Biological function of the pld gene product that degrades -poly-l-lysine in Streptomyces albulus

Epsilon-poly-L-lysine (epsilon-PL) is one of the few naturally occurring biopolymers and is characterized by a peptide bond between the alpha-carboxyl and epsilon-amino groups. Previously, we purified and characterized the epsilon-PL-degrading enzyme (Pld) from Streptomyces albulus, which is an epsilon-PL producer, and this enzyme was expected to confer self-resistance to the epsilon-PL produced by the organism itself. The gene encoding Pld was cloned based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence determined in this study, and a sequencing analysis revealed eight open reading frames (ORFs), i.e., ORF1 to ORF8 in the flanking region surrounding the pld gene (present in ORF5). To investigate the biological function of Pld, we constructed a knockout mutant in which the pld gene is inactivated. Studies on epsilon-PL susceptibility, epsilon-PL-degrading activity, and epsilon-PL productivity demonstrated that the pld gene does play a partial role in self-resistance and that S. albulus was found to produce other epsilon-PL-degrading enzyme(s) in addition to Pld. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a self-resistance gene for a biopolymer possessing antibacterial activity.

Transforming growth factor-beta stimulates Interleukin-11 production by human periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a potent multifunctional polypeptide, abundant in the bone matrix. Interleukin (IL)-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine with effects on multiple cell types. The present study was performed to evaluate the regulatory effects of TGF-beta on IL-11 production by human periodontal ligament cells (PDL) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of TGF-beta receptor in PDL and HGF were observed using flow cytometry. PDL and HGF were stimulated with TGF-beta with or without protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and activator. IL-11, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and TGF-beta mRNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IL-11 production was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

PDL and HGF expressed both TGF-beta receptor I and TGF-beta receptor II on the cell surfaces. IL-11 mRNA expression and IL-11 production were augmented by TGF-beta in both PDL and HGF, with higher values in PDL. PKC inhibitors partially suppressed TGF-beta-induced IL-11 production in PDL and HGF, whereas activator enhanced it. TGF-beta mRNA and BMP-2 mRNA expression were up-regulated by TGF-beta in PDL.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PDL produce IL-11 in response to TGF-beta.

New nanotechnology for the guided tissue regeneration of skin--potential of lyotropic liquid crystals

Tissue in body must quickly recognize injury to response to the rapid pace of epidermal growth. In skin, the epidermal cells must also react to danger signals from the surrounding extracellular lipid of the stratum corneum spaces and immediately participate by initiating the wound repair process. The topical administration of the lyotropic liquid crystal nanocube to stratum corneum rapidly broke down the lipid lamella structure which would be recognized as a wound without organ-change. This can activate a variety of biological processes. This study set out to determine whether the phase transition of the lipid to a neighbouring different physicochemical structure can stimulate keratinocyte cells and what mechanism is responsible for this response. Using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis, a response to the transient structural change of lipid was detected which might result from the diffusion of oil and/or water from nanocube liquid crystal towards the lipid lamella phase. Simultaneously, a significant increase in growth factors and inflammatory cytokines was detected after administration of nanocube. Not only the excess expression of cytokines but also the extent of TEWL as a barrier marker of skin increased. These observations suggest that a structural change in lipid can stimulate and trigger recognition of a slight injury in the wound defence and a repair response as homeostasis. This method actually succeeded in improving photo-induced hyperpigmentation on a human face.

Enhanced skin regeneration by nanoegg formulation of all-trans retinoic acid

All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) which could smooth wrinkles and produce less pigmented skin after a few months of treatment has been studied in research into topical treatments for a potent inhibitor of new melanin production. However, the clinical responses of commercial atRA cream predominantly comprise severe inflammation. We report a novel nanotechnology "nanoegg" system giving improved effects of atRA self-assembly which were coated by CaCO3. Dorsal areas of hairless mouse and porcine skin were employed for administration of nanoegg ointment and commercial products. The mRNA for heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) from tissues was measured by a real-time PCR method. All tissues were stained for detection of hyaluronate and the thickness of the epidermis. A clinical trial in humans was carried out at St. Marianna University in Japan. As a result, the irritation and inflammation associated with atRA molecules were substantially reduced. The physicochemical instability of atRA was also dramatically improved. Furthermore, nanoegg enhanced marked expression of mRNA for HB-EGF from keratinocytes, which is known as one of the markers of keratinocyte turnover. Also, production of hyaluronate was surprisingly in the intercellular spaces of the basal and spinous cell layers 2 days after treatment. Even at the low concentration of atRA in the nanoegg system, the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocyte was somewhat enhanced. A nanoegg may thus not only prevent adverse effects, but also markedly enhance the main effect.

Protein kinase-A-dependent osteoprotegerin production on interleukin-1 stimulation in human gingival fibroblasts is distinct from periodontal ligament fibroblasts

Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is characterized by increased expression of interleukin (IL)-1 and other inflammatory mediators resulting in extensive osteoclast formation and bone loss. Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), by osteoblasts is important to regulate osteoclast differentiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulatory effects of IL-1 on RANKL and OPG production by mesenchymal fibroblasts in periodontal tissue. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL) were stimulated with IL-1alpha with or without protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) inhibitor. In some experiments, the cultured cells were directly stimulated with either PKA or PKC activators. In HGF, IL-1alpha-stimulated OPG mRNA expression was high and could be reduced by CHX. PKA inhibitor completely abrogated IL-1alpha-induced OPG mRNA expression and OPG production. Endogenous PGE(2) further enhanced IL-1alpha-induced OPG production in HGF. In PDL, RANKL mRNA expression was greatly augmented by IL-1alpha. IL-1alpha induced OPG mRNA expression and protein production. PKC inhibitor partially reduced IL-1alpha-induced OPG production and PKC activator enhanced OPG production in PDL. The IL-1alpha-stimulated OPG mRNA expression in HGF was greater than PDL. These results provide new evidence for the possible osteoclastogenesis-inhibitory function of HGF through PKA activity pathway. PDL utilized PKC for OPG production. Thus, we emphasize that HGF and PDL have different characteristics of host defence mechanism against inflammatory process.

Primary lymphoma arising in the nasal cavity among Japanese

AIMS

Most lymphomas arising in the nasal cavity are thought to be of natural killer (NK) cell origin. However, some reports indicate that T- and B-cell lymphomas may also primarily arise in the nasal cavity. We therefore studied lymphomas arising in the nasal cavity both histologically and immunohistochemically.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of the 32 cases investigated, 20 cases were also available as fresh frozen specimens. We diagnosed 31 cases as extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma and one as plasmacytoma. The neoplastic cells were immunoreactive for CD3 (polyclonal) 31/31, LMP-1 12/31, CD20 (L26) 0/31, granzyme B 30/31, TIA-1 30/30, CD56 (123C3) 29/31, CD4 0/31 and CD8 3/31. In situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNA-1 (EBER-1) was detected in 31/31. In frozen tissue sections, neoplastic cells mostly showed CD3 (Leu4)-, CD4 (Leu3a)-, CD5 (Leu1)-, CD8 (Leu2)-, CD16 (Leu11)-, CD56 (Leu19)+, betaF1-, TCRdelta1-, perforin+, CD94+ phenotypes. These immunohistochemical findings indicate their NK cell origin. In three cases, neoplastic cells were positive for CD8. In one of these cases, neoplastic cells were positive for CD8beta and Valpha24, suggesting their NKT-cell origin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present study indicates that primary lymphomas arising in the nasal cavity are mostly of NK cell derivation. Our present study also suggests that a small number of cases are derived from NKT-cells.

Multi-gene epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes in T-cell lymphoma cells; delayed expression of the p16 protein upon reversal of the silencing

To understand better T-cell lymphomagenesis, we examined promoter CpG methylation and mRNA expression of closely related genes encoding p16, p15, and p14 tumor suppressor genes in cultured malignant T-cells that were derived from cutaneous, adult type, and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-expressing T-cell lymphomas. p16 gene was epigenetically silenced in all but one of the 10 malignant T-cell lines examined, p15 gene silenced in roughly half of the lines, and p14 was the least frequently affected. Extensive methylation of the p16 promoter was seen in six out of 10 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma patient samples and corresponded with lack of p16 protein expression in the cases examined. Treatment of cultured T-cells with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2-deoxy-cytidine, resulted in reversal of the p16 gene silencing. However, expression of p16 protein was delayed in relationship to p16 promoter demethylation and required up to 3 weeks to occur, seemingly reflecting late activation of the p16 gene. These findings indicate that epigenetic silencing affects in T-cell malignancies, often simultaneously, several tumor suppressor genes that impact on key cell functions. The observed differential silencing of p16 and p14, and to a lesser degree p15 gene, indicates that the silencing is governed by precise, promoter region-specific mechanisms. The study provides also further rationale for treatment of at least some types of T-cell lymphomas with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors to target the epigenetically silenced tumor suppressor genes.

Elevated serum IgG titer and avidity to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans serotype c in Japanese periodontitis patients

AIM

The purpose of this study was to characterize serum antibody responses to different serotypes of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans strains in various forms of periodontitis and to determine whether any specific type of A. actinomycetemcomitans was associated with any specific form of periodontitis in a Japanese population.

METHODS

Sonicated whole cell and autoclaved serotype antigens of A. actinomycetemcomitans were used. Serum IgG titer and avidity to A. actinomycetemcomitans were measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA) and ammonium thiocyanate-dissociation ELISA, respectively, in 46 aggressive periodontitis patients (8 localized, 38 generalized), 28 chronic periodontitis patients, and 18 periodontally healthy subjects. The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in plaque and saliva samples was determined using polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Generalized aggressive and chronic periodontitis patients exhibited significantly higher IgG titers than healthy subjects to both sonicated and autoclaved antigens of serotype c strains, while IgG titer to serotype b (Y4) was significantly higher in localized aggressive periodontitis patients compared to healthy subjects. No A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in localized aggressive periodontitis patients. A. actinomycetemcomitans-positive patients exhibited significantly higher IgG titer and avidity to serotype c than A. actinomycetemcomitans-negative patients. In A. actinomycetemcomitans-positive patients, a significantly positive correlation was observed between antibody titer and avidity to serotype c. A. actinomycetemcomitans-positive patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis showed lower IgG avidities to serotype c than those with chronic periodontitis, though no statistically significant difference was found.

CONCLUSION

A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype c may play a significant role in chronic and generalized aggressive periodontitis, while A. actinomycetemcomitans serotype b may be associated with localized aggressive periodontitis in a Japanese population.

[Production of interleukin-11 in human gingival fibroblasts stimulated with IL-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate what role IL-11 plays in periodontal disease and to determine the level of IL-11 in HGFs stimulated with IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha.

METHODS

HGFs were stimulated with IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha alone or in combination. The production of IL-11 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-11 and Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (GAPDH) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in HGFs were determined by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

IL-1alpha significantly increased the levels of IL-11 in HGFs. TNF-alpha also significantly augmented IL-11 production in HGFs, and synergistically stimulated HGFs to produce IL-11 when combined with IL-1alpha. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, significantly reduced IL-11 production by HGFs stimulated with IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha individually or in combination. IL-1alpha alone or combined with TNF-alpha enhanced the ratio of IL-11/GAPDH mRNA expression in HGFs, and the augmentation was abolished by indomethacin after co-incubation for 24 hs.

CONCLUSIONS

Production of IL-11 in HGFs stimulated with IL-1alpha and TNF-alpha was transcriptionally upregulated by the endogenous prostaglandin synthesis. Inhibition of prostaglandin might suppress the osteoclastogenesis by IL-11 in inflammatory periodontal diseases.

Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, significantly elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been reported in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). On the other hand, plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been significantly higher in mild sleep apneics than in normal controls. However, this study included a small number of patients and milder cases of OSAHS.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

To assess the involvement of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in VEGF increases in patients with severe OSAHS, serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were determined in patients with severe OSAHS (n=110) and compared to those of controls (n=45) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

No significant increase in IL-6 or TNF-alpha was detected in the present study cohort. However, the body mass index was significantly correlated with the severity of the apnea-hypopnea index.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the elevation in VEGF is not directly related to IL-6 or TNF-alpha levels. However, the question of whether VEGF is the cause or the result of OSAHS remains to be determined. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of OSAHS, in which obesity should be entered as an independent factor.

Expression of CD14, CD16 and CD45RA on monocytes from periodontitis patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Peripheral blood monocytes are a heterogeneous population, with phenotypes that change on activation or differentiation. Most of the monocytes express lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptor, CD14 intensely, and do not express Fc gamma receptor III, CD16 (CD14++CD16- monocytes). But monocytes expressing CD16 with reduced CD14 (CD14+CD16+ monocytes) increase in inflammatory diseases as well as sepsis and bacteremia in hemodialysis patients. CD45RA is expressed on activated monocytes, and is regarded as an activation marker of peripheral blood monocytes. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotypic and functional alteration of monocytes in periodontitis patients.

METHODS

Peripheral blood was collected from 33 aggressive periodontitis patients (22 females, 11 males), 55 chronic periodontitis patients (35 females, 20 males) and 30 healthy subjects (16 females, 14 males), and the expression of CD14, CD16 and CD45RA on monocytes was determined using flow cytometry. The production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) by CD16+ and CD16- monocytes stimulated with LPS from Escherichia coli and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was also examined using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The percentage of CD14+CD16+ monocytes was significantly increased in chronic periodontitis patients. Percentage of monocytes expressing CD45RA was significantly increased in aggressive periodontitis patients compared to healthy subjects. CD16+ and CD16- monocytes produced IL-6 in response to LPS from E. coli and A. actinomycetemcomitans, and the percentage of IL-6 producing cells was higher in CD16+ monocytes than CD16- monocytes, suggesting that CD14+CD16+ monocytes represent a hyper-reactive phenotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that CD14+CD16+ monocytes and CD45RA+ monocytes were increased in chronic and aggressive periodontitis, respectively. These findings suggest that alteration of monocytes in periodontitis patients could be evaluated by monitoring the surface expression of CD14, CD16 and CD45RA on monocytes.

Chorioamnionitis caused by Serratia marcescens in a non-immunocompromised host

A 26 year old pregnant woman with antithrombin III deficiency developed recurrent septicaemia with Serratia marcescens. In spite of the administration of antibiotics, high grade fever persisted. She subsequently manifested lower abdominal pain, and spontaneous abortion occurred. After the abortion, she became completely afebrile. The amnion was turbid, and microscopic examination of the placenta showed haemorrhage and massive infiltration of neutrophils, suggestive of infectious chorioamnionitis. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed that isolates from the blood, urine, and vaginal discharge were genetically identical. Intravenous pyelography revealed that she had a bilateral completed double ureter. It was thought that a urinary tract anomaly caused infection with S marcescens, and the pathogen spread to the chorioamnion via the bloodstream. This is the first report of chorioamnionitis caused by S marcescens in a non-immunocompromised host. In addition, these findings indicate that the chorioamnion can serve as a site for persistent infection in normal pregnancies.

Regioselective hydroxylation of quinolinic acid, lutidinic acid and isocinchomeronic acid by resting cells of pyridine dicarboxylic acid-degrading microorganisms

Microorganisms aerobically degrading quinolinic acid, lutidinic acid or isocinchomeronic acid were isolated and the microbial regioselective hydroxylation of these pyridine dicarboxylic acids was studied. Alcaligenes sp. UK21 cells converted quinolinic acid into 6-hydroxypicolinic acid, suggesting the involvement of two enzyme reactions catalyzing hydroxylation at position C6 and decarboxylation at position C3 of quinolinic acid. Resting cells of Alcaligenes sp. UK21 accumulated 94.9 mM 6-hydroxypicolinic acid (13.2 g l(-1)), with a 96% molar conversion yield by 48 h incubation. Rhizobium sp. LA17 and Hydrogenophaga sp. IMA01 catalyzed the regioselective hydroxylation of lutidinic acid and isocinchomeronic acid into 6-hydroxylutidinic acid and 6-hydroxyisocinchomeronic acid, respectively. 6-Hydroxylutidinic acid accumulated up to 95.4 mM (17.5 g l(-1)) by 24 h incubation in the resting cells reaction, using Rhizobium sp. LA17, with a 99% molar conversion yield. Resting cells of Hydrogenophaga sp. IMA01 produced 88.7 mM 6-hydroxyisocinchomeronic acid (16.2 g l(-1)) by 24 h incubation, with a 81% molar conversion yield.

epsilon-Poly-L-lysine: microbial production, biodegradation and application potential

epsilon-Poly-L-lysine (epsilon-PL) is a homo-poly-amino acid characterized by the peptide bond between the carboxyl and epsilon-amino groups of L-lysine. epsilon-PL shows a wide range of antimicrobial activity and is stable at high temperatures and under both acidic and alkaline conditions. The mechanism of the inhibitory effect of epsilon-PL on microbial growth is the electrostatic adsorption to the cell surface of microorganisms on the basis of its poly-cationic property. Due to this antimicrobial activity, epsilon-PL is now industrially produced in Japan as a food additive by a fermentation process using Streptomyces albulus. In spite of the practical application of epsilon-PL, the biosynthetic mechanisms of epsilon-PL have not been clarified at all. epsilon-PL producers commonly possess membrane-bound epsilon-PL-degrading aminopeptidase, which might play a role in self-protection.

Hemophagocytic syndrome as the primary clinical symptom of Hodgkin's disease

It is now well recognized that hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is occasionally associated with malignant lymphomas. However, its association with Hodgkin's disease has been only rarely reported. We present here a 72-year-old woman manifesting with HPS as the primary and solitary clinical symptom of Hodgkin's disease. She had been suffering from high-grade fever and anemia for more than a month. Based on the findings in bone marrow aspirates, she was diagnosed as having HPS. In spite of extensive surveys including various cultures, serological tests for collagen disease, abdominal and cardiac sonography, chest computed tomography (CT), and renal biopsy, the origin of the fever was not determined. She was treated with steroid pulse therapy and then referred. Radiological studies revealed only mild hepatosplenomegaly and small lymph node swellings around celiac and common hepatic arteries. Reevaluation of the bone marrow specimen revealed the infiltration of small numbers of CD30-, CD15-, and EBER-1-positive large-sized lymphocytes with bizarre nucleus. Under the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease, she was treated with combination chemotherapy containing pirarubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone. However, it was not effective and she died of rapidly progressive hepatic failure on the 5th day of the chemotherapy. Autopsy was performed, which showed proliferation of lymphoma cells in para-aortic lymph nodes. We believe that diagnostic survey to rule out the underlying lymphoma should be vigorously performed for patients with hemophagocytic syndrome of unknown origin.

LPS-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts inhibit the differentiation of monocytes into osteoclasts through the production of osteoprotegerin

Periodontitis is an inflammatory bone disease caused by Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, but the precise mechanism of bone destruction remains unknown. Activated T lymphocytes secrete receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and support the differentiation of monocytes into mature osteoclasts. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression of RANKL and its inhibitor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), in inflamed gingival tissue and to clarify the role of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in osteoclastogenesis regulated by RANKL. HGFs and gingival mononuclear cells (GMCs) were obtained from chronic periodontitis patients during routine periodontal surgery. Expression of OPG and RANKL mRNA in gingival tissue and HGFs was examined with RT-PCR. OPG production was measured using ELISA. Expression of RANKL, CD4, CD8 and CD69 on GMCs was determined by flow-cytometry using RANK-Fc fusion protein and the respective monoclonal antibodies. Osteoclastogenesis by RANKL was assayed by counting the number of tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells after culturing human peripheral blood monocytes with recombinant human RANKL and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) for 10 days. OPG and RANKL mRNA were expressed in 80% (16/20) and 25% (5/20) of periodontitis lesions, respectively. OPG, but not RANKL, mRNA was expressed within HGFs. OPG mRNA expression and production by HGFs was augmented by LPS stimulation. All GMC samples expressed CD69, and two of five GMC samples expressed RANKL. The culture supernatant of LPS-stimulated gingival fibroblasts significantly reduced the number of TRAP positive cells generated by culturing monocytes with RANKL and M-CSF. The present study suggests that LPS-stimulated HGFs inhibit monocyte differentiation into osteoclasts through the production of OPG.

Fatal reactivation of hepatitis B virus following cytotoxic chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia: fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a well known pathogen that sometimes causes fulminant hepatitis in patients undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy. Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) is a recently recognized unique variant of viral hepatitis, which has been occasionally reported in HBV-infected recipients of liver, renal, or bone marrow transplantation. We present here a 48-yr-old male in whom HBV was reactivated during post-remission chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia, which resulted in rapidly fatal outcome. He manifested with deterioration of liver function in association with enormous replication of HBV. Liver biopsy showed marked ballooning of hepatocytes, cholestasis, and periportal fibrosis with minimum infiltrates. Immunostaining revealed that hepatocytes were strongly positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Under the diagnosis of FCH, he was treated with lamivudine and interferon beta, which was not effective. Autopsy showed severe atrophy of the liver and marked degeneration of hepatocytes. Hematologists should be aware that FCH is a fatal complication that can develop under post-chemotherapy immunosuppressed conditions. Although there is no convincing evidence, prophylactic administration of lamivudine seems to be a reasonable strategy.

Nephrotic IgA nephropathy associated with disseminated tuberculosis

A 35-year-old woman who had been suffering from ascites more than 3 months after the delivery of her first baby, developed generalized edema, pyrexia, pleural effusion, and right lower abdominal pain. The laboratory data revealed 5.6 g of 24-hour urinary protein, increased ESR and CRP, a positive skin test for tuberculosis, and a positive culture fortuberculous bacilli from pleural effusion. A renal biopsy showed mild proliferative glomerulonephritis, IgA and C3 depositions along the capillary loop, in the mesangium and also in the focal tubular basement membrane, and scattered membranolysis of the glomerular basement membrane in addition to paramesangial and intramembranous electron-dense deposits. A positive culture of tuberculous bacilli led anti-tuberculous drugs resulted in the complete disappearance of proteinuria, inflammation, and various organ manifestations. As far as we know, the association of tuberculosis with glomerulonephritis is an uncommon occurrence. In addition to describing this case, we also discussed the role of tuberculosis in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis, and reviewed the pertinent literature.

Role of chemokine SDF-1/PBSF and its receptor CXCR4 in blood vessel development

Chemokines are a family of small, structurally related molecules that regulate cell trafficking. We isolated a chemokine, stromal cell-derived factor/pre-B cell growth-stimulating factor (SDF-1/PBSF), as a molecule that stimulates the growth of B lymphocyte precursors and then found its multiple physiological functions in development. SDF-1/PBSF is essential for embryonic viability, B lymphopoiesis, bone marrow myelopoiesis, and cardiogenesis. Moreover, a primary physiologic receptor for SDF-1/PBSF is a seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor, CXCR4, that also functions as a coreceptor for strains of HIV-1. In recent years, we have shown that SDF-1/ PBSF and CXCR4 chemokine ligand receptor system is required for vascularization of the gastrointestinal tract by analyzing mice deficient in these molecules, thus defining a new signaling system for organ vascularization during embryogenesis.

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome: serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclass antibody response to periodontopathic bacteria. A case report

BACKGROUND

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder which is characterized by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and rapid periodontal destruction of both primary and permanent dentitions. In this case report, we present clinical features, and microbiological and immunological findings of 40 month-old Thai male PLS patient.

METHODS

Microbiological examinations consisted of bacterial culture methods utilizing selective media, morphological identification, and biochemical tests. In addition, the specific serum IgG subclass antibody titers reactive with etiologic periodontal bacteria were determined by the dot-blot immunological analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

The examinations revealed that the patient harbored 3 major suspected periodontopathic microorganisms, A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, and P. intermedia. The patient's serum IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3, but not IgG4, titers against A. actinomycetemcomitans were dramatically increased. The predominant IgG subclass was IgG1. In contrast, the IgG titers against other tested bacteria, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and F. nucleatum, appeared to be similar to those of a healthy control.

CONCLUSIONS

A. actinomycetemcomitans seems to play a pivotal role in the bacteria-host interaction in PLS periodontal pathogenesis. Response of the specific serum IgG subclass antibody titers against the A. actinomycetemcomitans antigen has been demonstrated. This association warrants further investigation.

Dactyloquinones A and B, new sesquiterpenoid quinones from the Okinawan marine sponge Dactylospongia elegans

Structurally unique new sesquiterpenoid quinones dactyloquinone A (1) and B (2), each possessing a dihydropyran moiety, were isolated from an Okinawan sponge Dactylospongia elegans, along with known sesquiterpenoid quinones. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis.

Conversion of pyrrole to pyrrole-2-carboxylate by cells of Bacillus megaterium in supercritical CO2

Pyrrole was converted to pyrrole-2-carboxylate in supercritical CO2 using cells of Bacillus megaterium PYR 2910, and the yield of the carboxylation reaction in supercritical CO2 was 12 times higher than that under atmospheric pressure.

Helicobacter pylori alters n-6 fatty acid metabolism and prostaglandin E2 synthesis in rat gastric mucosal cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Little is known about whether Helicobacter pylori infection alters fatty acid metabolism in gastric mucosal cells. By using cultured rat gastric mucosal cells (RGM-1), we investigated the effect of H. pylori broth culture filtrates on this point. Furthermore, our study aimed to find out whether n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from linoleic acid are formed in RGM-1 cells.

METHODS

Rat gastric mucosal cells were incubated with 10, 20 and 40 microg/mL of linoleic acid or medium alone. Phosphatidylcholine content extracted from whole RGM-1 cells was quantitated by using a densitometer, and its fatty acid composition was analyzed by using gas chromatography. Prostaglandin E2 concentration in the culture medium was measured by using radioimmunoassay. The expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 was examined by using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In addition, after incubation with [1-14C] linoleic acid, radioactivities of both linoleic acid and arachidonic acid components of the PC fraction were counted. The effects of H. pylori broth culture filtrates on PC content, its fatty acid composition and prostaglandin (PG)E2 synthesis were also assessed.

RESULTS

Linoleic acid addition caused an increase in the composition of arachidonic acid, as well as linoleic acid, and also in PGE2 concentration. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression was induced in RGM-1 cells by the addition of linoleic acid. In addition, [1-14C] linoleic acid added to the culture medium was converted to [1-14C] arachidonic acid in RGM-1 cells. Helicobacter pylori broth culture filtrates decreased linoleic acid composition and increased arachidonic acid composition. Moreover, after incubation with H. pylori broth culture filtrates, PGE2 concentrations were higher than that of the controls.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest the presence of fatty acid elongase and Delta5- and Delta6-desaturases synthesize arachidonic acid from linoleic acid in RGM-1 cells. Thus, H. pylori infection may enhance PGE2 synthesis and accelerate n-6 fatty acid metabolism in gastric mucosal cells, which could make the gastric mucosal barrier more fragile.