Presence of human beta-defensin-2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate immunohistochemically the localization and distribution of human beta-defensin-2 (HBD-2), a peptide with antimicrobial activity, in oral carcinoma tissues. Tissue samples were embedded in paraffin, and HBD-2 was immunostained by the streptavidin-biotin coupled peroxidase method. Cancer cells in the cornified region of well differentiated squamous cell carcinomas were stained intensely. Stained cancer cells detected by anti-HBD-2 antibody were scattered among the cells of the non-cornified region.

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship analyses of RGD mimetics as fibrinogen receptor antagonists

In order to better understand the structural requirements of fibrinogen receptor antagonists, variations in the platelet aggregation inhibitory activity of a series of RGD mimetics were examined using techniques for the analysis of three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship, such as CoMFA.

Beta-1,3-glucooligosaccharide induced activation of four enzymes responsible for N-p-coumaroyloctopamine biosynthesis in potato (Solanum tuberosum cv.) tuber tissue

Potato tuber disks, when treated with laminarin, a beta-1,3-glucooligosaccharide from Laminaria digitata, accumulate a hydroxycinnamoyl amide compound, N-p-coumaroyloctopamine (p-CO). The biosynthesis of p-CO was investigated by feeding experiments, in order to show that the precursors of N-p-coumaroyl and octopamine moieties of p-CO are L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine, respectively. The treatment of potato tuber tissue with laminarin resulted in elevated activities of four enzymes which are putatively involved in p-CO biosynthesis: phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.5), 4-hydroxycinnamic acid:CoA ligase (4CL; EC 6.2.1.12), hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA:tyramine N-(hydroxycinnamoyl)transferase (THT; EC 2.3.1.110) and tyrosine decarboxylase (TyrDC; EC 4.1.1.25). Among these, the response of TyrDC was specific to laminarin treatment, thus indicating that the regulation of TyrDC activity is critical for the accumulation of p-CO in potato tuber tissue.

Motor dynamics encoding in the rostral zone of the cat cerebellar flocculus during vertical optokinetic eye movements

The complex spike (CS) and simple spike (SS) activities of Purkinje cells in the rostral zone of the cerebellar flocculus were recorded in alert cats during optokinetic responses (OKR) elicited by a stimulus sequence consisting of a constant-speed visual pattern movement in one direction for 1 s and then in the opposite direction for 1 s. The quick-phase-free trials were selected. Ninety-eight cells were identified as rostral zone cells by the direction-selective CS activity that was modulated during vertical but not horizontal stimuli. In most of the majority population (88 cells), with an increasing CS firing rate during upward OKR and an increasing SS rate during downward OKR, the inverse dynamics approach was successful and the time course of the SS rate was reconstructed (mean coefficient of determination, 0.70 and 0.72 during upward and downward stimuli, respectively) by a linear weighted superposition of the eye acceleration, velocity, position, and constant terms, at a given time delay (mean 10 ms) from the unit response to the eye-movement response. Standard regression coefficient (SRC) analysis revealed that the contribution of the velocity term (mean SRC 0.98 for upward and 0.80 for downward) to regression was dominant over acceleration (mean SRC 0.018 and 0.058) and position (-0.14 and -0.12) terms. The velocity coefficient during upward stimuli (6.6 spikes/s per degree/s) was significantly (P<0.01) larger than that during downward stimuli (4.9 spikes/s per degree/s). In most of the minority population (10 cells), with both CS and SS firing rates increasing during upward OKR, the inverse dynamics approach was not successful. It is concluded that 1) in the cat rostral zone Purkinje cells, in which the preferred direction is upward for CS and downward for SS, eye velocity and acceleration information is encoded in SS firing to counteract the viscosity and inertia forces, respectively, on the eye during vertical OKR; 2) the eye position information encoded in SS firing is inappropriate for counteracting the elastic force; 3) encoding of eye velocity information during upward OKR is quantitatively different from that during downward OKR: SS firing modulation is larger for upward than for downward OKR of the same amplitude; and 4) encoding of motor dynamics is obscure in cells in which the preferred direction is upward for both CS and SS.

Coronary sinus long sheath catheter system: a new device for transfemoral coronary sinus catheterization

Coronary sinus catheterization requires an approach into the right atrium via the superior vena cava. This study contains information regarding a coronary sinus long sheath catheter (CS sheath) system, a new device for cannulation of the coronary sinus through the femoral approach. This method was successful in 96.9% of the cases attempted. Furthermore, cannulation using the CS sheath allowed us not only to insert several catheters into the coronary sinus for clinical use and investigation, but also to access the great and small cardiac veins easily and selectively.

Ulinastatin attenuates reperfusion injury in the isolated blood-perfused rabbit heart

BACKGROUND

Ventricular dysfunction after long cardioplegic arrest has been observed in cardiac operations. Urinary trypsin inhibitor, also called ulinastatin, may attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. The present study was designed to determine the protective efficacy of ulinastatin in blood-perfused parabiotic isolated rabbit hearts as a surgically relevant model with long (4-hour) cardioplegic arrest.

METHODS

Each isolated rabbit heart, with a latex balloon inserted in the left ventricle, was parabiotically blood-perfused using a modified Langendorff column. The left ventricular developed pressure, rate of pressure development, and coronary flow with a left ventricular end-diastolic pressure of 10 mm Hg were measured before ischemia and 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after reperfusion began (control, n = 10). Ulinastatin (15,000 U/kg) was administered to the support animal just before reperfusion began (group U-1, n = 10) or at the beginning of the extracorporeal circulation and readministered before reperfusion (group U-2, n = 10). The endothelium of the coronary artery was observed by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate the extent of endothelial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

RESULTS

Ulinastatin enhanced the recovery of developed pressure in both the U-1 (p<0.05) and U-2 (p < 0.01) groups compared with the control group. Although ulinastatin given just before reperfusion (group U-1) did not enhance the recovery of the rate of pressure development or the coronary flow compared with the control, earlier administration did improve the recovery of the rate of pressure development compared with the control (U-2, p<0.05), and there was improvement of the recovery of coronary flow after 60 minutes of reperfusion (U-2, p<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy showed that ulinastatin had ameliorated coronary endothelial damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Ulinastatin improved functional recovery after long cardioplegic arrest and reduced coronary endothelial injury. Administration of ulinastatin at the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass and just before reperfusion may be useful clinically in cases requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamping.

[Esophageal dilation therapy for achalasia of the esophagus]

Esophageal dilation therapy for esophageal achalasia has a 300-year history and remains the first-line therapy because of its low cost, progressively decreasing morbidity and mortality, and possibility of surgery for patients who do not improve. Another advantage is the feasibility of repeated trial even after surgery. The aim of this procedure is to produce a controlled tear in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Precise esophagographic, endoscopic, and manometric diagnosis is necessary for successful esophageal dilation therapy. In addition, the exclusion of pseudoachalasia using echogram or CT scan is important. The procedure should be carried out accurately to prevent complications. If perforation occurs, appropriate, timely management is required.

Steroid 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity and hair regrowth effects of an extract from Boehmeria nipononivea

The acetone extract of Boehmeria nipononivea showed both potent 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity and hair regrowth promotion effects on mice. 5alpha-Reductase inhibitory activity-guided fractionation led to six active fatty acids: alpha-linolenic, linoleic, palmitic, elaidic, oleic and stearic acids. The extract of B. nipononivea, and alphalinolenic, elaidic and stearic acids exhibited a hair regrowth effect.

Enhancing effect of electric stimulation on cytotoxicity of anticancer agents against rat and human glioma cells

Electropermeabilization, or electroporation, has been used to deliver genes or drugs into the cytoplasm through micropores in the cell membrane caused by electric stimulation. The cytotoxic effect of a combination of anticancer agents with electric stimulation on rat C6 and human T98G glioma cells was examined in vitro. Electric pulses of 100 microsec square waves (eight cycles at 1 Hz) at various electric fields were delivered to C6 or T98G glioma cell suspensions in combination with several anticancer agents. Cell growth was evaluated 48-72 h after treatment. Measurement of cell lysis by electric stimulation was used to assess the optimum field strength for electroporation. Electric stimulation enhanced significantly the cytotoxicity of bleomycin to both C6 and T98G cells by more than 1000-fold using an electric field of 1750 V/cm for C6 cells and 1000 V/cm for T98G cells. The enhancement disappeared when bleomycin concentration was reduced to 100 pg/ml. The cytotoxicity of carboplatin was weakly but significantly enhanced by electric stimulation when a high dose of carboplatin was used. However, there was no enhancement of the cytotoxicity of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU), etoposide, and vincristine. These results indicate that the combination of bleomycin and electroporation is the most potent candidate for electrochemotherapy in vivo.

Immunohistochemical staining of human alpha-defensin-1 (HNP-1), in the submandibular glands of patients with oral carcinomas

The purpose of this study was the immunohistochemical localization and distribution of HNP-1 in the submandibular glands of patients with oral carcinomas. Tissue sections were embedded in paraffin, and HNP-1 was immunostained by the streptavidin-biotin coupled peroxidase method. Striated duct cells in the submandibular glands were stained with anti-defensin antibody. Neutrophils and capillary intimal cells were also stained. Defensins (HNPs) are peptides that occur in neutrophils and protect against bacteria and tumor cells. Human alpha-defensin-1 (HNP-1) is such a peptide, possessing both antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. The presence of HNP-1 in striated duct cells in the submandibular glands of oral cancer patients, suggests a likely role in tumor immunity, for this peptide.

Relationships between structure and molting hormonal activity of tebufenozide, methoxyfenozide, and their analogs in cultured integument system of Chilo suppressalis Walker

The molting hormonal activity of methoxyfenozide (RH-2485), tebufenozide (RH-5992), five analogs with various alkyl groups, and 18 acyl analogs was measured by using cultured integument of rice stem borers, Chilo suppressalis Walker. The hormonal activity of methoxyfenozide was remarkably high (EC(50) = 1.1 x 10(-9) M), being equivalent to that of tebufenozide (RH-5992). The hormonal activity of several tebufenozide analogs with varying alkyl groups such as CH(3), n-C(3)H(7), i-C(3)H(7), n-C(4)H(9) and n-C(5)H(11) at the para-position of the benzene ring furthest from the tert-butyl group was lower than that of tebufenozide (alkyl group is C(2)H(5)). The activity decreased to varying degrees as a result of replacement of the 3,5-dimethylphenyl moiety of tebufenozide with either a phenyl, naphthyl, or cyclohexyl group. Both 1- and 2-naphthyl derivatives were very active (EC(50) = 4.3 x 10(-8) M and 3.2 x 10(-8) M, respectively) without any significant difference between them. The activity of the 1-cyclohexenyl analog (EC(50) = 1.0 x 10(-7) M) was about 40x that of the corresponding 3-cyclohexenyl analog (EC(50) = 4.4 x 10(-6) M), but 1/100 that of tebufenozide. The activity varied parabolically with respect to the molecular hydrophobicity, and decreased with longer acyl moieties.

Absolute structure of N-p-coumaroyloctopamine in elicitor-treated potato tuber tissue

Treatment of potato tuber tissue with beta-1,3-oligoglucosaccharide causes an accumulation of N-p-coumaroyloctopamine (1). In order to determine the absolute structure of 1 in potato, optically active 1 was synthesized from (R)-octopamine which had been obtained from the racemic mixture by the fractional crystallization. By comparing the chromatographic behavior of synthetic and naturally-occurring samples with a chiral HPLC analysis, the absolute configuration of 1 in potato was determined to be S. This indicates that the absolute configuration of the octopamine moiety of 1 is opposite to that of octopamine formed in animal tissues.

Neuropsychological EEG activation in patients with epilepsy

To examine the effects of higher mental activity on the EEG, 480 Japanese patients with different types of epilepsy were subjected to potentially provocative cognitive tasking, termed 'neuropsychological EEG activation' (NPA), during standard EEG recordings. NPA tasks consisted of reading, speaking, writing, written arithmetic calculation, mental arithmetic calculation and spatial construction. The NPA tasks provoked epileptic discharges in 38 patients (7.9%) and were accompanied by myoclonic seizures in 15 patients, absence seizures in eight and simple partial seizures in one. Among the cognitive tasks, mental activities mainly associated with use of the hands, i.e. writing (68.4%), written calculation (55. 3%) and spatial conction (63.2%), provoked the most discharges, followed by mental calculation (7.9%) and reading (5.3%). Detailed examination of the precipitating events revealed action-programming type activities to be the most crucial in 32 out of the 38 patients (84.2%), followed by thinking type activities in four patients (10. 5%). Regarding the classification of epilepsies proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy, seizure-precipitating mental activities in our series were almost exclusively (in 36 out of the 38 patients) related to idiopathic generalized epilepsies (IGEs) including juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy, grand mal epilepsy on awakening and childhood absence epilepsy, and were rarely (in only two out of the 38 patients) related to temporal lobe epilepsy. In our IGE patients, the provocative effects of NPA were related to myoclonic seizures rather than absence or generalized tonic-clonic seizures. These results suggest that NPA is a useful tool for examining the relationship between cognitive function and epileptic seizures, and that the IGE patients with myoclonic seizures are vulnerable to higher mental activities requiring action-programming or thinking.

Angiogenesis inhibitor TNP-470 suppresses the progression of experimentally-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

We evaluated the effects of angiogenesis inhibitor, TNP-470, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCCs) induced by a choline-deficient L-amino acid defined (CDAA) diet in rats. Male Fisher 344 rats were fed CDAA for 68 weeks. Rats were treated by subcutaneous injection of TNP-470 (15 mg/kg) or saline (control) three times per week from 53 to 68 weeks. At the end of the experiment, we determined the frequency and size of HCCs and glutathione S-transferase placental form (GSTP)-positive lesions, histology of liver cirrhosis, liver function, and liver weight per body weight. We also determined, using histologic and immunohistochemical semiquantification analyses, the degree of vascularity, apoptosis and proliferation in HCC and adjacent tissues. Treatment with TNP-470 resulted in a reduction of the size and frequency of HCC compared to untreated rats. However, TNP-470 did not influence the histology of liver cirrhosis and liver function. The liver weight per body weight of TNP-470-treated rats was slightly heavier in comparison with that of the controls. Treatment with TNP-470 significantly reduced tumor vascularity relative to the controls. There were no significant differences in the Ki-67 labeling index of HCCs between TNP-470 treated and control rats. The frequency of apoptotic hepatoma cells in TNP-470-treated rats was higher than in control rats. Our results indicate that TNP-470 suppresses the progression of CDAA-induced HCCs in rats through inhibition of angiogenesis, and suggest that TNP-470 might be useful clinically for HCCs.

The physiological activity and in vivo distribution of dinitrosyl dithiolato iron complex

Nitric oxide (NO) is recognized as an endogenous mediator of vascular tone, a neurotransmitter and an immune effector molecule. Furthermore, it has been implicated in the development of various diseases. Because NO is extremely labile in the biological milieu, its activities can be effected not only by NO itself but also by relatively stable physiologic NO carriers or NO donors. Dinitrosyl iron complexes have been recognized as endogenous NO carrier molecules as well as S-nitrosothiols. The complex has been found in cells and the tissues of mammals and bacteria via its readily detectable, characteristic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signals. Endogenously produced dinitrosyl iron complex with thiolate ligands (DNIC) has a critical biological potential; and it can function as a physiologic regulatory factor in a biological system, especially the immune and cardiovascular systems. We have been studying the in vivo behavior and distribution of DNIC to elucidate its physiological roles and pharmacokinetics. In this article, an attempt is made to provide an overview of the history, physiology and in vivo behavior of DNIC.

Ursodeoxycholic acid reduces expression of heat shock proteins in primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

To identify injured cells in the liver of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and to determine the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on these cells, we examined the cellular expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in PBC both before and after treatment with UDCA.

METHODS

Expression of HSP70 and ubiquitin in PBC livers (n=34) was evaluated immunohistochemically as well as by immunoblot analysis, and compared with chronic viral hepatitis type C (n= 9), primary sclerosing cholangitis (n=8), and controls (n=7).

RESULTS

Immunoblot analysis demonstrated a marked expression of HSP70 and ubiquitin in PBC. Immunohistochemical staining for both HSP70 and ubiquitin was observed to be strong in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) and moderate in both hepatocytes and arteries in PBC. Cellular labelling rates for HSP70 and ubiquitin of bile ducts in PBC were significantly higher (p<0.01) than those in chronic viral hepatitis type C, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or controls. The labelling rates for HSP70 and ubiquitin in bile ducts and in hepatocytes were significantly decreased (p<0.01) after treatment with UDCA in PBC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data suggest that BECs and hepatocytes significantly express HSPs even in the early stages of PBC, and that UDCA treatment significantly improves their condition. The immunohistochemical evaluation of HSPs is a valid and sensitive means to identify injured cells in PBC.

Bilateral sequential single lung transplantation for pulmonary hypertension and Eisenmenger's syndrome

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation, with and without intracardiac repair for pulmonary hypertension (PH) and Eisenmenger's syndrome (EIS), has become an alternative transplant strategy to combined heart and lung transplantation (HLT).

METHODS

Thirty-five patients with PH or EIS underwent either bilateral sequential single lung transplantation (BSSLT, group I, n = 13) or HLT (group II, n = 22). Another 74 patients, who underwent BSSLT for other indications, served as controls (group III). Immediate allograft function, early and medium-term outcomes, lung function, and 2-year survival were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Comparisons between groups I and II showed no significant difference in any variables except percent predicted forced vital capacity. Immediate allograft function was significantly inferior (p < 0.05) and the blood loss was greater (p < 0.01) in group I when compared with those in group III. However, this resulted in no significant difference in early and medium-term outcomes, and 2-year survival between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

BSSLT for PH and EIS can be performed as an alternative procedure to HLT without an increase in early and medium-term morbidity and mortality. Results are comparable with BSSLT performed for other indications.

Genetic regulation of anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies and splenomegaly in autoimmune hemolytic anemia-prone new zealand black mice

New Zealand Black (NZB) mice spontaneously produce anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies (AEA) in association with splenomegaly, thus serving as a model for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Although these autoimmune traits are inherited as a dominant fashion, expression in F(1) hybrids of NZB and most non-New Zealand strains is suppressed due to the contribution of wild-type modifying genes present in the latter strains. Using chromosomal microsatellite markers in the (C57BL/6 x NZB)F(1) x NZB backcross progeny, we mapped C57BL/6 modifying loci for AEA production and splenomegaly. Generation of AEA was found to be down-regulated by a combined effect of two major independently segregating dominant alleles-one linked to D7MIT30 on chromosome 7 and the other linked to D10MIT42 on chromosome 10. Splenomegaly was modified mainly by a single C57BL/6 allele linked to D4MIT58 on chromosome 4. Thus, the autoimmune hemolytic anemia in the NZB strain is under multigenic control and a combined action of not only susceptibility but also modifying alleles with suppressive activities affects the outcome of disease features in the progeny. There are potentially important candidate genes which may be linked to the regulation of AEA and splenomegaly.

Selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer cell line

Cisplatin is a key drug in chemotherapy for lung cancer. It has been reported that intracellular accumulation of cisplatin is an important step as a determinant for resistance to cisplatin, which may be modulated by Na+, K+-ATPase activity. And it has been reported that isoproterenol, a beta-adrenoceptor agonist, enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. In this study, the effects of the selective beta1, beta2, and beta3-adrenoceptor agonists on membrane Na+, K+-ATPase activity and sensitivity to cisplatin were evaluated using human non-small cell lung cancer cell line. In the NSCLC cell line, sensitivity to cisplatin was improved by treatment with procaterol, a selective beta2-adrenoceptor agonist. Na+, K+-ATPase was activated and intracellular accumulation of cisplatin increased with the treatment. However, beta1 or beta3-adrenoceptor agonist did not modulate sensitivity to cisplatin or Na+, K+-ATPase activity. These results suggest that beta2-adrenoceptor may be one of the determinants for sensitivity to cisplatin in NSCLC. Exogenous beta2-adrenoceptor agonists may improve the antitumor effect of chemotherapy involving cisplatin.

Bridge to recovery with a left ventricular assist device for fulminant acute myocarditis

Acute fulminant myocarditis frequently causes circulatory collapse that is resistant to conventional therapy. We describe a case in which a patient with histologically confirmed viral myocarditis was supported by a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) as a bridge to recovery. The LVAD was successfully weaned 3 weeks later.

In vivo distribution and behavior of paramagnetic dinitrosyl dithiolato iron complex in the abdomen of mouse

It has been shown that a dinitrosyl dithiolato iron complex is formed under physiological conditions and that it functions as an NO transporter. In the present study, a diglutathionyl dinitrosyl iron complex [DNIC-(GS)2] was injected into mice and its abdominal distribution and behavior were examined by using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The X-band EPR signal intensity of the blood, liver, kidney, and spleen decreased with time but signals from the liver and kidney were readily detectable even 24h after the injection. The time courses of signal intensity were quite similar when the agent was administered via intravenous and subcutaneous injection routes, suggesting that DNIC-(GS)2 can penetrate readily and rapidly through the membranes. Real-time detection of DNIC-(GS)2 in the upper abdomen of the living mice was performed by employing an in vivo EPR spectroscopy. These results suggest that DNIC-(GS)2, an endogenous NO carrier, has an excellent membrane permeability and has a relatively high affinity for the liver and kidney.

Various extrahepatic manifestations caused by hepatitis C virus infection

It has been reported that hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes not only liver disease but also disorders of other organs and tissues. Previously, many HCV-related extrahepatic manifestations have been reported. In this study, we report 2 patients in whom tongue cancer was detected during the treatment of HCV-related liver disease. In one patient, tongue cancer was detected during the treatment of HCV-related liver cirrhosis, and articular rheumatism developed thereafter. The duration of HCV-related liver disease was 10 years. In the other patient, tongue cancer was detected during the treatment of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. This patient had a past history of thyroid disease. The duration of HCV-related liver disease was 6 years. In these patients, the possibility that several conditions incidentally and concurrently developed cannot be denied. However, the conditions described above may be regarded as HCV-related extra-hepatic manifestations. In patients with HCV infection, it is important to examine conditions in organs other than the liver. Careful follow-up is needed.

Napsin A, a member of the aspartic protease family, is abundantly expressed in normal lung and kidney tissue and is expressed in lung adenocarcinomas

A pair of 35 kDa polypeptides (TAO1/TAO2) are expressed in more than 90% of all primary lung adenocarcinomas but not in other major malignancies. Mass spectrometry of tryptic peptides showed that TAO1/TAO2 is identical to napsin A, a recently described member of the aspartic proteinase family. The site of processing of pronapsin A to the mature form was located. Napsin expression was detected in human lung adenocarcinoma tumors, compatible with the marker nature of TAO1/TAO2 in the diagnosis of primary lung adenocarcinoma. This is important since identification of markers which can distinguish primary lung adenocarcinomas from distant metastases is desirable. Northern blot analysis showed expression of napsin also in normal lung and kidney tissue, and in situ hybridization showed expression in type II alveolar cells of the lung. This protease is concluded to have a specific functional role in the normal alveolar epithelium and is a candidate protease for the proteolytic processing of surfactant precursors.