Effect of therapeutic immunization using Ad5/35 and MVA vectors on SIV infection of rhesus monkeys undergoing antiretroviral therapy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively slows the progression of AIDS. However, drug resistance and/or toxicity can limit the utility of ART in many patients. In this study, we assessed whether a viral vector-based vaccine can be used as a therapeutic vaccine in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected monkeys. The effect of vaccinating SIVmac239-infected rhesus monkeys with an SIV gag and gp120-expressing adenovirus (Ad) vector vaccine and a modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine was explored while being treated with ART. Rhesus monkeys were intravenously infected with 10 and 1000 TCID(50) (50% tissue culture infectious dose) of SIVmac239. Two months after SIV infection, the monkeys received a 4-month treatment with ART. Some of the monkeys were immunized with adenovirus-based vaccine and MVA-based vaccine with 2 months interval during ART. Viral load, CD4 count and SIV-specific immune responses were observed for 7 months after interruption of ART. The vaccinated animals had higher (i) CD4 counts, (ii) SIV-specific cell-mediated immune responses and (iii) anti-SIV-neutralizing antibody (Ab) titers than monkeys treated with ART alone. More importantly, the vaccination significantly reduced the SIV RNA load from animals infected with a low dose of SIV (10 TCID(50)). The anti-SIV cell-mediated and humoral responses induced by the vaccination was inversely correlated with a reduction in SIV viral load and positively correlated with an increase in CD4(+) T cell counts. These results suggest that vaccination can improve antiviral cell-mediated and humoral immunity, which may contribute to controlling viral replication.

Implications of bevacizumab on vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin in human choroidal neovascularisation

AIM

To evaluate the implications of intravitreal bevacizumab on proangiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with regard to the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin in human choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

Retrospective review of an interventional case series of 48 patients who underwent full macular translocation surgery with removal of CNV. Twenty-five patients were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection 1 to 154 days prior to surgery (bevacizumab CNV). Twenty-three CNV without any kind of previous treatment were used as controls (control CNV). CNV were stained for CD34, cytokeratin18, VEGF, endostatin and E-selectin. A "predominance score of VEGF over endostatin" (PS) was defined by the difference between VEGF and endostatin staining scores.

RESULTS

Bevacizumab CNV revealed a weaker VEGF expression in endothelial cells (p = 0.0245) but significantly more intense endostatin in retina pigment epithelium (RPE) (p = 0.0001) and stroma (p<0.0001). Consequently, PS was significantly lower in RPE (p = 0.02), vessels (p = 0.03) and stroma (p = 0.0004) in bevacizumab CNV. The intensity of E-selectin expression in bevacizumab CNV was comparable with that in control CNV.

CONCLUSIONS

A shift within the angiogenic balance in terms of decreased VEGF predominance over endostatin is detected in human CNV treated with bevacizumab.

Comparison of pre- vs. postmeal administration of miglitol for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients

AIM

alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors (alphaGIs) primarily modify postprandial plasma glucose levels and should be taken just before meals. We previously demonstrated that a single administration of miglitol within 30 min after the start of a meal was equally effective as when administered just before a meal. We here compared pre- vs. postmeal administration of miglitol for 3 months in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Thirty-one type 2 diabetic outpatients who had never been treated with insulin injections or alphaGIs were randomized to two groups: patients in group A were asked to take miglitol just before meals, while patients in group B were asked to take miglitol after meals. We measured 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) and HbA(1C) levels in these patients.

RESULTS

The administration of miglitol after meals for a 3-month period decreased HbA(1C) and increased 1,5-AG levels to the same extent as when administered just before meals. The incidence of adverse effects seemed to be unrelated to the timing of the miglitol administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that if patients have difficulty remembering to take miglitol just before meal, they should be instructed to take the medicine together with other medicine(s) after the meal; this instruction may improve the treatment compliance of diabetic patients.

Schnurri-2 regulates Th2-dependent airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness

Schnurri (Shn)-2 is a large zinc finger-containing protein, which plays a critical role in cell growth, signal transduction and lymphocyte development. In Shn-2-deficient (Shn-2(-/-)) CD4 T cells, the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB is up-regulated and their ability to differentiate into Th2 is enhanced. Here, we extend our investigation and demonstrate that Shn-2 regulates Th2 responses in vivo using an ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model. Eosinophilic inflammation, mucus hyperproduction and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were all enhanced in Shn-2(-/-) mice. Moreover, eosinophilic infiltration and AHR were enhanced in mice given a transfer of Shn-2(-/-) effector Th2. Shn-2 in Th2 is thus considered to play an important role as a negative regulator in allergic airway inflammation.

Critical YxKxHxxxRP motif in the C-terminal region of GATA3 for its DNA binding and function

A zinc finger transcription factor, GATA3, plays an essential role in the development of T cells and the functional differentiation into type 2 Th cells. Two transactivation domains and two zinc finger regions are known to be important for the GATA3 function, whereas the role for other regions remains unclear. In this study we demonstrated that a conserved YxKxHxxxRP motif (aa 345-354) adjacent to the C-terminal zinc finger domain of GATA3 plays a critical in its DNA binding and functions, including transcriptional activity, the ability to induce chromatin remodeling of the Th2 cytokine gene loci, and Th2 cell differentiation. A single point mutation of the key amino acid (Y, K, H, R, and P) in the motif abrogated GATA3 functions. A computer simulation analysis based on the solution structure of the chicken GATA1/DNA complex supported the importance of this motif in GATA3 DNA binding. Thus, we identified a novel conserved YxKxHxxxRP motif adjacent to the C-terminal zinc finger domain of GATA3 that is indispensable for GATA3 DNA binding and functions.

Progression rate of ALSFRS-R at time of diagnosis predicts survival time in ALS

The authors calculated the progression rate (DeltaFS) using the total revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) and symptom duration at diagnosis in 82 Japanese patients with ALS. Survival (death or tracheostomy) differed significantly with the DeltaFS and postdiagnostic period according to log-rank testing, but Cox proportional hazards modeling revealed no strong association between total ALSFRS-R and mortality, suggesting that the DeltaFS provides an additional predictive index beyond ALSFRS-R alone.

Complete nucleotide sequence of the new potexvirus "Alstroemeria virus X". Brief report

A flexuous virus was isolated in Japan from an alstroemeria plant showing mosaic symptoms. The virus had a broad host range but had systemically latent infectivity in alstroemeria. The virus was assigned to the genus Potexvirus based on morphology and physical properties and on an analysis of the complete nucleotide sequence. The genomic RNA of the virus was 7,009 nucleotides in length, excluding the 3'-terminal poly (A) tail. It contained five open reading frames (ORFs), which was consistent with other members of the genus Potexvirus. Although nucleotide sequences of the ORFs differ from previously reported potexviruses, a phylogenetic analysis placed it phylogenetically close to Narcissus mosaic virus and Scallion virus X. Therefore, we propose that this virus should be designated as Alstroemeria virus X (AlsVX).

Clinical manifestations of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with anti-cardiolipin antibodies

OBJECTIVE

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune syndrome where certain autoantibodies define clinicopathologic subgroups. In the present study, serum anti-cardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated aCL in sera from 21 patients diagnosed with CIDP in our hospital between 1991 and 2001. The four CIDP patients with aCL (aCL+) were compared with 17 patients without aCL (aCL-).

RESULTS

All aCL+ patients displayed sensory-motor polyneuropathy, with severity and distribution of weakness resembling those in aCL- patients. Anti-nuclear antibody titer of aCL+ patients were significantly higher than those in aCL- patients. None of aCL+ patients presented clinical manifestations of primary anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS), such as thromboses or recurrent abortion. Although the aCL+ patients were older and had more complications and more severe pathologic features than aCL- patients, they responded well to steroid pulse or intravenous immunoglobulin.

CONCLUSION

The aCL in CIDP apparently differ from 'autoimmune' aCL in APS, instead being among the autoantibodies pathologically involved in CIDP subgroups.

Opposite morphological responses of partially denervated cortical serotonergic and noradrenergic axons to repeated stress in adult rats

We examined plastic changes in serotonin (5-HT) axons following repeated stress in the adult rat brain, and compared stress-induced changes between 5-HT and noradrenaline (NA) axons. We locally injected the specific neurotoxin to 5-HT axons or to NA axons into the frontal cortex to cause partial denervation. The animals were mildly restrained from 1 day after the neurotoxin injection and this stress was repeated daily for 20 min during the first 2 days and for 40 min during the next 11 days. On the fourteenth day after injection, the brains were removed to visualize 5-HT and NA axons by immunohistochemistry. Repeated stress did not significantly alter the denervation area of 5-HT or NA axons, but the density of 5-HT axons was increased whereas that of NA axons was decreased in cortical regions outside the denervation site. In addition, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was increased in cortical regions where the 5-HT axon density was increased in response to stress. These results suggest that repeated stress causes opposite changes in the morphology of partially denervated 5-HT and NA axons in the cerebral cortex. The stress-induced increase in BDNF expression may contribute to 5-HT axon sprouting following repeated stress.

Scanning laser Doppler flowmeter study of retinal blood flow in macular area of healthy volunteers

AIM

To compare the interocular and intraocular differences of capillary perfusion, and the intraocular regional differences of retinal blood flow in the macular area of healthy volunteers.

METHODS

Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined in both eyes of 20 healthy volunteers with the Heidelberg retinal flowmeter. Blood flow measurements were made in a 10 degrees x 2.5 degrees area superior and inferior to the macula. The mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by an automatic full field perfusion image analyser program. The MBF in the right and left eyes and in the superior and inferior macular areas of the same eye were compared.

RESULTS

The ratios of the MBF in the right eye to the left eye in the macular areas were 1.00, and 1.03, respectively. The ratio of the MBF in the superior macular area to the inferior area was 1.01 for the right eyes and 1.04 for the left eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Because no significant differences were found in the MBF between the two eyes and between the superior and inferior macular areas in the same eye, interocular (for example, affected eye versus fellow eye) and intraocular (superior versus inferior macular areas) comparisons of MBF can be made to determine if changes in retinal perfusion have occurred.

Cooperative induction of 15-lipoxygenase in rheumatoid synovial cells by IL-4 and proinflammatory cytokines

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the role of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the expression of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX), whose metabolities are known to suppress the inflammatory reaction, in freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells.

METHODS

Adherent synovial cells were prepared by enzymatic digestion of synovia obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Protein expression of 15-LOX was determined by Western blot analysis. The messenger RNAs of 15-LOX were determined by reverse transcription and the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

Freshly prepared rheumatoid synovial cells did not express 15-LOX at either the mRNA or protein levels. IL-4 induced the protein expression of 15-LOX after 24 hours of culture. Although interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), major inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid synovia, did not induce the expression of 15-LOX, IL-4 and these inflammatory cytokines synergistically enhanced the protein expression of 15-LOX. The synergistic effect was also observed at the level of mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that IL-4 cooperated with the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 alpha and TNF alpha to enhance the expression of 15-LOX in rheumatoid synovial cells. Since 15-LOX metabolites have potent anti-inflammatory actions, our data suggest that IL-4 might downregulate rheumatoid inflammation via the induction of 15-LOX and its metabolites.

Resting T cells negatively regulate osteoclast generation from peripheral blood monocytes

There is accumulating evidence that T cells may be involved in osteoclastogenesis in a variety of murine systems. However, the precise role of human T cells in the regulation of osteoclast generation is still unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the effect of resting peripheral T cells on receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast generation from human peripheral monocytes. Although osteoclasts were not generated in the culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in the presence of RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), the addition of cyclosporine A (CsA), a potent inhibitor of T-cell function, resulted in the formation of an increasing number of lacunae resorption on dentine, suggesting T cells may inhibit osteoclast formation. In a coculture of T cells and monocytes, which were isolated from PBMC, T cells inhibited the osteoclast generation from monocytes, as determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and a pit assay using dentine. This inhibition of osteoclast generation by T cells was also observed in a culture of the parathyroid hormone-stimulated SaOS4/3 osteoblast cell line and monocytes. The culture in Transwell plates revealed that the cell-to-cell interaction was not required for the inhibition, suggesting that T-cell cytokines may be responsible for the inhibition. Among inhibitory T-cell cytokines on osteoclastogenesis, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were actively produced by CD4 T cells but not CD8 T cells in the coculture of T cells with monocytes, and the neutralizing antibodies to these cytokines partially rescued the T-cell-induced inhibition of osteoclast formation. Although CsA did not affect RANKL-induced osteoclast generation in the culture of monocytes alone, it completely rescued the T-cell-induced inhibition of osteoclast formation and strongly inhibited the production of GM-CSF and IFN-gamma. Thus, we demonstrate that resting T cells negatively regulate the osteoclast generation via production of GM-CSF and IFN-gamma by CD4 T cells and that CsA stimulates the osteoclast generation through the inhibition of the production of these cytokines. These findings provide new insight into therapeutic strategies for immunosuppression-induced bone loss in transplant and other diseases.

Synthesis of size-controlled cobalt ferrite particles with high coercivity and squareness ratio

Cobalt ferrite particles with diameters ranging from a few micrometer to about 15 nm were synthesized using a modified oxidation process. The fine control of the particle size was achieved by introducing various concentrations of Fe(3+) ions at the beginning of the reaction. Among the particle sizes obtained by using this method, particles with a grain size of about 36 nm showed a magnetization (M(s)) of 64 emu/g and a maximum coercivity (H(c)) of 2020 Oe at room temperature. The corresponding squareness ratio was found to be 0.53.

D-penicillamine cooperates with copper sulfate to enhance the surface expression of functional Fas antigen in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts via the generation of hydrogen peroxide

OBJECTIVE

D-penicillamine (DP) has been shown to cooperate with copper ion to inhibit cell growth in a variety of cell types. To determine whether this inhibitory action is involved in Fas-mediated apoptosis, we examined the effect of DP and copper sulfate on the expression and function of Fas antigen in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts (RSFs).

METHODS

The expression of Fas antigen on the cell surface was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to examine the protein expressions of Fas and Fas-ligand In addition, the amounts of apoptotic cells were determined by 4', 6-diamidino-2'-phenylindol dihydrochloride (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI) staining.

RESULTS

Although DP and copper sulfate alone did not affect the surface expression of Fas antigen on RSFs, both in combination augmented the Fas expression in dose- and time-dependent manners. The enhanced expression of Fas antigen on their surface was also observed in interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) and/or tumor necrosis factor a (TNFalpha) stimulated RSFs. On the other hand, the combination of DP and copper sulfate did not increase the amounts of cellular Fas protein, as determined by Western blot analysis. To determine whether the induced Fas antigen is functional, we examined the effect of DP and copper sulfate on Fas-mediated apoptosis, using an agonistic anti-Fas antibody. The treatment of this antibody induced the apoptosis in untreated RSFs, as determined by DAPI staining. The combination of DP and copper sulfate further enhanced the Fas-mediated apoptosis. The enhanced apoptosis and cell surface expression of Fas was completely prevented by catalase, indicating that hydrogen peroxide may be involved in these effects of DP and copper sulfate. The protein expression of Fas-ligand, a natural ligand for Fas antigen, in RSFs. was expressed in untreated RSFs. However, the protein levels were not modulated by DP and copper sulfate.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrated that DP cooperated with copper sulfate to enhance the cells surface expression of functional Fas antigen in RSFs. In addition, Fas-ligand was expressed in the RSFs. These findings suggested that DP might regress rheumatoid synovial hyperplasia via Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Microcirculation in the macular area of eyes with an idiopathic epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

To measure the microcirculation in the macula area of eyes before and after the removal of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) by vitreous surgery.

METHODS

Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined with the Heidelberg retina flowmeter in 12 eyes with an ERM before and 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy. Blood flow measurements were performed in a 10 x 5 degree area in the macula that was divided into superior and inferior areas. At least three measurements were obtained, and the mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. The ratio of the MBF in the affected eye to that in the fellow eye was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The ratios of the MBF in the affected to the fellow eye in the superior area before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were 0.73, 0.51, 0.77, 0.88, and 1.01, respectively. The ratios of the MBF in the inferior area for the same periods were 0.70, 0.52, 0.75, 0.83, and 0.98, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with an ERM showed abnormal hemodynamics in the macula that gradually improved after vitrectomy to a status comparable with the MBF of the normal fellow eye.

Clinical application of a new compact CT system to assess 3-D images for the preoperative treatment planning of implants in the posterior mandible A case report

When treatment planning before placing dental implants in the posterior region of the mandible, the locations of the inferior alveolar nerve and mental foramen need to be ascertained, as they determine the bone height available and the implant length selected. The purpose of this study was to introduce the clinical application of a newly developed compact computed tomography system (Ortho-CT) to assess three-dimensional (3-D) images for the preoperative treatment planning of implants in the posterior region of the mandible. To evaluate the 3-D images, we scanned using the Ortho-CT system the mandible with a radiopaque template placed in the posterior region. The Ortho-CT images provided excellent information for evaluating the morphology of the mandible, and for showing the location of the inferior alveolar nerve, mental foramen and the relationship of the template to the bone. We consider that Ortho-CT is a useful aid to preoperative treatment planning of implant therapy in the mandible.

Light induced apoptosis is accelerated in transgenic retina overexpressing human EAT/mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic bcl-2 related gene

BACKGROUND/AIM

EAT/mcl-1 (EAT), an immediate early gene, functions in a similar way to bcl-2 in neutralising Bax mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting that EAT is a blocker of cell death. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of overexpression of the human EAT gene on light induced retinal cell apoptosis.

METHODS

EAT transgenic mice incorporating the EF-1alpha promoter were utilised, and expression of human EAT was detected by RT-PCR. Light damage was induced by raising mice under constant illumination. Two groups of animals, EAT transgenic mice (n=14) and littermates (n=13), were examined by ERG testing and histopathology at regular time points up to 20 weeks of constant light stimulation. Electrophysiological and histopathological findings were evaluated by established systems of arbitrary scoring as scores 0-2 and scores 0-3, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean score (SD) of ERG response was significantly lower in EAT transgenic mice (0.79 (0.89)) than in littermates (1.69 (0.48)) (p<0.01). Although the differences between the two survival curves did not reach statistical significance (p=0.1156), the estimated incidence of electrophysiological retinal damage was higher in EAT mice (0.0495/mouse/week; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0347-0.0500) than in littermates (0. 0199/mouse/week; 95% CI 0.0035-0.0364). The mean scores (SD) for histopathological retinal degeneration were 2.31 (0.63) in littermates and 1.43 (1.22) in EAT transgenic mice (p=0.065). However, Kaplan-Meier curves for histopathological failure in two groups of mice showed that retinal photoreceptor cells were preserved significantly against constant light in the littermate compared with transgenic mice (p=0.0241). The estimated incidence of histopathological retinal damage was 0.0042/mouse/week in the littermates (95% CI 0-0.0120) and 0.0419/mouse/week in the EAT mice (95% CI 0.0286-0.0500).

CONCLUSION

Retinal photoreceptor cell apoptosis under constant light stimulation is likely to be accelerated in transgenic retina overexpressing EAT.