Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 1beta-methylcarbapenems with quaternary ammonium side chains

The synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1beta-methylcarbapenems with quaternary ammonium groups at the C-2 position have been studied. Two types of new carbapenem derivatives have been synthesized. These 1beta-methylcarbapenems, one type having a (2S,4S)-2-[1,1-dimethyl-2-(1-piperazinyl)carbonyl]pyrrolidinio-4-+ ++ylthio group and the other type having a (2S,4S)-2-(4-carbamoylmethyl-4-methylhomopiperazinio-1-yl carbonyl)pyrrolidin-4-ylthio group, show potent and well balanced antibacterial activity as well as high stability against dehydropeptidase-I. The in vivo potency of these two carbapenems was compared with that of meropenem. The structure-activity relationships leading to these carbapenems are also described.

Actinin-4, a novel actin-bundling protein associated with cell motility and cancer invasion

Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton may play a crucial role in cell motility and cancer invasion. We have produced a monoclonal antibody (NCC- Lu-632, IgM, k) reactive with an antigenic protein that is upregulated upon enhanced cell movement. The cDNA for the antigen molecule was found to encode a novel isoform of nonmuscle alpha-actinin. This isoform (designated actinin-4) was concentrated in the cytoplasm where cells were sharply extended and in cells migrating and located at the edge of cell clusters, but was absent from focal adhesion plaques or adherens junctions, where the classic isoform (actinin-1) was concentrated. Actinin-4 shifted steadily from the cytoplasm to the nucleus upon inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase or actin depolymerization. The cytoplasmic localization of actinin-4 was closely associated with an infiltrative histological phenotype and correlated significantly with a poorer prognosis in 61 cases of breast cancer. These findings suggest that cytoplasmic actinin-4 regulates the actin cytoskeleton and increases cellular motility and that its inactivation by transfer to the nucleus abolishes the metastatic potential of human cancers.

Identification of semaphorin E as a non-MDR drug resistance gene of human cancers

To improve cancer chemotherapy, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance is essential. To identify the molecules responsible for drug resistance that is unrelated to MDR1 or MRP gene products, a eukaryotic expression cDNA library of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP)-resistant ovarian cancer TYKnuR cells was introduced into Cos-7 cells. After repeated CDDP selection, cDNA homologous to murine semaphorin E was isolated from surviving cells. Human semaphorin E (H-sema E) was overexpressed in CDDP-resistant cell lines and was readily induced not only by diverse chemotherapeutic drugs but also by x-ray and UV irradiation. Transfection of H-sema E conferred a drug-resistant phenotype to CDDP-sensitive cells. In addition, the aberrant expression of H-sema E protein was detected immunohistochemically in 14 of 42 (33.3%) recurrent squamous cell carcinomas removed at autopsy after extensive radiochemotherapy. Recently, another member of the semaphorin family, CD100, was shown to significantly improve the viability of B lymphocytes. These results suggest the involvement of semaphorins in diverse cell survival mechanisms.

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of a novel oral carbapenem, CS-834

We have studied an ester prodrug of a carbapenem to develop a potent orally active beta-lactam antibiotic. A variety of 1 beta-methylcarbapenem derivatives have been synthesized. We have found that some derivatives having an amide group in the C-2 side chain show potent and well balanced antibacterial activities as well as high stability against dehydropeptidase-I. Oral absorption of derivatives has been optimized by modifying the C-3 ester promoiety. Pivaloyloxymethyl (1R, 5S, 6S)-6-[(R)-1-hydroxyethyl]-l-methyl-2-[(R)-5-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl thio]- l-carbapen-2-em-3-carboxylate, CS-834, has been selected as the most promising compound for further evaluation.

Aberrant expression of a hemidesmosomal protein, bullous pemphigoid antigen 2, in human squamous cell carcinoma

Through yet unidentified mechanisms, squamous epithelial cells become committed to terminal differentiation after detachment from the basement membrane. In squamous cell carcinoma, these mechanisms seem to be disturbed. A murine monoclonal antibody, designated NCC-Lu-226 (IgG1, K), which recognizes an antigen expressed in basal cells of squamous epithelium at the epithelio-connective tissue border, was obtained. A cDNA clone encoding the antigen was isolated from a cDNA library by immunoselection. DNA sequencing and a database search revealed that this cDNA clone was identical to a hemidesmosomal transmembrane protein, bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (BPA-2; also known as BPAG2, BP180, or type XVII collagen). Immunoelectron microscopy validated the specific reactivity of this monoclonal antibody with skin hemidesmosomes. Enhanced expression and abnormal distribution of BPA-2 was revealed immunohistochemically in various precancerous and cancerous tissues, including solar keratosis (4 of 5), Bowen's disease (3 of 5), invasive squamous cell carcinoma (7 of 7) of the skin, and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (14 of 14), esophagus (12 of 13), and cervix (14 of 17). The specific expression of BPA-2 protein in squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed by RT-PCR and Northern hybridization. BPA-2 has possible phosphorylation sites and is actually phosphorylated in cultured keratinocytes and squamous cell carcinoma. The aberrant expression of BPA-2 may reflect dysfunction of the hemidesmosome that occurs as a relatively early event in multistep carcinogenesis of squamous epithelium.

[Histopathological and electron microscopic changes in mice treated with puffer fish toxin]

The histopathological examination of a male ddY mouse given an intraperitoneal injection of the crude extract containing 169 micrograms/ml of tetrodotoxin (TTX) prepared from the ovary of Takifugu porphyreus was carried out. Two crude extract solutions (0.42 and 0.21 microgram/ml) were prepared; one kills an animal in 10 min (group 1), and other kills it in 40 min (group 2) after the injection. As a result, a remarkable inflation of the gall bladder was observed macroscopically in both groups. By light microscopic observed, both groups showed the congestion in the brain, heart, liver, gall bladder, lung and kidneys, while nerve cells were characterized by the vacuolation and disappearance of Nissl's body only in group 2, probably because of the mitochondrial degeneration. Electron microscopically, a part of cristae of mitochondria and ribosome of endoplasmic reticulum disappeared or vacuolated in the nerve cells of group 2. This was also observed in a part of pre and postsynaptic mitochondria of synapse. However, little significant changes were observed in group 1 and in other tissues of group 2. These results show that a cytopathological change of mice by TTX is mainly detected in nerve tissues when a small amount of TTX is administered to the animals.

Serum hyaluronate in patients with acute and fulminant hepatitis

We evaluated serum hyaluronate (HA) levels in 17 patients with acute hepatitis and 9 with fulminant hepatitis (FH). Upon admission, patients with FH showed increased levels of serum HA and these levels showed significant correlation with biochemical parameters such as human hepatocyte growth factor, hepaplastin test, and prothrombin activity. In patients with AH, the levels of serum HA decreased during convalescence. Higher serum HA levels were observed in patients with type A acute hepatitis than in patients with non-A type. In patients with FH, serum HA levels were decreased in the survivors, while they were elevated in the non-survivors. These findings suggest that serum HA levels may be a useful indicator for evaluating the prognosis of patients with acute and fulminant hepatitis. Further study is necessary to determine whether there is a causal relationship between elevated serum HA levels and the type of hepatitis virus.

[Health check on divers and compressed air workers]

We have conducted the health check of 3,554 compressed air workers and 1,821 divers, and also examined the incidence and severity of aseptic bone necrosis by using Roentgen pictures. We could classify 4,859 of 5,375 persons into four groups (A-D), based on our classification. We could also classify 4,205 of 5,375 persons that had had a bone X ray examination on the basis of the criteria described by Ota and Matsunaga (A-C). 4,859 persons belonged to four groups: class A (persons who can work, no limitations): 4,099 (84.4%), class B (persons who can work under conditions below 1.0 kg/cm2): 357 (7.3%), class C (persons who had better quit work under hyperbaric conditions, though they are not prohibited by regulations): 183 (3.8%), class D (persons who must be prohibited from working in a hyperbaric environment by laws of the Ministry of Labor): 88 (1.8%). About 90% of compressed air workers and divers (classes A and B) were permitted to work under hyperbaric conditions. Most of those belonging to classes C and D suffered from hypertension, cardiovascular disease and liver dysfunction. The incidence of aseptic bone necrosis was 11.1% (465 out of 4,205 persons). Eight persons (2.2%) belonged to criteria A which means poor prognosis. They were classified into class D. There is no differences between compressed air workers and divers in the incidence of aseptic bone necrosis.

Molecular cloning of a cell-surface glycoprotein that can potentially discriminate mesothelium from epithelium: its identification as vascular cell adhesion molecule 1

It has long been a practical problem for surgical pathologists to distinguish mesothelium from epithelium in order to make a positive diagnosis of mesothelioma. In this study, we developed a new monoclonal antibody, designated MS-2761 (IgG1, k), against cultured non-neoplastic mesothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry and slot-blot analysis revealed that this monoclonal antibody reacted with 100% (12/12) of benign and malignant mesothelioma tissues and a mesothelioma cell line, but not with 99% (77/78) of epithelial tumour tissues and 97% (33/34) of epithelial tumour cell lines. A gene encoding the cell-surface antigen defined by this monoclonal antibody was isolated from a mesothelial cell cDNA library constructed with a mammalian cell expression vector through transfection of Cos-7 cells and immunoselection by panning. DNA sequencing and a database search revealed that the gene was identical to vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1, also referred to as INCAM110). The prominent VCAM1 transcript in mesothelium was 3.2 kb in size with seven Ig-like domains, in addition to a minor transcripts with six Ig-like domains. This monoclonal antibody potentially discriminates mesothelium from epithelium and may become a tool for differential diagnosis of mesothelioma.

[Measurement and fluctuation of urinary glucaric acid in pregnant women]

It is known that urinary excretion of glucaric acid (GA) is an indirect index of hepatic P-450 microenzyme induction. We measured and analyzed urinary excretion of GA and plasma lipids in non-pregnant women, pregnant women and postpartum women. GA was measured by a new method for the inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity and plasma lipids were measured by routine laboratory methods and we obtained the following results. 1. The concentration of urinary GA was correlated with that of urinary creatinine in pregnant women. 2. The urinary GA and plasma HDL-cholesterol did not change during the first of gestation, but steeply increased in the middle of gestation, and postpartum values were lower than at term. 3. Plasma total lipids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol continuously increased throughout gestation. 4. Plasma free fatty acids and lipid peroxide steeply increased in late in gestation. These results and several reports suggested that the change in GA in pregnant women reflected their own metabolism not fetal or placental metabolism. It seems that grasping and understanding their metabolism can make their disease clear.

[Lipids metabolism evaluated of by vitamin E to total lipid ratio in maternal and cord sera in normal pregnancy]

Changes in plasma levels of lipids peroxide (LPO) and vitamin E(VE) are observed in pregnant women. We measured levels of VE and lipids in 80 maternal and cord sera in normal delivery and obtained the following results. 1. For each lipid and VE, the concentration gradients were preserved in maternal sera to cord sera through placentas. 2. The concentration of VE correlated with that of total lipids (TL) in both sera. 3. The VE to TL ratio (VE/TL ratio) inversely correlated with the concentration of LPO in both sera. 4. The concentration of VE correlated with the VE/TL ratio and there was a more significant correlation of the VE and VE/TL ratio than that of VE and TL in both sera. 5. The VE/TL ratio in maternal serum correlated with VE/TL ratio and the concentration of VE in cord serum. These results suggested that lipids in serum was a regulatory factor in VE and that VE and lipids maintained the gradation of the concentration according to their own placental transport systems. It seems that the fetus has a unique VE which is comparatively lowered. This may be due to the effects of the accelerated lipid metabolism in the fetus.

[Studies on hypogeusia in hyperemesis gravidarum]

We measured changes in gustatory sensitivities and gustation threshold levels and those of some trace elements, vitamin E and lipids in the serum of 38 patients suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, 12 normal pregnant women in the first trimester and 22 healthy non-pregnant women by means of filter discs and an electrogusto meter (EGM) and we obtained the following results. 1. Gustatory sensitivity to sweetness was found to be significantly lowered in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum when tested with filter discs (p < 0.05). 2. Gustation threshold levels were significantly lowered in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and the normal pregnant women tested with the EGM (p < 0.01). 3. There was considerable heterogeusia of women in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (p < 0.05). 4. Zn and Mg in serum decreased (p < 0.01), but Cu increased significantly in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum and the normal pregnant women (p < 0.01). 5. Total cholesterol and phospholipid in serum significantly decreased, but lipid peroxide in serum significantly increased in the patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (p < 0.01). These results suggested that the gustatory test was helpful in investigating hyperemesis gravidarum and that biological defense systems (scavenger systems) to free radicals were damaged in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum.

[Measurement and its fluctuation of urinary glucaric acid in newborns]

It is known that urinary excretion of glucaric acid(GA) is an indirect index of hepatic P-450 microenzyme induction. We measured and analyzed urinary excretion of GA in 56 newborns and 26 mothers by a new method for the inhibition of beta-glucuronidase activity and obtained the following results. 1. The concentration of urinary GA was correlated with that of urinary creatinine and total bilirubin in newborns. 2. There were no significant correlations between gestational age, sex, body weight at birth, placental weight and the urinary GA concentration. 3. The urinary excretion of GA in newborns was decreased the in first few days after birth, but a transitional increase was observed on the fifth day after birth. 4. The concentration of urinary GA was correlated with that of direct bilirubin in serum on the fifth day after birth. 5. There was a negative correlation between the urinary GA concentration on the first day after birth and that of direct bilirubin in serum on the fifth day after birth. These results suggested that hepatic P-450 microsomal enzyme was induced by bilirubin in newborns and it was possible to estimate the clinical course of jaundice by measuring the urinary excretion of GA.

The salting-out test to identify virulent Yersinia pseudotuberculosis

A total of 54 strains including 8 serotypes of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis were examined to find out about their cell surface hydrophobicity and virulence plasmid-associated properties. All the strains which aggregated in 0.9% saline expressed the properties of calcium-dependent growth and autoagglutination. However, the hydrophilic strains did not possess virulence plasmid-associated properties. The above results suggest that the salting-out test with 0.9% saline could be an effective measure to differentiate the virulence plasmid-carrying strains of Y. pseudotuberculosis from those of plasmidless virulence.

Estimation of the functional reserve of the human liver by urinary D-glucaric acid excretion after vitamin C administration

The excretion of D-glucaric acid in the urine (uGA) correlates with the total liver content of hepatic cytochrome P-450, the metabolism of which depends on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) being produced by intrahepatic cellular mitochondria. Five cases of compensated liver cirrhosis group with less than 0.4 mg/kg/min of the maximum removal rate of indocyanine green (ICGR max), and 5 cases with normal hepatic function (control group), were monitored for uGA before and after P-450 activation induced by administration of 1 g of vitamin-C. Before vitamin-C administration, no differences in uGA excretion were observed comparing the cirrhosis with the control group. After administration of vitamin-C, the excretion of uGA was significantly lower in the cirrhosis group. The measurement of uGA is considered to represent vitamin-C induced activation by P-450, and is a new method for evaluation of the functional reserve of the liver.

Studies on penem and carbapenem. I. Syntheses and oral absorption of ester-type prodrugs of sodium (5R,6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3-c arboxylat e

Acyloxyalkyl esters (2a-d), alkyloxycarbonyloxyalkyl esters (2e-g) and (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxol-4-yl)methyl ester (2h) of (5R,6S)-2-(2-fluoroethylthio)-6-[(1R)-1-hydroxyethyl]penem-3- carboxylic acid (1) were synthesized. Enhanced oral absorption was observed in mice reflecting increased lipophilicity, compared with the parent 1 itself. Among them, the ester 2h showed a prolonged plasma level and a large area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) in rats. These ester-type prodrugs of penem 1 in phosphate buffer (pH 6.86) were much more stable than those of cephalosporins which easily degraded via isomerization to delta 2 cephalosporins.

A rapid detection of circulating antigens of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs by a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

This report describes a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) for detecting circulating antigens in the sera of dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis). Circulating D. immitis antigens could be detected in 24 of 25 infected dogs. The remaining animal had two immature worms. However, non-infected dogs and dogs infected with other parasites were all negative. Few cross-reactions to different parasite antigens were observed. The advantages of the Dot-ELISA include; 1) there is no need for pretreatment and dilution of sera and samples could be immediately bound to nitrocellulose paper set into microfiltration apparatus, 2) this assay could be carried out within 2 h at room temperature, 3) the resulting enzyme-reaction could be measured by both visual observation and densitometric reading.

A rapid microassay for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen by dot enzyme immunoassay

This study describes a dot enzyme immunoassay (Dot-EIA) for detecting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The results demonstrated that the detection level of this assay for HBsAg was 1.5 ng/ml; no false-positive or -negative readings were observed. Also, this Dot-EIA had some advantages over standard EIA: (1) antiserum could be directly and immediately bound on nitrocellulose paper set into microfiltration apparatus, (2) the paper could be easily washed under reduced pressure using a water aspirator, (3) all assay steps could be performed at room temperature within 2 h, (4) the well-defined brown spots could be evaluated by both visual observation and densitometric reading. The Dot-EIA reported here may be useful for rapid diagnosis and screening of HBsAg in serum.

A rapid microassay for dirofilarial antibodies by using antigen-coated nitrocellulose paper

This study describes an enzyme (horseradish peroxidase)-linked immunosorbent assay using nitrocellulose (NC) paper (Dot-ELISA) for the detection of antibodies against Dirofilaria immitis in dogs. Dirofilarial antigens prepared were directly bound on NC paper set into a microfiltration apparatus to ensure their uniformity. Of the 23 infected dogs tested, 21 were determined positive by visual observation of brown-colored spots on NC paper. The positive and negative readings were further confirmed by using a densitometer. Sera from 15 non-infected and 17 other parasite-infected dogs were all negative, i.e. no false positive readings and low cross-reactivities were found using this technique. Also, a large number of samples could be assayed simultaneously within 1.5 h. The Dot-ELISA technique reported here may be useful to veterinarians and also may be a means of field surveying human filariasis.

Familial dilated cardiomyopathy and human leucocyte antigen. A report of two family cases

Two familial cases of dilated cardiomyopathy were evaluated by HL-A typing. In the case of the first family, the mode of inheritance is likely to be an autosomal dominant trait. Only the affected individuals carried the identical HL-A haplotype (A2, Bw54, Cw1, DR4, DQw3), while the unaffected members do not share this pattern. In the second family case, the disease is probably inherited by autosomal recessive traits. All of the family members examined shared the identical HL-A haplotype (A24, Bw52, DR2, DQw1), but only the affected individuals were homozygous for this haplotype.

A rapid detection of toxocaral antibodies by dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) in dogs

This study describes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using antigen-coated nitrocellulose (NC) paper (Dot-ELISA) for detecting antibodies against Toxocara canis infection in dogs. Some advantages could be achieved by using a Dot-ELISA; 1) antigen could be directly and immediately bound on NC paper, 2) this assay could be carried out within 1.5 h, 3) all assay steps could be performed at room temperature, 4) the well-defined blue spots formed on NC paper could be evaluated by both visual observation and densitometric reading. The Dot-ELISA reported here may prove to be useful for the diagnosis of canine toxocariasis.