Inhibitory effects of the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa on interleukin-8 and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 secretions in U937 cells

In an effort to elucidate the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of mudanpi, the root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (Ranunculaceae), we determined the effects of the methanolic extract of mudanpi (MEM) on the secretions of interleukin (IL)-8, a major mediator of acute neutrophil-mediated inflammation, and macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, a major mediator of chronic macrophage-mediated inflammation, in human monocytic U937 cells stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). MEM significantly inhibited PMA-induced secretions of IL-8 and MCP-1 proteins in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of these chemokines by MEM was due to its suppression of IL-8 and MCP-1 genes. In addition, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose, one of major constituents isolated from MEM, inhibited PMA-induced secretions of IL-8 and MCP-1 proteins by its suppression of IL-8 and MCP-1 genes. Thus, one possible anti-inflammatory mechanism of mudanpi, an anti-inflammatory Chinese crude drug, may be to inhibit the secretions of inflammatory chemokines.

Inhibition of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 productions and NF-kappa B activation in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages by catalposide, an iridoid glycoside isolated from Catalpa ovata G. Don (Bignoniaceae)

Catalposide, the major iridoid glycoside isolated from the stem bark of Catalpa ovata G. Don (Bignoniaceae), was found to inhibit the productions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) in RAW 264.7 macrophages activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Catalposide also inhibited the expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 genes and the nuclear translocation of p65 subunit of NF-kappaB in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that catalposide suppressed the binding of FITC-conjugated LPS to CD14 on the surface of cells, probably resulting in the inhibitory effects on TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 productions and NF-kappaB activation. These findings suggest that catalposide could be an attractive candidate for adjunctive therapy in gram-negative bacterial infections.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii meningitis in Singapore

We describe here two cases of Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii meningitis that occurred in Singapore. This variety of Cryptococcus neoformans differs from the more widely known C. n. var. neoformans in its ecology and epidemiology. Infections with this variety are still rare in Singapore.

Roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in apoptosis of human monoblastic leukemia U937 cells by lectin-II isolated from Korean mistletoe

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members have been implicated in cell survival. We have previously demonstrated that cytotoxic lectin-II isolated from Korean mistletoe induces apoptotic cell death in the human monoblastic leukemia cell line, U937, via the activation of the stress-activated protein kinases/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK). In the present study, the roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK in lectin-II-induced apoptosis have been investigated. Treatment of U937 cells with lectin-II resulted in apoptotic DNA fragmentation, which was preceded by the activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and SAPK/JNK. This lectin-II-induced DNA fragmentation was significantly enhanced when ERK1/2 activation was selectively inhibited by PD098059. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, which stimulates ERK activity in U937 cells, markedly reduced lectin-II-induced DNA fragmentation. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activity with p38-specific inhibitor, SB203580, partially inhibited lectin-II-induced DNA fragmentation. These results suggest that ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK may have opposite effects on cell survival in response to cytotoxic mistletoe lectin-II, which may contribute to the modulation of lectin-II-mediated cytotoxic activity.

In vitro anti-proliferative effect of 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, SK-HEP-1 cells

The root of Paeonia suffruticosa ANDREWS is an important Chinese crude drug used in many traditional prescriptions. 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG), a major component of this crude drug, was found to exhibit in vitro growth-inhibiting effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, SK-HEP-1 cells. The growth-inhibitory effect was related to the ability of PGG not only to cause a G(0)/G(1) phase arrest but also to suppress the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B. Neither apoptosis nor necrosis was observed in the cells treated with PGG. These findings suggest that PGG could be a candidate for developing a low-toxic anticancer agent.

Studies on the plasma lipid profiles, and LCAT and CETP activities according to hyperlipoproteinemia phenotypes (HLP)

Hyperlipoproteinemia phenotypes (HLP), one of genetic disorders with an estimated prevalence of 0.5-2% in the general population, is responsible for 10% of premature CHD. After first screening with the high cholesterol (>6.47 mM/l) and triglyceride (TG) (>2.6 mM/l) levels without medication, subjects were typed for HLP classification. Differential metabolic effects of HLP types on plasma lipid profiles and the reverse cholesterol transport system (RCT) were studied in 196 HLP types (91.2%) and 19 non-HLP (8.8%). A total of 45% of subjects had primary HLP and the others had NIDDM (10.7%), hypertension (9.3%) and other chronic diseases. Type IV HLP (58.6%) was most predominant and Types IIa, IIb, III and V comprised 16.7, 12.1, 2.3 and 1.4% of the HLP. Type I was not found. Plasma lipids excluding apo A-I and Lp(a) were significantly different among HLP compared to non-HLP (P<0.001). Since Type V and III impact the clearance of TG-riched lipoproteins, TG and VLDL-C levels were higher in V and III. TG and LDL-C were higher in Type II than those in the others because of defect of LDL receptors. LCAT activity, lower in Type III and Type IV and highest in Type V, was highly associated with plasma free cholesterol levels and the ratio of apoB/apoA and LDL/HDL. CETP activity was highest in Type V due to high VLDL-C and TG and low HDL-C. The ratio of LCAT/CETP was not different among HLP types but was significantly lower in HLP than in non-HLP. CETP increased 2-3 times as well as LCAT decreased among HLP patients compared to non-HLP. We conclude non-HLP subjects with high cholesterol and TG levels do not always mean high risk of CHD and the intervention effects of HLP types would lead to impose the risk of CHD by the impact of RCT.

Dynamics of harpooning studied by transition state spectroscopy. Part III. Li...FCH3

The Van der Waals complex Li...FCH3 has been formed in a crossed molecular beam apparatus. The transition state (TS) for the reaction Li*(2p 2P) + FCH3-->LiF + CH3 was accessed at various configurations by laser-excitation of the Li...FCH3 complex by tunable visible radiation, lambda 1. Photoinduced depletion of the complex by excitation to this TS was found to occur across a broad range of lambda 1 from 570 to 850 nm. This 'action spectrum' consisted of two broad regions located to either side of the atomic transition line of Li (2p 2P<--2s 2S). The first region, between 700 and 850 nm, was dominated by sharp maxima in the depletion intensity. A broad peak with weakly-resolved structure characterized the second region, between 570 and 680 nm. These findings were interpreted by means of high-level ab initio calculations of the potential-energy surfaces in the TS region. The peaks in the photodepletion spectrum were assigned to specific electronic transitions, their shapes and intensities being explained in terms of calculated transition-dipole moments and rovibrational wavefunctions.

Dependence of malformation upon gestational age and exposed dose of gamma radiation

In order to evaluate the importance of gestational age and the dose-incidence relationship by gamma radiation, pregnant ICR mice at gestational days from 2.5 to 15.5 days post-coitus (p.c.) were exposed to a single dose of 2.0 Gy and also at day 11.5 after conception, which was the most sensitive stage for the induction of major congenital malformations. The animals were sacrificed on day 18 of gestation and the fetuses were examined for mortality, growth retardation, changes in head size and other morphological abnormalities. The only demonstrable effect of irradiation during the pre-implantation period was an increase in prenatal mortality. Resorptions were maximal on exposure at day 2.5 after conception. The pre-implantation irradiated embryos which survived did not show any major fetal abnormalities. A small head, growth retardation, a cleft palate, dilatation of the cerebral ventricle, a renal pelvis, and abnormalities of the extremities and tail after exposure were prominent during the organogenesis period, especially on day 11.5 of gestation. As for the dose-incidence relationship, the incidence of a small head, growth-retarded fetuses, a cleft palate, dilatation of cerebral ventricle and abnormalities of the extremities in live fetuses rose as the radiation dose increased. The result indicated that the late period of organogenesis in the development of the brain, skull and extremities of a mouse was a particularly sensitive phase. The threshold doses of radiation that induced a cleft palate and dilatation of the cerebral ventricle, and abnormal extremities were between 1.0 and 2.0 Gy, and between 0.5 and 1.0 Gy, respectively.

Telomerase reverse transcriptase promotes cardiac muscle cell proliferation, hypertrophy, and survival

Cardiac muscle regeneration after injury is limited by "irreversible" cell cycle exit. Telomere shortening is one postulated basis for replicative senescence, via down-regulation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT); telomere dysfunction also is associated with greater sensitivity to apoptosis. Forced expression of TERT in cardiac muscle in mice was sufficient to rescue telomerase activity and telomere length. Initially, the ventricle was hypercellular, with increased myocyte density and DNA synthesis. By 12 wk, cell cycling subsided; instead, cell enlargement (hypertrophy) was seen, without fibrosis or impaired function. Likewise, viral delivery of TERT was sufficient for hypertrophy in cultured cardiac myocytes. The TERT virus and transgene also conferred protection from apoptosis, in vitro and in vivo. Hyperplasia, hypertrophy, and survival all required active TERT and were not seen with a catalytically inactive mutation. Thus, TERT can delay cell cycle exit in cardiac muscle, induce hypertrophy in postmitotic cells, and promote cardiac myocyte survival.

Analysis of prognostic factors in newly diagnosed patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia: the APL92 study of the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (JALSG)

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) has been incorporated in front-line therapy for newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). We conducted a multicenter study of differentiation therapy with ATRA alone or in combination with chemotherapy followed by intensive postremission chemotherapy in patients with APL (the JALSG APL92 study), and analyzed prognostic factors to increase the cure rate in our subsequent trial. From 1992 to 1997, adult patients with newly diagnosed APL received oral ATRA 45 mg/m2 daily alone until complete remission (CR) if initial leukocyte counts were < 3.0x10(9)/l, and ATRA daily plus daunorubicin (DNR) 40 mg/m2x3 days plus enocitabine (BHAC) 200 mg/m2x5 days if leukocyte counts were > or =3.0 x 10(9)/l. If peripheral blasts exceeded 1.0x10(9)/l during therapy, DNRx3 days plus BHACx5 days was added. After CR was achieved, three courses of consolidation and six courses of maintenance/intensification chemotherapy were administered. Of 376 patients enrolled, 369 were evaluable (median age 46 years, range 15-86 years; median leukocyte counts 2.0x10(9)/l), and 333 (90%) achieved CR (94% of patients treated with ATRA alone, 88% with ATRA plus later chemotherapy, 89% with ATRA plus initial chemotherapy, and 86% with ATRA plus initial and later chemotherapy). At a median follow-up of 45 months, the predicted 6-year overall and event-free survival (EFS) rates for all patients were 65% and 52%, respectively. Favorable prognostic factors for CR were younger age, no or mild purpura, high serum total protein level, low lactate dehydrogenase level, and no or mild disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Favorable prognostic factors for EFS were leukocyte counts < 10.0x10(9)/l, mild DIC, and no sepsis during induction therapy. In the JALSG APL97 study, we intensified chemotherapy for patients with leukocyte counts > or =3.0x10(9)/l, and are randomly testing whether further chemotherapy is required for APL patients with negative PCR for PML/retinoic acid receptor alpha in the maintenance phase.

Prunioside A: a new terpene glycoside from Spiraea prunifolia

Prunioside A (1) has been isolated from an EtOAc-soluble extract of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora by a combination of chromatographic techniques. The structure was determined primarily by extensive NMR experiments. Compound 1 is a unique terpene glycoside. Its acetylated derivative (1a) inhibited nitric oxide production in murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

4-Acetyl-12,13-epoxyl-9-trichothecene-3,15-diol isolated from the fruiting bodies of Isariajaponica Yasuda induces apoptosis of human leukemia cells (HL-60)

The fruiting bodies of Isaria fungi have been traditionally used in Korea to treat cancer. An apoptosis-inducing compound, 4-acetyl-12,13-epoxyl-9-trichothecene-3,15-diol, was isolated from the methanol extract of fruiting bodies of Isaria japonica Yasuda by bioassay-guided fractionation. The apoptosis of the human leukemia cells (HL-60) by the compound was accessed by propidium iodide-staining flow cytometric analysis, and apoptosis-inducing activity at IC50 concentration (10 nmol/l) was further confirmed by a nuclear morphological change, a ladder pattern of internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and an activation of caspase-3.

gyrA mutations associated with quinolone resistance in Bacteroides fragilis group strains

Mutations in the gyrA gene contribute considerably to quinolone resistance in Escherichia coli. Mechanisms for quinolone resistance in anaerobic bacteria are less well studied. The Bacteroides fragilis group are the anaerobic organisms most frequently isolated from patients with bacteremia and intraabdominal infections. Forty-four clinafloxacin-resistant and-susceptible fecal and clinical isolates of the B. fragilis group (eight Bacteroides fragilis, three Bacteroides ovatus, five Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, six Bacteroides uniformis, and 22 Bacteroides vulgatus) and six ATCC strains of the B. fragilis group were analyzed as follows: (i) determination of susceptibility to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and clinafloxacin by the agar dilution method and (ii) sequencing of the gyrA quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) located between amino acid residues equivalent to Ala-67 through Gln-106 in E. coli. Amino acid substitutions were found at hotspots at positions 82 (n = 15) and 86 (n = 8). Strains with Ser82Leu substitutions (n = 13) were highly resistant to all quinolones tested. Mutations in other positions of gyrA were also frequently found in quinolone-resistant and -susceptible isolates. Eight clinical strains that lacked mutations in their QRDR were susceptible to at least two of the quinolones tested. Although newer quinolones have good antimicrobial activity against the B. fragilis group, quinolone resistance in B. fragilis strains can be readily selected in vivo. Mutational events in the QRDR of gyrA seem to contribute to quinolone resistance in Bacteroides species.

Biodegradable block copolymers for delivery of proteins and water-insoluble drugs

Release of several drugs from new ABA-type biodegradable thermal gels, ReGel, including proteins and conventional molecules, are presented. These are biodegradable, biocompatible polymers that demonstrate reverse thermal gelation properties. Organic solvents are not used in the synthesis, purification, or formulation of these polymers. The unique characteristics of ReGel hinge on the following two key properties: (1) ReGel is a water soluble, biodegradable polymer at temperatures below the gel transition temperature; (2) ReGel forms a water-insoluble gel once injected. This is consistent with a hydrophobically bonded gel state where all interactions are physical, with no covalent crosslinking. An increase in viscosity of approximately 4 orders of magnitude accompanies the sol--gel transition. The gel forms a controlled release drug depot with delivery times ranging from 1 to 6 weeks. ReGel's inherent ability to solubilize (400 to >2000-fold) and stabilize poorly soluble and sensitive drugs, including proteins is a substantial benefit. The gel provided excellent control of the release of paclitaxel for approximately 50 days. Direct intratumoral injection of ReGel/paclitaxel (OncoGel) results in a slow clearance of paclitaxel from the injection site with minimal distribution into any organ. Efficacies equivalent to maximum tolerated systemic dosing were observed at OncoGel doses that were 10-fold lower. Data on protein release (pGH, G-CSF, insulin, rHbsAg) and polymer biocompatibility are discussed.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of Escherichia coli RbsD, a component of the ribose-transport system with unknown biochemical function

The Escherichia coli high-affinity ribose-transport system consists of six proteins encoded by the rbs operon (rbsD, rbsA, rbsC, rbsB, rbsK and rbsR). Of the six components, RbsD is the only one whose function is unknown. In order to gain insights into the function of RbsD by structural analysis, we overexpressed and crystallized the protein as a first step toward this goal. RbsD was overexpressed in E. coli and crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method at 296 K. The crystals belong to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 285.9, b = 92.3, c = 93.3 A, beta = 105.0 degrees. The unit cell is likely to contain 64 molecules of RbsD, with a crystal volume per protein mass (V(M)) of 2.43 A(3) Da(-1) and a solvent content of about 49.3% by volume. An equilibrium centrifugation analysis demonstrated that RbsD (MW = 15 292 Da) exists as an octamer in solution, suggesting that the asymmetric unit contains two octameric assemblies of RbsD. A native data set to 2.7 A resolution was obtained from a flash-cooled crystal.

Angiotensin II induces expression of the Tie2 receptor ligand, angiopoietin-2, in bovine retinal endothelial cells

Recent studies have shown that angiopoietins (Angs) and their receptor, Tie2, play a role in vascular integrity and neovascularization. The renin-angiotensin system has been hypothesized to contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy. In this study, we investigated the effect of angiotensin II (AII) on Ang1 and Ang2 expression in cultured bovine retinal endothelial cells (BRECs). AII stimulated Ang2 but not Ang1 mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This response was inhibited completely by angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1) antagonist. AII increased the transcription of Ang2 mRNA, but did not change the half-life. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor completely inhibited AII-induced Ang2 expression, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor also inhibited it by 69.4+/-15.6%. In addition, we confirmed the upregulation of Ang2 in an AII-induced in vivo rat corneal neovascularization model. These data suggest that AII stimulates Ang2 expression through AT1 receptor-mediated PKC and MAPK pathways in BREC, and AII may play a novel role in retinal neovascularization.

Laparoscopic versus conventional live donor nephrectomy: experience in a community transplant program

Fifty-nine consecutive patients underwent live donor nephrectomy for transplantation. Twenty-nine patients (Group I) had open kidney procurement, and 30 patients (Group II) had laparoscopic procurement. The mean operative time in Group I was 2:30 hours (range 1:55-2:59), whereas in Group II it was 3:01 hours (1:54-5:21). All kidneys functioned immediately after transplantation. The average warm ischemia time was not calculated in Group I; it was 3.9 minutes (2-15) in Group II. Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients in Group II. One patient had bleeding from an accessory renal artery. The second patient had a tear in the splenic capsule. No ureteral complications occurred in either group. Postoperatively one patient in Group I developed incisional hernia, one developed pneumothorax, and two developed atelectasis. In Group II one patient developed pancreatitis, one developed flank ecchymosis, and two had suprapubic wound hematomas. Using the laparoscopic approach the hospital stay decreased from 4.1 to 1.27 days (69%) (P < 0.001) and return to work decreased from 28.4 to 14.8 days (49%) (P < 0.01). Live donation increased by 67 per cent. We conclude that the laparoscopic procurement of kidneys for transplantation compares well with the open method. It offers several advantages that may increase the living donor pool.

Glycoprotein 130 regulates cardiac myocyte survival in doxorubicin-induced apoptosis through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt phosphorylation and Bcl-xL/caspase-3 interaction

BACKGROUND

We recently reported that the activation of glycoprotein (gp) 130 by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) upregulates Bcl-xL and exerts antiapoptotic effects in cardiac myocytes. In addition, LIF induces activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase and Akt, which are known to be required for cell survival. However, their regulatory roles in cell death remain unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the fate of these proteins and the cytoprotective effects of LIF on doxorubicin (DOX)-induced apoptosis in cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes. Myocyte apoptosis increased significantly in DOX-treated cells but was significantly reduced by LIF pretreatment. The kinase activities of PI 3-kinase and Akt declined below basal levels but were partially recovered with LIF. Moreover, DOX-induced caspase-3 activation and decrease in Bcl-xL abundance are completely inhibited by LIF and caspase inhibitor. LIF phosphorylates Bad through PI 3-kinase and reduces the heterodimerization of Bad with Bcl-xL. Adenovirus transfer of the constitutively active form of Akt to cardiac myocytes restored cardiac myocyte survival after DOX treatment. Conversely, the dominant-negative form of Akt inhibited LIF-induced increase in cell viability and suppression of caspase-9 activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of gp130 inhibits DOX-induced cell death in cardiac myocytes, resulting in the restoration of PI 3-kinase/Akt activities and in the inactivation of caspase-3, leading to facilitation of the protective function of Bcl-xL.

Ultrasound biomicroscopic analysis of posterior chamber intraocular lenses with transscleral sulcus suture

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the postoperative problems of intraocular lenses (IOLs) with transscleral sulcus suture.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one subjects (43 eyes) were included.

INTERVENTION

All eyes had undergone transscleral sulcus suture of IOLs. Surgeries were all performed by surgeons in our clinic using the same technique.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Ultrasound biomicroscopy of the suture sites, their surrounding structures, and central anterior chamber depth. Other parameters studied included visual acuity, aqueous flare, and routine ophthalmic examinations.

RESULTS

Thirty-two of 86 haptics were sutured at the ciliary sulcus (CS) region and 29 at the ciliary process region, which was the space between CS and pars plicata, and 25 posterior to pars plicata. We designated the cases with at least one haptic located in the CS region as the anterior group, and the other cases as the posterior group. In the anterior group, anterior chamber depth was significantly more shallow than in the fellow eye in which IOLs were fixed in the bag (P = 0.049). There was a statistically greater incidence of IOL iris contact in the anterior group than in the posterior group (P = 0.00057). Pigment dispersion was seen in seven cases, all of which were classified as anterior group. Eyes in the posterior group had more aqueous flare than their fellow eyes (P = 0.014). Two cases, in which more than two lines of postoperative best-corrected visual acuity was lost because of macular degeneration after cystoid macular edema, showed marked elevation of aqueous flare in the sutured eyes compared with their fellow eyes. Forty-one of 86 haptics had vitreous incarceration.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique has many limitations: the difficulty of suturing precisely at the ciliary sulcus, IOL iris contact, pigment dispersion, high aqueous flare, and vitreous incarceration. These induce two major postoperative complications: chronic inflammation and influence on the adjacent vitreous such as vitreous incarceration. The suturing technique and instruments need to be improved to diminish such complications.

Activation of JAK/STAT pathway transduces cytoprotective signal in rat acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES

We reported that the activation of gp130 transduced hypertrophic and cytoprotective signals via Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway in cardiac myocytes. Recent in vivo experiments have demonstrated that the JAK/STAT pathway is activated in acute pressure overload hearts. The present study was designed to examine whether the JAK/STAT pathway is also activated in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to determine its pathophysiological roles in ischemic heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

AMI model was generated by the ligation of proximal left anterior descending coronary artery of male Wistar rat. They were sacrificed at various time points ranging from 1 to 24 h after coronary ligation and their hearts were examined. Tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 was observed in the myocardium obtained from both the ischemic area and the healthy border area adjacent to the infarcted area. The AMI rats were next randomly assigned to two groups, one with coronary ligation only (group M), and the other with coronary ligation with AG-490 treatment (1 mg/kg i.v., every 4 h), a specific JAK2 inhibitor (group A). In group A, phosphorylation of STAT3 was significantly suppressed and caspase-3 activity and Bax expression were significantly increased in the myocardium after AMI. In group M, few apoptotic myocytes were identified in the border area by means of TUNEL assay. However, a significant increase in apoptotic cells was observed in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of JAK2 inhibitor resulted in deterioration of myocardial viability in AMI hearts. The JAK/STAT pathway is activated in AMI myocardium and plays a pivotal role in cytoprotective signaling.

Ecological disturbances in intestinal microflora caused by clinafloxacin, an extended-spectrum quinolone

BACKGROUND

The quinolones developed over the past few years have enhanced in vitro activity and a broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity compared to many other antimicrobial agents including the older quinolones. The present study focuses on the effect of clinafloxacin, a member of the new broad-spectrum quinolone class of antibiotics, on the normal intestinal microflora.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 12 healthy volunteers received clinafloxacin orally, 200 mg twice daily for 7 days. Fecal specimens were collected at defined intervals before, during and after the administration in order to study the effect of clinafloxacin on the intestinal microflora and to correlate this effect with fecal clinafloxacin concentrations. Intestinal microorganisms isolated before, during and 2 weeks after clinafloxacin administration were tested for their suseptibility to clinafloxacin.

RESULTS

Oral administration of clinafloxacin resulted in high drug levels in feces (mean value 176.2 mg/kg on day 7) and pronounced ecological disturbances. The aerobic microflora was eradicated in 11 of the 12 subjects and the anaerobic microflora was strongly suppressed during administration. There was a significant emergence of clinafloxacin-resistant Bacteroides spp. strains (MIC > or = 4 mg/ml) during administration. The elevated MIC values still remained 2 weeks after discontinuation of the antibiotic (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The emergence of clinafloxacin-resistant Bacteroides spp. demonstrates the necessity of restricting prescription for particular indications in order to preserve the efficacy of the highly active broad-spectrum quinolones.

Isolation and characterization of the murine cardiotrophin-1 gene: expression and norepinephrine-induced transcriptional activation

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is a novel cytokine capable of inducing hypertrophy in cardiac myocytes and belongs to the interleukin-6 family that exert their biological effects through gp130. To clarify the involvement and pathophysiological role of CT-1 in myocardial diseases, it is important to characterize the regulation of CT-1 gene expression. In this study, we isolated and characterized the mouse CT-1 gene and studied the expression of CT-1 mRNA under norepinephrine (NE) stimulation. The mouse CT-1 gene constitutes 5.4 kilobases (kb) in length and consists of three exons and two introns. When nucleotide sequences of the coding regions of exons were compared with those of human, exon 1, 2 and 3 share 96%, 84% and 81% homology, respectively. The 2.2 kb of 5; flanking lesion of the mouse CT-1 gene contains a variety of transcription factor binding motif (e.g. CREB, MyoD, NF-IL6, Nkx2.5, GATA). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis demonstrated that the mouse CT-1 gene was located on chromosome 7F3. The expression of CT-1 mRNA in cardiac myocytes was markedly augmented by NE stimulation, both in vivo and in vitro. Promoter analysis using deletion constructs of the CT-1 gene indicated that the NE responsive element located between -2174/-1540 and this region contained the cAMP responsive element (CRE). Electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays showed enhanced binding activity to the CRE motif in the nuclear extracts from NE-stimulated cardiac myocytes. These studies indicate that CT-1 is abundantly expressed in the heart and that the CRE is a possible cis -acting element of the CT-1 gene under NE-stimulation. These data suggest that the CT-1 gene expression is regulated, at least partially, by transcriptional machinery.

The Japanese multicenter open randomized trial of ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis for hepatic veno-occlusive disease after stem cell transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common transplant-related complication of stem cell transplantation. There is no safe and proven therapy for established VOD, and attempts have focused on its prevention. Limited studies have suggested that prophylactic use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) reduced the incidence of VOD. To confirm the preventive effect of UDCA on VOD, we conducted a prospective, unblinded randomized, multicenter study of UDCA involving 132 patients who underwent stem cell transplantation for a variety of disorders. Sixty-seven patients were assigned to the UDCA-treated group, and 65 patients were assigned to the control group. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar with respect to primary diagnosis, age, sex, and baseline organ function. The preparative regimen and GVHD prophylaxis did not differ significantly between the two groups. UDCA was highly effective in preventing VOD, which occurred in only 3.0% in the UDCA-treated group, as opposed to 18.5% in the control group (P = 0.0043). There were no adverse effects attributable to UDCA. The initial promising report of a prophylactic effect of UDCA on VOD after stem cell transplantation was confirmed in this prospective study.

The Japanese multicenter open randomized trial of ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis for hepatic veno-occlusive disease after stem cell transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common transplant-related complication of stem cell transplantation. There is no safe and proven therapy for established VOD, and attempts have focused on its prevention. Limited studies have suggested that prophylactic use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) reduced the incidence of VOD. To confirm the preventive effect of UDCA on VOD, we conducted a prospective, unblinded randomized, multicenter study of UDCA involving 132 patients who underwent stem cell transplantation for a variety of disorders. Sixty-seven patients were assigned to the UDCA-treated group, and 65 patients were assigned to the control group. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar with respect to primary diagnosis, age, sex, and baseline organ function. The preparative regimen and GVHD prophylaxis did not differ significantly between the two groups. UDCA was highly effective in preventing VOD, which occurred in only 3.0% in the UDCA-treated group, as opposed to 18.5% in the control group (P = 0.0043). There were no adverse effects attributable to UDCA. The initial promising report of a prophylactic effect of UDCA on VOD after stem cell transplantation was confirmed in this prospective study.

The Japanese multicenter open randomized trial of ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis for hepatic veno-occlusive disease after stem cell transplantation

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is a common transplant-related complication of stem cell transplantation. There is no safe and proven therapy for established VOD, and attempts have focused on its prevention. Limited studies have suggested that prophylactic use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) reduced the incidence of VOD. To confirm the preventive effect of UDCA on VOD, we conducted a prospective, unblinded randomized, multicenter study of UDCA involving 132 patients who underwent stem cell transplantation for a variety of disorders. Sixty-seven patients were assigned to the UDCA-treated group, and 65 patients were assigned to the control group. The clinical characteristics of the two groups were similar with respect to primary diagnosis, age, sex, and baseline organ function. The preparative regimen and GVHD prophylaxis did not differ significantly between the two groups. UDCA was highly effective in preventing VOD, which occurred in only 3.0% in the UDCA-treated group, as opposed to 18.5% in the control group (P = 0.0043). There were no adverse effects attributable to UDCA. The initial promising report of a prophylactic effect of UDCA on VOD after stem cell transplantation was confirmed in this prospective study.

Angiotensin II-stimulated vascular endothelial growth factor expression in bovine retinal pericytes

PURPOSE

Angiotensin II (AII) has been shown to play a role in many vascular diseases. In the study described, the effect of AII on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and related intracellular signaling mechanism was investigated in bovine retinal microcapillary pericytes.

METHODS

Cultured bovine retinal microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes were prepared. VEGF expression was determined by Northern blot analysis and immunoprecipitation assay. Cell proliferation was assessed by DNA content growth assay. Reporter gene studies were performed to identify the AII responsible transcription-activating region of VEGF gene.

RESULTS

Angiotensin II induced a significant increase in VEGF mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist inhibited this effect. Angiotensin II activates the transcription of VEGF gene without changing the mRNA half-life, and the AII responsible region was found in the 5'-flanking region of the VEGF gene. Angiotensin II also increased the expression of c-fos and c-jun mRNA, and antisense oligonucleotides against c-Fos blocked the AII-induced VEGF mRNA expression. The conditioned media of AII-stimulated pericyte cultures had a growth-promoting effect on endothelial cells, and this effect was inhibited almost completely by VEGF neutralizing antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that AII might induce angiogenic activity through a paracrine function of VEGF in retinal microvascular cells.

Establishment of a biological indicator for the radiation and safety of diagnostic ultrasound using apoptosis

We have studied, by a nonisotopic in situ end-labeling (ISEL) technique, the frequency of apoptosis in the intestinal crypt cell of adult mice and in the external granular layer(EGL) of the cerebellum of fetuses by gamma-ray irradiation from 60Co or diagnostic ultrasound exposure. The extent of changes following 200 cGy(1090 cGy/min) was studied at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 24 hours after exposure. The maximal frequency was found 4-8 hours after exposure. The mice that received 18, 36, 54, 108, 198, 396 cGy of gamma-rays or diagnostic ultrasound (7.5 MHz, 4.2 mW, ISPTA = 7.9 mW/cm2, IsppA = 114.3 W/cm2) for 10 or 30 minutes were examined 6 hours after irradiation. Measurements performed after gamma-ray irradiation showed a dose-related increase in apoptotic cells in each of the mice studied. The dose-response curves were analyzed with alpha linear-quadratic model: the frequency (number per crypt) of apoptotic cells in the intestinal crypt of adult mice was y = (0.0386 +/- 0.004204)D + (-0.0000535 +/- 0.00001120)D2 + 0.15475(r2 = 0.952, y = apoptotic cell per crypt cell, D = dose in cGy), and the frequency (percentage of apoptotic cell in the EGL) of apoptotic cell in the EGL of fetus was y = (0.1349 +/- 1.175)D + (-0.001522 +/- 0.334)D2 + 0.0477(r2 = 0.981, y = % of apoptotic cell in the EGL, D = dose in cGy). In the experiment of ultrasound exposure, the frequencies of apoptosis were 0.181 +/- 0.055(10 minutes exposure) and 0.325 +/- 0.294 (30 minutes exposure) in the crypt cells and 0.106 +/- 0.130% (10 minutes exposure) and 0.167 +/- 0.220%(30 minutes exposure) in the EGL. We estimated the relative dose of the yield from the experiment with ultrasound by substituting the yield from ultrasound exposure into the curue from the gamma-irradiation. The relative doses of ultrasound exposure compared with gamma-irradiation were 0.692 cGy(10 minutes exposure) and 1.334 cGy(30 minutes exposure) in the experiment for crypt cells and 0.432 cGy(10 minutes exposure) and 0.885 cGy(30 minutes exposure) in the experiment for EGL. Although there is presently no evidence to indicate that diagnostic ultrasound involves a significant risk, it is not wise to use diagnostic ultrasound indiscriminately.

Activities of synthetic hybrid peptides against anaerobic bacteria: aspects of methodology and stability

The increasing problem of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria requires development of new antimicrobial agents. One line of investigation is the synthesis of antimicrobial hybrid peptides. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the in vitro activities of 16 cecropin-melittin hybrid peptides (CAMEL analogues) against 60 anaerobic bacterial strains, to compare their activities with those of seven clinically used antimicrobial agents, and to compare different methods for anaerobic susceptibility testing of these peptides. The stability of one of the peptides, temporin B, with different stereoisomeric configurations was investigated in a fecal milieu. The CAMEL analogues showed antimicrobial activity against the anaerobic bacteria, with MICs ranging from 0.125 to 32 microg/ml. The overall activities (the MICs at which 90% of isolates are inhibited) of the CAMEL analogues against anaerobic bacteria were mainly inferior to those of imipenem, clindamycin, and piperacillin but were equal to or superior to those of metronidazole, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and chloramphenicol. The agarose dilution method was found to be an accurate method for the testing of large numbers of bacterial strains. The D isomer of temporin B was inactivated more slowly in feces than the L isomer. This study shows that the CAMEL analogues are potential agents for the treatment of anaerobic infections.

Radioprotective effects of two traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions: si-wu-tang and si-jun-zi-tang

We performed this study to determine the effect of Si-Wu-Tang, a basic prescription of traditional Oriental medicine as a blood-building decoction (Chinese medical concept: Bu-Xie), Si-Jun-Zi-Tang, a basic prescription as an energy tonic (Chinese medical concept: Bu-Qi) and its major ingredients on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation, and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells of mice irradiated with high and low dose of gamma-irradiation. Si-Wu-Tang administration before irradiation protected the jejunal crypts (p < 0.0005), increased the formation of endogenous spleen colonies (p < 0.05) and reduced the frequency of radiation-induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In an experiment on the effect of ingredients of Si-Wu-Tang, the result indicated that extract of Danggui and Baishaoyao might have a major radioprotective effect. The radioprotective effect of Si-Jun-Zi-Tang and its ingredients were not as significant as that of Si-Wu-Tang. Although the mechanisms of this inhibitory effect remain to be elucidated, these results indicate that Si-Wu-Tang might be a useful radioprotector, especially since it is a relatively nontoxic natural product. Further studies are needed to characterize better the protective nature of Si-Wu-Tang extract and its ingredients.

Laparoscopic Live Donor Nephrectomy at a Community Hospital

Recently, laparoscopic harvesting of kidneys from live donors has been reported by major university centers. As a community transplant center, we adopted a multidisciplinary cooperative approach, including a full-time transplant surgeon, a laparoscopic general surgeon, and a urologist with laparoscopic experience, in order to perform our first successful laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy in December 1998. The operative time was 234 minutes, and the warm ischemia time was 2 minutes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The length of the renal artery was 2.4 cm, the renal vein was 3.0 cm, and the ureter was 10.0 cm. The donor was discharged home the next day and returned to work within 14 days. The transplanted kidney functioned immediately. The recipient serum creatinine concentration dropped from 9.3 mg/dL preoperatively to 3.4 mg/dL within 24 hours and to 1.3 mg/dL on the third day.

[Relationship between diabetes mellitus-associated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and hyperinsulinemia]

The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of sleep disordered breathing and background factors, especially hyperinsulinemia, in diabetic patients. The subjects were 70 patients randomly selected from 143 noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients hospitalized for educational purposes. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was diagnosed in 13 subjects, equivalent to a prevalence of 18.6%. The mean +/- S.D. immunoreactive insulin (IRI) values for 11 of the 13 OSAS patients (excluding insulin-treated patients) and for 49 non-OSAS patients were 10.7 +/- 6.8 microU/ml and 5.8 +/- 3.5 microU/ml, respectively. The value for the OSAS group was higher than that for the non-OSAS group (p = 0.04). However, a positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and IRI was observed in both the OSAS (Y = 1.148 X - 20.006, r = 0.834, p = 0.001) and non-OSAS (Y = 0.466 X - 5.820, r = 0.524, p = 0.0001) groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of OSAS had a statistically significant influence on IRI (p = 0.001), but not on BMI (p = 0.391). These findings suggest that hyperinsulinemia may be exacerbated in diabetic patients with OSAS regardless of BMI.

17 Beta-estradiol increases VEGF receptor-2 and promotes DNA synthesis in retinal microvascular endothelial cells

PURPOSE

Estrogen is known to promote angiogenesis in gonads. The presence of estrogen receptors in the vascular endothelium of organs other than gonads has been reported. The goal of this study was to determine whether estrogen promotes the proliferation of retinal microvascular endothelial cells and to explore the mechanism of it.

METHODS

DNA was quantitated using primary cultures of bovine retinal endothelial cells that were incubated with different doses of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), VEGF, or both. The changes in expression level of VEGF and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) were measured using northern blot analysis after treatment with E2. The presence of estrogen receptors in the endothelial cells was studied by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

17 Beta-estradiol (E2) increased the DNA level in bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells (BRECs) by 177% at 1 nM (P < 0.05) and 150% at 10 nM (P < 0.05) by comparison with unstimulated BREC. One hundred nanomole tamoxifen completely blocked the E2-induced DNA synthesis in BRECs. Ten nanomole E2 augmented vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced DNA synthesis in BRECs significantly (160%, P < 0.01). Ten nanomole E2 also increased VEGF mRNA expression, which peaked after 24 hours (6.7 times, P < 0.05), and VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) mRNA expression, which peaked after 9 hours (2.4 times, P < 0.05). The mRNA expression level of VEGFR2 peaked with 10 nM E2 (P < 0.05) and that of VEGF reached maximum with 1 nM E2 (15 times, P < 0.001). VEGFR2 and VEGF proteins increased in parallel with their mRNA levels. Immunocytochemistry showed estrogen receptor expression in BRECs, and western blot analysis indicated the presence of a 67-kDa protein that was compatible with the estrogen receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that E2 may stimulate BREC growth by the receptor-mediated pathway and that E2 may augment the VEGF-dependent angiogenesis partly through the upregulation of VEGFR2.

Expressions of angiopoietins and Tie2 in human choroidal neovascular membranes

PURPOSE

To elucidate the potential role of angiopoietins and the Tie2 system in choroidal neovascularization.

METHODS

Surgically excised choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) were obtained at vitrectomy from five eyes with age-related macular degeneration, three eyes with idiopathic neovascular maculopathy, and two eyes had degenerative myopia and two eyes had angioid streaks. Light microscopic immunohistochemistry was performed to detect cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Ang1, and Ang2 and cellular components such as retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. Immunofluorescent double staining using confocal microscopy was performed to identify the cell types that secrete specific cytokines.

RESULTS

Ang1 and Ang2 were positive in all surgically excised CNVMs, regardless of the primary disease. Double staining revealed that many of the cytokeratin, CD68 and factor VIII positive cells also had Ang1 and Ang2 immunoreactivities. In contrast to Ang1, Ang2 immunoreactivity tends to be higher in the highly vascularized regions of many CNVMs, and the localization was very similar to that of VEGF staining. Almost all vascular structures had prominent immunoreactivity for Tie2, which was confirmed by double staining for Tie2 and factor VIII. Tie2 immunoreactivity was also observed in the RPE monolayer and in pigmented, polygonal, and fibroblast-like cells in the stroma.

CONCLUSIONS

Present findings that Ang2 and VEGF are co-upregulated and that Tie2 is expressed in a variety of cell types in CNVMs further support a crucial role of the interaction between VEGF and Ang2 in pathologic angiogenesis of CNVM formation.

The potential angiogenic role of macrophages in the formation of choroidal neovascular membranes

PURPOSE

To investigate the distribution of inflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and angiogenic cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and to identify their cellular source in surgically excised choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) of various origins.

METHODS

Immunoperoxidase staining was performed on paraffin-embedded sections of 11 surgically excised CNVMs to identify cellular distribution and localization of cytokines. Immunofluorescent double staining was performed to detect the cellular source of cytokines.

RESULTS

Cytokeratin-positive cells were detected in the RPE layer, in stromal cells, and around neovascular vessels. Macrophages identified by their cellular marker CD68 showed almost the same distribution as cytokeratin-positive cells, although they were most prominent in the stroma. A substantial number of neovascular vessels were also immunoreactive to IL-1beta and TNF-alpha. Immunofluorescent double staining revealed that the RPE layers immunopositive for cytokeratin were also immunopositive for all cytokines, whereas stromal cells immunostained for CD68 were positive for IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, but not for VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that IL-1beta and TNF-alpha secreted by macrophages may promote, at least in part, angiogenesis in CNVMs by stimulating VEGF production in RPE cells.

No beneficial effect from addition of etoposide to daunorubicin, cytarabine, and 6-mercaptopurine in individualized induction therapy of adult acute myeloid leukemia: the JALSG-AML92 study. Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group

To assess the efficacy of etoposide added to the standard remission induction therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), newly diagnosed adult AML patients were randomized to receive either daunorubicin (40 mg/m2/day x 4 or more), behenoyl cytarabine (200 mg/m2/day x 10 or more), and 6-mercaptopurine (70 mg/m2/day x 10 or more) (BHAC-DM), or the same three drugs plus etoposide (100 mg/m2/day x 5) (BHAC-EDM) for response-oriented individualized induction therapy. The patients achieving complete remission (CR) received the same 3 courses of consolidation therapy followed by 6 courses of maintenance/intensification therapy. M3 patients were excluded because all-trans retinoic acid was used. Of 667 patients registered, 655 were evaluable. The median age was 49 (range 15 to 85). CR rates were 77% in the BHAC-DM group and 75% in the BHAC-EDM group. In 173 M4 patients, CR rates were 86% and 69% (P = 0.009), and in 32 M5 patients, 80% and 77% (P = 0.810) in the BHAC-DM and the BHAC-EDM groups, respectively. The predicted 6-year overall survival rates were 30% and 38% (P = 0.925) for the BHAC-DM and BHAC-EDM groups, and the disease-free survival rates of CR patients were 25% and 35% (P = 0.352), respectively. Nonhematological toxicities after the first course of induction therapy were almost equal among the two groups, with the exception of a greater loss of hair (P = 0.024) and more frequent diarrhea (P = 0.013) in the BHAC-EDM group. We concluded that in the present study, the addition of etoposide to the standard individualized induction therapy showed no advantage in adult AML, even among M4 and M5 patients.

Discordant evolution of asymptomatic proteinuria in identical twins

We describe a pair of 17-year-old identical twin brothers with asymptomatic proteinuria, one of whom showed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) while the other showed immunoglobulin M (IgM) nephropathy. For each twin, audiological examination was normal. There was no family history of renal failure, deafness, or hematuria. HLA typing revealed an identical phenotype consisting of A25, A33, B44, B54, Cw1, Cw7, DR7 and DRB1. There is still controversy about whether minimal change disease, IgM nephropathy, and FSGS are discrete entities or different aspects of the same disease. The coexistence of IgM nephropathy and FSGS in identical twins suggests that the same genetic factors may be involved in the development of both diseases. However, although the brothers are identical twins, they had different eating habits and body weight. The twin who preferred to eat a protein-rich diet and who was heavier developed early proteinuria and manifested FSGS on renal biopsy. The discordant evolution of asymptomatic proteinuria in identical twins may provide a clue for the existence of environmental factors on the progression from IgM nephropathy to FSGS. Therefore, this report provides indirect support for the hypothesis that IgM nephropathy and FSGS represent different aspects in the spectrum of a single disease.

Hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor selectively up-regulate angiopoietin-2 in bovine microvascular endothelial cells

Recent studies have shown that the angiopoietin-Tie2 system is a predominant regulator of vascular integrity. In this study, we investigated the effect of two known angiogenic stimuli, hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), on these molecules. VEGF induced both a time- and concentration-dependent increase in angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) mRNA expression in bovine microvascular endothelial cells. This up-regulation was derived primarily from an increased transcription rate as evidenced by nuclear run-on assay and mRNA decay study. The increased Ang2 expression upon VEGF treatment was almost totally abolished by inhibition of tyrosine kinase or mitogen-activated protein kinase and partially by suppression of protein kinase C. Hypoxia also directly increased Ang2 mRNA expression. In contrast, Ang1 and Tie2 responded to neither of these stimuli. The enhanced Ang2 expression following VEGF stimulation and hypoxia was accompanied by de novo protein synthesis as detected by immunoprecipitation. In a mouse model of ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization, Ang2 mRNA was up-regulated in the ischemic inner retinal layer, and remarkable expression was observed in neovascular vessels. These data suggest that both hypoxia- and VEGF-induced neovascularization might be facilitated by selective induction of Ang2, which deteriorates the integrity of preexisting vasculature.

A mutated PtsG, the glucose transporter, allows uptake of D-ribose

Mutations arose from an Escherichia coli strain defective in the high (Rbs/ribose) and low (Als/allose and Xyl/xylose) affinity D-ribose transporters, which allow cells to grow on D-ribose. Genetic tagging and mapping of the mutations revealed that two loci in the E. coli linkage map are involved in creating a novel ribose transport mechanism. One mutation was found in ptsG, the glucose-specific transporter of phosphoenolpyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system and the other in mlc, recently reported to be involved in the regulation of ptsG. Five different mutations in ptsG were characterized, whose growth on D-ribose medium was about 80% that of the high affinity system (Rbs+). Two of them were found in the predicted periplasmic loops, whereas three others are in the transmembrane region. Ribose uptakes in the mutants, competitively inhibited by D-glucose, D-xylose, or D-allose, were much lower than that of the high affinity transporter but higher than those of the Als and Xyl systems. Further analyses of the mutants revealed that the rbsK (ribokinase) and rbsD (function unknown) genes are involved in the ribose transport through PtsG, indicating that the phosphorylation of ribose is not mediated by PtsG and that some unknown metabolic function mediated by RbsD is required. It was also found that D-xylose, another sugar not involved in phosphorylation, was efficiently transported through the wild-type or mutant PtsG in mlc-negative background. The efficiencies of xylose and glucose transports are variable in the PtsG mutants, depending on their locations, either in the periplasm or in the membrane. In an extreme case of the transmembrane change (I283T), xylose transport is virtually abolished, indicating that the residue is directly involved in determining sugar specificity. We propose that there are at least two domains for substrate specificity in PtsG with slightly altered recognition properties.

Prognostic implication of FLT3 and N-RAS gene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia

Internal tandem duplication of the FLT3 gene and point mutations of the N-RAS gene are the most frequent somatic mutations causing aberrant signal-transduction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, their prognostic importance is unclear. In this study, their prognostic significance was analyzed in 201 newly diagnosed patients with de novo AML except acute promyelocytic leukemia. Three patients had mutations in both genes, 43 had only the FLT3 gene mutation, 25 had only the N-RAS gene mutation, and 130 had neither. These mutations seemed to occur independently. Both mutations were related to high peripheral white blood cell counts, and the FLT3 gene mutation was infrequently observed in the French-American-British (FAB)-M2 type. AML cases with wild FLT3/mutant N-RAS had a lower complete remission (CR) rate than those with wild FLT3/wild N-RAS, whereas the presence of mutant FLT3 did not affect the CR rate. Univariate analysis showed that unfavorable prognostic factors for overall survival were age 60 years or older (P =.0002), cytogenetic data (P =.002), FAB types other than M2 (P =.002), leukocytosis over 100 +/- 10(9)/L (P =.003), and the FLT3 gene mutation (P =.004). However, the N-RAS gene mutation was only a marginal prognostic factor (P =.06). For the subjects under 60 years old, multivariate analysis showed that the FLT3 gene mutation was the strongest prognostic factor (P =.008) for overall survival. The FLT3 gene mutation, whose presence is detectable only by genomic polymerase chain reaction amplification and gel electrophoresis, might serve as an important molecular marker to predict the prognosis of patients with AML.

Tenellic acids A-D: new bioactive diphenyl ether derivatives from the aquatic fungus Dendrospora tenella

Tenellic acids A-D (1-4) were isolated from cultures of the freshwater fungus Dendrospora tenella. The structures of these new diphenyl ether derivatives were determined primarily by analysis of NMR data. Compounds 1-4 display antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria.

Massarinolins A-C: new bioactive sesquiterpenoids from the aquatic fungus massarina tunicata

Massarinolins A-C (1-3), three new bioactive sesquiterpenoids possessing rare ring systems, have been isolated from liquid cultures of the aquatic fungus Massarina tunicata Shearer & Fallah. The structures were determined primarily by analysis of NMR data. Metabolites 1-3 are the first compounds to be reported from any member of the genus Massarina.

Expression of thrombospondin-1 in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization

Thrombospondin-1 is an extracellular matrix protein that inhibits endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. This study was performed to investigate the role of thrombospondin-1 in ischemic retinal neovascularization. In a murine model of retinal neovascularization, thrombospondin-1 mRNA was increased from postnatal day 13 (P13), with a threefold peak response observed on P15, corresponding to the time of development of retinal neovascularization. Prominent expression of thrombospondin-1 was observed in neovascular cells, specifically, cells adjacent to the area of nonperfusion. It has been suggested that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in ischemia-induced retinal neovascularization of this model, so we studied the effects of VEGF on thrombospondin-1 expression. In bovine retinal microcapillary endothelial cells, VEGF induced a biphasic response of thrombospondin-1 expression; VEGF decreased thrombospondin-1 mRNA 0.41-fold after 4 hours, whereas it increased, with a threefold peak response, after 24 hours. VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation was completely inhibited by exogenous thrombospondin-1 and increased by 37.5% with anti-thrombospondin-1 antibody. The present findings suggest that, in the ischemic retina, retinal neovascular cells increase thrombospondin-1 expression, and VEGF may stimulate endogenous thrombospondin-1 induction, which inhibits endothelial cell growth. VEGF-mediated thrombospondin-1 induction in ischemia-induced angiogenesis may be a negative feedback mechanism.

Effect of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on empiric therapy with flomoxef sodium and tobramycin in febrile neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies. Kan-etsu Hematological Disease and Infection Study Group

The clinical effects of concomitant use of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on empiric antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenic patients were evaluated in a randomized fashion. Two hundred and fourteen neutropenic febrile episodes (neutrophil counts < 1.0 x 10(9)/l) were treated with flomoxef sodium and tobramycin with or without G-CSF. The resolution of fever at day 4 (excellent response) or at day 7 (good response) was deemed effective. Among 157 evaluable episodes, the observed excellent responses were 31 (38.8%) and the good responses were 20 (25.0%) in the G-CSF group; those in the control group were 26 (33.8%) and 25 (32.5%), respectively. The overall efficacy rate was 63.8% (51/80) in the G-CSF group and 66.2% (51/77) in the control group (not significant). The initial neutrophil count was 0.186 +/- 0.249 x 10(9)/l in the G-CSF group and 0.235 +/- 0.290 x 10(9)/l in the control group, and rose to 2.889 +/- 4.198 x 10(9)/l and 0.522 +/- 0.844 x 10(9)/l, respectively, at day 7. These results indicate that G-CSF does not affect the rate of response to empiric antibiotic therapy in febrile neutropenic patients, although a significant effect of G-CSF was observed on neutrophil recovery.