[A case of Churg-Strauss syndrome in which positive rheumatoid factor and MPO-ANCA preceded the development of clinical symptoms of vasculitis]

A 52-year-old man in whom bronchial asthma had been diagnosed in 1995 was admitted for the treatment of Churg-Strauss syndrome in June 1997. Positive tests MPO-ANCA and rheumatoid factor preceded the symptoms of vasculitis for several months. A skin biopsy revealed infiltration of eosinophils in the vessel walls, and the diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome was confirmed. After systemic administration of corticosteroids, the symptoms other than mononeuritis improved markedly, and his MPO-ANCA and rheumatoid factor became negative. Rheumatoid factor and MPO-ANCA may be useful for the early diagnosis of Churg-Strauss syndrome in patients with bronchial asthma in which a well-controlled disease develops into an intractable condition.

Antiproliferative effect of isopentenylated coumarins on several cancer cell lines

33 coumarins, mainly the simple isopentenylated coumarins and derived pyrano- and furanocoumarins, were examined for their antiproliferative activity towards several cancer and normal human cell lines. The pyrano- and furanocoumarins showed strong activity against the cancer cell lines, whereas they had weak antiproliferative activity against the normal human cell lines. The decreasing rank order of potency was osthenone (10), clausarin (25), clausenidin (26), dentatin (24), nordentatin (23), imperatorin (29), seselin (27), xanthyletin (21), suberosin (17), phebalosin (8) and osthol (12). The structure-activity relationship established from the results revealed that the 1,1-dimethylallyl and isopentenyl groups have an important role for antiproliferative activity.

Calretinin promoter for suicide gene expression in malignant mesothelioma

To achieve specific and efficient expression of transfected suicide gene in malignant mesothelioma cells, we explored the 5-flanking region (2.2 kb) of the calretinin gene as a tumor-specific promoter. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of calretinin mRNA in two human malignant mesothelioma cell lines (H2052 and 211 H). A reporting vector containing the calretinin promoter (pCAL-LUC) exhibited relatively high luciferase activity in these cell lines. After transfecting an expression vector containing the calretinin promoter-bound thymidine kinase gene (pCAL-TK) into the cells, we examined their sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). In the mesothelioma cell lines, the pCAL-TK transfected cells became about 100 times more sensitive to GCV than the parental cells. The calretinin promoter seems to be a promising candidate as a specific and efficient promoter in malignant mesothelioma.

The antiproliferative effect of coumarins on several cancer cell lines

Twenty-one coumarins were examined for their antiproliferative activity towards several cancer cell lines, namely lung carcinoma (A549), melanin pigment producing mouse melanoma (B16 melanoma 4A5), human T-cell leukemia (CCRF-HSB-2), and human gastric cancer, lymph node metastasized (TGBC11TKB). The structure-activity relationship established from the results revealed that the 6,7-dihydroxy moiety had an important role for their antiproliferative activity. Analysis of cell cycle distribution indicated that esculetin-treated cells accumulated in the G1 (at 400 microM) or in S phase (at 100 microM).

Sea water or its components alter experimental irritant dermatitis in man

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Ocean bathing has been considered "healthy" for skin, but its efficacy remains testimonial in nature. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of sea water and its main components on experimental irritant contact dermatitis induced by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) cumulative irritation.

METHODS

After open application of 2% SLS for 10 min on volar forearm sites, solutions of sea water, 500 mM NaCl, 10 mM KCl, 55 mM MgCl2, 10 mM CaCl2, or deionized water were separately applied using filter paper discs for 20 min. The procedures were repeated daily for 2 weeks. The effects of the treatment were assessed daily using measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), as an indicator of epidermal barrier function, and capacitance, as a parameter of stratum corneum water content.

RESULTS

Sea water, NaCl, and KCl significantly inhibited the increase of TEWL as compared with deionized water (P < 0.003, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). Sea water and NaCl inhibited the decrease of capacitance as well (P < 0.03, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The effect of sea water may be attributed to skin barrier preservation by NaCl and KCl, and an emollient effect by NaCl.

Adenovirus-mediated suicide gene transfer to small cell lung carcinoma using a tumor-specific promoter

The gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is expressed in most types of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and the GRP promoter is thought to be potentially useful for tumor-specific expression of the suicide gene in SCLC. We constructed an adenovirus containing the herpes simplex thymidine kinase suicide gene driven by the GRP promoter (AdGRP-TK) and transfected it into GRP-expressing SCLC cells (SBC5) to confer sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). After infection with AdGRP-TK, SBC5 cells became more sensitive to GCV in vitro. In nude mice, a subcutaneously-inoculated tumor of SBC5 cells infected with AdGRP-TK in advance regressed completely after intraperitoneal administration of GCV. These results suggest that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of the suicide gene followed by pro-drug treatment may be applicable to SCLC.

Neuron specific enolase promoter for suicide gene therapy in small cell lung carcinoma

To investigate the specific transduction of a suicide gene into human small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cells, we explored the promoter region of the neuron specific enolase (NSE) gene as a tumor-specific promoter. In Northern blot analysis, NSE mRNA was expressed more abundantly in the SBC3 human SCLC cell line than in the RERF human SCLC cell line, the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line and the HeLa human uterine cervix epitheloid carcinoma cell line. A reporting vector containing the NSE promoter (pNSE-LUC) exhibited higher luciferase activity in SBC3 than in the other three cell lines. After transfecting an expression vector containing the NSE promoter-bound HSV-TK gene (pNSE-TK) into the cells, we measured their sensitivity to ganciclovir (GCV). In SBC3, pNSE-TK transfected cells showed about the same sensitivity to GCV as non-transfected (parental) cells. Though the NSE promoter itself is not optimal for use in suicide gene transfer to SCLC cells, it might be applied as a tumor-specific promoter after enhancement of its activity.

[Clinical usefulness of antigen-captured ELISA method using mouse anti-Trichosporon asahii monoclonal antibody D-8 for diagnosis of summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis]

In the present study, we assessed the clinical usefulness of the antigen-captured ELISA method using mouse anti-Trichosporon asahii monoclonal antibody D-8 in 193 patients with summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) and in 127 healthy volunteers. When the cut-off value was determined as 0.15, the diagnosis of SHP was accurately made by this method in 168 of 193 SHP patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of SHP determined by this method were 87.0% and 96.1%, respectively. We concluded that this ELISA method is a useful technique for the diagnosis of SHP when the possibility of SHP is recognized during the course of a case.

Comparisons between radioactive and non-radioactive gas lantern mantles

Gas lantern mantles containing radioactive thorium have been used for more than 100 years. Although thorium was once believed to be indispensable for giving a bright light, non-radioactive mantles are now available. From the radioactivities of the daughter nuclides, we estimated the levels of radioactivity of 232Th and 228Th in 11 mantles. The mantles contained various levels of radioactivity from background levels to 1410 +/- 140 Bq. Our finding that radioactive and non-radioactive mantles are equally bright suggests that there is no advantage in using radioactive mantles. A remaining problem is that gas lantern mantles are sold without any information about radioactivity.

Antiproliferative effects of small fruit juices on several cancer cell lines

Juices prepared from small fruits, mainly growing in the northern part of Japan, were studied in an attempt to explore the feasibility of an assay that screens cytotoxic properties. Screening of 43 small fruit juices indicated that Actinidia polygama Maxim., Rosa rugosa Thunb., Vaccinium smallii A. Gray and Sorbus sambucifolia Roem, strongly inhibited the proliferation of all cancer cell lines examined and yet these juices were substantially less cytotoxic toward normal human cell lines.

Inhalation provocation tests in chronic bird fancier's lung

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic bird fancier's lung (BFL) can be classified into two types. One group of patients develops chronic disease with fluctuating acute episodes, including low-grade fever, mild exertional dyspnea, and cough (fluctuating chronic BFL; formerly termed recurrent and relapsing chronic BFL). The other group of patients shows no history of acute episodes (insidious chronic BFL). The diagnosis of chronic BFL is difficult, since the onset of chronic BFL may be insidious, with few if any symptoms during the early stages of the disease process.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To attempt to diagnose the conditions of these patients more precisely, inhalation provocation tests were conducted using avian dropping extracts.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

The Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital in Japan.

PATIENTS

Eleven patients with chronic BFL (6 with fluctuating chronic BFL and 5 with insidious chronic BFL) and 6 control subjects (4 asymptomatic bird owners and 2 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients) were evaluated.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Inhalation provocation tests using avian dropping extracts were conducted. All BFL patients were evaluated as positive or probable by inhalation challenge, whereas control subjects were evaluated as negative. A peripheral leukocytosis, an increase of alveolar-arterial oxygen pressure difference, an increase of body temperature, and the development of respiratory symptoms including cough and dyspnea were more frequently observed in chronic BFL patients than in control subjects. All the BFL patients had an increase in neutrophils in BAL fluids following inhalation challenge.

CONCLUSIONS

We validated the utility of inhalation challenge for the diagnosis of chronic BFL, including fluctuating and insidious BFL. We also demonstrated that neutrophilia in BAL fluids following inhalation challenge could be added to the diagnostic criteria for chronic BFL.

Microwave coagulation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

The efficacy and safety of microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and impaired hepatic reserve were studied. Preoperative background factors, postoperative results, and prognostic factors were compared in 51 patients who underwent hepatic resection (HR group) and 38 patients who underwent microwave coagulation therapy (MCT group). Before surgery, measures of hepatic function, including level of albumin (P = 0.0072), prothrombin time (P<0.0001), hepaplastin test (P = 0.0088), and the radioactivity of technetium-99m galactosyl-human serum albumin 15 min in the liver after injection divided by that in both liver and heart (P <0.0001) were significantly lower in the MCT group than in the HR group. The indocyanine green dye retention rate at 15 min was significantly greater (P<0.0001) in the MCT group than in the HR group, and a significant difference was noted in Child-Pugh grade between the groups (P<0.0001). Operative time (P = 0.0014) and blood loss during surgery (P = 0.0005) were significantly lower in the MCT group than in the HR group. In contrast, no significant differences were recognized between the groups in the changes in postoperative liver function, or in the rates of morbidity, mortality, local recurrence, and survival. Moreover, the type of treatment (HR or MCT) was not a prognostic factor. The results indicate that MCT can be used safely as an alternative to hepatic resection in patients with poor liver function without reducing the efficacy of local control.

Acute effects of smoke exposure on the cellular and cytokine profile in isolated perfused lungs

The aim of this study was to assess the acute effects of cigarette smoke exposure on cellular and cytokine profile in BAL fluids in an isolated perfused rabbit assay. The experimental animals were categorized into four groups: (1) unexposed controls and (2) cigarette smoke-exposed animals perfused with autologous whole blood; (3) unexposed controls and cigarette smoke-exposed; (4) cigarette smoke-exposed animals perfused with Krebs' Ringer solution containing 5% bovine serum albumin and glucose. Cigarette smoke induced an increase in total cell numbers (mainly alveolar macrophages in BAL fluids) and an increase in the permeability index of BAL. Levels of interleukin 8 were also significantly decreased in BAL fluids due to acute effects of cigarette smoke exposure. The most likely explanation for cigarette smoke-induced increase of inflammatory cells in BAL in lungs is because of the release of pre-existing cells from reservoirs within the lungs. The acute effects of cigarette smoke-induced increase of pulmonary epithelial permeability may also play an important role in the cellular recruitment into airspaces from the lung reservoirs.

Differentiation-inducing effects of small fruit juices on HL-60 leukemic cells

Epidemiological studies indicate that high intakes of fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of cancer, and several plant-derived drugs have been developed in medical oncology. Since only a small part of the flora has been tested for any kind of bioactivity, we chose small fruits as sources of differentiation-inducing activity against HL-60 leukemic cells. We have prepared juices from various small fruits that grow mainly in the northern part of Japan. Screening of 43 samples indicated that juices of Actinidia polygama Maxim., Rosa rugosa Thunb., Vaccinium smallii A. Gray, and Sorbus sambucifolia Roem. strongly induced differentiation of HL-60 cells to monocyte/macrophage characteristics in a concentration-dependent manner as indicated by histochemical and biochemical examinations.

An exfoliative toxin A-converting phage isolated from Staphylococcus aureus strain ZM

Exfoliative toxin A (ETA) causes staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome in children. The gene for ETA was believed to be coded by the chromosomal DNA. We isolated temperate phages from an ETA-producing strain, ZM, using a restriction minus strain, 1039, as an indicator. One of the prophages, designated phi-ZM-1 mediated lysogenic conversion of ETA. The polymerase chain reaction assay of the eta gene revealed that phage phi-ZM-1 carries the structural gene for ETA.

Interferon-gamma increases IL-12 mRNA expression and attentuates allergic late-onset airway responses in the Brown Norway rat

Interferon gamma is a T-helper cell (Th)-1-type cytokine that has been suggested to inhibit the development of an atopic Th2-type profile of cytokine expression. The aim of this study was to investigated the effect of exogenous rat interferon gamma on antigen-induced airway responses, and on Th1 and Th2-type cytokine messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the Brown Norway rat. Rats were actively sensitized to ovalbumin and 14 days later underwent an aerosolized ovalbumin challenge. Animals were intratracheally administered either interferon gamma (3,000 U) or control solvent 30 min prior to, and 2 and 4 h following, antigen challenge. Lung resistance was monitored over an 8-h time period. Using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, the levels of Th1- (interleukin-12) and Th2-type (interleukin4 and -5) cytokine mRNA, and major basic protein expression in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of these rats 8 h after ovalbumin challenge were also determined. Administration of interferon gamma attenuated the development of the late-onset airways response in ovalbumin-sensitized antigen-challenged rats (p<0,05). The expression of interleukin-4 and -5 mRNA in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of interferon gamma treated rats was significantly attenuated compared to ovalbumin-challenged saline-treated controls (p<0.001). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of interleukin-12 mRNA, and a reduction in eosinophil numbers. Intratracheal administration of interferon gamma modulates the allergic late-onset airways response in rats, and this is associated with a reduction in the expression of T-helper cell 2-type cytokines and an increase in interleukin-12 messenger ribonucleic acid expression within the airways. The present results support a role for interferon gamma in the pathophysiology of acute allergic airway responses, possibly by virtue of its ability to modulate T-helper cell 1- 2-type cytokine expression within the lungs.

Relationship between apoptosis and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 in non-small cell lung cancer

The relationship between apoptosis and cellular proliferative activity in human non-small cell lung cancer (25 cases) was investigated using the in situ DNA nick-end labeling method and immunohistochemistry for both proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki-67 antigen. Comparison of the distribution of Ki-67-positive cells to that of apoptotic cells shows an inverse correlation in semi-serial sections. The PCNA labeling rates were closely correlated with Ki-67 labeling rates in non-small cell lung cancer. It was concluded that the immunostainings of PCNA and Ki-67 were almost equally valuable for assessing the proliferative activity in paraffin-embedded tissue from non-small cell lung cancer and that apoptosis may be related with the cell cycle in this cancer.