Alpha-tomatine inactivates PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells: effect on metastasis

This study first investigates the anti-metastatic effect of alpha-tomatine in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell line: A549. In this study, we first noted alpha-tomatine inhibited A549 cells invasion and migration by wound-healing assay and Boyden chamber assay. The data also showed alpha-tomatine could inhibit phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), which is involved in the up-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) or urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), whereas it did not affect phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. Next, alpha-tomatine significantly decreased the nuclear levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), c-Fos, and c-Jun. Also, treating A549 cells with alpha-tomatine also leads to a dose-dependent inhibition on the binding abilities of NF-kappaB and activator protein-1 (AP-1). Further, the treatment of inhibitors specific for PI3K (Wortmannin) or ERK (U0126) to A549 cells could cause reduced activities of MMP-2, MMP-9, and u-PA. These results showed alpha-tomatine could inhibit the metastatic ability of A549 cells by reducing MMP-2, MMP-9, and u-PA activities through suppressing phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt (PI3K/Akt) or ERK1/2 signaling pathway and inhibition NF-kappaB or AP-1 binding activities. These findings proved alpha-tomatine might be an anti-metastatic agent against human lung adenocarcinoma.

Myricetin suppresses invasion and migration of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells: possible mediation by blocking the ERK signaling pathway

Cancer metastasis, involving multiple processes and various cytophysiological changes, is a primary cause of cancer death and may complicate clinical management, even leading to death. Myricetin (3,5,7,3',4',5'-hexahydroxyflavone), a naturally occurring flavonoid, has various anticancer activities. This is the first study to explore the antimetastatic effect of myricetin in human adenocarcinoma A549 cells in vitro. First, myricetin exerted a dose- and time-dependent inhibitory effect on the adhesion, invasion, and migration of A549 cells in the absence of cytotoxicity. Gelatin or casein zymography assays showed that myricetin inhibited the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and urokinase-plasminogen activator (u-PA) activities of A549 cells. Moreover, myricetin also exerted an inhibitory effect on the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and inhibition of activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), c-Fos, and c-Jun. Treatment with myricetin of A549 cells also led to a dose-dependent effect on the binding abilities of NF-kappaB and AP-1. Furthermore, the ERK inhibitor (U0126) could result in reduced activities of MMP-2 and u-PA concomitantly with a marked inhibition on cell invasion and migration. These results demonstrated that the inhibition of MMP-2 and u-PA expression by myricetin may be through a suppression on ERK1/2 phosphorylation and inhibit A549 cells invasion and migration. As shown by the above results, myricetin may be a powerful candidate in developing preventive agents for cancer metastasis.

Andrographolide could inhibit human colorectal carcinoma Lovo cells migration and invasion via down-regulation of MMP-7 expression

Andrographolide (Andro), a diterpenoid lactone isolated from a traditional herbal medicine Andrographis paniculata, is known to possess multiple pharmacological activities. In our previous study, Andro had been shown to have potent anti-cancer activity against human colorectal carcinoma Lovo cells by inhibiting cell-cycle progression. To further investigate the mechanism for the anti-cancer properties of Andro, it was used to examine the effect on migration and invasion of Lovo cells. The results of wound-healing assay and in vitro transwell assay revealed that Andro inhibited dose-dependently the migration and invasion of Lovo cells under non-cytotoxic concentrations. Using zymographic assay and RT-PCR, the results revealed that Andro diminished the activity and the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-7, but not MMP-2 or MMP-9. The down-regulation of MMP-7 appeared to be via the inactivation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) since the treatment with Andro suppressed the nuclear protein level of AP-1, which was accompanied by a decrease in DNA-binding level of the factor. Taken together, these results indicated that Andro reduces the MMP-7-mediated cellular events in Lovo cells, and provided a new mechanism for its anti-cancer activity.

Andrographolide could inhibit human colorectal carcinoma Lovo cells migration and invasion via down-regulation of MMP-7 expression

Andrographolide (Andro), a diterpenoid lactone isolated from a traditional herbal medicine Andrographis paniculata, is known to possess multiple pharmacological activities. In our previous study, Andro had been shown to have potent anti-cancer activity against human colorectal carcinoma Lovo cells by inhibiting cell-cycle progression. To further investigate the mechanism for the anti-cancer properties of Andro, it was used to examine the effect on migration and invasion of Lovo cells. The results of wound-healing assay and in vitro transwell assay revealed that Andro inhibited dose-dependently the migration and invasion of Lovo cells under non-cytotoxic concentrations. Using zymographic assay and RT-PCR, the results revealed that Andro diminished the activity and the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-7, but not MMP-2 or MMP-9. The down-regulation of MMP-7 appeared to be via the inactivation of activator protein-1 (AP-1) since the treatment with Andro suppressed the nuclear protein level of AP-1, which was accompanied by a decrease in DNA-binding level of the factor. Taken together, these results indicated that Andro reduces the MMP-7-mediated cellular events in Lovo cells, and provided a new mechanism for its anti-cancer activity.

High sensitivity SnO2 single-nanorod sensors for the detection of H2 gas at low temperature

Uniform SnO(2) nanorods were grown by inductively coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition without catalysts and additional heating. The SnO(2) nanorods were aligned on a pair of Au/Ti electrodes by the dielectrophoresis method. SnO(2) single-nanorod gas sensors were fabricated by connecting individual SnO(2) nanorods to a pair of Au/Ti electrodes with Pt stripes deposited by a focused ion beam. The sensing properties of the SnO(2) single-nanorod sensor were studied. The SnO(2) single-nanorod sensor could detect 100 ppm H(2) at room temperature with repeated response and showed a large change of resistance, fast response time and good reversibility at an elevated operating temperature of 200 degrees C. The optimal sensing performance of the sensor is achieved at the operating temperature of around 250 degrees C.

A large chest wall tumour in an asymptomatic 15-year-old girl

A 15-year-old asymptomatic girl was found to have a large left lower chest wall mass associated with chest wall invasion on an opportunistic chest radiograph. The tumour was excised and shown to be a clear cell sarcoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered and she was disease free at her 10 month follow up.

Preparation of doxorubicin-containing chitosan microspheres for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma

A new form of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DRH)-containing chitosan microspheres (CMs) was prepared by employing an expanding-loading-shrinking (E-L-S) process. One hundred mg of pre-formed CMs were soaked in absolute ethanol and then placed in reduced pressure (the expanding process). Ten mg of DRH (2 mg ml(-1)) were added into the expanded CMs (the loading process). Next the microspheres were freeze-dried (the shrinking process). As a result of this E-L-S process, 10% (w/w) DRH-containing CMs (DRH-CM) were made. During 7 days, 22.6% of the DRH was observed to be released on the in vitro drug release study. In addition, these new DRH-CMs could be used for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) procedure in VX2 hepatic tumour models of rabbit and the anti-tumour effects of DRH-CMs were investigated. On the post-CT scan 7 days after the TACE, total infarctions of the VX2 tumour were observed in 5 rabbits among the 6 total rabbits.

Gaseous nitrogen oxide promotes human lung cancer cell line A549 migration, invasion, and metastasis via iNOS-mediated MMP-2 production

Gaseous nitrogen oxide (gNO) is an important indoor and outdoor air pollutant. Many studies have indicated gNO causes lung tissue damage by its oxidation properties and free radicals. However, there are considerably few data on the association between lung cancer and gNO exposure. The purpose of this study was to examine whether gNO could contribute to the process of malignant progression of lung cancer. The results of wound-healing assay and in vitro transwell assay revealed that gNO-induced dose and time dependently the migration and invasion of A549 cells, a human lung cancer cell line, under noncytotoxic concentrations. gNO was able to induce release of NO from A549 cells, an effect that was mediated via the activation of inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS), but not constitutive isoforms, during the same treatment period. An increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and a coincided reduction in repress tissue inhibitors of metalloprotease-2 were observed upon the treatment of gNO. The gNO-mediated MMP-2 induction appeared to be a consequence of nuclear factor kappa B and activation protein-1 activation, because that their DNA binding activity was enhanced by gNO. All these influences of gNO were efficiently repressed by the pretreatment of a NOS inhibitor (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester). Using a mouse model, we showed that gNO promoted A549 metastasis to the lung through a mechanism involving the iNOS-dependent MMP-2 activity. Our data imply that gNO exposure, which in turn led to iNOS activation and the enhancement of MMP-mediated cellular events, was related to lung cancer development.

Bromism caused by mix-formulated analgesic injectables

Bromism, chronic bromide intoxication, can be caused by a variety of medicines, but bromism due to pain-relieving injectable medications has not been reported. In this study, the methods used were internet searching on bromide-containing injectables available in Taiwan and the first case report of bromism due to mixed-formulated injectable medication. Many analgesic/antipyretic and antihistamine injections containing bromides are still being used in Taiwan. They contain sodium bromide up to 1000 mg/ampoule or calcium bromide up to 800 mg/amp. A 25-year-old female suffered from forgetfulness and unstable gait after long-term frequent injections of a preparation to relieve head and neck pain. Blood tests showed hyperchloremia (171 mEq/L) and a negative anion gap (-48.7 mEq/L). Serum bromide measured 2150 mg/L. She recovered completely in 3 days with saline treatment. Many bromide-containing injections are still being used in Taiwan. Clinicians should keep alert on this issue to avoid iatrogenic bromism or making misdiagnoses.

Effect of levetiracetam on cortical excitability: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We studied the effect of levetiracetam (LEV), an anticonvulsant with a novel mechanism of action, on cortical excitability, measured using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). For this purpose, 38 healthy volunteers were assessed in two TMS sessions, before and after an oral dose of 3000 mg LEV.

METHODS

Resting motor threshold (RMT), intracortical facilitation (ICF) and intracortical inhibition (ICI), cortical silent period (CSP) threshold and duration and motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude were calculated.

RESULTS

After treatment with LEV, RMT was increased (mean +/- SD: 63 +/- 14% of the maximum stimulator output) compared with baseline (58 +/- 11%). CSP threshold was decreased after LEV (54 +/- 10%; baseline, 57 +/- 11%). CSP duration was increased after LEV (116 +/- 37 ms; baseline: 102 +/- 33 ms). LEV did not affect ICF or ICI or mean MEP amplitude significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that LEV modulates some aspects of cortical excitability. Whereas the increase in the RMT most probably reflects the effect of LEV on ion channel activity, effects on the CSP might represent a modulation of GABA receptors at cortical and spinal level.

The impact of human ABO blood groups on human xenoreactive antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and the protective effect of human decay-accelerating factors exogene on swine endothelium

Swine tissue can express antigens similar to human A/B blood types. We evaluated whether the variation in human blood type influences the human xenoreactive antibody-mediated cytotoxicity and modifies the protective effect of human decay-accelerating factor (hDAF) exogene, a complement activation regulator, on swine endothelium.

METHODS

Pig aortic endothelial cells were harvested form normal and hDAF transgenic pigs. Cellular viability was evaluated with an MTT assay.

RESULTS

As compared with that of other human blood types, human serum from blood type O donors induced more prominent cytotoxicity on swine endothelial cells both from hDAF transgenic or normal pigs (P < .05). In addition, this difference of xenoreactive antibody-induced cytotoxicity between treatment with O and other human blood type sera was more evident in hDAF transgenic swine endothelial cells than those of normal pigs (P < .05). The hDAF exogene can significantly protect the endothelial cells from human xenoreactive antibody-mediated cytotoxicty when treated with human serum from AB blood type (P < .05). Our data demonstrated that human ABO blood type significantly affected human xenoreactive antibody-induced cytotoxicity, which may modulate the protective effect of hDAF exogene expression on swine endothelial cells.

Inhibition of VEGF blocks TGF-beta1 production through a PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mediator of airway inflammation and remodelling in asthma. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) plays pivotal roles in diverse biological processes, including tissue remodelling and repair in a number of chronic lung diseases. However, there are few studies elucidating the interactions between VEGF and TGF-beta(1) in allergic airway disease. A murine model of allergic airway disease was used to define the mechanism by which VEGF induces subepithelial fibrosis and to investigate a potential relationship between VEGF and TGF-beta(1) and the mechanisms by which VEGF signalling regulates TGF-beta(1) expression in allergic airway disease. The ovalbumin (OVA)-inhaled murine model revealed the following typical pathophysiological features of allergic airway disease in the lungs: increased numbers of inflammatory cells of the airways, airway hyperresponsiveness, increased peribronchial fibrosis, and increased levels of VEGF and TGF-beta(1). Administration of VEGF inhibitors reduced the pathophysiological signs of allergic airway disease and decreased the increased TGF-beta(1) levels and peribronchial fibrosis, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity after OVA inhalation. In addition, the increased TGF-beta(1) levels and collagen deposition after OVA inhalation were decreased by administration of PI3K inhibitors. These results suggest that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor attenuates peribronchial fibrosis, at least when mediated by regulation of transforming growth factor-beta(1) expression through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway in a murine model of allergic airway disease.

Detection of diverse SCCmec variants in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and comparison of SCCmec typing methods

Non-duplicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates (n = 436), collected from four hospitals located in three Korean cities between 2001 and 2005, were investigated by SCCmec typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Variations within SCCmec, especially type II, were detected in 165 (37.8%) isolates, and these variants were characterised using four different SCCmec typing methods. The predominant SCCmec type was a type II variant that differed from type II by the absence of a pUB110 insertion. MLST analysis showed that most of the isolates carrying SCCmec variants belonged to ST5.

Binding modes of mammalian hepatic Gal/GalNAc receptors

Mammalian Gal/GalNAc receptors show dramatic preference for three-branched oligosaccharide structures over two- or one-branched counterparts. The spatial arrangement of the Gal residues is extremely important for optimal binding. The three terminal Gal residues in the best triantennary ligand are about 15-30 A apart, and therefore the sugar-combining sites on the receptor may also have the same geometry. The results obtained with synthetic ligands containing Gal or GalNAc are in agreement with this concept. Photoaffinity labelling and GalNAc-lactoperoxidase catalysed iodolabelling of the receptors revealed that the minor subunits (52 and 60 kDa) were more readily labelled than the major subunit (43 kDa). The stoichiometry of binding was determined with synthetic ligands containing GalNAc. The results indicated that each subunit may have two sugar-combining sites. A model for subunit assembly is proposed on the basis of these results and the finding that coexpression of all subunits is necessary for the binding and processing of asialo-orosomucoid in transfected cells, whereas Gal-polylysine can be bound and processed by the cells expressing only the major subunit.

Attitudes towards day-case surgery in Hong Kong Chinese patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate attitudes of Chinese patients towards day-case surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

SETTING

District public hospital, Hong Kong.

PATIENTS

Two hundred patients attending a preanaesthetic assessment clinic between 1 January and 30 June 2004 were invited to participate.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic profiles, understanding and attitudes towards day-case surgery, preference for day-case surgery before and after the experience, postoperative adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 28 (standard deviation, 19) years. In all 200 respondents completing the survey, 180 preferred day-case surgery. Important reasons for this view were: shorter duration of hospitalisation, dislike of hospital environments, belief that hospitals are highly infectious, need to look after their families, desire to return to work early, and doctors' advice. Small home environments and belief that day-case surgery was unsafe were not important. Respondents who did not prefer day-case surgery stressed the importance of better care available for hospital in-patients, concerns about surgical complications, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and doctors' advice. Only 11% patients complained of postoperative adverse effects. Demographic characteristics and previous day-case surgery experience did not have any effect on patient preferences. However, experiencing a postoperative adverse effect significantly affected the preference (P=0.005) and satisfaction (P=0.001) of respondents for day-case surgery.

CONCLUSION

Local Chinese patients attending our institution have a high preference for day-case surgery. Postoperative adverse effects might influence the respondents' satisfaction and preference after their surgical experience.

Treatment outcomes of 70 cases of early esophageal carcinoma: 12 years of experience

Early esophageal cancer (EEC) has an excellent prognosis compared to advanced esophageal cancer. Nowadays, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) may offer another alternative to cure early cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of EEC in Korea after curative treatments; EMR or surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed as EEC from January 1994 to August 2005 at Yonsei University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Among 888 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer, 70 (7.9%) were included as EEC. Among them, 10 patients (14.3%) were treated by EMR, and 50 (71.4%) by operation. The treatment outcomes of EEC in relation to various clinicopathologic factors along with survival rates were analyzed. There were 18 cases (30%) of mucosal lesions and 42 cases (70%) of submucosal lesions. Overall 5-year survival rate was 84.3%. When comparing treatment outcomes between EMR-treated and operated groups, there were no significant differences in complete remission (80%vs. 84%), recurrence (20%vs. 16%) and 5-year survival rate (100%vs. 78.3%). EEC is a potentially curable entity with a good clinical prognosis. EMR can be considered as another treatment arm for EEC, along with surgical resection.

Russell body gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori infection: a case report

An unusual and rare gastric mucosal lesion histologically consisting of a localised accumulation of Russell bodies and Russell body-containing plasma cells, the so-called Mott cells, has been recognised only recently and termed as "Russell body gastritis". This lesion, despite its densely monomorphous appearance is easily confirmed to be non-neoplastic by its polyclonal immunoreactive pattern to immunoglobulin light chains. However, the aetiology of Russell body gastritis is controversial and hence the optimal treatment for this disease has not been established. Two cases of Russell body gastritis associated with Helicobacter pylori infection are reported, and the possible role of H pylori infection in the pathogenesis is discussed.

A 13-year longitudinal study of the impact of double mutations in the core promoter region of hepatitis B virus on HBeAg seroconversion and disease progression in patients with genotype C chronic active hepatitis

The pathogenic role of core promoter (CP) mutations (T1762/A1764) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion or disease progression remains unclear. We investigated the clinical relevance of these mutants over a long-term follow-up period of up to 15 years. In this longitudinal cohort study, 29 HBeAg-positive patients with biopsy-proved chronic active hepatitis without cirrhosis were regularly monitored for >10 years. The viral isolates were characterized, using the frozen liver tissue obtained on the day of biopsy. Long-term outcomes were compared between patients with and without CP mutations of HBV at baseline. HBV genotyping showed that 100% of study subjects were infected with genotype C HBV. During a median follow-up period of 12.5 years, patients without double CP mutations of HBV at baseline showed a tendency towards achieving an earlier HBeAg seroconversion than those with (6.9 vs 9.4 years, P = 0.062) double CP mutations. Double CP mutations at baseline were also significantly associated with the eventual development of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (P = 0.013), whereas the absence of double CP mutations predicted inactive carrier status at the last follow-up (P = 0.027). At 10 years, liver-related tests were also significantly better in patients without double CP mutations of HBV than in those with these mutations, as reflected by higher platelet counts and albumin levels (P = 0.036 and P = 0.044, respectively). Double T1762/A1764 mutations are significantly related to liver deterioration in HBeAg-positive genotype C active hepatitis patients. A longer period of immune clearance coupled with delayed HBeAg seroconversion appears to contribute to disease progression in patients harbouring these mutations in the CP region of HBV.

Polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate protection from ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal injury in normotensive and hypertensive rats

INTRODUCTION

The effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in an in vivo renal model of ischemia with reperfusion (I/R) was compared between normotensive (WKR) and hypertensive (SHR) rats.

METHODS

WKR (groups I, II, III) and SHR groups (groups IV, V, VI) were divided into three types. Groups I and IV were sham-operated animals; groups II and V were subjected to 45 minutes of renal I/R; and groups III and VI received 10 mg/kg EGCG intravenously at the time of reperfusion. Three days after renal I/R, we compared renal function markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), and histologic changes.

RESULTS

Following renal I/R, levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCr) were increased and serum creatinine clearance (CrCl) decreased in group V compared to group II (P < .001). Those receiving EGCG treatment (groups III and VI) had decreased BUN and sCr compared to non-EGCG I/R groups (P < .001), but not surprisingly, higher than sham groups. CrCl was lowest in the SHR groups. The MDA was significantly decreased after EGCG treatment (P = .028 in group III, P = .002 in group VI). Following renal I/R, tissue necrosis was more severe among SHR (P < .001). However, the ratio of regeneration to damage significantly increased in SHR after EGCG treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The reperfusion injury was greater among SHR compared with WKR in terms of renal function, lipid peroxidation, and tissue damage. EGCG treatment significantly ameliorated renal impairment and promoted tissue regeneration following renal I/R.

Influence of genetic and environmental factors on the immunogenicity of Hib vaccine in Gambian twins

The differences in incidence rates of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease and the variation in Hib conjugate vaccine efficacy achieved among different ethnic groups suggest genetic influences on the immune response to Hib vaccine. The serum anti-PRP antibody concentration of 43 monozygotic (MZ) and 147 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs in the Gambia was measured using a standardised Hib ELISA. Intrapair correlations for MZ and DZ twin pairs were compared and heritability in antibody responses to Hib conjugate vaccine was estimated to be 51% (95% CI: 32-66%), indicating a significant genetic contribution in the response. We conclude that genetic factors may be involved in the variation in immune response to Hib vaccine observed in different populations and may contribute to cases of vaccine failure.

Cloning, purification, and characterization of chitosanase from Bacillus sp. DAU101

A chitosanase-producing Bacillus sp. DAU101 was isolated from Korean traditional food. This strain was identified on the basis of phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA sequence, gyrA gene, and phenotypic analysis. The gene encoding chitosanase (csn) was cloned and sequenced. The csn gene consisted of an open reading frame of 837 nucleotides and encodes 279 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 31,420 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of the chitosanase from Bacillus sp. DAU101 exhibits 88 and 30 % similarity to those from Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. The chitosanase was purified by glutathione S-transferase fusion purification system. The molecular weight of purified enzyme was about 27 kDa, which suggests the deletion of a signal peptide by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The pH and temperature optima of the enzyme were 7.5 and 50 degrees C, respectively. The enzyme activity was increased by about 1.6-fold by the addition of 5 or 10 mM Ca(2+). However, Hg(2+) and Ni(+) ions strongly inhibited the enzyme. The enzyme produced, GlcN(2-4), were the major products from a soluble chitosan.

Developing an NLP and IR-based algorithm for analyzing gene-disease relationships

OBJECTIVES

High-throughput techniques such as cDNA microarray, oligonucleotide arrays, and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) have been developed and used to automatically screen huge amounts of gene expression data. However, researchers usually spend lots of time and money on discovering gene-disease relationships by utilizing these techniques. We prototypically implemented an algorithm that can provide some kind of predicted results for biological researchers before they proceed with experiments, and it is very helpful for them to discover gene-disease relationships more efficiently.

METHODS

Due to the fast development of computer technology, many information retrieval techniques have been applied to analyze huge digital biomedical databases available worldwide. Therefore we highly expect that we can apply information retrieval (IR) technique to extract useful information for the relationship of specific diseases and genes from MEDLINE articles. Furthermore, we also applied natural language processing (NLP) methods to do the semantic analysis for the relevant articles to discover the relationships between genes and diseases.

RESULTS

We have extracted gene symbols from our literature collection according to disease MeSH classifications. We have also built an IR-based retrieval system, "Biomedical Literature Retrieval System (BLRS)" and applied the N-gram model to extract the relationship features which can reveal the relationship between genes and diseases. Finally, a relationship network of a specific disease has been built to represent the gene-disease relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

A relationship feature is a functional word that can reveal the relationship between one single gene and a disease. By incorporating many modern IR techniques, we found that BLRS is a very powerful information discovery tool for literature searching. A relationship network which contains the information on gene symbol, relationship feature, and disease MeSH term can provide an integrated view to discover gene-disease relationships.

Tuning indistinguishability in Bose-Einstein condensation and new atomic states

The concept of indistinguishability is the key element in quantum statistics. But, are particles really either indistinguishable or distinguishable? Most works begin with the premise that all the particles, for example, in a quantum gas, are indistinguishable. Can we vary the degree of distinguishability in some controlled, continuous manner and see how it affects the behavior of the quantum gas, such as Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC)? We have found a complex parameter with a definite phase that does just that. As it deviates from zero, a gas mixture of originally indistinguishable bosons would divide into several distinct species that undergo BEC individually. Each species is found to be in a new type of atomic state whose spin structure adapts itself to the prevailing densities of the gases in the mixture.

Vermicomposting of cattle and goat manures by Eisenia foetida and their growth and reproduction performance

Vermicomposting is commonly adopted for the treatment of livestock organic wastes. In the present study, two types of livestock manure were used for culturing of the earthworm, Eisenia foetida. Each treatment group consisted of six replicates and worm vermicasts were examined after 5 weeks. The concentrations of total C, P and K in goat manure vermicasts were higher than those in cattle manure vermicasts. Cattle vermicasts had a higher N content than goat vermicasts but the C:N ratio of fresh manure was higher than that of vermicasts for both materials. Earthworm biomass and reproductive performance, in terms of number of worms after 5 weeks of experiment, were higher in cattle manure than in goat manure. The cocoon production per worm in cattle manure was higher than in goat manure. However, the hatchability of cocoons was not affected by manure treatments. In conclusion, cattle manure provided a more nutritious and friendly environment to the earthworms than goat manure.

Posterior pericallosal lipoma extending through the interhemispheric fissure into the scalp via the anterior fontanelle

We report an unusual pericallosal lipoma presenting as scalp mass at birth. The patient had no obvious neurological deficit, but CT and MRI revealed a striking lipoma extending extracranially into the scalp from the interhemispheric fissure via the anterior fontanelle. The corpus callosum was distorted but not dysplastic.

Posterior mediastinal paraganglioma with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma

Paraganglioma and adrenal pheochromocytoma are tumors of common origin arising from chromaffin cells. However, it is extremely rare to find mediastinal paraganglioma simultaneously with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma. We report a 53-year-old man who was diagnosed with posterior mediastinal paraganglioma and bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma and who underwent successful excision of the posterior mediastinal mass and bilateral total adrenalectomy.

Vascular endothelial growth factor correlates with matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the pleural effusion

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that contributes to angiogenesis and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is one of the major proteolytic enzymes that degrade various components of the extracellular matrix. Few data are available on the potential relationship between VEGF and MMP-9 in the accumulation of pleural effusion. We examined levels of VEGF and MMP-9 by means of enzyme immunoassay, zymographic analysis, and Western blot analysis in the patients with liver cirrhosis, tuberculosis, or lung cancer. The levels of VEGF and MMP-9 were significantly increased in the pleural fluids and sera of patients with tuberculosis and were even higher in patients with lung cancer compared with the patients with liver cirrhosis. A significant correlation was established between the level of VEGF and the level of MMP-9 in the pleural effusion. These results suggest that overproduction of VEGF and MMP-9 is associated with accumulation of the pleural effusion in tuberculosis and lung cancer. The relationship between VEGF and MMP-9 in the pleural effusion may have a role in the pathogenesis of pleural fluid formation.

Imbalance between matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma

BACKGROUND

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI)-induced asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by airway remodelling due, at least in part, to an excess of extracellular matrix deposition in the airway wall. The ratio of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) may be a marker of the balance between airway tissue destruction and repair.

OBJECTIVE

We determined whether an imbalance of the MMP-9 : TIMP-1 molar ratio is present before and/or after challenge with TDI.

METHODS

We used a murine model of TDI-induced asthma to evaluate the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 balance in the lung.

RESULTS

The expression of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs and proteins in the lungs increased at 7 h after TDI inhalation and continued for up to 72 h. Immunohistochemical and immunocytological analyses in the lungs of TDI-exposed mice revealed increases of immunoreactive MMP-9 and TIMP-1. There were significant correlations between the levels of MMP-9 or TIMP-1 and the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, or eosinophils. The molar ratio of MMP-9/TIMP-1 significantly decreased at 7 h after TDI inhalation and continued up to 72 h.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that TDI-induced asthma may be associated with an imbalance between MMP-9 and TIMP-1, which could be useful as a marker of airway inflammation and airway remodelling in this disease.

The clearance of theophylline is increased during the initial period of tuberculosis treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of combined anti-tuberculosis treatment including isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP), ethambutol (EMB) and pyrazinamide (PZA), on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline during the initial phase of treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective, controlled clinical study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with pulmonary tuberculosis received 7.35 mg/kg/day of aminophylline intravenously combined with anti-tuberculosis agents. The first theophylline serum concentration was measured before administration of INH, RMP, EMB and PZA, and samples were obtained once daily for 6 consecutive days after initiation of treatment. All patients in this study were non-smokers with normal hepatic and renal function, and they were not given any other drugs that could affect the clearance of theophylline.

RESULTS

The concentration and half-life of theophylline was decreased and its clearance was increased significantly at days 5-7 after administration of antituberculosis agents compared to before the therapy was started.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease administered combinations of anti-tuberculosis agents and theophylline during the initial phase of tuberculosis treatment should be monitored closely for changes in theophylline concentration, and that the dose of theophylline should be adjusted accordingly.

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for peripheral neuropathy secondary to monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance

A 40-year-old patient presented with rapidly progressing peripheral neuropathy secondary to monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS). He became severely debilitated, being wheelchair-bound, despite treatment with chemotherapy, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange. He was subsequently treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). He has made remarkable recovery at 12 months post transplantation. We propose that high-dose chemotherapy and autologous PBSC transplantation may have a role in the treatment of severe, progressive and treatment-resistant MGUS-related peripheral neuropathy.

Expression of DAZL protein in the human corpus luteum

The DAZL gene and its homologues are required for the development of male and female germ cells in different species. However, their role in other aspects of human reproduction is not known. We have generated a polyclonal antibody to the DAZL protein and developed a sensitive standard curve quantitative-competitive-RT-PCR assay to characterize the expression of DAZL in the human corpus luteum (CL). DAZL transcripts are expressed in the CL, but the concentrations decreased with advancing luteal phase. In accordance with the mRNA data, DAZL protein was most abundant in the early phase CL. Immunohistochemical staining showed DAZL protein in the cytoplasm of granulosa-luteal cells. The distinct expression pattern of DAZL protein in the human CL may play an important role in the regulation of luteal function.

Mannose receptor-mediated regulation of serum glycoprotein homeostasis

Carbohydrates are thought to function as tags that mark circulatory glycoproteins for rapid clearance. To examine the role of the mannose receptor (MR) in glycoprotein clearance, we generated mice genetically deficient in MR. MR-/- mice were defective in clearing proteins bearing accessible mannose and N-acetylglucosamine residues and had elevated levels of eight different lysosomal hydrolases. Proteomic analysis of MR-/- and control mouse sera showed that an additional 4 out of 52 proteins identified were elevated in MR-/- serum. Each of these is up-regulated during inflammation and wound healing. Thus, MR appears to operate as an essential regulator of serum glycoprotein homeostasis.

Effect of rebamipide in treatment of Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcer: attenuation of chemokine expression and nitrosative damage

Production of cytokines along with increased activity of nitric oxide synthase has been implicated as one of the contributing mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastroduodenal diseases. We aimed to evaluate the effect of rebamipide in treating Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers in terms of cytokine production and nitrosative damage of the gastric mucosa. In patients with duodenal ulcers, rebamipide or placebo were given randomly after eradication. Mucosal cytokine production was measured by enzyme linked immunoassay, and nitrotyrosine immunoexpression was measured by immunohistochemistry. The inflammatory activity and degree of neutrophil infiltration were graded accordingly. The mucosal production of RANTES, interleukin-8, and TNF-alpha showed a significant decrease after eradication in patients with rebamipide after-treatment. The nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity of gastric epithelium was significantly decreased in the rebamipide group. Rebamipide treatment after eradication resulted in a significant reduction in chemokine production along with nitrotyrosine immunoexpression in Helicobacter pylori-associated duodenal ulcers.

Gemcitabine and cisplatin in a multimodality treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

The role of new cytotoxic agents like gemcitabine has not yet been proven in the neoadjuvant settings. We designed a phase II study to test the feasibility of using gemcitabine and cisplatin before local treatment for stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients. Patients received three cycles of induction chemotherapy of gemcitabine (1000 mg m(-2), days 1, 8, 15) and cisplatin (90 mg m(-2), day 15) every 4 weeks before evaluation for operability. Operable patients underwent radical resection. Inoperable patients and patients who had incomplete resection received concurrent chemoradiotherapy with daily low dose cisplatin. All patients who did not progress after local treatment received three more cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy of gemcitabine and cisplatin. Fifty-two patients received induction treatment. Two patients had complete response and 31 patients had partial response (response rate 63.5%) after induction chemotherapy. Thirty-six patients (69%) were operable. Eighteen patients (35%) had their tumours completely resected. Two patients had pathological complete response. Median overall survival was 19.1 months, projected 1-year survival was 66% and 2-year survival was 34%. Three cycles of gemcitabine and cisplatin is effective and can be used as induction treatment before surgery for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Expression of bisecting N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-III in human hepatocarcinoma tissues, fetal liver tissues, and hepatoma cell lines of Hep3B and HepG2

In this paper, uridine diphosphate (UDP)-N-acetylglucosamine/beta-D-mannoside beta-1,4 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GlcNAc-transferase-III C 2.4.1.144) activity was determined in human hepatoma cell lines of Hep3B and HepG2, and also compared with those of normal liver tissues and primary hepatocytes. GlcNAc-transferase-III enzymes of Hep3B and HepG2 were mainly detected in the membrane fraction. When GlcN,GlcN-biant-PA and UDP-GlcNAc were used as substrates, the Km values (4.7 mM for UDP-GlcNAc and 1.1 mM for GlcN, GlcN-biant-PA) of Hep3B GlcNAc-transferase-III were distinguishable from those of HepG2 GlcNAc-transferase-III (6.8 mM for UDP-GlcNAc and 3.4 mM for GlcN,GlcN-biant-PA). Furthermore, Hep3B enzyme in membrane fraction showed about 1.5-fold higher specific activity (1423 pmol/hr/mg) than that of HepG2 (1066 pmol/hr/mg). Normal liver cells and primary adult hepatocytes are characterized by a very low level of GlcNAc-transferase-III activity, whereas human hepatoma cells exhibited high activities. These data were supported by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results, showing that expression of the GlcNAc-transferase-III mRNA increased in proportion to the enzymatic activities. Although the mechanism underlying the induction of this enzyme is unknown, lectin blot analysis showed that oligosaccharides in many glycoproteins were observed in hepatoma cells. By treating hepatocarcinoma cultures that express GlcNAc-transferase-III with inhibitors (tunicamycin, deoxymannojirimycin, and swainsonine) of different steps of the glycosylation, we provide evidence that expression of GlcNAc-transferase-III mRNA is dependent on glycosylation of cellular proteins.

Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment upon angiogenesis in uterine leiomyoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist treatment upon angiogenesis in uterine leiomyomata.

METHODS

Uterine leiomyomata specimens of 49 consecutive patients who underwent myomectomy or hysterectomy following presurgical treatment with (n = 23) and without (n = 26) GnRH agonist were stained immunohistochemically with antibody to factor VIII-related antigen. For each subject, age, parity, number of Lupron treatments, leiomyoma size (cm), and mean microvessel counts calculated from three fields (x400) were recorded. Differences in patient age, parity, microvessel counts and leiomyoma size between GnRH agonist treated and untreated patients were tested by unpaired Student's t test. Differences among the various number of doses were tested by one-way ANOVA, with Bonferonni and Neuman-Keuls post hoc tests between specific dose-number groups. The relationship between microvessel counts and leiomyoma size was tested by Pearson correlation test. Multivariate stepwise regression tested the relationship between the number of Lupron doses and microvessel counts, correcting for age, parity, and leiomyoma size. p < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Patient age and parity were similar in GnRH treated and untreated patients (mean 43.3 +/- 6.6 versus 43.9 +/- 7.5 years and median 2 (range 0-7) versus 1 (range 0-5), p = 0.78 and p = 0.45, respectively). Microvessel counts of leiomyomata specimens treated presurgically with GnRH agonist therapy (median 22.7, range 6.7-65.7) were not significantly different from microvessel counts of specimens without presurgical GnRH agonist treatment (median 19.8, range 6-53; p = 0.77). No correlation between leiomyoma size and microvessel counts was noted (r = 0.06, P = 0.7).

CONCLUSION

Angiogenesis as assessed by microvessel counts in surgically removed leiomyomata is not affected by presurgical medical management with GnRH agonist therapy.

Paclitaxel plus carboplatin, compared with paclitaxel plus gemcitabine, shows similar efficacy while more cost-effective: a randomized phase II study of combination chemotherapy against inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer previously untreated

BACKGROUND

Paclitaxel (Taxol) plus carboplatin (PC) has shown activity in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-platinum-containing combination chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (PG), has also demonstrated reasonable efficacy. Our aim here was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of PC versus PG in chemo-naive. advanced NSCLC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety (68 male, 22 female) patients were enrolled from August 1999 to August 2000. The performance status was one in 29 patients and two in 16 patients of the PC group, and one in 24 patients and two in 21 patients of the PG group. Seventeen patients had stage IIIb disease and 28 patients stage IV disease in the PC group: 18 patients had stage IIIb disease and 27 patients stage IV disease in the PG group (New International Staging System). Treatment consisted of P 175 mg/m2 and C at AUC = 7 (predicted using measured clearances and the Calvert formula) intravenous infusion (i.v.) on day 1, or P 175 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 and G 1000 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 and 8, every 3 weeks.

RESULTS

In all, 175 cycles of PC and 184 cycles of PG were given in the PC and PG groups, respectively. The median treatment cycle was four cycles in both groups. All the patients were assessable for toxicity and response measurement. There were three complete responses and 15 partial responses (overall 40%) in the PC group, and no complete response, but 18 partial responses (overall 40%) in the PG group. WHO grades 3/4 leukopenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia occurred in six (13.3%), seven (15.5%) and five patients (11.1%) in the PC group; and in four (8.9%), six (13.3%) and 0 patients in the PG group, respectively. Two patients in each group suffered from grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. Other non-hematological toxicities were mild and few. Median survival time was 14.1 months in the PC group and 12.6 months in the PG group. One-year survival was 50.7% in the PC group and 53.3% in the PG group. The PG group had a higher total expense and expended more days undergoing treatment than the PC group (P = 0.034 and 0.069, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Both PC and PG combination chemotherapy produce a similar efficacy in the treatment of NSCLC. However, PC is more cost-effective than PG.

A murine model of toluene diisocyanate-induced asthma can be treated with matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is a leading cause of occupational asthma. TDI-induced asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is associated with airway remodeling. However, there are little data available on the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in TDI-induced asthma.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated whether MMP-9 participates in the airway inflammation in TDI-induced asthma. An additional aim of the present study was to determine whether MMP inhibitors could be effective therapeutic agents for TDI-induced asthma.

METHODS

We developed a murine model of TDI-induced asthma to examine the involvement of MMPs by performing 2 sensitizations with 3% TDI and 1 challenge with 1% TDI using ultrasonic nebulization.

RESULTS

Murine TDI-induced asthma includes findings of (1) increased inflammatory cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils; (2) histologic changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells around bronchioles, thickened airway epithelium, and accumulation of mucus and debris in the bronchioles; (3) increased MMP-9 activity in inflammatory cells in the airway lumen; and (4) airway hyperresponsiveness. Administration of an MMP inhibitor remarkably reduced all these pathophysiologic findings.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that TDI-induced occupational asthma is associated with the induction of MMP-9 in inflammatory cells, and the inhibition of MMP-9 may be a good therapeutic strategy.

Serum levels of interleukins (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and interferon-gamma in acute asthma

T-cell activation and alteration of cytokine levels are involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. However, the profile of circulating T-lymphocyte subsets and related cytokines during acute asthmatic attacks is still unclear. We hypothesized that serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 would be increased, whereas IFN-y would be decreased in acute asthma. The subjects enrolled in this study included 58 acute asthmatics, 22 asymptomatic asthmatics, and 10 healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We correlated serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IFN-gamma with initial forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1). Compared with control subjects, acute asthmatics had significantly increased levels of circulating IL-4 (p < 0.001), IL-5 (p < 0.001), and IL-13 (p < 0.001), although the differences were of borderline significance in serum IFN-gamma (p = 0.069). There were also significant differences in the circulating levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 between acute asthmatics and asymptomatic asthmatics. There was no significant association between initial FEV1 and serum levels of IL-4 or IL-13, however, among acute asthmatics, a lower initial FEV1 was associated with higher IL-5 and/or lower IFN-gamma levels. Our results suggest that serum levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 may be elevated in acute asthma, and that higher levels of IL-5 and/or lower levels of IFN-gamma are associated with severe airway obstruction.

Comparing transforming growth factor beta-2 and fibronectin as pleurodesing agents

BACKGROUND

We have recently demonstrated that transforming growth factor beta-2 (TGF-beta2) can produce effective pleurodesis. Whether this effect can be reproduced by the use of its downstream proteins is not known. This study compared the effectiveness of TGF-beta2 and fibronectin in inducing pleurodesis in rabbits.

METHODOLOGY

New Zealand white rabbits (1.5-2.0 kg) were given 1.7 microg of TGF-beta2 (n=5) or 2.0 mg of cellular fibronectin (n=4) intrapleurally via a chest tube. The induced pleural fluid was collected and analyzed. The rabbits were sacrificed after 14 days. The pleurodesis was graded macroscopically from 1 (none) to 8 (symphysis > 50%).

RESULTS

All rabbits in the TGF-beta2 group developed effective pleurodesis while none in the fibronectin group had scores > 2 (pleurodesis scores 7.0 +/- 0.6 vs 1.3 +/- 0.3, P < 0.001). Rabbits that received TGF-beta2 produced large amounts of pleural fluid initially (< 4 days). Microscopically, the pleura of rabbits in the TGF-beta2 group showed prominent spindle cell proliferation and collagen deposition, but no significant inflammation or mesothelial proliferation. Pleural tissues of rabbits in the fibronectin group had occasional thin collagen deposits only. The intrapleural administration of 2.0 mg of fibronectin, a downstream product of TGF-beta, did not induce effective pleurodesis, as did the intrapleural administration of TGF-beta2.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that the mechanism by which TGF-beta2 induces pleurodesis is not predominantly dependent on the production of fibronectin.

The structural and functional organization of the yeast mediator complex

The Mediator complex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required for diverse aspects of transcription by RNA polymerase II (pol II). Mediator is composed of two functionally distinct subcomplexes, Rgr1 and Srb4. To identify the structures and functions of each subcomplex, we expressed recombinant proteins for each subunit and assayed their interactions with each other and with basal transcription proteins. The Rgr1 subcomplex is composed of the Gal11 module, which binds activators, and the Med9/10 module. The Med9/10 module is required for both transcriptional activation and repression, and these activities appear to be carried out by two submodules. Proteins in the Med9 submodule interact physically and genetically with Srb10/11, suggesting that the Med9 submodule mediates the repression of pol II. Purified recombinant Srb4 subcomplex stimulated basal transcription of pol II but had little effect on activated transcription and phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of the Rpb1 subunit of pol II. Both subcomplexes of Mediator interacted with a distinct set of basal transcription factors and pol II. The modular organization of Mediator and the associated functions suggest that the Mediator complex may recruit and/or stabilize the preinitiation complex through several points of contact with transcriptional regulators and basal transcription factors.