Comparison of the characteristics for in-hospital and out-of-hospital ischaemic strokes

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients who are being admitted to a hospital due to diseases other than stroke may develop a stroke (in-hospital stroke; IHS).

METHODS

We enrolled 111 consecutive patients who developed IHS outside a neurology ward during a 5-year period at a single hospital. The frequency, characteristics, and outcomes for IHS patients were compared with patients who develop ischaemic stroke outside of the hospital (out-of-hospital stroke; OHS).

RESULTS

Forty-six percent of IHS occurred in the department of cardiology or cardiovascular surgery and 60% were associated with surgery or procedures. In comparison with the OHS patient group, the IHS patient group showed an increased frequency of cardiac disease, leukocytosis, and anemia. Cardioembolism, stroke of other determined etiologies, and an incomplete evaluation were more common in the IHS group, whereas large artery atherosclerosis was more frequent in the OHS group. The IHS group had up to a 10-fold higher mortality than the OHS group, with sepsis being the most common cause of death in the IHS group.

CONCLUSIONS

IHS has distinct etiologies and stroke mechanisms from OHS. The prevention and management of infection could decrease mortality in IHS patients.

Localization and control of activity in peripheral nerves

Interest in the field of the natural control of human limb using physiological signals has risen dramatically in the past 20 years due to the success of the brain machine interface. Cortical signals carry significant information but are difficult to access. The peripheral nerves of the body carry both command and sensory signals and are far more accessible. While numerous studies have documented the selective stimulation properties of, conventionally round, nerve cuff electrodes (i.e., transverse geometry) and even self-sizing electrodes, recording the activity levels from individual fascicles using these electrodes is still an unsolved problem. Moreover, the control algorithms for the control of joint movement with multiple contact electrodes such as the flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) have been difficult to implement. We propose solutions to both these problems by using beam forming techniques to detect the location and the activity in various fascicles. We also developed a control algorithm that separates the dynamic from the passive properties to solve the redundancy problem in multiple joint problems. This techniques could find application in the natural control of artificial limbs from peripheral nerve signals for patients with amputated limbs or to restore function in patients with stroke or paralyzed limbs.

Models of the peripheral nerves for detection and control of neural activity

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) can restore volitional motion of patients with neurological injuries or diseases using electrical stimulation of nerves innervating the muscles to be controlled independently. The Flat interface nerve electrode (FINE) enables the selective control of different muscles at the same time. In addition, multiple contact electrode designs allow selective recording of the various signals within the cuff. However, motion control of neuromuscular skeletal systems using multi-contact electrodes is a challenging problem due to the complexities of the systems and the large number of channels required to activate the various muscles involved in the motion. The localization and the recovery of many signals pose a significant challenge to the low signals to noise ratio and the large number of fascicles. Using computer models of the peripheral nerve, we have tested the ability of various algorithms to control the neuromuscular skeletal dynamics. Computer models have also been used to develop new methods to recover fascicular signals within the nerve. Both the control and the detection algorithms are currently being tested experimentally and preliminary results are included. The goal of this study is to develop the ability to detect nerve signals and use these signals to control joint motion in patients with stroke, amputation or paralysis.

Characteristics of felodipine-located poly(ε-caprolactone) microspheres

Felodipine-loaded poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) microspheres were prepared by two methods, the conventional emulsion solvent evapouration method and the quenching method. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of process parameters such as emulsion type, drug loading, molecular-weight of the polymer, types of emulsion stabilizer and dispersed phase solvents, as well as preparation methods. The results show that, when conventional emulsion solvent evapouration method was used, the o/w-method produced smaller mean size and higher encapsulation efficiency compared with the o/o-method. The encapsulation efficiencies increased with an increase in the molecular weight and a decrease in crystallinity of PCL. The size of microspheres varied with the type of emulsion stabilizer used, smaller microspheres with PVA and narrow size distribution with Pol 237. The water solubility of the dispersed phase solvent was one of the critical factors in controlling the encapsulation efficiency and microsphere mean size. When water-soluble solvents such as acetonitrile and ethyl formate were used, the encapsulation efficiencies decreased due to higher evapouration rate. When quenching methods were used, in contrast to the conventional emulsion solvent evapouration method, very narrowly size-distributed but bigger microspheres were obtained.

Encapsulation of vitamin C in tripolyphosphate cross-linked chitosan microspheres by spray drying

This paper describes vitamin C-encapsulated chitosan microspheres cross-linked with tripolyphosphate (TPP) using a new process prepared by spray drying intended for oral delivery of vitamin C. Thus, prepared microspheres were evaluated by loading efficiency, particles size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential and in vitro release studies. The microspheres so prepared had a good sphericity and shape but varied with the volume of cross-linking agent solution added. They were positively charged. The mean particle size ranged from 6.1-9.0 microm. The size, shape, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential and release rate were influenced by the volume of cross-linking agent. With the increasing amount of cross-linking agent, both the particle size and release rate were increased. Encapsulation efficiency decreased from 45.05-58.30% with the increasing amount of TPP solution from 10-30 ml. FTIR spectroscopy study showed that the vitamin C was found to be stable after encapsulation. XRD studies revealed that vitamin C is dispersed at the molecular level in the TPP-chitosan matrix. Well-defined change in the surface morphology was observed with the varying volume of TPP. The sphericity of chitosan microspheres was lost at higher volume of cross-linking agent. The release of vitamin C from these microspheres was sustained and affected by the volume of cross-linking agent added. The release of vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres followed Fick's law of diffusion.

Preparation of cross-linked chitosan microspheres by spray drying: Effect of cross-linking agent on the properties of spray dried microspheres

Chitosan microspheres cross-linked with three different cross-linking agents viz, tripolyphosphate (TPP), formaldehyde (FA) and gluteraldehyde (GA) have been prepared by spray drying technique. The influence of these cross-linking agents on the properties of spray dried chitosan microspheres was extensively investigated. The particle size and encapsulation efficiencies of thus prepared chitosan microspheres ranged mainly between 4.1-4.7 microm and 95.12-99.17%, respectively. Surface morphology, % erosion, % water uptake and drug release properties of the spray dried chitosan microspheres was remarkably influenced by the type (chemical or ionic) and extent (1 or 2% w/w) of cross-linking agents. Spray dried chitosan microspheres cross-linked with TPP exhibited higher swelling capacity, % water uptake, % erosion and drug release rate at both the cross-linking extent (1 and 2% w/w) when compared to those cross-linked with FA and GA. The sphericity and surface smoothness of the spray dried chitosan microspheres was lost when the cross-linking extent was increased from 1 to 2% w/w. Release rate of the drug from spray dried chitosan microspheres decreased when the cross-linking extent was increased from 1 to 2% w/w. The physical state of the drug in chitosan-TPP, chitosan-FA and chitosan-GA matrices was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) study and found that the drug remains in a crystalline state even after its encapsulation. Release of the drug from chitosan-TPP, chitosan-FA and chitosan-GA matrices followed Fick's law of diffusion.

Characteristics of vitamin C immobilized particles and sodium alginate beads containing immobilized particles

This paper reports the properties of vitamin C encapsulated sodium alginate beads prepared by an alternative approach. The alternative encapsulation process mainly involves immobilization of vitamin C in hydrated zinc oxide layers and encapsulation of prepared immobilized particles in sodium alginate bead. The immobilization of vitamin C in hydrated zinc oxide layers was achieved by a coprecipitation process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the vitamin C was found to be stable after its immobilization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies revealed that anionic vitamin C molecules are adsorbed between positively charged zinc hydroxide layers with a 1:1 layer sequence, since well-defined change in basal spacing was observed. Well-defined change in surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) when vitamin C immobilized particles are encapsulated in sodium alginate bead. The biological activity of vitamin C was retained, even after its immobilization which was confirmed by 4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (L-DOPA) oxidase inhibition and free radical scavenging activity studies. The release rate of vitamin C from immobilized particles and beads was sustained through an ion exchange process. A higher amount of stable vitamin C was recovered from the bead when compared to neat vitamin C itself.

Effect of UV-B exposure on the concentration of vitamin D2 in sliced shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes) and white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of UV-B on vitamin D 2 concentration in shiitake mushrooms and in white button mushrooms. After the exposure to UV-B, at a dose of 25 kJ/m(2), the concentration of vitamin D(2) was increased to 36.7 +/- 1.4, 68.6 +/- 4.9, and 106.4 +/- 14.7 microg/g (dry weight) for pileus, middle, and gill parts of shiitake mushroom, respectively. The gill side of whole shiitake mushrooms exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 75 kJ/m(2) increased to 2.8 +/- 0.2, 13.8 +/- 1.9, 40.7 +/- 4.4, and 61.9 +/- 10.6 microg/g (dry weight) at 25 degrees C, respectively. Irradiating slices of white button mushroom was a more efficient way of increasing the vitamin D(2) content than irradiating the gill or pileus of whole mushrooms, due to the larger exposure area. As the irradiation doses increased, the vitamin D(2) concentration also increased for both types of mushrooms. In conclusion, exposure to ultraviolet light offers an effective way of increasing the concentration of vitamin D(2) in mushrooms.

Proteomic profiling of endothelial cells in human lung cancer

Genomic and proteomic analysis of normal and diseased tissues have yielded an abundance of molecular information for diagnostic and potential therapeutic targets. Changing the target of analysis from poorly accessible cells within tissues to easily accessible vascular endothelium has theoretical advantages in tissue-specific targeting. In this study, we sought to map a large-scale proteome of microvascular endothelium in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal lung tissues, and identify lung cancer-related endothelial cell (EC)-selective proteins. Endothelial cells were isolated within NSCLC tissues and adjacent-normal lung tissue of lung cancer patients by using CD31-immunomagnetic beads. The complex proteins from the ECs were separated by one-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and the proteins in each gel band were digested by trypsin. Peptides were separated by online reverse-phase liquid-chromatography and analyzed by electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap tandem mass spectrometry. Approximately 600-1000 proteins were identified in each individual sample. Five patient cases of paired individual data, extracted from the protein identification data sets of both normal- and cancer-derived ECs, were analyzed by subtractive proteomics. An average of 300 proteins was specifically identified from each lung cancer-derived EC isolate, compared to normal lung-derived ECs. With the use of several comparative analyses, we identified among those 300 proteins, 16 common candidate proteins that were detected in at least 3 of 5 cases specific to lung cancer-derived ECs. Proteins selectively identified in cancer-derived ECs, including coatomer protein complex, subunit gamma (COPG), and peroxiredoxin 4 (PRDX4), were validated by Western blot analysis. In an additional experiment in which 16 cancer samples were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, PRDX4, thymopoietin (TMPO), and COPG were confirmed to be abundantly expressed in lung cancer-derived ECs and in cancerous lung cells. Further ongoing analysis of these 16 candidate proteins will determine their potential applicability to NSCLC-specific diagnosis and therapeutics.

Apoptotic effect of hesperidin through caspase3 activation in human colon cancer cells, SNU-C4

Hesperidin, a known flavonoid constituent of citrus, reduces the proliferation of many cancer cells. The apoptotic effects of hesperidin on human colon cancer cells, SNU-C4, were determined at concentrations of 1-100 microM. At 100 microM, hesperidin reduced cell viability to 65.00+/-0.05% of control values in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell death induced by hesperidin showed apoptotic features in 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Examination of the expression of apoptosis-regulating genes indicated that hesperidin treatment decreased the expression of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (BCL2) mRNA, and increased the expression of BCL2-associated X protein (BAX). The expression and activity of the major apoptotic factor caspase3 (CASP3) was increased significantly with hesperidin treatment. Hesperidin down-regulated the protein expression of pro-CASP3, and up-regulated the level of active CASP3. Thus, these results suggest that hesperidin could induce apoptosis in human colon cancer cells through CASP3 activation.

Controlled delivery of a hydrophilic drug from a biodegradable microsphere system by supercritical anti-solvent precipitation technique

The purpose of this study was to prepare microspheres loaded with hydrophilic drug, bupivacaine HCl using poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA). Microspheres were prepared with varying the PLGA/PLLA ratio with two different levels of bupivacaine HCl (5 and 10%) using a supercritical anti-solvent (SAS) technique. Microspheres ranging from 4-10 microm in geometric mean diameter could be prepared, with high loading efficiency. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) revealed that bupivacaine HCl retained its crystalline state within the polymer and was present as a dispersion within the polymer phase after SAS processing. The release of bupivacaine HCl from biodegradable polymer microspheres was rapid up to 4 h, thereafter bupivacaine HCl was continuously and slowly released for at least 7 days according to the PLGA/PLLA ratio and the molecular weight of PLLA.

Association of the -2510A/G chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 polymorphism with knee osteoarthritis in a Korean population

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible association between polymorphisms [the -2510A/G promoter polymorphism (rs1024611) and the Cys35Cys coding polymorphism (rs4586) in exon 2] of the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) gene and knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a Korean population.

METHODS

DNA was obtained from 153 Korean primary knee OA patients and 270 healthy controls. CCL2 genomic variants (-2510A/G and Cys35Cys polymorphisms) were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). In additional, the effect of -2510A/G on CCL2 transcription was examined, using a luciferase reporter gene construct transfected into HMC-1 cells.

RESULTS

The -2510A/G promoter polymorphism was associated with OA [genotype frequency, p = 0.041; allele frequency, p = 0.017, odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.96]. Significant association was observed between the G carrier of the -2510A/G promoter polymorphism and primary knee OA patients (p = 0.021, OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.12-4.52). The G carrier of the -2510A/G promoter polymorphism was also associated with both clinically subtyped OA patients (OA patients with functionally poor index and radiographically severe OA patients). However, no significant difference was found in the Cys35Cys polymorphism. Haplotype frequency analysis revealed a significant difference (chi(2) = 8.98, p = 0.030). The CCL2 serum level of subjects with the G carrier (290.0+/-87.5 pg/mL) of the -2510A/G promoter polymorphism was statistically higher than that of subjects with the non-G carrier (161.5+/-48.3 pg/mL). The luciferase activity was significantly greater from interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced cells transfected with constructs containing G at position -2510.

CONCLUSIONS

The G carrier of the -2510A/G promoter polymorphism was found to be associated with primary knee OA, and could be a susceptibility factor in the development of primary knee OA in the Korean population.

Effect of manufacturing parameters on the characteristics of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate-chitosan microspheres prepared by spray-drying

To prepare the sustained release vitamin C carriers, vitamin C was successfully encapsulated in tripolyphosphate (TPP) cross-linked chitosan (TPP-chitosan) microspheres by the spray-drying method at different manufacturing conditions. Manufacturing parameters (inlet temperature, liquid flow rate, chitosan concentration and volume of 1% w/v TPP solution) had a significant influence on the characteristics of thus prepared microspheres. The optimum spray-drying conditions such as inlet temperature, liquid flow rate and compressed air flow rate for the encapsulation of vitamin C in TPP-chitosan microspheres was found to be 170 degrees C, 2 ml min(-1) and 101 min(-1), respectively. The size and yield of the TPP-chitosan microspheres ranged from 3.9-7.3 microm and 54.5-67.5%, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of TPP-chitosan microspheres ranged from 45.72-68.7% and it decreased with the increasing volume of 1% w/v TPP solution. At the same cross-linking extent, the encapsulation efficiency of TPP-chitosan microspheres increased when the concentration of chitosan was increased from 0.5-1% w/v. Effect of volume of 1% w/v TPP solution on the surface morphology of chitosan microspheres was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These studies revealed that chitosan solution (250 ml) cross-linked with 15 ml 1% w/v TPP solution produced more porous microspheres than that cross-linked with 5 and 10 ml TPP solution. The release rate of vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres decreased when the concentration of chitosan was increased from 0.5-1.0% w/v. Vitamin C release rate was also modulated by varying the volume of 1% w/v TPP solution. The release rate of vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres decreased with increasing volume (5-15 ml) of 1% w/v TPP solution.

Characteristics of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate-chitosan microspheres as affected by chitosan molecular weight

In this paper, the effect of chitosan molecular weight on the characteristics (size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, surface morphology and release rate) of vitamin C encapsulated tripolyphosphate cross-linked chitosan (TPP-chitosan) microspheres. The molecular weight of chitosan had a noticeable influence on the size, encapsulation efficiency, zeta potential, surface morphology and controlled release behaviour of the vitamin C encapsulated TPP-chitosan microspheres. The mean particle size and encapsulation efficiencies of TPP-chitosan microspheres were 3.1, 4.9 and 6.7 microm and 67.25, 60.43 and 52.74% for the microspheres prepared using low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan, respectively. All the TPP-chitosan microspheres (low, medium and high molecular weight) had positive charge on their surface. The zeta potential of the TPP-chitosan microspheres prepared using low, medium and high molecular weight chitosan was 41.25, 40.84 and 39.13 mV, respectively. The particle sizes of TPP-chitosan microspheres increased with increases in chitosan molecular weight. Molecular weight of chitosan did not affect significantly the % yield of TPP-chitosan microspheres prepared by spray-drying. The influence of chitosan molecular weight on the surface morphology of vitamin C encapsulated TPP-chitosan microspheres was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that, as the molecular weight of chitosan increases, TPP-chitosan microspheres with uniform spherical shape could be obtained. The physical state of vitamin C (amorphous or crystalline) in TPP-chitosan matrix was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it was found that vitamin C is dispersed at the molecular level (amorphous) in the TPP-chitosan matrix. Release rate of the vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres was significantly affected by the chitosan molecular weight. The release rate decreased with increase in the chitosan molecular weight. The release of vitamin C from TPP-chitosan microspheres followed Fick's law of diffusion.

An N-terminal inhibitory domain modulates activity of FoxM1 during cell cycle

The FoxM1 transcription factor plays critical roles in the expression of genes that are essential for cell proliferation. FoxM1 null or depleted cells fail to progress through mitosis, as expression of several mitotic genes depends upon FoxM1. The transcriptional activity of FoxM1 is stimulated by cyclin-cdk-mediated phosphorylation at a site within the transcriptional activation domain. Here, we characterize the role of an N-terminal inhibitory domain in the transcriptional activity of FoxM1. Deletion of the N-terminal 232 amino-acid residues increases the transcriptional and transforming activities of FoxM1. Moreover, while the activity of the full-length FoxM1 is stimulated by growth factors, the activity of the N-terminal deletion mutant is constitutively high in all phases of the cell cycle. The N-terminal deletion also eliminates the requirement for cyclin-cdk to activate FoxM1. We provide evidence that the N-terminal domain interacts with the C-terminal half of the transcription factor to attenuate its transcriptional activity. Moreover, the N-terminal fragment inhibits the transcriptional activity of FoxM1 in G1/S cells, but not in G2/M cells. Our results suggest that cyclin-cdk phosphorylates FoxM1 to counteract the inhibition by the N-terminal domain to fully activate FoxM1 in G2/M phase.

Immediate interlocking nailing versus external fixation followed by delayed interlocking nailing for Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures

PURPOSE

To compare immediate interlocking nailing with external fixation followed by delayed interlocking nailing, for Gustilo type IIIB open tibial fractures.

METHODS

23 patients with Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures were treated with either immediate unreamed interlocking nailing (n=9) or external fixation followed by delayed unreamed interlocking nailing (n=14). Patient age, sex ratio, fracture site, fracture type, and severity were similar in both groups. The time to union, deep infection rate, and nonunion rate in the 2 groups were compared.

RESULTS

In the immediate and delayed nailing groups, respective mean times to union were 21 (standard deviation [SD], 14) months and 14 (SD, 8) months; nonunion rates were 44% (4/9) and 36% (5/14), and deep infection rates were 22% (2/9) and 7% (1/14). All corresponding differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Prospective, randomised, multicentre studies are needed to assess whether there are significant differences between the 2 treatment methods.

Investigation of the corticotropin-releasing hormone-proopiomelanocortin axis in various skin tumours

BACKGROUND

Various types of external stress cause the skin and central neuroendocrine system to express corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-proopiomelanocortin (POMC) axis-related hormones. However, the precise role of the CRH-POMC axis-related hormones in various skin tumours is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined expression patterns of the CRH-POMC axis-related hormones in skin tumours.

METHODS

The production of CRH, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) in various tumour cell lines including HaCaT and primary keratinocytes was examined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical analysis of the skin tumours was also performed.

RESULTS

CRH, ACTH and alpha-MSH were strongly expressed in malignant skin tumour cell lines such as G-361 and DX-3 (both malignant melanoma, MM). However, normal and haematological malignancy cell lines did not express the CRH-POMC axis-related hormones. Immunohistochemical analysis of the skin tumours showed that MM (80%), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 70%) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC, 10%) had strong immunoreactivity (++/+++) for CRH. Strong ACTH and alpha-MSH expression was observed in MM (70% and 50%, respectively), SCC (80% and 60%, respectively) and BCC (70% and 50%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We report that an increase in the level of the CRH-POMC axis-related hormones is associated with malignant skin tumours such as MM. These results highlight the importance of the CRH-POMC axis-related hormones in the malignant tendency of skin tumours.

Structure determination of new analogues of vardenafil and sildenafil in dietary supplements

New analogues of vardenafil and sildenafil illegally added to dietary supplements were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with a photodiode array detector (PDA). These compounds were isolated and their structures elucidated by mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). One of the new analogues given the trivial name pseudovardenafil (compound 1) was structurally elucidated and shown to be 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-piperidine. It was a vardenafil analogue isolated from a dietary supplement capsule. Compared with vardenafil, the piperidine ring was substituted for the ethylpiperazine group. The second new analogue, trivially named hydroxyhongdenafil (compound 2), was separated from bulk powder used as a raw material for a dietary supplement. The piperazine and phenyl groups were connected through an acetyl group instead of a sulfonyl group, and hydroxyethylpiperazine was substituted for the methylpiperazine of sildenafil. It was structurally elucidated as 5-[2-ethoxy-5-[[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazinyl]acetyl]phenyl]-1,4-dihydro-1-methyl-3-propyl-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one.

Transdifferentiation of porcine satellite cells to adipoblasts with ciglitizone

Ciglitizone, a class of thiazolidinediones, acts as a potent activator of the adipose differentiation program in established preadipose cell lines. Thiazolidinediones have also been investigated in diabetic patients and have been reported to act as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands. Intramuscular adipogenesis or marbling through transdifferentiation of satellite cells in cattle was successfully conducted earlier. In this report, the effects of ciglitizone on the differentiation pathway of porcine myogenic satellite cells was investigated. Semitendinosus muscle was aseptically taken from 10-d-old piglets under general anesthesia, and porcine satellite cells were obtained and grown to near confluence. Postconfluent cells (d 0) were further cultured in differentiation medium containing an adipogenic mixture plus ciglitizone (10 microM) for 48 h. From d 2 onward, the cells were cultured only in the presence of ciglitizone until d 10. Controls were cultured in differentiation medium only. Exposure of porcine satellite cells to the adipogenic mixture plus ciglitizone generated lipid droplets on d 2, and subsequently, exposure of cells to ciglitizone alone helped in cytoplasmic lipid filling, providing them with the acquisition of adipocyte morphology. An increase (P < 0.05) in the fusion (structures containing 2 to 3 nuclei) of satellite cells was observed, and myosin heavy chain appeared with greater intensity (immunohistochemistry) in the control group from d 2 onward. Adipocyte-specific transcriptional factors (i.e., CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma) were predominant during transdifferentiation and were observed with immunohistochemistry, Western blot (approximately 47.2 and approximately 60.4 kDa, respectively), and real-time PCR. Ciglitizone appeared to convert the differentiation pathway of satellite cells into that of adipoblasts.

The plasma alpha-synuclein levels in patients with Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

alpha-Synuclein, a synaptic protein of unknown function, is a major component of Lewy bodies and may play a role in the pathophysiological process of Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we measured the plasma alpha-synuclein levels in 105 patients with PD, 38 patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), and 51 age-matched controls. The alpha-synuclein level was significantly elevated in patients with PD (79.9 +/- 4.0 pg/ml, p < 0.001) and in those with MSA (78.1 +/- 3.5 pg/ml, p = 0.019) compared with the level in controls (76.1 +/- 3.9 pg/ml). The alpha-synuclein level was higher in patients with PD than in those with MSA (79.9 +/- 4.0 vs 78.1 +/- 3.5, p = 0.016). Our study demonstrated that the alpha-synuclein level in plasma is elevated in patients with PD and MSA.

Runx2 phosphorylation induced by fibroblast growth factor-2/protein kinase C pathways

Runx2 is a key transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation, and its activity is regulated by fibroblast growth factors (FGFs). Craniosynostosis, characterized by premature suture closure, results from mutations that generate constitutively active FGF receptors (FGFRs). We previously showed that FGF/FGFR-activated protein kinase C (PKC) is involved in the expression and activity of Runx2. Activated PKCdelta physically interacts with Runx2 in FGF2-stimulated MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cells. Immunopurified Runx2 protein reacted with PKCdelta kinase, and a phosphorylated 1460-Da peptide fragment (amino acids 241-252, 1380-Da) derived from Runx2 was also detected in MS analysis. Computer analysis predicted that Ser247 in this Runx2 can be a possible phosphorylation site by PKCdelta. We also showed that Runx2 activity after FGF stimulation correlates with the presence of the Runx2 Ser247 residue. The S247A (Ser --> Ala) mutation confers decreased transcriptional activity on a Runx2-responsive promoter after FGF treatment.

Implications of increased tumor blood flow and oxygenation caused by mild temperature hyperthermia in tumor treatment

In many past clinical studies in which hyperthermia enhanced the efficacy of radiotherapy, the tumor temperatures could be raised only to 40-42 degrees C range in most cases. The heat-induced cell death, cellular radiosensitization, and vascular damage induced by such mild temperature hyperthermia (MTH) are likely to be insignificant despite the increased response of tumors to radiotherapy. Heating rodent tumors at 40-42 degrees C was found to cause an enduring increase in blood flow and oxygenation in the tumors. Recent studies with canine soft tissue sarcoma and human tumor clinical studies also demonstrated that MTH improves tumor oxygenation, and enhances response of the tumors to radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The increased blood flow and vascular permeability caused by MTH may also improve the delivery of various therapeutic agents such as chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapeutic agents and genetic constructs for gene therapy to tumor cells. MTH as a means to potentiate the efficacy of radiotherapy and others warrants further investigation.

Production of optically active ketoprofen by direct enzymatic esterification

For the production of optically active ketoprofen, enzymatic resolution of racemic ketoprofen in an organic solvent has been accomplished via enantioselective esterification. Pharmacologically inactive (R)-ketoprofen is converted into the corresponding (R)-ester by this method. Enantioselectivity in lipase-catalyzed resolution of racemic ketoprofen was mainly dependent on the sources of lipase, alcohol moiety, organic solvent, and water content. Ethanol was used as the alkyl donor and the optimum water content required for highly efficient enzymatic resolution was determined to be 0.1-0.15% (v/v), which was maintained using salt hydrates such as Na2SO4 x 10H2O. (S)-Ketoprofen could be obtained with high enantioselectivity (E=15) in n-hexane supplemented with ethylene dichloride (20% (v/v)) using commercially available Candida antarctica lipase (Novozym 435).

Identification and characterization of the peroxiredoxin gene family in chickens

Peroxiredoxin (PRX) is a crucial antioxidant protein that protects against endogenously produced peroxides in prokaryotes to eukaryotes. To date, 6 different isoforms have been identified in mammals. In this study, we describe the first members of the PRX protein family to be characterized in Chicken. Through bioinformatics analysis, we observed that at least 4 different classes of PRX protein have been evolutionarily conserved in chickens. Furthermore, in vitro functional assays of the candidate chicken PRX proteins demonstrated that they had levels of antioxidant activity similar to those of the mammalian enzymes. The expression patterns of the PRX transcript in several chicken tissues were not tissue specific, suggesting that they might play an essential role as a housekeeping gene in all tissues to protect against oxidative damage. In conclusion, the sequences of the putative members of this functional gene family in chickens could be effectively retrieved in silico through bioinformatics analysis, and the functionality of their gene products evaluated by in vitro comparative assay.

Discovery of SNPs in soybean genotypes frequently used as the parents of mapping populations in the United States and Korea

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including insertion/deletions (indels) serve as useful and informative genetic markers. The availability of high-throughput and inexpensive SNP typing systems has increased interest in the development of SNP markers. After fragments of genes were amplified with primers derived from 110 soybean GenBank ESTs, sequencing data of PCR products from 15 soybean genotypes from Korea and the United States were analyzed by SeqScape software to find SNPs. Among 35 gene fragments with at least one SNP among the 15 genotypes, SNPs occurred at a frequency of 1 per 2,038 bp in 16,302 bp of coding sequence and 1 per 191 bp in 16,960 bp of noncoding regions. This corresponds to a nucleotide diversity (theta) of 0.00017 and 0.00186, respectively. Of the 97 SNPs discovered, 78 or 80.4% were present in the six North American soybean mapping parents. The addition of "Hwaeomputkong," which originated from Japan, increased the number to 92, or 94.8% of the total number of SNPs present among the 15 genotypes. Thus, Hwaeomputkong and the six North American mapping parents provide a diverse set of soybean genotypes that can be successfully used for SNP discovery in coding DNA and closely associated introns and untranslated regions.

Coptis japonica root extract induces apoptosis through caspase3 activation in SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells

Apoptosis-modulating approaches offer an attractive opportunity for therapeutic use for many tumors. We investigated the effects of the roots of Coptis japonica var. dissecta (Ranunculaceae) on human gastric cancer cells, SNU-668. The cytotoxicity of Coptis japonica at 100 microg/ml (methanol extract) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was 13.89 +/- 1.91% of control value. Considering the features by 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, it was confirmed that the death of SNU-668 cells was due to apoptosis. In the apoptosis-regulating genes, BCL2 expression was diminished out, whereas BAX and CASP3 expressions were increased, compared with control. Furthermore, the activity of caspase3 was significantly increased by Coptis japonica treatment. These results suggest that Coptis japonica could induce apoptotic anticancer effect through caspase3 activation on SNU-668 human gastric cancer cells.

Genetic association study of adiponectin polymorphisms with risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Korean population

AIMS

To investigate any association between Type 2 diabetes mellitus and two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene, T45G and G276T, in the Korean population.

METHODS

We genotyped 427 non-diabetic controls and 493 Type 2 diabetic patients for SNPs T45G and G276T of adiponectin gene, measured plasma adiponectin concentrations, and examined clinical parameters in Koreans.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in allele frequencies of SNPs 45 and 276 comparing control with Type 2 diabetic subjects (T frequency 68.3% vs. 71.6%, P=0.13 for SNP45, G frequency 72.2% vs. 68.9%, P=0.12 for SNP276). The genotype distributions of these SNPs had no association with the risk of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic parameters of insulin resistance. Plasma levels of adiponectin were not statistically different according to T45G and G276T either, in both control and Type 2 diabetic subjects.

CONCLUSION

The T45G and G276T of the adiponectin gene may not be an important determinant of Type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance in Korean subjects.

Impact of IL-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Variable levels of cytokines were observed in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and an especially high level of interleukin-1 (IL-1) was detected in schizophrenia patients. It is known that IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) binds to IL-1 receptors and inhibits the receptor binding of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta.

METHODS

In this study, the association between the variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism of the IL-1RA gene and schizophrenia (n=269) and bipolar disorder (n=83) was investigated.

RESULTS

The genotype distribution and allele frequency were significantly different between schizophrenic patients and the control group (P<0.05); however, there were no prominent differences between bipolar patients and the control group. The carriage rate for the IL1RN*2 allele was associated with higher risk of schizophrenia (odds ratio=2.24).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that IL-1RA could be a candidate gene for susceptibility to schizophrenia.

Effect of glycyrrhizic acid on protein binding of diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine

The effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GLZ) on protein binding of diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine were investigated. Protein binding studies (human serum, human serum albumin (HSA) and alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AAG)) were conducted using the equilibrium dialysis method with and without addition of GLZ. The binding parameters, such as the number of moles of bound drug per mole of protein, the number of binding sites per protein molecule, and the association constant, were estimated using the Scatchard plot. The serum binding of nifedipine, verapamil, and diltiazem was displaced with addition of GLZ, and the decreases of Ks for serum were observed. GLZ decreased the association constants of three drugs for HSA and AAG, while the binding capacity remained similar with addition of GLZ. Although the characteristics of interaction were not clear, GLZ seemed to mainly affect HSA binding of nifedipine rather than AAG binding, while GLZ seemed to affect both AAG- and HSA-bindings of verapamil and diltiazem resulting in a serum binding displacement.

4-1BB promotes long-term survival in skin allografts treated with anti-CD45RB and anti-CD40L monoclonal antibodies

4-1BB (CD137) is a T-cell co-stimulatory molecule that promotes T cell activation. Using a skin transplantation model, we observed that simultaneous administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeting CD45RB and CD40L prolonged skin allograft in co-stimulation blockade (CTLA4-Ig and anti-CD40L mAb)-resistant mice, because of reducing CD8(+) T cells and CD4(+) CD45RB(high) T cells. Anti-CD45RB mAb (45RB) blocks the activation of T helper 1 (Th1) cells and generates regulatory T cells (T(reg)). The experimental design included five groups: group 1, control; group 2, 45RB-MR1; group 3, 45B-MR1 + 4-IBBL; group 4, anti-CD4 mAb plus group 3 treatment; group 5, anti-CD8 mAb plus group 3 treatment. In this study we highlight the involvement of 4-1BB/4-1BBL in the development of T-cell responses. C57BL/6 recipients of BALB/c skin grafts were treated with 45RB, anti-CD40L mAb (MR1), and antagonistic anti-4-1BBL mAb (4-1BBL) on days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 posttransplantation. Additional 4-1BBL further prolonged skin graft survival, although the percentage of splenocyte-derived CD8(+) T cells was reduced similarly in both groups. Use of 4-1BBL seems to have additive effects on T(reg) cells, which play a major role in the maintenance of tolerance. Even after immunosuppressive therapy in combination with CD4(+) T-cell depletion, we did not achieve prolonged graft survival, possibly because of the absense of T(reg) cells, which require CD4-independent CD8(+) T cells, based on the observation of increasing proportion of CD8(+) T cells in similar degree as the control group.

Survival of freeze-dried Lactobacillus bulgaricus KFRI 673 in chitosan-coated calcium alginate microparticles

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alginate microparticles coated with three kinds of chitosans of different molecular weights on the survival of Lactobacillus bulgaricus KFRI 673 in simulated gastric (SGJ) and intestinal juices (SIJ) and on their stability during storage at 4 and 22 degrees C. L. bulgaricus KFRI 673 loaded in alginate microparticles was prepared by spraying the mixture of sodium alginate and cell culture into the calcium chloride solution using an air-atomizing device. When L. bulgaricus KFRI 673 was exposed to SGJ of pH 2.0 for 60 min, none of the microorganism survived. Contrary to this result, microbiological analysis indicated that microencapsulation in alginate microparticles improved the survival of acid-sensitive L. bulgaricus KFRI 673 in SGJ and that high molecular weight chitosan coating resulted in the highest survival in SGJ. To study storage stability of free and microencapsulated cells, in vitro studies were conducted at 4 and 22 degrees C during a 4 week period. Both free and microencapsulated cells showed similar stabilities during 4 weeks of storage at 4 degrees C. However, the stability of Lactobacillus at 22 degrees C was appreciably improved when loaded in high molecular weight chitosan-coated alginate microparticles. In conclusion, microencapsulation of lactic acid bacteria with alginate and chitosan coating offers an effective way of delivering viable bacterial cells to the colon and maintaining their survival during refrigerated storage.

Baicalin induces NAD(P)H:quinone reductase through the transactivation of AP-1 and NF-κB in Hepa 1c1c7 cells

Baicalin (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone-7-O-D-glucuronic acid, BA) is a flavone isolated from Scutellariae radix. In our previous report BA was a major active principle of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (QR) induction mediated by Scutellariae radix extract and the induction was related to the transcriptional activation of the QR gene in Hepa 1c1c7 cells. The primary aim of the present study was to determine the molecular mechanism of QR gene expression by baicalin. The antioxidant or electrophile response element (ARE/EpRE) found at the 5'-flanking region of phase II genes may play an important role in mediating their induction by xenobiotics, including chemopreventive agents. In accordance, to study the molecular mechanisms of QR gene expression by BA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), using nuclear extracts of treated and untreated cells against ARE, activator protein-1 (AP-1) or nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding sites, showed that BA increased the binding levels of the parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Further, Hepa 1c1c7 cells were transiently transfected with a plasmid containing three copies of the AP-1- or NF-kappaB-binding site linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene. Using the CAT reporter gene assay, a dose-dependent transactivation of AP-1- or NF-kappaB-mediated CAT expression was observed with the treatment of BA. These results clearly indicate that BA induces the QR gene expression and activity by transactivation of AP-1 and NF-kappaB, and thus BA may be considered as a potential cancer chemopreventive agent with the induction of phase II detoxification enzyme.

Abnormal motor behavior and vestibular dysfunction in the stargazer mouse mutant

In stargazer mutant mice, a mutation in the gene encoding stargazin results in absence epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, and a characteristic abnormal motor syndrome. The main goal of the current studies was to characterize the nature and source of the abnormal motor behavior. Because the stargazer motor syndrome resembles that of other rodents with vestibular dysfunction, the motor abnormalities were compared with those of normal mice treated with toxins known to damage the vestibular system. Quantitative open field assessments revealed that the stargazer mice display a motor syndrome very similar to that exhibited by mice with toxin-induced vestibulopathy. However, stargazer mice also displayed several additional behaviors, such as ataxic gait and sustained extensor movements of the neck. In addition, stargazer mice performed worse than mice with toxin-induced vestibulopathy in most standard tests of motor function. Motor function was also impaired on each of four behavioral tests sensitive to vestibular function. Because of the close associations between the vestibular and auditory systems, tests of auditory function were also employed. The stargazer mutants exhibited relatively normal auditory brainstem evoked responses but no apparent acoustic startle reflex. Histological examination of vestibular sensory epithelium at the light and electron microscopic levels confirmed the existence of abnormalities in the stargazer mutants. These results imply a previously unrecognized role for stargazin in the normal functions of the vestibular system and indicate that some, but not all, of the abnormal motor syndrome of stargazer mice can be attributed to vestibular dysfunction.

Suppressive effects of nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression by Calystegia soldanella methanol extract on lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells

Since nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has been found to be involved in various pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and carcinogenesis, the modulators of NO synthesis or expression have been considered as potential anti-inflammatory and cancer chemopreventive agents. In this study, to procure the iNOS inhibitors from natural products, we evaluated 57 methanol extracts of natural products including Korean indigenous plants for the inhibition of NO formation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated mouse macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells. As a result, several extracts including those from Actinodaphne lancifolia, Calystegia soldanella, Caryratia japonica, Citrus dachibana, Dystaenia takeshimana, Erysimum aurantiacum, Hovenia undulata, Stewartia koreana and Viburnum awabuki showed potent inhibitory activities of NO production (>70% inhibition at the test concentration of 40 microg/ml). In particular, the extract of Calystegia soldanella showed a potential inhibition of NO production in a dose-dependent manner (IC50=4.3 microg/ml). Subsequent study also exhibited that the extract of Calystegia soldanella significantly suppressed iNOS protein and gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that Calystegia soldanella might be a new potential candidate for developing an iNOS inhibitor from natural products and also could be warranted for further elucidation of active principles for the development of new anti-inflammatory and/or cancer chemopreventive agents.

Effects of Paeonia lactiflora root extracts on the secretions of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and -3 in human nasal fibroblasts

In the field of Oriental medicine, the root of Paeonia lactiflora (Paeoniae Radix) has been prescribed usually to treat the common cold, and it was thought to alleviate upper respiratory infection or nasal inflammation. Monocyte chemotactic proteins (MCP)-1 and MCP-3 are known as the most potent chemokines to mediate allergic inflammation. The object of the study was to investigate the effect of Paeoniae Radix on the release of the chemokines such as MCP-1 and MCP-3. To detect the secretion of MCPs, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed for human nasal mucosal fibroblasts after stimulation with several cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). The secretion of MCP-1 was increased after stimulation with TNF-alpha or IL-1beta treatment. Co-treatment of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, or IL-1beta and IFN-gamma increased the secretion of MCP-1 and MCP-3. Paeoniae Radix was tested with inflammatory cytokines, and the results showed that the Paeoniae Radix significantly decreased the secretion of MCP-1 and MCP-3. In our study, Paeoniae Radix may play an important role in nasal inflammation with a modulation of MCP-1 and MCP-3.

A chronic heart failure model by coronary artery ligation in the goat

The availability of a reliable heart failure model in large animals is important. We report upon our efforts to develop a chronic heart failure model in seven goats using sequential ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and its diagonal branch. After anesthesia and left thoracotomy, the LAD artery was ligated, and the diagonal vessel at the same level was ligated one hour later. Cardiac measurements were performed with a thermodilution catheter and by ultrasonography. Two months after the operation, the same measurements were made and animals were sacrificed for postmortem examinations of their hearts. Hemodynamic measurements, except cardiac output, showed no significant changes immediately after the coronary artery ligation. Echocardiographic measurements showed significant changes in the ejection fraction and fractional shortening without changes in left ventricular dimensions. Wall motion analyses demonstrated variable degrees of anteroseptal dyskinesia and akinesia in all animals immediately after coronary artery ligation. Five animals have undergone hemodynamic and ultrasonographic studies 2 months after coronary artery ligation. The results obtained from these animals showed significant increases in central venous pressure, right ventricular pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary artery capillary wedge pressure, and a significant decrease in cardiac output. Increases in left ventricular dimensions and decreases in ejection fraction with fractional shortening in ultrasonographic studies were also observed. Pathologically, well-demarcated thin-walled anteroseptal infarcts, with chamber enlargement, were clearly seen with dilatation of the heart chambers in all specimens. Based on this study, we conclude that goats, like sheep, can provide a reliable model of chronic heart failure by coronary artery ligation and in view of the many advantages offered by goats, we believe that this animal model will be useful for cardiac experimentation.

Common genetic polymorphisms in the promoter of resistin gene are major determinants of plasma resistin concentrations in humans

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Resistin is thought to be an important link between obesity and insulin resistance. It has been suggested that genetic polymorphism in the promoter of resistin gene is a determinant of resistin mRNA expression and possibly associated with obesity and insulin resistance. In this study, we investigated the association between the genotype of resistin promoter and its plasma concentrations.

METHODS

We examined g.-537A>C and g.-420C>G polymorphisms in the resistin promoter and measured plasma resistin concentrations in Korean subjects with or without Type 2 diabetes. We also did haplotype-based promoter activity assays and the gel electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

RESULTS

The -420G and the -537A alleles, which were in linkage disequilibrium, were associated with higher plasma resistin concentrations. Individuals with haplotype A-G (-537A and -420G) had significantly higher plasma resistin concentrations than the others. Haplotype A-G had modestly increased promoter activity compared to the other haplotypes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the -420G allele is specific for binding of nuclear proteins from adipocytes and monocytes. However, none of the two polymorphisms were associated with Type 2 diabetes or obesity in our study subjects.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Polymorphisms in the promoter of resistin gene are major determinants of plasma resistin concentrations in humans.

Chitosan microparticle preparation for controlled drug release by response surface methodology

The objectives were to investigate the effects of formulation variables on the release of drug and to optimize the formulation of chitosan microparticles loaded with drug for controlled release using response surface methodology. Chitosan microparticles were prepared by dropping a chitosan solution into sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) through ionic cross-linking. The release behaviour of felodipine as a model drug was affected by preparation variables. A central composite design was used to evaluate and optimize the effect of preparation variables, chitosan concentration (X1), the pH of the TPP solution (X2) and cross-linking time (X3) on the cumulative per cent drug release (Y) in 24 h. Chitosan concentration and cross-linking time affected negatively the release of felodipine, while the pH of the TPP did so positively and was the highest influential factor. The optimum rate of drug release, 100% in 24 h, was achieved at 1.8% chitosan concentration, a pH 8.7 for the TPP solution and 9.7 min cross-linking time.