IL-8 and MCP-1 induced by excessive orthodontic force mediates odontoclastogenesis in periodontal tissues

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate how interleukin (IL)-8 (cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant; CINC-1) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 contribute to root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to orthodontic force of 10 or 50 g to induce a mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 days. We determined the expressions of CINC-1, CXCR2, and MCP-1 proteins in root resorption area using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of compression forces (CF) on IL-8 and MCP-1 production by human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. We observed an effect of chemokine treatment on rat odonto/osteoclasts in dentin slices that recapitulated root resorption.

RESULTS

The immunoreactivity for CINC-1/CXCR2 and MCP-1 was detected in odontoclasts and PDL fibroblasts by the orthodontic force of 50 g on day 7. CF increased the secretion and the expression of mRNA of IL-8 and MCP-1 from PDL cells in a magnitude-dependent manner. Moreover, CINC-1 and MCP-1 stimulated osteoclastogenesis from rat osteoclast precursor cells.

CONCLUSION

IL-8 (CINC-1) and MCP-1 may therefore facilitate the process of root resorption because of excessive orthodontic force.

Expression of hyaluronan synthase 3 in deformed human temporomandibular joint discs: in vivo and in vitro studies

The present study aimed at investigating the expression of a hyaluronan synthase (HAS) 3 in tissue samples of deformed human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discs and cells obtained from the discs. Fifteen adult human TMJ discs (twelve diseased discs and three normal discs) were used in this study. The twelve diseased discs were obtained from twelve patients with internal derangement (ID) of TMJ. These patients all had anteriorly displaced discs and deformed discs. The tissues were immunohistochemically stained using HAS3 antibodies. In addition, the subcultured TMJ disc cells under both normal and hypoxic conditions (O₂: 2%) were incubated for 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after addition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) (1 ng/mL). Subsequently, the expression of HAS3 was examined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The control group showed from negative to weak positive reactions for HAS3 on immunohistochemical staining. The discs extracted from twelve cases with ID presented from moderate to strong positive reactions for HAS3. The quantity of HAS3 mRNA was compared with a control group, and showed a 204-fold increase at 3 h, a 26-fold increase at 6 h, a 2.5-fold increase at 12 h and a 32-fold increase at 24 h under hypoxia with the addition of IL-1β. The expression of HAS3 mRNA was significantly enhanced at 3 h and 24 h. The results obtained suggest that HAS3 is related to the pathological changes of human TMJ discs affected by ID.

A dose-ranging study evaluating the oral factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Edoxaban (the free base of DU-176b) is an oral, direct factor (F)Xa inhibitor in clinical development for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic events.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of edoxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

PATIENTS/METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study conducted in Japan. A total of 523 Japanese patients were assigned to receive edoxaban 5, 15, 30 or 60 mg once daily or placebo for 11-14 days. A placebo control was used as neither low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) nor fondaparinux had been approved for thromboprophylaxis at the time of the study in Japan. The primary efficacy outcome was the incidence of VTE (lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis, symptomatic pulmonary embolism or symptomatic deep vein thrombosis). The primary safety outcome was the incidence of major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding.

RESULTS

Edoxaban produced a significant dose-related reduction in VTE: the incidence of VTE was 29.5%, 26.1%, 12.5% and 9.1% in the edoxaban 5-, 15-, 30- and 60-mg treatment groups vs. 48.3% in the placebo group. The incidence of major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding was similar across all groups without any significant differences among edoxaban doses or between edoxaban and placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Edoxaban demonstrated significant dose-dependent reductions in VTE in patients undergoing TKA with a bleeding incidence similar to placebo. [This trial is registered with JAPIC, JapicCTI-060283 (ja).].

Successful treatment of invasive mucormycosis in a liver transplant patient by arm amputation

Mucormycosis is an uncommon but frequently fatal infectious complication after solid organ transplantation. We describe successful treatment of invasive mucormycosis in a liver transplant recipient by wound debridement, a right above-elbow arm amputation, and antifungal medications. Early recognition, prompt operative intervention, and initiation of an appropriate antifungal treatment are very important in the management of mucormycosis, a potentially life-threatening infection.

Enhanced angular current intensity from Schottky emitters

Even though the Schottky emitter is a high-brightness source of choice for electron beam systems, its angular current intensity is substantially lower than that of thermionic cathodes, rendering the emitter impractical for applications that require high beam current. In this study, two strategies were attempted to enhance its angular intensity, and their experimental results are reported. The first scheme is to employ a higher extraction field for increasing the brightness. However, the tip shape transformation was found to induce undesirably elevated emission from the facet edges at high fields. The second scheme exploits the fact that the angular intensity is proportional to the square of the electron gun focal length [Fujita, S. & Shimoyama, H. (2005) Theory of cathode trajectory characterization by canonical mapping transformation. J. Electron Microsc. 54, 331-343], which can be increased by scaling-up the emitter tip radius. A high angular current intensity (J(Omega) approximately 1.5 mA sr(-1)) was obtained from a scaled-up emitter. Preliminary performance tests were conducted on an electron probe-forming column by substituting the new emitter for the original tungsten filament gun. The beam current up to a few microamperes was achieved with submicron spatial resolution.

Expression of lumican in the articular disc of the human temporomandibular joint

Lumican belongs to the small leucine-rich repeat proteoglycan (SLRP) gene family and has been reported to exist in the cornea, intervertebral disc and tendon. Lumican plays a significant role in the assembly and regulation of collagen fibres. The human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is made up of fibrocartilage with an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of collagen and proteoglycans. The existence and behaviour of lumican have not been studied in the human TMJ disc. Therefore, we used immunohistochemical methods to detect lumican, CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and histochemical staining with toluidine blue in 13 human TMJ specimens (10 surgically removed and 3 obtained from autopsy). In both normal and deformed discs we observed staining with toluidine blue. We found that the area of metachromasia inside the deformed disc was uneven and expression of lumican was strong in the areas negative for metachromasia. Staining of VEGF and CD34 inside the deformed disc was seen. We confirmed the expression of lumican in the human TMJ disc and showed that a large number of fibroblast-like cells existed in the area of strong lumican expression. These new findings about the behaviour of lumican suggest that it may play a key role in the generation of a new collagen network by fibroblast-like cells.

Resistance exercise increases leg muscle protein synthesis and mTOR signalling independent of sex

AIM

Sex differences are evident in human skeletal muscle as the cross-sectional area of individual muscle fibres is greater in men than in women. We have recently shown that resistance exercise stimulates mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling and muscle protein synthesis in humans during early post-exercise recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if sex influences the muscle protein synthesis response during recovery from resistance exercise.

METHODS

Seventeen subjects, nine male and eight female, were studied in the fasted state before, during and for 2 h following a bout of high-intensity leg resistance exercise. Mixed muscle protein fractional synthetic rate was measured using stable isotope techniques and mTOR signalling was assessed by immunoblotting from repeated vastus lateralis muscle biopsy samples.

RESULTS

Post-exercise muscle protein synthesis increased by 52% in the men and by 47% in the women (P < 0.05) and was not different between groups (P > 0.05). Akt phosphorylation increased in both groups at 1 h post-exercise (P < 0.05) and returned to baseline during 2 h post-exercise with no differences between groups (P > 0.05). Phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream effector S6K1 increased significantly and similarly between groups during post-exercise recovery (P < 0.05). eEF2 phosphorylation decreased at 1- and 2 h post-exercise (P < 0.05) to a similar extent in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The contraction-induced increase in early post-exercise mTOR signalling and muscle protein synthesis is independent of sex and appears to not play a role in the sexual dimorphism of leg skeletal muscle in young men and women.

Potential sputtering of ionic species from rare gas solids by multiply charged ion impact

The interaction of low-energy multiply charged Ar(q +) (q ≤ 7) ions with a solid Ne surface is experimentally studied. Desorption of very large cluster ions Nen (+) (n > 100) is observed. The size distribution of smaller (n = 1-3) cluster ions depends strongly on the charge state of the incident ion, whereas that of larger (n > 7) cluster ions exhibits no dependence on the charge state, indicating that desorption of large cluster ions is due to kinetic sputtering. The potential sputtering yield is estimated by analyzing the size distribution of the desorbed cluster ions. The results suggest that the ion desorption mechanism, which is known as desorption induced by electronic transitions, can also be applied to explain the present results.

Low-energy laser irradiation facilitates the velocity of tooth movement and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-9, cathepsin K, and alpha(v) beta(3) integrin in rats

It has previously been reported that low-energy laser irradiation stimulated the velocity of tooth movement via the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)/RANK ligand and the macrophage colony-stimulating factor/its receptor (c-Fms) systems. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, cathepsin K, and alpha(v) beta(3) [alpha(v)beta3] integrin are essential for osteoclastogenesis; therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of low-energy laser irradiation on the expression of MMP-9, cathepsin K, and alpha(v)beta3 integrin during experimental tooth movement. Fifty male, 6-week-old Wistar strain rats were used in the experiment. A total force of 10g was applied to the rat molars to induce tooth movement. A Ga-Al-As diode laser was used to irradiate the area around the moving tooth and, after 7 days, the amount of tooth movement was measured. To determine the amount of tooth movement, plaster models of the maxillae were made using a silicone impression material before (day 0) and after tooth movement (days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7). The models were scanned using a contact-type three-dimensional (3-D) measurement apparatus. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3 was performed. Intergroup comparisons of the average values were conducted with a Mann-Whitney U-test for tooth movement and the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3-positive cells. In the laser-irradiated group, the amount of tooth movement was significantly greater than that in the non-irradiated group at the end of the experiment (P < 0.05). Cells positively stained with TRAP, MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3 were found to be significantly increased in the irradiated group on days 2-7 compared with those in the non-irradiated group (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that low-energy laser irradiation facilitates the velocity of tooth movement and MMP-9, cathepsin K, and integrin subunits of alpha(v)beta3 expression in rats.

Effects of relaxin on collagen type I released by stretched human periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVES

Relapse of teeth that have moved during orthodontic treatment is a major clinical issue with respect to the goals of successful treatment. Such relapse is a physiologic response of the supporting tissues to application of force, and is mainly attributed to occlusal instability and increased mechanical tension exerted by the periodontal ligament (PDL). Relaxin, a member of the insulin/relaxin family of structurally related hormones, has an influence on many physiologic processes, such as collagen turnover, angiogenesis, and antifibrosis. Therefore, relaxin may also affect orthodontic tooth movement through alterations of the PDL, though little is known regarding the relationship between relaxin and stretched human PDL (hPDL) cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of relaxin on the expression of collagen type I (Col-I) and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in stretched hPDL cells in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The release and gene expression of Col-I, as well as those of MMP-1 in stretched hPDL cells treated with relaxin were investigated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time PCR methods.

RESULTS

Relaxin decreased the release and gene expression of Col-I, and increased those of MMP-1 by stretched hPDL cells in a magnitude-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that relaxin modulates collagen metabolism in stretched hPDL cells via the release and expression of Col-I and MMP-1. This hormone may be useful to prevent orthodontic relapse following orthodontic treatment.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of excitation in rat insular cortex: intrinsic corticocortical circuit regulates caudal-rostro excitatory propagation from the insular to frontal cortex

The insular cortex (IC), composing unique anatomical connections, receives multi-modal sensory inputs including visceral, gustatory and somatosensory information from sensory thalamic nuclei. Axonal projections from the limbic structures, which have a profound influence on induction of epileptic activity, also converge onto the IC. However, functional connectivity underlying the physiological and pathological roles characteristic to the IC still remains unclear. The present study sought to elucidate the spatiotemporal dynamics of excitatory propagation and their cellular mechanisms in the IC using optical recording in urethane-anesthetized rats. Repetitive electrical stimulations of the IC at 50 Hz demonstrated characteristic patterns of excitatory propagation depending on the stimulation sites. Stimulation of the granular zone of the IC (GI) and other surrounding cortices such as the motor/primary sensory/secondary sensory cortices evoked round-shaped excitatory propagations, which often extended over the borders of adjacent areas, whereas excitation of the agranular and dysgranular zones in the IC (AI and DI, respectively) spread along the rostrocaudal axis parallel to the rhinal fissure. Stimulation of AI/DI often evoked excitation in the dorsolateral orbital cortex, which exhibited spatially discontinuous topography of excitatory propagation in the IC. Pharmacological manipulations using 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3(1H,4H)-dione (DNQX), a non-NMDA receptor antagonist, D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV), an NMDA receptor antagonist, and bicuculline methiodide, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, indicate that excitatory propagation was primarily regulated by non-NMDA and GABA(A) receptors. Microinjection of lidocaine or incision of the supragranular layers of the rostrocaudally middle part of excitatory regions suppressed excitation in the remote regions from the stimulation site, suggesting that the excitatory propagation in the IC is largely mediated by cortical local circuits. These features of excitatory propagation in the AI/DI, that is the propagation along the rostrocaudal axis with less propagation in the ventro-dorsal direction, may play an important role for transmitting neural excitation arising from the limbic structures to the frontal and orbital cortices.

Noise characteristics of the Fano effect and the Fano-Kondo effect in triple quantum dots

We theoretically compare transport properties of the Fano-Kondo effect with those of the Fano effect, focusing on the effect of a two-level state in a triple quantum dot (QD) system. We analyze shot noise characteristics in the Fano-Kondo region at zero temperature, and discuss the effect of strong electronic correlation in QDs. We found that the modulation of the Fano dip is strongly affected by the on-site Coulomb interaction in QDs, and stronger Coulomb interaction (Fano-Kondo case) induces larger noise.

Fast neutrons measured in copper from the Hiroshima atomic bomb dome

The first measurements of (63)Ni produced by A-bomb fast neutrons (above approximately 1 MeV) in copper samples from Hiroshima encompassed distances from approximately 380 to 5062 m from the hypocenter (the point on the ground directly under the bomb). They included the region of interest to survivor studies (approximately 900 to 1500 m) and provided the first direct validation of fast neutrons in that range. However, a significant measurement gap remained between the hypocenter and 380 m. Measurements close to the hypocenter are important as a high-value anchor for the slope of the curve for neutron activation as a function of distance. Here we report measurements of (63)Ni in copper samples from the historic Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, which is located approximately 150 m from the hypocenter. These measurements extend the range of our previously published data for (63)Ni providing a more comprehensive and consistent A-bomb activation curve. The results are also in good agreement with calculations based on the current dosimetry system (DS02) and give further experimental support to the accuracy of this system that forms the basis for radiation risk estimates worldwide.

Cardiac sympathetic activity in the asymmetrically hypertrophied septum in patients with hypertension or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

In patients with essential hypertension (HT), proportional (symmetric) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common. In contrast, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by disproportional LVH and, in particular, asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH); however, some hypertensive patients also develop ASH. It has not been determined whether such cases represent a distinct type of hypertensive LVH or HCM combined with hypertension.

HYPOTHESIS

The study was undertaken to evaluate sympathetic activity in the interventricular septum in patients with HT and ASH or in patients with HCM.

METHODS

The patients were evaluated by I-123 meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) and thallium-201 (201Tl) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), respectively. They were divided into three groups: patients with essential HT and symmetric septal hypertrophy (Group A), patients with HT and ASH (Group B), and patients with HCM and ASH (Group C).

RESULTS

Compared with the lateral wall, early uptake of MIBG in the septum was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A, but not significantly different between Groups A and C. Compared with the lateral wall, early uptake of 201Tl in the septum did not differ among the three groups. No significant difference in the MIBG clearance in the lateral wall was seen among the three groups. By contrast, MIBG clearances in the septum and apex were significantly greater in Group C than in Groups A and B. There was an inverse correlation between systolic thickening and MIBG clearance in the septum.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that sympathetic activity in the septum differs between patients with HT and ASH and patients with HCM.

Outcomes and utilization of kidneys from deceased donors with acute kidney injury

Utilization and long-term outcomes of kidneys from donors with elevated terminal serum creatinine (sCr) levels have not been reported. Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients from 1995 to 2007, recipient outcomes of kidneys from adult donors were evaluated stratified by standard criteria (SCD; n = 82 262) and expanded criteria (ECD; n = 16 978) donor type and by sCr </=1.5, 1.6-2.0 and >2.0 mg/dL. Discard rates for SCDs were ascertained. The relative risk of graft loss was similar for recipients of SCD kidneys with sCr of 1.6-2.0 and >2.0 mg/dL, compared to </=1.5 mg/dL. For ECD recipients, the relative risk of graft failure significantly increased with increasing sCr. Of potential SCDs, the adjusted risk of discard was higher with sCr >2.0 mg/dL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.5-7.6) and 1.6-2.0 mg/dL (AOR 2.7; CI 2.5-2.9) relative to sCr </=1.5 mg/dL. Among potential SCDs, elevated terminal creatinine is a strong independent risk factor for kidney discard; yet, when kidney transplantation is performed elevated donor terminal creatinine is not a risk factor for graft loss. Further research is needed to identify safe practices for the optimal utilization of SCD kidneys from donors with acute kidney injury.

Recovery factors affecting utilization of small pediatric donor kidneys

Kidneys from small pediatric donors are underutilized. Using data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients for donors <21 kg in which at least one organ was recovered from 1997 to 2007 (n = 3341), donor and recovery factors were evaluated by multivariate analysis for associations with (a) kidney nonrecovery and (b) transplantation of recovered kidneys.

RESULTS

The proportion of kidney recoveries were 55% during liver procurements and 40% during intestine procurements amongst donors <10 kg (p < 0.01) compared to 93% and 88%, respectively, for donors weighing 10-20 kg (p = 0.003). Intestine procurement was independently associated with an 81% greater likelihood of kidney nonrecovery (p < 0.0001) and a 48% lower likelihood of transplantation (p = 0.0004). A multivariate Cox model indicated that single kidney recipients had a 63% higher risk of graft failure compared with en bloc kidney recipients (p < 0.0001); however, concurrent intestine recovery was not a significant risk factor for graft loss. Intestine recovery from donors <21 kg of age is strongly associated with higher kidney nonrecovery and lower transplantation rates. Graft survival is worse with single kidney transplantation, but is not significantly affected by intestine recovery. Small pediatric donors procurement teams should strive to increase kidney recoveries overall and en bloc recoveries in particular.

Patterns of local recurrence in rectal cancer: a single-center experience

A cohort of patients operated at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Tokyo for rectal carcinoma, at or below the peritoneal reflection, was reviewed retrospectively. The purpose was to study the risk factors for local relapse and the patterns of local recurrence. Three hundred fifty-one patients operated between 1993 and 2002 for rectal carcinoma, at or below the peritoneal reflection, were analyzed. One hundred forty-five patients, with preoperatively staged T1 or T2 tumors without suspected lymph nodes, underwent total mesorectal excision (TME). Lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) was performed in suspected T3 or T4 disease, or when positive lymph nodes were seen; 73 patients received unilateral LLND and 133 patients received bilateral LLND. Of the 351 patients 6.6% developed local recurrence after 5 years. TME only resulted in 0.8% 5-year local recurrence. In lymph-node-positive patients, 33% of the unilateral LLND group had local relapse, significantly more (p = 0.04) than in the bilateral LLND group with 14% local recurrence. Local recurrence in the lateral, presacral, perineal, and anastomotic subsites was lower in the bilateral LLND group as compared with in the unilateral LLND group. We conclude that, in selected patients, surgery without LLND has a very low local recurrence rate. Bilateral LLND is more effective in reducing the chance of local recurrence than unilateral LLND. Either surgical approach, with or without LLND, requires reliable imaging during work-up.

Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite loci for the Japanese gudgeon Sarcocheilichthys variegatus

A microsatellite-enriched genomic library was obtained for the Japanese gudgeon Sarcocheilichthys variegatus microoculus, and 15 dinucleotide markers were successfully isolated and characterized. These markers were also available for other Japanese congeners, Sarcocheilichthys variegatus variegatus and Sarcocheilichthys biwaensis. In three populations of Sarcocheilichthys from Lake Biwa and the Ashida River in western Japan, seven to 27 alleles were observed for each locus. Linkage equilibrium was observed among most loci, and only one locus showed significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population. These microsatellite markers will be useful for studies of the genetic structure of the Japanese gudgeons.

Low-energy laser stimulates tooth movement velocity via expression of RANK and RANKL

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have demonstrated that low-energy laser irradiation stimulates bone formation in vitro and in vivo. However, very little is known about the effects of laser irradiation on osteoclastogenesis. The receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kB (RANK) / RANK ligand (RANKL) / osteoprotegerin (OPG) system is essential and sufficient for osteoclastogenesis. The present study was designed to examine the effects of low-energy laser irradiation on expressions of RANK, RANKL, and OPG during experimental tooth movement.

DESIGN

To induce experimental tooth movement in rats, 10 g of orthodontic force was applied to the molars. Next, a Ga-Al-As diode laser was used to irradiate the area around the moved tooth and the amount of tooth movement was measured for 7 days. Immunohistochemical staining with RANK, RANKL, and OPG was performed. Real time PCR was also performed to elucidate the expression of RANK in irradiated rat osteoclast precursor cells in vitro.

RESULTS

In the irradiation group, the amount of tooth movement was significantly greater than in the non-irradiation group by the end of the experimental period. Cells that showed positive immunoreactions to the primary antibodies of RANKL and RANK were significantly increased in the irradiation group on day 2 and 3, compared with the non-irradiation group. In contrast, the expression of OPG was not changed. Further, RANK expression in osteoclast precursor cells was detected at an early stage (day 2 and 3) in the irradiation group.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that low-energy laser irradiation stimulates the velocity of tooth movement via induction of RANK and RANKL.

AhR and PPARa: antagonistic effects on CYP2B and CYP3A, and additive inhibitory effects on CYP2C11

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates a spectrum of toxic and biological effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) is a member of the nuclear receptor super-family of ligand-activated transcription factors and it functions as an obligate heterodimer with retinoid X-receptor alpha RXRalpha. The aim was to investigate whether the negative cross-talk recently proposed by the present authors between AhR and PPARalpha on CYP4A and CYP1A has any impact on other cytochrome P450 enzymes. Treatment of male Wistar rats with a PPARalpha ligand clofibric acid (CA) induced CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A proteins, activities, and the mRNA expression of CYP2B1, CYP2B2, CYP3A1 and CYP3A2, and suppressed CYP2C11 protein, activities and mRNA expression. AhR ligand Sudan III (S.III) treatment decreased basal and CA-induced CYP2B, CYP3A and CYP2C11 protein, activities and mRNA expression. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study showing the presence of mutual effects of AhR and PPARalpha on CYP2B and CYP3A and an additive inhibitory effect on CYP2C11 in the livers of male rats.

Second order optical effects in Au nanoparticle-deposited ZnO nanocrystallite films

Photoinduced second harmonic generation (SHG) in Au nanoparticle-deposited ZnO nanocrystallite (NC) films was explored by applying bicolor coherent treatment of a Nd-YAG laser with wavelength 1.06 µm and its SHG. We have established that coexistence of the ZnO and Au nanoparticles gives a substantially larger SHG output with respect to pure ZnO NC deposited on the glass substrate. It was established that the value of the second order susceptibility is about 23 pm V(-1). Better nonlinear optical susceptibilities were obtained during phototreatment at temperatures near 30-35 °C for the Au doped samples. The samples without gold NCs are temperature independent. Generally an increasing temperature leads to a decrease of the optical SHG.

Last resort for renal transplant recipients, 'restored kidneys' from living donors/patients

Because of the grave shortage of deceased kidney allografts in Japan, we have embarked on a new source of organs, 'Restored kidneys' from living patients. From January 1991 through September 2006, 42 kidneys (eight benign pathology, eight small renal cancers, eight ureteral cancers, six aneurysms, eight severe nephrotic syndrome from four patients and four ureteral stenosis) were obtained from 38 patients/donors after extensive discussion of treatment modalities and risks. All patients/donors agreed to undergo total nephrectomy. The lesions were removed/repaired ex vivo on the back table, then transplanted. All recipients were notified of all possible risks including donor disease recurrence. One, 5 and 10-year patient survival rates of restored transplant patients were 92.9%, 79.3% and 63.8%, respectively. One, 5 and 10-year graft survival rates of restored kidney transplant patients were 78.6%, 51.8% and 42.7%, respectively. There were no recurrences of small renal cell carcinomas. There was one recurrence of ureteral cancer in the transplanted kidney 15 months after operation. In countries where deceased donors are scarce, such as Japan, the restored kidneys can be a last resort for renal allografts.

Effect of hypoxia and interleukin-1beta on expression of tenascin-C in temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVE

The expression of tenascin-C in the synovial membrane of the internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) has been reported. Hypoxia of the synovial membrane in TMJ is considered to be a cause for the pathophysiology of ID. In this study, we clarify the contribution of hypoxia and interleukin-1beta in the expression of tenascin-C in ID of TMJ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Synovial fibroblasts and disk cells obtained from ID of TMJs were cultured and treated with interleukin-1beta under normoxia and hypoxia. A Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to identify tenascin-C in cultured synovial fibroblasts and disk cells. In addition, the immunohistochemical staining of tenascin-C was carried out for the specimens of ID of TMJs and normal.

RESULTS

The combination of hypoxia and interleukin-1beta caused a significant increase in tenascin-C protein and mRNA of synovial fibroblasts. In contrast, the combination caused no increase in tenascin-C in disk cells. However, the immunohistochemical staining demonstrated tenascin-C to be significantly detected in both the synovial tissue and disks in ID of TMJ.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that hypoxic conditions with inflammation modulate the tenascin-C expression in synovial fibroblasts, but not in disk cells.

Proximal femoral nail for treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures

PURPOSE

To report outcomes of 87 consecutive patients treated with a proximal femoral nail (PFN) for trochanteric femoral fractures.

METHODS

17 men and 70 women aged 58 to 95 (mean, 85) years with trochanteric femoral fractures underwent PFN fixation using an intramedullary nail, a lag screw, and a hip pin. Fractures were classified according to the AO system; the most common fracture type was A2 (n=45), followed by A1 (n=36) and A3 (n=6). The position of the lag screw within the femoral head was measured. The lateral slide of the lag screw after fracture consolidation was measured by comparing the immediate postoperative and final anteroposterior radiographs.

RESULTS

90% of lag screws were placed in an optimal position. The length of lateral slide of the lag screw in stable A1 fractures was significantly less than that in unstable A2 fractures; it was over 10 mm in 7 of 45 patients with A2 fractures. Cut-out of lag screw did not occur, suggesting that free sliding of the lag screw facilitates direct impaction between fragments.

CONCLUSION

A PFN is useful for the treatment of trochanteric femoral fractures.