8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in human leukocyte and urine according to exposure to organophosphorus pesticides and paraoxonase 1 genotype

OBJECTIVE

In order to investigate a role of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) polymorphism in organophosphorus (OP)-induced 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, urinary metabolites of OP, PON1 genotypes, and 8-OHdG levels in leukocyte and urine were measured in OP indoor insecticide sprayers and controls in summer and winter.

METHODS

The study population contained 18 male sprayers and age-matched 18 male controls. Sprayers were primarily exposed to OP insecticides (mainly fenitrothion, dichlorvos, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon), and partially to pyrethroids (mainly permethrin) and carbamates (mainly propoxur). Urinary metabolites of OP were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 8-OHdG levels in leukocyte and urine were measured by ELISA kit. PON1 genotype was identified using allele-specific fluorogenic TaqMan probes.

RESULTS

The mean concentrations of urinary dimethyl phosphate (DMP) and total dialkyl phosphates (DAP) in summer and those of 8-OHdG in summer and winter were significantly higher in OP sprayers than controls. This resulted in a significant positive correlation between 8-OHdG levels and urinary DMP or DAP, suggesting a correlation between OP metabolites and production of oxidative stress. Of PON1 genotypes, incidences of Q/Q, Q/R, and R/R types were 17, 39, and 44% in OP sprayers and controls, respectively. Although PON1 polymorphism did not contribute to the leukocyte and urinary 8-OHdG levels, the urinary OP metabolite concentrations in summer showed a significant decrease as the number Q allele decreased.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that an increase in OP metabolites is associated with a high level of oxidative stress in OP sprayers, although the contribution of the PON1 polymorphism to the metabolism of OP is still unclear.

Association of V227A PPARα polymorphism with altered serum biochemistry and alcohol drinking in Japanese men

OBJECTIVES

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha plays a major role in alcoholic liver disease in rodents. The two-fold objective of our study was to determine the presence of PPARalpha polymorphisms and their frequencies in Japanese populations and then to evaluate the effects of any alleles on metabolic parameters and alcohol drinking.

METHODS

Analysis of coding SNP in PPARalpha was performed in 706 Japanese men; from these subjects 655 men were further studied after exclusion criteria were applied.

RESULTS

PPARalpha-V227A, which has not been reported in Europe and North America as a major polymorphism, was discovered with the frequency of 0.05. PPARalpha-L162V was found in European and North American populations, but not in Japanese, thus confirming the ethnic differences in PPARalpha allele frequencies. The A227 allele was associated with increased serum concentrations of gamma glutamyltranspeptidase. In non-drinkers, the total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly lower in those having the PPARalpha-V227A polymorphism. In drinkers, however, it was comparable among V227A polymorphisms, and conversely higher in those having both A227 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) variants when further divided according to the ALDH2 polymorphism. Significant interactions between PPARalpha-V227A polymorphism and drinking were also found for TC, triglyceride levels and AST/ALT ratios. These results suggest that the activity of the A227 allele without drinking may be higher than in wild-type allele, but its activity may become lower during drinking habits.

CONCLUSION

PPARalpha-V227A is a major polymorphism in the Japanese population, and its activity may be greater compared to wild-type, but decreased by alcohol drinking.

Two young adults who had acute coronary syndrome after regression of coronary aneurysms caused by Kawasaki disease in infancy

We report two young adult patients who had acute coronary syndrome after regression of coronary aneurysms caused by Kawasaki disease (KD). A 26 year-old man had acute anterior myocardial infarction at midnight after drinking alcohol. He had had bilateral coronary aneurysms caused by KD at the age of 8 months. Selective coronary angiograms (CAGs) at the age of 7 years revealed regression of both coronary aneurysms. He had no symptoms until the onset of acute myocardial infarction. The other patient was a 24 year-old man diagnosed as having a subendocardial infarction. He had had bilateral coronary aneurysms caused by KD at the age of 1 year. CAGs at the age of 9 years showed that both had regressed. It should be recognized that young adults with apparently normal coronary arteries angiographically after regression of large coronary aneurysms caused by KD may occasionally have acute coronary syndromes. We suspect intimal involvement of the coronary arterial wall after regression of the large aneurysms underlies the acute coronary syndrome in adults. Risk factors for atherosclerosis must be avoided in this population.

Premedication with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor meloxicam reduced postoperative pain in patients after oral surgery

The efficacy of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor meloxicam for treatment of postoperative oral surgical pain was assessed in a randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing unilateral mandibular 3rd molar extraction surgery were allocated to 3 groups, A, B and C. After oral premedication of meloxicam 10 mg in group A, ampiroxicam 27 mg in group B and placebo in group C, surgery was completed within 30 min under local anaesthesia using 2% lidocaine. For postoperative pain relief the patients were allowed to take oral loxoprofen (60 mg per tablet). Postoperative pain was evaluated at the clinic on the 1st, 7th and 14th postoperative day (POD) using a visual analogue scale (VAS), as was the number of loxoprofen tablets consumed, and the results were compared among the 3 groups with statistical significance of P<0.05. VAS scores on 1 POD were significantly lower in group A than in group C. Loxoprofen consumption on the day of surgery and 1 POD was significantly lower in group A than in group C (P<0.01). Total analgesic consumption was significantly lower in groups A and B than in group C (P<0.02). The COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam 10 mg used for premedication reduced postoperative pain compared with control in oral surgery.

Complete nucleotide sequence of the new potexvirus "Alstroemeria virus X". Brief report

A flexuous virus was isolated in Japan from an alstroemeria plant showing mosaic symptoms. The virus had a broad host range but had systemically latent infectivity in alstroemeria. The virus was assigned to the genus Potexvirus based on morphology and physical properties and on an analysis of the complete nucleotide sequence. The genomic RNA of the virus was 7,009 nucleotides in length, excluding the 3'-terminal poly (A) tail. It contained five open reading frames (ORFs), which was consistent with other members of the genus Potexvirus. Although nucleotide sequences of the ORFs differ from previously reported potexviruses, a phylogenetic analysis placed it phylogenetically close to Narcissus mosaic virus and Scallion virus X. Therefore, we propose that this virus should be designated as Alstroemeria virus X (AlsVX).

Xenogeneic embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte transplantation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the survival of xenogeneic embryonic stem cell (ES cell)-derived cardiomyocytes transplanted into the normal myocardium.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Undifferentiated mouse ES cells carrying the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were cultured in hanging drops and then plated onto dishes. These cells were identified as cardiomyocytes by the expression of cardiac-specific genes, recording of action potential, and immunostaining with anti-sarcomeric myosin antibody. Donor cells were injected into the normal myocardium, with cyclosporine administered daily. One week after the transplantation, we investigated donor cell survival by examining EGFP expression, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunostaining with anti-sarcomeric myosin antibody.

RESULTS

In vitro donor cells derived from ES cells expressed myosin light chain-2v and alpha-myosin heavy chain genes, had action potentials of a ventricular myocyte type, and were stained by anti-sarcomeric myosin antibody. In vivo 1 week after transplantation, EGFP-expressed cells were detected in the cell transplanted area. No lymphocytic infiltration was observed around these cells.

CONCLUSIONS

ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes survived in the normal myocardium after the transplantation, even in a discordant xenogeneic transplantation model. These results indicate that cell transplantation using cardiomyocytes derived from ES cells, even if xenogeneic represents an attractive strategy for treating heart disease.

Nucleotide sequence of the coat protein genes of alstroemeria mosaic virus and amazon lily mosaic virus, a tentative species of genus potyvirus

The nucleotide sequences of the 3' terminal region of the genomes of Alstroemeria mosaic virus (AlsMV) and the Amazon lily mosaic virus (ALiMV) have been determined. These sequences contain the complete coding region of the viral coat protein (CP) gene followed by a 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). AlsMV and ALiMV share 74.9% identity in the amino acid sequence of the CP, and 55.6% identity in the nucleotide sequence of the 3'-UTR. Phylogenetic analysis of these CP genes and 3'-UTRs in relation to those of 79 potyvirus species revealed that AlsMV and ALiMV should be assigned to the Potato virus Y (PVY) subgroup. AlsMV and ALiMV were concluded to have arisen independently within the PVY subgroup.

Characterization of a new potyvirus isolated from Chinese artichoke in Japan

Afilamentous virus was isolated in Japan from virus-infected Chinese artichoke showing mosaic symptoms. This virus was assigned to the genus Potyvirus, based on particle morphology and serological properties. The virus could be transmitted to several test plants but not to Perilla frutesence, the host plant of Perilla mottle virus. cDNA corresponding to the 3'-terminal 1675 nucleotides of the viral RNA, excluding the poly (A) tail, was cloned and sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the coat protein was different from those of 74 distinct potyviruses. Therefore, we propose that the new potyvirus should be designated as Chinese artichoke mosaic virus (ChAMV).

"All in one" cardiopulmonary bypass circuit for aortic surgery

We devised an "all in one" cardiopulmonary bypass circuit for aortic surgery, and evaluated its efficacy and safety. The circuit consisted of a venous line, reservoir, single centrifugal pump, membrane oxygenator and arterial line bifurcated into two lines for systemic perfusion and selective branch perfusion. The perfusion volume was regulated by an occluder and measured by a flow sensor. A closed partial bypass was established using a shunt line bypassing the reservoir. We applied this circuit to 25 patients with aortic disease. Regulation of both the selective cerebral perfusion (SCP) and the selective branch perfusion was easily performed. There was neither stroke nor organ dysfunction postoperatively. There are some cases in which it is difficult to decide the necessity for SCP preoperatively; the use of this circuit may resolve this problem. This circuit can be easily and safely applied to any type of aortic surgery.

Non-pathogenic bacteria modulate colonic epithelial gene expression in germ-free mice

BACKGROUND

We established a bacterial reconstitution model to investigate epithelial cell-luminal bacteria interaction. The aim of the study was to identify the known genes directly or indirectly modulated by non-pathologic bacterial flora in the colonic epithelia of germ-free mice.

METHODS

Germ-free mice were orally given a bacterial suspension prepared from specific pathogen-free counterparts (bacterial reconstitution). Colonic epithelial cells were isolated, then total and poly (A) RNA were extracted. We investigated differential gene expression in colonic epithelial cells among germ-free, bacteria-reconstituted, and specific pathogen-free mice by DNA microarray. Finally, differential expression was confirmed by Northern blot or quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Thirty genes were initially selected as differentially expressed genes in DNA microarray analysis. We confirmed that genes associated with growth (Reg IIIbeta, Reg IIIgamma, guanylate nucleotide binding protein 2), apoptosis (Bcl-associated death promotor), cytoskeleton (tubulin alpha4, erythrocyte protein band 7.2), and immune response (lymphocyte antigen complex 6) were induced by bacterial reconstitution. In contrast, genes possibly participating in extracellular oxidant defence (selenoprotein P, metallothionein 1) and cellular metabolism (cytochrome P450, HMGCoA synthase 2, alcohol dehydrogenase 1 complex, aldehyde dehydrogenase family 1, carbonic anhydrase 1, glycoprotein galactosyltransferase alpha1,3) were down-regulated by bacterial challenge.

CONCLUSION

Non-pathogenic bacteria modulated colonic gene expression in germ-free mice, suggesting that non-pathogenic bacteria possibly initiate epithelial change in genetically normal and/or abnormal hosts. The present study provides a basis for the functional study of each molecule in symbiosis with luminal bacteria in healthy and diseased colon.

Nucleotide sequences of the coat protein gene of potyviruses infecting Ornithogalum thyrsoides

Species of three viral genera infecting Ornithogalum thyrsoides plants showing mosaic symptoms were identified using RT-PCR and degenerate universal primers for each viral genus. The DNA fragments obtained encoded the coat protein (CP) gene and were sequenced. The plants were found to be infected with one or other of three potyvirus species, one of them was Ornithogalum mosaic virus (OrMV). The other two viruses were previously unrecorded and were named Ornithogalum virus 2 (OV-2) and 3 (OV-3). Direct comparison and phylogenetic analysis with published OrMV isolates revealed that the CP of the three OrMV-like clones were more similar to Pterostylis virus Y (PtVY) than to OrMV. No carlavirus or potexvirus was isolated.

Intraduodenal capsaicin inhibits gastric migrating motor complex via an extrinsic neural reflex in conscious dogs

The aim was to study the effect of intraduodenal capsaicin on interdigestive gastric contractions. Mongrel dogs were equipped with strain-gauge force transducers to measure gastroduodenal motility. The effects of intraduodenal capsaicin with or without pharmacological antagonists on spontaneous and motilin-induced interdigestive gastric contractions and on plasma motilin were studied in dogs with intact stomachs. The effect of intraduodenal capsaicin on gastric contractions was also studied in vagally denervated gastric (Heidenhain) pouch and vagally innervated antral pouch. Intraduodenal capsaicin inhibited spontaneous and motilin-induced gastric contractions. The spontaneous peak in plasma motilin was inhibited by intraduodenal capsaicin. The effect of intraduodenal capsaicin on motilin-induced gastric contractions was not affected by blockade of nitric oxide synthase, or by beta-adrenoceptor antagonist. Administration of alpha-adrenergic blocker inhibited basal interdigestive gastric motility. Intraduodenal capsaicin had no effect on contractions in the Heidenhain pouch but inhibited those in vagally innervated antral pouch. Duodenal afferent fibres stimulated by capsaicin inhibit gastric contractions via a nitric oxide-independent extrinsic neural reflex.

[Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting for patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction]

Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) is less invasive, so we have recently been expanding the indication. We performed OPCAB for 3 patients with cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

PATIENTS

All patients were supported hemodynamically by intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) prior to surgery.

RESULTS

We performed the revascularization of territories for the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA) in these high risk patients using OPCAB technique to improve the hemodynamic state. In all patients, IABP was removed within 48 hours after surgery and the postoperative course was uneventful.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that OPCAB is a useful and effective procedure for a selected patient even with cardiogenic shock due to AMI.

Experience with International Neuroblastoma Staging System and Pathology Classification

The International Neuroblastoma Staging System and Pathology Classification were proposed in 1988 and in 1999, respectively, but their clinical value has not yet been fully studied in new patients. Six hundred and forty-four patients with neuroblastoma treated between January 1995 and December 1999 were analysed by these classifications. The 4-year overall survival rate of patients <12 months of age with INSS stages 1, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4S disease was 98.5%, which was significantly higher than the 73.1% rate in stage 4 patients <12 months (P<0.0001). When patients were > or = 12 months, the 4-year overall survival rate of patients with neuroblastoma at 1, 2A, 2B and 3 stages was 100% and that of patients at stage 4 was 48.5% (P<0.0001). As to the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification histology, the 4-year overall survival rate was 98.8% in patients with favourable histology and 60.7% in those with unfavourable histology in the <12 months group (P<0.0001). In the > or = 12 months group, the 4-year oral survival of patients with favourable histology was 95.3% and that of patients with unfavourable histology was 50.6% (P<0.0001). Among biological factors, MYCN amplification, DNA diploidy and 1p deletions were significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients <12 months, as were MYCN amplification and DNA diploidy in patients > or = 12 months of age. Multivariate analysis showed that the INSS stage (stage 4 vs other stages) and International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification histology (unfavourable vs favourable) were significantly and independently associated with the survival of patients undergoing treatment, stratified by age, stage and MYCN amplification (P=0.0002 and P=0.0051, respectively).

Complete nucleotide sequence of the genomic RNA of Aconitum latent virus (genus Carlavirus) isolated from Delphinium sp

We determined the complete nucleotide sequence of Aconitum latent virus (AcLV-D) isolated from Delphinium sp. The genomic RNA of AcLV-D is 8,657 nucleotides in length, excluding the poly (A) tail. Based on computer analysis, six open reading frames (ORFs) were identified as for other carlaviruses. Although each ORF differs from those of previously reported carlaviruses, the coat protein of AcLV and Potato virus M (PVM) shows a high level of identity. The results suggest that AcLV is a distinct carlavirus species but closely related to PVM.

Skin rash in the hypogastric region during a regional chemotherapy for bladder carcinoma: CT and scintigraphic demonstration of a potential collateral pathway between the internal iliac and inferior epigastric arteries

A 70-year-old man developed a skin rash in his right lower abdominal wall after an intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for carcinoma of the bladder. A CT with a direct infusion of contrast material via the implanted reservoir showed a marked enhancement of the right inferior epigastric artery and a significantly large artery in the right inguinal region. Radionuclide imaging with a direct infusion of Tc-99m macroaggregated albumin (MAA) revealed an abnormal accumulation in the right anterior abdominal wall. These findings implied a collateral pathway from the right internal iliac artery to the right inferior epigastric artery, i.e., the corona mortis.

Short-term exercise improves myocardial tolerance to in vivo ischemia-reperfusion in the rat

These experiments examined the independent effects of short-term exercise and heat stress on myocardial responses during in vivo ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Female Sprague-Dawley rats (4 mo old) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: 1) control, 2) 3 consecutive days of treadmill exercise [60 min/day at 60-70% maximal O2 uptake (VO2 max)], 3) 5 consecutive days of treadmill exercise (60 min/day at 60-70% VO2 max), and 4) whole body heat stress (15 min at 42 degrees C). Twenty-four hours after heat stress or exercise, animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated, and the chest was opened by thoracotomy. Coronary occlusion was maintained for 30-min followed by a 30-min period of reperfusion. Compared with control, both heat-stressed animals and exercised animals (3 and 5 days) maintained higher (P < 0.05) left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximum rate of left ventricular pressure development (+dP/dt), and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure decline (-dP/dt) at all measurement periods during both ischemia and reperfusion. No differences existed between heat-stressed and exercise groups in LVDP, +dP/dt, and -dP/dt at any time during ischemia or reperfusion. Both heat stress and exercise resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in the relative levels of left ventricular heat shock protein 72 (HSP72). Furthermore, exercise (3 and 5 days) increased (P < 0.05) myocardial glutathione levels and manganese superoxide dismutase activity. These data indicate that 3-5 consecutive days of exercise improves myocardial contractile performance during in vivo I/R and that this exercise-induced myocardial protection is associated with an increase in both myocardial HSP72 and cardiac antioxidant defenses.