Culture of bovine embryos in polyester mesh sections: the effect of pore size and oxygen tension on in vitro development

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of polyester mesh culture for the in vitro production of bovine embryos, as polyester mesh is an alternative way for tracking individual embryos throughout culture using time-lapse cinematography (TLC). Bovine embryos were isolated during in vitro culture using sections of three different polyethylene terephthalate (PET) mesh products. In vitro matured and fertilized bovine oocytes were cultured in the 217 × 217, 230 × 230 or 238 × 238-μm openings of PET mesh sections or in simple micro-drops (control) for 7 days under either 20% or 5% O(2) tensions. No difference in embryo developmental rates was found between the culture groups in terms of cleavage, blastocyst formation and blastocyst expansion irrespective of O(2) tension. In contrast, under 20% O(2) tension, blastocysts that developed in PET mesh with 217 × 217-μm opening had significantly higher numbers of total and trophectoderm (TE) cells than control embryos; however, the numbers and proportions of inner cell mass (ICM) cells did not differ. Under 5% O(2) tension, no difference was found among the culture groups in the numbers of total, ICM and TE cells in embryos. All three PET mesh products investigated in this study were proven to be effective to prevent embryo movement. The results demonstrate that bovine embryos can be cultured in PET mesh sections without negative side-effects and suggest that embryo distance determined by the mesh affects embryo quality at atmospheric oxygen tension. Polyethylene terephthalate mesh with 217 × 217-μm openings was found to be the most suitable for further application in TLC.

138 TIME-LAPSE CINEMATOGRAPHY-COMPATIBLE INJECTION-MOLDED MICROWELL CULTURE SYSTEM FOR TRACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUAL BOVINE EMBRYOS

We have developed a polystyrene-based well of-the-well system (WOW) using injection moulding to track individual embryos throughout culture using time-lapse cinematography (TLC). The WOW-cultured bovine embryos following in vitro fertilization (IVF) were compared with conventional droplet (control)-cultured embryos on in vitro and in vivo development. Twenty-five of zygotes were cultured in each culture system containing 125 μL of CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum for 168 h after IVF. No differences between control- and WOW-cultured embryos were observed during development to the blastocyst stage. Morphological quality, inner cell mass (ICM), and trophectoderm (TE) cell numbers and post-vitrification survival rates were not different between control- and WOW-derived blastocysts; however, incidence of apoptosis in the ICM and TE cells was reduced in WOW culture (P < 0.01). Oxygen consumption in WOW-derived blastocysts was closer to physiological level than that of control-derived blastocysts. Moreover, WOW culture improved embryo viability, as indicated by increased pregnancy rates at days 30 and 60 after embryo transfer (P < 0.05). The TLC monitoring was performed to evaluate the cleavage pattern and the duration of the first cell cycle of embryos from oocytes collected by ovum pick-up; correlations with success of pregnancy were determined. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the cleavage pattern correlated with success of pregnancy (P < 0.05), but cell cycle length did not. Higher pregnancy rates (66.7%) were observed for animals in which transferred blastocysts had undergone normal cleavage, identified by the presence of 2 blastomeres of the same size without fragmentation, than among those with abnormal cleavage (33.3%). These results suggest that our microwell culture system is a powerful tool for producing and selecting healthy embryos and for identifying viability biomarkers. This work was supported by the Research and Developmental Program for New Bio-Industry Initiatives.

212 EFFECT OF CONSECUTIVE SUPERSTIMULATORY TREATMENT-INDUCED FOLLICULAR WAVE SYNCHRONIZATION TO OPTIMIZE OOCYTE RETRIEVAL AND EMBRYO PRODUCTION BY OVUM PICKUP AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION IN COWS

We previously reported that superstimulatory (SS) treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization after ovum pickup (OPU) was effective in enhancing the quality of obtained oocytes and blastocysts derived from in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF; Imai et al. 2010 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 22, 296). The present study was designed to examine the efficiency of embryo production by 4 sessions of OPU-IVF using a series of the SS treatment-induced follicular wave synchronizations. For the SS protocols, 3 consecutive SS (3CSS) and 2 separated SS (2SSS) were used. In the 3CSS group, the first OPU was performed on random days of the oestrous cycle (Day 0) and all follicles larger than 2 mm in diameter were aspirated. On Day 5, follicles larger than 8 mm in diameter were aspirated and a CIDR (InterAg, Hamilton, New Zealand) was inserted. The cows then received 20 armour units of FSH (Kawasaki-Seiyaku, Kawasaki, Japan) in twice-daily decreasing doses by IM injection from Day 7 to 10. Cloprostenol (PGF; 0.75 mg, Fujita-Pharm, Tokyo, Japan) was administered on the morning of Day 9. The second OPU was performed 48 h after PGF administration on Day 11; the CIDR was removed from the cows just before OPU. After the second OPU, donors were treated consecutively with the SS protocol mentioned above for the third and fourth OPU sessions. In the 2SSS group, donors received 2 sets of the SS treatment mentioned above, with an interval of 11 days between the second and the third OPU session. Four OPU sessions were performed every 11 days on all cows. In this study, 8 Japanese Black cows were divided into the 3CSS and 2SSS groups, and the treatment for each group was reversed after a 65-day interval as crossover trials. After OPU, Grade 1 and 2 oocytes were used for IVM and IVF, and putative zygotes were cultured as described by (Imai et al. 2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52, S19–S29 suppl.). A part of the zygotes were cultured in a micro-well system. Data were analysed by Student’s t-test and chi-square test. There were differences (P < 0.05) in the mean (±SD) number of follicles, collected oocytes, and cultured oocytes in the 3CSS (35.0 ± 8.6 and 24.4 ± 11.2, respectively) and 2SSS (30.8 ± 10.5 and 20.2 ± 9.0, respectively) groups. There were no differences in mean percentage of blastocyst formation and Grade 1 blastocyst rates between the 3CSS (38.5 and 55.8%, respectively) and 2SSS (34.8 and 54.8%, respectively) groups. However, the mean number of blastocysts produced per OPU session was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the 3CSS group (8.1 ± 6.3) compared with the 2SSS group (5.8 ± 4.4). These results indicate that a series of 3 consecutive SS treatments had greater efficiency in producing OPU-IVF embryos. This work was supported in part by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

154 THE EFFECT OF OXYGEN TENSION ON IN VITRO DEVELOPMENT OF BOVINE EMBRYOS IN POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE-BASED WELL OF THE WELL DISHES PREPARED UNDER ATMOSPHERIC OR REDUCED AIR PRESSURE

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a non-toxic silicon compound. Its excellent optical characteristics and easy preparation make it a good candidate material for the molding of custom-shaped dishes for embryo culture. We investigated the feasibility of PDMS-based well of the well (WOW) dishes for in vitro culture of bovine embryos under different oxygen tensions. The WOW dishes with 25 micro-wells (each of 175 μm depth and 250 μm width in diameter arranged in 5 columns and 5 rows) were molded from PDMS prepared either under atmospheric (Experiment 1) or reduced (0.1 MPa) (Experiment 2) air pressure to remove air bubbles. Presumptive zygotes obtained by the in vitro maturation and fertilization of follicular oocytes were placed and cultured for 7 days in traditional micro-drops of culture medium (Control) or in the micro-wells of PDMS-based WOW dishes (PDMS-WOW), both covered by paraffin oil. The culture medium was CR1aa supplemented with 5% calf serum. The culture drop size was 125 μL (5 μL/oocyte) in both groups. Embryo development and blastocyst cell numbers between Control and PDMS-WOW groups were compared either under 20% or 5% O2 tensions. There was no statistical difference in cleavage and blastocyst rates (ranging between 82.3-86.4% and 34.0-45.8%, respectively) between Control and PDMS-WOW embryos irrespective of oxygen tension and dish production method. In Experiment 1, the mean total cell numbers in blastocysts were lower in the PDMS-WOW group than that in Control under 20% O2 (105.0 ± 5.5 and 130.4 ± 9.9, respectively) (P < 0.05, ANOVA); however, the application of 5% O2 significantly improved the cell numbers and eliminated the difference between the PDMS-WOW and Control groups (135.4 ± 6.2 and 148.0 ± 9.0, respectively). In Experiment 2, there was no significant difference in mean total cell numbers in blastocysts between the PDMS-WOW and Control either under 20% O2 (97.2 ± 5.7 and 103.9 ± 8.9, respectively) or 5% O2 (147.5 ± 12.1 and 157.3 ± 3.9, respectively). The numbers and rates of inner cell mass and trophectoderm cells did not differ between the Control and PDMS-WOW groups, irrespective of O2 tension and production method. Our results demonstrate that bovine embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage in PDMS-based WOW dishes; however, it may express detrimental effects on embryonic cell numbers, which can be neutralized by the application of low O2 tension during culture or reduced air pressure during the PDMS preparation. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-Industry Initiatives.

278 EFFECT OF FOLLICULAR WAVE SYNCHRONIZATION AND SUPERSTIMULATION ON THE NORMALITY OF BOVINE EMBRYOS PRODUCED IN VITRO

We previously reported that follicular wave synchronization by dominant follicle removal on Day 5 and the start of a superstimulatory treatment on Day 7 after ovum pick-up (OPU) was effective to increase oocyte quality (Imai et al. 2008 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 20, 182). The present study was designed to examine the effect of superstimulatory treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization on quality of embryos obtained by OPU and in vitro production. Japanese Black cows were reared under the same feeding and environmental conditions and 2 OPU sessions were conducted in each cow. The first OPU session was performed in 7 cows at arbitrary days of estrous cycle using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer with needle connected to an ultrasound scanner. Then, follicles larger than 8 mm in diameter were aspirated and CIDR was inserted on Day 5 (the day of first OPU session = Day 0). The cows then received 30 mg of FSH twice a day from Days 7 to 10 in decreasing doses (4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2, 1, 1 mg per shot) by i.m. injections. Cloprostenol (PGF; 0.75 mg) was administered in the morning of Day 9. The second OPU session was performed 48 h after PGF administration (Day 11) and only follicles larger than 5 mm in diameter were aspirated. The CIDR was removed from the cows just before OPU. Grade 1 and 2 cumulus oocyte complexes were in vitro matured, fertilized (IVF), and cultured as described by Imai et al. (2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52, Suppl. S19-29). Some zygotes were fixed and stained to check their sperm penetration. Embryo development was monitored by time-lapse cinematography for 168 h after IVF. Cleavage pattern of embryos was classified morphologically into normal and abnormal (including those with multiple fragments, protrusions, 3 to 4 blastomeres, and uneven cell division) groups at their first cleavage. Normal penetration rate of second OPU session was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the first OPU session. There were no differences in the mean percentage of total blastocyst and grade 1 blastocyst rates between the first (45.2 and 46.9%, respectively) and second (47.5 and 41.8%, respectively) OPU sessions. However, the rates of blastocysts developing from embryos that were beyond the 4-cell stage at 48 h after IVF was significantly (P < 0.05) higher after the second OPU session (81.2%) than after the first OPU session (67.4%). Furthermore, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in the rates of normal cleavage at the first cell division in embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage between the first and second OPU sessions (53.3% and 73.9%, respectively). These results indicate that superstimulatory treatment-induced follicular wave synchronization improved the normality of fertilization and development of cattle oocytes obtained by OPU. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

223 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LENGTH OF CELL CYCLES, CLEAVAGE PATTERN, AND DEVELOPMENTAL COMPETENCE DURING IN VITRO CULTURE OF IN VITRO-MATURED/IN VITRO-FERTILIZED BOVINE OOCYTES

In in vitro embryo production systems, there is a need to select embryos with good developmental competence at the early stages. This study was conducted to determine whether there was any relationship between the duration of the first 3 cell cycles, the cleavage pattern of the first cell division, and the developmental competence of embryos during in vitro culture. A total of 320 in vitro-matured and in vitro-fertilized bovine oocytes were cultured in microdrops of CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum covered by mineral oil in 5% CO2 and 20% O2 at 38.5°C. The kinetics of embryo development were measured by time-lapse cinematography. Embryos were classified according to their cleavage pattern at the first cell division. Of 285 cleaved embryos, 119 had 2 blastomeres of the same size (normal cleavage: NC), 49 had 2 blastomeres with multiple small fragments (multiple fragments: MF), 34 had 2 blastomeres and a protrusion (protrusion: PT), 45 showed direct cleavage from 1 cell to 3 or 4 blastomeres (3–4BL), and 60 oocytes cleaved to 2 blastomeres of different sizes (unequal blastomeres: UB). (Twenty-two embryos belonged to 2 classes.) After 175 h of culture, blastocysts were either subjected to differential inner cell mass/trophectoderm (ICM/TE) staining or karyotyped. The first and second cell cycles (mean ± SEM) of viable embryos (that could develop to the blastocyst stage) were significantly shorter than those of nonviable embryos (24.9 ± 0.3 h and 8.7 ± 0.1 h v. 26.6 ± 0.7 h and 10.0 ± 0.1 h, respectively); however, the length of the third cell cycle did not differ (P < 0.05, paired t-test). The duration of 1 cell stage in the NC group was significantly shorter than that of MF, PT, 3–4BL, and UB groups (24.7 ± 0.4 h, 26.6 ± 0.5 h, 26.3 ± 0.6 h, 26.0 ± 0.2 h, and 27.7 ± 0.9 h, respectively). The length of the second and third cell cycles did not differ among the groups. The percentage of NC embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage was similar to that of the 3–4BL group (66.9 and 56.7%, respectively) but was significantly higher than those of the MF, PT, and UB groups (40.5, 26.5, and 35.6%, respectively; P < 0.05, ANOVA). The mean cell numbers of NC blastocysts did not differ from those of the MF, 3–4BL, and UB groups but were higher than those of PT embryos (147.1, 155.6, 121.6, 146.4, and 115.1, respectively). There was no difference in ICM/TE rates between the groups. Unlike NC, MF, PT, and UB embryos, most (6 of 8 karyotyped) 3–4BL blastocysts had abnormal ploidy, such as haploid, triploid, mixoploid, or chaotic chromosome numbers, in blastomeres. Our results revealed that not only the length of the first cell cycles, but also the cleavage pattern during first cell division can be a marker of developmental competence and should be considered for the selection of good-quality embryos for embryo transfer. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

208 TIME LAPSE CINEMATOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF CLEAVAGE AND BLASTULATION IN BOVINE EMBRYOS OBTAINED BY OVUM PICKUP AND IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

Since the 1980s, several different bovine in vitro embryo production systems have been developed, and more than 291 000 embryos have been transferred throughout the world (Thibier M 2007 IETS Newsletter 25(4), 15–20). However, we have limited knowledge about the cleavage pattern of the first, second, and third cell divisions and the developmental activities of embryos during in vitro culture (IVC). The present study was conducted to determine the developmental activities of bovine embryos obtained by ovum pickup (OPU), in vitro maturation (IVM), and in vitro fertilization (IVF). We analyzed embryonic development by time-lapse cinematography (TLC). A total of 92 cumulus–oocyte complexes were collected by OPU from Japanese Black cows and were subjected to IVM and IVF as reported previously (Imai et al. 2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52(Suppl.), S19–S29). Inseminated oocytes were cultured in microdrops of CR1aa medium supplemented with 5% calf serum covered by mineral oil in 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C. Kinetics of embryo development were measured by TLC for 168 h after IVF by using a Cultured Cell Monitoring System (CCM–M1.4ZS, Astec, Fukuoka, Japan). A total of 672 photographs of the embryos were taken (1 photograph every 15 min) during IVC. Image stacks were analyzed by the CCM–M1.4 software. Timing of the first, second, and third cell divisions, blastulation, and embryonic contractions were recorded. The results are reported as time (h) passed after insemination. In total, 75 (81.5%) embryos cleaved and 61 (66.3%) embryos developed to the blastocyst stage. The first, second, and third cell divisions in these viable embryos occurred at 24.0 ± 0.5, 32.1 ± 0.2, and 39.4 ± 0.4 h (mean ± SE) after IVF, respectively. On the other hand, in nonviable embryos (those that failed to develop to the blastocyst stage; n = 14), these cell divisions occurred at 29.5 ± 2.2, 41.3 ± 3.3, and 57.2 ± 7.6 h after IVF, respectively. There tended to be a difference (P = 0.06; paired t-test) in the timing of the first cell division between viable and nonviable embryos. Blastulation of embryos began at 114.4 ± 1.1 h, embryos developed to the blastocyst stage at 127.3 ± 1.4 h, and blastocysts began to expand at 138.4 ± 1.7 h after IVF, respectively. During blastocyst development, embryonic contractions (shrinkage attributable to the rupture of the blastocoele) and tight-shrinkage (shrinking of the embryo to less than 70% of its surface area) were observed in all embryos. The mean numbers of contractions and tight-shrinkages in blastocysts were 5.3 ± 2.7 and 2.1 ± 1.0 times, respectively. The frequency of contractions from the beginning of blastulation to the blastocyst stage was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than after the blastocyst stage. It took 6.9 ± 4.6 h for the embryos to re-expand after the tight-shrinkages. These results indicate that viable in vitro-produced embryos can be selected at early stages by TLC. Further studies are necessary to clarify the importance of the pulsating activity in OPU–IVF embryos. This work was supported by the Research and Development Program for New Bio-industry Initiatives.

206 EFFECT OF FOLLICULAR WAVE SYNCHRONIZATION AND SUPERSTIMULATION ON IN VITRO EMBRYO PRODUCTION

We previously reported that follicular wave synchronization, by removal of the dominant follicle on Day 5 after ovum pickup (OPU), was effective in increasing oocyte quality in the developing follicles (Imai et al. 2006 32th Annual Conference of the IETS, poster presentation no. 277). The current study was designed to examine the effect of superstimulatory treatment to induce subsequent follicular wave synchronization on embryo production by OPU and IVM-IVF-IVC in Holstein dry cows. Cows were reared under the same feeding and environmental conditions, and 2 OPU sessions were conducted in each cow. In the first session, OPU was performed in 8 cows on arbitrary days of the estrous cycle by using a 7.5-MHz linear transducer with needle (Cova needle, Misawa Medical, Tokyo, Japan) connected to an ultrasound scanner (SSD-1200, Aloka, Tokyo, Japan). Follicles larger than 8 mm in diameter were then aspirated and a CIDR was inserted on Day 5 (the day of first OPU session = Day 0). Cows then received 30 mg of FSH (Antrin-R10; Kawasaki Mitaka Pharmaceutical Co., Tokyo, Japan) twice a day from Days 7 to 10 in decreasing doses (6, 6, 4, 4, 3, 3, 2, 2 mg) by i.m. injection. Cloprostenol (PGF; Clopromate C; Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Tokyo, Japan; 0.75 mg) was administered in the morning of Day 9 (third day of superstimulation). The second OPU session was performed 48 h after PGF administration (Day 11), and only follicles larger than 5 mm in diameter were aspirated. The CIDR was removed from the cows just before OPU. Collected oocytes were evaluated by their cumulus cell morphology, cytoplasmic color, and density. Grades 1 and 2 COC were matured, fertilized, and cultured as described by Imai et al. [2006 J. Reprod. Dev. 52(Suppl.), S19–S29]. Embryo development was assessed by the cleavage rate on Day 2 and by the blastocyst formation rate on Days 7 to 8 (the day of insemination = Day 0). Data were analyzed by Student's t-test. There were no differences in the mean (� SD) number of aspirated follicles or collected oocytes between the first (32.5 � 6.8 and 26.0 � 12.7, respectively) and second (29.3 � 10.4 and 19.0 � 9.4, respectively) OPU sessions (P > 0.1). The percentage of Grade 1 and 2 oocytes for the second OPU session (90.5 � 13.8%) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than for the first OPU session (63.1 � 6.3%), and significant differences were found for cleavage (79.4 � 14.1, 61.8 � 25.1, P < 0.01) and blastocyst rates (68.1 � 16.7, 24.2 � 22.3, P < 0.001) between sessions. The mean numbers of blastocysts obtained per session were 4.3 � 2.9 and 12.8 � 8.7 in the first and second sessions, respectively (P < 0.01). These results indicate that superstimulatory treatment and subsequent follicular wave synchronization were effective on in vitro embryo production by increasing the oocyte quality.

Mutations of the HIPK2 gene in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome impair AML1- and p53-mediated transcription

The AML1 transcription factor complex is the most frequent target of leukemia-associated chromosomal translocations. Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) is a part of the AML1 complex and activates AML1-mediated transcription. However, chromosomal translocations and mutations of HIPK2 have not been reported. In the current study, we screened mutations of the HIPK2 gene in 50 cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and in 80 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Results indicated there were two missense mutations (R868W and N958I) in the speckle-retention signal (SRS) domain of HIPK2. Subcellular localization analyses indicated that the two mutants were largely localized to nuclear regions with conical or ring shapes, and were somewhat diffused in the nucleus, in contrast to the wild type, which were mainly localized in nuclear speckles. The mutations impaired the overlapping localization of AML1 and HIPK2. The mutants showed decreased activities and a dominant-negative function over wild-type protein in AML1- and p53-dependent transcription. These findings suggest that dysfunction of HIPK2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of leukemia.

Inhibitory effects of an anti-rheumatic agent T-614 on immunoglobulin production by cultured B cells and rheumatoid synovial tissues engrafted into SCID mice

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the pharmacological action of an anti-rheumatic agent T-614, we investigated its effects on immunoglobulin (Ig) production by cultured B cells and Ig secretion from synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using SCID mice engrafted with human RA tissue (SCID-HuRAg).

METHODS

Murine B cells were prepared from mouse spleen by a T-cell depletion method. The cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or interleukin 4 (IL-4) in the absence or presence of T-614. Human B cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and the Ig production was induced by co-culture with autologous T cells and anti-CD3 antibody. SCID-HuRAg was prepared according to our previous method. T-614 was orally administered to the mice once daily for 4 weeks starting on the fourth week after the implantation. Then, peripheral blood was obtained and the implanted tissues were removed. Igs in the culture media or the sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

In murine B-cell cultures, T-614 significantly decreased not only the IgM production stimulated with LPS but IgG1 production induced by LPS and IL-4. Regarding human B cells stimulated with T cells, it also inhibited IgM and IgG production. In SCID-HuRAg mice, high concentrations of polyclonal human IgG were detectable in the sera of all mice. A significant decrease in the IgG level was observed in the T-614-treated group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that T-614 inhibited Ig production by the cultured B cells and also decreased the high level of human IgG observed in SCID-HuRAg mice. These results may support its effect on plasma Ig in RA patients and provide insights into the mechanisms of its anti-rheumatic effect.

An anti-rheumatic agent T-614 inhibits NF-kappaB activation in LPS- and TNF-alpha-stimulated THP-1 cells without interfering with IkappaBalpha degradation

OBJECTIVE

Compound T-614, a member of the methanesulfoanilide class of anti-inflammatory agents, shows potent anti-arthritic activity in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize the anti-arthritic activity of T-614 in terms of regulation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB, which is associated with expression of many immune and inflammatory genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

THP-1 cells (human monocytic leukemia cell line) were used throughout this in vitro study, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were employed for activation of the cells. Cytokine production was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels were determined by a semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Assessment of the NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was performed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using a digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled double-stranded oligonucleotide containing kappaB-binding site. Degradation kinetics of the cytosolic NF-kappaB inhibitor a (IkappaBalpha) were studied by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

T-614 inhibited LPS-stimulated production of TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 in a concentration-dependent manner with decreasing mRNA levels (IL-6 and IL-8). EMSA study showed that T-614 prevented TNF-alpha as well as LPS-stimulated activation of NF-kappaB, and Western blot analysis proved that T-614 did not affect degradation of IkappaBalpha protein.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of T-614 on the production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells may involve transcriptional regulation through suppression of NF-kappaB activation without interfering with IkappaBalpha degradation.

Inhibitory effect of T-614 on tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced cytokine production and nuclear factor-kappaB activation in cultured human synovial cells

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of the immunosuppressive effect of T-614 [N-(3-formylamino-4-oxo-6-phenoxy-4H-chromen-7-yl)methanesulfonamide], a new antirheumatic drug whose clinical efficacy has been determined for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

RA synovial fibroblast-like cells were cultured with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha, 10 ng/ml) in the presence or absence of T-614. After incubation, cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 mRNA was examined by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis and TNF-alpha induced nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation was observed using immunostaining with an antibody against NF-kappaB p65.

RESULTS

T-614 suppressed TNF-alpha induced production of IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and also reduced the accumulation of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA in a concentration dependent manner. T-614 interfered with the TNF-alpha induced translocation of NF-kappaB to the nucleus from the cytoplasm.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and transcription of proinflammatory cytokines by T-614 contributes to its clinical antirheumatic effect.

Regional wall stress predicts ventricular remodeling after anteroseptal myocardial infarction in the Healing and Early Afterload Reducing Trial (HEART): an echocardiography-based structural analysis

BACKGROUND

Increased left ventricular (LV) wall stress after myocardial infarction (MI) has been implicated in LV remodeling. However, the relationship between LV wall stress and LV remodeling is incompletely defined.

METHOD

We prospectively studied the relationship between regional wall stress and LV remodeling by application of the finite element method to end-systolic LV models from patients enrolled in the Healing and Early Afterload Reducing Therapy (HEART) Trial. Individual LV models were constructed from orthogonal apical echocardiographic views obtained at day 14 after anteroseptal MI in 64 patients. Of these, 31 patients received low-dose (0.625 mg) ramipril and 33 patients received full-dose (10 mg) ramipril. LV wall stress was calculated by the finite element method and correlated with change in LV volume from day 14 to day 90 after MI.

RESULTS

Among all patients, increases in apical regional wall stress were associated with LV volume changes (P -trend =.015). The relationship between apical regional wall stress and change in LV volume was strongest in the low-dose ramipril group (r = 0.53, P =.002) and remained significant after adjustment for end-diastolic volume, infarct size, ejection fraction, and systolic blood pressure yet was attenuated in the full-dose ramipril group.

CONCLUSIONS

Apical regional wall stress is an independent predictor of subsequent LV remodeling after MI. The relationship between increased apical wall stress and LV dilatation appears to be attenuated by full-dose angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition.

Fusion of MOZ and p300 histone acetyltransferases in acute monocytic leukemia with a t(8;22)(p11;q13) chromosome translocation

Histone acetyltransferase p300 functions as a transcriptional co-activator which interacts with a number of transcription factors. Monocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (MOZ) has histone acetyltransferase activity. We report the fusion of the MOZ gene to the p300 gene in acute myeloid leukemia with translocation t(8;22)(p11;q13). FISH and Southern blot analyses showed the rearrangement of the MOZ and p300 genes. We determined the genomic structure of the p300 and the MOZ genes and the breakpoints of the translocation. Analysis of fusion transcripts indicated that the zinc finger and acetyltransferase domains of MOZ are fused to a largely intact p300. These results suggest that MOZ-p300, which has two acetyltransferase domains, could be involved in leukemogenesis through aberrant regulation of histone acetylation.

Effect of acupuncture-like stimulation on cortical cerebral blood flow in anesthetized rats

The effect of acupuncture-like stimulation of various areas (cheek, forepaw, upper arm, chest, back, lower leg, hindpaw, perineum) on cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) was examined in anesthetized rats. An acupuncture needle (diameter, 340 microm) was inserted into the skin and underlying muscles at a depth of about 5 mm and twisted to the right and left once a second for 1 min. CBF of the cortex was measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter. Stimulation of the cheek, forepaw, upper arm and hindpaw produced significant increases in CBF, but stimulation of the chest, back, lower leg and perineum did not produce significant responses. Stimulation of the cheek, forepaw, and hindpaw produced an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP), while stimulation of the back produced a decrease in MAP. Stimulation of the upper arm, chest, lower leg and perineum did not produce a significant MAP response. After spinal transection at the 1st to 2nd thoracic level, the blood pressure response to stimulation of the cheek and forepaw was suppressed, whereas an increase in CBF still took place. The increase in CBF induced by forepaw stimulation was abolished by severance of the somatic nerves at the brachial plexus. Forepaw stimulation enhanced the activity of the radial, ulnar and median nerves. Furthermore, in the present study, passing of an electric current through acupuncture needles showed that excitation of group III (Adelta) and group IV (C) afferent fibers in the somatic nerve was capable of producing an increase in CBF, whereas excitation of group I (Aalpha) and group II (Abeta) fibers was ineffective. The increase in CBF induced by forepaw stimulation was almost abolished by intravenous administration of muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic blocking agents (atropine 5 mg/kg and mecamylamine 20 mg/kg), and by bilateral lesions in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. Acupuncture-like stimulation of a forepaw increased acetylcholine release in the cerebral cortex. We concluded that the increase in CBF, independent of systemic blood pressure, elicited by acupuncture stimulation is a reflex response in which the afferent nerve pathway is composed of somatic group III and IV afferent nerves, and efferent nerve pathway includes intrinsic cholinergic vasodilators originating in the nucleus basalis of Meynert.

Detection of hepatocellular carcinoma and its metastases with various pulse sequences using superparamagnetic iron oxide (SHU-555-A)

BACKGROUND

To identify the most useful combinations of various pre- and postcontrast magnetic resonance (MR) image sequences in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its intrahepatic metastases before and after injection of SHU-555-A.

METHODS

Thirty-eight lesions in 16 patients were evaluated before and after administration of SHU-555-A by using fast spin echo (FSE), gradient echo (GRE), and echo planar (EP) imaging sequences using a 1.5-Tesla superconducting MR system. The signal intensity ratio (SIR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the lesions, signal-to-noise ratios, and other parameters were calculated.

RESULTS

Tumors were better detected after injection of SHU-555-A on all pulse sequences except on out-of-phase T1-weighted (T1W)-GRE sequences. Tumor detectability was higher for precontrast EP imaging and T2*-weighted (T2*W)-GRE sequences, whereas detectability at postcontrast was higher for T2*W-GRE, proton-density-weighted-FSE, and in-phase T1W-GRE sequences. The SIR and CNR at precontrast were highest for EP imaging, and those at postcontrast were highest for T2*W-GRE.

CONCLUSION

SHU-555-A will increase the detectability of HCC and its liver metastases. T1W- and T2*W-GRE sequences would be the sequences of choice.

A 2-Mb sequence-ready contig map and a novel immunoglobulin superfamily gene IGSF4 in the LOH region of chromosome 11q23.2

Human chromosome 11q23.2 has been proposed to contain a tumor suppressor gene(s) whose deletion has been associated with cancer of the lung and breast and with neuroblastoma. To analyze the genomic structure and to isolate a candidate tumor suppressor gene from this region, we constructed a 2-Mb sequence-ready contig map using bacteriophage P1 (P1), bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), and P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC). The map comprises a contig of 24 overlapping P1, BAC, and PAC clones. To isolate gene fragments from the region, we performed direct cDNA library screening, exon trapping, EST mapping, and genomic sequencing using the P1, BAC, and PAC clones. Sequence analysis of 5 clones, which spans 23% (458,738 bp) of the region, and extensive gene scanning along the entire region revealed that the region is extraordinarily scarce in genes, but we identified one ubiquitously expressed novel gene and one testis-specific gene fragment. The novel gene, which we call IGSF4 (immunoglobulin superfamily 4), is transcribed into a 1.6- or 4.4-kb RNA encoding a 442-amino-acid protein. It shares strong homology with mouse IGSF-B12 and cell adhesion molecules NCAM1 and NCAM2 within their Ig-like C2-type domains. The IGSF4 gene, a novel gene that is shown to be located in the common loss of heterozygosity region, possesses a number of interesting features and may be good candidate for a tumor suppressor gene.

Occurrence of free D-amino acids and aspartate racemases in hyperthermophilic archaea

The occurrence of free D-amino acids and aspartate racemases in several hyperthermophilic archaea was investigated. Aspartic acid in all the hyperthermophilic archaea was highly racemized. The ratio of D-aspartic acid to total aspartic acid was in the range of 43.0 to 49.1%. The crude extracts of the hyperthermophiles exhibited aspartate racemase activity at 70 degrees C, and aspartate racemase homologous genes in them were identified by PCR. D-Enantiomers of other amino acids (alanine, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine) in Thermococcus strains were also detected. Some of them might be by-products of aspartate racemase. It is proven that D-amino acids are produced in some hyperthermophilic archaea, although their function is unknown.

Involvement of PITPnm, a mammalian homologue of Drosophila rdgB, in phosphoinositide synthesis on Golgi membranes

Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein (PITP) is involved in phospholipase C-mediated signaling and membrane trafficking. We previously reported cloning and characterization of a gene encoding for membrane-bound PITP, named PITPnm, that is a mammalian homologue of the Drosophila retinal degeneration B (rdgB) gene (Aikawa, Y., Hara, H., and Watanabe, T. (1997) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 236, 559-564). Here we report the subcellular localization of PITPnm protein and provide evidence for its involvement in phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns 4-P) synthesis. PITPnm is an integral membrane protein that largely localized in close association with membranes of Golgi vacuoles and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The amino terminus region of PITPnm was exposed to cytoplasmic side. Interaction with various phosphoinositides was observed in the amino terminus region spanning from 196 amino acids to 257 amino acids of PITPnm. At the amino terminus regions of 1-372 amino acids, PITPnm formed a complex with type III PtdIns 4-kinase. The transmembrane and carboxyl-terminal portions (residues 418-1242) functioned to retain the PITPnm in the Golgi vacuole. These results suggest that PITPnm plays a role in phosphoinositide synthesis on the Golgi vacuoles and possibly in the PtdIns signaling pathway in mammalian cells.

A quadricuspid aortic valve diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography: report of a case

A quadricuspid aortic valve is a very rare anomaly which may cause aortic regurgitation in adulthood. We describe herein the case of a 54-year-old man with aortic regurgitation in whom a quadricuspid aortic valve was diagnosed, not through transthoracic investigation, but by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). TEE also indicated that the right coronary ostium was located in a lower position. Subsequent aortic valve replacement was successfully performed, at which time the diagnosis was confirmed. Thus, TEE played an important role in identifying the anatomy of the aortic valve and the location of the coronary ostium.