Circulating concentrations of cardiac proteins indicate the severity of congestive heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that myocardium specific proteins may be useful markers for evaluating the severity of congestive heart failure.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of myosin light chain I (MLC-I), heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and troponin T (TnT) and plasma concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were determined in 48 patients with acute deterioration of congestive heart failure, both before and after effective treatment.

RESULTS

Before treatment, MLC-I (mean (SEM) 3.2 (2.2) microg/l), H-FABP (9.0 (3.5) microg/l), TnT (30 (21) ng/l), and BNP (761 (303) ng/l) were higher than the normal reference range, and concentrations of CK-MB (5.4 (2.9) microg/l) were near normal. Treatment of congestive heart failure with conventional medication significantly decreased the concentrations of MLC-I (1.2 (0.3) microg/l, p < 0.0001), H-FABP (6.0 (2.0) microg/l, p < 0.0001), CK-MB (2.9 (1.5) microg/l, p < 0.0001), TnT (9 (1) ng/l, p < 0.001), and BNP (156 (118) ng/l, p < 0.0001). The decreases in H-FABP and CK-MB concentrations after treatment correlated with the decrease in BNP concentrations (p < 0.05). The absolute concentrations of MLC-I, H-FABP, CK-MB, and TnT correlated positively with those of BNP (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that MLC-I, H-FABP, CK-MB, and TnT may be used as reliable markers for the evaluation of the severity of congestive heart failure.

Brain Malformations Caused by Retroviral Vector-Mediated Gene Transfer of Hippocampal Cholinergic Neurostimulating Peptide Precursor Protein into the CNS via Embryonic Mice Ventricles

Hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein (HCNP-pp) is a unique multifunctional protein, being not only the precursor of HCNP, which promotes the phenotype development of septo-hippocampal cholinergic neurons, but also the binding protein of phosphatidylethanolamine, ATP, Raf-1 kinase (known as "Raf-1 kinase inhibitory factor" in peripheral organs), and serine protease. We obtained a high-titer retroviral vector harboring HCNP-pp cDNA by the use of a modified packaging cell line and centrifugation, and by injecting it into embryonic mouse ventricles, we investigated the function of its gene product within the central nervous system (CNS). We found that efficient transduction into hippocampal pyramidal neurons can be achieved by injecting the vector into embryonic brain ventricles on embryonic day 14 (E14). Three days after receiving the intraventricular injection of the high-titer HCNP-pp retrovirus vector on E14, the tissues around the ventricles showed an overexpression of HCNP-pp. This was accompanied by a reduced amount of activated MEK and Erk (as analyzed by histochemical and Western blot methods), suggesting that HCNP-pp also regulates the MAP-kinase cascade within the CNS. Surprisingly, mouse brains that received the HCNP-pp retroviral vector showed massive malformation of the hippocampus and cerebellum when examined 30 days after birth. This shows that strictly regulated HCNP-pp gene expression is necessary for the normal development of the mouse brain, and that the moderate overexpression achieved by retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer is sufficient to cause severe abnormality of entire brain structures.

Inactivation of the E3/LAPTm5 gene by chromosomal rearrangement and DNA methylation in human multiple myeloma

Chromosomal band 1p34-36 is a commonly rearranged locus in many types of cancers. We cloned the breakpoint region of a chromosomal translocation, t(1;14)(p34;q32), found in the human multiple myeloma (MM) cell line, ODA. This rearrangement occurred between the nearby switch region of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) gene (Sgamma3) at 14q32 and the first intron of the human retinoic acid-inducible E3 protein (E3)/lysosome-associated protein, transmembrane-5 (LAPTm5) gene at the 1p34 locus. Consequently, the E3 gene, which is a hematopoietic cell-specific transcript induced by retinoic acid and located at the rearranged allele, was interrupted within its coding region and was not expressed in the ODA cell line in spite of the other allele still being intact. The expression derived from the remaining intact allele in ODA cells was silenced by DNA methylation at sequences within the first intron around a GC-rich EagI site. Interestingly, the silenced expression of E3 mRNA due to DNA methylation of intron 1 sequences was frequently encountered in MM cells [6/10 (60%) of MM cell lines tested], while E3 is expressed in normal plasma cells and in most other hematopoietic cell lines including those of B-cell lineage. Thus, as the E3 protein has been suggested to be involved in cellular differentiation and apoptotic pathways in certain cell types, our results suggest that loss of E3 gene expression might be a crucial event during the progression of human MM.

Molecular cloning and identification of 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate transporter

Nucleotide sulfate, namely 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS), is a universal sulfuryl donor for sulfation. Although a specific PAPS transporter is present in Golgi membrane, no study has reported the corresponding gene. We have identified a novel human gene encoding a PAPS transporter, which we have named PAPST1, and the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog, slalom (sll). The amino acid sequence of PAPST1 (432 amino acids) exhibited 48.1% identity with SLL (465 amino acids), and hydropathy analysis predicted the two to be type III transmembrane proteins. The transient expression of PAPST1 in SW480 cells showed a subcellular localization in Golgi membrane. The expression of PAPST1 and SLL in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae significantly increased the transport of PAPS into the Golgi membrane fraction. In human tissues, PAPST1 is highly expressed in the placenta and pancreas and present at lower levels in the colon and heart. An RNA interference fly of sll produced with a GAL4-UAS system revealed that the PAPS transporter is essential for viability. It is well known that mutations of some genes related to PAPS synthesis are responsible for human inherited disorders. Our findings provide insights into the significance of PAPS transport and post-translational sulfation.

Proteoglycan UDP-galactose:beta-xylose beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase I is essential for viability in Drosophila melanogaster

Heparan and chondroitin sulfates play essential roles in growth factor signaling during development and share a common linkage tetrasaccharide structure, GlcAbeta1,3Galbeta1,3Galbeta1,4Xylbeta1-O-Ser. In the present study, we identified the Drosophila proteoglycan UDP-galactose:beta-xylose beta1,4-galactosyltransferase I (dbeta4GalTI), and determined its substrate specificity. The enzyme transferred a Gal to the -beta-xylose (Xyl) residue, confirming it to be the Drosophila ortholog of human proteoglycan UDP-galactose:beta-xylose beta1,4-galactosyltransferase I. Then we established UAS-dbeta4GalTI-IR fly lines containing an inverted repeat of dbeta4GalTI ligated to the upstream activating sequence (UAS) promoter, a target of GAL4, and observed the F(1) generation of the cross between the UAS-dbeta4GalTI-IR fly and the Act5C-GAL4 fly. In the F(1), double-stranded RNA of dbeta4GalTI is expressed ubiquitously under the control of a cytoplasmic actin promoter to induce the silencing of the dbeta4GalTI gene. The expression of the target gene was disrupted specifically, and the degree of interference was correlated with phenotype. The lethality among the progeny proved that beta4GalTI is essential for viability. This study is the first to use reverse genetics, RNA interference, to study the Drosophila glycosyltransferase systematically.

Disposition of a synthetic analogue of lipid A (E5564) in rats

1. E5564, a lipid A analogue that potently antagonises lipopolysaccharide, is being developed to treat sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacterial infections. The pharmacokinetic profile of E5564 is independent of dose between 0.1 and 1 mg kg(-1). The distribution volume of E5564 is slightly larger than the total plasma volume, and the terminal elimination half-life is about 5 h. 2. Following (14)C-E5564 administration (0.5 mg kg(-1)), radioactivity rapidly accumulates in the liver and spleen. The half-life of E5564 in the liver is 5.1 h, which is similar to that in the plasma. At 48 weeks after dosing, 35.27% of the administered radioactivity was still present in the liver. Cumulative urinary and faecal excretion of radioactivity for up to 48 weeks after administration were 3.86 and 67.17% of the dose, respectively. 3. The results of mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis reveal that the main hepatic metabolite is di-dephosphorylated E5564. The half-life of di-dephosphorylated E5564 in the liver is 87.4 days, which is similar to that for the hepatic radioactivity. 4. The results indicate that E5564 is rapidly taken up by the liver, is metabolized via dephosphorylation pathways to form dephosphorylated E5564 and is mainly excreted in the faeces.

Short-interfering-RNA-mediated gene silencing in mammalian cells requires Dicer and eIF2C translation initiation factors

RNA interference (RNAi) is the process of long, double-stranded (ds), RNA-dependent posttranscriptional gene silencing (PTGS). In lower eukaryotes, dsRNA introduced into the cytoplasm is cleaved by the RNaseIII-like enzyme, Dicer, to 21-23 nt RNA (short interfering [si] RNA), which may serve as guide for target mRNA degradation. In mammals, long-dsRNA-dependent PTGS is applicable only to a limited number of cell types, whereas siRNA synthesized in vitro is capable of effectively inducing gene silencing in a wide variety of cells. Although biochemical and genetic analyses in lower eukaryotes showed that Dicer and some PIWI family member proteins are essential for long-dsRNA-dependent PTGS, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying siRNA-based PTGS. Here, we show that Dicer and eIF2C translation initiation factors belonging to the PIWI family (eIF2C1-4) play an essential role in mammalian siRNA-mediated PTGS, most probably through synergistic interactions. Immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that, in human and mouse cells, complex formation occurs between Dicer and eIF2C1 or 2 and that the PIWI domain of eIF2C is essential for the formation of this complex.

Possible dominant-negative mutation of the SHIP gene in acute myeloid leukemia

The SH2 domain-containing inositol 5'-phosphatase (SHIP) is crucial in hematopoietic development. To evaluate the possible tumor suppressor role of the SHIP gene in myeloid leukemogenesis, we examined primary leukemia cells from 30 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, together with eight myeloid leukemia cell lines. A somatic mutation at codon 684, replacing Val with Glu, was detected in one patient, lying within the signature motif 2, which is the phosphatase active site. The results of an in vitro inositol 5'-phosphatase assay revealed that the mutation reduced catalytic activity of SHIP. Leukemia cells with the mutation showed enhanced Akt phosphorylation following IL-3 stimulation. K562 cells transfected with the mutated SHIP-V684E cDNA showed a growth advantage even at lower serum concentrations and resistance to apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and exposure to etoposide. These results suggest a possible role of the mutated SHIP gene in the development of acute leukemia and chemotherapy resistance through the deregulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3)/Akt signaling pathway. This is the first report of a mutation in the SHIP gene in any given human cancer, and indicates the need for more attention to be paid to this gene with respect to cancer pathogenesis.

Reduced bone mineral density in Japanese premenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with glucocorticoids

Abstract We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) in Japanese female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and assessed the influence of the use of glucocorticoids. Lumbar BMD was measured by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 60 premenopausal females who previously had been receiving glucocorticoid therapy. Therapeutic- and disease-related variables for SLE were analyzed and bone resorption or formation markers were measured. Osteoporosis was defined as a T-score below 2.5 SD by DXA; 12 patients (20%) showed osteoporosis, and 30 (50%) had osteopenia. Compared with the nonosteoporotic group (n = 48), the osteoporotic group (n = 12) had a significantly longer duration of glucocorticoid treatment (P = 0.01), a cumulative prednisolone dose (P = 0.002), and an SLE damage index (SLICC/ACR). There was no difference in the incidence of osteoporosis either with or without the previous use of methyl-prednisolone pulse or immunosuppressive drugs. There was a significant positive correlation between urinary type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptides (NTx) and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) (r = 0.404, P = 0.002), but these bone metabolic markers showed no difference between the osteoporotic and nonosteoporotic groups. A good significant negative correlation was shown between BMD and the cumulative glucocorticoid dose (r = -0.351, P = 0.007). Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the cumulative glucocorticoid intake was independently associated with osteoporosis. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis was frequently observed in Japanese SLE patients, as in Caucasian populations. The cumulative glucocorticoid dose was associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis. Bone metabolic markers such as NTx and BAP were not influenced by glucocorticoid treatment and could not predict current osteoporosis in SLE patients.

lingerer, a Drosophila gene involved in initiation and termination of copulation, encodes a set of novel cytoplasmic proteins

In an effort to uncover genetic components underlying the courtship behavior of Drosophila melanogaster, we have characterized a novel gene, lingerer (lig), mutations of which result in abnormal copulation. Males carrying a hypomorphic mutation in lig fail to withdraw their genitalia upon termination of copulation, but display no overt abnormalities in their genitalia. A severe reduction in the dosage of the lig gene causes repeated attempted copulations but no successful copulations. Complete loss of lig function results in lethality during early pupal stages. lig is localized to polytene segment 44A on the second chromosome and encodes three alternatively spliced transcripts that generate two types of 150-kD proteins, Lig-A and Lig-B, differing only at the C terminus. Lig proteins show no similarity to known proteins. However, a set of homologous proteins in mammals suggest that Drosophila Lig belongs to a family of proteins that share five highly conserved domains. Lig is a cytoplasmic protein expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), imaginal discs, and gonads. Lig-A expression is selectively reduced in lig mutants and the ubiquitous supply of this protein at the beginning of metamorphosis restores the copulatory defects of the lig mutant. We propose that lig may act in the nervous system to mediate the control of copulatory organs during courtship.

The appearance of S-100 protein-positive dendritic cells and the distribution of lymphocyte subsets in idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia

Idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) is a progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology. We investigated dendritic cells in idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) immunohistochemically, using anti-S-100 protein antibody and anti-HLA-DR antibody and also evaluated the relationship between the distribution of S-100 protein-positive dendritic cells (S- 100 DCs) and the lymphocytic subsets in the lung tissue of NSIP. Fifteen patients with the pathological diagnosis of idiopathic NSIP and six patients with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) were recruited into this study. Many S-100 DCs were observed in all the cases of idiopathic NSIP but S-100 DCs were not recognized in UIP cases invariably. In the mirror section method, most S-100 DCs showed a positive reaction of anti-HLA-DR antibody but a negative reaction for anti-CD1a antibody. CD8 and CD4 positive lymphocytes were infiltrated diffusely around S-100 DCs. It was demonstrated that the infiltration of CD8 positive lymphocytes predominated in the fibrosing areas and lymphoid follicles around S-100 DCs more so than CD4 positive lymphocytes.We speculate that the pathogenesis of NSIP is different from UIP and that DC and T cell-mediated immune mechanisms may play a role in the development and perpetuation of NSIP.

Transforming growth factor beta1 gene polymorphism in rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease and synovial cells, antigen presenting cells, lymphocytes, and their cytokines might be associated with the disease. Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) has been reported to have important roles in unresolved inflammation, immune suppression, fibrosing processes, and angiogenesis. TGFbeta1 is highly expressed in joints in RA and is considered to be a regulator of anti-inflammation in RA. Polymorphisms of TGFbeta1 have been reported to be associated with the production of TGFbeta1 protein, and to increase the risk of acquiring several diseases. It was speculated that these polymorphisms might also be involved in RA, and therefore the TGFbeta1 codon 10 T869C polymorphism in a series of patients and controls was investigated.

METHOD

A total of 155 patients with RA and 110 healthy subjects were studied. DNA was extracted from peripheral leucocytes and TGFbeta1 codon 10 T869C polymorphism was determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment polymorphism.

RESULTS

A significantly higher proportion of patients with RA with the T allele (CT type or TT type) was found compared with the CC type (p=0.039).

CONCLUSION

The T allele, previously reported to be linked with production of TGFbeta1, may be associated with an increased risk of RA.

Selective apoptosis of tandemly duplicated FLT3-transformed leukemia cells by Hsp90 inhibitors

An internal tandem duplication of the juxtamembrane (JM) domain of FLT3, a family of ligand-activated receptor tyrosine kinases, has been found in 20% of cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and this mutation is correlated with leukocytosis and a poor prognosis. As a therapeutic approach, we previously reported that herbimycin A (HA) inhibited the growth of tandemly duplicated FLT3 (TDFLT3)-transformed cells (Leukemia 2000; 14: 374). Here, we have investigated the mechanism behind the cytotoxicity of HA, an ansamycin derivative which is now known to target Hsp90. The treatment with HA or another Hsp90 inhibitor, radicicol, induced selective apoptosis in TDFLT3-transformed 32D cells (TDFLT3/32D). The tyrosine-phosphorylation of TDFLT3 was inhibited by HA, whereas FLT3 ligand-induced phosphorylation of wild-type FLT3 (WtFLT3) was not. The downstream signal molecules MAPK, Akt and STAT5a were also dephosphorylated by HA in TDFLT3/32D. Immunoprecipitation analysis showed that TDFLT3 but not WtFLT3 formed a complex with Hsp90, and that the HA treatment dissociated TDFLT3 from the Hsp90 chaperone complex. These findings imply that targeting of Hsp90 will facilitate the development of anti-TDFLT3 therapy, and that Hsp90 is closely involved in the oncogenic activation of FLT3.

Requirements of high levels of Hedgehog signaling activity for medial-region cell fate determination in Drosophila legs: identification of pxb, a putative Hedgehog signaling attenuator gene repressed along the anterior-posterior compartment boundary

We show that high levels of Hedgehog signaling activity are essential for medial-region patterning in Drosophila legs. In mid-to-late third instar leg discs, high levels of Hedgehog signals repress the transcription of pxb, a newly identified gene encoding a transmembrane protein expressed specifically in the anterior compartment. Misexpression experiments indicate that Pxb may serve as a Hedgehog signaling attenuator capable of acting prior to Hedgehog-Patched interactions, suggesting that Hedgehog signaling in leg discs includes a pxb-repression-mediated positive feedback loop. RNA interference and clonal analysis show that neither Wingless nor Decapentaplegic signaling is required for pxb repression but high levels of Wingless signaling activity are essential for patterning in the leg ventral medial region.

Rnai: a new technology in the post-genomic sequencing era

The complete genome sequences and huge numbers of predicted gene sequences from many complex organisms are available. Reverse-genetic analyses of these organisms will now be necessary to understand what all these genes are doing and how their functions interact. RNAi technology is very useful in this regard for studying gene function, not only in these model organisms, but also in the organisms previously considered not to be amenable to genetic analysis. This treatment reviews the discovery of RNAi, advances in the study of the mechanisms by which this material impinges on gene-product expressions, and technical improvements that will allow RNAi to be applied to a wide variety of organisms.

Inducible expression of double-stranded RNA reveals a role for dFADD in the regulation of the antibacterial response in Drosophila adults

In Drosophila, the immune deficiency (Imd) pathway controls antibacterial peptide gene expression in the fat body in response to Gram-negative bacterial infection. The ultimate target of the Imd pathway is Relish, a transactivator related to mammalian P105 and P100 NF-kappaB precursors. Relish is processed in order to translocate to the nucleus, and this cleavage is dependent on both Dredd, an apical caspase related to caspase-8 of mammals, and the fly Ikappa-B kinase complex (dmIKK). dTAK1, a MAPKKK, functions upstream of the dmIKK complex and downstream of Imd, a protein with a death domain similar to that of mammalian receptor interacting protein (RIP). Finally, the peptidoglycan recognition protein-LC (PGRP-LC) acts upstream of Imd and probably functions as a receptor for the Imd pathway. Using inducible expression of dFADD double-stranded RNA, we demonstrate that dFADD is a novel component of the Imd pathway: dFADD double-stranded RNA expression reduces the induction of antibacterial peptide-encoding genes after infection and renders the fly susceptible to Gram-negative bacterial infection. Epistatic studies indicate that dFADD acts between Imd and Dredd. Our results reinforce the parallels between the Imd and the TNF-R1 pathways.

Transforming growth factor-beta gene polymorphism in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis patients

SETTING

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays an important role in many diseases, influencing as it does such processes as immune responses, fibrosing processes, and angiogenesis. Recently, polymorphisms have been described for TGF-beta that are associated with the risk of several diseases. In this study, we investigated whether TGF-beta 1 polymorphism has an effect on sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE

TGF-beta 1 Codon 10 T869C polymorphism was investigated in 110 healthy control subjects, 104 sarcoidosis patients, and 101 tuberculosis patients.

DESIGN

The TGF-beta genotype was determined using polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism.

RESULTS

We found no significant differences in TGF-beta genotypes between sarcoidosis patients and healthy controls or tuberculosis patients and controls. The long axis of the tuberculin skin test was larger in the CC type compared with the CT type. However, there was no association between the TGF-beta genotype and the roentgenographic stage, the disappearance of shadows, or organ involvement in sarcoidosis, nor any association between genotype, the extent or type of roentgenographic shadow, or detected volume of tubercle bacilli in tuberculosis.

CONCLUSION

From the results, we believe that TGF-beta polymorphisms on the whole do not have a strong influence on disease onset or clinical progression in sarcoidosis and tuberculosis, although this polymorphism might have an effect on the immune response in a tuberculosis host.

Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus infection in uzbekistan

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to elucidate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Uzbekistan and to explore whether there is a correlation between those blood-borne agents and socioeconomic risk factors.

METHODS

One thousand nine hundred and eighteen subjects were studied. The subjects were divided into a low-risk group, a high-risk group and a patient group. Sera were tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV in the general population was 13.3, 13.1 and 0%, respectively. The anti-HCV infection rate was significantly higher in intravenous drug users (62.7%) than in prostitutes (9.2%), homosexuals (11.1%), and medical laboratory employees (12.5%) (p < 0.01). In the low-risk group, positivity for anti-HCV increased with age from 2.2% in the 15- to 20-year-olds up to the highest rate of 17.6% in the 31- to 40-year-olds; the positivity then decreased to 0% in the group over 60 years of age. In the high-risk group, the positivity for anti-HCV in the age groups under 40 years was approximately 30% and significantly higher than in the low-risk group (p < 0.01). Risk factors for transmission of HCV were medical treatment in the low-risk group, drug abuse in the high-risk group, and both in the patient group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection is high, whereas HIV infection is yet uncommon in Uzbekistan.

Prognostic significance of the null genotype of glutathione S-transferase-T1 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: increased early death after chemotherapy

We investigated the prognostic significance of genetic polymorphism in glutathione-S transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), glutathione-S transferase theta 1 (GSTT1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), the products of which are associated with drug metabolism as well as with detoxication, in 193 patients with de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) other than M3. Of the patients, 64.2% were either homozygous or heterozygous for GSTT1 (GSTT1(+)), while 35.8% showed homozygous deletions of GSTT1 (GSTT1(-)). The GSTT1(-) group had a worse prognosis than the GSTT1(+) group (P = 0.04), whereas other genotypes did not affect the outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that GSTT1(-) was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (relative risk: 1.53; P = 0.026) but not for disease-free survival of 140 patients who achieved complete remission (CR). The rate of early death after the initiation of chemotherapy was higher in the GSTT1(-) group than the GSTT1(+) group (within 45 days after initial chemotherapy, P = 0.073; within 120 days, P = 0.028), whereas CR rates and relapse frequencies were similar. The null genotype of GSTT1 might be associated with increased toxicity after chemotherapy.

Clonality assay of hematopoietic disorders: significance of the buccal epithelium as non-hematopoietic control and of 95% rejection limit as a novel criterion for monoclonality

In clonality assays using X chromosome inactivation patterns (XCIPs), several factors such as constitutive and acquired XCIP skewing, lack of appropriate controls for hematopoietic diseases including multilineage disorders, and ambiguous criteria for monoclonality, have complicated determination of clonality. To address these issues, we studied the significance of the buccal epithelium as a non-hematopoietic control and the usefulness of the 95% rejection limit as a criterion for monoclonality. Sixty-nine females informative for human androgen receptor gene (HUMARA) were divided into "young," "middle-aged" and "elderly" groups. When XCIP correlation between the buccal epithelium, peripheral granulocytes, and peripheral lymphocytes was analyzed, the buccal epithelium showed a good correlation with granulocytes and lymphocytes in "young" and "middle-aged" groups, whereas the correlation was poor for the "elderly" group. For all age groups, there was an excellent correlation between granulocytes and lymphocytes. When we performed clonality assay for seven "young" and "middle-aged" patients with various leukemic phases using buccal epithelium as a non-hematopoietic control, all cases were accurately evaluated with the aid of a novel criterion, the 95% rejection limit. Our findings suggest that the buccal epithelium may constitute an effective control, especially when a non-hematopoietic control is required, and that the 95% rejection limit may serve as a statistically-defined criterion for monoclonality.

GPHN, a novel partner gene fused to MLL in a leukemia with t(11;14)(q23;q24)

We report a novel MLL-associated chromosome translocation t(11;14)(q23;q24) in a child who showed signs of acute undifferentiated leukemia 3 years after intensive chemotherapy that included the topoisomerase-II inhibitor VP 16. Screening of a cDNA library of the patient's leukemic cells showed a novel fusion transcript between MLL and the Gephyrin (GPHN) gene on 14q24. The resulting MLL-GPHN fusion gene encodes MLL AT hook motifs and a DNA methyltransferase homology domain fused to the C-terminal half of Gephyrin, including a presumed tubulin binding site and a domain homologous to the Escherichia coli molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein MoeA. Genomic breakpoint analysis showed potential in vitro topoisomerase-II DNA-binding sites spanning the breakpoints in both MLL and GPHN but no flanking sequences that might mediate homologous recombination. This suggests that MLL-GPHN may have been generated by VP 16/topoisomerase-II-induced DNA double-strand breaks, followed by error-prone DNA repair via non-homologous end joining. Gephyrin was originally identified as a submembraneous scaffold protein that anchors and immobilizes postsynaptic membrane neurotransmitter receptors to underlying cytoskeletal elements. It also is reported to bind to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate binding proteins involved in actin dynamics and downstream signaling and interacts with ATM-related family member RAFT1. Gephyrin domains in the chimeric protein therefore could contribute novel signal sequences or might modify MLL activity by oligomerization or intracellular redistribution.

Determination of hepatitis B virus genotype G by polymerase chain reaction with hemi-nested primers

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified into six genotypes designated A-F by sequence divergence in the entire genome exceeding 8%. Very recently, the seventh genotype was reported and named genotype G. HBV genotype G is distinct from genomes of the other six genotypes in that it possesses an insertion of 36 nucleotides in the core gene, and has been found so far in France and the United States. A method for determining HBV genotype G was developed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers deduced from the 36-nucleotide (nt) insertion in five isolates of HBV genotype G the sequences of which have been deposited in DNA databases. The validity of this method, for specifically detecting HBV genotype G, was verified on a panel consisting of 142 HBV isolates of six major genotypes and four of genotype G. A total of 540 sera containing HBV in Japan covering symptom free carriers and patients with a spectrum of chronic liver disease were tested by this method, but not a single HBV genotype G sample was found. A possible method for serological determination of hepatitis B surface antigen of genotype G is suggested, without amplification or sequencing nucleotides, which would expand epidemiological and clinical researches on HBV genotype G.

Aortopulmonary window and double aortic arch. A rare association

We report the case of a 27-year-old male patient with dyspnea on physical exertion. Clinical assessment and various tests led to the diagnosis of aortopulmonary window and double aortic arch. According to a literature search, this may be the first report on such association.

Synthesis of (-)-methyl shikimate via enzymatic resolution of (1S*, 4R*, 5R*)-4-hydroxy-6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-7-one

The synthesis of methyl (-)-shikimate [(-)-2] was achieved via lipase-catalyzed optical resolution of (1S*, 4R*, 5R*)-4-hydroxy-6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-7-one (3). Transesterification of (+/-)-3 and vinyl acetate with lipase MY and subsequent hydrolysis gave optically pure (-)-3. This compound was converted to (-)-2 in two steps.

In vivo effects of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, FK228, on human acute promyelocytic leukemia in NOD / Shi-scid/scid mice

Histone acetylation and deacetylation are closely linked to transcriptional activation and repression, respectively. In acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) have a synergistic effect with all‐iraws retinoic acid (ATRA) in vitro to induce differentiation. Here we report in vitro and in vivo effects of a HDACI, FK228 (formerly FR901228 or depsipeptide), on the human APL cell line NB4. FK228 had a strong and irreversible cytotoxicity compared with another HDACI, trichostatin A. In vivo administration of ATRA or FK228 alone partly inhibited the growth of established tumors of NB4 subcutaneously transplanted in NOD/Shi‐scid/scid mice, and the combination was synergistically effective. Histopathological examination revealed that the combination induced apoptosis and differentiation as well as histone acetylation. Intravenous injection of NB4 in NOD/Shi‐scid/scid mice followed by combination treatment significantly prevented leukemia death, whereas single administration did not. These findings suggest that FK228 is a promising agent to enhance ATRA‐sensitivity in the treatment of APL.

FLT3 tyrosine kinase as a target molecule for selective antileukemia therapy

Fusion gene products such as PML-RARalpha and BCR-ABL generated by leukemia-specific chromosomal translocations have been identified as target molecules for the treatment of leukemia. Here we describe one possibility for extending the frontier of mechanism-based medicine for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) preferentially expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells, frequently has a gain-of-function mutation in AML. To search for FLT3-targeted compounds, we screened the growth-inhibitory effects of several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) on mutant FLT3-transformed 32D cells. Herbimycin A at a concentration of 0.1 microM markedly inhibited the growth of the transfectants but at that concentration was ineffective in parental 32D cells. It suppressed the constitutive tyrosine phosphorylation of the mutant FLT3, but not the phosphorylation of the ligand-stimulated wild-type FLT3. In mice transplanted with transformed 32D cells, the administration of herbimycin A completely prevented leukemia progression. Recent studies have indicated that herbimycin A binds directly with HSP90, a molecular chaperone, and destabilizes HSP90-associated proteins. Another HSP90 inhibitor, radicicol, also induced apoptosis selectively in transformed 32D cells. HSP90 is a promising target for the treatment of AML with mutant FLT3.

CD34+-selected autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation conditioned with total body irradiation for malignant lymphoma: increased risk of infectious complications

Although high-dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (autoPBSCT) has been shown or confirmed to be an effective treatment for high-risk and relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), relapse after autoPBSCT remains a serious problem. In a clinical trial to overcome relapse, we adopted a treatment plan in which PBSCs purified in vitro to CD34+ cells to deplete tumor cells (CD34+ autoPBSCT), total body irradiation (TBI) of 1200 cGy, and melphalan, 180 mg/m2, were used as a preconditioning regimen. Eighteen patients with relapsed or high-risk NHL participated in the study. This study compared the incidence of complications following CD34+ autoPBSCT preconditioned with the TBI regimen (n = 10): the TBI group; CD34+ autoPBSCT with the non-TBI regimen (n = 8): the non-TBI group; and unselected autoPBSCT with the non-TBI regimen (n = 19): the unselected autoPBSCT control group. After day 30 posttransplantation, 6 of 10 patients treated with the TBI regimen developed 11 infectious complications in total, compared with only 1 of 8 patients treated with the non-TBI regimen and 4 of 19 patients given unselected autoPBSCT. Two fatal complications occurred in the TBI group, but none occurred in the other 2 groups. The CD4+ lymphocyte count at 1 month posttransplantation was significantly lower in the TBI group than in the unselected autoPBSCT group. These findings suggest that the addition of TBI to the preconditioning regimen for CD34+ autoPBSCT is associated with an increased incidence of severe infectious complications after transplantation.

Interphase detection of immunoglobulin heavy chain gene translocations with specific oncogene loci in 173 patients with B-cell lymphoma

To detect immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene translocations with specific oncogene loci, we established an interphase cytogenetic approach using double-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (DC-FISH), which we used to analyze 173 patients with B-cell lymphoma. DC-FISH using the IGH gene (14q32.3) in combination with c-MYC (8q24.1), BCL1 (11q13.3), BCL2 (18q21.3), BCL6 (3q27), and PAX-5 (9p13) gene probes detected IGH translocations in 70 (40.5%) of 173 patients. The partner genes involved in IGH translocations were identified in 56 (80%) of 70 patients, and fusion of the IGH gene with specific oncogenes was detected in 53 of 56 patients, particularly in interphase nuclei of 28 patients for whom cytogenetic analysis was not informative. The most common partner gene was BCL2 (19 patients; 27% of IGH translocation-positive patients), followed by BCL6 (16; 23%), BCL1 (11; 16%), c-MYC (7; 10%), and PAX-5 (2; 3%). These oncogenes were closely associated with subtypes of B-cell lymphoma. The other partners were 19q13 (BCL3), 6p25 (MUM1/IRF4), 1q36, and chromosome 8 identified in one patient each. Six of the nine patients with add(14)(q32) showed a BCL6/IGH translocation. Double translocations of the IGH gene were found in three patients; c-MYC+BCL1, c-MYC+BCL2, and c-MYC+BCL6 in each one. Interphase FISH using specific IGH-translocation probes is valuable for defining clinically meaningful subgroups of B-cell lymphoma.

Pregnancy-associated cytotoxic lymphoma: a report of 4 cases

The clinicopathological and biological significance of Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which are infrequently encountered in women of childbearing age, remains to be clarified. We recently reviewed 4 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the T/natural killer (T/NK)-cell phenotype, all of which were associated with pregnancy and characterized by the expression of the cytotoxic granule-associated proteins T-cell intracellular antigen-1 and/or granzyme B. The 4 cases selected had presented between November 1993 and May 1999. The criteria for selection were that the onset of clinical manifestations occurred during pregnancy or within 6 months after delivery. The patients comprised 1 patient with p80/anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), 1 with p80/ALK-negative ALCL, and 2 with peripheral T/NK-cell lymphomas of unspecified type. The diseases followed aggressive clinical courses: 3 patients died within 6.5 months after diagnosis, and only 1 was still alive with the disease 17 months after diagnosis. The diseases appeared to progress rapidly after delivery. Maternal immunity and hormonal changes during pregnancy may be closely related to the biological behavior of these unusual tumors. This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to address pregnancy-associated cytotoxic lymphoma.

Effect of interferon therapy on Japanese chronic hepatitis C virus patients with anti-liver/kidney microsome autoantibody type 1

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-liver/kidney microsome autoantibody type 1 (anti-LKM-1) among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected Japanese patients at various stages (chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma), and to assess the influence of anti-LKM-1 on interferon therapy.

METHODS

A total of 390 serum samples from 215 HCV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis (HCV-CH), 81 HCV-infected patients with liver cirrhosis (HCV-LC), and 94 HCV-HCC infected patients were subjected to examination. Ninety-one HBsAg-positive patients and 137 healthy subjects served as controls. Anti-liver/kidney microsome autoantibody type 1 was determined by using a newly developed ELISA using recombinant cytochrome P450 IID6 as the antigen.

RESULTS

Anti-liver/kidney microsome autoantibody type 1 was detected in six of the 390 (1.5%) chronic HCV-infected patients (four were HCV-CH and two were HCV-LC); in contrast, it was not detected in control groups. Among the 110 HCV-CH patients treated with interferon (IFN), four were positive for anti-LKM-1. No change in anti-LKM-1 immunoreactivity from negative to positive during interferon therapy was observed. Moreover, no increase in the serum alanine aminotransferase level was observed in these four patients with anti-LKM-1.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that: (i) anti-LKM-1 does not aggravate the liver disease associated with HCV infection; and (ii) no change in anti-LKM-1 immunoreactivity from negative to positive or no aggravations of liver dysfunction were observed among HCV-CH patients during the IFN therapy for Japanese patients with liver disease.

Ectopic expression of MAFB gene in human myeloma cells carrying (14;20)(q32;q11) chromosomal translocations

Chromosome 14q +, which represents a chromosomal rearrangement involving the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) locus, is a genetic hallmark of human multiple myeloma (MM). Here, we report the identification of (14;20)(q32;q11) chromosomal translocations found in MM cells. Double color fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses pinpointed the breakpoints at the 20q11 locus in two MM cell lines within a length of at most 680 kb between the KIAA0823 and MAFB gene loci. Among the transcribed sequences in the vicinity of the breakpoints, an ectopic expression of the MAFB gene, which is located at 450 - 680 kb telomeric to one of the breakpoints and encodes a member of the MAF family basic region / leucine zipper transcription factor, was demonstrated to be associated with t(14;20). This finding, together with that of a previous study describing its transforming activity, suggests that the MAFB gene may be one of the targets deregulated by regulatory elements of the IgH gene as a result of t(14;20).

Mutations in the novel membrane protein spinster interfere with programmed cell death and cause neural degeneration in Drosophila melanogaster

Mutations in the spin gene are characterized by an extraordinarily strong rejection behavior of female flies in response to male courtship. They are also accompanied by decreases in the viability, adult life span, and oviposition rate of the flies. In spin mutants, some oocytes and adult neural cells undergo degeneration, which is preceded by reductions in programmed cell death of nurse cells in ovaries and of neurons in the pupal nervous system, respectively. The central nervous system (CNS) of spin mutant flies accumulates autofluorescent lipopigments with characteristics similar to those of lipofuscin. The spin locus generates at least five different transcripts, with only two of these being able to rescue the spin behavioral phenotype; each encodes a protein with multiple membrane-spanning domains that are expressed in both the surface glial cells in the CNS and the follicle cells in the ovaries. Orthologs of the spin gene have also been identified in a number of species from nematodes to humans. Analysis of the spin mutant will give us new insights into neurodegenerative diseases and aging.

Hepatitis B virus genotype distribution among chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype distribution is still unclear in China, where a high prevalence of HBV infection exists, although it is well known that HBV can be classified into six genotypes based on intergroup divergence. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological distribution of HBV genotypes and to clarify further the genotype-related differences in the pathogenicity of HBV.

METHODS

Seminested PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were conducted in 97 asymptomatic HBV carriers (ASC) and 46 chronic hepatitis (CH), 37 liver cirrhosis (LC) and 44 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in Shanghai, China.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty samples (98.2%) were positive for HBV DNA, and of these, 3 (1.4%), 38 (17.2%) and 179 (81.4%) were classified as genotype A, B and C, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of genotypes B and C among various categories of liver diseases (p < 0.01). The distribution of genotype C showed an increasing trend from ASC, CH and LC to the HCC group; in contrast, the distribution of genotype B showed a decreasing trend in the same order. HBeAg positivity was higher in genotype C than in genotype B in all the subjects or in the ASC group alone (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). More severe liver damage and a higher mean age were observed in genotype C than in genotype B (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the following: (1) genotypes A, B and C of HBV exist in Shanghai, China; (2) genotype C is the major genotype in this area; (3) genotype C is associated with the development of severe liver diseases, and (4) genotype B has a relatively good prognosis.

Ganglioside G(D2) in small cell lung cancer cell lines: enhancement of cell proliferation and mediation of apoptosis

Expression levels of gangliosides and glycosyltransferase genes responsible for their syntheses in human lung cancer cell lines and a normal bronchial epithelial cell line were analyzed. Both non-small cell lung cancers and small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) mainly expressed G(M2) and G(M1), whereas only SCLCs expressed b-series gangliosides, such as G(D2), G(D1b), and G(T1b). Accordingly, many SCLC cell lines showed up-regulation of the G(D3) synthase gene. Consequently, we introduced G(D3) synthase cDNA into a SCLC line with low expression of b-series gangliosides and analyzed the effects of newly expressed gangliosides on tumor phenotypes. The transfectant cells expressing high levels of G(D2) and G(D3) exhibited markedly increased growth rates and strongly enhanced invasion activities. Addition of anti-G(D2) monoclonal antibodies into the culture medium of these cells resulted in the marked growth suppression of G(D2)-expressing cell lines with reduced activation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases but not of nonexpressants, suggesting that G(D2) plays important roles in cell proliferation. Moreover, G(D2)-expressing cells treated with anti-G(D2) antibodies showed features of apoptotic cell death at 30 min after addition of antibodies, i.e., shrinkage of cytoplasm, binding of Annexin V, and staining with propidium iodide, followed by DNA fragmentation. This G(D2)-mediated apoptosis was associated with caspase-3 activation and partly inhibited by a caspase inhibitor, z-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl ketone. The finding that anti-G(D2) antibodies suppressed the cell growth and induced apoptosis of SCLC cells strongly suggested the usefulness of G(D2) as a target for the therapy of disastrous cancer, although the precise mechanisms for apoptosis remain to be clarified.

Muscarinic cholinergic and glutamatergic reciprocal regulation of expression of hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein gene in rat hippocampus

Hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide, an undecapeptide originally isolated from the hippocampus of young rats, enhances acetylcholine synthesis in rat medial septal nucleus in vitro. Hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide is derived from the N-terminal region of its 21-kmol.wt precursor protein. The highest expression of the hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein messenger RNA is in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. In an in vitro rat hippocampal slice, preparation in which electrical stimulation could be delivered to the Schaffer collateral-CA1 pyramidal cell synapse, semi-quantitative non-radioisotopic in situ hybridization, demonstrated that expression of the hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein messenger RNA is regulated by neuronal activity. Selective inhibition with pharmacological agents revealed that the constitutive hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein messenger RNA level can be up-regulated by D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid, and that activity-dependent transcription can be inhibited by tetrodotoxin, nifedipine, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, and scopolamine, but not by mecamylamine. These results indicate that septal cholinergic neurons and hippocampal glutamatergic neurons exert a reciprocal influence over the expression of hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein messenger RNA in the hippocampus, and that the activity-dependent and constitutive expressions of hippocampal cholinergic neurostimulating peptide precursor protein messenger RNA may be regulated by different routes, involving calcium influx via L-type Ca(2+) channels and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

Mutagenic and nonmutagenic bypass of DNA lesions by Drosophila DNA polymerases dpoleta and dpoliota

cDNA sequences were identified and isolated that encode Drosophila homologues of human Rad30A and Rad30B called drad30A and drad30B. Here we show that the C-terminal-truncated forms of the drad30A and drad30B gene products, designated dpoletaDeltaC and dpoliotaDeltaC, respectively, exhibit DNA polymerase activity. dpoletaDeltaC and dpoliotaDeltaC efficiently bypass a cis-syn-cyclobutane thymine-thymine (TT) dimer in a mostly error-free manner. dpoletaDeltaC shows limited ability to bypass a 6-4-photoproduct ((6-4)PP) at thymine-thymine (TT-(6-4)PP) or at thymine-cytosine (TC-(6-4)PP) in an error-prone manner. dpoliotaDeltaC scarcely bypasses these lesions. Thus, the fidelity of translesion synthesis depends on the identity of the lesion and on the polymerase. The human XPV gene product, hpoleta, bypasses cis-syn-cyclobutane thymine-thymine dimer efficiently in a mostly error-free manner but does not bypass TT-(6-4)PP, whereas Escherichia coli DNA polymerase V (UmuD'(2)C complex) bypasses both lesions, especially TT-(6-4)PP, in an error-prone manner (Tang, M., Pham, P., Shen, X., Taylor, J. S., O'Donnell, M., Woodgate, R., and Goodman, M. F. (2000) Nature 404, 1014-1018). Both dpoletaDeltaC and DNA polymerase V preferentially incorporate GA opposite TT-(6-4)PP. The chemical structure of the lesions and the similarity in the nucleotides incorporated suggest that structural information in the altered bases contribute to nucleotide selection during incorporation opposite these lesions by these polymerases.

Activating mutation of D835 within the activation loop of FLT3 in human hematologic malignancies

Mutations of receptor tyrosine kinases are implicated in the constitutive activation and development of human malignancy. An internal tandem duplication (ITD) of the juxtamembrane (JM) domain-coding sequence of the FLT3 gene (FLT3/ITD) is found in 20% of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is strongly associated with leukocytosis and a poor prognosis. On the other hand, mutations of the c-KIT gene, which have been found in mast cell leukemia and AML, are clustered in 2 distinct regions, the JM domain and D816 within the activation loop. This study was designed to analyze the mutation of D835 of FLT3, which corresponds to D816 of c-KIT, in a large series of human hematologic malignancies. Several kinds of missense mutations were found in 30 of the 429 (7.0%) AML cases, 1 of the 29 (3.4%) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases, and 1 of the 36 (2.8%) acute lymphocytic leukemia patients. The D835Y mutation was most frequently found (22 of the 32 D835 mutations), followed by the D835V (5), and D835H (1), D835E (1), and D835N (1) mutations. Of note is that D835 mutations occurred independently of FLT3/ITD. An analysis in the 201 patients newly diagnosed with AML (excluding M3) revealed that, in contrast to the FLT3/ITD mutation (n = 46), D835 mutations (n = 8) were not significantly related to the leukocytosis, but tended to worsen disease-free survival. All D835-mutant FLT3 were constitutively tyrosine-phosphorylated and transformed 32D cells, suggesting these mutations were constitutively active. These results demonstrate that the FLT3 gene is the target most frequently mutated to become constitutively active in AML.

Genomic organization, transcription start sites, and chromosomal location of the Drosophila cortactin gene

An actin filament binding protein cortactin was initially identified as a major phosphotyrosine-containing protein in v-Src-transformed chicken embryo fibroblast cells. The mouse, human, and Drosophila homologs were independently identified as a signaling molecule involved in a mitogenic response, as a product of a putative oncogene EMS1, and as a molecule interacting with a scaffolding protein ZO-1, respectively. In this report, we describe the cloning of the Drosophila cortactin gene, which consists of four exons and three introns, covering 3 kilobases in length. All exon-intron junctions are well matched with the GT/AG consensus sequence. S1 nuclease mapping revealed one major and several minor transcription start sites. The cytological location of the Drosophila cortactin gene is between chromosome segments 93B3 and 93B7.

Improvement of splenomegaly and pancytopenia by enzyme replacement therapy against type 1 Gaucher disease: a report of sibling cases

Gaucher disease is a genetic lipid storage disease and represents a potentially serious health problem. It arises from a deficiency of glucocerebrosidase activity with secondary accumulation of large quantities of glucocerebroside. Symptoms are usually multisystemic, often debilitating or disabling, and sometimes disfiguring, and they can lead to death. We report objective clinical response's to repeated infusion of human placental and recombinant glucocerebrosidase in 2 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease and increased hemoglobin levels and platelet counts. Splenic volume decreased during the period of enzyme administration. Enzyme replacement therapy has improved the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease by safely and effectively arresting, decreasing, or normalizing many of its major signs and symptoms. Consideration by physicians must be given to Gaucher disease, and appropriate treatments must be given when confronted with cryptogenic pancytopenia or hepatosplenomegaly.

Non-specific interstitial pneumonia as pulmonary involvement of systemic sclerosis

The pathological features of lung disease in nine patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were evaluated. The patients comprised one man and eight women, with a median age of 58 years. SSc was diagnosed according to the criteria of the American Rheumatism Association. In all patients, high resolution computed radiographic scanning of the lungs (HRCT) was performed, and apparent honeycomb formation was seen in four patients. Pathologically, four patients were diagnosed with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), three with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) group II, one NSIP group II-III, and one NSIP group II with diffuse alveolar damage. HRCT showed no apparent honeycomb formations in patients diagnosed with NSIP. This is the first report describing NSIP as a pulmonary complication of SSc.

Elevated level of soluble HLA class I antigens in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with sarcoidosis

OBJECTIVE

Soluble HLA class I antigens (sHLAs) in human serum have been reported to be associated with allografts and autoimmune disease and could modify immunological reactions induced by membrane type HLAs. To investigate the clinical significance of sHLAs in sarcoidosis, we assessed concentrations of sHLAs in both serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and also examined their production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and BALF cells.

METHODS

Concentrations of sHLAs were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using a monoclonal antibody against HLA class I (W6/32) and an enzyme-labeled polyclonal antibody to human beta2-microglobulin. PBMCs and BALF cells were cultured in the presence or absence of either LPS or PHA.

PATIENTS

Serum levels of sHLAs were assessed in 96 patients with sarcoidosis and in 32 healthy control subjects. sHLAs concentrations in BALF were also investigated in 17 active sarcoidosis patients and in 13 control subjects.

RESULTS

sHLAs levels in both serum and BALF were higher in sarcoidosis cases than in control subjects (p<0.05, in both). In the patients, values were significantly higher in active than in inactive stages (p<0.001) and significantly correlated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels. Both PBMCs and BALF cells produced enhanced amounts of sHLAs in patients with active sarcoidosis compared with those in control subjects.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated that the level of sHLAs in serum is a useful index of disease activity of sarcoidosis, partly reflecting production by PBMCs and BALF cells.

API2-MALT1 fusion transcripts involved in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: multiplex RT-PCR detection using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens

Malignant lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type is a distinct clinicopathological disease entity in the category of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. Recently, we and others have shown that the API2 gene on chromosome 11 and the MALT1 gene on chromosome 18 are fused as a result of t(11;18)(q21;q21) in MALT lymphomas. Here we report a detection assay that can be used for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens. It consists of a multiplex one-tube reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by three parallel multiplex nested polymerase chain reactions. Eight variants of the fusion transcripts have been reported to date. When these variants were used as positive controls, all were successfully detected. The subsequent direct sequencing confirmed the results. Using this rapid and simple method, we could detect API2-MALT1 fusion transcripts in 5 of 15 (33%) archival cases of MALT lymphoma for a frequency comparable with those of RT-PCR assays using frozen materials. The lung was the preferential anatomical site of origin of MALT lymphomas harboring API2-MALT1 fusion. No fusion transcript was detected in any of 20 high-grade B-cell lymphomas. Our multiplex RT-PCR assay, which can be used for routinely-processed paraffin samples, should serve as a useful molecular tool for clarifying the clinicopathological significance of API2-MALT1 fusion in MALT lymphoma.

Good prognosis of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia who achieved second complete remission (CR) with a new retinoid, Am80, after relapse from CR induced by all-trans-retinoic acid

A new synthetic retinoid, Am80, is effective in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia relapsed from all-trans-retinoic acid-induced complete remission (CR). We report here the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who achieved second CR with Am80. Of 24 evaluable patients, 14 achieved a second CR by Am80 therapy. Of those patients, 4 relapsed within 6 months, despite subsequent consolidation chemotherapy. Six patients underwent sibling or unrelated HLA-matched allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and 4 are alive without relase for more than 49 months after achieving second CR. Four of 8 patients who did not receive BMT are alive without relapse for more than 49 months. Promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RAR alpha) fusion transcript was undetectable by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in all living patients. Therefore, if patients achieve second CR with Am80 and HLA-matched donors are available, BMT is the treatment of choice. However, it is noteworthy that CR was maintained for more than 49 months in half of the patients who did not receive BMT.

Hepatitis B virus infection among residents of a nursing home for the elderly: seroepidemiological study and molecular evolutionary analysis

A seroepidemiological study of HBV infection was carried out to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and the transmission routes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among residents of a nursing home for the elderly. HBV serum markers were examined in 119 residents and 71 healthcare workers in the institution, as also in 1330 healthy subjects from the same geographical area, as the control group. HBsAg was detected in 6 (5%), 0 and 20 (1.5%) residents, healthcare workers and healthy subjects, respectively. Four residents (A-D) who had HBV-DNA in the serum were studied by molecular evolutionary analysis. The strains derived from residents A, B and D were clustered together within a close range of evolutionary distances. Residents B and D, who were not positive for HBsAg at the time of admission to the institution, subsequently became HBsAg-positive asymptomatic carriers. These results suggested intrainstitutional transmission of HBV in the nursing home for the elderly, and confirmed that the source of transmission of HBV to residents B and D was resident A who was positive for HBsAg. Residents in a nursing home for the elderly should be considered as being a high-risk group for HBV infection, and vaccination against HBV of these groups is recommended.

Apoptotic cytotoxic effects of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, FK228, on malignant lymphoid cells

Histone deacetylases are promising targets for cancer treatment. Here we studied the in vitro effects of a potent histone deacetylase inhibitor, FK228 (formerly FR901228), on human leukemia / lymphoma cells and cell lines compared with normal hematopoietic cells. In a lymphoma cell line, Raji, a nanomolar concentration of FK228 induced G1 arrest and / or apoptotic cell death, depending on the concentration and exposure time. Growth of lymphoid cell lines including Raji (N = 13) was inhibited by 50% (IC(50)) after 2-day treatment at concentrations of 0.83 to 1.87 ng / ml. Viability of clinical samples from patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was decreased by 50% at 0.78 +/- 0.46 ng / ml, whereas the IC(50) values for normal mononuclear cells from peripheral blood and bone marrow were 2.3 +/- 0.96 and 7.8 +/- 1.0 ng / ml, respectively. The IC(50) values for normal progenitor cells were 3.1, 4.4 and 7.8 ng / ml for BFU-E, CFU-GM and CFU-Mix, respectively. Expression levels of HDAC-1 and HDAC-3 proteins, which varied among cell lines, but were stable during the treatment with FK228, did not correlate with the sensitivity to FK288. This novel agent might be useful in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, because the above concentrations are clinically achievable in vivo according to a recent clinical study.