IL-12-encoding plasmid has a beneficial effect on spontaneous autoimmune disease in MRL/MP-lpr/lpr mice

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by immune abnormalities explained by the overproduction of Th(2)cytokines such as autoantibody production and polyclonal B cell activation. We examined the effect of administering a DNA plasmid encoding IL-12 on the lupus-like disease of MRL/MP-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice. Treatments were delivered intramuscularly every 4 weeks, starting at 4 weeks of age. This intervention significantly inhibited the accumulation of CD4(-)CD8(-)T cells, and reduced lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. A significant decrease in serum IgG anti-DNA autoantibody titers was observed, and plasmid IL-12 therapy was also associated with a reduction in the proteinuria and glomerulonephritis characteristic of this disease. Serum IFN-gamma level was increased by inoculating IL-12 encoding plasmid, suggesting that the cytokine balance was skewed towards Th(1). The clinical implications of this suppression of autoimmune disease are also discussed.

Severity of seropositive isolated Raynaud's phenomenon is associated with serological profile

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between the clinical severity of seropositive isolated Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and its serological background by analyzing digital blood flow data obtained by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF).

METHODS

We analyzed digital blood flow by LDF in 13 healthy volunteers, 55 patients with seropositive isolated RP, and 13 patients with anti-Scl-70 antibody positive systemic sclerosis (SCL). The serological profiles of patients with RP were as follows: 30 patients had the anti-centromere antibody (C) and 19 the anti-RNP antibody (RNP). We designated the RP in each patient group as C-RP, RNP-RP, and SCL-RP. We used an "arm-raising test" by which blood pressure could be passively depressed, and the cold provocation test, which induced vasoconstriction through the sympathetic reflex. We defined 2 variables, the recovery velocity after cold exposure (RV-CE) and the increase in the amplitude of the digital pulse wave during the arm-raising test (IA-AR), that are the most reliable and sensitive variables indicating the severity of RP.

RESULTS

Both RV-CE and IA-AR correlated significantly with the clinical severity of RP. In IA-AR and RV-CE, there was a significant difference between C-RP and RNP-RP (IA-AR 107.1 +/- 25.63 vs 37.4 +/- 17.25%; RV-CE 0.0667 +/- 0.010 vs 0.035 +/- 0.0096 V/s), showing that C-RP tended to be less severe than RNP-RP.

CONCLUSION

We defined 2 variables that correlated with the clinical severity of RP; using them we found that anti-centromere antibody positive RP is less severe than RNP-RP

Sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid trigger invasion of primitive hematopoietic cells into stromal cell layers

A new primitive hematopoietic cell line (THS119), exhibiting Lin(-)/Sca-1(+)/c-Kit(+) a surface phenotype, grew and survived underneath stromal cells (TBR59). The ability of the THS119 cells to invade these stromal cell layers was dependent on the inclusion of serum in the culture medium. This was apparently due to a requirement for lipids contained in serum. Their invasion of the stromal cell layers in serum-free cultures could be triggered by addition of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) or lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and was dependent on both Rho- and Ras-signaling pathways. Between the 2 possible receptors of S1P and LPA, edg-1 and edg-2, expression of edg-2 only was found to be correlated with immaturity and/or invasive activity of the primitive hematopoietic cells. These results suggest the importance of specific lipids and their specific receptors on the invasive activity of primitive hematopoietic cells in the hematopoietic microenvironment.

Effect of estrogen and progesterone on gene expression of growth regulatory molecules and proto-oncogene in vascular smooth muscle cells

We examined influences of estrogen and progestogen on gene expression of the growth regulatory molecules: platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and proto-oncogene c-myc in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern-blotting. VSMC were exposed to estrone-sulfate (E1-S) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to induce differentiation. E1-S inhibited the expression of PDGF-A chain, IL-1, IL-6 and c-myc mRNA, whereas MPA had no effect. Inhibition by E1-S was not affected by treatment combined with MPA. These findings suggest that estrogen modulates these growth regulatory molecules and c-myc gene expression in VSMC but not progestogen. We concluded that estrogen may have a direct atheroprotective effect through inhibition of growth regulatory factors.

[Assessment on intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy in diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse therapy (IVCY) is effective for treating patients with diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN) who were 1) refractory to methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MP) or 2) could not be treated with MP because of severe diabetes or steroid induced psychosis.

METHODS

Seven patients with biopsy proven DPLN were studied after informed consent. Five of them received IVCY after a failure to achieve renal remission with at least 2 cycles of MP therapy. Of the other 2 patients, one had severe diabetes and the other a history of steroid induced psychosis. Bolus therapy with cyclophosphamide (0.5 g/m2 body surface area) was given once a month for 6 consecutive months and then once every 3 months for a total treatment period of 1 year. All patients were given oral prednisone, 0.5 mg/kg per day. The prednisone dose was tapered to the minimal dose required for controlling the disease. After 1 year, the renal status of the patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

At 1 year, 4 of the 7 patients achieved substantial improvement. Although the other 3 patients did not satisfy the definition of substantial improvement, none of them had progressive disease. Adverse events were mild and did not require any treatment, with 2 cases of leukocytopenia without fever or major infection. No cases of hemorrhagic cystitis or amenorrhea were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

IVCY was 1) effective in the treatment of DPLN which was refractory to MP and 2) relatively safe with minimal side effects.

Self-renewal and differentiation of a novel bipotent myeloid progenitor clone in the stroma-dependent culture

To understand regulation of myeloid development, it is necessary to obtain the myeloid progenitor cell lines with self-renewal and differentiation capacities. Because prolonged hematopoiesis occurs with the production of myeloid cells at all stages of differentiation in the Dexter-type long-term bone marrow cultures, we tried to obtain stroma-dependent myeloid progenitor cells starting from the long-term bone marrow culture. Murine cobblestone areas generated in long-term bone marrow cultures were serially passaged every 10 days. After 4 months, the resultant hematopoietic cells, designated as DFC, were passaged on a monolayer of established spleen stromal cell line, MSS62. After 10-12 passages of DFC cells on MSS62, several clones were obtained by colony formation on MSS62 cell layer. Among these clones, DFC-a cells could be maintained for a long period by coculturing with the established stromal cell line, MSS62.DFC-a cells proliferated by forming cobblestones and contained blast cells, granulocytes, and macrophages. Cell sorting and coculture experiments indicated that the blast type cells exhibiting c-Kit(+) Gr-1(-) Mac-1(-), stroma-dependently self-renewed, and spontaneously differentiated toward granulocytes (c-Kit(+) Gr-1(+) Mac-1(+)) and macrophages (c-Kit(low/+) Gr-1(-) Mac-1(high)). Although most of DFC-a cells expressed c-Kit, SCF-c-Kit interaction was not always necessary for their growth. In the presence of stromal cells, growth and differentiation of DFC-a cells were stimulated by GM-CSF or IL-3. Without stromal cells, DFC-a was transiently expanded by GM-CSF or IL-3 but could not be maintained constantly by these cytokines. The present study demonstrated that DFC-a is a novel bipotent myeloid progenitor cell clone as a simple model system of stroma-dependent myeloid development. It may reflect distinct properties for the earliest myeloid progenitor cells in vivo. It is of interest to know what signals are provided by MSS62 stromal cells to maintain the myeloid progenitor cells.

Design, synthesis and structure-affinity relationships of 4-methylidenepiperidine and 4-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine derivatives as corticotropin-releasing factor1 receptor antagonists

Recently, various non-peptide corticotropin-releasing factor1 (CRF1) receptor antagonists have been reported. Structure-affinity relationships (SARs) of non-peptide CRF antagonists suggest that such antagonists can be constructed of three units: a hydrophobic unit (Up-Area), a proton accepting unit (Central-Area), and an aromatic unit (Down-Area). Our interest focused on the Up-Area in deriving the novel methylidenepiperidine derivatives 8-10 and 4-aryl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine derivatives 11-13 as non-peptide CRF1 receptor antagonists. Compounds 8a and 11a had moderate affinity for CRF1 receptor, but compounds 9, 10, 12 and 13 did not exhibit CRF1 receptor affinity. Modification of derivatives 11 afforded compounds 11i (CRA1001) and 11x (CRA1000), which had high affinity and selectivity for CRF1 receptors with potent anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like properties in some experimental animal models. These findings suggest that the hydrophonic unit (Up-Area) may be useful for design of CRF1 antagonists. We report here the design, synthesis and SARs of the derivatives 8 and 11 and isosteres 9, 10, 12 and 13.

[Impact of indirect factors on the growing prevalence of workers with abnormal findings in periodic general health examinations: a survey on the definition and detection of such abnormal workers by occupational health organizations]

The prevalence of workers with abnormal findings in periodic general health examinations (PGHEx) has been growing recently in Japan and reached 41.2% in 1998. To clarify the indirect factors related to such an increase in workers with abnormal findings in the PGHEx, we carried out a questionnaire survey on the content of the statutory notification form of results of the PGHEx among a representative sample of 136 Occupational Health Organizations (OHOs). Questions on how those workers with abnormal findings were defined and detected and when the definition and the reference intervals for total cholesterol became available were included. Of the 107 OHOs which answered the questionnaire, 85 were included in the analyses because they actually calculated the number of workers with abnormal findings in each company and helped the employer fill out the notification form. The results revealed that there was no standardized definition of workers with abnormal findings in the PGHEx. Both reference intervals of items in the PGHEx and algorithm in detecting workers with abnormal findings in the PGHEx varied among the OHOs. When detecting the workers, 13 OHOs (15.3%) selected them taking into consideration medical background factors such as previous results of the PGHEx and current medical treatment. From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, many OHOs modified the definition of workers with abnormal findings, and have tended to reduce the upper limit of the reference interval for serum cholesterol. This is mainly due to amendment of the Industrial Safety and Health Law and a new recommendation for a reference interval/value proposed by the related scientific society. Although the prevalence of workers with abnormal findings in the PGHEx has continuously increased, it is not valid to compare the prevalence over the years because of modification in the definition of such workers. The prevalence of workers with abnormal findings in the PGHEx, which is one of the most important indices of the state of occupational health, should be measured by using an objective definition and be compatible with the future system of health examination for Japanese workers.

Novel polymorphisms of the AP-2 gene (6p24): analysis of association with schizophrenia

The transcription factor activator protein 2 (AP-2) gene is a possible candidate gene for schizophrenia, since it maps near D6S470, a marker on chromosome 6p24 that provided evidence of linkage to schizophrenia. In the present study we analyzed the promoter region and the whole coding region of the human AP-2 gene in order to identify genetic variations that may lead to the modification of AP-2 expression or the alteration of protein function, contributing to schizophrenia or particular schizophrenic phenotypes. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole blood samples of 87 unrelated schizophrenics and 100 healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed, using 15 primer sets that spanned the promoter region and the whole coding region, and amplified products were screened by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Aberrant SSCP patterns were analyzed by direct sequencing. Three novel polymorphisms were found in the promoter region; two relatively common (-90G-->C, -803G-->T) and one rare (-1769G-->A). Polymorphic status at both loci suggested strong linkage disequilibrium between the -90G and -803G alleles, and between the -90C and -803T alleles. Although no significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies at the -90 and -803 loci were found between patients and controls, significant differences in the distribution of genotypes at the -90 (P = 0.008) and -803 (P = 0.037) loci were observed in patients with an episodic course compared with controls. However, the difference for the -803 locus was not significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Our data provided no direct evidence of an association between schizophrenia and the polymorphisms of the AP-2 gene, although the positive result at the -90 locus in schizophrenics with an episodic course is potentially interesting.

Novel polymorphisms of the human cholecystokinin A receptor gene: an association analysis with schizophrenia

The cholecystokinin A receptor (CCK-AR) modulates CCK-stimulated dopamine release in the posterior nucleus accumbens, and its gene is mapped to 4p15.2-15.1 with the dopamine receptor 5 (DR5) gene. We speculated that alterations in the CCK-AR lead to an increase in dopamine release, which may in turn constitute a predisposition in schizophrenia. We investigated genetic variations in the promoter region and the coding region of the CCK-AR gene. An association analysis was conducted between 83 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 80 healthy controls. Novel polymorphisms (201A-->G, 246G-->A in the promoter region, 1260T-->A, 1266T-->C in intron 1 within the 3' mRNA splice acceptor site consensus sequence, and Leu306Leu in exon 5) were found in addition to the variants (608G-->A in intron 1, 3849C-->T [Ile296Ile] in exon 5) reported previously. Significant differences were found in the allele frequencies of the 201A-->G nucleotide substitution in the promoter region between patients and controls (P = 0.0181, odds ratio: 1.972, after Bonferroni correction: P = 0.0543). These differences were also found between the patients with paranoid type and controls (P = 0.0274, odds ratio = 3.667, after Bonferroni correction: P = 0.0822). Our analyses suggest that the 201A allele frequency was higher in the schizophrenic group, especially in the paranoid type, than in the control group at a rate that was not quite significant after Bonferroni correction. Am J. Med Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:141-145, 2000.

Temporal changes of the apparent diffusion coefficients of water and metabolites in rats with hemispheric infarction: experimental study of transhemispheric diaschisis in the contralateral hemisphere at 7 tesla

The purpose of the present study was to clarify the temporal changes of the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of cerebral metabolites during early focal ischemia using stimulated echo acquisition mode with short echo time at a 7 T magnet to assess the pathophysiology of the reduction in diffusion properties observed both in the ischemic cerebral hemisphere and in the contralateral hemisphere. The ADCs of metabolites in the infarcted hemisphere 1 hour and 3 hours after the onset of ischemia decreased with 25% and 29% for choline containing compounds (Cho), 16% and 26% for creatine and phosphocreatine (Cre), and 19% and 19% for N-acetylaspartate (NAA), respectively, compared with the ADC values 2 hours later in the contralateral hemisphere. There were decreases in the ADC of Cho, Cre, and NAA with 21%, 7%, and 18% 8 hours later, respectively, in the noninfarcted hemisphere, which suggested transhemispheric diaschisis in rats with focal cerebral ischemia. The present study proposed that the diffusion characteristics of the brain metabolites might offer new insights into circulatory and metabolic alteration in the cerebral intracellular circumstance.

Genetic polymorphism of the CCK gene in patients with alcohol withdrawal symptoms

BACKGROUND

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is considered to play an important role in the central nervous system via its interaction with other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, substance P, and enkephalins. We investigated the relationship between the C to T substitution in the Sp1 binding cis-element of the CCK gene promoter region (at position -45 numbered from initiation codon) and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

METHODS

We examined 214 Japanese men with alcoholism (93 with delirium tremens, 49 with hallucination, 38 with seizure, and 93 with none of these symptoms) and 98 age-matched Japanese male controls by using a polymerase chain reaction-based single strand conformational polymorphism analysis.

RESULTS

Patients who displayed hallucination were significantly more likely to possess the C allele than control subjects (chi2 = 8.17, p = 0.017, Bonferroni correction: p = 0.064). In addition, we investigated the influence of CCK gene polymorphism on alcohol consumption among the control subjects but found no significant relationship.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that the C allele at -45 locus of the CCK gene was higher in patients with hallucination than the control group at a rate that was not quite significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing.

Stroma-dependent maintenance of cytokine responsive hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from long-term bone marrow culture

Hematopoietic cells maintained for long periods on primary cultures of bone marrow stromal cells formed cobblestone colonies (Dexter's long-term bone marrow culture, LTBC). These stably maintained hematopoietic cells (for 4 months) were transferred to a coculture on an established spleen stromal cell line (MSS62), and maintained under stromal cell layer, where they retained their invasive ability in the restricted space between the stromal cell layer and culture substratum (DFC culture). DFC contained lineage-negative (Lin-), c-Kit+, Sca-1- cells and spontaneously produced Mac-1+, Gr-1+ cells. DFC could not grow in the absence of MSS62 stromal cells, although, GM-CSF, IL-3, or IL-7 stimulated its growth. Production of granulocyte and monocytic cells was maintained by GM-CSF or IL-3 while it was decreased by IL-7. RT-PCR analysis showed that the IL-7 responsive cell population expressed early lymphoid markers (Ikaros, Pax-5, Oct-2, Rag-1, TdT, IL-7R and Imu), while lacking expression of receptors for G-CSF (G-CSFR) and for M-CSF (M-CSFR), or myeloperoxidase (MPO). These results suggested that DFC simultaneously contained lymphoid-committed progenitors and myeloid-committed progenitors, and that cytokines may expand their responding progenitor cells under the influence of signals provided by the stromal cells. Such a stromal cell-dependent culture system may be useful to analyze the switching mechanism from constitutive to inducible hematopoiesis in vitro.

Effect of human granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (hGM-CSF) on lymphoid and myeloid differentiation of sorted hematopoietic stem cells from hGM-CSF receptor gene transgenic mice

Bone marrow lineage-negative (Lin(-)) c-Kit(+) Sca-1(+) hematopoietic cells from human GM-CSF receptor gene transgenic mice were cultured on established bone marrow stromal cell (TBR59) layers and on semisolid medium. In the semisolid assay, an increasing number of larger colonies were observed in the presence of hGM-CSF. By coculture with the stromal cells, cobblestones containing myeloid and lymphoid lineages of cells were formed from the stem cell enriched fraction, and addition of hGM-CSF strongly stimulated formation of the cobblestones containing both lineages. Repeating passages of the cobblestones on TBR59 stromal cells in the presence of hGM-CSF gradually decreased cobblestone formation and inversely increased macrophages and granulocytes, while mast cells were generated when the cells derived from the semisolid assay were cultured in a liquid medium containing hGM-CSF. These results consistently suggest that cytokines such as GM-CSF may costimulate the immature hematopoietic cells at their stroma-dependent phase before lineage commitment, and after commitment that occurs by an intrinsic program of the cells, they may stimulate maintenance and maturation of progenitor cells.

Internal carotid artery aneurysm visualized during successful endovascular treatment of carotid embolism

We herein present a case of an internal carotid artery embolism associated with a hidden internal carotid artery aneurysm. The aneurysm was visualized during successful endovascular treatment of the carotid embolism. In retrospect, the aneurysm was at risk of rupture during the procedure. In the endovascular treatment of cerebral embolism, the possibility that aneurysms are hidden by emboli must be borne in mind. Care should be taken not to injure unidentified arterial walls while advancing a catheter blindly.

Detection of carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in a hospital

Acinetobacter baumannii strains resistant to both imipenem (IPM) and ceftazidime (CAZ) were isolated from 1994 through 1996 at Gunma University Hospital. Nine isolates from different inpatients were examined for carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity and for the carbapemase gene bla(IMP) by the PCR method. All nine isolates were carbapenemase-producing strains that hydrolyzed IPM and that harbored bla(IMP). The bla(IMP) gene was transmissible by conjugation to an IPM-susceptible recipient strain of A. baumannii and conferred resistance to IPM, CAZ, cefotaxime (CTX), ampicillin (AMP), and piperacillin (PIP). Either intermediate or high-level resistance to amikacin (AMK) was transferred from two and five strains, respectively, concomitantly with bla(IMP), and gentamicin (GEN) resistance was also transferred in one instance of high-level AMK resistance. Comparative examination of clinical isolates for resistance patterns to nine drugs, IPM, CAZ, CTX, aztreonam, AMP, PIP, AMK, GEN, and norfloxacin, in addition to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns with NotI-digested genomic DNA, confirmed nosocomial transmission of infections involving carbapenemase-producing A. baumannii strains.

The inhibition of phenylhydroquinone-induced oxidative DNA cleavage by constituents of Moutan Cortex and Paeoniae Radix

Moutan Cortex (root cortex of Paeonia suffruticosa ANDREWS) and Paeoniae Radix (root of Paeonia lactiflora PALLAS) are crude drugs used in many traditional prescriptions and have constituents in common. We studied the effects of extracts of these crude drugs and their constituents on oxidative DNA damage caused by phenylhydroquinone (PHQ), a major metabolite of o-phenylphenol. Both drugs suppressed the cleavage of pUC18 DNA induced by PHQ, and scavenged the superoxide and hydroxy radical generated by the chemical. They also inhibited the oxidative DNA cleavage by tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), one of the major metabolites of butylated hydroxyanisole. When constituents were examined with the same system, galloylpaeoniflorin and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose (PGG) were found to be the most potent inhibitors of the DNA cleavage. These constituents had oxygen radical scavenging activity. Paeonol also attenuated the DNA cleavage. Paeoniflorin and albiflorin had relatively small inhibitory effects on DNA cleavage. However, catechin enhanced the PHQ-induced DNA cleavage. The suppression of oxidative DNA damage by Moutan Cortex and Paeoniae Radix might be attributable to the additive effects of galloylpaeoniflorin, PGG and other constituents.

Dendritic cells are associated with augmentation of antigen sensitization by influenza A virus infection in mice

To study the mechanisms responsible for enhanced sensitization of inhaled antigen in respiratory viral infections, we examined the contribution of dendritic cells (DC) and T lymphocytes to the development of inhalation sensitization during infection with influenza A virus in mice. BALB/c mice were sensitized by inhalation of ovalbumin (OA) from 3 to 7 days after the inoculation with influenza A virus, and were challenged with OA 3 weeks later. Airway responsiveness and serum OA-specific IgE were increased. The numbers of eosinophils and CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were also increased. These changes were not observed in animals only sensitized with OA or only inoculated with the virus. In animals only inoculated with the virus, DC were immunohistochemically detected on the bronchial epithelium on days 2-5. With OA inhalation after virus inoculation, DC with high expression of MHC class II were retained for 5 weeks. These results show that influenza virus infection induces the migration of DC to the bronchial epithelium, and that simultaneous inhalation of antigen causes the loading of antigen-peptide / class II molecule complex on DC. Thus, the migration of DC in viral infection may play some role in the augmentation of antigen sensitization.

Long-term remission in an elderly patient with mantle cell leukemia treated with low-dose cyclophosphamide

We present an elderly patient with mantle cell leukemia who was successfully treated with low-dose cyclophosphamide (CY). A 76-year-old female was diagnosed as mantle cell leukemia based on abnormal lymphocytosis and splenomegaly without lymphadenopathy. She was orally treated with 50 mg of CY daily and had continuous remission over 4 years. Rearrangements of BCL1 and immunoglobulin heavy chain genes in the peripheral blood lymphocytes were detected at diagnosis, but not 1 or 4 years later. Further studies are required to confirm the role of low-dose CY therapy for patients with mantle cell leukemia and lymphoma.

Atheroprotective effect of estriol and estrone sulfate on human vascular smooth muscle cells

In patients with atherosclerosis, fibrosclerotic focuses are induced by multiplication of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), and they are regulated by cytokines and regulators. There have been few reports about the atheroprotective effect of estriol (E(3)). Estrone sulfate (E(1)-S) is the predominant estrogen of conjugated equiline estrogens, which is commonly used in hormone replacement therapy, but it should be hydrolyzed by steroid sulfatase (STS) to enter the cells of target tissues. The purpose of this study was to detect STS in VSMC and to investigate whether E(3) and E(1)-S have atheroprotective effects like E(2). First, we detected the presence of STS mRNA in VSMC by in situ hybridization. We then examined the changes in the expression of mRNAs of cytokines, namely, PDGF-A chain, IL-1, IL-6 and TGF-beta, in VSMC, in the presence and absence of E(3) and estrogens. As a result, the expression of PDGF-A chain, IL-1 and IL-6 mRNAs was suppressed by E(3) (P<0.05 vs control) significantly like E(1)-S and E(2), but that of TGF-beta mRNA was not significantly affected by any estrogen. These results indicate that E(1)-S can be hydrolyzed by STS in VSMC, and that E(3) may regulate the cytokines by suppressing the production of mRNAs. It is suggested that there is a possibility of E(1)-S and E(3) having a direct effect on vessels in atherogenesis.

Novel polymorphism in the promoter and coding regions of the human cholecystokinin B receptor gene: an association analysis with schizophrenia

Genetic variations in the 5'-untranslated region and the coding region of the CCK-B receptor (CCK-BR) gene were investigated in healthy controls. Novel variants (-215 C-->A, Leu37Phe, Arg319Glu) were found in addition to the mutations (Val125Iso, His207His, Arg215His, 2491 C-->A) reported previously. In the present study, association analysis was carried out for these variants between 80 unrelated schizophrenic patients and 100 healthy controls. The genotype frequency of the -215 C-->A nucleotide substitution in the 5'-untranslated region of CCK-BR gene was significantly higher in the schizophrenic patients than in the controls (6.25%, P = 0.037). However, the difference was not significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Moreover, no association was found between the clinical characteristics of the patients and the genotype frequencies of the variants. These results suggest that the CCK-BR gene polymorphisms have no association with schizophrenia nor its clinical heterogeneity. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 88:700-704, 1999.

Novel variants in the promoter region of the CREB gene in schizophrenic patients

Cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is one of the messenger molecules involved in intracellular signal transduction pathways used by most dopamine and serotonin receptor subtypes. In addition, CREB stimulates the expression of a number of genes, alterations in the expression of which may be associated with schizophrenia. The promoter region of the human CREB gene was therefore analyzed to identify genetic variants that may lead to the modification of CREB expression and contribute to schizophrenia. Eighty unrelated schizophrenics and 100 healthy controls were screened for genetic variants of the CREB gene by SSCP analysis, followed by direct sequencing of PCR products. Two novel variants (-933T-->C and -413G-->A) were found only in schizophrenics. A patient with the -933T-->C variant had unusual clinical characteristics in addition to typical schizophrenic symptoms.

Suppressive effects of Hochu-ekki-to, a traditional Chinese medicine, on IgE production and histamine release in mice immunized with ovalbumin

We examined the effects of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (Japanese name: Hochu-ekki-to, HET), a traditional Chinese medicine, on IgE production and histamine release in mice immunized intraperitoneally with a mixture of ovalbumin (OA) and aluminum hydroxide (alum adjuvant). Three groups of mice were orally administered 0, 1.7 or 17 mg of HET on day 13 after the first immunization with a mixture of 1 microg OA and 1 mg alum adjuvant. They were again immunized with the same dose of OA plus alum adjuvant on day 14. The immunological changes in mice treated with OA alone or OA plus HET were examined, and the following findings were obtained. In the HET-treated mice, the elevation of anti-OA IgE in serum, and histamine release from basophils in blood, were significantly suppressed. A significant suppression of interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion and proliferation of splenic lymphocytes in primary culture was also observed. A tendency to suppress the elevation of anti-OA IgG1 in serum and interleukin-2 (IL-2) secretion from splenic lymphocytes was observed in the HET-treated mice. These findings suggest that oral administration of HET suppresses IgE antibody production and histamine release in type I allergic reaction in mice immunized with OA plus alum adjuvant; this shows the efficacy of HET in treating type I allergic diseases, such as asthma.

Epigallocatechin gallate and gallocatechin gallate in green tea catechins inhibit extracellular release of Vero toxin from enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7

We studied the effects of six catechin derivatives (catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and gallocatechin gallate (GCg)) in green tea on the production and extracellular release of Vero toxins (VTs) from enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) cultured at 37 degrees C for 24 h. EGCg and GCg in the culture medium markedly inhibited extracellular VTs release from EHEC cells into the culture supernatant fluid at concentrations of 0.05 mg/ml or higher, as estimated by both the reversed passive latex agglutination assay and cytotoxic assay using Vero cells. Production and extracellular release of maltose binding protein, a periplasmic protein, into the culture supernatant were also inhibited by EGCg and GCg, indicating that their inhibitory effect on release from periplasm into the outer milieu is not specific to VTs, but general to the proteins accumulated in EHEC periplasm.

Tea catechin supplementation increases antioxidant capacity and prevents phospholipid hydroperoxidation in plasma of humans

The effect of green tea catechin supplementation on antioxidant capacity of human plasma was investigated. Eighteen healthy male volunteers who orally ingested green tea extract (254 mg of total catechins/subject) showed 267 pmol of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg) per milliliter of plasma at 60 min after administration. The plasma phosphatidylcholine hydroperoxide (PCOOH) levels attenuated from 73.7 pmol/mL in the control to 44.6 pmol/mL in catechin-treated subjects, being correlated inversely with the increase in plasma EGCg level. The results suggested that drinking green tea contributes to prevent cardiovascular disease by increasing plasma antioxidant capacity in humans.

A novel stromal cell-dependent hematopoietic cell line established from temperature-sensitive SV40 T-antigen transgenic mice

A novel primitive hematopoietic cell line, THS119, was established from lineage marker negative (Lin-)/Sca-1+ cells from bone marrow of temperature-sensitive (ts) SV40 T-antigen transgenic mice after lengthy passaging by coculture with TBR59 bone marrow stromal cells. THS119 cells exhibited immature primitive hematopoietic cells such as forming cobblestones underneath the stromal cell layers. They retained properties of hematopoietic stem cells as shown by expression of c-Kit, Sca-1 and CD34low, but lacked hematopoietic lineage surface markers of differentiated hematopoietic cells (Gr-1, TER119, Mac-1, CD3, B220). RT-PCR analysis showed that THS119 cells exhibited multiple expression of both earlier developmental markers of myeloid, lymphoid and the hematopoietic cell specific transcription factors. THS119 cells showed temperature-dependent growth reflecting ts T-antigen, and their maintenance was TBR59 stromal cell-dependent. The requirement of stromal cells could not be replaced by cytokines, however, an IL-3 or IL-7 dependent cell line was generated after prolonged culture of THS119 cells on the stromal cells in the presence of these cytokines, and these cytokine-dependent cell lines exhibited phenotypes similar to the parental cells in their gene expression. SCF/c-Kit interaction is one factor required for their maintenance, but involvement of other factor(s) in the conditioned medium of TBR59 stromal cells was suggested. A novel immature hematopoietic cell line, THS119, may provide an appropriate experimental system to resolve how hematopoietic cells are kept in a primitive phase within a hematopoietic microenvironment.

A novel polymorphism (-357 G/A) of the ALDH2 gene: linkage disequilibrium and an association with alcoholism

BACKGROUND

Human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is a major enzyme responsible for the oxidation of acetaldehyde derived from ethanol metabolism. The human ALDH2 gene shows genetic polymorphism at position 1510 with a G to A transition in exon 12. This mutation leads to ALDH2 enzyme deficiency and protection against alcoholism. As yet, no polymorphism for the promoter region of the ALDH2 gene has been reported.

METHODS

We analyzed 600 nucleotides of the promoter region in addition to exon 12 from 571 Japanese, 68 Chinese, 80 Myanmar, 60 Mongolians, and 82 North-American Caucasians using single-strand conformational change polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products that showed an aberrant banding pattern detected by the SSCP analysis were subjected to PCR direct sequencing.

RESULTS

A novel polymorphism at -357 with a G to A substitution was found in all the population groups, including North-American Caucasians. In addition, the polymorphic status in the promoter and exon 12 suggested linkage disequilibrium between the two loci, which indicated that among Japanese, the ALDH2*2 allele is linked to the G promoter allele, and theALDH2*1 allele is linked to the A allele. A total of 206 healthy male controls and 185 alcoholic male patients with the homozygous ALDH2*1 genotype were analyzed for the polymorphism in the promoter. Genotypic frequencies of GG, GA, and AA for alcoholics were 54.1%, 44.3%, and 1.6%, and those for controls were 52.9%, 40.3%, and 6.8%, respectively. The A allele frequencies for alcoholics and controls were 0.24 and 0.27, respectively. A chi2 test for the entire 3 x 2 table indicated significant variations in the three genotypes (chi2 = 6.40, p < 0.05). However, no significant difference in allelic frequencies between the two groups was observed.

CONCLUSION

This new polymorphism in the ALDH2 promoter is present in all populations studied. Further analysis in other ethnic groups is necessary to establish this as an additional risk factor for alcoholism.

[Implication of health checkups of students from developing countries in Japan]

We investigated the prevalence of peripheral blood abnormalities, parasitic infestation, and hepatitis virus infection, by using the results of the primary screening health checkups for 423 students (male: 317, female: 106, average age +/- SD: 34.2 +/- 5.5 year-old) from abroad. Most of them were from Southeast Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and other developing countries in tropical or subtropical areas. Thalassemia-like hematological disorders, showing microcytic peripheral red blood cells without any anemia, were seen in 7.6 percent of the students, and intestinal parasites were revealed in 12.7 percent of them. The positive rate for anti-hepatitis A virus antibodies (84.3%) and the exposure rate of hepatitis B viruses (35.3%) were similar to previous reports. Compared with the positive rate for anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCVAb) of students from other regions (1.5%), a significantly high seropositivity for anti-HCVAb was encountered in Egyptian participants (21.1%). In recent years, population shifts and rapid transportation have facilitated the spread of certain infectious diseases from endemic to non-endemic areas. International preventive strategies, education of people regarding infectious diseases, and sufficient medical staffs for this purpose are urgently recommended.

[Successful treatment of primary CNS lymphoma diagnosed by 201thallium-single photon emission computed tomography (201Tl-SPECT) with whole-brain radiation therapy in an AIDS patient]

The patient, a 51-year-old male with a two year history of AIDS, was admitted to our hospital because of hemiparalysis and vomiting. The MRI study showed multiple lesions with ring-enhancement in the right basal brain area. Empirical therapy for toxoplasma encephalitis was started. After 64 days, the subsequent brain MRI showed deterioration. A 201Tl-SPECT study was performed and the findings were consistent with those of malignant lymphoma (ML). The patient was treated with 40 Gy of whole brain radiation, MRI showed partial response to this therapy, and clinical improvement was achieved. The definitive diagnosis of primary CNS lymphoma can be made only by brain biopsy, and many cases have been diagnosed at autopsy. The clinical and radiological findings of primary CNS lymphoma resemble toxoplasma encephalitis. An empirical therapy for toxoplasma encephalitis is recommended to avoid brain biopsy in these cases. The use of 201Tl-SPECT for the differential diagnosis of these diseases have been reported. Considering the poor prognosis of primary CNS lymphoma in AIDS, the application of 201Tl-SPECT before empirical therapy for toxoplasma must be important for appropriate treatment.

Breast tumor aromatase: functional role and transcriptional regulation

Aromatase has been shown to be expressed at a higher level in human breast cancer tissue than in normal breast tissue, by means of enzyme activity measurement, immunocytochemistry, and RT-PCR analysis. Cell culture including MCF-7 breast cancer cells, animal experiments using aromatase-transfected breast cancer cells, and transgenic mouse studies have demonstrated that estrogen production in situ plays a more important role than circulating estrogens in breast tumor promotion. In addition, tumor aromatase is believed to be able to stimulate breast cancer growth through both autocrine and paracrine pathways, as demonstrated by a three-dimensional cell culture study. RT-PCR and gene transcriptional studies have revealed that the aromatase promoter is switched from a glucocorticoid-stimulated promoter, I.4, in normal tissue to cAMP-stimulated promoters, I.3 and II, in cancerous tissue. Recently, we identified and characterized a cAMP-responsive element (CREaro) upstream from promoter I.3 by DNA deletion and mutational analyses. Our results from promoter functional analysis also demonstrated an interaction between the CREaro and the silencer element (S1) that was identified previously in our laboratory. In the presence of cAMP, the positive regulatory CREaro can overcome the action of the silencer on the function of promoter I.3. On the basis of results generated from our own and other laboratories, we propose that, in normal breast adipose stromal cells and fibroblasts, aromatase expression is driven by promoter I.4 (glucocorticoid dependent), and that the action of promoters I.3 and II is suppressed by the silencer negative regulatory element. However, in cancer cells and surrounding adipose stromal cells, the cAMP level increases, and aromatase promoters are switched to cAMP-dependent promoters - I.3 and II. Furthermore, we applied the yeast one-hybrid screening method to search for proteins interacting with the silencer element, S1. The major protein identified was ERRalpha-1; however, SF-1, which is present in the ovary, is not detected in breast cancer tissue. Using a reporter plasmid with the aromatase genomic fragment containing promoter I.3 and S1, in breast cancer SK-BR-3 cells, ERRalpha-1 was found to have a positive regulatory function. It is believed that the silencer element in the human aromatase gene may function differently in different tissues, as a result of distinct expression patterns of transcription factors.

Absorption of Polyelectrolytes on Colloidal Surfaces as Studied by Electrophoretic and Dynamic Light-Scattering Techniques

zeta-Potential and the effective diameter of the colloidal spheres absorbed with the macro-cations and macro-anions are studied by the electrophoretic light-scattering and dynamic light-scattering measurements. Colloidal spheres used are monodispersed polystyrene (220 nm in diameter) and colloidal silica spheres (110 nm). Macro-ions used are sodium polyacrylate, sodium polymethylacrylate, sodium poly(styrene sulfonate), and poly-4-vinyl pyridines quaternized with ethyl bromide, n-butyl bromide, benzyl chloride, and 5% hexadecyl bromide and 95% benzyl chloride. Reversal of colloidal surface charges from negative to positive occurs abruptly above the critical concentration of macro-ions by the excess absorption of the macro-cations onto the anionic colloidal spheres, i.e., avalanche-type absorption. The effective diameter of colloidal spheres including the absorbed layers increases substantially by four- to tenfold. In the presence of large amount of macro-cations aggregation of colloidal spheres mediated by the layers of absorbed macro-cations may occur. Absorption also occurs on the anionic colloidal spheres in the presence of an excess amount of macro-anions by the dipole-dipole-type attractive interactions. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Neuropharmacological profile of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonists, DAA1097 and DAA1106

Receptor binding and behavioral profiles of N-(4-chloro-2-phenoxyphenyl)-N-(2-isopropoxybenzyl)acetamide (DAA1097) and N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide (DAA1106), novel, selective agonists for the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) were examined. DAA1097 and DAA1106 inhibited [3H]PK 11195 binding to crude mitochondrial preparations of rat whole brain, with IC50 values of 0.92 and 0.28 nM. Likewise, DAA1097 and DAA1106 inhibited [3H]Ro 5-4864 binding to the same mitochondrial preparation, with IC50 values of 0.64 and 0.21 nM. In contrast, DAA1097 and DAA1106 did not inhibit [3H]-flunitrazepam, the central benzodiazepine receptor (CBR) ligand, binding to membranes of rat whole brain (IC50>10,000nM). Oral administration of DAA1097 and DAA1106 had anxiolytic effects in the mouse light/dark exploration test and in the rat elevated plus- maze test. Oral administration of DAA1106, diazepam and buspirone but not DAA1097 significantly increased sleeping time in hexobarbital-induced anesthesia in mice. The order of potency of potentiation of hexobarbital anesthesia was diazepam> buspirone> DAA1106> DAA1097. Oral administration of DAA1097 and DAA1106 but not diazepam and buspirone did not affect spontaneous locomotor activity in mice. These findings indicate that DAA1097 and DAA1106 are PBR selective ligands with potent anxiolytic-like properties, in laboratory animals.

Induction of aromatase expression by aminoglutethimide, an aromatase inhibitor that is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women

Aromatase, a cytochrome P450, catalyzes three consecutive hydroxylation reactions converting C19 androgens to aromatic C18 estrogenic steroids. Aminoglutethimide (AG) is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat estrogen-dependent breast cancer. While AG is effective in inhibiting aromatase, it was found that aromatase activity in tumors of some breast cancer patients elevated after AG treatment (Miller and O'Neill, Steroids, 50: 245-252, 1987). These results may explain why some patients failed therapy after extensive AG treatment. Recently, we found that AG treatment increased aromatase activity in SK-BR-3, JAR, and HepG2 cell lines in a dose- and incubation time-dependent manner. AG induction is thought to occur at the transcriptional level because the aromatase mRNA level elevated after AG treatment in SK-BR-3 and HepG2 cells, as demonstrated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, and AG treatment did not increase aromatase activity in aromatase cDNA transfected cell lines (driven by the beta-actin promoter). Our primer-specific RT-PCR analysis revealed that in SK-BR-3 cells, AG enhanced the action of a promoter which is different from promoter I.1, I.3, or II. Furthermore, since the AG induction was found to be suppressed by SQ 22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, a cAMP-dependent mechanism might be involved. Our study provides an insight as to why some patients fail therapy after extensive AG treatment.

Receptor binding, behavioral, and electrophysiological profiles of nonpeptide corticotropin-releasing factor subtype 1 receptor antagonists CRA1000 and CRA1001

Receptor binding, behavioral, and electrophysiological profiles of 2-[N-(2-methylthio-4-isopropylphenyl)-N-ethylamino]-4-[4-(3-flu orophe nyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)-6-methylpyrimidine (CRA1000) and 2-[N-(2-bromo-4-isopropylphenyl)-N-ethylamino]-4-[4-(3-fluoropheny l)- 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)-6-methylpyrimidine (CRA1001), putative novel and selective antagonists for corticotropin-releasing factor1 (CRF1) receptor were examined. Both CRA1000 and CRA1001 inhibited 125I-ovine CRF binding to membranes of rat frontal cortex with IC50 values of 20.6 and 22.3 nM, respectively. Likewise, CRA1000 and CRA1001 inhibited 125I-ovine CRF binding to membranes of rat pituitary. In contrast, both CRA1000 and CRA1001 were without affinity for the CRF2beta receptor when examined using rat heart. In mice orally administered CRA1000 and CRA1001 reversed the swim stress-induced reduction of the time spent in the light area in the light/dark exploration task. In nonstress conditions, CRA1000 and CRA1001 were without effect on the time spent in the light area in the same task in mice. Orally administered CRA1000 and CRA1001 dose dependently reversed the effects of i.c.v. infusion of CRF on time spent in the open arms in the elevated plus-maze in rats. Lesioning of olfactory bulbs induced hyperemotionality, and this effect was inhibited by either acute or chronic oral administration of CRA1000 and CRA1001 in rats. The firing rate of locus coeruleus neurons was increased by i.c.v.-infused CRF. This excitation of locus coeruleus neurons was significantly blocked by pretreatment with i.v. administration of CRA1000 and CRA1001. CRA1000 and CRA1001 had no effects on the hexobarbital-induced anesthesia in mice, the rotarod test in mice, the spontaneous locomotor activity in mice, and a passive avoidance task in rats. These observations indicate that both CRA1000 and CRA1001 are selective and competitive CRF1 receptor antagonists with potent anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like properties in various experimental animal models, perhaps through inhibition of CRF1 receptors. CRA1000 and CRA1001 may prove effective for treating subjects with depression- and/or anxiety-related disorders without the side effects seen in the related currently prescribed medications.

Binding characteristics of [3H]DAA1106, a novel and selective ligand for peripheral benzodiazepine receptors

Here, we investigated the binding characteristics of [3H]N-(2,5-dimethoxybenzyl)-N-(5-fluoro-2-phenoxyphenyl)acetamide ([3H]DAA1106), a potent and selective ligand for peripheral benzodiazepine receptors, in mitochondrial fractions of the rat brain. [3H]DAA1106 bound to the mitochondrial fraction of the rat brain in a saturable manner. The dissociation constant (Kd) and maximal number of binding sites (Bmax) obtained from Scatchard plot analysis of the saturation curve of [3H]DAA1106 binding were 0.12 +/- 0.03 nM and 161.03 +/- 5.80 fmol/mg protein, respectively. [3H]DAA1106 binding to mitochondrial preparations of the rat cerebral cortex was inhibited by several peripheral benzodiapine receptor ligands, and DAA1106 was the most potent inhibitor in inhibiting [3H]DAA1106 binding among the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor ligands we tested. The binding of [3H]DAA1106 was not affected by several neurotransmitter-related compounds, including adrenoceptor, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), acetylcholine, histamine, glutamate and central benzodiazepine receptor ligands even at a concentration of 10 microM. In the cerebral cortex of rhesus monkeys, DAA1106 and 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinoline carboxamide (PK11195) potently inhibited [3H]DAA1106 binding, while 7-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-methyl-1,3-dihydrobenzo[e][1,4]diazepin -2-one (Ro5-4864) did not. The highest [3H]DAA1106 binding was observed in the olfactory bulb, followed by the cerebellum. In autoradiographic studies, practically the same results were obtained, in that the highest binding of [3H]DAA1106 was in the olfactory bulb. Potent labeling was also noted in ventricular structures such as the choroid plexus. Thus, [3H]DAA1106 is a potent and selective ligand for peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and should prove useful for elucidating the physiological relevance of events mediated through peripheral benzodiazepine receptors.

In vitro pharmacological profile of nonpeptide CRF1 receptor antagonists, CRA1000 and CRA1001

We investigated pharmacological properties of CRA1000 (2-(N-(2-methylthio-4-isopropylphenyl)-N-ethylamino-4-(4-(3-fluoro phenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)-6-methylpyrimidine) and CRA1001 (2-( N-(2-bromo-4-isopropylphenyl)-N-ethylamino-4-(4-(3-fluorophenyl)-1 ,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)-6-methylpyrimidine), novel and selective antagonists for the corticotropin-releasing factor1 (CRF1) receptor. Both CRA1000 and CRA1001 inhibited [125I]ovine CRF binding to membranes of COS-7 cells expressing the rat CRF1 receptor with IC50 values of 30 and 38 nM, respectively, without affecting [125I]sauvagine binding to membranes of COS-7 cells expressing the rat CRF2alpha receptor. CRF elicited intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation in AtT-20 cells which express the CRF1 receptor but not the CRF2 receptor, and COS-7 cells expressing CRF1 or CRF2alpha receptors. The CRF-induced cAMP accumulation was inhibited by both CRA1000 and CRA1001, concentration-dependently, in AtT-20 cells and COS-7 cells expressing the CRF1 receptor, while these compounds did not attenuate the CRF response in COS-7 cells expressing the CRF2alpha receptor. CRF increased adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion from AtT-20 cells, and CRA1000 and CRA1001 inhibited CRF-induced ACTH secretion, concentration-dependently, as did other CRF1 receptor antagonists. These results show that both CRA1000 and CRA1001 are potent and selective CRF1 receptor antagonists.

Administration of an IL-12-encoding DNA plasmid prevents the development of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)

The transfer of DBA/2 spleen cells into (C57BL/10 x DBA/2)F1 mice induces chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), which is characterized by the production of Th2 cytokines, hypergammaglobulinemia, and immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis like systemic lupus erythematosus. IL-12 strongly induces the production of Th1 cytokines and reduces Th2 activity in vivo. In this study, the effect of gene therapy on the development of murine chronic GVHD was examined using an IL-12-encoding plasmid (pCAGGSIL-12), with the expectation that it might regulate Th1/Th2 activity and have a beneficial impact on the clinical manifestations of disease. pCAGGSIL-12 or its p40 antagonist plasmid (pCAGGSp40) were injected i.m. every 3 wk in GVHD-induced (C57BL/10 x DBA/2)F1 mice. A total of 100 microg of pCAGGSIL-12 improved the Th1/Th2 balance in vivo, suppressed the production of IgG, and significantly reduced the development of glomerulonephritis. GVHD was exacerbated by injection of the pCAGGSp40 antagonist. Our results demonstrate that GVHD can be treated successfully by the administration of an IL-12-encoding plasmid, and that such therapy does not induce acute GVHD.

Genetic association between alcohol withdrawal symptoms and polymorphism of CCK gene promoter

In the central nervous system, cholecystokinin (CCK) is an important neurotransmitter that gives the influences on firings, anxiety, notiception, and dopamine-related behavior. CCK co-exists in the dopaminergic neurons, interacting with dopamine. In this study, we examined the genetic variant -45 C to T substitution of the CCK gene promoter region among 195 healthy Japanese and 174 patients with alcohol withdrawal syndrome (52 delirium tremens, 39 hallucinosis, 20 seizures, and 92 lack of these symptoms) by using polymerase chain reaction-based single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis. Patients with delirium tremens showed a significantly higher frequency of the variant, compared with the controls (chi2 = 4.91, p < 0.03), but patients with other symptoms showed no difference. These data suggested that the individuals possessing allelic mutation (-45T) in the promoter region of the CCK gene might be susceptible to delirium tremens caused by alcohol abuse.

Biallelic and heterozygous point mutations in the runt domain of the AML1/PEBP2alphaB gene associated with myeloblastic leukemias

The AML1 gene encoding the DNA-binding alpha-subunit in the Runt domain family of heterodimeric transcription factors has been noted for its frequent involvement in chromosomal translocations associated with leukemia. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) combined with nonisotopic RNase cleavage assay (NIRCA), we found point mutations of the AML1 gene in 8 of 160 leukemia patients: silent mutations, heterozygous missense mutations, and biallelic nonsense or frameshift mutations in 2, 4, and 2 cases, respectively. The mutations were all clustered within the Runt domain. Missense mutations identified in 3 patients showed neither DNA binding nor transactivation, although being active in heterodimerization. These defective missense mutants may be relevant to the predisposition or progression of leukemia. On the other hand, the biallelic nonsense mutants encoding truncated AML1 proteins lost almost all functions examined and may play a role in leukemogenesis leading to acute myeloblastic leukemia.

Kinetic Analyses of Colloidal Crystallization in a Sinusoidal Electric Field as Studied by Reflection Spectroscopy

The effect of a sinusoidal electric field on crystal growth rates in the colloidal crystallization of silica spheres (110 nm in diameter) in exhaustively deionized aqueous suspensions has been studied by reflection spectroscopy. Sphere concentration is 0.0016 in volume fraction. Nucleation time is shorter than 1 s. The crystal growth rates, v, of the body-centered cubic lattices have been determined from the increase in the cube root of the intensity in the sharpened reflection peaks. The v value is 20 µm/s in the absence of an electric field. v decreases from 20 to 8 µm/s as the voltage applied increases from 0 to 10 V at 1 Hz. v decreases from 30 to 15 µm/s when frequency increases from 0.01 to 10 Hz at E = 6 V, and remains constant irrespective of frequencies higher than 10 Hz up to 10 kHz. Interestingly, the crystallization of bcc lattices is enhanced at low frequencies between 0.01 and 0.5 Hz. The main causes for the retardation of crystallization at high frequencies and voltages are (a) the additional translational fluctuation of the spheres and the surrounding electrical double layers by the electric field, and (b) the partial melting of the crystals by the shearing forces in an electric field. The importance of electrostatic intersphere repulsion resulting from overlap of the electrical double layers and cooperative and synchronized fluctuation of colloidal spheres in crystallization processes is strongly supported. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

[Examination of dust generated from a workplace where steel wire coil are unwound]

Analyses of constituents, measurement of concentrations, research of size distributions and scanning electron microscopic examinations were carried out to determine the type and amount of dust generated in a working environment where steel wire coils are unwound. In about a 700 m2 work area unit, stationary samplings, including A-sampling (24 points) and B-sampling (1 point), which are defined by the law, were carried out. The dust concentration was measured by a digital dust indicator. A low volume air sampler was used to determine the conversion factor of the values obtained by the digital dust indicator. Because the result of the dust level by A-sampling and B-sampling were 0.64 mg/m3 and 0.82 mg/m3 respectively, they can both be classified as Control Class 1. A proportion of less than 7 microns of the airborne dust made up about 15 to 20% (volume %) of the total dust in the working environments. Metallic dust and white dust were identified in the accumulated dust. By measuring with a X-ray diffractometry, it was determined that the metal dust constituent was Zn and the white dust constituent was Zn4CO3(OH)6.H2O. By a scanning electron microscopic examination, the scope of the particles was proven to be non-fibrous.

Nested case-control study of esophageal cancer in relation to occupational exposure to silica and other dusts

BACKGROUND

Standardized proportionate mortality ratio (SPMR) was found to be 2.2 (95% CI = 1.3-3.5) for esophageal cancer (EC) among workers exposed to refractory brick dust in a large iron-steel complex in China.

METHODS

A nested case-control design within a cohort of industrial workers. One hundred and twenty-five EC cases and 250 controls were identified from the death registry file. Interviews were conducted of the next of kin for past exposure information on job, domestic, and lifestyle factors. History of occupational exposure to various dusts was reconstructed from personnel files and by interviewing colleagues utilizing a job-exposure matrix.

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounders, occupational exposure to silica dust was the most important risk factor among all variables investigated, with a 2.8-fold risk and a clear dose-response by length of exposure. Alcohol drinking (OR = 1.8) and coal cooking (OR = 2.0) were risk factors and high consumption of fruit diet (OR = 0.5) and meat diet (OR = 0.6) were protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between occupational exposure to silica dust and the risk of EC found in an earlier SPMR study was confirmed. Ingestion of silica particles after lung clearance may increase the risk of EC among workers exposed to silica.

Infantile pulmonary alveolar proteinosis with interstitial pneumonia: bilateral simultaneous lung lavage utilizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and steroid therapy

An infant with refractory pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) associated with severe interstitial pneumonia is described. Although she was treated by bilateral simultaneous lung lavage utilizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and steroid therapy, she died of progressive respiratory failure 28 days after admission. Histologic examination of lung autopsy specimen showed only partial alveolar spaces to be filled with a dense PAS positive granular eosinophilic material and showed severe interstitial pneumonia with marked fibrosis of alveolar walls and interstitium. The lung lavage seemed to be effective for PAP because the effluent fluid sufficiently became clear and the PAS positive material was detected only in partial alveoli. The full venoarterial cardiopulmonary bypass with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation seemed to be very useful to support bilateral lung lavage for small infants. The refractory symptoms and failure of treatment were resulted from the association of severe interstitial pneumonia. In neonates or infants with PAP and severe interstitial pneumonia with poor response for steroid therapy, the lung transplantation should be considered.

[Remaining solvents in dry cleaned over clothes]

We examined remaining solvents in dry cleaned trousers to estimate the magnitude of environmental pollution. A cleaning solvent of petroleum hydrocarbon was analyzed by means of capillary column mass spectrum gas chromatography. Principal ingredients were identified to be nonane, decane and undecane. The same main components were detected in dry cleaned trousers. Total amounts of evaporated vapor from a pair of trousers (480 g) in 5 days after dry cleaning were nonane (0.73 mg), decane (1.53 mg) and undecane (1.09 mg). The levels on the fifth day were 5%(nonane), 18%(decane) and 32%(undecane) of the first day's concentration, respectively. The half times of the remaining solvents were 1.0 day (nonane), 1.7 days (decane) and 2.7 days (undecane), respectively.

A study on the effects of endogenous nitric oxide on coronary blood flow, myocardial oxygen extraction and cardiac contractility

The purpose of the present study was to clarify how endogenous nitric oxide (NO) affects cardiac contractility and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) in vivo. alpha-Chloralose-anesthetized dogs (n = 18) were instrumented to perform continuous and simultaneous measurements of coronary blood flow (CBF), anterior interventricular vein oxygen saturation (with the use of a fiberoptic catheter), aortic pressure, left ventricular pressure, and left ventricular volume. CBF, myocardial oxygen extraction (O2-extract), MVO2, the relationship between CBF and O2-extract during direct vasodilation induced by intracoronary papaverine (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 mg/kg), and cardiac contractility (Emax) were examined at control, after intracoronary infusion of NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, 2 mg/kg) and after antagonization of NO by L-arginine (20 mg/kg). L-NMMA decreased CBF from 62.0 +/- 1.7 to 59.7 +/- 2.4 (mL/min/100 g, P < 0.05) and increased O2-extract from 68.2 +/- 1.7 to 79.0 +/- 1.7% (P < 0.05). Emax was increased after L-NMMA from 3.2 +/- 0.2 to 3.7 +/- 0.1 (mmHg/mL/100 g, P < 0.05). These effects of L-NMMA were antagonized by L-arginine (P < 0.05 vs. after L-NMMA, P = NS vs. before L-NMMA). L-NMMA shifted CBF and O2-extract relationship determined by papaverine injection upward and L-arginine antagonized it to its baseline level. Endogenous NO reduces cardiac contractility and decreases MVO2, while increasing CBF.

Superoxide mediates cigarette smoke-induced infiltration of neutrophils into the airways through nuclear factor-kappaB activation and IL-8 mRNA expression in guinea pigs in vivo

We examined the hypothesis that superoxide mediates infiltration of neutrophils to the airways through nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and interleukin-8 (IL-8) after acute exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) in vivo. Male Hartley strain guinea pigs were exposed to air or 20 puffs of CS and killed 5 h after the exposure. The differential cell count of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and specific myeloperoxidase enzyme assay demonstrated that acute exposure to CS caused neutrophil accumulation to the airways and parenchyma, respectively. Acute exposure to CS increased DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB in the lung. Acute exposure to CS also increased IL-8 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the lung. Pretreatment of guinea pigs with recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) aerosols reduced the CS-induced neutrophil accumulation to the airways. Both activation of NF-kappaB and increased IL-8 mRNA expression were also inhibited by the pretreatment of rhSOD aerosols. Strong immunoreactivities for p65 and p50 were detected in the nuclei of alveolar macrophages after acute exposure to CS. The signal for IL-8 mRNA expression was demonstrated in the alveolar space after acute exposure to CS. Neither significant immunoreactivities for p65 and p50 nor IL-8 mRNA signals were observed in airway epithelium. These observations suggest that acute exposure to CS initiates superoxide-dependent mechanism that, through NF-kappaB activation and IL-8 mRNA expression, produces infiltration of neutrophils to the airways in vivo. It was also suggested that the alveolar macrophage is one potential source of NF-kappaB activation and IL-8 mRNA expression after acute exposure to CS.