Pituitary-adrenal suppression in preterm, very low birth weight infants after inhaled fluticasone propionate treatment

Systemic corticosteroids prescribed for treatment of pulmonary diseases in preterm, very low birth weight infants caused severe suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and produced serious physiological and metabolic disturbances. However, the effect of inhaled corticosteroids on their pituitary-adrenal functions is not known. We prospectively evaluate the pituitary-adrenal function using the human CRH stimulation test in a cohort of very low birth weight infants at risk for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression in a double blind, randomized pilot study designed for assessing the efficacy and adverse effects of inhaled fluticasone propionate in newborn preterm infants who required mechanical ventilation for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome. Twenty-five preterm (< 32 gestational weeks), very low birth weight (< 1500 g) infants were randomized to receive inhaled fluticasone propionate (n = 13) or a placebo inhaler (n = 12). The medication was given every 12 h (fluticasone propionate, 1,000 micrograms/day) for 14 days. All surviving infants had their pituitary-adrenal functions assessed by human CRH test on the following morning immediately after completion of the 2-week course. All basal (0 min) and post-stimulation (15, 30, and 60 min) plasma ACTH and serum cortisol concentrations were significantly suppressed in the inhaled fluticasone group compared to their corresponding levels in the placebo group [basal plasma ACTH concentrations (F = 6.0; P = 0.02), poststimulation plasma ACTH concentrations (F > 8.6; P < 0.01), basal serum cortisol concentrations (F = 5.6; P = 0.03), and poststimulation serum cortisol concentrations (F > 15.6; P < 0.001)]. This is the first study in very low birth weight infants that demonstrates unequivocally that cumulative high dose inhaled corticosteroids can induce moderately severe suppression of both the pituitary and adrenal glands. The systemic bioactivity is probably associated with pulmonary vascular absorption, which effectively circumvents the hepatic first pass metabolism. Until the question of safety can be adequately addressed, inhaled fluticasone propionate should be used with cautionin preterm infants.

Validity of the specialized columnar epithelium as a diagnostic criterion of the short segment Barrett's esophagus

OBJECTIVE

In the areas where intestinal metaplasia of the stomach is highly prevalent, diagnosing Barrett's esophagus solely by the presence of specialized columnar epithelium in the distal esophagus may lead to many false positive diagnoses. The aim of this study was to test validity of the specialized columnar epithelium as a diagnostic criterion of the short segment Barrett's esophagus in Korea.

METHODS

During routine gastroscopy, the length of columnar-lined esophagus was measured and biopsy samples were taken from the mucosa immediately distal to the squamocolumnar junction. Under light microscopy, alcian blue-positive cells were identified.

RESULTS

Prevalence of the specialized columnar epithelium in cases without the columnar-lined esophagus and with the short segment columnar-lined esophagus were 57.1% and 31.2%, respectively (P = 0.0281). The specialized columnar epithelium is frequently seen around the cardia in Koreans with or without the columnar-lined esophagus.

CONCLUSION

Simple presence of the specialized columnar epithelium is not a valid criterion for a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus. We propose that both the short segment Barrett's esophagus and the goblet cell metaplasia of the cardia might be grouped together under a title of "the specialized columnar epithelium around the gastroesophageal junction" as a potential preceding condition of adenocarcinoma around the cardia.

[Inhibitory effect of methanol extract of Boschniakia rossica Fedtsch. et Flerov on rat hepatic preneoplastic lesions induced by diethylnitrosamine]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effect of Boschniakia rossica(BR) on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

METHOD

Based on immunohistochemistry techniques, the expression of placental form glutathione S-transferase(GST-P), mutant p53 and p21 protein were investigated in hepatic preneoplastic lesions induced by Solt-Farber protocol in the liver of rats that had been treated with the above method, administered with BR extract and of control group.

RESULT

The extract of BR(500 mg/kg) has inhibitory effect on the formation of diethylnitrosamine-induced GST-P-positive foci in F344 rat and the expression of mutant p53 and p21 protein was lower than that of hepatic preneoplastic lesions, and the increasing gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase(gamma-GT) activity in rat liver treated with Solt-Farber protocol was decreased by the extract of BR.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that BR has inhibitory effect on DEN induced hepatic preneoplastic lesions in F344 rat.

Autotransplantation of parathyroid glands into subcutaneous forearm tissue for renal hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Autotransplantation of diseased parathyroid glands into subcutaneous adipose tissue has been mentioned previously, but as far as we know there is no previous systemic study concerning parathyroid function after subcutaneous autotransplantation.

METHODS

From January 1993 to June 1996, total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation were carried out in 46 patients with renal hyperparathyroidism. The symptoms and signs before operation were intractable pruritus in 29 patients (63%), bone pain in 27 patients (58.7%), general weakness in 17 patients (37%), soft tissue calcification in 15 patients (32.6%), bone fracture in one patient, and failure to thrive in one patient. Twenty-four patients (group A) underwent autotransplantation of 60 mg of a diffuse hyperplastic parathyroid gland into subcutaneous forearm tissue, and 22 patients (group B) underwent autotransplantation of 15 pieces (60 mg) of 1 mm3 tissue into forearm muscles, as mentioned previously. Four patients in group A and one in group B who had high levels of intact parathyroid hormone (I-PTH) immediately after operation were excluded. After the operation, calcium carbonate, 1.5 to 16 gm daily, and calcitriol, 0.25 to 1.5 micrograms/daily, were prescribed according to the patients' calcium levels.

RESULTS

After 6 months, all patients in both groups were given calcium carbonate, 1 gm/day, and calcitriol, 0.25 microgram/day, for parathyroid suppression, and none had to take more medicine to maintain calcium levels. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding serum calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and I-PTH levels 1 week, 3 to 6 months, and 1 year after operation. Eighteen patients in group A and 19 patients in group B had normal levels of I-PTH 1 year after operation. In the follow-up period from 1 to 3 1/2 years, only one patient in group A had a subnormal I-PTH level and one in group B had graft-dependent hyperparathyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

We therefore suggest that autotransplantation of a parathyroid gland into forearm subcutaneous tissue for renal hyperparathyroidism is as effective as autotransplantation into forearm muscles and can be done easier.

Skin injury in the operating room

Skin injury occurring in the operating room may occur as a result of electrical current, thermal injury, chemical irritation and mechanical stress. Between 1 December 1996 and 28 February 1997, 19 cases of skin injury from a total of 3657 operations were noted in our hospital. These injuries tend to be ignored because of their early spontaneous healing. We suggest that medical staff should pay more attention to this complication and prevent it from occurring.

Metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the thyroid: a case report

Metastatic malignant tumors of the thyroid are rarely encountered clinically. Most arise from primary sites in the lung, breast, kidney or gastrointestinal tract. Their clinical presentation may mimic a primary thyroid tumor and include signs and symptoms such as enlargement of the neck, hoarseness and dysphagia. Without a history of carcinoma in other organs, management as for primary thyroid tumor is often undertaken and misdiagnosis is common. This report concerns a 63-year-old female patient with a rapidly progressive enlargement of the neck. She had had a primary leiomyosarcoma lesion in her left leg that had been well controlled after wide excision. Bilateral pulmonary metastases were noted two years later without local recurrence. She receive wedge lung resections several times. To relieve progressive shortness of breath, debulking surgery of the thyroid was performed and metastatic leiomyosarcoma was proved. The related clinical data of this rare metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the thyroid is presented and the literature is reviewed.

Selective activation of oncogenic Ha-ras-induced apoptosis in NIH/3T3 cells

A Ha-ras transformant '7-4', derived from mouse NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, was used to study the relationship between overexpression of activated Ha-ras and cell apoptosis. This cell line contains an inducible Ha-rasVal12 oncogene, which was under the regulation of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) lac operator/repressor system. We demonstrate that overexpression of activated Ha-ras oncogene by exogenous isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) under serum-depleted conditions can stimulate cell apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis showed that most of the 7-4 cells with Ha-ras overexpression accumulated at S-phase and that the expression level of p34cdc2 kinase was decreased, suggesting that p34cdc2 may be involved in 7-4 cell apoptosis. Overexpression of bcl-2 transgene in these cells blocked Ha-ras-induced apoptosis, and this blockage was confirmed downstream of Ha-ras gene expression. Cycloheximide blocked the apoptosis of 7-4 cells in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that specific protein regulating apoptosis may be synthesized through Ha-ras overexpression. Ha-ras overexpression-triggered apoptosis was also prevented in the 7-4 derivatives that express either dominant-negative rasAsn17 or dominant-negative raf-1C4B to suppress Ha-ras signal transduction at different stages, indicating that overexpression of activated Ha-ras can induce cell apoptosis and that raf-1 pathway activity is required for this process.

Massive subdural haematoma: an unusual complication of septicaemia in preterm very low birthweight infants

Non-traumatic massive subdural haematoma is a rare condition in newborn infants and is usually associated with hereditary coagulation disorders or congenital vascular malformation. Its occurrence in preterm very low birthweight infants secondary to systemic bacterial infection has not been reported. We describe two extremely preterm neonates who developed massive subdural haematoma as a result of gram-negative septicaemia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Both infants suffered severe parenchymal cerebral injury and hydrocephalus. Clinicians should be aware of this unusual and catastrophic complication if a very low birthweight infant with severe sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation suddenly deteriorates despite successful treatment with antibiotics. Radiological imaging by cranial ultrasound or computed tomography scanning should be routinely considered in all such infants for the detection of intracranial bleeding.

Characterization of the structural proteins of hepatitis C virus expressed by an adenovirus recombinant

Human adenoviruses have been used for mammalian expression vectors and recombinant vaccines for heterologous antigens. We constructed and characterized an infectious adenovirus recombinant containing core-E1-E2 genes of hepatitis C virus (HCV). The core protein was produced mainly during the early phase of viral infection. Expression of HCV E1 and E2 envelope proteins was detected by an immunoprecipitation with HCV-positive patient's sera. The purified E1 and E2 proteins appeared to be composed of mainly a heterodimeric form via noncovalent interaction, as previously observed in other mammalian expression systems. A small portion of E1 and E2 monomers as well as E1E2 aggregates by interdisulfide linkage were detected. Apparently heterodimeric E1E2 complexes were serologically reactive. The results suggest that adenovirus is an useful HCV antigen-expression vector.

Early recognition of unsuspected malignant hyperthermia and successful management of serve myoglobinuric renal failure in subsequent rhabdomyolysis: a case report

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare inherited disorder of skeletal muscle, its inheritance being autosomal dominant and its mutant gene located on chromosome 19. MH is occasionally observed during general anesthesia when using some special triggering agents. In the susceptible patient, it presents with a fulminant skeletal muscle hypermetabolic crisis and proceeds to serve rhabdomyolysis. Once rhabdomyolysis is established, acute renal failure is not an inevitable consequence, yet it is the fatal complication if the condition is not appropriately managed. We describe a case of acute renal failure in the setting of rhabdomyolysis in unsuspected MH, resulting in full recovery after intermittent hemodialysis. In this case, we emphasize the importance of early recognition of MH and the favorable prognosis of subsequent myoglobinuric renal failure if treated appropriately.

Semiquantitative Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) polymerase chain reaction for the determination of patients at risk for EBV-induced lymphoproliferative disease after stem cell transplantation

Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-LPD) is a serious and potentially fatal complication after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). To evaluate levels of EBV DNA in SCT patients, a semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes and diluted, and PCR was performed by using a primer set specific for a well-conserved sequence of the internal repeat 1 region of the EBV genome. Forty-one SCT patients were screened with this method. Thirty-seven patients received allogeneic transplants, of which 18 were T-cell-depleted marrow. Four additional patients received autologous SCT, one of which was T-cell depleted. The mean time of follow-up by EBV PCR was 147 days (range, 47 to 328 days) posttransplant. The range of EBV copies/microg DNA from normal EBV sero-positive donors was 40 to 4,000. Seven patients had >/=40,000 copies of EBV DNA/microg DNA, all of whom were recipients of T-cell-depleted SCT. Five of the seven patients with elevated levels of EBV DNA developed EBV-LPD. Four of these five patients with EBV-LPD had elevated levels of EBV DNA from 1 to 8 weeks before diagnosis. Two patients with EBV-LPD had normal levels of EBV DNA, and two patients with >/=40,000 copies EBV/microg DNA did not develop EBV-LPD. In one patient, clinical resolution of disease correlated with a decrease in EBV DNA and an increase in the level of EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cell precursors. These data indicate that the measurement of EBV viral load with semiquantitative PCR is useful in detecting EBV-LPD in high-risk patients before the onset of clinical symptoms. Because not all patients with elevated levels of EBV DNA develop EBV-LPD, semiquantitative PCR results cannot substitute for clinical, radiographic, and pathological confirmation of this diagnosis.

The commissioning of a flexible low-cost multipurpose X-ray beamline at SRRC

A low-cost multipurpose X-ray beamline has been commissioned at the bending magnet B15 of the Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (SRRC). The beamline is constructed in such a way to accommodate the various needs of small research consortia, from universities or research institutes, whose requirements of a beamline facility are quite diverse while under limited funding support. Flexibility is the special feature of this beamline. It is capable of performing quick test measurements without a prolonged reviewing process. Switching between different techniques, such as white-beam irradiation, EXAFS and X-ray scattering, can be achieved within 1 h. Novel experiments, such as energy-dispersive small-angle scattering experiments and energy-dispersive reflectivity measurements, can also be performed.

High frequency of rearrangement of the RET protooncogene (RET/PTC) in Chinese papillary thyroid carcinomas

The activation of RET protooncogene, through chromosomal translocation, is unique to papillary thyroid carcinomas. Rearrangement of the RET kinase domain to 3 partner genes has been described, of which the RET/PTC1 is the most common. To investigate the frequency of RET rearrangement in Chinese papillary thyroid carcinomas, we have performed RT-PCR to amplify specific RET/PTC transcripts. Among the papillary thyroid carcinomas of 11 patients examined, we have identified 2 containing RET/PTC1, 3 containing RET/PTC2, and 1 containing RET/PTC3 oncogenes. Although the cause of the high frequency of RET/PTC oncogenes in Chinese papillary thyroid carcinomas is unknown, our study suggests that RET rearrangement is an important genetic lesion underlying the development of thyroid papillary carcinoma in Taiwan.

Dioxin levels in the emissions from municipal waste incinerators in Taiwan

In this study, characteristics of dioxins emission from existing modern MWIs were evaluated via simultaneous sampling of flue gas and various types of fly ashes. Preliminary results showed that PCDDs congeners distributions were quite similar in flue gas and various types of ashes of both MWIs. PCDFs/PCDDs ratio in cyclone ash was lower than that in combustor ash or fabric filter ash excluding economizer ash of MWI-A. Similarly, PCDFs/PCDDs ratio in ESP ash was lower than that in boiler ash. PCDFs concentration was about 1.5 to 4.3 times higher than PCDDs concentration in flue gas of both MWIs. The mass balance factors of MWI-A (0.9 approximately 1.02) were clearly lower than that of MWI-B (7.71 approximately 15.63), indicating that de novo synthesis occurred under the operating conditions of ESP. In other words, MWIs equipped with ESP were less efficient in controlling PCDD/Fs emissions than that equipped with fabric filters.

Continuous flumazenil infusion in preventing complications arising from severe benzodiazepine intoxication

A prospective, randomly controlled study was conducted to test the effect of continuous flumazenil infusion in preventing complications arising from severe benzodiazepine (BZ) intoxication. Patients who were believed to be suffering benzodiazepine intoxication and whose Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was below 10 were enrolled after showing a clear-cut response to flumazenil 0.5 or 1 mg (an improvement by 4 or more on the GCS). The patients were consecutively enrolled and randomized into two groups: a continuous infusion group (CI, n = 50) who were immediately given flumazenil 0.5 mg/h for 5 hours, and a control group (CIN, n = 50). Age, sex, incidence of underlying disease, GCS score at several time points, and complication rate were compared in the two groups. Although the CI group had a higher GCS score at most time points, the complication rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (14 of 36 in the CI group v 12 of 38 in the CIN group, P = .684). A greater incidence of underlying disease and an older age seemed to contribute to the higher complication rates in both groups. Several patients (in both groups) resedated into deeper coma after showing an initial response to flumazenil or after the cessation of flumazenil infusion. For severe BZ intoxication, treatment with flumazenil infusion should still be considered skeptically and should not be recommended as routine management BZ-intoxicated patients with an underlying disease, an older age, and resedation into a deep comatose state after showing an initial response to flumazenil should be treated in an intensive care unit.

Elevated interleukin-10 levels correlated with disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To determine serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and to assess their relationship with disease activity.

METHODS

Forty-one SLE patients and 35 controls were studied. Paired serum samples were collected from all SLE patients at the time of their presentation with active disease and at 4 weeks after the institution of treatment. IL-10 levels were determined in the sera and were compared with disease activity, measured using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and laboratory parameters such as the circulating immune complexes (CIC), C3, C4, anti-DNA antibody, IgG, IgM, and IgA.

RESULTS

The IL-10 levels in SLE patients were significantly higher than those of controls (mean +/- SE, 29.2 +/- 6.8 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.6 pg/ml, p < 0.01). Elevated IL-10 levels correlated well with the SLEDAI in SLE patients (r = 0.46, p < 0.01), but did not correlate with other laboratory activity indices. The changes in serum IL-10 levels also correlated with the changes in the SLEDAI score during the patients' disease course (r = 0.51, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of IL-10 are elevated in SLE patients and increased IL-10 correlates well with SLE disease activity.

Cytotoxic compounds from the roots of Juglans mandshurica

Three new compounds, a diarylheptanone glucoside (1), 4,5, 8-trihydroxy-alpha-tetralone 5-O-beta-d-[6'-O-(3", 5"-dimethoxy-4"-hydroxybenzoyl)]glucopyranoside (2), and 1,4, 8-trihydroxy-3-naphthalenecarboxylic acid 1-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside methyl ester (3), were isolated from the roots of Juglans mandshurica, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies including 2D-NMR.

Interactions of the borna disease virus P, N, and X proteins and their functional implications

Borna disease virus (BDV) causes persistent central nervous system infection and behavioral disturbances in warm-blooded animals. Protein interaction studies were pursued to gain insight into the functions of the putative nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), atypical glycoprotein (gp18), and X protein (X) of BDV. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that N and P, and P and X, form complexes in infected cells. Two-hybrid analyses confirmed interactions between P and P, P and X, and P and N, but not between P and gp18, N and gp18, X and gp18, or X and N. Analysis of P truncation mutants identified three nonoverlapping regions important for oligomerization (amino acids (aa) 135-172), and binding to X (aa 33-115) or N (aa 197-201). Coexpression of X stimulated oligomerization of P but decreased N-P complex formation. Immunocytochemistry of transfected noninfected CHO cells demonstrated that the distribution of X is dependent upon the presence of P-X expressed alone was found predominantly in the cytoplasm whereas coexpression of X and P resulted in nuclear localization. Immunocytochemistry of infected cells revealed nuclear colocalization of P and X. Interactions of P, N, and X may have implications for regulation of BDV transcription/replication and ribonucleoprotein assembly.

Suppression of inflammatory responses by surfactin, a selective inhibitor of platelet cytosolic phospholipase A2

Surfactin inhibits platelet and spleen cytosolic 100 kDa phospholipase A2 (PLA2). In contrast, this same compound enhances rat platelet group II PLA2 activity by approximately 2-fold and slightly increases group I PLA2 activity from porcine pancreas and Naja naja venom in vitro. Surfactin does not affect a Ca2+ -independent PLA2 partially purified from bovine brain. Thus, this compound inhibits selectively the cytosolic form of PLA2. Based on in vitro studies utilizing preincubation of surfactin with the enzyme, dialysis, and increased concentrations of substrates, the inhibitory effect of surfactin appears to be due to a direct interaction with the enzyme. Linear regression analysis of the linear portion of a concentration-response curve reveals an IC50 of 8.5 microM. To further determine the inhibitory pattern, a Dixon plot was constructed to show that the inhibition by surfactin is competitive, but not uncompetitive, with an inhibition constant of Ki = 4.7 microM in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, at 37 degrees. Surfactin blocked non-stimulated and calcium ionophore A23187-stimulated release of arachidonic acid from monkey kidney CV-1 cells, which contain a cytosolic 100 kDa PLA2 as the major activity, as shown in an anionic exchange DEAE-5PW high performance liquid chromatography profile and western blotting analysis. Surfactin ameliorated inflammation induced by several chemicals. That is, it exhibited in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in several tested inflammatory reactions including 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and acetic acid-induced mouse writhing. These results demonstrate that surfactin is a selective inhibitor for cytosolic PLA2 and a putative anti-inflammatory agent through the inhibitory effect produced by direct interaction with cytosolic PLA2, and that inhibition of cytosolic PLA2 activity may suppress inflammatory responses.

Lac/Tet dual-inducible system functions in mammalian cell lines

The Escherichia coli Lac repressor (Lac system) and tetracycline responsive promoter (Tet system) systems have been used individually to regulate gene expression at the cellular as well as the organismal levels. In this study, these two systems were combined (designated Lac/Tet dual-inducible system) to regulate two inducible genes simultaneously in a single cell. The isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and tetracycline (used for the operation of the Lac and the Tet systems) were non-cytotoxic to the cells when added together into the cells at around the optimal concentrations (IPTG: < or = 5 mM; tetracycline: < 1.5 micrograms). The rate and efficiency of induction and repression of two inducible genes regulated by the Lac/Tet dual-inducible system were similar to the results obtained when one inducible gene is regulated by one inducible system in a single cell. The Lac/Tet dual-inducible system could function in many cell lines, which was demonstrated by regulating the expression of beta-galactosidase and luciferase reporter genes in five tumor cell lines by transient transfection analysis. The feasibility of introducing a second inducible system into an already established inducible cell line was confirmed. Finally, we showed that the Lac/Tet dual-inducible system functions at translational and at functional levels in a stable cell line named 7-4-b, which contains the Ha-ras and bc1-2 inducible genes. In conclusion, this study extends the application of prokaryotic inducible systems from the regulation of a single gene to two genes and helps clarify the relationship between two genes and the effects of two genes on the cells.

Respiratory mechanics before and after hemodialysis in mechanically ventilated patients

Hemodialysis, which leads to negative fluid balance, is often required in mechanically ventilated patients with renal failure. We conducted a prospective study on the influence of hemodialysis on the respiratory mechanics in 14 mechanically ventilated patients (10 men, 4 women, mean age 70.1 +/- 8.1 yr) with various causes of renal failure requiring hemodialysis in an intensive care unit. Respiratory mechanics were measured before and after hemodialysis using the interrupter technique under constant flow and constant volume. The values of several parameters of respiratory mechanics were significantly lower after hemodialysis: peak airway pressure (26.97 +/- 4.62 vs 23.45 +/- 4.13 cmH2O), airway pressure at zero flow (23.81 +/- 4.18 vs 21.50 +/- 3.79 cmH2O), airway plateau pressure (18.56 +/- 3.70 vs 16.48 +/- 3.07 cmH2O), and intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (4.03 +/- 2.90 vs 2.65 +/- 1.84 cmH2O). Minimal respiratory resistance and maximal respiratory resistance were significantly decreased after hemodialysis (4.38 +/- 1.26 vs 2.99 +/- 1.00 cmH2O/L/s and 9.93 +/- 2.50 vs 8.39 +/- 2.43 cmH2O/L/s, respectively), but effective additional respiratory resistance and static respiratory compliance were not. Significant correlations were found between body weight reduction by hemodialysis and changes in minimal respiratory resistance (r = 0.758, p < 0.01), maximal respiratory resistance (r = 0.544, p < 0.05), and static respiratory compliance (r = 0.703, p < 0.01). We conclude that hemodialysis significantly alters the respiratory mechanics in mechanically ventilated renal failure patients and that the alteration may be related to the negative fluid balance caused by hemodialysis.

Effect of petroleum ether extract of Panax ginseng roots on proliferation and cell cycle progression of human renal cell carcinoma cells

Panax ginseng roots have long been used as a medicinal herb in oriental countries. We have investigated anti-proliferative effects of lipid soluble Panax ginseng components on human renal cancer cell lines. Petroleum ether extract of Panax ginseng roots (GX-PE) or its partially purified preparation (7:3 GX) was added to cultures of three human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines, A498, Caki-1, and CURC II. Proliferation of RCC cells was estimated by a [3H]thymidine incorporation assay and cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. GX-PE, 7:3 GX, panaxydol and panaxynol inhibited proliferation of all three RCC cell lines in a dose dependent manner in vitro with an order of potency, 7:3 GX > panaxydol > panaxynol = GX-PE. Additive effect of interleukin 4 was also demonstrated, most prominently in Caki-1 which responded poorly to GX-PE alone. Analysis of cell cycle in CURC II and Caki-1 treated with GX-PE demonstrated increase in G1 phase population and corresponding decrease in S phase population. The present study demonstrated that proliferation of human RCC cell lines were inhibited by lipid soluble components of Panax ginseng roots by blocking cell cycle progression at G1 to S phase transition.

The nucleolin binding activity of hepatitis delta antigen is associated with nucleolus targeting

Hepatitis delta antigens (HDAgs) are important for the replication and assembly of hepatitis delta virus (HDV). To understand the association between HDAgs and cellular proteins and the mechanism of viral multiplication, we have studied the interaction between HDAgs and nucleolin, a major nucleolar phosphoprotein. The interaction between HDAgs and nucleolin was first demonstrated by immunofluorescence staining studies. HDAgs and endogenous nucleolin were colocalized in the nucleoli of cultured cells transfected with plasmids encoding the small and large HDAg. Coimmunoprecipitation results indicated that the NH2-terminal domain of HDAg was essential for its binding to nucleolin. In vitro ligand binding assays revealed two nucleolin binding sites, NBS1 and NBS2. Each spanned amino acid residues 35-50 and 51-65, respectively, with a conserved core sequence K(K/R)XK. HDV replication was modulated by exogenous human nucleolin. In addition, a small HDAg mutant S-d65/75, which possesses both NBS1 and NBS2, was capable of transactivating HDV replication, whereas the small HDAg mutant S-d50/75, which retained NBS1 but not NBS2, was unable to support the replication of HDV. Thus, the nucleolin binding activity of HDAg is critical for its nucleolar targeting and is involved in the modulation of HDV replication.

Discovery of LB30057, a benzamidrazone-based selective oral thrombin inhibitor

Systematic variation of the so-called P-pocket moiety of benzamidrazone-based selective thrombin inhibitors led to the discovery of LB30057. It is potent (Ki = 0.38 nM for human thrombin), selective (Ki = 3290 nM for bovine trypsin), and orally bioavailable (58% oral bioavailability in dogs). LB30057 was efficacious in thrombosis animal models.