 cm, and with both fast short T1 inversion recovery(STIR) and spin-echo T1-weighted(T1-WI) in three regions: (1) head to thorax, (2) abdomen to pelvis, and (3) lower extremities. The findings on WB-MRI were compared with those of histological studies of bone marrow at the sternum and the posterior iliac crest. The results were as follows: (1) there was a correlation between the cellularity of histological studies of bone marrow and signal intensity on WB-MRI; (2) WB-MRI could detect the activity of bone marrow; and (3) in a comparison of signal intensity in aplastic anemia and control subjects, there were differences of signal intensity in the central marrow.

Light microscopic observations of infraciliature and morphogenesis in six species of rumen Ostracodinium ciliates

Infraciliature and morphogenesis of six rumen ciliates, Ostracodinium mammosum, O. munham, O. dilobum, O. rugoloricatum, O. iwawoi, and O. tiete are described from pyridinated silver carbonate-impregnated specimens. These six Ostracodinium have a similar polybrachykinety arrangement, distinct from that of other ophryoscolecid ciliates and intermediate between those of O. gracile and 0. damaliscus. Buccal infraciliature is composed of three polybrachykineties, a kinety loop, and paralabial kineties. Small dorso-adoral polybrachykinety, slender vestibular polybrachykinety, and kinety loop are characteristic. Dorsal infraciliature consists of the dorsal polybrachykinety that extends laterally along the dorsal side of the body. Morphogenesis is different from that of O. gracile, because the right end of ventral primordium extends dorsally to grow into a right primordium without separation.

[Relationship between endothelial dysfunction and nitric oxide production in young male smokers]

OBJECTIVES

Endothelial function in the brachial arteries is impaired in smokers. However, little is known about this condition in young adult men. The relationship between nitric oxide(NO) production and the endothelial function was investigated in young smokers and compared with non-smokers.

METHODS

Flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery during reactive hyperemia was examined in 10 young smokers(mean age 31 years) and 12 control subjects(mean age 28 years). The vasodilator response in the brachial artery was measured by ultrasonography, and blood samples were obtained from the right cephalic vein. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 30 sec after cuff deflation, and before and 5 min after 0.3 mg of nitroglycerin administration. Blood flow was calculated by multiplying mean flow velocity and vessel cross-sectional area. Plasma NOx(nitrate + nitrite) levels were measured, and the percentage change of NOx production(delta NOx) was calculated as follows: delta NOx(%) = [(NOx concentration at peak flow-mediated vasodilation or after 0.3 mg nitroglycerin administration) - baseline NOx concentration)] x 100/baseline NOx concentration.

RESULTS

Percentage changes in diameter of the brachial artery, NOx production and delta NOx in response to nitroglycerin were not statistically different between the two groups(smokers: 27.6 +/- 8.0 mumol/l, control subjects: 34.0 +/- 8.7 mumol/l). However, percentage change of flow-mediated vasodilation during reactive hyperemia in the young smokers was significantly smaller than that in the control subjects(4.8 +/- 2.7%, 9.1 +/- 5.3%, respectively, p < 0.05). Moreover, delta NOx during reactive hyperemia in the smokers was significantly smaller than that in the control subjects(388.8 +/- 90.2%, 738.0 +/- 284.5%, respectively, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The impaired response to reactive hyperemia in young smokers might be associated with decreases in flow-dependent NO production.

[Effect of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy for the preservation of sinus rhythm in patients with mitral stenosis]

OBJECTIVES

Atrial fibrillation is frequently associated with mitral stenosis and is considered to be an unfavorable factor for the long-term prognosis. The efficacy of percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy(PTMC) was examined for the preservation of sinus rhythm in patients with mitral stenosis after PTMC.

METHODS

Long-term clinical data after PTMC were obtained from 71 patients who had undergone PTMC from March 1989 to September 1999. Eighteen patients in sinus rhythm before PTMC were divided into two groups: the SR group(n = 5) who remained in sinus rhythm, and the Af group(n = 13) who showed change from sinus rhythm to persistent or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after PTMC.

RESULTS

Age, sex, mitral valve area(1.4 +/- 0.3 vs 1.2 +/- 0.3 cm2), mean mitral pressure gradient(14.3 +/- 5.5 vs 12.6 +/- 5.9 mmHg), mean left atrial pressure(15.9 +/- 7.6 vs 19.0 +/- 7.7 mmHg), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure(7.5 +/- 2.8 vs 9.3 +/- 3.9 mmHg), left ventricular end-diastolic volume index(77 +/- 13 vs 82 +/- 14 ml/m2), left ventricular ejection fraction(60 +/- 6% vs 55 +/- 4%) and cardiac output(5.1 +/- 0.4 vs 4.9 +/- 0.8 l/m2) before PTMC were not different between the two groups. Changes in mean mitral pressure gradient, mean left atrial pressure and cardiac output immediately after PTMC were not different statistically. Mitral valve area immediately after PTMC was significantly greater in the SR group compared to the Af group(2.3 +/- 0.3 vs 1.8 +/- 0.3 cm2, p < 0.05). The change in mitral valve area was also greater in the SR group(1.0 +/- 0.2 vs 0.6 +/- 0.4 cm2, p < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference in the percentage change of mitral valve area between before and immediately after PTMC(SR group 78 +/- 35% vs Af group 50 +/- 35%). End-diastolic pressure, end-diastolic volume index and ejection fraction immediately after PTMC were not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

The final mitral valve area immediately after PTMC in the patients with mitral stenosis in sinus rhythm, but not the changes of mean mitral pressure gradient, mean left atrial pressure or cardiac output, is important for the maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Prominent systolic coronary flow in a coronary artery fistula with a giant aneurysma

A 68-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to hospital because of chest oppression during exertion. Coronary angiography showed a coronary artery fistula with a giant aneurysm, which originated from both the left anterior descending (LAD) and right coronary arteries. We investigated coronary blood flow velocity using the Doppler guide wire technique. The coronary flow pattern showed a very prominent systolic component, whereas the diastolic flow components were nearly normal before the operation at the LAD site proximal to the coronary artery fistula. This pattern returned to normal after the operation. This report describes the relationship between the coronary steal phenomenon and coronary flow dynamics investigated directly using the Doppler guidewire technique.

Antitumor effects of Marginisporum crassissimum (Rhodophyceae), a marine red alga

Marginisporum crassissimum (Yendo) Ganesan, a marine red alga found in the ordinal coastal sea around Japan, revealed antitumor (antimetastatic) effects in vitro and in vivo. In in vitro experiments, extracts of this alga inhibited not only the growth of several tumor cell lines, such as B16-BL6 (a mouse melanoma cell line), JYG-B (a mouse mammary carcinoma cell line) and KPL-1 (a human mammary carcinoma cell line), but also invasion of B16-BL6 cells in a culture system. In in vivo experiments, the lung metastasis of B16-BL6 cells inoculated to the tail vein of B57BL/6J mice was inhibited by intraperitoneal administration of an extract from the alga. In addition, life prolongation of B57BL/6J mice inoculated with B16-BL6 cells was also observed by the intraperitoneal administration of the extract. An effective substance showing B16-BL6 growth inhibition in vitro was partially purified by filtration and hydrophobic column chromatography, and was revealed to be sensitive to trypsin-digestion and heat-treatment. The molecular weight of the substance was greater than 100 kDa. This is the first study demonstrating antitumor (antimetastatic) effects of M. crassissimum.