Gamma knife radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations: long-term follow-up results focusing on complications occurring more than 5 years after irradiation

The detailed long-term follow-up results of 40 patients treated for cerebral arteriovenous malformations with gamma knife radiosurgery are presented, with special reference to postradiosurgical complications that can develop many years after irradiation. The follow-up period after radiosurgery was 54 to 205 months, excluding one mortality, with a mean and a median of 106 and 97 months, respectively. One patient (2.5%) has, to date, refused all neuroimaging follow-up examinations. Complete nidus obliteration was angiographically confirmed in 26 patients (65%) between 1 and 5 years after radiosurgery. In the remaining 13 patients (32.5%), although significant shrinkage of each nidus was angiographically demonstrated, complete obliteration was not attained during a 3- to 7-year period of follow-up after radiosurgery. Among these 13 patients, 1 underwent surgical extirpation of the nidus and 5 underwent second courses of gamma knife radiosurgery between 3 and 6 years after initial treatment; in 3 of the 5 patients, complete nidus obliteration was angiographically confirmed between 1 and 3 years after the second course of radiosurgery. There were no radiation- or arteriovenous malformation-related mortalities. However, we did experience one angiography-related mortality. We also experienced one morbidity (probably caused by hemorrhagic stroke), which developed 5 years after 2-year postradiosurgical angiography had demonstrated complete obliteration, and three radiation-related morbidities, two of which (hemiparkinsonian syndrome and visual field disturbances caused by delayed cyst formation) occurred 5.5 and 7 years, respectively, after irradiation. Furthermore, we observed another two patients who, although asymptomatic to date, showed delayed cyst formation on magnetic resonance imaging 5 and 10 years after irradiation, respectively. In total, 3 (23%) of 13 patients who underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging more than 5 years after radiosurgery showed delayed cyst formation. In conclusion, long-term follow-up, particularly with the use of neuroimaging techniques, is necessary even after the treatment goal has been achieved.

Correction of ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency in adult spf(ash) mice and in OTC-deficient human hepatocytes with recombinant adenoviruses bearing the CAG promoter

Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency, the most common and severe inborn error of the urea cycle in humans, remains without adequate treatment, and mortality rates are high. Adenoviral vectors provide an efficient system for gene delivery, but there are problems, including toxicity. Efficient promoters that reduce the amount of vector required for treatment need to be developed. We constructed two recombinant adenoviral vectors, AdexCAGhOTC and AdexSR alpha hOTC, which harbor the human OTC gene under transcriptional control of CAG (a modified chicken beta-actin promoter with CMV-IE enhancer) and SR alpha (the SV40 early promoter with the R segment and part of the US segment of the HTLV-1 LTR), respectively. Each was tested in adult spf(ash) mice, an animal model of human OTC deficiency, and in primary human hepatocytes with OTC deficiency. Spf(ash) mice have a pronounced orotic aciduria as seen in humans. A complete recovery of hepatic OTC activity with minimal tissue damage was observed in these animals following the intravenous administration of AdexCAGhOTC alone. Western blot analysis confirmed hepatic OTC expression and normalization of orotic aciduria was evident for 60 days. Enzyme activities of primary human hepatocytes infected with AdexCAGhOTC were 10-40 times higher than those with AdexSR alpha hOTC. Thus, the adenoviral vector with an efficient promoter such as CAG, can be given further consideration for possible gene therapy in humans with OTC deficiency.

Effects of a hydroxyl radical scavenger on delayed ischemic neurological deficits following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: results of a multicenter, placebo-controlled double-blind trial

A water-soluble, novel synthetic compound, AVS ((+/-)-N, N'-propylenedinicotinamide; nicaraven) has no demonstrable vasoactive properties but scavenges hydroxyl radicals in aqueous environmental conditions at neutral pH. Based on the results of preceding experimental and clinical studies showing marked ameliorative effects of AVS on cerebral vasospasm and ischemic brain damage, a multicenter, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial was undertaken to verify its beneficial effects on delayed ischemic neurological deficits (DINDs) due to vasospasm and on the overall outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A total of 162 patients with SAH who had Glasgow Coma Scale scores between 7 and 15 on admission were enrolled in the trial. Drug administration (4 g AVS or 4 g glucose as placebo; infused intravenously for 6-8 hours once a day) was begun within 5 days post-SAH and continued for 10 to 14 days. Intent-to-treat analysis of these patients revealed that the overall incidence of DINDs, which was defined as an exacerbation of impaired consciousness and/or focal neurological deficits, was significantly reduced, by 34.5% (placebo 54.2%, AVS 35.5%; p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score at 1 month was significantly improved by AVS (p < 0.05, U-test). At 3 months, the difference in the GOS scores between the groups became marginal on U-tests (p < 0.10), but the percentage of good outcome tended to increase, with a relative increase of 20.3% (AVS 76.3%, placebo 63.4%; p < 0.10, chi-square test), and the cumulative incidence of death was significantly reduced (p < 0.05, log-rank test). No significant adverse reaction attributable to treatment was observed. the usefulness of AVS in therapy for SAH is strongly indicated by the fact that the agent significantly ameliorated DINDs, leading to a marked improvement in the GOS scores at 1 month, as well as a reduction in the cumulative incidence of death by 3 months.

Increased expression of human thioredoxin/adult T cell leukemia-derived factor in Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To determine the involvement of human thioredoxin/adult T cell leukemia-derived factor TRX/ADF) in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and the correlation with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

METHODS

Indirect immunohistochemical techniques and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were utilized to analyze TRX/ADF expression and the presence of EBV, using 6 normal tissues and 23 surgical specimens. The kinetics of expression of TRX/ADF induced by EBV was examined in vitro with peripheral blood B cells from EBV-seronegative donors.

RESULTS

Marked expression of TRX/ADF was found in the infiltrating B cells and the epithelial cells of salivary gland tissues from patients with SS (11 of 12 cases), but not in those from patients with other salivary gland inflammatory conditions (0 of 11 cases) or those of normal individuals (0 of 6 cases). In immunohistologic analyses, a striking topographic correlation between TRX/ADF and EBV was found. The coexistence of TRX/ADF messenger RNA and EBV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (r = 0.75, P < 0.01). Peripheral blood B cells from EBV-seronegative donors showed de novo synthesis of TRX/ADF following in vitro infection with EBV. EBV-infected B cell lines all expressed TRX/ADF. TRX/ADF was not detected in non-EBV-infected cells. Tumors in SCID mice reconstituted with mononuclear cells of salivary glands from SS patients, which were composed of human B cells carrying EBV DNA, were positive for TRX/ADF.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that TRX/ADF expression closely reflects the intracellular event of EBV reactivation in SS. This is also the first report to show the ectopic in vivo expression of TRX/ADF in human autoimmune disease.

Gene therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an inherited metabolic disease which is characterized by a deficiency of arylsulfatase A (ASA). This deficiency causes progressive accumulation of cerebroside sulfate in oligodendrocytes (OL) in the brain, resulting in dysmyelination. Approaches being developed by the authors to treating MLD are based on direct delivery of ASA genes into the brain. In the present report, it has been shown that the recombinant adenovirus (Adex1SRLacZ) was able to transduce the OL very efficiently. Moreover, primary fibroblasts from MLD patients were exposed to recombinant adenovirus expressing the ASA gene (Adex1SRASA) and the cells expressed the transgene. The influence of overexpression of ASA on the activity of other sulfatases was also tested in fibroblasts from patients with MLD using a retrovirus vector (MFG-ASA). It was demonstrated that the overexpression of ASA reduces the activity of various sulfatases by a small amount but does not induce an accumulation of glycosaminoglycan. These results indicate that the influence of ASA overexpression on other sulfatases is different from that of the N-acetygalactosamine-4-sulfatase overexpression in a previous report. It was concluded that the correction of ASA deficiency by a recombinant adenovirus that potentially could be used to transfer the gene to the brain, and gene therapy for MLD based on gene transfer of the ASA gene to mutant cells will be feasible because the overexpression of ASA in cells does not lead to profound deficiency of other sulfatases or result in a new phenotype.

Evaluation of multi skin test in colorectal cancer patients and effects of serum immunosuppressive factor and cytokine production of peripheral mononuclear cells

Decreased skin reactions using five kinds of recall antigens correlate d with the stage of colorectal cancer. Immunosuppressive factors in the serum (IS index) increased with the progression of the stage in cancer patients, but interleukin (IL)-I and IL-2 production in peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC) did not correlate with the advance of the disease. In patients with low immunosuppressive factors, the score of skin reactions was significantly higher than that in patients with high immunosuppressive factors. Increased serum immunosuppressive factors seem to reduce skin reactions in the patients. Furthermore, significant difference in skin reaction score was observed between patients with high IL-1 production of PBMC and patients with low IL-1 production of PBMC. These results suggest that skin reaction might be controlled by serum immunosuppressive factors and IL-1 production of PBMC, and that the score of skin reaction using multirecall antigens is a useful parameter to learn the host immunity in colorectal cancer.

Synthesis, structure and thermodynamic properties of 8-methylguanine-containing oligonucleotides: Z-DNA under physiological salt conditions

Various oligonucleotides containing 8-methylguanine (m8G) have been synthesized and their structures and thermodynamic properties investigated. Introduction Of M8G into DNA sequences markedly stabilizes the Z conformation under low salt conditions. The hexamer d(CGC[M8G]CG)2 exhibits a CD spectrum characteristic of the Z conformation under physiological salt conditions. The NOE-restrained refinement unequivocally demonstrated that d(CGC[m8G]CG)2 adopts a Z structure with all guanines in the syn conformation. The refined NMR structure is very similar to the Z form crystal structure of d(CGCGCG)2, with a root mean square deviation of 0.6 between the two structures. The contribution of m8G to the stabilization of Z-DNA has been estimated from the mid-point NaCl concentrations for the B-Z transition of various m8G-containing oligomers. The presence of m8G in d(CGC[m8G]CG)2 stabilizes the Z conformation by at least deltaG = -0.8 kcal/mol relative to the unmodified hexamer. The Z conformation was further stabilized by increasing the number of m8Gs incorporated and destabilized by incorporating syn-A or syn-T, found respectively in the (A,T)-containing alternating and non-alternating pyrimidine-purine sequences. The results suggest that the chemically less reactive m8G base is a useful agent for studying molecular interactions of Z-DNA or other DNA structures that incorporate syn-G conformation.

Quinolone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae: correlation of alterations in the GyrA subunit of DNA gyrase and the ParC subunit of topoisomerase IV with antimicrobial susceptibility profiles

Fifty-five clinical strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae were examined for mutations in the gyrA and parC genes and for antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The MICs of quinolones for 31 strains with alterations in GyrA were significantly higher than the MICs for 24 strains without such alterations. Eleven strains with alterations in both GyrA and ParC were significantly more resistant to fluoroquinolones than those with alterations in GyrA alone. The MICs of cephalosporins for these strains were also significantly higher than those for other strains.

Adenovirus vector technology: an efficient method for constructing recombinant adenovirus and on/off switching of gene expression

An efficient method of constructing recombinant adenoviruses (Ad) has been established. The expression unit to be introduced into recombinant Ad was first inserted into the unique SwaI site of the full-length Ad genome cloned in a cassette cosmid. The cassette bearing the expression unit was then cotransfected to 293 cells together with the Ad DNA-terminal protein complex digested at several sites with EcoT22I. The use of the parent Ad DNA-terminal protein complex instead of the deproteinized Ad genome DNA allowed very efficient recovery of the desired recombinant Ad, and the restriction digestion drastically reduced regeneration of the parent virus. This method may facilitate the application of recombinant Ad and should be useful for further improvement of Ad vectors. Also a recombinant adenovirus expressing Cre recombinase derived from bacteriophage P1 was constructed. To assay the Cre activity in mammalian cells, another recombinant Ad bearing an on/off switching reporter unit, where a LacZ-expression unit can be activated by the Cre-mediated excisional deletion of an interposed stuffer DNA, was also constructed. Co-infection experiments together with the Cre-expressing and the reporter recombinant Ad showed that the Cre-mediated switching of gene expression was detected in nearly 100% of cultured CV1 cells. These results suggest that the recombinant Ad efficiently expressed functional Cre and offers a basis for establishing a powerful on/off switching strategy of gene expression in cultured mammalian cells and presumably in future gene therapy.

Expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in vivo by human alveolar bone-derived polymorphonuclear leukocytes isolated from chronically inflamed sites of bone resorption

Alveolar bone-derived polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were characterized for their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), IL-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and IL-6 in vivo. Periapical exudates (PE) were collected from periapical lesions with chronic periapical periodontitis through root canals. Cells and noncellular supernatants were then isolated by centrifugation. The concentration of cytokines present in the noncellular supernatants were determined by ELISA. High concentrations of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 were detected in PE, however, TNF alpha was not. PE contains predominantly PMNs ( > 95% of residing cells) with a few percent of lymphocytes and/or macrophages. These alveolar bone-derived PMNs were purified by the Ficoll-Hypaque gradient method and were analyzed for cytokine mRNA expression using the cytokine-specific reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Highly purified PMNs ( > 99.5%) isolated from PE expressed significant levels of mRNA for IL-alpha, IL-1 beta, and TNF alpha. IL-6 mRNA was not detected, although a high concentration of IL-6 was detected in supernatants of PE by ELISA. The IL-6 secretion in PE could be derived from macrophages, T lymphocytes, osteoblasts, or fibroblasts around periapical lesions. These data strongly suggest that human PMNs derived from alveolar bone can spontaneously produce IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, and TNF alpha at sites of inflammation, and probably initiate inflammation and regulate augmentation of bone resorption in vivo.

Efficient generation of recombinant adenoviruses using adenovirus DNA-terminal protein complex and a cosmid bearing the full-length virus genome

An efficient method of constructing recombinant adenoviruses (Ads) has been established. The expression unit to be introduced into recombinant Ad was first inserted into the unique Swa I site of the full-length Ad genome cloned in a cassette cosmid. The cassette bearing the expression unit was then cotransfected into human embryonic kidney 293 cells together with the Ad DNA-terminal protein complex digested at several sites with Eco T22I or Ase I/EcoRI. The use of the parent Ad DNA-terminal protein complex instead of the deproteinized Ad genome DNA allowed very efficient recovery of the desired recombinant Ad, and the above restriction digestion drastically reduced regeneration of the parent virus. Several hundred virus clones were readily obtained in each experiment, and about 70% of the clones were the desired recombinant viruses. Furthermore, because the cassette contained the full-length Ad genome, any position of the genome could be easily modified to develop a new vector design. We established construction systems for two types of Ad vectors, the E1-substitution type and the E4-insertion type. This method may greatly facilitate the application of recombinant Ads and should be useful for further improvement of Ad vectors.

Measurement of interleukin-4 and histamine in superficial cells of conjunctiva in patients with allergic conjunctivitis

Interleukin 4 (IL-4) may play a role in the development of allergic disease. We questioned whether IL-4 related phenomenon occurred on the surface of the conjunctiva during allergic conjunctivitis. Ten patients with cedar pollen-allergic conjunctivitis and 10 patients with postsurgical conjunctivitis were enrolled in this study. Cells were collected by brush cytology from the upper palpebral conjunctiva. After the cells were cultured for 24 hours, the levels of IL-4, IgE, and histamine were measured in the supernatants. An ELISA was used for histamine and a highly sensitive sandwich ELISA for IL-4 and IgE. Conjunctival cells were also stained and fixed by May-Grunwalds stain solution. The number of superficial cells, especially lymphocytes, were compared in the two groups. The total number of cells collected by brush cytology did not differ in allergic vs., postsurgical conjunctivitis. Lymphocytes were similarly present in such specimens. The levels of IL-4 (p = 0.01) and histamine (p = 0.02) significantly increased in the specimens from patients with allergic conjunctivitis, although IgE was not detected in both groups. There was a correlation between the level of IL-4 and histamine (p = 0.0001). Conjunctival cells in allergic conjunctivitis produced a larger amount of IL-4 and histamine for cedar pollen compared to the postsurgical conjunctivitis. As with other allergic diseases, IL-4 may play a role similar to that of histamine in the development of allergic conjunctivitis.

Efficient adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into human cancer cell lines derived from digestive tract

The efficiency of gene transfer into human cancer cells from digestive tract was evaluated using a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vector harboring a lacZ gene of E. coli as a reporter gene (AxCALacZ). Average percent X-gal staining of esophageal cancer cell lines was 46%, that of gastric cancer cell lines 82% and that of colon cancer cell lines 70% at 3 days after Ad vector infection. X-gal staining in vitro continued 2 months after infection. By the direct injection of adenovirus vector to the tumors in nude mice, a certain percentage of tumor cells was stained by the X-gal. Colon26 cell line infected with AxCALacZ was implanted in BALB/c mice immunized with AxCALacZ, and tumor growth was suppressed. We presume this was due to anti-adenoviral immunity.

A neural cell-type-specific expression system using recombinant adenovirus vectors

We demonstrated neural cell-type-specific gene expression using an adenovirus vector, which is useful for delivering foreign genes into quiescent neural cells. We produced eight recombinant replication-defective adenoviruses carrying the lacZ reporter gene driven by various promoters, including those of the L7/PCP2 gene (highly restricted expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells), and the myelin basic protein (in oligodendrocytes) gene. We demonstrated in vitro and in vivo promoter-driven, neural cell-type-specific gene expression by recombinant adenoviruses. The genes were transferred into these recombinant adenoviruses and expressed with high levels of efficiency in vitro and in vivo. In primary culture, the recombinant adenoviruses AdexL7-NL-LacZ and AdexMBP-NL-LacZ appeared to be expressed in a Purkinje cell and oligodendrocyte-specific manner. Introduction of 10(8) pfu of these viruses into the adult rat cerebellum by stereotactic injection yielded neural cell-type-specific expression without apparent toxicity to the animals. Thus, adenovirus vectors are useful for cell-type-specific therapeutic uses and in studies requiring neural cell-type-specific gene expression.

Induction of antibodies against structural proteins of hepatitis C virus in mice using recombinant adenovirus

Replication-deficient recombinant adenoviruses expressing structural proteins of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were constructed. Each recombinant lacks adenoviral E1A and E3 genes and bears expression units for HCV structural proteins. The expression units contain HCV cDNAs coding for either the protein or core, one of two envelopes (E1 and E2) or all of these structural proteins (core, E1 and E2) under the control of the SR alpha promoter. In HeLa or HepG2 cells, the recombinants can express efficiently HCV genes after infection without replication of the recombinants. We detected 22-kDa core, 35-kDa E1 and 58-kDa E2 proteins of HCV in these cells. The recombinant expressing all three HCV structural proteins was inoculated into mice. Antibodies to each of the three HCV proteins were detected in all of the ten mice tested. The results indicate that the recombinant adenoviruses efficiently express HCV genes and induce specific antibody against the expressed HCV proteins in animals.

The presence of costimulatory molecules CD86 and CD28 in rheumatoid arthritis synovium

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expressions of co-stimulatory molecules CD86 (B7-2, B70) and CD28 by cells obtained from the synovial tissues (ST) and synovial fluids (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against CD86 and CD28 were used for immunochemical study of synovia from 18 RA patients, 4 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and 4 normal subjects. These MAb were also used for flow cytometry of isolated ST cells from 8 RA and 5 OA patients and of SF mononuclear cells from 5 RA and 5 OA patients.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical examination revealed that CD86+ cells occurred in 11 of the 18 RA synovia, but in none of the 4 OA or 4 normal synovia. Most of the positive cells had macrophage-like morphology, and surrounded lymphoid aggregates. Most cells within lymphoid aggregates were stained positively for CD28. Flow cytometry showed that CD86+ cells comprised 2.9-33.4% (average 14.3%) of the total ST cells and 2.1-14.9% (average 6.1%) of the total SF mononuclear cells from RA patients. Approximately 40% of the CD86+ cells expressed CD14. A majority (mean 72%, range 57-89%) of the T cells in ST and SF expressed CD28. RA synovia expressed more CD86 molecules than did OA synovia (mean frequency of positive cells 14.3% versus 2.8%; mean fluorescence intensity 104.6 versus 40.9).

Interleukin-4 and IgE in seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

We measured interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IgE to study their presence in patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. Twenty patients and 10 normal subjects were enrolled in this study, and their brush cytology samples and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were cultured for 3 or 24 h. IL-4 levels were measured using ELISA in the supernatants. Measurements of serum IgE were also performed. IL-4 was detected in 4 of 40 brush cytology samples and 10 of 40 PBL samples, but not from the controls. IL-4 positivity rate of patients was significantly higher than normal in 24-hour cultured PBL (p = 0.03). Patients' serum IgE was also significantly higher (p = 0.006). IL-4 may contribute to the development of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

Quantitative analysis of repeat adenovirus-mediated gene transfer into injured canine femoral arteries

We quantitatively evaluated the effectiveness of a repeat administration of a recombinant adenoviral vector expressing bacterial Escherichia coli lacZ into the same arterial site of a relatively large animal, the dog. The replication-defective adenoviral vector was introduced percutaneously into balloon-injured femoral arteries through a double-balloon catheter. After a single dose of adenoviral vector, up to 90% of surface (73 +/- 16%, n = 7) and smooth muscle cells in multiple layers of the media showed transgene expression as evaluated by 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl beta-D-galactopyranoside histostaining without extralocal expression, as assessed by polymerase chain reaction. High-level expression (measured as beta-galactosidase activity) peaked 7 days after transfer and was transient, although it was retained for a month. Second does of the same adenovirus to the same arterial site were given 1, 2, 5, or 8 weeks after the first administration. At 1 week the second dose significantly enhanced lacZ expression. At 2, 5, or 8 weeks the second dose reinduced lacZ expression at 25% to 30% of the full expression. lacZ expression was also detected in preimmuned dogs, although the expression levels correlated inversely to the titer of neutralizing antibodies in their serum. These results demonstrate that arterial gene expression can be enhanced by a second administration of the same adenovirus after a short interval and that a repeat dose after a long interval partially but significantly reinduces gene expression despite the presence of an immune response. These data may provide an additional scientific foundation for the use of adenovirus-mediated arterial gene transfer in future clinical practice.

Expression of hepatitis C virus envelope proteins in transgenic mice

In an attempt to establish a model for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we produced mice transgenic for the HCV envelope genes, E1 and E2, under the control of a regulatory element from hepatitis B virus. F1-generation mice from the established founders demonstrated expression of both E1 and E2 proteins as glycosylated forms in their organs including the liver. Immunostaining revealed the localization of envelope proteins principally in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes around the hepatic central veins. Furthermore, E1 and E2 proteins were shown by immunoprecipitation to be associated with each other in the mouse liver. There was no evidence of tissue pathology in the mouse liver up to 16 months of age, suggesting that E1 and E2 proteins per se may not have direct pathogenic effects. Our results demonstrate the first successful expression of HCV gene products in the mouse liver and the association of in vivo expressed HCV envelope proteins. This transgenic mouse would be a good model to study the virus-cell interactions of HCV such as intracellular transport and assembly of envelope proteins. Also it may be a good model system to determine the role of these proteins in the pathogenesis of hepatitis or extra-hepatic manifestations in HCV infection by the introduction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for the envelope proteins.

In situ hybridization study of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 messenger RNA expression in rheumatoid synovium

Upregulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) has been implicated in various pathological conditions. In this study, we used in situ hybridization to determine the cell types expressing VCAM-1 mRNA in rheumatoid synovium. Synovial tissues from seven rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and four osteoarthritis (OA) patients were examined for VCAM-1 mRNA expression. In situ hybridization as well as immunohistochemical analysis showed that VCAM-1 expression was mainly localized to the hyperplastic synovial lining cells and to a lesser extent endothelial cells and synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid synovium. VCAM-1 expression in OA is less prominent. Hyperplastic synovial lining cells expressing VCAM-1 were mainly CD13+, CD14+, CD33+ and HLA-DR+. Together with morphological features, this suggests that they are type A macrophage-like synovial cells. Our findings indicate that overexpression of VCAM-1 may contribute to the formation of hyperplastic lining layers in the synovium seen in this disorder.

NMR characterization of guanine DNA site alkylated by kapurimycin A3, an antitumour antibiotic from Streptomyces sp

The kapurimycin A3-guanine adduct was formed by alkylation of the antitumour antibiotic with d(CGCG)2. The site of alkylation of the guanine was confirmed by comparative NMR studies with N-7-methyl-guanine in DMSO-d6.

Measurement of IL-4 in tears of patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and vernal keratoconjunctivitis

To elucidate the mechanism of ocular surface allergic disease, we focused on IL-4, which is one of the key factors in regulating IgE production, and thus determined the concentration of IL-4 in tears. IL-4 concentration was determined in the tears of 15 patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, 15 vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), 10 giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC), 10 patients with non-allergic conjunctivitis and post-cataract surgical conjunctivitis as intermediate conjunctivitis, and 10 normal subjects using a highly sensitive sandwich ELISA. The mean level of IL-4 in normal controls was low, and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, VKC and GPC showed a significant elevation (P < 0.05), respectively. IL-4 of VKC and GPC were also significantly higher than allergic conjunctivitis, and non-allergic conjunctivitis and post-cataract surgical conjunctivitis were not higher than normal. These results raise the possibility that the increased level of IL-4 in tears could play a role in allergic disease and its severity in patients.

Immunohistologic analysis of synovium in infrapatellar fat pad after anterior cruciate ligament injury

To clarify the natural course of synovitis after anterior cruciate ligament injury, we took synovial tissues at various periods after injury and analyzed them immunohistologically. Twelve patients with isolated anterior cruciate ligament injuries participated in the study. Inflammation intensity was graded semiquantitatively based on the following parameters: synovial lining cell depth, synovial hyperplasia, vascular hyperplasia, lymphocyte infiltration, and the expression of cell adhesion molecules. The expression of fibrogenic cytokines and the degree of fibrosis were also investigated to elucidate the mechanisms of arthrofibrosis. The results demonstrated that synovitis in the infrapatellar fat pad subsides within 3 months after injury with the progression of fibrosis. Fibrogenic cytokines, platelet-derived growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta, were detected at fibrotic sites, suggesting their involvement in arthrofibrosis. An increased incidence of arthrofibrosis recently has been recognized to occur when anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is performed within several weeks after injury. We speculate that when anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is performed during the stage of acute synovitis, the operation may further promote the synovitis, accelerating the arthrofibrotic reaction. Waiting to perform the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction until the synovitis resolves may possibly decrease the motion problems seen postoperatively.