New triterpenoid saponins from Maesa tenera

Two new triterpenoid saponins, maetenosides A and B were isolated from the aerial parts of Maesa tenera and were respectively defined as 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl camelliagenin A 22-O-angelate (1) and 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->3)][beta-o-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl camelliagenin A 22-O-angelate (2). Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic methods.

Sensitized increase of period gene expression in the mouse caudate/putamen caused by repeated injection of methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (MAP) causes the sensitization phenomena not only in MAP-induced locomotor activity, dopamine release, and Fos expression, but also in MAP-induced circadian rhythm. Cocaine-induced sensitization is reportedly impaired in Drosophila melanogaster mutant for the Period (Per) gene. Thus, sensitization may be related to induction of the Per gene. A rapid induction of mPer1 and/or mPer2 in the suprachiasmatic nucleus after light exposure is believed to be necessary for light-induced behavioral phase shifting. Although the caudate/putamen (CPu) expresses mPer1 and/or mPer2 mRNA, the function of these genes in this nucleus has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we examined whether MAP affects the expression of mPer1 and/or mPer2 mRNA in the mouse CPu. Injection of MAP augmented the expression of mPer1 but not mPer2 or mPer3 in the CPu, and this MAP-induced increase in mPer1 expression lasted for 2 h. Also, the MAP-induced increase of mPer1 mRNA was strongly antagonized by pretreatment with a dopamine D1 receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, but not by a D2 receptor antagonist. Interestingly, application of either the D1 or the D2 agonist alone did not cause mPer1 expression. The present results demonstrate that activation of both NMDA and D1 receptors is necessary to produce MAP-induced mPer1 expression in the CPu. Repeated injection of MAP caused a sensitization in not only the locomotor activity but also mPer1 expression in the CPu without affecting the level of mPer2, mPer3, or mTim mRNA. Thus, these results suggest that MAP-induced mPer1 gene expression may be related to the mechanism for MAP-induced sensitization in the mouse.

High serum IgG4 concentrations in patients with sclerosing pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Sclerosing pancreatitis is a unique form of pancreatitis that is characterized by irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation of the pancreas, and hypergammaglobulinemia and that responds to glucocorticoid treatment. Preliminary studies suggested that serum IgG4 concentrations are elevated in this disease but not in other diseases of the pancreas or biliary tract.

METHODS

We measured serum IgG4 concentrations using single radial immunodiffusion and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 patients with sclerosing pancreatitis, 20 age- and sex-matched normal subjects, and 154 patients with pancreatic cancer, ordinary chronic pancreatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or Sjögren's syndrome. Serum concentrations of immune complexes and the IgG4 subclass of immune complexes were determined by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with monoclonal rheumatoid factor.

RESULTS

The median serum IgG4 concentration in the patients with sclerosing pancreatitis was 663 mg per deciliter (5th and 95th percentiles, 136 and 1150), as compared with 51 mg per deciliter (5th and 95th percentiles, 15 and 128) in normal subjects (P<0.001). The serum IgG4 concentrations in the other groups of patients were similar to those in the normal subjects. In patients with sclerosing pancreatitis, serum concentrations of immune complexes and the IgG4 subclass of immune complexes were significantly higher before glucocorticoid therapy than after four weeks of such therapy. Glucocorticoid therapy induced clinical remissions and significantly decreased serum concentrations of IgG4, immune complexes, and the IgG4 subclass of immune complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with sclerosing pancreatitis have high serum IgG4 concentrations, providing a useful means of distinguishing this disorder from other diseases of the pancreas or biliary tract.

High serum IgG4 concentrations in patients with sclerosing pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Sclerosing pancreatitis is a unique form of pancreatitis that is characterized by irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation of the pancreas, and hypergammaglobulinemia and that responds to glucocorticoid treatment. Preliminary studies suggested that serum IgG4 concentrations are elevated in this disease but not in other diseases of the pancreas or biliary tract.

METHODS

We measured serum IgG4 concentrations using single radial immunodiffusion and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 20 patients with sclerosing pancreatitis, 20 age- and sex-matched normal subjects, and 154 patients with pancreatic cancer, ordinary chronic pancreatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or Sjögren's syndrome. Serum concentrations of immune complexes and the IgG4 subclass of immune complexes were determined by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with monoclonal rheumatoid factor.

RESULTS

The median serum IgG4 concentration in the patients with sclerosing pancreatitis was 663 mg per deciliter (5th and 95th percentiles, 136 and 1150), as compared with 51 mg per deciliter (5th and 95th percentiles, 15 and 128) in normal subjects (P<0.001). The serum IgG4 concentrations in the other groups of patients were similar to those in the normal subjects. In patients with sclerosing pancreatitis, serum concentrations of immune complexes and the IgG4 subclass of immune complexes were significantly higher before glucocorticoid therapy than after four weeks of such therapy. Glucocorticoid therapy induced clinical remissions and significantly decreased serum concentrations of IgG4, immune complexes, and the IgG4 subclass of immune complexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with sclerosing pancreatitis have high serum IgG4 concentrations, providing a useful means of distinguishing this disorder from other diseases of the pancreas or biliary tract.

Shear bond strengths of three resin cements to dentine over 3 years in vitro

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to evaluate the bond durability of three resin cements bonded to bovine dentine over a period of 3 years.

METHODS

Ten bovine dentine specimens were tested for shear bond strengths with each of the following materials: Panavia 21, BISTITE resin cement, and MASA Bond (experimental resin cement) at 1 day, 6 months, 1 and 3 years after cementation of a composite rod. All specimens were stressed in shear at a crosshead speed of 1mm min(-1) until failure. The means of the bond strengths were compared statistically by two-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test (P<0.05). The mode of failure was classified after fracture of the bonds by SEM observation. Results for the mode of fracture were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS

The shear bond strengths (MPa+/-SD) for different times (1 day, 6 months, 1 and 3 years) were: Panavia 21 (15.2+/-3.6, 9.3+/-3.2, 8.5+/-2.1, 6.8+/-2.4), BISTITE (15.6+/-2.8, 11.0+/-1.4, 10.4+/-2.2, 9.0+/-2.7) and MASA Bond (29.6+/-9.5, 17.5+/-4.6, 19.6+/-4.5, 16.1+/-5.4). Panavia 21 and BISTITE strengths were significantly lower (P<0.05) at all times compared with MASA Bond, and 1 day strengths for all three materials were significantly higher (P<0.05) than 3 year strengths. Regarding the fracture modes after bond testing, there were statistical differences between the 1 day and the 1 year results for all cements (P<0.05). Although no Panavia 21 specimen showed complete cohesive failure in the demineralized dentine during the experiment, several BISTITE and MASA Bond specimens showed cohesive fracture in the demineralized dentine. For BISTITE, partially or complete demineralized dentine cohesive failures increased over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The type of resin cement seemed to have an influence on the long-term durability of bonding to dentine.

Four new triterpenoid saponins from Conyza blinii

Three new bisdesmosidic saponins named conyzasaponins A, B, and C (1-3) and one new monodesmosidic saponin, conyzasaponin G (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Conyza blinii. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive NMR (DEPT, DQF-COSY, HOHAHA, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and MS studies. Compounds 1-3 share a common prosapogenin, bayogenin 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranoside, which is identical with conyzasaponin G (4), and differ in the structures of the ester-linked sugar moieties at C-28. Conyzasaponin A (1) is the 28-O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester, conyzasaponin B (2), the 28-O-beta-D-apiofurano- syl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester, and conyzasaponin C (3), the 28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1-->4)-[beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->3)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2)-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl ester of the prosapogenin, respectively.

Enhancement of antitumor effect of bleomycin by low-voltage in vivo electroporation: a study of human uterine leiomyosarcomas in nude mice

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is an extremely malignant neoplasm with high rates of distant metastasis, and systemic chemotherapy is not particularly effective. Thus, the introduction of more active anticancer agents, or of a new drug delivery system, is urgently needed. Recently, electrochemotherapy has been introduced as a way of enhancing the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents. This involves administering the drug in combination with electric pulses (which permeabilize tumor cell membranes and allow the drug to enter the cells). In particular, bleomycin (BLM) cannot cross the plasma membrane efficiently, but its cytotoxicity can be enhanced by electropermeabilization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of low-voltage electroporation (EP) in combination with local BLM injection on the growth of uterine leiomyosarcoma in nude mice. Human uterine leiomyosarcoma cells (SK-LMS-1) were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Tumor growth in mice treated with EP (100 V/cm) plus BLM was compared with that in mice receiving BLM alone, EP alone, or no treatment (controls). Tissue BLM concentrations and histological analysis (including mitotic counts) were evaluated in tumor tissues. There was a significant reduction in tumor growth in mice that received EP with BLM. One hour after the treatment, the local BLM concentration was 10 times higher in the tumors that received EP with BLM than in those receiving only BLM. Moreover, the mitotic count was lower in the tumors that received EP plus BLM than in the controls. These results demonstrate the possible therapeutic value of low-voltage EP with BLM in human uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Loss of heterozygosity among tumor suppressor genes in invasive and in situ carcinoma of the uterine cervix

The aim of the present study was to further clarify the histogenesis of cervical carcinoma by investigating loss of heterozygosity (LOH) among a number of tumor suppressor genes in invasive and in situ carcinoma of the cervix. Materials consisted of 16 in situ and 29 invasive carcinomas (16 squamous cell carcinomas, nine adenocarcinomas, and four adenosquamous carcinomas). DNA samples were collected by microdissection from ordinary formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, both from the lesions and from normal tissues. LOH was analyzed using eight DNA polymorphic tumor suppressor markers. Of the 16 cases of carcinoma in situ, three cases exhibited LOH at one locus. Of the 29 cases of invasive carcinomas, six cases exhibited LOH at two loci and nine cases exhibited LOH at one locus. Overall, LOH was found more frequently in invasive carcinomas than in in situ carcinomas. LOH was most frequently detected at the PTCH (Drosophila patched gene) locus. There was no significant correlation between LOH at a specific site and either histologic subtype or clinical stage. These results suggest that LOH might already occur in a fraction of preinvasive squamous lesions and that accumulation of LOH may in part play a role in carcinogenesis of the cervix.

Dimensional changes of demineralized dentin treated with HEMA primers

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to measure the dimensional changes of demineralized dentin before and after application of HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

METHODS

The middle portion of bovine dentin was ground, polished, and covered with a vinyl tape with a 4-mm hole punched through it. A strip of polysiloxane impression material was then placed across the center of the dentin surface to preserve a strip of the original unetched surface. Dentin surfaces were etched with 32% phosphoric acid for 60 s and rinsed with water. The impression material was then removed and the following sequential steps were performed: the dentin surface was mildly air-dried, then strongly air-dried, then treated with either 35 wt.% HEMA/water or 100 wt.% HEMA and mildly air-dried, and then strongly dried again. The shrinkage of the demineralized dentin surface from the original unetched level was measured by CLSM in each step and results analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

The dimensional changes of demineralized dentin after mild air drying were approximately -1 micron and, following strong air drying, resulted in -5 microns shrinkage. Following the application of 35 wt.% HEMA/water, the height of the demineralized dentin changed to a level of -3.3 microns, but then shrank to -4.8 microns after strong drying. ANOVA indicated that re-expansion of the shrunken etched dentin was significant (p < 0.05); however, the treated surface collapsed when it was strongly dried again (p < 0.05). 100% HEMA did not re-expand the shrunken demineralized dentin under any of the application on protocols (p > 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

Thirty-five wt.% HEMA in water re-expanded the collapsed demineralized dentin matrix, however not to the original level. One hundred wt.% HEMA did not cause any re-expansion.

Effect of hydrostatic pressure on regional bond strengths of compomers to dentine

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the regional bond strengths of compomers to dentine.

METHODS

Thirty freshly extracted molars were ground flat to expose the dentine and randomly divided into two groups for bonding: no hydrostatic pressure and hydrostatic pressure of 15cm H(2)O. Xeno CF, Dyract AP and F 2000 were applied to dentine surfaces pretreated by the respective bonding systems following the manufactures' instructions, and then restored with Clearfil AP-X. After 24h storage in water, the teeth were sectioned into 0.7-mm thick slabs and visually divided into three regional subgroups: the region communicating with the pulp through dentinal tubules (pulp horn); the region between the pulp horns (center); and the region between the pulp horn and DEJ (periphery). The specimens were trimmed to a cross-sectional area of 1mm(2) and subjected to the micro-tensile bond test. The data were analyzed by one- and three-way ANOVA, and Fisher's PLSD (p<0.05).

RESULTS

There were no significant regional differences of bond strengths for all the compomers tested (p>0.05). However, hydrostatic pressure significantly decreased the bond strength of F 2000 to all regions (p<0.05), while the bond strength of Dyract AP significantly decreased only at the pulp horn region (p<0.05). On the other hand, the bond strengths of Xeno CF seemed not to be affected by hydrostatic pressure (p>0.05). For Dyract AP and F 2000, the fracture modes were affected by hydrostatic pressure, while, for Xeno CF, there were no significant differences between the fracture modes with non- or positive hydrostatic pressure.

SIGNIFICANCE

Simulated pulpal pressure of 15cm H(2)O had a greater influence on the bond strengths of compomers to dentine than did dentine regions. Therefore, when measuring the bond strengths of compomers to dentine under the simulated in vivo conditions, the wetness of the dentine surface, as well as the intrinsic properties of each material should be seriously considered.

[MALT lymphoma of the larynx]

We describe a 25-year-old Japanese woman with a MALT-type lymphoma of the larynx. She presented with a one-year history of hoarseness and increasing pain in the larynx. A small tumor was found on the left side of the false cord, and was biopsied under laryngoscopy in the department of laryngology. Histological examination showed the presence of centrocyte-like cells infiltrating the submucosa and forming lymphoepithelial lesions. The neoplastic cells were CD20+, CD79a+, and CD5-. Staining for keratin with CAM 5.2 highlighted the infiltrated epithelium. Analysis of DNA extracted from the biopsy specimen showed a clonal immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement, confirming the histological diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the MALT type. To our knowledge, only 6 cases of MALT lymphoma of the larynx have been reported previously. The presence of MALT lymphomas arising at rare sites emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate clinical management. Patients require careful periodic evaluation in order to time the therapy appropriately, and to avoid overtreatment and complications of therapy, including secondary malignancies.

Nematocidal activity of quassinoids against a species of Diplogastridae

The nematocidal activity of 38 quassinoids, C19 or C20 compounds isolated from Simaroubaceae, was measured using a species of Diplogastridae (Nematoda) to develop lead parasiticides. Of the various quassinoids tested, samaderines B and E displayed the most potent nematocidal activity with a minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of 2.0 x 10(-5) M. The nematocidal activities of samaderines B and E were 15-fold greater than that of albendazole (3.0 x 10(-4) M), 10-fold greater than that of thiabendazole (2.0 x 10(-4) M) and 7.5-fold greater than that of avermectin (1.5 x 10(-4) M). Thus, samaderines B and E may eventually be used as lead parasiticides. In light of the relationship between the structures of quassinoids and their nematocidal activities, those with potent nematocidal activity may require the elements mentioned. These results should help to further our understanding of nematocidal activity.

HCG promotes proliferation of uterine leiomyomal cells more strongly than that of myometrial smooth muscle cells in vitro

Uterine myomas often enlarge rapidly during pregnancy. This rapid increase in size may imply that human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) influences cell proliferation in uterine leiomyomata. To assess the direct effect of HCG on normal uterine smooth muscle and uterine leiomyomata, we investigated cell proliferation and the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in these cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that HCG/LH receptor was present in both cultured myometrial and leiomyomal cells. Treatment with HCG significantly increased cell proliferation in both myometrial and leiomyomal cells (P < 0.03), especially at an early phase in the 9 day culture. The increase in the viable cell number induced by HCG treatment was significantly greater in leiomyoma cells than in myometrial cells on day 3 in culture (P < 0.03). In leiomyomal cells, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cyclin E and cdc2 was significantly increased by HCG treatment (P < 0.05) even at the lowest concentration used (3 nmol/l). In myometrial cells, the expression of cyclin E and cdc2 was significantly increased by HCG treatment (P < 0.05) only at the highest concentration used (30 nmol/l). These results suggest that HCG directly promotes the proliferation of myometrial and leiomyomal cells, with the latter showing the greater response of the two.

The influence of storage solution on dentin bond durability of resin cement

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to determine the influence of storage solution on the bond durability of three resin cements to bovine dentin over the period of 1 year.

METHODS

Ten bovine dentin specimens were tested for shear bond strength with each material (Panavia 21, Kuraray Co.; BISTITE, Tokuyama Co; MASA Bond, Sun Medical Co.) and storage mode, listed below. Four storage environments were studied as follows: water changed every day for 1 year; water unchanged for 1 year; Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) changed every week over 1 year; PBS unchanged for 1 year. Ten teeth were also tested for each material at 1 day as a control. The mode of failure was classified after fracture of the bonds by SEM observation. The means of the bond strengths were compared statistically by two-way ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test (p < 0.05). Results for the mode of fracture were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Although there was no statistical difference in the mean bond strengths between the water and PBS storage solutions (p > 0.05) in all cements, the results for the shear bond strengths in the changed storage solution groups were significantly lower than those where the storage solution remained unchanged (p < 0.05). There were statistical differences between the 1 day results and the changed water groups among all cements (p < 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

The storage condition influenced the long-term durability of dentin bonding with resin cements.

Thioredoxin-dependent redox regulation of p53-mediated p21 activation

Thioredoxin (TRX) is a dithiol-reducing enzyme that is induced by various oxidative stresses. TRX regulates the activity of DNA-binding proteins, including Jun/Fos and nuclear factor-kappaB. TRX also interacts with an intranuclear reducing molecule redox factor 1 (Ref-1), which enhances the activity of Jun/Fos. Here, we have investigated the role of TRX in the regulation of p53 activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that TRX augmented the DNA binding activity of p53 and also further potentiated Ref-1-enhanced p53 activity. Luciferase assay revealed that transfection of TRX enhanced p53-dependent expression of p21 and further intensified Ref-1-mediated p53 activation. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that p53-dependent induction of p21 protein was also facilitated by transfection with TRX. Overexpression of transdominant negative mutant TRX (mTRX) suppressed the effects of TRX or Ref-1, showing a functional interaction between TRX and Ref-1. cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP) induced p53 activation and p21 transactivation. The p53-dependent p21 transactivation induced by CDDP was inhibited by mTRX overexpression, suggesting that TRX-dependent redox regulation is physiologically involved in p53 regulation. CDDP also stimulated translocation of TRX from the cytosol into the nucleus. Hence, TRX-dependent redox regulation of p53 activity indicates coupling of the oxidative stress response and p53-dependent repair mechanism.

Nematocidal activity of picrodendrins against a species of diplogastridae

To develop parasiticides, the nematocidal activity of 22 picrotoxane terpenoids, picrodendrins isolated from the Euphorbiaceae plant Picrodendron baccatum (L.) KLUG et URBAN, was measured using a species of Diplogastridae (Nematoda). Picrodendrin P displayed the most potent nematocidal activity with a minimum lethal concentration (MLC) value of 4.4 x 10(-3) M. The nematocidal activity of picrodendrin P was 9-fold more potent than that of kainic acid (4.0 x 10(-2) M) and santonin (4.0 x 10(-2) M) and 6-fold more potent than that of diethylcarbamazine citrate (3.0 x 10(-2) M). Thus, picrodendrin P may eventually be used as a leading parasiticide. In light of the relationship between the structure of picrodendrins and their nematocidal activities, potent nematocidal activity was found to require the following elements within the picrotoxane skeleton: the gamma-lactone that bridges C-3 and C-5, the epoxide group that bridges between C-6 and C-8, a cis-OCH3 group and a trans-CH2OH group related to carbonyl at alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone ring (C-18), and the absence of 4- and 8-hydroxyl groups. These results are the first demonstration of nematocidal activity for these terpenes and thus are important in furthering our understanding.

New triterpenoid saponins and sapogenins from Saponaria officinalis

Five new triterpenoid saponins, named saponariosides I-M, were isolated from the whole plants of Saponario officinalis. Their structures were established as saponarioside I (1) 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-16 alpha-hydroxygypsogenic acid 28-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D- glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)[-beta-D-glucopyranoside[, saponarioside J (3) 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosylolean-11,13(18)-diene-23,28-dioic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)[- beta-D-glucopyranoside[, saponarioside K (4) 3,4-seco-16 alpha-hydroxygypsogenic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)[-beta-D-glucopyranoside[, saponarioside L (5) 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosylgypsogenic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)[-beta- D- glucopyranoside[, and saponarioside M (6) 3-O-beta-D-glucopyrano-sylgypsogenic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1--6)-beta-D- glucopyranoside[ by NMR studies and chemical degradations. The aglycons of saponariosides J (3) and K (4) are new sapogenins.

Frequent occurrence of loss of heterozygosity among tumor suppressor genes in uterine leiomyosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

Leiomyosarcoma of the uterus is a rare smooth muscle tumor; it is extremely malignant and the rates of local recurrence and metastasis are high. Since tumor suppressor genes are commonly altered in malignant tumors, it is possible that mutations in such genes are involved in the development of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

METHODS

Fifty-five patients (37-70 years of age) diagnosed as having smooth muscle tumors of the uterus were selected. DNA was extracted from four or five 8-microm-thick consecutive tissue sections of each smooth muscle tumor from the paraffin-embedded blocks. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was investigated at nine loci within or close to tumor suppressor genes (TP53, RB1, DCC, NM23, WT1, D14S267, P16, DPC4, PTCH).

RESULTS

Nineteen of twenty leiomyosarcomas revealed at least one instance of LOH among eight of the nine markers tested (one locus showed no LOH at all). In fact, 11 of the 20 cases exhibited two or more instances of LOH and, of the remaining 9 cases, 4 showed a point mutation of p53 in addition to an alteration in one of the 9 markers, while one exhibited a p53 mutation only.

CONCLUSION

An accumulation of genetic alterations among tumor suppressor genes may play a key role in the tumorigenesis and progression of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Acyclic and incompletely cyclized triterpene alcohols in the seed oils of theaceae and gramineae

The triterpene alcohol constituents of the non-saponifiable lipids of two Theaceae seed oils, sasanqua and camellia oils, and two Gramineae seed oils, wheat germ and rice bran oils, were investigated. This led to the isolation and characterization of one acyclic and eight incompletely cyclized triterpene alcohols. They are camelliol A, camelliol B, camelliol C, achilleol A, helianol, isohelianol, sasanquol, graminol A [(13R, 14R)-3,4-seco-25(10->9)abeo-8alpha,9beta,10al phapodioda-4,17,21 -trien-3-ol], and (2Z,6Z,10Z,14E,18E)-farnesyl-farnesol. Two other compounds isolated were characterized as (2Z,6Z,10E,14E)-geranylfarnesol, a sesterterpene alcohol, and phytol, a diterpene alcohol. Graminol A and (2Z,6Z,10E,14E)-geranylfarnesol are considered to be new natural products.

New saponins from the seeds of Aesculus chinensis

Eight new acylated polyhydroxyoleanene triterpenoidal saponins, aesculiosides A-H (1-8), along with four known ones, have been isolated from the seeds of Aesculus chinensis. On the basis of extensive NMR studies, the structures of the new compounds were determined to be 21-O-tigloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]- beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl acid (1), 21-O-angeloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl acid (2), 21,22-O-ditigloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)][beta-d-glucopyranosyl- (1-->4)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl acid (3), 21-O-tigloyl-22-O-angeloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-beta-D-glucuronopyranosyl acid (4), 21,22-O-ditigloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-methyl beta-d-glucuronopyranosate (5), 21-O-tigloyl-22-O-angeloylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-methy l beta-D-glucuronopyranosate (6), 21-O-tigloyl-28-O-acetylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-methy l beta-D-glucuronopyranosate (7) and 21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylprotoaescigenin 3-O-[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)][beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)]-methy l beta-D-glucuronopyranosate (8).

Sensitization of methamphetamine-induced disorganization of daily locomotor activity rhythm in male rats

Methamphetamine (MAP) was administered to rats through drinking water repeatedly (three sessions, one session:administration for 60 days followed by withdrawal of 30 days) in order to examine whether or not MAP-induced disorganization of daily activity rhythm is sensitized. Each session (60 days) was divided into six blocks of 10 days. In the 1st session, daily locomotor activity rhythm of rats became disorganized around at 40 days (4th block) after the start of MAP drinking. However, MAP-induced disorganization of daily activity rhythm appeared at 20 days (2nd block) in the 2nd session and at 10 days (1st block) in the 3rd session following re-start of MAP drinking. On the other hand, the amount of MAP intake was decreased on the 2nd and 3rd sessions as compared with the 1st session. These results indicate that the mechanism of MAP-induced disorganization of daily activity rhythm may involve sensitization.

Localization of huntingtin-interacting protein-2 (Hip-2) mRNA in the developing mouse brain

Huntingtin-interacting protein-2 (Hip-2) was identified as a human protein specifically associated with huntingtin in vitro, a gene product affected in patients with Huntington disease (HD). It is a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme identical to the previously characterized bovine E2-25k. We identified the mouse Hip-2 homologue (mHip-2) and examined its distribution patterns in the developing mouse brain in order to gain an insight into the functional significance of the Hip-2 protein in the normal brain as well as in the pathogenesis of HD. As reported with huntingtin, the mHip-2 mRNA expression developed in parallel with neuronal maturation and became distributed widely in the postnatal mouse brain. This spatiotemporal pattern of mHip-2 mRNA expression resembled that of huntingtin. We further demonstrated that mHip-2 mRNA was colocalized with huntingtin-like immunoreactivity in a single neuron. These findings suggested that the Hip-2 interacted with huntingtin in vivo and played an important role in HD pathogenesis.

Triterpenoidal saponins from Gleditsia sinensis

Six bisdesmosidic triterpenoidal saponins, gleditsiosides H-K and gleditsia saponins C' and E', were isolated from the anomalous fruits of Gleditsia sinensis. Their structures were established by a combination of extensive NMR (DEPT, DQF-COSY, HETCOR, HOHAHA, HMBC and ROESY) studies and chemical degradation.

Reduced expression of p53 and cyclin A in intraductal mucin-hypersecreting neoplasm of the pancreas compared with usual pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Intraductal mucin-hypersecreting neoplasm (IMHN) of the pancreas, a slow-growing malignancy with a favorable prognosis, is distinctly categorized from the high-grade malignancy of the more common ductal adenocarcinoma. The aim of the present study was to clarify the molecular differences underlying the biological differences between IMHN and ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

METHODS

The expression of p53 and cyclin A in IMHN was compared with that in ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

In IMHN, the incidence of p53 and cyclin A ascertained by positive nuclear staining was significantly lower than that in ductal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, in ductal adenocarcinoma, p53 and cyclin A are topographically coexpressed.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the overexpression of p53 and cyclin A plays a role in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and sparse expression of both antigens in IMHN may partly contribute to its low-grade malignant characteristics.