Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide stimulates collagen phagocytosis by human gingival fibroblasts

INTRODUCTION

Collagen phagocytosis by fibroblasts is involved in the intracellular pathway related to collagen breakdown in soft connective tissues. The possible role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in regulating this fibroblast function has not been elucidated so we investigated the effect of LPS from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, a periodontopathic bacterium, on collagen phagocytic activity in human gingival fibroblasts and associated regulatory mechanisms.

METHODS

LPS pretreatment stimulated binding of collagen-coated beads to cells and, subsequently, their internalization.

RESULTS

The LPS-activated collagen phagocytic process was enhanced in the presence of the soluble form of CD14 (sCD14) or LPS-binding protein (LBP), while the LPS/LBP treatment activated Akt and induced actin reorganization. Furthermore, these LPS/LBP-induced effects were partially suppressed by adding phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS disturbs the homeostasis of collagen metabolism within gingival tissue by facilitating collagen phagocytosis by gingival fibroblasts, and serum sCD14 and LBP positively regulate the action of LPS. In addition, the PI3K/Akt signaling is thought to partially mediate the LPS/LBP-stimulated collagen phagocytic pathway, which may be dependent on actin cytoskeletal rearrangement.

Changes of mental stress biomarkers in ultramarathon

We investigated the possible influence of an exhaustive physical exercise on mental stress biomarkers (serotonin, tryptophan, and beta-endorphin) along with dopamine, noradrenaline and free fatty acids in an ultramarathon race in which 45 km was run on the first day and 90 km on the second. We obtained serum samples at 6 different time points during and after the race from 18 Japanese male runners who completed the marathon. Overall changes of serum serotonin and tryptophan concentrations were statistically significant according to ANOVA for repeated measurements (p < 0.05). Serum serotonin levels elevated rapidly on the first day with the post hoc Tukey's test. Tryptophan concentrations inversely decreased during the race, possibly because of utilization for synthesis of serotonin. Levels of beta-endorphin appeared to increase on the first and second days, but were not statistically significant. In conclusion, serum serotonin, tryptophan and beta-endorphin appeared to be used for mental stress markers in physical exercise.

Clock gene dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome

Clock genes regulate mammalian circadian rhythms, and dysfunction of clock genes can contribute to various disorders. To investigate whether obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) influences clock gene function, the present authors examined Period1 (Per1) mRNA expression in vitro and in vivo. In eight healthy subjects and eight OSAS patients, plasma noradrenaline, serum interleukin (IL)-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and Per1 mRNA expression in peripheral whole blood were measured. Expression of Per1 mRNA in cultured cells was examined under IL-6 or noradrenaline stimulation in vitro. After noradrenaline was administered to mice in vivo, Per1 mRNA expression in the brain was examined. The concentrations of serum IL-6, hsCRP and plasma noradrenaline were elevated in OSAS patients, but improved by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy. Per1 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood significantly decreased at 02:00 h by CPAP in OSAS patients. Stimulation with IL-6 did not directly induce Per1 mRNA in vitro. Administration of noradrenaline induced Per1 mRNA in the cerebral cortex of mice in vivo. The current study revealed that obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome caused clock gene dysfunction, and continuous positive airway pressure helped to improve it. Sympathetic activation and elevation of the plasma noradrenaline concentration in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome may be one of the factors involved in disorders of Period1 mRNA expression.

Changes of Urinary 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine Levels during a Two-Day Ultramarathon Race Period in Japanese Non-Professional Runners

Using the urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration, effects of participation in a two-day ultramarathon race period on oxidative DNA damage were investigated in Japanese nonprofessional runners. Before the first day (baseline), after the first day (mid-race) of 40-km running, and after the second day (post-race) of 90 km running, biomaterials were successfully sampled from 95 participants (males, 79; females, 16) who completed the full race. We analyzed urine for 8-OHdG and blood for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and myoglobin, and evaluated fluctuation in the values at three sampling time points. Adjusted baseline urinary 8-OHdG levels (microg/g creatinine) (mean +/- standard deviation) showed no significant differences between males and females, at 2.85 +/- 1.17 and 3.04 +/- 1.56, respectively. In males, mid-race urinary 8-OHdG levels rose to 3.29 +/- 1.15 (p < 0.01), but then returned to 2.73 +/- 1.16 at the post-race time point (p < 0.01). In females, a similar increase to 3.32 +/- 1.47 and subsequent decline to 2.80 +/- 1.47 were noted. In contrast, AST, CPK and myoglobin were increased at both mid- and post-time points and particularly the latter, independent of the sex. Extreme prolonged exercise in a two-day ultramarathon race period causes oxidative DNA damage but antioxidant repair systems are apparently induced to protect against oxidative DNA stress with physical exercise.

Crystal and defect structures of La2/3 xLi3xTiO3 (x ~ 0.1) produced by a melt process

The crystal and defect structures of coarse-grained crystals of La(2/3-x)Li(3x)TiO3 grown from the melt by the Tammann-Stöber method were studied by transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The as-grown crystals of La(2/3-x)Li(3x)TiO3 have a Li-poor composition of La(0.57)Li(0.29)TiO3 and a diagonal-type unit cell of 2(1/2)a(p) x 2(1/2)a(p) x 2a(p) with the tetragonal symmetry [space group: P4/nbm (#125)] due to both the La-cation ordering and the tilting of TiO6 octahedra. The secondary La2Ti2O7 phase precipitates in the form of plates in the La(2/3-x)Li(3x)TiO3 phase with the orientation relationships of 001(p)//[100](La2Ti2O7) and {110}(p)//(001)(La2Ti2O7), which may cause detrimental effects to ionic conductivity.

Mapping of quantitative trait loci controlling tick [Riphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus] resistance on bovine chromosomes 5, 7 and 14

Differences in domestication and selection processes have contributed to considerable phenotypic and genotypic differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle breeds. Of particular interest in tropical and subtropical production environments are those genetic differences between subspecies that underlie the phenotypic extremes in tolerance and susceptibility to parasite infection. In general, B. taurus cattle are more susceptible to ectoparasites than B. indicus cattle in tropical environments, and much of this difference is under genetic control. To identify genomic regions involved in tick resistance, we developed a B. taurus x B. indicus F(2) experimental population to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to the Riphicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick. About 300 individuals were measured for parasite load in two seasons (rainy and dry) and genotyped for 23 microsatellite markers covering chromosomes 5, 7 and 14. We mapped a suggestive chromosome-wide QTL for tick load in the rainy season (P < 0.05) on chromosome 5. For the dry season, suggestive (P < 0.10) chromosome-wide QTL were mapped on chromosomes 7 and 14. The additive effect of the QTL on chromosome 14 corresponds to 3.18% of the total observed phenotypic variance. Our QTL-mapping study has identified different genomic regions controlling tick resistance; these QTL were dependent upon the season in which the ticks were counted, suggesting that the QTL in question may depend on environmental factors.

Distinct roles of Galpha(q) and Galpha11 for Purkinje cell signaling and motor behavior

G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate group I receptors (mGluR1s) mediate synaptic transmission and plasticity in Purkinje cells and, therefore, critically determine cerebellar motor control and learning. Purkinje cells express two members of the G-protein G(q) family, namely G(q) and G11. Although in vitro coexpression of mGluR1 with either Galpha11 or Galpha(q) produces equally well functioning signaling cascades, Galpha(q)- and Galpha11-deficient mice exhibit distinct alterations in motor coordination. By using whole-cell recordings and Ca2+ imaging in Purkinje cells, we show that Galpha(q) is required for mGluR-dependent synaptic transmission and for long-term depression (LTD). Galpha11 has no detectable contribution for synaptic transmission but also contributes to LTD. Quantitative single-cell RT-PCR analyses in Purkinje cells demonstrate a more than 10-fold stronger expression of Galpha(q) versus Galpha11. Our findings suggest an expression level-dependent action of Galpha(q) and Galpha11 for Purkinje cell signaling and assign specific roles of these two G(q) isoforms for motor coordination.

A short daytime test using correlation dimension for respiratory movement in OSAHS

In order to examine the pathology in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS), the nonlinear properties of respiratory movement and breath-to-breath variations during resting wakefulness with eyes closed was investigated. Recording of the respiratory movement using inductive plethysmography was performed on 14 patients with OSAHS and 13 control subjects for 2 h in the supine position during daytime. To calculate the correlation dimension (D2) for respiratory movement, an algorithm proposed by Grassberger and Procaccia was applied. The indices of breath-to-breath variations were estimated. To calculate D2 and breath-to-breath variations, two different segments were selected (200 s each). The value of D2 for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in control subjects. In the case of > or = 2.0 of D2 for respiratory movement, the sensitivity and specificity of detecting the presence of OSAHS was 85.7% and 76.9%, respectively. On the basis of breath-to-breath variations, only the coefficient of variation of expiratory time for respiratory movement in patients with OSAHS was significantly greater than that in the control subjects. In conclusion, the measurements of correlation dimensions for respiratory movement with a brief period during wakefulness may be a useful index for identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome.

Isolation and Characterization of a New Major Intestinal CYP3A Form, CYP3A62, in the Rat

Based on information of the nucleotide sequence obtained from rat genome clones, a new CYP3A (CYP3A62) cDNA was isolated from the cDNA library of a rat liver. The CYP3A62 cDNA was 1746 base pairs (bp) in length, which included 1491 bp of an open reading frame and 93 bp and 209 bp of the respective 5'- and 3'-noncoding regions. Amino acid sequence deduced from CYP3A62 cDNA shared the highest similarity with rat CYP3A9 (79.9%) among human and rat CYP3A forms previously reported. CYP3A62 mRNA and protein were consistently detected in small intestines as well as livers. CYP3A62 was a major form in small intestines of both sexes but was a female-predominant form in livers of adult rats. CYP3A62 in both tissues of male and female rats were clearly enhanced by the treatment with dexamethasone. These expression profiles resembled those of CYP3A9. Despite clear detection of CYP3A62, no detectable levels of CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 proteins, as well as those of mRNAs, were found in the intestinal tract. Therefore, CYP3A62 may play major roles together with CYP3A9 and CYP3A18 in endogenous or exogenous detoxification at the absorption site.

Structure and photodimerizations of 1-alkylthymines in single crystals

1-Alkylthymine gave four kinds of crystals depending on the solvents used. Photodimerizations of 1-alkylthymine in single crystals were found to depend on the crystal structure. In inactive crystals, the terminal methyl group of alkyl chains approached to the double bond of thymine, and inhibited rotation of thymine bases during photodimerization.

Viral DNA sequences of genes encoding the ATPase and the major capsid protein of tropical iridovirus isolates which are pathogenic to fishes in Japan, South China Sea and Southeast Asian countries

Tropical iridovirus infection causes severe epizootic resulting in mass mortalities and large economic losses in freshwater ornamental fishes cultured in Southeast Asian countries, in wild fish seedlings captured in South China Sea, and in marine fishes farmed in Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. All of tropical iridovirus-infected fishes histopathologically showed the systemic formation of inclusion body-bearing cells and necrosis of virus-infected splenocytes and hematopoietic cells. We designed primer sets for the ATPase gene and the major capsid protein (MCP) gene and sequenced the PCR products derived from 5 iridovirus isolates from sea bass in South China Sea, red sea bream in Japan, brown-spotted grouper with a grouper sleepy disease in Thailand, dwarf gourami from Malaysia and African lampeye from Sumatra Island, Indonesia. The ATPase gene and the MCP gene of these 5 viral isolates were highly homologous (> 95.8%, > 94.9% identity, respectively) and the deduced amino acid sequences of the ATPase and the MCP were also highly identical (> 98.1%, > 97.2% identity, respectively). Based on the high homology, these 5 isolates of tropical iridovirus from various fishes in geographically different regions were determined to have a single origin and to be native to Southeast Asian regions. However, these sequences were far different from those of members of the genera Ranavirus, Lymphocystivirus and Iridovirus in the Family Iridoviridae. We propose a new genus "Tropivirus" for tropical iridovirus in the Family Iridoviridae.

Theophylline chronotherapy of nocturnal asthma using bathyphase of circadian rhythm in peak expiratory flow rate

We studied the efficacy of theophylline chronotherapy for nocturnal asthma using the changes of the circadian rhythms in peak expiratory flow rate (PEF). Eight patients with nocturnal asthma were evaluated for the periods with nocturnal symptoms and with an evening dose of theophylline administered daily. Patients recorded their PEF every 4 hours on one of the days (from 7:00 to 23:00 h) in each period. Circadian rhythms in PEF were examined using the single and group-mean cosinor method. Significant circadian rhythms in PEF were observed in the period with nocturnal symptoms. When nocturnal symptoms were present, the bathyphase of PEF was present between midnight and morning. A significant circadian rhythm disappeared or PEF amplitude decreased during theophylline chronotherapy. The circadian rhythm in PEF was altered according to the severity of the asthma. In patients with symptoms present between midnight and early morning, an evening dose of theophylline chronotherapy can be prophylactically used for nocturnal asthma attacks. Consideration of the circadian rhythm and bathyphase of PEF is useful in selecting appropriate chronotherapy for nocturnal asthma.

One-way EZ-isomerization of bis(n-butylammonium) (Z,Z)-muconate under photoirradiation in the crystalline state

One-way EZ-isomerization of bis(n-butylammonium) (Z,Z)-muconate [(Z,Z)-hexa-2,4-diene-1,6-dioate] to the corresponding (E,E)-isomer quantitatively proceeded in the crystalline state under photoirradiation with a high-pressure mercury lamp, being a new type of crystal-to-crystal reaction.

Antidepressant drug treatments induce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) synthesis and release in rat C6 glioblastoma cells

Modulation of neurotrophic factors to protect neurons from damage is proposed as a novel mechanism for the action of antidepressants. However, the effect of antidepressants on modulation of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which has potent and widespread effects, remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that long-term use of antidepressant treatment significantly increased GDNF mRNA expression and GDNF release in time- and concentration-dependent manners in rat C6 glioblastoma cells. Amitriptyline treatment also increased GDNF mRNA expression in rat astrocytes. GDNF release continued for 24 h following withdrawal of amitriptyline. Furthermore, following treatment with antidepressants belonging to several different classes (amitriptyline, clomipramine, mianserin, fluoxetine and paroxetine) significantly increased GDNF release, but which did not occur after treatment with non-antidepressant psychotropic drugs (haloperidol, diazepam and diphenhydramine). Amitriptyline-induced GDNF release was inhibited by U0126 (10 microM), a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor, but was not inhibited by H-89 (1 microM), a protein kinase A inhibitor, calphostin C (100 nM), a protein kinase C inhibitor and PD 169316 (10 microM), a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor. These results suggested that amitriptyline-induced GDNF synthesis and release occurred at the transcriptional level, and may be regulated by MEK/MAPK signalling. The enhanced and prolonged induction of GDNF by antidepressants could promote neuronal survival, and protect neurons from the damaging effects of stress. This may contribute to explain therapeutic action of antidepressants and suggest new strategies of pharmacological intervention.

A patient with Wegener's granulomatosis with initial clinical presentations of Henoch-Schönlein purpura

The initial presentation of a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis was indistinguishable from that of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The patient presented with skin purpura and pulmonary hemorrhage followed by purpura in the colon. The diagnosis of this patient at that time was Henoch-Schönlein purpura. With time, massive lesions in the sinus and those with cavities in the lung became apparent, and a specimen obtained from the sinus massive lesion was disclosed to be granulomatous inflammation. Retrospectively, the proteinase 3 antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody turned out to be strongly positive in her stored serum from the time of the initial presentation.

Apolipoprotein J/clusterin is induced in vascular smooth muscle cells after vascular injury

BACKGROUND

Understanding the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of restenosis after PTCA may help us to develop a new strategy for the treatment of restenosis after PTCA. The purpose of this study was to identify the genes involved in vascular restenosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Applying a differential hybridization method to a model of the balloon-injured rabbit aorta, we identified 6 cDNA clones that were upregulated after injury. Northern blot showed that 5 genes, but not apolipoprotein J (apoJ)/clusterin, were constitutively expressed in noninjured aorta and upregulated after balloon injury. ApoJ mRNA was not detectable in noninjured aorta (control), began to be expressed at 6 hours after injury, showed a peak level at 24 hours (a 48-fold increase), gradually declined, and returned to the control level at 24 weeks. Western blot and immunohistochemistry demonstrated no expression of apoJ protein in noninjured aorta, an expression of apoJ at 2 days after balloon injury, and a peak level (a 55-fold increase) at 2 to 8 weeks. The expression of apoJ protein continued until 24 weeks after injury. In situ hybridization revealed that apoJ mRNA was expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of media at 2 days after injury and in SMCs of media and neointima at 2 weeks. To analyze the function of apoJ, stably transfected rabbit SMCs were created. The expression of apoJ stimulated proliferation and migration of SMCs.

CONCLUSIONS

ApoJ is dramatically induced in media and neointima after vascular injury, suggesting that apoJ contributes to restenosis after angioplasty.

[A case of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer responding remarkably to weekly chemotherapy with paclitaxel]

We report a case of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer showing remarkable response to weekly administration of paclitaxel. The patient was a 63-year-old man who had IIIB advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Though he received one course of cisplatin and etoposide, the tumor was not reduced. In addition, because of his nauseous response, he no longer wanted to receive that chemotherapy. The chemotherapy regimen was therefore changed to weekly administration of vinorelbine, but this was not effective. Next, after changing the regimen to the weekly administration of paclitaxel, the tumor was remarkably reduced following 3 courses. This case shows that weekly administration of paclitaxel may be an effective chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer not responsive to first-line chemotherapy.

Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of alpha- and beta-globin cDNAs from yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata

Two alpha- and two beta-globin genes from the yellowtail were cloned and their nucleotide sequences determined. The entire open reading frames of alpha-globin A and B genes were 432 and 435 bp long, respectively, whereas the corresponding values of the yellowtail beta-globin A and B genes were both 447 bp. Amino acid identity of the yellowtail alpha- or beta-globin gene compared with those reported in other vertebrates including shark, teleosts and human, ranged from 35.4 to 83.0%. The yellowtail alpha-globin B has a unique inserted amino acid residue in the 48th position, not found in other fish alpha-globin genes. The orientation of alpha- and beta-globin genes open reading frames was head-to-head.

[Induction of mucosal immunity to mycobacterial heat shock protein (hsp) 65 by colonic inoculation of plasmid DNA encoding hsp65]

Mycobacterial heat shock protein (hsp) 65 has more than 50% sequence homology with human hsp60 and immune responses against mycobacterial hsp65 may cross-react with human hsp60 and could cause autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Since the colonic mucosa is a main inflammatory site in IBD, mucosal immunity to hsp65 may be more important for the mucosal inflammation than systemic immunity to hsp65. We inoculated plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding mycobacterial hsp65 (pACB-hsp 65) into the colon of Wistar rats and evaluated the mucosal humoral immune response and the effect of these immune responses on the colonic mucosa. Four weeks after pDNA inoculation, significantly elevated titers of hsp65-specific IgA antibody were seen in fecal extracts of rats immunized intra-colonic mucosa with pACB-hsp65 (40 +/- 9 U/ml), whereas the fecal IgA antibody titers of rats inoculated intradermal with pACB-hsp65 did not arise (8 +/- 5 U/ml). Colonic inoculation of pACB-hsp65 induced systemic and mucosal immune responses to hsp65. However, macroscopic and histological examinations of the colonic mucosa inoculated with pACB-hsp65 showed no evidence of mucosal damage. These results suggested that the mucosal immunity to hsp65 on the colonic mucosa may not play a crucial role in the induction of colonic mucosal inflammation as was seen in IBD.

Clinical use of lidocaine for control of stroke oedema in the posterior cranial fossa accompanied by acute hydrocephalus

Intravenous Lidocaine, in combination with steroid and Mannitol was used in 17 critical cases to control posterior fossa stroke oedema with jeopardised upward or downward herniation. Lidocaine successfully provided time for observation to select 5 correct candidates out of 17, indicated for aggressive decompression surgery in addition to ventricular drainage for acute hydrocephalus. There is no 'Golden-Rule' for this situation but the use of Lidocaine has a place in the management of it.