PET Detection of Solitary Distant Skeletal Muscle Metastasis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

A 67-year-old man with progressive dysphagia was recently diagnosed with a gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis reported a large GE junction tumor without evidence of metastatic disease. FDG positron emission tomography revealed intense tracer accumulation in the soft tissue mass at the GE junction consistent with the primary neoplasm. In addition, PET scan also identified a solitary focus of intense FDG accumulation at the musculotendinous junction of the right gluteus minimus muscle. Subsequent MRI demonstrated mild enhancement and could not differentiate between tumor versus inflammation. Needle biopsy was performed and confirmed metastatic esophageal adenocarcinoma. A case of skeletal muscle metastases from late-stage (IV) gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma was previously reported. However, a solitary metastasis to a distant skeletal muscle without evidence of other lymphatic and hematogenous metastasis is quite unusual. The case supports the previous report that PET is superior in detecting distant metastases for initial staging of esophageal carcinoma over CT.

Changes in weight and composition in various tissues of pregnant gilts and their nutritional implications1

The objectives of this study were to characterize the quantitative changes in various body tissues of high-lean type gilts during gestation and to determine the protein needs of pregnant gilts based on changes in tissue contents. Thirty-five gilts (158.2 +/- 8.3 kg) were housed in individual gestation crates with six unbred gilts randomly selected and slaughtered to provide data for d 0 of gestation. The remaining gilts were bred and assigned randomly to one of six slaughter groups: d 45, 60, 75, 90, 102, and 112. Gilts were fed 2 kg (as-fed basis) of gestation diet daily (3.1 Mcal/kg of ME and 0.56% lysine). Carcass soft tissue, bone, gastrointestinal tract, spleen, pancreas, kidney, liver, uterus, fetus, mammary gland, and the remaining viscera were separated and weighed. Carcass soft tissue, liver, remaining viscera, uterus, and gastrointestinal tract were ground, freeze-dried, and analyzed for composition. Body weights of the gilts increased quadratically (P < 0.001) during gestation. Weights of carcass soft tissue and uterus, including placenta, increased linearly (P < 0.001) during gestation. Weights of individual fetuses, fetal litters, individual mammary glands, and the entire mammary glands increased cubically (P < 0.001) during gestation. Crude protein in carcass soft tissue increased cubically (P < 0.01), whereas DM and ether extract (EE) in carcass soft tissue increased linearly (P < 0.01). The DM, CP, and EE in the entire mammary glands increased quadratically (P < 0.001) during gestation. The DM, CP, and EE in fetal litter increased cubically (P < 0.01) as gestation progressed. The accretion rates of the conceptus, fetal litter, individual fetus, individual mammary gland, and CP in fetal litter differed (P < 0.05) before and after d 70 of gestation. The CP daily gain from all maternal and fetal tissues was 40 and 103 g/d before and after d 70 of gestation, respectively, suggesting that pregnant gilts may require different quantities of dietary protein during gestation. Based on the maintenance requirement, maternal tissue gain, and conceptus gain, pregnant gilts require 6.8 and 15.3 g/d of true ileal-digestible lysine (or 147 and 330 g/d of true ileal-digestible protein) before and after d 70 of gestation, respectively, to support their true biological needs.

Effects of venom defibrase on brain edema after intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

We evaluated the effects of defibrase DF-521 batroxobin on reducing brain edema formation and the expression of ICAM-1, complement C3d and C9 in the perihematomal area after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats. A rat ICH model, involving infusion of autologous blood into the right basal ganglia, were used in this study. The animals were sacrificed at 24 and 72 hours after ICH to determine the water content of the brain tissue with wet/dry weight measurement. While the expression of ICAM-1 and complement C3d was detected using immuno-histochemistry, and C9 was detected semi-quantitatively with Western blot analysis in the perihematomal area. Perihematomal brain edema was reduced after intraperitoneally injection of DF-521 batroxobin 24 and 72 hours after intracerebral hemorrhage. Immunohistochemistry showed that there were less ICAM-I positive cells were found around the hematoma after intraperitoneally injection of DF-521 batroxobin 24 and 72 hours after ICH. Immuno-histochemistry also showed that C3d deposition reduced significantly, and the Western blot analysis also showed the content of C9 protein declined around the hematoma in DF-521 batroxobin treatment group at 72 hours after ICH. Defibrase DF-521 batroxobin down-regulate ICAM-1 and complement C3d and C9 expression in the perihematomal area, and attenuate brain edema formation in ICH rats.

Hyperacute rejection is attenuated in GalT knockout swine lungs perfused ex vivo with human blood

BACKGROUND

Hyperacute rejection (HAR) is one of the principal obstacles to successful xenotransplantation. Homozygous alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GalT-KO) miniature swine now offer the prospect of overcoming this barrier to xenotransplantation. In this study, the short-term function of GalT-KO swine lungs was evaluated in a well-established ex vivo model of swine-to-human lung xenotransplantation.

METHODS

Lungs from homozygous GalT-KO swine (n = 3) and control lungs from pigs of the background strain used to create the GalT-KO pig line (n = 2) were perfused ex vivo with freshly collected heparinized human blood. Graft function was assessed by various physiologic measurements, serial histologic and immunohistochemical evaluation, and assays of complement and platelet activation.

RESULTS

Xenoperfused control swine lungs exhibited HAR with graft survival times <5 minutes. In contrast, GalT-KO swine lungs retained their function for approximately 2 hours, on average. GalT-KO swine lungs showed decreased complement and platelet activation compared with controls. Nonetheless, activation of complement and coagulation cascades was not completely eliminated in the GalT-KO swine lungs.

CONCLUSIONS

The survival of xenoperfused GalT-KO swine lungs was significantly prolonged, as compared with control lungs expressing Gal. This appears to have been due largely to substantially reduced complement activation. Nonetheless, the xenoperfused GalT-KO lungs still showed some evidence of complement fixation and intravascular coagulopathy by the time of graft demise.

Growth and compositional changes of fetal tissues in pigs1

Three hundred twenty fetuses were obtained from 33 pregnant gilts (Camborough-22, Pig Improvement Co.) to determine rates of nutrient deposition in fetal tissues and to estimate nutrient requirements for fetal growth. Pregnant gilts were fed an equal amount of a gestation diet (2.0 kg/d; as-fed basis), and were slaughtered at d 0, 45, 60, 75, 90, 102, or 110 of gestation (n = 3 to 6 per day). Fetuses were dissected into carcass and individual tissues (including gastrointestinal tract, liver, lung, heart, kidney, spleen [> or = d 75]), and partial placental collection was made for chemical analysis. Fetal tissues were weighed and analyzed for DM, ash, CP, and crude fat. Regression equations were obtained to explain the weight and compositional changes of individual tissues during gestation. Weights of the fetus, carcass, gastrointestinal tract, liver, heart, lung, and kidney increased cubically (P < 0.001), whereas brain weight increased linearly (P < 0.001) as gestation progressed. Fetal protein and fat contents increased quadratically (P < 0.001) as gestation progressed (R2 = 0.906 and 0.904, respectively). Changes in fetal protein and fat contents fit a multiphasic regression that consisted of two linear equations (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.988 and P < 0.001, R2 = 0.983, respectively), indicating that protein and fat growth accelerated after d 69 of gestation. Fetal protein and fat accretions were 0.25 and 0.06 g/d (P < 0.001) before d 69 of gestation, and increased to 4.63 and 1.09 g/d (P < 0.001) after d 69 of gestation. Protein needs for tissue protein gains increased 19-fold after d 69 of gestation. Results of this study indicate that the growth of the fetus and fetal tissues occurs at different rates during gestation and support the practice of a two-phase feeding strategy (before and after approximately d 70 of gestation) for pregnant gilts.

Regulation of the Cell Surface Expression and Function of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor by Rab1-mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum-to-Golgi Transport in Cardiac Myocytes

Rab1 GTPase coordinates vesicle-mediated protein transport specifically from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus. We recently demonstrated that Rab1 is involved in the export of angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) to the cell surface in HEK293 cells and that transgenic mice overexpressing Rab1 in the myocardium develop cardiac hypertrophy. To expand these studies, we determined in this report whether the modification of Rab1-mediated ER-to-Golgi transport can alter the cell surface expression and function of endogenous AT1R and AT1R-mediated hypertrophic growth in primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of wild-type Rab1 (Rab1WT) significantly increased cell surface expression of endogenous AT1R in neonatal cardiomyocytes, whereas the dominant-negative mutant Rab1N124I had the opposite effect. Brefeldin A treatment blocked the Rab1WT-induced increase in AT1R cell surface expression. Fluorescence analysis of the subcellular localization of AT1R revealed that Rab1 regulated AT1R transport specifically from the ER to the Golgi in HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Consistent with their effects on AT1R export, Rab1WT and Rab1N124I differentially modified the AT1R-mediated activation of ERK1/2 and its upstream kinase MEK1. More importantly, adenovirus-mediated expression of Rab1N124I markedly attenuated the Ang II-stimulated hypertrophic growth as measured by protein synthesis, cell size, and sarcomeric organization in neonatal cardiomyocytes. In contrast, Rab1WT expression augmented the Ang II-mediated hypertrophic response. These data strongly indicate that AT1R function in cardiomyocytes can be modulated through manipulating AT1R traffic from the ER to the Golgi and provide the first evidence implicating the ER-to-Golgi transport as a regulatory site for control of cardiomyocyte growth.

BMS-201620: a selective beta 3 agonist

A series of N-(4-hydroxy-3-methylsulfonanilidoethanol)arylglycinamides were prepared and evaluated for their human beta3 adrenergic receptor agonist activity. SAR studies led to the identification of BMS-201620 (39), a potent beta3 full agonist (Ki = 93 nM, 93% activation). Based on its favorable safety profile, BMS-201620 was chosen for clinical evaluation.

Mutations in SCN9A, encoding a sodium channel alpha subunit, in patients with primary erythermalgia

Primary erythermalgia is a rare autosomal dominant disease characterised by intermittent burning pain with redness and heat in the extremities. A previous study established the linkage of primary erythermalgia to a 7.94 cM interval on chromosome 2q, but the causative gene was not identified. We performed linkage analysis in a Chinese family with primary erythermalgia, and screened the mutations in the two candidate genes, SCN9A and GCA, in the family and a sporadic patient. Linkage analysis yielded a maximum lod score of 2.11 for both markers D2S2370 and D2S2330. Based on critical recombination events in two patients in the family, we further limited the genetic region to 5.98 cM between D2S2370 and D2S2345. We then identified two missense mutations in SCN9A in the family (T2573A) and the sporadic patient (T2543C). Our data suggest that mutations in SCN9A cause primary erythermalgia. SCN9A, encoding a voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit predominantly expressed in sensory and sympathetic neurones, may play an important role in nociception and vasomotor regulation.

A conserved motif for the transport of G protein-coupled receptors from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface

The structural determinants for the export trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors are poorly defined. In this report, we determined the role of carboxyl termini (CTs) of alpha2B-adrenergic receptor (AR) and angiotensin II type 1A receptor (AT1R) in their transport from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the cell surface. The alpha2B-AR and AT1R mutants lacking the CTs were completely unable to transport to the cell surface and were trapped in the ER. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis revealed that residues Phe436 and Ile433-Leu444 in the CT were required for alpha2B-AR export. Insertion or deletion between Phe436 and Ile443-Leu444 as well as Ile443-Leu444 mutation to FF severely disrupted alpha2B-AR transport, indicating there is a defined spatial requirement, which is essential for their function as a single motif regulating receptor transport from the ER. Furthermore, the carboxyl-terminally truncated as well as Phe436 and Ile443-Leu444 mutants were unable to bind ligand and the alpha2B-AR CT conferred its transport properties to the AT1R mutant without the CT in a Phe436-Ile443-Leu444-dependent manner. These data suggest that the Phe436 and Ile443-Leu444 may be involved in both proper folding and export from the ER of the receptor. Similarly, residues Phe309 and Leu316-Leu317 in the CT were identified as essential for AT1R export. The sequence F(X)6LL (where X can be any residue, and L is leucine or isoleucine) is highly conserved in the membrane-proximal CTs of many G protein-coupled receptors and may function as a common motif mediating receptor transport from the ER to the cell surface.

Genetic effect of two polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein A5 gene and apolipoprotein C3 gene on serum lipids and lipoproteins levels in a Chinese population

Two polymorphisms, apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) -1131T>C and apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) -482C>T, were examined in a healthy Chinese group. Analysis of covariance (ancova) showed that both -1131T>C and -482C>T minor alleles were associated with triglyceride (TG)-raising effects (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively) after adjustment of sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Moreover, -1131T>C minor alleles were also found to be associated with total cholesterol (TC)-raising effects (p = 0.045). However, the relationship between -482C>T minor alleles and TC-raising effects was not observed after adjustment of sex, age, and BMI. By contrast, significant inverse associations were noted between minor alleles (-1131T>C and -482C>T) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations (p = 0.021 and p = 0.021, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed that the effects of -1131T>C and -482C>T polymorphisms on TG and HDL-C (0.001 and 0.008; 0.041 and 0.005, respectively) are independent and additive and that -1131T>C can seriously affect the levels of TG (0.001 vs 0.008). The additive effect of the two polymorphisms was confirmed further by haplotype analysis. Our results strongly support that the two single nucleotide polymorphisms, -1131T>C in APOA5 and -482C>T in APOC3, are related to the levels of serum TG and HDL-C and those of other several lipids and lipoproteins in the Chinese population.

Ventral brainstem enterogenous cyst: an unusual location

Enterogenous cysts mostly locate in the spinal canal and have only rarely been reported in an intracranial site. We report a case of enterogenous cyst in the ventral to brainstem. The 45-year-old woman presented with paroxysmal headache and diplopia. A CT scan and MRI revealed a cystic clival mass from midbrain to medulla. Subtotal resection was performed using a sub-temporal approach and the patient made a good recovery. Pathological examination revealed that the lesion was a typical enterogenous cyst.

N-Acetylglucosamine – An Osmotic Solute for Peritoneal Dialysis without Inducing Hyperinsulinemia

METHODS

N-Acetylglucosamine (NAG) was compared to glucose as an osmotic solute during peritoneal dialysis in rats. The effect of the tested solutes on blood glucose and insulin levels during dialysis was evaluated.

RESULTS

During 6-hour exchange with NAG (220 mmol/l) solution, the dialysate volume was higher than in rats dialyzed with fluid containing glucose (220 mmol/l; GLU: 34.5 +/- 1.7 vs. 32.8 +/- 1.1 ml, respectively; p < 0.05). The peritoneal permeability to protein (D/S x 1,000) was lower in the NAG group (9.7 +/- 2.5 vs. 16.3 +/- 5.6 in GLU; p < 0.02). Dialysis with GLU-based solution resulted in hyperglycemia up to 180 +/- 39 mg/dl; in the NAG group the increase in the blood glucose level was moderate (up to 91 +/- 9 mg/dl; p < 0.001). Dialysis with GLU fluid caused an increase in blood insulin level by 53.2 +/- 62.4 pmol/l, whereas the insulin blood concentration in NAG-treated animals was increased by 5.0 +/- 5.4 pmol/l (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

NAG is more effective than GLU osmotic solute during peritoneal dialysis and it reduces peritoneal permeability to protein. Dialysis with NAG results in lower hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, both effects are favorable in diabetic peritoneal dialysis patients.

GNB3 gene C825T and ACE gene I/D polymorphisms in essential hypertension in a Kazakh genetic isolate

The Kazakh inhabitants living in Barkol pasture of northeast China belong to a genetic isolate characterized by ethnically homogeneous and a communal pastoral lifestyle. To investigate whether the polymorphisms in the G-protein beta-3 subunit (GNB3) gene and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene are associated with essential hypertension (EH), we carried out a case-control study of 290 hypertensive subjects and 244 normotensive (NT) controls randomly selected from Kazakh populations of Barkol. A previous medical history of diabetes and hypertension, and body mass index (BMI) was recorded. Plasma glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol were measured. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene and the C825T polymorphism of the GNB3 gene were determined by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The distributions of genotypes and alleles for the two polymorphisms did not differ significantly between the case and control populations, and odds ratio of EH related to the ACE gene D allele and GNB3 gene T allele was not significantly different from 1.0. Logistic regression analysis shows the variation at the GNB3 and ACE did not have any statistically significant synergistic effect on blood pressure (BP). Stratification of NT and untreated hypertensives according to I/D polymorphism of ACE gene and C825T polymorphism of GNB3 gene disclosed no significant difference across genotypes with respect to BMI, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, systolic and diastolic BP. In conclusion, the polymorphisms in the GNB3 gene and ACE gene, solely or combined, did not confer a significantly increased risk for the development of EH in the Kazakh isolate of northeast China.

Inhomogeneous electronic structure probed by spin-echo experiments in the electron doped high-Tc superconductor Pr1.85Ce0.15CuO4-y

63Cu nuclear magnetic resonance spin-echo decay rate (T-12) measurements are reported for the normal and superconducting states of a single crystal of Pr(1.85)Ce(0.15)CuO(4-y) in a magnetic field B(0)=9 T over the temperature range 2<T<200 K. The spin-echo decay rate is temperature dependent for T<55 K and has a substantial dependence on the radio frequency (rf) pulse parameters below T approximately 25 K. This dependence indicates that T-12 is strongly effected by a local magnetic field distribution that can be modified by the rf pulses, including ones that are not at the nuclear Larmor frequency. The low-temperature results are consistent with the formation of a static inhomogeneous electronic structure that couples to the rf fields of the pulses.