Analysis of the steps involved in Dengue virus entry into host cells

The initial steps of dengue viral entry have been divided into adsorption and penetration using acid glycine treatment to inactivate extracellular virus after attachment to baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells but prior to penetration. First, we showed that virus infection was accomplished within 2 h after adsorption. Second, the assay was used to examine the properties of dengue envelope E protein-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), lectins, and heparin. We found that three MAbs, 17-2, 46-9, and 51-3, may neutralize dengue 2 virus (DEN-2) through inhibition of not only viral attachment but also of penetration. However, one MAb, 56-3.1, interfered specifically with attachment. Therefore, the functional domains of E protein involved in attachment and penetration may be different. Moreover, studies with lectins indicated that carbohydrates, especially alpha-mannose residues, present on the virion glycoproteins may contribute to binding and penetration of the virus into BHK and mosquito C6/36 cells. Finally, virus infectivity was inhibited by heparin through its blocking effects at both virus attachment and penetration. This suggests that cell surface heparan sulfate functions in both viral attachment and penetration of DEN-2 virus. In conclusion, our results further elucidated some aspects of the dengue virus entry process.

Prognostic factors and strategy of treatment in Fournier's gangrene: a 12-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Fournier's gangrene (FG) is a fulminant and fatal infection of the genitalia. However, the clinical course is unpredictable. This study retrospectively analyzed the possible prognostic factors of FG.

METHODS

Data obtained from 57 patients treated for FG from January 1985 through December 1996 were retrospectively analyzed. Possible prognostic factors including age, diagnostic delay, hospital stay, underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, origins, extents, bacteriologic findings, diverting colostomy and mortality rate were all considered in the analysis.

RESULTS

Patients with extensive or localized FG had mortality rates of 31.3% and 16.0%, respectively (p = 0.227). The mortality rates of patients with FG of anorectal, urogenital and non-specific origin were 30.3%, 0% and 40.0%, respectively (p = 0.712). The mortality rates of patients with FG of anorectal origin who received primary or secondary diverting colostomy were 16.7% and 40.0%, respectively. However, the mortality rate of patients with FG of anorectal origin who did not undergo diversion was 29.4%. The mortality rate of patients with FG presenting with septic shock at emergency was 53.8% as compared with 0% in those without septic shock (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive and life threatening infection of the genitalia. Age, underlying diseases, origin, extent and fecal diversion can not be regarded as prognostic factors of FG. Early primary diverting colostomy may reduce the mortality rate in those with severe infection of anorectal origin. Presence of septic shock in those with FG is the most important and the only factor related to death.

Effect of dietary vitamin E on antioxidant status and antioxidant enzyme activities in Sprague-Dawley rats

The effect of dietary vitamin E on plasma, red blood cells (RBC), hepatic antioxidant status, and antioxidant enzyme activities was investigated. Three groups of six Sprague-Dawley rats were fed 0, 100, or 1,500 ppm vitamin E for eight weeks. Plasma alpha-tocopherol level was increased significantly by increasing dietary vitamin E (p < 0.05). Plasma lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) stimulation by 1 mM t-butyl hydroperoxide was correlated with dietary vitamin E level and was significantly greater in rats fed no vitamin E than in rats fed 100 or 1,500 ppm vitamin E (p < 0.05). RBC reduced glutathione (GSH) level was positively correlated with dietary vitamin E and was significantly greater in rats fed 1,500 ppm vitamin E than in rats fed 0 or 100 ppm vitamin E (p < 0.05). RBC oxidized glutathione was negatively correlated with dietary vitamin E. GSH redox status was expressed as the GSH-to-total GSH ratio; the ratio was also positively correlated with dietary vitamin E and was significantly greater in rats fed 1,500 ppm vitamin E than in rats fed no vitamin E (p < 0.05). For antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase activity in hepatic cytosolic fraction was significantly greater in rats fed 1,500 ppm vitamin E than in rats fed 100 ppm vitamin E. Hepatic GSH reductase activity was significantly greater in rats fed 100 ppm vitamin E than in rats fed no vitamin E (p < 0.05). Dietary vitamin E had no effect on plasma vitamin C and protein thiol levels. In the systems studied, results indicated that dietary vitamin E selectively influences plasma vitamin E level, RBC GSH status, and hepatic cytosolic superoxide dismutase and GSH reductase activities.

alpha-Tocopherol acetate supplementation enhances rat hepatic cytochrome PROD activity in the presence of phenobarbital induction

Hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzymes play important roles in bioactivation of chemical carcinogens, biotransformation of many endogenous compounds, and detoxification of numerous xenobiotics. These enzyme activities have been shown to be regulated by various dietary factors. In our previous study, hepatic cytochrome pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activity was decreased in rats fed an alpha-tocopherol acetate-deficient diet compared with rats fed alpha-tocopherol acetate-adequate or -supplemented diets. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether the modulatory effect of dietary alpha-tocopherol acetate on hepatic cytochrome PROD activity is influenced by the presence of phenobarbital. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed the AIN-76 diet for four days, fasted for two days, then fed semipurified diets that were alpha-tocopherol acetate deficient, adequate, or supplemented with 5 and 15 g/kg alpha-tocopherol acetate for four days. Liver and plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations were dose dependently regulated by dietary alpha-tocopherol acetate level. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation by dietary alpha-tocopherol acetate was dose dependent. Hepatic total cytochrome P-450 content was significantly greater in rats fed diets supplemented with 5 and 15 g/kg alpha-tocopherol acetate than in rats fed an alpha-tocopherol-adequate diet (p < 0.05). Hepatic cytochrome PROD activity was significantly greater in rats fed diets supplemented with 5 and 15 g/kg alpha-tocopherol acetate than in rats fed alpha-tocopherol acetate-deficient and -adequate diets (p < 0.05). These results suggest that, in the presence of phenobarbital, dietary alpha-tocopherol acetate efficiently affects tissue alpha-tocopherol levels and inhibits lipid peroxidation and that diets supplemented with 5 or 15 g/kg alpha-tocopherol acetate enhance hepatic cytochrome PROD activity compared with alpha-tocopherol acetate-deficient or -adequate diets.

Alterations of small-molecular-weight antioxidants in the blood of smokers

Plasma alpha-tocopherol, ascorbate, retinol, uric acid, and lipid peroxides were investigated in 39 male smokers and 64 male non-smokers. The average level of plasma alpha-tocopherol of 35-45-year-old smokers (1.74+/-0.49 microg/mg total lipid) was significantly lower than that of age-matched non-smokers (2.55+/-0.88 microg/mg total lipid, P = 0.032). Similarly, the plasma alpha-tocopherol of smokers aged above 45 (1.66+/-0.29 microg/mg total lipid) was lower than that of the age-matched non-smokers (2.38+/-1.26 microg/mg total lipid, P = 0.014). However, no difference in plasma level of alpha-tocopherol was found between smokers and non-smokers below the age of 35. The average concentration of ascorbate in plasma was significantly decreased only in those smokers older than 45 (0.33+/-0.16 mg/dl vs non-smokers 0.53+/-0.19 mg/dl, P = 0.003). The average level of lipid peroxides (measured as malondialdehyde,MDA) in the plasma of smokers (2.77+/-0.51 nmol/ml) was higher than that of non-smokers (2.35+/-0.21 nmol/ml) aged above 45 (P = 0.034). No differences in the plasma levels of uric acid and retinol were noted between smokers and non-smokers in all age groups. Using partial correlation analysis under age control, we found that the plasma level of alpha-tocopherol was negatively correlated with the plasma level of MDA (r = -0.523, P = 0.038). In contrast, the plasma level of ascorbate was only weakly correlated with the plasma level of MDA (r = -0.341, P = 0.094). Moreover, we found a negative correlation between the plasma level of alpha-tocopherol and smoking index (r = -0.414, P = 0.006) under age control, but there was no correlation between plasma level of ascorbate and smoking index (r=0.221, P = 0.193). These results indicate that adequate levels of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate may protect the plasma from oxidative damage elicited by smoking-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in young smokers. However, the antioxidant activities of alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate may be overwhelmed by the long-standing oxidative stress elicited by cigarette smoking in elderly subjects.

Heat shock treatment decreases the mortality of sepsis in rats

Sepsis is an increasingly common and lethal diagnosis in hospitalized patients. In spite of the advances in antibiotics and medical equipment, the mortality rate has not been improved in the last decade. Recently, heat shock proteins (Hsps) have been well documented to play a self-protective role in almost all living cells under various pathological and physiological stresses through a mechanism known as thermotolerance or cross tolerance. The present study was designed to investigate the expression of Hsp72 and the protective role of pre-induction of Hsps in the mortality during different phases of sepsis. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were employed in the study. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Heat shock treatment was performed 16 hrs before sepsis induction by heating the rats whole-bodily with an electric heating pad under general anesthesia. The mortality rates with time in both control and preheated groups were monitored. Hsp72 was detected by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and immunostaining in the brain, heart, liver, kidney, lung, adrenal gland, muscle and lymphocytes. The results show that both early (9 hrs post-CLP) and late (18 hrs post-CLP) sepsis failed to increase the synthesis of Hsp72. Previous induction of Hsps by heat shock treatment significantly decreased the mortality rate of late sepsis. Applying a sufficient inducer to lymphocytes of late sepsis reversed the synthesis of Hsp72 from inactive state into an over-expressive situation in vitro. These results suggest that Hsps are involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis and the involvement of Hsps during the progression of sepsis could add to a first line of host defense against invasive pathogens. Searching for an acceptable agent or less invasive method that leads to increased Hsps expression may provide a means for better treatment of severe infection.

Effect of vitamin E on rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity

Hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity has been shown to be affected by various dietary factors including vitamin E. However, reports of the effect of dietary vitamin E on cytochrome P-450 activity have been inconsistent. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of dietary vitamin E on rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity. Three groups of six male weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semipurified diets containing 0, 100, or 1,500 ppm vitamin E for eight weeks. Vitamin E was given in the form of alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Dietary vitamin E significantly affected liver vitamin E content (p < 0.05) but had no effect on rat hepatic total P-450 content, N-nitrosodimethylamine demethylase, and NADPH-cytochrome-P-450 reductase activities. Hepatic pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase and glutathione S-transferase activities were significantly greater in rats fed 100 and 1,500 ppm vitamin E than in rats fed no vitamin E (p < 0.05). Dietary vitamin E induced changes in hepatic phospholipid fatty acid composition. Hepatic phospholipid linoleate was significantly greater in rats fed 0 and 1,500 ppm vitamin E than in rats fed 100 ppm vitamin E (p < 0.05). Hepatic phospholipid eicosapentaenoate was increased significantly by dietary vitamin E (p < 0.05). Hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance was significantly greater in rats fed no vitamin E than in rats fed 100 and 1,500 ppm vitamin E (p < 0.05). The results suggest that vitamin E may influence cytochrome P-450 IIB1 enzyme activity and may affect hepatic phospholipid fatty acid composition.

Effect of dietary lipid on gamma-glutamyl transferase-positive foci during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

The effect of dietary lipid on gamma-glutamyl transferase-positive (GGT-positive) foci was investigated. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with diethylnitrosamine (15 mg/kg) at 24 h of age. After weaning, they were fed nutritionally complete semipurified diets for 3 months. Rats fed 15% corn oil had significantly lower hepatic phospholipid eicosapentaenoate and docosahexaenoate than rats fed 7.5% corn oil plus 7.5% fish oil, 5% corn oil plus 10% fish oil (P < 0.05). However, rats fed 15% corn oil had significantly greater hepatic phospholipid arachidonate than rats fed the other two diets (P < 0.05), suggesting that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were incorporated into hepatic phospholipid at the expense of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hepatic PGF2alpha content was significantly greater in rats fed 15% corn oil than in rats fed the other two diets (P < 0.05). Rats fed fish oil had significantly lower hepatic vitamin E content than rats fed corn oil (P < 0.05). Hepatic lipid peroxidation (TBARS) tended to increase with increased dietary fish oil (P < 0.05). Dietary lipid did not influence GGT-positive foci area or number. In conclusion, dietary lipid affected hepatic PGF2alpha production, however, showed no effect on GGT-positive foci area and number. This may suggest that PGF2alpha is not the underlying mechanism for GGT-positive foci during hepatocarcinogenesis.

[Studies on late replication bands of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) chromosomes]

Using the cultured giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) lymphocytes as experimental material, we carried out the terminal marking on the chromosomes which were in replication by adding BrdU (a final concentration: 10 micrograms/ml) about four hours before harvesting the cells. The chromosomes marked by BrdU were proceeded by staining with acridine orange solution (0.05%), irradiated by ultraviolet and counter-stained by Giemsa, we obtained clear chromosomes replication patterns. According to the different replication bands, every chromosome's characteristics in late replication behavior could be identified. In the two X chromosomes of female individual, one X chromosome is obviously much later than the other one. Especially in the large area near centromere on the long arm of late replicating X chromosome. In the male individual, there is also a large area on the long arm of chromosome Y which replicates very late, but the end of long arm of chromosome Y replicates much earlier.

Swyer James syndrome following Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: report of one case

A previous healthy 5 year-old girl developed a right hyperlucent lung following Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia 14 months before admission. Serial chest radiographs revealed a persistent right upper lobe atelectasis and gradual development of the right hyperlucent lung associated with frequent bouts of wheezing and exertional dyspnea. Physical examination showed markedly decreased breathing sounds in the right hemithorax with fine inspiratory crackles and expiratory wheezes. A diagnosis of Swyer James syndrome was confirmed by the exclusion of other causes of unilateral hyperlucent lung using computed tomographic scans of chest, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and lung perfusion scintigraphy. She has been followed up at our hospital using anti-asthmatic medication.

Effect of curcumin on cell cycle progression and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells

1. The possible mechanisms of the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenol in the spice turmeric, on vascular smooth muscle cells were studied in rat aortic smooth muscle cell line (A7r5). 2. The proliferative response was determined from the uptake of [3H]-thymidine. Curcumin (10(-6)-10(-4) M) inhibited serum-stimulated [3H]-thymidine incorporation of both A7r5 cells and rabbit cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell viability, as determined by the trypan blue dye exclusion method, was unaffected by curcumin at the concentration range 10(-6) to 10(-5) M in A7r5 cells. However, the number of viable cells after 10(-4) M curcumin treatment was less than the basal value (2 x 10(5) cells). 3. To analyse the various stages of the cell cycle, [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA was determined every 3 h. After stimulation with foetal calf serum, quiescent A7r5 cells started DNA synthesis in 9 to 12 h (G1/S phase), then reached a maximum at 15 to 18 h (S phase). Curcumin (10(-6)-10(-4) M) added during either the G1/S phase or S phase significantly inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation. 4. Following curcumin (10(-6)-10(-4) M) treatment, cell cycle analysis utilizing flow cytometry of propidium iodide stained cells revealed a G0/G1 arrest and a reduction in the percentage of cells in S phase. Curcumin at 10(-4) M also induced cell apoptosis. It is suggested that curcumin arrested cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis, and hence reduced the [3H]-thymidine incorporation. 5. The apoptotic effect of 10(-4) M curcumin was also demonstrated by haematoxylin-eosin staining, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL), and DNA laddering. Curcumin (10(-4) M) induced cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. 6. The membranous protein tyrosine kinase activity stimulated by serum in A7r5 cells was significantly reduced by curcumin at the concentration range 10(-5) to 10(-4) M. On the other hand, the cytosolic protein kinase C activity stimulated by phorbol ester was reduced by 10(-4) M curcumin, but unaffected by lower concentrations (10(-6)-10(-5) M). 7. The levels of c-myc, p53 and bcl-2 mRNA were analysed using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. The level of c-myc mRNA was significantly reduced by curcumin (10(-5)-10(-4) M) treatment. And, the level of bcl-2 mRNA was significantly reduced by 10(-4) M curcumin. However, the alteration of the p53 mRNA level by curcumin (10(-5)-10(-4) M) treatment did not achieve significance. The effects of curcumin on the levels of c-myc and bcl-2 mRNA were then confirmed by Northern blotting. 8. Our results demonstrate that curcumin inhibited cell proliferation, arrested the cell cycle progression and induced cell apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells. Curcumin may be useful as a template for the development of drugs to prevent the pathological changes of atherosclerosis and post-angioplasty restenosis. Our results suggest that the antiproliferative effect of curcumin may partly be mediated through inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase activity and c-myc mRNA expression. And, the apoptotic effect may partly be mediated through inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase activity, protein kinase C activity, c-myc mRNA expression and bcl-2 mRNA expression.

Adrenal hemangioma: two cases report

Adrenal hemangiomas are rare, nonfunctioning benign tumors. They are well circumscribed and comprise of closely adjacent vascular channels of varying sizes that are lined with a single layer of endothelium. When they occur, they are frequently located in the skin and liver. There are no characteristic symptoms of adrenal hemangioma unless the tumor reaches a size large enough to exert pressure. To our knowledge, there have been 14 clinical cases of adrenal hemangiomas reported, all with similar pathologic features. We present 2 additional cases, which were identified incidentally after non-urologic complaints (epigastric fullness and low back pain in patient 1 and patient 2, respectively). In these 2 patients, the tumors were surgically removed and diagnosed postoperatively as adrenal hemangiomas. Preoperative radiologic findings on plain film and abdominal computerized tomography showed the characteristic round calcifications with translucent centers, typical of phleboliths, to be pathognomonic of adrenal gland hemangiomas. Unfortunately, this characteristic feature of adrenal hemangioma existed in only one case report. In conclusion, the preoperative diagnosis of adrenal hemangioma is difficult but should be kept in mind as being part of the differential diagnosis of adrenal tumors.

In vitro maturation of follicular oocytes of the Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): a case report

The Giant Panda is an endangered species that would benefit from biotechnological assistance in reproduction. However, because there are only a few of these animals left in the world, scientists hesitate to use them for research procedures. We were fortunate to obtain ovaries from a Giant Panda that died of hepatic cirrhosis during the nonbreeding season. Oocytes were harvested within 4 h of death by dissecting the ovarian cortex in physiological saline and collecting the cumulus-oocyte complexes from the fluid, and then were classified into large (> 125 microns) and small (100 to 124 microns) follicular oocytes and placed in TCM199 supplemented with FSH (10 micrograms/mL) and LH (20 micrograms/mL). After culture for 22 h at 37 degrees C in air with 5% CO2, response was evaluated by growth of oocytes and presence of the first polar body. Of the 26 large follicular oocytes that were harvested, 12 were considered suitable for IVM, and 14 were degenerated, had a broken zona pellucida or had lost some cytoplasm. Of the 12 cultured oocytes, all grew to a mean diameter of 141.1(SD = +/- 6.7, n = 12), and 4 released the first polar body. None of the small follicular oocytes showed growth or other signs of maturation. We conclude from our preliminary results that it is possible to obtain functional Giant Panda oocytes from ovaries obtained post mortem during the nonbreeding season.

Functions of the ATP hydrolysis subunits (RecB and RecD) in the nuclease reactions catalyzed by the RecBCD enzyme from Escherichia coli

The RecBCD enzyme from Escherichia coli is an ATP-dependent nuclease and helicase. Two of its subunits, the RecB and RecD proteins, are DNA-dependent ATPases. We have purified RecB and RecD proteins with mutations in their consensus ATP binding sites to study the functions of these subunits in the ATP-dependent nuclease activities of RecBCD. Reconstituted heterotrimeric enzymes were prepared by mixing wild-type RecB or RecB-K29Q mutant protein (RecB*) with purified RecC protein, and with a histidine-tagged wild-type RecD (hD) or mutant hRecD-K177Q (hD*) protein. RecBCD and all four reconstituted enzymes (wild-type, two single mutants, and the double mutant) cleave a single-stranded DNA oligomer substrate (25-mer) in the absence of ATP at rates of 0.03 to 0.06 min-1. The nuclease reaction catalyzed by RecB*ChD* is not stimulated significantly by ATP, while the reactions catalyzed by RecBCD, RecBChD, RecBChD*, and RecB*ChD are 300 to 3000 fold faster in the presence of 0.5 mM ATP. RecB*ChD* also has very low ATP hydrolysis activity (approximately 10(3)-fold less than RecBCD), as do the individual mutant RecB* and hRecD* proteins (approximately 100-fold less than RecB or hRecD). The products from the ATP-stimulated nuclease reaction with the oligomer substrate suggest a mechanism where two DNA molecules bind to the enzyme in opposite orientations and are cleaved by the nuclease active site. Cleavage towards the 3'-end of one oligomer (observed with RecBChD*) depends on the wild-type RecB subunit, while RecD-dependent cleavage (observed with RecB*ChD) occurs towards the 5'-end of the second bound oligomer.

The possible mechanisms of the antiproliferative effect of fullerenol, polyhydroxylated C60, on vascular smooth muscle cells

1. The possible mechanisms of the antiproliferative effect of polyhydroxylated fullerene (fullerenol), a novel free radical trapper, were studied in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5 cells) and compared with the effect of ascorbic acid. 2. Fullerenol-1 and ascorbic acid inhibited the proliferative responses in a number of cells, including rat aortic smooth muscle cells (A7r5 cells), human coronary artery smooth muscle cells, and human CEM lymphocytes (CEM cells) in a concentration dependent manner. 3. At the concentration range of 10(-6) to 10(-2) M, fullerenol-1 and ascorbic acid concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferative responses stimulated by serum in A7r5 cells. Fullerenol-1 was more potent than ascorbic acid. 4. The production of O2- induced by alloxan, a diabetogenic compound, was reduced by fullerenol-1 (10(-4) M) in the presence of A7r5 cells. 5. The cytosolic protein kinase C activity of A7r5 cells stimulated by phorbol ester was reduced by 10(-3) M fullerenol-1, but not ascorbic acid (10(-4)-10(-2) M) and fullerenol-1 at lower concentrations (10(-6)-10(-4) M). 6. In contrast, the membraneous protein tyrosine kinase activity of A7r5 cells stimulated by foetal calf serum was significantly reduced by fullerenol-1 (10(-6)-10(-3) M) and ascorbic acid (10(-4)-10(-2) M). Again, the inhibitory activity of fullerenol-1 was greater than that of ascorbic acid. 7. Our results demonstrate that fullerenol-1 and ascorbic acid exhibit inhibitory effects on transduction signals in addition to their antioxidative property. It is suggested that the antiproliferative effect of fullerenol-1 on vascular smooth muscle cells may partly be mediated through the inhibition of protein tyrosine kinase.

Amount and type of dietary lipid modulate rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 activity

The influence of the amount and type of dietary lipid on rat hepatic cytochrome P-450 activities in the presence and absence of inducer administration was investigated. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed fat-free or 20% beef tallow, olive oil, corn oil, linseed oil, or menhaden oil diets in combination with one of the following three treatments: no inducer, intraperitoneal injection of phenobarbital (75 mg/kg body wt) for three consecutive days before they were killed, or intragastric administration of acetone (5 ml/kg) one day before they were killed. Twenty percent linseed oil and menhaden oil diets induced the highest level of activity among the different fat types in the presence of phenobarbital and acetone. Cytochrome P-450IIB1 activity was induced to a significantly greater extent by acetone administration in conjunction with the 20% menhaden oil diet than in conjunction with the other dietary oils (p < 0.05). In the presence of acetone, 20% beef tallow, 20% linseed oil, and 20% menhaden oil diets significantly induced cytochrome P-450IIE1 activity compared with the fat-free diet (p < 0.05). In conclusion, cytochrome P-450IIB1 and P-450IIE1 activities in rats were significantly increased by specific inducers, and dietary lipid was necessary for this effect. Diets supplemented with linseed and menhaden oils were most effective in inducing this activity.

Methionine and cysteine affect glutathione level, glutathione-related enzyme activities and the expression of glutathione S-transferase isozymes in rat hepatocytes

Methionine and cysteine are constituents of glutathione. To understand the effects of these two sulfur amino acids on the glutathione (GSH)-dependent detoxification defense system, intracellular GSH and GSH-related enzyme activities, including GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase, GSH S-transferase (GST) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, were determined. In addition, the expression of three GST isozymes and carbonic anhydrase III (CA III) was examined. Hepatocytes isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 mmol/L each of L-methionine and L-cysteine, for up to 7 d. Cells incubated with 0.5 or 1.0 mmol/L methionine and cysteine had increased intracellular GSH. A twofold increase was observed on d 6 compared with freshly isolated hepatocytes (P < 0.05). However, intracellular GSH was lower in cells treated with 0.3 or 0.1 mmol/L each of methionine and cysteine than in cells tested with 0.5 or 1.0 mmol/L. Although the GSH level differed significantly between cells cultured with 0.3 or 1.0 mmol/L of methionine and cysteine, GSH-related enzymes did not differ at these two concentrations. The activity generally remained constant for the first 24 h, then increased up to d 4. Immunodetection analysis revealed no difference in the level of CA III and GST isoforms, Ya, Yb and Yp, with amino acids each at a concentration of at least 0.3 mmol/L. Yp expression steadily increased up to d 7. Most proteins decreased rapidly after 48 h when cultured with 0.1 mmol/L of methionine and cysteine; however, the Yp level increased up to d 6. In conclusion, results indicate that a twofold increase of intracellular GSH is reached by adding methionine and cysteine at a concentration >0.5 mmol/L to the culture medium. The concentrations of methionine and cysteine for maintaining hepatic GSH are higher than for GSH-related enzyme activity and for GST isoform expression.

Corn oil enhances gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci development in the presence of phenobarbital during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

We investigated the effects of type of dietary fat and phenobarbital on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci development. Four groups of six female Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated with diethylnitrosamine (15 mg/kg) at 24 hours of age. After weaning, they were fed nutritionally complete semipurified diets containing 15% corn oil or 5% corn oil + 10% fish oil and supplemented with 5,000 ppm vitamin E with or without phenobarbital (500 ppm) for three months. Dietary fish oil significantly increased hepatic phospholipid eicosapentaenoate and docosahexaenoate concentrations and decreased arachidonate concentration compared with 15% corn oil (p < 0.05). Corn oil (15%) significantly increased hepatic prostaglandin F2 alpha concentration compared with 10% fish oil (p < 0.05). Phenobarbital significantly stimulated glutathione S-transferase activity in both dietary fat groups (p < 0.05). In the absence of phenobarbital, type of dietary fat showed no effect on hepatic gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci development. However, in the presence of phenobarbital, 15% corn oil significantly enhanced gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci development compared with 10% fish oil (p < 0.05). Phenobarbital showed a strong tumor-promoting action in both dietary groups. In conclusion, there was an interaction between type of dietary fat and phenobarbital on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci development during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

Application of cryoablation in the management of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy is the most common and effective therapy for localized prostate cancer. But in addition to its surgical complications, even highly selected series carry a positive margin rate of 35 to 50%. Radiotherapy is another alternative for prostate cancer, but following radiotherapy there have been high positive biopsies reported. Cryosurgery, defined as in situ freezing and hence, devitalization of neoplastic tissues, has currently raised the interest of urologists in the management of localized prostate cancer or failed radiotherapy.

MATERIAL

Five patients underwent transperineal cryosurgery of prostate in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Among them, three cases were stage D, one stage B and another failed radiotherapy of stage C prostate cancer. All patients received hormone therapy too.

RESULTS

PSA declined in 3 patients and biopsies showed intraductal neoplasia. All 5 patients suffered from urine incontinence and one persisted. No mortality has been reported.

CONCLUSION

Cryoablation of the prostate is an alternative for treatment of prostate cancer.

The AC/A ratio, age and presbyopia

Previous reports concerning the effect of age on the AC/A ratio have been equivocal. Therefore, the present study investigated both the stimulus (AC/As) and response (AC/Ar) ratios using a subjective haploscope-optometer in a relatively large sample of subjects (n = 42) over a wide range of ages (22-65 years). The AC/As showed a small but significant decrease with age (approximately 0.04 delta/D/year). When the older subjects (> 45 years of age) were excluded, however, there was no systematic age effect. The AC/Ar exhibited a small but significant increase with age (approximately 0.08 delta/D/year) for subjects under 45 years of age. However, when the older pre-presbyopes and younger presbyopes (35-44 years of age) were excluded, there was no systematic age effect. In subjects 45 years of age and older, the AC/Ar could not be reliably assessed. This was attributed to physiological and instrumentation noise as a result of the minimal change in accommodative response. In the mid-aged subjects (35-44 years of age), the apparent increase in AC/Ar with age was speculated to be due to neural adaptation of the crosslink gain from the accommodative to the vergence system and/or slight intrusion into the upper non-linear response region of accommodation with the measurements. The finding of AC/Ar constancy with age when mid-aged pre-presbyopes and early presbyopes were excluded supports the non-linearity hypothesis, and thus there appears to be no real change in AC/Ar with increased age. The results support the Hess-Gullstrand theory of presbyopia.

Retinoid X and retinoic acid receptors interact with transcription factor II-B by distinct mechanisms

Nuclear hormone receptors are believed to modulate target gene expression by interacting with the general transcriptional machinery of the cell. We demonstrate here that two otherwise closely related members of the nuclear hormone receptor family, retinoid acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), exhibit significant differences in their interactions with the transcriptional machinery. RARs display a strong constitutive interaction with transcription factor II-B (TFIIB) that requires the TFIIB C-terminus, whereas RXR exhibits a weaker, hormone-stimulated interaction with the TFIIB that maps outside of the TFIIB C-terminus. Use of a dominant-negative mutant of TFIIB suggests that the TFIIB interaction is essential for full transcriptional activation by RXR.

Plasticity of tetramer formation by retinoid X receptors. An alternative paradigm for DNA recognition

Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are transcription factors that traditionally have been thought to bind DNA as protein dimers. Recently, however, it has been recognized that RXRs can also bind to DNA as protein tetramers. Receptor tetramers form cooperatively on response elements containing suitably reiterated half-sites, and play an important role in determining the specificity of DNA recognition by different nuclear receptors. We report here that RXR tetramers exhibit significant functional plasticity, and form on response elements possessing diverse half-site orientations and spacings. This ability of RXRs to form tetramers and related oligomers appears to contribute to the synergistic transcriptional activation observed when multiple, spatially separated response elements are introduced into a single promoter. Oligomerization may therefore be a common paradigm for DNA recognition and combinatorial regulation by several different classes of transcription factors.

The RecD subunit of the RecBCD enzyme from Escherichia coli is a single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase

We have expressed the RecD subunit of the RecBCD enzyme from Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with a 31-amino acid NH2-terminal extension including 6 consecutive histidine residues (HisRecD). The overexpressed fusion protein can be purified in urea-denatured form by metal chelate affinity chromatography. The mixture of renatured HisRecD protein and the RecB and RecC proteins has a high level of ATP-dependent nuclease activity with either single- or double-stranded DNA, enhanced DNA unwinding activity, enhanced ATP hydrolysis activity in the presence of a small DNA oligomer cosubstrate, and chi-cutting activity. These are all characteristics of the RecBCD holoenzyme. The HisRecD protein by itself hydrolyzes ATP in the presence of high concentrations of single-stranded DNA (polydeoxythymidine). The activity is unstable at 37 degrees C, but is measurable at room temperature (about 23 degrees C). The HisRecD has very little ATPase activity in the presence of a much shorter single-stranded DNA (oligodeoxy(thymidine)12). HisRecD hydrolyzes ATP more efficiently than GTP and UTP, and has very little activity with CTP. We also purified a fusion protein containing a Lys to Gln mutation in the putative ATP-binding site of RecD. This mutant protein has no ATPase activity, indicating that the observed ATP hydrolysis activity is intrinsic to the RecD protein itself.

Vitamin E protection of cell morphology under oxidative stress is related to cytoskeletal proteins in rat hepatocytes

A significant change in cell morphology was observed in hepatocytes treated with t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BH). This morphological change of multiple bleb formation on cell plasma membranes was related to cell damage, and the subsequent rupture of these blebs resulted in cell death. In cells incubated with alpha-tocopherol before t-BH treatment, bleb formation was significantly inhibited. Using fluorescence microscopy, actin organization was shown to be related to alpha-tocopherol status as demonstrated by early changes in the actin network of cells in the absence of alpha-tocopherol. Results from SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis further indicated that, under oxidative stress, actin molecules (45 kDa) decreased in amount and were accompanied by the formation of high molecular weight molecules. In the presence of the thiol reducing agent, dithiothreitol, both the decrease in monomeric actin and formation of high molecular weight molecules disappeared. The loss of actin showed a time-dependent response and could be observed after 15 min with t-BH treatment either in the presence or absence of alpha-tocopherol; however the extent was much more significant in cells with no alpha-tocopherol. Depletion of total membrane protein thiols was also related to vitamin E and was greater in cells with no alpha-tocopherol. The amount of cell damage, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage in cells with t-BH treatment over 120 min was decreased in the presence of alpha-tocopherol compared with the rapid increase of LDH leakage in the absence of alpha-tocopherol. These results indicate that vitamin E protection of cell morphology under oxidative stress is related to actin, with thiol groups in actin probably playing a key role.

No inhibition of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci by vitamin E with or without phenobarbital

The effect of vitamin E on gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci, with or without phenobarbital, was investigated. Groups of six female Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated with diethylnitrosamine (15 mg/kg) at 24 hours of age. After weaning, they were fed diets with 10% (wt/wt) fish oil; the diets contained 0, 5,000 or 15,000 ppm vitamin E supplementation with or without phenobarbital (500 ppm) for six months. Phenobarbital significantly increased liver weight and liver weight as a percentage of body weight (p < 0.05), suggesting a liver hypertrophic effect of phenobarbital. Phenobarbital significantly decreased hepatic phospholipid arachidonate, eicosapentaenoate, and docosahexaenoate (p < 0.05); this may indicate that phenobarbital stimulates phospholipase A2 activity and results in the increased release of polyunsaturated fatty acids from phospholipids and the decrease of hepatic phospholipid polyunsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio. In rats fed phenobarbital, hepatic vitamin E content was lower than in rats fed no phenobarbital; this suggests that phenobarbital causes oxidative stress or induces enzymes that metabolize the vitamin. Phenobarbital exposure significantly increased hepatic prostaglandin F2 alpha and glutathione S-transferase activity (p < 0.05). Vitamin E did not influence hepatic gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci area and number with or without phenobarbital, and phenobarbital showed a strong promoting action on enzyme-altered hepatic foci.

Regulatory effects of dietary n-3 and n-6 lipids on plasma and hepatic lipid levels, liver cell number and microsomal protein content in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Weanling male spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed semipurified diets containing either corn or fish oil for 8 weeks. Rats fed on fish oil diet had significantly lower plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol levels than rats fed on corn oil diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, rats fed on fish oil diet had significantly lower liver total lipid and triglyceride concentrations than rats fed on corn oil diet (P < 0.05). Dietary lipids were reflected in plasma fatty acid composition. Rats fed on fish oil diet had significantly greater plasma eicosapentaenoate (EPA) and docosahexaenoate (DHA) (n-3 PUFAs) with an accompanying decrease in plasma linoleate (LA) and arachidonate (AA) (n-6 PUFAs), in comparison with the rats fed corn oil (P < 0.05). Those results would suggest that the n-3 PUFAs were incorporated into plasma lipids at the expense of the n-6 PUFAs. Rats fed on corn oil diet had significantly greater liver DNA content than rats fed on fish oil diet (P < 0.05), thereby implying that the n-3 PUFAs in fish oil had an inhibitory effect on liver cell proliferation. Furthermore, rats fed on fish oil diet had significantly greater hepatic microsomal protein content than rats fed on corn oil diet (P < 0.05), indicating that fish oil exerted a stimulatory effect on hepatic microsomal enzymes.

Glutathione and glutathione-related enzyme activities of male and female rat hepatocytes under various culture conditions

The effect of culture medium on glutathione (GSH) dependent detoxification defence system of primary cultured hepatocyte from either male or female rats was studied. Intracellular reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and six GSH-related enzyme activities, including GSH peroxidase (GSH Px), GSH reductase (GSH Rd), cytosolic GSH S-transferase (cGST), microsomal GSH S-transferase (mGST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GTP), and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), were investigated during a 6-day culture. Media free of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and with 2.5 or 10% FBS were used. Whatever the medium, there was an initial decrease of intracellular GSH and GSSG, a threefold increase of GSH at day 3 and fourfold increase of GSSG at day 4, later decreasing to their original level at day 6. The activities of all six GSH-related enzymes of male and female hepatocytes remained relatively stable during the first 72h, then gradually decreased to 50-80% of initial activities. With the exception of cGST, time-course profiles of other enzyme activities were not significantly different among various media. In both sexes, higher cGST activity was maintained for cells cultured in the presence of FBS. Results of immunoblotting analysis of cytosolic GST isozymes indicate that the placental form of GST (Yp) was markedly increased after plating and the extent of increase of Yp was higher in the presence of FBS. Despite the culture medium, the level of GST isoform Ya was maintained steadily for 6 days, however, Yb was maintained during the first 3 days and then decreased. In terms of the gender difference, GSH Px and GTP activities of hepatocytes from females were significantly greater than of males over the entire culture period. Results indicate that FBS seems not to be absolutely essential in maintaining GSH level and most of the GSH-related enzyme activities in rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, GSH levels and GSH-related enzyme activities of hepatocytes from female rats were similar to those from male rats.

Plasma vitamins A and E and red blood cell fatty acid profile in newborns and their mothers

OBJECTIVE

In this work, we have measured the plasma vitamins A and E and red blood cell fatty acid profile in newborns and their mothers and have determined whether there are any relationships between maternal blood and cord blood for the nutrients measured.

SETTING

The study was performed at the Chung Shan Memorial Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-nine pairs of mothers and their term infants.

INTERVENTIONS

Maternal venous blood was collected in the first trimester and at delivery, and cord blood was collected at delivery. Plasma vitamin A and E levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and red blood cell fatty acid profile was estimated by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

Mothers had significantly greater plasma vitamin A and E levels and vitamin E/total lipid than their term neonates did (P < 0.05). Maternal plasma vitamin E and vitamin E/total lipid were significantly greater in the first trimester than at delivery (P < 0.05). Red blood cell phospholipid oleate and linoleate were significantly greater in maternal red blood cell than in cord blood (P < 0.05), however, stearate and arachidonate were significantly greater in the cord blood than in the maternal blood (P < 0.05). Maternal vitamin E, vitamin E/total lipid, palmitate, linoleate, arachidonate and docosahexaenoate were found positively correlated to those in their neonates (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that there is a relationship between maternal blood and cord blood for some nutrients. Therefore, the nutritional status of mothers may affect the nutritional outcome of their neonates.

Nonlinear analysis of biological systems using short M-sequences and sparse-stimulation techniques

The m-sequence pseudorandom signal has been shown to be a more effective probing signal than traditional Gaussian white noise for studying nonlinear biological systems using cross-correlation techniques. The effectiveness is evidenced by the high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and speed of data acquisition. However, the "anomalies" that occur in the estimations of the cross-correlations represent an obstacle that prevents m-sequences from being more widely used for studying nonlinear systems. The sparse-stimulation method for measuring system kernels can help alleviate estimation errors caused by anomalies. In this paper, a "padded sparse-stimulation" method is evaluated, a modification of the "inserted sparse-stimulation" technique introduced by Sutter, along with a short m-sequence as a probing signal. Computer simulations show that both the "padded" and "inserted" methods can effectively eliminate the anomalies in the calculation of the second-order kernel, even when short m-sequences were used (length of 1023 for a binary m-sequence, and 728 for a ternary m-sequence). Preliminary experimental data from neuromagnetic studies of the human visual system are also presented, demonstrating that the system kernels can be measured with high signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios using short m-sequences.

Molecular cloning and developmental expression of mouse p130, a member of the retinoblastoma gene family

With sequence homology to the SV40 T antigen-binding domain of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb), p107 and p130 constitute two additional members of the Rb family. To explore the potential function of p130 in mouse development, we cloned the full-length mouse cDNA for p130 and characterized p130 mRNA expression in mice. The deduced mouse p130 protein sequence shares a higher degree of similarity with mouse p107 than with mouse Rb. In adult mice, p130 mRNA is found in all tissues examined. Levels of p130 mRNA vary among different adult tissues, with the highest level in testis. Within testis, p130 mRNA is found predominantly in Leydig cells. Additionally, p130 expression in testis correlates with sexual maturation, suggesting p130 is important for the development of testis and, in particular, Leydig cells. In situ hybridization shows that in post coitus day 12.5 and 14.5 mouse embryos, distribution of p130 mRNA is quite uniform with the exception of a few tissues. Little differences in mRNA levels of either p130 or p107 were found between normal and Rb-deficient embryos, suggesting that p130 and p107 are expressed independently of Rb. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that p130 and p107 do not compensate for the loss of Rb and support the view that p130 is related to, yet distinct from, the RB gene.

Liver laceration in premature neonate: report of a case with successful surgical treatment

Neonatal liver laceration is a relatively rare but probably fatal condition without prompt diagnosis and treatment. It should be considered in newborn infants who are presented with sudden onset of symptoms and signs of hemoperitoneum such as shock, pallor, abdominal distension, abdominal bruising, or scrotal ecchymosis. Roentgenogram may show free peritoneal fluid. Abdominal sonography is helpful in the detection of intraabdominal bleeding. Paracentesis is the most effective diagnostic procedure for the confirmation of hemoperitoneum. The rupture of the liver is the first priority to be considered, though other abdominal organs including adrenals, kidneys, and spleen are also prone to injury. Once liver laceration is highly suspected, resuscitation with blood transfusion, correction of coagulopathy, and then emergency surgical intervention must be performed if conservative treatment fails. Here we present a 1,662 gm premature male neonate who underwent successful surgical repair of the liver laceration.

Blood pressure-lowering effect of fish oil is independent of thromboxane A2 level in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Whether the alterations in the synthesis of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is the direct mechanism underlying the blood pressure-lowering effect of fish oil was investigated in this study. Six groups of 11 male spontaneously hypertensive rats were fed semipurified diets containing corn or fish oils and graded levels (50, 5000 or 15,000 ppm) of dietary vitamin E for 8 weeks. Plasma TXA2, assayed by RIA, was significantly greater in the corn oil group than in the fish oil group (P < 0.05). Compared to 50 ppm dietary vitamin E, 5000 and 15 000 ppm dietary vitamin E, respectively, significantly decreased plasma TXA2 (P < 0.05). Systolic, mean or diastolic blood pressure, evaluated by the tail cuff method, were significantly higher in the corn oil group than in the fish oil group (P < 0.05). However, vitamin E had no effect on blood pressure. No relationship between TXA2 and blood pressure was found. Experimental results indicated that the alterations in the synthesis of TXA2 were not the direct antihypertensive effect of fish oil.

The detection of S-glutathionation of hepatic carbonic anhydrase III in rats treated with paraquat or diquat

Protein S-glutathionation has been demonstrated to be one of the cellular responses under oxidative stress and may be involved in many cellular metabolisms. In this study, the effect of redox cycling bipyridylium compounds, paraquat and diquat, on this protein modification was investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered i.p. either paraquat at 20 or 40 mg/kg body wt. or diquat at 85 or 170 mg/kg body wt., respectively. The liver was examined at different time points for taking the measurement of the S-glutathionation of carbonic anhydrase III (CA III), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), vitamin E depletion, glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) contents. The extent of S-glutathionation of CA III was chosen as a marker and was determined by a method combining isoelectric focusing analysis with immunoblotting. Those results indicated that paraquat and diquat significantly increased the generation of TBARS and showed a time-dependent response. The significant effect on vitamin E depletion was only obtained in rats treated with a high dose of diquat for 2 h. Hepatic cellular GSSG contents did not increase but tended to decrease all of the treatments. Although oxidative damage was actually generated in liver, based on the increase of TBARS generation and vitamin E depletion, no increase of CA III S-glutathionation was observed. We propose that the reason for this observation under this circumstance is probably due to the reversible characteristic of CA III S-glutathionation, which has been demonstrated in our previous study (Chai et al., 1991) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 384, 270-278) and named as dethiolation.

Effects of vitamin E deficiency and dietary linoleate on serum thromboxane synthesis in male sprague-dawley rats

The aim of the present study was to examine whether vitamin E deficiency and dietary linoleate had additive or synergistic effects on serum thromboxane (TX) status and therefore on thrombogenesis. Eight groups of five male weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semipurified diets containing 3.5 or 18.4% of energy from linoleate (en% linoleate) and 0, 100, 5000, 15,000 ppm vitamin E for 8 weeks. Rats fed no vitamin E had the lowest serum vitamin E while rats fed 15,000 ppm vitamin E had the highest serum vitamin E (p < 0.05). Serum 18:2, n-6 (linoleic acid; LA) and 20:4, n-6 (arachidonic acid; AA) were significantly greater in the 18.4 en% linoleate group than in the 3.5 en% linoleate group (p < 0.05). Serum TXA2, measured as its stable metabolite TXB2, was significantly greater in the vitamin E-deficient rats than in the vitamin E-adequate and vitamin E-supplemented rats (p < 0.05). Serum lipid peroxidation, measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was significantly greater in the 0 and 100 ppm vitamin E groups than in the 5000 and 15,000 ppm vitamin E groups (p < 0.05). No interaction between dietary linoleate and vitamin E deficiency on serum TX status was found. However, it seemed that vitamin E deficiency had a more potent effect on TX synthesis than dietary linoleate. The result suggested that vitamin E deficiency may be prothrombogenic via its effect on TX synthesis.

Hepatic and adrenal changes in rabbits associated with hyperlipidemia caused by a semi-synthetic diet

Several investigators have reported that feeding a semi-synthetic diet of casein and dextrose to New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits will increase total serum cholesterol concentration, principally through an increase in the beta-lipoprotein fractions, thereby creating a useful model for atherosclerosis research. Although there is evidence to suggest that the dextrose/casein diet alters low-density lipoprotein receptor and bile acid clearance of cholesterol, the underlying mechanism is not completely understood. The effects of the diet on the overall physiology of the rabbit have received little attention. In this study feeding a diet of casein and dextrose of male NZW rabbits for 4 weeks resulted in changes in the serum lipid concentrations. During that time the rabbits fed the dextrose/casein diet gained less weight than did control rabbits. In the test diet rabbits, liver aspartate and alanine transaminase activities were increased from baseline values of 27 +/- 2 U/L and 89 +/- 9 U/L respectively to 112 +/- 21 U/L and 281 +/- 34 U/L respectively, then returned to the high end of the reference range. Necropsy findings included hepatomegaly caused by vacuolar hepatopathy in 19 or 20 experimental rabbits; rabbits fed the control diet had no hepatic lesions. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that enlargement of the liver cells was due to glycogen deposition. Adrenal glands from animals fed the experimental diet had a minimal change in the size of the adrenocortical cells consisting of slight ballooning and rarefaction of the cytoplasm. In a second study the level of dietary fiber was doubled. This resulted in a three-fold increase in lipid concentrations, compared with the fivefold increase in the first study. The liver enzyme activities were increased to the same extent as in the first study. Histologic changes were comparable to those in the first study. The activity of hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase was 3.7 +/- 0.4 pmol/min/mg of protein, compared with the control value of 7.7 +/- 1.1 pmol/min/mg of protein (P < 0.05) in the second study. The improved rate of weight gain and the lesser increase in total serum cholesterol concentration in the second study with increased dietary fiber suggest that two separate activities may be involved. Although the level of dietary fiber may be related to weight gain and total serum cholesterol values, the relation to the decrease in liver transaminase activities in study 1 was probably coincidental. It appears that the dextrose/casein diet causes decreased activity of hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase, which could cause a decrease in the biliary excretion of cholesterol.

Molecular diagnosis of Gaucher disease type II

Gaucher disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder in Chinese. A mutation at nucleotide 1448C (T-to-C) of the glucocerebrosidase gene is described in type 2 Gaucher disease. This mutation creates a Bcn I site in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified fragment. This technique was applied to a Chinese infant with type 2 Gaucher disease, and homozygosity for 1448C mutation was proved. This new finding can make prenatal diagnosis and carrier detection possible in Chinese population with type 2 Gaucher disease.

Effect of age on the interaction between the AC/A and CA/C ratios

A number of previous studies have examined the effects of age and the development of presbyopia on either the accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) or convergent accommodation to convergence (CA/C) ratios. However, changes in the interaction of these oculomotor crosslinks with increasing age have received relatively little attention, especially over a wide age distribution. Accordingly, the present study examined both crosslink ratios in 42 subjects ranging from 22 to 65 years of age. A dual haploscope-optometer was used to measure accommodation and vergence. The response AC/A ratio showed a small but significant positive correlation with age in those subjects under 45 years of age, while no significant correlation was observed between the stimulus AC/A ratio and age for all subjects. The CA/C ratio exhibited a significant negative correlation with age for all subjects. Furthermore, a trend was observed for lower CA/C findings to be associated with higher response AC/A ratios. However, the two ratios were inversely but not reciprocally related, with the mean difference between the CA/C ratio and the reciprocal of the response AC/A ratio being significantly different from zero. These age-related changes in the output of the oculomotor crosslinks provide further evidence of the continual oculomotor adaptation that occurs concurrent with the loss of accommodative responsivity.

Lith1, a major gene affecting cholesterol gallstone formation among inbred strains of mice

The prevalence of cholesterol gallstones differs among inbred strains of mice fed a diet containing 15% (wt/wt) dairy fat, 1% (wt/wt) cholesterol, and 0.5% (wt/wt) cholic acid. Strains C57L, SWR, and A were notable for a high prevalence of cholelithiasis; strains C57BL/6, C3H, and SJL had an intermediate prevalence; and strains SM, AKR, and DBA/2 exhibited no cholelithiasis after consuming the diet for 18 weeks. Genetic analysis of the difference in gallstone prevalence rates between strains AKR and C57L was carried out by using the AKXL recombinant inbred strain set and (AKR x C57L)F1 x AKR backcross mice. Susceptibility to gallstone formation was found to be a dominant trait determined by at least two genes. A major gene, named Lith1, mapped to mouse chromosome 2. When examined after 6 weeks on the lithogenic diet, the activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (EC 1.1.1.88) was downregulated as expected in the gallstone-resistant strains, AKR and SJL, but this enzyme failed to downregulate in C57L and SWR, the gallstone-susceptible strains. This suggests that regulation of the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis may be pivotal in determining the occurrence and severity of cholesterol hypersecretion and hence lithogenicity of gallbladder bile. These studies indicate that genetic factors are critical in determining gallstone formation and that the genetic resources of the mouse model may permit these factors to be identified.

[Comparison of UW solution and UR (a modified Collins) solution for renal preservation in renal transplantation]

For the storage of human transplanted organs, the benefit of "UW solution" has been proven especially in keeping a longer preservation time for the liver and pancrease; however, the value for kidney preservation was still debated. A total of 293 cases of renal transplantation were performed over 12 years in our hospital and 206 cases were cadaveric transplants. The latter ones were further divided into 3 groups, according to the immunosuppressive medication and preservation solution used. In the CsA treated groups, the ATN rates significantly decreased in those preserved with the UW solution than with the UR solution. Although the UW solution did not improve the graft survival in our series, it did save the cost for postoperative hemodialysis and shorten the hospital stay which made it cost effective.

[Analysis of 117 cases of hypospadias--its location, operation and complication]

Hypospadias is a common congenital anomaly in male newborns. The incidence is about one in 300 live male births. In the U.S., about 6000 boys with hypospadias are born each year. For this study, we collected 117 recent (with the last 5 years) cases (88 fresh and 29 referred) who received an operation in our department. We calculated the hypospadias location and the complication rate with the desire of finding out the relationships between them. Our overall complication rate is 51.3% which is much higher than other recent studies and may be related to a different distribution of the hypospadias locations.

Detection of hydroquinone-induced nonrandom breakage in the centromeric heterochromatin of mouse bone marrow cells using multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization with the mouse major and minor satellite probes

Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a mouse major satellite probe and CREST staining were used to characterize the origin of micronuclei occurring in mouse bone marrow erythrocytes following administration of the benzene metabolite hydroquinone. Hydroquinone was administered to male CD-1 mice by i.p. injection on three consecutive days and the bone marrow cells were harvested 24 h later. A pronounced difference in the results was observed using the two approaches: 63% of the micronuclei induced by hydroquinone labeled with the major satellite probe whereas only 28% labeled with the CREST antibody. To determine whether the observed difference was due to a disruption of the kinetochore or a result of breakage within centromeric heterochromatin, we developed a tandem label multicolor hybridization assay, which requires the presence of both the mouse major and minor satellite probes in a micronucleus for a classification of chromosomal loss. The minor probe targets a centromeric region physically linked to the short arm of mouse chromosomes, whereas the major probe hybridizes to the centromeric heterochromatin adjacent to the long arm. Using this approach, 29% of the micronuclei induced by hydroquinone hybridized with both the major and minor satellite probes, indicating chromosome loss; an additional 37% labeled with only the major satellite probe indicating breakage within the centromeric heterochromatin. Although the region targeted by the major satellite probe comprises only 5-10% of the mouse genome, these major-probe containing micronuclei represent 53% of the micronuclei formed as the result of chromosome breakage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vitamin E deficiency increases serum thromboxane A2, platelet arachidonate and lipid peroxidation in male Sprague-Dawley rats

This study was designed to determine whether dietary linoleate and all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) interact to affect serum thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) status and therefore, thrombogenic potential. 6 groups of 12 weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed semipurified diets containing 11 or 18% of energy from linoleate and 0, 100 or 5000 mg vitamin E/kg diet for 10 weeks. Platelet and serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased logarithmically with increasing dietary vitamin E. Serum TXA2, measured as TXB2, platelet arachidonate and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were significantly greater in the vitamin E deficient groups than in groups receiving vitamin E (p < 0.05). Serum PGI2 levels, determined as 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, were not affected by diets. No interaction was found between dietary linoleate and vitamin E. However, vitamin E supplementation produced significantly less serum TXB2 than did vitamin E deficient diets (p < 0.05). Vitamin E deficiency may be prothrombogenic by increasing platelet arachidonate, lipid peroxidation and serum TXA2 levels while vitamin E supplementation at levels used in this study may decrease such effects.