A phase I study of BMS-582664 (brivanib alaninate), an oral dual inhibitor of VEGFR and FGFR tyrosine kinases, in combination with full-dose cetuximab in patients (pts) with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies (AGM) who failed prior therapy

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Background: Brivanib is an oral prodrug of BMS-540215, a dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR and FGFR signaling. Prior studies have validated both VEGF and EGF signaling pathways as targets in AGM. The MTD of single-agent brivanib is 800 mg qd (ASCO #3051, 2006). Methods: An open-label Phase I dose-escalation study of brivanib in combination with cetuximab was conducted in pts with AGM who failed prior therapy. Brivanib was given po Day 1 and qd from Day 8, starting at 320 mg. Cetuximab was given IV Day 8 (400 mg/m2) then weekly (250 mg/m2). Dose escalation of brivanib continued to 800 mg qd, when an expansion cohort for pts with colorectal cancer (CRC) was opened for additional safety and efficacy. Fresh tissue and blood sampling for biomarker and pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was performed. FDG-PET was obtained at Baseline X 2, Days 15 and 56. Tumor response (modified WHO) was evaluated q 8 weeks. Results: 18 pts (15 CRC, 2 esophageal, 1 other) were treated with 320, 600 or 800 mg qd of brivanib in combination with cetuximab for a median of 8 weeks (range 1 - 20+). A single DLT, bilateral pulmonary emboli, occurred at 320 mg qd. Few treatment-related AEs occurred across the 3 cohorts (Table). PK/biomarker data is pending. Available FDG-PET results from measurements in 8 pts with 2–3 target lesions showed good baseline reproducibility in SUVpeak, SUVmean and SUVmax, with intra-subject CV of 3.6%, 7.2% and 9.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Brivanib in combination with full-dose cetuximab was well tolerated at ≤800 mg qd and did not result in enhancement of cetuximab associated AEs. Pre-treatment FDG-PET is a highly reproducible imaging modality.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Removal of Ocular Artifacts from EEG: A Comparison of Adaptive Filtering Method and Regression Method Using Simulated Data

We recently proposed an adaptive filtering method for removing ocular artifacts from EEG recordings. In this study, the accuracy of this method is evaluated quantitatively using simulated data and compared with the accuracy of the time domain regression method. The results show that when transfer of ocular signal to EEG channel is frequency dependent, or when there is a time delay, the adaptive filtering method is more accurate in recovering the true EEG signals.

Computation within cultured neural networks

In this paper we present three related areas of research we are pursuing to study neural computation in vitro. Rat cortical neurons cultured on 60 channel multielectrode array (MEA) allow the researcher to measure from and stimulate sixty different sites across a small population of neurons grown in vitro. Using this system we can send stimulation patterns into the network and study how these living neural networks compute by measuring its outputs. Our first series of studies uses chaotic control techniques to study the dynamics and potentially control the behavior of cortical network. At the same time, we are beginning to apply a model of computation called the liquid state machine or LSM model developed by Wolfgang Maass to provide a firm mathematical framework from which to proceed with our investigations. Each of these components is integrated into a third area investigating the role of computation and feedback using a real-time sensory-motor feedback robotic flight system.

394 DEVELOPMENT OF A RAT ENDOMETRIAL SPHEROID AS A MODEL FOR THE ANALYSIS OF ENDOMETRIAL FUNCTIONS

The endometrium is one of the most complex tissues; it undergoes dynamic changes in response to implantation and pregnancy processes.An in vitro model may provide a tool for clarifying the complex implantation process. However, there is no suitable in vitro model for investigation of endometrial functions. The spheroid has been utilized in cell biology research because it appears to mimic the morphology and physiology of cells in living tissues and organs, which is unlike conventional monolayer culture. Multicellular spheroids composed of normal adult cells may provide a more useful model for the study of the endometrium. The purpose of the present study was to develop a spheroid composed of rat endometrial stromal (RES) cells as an in vitro model for analysis of endometrial functions. The RES were prepared from rat endometrium at Day 5 of pregnancy. Spheroids were generated using salmon aterocollagen (SAC). The cells were plated on 12-well SAC gels (Imoto Suisan Co.) and cultured in DMEM/F12 containing 10% fetal bovine serum. After the cells reached confluence at Day 7 in culture, SAC gels were digested by collagenase to promote the detachment of RES cell sheets. Then the floating cell sheets were transferred to agarose-coated plates and cultured to form spheroids. The cell sheet shrank and became an aggregated cell mass in a few days; it finally formed a round-shaped spheroid. Diameters of the spheroids were about 516.7 � 28.9 �m at Day 5 after detachment from SAC gels. TUNEL examination of cell viability in the spheroid suggested that no cell was apoptotic until 15 days after cell sheet detachment; TUNEL-positive cells appeared at 20 days. Additionally, no positive staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was observed in the spheroids in contrast to strong staining in proliferating monolayer cultured cells. The results of gelatin zymography showed that both matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and-9 were produced in monolayer culture. However, after the detachment of the cell sheet, the production of both MMPs decreased immediately and could not be detected until 15 days after detachment. In vitro decidualization of the spheroids was induced by arachidonic acid (AA) treatment. RT-PCR analysis showed that typical marker genes for the decidualization, desmin and decidual/trophoblast prolactin-related protein (d/tPRP), were expressed in the spheroids after 2 days of AA treatment, but not in the control groups without treatment. The results of the present study indicate that rat endometrial stromal cells are capable of being regenerated as a spheroid using SAC gels in vitro. Importantly, the present spheroid displays an endometrium-mimicking feature in both structural and functional similarities. The present method is simple and convenient, and therefore provides a new insight into the study of endometrial functions and implantation. This research was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science, and Technology of Japan (Kiban-kenkyu C 18580282).

Impaired clearance of phenacetin in hepatic cirrhosis and fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

CYP450 1A2 is constitutively expressed in liver. Phenacetin O-de-ethylation is a marker reaction for CYP450 1A2 activity. In this paper, the metabolism of phenacetin has been studied in patients with chronic hepatitis B or cirrhosis secondary to a hepatitis B virus infection. The possibility of using the phenacetin test in the evaluation of liver function in these subjects has also been tested.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Phenacetin pharmacokinetics and the recovery of its urinary metabolites were studied in 8 normal subjects, 16 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 12 patients with cirrhosis. The phenacetin test was performed in 18 normal subjects and 52 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The test was repeated in HCC patients after treatment with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).

RESULTS

Compared with normal controls, phenacetin apparent clearance decreased by 47.0% (p < 0.05) and 78.7% (p < 0.01) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis, respectively. The recovery of phenacetin O-de-ethylated metabolites decreased by 24.6 and 72.4% (p < 0.01). 46 of 52 HCC patients (88.4%) had an abnormal phenacetin test before TACE, where the ratio of plasma total acetaminophen to phenacetin was below the lower limit of the normal control range. The ratio was less than 50% of normal controls in 6 HCC patients who had a deterioration in liver function from Child-Pugh class A to Child-Pugh class B after TACE.

CONCLUSION

The metabolism of phenacetin is impaired in patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. The phenacetin test can predict the susceptibility of liver function to TACE in HCC patients.

Roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways during Escherichia coli-induced apoptosis in U937 cells

Escherichia coli (E. coli) infections play an important and growing role in the clinic. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) superfamily, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK, and caspase-3 and 9 activity in E. coli-induced apoptosis in human U937 cells. We found that E. coli induces apoptosis in U937 cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner, p38 MAPK and JNK were activated after 10 min of infection with E. coli. In contrast, ERK1/2 was down-regulated in a time-dependent manner. The levels of total (phosphorylation state-independent) p38 MAPK, JNK and ERK1/2 did not change in E. coli-infected U937 cells at all times examined. Moreover, exposure of U937 cells to E. coli led to caspase-3 and 9 activity. For the evaluation of the role of MAPKs, PD98059, SB203580 and SP600125 were used as MAPKs inhibitors for ERK1/2, p38 MAPK and JNK. Inhibition of ERK1/2 with PD98059 caused further enhancement in apoptosis and caspase-3 and 9 activity, while a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580 and JNK inhibitor, SP600125 significantly inhibited E. coli-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 and 9 activity in U937 cells. The results were further confirmed by the observation that the caspase inhibitors Z-DEVD-FMK and Z-LEHD-FMK blocked E. coli-induced U937 apoptosis. Taken together, we have shown that E. coli increase p38 MAPK and JNK and decrease ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increase caspase-3 and 9 activity in U937 cells.

Screening and characterization of yeasts for xylitol production

AIMS

To discover novel naturally occurring xylitol producing yeast species with potential for industrial applications.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Exactly 274 strains were cultivated on both solid and liquid screening medium with xylose as the sole carbon resource. Five strains were selected on the basis of significant growth and high degree of xylose assimilation. Their phylogenetic position was confirmed by the PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the 5' end of the large subunit rDNA gene (5'-LSU rDNA). Enzymatic analysis was conducted to compare xylose metabolism in each strain. Candida guilliermondii Xu280 and Candida maltosa Xu316 were found to have high xylose consumption rates and xylitol yields in the batch fermentation under micro-aerobic condition. The effect of the different media with high initial xylose concentration on biosynthesis of xylitol by both strains was investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

We have identified Candida spp. strains, which exhibit high levels of xylitol production from xylose suggesting that these may have potential for industrial applications.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACTS OF THE STUDY

Microbial species are of importance for xylitol production. Xylitol production involves complicated metabolic regulation including xylose transport, production of key enzymes and cofactor regeneration. Thus, screening of naturally occurring xylose-utilizing micro-organisms is a viable and effective mean to obtain xylitol producing organisms with industrial application. Moreover, the research on selected strains will contribute to a better understanding of regulatory properties of xylose metabolism in different yeasts.

Cloning and molecular characterization of a gene coding D-xylulokinase (CmXYL3) from Candida maltosa

AIMS

To clone and identify a gene (CmXYL3) coding D-xylulokinase from Candida maltosa Xu316 and understand its physiological function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on the conserved regions of the known D-xylulokinase-encoding genes, a pair of degenerate primers was designed to clone the CmXYL3 gene from C. maltosa Xu316. The coding region and sequences flanking the CmXYL3 gene were obtained by PCR-based DNA walking method. Southern blotting analysis suggested that there is a single copy of the CmXYL3 gene in the genome. The open reading frame starting from ATG and ending with TAG stop codon encoded 616 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 68889.743 Da. The CmXYL3 gene under the control of the GPD1 promoter was heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in D-xylulokinase (deltaScXKS1::LEU2) activity, and restored growth on D-xylulose. The specific activity of D-xylulokinase varied during xylose fermentation and was correlated with aeration level. After growth on different pentoses and pentitols as sole carbon sources, the highest specific activity of D-xylulokinase was observed on D-xylose.

CONCLUSIONS

The CmXYL3 gene isolated from C. maltosa Xu316 encodes a novel D-xylulokinase that plays a pivotal role in xylulose metabolism.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report that describes the isolation and cloning of D-xylulokinase gene (CmXYL3) from C. maltosa Xu316. D-xylulokinase is pivotal for growth and product formation during xylose metabolism. Better understanding of the biochemical properties and the physiological function of D-xylulokinase will contribute to optimizing fermentation conditions and determining the strategies for metabolic engineering of C. maltosa Xu316 for further improvement of xylitol yield and productivity.

Phase I study of ABT-751 in combination with CAPIRI (capecitabine and irinotecan) and bevacizumab in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

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Background: ABT-751 (A) is an orally (PO) bioavailable sulfonamide with antimitotic properties. We are performing a non-randomized phase I/II dose-escalation study of A in combination with capecitabine (C), irinotecan (I) and bevacizumab (B) to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and pharmacokinetics (PK) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer (1st or 2nd line). Methods: Patients are treated with A QD for 7d (lead-in) and then begin 21-d cycles of treatment with A (QD) and C (BID) d1–14 PO, I d1 IV, and B d1 IV. Dose escalation started at dose level (DL) 1 at A 150 mg, I 200 mg/m2, and C 1600 mg/m2 (total daily dose) and escalated to full dose CAPIRI (I 250 mg/m2, and C 2000 mg/m2) for DL2. B was then added as standard of care at 7.5 mg/kg for DL2b (and later, DL1b). Blood samples were collected for pharmacogenomics (PG), pharmacodynamics (PD), steady-state PK of A and A metabolites when administered alone or in combination with C, I, and B, and PK of I and I metabolites. Serial dynamic contrast MRI’s, before and after the ABT-751 monotherapy lead-in period, are being performed in a subset of subjects. Results: Eight patients have been treated at dose levels 1 (3), 2 (2), and 2b (3). One patient on DL2 experienced g3 transaminitis and another on DL2b had F&N which were dose-limiting. Dose level 1 is being expanded to 6 patients, now with B (DL1b). Other g3/4 toxicities have included g4 neutropenia (1 subject DL2, 1 DL2b). The formation of A glucuronide appears decreased during combination therapy (see table). I PK, PD, and PG samples were collected and analysis is pending. Of 8 subjects, there have been 4 PD and 4 SD after 2 cycles. Conclusions: The combination therapy of A 150 mg and 20% dose-reduced CAPIRI appears well-tolerated. Patient accrual continues at DL1b. [Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Extended effects of human papillomavirus 16 E6-specific short hairpin RNA on cervical carcinoma cells

Most cervical carcinomas express high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncogenes. Small interfering RNA can mediate sequence-specific inhibition of gene expression in mammalian cells. To find a most effective short hairpin RNA (shRNA) for HPV16 E6 messenger RNA (mRNA) and investigate the extended effects of the HPV16 E6 shRNA on cervical carcinoma cells, we stably transfected SiHa cells with four shRNA expression vectors (E6A-D). HPV16 E6A shRNA was found to be the most efficient in our study, which caused the reduction of HPV16 E6 mRNA to 10% in SiHa cells but did not reduce HPV18 E6 mRNA expression in HeLa cells. We subsequently demonstrated that E6A could stably express shRNA and effectively reduce HPV16 E6 and E7 viral genes expression in SiHa cells for more than 4 months. After E6 and E7 repression, there was a dramatic accumulation of p53, p21, and hypophosphorylated pRb proteins in cells. Furthermore, cell proliferation, colony formation ability, tumorigenicity, and in vitro cell invasive capability were suppressed substantially in E6A-transfected cells. These results suggest that the use of shRNA expression vector may be a potential approach for the treatment of persistent HPV infection and HPV-positive cervical carcinoma.

Electrolytic degradation of biorefractory organics and ammonia in leachate from bioreactor landfill

Electrochemical oxidation was applied to treat the effluent from bioreactor landfill with leachate recirculation, characterised as poor biodegradability and high NH3-N concentration. In this study, the effluent was electrolysed in a batch reactor with Ti/TiO2-IrO2-RuO2 anode and stainless steel cathode. The oxidation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during electrolysis was evaluated based on the evolution of molecular weight grade, hydrophilic fractionation (humic acid, fulvic acid and hydrophilic fractions), specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA254) and AOX. The impact of the initial NH3-N concentration on the oxidation was discussed. The results showed that at a current density of 100 mA/cm2, electrolysis time of 1.5 h and electrode gap of 1 cm, NH3-N with an initial concentration of 1.2 g/L could be completely eliminated and 56% of COD with an initial concentration of 1.2 g/L could be removed, which illustrated that the electrolysis-produced chlorine preferentially oxidised ammonia. The electrolysis mainly resulted in the degradation of humic substances and other high molecular DOM, followed by the increase of BOD/COD ratio and decline of SUVA254 of the leachate. The current efficiencies for COD and ammonia oxidation gradually decreased during the electrolysis, with the latter obviously higher than the former. At the optimal electrolysis time of 1.5 h, NH3-N could be totally removed and the BOD/COD ratio could be enhanced to 0.3, which was also favourable to control the AOX at a reasonable level.

Optimum control of the Hemopump as a left-ventricular assist device

A general framework for designing an optimum control strategy for the Hemopump is described. An objective function was defined that includes four membership functions, each constructed based on the desired values of one of the four members: stroke volume, mean left atrial pressure, aortic diastolic pressure and mean pump rotation speed. The Hemopump was allowed to operate either at a constant speed or at two different speeds during a cardiac cycle. The goal was to maximise the objective function by varying the magnitude and timing of the pump speed. Using a canine circulatory model, it was demonstrated that, in general, different cardiac conditions or different clinical objectives require different operation parameters. For example, when a left ventricle with minor ischaemia was simulated, and the main objective was to increase stoke volume, the objective function was maximised, from a value of 0.877 when the pump was off, to 0.946 when the pump was operated at speed 2 (18 500 revolutions min(-1)). On the other hand, for a severely ischaemic heart, the optimum pump speed became speed 3 (20 000 revolutions min(-1)), which maximized the objective function to 0.943 (from 0.707 when the pump was off). The results also suggest that it is more beneficial to operate the Hemopump at two different speeds during a cardiac cycle (a higher speed during systole and early diastole, and a lower speed during late diastole) than to maintain a constant speed throughout the cardiac cycle.

Removal of ocular artifacts from electro-encephalogram by adaptive filtering

The electro-encephalogram (EEG) is useful for clinical diagnosis and in biomedical research. EEG signals, however, especially those recorded from frontal channels, often contain strong electro-oculogram (EOG) artifacts produced by eye movements. Existing regression-based methods for removing EOG artifacts require various procedures for preprocessing and calibration that are inconvenient and time-consuming. The paper describes a method for removing ocular artifacts based on adaptive filtering. The method uses separately recorded vertical EOG and horizontal EOG signals as two reference inputs. Each reference input is first processed by a finite impulse response filter of length M (M = 3 in this application) and then subtracted from the original EEG. The method is implemented by a recursive least-squares algorithm that includes a forgetting factor (lambda = 0.9999 in this application) to track the non-stationary portion of the EOG signals. Results from experimental data demonstrate that the method is easy to implement and stable, converges fast and is suitable for on-line removal of EOG artifacts. The first three coefficients (up to M = 3) were significantly larger than any remaining coefficients.

Conjugation metabolism of acetaminophen and bilirubin in extrahepatic tissues of rats

An anhepatic rat model was used to explore the extrahepatic conjugating metabolism of acetaminophen and serum bilirubin. The recovery of glucuronide- and sulfate-acetaminophen was 47.5% in normal control and 13.4% in model rats in the urine collected for 6 h after administration of acetaminophen 20 mg kg(-1). Following the increase of acetaminophen dose to 150 mg kg(-1), the recovery of urinary glucuronide-acetaminophen increased by 53.9% in normal control; but it decreased by 36.4% in model rats. In contrast to normal control, the pretreatment with phenobarbital did not affect acetaminophen and its metabolite levels in plasma and urine in model rats. After the establishment of anhepatic model the serum direct bilirubin rose dramatically. Urinary bilirubin test was positive in model rats, but not in normal control. No changes were observed in serum total bilirubin and ratio of direct/total bilirubin after the pretreatment with ranitidine or phenobarbital 50 mg kg (-1), i.p. for 5 days in model rats. The results indicate that the glucuronide- and sulfate-acetaminophen formed in the extrahepatic tissues of model rats is 28.2% of normal control, serum free bilirubin can be transformed into conjugated bilirubin in extrahepatic tissues, and the regulation mechanism of phase II conjugating enzymes is different between the hepatic and extrahepatic tissues.

Condition, prolonged swimming performance and muscle metabolic capacities of cod Gadus morhua

This study evaluated the link between swimming endurance and condition of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua that had been fed or starved during the 16 weeks preceding the tests, and assessed whether muscle metabolic capacities explain such links. The condition factor [(somatic mass x fork length(-3))x100] of starved cod was 0.54+/-0.1 whereas that of fed cod was 0.81+/-0.1. In white and red muscle, we measured four glycolytic enzymes: phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvate kinase (PK), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), two mitochondrial enzymes: cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) and citrate synthase (CS), a biosynthetic enzyme, nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK), glycogen and protein levels and water content. Muscle samples were taken at three positions along the length of the fish; starvation affected the metabolic capacities of white muscle more than those of red muscle. The levels of glycolytic enzymes and glycogen changed more in white than red muscle during starvation. Both in fed and starved cod, muscle metabolic capacities varied with position along the fish; starvation reduced this longitudinal variation more in white than red muscle. In white muscle of fed cod, the glycolytic enzyme levels increased from head to tail, while in starved cod this longitudinal variation disappeared. In red muscle mitochondrial enzyme levels were highest in the caudal sample, but fewer differences were found for glycolytic enzymes. Swimming endurance was markedly affected by fish condition, with starved fish swimming only 30% of the time (and distance) of fed fish. This endurance was closely linked with the number of burst-coast movements during the test and the activity of CCO and LDH in white muscle. The number of burst-coast movements was significantly linked with condition factor and PFK activity in caudal red muscle and gill arch mass. Our data indicated that cod use both glycolytic and oxidative capacities to support endurance swimming. Furthermore, swimming endurance is linked with the metabolic capacities of red and white muscle.

Screening of pyruvate-producing yeast and effect of nutritional conditions on pyruvate production

AIMS

To find a yeast strain that can overproduce pyruvate and to investigate the effect of nutrients on pyruvate production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Trichosporon cutaneum PD70, a yeast strain that can overproduce pyruvate, was isolated from shake-flask cultures of 132 yeast strains. Pyruvate was measured by the HPLC or DNP method (see Materials and methods). Pyruvate production reached approximately 30.0 +/- 1.0 g l(-1) in basal fermentation medium. Different nutrient supplements had great effects on pyruvate production. Some of the conditions that gave the highest yield are described.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous thiamine supplement caused a decrease in pyruvate yield. Some amino acids, such as L-arginine, L-isoleucine and L-valine, caused a minor increase in pyruvate yield. Soybean peptone was the most suitable nitrogen source for pyruvate production. A glucose concentration of 15% in fermentation medium gave the highest yield (34.6 g l(-1)) and the highest yield against consumed glucose (0.429 g g(-1)).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Nutrients have significant impacts on pyruvate production. As a pyruvate overproducing yeast strain independent of exogenous vitamins or amino acids, T. cutaneum PD70 provides an advantage for commercial pyruvate production.

Simulation study of the Hemopump as a cardiac assist device

A dynamic model was developed for a Hemopump that withdraws blood from the left ventricle and discharges it to the aorta through a miniature axial-flow pump. Incorporation of the Hemopump model in a previously established model for the canine circulatory system enabled the effects of the Hemopump on various haemodynamic variables of the circulatory system to be studied, and the benefit of the Hemopump to the failing heart was investigated. In addition, the influence of the physiological status of the right ventricle on the Hemopump performances was examined, and the synchronous and non-synchronous operations of the Hemopump were compared. Results verified that the Hemopump assists the failing heart by increasing the oxygen supply, while reducing the oxygen consumption of the heart through a reduction in the workload of the left ventricle. These beneficial effects were enhanced when the pump's rotation speed was increased. When pump speed was increased from 17,000 to 23,000 revolutions min-1, the oxygen supply increased 101%, and the oxygen consumption decreased 60%. However, when the pump rotation speed was too high, the inflow to the pump could be impaired and the pump performance could be negatively affected. Predications from the model were in good agreement with the results previously obtained in animal experiments and in vitro measurements.

Phenacetin O-deethylation in extrahepatic tissues of rats

Phenacetin O-deethylation is a marker reaction of CYP450 1A2 activity. The drug-metabolizing enzyme is constitutively expressed in liver. In this study, an in vivo rat model for assessment of extrahepatic metabolism was used to investigate phenacetin O-deethylation and the alterations in the disposition of phenacetin due to the loss of liver function. Rats were divided into the model and normal control groups. The model was established according to our previously described method. The concentrations of phenacetin and its major metabolites acetaminophen, glucuronate-acetaminophen and sulfate-acetaminophen in plasma and urine were determined by HPLC. 30 min after intravenous administration of 0.16% phenacetin 10 mg x kg(-1), plasma acetaminophen in the model group was only 3.6% of that in the control group (0.09+/-0.04 microg x mL(-1) vs 2.49+/-0.85 microg x mL(-1), n = 8). 30 min after intragastric injection of 0.4% phenacetin 30 mg x kg(-1), plasma acetaminophen formation was very slight, about 8.6% of plasma phenacetin in the model group (0.74+/-0.43 microg x mL(-1) acetaminophen vs 8.57+/-8.42 microg x mL(-1) phenacetin) and 6.8% in the control group (1.06+/-0.59 microg x mL(-1) acetaminophen vs 15.47+/-7.21 microg x mL(-1) phenacetin, n = 8); no significant differences were observed in plasma phenacetin, total acetaminophen and the ratio of acetaminophen to phenacetin between control and model groups. In the urine collected for 3 h after intravenous administration of 0.16% phenacetin 10 mg x kg(-1), the total recovery of acetaminophen (as free, glucuronate- and sulfate-acetaminophen ) in the model group was 4.6% of that in the control group (4.47+/-4.27 microg vs 96.63+/-8.50 microg, n = 6), but phenacetin recovery in the model group was 9 times higher than that in the control group (15.03+/-17.72 microg vs 1.66+/-0.50 microg). The results indicate that phenacetin O-deethylation in the extrahepatic tissues and the first-pass metabolism of the probe compound seem to be negligible in rats, but the renal excretion of phenacetin, as a compensation, dramatically increases in model rats.

Novel ultrasonic fusion imaging method based on cyclic variation in myocardial backscatter

Quantitative ultrasonic tissue characterisation of the myocardium based on integrated backscatter (IB) has the potential of becoming an effective method for detecting and evaluating myocardial ischaemia. To facilitate IB-based clinical applications, a new imaging method has been developed that combines the anatomical information of a B-mode image with the contractile performance of a selected myocardial region. To produce such a fusion image, a region of interest (ROI) in a B-mode cardiac image was first selected by the user. Algorithms for detection of the endocardium and epicardium were developed, and the resulting mean distance between the computer-detected curve and the manually traced curve was 0.83mm for the endocardium and 0.58mm for the epicardium. The cyclic variation of IB (CVIB) of each myocardial tissue element within the ROI was then calculated over one cardiac cycle. Finally, a grey-scale B-mode image at the end of diastole was displayed as a still image, and the pixels representing the myocardial tissue in the ROI colour-coded according to the corresponding CVIB over the past heart cycle. Both the B-mode image and the colour-coded region were refreshed (up-dated) at the next end-of-diastole. Preliminary results from normal (CVIB= 10-12dB) and ischaemic (CVIB = 5-7 dB) canine hearts are presented that demonstrate the utility of this new imaging method.

Overexpression of Pti5 in tomato potentiates pathogen-induced defense gene expression and enhances disease resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato

The tomato Pti5 gene encodes a pathogen-inducible ethylene response element-binding protein-like transcription factor that interacts with the disease resistance gene product Pto. Overexpression of Pti5 or Pti5-VP16, a translational fusion with a constitutive transcriptional activation domain, in tomato enhanced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Constitutive expression of Pti5 or Pti5-VP16 did not affect the basal level of pathogenesis-related gene expression, but it accelerated pathogen-induced expression of GluB and Catalase. The results demonstrate a positive role of Pti5 in defense gene regulation and disease resistance and suggest that a pathogen-activated posttranscriptional regulatory step is necessary for the pathogen induction of the defense gene expression.

[Study on expression of caspase-3 and bcl-2 proteins and their relations with cell apoptosis and proliferation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the possible roles of caspase-3 and bcl-2 proteins in the development and progression of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and their relationship.

METHODS

TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and immunohistochemistry were used to study cell apoptosis and expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), caspase-3 and bcl-2 in 119 NHL cases.

RESULTS

The caspase-3 and bcl-2 positive rates were 86.6% (103/119) and 53.8% (64/119) respectively. Contrasting expression of these two proteins were found in reactive and malignant lymphoid tissues: In reactive lymphoid follicles, caspases-3 exhibited strong immunoactivity in cells located in germinal centers but not in mantle zone lymphocytes, whereas bcl-2 exhibited strong immunoactivity in mantle zone lymphocytes but not in cells located in germinal centers, and in neoplastic follicles, caspase-3 was negatively or weakly expressed, whereas bcl-2 was often positively expressed. In B cell lymphomas, the high grade group had a higher caspase-3 immunointensity and a lower bcl-2 immunointensity than the low grade group (P < 0.01). Apoptotic index correlated positively with expression of caspase-3 (r = 0.512, P < 0.01) and inversely with expression of bcl-2 (r = -0.436, P < 0.01). In addition, apoptotic index and proliferative index were positively related (r = 0.710, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

caspase-3 may participate in the regulation mechanism of lymphoma cell apoptosis. The contrasting expression of caspase-3 and bcl-2 is often seen in reactive and malignant lymphoid tissues, and it may indicate a close relationship between these two proteins in the regulation of lymphocyte proliferation kinetics.

The effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibition on estrogen metabolite and oxidative DNA damage levels in estradiol-treated MCF-7 cells

Many of the major identified risk factors for breast cancer are associated with exposure to endogenous estrogen. In addition to the effects of estrogen as a growth factor, experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest that catechol metabolites of estrogen also contribute to estrogen carcinogenesis by both direct and indirect genotoxic mechanisms. O-Methylation catalyzed by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a Phase II metabolic inactivation pathway for catechol estrogens. We and others have found that a polymorphism in the COMT gene, which codes for a low activity variant of the COMT enzyme, is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer; therefore, the goal of the current study was to investigate the role of decreased COMT activity on estrogen catechol levels and on oxidative DNA damage, as measured by 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) levels. MCF-7 cells were pretreated with dioxin as a means to increase estrogen metabolism to catechol estrogens, then treated with estradiol (E2) +/- Ro 41-0960, a COMT-specific inhibitor. After extraction from culture medium, estrogen metabolites were separated using an high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection method. As expected, dioxin dramatically increased E2 oxidative metabolism, primarily to its 2-OH and 2-methoxy metabolites. The COMT inhibitor blocked 2-methoxy E2 formation. This was associated with increased 2-hydroxy E2 (2-OH E2) and 8-oxo-dG levels. In the presence of COMT inhibition, increased oxidative DNA damage was detected in MCF-7 cells exposed to as low as 0.1 microM E2, whereas in the absence of COMT inhibition, no increase in 8-oxo-dG was detected at E2 concentrations < or =10 microM. This study is the first to show that O-methylation of 2-OH E2 by COMT is protective against oxidative DNA damage caused by 2-OH E2, a major oxidative metabolite of E2.

Simultaneous measurement of sound velocity and wall thickness of a tube

A method for simultaneously measuring the sound propagation velocity and the thickness of each wall on the opposite sides of a tube is presented. The method uses a pair of ultrasound transducers to produce two reflected pulses from the outer and inner surfaces of the tube wall on the each side, and two transmitted pulses, one with and one without the tube sample between the two transducers. Using the time-domain analysis, sound velocity and wall thickness of the tube are determined from the time delays between the three pairs of ultrasound pulses, whereas using the frequency-domain analysis, phase velocity, group velocity, and wall thickness of the tube are determined from the phase differences between the three pairs of ultrasound pulses. Results of measurements on five tube samples are reported.

Comparative effect of dietary olive, safflower, and linseed oils on spontaneous liver tumorigenesis in C3H/He mice

In male C3H/He mice, which frequently develop spontaneous liver tumorigenesis, 5 wk of age and weighing about 20 g, the comparative effects on liver tumor incidence from the feeding of olive oil (OLI), safflower oil (SAF), and linseed oil (LIS) diets for 50 wk, the concentrations of total cholesterol (T-CHOL), triacylglycerol (TG), lipid peroxides in the plasma and liver, and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the plasma were examined. The changes in body weight and liver weight were not different among dietary groups. The number of mice bearing liver adenoma was greater in the SAF group than in the OLI and LIS groups. Liver carcinoma was observed in the SAF group, but not in the OLI and LIS groups. The concentrations of T-CHOL in the plasma and liver were higher in the OLI group than in the other groups. TG levels in the plasma and liver were highest in the OLI group and followed in order by the SAF and LIS groups. The concentration of plasma lipid peroxide was higher in the LIS group than in the other groups. Liver lipid peroxide content was extremely high in the LIS group, medium in the SAF group, and low in the OLI group. The activity of AST was highest in the OLI group and followed in order by the SAF and LIS groups. ALT activity was higher in the OLI group than in the other groups. A positive relationship between spontaneous liver tumorigenesis and the concentrations of T-CHOL, TG, and lipid peroxide or AST and ALT activities was hardly observed. These results suggested that spontaneous tumorigenesis in the liver of male C3H/He mice bred for 50 wk was suppressed by being supplied with OLI and LIS, compared with SAF, which had no direct relation to the concentrations of T-CHOL, TG, and lipid peroxide in the plasma and liver and the activities of plasma AST and ALT.

Hypoglycemic effect of a hot-water extract from defatted sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed on the blood glucose level in genetically diabetic KK-Ay mice

Genetically diabetic (type II) KK-Ay mice, male and 5 weeks of age, were divided into one group of 12 mice that were fed on a basal (BAS) diet and three groups of 6 mice each that were fed on the test diets for 4 weeks. Each test diet contained 4.0% of the hot-water extract (HES) from defatted sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seed, 1.4% of the water eluent fraction (WFH) of HES or 0.7% of the methanol eluent fraction (MFH) of HES from a glass column packed with HP-20 resin. At the end of the feeding period, the BAS group was divided into the MAL and MALH groups which were respectively force-fed with 1 ml per mouse of a 20% maltose solution in water with or without 4.0% HES. The plasma glucose concentration and amount of urinary excreted glucose were lower from the HES and MFH diets than from the BAS and WFH diets. The levels of plasma glucose and serum insulin were lower in the MALH group than in the MAL group. These results indicate that HES and MFH had a reductive effect on the plasma glucose concentration of KK-Ay mice, and this effect is suggested to have been caused by the delayed glucose absorption.

[A study on beta-lactamase activity of biofilm Escherichia coli]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of drug resistance of biofilm escherichia coli.

METHODS

The model of escherichia coli biofilm was established with the flat-board method. And the biofilm was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The beta-lactamase activities were quantitated, in escherichia coli, biofilm escherichia coli, biofilm escherichia coli induced by impenem or cefoxitin.

RESULTS

The beta-lactamase activity of biofilm escherichia coli was 2.16 times as much as that of escherichia coli planctonically, and the beta-lactamase activities of biofilm escherichia coli induceded by impenem or cefoxitin were 1.30 and 1.05 times as much as those of biofilm escherichia coli, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The drug resistance to antibiotics of biofilm escherichia coli was related to the production of beta-lactamase.

[A study of association between atherothrombotic brain infarction and HLA-DQA1 peptide binding motifs]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the hereditary susceptibility for HLA-DQA1 alleles according to trait of multiple genes leading to disease in atherothrombotic brain infarction (ABI).

METHODS

HLA-DQA1 alleles in ABI patients (n=81) and healthy controls (n=99) were detected by PCR-SSP techniques.

RESULTS

(1)The frequency of HLA-DQA1*0301 was significantly higher in ABI patients. (2)The frequency of HLA-DQA1*0301 was significantly higher in patients with family history of essential hypertension (EH). (3)The frequency of HLA-DQA1*0103 was significantly lower in ABI patients.

CONCLUSION

HLA-DQA1*0301 allele might be a correlative gene with hereditary susceptibility of ABI and HLA-DQA1*0301 allele might be a correlative gene in ABI patients with the family history of essential hypertension, whereas HLA-DQA1*0103 allele might be a protective gene in the patients with ABI.

Suppressive effect of coffee on lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in D-galactosamine-sensitized rats

A coffee extract significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatitis in D-galactosamine-sensitized rats, as assessed by the plasma alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities, when it was added to the diet (30 g/kg) and fed to rats for 14 days. Its effect was as strong as that of a green tea extract. The coffee extract suppressed LPS-induced hepatitis when singly force-fed (1.2 g/kg) 1.5 h prior to the injection of the drugs, whereas a decaffeinated coffee extract had no significant effect. The hepatoprotective effect of caffeine was stronger than that of theobromine. These results indicate that coffee can protect animals from LPS-induced hepatitis, and that the effect of coffee might be mainly due to caffeine.

Accelerative effect of olive oil on liver glycogen synthesis in rats subjected to water-immersion restraint stress

The effects of dietary oils on stress-induced changes in the liver glycogen metabolism of male Wistar rats at 6 weeks of age were investigated. The rats were subjected to repetitive water-immersion restraint and fed with a 20% saturated fatty acid mixture (PSC), olive oil (OLI), safflower oil (SAF), or linseed oil (LIS) diet. Stress loading decresed the body weight gain, although the food intake was hardly changed, and the weights of the liver and spleen generally declined regardless of the elapsed time after stress loading and the type of dietary oil. The adrenal weight was generally enhanced by stress in all deitary groups, and particularly tended to be greater in the OLI and PSC groups than in the other two. The plasma corticosterone concentration increased immediately after stressing (Stress-1), but approached the level of the rats with no stress (No stress) 2 h after releasing the stress load (Stress-2) in all groups. The enhancement of corticosterone level in the Stress-1 animals was large in the PSC and OLI groups, and the decline of this level in the Stress-2 animals was small in the OLI group when compared with the other groups. Although the concentrations of total cholesterol (T-CHOL) and triacylglycerol (TG) in the plasma were decreased by stress loading in all groups, these concentrations in the PSC and OLI groups were nearly always higher than in the other groups. The liver serine dehydratase (SDH) activity enhanced by stress was high in the OLI group and tended to be high in the PSC group when compared with the other groups. The contents of liver glycogen were reduced in the Stress-1 animals and extremely elevated in the Stress-2 animals of all groups, and particularly in the OLI group, the reduction in the Stress-1 animals was smaller and the enhancement in the Stress-2 animals was greater than in the other groups. These results suggest that feeding oleic acid to rats exposed to water-immersion restraint further accelerated liver glycogen synthesis through the rise in liver SDH activity due to increased corticosterone secretion when compared with the effect from linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.

[Study of the cytotoxity against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells induced by the MAGE-1 gene modified dendritic cells]

OBJECTIVE

To genetically modify dendritic cells (DC) with a tumor associated antigen gene MAGE-1 and to observe in vitro the cytotoxic effect induced by this genetically modified DC against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC7721, thus giving a primary verification of the possibility of this genetically modified DC to induce specific antitumor immunity against HCC and serving as a new type of vaccine.

METHODS

The MAGE-1 gene was inserted into the retrovirus vector LXSN to construct the recombinant retrovirus LMSN. The monocyte-derived DCs were transfected by LMSN and control virus LXSN respectively as well as a third group was set up as non-transfected control. The MAGE-1 gene expression in LMSN transfected DC was identified by Western blot and the in vitro cytotoxities against SMMC7721 induced by three groups of DC were tested by MTT assay.

RESULTS

A recombinant retrovirus LMSN containing the tumor rejection antigen gene MAGE-1 was successfully constructed and the MAGE-1 gene expression in LMSN transfected human monocyte-derived DC was induced. The LMSN transfected DC could induce very high lytic activity against SMMC7721 in vitro with the lytic activity of 78.9%+/-3.6%. Nevertheless, the LXSN transfected DC and non-transfected DC only induced relatively lower lytic activity as 34.7%+/-4.3% and 3.9%+/-2.0%, respectively. The difference of the lytic activities between those three groups as statistically significant (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The MAGE-1 gene transfected DC can induce higher in vitro cytotoxicity against SMMC7721, suggesting the possibility of this genetically modified DC to induce specific antitumor activity and to serve as a new type of vaccine for HCC.

[Cloning and expression of VHB gene in D-arabitol producing yeast]

Recombinant plasmid pVgb-EX2 containing Vitreoscilla hemoglobin gene vgb and formaldehyde resistant gene SFA1 was constructed and transformed into D-arabitol producing yeast strain Saccharomyces sp. X-62. The fact that the amount of VHb in transformant cells was considerably higher than that in control cells indicated that gene vgb was expressed in transformant cells. D-arabitol productivity and yield of fermentation by transformants were improved. The most improvement of D-arabitol productivity in repeat experiments reached 27.3%. It appeared that the fermentation productivity of D-arabitol was relative to the amount of VHb in cells under experimental conditions.

Carcinoma arising in an amputation stump

We describe a 62-year-old diabetic man who presented with squamous cell carcinoma on his right thigh amputation stump 52 years after the procedure. The potential relationship of the chronic irritation by the artificial leg and the malignant transformation of the healing scar as well as optimal treatment options of scar-tissue carcinomas are reviewed.

Green tea suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury in d-galactosamine-sensitized rats

We conducted a series of in vivo experiments to clarify the hepatoprotective activity of green tea against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) + D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced liver injury and to elucidate the mechanism by which green tea exerts its effect in 7-wk-old male Wistar rats. Liver injury was assessed by plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Green tea extract significantly suppressed LPS + GalN-induced liver injury when added to the diet (30 or 35 g/kg) and fed to rats for 14 d or when force-fed alone (0.4-1.2 g/kg body) 1.5 h before the injection of drugs. Although all five of the fractions extracted from green tea extract with different organic solvents had significant suppressive effects, the caffeine-containing fraction exhibited the strongest effect, suggesting that the protective effect of green tea against LPS + GalN-induced liver injury is attributable mainly to caffeine. Authentic caffeine also significantly suppressed LPS + GalN-induced liver injury when added to the diet (2 g/kg) and fed to rats for 14 d. Dietary green tea suppressed LPS + GalN-induced apoptosis of liver cells, as assessed by DNA fragmentation. However, dietary green tea did not suppress LPS-induced enhancement of plasma concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, the cytokine that is thought to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of LPS-induced liver injury, although it significantly suppressed plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and interferon (IFN)-gamma. TNF-alpha + GalN-induced liver injury and apoptosis were also suppressed by dietary green tea. In contrast, dietary caffeine significantly suppressed LPS-induced enhancement not only of plasma IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-gamma concentrations, but also of TNF-alpha concentration. The results suggest that green tea might suppress LPS + GalN-induced liver injury mainly through the inhibition of TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes, rather than through the suppression of TNF-alpha production, although the suppressed production of TNF-alpha may be associated with the hepatoprotective effect of caffeine.

Liver injury suppressing compounds from avocado (Persea americana)

To evaluate the protective activity of fruits against liver injury, 22 different fruits were fed to rats with liver damage caused by D-galactosamine, a powerful liver toxin. As measured by changes in the levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), avocado showed extraordinarily potent liver injury suppressing activity. Five active compounds were isolated and their structures determined. These were all fatty acid derivatives, of which three, namely, (2E,5E,12Z,15Z)-1-hydroxyheneicosa-2,5,12,15-tetraen-4-one, (2E,12Z,15Z)-1-hydroxyheneicosa-2,12,15-trien-4-one, and (5E,12Z)-2-hydroxy-4-oxoheneicosa-5,12-dien-1-yl acetate, were novel.

First staging of two laser accelerators

Staging of two laser-driven, relativistic electron accelerators has been demonstrated for the first time in a proof-of-principle experiment, whereby two distinct and serial laser accelerators acted on an electron beam in a coherently cumulative manner. Output from a CO2 laser was split into two beams to drive two inverse free electron lasers (IFEL) separated by 2.3 m. The first IFEL served to bunch the electrons into approximately 3 fs microbunches, which were rephased with the laser wave in the second IFEL. This represents a crucial step towards the development of practical laser-driven electron accelerators.

Gaf-1, a gamma -SNAP-binding protein associated with the mitochondria

The role of alpha/beta-SNAP (Soluble NSF Attachment Protein) in vesicular trafficking is well established; however, the function of the ubiquitously expressed gamma-SNAP remains unclear. To further characterize the cellular role of this enigmatic protein, a two-hybrid screen was used to identify new, gamma-SNAP-binding proteins and to uncover potentially novel functions for gamma-SNAP. One such SNAP-binding protein, termed Gaf-1 (gamma-SNAP associate factor-1) specifically binds gamma- but not alpha-SNAP. The full-length Gaf-1 (75 kDa) is ubiquitously expressed and is found stoichiometrically associated with gamma-SNAP in cellular extracts. This binding is distinct from other SNAP interactions since no alpha-SNAP or NSF coprecipitated with Gaf-1. Subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence analysis show that Gaf-1 is peripherally associated with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Only a fraction of gamma-SNAP was mitochondrial with the balance being either cytosolic or associated with other membrane fractions. GFP-gamma-SNAP and the C-terminal domain of Gaf-1 both show a reticular distribution in HEK-293 cells. This reticular structure colocalizes with Gaf-1 and mitochondria as well as with microtubules but not with other cytoskeletal elements. These data identify a class of gamma-SNAP interactions that is distinct from other members of the SNAP family and point to a potential role for gamma-SNAP in mitochondrial dynamics.

Analysis of expressions of components in the plasminogen activator system in high- and low-metastatic human lung cancer cells

PURPOSE

To determine the expressive patterns of the components of the plasminogen activator system in human large-cell lung carcinoma strains and to analyze the effects of the patterns on tumor invasion and metastasis.

METHODS

The in vitro and in vivo invasive and metastatic potential of two human large-cell lung carcinoma strains with high (strain 95D) and low (strain 95C) metastatic potential was further confirmed by the Boyden chamber model and nude mice model. After this, the expressions of the components of the plasminogen activator system--including urokinase-type and tissue-type plasminogen activator (uPA and tPA), urokinase receptor (uPAR), and type-1 and type-2 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1 and PAI-2) in strain 95D and 95C cells--were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The effects of monoclonal antibodies of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 on the invasive potential of strain 95D cell line were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Strain 95D cells were found to have a stronger in vitro and in vivo invasive and metastatic potential than strain 95C cells. In the former, the average number of infiltrating cells in the in vitro model in one field of vision (40055) was 73.75 +/- 7.42, while in the latter, it was 56.33 +/- 6.28 (P < 0.001). Lung metastatic loci were observed in all six nude mice inoculated with 95D cells (6/6), but not in any of the nude mice inoculated with 95C cells (0/6). The high-metastatic strain 95D cells expressed higher uPA and uPAR and lower tPA and PAI-2 than the low-metastatic strain 95C cells. The PAI-1 expressions in both 95D and 95C cells were almost the same. Monoclonal antibodies of uPA and uPAR greatly reduced the invasive potential of strain 95D cells in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the invasive and metastatic potential of human large-cell lung carcinoma cell lines is associated with differential expressions of the components of the plasminogen activator system and that the determination of these components may be used as a marker for judging clinically the possibility of tumor metastasis as well as the prognoses of patients.

[A study of the hereditary susceptibility of HLA-DQA1 to essential hypertension, athrothrombotic brain infarction and lacunar stroke]

OBJECTIVE

To study the types of HLA-DQA1 alleles in patients with essential hypertension (EH), athrothrombotic brain infarction (ABI) and lacunar stroke (LS) and normal control individuals and the hereditary susceptibility of HLA-DQA1 alleles to those diseases.

METHODS

The allelic typing of HLA-DQA1 was detected by PCR-SSP in 155 cases of EH, ABI and LS and 64 normal individuals.

RESULTS

The frequencies of HLA-DQA1 * 0301 in EH, ABI and LS groups were obviously higher than that in normal control group (33.6538 vs. 17.9688, 36.5884 vs. 17.9688, 33.0645 vs. 17.9688, P < 0.01). The frequencies of HLA-DQA1 * 0103 in groups of EH, ABI, LS, ABI with EH, and LS with EH were lower than that in the normal control group (6.7308 vs17.1875, RR = 0.3916, P < 0.01; 6.0976 vs. 17.1875, RR = 0.3548, P < 0.05; 6.4566 vs17.1875, RR = 0.3754, P < 0.01; 2.3809 vs17.1875, RR = 0.1385, P < 0.01; 3.5714 vs. 17.1875, RR = 0.2078, P < 0.01.

CONCLUSION

HLA-DQA1 * 0301 allele may be a correlative gene with hereditary susceptibility of EH, ABI and LS, and HLA-DQA1 * 0103 allele may be a protective gene of those diseases.

Suppressive effect of caffeine on hepatitis and apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but not by the anti-Fas antibody, in mice

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced hepatitis and apoptosis, as respectively assessed by serum enzyme activities and hepatic DNA fragmentation were effectively suppressed by a single force-feeding of caffeine (100 mg/kg) 1.5 h before injecting the drug. In contrast, caffeine had no significant effect on anti-Fas antibody-induced hepatitis and apoptosis. These results suggest that caffeine differentially affected TNF-alpha receptor- and Fas-mediated hepatitis and apoptosis.

Characterization of single-stranded DNA on chitosan-modified electrode and its application to the sequence-specific DNA detection

Single-strand DNA could bind with chitosan on a platinum electrode via forming a tight DNA-chitosan complex. The salt concentration of the ssDNA solution had an obvious effect on the surface coverage, the immobilization was remarkably reduced at high salt concentration. The sample ssDNA immobilized on the chitosan-modified electrode can hybridize efficiently with the complementary sequences and be successfully used for the sequence-specific DNA detection. The same results could be obtained using a gold or graphite electrode modified with chitosan. The stability of this electrode has been also discussed.

Suppression of lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury by various types of tea and coffee in D-galactosamine-sensitized rats

Extracts of various types of tea and coffee significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury, as assessed by the plasma enzyme activities, in D-galactosamine-sensitized rats when administered orally once before injecting the drugs. There was a significant negative correlation between the caffeine levels of these extracts and liver injury. Authentic caffeine also had a hepatoprotective effect. These results suggest that caffeine-containing beverages generally suppress LPS-induced liver injury according to their caffeine content.