Production of hepatocyte growth factor is increased in chronic renal failure

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) facilitates recovery from tissue injuries. We previously reported that serum HGF levels were elevated in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients. In the present study Western blot analysis of CRF patients' sera showed the majority of their serum HGF was a single-chain precursor molecule. In CRF rats developed by 5/6 nephrectomy or high adenine diet, both HGF mRNA expression levels and tissue HGF concentrations were increased in liver and spleen. The results suggest that HGF production increases in CRF, which may be a response to chronic progressive renal injuries in an endocrine manner.

Detection of Epstein-Barr virus DNA in virus-infected cells by electron microscopic in situ hybridization

We describe a procedure for in situ hybridization using a biotinylated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) sequence with detection at the light and electron microscopic levels. In situ hybridization using an immunogold-silver staining detection system was used to identify biotinylated DNA probes in cell smears and in Lowicryl K4M-embedded EBV-infected and -noninfected cell lines. At the light microscopic level, the reaction product of hybridized EBV DNA sequence seemed to be located mainly in the nuclei. The labelling was dependent on the cell strains. However, at the electron microscopic level, the reaction product was evident as spots or clusters distributed not only in the nuclei of EBV-infected cells but also in the cytoplasm and extracellular particles. These findings suggest that immature particles in the cytoplasm contain EBV DNA. This procedure can be applied to the observation and identification of virus infection.

[Comparison between monotherapy with imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) and combinations of IPM/CS and other drugs for treating bacterial infections in patients with hematopoietic disorders]

One hundred and nine patients with infections concurrent with hematopoietic disorders were treated with imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) either alone (IPM/CS monotherapy) or in combination with other antimicrobial drugs (IPM/CS combination therapy). The following results were obtained. 1. One hundred and nine patients were allocated at random to two groups: 53 patients to IPM/CS monotherapy and 56 patients to IPM/CS combination therapy. Fourteen patients (6 and 8 in the 2 groups, respectively) were excluded from the clinical evaluation. There were not significant differences between the two groups with respect to the background. 2. The efficacy rates of the 2 treatments against bacterial infections were as follows: in the IPM/CS monotherapy group, 62.5% in 8 patients with sepsis, 75.0% in 23 patients with fever of undetermined origin (FUO), 50.0% in 10 patients with pneumonia, and 68.3% in the 47 patients, and in the IPM/CS combination group, 85.7% in 7 patients with sepsis, 63.6% in 24 patients with FUO, 50.5% in 8 patients with pneumonia, and 67.4% in the 48 patients. The differences between the two groups were not significant. 3. Among the drugs used in combination with IPM/CS, antibiotics other than penicillins, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides were used in 12 patients and a high efficacy rate of 91.7% was obtained. 4. Bacteriologically, 19 and 17 strains were isolated from the IPM/CS monotherapy and combination therapy groups respectively, and the eradication rates were 100% and 88.9% respectively. 5. Side effects were noted in 2 patients in the IPM/CS monotherapy group and 7 in the combination therapy group, but all of these resolved after discontinuation or completion of the treatment. The efficacies against severe bacterial infections in the presence of hematopoietic disorders were not different between IPM/CS alone and IPM/CS in combination with other antibiotics. Adverse reactions were uncommon with the monotherapy.

Simultaneous intra- and extra-uterine pregnancy with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after induction of ovulation: a case report

We present a case of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that developed simultaneous intra- and extra-uterine pregnancy with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) after induction of ovulation with pure FSH-HCG. At 9 weeks of pregnancy, the bilateral tubal pregnancy caused an imminent spontaneous abortion, and both Fallopian tubes were resected. After the laparotomy, the pregnancy progressed without problems until 31 weeks and 5 days of pregnancy, when signs of spontaneous abortion appeared, and healthy twin female babies were delivered by cesarean section. The incidence of heterotopic pregnancy is increasing in cases in which inducers of ovulation or ART, such as IVF-ET and GIFT, have been employed. One must be well aware that the danger of heterotopic pregnancy following induction of ovulation is imminent, particularly in cases with risk factors of multiple and/or extra-uterine pregnancy, such as PCOS, a history of tubal restoration, and sexually transmitted disease(s).

Oestrogen producing adrenocortical adenoma: clinical, biochemical and immunohistochemical studies

Oestrogen producing adrenocortical tumours are extremely rare. We report a 65-year-old woman who presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding, with no significant abnormalities in her uterus or ovaries, who was found to have a right adrenal mass by radiological examination. Excessive secretion of oestrogens from the tumour was demonstrated by adrenal venous sampling. Basal levels of corticosteroids were within normal limits. Adrenalectomy was performed and pathological examination revealed an adrenocortical adenoma measuring 5.5 cm in its greatest dimension, in which both clear and compact tumour cells were observed. Oestrogen levels normalized following the removal of the adrenal mass. Tissue concentrations of oestrone and oestradiol in the tumour were 6.9 (69.5 pmol/g wet tissue weight) and 34.6 (93.6 pmol/g wet tissue weight)-fold greater respectively than those of adjacent non-neoplastic adrenal cortex. Aromatase activity in the tumour tissue determined by the 3H-water method was 118.6 pmol/h/mg protein, equivalent to that of a full-term human placenta. Immunohistochemical analysis of aromatase demonstrated immunoreactivity in the tumour cells, especially in compact cells, but not in adjacent non-neoplastic adrenal cells. This is the first reported case of an oestrogen producing adrenocortical adenoma in which aromatase in the tumour cells was documented.

Aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid production by a sclerotium-producing Aspergillus tamarii strain

The production of aflatoxins B1 and B2 by Aspergillus tamarii (subgenus Circumdati section Flavi) is reported for the first time. The fungus was isolated from soil collected from a tea (Camellia sinensis) field in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. Three single-spore cultures, NRRL 25517, NRRL 25518, and NRRL 25519, were derived from subcultures of the original isolate 19 (MZ2). Each of these single-spore cultures of A. tamarii produced aflatoxins B1 and B2 and cyclopiazonic acid, as well as black, pear-shaped sclerotia. The demonstration of aflatoxin production by A. tamarii is examined in connection with A. tamarii phylogenetic relationships, chemical ecology, and potential use in food fermentations.

Fluoride analysis of apatite crystals with a central planar OCP inclusion: concerning the role of F- ions on apatite/OCP/apatite structure formation

To study the roles of F- ions in the formation of apatite crystals embedding octacalcium phosphate (OCP) lamella in the center of apatite (Ap), a range of the Ap/OCP/Ap lamellar-mixed crystals were synthesized under various concentrations of fluoride ion (F-) from 0. 1-1.0 ppm at pH 6.5 and 37 degrees C. The products were analyzed for the F- incorporation, F- distribution, and the amount of OCP and Ap by chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The F- content and the amount of apatite in the crystalline product increased with an increase in the F- concentration in solution, whereas the amount of OCP and the yield of total product decreased. EPMA indicated that F- ions are distributed in the crystals almost homogeneously. The combined analysis suggested that a low-substituted fluoridated hydroxyapatite (FHAp) grew on a small amount of F--containing OCP or on a surface-reaction layer of OCP, which has accumulated a small amount of F-. The roles of F- ions were hypothesized as the reduction of the growth rate and/or the critical thickness in the a*-axis direction of OCP, the enhancement of hydrolysis of OCP, and the activation of the growth of FHAp, resulting in thinner OCP lamella and thicker apatite lamella in the a*-axis direction with an increase in F- concentration.

Characteristic expression of cell adhesion molecules in adhalin deficiency

We have reported the reduction of the B1 subunit of laminin and that of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) in two Japanese patients with adhalin deficiency. We here investigated immunohistochemically the expression of cell adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), and CD44 (HCAM), in four Japanese patients with adhalin deficiency, compared to other types of muscular dystrophy. We found that NCAM was upregulated in a fair number of muscle fibers, regardless of the type of muscular dystrophy. ICAM-1 was detected on the rare muscle cell membrane in all patients. CD44 was barely detected on the muscle cell membrane in adhalin deficiency, in contrast to the strong expression of CD44 which was observed in other types of muscular dystrophy. These findings suggest that a different degenerative or regenerative process is involved in adhalin deficiency compared to other types of muscular dystrophy.

Bone bonding behavior of titanium and its alloys when coated with titanium oxide (TiO2) and titanium silicate (Ti5Si3)

It has been proposed that the essential requirement for artificial materials to bond to living bone is the formation of bonelike apatite on their surfaces in the body. Recent studies have shown that titanium hydrogel and silica gel induce apatite formation on their surface in a simulated body fluid. In this study, the influence of titanium oxide and titanium silicate on the bonding of titanium alloys to bone was studied. Rectangular implants (15 x 10 x 2.2 mm) of titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Nb-Ta, Ti-6Al-4V coated with TiO2, and Ti-6Al-4V coated with Ti5Si3 were implanted into the tibial metaphyses of mature rabbits. At 8 and 24 weeks after implantation, the tibiae containing the implants were dissected out and subjected to a detaching testing. The failure load for titanium, Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-2Nb-Ta, Ti-6Al-4V coated with TiO2, and Ti-6Al-4V coated with Ti5Si3 were, respectively, 0.68 +/- 0.48, 0.22 +/- 0.46, 0.67 +/- 0.59, 2.18 +/- 0.71 and 2.03 +/- 0.41 kgf at 8 weeks, and 2.7 +/- 0.91, 2.58 +/- 1.29, 2.38 +/- 0.41, 3.79 +/- 1.7, and 2.79 +/- 0.87 kgf at 24 weeks after implantation. Histological examination by Giemsa surface staining, CMR, and SEM-EPMA revealed the coated titanium alloy implants directly bonded to bone tissue during early implantation. A Ca-P layer was observed at the interface of the coated implants and the bone. The results of this study indicated that TiO2 and Ti5Si3 can enhance the early bonding of titanium alloys to bone by inducing a Ca-P layer (chemical apatite) on the surface of titanium alloys. It also is suggested that the direct bone contact occurs in relation to the calcium and phosphorus adsorption onto the surface of the titanium passive layer formed during long-term implantation.

Both the paired domain and homeodomain are required for in vivo function of Drosophila Paired

Drosophila paired, a homolog of mammalian Pax-3, is key to the coordinated regulation of segment-polarity genes during embryogenesis. The paired gene and its homologs are unusual in encoding proteins with two DNA-binding domains, a paired domain and a homeodomain. We are using an in vivo assay to dissect the functions of the domains of this type of molecule. In particular, we are interested in determining whether one or both DNA-binding activities are required for individual in vivo functions of Paired. We constructed point mutants in each domain designed to disrupt DNA binding and tested the mutants with ectopic expression assays in Drosophila embryos. Mutations in either domain abolished the normal regulation of the target genes engrailed, hedgehog, gooseberry and even-skipped, suggesting that these in vivo functions of Paired require DNA binding through both domains rather than either domain alone. However, when the two mutant proteins were placed in the same embryo, Paired function was restored, indicating that the two DNA-binding activities need not be present in the same molecule. Quantitation of this effect shows that the paired domain mutant has a dominant-negative effect consistent with the observations that Paired protein can bind DNA as a dimer.

Drosophila Paired regulates late even-skipped expression through a composite binding site for the paired domain and the homeodomain

The even-skipped (eve) pair-rule gene plays a key role in the establishment of the anterior-posterior segmental pattern of the Drosophila embryo. The continuously changing pattern of eve expression can be resolved into two phases. Early expression consists of seven broad stripes in the blastoderm embryo, while late expression, which occurs after cellularization, consists of narrow stripes with sharp anterior borders that coincide with the odd-numbered parasegment boundaries. Previous studies have shown that these two phases are controlled by separate classes of cis elements in the eve promoter. Early stripes are expressed by multiple stripe-specific elements under the control of maternal-effect genes and gap genes, while late stripes are expressed by a single regulatory element, the ‘late element’, under the control of pair-rule genes including eve itself. We report here that paired (prd), a pair-rule gene which had been considered to be below eve in the regulatory hierarchy of pair-rule genes, in fact plays a critical role in the regulation of late eve expression. Transgenic analysis shows that this regulation is largely mediated by an evolutionarily conserved sequence within the late element termed PTE (Paired Target Element). In vitro analysis shows that the Prd protein binds strongly to this sequence. Interestingly, PTE contains juxtaposed binding sites for the two DNA-binding domains of the Prd protein, the paired domain and the homeodomain. Mutagenesis of either binding site leads to significant reduction in the activity of the late element, indicating that both DNA-binding domains in the Paired protein are required for regulation.

High occurrence of primary malignant neoplasms in patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, their siblings, and their mothers

BACKGROUND

Attempts were made to clarify the correlation between human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV)-1 infection and malignant oncogenicity other than adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) in a case-control study.

METHODS

The occurrence of primary malignant neoplasms (MN) in 110 ATL patients, their parents, and 430 siblings was compared with HTLV-1 seronegative non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients, their parents and 867 siblings. The chi-square test, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the statistical significance of differences in the occurrence of the primary MN among ATL patients, HTLV-1 seronegative NHL patients, their siblings, and their parents.

RESULTS

The occurrence of primary MN in the ATL patients was higher than the occurrence in HTLV-1 seronegative NHL patients (P = 0.0036; OR = 2.91; 95% CI: 1.42, 6.02). In siblings of the ATL patients, there was a higher occurrence of primary MN than in siblings of the HTLV-1 seronegative NHL patients (P < 0.0001; OR = 3.35; 95% CI: 2.01, 5.58). In mothers of the ATL patients, there was a higher occurrence of primary MN than in mothers of the HTLV-1 seronegative NHL patients (P = 0.0063; OR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.30, 5.00), but not in fathers (P = 0.1602; OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 0.81, 3.47).

CONCLUSIONS

There is an increased risk of primary MN in ATL patients, their siblings, and their mothers.

[Surgical repair of a dissecting aortic aneurysm with entry at proximal descending aorta through left thoracotomy--a case report]

A 45-year-old man underwent a distal arch and descending aortic replacement through a left thoracotomy. His chronic type A dissecting aortic aneurysm had the entry at the proximal descending aorta. After 9 years of his first dissection, he suffered from a second dissection. In computerized tomogram (CT), the ascending and descending aorta enlarged to 6.0 cm and 7.0 cm in diameter, respectively and descending aorta showed a three channeled dissection. The open proximal anastomosis technique was used under the deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) followed by selective cerebral perfusion (SCP). Surgical repair included the obliteration of the proximal false lumen at the level between the left carotid and subclavian artery. A thrombosed retrograde dissection in the ascending aorta was revealed in postoperative evaluation, and decreased in size at follow up CT.

[Synthesis of stable solvates of monosodium 2-[R*s,9S*)-(4-methoxy-6,7,8, 9-tetrahydro-5H-cyclohepta[b]pyridin-9-yl)sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole]

Monosodium 2-[(R*s,9S*)-(4-methoxy-6,7,8, 9-tetrahydro-5H-cyclohepta-[b]pyridin-9-yl)sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole (3A), a novel antiulcer agent previously reported by us, was found to be easily decomposed in weakly acidic solutions. In order to improve the stability of the parent compound, 3A, the preparation of 1-substituted benzimidazoles (4A) was attempted. However, the inhibitory effect of 4A against gastric acid secretion was less potent than that of 3A. Then 3A was solvated by EtOH or H2O to afford 5A or 6A, respectively. On the other hand, an another diastereoisomer, (R*s,9R*)-3B, was not solvated by EtOH or H2O under the same conditions. The thus obtained solvates (5A, 6A) are much more stable than that of 3A. The antiulcer activities of 5A and 6A were found to be similar to that of the parent compound (3A). Consequently, 6A was selected as an antiulcer agent for the development.

Runt domain partner proteins enhance DNA binding and transcriptional repression in cultured Drosophila cells

BACKGROUND

The Drosophila gene runt plays multiple roles during embryogenesis, including one as a pair-rule class segmentation gene. The runt protein (Runt) contains an evolutionarily conserved domain (the Runt domain) that is found in several mammalian proteins including the human protein AML1, which is involved in many chromosome translocations associated with leukaemia. Specific DNA binding activity of a mammalian Runt domain is enhanced by a partner protein called PEBP2beta/CBFbeta. DNA binding activity of Drosophila Runt is also stimulated by this protein, suggesting the existence of a similar Runt partner protein in Drosophila.

RESULTS

We report here the cloning of two closely linked Drosophila genes, runt domain partner (rp) beta1 and beta2, that encode homologues of mouse PEBP2beta/CBFbeta. They are highly homologous to each other and to the mammalian counterpart. Either of the rpb proteins is capable of forming a complex with Runt and stimulating its DNA binding activity, but their temporal and spatial distributions are quite dissimilar, suggesting that functional specificity of Runt may be conferred by the interacting partner. Runt represses transcription dominantly when coexpressed with either partner in cultured cells, a function consistent with a direct role for Runt in regulating expression of the even-skipped gene in Drosophila embryos.

CONCLUSIONS

Drosophila Runt can interact with either of two Runt domain partners, and the resulting complex functions as an active repressor of transcription.

[A successful staged complete repair in a neonate with coarctation of aorta, ventricular septal defect, and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction--a new palliative operation]

An eight day old neonate with coarctation of aorta (CoA), ventricular septal defect (VSD), and severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) underwent a successful staged repair following a new palliative operation, which comprised aortic arch reconstruction, PTFE bypass graft between main pulmonary artery and descending thoracic aorta, and pulmonary artery banding (PAB) distal to the graft. Insertion of the bypass graft was aimed to allow enough systemic blood flow and reduces after load of ventricles after PAB. The second staged definitive operation was performed 21 days after the first operation and the procedure comprised partial resection of posterioly deviated infundibular septum via VSD, patch closure of VSD, and division of the graft. No evidence of progression of LVOTO was noted until the second stage operation despite the tight PAB. This new palliative operation, which does not need aid of cardiopulmonary bypass, is particularly effective for those with LVOTO, and can be safely applied even to seriously ill neonate. Thus, for the staged repair in aortic arch obstructive disease with VSD and severe LVOTO, this procedure can be a good alternative for palliative operation.

Ultrastructure and morphogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus

The ultrastructure and morphogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were elucidated by observation with several techniques including immunoelectron microscopy and cryo-microscopy. The virus particle consists of an envelope, a core and matrix. The virus particles were observed extracellularly as having one of three profiles: (1) a centric or an eccentric electron-dense core, (2) rod-shaped electron-dense core, and (3) doughnut-shaped. HIV-1 particles in the hydrated state were observed by high resolution electron cryo-microscopy to be globular, and the lipid membrane was clearly resolved as a bilayer. Many projections around the circumference were seen to be knob-like. The shapes and sizes of the projections, especially head parts, were found to vary in each projection. By isolation with Nonidet P40 and glutaraldehyde, HIV-1 cores were confirmed to consist of p24 protein by immunogold labeling. When the virus enters the cell, two entry modes were found: membrane fusion and endocytosis. No structures resembling virus particles could be seen in the cytoplasm after viral entry. In HIV-1-infected cells, positive reactions by immuno-labeling suggest that HIV-1 Gag may be produced in membrane-bound structures and transported to the cell surface by cytoskeletons. Then a crescent electron-dense layer was first formed underneath the cell membrane. Finally, the virus particle was released from the cell surface. Several cell clones producing defective particles were isolated from MT-4/HIV-1 cells. Among them, doughnut-shaped or teardrop-shaped particles were seen to be produced in the extracellular space. In the doughnut-shaped particles, Gag p17 and p24 proteins faced each other against the inner electron dense ring, suggesting that the inner ring consists of a precursor Gag protein.

Effect of intranasal administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone on ataxic gait in staggerer mice

The ataxia ameliorating effect of an intranasal administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) was examined using normal and ataxic staggerer mutant mice. In the normal mice, the blood TRH level reached the maximum level 5 min after administration and was gradually eliminated during the following 60 min. The antiataxic effects of TRH in the staggerer mice was examined using an open field method. At lower doses, the intranasal administration of TRH in the staggerer mice was examined using an open field method. At lower doses, the intranasal administration of TRH did not exert any evident effect. However, at 3 mg or 4 mg, the fall index (the ratio of the number of falls to the movement score) was significantly decreased for 20 min after the administration. These results show that an intranasal administration of TRH can ameliorate the ataxia in staggerer mice, and may be promising for clinical use in patients with spinocerebellar degeneration.