Genistein induces Gadd45 gene and G2/M cell cycle arrest in the DU145 human prostate cancer cell line

Genistein is the most abundant isoflavone of soybeans and has been shown to cause growth arrest in various human cancer cell lines. However, the precise mechanism for this is still unclear. We report here that the growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible gene 45 (gadd45) gene is induced by genistein via its promoter in a DU145 human prostate cancer cell line. The binding of transcription factor nuclear factor-Y to the CCAAT site of the gadd45 promoter appears to be important for this activation by genistein.

The LET spectra at different penetration depths along secondary9C and11C beams

Owing to the potentially therapeutic enhancement of delayed particles in treating malignant diseases by radioactive 9C-ion beam, LET spectra at different penetration depths for a 9C beam with 5% momentum spread, produced in the secondary beam line (SBL) at HIMAC, were measured with a multi-wire parallel-plate proportional counter. To compare these LET spectra with those of a therapeutic 12C beam under similar conditions, the 12C beam was replaced with an 11C beam, yielded in the SBL as well and having almost the same range as that of the 9C beam. The LET spectra of the 9C beam and its counterpart, i.e. the 11C beam, at various depths were compared, especially around the Bragg peak regions. The results show that nearby the Bragg peak lower LET components decreased in the LET spectra of the 9C beam while extra components between the LET peak caused by the primary beam and the lower components due to the fragments could be observed. These additional contributions in the LET spectra could be attributed to parts of the emitted particles from the radioactive 9C ions with suitable conditions regarding the LET counter. Integrating these LET spectra in different manners, depth-dose and dose-averaged LET distributions were obtained for the 9C and 11C beams, forming the basic data sets for further studies. In general, the depth-dose distributions of the 9C and 11C beams are comparative, i.e. almost the same peak-to-plateau ratio. The ratio for the 9C beam, however, has room to increase due to the geometric structure limitation of the present detector. The dose-averaged LETs along the beam penetration are always lower for the 9C beam than for the 11C beam except at the falloff region beyond the Bragg peak. Applying the present depth-dose and dose-averaged LET data sets as well as the essential radiobiological parameters obtained with 12C beams previously for HSG cells, an estimate concerning the HSG cell surviving effects along the penetration of the 9C and 11C beams shows that lower survival fractions for the 9C beam at the distal part of the Bragg peak, corresponding to the stopping region of the incoming 9C ions, can be expected when the same entrance dose is given. It is still hard to appreciate the potential of 9C beams in cancer therapy based on the present LET spectrum measurement, but it provides a substantial basis for upcoming radiobiological experiments.

Brain activity during distention of the descending colon in humans

Brain-gut interaction is considered to be a major factor in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome. However, only limited information has been provided on the influence of gastrointestinal tract stimulation on the brain. Our aim in this study was to determine the specific regions of the brain that are responsible for visceral perception and emotion provoked by distention of the descending colon in humans. Fifteen healthy males aged 22 +/- 1 participated in this study. Using a colonoscope, a balloon was inserted into the descending colon of each subject. After sham stimulation, the colon was randomly stimulated with bag pressures of 20 and 40 mmHg, and regional cerebral blood flow was measured by [(15)O] positron emission tomography. The subjects were asked to report visceral perception and emotion using an ordinate scale of 0-10. Colonic distention pressure dependently induced visceral perception and emotion, which significantly correlated with activation of specific regions of the brain including the prefrontal, anterior cingulate, parietal cortices, insula, pons, and the cerebellum. In conclusion, distention of the descending colon induces visceral perception and emotion. These changes significantly correlate with activation of specific regions in the brain including the limbic system and the association cortex, especially the prefrontal cortex.

Flow cytometric detection of cell-associated interleukin-8 in alveolar macrophages in vivo from patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and sarcoidosis

In comparison with neutrophil-mediated lung diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, the involvement of IL-8 in lymphocyte-mediated lung diseases has not been fully investigated. Several reports have shown a slight increase in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) IL-8 in patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and sarcoidosis (SAR), but the source of the IL-8 has not been clarified. In the present study, the in vivo production of IL-8 by alveolar macrophages (AMs) is examined in these patients by analyzing the cell-associated IL-8, using the flow cytometric method adopted previously. The IL-8 levels in the epithelial lining fluid (ELF) were also assessed. Initially, slight, but significant, increased levels of ELF IL-8 in HP and SAR were confirmed. Using flow cytometric analysis, a significant increase was found in the cell-associated IL-8 of the freshly isolated AMs in HP, but not in SAR, indicating in vivo production of IL-8 by AMs in HP. The cell-associated IL-8 of the AMs cultured with or without lipopolysaccharide was also analyzed. However, in contrast to previous findings in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, no differences were found between SAR and HP patients and control subjects. Based on these findings, it is speculated that ELF IL-8 levels are slightly increased in HP and SAR, and they may contribute to the accumulation of neutrophils and possibly lymphocytes. However, the source of IL-8 may be different and AMs are the candidate source of IL-8 in HP, but not in SAR. The flow cytometric method may be useful in assessing cytokines production by AMs.

Washout measurement of radioisotope implanted by radioactive beams in the rabbit

Washout of 10C and 11C implanted by radioactive beams in brain and thigh muscle of rabbits was studied. The biological washout effect in a living body is important in the range verification system or three-dimensional volume imaging in heavy ion therapy. Positron emitter beams were implanted in the rabbit and the annihilation gamma-rays were measured by an in situ positron camera which consisted of a pair of scintillation cameras set on either side of the target. The ROI (region of interest) was set as a two-dimensional position distribution and the time-activity curve of the ROI was measured. Experiments were done under two conditions: live and dead. By comparing the two sets of measurement data, it was deduced that there are at least three components in the washout process. Time-activity curves of both brain and thigh muscle were clearly explained by the three-component model analysis. The three components ratios (and washout half-lives) were 35% (2.0 s), 30% (140 s) and 35% (10 191 s) for brain and 30% (10 s), 19% (195 s) and 52% (3175 s) for thigh muscle. The washout effect must be taken into account for the verification of treatment plans by means of positron camera measurements.

Carotenoids in cancer chemoprevention

Various natural carotenoids, besides beta-carotene, were proven to have anticarcinogenic activity, and some of them showed more potent activity than beta-carotene. Thus, these carotenoids (alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, astaxanthin, capsanthin, crocetin and phytoene), as well as beta-carotene, may be useful for cancer prevention. In the case of phytoene, the concept of 'bio-chemoprevention', which means biotechnology-assisted method for cancerchemoprevention, may be applicable. In fact, establishment of mammalian cells producing phytoene was succeeded by the introduction of crtB gene, which encodes phytoene synthase, and these cells were proven to acquire the resistance against carcinogenesis. Antioxidative phytoene-containing animal foods may be classified as a novel type of functional food, which has the preventive activity against carcinogenesis, as well as the ability to reduce the accumulation of oxidative damages, which are hazardous for human health.

Isoliquiritigenin inhibits the growth of prostate cancer

OBJECTIVE

Isoliquiritigenin, one of the components in the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., is a member of the flavonoids, which are known to have an anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of isoliquiritigenin on prostate cancer in vitro.

METHODS

DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer cell lines were used as targets. We examined the effects of isoliquiritigenin on cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation and cell cycle-regulating gene expression. Further, we investigated the effects of isoliquiritigenin on the GADD153 mRNA and protein expression, and promoter activity.

RESULTS

Isoliquiritigenin significantly inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis indicated that isoliquiritigenin induced S and G2/M phase arrest. Isoliquiritigenin enhanced the expression of GADD153 mRNA and protein associated with cell cycle arrest. Further, isoliquiritigenin stimulated transcriptional activity of GADD153 promoter dose-dependently.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that isoliquiritigenin is a candidate agent for the treatment of prostate cancer and GADD153 may play an important role in isoliquiritigenin-induced cell cycle arrest and cell growth inhibition.

Washout studies of 11C in rabbit thigh muscle implanted by secondary beams of HIMAC

Heavy ion therapy has two definite advantages: good dose localization and higher biological effect. Range calculation of the heavy ions is an important factor in treatment planning. X-ray CT numbers are used to estimate the heavy ion range by looking up values in a conversion table which relates empirically photon attenuation in tissues to particle stopping power; this is one source of uncertainty in the treatment planning. Use of positron emitting radioactive beams along with a positron emission tomograph or a positron camera gives range information and may be used as a means of checking in heavy ion treatment planning. However, the metabolism of the implanted positron emitters in a living object is unpredictable because the chemical forms of these emitters are unknown and the metabolism is dependent on the organ species and may be influenced by many factors such as blood flow rate and fluid components present. In this paper, the washout rate of 11C activity implanted by injecting energetic 11C beams into thigh muscle of a rear leg of a rabbit is presented. The washout was found to consist of two components, the shorter one was about 4.2 +/- 1.1 min and the longer one ranged from 91 to 124 min. About one third of the implanted beta+ activity can be used for imaging and the rest was washed out of the target area.

The effect of head posture on the pharyngeal airway space (PAS)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between cranio-cervical inclination and pharyngeal airway space (PAS) by measuring these parameters at different head postures in the same subjects and to obtain a regression equation to correct the values measured. Fifty lateral cephalometric radiographs taken at five different head postures per individual were obtained from ten adults (seven males and three females) aged from 25 to 30 years with nose breathers and Class I occlusion. The changes in cranio-cervical inclination produced by head extension were correlated with changes in the variables describing the PAS. The OPT/NSL (cranio-cervical inclination in the second vertebrae) and C3-Me (distance between the third vertebrae and the Menton) correlated strongly with PAS-TP (the most proximal distance measured between the posterior pharyngeal wall and the tongue base) in the pharyngeal airway space (r = 0.807 and 0.854 respectively). The regression equations were Y = - 27.177+0.39X (Y = PAS-TP, X = OPT/NSL), and Y = -21.105+0.402X (Y = PAS-TP, X = C3-Me), respectively. From these equations we could conclude that an increase of 10 degrees in OPT/NSL or 10 mm in C3-Me increased the pharyngeal airway space (PAS-TP) by about 4 mm.

Implantation of presternal catheter using Moncrief technique: aiming for fewer catheter-related complications

OBJECTIVES

To reduce catheter-related complications, we developed a new technique of catheter implantation, combining a presternal catheter with the Moncrief technique.

METHODS

The presternal catheter, consisting of 2 catheters joined by a titanium extender, was surgically implanted. Its end was left embedded in the presternal wall. A few weeks after implantation, the embedded subcutaneous catheter was exteriorized, exiting in the 4th intercostal space, and peritoneal dialysis (PD) was commenced.

RESULTS

Using the new technique, 9 catheters were implanted (3 in women and 6 in men). Exteriorization was performed 30.6 +/- 14.3 days after implantation of the catheter. Total observation period was 70 patient-months. Average hospitalization was 4.4 +/- 1.3 days for catheter implantation, and 2.6 +/- 2.6 days for exteriorization. Peritoneal dialysis commenced on the day of exteriorization with an exchange volume of 1.8 +/- 0.3 L, using 4 exchanges daily. During the observation period, none of the patients experienced a catheter infection or dialysate leak. One non infectious complication was observed (a catheter wrapped in omentum).

CONCLUSIONS

Our approach of combining a presternal catheter and the Moncrief technique had some advantages not only in regard to catheter infection and dialysate leakage, but also in regard to quality of life and hospitalization for the patient.

Distinctly abnormal brain metabolism in late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency

OBJECTIVE

To assess alterations in brain metabolites in patients with late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD).

METHODS

Six unrelated, asymptomatic Japanese late-onset OTCD patients were analyzed by proton MRS ((1)HMRS) using a point-resolved spectroscopy technique (repetition and echo times, 5000 and 30 ms). Localized spectra for the centrum semiovale were acquired and absolute metabolite concentrations were calculated using an LCModel.

RESULTS

Compared with age-matched controls, N-acetylaspartate and creatine concentrations were normal in all patients. The glutamine (Gln) plus glutamate concentration was increased in four patients, which progressed in proportion to the clinical stage. myo-inositol (mI) could not be detected in five symptomatic patients. A decreased choline (Cho) concentration was detected in two clinically severe patients. (1)HMRS after liver transplantation in one patient revealed the normalization of all metabolites.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest progression of neurochemical events in OTCD, i.e., mI depletion and Gln accumulation followed by Cho depletion, which is reverse of that in hepatic encephalopathy, i.e., Cho depletion followed by mI depletion and Gln accumulation.

Thallium-201 scintigraphy was useful in diagnosing ectopic ACTH syndrome due to bronchial carcinoid

Abstract. Initial investigations of a 70-year-old woman with clinical Cushing's syndrome, including overnight dexamethasone suppression test, CRH test, and pituitary MRI, suggested the presence of ectopic ACTH production. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a mass measuring 7 mm in the right lung, but it was thought to be an incidental opacity, leaving the source of ectopic ACTH undetermined for several years. During this period, although the size of the lung opacity did not change remarkably, serum cortisol levels became elevated to 43 microg/dl, and the patient's symptoms worsened. Tl-201 SPECT demonstrated intense accumulation in the right lung. The mass was surgically resected using thoracoscopy to investigate it as the focus of ACTH production. Histological and immunohistochemical examination confirmed that the area of intense Tl-201 uptake was an ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoid. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels decreased immediately after the surgery. In conclusion, this case demonstrated Tl-201 scintigraphy as a useful tool in identifying the location of an ACTH-producing bronchial carcinoid.

Cancer chemoprevention by ginseng in mouse liver and other organs

Oral administration of red ginseng extracts (1% in diet for 40 weeks) resulted in the significant suppression of spontaneous liver tumor formation in C3H/He male mice. Average number of tumors per mouse in control group was 1.06, while that in red ginseng extracts-treated group was 0.33 (p<0.05). Incidence of liver tumor development was also lower in red ginseng extracts-treated group, although the difference from control group was not statistically significant. Anti-carcinogenic activity of white ginseng extracts, besides red ginseng extracts, was also investigated. In the present study, the administration of white ginseng extracts was proven to suppress tumor promoter-induced phenomena in vitro and in vivo. It is of interest that oral administration of the extracts of Ren-Shen-Yang- Rong-Tang, a white ginseng-containing Chinese medicinal prescription, resulted in the suppression of skin tumor promotion by 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-initiated CD-1 mice. These results suggest the usefulness of ginseng in the field of cancer prevention.

Differential expression of CCR3 ligand mRNA in guinea pig lungs during allergen-induced inflammation

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The gene expression profile of CCR3 ligands, eotaxin, RANTES, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP-3), was examined in normal and inflamed guinea pig lungs.

MATERIAL

Male Hartley guinea pigs (n = 49).

METHODS

Pulmonary mRNA was obtained from naive animals, animals treated with intravenous lipopolysaccharide administration, and animals repeatedly exposed to aerosolized allergen (ovalbumin). Northern analysis was performed to quantify pulmonary expression of eotaxin, RANTES, and MCP-3 mRNA. Pulmonary eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) activity was measured to quantify eosinophil accumulation.

RESULTS

Eotaxin and RANTES mRNAs, but not MCP-3 mRNA, were constitutively expressed in guinea pig lungs. Lipopolysaccharide treatment increased MCP-3 mRNA expression, but not eotaxin or RANTES mRNA. In contrast, allergen exposure in sensitized animals caused an increase in eotaxin mRNA, which demonstrated good temporal and quantitative correlation with pulmonary EPO activity, but not in MCP-3 or RANTES mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Guinea pig CCR3 ligands demonstrated different gene expression profiles in normal and inflamed airways, suggesting that they play different physiological and pathophysiological roles in the airway.

Possible use of ultrasound estimated bladder weight in evaluating vesicoureteral reflux in children

The present study was designed to reveal the possible use of ultrasound estimated bladder weight (UEBW) in evaluating vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children in terms of possible implication of bladder hypertrophy in VUR. In 27 children with VUR, UEBW was measured by transabdominal ultrasound. The UEBW in an individual patient was evaluated quantitatively using the percent deviation from age matched UEBW. There was a significant difference noted in the percent deviation from age-matched UEBW between patients (n = 17) with primary VUR and those (n = 10) with secondary VUR (p <.05). When analyzed together in 27 patients, a significant positive correlation (p <.05) was recognized between the percent deviation from age-matched UEBW and VUR grade. This was also the case in ten patients with secondary VUR (p <.01), but not for 17 patients with primary VUR. The measurement of UEBW might be of clinical use in evaluating the pathogenesis as well as the severity of VUR in children.

Follow-up study of bedwetting from 3 to 5 years of age

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between bedwetting and development in infancy.

METHODS

Questionnaires concerning micturition habits and development at 3 and 5 years of age were completed by the parents of 157 children who had had their health checked by pediatricians at a group checkup at 3 years of age.

RESULTS

The percentage of bedwetters in whom the frequency of bedwetting was at least once a month was 53% at 3 years of age and 21% at 5 years of age. The prevalent resolution period of bedwetting in infants was 2.5 to 3.5 years of age. The head circumference for boys at birth differed significantly between the bedwetters and nonbedwetters at both ages. Daytime symptoms were more frequent among bedwetters at both ages. Earlier toilet training had no influence on bedwetting at 5 years of age, although it led to earlier control at night at a younger age. Delays in speaking and walking might be factors connected to bedwetting. The prevalence of bedwetting in boys was higher than that in girls. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that daytime incontinence and sex were significant factors for bedwetting at 5 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Daytime incontinence and sex were the significant factors for bedwetting in infancy. Head circumference for boys and developmental delays in speaking and walking might also be important factors.

Renal protective effects of chronic exercise and antihypertensive therapy in hypertensive rats with chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVES

Patients with chronic renal failure are restricted to mild physical activity and tend to a lack of exercise. However, there have been few reports regarding the influence of chronic exercise on the progression of renal disease. Similarly, there are few animal models concerned with the effect of exercise training on improving renal function. Therefore, we assessed the renal effects of moderate chronic treadmill exercise in a remnant kidney model of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with chronic renal failure. We also assessed the effects of exercise and antihypertensive therapy on renal function.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Eight-week-old SHR were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy by removal of the left kidney and excision of two-thirds of the right kidney. The rats were divided into four groups: (i) no exercise (Non-EX); (ii) moderate exercise with treadmill running (20 m/min, 0 grade incline for 60 min) (EX); (iii) EX with an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, enalapril (2 mg/kg per day, i.p.); and (iv) EX with an angiotensin receptor antagonist, losartan (5 mg/kg per day, i.p.), for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Chronic EX significantly attenuated the increase in proteinuria (P < 0.01) and significantly protected against increases in the index of glomerular sclerosis (IGS). Both enalapril and losartan with EX significantly decreased blood pressure (P < 0.001), and further decreased the IGS. In the stepwise multiple regression analysis, only antihypertensive drug remained in the model as a significant predictor of IGS (P < 0.0001). In contrast, exercise, antihypertensive drug and mean systolic blood pressure (weeks 1-4) remained in the model as a significant predictors of mean proteinuria (weeks 1-4) (all P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that exercise does not worsen renal function and has renal-protective effects in this model of rats. Moreover, the antihypertensive therapy has additional renal-protective effects in this model of rats.