Apatite coating on hydrophilic polymer-grafted poly(ethylene) films using an alternate soaking process

Previously, we developed a novel alternate soaking process and clarified that bone-like apatite was formed on/in organic polymer hydrogel matrices using this process. The present study focused on the apatite coating on hydrophilic polymer grafted poly(ethylene) (PE) films with various grafting densities and commonly used hydrophilic polymers, poly(acryl amide) (PAAm) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) were employed. From X-ray diffraction analysis, hydroxyapatite was coated on PAAm- or PAAc- grafted PE films. The amount of apatite coated on PAAm-grafted PE (PAAm-g-PE) films increased with an increase in the reaction cycles and the grafting density of PAAm. Similar to PAAm-g-PE, the amount of apatite coated on PAAc-grafted PE (PAAc-g-PE) films increased linearly with an increase in the grafting density of the PAAc up to around 30 microg/cm2. While, no significant increase in the apatite coating on the PAAc-g-PE films was observed even after 50 reaction cycles when the grafting densities of PAAc were over 30 microg/cm2. Apatite coating was not observed on original PE films. Scanning electron microscopic images reveal that the aggregation of apatite crystals on all PAAm-g-PE films and PAAc-g-PE films with grafting density from 10 to 30 microg/cm2. On the other hand, a dense apatite layer with some cracks was coated when the grafting density of the PAAc chains was over 30 microg/cm2. These results indicated that it was possible to coat apatite on hydrophilic polymer grafted PE films by an alternate soaking process and that the apatite crystal morphology could be controlled as a function of polymer type and density.

Changes in muscle size, architecture, and neural activation after 20 days of bed rest with and without resistance exercise

Nine healthy men carried out head-down bed rest (BR) for 20 days. five subjects (TR) performed isometric, bilateral leg extension exercise every day, while the other four (NT) did not. Before and after BR, maximal isometric knee extension force was measured. Neural activation was assessed using a supramaximal twitch interpolated over voluntary contraction. From a series cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging scans of the thigh, physiological cross-sectional areas (PCSA) of the quadriceps muscles were estimated (uncorrected PCSA, volume/estimated fibre length). Decrease in mean muscle force after BR was greater in NT [-10.9 (SD 6.9)%, P < 0.05] than in TR [0.5 (SD 7.9)%, not significant]. Neural activation did not differ between the two groups before BR, but after BR NT showed smaller activation levels. Pennation angles of the vastus lateralis muscle, determined by ultrasonography, showed no significant changes in either group. The PCSA decreased in NT by -7.8 (SD 0.8)% (P < 0.05) while in TR PCSA showed only an insignificant tendency to decrease [-3.8 (SD 3.8)%]. Changes in force were related more to changes in neural activation levels than to those in PCSA. The results suggest that reduction of muscle strength by BR is affected by a decreased ability to activate motor units, and that the exercise used in the present experiment is effective as a countermeasure.

Changes in muscle size and architecture following 20 days of bed rest

Five healthy men carried out a program of head-down bed rest (BR) for 20 days. Before and after BR, a series of cross-sectional scans of the thigh were performed using magnetic resonance imaging, from which volumes of the quadriceps muscles were determined and physiological cross-sectional areas (PCSA) were calculated. Muscle thickness and pennation angles of the triceps brachii, vastus lateralis, and triceps surae muscles were also determined by ultrasonography. During BR, subjects performed unilateral isokinetic knee extension exercises every day. The contralateral limb served as a control. Decrease in PCSA after BR was greater in the control (-10.2 +/- 6.3%) than in the trained limb (-5.2 +/- 4.2%). Among the quadriceps, vastus intermedius in the control limb was predominantly atrophied by BR with respect to the volume and PCSA, and the rectus femoris showed the greatest training effect and retained its size in the trained limb. Decreases in muscle thicknesses in leg muscles were not prevented by the present exercise protocol, suggesting a need for specific exercise training for these muscles. Neither trained nor control muscles showed significant changes in pennation angles in any muscles after BR, suggesting that muscle architecture does not change remarkably by muscle atrophy by up to 10%.

Comparison of properties of slow pathway potential between successful and unsuccessful radiofrequency applications in patients who underwent catheter ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia

Findings concerning selective slow pathway radiofrequency ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) using the slow pathway potential (SPP) guided method are reported. The electrogram at the SPP recording site showed double potentials consisting of the atrial potential (A) and SPP. However, SPP is usually recorded widely in the right atrial posteroseptal region. To examine whether there was any characteristic marker in the electrogram at the SPP recording site specific to successful RF application, the properties of SPP and its anatomical locations in both successful (S) (38 sites) and unsuccessful (UN) (28 sites) application sites were analyzed in 38 patients who underwent SPP-guided ablation. The distance between the upper margin of the coronary sinus ostium (UCSO) and the ablation catheter (ABL) (DUCSO-ABL) was shorter in S than in UN (2.3 +/- 6.3 mm vs. 9.0 +/- 5.2 mm below the level of UCSO, p < 0.001). The interval between A and SPP (A-SPP) was longer in S than in UN (44.2 +/- 9.9 msec vs. 24.0 +/- 7.0 msec, p < 0.001). RF applications at the more anterior sites with longer A-SPP were more successful than at other sites. The sensitivity and specificity of A-SPP (more than 40 msec) were superior to those of DUCSO-ABL (within 5 mm) as the marker for the successful application (sensitivity; 73.7% v.s. 68.4%, specificity; 100% v.s. 82.1%, respectively). In conclusion, the sites with longer A-SPP might be specific for successful ablation.

Serous adenocarcinofibroma of the ovary--report of two cases and review of the literature

We investigated the clinical and histologic characteristics of patients with ovarian serous adenocarcinofibroma. Because the tumors in both cases contained fibroma components; they were hard and clinically indistinguishable from uterine myoma, even by computed tomography. Both patients experienced relapses associated with tumors that originated outside the abdominal cavity (the subcutaneous abdominal wall in case 1, and the inguinal lymph nodes in case 2). The serum level of CA125 was normal or only moderately elevated at the first onset and relapse. The present cases suggest that the diagnostic features and clinical course differ between ovarian serous adenocarcinoma and serous adenocarcinofibroma.

Relation between QT dispersion and adenosine triphosphate stress thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomographic imaging for detecting myocardial ischemia and scar

It is not known if QT dispersion is useful for detecting coronary artery disease. We investigated whether QT dispersion at baseline and during adenosine triphosphate (ATP) infusion correlate with the imaging patterns obtained from ATP stress thallium-201 single-photon emission computed tomography (ATP-SPECT). QT dispersion was determined in 169 patients who underwent ATP-SPECT from 12-lead electrocardiograms obtained at baseline and 3 minutes after the beginning of ATP infusion. Based on the results of ATP-SPECT, patients were divided into 4 groups: normal (n = 55), ischemia (n = 38), ischemia and scar (n = 42), and scar (n = 34). Baseline QT dispersions (mean +/- SD) in the normal, ischemia, ischemia and scar, and scar groups were 48 +/- 15, 50 +/- 17, 69 +/- 25, and 70 +/- 24 ms, respectively. Baseline QT dispersion was significantly greater in the groups with myocardial scar. QT dispersions during ATP infusion were 43 +/- 16, 63 +/- 20, 76 +/- 20, and 62 +/- 25 ms in the normal, ischemia, ischemia and scar, and scar groups, respectively. QT dispersion increased with ATP infusion in patients with myocardial ischemia. QT dispersion at baseline and during ATP infusion correlated with the ATP-SPECT imaging pattern. These findings suggest that baseline QT dispersion and ATP-induced changes in QT dispersion may help detect the presence of myocardial ischemia and scar.

Idiopathic verapamil-sensitive left ventricular tachycardia complicated by right ventricular outflow tract ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation

Idiopathic ventricular tachycardias (VTs) are generally divided into those arising from the right ventricle and those arising from the left ventricle. There has been few reports of two morphologically distinct VT occurring in patients with no apparent structural heart disease. We report a patient with verapamil-sensitive left VT with a right bundle branch block pattern that spontaneously changed to VT with a left bundle branch block pattern. Ventricular fibrillation was induced by the application of programmed stimulation. Although it is unclear if our patient with pleomorphic VT has ventricular vulnerability, it is necessary to investigate further and follow him carefully.

Radical surgery after neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy in stage IIIb squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

We examined the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant intra-arterial chemotherapy (NAC) followed by radical hysterectomy and/or radiotherapy in patients with stage IIIb cervical cancer. Treatment consisted of bilateral internal iliac artery infusion of cisplatin or carboplatin and peplomycin every 21 days for two courses. Patients who responded to NAC underwent radical surgery. Patients who did not respond to NAC were treated with pelvic radiotherapy. Complete response was achieved in 2 (7.1%) of 28 patients, while a partial response was observed in 17 (60.7%) and stable disease in 9 (32.1%) patients. Sixteen patients (57.2%) were able to undergo surgery. The median blood loss (674 ml) and operating time (232 min) for radical surgery in patients with stage IIIb disease was similar to that in patients with stages Ib to IIb disease. No intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications were observed. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) for patients who underwent surgery (81.3%) was higher than for patients who underwent radiotherapy after NAC (31.3%). Radical surgery after NAC for stage IIIb disease was safe, and a survival benefit followed by surgery with or without radiotherapy.

[Single and 2-week repeated intravenous dose toxicity studies of disodium mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate in rats]

Disodium mercaptoundecahydro-closo-dodecaborate (BSH) is a boron compound used in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for malignant brain tumors. Intravenous single and 2-week repeated dose toxicity studies of BSH were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats. In the single-dose study, BSH was administered at doses of 100, 300 or 600 mg/kg. Death occurred within 10 min (acute type) or from 5 hr to 2 days (delayed type) after dosing in the 600 mg/kg group. No differences in mortality by sex and dosing speed were observed. Major causes of death were considered to be circulatory disorder in acute death and renal injury in delayed death. The renal injury was observed in the 300 and 600 mg/kg groups. In the 2-week repeated dose study, BSH was administered at doses of 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg/day for 14 days. Body weight gain was suppressed in the 100 and 300 mg/kg groups. One male in the 300 mg/kg group died due to renal and pulmonary lesions at day 8. Slight anemia was observed in the 300 mg/kg group. Pathologically, the kidney showed tubular regeneration with increase of weight in the 300 mg/kg. From these results, the NOAEL of BSH is 30 mg/kg/day.

Induction of apoptosis in human pancreatic carcinoma cells by a synthetic bleomycin-like ligand

Histidine-pyridine-histidine-3 (HPH-3) is an oxygen-activating ligand based on the structure of bleomycin. HPH-3 induced the death of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma AsPC-1 cells in 24 h, causing apoptotic morphology and internucleosomal degradation of DNA. HPH-3-induced cell death was not inhibited by antioxidants such as reduced glutathione and N-acetylcysteine, whereas hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death was inhibited by them, indicating that hydrogen peroxide is not involved in the induction of apoptosis by HPH-3. Induction of apoptosis by HPH-3 was inhibited by zinc and copper ions, indicating that chelation with ferrous ion is responsible for induction of apoptosis, as is the case in chelation by bleomycin to cleave DNA. Bleomycin A2 and its fragment having no DNA-binding region, glycopeptide-3, did not induce apoptosis in AsPC-1 cells. Bleomycin A2 induced G2/M block in flow-cytometric analysis, but HPH-3 did not and instead induced an apoptotic pre-G1 peak. Thus, HPH-3 induced apoptosis in human pancreatic carcinoma cells, which is a unique characteristic among bleomycin-related compounds.

One-year prognosis of depressive illness in the elderly population in Japan

A 1-year prospective study of 43 elderly depressed residents (13 men and 30 women) in Nagai City in Japan is described. An initial survey was carried out in 1993 to find depressed residents. The subjects of the survey were 2056 residents of 65 years of age and older. The Japanese version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was employed as a screening tool in the first phase of the survey. In the second phase, screened subjects and control subjects were interviewed by psychiatrists using the Structured Interview for DSM-III-R (SCID). The diagnosis of depression was made by the psychiatrists on the basis of the results of the SCID. Forty-three persons were judged to be depressed. At follow-up, 10 were still depressed and 15 were well. Four were demented. Fourteen dropped out due to death, hospitalization, absence from home or refusal. The results showed that approximately half of the elderly depressed persons seemed to recover by the time of the 1-year follow-up. One-year prognosis of dysthymia was the worst. Some types of depression seemed to be a precursor for dementia. The concern is with how the findings may be used as an aid in understanding and planning community mental health services strategies. The results indicate that it is very important to pay close attention to patients with depressive illness who do not meet the criteria for major depression.

Fluostatins A and B, new inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase III, produced by Streptomyces sp. TA-3391. I. Taxonomy of producing strain, production, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological properties

New inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidaseIII (EC 3.4.14.4) from human placenta, designated as fluostatins A and B, were discovered in the fermentation broth of a strain isolated in our institute. The strain has been identified as Streptomyces sp. TA-3391 on the basis of taxonomic studies. Fluostatins A and B were purified by Diaion HP-20 chromatography, ethyl acetate extraction, silica gel chromatography and reverse phase preparative HPLC. With the synthetic substrate, arginyl-arginine-2-naphthylamide, the IC50 values of fluostatins A and B were 0.44 and 24.0 micrograms/ml, respectively. Fluostatins A and B were slightly inhibitory against other dipeptidyl peptidases. Fluostatin A showed mixed-type (competitive and noncompeptitive) inhibition with human leucine-enkephalin as a substrate, and the inhibition constant (Ki) was 14.2 microM.

Ovarian endometrioid adenocarcinoma coexistent with benign and borderline endometrioid adenofibroma: a case report

A well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma coexistent with benign and borderline-malignant endometrioid adenofibroma was found in the ovary of a 64-year-old woman. She had vaginal bleeding caused by simple hyperplasia of the endometrium due to high levels of sex steroid hormones. A FIGO stage Ia solid ovarian tumor was identified. It was composed of irregularly shaped endometriotic glands with benign and borderline malignant cytologic features embedded in abundant fibromatous stroma. Well-differentiated malignant epithelium was adjacent to these areas, but fibromatous stroma was not predominant. She was treated by surgery and three cycles of chemotherapy. This paper describes this unusual tumor and reviews the literature.

Prevalence of mood disorders according to dsm-iii-r criteria in the community elderly residents in Japan

The prevalence rates of mood disorders according to the DSM- III -R criteria in the community elderly were investigated with structured interviews conducted by psychiatrists. The subjects were 1,965 randomly selected residents aged 65 years or more who lived in Nagai City, Japan. In the first phase, a questionnaire including the short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was distributed to all subjects. In the second phase, all persons scoring 6 points or more on the GDS and approximately half as many of these persons randomly selected from the remaining respondents scoring 5 points or less were examined by psychiatrists using the A and D modules of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. The 1-month prevalence rates of major depression and bipolar disorder were estimated to be 0.9% and 0.0%, and the current prevalence of dysthymia was estimated to be 0.5%. By using additional unstructured clinical interviews, we also found the prevalence rates of adjustment disorder with depressed mood and other types of depression to be 3.8% and 2.5%. For these categories of depression, prevalence rates did not differ significantly by sex or age group, except that the prevalence of adjustment disorder with depressed mood was significantly higher in women than in men.

Epostatin, new inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase II, produced by Streptomyces sp. MJ995-OF5. I. Taxonomy of producing strain, fermentation, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological properties

A new inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase II (DPP-II, EC 3.4.14.2), designated as epostatin, was discovered in the fermentation broth of a strain isolated in our institute. The strain has been identified as Streptomyces sp. MJ995-OF5 on the basis of taxonomic studies. Epostatin was obtained as a yellow powder after seqential purification by chromatography on Diaion HP-20, n-butanol extraction, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). Epostatin inhibited DPP-II competitively in a dose dependent manner. The compound was slightly inhibitory against other dipeptidyl peptidases.

Dependency on atrial electrophysiological properties of appearance of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: evidence from atrial vulnerability before and after radiofrequency catheter ablation and surgical cryoablation

The pathogenesis of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and the effects of elimination of accessory pathways on the appearance of atrial fibrillation are still controversial. Fifty-four patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome were classified into three groups: a No AF group (n = 24), patients without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; an RF-AF Group (n = 12), patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation whose accessory pathways were eliminated using radiofrequency catheter ablation; and a Cryo-AF Group (n = 18), patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation whose accessory pathways were eliminated with surgical cryoablation. The electrophysiological characteristics of each group were evaluated prior to and following the elimination of their accessory pathways. As indices of atrial vulnerability, the presence of fragmented atrial activity and repetitive atrial firing zones were assessed. Inducibility of atrial fibrillation was significantly reduced following ablation of accessory pathways in the Cryo-AF group (83.3%-5.6%, P < 0.0001), while it was unchanged in the RF-AF group (83.3%-75%). In preablation studies, the effective refractory periods of the atrium in the RF-AF group and the Cryo-AF group were significantly shorter compared with the No AF group (204 +/- 18 ms, 197 +/- 16 ms vs 246 +/- 44 ms, respectively, P < 0.0001). Following ablation, the effective refractory period for patients in the Cryo-AF group was significantly prolonged compared with before ablation (197 +/- 16 ms to 232 +/- 24 ms, P < 0.0001). As a result of this prolongation of the effective refractory period of the atrium, the fragmented atrial activity and repetitive atrial response zones narrowed following ablation in the Cryo-AF group, but not in the RF-AF group. Therefore, the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may depend on the refractory period of the atrium rather than on the presence of accessory pathways.

Ovarian tumor complicated by a colo-ovarian fistula

Although a fistula is a rare complication of ovarian tumor, we encountered four patients with cole-ovarian fistulas in three years. The first case was demonstrated by following barium enema by the extravasation of barium from the sigmoid colon, and by a gas-containing lesion in the tumor observed on computed tomography. Mature cystic teratoma was the pathological diagnosis in two cases. A mixed germ cell tumor and a serous cystadenoma of low malignant potential were diagnosed in the other two cases. The etiology and differential diagnosis of cole-ovarian fistula are reviewed.

Fertility-preserving treatment for advanced malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary

We retrospectively studied 26 patients with stage Ic or greater malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary. Sixteen of the 26 underwent fertility-preserving treatment and 10 underwent total hystero-oophorectomy. There were 3 deaths in each group, but none among the stage Ic cases. The survival curves for stage II to IV disease did not significantly differ in the two groups. Seven patients in the fertility-preserving group were married, and had children. All patients in the hystero-oophorectomy group remained single except for one who was married before surgery. These results suggest that fertility-preserving treatment should be offered even in advanced cases.

Heliquinomycin, a new inhibitor of DNA helicase, produced by Streptomyces sp. MJ929-SF2 II. Structure determination of heliquinomycin

The structure of heliquinomycin which was isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. MJ929-SF2 was studied by NMR spectroscopies, X-ray crystallographic analysis and degradation experiments. Heliquinomycin is the first member of glycosylated rubromycins and griseorhodins group antibiotics.

One-point measurement of the peak-to-peak pulsatility index as an indicator for evaluation of infrainguinal bypass procedures

While duplex scanning has been advocated as the most accurate modality for postoperative graft surveillance, it is time-consuming for evaluating the entire graft. The aim of the present study was to determine which parameter predicts graft failure most simply and precisely, by examining 62 men and 1 woman who collectively underwent 71 infrainguinal arterial bypasses. A total of 212 scannings were obtained using a duplex scanner, and the peak systolic velocity (PSV), PSV ratio, and peak-to-peak pulsatility index (PPI) were analyzed. This analysis revealed 7 occlusions, 9 stenoses, and 1 arteriovenous fistula. When a PSV < 45 cm/s and/or a PSV ratio > 2.0 was defined as graft failure the sensitivity was 84.0% and the specificity was 81.8%: however, a PPI < 7.0 at the midgraft, indicating graft failure, showed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 83.3%. The PPI exhibited better sensitivity and specificity than the PSV, even though the PPI needs only to be measured at the midgraft whereas the PSV should be measured at at least two points. Thus, we believe that the PPI could be the most useful and simple parameter to assess infrainguinal bypass grafts.

Stereospecific synthesis of a novel farnesyl protein transferase inhibitor, valinoctin A and its analogues

(2S,3R)-3-Amino-2-hydroxyoctanoic acid was synthesized by Curtius rearrangement of an azide derivative of (S)-malic acid. Total syntheses of valinoctin A and its analogues were achieved by a coupling of (2S, 3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxyoctanoic acid moiety with L-valine or several other amino acids moieties. 2S configuration of 3-amino-2-hydroxyoctanoic acid moiety was found to be important for the inhibitory activity and the L-valine moiety of valinoctin A was exchangeable with other L-amino acids.

Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. VIII. Endopeptidase inhibitory activity of non-peptidyl poststatin analogues

Non-peptidyl postatin analogues, (S)-N-substituted-2-[2-(1-acylpyrrolidinyl)]-2-oxoacetamides were synthesized and examined for their inhibitory activity against prolyl endopeptidase and cathepsin B in vitro. Many compounds showed stronger activity than natural poststatin, a pentapeptide. Among them, (S)-N-cyclohexyl-2-oxo-2-[2-(1-(3-phenoxybenzoyl)pyrrolidinyl)]ace tamide (22) and (S)-N-cyclohexyl-2-[2-(1-(2-naphthoyl)pyrrolidinyl)]-2-oxoacetamide++ + (19) indicated IC50 value of 5.8 and 8.2 ng/ml for prolyl endopeptidase inhibition respectively. None of these compounds possess significant inhibitory activities against cathepsin B, a cysteine protease. These results indicate that these compounds are more selective inhibitors against prolyl endopeptidase than is natural poststatin.

Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. VII. N-cycloalkylamide analogues

Poststatin analogues containing (S)-2-oxo-2-(2-pyrrolidinyl)acetyl moiety in P1 were synthesized and examined for their inhibitory activity against prolyl endopeptidase and cathepsin B in vitro. Introduction of non-peptidyl cycloalkylamine component in P1, was effective and P3-acyl groups must be widely modifiable for prolyl endopeptidase inhibition. Acyl-L-phenylalanyl-(S)-2-oxo-2-(2-pyrrolidinyl)acetyl-cycloalkylamid e type compounds showed IC50 value of nano to subnano g/ml as prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor and were shown no significant inhibitory activities against cathepsin B, a cysteine protease.

Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. V. Endopeptidase inhibitory activity of poststatin analogues

Thirty analogues of poststatin were synthesized, and their inhibitory activities against prolyl endopeptidase, human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin B were measured. The alpha-ketone was essential and the S configuration was preferable to the R configuration in the beta-substituted-beta-amino-alpha-oxopropionic acid moiety of poststatin analogues for endopeptidase inhibitory activity. The analogue in which the D-leucine residue of poststatin was replaced by L-leucine showed strong inhibitory activity to cathepsin B. Introduction of an aromatic group into the P4 position and proline into the P2 position increased inhibitory activity to elastase. Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-homophenylalanyl-(RS)- 3-amino-2-oxovaleryl-D-leucyl-L-valine was about 6 times more active to prolyl endopeptidase than natural poststatin.

Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. VI. Endopeptidase inhibitory activity of poststatin analogues containing pyrrolidine ring

Several pyrrolidine-containing analogues of poststatin were synthesized and examined for their inhibitory activity against prolyl endopeptidase and cathepsin B in vitro. Replacement of the postine residue with 2-oxo-2-(2-pyrrolidinyl)acetic acid increased the selectivity and inhibitory activity against prolyl endopeptidase. Benzyloxycarbonyl-L-phenylalanyl-(S)-2-oxo-2- (2-pyrrolidinyl)acetyl-D-phenylalanine was about 46 times as active to propyl endopeptidase as natural poststatin.

Atherosclerotic abdominal aorta saccular protrusion

Fourteen saccular abdominal aortic protrusion patients (ages ranged from 55 to 84, mean age 69.1 years) were reported. Their lesions were pathologically or bacteriologically suggested to be of atherosclerotic origin. Other origins were eliminated by using the patients past history or physical and diagnostic examination. All patients were classified into 1 of 3 types; solitary, adjacent to fusiform AAA, and independent of fusiform AAA. Diagnosis and surgical techniques were complicated when coexisting with a fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and located in the AAA neck. The treatment of choice for 13 patients was surgery. Postoperatively two patients died of hepatic failure at 5 weeks, and from apoplexia at four months, after surgery, respectively. The remaining patients' prognosis is good after a 3-month to 6-year follow-up with a mean period of 2.9 years except 1 medically treated patient. Accordingly, atherosclerotic abdominal aorta saccular protrusion should be carefully diagnosed and be surgically treated in the usual AAA manner. Only juxtarenal saccular protrusions require careful reconstruction, preserving the renal or visceral function.

Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. IV. The chemical synthesis of poststain

Total synthesis of poststatin was achieved by both liquid phase and solid phase methods. In both methods, the (2R,3S)-3-amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid moiety was incorporated into protected pentapeptides, and was oxidized to (S)-3-amino-2-oxovaleric acid (postine). Deprotection of the oxidized pentapeptides gave a specimen identical with natural poststatin in physico-chemical properties and prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory activity.

Poststatin, a new inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase. III. Optical resolution of 3-amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid and absolute configuration of poststatin

3-Amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid was prepared, and separated into its diastereomers. The relative stereochemistry was determined by 1H NMR in their oxazolidone derivatives. The threo-isomer was resolved by (S)-1-(1-naphthyl) ethylamine in the N-(p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl) derivative. The absolute configuration of (--)-threo-3-(p-methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl)amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid was confirmed to be 2R, 3S. The absolute configuration of 3-amino-2- oxovaleric acid in poststatin was confirmed to be S by comparison of the four stereoisomers of methyl N, O-bis(3,5-dinitrobenzoyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxyvalerate derived from 3-amino-2-hydroxyvaleric acid and that derived from 3-amino-2-oxovaleryl moiety of poststatin by means of HPLC with chiral column.

Isolation and synthesis of novel farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors, valinoctins A and B, from Streptomyces strain MJ858-NF3

Two novel farnesyl protein transferase inhibitors, valinoctins A (1) and B (2), were isolated from the fermentation broth of Streptomyces strain MJ858-NF3. The tentative structures of these compounds were elucidated from NMR and mass spectra as dipeptides consisting of valine and a novel amino acyl moiety. Four possible isomers of valinoctin A were synthesized, and the protected derivative of the appropriate compound was crystallized to give the relative stereochemistry of X-ray analysis. Since the valine residue of valinoctin A was determined to be the L-configuration by a chiral HPLC column, absolute configuration of valinoctin A was determined.

Pyrostatins A and B, new inhibitors of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, produced by Streptomyces sp. SA-3501

Pyrostatins A and B, new inhibitors of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (GlcNAc-ase), have been purified from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. SA-3501 isolated from a marine environment. They were purified by chromatography on Dowex 50W, silica gel and Capcell Pak C18 (HPLC) followed treatment with active carbon and then isolated as white powders. The structures of pyrostatins A and B were determined by NMR studies to be 4-hydroxy-2-imino-1-methylpyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid and 2-imino-1-methylpyrrolidine-5-carboxylic acid, respectively. They were competitive with the substrate, and the inhibition constants (Ki) of pyrostatins A and B were 1.7 x 10(-6) M and 2.0 x 10(-6) M respectively.

Identification and possible function of cathepsin G in gingival crevicular fluid from chronic adult periodontitis patients and from experimental gingivitis subjects

The levels of cathepsin G in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from chronic adult periodontitis patients and experimental gingivitis subjects were determined both by activity measurement using N-benzoyl-(DL)-phenylalanine-2-naphthyl ester as a substrate and by enzyme immunoassay using anti-human cathepsin G IgG. The activity level of cathepsin G in GCF of both periodontitis and experimental gingivitis has no significant correlation with all measured clinical parameters. Western immunoblotting using antibodies specific for cathepsin G or alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor revealed that the difficulty in demonstrating the association of its activity with the severity of these diseases was due largely to formation of the enzyme-inhibitor complexes. By contrast, statistically significant positive correlation was found between cathepsin G content in GCF of periodontitis, which was determined by enzyme immunoassay, and such clinical parameters as the GCF volume, the gingival index and probing depth. The increased cathepsin G content with increasing severity of periodontal inflammation was markedly diminished by the initial treatment. Although no significant activity was detectable in GCF of experimental gingivitis, a rapid increase of the immunoreactive cathepsin G was found in GCF at 3-5 d after refraining from oral hygiene measures, which rapidly decreased by 10 d. The progressively increased cathepsin G between 10th and 21st d rapidly decreased by cleaning of the teeth. The results indicate that cathepsin G is involved in the host's defensive mechanism against the invasion of etiologic microbes and/or the development of either periodontitis or gingivitis.

[Vitreous hemorrhage after accidental head injury with chest compression--case report]

Vitreous hemorrhage is relatively common following subarachnoid hemorrhage, but rarely occurs after accidental head injury. In this paper, we report a rare case of vitreous hemorrhage after an accidental head injury with chest compression. A 4-month-old girl was held in her father's arms. After he fell down, she struck her head and her chest was compressed by her father's body. She soon became pale and was immediately transported to our center complaining of disturbance of consciousness on February 6, 1993. On admission, she was semicomatose and had a generalized convulsion. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a subdural hematoma, although no fracture was detected on the plain X-ray film. Bilateral vitreous hemorrhage was also observed. The anterior fontanelle pressure was a high 330 mmH2O. The patient was treated conservatively with agents to promote hemostasis and reduce the intracranial hypertension. She was discharged after one month with normal consciousness and improved vision. The follow-up CT scan revealed subdural hematoma, hemorrhagic infarction (suggesting rupture of the pontine veins), and cerebral atrophy, corresponding to those of the shaken baby syndrome. Her chest was compressed by her father's body. The anterior fontanelle pressure was a high 330 mmH2O. These findings suggest that shaking or abrupt deceleration, acute intrathoracic hypertension and acute intracranial hypertension, caused retinal hemorrhage, and that extensive retinal hemorrhage possibly resulted in vitreous hemorrhage.

Bequinostatins A and B new inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase, produced by Streptomyces sp. MI384-DF12. Production, isolation, structure determination and biological activities

New benzo[a]naphthacenequinone metabolites, designated bequinostatins A and B, have been isolated from the culture broth of the benastatin-producing strain Streptomyces sp. MI384-DF12. The structures of bequinostatins A and B were determined by spectral analyses to be 5,6,8,13-tetrahydro-1,6,7,9,11-pentahydroxy-8,13-dioxo-3- pentylbenzo[a]naphthacene-2-carboxylic acid and 2-decarboxybequinostatin A, respectively. Bequinostatin A showed considerable inhibitory activity against human pi class glutathione S-transferase (GST pi).

Benastatins C and D, new inhibitors of glutathione S-transferase, produced by Streptomyces sp. MI384-DF12. Production, isolation, structure determination and biological activities

Benastatin C, a new member of the benastatins, has been isolated from the culture broth of Streptomyces sp. MI384-DF12. The structure of benastatin C was elucidated as 2-decarboxy-benastatin A by NMR studies. Benastatin D, 2-decarboxybenastatin B, was derived from benastatin B. Benastatins C and D showed inhibitory activities against human pi class glutathione S-transferase (GST pi) and excellent stimulatory activities on the murine lymphocyte blastogenesis in vitro.

Impaired coronary flow reserve immediately after coronary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To examine coronary flow reserve immediately after emergency coronary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

DESIGN

A 3 F coronary Doppler catheter was used to measure coronary blood flow velocity in the infarct artery and in the non-infarct artery. Maximal hyperaemia was produced by 10 mg of intracoronary papaverine and coronary flow reserve was calculated.

PATIENTS

11 patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing both emergency coronary angioplasty (4.7 (3.6) h after the onset of chest pain (mean (SD))) and at follow up catheterisation 16 (4) days after angioplasty.

SETTING

Hiroshima City Hospital.

RESULTS

There was no stenosis of > or = 50% in the coronary artery of interest. Immediately after coronary angioplasty the mean (1 SD) coronary flow reserve of the infarct artery was significantly less than that of the non-infarct artery (1.4 (0.4) v 2.8 (0.8), p < 0.001). At follow up catheterisation the coronary flow reserve of the infarct artery increased almost to the value of the non-infarct artery (2.8 (1.2) v 3.1 (0.8) p = NS).

CONCLUSION

The coronary flow reserve in the infarct region was severely impaired immediately after reperfusion, even with a widely patent infarct artery. This could restrict the beneficial effects of reperfusion therapy, especially when there is a severe residual stenosis.

[The effect of aerobic exercise training on internal body fat in obese women]

A group of 11 obese women (from 13% of ideal weight and higher) volunteered to participate in a study designed to reduce weight in a 92-day program of aerobic exercise. Before and after the weight reduction period, body fat indices were measured by deuterium oxide (D2O) dilution and by skinfold anthropometry. Changes in internal body fat and subcutaneous fat were calculated. Mean weight loss was 3.6 +/- 1.2 kg, and internal body fat and subcutaneous fat were 1.8 +/- 1.3 kg (21.2%) and 3.0 +/- 0.9 kg (16.0%), respectively. Highly significant correlation were obtained between changes in internal body fat and total body fat (r = 0.856, p < 0.001). However, changes in internal body fat were not significantly associated with changes in waist to hip ratio (WHR). In the present study, we found that changes in total body fat were significantly related to changes in internal body fat during treatment of obesity with aerobic exercise. However, changes in internal body fat were not valid estimates of changes in body fat distribution in relation to changes in WHR.

Effects of intraaortic balloon pumping on coronary hemodynamics after coronary angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction

It has been reported that intraaortic balloon pumping can prevent reocclusion after coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. The speculated mechanism has been the production of markedly enhanced diastolic coronary perfusion pressure; however, most studies have reported that intraaortic balloon pumping has little effect on coronary blood flow. To assess the effectiveness of this procedure, we studied 12 patients with acute anterior myocardial infarction who were undergoing coronary angioplasty and intraaortic balloon pumping. After successful angioplasty, coronary blood flow velocity was measured with a coronary Doppler catheter before and during intraaortic balloon pumping. Although mean coronary blood flow velocity was unchanged, intraaortic balloon pumping increased peak coronary blood flow velocity from 34.6 +/- 5.0 cm/sec (mean +/- SEM) to 46.7 +/- 5.8 cm/sec (p < 0.005). Such an increase in peak coronary blood flow velocity seemed to be a mechanism by which intraaortic balloon pumping could prevent reocclusion after coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction.

A case of popliteal cystic degeneration with pathological considerations

Adventitial cystic degeneration of the popliteal artery is seldom encountered; only 39 cases have been reported up to now in Japan. The pathogenesis of this disease remains controversial, and the authors describe a case in which the pathological findings differed from cases reported in the previous literature. The subject was a 74-year-old man admitted to our hospital complaining of intermittent claudication. The characteristic findings of cystic degeneration of the popliteal artery were uncovered by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and duplex sonography. The contrast-enhanced CT showed a low-density area and duplex sonography revealed a multi-lobulated low-echoic lesion. The Doppler signal of the low-echoic lesion could not be detected. While some cysts were found in the adventitia, they were mainly located in the media. The media also showed a remarkable decrease of smooth muscle cells and a prominent mucinous degeneration that had occurred circumferentially. These findings suggest that the medial degeneration noted had occurred prior to cystic formation. Because of this and other findings, we recommend the use of the term cystic degeneration of the popliteal artery in addition to the term cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery.