Enzyme immunoassay for conjugated cholic and 1 beta-hydroxycholic acids in urine of early infancy

A direct competitive heterologous enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for conjugated cholic acid (CA) was developed using horseradish peroxidase labeled antigen having a shorter bridge length than that of the immunogen. An appropriate dose-response curve for conjugated CA was obtained in the range of 0.05-50 ng/well. Specificity of the EIA proved satisfactory in terms of cross-reactivities to 23 kinds of related bile acids. The proposed method was evaluated to be useful for the determination of conjugated CA in urine with acceptable accuracy and inter- and intra-assay precision. The results of analysis showed a reverse relationship between age and urinary excretion ratio of conjugated 1 beta-hydroxy-CA to conjugated CA in the first 9 months after birth.

Immunoaffinity extraction for liquid chromatographic determination of equilin and its metabolites in plasma

Immunoaffinity extraction for the high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of equilin and its metabolites in plasma has been achieved. The antibody raised against an equilin 3-O-carboxymethyl ether-bovine serum albumin conjugate was characterized as having a high affinity for equilin and equilenin. One mL of the immunoaffinity adsorbent prepared by immobilization of an antibody was capable of retaining up to 1 microgram of equilin and equilenin, to 100 ng of other metabolites including 2-methoxylated and 17 beta-reduced compounds, and to 0.3 micrograms of glucuronic acid conjugates at C-3. The adsorbates were recovered qualitatively by elution with 90% aqueous (v/v) methanol without any interfering peaks on the chromatogram.

Isolation, characterization and chromosomal assignment of the human WNT7A gene

The Wnt genes compose a large gene family encoding a group of secreted signaling molecules that have been implicated in oncogenesis and a number of developmental processes. We have isolated a full-length human cDNA clone that we consider to be a novel member of the Wnt gene family. The gene (WNT7A) encodes a deduced 349-amino-acid peptide with 98% identity in amino acid sequence to murine Wnt7a. Expression of this gene is restricted to certain tissues: placenta, kidney, testis, uterus, fetal lung, and fetal and adult brain. Furthermore, we have isolated a genomic clone of WNT7A and mapped it to chromosome 3p25 by fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Isolation and characterization of a human cDNA clone (GCN5L1) homologous to GCN5, a yeast transcription activator

We have isolated a novel human cDNA with a predicted amino acid sequence homologous to GCN5, a protein considered to be a regulator of transcriptional activation in yeast. This cDNA, termed GCN5L1 (GCN5-like 1), consists of 545 nucleotides including an open reading frame of 378 bp that encodes a 126-amino-acid peptide having 23.5% identity to yeast GCN5. Northern-blot analysis revealed transcription of this gene in all human tissues examined. We isolated a genomic clone corresponding to this cDNA from a human cosmid library and mapped it to chromosome 12q13 --> q14 by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Calcific tendinitis of the pectoralis major insertion. A report of two cases

We report two cases of calcific tendinitis of the pectoralis major insertion. The lesions resolved spontaneously without specific treatment. This unusual site of calcification should be kept in mind to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention.

Expression of the endogenous Marek's disease virus ICP4 homolog (MDV ICP4) gene is enhanced in latently infected cells by transient transfection with the recombinant MDV ICP4 gene

The ICP4 homolog of Marek's disease virus (MDV ICP4) is a possible candidate for the transactivator of the early genes. We transfected MDCC-MSB-1 (MSB-1) tumor cells with plasmid including a coding region of MDV ICP4 using cationic liposome. As carriers for intranuclear transport, high mobility group -1 and -2 proteins were bound to the plasmid DNA before forming liposomes. We detected transcripts from the plasmid 2 hr after transfection by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. We also detected abundant transcripts of endogenous ICP4 2-96 hr after transfection. These data suggested that expression of introduced MDV ICP4 gene enhanced the expression of endogenous MDV ICP4. On the other hand, quantitative PCR analysis for virus genome DNA indicated no significant alteration of copy number of virus genome in transfected MSB-1 cells, suggesting that reactivation of virus requires more than turning on MDV ICP4 gene.

Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism on chromosome 9q32

A new microsatellite was developed from a cosmid clone (cCI9-246) assigned to human chromosome 9q32.

Mutations of the fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 gene in one familial and six sporadic cases of achondroplasia in Japanese patients

Achondroplasia, the most common cause of chondrodysplasia in man, is characterized by short-limbed dwarfism, macrocephaly, and dysplasia of metaphyses of the tubular bones. Recently, mutations in the gene encoding fibroblast growth factor receptor-3 (FGFR-3) have been found in patients with achondroplasia. All mutations so far reported had occurred at codon 380, resulting in the substitution of an arginine for a glycine in the transmembrane domain of the predicted protein. We have examined the transmembrane domain of the FGFR-3 gene in seven Japanese patients with achondroplasia. Of the six cases that were sporadic, all carried a mutation in codon 380; the single familial case bore a novel mutation of a G-to-T transition at codon 375, which resulted in substitution of a cysteine for a glycine.

Synthesis of 19-hydroxylated bile acids and identification of 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,19-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholan-24-oic acid in human neonatal urine

The synthesis of 19-hydroxylated bile acids (3 alpha,19-dihydroxy-, 3 alpha,7 alpha,19-trihydroxy-, 3 alpha,12 alpha,19-trihydroxy- and 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,19-tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholan-24-oic acids) was described. These synthesized 19-hydroxylated bile acids were used as standard samples for the analysis of bile acids in human urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,19-Tetrahydroxy-5 beta-cholan-24-oic acid was identified in neonatal urines (0.1-1.5 micrograms/ml and 1.5-7% of total bile acids).

Stereospecific dehydrogenation of (25R)- and (25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acids by acyl-CoA oxidase in rat liver light mitochondrial fraction

From a stereochemical point of view, the dehydrogenation mechanism of the biotransformation of 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acid (THCA) into (24E)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholest-24-enoic acid (delta 24-THCA) has been studied with capillary gas chromatography (GC)/negative ion chemical ionization (NICI)-mass spectrometry. After incubation of (24R,25R)- or (24S,25S)-[24,25-2H2]THCA, synthesized from (24E)-delta 24-THCA by a deuterated diimide reduction, with a rat liver light mitochondrial fraction, 5 beta-cholestanoic acids were extracted and derivatized into a pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) ester-dimethylethylsilyl (DMES) ether. Subsequent resolution into THCA and delta 24-THCA was attained by GC on a cross-linked 5% phenylmethyl silicone fused-silica capillary column monitored with a corresponding characteristic carboxylate anion [M-PFB]- in the NICI mode. The stereospecific elimination of a pro-R hydrogen at C-24 in both (25R)- and (25S)-THCA indicated syn-elimination for the former, whereas anti-elimination for the latter was observed.

Collaborative work to determine the optimal administration period and parameters to detect drug effects on male rat fertility--study on estradiol benzoate effects

In order to examine the optimal administration period and parameters for male fertility assessment, male rats were subcutaneously administered 0.2, 2 or 20 micrograms/kg of estradiol benzoate (E2B), a known testicular toxicant, for 4 weeks or 9 weeks before mating. After 4 weeks administration, suppression of body weight gain and food consumption, decreases in prostate and seminal vesicle weights, atrophy of Leydig cells, and mature spermatid retention at stages IX, X and XI were observed in the 2 and 20 micrograms/kg groups. In the 20, micrograms/kg group, decreases in epididymides weight and copulation index were also found but the number of sperm and sperm motility were not affected. In the 0.2 micrograms/kg group, no changes were noted in any parameters. After 9 weeks administration, decreases in testis weight and the number and motility of sperm were observed in the 20, micrograms/kg group, in addition to the changes found after 4 weeks administration. These results suggest that detailed histopathological evaluation and determination of accessory sex organ weights are sensitive for evaluating the effects of E2B on male fertility. Results with the 4-weeks treatment were comparable to those with the 9-weeks treatment in terms of these parameters.

Stereoisomeric inversion of (25R)- and (25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acids in rat liver peroxisome

The stereoisomeric inversion of (25R)- and (25S)-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholestanoic acid (THCA) in rat liver peroxisome was studied. After incubation of an isomer of THCA-CoA thioester with a peroxisomal fraction, 5 beta-cholestanoic acids were extracted and optical antipodes were separated and determined by LC/APCI-MS. The transformation of (24E)-3alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholest-24-en-26-oic acid (delta 24-THCA) formed by acyl-CoA oxidase was also analyzed by GC/NICI-MS. Rapid enzymatic epimerization from either direction was observed prior to biotransformation into (24E)-delta 24-THCA.

Isolation, characterization and chromosomal assignment of human colligin-2 gene (CBP2)

Colligin, a collagen-binding glycoprotein localized to endoplasmic reticulum, belongs to the serpin superfamily. Colligin has been identified and cloned in a number of species including mouse, rat, chicken, and human. We have isolated and characterized a full-length human cDNA clone that encodes a 418-amino-acid peptide that is highly homologous (97% identity) to the previously reported human colligin gene, and have named this new member of the colligin family human colligin-2. The expression of the colligin-2 gene (CBP2) is ubiquitous among all normal human tissues except for brain and peripheral leukocytes. We have mapped this novel gene to chromosomes 11q13.5 by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using a cosmid clone containing the entire coding sequence and the 3' non-coding sequence.

A cross-sectional study of the size and strength of the lower leg muscles during growth

The influences of age and sex on the cross-sectional area (CSA) and isometric strength of the ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors (PF) were investigated in four age groups of 121 boys and 121 girls aged: 7-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 years. A single anatomical cross-section was determined at 30% of the distance from the articular cleft between the femur and tibiacondyles by using an ultrasonic apparatus. In both sexes, the increase in age was associated with significant increases in the CSA and strength (ST) of these opposing muscle groups. The sex differences became apparent in the 13-15 year group for CSA and in the 16-18 year group for ST but the differences reduced considerably when CSA and ST were expressed per unit of the second power of the lower leg length (CSA.LL-2) and the product of CSA and the lower leg length (ST.CSA-1.LL-1), respectively. However, CSA.LL-2 of both muscles had a tendency to be increased at and over the age of 10-12 years, and was the highest at 16-18 years, and ST.CSA-1.LL-1 of PF showed higher values in the older boys than in the younger. Thus, it appeared that, at least in the reciprocal muscle groups of the ankle joint, the sex differences in muscle CSA and ST during growth could be accounted for by differences in LL and muscle mass, respectively. However, other factors must also be involved to explain completely the age differences in these variables.

Fatigability during repetitive maximal knee extensions in 14-year-old boys

The isokinetic forces, during 50 repeated maximal knee extensions with a constant velocity of 3.14 rad.s-1, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) of the quadriceps femoris muscles were measured for boys aged 14 years (n = 26) and young adult men (n = 26). As representative scores in the maximal session, the mean values of force (F) of every five consecutive and all trials were calculated. The CSA was measured by using a B-mode ultrasound technique at the midpoint of the thigh length (lt). The average values of F at the 1st-5th contractions were 193 (SEM 12) N for the boys and 303 (SEM 13) N for the young adults. The average decline of F with 50 contractions, expressed as a percentage of the value in the 1st-5th trial, was higher in the young adults than in the boys: F for the young adults was reduced by 48 (SEM 2.9)%, for the boys by 36 (SEM 3.1)%. The F of every five consecutive and all trials were significantly correlated to the product of CSA and lt (CSA.lt) in separate groups: for the boys r = 0.762-0.894 (P < 0.01), for the young adults r = 0.598-0.837 (P < 0.01). In a trial range between the 1st-5th and 11th-15th contractions, the young adults showed significantly higher values in the ratio of F to CSA.lt (F.CSA-1.lt-1) than the boys. However, the difference between groups of the ratio on and after the 16th-20th trial and for all trials became insignificant. Thus, at least for 50 maximal repeated knee extensions, the 14-year-old boys were inferior to the young adults in their ability to produce force during the earlier sessions even when the difference in muscle size was allowed for. The inferiority in the boys might be attributed to a lower reliance on glycolysis as pointed out in previous biochemical studies.

Brachyolmia: a report of two cases

Brachyolmia is a rare form of skeletal dysplasia characterized by generalized platyspondyly without significant epiphyseal, metaphyseal, or diaphyseal changes in the long bones. Two cases of brachyolmia are reported: one of the Hobaek type, and another of the dominant type. One patient developed linear densities in the femoral necks: The manifestation is thought to be specific to the Hobaek type. Another patient had atlantoaxial instability and failure of ossification of the dens. These complications of brachyolmia have not been previously reported.

Strength and cross-sectional areas of reciprocal muscle groups in the upper arm and thigh during adolescence

The purpose of this study was to investigate the development in muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and strength capability of the reciprocal muscle groups in the upper arm and thigh. Subjects were 130 boys aged 7 to 18 years; 7-9 yr aged-group (n = 30), 10-12 yr (n = 30), 13-15 yr (n = 35), and 16-18 yr (n = 35). Anatomical CSAs of elbow flexors (EF), elbow extensors (EE), knee flexors (KF) and knee extensors (KE) were determined with a B-mode ultrasound apparatus. Isokinetic strength during elbow or knee extension as well as elbow or knee flexion was measured by using a Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer at the pre-set constant velocity of 60 degrees/s. The effect of age associated with a significant increase in both CSA and strength with a marked increase in 13-15 yr. The elder aged-groups had a significantly higher ratio of strength to muscle CSA than in the lower aged-groups. The effect of age on EF/EE CSA ratio was not significant, but EF/EE strength ratio was the highest in 16-18 yr and the lowest in 7-9 yr. With advancing age, KF/KE CSA ratio had a tendency to increase, but KF/KE strength ratio remained almost unchanged. These results indicate that (1) children in the pre-puberty or the early stage of puberty do not develop strength in proportion to their muscle CSA, and (2) the flexors and extensors in limbs have reciprocally different growth rates in either CSA or strength even in the same region.

Engraftment of precursor lesions of human cutaneous neoplasms onto C.B-17 SCID mice: a useful in vivo experimental model of carcinogenesis in human skin

Using a full-thickness skin grafting technique, lesional skin from various human neoplastic and preneoplastic skin diseases was transplanted onto SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency) mice. Of 27 grafted lesions, 21 were successfully accepted by the mice and maintained in good condition. All these accepted grafts were finally excised 10-101 days after transplantation for histological examination. In most grafts, the characteristic histological configurations of each disease were well preserved. Immunohistochemical study using monoclonal antibodies to human blood group antigens ABH revealed that some elements of the grafts such as sweat glands were clearly positive, confirming that the tissue was from human skin. Neoplastic (atypical) cells were detected in 9 of 17 accepted grafts containing neoplastic cells from the beginning. The detection rates for neoplastic cells were very high (90%) in grafts from precursor lesions of squamous cell carcinomas such as Bowen's disease (5/5 specimens) and thermal keratosis (2/3). In contrast, no definite neoplastic cells were found in two grafts from extramammary Paget's disease and five grafts from the radial growth component of malignant melanoma. In most of the grafts from latter two diseases, characteristic histological configurations such as elongation of the rete ridges were maintained, suggesting that the neoplastic cells were selectively eliminated from the grafts. Split-thickness grafts of normal human skin were accepted and remained in a good condition for as long as 6 months. Engraftment of human lesional and non-lesional skin onto SCID mice therefore may well provide a useful in vivo experimental model of human skin diseases.

Refined mapping of a gene responsible for Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy: evidence for strong linkage disequilibrium

Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD), the second most common form of childhood muscular dystrophy in Japan, is an autosomal recessive severe muscular dystrophy associated with an anomaly of the brain. After our initial mapping of the FCMD locus to chromosome 9q31-33, we further defined the locus within a region of approximately 5 cM between loci D9S127 and CA246, by homozygosity mapping in patients born to consanguineous marriages and by recombination analyses in other families. We also found evidence for strong linkage disequilibrium between FCMD and a polymorphic microsatellite marker, mfd220, which showed no recombination and a lod score of (Z) 17.49. A "111-bp" allele for the mfd220 locus was observed in 22 (34%) of 64 FCMD chromosomes, but it was present in only 1 of 120 normal chromosomes. This allelic association with FCMD was highly significant (chi 2 = 50.7; P < .0001). Hence, we suspect that the FCMD gene could lie within a few hundred kilobases of the mfd220 locus.

Cross-sectional areas of fat and muscle in limbs during growth and middle age

Age changes in the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of fat and muscle tissues of limbs were investigated by using a B-mode ultrasonic technique for 245 males and 275 females aged 6 to 60 years. Four measurement sites were selected in the right limbs: the forearm, upper arm, lower leg and thigh. In an age span from 13 to 15 years, fat CSA for males decreased, while that for females increased at every site. Fat CSAs for both sexes increased in their thirties, but from then there was no more increase with aging. During early childhood, females had similar growth curves in muscle CSAs to those of males. An apparent sex separation in muscle CSAs took place at 13 years of age and after, the relative gender differences in muscle CSAs became larger with growth in the upper extremity than in the lower one. For both sexes, muscle CSA in every site remained almost constant during middle age. This age change in fat and muscle CSAs of limbs during the period of growth generally resembles that reported previously for total fat and fat free mass, respectively. However, age trend in fat CSAs during middle age, a lack of increase on reaching and after the forties differs from that described by prior studies for fat mass.

Monoclonal antibodies specific for 18-hydroxycortisol and their use in an enzyme immunoassay for human urinary 18-hydroxycortisol for diagnosis of primary aldosteronism

We report the development of a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassay (EIA) specific for human urinary 18-hydroxycortisol, a biological marker of primary aldosteronism. Hybrid cell lines (hybridomas) were isolated after fusion between myeloma cells and spleen cells prepared from mice immunized with 18-hydroxycortisol conjugate. A competitive EIA suitable for the measurement of urinary 18-hydroxycortisol was developed using the mouse monoclonal antibody, KTM-41, which showed no practical cross-reaction with related endogenous steroids and synthetic steroids. This EIA meets all the requirements of routine clinical assay in terms of sensitivity (detection limit: 20 nmol/L), reproducibility (total CV: 8-15%), accuracy (recovery: 88-115%), simplicity and rapidity (< 3 h). Urinary 18-hydroxycortisol measured by the present assay was 153 +/- 119 nmol/L (mean +/- SD, range, 28-485) and 1787 +/- 1180 (range, 810-4264) in normal subjects (n = 20) and in patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 7), respectively. Clinical validation of the assay was confirmed by an appropriate decrease in urinary 18-hydroxycortisol level in patients with primary aldosteronism subsequent to adrenalectomy: 171 +/- 141 nmol/L (range, 41-466).