Association of autoimmune disease-related gene polymorphisms with chronic graft-versus-host disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common cause of poor outcomes after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), while the pathophysiology of chronic GVHD remains poorly understood. As both chronic GVHD and autoimmune disease share clinical features, we speculated that autoimmune disease-related genes might be candidate chronic GVHD-related genes. Recent large-scale cohort studies showed that Fc receptor-like 3 gene (FCRL3) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and peptidylarginine deiminases citrullinating enzymes 4 gene (PADI4) haplotype were associated with autoimmune disease. The present study investigated the association between polymorphisms of these two genes and the incidence of chronic GVHD. We analysed 123 cases of Japanese human leucocyte antigen-matched sibling recipients and their donors who underwent HSCT. Although PADI4, which is the rheumatoid arthritis-specific related gene, was not associated with the occurrence of chronic GVHD, the recipient FCRL3-169C/C genotype was significantly less frequent in chronic GVHD patients than in those without chronic GVHD (P = 0.0086). There was no relationship between FCRL3 polymorphism and acute GVHD. As FCRL3 is expressed by B cells and might have an important role in immunoregulation, this significant protective genetic effect raises the question of whether FCRL3 might also be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic GVHD.

Response of a Strand to Axial and Torsional Displacements

Taking advantage of geometric considerations the authors give explicit expressions for the determination of axial force, bending and twisting moments in the helical wires, and for the axial force and twisting moment in the core of a 7-wire strand subjected to axial and torsional displacements. The equations given are linear, could be similarly developed for strands of any number of wires or for strands subjected to large displacements, and should be found practical by designers. Measurements on oversize epoxy models of the strand show good correlation with the theory and support the observation that axial load has no effect on the effective torsional rigidity of the strand. Results of experimental strain analyses on steel strands and on models of strands, as well as other theoretical studies on helices and strands, will be published in other papers.

Factor XI deficiency with a novel homozygous mutation Trp599Arg near the C-terminal region

We identified a novel mutation in an asymptomatic 72-year old Japanese woman with severe factor XI (FXI) deficiency. Sequence analysis showed a homozygous missense mutation Trp599Arg (g.234T-->C according to Genbank accession number M20218). This residue belongs to a region conserved in human FXI and the FXI of several animals. Molecular modeling showed that the Trp599 residue is positioned in an alpha helix in the C-terminal region of the FXI molecule.

Changes in signalling molecule levels in 10-day hindlimb immobilized rat muscles

AIM

Hindlimb immobilization produces similar percentage decreases in muscle mass in the predominantly type I soleus and type II vastus lateralis muscles. Consequently we hypothesized that the percentage changes in potential regulatory molecules for atrophy would be similar in the two muscle fibre types.

METHODS

Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to measure phosphorylated p38 MAPK and JNK, as well as the protein levels of p53, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible 45 (GADD45), and full-length poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) to determine whether their changes in expression in the soleus and vastus lateralis muscles were similar at 10th day of hindlimb immobilization in young rats.

RESULTS

Unexpectedly, preferential increases in phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK and in the protein levels of p53, GADD45, as well as decreases in full-length PARP occurred in the soleus muscle, while only p38 phosphorylation increased in the white portion of the vastus lateralis muscle at 10th day of hindlimb immobilization.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results are interpreted to suggest that some of regulatory processes or kinetics in the atrophy of type I and II muscle fibres during limb immobilization may differ at the 10th day of limb immobilization.

Primary rat muscle progenitor cells have decreased proliferation and myotube formation during passages

Adult skeletal muscle contains populations of satellite cells and muscle-derived stem cells that are capable of forming multinucleate myotubes. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotype of cells isolated from a common satellite cell isolation and passaging procedure from whole skeletal muscle. To ascertain the characteristics of the cellular phenotype, the myogenic markers MyoD and desmin, the satellite-cell-specific marker Pax7, and the haemopoietic stem cell markers CD34 and CD45 were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. Immediately after isolation, > 90% myogenic marker-positive cells were positive for desmin, MyoD and Pax7. In contrast, approximately 10% of the isolated cells expressed only CD34 or CD45. After three passages, the percentage of cells that were positive for the myogenic markers desmin, MyoD and Pax7 was reduced to approximately 55%, while the population of CD34- or CD45-positive cells increased to approximately 30% after the third passage. Immunohistochemical detection of bromodeoxyuridine demonstrated that the number of proliferating cells decreased progressively after each passaging. Finally, after the third passage the percentage of nuclei in myotubes decreased from 46.7% to 12.5%. Since passaging of muscle progenitor cells is common practice, the results of the current report suggest that characterization of cell heterogeneity needs to be made frequently.

Imatinib mesylate-sensitive blast crisis immediately after discontinuation of imatinib mesylate therapy in chronic myelogenous leukemia: report of two cases

Although imatinib mesylate has shown encouraging activity in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), disease progression during therapy has been observed, manifested by clonal expansion of imatinib mesylate-resistant leukemia cells. On the other hand, myelosuppression related to treatment of imatinib mesylate is often managed with temporary interruption of treatment or dose reduction. We here report two CML patients who had imatinib mesylate-sensitive blast crisis (BC) immediately after discontinuation of imatinib mesylate therapy. The patients discontinued therapy because of neutropenia. Although there was no evidence of blastic phase during therapy, BC occurred 2 weeks after the withdrawal of treatment in both cases. Interestingly, additional chromosomal abnormalities were detected following the withdrawal of imatinib mesylate and disappeared by re-introduction of this agent. The same doses of imatinib mesylate was still effective and remission was sustained with imatinib mesylate alone again. Our report suggests the possibility that withdrawal of imatinib mesylate may lead to proliferation of blast clones even in patients showing good responses to imatinib mesylate without signs of disease progression.

Prediction of ovarian reserve based on day-3 serum follicle stimulating hormone concentrations during the pituitary suppression cycle using a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

Satisfactory results following in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatments depend on retrieving an appropriate number of mature oocytes without causing the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). The present study was carried out to investigate whether the ovarian reserve is predictable based on the day-3 serum concentration of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) during the pituitary suppression cycle using a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (defined as day-3 FSH) in patients undergoing IVF-ET treatment. Day-3 FSH before the administration of gonadotropin was assessed in 72 IVF-ET cycles from 59 infertile women. The mean+/-SD of day-3 FSH, the total amount of FSH plus human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) administered, and the total number of oocytes retrieved was 5.5+/-2.6 mIU/ml, 2834.2+/-1236.5 IU and 7.7+/-5.8, respectively. There were significant correlations between day-3 FSH and the total amount of FSH-hMG administered (p < 0.001), and day-3 FSH and total number of oocytes retrieved (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference of day-3 FSH between patients who subsequently conceived (4.4+/-1.3 mIU/ml) and those who did not conceive (6.1+/-2.9 mIU/ml) (p = 0.001). There was also a significant difference of day-3 FSH between patients who developed moderate or severe OHSS (4.5+/-1.2 mIU/ml) and those who did not (5.9+/-2.8 mIU/ml) (p = 0.003). Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis showed that the significant cut-off point for day-3 FSH for predicting ovarian reserve was 5.25 mIU/ml. These findings indicate that day 3-FSH is usefulfor predicting ovarian reserve during the pituitary suppression cycle using a GnRH agonist in patients undergoing IVF-ET.

[Remission induction of refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation followed by interferon-alpha and donor lymphocyte infusion]

Graft-versus-lymphoma (GVL) effect has been described in patients with malignant lymphoma after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). The effect of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on the GVL effect still remains unclear. Here we report on a 29-year-old woman with refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBL). Her clinical findings included multiple masses in the liver, stomach, bilateral kidneys, thyroid, vertebral bones and a bulky mediastinal mass. Since the patient did not respond to various combination chemotherapies and further developed superior vena cava syndrome, allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) from a HLA-identical brother was carried out after a myeloablative TBI/CY-based conditioning regimen. DLIs have been also performed every 4 weeks since day +14. As a result, the lymphoma masses showed a partial response. In order to enhance the GVL effect, IFN-alpha was further given at a maximum of 3 MU four times per week. Although the patient only experienced graft-versus-host disease of the skin (grade II) even after both DLIs and IFN, complete clinical remission was observed. 200 days after transplantation, the patient is still disease-free and in good condition. This report suggests the curative potential of IFN-alpha combined with DLI after allogeneic SCT in refractory DLBL.

A non-immunological phospholipid-dependent coagulation inhibitor associated with IgGlambda-type multiple myeloma

We investigated the rare case of a patient with IgGlambda multiple myeloma for whom both prothrombin time and APTT were significantly prolonged. The IgG inhibited coagulation reactions upstream from prothrombin when coagulation was initiated by mRVVT, but not by FXa, as indicated by a chromogenic substrate for FXa. The mPT and the mAPTT showed inhibition of FXa generation in both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The IgG inhibited both protein C (indicated by APTT) and FX (indicated by RVV) but not amidolysis for either activated protein C or FXa. The addition of excess phospholipid significantly shortened the prolonged RVVT of the patient. It inhibited the coagulation reactions of normal plasma and was dependent on decreasing the PS concentration in the APTT reagent. It was suggested that the IgG showed lupus anticoagulant (LA)-like activity that inhibited phospholipid-dependent coagulation reactions in the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways. However, the IgG did not bind cardiolipin-beta2GPI complex, beta2GPI, or prothrombin in ELISA assays. The IgG did not bind to either PS or phospholipid complexes in the presence or absence of prothrombin, FX, or FXa. Interestingly, the IgG lost its LA like-activity when it was degraded to F(ab')2 and Fc fragments by pepsin. We suspected that the IgG might inhibit the interaction between coagulation factors and acid phospholipid non-immunologically and that this process requires an intact IgG conformation, although the reaction mode is still not clear.

Overexpression and protein folding of a chimeric beta-glucosidase constructed from Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Cellvibrio gilvus

In continuation of our investigation on structure and function relationship of beta-glucosidases from mesophilic and thermophilic bacteria, we constructed a chimeric gene by shuffling 17% length in C terminal region of beta-glucosidase of Agrobacterium tumefaciens with the corresponding homologous region of Cellvibrio gilvus beta-glucosidase. The chimeric gene was overexpressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) using pET vector. However, nearly all of the beta-glucosidase produced was trapped into inclusion bodies in catalytically non-functional state. Attempts were made to solubilize the overexpressed protein by co-expression with molecular chaperone, GroEL/ES, in vivo. The molecular chaperone assisted protein folding that had earlier yielded encouraging results, did not improve the solubilization in the present case with a chimeric beta-glucosidase. Further, we explored protein renaturation under in vitro conditions using various dialysis strategies. Dialysis, rapid dilution and a newly devised method of folding immobilized proteins yielded active enzyme. The usefulness of the in vitro folding methods to obtain functional enzymes from overproduced but non-functional proteins has been discussed.

Interaction of SMKT, a killer toxin produced by Pichia farinosa, with the yeast cell membranes

SMKT (salt-mediated killer toxin), a killer toxin produced by the halotolerant yeast, Pichia farinosa, kills yeasts of several genera, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To elucidate the killing mechanism of SMKT, we examined the interaction of SMKT with membranes using liposomes. Leakage of calcein from calcein-entrapped liposomes was observed in the presence of SMKT. Destruction of liposomes was observed by dark-field microscopy. Comparison of intact S. cerevisiae cells with SMKT-treated cells by dark-field microscopy indicated that the spherical cell membrane is disrupted by SMKT. Using sodium carbonate extraction, we obtained direct evidence for the first time that SMKT is associated with the membrane of sensitive cells. Our results indicate that SMKT kills sensitive S. cerevisiae by interacting with the yeast cell membrane.

Involvement of conserved hydrophobic residues in the CTLD of human lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor in ligand binding

We previously identified the hydrophilic residues that are essential for ligand binding in the C-type lectin-like domain (CTLD) of human lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor (hLOX-1). To provide a more detailed understanding of ligand binding, we selected in the present study 13 conserved hydrophobic residues in the CTLD of hLOX-1 for mutagenesis analysis. The selected residues were replaced either by Ser (drastic mutation) or by size- and structure-based alternative hydrophobic residues (conserved mutation). Mutation targeted at F228, Y238, and G232 deprived hLOX-1 of ligand binding without alteration of protein expression and localization. In contrast, drastic mutation introduced into positions W203, W215, and W217 resulted in mislocalization, whereas conserved mutation at the same sites resulted in clones with similar cell surface localization and ligand binding to native hLOX-1. Our results indicate that F228, Y238, and G232 are essential for ligand binding, while W203, W215, W217, and L206 play a structural role.

Constitutive "light" adaptation in rods from G90D rhodopsin: a mechanism for human congenital nightblindness without rod cell loss

A dominant form of human congenital nightblindness is caused by a gly90-->asp (G90D) mutation in rhodopsin. G90D has been shown to activate the phototransduction cascade in the absence of light in vitro. Such constitutive activity of G90D rhodopsin in vivo would desensitize rod photoreceptors and lead to nightblindness. In contrast, other rhodopsin mutations typically give rise to nightblindness by causing rod cell death. Thus, the proposed desensitization without rod degeneration would be a novel mechanism for this disorder. To explore this possibility, we induced mice to express G90D opsin in their rods and then examined rod function and morphology, after first crossing the transgenic animals with rhodopsin knock-out mice to obtain appropriate levels of opsin expression. The G90D mouse opsin bound the chromophore and formed a bleachable visual pigment with lambda(max) of 492 nm that supported rod photoresponses. (G+/-, R+/-) retinas, heterozygous for both G90D and wild-type (WT) rhodopsin, possessed normal numbers of photoreceptors and had a normal rhodopsin complement but exhibited considerable loss of rod sensitivity as measured electroretinographically. The rod photoresponses were desensitized, and the response time to peak was faster than in (R+/-) animals. An equivalent desensitization resulted by exposing WT retinas to a background light producing 82 photoisomerizations rod(-1) sec(-1), suggesting that G90D rods in darkness act as if they are partially "light-adapted." Adding a second G90D allele gave (G+/+, R+/-) animals that exhibited a further increase of equivalent background light level but had no rod cell loss by 24 weeks of age. (G+/+, R-/-) retinas that express only the mutant rhodopsin develop normal rod outer segments and show minimal rod cell loss even at 1 year of age. We conclude that G90D is constitutively active in mouse rods in vivo but that it does not cause significant rod degeneration. Instead, G90D desensitizes rods by a process equivalent to light adaptation.

Introduction of tapasin gene restores surface expression of HLA class I molecules, but not antigen presentation of an HIV envelope peptide in a hepatoma cell line

A hepatoma cell line, Hep G2, reveals the diminished HLA class I surface expression and the reduced expression of LMP2, LMP7, and tapasin transcripts, suggesting that the reduced expression of these transcripts may be associated with the low expression of HLA class I molecules. Introduction of tapasin gene dramatically up-regulates the surface expression of HLA class I molecules on Hep G2 cells, and unexpectedly, enhances the expression of LMP2 and LMP7 transcripts as well. Unlike Hep G2, these tapasin-transfected Hep G2 cells are recognized by allo-specific CTL. However, the transfectant is unable to endogenously present an HIV envelope peptide to an HIV-specific CTL clone, suggesting that a proteasome-independent antigen processing pathway exists and still remains defective in the transfectant. These data may provide significant evidence that the nonproteasomal antigen processing pathway as well as the proteasomal pathway may be impaired in tumor cells to escape immune surveillance performed by CTL.

Atypical membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in a cat

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was observed in a 2-year-old male Japanese domestic cat with clinical renal failure. In the glomeruli, moderate mesangial hypercellularity with an increased mesangial matrix and thickening of the capillary walls were prominent. In addition, frequent duplication of the capillary walls, splitting, and spike formation were observed in the glomerular basement membrane. Granular cat IgG and complement component deposition were detected globally along the glomerular capillary walls and in the mesangium. Transmission electron microscopy revealed dense deposits in the subendothelial and subepithelial regions and the mesangium. Mesangial interposition was also observed. These glomerular lesions are also found in humans with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type III, which has not been reported in animals.

Comparative structural and functional analysis of photoreceptor neurons of Rho-/- mice reveal increased survival on C57BL/6J in comparison to 129Sv genetic background

To explore the possible influence of defined genetic backgrounds on photoreceptor viability and function in mice carrying a targeted disruption of the rhodopsin gene, the severities of retinopathies in Rho-/- mice on C57BL/6J and 129Sv congenic backgrounds were compared by light microscopy and electroretinography and qualitatively by in situ end labeling of DNA in apoptotic photoreceptor nuclei of retinal sections. Cone photoreceptor viability and function were shown to deteriorate more slowly on the C57BL/6J background in comparison to that of the 129Sv, with significantly greater numbers of outer nuclear layer nuclei in the retinas of C57BL/6J mice at 3 and 4 months of age. Both amplitude and waveform features of the ERG were shown to be remarkably different in the two strains, indicating an approximately 6-fold difference in C57BL/6J Rho-/- mice compared to 129Sv Rho-/- mice at 80 days. Thus, in comparison with the 129Sv strain, genetic modifiers appear to constitute a component of the C57BL/6J background, the expression of which significantly protects cone photoreceptors from apoptotic death in a mutation-induced murine retinopathy. The differences in phenotype revealed in this study are sufficient in principle to provide a basis for comparisons to be made between QTLs in light-induced and mutation-induced systems.

Lens epithelium-derived growth factor promotes photoreceptor survival in light-damaged and RCS rats

PURPOSE

To investigate possible protective effects of lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF) against photoreceptor death in light-damaged, Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) and P23H rhodopsin transgenic rats.

METHODS

Twelve-week-old Sprague-Dawley (SD), 6-week-old RCS, and 10-day-old P23H (line 1, heterozygote) rats received an intravitreal injection of LEDGF fused with glutathione-S-transferase (GST-LEDGF). Fellow eyes received vehicle and served as control specimens. Two days after the injections, the SD rats were exposed to light of 2000 lux for 48 hours. Corneal Ganzfeld ERGs were recorded 10 days after light damage, at 10 weeks of age in RCS rats, and at 4 weeks of age in P23H rats. The eyes were then processed for histologic analysis. Heat shock protein (hsp) content in the sensory retina was analyzed quantitatively by protein immunoblot.

RESULTS

In light-damaged rats, the ERG indicated retinal protection in GST-LEDGF-injected eyes, with b-wave and STR thresholds being 1.14 +/- 0.50 (mean +/- SD) and 0.60 +/- 0.26 log candela (cd)/m2 lower, respectively, than in vehicle-injected eyes (P < 0.01). The GST-LEDGF-treated eyes had maximum b-wave amplitudes that were significantly larger (P < 0.0005), had more than twice as many remaining photoreceptors, and had better organized outer segments than the control eyes. In RCS rats, the treated eyes had 2.76 +/- 0.73 and 0.83 +/- 0.09 log cd/m(2) lower thresholds for the b-wave and STR, respectively (P < 0.005), and had significantly larger maximum b-wave amplitude (P < 0.0005). GST-LEDGF-treated eyes of RCS rats also had more photoreceptors remaining (P < 0.005) and a thinner debris layer than control eyes. In P23H rats, GST-LEDGF treatment did not protect either retinal function or structure. The retinas from GST-LEDGF-treated eyes of SD and RCS rats had higher levels of hsp25 and alphaB-crystallin than vehicle-injected eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

GST-LEDGF protects photoreceptor structure and function in both light-damaged and RCS rats. The increased expression of hsp25 and alphaB-crystallin may play a role in this protection. The absence of rescue in P23H raises the possibility that some forms of inherited retinal degeneration may not be amenable to treatment by intraocular injection of LEDGF.

Characterization of residues and sequences of the carbohydrate recognition domain required for cell surface localization and ligand binding of human lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor (LOX-1) has been cloned from human aortic endothelial cells, and has a sequence identical to that from human lung. Previous studies showed that human LOX-1 can recognize modified LDL, apoptotic cells and bacteria. To further explore the relationship between the structure and function of LOX-1, a mutagenesis study was carried out. Our results showed that the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) was the ligand-binding domain of human LOX-1. We also investigated the sequences and residues in CRD that were essential for protein cell surface localization and ligand binding. LOX-1s carrying a mutation on each of six Cys in CRD resulted in a variety of N-glycosylation and failed to be transported to the cell surface. This was strong evidence for the involvement of all six Cys in the intrachain disulfide bonds required for proper folding, processing and transport of LOX-1. The C-terminal sequence (KANLRAQ) was also essential for protein folding and transport, while the four final residues (LRAQ) were involved in maintaining receptor function. Both positive charged (R208, R209, H226, R229 and R231) and non-charged hydrophilic (Q193, S198, S199 and N210) residues were involved in ligand binding, suggesting that ligand recognition of LOX-1 is not merely dependent on the interaction of positively charged residues with negatively charged ligands.

Expression of the Cytoplasmic Domain of NodC as an Active Form in Drosophila S2 Cells

NodC, a membrane protein that catalyzes the synthesis of the chitin oligosaccharide chain, was successfully produced in a soluble form. The truncated NodC gene encoding only the cytoplasmic domain that deletes the hydrophobic N-terminus expressed both cytoplasmic and secreted proteins in Drosophila Schneider 2 cells. The expressed protein maintained the ability to synthesize chitin oligosaccharides, primarily (GlcNAc)4, similar to the native membrane-bound NodC. This evidence suggests that only the large hydrophilic loop of NodC is efficient for enzymatic activity. Moreover, immobilizing the soluble NodC to a solid phase has no effect on the enzymatic activity. This, anchoring NodC is not necessary for its activity.

Cycloamylose as an efficient artificial chaperone for protein refolding

High molecular weight cyclic alpha-1,4-glucan (referred to as cycloamylose) exhibited an artificial chaperone property toward three enzymes in different categories. The inclusion properties of cycloamylose effectively accommodated detergents, which keep the chemically denatured enzymes from aggregation, and promoted proper protein folding. Chemically denatured citrate synthase was refolded and completely recovered it's enzymatic activity after dilution with polyoxyethylenesorbitan buffer followed by cycloamylose treatment. The refolding was completed within 2 h, and the activity of the refolded citrate synthase was quite stable. Cycloamylose also promoted the refolding of denatured carbonic anhydrase B and denatured lysozyme of a reduced form.

Lack of effect of running training at two intensities on cardiac myosin isozyme composition in rats

Little information is available regarding the influence of the intensity of endurance training over biochemical profiles in cardiac muscle. We assessed the effect of running training at two different intensities on cardiac myosin isozyme composition in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) were divided into four groups: sedentary control (SC), trained at 20 m/min (T20), trained at 40 m/min (T40), and weight-matched sedentary control (WMSC) groups. The T20 and T40 group rats were trained by treadmill running for 60 min/d, 5 d/week at 20 or 40 m/min, respectively, for 11 to 12 weeks. In both groups the left ventricle was significantly heavier than in WMSC animals. The ratio of left ventricle weight to body weight was significantly greater in T40 rats than in either the untrained (SC and WMSC) or trained T20 rats. Thus the extent of exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy appears to be influenced by the intensity of running training. However, neither of the training programs (1) induced a change in cardiac myosin isozyme composition or (2) had any effect on myocardial succinate dehydrogenase or citrate synthase activity. These results suggest that although the intensity of running training may play an important role in cardiac morphological adaptation, it does not modulate the cardiac biochemical adaptation to running training.

P23H rhodopsin transgenic rat: correlation of retinal function with histopathology

PURPOSE

To correlate retinal functional changes with structural changes in P23H rhodopsin transgenic rats as a model of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa.

METHODS

P23H heterozygote (lines 1 and 3) and Sprague-Dawley control rats were studied at 4 to 29 weeks by retinal histology, electroretinogram (ERG), and a-wave transduction modeling.

RESULTS

Both line 1 (faster degeneration) and line 3 (slower degeneration) showed progressive rod outer segment (ROS) shortening and outer nuclear layer (ONL) cell loss with age. ERG b-wave maximum amplitude (Vb(max)) decreased with age, but b-wave threshold remained constant within each line despite progressive ONL thinning and ROS shortening. The only exception was in line 1 at 29 weeks, which showed a slight threshold change relative to earlier ages. Va(max) and a-wave threshold changed more rapidly and were more sensitive than the b-wave in reflecting histologic degeneration. Va(max) was linearly proportional to the product of (ROS x ONL) across a two log unit range of data combined from both lines. The photopic b-wave was normal for both lines until the ONL thinned beyond 50%. Phototransduction sensitivity was normal for both lines, and dark-adaptation recovery after bleaching rhodopsin was normal.

CONCLUSIONS

The P23H transgenic rat has a slow rod degeneration with initially normal cone function, consistent with clinical findings of P23H patients. However, the normal bleach recovery and the normal phototransduction sensitivity in this rat model are different from human P23H disease. a-Wave measures were more sensitive than the b-wave for tracking changes. b-Wave threshold was inexplicably poor for tracking degeneration. Although line 1 degenerated faster than line 3, the functional-structural correlates were the same. The tight linear relationship between saturated a-wave amplitude and the product of (ROS x ONL) indicates that the density of cGMP-gated channels per unit ROS plasma membrane area remains constant over a wide range of degenerations.

The effect of calcium channel blocker diltiazem on photoreceptor degeneration in the rhodopsin Pro213His rat

PURPOSE

To determine whether the calcium channel blocker D-cis-diltiazem promotes photoreceptor survival in rats with the Pro23His rhodopsin mutation.

METHODS

Heterozygous Pro23His rhodopsin line 1 rats (n = 11) were treated daily, according to a protocol applied successfully in rd mice, with D-cis-diltiazem hydrochloride increased incrementally from 21 to 54 mg/kg in a divided dose (8 AM and 8 PM) administered by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection for 21 days, beginning on days of age 10 through 12. Saline-treated line 1 rats (n = 6) received i.p. injections of an equal volume of 0.9% saline. Analysis on day 35 of age included dark-adapted corneal electroretinogram (ERG) b- and a-waves recorded from threshold to 0.63 log candela-seconds [cd-s]/m2, saturated a-waves elicited with a 2.1 log cd-s/m2 flash, and morphometry of the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and rod outer segments (ROS).

RESULTS

ONL width and cell counts of diltiazem-treated and saline-treated animals at 35 days were reduced to 64%-68% of 15-day-old untreated P23H line 1 retinas. No photoreceptor rescue was found by measuring ONL width (P = 0.84), cell count (P = 0.42), or ROS length (P = 0.85). Functional assays by ERG b-wave threshold (P = 0.57), b-wave maximum amplitude (P = 0.46), and saturated a-wave amplitude (P = 0.59) also showed no rescue.

CONCLUSIONS

D-cis-Diltiazem did not rescue photoreceptors of Pro23His rhodopsin mutation line 1 rats treated according to the protocol used in rd mouse.

Computed tomographic fluoroscopy-guided transthoracic needle biopsy for diagnosis of pulmonary nodules

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) with an 18-gauge automatic biopsy gun for the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.

METHODS

Between March 1996 and January 1998, 50 patients in whom pulmonary lesions could not be diagnosed cytopathologically with fiberoptic bronchoscopy or were not clearly visualized with fluoroscopy underwent CT fluoroscopy-guided TTNB.

RESULTS

Final pathological diagnoses were 23 lung carcinomas, five pulmonary metastases and 22 benign lesions. Sufficient tissue for analysis was obtained from 48 of the 50 lesions (96%). The overall diagnostic yield of CT fluoroscopy-guided TTNB was 90%. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for malignancy were 89%, 100% and 94%, respectively. In 20 of the 22 cases (91%) of benign lesions, histological analysis yielded correct and specific diagnoses. Complications occurred in 22 of the 50 cases (44%). The most common complication was pneumothorax, which occurred in 21 of the 50 cases (42%). Chest tube insertion was required in 6 (12%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although CT fluoroscopy could not decrease the complication rate, CT fluoroscopy-guided TTNB with an automatic biopsy gun appears to be a promising technique for diagnosing pulmonary lesions, particularly benign lesions.

Design of a novel membrane-destabilizing peptide selectively acting on acidic liposomes

The design of amphipathic peptides resulted in a novel peptide with a selective ability to destabilize lipid bilayers of acidic liposomes. The newly synthesized peptide, termed mast 21, is a 21-residue long amino acid chain and can only act effectively on acidic liposomes lacking cholesterol. Moreover, mast 21 killed gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and it had no hemolytic activity. The antimicrobial and hemolytic activities paralleled the results of membrane destabilizing activity using liposomes. Circular dichroism and Trp-fluorescence emission spectra showed changes in the peptide conformation and circumstances around the peptide during interaction with liposomes. These changes were consistent with an increased alpha-helical content and a less polar environment for the tryptophan residue of the peptide. Mast 21 was observed under dark-field microscopy in real time attacking liposomes. Acidic liposomes were attacked, which resulted in peeling of the lipid bilayer with its subsequent destruction.

Intravascular ultrasound imaging of the pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Intravascular ultrasound has the unique ability to provide cross-sectional images of the arterial wall. This study examined intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of the proximal pulmonary arteries in primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH).

METHODOLOGY

Study 1: Specimens from four patients who had died of PPH (in vitro PPH group) were compared with those of three patients who had died of subarachnoid haemorrhage but had no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease (in vitro control group). Three-centimetre segments of the following levels were examined by IVUS: pulmonary trunk, eight secondary branch arteries of the upper, middle, and lower lobes of both lungs, and the thoracic descending aorta. Study 2: Four patients with PPH (in vivo PPH group) and five patients without pulmonary hypertension and no evidence of cardiopulmonary disease (in vivo control group) were examined. The IVUS images of the apical segmental artery of the right upper lobe and the descending branch of the right pulmonary artery were studied.

RESULTS

Echographic examination of formalin-fixed preparations of secondary branch sections of the pulmonary artery failed to show a clear three-layer structure in the in vitro control group (24 preparations), but a distinct three-layer structure and increased vessel wall thickness were observed in the in vitro PPH group (32 preparations). Similar findings were obtained in the in vivo study. The mean echo density of the proximal pulmonary arterial wall correlated well with the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPA) in the in vitro PPH, and also correlated with the mPA in the in vivo study (r = 0.960, P < 0.0001). The echo intensity of secondary branch sections of the pulmonary artery was higher in the in vitro PPH group than in the in vitro control group (180.5 +/- 27.0 vs 132.5 +/- 26.7 counts, P < 0.001); similar results were obtained in the in vivo study (144.7 +/- 23.4 vs 85.0 +/- 14.3 counts, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the histological changes detected in the pulmonary artery walls in the PPH group were responsible for the increased echo intensity.

Complete sequence and characterization of chick ventricular myosin heavy chain in the developing atria

We isolated five complementary DNA (cDNA) clones, encoding the chick ventricular myosin heavy chain (MyHC) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The entire cDNA consists of 5995 nucleotides with the 52 bp 5'-untranslated region and the 129 bp 3'-untranslated region. The complete cDNA encodes 1937 amino acids. Expression of the chick ventricular MyHC gene was also studied by Northern blot analysis. This gene continued to be strongly expressed in the ventricle during cardiac development. On the other hand, its expression was moderate in the early embryonic atria, and was down-regulated during development. In the adult atria, this gene was expressed at very low levels. To determine the localization of the ventricular MyHC protein, an immunohistochemical study was performed. The ventricular MyHC was present in early embryonic atrial myocytes. During development, the expression of this protein in the atrial myocytes was down-regulated, but continued to be present in the atrial conduction system. Our results indicate that the ventricular MyHC appears in the primary atrial myocardium and is then localized in the conduction cells of the atria.

Dual quantum nondemolition measurements via successive soliton collisions

Quantum mechanics allows quantum nondemolition (QND) variables to be measured without being changed. This requires QND variables to be initially in an eigenstate and measurement backaction noise to be directed into conjugate variables. Experimental demonstrations thus require two measurements: the first to collapse variables toward an eigenstate and the second to show results identical to the first. Here, we report results from two successive soliton-collision QND measurements that optical correlation measurements show to be nearly identical.

Evidence for the expression of neonatal skeletal myosin heavy chain in primary myocardium and cardiac conduction tissue in the developing chick heart

We isolated a neonatal skeletal myosin heavy chain (MHC) cDNA clone, CV11E1, from a cDNA library of embryonic chick ventricle. At early cardiogenesis, diffuse expression of neonatal skeletal MHC mRNA was first detected in the heart tube at stage 10. During subsequent embryonic stages, the expression of the mRNA in the atrium was upregulated until shortly after birth. It then diminished, dramatically, and disappeared in the adult. On the other hand, in the ventricle, only a trace of the expression was detected throughout embryonic life and in the adult. However, transient expression of mRNA in the ventricle was observed, post-hatching. At the protein level, during the embryonic stage, the atrial myocardium was stained diffusely with monoclonal antibody 2E9, specific for chick neonatal skeletal MHC, whereas the ventricles showed weak reactivity with 2E9. At the late embryonic and newly hatched stages, 2E9-positive cells were located clearly in the subendocardial layer, and around the blood vessels of the atrial and ventricular myocardium. These results provide the first evidence that the neonatal skeletal MHC gene is expressed in developing chick hearts. This MHC appears during early cardiogenesis and is then localized in cardiac conduction cells. Dev Dyn 2000;217:37-49.

High prevalence of Borna disease virus in domestic cats with neurological disorders in Japan

A total of 15 (T-1-T-15) domestic cats with neurological disorders in Tokyo area were examined for association with Borna disease virus (BDV). None had detectable antibodies to feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus, feline infectious peritonitis virus and Toxoplasma gondii, and only cat T-8 had detectable antibody to FIV. Serological and molecular epidemiological studies revealed a significantly high prevalence of BDV infection in these cats: antibodies against BDV p24 and/or p40 proteins in 10/15 (66.7%) and p24 and/or p40 RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 8/15 (53.3%). Further, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry analyses of the autopsied brain samples derived from one of the cats (T-15) revealed BDV RNA predominantly in neuronal cells in restricted regions, such as olfactory bulb and medulla of cerebrum. Thus, BDV is present in Japanese domestic cats with neurological disorders at a high prevalence.

An investigation of the nature and function of module 10 in a family F/10 xylanase FXYN of Streptomyces olivaceoviridis E-86 by module shuffling with the Cex of Cellulomonas fimi and by site-directed mutagenesis

Although the amino acid homology in the catalytic domain of FXYN xylanase from Streptomyces olivaceoviridis E-86 and Cex xylanase from Cellulomonas fimi is only 50%, an active chimeric enzyme was obtained by replacing module 10 in FXYN with module 10 from Cex. In the family F/10 xylanases, module 10 is an important region as it includes an acid/base catalyst and a substrate binding residue. In FXYN, module 10 consists of 15 amino acid residues, while in Cex it consists of 14 amino acid residues. The Km and kcat values of the chimeric xylanase FCF-C10 for PNP-xylobioside (PNP-X2) were 10-fold less than those for FXYN. CD spectral data indicated that the structure of the chimeric enzyme was similar to that of FXYN. Based on the comparison of the amino acid sequences of FXYN and Cex in module 10, we constructed four mutants of FXYN. When D133 or S135 of FXYN was deleted, the kinetic properties were not changed from those of FXYN. By deletion of both D133 and S135, the Km value for PNP-X2 decreased from the 2.0 mM of FXYN to 0.6 mM and the kcat value decreased from the 20 s(-1) of FXYN to 8.7 s(-1). Insertion of Q140 into the doubly deleted mutant further reduced the Km value to 0.3 mM and the kcat value to 3.8 s(-1). These values are close to those for the chimeric enzyme FCF-C10. These results indicate that module 10 itself is able to accommodate changes in the sequence position of amino acids which are critical for enzyme function. Since changes of the spatial position of these amino acids would be expected to result in enzyme inactivation, module 10 must have some flexibility in its tertiary structure. The structure of module 10 itself also affects the substrate specificity of the enzyme.

Molecular analyses of five new chimpanzee MHC class I alleles: implications for differences between evolutional mechanisms of HLA-A, -B, and -C loci

In order to study the origin of the polymorphism of MHC class I molecules, we have cloned and sequenced five new Patr-A, -B, and -C loci alleles from two chimpanzees. Previous studies of sequence comparison between Patr and HLA class I alleles revealed that many of the sequence motifs were shared and the origin of class I molecules predated the divergence of chimpanzees and humans. These findings are confirmed by our current study. Additionally, our data suggest significant differences between mechanisms of evolution of the A, B, and C loci: (1) The B locus is characterized by frequent nucleotide substitutions, whereas the A and C loci are relatively more conserved; (2) However, unlike the A locus, the alpha2 domains of the C locus sequenced appear to produce MHC polymorphism between these species. These differences might imply the distinctive contributions of each locus during the evolutionary history.

A phase II study of irinotecan and infusional cisplatin with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

We administered chemotherapy consisting of a combination of 5-day continuous infusion of cisplatin (20 mg/m2 per day) plus irinotecan (160 mg/m2 per day, as a bolus, on day 1) with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rG-CSF) support to previously untreated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and evaluated the effectiveness and safety of this therapy.

PATIENTS

Enrolled in the study were 41 NSCLC patients.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients, 24 achieved a partial response. The response rate was 58.5% (95% confidence interval, 42.2% to 74.8%), with a median response duration of 32.1 weeks. The median survival time was 44.8 weeks and the 1-year survival rate was 44%. A total of 100 courses of therapy were given. The major toxic effects were grade 3 or 4 diarrhea (23%), granulocytopenia (20%), thrombocytopenia (15%) and anemia (15%). There were no treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination chemotherapy with irinotecan plus infusional cisplatin with rG-CSF support was well tolerated and effective in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Lung cancer in patients under 50 years old

A long-term retrospective study was carried out on 790 cases of lung cancer to determine if the clinicopathologic characteristics and survival rates of lung cancer patients under the age of 50 differ from those of patients 50 years of age or older at diagnosis by analyzing data on patients registered at Tochigi Cancer Center Hospital. Of the 790 patients, 77 (9.7%) were under the age of 50 at diagnosis. The percentage of women in the younger patient group was significantly higher than that in the older patient group (39.0% vs. 27.5%; P = 0.034). Tumor histology revealed a significant preponderance of adenocarcinomas (60 patients, 77.9%) and a paucity of squamous cell carcinomas (8 patients, 10.4%) in the younger age group (P<0.001). The preponderance of adenocarcinoma was significant in both males and females (male: P = 0.004, female: P = 0.004). Smoking rates and rate of detection by cancer screening did not differ between the two age groups. Because of the paucity of smokers among the younger female patients, causes of lung cancer other than smoking should be sought in younger patients. No difference was found in the stage of the disease at presentation, treatment methods and survival rates between the two age groups. It is suggested that the prognosis for patients with lung cancer under the age of 50 is not significantly worse than for those aged 50 years or older, as has been shown by several investigators.

Detection of brain metastasis in potentially operable non-small cell lung cancer: a comparison of CT and MRI

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the usefulness of MRI and CT in the detection of brain metastases during preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up.

DESIGN

A prospective and sequential comparison.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 332 patients with potentially operable non-small cell lung cancer who were free of neurologic signs and symptoms, brain CT was performed preoperatively on 155 patients (CT group) and brain MRI on 177 patients (MRI group). Patient characteristics in both groups were comparable. In 279 patients with complete resection of the primary lung tumor, intensive follow-up with CT and MRI was performed in the respective groups. The preoperative detection of brain metastases, postoperative intracranial recurrence rates, and characteristics of detected brain tumors were compared between the two groups. The survival of patients with brain metastases was also compared.

RESULTS

From the first evaluation to 12 months after surgery for primary lung cancer, brain metastases were observed in 11 patients (7.1%) from the CT group and 12 patients (6.8%) from the MRI group. MRI detected brain metastases preoperatively in 6 of the 12 patients (3.4% of the total MRI group), whereas CT detected brain metastases preoperatively in 1 of the 11 patients (0.6% of the total CT group). MRI showed a tendency toward a higher preoperative detection rate of brain metastases than CT (p = 0.069). Furthermore, the mean (+/- SD) maximal diameter of the brain metastases was significantly smaller in the MRI group (12.8+/-9.1 mm) than in the CT group (20.3+/-7.0 mm) (p = 0.041). However, the median survival time and 2-year survival rate after treatment of detected brain metastases, respectively, were 10 months and 27% in the CT group and 17 months and 28% in the MRI group. There was no significant difference between the groups in survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative evaluation and intensive follow-up with MRI could facilitate early detection of brain metastases in patients with potentially operable lung cancer. However, further studies on detection and treatment of the metastatic tumors are considered necessary.

The complete sequence and expression patterns of the atrial myosin heavy chain in the developing chick

We have earlier reported partial cloning of a cDNA of a chick atrial myosin heavy chain (MHC) gene, CCSV2 and its expression pattern in embryonic chick hearts (Oana et al (1995) Eur J Cell Biol 67, 42-49). In this study, five overlapping cDNA clones (including CCSV2) which together encode the entire open reading frame of the chick atrial MHC gene were characterized, and both the entire nucleotide sequence consisting of 5825 bases and the deduced amino acid sequence consisting of 1931 amino acids determined. Reinvestigation of the nucleotide sequence of the previously reported and presumably different chick atrial specific MHC cDNA clone, AMHC1 (Yutzey et al (1994) Development 120, 871-883), revealed that our clone and AMHC1 encoded the same MHC. The chick atrial MHC gene was strongly expressed in developing chick atria from a very early stage (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 9, 29-33 h) to the adult stage. This gene was also expressed, although weakly, in the ventricle, somite (the precursor to skeletal muscle) and skeletal muscle during embryonic stages but not in adults.

[Kampo medicines for the prevention of irinotecan-induced diarrhea in advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

A combination of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11; 160 mg/m2, intravenous infusion, day 1) and cisplatin (5-day continuous intravenous infusion; 20 mg/m2/day) was administrated to advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. They were given Hangeshashin-to (TJ-14), a Kampo medicine, to prevent the occurrence of irinotecan-induced diarrhea. The authors studied the Kampo medicine's clinical usefulness in a randomised comparative trial. Subjects in the study comprised 41 non-resectable and untreated non-small cell lung cancer patients. A daily dosage of 7.5 g Hange shashin-to was divided into three portions, each of which was given to the subjects orally before each meal. The subjects began taking the medicine three or more days before the start of chemotherapy, and continued taking it more than 21 days after starting chemotherapy. A total of 18 patients received TJ-14, and 23 did not. Compared with the latter, those given the Kampo medicine reported a significant (p = 0.044) improvement in the grade of diarrhea, and had a lower incidence of diarrhea grade 3 and above (p = 0.018). However, no differences were seen among the two groups in terms of the frequency of diarrhea and the duration of the diarrhea. As side effects, two patients developed grade 1 constipation. These findings showed that TJ-14 was effective in preventing and alleviating the incidence of diarrhea induced by CPT-11.

Helical computed tomography diagnosis of pleural dissemination in lung cancer: comparison of thick-section and thin-section helical computed tomography

Pleural dissemination in lung cancer was prospectively evaluated by helical computed tomography (CT), and the usefulness of thick-section CT (10-mm collimation; pitch 1) and thin-section CT (2-mm collimation; pitch 1) were compared. The study included 54 patients with pulmonary adenocarcinoma in whom plain chest radiographs showed no evidence of pleural effusion and in whom the primary lesion was seen to be contiguous with the pleural surface on thick-section CT. Thin-section CT was performed for evaluation of the costal, mediastinal, interlobar, and diaphragmatic pleural surfaces. Pathologic examination revealed pleural dissemination in 20 patients (8 resected, 12 nonresected). Pleural dissemination was diagnosed in 12 patients on thick-section CT, and in 20 patients on thin-section CT. False negatives occurred in ten and two patients, respectively. The same two patients were false positives by both methods. Accuracy was 78% for thick-section CT and 93% for thin-section CT, and sensitivity was 50% and 90%, respectively. Thin-section CT provided more useful information than thick-section CT for the evaluation of pleural dissemination in lung cancer.