Genotype distribution of estrogen receptor polymorphisms in men and postmenopausal women from healthy and coronary populations and its relation to serum lipid levels

The cardiovascular protective effects of estrogen are known to be mediated by its beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and its direct actions on the vessel wall. The latter can be mediated by a specific receptor for estrogen present on smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. The gene for the receptor (the classic estrogen receptor [ER]) has three known polymorphisms, Pvu II, Xba I, and B-variant polymorphisms, which are reportedly associated with receptor expression and altered receptor function and with some disorders including breast cancer, hypertension, and spontaneous abortion. However, the significance of genetic variations of the ER in vascular diseases has not been reported. We have examined the association between coronary artery disease (CAD) and the three polymorphisms in ER. Genotypes (P1/P2, X1/X2, and B-wild type/B-variant type) were determined in 87 men and postmenopausal women with myocardial infarction or angina pectoris whose lesions were confirmed by coronary angiography, as well as from 94 control individuals from the general population with no coronary heart disease and normal resting ECG. For B-variant polymorphism, all individuals examined had B-wild type, which contrasts with the reported allele frequency for B-variant type (0.1) in the white population. Genotype distributions and allele frequencies of Pvu II or Xba I polymorphisms were not significantly different between control subjects and patients (P > .05 for Pvu II or Xba I genotypes; P > .05 for Pvu II or Xba I allele frequencies). When the allele frequencies were analyzed separately by sex, there was still no statistically significant difference for both polymorphisms (P > .05 for men; P > .05 for women). No association was found between the polymorphisms and the angiographic severity of CAD. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, or HDL-cholesterol levels were not significantly different among ER genotypes. These findings suggest that the three polymorphisms in ER are not associated with the prevalence and severity of CAD and that the polymorphisms are unrelated to the serum lipid levels in control subjects and patients.

Hepatic injury localized to the field of total lymphoid irradiation

A 37-year-old woman with severe aplastic anemia underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation following cyclophosphamide (CY) and total lymphoid irradiation (TLI). On day +30, a CT scan was carried out because of a mild elevation in liver enzymes, and it revealed a low density area with a sharp border in the left lobe corresponding to the irradiated area. MRI showed a hypersignal intensity on both T1 and T2-weighted images and suggested that hepatic damage was mainly severe fatty change. These abnormalities resolved with no treatment. CY with TLI for adult patients with severe aplastic anemia may induce hepatic injury.

Population-specific reference values for bone age

Contemporary reference values for assessing skeletal maturity have been obtained for the Japanese population. These were used to compare skeletal maturation with populations from the UK. Belgium, North India and South China. Japanese children were found to attain skeletal maturity, based on measurements of the radius, ulna and short bones of the left hand and wrist, 1 or 2 years earlier than present-day European and Chinese children. A relative lack of data for the North Indian population made comparison impossible.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel 4-pyrrolidinylthio carbapenems--I. 2-Alkoxymethyl derivatives

The synthesis and in vitro antibacterial activity of a novel series of 2-alkoxymethyl-4-pyrrolidinylthio-1 beta-methyl carbapenems are described. As a result of these studies, we discovered that FR27743 (19j) containing a novel 2-fluoroethoxymethyl substituent possesses a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, FR27743 exhibited excellent stability against renal dehydropeptidase-I (DHP-I), good urinary recovery, and superior in vivo activity compared to that for Meropenem against several systemic infections.

Ganglioneuroma of left adrenal gland in a patient with Turner syndrome during growth hormone therapy

We report on a Japanese girl with Turner syndrome (45,XO) who developed ganglioneuroma of the left adrenal gland during growth hormone (GH) therapy. She had received GH replacement therapy from the age of 6.8 years. At the age of 10.3 years, abdominal ultrasonography revealed a mass which occupied the upper area of her left kidney. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen showed a low density mass with a smooth surface located between the upper portion of the left renal vein and the pancreas. Microscopic examination resulted in a diagnosis of ganglioneuroma of the left adrenal gland. At present we cannot conclude that patients who have received GH replacement therapy are at higher risk for developing tumors compared to those without GH replacement therapy.

Possible contribution of follicular interleukin-1beta to nitric oxide generation in human pre-ovulatory follicles

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between follicular nitric oxide (NO) metabolite concentrations and several related variables, with special reference to follicular interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). The follicular fluid from the leading and secondary follicles was collected individually from 20 women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, and the concentrations of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) were determined fluorometrically using 2,3-diaminonaphthalene. Both follicular nitrite (r = 0.42, P < 0.01) and nitrate (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) were found to be significantly correlated with follicular IL-1beta concentrations. There were also significant positive correlations between follicular nitrate and the number of oocytes retrieved (P < 0.01) and serum oestradiol concentration on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration (P < 0.05). When follicular cells were incubated in vitro with 10 ng/ml of IL-1beta for 24 h, nitrate generation was significantly (P < 0.01) elevated compared with the control. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that follicular IL-1beta and the number of developing follicles are significant variables that affect follicular NO concentrations, and points to the possible contribution of IL-1beta to NO generation in human preovulatory follicles.

Inhibitory effects of plasminogen fragment on experimentally induced neovascularization of rat corneas

BACKGROUND

Corneal neovascularization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a number of corneal disorders. Recently a polypeptide was demonstrated, generated by the primary tumor, that inhibited angiogenesis and growth in metastases. This polypeptide is similar to a 38-kDa plasminogen fragment.

METHODS

We surgically implanted into rat corneal stroma a slow-release ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) copolymer pellet containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to induce corneal neovascularization. Then we applied aqueous solution containing plasminogen fragment to the rat cornea in order to observe the degree of inhibition of angiogenesis.

RESULTS

In the eyes of control rats, neovascularization from the limbus to the pellet occurred, graded 4+ in all five animals. In plasminogen fragment-treated rats, there was virtually complete inhibition of the neovascular response to the pellet. Of five treated rats, three showed no neovascularization and two demonstrated grade 1+ neovascularization. The difference in the degree of neovascularization between control and plasminogen fragment treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our studies provide the first direct evidence that rat corneal neovascularization is inhibited by instillation of plasminogen fragment. This agent may prove useful in the treatment of corneal angiogenic disorder.

Calphostin C synergistically induces apoptosis with VP-16 in lymphoma cells which express abundant phosphorylated Bcl-2 protein

A newly established human lymphoma cell line (OZ) has the t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation and expresses large amounts of Bcl-2 compared to CCRF-CEM cells. VP-16 (40 micrograms/mL), a promising agent against lymphoma, caused DNA fragmentation (26.9% of total DNA) typical for apoptosis at 6 h in CCRF-CEM cells, but no significant changes in OZ cells until 24 h after the addition of VP-16. However, coincubation with calphostin C (0.2 microgram/mL), a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, induced DNA fragmentation in VP-16-treated OZ cells (13.5% of total DNA) at 6 h after the treatment. Simultaneous immunoblot analysis revealed that this induction of apoptosis coincided with the downregulation of serine-phosphorylated Bcl-2 (13% of control cells). By contrast, apoptosis induced by VP-16 in CCRF-CEM cells was attenuated by the addition of 0.5 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a potent PKC stimulator. These observations suggest that Bcl-2 function is partly regulated by phosphorylation/ dephosphorylation mechanisms of the PKC system, and that phosphorylated Bcl-2 in lymphoma cells may play a role in the prevention of apoptosis.

Subcellular location of polyphenol oxidase in apples

The location of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in cells of apple fruit was examined by immunohistochemistry and subcellular fractionation. In mature apple fruits, where vacuoles occupy most of the cells, PPO was detected immunochemically near the cell walls with use of anti-apple PPO antibodies. In cells of immature fruits and tissue culture, PPO was detected in organelles other than the vacuoles, probably in plastids. The plastid fraction was purified by density gradient ultracentrifugation, and the activities of PPO and marker enzymes of plastids were the highest in the plastids. Most apple PPO was in plastids, as are other plant PPOs, and some of the protein was solubilized and proteolyzed during ripening and storage.

Unrelated bone marrow transplantation from the National Marrow Donor Program

Between November 1992 and December 1996, we carried out bone marrow transplantation through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) for 11 patients who lacked an appropriate donor among their family members and the Japan Marrow Donor Program (JMDP). They accounted for 11% of 101 patients who had registrated to the NMDP Transplant Center Office in Japan. The median time required from the initiation of preliminary search to transplant for these 11 patients was 198 days. The 11 donors included four Caucasians, one Native American and the others were Asian/Pacific islanders. A median of 17 h was required to transport bone marrow from harvest institutes to our hospital and their viability determined in our laboratory had a median of 96%. Engraftment was observed in all recipients and the incidence of grade III-IV acute graft-versus host disease was 27%. Of four patients three (75%) with chronic myelogenous leukemia in chronic phase (standard-risk) and two (29%) of seven patients in progressive state of the disease (high-risk), are alive at present. Cooperation between the JMDP and the NMDP, which began in April 1997, could shorten the time for donor search and allow transplantation to more patients with more appropriate timing.

An unusual mitochondrial atp9-rpl16 cotranscript found in the maternal distorted leaf mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana: implication of GUG as an initiation codon in plant mitochondria

Properties of an unusual atp9-rpl16 cotranscript preferentially found in the maternal distorted leaf mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana, which had arisen from a genetic cross between chloroplast mutator and wild-type plants, were examined. Analysis of RNA editing of this cotranscript showed that one editing event in the rpl16 coding region created a UGA stop codon. This raises a possibility that a downstream GUG codon can serve as an initiation codon for rpl16.

[Two cases of pure akinesia with unusual activation in dorsal part of the frontal lobe during gait--surface EMG and PET study]

FDG-PET activation study was performed in two pure akinesia (PA) patients with silent pattern in surface electromyography (EMG) frozen gait analysis. Three patients (2 PA and 1 PD with reciprocal co-contraction pattern) and 7 normal subjects underwent FDG-PET study in two different condition of "rest" and "walk", in order to evaluate the change in regional cerebral activity during gait. In a PD patient, the activated pattern was no different from that of normal individuals; the cerebellar vermis was solely activated significantly. In contrast, 2 PA patients showed characteristic activation in the dorsolateral frontal area in addition to the areas found in normals. These results suggest that the dorsolateral frontal cortex may play an inhibiting role to the motor cortex resulting in the silent pattern of frozen gait in PA. Combined study of surface EMG and FDG-PET during gait may be useful for analyzing the pathophysiological mechanism of gait disturbance.

Characterization of the gene encoding mouse platelet glycoprotien Ib beta

Platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX/V complex is a major receptor for von Willebrand factor (vWF), which mediates platelet adhesion and aggregation under high shear stress conditions. It is composed of GPIb alpha, GPIb beta, GPIX, and GPV. All subunits for the human receptor have been cloned and characterized. However, the function of GPIb beta is still elusive. To obtain further information of GPIb beta, we have determined the genomic sequence of mouse GPIb beta (1466 bp). The deduced amino acid sequence (206aa) was 88% identical to the human GPIb beta protein. All cysteine residues, putative N-linked glycosylation site (Asn41), and putative phosphorylation site (Ser166) were conserved. The promoter region contained putative GATA and ets binding motif implicated in megakaryocytic expression. Mouse GPIb beta also contained a leucine-rich glycoprotein (LRG) sequence of 24 amino acids same as human GPIb beta.

Expression and functional characterization of an abnormal platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib alpha (Met239 --> Val) reported in patients with platelet-type von Willebrand disease

Platelet-type von Willebrand disease (vWD) is a congenital bleeding disorder characterized by heightened ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation caused by abnormally high affinity between the platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) Ib/IX complex and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Two distinct point mutations, Gly233 to Val and Met239 to Val, have been reported in GPIb alpha. We have constructed a recombinant GPIb alpha fragment containing the latter mutation, Met239 to Val (M239V) and characterized the mutant molecule using two methods, ie, interaction between soluble vWF and immobilized M239V and inhibition of platelet aggregation by purified soluble M239V. Spontaneous binding (ie, binding without any inducers) was observed between 125I-vWF and immobilized M239V but not between 125I-vWF and immobilized wild-type (WT) GPIb alpha. The addition of low concentrations of ristocetin (0.2 mg/mL) induced specific 125I-vWF binding to immobilized M239V, but not to WT GPIb alpha. At high concentrations of ristocetin (1.2 mg/mL), both WT GPIb alpha and M239V specifically bound to 125I-vWF. Thus, M239V reproduced the unique functional abnormality of the GPIb/IX complex in platelet-type vWD. Moreover, the purified soluble M239V inhibited platelet aggregation induced by low concentration of ristocetin (0.3 mg/mL) in platelet-rich plasma from a patient having Met239 to Val mutation, whereas purified WT did not. These results provide direct evidences that the reported point mutation is the responsible molecular basis of this disorder.

Verruciform xanthoma of the oral mucosa: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of two cases

Verruciform xanthoma is an uncommon benign lesion of unknown aetiology and pathogenesis. Two cases of verruciform xanthoma are presented together with an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study. One case co-occurred with an odontogenic keratocyst which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported, and another case occurred on masticatory mucosa with an asymptomatic, granular, exophytic lesion causing a cleft-like gingival recession. In an immunohistochemical study using antibodies to macrophage (CD 68[KP1]), alpha-1-antitrypsin, vimentin, desmin, keratin, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100 protein, the characteristic foam cells of verruciform xanthoma showed strong positive staining for CD 68[KP1] and vimentin and weak positive staining for alpha-1-antitrypsin, while the other antibodies were negative. As in previous studies, S-100 protein positive dendritic cells were detected in lesional connective tissue. In addition, the ultrastructural findings revealed characteristics of macrophages containing varying sized lipid vacuoles and degenerating epithelial cells. These findings support the concepts that the foam cells in verruciform xanthoma are of monocyte-macrophage lineage and that the epithelial degeneration from uncertain causes may be related to the pathogenesis of the lesion.

Physical mapping of the 5S ribosomal RNA genes in Arabidopsis thaliana by multi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization with cosmid clones

The 5S ribosomal RNA genes were mapped to mitotic chromosomes of Arabidopsis thaliana by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In the ecotype Landsberg erecta, hybridization signals appeared on three pairs of chromosomes, two of which were metacentric and the other acrocentric. Hybridization signals on one pair of metacentric chromosomes were much stronger than those on the acrocentric and the other pair of metacentric chromosomes, probably reflecting the number of copies of the genes on the chromosomes. Other ecotypes, Columbia and Wassilewskija, had similar chromosomal distribution of the genes, but the hybridization signals on one pair of metacentric chromosomes were very weak, and detectable only in chromosomes prepared from young flower buds. The chromosomes and arms carrying the 5S rDNA were identified by multi-color FISH with cosmid clones and a centromeric 180 bp repeat as co-probes. The metacentric chromosome 5 and its L arm carries the largest cluster of the genes, and the short arm of acrocentric chromosome 4 carries a small cluster in all three ecotypes. Chromosome 3 had another small cluster of 5S rRNA genes on its L arm. Chromosome 1 and 2 had no 5S rDNA cluster, but they are morphologically distinguishable; chromosome 1 is metacentric and 2 acrocentric. Using the 5S rDNA as a probe, therefore, all chromosomes of A. thaliana could be identified by FISH. Chromosome 1 is large and metacentric; chromosome 2 is acrocentric carrying 18S-5.8S-25S rDNA clusters on its short arm; chromosome 3 is metacentric carrying a small cluster of 5S rDNA genes on its L arm; chromosome 4 is acrocentric carrying both 18S-5.8S-25S and 5S rDNAs on its short (L) arm; and/chromosome 5 is metacentric carrying a large cluster of 5S rDNA on its L arm.

Differences in the p53 gene mutational spectra of prostate cancers between Japan and Western countries

Mutations of the p53 gene are related to development of human cancers and their frequencies and spectra, the latter representing fingerprints left by carcinogens, provide information about the molecular epidemiology of the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common neoplasm in American males and although its incidence is still relatively low in Japanese people, it has recently been increasing with the westernization of life style. To assess the frequency and spectrum of p53 gene mutations in Japanese prostate cancers, we examined a series of 90 lesions using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. The patients' mean age was 69.3 years (range 57-87). Of the total, six were well-, 34 moderately- and 50 poorly-differentiated adenocarcinomas, and the median Gleason score was 7.9. Eleven of the 90 cases (12%) had mutations in exons 2-11 of the p53 gene: none of the five clinical-stage A, one of 25 stage B (4%), three of 35 stage C (9%) and seven of 25 stage D (28%) cancers. The correlation with an advanced stage was statistically significant. One insertion and 10 base pair substitutions were encountered, comprising six transversions (55%) and four transitions (36%). Two of the latter involved methylated cytosine-guanine (CpG). These 11 mutations were combined with 18 other mutations in previous reports concerning Japanese prostate cancers to facilitate comparison of the p53 gene mutational spectrum with those reported for American and European prostate cancers. In the latter, 61% were transitions and 33% were transversions. The greater proportion of transversions in the Japanese population suggests that there are different factors responsible for carcinogenesis of the prostate glands in the various countries.

Path and target finding of afferents in cerebellar anlagen grafted in the cerebellum of adult rats: a Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin study

Cerebellar anlagen from rat embryos were grafted into the cerebellum of intact adult rats. Most of the grafts survived and formed 'minicerebella'. The location of the grafts were varied, which provided various types of host/graft interface in laminar configuration: Hw/Gg, Hw/Gp, Hw/Gm, Hg/Gw, Hg/Gg, Hm/Gw, Hm/Gg, Hm/Gp, and Hm/Gm that comprised of the granule cell layer (g), the Purkinje cell layer (p), the molecular layer (m), or the white matter (w) of the host (H) or graft (G). The manner of entrance of mossy and climbing fibers through the host/graft interface and their outgrowth in the graft which has various subset of laminar organization of the cerebellum were examined 28-158 days after grafting by means of anterograde Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin (PHA-L) labeling. Each cerebellar afferent entered the graft through specific types of interface and grew in specific layers. Mossy fibers passed through Hg/Gg and Hw/Gg, grew in Gg, and mostly terminated there like normal fibers. Fibers in Gg, though rarely, grew further outside Gg like in development. Climbing fibers passed through Hm/Gg, Hw/Gg, and Hw/Gm, proceeded in cortical layers, and terminated in Gm. The outgrowth of climbing fibers in Gm showed selectivity for the direction of Gm with respect to the polarity of Purkinje cells; they permeated Gm to form terminal arbors similar to normal in the direction from the side of Purkinje cell somata to dendrites but not in the reverse direction. Occasionally a single fiber innervated neighboring multiple Purkinje cells. These results indicate that mature cerebellar afferents have potential to regrow and innervate the extraneous cerebellar anlage by finding paths and targets in a manner similar to normal ontogenesis.

Structural features of membrane fusion between influenza virus and liposome as revealed by quick-freezing electron microscopy

The structure of membrane fusion intermediates between the A/PR/8(H1N1) strain of influenza virus and a liposome composed of egg phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and glycophorin was studied using quick-freezing electron microscopy. Fusion by viral hemagglutinin protein was induced at pH 5.0 and 23 degrees C. After a 19-s incubation under these conditions, small protrusions with a diameter of 10-20 nm were found on the fractured convex faces of the liposomal membranes, and small pits complementary to the protrusions were found on the concave faces. The protrusions and pits corresponded to fractured parts of outward bendings of the lipid bilayer or "microprotrusions of the lipid bilayer." At the loci of the protrusions and pits, liposomal membranes had local contacts with viral membranes. In many cases both the protrusions and the pits were aligned in regular polygonal arrangements, which were thought to reflect the array of hemagglutinin spikes on the viral surface. These structures were induced only when the medium was acidic with the virus present. Based on these observations, it was concluded that the microprotrusions of the lipid bilayer are induced by hemagglutinin protein. Furthermore, morphological evidence for the formation of the "initial fusion pore" at the microprotrusion was obtained. The protrusion on the convex face sometimes had a tiny hole with a diameter of <4 nm in the center. The pits transformed into narrow membrane connections <10 nm in width, bridging viruses and liposomes. The structures of the fusion pore and fusion neck with larger sizes were also observed, indicating growth of the protrusions and pits to distinct fusion sites. We propose that the microprotrusion of the lipid bilayer is a fusion intermediate induced by hemagglutinin protein, and suggest that the extraordinarily high curvature of this membrane structure is a clue to the onset of fusion. The possible architecture of the fusion intermediate is discussed with regard to the localization of intramembrane particles at the microprotrusion.

Risk factors for postpartum depression in Japan

We conducted a longitudinal study to identify risk factors for postpartum depression. At the late phase of pregnancy, 627 pregnant women agreed to take the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Trait (STAIT) test and to remain in the study until 4 months postpartum. At 1, 3 and 4 months postpartum, they took the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) test and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State (STAIS) test. At 3 months postpartum, they were asked about socio-psychological and obstetric factors. High scores in the EPDS and STAIS tests were correlated with primiparity, premature delivery, difficult labor, experience of life events and worries about baby care. Furthermore, high scores in the STAIT test in late pregnancy were strongly correlated with high scores in the EPDS and STAIS tests in the postpartum period.

Characterization of the novel murine monoclonal anti-von Willebrand factor (vWf) antibody GUR76-23 which inhibits vWf interaction with alpha IIb beta 3 but not alpha v beta 3 integrin

von Willebrand factor (vWf) is known to interact with the two beta 3 integrins, alpha IIb beta 3 and alpha v beta 3, in an RGD-dependent manner. We characterized a novel murine monoclonal antibody to human vWf, GUR76-23, which recognized a site within the carboxy-terminal half of the molecule containing the RGD sequence. This antibody inhibited high shear-induced platelet aggregation and blocked adhesion of ADP plus epinephrine-stimulated platelets to vWf, indicating that it interferes with the interaction with alpha IIb beta 3. Unlike antibodies against the RGD site, however, the antibody was without effect on adhesion of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells to vWf, a phenomenon known to involve the interaction with alpha v beta 3. GUR76-23 binding was not displaced by anti-RGD antibodies. These results suggest that the adhesive interaction of vWf with these two beta 3 integrins may be differentially modulated by a site(s) other than the common RGD module.

Dynamic distribution of basic fibroblast growth factor during epulis formation: an immunohistochemical study in an enhanced healing process of the gingiva

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is thought to play an important role in wound healing. However, its histological localization, both in normal and pathological conditions in the oral mucosa, has not been well documented. We have studied the immunolocalization of bFGF in normal gingiva and gingival epulis specimens corresponding to different organizing stages. In normal gingiva, bFGF was detected in subpopulations of macrophages, mast cells and most endothelial cells in the lamina propria. Granulation tissue in epulides was histopathologically classified into six organizing stages. In stages 1 and 2, a small number of bFGF-positive macrophages was seen at the periphery of ulcer bases. In stages 3 and 4, histologically characterized by prominent capillary proliferation, large numbers of bFGF-positive macrophages and mast cells were located within granulation tissue. A positive reaction for bFGF was also found in some endothelial cells and in myxoedematous stroma that was rich in heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In stages 5 and 6, when fibrosis was accelerated, bFGF-positive macrophages and mast cells decreased in number and were localized only at the periphery of the fibrous tissue. These findings suggest that maximum amounts of bFGF are synthesized and released from some macrophages and mast cells into the extracellular matrix during neovascularization of granulation tissue.

[Chinese herbs nephropathy in the Kansai area: a warning report]

In 1993, Vanherweghem and his associates reported cases of rapidly progressive renal interstitial fibrosis in young women who were administered a slimming regimen including Chinese herbs. Subsequently, similar cases have been reported. In Japan, especially in the Kansai area, several cases of Chinese herbs nephropathy have already been reported. We experienced a patient suffering from Chinese herbs nephropathy (CHN), and further detected aristolochic acids from the Chinese herbs taken by the patient. Aristolochic acids are known to be causative agents of CHN. The danger of CHN should be noted as soon as possible and drugs containing aristolochic acids should be prohibited.

Activation of plasma kinin system correlates with severe coagulation disorders in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

The aim of this study was to evaluate status of plasma kinin system in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), in order to investigate whether activation of the plasma kinin system correlates with increased blood coagulability. In the first part of the study, concentrations of plasma prekallikrein (PK) in OHSS cycles (n = 13) were monitored from the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) administration to the mid-luteal phase, and were compared with those of control cycles (n = 17). The average value of PK in OHSS cycles began to decrease on day 8, and by day 10 was significantly lower than that of control cycles (86 +/- 6 versus 106 +/- 4%, P <0.01). The time course of changes in PK concentration correlated well with the clinical condition of OHSS patients. In the second part of the study, we obtained data from 26 patients who were hospitalized because of severe OHSS, to investigate the correlation between PK and other haemostatic markers. OHSS patients with severe PK reduction (<80% normal, n = 9) demonstrated significantly higher values of plasma thrombin-antithrombin III and plasmin-alpha2 antiplasmin, and more severe haemoconcentration, compared to those OHSS patients who had no reduction in PK (n = 17). In conclusion, our data suggest that activation of the plasma kinin system occurs specifically and occasionally in OHSS patients, and is associated with increased blood coagulability. Thus, when an OHSS patient demonstrates a low value of plasma PK, more careful management is required to prevent thromboembolic complications.

Binding mode of CA074, a specific irreversible inhibitor, to bovine cathepsin B as determined by X-ray crystal analysis of the complex

The binding mode of CA074 [N-(L-3-trans-propylcarbamoyl-oxirane-2-carbonyl)-L-isoleucyl-L-pr oline], a specific irreversible inhibitor, to bovine spleen cathepsin B was elucidated by X-ray crystal structure analysis of the complex at 2.2 A resolution (conventional R=0.185). Inconsistently with our model used for the development of CA074, the L-isoleucyl-L-proline and propylcarbamoyl moieties are located at the S' and S subsites, respectively. This unexpected binding is primarily due to (i) similar extended chain conformations (due to the same S configurations) at the oxirane C2 and C3 atoms of CA074 and (ii) the just fit formation of double hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl oxygens of L-proline and the imidazole nitrogens of His-110 and His-111 residues (these residues are missing in papain, the tertiary structure of which was used for the design of CA074). The oxirane C3 atom possessing the P' substituent is covalently bound to the Cys-29 Sgamma atom (C3-Sgamma=1.79 A) and the S configuration is maintained. The present result will provide useful information for characterizing the substrate-specificity of cathepsin B.