[Longitudinal assessment of hematological parameters in the elderly]

Red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin level (Hb), hematocrit value (Ht), and white blood cell count (WBC) were determined periodically in 499 subjects (274 males, 225 females) aged 60 and over. RBC, Hb, and Ht showed a significant decrease after 5 years in both younger (60-64) and older (65 and over) male groups, and in the female groups except for the Hb level in the older group. Comparison between the younger and older group (cross-sectional study), revealed that the older male group showed lower levels of RBC, Hb, Ht than the younger male group, but the situation was completely the reverse in the females. No significant age-related changes were observed in WBC, but it was significantly higher in both the younger and older male groups than in the female groups. A significant decline with age was observed in both male and female MCV values. On the contrary, from a cross-sectional standpoint, the MCV values in the older female group were higher than those in the younger group. These findings revealed a completely reverse outcome in some parameters, when studied longitudinally and cross-sectionally. Therefore, the data should be evaluated longitudinally to elucidate the real effect of aging. It is pertinent to apply the WHO criteria (male 13 g/dl, female 12 g/dl) to the diagnosis of anemia of elderly people.

Cytokine gene expression in the mixed lymphocyte culture in allogenic bone marrow transplants as a predictive method for transplantation-related complications

We have investigated cytokine gene expression in the two-way mixed lymphocyte cultures (MLC) enhanced by concanavalin A to assess whether this is a useful predictive method for severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft failure in nine allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) patients. Our present study revealed that increased IL-2, IL-5 and IFN-gamma mRNA expression and IL-2 and IFN-gamma production in the MLC in two cases with severe lethal transplantation-related complications (graft failure and grade III acute GVHD). These findings suggest that increased cytokine mRNA expression and cytokine products in this assay may be predictive of the development of transplantation-related complications.

Increased incidence of unpartnered single chromatids in metaphase II oocytes in 39,X(XO) mice

Since rare cases of sex chromosome anomalies such as XXX and XXY were observed in the offspring of our XO breeder mice, we performed a cytogenetic analysis of metaphase II oocytes of XO mice to determine whether any changes in chromosomal configurations occur. We found a significantly increased incidence of unpartnered single chromatids in metaphase II oocytes of XO mice. Such single chromatids may contribute to embryonic aneuploidy. In addition, the tendency of the X-chromosome to segregate non-randomly to the oocyte rather than to the polar body was confirmed.

Expression of adhesion molecules on human hematopoietic progenitor cells at different maturational stages

In this report we examined the expression of several adhesion molecules on human hematopoietic progenitor cells at different maturational stages. Human hematopoietic progenitor cell-enriched fractions were prepared from bone marrow cells by depleting lymphocytes and monocytes (CD2+, CD14+ and CD19+ cells). These cells were separated into adhesion molecule-positive and -negative cell populations by immunomagnetic separation methods and then assessed for their ability to form various colony forming cells (CFC). CD44 and CD49d were expressed on multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells, or mixed colony forming units (CFU-Mix), erythroid burst forming units (BFU-E), granulocyte-macrophage CFU (CFU-GM) and erythroid CFU (CFU-E). Leu8 was expressed on CFU-Mix, BFU-E and some populations of CFU-GM, but not CFU-E. CD11a was expressed on some populations of CFU-Mix, CFU-GM and BFU-E. CD54 was expressed only on some populations of CFU-GM. These results suggest that Leu8, CD44, CD49d and CD11a appear to play important roles in the differentiation and proliferation of human hematopoietic progenitor cells at different maturational stages in the bone marrow microenvironment.

Evaluation of mixed chimerism by two-step polymerase chain reaction amplification of hypervariable region MCT118 after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

We assessed the origin of peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells of 92 samples obtained from 19 patients after allo BMT by two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of MCT118, one of the variable number of tandem repeat regions (VNTR) which has a different length in 19 of 32 sibling pairs examined, that can detect the DNA pattern of a minor cell population of only 1% without using radioisotopes. Mixed chimerism (MC) was detected in the hematopoietic cells of four patients. Two patients who showed progressive MC developed relapse of leukemia 3 months and 4 months after the detection of MC, and two patients died with bone marrow hypoplasia 61 days and 7 months after BMT. These data suggest the clinical importance of analyzing the correlation of MC and clinical complications after BMT by this method, which can be used to monitor MC in about two thirds of allo BMT patients with an adequate sensitivity.

Effect of herbimycin A, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinase, on protein tyrosine kinase activity and phosphotyrosyl proteins of Ph1-positive leukemia cells

Herbimycin A, a benzoquinonoid anasamycin antibiotic, preferentially inhibited the in vitro growth of Ph1-positive leukemia cell lines. On the other hand, genistein, which was developed as an inhibitor of receptor-type tyrosine kinase, and other protein kinase inhibitors showed no selective inhibition of Ph1-positive leukemia cell growth. Herbimycin A also displayed an abrogative effect on the transformation of murine hematopoietic cells by transfection with a bcr/abl oncoprotein-expressing retroviral vector. The antitumor action of herbimycin A on Ph1-positive leukemia cells is related to an inhibition of activity of bcr/abl protein tyrosine kinase and a subsequent reduction of the constitutive phosphotyrosyl proteins, however, the antibiotic has no effect on the expression of bcr/abl mRNA and oncoprotein. Therefore, herbimycin A may provide an important insight into the oncogenic action of bcr/abl oncoprotein and the future development of oncoprotein-targeted therapeutic agents.

[Clinical application of gene technology to monitor bone marrow transplantation]

We assessed the origin of peripheral blood cells and bone marrow cells obtained from 15 patients after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo BMT) by sensitive two-step polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of MCT118, a variable number of tandem repeats regions (VNTR), that can be used to detect the DNA pattern of a minor cell population of only 1% without using radioisotopes. Mixed chimerism(MC) was detected in the haematopoietic cells of 3 patients. Two patients developed relapse of leukaemia after the detection of MC and one patient died of bone marrow hypoplasia 7 months after BMT. These findings indicate the clinical usefulness of this method to monitor patients with MC. Also, we analyzed cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in patients who underwent allo BMT using a semiquantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of interleukin(IL)-1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA was increased during the development of GVHD and the degree of this increment depended on the severity of the disease. These findings suggest that IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells play an important role in the development of GVHD. Therefore, analysis of MC and cytokine mRNA expression using the PCR technique after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation provide important information for treatment and monitoring of marrow transplant patients.

An antibody for phosphorylated myosin light chain of smooth muscle: application to a biochemical study

An antibody with specificity for the 20 kDa myosin light chain of smooth muscle phosphorylated by myosin light chain kinase was developed. The antibody was raised against the phosphorylated synthetic peptide, Lys-Lys-Arg-Pro-Gln-Arg-Ala-Thr-phospho-Ser-Asn-Val-Phe-Cys (residues 11-22 of the myosin light chain). This antibody only recognized the monophosphorylated myosin light chain at serine 19, i.e., with no detectable recognition of nonphosphorylated or diphosphorylated serine 19 or threonine 18. The specificity was tested by EIA assaying of myosin light chain kinase activity using a 96-well plate coated with the light chain. This EIA system was as sensitive as the radioisotopic method, and the newly developed non-radioisotopic method.

Establishment and characterization of a new Ph1-positive ALL cell line (ALL/MIK) presenting bcr gene rearrangement on bcr-2 and ALL-type bcr/abl transcript: suggestion of in vitro differentiation to monocytoid lineage

A new Ph1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia cell line, designated as ALL/MIK, has been developed from a patient with Ph1-positive acute leukemia. The ALL/MIK cells showed an immunophenotype of common ALL with rearranged JH and Jk genes. The ALL/MIK cells showed no M-bcr rearrangement using Southern blot analysis with either 3' or 5' M-bcr probes, but had the bcr gene rearrangement on bcr-2 within the first intron of the bcr gene. Consistent with this result, the reverse transcriptase-dependent polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay revealed that the ALL/MIK cells contained the transcript derived fusion of the first exon of bcr gene and the second exon of abl gene. Although the ALL/MIK cells were defined as early pre-B cells by immunophenotypical and genotypical analyses, they were capable of differentiating into monocytoid lineage by when cultured with TPA. Furthermore, another Ph1-positive ALL cell line, (TOM-1), was investigated for its ability to differentiate to monocytoid lineage. TOM-1 was also induced to monocytoid lineage by TPA. Thus, the present study suggested that the leukemic transformation in some Ph1-positive ALL may occur at the level of multipotential hematopoietic cells capable of differentiating towards lymphoid and myelo-monocytoid lineage.

Iron responsive element-binding protein (IRE-BP) in leukemic cells: analysis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction

The level of iron responsive element-binding protein (IRE-BP) in leukemic cells, which is essential for iron homeostasis and plays an important role in cell metabolism and cell growth, was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Comparing the levels in different clinical stages, the levels in CML cells in the chronic phase (mean +/- S.E., 0.270 +/- 0.110 U/mg protein, n = 9) and those in AML cells (0.150 +/- 0.104 U/mg) protein, n = 21) were significantly lower than that in normal granulocytes (0.628 +/- 0.216 U/mg protein, n = 9, p < 0.001 vs CML and AML). Analysis of IRE-BP mRNA expression in leukemic cells using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction showed suppressed expression of mRNA as compared to normal bone marrow cells. These observations suggest that there may be dysregulation of IRE-BP expression and production in leukemic cells.

[AIDS-related malignancy]

Although Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) has been considered a rare disease, the disease is well known at present since the onset of AIDS in 1981. The characteristics of AIDS-associated KS are a multifocal, widespread distribution that may involve lymph node, gastrointestinal tract, and visceral organs. KS may be the first sign of HIV-infection, but it can also arise in some patients who lack evidences of immune impairment. The more effective chemotherapy of AIDS-associated KS is low-dose-ABV-combination (adriamycin, bleomycin and vincristine) and its response rate is about 80%-90%. The second cancer that occurred in the AIDS-related immune impairement is malignant lymphoma. Approximately 90% of AIDS-related malignant lymphoma reported have been of high grade, B-cell types, including B immunoblastic type and small non-cleaved cell lymphoma. They have another distinguishing feature that is wide spread extent of disease at presentation, with extranodal involvement recorded in 80% to 90% of all patients. The most common sites of involvement are CNS (central nervous system) (32%), gastrointestinal tract (26%), bone marrow (25%) and liver (12%). It was reported that the median CE4 count in patients with primary-CNS lymphoma was 37 cells/dl, versus 189 cells/dl in those with systemic disease. It is important to note that approximately 17% of leptomeningeal disease is asymptomatic. The recommended treatment of AIDS-associated lymphoma by Levine is a low-dose modification of the M-BACOD (bleomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, dexamethasone, cytosine arabinoside, azidothymidine and helmet field radiotherapy). A complete remission (CR) rate of 46% was achieved. The median survival time of CR patients was 15 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[AIDS and opportunistic virus infections]

The opportunistic herpesvirus infections in AIDS are often life-threatening and the patients have lowered Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T cell cytotoxicity. On the other hand, the asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) carriers have potentially lowered EBV-specific cytotoxic T cell function, which is shown by exposure of the lymphocytes to an immunosuppressive substance. The EBV-specific T cell cytotoxicity may therefore tell the timing to cope with such opportunistic viral infections.

BCR/ABL oncoprotein-targeted antitumor activity of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to bcr/abl mRNA and herbimycin A, an antagonist of protein tyrosine kinase: inhibitory effects on in vitro growth of Ph1-positive leukemia cells and BCR/ABL oncoprotein-associated transformed cells

We investigated whether antisense oligodeoxynucleotides complementary to bcr/abl mRNA or protein kinase antagonists display antitumor activity on Ph1-positive leukemia cell lines. bcr/abl antisense oligomers showed inhibitory effects on the in vitro growth of Ph1-positive leukemia cell lines in liquid culture, and further displayed an inhibitory effect on transformed murine hematopoietic cells using transfection with a retroviral vector expressing P210bcr/abl oncoprotein. However, in vitro treatment with a bcr/abl antisense oligomer did not completely abolish the expression of bcr/abl mRNA and did not display the desired "killing effect" on Ph1-positive leukemia cells. On the other hand, investigation of the effect on Ph1-positive leukemia cells by various types of protein kinase antagonists revealed that herbimycin A, a protein tyrosine kinase antagonist, displays preferential and remarkable suppression of the growth of Ph1-positive leukemia cells and P210bcr/abl associated transformed cells by virtue of suppressing bcr/abl protein tyrosine kinase activity. These results may provide important future insights in developing a new category of antitumor therapy by targeting oncogene products.

In vitro expansion of murine hematopoietic progenitor cells in liquid cultures for bone marrow transplantation: effects of stem cell factor

In this study, we demonstrated that recombinant stem cell factor (SCF), when used in combination with interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-3 and IL-1 plus IL-3, promoted the expansion of immature murine hematopoietic progenitor cells in liquid cultures. In cultures with IL-1 plus IL-3 plus SCF, high proliferative potential-colony forming cells (HPP-CFC) increased 7-8-fold compared with the increase in fresh bone marrow cells, while SCF alone had no effect on the expansion of HPP-CFC. SCF also increased the numbers of colony forming unit-spleen (CFU-S) cells in combination with IL-1 plus IL-3. Transplantation of bone marrow cells cultured with IL-1 plus IL-3 plus SCF resulted in reconstitution of hematopoiesis in lethally irradiated mice earlier than transplantation of fresh bone marrow cells. These results raised the possibility that in vitro expansion of hematopoietic progenitor cells, carried out with SCF in combination with IL-1 and IL-3 in liquid cultures, can be utilized in bone marrow transplantation.

Up-regulation of IL-6-receptors by IL-3 on a plasma cell leukaemia cell line which proliferates dependently on both IL-3 and IL-6

In this report we show that IL-3 up-regulates the expression of IL-6-receptors on a plasma cell leukaemia cell line which proliferates in response to both IL-3 and IL-6. Quantitative binding studies and Scatchard analysis revealed that HSM-2.3 has a single class of high-affinity IL-6 binding sites (200/cell, dissociation constant at the equilibrium 1.43 x 10(-11) M). After stimulation with IL-3, HSM-2.3 has 1200 binding sites. IL-6 receptor mRNA expression was detected in HSM-2.3 only after stimulation with IL-3.

Molecular characterization of the family of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits

cDNA clones for four different N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits (NMDAR2A-NMDAR2D) were isolated through polymerase chain reactions followed by molecular screening of a rat brain cDNA library. These subunits are only about 15% identical with the key subunit of the NMDA receptor (NMDAR1) but are highly homologous (approximately 50% homology) with one another. They also commonly possess large hydrophilic domains at both amino- and carboxyl-terminal sides of the four putative transmembrane segments. NMDAR2A and NMDAR2C expressed individually in Xenopus oocytes showed no electrophysiological response to agonists. However, these subunits in combined expression with NMDAR1 markedly potentiated the NMDAR1 activity and produced functional variability in the affinity of agonists, the effectiveness of antagonists, and the sensitivity to Mg2+ blockade. Thus, NMDAR1 is essential for the function of the NMDA receptor, and multiple NMDAR2 subunits potentiate and differentiate the function of the NMDA receptor by forming different heteromeric configurations with NMDAR1. Northern blotting and in situ hybridization analyses revealed that the expressions of individual mRNAs for the NMDAR2 subunits overlap in some brain regions but are also specialized in many other regions. This investigation demonstrates the anatomical and functional differences of the NMDAR2 subunits, which provide the molecular basis for the functional diversity of the NMDA receptor.

Alteration of Ca2+ permeability and sensitivity to Mg2+ and channel blockers by a single amino acid substitution in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays an important role in glutamate-mediated neuronal plasticity and neurotoxicity in the central nervous system. This receptor is composed of a fundamental subunit (NMDAR1) and its potentiating subunits (NMDAR2A-NMDAR2D). The NMDA receptor is distinct from other glutamate receptor channels because of its high Ca2+ permeability and inhibition by selective cationic channel blockers such as Mg2+, Zn2+, and MK-801. In this study, we investigated the structural features that control Ca2+ permeation and channel blockade of the NMDA receptor by in vitro mutagenesis and expression in Xenopus oocytes. We constructed a series of mutations with single amino acid substitutions in the second transmembrane segment of NMDAR1 and examined channel properties of the resultant mutants in combined expression with the NMDAR2A subunit. Substitution of the asparagine with either glutamine or arginine altered both the Ca2+ permeability and the sensitivity to blockades by Mg2+ and MK-801. These mutations also reduced the inhibitory effects of Zn2+ and an antidepressant, desipramine. Based on these results, we concluded that an asparagine ring formed in the central part of the channel-forming second transmembrane segments plays a critical role in determining the Ca2+ permeability and the inhibition of open channel blockers.

Cytosolic free magnesium concentration in human platelets

Although the magnesium ion (Mg2+) is considered to play an important role in cell activation, information is limited by the lack of suitable methods for measuring cytosolic free Mg2+ concentration ([Mg2+]i). We measured [Mg2+]i in resting and activated human platelets using a new fluorescent Mg(2+)-indicator, mag-fura-2. [Mg2+]i was 0.54 +/- 0.14 mM in resting platelets from 15 healthy volunteers. [Mg2+]i was elevated to 1.33 +/- 0.44 mM and 0.92 +/- 0.37 mM in platelets stimulated with thrombin and collagen, respectively. Increased Mg2+ was considered to be derived chiefly from intracellular Mg2+ mobilization. These results suggest that platelet activation is associated with the increase in [Mg2+]i. The estimation of [Mg2+]i using this method is useful for the investigation of mechanism for various cell activation.

Cloning, expression, and characterization of the Micromonospora viridifaciens neuraminidase gene in Streptomyces lividans

We have cloned the Micromonospora viridifaciens neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18) gene (nedA) in Streptomyces lividans. This was accomplished by using the vector pIJ702 and BglII-BclI libraries of M. viridifaciens chromosomal inserts created in S. lividans. The libraries were screened for the expression of neuraminidase by monitoring the cleavage of the fluorogenic neuraminidase substrate 2'-(4-methylumbelliferyl)-alpha-D-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. Positive clones (BG6, BG7, BC4, and BC8) contained the identical 2-kb BclI-BglII fragment and expressed neuraminidase efficiently and constitutively using its own promoter in the heterologous host. From the nucleotide sequence analysis, an open reading frame of 1,941 bp which encodes a polypeptide with an M(r) of 68,840 was detected. The deduced amino acid sequence has five Asp boxes, -Ser-X-Asp-X-Gly-X-Thr-Trp, showing great similarity to other bacterial and viral neuraminidases. We have also identified the catalytic domain by using truncated proteins produced in S. lividans.

Comparative effects of protein phosphatase inhibitors (okadaic acid and calyculin A) on human leukemia HL60, HL60/ADR and K562 cells

Inhibitors of protein phosphatases 1/2A (okadaic acid and calyculin A) exhibited differential cytotoxicity toward three human leukemia cell lines, in an increasing order of resistance, HL60 less than HL60/ADR less than K562 cells. Cytotoxicity of the toxins was associated with marked mitotic arrest of the cells, characterized by chromatid scattering/overcondensation and abnormal mitotic spindles. In all cases, calyculin A was more potent than okadaic acid. Protein phosphorylation experiments in intact cells revealed that HL60/ADR, the adriamycin-resistant variant, showed a higher overall phosphorylation of nuclear proteins than the drug-sensitive parental HL60, and that phorbol ester (protein kinase C activator) and calyculin A appeared to more specifically stimulate phosphorylation of p66 and p60, respectively. It was suggested that the toxins might be useful in delineating mechanisms underlying certain properties of cancer cells (such as multidrug resistance, mitosis and differentiation) related to protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation reactions.

Argininosuccinate synthetase gene expression in leukemias: potential diagnostic marker for blastic crisis of chronic myelocytic leukemia

Argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS) activity is hardly detected in human lymphocytes. In this study, we examined the ASS gene expression of various leukemia cells by a polymerase-chain-reaction method. We demonstrate here that (a) acute lymphocytic and acute myelocytic leukemia cells exhibit the highly elevated expression of the ASS gene and (b) chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) in blastic crisis also exhibits the increase of ASS gene expression while CML in chronic phase, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and adult T leukemia cells show the similar level to that of normal lymphocytes. These results suggest that the ASS gene expression is of value as a diagnostic marker of acute type leukemia, particularly for blastic crisis of CML.

Characterization of the subunits and sugar moiety of human placental and leukemic beta-glucuronidase

beta-Glucuronidase purified from human placenta and chronic myelogenous leukemic cells was composed of three components of 18, 64 and 80 kDa, though the relative contents of the components were different between the sources. Analysis of their N-terminal amino-acid sequences showed that the 18-kDa and 64-kDa components were derived from the 80-kDa component by cleavage between Val159 and Gly160. Furthermore, the enzyme was found to be glycosylated at Asn173 and Asn420 with high mannose-type oligosaccharides, based on the electrophoretic mobility of the components as well as the endopeptidic peptides before and after endoglycosidase treatment. The enzyme purified from leukemic cells was poorly phosphorylated by N-acetylglucosamine 1-phosphotransferase as compared to the placental enzyme.

Decreased estradiol receptor concentrations in ethionine-induced fatty liver of rats

Ethionine, a methionine analogue, induces fatty liver in rats. The mechanism by which ethionine induces fatty liver is thought to be due to the inhibition of synthesis of very-low-density lipoprotein. Since the synthesis of lipoprotein is correlated with liver estradiol receptor concentrations, we examined the effect of ethionine on estradiol receptor concentrations in rat liver. Estradiol receptor concentrations in both cytosolic and nuclear fractions were greatly decreased by a single injection of ethionine at a dose of 0.5 mg/g body wt. In particular, the decrease in nuclear receptor concentrations was observed a few hours after the injection and correlated with the decrease in triglyceride content in the very-low-density lipoprotein fraction. These results suggest that liver estradiol receptor is involved in the pathogenesis of ethionine-induced fatty liver of rats.