Comparison of the short-term clinical results of silicone and acrylic intraocular lens in patients with diabetes mellitus

In order to compare the clinical results of silicone intraocular lenses (IOLs) and acrylic IOLs in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), we reviewed the records of 69 diabetic patients (79 eyes--40 eyes; silicone IOLs, 39 eyes; acrylic IOLs) who had undergone phacoemulsifications and posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCI) implantations between January 1994 and January 1999. Postoperative ocular examinations included measurements of uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity tests and recording any complication one day, one week and two months after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in visual acuity between the eyes with silicone IOLs and those with acrylic IOLs. Additionally, there was no difference in visual acuity according to the method of blood sugar level control. The rate of posterior capsular opacity (PCO) was significantly lower in the patients with acrylic IOLs than in those with silicone IOLs (p<0.05). These results suggest that there is no difference in visual outcome between acrylic IOLs and silicone IOLs in patients with DM. However in view of the lower rates of PCO with acrylic IOLs, they may be a better choice for eyes in diabetic patients.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome in poorly compensated postnecrotic liver cirrhosis by hepatitis B virus in Korea

BACKGROUND

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) refers to the association of hypoxemia, intrapulmonary shunting and chronic liver disease. But there is no clear data about the prevalence of HPS in postnecrotic liver cirrhosis by hepatitis B virus (HBV), the most common cause of liver disease in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HPS in poorly compensated postnecrotic liver cirrhosis by HBV, and the correlation of the hepatopulmonary syndrome with clinical aspects of postnecrotic liver cirrhosis by HBV.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients underwent pulmonary function test, arterial blood gas analysis and contrast-enhanced echocardiography. All patients were diagnosed as HBV-induced Child class C liver cirrhosis and had no evidence of intrinsic cardiopulmonary disease.

RESULTS

Intrapulmonary shunt was detected in 6/35 (17.1%) by contrast-enhanced echocardiography. Two of six patients with intrahepatic shunts had significant hypoxemia (PaO2 < 70 mmHg) and four showed increased alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient over 20 mmHg. Only cyanosis could reliably distinguish between shunt positive and negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of intrapulmonary shunt in poorly compensated postnecrotic liver cirrhosis by HBV was 17.1% and the frequency of hepatopulmonary syndrome was relatively low (5.7%). 'Subclinical' hepatopulmonary syndrome (echocardiographically positive intrapulmonary shunt but without profound hypoxemia) exists in 11.4% of cases with poorly compensated postnecrotic liver cirrhosis by HBV. Cyanosis is the only reliable clinical indicator of HPS of HBV-induced poorly compensated liver cirrhosis. Further studies are required to determine if the prevalence and clinical manifestations of HPS varies with etiology or with geographical and racial differences.

Interferon alfa down-regulates CD81 in patients with chronic hepatitis C

CD81 protein has been shown to bind hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope 2 (E2) glycoprotein in vitro and may act as a (co)receptor for HCV. Regulation of CD81 expression by interferon alfa (IFN-alpha) and ribavirin could thereby affect the response to antiviral therapy. In the present study, the effects of IFN-alpha and ribavirin on CD81 protein and CD81 mRNA were assessed in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and isolated human hepatocytes by fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. In addition, regulation of CD81 in PBL was investigated in 10 patients treated with combination therapy. Incubation with IFN-alpha (50 U/mL) down-regulated total CD81 in PBL (81.7 +/- 11.6% of control; P =.003) and in isolated human hepatocytes (91.6 +/- 8.1% of control; P =.034). Incubation with IFN-alpha with and without ribavirin (2.2 microg/mL) significantly reduced cell surface-associated CD81 protein (83.9 +/- 10.3% of control; P =.003). PBL of untreated patients chronically infected with HCV had significantly higher levels of total CD81 protein compared with PBL obtained from healthy donors (631.1 +/- 93.3 vs. 538.9 +/- 95.2 relative fluorescence units [RFU]; P =.030). Pretreatment cell surface-associated CD81 protein was lower in patients infected with genotype HCV-3 than those infected with HCV-1 (111.8 +/- 15.0 vs. 162.0 +/- 41.3 RFU; P =.019). Furthermore, cell surface-associated CD81 protein was lower 4 weeks after initiation of therapy in patients with an initial virologic response compared with initial virologic nonresponders (110.5 +/- 8.5 vs. 139.8 +/- 27.5 RFU; P =.057). In conclusion, IFN-alpha and ribavirin regulate CD81 expression in vitro and in vivo. CD81 expression correlates with HCV genotype and initial virologic response in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Rapid sexing of preimplantation bovine embryo using consecutive and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with biopsied single blastomere

The objective of this study was to establish a rapid and reliable PCR method for the sexing of 8- to 16-cell stage bovine embryos. The BOV97M and bovine 1.715 satellite DNA sequences were selected for amplification of male- and bovine-specific DNA, respectively. But the unequal number of copies of these two repetitive sequences required some modification of the multiplex PCR method. In consecutive and multiplex PCR, the first 10 PCR cycles were done with male-specific primer followed by an additional 23 cycles with bovine-specific primer. In this PCR method, the appearance of male- and bovine-specific bands was independent of the DNA concentration. This PCR method was applied successfully using groups of 8, 4, 2, and 1 blastomeres dissociated from the embryos, and the sexing efficiency was 100.0, 96.3, 94.3 and 92.1%, respectively. The coincident rate of sex determination between biopsied single blastomere and matched blastocyst was 90.0%. Therefore the developmental potential from 8- to 16-cell stage embryos to the blastocyst stage was not significantly different (P>0.2) for intact embryo (42.3%) than for demi-embryos (53.8%), suggesting that trauma to the demi-embryo caused by single-blastomere aspiration using a bevelled micropipette was very small. In conclusion, we developed a rapid (within 2 hours) and effective PCR method for the sexing of 8- to 16-cell stage bovine embryos using a single blastomere.

Molecular defects underlying the Kell null phenotype

Expression of the Kell blood group system is dependent on two proteins, Kell and XK, that are linked by a single disulfide bond. Kell, a type II membrane glycoprotein, is a zinc endopeptidase, while XK, which has 10 transmembrane domains, is a putative membrane transporter. A rare phenotype termed Kell null (Ko) is characterized by the absence of Kell protein and Kell antigens from the red cell membrane and diminished amounts of XK protein. We determined the molecular basis of eight unrelated persons with Ko phenotypes by sequencing the coding and the intron-exon splice regions of KEL and, in some cases, analysis of mRNA transcripts and expression of mutants on the cell surface of transfected cells. Six subjects were homozygous: four with premature stop codons, one with a 5' splice site mutation, G to A, in intron 3, and one with an amino acid substitution (S676N) in exon 18. Two Ko persons with premature stop codons had identical mutations in exon 4 (R128Stop), another had a different mutation in exon 4 (C83Stop), and the fourth had a stop codon in exon 9 (Q348Stop). Two Ko persons were heterozygous for two mutations. One had a 5' splice site mutation (G to A) in intron 3 of one allele that caused aberrant splicing and exon skipping, and the other allele had an amino acid substitution in exon 10 (S363N). The other heterozygote had the same amino acid substitution in exon 10 (S363N) in one allele and a premature stop codon in exon 6 (R192Stop) in the other allele. The S363N and S676N mutants, expressed in 293T cells, were retained in a pre-Golgi compartment and were not transported to the cell surface, indicating that these mutations inhibit trafficking. We conclude that several different molecular defects cause the Kell null phenotype.

Different frequencies of electroacupuncture modified the cellular activity of serotonergic neurons in brainstem

In this study, we evaluated whether different frequencies of electroacupuncture (EA) modified the activities of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe (DR) and raphe magnus (RMg) using double labeling immunohistochemistry for Fos and serotonin. The results demonstrated that both high and low frequency EA increased the colocalization between Fos and serotonin in the DR, not in RMg as compared with anesthesia control. In addition, high frequency EA more potently increased the serotonergic activity in the DR rather than low frequency EA, suggesting that serotonergic pathway from the DR plays an important role in the high frequency EA analgesia.

Drosophila phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 regulates apoptosis and growth via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent signaling pathway

Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK-1) is a central mediator of the cell signaling between phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and various intracellular serine/threonine kinases including Akt/protein kinase B (PKB), p70 S6 kinases, and protein kinase C. Recent studies with cell transfection experiments have implied that PDK-1 may be involved in various cell functions including cell growth and apoptosis. However, despite its pivotal role in cellular signalings, the in vivo functions of PDK-1 in a multicellular system have rarely been investigated. Here, we have isolated Drosophila PDK-1 (dPDK-1) mutants and characterized the in vivo roles of the kinase. Drosophila deficient in the dPDK-1 gene exhibited lethality and an apoptotic phenotype in the embryonic stage. Conversely, overexpression of dPDK-1 increased cell and organ size in a Drosophila PI3K-dependent manner. dPDK-1 not only could activate Drosophila Akt/PKB (Dakt1), but also substitute the in vivo functions of its mammalian ortholog to activate Akt/PKB. This functional interaction between dPDK-1 and Dakt1 was further confirmed through genetic analyses in Drosophila. On the other hand, cAMP-dependent protein kinase, which has been proposed as a possible target of dPDK-1, did not interact with dPDK-1. In conclusion, our findings provide direct evidence that dPDK-1 regulates cell growth and apoptosis during Drosophila development via the PI3K-dependent signaling pathway and demonstrate our Drosophila system to be a powerful tool for elucidating the in vivo functions and targets of PDK-1.

Activation of the IGF-II gene by HBV-X protein requires PKC and p44/p42 map kinase signalings

We have recently shown that HBx protein, one of the causative agents of hepatocellular carcinomas, regulates Sp1 mediated transcription of insulin-like growth factor II promoter 4 (Lee et al. (1998) Oncogene 16, 2367-2380). Here we show that PKC and p44/p42MAPK signalings are required for the HBx-induced Sp1-mediated IGF-II P4 transcriptional activity since (i) PKC activation by PMA or PKC expression vector increases Sp1 phosphorylation and P4 activity in HBx-transfected HepG2 cells; (ii) PKC inhibition by PKC inhibitor Gö6976 reduces Sp1 phosphorylation, P4 activity, and IGF-II mRNA in HBx-transfected HepG2 cells; and (iii) the inhibition of MEK activation by U0126 reduces Sp1 phosphorylation, P4 activity and IGF-II mRNA in HBx-transfected HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate that PKC and p44/p42 MAPK cascades are the essential signaling pathways in Sp1-mediated IGF-II gene activation by HBx.

Protective role of superoxide dismutases against ionizing radiation in yeast

The protective role of superoxide dismutases (SODs) against ionizing radiation, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) harmful to cellular function, was investigated in the wild-type and in mutant yeast strains lacking cytosolic CuZnSOD (sod1Delta), mitochondrial MnSOD (sod2Delta), or both SODs (sod1Deltasod2Delta). Upon exposure to ionizing radiation, there was a distinct difference between these strains in regard to viability and the level of protein carbonyl content, which is the indicative marker of oxidative damage to protein, intracellular H2O2 level, as well as lipid peroxidation. When the oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin was used to examine the hydroperoxide production in yeast cells, the SOD mutants showed a higher degree of increase in fluorescence upon exposure to ionizing radiation as compared to wild-type cells. These results indicated that mutants deleted for SOD genes were more sensitive to ionizing radiation than isogenic wild-type cells. Induction and inactivation of other antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glutathione reductase, were observed after their exposure to ionizing radiation both in wild-type and in mutant cells. However, wild-type cells maintained significantly higher activities of antioxidant enzymes than did mutant cells. These results suggest that both CuZnSOD and MnSOD may play a central role in protecting cells against ionizing radiation through the removal of ROS, as well as in the protection of antioxidant enzymes.

Differentiation of glucose transport in human brain gray and white matter

Localized 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been applied to determine human brain gray matter and white matter glucose transport kinetics by measuring the steady-state glucose concentration under normoglycemia and two levels of hyperglycemia. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurements were simultaneously performed on three 12-mL volumes, containing predominantly gray or white matter. The exact volume compositions were determined from quantitative T1 relaxation magnetic resonance images. The absolute brain glucose concentration as a function of the plasma glucose level was fitted with two kinetic transport models, based on standard (irreversible) or reversible Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The steady-state brain glucose levels were similar for cerebral gray and white matter, although the white matter levels were consistently 15% to 20% higher. The ratio of the maximum glucose transport rate, V(max), to the cerebral metabolic utilization rate of glucose, CMR(Glc), was 3.2 +/- 0.10 and 3.9 +/- 0.15 for gray matter and white matter using the standard transport model and 1.8 +/- 0.10 and 2.2 +/- 0.12 for gray matter and white matter using the reversible transport model. The Michaelis-Menten constant K(m) was 6.2 +/- 0.85 and 7.3 +/- 1.1 mmol/L for gray matter and white matter in the standard model and 1.1 +/- 0.66 and 1.7 +/- 0.88 mmol/L in the reversible model. Taking into account the threefold lower rate of CMR(Glc) in white matter, this finding suggests that blood--brain barrier glucose transport activity is lower by a similar amount in white matter. The regulation of glucose transport activity at the blood--brain barrier may be an important mechanism for maintaining glucose homeostasis throughout the cerebral cortex.

Comparisons of intraocular-pressure- lowering efficacy and side effects of 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide

Forty-one healthy volunteers were recruited for a study to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and side effects of 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide. In a randomized double-blind design, one eye received one drop of 2% dorzolamide and the other eye received one drop of 1% brinzolamide. The IOP and side effects were evaluated by Goldmann applanation tonometry and slit lamp biomicroscopy before administration, and 3, 7 and 14 days after the initial administration of eyedrops. The IOP decreased significantly from baseline for both drugs (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide either before or after eyedrop administration (p > 0.05). The most frequent side effect was ocular pain in the case of 2% dorzolamide and blurred vision in 1% brinzolamide. The results suggested that 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide have similar IOP-lowering efficacies with different side effects

Surgical management of clinoidal meningiomas

OBJECTIVE

Surgical outcome has been less than desirable in the management of patients with clinoidal meningiomas in the past, and little attention has been directed at improving their visual function. The purpose of this article is to advocate an available cranial base technique for removing these difficult tumors and to delineate the technique's advantages that aid in achieving an improved extent of tumor resection and enhancing the patients' overall outcome, particularly their visual outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 15 consecutive patients with clinoidal meningiomas (including a patient with hemangiopericytoma) who underwent surgical resection at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation between June 1995 and January 2000. A cranial base technique consisting of extradural anterior clinoidectomy, coupled with optic canal unroofing and optic sheath opening, was used in 13 patients, and standard pterional craniotomy was used in 2. Eight of 15 patients had significant visual deficits preoperatively. All patients had thorough preoperative and postoperative ophthalmological evaluations. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 60 months (mean, 37.2 mo).

RESULTS

Total resection was achieved in 13 (86.7%) of the 15 patients in this series, and the majority of the patients with preoperative visual impairment experienced significant improvement (6 of 8 patients; 75%).

CONCLUSION

In the majority of patients with clinoidal meningiomas, total resection may be achieved with minimal complications. For large tumors encasing the optic nerve and internal carotid artery, or for those tumors causing preoperative visual impairment, use of the cranial base technique delineated in this study may lead to significant improvement in the patients' visual and overall outcomes.

High glucose inhibits renal proximal tubule cell proliferation and involves PKC, oxidative stress, and TGF-beta 1

BACKGROUND

The alteration of renal cell growth is one of the early abnormalities in the diabetic nephropathy. However, the effects of high glucose and its action mechanism in renal proximal tubule cell (PTC) proliferation have not been elucidated.

METHODS

The effects of 25 mmol/L glucose on cell proliferation, thymidine, and leucine incorporation, cell cycle, and lipid peroxide formation were examined in the primary cultured renal PTCs.

RESULTS

Glucose 25 mmol/L inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation and decreased cell growth. However, it increased [3H]-leucine incorporation and protein content. Furthermore, 25 mmol/L glucose increased lipid peroxide formation. These effects of glucose were blocked by antioxidants, vitamin E, N-acetylcystein, or taurine. Staurosporine and H-7 totally blocked 25 mmol/L glucose-induced lipid peroxide formation and had an inhibitory effect on [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Indeed, 25 mmol/L glucose increased the translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) from cytosolic fraction to membrane fraction. In addition, high glucose increased the secretion of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta 1) via the PKC-oxidative stress pathway, and TGF-beta 1 inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

High glucose inhibits renal PTC proliferation via PKC, oxidative stress, and the TGF-beta 1 signaling pathway.

Prevalence of mental retardation and developmental disabilities: estimates from the 1994/1995 National Health Interview Survey Disability Supplements

In 1994 and 1995, the National Health Interview Survey included a Disability Supplement (NHIS-D) to collect extensive information about disabilities among individuals sampled as part of annual census-based household interview surveys. Here we describe the development and application of operational definitions of mental retardation and developmental disabilities to items in the NHIS-D to estimate prevalence. In our analyses, we estimate the prevalence of mental retardation in the noninstitutionalized population of the United States to be 7.8 people per thousand (.78%); of developmental disabilities, 11.3 people per thousand (1.13%); and the combined prevalence of mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities to be 14.9 per thousand (1.49%). Differences in prevalence estimates for mental retardation and developmental disabilities and among people of various ages are explored.

Oxygen effects on glucose meter measurements with glucose dehydrogenase- and oxidase-based test strips for point-of-care testing

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of different oxygen tensions (Po2) on glucose measurements with glucose dehydrogenase (GD)-based and glucose oxidase (GO)-based test strips, to quantitate changes in glucose measurements observed with different Po2 levels, and to discuss the potential risks of oxygen-derived glucose errors in critical care.

DESIGN

Venous blood from healthy volunteers was tonometered to create different oxygen tensions simulating patient arterial Po2 levels. Venous blood from diabetic patients was exposed to air to alter oxygen tensions simulating changes in Po2 during sample handling. Whole-blood glucose measurements obtained from these samples with six glucose meters were compared with reference analyzer plasma glucose measurements. Glucose differences were plotted vs. different Po2 levels to identify error trends. Error tolerances were as follows: a) within +/-15 mg/dL of the reference measurement for glucose levels <or=100 mg/dL; and b) within +/-15% of the reference measurement for glucose levels >100 mg/dL.

SETTING AND SUBJECTS

Five healthy volunteers in the bench study and 11 diabetic patients in the clinical study.

RESULTS

In the bench study, increases in Po2 levels decreased glucose measured with GO-based amperometric test strips, mainly at Po2 levels >100 torr. At nearly constant glucose concentrations, glucose meter systems showed large variations at low (39 torr) vs. high (396 torr) Po2 levels. Glucose measured with GD-based amperometric and GO-based photometric test strips generally were within error tolerances. In the clinical study, 31.6% (Precision PCx), 20.2% (Precision QID), and 23.0% (Glucometer Elite) of glucose measurements with GO-based amperometric test strips, 14.3% (SureStep) of glucose measurements with GO-based photometric test strips, and 4.6% (Accu-Chek Advantage H) and 5.9% (Accu-Chek Comfort Curve) of glucose measurements with GD-based amperometric test strips were out of the error tolerances.

CONCLUSIONS

Different oxygen tensions do not significantly affect glucose measured with the GD-based amperometric test strips, and have minimal effect on GO-based photometric test strips. Increases in oxygen tension lowered glucose measured with GO-based amperometric test strips. We recommend that the effects of different oxygen tensions in blood samples on glucose measurements be minimized by using oxygen-independent test strips for point-of-care glucose testing in critically ill and other patients with high or unpredictable blood Po2 levels.

Correlation of hematopoietic progenitor cell count determined by the SE-automated hematology analyzer with CD34(+) cell count by flow cytometry in leukapheresis products

The yield of stem cell collection after mobilization is crucial for autologous peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation. Quantitative determinations of CD34(+) cells using flow cytometry or stem cell culture have been used, but these methods require much time, technical experience, and expensive reagents. The automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex SE-9000trade mark, TOA, Japan) equipped with the Immature Information (IMI) channel for immature myeloid cells can detect IMI(+) cells within 90 sec. Detection is made possible by the combination of a special reagent system and direct current/radiofrequency biosensors. We studied the relation of IMI(+) cells and variable cell counts with CD34(+) cell yield in autologous stem cell harvest. In a series of 32 patients (median age, 44 years; M:F = 11:21), 184 leukaphereses were performed after mobilization regimens with chemotherapy and G-CSF or G-CSF alone. Full blood cell counts were enumerated on peripheral blood (PB) samples taken prior to each leukapheresis. Mononuclear cell (MNC) and IMI(+) cell counts by automated hematology analyzer and flow cytometry based CD34(+) cell yield were measured on the harvested product. The relationship among PB white blood cells (WBC), PB monocytes, IMI(+) cells, MNC, and CD34(+) cell yield in a single leukapheresis was estimated by Pearson correlation analysis. PB WBC count showed no correlation with CD34(+) cell yield in a single leukapheresis (r = 0.02, P = 0.81). PB monocyte count showed a weak correlation (r = 0.21, P = 0.01) and MNC in harvest also showed a weak correlation (r = 0.36, P = 0.0001) with CD34(+) cell yield. In contrast, CD34(+) cell yield correlated well with IMI(+) cell count (r = 0.68, P = 0.0001), and data could be fitted by a linear regression equation, y = 0.330 + 0.974x. IMI(+) cell assay by the automated hematology analyzer correlated well with the CD34(+) cell yield in a mobilized autologous stem cell harvest. The IMI(+) cell count might be used as a simple and efficient indicator of blood stem cell mobilization and collection.

The biological significance of phospholipase C beta 1 gene mutation in mouse sperm in the acrosome reaction, fertilization, and embryo development

PURPOSE

We carried out this study to evaluate the biological significance of phospholipase C beta 1 gene mutation in mouse sperm in the acrosome reaction, fertilization, and embryo development.

METHODS

Study subjects were divided into two groups according to the sperm [intact phospholipase C (PLC) beta 1 and PLC beta 1-/- C57BL/6J x CBA F1 mouse sperm] used. The positive acrosome reaction rate labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate-Pisum sativum agglutinin, the fertilization rate, and the rate of embryos developed to the stage of morula or blastocyst in the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The mouse sperm null for the PLC beta 1 gene showed a lower acrosome reaction rate than control sperm (69.2 vs 50.9%, P < 0.05). And the fertilization rate and the rate of embryos developed to the stage of morula or blastocyst were also lower in the group using PLC beta 1-/- mouse sperm compared to the intact group (P < 0.05; 73.5 vs 51.8% and 15.7 vs 4.3%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Mutation of the PLC beta 1 gene in the mouse sperm reduces the acrosome reaction rate, fertilization rate, and embryo development rate, which may be the etiologic factors responsible for the low reproductive rate of PLC beta 1-/- mouse.

ERK activation and mitogenesis in human airway smooth muscle cells

Asthmatic airways are characterized by an increase in smooth muscle mass, due mainly to hyperplasia. Many studies suggest that extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1 and ERK2, respectively), one group of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase superfamily, play a key role in the signal transduction pathway leading to cell proliferation. PGE(2) and forskolin inhibited mitogen-induced ERK activation. Inhibition of MAP kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1 and MEK2, respectively), which are upstream from ERK, with the specific MEK inhibitor U-0126 blocked both cell proliferation and ERK activation. In addition, U-0126 inhibited mitogen-induced activation of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase and expression of c-Fos and cyclin D1, all of which are downstream from ERK in the signaling cascade that leads to cell proliferation. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides directed to ERK1 and -2 mRNAs reduced ERK protein and cell proliferation. These results indicate that ERK is required for human airway smooth muscle cell proliferation. Thus targeting the control of ERK activation may provide a new therapeutic approach for hyperplasia seen in asthma.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of late-stage callus in stress fracture. A case report

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is effective in the diagnosis of bone lesions when combined with careful radiologic and clinical evaluation. The cytologic features of callus have not been described before in the English-language literature.

CASE

An 18-year-old female presented with a pain in the right lower leg that had been present for two months. Clinical and radiologic findings suggested either stress fracture or periosteal osteosarcoma. The aspiration specimen showed individually scattered, oval cells with moderate amounts of pale pink cytoplasm. The cells contained a single eccentrically located nucleus with evenly distributed, fine chromatin. Osteoclastic giant cells were scattered in the smears. A cytologic diagnosis of benign bone-forming lesion, compatible with callus in fracture, was made. The diagnosis of late-stage callus was confirmed by subsequent histologic examination.

CONCLUSION

Typical cases of stress fracture do not need histologic examination, but some cases may be confused with benign and malignant bone tumors. The typical and unique cytologic features of late-stage callus combined with clinical and radiologic findings may prevent the use of more invasive diagnostic procedures and can be a choice for management.

Viral kinetics in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with standard or peginterferon alpha2a

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Covalent attachment of a 40-kilodalton polyethylene glycol moiety to interferon alpha2a (peginterferon alpha2a) results in sustained delivery and reduced clearance compared with standard interferon alpha2a. The aim of the study was to compare viral kinetics in patients treated with standard or peginterferon alpha2a.

METHODS

Patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomly assigned to receive either standard interferon alpha2a thrice weekly (n = 16) or 180 microg peginterferon alpha2a once weekly (n = 17) for 48 weeks. HCV RNA was quantitated before and frequently during treatment.

RESULTS

The extent of the second-phase decline of HCV RNA, representing the degradation rate of infected cells during therapy for responding patients, was 0.02 +/- 0.03 day(-1) (HCV-1), 0.88 +/- 0.64 day(-1) (HCV non-1), 0.06 +/- 0.08 day(-1) (HCV-1), and 0.44 +/- 0.33 day(-1) (HCV non-1) in patients treated with standard or peginterferon alpha2a, respectively. The second-phase decline was low (<0.05 day(-1)) in most patients without a virological end-of-treatment response, and the second-phase decline was high (>0.25 day(-1)) in all patients with sustained virological response.

CONCLUSIONS

The degradation rate of infected cells is HCV genotype dependent. Treatment with peginterferon alpha2a may reinforce the death rate of infected cells (particularly in HCV-1-infected patients) or stabilize the therapeutic effect on viral production. The second-phase decline of HCV RNA is predictive of virological sustained response.

Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) graft polymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate) on cell adhesion

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of surface modification of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafting on cell adhesion.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

The PMMA surface was oxidized with ozone, and PEG acrylate was then graft polymerized. To verify the PEG grafting on the surface, the oxygen content was measured by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The contact angle was measured using the Wilhelmy plate method. The adhesion of keratocytes on modified PMMA was investigated in vitro. Cultured rabbit keratocytes (4 x10(5) cells/mL) were layered on each PMMA disk, cultured in a carbon dioxide incubator for 24 hours, harvested by trypsinization, and counted. A commercially available intraocular lens was modified as described and then inserted in the anterior chamber of a white rabbit. The cell adherence pattern on the modified IOL was examined by scanning electron microscopy.

RESULTS

The PEG-grafted PMMA revealed a higher oxygen content and lower dynamic receding contact angles than the untreated PMMA. The mean number of adhered cells was 72.5 +/- 22 x 10(4)/mL for untreated PMMA. After PEG grafting of 1 hour and ozone oxidation of 2 hours, the adherent cell counts significantly decreased to 6.5 +/- 1.7 x 10(4)/mL and 7.6 +/- 1.6 x 10(4)/mL, respectively (P =.002). Scanning electron microscopy showed small round cells sparsely scattered on the modified PMMA in contrast to the untreated PMMA.

CONCLUSION

Surface modification of PMMA using PEG grafting reduced cell adhesion. This may decrease the incidence of retroprosthetic membrane formation after keratoprosthesis surgery.

In vivo antitumor effect of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene therapy in rat hepatocellular carcinoma: feasibility of adenovirus-mediated intra-arterial gene delivery

Transfer of the herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase gene, followed by the administration of ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV), has been a major approach for cancer gene therapy. We investigated the antitumor effect of the HSV-tk/GCV strategy with the rat orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and the tumor-selective gene delivery by an adenovirus-mediated gene transfer through the hepatic artery. The complete antitumor effect was demonstrated, after the treatment with GCV in rat HCC established by the implantation of HSV-tk transferred rat HCC cells. The in vivo bystander effect was also observed. The marked infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, macrophages and NK cells were found in the tumor area. After the injection of adenovirus carrying the LacZ gene into the hepatic artery, the selective expression of transgene in the tumor cell was achieved. These findings indicate that the HSV-tk/GCV strategy, using an adenoviral vector, could be a promising avenue for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

CDNA for an immune response gene encoding low molecular weight polypeptide from flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

The cDNA for an immune response gene encoding the low molecular weight polypeptide (LMP7) was cloned and sequenced from a flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) leukocyte cDNA library. The cDNA clone was 1,160 bp, and composed of an open reading frame of 822 bp that corresponded to a protein of 273 amino acid residues with a calculated mass of 30.5 kDa. The ScanProsite search indicated that the deduced amino acid sequence from the flounder LMP7 contains a proteasome beta-type subunit signature, which is well conserved during evolution. The sequence shares a high degree of identity with other LMP7 sequences varying from a 66% identity with zebra fish (Danio renio) to a 57% identity with the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis), which was confirmed from a phylogenetic tree. A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine tissue specificity, and the expression of LMP7 was detected from the liver, kidney, leukocyte, and spleen of the flounder.