Mismatch of minor histocompatibility antigen contributes to a graft-versus-leukemia effect rather than to acute GVHD, resulting in long-term survival after HLA-identical stem cell transplantation in Japan

We determined the alleles of five polymorphic molecules including HA-1 and four adhesion molecules for 106 patients transplanted with HLA-identical stem cell grafts and investigated the association of mismatches as correlates of relapse and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). All 106 recipients underwent stem cell transplantation (SCT) after myeloablative conditioning between 1985 and 2002. Risk status of disease at SCT was standard (n=63) and high (n=42). After SCT, 36, 49 and 33 developed acute GVHD, chronic GVHD and relapsed, respectively. Our patients relapsed at rates of 16.7 and 38.6% with one or more and without incompatibilities (P=0.013). The relapse rates of patients with CD62L, CD31 codon 563, CD31 codon 125, HA-1 and CD49b incompatibilities were 5.9, 11.8, 15.4, 16.0 and 33.3%, respectively. The frequency of acute GVHD did not differ regardless of incompatibilities. In standard-risk group, the accumulated relapse rates of 19 and 44 patients with and without minor histocompatibility antigen incompatibility were 22% and unexpectedly 66%, respectively (P=0.02). The probability of 12-year survival was 88% in the former and 66% in the latter patients (P=0.03). Our data suggest that incompatibility of CD62L, CD31 codon 563 and CD31 codon 125 contributes to a graft-versus-leukemia effect rather than to GVHD, resulting in prolonged survival after HLA-identical SCT.

Expression profiles of melanogenesis-related genes and proteins in acquired melanocytic nevus

We used three types of AMN to investigate the expression profiles of melanogenesis-related genes [tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP1), dopachrome tautomerase (TRP2), Pmel-17/gp100, P-protein, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF)], as well as tyrosinase, TRP1, Pmel-17/gp100, and MITF proteins.

RESULTS

All melanogenesis-related genes examined in the junctional type were expressed in the basal epidermal layer. In the compound and intradermal types, mRNA for tyrosinase, TRP2, and MITF was expressed in all of the AMN cells. However, the expression of TRP1, P-protein, and Pmel-17/gp100 in the compound type and TRP1 in the intradermal type became weaker in accordance with the depth of the dermis layer, as compared to those levels in the basal to upper dermis layer. Although tyrosinase and Pmel-17/gp100 mRNA in the compound and intradermal types was expressed in the intraepidermal and dermal components, immunohistochemical staining showed that tyrosinase proteins were not detected in the lower dermis layer and Pmel-17/gp100 proteins were not detected in the dermis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that all nevus cells that constitute AMN tissue originate from melanocytes. Further, there may be differences in the transcription levels of melanogenesis-related genes as well as in their post-transcriptional regulation between nevus cells located in the basal epidermal to upper dermis layer and those in the lower dermis layer.

Enamel matrix derivative gel stimulates signal transduction of BMP and TGF-{beta}

It has been shown that Emdogain Gel (Emd-Gel) containing enamel matrix proteins promotes biomineralization, such as osteogenesis and cementogenesis, during the regeneration of periodontal tissues. However, the growth factors involved in these activities of Emd-Gel remain unclear. In this study, Emd-Gel was fractionated into 22 sub-fractions by size exclusion chromatography. The osteoinductive factors, TGF-beta and BMP, were examined by a specific luciferase reporter gene assay. In the unfractionated Emd-Gel, TGF-beta-like activity was detected, while BMP activity was not. In contrast, in the fractionated Emd-Gel samples, TGF-beta-like activity was detected from fractions 8 to 13, and BMP-like activity was detected from fractions 4 to 6. Also, it was confirmed that the BMP-like activity in Emd-Gel was inhibited by authentic TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta-like activity. These results indicate that Emd-Gel contains both TGF-beta- and BMP-like growth factors that contribute to the induction of biomineralization during periodontal regeneration.

Postprandial changes in LDL phenotypes in patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size is strongly affected by both fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels. We report here that the LDL phenotype shifts toward the smaller phenotype during oral fat tolerance tests (OFTTs) in some patients with myocardial infarction (MI); a condition closely associated with postprandial increases of triglyceride and remnant-like particles (RLPs).

METHODS

Oral fat tolerance tests were performed on 63 MI patients with fasting serum triglyceride levels of less than 2.25 mmol L-1 (= 200 mg dL-1). Remnant-like particles and other serum lipids were compared among patients characterized by three LDL phenotypes based on nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis: pattern A (large LDLs, peak LDL particle size > or = 260 A), pattern I (intermediate-sized LDLs, LDL size > 255 A, < 260 A), and pattern B (small, dense LDLs, LDL size < or = 255 A).

RESULTS

The LDL size decreased significantly in patients with the highest tertile of areas under the incremental curves (AUICs) of triglycerides above the fasting levels. The LDL phenotype shifted toward the smaller phenotype after a fat load in three of eight patients with pattern A and in seven of 35 patients with pattern I. The AUICs of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins were significantly higher in these patients than in the patients exhibiting little change in LDL size, whereas the fasting metabolic parameters were similar among the patients of the same LDL phenotype in the fasting state.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that alimentary lipaemia plays an important role in the remodeling of LDL particles into the more atherogenic small, dense LDLs in patients with MI.

Congestive heart failure is associated with the rate of bone loss

AIMS

To characterize relationships between mineral homeostasis, bone turnover, bone mass, and congestive heart failure (CHF), we evaluated 75 women with mild to moderate CHF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the association in annual rate of change in spinal bone mineral density (BMD) with polymorphism of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. Compared with the control group, the CHF group had reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF: 68.2 +/- 7.5% vs. 60.2 +/- 12.9%; P = 0.0249), human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) was elevated (hANP: 10.7 +/- 4.7 pmol L-1 vs. 25.8 +/- 24.2 pmol L-1; P = 0.001) and had lower peak VO2 (22.3 +/- 7.5 mL kg-1 min-1 vs. 15.8 +/- 7.4 mL kg-1 min-1; P = 0.0429). The CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype had a significantly high annual rate of decrease in BMD. In the CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype, urinary calcium excretion (FECa) was elevated (1.40 +/- 0.91% vs. 2.39 +/- 1.40%; P = 0.028), and serum bone-type alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP) was reduced (62.6 +/- 13.7 IU L-1 vs. 47.0 +/- 18.6 IU L-1; P = 0.0123). Also, FECa was correlated positively with furosemide dose (R = 0.881; P = 0.0087) and hANP concentrations (R = 0.635; P = 0.0147) and negatively with DeltaBMD (R = 0.72; P = 0.044) in the CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype.

CONCLUSION

The CHF patients with the VDR FF genotype have higher rates of bone loss. These patients may need to increase their calcium intake and BMD may need to be followed more carefully over time.

Association of polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system and bradykinin B2 receptor with ACE-inhibitor-related cough

The use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to treat hypertension has recently increased. However, their use is associated with a persistent dry cough in a significant percentage of such patients. The present study was designed to assess the contribution of polymorphisms as a genetic marker of ACE-inhibitor-related cough in a Japanese hypertensive population. Genotyping was carried out in 190 patients, 70 with cough and 120 without cough, who had been treated with ACE inhibitors. Polymorphisms of ACE insertion/deletion (I/D), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (1166A/C), type 2 receptor (3123C/A), and bradykinin B2 receptor (-58T/C, exon 1, I/D), were analyzed in these subjects. The TT genotype and T allele of bradykinin B2 receptor (-58T/C) were identified at a significantly higher frequency in the cough (+) patients than in the cough (-) patients. This difference was even more pronounced in women. However, there was no significant relationship between polymorphisms of ACE, angiotensin II receptors, or bradykinin B2 receptor exon 1, and occurrence of ACE-inhibitor-related cough. The transcriptional activity of the bradykinin B2 receptor promoter is involved in the occurrence of cough, and this new marker may provide a valuable tool to detect patients at risk of developing this side effect of ACE inhibitors. In conclusion, Susceptibility to develop cough is associated with a genetic variant of the bradykinin B2 receptor promoter; thus, it may be possible to identify those patients who will develop this adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors in advance.

Female preponderance of Parkinson's disease in Japan

A male preponderance of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been reported in European countries and the USA. To verify this issue in Japanese patients with PD, we examined the age- and gender-specific prevalence of PD in Yamagata Prefecture (population 1,244,040), Japan. The prevalence of PD was 61.3/100,000 men and 91.0/100,000 women, showing that women were significantly more affected by PD than men (p < 0.001). Contrary to the findings in Europe and the USA, the results indicate a female preponderance of PD among the Japanese population.

Regulatory mechanisms of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation

Bone is continuously destroyed and reformed to maintain constant bone volume and calcium homeostasis in vertebrates throughout their lives. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are specialized cells responsible for bone formation and resorption, respectively. Recent developments in bone cell biology have greatly changed our conceptions of the regulatory mechanisms of the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play critical roles in osteoblast differentiation. The discovery of Smad-mediated signals revealed the precise functions of BMPs in osteoblast differentiation. Transcription factors, Runx2 and Osterix, are found to be essential molecules for inducing osteoblast differentiation, as indicated by the fact that both Runx2-null mice and Osterix-null mice have neither bone tissue nor osteoblasts. Smad transcriptional factors are shown to interact with other transcription regulators, including Runx2. Also, the recent discovery of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-RANK interaction confirms the well-known hypothesis that osteoblasts play an essential role in osteoclast differentiation. Osteoblasts express RANKL as a membrane-associated factor. Osteoclast precursors that express RANK, a receptor for RANKL, recognize RANKL through the cell-cell interaction and differentiate into osteoclasts. Recent studies have shown that lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor receptor-alpha and interleukin I directly regulate osteoclast differentiation and function through a mechanism independent of the RANKL-RANK interaction. Transforming growth factor-beta super family members and interferon-gamma are also shown to be important regulators in osteoclastogenesis. These findings have opened new areas for exploring the molecular mechanisms of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation.

Association of the mitochondrial DNA 5178A/C polymorphism with maternal inheritance and onset of type 2 diabetes in Japanese patients

The mitochondrial DNA 5178A/C (mt5178A/C) polymorphism is associated with longevity and adult onset diseases. We investigated an association of the mt5178A/C polymorphism with the occurrence and clinical features of type 2 diabetes. Two hundred and seventy Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (181 men and 89 women) and 254 control subjects without diabetes were studied. Patients with mutations at position 3243 in the mitochondrial DNA were excluded. Genotype was determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Various clinical features including age at disease onset were compared between the patients with the mt5178A and mt5178C alleles. Mt5178C was observed more frequently in patients with type 2 diabetes than in control subjects (65.9% vs 57.9%, P = 0.058). Clear information about the maternal history of diabetes was obtained from 233 diabetic patients. Patients with a maternal history of diabetes carried the mt5178C allele (58/75, 77.3%) more frequently than did patients without a maternal history of diabetes (100/158, 63.3%; P = 0.032) and control subjects (57.9%; P = 0.002). The mean age at onset of diabetes was significantly lower in patients with mt5178C (47.6 +/- 11.4 years) than in patients with mt5178A (51.5 +/- 10.0 years; P = 0.0073). The mt5178A/C polymorphism may be associated with maternal inheritance of type 2 diabetes and may influence the age at onset through deterioration of mitochondrial function.

The involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor and flt-1 in the process of neointimal proliferation in pig coronary arteries following stent implantation

To clarify the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the process of restenosis, a Palmaz-Schatz stent was implanted in the left anterior descending coronary artery of male pigs at 2 weeks after balloon injury (balloon/artery ratio 1.2:1). The animals were euthanized at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after stenting, and western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were performed using VEGF, fms-like tyrosine kinase (flt)-1, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) antibodies. The expressions of VEGF and flt-1 protein in the neointima were observed as early as 1 week after stenting and remained for up to 4 weeks, while re-endothelialization was complete at 2 weeks. These protein expressions were demonstrated in proliferated smooth muscle cells throughout the entire period after stenting and, in addition, they were observed in the macrophages and endothelial cells of microvessels around stent struts at 4 weeks. The expression pattern of VEGF corresponded with that of PDGF, a growth factor well-known to induce neointimal proliferation. The cell proliferative activity, measured by the proliferating cell nuclear antigen index, around the struts remained high until 4 weeks after stenting, while that in the other areas declined at 4 weeks. These results suggest that VEGF is involved in the process of restenosis not only through its angiogenic properties and induction of monocyte chemotaxis, but also by a synergistic effect with PDGF.

Brain specific human genes, NELL1 and NELL2, are predominantly expressed in neuroblastoma and other embryonal neuroepithelial tumors

NELL1 and NELL2 encode cysteine-rich amino acid sequences including six epidermal growth factor-like motifs, which contain signal peptides at the N-terminals. The deduced amino acid sequences of both genes are 55% identical and their cysteine stretch structures are conserved. NELL1 is expressed in the brain and kidney, whereas NELL2 is expressed specifically in the brain. The cell lineage expressing NELLs in the nervous system was investigated in established cell lines and central nervous system tumor tissues obtained from patients by Northern blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses. NELL1 and NELL2 were predominantly expressed in neuroblastoma cell lines and little expressed in glioblastoma cell lines. NELL1 and NELL2 were also expressed in central neurocytoma, medulloblastoma, and some astrocytic tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that NELL2 protein was localized in the cytoplasm of neurons. These results suggest that NELL2 is predominantly expressed in the neuronal cell lineage in the human nervous system. NELL1 is expressed mainly in tumors in the neuronal cell lineage.

Serotonin potentiates angiotensin II--induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is a key feature in the development of atherosclerosis and restenosis after angioplasty, which can occur in response to many different humoral and mechanical stimuli. We investigated the growth promoting activities of two potent vasoactive substances, angiotensin II (Ang II) and serotonin (5-HT), on cultured rabbit VSMCs. Growth-arrested VSMCs were incubated with serum-free medium containing different concentrations of Ang II in the presence or absence of 5-HT. [3H]thymidine incorporation into VSMC DNA was measured as an index of cell proliferation. Ang II and 5-HT stimulated DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal effect at 1.75 microM for Ang II (202%) and 50 microM for 5-HT (205%). When added together, low concentrations of Ang II (1 microM) and 5-HT (5 microM) synergistically induced DNA synthesis (363%). Candesartan (1 microM), an AT(1) receptor antagonist, but not PD 123319 (1 microM), an AT(2) receptor antagonist, inhibited the mitogenic effect on Ang II and its interaction with 5-HT. Sarpogrelate (10 microM), a 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist, and pertussis toxin (10 ng/ml) inhibited the mitogenic effect of 5-HT and its interaction with Ang II. The protein kinase C inhibitor Ro 31-8220 (0.1 microM), the Raf-1 inhibitor radicicol (10 microM), and the MAPK kinase inhibitor PD 098059 (10 microM) abolished mitogenic effects of Ang II and 5-HT, and also their synergistic interaction. The JAK2 inhibitor AG 490 (10 microM) had only a minimal inhibitory effect of Ang II-induced DNA synthesis but significantly inhibited the interaction of Ang II with 5-HT. The synergistic effect on Ang II (1 microM) with 5-HT (5 microM) on DNA synthesis was completely reversed by the combined use of both candesartan (1 microM) and sarpogrelate (10 microM). Our results suggest that Ang II and 5-HT exert a synergistic interaction on VSMC proliferation via AT(1) and 5-HT(2A) receptors. The activation of MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways may explain the synergistic interaction between Ang II and 5-HT.

Synergistic effect of urotensin II with serotonin on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

BACKGROUND

Urotensin II (U-II), the most potent vasoconstrictor, and serotonin (5-HT) are known to play an important role in pulmonary hypertension. However, little is known about the effect of U-II and its interaction with 5-HT on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the interaction between U-II and 5-HT in inducing VSMC proliferation.

METHODS

Growth-arrested rabbit VSMCs were incubated in serum-free medium with different concentrations of U-II and 5-HT. VSMC proliferation was examined by the increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and cell number.

RESULTS

U-II or 5-HT induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal effect at a concentration of 50 nmol/l (161%) or 50 micromol/l (205%), respectively. When added together, low concentrations of U-II (50 nmol/l) and 5-HT (1 micromol/l) interacted synergistically in inducing [3H]thymidine incorporation (382%). These effects on [3H]thymidine incorporation were paralleled by an increase in cell number. The G-protein inactivator GDP-beta-S (100 micromol/l), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro31-8220 (0.1 micromol/l), Src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 (1 micromol/l), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor PD098059 (10 micromol/l) inhibited the mitogenic effects of U-II and 5-HT and also their interaction in inducing [3H]thymidine incorporation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that U-II and 5-HT may induce the synergistic interaction in inducing VSMC proliferation via a G-protein-coupled receptor/PKC/Src tyrosine kinase/MAPK pathway, thus contributing to the relatively rapid development of atherosclerosis in hypertensive vascular disease.

[Morphological and histological studies of in-stent restenosis in seven types of stents implanted in porcine coronary arteries]

OBJECTIVES

Differences in the mechanism of restenosis after stenting between coil and tubular stents were examined in porcine coronary arteries using histological and immunohistochemical methods.

METHODS

Twenty-four pigs underwent balloon-induced injury in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Two weeks later, seven different stents clinically available in Japan (Coil stents: GR I, GR II, Wiktor, Cordis; Tubular stents: gfx, Multilink, Palmaz-Schatz) were implanted in the injured site. Four weeks after the stent implantation, the pigs were sacrificed for histological examination and for morphometrical analysis of the lumen, neointima, media and adventitia. Immunohistochemical studies using anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin and anti-macrophage antibody were also performed.

RESULTS

The coil stents formed eccentric, and the tubular stents formed concentric neointimal proliferation. Although there was no difference in the area of neointima between the stents, the area of lumen in the tubular stents was bigger than that in the coil stents (p < 0.01), because the vascular area was bigger in the tubular stents (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical examination found many PCNA-positive cells in the proliferated neointima, especially in the area around the stent strut. Many of these cells around the stent strut were positively stained by anti-macrophage antibody. Other cells positively stained for PCNA were confirmed as smooth muscle cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubular stents maintained a wider lumen than coil stents, because negative remodeling after stenting was less in the tubular stents. Implantation of stents with less negative remodeling is very important to prevent restenosis after stenting.

Diastereoselectivity controlled by electrostatic repulsion between the negative charge on a trifluoromethyl group and that on aromatic rings

Intramolecular electrostatic repulsions between the local negative charge on a trifluoromethyl group and that on the ortho position of an aryl moiety of a nucleophile was found to be a controlling factor of the diastereoselectivity in a cyclopropanation reaction, in which the electrostatic repulsion was evaluated quantitatively.

Construction and characterization of BAC libraries for three fish species; rainbow trout, carp and tilapia

Bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries are important tools for genomic research. We have constructed seven genomic BAC libraries from three fish species, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The two rainbow trout BAC libraries have average insert sizes of 58 and 110 kb. The average size of inserts in the carp BAC library is 160 kb. The average insert sizes of the four tilapia BAC libraries are 65, 105, 145 and 194 kb, respectively. These libraries represent good coverage of each genome (2-64 x coverage). The libraries can be screened by conventional colony hybridization and provide a starting point for the construction of high-density filtres or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening approaches. These BAC libraries will facilitate the positional cloning of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for a variety of economically important traits in these species.