Mixed lineage kinase LZK forms a functional signaling complex with JIP-1, a scaffold protein of the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase pathway

Leucine zipper-bearing kinase (LZK) is a novel member of the mixed lineage kinase (MLK) protein family, the cDNA of which was first cloned from a human brain cDNA library [Sakuma, H., Ikeda, A., Oka, S., Kozutsumi, Y., Zanetta, J.-P., and Kawasaki, T. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 28622-28629]. Several MLK family proteins have been proposed to function as MAP kinase kinase kinases in the c-Jun NH(2) terminal kinase (JNK)/stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) pathway. In the present study, we demonstrated that, like other MLKs, LZK activated the JNK/SAPK pathway but not the ERK pathway. LZK directly phosphorylated and activated MKK7, one of the two MAPKKs in the JNK/SAPK pathway, to a comparable extent to a constitutive active form of MEKK1 (MEKK1DeltaN), suggesting a biological role of LZK as a MAPKKK in the JNK/SAPK pathway. Recent studies have revealed the essential roles of scaffold proteins in intracellular signaling pathways including MAP kinase pathways. JIP-1, one of the scaffold proteins, has been shown to be associated with MLKs, MKK7, and JNK [Whitmarsh, A.J., Cavanagh, J., Tournier, C., Yasuda, J., and Davis, R.J. (1998) Science 281, 1671-1674], suggesting the presence of a selective signaling pathway including LZK, MKK7, and JNK. Consistent with this hypothesis, we provided evidence that LZK is associated with the C-terminal region of JIP-1 through its kinase catalytic domain. In addition, LZK-induced JNK activation was markedly enhanced when LZK and JNK were co-expressed with JIP-1. These results constituted important clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating the signaling specificities of various JNK activators under different cellular conditions.

Free tensor fasciae latae perforator flap for the reconstruction of defects in the extremities

In the three cases presented in this study, free tensor fasciae latae perforator flaps were used successfully for the coverage of defects in the extremities. This flap has no muscle component and is nourished by muscle perforators of the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral system. The area of skin that can by nourished by these perforators is larger than 15 x 12 cm. The advantages of this flap include minimal donor-site morbidity, the preservation of motor function of the tensor fasciae latae muscle and fascia lata, the ability to thin the flap by removing excess fatty tissue, and a donor scar that can be concealed. In cases that involve transection of the perforator above the deep fascia, the operation can be completed in a very short period of time. This flap is especially suitable as a free flap for young women and children who have scars in the proximal region of the lateral thigh or groin region that were caused by split-thickness skin grafting or full-thickness skin grafting during previous operations.

Free medial plantar perforator flaps for the resurfacing of finger and foot defects

In this article, three cases in which free medial plantar perforator flaps were successfully transferred for coverage of soft-tissue defects in the fingers and foot are described. This perforator flap has no fascial component and is nourished only by perforators of the medial plantar vessel and a cutaneous vein or with a small segment of the medial plantar vessel. The advantages of this flap are minimal donor-site morbidity, minimal damage to both the posterior tibial and medial plantar systems, no need for deep dissection, the ability to thin the flap by primary removal of excess fatty tissue, the use of a large cutaneous vein as a venous drainage system, a good color and texture match for finger pulp repair, short time for flap elevation, possible application as a flow-through flap, and a concealed donor scar.

Cloning and expression of CitPDS1, a gene encoding phytoene desaturase in citrus

A cDNA clone encoding phytoene desaturase (PDS) was isolated from citrus (Citrus unshiu Marc.). The transcript of the isolated PDS (CitPDS1) was not detected by conventional RNA gel-blot analysis; instead, it was detected by a sensitive reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). The CitPDS1 transcript in the juice sacs/segment epidermis (edible part) was at a low level in the young fruit, and it increased toward maturation like citrus phytoene synthase (CitPSY1). In the peel, in contrast to CitPSY1, the transcript of which was induced toward maturation, the level of the CitPDS1 transcript remained constant after an increase in July, indicating non-coordinate regulation of CitPDS1 and CitPSY1 in the peel.

One-stage facial augmentation with an intraoral groin adipose flap transfer

A free groin adipose flap using an intraoral approach was used to correct facial contour deformities instead of a groin dermis-fat flap. The major disadvantages of the latter flap are that multistage debulking procedures are required and there are wide postoperative donor scars because of the wide skin portion included in the flap. To overcome these weaknesses the authors developed a free groin, customized ("berry picked") adipose flap, which was transferred by an intraoral approach for reconstruction of congenital hemifacial (orbitozygomatic) hypoplasia. The advantages of this method include one-stage augmentation without secondary defatting, no skin grafting of the donor defect, a donor scar in a concealed area, and possible transfer through an intraoral approach that results in minimal invasive surgery with no scar at the graft site.

Alterations in brain function after loss of docosahexaenoate due to dietary restriction of n-3 fatty acids

The concentration of the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in brain, docosahexaenoate, may be markedly reduced by two or more generations of dietary restriction of sources of n-3 fatty acids in the diet. Such a deficiency was induced through the feeding of safflower oil as the principal source of essential fatty acids. The reference point for this diet was an n-3 adequate diet to which alpha-linoleate and docosahexaenoate were added through the addition of a small quantity of flax seed or algael oils, respectively. The loss of brain DHA was associated with poorer performance in spatial tasks and an olfactory-cued reversal learning task. No difference could be observed in the hippocampal gross morphology. This study demonstrates the importance of providing a source of n-3 fatty acids during mammalian growth and development.

Rats with low levels of brain docosahexaenoic acid show impaired performance in olfactory-based and spatial learning tasks

Studies were carried out to determine if decreased levels of central nervous system docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a result of consuming an n-3-deficient diet, had an effect on learning- and memory-related behaviors in adult male rats. Females were reared on an n-3-deficient or n-3-adequate diet beginning at 21 d of life. Their male pups, the F2 generation, were weaned to the diet of the dam and tested at 9-12 wk of age. An olfactory-based discrimination and Morris water maze task were used to assess performance. Whole brain was collected after the behavioral experiments and central nervous system fatty acid content was analyzed in olfactory bulb total lipid extracts. F2 generation male rats consuming the n-3-deficient diet had an 82% decrease in DHA compared to rats consuming the n-3-adequate diet. The n-3-deficient animals made significantly more total errors in a 7-problem, 2-odor discrimination task compared to the n-3-adequate group. Furthermore, the escape latency in the Morris water maze task was significantly longer for the n-3-deficient rats compared to the n-3-adequate rats. These results indicate that rats with decreased DHA levels in the central nervous system perform poorer in these tasks compared to rats with higher DHA levels and suggest the presence of learning deficits in these animals.

Mice lacking the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor are hypophagic and lean

Members of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor family (M1-M5) have central roles in the regulation of many fundamental physiological functions. Identifying the specific receptor subtype(s) that mediate the diverse muscarinic actions of acetylcholine is of considerable therapeutic interest, but has proved difficult primarily because of a lack of subtype-selective ligands. Here we show that mice deficient in the M3 muscarinic receptor (M3R-/- mice) display a significant decrease in food intake, reduced body weight and peripheral fat deposits, and very low levels of serum leptin and insulin. Paradoxically, hypothalamic messenger RNA levels of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), which are normally upregulated in fasted animals leading to an increase in food intake, are significantly reduced in M3R-/- mice. Intra-cerebroventricular injection studies show that an agouti-related peptide analogue lacked orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) activity in M3R-/- mice. However, M3R-/- mice remained responsive to the orexigenic effects of MCH. Our data indicate that there may be a cholinergic pathway that involves M3-receptor-mediated facilitation of food intake at a site downstream of the hypothalamic leptin/melanocortin system and upstream of the MCH system.

The effects of aged garlic extract on lipid peroxidation and the deformability of erythrocytes

The effects of aged garlic extract (AGE) on lipid peroxidative damage and the deformability of erythrocytes were evaluated in rats. The deformability of erythrocytes was measured using the micropore filtration method. AGE significantly prevented the decrease of erythrocyte deformability induced by lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. The addition of AGE significantly inhibited an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and hemolysis rate and prevented the loss of intraerythrocytic ATP and 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) in oxidized erythrocytes. Moreover, AGE significantly suppressed not only the hemolysis rate induced by peroxidation but also hemolysis due to nonperoxidation. These results suggest the possibility that AGE improves microcirculation and rheological blood properties and preserves the structure and function of erythrocytes not only through an antioxidant process, but also via the glycolysis pathway and membrane stabilization of erythrocytes.

Reversal of docosahexaenoic acid deficiency in the rat brain, retina, liver, and serum

The loss of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the retina or brain has been associated with a loss in nervous-system function in experimental animals, as well as in human infants fed vegetable oil-based formulas. The reversibility of the loss of DHA and the compensation by an increase in the n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-6) was studied in young adult rats. Long-Evans rats were subjected to a very low level of n-3 fatty acids through two generations. The F2 generation, n-3-deficient animals at 7 weeks of age were provided a repletion diet containing both alpha-linolenate and DHA. A separate group of F2 generation rats had been maintained on an n-3-adequate diet of the same composition. Tissues from the brain, retina, liver, and serum were collected on weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 from both groups of animals. The concentrations of DHA, DPAn-6, and other fatty acids were determined and the rate of recovery and length of time needed to complete DHA recovery were determined for each tissue. The DHA level in the brain at 1 and 2 weeks after diet reversal was only partially recovered, rising to approximately 20% and 35%, respectively, of the n-3-adequate group level. Full recovery was not obtained until 8 weeks after initiation of the repletion diet. Although the initial rate of retinal DHA accretion was greater than that of brain DHA, the half-time for DHA recovery was only marginally greater. On the other hand, the levels of DHA in the serum and liver were approximately 90% and 100% replaced, respectively, within 2 weeks of diet reversal. A consideration of the total amounts and time courses of DHA repleted in the nervous system compared with the liver and circulation suggests that transport-related processes may limit the rate of DHA repletion in the retina and brain.-- Moriguchi, T., J. Loewke, M. Garrison, J. N. Catalan, N. Salem, Jr. Reversal of docosahexaenoic acid deficiency in the rat brain, retina, liver, and serum. J. Lipid Res. 2001. 42: 419--427.

[High-dose therapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma remaining in initial remission: results of a feasibility study]

High-dose therapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (HDT/PBSCT) was performed as one aspect of front-line therapy in patients with poor-risk aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (high-intermediate/high risk) according to the age-adjusted international prognostic index (aaIPI). Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in this study between November 1994 and March 1999. CHOP + etoposide (CHOP-E) was used as an initial chemotherapy and as a chemotherapy agent for the purpose of cell harvesting. Peripheral blood stem cells were harvested from 17 patients, and HDT with CEC (carboplatin, etoposide, cyclophosphamide)/PBSCT was performed in 11 patients. Eighteen patients dropped out, including five for whom CHOP-E therapy was ineffective and 5 who did not give consent for cell harvesting or HDT/PBSCT. CHOP-E therapy produced complete remission (CR) in 15 out of 26 patients (58%) after discounting the 3 who were ineligible among the 29 who were initially enrolled. The median observation period after PBSCT in the 11 patients who underwent HDT/PBSCT was 25 months (3 to 50 months), and the 3-year disease-free survival rate was 73%. No serious complications associated with the transplantation were observed. We were able to confirm the feasibility and safety of HDT/PBSCT as one form of front-line therapy for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients under 60 years of age.

Hypervascular liver metastasis from hypovascular ductal cell carcinoma of the pancreas

In a case of hypervascular metastatic liver tumor, the vascularity of primary focus, pancreatic carcinoma was hypovascular. Based on the imaging findings, we thought before the operation that the two lesions were double cancers. Histological examination showed that the stromal volume of metastatic tumorous tissue was richer than that of the primary focus. It was suggested that the difference in the stromal volume was related to the difference of the vascularity. Some foctors originating in stromal cells might be involved in angiogenesis.

Ameliorative effect of S-allylcysteine, a major thioallyl constituent in aged garlic extract, on learning deficits in senescence-accelerated mice

This study examined the effect of S:-allylcysteine (SAC), a major thioallyl compound found in aged garlic extract, on the memory deficit and age-related changes of senescence-accelerated mice. Senescence-accelerated prone P8 mice fed a diet supplemented with 40 mg SAC/kg diet for 8 mo had a significantly attenuated decrease in the conditioned avoidance response compared with those not given SAC. In the elevated plus-maze test using senescence-accelerated prone P10 mice, the percentage of time spent on the open arm was greater compared with the senescence-resistant control mice. Chronic dietary treatment with 40 mg SAC/kg diet decreased the time in the open arm in senescence-accelerated prone P10 mice. These studies suggest that diet supplementation with SAC may reduce age-related learning disabilities and cognitive disorders in senescence-accelerated mice.

Olfactory discrimination deficits in n-3 fatty acid-deficient rats

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long chain n-3 fatty acid, is present in high concentrations in the central nervous system. Although the role that DHA may play in neural function is not well understood, infants fed formulas containing low levels of n-3 fatty acids have decreased visual acuity and neurodevelopmental test scores. The present experiment assessed whether dietary manipulations that decrease the concentration of DHA in the brain interfered with olfactory-based learning. We fed rats a diet that provided adequate n-3 fatty acids or a diet that was deficient in n-3 fatty acids for two generations. The second generation n-3-deficient group had 81% less brain DHA (82% less in olfactory bulb) compared to the n-3-adequate group and made significantly more errors in a series of olfactory-cued, 2-odor discrimination tasks compared to the adequate group. These results suggest that lower levels of central nervous system DHA lead to poorer performance in a series of simple odor discrimination tasks.

Direct measurement of human lung cancerous and noncancerous tissues by fourier transform infrared microscopy: can an infrared microscope be used as a clinical tool?

We have analyzed very small amounts of human lung cancerous tissues directly by a Fourier transform infrared microscopy (FT-IR-MC). The corrected peak heights (H1045 and H1467) obtained from the bands at 1045 and 1467 cm(-1) due to glycogen and cholesterol were chosen for a quantitative evaluation of the malignancy. We found that the H1045/H1467 ratio is an exceptionally useful factor for discrimination of the cancerous tissues from the noncancerous tissues. If the H1045/H1467 ratio from the measured spectrum is larger than 1.4, we can say with confidence that the tissue contains squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma at least partially. Furthermore, we carried out the microscopic mapping of the tissues containing both cancerous and noncancerous sections, demonstrating that the color map reflects small changes in the spatial distribution of cancer cells in the tissues. The present method may also be applicable to analysis of other cancers, such as colorectal cancerous tissues in which glycogen level has a critical factor for their malignancy. In addition, since FT-IR-MC costs relatively little and does not require a special operator training for collecting and analyzing the spectra, it seems to be perhaps the apparatus best suited to clinical usage, especially in rather small hospitals.

Synthesis and properties of aminoacylamido-AMP: chemical optimization for the construction of an N-acyl phosphoramidate linkage

This paper describes the design and synthesis of a new type of aminoacyl-adenylate analogue (aa-AMPN) having an N-acyl phosphoramidate linkage where the oxygen atom of the mixed anhydride bond of aminoacyl-adenylate (aa-AMP) is replaced by an amino group. This new type of aa-AMP analogue is expected to be useful as material for studies on the recognition mechanism of the aminoacylation of tRNA and other biochemical reactions. The condensation of phosphoramidite derivatives of carboxamides with nucleoside derivatives failed, because the activated phosphoramidite derivatives reacted with not only the hydroxyl groups but also another reactive species. An alternative approach was examined by the reaction of 5'-O-phosphoramidite adenosine derivatives with carboxamide derivatives. The TBTr and TSE groups were chosen for protection of the amino group of amino acid amides and the phosphate group, respectively. Detailed studies revealed that the use of 5-(3,5-dinitrophenyl)-1H-tetrazole as an activating catalyst of phosphoramidites resulted in rapid condensation within 10 min to give fully protected aa-AMPN derivatives. No side reaction occurred. Deprotection of these products via a two-step procedure gave aa-AMPN derivatives in good yields. It also turned out that aa-AMPNs thus obtained are stable under both acidic and basic conditions, such as 0.1 M HCl (pH 1.0) and 0.1 M NaOH (pH 13.0).

Behavioral deficits associated with dietary induction of decreased brain docosahexaenoic acid concentration

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an n-3 fatty acid, is rapidly deposited during the period of rapid brain development. The influence of n-3 fatty acid deficiency on learning performance in adult rats over two generations was investigated. Rats were fed either an n-3 fatty acid-adequate (n-3 Adq) or -deficient (n-3 Def) diet for three generations (F1-F3). Levels of total brain n-3 fatty acids were reduced in the n-3 Def group by 83 and 87% in the F2 and F3 generations, respectively. In the Morris water maze, the n-3 Def group showed a longer escape latency and delayed acquisition of this task compared with the n-3 Adq group in both generations. The acquisition and memory levels of the n-3 Def group in the F3 generation seemed to be lower than that of the F2 generation. The 22:5n-6/22:6n-3 ratio in the frontal cortex and dams' milk was markedly increased in the n-3 Def group, and this ratio was significantly higher in the F3 generation compared with the F2 generation. These results suggest that learning and cognitive behavior are related to brain DHA status, which, in turn, is related to the levels of the milk/dietary n-3 fatty acids.

Massive deep vein thrombosis after cesarean section treated with a temporary inferior vena cava filter: a case report

A 25-year-old woman suffered a massive deep vein thrombus in her left common iliac vein extending to the inferior vena cava after an abdominal cesarean section. The massive and floating inferior vena cava thrombus was considered to pose a high risk of pulmonary thromboembolism. After placement of a temporary inferior vena cava filter via the left brachial vein, thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation therapy were instituted. The filter successfully prevented pulmonary thromboembolism during thrombolytic therapy. This patient was confined to bed because the filter moved vertically with left shoulder joint abduction. Although a temporary inferior vena cava filter is very useful for the prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism in a patient with deep vein thrombus, the appropriate range of activity for such a patient needs careful consideration.

Synthesis of N-labeled peptidyl AMP

This paper deals with the synthesis of a new type of N-labeled peptidyl AMP, which would be used as a good substrate for analysis of the peptidyl transfer reaction on ribosome and for co-crystallization with ribosome. 4-(Dimethylamino)azobenzene-4'-sulfonyl (Dabsyl) was selected as the labeling group. (N-Dabsylglycyl)-L-leucyl AMP was synthesized from glycyl-L-leucine via a three-step procedure.

Combined submental flap with toe web for reconstruction of the lip with oral commissure

We present a new method employing a combined submental island flap and dorsalis pedis flap with the first toe web for reconstruction of a large lip defect including the oral commissure. The advantages of this method are: there is an excellent colour match; an anatomical structure similar to that of the oral commissure produces excellent results; there is superb function of the oral commissure; a donor-scar deformity can be avoided, since both flaps come from concealed areas; and good lining by the thin dorsal skin of the foot and submental skin results in a single-stage operation. The disadvantages are that complicated microvascular anastomoses may be required and there is a possibility of venous congestion of the submental flap in cases with a hypoplastic venous system. The use of the anterior jugular vein within the flap may be a key to overcoming this problem.

New multilobe "accordion" flaps for three-dimensional reconstruction of wide, full-thickness defects in the oral floor

When reconstructing a wide, full-thickness intraoral defect, the following principles are necessary for active food transport and improved swallowing and speech. First, the flap should touch the palate and obliterate the oral cavity. Second, jaw or flap excursion should not be hindered by tethering of the flap in the neck. And third, all surfaces of the tongue and oral floor, and the dead space of the floor should be reconstructed. To accomplish these goals, two new designs, similar to an accordion, using an anterolateral thigh flap and a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap have been developed. The outlines of multilobe flaps create an accordion-type structure of the tongue and oral floor complex. The advantages of the new designs using anterior thigh or deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps are follows: First, three-dimensional intraoral reconstitution allows maximal movement postoperatively of the reconstructed tongue. Second, the donor sites are so far from the tongue that simultaneous flap elevation is possible for tumor resectioning. Third, even in obese patients, totally or partially thin flaps are available. And fourth, in most patients the donor defects can be closed directly.

[A case of posttraumatic severe ventriculitis treated by intraventricular lavage]

A 44-year-old male was admitted in a state of semicoma, tonic convulsion and elevated body temperature nine days after sustaining head injury. He had severe nuchal rigidity. Computed tomography revealed dilation of ventricles and swelling of the brain parenchyma. We performed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage of both lateral ventricles immediately. The fluid drained from both ventricles was just like pus. We diagnosed the patient's condition as posttraumatic ventriculitis and meningitis. We performed intraventricular lavage (IL) which was our ventricular irrigating technique. IL was repeated until the 7th day postoperatively. The CSF data improved immediately. Continuous spinal drainage (CSD) also was used for CSF drainage from the 7th day postoperatively. The patient recovered without the need for CSF shunt. Some authors have reported the usefulness of continuous intraventricular irrigation (CIVI) for treatment of severe ventriculitis. However, their patients required CSF shunt surgeries. Such shunts are likely to become infected more frequently than routine shunting. Our IL was able to drain pus and inflammatory products in the ventricles before the formation of septations in the ventricles. We emphasize that IL in combination with CSD is able to bring about good results for patients with severe ventriculitis.