Experimental evidence for the existence of 7H and for a specific structure of 8He

Experimental search for the superheavy 7H isotope was performed in the reaction p(8He,pp)7H with the 8He beam at 61.3A MeV. The evidence for existence of the 7H state near the t+4n threshold was obtained. In the same experiment, the p(8He,t) reaction populating the ground and excited 2(+) state of 6He was investigated. The obtained results argue on a specific structure of the 8He ground state containing the 6He subsystem in the excited 2(+) state with a large weight.

Spallation ultracold-neutron production in superfluid helium

The first ultracold-neutron (UCN) production in superfluid helium placed in a spallation neutron source is carried out. A UCN density of 0.7 UCN/cm(3), which can be used in experiments, is achieved for a proton-beam power of 78 W and a He-II temperature of 1.2 K. The present new UCN source is not limited by Liouville's theorem and extraction losses, which were serious problems in the previous sources. The present source has the possibility of extremely high-density UCN production compared with previous UCN sources.

A novel beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase of Clostridium paraputrificum M-21 with high activity on chitobiose

A beta- N-acetylglucosaminidase gene ( nag3A) from Clostridium paraputrificum M-21 was cloned in Escherichia coli. The nag3A gene consists of an open reading frame of 1,239-bp, encoding 413 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 45,531 Da. Nag3A is a single domain enzyme containing a family 3 glycoside hydrolase catalytic domain. Nag3A was purified from recombinant E. coli and characterized. The enzyme hydrolyzed chitooligomers such as di- N-acetylchitobiose, tri- N-acetylchitotriose, tetra- N-acetylchitotetraose, penta- N-acetylchitopentaose, hexa- N-acetylchitohexaose, ball-milled chitin, and synthetic substrates such as 4-methylumbelliferyl N-acetyl beta- D-glucosaminide [4-MU-(GlcNAc)], but had no activity at all against p-nitrophenyl-beta- D-glucoside, p-nitrophenyl-beta- D-xyloside, or p-nitrophenyl-beta- D-galactosamine. The enzyme was optimally active at 50 degrees C and pH 7.0, and the apparent K(m) and V(max) values for 4-MU-(GlcNAc) were 7.9 micro M and 21.8 micro mol min(-1) mg protein(-1), respectively. SDS-PAGE, zymogram, and immunological analyses suggested that this enzyme is induced by ball-milled chitin.

Intramolecular epitope spreading among anti-caspase-8 autoantibodies in patients with silicosis, systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus, as well as in healthy individuals

Dysregulation of apoptosis through the Fas-Fas ligand pathway is relevant in autoimmune disease onset. We recently reported elevated serum levels of sFas in patients with silicosis, systemic sclerosis (SSC) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and proposed a block of apoptosis in the pathogenesis. The disturbance of apoptosis in lymphocytes including autoreactive clones could induce autoantibody production. Since autoantibodies directed against unknown antigens are present in the sera of these patients, the sera samples were examined for the presence of autoantibodies directed to caspase-8. Using Western blotting, autoantibodies against caspase-8 were detected in healthy individuals and in over 60% of patients. Using epitope mapping employing 12 amino acid polypeptides with SPOTs system, a minimum of 4 epitopes and a maximum of 13 were found, which implied that epitope spreading was in progress. It is noteworthy that two important catalytic cystein residues were included within the epitopes; firstly the active site cystein Cys287, and secondly Cys360 located in the unique pentapeptide motif QACQG. Using recombinant human caspase-8 linked protein chip array, autoantibodies were identified and molecular weight determined. The antibodies were mainly IgG; 80% were subclass IgG1(lambda); 20% were IgG4(kappa). Despite the ratio of human light chain kappa:lambda = 2:1, the predominance of IgG1(lambda) is noticeable. Anti-caspase-8 autoantibodies are detectable in healthy individuals and in patients suffering silicosis, SSc or SLE. A few epitopes were detected in healthy individuals compared to those suffering autoimmune diseases, indicating the intramolecular epitope spreading. Relationship of autoantibodies and the clinical background of the patients requires clarification.

The effect of prolonged euglycemic hyperinsulinemia on lean body mass after severe burn

BACKGROUND

The hypermetabolic response to burn increases protein catabolism. Euglycemic hyperinsu-linemia with exogenous insulin maintains muscle protein by continued stimulation of net protein synthesis. Our aim was to determine the effect of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia over the entire hospitalization on muscle anabolism by investigating lean body mass (LBM) as the primary endpoint.

METHODS

Eighteen subjects between the ages of 2 and 18 with burns of more than 40% were prospectively randomized into 2 groups, a control (n = 9) and a treatment group (n = 9). The treatment group was given continuous intravenous insulin at a rate of at least 1.5 microU/kg/min to maintain serum glucose levels between 100 to 140 mg/dL. Treatment was instituted 24 to 48 hours after arrival and continued until the patient's injury was 95% healed. All patients received continuous enteral feeding. Patients underwent body composition studies by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan on postoperative day 6 after initial burn excision and when 95% healed.

RESULTS

Nutritional intakes were not different between groups. In the control, subjects continued catabolism resulted in peripheral muscle wasting and centripetal obesity with diminished truncal LBM. The treatment group had improvement in lean body mass (P =.004) and bone mass (P =.025). The treatment group also had less peripheral muscle wasting with overall increases in upper/lower extremity LBM (P =.005). Hospital length of stay in days per percent of total body surface area burned was decreased in the insulin group (control = 1.03 +/- 0.1 vs 0.7 +/- 0.9 for insulin patients; P <.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Euglycemic hyperinsulinemia throughout the hospital course mitigates muscle catabolism and preserves lean body mass.

Primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the ileum: report of a case

We report herein a case of primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the ileum. A 71-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of abdominal pain and anorexia. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, a follow-through study of the small intestine, and angiography all demonstrated a tumor of the ileum suggestive of a primary malignancy. A partial resection of the ileum was performed. It was histopathologically and immunohistochemically diagnosed to be a storiform-type primary MFH of the ileum with peritoneal dissemination. There have been a total of 25 cases of primary small bowel MFH documented in the Japanese or Western literature including our case. The malignant potential of such tumors is high, and the prognosis tends to be very poor. Unfortunately, we could not conclude whether the poor outcome was due to a delayed diagnosis or instead to its biological malignant behavior, since the number of such reported cases is still too small to make any definitive conclusions.

[Long time use of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support after cardiovascular operation; clinical problems from our experience]

Result and problems were studied in 12 patients who received percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) after cardiac or aortic surgery. Causative diseases included acute myocardial infarction in 7 cases, rupture of the left ventricular septum after infarction, acute mitral valve regurgitation after infarction, rupture of the left ventricular free wall, a stuck valve, and an aortic aneurysm in the thoracicoabdominal region in each 1 case. The time of postoperative PCPS ranged from 2 to 361 hours, and the mean supply flow volume was 1.78 +/- 0.45 l/min/m2. Seven patients could be taken off the treatment or discharged from the hospital (58.3%). The comparison between surviving and non-surviving cases showed a significantly longer assisted circulation time in the latter. An increase of bleeding after surgery was found in all 8 patients who received PCPS for a long period postoperatively. This was assumed to be due to the thrombocytic activation by heparin.

An anti-rheumatic agent T-614 inhibits NF-kappaB activation in LPS- and TNF-alpha-stimulated THP-1 cells without interfering with IkappaBalpha degradation

OBJECTIVE

Compound T-614, a member of the methanesulfoanilide class of anti-inflammatory agents, shows potent anti-arthritic activity in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the present investigation was to characterize the anti-arthritic activity of T-614 in terms of regulation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB, which is associated with expression of many immune and inflammatory genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

THP-1 cells (human monocytic leukemia cell line) were used throughout this in vitro study, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were employed for activation of the cells. Cytokine production was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA levels were determined by a semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Assessment of the NF-kappaB DNA binding activity was performed by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using a digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled double-stranded oligonucleotide containing kappaB-binding site. Degradation kinetics of the cytosolic NF-kappaB inhibitor a (IkappaBalpha) were studied by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

T-614 inhibited LPS-stimulated production of TNF-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 in a concentration-dependent manner with decreasing mRNA levels (IL-6 and IL-8). EMSA study showed that T-614 prevented TNF-alpha as well as LPS-stimulated activation of NF-kappaB, and Western blot analysis proved that T-614 did not affect degradation of IkappaBalpha protein.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of T-614 on the production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8 in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells may involve transcriptional regulation through suppression of NF-kappaB activation without interfering with IkappaBalpha degradation.

Pilt, a novel peripheral membrane protein at tight junctions in epithelial cells

Tight junctions (TJs) serve as a barrier that prevents solutes and water from passing through the paracellular pathway, and as a fence between the apical and basolateral plasma membranes in epithelial cells. TJs consist of transmembrane proteins (claudin, occludin, and JAM) and many peripheral membrane proteins, including actin filament (F-actin)-binding scaffold proteins (ZO-1, -2, and -3), non-F-actin-binding scaffold proteins (MAGI-1), and cell polarity molecules (ASIP/PAR-3 and PAR-6). We identified here a novel peripheral membrane protein at TJs from a human cDNA library and named it Pilt (for protein incorporated later into TJs), because it was incorporated into TJs later after the claudin-based junctional strands were formed. Pilt consists of 547 amino acids with a calculated M(r) of 60,704. Pilt has a proline-rich domain. In cadherin-deficient L cells stably expressing claudin or JAM, Pilt was not recruited to claudin-based or JAM-based cell-cell contact sites, suggesting that Pilt does not directly interact with claudin or JAM. The present results indicate that Pilt is a novel component of TJs.

Application of an in vivo brain microdialysis technique to studies of drug transport across the blood-brain barrier

There is a wide range of methods available for studying the transport of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which is equipped with several systems to transport drugs as well as endogenous nutrients and waste products. The in vivo brain microdialysis technique, which allows direct sampling of the brain interstitial fluid (ISF), is a powerful means of characterizing influx and efflux transport across the BBB. In this paper, we review our results from the successful application of this technique to BBB drug transport studies. The drugs investigated include novel and CNS-active peptides, some agents that are actively removed from the brain ISF across the BBB, and a brain-directed prodrug.

Quadricuspid aortic valve associated with aortic stenosis and regurgitation

A 75-year-old man with moderate aortic stenosis and regurgitation admitted due to heart failure underwent uneventful aortic valve replacement with a Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis valve. A quadricuspid aortic valve discovered incidentally during surgery consisted of 4 of different sizes and a supernumerary cusp between the right and noncoronary cusps. No coronary abnormality was involved. Resected cusps showed fibrotic thickening with calcification and no sign of previous inflammatory disease. Although quadricuspid aortic valve is a very rare anomaly, its potential for severe valve failure in adulthood should not be neglected.

Potential immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory activities of Malaysian medicinal plants characterized by reduced cell surface expression of cell adhesion molecules

In the search for agents effective against immune-mediated disorders and inflammation, we have screened Malaysian medicinal plants for the ability to inhibit the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on the surface of murine endothelial cells (F-2), and mouse myeloid leukaemia cells (M1), respectively. Of 41 kinds (29 species, 24 genera, 16 families) of Malaysian plants tested, 10 and 19 plant samples significantly downregulated the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, respectively. Bioassay-directed fractionation of an extract prepared from the bark of Goniothalamus andersonii showed that its ingredients, goniothalamin (1) and goniodiol (2) inhibited the cell surface expression of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The present results suggest that Malaysian medicinal plants may be abundant natural resources for immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory substances.

Cytoprotective role of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in human kidney with various renal diseases

BACKGROUND

We previously reported that glomerular changes in the renal specimen of a human case with heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) deficiency were mild, but tubulointerstitial injury advanced progressively. This study examined the patterns of HO-1 production in the kidney in various renal diseases. Furthermore, the critical cytoprotective roles of HO-1 were evaluated in the kidney by comparing HO-1 production and expressions of carboxymethyllysine (CML) and pentosidine, both of which are markers of oxidative stress.

METHODS

Renal biopsy or autopsy materials were obtained from a total of 74 patients. Degrees of hematuria and proteinuria and the levels of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), beta2-microglobulin (beta2m), and creatinine were evaluated. Immunohistochemical studies for HO-1, CML, and pentosidine expressions were performed with their specific antiserum.

RESULTS

HO-1 staining was observed within tubular epithelial cells in all of the renal diseases, but was not detected within intrinsic glomerular cells. HO-1 staining tended to be more intense within distal tubuli than in proximal tubuli. Within distal tubuli, there was no significant correlation between intensity of HO-1 staining and degree of hematuria or presence of proteinuria. Within proximal tubuli, HO-1 staining tended to be more intense with greater degrees of hematuria, presence of proteinuria, and moderate tubulointerstitial damage. Intense staining of CML and pentosidine was observed within renal tubular epithelial cells only in HO-1-deficient patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HO-1 plays important roles in protecting renal tubuli from oxidative injuries, as these cells are constantly exposed to various oxidative stresses. It is suggested that renal tubular epithelia are more susceptible to oxidative stress due to the lack of this critical enzyme in HO-1 deficiency.

Overexpression of cytochrome C by a recombinant rabies virus attenuates pathogenicity and enhances antiviral immunity

The pathogenicity of individual rabies virus strains appears to correlate inversely with the extent of apoptotic cell death they induce and with the expression of rabies virus glycoprotein, a major inducer of an antiviral immune response. To determine whether the induction of apoptosis by rabies virus contributes to a decreased pathogenicity by stimulating antiviral immunity, we have analyzed these parameters in tissue cultures and in mice infected with a recombinant rabies virus construct that expresses the proapoptotic protein cytochrome c. The extent of apoptosis was strongly increased in primary neuron cultures infected with the recombinant virus carrying the active cytochrome c gene [SPBN-Cyto c(+)], compared with cells infected with the recombinant virus containing the inactive cytochrome c gene [SPBN-Cyto c(-)]. Mortality in mice infected intranasally with SPBN-Cyto c(+) was substantially lower than in SPBN-Cyto c(-)-infected mice. Furthermore, virus-neutralizing antibody (VNA) titers were significantly higher in mice immunized with SPBN-Cyto c(+) at the same dose. The VNA titers induced by these recombinant viruses paralleled their protective activities against a lethal rabies virus challenge infection, with SPBN-Cyto c(+) revealing an effective dose 20 times lower than that of SPBN-Cyto c(-). The strong increase in immunogenicity, coupled with the marked reduction in pathogenicity, identifies the SPBN-Cyto c(+) construct as a candidate for a live rabies virus vaccine.

[Bacteria isolated from surgical infections and their susceptibilities to antimicrobial agents. Special references to bacteria isolated between April 1998 and March 1999]

The annual multicenter studies on isolated bacteria from infections in general surgery and their antimicrobial susceptibility have been conducted in Japan since July 1982. This paper describes the results obtained in fiscal 1998 (from April 1998 to March 1999). The number of cases investigated as objectives was 225 for one year. A total of 429 strains (121 strains from primary infections and 308 strains from postoperative infections) were isolated from 183 cases (81.3% of total cases). In primary infections, the isolation rates of anaerobes and Escherichia coli were higher than in postoperative infections, while in postoperative infections, those of Gram-positive aerobes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were higher than in primary infections. On the whole, among Gram-positive aerobes, the isolation rate of Enterococcus faecalis was the highest, followed by Staphylococcus aureus with high frequency in isolation from postoperative infections. Among Gram-positive anaerobes, Peptostreptococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were predominantly isolated. Among Gram-negative aerobes, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were frequently isolated. Among Gram-negative anaerobes, Bacteroides fragilis group was the majority of isolates. In primary infections, the percentage of Gram-negative aerobes has gradually increased since fiscal 1995 or 1996 with these years as the turning point, while those of Gram-positive and Gram-negative anaerobes have gradually declined. In postoperative infections, the percentage of Gram-negative anaerobes has increased continuously since the mid-1980s. The percentage of MRSA among S. aureus rose to 89.7%, which was the highest level since the beginning of this study. The susceptibilities of B. fragilis, which did not show apparent changes, were recognized to have decreased against cephems in fiscal 1998. Among other bacteria in B. fragilis group, development of resistance to cephems has continued on a long-term basis since the mid-1980s. E. coli and K. pneuminiae have obviously not changed in susceptibilities, however, the susceptibilities of isolated strains in fiscal 1998 against high-generation cephems, oxacephems and monobactams have declined. We found neither vancomycin-resistant nor teicoplanin-resistant strains of S. aureus and Enterococcus spp.

The central nervous system inflammatory response to neurotropic virus infection is peroxynitrite dependent

We have recently demonstrated that increased blood-CNS barrier permeability and CNS inflammation in a conventional mouse model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis are dependent upon the production of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), a product of the free radicals NO* and superoxide (O2*(-)). To determine whether this is a reflection of the physiological contribution of ONOO(-) to an immune response against a neurotropic pathogen, we have assessed the effects on adult rats acutely infected with Borna disease virus (BDV) of administration of uric acid (UA), an inhibitor of select chemical reactions associated with ONOO(-). The pathogenesis of acute Borna disease in immunocompetent adult rats results from the immune response to the neurotropic BDV, rather than the direct effects of BDV infection of neurons. An important stage in the BDV-specific neuroimmune response is the invasion of inflammatory cells into the CNS. UA treatment inhibited the onset of clinical disease, and prevented the elevated blood-brain barrier permeability as well as CNS inflammation seen in control-treated BDV-infected rats. The replication and spread of BDV in the CNS were unchanged by the administration of UA, and only minimal effects on the immune response to BDV Ags were observed. These results indicate that the CNS inflammatory response to neurotropic virus infection is likely to be dependent upon the activity of ONOO(-) or its products on the blood-brain barrier.

Drastic neuronal loss in vivo by beta-amyloid racemized at Ser(26) residue: conversion of non-toxic [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40 to toxic and proteinase-resistant fragments

It is unclear how and when insoluble beta-amyloid in senile plaques exerts degenerative effects on distant hippocampal neurons in Alzheimer's disease. Racemization of Ser and Asp residues of insoluble beta-amyloid is a typical age-dependent process. In this study, we investigated the fibril formation activity and cytotoxic activity of beta-amyloid 1-40 racemized at the Asp or Ser residue. In contrast to beta-amyloid 1-40 and its derivative substituted with the D-Asp(1, 7 or 23) or D-Ser(8) residue, [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40 was non-toxic to PC12 cells, and did not exhibit significant fibril formation activity making it soluble. However, [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40, but not beta-amyloid 1-40, was converted in vitro to a potent neurotoxic and truncated peptide, [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 25-35 or [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 25-40, by chymotrypsin-like enzymes and aminopeptidase M. Soluble [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40 was injected into rat hippocampus with a non-toxic dose of ibotenic acid, an excitatory amino acid. Nissl staining and microtubule-associated protein-2 immunostaining revealed that [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40, as well as [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 25-35, produced a drastic degeneration of the CA1 neurons with ibotenic acid although [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40 alone or ibotenic acid alone did not exert neuronal damage. This suggests the in vivo conversion of non-toxic [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40 to the toxic and truncated peptides which enhance the susceptibility of neurons to the excitatory amino acid.These results and the presence of [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 25-35-like antigens in Alzheimer's disease brains suggest that soluble [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 1-40, possibly formed during the aging process, is released from senile plaques, and converted by brain proteinases to truncated [D-Ser(26)]beta-amyloid 25-35(40)-like peptides, which degenerate hippocampal neurons by enhancing the susceptibility to excitatory amino acids in Alzheimer's disease brains. These findings may provide the basis for a new therapeutic approach to prevent the neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

Genetic engineering of live rabies vaccines

Rabies virus is not a single entity but consists of a wide array of variants that are each associated with different host species. These viruses differ greatly in the antigenic makeup of their G proteins, the primary determinant of pathogenicity and major inducer of protective immunity. Due to this diversity, existing rabies vaccines have largely been targeted to individual animal species. In this report, a novel approach to the development of rabies vaccines using genetically modified, reverse-engineered live attenuated rabies viruses is described. This approach entails the engineering of vaccine rabies virus containing G proteins from virulent strains and modification of the G protein to further reduce pathogenicity. Strategies employed included exchange of the arginine at position 333 for glutamine and modification of the cytoplasmic domain. The recombinant viruses obtained were non-neuroinvasive when administered via a peripheral route. The ability to confer protective immunity depended largely upon conservation of the G protein antigenic structure between the vaccine and challenge virus, as well as on the route of immunization.

Association of the ADH2 genotypes with skin responses after ethanol exposure in Japanese male university students

BACKGROUND

A contribution of the alcohol dehydrogenase-2 (ADH2) polymorphism to alcohol sensitivity and alcohol drinking behavior is still controversial. In this study, we examined the effects of the ADH2 genotypes on skin reactions to ethanol and habitual alcohol intake among Japanese male university students, controlling for the effects of the low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) genotype, as an extension of our previous study.

METHODS

The study subjects were 357 Japanese male students [average age (mean +/- SD) was 23.7 +/- 3.0 years] in a medical university. The subjects completed a questionnaire regarding self-reported alcohol-associated symptoms and alcohol-drinking behavior. The ADH2 and ALDH2 genotypes were determined through digestion of polymerase chain reaction products by restriction enzymes. All subjects participated in the ethanol patch test. We observed skin responses at 0, 5, 15, and 20 min after removal of the tape.

RESULTS

Among the ALDH2*1/*1 genotypes, only some subjects with ADH2*1/*2 or ADH2*2/*2 exhibited a positive response, which increased with increasing time after the removal. However, none of comparisons between the different ADH2 genotypes reached statistical significance. Among the ALDH2*1/*2 genotypes, those with ADH2*1/*2 or ADH2*2/*2 showed a significant increase in response with increasing time after the removal and revealed a significantly higher positivity rate at 15 min than those with ADH2*1/*1. In those with the ALDH2*1/*2 genotype, the positive rate of facial flushing with one glass of beer was higher in those with ADH2*1/*2 and ADH2*2/*2 than those with ADH2*1/*1, although this was not significant. However, the ADH2 genotype did not seem to influence drinking frequency or amounts of alcohol intake in each ALDH2 genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

This study finds further evidence for a contribution of the ADH2 polymorphism to skin reactions after either local or systemic ethanol exposure in Asian people. However, the effects of the ADH2 polymorphism may be mild because this polymorphism does not seem to influence alcohol drinking behavior in these study subjects.

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of human insulin: validity of pharmacological availability as a substitute for extent of bioavailability

A method for assessing the extent of bioavailability (EBA) of human insulin from pharmacological data was determined. The time course governing increases in the plasma concentration of immuno-reactive insulin (IRI), as well as its pharmacological effects (glucodynamics), was determined after the intravascular administration of varying doses of human insulin. Pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and link models were constructed to elucidate the quantitative relationship between plasma IRI levels and pharmacological effects. After extravascular administration of the test formulation, only the time course governing the observed pharmacological effects was determined. The pharmacological data was translated into theoretical plasma concentration data, using the PK-PD model. Following this, the area under the theoretical plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of the test formulation was calculated. The EBA was then estimated against a reference (intravascular) formulation, using a conventional equation. Since the pharmacological effects of insulin were observed to be highly dosing-rate-dependent, the PD model used in this study was modified to apply over a wide range of infusion rates. The results of the PK-PD analysis indicate that the doses administered can be accurately predicted from pharmacological data. To validate this method, the EBAs of controlled release formulations (the Osmotic Mini Pumps) of insulin, subcutaneously administered to the rat, were estimated. The EBA values obtained (92-96%) fell within a reasonable range. The area under the effect-time curves (AUE) obtained following subcutaneous applications of the Osmotic Mini Pump were calculated in a model-independent manner, in addition to pharmacological availabilities (PA), which were estimated against the reference (intravascular) formulations. The estimated PA values varied from 312% to 78%, in accordance with the intravascular input rates of the reference formulations. This indicates that PA should not be used as a substitute for EBA, unless data involving similar intravascular dosing rates to that of the reference formulations is available.

The insular but not the perirhinal cortex is involved in the expression of fully-kindled amygdaloid seizures in rats

We have previously reported an important excitatory role of the perirhinal cortex (PRC) in rat kindling development using an immunohistochemistry technique. In this study, we investigated the roles of the PRC and the insular cortex (INS) located rostral to the PRC, in fully-kindled amygdaloid seizures, using a microinjection technique in the rat kindling model of epilepsy. Following the establishment of daily kindling, we investigated the effects of microinjections of procaine hydrochloride, 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV; an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist) and 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)-quinoxaline (NBQX; an alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonist). Microinjections of these drugs into the ipsilateral PRC did not suppress kindled seizures. The possibility is that the process of kindling development forms novel seizure-generalization pathways that do not require further activation of the PRC. On the other hand, procaine and APV injected into the ipsilateral INS significantly suppressed kindled seizures. The manner of suppression appeared to be 'all or none'. It is therefore possible that at least the activation of NMDA receptors in the INS is necessary to express generalized kindled amygdaloid seizures.

Effect of dexamethasone palmitate-low density lipoprotein complex on cholesterol ester accumulation in aorta of atherogenic model mice

In order to confirm the efficacy of dexamethasone palmitate (DP)-low density lipoprotein (LDL) complex on experimental atherosclerosis in vivo, we examined whether DP-LDL complex could be effective for cholesterol ester accumulation in the aorta of atherogenic mice. Nonatherogenic and atherogenic mice were fed with normal and atherogenic diet for 14 weeks, respectively. Dexamethasone (DEX), lipid emulsion containing DP (DP-LE), or DP-LDL complex was intravenously injected once a week from 8 to 14 weeks. Cholesterol levels in serum and aorta in the atherogenic mice were significantly higher than those of nonatherogenic mice. Injection of DP-LDL complex significantly reduced cholesterol ester (CE) accumulation in the aorta of atherogenic mice. The reduction of CE accumulation in aorta treated with DP-LDL complexes was 10 and 100 times more potent than that with DP-LE and DEX, respectively. The radioactivity in the aorta of atherogenic mice treated with 3H-DP-LDL complex was significantly higher than that with 3H-DP-LE and 3H-DEX at 24 h after injection. Even 7 d after injection, a significant amount of radioactivity was present only in the aorta of atherogenic mice treated with DP-LDL complex. This result suggests that DP-LDL complex is selectively delivered to the atherogenic lesions in the aorta of atherogenic mice, and then DP released from the complex inhibits CE accumulation in the aortic intima. Therefore, DP-LDL complex may be a good drug-carrier in drug delivery system for atherosclerosis.

Brain magnetic resonance imaging in 23 patients with mucopolysaccharidoses and the effect of bone marrow transplantation

A longitudinal study of cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was carried out in 23 patients with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS); 1 each of types IH, VI, and VII; 2 of type IS; 10 of type II; and 4 each of types IIIB and IVA. Six types of distinct abnormalities were 1) cribriform changes or spotty changes in the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and white matter; 2) high-intensity signal in the white matter on T2-weighted image; 3) ventriculomegaly; 4) diffuse cerebral cortical atrophy; 5) spinal cord compression; and 6) megacisterna magna. The cribriform changes that corresponded to dilated perivascular spaces were found in the patients with MPS IS, II, and VI. The patchy and diffuse intensity changes were found in the patient with MPS II and IIIB, respectively. MPS IH and the severe type of MPS II showed marked ventriculomegaly. Marked cerebral atrophy was observed in all MPS IIIB patients and in the severe type of MPS II patients. Spinal cord compression was a feature usually observed in MPS IH, IVA, VI, and VII. Megacisterna magna was frequent in the patients with MPS II (6/10). In two of five patients, the therapeutic effect of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was remarkable. Both the cribriform changes and the intensity change of the white matter in a MPS VI patient disappeared eight years after the BMT. Slight improvement of cribriform change was noted in one patient with MPS II three years after the BMT. MRS was not sufficient to estimate the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans but was useful for evaluating neuronal damages.

The effect of the weight reduction on the salivary cortisol levels of judo players

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of weight reduction prior to a competition on the salivary cortisol level for first-rate judo players. Subjects were divided into three groups by the weight reduction rate. On the day before the competition, the cortisol levels of the low- and high-weight reduction group showed a tendency to decrease and were significantly lower than that of the non-weight reduction group (p<0.05). However, with regard to the change in the stress indices, there was a difference between the high- and low-weight reduction groups. In the high-weight reduction group alone, there was a significant increase in the stress indices on the day before the competition (p<0.05). These findings suggest that the HPA axis is affected during the relatively early stage of weight reduction and mental stress is increased at the higher weight reduction rate.

Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to isocyanates: mechanisms of action and case reports in Japan

Isocyanates are very useful chemicals, and these are important for our daily life. Various products, especially urethane resin, are made from these chemicals. There is no substitute for isocyanates at the present. Isocyanates are patent agents to provoke immunological responses. This article deals with the case reports of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) induced by isocyanates in Japan. It is said that HP is one of the rare diseases induced by isocyanate with very low frequency so far in the world. Certainly there are rare cases of isocyanate-HP also in Japan, but these are the cases only in large enterprises that pay attention to their working places. In Japan, there are several cases of isocyanate-induced HP, which happened in minor enterprises such as those with less than 50 workers. In clinical appearance, there are few conflicts with Western studies. The best choice for sensitized people is isolation from working places. It is important for the workers to understand the diseases. In these days, several tests for diagnosis are developed. It is indispensable to put these tests for prevention of these diseases and improvement of their working places.

Evaluation of gastric mucoadhesive properties of aminated gelatin microspheres

The gastric mucoadhesive properties of aminated gelatin microspheres were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The interactions of gelatin, aminated gelatin and microspheres with two kinds of commercial mucin were estimated in aqueous media. At a higher mucin concentration, aminated gelatin demonstrated a stronger interaction with mucin than either kind of the gelatin (isoelectric point (IEP): 5.0 and 9.0) under the same condition, although these interactions varied with varying media. At the same time, a larger amount of mucin was adsorbed to aminated gelatin microspheres than to either of the gelatin microspheres in the same condition. In the in vitro model of isolated and perfused rat stomach, the amount of aminated gelatin microspheres that remained in the stomach after perfusion was significantly larger than that of gelatin microspheres. However, no significant difference was observed whether the test was performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) or in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH7.4). In the in vivo experiment, about 47% of the aminated gelatin microspheres remained in the stomach 2 h after oral administration in a capsule, whereas it was 29 and 34% for gelatin (IEP=5.0) and gelatin (IEP=9.0) microspheres, respectively. These results indicated that aminated gelatin microspheres demonstrated a higher gastric mucoadhesive ability than gelatin microspheres. The higher amino group content, improved chain flexibility and favorable polymer conformation were suggested to be the main factors that contributed to the stronger mucoadhesive properties of aminated gelatin microspheres than that of gelatin microspheres.

Epidural analgesia with a combination of bupivacaine and buprenorphine in rats

We determined the analgesic effects of epidural administration of either bupivacaine at 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 micrograms/kg; buprenorphine at 5 and 10 micrograms/kg; and the combination of bupivacaine at 125 micrograms/kg and buprenorphine at 5 or 10 micrograms/kg, using the tail flick (TF) and colorectal distension (CD) tests in rats and compared the results with those obtained using morphine at 100 micrograms/kg. In both the TF and CD tests, all doses of bupivacaine alone produced potent anti-nociceptive effects, although the effect rapidly diminished after 20-30 min of administration. The administration of buprenorphine at 10 and 5 micrograms/kg produced mild to moderate anti-nociceptive effects in both the TF and CD tests, and the effects were relatively constant throughout the 2-h experimental period. Combinations of 5 or 10 micrograms/kg of buprenorphine with 125 mg/kg of bupivacaine produced a significantly higher percentage of maximum possible analgesic effect (%MPE) than that of the calculated additive effect of each drug alone in the TF and CD tests. The analgesic effect of this combination was similar to that of morphine. Minimal ataxia was observed in rats administered this combination.

Diminished plantar grasp response as an additional indicator of a shunt malfunction in a case of congenital hydrocephalus

A male infant with congenital hydrocephalus who had undergone ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting at 3 days of life exhibited a diminished plantar grasp response (PGR) from 2 months of age, which had clearly recovered 3 months after a shunt revision at 6 months of age. The diminished PGR was the only overt neurological sign in this patient. The precipitous decrease in PGR that occurs during early infancy in a hydrocephalic infant with VP shunting is a possible indicator of a prespastic condition caused by a shunt malfunction.

High level expression of a human rabies virus-neutralizing monoclonal antibody by a rhabdovirus-based vector

Humans exposed to rabies virus must be promptly treated by passive immunization with anti-rabies antibody and active immunization with rabies vaccine. Currently, antibody prepared from pooled human serum or from immunized horses is utilized. However, neither of these reagents are readily available, entirely safe, or consistent in their biological activity. An ideal reagent would consist of a panel of human monoclonal antibodies. Such antibodies are now available, their only drawback being the cost of production. Using recombinant technology, we constructed a rabies virus-based vector which expresses high levels (approximately 60 pg/cell) of rabies virus-neutralizing human monoclonal antibody. The vector is a modified vaccine strain of rabies virus in which the rabies virus glycoprotein has been replaced with a chimeric vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein, and both heavy and light chain genes encoding a human monoclonal antibody have been inserted. This recombinant virus can infect a variety of mammalian cell lines and is non-cytolytic, allowing the use of cell culture technology routinely employed to produce rabies vaccines.

Formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase enhances arsenic-induced DNA strand breaks in PHA-stimulated and unstimulated human lymphocytes

To confirm that arsenic (As) induces oxidative DNA damage in phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated and unstimulated human lymphocytes, we used the alkaline comet assay combined with specific enzyme [formamidopyrimidine-DNA glycosylase (FPG)] digestion to measure As-induced base damage. The results showed that the enzyme-sensitive sites were readily detected with the alkaline comet assay after the cells were treated with 10 microM As for 2 hr. The repair patterns observed for FPG-created DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) in As-treated cells were comparable to those in hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-treated cells. The enzyme-created SSBs, As-induced base damage, were more significant in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes. About 63% and 68% of SSBs induced by As and H(2)O(2), respectively, were repaired in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes by 2-hr repair incubation, but about 34% and 43%, respectively, were repaired in unstimulated cells. About 40% and 49% of base damage induced by As and H(2)O(2), respectively, were repaired in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes, but about 19% and 21%, respectively, were repaired in unstimulated cells. These results indicated that As induced oxidative DNA damage in human lymphocytes at micromolar concentrations. The damaged bases could be chiefly purines or formamidopyrimidines. Like the damage induced by H(2)O(2), As-induced DNA damage was repaired more slowly in unstimulated lymphocytes.

Evaluation of gelatin microspheres for nasal and intramuscular administrations of salmon calcitonin

The suitability of gelatin microspheres for nasal and intramuscular delivery of salmon calcitonin (sCT) was examined. Negatively and positively charged gelatin microspheres were prepared using acidic gelatin [isoelectric point (IEP) value of 5.0] and basic gelatin (IEP=9.0), respectively. The average diameters of positively charged gelatin microspheres in their dried state were 3.4, 11.2, 22.5 and 71.5 microm, while that of negatively charged gelatin microspheres was 10.9 microm. Both types of gelatin microspheres were capable of adhering to the nasal mucosa. The mucoadhesion of positively charged gelatin microspheres was significantly higher than that of their negatively charged counterparts. The absorption of sCT after intranasal and intramuscular administration was evaluated by calculating the area above the hypocalcemic-time curve (AAC) in rats. The AAC values after nasal administration of sCT in positively and negatively charged gelatin microspheres were significantly greater than that in pH 7.0 PBS. Therefore, the nasal absorption of sCT was enhanced by both types of gelatin microspheres. The hypocalcemic effect after administration of sCT in positively charged gelatin microspheres of 11.2 microm was significantly greater than that of negatively charged gelatin microspheres of the same size. On the other hand, AAC values were not affected by their particle sizes. The AAC values after the intramuscular administration of sCT in positively and negatively charged gelatin microspheres were significantly increased compared to that in PBS. Furthermore, the time-courses of the plasma calcium levels differed between positively and negatively charged gelatin microspheres. The hypocalcemic effect of the negatively charged gelatin microspheres tended to appear more slowly and last longer compared to that of positively charged gelatin microspheres. The hypocalcemic effects after intramuscular administration of sCT in gelatin microspheres were not affected by their particle sizes as well as those after intranasal administration. In conclusion, the gelatin microspheres have been shown to be a useful vehicle for nasal or intramuscular delivery of sCT.

Alveolar Macrophages that Phagocytose Apoptotic Neutrophils Produce Hepatocyte Growth Factor during Bacterial Pneumonia in Mice

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is postulated to play an important role in the repair of pulmonary epithelium in acute lung injury. To evaluate the role of HGF in bacterial pneumonia, the kinetics of HGF production and the cellular sources of HGF have been examined in the lungs of mice that had been intratracheally challenged with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Neutrophil accumulation in the airway occurred immediately, reached a peak at 36 h, and then progressively declined by 14 d after infection. We found a biphasic pattern of HGF messenger RNA expression and protein synthesis in the lung after bacterial infection. The first peak for HGF production was found at 6 h after infection, and the primary source of HGF was shown to be bronchial epithelial cells. Interestingly, the second peak for HGF production, which was found around 48 to 72 h after infection, was closely associated with the increase in the percentage of alveolar macrophages (AMs) that became positive for myeloperoxidase, indicating phagocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils. The cellular source of the second peak was found to be AMs. Further, murine AMs which phagocytosed apoptotic neutrophils induced higher levels of HGF production in vitro. These results strongly indicate a novel mechanism of HGF production by AMs, which are phagocytosing apoptotic neutrophils, and the pivotal role of AMs in the healing and repair of damaged pulmonary epithelium through the production of HGF.

Lifestyles and mental health status are associated with natural killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell activities

We investigated the association of lifestyle and mental health status with natural killer (NK) cell and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activities in healthy males. NK cell activity was determined in 105 male workers and LAK cell activity was determined in 54 male workers. Peripheral blood was obtained from each subject and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from the blood. These PBMC were used as effector cells. LAK cells were generated by incubation of PBMC with interleukin-2 for 72 h. NK cell activity against NK-sensitive K562 cells and LAK cell activity against NK-resistant Raji cells were examined by 51Cr release assay. Overall lifestyles were evaluated according to the answers on a questionnaire regarding eight health practices (cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, eating breakfast, hours of sleep, hours of work, physical exercise, nutritional balance, mental stress). Subjects with a good overall lifestyle showed significantly higher NK cell (P < 0.05) and LAK cell (P < 0.05) activities than those with a poor overall lifestyles. Among eight lifestyle factors, cigarette smoking has relatively strong effects on NK cell and LAK cell activities. Subjects who complained of unstable mental status had significantly lower NK cell activity than those who reported stable mental status. When subjects were divided into four groups by lifestyle and mental health status, subjects who had poor or moderate lifestyle and reported unstable mental status showed the lowest NK cell activity and subjects who had good lifestyle and reported stable mental status showed the highest NK cell activity among four groups.

Sodium nitroprusside-induced seizure and taurine release from rat hippocampus

We have recently reported that the nitric oxide (NO) donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), induces seizures which are associated with an increase in the basal release of aspartate and glutamate from rat hippocampus (Kaku et al., 1998). In order to determine whether taurine release occurs with SNP-induced seizures, we examined the effects of NO-related compounds, i.e., the NO trapper, diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC), the superoxide radical scavenger, dithiothreitol (DTT), the xanthine oxidase inhibitor, oxypurinol and the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazole(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), on SNP-induced seizures and in vivo taurine release from rat hippocampus using microdialysis. Perfusion with 0.5mM SNP provoked seizures and significantly increased taurine release, with the increase in release occurring primarily during reperfusion with artificial cerebrospinal fluid lacking SNP. Perfusion with 5mM DETC significantly abolished the SNP-induced seizures and reduced taurine release during and after perfusion with the drugs. Perfusion with 1mM DTT significantly reduced both the frequency of the SNP-induced seizures and taurine release during and after perfusion with the drugs. Perfusion with 1 mM oxypurinol or 0.5 mM ODQ did not reduce the frequency of the SNP-induced seizures, but tended to decrease taurine release during and after perfusion with the drugs. These results demonstrate that SNP-induced seizures are triggered by an increase in both NO and peroxynitrite and are related to an increase in taurine release from rat hippocampus.

Effects of low-viscosity sodium hyaluronate preparation on the pulmonary absorption of rh-insulin in rats

PURPOSE

A low-viscosity formulation for pulmonary delivery of rh-insulin as model peptide drugs was developed using a solution of sodium hyaluronate.

METHOD

The effects of different concentrations and pH values of low-viscosity solutions of hyaluronate on the pulmonary absorption of rh-insulin were examined after intratracheal administration in rats. The permeation of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (molecular weight 4300; FD-4) and insulin through excised rat trachea in vitro were also examined.

RESULTS

The hyaluronate (2140 kDa) solutions (0.1% and 0.2% w/v) at pH 7.0 significantly enhanced the pharmacological availability (PAB) of insulin compared to the aqueous solution of insulin at pH 7.0. The absorption-enhancing effect at a concentration of 0.1% w/v hyaluronate was greater than that at a concentration of 0.2% w/v hyaluronate. Furthermore, the greatest absorption-enhancing effect was obtained, regardless of the molecular weight of hyaluronate, when the concentration of hyaluronate was adjusted to 0.47 microM. Absorption-enhancing effects were consistent with the effect of a 0.1 w/v hyaluronate preparation at pH 4.0 and 7.0 on the permeation of FITC-dextran and insulin through excised rat trachea in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Low-viscosity hyaluronate preparation was shown to be a useful vehicle for pulmonary delivery of peptide drugs.

Lifestyle, stress and cortisol response: Review II : Lifestyle

To prevent lifestyle related diseases, it is important to modify lifestyle behavior. The control of mental stress level and prevention of mental stress-related diseases have become one of the most important problems in Japan. To check mental stress level objectively during the early stage of stress-related diseases and determine appropriate coping methods, it is necessary to design a useful index for mental stress. Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex. This is an essential hormone to human survival, and plays a key role in adaptation to stress. In another review, we concluded that cortisol appears to be an adequate index for mental stress.However, lifestyle factors such as alcohol drinking, smoking, lack of exercise etc., are strongly associated with mental stress. Thus, in this review, we focus on the relationship between cortisol and lifestyle.The present findings suggested that lifestyle factors; smoking, alcohol drinking, exercise, sleep and nutrition are strongly associated with cortisol levels, and it may be impossible to determine whether alterations in cortisol levels are due to mental stress.It was suggested that those lifestyle effects on not only mental stress itself but also cortisol levels should be considered, when assessing mental stress by cortisol levels.

Influence of natural and synthetic compounds on cell surface expression of cell adhesion molecules, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1

Various natural and synthetic compounds including alkaloids, terpenoids and phenolics were tested for inhibition of the cell surface expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), both of which are crucial in the regulation of immune response and inflammation. Of 40 compounds tested, two compounds significantly downregulated the expression of VCAM-1 on murine endothelial cells (F-2) and ten compounds that of ICAM-1 on mouse myeloid leukemia cells (M1). Sanguinarine chloride (5) and isoliquiritigenin (13) were capable of lowering the levels of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. The structure-activity relationships study on chalcone and flavone derivatives related to 13 suggested that the inhibitory activity of the chalcone derivatives is attributable to the 4-hydroxy group as well as the possible coplanarity between the phenyl ring and the adjacent conjugated ketone.

Granular cell tumor of the male breast: report of a case

We treated a 35-year-old male with a granular cell tumor in the right breast. Physical examination revealed a solid, flattened, round 3.2 x 2.5-cm mass with an irregular surface, covering skin fixation and right axillary lymphadenopathy. Mammography revealed a well-demarcated high-density mass with a minimal starburst appearance. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic, nonhomogeneous mass with an acoustic shadow. Several enlarged lymph nodes in the right axilla were removed at the time of breast tumor excision. Histologically, the tumor featured nests of round or polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules and small round nuclei, and the enlarged lymph nodes in the right axilla exhibited no metastasis. Immunohistochemically, there was positive staining for S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, and vimentin. The tumor also stained for macrophage CD-68, alpha1-antichymotrypsin, and myoglobin. These immunohistochemical findings suggested the tumor cells to be undifferentiated mesenchymal cells which demonstrated the properties of neurogenic cells and histiocytes.

Sodium nitroprusside-induced seizures and adenosine release in rat hippocampus

In the present study, we examined the effects of nitric oxide (NO)-related compounds, i.e. sodium nitroprusside (NO donor), diethyldithiocarbamate (NO trapper) and dithiothreitol (superoxide radical scavenger) on release of aspartate and adenosine from rat hippocampus using electrophysiological and microdialysis methods. Perfusion with 0.05 or 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside significantly reduced high K(+)-evoked release of aspartate during high K(+) perfusion. Perfusion with 0.5 mM sodium nitroprusside always induced seizures and significantly increased release of aspartate and adenosine during washout of sodium nitroprusside. Diethyldithiocarbamate (5 mM) reversed the effects of sodium nitroprusside. Dithiothreitol (1 mM) significantly reduced the increase in adenosine release by sodium nitroprusside. These findings indicate that adenosine release is closely related to development of seizures, which are triggered by an increase in both NO itself and in part peroxynitrite, which results in reaction with superoxide radicals.

Health practice in Islam -The cultural dependence of the lifestyle formation-

Islam is a religion that was established in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad who was commissioned as a Messenger of God. It is also the modern or latest version of the message sent by God through some prophets, e.g. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus. Not only is it associated with the mental aspect, however, it also impacts every part of life, from eating and sleeping to working and playing. It can be, therefore, considered a way of life.Meanwhile, one's lifestyle has recently come to have great meaning especially in the developed countries. Methods to assess lifestyle are suggested by some authorities such as Breslow and Morimoto. Accordingly, we have tried to investigate whether Muslims, the followers of Islam, have a desirable lifestyle as defined in today's terms, i.e. the cultural dependence of the lifestyle formation.As a result, Muslims seeking to live in accordance with the doctrine of Islam may have a relatively good lifestyle. Islam may also be associated with the relief from the mental stress and give Muslims a guideline to live a happier life.

Molecular cloning, overexpression, and purification of a major xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae

The gene encoding xylanase G2 (xynG2) was isolated from a genomic library of Aspergillus oryzae KBN616, used for making shoyu koji. The structural part of xynG2 was found to be 767 bp. The nucleotide sequence of cDNA amplified by RT-PCR showed that the open reading frame of xynG2 was interrupted by a single intron which was 71 bp in size and encoded 232 amino acids. Direct N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed that the precursor of XynG2 had a signal peptide of 44 amino acids. The predicted amino acid sequence of XynG2 has strong similarity to other family 11 xylanases from fungi. The xynG2 gene was successfully overexpressed in A. oryzae and the overpexpressed XynG2 was purified. The molecular weight of XynG2 estimated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was 21,000. This was almost the same as the molecular weight of 20,047 calculated from the deduced amino acid sequence. The purified XynG2 showed an optimum activity at pH 6.0 and 58 degrees C. It had a Km of 5.1 mg/ml and a Vmax of 123 micromol/min/mg when birch wood xylan was used as a substrate.

Mechanism of oxidative DNA damage induction in a strict anaerobe, Prevotella melaninogenica

We investigated the mechanism of the oxidative DNA damage induction by exposure to O(2) in Prevotella melaninogenica, a strict anaerobe. Flow cytometry with hydroethidine and dichlorofluorescein diacetate showed that O(2) exposure generated O(2)*-) and H(2)O(2). Results of electron spin resonance with alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone and ethanol showed that O(2) exposure also induced *OH radical generation in P. melaninogenica loaded with FeCl(2) but not in samples without FeCl(2) loading. In P. melaninogenica, O(2) exposure increased 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), typical of oxidative DNA damage. Catalase inhibited the increase, but the *OH radical scavengers did not. Phenanthroline, a membrane-permeable Fe and Cu chelator, increased the 8OHdG induction. In FeCl(2)-loaded samples, induction of 8OHdG decreased. Addition of H(2)O(2) markedly increased 8OHdG levels. These results indicate that in P. melaninogenica, exposure to O(2) generated and accumulated O(2)* and H(2)O(2), and that a crypto-OH radical generated through H(2)O(2) was the active species in the 8OHdG induction.

Posttraumatic stress and lifestyles are associated with natural killer cell activity in victims of the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake in Japan

BACKGROUND

The relationships among mental health status, lifestyle, and natural killer (NK) cell activity, which plays important roles in the immune surveillance of tumors and viral infections, were investigated in victims of the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.

METHODS

About 1 and 1/3 years after the earthquake, 155 male workers who experienced the event were administered questionnaires concerning their unhealthy mental status, such as symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lifestyles, and demographic variables. Peripheral blood was taken from all of them to measure NK cell activity.

RESULTS

Subjects who had PTSD symptoms showed lower NK cell activity than those without symptoms. Subjects with positive lifestyles showed higher NK cell activity than those with poor or moderate lifestyles. When subjects were divided into four groups by lifestyle and PTSD symptoms, subjects with positive lifestyles and few or no PTSD symptoms showed the highest NK cell activity among the four groups. The other three groups were subjects with positive lifestyles but many PTSD symptoms; subjects with poor or moderate lifestyles and many PTSD symptoms; and subjects with poor or moderate lifestyles and few or no PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

PTSD symptoms and lifestyles were associated with NK cell activity in the earthquake victims.

Bioavailability assessment of disopyramide using pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modeling in the rat

The relationship between the serum concentration and the pharmacological effect of disopyramide was investigated quantitatively to estimate the extent of its oral bioavailability (EBA(p.o.) and to evaluate the drug interaction with miconazole, a CYP3A4 inhibitor. An integrated pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model was used to describe the relationship between the serum concentrations and changes in QT interval (pharmacological data) of disopyramide after intra-vascular infusion for 15 min (i.v. short-term infusion) to rats. A two-compartment model was applied to the pharmacokinetics of disopyramide. The pharmacological data after short-term infusion were well explained using a PK-PD link model. To validate the present PK-PD model. disopyramide was administered intra-vascularly in separate experiments, and the doses were predicted only from the pharmacological data. The model predicted doses were identical to the actual doses, regardless of the dosing rates. This result indicates that the PK-PD model used in the present study is appropriate, and that the relationship between the serum concentrations and changes in QT intervals is independent of the dosing (input) rate. When miconazole was co-administered orally 1 h before disopyramide infusion, the serum disopyramide concentrations were significantly higher than that following disopyramide alone. The raised serum concentrations under miconazole co-administration were well explained by nonlinear elimination clearance. The pharmacological effects of disopyramide under miconazole co-administration, were also greater than those following disopyramide alone. The results of the PK-PD analysis indicated that the enhanced pharmacological response under miconazole co-administration was simply caused by a pharmacokinetic change. The EBA(p.o.) values estimated from the pharmacological effects predicted the observed values reasonably well. In conclusion, we demonstrated following: (1) the pharmacological effect after intra-vascular administration of disopyramide is related quantitatively to the serum concentrations using a PK-PD model; (2) miconazole affects only the elimination clearance of disopyramide to enhance the pharmacological effect; (3) the EBA of disopyramide can estimated reasonably only well from the pharmacological data using the PK-PD model; (4) there is no dosing-rate-dependent or dosing-route-dependent pharmacological effect of disopyramide.

Relationships between cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, the ALDH2 genotype and adenomatous types of colorectal polyps in male self-defense force officials

Alcohol drinking as well as cigarette smoking has been associated with development of colorectal polyps, Asians such, as Japanese, Chinese and Korean have high frequency of genetic polymorphism in low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) gene which greatly regulates alcohol intake. In the present study, we investigated associations of this polymorphism and lifestyles with colorectal polyps in self-defense forces personnels in Japan. All subjects received colonoscopy at a retirement health examination. The ALDH2 genotype was determined using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Frequency of the ALDH2 genotype was not different between those with colorectal polyps (n=69) and those without the polyps (n=131). Smoking was associated with development of colorectal polyps (OR=4.7, 95% confidence interval=1.9-11.5) in the ALDH2 proficient genotype. The association appeared to be enhanced by drinking alcohol since a synergistic effect of smoking and alcohol drinking (> or =60 ml/day) was indicated (OR=9.9, 95% confidence interval=2.9-34.1) by logistic regression analysis. In the ALDH2 deficient genotype, however, we could not evaluate interactions of smoking and alcohol drinking on colorectal polyp development because of the small sample size of heavy alcohol drinkers. The genotype analysis would be useful in evaluating effects of environmental factors on outcomes for each genetically defined subpopulation.