Systemic administration of TerplexDNA system: pharmacokinetics and gene expression

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to extend our previous studies to investigate the TerplexDNA synthetic gene carrier system in pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and gene expression in major organs after systemic administration.

METHODS

The stability of the TerplexDNA system was analyzed in vitro with a serum incubation assay. The TerplexDNA PK/PD studies were conducted by quantitation of Terplex/radiolabeled DNA [CTP alpha-32P] complexes after rat-tail vein injection. The effect of the TerplexDNA system on gene expression in mouse major organs was analyzed by measuring luciferase activities after systemic administration.

RESULTS

The TerplexDNA gene carrier showed significantly longer retention in the vascular space than naked plasmid DNA alone. At early time points (1 h postvenous injection), the lung was the major organ of the TerplexDNA distribution, followed by the liver as a major distribution organ at later time points (24 h postinjection). The major organs of transgene expression after intravenous injection were the liver and heart.

CONCLUSION

The TerplexDNA system has the potential for in vivo applications due to its higher bioavailability of plasmid DNA in the tissues, and due to its organ specific distribution.

[Correction of nasal deformity in unilateral cleft lip of adult cases]

OBJECTIVE

Nasal deformities are very common in unilateral cleft lip cases. They are morphology of alar collapse, nasal floor depression and deviation of the septum.

METHODS

Our operation procedure includes correction and replacement of the septum to the middle position, mobilization and suspension of the displaced alar cartilage and use of a "C" flap, nasal sill flap or a flap of the lip scar tissue to increase the length of columella on the cleft side. An implant or autograft of suitable size is placed, if necessary, in the nasal bridge or/and the nasal floor.

RESULTS

Postoperative follow-up for 1-12 months showed that the results are satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

Correction of septum deformity, and increase of the length of the columella on the cleft side are important. An extensive mobilization and reposition of the alar cartilage must be done for obtaining a symmetric nasal projection. If necessary, a fine implant or self-tissue is placed in the nasal bridge and nasal floor, which would make the result much better.

The N-terminal and C-terminal domains of RAP1 are dispensable for chromatin opening and GCN4-mediated HIS4 activation in budding yeast

Repressor activator protein 1 (RAP1) assists GCN4-mediated HIS4 activation by overcoming some repressive aspect of chromatin structure to facilitate GCN4 binding. RAP1 also participates in other nuclear processes, and discrete domains of RAP1 have been shown to have specific properties including DNA binding, DNA bending, transcriptional activation, and silencing and telomere functions. To investigate whether specific domains of RAP1 are required to "open" chromatin and help GCN4 to activate the HIS4 gene, we examined the abilities of different truncated RAP1 proteins to perturb positioned nucleosomes via a nucleosomal RAP1 site in a yeast episome in vivo, and we tested HIS4 activation in yeast strains harboring truncated RAP1 mutants. We found that neither the DNA bending domain nor the putative activation domain of RAP1 is required for its ability to perturb the chromatin structure of a plasmid containing a RAP1 site. Similarly, neither the putative activation domain nor the N-terminal DNA-bending domain was required for GCN4-mediated activation of HIS4. We also used a rap1(ts) mutant to show that continuous occupancy of the HIS4 promoter by RAP1 is required for GCN4-mediated gene activation.

Solution structure and function of a conserved protein SP14.3 encoded by an essential Streptococcus pneumoniae gene

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major human pathogen that causes high mortality and morbidity rates and has developed resistance to many antibiotics. The genome of S. pneumoniae has recently been completely sequenced revealing many genes encoding hypothetical proteins of unknown function. We have found that the gene encoding one such conserved protein, SP14.3, is essential for growth of S. pneumonia. Since it is essential, SP14.3 represents a potential target for drug discovery. Here, we describe the three-dimensional solution structure of SP14.3 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The structure consists of two domains each with an alpha/beta-fold. The N-terminal domain contains two alpha-helices and a three-stranded beta-sheet, while the C-terminal domain is composed of one alpha-helix and a five-stranded beta-sheet. The N-terminal domain of the protein contains a highly negatively charged surface and resembles the fold of the N-terminal domain of Thermus thermophilus ribosomal protein S3. The C-terminal domain has a protein fold similar to human small nuclear ribonucleoprotein Sm D3 and Haloarcula marismortui ribosomal protein L21E. The two domains of the protein tumble in solution overall as a whole with an overall molecular rotational correlation time (tau(m)) of 12.9 ns at 25 degrees C. The relative orientation of the two domains is not defined by the nuclear Overhauser effect data. Indeed, residual dipolar couplings and the structure calculations indicate that the relative orientation of the two domains is not rigidly oriented with respect to one another in solution.

Phospholipid membrane restructuring induced by saposin C: a topographic study using atomic force microscopy

The enzymatic activity of glucosylceramidase depends on the presence of saposin C (Sap C) and acidic phospholipid-containing membranes. In order to delineate the mechanism underlying Sap C stimulation of the enzyme activity, it is important to understand how Sap C interacts with phospholipid membranes. We studied the dynamic process of Sap C interaction with planar phospholipid membranes, in real time, using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The phospholipid membrane underwent restructuring upon addition of Sap C. The topographic characteristics of the membrane restructuring include the appearance of patch-like new features, initially emerged at the edge of phospholipid membranes and extended laterally with time. Changes in the image contrast of the phospholipid membrane observed after the Sap C addition indicate that a new phase of lipid-protein structure has formed during membrane restructuring. The process of membrane restructuring is dynamic, commencing shortly after Sap C addition, and continuing throughout the duration of AFM imaging (about 30 min, sometimes over 1 h). This study demonstrated the potential of AFM real-time imaging in studying protein-membrane interactions.

Expression of GAD65 and islet cell antibody (ICA512) autoantibodies among cytoplasmic ICA+ relatives is associated with eligibility for the Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1

More than 71,000 relatives of type 1 diabetic patients have been screened for cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies (ICAs), GAD65 autoantibodies (GAAs), and ICA512 autoantibodies (ICA512AAs). Among those 71,148 relatives, 2,448 were cytoplasmic ICA+, and the remainder were ICA-. Of the ICA+ group, 1,229 (50.2%) were positive for GAAs and/or ICA512AAs. Among ICA- relatives, 1,897 (2.76%) were positive for GAAs and/or ICA512AAs. Given the large number of relatives positive for cytoplasmic ICA and negative for "biochemically" determined autoantibodies, and the converse, we analyzed the proportion of ICA+ relatives found eligible to participate in the intervention phase of Diabetes Prevention Trial-Type 1 (DPT-1). To be eligible for the parenteral insulin DPT-1 trial, a relative had to have first-phase insulin secretion below the 1st percentile of cut-points (for parents) or below the 10th percentile (for siblings and offspring). To be eligible for the oral insulin trial, a relative had to have first-phase insulin secretion above cut-points (>1st percentile for parents, >10th percentile for siblings/offspring) and be positive for anti-insulin autoantibodies. For both trials, DQB1*0602 was an exclusion criteria, cytoplasmic ICA positivity had to be confirmed, and an oral glucose tolerance test had to result in nondiabetic levels. Of 572 relatives found to be eligible for trial entry, 442 (77.3%) were positive for GAAs and/or ICA512AAs, although overall only 50.2% of ICA+ relatives were positive for GAAs and/or ICA512AAs. The positive predictive value for trial eligibility for ICA+ relatives with GAAs or ICA512AAs who completed staging was 51.0%. In contrast, only 11.9% of ICA+ but GAA- and ICA512AA- relatives were found to be eligible by DPT criteria for trial entry. Positivity for biochemically determined autoantibodies among cytoplasmic antibody-positive relatives is associated with eligibility for the DPT-1 study.

[An exploration of animal behavior screen platform for novel gene function in central nervous system]

For the purpose of large-scale screening of novel gene functions in mammalian nervous system, we have developed an animal behavior-monitoring platform employing antisense-oligo technology. Twenty genes of different categories were chosen from a low abundant gene (c)DNA sub-library of rat brain. Antisense oligo-nucleotides of these genes were designed and synthesized according to the homologues of the genes in mouse for mouse behavior tests. These antisense oligos were injected into the lateral ventricles of mouse brain using a Hamilton micro-syringe, with saline and oligos of scramble sequences as controls. These mice were tested with the following behavior model paradigms: metabolism, open field behavior, tail flick latency, and step-down test. Out of the 20 genes tested, 14 genes showed significant behavioral differences from the control groups at the level of P value less than 0.05 or 0.001 in different behavior animal models.

[Cloning and characterization of pathogenesis-related protein 1 from wheat-H. villosa translocation lines]

A Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa 6VS/6AL translocation line contained powdery mildew resistance gene Pm21 which is effective against all the current biotypes of Erygsiphe gramins. Cloning of the related genes for powdery mildew resistance is significance for understanding its resistance mechanism and disease resistance breeding. Using RT-PCR and RACE technology, a wheat pathogenesis related protein 1 cDNA clone (TaPr-1) corresponding to a mRNA differentially induced in resistant 6VS/6AL translocation line compared to susceptible wheat cultivar "Yangmai 5" by powdery mildew infection was isolated and characterized. This sequence contained 823 bp and had an open reading frame (ORF) containing 164 amino acids with 24 amino acids in the putative signal peptide and 140 amino acids comprising the mature peptide (15.1 kD). The deduced amino acid sequence showed close homology to PR-1 like proteins, which have been isolated from many plants. Northern blot analysis revealed the most abundantly accumulation of the corresponding mRNA 12 h after infection in translocation line (6VS/6AL). The obviously difference in the expression of the PRw-1 was also observed between resistant translocation line (6VS/6AL) and susceptible parent "Yangmai 5", it showed the TaPr-1 gene is related to powdery mildew resistance. Southern blot indicated that the wheat genome contains more than one copies of TaPr-1 genes, and there are polymorphism between translocation lines and "Yanmai 5", the result shows that 6VS may contain TaPr-1 genes.

Long-term implantation test and tumorigenicity of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel plates

Two types of flat plates made from a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel with a water content of 80 and 20 (PVA-H80, PVA-H20), 20 x 10 x 1 mm in size, were subcutaneously implanted into each of 50 young, male Wistar rats. As a control, a sham operation was done on another set of 50 rats (Sham Op group). The shape and transparency of the PVA hydrogel were unchanged for up to 24 months. Tumors arose in 14 rats from the PVA-H80 group. In the PVA-H20 group, tumors appeared in 15 rats. The average tumor latency was 598 +/- 109 days in the PVA-H80 and 637 +/- 94 days in the PVA-H20. There was no difference in tumor incidence between the PVA-H20 and PVA-H80 groups (p < 0.05). In the Sham Op group, no malignant tumors appeared. Histopathologically, the tumors induced by hydrogel plates were malignant tumors resembling fibrosarcoma or malignant fibrous histiocytoma. This indicates that PVA hydrogel implants also induce solid state carcinogenesis at a similarly high rate to medical grade hydrophobic material reported in a previous study.

Transient insulin autoantibody expression independent of development of diabetes: comparison of NOD and NOR strains

NOD mice spontaneously develop anti-insulin autoantibodies associated with the subsequent development of diabetes. NOD mice that express insulin autoantibodies at 8 weeks of age have a diabetes risk exceeding 90%, while mice that do not express autoantibodies by 16 weeks have a risk of less than 20%. NOD female mice expressed insulin autoantibodies more often than male mice (13/15+ vs. 6/15+). Autoantibodies characteristically developed between 8 and 20 weeks and then for most mice became negative at diabetes onset in NOD mice. In the diabetes-free strain NOR mice, spontaneous expression of insulin autoantibodies was observed in less mice (female 8/15+, male 3/10+) compared to NOD mice. The expression of autoantibodies was transient in NOR mice and followed the same time-course as for NOD mice and they were all negative by 28 weeks (without progression to diabetes). No correlation was found in NOR mice between the levels of autoantibodies and insulitis. The program of insulin autoantibody expression is regulated over approximately 5 months for both NOD and NOR mice with only NOD mice developing diabetes, indicating that depending upon genetic combination, the presence of insulin autoantibodies does not always predict diabetes development. In addition, this data is not consistent with the hypothesis that the time-course of autoantibodies simply reflects the destruction of beta-cells with development of diabetes.

[Plasma cell granuloma of maxillary sinuses]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical features and treatment of plasma cell granuloma in maxillary sinuses.

METHOD

The clinical information of 3 cases was reported and the literatures were also reviewed.

RESULT

All of the 3 cases were cured after Caldwell-Luc operation combined with oral corticosteroids and antiallergic agent. Recurrence hasn't been found in half to 2 years follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Plasma cell granuloma of maxillary sinus is a chronic inflammatory lesion with unknown origin. In almost all of the cases, CT images showed some degree of involvement of the bony wall of the maxillary sinuses. The imaging findings mimicker malignant tumors. But the prognosis were quite well in most of the patients.

Identification of the high affinity Mn2+ binding site of bacteriophage lambda phosphoprotein phosphatase: effects of metal ligand mutations on electron paramagnetic resonance spectra and phosphatase activities

Bacteriophage lambda phosphoprotein phosphatase (lambdaPP) has structural similarity to the mammalian Ser/Thr phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPPs) including the immunosuppressant drug target calcineurin. PPPs possess a conserved active site containing a dinuclear metal cluster, with metal ligands provided by a phosphoesterase motif plus two additional histidine residues at the C-terminus. Multiple sequence alignment of lambdaPP with 28 eubacterial and archeal phosphoesterases identified active site residues from the phosphoesterase motif and in many cases 2 additional C-terminal His metal ligands. Most highly similar to lambdaPP are E. coli PrpA and PrpB. Using the crystal structure of lambdaPP [Voegtli, W. C., et al. (2000) Biochemistry 39, 15365-15374] as a structural and active site model for PPPs and related bacterial phosphoesterases, we have studied mutant forms of lambdaPP reconstituted with Mn(2+) by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Mn(2+) binding analysis, and phosphatase kinetics. Analysis of Mn(2+)-bound active site mutant lambdaPP proteins shows that H22N, N75H, and H186N mutations decrease phosphatase activity but still allow mononuclear Mn(2+) and [(Mn(2+))(2)] binding. The high affinity Mn(2+) binding site is shown to consist of M2 site ligands H186 and Asn75, but not H22 from the M1 site which is ascribed as the lower affinity site.

Hepatosplenic gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma in immunocompromised patients. Report of two cases and review of literature

We describe 2 male patients in whom hepatosplenic gamma/delta T-cell lymphoma (HSTL) developed 6 and 10 years after renal transplantation. The onset was abrupt with systemic symptoms, cytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly. The histologic examination of the spleen (case 1), liver, and bone marrow revealed sinusoidal infiltrates of markedly abnormal lymphocytes. The neoplastic cells in these cases were CD2+, CD3+, CD4-, CD5-, CD7+, CD8+, CD16+, CD56+, beta F1-negative, and TIA-1-negative. Both cases displayed clonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor (TCR) delta gene and the TCR beta gene. The spleen in case 1 was positive for Epstein-Barr virus genome and showed TCR-gamma gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction. Isochromosome 7 [i(7)(q10)] was found in each case. Both patients died within 4 months of diagnosis. HSTL has been reported in only 5 renal transplant recipients. HSTL may be relatively more frequent in immunocompromised patients compared with the general population.

Free radical scavenging properties of conjugated linoleic acids

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) were investigated for free radical scavenging properties against the stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl radical (DPPH.) by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry and spectrophotometric methods. ESR results demonstrated that CLA directly reacted and quenched free DPPH radicals in benzene, while spectrophotometric analysis showed the radical scavenging capacity of CLA in ethanol. Dose and time effects of CLA-DPPH. reactions were observed in both tests. The ED(50) of CLA was 18 mg/mL under experimental conditions. CLA are much weaker radical scavengers as compared to vitamin E, vitamin C, and BHT. Kinetics of CLA-DPPH. reactions was different to that of linoleic acid (LA)-DPPH. reactions. CLA reacted and quenched DPPH radicals at all tested levels without a lag phase, while LA had a lag phase and showed no radical quenching activity at levels of 5-80 mg/mL in 30 min. These data indicated that CLA can provide immediate protection against free radicals, but LA cannot.

Biostability and pharmacokinetics of LJP 920, an octameric Gal (alpha1-3) Gal conjugate for the inhibition of xenotransplantation rejection

Antibodies to an alpha-galactosyl saccharide structure present in human serum are associated with hyperacute rejection and delayed xenograft rejection after pig-to-primate xenotransplantation. To overcome this major barrier to the xenotransplantation, LJP 920, a galactosyl alpha1-3 galactose (Gal (alpha1-3) Gal) coupled to a non-immunogenic platform at a valency of eight Gal (alpha1-3) Gal molecules/platform, was synthesized to clear circulating antibodies and to inhibit their production by B cells that produce these antibodies. Herein we report on the stability of UP 920 in biological media and its pharmacokinetic profile. Incubation of LJP 920 with mouse serum or liver microsomes at 37 degrees C for 2 days showed no indication of degradation of the conjugate as detected by a reversed-phase HPLC method, indicating that the conjugate is not subject to enzymatic metabolism. After intravenous administration of LJP 920 to mice at the doses of 20 and 100 mg kg(-1), UP 920 serum concentration decreased rapidly, showing a biphasic pattern, with a distribution half-life of 3 min and an elimination half-life of more than 30 min, respectively. The serum-to-erythrocyte concentration ratio of UP 920 was 33- and 36-fold excess at 0.5 and 5 min, respectively, after intravenous administration (100 mg kg(-1)). Both Cmax and AUC values increased in a dose-proportional manner. UP 920 displayed a great distribution to well-perfused tissues. It was eliminated mainly through renal excretion in the unchanged form, which accounted for 23% of the total amount within 8 h of dosing.

[Combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and cisplatin in weekly schedule in the treatment of 30 cases of advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

BACKGROUND

To observe the response rate, survival time and toxicity of docetaxel and cisplatin in weekly schedule in the treament of stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 30 cases of stage III-IV non-small cell lung cancer was included in this study. Docetaxel 25 mg/m² and cisplatin 25 mg/m² were given through intravenous dripping for the 1st, 8th, and 15th days. The chemotherapy was repeated every 28 days. Each patient was given at least 2 cycles.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 43.3% (13/30,all were partial response). Quality of life of the patients was improved (there were 66.7% of the patients with Karnofsky score increased or unchanged). Median remission duration was 7 months. 40% of the patients survived for more than 1 year. The main toxicity was hematological: Grade III-IV leucopenia was 16.7%; Grade III thrombocytopenia was 6.7%. The non-hematological toxicity was mild.

CONCLUSIONS

The regimen of docetaxel and cisplatin in weekly schedule is effective and tolerable in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

Cloning, expression patterns, and chromosome localization of three human and two mouse homologues of GABA(A) receptor-associated protein

Type A receptors of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, contain alpha, beta, delta, gamma, and rho subunits. The gamma subunit has four subtypes: gamma1, gamma2, gamma3, andgamma4. GABA(A) receptor-associated protein (GABARAP) was previously demonstrated to act as a linker protein between microtubules and the gamma2 subunit of GABA(A) receptors. However, no other linker proteins have been identified as mediating the linkage of microtubules and the remaining subunits of GABA(A) receptors. In this study we identified three human paralogues (GABARAPL1, GABARAPL2, and GABARAPL3) and two mouse orthologues (Gabarapl1 and Gabarapl2) of human GABARAP, all of which encoded 117 amino acids, as does Gabarapl. The expression patterns of GABARAPL1, GABARAPL2, and GABARAP in 16 adult tissues showed that they were expressed ubiquitously. The expression levels of GABARAPL1 as a 2.3-kb transcript were very high in brain, heart, peripheral blood leukocytes, liver, kidney, placenta, and skeletal muscle, very low in thymus and small intestine, and moderate in other tissues tested. The unique 1.35-kb transcript of GABARAPL2 was expressed at high levels in heart, brain, testis, prostate, ovary, spleen, and skeletal muscle, at very low levels in lung, thymus, and small intestine, and moderately in other tissues tested. For GABARAP, a 1.3-kb transcript was abundantly expressed in all tested tissues with small variation. The expression patterns of Gabarapl1 and Gabarapl2 were similar to those of their counterparts in human. In addition, GABARAPL1 was localized to human chromosome 12p12.3 and GABARAPL2 to 16q22.3-q24.1 by RH mapping, while GABARAP and GABARAPL3 were found to be localized at chromosomes 17p13.2 and 15q25.1, respectively, by searching the related databases. Sequence comparison of the cDNAs and their corresponding genomic sequences shows that GABARAP, GABARAPL1, and GABARAPL2 are composed of four exons each, while GABARAPL3 is distributed only at one exon.

Mesoscopic Kondo screening effect in a single-electron transistor embedded in a metallic ring

We study the Kondo screening effect generated by a single-electron transistor or quantum dot embedded in a small metallic ring. When the ring circumference L becomes comparable to the fundamental length scale xi(0)(K) = Planck's constant over upsilon(F)/T(0)(K) associated with the bulk Kondo temperature, the Kondo resonance is strongly affected, depending on the total number of electrons (mod4) and magnetic flux threading the ring. The resulting Kondo-assisted persistent currents are also calculated in both Kondo and mixed-valence regimes, and the maximum values are found in the crossover region.

Cell cycle regulation by galectin-12, a new member of the galectin superfamily

Galectins are a family of beta-galactoside-binding animal lectins with conserved carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs). Here we report the identification and characterization of a new galectin, galectin-12, which contains two domains that are homologous to the galectin CRD. The N-terminal domain contains all of the sequence elements predicted to form the two beta-sheets found in other galectins, as well as conserved carbohydrate-interacting residues. The C-terminal domain shows considerable divergence from the consensus sequence, and many of these conserved residues are not present. Nevertheless, the protein has lactose binding activity, most likely due to the contribution of the N-terminal domain. The mRNA for galectin-12 contains features coding for proteins with growth-regulatory functions. These include start codons in a context that are suboptimal for translation initiation and AU-rich motifs in the 3'-untranslated region, which are known to confer instability to mRNA. Galectin-12 mRNA is sparingly expressed or undetectable in many tissues and cell lines tested, but it is up-regulated in cells synchronized at the G(1) phase or the G(1)/S boundary of the cell cycle. Ectopic expression of galectin-12 in cancer cells causes cell cycle arrest at the G(1) phase and cell growth suppression. We conclude that galectin-12 is a novel regulator of cellular homeostasis.

Detection of immunomagnetically captured Escherichia coli O157:H7 by antibody-conjugated alkaline phosphatase

A rapid and sensitive detection process for Escherichia coli O157:H7 was developed using alkaline phosphatase (APase)-labeled anti-E. coli O157 antibodies to tag the targeted bacteria. Immunomagnetic beads or antibody-labeled streptavidin-coated magnetic beads were then used to capture the APase-tagged E. coli. Immunomagnetically captured bacteria were washed and distributed into microplates or optical cuvettes. The enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitro-phenol phosphate in alkaline solutions was then followed. Less than 1000 cfu/ml of E. coli O157:H7 could be detected. This approach was applied to detect the bacteria artificially spiked in beef hamburgers. Less than 1 cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7 produced a significant response after cultural enrichment for 4-6 h at 37 degrees C.

Determination of trimebutine maleate in rat plasma and tissues by using capillary zone electrophoresis

A simple and rapid capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed for the determination of trimebutine maleate in rat plasma and tissues. Rat plasma and tissue homogenates were mixed with acetonitrile containing internal standard, ephedrine hydrochloride, and then centrifuged. The supernatant was dried under a stream of nitrogen, and the residue was reconstituted in methanol-water (1:1). The electrophoresis was performed in uncoated capillary with 30 mmol/L phosphate buffer of pH 6.0 as the separation electrolyte. The applied voltage was 10 kV and the UV detection was set at 214 nm. The peak height ratio vs concentration in plasma or homogenates was linear over the range of 5-500 ng/mL and the limit of quantitation was 5 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision was RSD < 14% and <15%. The accuracy was relative error (RE) within +/- 14%. This method was applied to studying the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution after a single dose of trimebutine maleate was administrated to the rats. The T(max), AUC, C(max) and t(1/2) were 30 min, 7.8 x 10(2) (ng/mL) min, 39 ng/mL and 1.7 x 10(2) min. The drug distribution was found in a decreasing order of liver, kidney, spleen, lung and heart.

Peptide and major histocompatibility complex-specific breaking of humoral tolerance to native insulin with the B9-23 peptide in diabetes-prone and normal mice

NOD mice spontaneously develop anti-insulin autoantibodies and diabetes. A dominant peptide recognized by T-cell clones from NOD mice is insulin B-chain peptide B9-23. When administered subcutaneously to NOD mice, this peptide decreases the development of diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the autoantibody response to native insulin after administration of the B9-23 peptide. In NOD mice, administration of the B9-23 peptide in incomplete Freund's adjuvant enhanced their insulin autoantibody response with a higher level and longer persistence. Induction of insulin autoantibodies with the B9-23 peptide was observed in non-diabetes-prone BALB/c mice and NOR mice within 2 weeks of administration, but this was not observed in C57BL/6 mice. A series of A-chain, other B-chain, and proinsulin peptides did not induce insulin autoantibodies. Induced anti-insulin autoantibodies could not be absorbed with the peptide alone but could be absorbed with native insulin. The B13-23 peptide (one of two identified epitopes within B9-23) when administered to BALB/c mice, induced autoantibodies, whereas peptide B9-16 did not. Induction of autoantibodies mapped to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) rather than to the background genes. Both splenocytes with I-A(d)/I-E(d) or I-A(g7)/I-E(null) presented the B9-23 peptide to NOD islet-derived T-cell clones. Finally, administration of the B9-23 peptide to BALB/c mice, even without adjuvant, could induce insulin autoantibodies. Our results indicate that B-cell tolerance to intact insulin is readily broken with the presentation of the B9-23 insulin peptide, depending on the host's specific MHC.

Structure of the N-terminal region of Haemophilus influenzae H10017: implications for function

Haemophilus influenzae is a gram-negative pathogen that causes infections ranging from asymptomatic colonization of the human upper respiratory tract to serious invasive diseases such as meningitis. Although the genome of Haemophilus influenzae has been completely sequenced, the structure and function of many of these proteins are unknown. H10017 is one of these uncharacterized proteins. Here we describe the three-dimensional solution structure of the N-terminal portion of H10017 as determined by NMR spectroscopy. The structure consists of a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and two short alpha-helices. It is similar to the C-terminal domain of Diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR). The C-terminal portion of H10017 has an amino acid sequence that closely resembles pyruvate formate-lyase--an enzyme that converts pyruvate and CoA into acetyl-CoA and formate by a radical mechanism. Based on structural and sequence comparisons, we propose that the C-terminus of H10017 functions as an enzyme with a glycyl radical mechanism, while the N-terminus participates in protein/protein interactions involving an activase (iron-sulfur protein) and/or the substrate.

Mutation analysis and the correlation between genotype and phenotype of Arg778Leu mutation in chinese patients with Wilson disease

BACKGROUND

The defective gene (ATP7B) that causes Wilson disease (WD) codes for a putative copper-transporting P-type adenosine triphosphatase. After cloning of ATP7B, the spectrum of mutations and their clinical consequences have been investigated in patients with WD in different ethnic populations. However, the spectrum of mutations and the correlation of genotype-phenotype in the Chinese population have not been extensively studied.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the characterization of mutations of ATP7B and the correlation between genotype and phenotype in the Chinese population.

METHODS

We studied 60 unrelated healthy Chinese and 65 unrelated Chinese families, including 84 patients with WD and 126 parents. Genomic DNA was prepared from peripheral blood leukocytes using a salt-precipitation method. Polymerase chain reaction single-strand conformation polymorphism and subsequent direct sequencing were used to identify the mutations and polymorphisms of ATP7B. Statistical analysis was performed using t test or chi(2) test.

RESULTS

We identified 18 mutations (7 novel) and 11 polymorphisms (3 novel). The novel mutations are -36C-->T, Trp650ter, Gln914ter, 2810delT, Thr935Met, Arg1041Pro, and Glu1173Lys. The novel polymorphisms are 1168A-->G (Ile390Val), 2785A-->G (Ile929Val), and 3316G-->A (Val1106Ile). Two mutations, Arg778Leu and Thr935Met, are relatively frequent, representing 37.7% and 10.0% of patients, respectively. To our knowledge, we are the first to report the correlation between the genotype and phenotype of Arg778Leu. The result shows that Arg778Leu homozygotes are associated with the early onset of WD with hepatic presentation.

CONCLUSIONS

The Arg778Leu and Thr935Met mutations are hot spots in the Chinese population. The features of mutations of ATP7B differ between the Chinese and Western ethnic populations. The Arg778Leu mutation has severe effects on the function of ATP7B. These findings are valuable for developing a fast and effective method to diagnose the presence of the WD gene.

[Auricular cartilage palisade technique for repairing tympanic membrane perforation]

OBJECTIVE

To study the auricular cartilage palisade technique for repairing tympanic membrane perforation.

METHOD

Sixty-six cases of large tympanic membrane perforation were treated with auricular cartilage. The results were compared with that of temporal fascia repairing in 60 ears.

RESULTS

The closure rates of tympanic membrane perforation were 92.4% in cartilage group and 80% in temporal fascia group, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups in hearing improvement. The cartilage is quite suitable for repairing large perforation of the tympanic membrane and for treating adhesive otitis media.

CONCLUSION

The auricular cartilage palisade technique is an ideal method for repairing tympanic membrane perforation.