Inhibition of Bach1 ameliorates indomethacin-induced intestinal injury in mice

BTB and CNC homolog 1 (Bach1) is a transcriptional repressor of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). It plays an important role in the feedback regulation of HO-1 expression, which protects cells from various insults including oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of Bach1 in intestinal inflammation remains unclear. In this study, the role of Bach1 in intestinal mucosal injury was elucidated using 8-week-old female C57BL/6 (wild-type) and homozygous Bach1-deficient C57BL/6 mice. Intestinal mucosal injuries induced by a single subcutaneous administration of indomethacin were evaluated macroscopically, histologically, and biochemically. Mucosal protein content and chemokine mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. Our results showed that the indomethacin-induced intestinal injury was remarkably improved in Bach1-deficient mice. Histological examination showed that the area of injured lesion was decreased in Bach1-deficient mice compared to wild-type mice. Administration of indomethacin induced expression of inflammatory chemokines such as KC, MIP1alpha and MCP1, which was suppressed in Bach1-deficient mice. Myeloperoxidase activity in the intestinal mucosa was also significantly decreased in Bach1-deficient mice. Additionally, Bach1 deficiency enhanced immunopositivity of HO-1 in the intestinal mucosa after indomethacin administration. Disruption of the Bach1 gene thus caused inhibition of mucosal injury, indicating that inhibition of Bach1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating indomethacin-induced intestinal injury.

Detrimental effects of glucocorticoids on neuronal migration during brain development

Glucocorticoids, the most downstream effectors of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, are one of main mediators of the stress reaction. Indeed, exposure to high levels of stress-triggered glucocorticoids is detrimental to brain development associated with abnormal behaviors in experimental animals and the risk of psychiatric disorders in humans. Despite the wealth of this knowledge, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of glucocorticoids on brain development remain unclear. Here, we show that excess glucocorticoids retard the radial migration of post-mitotic neurons during the development of the cerebral cortex, and identify an actin regulatory protein, caldesmon, as the glucocorticoids' main target. The upregulation of caldesmon expression is mediated by glucocorticoid receptor-dependent transcription of the CALD1 gene encoding caldesmon. This upregulated caldesmon negatively controls the function of myosin II, leading to changes in cell shape and migration. The depletion of caldesmon in vivo impairs radial migration. The overexpression of caldesmon also causes delayed radial migration during cortical development, mimicking the excessive glucocorticoid-induced retardation of radial migration. We conclude that an appropriate range of caldesmon expression is critical for radial migration, and that its overexpression induced by excess glucocorticoid retards radial migration during cortical development. Thus, this study provides a novel insight into the underlying mechanism of glucocorticoid-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Methionine-rich storage protein gene in the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis, is expressed during diapause in response to cold acclimation

Gene expressions of acclimatized and non-acclimatized diapausing larvae were examined in Chilo suppressalis using a subtraction technique. A gene encoding a methionine-rich storage protein, CsSP1, was cloned and its complete cDNA sequence was determined. Potentially, CsSP1 encoded a 758-amino acid protein, with a calculated molecular weight of 88.8 kDa. The expression level of CsSP1 was higher in nondiapausing larvae than in diapausing ones. The CsSP1 expression was up-regulated in diapausing larvae when the temperature of cold acclimation was shifted to 5 degrees C. The up-regulated level was maintained at 40 days after incubation at 5 degrees C. In nondiapausing larvae, CsSP1 expression was down-regulated when the temperature was below developmental zero. Involvement of CsSP1 in diapause, cold tolerance acquisition and postdiapause development in C. suppressalis is discussed.

Dynamics of magnetic domain wall motion after nucleation: dependence on the wall energy

The dynamics of magnetic domain wall motion in the FeNi layer of a FeNi/Al2O3/Co trilayer has been investigated by a combination of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, photoelectron emission microscopy, and a stroboscopic pump-probe technique. The nucleation of domains and subsequent expansion by domain wall motion in the FeNi layer during nanosecond-long magnetic field pulses was observed in the viscous regime up to the Walker limit field. We attribute an observed delay of domain expansion to the influence of the domain wall energy that acts against the domain expansion and that plays an important role when domains are small.

Usefulness of sparfloxacin against Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in patients with bronchial asthma

The efficacy of sparfloxacin (SPFX) for the control of bronchial asthma was evaluated in 26 patients with suspected Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. Patients were randomly allocated to receive SPFX 200 mg/day (n = 14) or control treatment (n = 12) for 21 days. Significant improvements in serum C-reactive protein levels, and significant decreases in peripheral eosinophil counts, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and sputum ECP were observed in the SPFX-treated group at day 21. SPFX-treated patients also had a significantly reduced frequency of asthma symptoms, reduced inhalant beta2-stimulant use, and significant increases in morning peak expiratory flow. At the end of the study, C. pneumoniae was undetectable in two SPFX-treated patients who underwent polymerase chain reaction testing, but one control patient who was tested still had detectable levels of C. pneumoniae. These results suggest that SPFX could be used to control bronchial asthma in patients with suspected persistent C. pneumoniae infection.

Myocardial carnitine palmitoyltransferase I as a target for oxidative modification in inflammation and sepsis

CPT I (outer membrane carnitine palmitoyltransferase I) is a crucial enzyme in myocardial substrate selection. Two isoforms exist in the heart, the liver (L-) and muscle (M-) isoforms, which have different kinetic characteristics and alter in relative amounts during the neonatal/weaning/adult transition. CPT I is a point for control and regulation of fatty acid oxidation via modulation of its activity by malonyl-CoA, the concentration of which is set by acetyl-CoA carboxylase, AMP-activated protein kinase and malonyl-CoA decarboxylase in response to, for example, alterations in glucose supply. Systemic inflammatory responses and sepsis lead to myocardial dysfunction as part of multiple system organ failure. We have shown that: (i) myocardial CPT I activity is inhibited during neonatal sepsis; (ii) on the basis of inhibitor studies this inhibition appears to be of M-CPT I rather than L-CPT I; (iii) nitration of M-CPT I occurs, probably by peroxynitrite, and this may be responsible for the decrease in CPT I activity; (iv) myocardial CPT I activity is also inhibited in another model of systemic inflammatory response, namely intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury, but this can prevented by whole-body moderate hypothermia. Inhibition of M-CPT I would be predicted to alter myocardial substrate selection but there are several questions that remain to be answered.

Concomitant use of buffered and enteric-coated low-dose aspirin products and antisecretory drugs

OBJECTIVE

Buffered and enteric-coated formulations of low-dose aspirin therapy are although expected to avoid gastrointestinal complications, there are reports that these modified products are associated with such complications. One available option for preventing aspirin-induced gastrointestinal complications is the simultaneous use of the agents that inhibit acid secretion such as H(2)-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors. We compared the frequency of prescriptions for antisecretory drugs between users of either buffered or enteric-coated low-dose aspirin.

METHODS

Monthly prescriptions at the National Cardiovascular Center for aspirin products and antisecretory drugs were counted from January 1998 to December 2002. Counting was based on information from a prescription database file compiled from a computerized order entry system. Time-series analyses were performed to determine changes in the frequency of prescriptions for low-dose aspirin products and antisecretory drugs. In addition, the frequency of prescriptions for antisecretory drugs was compared in individuals using either buffered or enteric-coated low-dose aspirin.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in the frequency of prescriptions for H(2)-receptor antagonists was observed during 2001 in users of enteric-coated low-dose aspirin compared with users of buffered low-dose aspirin users. In contrast, we observed a significant increase in the frequency of prescriptions for H(2)-receptor antagonists in users of enteric-coated low-dose aspirin during 2002. This change in prescribing H(2)-receptor antagonists in users of enteric-coated low-dose aspirin began in the latter half of 2001. Proton pump inhibitors accounted for 0.31% of prescriptions in users of buffered low-dose aspirin and 0.47% in users of enteric-coated low-dose aspirin, with this difference being statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study do not support the notion that enteric-coated low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of gastrointestinal complications and is safer than buffered low-dose aspirin products. However the usual caution about making inferences from observational retrospective data is appropriate.

Carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and the control of myocardial beta-oxidation flux

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase I is assumed to be rate limiting for beta-oxidation in all tissues. However, the concentration of malonyl-CoA in heart and muscle is high and is enough to completely inhibit beta-oxidation if this assumption is correct. In this review, we consider whether: (i) there is a malonyl-CoA-insensitive carnitine palmitoyltransferase I activity; (ii) the measured malonyl-CoA concentration in the heart is physiologically meaningful; and (iii) carnitine palmitoyltransferase I is rate-limiting for beta-oxidation in the heart.

Distribution analysis of epoxy groups in polymers by derivatization-electron probe X-ray microanalysis

An analytical method, referred to as "derivatization-electron probe X-ray micro-analysis (XMA)", has been developed to determine the distribution of a small amount of the functional groups in a polymer. The suitable conditions for the derivatization reaction with epoxy groups, which contribute to the hardening reactions of polymers, were investigated. It was found that epoxy groups in polymers were derivatized selectively using gas-phase esterification with hydrochloric acid (HCI). The most suitable amount of HCl in a 50 ml vial was 300 microl. After setting a sample in the vessel without directly contacting the reagent, by reacting the reagent and the sample at 25 degrees C for 1 h, the highest reaction yield and selectivity were obtained. By derivatization-XMA using this reaction condition, the measurement of the distribution of epoxy groups in the polymer became feasible. Actual applications to a depth analysis of epoxy groups in the hardened acrylic coating and epoxy resin proved that this method is useful for the characterization of polymers and for the study of the hardening reaction of polymers.

Modification of polysulfone with phospholipid polymer for improvement of the blood compatibility. Part 2. Protein adsorption and platelet adhesion

Protein adsorption and platelet adhesion from human plasma on polysulfone (PSf) membranes modified with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer were studied. The modification was carried out by blending of the MPC polymer in the PSf. The amount of protein adsorbed on the PSf/MPC polymer blend membrane was significantly decreased with an increase in the composition of the blended MPC polymer. The distribution of the specific proteins adsorbed on the membrane surface was also determined by a gold-colloid immunoassay. Albumin, gamma-globulin and fibrinogen were observed on every membrane surface after contact with plasma. However, in the case of the blended membrane, the density of the adsorbed proteins decreased compared with that of original PSf membrane. That is, the MPC polymer blended in the membrane could function as a protein-adsorption-resistant additive. The number of platelets adhered on the PSf membrane was reduced, and change in the morphology of adherent platelets was also suppressed by the modification with the MPC polymer. Therefore, the PSf/MPC polymer blend membrane had improved blood compatibility compared with the PSf membrane.

Modification of polysulfone with phospholipid polymer for improvement of the blood compatibility. Part 1. Surface characterization

To improve the surface blood compatibility of polysulfone (PSf) membranes, we prepared novel polymeric additives which have suitable blood compatibility. They were polymers with a phosphorylcholine group, a 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) unit. The MPC polymer could be blended with polysulfone by a solvent evaporation method during membrane processing, and a transparent membrane could be obtained. The mechanical properties of the blend membrane were similar to that of the original PSf membrane. Surface analysis of the blend membrane by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and dynamic contact angle measurement revealed that the MPC unit in the polymeric additive was concentrated on the surface of the membrane. The blend membrane significantly reduced plasma protein adsorption compared with that of the PSf membrane.

The fourth-compartment syndrome: its anatomical basis and clinical cases

We propose a new term, the "fourth-compartment syndrome" to describe chronic dorsal wrist pain of the fourth compartment. Five main causes responsible for this syndrome are thought to be as follows: 1. Ganglion involvement, including an occult ganglion; 2. Extensor digitorum brevis manus muscle; 3. Abnormal extensor indicis muscle; 4. Tenosynovialitis; 5. Anomaly or deformity of carpal bones. Should the above mentioned conditions occur in the fourth compartment, pressure within the fourth compartment increases, ultimately compressing the posterior interosseous nerve directly or indirectly. Anatomical studies of the fourth compartment of the wrist and the posterior interosseous nerve are presented and the fourth-compartment syndrome is summarized with twelve clinical cases (six cases of occult ganglions, two cases of extensor digitorum brevis manus, two cases of tenosynovialitis, one case of abnormal extensor indicis muscle, and one case of carpal bossing).

Significant decrease of serum vitamin A level in Japanese Black beef steers after introduction to a farm

Significant decrease of serum vitamin A (V.A) level in 4 out of 5 Japanese Black beef steers on day 7 after introduction was described in the present study. The feeder steers were fed the diets containing much more V.A than they required. In the farm where they were introduced, the productivity was high and the frequency was low in bovine cases of death and disease. The herd management; i.e. feeding method and environment of the farm were properly arranged. Results obtained from blood serum analyses revealed that health and nutritional status of the feeder steers were good on the day of introduction. The feeder steers, clinically healthy on the day of introduction, manifested mild bronchitis and diarrhea on days 2 and 10 after introduction, respectively, and slightly decreased dietary intake on both days. Serum V.A levels of the feeder steers were within the normal range. However, significantly decreased serum V.A level was detected in 4 feeder steers out of 5 on day 7 after introduction. This may be attributed to stress-increased V.A consumption rather than the decreased V.A intake.

[Developments of highly stereoselective domino reactions and application to medicinal chemistry]

Simple and highly effective methods for the synthesis of polycyclic ring systems via two types of intramolecular domino reactions are developed and presented. The first example is an intramolecular double Michael reaction, whose scope-limitation, mechanism and application to natural product synthesis are discussed. The intramolecular Michael-aldol reaction is the second case, which provides a nice method for the preparation of polycyclic compounds having a four-membered ring system. In addition, some related reactions of these methods are described.

[Usefulness of the prick test for anaphylactoid reaction in intravenous fluorescein administration]

We examined whether a prick test was a valuable method in comparison with an intradermal skin test for predicting an anaphylactoid reaction to intravenous injection of fluorescein solution. Fifteen hundred cases were tested. The number (rate) of positive reactions to the prick test with 10% and 1.0% fluorescein solution was 2 (0.1%) and 0 (0.0%), respectively. In contrast, positive reaction to the intradermal skin tests with 10% and 0.1% fluorescein solution was observed in 686 cases (45.7%) and 13 cases (0.9%), respectively. Fluorescein angiography (FAG) was performed in 1,499 of the 1,500 cases. Adverse reactions such as nausea, cough, cold sweat, urticaria, and shock were noted in 85 cases (5.7%). Typical anaphylactoid shock occurred in one case (0.07%), which was one of the two cases positive to the prick test with 10% fluorescein. In the other positive prick test case, FAG was cancelled because of the high probability of anaphylactoid shock. The results suggest that a prick test with 10% fluorescein solution can markedly cut down the false positive reactions and can be a useful test for the prospective diagnosis of anaphylactoid reactions to intravenous fluorescein administration.

[Adenosine deaminase isoenzymes in patients with Graves' disease]

CD26, the T cell activation antigen, is identical to the ADA binding protein and is considered to interact with ADA to activate the T cells on the surface. Therefore, we examined the activity of serum ADA isoenzymes in patients with Graves' disease in whom CD26 presented T cells were increased. The activities of total ADA and ADA2 were significantly higher in Graves' disease than normals. We also observed that the levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) and neopterin, markers of T cell activation, were significantly higher in Graves' disease. The correlation coefficients among ADA2, neopterin, and sIL-2R were significantly high (p < 0.001). Among these parameters, only sIL-2R was correlated with the thyroid hormones. ADA2 activity was considered to reflect the activated state of T cells and to be, independent of the thyroid hormone levels.