Treatment of acute right coronary artery occlusion during anesthesia

PURPOSE

Perioperative coronary artery occlusion is a potentially dangerous complication causing myocardial infarction and circulatory collapse. We report a case showing severe ST segment depression in leads II and V5 during anesthesia. Diltiazem and nifedipine, but not nitroglycerine, partially improved the ST changes which were normalized by a percutaneous cardiopulmonary system (PCPS).

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 71-yr-old man with cerebrovascular disease was scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Past medical history included myocardial infarction due to right coronary artery (RCA) occlusion. Both the femoral artery and vein were cannulated percutaneously before operation and the PCPS was prepared as a back-up system. Depression of the ST segments in leads V5 and II was observed following heparinization. Although hemodynamic stability was maintained with continuous infusion of catecholamines, the ST changes were not improved by intravenous nitroglycerine. Intravenous diltiazem followed by nasal nifedipine partially improved the ST changes. The changes were normalized after induction of PCPS. No neurological complications were observed. The postoperative coronary angiography confirmed the total occlusion of RCA.

CONCLUSION

Calcium channel blockers were more effective than nitroglycerine in treating perioperative ST depression. However, none of them produced complete reversal of the ischemic changes which were normalized with PCPS.

Discrete correlation processor as a building core of a digital optical computing system: architecture and optoelectronic embodiment

In this paper we present a general-purpose discrete correlation processor (DCP) expected to be the building core block of a digital optical computing system. The DCP-1 is embodied by optoelectronic devices such as a VCSEL and a complementary metal-oxide silicon photodetector. The application targets of the DCP-1 are optical interconnection and various types of digital optical computing. It is expected that digital optical computing techniques coupled with the optoelectronic technology will provide large capability and flexibility in information processing. Introduction of a processing scheme of optical array logic enlarges the applicable field of the DCP-1 as well as its processing capability. With the experimental DCP-1 a bit error rate smaller than 10(-9) was obtained for A . B? operation under a 500-kHz clock rate.

Umbilical reconstruction after repair of omphalocele and gastroschisis

This article presents our technique of umbilical reconstruction after the repair of omphalocele and gastroschisis. We have treated 8 patients with an average follow-up period of 13 months (range, 6 approximately 24 months). No major complications have occurred; minor complications have included delayed wound healing, decreased umbilical depth, and hematoma. Our procedure is especially useful for patients who have a midline abdominal scar and relatively intact bilateral rectus abdominis muscles. Most of the patients and their parents have been satisfied with the results of umbilical reconstruction.

Repair of mild umbilical hernia

A mild, persistent umbilical hernia that does not cause any functional problem is often ignored. The authors have devised a new technique to treat the mild, protrusive deformity of the umbilicus without associated complications. In this report, the new operative procedure is introduced. The authors have treated 72 patients with this method and have obtained good results.

[Suggestions and propositions to resolve some issues for standardization of prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time]

Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), popularized as a routine assay for screening blood coagulation disorders and monitoring anticoagulant therapy, still involve some issues regarding standardization. In this lecture, we present propositions to resolve these problems in respective laboratory. Although international normalized ratio (INR) calculated by international sensitivity index (ISI) of PT reagent seems to improve discrepancy of sensitivity between reagents, local calibration of sensitivity of PT reagent in respective laboratories (local SI) is reasonable to make INR/ISI system more useful. However, local calibration of reagent is not easy by WHO recommended method in a small size laboratory. By using AK calibrant (IMMUNO AG), one of calibration plasma for INR, we investigated its possibility to calibrate local SI in four different reagents, compared with the recommended methodology. The results led the following process to determine reagent and calibrate local SI for practical use of INR/ISI system. (a) Use PT reagent of which ISI is close to 1.0 if possible, and utilize manufacture's ISI as is for INR. (b) Select PT reagent labeled specific ISI for an instrument as the same as used in the lab., and use the manufacture's ISI as is, if impossible to choose small ISI reagent. (c) If use a reagent of which ISI is close to 2.0 and shown no specific ISI for used detector, adjustment of local SI by commercial calibration plasma is recommended when unavailable warfarinized patient plasma. In APTT, we attempted to evaluate sensitivity between five different APTT reagents with a patient model by hemophilia A plasma contained various FVIII: C. This model reflected difference of sensitivity between reagents in results. Because standardization of APTT is not improved in this point, certification of APTT pattern in each laboratories with patient models is required for not only monitoring of heparinization, but also screening of typical coagulation disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease.

The nonpeptide alpha-eudexp6l from Juniperus virginiana Linn. (Cupressaceae) inhibits omega-agatoxin IVA-sensitive Ca2+ currents and synaptosomal 45Ca2+ uptake

Recently, the omega-agatoxin IVA (omega-Aga-IVA)-sensitive Ca2+ channel has been demonstrated to play an important role in the physiological neurotransmitter release in mammalian nerve terminals. In this study, we demonstrate that alpha-eudesmol from Juniperus virginiana Linn. (Cupressaceae) inhibits omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channels in rat brain synaptosomes and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Thirty millimolar KCl-induced 45Ca2+ uptake into the synaptosomes was inhibited by omega-Aga-IVA but insensitive to omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX-GVIA, N-type Ca2+ channel blocker) and nicardipine (L-type Ca2+ channel blocker). We found that alpha-eudesmol concentration-dependently inhibited the above synaptosomal 45Ca2+ uptake with an IC50 value of 2.6 microM. Co-treatment with alpha-eudesmol and omega-Aga-IVA did not cause any additive inhibitory effect against the synaptosomal 45Ca2+ uptake. Using the whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological technique, we further demonstrated that alpha-eudesmol concentration-dependently inhibited omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channel currents recorded from Purkinje cells with an IC50 value of 3.6 microM. The current-voltage relationship of the omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channel currents was not changed by alpha-eudesmol. On the other hand, alpha-eudesmol also displayed an inhibitory effect on N-type Ca2+ channel currents recorded from differentiated NG108-15 cells with an IC50 value of 6.6 microM. However, alpha-eudesmol had little inhibitory effect on L-type Ca2+ channel currents. Thus, the present data indicated that alpha-eudesmol is a potent nonpeptidergic compound which blocks the presynaptic omega-Aga-IVA-sensitive Ca2+ channel with relative selectivity.

Perioperative fractionated high-dose rate brachytherapy for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors

PURPOSE

To investigate the viability of perioperative fractionated HDR brachytherapy for malignant bone and soft tissue tumors, analyzing the influence of surgical margin.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From July 1992 through May 1996, 16 lesions of 14 patients with malignant bone and soft tissue tumors (3 liposarcomas, 3 MFHs, 2 malignant schwannomas, 2 chordomas, 1 osteosarcoma, 1 leiomyosarcoma, 1 epithelioid sarcoma, and 1 synovial sarcoma) were treated at the Osaka University Hospital. The patients' ages ranged from 14 to 72 years (median: 39 years). Treatment sites were the pelvis in 6 lesions, the upper limbs in 5, the neck in 4, and a lower limb in 1. The resection margins were classified as intracapsular in 5 lesions, marginal in 5, and wide in 6. Postoperative fractionated HDR brachytherapy was started on the 4th-13th day after surgery (median: 6th day). The total dose was 40-50 Gy/7-10 fr/4-7 day (bid) at 5 or 10 mm from the source. Follow-up periods were between 19 and 46 months (median: 30 months).

RESULTS

Local control rates were 75% at 1 year and 48% in 2 years, and ultimate local control was achieved in 8 (50%) of 16 lesions. Of the 8 uncontrolled lesions, 5 (63%) had intracapsular (macroscopically positive) resection margins, and all the 8 controlled lesions (100%) had marginal (microscopically positive) or wide (negative) margins. Of the total, 3 patients died of both tumor and metastasis, 3 of metastasis alone, 1 of tumor alone, and 7 showed no evidence of disease. Peripheral nerve palsy was seen in one case after this procedure, but no infection or delayed wound healing caused by tubing or irradiation has occurred.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative fractionated HDR brachytherapy is safe, well tolerated, and applicable to marginal or wide surgical margin cases.

Infantile fibrosarcoma. Report of two cases

We present two cases of infantile fibrosarcoma, one of which was thought to be a congenital tumour on the thigh and was initially diagnosed as a haemangioma, and the other was a tumour on the trunk. Although both recurred locally after initial surgical treatment, wide local re-excision controlled the disease without adjuvant treatment.

Estimation of left ventricular contractile performance in atrial fibrillation: experimental and clinical studies

There are few studies regarding the assessment of left ventricular contractile function in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to assess the left ventricular (LV) contractile function, i.e., the end-systolic pressure-volume relation (Ees) and a recently developed LV systolic myocardial stiffness constant (Ksm), without load manipulation in AF. In an experimental study of acute AF in dogs (n = 5), we were able to assess these indexes of the LV contractile function during acute AF, and found that the values were similar to those obtained during occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) at the baseline state. During rapid ventricular pacing (140 or 160 bpm), the indices of LV contractile function increased due to the force-frequency relation (4.56 +/- 1.85, Ees baseline; 6.42 +/- 2.54*+, Ees pacing; 5.15 +/- 2.01 mmHg/ml, Ees AF; *P < 0.05 vs baseline, +P < 0.05 vs. AF)(4.73 +/- 0.48, Ksm baseline; 6.24 +/- 1.12*+, Ksm pacing; 3.99 +/- 1.14, Ksm AF; *P < 0.05 vs baseline, +P < 0.05 vs AF). In a study of chronic clinical AF in patients without heart disease (lone AF, n = 7), the indexes of LV contractile function were preserved compared with those of control patients (CTL, n = 10) obtained during IVC occlusion; the values were decreased in patients with both AF and dilated cardiomyopathy (AFDCM, n = 5)(2.5 +/- 1.1, Ees CTL; 2.4 +/- 0.4, Ees lone AF; 1.1 +/- 0.3 mmHg/ml*+, Ees AFDCM; *P < 0.05 vs CTL, +P < 0.05 vs lone AF)(5.3 +/- 1.8, Ksm CTL; 4.9 +/- 1.6, Ksm lone AF; 2.7 +/- 0.2*+, Ksm AFDCM; *P < 0.05 vs CTL, +P < 0.05 vs lone AF). Thus, during acute AF in dogs and in chronic AF patients, LV contractile function was assessed without load manipulation. In both the acute AF dogs and the chronic lone AF patients, LV contractile function was preserved, and in the AFDCM patients it was depressed.

Novel formula for cell kinetics in xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma using histologically calculable parameters

The growth rate of tumors should be assessed in terms of both tumor cell proliferation and death. The former is considered to be determined by growth fraction and cell-cycle time, whereas the latter is mainly determined by apoptosis, especially in tumors with a low level of necrosis. While most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in a relatively early stage contain only a small amount of necrosis, the growth rate supposedly depends mainly on growth fraction, cell-cycle time, and apoptosis. However, their quantitative relationship remains unknown. We have derived a novel theoretical formula for determining this relationship in nonnecrotic HCC, using Ki-67-positive index, apoptotic score, and a correction factor, all calculable by histological assessment without injecting labeling agents. Furthermore, we confirmed the reliability of this formula, using a xenograft model of human HCC with less than 15% necrosis. In this model the values of cell-cycle time calculated from the formula were very close to those estimated by a conventional double-labeling method and showed high correlations. Since our novel formula can clarify the cell kinetics without cumbersome labeling procedures, it is expected to be clinically applicable to HCC with a small portion of necrosis, using the radiographically measured growth rate and the histologically assessed cell kinetic parameters.

Full-thickness skin graft from the ulnar aspect of the wrist to cover defects on the hand and digits

Skin defects on the volar surface of the hand and digits are commonly treated with skin grafts. Many donor sites capable of providing adequate skin have already been reported. Ideal conditions for the donor site depend on skin color, texture, durability, and size. The authors describe the use of a new donor site for harvesting skin grafts to repair relatively small skin defects on the hand and digits. They used full-thickness skin grafts from the ulnar aspect of the wrist to reconstruct burn contractures and syndactyly in 20 patients. Their grafts provided an ideal color and texture match, and normal function of the hand and digits was restored. The donor site was closed directly, and the resulting scar was inconspicuous.

The effects of preanesthetic oral clonidine on total requirement of propofol for general anesthesia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of preanesthetic oral clonidine on total propofol requirement for uniform minor surgery (breast conservative surgery: breast cancer removal with axillary lymph node dissection), and to compare the action of clonidine with that of preanesthetic oral diazepam, a commonly used benzodiazepine.

DESIGN

Randomized double-blinded study.

SETTING

Operating room ASA physical status I and II room and recovery room of the cancer center.

PATIENTS

80 breast cancer patients scheduled for surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to one of four treatment groups (placebo, clonidine 75 micrograms, or 150 micrograms of clonidine, or 10 mg of diazepam were orally administered 60 min before induction of anesthesia); n = 20 per group. After evaluating the sedation and anxiety levels of patients using a visual analog scale, anesthesia was induced with propofol (1.5 mg/kg), and maintained with oxygen (O2): nitrous oxide (N2O) (30:70) with a continuous infusion of propofol. The propofol infusion was started at 10 mg/kg/h for 10 minutes, then decreased to 8 mg/kg/h, and 6 mg/kg/h thereafter, and the rate of infusion was adjusted to obtain adequate anesthesia (maintaining hemodynamic parameters within 20% of that prior to premedication). Fentanyl 0.2 mg (each 0.1 mg was given for intubation and axillary lymph node dissection, respectively) was administered.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Preanesthetic oral clonidine (150 micrograms) and diazepam (10 mg) induced anxiolysis without sedation. The total requirement (the mean infusion rates) of propofol in placebo, clonidine 75 micrograms, clonidine 150 micrograms, and 10 mg of diazepam groups were 841 +/- 70 (9.0 +/- 0.3), 720 +/- 63 (7.1 +/- 0.4), 491 +/- 39 (5.6 +/- 0.2), and 829 +/- 77 mg (7.9 +/- 0.4 mg/kg/h), respectively. The cost of propofol in these groups was $51.0 +/- 3.8, $45.5 +/- 3.2, $33.5 +/- 2.3, and $50.5 +/- 4.4, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preanesthetic oral clonidine (150 micrograms) but not diazepam (10 mg) reduced the total requirement of propofol while stabilizing hemodynamic parameters. In addition, 150 micrograms of oral clonidine attenuates the hemodynamic responses associated with tracheal intubation.

Extrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma arising from the left hepatic duct

A 54-year-old man, who had no clinical symptoms, underwent a routine health checkup at our hospital. Abdominal ultrasonography disclosed a well demarcated tumor containing a solid portion occupying the dilated left hepatic duct and a cystic portion expanding into the parenchyma of the left hepatic lobe, with mild dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. These findings were later confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed a complete defect at the level of the left hepatic duct, while drip infusion cholangiographic-CT (DIC-CT) disclosed a defect of the left hepatic duct only, with the distal portions of the left intrahepatic ducts being visualized on the image. Hepatic angiography revealed light stains in the solid portion in the parenchymal phase. At left lobectomy, a multiloculated polyp-like tumor was found arising from the left hepatic duct and expanding into the parenchyma of the left hepatic lobe. Microscopically, all the lining cells in the cysts and the tumor cells in the solid portion showed the features of papillary adenocarcinoma. In this patient with extrahepatic biliary cystadenocarcinoma, DIC-CT was useful in identifying the site of origin of the tumor, and hepatic angiography was also useful in differentiating this rare malignant tumor from benign cystadenoma.

Effects of ADP and low ATP on the Ca(2+)-sensitive transient contraction upon photolysis of caged ATP in rat muscle fibres: a study on the Bremel-Weber type cooperation

Caged ATP was photolysed in rat psoas fibres under various conditions to examine whether ADP plays a special role in the 'Bremel-Weber type cooperation', viz. the Ca(2+)-like action of the rigor cross-bridges. Various concentrations of ATP (0.25-1.6 mM) were photoreleased in the presence of various concentrations of ADP (0-0.4 mM) at approximately 8 or 20 degrees C. The Ca2+ concentration was set at around 0.2 microM in order that the ATP-induced contraction was significant but short. Both lower [ATP] and higher [ADP] resulted in a slower detachment of the rigor cross-bridges and a larger contraction after the detachment. ADP did not seem to affect the relationship between the rate of detachment and the size of the Ca(2+)-sensitive component of the subsequent contraction. It is concluded that there is little evidence that the ADP-bound rigor cross-bridges are more potent than the nucleotide-free ones in the Bremel-Weber type cooperation that is seen in the ATP-induced transient contraction. The mechanism by which the ADP-specific, Ca(2+)-independent contraction occurs immediately after the release of ATP remains to be clarified.

Liquid refractometry by the rainbow method

A new method for measuring the refractive index of liquid, proposed in a previous paper [Appl. Opt. 36, 5552-5556 (1997)], has been developed. The minimum deviation of a laser beam deflected by a liquid-filled cylindrical cell was calculated by use of geometric optics. These theoretical results were compared with experimental results, with excellent agreement. As a result, the unknown refractive index of a liquid could be obtained by use of a computer calculation to give a best fit. The computer calculation showed that the sensitivity of the refractometer increases with the cell-wall thickness until total reflection takes place. A small refractive-index difference can be detected within a precision of 1 x 10(-6) by use of a metal-oxide semiconductor linear image sensor. We show how to calibrate the refractometer with pure water at 3.98 degrees C.

5 Gy irradiation does not alter the expression level of WT1 (Wilms tumor gene) in K562 and ML1

Recently, Wilm's Tumor gene (WT1) has been identified as a predisposing indicator for the activity of leukemia. To know the influence of irradiation on the expression level of WT1, we examined changes in WT1 expression after 5 Gy of irradiation of the K562 and ML1 cell lines (lymphoblastic cell lines). 48 hours after irradiation we could not find any alteration in the expression of WT1 at the mRNA and protein levels. Therefore, our results indicate that 5 Gy of irradiation does not induce differentiation of the leukemia cells.

Primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma growing rapidly and causing right ventricular outflow obstruction

Leiomyosarcomas are extremely rare primary cardiac tumors. We report a rapidly growing primary leiomyosarcoma of the right ventricle, which obstructed the right ventricular outflow tract within one month after symptom onset in a 68-year-old man. Two-dimensional echocardiography was useful in diagnosing the extent and progression of the tumor. The tumor was surgically resected on an emergency basis, and the right ventricle and pulmonary artery were successfully reconstructed. Recurrence of the tumor on the right ventricle was observed, and the patient was overcome by sudden dyspnea and died three months after surgery.

High dose rate versus low dose rate interstitial radiotherapy for carcinoma of the floor of mouth

PURPOSE

Patients with cancer of the floor of mouth are treated with radiation because of functional and cosmetic reasons. We evaluate the treatment results of high dose rate (HDR) and low dose rate (LDR) interstitial radiation for cancer of the floor of mouth.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

From January 1980 through March 1996, 41 patients with cancer of the floor of mouth were treated with LDR interstitial radiation using 198Au grains, and from April 1992 through March 1996 16 patients with HDR interstitial radiation. There were 26 T1 tumors, 30 T2 tumors, and 1 T3 tumor. For 21 patients treated with interstitial radiation alone, a total radiation dose of interstitial therapy was 60 Gy/10 fractions/6-7 days in HDR and 85 Gy within 1 week in LDR. For 36 patients treated with a combination therapy, a total dose of 30 to 40 Gy of external radiation and a total dose of 48 Gy/8 fractions/5-6 days in HDR or 65 Gy within 1 week in LDR were delivered.

RESULTS

Two- and 5-year local control rates of patients treated with HDR interstitial radiation were 94% and 94%, and those with LDR were 75% and 69%, respectively. Local control rate of patients treated with HDR brachytherapy was slightly higher than that with 198Au grains (p = 0.113). For late complication, bone exposure or ulcer occurred in 6 of 16 (38%) patients treated with HDR and 13 of 41 (32%) patients treated with LDR.

CONCLUSION

HDR fractionated interstitial brachytherapy can be an alternative to LDR brachytherapy for cancer of the floor of mouth and eliminate radiation exposure for the medical staff.

Tongue cancer treated with brachytherapy: is thickness of tongue cancer a prognostic factor for regional control?

BACKGROUND

We aimed to investigate the predisposing factor for lymph node metastasis and examine the influence of thickness for lymph node recurrence in oral tongue cancer.

METHODS

We analysed 254 patients with early oral tongue cancer (T1-2N0) who were treated with brachytherapy from 1967 through 1985.

RESULTS

T category (p = 0.005), and thickness (p = 0.04) were identified as a significant predisposing factors for neck failure. 50%, 40% and 30% were the incidences of lymph node metastasis for patients with thickness of tumor more than 11 mm, 6-10 mm and 5 mm or less. Furthermore, T category (largest diameter of lesion) correlates strongly to thickness of tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Although it is not an independent factor, thickness is a significant predisposing factor for lymph node metastasis.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia with rapidly increasing proptosis due to a mucocele behind the globe

A 16-year-old male with fibrous dysplasia, in which rapidly increasing proptosis of the left eye was induced by a mucocele behind the globe, is reported. The mucocele was removed and the expanded bone was completely recontoured back to normal dimensions with the aid of an acrylic skull replica fabricated preoperatively by laser lithography on the basis of computed tomographic data. The result was satisfactory and no recurrence of bony swelling or proptosis has been detected for 2 years and 9 months.

Angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma as evaluated by CD34 immunohistochemistry

To clarify the relationship between angiogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis on progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we quantitatively evaluated angiogenesis by CD34 immunohistochemistry in liver cirrhosis (LC), adenomatous hyperplasia (AH), and HCC, and proliferative activity estimated by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Angiogenesis was evaluated by CD34 immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody HPCA-2, and tumor proliferative activity was evaluated using monoclonal antibody MIB-1. We used an image analysis system to assess the microvessel density as the area percentage of the endothelial area. Angiogenesis was generally observed in HCC and there was no significant difference among all clinical stages and histological grades of HCC. On the other hand, the staining of CD34 was partly observed in sinusoids of AH, although no positive staining was seen in any sinusoids of LC. The proliferative activity was significantly correlated with the clinical stage and histological grade of HCC. Our results indicate that the quantitation of angiogenesis does not provide significant prognostic information in HCC, but that it may have diagnostic value in distinguishing HCC from non-HCC. Meanwhile, AH, which is not morphologically diagnosed as cancer, shows positive staining for CD34, suggesting that some portion of AH contains cancerous characteristics.

Suppressive effect of globin digest on postprandial hyperlipidemia in male volunteers

We have reported previously that various edible protein digests inhibit dietary hyperlipidemia in mice, rats, pigs and dogs. Of the various digests tested, globin digest had the most potent inhibitory activity, and a tetrapeptide extracted from globin digest, Val-Val-Tyr-Pro, had activity 7000-fold greater than that of the parent digest. In this clinical study, we investigated the influence of globin digest on serum chylomicron triglyceride concentrations as an indicator of the effect of globin digest on fat absorption and catabolism in humans. Parallel and crossover trials were conducted in which men consumed a control high fat diet (25 g fat, 7.6 g carbohydrate, 1.9 g protein and 0.7 g sodium chloride) or the same diet supplemented with globin digest. The supplemented dosages were 1 and 4 g globin digest. In the parallel trial, 22 men were divided into three groups: control, globin digest 1 g and globin digest 4 g. The increases in chylomicron triglyceride concentrations at 1 h after ingestion of 1 or 4 g globin digest were significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. The crossover trial involved six subjects who consumed the control high fat diet and the same diet supplemented with 4 g globin digest. Serum chylomicron triglyceride levels increased in both groups at 1 and 2 h after ingestion, but when subjects consumed 4 g globin digest the increases were suppressed to 75 (P < 0.05) and 42% (P < 0.05) of the increases in controls at the corresponding times, respectively. The areas under the curves of chylomicron and serum total triglyceride concentrations during the 4 h after ingestion of 4 g globin digest were 46 (P < 0.05) and 34% (P < 0.05) lower, respectively, than when the men consumed the high fat control diet. In these trials, globin digest reduced the increase in serum chylomicron triglyceride concentrations as a result of the ingestion of a high fat diet. This hypotriglyceridemic effect of globin digest may be valuable for preventing obesity and in lowering the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Overexpression of GML promotes radiation-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Expression of the GML gene is regulated in a p53-dependent manner and is correlated with the sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to anti-cancer drugs. To clarify the effect of GML expression on the sensitivity of cancer cells to ionizing radiation treatment, we established cell lines derived from p53-mutant human osteosarcoma HOS and esophageal carcinoma TE10 lines in which GML expression can be induced using the tetracycline-regulable system. Colony formation assay showed that the growth of cells expressing GML are inhibited in response to ionizing radiation, whereas cells not expressing GML were resistant to irradiation. Further investigation demonstrated that GML expression enhances G2/M arrest and apoptosis induced by gamma-irradiation. These results suggest that GML sensitizes cancer cells to ionizing radiation.