The cellular distribution of the Wlds chimeric protein and its constituent proteins in the CNS

The C57BL/Wld s mouse is a mutant strain of mouse that shows greatly slowed Wallerian degeneration both in the central and peripheral nervous system. Using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and Western blotting, we have investigated the distribution of the chimeric Wld s protein and its different components in neurons of the CNS of Wld s mice and wild-type C57BL/6J mice. The expression of the Wld s protein is restricted to the nucleus in Wld s mice. Wld s was not detected in axons. The Wld s mice express both the normal and chimeric forms of ubiquitination factor E4 (Ube 4b) and nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase-1 (Nmnat-1). The normal forms were expressed both in the cytoplasm and the nuclei of neurons in Wld s mice and wild-type mice, and were also present in the axon. The normal form of Ube4b, mono- and poly-ubiquitin and IkappaBalpha, a substrate of Ube4b, were not differentially expressed in Wld s mice compared with wild-type mice. However, the expression of both the normal and mutant forms of Nmnat-1 was higher in the nuclei of Wld s mice compared with wild-type mice. Therefore, axon protection in Wld s mice does not appear to be controlled by expression of Wld s protein in the axons per se and also is unlikely to be related to the different activity of Ube4b either in general ubiquitination or toward this particular substrate. The increased Nmnat-1 activity in the nucleus of Wld s mice compared with wild-type mice seems to be a significant factor in the axon protection. It is not known whether the expression of the Nmnat-1 in the axon is significant.

Persistent primitive trigeminal artery associated with aneurysm: report of two cases and review of the literature

We present two cases of persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) associated with a giant aneurysm originating at the opening of the PPTA on the internal carotid artery (ICA). In one case, opening of the PPTA occurred 4 months after balloon occlusion of the ICA, when a giant aneurysm located at the cavernous segment of the ICA was being treated. The PPTA was occluded successfully using a Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC). A vertebral artery approach was taken. This is the first report of the opening of a PPTA associated with contrast filling of the aneurysm after balloon occlusion of the parent artery. The possibility of contrast filling of the aneurysm via potential PPTA should therefore be considered in the event of an ICA aneurysm with parent artery occlusion.

A linkage map of meadow fescue ( Festuca pratensis Huds.) and comparative mapping with other Poaceae species

A genetic linkage map has been constructed for meadow fescue ( Festuca pratensis Huds.) (2n=2 x=14) using a full-sib family of a cross between a genotype from a Norwegian population (HF2) and a genotype from a Yugoslavian cultivar (B14). The two-way pseudo-testcross procedure has been used to develop separate maps for each parent, as well as a combined map. A total number of 550 loci have been mapped using homologous and heterologous RFLPs, AFLPs, isozymes and SSRs. The combined map consists of 466 markers, has a total length of 658.8 cM with an average marker density of 1.4 cM/marker. A high degree of orthology and colinearity was observed between meadow fescue and the Triticeae genome(s) for all linkage groups, and the individual linkage groups were designated 1F-7F in accordance with the orthologous Triticeae chromosomes. As expected, the meadow fescue linkage groups were highly orthologous and co-linear with Lolium, and with oat, maize and sorghum, generally in the same manner as the Triticeae chromosomes. It was shown that the evolutionary 4AL/5AL translocation, which characterises some of the Triticeae species, is not present in the meadow fescue genome. A putative insertion of a segment orthologous to Triticeae 2 at the top of 6F, similar to the rearrangement found in the wheat B and the rye R genome, was also observed. In addition, chromosome 4F is completely orthologous to rice chromosome 3 in contrast to the Triticeae where this rice chromosome is distributed over homoeologous group 4 and 5 chromosomes. The meadow fescue genome thus has a more ancestral configuration than any of the Triticeae genomes. The extended meadow fescue map reported here provides the opportunity for beneficial cross-species transfer of genetic knowledge, particularly from the complete genome sequence of rice.

Rheumatoid arthritis presenting as an invasive soft-tissue tumour

BACKGROUND

We present two patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were diagnosed as having malignant soft-tissue tumours on magnetic resonance scanning. They were tertiary referrals to a unit specialising in the management of soft-tissue sarcoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Both of these tumours subsequently turned out to be benign complications of RA. In both of these cases, no mention was made on the initial radiological request form of the presence of RA. It is essential to give an adequate past medical history when requesting any radiological investigation.

Inhibitory effects of gynostemma pentaphyllum on the UV induction of bacteriophage lambda in lysogenic Escherichia coli

Effects of gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) on the bacteriophage lambda induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation have been studied. The results showed that GP could inhibit the UV induction of bacteriophage lambda in lysogenic cells. The inhibitory effects were dependent on the concentration and the reaction time of GP, and were efficient at 40 to approximately 125 microg ml(-1) for 10 min. The inhibitory rate was higher than 70% when the GP concentration was 50 microg ml(-1). By electron spin resonance (ESR) and spin-trapping techniques, the signals of free radicals were detected in the suspension of the lambda lysogenic bacteria induced by ultraviolet irradiation, but after the addition of GP the signals were decreased. These results indicate that gynostemma pentaphyllum not only is a scavenger of free radicals, but also possesses the biological function of anti-irradiation, and that there is a close relation between the UV irradiation of the bacteriaphage lambda and free radicals.

Effects of endothelin receptor A antagonist FR139317 on rats with congestive heart failure

AIM

To study the effects of a selective endothelin receptor A (ETA) antagonist FR139317 on rats with congestive heart failure.

METHODS

A congestive heart failure model was established via left coronary artery ligation in adult male Wistar rats. The rats with congestive heart failure were treated with FR139317 at two doses (1 and 5 mg . kg-1 . d-1 respectively for 6 weeks) or with vehicle. Hemodynamics, plasma level of endothelin-1 (ET-1), and mortality rate of rats were measured.

RESULTS

Both groups treated with FR139317 (high and low dose) have lower mortality rate (25.0 % and 28.6 % vs 50.0 %) and lower plasma level of ET-1 than that of vehicle [(3.6 +/- 1.2) ng/L and (4.9 +/- 1.5) ng/L vs (5.8 +/- 1.3) ng/L]. Comparing to vehicle group, left ventricular end-diastolic pressures of the FR139317-treated groups were improved significantly [(12 +/- 6) mmHg and (14 +/- 7) mmHg vs (22 +/- 9) mmHg]. FR139317 at a higher dose reduced the mean arterial pressure of the rats with congestive heart failure and decreased the plasma concentration of endothelin to a closer level of rats with normal heart function than lower dose.

CONCLUSION

Selective ETA antagonist FR139317 improved the hemodynamics and reduced the plasma ET-1 level and the mortality of rats with congestive heart failure

[Study on the genotoxicity of dibromoacetic acid in drinking water]

Dibroacetic acid (DBA) is a byproduct of drinking water disinfected by halogenation and it belongs to halogenated acetic acids. It also can be found in ozonated drinking water. Four short-term assays were performed to detect the genotoxic activity of DBA. In the Ames test, DBA showed mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium strain TA100 with or without rat liver-derived metabolic activation system (S9). In UDS test, DBA was found to induce DNA damage in rat primary hepatocyte. Mouse bone marrow micronucleus test indicated that DBA induced the damage of chromosome. In NIH3T3cell micronucleus test, DBA increased the number of micronuclei in cells. Our results suggest that DBA induce DNA damage and has genotoxic activity.

Tissue distribution and measurement of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in patients with magnetic resonance imaging-detected bone bruises after acute anterior cruciate ligament tears

Histologic and immunostaining analyses were performed on articular cartilage/subchondral bone biopsy specimens overlying MRI-detected bone bruises in 12 patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Staining with toluidine blue for proteoglycan revealed loss of staining from the superficial portion of the articular cartilage. Immunostaining for cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) showed an increased staining in the superficial matrix of the articular cartilage. Using polyclonal antisera against COMP, the authors performed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on the synovial fluid from the injured and uninjured knees. There was an approximately 10-fold higher synovial fluid COMP levels in injured knees. The COMP levels were greater in those patients who had synovial fluid samples harvested closer to the date of initial injury. Western blot analysis of the synovial fluid showed an increased presence of COMP degradation fragments from injured knees. These results are indicative of a significant injury to the articular cartilage, and may represent preclinical posttraumatic osteoarthritic lesions.

Township and village employment in China: informal but market-oriented

China has a dual labor market, with both a transitional planned employment system and a developing competitive employment system. With respect to their importance to the Chinese economy, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and township and village enterprises (TVEs) stand in vivid contrast. The authors describe the differences between them and features of their integration-reforming the planned system and maturing the market-oriented one. They compare TVEs with SOEs and present a general picture of the transformation of employment and the development of the labor market in transitional China.

Changing the trend: a prospective study on factors contributing to the growth rate of peritoneal dialysis programs

Compared with countries worldwide, the United States currently has one of the lowest peritoneal dialysis (PD) populations as compared with its hemodialysis (HD) population. Approximately 12% of the total dialysis population in the United State is on PD. This figure correlates with the take-on rate [percentage of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients enrolling in PD programs] of about 12%-15% in the United States. Over a two-year period, we prospectively examined the role that developing a comprehensive infrastructure and support system had on expanding our PD program. The changes made included these: nephrologists placing PD catheters using the laparoscopic method; active identification of, and training for, family members and personnel in nursing homes and daycare centers to perform PD; improvements in home conditions through support by social workers; early ESRD patient education; and provision of in-center intermittent PD (IPD) for selected patients. We then compared the results from the two years after commencement of the changes against the two years before the changes were made. Training of personnel in nursing homes increased enrollment from 3 to 11 patients (p = 0.01); training of personnel in daycare centers increased enrollment from 0 to 5 patients (p = 0.05); training family members and providing family support increased enrollment from 4 to 15 patients (p = 0.03); early patient and family education increased enrollment from 4 to 24 patients (p = 0.008); improving home conditions increased enrollment from 1 to 14 patients (p = 0.01); and providing an IPD program for selected patients added 6 patients (p = 0.05). Introducing a program for nephrologists to place PD catheters by the laparoscopic technique decreased catheter mechanical failure (and subsequent transfer to HD), from 22 to 3 patients (p = 0.005). Our PD take-on rate (percentage of ESRD patients choosing PD modality) increased from 19% to 76% (p = 0.002). The total number of patients in the PD program over the two years after initiation of the changes increased from 33 to 93 (p = 0.01), while the number of HD patients decreased from 168 to 142 (p = 0.05). Developing a comprehensive infrastructure and support system for PD programs permits enrollment of patients who otherwise would have been excluded as PD candidates and eliminates loss of PD patients to HD. Implementation of such programs can contribute considerably to enhancing the PD population growth rate.

Prevalence of HTLV-I-associated T-cell lymphoma

In order to assess the prevalence rate of HTLV-1-associated T-cell lymphomas and human retrovirus infection in general, approximately 21,000 individuals representing various patient populations, retroviral risk groups, and blood donors were examined for HTLV-I, HTLV-II, HIV-1, or HIV-2 infection using serologic and PCR assays. The prevalence rates among volunteer blood donors were 0.02% and 0% for HTLV and HIV, respectively. Significantly increased HTLV prevalence rates were observed among paid blood donors, African American health care clinic patients, Amerindians, recipients of HTLV-positive cellular blood products, intravenous drug users, sexual contacts and family members of HTLV-positive people, and patients with primary thrombocytosis and other-than-low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Among some of these groups there were significant differences in the prevalence of HTLV-I versus HTLV-II. The eight HTLV-positive NHL patients all had mature, high-grade, CD4+ T-cell lymphomas with clonally integrated HTLV-I, for a prevalence of 4% among other-than-low-grade NHL patients. Seven of the eight died from their disease within 2 years despite treatment. Interestingly, two groups at risk for HTLV infection, namely needle stick victims and recipients of HTLV-infected and/or pooled plasma products, showed no evidence for infection. Significantly increased HIV-1 prevalence was observed among paid blood donors, African Americans, homosexuals, female prostitutes, hemophiliacs, and other-than-low-grade NHL patients. Only one patient was infected with HIV-2. Of the nine HIV-positive, other-than-low-grade NHL patients, seven HIV-1 positives had B-cell lymphomas, one HIV-1 positive had an HTLV-I-positive CD4+ T-cell lymphoma, and one infected with HIV-2 had a CD4+ T-cell lymphoma that was HTLV negative. The data indicate that HTLV-I lymphoma, while uncommon, is not necessarily rare among other-than-low-grade NHL cases in the United States and, given its poor prognosis, should probably be studied separately in clinical trials.

The effect of ethanol-induced cytochrome p4502E1 on the inhibition of proteasome activity by alcohol

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the effect of CYP2E1 induction by ethanol on the inhibition of proteasomal activity in wild-type and CYP2E1 knockout C57 black mice. The proteasomal chymotrypsin-like activity decreased significantly in ethanol-fed wild-type mice liver, but was not reduced in ethanol-fed knockout mice liver. The 26S proteasomal activity was decreased more by ethanol feeding than was the 20S proteasomal fraction. Individual hepatocytes lost immunostaining of the proteasomes in the centrilobular zone in the livers of ethanol-fed wild-type mice and the knockout mouse liver. There was increased product of protein oxidation in the liver in the wild type but not in the knockout mice given ethanol. Taken together, these results suggest that CYP2E1 induction was responsible for the decrease in proteasome activity seen in the wild-type mice which head to the accumulation of oxidized proteins which were increased as the result of free radicals generated by CYP2E1 metabolism of ethanol.

[Quantitative and immunohistochemical analysis of endothelin-1 in oral submucous fibrosis]

OBJECTIVE

This experiment is carried out to investigate roles of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor and mitogenic peptide, in fibrosis and collagen production.

METHODS

30 cases of oral submucous fibrosis(OSF), 10 cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) and 10 cases of normal control, were studied by means of SABC immunohistochemical method with polyclonal antisera to ET-1 and using image pattern analysis technique.

RESULTS

1. Oral mucosa from OLP and normal control expressed very little ET-1. By contrast, there was striking expression of ET-1 in oral mucosa from OSF; 2. The cellular content of ET-1 in OSF was significantly higher than that in normal control (P < 0.01), while the cellular content of ET-1 in the early and moderate stages OSF were significantly higher than that in the advanced stage(P < 0.01); 3. The cellular content of ET-1 in the early and moderate stages OSF were significantly higher than that in OLP(P < 0.01); 4. There was a significantly positive correlation between cellular contents of epithelia and interstitial(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that cell-specific expression of ET-1 may play a role in pathogenesis of OSF.

[The changes in serum antibody level after immunization with HFRS vaccine]

OBJECTIVES

To observe the changes in serum antibody level after mass immunization with vaccine against hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and to evaluate its efficacy and effectiveness in the prevalent areas.

METHODS

Healthy people aged 16 to 60 years in the villages were recruited as study subjects, excluding those suffered from HFRS previously, going out for more than nine months and those with contraindications, and were randomly allocated into immunization and control groups with 10,460 and 16,159 persons, respectively. Specific IgG antibody was determined with indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) and neutralizing antibody (NA) was determined with micro CPE method.

RESULTS

Two weeks after the full-course immunization, sero-conversion rate for IFA reached 100% in those sero-negative before immunization, with a 95% confidence interval of 96.3 - 100.0%, and that for NA 44.4%, with a 95% CI of 22.0% - 69.0%. Geometric mean titer (GMT) were 72.1 and 4.6 for IFA and NA, respectively. Booster immunization was provided for them one year later. Positivity of IFA and NA was 28.6%, 83.3%, 75.0%, 53.1%, 22.6% and 14.8%, 55.6%, 35.0%, 31.3%, 26.0%, before booster immunization, two weeks, one year, one and a half years, two years after booster immunization, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HFRS vaccine had good immunogenicity, but its duration of serum antibody sustenance was relatively short.

Inhibition of ethanol-induced liver disease in the intragastric feeding rat model by chlormethiazole

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of chlormethiazole treatment on liver damage in the experimental rat intragastric ethanol-feeding model of alcoholic liver disease. Chlormethiazole has been used in the treatment of alcoholic withdrawal and has been shown to inhibit cytochrome P4502E1. Since treatment of experimental alcoholic liver disease with CYP2E1 inhibitors had an ameliorating effect on liver injury in the rat, chlormethiazole was used to see if it had a similar effect. Rats fed ethanol for 2 months had significantly less liver injury when chlormethiazole was added to the diet, fed intragastrically. The CYP2E1 apoprotein levels, which were increased by ethanol feeding, were also increased when chlormethiazole was fed with ethanol. Chlormethiazole inhibited the increase in the ethanol-induced CYP2E1 activity in vivo, as measured by chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylation, but did not affect the level of CYP2E1 apoprotein. Likewise, the reduction in proteasome proteolytic enzyme activity produced by ethanol feeding was blunted in chlormethiazole-fed rats. These results support the conclusion that chlormethiazole treatment partially protects the liver from injury by inhibiting CYP2E1 activity in vivo.

Expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) by embryonic and adult osteoblasts

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein has been implicated as an important component of endochondral ossification because of its direct effects on chondrocytes. The importance of this protein for skeletal development and growth has been recently illustrated by the identification of mutations in cartilage oligomeric protein genes in two types of inherited chondrodysplasias and osteoarthritic phenotypes: multiple epiphyseal dysplasia and pseudoachondroplasia. In the present study, we report the presence of cartilage oligomeric protein in embryonic and adult osteoblasts. A foot from a 21-week-old human fetus, subchondral bone obtained from knee replacement surgery in an adult patient, and a limb from a 19-day-postcoital mouse embryo were analyzed with immunostaining and in situ hybridization. In the human fetal foot, cartilage oligomeric protein was localized to osteoblasts of the bone collar and at the newly formed bone at the growth plate and bone diaphyses. Immunostaining was performed on the adult subchondral bone and showed positive intracellular staining for cartilage oligomeric protein of the osteoblasts lining the trabecular bone. There was no staining of the osteocytes. Immunostaining of the mouse limb showed the most intense staining for cartilage oligomeric protein in the hypertrophic chondrocytes and in the surrounding osteoblast cells of the developing bone. Cartilage oligomeric protein mRNA and protein were detected in an osteoblast cell line (MG-63), and cartilage oligomeric protein mRNA was detected from human cancellous bone RNA. These results suggest that the altered structure of cartilage oligomeric protein by the mutations seen in pseudoachondroplasia and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia may have direct effects on osteoblasts, contributing to the pathogenesis of these genetic disorders.

Cyclic expression of class I alcohol dehydrogenase in male rats treated with ethanol

Continuous infusion of ethanol-containing diets has been demonstrated to generate well-defined pulses in blood and urine ethanol concentrations that occur with a frequency of approximately 6 days. The present study aimed to determine if hepatic class I alcohol dehydrogenase was the cause of these cycles. Adult male rats were fed an ethanol-containing diet by continuous intragastric infusion. Hepatic ADH activity, class I ADH mRNA level and rate of class I ADH gene transcription fluctuated in a cyclic pattern that positively correlated with UECs, and inhibition of ADH with 4-methylpyrazole abolished the UEC pulses. These data demonstrate for the first time an ethanol-dependent regulation of rat hepatic class I ADH. The cyclic behavior of the ethanol levels correlates with changes in class I ADH expression and implies adaptability of the ethanol eliminating system to high concentrations of alcohol.

Molecular cloning, sequencing, and tissue and developmental expression of mouse cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP)

Mouse cartilage oligomeric matrix protein cDNA was cloned and sequenced by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The open reading frame encoded a product of 755 amino acids that shares a high degree of identity to and possesses all the characteristic molecular features of both rat and human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. This suggests that cartilage oligomeric matrix protein is highly conserved during evolution. The clone was 83, 84, and 95% identical to human, bovine, and rat cartilage oligomeric matrix protein cDNA, respectively. In tissues from the adult mouse, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein was expressed not only in cartilage and tendon but in trachea, bone, skeletal muscle, eye, heart, and placenta as well, and no expression was found in other tissues. Immunohistology revealed that cartilage oligomeric matrix was deposited as early as 10 days post coitus in predifferentiated mouse embryo mesenchyme. It was detected in all cartilaginous tissues and in the skeletal muscles of the embryo at day 13. As development progressed, accumulation of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein was marked in the growth plate. At 19 days post coitus, it was prominently deposited in the hypertrophic zone of the growth plate, perichondrium, and periosteum and in the superficial layer of the articular cartilage surface but was absent in the more central areas of the epiphyseal cartilage. The restricted tissue distribution and expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in developing as well as adult mouse tissues suggest the regulation of this protein at the transcriptional level. The findings reported herein are the first detailed characterization of the distribution of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein during early skeletal development of the mouse.

Kupffer cell inactivation alleviates ethanol-induced steatosis and CYP2E1 induction but not inflammatory responses in rat liver

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Gadolinium chloride inactivates Kupffer cells and alleviates alcohol-induced liver lesions. We investigated the mechanism of gadolinium chloride protection after oral ethanol feeding.

METHODS

Rats were maintained ethanol-intoxicated for 6 weeks by feeding ethanol in a low-carbohydrate/high-fat liquid diet. Macrophages were inactivated by intravenous administrations of gadolinium chloride. At termination, liver samples and cell lysates obtained from the periportal and perivenous region were analyzed for histopathology, mRNA expression of endotoxin-associated parameters and cytokines and for enzymes involved in oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Ethanol treatment alone caused marked microvesicular/macrovacuolar steatosis and focal inflammation. Gadolinium significantly alleviated pathology, by reducing steatosis but not inflammation. Gadolinium treatment eliminated ED2 immunopositive Kupffer cells, which were larger and more frequent periportally. Ethanol significantly increased the mRNA expression of the endotoxin (LPS) receptor CD14 and the LPS binding protein LBP, but not that of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. The mRNA of CD14 was found to be expressed preferentially in the perivenous region, but gadolinium treatment had no significant effect on the expression or the distribution. However, gadolinium significantly moderated the ethanol induction of CYP2E1 and this effect correlated to the degree of steatosis. Ethanol increased glutathione transferase and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity, but these changes persisted after gadolinium treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that gadolinium chloride reduces symptoms of ALD mainly by counteracting steatosis, and that CD14-positive Kupffer cell populations are not involved in gadolinium protection. The strong correlation between pathology and CYP2E1 induction might suggest a steatopathogenic role for this enzyme.

Chondrocyte-specific enhancer regions in the COMP gene

The molecular events governing the differentiation of mesenchymal cells into chondrocytes and the expression of cartilage marker genes are poorly understood. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein is a noncollagenous extracellular matrix protein with a relatively cartilage-specific spatial and temporal expression pattern. To understand the mechanisms controlling chondrocyte-specific expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, we cloned 1.9 kb of the 5' flanking promoter sequence of the murine cartilage oligomeric matrix protein gene and identified two spatially distant cartilage-specific enhancer regions by deletion analysis. One element is situated proximally (proximal positive element: -125 to -75) and a second region is located distally (distal positive region: -1925 to -592) relative to the transcription start site. Interestingly, nucleotides within the proximal positive element are conserved between the mouse and human promoters and resemble consensus sites for the binding of members of the high mobility group class of transcription factors. Defining cartilage-specific regulatory elements in the cartilage oligomeric matrix protein promoter may provide useful molecular probes for identifying transcription factors that control acquisition of the chondrocytic phenotype.

Influence of vegetables on the expression of GSTP1 in humans--a pilot intervention study (Sweden)

BACKGROUND

There are indications that a diet rich in vegetables and/or fruit has a protective effect against several types of diseases, including cancer. Data from experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that antioxidant constituents may provide protection against environmental carcinogens.

AIMS

This study investigated the effect of additional vegetables in the diet on the expression of the endogenous antioxidant enzyme GSTP1 in human lymphocytes.

METHODS

Six subjects were given an addition of mixed vegetables to their normal diet for a period of three weeks. The expression of GSTP1 protein and mRNA in lymphocytes was measured by Western blot and RT competitive PCR.

RESULTS

After the intervention all six subjects had lower levels of GSTP1 mRNA, and five of the six subjects had lower GSTP1 protein levels. This suggests that increased vegetable intake decreases GSTP1 expression, possibly through the supply of additional antioxidants.

Role of APC in the selection of immunodominant T cell epitopes

Following antigenic challenge, MHC-restricted T cell responses are directed against a few dominant antigenic epitopes. Here, evidence is provided demonstrating the importance of APC in modulating the hierarchy of MHC class II-restricted T cell responses. Biochemical analysis of class II:peptide complexes in B cells revealed the presentation of a hierarchy of peptides derived from the Ig self Ag. Functional studies of kappa peptide:class II complexes from these cells indicated that nearly 20-fold more of an immunodominant epitope derived from kappa L chains was bound to class II DR4 compared with a subdominant epitope from this same Ag. In vivo, T cell responses were preferentially directed against the dominant kappa epitope as shown using Ig-primed DR4 transgenic mice. The bias in kappa epitope presentation was not linked to differences in class II:kappa peptide-binding affinity or epitope editing by HLA-DM. Rather, changes in native Ag structure were found to disrupt presentation of the immunodominant but not the subdominant kappa epitope; Ag refolding restored kappa epitope presentation. Thus, Ag tertiary conformation along with processing reactions within APC contribute to the selective presentation of a hierarchy of epitopes by MHC class II molecules.

Effect of low frequency ultrasound on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of clobetasol 17-propionate

The effect of low frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) on the permeation of clobetasol 17-propionate (CP) through skin (sonophoresis) was studied. The ultrasound was applied at either continuous or discontinuous modes and at different intensities. The results showed that low frequency ultrasound significantly enhanced the permeability of CP across hairless mouse skin in vitro. Delivering the same amount of ultrasonic energy in different modes of application markedly influenced the flux and skin residual of CP. The on/off discontinuous ultrasound had greater enhancement on CP permeation than the continuous ultrasound. The results of skin histopathology and permeation experiment using various membranes demonstrate that both disordering of stratum corneum and convective flow resulted from the cavitation effect were responsible for sonophoretic enhancement of CP. The permeation of CP through hair follicles and sweat ducts was susceptible to the application of ultrasound.

[Look back on the tenth revision of the international classification of diseases (ICD - 10)]

Following the 6th revision, the 10th revision of ICD is another revision of significance as a milestone. The major change is the replacement of pure numerical form of code structure by alphabet - numerical one. There is also progress in the classification thinking in ICD-10, marking the progress toward maturity of the thinking in disease classification. Descriptions are given to the general condition, revision of its contents, the conception of classified 'family' of disease classification, and the new renewal mechanism in the 10th revision.

Effect of chronic coadministration of endotoxin and ethanol on rat liver pathology and proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines

To better understand how gut-derived endotoxins influence alcohol-induced liver injury and the expression of inflammatory cytokines a new animal model was developed. After 2 weeks on a modified ethanol-containing liquid diet, some rats also were infused with endotoxin via osmotic minipumps for 4 additional weeks. Ethanol diet alone increased plasma endotoxin threefold to 9.3 pg/mL. Endotoxin infusion increased the levels to 388 and 513 pg/mL in controls and ethanol-fed animals, respectively. Panlobular macrovesicular and microvesicular steatosis and inflammatory foci were observed in livers from both ethanol- and ethanol-endotoxin-treated animals, but there was no significant potentiation by endotoxin. Only minor changes, mainly polymorphonuclear infiltration, were seen in animals treated with endotoxin alone although the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of both proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 were markedly increased, as shown by competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis using cyclophilin as standard. The effect of endotoxin infusion on cytokine mRNA expression in ethanol-fed animals was not significantly different. Expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) mRNA was increased twofold by ethanol, eightfold by endotoxin, but only threefold by ethanol-endotoxin treatment. The mRNA expression of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and CD14 endotoxin receptor was not significantly increased by chronic endotoxin treatment, contrasting with the marked elevation observed after acute endotoxin challenge. These results suggest that the tolerance observed despite sustained hepatic expression of proinflammatory cytokines is counteracted by the anti-inflammatory cytokines and by down-regulation of CD14 and LBP. Furthermore, a similar adaptation may occur in alcoholics with continuous endotoxemia.

Localization and expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein by human rheumatoid and osteoarthritic synovium and cartilage

Synovium and cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis were analyzed for expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein. Immunostaining of synovium with antiserum to cartilage oligomeric matrix protein demonstrated positive staining in both diseases. In osteoarthritis, there was positive staining within the synovial cells and immediately subjacent connective tissue, with less intense staining in the deeper connective tissue. In rheumatoid arthritis, there was less intense staining within the synovial cells and marked intense staining in the deeper connective tissue. In situ hybridization performed with an antisense digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe to human cartilage oligomeric matrix protein confirmed the presence of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein mRNA in the cells of the synovial lining in both types of synovium. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction with a cartilage oligomeric matrix protein MIMIC demonstrated increased cartilage oligomeric matrix protein mRNA in rheumatoid cartilage and synovium as compared with osteoarthritic cartilage and synovium, respectively; mRNA levels in rheumatoid synovium were similar to those from osteoarthritic chondrocytes. As a result of the high expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein from rheumatoid synovium, inflammatory synovium should be considered as a potential tissue source of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in any investigation of biological markers of cartilage metabolism. The upregulated expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in inflammatory tissues suggests its in vivo regulation by cytokines.

Circumferential resection and "Z"-shape plastic end-to-end anastomosis of canine trachea

OBJECTIVE

To prevent anastomotic stricture of the trachea.

METHODS

Forty young mongrel dogs, weighing 5-7 kg, were randomly divided into two groups: experimental group and control group, with 20 dogs in each group. Four tracheal rings were removed from each dog. In the experimental group, two "Z"-shape tracheoplastic anastomoses were performed on each dog, one on the anterior wall and the other on the membranous part of the trachea. In the control group, each dog received only simple end-to-end anastomosis. Vicryl 3-0 absorbable suture and OB fibrin glue were used for both groups. All dogs were killed when their body weight doubled.

RESULTS

The average sagittal stenotic ratio were 1.20 +/- 0.12 for the experimental group and 0.83 +/- 0.05 for the control group. The average cross-sectional area stenotic ratio were 0.90 +/- 0.12 and 0.69 +/- 0.09 and T values were 8.71 and 4.57 for the two groups (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

"Z"-shape tracheoplasty is superior to simple end-to-end anastomosis in preventing anastomotic stricture of canine trachea.

[Study on the cytotoxic and DNA damaging effects in oral mucosal fibroblasts by areca nut extract]

An aqueous areca nut extract (ANE) was tested for its cytotoxic effects on cultured human embryo oral mucosal fibroblasts (HE-OMF) in vitro by using the trypan blue and thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay. The ANE decreases the cell survival rate in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). So was the extract in inducing damage on the cellular DNA of HE-OMF in vitro examined by the nick translation assay. The increase in counts per minute (CPM) values was significant (P < 0.05) for comparing all four concentration groups tested, The results suggests that aqueous ANE is highly cytotoxic and capable to induce DNA damage on cultured HE-OMF. It may have potential carcinogenic effect on the oral mucosal membrane of whom habitually chewing the areca nut frequently for quite a long time. Futher study is required to illustrate the detail process and study the mechanism of these effects.

Role of the transmembrane sequence of spleen focus-forming virus gp55 in erythroleukemogenesis

The membrane glycoprotein encoded by the env gene of either the polycythemia- or anemia-inducing spleen focus-forming virus (SFFVp or SFFVa, respectively) is responsible for the induction of erythroleukemia in mice. It has been shown that the SFFVp glycoprotein, gp55, interacts with the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R) and promotes EPO-independent proliferation of an EPO-R-expressing hematopoietic cell line, Ba/F3 (Li et al., Nature 343:762, 1990). We show here that when residues within the transmembrane (TM) sequence of an SFFVp gp55 are altered based on the sequences of the anemia-inducing gp55s by a methionine-to-isoleucine (M-I) substitution, a di-leucine deletion (dLL), or both, the resulting mutants display an attenuated phenotype that resembles an SFFVa: they induce milder erythroproliferative disease without polycythemia in vivo and are unable to promote EPO-independent cell proliferation in vitro. The dLL mutation directly interferes with EPO-R binding by decreasing the affinity of gp55 for the receptor. On the other hand, the M-I mutation hampers the full mitogenic activation of EPO-R while having no effect on receptor binding and asserts a dominant negative effect over the wild-type SFFVp gp55. Two other sequence changes within the TM sequence did not affect the biological activities of the SFFVp gp55. These results indicate that the TM sequence of the SFFV env glycoprotein plays a prominent role in SFFV-induced erythroleukemogenesis through its influence on the mitogenic activation of EPO-R.

Alzheimer's beta-amyloid vasoactivity: identification of a novel beta-amyloid conformational intermediate

The beta-amyloid (A beta) peptide has previously been shown to enhance phenylephrine or endothelin-1 induced constriction of aortic rings in vitro. The characteristics of A beta vasoactivity (dose, fragment length, timing) suggest that the mechanism is distinct from A beta cytotoxicity. To identify which properties of A beta determine its biological activity on vessels, we investigated a number of A beta analogues and fragments, individually and in combination, including those that are known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease (A beta(1-42)) and hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis--Dutch type (A beta(22Q)(1-40)). The vasoactivity appears to be related to the conformation adopted by the peptide in solution. The beta-pleated sheet rich A beta(1-42) and A beta(22Q)(1-40) were each less vasoactive than the mainly random coil wild type A beta(1-40). However, the most vasoactive A beta peptides were combinations which contain mixtures of random coil and beta-sheet structure. The finding that peptides containing low or high levels of beta-pleated conformation are less vasoactive than those containing intermediate amounts of this structural motif allows us to propose the existence of a transitional form between random coil and beta-pleated that is the vasoactive species of A beta. This is the first time that A beta conformational intermediates have been identified and a biological activity associated with them.

Alzheimer's beta-amyloid peptides induce inflammatory cascade in human vascular cells: the roles of cytokines and CD40

Accumulating evidence suggests that beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced inflammatory reactions may partially drive the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent data also implicate similar inflammatory processes in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). To evaluate the roles of Abeta in the inflammatory processes in vascular tissues, we have tested the ability of Abeta to trigger inflammatory responses in cultured human vascular cells. We found that stimulation with Abeta dose-dependently increased the expression of CD40, and secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in endothelial cells. Abeta also induced expression of IFN-gamma receptor (IFN-gammaR) both in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Characterization of the Abeta-induced inflammatory responses in the vascular cells showed that the ligation of CD40 further increased cytokine production and/or the expression of IFN-gammaR. Moreover, IL-1beta and IFN-gamma synergistically increased the Abeta-induced expression of CD40 and IFN-gammaR. We have recently found that Abeta induces expression of adhesion molecules, and that cytokine production and interaction of CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) further increase the Abeta-induced expression of adhesion molecules in these same cells. These results suggest that Abeta can function as an inflammatory stimulator to activate vascular cells and induces an auto-amplified inflammatory molecular cascade, through interactions among adhesion molecules, CD40-CD40L and cytokines. Additionally, Abeta1-42, the more pathologic form of Abeta, induces much stronger effects in endothelial cells than in smooth muscle cells, while the reverse is true for Abeta1-40. Collectively, these findings support the hypothesis that the Abeta-induced inflammatory responses in vascular cells may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of CAA and AD.

A portable vapor/particle sampler

The airborne particle and vapor phases of a volatile organic chemical (VOC) often coexist in the real workplace environment. Assessment of worker exposure to a VOC requires measuring not only the total airborne concentration but also the phase distribution because the deposition efficiency of the material in the respiratory tract will depend on the form in which it is inhaled. A prototype portable vapor/particle sampler (PVPS) has been designed for sampling and quantifying the phase distribution of volatile components in micrometer-sized airborne particles and coexisting gaseous phase based on differential inertia. The sampler was laboratory tested and validated. Tests included sampler performance assessment and comparison with current sampling methods for particles and organic vapors, i.e., glass fiber filter, charcoal sorbent tube, and diffusion monitors. The PVPS is a low-cost and lightweight device that can be driven by a single standard personal sampling pump. The mass quantities of materials collected by the sampler can be determined by standard analytical procedures. Combined with an appropriate size-selective inlet, the PVPS may be used as a personal inhalable or respirable volatile aerosol sampler for occupational VOC exposure assessment, especially in industrial, or household, spray work environments where the particle sizes are frequently large.

Role of peroxynitrite in the vasoactive and cytotoxic effects of Alzheimer's beta-amyloid1-40 peptide

Increasing evidence implicates oxidative stress as partially responsible for the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent reports show an increased production of nitrotyrosine in AD brains, suggesting that peroxynitrite is produced in excess in this disease. Furthermore, incidence of cerebral amyloid angiopathy in AD cases is very frequent (83%), strongly suggesting a vascular component of AD pathogenesis. We have evaluated the hypothesis that peroxynitrite could be responsible for mediating the cytotoxicity and vasoactivity induced by the amyloid-beta1-40 (Abeta) peptide. Rat brain endothelial cells (RBE-4) appear to be sensitive to Abeta-induced toxicity but not to the cytotoxicity induced by peroxynitrite. Addition of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase to cell culture media, which is only able to clear extracellular superoxide, was not effective in blocking Abeta-induced toxicity. However, we were able to partially block Abeta-induced cytotoxicity by using Mn(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP) which dismutes superoxide intracellularily. Yet, MnTBAP was not able to prevent the vasoactivity triggered by Abeta. Moreover, addition of peroxynitrite to rat aortae did not modulate the vasotension induced by Abeta. We conclude that intracellular superoxide radicals may contribute to Abeta-induced cytotoxicity. Our results also indicate that peroxynitrite does not significantly contribute to Abeta-induced cytotoxicity in rat brain endothelial cells (RBE-4) or vasoactivity in rat aortae. These results suggest that therapeutic efforts aimed at removal of reactive oxygen species with SOD is unlikely to be beneficial for treatment of Abeta-induced endothelial dysfunction. However, compounds that clear free radicals intracellularly may well be beneficial.

The effects of graded hypoxia on intraparenchymal arterioles in rat brain slices

Hypoxia-induced changes in intracerebral arterioles, the major determinants of local cerebral oxygen delivery, are not well understood. Hippocampal arteriolar diameters were measured in rat brain slices using computerized videomicroscopy. In group 1 (control), artificial cerebrospinal fluid oxygen tension (PO2) was maintained at 500 mmHg. In groups 2 and 3, PO2 was gradually reduced to anoxia (95% N2/5% CO2). In group 3, prostaglandin F2a alpha was given to approximate physiological myogenic tone. PCO2 and pH were controlled. Graded hypoxia progressively dilated vessels (PO2 300 mmHg = 2.4 +/- 1.2%, 4.2 +/- 1.6%; PO2 90 mmHg = 15.4 +/- 3.0%, 14.5 +/- 1.8%; groups 2 and 3, respectively). The presence of preconstriction did not influence the extent of hypoxia-induced dilation. This vasorelaxation may be important in maintaining cerebral oxygen delivery during microvascular hypoxia.

Zonated expression of cytokines in rat liver: effect of chronic ethanol and the cytochrome P450 2E1 inhibitor, chlormethiazole

The release of proinflammatory cytokines by endotoxins and during oxidative stress is considered to be an early key step in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Ethanol-inducible cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) has potentially pro-oxidative and toxicological properties, and its expression is restricted to the perivenous region of liver. We investigated zonal differences of cytokine expression in rat liver and how these are affected by alcohol exposure and by chlormethiazole (CMZ), a transcriptional and posttranslational inhibitor of hepatic CYP2E1. Periportal and perivenous cell lysates were obtained by the digitonin pulse technique from livers of rats treated with ethanol and CMZ for 38 days. Cytokine expression on the mRNA and protein levels was quantified using competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Chronic ethanol treatment significantly increased the expression of CYP2E1, microsomal p-nitrophenol hydroxylase activity (indicative for CYP2E1 enzyme activity), and the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin (IL)-1beta (1.4- to 4.6-fold). In contrast, ethanol caused a decrease in IL-4 expression and had no influence on IL-6 expression. CMZ treatment caused a reduction in hepatic CYP2E1 expression and in the ethanol-induced cytokine expression by 40% to 60%. Expression of IL-6, IL-2, and IL-4 mRNA occurred preferentially in the periportal region, whereas ethanol caused a pronounced increase in the perivenous expression of TGF-beta1, which was inhibited by CMZ as monitored both on the mRNA and protein levels. These results show the zonated expression of several cytokines and the counteraction of CMZ on all effects of ethanol on cytokine expression. The data further strengthen a link between increased CYP2E1 expression and enhanced cytokine expression as important events in the development of ALD.

Characteristics of the in vitro vasoactivity of beta-amyloid peptides

The beta-amyloid (A beta 1-40) peptide has previously been shown to enhance phenylephrine contraction of aortic rings in vitro. We have employed a novel observation, that A beta peptides enhance endothelin-1 (ET-1) contraction, to examine the relationship between vasoactivity and potential amyloidogenicity of A beta peptides, the role played by free radicals and calcium in the vasoactive mechanism, and the requirement of an intact endothelial layer for enhancement of vasoactivity. Rings of rat aortae were constricted with ET-1 before and after addition of amyloid peptide and/or other compounds, and a comparison was made between post- and pre-treatment contractions. In this system, vessel constriction is consistently dramatically enhanced by A beta 1-40, is enhanced less so by A beta 1-42, and is not enhanced by A beta 25-35. The endothelium is not required for A beta vasoactivity, and calcium channel blockers have a greater effect than antioxidants in blocking enhancement of vasoconstriction by A beta peptides. In contrast to A beta-induced cytotoxicity, A beta-induced vasoactivity is immediate, occurs in response to low doses of freshly solubilized peptide, and appears to be inversely related to the amyloidogenic potential of the A beta peptides. We conclude that the mechanism of A beta vasoactivity is distinct from that of A beta cytotoxicity. Although free radicals appear to modulate the vasoactive effects, the lack of requirement for endothelium suggests that loss of the free radical balance (between NO and O2-) may be a secondary influence on A beta enhancement of vasoconstriction. These effects of A beta on isolated vessels, and reported effects of A beta in cells of the vasculature, suggest that A beta-induced disruption of vascular tone may be a factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Although the mechanism of enhanced vasoconstriction is unknown, it is reasonable to propose that in vivo contact of A beta peptides with small cerebral vessels may increase their tendency to constrict and oppose their tendency to relax. The subclinical ischemia resulting from this would be expected to up-regulate beta APP production in and around the vasculature with further increase in A beta formation and deposition. The disruptive and degenerative effects of such a cycle would lead to the complete destruction of cerebral vessels and consequently neuronal degeneration in the affected areas.