Imbalance in production between vascular endothelial growth factor and endostatin in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To clarify whether synovial cell proliferation indicates an imbalance in production between angiogenic growth factors and angiogenesis inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we investigated the production of basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as representative angiogenic growth factors and endostatin as a representative angiogenesis inhibitor.

METHODS

The b-FGF, VEGF, and endostatin levels in 90 samples of peripheral blood (PB) and 15 samples of joint fluid obtained from patients with RA and 30 samples of PB and 10 samples of joint fluid from patients without RA, including 20 patients with inflammatory arthritis without purulent arthritis, and 10 patients with osteoarthritis were measured by ELISA. VEGF and endostatin levels in blood samples from 22 patients with RA were measured at 2 points: before and 4 or 5 months after the commencement of medication.

RESULTS

The b-FGF and VEGF levels in the PB and joint fluid samples from patients with RA were markedly elevated compared to samples from patients without RA. In contrast, endostatin levels in PB and joint fluid samples from patients with RA were almost the same as in the samples from patients without RA. VEGF levels in blood samples obtained 4 or 5 months after the commencement of medication (combination of prednisolone 5 mg/day and disease modifying antirheumatic drugs: either bucillamine 100 mg/day or salazosulfapyridine 1,000 mg/day) were significantly decreased from 27.1 +/- 8.5 pg/ml in samples obtained before commencement of medication to 18.1 +/- 16.2 pg/ml. Endostatin levels in the corresponding samples were significantly increased, from 31.5 +/- 7.0 to 57.1 +/- 22.8 ng/ml [correction].

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal significant differences in b-FGF and VEGF levels in PB and joint fluid samples, but no difference in endostatin levels, between patients with RA and those without RA, suggesting that angiogenesis in RA occurs as a result of an imbalance in production between angiogenic growth factors and angiogenesis inhibitors.

Detection of telomerase activity in peritoneal lavage fluid from patients with gastric cancer using immunomagnetic beads

Cytologic examination of peritoneal lavage fluid is a useful predictor of peritoneal recurrence in gastric cancer. However, this technique is not overly sensitive and requires special abilities in the cytologist. In this study, telomerase activity was used to detect free cancer cells in peritoneal lavage fluid from patients with gastric cancer. In the first part, 12 lavage-fluid samples obtained from 12 patients with gastric cancer were analysed using the conventional telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) assay. Three of five patients with early gastric cancer had positive telomerase activity. These false-positive results may have been due to lymphocyte contamination. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction inhibitors were also detected in the lavage-fluid samples. Therefore, we developed a novel method for elimination of haematopoietic cell and Taq polymerase inhibitors to increase the accuracy of the TRAP assay using immunomagnetic beads, which bind to most normal and neoplastic human epithelial cells. Telomerase activity was found in 10 of 20 (50%) lavage-fluid samples from patients with serosal or subserosal invasion. Cytologic examination was positive in nine of 20 (45%) samples. Both the telomerase activity and cytology were negative in all 14 patients without serosal or subserosal invasion. These results suggest that the TRAP assay combined with immunomagnetic beads might be useful for detection of free cancer cells in the peritoneal space in gastric cancer without the aid of an experienced cytologist.

Anticachectic effects of Coptidis rhizoma, an anti-inflammatory herb, on esophageal cancer cells that produce interleukin 6

Herbs as alternative cancer therapies have attracted a great deal of recent attention due to their low toxicity and costs. In this study, the antitumor activity and anticachectic effect of Coptidis rhizoma, an anti-inflammatory herb, were investigated in nude mice carrying a human esophageal cancer cell line YES-2, which constitutively secretes interleukin-6 (IL-6) and induces cachexia when injected into these mice. In this study, in vivo growth of YES-2 cells was not affected by an oral supplement containing the extract powder of C. rhizoma at a final concentration of 1% (CR supplement). However, in comparison with normal diet, CR supplement significantly attenuated weight loss of tumor-bearing mice without a change in food or water intake. Tumor IL-6 levels were significantly lower in mice treated with CR supplement than in control mice (P<0.001). Serum IL-6 was detectable in four (50%) of eight control mice; IL-6 was not detected in mice treated with CR supplement. We also confirmed that berberine (8-32 microM), a major component of C. rhizoma, dose-dependently inhibited secretion of IL-6 by YES-2 cells in vitro. Moreover, reverse transcription-PCR assay showed that treatment of YES-2 cells with berberine (8-32 microM) for 24 h reduced IL-6 mRNA expression. Our results suggest that C. rhizoma may have an anticachectic effect on esophageal cancer and an effect is associated with the ability of berberine to down-regulate tumor IL-6 production.

Involvement of CD70-CD27 interactions in the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

CD70/CD27 are cell surface molecules belonging to the TNF/TNF-receptor families. Ligation of CD27 by its ligand CD70 is thought to be important in T cell activation and T cell-B cell interaction. However, the in vivo function of these molecules during the establishment of cell-mediated immunity remains unclear. In this study, we examined the contribution of CD70-CD27 interactions to cell-mediated immunity by investigating the effect of anti-CD70 mAb on the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Treatment of SJL/J mice with anti-CD70 mAb prevented EAE induced by immunization with PLP(139-151). The preventive effect of anti-CD70 mAb was not due to the inhibition of T cell priming and antibody production from B cells, or immune deviation. However, TNF-alpha production was suppressed by treatment with anti-CD70 mAb, indicating that the ameliorating effect of anti-CD70 mAb appeared, at least in part, to be mediated by the inhibition of TNF-alpha production. These results indicate that the CD70-CD27 interaction plays a pivotal role in the development of cell-mediated autoimmune disease.

Comparative study of symptoms and neuroendocrine-immune network mediator levels between rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE

In order to understand the disturbances in the neurophysiological, endocrine (including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis), and immune systems objectively and in detail, we measured and compared various test items in the peripheral blood which were considered to reflect the state of these systems, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in control subjects.

METHODS

The levels of beta-endorphin, methionine-enkephalin, epinephrin, norepinephrin (NE), dopamine, corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), adrenocoricotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, CD4/CD8 ratio, CD57, NK cell activity and IL-6 in the peripheral blood, which are considered to reflect the activity of this neuroendocrine-immune network, were measured and compared between 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 54 healthy control subjects. The face scale (to measure mood) and the Cornell medical index (CMI) health questionnaire were administered to both groups, and pain scores were measured using a visual analog scale in the RA group.

RESULTS

The serum levels of NE, dopamine, IL-6 and CD4/CD8 ratio were higher, whereas the levels of beta-endorphine, ACTH and NK cell activity were lower in the RA subjects than in the control subjects. On the other hand, the serum levels of Met-enk, epinephrin, CRF, cortisol and CD57 were not significantly different between the two groups. In RA patients a positive correlation was observed between the face scale score and the serum cortisol level and between the pain score and the serum IL-6 level. The more severe the pain, the higher the NK cell activity and IL-6 concentrations in the peripheral blood. On the other hand, in healthy females none of the measured items in the peripheral blood were significantly correlated with the face scale results or the responses to the CMI health questionnaire.

CONCLUSION

In RA patients the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is altered and this condition is correlated to a deterioration in symptoms.

Bone marrow CD34+ progenitor cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients support spontaneous transformation of peripheral blood B cells from healthy individuals

We show that bone marrow (BM) CD34+ progenitor cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have the capacity to support spontaneous transformation of peripheral blood B cells. CD34+ cells purified from BM blood from eight RA patients and eight osteoarthritis (OA) patients were expanded with granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for 4-6 weeks. GM-CSF-stimulated BM CD34+ cells from three of eight RA patients, but none from seven OA patients, gave rise to spontaneous transformation of highly purified B cells of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-seronegative healthy donors. GM-CSF-stimulated BM CD34+ cells from four of six RA patients and from one of four OA patients also supported the spontaneous transformation of peripheral blood B cells from EBV-seropositive healthy donors. All the transformed B cell lines were positive for EBV-DNA as determined by PCR. Neither GM-CSF-stimulated BM CD34+ cells alone nor highly purified B cells alone gave rise to spontaneously transformed B cell lines. These results suggest that the capacity of BM CD34+ cells to support survival of B cells might contribute to the pathogenesis of RA by sustaining abnormal B cell responses.

Expression of kappa-opioid receptor mRNA in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and the relationship between its expression and the inflammatory changes in rheumatoid arthritis

The expression of the kappa-opioid receptor on human peripheral blood cells (in rheumatoid arthritis cases and normal volunteers) was examined using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the relationship between its expression and the inflammatory activity or chronic pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was determined. RT-PCR was performed on the peripheral blood cells obtained from 37 patients with RA and 13 healthy volunteers. kappa-Opioid receptor mRNA expression was exhibited on the blood cells of 37% of RA patients (14/ 37) and 54% of healthy volunteers (7/13) , and the levels of expression were lower in the RA patients than in the healthy volunteers. Regarding the relationship between the expression of kappa-opioid receptor mRNA and the symptoms in RA patients, it was noted that the expression of the receptor mRNA was significantly decreased in RA patients in whom erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Lansbury index, and visual analogue pain scores were high. The kappa-opioid receptor mRNA was expressed on four cell types, namely, T and B cells, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells in RA patients; however, it was expressed only on the T and B cells and macrophages (and not on NK cells) in the healthy volunteers. Our findings suggest that the levels of expression of kappa-opioid receptor mRNA were decreased in RA patients in comparison with those in healthy volunteers; and that they were significantly related to the inflammatory activity or chronic pain in the RA patients. The higher the mRNA expression level, the less severe the inflammatory changes of RA. The kappa-opioid receptor may thus play a role in the modulation of nociception and anti-inflammatory changes in chronic inflammatory disorders.

Lymph node metastases identified with mediastinoscopy in a patient with superficial carcinoma of the esophagus

Superficial esophageal cancers limited to the lamina propria are not associated with lymph node metastases. Mediastinoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy was planned in a patient with widespread superficial cancer of the midthoracic esophagus. Sampling of the upper mediastinal lymph nodes revealed metastases. The operation was converted to a transthoracic esophagectomy with radical lymphadenectomy. Histopathologic examination of the resection specimen showed three metastatic lymph nodes, despite local invasion limited to the lamina propria. This is the first report of a patient with superficial esophageal cancer and lymph node metastases.

Translational regulation of platelet-derived growth factor B chain (c-sis) mRNA by short open reading frames in the 5'-untranslated region

Platelet-derived growth factor B chain (PDGF-B/c-SIS), the product of c-sis proto-oncogene, is a potent mitogen and chemoattractant for cells of mesenchymal origin. Expression of PDGF-B/c-SIS is regulated at the translational level, in addition to at the transcriptional level. The 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) of PDGF-B/c-sis mRNA is known to inhibit translation of the downstream coding sequences. The 5'-UTR contains putative influential elements, such as GC-rich elements, stem-loop structures and short open reading frames (SORFs). To clarify the inhibition mechanism of PDGF-B/c-sis mRNA translation, effects of three SORFs in the 5'-UTR on the translational regulation were investigated in transient expression assays. Introducing point mutation(s) in the initiation codons of SORFs affected the reporter gene expression in several cell lines (COS-1, U-2, JEG-3). Abrogation of three SORFs resulted in an increase of the reporter gene expression both in beta-galactosidase assay and Western blot analysis. These results suggest that SORFs in the 5'-UTR sequences have inhibitory effects on the translation of the downstream coding sequences.

Bacterial lipopolysaccharide acts as an adjuvant to induce autoimmune arthritis in mice

We investigated the ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an adjuvant to induce autoimmune arthritis. LPS from Escherichia coli was intraperitoneally injected into DBA/1J mice together with the joint cartilage component type II collagen (CII) on day 0. Thereafter, the injection of CII and LPS was continued every 2 weeks up to day 56. The results showed that mice injected with CII plus LPS had signs of arthritis on day 55 and the joint inflammation reached a peak on day 75. Injection of CII or LPS alone induced no arthritis. Histologically, marked oedema of synovium and intense infiltration of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, were observed 3 days after the onset of joint inflammation. Twenty-one days later, there were marked proliferation of synovial tissues with many mononuclear cells and destruction of cartilage. Anti-CII immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG2a antibodies were markedly produced in mice injected with CII plus LPS. Pronounced secretion of cytokines, including interleukins-12 and -1beta, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, was also observed in these animals. Arthritis was passively transferred into naive syngeneic mice with sera but not with lymphoid cells from mice given CII with LPS. Other types of LPS from Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium and Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as lipid A from E. coli, induced inflammation in joints when administered with CII. Polymixin B sulphate mixed with LPS or lipid A blocked the induction of joint inflammation. These results indicate that LPS appears to play an important role as an adjuvant in the induction of arthritis in which autoimmunity to CII is involved.

The role of lipopolysaccharide injected systemically in the reactivation of collagen-induced arthritis in mice

1. We investigated the role of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the reactivation of autoimmune disease by using collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice in which autoimmunity to the joint cartilage component type II collagen (CII) was involved. 2. CIA was induced by immunization with CII emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant at the base of the tail (day 0) followed by a booster injection on day 21. Varying doses of LPS from E. coli were i.p. injected on day 50. 3. Arthritis began to develop on day 25 after immunization with CII and reached a peak on day 35. Thereafter, arthritis subsided gradually but moderate joint inflammation was still observed on day 50. An i.p. injection of LPS on day 50 markedly reactivated arthritis on a dose-related fashion. Histologically, on day 55, there were marked oedema of synovium which had proliferated by the day of LPS injection, new formation of fibrin, and intense infiltration of neutrophils accompanied with a large number of mononuclear cells. The reactivation of CIA by LPS was associated with increases in anti-CII IgG and IgG2a antibodies as well as various cytokines including IL-12, IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. LPS from S. enteritidis, S. typhimurium, and K. neumoniae and its component, lipid A from E. coli also reactivated the disease. Polymyxin B sulphate suppressed LPS- or lipid A-induced reactivation of CIA. 4. These results suggest that LPS may play an important role in the reactivation of autoimmune joint inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis in humans.

[Esophageal dilation therapy for achalasia of the esophagus]

Esophageal dilation therapy for esophageal achalasia has a 300-year history and remains the first-line therapy because of its low cost, progressively decreasing morbidity and mortality, and possibility of surgery for patients who do not improve. Another advantage is the feasibility of repeated trial even after surgery. The aim of this procedure is to produce a controlled tear in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Precise esophagographic, endoscopic, and manometric diagnosis is necessary for successful esophageal dilation therapy. In addition, the exclusion of pseudoachalasia using echogram or CT scan is important. The procedure should be carried out accurately to prevent complications. If perforation occurs, appropriate, timely management is required.

Treatment of lupus in NZB/W F1 mice with monoclonal antibody against Fas ligand

Since Fas ligand (FasL) can induce apoptosis of Fas-bearing cells, Fas/FasL interactions can play a critical role in maintaining self-tolerance. Fas/FasL interactions in lupus-like autoimmune disease have been well characterized in studies using either Fas or FasL mutant mice. However, the effect of the defective FasL-mediated signaling on the establishment of lupus in other mouse strains, such as NZB/W (B/W) F1, remains uncertain. In the present study, we examined the effect of anti-FasL monoclonal antibody (mAb) on the development of lupus. Treatment of B/W F1 mice with anti-FasL mAb augmented IgG1- and IgG2a-type anti-dsDNA Ab production. However, treatment of B/W F1 mice with anti-FasL mAb also significantly prevented the development of lupus nephritis. These results indicate that Fas/FasL interactions not only regulate IgG-type autoantibody production, but also influence the development of lupus nephritis in B/W F1 mice.

Clinical significance of angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis in renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prognostic significance of angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis after interferon (IFN) was investigated in 96 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Microvessel density in the tumor(MVD), proliferative index(PI) and apoptotic index(AI) were quantified using immunohistochemical staining of factor VIII-related antigen and Ki-67 antigen for the former two parameters and the TUNNEL technique for AI.

RESULTS

MVD and PI were correlated with the M criteria and histological grade. AI was not correlated with either criteria. Analysis using PI, AI, MVD and the classical prognostic factors revealed that PI was the most significant prognostic factor and that patients with high MVD values and those with low AI values had a poor prognosis. Of the high MVD group and high PI group among patients with metastasis, IFN-treated patients showed a tendency for a better prognosis than nontreated patients (p = 0.067 and 0.020, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

It is speculated that proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis play a complex role in the prognosis of patients with RCC. It is suggested that IFN treatment is likely to have an inhibitory effect on proliferation and angiogenesis.

Comparison of methods of immobilization to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay plates for the detection of sugar chains

The immobilization of carbohydrates for solid-phase assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), is difficult because they are hydrophilic. We developed four new methods for the immobilization of oligosaccharides. ELISA plates were first coated with methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer (MMAC) and an excess of active anhydride groups was introduced. They were subsequently reacted, in four different ways, to bind oligosaccharides. In method 1, the anhydride groups were reacted with hydrazide groups, in the presence of adipic acid dihydrazide, and then coupled to the reducing ends of sugar chains by reductive amination. In method 2, the anhydride groups were reacted with p-aminophenyl glycoside obtained by reduction with p-nitrophenyl glycoside. In method 3, the anhydride groups were reacted with 1, 6-hexamethylenediamine. Aminooxy groups were coupled to the amino groups introduced and then aminooxyacetic acid with carbodiimide and ligated to oligosaccharides by oxime formation. In method 4, stereospecifically aminated oligosaccharides reacted with the anhydride groups. We compared, in solid-phase assays systems, the ability of lectins to detect oligosaccharides immobilized with either one of these four new methods or one of the two methods previously described. Detection of sugars with lectins is useful because, in most cases, they recognize sugars stereospecifically. The immobilization method should therefore be carefully selected to avoid changing the configuration and substitution in C-1.

Esophageal perforation and mediastinal abscess following placement of a covered self-expanding metallic stent and radiation therapy in a cancer patient

Patients with advanced esophageal cancer may require intubation with a stent to relieve debilitating dysphagia. However, if these patients also undergo radiation therapy, they may incur esophageal injury, thus increasing the risk of perforation after placement of the stent. Herein we report the case of a 71-year-old man who received such combination therapy and died of severe sepsis 65 days after the stent was inserted. An autopsy revealed that the stent had perforated into the mediastinal pleura and that an abscess had developed around the perforation. We conclude that caution should be taken before combining radiation therapy with the use of a stent.

[Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase in synovium of rheumatoid arthritis]

OBJECTIVES

To examine the localization and distribution of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which participate in nitric oxide (NO) production, in synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical analysis for eNOS and iNOS in synovial tissues obtained from 10 patients with RA who were underwent total knee replacement. Synovial tissues of osteoarthritis (OA) were used as control. The percentage of cells that were positive for eNOS and iNOS was estimated in five hundred endothelial cells, synovial lining cells and interstitial cells, respectively. And mRNA expression of NOS was confirmed by in situ hybridization. In addition, to test NO production, nitration of tyrosines was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Not only endothelial cells but also synovial lining cells and interstitial cells exhibited immune-reactive both eNOS and iNOS. Cells which were seemed immune-reactive eNOS and iNOS expressed nitrotyrosin. By in situ hybridization, we detected mRNA expression for eNOS and iNOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelial cells, synovial lining cells and interstitial cells expressed both eNOS and iNOS with high frequency in RA synovium compared with OA synovium. It seemed to correlate with NO production. These results suggest that expression of iNOS may be involved in the induction of arthritis and eNOS may be participated in augmentation of inflammation in RA.

Purification and characterization of the overexpressed Aspergillus oryzae xylanase, XynF1

The Aspergillus oryzae xynF1 gene coding for a xylanase, XynF1, was successfully overexpressed under the strong A. oryzae TEF1 gene promoter. The high-XynF1-producing transformant secreted about 180 mg/l of XynF1 in the glucose-containing medium. The overexpressed XynF1 was purified by only one chromatographic step. The purified XynF1 had a molecular mass of 35.0 kDa, a pH optimum of 5.0, and a temperature optimum of 60 degrees C.

Oral administration of lipopolysaccharide exacerbates collagen-induced arthritis in mice

We investigated whether oral administration of LPS exacerbated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice, which was an experimental model of autoimmune disease. CIA was induced by s.c. injection of type II collagen emulsified with CFA into the base of the tail (day 0) followed by a booster injection on day 21. To examine the ability of LPS to exacerbate CIA, varying doses of LPS were orally administered on day 50. The results showed that administration of LPS was followed by reactivation of CIA in a dose-related fashion. Histologically, on day 55 there were marked edema of synovium proliferated by day 50, new formation of fibrin, and intense infiltration of neutrophils accompanied with a large number of mononuclear cells. Severe destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone was also observed on day 70. The reactivation of CIA by oral administration of LPS was associated with increase in anti-type II collagen IgG and IgG2a Abs as well as varying kinds of cytokines including IL-12, IFN-gamma, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha. Polymyxin B sulfate given either orally or i.v. suppressed the recurrence of CIA. Increased amounts of LPS were found in sera of mice given the endotoxin orally. LPS from Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae and its component, lipid A from Escherichia coli, also reactivated the disease. These findings suggest that LPS from intestinal bacteria may play a role in the exacerbation of autoimmune joint inflammation.

Differential regulation of rheumatoid synovial cell interleukin-12 production by tumor necrosis factor alpha and CD40 signals

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the roles of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNFalpha) and the CD40-CD154 interaction in interleukin-12 (IL-12) production by rheumatoid synovial cells (SC).

METHODS

Levels of IL-12 (p40 and p70) in synovial tissue and culture supernatants of SC from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Effects of anti-CD154 and anti-TNFalpha antibody on spontaneous and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated IL-12 production by SC were examined. Effects of immobilized anti-CD3 treatment and depletion of CD4+ T cells on IL-12 production were also tested. CD154 expression by synovial T cells and intracellular IL-12 production during culture were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

IL-12 p40 and p70 levels in RA synovial tissue and spontaneous IL-12 p40 production by SC from RA patients were significantly higher than the levels in OA and AS patients. Spontaneous IL-12 production by SC from RA patients significantly decreased after depletion of CD4+ T cells from SC or after application of anti-CD154 antibody, but not by treatment with anti-TNFalpha antibody. Anti-CD3 antibody stimulation increased spontaneous IL-12 p40 production and CD154 expression by synovial T cells. The increment of IL-12 p40 production by anti-CD3 was abrogated by anti-CD154 antibody. IL-12 p40 production was also increased by LPS stimulation. LPS-stimulated IL-12 production was inhibited by anti-TNFalpha antibody, but not by T cell depletion and anti-CD154 antibody treatment. The TNFalpha inhibitor rolipram inhibited LPS-stimulated IL-12 p40 production by RA SC more strongly than spontaneous production. TNFalpha restored LPS-stimulated IL-12 production that had been inhibited by rolipram.

CONCLUSION

IL-12 production in RA is regulated by 2 different pathways. One pathway is T cell dependent, predominantly through a CD40-CD154 interaction, while the other is T cell independent, mediated through TNFalpha. Inhibition of IL-12 production by interference with CD40-CD154 interaction and TNFalpha production may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating RA.

Characterisation of T cell clonotypes that accumulated in multiple joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether identical T cell clonotypes accumulate in multiple rheumatoid joints, the clonality of T cells that had infiltrated into synovial tissue (ST) samples simultaneously obtained from multiple joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was analysed.

METHODS

T cell receptor (TCR) beta gene transcripts, amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from ST and peripheral blood lymphocytes of five RA patients, were subjected to single strand conformation polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Approximately 40% of accumulated T cell clonotypes found in one joint of a patient were found in multiple joints in the same patient. Furthermore, identical amino acid sequences were found in TCR beta junctional regions of these clonotypes from different patients with at least one HLA molecule match.

CONCLUSIONS

The T cell clonotypes accumulating in multiple rheumatoid joints may be involved in the perpetuation of polyarthritis by reacting to antigens common to these multiple joints.

Phylogenic analysis of echovirus type 30 isolated from a large epidemic of aseptic meningitis in Japan during 1997-1998

During 1997 to 1998, a nationwide epidemic of aseptic meningitis occurred in Japan. More than 4,500 isolates from patients with aseptic meningitis were identified as echovirus type 30. To investigate the character of these isolates, we examined the nucleotide sequences of thirty-seven geographical representatives and compared them with 50 strains isolated during the past 20 years. The phylogenic analysis used partial sequences from either the VP1 or VP4-VP2 region of the viral capsid. This analysis revealed that the isolates were divided into six genomic groups. All isolates identified during 1997-1998 belonged to only two genomic groups; these two groups are thought to be the causative viral agents involved in the recent epidemic.

Ankle arthrodesis in rheumatoid arthritis using an intramedullary nail with fins

We describe an intramedullary nail with fin-like longitudinal ridges that we have developed for arthrodesis of the ankle in rheumatoid arthritis. Four fins with sharp tips were attached to the distal part of a cylindrical nail to stabilize the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. We used this nail in 15 feet of 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were followed for an average of 34.9 months. Postsurgery, 13 patients were allowed to bear weight immediately, as tolerated, without immobilization. By 3 weeks, these patients were able to bear weight fully. Solid fusion of the ankle joint in an acceptable position and good clinical results were obtained in all patients. The only complications were two cases of delayed wound-healing.

Enhancement of collagen-induced arthritis in mice by diesel exhaust particles

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), which is an experimental model of autoimmune disease, in mice. CIA was induced by s.c. injection of type II collagen (CII) emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant into the base of the tail (day 0) followed by a booster injection on day 21. Varying doses of DEP were intranasally administered every 2 days from days 0 to 20. The results showed that administration of DEP enhanced both the incidence and the severity of CIA. The enhancement of the disease was associated with pronounced production of anti-CII IgG and IgG2a antibodies. Treatment with DEP also augmented proliferative responses of spleen cells to CII. There was marked secretion of interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-4 from the lymphoid cells in DEP-treated mice. Administration of DEP after onset of CIA was also effective in enhancing the severity of the disease as well as production of anti-CII IgG and IgG2a antibodies and secretion of interferon-gamma, IL-2, and IL-4. These results suggest that exposure to DEP may influence autoimmune disease.

Type II collagen is a target antigen of clonally expanded T cells in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether type II collagen (CII) is recognised by oligoclonally expanded synovial T cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 15 RA patients were stimulated with CII in vitro. T cell clones expanded by such stimulation were compared with the clonally expanded synovial T cells by using T cell receptor (TCR) B chain gene specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and subsequent single strand conformation polymorphism analyses.

RESULTS

Stimulation of the heterogeneous peripheral T cells with CII induced clonal expansion of T cells. In three of 15 patients, a proportion of these clones (approximately 17% to 25%) was found to be identical to expanded T cell clones in the synovium in vivo.

CONCLUSION

T cell clones that had TCR CDR3 sequences identical to those induced by purified CII were found in a proportion of RA patients. This finding suggests that CII is recognised by T cells that accumulate clonally in RA joints. Oligoclonal T cell expansion in RA joints is probably driven, at least in part, by intra-articular components such as CII.

Relationship between serum levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor and various disease parameters in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is a useful biomarker for the management of hematologic malignancies. We determined the significance of serum sIL-2R levels in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

METHODOLOGY

The correlation between serum sIL-2R levels and a variety of clinicopathologic factors in 51 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus was evaluated. We also investigated the expression of IL-2R in the resected specimen using immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Expression of IL-2R was detected in primary esophageal carcinoma cells as well as infiltrating mononuclear cells. Serum sIL-2R levels in the 51 patients with esophageal cancer were significantly higher than those in the 18 healthy volunteers (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that pM, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis was significantly correlated with serum sIL-2R levels. Univariate analysis demonstrated that tumor size, pM, pTNM stage, and resectability were parameters which were significantly correlated with serum sIL-2R levels. There was no relationship between serum sIL-2 levels and tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, pT, histologic type, or curability.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the serum sIL-2R levels may be an indicator of the extent of disease and resectability in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining suggests that esophageal cancer cells and infiltrating mononuclear cells may be the source of sIL-2R in the serum.

T-cell mediated inflammatory pathway in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is not caused by a simple consequence of aging and cartilage degradation. Based on the conventional paradigm, OA has been considered a degenerative joint disorder. However, the dominant clinical symptom has been characterized by a non-infectious chronic inflammatory condition with infiltration of inflammatory cells in the synovial tissue or synovial fluid, especially in the early stage of the disease. The inflammatory process appeared to develop degeneration of chondrocytes and/or formation of osteophytes. Immunohistochemical staining of synovial tissue with OA in the early stage, suggests the presence of T-cell infiltration in the perivascular area, some of which were CD4 positive T cells. Among the T cells, we identified the clonality of restricted TCR usage of Vbeta chain by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) method on T-cell repertoire. Therefore we address the immune response in primary OA.

Longterm outcome of total joint arthroplasty in nonambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of minimum 10 year followup of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) in nonambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

TJA was performed in 40 nonambulatory patients with RA who satisfied the following criteria: (1) strong motivation; (2) good relationship with our medical staff; (3) no marked cervical cord lesion: (4) absence of severe systemic complications. These included 38 women and 2 men whose average age at the initiation of TJA was 58.8 years. The duration of time between loss of walking ability and surgery was 2 months to 5 years. Average hospitalization time was 4.5 months. Followup after the last surgery was 10 to 18 years.

RESULTS

One year after the last surgery, 28 of the 40 patients could walk outdoors again, 11 indoors, and one was still unable to walk. By 5 years after surgery, 9 patients had died of diseases unrelated to surgery. Of the remaining 31 patients, 19 could walk outdoors, 10 indoors, and 2 could not walk. Deterioration of walking was observed in 13 patients (41.9%) compared with one year after surgery. By 10 years after surgery, 32 patients had died of diseases unrelated to surgery, 4 could walk outdoors, 4 indoors. Of these, 4 patients (50%) had worsened in walking ability compared with one or 5 years after surgery. Major complications of TJA were observed in 12 patients. These were femoral neck fractures in 3, supracondylar femoral fractures in 3, loosening of the acetabulum socket in 4, loosening of the femoral hip prosthesis in 2.

CONCLUSION

TJA should be a useful treatment for restoration of walking in nonambulatory patients with RA. However, even after TJA, walking ability deteriorated in about half of the patients as the duration of followup observations exceeded 5 years.

Inhibitory effects of anti-rheumatic drugs on vascular endothelial growth factor in cultured rheumatoid synovial cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of angiogenesis and is constitutively expressed in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Over-expression of VEGF may play an important role in pathogenic vascularization and synovial hyperplasia of RA. In the present study, we examined whether disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including bucillamine (BUC), gold sodium thiomalate (GST), methotrexate (MTX) and salazosulfapiridine (SASP), act by inhibiting the production of VEGF by cultured synovial cells of patients with RA. Treatment of cultured synoviocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly increased VEGF production by cultured synovial cells. BUC significantly inhibited LPS-induced VEGF production, while GST tended to inhibit the production of VEGF. The inhibitory effects on VEGF production were dose-dependent. In contrast, MTX and SASP did not affect VEGF production. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that BUC also inhibited LPS-induced VEGF mRNA expression in RA synovial cells. The present study provides the first evidence that BUC inhibits VEGF production and the expression of its mRNA in synovial cells of RA patients. Our results indicate that the anti-rheumatic effects of BUC are mediated by suppression of angiogenesis and synovial proliferation in the RA synovium through the inhibition of VEGF production by synovial cells.

Human T lymphocyte populations which bind to P- or E-selectin are enriched with cells expressing core 2 O-glycans

The present study was undertaken to investigate whether core 2 O-glycans are involved in binding of resting human T lymphocytes to P- or E-selectin and in recruitment of these cells to inflammatory sites. Freshly isolated human peripheral blood T lymphocytes were incubated with P- or E-selectin-coated dishes, and expression of core 2 O-glycans by the adherent and nonadherent cells was examined using the anti-1D4 mAb, which specifically recognizes human CD43 modified with core 2 O-glycans. The results indicated that both the P-selectin/adherent and E-selectin/adherent populations were significantly enriched with ID4+ cells, as compared with the initial population. An enrichment of ID4+ cells in the P- and E-selectin/adherent populations was observed in both CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets and even in the CD45RO+ memory CD4 T-cell subset. However, the anti-1D4 mAb did not inhibit binding of human T lymphocytes to P- or E-selectin, indicating that the 1D4 antigen itself is not directly involved in selectin binding. We also found that the percentage of ID4+ cells in synovial fluid T lymphocytes of rheumatoid arthritis patients was significantly increased as compared with normal peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Taken together, our results support the notion that core 2 O-glycans, which are located apart from the ID4 antigen, are involved in binding of human resting T lymphocytes to both P- and E-selectin, and these interactions may contribute to preferential recruitment of human memory CD4 T lymphocytes to inflammatory sites, including the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Selective accumulation of CCR5+ T lymphocytes into inflamed joints of rheumatoid arthritis

Chemokines and their receptors play critical roles in the selective recruitment of various subsets of leukocytes. Recent studies have indicated that some chemokine receptors are differentially expressed on Th1 and Th2 cells. However, available data concerning the presence of T cells with a Th1 or a Th2 character and the expression of chemokine receptors on infiltrating T cells in the rheumatic joint are still limited. In this study, we investigated the expression of CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) and CCR5, which have been shown to be preferentially expressed on Th2 and Th1 respectively on T cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Although both CCR5+ and CCR4+ CD4+ T cell populations were observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy controls and osteoarthritis patients, these cell populations were decreased in patients with active RA. In contrast, the vast majority of synovial fluid (SF) T cells from active RA patients expressed CCR5 but not CCR4. CCR5 ligands, MIP-1alpha and RANTES, were found in RA SF at high levels. CCR5+ CD4+ T cells from SF mononuclear cells of RA patients produced IFN-gamma but not IL-4 in response to anti-CD3 stimulation in vitro. These results indicated that differential expression of chemokine receptors plays a critical role for selective recruitment of pro-inflammatory T cells into the joints of RA.

Functional analysis of HO gene in delayed homothallism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae wy2

Saccharomyces cerevisiae wy2 exhibits a novel life cycle, with delayed homothallism caused by a defective HO gene. In this strain, gradual diploidization occurs during successive subcultures. Three amino acids of wy2 HO were different from those of wild-type (wt) HO, which included a nonsense mutation (TAG) from Trp-292 and two amino acid changes of His-475 to Leu and Glu-530 to Lys. The ho gene of heterothallic strain CG379 was also sequenced in this study. Four amino acids of ho were different from those of HO. Among different amino acids in wy2 HO and ho, the alteration of His-475 to Leu was common between them. His-475 in HO was previously suggested to be involved in the DNA binding. We constructed a variety of chimeric HO genes by exchanging the corresponding restriction fragments generated from the wt HO, wy2 HO and ho genes. These results and the site-directed mutagenesis studies allowed us to draw the following conclusions: (a) Gly-223 is essential for HO activity; (b) mutation of His-475 to Leu significantly reduces the HO activity; (c) amber mutation (TAG) in wy2 HO car be suppressed inefficiently.

Th2 subset dominance among peripheral blood T lymphocytes in patients with digestive cancers

BACKGROUND

Two types of helper T cells (Th), which are categorized as Th1 and Th2 on the basis of cytokine production, have been reported. Th1 cells produce interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, while Th2 cells secrete IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10. We assessed the intracellular cytokine profiles of CD3/CD4 positive lymphocytes (CD4+ T-cells) in peripheral blood in patients with digestive cancers.

METHODS

Peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 patients with digestive cancers and 35 healthy volunteers. The proportions of CD4+ T-cells producing intracellular cytokines were determined using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The percentages (mean +/- SD) of CD4+ T-cells producing IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in the cancer group (73.9% +/- 13.0%, 73.0% +/- 16.6%, and 58.0% +/- 21.0%, respectively) were significantly higher than in the healthy group (37.4% +/- 12.4%, 37.8% +/- 13.5%, and 34.0% +/- 14.1%, respectively; P <0.01). Proportions of CD4+ T-cells producing IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 in 10 patients undergoing curative resection had decreased significantly 1 month after surgery (P <0.01). No significant difference was noted between groups in the percentages of CD4+ T-cells producing IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSIONS

Th2-dominant status develops in cancer patients. Such lymphocyte evaluations could find applications in diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of cancer patients.

Induction of systemic Th1 and Th2 immune responses by oral administration of soluble antigen and diesel exhaust particles

The present study was undertaken to examine whether oral administration of soluble antigen together with diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induced the systemic immune response in mice. Mice were orally given 1 mg of hen egg lysozyme (HEL) with varying doses of DEP every 3 days over a period of 15 days. The results showed that oral administration of HEL plus DEP produced anti-HEL IgG antibodies in serum in a dose-related fashion, while either HEL or DEP alone failed to show the antigen-specific IgG antibody production. Production of anti-HEL IgG2a and IgG1 antibodies, which are dependent on Th1 and Th2 CD4(+) T cells, respectively, was seen in mice fed with combined HEL and DEP, although anti-HEL IgG1 antibodies appeared to be more efficiently produced by lower doses of DEP than anti-HEL IgG2a antibodies. There was marked antigen-specific proliferation of spleen cells in mice treated with HEL and DEP. The anti-HEL antibody production and lymphoid cell proliferation to the antigen were associated with marked secretion of the Th1 cytokine IFN-gamma as well as the Th2 cytokine IL-4. These results suggest that DEP may act as a mucosal adjuvant in the gut enhancing systemic Th1 and Th2 immune responses and might play a role in oral immunization and food allergy.

Extractive acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation using methylated crude palm oil as extractant in batch culture of Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum N1-4 (ATCC 13564)

The possibility of employing methylated crude palm oil (CPOE) as an extraction solvent to reduce end-product inhibition and to enhance solvent productivity in acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation was evaluated using oleyl alcohol as the standard butanol extractant. Fermentation was carried out at an initial glucose concentration of 90 g/l. CPOE did not inhibit the growth of the fermentative organism. Without solvent extraction, butanol production ceased after 30 h at a concentration of 15.4 g/l limiting cell growth to 3.98 g/l and glucose consumption to 62%. Applying CPOE as the extraction solvent, about 47% of the total butanol produced was extracted, glucose consumption was increased to 83% and relatively high glucose consumption rates and solvent productivities were obtained. Butanol production increased to 20.9 g/l; total ABE solvents and yield also increased from 21.2 g/l and 38% (in conventional fermentation) to 29.8 g/l and 40.4%, respectively.

Depression of the xylanase-encoding cgxA gene of Chaetomium gracile in Aspergillus nidulans

Regulation of the Chaetomium gracile xylanase A gene (cgxA) was investigated using Aspergillus nidulans as an intermediate host. Deletion of a 185 bp DNA fragment from its promoter region led to higher levels of the cgxA gene expression, indicating that the 185 bp DNA fragment contains an element involved in repression of the gene. A nuclear extract was assayed for proteins which bind to the 185 bp DNA fragment. A protein designated AnRP bound sequence specifically to the DNA fragment. The minimum sequence required for AnRP binding, 5'TTGACAAAT-3', was determined by means of gel mobility shift assays with various double-stranded oligonucleotides. Furthermore, this sequence repressed the expression of the cgxA gene when inserted at the 5' end of the cgxA gene on pXAH, which was deleted for the repressive element from the promoter region.

Sequence analysis, overexpression, and antisense inhibition of a beta-xylosidase gene, xylA, from Aspergillus oryzae KBN616

beta-Xylosidase secreted by the shoyu koji mold, Aspergillus oryzae, is the key enzyme responsible for browning of soy sauce. To investigate the role of beta-xylosidase in the brown color formation, a major beta-xylosidase, XylA, and its encoding gene were characterized. beta-Xylosidase XylA was purified to homogeneity from culture filtrates of A. oryzae KBN616. The optimum pH and temperature of the enzyme were found to be 4.0 and 60 degrees C, respectively, and the molecular mass was estimated to be 110 kDa based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The xylA gene comprises 2,397 bp with no introns and encodes a protein consisting of 798 amino acids (86,475 Da) with 14 potential N-glycosylation sites. The deduced amino acid sequence shows high similarity to Aspergillus nidulans XlnD (70%), Aspergillus niger XlnD (64%), and Trichoderma reesei BxII (63%). The xylA gene was overexpressed under control of the strong and constitutive A. oryzae TEF1 promoter. One of the A. oryzae transformants produced approximately 13 times more of the enzyme than did the host strain. The partial-length antisense xylA gene expressed under control of the A. oryzae TEF1 promoter decreased the beta-xylosidase level in A. oryzae to about 20% of that of the host strain.

Pectin methylesterase gene (pmeA) from Aspergillus oryzae KBN616: its sequence analysis and overexpression, and characterization of the gene product

A gene (pmeA) encoding pectin methylesterase was isolated from a shoyu koji mold, Aspergillus oryzae KBN616, and characterized. The structural gene comprised 1,370 bp with six introns. The PMEA protein consisted of 331 amino acids with a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence was very similar to those of Aspergillus niger PMEA and Aspergillus aculeatus PME1. The pmeA gene was efficiently expressed under control of the A. oryzae TEF1 gene promoter for purification and characterization of the ezymatic properties. PMEA had a molecular mass of 38.5 kDa, a pH optimum of 5.0, and a temperature optimum of 55 degrees C.

Successful induction of adjuvant arthritis in mice by treatment with a monoclonal antibody against IL-4

Adjuvant arthritis (AA) is an experimental model of autoimmune disease in rats induced by immunization with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). Induction of AA in other species, including mice, has been shown to be difficult. In the present study, we found that AA could be induced in mice if the animals were treated with a mAb (11B11 mAb) against IL-4. Histologically, the joints exhibited synovial edema with infiltration of many neutrophils in the early phase of inflammation. In its late phase, there were proliferation of synovium, cell infiltrate in which mononuclear cells predominated, and destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone. The joint inflammation was passively transferred to normal syngeneic recipient mice with lymphoid cells but not with sera from mice immunized with MT followed by treatment with the anti-IL-4 Ab. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and proliferative responses of lymphoid cells to purified protein derivative were markedly augmented in 11B11 mAb-treated mice. Furthermore, the induction of arthritis was associated with a marked decrease in IL-4 secretion but a significant increase in IFN-gamma and IL-2 production. Thus, the neutralization of IL-4 by an anti-IL-4 Ab appears to be required for the induction of AA in mice.

Granulocyte and monocyte apheresis suppresses symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study

To investigate if granulocyte and monocyte apheresis mitigates the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and influences production of panmyelocytes (CD15+ CD16- cells) at the bone marrow level, 27 RA patients who had elevated granulocyte counts were recruited. The granulocyte and monocyte apheresis column (G-1 column) is an extracorporeal type device packed with 220 g cellulose acetate beads to which granulocytes and monocytes specifically adhere. Patients received apheresis of 1 hr duration twice per week, 8 times over a period of 4 weeks. To prepare CD15+CD16- cells, iliac bone marrow aspirate was obtained at baseline and at 2 weeks after completion of the apheresis course. Ex-vivo proliferation of bone marrow low density cells and production of IgM-RF were also investigated. Following granulocyte and monocyte apheresis, there was a suppressed tendency in the number of CD15+CD16- cells in patients with high bone marrow CD15+CD16- cell counts at baseline. Clinical assessments 2 weeks after the completion of apheresis therapy showed improvements in swollen joint count (P < 0.001), tender joint count (P < 0.001) and duration of morning stiffness (P < 0.005). The results suggest that granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages have a pathological role in RA and apheresis treatment to reduce or suppress these cells should benefit patients with RA.

Diesel exhaust particles block induction of oral tolerance in mice

We investigated the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on oral tolerance. Oral tolerance was induced by feeding mice with 10 mg of hen egg lysozyme (HEL) daily over a period of 5 days before immunization with the antigen. Varying doses of DEP were orally administered immediately before each feeding of HEL. The results showed that oral administration of HEL significantly suppressed production of anti-HEL IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies, delayed-type hypersensitivity and proliferative responses of lymph node cells to the antigen. The suppression of these immune responses to HEL by the oral antigen was associated with a marked decrease in secretion of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 from the lymphoid cells. Administration of DEP dose-dependently blocked suppression by oral HEL of antigen-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibody production, delayed-type hypersensitivity and lymphoid cell proliferation. The suppression by the fed antigen of secretion of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 was also markedly diminished by the particles. Thus, DEP appear to be effective in blocking induction of oral tolerance.

Repression of the expression of genes encoding xylanolytic enzymes in Aspergillus oryzae by introduction of multiple copies of the xynF1 promoter

A xylanase gene, xynF1, was cloned and characterized from a shoyu koji mould Aspergillus oryzae KBN616. The xynF1 gene was found to be comprised of 1484 bp with ten introns. The deduced amino acid sequence encodes a protein consisting of 327 amino acids (35,402 Da) which is very similar to the fungal family F xylanases such as Aspergillus nidulans XlnC, Aspergillus kawachii XynA and Penicillium chrysogenum XylP. The intron/exon organization of xynF1 is very similar to that of the fungal family F xylanase genes. Plasmid pXPR64, which contains 64 copies of the xynF1 promoter region (PxynF1) in the same direction, was constructed and introduced into A. oryzae. This led to reduced expression of both xylanase and beta-xylosidase genes in the transformants.

Antitumor effect of CD40 ligand: elicitation of local and systemic antitumor responses by IL-12 and B7

The interaction between CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154) and its receptor CD40 has been implicated in the establishment of cell-mediated immunity as well as humoral immune responses. To examine the role of CD40L in eliciting antitumor immunity, we introduced murine CD40L gene into P815 mastocytoma (CD40L-P815). CD40L-P815 cells underwent prompt rejection when inoculated s.c. into syngenic DBA/2 mice or athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice, which was mediated by NK cells and dependent on endogenous IL-12. The primary rejection of CD40L-P815 cells in DBA/2 mice elicited CD8+ T cell-mediated protective and systemic immunity against parental tumor cells, which was induced by CD4+ T cells and endogenous B7. These results indicated a potent antitumor effect of CD40L that is mediated by potentiation of host Ag-presenting cell functions, and introduction of CD40L will be useful as a new strategy of immuno-gene therapy against tumors.

Effect of a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-4 on suppression of antigen-induced arthritis in mice by oral administration of the inducing antigen

We investigated a role for interleukin-4 (IL-4) in suppression of T-cell-mediated antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) in mice by oral administration of the inducing antigen. For this investigation, a monoclonal antibody (11B11 mAb) that specifically neutralizes IL-4 was employed. AIA was induced by immunization with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) (day 0) followed by intraarticular injection of mBSA into the ankle joint. To induce oral tolerance, mBSA was administered orally once a day from day-5 to-1. The 11B11 mAB was injected i.p.. 30 min before each oral administration of mBSA. Oral administration of mBSA resulted in marked suppression of AIA. Suppression of the joint inflammation of the oral antigen was significantly diminished by treatment with 11B11 mAb. The mAb treatment was also followed by blockade of suppression of proliferative responses of lymphoid cells to mBSA by oral antigen. Furthermore, secretion of IL-4 was significantly increased following oral administration of mBSA and the increased IL-4 secretion was markedly reduced by treatment with 11B11 mAb. There was a decrease in production of IFN-gamma in orally tolerized mice that was blocked by the IL-4-neutralizing mAb. Thus, treatment with an anti-IL-4-mAb appears to be effective in blocking suppression of AIA by oral administration of the inducing antigen. The results also suggest that IL-4 may play a role in down-regulation of T-cell-mediated inflammation by feeding pathogenic antigens.

Role of norepinephrine and excitatory amino acids in edema of the spinal cord after experimental compression injury in rats

The role of norepinephrine and excitatory amino acids in edema of the spinal cord after an acute experimental compression injury was studied in rats. Control rats received the compression injury only. Intraspinal norepinephrine was depleted in one rat group by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the subarachnoid space to selectively destroy catecholamine neurons and in a third group MK-801 was administered intravenously to block receptors for N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), an excitatory amino acid. Recovery from motor paralysis and suppression of edema of the spinal cord were then compared in the three groups. Significant recovery from motor paralysis was found 12 h after injury in the 6-OHDA-treated rats, compared with the controls, and 24 h after injury in the MK-801-treated rats. Edema of the spinal cord was significantly suppressed for up to 24 h after injury in the 6-OHDA-treated rats. The MK-801-treated rats showed no significant suppression of the edema until 24 h after the spinal cord injury. It was concluded that norepinephrine is primarily involved in the formation of vasogenic edemas, which develop in the early stages after an injury, whereas excitatory amino acids affect the formation of cytotoxic edemas, which develop at a relatively later stage.