A novel case with germline p53 gene mutation having concurrent multiple primary colon tumours

During a search for causative genes in patients with concurrent multiple primary colon tumours, we found a novel case with a germline mutation of the p53 gene, from GCC (Ala) to GTC (Val) at codon 189. Of the six primary colon tumours that this patient had, one large advanced carcinoma exhibited a somatic p53 mutation and a somatic APC mutation, in addition to the germline p53 mutation. Two early carcinomas and three adenomas had somatic APC mutations but no somatic p53 mutation or loss of the p53 allele. K-ras-2 mutations were detected in an advanced carcinoma and an early carcinoma. The present results suggest that a patient with a certain type of germline p53 mutation is predisposed to concurrent multiple colon tumours. It is also suggested that in such a patient, a somatic APC mutation is involved in tumour formation and that an additional somatic p53 mutation contributes to tumour progression.

Spontaneous parathyroid adenoma hemorrhage

We report a case of spontaneous parathyroid adenoma hemorrhage. A 50-year-old man with a sore throat, and swelling and ecchymosis of the entire anterior neck was found in cervical and chest computed tomography revealed to have a low-density area extending from the parapharyngeal region to below the carina, Suspecting descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to a peritonsillar abscess, we conducted mediastinal and cervical drainage, but found no abscess. No evidence was found, either, in bacteriological culture of sputum and pleural effusion. After the hematoma disappeared, cervical ultrasonography indicated parathyroid adenoma. Serum calcium was marginally increased, indicating that serum calcium should be determined if cervical or mediastinal hematoma develops without an obvious cause.

Activation of pulmonary T cells in corticosteroid-resistant and -sensitive interstitial pneumonitis in dermatomyositis/polymyositis

To study the activation states and cytokine profiles of pulmonary T cells in corticosteroid-resistant and corticosteroid-sensitive interstitial pneumonitis (IP) in dermatomyositis (DM)/polymyositis (PM), we examined the activation markers and cytokine profiles of T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from patients with IP in DM/PM before prednisolone therapy and then compared the activation states of T cells according to the therapeutic response of IP to prednisolone therapy. CD25+ CD4+ T cells in BALF were significantly increased in both corticosteroid-resistant and corticosteroid-sensitive IP in DM/PM as compared with those in controls without IP. Furthermore, CD25+ CD4+ T cells in BALF were significantly more increased in corticosteroid-resistant IP than those in cortico teroid- sensitive IP. Moreover, CD25+ CD8+ T cells in BALF were significantly increased only in corticosteroid-resistant IP, but not in corticosteroid-sensitive IP or controls without IP. IFN-gamma mRNA was detected in BALF T cells in corticosteroid-resistant and corticosteroid-sensitive IP but not in controls without IP, whereas IL-4 mRNA was virtually undetected in BALF T cells in both the IP groups. However, there were no significant differences in CD4/CD8 ratio of BALF T cells, HLA-DR+ BALF T cells or CD25+ and HLA-DR+ peripheral blood T cells between the two IP groups. These results indicate that activated Th1-type pulmonary T cells play an important role in the development of corticosteroid- resistant IP in DM/PM and that the increase in CD25+ CD8+ T cells in BALF is a useful indicator for corticosteroid-resistant IP in DM/PM and hence may be an indicator for early use of cyclosporin.

[Mediastinal signet-ring cell carcinoma of unknown primary site; report of a case]

The question whether the tumor is primary or metastatic sometimes arises in patients with intrathoracic tumor. Especially, adenocarcinoma presents more difficulties in distinguishing primary tumors from secondary or deciding its origin. We reported a case of mediastinal signet-ring cell carcinoma. A 51-year-old female was admitted because of an abnormal shadow during mass screening. Chest X-ray showed a semicircular, well-demarcated shadow on right cardiophrenic angle. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a homogeneous mass, approximately 4 cm in diameter. The investigations of whole body failed to reveal any other tumor. At operation, the tumor was adherent to the esophagus but easily resected. Histologically, the tumor was mainly composed of signet-ring cells. Immunohistochemically, surfactant apoprotein (SPA) was strongly demonstrated in tumor cells. SPA is specific to the lung and the tumor was diagnosed as the metastasis in mediastinal lymph nodes. The primary site was considered to exist in lung. But the primary site was not found over 46 months in spite of repeated further examinations.

NOR-1: a nitric oxide releasing agent for calibrating low levels of nitric oxide by the chemiluminescence method

Nitric oxide (NO) is formed in small amounts in vivo and is rapidly oxidized by interacting with oxygen, making measurement of its level difficult. The chemiluminescence assay is the most widely used method for detecting NO and is extremely sensitive to very small amounts of NO. However, it is difficult to prepare small amounts of NO to be used as a standard for NO analysis. NOR-1, a derivative of NOR-3, is a newly discovered NO donor with rapid NO-releasing activity. We assessed the dynamics of NO release and decomposition using NOR-1. Our results demonstrate that NOR-1 is stable in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and is able to dilute at lower concentration (to picomolar levels) by DMSO without decomposition. NOR-1 released persistently 1.4 more excess of NO with 15 min of incubation. There was a linear relationship between the concentration of NOR-1 and that of NO released from NOR-1 (r=0.997) These findings suggest that NOR-1 is a useful reagent for the calibration of lower NO detection.

Remarkable effect of aluminum reagents on rearrangements of epoxy acylates via stable cation intermediates and its application to the synthesis of (S)-(+)-sporochnol A

A remarkable effect of (C(6)F(5)O)(3)Al for promoting the rearrangement of epoxy acylates via stable cation intermediates was found, and new methods for constructing chiral benzylic, vinylic, and acetylenic quaternary carbon centers were developed. During the study, the importance of the ionic nature of the O-metal bond in the intermediates of such epoxides was addressed. This method was applied to the asymmetric total synthesis of (S)-(+)-sporochnol A.

Enantiodivergent synthesis of either enantiomer of ABCDE-ring analogue of antitumor antibiotic fredericamycin A via intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition approach

[reaction: see text] An intramolecular enantiodivergent synthesis of both enantiomers of the ABCDE-ring analogue 22 of fredericamycin A is reported. Key steps involve an intramolecular [4 + 2] cycloaddition of 17 and an aromatic Pummerer-type reaction of 19. A lipase-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of prochiral diol 2 using 1-ethoxyvinyl 2-furoate 3 led to the pivotal intermediate (R)-4.

[Estimated relative and absolute risk for cardiovascular disease according to alcohol consumption increase in Japanese general population]

To calculate the estimated relative and absolute risks for cardiovascular diseases according to alcohol consumption increase, we performed a cross-sectional study of men aged 40-79 years using the data from the National Survey of Circulatory Disorders 1990 in Japan. First, we investigated the association between alcohol intake and two types of biochemical variables: serum lipids and blood pressure, by using analysis of variance. Then, concerning the subjects aged 40-59 years, linear regression analyses between alcohol intake and these biochemical markers were done to calculate regression coefficients adjusted for confounding factors. Finally, we substituted these regression coefficients for previously reported regression coefficients in Cox proportional hazard models to calculate relative and absolute risks for coronary heart disease and stroke. Alcohol intake positively correlated to systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC). However, there was no relation between alcohol intake and serum total cholesterol. Linear regression coefficients of SBP, DBP and HDLC were 2.25, 1.43, 2.70, respectively. We used two proportional hazard regression formulas of Japanese population: one for coronary disease (Circulation 89, 2533-39) and the other for stroke (NIPPON DATA80, a 14-year cohort study of randomly selected Japanese). The estimated relative risks of coronary heart disease and stroke were 0.89 and 1.06 for 1 "go" (23 g of ethanol) increment of alcohol intake. The results indicate that the mortality rates shift from 0.44 to 0.39 per 1,000 person-years for coronary heart disease and from 0.76 to 0.81 per 1,000 person-years for stroke in the representative Japanese population aged 40-59 years. The absolute risk of cardiovascular disease may be unchanged if we assume 23 g increment of ethanol intake in Japan because the risk reduction in coronary heart disease was nearly equal to the risk increment in stroke.

[Cross-task analysis of age differences in constructive activity]

The present study investigated age differences in constructive activity, using three different tasks: the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, Block Design, and Benton's 3D Construction tests. Participants were 116 healthy adults, ages ranging from 25 to 74 years. Results of the ROCF test failed to show any age difference in test scores among the participants up to early 60's, task completion time among those up to early 50's, and strategy among all participants. However, results of the Block Design test showed age differences in test score, task completion time, and strategy among all participants. Results of the 3D Construction test failed to show any age difference in test score among the participants up to early 60's, task completion time among those up to early 50's, but showed age differences in strategy among all participants. These findings suggest that it is necessary to take into account task-specific age differences in constructive skills, when evaluating constructive disabilities.

Regioselective nucleophilic addition of methoxybenzene derivatives to the beta-carbon of p-benzoquinone mono O,S-acetal

Regioselective nucleophilic addition of electron rich aromatics to the beta-position of acetal carbon of p-benzoquinone mono O,S-acetal was achieved by modifying the acetal moiety.

Mechanism of AVP release and synthesis in chronic salt-loaded rats

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is involved in osmotic regulation in the brain and peripheral tissues. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism that involves AVP release in hyperosmolality, we investigated the regulation of the synthesis and release of AVP in chronic salt-loaded rats. In chronic salt-loaded rats, which were generated by free access to water containing 2% NaCl for 7 days, plasma osmolality was significantly increased compared with control value. When tested, the AVP content was significantly higher in plasma but lower in the pituitary and whole brain (hypothalamus, cortex and striatum) than in control rats. The expression of AVP mRNA in the brain was significantly up-regulated compared with that in control rats. These data lead to the suggestion that hyperosmolality stimulates AVP release from the brain and subsequently induces AVP synthesis in the brain. On the other hand, mRNA levels of vasopressin V1a receptor (V1aR), whose down-regulation is known to be a counteraction to the V1aR activation, was not changed in the brain, suggesting that the AVP seems not to interact with the V1aR in the brain. These results suggest that hyperosmosis promotes the release of AVP into plasma, the subsequent induction of AVP mRNA in the brain and its action on the peripheral tissues.

Detailed characterization of neuroprotection by a rescue factor humanin against various Alzheimer's disease-relevant insults

A novel factor, termed Humanin (HN), antagonizes against neurotoxicity by various types of familial Alzheimer's disease (AD) genes [V642I and K595N/M596L (NL) mutants of amyloid precursor protein (APP), M146L-presenilin (PS) 1, and N141I-PS2] and by Abeta1-43 with clear action specificity ineffective on neurotoxicity by polyglutamine repeat Q79 or superoxide dismutase 1 mutants. Here we report that HN can also inhibit neurotoxicity by other AD-relevant insults: other familial AD genes (A617G-APP, L648P-APP, A246E-PS1, L286V-PS1, C410Y-PS1, and H163R-PS1), APP stimulation by anti-APP antibody, and other Abeta peptides (Abeta1-42 and Abeta25-35). The action specificity was further indicated by the finding that HN could not suppress neurotoxicity by glutamate or prion fragment. Against the AD-relevant insults, essential roles of Cys(8) and Ser(14) were commonly indicated, and the domain from Pro(3) to Pro(19) was responsible for the rescue action of HN, in which seven residues turned out to be essential. We also compared the neuroprotective action of S14G HN (HNG) with that of activity-dependent neurotrophic factor, IGF-I, or basic FGF for the antagonism against various AD-relevant insults (V642I-APP, NL-APP, M146L-PS1, N141I-PS2, and Abeta1-43). Although all of these factors could abolish neurotoxicity by Abeta1-43, only HNG could abolish cytotoxicities by all of them. HN and HN derivative peptides may provide a new insight into the study of AD pathophysiology and allow new avenues for the development of therapeutic interventions for various forms of AD.

Distribution of basal ganglia lesions in generalized variant of Pick's disease: a clinicopathological study of four autopsy cases

We investigated four Japanese autopsy cases of the generalized variant of Pick's disease ("basophilic inclusion body disease") both clinically and pathologically, and examined the degree and distribution of the basal ganglia lesions, including the amygdala, striatum, pallidum, and substantia nigra. The lesions in the amygdala, striatum, and pallidum were classified into three categories (slight, moderate, and severe). The lesions in the substantia nigra were qualitatively judged, compared with normal controls. Extrapyramidal signs, not noticed in the generalized variant of Pick's disease, were evident in all four cases, in addition to dementia. The degree and distribution of basal ganglia lesions in all four cases were uniform: the caudate nucleus showed severe lesions, the amygdala and putamen severe to moderate lesions, and the pallidum moderate to slight lesions. The substantia nigra in all our cases showed prominent neuronal loss, probably being one of the lesions responsible for extrapyramidal signs. In the generalized variant of Pick's disease, the degree and distribution of the alterations within the basal ganglia differs from those reported in Pick's disease with Pick bodies (PDPB) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD). In PDPB, severe lesions are present in the amygdala with relative sparing of the substantia nigra, compatible with rare extrapyramidal signs in PDPB, while in CBD, severe lesions are found in the pallidum and substantia nigra. These clinicopathological findings may contribute not only to the elucidation of clinicopathological hallmarks, but also to the progress of neuroimaging, in the generalized variant of Pick's disease.

Proton relay in a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain composed of water molecules and a squaric acid derivative

The crystal structure of a hydrated crystal of bis(squaryl)biphenyl (BSQB*4H2O), in which two squaric acid moieties are connected with a 4,4'-biphenyl unit, was characterized by the presence of a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain composed of BSQB and water molecules. X-ray crystallographic analysis showed that BSQB exists in a dianion form and that, on average, two of the four water molecules are protonated. The enhanced temperature dependence of the thermal parameters of the oxygen atoms of the water molecules suggested dynamic disorder of the water molecules. The solid-state magic angle spinning deuterium NMR spectrum of BSQB*4D2O revealed that deuterons are exchanged between heavy water molecules and oxonium ions with an exchange rate of ca. 700 Hz around 250 K and that deuterons start to migrate in a hydrogen-bonded cluster of water molecules. Ac dielectric measurements were also used to examine the dynamic process in the hydrated crystal. The dielectric permittivity of the crystal dramatically increased above 250 K with a distinct frequency dependence (epsilon' = 4.7 x 10(4) at 340 K and 1 kHz). The frequency dependence of tan delta at 290 K exhibited a maximum at 3.0 kHz, and this maximum shifted to lower frequencies when the temperature of the crystal decreased. These experimental results suggested that in the one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain of BSQB*4H2O a proton relay between oxonium ions and water molecules occurred within a cluster of four water molecules and that the relay was transmitted to the adjacent cluster mediated by the modulation of the negative charge distribution of the BSQB dianion. These phenomena were interpreted as the solitonic migration of the charged domain boundaries along the one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chain.

Clinicopathologic and cytogenetic analyses of three cases of primary uterine non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Primary uterine non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is an extremely rare disease. To accumulate more information on clinical data, we report three cases of primary uterine NHL with apparently the first demonstration of karyotypic analysis. Histological diagnosis was diffuse large B cell type in all patients. Two of them with advanced stage showed chemoresistance and a short survival. The remaining case with early stage showed an uneventful course following operation. No common chromosomal abnormality was detected. The therapeutic strategy for uterine NHL might therefore be similar to that for other types of aggressive NHL, although a larger study is needed.

Expression of arginine vasopressin and vasopressin V1a receptor mRNA in diabetic (db/db) mice

To assess the involvement of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in genetical diabetic (db/db) mice, we examined the mRNA expression levels of AVP and vasopressin V(1a) receptors (V(1a)R) in brain and liver of db/db mice. In 10 week-old db/db mice, a significant elevation in blood sugar levels and plasma osmolality were observed, showing obvious diabetic symptoms. There was a significant increase in brain AVP mRNA levels in db/db mice. The expression level of liver V(1a)R mRNA in db/db mice was significantly down-regulated, presumably as a consequence of ligand-receptor interaction. This is in contrast to results that show no significant reduction in brain V(1a)R mRNA levels when comparing db/db and control mice. Thus, it is possible that in the progress of genetic diabetes mellitus, AVP acts in liver than in brain through V(1a)R.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-interacting protein-1b/islet-brain-1 scaffolds Alzheimer's amyloid precursor protein with JNK

Using a yeast two-hybrid method, we searched for amyloid precursor protein (APP)-interacting molecules by screening mouse and human brain libraries. In addition to known interacting proteins containing a phosphotyrosine-interaction-domain (PID)-Fe65, Fe65L, Fe65L2, X11, and mDab1, we identified, as a novel APP-interacting molecule, a PID-containing isoform of mouse JNK-interacting protein-1 (JIP-1b) and its human homolog IB1, the established scaffold proteins for JNK. The APP amino acids Tyr(682), Asn(684), and Tyr(687) in the G(681)YENPTY(687) region were all essential for APP/JIP-1b interaction, but neither Tyr(653) nor Thr(668) was necessary. APP-interacting ability was specific for this additional isoform containing PID and was shared by both human and mouse homologs. JIP-1b expressed by mammalian cells was efficiently precipitated by the cytoplasmic domain of APP in the extreme Gly(681)-Asn(695) domain-dependent manner. Reciprocally, both full-length wild-type and familial Alzheimer's disease mutant APPs were precipitated by PID-containing JIP constructs. Antibodies raised against the N and C termini of JIP-1b coprecipitated JIP-1b and wild-type or mutant APP in non-neuronal and neuronal cells. Moreover, human JNK1beta1 formed a complex with APP in a JIP-1b-dependent manner. Confocal microscopic examination demonstrated that APP and JIP-1b share similar subcellular localization in transfected cells. These data indicate that JIP-1b/IB1 scaffolds APP with JNK, providing a novel insight into the role of the JNK scaffold protein as an interface of APP with intracellular functional molecules.

Alterations of repeated sequences in 5' upstream and coding regions in colorectal tumors from patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and Turcot syndrome

One of the characteristics of tumors from patients with germline mutations of DNA mismatch repair genes is instability at microsatellite regions (MSI). We analysed alterations at repeated sequences of coding regions, as well as those of 5' upstream regions, in 29 MSI-High colorectal tumors from patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and Turcot syndrome. We found that repeated sequences in 5' upstream regions were altered in these tumors, at considerable frequencies. The (A)10 repeat in the promoter region (position -178 to approximately -169) of the GAPDH gene was altered in 17% of the tumors. The (A)10(TA)9 in the 5' upstream region (position -318 to approximately -291) of the mitochondrial isoleucyl tRNA synthetase gene (IleRS-A), coded in nuclear DNA, was altered in 59% of the tumors, whereas (A)9 in the 5' upstream region (position -859 to approximately -851) of cytoplasmic isoleucyl tRNA synthetase gene (IleRS-B) was not altered. Alteration at repeated sequences in the coding regions were 72% at TGFbetaRII(A)10, 24% at IGFIIR(G)8, 45% at BAX(G)8, 55% at E2F4(CAG)13, 66% at caspase-5 (A)10, 31% at MBD4(A)10, 55% at hMSH3(A)8 and 34% at hMSH6(C)8. The number of altered genes increased with the advancement of carcinoma according to Dukes categories: mean numbers of altered genes within these 10 genes were 2.6 for Dukes A, 4.7 for Dukes B and 7.8 for Dukes C. The mean number for adenomas was 2.0. These results suggest that the MSI phenotype also causes alteration of 5' upstream regions which may affect apoptosis and some mitochondrial functions in HNPCC and Turcot tumors, and that accumulation of altered genes with repeated sequences is associated with the progression of HNPCC and Turcot colorectal tumors.

Reversible hepatofugal portal flow after liver transplantation using a small-for-size graft from a living donor

We describe a case of reversible hepatofugal portal flow 1 week after transplantation of a small-for-size liver graft from a living donor. A transient increase in intrahepatic portal vascular resistance was the suspected cause. The portal venous flow normalized after residual collateral channels had been interrupted surgically. The patient was discharged on the 90th postoperative day. Liver transplant clinicians should be aware that hepatofugal flow can occur with small-for-size liver grafts, despite sufficient portal venous flow immediately after transplantation.

Two types of movement-related cortical potentials preceding wrist extension in humans

We compared the occurrence patterns of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) preceding wrist extension in athletes (kendoists and gymnasts) and non-athletes. The MRCPs of the non-athletes started approximately 1.5 s before the EMG onset of wrist extension. In the athletes, the duration of the MRCPs was shorter and the amplitudes of early component (Bereitschaftspotential) were smaller than in the non-athletes. The MRCPs in the athletes started approximately 400 ms before the onset of wrist extension and increased rapidly. In topographical maps, MRCPs of the athletes were localized markedly on the contralateral motor area (C3) compared with the non-athletes. In the present study, the duration of MRCPs was classified into two types.

A rescue factor abolishing neuronal cell death by a wide spectrum of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and Abeta

Through functional expression screening, we identified a gene, designated Humanin (HN) cDNA, which encodes a short polypeptide and abolishes death of neuronal cells caused by multiple different types of familial Alzheimer's disease genes and by Abeta amyloid, without effect on death by Q79 or superoxide dismutase-1 mutants. Transfected HN cDNA was transcribed to the corresponding polypeptide and then was secreted into the cultured medium. The rescue action clearly depended on the primary structure of HN. This polypeptide would serve as a molecular clue for the development of new therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease targeting neuroprotection.

Generational and regional differences in trends of mortality from ischemic heart disease in Japan from 1969 to 1992

The authors compared generational and regional trends of premature mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) from 1969 to 1992 for persons aged 30-69 years. They selected Tokyo and Osaka prefectures as the most urbanized and compared them with the rest of Japan. The data were divided into two periods: period I (1969-1978, International Classification of Diseases, Eight Revision) and period II (1979-1992, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision). In both populations, IHD mortality decreased for both sexes, but mortality from nonspecific heart disease remained constant in men and decreased in women. In Tokyo and Osaka prefectures, the percentage decline per year in IHD mortality for both sexes was significantly smaller in period II than in period I. However, in the rest of Japan, it did not decrease for either sex. Age-specific analysis showed that the percentage decline per year in period II was smallest for the group aged 30-49 years (men, 0.05%; women, 0.76%) in Tokyo and Osaka prefectures, while it was similar for all age groups in the rest of Japan. For men, the IHD mortality rate in 1991-1992 for those aged 30-49 years was higher in Tokyo and Osaka prefectures (9.4/100,000) than in the rest of Japan (5.4/100,000).

Three-dimensional reconstruction of microcalcification clusters from two mammographic views

Classification of benign/malignant microcalcification clusters is a major diagnostic challenge for radiologists. Clinical studies have revealed that the shape of the cluster, and the spatial distribution of individual microcalcifications within it, are important indicators of its malignancy. However, mammographic images of clustered microcalcifications confound their three-dimensional (3-D) distribution with image projection and breast compression. This paper presents a novel model-based method for reconstructing microcalcification clusters in 3-D from two mammographic views (cranio-caudal and medio-lateral oblique--"shoulder to the opposite hip" or lateral-medio). We develop a 3-D breast representation and a parameterised breast compression model which constraints geometrically the possible 3-D positions of a calcification in a two-dimensional image. Corresponding calcifications in the two views are matched using an estimate of the calcification volume. Both the geometric constraint and the matching criterion are utilized in the final reconstruction step to build the 3-D reconstructed clusters. Validation experiments are described using 30 clusters to verify the individual steps of the model, and results consistent with known ground truth are obtained. Some of the approximations in the model and future work are discussed in the concluding section.

Kinetic and thermodynamic analysis of thermal unfolding of recombinant erythropoietin

Thermal stress was used to assess the stability of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) derived from Chinese hamster ovary cells. In 20 mm phosphate at pH 7.0, this protein had a highly reversible thermal unfolding as observed by far UV circular dichroism (CD) and native gel analysis, with no indication of protein aggregation. It had a relatively low melting temperature at 53 degrees C. Assuming a two-state transition, the observed reversibility permits thermodynamic analysis of the unfolding of EPO, which shows that the free energy of unfolding at 25 degrees C is only 6-7 kcal/mol. Upon heating to 79 degrees C over 30 min, however, this protein does undergo aggregation as assessed by native gel. In 20 mm phosphate and citrate at pH 7.0, the results are similar, i.e., EPO suffered a substantial aggregation, while it showed little aggregation in 20 mm Tris or histidine at pH 7.0 and 20 mm glycine at pH 6.3 under identical heat treatment.

Copper staining method for extracting biologically active proteins from native gels

An attempt was made to make protein bands visible on native gel using copper staining, since such a mild staining procedure would make the entire native gel electrophoresis process non-denaturing. Copper staining not only was able to detect various proteins on native gel with reasonable sensitivity, but also made extraction and recovery of active proteins possible from the gel using a gentle procedure.

Discovery of Novel Aldose Reductase Inhibitors Using a Protein Structure-Based Approach: 3D-Database Search Followed by Design and Synthesis

Aldose reductase (AR) has been implicated in the etiology of diabetic complications. Due to the limited number of currently available drugs for the treatment of diabetic complications, we have carried out structure-based drug design and synthesis in an attempt to find new types of AR inhibitors. With the ADAM&EVE program, a three-dimensional database (ACD3D) was searched using the ligand binding site of the AR crystal structure. Out of 179 compounds selected through this search followed by visual inspection, 36 compounds were purchased and subjected to a biological assay. Ten compounds showed more than 40% inhibition of AR at a 15 microg/mL concentration. In a subsequent lead optimization, a series of analogues of the most active compound were synthesized based on the docking mode derived by ADAM&EVE. Many of these congeners exhibited higher activities compared to the mother compound. Indeed, the most potent, synthesized compound showed an approximately 20-fold increase in inhibitory activity (IC(50) = 0.21 vs 4.3 microM). Furthermore, a hydrophobic subsite was newly inferred, which would be useful for the design of inhibitors with improved affinity for AR.

Enantioselective total synthesis of a potent antitumor antibiotic, fredericamycin A

The asymmetric total synthesis of both enantiomers of the potent antitumor antibiotic fredericamycin A (1) is detailed based on the protocol for the construction of its peri-hydroxy polyaromatic skeleton bearing the chirality at the spiro carbon via a strong base-induced cycloaddition of suitably substituted homophthalic anhydrides (AB-ring unit) with an optically active CDEF-ring unit. Particular attention has been given to the novel synthesis of the optically active spiro carbon center by a stereospecific rearrangement of optically active benzofuzed-trans-epoxy acylates leading to spirocyclopentane-1,1'-indane systems. This method is quite useful for the construction of an optically active spiro compound and was applied to the synthesis of the optically pure CDEF-ring unit of 1. Cycloaddition of the optically pure CDEF-ring unit to AB-ring units prepared via benzyne afforded two natural and unnatural-type hexacyclic compounds, which were converted to natural and unnatural enantiomers of synthetic 1, and the absolute configuration of natural 1 was determined as S.

Facile and efficient sulfenylation method using quinone mono-O,S-acetals under mild conditions

A novel sulfenylation method induced by aromatization of quinone mono-O,S-acetals is described. These sulfenylation reagents readily react with silyl enolethers or electron rich aromatic compounds to give sulfenylation products under mild conditions. In particular, O,S-acetal 2j, which possesses a pentafluorophenylthio function, is the most effective reagent from the standpoint of the adaptability for various substrates.

Long-term graft acceptance in rat heart transplantation by CTLA4Ig gene transfection combined with FTY720 treatment

CTLA4Ig strongly adheres to B7 molecules on antigen-presenting cells to block intracellular signal transduction via CD28 on helper T cells, which eventually inhibits immune responses. We have demonstrated that the administration to recipient animals of adenoviral vectors containing CTLA4Ig gene (adCTLA4Ig) prolonged graft survival, although the gene expression diminished in a time-dependent manner and the grafts were finally rejected. In addition, recipient animals treated with FTY720, a new immunosuppressant, exhibited a decrease in the number of peripheral lymphocytes due to apoptosis. In this study, we performed adCTLA4Ig transfection combined with FTY720 treatment in heart-grafted rats to determine if the combination could induce a mutual effect on graft survival. The recipient animals were given injections of 1 x 10(9) plaque-forming units of adCTLA4Ig via the tail vein immediately after grafting. On the day before transplantation we administered FTY720 orally to some of these animals at a dosage of 5 mg/kg and again on the day of transplantation. The median graft survival period in the adCTLA4Ig-only group was 27 days, whereas that in the combination group was markedly prolonged to 56 days. Of 15 grafts, 5 survived indefinitely. In these groups we observed detectable levels of CTLA4Ig in the sera 49 days after grafting; the levels were always higher in the combination group than in the adCTLA4Ig-only group. As a result, this study revealed that FTY720 and adCTLA4Ig have a potent mutual effect on graft survival during rat heart transplantation. Furthermore, it is highly possible that FTY720 enhances gene expression of adCTLA4Ig, which may be related to the long-term acceptance of grafts.

A Novel and Efficient Methodology for the C−C Bond Forming Radical Cyclization of Hydrophobic Substrates in Water

[reaction: see text]. The combination of water-soluble radical initiator 2,2'-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] (VA-061), water-soluble chain carrier 1-ethylpiperidine hypophosphite (EPHP), and surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was found to be the most suitable condition for effective radical cyclization in water for a variety of hydrophobic substrates.

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) protects cells from apoptosis by Alzheimer's V642I mutant amyloid precursor protein through IGF-I receptor in an IGF-binding protein-sensitive manner

It has been found that insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) exerts cytoprotection against Abeta amyloid-induced neuronal cell death. Deposits of Abeta amyloid are one of the pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we examined whether IGF-I exerts protective activity against cell death induced by a familial AD (FAD)-linked mutant of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and we found that IGF-I protected cells from toxicity of FAD-associated V642I mutant of APP in multiple cell systems. IGFBP-3 blocked this action of IGF-I, but not of des(1-3)IGF-I, which was as active as IGF-I in the presence of IGFBP-3. The data also demonstrated that the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) mediates the protective activity of IGF-I. The antagonizing function of the IGF-I/IGF-IR system against V642I-APP, which is further antagonized by IGFBP-3, provides a molecular clue to the understanding of AD pathophysiology and to the establishment of potential therapy for AD.

Role of biantennary glycans and genetic variants of human alpha1-acid glycoprotein in enantioselective binding of basic drugs as studied by high performance frontal analysis/capillary electrophoresis

PURPOSE

To establish a clear understanding of the role of biantennary branching glycans and genetic variants of alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) in enantioselective bindings of basic drug.

METHODS

Human native AGP was separated using concanavalin A affinity chromatography into two subfractions, the unretained fraction (UR-AGP, defect of biantennary glycan) and the retained fraction (R-AGP, possessing biantennary glycan(s)). Imminodiacetate-copper (II) affinity chromatography was used to separate human native AGP into A variant and a mixture of F1 and S variants (F1*S variants). The mixed solutions of the (R)- or (S)-isomer of the model drugs (15 microM disopyramide (DP) or 30 microM verapamil (VER)) and 40 microM of respective AGP species were subjected to high-performance frontal analysis/capillary electrophoresis (HPFA/CE) to determine the unbound drug concentrations.

RESULTS

The unbound concentrations (Cu) of DP in UR-AGP solutions were lower than those in R-AGP solutions, whereas there was no significant difference in the enantiomeric ratios (Cu(R)/Cu(S)) of DP between UR- and R-AGP solutions. In case of genetic variant, the Cu(R)/Cu(S) values of DP in F1*S and A solutions were 1.07 and 2.37, respectively. On the other hand, the enantiomeric ratio of VER in F1*S and A variant solutions were 0.900 and 0.871, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The biantennary glycan structures are related to binding affinity of DP to AGP, but not responsible for the enantioselectivity. Genetic variants give significant effect on the enantioselectivity in DP binding, but not in VER binding.

Selective reduction and recovery of invariant Valpha24JalphaQ T cell receptor T cells in correlation with disease activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To study the regulatory role of CD4-CD8- double-negative (DN) invariant T cell receptor (TCR) Valpha24JalphaQ T cells, a human counterpart of murine NK 1 + T cells, in the autoimmune process of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We carried out a 2 step frequency analysis of DN Valpha24JalphaQ T cells in patients with SLE before and after prednisolone therapy; the frequency of DN Valpha24+ T cells was determined by 3 color FACS analysis and subsequently the frequency of Valpha24JalphaQ rearrangement among DN Valpha24+ T cells was determined by sequencing.

RESULTS

DN Valpha24+ T cells were significantly increased in patients with active SLE compared to healthy subjects. In healthy subjects, invariant Valpha24JalphaQ TCR dominated in DN Valpha24+ T cells at a high frequency (93-100%). However, the invariant Valpha24JalphaQ TCR was not detected in DN Valpha24+ T cells from patients with active SLE, and instead 2 to 9 Jalpha genes other than the invariant JalphaQ were oligoclonally expanded in the patients. In inactive SLE induced by prednisolone therapy, the invariant Valpha24JalphaQ TCR could be detected in DN Valpha24+ T cells from all the patients and dominated in most of the patients. Further, oligoclonally expanded Valpha24+ clones other than the invariant JalphaQ gene in active disease states were significantly decreased by prednisolone therapy.

CONCLUSION

The selective reduction of DN invariant Valpha24JalphaQ T cells is related to the disease progression of SLE, while DN TCR Valpha24 T cells other than Valpha24JalphaQ T cells constitute autoaggressive T cells in SLE.