Trends in cohort fertility of the Dariusleut Hutterite population

A church book containing vital information on Dariusleut Hutterite families enabled us to trace the life course of individual women. We conducted a retrospective cohort study on the women born in the Dariusleut sect for the period 1901-1965, focusing on their marriage and reproductive histories. The subjects were grouped into 5-year birth cohorts from 1901-1905 to 1961-1965. The marital age-specific fertility rate (MASFR) increased from the 1901-1905 cohort to the 1926-1930 cohort and then began to decrease, particularly at the ages of 30-39 years. The initial increase in MASFR was not reflected directly in the cohort mean of the total number of children per woman because of a concurrent delay in age at marriage. Marriage delay, however, could not explain the drastic decrease, which started in the 1931-35 cohort, in the total number of children per woman; the decrease in MASFR at the ages of 30 years and older was considered a major reason for the recent changes in Hutterite fertility. The causes of the recent fertility decrease of Hutterites at higher ages remain to be investigated.

Hypoglycemic action of the rhizomes of Polygonatum officinale in normal and diabetic mice

The hypoglycemic effect of the rhizomes of Polygonatum officinale (Liliaceae) was investigated in both normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The methanol extract of rhizomes of Polygonatum officinale (PO) (800 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose of normal mice from 170 +/- 3 to 136 +/- 5 mg/100 ml 4 hours after intraperitoneal administration (P < 0.001), and also significantly lowered the blood glucose of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice from 696 +/- 60 to 407 +/- 35 mg/100 ml under similar conditions (P < 0.01). PO also suppressed epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia in mice. In addition, the n-butanol fraction of the methanol extract elicited a significant decrease in the blood glucose level of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice after 4 hours (P < 0.05).

Heart rate and force-frequency effects on diastolic function of the left ventricle in exercising dogs

BACKGROUND

Previous studies from our laboratory have shown pronounced augmentation of the force-frequency relation on myocardial contraction during exercise, but the influence of this effect on diastole has not been investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Accordingly, the effect of changing heart rate on left ventricular (LV) relaxation, filling dynamics, and pressure-volume relations during exercise was studied in eight conscious dogs. The exercise heart rate was slowed from 208 +/- 21 (SD) to 163 +/- 11 beats per minute by injection of a specific sinus node inhibitor (UL-FS 49, or zatebradine, 0.6 mg/kg) during continuous exercise. Heart rate was then abruptly restored to the predrug level by atrial pacing during continued exercise. LV volume was calculated by use of implanted ultrasonic crystals, and LV pressure was determine with an implanted micromanometer. Comparing conditions after pacing back to a heart rate of 210 beats per minute with those obtained when the heart rate was slowed by atrial pacing, LV dP/dtmax was increased by 27% at the higher rate (P < .01), despite a marked decrease in LV end-diastolic pressure (24 +/- 4 versus 10 +/- 5 mm Hg, P < .01) and the time constant of isovolumic LV pressure decay (tau) was significantly shortened (19 +/- 5 versus 14 +/- 4 milliseconds, P < .01). The peak rapid filling rate in early diastole (PFR) was not significantly changed by increasing the heart rate, since it was maintained at the slower rate. During exercise, at the slowed heart rate the early portion of the diastolic pressure-volume curve was significantly shifted upward and to the right compared with that at the physiological heart rate, but the late portion of the curve was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the negative inotropic effect of the force-frequency relation when heart rate was slowed during exercise caused pronounced impairment of LV relaxation and early filling dynamics. Conversely, an important component of the pronounced improvement of diastolic ventricular function during normal exercise was shown to result from exercise-induced enhancement of the positive inotropic effects of the force-frequency relation on myocardial contraction and relaxation.

Morphologic and metabolic study of the effect of oxygenated perfluorochemical perfusion on amputated rabbit limbs

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effect of oxygenated perfluorochemical perfusion on ischemia injury to skeletal muscle in rabbits. Forty-two hindlimbs of white rabbits were divided into six groups: 3-hr perfusion; 6-hr perfusion; 3-hr hypothermia; 6-hr hypothermia; sham operation without perfusion or hypothermia preservation; and biopsy. Endothelial cells in these muscles were evaluated using electron microphotography. The areas of both the inner and outer sides of cross-sectioned endothelial cells without cell nuclei were measured, and a new "capillary index" was calculated: (outer area--inner area)/outer area. The values of the capillary index in the perfusion groups were similar to those in the biopsy group. However, the values in the hypothermia groups were significantly greater than those in the biopsy group. These measurements suggested that the perfluorochemical perfusion method preserved the capillary endothelial cells in a nearly normal condition. The adenine nucleotides of these muscles were also evaluated. ATP levels in the 6-hr hypothermia group showed a substantial decrease to 57 percent of those in the sham-operated group. The 6-hr perfusion group levels, however, decreased only to 80 percent of those in the sham-operated group. Although application of the oxygenated perfluorochemical perfusion method did not maintain normal ATP levels, the maintenance of ATP levels was clearly higher than levels maintained in the hypothermia-preservation group. These findings suggest that oxygenated perfluorochemical perfusion is a satisfactory method for preserving amputated limbs.

Suppressive effects of polygonati rhizoma on hepatic glucose output, GLUT2 mRNA expression and its protein content in rat liver

The intraperitoneal administration of the methanol extract of Polygonati Rhizoma (OM) into normal rats caused a significant decrease in the blood glucose level at 4 h after its administration of 800 mg/kg (P < 0.01), but not the serum insulin level. Using the perfused rat liver in vitro, a significant decrease of the hepatic glucose output was observed by the infusion of OM (P < 0.05 at 250 micrograms/ml OM). In addition, the hepatic content of facilitative glucose transporter isoform 2 (GLUT2) mRNA and its protein content in the total membrane fraction from rat liver significantly decreased in the intraperitoneally OM-treated rats when compared to that in the controls (mRNA P < 0.01, protein P < 0.001). On the other hand, OM (500 micrograms/ml) exhibited no apparent stimulatory effect on the insulin secretion from the isolated rat pancreatic islets. These results suggest that the hypoglycemic effect of OM is derived, at least in part, from the decrease in hepatic glucose output, due presumably to the reduction of GLUT2 mRNA expression and its protein content in total membrane of the liver, and that because of its unique therapeutic mechanism, OM could be a new category of therapeutic agent for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Ulnar ray deficiency. A report of a family

We report three cases of ulnar ray deficiency in one family. The father had a left ring finger deficit, and a hypoplastic little finger was amputated at childhood. His first baby had a deep cleft between the ring and little finger in the right hand, and his second baby had complete absence of the left ulna, only one metacarpal, and two digits were present on the hand. All three cases were unilaterally involved and they had no other skeletal abnormalities.

[Reoperation and balloon dilatation for stenosed xenograft valved conduits]

Follow-up has been achieved in 41 hospital survivals who received xenograft valved conduits in the pulmonary position. The interval after operation ranged 6 months to 13 years (average 5.2 +/- 3.7 years) (+/- standard deviation). There has been 8 late deaths, 3 of which were sudden. Of the 11 reoperations, 7 underwent graft replacement with no operative death. The actuarial reoperation free survival rate was 73% at 5 years, and 54% at 10 years. There was a significant correlation between the interval after operation (x years) and the pressure gradient across the conduits (y mmHg). (y = 20.7 + 9.7x, r = 0.74, p < 0.001). Balloon dilatation of the conduits was performed in 15 patients. The mean conduit gradient was significantly (p < 0.001) reduced from 85 +/- 29 to 54 +/- 22 mmHg. However, the effect was not satisfactory enough and 4 patients received graft replacement after the balloon dilatation. These results warrant the avoidance of xenograft valved conduits in the pulmonary position, the safety of the graft replacement, and the limitation of the balloon dilatation for the stenosed conduits.

Basic fibroblast growth factor has a beneficial effect on the viability of random skin flaps in rats

We investigated the effect of exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the viability of random skin flaps in rats. Thirty-six rats were divided into three groups of 12 animals: a saline control group and two bFGF-treated groups. Caudally based random skin flaps were raised on the backs of the rats. In the control group, saline was instilled under the flap after skin closure. Twelve other rats were treated with bFGF (20 micrograms) just after skin closure. The remaining 12 rats were treated twice with bFGF (20 micrograms), both just after the operation and 48 hours later. There was a significant improvement in viability in the bFGF-treated groups on postoperative day 7 compared with the control group. Total adenine nucleotide levels in the flaps on postoperative day 10 were significantly higher in the group receiving two doses of bFGF than in the other groups. Thus, bFGF can improve the viability of endangered skin flaps.

Abnormal occurrence of a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, PG-M/versican in osteoarthritic cartilage

The expression of PG-M in osteoarthritic cartilage was investigated. Cartilage from five hip joints with osteoarthritis (OA) and control cartilage from five knee joints with post-traumatic injury were obtained and analyzed with anti-PG-M antibodies. Control cartilage showed no staining, but in osteoarthritic cartilage there was strong staining of the cytoplasm of chondrocytes with abnormal morphology. The cytoplasm of inflammatory cells invading the osteoarthritic cartilage matrix was also strongly stained which led to determining the sequence of PG-M core protein. The deduced amino acid sequence and homology analysis indicated that PG-M had a complement regulatory protein-like domain, a lectin-like domain, two EGF-like domains from the carboxyl-terminal with an extremely high homology to the respective domains of versican, a large proteoglycan expressed by human fibroblasts. The anti-PG-M antibodies cross-reacted with Ver-27b fusion protein which was expressed by a cDNA clone coding the N-terminal portion of versican core protein. Thus, the immunological and sequencing data suggest that PG-M is a molecule similar to or identical with human versican, and that the material in cartilage reactive to the anti-PG-M antibodies is versican. These findings suggest the PG-M/versican is expressed in osteoarthritic cartilage.

Effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on replantation of amputated legs in a rat model

Bone atrophy following replantation of an amputated extremity is related to the decrease of blood flow and to disuse. The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone atrophy and bone formation was the subject of the reported study. Lewis rats were divided into amputated and replanted, and non-amputated groups, with the groups further divided into subgroups, with and without the administration of PTH. The agent (0.8 U/0.2 ml) was administered subcutaneously three times a week for 5 consecutive weeks, while controls were given 0.1 percent BSA buffer solution (0.2 ml) subcutaneously three times a week for 5 consecutive weeks. Subsequently, the animals were anesthetized, blood samples were taken, and tibias were extracted before sacrifice. Laboratory evaluations included bone assays and the measurement of bone mass and volume. In the group given PTH after amputation and replantation, there was increased bone formation, together with significant increases in bone Ca, bone P, ash content volume, and volume and serum alkaline phosphatase (Al-p), in comparison with the other groups. The administration of PTH after amputation and replantation was comparatively effective in mitigating the amount of bone damage.

Novel factor Xa and plasma kallikrein inhibitory-activities of the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain of urinary trypsin inhibitor

Urinary trypsin inhibitor is a glycoprotein with a structure in which two Kunitz-type inhibitory domains are linked in a row. We isolated two genes encoding the 70 amino acid sequence from the 78th amino acid (Thr) to the C-terminal and the 68 amino acid sequence from the 80th (Ala) to the C-terminal of human urinary trypsin inhibitor, both which correspond to the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain, and then constructed expression plasmids by ligating it to the E. coli alkaline phosphatase signal peptide gene. These plasmids under the control of the tryptophan promoter expressed the second domain in E. coli strain JE5505 which lacks the membrane lipoprotein. The recombinant second domain purified from the culture supernatant of the transformant inhibited trypsin, plasmin, leukocyte elastase and chymotrypsin which are known to be inhibited by urinary trypsin inhibitor. In addition it inhibited blood coagulation factor Xa and plasma kallikrein in a concentration dependent and competitive manner, and significantly prolonged the plasma-based activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The truncated natural counterpart obtained by a limited degradation of human urinary trypsin inhibitor also revealed the identical inhibitory activities.

MR imaging of middle cerebral artery stenosis and occlusion: value of MR angiography

PURPOSE

To investigate the effectiveness of MR angiography in conjunction with spin-echo imaging for evaluating vascular patency in patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis or occlusion.

METHODS

Seven patients with MCA stenosis or occlusion, verified with contrast angiography in five and correlated with transcranial Doppler sonography in two, were examined using two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiographic techniques as well as conventional spin-echo imaging.

RESULTS

Of the seven patients, six demonstrated basal ganglionic and/or cortical infarct in the MCA territory. Except one case with minimal stenosis immediately distal to the MCA origin, all six cases with either severe stenosis or occlusion of the main trunk of the MCA showed the absence of normal flow voids using spin-echo imaging in the sylvian fissure on the affected side. However, it was not possible to discriminate between stenosis and occlusion. Although different mechanisms (ie, flow-induced spin dephasing for the 2-D technique and progressive spin saturation for the 3-D technique) were predominantly responsible for the loss of signal through the area of stenosis, both the 2-D and 3-D MR angiograms clearly depicted the compromised flow of the MCA: a focal discontinuity with decreased vessel caliber corresponded to stenosis, and nonvisualization of distal MCA branches represented occlusion.

CONCLUSION

Either 2-D or 3-D time-of-flight MR angiography is a useful adjunct to conventional parenchymal spin-echo imaging for evaluating vascular patency in patients with MCA stenosis or occlusion, although it is important to recognize that each technique has a different basis for the loss of signal through the area of stenosis.

Hind III site causing Proinsulin Kyoto and Pst I site polymorphism of the insulin gene in Japanese: its lack of association with either IDDM or NIDDM

The gene encoding Proinsulin Kyoto has been isolated and characterized by DNA sequencing, indicating that the molecular basis of the disorder is a G-T point mutation in the insulin gene which creates a Hind III site. In addition, in the 3'-untranslated region of the mutant insulin gene, a Pst I site negative, alpha type allele was found, and in the normal gene, a Pst I site positive, beta type allele was found. In order to clarify the frequency of the mutation and to determine whether this mutation is associated with diabetes mellitus or not, we have investigated Hind III polymorphism in 91 normal Japanese subjects and patients with IDDM and NIDDM. No cases with the Proinsulin Kyoto gene were found among the subjects examined. Secondly, to determine whether this alpha type allele is associated with DM in Japanese, we investigated Pst I polymorphism in the same subjects. The frequencies of the alpha type and beta type alleles were 92% and 8%, respectively. No significant difference in genotypic frequency was found among normal, NIDDM, and IDDM. We conclude that the Proinsulin Kyoto gene is not a common cause of DM and the occurrence of the alpha type insulin gene in Japanese diabetes is more frequent than in other races, so this Pst I polymorphism is not a marker for diabetes mellitus in Japanese.

Phylogenetic subtypes of human T-lymphotropic virus type I and their relations to the anthropological background

Isolates of human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) were phylogenetically analyzed from native inhabitants in India and South America (Colombia and Chile) and from Ainu (regarded as pure Japanese descendants from the preagricultural "Jomon" period). Their genomes were partially sequenced together with isolates from Gabon in central Africa and from Ghana in West Africa. The phylogenetic tree was constructed from the sequence data obtained and those of previously reported HTLV-I isolates and simian T-lymphotropic virus type I (STLV-I) isolates. The heterogeneity of HTLV-I was recently recognized, and one major type, generally called the "cosmopolitan" type, contained Japanese, Caribbean, and West African isolates. The phylogenetic tree constructed in the present study has shown that this cosmopolitan type can be further grouped into three lineages (subtypes A, B, and C). Subtype A consists of some Caribbean, two South American, and some Japanese isolates, including that from the Ainu, in addition to an Indian isolate, and subtype B consists of other Japanese isolates in addition to another Indian isolate, suggesting that there might be at least two ancestral lineages of the Japanese HTLV-I. Subtype A implies a close connection of the Caribbean and South American natives with the Japanese and thereby a possible migration of the lineage to the American continent via Beringia in the Paleolithic era. Subtype C consists of the West African and other Caribbean isolates, indicating that not all but part of the Caribbean strains directly originated from West Africa probably during the period of slave trade. The tree also has shown that the HTLV-I isolate from Gabon in central Africa forms a cluster with STLV-I from a chimpanzee, suggesting a possible interspecies transmission between man and the chimpanzee in the past. No specific clustering was observed in the tree in relation to manifestations of the disease such as adult T-cell leukemia and HTLV-I-related neurological disorders. Thus, the topology of the phylogenetic tree reflects the movement of people carrying the virus in the past.

Effect of high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate on immobilized rabbit knee

Experimental osteoarthrosis of the knee joint was induced in rabbits using a polyethylene binding brace. A 1% solution of sodium hyaluronate (HA) of molecular weight 1.73 x 10(6) (HA-173) was administered intraarticularly at a dosage of 0.1 ml/kg body weight twice a week. Changes in articular cartilage and synovial membrane, and joint contracture were compared with a saline control group at intervals throughout a six-week period of immobilization. In all groups, articular cartilage degeneration and joint contracture progressed with time but were inhibited by the administration of HA-173. Additionally, the results of a 1% solution of HA of molecular weight 9.8 x 10(5) (HA-98), a 1% solution of HA of molecular weight 2.02 x 10(6) (HA-202), and saline, each administered twice a week for five weeks at a dose of 0.1 ml/kg body weight, were compared. It was clear that the articular cartilage degeneration was significantly inhibited by HA as compared with saline, and that the effect was more potent with the higher molecular weight, HA-202, than with HA-98. Furthermore, joint contracture was inhibited by HA, and the effect was more potent with the higher molecular weight, HA-202, than with HA-98.

Effect of ascorbate on adriamycin-Fe(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA damage

Adriamycin-Fe(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation was enhanced by ascorbate at low concentrations. High concentrations of ascorbate also enhanced the peroxidation reaction, but only at an early stage. The initial rate of peroxidation depended upon the ratio of adriamycin-Fe2+/adriamycin-Fe3+ and the maximum rate was observed at the ratio of 1:1. These results suggest that the adriamycin-Fe(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation may be initiated by an adriamycin-Fe(2+)-oxygen-adriamycin-Fe3+ complex. Ascorbate also promoted bathophenanthroline-Fe2+ formation from adriamycin-Fe3+ in a dose-dependent manner. It seems likely that ascorbate influences the peroxidation reaction via the reduction of adriamycin-Fe3+. During the interaction of adriamycin-Fe3+ with ascorbate, deoxyribose was not degraded, suggesting that hydroxyl radical formation did not occur. In contrast, plasmid PM2 DNA was readily damaged during the interaction of adriamycin-Fe3+ with ascorbate. Catalase, mannitol and dimethylsulfoxide prevented DNA damage. No DNA damage occurred when the reaction was run under nitrogen gas, indicating that oxygen is involved.

Identification of a protein, SPY75, with repetitive helix-turn-helix motifs and an SH3 domain as a major substrate for protein tyrosine kinase(s) activated by Fc epsilon RI cross-linking

Cross-linking of the high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) initiates various biochemical and morphologic changes leading to degranulation and synthesis and release of cytokines and lipid mediators. Tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins was previously reported as the earliest signaling event for the Fc epsilon RI signal transduction pathway. By amino acid sequence determination and cDNA cloning analysis, a 75-kDa protein, termed SPY75, was identified as a major tyrosine-phosphorylated protein in activated mouse mast cells. SPY75, barely tyrosine phosphorylated in resting cells, was rapidly and transiently tyrosine phosphorylated on Fc epsilon RI cross-linking in an Ag concentration-dependent manner. Similar SPY75 tyrosine phosphorylation was observed when Ag receptors on B and T lymphocytes were cross-linked by appropriate antibodies. However, IL-3, granulocyte macrophage-CSF, or stem cell factor did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation of SPY75 in PT-18 mast cells, despite their responsiveness to these cytokines. SPY75 was not physically associated with the receptor or other known signaling molecules. This protein, the mouse homologue of the human HS1 gene product, has putative repetitive helix-turn-helix motifs found in many DNA-binding proteins and a putative nuclear transport signal. It also has a Src homology 3 domain, which is found in many signaling molecules and cytoskeletal proteins. These structural features and the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation on Fc epsilon RI cross-linking suggest that the signal generated by Fc epsilon RI cross-linking is transmitted through tyrosine phosphorylation of SPY75.

Identification of a protein, SPY75, with repetitive helix-turn-helix motifs and an SH3 domain as a major substrate for protein tyrosine kinase(s) activated by Fc epsilon RI cross-linking

Cross-linking of the high affinity receptor for IgE (Fc epsilon RI) initiates various biochemical and morphologic changes leading to degranulation and synthesis and release of cytokines and lipid mediators. Tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins was previously reported as the earliest signaling event for the Fc epsilon RI signal transduction pathway. By amino acid sequence determination and cDNA cloning analysis, a 75-kDa protein, termed SPY75, was identified as a major tyrosine-phosphorylated protein in activated mouse mast cells. SPY75, barely tyrosine phosphorylated in resting cells, was rapidly and transiently tyrosine phosphorylated on Fc epsilon RI cross-linking in an Ag concentration-dependent manner. Similar SPY75 tyrosine phosphorylation was observed when Ag receptors on B and T lymphocytes were cross-linked by appropriate antibodies. However, IL-3, granulocyte macrophage-CSF, or stem cell factor did not induce tyrosine phosphorylation of SPY75 in PT-18 mast cells, despite their responsiveness to these cytokines. SPY75 was not physically associated with the receptor or other known signaling molecules. This protein, the mouse homologue of the human HS1 gene product, has putative repetitive helix-turn-helix motifs found in many DNA-binding proteins and a putative nuclear transport signal. It also has a Src homology 3 domain, which is found in many signaling molecules and cytoskeletal proteins. These structural features and the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation on Fc epsilon RI cross-linking suggest that the signal generated by Fc epsilon RI cross-linking is transmitted through tyrosine phosphorylation of SPY75.

Effects of high-molecular-weight sodium hyaluronate on experimental osteoarthrosis induced by the resection of rabbit anterior cruciate ligament

Sodium hyaluronate (HA) with a molecular weight of 202 x 10(4) (HA-202) was administered into the right knees of mature rabbits for the treatment of experimental osteoarthrosis induced by resection of the anterior cruciate ligament. At six and 12 weeks after the initiation of administration, the test group was compared with a group administered physiological saline solution to determine the effects on articular cartilage and synovial tissue. In both the six- and the 12-week period, cartilage degeneration proceeded with the lapse of time in both groups; however at 12 weeks, the efficacy of HA-202 in inhibiting degeneration was clearly observed at the lateral condyle of the femur and tibia where relatively marked degeneration was observed in the saline group. A comparison was also made among three groups administered HA-95 (sodium hyaluronate with a molecular weight of 95 x 10(4)), HA-202, and saline, respectively, for 12 weeks. The saline group showed the greatest cartilage degeneration accompanied by complete disorganization of the cartilage layer and the disappearance of chondrocytes. The degeneration was less in the HA groups, and it was more significantly inhibited in the HA-202 group than in the HA-95 group.

The effect of 17 beta-estradiol treatment on the mass and the turnover of bone in ovariectomized rats taking a mild dose of thyroxin

We performed the dosing experiment to establish whether estrogen administration has any beneficial effects on the mass and the turnover of bone in ovariectomized rats taking a mild dose of thyroxin. Thirty-five Wistar rats, 28 weeks of age, received ovariectomies (OVX) or sham operations and were divided into five groups. Group 1 was the sham group, Groups 2-5 were ovariectomized. Group 2 was the OVX-control, Group 3 treated with thyroxin 30 micrograms/kg/day (T4), Group 4, 17 beta-estradiol 0.3 mg/kg/week (E2), and Group 5, the combination of T4 and E2. The duration of the experiment was 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, serum chemistries were measured. Bone minerals in the femur were determined with single photon absorptiometry and bone turnover was assessed histomorphometrically. Alkaline-phosphatase increased in Group 3 (OVX-T4), but it reduced in Groups 4 (OVX-E2) and 5 (OVX-T4 + E2). Bone minerals decreased in Groups 2 (OVX) and 3. In Group 4, it was preserved at the same level as in Group 1. Group 5 showed a significant increase of bone mass compared with Group 1. Eroded surface and osteoid surface increased in Groups 2 and 3 and they were reduced in Groups 4 and 5. Bone volume and mineral apposition rate were at a maximum in Group 5. This study demonstrated that 17 beta-estradiol was capable of preventing the bone mass decrease by regulating the turnover in ovariectomized rats taking a mild dose of thyroxin. Osteoblast function appeared to be stimulated in combination with 17 beta-estradiol and thyroxin.

A phase II study of prophylactic intravesical chemotherapy with 4'-epirubicin in recurrent superficial bladder cancer: comparison of 4'-epirubicin and adriamycin

Since intravesical recurrence of superficial bladder cancer (Ta, T1) after transurethral resection (TUR) is frequent, adjuvant therapy to reduce the recurrence rate has been extensively investigated. Although intravesical chemotherapy has been employed for 30 years or more, neither the exact effect on the bladder epithelium nor the optimal dose and administration schedule has yet been clarified. In recent years, several derivatives of Adriamycin (ADR) have been developed, and 4'-epirubicin (FARM) is one of them. This drug has been shown to have antitumor effects almost equal to those of ADR and to produce less toxicity when given systemically as chemotherapy. In an attempt to clarify the effect of intravesical FARM in the prevention of recurrence of superficial bladder cancer, we conducted a prospective randomized trial to compare the effects of equal doses of FARM and ADR given by intravesical instillation after TUR in cases of highly recurrent superficial bladder cancer. A total of 73 patients with recurrent superficial bladder cancer were randomized to receive TUR and either 30 mg FARM or 30 mg ADR by intravesical instillation every 2-4 weeks for 1 year. The prophylactic effect on recurrence and the toxic effects of these drugs were investigated. The current results show that FARM provides efficacy almost equal to that of ADR in the prevention of recurrence in these patients. However, FARM also caused almost the same local toxic effects (bladder irritation, among others) as ADR. On the basis of these preliminary results, FARM is surmised to be one of the agents as beneficial as ADR in the prevention of recurrence of superficial bladder cancer.