p53 codon 72 polymorphism and risk of cervical carcinoma in Korean women

A common polymorphism of the wild type p53 is known at codon 72 of exon 4, with 2 alleles encoding either arginine (CGC, p53Arg) or proline (CCC, p53Pro). A recent study suggested that this polymorphism affects the susceptibility of p53 protein to human papillomavirus E6 oncoprotein mediated degradation and that individuals homozygous for p53Arg are seven times more susceptible to HPV-associated carcinogenesis of the cervix than heterozygotes. To examine whether the p53Arg genotype could be a risk factor for HPV-associated cervical carcinomas in the Korean population, we analyzed the p53 codon 72 polymorphism status of HPV-positive invasive cervical carcinomas from 52 Korean women and 103 healthy control samples. The proportion of individuals homozygous for p53Arg, homozygous for p53Pro, and heterozygous for the two alleles were 40%, 19%, and 41% in normal healthy controls; 42%, 17%, and 40% in women with HPV-positive invasive cervical carcinoma. There were no significant differences in the distribution of p53 genotypes between controls and cervical carcinomas. This finding indicates that the p53Arg genotype is not associated with an increased susceptibility to cervical carcinoma in Korean women.

Immunocytochemical study on the distribution of nitrotyrosine in the brain of the transgenic mice expressing a human Cu/Zn SOD mutation

In the previous study, we reported increased NOS expression in the astrocytes in the spinal cord of the transgenic mice that are used as ALS animal model. In the present study, we performed immunocytochemical studies to investigate the changes of nitrotyrosine-immunoreactivity in the brains of the transgenic mice, and demonstrated in vivo evidence of peroxynitrite-mediated oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of ALS. In the spinal cord of the transgenic mice, immunocytochemistry showed intensely stained nitrotyrosine-IR glial cells with the appearance of astrocytes, but no nitrotyrosine-IR glial cells were observed in the spinal cord of the control mice. In the transgenic mice, nitrotyrosine-IR neurons were observed in the hypoglossal nucleus, lateral reticular nucleus, medullary reticular formation and cerebellar nuclei. Interestingly, nitrotyrosine-IR neurons were observed in the hippocampal formation and septal area of the transgenic mice. In the hippocampus, nitrotyrosine-IR neurons in the CA1 region showed intense staining, and the immunoreactivity was localized mainly in the pyramidal cell layer. Recent studies have shown that antioxidants and selective neuronal NOS inhibitor increase survival in the SOD1 transgenic mouse model of FALS. It is possible that therapy with these agents may slow the neurodegenerative process in human ALS, perhaps through reduction of nitrotyrosine formation.

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography for the analysis of D-amygdalin and its epimer in apricot kernel

We have developed a simple, rapid and reproducible method for the determination of D-amygdalin and its epimer by using micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). Separation of D-amygdalin was performed in a 20 mM sodium borate buffer (pH 8.5) containing 300 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate using a bare fused-silica capillary. The eluates were monitored by the absorbance at 210 nm. The applied electric field was 278 V/cm, and the time needed for the separation of D-amygdalin did not exceed 6 min. The calibration curve for D-amygdalin showed excellent linearity in the concentration range of 5-500 microg/ml. The migration time and the corrected peak area show relative standard deviations (n=6) of 0.86% and 1.48%, respectively. The limit of detection (S/N=3) for D-amygdalin was 2 microg/ml. Under acidic and neutral conditions, amygdalin exists only as the D-form; however, under basic conditions, it shows both the D- and L-forms with a concentration ratio of 1:1.3 (D-amygdalin/L-amygdalin). Results of HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and mass spectrometry reconfirmed the identification of D-amygdalin and its epimer. The number of theoretical plates of D-amygdalin is about 100,000 in MEKC, which is significantly higher than approximately 8,000 of HPLC. This method has been successfully applied to the determination of amygdalin epimers in various apricot kernel extracts and pharmaceutical products.

Localization of bcl-2 mRNA in the rabbit central nervous system

In this study, we demonstrated bcl-2 expression in the rabbit brain using in situ hybridization and compared the results with the studies done on the other animals. Although the bcl-2 expressions of the rabbit were generally similar to those of the other animals, some differences were also found; the cells in molecular and Purkinje cell layers of the cerebellum, which were bcl-2 negative in the others, showed intense bcl-2 positive signals, while the ependymal cells, arachnoid villi and granular layer, which were positive in the other animals, were not well stained with bcl-2 riboprobes in the rabbit brain. Our findings clearly showed the similarities and differences of rabbit bcl-2 mRNA as compared with the other species for the first time, and provided the basis of further study on the properties of bcl-2 in this species.

Reactive astrocytes express p53 in the spinal cord of transgenic mice expressing a human Cu/Zn SOD mutation

In a previous study, we reported increased NOS expression in the astrocytes in the spinal cord of SOD mutant transgenic mice that are used as ALS animal model. Recently, Messmer and Brune suggested that nitric oxide-induced apoptosis is intimately related with p53-dependent signaling pathway, and de la Monte et al. reported increased p53-immunoreactivity in the spinal cord of ALS patients. In the present study, we performed immunocytochemical studies to investigate the changes of p53-immunoreactivity in the brains of the mutant transgenic mice expressing a human Cu/Zn SOD mutation. Immunocytochemistry showed intensely stained p53-IR glial cells with the appearance of astrocytes in all levels of the spinal cord of the mutant transgenic mice, but no p53-IR glial cells were observed in the spinal cord of the control mice. P53-IR astrocytes were also detected in the brain stem of the mutant transgenic mice. In the medulla, they were observed in the medullary reticular formation, hypoglossal nucleus, vestibular nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and nucleus ambiguus. In the pons, their presences were noted in the pontine reticular formation, and trigeminal and facial nuclei. In the midbrain, astrocytes were detected in the mesencephalic reticular formation, red nucleus and periaqueductal gray matter. In the cerebellum, intensely stained p53-IR astrocytes were detected in the intracerebellar nuclei. In contrast to the mutant transgenic mice, no p53-IR astrocytes were detected in the brain stem and spinal cord of the control mice. Further multidisciplinary investigations involving p53-mediated cellular damage and pathogenesis of ALS are needed to clarify the importance of these results.

Spectrum of opportunistic infections and malignancies in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection in South Korea

To determine the frequency and types of major opportunistic diseases in patients with HIV infection in South Korea, we reviewed the medical records of 173 HIV-infected patients. The patients were seen from 1985 to 1998 at a referral hospital for AIDS in South Korea. Most patients (85%) were male, and 107 (62%) were infected by heterosexual contacts. CD4+ lymphocyte counts at presentation were <200/microL in 27% of the patients. Tuberculosis was the most frequent opportunistic infection (25% of patients), followed by candidiasis (21%), herpes zoster (20%), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (10%), cytomegalovirus disease (9.8%). There were no cases of toxoplasmosis. Kaposi's sarcoma developed in 3 patients (1.7%), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in 2 (1.2%). Eleven patients (6.4%) developed peripheral neuropathy, and 8 (4.6%) had HIV encephalopathy. Tuberculosis was the single most important HIV-related infection in South Korean patients.

Effects of interleukin-10 on chemokine KC gene expression by mouse peritoneal macrophages in response to Candida albicans

Chemokine KC has been considered to be a murine homologue of human GRO/MGSA and was identified as chemoattractant for monocytes and neutrophils. This study examined the expression of KC mRNA in thioglycollate-elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages that were stimulated in vitro with Candida albicans (CA). Also examined were the inhibitory effects of IL-10 on the CA-induced expression of KC gene by Northern blot analysis. CA was found to induce chemokine gene expression in a gene-specific manner, CXC chemokine IP-10 mRNA expression was not detected in CA-stimulated macrophages. Maximum KC mRNA expression was observed approximately 2 hr after adding CA. The inhibitory action of IL-10 to CA-induced KC mRNA expression on mouse peritoneal macrophages was independent on concentration and stimulation time of IL-10 and was observed approximately one hour after adding IL-10 and CA simultaneously. IL-10 produced a decrease in the stability of KC mRNA, and CA-stimulated macrophages with cycloheximide blocked the suppressive effect of IL-10. These results suggest that CA also induces chemokine KC from macrophages, and IL-10 acts to destabilize CA-induced KC mRNA and de novo synthesis of an intermediate protein is a part of the IL-10 suppressive mechanism.

Retroperitoneal multilocular bronchogenic cyst adjacent to adrenal gland

Bronchogenic cysts are generally found in the mediastinum, particularly posterior to the carina, but they rarely occur in such unusual sites as the skin, subcutaneous tissue, pericardium, and even the retroperitoneum. A 30-year-old Korean man underwent surgery to remove a cystic adrenal mass incidentally discovered during routine physical checkup. At surgery, it proved to be a multilocular cyst located in the retroperitoneum adjacent to the left adrenal gland. Microscopically, the cyst was lined by respiratory epithelium over connective tissue with submucous glands, cartilage and smooth muscle, thereby histologically confirming bronchogenic cyst. This is the first reported case of retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst in an adult without other congenital anomalies in Korea.

Idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia presenting with spontaneous hydropneumothorax and solitary pulmonary nodule

The first case of idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP) presenting as solitary pulmonary nodule with spontaneous hydropneumothorax is reported in a 54-year-old man. A wedge resection of the right lower lobe was performed to show typical histological features of BOOP. This case report demonstrates that BOOP has a very diverse clinical manifestation and stresses the need to include solitary pulmonary nodule with hydropneumothorax in the spectrum of BOOP.

Cyclin D1 overexpression is an indicator of poor prognosis in resectable non-small cell lung cancer

Cyclin D1 is one of the G1 cyclins that control cell cycle progression by allowing G1 to S transition. Overexpression of cyclin D1 has been postulated to play an important role in the development of human cancers. We have investigated the correlation between cyclin D1 overexpression and known clinicopathological factors and also its prognostic implication on resected non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tumour tissues resected from 69 NSCLC patients between stages I and IIIa were immunohistochemically examined to detect altered cyclin D1 expression. Twenty-four cases (34.8%) revealed positive immunoreactivity for cyclin D1. Cyclin D1 overexpression is significantly higher in patients with lymph node metastasis (50.0% vs 14.4%, P = 0.002) and with advanced pathological stages (I, 10%; II, 53.8%; IIIa, 41.7%, P = 0.048; stage I vs II, IIIa, P = 0.006). Twenty-four patients with cyclin D1-positive immunoreactivity revealed a significantly shorter overall survival than the patients with negativity (24.0 +/- 3.9 months vs 50.1 +/- 6.4 months, P = 0.0299). Among 33 patients between stages I and II, nine patients with cyclin D1-positive immunoreactivity had a much shorter overall survival (29.7 +/- 6.1 months vs 74.6 +/- 8.6 months, P = 0.0066). These results suggest that cyclin D1 overexpression is involved in tumorigenesis of NSCLCs from early stage and could be a predictive molecular marker for poor prognosis in resectable NSCLC patients, which may help us to choose proper therapeutic modalities after resection of the tumor.

Risk factors for early filtration failure requiring suture release after primary glaucoma triple procedure with adjunctive mitomycin

PURPOSE

Postoperative release of scleral flap closure suture is useful in trabeculectomy combined with cataract surgery. We determined risk factors for early filtration failure requiring suture release during the first month after primary glaucoma triple procedure.

METHODS

The medical records of 71 consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent a primary glaucoma triple procedure (primary trabeculectomy, phacoemulsification, and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation) were reviewed. Suture release had been performed in 24 of the patients for early filtration failure with postoperative intraocular pressure greater than the target value during the first postoperative month. The long-term filtration failure was defined according to 2 criteria based on medical dependency and requirement of additional surgical procedure for intraocular pressure control. Cox proportional hazards multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors.

RESULTS

African American race (P = .02), more than 2 preoperative glaucoma drugs (P = .02), and intraocular pressure greater than 14 mm Hg during the first postoperative week (P = .006) were identified as significant independent risk factors requiring suture release for filtration failure during the first postoperative month. Their significance was further confirmed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with Mantel-Cox log-rank test (P = .03, P = .02, and P = .001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

African American race, more than 2 preoperative medications, and intraocular pressure greater than 14 mm Hg in the first postoperative week are major independent risk factors for initial filtration failure requiring suture release during the first month after primary glaucoma triple procedure. Presence of the risk factors may warrant a more aggressive antiproliferative regimen and/or earlier suture release.

Spatial and temporal expression of UDP-galactose: ceramide galactosyl transferase mRNA during rat brain development

We studied the expression of UDP-galactose: ceramide galactosyl transferase (CGT) mRNA in postnatal rat brains using an in situ hybridization technique. From P0 to P16, there was a defined temporal and spatial pattern to the earliest acquisition of CGT mRNA expression. In the forebrain, CGT mRNA-expressing (CGT+) cells were first detected in regions outside the subventricular zone around the lateral ventricle at P2. Cells in the external capsule, internal capsule and corpus callosum were later found to be CGT-positive. At P8 to P16, CGT+ cells were found in the thalamus, striatum, occipital and frontal cortex. In the case of midbrain and hindbrain, the first CGT+ signals were detected in the medullary raphe of the medulla oblongata at P0. CGT+ cells were subsequently located in the cerebellum, midbrain and pons from P4 to P16. That is, in regions closer to the areas in which CGT+ cells were first found, CGT mRNA expression was observed much earlier. These findings support the notion that there are at least two discrete waves of CGT mRNA signal expression in the forebrain and hindbrain.

In situ localization of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) mRNA in the rat retina

We performed a comparative study on the distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity and mRNA in a normal rat retina using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization technique. As in previous studies, we found NOS immunoreactive (NOS-IR) cells and fibers in inner and outer plexiform layers (IPL and OPL), inner nuclear layer (INL) and inner photoreceptor segment (IPS). However, very little nNOS-IR could be detected in groups of amacrine cells and ganglion cells localized in ganglion cell layer (GCL). However, in situ hybridization showed that intense NOS mRNA signals were mainly found in the GCL and INL while weak or no mRNA signals were detected in IPL, OPL, outer nuclear layer (ONL) and IPS. This difference suggests that nNOS proteins may be transported through axons into the terminals in the IPL and OPL after they were synthesized with nNOS mRNA templates in the INL. In the case of nNOS mRNA in GCL, synthesizing nNOS proteins may move outside the eyeball and carry out tasks in central nervous system. The difference of nNOS mRNA and nNOS IR means that the complete concurrence of nNOS IR and in situ hybridization results may not always occur in the rat retina.

In situ localization of p53, bcl-2 and bax mRNAs in rat ocular tissue

We mapped p53, bcl-2 and bax mRNAs, which are known to have correlation with apoptotic cell death, in the rat ocular tissue. p53 mRNA signals were present in several layers of retina, optic nerve, corneal epithelium, ciliary process and posterior surface of the iris. While almost the same pattern as p53 was recognized in the case of bcl-2 mRNA, bax signals were not found in ocular tissue except for ganglion cell layer (GCL). These results suggest that in the normal ocular tissue, p53 and bcl-2 genes play opposing parts in the physiological control of cell survival and death. A p53 mediated tumor-suppressing action might occur through the induction of transcriptional targets other than bax because only in GCL were p53 and bax mRNA expression co-localized.

Protopanaxatriol ginsenosides inhibit glucose uptake in primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubular cells by arachidonic acid release

Ginsenosides are involved in protective action against renal dysfunction and the regulation of renal functions. However, the effects of ginsenosides on glucose reabsorption are not yet known in renal proximal tubular cells. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of ginsenosides, protopanaxadiol (PD) saponin and protopanaxatriol (PT) saponin, on alpha-methyl-D-glucopyranoside (alpha-MG) uptake and its mechanism of action in primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs). The alpha-MG uptake was inhibited by 90% by 0.5mM phloridizin and by removal of Na+ in the PTCs. These are typical characteristics described for the proximal tubule. To determine the time- and dose-dependent effects of PD and PT saponins on alpha-MG uptake, PTCs were incubated with different concentrations of PD and PT saponins (10-100 microg/ml) and for different time periods (from 10 min to 24 h). PT saponin (>/=50 microg/ml) from 30 min inhibited alpha-MG uptake; however, PD saponin did not alter the alpha-MG uptake at any doses and time periods. In the kinetic analysis of alpha-MG uptake, PT saponin produced a significant decrease in Vmax. The PT saponin induced inhibition of alpha-MG uptake was blocked by mepacrine, a phospholipase A2 inhibitor. In addition, PT saponin increased [3H] arachidonic acid release by 218% of that of control, and this effect was also completely blocked by mepacrine. In conclusion, PT saponin inhibited, in part, alpha-MG uptake through the phospholipase A2 signal pathway in primary cultured rabbit renal PTCs.

Mucormycosis of the central airways: CT findings in three patients

Computed tomographic (CT) findings are described in three diabetic patients with central airways mucormycosis. The CT findings of the tracheobronchial mucormycosis include enhancing areas of mural thickening (n = 3), luminal narrowing (n = 3), intramural air (n = 3), low-attenuation nonenhancing bronchial wall thickening (n = 2), and bronchonodal fistula formation (n = 1). These CT features in a diabetic patient should raise a high index of suspicion for tracheobronchial mucormycosis, particularly when typical radiographic features of pulmonary tuberculosis are absent.

Isolation, characterization, and functional analysis of a novel cDNA clone encoding a small rubber particle protein from Hevea brasiliensis

Biochemical evidence reported so far suggests that rubber synthesis takes place on the surface of rubber particles suspended in the latex of Hevea brasiliensis. We have isolated and characterized a cDNA clone that encodes a protein tightly bound on a small rubber particle. We named this protein small rubber particle protein (SRPP). Prior to this study, this protein was known as a latex allergen, and only its partial amino acid sequence was reported. Sequence analysis revealed that this protein is highly homologous to the rubber elongation factor and the Phaseolus vulgaris stress-related protein. Southern and Northern analyses indicate that the protein is encoded by a single gene and highly expressed in latex. An allergenicity test using the recombinant protein confirmed that the cloned cDNA encodes the known 24-kDa latex allergen. Neither ethylene stimulation nor wounding changed the transcript level of the SRPP gene in H. brasiliensis. An in vitro rubber assay showed that the protein plays a positive role in rubber biosynthesis. Therefore, it is likely that SRPP is a part of the rubber biosynthesis machinery, if not the rubber polymerase, along with the rubber elongation factor.

Efficacy of apraclonidine 1% versus pilocarpine 4% for prophylaxis of intraocular pressure spike after argon laser trabeculoplasty

OBJECTIVE

The authors compared the efficacy of apraclonidine 1% versus pilocarpine 4% prophylaxis of post-argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) intraocular pressure (IOP) spike.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred twenty-eight eyes of 228 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma undergoing ALT were studied.

INTERVENTION

Patients were given 1 drop of either apraclonidine 1% (n = 114) or pilocarpine 4% (n = 114) 15 minutes before ALT.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Peri-ALT IOPs and incidences of post-ALT IOP spikes at 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The two groups were similar in age, race, and medical dependency. Post-ALT mean IOPs at 5 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours were significantly lower than pre-ALT mean IOPs in both apraclonidine (P < 0.001) and pilocarpine (P < 0.001) groups. Incidences of IOP spikes greater than 1, 3, and 5 mmHg at 1 hour post-ALT were 21.1%, 14.9%, and 8.8% for the apraclonidine group and 12.3%, 5.3%, and 4.4% for the pilocarpine group (P = 0.076, 0.015, and 0.18 chi-square test). In the apraclonidine prophylaxis group, patients on long-term apraclonidine showed significantly higher incidence of post-ALT IOP spike than the patients without such long-term apraclonidine use (35.7%, 15 of 42 eyes, vs. 12.5%, 9 of 72 eyes; P = 0.003). In addition, peri-ALT pilocarpine prophylaxis tended to be less effective in patients undergoing long-term pilocarpine therapy but without statistical significance (17.4%, 8 of 46 eyes, vs. 9.4%, 6 of 64 eyes; P = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Peri-ALT pilocarpine 4% was at least as effective as, if not more effective than, apraclonidine 1% in post-ALT IOP spike prophylaxis. Peri-ALT apraclonidine prophylaxis was not effective in patients on long-term apraclonidine, and peri-ALT pilocarpine prophylaxis tended to be less effective in patients undergoing long-term pilocarpine therapy. Pilocarpine 4% can be considered as a first-choice drug for post-ALT IOP spike prophylaxis, especially in patients under treatment with apraclonidine.

Long-term brimonidine therapy in glaucoma patients with apraclonidine allergy

PURPOSE

To report the use of brimonidine in patients with a documented ocular allergy to apraclonidine.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, open-label study on the use of long-term brimonidine therapy in 57 patients with chronic glaucoma with documented allergy to apraclonidine. The study patients were placed on brimonidine tartrate 0.2%, 1 drop three times daily in one or both eyes, either as additive therapy to a medical regimen devoid of apraclonidine for further lowering of intraocular pressure (25 patients) or as a replacement for apraclonidine at the time of diagnosis of apraclonidine ocular allergy for maintenance of intraocular pressure control (32 patients). Clinical symptoms and signs of ocular allergy to brimonidine were monitored for up to 18 months.

RESULTS

During the treatment period of up to 18 months, six (10.5%) of 57 patients developed slit-lamp biomicroscopic findings and subjective symptoms of an ocular allergic reaction that led to discontinuation of brimonidine treatment. All six patients developed ocular allergy to topical brimonidine 0.2% during the first 4 months of therapy. The addition of brimonidine 0.2% topical medication or the replacement of apraclonidine with brimonidine resulted in a significant decrease in mean intraocular pressure from 20.5+/-5.3 to 16.5+/-4.2 mm Hg (P < .0001) at the mean treatment period of 10.6+/-4.6 months (range, 0.5 to 18.0 months in all 57 patients: 5 to 18 months in the 51 patients without brimonidine allergy and 0.5 to 3.8 months in the six patients who developed brimonidine allergy.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ocular allergy after the use of brimonidine 0.2% topical medication for up to 18 months was 10.5% in patients with a documented history of apraclonidine allergy. Therefore, it is generally safe as well as efficacious to administer brimonidine to patients with an ocular allergy to apraclonidine.

Intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment can promote linear growth in the ovariectomized growing rat

To compare the effect of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment with that of estrogen treatment on epiphyseal growth in ovariectomized rats, 46 Sprague-Dawley female rats aged 9-10 weeks (about 200-220 g) were either ovariectomized or sham operated. From 6 weeks after ovariectomy (ovx), rats were daily injected with subcutaneous human recombinant PTH (1-84)-dosed 30 micrograms/kg (the low dose PTH-treated group) or 300 micrograms/kg (the high dose PTH-treated group), 17 beta-estradiol (the 17 beta-estradiol-treated group, 30 micrograms/kg) or vehicle (the ovx-alone group), 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The decalcified sections of the distal femoral epiphyseal plate were analyzed on light microscopy after H&E stain, and the lengths of the zones of proliferation, maturing and hypertrophic chondrocytes were measured. The length of the growth plate, the zone of proliferation and the zone of hypertrophic chondrocyte in the ovx-alone group were significantly shorter than those of the sham-operated group. The treatment of 17 beta-estradiol speeded up the differentiation of cells from proliferating chondrocytes to maturing and hypertrophic chondrocytes even though the length of the growth plate was comparable to that of the sham-operated group. Both low and high dose PTH treatments increased the length of the growth plate, and those lengths were comparable to that of the sham-operated group. The fractions of proliferating, maturing and hypertrophic zone in the low dose PTH-treated group were also comparable to those of the sham-operated group. However, high dose PTH treatment slowed down the differentiation of cells from proliferating chondrocytes to maturing and hypertrophic chondrocytes to a greater extent, and therefore the fraction of proliferating chondrocytes of the high dose PTH-treated group was larger than that of the low dose PTH-treated group (73.8 +/- 1.8 Vs 63.3 +/- 1.3%, p < 0.005). From these results, we showed that intermittent PTH treatment could promote linear growth in the ovariectomized growing rat. We propose that PTH may be an alternative drug candidate for promoting linear growth of long bones without the risk for early closure of the growth plate.

Cytotoxic constituents from the roots of Anthriscus sylvestris

Activity-guided fractionation of the roots of Anthriscus sylvestris resulted in the isolation and characterization of five cytotoxic compounds, deoxypodophyllotoxin (1), falcarindiol (2), and angeloyl podophyllotoxin (5) from the hexane soluble fraction and morelensin (3), bursehernin (4) from the chloroform soluble fraction. It is the first report of the occurrence of compound 5 in nature.

Effects of interleukin-2 transduction on the human hepatoma cell lines using retroviral vector

Gene therapy, using cytokine gene transduction, aims to increase the antigenicity of tumor cells, and to activate the immune effector cells, and thereby inducing tumor regression. With regards to in vitro sensitivity to peripheral blood monocytes and in vivo tumorigenic activity we compared the differences between parent hepatoma cell lines and interleukin-2 (IL-2) transduced hepatoma cell lines using N2A/IL-2 and LNC/IL-2 retrovirus. IL-2 secretion was 186 pg/10(6) cells/24 h in SK-Hep1 cell line and 147 pg/106 cells/24 h in Hep-3B cell line with N2A/IL-2 retroviral vector and was 55,000 pg/10(6) cells/24 h in Hep-3B cell line with LNC/IL-2 retroviral vector. in vitro sensitivity to peripheral blood monocytes was increased by 163.8-254% in IL-2 transduced hepatoma cell lines (Hep-3B/LNC/IL-2, Hep-G2/LNC/IL-2) compared to those of the parent cell lines. The tumor was formed in 1 of 3 BALB/c mice and all 3 nude mice with the injection of 1x107 cells. Simultaneous injection of 1x10(7) cells of the parent cell line (Hep-3B) into the right flank and IL-2 transduced cell line (Hep-3B/LNC/IL-2) into the left flank of the three BALB/c mice and of 5x10(5) cells for the three nude mice resulted in a complete regression of the IL-2 modified tumor cell line (Hep-3B/LNC/IL-2) in 3 weeks and the parent cell line (Hep-3B) in 5 weeks. After injection of 1x10(7) cells into five other nude mice, the tumor of the IL-2 transduced hepatoma cells (Hep-3B/LNC/IL-2) gradually disappeared, however, the tumor of the parent hepatoma cell line initially decreased and then gradually regrew 20 days later. In conclusion, IL-2 transduced hepatoma cell lines secreting IL-2 became more sensitive to peripheral blood monocytes. IL-2 secretion by LNC/IL-2 retrovirus from the hepatoma cell lines was more prominent compared with that by N2A/IL-2 retrovirus. IL-2 transduction into the hepatoma cells resulted in increased antigenicity to the tumors formed by IL-2 transduced hepatoma cell line and parent cell line, which leads the regression of the tumors. However, the higher the tumor burden, the less efficient tumor regression by IL-2 transduction into the hepatoma cell line in nude mice was observed.

Endobronchial metastasis from stomach cancer

A young woman presented with a dry cough present during the previous 4 weeks. A chest radiograph demonstrated diffuse interstitial infiltration in both lower lung fields. Fibreoptic bronchoscopic examination revealed multiple 2-3 mm elevated nodules on the bronchial surface and a mucosal biopsy showed extensive subepithelial infiltration of poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma without definite precancerous alteration in the overlying epithelium. Studies for the evaluation of primary tumour focus were performed. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed advanced gastric cancer of Borrmann type III, and mucosal biopsy of the stomach showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated three times with systemic chemotherapy, but her condition deteriorated. Three months after diagnosis, she died of complicated pneumonia. This is a rare case of endobronchial metastasis from stomach cancer. The stomach is an unusual site of endobronchial metastasis from extrathoracic primary malignancy.