Novel monoclonal antibody recognizing triglyceride-rich oxidized LDLs associated with severe liver disease and small oxidized LDLs in normal subjects

Background

Triglyceride-rich low-density lipoproteins (TG-rich LDLs) in the plasma of patients with severe liver disease are reported to change macrophages into foam cells in vitro.

Methods

Male BALB/c mice were immunized with TG-rich LDLs isolated from the plasma of a patient with severe liver disease. The resulting monoclonal antibody (G11-6) was used in a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in combination with polyclonal anti-apolipoprotein B antibodies. The time course of copper-mediated LDL oxidation was monitored using this ELISA. The results were compared with those of the two commercial ELISAs for oxidized LDLs using DLH or ML25, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and the optical absorbance for the conjugated dienes generated in lipid peroxides. Furthermore, the lipoprotein fractions separated by gel filtration were tested with this ELISA in healthy volunteers ( n = 11) and patients ( n = 3) with liver disease.

Results

G11-6 reacted with oxidized LDLs during only the early phase of copper oxidation, being distinct from the other monoclonal antibodies and methods. G11-6 was confirmed to react with TG-rich LDLs in patients, while it reacted with small LDL particles in normal controls.

Conclusions

The monoclonal antibody G11-6 is useful for detecting oxidized small LDLs in normal controls and oxidized TG-rich LDLs in patients with severe liver disease.

Intrinsic catalytic structure of gold nanoparticles supported on TiO2

Despite the fragility of TiO(2) under electron irradiation, the intrinsic structure of Au/TiO(2) catalysts can be observed by environmental transmission electron microscopy. Under reaction conditions (CO/air 100 Pa), the major {111} and {100} facets of the gold nanoparticles are exposed and the particles display a polygonal interface with the TiO(2) support bounded by sharp edges parallel to the 〈110〉 directions.

Detection and characterization of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides in oxidized LDL and oxidized HDL by use of an Orbitrap mass spectrometer

Oxidation of cholesteryl esters in lipoproteins by reactive oxygen species yields cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides (CEOOH). In this study, we developed a novel method for identification and characterization of CEOOH molecules in human lipoproteins by use of reversed-phase liquid chromatography with an hybrid linear ion trap-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (LC-LTQ Orbitrap). Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric analysis was performed in both positive-ion and negative-ion modes. Identification of CEOOH molecules was completed by use of high-mass-accuracy (MA) mass spectrometric data obtained by using the spectrometer in Fourier-transform (FT) mode. Native low-density lipoproteins (nLDL) and native high-density lipoproteins (nHDL) from a healthy donor were oxidized by CuSO(4), furnishing oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and oxidized HDL (oxHDL). No CEOOH molecules were detected in the nLDL and the nHDL, whereas six CEOOH molecules were detected in the oxLDL and the oxHDL. In positive-ion mode, CEOOH was detected as [M + NH(4)](+) and [M + Na](+) ions. In negative-ion mode, CEOOH was detected as [M + CH(3)COO](-) ions. CEOOH were more easily ionized in positive-ion mode than in negative-ion mode. The LC-LTQ Orbitrap method was applied to human plasma and six species of CEOOH were detected. The limit of detection was 0.1 pmol (S/N = 5:1) for synthesized CEOOH.

Effect of postoperative landiolol administration for atrial fibrillation after off pump coronary artery bypass surgery

AIM

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common postoperative arrhythmias following cardiac surgery. Despite many clinical studies, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate prevention strategy for atrial arrhythmia. A randomized prospective trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of intravenous landiolol administration in the early period after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) followed by treatment with carvedilol for prevention of atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Seventy consecutive patients were enrolled in the study prospectively. Patients in the treated group received landiolol intravenously (5 μg/kg/min) in the ICU immediately after surgery. Heart rate was maintained at 60-80 bpm and intravenous landiolol was continued at 0-10 μg/kg/min until oral drug administration was possible. All patients received oral carvedilol (2.5-5 mg/day) after extubation and this was continued postoperatively. The primary endpoint was the overall development of postoperative atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 4 (11.1%) of the 36 patients in the landiolol group, compared with 11 (32.3%) of the 34 patients in the control group, indicating that development of atrial fibrillation was significantly inhibited by landiolol (P=0.042). No major postoperative complications occurred in the landiolol group.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative intravenous landiolol therapy followed by oral carvedilol may be more effective than oral carvedilol alone for prevention of atrial fibrillation after off-pump CABG. We also found that intravenous landiolol is well tolerated after cardiac surgery.

Isolation and characterization of a phenolic antioxidant from the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

Using an oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, antioxidant activity was detected in the ethanol extract of the Pacific oyster, which was purified by sequential extraction with organic solvents. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the strongest antioxidant activity and was further purified, yielding a single compound [as assessed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)]. This compound was identified as 3,5-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzyl alcohol on the basis of (1)H and (13)C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation (HMBC), and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) spectral analyses, a conclusion that was confirmed by chemical synthesis. The concentration of the compound was 6.7 mg/100 g of whole oyster meat wet weight. This amphiphilic antioxidant retarded the copper-mediated oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and the generation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Furthermore, the compound showed substantial antioxidant activity using the ORAC and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays compared to natural antioxidants. Although the same compound was previously found in brown algae, its presence in other organisms and antioxidant activity are reported here for the first time.

Development of cell culture monitoring system and novel non-contact pH measurement

This paper describes a cell culture monitoring system for regenerative medicine. To realize this monitoring system, a new culture vessel and a removable measurement unit were proposed. The measurement unit was installed in the culture vessel and it was used to measure important cell culture parameters (e.g., temperature, CO(2) level, and pH). Thus, the status of the culture could be monitored. In addition, we developed a novel noninvasive method based on spectrophotometry for measuring pH. This method is a non-contact method that permits noninvasive and contamination-free pH measurement. The spectroscopic pH measurements agreed well with pH measurements using an electrode. The error was within 0.02; thus, the new pH measurement method is sufficiently accurate for cell culture. This new system is expected to contribute to advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Impact of novel oncolytic virus HF10 on cellular components of the tumor microenviroment in patients with recurrent breast cancer

Oncolytic viruses are a promising method of cancer therapy, even for advanced malignancies. HF10, a spontaneously mutated herpes simplex type 1, is a potent oncolytic agent. The interaction of oncolytic herpes viruses with the tumor microenvironment has not been well characterized. We injected HF10 into tumors of patients with recurrent breast carcinoma, and sought to determine its effects on the tumor microenvironment. Six patients with recurrent breast cancer were recruited to the study. Tumors were divided into two groups: saline-injected (control) and HF10-injected (treatment). We investigated several parameters including neovascularization (CD31) and tumor lymphocyte infiltration (CD8, CD4), determined by immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis, determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Median apoptotic cell count was lower in the treatment group (P=0.016). Angiogenesis was significantly higher in treatment group (P=0.032). Count of CD8-positive lymphocytes infiltrating the tumors was higher in the treatment group (P=0.008). We were unable to determine CD4-positive lymphocyte infiltration. An effective oncolytic viral agent must replicate efficiently in tumor cells, leading to higher viral counts, in order to aid viral penetration. HF10 seems to meet this criterion; furthermore, it induces potent antitumor immunity. The increase in angiogenesis may be due to either viral replication or the inflammatory response.

Identification of the A kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) gene as a candidate tumor suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem, and identification of new tumor-related genes is an urgent task.

METHODS

To detect tumor-related genes effectively, we performed double-combination array analysis, which consisted of an expression array and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array of a single surgical HCC specimen.

RESULTS

Expression array analysis identified AKAP12 as one of the genes with reduced expression in HCC tissues when compared with non-cancerous adjacent hepatic tissues. In addition, AKAP12 expression levels in tumor tissues from 48 HCC samples were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those in normal tissues, and the downregulation was significantly correlated with poor overall survival rate (P = 0.003). However, SNP array analysis revealed that locus 6q24-q25 where AKAP12 was located did not show chromosomal deletion. In contrast, hypermethylation in the AKAP12 promoter regions was observed in 41 of 48 HCC samples. We then confirmed that AKAP12 gene re-expression occurs after 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment through direct sequence analysis of the AKAP12 promoter region in HCC cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data suggest that AKAP12 is downregulated in cancer tissues through promoter hypermethylation, and may have a role as a candidate tumor suppressor gene for HCC.

Effect of transient TCDD exposure on immortalized human trophoblast-derived cell lines

Low level, antenatal exposure to dioxins is associated with low birth weight, which in turn is associated with long-term sequelae. We exposed the human extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVT) lines HTR-8/SV40 and TCL1 to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and assessed cell growth, invasion, and differentiation. TCDD had no effect on cell proliferation, invasion, or tube formation in Matrigel. The EVT-derived cells expressed a functional aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein; however, TCDD exposure did not alter expression levels of proteins involved in EVT differentiation in early pregnancy, including hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1A), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Integrin A1, A6, and AVB3. These results suggest that the reduction in fetal weight induced by dioxin is not the result of vascular remodeling via EVT dysfunction.

Local and retrograde gene transfer into primate neuronal pathways via adeno-associated virus serotype 8 and 9

Viral vector-mediated gene transfer has become increasingly valuable for primate brain research, in particular for application of genetic methods (e.g. optogenetics) to study neuronal circuit functions. Neuronal cell tropisms and infection patterns are viable options for obtaining viral vector-mediated transgene delivery that is selective for particular neuronal pathways. For example, several types of viral vectors can infect axon terminals (retrograde infections), which enables targeted transgene delivery to neurons that directly project to a particular viral injection region. Although recent studies in rodents have demonstrated that adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) and 9 (AAV9) efficiently transduce neurons, the tropisms and infection patterns remain poorly understood in primate brains. Here, we constructed recombinant AAV8 or AAV9, which expressed an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene driven by a ubiquitous promoter (AAV8-EGFP and AAV9-EGFP, respectively), and stereotaxically injected it into several brain regions in marmosets and macaque monkeys. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed almost exclusive colocalization of EGFP fluorescence via AAV9-mediated gene transfer with a neuron-specific marker, indicating endogenous neuronal tropism of AAV9, which was consistent with our previous results utilizing AAV8. Injections of either AAV8-EGFP or AAV9-EGFP into the marmoset striatum resulted in EGFP expression in local striatal neurons as a result of local infection, as well as expression in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra via retrograde transport along nigrostriatal axonal projections. Retrograde infections were also observed in the frontal cortex and thalamus, which are known to have direct projections to the striatum. These local and retrograde gene transfers were further demonstrated in the geniculocortical pathway of the marmoset visual system. These findings indicate promising capabilities of AAV8 and AAV9 to deliver molecular tools into a range of primate neural systems in pathway-specific manners through their neuronal tropisms and infection patterns.

CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON1 transcription factor activates the expression of LSH4 and LSH3, two members of the ALOG gene family, in shoot organ boundary cells

The establishment of organ boundaries is a fundamental process for proper morphogenesis in multicellular organisms. In plants, the shoot meristem repetitively forms organ primordia from its periphery, and boundary cells are generated between them to separate their cellular fates. The genes CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON1 (CUC1) and CUC2, which encode plant-specific NAC transcription factors, play central roles in establishment of the shoot organ boundaries in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we show that CUC1 protein activates expression of LIGHT-DEPENDENT SHORT HYPOCOTYLS 4 (LSH4) and its homolog LSH3 in shoot organ boundary cells. Both genes encode nuclear proteins of the Arabidopsis LSH1 and Oryza G1 (ALOG) family, the members of which are widely conserved in land plants. Expression of LSH4 and LSH3 is detected in the boundary cells of various shoot organs, such as cotyledons, leaves and floral organs, and requires the activity of CUC1 and CUC2. Experiments using the glucocorticoid receptor system indicate that transcription of LSH4 and LSH3 is directly up-regulated by CUC1. Constitutive expression of LSH4 in the shoot apex causes inhibition of leaf growth in the vegetative phase, and formation of extra shoots or shoot organs within a flower in the reproductive phase. Together, our results indicate that CUC1 directly activates transcription of the nuclear factor genes LSH4 and LSH3, which may suppress organ differentiation in the boundary region.

[Full-thickness resection of the focus site for adolescent idiopathic ventricular tachycardia]

We present a case of a 14-year-old male with incessant idiopathic ventricular tachycardia for which both pharmacological and catheter ablation treatments failed. Curative surgery was performed on this patient. By intraoperative epicardial isochronous mapping, arrhythmogenic focus was identified in the right ventricular infundibulum between the large conus branch and the proximal right ventricular coronary branch. After cryoablation both from the epi- and endo-cardial sides failed to terminate the arrhythmia, subsequent full-thickness resection of the identified focus was performed. There was no postoperative recurrence of tachyarrhythmia In idiopathic ventricular tachycardia, arrhythmogenic focus is not always situated on the endo- or epicardial side. Full-thickness resection of the focus site might be necessary in such patients as we experienced this time.

Improvement of cardiac fibrosis in dystrophic mice by rAAV9-mediated microdystrophin transduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of the progressive muscular dystrophies characterized by defects of the dystrophin gene. Although primarily characterized by degeneration of the limb muscles, cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death. Therefore, the development of curative modalities such as gene therapy is imperative. We evaluated the cardiomyopathic features of mdx mice to observe improvements in response to intravenous administration of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 9 encoding microdystrophin. The myocardium was extensively transduced with microdystrophin to significantly prevent the development of fibrosis, and expression persisted for the duration of the study. Intraventricular conduction patterns, such as the QRS complex duration and S/R ratio in electrocardiography, were also corrected, indicating that the transduced microdystrophin has a protective effect on the dystrophin-deficient myocardium. Furthermore, BNP and ANP levels were reduced to normal, suggesting the absence of cardiac dysfunction. In aged mice, prevention of ectopic beats as well as echocardiographic amelioration was also demonstrated with improved exercise performance. These findings indicate that AAV-mediated cardiac transduction with microdystrophin might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy.

Establishment of the embryonic shoot apical meristem in Arabidopsis thaliana

In higher plants, shoot organs such as leaves, branches, and flowers are generated from the shoot apical meristem (SAM), a small group of undifferentiated cells located at the tip of the shoot. The SAM maintains its pluripotency and simultaneously produces lateral organs at its periphery. The SAM arises during embryogenesis and its positioning requires axis-dependent embryo patterning and compartmentalization of the embryo apex. Here, we introduce major factors involved in these processes in Arabidopsis thaliana and discuss how the embryonic SAM is established.

Optical properties of Si nanowires on a Si {111} surface

We have investigated optical properties of straight silicon nanowires by means of in-situ cathodoluminescence spectroscopy in a transmission electron microscope. The nanowires, grown on a Si{111} surface via vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism, have no structural defects such as kink, and the diameter and growth direction are controlled by varying the growth conditions. We have found that the nanowires emit intense light. These lines have not been observed in other kinds of Si nanostructures such as porous Si.

Prognostic implication of intraoperative radiotherapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer

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Background: There is no established treatment strategy for unresectable pancreatic cancer, and the prognostic effect of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is considered to be limited.

Methods: We reviewed 614 surgical cases of pancreatic cancer and selected 198 cases that did not undergo pancreatectomy because of distant metastasis or locally advanced disease, at the Department of Surgery II, between July 1981 and June 2009. Liver metastasis was observed in 70 patients and peritoneal metastasis in 44. Treatment for those who were feasible consisted of IORT and/or postoperative chemotherapy. Overall survival and prognostic factors were evaluated for all patients and for each pattern of disease spread.

Results: IORT was performed in 120 patients (61%), and chemotherapy was indicated in 80 (40%). Overall survival in the non-treatment group was significantly inferior to that for IORT alone and IORT plus gemcitabine (GEM)-based chemotherapy (median survival time: 3.2 months vs. 6.1 and 7.9 months; P = 0.0001 and <0.0001, respectively). After multivariate analysis, IORT and GEM-based chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.51, P < 0.001; HR = 0.43, P < 0.001]. IORT was an independent prognostic determinant for patients with peritoneal metastasis (HR = 0.24, P = 0.011), whereas it was not for those with liver metastasis (HR = 0.78, P = 0.381).

Conclusions: The prognostic value of IORT is most prominent in the peritoneal disease. IORT followed by GEM-based chemotherapy is possibly one of the most recommended treatment strategies in unresectable pancreatic cancer.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Nutritional predictors of postoperative outcome in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Nutritional status plays an important role in the incidence of postoperative complications and the prognosis of various tumours. The prognostic value of preoperative nutritional factors in patients with pancreatic cancer is not known.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 268 patients who underwent resection for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. The predictive value of preoperative nutritional status for postoperative outcome (survival, complications) was assessed. Nutritional factors included the three constitutional indices, serum albumin and Onodera's prognostic nutrition index (PNI), calculated as 10 × serum albumin (g/dl) + 0·005× total lymphocyte count (per mm(3)).

RESULTS

In multivariable analysis preoperative low PNI (but not low albumin) was an independent prognostic factor for poor survival: hazard ratio (HR) 1·73 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 1·21 to 2·47). The accuracy of a PNI value of less than 45 as cut-off for clinically significant preoperative malnutrition in predicting 1- or 2-year survival after surgery was, however, limited (66·4 and 56·3 per cent respectively). Low preoperative albumin concentration and PNI were significantly associated with postoperative complications: odds ratio 1·98 (95 per cent c.i. 1·18 to 3·32) and 2·14 (1·23 to 3·73) respectively. Low PNI and low body mass index were independently associated with pancreatic fistula: HR 2·52 (1·37 to 4·63) and 0·40 (0·17 to 0·93) respectively.

CONCLUSION

The PNI is associated with overall survival and postoperative complications, in particular pancreatic fistula, in patients with pancreatic cancer. The moderate accuracy of PNI as a predictor of survival limits its clinical use.

Competition between PARP-1 and Ku70 control the decision between high-fidelity and mutagenic DNA repair

Affinity maturation of antibodies requires a unique process of targeted mutation that allows changes to accumulate in the antibody genes while the rest of the genome is protected from off-target mutations that can be oncogenic. This targeting requires that the same deamination event be repaired either by a mutagenic or a high-fidelity pathway depending on the genomic location. We have previously shown that the BRCT domain of the DNA-damage sensor PARP-1 is required for mutagenic repair occurring in the context of IgH and IgL diversification in the chicken B cell line DT40. Here we show that immunoprecipitation of the BRCT domain of PARP-1 pulls down Ku70 and the DNA-PK complex although the BRCT domain of PARP-1 does not bind DNA, suggesting that this interaction is not DNA dependent. Through sequencing the IgL variable region in PARP-1(-/-) cells that also lack Ku70 or Lig4, we show that Ku70 or Lig4 deficiency restores GCV to PARP-1(-/-) cells and conclude that the mechanism by which PARP-1 is promoting mutagenic repair is by inhibiting high-fidelity repair which would otherwise be mediated by Ku70 and Lig4.

Structural disorder in lithium lanthanum titanate: the basis of superionic conduction

High-energy x-ray and neutron diffraction measurements on polycrystalline La(2/3-x)Li(3x)TiO(3) (0.075 < x < 0.165) were performed. The total scattering structure factors were analysed by the reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) modelling technique, resulting in three-dimensional particle configurations. These configurations were then used for revealing the distributions of La and Li ions and to understand the relationship between these distributions and ionic conduction. An alternating arrangement of La-rich and La-poor layers along the c-axis was found in the x = 0.075 composition. Intriguingly, this arrangement has gradually disappeared in samples with higher Li concentration. Furthermore, RMC models exhibit disordered distributions of Li ions, situated mainly on the La-rich layer, and there is a significant probability of Li ions occupying the interstitial sites (T site) between the O-3 triangle plane of the TiO(6) octahedron and an La ion or its vacancy site. It was also found on the basis of the RMC models that the bond valence sum (BVS) for Li ions behaves differently on La-rich and La-poor layers at low Li concentration compositions, but they are similar at high Li concentration compositions. This is consistent with the behaviour of the alternating arrangement of La-rich and La-poor layers. It is also suggested that the Li ions around the bottleneck at (1/2, 0, 0) (bottom layer) can jump to an adjacent bottleneck at (0, 1/2, 0) through the T site and not only Li ions in the La-poor layers but also Li ions in the La-rich layers contribute to the bottleneck-bottleneck Li conduction.