Dual adrenergic control of in vivo choline levels in the mouse major salivary glands

1. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the adrenergic nervous system regulates the in vivo choline levels in the mouse major salivary glands. 2. Methoxamine (alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist, 2.5-20 mg kg-1, s.c.) elevated choline levels dose-dependently and the effect of methoxamine (10 mg kg-1) was completely inhibited by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (5 mg kg-1, i.p.) but not by the beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (3 mg kg-1, i.p.). 3. In contrast, isoprenaline (beta-adrenoceptor agonist 0.25-20 mg kg-1, s.c.) lowered choline levels and the effect of isoprenaline (2 mg kg-1) was inhibited by propranolol, but not by phentolamine. 4 Noradrenaline (1-4 mg kg-1, s.c.) manifested both the alpha- and beta-adrenergic actions depending on its dose. Noradrenaline at 1-2 mg kg-1, lowered choline levels and the effect of noradrenaline (1 mg kg-1) was inhibited by propranolol, but not by phentolamine. On the other hand, noradrenaline (4 mg kg-1) elevated choline levels and the effect was blocked by phentolamine, but not by propranolol. 5. Tyramine (5-80 mg kg-1, s.c.) elicited the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals and induced essentially the same effects on the choline levels as noradrenaline. Tyramine (10 mg kg-1) lowered choline levels and the effect was inhibited by propranolol, but not by phentolamine. However, tyramine (80 mg kg-1) elevated choline levels and the effect was inhibited by phentolamine, but not by propranolol. 6. These results suggest that choline levels in the salivary glands may be under separate alpha- and beta-adrenergic control and suggest a possibility that the neurotransmitter noradrenaline released for sympathetic nerve terminals can manage the dual control of choline levels in some autonomic organs in a characteristic dose-dependent manner.

Acute coronary syndrome associated with oral administration of ritodrine hydrochloride during pregnancy: a case report

We report a case of acute coronary syndrome associated with the oral administration of ritodrine hydrochloride. Ten days following the administration of ritodrine hydrochloride, the patient complained of chest pain, and an electrocardiogram showed ST elevation and ST depression. Intensive care was initiated. She recovered without chest pain.

Tumoral calcinosis in both index fingers: a case report

Tumoral calcinosis is an uncommon disease of unknown aetiology that usually involves the periarticular tissues of large joints. We report a rare case in which it presented in both index fingers in a 5-year-old boy. The tumours were resected and he made an uncomplicated recovery except for mild tapering deformity on the left. There has been no sign of recurrence a year later.

Ru(3)(CO)(12)-catalyzed coupling reaction of sp(3) C-H bonds adjacent to a nitrogen atom in alkylamines with alkenes

Catalytic reactions which involve the cleavage of an sp(3) C-H bond adjacent to a nitrogen atom in N-2-pyridynyl alkylamines are described. The use of Ru(3)(CO)(12) as the catalyst results in the addition of the sp(3) C-H bond across the alkene bond to give the coupling products. A variety of alkenes, including terminal, internal, and cyclic alkenes, can be used for the coupling reaction. The presence of directing groups, such as pyridine, pyrimidine, and an oxazoline ring, on the nitrogen of the amine is critical for a successful reaction. This result indicates the importance of the coordination of the nitrogen atom to the ruthenium catalyst. In addition, the nature of the substituents on the pyridine ring has a significant effect on the efficiency of the reaction. Thus, the substitution of an electron-withdrawing group on the pyridine ring as well as a substitution adjacent to the sp(2) nitrogen in the pyridine ring dramatically retards the reaction. Cyclic amines are more reactive than acyclic ones. The choice of solvent is also very important. Of the solvents examined, 2-propanol is the solvent of choice.

Long-term histological prognosis and serum fibrosis markers in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon

BACKGROUND

Interferon (IFN) therapy is effective in 20-40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, but the relationship between histological changes and the response to interferon is still unclear. We investigated the long-term histological prognosis and the changes of serum fibrosis markers after interferon therapy relation to the response.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One hundred and eighteen patients with chronic hepatitis C who received interferon therapy were divided into four groups based on the detection of viremia and the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level after treatment. A histological examination was performed by using the histological activity index and the criteria of the METAVIR score. Serum fibrosis markers were used to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen 7s. Responders, whose serum ALT levels became normal after treatment, demonstrated histological improvement. Histological improvement was more rapid in sustained virological responders with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA seronegativity than in biochemical responders with HCV-RNA seropositivity. Only sustained virological responders exhibited histological cure. In partial responders, whose serum ALT levels decreased to less than twice the upper of normal, and non-responders whose serum ALT levels were not reduced, liver fibrosis was unchanged or showed progression. Serum fibrosis markers increased with progression of the histological stage and varied depending on the response to interferon.

CONCLUSION

Normalization of serum ALT levels after interferon therapy led to a histological improvement, and that with viral clearance achieved histological cure. Serum fibrosis markers were useful indicators for long-term according to the response of IFN therapy.

An improved method for assaying phosphocholine and glycerophosphocholine in mouse tissue

INTRODUCTION

To measure the levels of phosphocholine (PCh) and glycerophosphocholine (GPCh) in the tissues and organs of mice, we developed a simple and rapid method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection (ECD) and an immobilized enzyme column.

METHODS

Under our modifications of the separation procedure of Klein et al. [Neurochem. Int. 2 (1993) 293], PCh and GPCh in the hydrophilic phase of the homogenate samples were selectively hydrolyzed into free choline by alkaline phosphatase and a 0.4-N perchloric acid solution, respectively, and the resulting hydrolyzed mixtures were directly injected into the HPLC system for analysis.

RESULTS

The present method permits PCh or GPCh assay within 5 min in one chromatographic run. Recoveries from tissue samples were 97% for PCh and 101% for GPCh. The percentages of the crossover reaction to the authentic PCh and GPCh were 0.4% and 3.8%, respectively. The within-run coefficients of variation for choline derived from PCh and GPCh in the tissue samples were 1.2% and 1.4%, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The method is effective and has been applied to the measurement of PCh and GPCh levels in several tissues of mice.

Influence of TT virus infection on the thrombocytopenia of patients with chronic liver disease

TT virus (TTV) can replicate not only in the liver but also in hematopoietic cells. To investigate the possible influence of TTV infection on the hematological parameters of patients with chronic liver disease, serum samples from 581 patients with chronic, viral or non-viral liver disease were tested for TTV DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was performed by two distinct methods using N22 primer pairs (N22 PCR), which detect primarily the four major TTV genotypes (1-4), and using genotype 1-specific primers (Genotype 1-PCR). Thirteen hematological parameters measured in routine laboratory tests were compared among the patients who were positive or negative for TTV infection. The platelet count was significantly lower in the N22 PCR-positive group than in the N22 PCR-negative group among the 189 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) and among the 40 patients with chronic hepatitis without serological markers of ongoing hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus infection (CH-NBNC) (P<0.0001, P<0.005, respectively). Similarly, among the patients with CH-C or CH-NBNC, the platelet count was significantly lower in the TTV genotype 1-positive group than in the TTV genotype 1-negative group (P<0.001, P<0.05, respectively). The reduced platelet count of the TTV DNA-positive group was observed in every fibrotic stage of chronic hepatitis (F0-F3). These results suggest that infection of TTV of certain genotypes including genotype 1 may worsen the thrombocytopenia of patients with CH-C or CH-NBNC, irrespective of the degree of hepatic fibrosis.

Influence of TT virus on the histopathological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

The sera of 38 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), were tested for TT virus (TTV) DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using three different primer pairs (UTR PCR, N22 PCR and genotype-1 PCR), and various histological features of the liver biopsy specimens were compared among those who were positive or negative for TTV infection. By UTR PCR which detects all TTV genotypes, TTV DNA was detected in 37 (97%) of the 38 patients. In contrast, N22 PCR which detects primarily TTV genotypes 1-4, detected TTV DNA in 18 patients (47%). In the liver biopsy specimens, moderate to many acidophilic bodies, moderate to marked focal/spotty necrosis of hepatocytes and marked stellate, pericellular or perivenular fibrosis were observed significantly more frequently among those who were positive for TTV DNA by N22 PCR, than among those who were negative by N22 PCR. Twelve patients (32%) were positive for TTV genotype 1. Moderate to marked vacuolation of nuclei, moderate to many acidophilic bodies, and moderate to marked focal/spotty necrosis as well as marked stellate, pericellular or perivenular fibrosis were found significantly more frequently in the TTV genotype 1-positive group than in the TTV genotype 1-negative group. These results suggest that certain TTV genotypes including genotype 1 influence the necrosis and inflammation of hepatocytes and liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

Does the control of alanine aminotransferase levels lead to a regression of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients?

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various medications other than interferon (IFN) on liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) patients, and the results were compared with those obtained in CH-C patients without therapy. Fifty CH-C patients (32 men and 18 women; mean age 58.5 years) without previous IFN therapy, who randomly received medicines other than IFN such as Stronger Neo-Minophagen C, Ursodeoxycholic acid and a herbal medicine, Sho-saiko-to (TJ-9) (Group I), and as a control group, 45 CH-C patients (27 men and 18 women; mean age 56.6 years) without therapy (Group II) were examined. All patients had persistent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation more than 6 months before this study and were also subdivided into three subgroups according to different pattern of ALT during the observation period, i.e. (a): persistently ALT<60 IU/l (below about twice the upper limit of normal range); (b): persistently ALT>/=60 IU/l; and (c) other than (a) and (b). All patients were biopsied twice before starting this study and during observation period and the liver fibrosis was compared between them by staging in each case. When the fibrosis stage was the same between two specimens, we determined whether the degree of fibrosis had improved or worsened by computed image analysis. Blood tests for fibrosis marker, serum aminoterminal peptide of type III procollagen (P III P) and liver enzyme such as albumin (Alb) and zinc turbidity test (ZTT) levels, and platelet (Plt) counts were also examined on the two times of liver biopsy. As a result, there were no significant differences in fibrotic improvement rate when assessed by both staging only and staging together with fibrotic ratio, determined by computed image analysis and also in yearly change of P III P (P/Y) and fibrosis (F/Y), the changed rate of Alb, ZTT levels and Plt counts between Group I and Group II, except for P/Y in subgroup (a) which was rather higher in Group I than in Group II. There were also no significant relationship between the changes of histological activity and fibrosis staging in both groups. In conclusion, other medications than IFN could not significantly improve both liver fibrosis and its associated laboratory data irrespective of ALT levels in CH-C patients as compared to the control group during average 3 years' follow-up period.

Influence of TT virus on the clinical course of alcoholic liver disease

The sera of 43 patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) who abstained from alcohol for 4 weeks, were tested for TT virus (TTV) DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using three different primer pairs (UTR PCR, N22 PCR and genotype-1 PCR). The clinical course of the TTV DNA-positive and -negative groups was compared. By UTR PCR which detects all TTV genotypes, TTV DNA was detected in 40 patients (93%). N22 PCR which detects primarily TTV genotypes 1-6, detected TTV DNA in 17 patients (40%). The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level 4 weeks after the start of abstinence was significantly higher and the rate of change in ALT {[(ALT on admission-ALT 4 weeks after abstinence)/(ALT on admission)]x100} was lower in the patients who were positive by N22 PCR, than in those who were negative by N22 PCR. Twelve patients (28%) were positive for TTV genotype 1. In the TTV genotype 1-positive group, the ALT 4 weeks after the start of abstinence was significantly higher, and the improvement rates of ALT, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and alkaline phosphatase levels were lower than those in the TTV genotype 1-negative group. These results suggest that certain genotypes of TTV may interfere with the improvement of liver function following the start of abstinence in ALD patients.

Ynolate chemistry. Reaction of a silylynolate with aziridines leading to gamma-lactams

A silylynolate, generated via the carbonylation of lithium silyldiazomethane, was reacted with N-tosyl aziridines to produce various five-membered lactams in good yields. The key step of this reaction involves the ring-opening ketenylation of aziridines by the silylynolate. The reaction proceeded in a highly stereoselective manner, and ketenylation took place at the less hindered carbon. When treated with aldehydes prior to protonation, the alpha-silylated lactam enolates gave alpha-vinylidene gamma-lactams. These reactions represent a unique path to the generation of and for controlling the reactivity of a rare class of reactive intermediates, namely, acyllithium derivatives and ynolates.

In vivo changes in free choline level induced by autonomic agonists in mouse organs, including three major salivary glands

Whether free choline levels are changeable in vivo in response to different types of autonomic agonists was examined in several mouse organs. Upon one subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, phenylephrine and pilocarpine, choline levels in whole organ decreased, increased and decreased, respectively, in various organs within 30 min and returned to initial levels in a day. In the three major salivary glands, a delayed choline elevation also appeared on day 2 after one isoproterenol injection and subsided by day 6. Only in the three salivary glands more choline was accumulated after 10 once-a-day injections of isoproterenol than after one isoproterenol injection. Neither phenylephrine nor pilocarpine induced comparable choline accumulation in any organs examined. Isoproterenol injection repeated at a 2-day interval augmented the subsequent, delayed choline elevation. Examination with dobutamine and the adenylyl cyclase activator 6-(3-dimethylaminopropionyl)forskolin suggested that isoproterenol-induced immediate choline lowering was down-stream of cAMP synthesis and linked to cAMP more tightly than the choline accumulation, though both choline changes occurred via beta1-adrenergic receptors. Choline levels in the salivary glands also changed depending on the form of diet given and particularly in the parotid gland in parallel with gland weights. These results provide the first evidence for the autonomic control of intracellular choline levels; intracellular choline levels might be an integral part of the autonomic signalling pathway.

Detection of mitochondrial DNA mutations in human gingival tissues

The accumulation of mitochondrial DNA mutation is an important contributor to the aging process. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was carried out on total DNA from gingival tissues of human subjects with ages of 19 to 64 years, and 5.0-kb and 7.4-kb deletions were found in the mitochondrial genomes of these subjects. This is the first report of mitochondrial DNA deletion detectable in human gingival tissues.

Involvement of hrs binding protein in IgE receptor-triggered exocytosis in RBL-2H3 mast cells

Hrs binding protein (Hbp) tightly associated with Hrs is thought to play a regulatory role in vesicular trafficking during endocytosis and exocytosis. In this study, we have expressed dominant-negative mutants of Hbp to evaluate their effects on the degranulation of secretory granules in RBL-2H3 mast cells. The dominant-negative mutants of Hbp significantly inhibited IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI)-triggered secretory response as tested by beta-hexosaminidase release. These results suggest that Hbp functions as a regulator in the FcepsilonRI-triggered degranulation of secretory granules in mast cells.

Analysis of aspartate aminotransferase in gingival crevicular fluid assessed by using PocketWatch: a longitudinal study with initial therapy

AIM

The aim of this longitudinal study was to analyze the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) by using PocketWatch before and after initial therapy in patients with chronic adult periodontitis and to determine the relationship between AST and conventional measures of periodontal status, such as probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and gingival index.

METHOD

A total of 11 patients with chronic adult periodontitis were enrolled. Their periodontal status and AST levels in GCF were measured at baseline and post-initial therapy (the number of pockets=67), and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in AST levels between diseased periodontal sites (1.2+/-0.7) and healthy sites (0.3+/-0.6, p<0.05), and between baseline and post-initial therapy (p<0.05). Improvements in clinical status were noted following periodontal therapy and there was a corresponding decrease in AST levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, it is suggested that AST levels may be a useful adjunct in the clinical assessment of periodontal disease sites, since AST level decreases when periodontal status improves.

A comparison of the bactericidal effects and cytotoxic activity of three types of oxidizing water, prepared by electrolysis, as chemical dental plaque control agents

Acid oxidizing water (AOW), neutral oxidizing water (NtOW) and acid oxidizing water with a low available chlorine concentration (AOW-LC) may be obtained by electrolyzing a solution of tap water containing various quantities of NaCl and HCl. This study compared the bactericidal effects of these waters on cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria and their cytotoxicities against epithelial cells. AOW, NtOW and AOW-LC showed considerable bactericidal effects. The cytotoxicity of AOW-LC was significantly lower than the other solutions tested (P<0.0001). The results indicated that the three types of oxidizing water had similar activity in inhibiting bacterial plaque formation as conventional chemical plaque-control agents.

A preliminary comparative study of the guided tissue regeneration and free gingival graft procedures for adjacent facial root coverage

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of guided tissue regeneration with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes to that of free gingival graft for treatment of adjacent facial gingival recession.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Eight adjacent gingival recession sites with Miller class I or II defects containing at least a maxillary or mandibular canine were selected in 6 patients. Four recession sites in 3 patients were treated with guided tissue regeneration, and the other 4 sites in the remaining 3 patients were treated with free gingival graft. Probing depth, gingival recession, attachment level, width of keratinized gingiva, and root coverage were recorded before surgery (baseline) and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were found for gingival recession, attachment level, and root coverage from baseline to 6 months and 1 year postoperatively in both groups. Both procedures produced the same average reduction in gingival recession, gain in attachment level, and amount of root coverage after 1 year. Probing depths did not differ between groups throughout the study. The width of keratinized gingiva was significantly greater in the grafted group than in the guided tissue regeneration group.

CONCLUSION

Both procedures produced the same average amount of root coverage, reduction in gingival recession, and gain in clinical attachment. The guided tissue regeneration procedure provided a better esthetic appearance without any difference in gingival color or architecture in cases of adjacent facial gingival recession.

Changes of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients with no response to interferon-alpha therapy: including quantitative assessment by a morphometric method

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of interferon (IFN)-alpha in chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) patients with no response to IFN-alpha therapy. We studied 76 patients (46 men, 30 women; mean age, 55.6 years) who received IFN-alpha intramuscularly, at a total close of 480 to 880MU for 6 months (group A). As a control group, we studied 50 patients (32 men and 18 women; mean age, 58.5 years) with CH-C who received medication other than IFN (ie, Strong-Neo-Minophagen C, ursodeoxycholic acid, and a herbal medicine, Sho-saiko-to [TJ-9]) and who had persistent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation (group B). All patients were subdivided into three subgroups according to different patterns of ALT changes during the observation period, ie, (a) persistent ALT level < 60IU/ 1 (below about twice the upper limit of the normal range), (b) persistent ALT level > or = 60IU/1, (c) ALT levels other than (a) and (b). Liver biopsy was performed within 6 months prior to IFN therapy and more than 6 months after IFN therapy, while two liver biopsies were performed during therapy in group B. Liver fibrosis was compared between two specimens by staging. When the fibrosis stage was the same in the two specimens, we determined whether the fibrosis had improved or worsened by comparing the fibrotic ratio, ie, the ratio of the area of fibrosis to the area of the entire liver tissue specimen, calculated using computed graphic software. Serum aminoterminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIIP) levels were measured on the day of the liver biopsy and their mean yearly changes were compared between the two groups. Improvement of liver fibrosis was found in 12% to 30% of patients in each ALT subgroup and in 24% of all patients in group A and there were no significant differences in liver fibrosis in comparison with findings in of group B when assessed by staging alone. However, these percentages rose to 59% to 75% and 66%, respectively, when liver fibrosis was assessed by the fibrotic ratio together with staging, resulting in a significant difference in fibrosis between groups A and B in total (P < 0.01). The mean yearly changes in serum PIIIP levels in each subgroup and in all patients in group A were below zero, indicating a tendency to improvement of fibrosis after IFN therapy, while these changes in group B were all above zero, except for subgroup (c). Improvement of fibrosis after IFN therapy was found in 15 of 24 patients (64%) whose ALT changes had the same pattern before and after IFN therapy, although no significant difference was noted between improved and worsened patients. These results suggest that IFN-alpha may have an antifibrotic effect even in CH-C patients with no overt response to IFN-alpha therapy, compared with the effect of medications other than IFN.