Unique activation status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells at acute phase of Kawasaki disease

Although Kawasaki disease (KD) is characterized by a marked activation of the immune system with elevations of serum proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines at acute phase, the major sources for these chemical mediators remain controversial. We analysed the activation status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by flow cytometry, DNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The proportions of CD69+ cells in both natural killer cells and gammadeltaT cells at acute-phase KD were significantly higher than those at convalescent-phase KD. Microarray analysis revealed that five genes such as NAIP, IPAF, S100A9, FCGR1A and GCA up-regulated in acute-phase KD and the pathways involved in acute phase KD were related closely to the innate immune system. The relative expression levels of damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) (S100A9 and S100A12) genes in PBMCs at acute-phase KD were significantly higher than those at convalescent-phase KD, while those of TNFA, IL1B and IL6 genes were not significantly different between KD patients and healthy controls. Intracellular production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma in PBMCs was not observed in KD patients. The present data have indicated that PBMCs showed a unique activation status with high expression of DAMP genes but low expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes, and that the innate immune system appears to play a role in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of KD.

Catalytic action of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase on long-chain L-2-haloalkanoic acids in organic solvents

A Lyophilized preparation of L-2-halo acid dehalogenase was not only stable but also catalytically active in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide, toluene, and other organic solvents. 2-Halo acids with long alkyl (C(5)-C(16)) or aromatic (phenyl and benzyl) side chains were inert in water but dehalogenated effectively in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide by the lyophilized enzyme. Long chain 2-haloalkanoic acids such as 2-bromohexadecanoic acids were better as substrate than short-chain halo acids (e.g., 2-chloropropanoic acid). The dehalogenation proceed with inversion of C(2) configuration to produce the corresponding (2R)-2-hydroxy acids in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide in the same way as found in water.

WITHDRAWN: P.P.2 04 Chronological observation of glucose intolerance in myotonic dystrophy

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Role of fatty acids in malignancy and visual impairment: epidemiological evidence and experimental studies

International variation in breast and colon cancer incidence is positively related to total fat intake. However, total fat consists of different fatty acid families, e.g., saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Epidemiological evidence and experimental studies suggest that these fatty acid families have different effects on breast and colon carcinogenesis. Therefore the action of each fatty acid on carcinogenesis should be evaluated separately. Although it is difficult to establish firm conclusions on the effect of each fatty acid in human epidemiological studies, experimental studies on animals and cultured cells suggest that n-6 PUFAs (linoleic acid and arachidonic acid) may have a tumor promoting effect, while n-3 PUFAs (eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and alpha-linolenic acid) and conjugated fatty acids (CFAs; a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of PUFAs with conjugated double bonds) exert an inhibitory effect on tumor growth. SFAs such as palmitic acid and stearic acid show little or no tumor promoting effect, and the action of oleic acid, a MUFA, is inconclusive. In addition to regulation of abnormal cell growth seen in cancers, fatty acids also control cell loss seen in degenerative eye diseases, such as degeneration of lens material in cataract and degeneration of photoreceptor cells in retinitis pigmentosa. Experiments suggest that n-6 PUFAs cause deleterious effects, while n-3 PUFAs result in beneficial effects on the lens and retina. In particular, docosahexaenoic acid is known to be effective in rescuing photoreceptor cells from damage. Thus, understanding the function of each fatty acid is likely to be important for making progress in treating these and other diseases.

Influence of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism on development of athlete's heart

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Genetic influence on development of athlete's heart is uncertain. This study investigated whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism influenced development of athlete's heart.

METHODS

Forty-three participants in a 100-km ultramarathon were classified on the basis of ACE gene polymorphism into a deletion group (n = 26) and an insertion group (n = 17). Echocardiograms were recorded to determine left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters, interventricular septal thickness, left ventricular posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, and ejection fraction.

RESULTS

Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (65.5 +/- 4.0 mm) and left ventricular mass (369.5 +/- 73.9 g) were significantly larger in the subjects with deletion than in those with insertion (57.4 +/- 4.2 mm, 306.5 +/- 93.7 g). However, no significant differences in the other parameters were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In long-distance runners, ACE gene polymorphism of the D/D and D/I genotypes has a stronger influence on left ventricular hypertrophy than polymorphism of the I/I genotype.

Effect of LCDs displaying blurred images on the postural control system

In order to evaluate display devices, a geostationary image and the character were generally used in previous studies. We have proposed a new method for comparing the standing posture when a subject views a liquid crystal display (LCD) displaying a movie scrolling from the left to the right. In this study, we mathematically measured the degree of determinism in the dynamics of the sway of center-of-gravity. The Double-Wayland algorithm was used as a novel method. As a result, the dynamics of the sway when subjects viewed the movie as well that of the sway in the resting state was considered to be stochastic. The moving map task would not change it into a deterministic one.

Evaluating indices of age-related muscle performance by using surface electromyography

Recently, there has been an increasing focus on the rapid reduction of muscles that are required for the bending of the hip joint during walking (flexor muscles around the hip joint) with age. The flexor muscles around the hip joint include femoral rectus and abdominal muscles. These muscles have been implicated in falling in the elderly. In this study, we examined the smoothed surface electromyography (sEMG) of femoral rectus muscles during biofeedback training (BFT) of the dominant leg. To this end, we developed parameters for the measurement of shapes in the smoothed sEMG, and evaluated the changes in these parameters in the muscles with age. Statistical analysis indicated that it was necessary to include the time constant of the exponential decay curve fit to maximal points during prolonged muscular contraction, to evaluate the changes with age by using the smoothed sEMG during BFT. Reduction of the muscular regulation capacity due to aging can be detected by performing sEMG during BFT by using the time constant.

Metamorphism in potential function while maintaining upright posture during exposure to a three-dimensional movie on an head-mounted display

We propose a new index, sparse density (SPD), of stationary stabilograms for detecting the metamorphism in the (temporally averaged) potential function of stochastic differential equations, which occurs when a human attempts to maintain an upright posture. It is known that a mathematical model of the body sway can be developed by a stochastic process. The authors have succeeded in finding the nonlinearity in the potential function. In this study, subjects in a standing position were stimulated by three-dimensional (3-D) movies on an head-mounted display (HMD). We also measured the degree of determinism in the dynamics of the sway of the center of gravity of the subjects. The Double-Wayland algorithm was used as a novel method. As a result, the dynamics of the body sway in the presence of the stimulus as well as in its absence were considered to be stochastic. The metamorphism in the potential function during exposure to the conventional 3-D images could be detected by using the SPD.

Intracellular changes of metal elements by fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed (Cladosiphon okamuranus)

This study was undertaken to elucidate the intracellular changes of metal elements after the administration of fucoidan extracted from Cladosiphon okamuranus. TRL1215 cells (normal rat liver cell line) were treated with 0, 0.1, or 1.0 mg/ml fucoidan and incubated in 5% CO2 at 37 degrees C. The cellular levels of Mg, Al, Fe, and Zn were significantly increased in the 1.0 mg/ml fucoidan-treated cells compared to those of the 0.1 mg/ml fucoidan-treated cells and the control. Next, TRL1215 cells were cultured on Mylar film overnight. At 24 h after 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine dosing, 0, 0.1, or 1.0 mg/ml fucoidan was treated for 9 h. The cellular distribution of elements was analyzed using in-air micro-micro-particle induced X-ray emission. The X-ray spectra showed that yields of Al, Mg, and Zn were high in order of the 1.0 mg/ml fucoidan-treated sample, the 0.1 mg/ml fucoidan-treated sample, and the control. Fe yield was mildly increased by fucoidan administration. In fucoidan-treated cells, the focal accumulation of Br was correlated spatially with phosphorous-rich region, suggesting that Br was localized within the nucleus. Al distribution provided a spatial association with Br map. These data suggest that fucoidan increases the accumulations of Al, Mg, Fe, and Zn in normal rat hepatocytes, and fucoidan-binding Al is postulated to be transferred into the nucleus.

Synergism between TLRs and NOD1/2 in Oral Epithelial Cells

Oral epithelium is the first barrier against oral bacteria in periodontal tissue. Oral epithelial cells constitutively express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD1/2, functional receptors which induce the production of antibacterial factors such as peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) and β-defensin 2, but not pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-8. In this study, we hypothesized that innate immune responses in the oral epithelium are enhanced in inflamed tissue. We found that NOD1 and NOD2 agonists, in combination with TLR agonists, synergistically induced production of PGRPs and of β-defensin 2 in human oral epithelial cells via NF-κB. In contrast, co-stimulation with NOD1/2 and TLR ligands had no effect on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1). These findings indicate that, in innate immune responses to invading microbes, a combination of signaling through TLRs and NODs leads to the synergistic activation of antibacterial responses in the oral epithelium.

Expression of functional Toll-like receptors and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain proteins in murine cementoblasts and their upregulation during cell differentiation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

While the primary role of cementoblasts is to synthesize the components of cementum, we have reported that immortalized murine cementoblasts (OCCM-30) express functional Toll-like receptor (TLR)-2 and -4, and these receptors are involved in the alteration of gene expression associated with cementum formation and in the upregulation of osteoclastogenesis-associated molecules, such as receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) ligand. We hypothesized that cementoblasts express a wide range of pattern recognition receptors in a manner comparable to osteoblasts, which are known to express various functional TLRs and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD) proteins.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Murine cementoblasts and pre-osteoblasts were used. The gene and protein levels of TLRs/NODs were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and activated NF-kappaB were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The expressions of TLR-1, -2, -4, -6 and -9, CD14, NOD-1 and -2 were detected in cementoblasts and were upregulated upon differentiation induced by ascorbic acid. Similar patterns were observed in the mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell line. Synthetic ligands, Pam3CSK4 (TLR-1/2 agonist), Pam2CGDPKHPKSF (TLR-2/6 agonist), lipid A (TLR4 agonist), CpG DNA (TLR-9 agonist), FK565 (NOD1 agonist) and muramyldipeptide (NOD2 agonist), effectively induced NF-kappaB activation in cementoblasts and/or ascorbic acid-treated cementoblasts. Furthermore, these ligands induced IL-6 production in a NF-kappaB-dependent manner in cementoblasts and/or ascorbic acid-treated cementoblasts.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that cementoblasts possess functional TLR and NOD signaling systems and have a similar capacity to osteoblasts in responding to a wide variety of pathogens.

Gingipains from Porphyromonas gingivalis synergistically induce the production of proinflammatory cytokines through protease-activated receptors with Toll-like receptor and NOD1/2 ligands in human monocytic cells

Gingipains (HRgpA, RgpB and Kgp) are cysteine proteinases and virulence factors of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the major causative bacterium of periodontal disease. To study synergistic effects of gingipains and signalling via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD1/2, we investigated effects of a gingipain on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from monocytic THP-1 cells in the presence of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Gingipains stimulated interleukin (IL)-8's secretion from THP-1 cells, which was completely inhibited by proteinase inhibitors of gingipain and increased in the presence of PAMPs. Synergistic effects of gingipains and PAMPs were also seen in the secretion of IL-6 and MCP-1 and reduced to about 50% the secretion of IL-8 from THP-1 cells treated with siRNA targeting either protease-activated receptor (PAR)-1, -2 or -3. PAR agonist peptides mimicked the synergistic effects of gingipains with PAMPs. These results indicate that gingipains stimulate the secretion of cytokines from monocytic cells through the activation of PARs with synergistic effects by PAMPs. This is the first report of synergism of signalling via PARs, and TLRs or NOD1/2. The host defence system against P. gingivalis may be triggered through the activation of PARs by gingipains and augmented by PAMPs from this pathogen via TLRs or NOD1/2.

Analysis of sex, age and disease factors contributing to prolonged life expectancy at birth, in cases of malignant neoplasms in Japan

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to examine the contribution made by the change in mortality from malignant neoplasms to the life expectancy at birth, observed during the years 1965-1995 in Japan.

METHODS

We used data on the population and number of deaths by cause, age and sex in 1965, 1975, 1985 and 1995. The contribution of different ages and causes of death to the change in life expectancy were examined with the method developed by Pollard.

RESULTS

We found that, among all causes, the decrease of mortality from stomach cancer led to the greatest improvement in life expectancy for both sexes. On the other hand, negative contributions were seen with cancers of many sites, such as cancer of the intestine, liver and lung for males, and cancer of the intestine, gallbladder, lung and breast for females. Recently, the contributing years of all cancers have been negative because of the increase in mortality from malignant neoplasms. In addition, increase of death from malignant neoplasms in middle-aged and elderly people negatively influenced the life expectancy at birth.

CONCLUSIONS

Female cancer influenced the improvement in life expectancy at birth. Cancer for males, however, contributed little to improvement of life expectancy at birth except for a little prolongation of life expectancy at birth during the years 1965-1975. To develop a public health policy, the contributing years to life expectancy at birth can be a useful indication in evaluating the impact of death from various diseases. It is necessary to analyze the contribution made by various causes of death to the changes of life expectancy at birth.

Dynamics analysis of electrogastrography using Double-Wayland algorithm

The electrogastrography (EGG) is an abdominal surface measurement of the electric activity of the stomach. It is great clinical importance to record and analyze multi-channel EGGs, which provide more information on the propagation and co-ordination of gastric contractions. The aim of the study is to estimate the dynamics that generate electrogastrography Double-Wayland algorithm was applied to the analysis. As a result, all the components of multi-channel EGGs can be generated from a chaos process. We found 5 or 6 independent essential components from EGGs.

Usefulness of transpapillary bile duct brushing cytology and forceps biopsy for improved diagnosis in patients with biliary strictures

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Transpapillary bile duct brushing cytology and/or forceps biopsy was performed in the presence of an indwelling guidewire in patients with biliary stricture, and the treatment time, overall diagnosis rate, diagnosis rate of each disease, complications, and influences on subsequent biliary drainage were investigated.

METHODS

After endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, brushing cytology was performed, followed by forceps biopsy. In patients with obstructive jaundice, endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) was subsequently performed. To investigate the influences of bile duct brushing cytology and forceps biopsy on EBD, patients who underwent subsequent EBD by plastic stent were compared with patients who underwent EBD alone.

RESULTS

The samples for cytology were collected successfully in all cases, and the sensitivity for malignancy/benignity, specificity, and accuracy were 71.6%, 100%, and 75.0%, respectively. The biopsy sampling was successful in 51 patients, and samples applicable to the evaluation were collected in all 51 patients. The sensitivity for malignancy/benignity, specificity, and accuracy were 65.2%, 100%, and 68.6%, respectively. Combination of the two procedures increased the sensitivity and accuracy to 73.5% and 76.6%, respectively. The time required for cytology and biopsy was 11.7 min, which is relatively short. Cytology and biopsy did not affect drainage. Regarding accidents, bile duct perforation occurred during biopsy in one patient (1.9%), but was rapidly improved by endoscopic biliary drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

Transpapillary brushing cytology and forceps biopsy could be performed in a short time. The diagnosis rate was high, and the incidence of complication was low, having no influence on subsequent biliary drainage.

Usefulness of transpapillary bile duct brushing cytology and forceps biopsy for improved diagnosis in patients with biliary strictures

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Transpapillary bile duct brushing cytology and/or forceps biopsy was performed in the presence of an indwelling guidewire in patients with biliary stricture, and the treatment time, overall diagnosis rate, diagnosis rate of each disease, complications, and influences on subsequent biliary drainage were investigated.

METHODS

After endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, brushing cytology was performed, followed by forceps biopsy. In patients with obstructive jaundice, endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) was subsequently performed. To investigate the influences of bile duct brushing cytology and forceps biopsy on EBD, patients who underwent subsequent EBD by plastic stent were compared with patients who underwent EBD alone.

RESULTS

The samples for cytology were collected successfully in all cases, and the sensitivity for malignancy/benignity, specificity, and accuracy were 71.6%, 100%, and 75.0%, respectively. The biopsy sampling was successful in 51 patients, and samples applicable to the evaluation were collected in all 51 patients. The sensitivity for malignancy/benignity, specificity, and accuracy were 65.2%, 100%, and 68.6%, respectively. Combination of the two procedures increased the sensitivity and accuracy to 73.5% and 76.6%, respectively. The time required for cytology and biopsy was 11.7 min, which is relatively short. Cytology and biopsy did not affect drainage. Regarding accidents, bile duct perforation occurred during biopsy in one patient (1.9%), but was rapidly improved by endoscopic biliary drainage.

CONCLUSIONS

Transpapillary brushing cytology and forceps biopsy could be performed in a short time. The diagnosis rate was high, and the incidence of complication was low, having no influence on subsequent biliary drainage.

Autoimmune sclerosing cholangiopancreatitis with little pancreatic involvements by imaging findings

Autoimmune pancreatitis is frequently associated with sclerosing cholangitis. A first clue for suspecting a case of autoimmune pancreatitis is enlargement of the pancreas. We encountered several sclerosing cholangitis cases within a short period, which showed no enlargement of the pancreas and in addition, some showed no irregular narrowing on endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, but they should belong to the same category of autoimmune pancreatitis. We report 5 cases and clarified their characteristics. All five cases showed no enlargement of the pancreas. Two cases showed segmental and one case had diffuse narrowing of the main pancreatic duct. The other two cases showed no irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct. Two cases were surgically treated. Two cases received steroid therapy. The other case was treated only by endoscopic biliary drainage. Pathological findings of the bile duct in the surgical specimens of two cases showed that there was a severe infiltration of lymphocytes, IgG4-positive plasmacytes and prominent fibrosis compatible with the findings of sclerosing lymphoplasmacytic cholangitis. We should recognize some sclerosing cholangitis cases showed no enlargement of the pancreas and no irregular narrowing of main pancreatic duct. We propose the concept of "autoimmune sclerosing cholangiopancreatitis".