Effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors on blood pressure in hypertensive patients treated with blood pressure-lowering agents: retrospective study using an anti-hypertensive drug database

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We used a Japanese antihypertensive drug database to investigate the blood pressure-lowering effect of statins in hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medication. We also examined the class effect of antihypertensive drugs on blood pressure lowering by statins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The Risk/Benefit Assessment of Drugs-Analysis and Response (RAD-AR) Council has developed an antihypertensive drug database which contains the results of post-marketing surveillance for various antihypertensive agents from 143,509 antihypertensive users in clinical settings. Antihypertensive patients in the database with concurrent hyperlipidemia were grouped into statin users and non-users, and changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over a three-month period were compared. Further, the class effects of antihypertensive drugs on the lipid lowering effects of statins were also investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 1070 statin users and 1974 non-users were analyzed. Changes in systolic blood pressure were significantly greater in the statin user than in the non-user group (mean difference: 1.63 mmHg, p = 0.03). In contrast, no significant effect of statin use was observed on the change in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (0.87 mmHg, p = 0.08). When stratified by antihypertensive class, reductions in blood pressure were greater in statin user groups for all antihypertensive classes without statistical significance, except for a significant change in DBP in those receiving beta-blockers (mean difference: 2.98 mmHg, p = 0.03).

DISCUSSION

The present study documented that statin's effect on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with hyperlipidemia in clinical setting is statistically significant but has a minimal significance. With regard to class differences among antihypertensive agents, the decrease was greatest in the DBP of patients treated with beta-blockers. In contrast, no significant changes were seen in the ACE inhibitor or Ca antagonist subgroups. One possible explanation for the differential effects of antihypertensive class in our study might be the lack of a vasodilatation effect.

Diagnostic performance of chromoendoscopy and narrow band imaging for colonic neoplasms: a meta-analysis

AIM

We conducted a meta-analysis to compare the diagnostic test performance of chromoendoscopy and narrow band imaging (NBI) for colonic neoplasms.

METHOD

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched (1966 to March 2009). Articles were included if: (i) chromoendoscopy or NBI was used, (ii) sensitivity and specificity were reported; (iii) absolute numbers of true-positive, false-positive, true-negative and false-negative results were provided or could be calculated; and (iv) pathology was used as the reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity were pooled using random effects model. Secondary analyses were conducted by limiting the studies in which magnifying endoscopy was used alone as a diagnostic modality, and polyp size and macroscopic appearance of lesions were not considered.

RESULTS

Of 1342 screened articles, 27 met the inclusion criteria. Pooled sensitivity for chromoendoscopy and NBI was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.95) and 0.94 (0.91-0.97), and specificity was 0.82 (0.77-0.88) and 0.86 (0.83-0.89), respectively. There were no differences in sensitivity (P = 0.99) or specificity (P = 0.54) between the two methods. In the secondary analysis, pooled sensitivity for choromoendoscopy and NBI was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.90-0.97) and 0.96 (0.93-0.99) and specificity was 0.80 (0.73-0.87) and 0.85 (0.78-0.92). respectively. Overall, the pooled false-negative rate was 0.057 (95% CI, 0.040-0.73) for chromoendoscopy and 0.057 (95% CI, 0.028-0.085) for NBI.

CONCLUSION

Chromoendoscopy and NBI had similar diagnostic test characteristics in the assessment of colonic neoplasms; however, the false-negative rate for both methods of 5.7% is an unacceptably high rate and currently therefore, neither method is ready for general use.

Tumour suppressive microRNA-874 regulates novel cancer networks in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

On the basis of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma (MSSCC), we found that miR-874 was significantly reduced in cancer cells. We focused on the functional significance of miR-874 in cancer cells and identification of miR-874-regulated novel cancer networks in MSSCC.

METHODS

We used PCR-based methods to investigate the downregulated miRNAs in clinical specimens of MSSCC. Our signature analyses identified 23 miRNAs that were significantly reduced in cancer cells, such as miR-874, miR-133a, miR-375, miR-204, and miR-1. We focused on miR-874 as the most downregulated novel miRNA in our analysis.

RESULTS

We found potential tumour suppressive functions such as inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and invasion. A molecular target search of miR-874 revealed that PPP1CA was directly regulated by miR-874. Overexpression of PPP1CA was observed in MSSCC clinical specimens. Silencing of the PPP1CA gene significantly inhibited cancer cell proliferation and invasion.

CONCLUSION

The downregulation of miR-874 was a frequent event in MSSCC, which suggests that miR-874 functions as a tumour suppressive miRNA, directly regulating PPP1CA that has a potential role of an oncogene. The identification of novel miR-874-regulated cancer pathways could provide new insights into potential molecular mechanisms of MSSCC oncogenesis.

Ectopic expression of cone-specific G-protein-coupled receptor kinase GRK7 in zebrafish rods leads to lower photosensitivity and altered responses

To investigate the roles of G-protein receptor kinases (GRKs) in the light responses of vertebrate photoreceptors, we generated transgenic zebrafish lines, the rods of which express either cone GRK (GRK7) or rod GRK (GRK1) in addition to the endogenous GRK1, and we then measured the electrophysiological characteristics of single-cell responses and the behavioural responses of intact animals. Our study establishes the zebrafish expression system as a convenient platform for the investigation of specific components of the phototransduction cascade. The addition of GRK1 led to minor changes in rod responses. However, exogenous GRK7 in GRK7-tg animals led to lowered rod sensitivity, as occurs in cones, but surprisingly to slower response kinetics. Examination of responses to long series of very dim flashes suggested the possibility that the GRK7-tg rods generated two classes of single-photon response, perhaps corresponding to the interaction of activated rhodopsin with GRK1 (giving a standard response) or with GRK7(giving a very small response). Behavioural measurement of optokinetic responses (OKR) in intact GRK7-tg zebrafish larvae showed that the overall rod visual pathway was less sensitive, in accord with the lowered sensitivity of the rods. These results help provide an understanding for the molecular basis of the electrophysiological differences between cones and rods.

The tumour-suppressive function of miR-1 and miR-133a targeting TAGLN2 in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

On the base of the microRNA (miRNA) expression signature of bladder cancer (BC), we found that miR-1 and miR-133a were significantly downregulated in BC. In this study, we focussed on the functional significance of miR-1 and miR-133a in BC cell lines and identified a molecular network of these miRNAs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the miRNA expression signature of BC clinical specimens and identified several downregulated miRNAs (miR-133a, miR-204, miR-1, miR-139-5p, and miR-370). MiR-1 and miR-133a showed potential role of tumour suppressors by functional analyses of BC cells such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion assays. Molecular target searches of these miRNAs showed that transgelin 2 (TAGLN2) was directly regulated by both miR-1 and miR-133a. Silencing of TAGLN2 study demonstrated significant inhibitions of cell proliferation and increase of apoptosis in BC cell lines. The immunohistochemistry showed a positive correlation between TAGLN2 expression and tumour grade in clinical BC specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

The downregulation of miR-1 and miR-133a was a frequent event in BC, and these miRNAs were recognised as tumour suppressive. TAGLN2 may be a target of both miRNAs and had a potential oncogenic function. Therefore, novel molecular networks provided by miRNAs may provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of BC.

Prescription trends for treatment of paediatric gastroenteritis at a Japanese hospital between 1997 and 2007

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate recent trends in prescriptions for the treatment of paediatric gastroenteritis in Japan over a 10-year period (1997-2007).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data for 2295 prescriptions for 1241 putative cases of paediatric gastroenteritis, which were treated between 1997 and 2007 at Hamamatsu University Hospital, Hamamatsu, Japan.

RESULTS

The most frequently prescribed drugs were probiotics (n = 621), followed by anti-emetics (n = 474). In most years between 1997 and 2007, more cases were treated with probiotics than with any other drug type (30.6-63.3% of cases), with the percentage increasing between 2005 and 2007. In contrast, the frequencies of anti-emetic and antipyretic prescriptions remained fairly stable, and prescriptions for antibiotics decreased slightly over the study period. Anti-emetics were commonly used in this hospital.

CONCLUSION

Although experimental evidence upon which to base recommendations is lacking, Japanese evidence-based guidelines are critical for improving the quality of treatment of paediatric gastroenteritis.

A minute virus of canines (MVC: canine bocavirus) isolated from an elderly dog with severe gastroenteritis, and phylogenetic analysis of MVC strains

Two of the three adult dogs kept in a family developed severe gastroenteritis. From the feces of one of the affected dogs a minute virus of canines (MVC) was detected by PCR and virus isolation. That this virus had recently infected the dogs was indicated by high anti-MVC antibody titers of their sera. No other virus commonly associated with canine gastrointestinal disease was implicated. As no previous association of MVC infection and disease in aged dogs had been described, further characterization of the isolated virus was performed to determine if it had unique pathogenic or genetic properties. Experimental infection of adult dogs did not result in clinical disease and comparison of the viral genome with other MVCs did not reveal any novel elements. The American, Japanese and Korean MVC strains studied were closely related to bocaviruses of bovine and human origin, and appeared to have evolved uniquely in the dog population after dividing from the common ancestor of bocaviruses. Further detailed clinical and virological studies are warranted to define the role of MVCs in disease in adult dogs.

Control of cellular adhesiveness in an alginate-based hydrogel by varying peroxidase and H(2)O(2) concentrations during gelation

An aqueous solution of alginate possessing phenolic hydroxyl (Alg-Ph) groups is gellable via a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed oxidative crosslinking reaction between Ph groups, consuming H(2)O(2) as an electron acceptor. This study evaluates the effect of H(2)O(2) and HRP concentrations on cellular adhesiveness and proliferation on the resultant enzymatically crosslinked Alg-Ph gels. After 4h of seeding, 81.1% of L929 fibroblast cells adhere to an Alg-Ph hydrogel prepared with 1 U ml(-1) HRP and 1mM H(2)O(2). Increasing the concentration of H(2)O(2) to 15 mM decreases the percentage of adhering cells to 28.4%. The cellular adhesion at this H(2)O(2) concentration is increased to 82.6% by increasing the HRP concentration to 10 U ml(-1). The cells adhering to the Alg-Ph hydrogels with higher cellular adhesiveness establish a confluent monolayer during 168 h of culture. A cell sheet can then be harvested within 5 min of immersion in a medium containing alginate lyase at 1.0 mg ml(-1). The harvested cell sheet re-adhere, and the cells contained in the sheet proliferate after being transferred to another cell culture dish.

A novel CC-chemokine receptor 3 antagonist, Ki19003, inhibits airway eosinophilia and subepithelial/peribronchial fibrosis induced by repeated antigen challenge in mice

CC-chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) is a chemokine receptor for which major ligands, CC-chemokine ligand (CCL) 11, CCL24, and CCL26, are known to be involved in chemotaxis for eosinophils. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a low molecular weight CCR3-receptor antagonist, Ki19003 (4-[[5-(2,4-dichlorobenzylureido)pentyl][1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]amino]butanoic acid), on airway remodeling in a mouse model of allergic asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized twice by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OA) and exposed daily to 1% OA for 3 weeks. Twenty-four hours after the final antigen challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage and histological examinations were carried out. Ki19003 clearly inhibited antigen-induced increase in the number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), but did not affect the number of other cell types examined in this study. Ki19003 also inhibited the increased production of transforming growth factor-beta1 in BALF and the amount of hydroxyproline in the lungs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Ki19003 significantly attenuated allergen-induced subepithelial and peribronchial fibrosis. These findings indicate that CCR3 antagonism prevents not only the infiltration of eosinophils into the airways but also the development of allergen-induced subepithelial and peribronchial fibrosis. Therefore, a CCR3 antagonist may be useful in the treatment of airway remodeling, especially subepithelial and peribronchial fibrosis, in allergic asthma.

Expression of Six1 homeobox gene during development of the mouse submandibular salivary gland

BACKGROUND

Members of the Six family of homeoproteins are expressed in numerous tissues during vertebrate embryogenesis, and are critical regulators of both cell proliferation and survival. Here we report the temporal and spatial expression of Six1 during maturation of the mouse submandibular salivary gland (SSG) from embryonic day 18.5 (E18.5) to postnatal day 28. Additionally, we examine the role of Six1 during SSG development using Six1-deficient mice.

METHODS

Six1 expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Proliferation was measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation index, and apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL assay.

RESULTS

Six1 mRNA and protein levels are high in the epithelial SSG cells at E18.5 and decrease progressively in the postnatal maturing SSG. Although SSGs from Six1(-/-) embryos are significantly smaller than wild type SSGs, the histological structures of the SSG acini and ducts are similar. Six1(-/-) salivary epithelial cells exhibit an intrinsic defect in cell proliferation accompanied by a significant reduction in the Six1 target gene cyclin A1, previously shown to be a critical mediator of Six1-induced proliferation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the reduction in size of Six1(-/-) SSGs is result of a decrease in cell proliferation during development/maturation.