Mechanism of Na+ deprivation-induced catecholamine secretion from freshly isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

We have studied the mechanism of Na+ deprivation-induced catecholamine secretion from freshly isolated bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Na+ deprivation-induced catecholamine secretion depended on free extracellular Ca2+ concentrations and was almost parallel to 45Ca2+ influx into the cells under various experimental conditions. Furthermore, Na+ deprivation-induced 45Ca2+ influx and catecholamine secretion were actually induced by a relative Na+ concentration gradient across the plasma membrane, but not by simple omission of Na+ from the medium. These results indicate that the deprivation of Na+ from the medium changes the relative Na+ gradient across the plasma membrane and results in Ca2+ influx via a reverse mode of Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange rather than by inducing Ca2+ entry through Ca2+ channels by eliminating the competition between extracellular Na+ and Ca2+.

[Pulmonary adenocarcinoma of the fetal lung type; report of a case]

An asynptomatic 58-year-old male was admitted to the hospital because of an abnormal nodule in the left lung field on screening chest X-ray. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a tumor shadow mass in the left lower lobe. Open biopsy was performed to diagnose the mass. The cytological diagnosis was low-grade malignant adenocarcinoma, underwent left lower lobectomy. The histological diagnosis was pulmonary adenocarcinoma of the fetal lung type which was one of pulmonary blastoma (PB). Recently, the concept of pulmonary blastoma has changed. It will be useful to investigate the old PB's case reports to classify new concept.

Sudden deafness: long-term follow-up and recurrence

We examined the long-term outcome for patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (sudden deafness), including the incidence of recurrence of sudden deafness. The subjects were 1,798 individuals who came to Nagoya University hospital within 2 weeks of the onset of unilateral sudden deafness. Only 14 of the patients had a history of being diagnosed with sudden deafness. After their visit to our hospital, one patient had a recurrence in the ipsilateral ear and four patients experienced sudden deafness in the contralateral ear. We performed hearing examinations on 88 patients who revisited our hospital more than 10 years after unilateral sudden deafness. Of these patients, there was one with a recurrence in the ipsilateral ear and one with sudden deafness in the contralateral ear. Thus, in this series the recurrence of sudden deafness was rare.

Combinatorial peptide library for the analysis of antigen recognition by T cells

Peptides that consist of 19 residues with random sequences (X19) were considered to deliver antigenic stimuli to CD4T cells. When IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and agonistic Ab to CD29 were co-cultured with single peripheral CD4T cells in the presence of X19 and feeder cells, T cells exhibited clonal expansion. These T cell clones showed heterogeneous proliferation patterns against KGXXXXXXXXXGK-based and KGXXXXXXXXXGKGKK-based combinatorial peptide libraries. Pattern-match search on one of the T cell clones resulted in peptide ligand candidates, one of which induced proliferation, as did protein molecules carrying the corresponding sequence. Combinatorial chemistry was useful in determining not only peptide ligands but also peptide superagonists. For this purpose, use of reverse-phase hydrophobic interaction chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis was efficient. Detailed methods are described in the paper.

Functional changes in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synovial cells through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-mediated signalling pathway

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a ligand dependent transcriptional factor known to be a regulator of adipogenesis. Recent studies have also shown that stimulation of PPARgamma inhibits the transcriptional activities of other nuclear factors and down-regulates proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in T cells and monocytes. We examined, in the present study, the functional significance of PPARgamma expressed in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Incubation of FLS with a synthetic PPARgamma ligand, troglitazone, inhibited endogenous production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as matrix metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), without inducing apoptosis of the cells. The gelatinase activity of FLS culture media was also inhibited by troglitazone. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed a significant reduction in the DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB in troglitazone-treated FLS in response to TNF-alpha or IL-1beta. Moreover, long-term cultivation of FLS with troglitazone resulted in morphological changes with marked lipid accumulation in these cells. Our results show a negative regulatory function for PPARgamma on cytokine and MMP production together with inhibition of cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in rheumatoid synovial cells. Our results also suggest that FLS could differentiate into adipocyte-like cells in the presence of proper stimulatory signals including PPARgamma.

A survey of the pattern of glandular distribution in the larynges of human infants

We studied the development of glandular structures and the pattern of distribution of serous and mucous-type glands in the larynges of 77 human infants obtained at autopsy. The subglottic larynx was subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis, using an image binarization procedure. The areas of mucosa and inner space of the subglottic larynx tended to increase with age. The area occupied by the glands differed considerably in younger infants and the areas of total glands and serous-type glands increased with age. There was no correlation between the area of the mucous glands and age. These findings indicate that local immune function of the secretory glandular system in the larynx of human infants increases with advancing age.

Use of a remote controlled radiotherapy afterloading system to manage unresectable, metastatic thyroid cancer in the trachea

We treated a 66-year-old Japanese woman with metastasis from thyroid papillary adenocarcinoma to mediastinal lymph nodes that obstructed the airway by its extensions towards the tracheal carina. Since the patient suffered from severe dyspnea, an endotracheal intubation was inserted and endotracheal radiotherapy was done using a remote controlled afterloading system. The obstruction mass in the trachea almost disappeared and there has been no evidence of regrowth during a follow-up period fo more than 3 years. The patient's management is now detailed.

Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions as a prognostic indicator of laryngeal carcinomas

Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were studied in surgically removed specimens from 76 patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx using an argyrophilic (Ag) staining technique. The mean number of AgNORs per nucleus was 4.3 +/- 1.38 (SD). The mean AgNOR number for T1 or T2 disease was statistically lower than that for T3 or T4 lesions (P < 0.05). The mean AgNOR number was lower in patients with N0 disease than in patients with N1 or N2 or N3 tumors (P < 0.05). There was also a statistically significant difference between the mean AgNOR number for stage II and stage III disease (P < 0.01), for stage III and stage IV disease (P < 0.05), but not for stage I and stage II disease. According to the histological grading, there was a significant difference between the mean AgNOR number for the well-differentiated and moderately differentiated tumors (P < 0.05), and for the moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated types (P < 0.01). These results suggest that the number of AgNORs in the nucleus is a significant indicator of laryngeal carcinomas.

Preliminary findings of chromosomal alterations and expression of cell cycle genes in head an neck tumors

The genesis and progression of malignant tumors may be related to certain somatic mutations and the accumulation of multiple chromosomal alterations. Using four freshly resected malignant tumors, we investigated the relationship between chromosomal alteration and expression of cell cycle regulatory genes. Specimens of thyroid hyperplasia and normal thyroid tissue were also investigated. As cell cycle regulating genes, we chose the cdc2 gene that encodes the p34cdc2 protein kinase, a major kinase of the cell cycle, and the RCC1 gene that is essential for coupling between S and M phases. Three of the malignant tumors contained cells with chromosomal alterations, including one polyploid and two aneuploid. The DNA content of cells in thyroid hyperplasia was the same as in the normal gland. The amount of p34cdc2 protein was very low in cells of both normal thyroid and hyperplastic tissue, and grew very slowly as compared with malignant tumors. There was no significant relationship between the amount of RCC1 and ploidy pattern.

Calcifying tendonitis of the gastrocnemius. A report of three cases

We describe the clinical features of calcifying tendonitis in the medial head of gastrocnemius in three elderly female patients. The presenting symptom was chronic pain in the posteromedial area of the knee in two patients and acute pain in the back of the knee in one. All had limitation of movement of the knee and marked tenderness in the region of the tendinous origin of the medial head of gastrocnemius with posterior knee pain induced by stretching the tendon. An injection of 1% lidocaine and steroid into the tendon resulted in temporary relief from pain and improved movement.

Elevation of serum thioredoxin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes

To evaluate the clinical significance of thioredoxin in diabetic patients, serum thioredoxin levels measured with a recently established sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit were compared with clinical laboratory data and complications in 174 patients with Type 2 diabetes. Thioredoxin levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients (mean value, 38 ng/ml) than in healthy controls (21 ng/ml) (p < 0.05). Fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c did not correlate with thioredoxin. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids levels were significantly higher in patients with higher thioredoxin levels (>or= 40 ng/ml) than in those with lower thioredoxin levels (< 40 ng/ml) (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation both between thioredoxin and non-esterified fatty acids in patients with diet/exercise therapy (p < 0.01) and between thioredoxin and fasting immunoreactive insulin in those treated with diet/exercise or oral hypoglycemic agents (p < 0.05). Thioredoxin did not correlate with diabetic complications. In conclusion, serum thioredoxin levels may reflect the status of insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetic patients.

The predictive value of p53, Ki-67 and angiogenetic factors in primary hypopharyngeal carcinoma

To evaluate the predictive role of the oncogene p53, the proliferating marker Ki-67, angiogenic factors platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase (PD-ECGF/dThdPase) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in primary hypopharyngeal carcinoma, we immunohistochemically studied a series of 84 primary hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients who were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology of Kurume University Hospital between 1990 and 1997. The correlation of each score according to the intensity and percentage of the labeled cells with the TNM stage, histological grade, metastasis and survival status was analyzed. The positive rate of p53 was 52.4%. The percentages of Ki-67 labeled cells in patients with or without metastasis showed a significant difference (p = 0.011). VEGF also showed a significant difference between the live and death groups (p < 0.05) and also among the differentiation group (p < 0.05). A statistically significant correlation was also seen between the score of Ki-67 and VEGF (r = 0.438, p < 0.001) or the score of Ki-67 and PD-ECGF (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), respectively. In conclusion, the present study suggests that a correlation exists between proliferating and angiogenesis, and VEGF and Ki-67 are thus considered to be possible prognostic discriminators in hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Effects of anterior inferior cerebellar artery occlusion on cochlear blood flow--a comparison between laser-Doppler and microsphere methods

The effects of anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) occlusion on blood flow were investigated in rats using the laser-Doppler and microsphere methods. A specially designed microclamp was held in a micromanipulator and positioned to occlude the left AICA. After the middle ear mucosa had been removed, a 1.0-mm laser-Doppler probe was placed on the basal turn of the left cochlea. Non-radioactive microspheres were injected intracardially during the AICA occlusion and the numbers of microspheres in various parts of the cochlea were counted, including in the bone surrounding the cochlea. Upon AICA clamping, the blood flow measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry decreased to 46.9+/-11.9% of the baseline value, and the number of microspheres trapped in the cochlea was 17.2+/-13.3% compared with the contralateral side in 15 animals. The number of microspheres in the bone surrounding the cochlea in the AICA-clamped side was 81+/-15% of that of the contralateral side. In animals in which there were few if any microspheres in the cochlea, laser-Doppler output was 30-40% of the baseline value. From these findings, we infer that during complete interruption of cochlear blood flow in rats, residual laser-Doppler output was essentially attributable to blood flow in the bone surrounding the cochlea.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis applied to acute otitis media caused by penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae

The spread of penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSSP) is an emerging problem for the treatment of acute otitis media (AOM). Attendance of children at day care centers, as well as the spread of PNSSP, is a risk factor for AOM. The status of the spread of PNSSP during the acute infection phase of AOM has not been evaluated. We examined the clonality of samples from seven children in a day care center who simultaneously developed AOM caused by PNSSP. The seven isolates from the children, and six control samples were grouped by serotyping, by determining resistance to antimicrobial agents, and by genotyping, carried out by sequencer-based random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and validated by bootstrap analysis. There was no evidence to indicate the direct dissemination of PNSSP among these patients in the day care center, although the simultaneous occurrence of PNSSP AOM had initially suggested a clonal outbreak. The possible presence of a common ancestral strain suggested the importance of surveillance during the carrier state. The result of RAPD genotyping was highly reproducible, as validated by the high bootstrap score. The use of an automated sequencer, in combination with a careful choice of primers, and commercially established kits, played a significant role in the reproducibility of the studies.

Phenotypes associated with replacement of His by Arg in the Pendred syndrome gene

BACKGROUND

Pendred syndrome is often associated with inner ear malformations, especially enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA). Recently, mutations in the Pendred syndrome gene (PDS) have been reported in patients with EVA, in addition to those with classical Pendred syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the genotype-phenotype correlations of PDS.

METHODS

Each of the 21 exons and flanking splice regions of PDS was analysed by direct DNA sequencing in nine patients with EVA; allele-specific amplification was performed to confirm the mutation. Genetic analyses were compared with thyroid function tests, perchlorate discharge tests, thyroid volume and pure-tone audiogram. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine the volume of the endolymphatic duct and sac of each patient.

RESULTS

A missense mutation, H723R, was identified in the homozygous state in three patients and in the heterozygous state in another three. Although none of the patients had goitre, increased serum thyroglobulin and an abnormal degree of iodide release were correlated with the number of mutant alleles identified. However, there was no relationship between the degree of hearing loss and the number of mutant alleles.

CONCLUSION

The present study reveals that the number of mutant alleles correlates with the degree of subclinical thyroid abnormality, but not with the degree of hearing loss in Japanese patients with the PDS missense mutation H723R.

Associations of plasma endothelin concentration with carotid atherosclerosis and asymptomatic cerebrovascular lesions in patients with essential hypertension

We studied the association of endothelin (ET)-1 with carotid atherosclerosis and asymptomatic cerebrovascular lesions in patients with essential hypertension. Neurologically normal patients with essential hypertension (n=293; 138 male, 155 female; mean age, 65 years) and age-matched control subjects (n=242) were studied with B-mode ultrasonography of the common and internal carotid arteries and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Plasma ET-1 was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Hypertensive patients were divided into groups with carotid plaques and low ET-1 concentrations (< 0.75 pg/ml; PL group); carotid plaques and mid-range ET-1 (0.75 to 1.55 pg/ml; PM group); carotid plaques and high ET-1 (> or = 1.55 pg/ml; PH group); no plaques and low ET-1 (NPL); no plaques and mid-range ET-1 (NPM); and no plaques and high ET-1 (NPH). Overall, ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in control subjects. Carotid plaque prevalence was significantly related to ET-1 in hypertensive patients. ET-1 showed a significant positive relationship with the number of asymptomatic lacunar infarcts of the brain in hypertensive patients with carotid plaques (rho=0.48, p<0.001). No significant relationship was seen between ET-1 and periventricular hyperintensity scores in patients with plaques. ET-1 did not show a relationship to either brain lesion type in patients without carotid plaques. Thus, ET-1 may foster asymptomatic lacunar cerebral infarcts by promoting carotid atherosclerosis in patients with essential hypertension.

Maspin expression in stage I and II oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

A relatively high failure rate in the therapy of patients with early oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) is evidenced by untreated clinically negative neck lymph node metastasis. It is important to predict the malignant potential of oral tongue SCC in stage I and II patients, because the development of lymph node metastasis directly affects the prognosis of the patients.

METHODS

We evaluated maspin expression immunohistochemically in patients with stage I and II oral tongue SCCs and determined whether the expression level may be a useful factor in predicting metastatic potential and prognosis of these SCCs.

RESULTS

Clinical follow-up data showed a longer disease-free interval and overall survival periods for tumors immunohistochemically positive for maspin than for tumors negative for maspin, with the difference in disease-free interval being statistically significant (p =.01). The absence of maspin expression was found more frequently in cases of subsequent cervical lymph node metastasis than in cases without metastasis (p =.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased maspin expression may be a significant factor associated with the metastatic potential of stage I and II oral tongue SCCs.

Endobronchial metastasis from prostate cancer

We describe a case of endobronchial metastasis from prostate cancer originally diagnosed as primary bronchogenic carcinoma. We conducted a sleeve lobectomy and determined a final diagnosis using a serumprostate-specific antigen and immunohistochemical studies.

[Analysis of 200 university hospital hearing aid clinic patients]

We statistically studied patients who visited our hearing aid clinic to determine what segment of the population may benefit from hearing aids. Subjects were 200 patients from 5 to 89 years of age who had visited the Hearing Aid Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Hospital, between January 1998 and March 2000. This clinic lent out hearing aids. Subjects were divided into 2 groups those having their own hearing aids either new or earlier (HA group) and those giving up hearing aids after a trial (non-HA group). Mean better hearing levels in pure tone average were 50.6 dB in the HA group and 44.5 dB in the non-HA group. Mean better maximum speech recognition scores were 81.5% in the HA group and 85.3% in the non-HA group. The distribution of better hearing has shown that patients with mild hearing loss (better pure tone average < 40 dB) account for more than a quarter of all hearing aid clinic patients. Among patients with mild hearing loss, 60% had their own hearing aids. The need for rehabilitation in the mild hearing loss population thus appears large. Their intent to wear hearing aids influenced whether patients agreed or declined hearing aids after a trial. The period from use until patients made a decision was 2 weeks in 65% of those declining use and 35% of those agreeing to use. Over 15% of those agreeing called for a trial period longer than 8 weeks. Hearing aid trials provide useful information for both patients and surgeons before choosing surgery for a difficult ear condition. In this research, 18 patients needed counseling about both amplification and surgery. Bridging between ear surgery and hearing aid wearing is a vital role of hearing aid clinics at university hospitals.

Serum thioredoxin elucidates the significance of serum ferritin as a marker of oxidative stress in chronic liver diseases

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Serum thioredoxin (TRX) levels have recently been established as an indicator of oxidative stress in various diseases. The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical significance of serum ferritin in chronic liver diseases.

METHODS

Levels of ferritin, transferrin saturation (TS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and TRX were measured in the sera of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C, n=92), chronic hepatitis B (CH-B, n=28), nonalcoholic fatty liver (FL, n=31), or alcoholic liver diseases (ALD, n=17). Serum TRX levels were evaluated with a recently established sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

Serum TRX levels were significantly higher in CH-C, FL, and ALD than in healthy volunteers. A larger proportion of patients with CH-C, FL, and ALD had elevated levels of serum ferritin than CH-B. Serum ferritin levels were positively correlated with levels of TS, AST, and TRX in CH-C, but were merely correlated with TS values in CH-B. Ferritin levels were also well correlated with AST and TRX, but not with TS in FL and ALD.

CONCLUSION

Oxidative stress, which was evaluated by measuring serum TRX, in addition to storage iron and hepatocyte damage is a cause of increasing serum ferritin levels in chronic liver diseases. An elevated serum ferritin level, which was correlated with TS, indicates that iron-induced oxidative stress contributes to CH-C. Elevated ferritin levels in FL and ALD may be mostly due to iron-unrelated stresses.

Expression of midkine in the cochlea

Midkine (MK) is one of a new family of heparin-binding growth factors involved in the regulation of growth and differentiation. We have analyzed expression of MK in the cochlea using ICR mice within 1 day from birth. The expression of MK in the cochlea was confirmed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Anti-MK immunoreactivity was observed in the stria vascularis, spiral prominence, spiral ganglion, and ganglion nerve fibers. These findings suggest that MK plays a role in the development of the cochlea.

Effect of chronic treatment with haloperidol on vasopressin release and behavioral changes by osmotic stimulation of the supraoptic nucleus

Chronic treatment with dopamine D2 blockers in schizophrenic patients has been proposed as one of the causes of polydipsia and water intoxication, but this conclusion is still controversial. To investigate the relationship between dopamine D2 blockers and these syndromes, we designed a behavioral and neurochemical study using hyperosmotic stimulation in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) by microdialysis after chronic treatment with haloperidol in rats. Animals were injected with haloperidol decanoate (20 mg/kg, i.m.) or sesame oil at 2-week intervals for 8 successive weeks. During the 7th week, water-intake was increased 30-60 min after the hyperosmotic stimulation in both groups, but more so in haloperidol-treated animals compared to that in the control group. Moreover, arginine vasopressin (AVP) was released by the hyperosmotic stimulation in SON, but was not significantly different between groups. In addition, striatal dopamine levels 3-4 days after the microdialysis study showed a significant decrease in the haloperidol-treated animals. These results suggest that chronic treatment with haloperidol enhances water-intake produced by hyperosmotic stimulation in the SON but does not increase AVP levels in dialysates following hyperosmotic stimulation. Thus, these symptoms may be mediated by dopaminergic systems in brain.

Hypothalamic 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid attenuates fever induced by central interleukin-1beta in the rat

Inhibitors of cytochrome P-450 augment fever in rats and mice, indicating that the metabolite of the enzyme is candidate of endogenous antipyretic. Cytochrome P-450 of arachidonic acid cascade leads to the formation of regioisomeric 5,6-, 8,9- 11,12- and 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET). Various isomers of EET were administrated into the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH) to test their influence on fever induced by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) administrated into the PO/AH in conscious rats. The IL-beta-induced fever was attenuated in the 11,12-EET-pretreated rats, although 5,6-, 8,9- and 14,15-EET did not affect the fever. Intra-PO/AH injection of 11,12-EET did not alter normal body temperature. The results suggest that 11,12-EET acts in the hypothalamus as an endogenous antipyretic.

Metabolism of proteinoid microspheres

The literature of metabolism in proteinoids and proteinoid microspheres is reviewed and criticized from a biochemical and experimental point of view. Closely related literature is also reviewed in order to understand the function of proteinoids and proteinoid microspheres. Proteinoids or proteinoid microspheres have many activities. Esterolyis, decarboxylation, amination, deamination, and oxidoreduction are catabolic enzyme activities. The formation of ATP, peptides or oligonucleotides is synthetic enzyme activities. Additional activities are hormonal and inhibitory. Selective formation of peptides is an activity of nucleoproteinoid microspheres; these are a model for ribosomes. Mechanisms of peptide and oligonucleotide syntheses from amino acids and nucleotide triphosphate by proteinoid microspheres are tentatively proposed as an integrative consequence of reviewing the literature.

Metabolism of proteinoid microspheres

The literature of metabolism in proteinoids and proteinoid microspheres is reviewed and criticized from a biochemical and experimental point of view. Closely related literature is also reviewed in order to understand the function of proteinoids and proteinoid microspheres. Proteinoids or proteinoid microspheres have many activities. Esterolysis, decarboxylation, amination, deamination, and oxidoreduction are catabolic enzyme activities. The formation of ATP, peptides or oligonucleotides is synthetic enzyme activities. Additional activities are hormonal and inhibitory. Selective formation of peptides is an activity of nucleoproteinoid microspheres; these are a model for ribosomes. Mechanisms of peptide and oligonucleotide syntheses from amino acids and nucleotide triphosphate by proteinoid microspheres are tentatively proposed as an integrative consequence of reviewing the literature.

Chemotaxonomy on the leaf constituents of Thujopsis dolabrata Sieb. et Zucc.-Analysis of neutral extracts (diterpene hydrocarbon)

The leaf terpenes in Thujopsis dolabrata from all regions in Japan were analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The results show that the major constituents of the diterpene hydrocarbon fraction in this conifer are dolabradiene, hibaene, rimuene, 13-epi-dolabradiene and abietatriene. There were wide variations in the contents of the constituents among individuals and habitats. The results also show that T. dolabrata trees from 34 habitats can be classified into three groups based on the composition of the leaf diterpene hydrocarbon.

Clonal expansion of freshly isolated CD4T cells by randomized peptides and identification of peptide ligands using combinatorial peptide libraries

We synthesized Xn (n = 9 -- 19) peptides that consist of 9 to 19 residues with random sequences. X19 is considered to deliver antigenic stimuli to CD4 T cells, because: (a) X19 induces proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), in the presence of IL-2, which is abrogated by monoclonal antibodies to class II HLA; (b) X19 + IL-2 induces proliferation of CD4 T cell clones of distinct specificities; and (c) T cell clones recognizing the same TCR ligands with distinct V beta usage are equally stimulated by X19 + IL-2. We next co-cultured single peripheral CD4 T cells with X19 and mitomycin-treated autologous PBMC. Indeed, single T cells of CD45RA(-) memory phenotype exhibited clonal expansion, with variable rates of proliferation, when IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15 and agonistic antibody to CD29 were included in the culture. These T cell clones showed heterogeneous proliferation patterns against KGXXXXXXXXXGK-based and KGXXXXXXXXXGKGKK-based combinatorial peptides libraries, in the presence of IL-2. Pattern-match search on a T cell clone resulted in peptide ligand candidates, one of which induced proliferation, as did protein molecules carrying the corresponding sequence. These results indicate that X19 can induce proliferation of peripheral memory T cells, the peptide ligands of which can be determined using combinatorial peptide libraries.

All-trans-retinoic acid enhances the effect of adenovirus-mediated wild-type p53 gene transfer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Adenovirus-mediated p53 (AdCMVp53) gene therapy for cancer is currently undergoing phase III clinical trials. One problematic aspect of this therapy is that the current protocols result in low transduction of the therapeutic virus in vivo. To search new modalities that can enhance the effect of AdCMVp53 gene therapy, we focused on retinoids.

METHODS

To study the effect of ATRA in combination with AdCMVp53 gene therapy, we pretreated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells for 72 hours with a low-dose All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) (10-7 M-10-8 M) which will not affect the in vitro cell growth, and then infected the cells with low MOI (30MOI) AdCMVp53. In vitro cell proliferation assays, cell cycle assays were performed. Expression of p53 and p53-related gene products, BAX and p21, were examined.

RESULTS

The combined treatment with ATRA and Ad-p53 suppressed cell growth and induced apoptosis significantly more than AdCMVp53 treatment alone (P <.05). p53 expression significantly increased more after the combined treatment than after either treatment alone, at both the transcription and protein levels. In addition, increased expression of p21 and BAX, which are downstream gene products of p53, was observed in the combination. ATRA also enhanced the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) transduced by an adenovirus-cytomegalovirus (CMV)-GFP vector suggesting ATRA enhances adenovirus-CMV-promoted vectors through transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ATRA enhances AdCMVp53 expression through transcriptional mechanisms and can synergistically induce apoptosis in HNSCC cells. ATRA has a potential to enhance the effect of adenovirus-mediated p53 gene therapy for HNSCC.

Resistance of CD4-positive T lymphocytes to etoposide-induced apoptosis mediated by upregulation of Bcl-xL expression in patients with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy

Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)-associated myelopathy (HAM) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the spinal cord. The exact mechanisms that enhance the development of chronic myelopathy remain to be determined. One such mechanism could be an altered response of peripheral blood CD4(+) T lymphocytes to apoptotic stimuli. We examined the sensitivity of these cells to apoptosis in HAM patients and control. Apoptosis was induced by etoposide, which induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis through the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. The percentage of apoptotic cells that expressed hypodiploid DNA among etoposide-treated CD4(+) T lymphocytes was significantly lower in HAM patients than in the control. Western blot analysis of cell lysates derived from CD4(+) T lymphocytes demonstrated that the expression level of Bcl-xL protein was significantly higher in HAM patients than in the control. Our results indicate that peripheral blood CD4(+) T lymphocytes of HAM patients are resistant to apoptosis triggered through mitochondrial death pathway through upregulation of expression of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-xL. This phenomenon might contribute to the prolongation and perpetuation of the chronic inflammatory process in the spinal cord of HAM patients.

Reliable, minimally invasive oromandibular reconstruction using metal plate rolled with pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

The purpose of this study was to minimize the surgical invasiveness to the donor site and the amount of the primary reconstruction time after oromandibular tumor resection. Oromandibular reconstruction was performed only using a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and a metal plate. The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap was grafted to the oral cavity defect by rolling and wrapping around the metal plate with the muscle of the flap. No early postoperative complications have been noted in all seven patients. An average of 2 years and 1 month has past since surgery, and to date no infections, plate exposure, or plate breakage have been observed in any of the patients. The safety of the oromandibular reconstruction using a metal plate was improved by rolling the muscle of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap around the metal plate. The present method was shown to be a rational technique that allowed primary reconstruction of the oral cavity and mandible in a minimally invasive manner in a short time.

New disease-modifying antirheumatic drug 2 acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid (KE-298) selectively augments activation-induced T cell death

We examined in this study whether the newly developed disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) 2-acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid (KE-298) augments activation-induced T cell death. Peripheral blood (PB) T cells, isolated from healthy donors, were activated by incubation with interleukin-2 (IL-2) followed by further culture with 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin in the presence or absence of KE-298. The apoptosis of activated T cells was examined by flow cytometric determination of hypodiploid DNA. Fas expression and caspase-3 activity in activated T cells were also examined by flow cytometry, and expression of Fas ligand (FasL), Bcl-2-related proteins, and X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was determined by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis was not obvious in resting T cells and was not augmented by KE-298. In contrast, apoptosis was clearly detected in activated T cells (activation-induced T cell death) with the increment of caspase-3 activity, and incubation of these cells with KE-298 further enhanced apoptosis. Treatment of activated T cells with KE-298 increased Bax expression but decreased XIAP expression without affecting the expression of Fas/FasL. Thus caspase-3 activity in activated T cells appeared to be increased by KE-298. Our results suggest that the newly developed DMARD, KE-298, selectively augmented activation-induced T cell death. This finding may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of KE-298 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and provide new insight into the pharmacologic action of DMARDs.

Novel immunosuppressive effect of FK506 by augmentation of T cell apoptosis

We have recently reported the accumulation of oligoclonal activated T cells in the spontaneously developed autoimmune pancreatitis in aly/aly mouse. In this study, we examined the effects of FK506 in this mouse model in preventing autoimmune pancreatitis and investigated its action on calcium signalling apoptosis of alymphoplasia (aly) lymphocytes in vitro. Mice were treated with FK506 from 8 to 25 weeks of age. At the age of 15 weeks, minimal mononuclear cell infiltration was observed in the pancreas in both the FK506 treated group and the control group. Furthermore, a marked cell infiltration associated with destruction of acini and partial fatty changes were observed in 25-week-old control mice. In contrast, FK506 treated mice showed almost no tissue destruction or mononuclear cell infiltration at the age of 25 weeks. Furthermore, at 15 weeks of age, most mononuclear cells in FK506-treated mice were TUNEL positive, whereas only a few were positive in control mice. This augmentation of T cell apoptosis by FK506 was confirmed using naive splenocytes activated by PMA and ionomycin in vitro. Finally, a suppressive effect of FK506 on Bcl-2 production but not on Bax production was confirmed by Western blotting. This unique effect of FK506 on the augmentation of T cell apoptosis is probably one of the mechanisms explaining its beneficial effect on aly autoimmune pancreatitis.

Importance of NF-kappaB in rheumatoid synovial tissues: in situ NF-kappaB expression and in vitro study using cultured synovial cells

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether inhibition of NF-kappaB induces apoptosis of human synovial cells stimulated by tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin 1beta (IL1beta), and anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb).

METHODS

The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), NF-kappaB, and the presence of apoptotic synovial cells were determined in synovial tissues. Apoptosis of cultured synovial cells was induced by inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation by Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-aldehyde (LLL-CHO). The activation of caspase-3 and expression of XIAP and cIAP2 in synovial cells in LLL-CHO induced apoptosis was also examined.

RESULTS

Abundant PCNA+ synovial cells were found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue, though a few apoptotic synovial cells were also detected in the RA synovial tissues. Nuclear NF-kappaB was expressed in RA synovial cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that treatment of cells with TNFalpha or IL1beta significantly stimulated nuclear NF-kappaB activity. A small number of apoptotic synovial cells expressing intracellular active caspase-3 were found after treatment of cells with LLL-CHO. Although treatment of RA synovial cells with TNFalpha or IL1beta alone did not induce apoptosis, apoptosis induced by LLL-CHO and caspase-3 activation were clearly enhanced in TNFalpha or IL1beta stimulated synovial cells compared with unstimulated synovial cells. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis of synovial cells with caspase-3 activation by anti-Fas mAb was clearly increased by LLL-CHO. The expression of cIAP2 and XIAP in synovial cells may not directly influence the sensitivity of synovial cells to apoptosis induced by LLL-CHO.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that NF-kappaB inhibition may be a potentially important therapeutic approach for RA by correcting the imbalance between apoptosis and proliferation of synovial cells in RA synovial tissue.

SCCA1 expression in T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells is associated with the elevation of serum SCC antigen in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen has been used for the management of SCC arising in various cites including head and neck region. However, the true mechanism of the elevation of this protein in the serum of patients with SCC is still unknown. SCC antigen belongs to the superfamily of serine protease inhibitors. Recently, molecular studies show that serum SCC antigen is transcribed by two nearly identical genes (SCCA1 and SCCA2), and is mainly produced by SCCA1. The objective of this study is to clarify the mechanism of the elevation of SCC antigen in oral tongue SCC patients and to identify cells histologically, which are responsible for serum SCC antigen production. In this study, we examined SCCA1 expression in a series of four head and neck SCC (HNSCC) cell lines, and found that all expressed equal to low SCCA1 protein as compared with the normal human oral keratinocyte. Using the double immunohistochemical technique to examine the expression pattern of SCCA1 in 86 cases of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma, SCCA1 immunostaining was observed in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells. We also compared the clinicopathological features including serum SCC antigen level of the oral tongue SCC cases with the immunohistochemical SCCA1 expression pattern, and found that elevated serum SCC antigen level was significantly correlated with SCCA1 expression not in cancer cells, but in T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells. These results suggest that T-lymphocytes peripheral to cancer cells may be responsible for serum SCC antigen production in HNSCC patients.

Fine structure of the human newborn and infant vocal fold mucosae

This study was carried out to determine the fine structure of the membranous portion of the human newborn and infant vocal fold mucosae and to clarify how the human vocal fold mucosa begins to grow after birth. Light and electron microscopic observations were made on the vocal fold mucosae excised from human newborn and infant larynges. Our findings are summarized as follows. 1) Reinke's space of the newborn vocal fold is a loose structure composed of ground substance and sparse fibers. 2) Ground substance is abundant and glycoproteins (fibronectin) are present in the lamina propria. 3) In the maculae flavae of newborn vocal folds, fibroblasts begin to form collagenous, reticular, and elastic fibers. 4) In the infant maculae flavae, fibroblasts are activated to become stellate in shape and synthesize extracellular matrices such as collagenous and reticular fibers. 5) After birth, the collagenous and reticular fibers synthesized in the maculae flavae extend toward the middle of the membranous portion of the vocal fold mucosa. 6) Glycoprotein (fibronectin) determines the orientation of collagenous and reticular fiber deposition. 7) Glycoprotein (fibronectin) decreases with the increase of the fibrous components in Reinke's space. 8) Elastic fibers increase after collagenous and reticular fibers appear in Reinke's space. 9) Much hyaluronic acid (glycosaminoglycan) is actively produced in the infant maculae flavae. 10) The collagenous and reticular fibers serve as stabilizing scaffolds for the other extracellular matrices, such as elastic fibers and glycosaminoglycan. During infancy, the extracellular matrices synthesized in the maculae flavae appear in the membranous portion of the vocal fold, each at a different time, so as to initiate the 3-dimensional formation of the vocal fold mucosa.

Japanese and Western diet and risk of idiopathic sudden deafness: a case-control study using pooled controls

BACKGROUND

One of the proposed aetiological mechanisms for idiopathic sudden deafness is vascular disease. However, it is not known whether traditional cardiovascular risk factors, such as particular dietary factors, are associated with this condition.

METHODS

A case-control study using pooled controls was conducted in Japan to investigate the relationship between idiopathic sudden deafness and diet. An m:n matched-pairs method was used to obtain age-, gender- and residential district-matched controls from a nationwide database of pooled controls. Food intake was assessed from a self-administered usual food frequency questionnaire that asked about intake of 35 foods (including four drinks). Participants were classified according to the frequency of intake of Western foods and the frequency of intake of traditional Japanese foods. Subgroup analyses were performed using audiometric subtypes of idiopathic sudden deafness.

RESULTS

Data were obtained for 164 cases and 20,313 controls. An increased risk of sudden deafness was observed among participants who frequently consumed Western foods (OR = 1.82, 95% CI : 1.14--2.89), and a decreased risk of this condition was observed among participants who frequently consumed Japanese foods (OR = 0.52, 95% CI : 0.33--0.82). A direct association of sudden deafness with Western food intake was evident for flat-type hearing loss.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a largely Western diet might be a risk factor for idiopathic sudden deafness, a traditional Japanese diet might be a preventive factor for this condition, or both. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that vascular factors are an important cause of idiopathic sudden deafness, although the possibility of residual confounding by unmeasured confounders such as socioeconomic status cannot be ruled out.

Genetic alteration of penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae observed throughout recurrence of acute otitis media detected by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis

The prevalence of penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSSP) is increasing among isolates from acute otitis media (AOM). Repeated episodes of antibiotic exposure are a well-known risk factor for the isolation of PNSSP although otitis-prone or recurrent AOM cases frequently require repeated courses of antibiotic treatment. In order to evaluate the chronological alteration of S. pneumoniae during recurrences of AOM, strains of S. pneumoniae were isolated from 11 patients, each of whom had experienced 2-4 episodes of AOM, were examined. Every bacterial specimen obtained from a single episode of recurrent AOM was examined by PCR-based penicillin-binding protein (PBP) assay, serotyping, and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), then compared to other samples from the same case. Two cases (18.2%) showed strain diversity during repeated antibiotic treatments by serotyping or PBP-assay. By AFLP analysis, 6 cases (54.5%) demonstrated heterogeneous strains during recurrent AOM. Clonal survivors of previous episodes of AOM were not always the cause of subsequent episodes of AOM, even in otitis-prone cases.

Degradation of bisphenol A in water by TiO2 photocatalyst

The photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA), a representative endocrine disruptor, was carried out in TiO2 aqueous suspension. The main purposes were to confirm the total mineralization of BPA and to evaluate the estrogenic activity in the treated water during the photocatalytic reaction. An initial BPA concentration of 175 microM in water was totally degraded to carbon dioxide by TiO2-photocatalyzed reactions under UV irradiation of 10 mW cm-2 for 20 h. Four HPLC peaks indicating intermediate products appeared in chromatograms monitored at 275 nm, but the heights relative to that of the initial BPA were very low, at most 0.04 in the time period 5-10 h after the start of UV irradiation. All of the peaks finally disappeared after 20 h. For the treated water, the transcriptional estrogenic activity in response to human estrogen receptor in a yeast hybrid assay decreased drastically to less than 1% of the initial BPA's activity within 4 h. On the basis of these results, we conclude that TiO2 photocatalysis could be a useful technology for the purification of water containing BPA without generating any serious secondary pollution.

Fas/FasL mediated apoptosis of thyrocytes in Graves' disease

We examined in the present study the possible involvement of Fas and its ligand (FasL) in the process of Graves' disease. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that few normal thyrocytes expressed Fas but many thyrocytes in Graves' disease expressed this molecule. The percentage of FasL-positive thyrocytes in Graves' thyroids was, however, less than in normal thyroids. Several apoptotic thyrocytes and infiltrating mononuclear cells (MNCs) were detected scattered throughout Graves' thyroid tissues and abundant proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive thyrocytes were present. Apoptotic cells, as well as PCNA-positive cells, were scarcely detectable in normal thyroid glands, however. In vitro treatment of thyrocytes by IL-1beta a cytokine found to be expressed in Graves' thyroid glands, increased Fas but reduced FasL expression. IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes became sensitive to apoptosis by anti-Fas IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb). Activated T cells, which strongly expressed FasL, showed cytotoxic activity toward IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes but not toward unstimulated thyrocytes. This cytotoxic activity involved the Fas/FasL pathway. Importantly, unstimulated thyrocytes could kill activated, but not resting, T cells. IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes, with down-regulated FasL expression, could not efficiently kill activated T cells. The cytotoxic activity of unstimulated thyrocytes toward activated T cells was inhibited by anti-FasL mAb. Interestingly, unstimulated thyrocytes induced apoptosis in IL-1beta-stimulated thyrocytes but not in unstimulated thyrocytes. These interactions were also blocked by anti-FasL mAb. Our results suggest that the apoptotic cell death of both thyrocytes and infiltrating MNCs found in Graves' thyroid glands is regulated by IL-1beta through Fas/FasL interactions.

Ribosomal protein L5 has a highly twisted concave surface and flexible arms responsible for rRNA binding

Ribosomal protein L5 is a 5S rRNA binding protein in the large subunit and plays an essential role in the promotion of a particular conformation of 5S rRNA. The crystal structure of the ribosomal protein L5 from Bacillus stearothermophilus has been determined at 1.8 A resolution. The molecule consists of a five-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet and four alpha-helices, which fold in a way that is topologically similar to the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) domain. The molecular shape and electrostatic representation suggest that the concave surface and loop regions are involved in 5S rRNA binding. To identify amino acid residues responsible for 5S rRNA binding, we made use of Ala-scanning mutagenesis of evolutionarily conserved amino acids occurring in the beta-strands and loop regions. The mutations of Asn37 at the beta1-strand and Gln63 at the loop between helix 2 and beta3-strand as well as that of Phe77 at the tip of the loop structure between the beta2- and beta3-strands caused a significant reduction in 5S rRNA binding. In addition, the mutations of Thr90 on the beta3-strand and Ile141 and Asp144 at the loop between beta4- and beta5-strands moderately reduced the 5S rRNA-binding affinity. Comparison of these results with the more recently analyzed structure of the 50S subunit from Haloarcula marismortui suggests that there are significant differences in the structure at N- and C-terminal regions and probably in the 5S rRNA binding.

Differences in the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid and bile acid metabolism between viral liver diseases and primary biliary cirrhosis

AIM AND METHODS

The effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, 600 mg/day) on liver function test values, and serum and urinary bile acids levels in hepatitis C virus-related chronic hepatitis (CH, n = 39) and liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 25), and in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC, n = 25) were compared.

RESULTS

The percentages of improvement in alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) in CH were almost the same in LC. The rates of improvement in ALT in PBC were negatively correlated with histological stages in the liver. Total serum bile acid levels in LC rose to the same extent as in CH, but the increases in PBC were significantly smaller at stages 3-4 than stages 1-2. The urinary levels of hydroxylated metabolites of UDCA only slightly increased in LC, but they increased significantly at PBC stages 3-4.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of UDCA was preserved in LC, but diminished at PBC stages 3-4. The poor enrichment of UDCA in the bile acid pool and extensive biotransformation of UDCA may cause the limited efficacy of UDCA in the cirrhotic stage of PBC.

Phytoalexins from Pinus strobus bark infected with pinewood nematode, bursaphelenchus xylophilus

From the bark of Pinus strobus infected with pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a stilbenoid 3-O-methyldihydropinosylvin and a flavanone (2S)-pinocembrin were isolated as active principles of inducibly produced antifungal compounds. The structures of the compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. Close investigations of spectroscopic analyses led to the complete assignment of 13C NMR and 1H NMR chemical shifts for the former compound and to the determination of the stereochemistry of the latter compound from P. strobus to be 2S. Furthermore, the distribution and time course accumulation of the identified compounds were investigated. The former compound was demonstrated to be nematocidal and the concentrations of the compound in the inoculated branches were sufficient enough to inactivate the pinewood nematode within one week after inoculation.

Growth factors, extracellular matrix components and cell adhesion molecules Warthin's tumor

We studied expressions of various growth factors, their receptors, cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix components in Warthin's tumor of the salivary gland with immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Various growth factors and their receptors, such as transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), TGF-beta2, TG-beta3, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and -II, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), EGF receptor (EGFR), erb-B4, TGF-betaRI and II, Flt and Flk-1 and IGF receptor Ibeta, were found in epithelial cells and/or in some lymphoid cells. Fibronectin, laminin, collagen type IV and tenascin were found in stroma of the lymphoid tissue. Integrins such as alpha3beta1 and beta3, Thy-1, CD44 and VCAM-1 were also expressed in epithelial and/or lymphoid cells. These various proteins may interact and regulate the proliferation and cell attachment of both epithelial and lymphoid components in this unique tumor.

Smoking and drinking habits as risk factors for hearing loss in the elderly: epidemiological study of subjects undergoing routine health checks in Aichi, Japan

In order to determine the risk factors for hearing loss in the elderly, a total of 496 subjects with bilateral hearing loss and 2807 age-matched persons without hearing disturbance were recruited from the participants in an automated multiphasic health screening examination, and their lifestyle and medical data were analysed. Current smokers showed a significantly increased risk of hearing loss compared with non-smokers (odds ratio after adjustment for sex, age, and potential confounders=2.10 (1.53-2.89)), while heavy drinkers did not show an increased risk compared to non-drinkers. Our findings might provide some clues for the primary prevention of age-related hearing loss.