High fruit intake is associated with a lower risk of future hypertension determined by home blood pressure measurement: the OHASAMA study

We investigate associations of fruit and vegetable intake with the risk of future hypertension using home blood pressure in a general population from Ohasama, Japan. We obtained data from 745 residents aged ≥35 years without home hypertension at baseline. Dietary intake was measured using a validated 141-item food frequency questionnaire, and subjects were then divided into quartiles according to the fruit and vegetable intake. Home hypertension was defined as home systolic/diastolic blood pressure of ≥135/85 mm Hg and/or the use of antihypertensive medication. During a 4-year follow-up period, we identified 222 incident cases of home hypertension. After adjustment for all putative confounding factors, the highest quartile of fruit intake was associated with a significantly lower risk of future home hypertension (odds ratio 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.22-0.74, P=0.004). In conclusion, this study, based on home blood pressure measurement, suggests that higher intake of fruit is associated with a lower risk of future home hypertension.

Factors affecting efficacy in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C treated by pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin: reducing drug doses has no impact on rapid and sustained virological responses

Reducing the dose of drug affects treatment efficacy in pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of drug exposure, as well as the baseline factors and the virological response on the treatment efficacy for genotype 2 patients. Two-hundred and fifty patients with genotype 2 HCV who were to undergo combination therapy for 24 weeks were included in the study, and 213 completed the treatment. Significantly more patients who achieved a rapid virological response (RVR), defined as HCV RNA negativity at week 4, achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) (92%, 122/133) compared with patients who failed to achieve RVR (48%, 38/80) (P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic-regression analysis showed that only platelet counts [odds ratio (OR), 1.68; confidence interval (CI), 1.002-1.139] and RVR (OR, 11.251; CI, 5.184-24.419) were independently associated with SVR, with no correlation being found for the mean dose of Peg-IFN and ribavirin for RVR and SVR. Furthermore, in the stratification analysis of the timing of viral clearance, neither mean dose of Peg-IFN (P = 0.795) nor ribavirin (P = 0.649) affected SVR in each group. Among the patients with RVR, the lowest dose group of Peg-IFN (0.77 +/- 0.10 microg/kg/week) and ribavirin (6.9 +/- 0.90 mg/kg/day) showed 100% and 94% of SVR. Hence, RVR served as an important treatment predictor, and drug exposure had no impact on both SVR and RVR in combination therapy for genotype 2 patients.

Reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma after interferon therapy in aged patients with chronic hepatitis C is limited to sustained virological responders

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of interferon (IFN) monotherapy on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in aged-patients with chronic hepatitis C. Seven hundred and twenty-five patients with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study; 531 received IFN monotherapy for 6 months between 1992 and 1995, and 157 were collected as a historical control. The effect of IFN therapy on the development of HCC was compared between the patients with chronic hepatitis C under 60 years old (non-aged group, n = 531) and those 60 and over (aged group, n = 194). A stepwise Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis in the non-aged group revealed that IFN therapy (risk ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.33-0.81, P = 0.004), older age (P = 0.001), and higher histological stage (P < 0.001) were independent factors associated with the development of HCC. In the aged-group, only higher histological stage (P = 0.002) and male gender (P = 0.011), but not IFN therapy (risk ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.42-1.40, P = 0.386), were identified as independent risk factors for HCC, although HCC was significantly reduced when sustained virological response (SVR) was obtained (risk ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.08-0.64, P = 0.005). In conclusion, inhibitory effect of IFN on development of HCC in the patients with chronic hepatitis C aged 60 and over was limited to the patients achieving SVR when treated with 6 months-IFN monotherapy.

Pbx1 is a downstream target of Evi-1 in hematopoietic stem/progenitors and leukemic cells

Ecotropic viral integration site-1 (Evi-1) is a nuclear transcription factor, which is essential for the proliferation/maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Aberrant expression of Evi-1 has been frequently found in myeloid leukemia, and is associated with a poor patient survival. Recently, we reported candidate target genes of Evi-1 shared in HSCs and leukemic cells using gene expression profiling analysis. In this study, we identified Pbx1, a proto-oncogene in hematopoietic malignancy, as a target gene of Evi-1. Overexpression of Evi-1 increased Pbx1 expression in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. An analysis of the Pbx1 promoter region revealed that Evi-1 upregulates Pbx1 transcription. Furthermore, reduction of Pbx1 levels through RNAi-mediated knockdown significantly inhibited Evi-1-induced transformation. In contrast, knockdown of Pbx1 did not impair bone marrow transformation by E2A/HLF or AML1/ETO, suggesting that Pbx1 is specifically required for the maintenance of bone marrow transformation mediated by Evi-1. These results indicate that Pbx1 is a target gene of Evi-1 involved in Evi-1-mediated leukemogenesis.

Pegylated interferon alpha-2b (Peg-IFN alpha-2b) affects early virologic response dose-dependently in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 during treatment with Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin

Chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) genotype 1 patients who achieved early virologic response have a high probability of sustained virologic response (SVR) following pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) plus ribavirin therapy. This study was conducted to evaluate how reducing drug doses affects complete early virologic response (c-EVR) defined as hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA negativity at week 12. Nine hundred eighty-four patients with CH-C genotype 1 were enrolled. Drug doses were evaluated independently on a body weight base from doses actually taken. From multivariate analysis, the mean dose of Peg-IFN alpha-2b during the first 12 weeks was the independent factor for c-EVR (P = 0.02), not ribavirin. The c-EVR rate was 55% in patients receiving > or = 1.2 microg/kg/week of Peg-IFN, and declined to 38% at 0.9-1.2 microg/kg/week, and 22% in patients given <0.9 microg/kg/week (P < 0.0001). Even with stratified analysis according to ribavirin dose, the dose-dependent effect of Peg-IFN on c-EVR was observed, and similar c-EVR rates were obtained if the dose categories of Peg-IFN were the same. Furthermore, the mean dose of Peg-IFN during the first 12 weeks affected HCV RNA negativity at week 24 (P < 0.0001) and SVR (P < 0.0001) in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that Peg-IFN was dose-dependently correlated with c-EVR, independently of ribavirin dose. Thus, maintaining the Peg-IFN dose as high as possible during the first 12 weeks can yield HCV RNA negativity and higher c-EVR rates, leading to better SVR rates in patients with CH-C genotype 1.

Ribavirin dose reduction raises relapse rate dose-dependently in genotype 1 patients with hepatitis C responding to pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin

The impact of ribavirin exposure on virologic relapse remains controversial in combination therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) genotype 1. The present study was conducted to investigate this. Nine hundred and eighty-four patients with CH-C genotype 1 were enrolled. The drug exposure of each medication was calculated by averaging the dose actually taken. For the 472 patients who were HCV RNA negative at week 24 and week 48, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of fibrosis (P = 0.002), the timing of HCV RNA negativiation (P < 0.001) and the mean doses of ribavirin (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with relapse, but those of Peg-IFN were not. Stepwise reduction of the ribavirin dose was associated with a stepwise increase in relapse rate from 11% to 60%. For patients with complete early virologic response (c-EVR) defined as HCV RNA negativity at week 12, only 4% relapse was found in patients given > or = 12 mg/kg/day of ribavirin and ribavirin exposure affected the relapse even after treatment week 12, while Peg-IFN could be reduced to 0.6 microg/kg/week after week 12 without the increase of relapse rate. Ribavirin showed dose-dependent correlation with the relapse. Maintaining as high a ribavirin dose as possible (> or = 12 mg/kg/day) during the full treatment period can lead to suppression of the relapse in HCV genotype 1 patients responding to Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin, especially in c-EVR patients.

Measurement of strange quark contributions to the vector form factors of the proton at Q2 = 0.22 (GeV / c)2

A new measurement of the parity violating asymmetry in elastic electron scattering on hydrogen at backward angles and at a four momentum transfer of Q;{2} = 0.22 (Ge V / c);{2} is reported here. The measured asymmetry is A_{LR} = (-17.23 +/- 0.82_{stat} +/- 0.89_{syst}) x 10;{-6}. The standard model prediction assuming no strangeness is A_{0} = (-15.87 +/- 1.22) x 10;{-6}. In combination with previous results from measurements at forward angles, it is possible to disentangle for the first time the strange form factors at this momentum transfer, G_{E};{s} = 0.050 +/- 0.038 +/- 0.019 and G_{M};{s} = -0.14 +/- 0.11 +/- 0.11.

Red blood cell motions in high-hematocrit blood flowing through a stenosed microchannel

We investigated the behavior of red blood cells (RBCs) in a microchannel with stenosis using a confocal micro-PTV system. Individual trajectories of RBCs in a concentrated suspension of up to 20% hematocrit (Hct) were measured successfully. Results indicated that the trajectories of healthy RBCs became asymmetric before and after the stenosis, while the trajectories of tracer particles in pure water were almost symmetric. The asymmetry was greater in 10% Hct than in 20% Hct. We also investigated the effect of deformability of RBCs on the cell-free layer thickness by hardening RBCs using a glutaraldehyde treatment. The results indicated that deformability is the key factor in the asymmetry of cell-free layer thickness. Therefore, the motions of RBCs are influenced strongly by the Hct, the deformability, and the channel geometry. These results give fundamental knowledge for a better understanding of blood flow in microcirculation and biomedical microdevices.

Association of (pro)renin receptor gene polymorphism with blood pressure in Japanese men: the Ohasama study

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have revealed that (pro)renin receptor ((P)RR), a newly identified member of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), is associated with blood pressure regulation in animals. However, there is no information on (P)RR in humans. We investigated the association of (P)RR gene polymorphisms with blood pressure in a Japanese population.

METHODS

Subjects (n = 1,112) were recruited from participants in the Ohasama study, a Japanese cohort study. For the association study, we selected three polymorphisms: -782A>G (rs2968915), intervening sequence (IVS)5+169C>T (rs5918007), and +1513A>G (rs6609080). Because the (P)RR gene is on the X chromosome, men (n = 357) and women (n = 755) were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

In men, 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values, daytime SBP and DBP values, and nighttime SBP and DBP values were significantly higher in IVS5+169T allele carriers than C allele carriers. Multiple regression analysis showed that IVS5+169C>T was significantly and independently related to ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). IVS5+169C>T was not associated with casual blood pressure (CBP) in men. In women, there were no significant differences in blood pressure values among the three genotypes of IVS5+169C>T. This polymorphism had no significant association with any other clinical characteristic. -782A>G was weakly associated with ABP in men. +1513A>G was not associated with blood pressure values in either men or women.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated for the first time that polymorphism of the (P)RR gene IVS5+169C>T is associated with ABP in Japanese men. This association suggests that (P)RR has a role in blood pressure regulation.

Large artery stiffening as a link between cerebral lacunar infarction and renal albuminuria

BACKGROUND

Stiffening of large arteries increases pulsatile pressure and flow stresses, which extend to the microcirculation in vasodilated organs such as the brain and kidneys. Subclinical cerebral lacunar infarction and albuminuria, both of which are early manifestations of microvascular damage, have been shown to be potentially interrelated in hypertension and with aging, but the underlying pathogenesis remains unknown.

METHODS

In a population of 351 general adults aged > or =50 years, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) were measured, and cerebral lacunar lesions were assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

RESULTS

Lacunar infarction was present in 86 subjects (25%). Subjects with lacunae had a higher median urinary ACR than those without (20.6 vs. 14.6 mg/g.Cr, P = 0.004). The positive association between the presence of lacunae and urinary ACR remained significant in a logistic model that adjusted for covariates including age, gender, and 24-h BP (P = 0.04); the odds ratio (OR) for lacunae was 1.32 for each 1 s.d. increase in urinary ACR. However, when PWV was added to this model, increased PWV but not urinary ACR was associated with lacunae. There was a significant interaction between urinary ACR and PWV with respect to lacunae; only subjects with a high PWV above the median showed an independent association between urinary ACR and the presence of lacunae (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Microvascular damage in the brain (lacunar infarction) and kidney (albuminuria) appears to be interrelated in the general population. Large arterial stiffening may play a pivotal role in this cerebro-renal connection.

Involvement of REG Ialpha protein in the regeneration of ductal epithelial cells in the minor salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome

The regenerating gene (Reg) was originally isolated from regenerating rat pancreatic islets and revealed recently to constitute a multi-gene family in humans. REG Ialpha protein is known to be overexpressed not only in various human inflammatory diseases but also in various experimental models of inflammation in animal tissues. However, its involvement in pathophysiology of the minor salivary gland (MSG) is not clear. We investigated REG Ialpha expression in the MSG of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and assessed its role in ductal epithelial cell proliferation in such tissues. Lip biopsy specimens were obtained from 40 patients with primary SS and examined using immunohistochemistry for REG Ialpha protein, Ki67 and single-strand DNA (ssDNA). The relationships among clinicopathological factors and expression of REG Ialpha protein, Ki67 and ssDNA in the MSG were then analysed. REG Ialpha protein was expressed rarely in ductal epithelial cells of the normal MSG but was apparently overexpressed in those of patients with SS. The labelling indices for both Ki67 and ssDNA in the ductal cells of the MSGs were significantly higher in SS patients than in controls. Moreover, these labelling indices were significantly higher in REG Ialpha-positive than in negative SS patients. REG Ialpha protein may play a role in the regeneration of ductal epithelial cells in the MSGs of patients with SS.

Analysis of gene expression in pancreatic islets from diet-induced obese mice

In insulin-resistant status such as obesity, failure of pancreatic islets to increase insulin secretion leads to diabetes. We sought to screen for the islet genes that facilitate islet adaptation to obesity by comparing gene expression profiles between two strains of obesity-prone inbred mice with different propensities for hyperglycemia. C57BL/6J and AKR/J were fed regular rodent chow or high-fat diet, after which islet morphology, secretory function, and gene expression were assessed. AKR/J had lower blood glucose and higher insulin levels compared with C57BL/6J mice on regular rodent chow or high-fat diet. Insulin secretion was 3.2-fold higher in AKR/J than C57BL/6J mice following intraperitoneal glucose injection. Likewise, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from isolated islets was higher in AKR/J. Additionally, islet mass was 1.4-fold greater in AKR/J compared with C57BL/6J. To elucidate the factors associated with the differences in islet function, we analyzed the gene expression profiles in islets in AKR/J and C57BL/6J mice. Of 14,000 genes examined, 202 were upregulated and 270 were downregulated in islets from diet-induced obese AKR/J mice compared with C57BL/6J mice. Key genes involved in islet signaling and metabolism, e.g., glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, sterol Co-A desaturase 1 and 2, and fatty acid desaturase 2 were upregulated in obese AKR/J mice. The expression of multiple extracellular matrix proteins was also increased in AKR/J mice, suggesting a role in modulation of islet mass. Functional analyses of differentially regulated genes hold promise for elucidating factors linking obesity to alterations in islet function.

Characterization of monoclonal immunoglobulin a and g against shiga toxin binding subunits produced by intranasal immunization

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is considered to play a major role in protection of the mucosal surface. However, its immunological and biological properties have not been extensively studied because the production of IgA class monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is difficult. We compared the properties of IgA and IgG mAbs against Shiga toxin B subunits (Stx1B). These mAbs were secreted from hybridomas that had been produced from mice after intranasal immunization with recombinant Stx1B and cholera toxin. The dose response curves for the binding of the IgA (clone G2G7) and IgG (clone D11C6) mAbs to immobilized Stx1B were similar, as revealed on ELISA. The majority of the IgA mAb formed dimers while the IgG mAb was monomeric, as judged by immunoblot analysis. The IgG mAb completely inhibited the binding of Stx1B to Burkitt's lymphoma cell line Ramos, while the inhibition by the IgA mAb was only partial. The IgG mAb was able to neutralize the cytotoxicity of Stx1 holotoxin towards Vero cells, whereas the IgA mAb was not. The binding affinity of each binding site was compared by means of surface plasmon resonance analysis involving a capture method, with which the binding of soluble Stx1B to immobilized mAb was detected. The association rate was similar but the dissociation rate was twofold faster in the case of the IgA mAb, resulting in twofold higher affinity of the IgG mAb. These results suggest that one can obtain high affinity IgA mAb but toxin neutralization is another challenge as to therapeutic antibodies of the IgA class.

Optimal cutoff point of waist circumference and use of home blood pressure as a definition of metabolic syndrome: the Ohasama study

BACKGROUND

Self-measured blood pressure (BP) at home (HBP) has a stronger predictive power for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity than casual-screening BP (CBP). No studies have evaluated the clinical significance of self-measured HBP for diagnosing metabolic syndrome (MS). Eight scientific associations recently defined MS for the Japanese population. However, this definition remains controversial, especially with respect to the cutoff value of waist circumference (WC) being higher in women than in men.

METHODS

The: participants of this population-based survey were the 395 residents (> or =35 years of age) of Ohasama, a rural Japanese community. They measured HBP and underwent the oral glucose tolerance test between the years 2000 and 2006. We calculated the optimal cutoff values of WC required to diagnose MS, and examined the association of HBP with metabolic risk-factor clustering using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Receiver operation characteristic analysis indicated that the optimal WC cutoff values for identifying clusters of metabolic risk factors were 87 and 80 cm in men and women, respectively. Elevated HBP was significantly associated with the clustering of metabolic risk factors but CBP was not.

CONCLUSION

The appropriate WC cutoff value in the current MS criteria for Japanese women would be 80 cm. We suggest that HBP would be useful when considering a diagnosis of MS. The association between MS determined using HBP and the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) requires further investigation.

Association of microalbuminuria with brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: the Ohasama study

BACKGROUND

Microalbuminuria is recognized as a marker of generalized vascular dysfunction. However, the associations between microalbuminuria and pulse wave velocity (PWV), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), respectively, have not been investigated.

METHODS

Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), IMT, and ABP were determined in 328 individuals (mean age, 65.7 +/- 6.4 years) from the general population of Ohasama, a rural Japanese community. The participants were assigned to groups with microalbuminuria and with normoalbuminuria, and their characteristics were compared. We also examined the association between microalbuminuria and baPWV, IMT, and ABP, respectively, using multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine participants (24%) with microalbuminuria had significantly higher baPWV (P < 0.001) and 24-h systolic BP (SBP) (P = 0.006) than those with normoalbuminuria, although 24-h pulse pressure and mean IMT did not significantly differ between the groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that baPWV, but not 24-h ABP, was independently associated with microalbuminuria (P = 0.002) when adjusted for various confounding factors. After further adjustment for 24-h SBP, the association between baPWV and microalbuminuria remained significant (P = 0.012). The trend was significant even when daytime or nighttime SBP was used instead of 24-hour SBP in this model.

CONCLUSIONS

Microalbuminuria appears to be associated with baPWV more closely than with IMT and ABP, and its association with baPWV is independent of ABP and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Insulin secretion is increased in pancreatic islets of neuropeptide Y-deficient mice

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), whose role in appetite regulation is well known, is also expressed in pancreatic islets. Although previous studies indicated that application of NPY to pancreatic islets inhibits insulin secretion, its physiological role in the regulation of insulin secretion is not fully understood. We hypothesized that NPY in islets tonically suppresses insulin secretion and the reduction of islet NPY increases insulin secretion. To address the hypothesis, islet function of NPY-deficient mice was analyzed. Although there was little change in glucose homeostasis in vivo, pancreatic islets from NPY-deficient mice had higher basal insulin secretion (1.5 times), glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (1.5 times), and islet mass (1.7 times), compared with wild-type mouse. Next we sought to determine whether the expression of NPY and Y(1) receptor in islets was altered in hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity. Islets from C57BL/6J mice on a high-fat diet had 1.9 times higher basal insulin secretion and 2.4 times higher glucose-stimulated insulin secretion than control mice, indicating islet adaptation to obesity. Expression of NPY and Y(1) receptor mRNA levels was decreased by 70 and 64%, respectively, in high-fat diet islets, compared with controls. NPY and Y(1) receptor in islets were also reduced by 91 and 80%, respectively, in leptin-deficient ob/ob mice that showed marked hyperinsulinemia. Together these results suggest that endogenous NPY tonically inhibits insulin secretion from islets and a reduction of islet NPY may serve as one of the mechanisms to increase insulin secretion when islets compensate for insulin resistance associated with obesity.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in acute respiratory distress syndrome

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 are highly homologous metalloproteases that provide essential catalytic functions in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Angiotensin II is one key effector peptide of the RAS, inducing vasoconstriction and exerting multiple biological functions. ACE cleaves angiotensin I to generate angiotensin II, whereas ACE2 reduces angiotensin II levels. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated a physiological and pathological role of ACE2 in the cardiovascular systems. Intriguingly, the SARS coronavirus, the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), utilizes ACE2 as an essential receptor for cell fusion and in vivo infections. Moreover, recent studies have demonstrated that ACE2 protects murine lungs from acute lung injury as well as SARS-Spike protein-mediated lung injury, suggesting a dual role of ACE2 in SARS infections and protection from ARDS.

Spontaneous reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 in latently infected murine sensory ganglia

Careful studies of mouse trigeminal ganglia (TG) latently infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) indicate the presence of productive cycle viral gene products and persistent immune response, suggesting ongoing spontaneous viral reactivation in these tissues. In the present study we set out to determine whether infectious virus is present in murine TG latently infected with HSV-1 (KOS). At 37 days after ocular inoculation we found a small amount of infectious virus in ca. 6% of latently infected murine TG. Furthermore, the amount of infectious virus that we detected (PFU per viral antigen-positive neuron) was similar to that detected in acutely infected ganglia. We conclude that spontaneous reactivation of infectious HSV-1 occurs in the mouse TG and is likely the principle cause of viral protein expression in these tissues. We next examined the role of latency-associated transcript (LAT) in spontaneous ganglionic reactivation by examining ganglia latently infected with KOS dlLAT1.8, a LAT deletion virus. Through the use of immunocytochemistry we found that KOS dlLAT1.8 had a rate of spontaneous ganglionic reactivation very similar to that of HSV-1 (KOS). Studying spontaneous ganglionic reactivation of HSV in the mouse TG allows a direct study of viral reactivation from latently infected neurons without the potential confounders and complicating downstream events that accompany the study of viral reactivation by explantation or peripheral viral shedding. Since most cases of human viral shedding and reactivation are not associated with a known trigger, spontaneous ganglionic reactivation of HSV-1 may be a better model of human disease than existing models.

Magnetic resonance venography of the lower limb

Prior to surgery or endovascular therapy for the lower extremity varicose veins or deep venous thrombosis (DVT), ultrasonography provides useful information. But it depends on the operator's technique, each image is limited to a small field of view and interpretation may be subjective. On the other hand, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is now available with several postprocessing techniques using workstations to demonstrate the gross and objective morphology of these lesions less invasively than the conventional ascending venography. As non-contrast MR venography, fat suppressed three-dimensional (3D) coronal balanced turbo field echo (bTFE) is mainly applied in the semisupine position. The varicose veins on the muscle fascia are easily recognized on volume rendering and the perforating veins can be identified on maximum intensity projection (MIP) and axial multiplanar reconstructions. Gadolinium-enhanced fluid attenuated inversion recovery-bTFE is added when coexisting joint effusion or edema masks the veins. For DVT, direct thrombus imaging (DTI) using fat suppressed 3D coronal inversion recovery-prepared blood suppressed gradient echo sequence is applied. However, the signal intensity of DVT depends on the clot's age on DTI and is sometimes confusing on bTFE. After gadolinium administration, blood shows higher signal intensity than clots regardless of the age and DVT can be easily depicted as filling defects on the axial reformations and summarized on the soap bubble-MIP.

Effects of phthalate esters on the sensitization phase of contact hypersensitivity induced by fluorescein isothiocyanate

BACKGROUND

Many different types of phthalate ester are used as plasticizers and are thus found in the air. There have been several studies that suggest an association between allergies and phthalate esters. We previously found that di-butyl phthalate (DBP) has an adjuvant effect in a mouse contact hypersensitivity model, in which fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) is involved as an immunogenic hapten.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether other phthalate esters enhance the process of sensitization to FITC by facilitating the trafficking of FITC-presenting dendritic cells or macrophages from skin sites to draining lymph nodes.

METHODS

Mice were epicutaneously sensitized with FITC dissolved in acetone containing a phthalate ester. Sensitization was evaluated as ear swelling after a challenge with FITC. Draining lymph node cells obtained 24 h after skin sensitization were examined for FITC fluorescence by means of flow cytometry. FITC-positive cells were characterized with anti-CD11c and anti-CD11b by three-colour flow cytometry.

RESULTS

When mice were sensitized with FITC in acetone containing DBP or di-n-propyl phthalate (DPP), strong enhancement of the ear-swelling response was observed. Di-methyl phthalate (DMP) and di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) were less effective but produced some enhancement. Consistent enhancement was not observed with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or di-isononyl phthalate. Upon sensitization in the presence of DBP or DPP, the number of FITC-positive dendritic cells (total CD11c+ as well as CD11c+/CD11b+) was increased in draining lymph nodes. As to the other four phthalate esters, there was no significant increase in the FITC-positive cell number in the draining lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

During the process of sensitization to FITC, DBP, and DPP exert strong adjuvant effects that are associated with enhancement of trafficking of antigen-presenting dendritic cells from the skin to draining lymph nodes.

Hydrodynamic interactions between two swimming bacteria

This article evaluates the hydrodynamic interactions between two swimming bacteria precisely. We assume that each bacterium is force free and torque free, with a Stokes flow field around it. The geometry of each bacterium is modeled as a spherical or spheroidal body with a single helical flagellum. The movements of two interacting bacteria in an infinite fluid otherwise at rest are computed using a boundary element method, and the trajectories of the two interacting bacteria and the stresslet are investigated. The results show that as the two bacteria approach each other, they change their orientations considerably in the near field. The bacteria always avoided each other; no stable pairwise swimming motion was observed in this study. The effects of the hydrodynamic interactions between two bacteria on the rheology and diffusivity of a semidilute bacterial suspension are discussed.

Visualization of intracerebral arteries by synchrotron radiation microangiography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Small cerebral vessels are a major site for vascular pathology leading to cerebral infarction and hemorrhage. However, such small cerebral vessels are difficult to visualize by using conventional methods. The goal of our study was the development of methodology allowing visualization of small cerebral arteries in rodents, suitable for experimental models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using barium sulfate as a contrast material, we obtained microangiographic images of physiologic and pathologic changes consequent to cerebral infarction in mouse brain by monochromatic synchrotron radiation (SR). To achieve high-resolution and high-contrast images, we used a new x-ray camera with a pixel size of 4.5 microm, and we set the energy level at 37.5 keV, just above the K absorption of barium.

RESULTS

Small intracerebral arteries ( approximately 30 microm in diameter) were clearly visualized, as well as the cortical branches (50-70 microm in diameter) at the brain surface. The limit of detection appeared to be vessels approximately 10 microm in diameter. Compared with the noninfarcted side, the number of intracerebral arteries was dramatically decreased in the middle cerebral artery area affected by stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the potential of SR for evaluating pathologic changes in small cerebral arteries and for monitoring the impact of pro- and antiangiogenic therapeutic strategies.

Reduction of hepatosteatosis and lipid levels by an adipose differentiation-related protein antisense oligonucleotide

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive triglyceride accumulation in hepatocytes. Expression of the lipid droplet protein adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) is increased in NAFLD, but whether this is causally linked to hepatic lipid metabolism is unclear. We postulated that a reduction in ADRP would ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve insulin action.

METHODS

Leptin deficient Lep(ob/ob) and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were treated with antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against ADRP, and effects on hepatic and serum lipids and glucose homeostasis were examined.

RESULTS

ADRP ASO specifically decreased ADRP mRNA and protein levels in the livers of Lep(ob/ob) and DIO mice, without altering the levels of other lipid droplet proteins, that is, S3-12 and TIP47. ADRP ASO suppressed expression of lipogenic genes, reduced liver triglyceride content without affecting cholesterol, attenuated triglyceride secretion, and decreased serum triglyceride and alanine aminotransaminase levels. The reduction in hepatic steatosis by ADRP ASO was associated with improvement in glucose homeostasis in both Lep(ob/ob) and DIO mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a crucial role for the lipid droplet protein ADRP in regulation of lipid metabolism. Reduction in hepatic ADRP level using an antisense oligonucleotide reverses hepatic steatosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and insulin resistance in obese mice, suggesting that ADRP may be targeted for the treatment of NAFLD and associated lipid and glucose abnormalities.

The impact of modifiable risk factors on mortality from prostate cancer in populations of the Asia-Pacific region

Mortality from cancer of the prostate is increasing in the Asia-Pacific, when much of this region is undergoing a transition to a Western lifestyle. The role that lifestyle factors play in prostate cancer appears limited, but existing data mainly are from the West. We conducted an individual participant data analysis of 24 cohort studies involving 320,852 men (83% in Asia). Cox proportional hazard models were used to quantify associations between risk factors and mortality from prostate cancer. There were 308 deaths from prostate cancer (14% in Asia) during 2.1 million person-years of follow-up. The age-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval; CI) for men with body mass index (BMI) 28 kg/m2 or more, compared with below 25, was 1.55 (1.12 - 2.16); no such significant relationship was found for height or waist circumference. The BMI result was unchanged after adjustment for other variables, was consistent between Asia and Australia/New Zealand (ANZ) and did not differ with age. There was no significant relationship with diabetes, glucose or total cholesterol (p > or = 0.18). Smoking, alone, showed different effects in the two regions, possibly due to the relative immaturity of the smoking epidemic in Asia. In ANZ, the multiple-adjusted hazard ratio for an extra 5 cigarettes per day was 1.12 (95%CI: 1.03 - 1.22), whereas in Asia it was 0.77 (0.56 - 1.05). Body size is an apparently important determinant of prostate cancer in the Asia-Pacific. Evidence of an adverse effect of smoking is conclusive only in the predominantly Caucasian parts of the region.

The role of lifestyle risk factors on mortality from colorectal cancer in populations of the Asia-Pacific region

Although colorectal cancer is one of the leading malignancies worldwide, there are few data on aetiological relationships from the Asia-Pacific region. Therefore, a collaborative study was conducted involving over half a million subjects from 33 cohort studies in the region. Age-adjusted death rates from colorectal cancer, over an average of 6.8 years follow-up, were 12 and 14 per 100,000 person-years among Asian women and men, respectively; corresponding values in Australasia were 31 and 41. Height was strongly associated with death from colorectal cancer: an extra 5 cm of height was associated with 10% (95%confidence interval, 3% - 18% additional risk, after adjustment for other factors. Smoking increased risk by 43% (9% - 88%), although no significant dose-response relationship was discerned (p>0.05). Other significant (p <0.05) risk factors were body mass index and lack of physical activity. There was no significant effect on colorectal cancer mortality for alcohol consumption, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose or diabetes, although the latter conferred a notable 26% additional risk. Height may be a biomarker for some currently unknown genetic, or environmental, risk factors that are related both to skeletal growth and mutanogenesis. Understanding such mechanisms could provide opportunities for novel preventive and therapeutic intervention.

Association of free fatty acids (FFA) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and insulin-resistant metabolic disorder

The roles of free fatty acids (FFA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin in the development of the insulin-resistant metabolic disorder in several subjects have been studied. A total of 70 Japanese male subjects were selected according to the following three sets of criteria: subjects in group A had, (1) a fasting plasma glucose (FPG)>or=110 to <140 mg/dl, (2) a triglyceride (TG) level>or=150 mg/dl, (3) a systolic blood pressure (SBP)>or=140 and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP)>or=90 mmHg, and (4) a body mass index (BMI)>or=25 kg/m2 (age=53.4+/-8.5 years, BMI=27.0+/-1.3 kg/m2, n=16). Subjects in group B had, (1) FPG<110 mg/dl, (2) TG<150 mg/dl, (3) SBP<140 and DBP<90 mmHg, and (4) BMI>or=25 kg/m2 (age=47.2+/-10.3 years, BMI=26.6+/-1.31 kg/m2, n=38). Subjects in group C had, (1) FPG<110 mg/dl, (2) TG<150 mg/dl, (3) SBP<140 and DBP<90 mmHg, and (4) 20>or=BMI<22 kg/m2 (age=50.4+/-9.3 years, BMI=20.9+/-0.6 kg/m2, n=16). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in group A (2.7+/-1.4) was significantly higher (p<0.0001) than in groups B (1.6+/-0.7) and C (0.9+/-0.5). FFA in group A (1.17+/-0.57 mEq/l) was significantly higher than in groups B (0.62+/-0.23 mEq/l) and C (0.48+/-0.16 mEq/l) (p<0.0001). Serum TNF-alpha in group A (1.36+/-0.62 pg/ml) was significantly higher than in groups B (0.95+/-0.35 pg/ml; p=0.003) and C (0.76+/-0.09 pg/ml; p=0.0013). No significant differences in the serum level of adiponectin were observed between groups A and B or between groups B and C. The results suggest that FFA and possibly TNF-alpha levels are closely related to the development of insulin resistance in subjects with metabolic disorders.

Ascorbic acid deficiency aggravates stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions in genetically scorbutic ODS rats

We examined whether ascorbic acid (AA) deficiency aggravates water immersion restraint stress (WIRS)-induced gastric mucosal lesions in genetically scorbutic ODS rats. ODS rats received scorbutic diet with either distilled water containing AA (1 g/l) or distilled water for 2 weeks. AA-deficient rats had 12% of gastric mucosal AA content in AA-sufficient rats. AA-deficient rats showed more severe gastric mucosal lesions than AA-sufficient rats at 1, 3 or 6 h after the onset of WIRS, although AA-deficient rats had a slight decrease in gastric mucosal AA content, while AA-sufficient rats had a large decrease in that content. AA-deficient rats had more decreased gastric mucosal nonprotein SH and vitamin E contents and increased gastric mucosal lipid peroxide content than AA-sufficient rats at 1, 3 or 6 h of WIRS. These results indicate that AA deficiency aggravates WIRS-induced gastric mucosal lesions in ODS rats by enhancing oxidative damage in the gastric mucosa.

Diamond-like carbon coating on micropipettes

Based on glass micropipettes which are widely used in bioengineering and medicine, various microsensor probes could be produced by recent microfabrication techniques. Conductive surfaces of these sensor probes mostly need electrical insulating films coated on them, but it has been difficult to coat a high-quality and strong insulating film on a microacute probe such as a micropipette, especially on its tip. Therefore, we have employed diamond-like carbon (DLC) as an insulating film and developed a DLC coating method based on plasma chemical vapor deposition method. In the deposition apparatus, the cathode is the micropipette itself and the anode is a mesh cylinder with a central focus on the micropipette. In order to prevent the growing films from transformation due to high temperature at the tip, the voltage between the pair of electrodes is impressed intermittently. Raman spectrum and electrical resistivity measured here indicate that the deposited film is DLC and it can be worked well as an insulating film. The DLC coating method could be useful in microprobe fabrications.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) establishes latent infection in a different population of ganglionic neurons than HSV-1: role of latency-associated transcripts

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 cause very similar acute infections but differ in their abilities to reactivate from trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia. To investigate differences in patterns of viral infection, we colabeled murine sensory ganglia for evidence of HSV infection and for the sensory neuron marker A5 or KH10. During acute infection, 7 to 10% of HSV-1 or HSV-2 antigen-positive neurons were A5 positive and 13 to 16% were KH10 positive, suggesting that both viruses reach each type of neuron in a manner proportional to their representation in uninfected ganglia. In murine trigeminal ganglia harvested during HSV latency, 25% of HSV-1 latency-associated transcript (LAT)- and 4% of HSV-2 LAT-expressing neurons were A5 positive, while 12% of HSV-1 LAT- and 42% of HSV-2 LAT-expressing neurons were KH10 positive. A similar difference was observed in murine dorsal root ganglia. These differences could not be attributed to differences in LAT expression levels in A5- versus KH10-positive neurons. Thus, HSV-1 demonstrated a preference for the establishment of latency in A5-positive neurons, while HSV-2 demonstrated a preference for the establishment of latency in KH10-positive neurons. A chimeric HSV-2 mutant that expresses the HSV-1 LAT exhibited an HSV-1 phenotype, preferentially establishing latency in A5-positive neurons. These data imply that the HSV-1 and HSV-2 LAT regions influence the ability of virus to establish latency in different neuronal subtypes. That the same chimeric virus has a characteristic HSV-1 reactivation phenotype further suggests that LAT-influenced establishment of latency in specific neuronal subtypes could be an important part of the mechanism by which LAT influences viral reactivation phenotypes.