Interferon-gamma-inducing activity of interleukin-18 in the joint with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) bioactivity within the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) joint, and the differential effects of IL-12 and IL-18 on interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) production by T cell infiltrates.

METHODS

Expression of IL-18 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The biologic activity of IL-18 was detected on the basis of IFNgamma secretion from IL-18-responding human myelomonocytic KG-1 cells. To determine the extent of inhibitory activity on binding of IL-18 to its receptor, a [125I]-IL-18 binding inhibition assay was performed, using a Chinese hamster ovary cell line transfected with a murine IL-18 receptor.

RESULTS

The amount of IL-18 protein detected in both the serum and synovial fluid of RA patients was markedly larger than that detected in the serum and synovial fluid ofosteoarthritis (OA) patients, and serum IL-18 levels correlated with the levels of serum C-reactive protein. IFNgamma production by KG-1 cells was more strongly stimulated in synovial fluid samples from RA patients than in samples from OA patients, and this activity was largely diminished in the presence of anti-IL-18 antibody. In contrast, the activity of IL-18 binding inhibition in the serum and synovial fluid of RA patients was not significantly elevated compared with that in OA patients. RA synovial tissues showed increased expression of IL-18 mRNA and increased IL-18 protein synthesis compared with that in OA tissues. Purified CD14+ macrophages, but not activated fibroblast cell lines, from RA synovium were able to release mature IL-18, although both cell types expressed its transcripts. IL-18 alone showed a negligible effect on IFNgamma production by RA synovial tissue cells, in contrast to IL-12, which was directly stimulatory. However, IL-12-induced IFNgamma production was synergistically enhanced by IL-18, and yet was >50% reduced by neutralization of endogenous IL-18 with anti-IL-18 antibody.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that IL-18, produced predominantly by tissue macrophages, primarily potentiates IL-12-induced IFNgamma production by T cell infiltrates in RA synovium. Detection of significant IL-18 bioactivity in the joints, despite the presence of IL-18 binding inhibitors, supports an integral role of this cytokine in perpetuating the IFNgamma-dominant T cell cytokine response in RA.

Postmenopausal changes in serum cytokine levels and hormone replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to investigate the effect of hormone replacement therapy on the postmenopausal changes in serum cytokine levels.

STUDY DESIGN

Fifteen cytokines were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 97 untreated and hormone replacement-treated women. Thirteen women were examined before and during hormone replacement therapy.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of macrophage colony-stimulating factor were significantly (P < .05) lower during the early postmenopausal period (< or = 10 years) than the values in premenopause and the elevated levels in the late postmenopausal period (< or = 30 years). A significant increase in tumor necrosis factor alpha and a decline in transforming growth factor beta1 were found in late postmenopausal women. Serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in women receiving hormone replacement therapy were significantly higher than those in untreated postmenopausal women. Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy induced a significant (P < .01) increase in serum levels of macrophage colony-stimulating factor, whereas serum levels of other cytokines were not affected.

CONCLUSION

It is well documented that macrophage colony-stimulating factor lowers serum cholesterol concentrations and prevents atherosclerosis. Inducing the production of macrophage colony-stimulating factor is a possible additional mechanism of hormone replacement therapy in mediating the antiatherogenic effect.

B cell subsets in postmenopausal women and the effect of hormone replacement therapy

OBJECTIVES

In elderly subjects the capacity for antibody production is depressed. This immunosenescence state of humoral immunity is associated with the occurrence of autoimmune disorders involving CD5+ B (B-1) cells. Since estrogen is capable of stimulating the production of autoantibodies, this sex steroid hormone may be a contributing cause of the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in women. In the present study, B cell subsets in women during the postmenopausal period was determined. The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on B cell subsets was examined to establish whether the administration of gonadal hormones influence humoral immunity in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Forty six untreated pre- and postmenopausal women and 39 women on HRT were studied. The proportion of B-1 (CD5+) and conventional CD5- B (B-2) lymphocytes was determined by two-color flow cytometry. Serum autoantibodies to a nuclear antigen and to interleukin (IL)-1alpha were measured by immunofluorescence and by radioimmunoassay, respectively. Thirteen women were examined prospectively before and during HRT.

RESULTS

In late postmenopausal women (> or = 30 years postmenopausal period), the proportion of B-2 cells was significantly reduced (p<0.01) compared to those of premenopausal and perimenopausal women. HRT induced a significant (p<0.01) increase in the percentage of B-2 cells, while that of B-1 cells remained unchanged. HRT did not affect autoantibody production.

CONCLUSION

HRT may retard the progress of immunosenescence by increasing the production of B-2 cells. Moreover, HRT appears not to increase the risk of autoimmune diseases developing in postmenopausal women.

Successful immunogene therapy using colon cancer cells (colon 26) transfected with plasmid vector containing mature interleukin-18 cDNA and the Igkappa leader sequence

IL-18 is a novel cytokine that induces interferon (IFN)-gamma secretion and plays an important role in antitumor immunity. In the present study, we constructed plasmid vectors encoding the murine mature IL-18 cDNA linked with the Igkappa leader sequence and the pro-IL-18 cDNA to estimate the efficacy of the mature IL- 18 vector and to evaluate IL-18--producing tumor cells as a tumor vaccine. Colon 26 cells were transfected with the abovementioned vectors or with vector alone (mock). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed increased expression of murine IL-18 cDNA in both mature IL-18 and pro-IL-18 transfectants in comparison to that in mock transfected cells. The ability of the culture supernatants of mature IL-18 transfectants to induce IFN-gamma secretion was extremely high (40-140 pg/10(6) cells) in comparison to that of pro-IL-18 transfectants (4-18 pg/10(6) cells). When injected into syngeneic BALB/c mice, the growth of mature IL-18 transfectants, but not pro-IL-18 transfectants, was significantly less than that in mock transfected cells ( P< .01, by ANOVA and analysis of covariance). In addition, injection of colon 26 or Meth-A cells into mice immunized with a mature IL-18 transfectant revealed acquired immunity. Depletion of natural killer cells did not affect the growth of transfectants. However, the growth inhibitory effects were partially abrogated following treatment with anti-CD4+ and anti-CD8+ antibodies. These data suggest that the rejection of mature IL-18/colon 26 cells was mediated through T-cell activation. Gene therapy using mature IL-18 transfectants containing a plasmid vector and the Igkappa leader sequence may be a useful tumor vaccine.

Cytokine response to human liver ischemia-reperfusion injury during hepatectomy: marker of injury or surgical stress?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory or antiinflammatory cytokine response to ischemia-reperfusion during hepatectomy and to find a useful marker of injury or surgical stress during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion.

METHODOLOGY

In 9 patients with liver disease who underwent hepatectomy using the Pringle maneuver, serum cytokines, including alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and hyaluronic acid, were measured just prior to vascular occlusion; 5, 10 and 15 min after initial clamping; and 3 min after initial declamping.

RESULTS

The mean concentrations of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase did not significantly differ before and after ischemia-reperfusion during hepatectomy. However, mean concentrations of hyaluronic acid after ischemia-reperfusion were significantly (P < 0.03) higher than before clamping. Although there were no significant differences in the mean concentrations of IL-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-alpha among, before and after ischemia-reperfusion, the mean concentrations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor after ischemia-reperfusion and macrophage colony-stimulating factor after reperfusion were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than before clamping.

CONCLUSIONS

Although hepatic parenchymal cell function was maintained after ischemia-reperfusion during hepatectomy, sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction was found. Release of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and macrophage colony-stimulating factor after ischemia-reperfusion were also found. These cytokines and hyaluronic acid may be useful indicators in the early phase of human ischemia-reperfusion injury during hepatectomy.

Increased incidence of autoantibodies to interleukin-1a in rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the clinical significance of autoantibodies (auto-Ab) to interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with interstitial lung disease (ILD), we examined the IL-1alpha auto-Ab level in serum of patients with RA with/without ILD.

METHODOLOGY

We investigated the level of IL-1alpha auto-Ab in serum of 70 patients with RA with/without ILD and 40 control patients (CP). Levels of IL-1alpha auto-Ab were measured by radioimmunoassay, and serum was regarded as IL-1alpha auto-Ab positive at an auto-Ab level of more than 5 ng/mL.

RESULTS

Interleukin-1alpha auto-Ab was detected in the serum of 30 out of 70 RA patients (42.9%), and six out of 40 CP (15%) (P < 0.05). Interleukin-1alpha auto-Ab were detected in the serum of 18 out of 32 patients with RA with ILD (56.2%) and 12 out of 38 patients with RA without ILD (31.5%). The positive rate of these autoantibodies in RA with ILD was significantly higher than that in RA without ILD (P < 0.05). Although C-reactive protein, immunoglobulin G, rheumatoid factor and rheumatoid arthritis particle agglutination levels in serum from patients with RA with ILD were not significantly different between the IL-1alpha auto-Ab-positive and -negative groups, the lactate dehydrogenase level (LDH) and AaDO, in the IL-1alpha auto-Ab-positive group were significantly higher than those in the negative group (LDH: P < 0.001, AaDO2: P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IL-1alpha auto-Ab are generated in response to the immunoinflammatory process of ILD in RA, and these autoantibodies may neutralize and regulate the IL-1alpha activity.

Interleukin-1beta level in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with active periodontitis

Previous studies revealed that interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) was detectable in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis, and the level was increased in level in gingival tissue extracts of active periodontal disease sites (defined as attachment loss > or = 2.5 mm over the preceding 2 months) compared to inactive sites or healthy sites. The present study evaluated the relationship of IL-1beta level in GCF and periodontal disease status. GCF was collected with Periopaper strips from 34 disease-active and 45 disease-inactive teeth in 11 untreated periodontitis patients and from 60 teeth in 15 healthy control subjects. Disease activity was defined as attachment loss of > or = 2.5 mm in at least one site of a tooth as determined by sequential probing. The absorbed GCF volume was determined using a Periotron 6000 and the crevicular IL-1beta level was determined using IL-1beta monoclonal antibody (Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Japan). IL-1beta was below the detection level of the assay (6 pg/ml) in the healthy control group but was detected in most teeth of the periodontitis group. However, disease-active teeth had higher IL-1beta level (Mann-Whitney U-test, p < 0.05) than disease-inactive teeth (mean total IL-1beta of 5.89 +/- 7.88 pg/tooth and 1.72 +/- 2.28 pg/tooth; mean concentration of 1.6 +/- 2.5 ng/ml and 0.6 +/- 0.83 ng/ml, respectively). The level of IL-1beta showed no correlation with probing depth, but had significant correlation (p < 0.05) with the extent of attachment loss. This study suggests that the level of IL-1beta in GCF may have a predictive value for determining active and inactive periodontal status.

Gender-related difference in relationship between insulin resistance and serum leptin level in Japanese type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic subjects

It remains controversial whether or not a correlation exists between serum leptin levels and insulin resistance, and, if such a correlation does exist, whether it is independent of adiposity. To investigate the possible existence of an independent correlation, we have assessed serum leptin levels and insulin resistance in Japanese diabetic and non-diabetic subjects by means of Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-R). Sixty-four Japanese patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (33 men and 31 women) and 53 sex-, age-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-diabetic adults (29 men and 24 women) were enrolled. The fasting plasma level of glucose (FPG) and the fasting serum levels of immunoreactive insulin (FIRI) and leptin were determined. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that, in both male diabetic and male non-diabetic subjects, HOMA-R and BMI were independently correlated with serum leptin levels. In females, BMI, but not HOMA-R, was correlated to the serum levels of leptin in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the partial regression coefficients between male diabetic and male non-diabetic subjects. These results suggest that the correlation of HOMA-R to the serum levels of leptin in females is dependent on BMI. In males, the relationship between serum leptin levels and the insulin resistance was not affected by the extent of glucose intolerance.

Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived plasma protein, inhibits endothelial NF-kappaB signaling through a cAMP-dependent pathway

BACKGROUND

Among the many adipocyte-derived endocrine factors, we found an adipocyte-derived plasma protein, adiponectin, that was decreased in obesity. We recently demonstrated that adiponectin inhibited tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)-induced expression of endothelial adhesion molecules and that plasma adiponectin level was reduced in patients with coronary artery disease (CIRCULATION: 1999;100:2473-2476). However, the intracellular signal by which adiponectin suppressed adhesion molecule expression was not elucidated. The present study investigated the mechanism of modulation for endothelial function by adiponectin.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The interaction between adiponectin and human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) was estimated by cell ELISA using biotinylated adiponectin. HAECs were preincubated for 18 hours with 50 microg/mL of adiponectin, then exposed to TNF-alpha (10 U/mL) or vehicle for the times indicated. NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. TNF-alpha-inducible phosphorylation signals were detected by immunoblotting. Adiponectin specifically bound to HAECs in a saturable manner and inhibited TNF-alpha-induced mRNA expression of monocyte adhesion molecules without affecting the interaction between TNF-alpha and its receptors. Adiponectin suppressed TNF-alpha-induced IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and subsequent NF-kappaB activation without affecting other TNF-alpha-mediated phosphorylation signals, including Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 kinase, and Akt kinase. This inhibitory effect of adiponectin is accompanied by cAMP accumulation and is blocked by either adenylate cyclase inhibitor or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations raise the possibility that adiponectin, which is naturally present in the blood stream, modulates the inflammatory response of endothelial cells through cross talk between cAMP-PKA and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.

Increased urinary excretion of macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in patients with IgA nephropathy: tonsil stimulation enhances urinary M-CSF excretion

Upper respiratory tract infection including chronic tonsillitis is considered to be involved in the onset and/or the progression of IgA nephropathy. It is well known that deterioration of urinary findings occurs after episodes of upper respiratory tract infection in patients with IgA nephropathy. We previously showed that the expression of macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is increased in the glomeruli of patients with IgA nephropathy and correlated with glomerular mesangial proliferation, suggesting that M-CSF plays an important role in the progression of IgA nephropathy. In the present study, we measured the serum and urinary concentrations of M-CSF in patients with IgA nephropathy associated with chronic tonsillitis. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of the local provocation test of tonsils (mechanical tonsil stimulation) on the serum and urinary concentrations of M-CSF in the following three groups: (1) IgA nephropathy with severe mesangial proliferation, (2) IgA nephropathy with mild mesangial proliferation, and (3) patients with chronic tonsillitis without renal disease. The serum and urinary levels of M-CSF in the groups with severe and mild IgA nephropathy were significantly higher than those in the chronic tonsillitis group. The urinary M-CSF level but not the serum M-CSF level was positively correlated with the degrees of mesangial proliferation and glomerular M-CSF expression in the renal biopsy specimens. The urinary M-CSF concentration was significantly increased after tonsillitis stimulation in both mild and severe IgA nephropathy groups. Enhanced urinary excretion of M-CSF prolonged for 7 days after tonsil stimulation in the severe IgA nephropathy group; in contrast, the urinay M-CSF level was increased for only 2 days after tonsil stimulation in the mild IgA nephropathy group. The urinary M-CSF level was not changed in the chronic tonsillitis group after tonsil stimulation. The serum concentrations of M-CSF were not changed after tonsil stimulation in these three groups. Our present results suggest that tonsil stimulation contributes to the progression of IgA nephropathy via enhancement of glomerular production of M-CSF. The urinary excretion of M-CSF may be a useful predictor to evaluate the relevance of chronic tonsillitis to the disease and the indication of tonsillectomy in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Allergen-induced mRNA expression of IL-5, but not of IL-4 and IFN-gamma, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is a key feature of clinical manifestation of seasonal allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the allergen-induced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of interleukin (IL) 4, IL-5 and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals sensitized by Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) pollens, and to elucidate the clinical role of IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma in the allergen sensitization and clinical manifestation of allergic disorders.

DESIGN

This study included 30 patients sensitized to the pollen and 14 nonatopic healthy volunteers. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (1.0 x 10(6) cells/mL) of each individual were cultured at 37 degrees C for 24 hours in the presence of 10 microg/mL of Cry j 1, a major allergen of the pollens. Total cellular RNA was extracted from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and IL-4, IL-5, and IFN-gamma mRNA expression was determined with a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

From the results of a survey of symptom diary cards and interviews regarding nasal symptoms during the pollen season in 1998, we found that 20 patients (symptomatic group), but not 10 patients (asymptomatic group), had typical symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Interleukin 4 mRNA was not expressed in the nonatopic subjects but was expressed in 9 asymptomatic patients and in 17 symptomatic patients. Interleukin 5 mRNA was exclusively expressed in the symptomatic patients. Interferon gamma mRNA expression did not differ significantly among the nonatopic subjects, asymptomatic patients, and symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has clearly highlighted an interesting and new concept that IL-4 is implicated in allergen sensitization but not in clinical manifestation, and that IL-5 may not be a feature of atopy in itself but seems to be a hallmark of clinical manifestation of ongoing atopic diseases.

Effects of SSM (specific substance maruyama) on HBe antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B -clinical efficacy and modulation of cytokines

Twenty-three patients with HBe antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B were treated with capitalite first letters Maruyama (SSM). HBe antigen turned negative in 15 patients. The levels of various cytokines in pre- and post-treatment frozen serum samples from six patients whose HBe antigen turned negative and from five whose HBe antigen did not were examined. Reduction of serum interleukin (IL) -10 level to below 20 pg/ml was observed after SSM treatment in four of the six patients whose HBe antigen turned negative. SSM was found to stimulate the production of interferon (IFN) -gamma in peripheral blood cells from two healthy volunteers. This stimulatory effect was confirmed in 12 out of 24 healthy volunteers. SSM augmented the production of IFN-gamma in eight out of 10 patients with chronic hepatitis B and nine of 10 with hepatitis C. These results demonstrate for the first time that SSM stimulates the production of IFN-gamma in human peripheral blood cells and also suggest that treatment of HBe antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with SSM leads to the clearance of HBe antigen and normalization of serum aspartate aminotransferase levels through inhibition of IL-10 and stimulation of IFN-gamma.

Thyroid hormones influence serum leptin levels in patients with Graves' disease during suppression of beta-adrenergic receptors

Leptin is a protein product of the ob gene, mainly produced by adipocytes. Leptin is thought to play an important role in the homeostasis of body weight by suppressing appetite and increasing energy consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effect of thyroid hormone on the regulation of the leptin system during suppression of beta-adrenergic receptors in Graves' patients. We studied 15 adult female patients with Graves' disease. Thyroid function, serum levels of leptin, and percent body fat (%BF) were examined at four different clinical conditions during therapy (A, untreated; B, beta-adrenergic antagonist only [A, B; hyperthyroid], C, beta-adrenergic antagonist and antithyroid drug; D, antithyroid drug only [C, D; euthyroid]). The use of beta-adrenergic antagonist significantly reduced heart rate in spite of hyperthyroid state, indicating sufficient suppression of beta-adrenergic receptors. During treatment with beta-adrenergic antagonist, leptin percentage of body fat (%BF) ratio significantly decreased in euthyroid state compared to that in hyperthyroid state (from 38.7 +/- 21.3 to 18.1 +/- 19.3, p = 0.003). Moreover, there was a significantly positive correlation between delta leptin/%BF and delta free thyroxine (FT4) (r = 0.51, p = 0.008). Under a euthyroid state induced by antithyroid drug treatment, leptin/%BF did not change in spite of withdrawal of beta-adrenergic antagonist. Our data indicate that thyroid hormones could increase serum leptin level during suppression of beta-adrenergic receptors in Graves' patients. Our data also suggest that the beta-adrenergic action of thyroid hormones might be partly mediated by regulation of leptin.

Regulation of disease-progression genes in human gastric carcinoma cells by interleukin 8

The expression of interleukin 8 (IL-8) by human gastric carcinomas directly correlates with tumor vascularity and disease progression. To determine whether IL-8 can act in an autocrine manner to regulate the expression of other disease-progression genes, we examined the expression of IL-8 receptors IL-8RA (CXCR1) and IL-8RB (CXCR2) in six different human gastric carcinoma cell lines and 38 surgical specimens of human gastric carcinomas. All of the gastric carcinoma cell lines expressed mRNA and protein for IL-8RA and IL-8RB protein. In all surgical specimens, the majority of the tumor cells and small vessel endothelial cells stained positive for IL-8RA and IL-8RB protein. In vitro treatment of human gastric cancer MKN-1 cells with exogenous IL-8 enhanced the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, type IV collagenase (metalloproteinase-9), vascular endothelial growth factor, and IL-8 mRNA. In contrast, treatment with exogenous IL-8 decreased expression of E-cadherin mRNA. IL-8 treatment increased invasive capacity of MKN-1 cells, which was associated with activity of metalloproteinase-9. Collectively, these results demonstrate that human gastric carcinoma cells express receptors for IL-8 and that IL-8 may play a role in the progressive growth of human gastric carcinoma by autocrine/paracrine mechanisms.

Effect of grepafloxacin on cytokine production in vitro

The effect of a new quinolone antibacterial agent, grepafloxacin, on the production of cytokines was investigated using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood cells. Grepafloxacin 1-30 mg/L inhibited the production of interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) and IL-1beta, and the expression of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of grepafloxacin is exerted, in part, at the gene transcription level.

Expression of interferon alpha/beta receptor in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) plays a crucial role in the antiproliferation and immunoregulatory activity through the specific cell surface receptor, interferon-alpha/beta receptor (IFNalpha/betaR). We examined the immunohistochemical expression of IFNalpha/betaR in 91 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), HCV-related chronic hepatitis (n=38) and cirrhosis (n=53), dysplastic nodules (n=5), and normal liver (n=9). The level of IFNalpha/betaR increased in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis compared with normal liver. All the dysplastic nodules showed moderate or high expression. In HCCs, 26% (24/91) of patients showed high IFNalpha/betaR expression while the remaining 38% (35/91) showed moderate, and 35% (32/91) no or faint expression. Clinicopathological survey demonstrated a significant correlation between IFNalpha/betaR expression and differentiation of carcinoma (P=0.0008) although there was no correlation between IFNalpha/betaR expression in HCC and survival or disease-free survival. Thus, IFNalpha/betaR was expressed not only in chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis but in HCC and its expression was significantly correlated with tissue differentiation of carcinoma.

Plasma concentrations of a novel, adipose-specific protein, adiponectin, in type 2 diabetic patients

Adiponectin is a novel, adipose-specific protein abundantly present in the circulation, and it has antiatherogenic properties. We analyzed the plasma adiponectin concentrations in age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched nondiabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects with and without coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma levels of adiponectin in the diabetic subjects without CAD were lower than those in nondiabetic subjects (6.6+/-0.4 versus 7.9+/-0.5 microg/mL in men, 7.6+/-0.7 versus 11.7+/-1.0 microg/mL in women; P<0.001). The plasma adiponectin concentrations of diabetic patients with CAD were lower than those of diabetic patients without CAD (4.0+/-0.4 versus 6.6+/-0.4 microg/mL, P<0.001 in men; 6.3+/-0.8 versus 7.6+/-0. 7 microg/mL in women). In contrast, plasma levels of leptin did not differ between diabetic patients with and without CAD. The presence of microangiopathy did not affect the plasma adiponectin levels in diabetic patients. Significant, univariate, inverse correlations were observed between adiponectin levels and fasting plasma insulin (r=-0.18, P<0.01) and glucose (r=-0.26, P<0.001) levels. In multivariate analysis, plasma insulin did not independently affect the plasma adiponectin levels. BMI, serum triglyceride concentration, and the presence of diabetes or CAD remained significantly related to plasma adiponectin concentrations. Weight reduction significantly elevated plasma adiponectin levels in the diabetic subjects as well as the nondiabetic subjects. These results suggest that the decreased plasma adiponectin concentrations in diabetes may be an indicator of macroangiopathy.

Triterpenoids from Tripterygium wilfordii

The extract (T(II)) of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f. afforded four triterpenoids: wilforic acid D (3beta,24-epoxy-2alpha-hydroxy-24R*-ethoxy-29-friedelanoic acid); (E) 3beta,24-epoxy-2-oxo-3alpha-hydroxy-29-friedelanoic acid; (F) 2beta-hydroxy-3-oxo-friedelan-29-oic acid; 29-hydroxy-3-oxo-olean-12-en-28-oic acid and 17 known triterpenoids. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic studies. In a bioactivity analysis, only the known dulcioic acid compound showed a significant inhibitory effect on cytokine production.

Macrophage infiltration correlates with tumor stage and angiogenesis in human malignant melanoma: possible involvement of TNFalpha and IL-1alpha

We examined whether macrophage infiltration is associated with angiogenesis in cutaneous melanoma. The numbers of macrophages and microvessels increased significantly with increasing depth of tumor and with tumor angiogenesis. Macrophage infiltration thus appeared to provide a useful diagnostic marker for the progression of cutaneous melanoma. We further examined whether human melanoma cells produce angiogenic factors in response to macrophage-derived cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1alpha). Treatment of melanoma cells with TNFalpha and IL-1alpha in vitro enhanced the production of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to a lesser degree, in human melanoma cells. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human monocytes enhanced production of IL-8, VEGF, TNF alpha, as well as IL-1alpha, but not bFGF. Co-culture of human monocytes and human melanoma cells was also found to significantly enhance production of IL-8 and VEGF in the absence and presence of LPS, compared with either monocytes or melanoma cells alone. The production of IL-8 and VEGF from co-cultured melanoma cells and LPS-activated monocytes was blocked when anti-TNF-alpha antibody or anti-IL-1alpha antibody was co-administrated. This is direct evidence that production of the potent angiogenic factors IL-8 and VEGF from melanoma cells is up-regulated through TNFalpha and/or IL-1alpha secreted by activated monocytes/macrophages, influencing both tumor growth and angiogenesis in melanomas.

Humoral immune responses to adenovirus vectors in the brain

We have investigated the humoral immune response to E1-deleted adenovirus vectors encoding the lacZ gene introduced into the brains of mice. Injection of these non-replicating vectors into the brain induced systemic antibody production to adenovirus vectors in dose dependent manner. Apparent antibody production to beta-galactosidase, the product of the lacZ gene, was detected later than anti-adenovirus antibody. Neutralizing antibody was not detected. This study demonstrates that E1-deleted adenovirus vectors injected into the brain trigger humoral immune responses to the adenovirus and its gene products, but they are not sufficient to block the infection of cells by adenovirus upon repeat injection.

Long-term outcome of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with end-stage renal disease

This study was conducted to investigate therapeutic methods for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by retrospectively analyzing in-hospital outcome and long-term outcome in patients who underwent either percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Ninety-two patients underwent PTCA and 47 underwent CABG, and the initial success rates were 87% and 85%, respectively. As major in-hospital complications, in the PTCA group 1 died (1%), 2 required emergency CABG (2%), and 2 had Q-wave myocardial infarction (2%); in the CABG group, 7 died (15%) and 3 had Q-wave myocardial infarction (6%). As for the long-term outcome, although there were no differences in the incidence of death or the incidence of cardiac death between the 2 groups, the cumulative proportion of patients free of death, myocardial infarction, CABG and repeat PTCA was lower in the PTCA group, which was mainly due to a higher incidence of repeat PTCA in that group. The incidence of cardiac death was low for both groups among the patients attaining complete revascularization. Twenty-three percent of the patients required cross-over implementation of PTCA and CABG. In conclusion, it is necessary to aim for complete revascularization using both treatments for a better prognosis in patients with ESRD.

Decreased food intake and body weight in pancreatic polypeptide-overexpressing mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a 36-amino acid hormone produced by F cells within the pancreatic islets and the exocrine pancreas. The definitive function of PP in mammalian physiology remains to be determined. This study examined the effects of chronic overexpression of PP through the development of PP transgenic mice.

METHODS

PP transgenic mice were created by using mouse PP complementary DNA under the control of the cytomegalovirus immediate early enhancer-chicken beta-actin hybrid promoter (pCAGGS expression vector).

RESULTS

A unique line of transgenic mice was created that overexpresses PP in the pancreatic islets with low levels of expression in other tissues including the brain. Plasma PP concentrations were more than 20 times higher than those of control littermates. However, PP overproduction led to postnatal lethality in half of the pups because of markedly decreased milk intake. The remaining PP transgenic mice gained less weight with specifically reduced food intake and fat mass compared with controls, a result that was more evident in male than in female mice. The transgenic mice exhibited a reduced rate of gastric emptying of a solid meal but had normal oxygen consumption and fasting leptin levels. Immunoneutralization with anti-PP antiserum reversed the phenotypic changes of transgenic animals.

CONCLUSIONS

PP could be involved in feeding and body weight regulation partly through regulation of gastric emptying.

Characterization of immunoglobulin binding factor in sputum from patients with chronic airway diseases

OBJECTIVE

Immunoglobulin binding factor (IgBF) is known to bind immunoglobulin, to interact with anti-Fc gamma-III antibodies and to be present in the lower respiratory tract of normal healthy subjects. In this study, in order to clarify the role of IgBF in respiratory diseases, we investigated whether IgBF exists in the airway of patients with chronic airway diseases.

METHODOLOGY

IgBF was measured in the sputum of 28 normal subjects and 59 patients with chronic airway diseases including 37 cases of chronic bronchitis, 18 bronchiectasis, and four diffuse panbronchiolitis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Immunoglobulin binding factor concentration in the sputum of patients with chronic airway diseases (purulent sputum, 50.2 +/- 8.2 microg/mL; mucoid sputum, 88.6 +/- 12.8 microg/mL) was higher than that in induced sputum of normal subjects (6.3 +/- 5.5 microg/mL; P < 0.001). Immunoglobulin binding factor level in mucoid sputum was significantly higher than that in purulent sputum (P < 0.05). A significant inverse correlation was shown between the IgBF level and the elastase activity in sputum, and the concentration of IgBF purified from seminal plasma was decreased by treatment with neutrophil elastase, indicating that IgBF might be degraded by elastase. In the gel filtration chromatography of both types of sputum, IgBF was eluted in a region corresponding to a molecular weight of 27 kDa as a single peak. Western blot analysis with a monoclonal antibody to IgBF indicated that IgBF in both types of sputum had a molecular weight of 27 kDa under non-reducing conditions and of 16 kDa under reducing conditions.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that a high level of IgBF is present in the respiratory tract of patients with chronic airway diseases and may be related to the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Serum levels of soluble interferon Alfa/Beta receptor as an inhibitory factor of interferon in the patients with chronic hepatitis C

Human serum contains a soluble form of interferon alfa/beta (sIFN alpha/beta) receptors, the functional and clinical significance of which has not been investigated in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In the present study, serum levels of sIFN alpha/beta receptor were assessed in 81 patients with chronic hepatitis C and correlated with the effectiveness of IFN therapy in these patients. Serum levels of sIFN alpha/beta receptor were significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis C than in healthy control patients (P <.0001). In these patients, serum levels of sIFN alpha/beta receptor were correlated with those of alanine transaminase (ALT) (P <.05), (2'-5')serum oligo(A) synthetase (2-5AS) (P <.0001), and pathological stages of liver fibrosis (P <.01). In 55 patients with chronic hepatitis C who underwent IFN therapy, there was an inverse correlation between the pretherapeutic serum levels of sIFN alpha/beta receptor and the rate of increase in serum levels of 2-5AS after the start of IFN (P <.01). Pretherapeutic serum levels of sIFN alpha/beta receptor were significantly lower in patients who showed sustained response to IFN therapy compared with those who did not respond to the therapy (P <.05). Multivariate analysis showed that low levels of serum sIFN alpha/beta receptor (</=4.0 ng/mL) (P <.05) and serological hepatitis C virus genotype II (P <.05) were independent variables contributing to sustained response to IFN therapy. Thus, pretherapeutic serum levels of sIFN alpha/beta receptor were correlated with the effectiveness of IFN therapy, suggesting that sIFN alpha/beta receptor suppresses the effectiveness of IFN therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.