Relationship between urinary profile of the endogenous steroids and postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence

AIMS

The aims of this study were to investigate whether endogenous steroid hormones are (1) related to pathogenesis of stress urinary incontinence after menopause, (2) are related to severity of stress urinary incontinence, and (3) are related to prognostic parameters of stress urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Twenty post-partum women with clinically diagnosed stress urinary incontinence and 20 age-matched postmenopausal women without stress urinary incontinence (control group) were evaluated. We compared urinary profile of the endogenous steroid hormones patients with stress urinary incontinence and controls, and between grade I and grade II of stress urinary incontinence. We also investigated the relationship between urinary profile of the endogenous steroid hormones and prognostic parameters of stress urinary incontinence (maximal urethral closure pressure, functional urethral length, Valsalva leak point pressure, cough leak point pressure, posterior urethrovesical angle, bladder neck descent, and stress urethral axis). The ages of the patients and those in the control group were 64.3 +/- 5.6 and 57.5 +/- 3.8 years old and the body mass indexes were 24.96 +/- 3.14 and 22.11 +/- 2.73 kg/m2 in patients and in normal subjects, respectively. Nine patients were grade I and 11 were grade II. Estrone and 17beta-estradiol only were detected in all subjects, regardless of control or patient group. It is noteworthy that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the levels of estrone and 17beta-estradiol in the urine of postmenopausal normal subjects compared with in the urine of postmenopausal patients with urinary incontinence. E2/E1 ratio was not different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Among the objective steroids, DHEA, Delta4-dione, Delta5-diol, Te, DHT, 16alpha-DHT, 11-keto An, THDOC, and THB were not detected either in the urine of normal subjects and nor in the urine of the patients. After comparing androgen levels between normal subjects and patients, no significant differences (P>0.05) were detected, except for 5alpha-THB and 5alpha-THF. Neither 5alpha-THB or 5alpha-THF were detected in the patients' urine. Et/An (11beta-OH Et/11beta-OH An) concentration ratios were not significantly different between the two groups, either (P > 0.05). There were not significant differences of concentrations (micromol/g creatinine) of urinary steroids between grade I and grade II of stress urinary incontinence. Pregnanediol was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions (R = 0.79, P = 0.01, and R = 0.73, P = 0.03, respectively), and pregnanetriol was significantly related to maximal urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length (R = 0.68, P = 0.04, and R = -0.79, P = 0.01, respectively). Androsterone was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions (R = 0.68, P = 0.04, and R = 0.78, P = 0.01, respectively). 5-AT was significantly related to bladder neck descent in sitting position and stress urethral axis (R = 0.72, P = 0.03, and R = -0.71, P = 0.03). 11-keto Et was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions and related to stress urethral axis (R = 0.82, P = 0.01, and R = 0.81, P = 0.01, R = -0.67, P = 0.04, respectively). THS was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine and sitting positions and related to stress urethral axis (R = 0.76, P = 0.02, and R = 0.74, P = 0.02, R = -0.68, P = 0.04, respectively). THE was significantly related to bladder neck descent in sitting position (R = 0.67, P = 0.04).beta-Tetrahydrocortisol/alpha-tetrahydrocortisol (beta-THF/alpha-THF) and alpha-cortol were significantly related to maximal urethral closure pressure and functional urethral length (R = 0.74, P = 0.02, and R = -0.92, P = 0.01; R = 0.71, P = 0.36, and R = -0.87, P = 0.000, respectively). 17beta-estradiol (E2) was significantly related to bladder neck descent in supine position (R = -0.62, P = 0.04) and 17beta-estradiol/estrone (E2/E1) was significantly related to cough leak point pressure (R = 0.79, P = 0.01). In conclusion, the urinary concentrations of endogenous steroid metabolites in postmenopausal patients with stress urinary incontinence were not significantly different from normal patients and were not significantly different between grade I and grade II patients with stress urinary incontinence. Some endogenous steroid metabolites were positively or negatively significantly related to prognostic parameters of stress urinary incontinence.

Comparison of localised nerve fibre layer defects in normal tension glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma

AIM

To compare the pattern of localised nerve fibre layer (NFL) defects in normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

METHODS

50 NTG eyes and 36 POAG eyes, all with localised NFL defects, were enrolled. On retinal NFL photography, the proximity of the defect to the centre of the fovea (angle alpha) and the sum of the angular width of the defects (angle beta) were determined. Angle alpha was the angle made by a line from the centre of the fovea to the disc centre and a line from the disc centre to the disc margin, where the nearest border of the defect met. The patterns of localised NFL defects in NTG and POAG were compared with angles alpha and beta. Independent t test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Angle alpha in NTG (35.1 (SD 20.0) degrees ) was significantly smaller than that of POAG (45.9 (21.9) degrees ) (p=0.02), while angle beta in NTG (49.0 (31.9) degrees ) was significantly larger than that of POAG (33.1 (23.9) degrees ) (p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of NFL defects in NTG was different from that in POAG. Localised NFL defects in NTG were closer to the fovea and wider in width than those in POAG.

Zinc translocation accelerates infarction after mild transient focal ischemia

Excess release of chelatable zinc (Zn(2+)) from central synaptic vesicles may contribute to the pathogenesis of selective neuronal cell death following transient forebrain ischemia, but a role in neurodegeneration after focal ischemia has not been defined. Adult male Long-Evans rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 30 min followed by reperfusion developed delayed cerebral infarction reaching completion 3 days after the insult. One day after the insult, many degenerating cerebral neurons exhibited increased intracellular Zn(2+), and some labeled with the antibody against activated caspase-3. I.c.v. administration of the Zn(2+) chelator, EDTA saturated with equimolar Ca(2+) (CaEDTA), 15 min prior to ischemia attenuated subsequent Zn(2+) translocation into cortical neurons, and reduced infarct volume measured 3 days after ischemia. Although the protective effect of CaEDTA at this endpoint was substantial (about 70% infarct reduction), it was lost when insult severity was increased (from 30 to 60 min MCAO), or when infarct volume was measured at a much later time point (14 days instead of 3 days after ischemia). These data suggest that toxic Zn(2+) translocation, from presynaptic terminals to post-synaptic cell bodies, may accelerate the development of cerebral infarction following mild transient focal ischemia.

The effectiveness of modified six-corner suspension in patients with paravaginal defect and stress urinary incontinence

The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified six-corner suspension in patients with a paravaginal defect and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by observing changes in the POP (pelvic organ prolapse) stage, substage, and the cure rates in SUI. Forty-two women patients who had a paravaginal defect and stress urinary incontinence were treated by a modified six-corner suspension at the urogynecology clinic, Yonsei University Medical Center between January 1999 and March 2000. Each patient underwent a complete physical examination and a standardized urogynecologic interview that asked about age, hormone replacement, parity, urinary symptoms and previous gynecologic surgery. From the 42 patients who had the operation, 30 patients with 1-year follow-up made up the study group. Changes from stage III ( n = 18, 60%) of the group to stage I ( n = 6, 33.3%) or stage 0 ( n = 12, 66.6%) were observed 3 months after surgery, and no further changes were observed up to 1 year after surgery, except in one case. Changes from stage IV ( n = 12) to stage 0 ( n = 3, 25%) or stage I ( n = 6, 50%) or stage II ( n = 6, 50%) were observed 3 months after surgery, but no further change was observed up to 1 year later. Changes from substage Aa (+2, +3) to -3 ( n = 27, 90%) and from substage Ba (+2,+3,+4,+5,+6,+7) to -3 ( n = 27, 90%) were observed 3 months after surgery. No further changes were observed up to 1 year. The average length of the genital hiatus was initially 4.95 cm and 2.5 cm 3 months after surgery. Little change (2.6 cm) was observed up to 1 year later. When the patients were assessed clinically by urodynamics and physical examination, none had urinary leakage symptoms up to 1 year after the operation. All patients had excellent functional results and no postoperative complaints of stress urinary incontinence. We observed that a modified six-corner suspension was surprisingly effective in patients having a paravaginal defect and a stress urinary incontinence.

Relationship between stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse

We investigated the objective coexisting rate of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and also compared the treatment outcomes in patients who had both conditions, treated by a corrective operation on the basis of a precise preoperative evaluation. We reviewed 97 cases who underwent urodynamic studies and evaluation of the prolapse according to the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system from among patients who were admitted for treatment of either stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. A Burch urethropexy, either alone or with a parvaginal repair, was done to correct the stress urinary incontinence, as well as additional operations to correct prolapse of stage II or more. The patients were evaluated postoperatively for the stress urinary incontinence and the degree of prolapse at every visit. Nineteen of 30 (63.3%) patients who were admitted with stress urinary incontinence had a coexisting pelvic organ prolapse, most often of the anterior wall. In 42 of 67 (62.7%) cases admitted with pelvic organ prolapse there was a coexisting stress urinary incontinence. A total of 61 patients who had both conditions were followed for 12 months postoperatively. The recurrence rate of stress urinary incontinence and prolapse (all of which were stage II) was 3.3% and 18.0%, respectively. It was noted that the greater the preoperative stage, the higher the recurrence rate (stage II 4.35%; stage III 25.0%; stage IV 33.6%). The coexisting rates of pelvic organ prolapse in patients having stress urinary incontinence, and stress urinary incontinence in patients having a pelvic organ prolapse, were both high. Therefore, when a preoperative evaluation that simultaneously considers both conditions and the correcting surgery is based on this evaluation, the recurrence rates of both conditions could be lowered.

Solution conformation of alpha-conotoxin EI, a neuromuscular toxin specific for the alpha 1/delta subunit interface of torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

A high resolution structure of alpha-conotoxin EI has been determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. alpha-Conotoxin EI has the same disulfide framework as alpha 4/7 conotoxins targeting neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors but antagonizes the neuromuscular receptor as do the alpha 3/5 and alpha A conotoxins. The unique binding preference of alpha-conotoxin EI to the alpha(1)/delta subunit interface of Torpedo neuromuscular receptor makes it a valuable structural template for superposition of various alpha-conotoxins possessing distinct receptor subtype specificities. Structural comparison of alpha-conotoxin EI with the gamma-subunit favoring alpha-conotoxin GI suggests that the Torpedo delta-subunit preference of the former originates from its second loop. Superposition of three-dimensional structures of seven alpha-conotoxins reveals that the estimated size of the toxin-binding pocket in nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is approximately 20 A (height) x 20 A (width) x 15 A (thickness).

Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of cyclopentenones from propargyl malonates and allylic acetate by successive action of homogeneous palladium(II) and cobalt on charcoal catalysts in a one-pot reaction

The tandem action of a homogeneous chiral Pd(II) catalyst and a heterogeneous Co/C catalyst leads to a two-step one-pot highly enantioselective Pauson-Khand-type reaction.

Analysis of vivax malaria cases in Gangwon-do (province), Korea in the year 2000

A total of 827 malaria cases were reported in the Gangwon-do in the year 2000. There were 18.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. There were 283 cases among civilians and 544 cases among the military. 90.6% of cases were reported in Cheorwon--(531), Hwacheon--(152), and Goseong--(66) gun (county), which bordered the demilitarized zone (DMZ). A distinct feature pertaining to the malaria cases in Gangwon-do is that the number of cases has increased about two times over the last year. The mean time from the beginning of symptoms to malaria diagnosis was five days. Control systems for malaria by public health organizations and military organizations are well maintained, but were not able to reduce the malaria prevalence rate. The cause for the increase in pattern of the malaria cases in Gangwon-do may be caused by the spreading of prevalent areas of malaria to the east. Continuous endeavor such as early detection of cases, early treatment, education on clinical symptoms and prevention of mosquito bites with repellent and mosquito nets will help to reduce the infection rate of malaria in Gangwon-do.

Modulation of the multisubstrate specificity of Thermus maltogenic amylase by truncation of the N-terminal domain and by a salt-induced shift of the monomer/dimer equilibrium

The relation between the quaternary structure and the substrate specificity of Thermus maltogenic amylase (ThMA) has been investigated. Sedimentation diffusion equilibrium ultracentrifugation and gel filtration analyses, in combination with the crystal structure determined recently, have demonstrated that ThMA existed in a monomer/dimer equilibrium. The truncation of ThMA by removing the N-terminal domain, which is composed of 124 amino acid residues, resulted in the complete monomerization of the enzyme (ThMADelta124) accompanied by a drastic decrease in the activity for beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and a relatively smaller reduction of the activity for starch. Despite the overall low activity of ThMADelta124, the activity was higher toward starch than beta-CD, and the ratio of the specific activities toward these substrates was approximately 100 fold higher than that of wild-type ThMA. Furthermore, the addition of KCl to wild-type ThMA shifted the monomer/dimer equilibrium toward the monomer. In the presence of 1.0 M KCl, the relative activity of ThMA toward beta-CD decreased to 74%, while that for soluble starch increased to 194% compared to the activities in the absence of KCl. Thus, the ThMA monomer and dimer are both inferred to be enzymatically active but with a somewhat different substrate preference. Kinetic parameters of the wild-type and truncated enzymes also are in accordance with the changes in their specific activities. We thus provide evidence in support of a model, which shows that the relative multisubstrate specificity of ThMA is influenced by the monomer/dimer equilibrium of the enzyme.

Anti-inflammatory effect of adenovirus-mediated IkappaBalpha overexpression in respiratory epithelial cells

Many studies into basic biological characteristics of inflammation and tissue injury have implicated pro-inflammatory cytokine-mediated tissue injury in the pathogenesis of inflammatory lung diseases. Because transcription of most proinflammatory cytokines is dependent on the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, NF-kappaB could be a good potential target to suppress the cytokine cascade. Cytokine-induced activation of NF-kappaB requires phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IkappaBa. Therefore, the blocking NF-kappaB activation by IkappaBalpha could inhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokine-induced tissue injury. To evaluate whether blocking of NF-kappaB activation shows an anti-inflammatory effect, this study investigated the effect of adenovirus-mediated overexpression of IkappaBalpha super-repressor (IkappaBalpha-SR) on the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in respiratory epithelial cells. The transduction efficiency of adenovirus was >90% in both A549 and NCI-H157 cells. Ad5IkappaBalpha-SR-transduced cells expressed high levels of IkappaBalpha-SR, which was resistant to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced degradation. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of IkappaBalpha-SR blocked cytokine-induced nuclear translocation of p65 and NF-kappaB deoxyribonucleic acid binding activity without affecting total cellular expression level of NF-kappaB. Ad5IkappaBalpha-SR transduction suppressed cytokine-induced interleukin-8 and TNF-alpha expressions at both ribonucleic acid and protein levels. These results suggest that blocking the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of IkappaBalpha-super-repressor shows an effective anti-inflammatory effect in respiratory epithelial cells.

Downregulation of Bcl-2 and activation of caspase-8 in the UVB-induced apoptosis of a cultured human melanoma cell line

PURPOSE

This study was performed to determine the effect of UV radiation on the activation of apoptosis regulatory proteins using cultured human melanoma cells.

METHODS

G361 lightly pigmented melanoma cells were irradiated with increasing doses of UVB and analyzed for an apoptotic mechanism using a cell viability test, TEM, FACS, and western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

TEM and FACS showed apoptotic features of cell death after UVB irradiation. Western blotting disclosed downregulation of Bcl-2 and the activation of caspase-9. Caspase-8, a downstream molecule of Fas/FasL interaction, was also activated. The activation of downstream molecules of both caspase-8 and caspase-9 was also demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that the regulation of the Bcl-2 family and caspase-8 may work together to activate a caspase-3 mediated apoptotic pathway following UVB irradiation of cultured human melanoma cells.

The tumor cells in nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease are clonally related to the large cell lymphoma occurring in the same individual. Direct demonstration by single cell analysis

Large cell lymphoma (LCL) sometimes occurs concurrently or subsequently in patients with nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin disease (NLPHD). Although there is evidence of a clonal relationship between LCL and NLPHD, there has been no direct demonstration that the lymphocytic and histiocytic (L&H) cells in NLPHD are related to the tumor cells in LCL. We identified 2 cases of NLPHD with an associated LCL. Single L&H cells, the Reed-Sternberg cell variants in NLPHD, were isolated from immunostained tissue sections by micromanipulation, and the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IgH) complementarity determining region (CDR) III of the cells was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The products were compared with those obtained from microdissected LCL cells using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and nucleotide sequencing. The IgH CDRIII sequences from the L&H cells were related to each other, but also showed nucleotide substitutions, consistent with a germinal center origin. The sequences from the L&H cells also were related to those from the corresponding LCL cells. We have provided direct evidence through sequence analysis of the IgH CDRIII that the L&H cells are clonally related to the corresponding LCL arising in 2 cases of NLPHD.

Comparison between anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia using functional magnetic resonance imaging

AIMS

To assess calcarine activation with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in patients with anisometropic and strabismic amblyopia.

METHODS

14 amblyopes (eight anisometropic and six strabismic) were studied with fMRI using stimuli of checkerboards of various checker sizes and temporal frequencies. While T2* weighted MRI were obtained every 3 seconds for 6 minutes, patients viewed the stimuli monocularly with either the amblyopic or sound eye.

RESULTS

Amblyopic eyes showed reduced calcarine activation compared with contralateral sound eyes in fMRI in all subjects. The calcarine activation from amblyopic eyes in anisometropic amblyopes was more suppressed at higher spatial frequencies, while that from amblyopic eyes in strabismic amblyopes was more suppressed at lower spatial frequencies.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that fMRI is a useful tool for the study of amblyopia in humans. The calcarine activation via amblyopic eyes because of anisometropia or strabismus has different temporospatial characteristics, which suggests differences in the neurophysiological mechanisms between two types of amblyopia.

Incorporation of sulfonylurea into N-isopropylacrylamide as an extracellular matrix for an artificial pancreas

High-molecular-weight N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers with small amounts of sulfonylurea (SU, typically 2-4 mol% in the feed) were synthesized by free radical polymerization in benzene. SU-incorporated polymer solutions (5, 6, 8, and 10% w/v) in a culture medium (pH 7.4, 0.15 M ionic strength) with islet cells were mixed and poured into Millicells which supported gel formation. In order to increase the gelation temperature, the SU-incorporated copolymer gel, p(NiPAAm-co-SU), was blended with the p(NiPAAm-co-AAc) polymer at a ratio of 4 to 96. Interaction between the islet cells and the synthetic matrix of SU-incorporated copolymer gel resulted in effective cell viability and such cell functions as insulin secretion. To verify the specific interaction between the SU (K+ channel closer)-incorporated copolymer and islet cells, the cells were pretreated with diazoxide, an agonist of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel (K+ channel opener), before interaction between the polymer and islet cells. This treatment suppressed the action of SU on the islet cells. The results from this study provide evidence that the SU-incorporated copolymer stimulated insulin secretion by specific interaction between SU moieties in the polymer and the islet cells.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and insulin resistance

OBJECTIVES

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) presents a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. We studied a group of women with PCOS and evaluated this defect in insulin action.

METHODS

The study population consisted of nine PCOS women, six obese type 2 diabetic patients, and five controls whose body mass index (BMI) was similar to that of the nine PCOS women. The 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp test were performed. Clinical characteristics and the metabolic profiles, including the insulin sensitivity index (ISI), were compared.

RESULTS

PCOS women showed significantly elevated insulin responses during OGTT, but their blood glucose levels were comparable with the controls. The subjects with PCOS had more insulin resistance than the other groups. There was no difference among the groups in terms of clinical characteristics and metabolic profiles, except age, luteinzing hormone (LH), testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that PCOS women have significant insulin resistance which is independent of adiposity.

An adenovirus expressing mutant p27 showed more potent antitumor effects than adenovirus-p27 wild type

The main inhibitory action of p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI), arises from its binding with the cyclin E/cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (Cdk2) complex that results in G(1)-S arrest. Degradation of p27 is mediated by phosphorylation of Thr-187 of p27, which follows ubiquitination. In this study, we generated two adenoviruses expressing wild-type p27 (ad-p27wt) and mutant p27 (ad-p27mt), with mutation of Thr-187/Pro-188 (ACGCCC) to Met-187/Ile-188 (ATGATC), which was produced with the belief that mutant p27 would bind cyclin E/CDK2 more stably and show more potent antitumor effects. Ad-p27wt and ad-p27mt expressed p27 proteins that were indistinguishable by anti-p27 antibody. A pulse chase experiment showed that p27mt was more resistant to degradation than p27wt. In human lung cancer cell lines, ad-p27mt showed stronger growth inhibition than ad-p27wt. Both types of ad-p27 induced G(1)-S arrest and apoptosis; however, ad-p27mt induced stronger G(1)-S arrest and apoptosis. Intratumoral injection of ad-p27mt induced partial regression of established tumors and inhibited the growth of human lung cancer xenografts more strongly than ad-p27wt. From these results, we conclude that ad-p27mt has the potential to become a novel and powerful gene therapy tool.

Calcium-dependent catalytic activity of a novel phytase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DS11

The thermostable phytase from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DS11 hydrolyzes phytate (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate, IP6) to less phosphorylated myo-inositol phosphates in the presence of Ca2+. In this report, we discuss the unique Ca2+-dependent catalytic properties of the phytase and its specific substrate requirement. Initial rate kinetic studies of the phytase indicate that the enzyme activity follows a rapid equilibrium ordered mechanism in which binding of Ca2+ to the active site is necessary for the essential activation of the enzyme. Ca2+ turned out to be also required for the substrate because the phytase is only able to hydrolyze the calcium-phytate complex. In fact, both an excess amount of free Ca2+ and an excess of free phytate, which is not complexed with each other, can act as competitive inhibitors. The Ca2+-dependent catalytic activity of the enzyme was further confirmed, and the critical amino acid residues for the binding of Ca2+ and substrate were identified by site-specific mutagenesis studies. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to understand if the decreased enzymatic activity was related to poor Ca2+ binding. The pH dependence of the Vmax and Vmax/Km consistently supported these observations by demonstrating that the enzyme activity is dependent on the ionization of amino acid residues that are important for the binding of Ca2+ and the substrate. The Ca2+-dependent activation of enzyme and substrate was found to be different from other histidine acid phytases that hydrolyze metal-free phytate.

A new guaianolide as apoptosis inhibitor from Chrysanthemum boreale

The 8-O-acetyl-3,10-dihydroxy-4(15),11(13)-guaiadien-12,6-olide, named borenolide, was isolated from Chrysanthemum boreale M. Borenolide inhibits the etoposide-induced apoptosis in U937 cell with an IC(50) value of 6.2 microg/ml. Structural assignment was based on NMR-spectroscopic methods and X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Comparing the accuracy of ThinPrep Pap tests and conventional Papanicolaou smears on the basis of the histologic diagnosis: a clinical study of women with cervical abnormalities

OBJECTIVE

To confirm that the ThinPrep Pap test (TP) is as effective as or more effective than the conventional Papanicolaou smear (CS) in detecting epithelial cell abnormalities in a population with cervical abnormalities.

STUDY DESIGN

In a blinded, split-sample, matched-pair study, a CS was prepared using a cytobrush, and then TP slides were prepared from the remainder of the sample. All slides were evaluated as defined and classified by the Bethesda System. The results of the two cytologic tests were compared in 483 women relative to the histologic diagnoses of subsequent colposcopically directed cervical biopsies in 158 cases.

RESULTS

The cytologic diagnoses from the two methods agreed exactly in 91.4% of cases. The comparison between the two cytologic diagnoses with reference to the histologic diagnosis of subsequent colposcopically directed cervical biopsies showed that TP was significantly more specific for diagnosing lesions than was CS. The sensitivity of the two methods was equivalent.

CONCLUSION

In a population with cervical abnormalities, TP is more specific than and as effective as CS in detecting cervical epithelial cell abnormalities. TP improved the specificity of disease detection by reducing the atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance category and/or false positive cases.

Conjugation of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence in copolymer bearing sugar moiety for insulinoma cell line (MIN6) culture

Copolymers composed of an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence for the adhesion molecule and sugar moieties were synthesized for an insulinoma cell (MIN6) culture. MIN6 cells attached on the poly(N-p-vinylbenzyl-D-maltonamide-co-6-(p-vinylbenzamido)-hexanoic acid-g-GRGDS) (p(VMA-co-VBGRGDS))-coated dishes were in a more aggregated form than other polymer-coated surfaces. P(VMA-co-VBGRGDS) also shows faster proliferation of MIN6 cells (about 18% higher) than with p(VLA-co-VBGRGDS). By interaction between cell and matrix, about 80% greater insulin secretion from MIN6 cells was produced with the p(VMA-co-VBGRGDS), and about 50% greater insulin secretion was produced with the poly(N-p-vinylbenzyl-D-lactonamide-co-6-(p-vinylbenzamido)-hexanoic acid-g-GRGDS) (p(VLA-co-VBGRGDS) as compared with unstimulated cells. Moreover, attachment of MIN6 cells treated with RGD monomer was suppressed approximately 50% for the p(VMA-co-VBGRGDS) surface. This result supported the idea that conjugation of adhesion molecules of RGD peptide in p(VMA-co-VBGRGDS) copolymer specifically interact with integrin families on MIN6 cell membrane.

A case with balanced chromosome rearrangement involving chromosomes 9, 14, and 13 in a woman with recurrent abortion

A phenotypically normal couple was referred for cytogenetic evaluation due to three consecutive first-trimester spontaneous abortions. Chromosomal analysis from peripheral blood was performed according to standard cytogenetic methods using G-banding technique. The husband's karyotype was normal. The wife's karyotype showed a balanced complex chromosome rearrangement (CCR) involving chromosomes 9, 14, and 13. There were three breakpoints: 9p21.2, 14q21, and 13q12.2. The karyotype was designated as 46, XX, t (9;14;13)(p21.2;q21;q12.2). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis with chromosome-specific libraries of chromosomes 9, 14, and 13 was performed to confirm this rare chromosome rearrangement. The result of FISH coincided with that obtained by standard cytogenetic techniques.

Induction of heat shock protein 72 protects retinal ganglion cells in a rat glaucoma model

PURPOSE

To investigate whether heat shock protein (Hsp) 72 is induced in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in experimental rat glaucoma and whether the induction of Hsp72 by heat stress or zinc (Zn(2+)) administration can increase survival of RGCs in the model.

METHODS

Intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated unilaterally in Wistar rats with argon laser irradiation of the trabecular meshwork 5 days after intracameral injection of india ink. Immunohistochemical staining for Hsp72 was performed. The rats with elevated IOP were treated with heat stress once a week (six rats) or intraperitoneal injection of zinc (10 mg/kg) every two weeks (six rats). Untreated rats with elevated IOP served as a control group (six rats). Quercetin, an inhibitor of Hsp expression was injected in the rats with heat stress (six rats) and zinc injection (seven rats). Subsequent to 4 weeks of IOP elevation, RGCs were counted.

RESULTS

The IOP increase compared with the contralateral eyes was 48% +/- 4% throughout the study period. Hsp72 was detected only in the eyes with elevated IOP at 1 and 2 days and was weakly detected at 1 week of IOP elevation. A single administration of zinc strongly induced Hsp72 in RGCs of rats with elevated IOP for 2 weeks. Treatment with heat stress or zinc in rats with elevated IOP increased RGC survival after 4 weeks of IOP elevation, compared with the untreated control group (P = 0.004, n = 6). Quercetin reversed the positive effect of heat stress or zinc injection on RGC survival.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the possibility of a novel therapeutic approach to glaucoma through an enhanced induction of the endogenous heat shock response.

Chemopreventive effect of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine (2-AP) on rat colon carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane (AOM)

An investigation was conducted to assess the chemopreventive effects of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine (2-AP), synthesized for potential use as a chemopreventive agent, after administration during the pre-initiation and post-initiation stages in a rat colon carcinogenesis model with azoxymethane (AOM). One hundred, 5-week-old, male F344 rats were randomly divided into two experiments (n = 50 each). Experiment 1 rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 rats were pre-treated with 2-AP (25 or 50 mg/kg body weight, 3 consecutive days through the route of intragastric intubations) before AOM (20 mg/kg body weight, single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection) initiation. Group 2 rats were treated with AOM alone. Group 3 rats were given 2-AP alone without AOM initiation. The animals were killed at the end of each experiment (week 5) and the aberrant crypt foci (ACF) of the colonic mucosa were assessed after staining with methylene blue. Experiment 2 rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 rats were given 2-AP (10, 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight, five-times intragastric intubations per week for 5 weeks from week 3) after AOM (15 mg/kg body weight, three s.c. injections) initiation for 2 weeks. Group 2 rats were treated with AOM alone. Group 3 rats were given 2-AP alone without AOM initiation. The animals were killed at the end of the experiment (week 8) and the ACF of the colonic mucosa were quantified. Total numbers of ACF/colon in Group 1 rats (pre-treated with 2-AP) tended to decrease (2-AP, 50 mg/kg body weight) or increase (2-AP, 100 mg/kg body weight) depending on the dose level. Total numbers of ACF/colon in Group 1 rats (treated with AOM followed by 2-AP, all subgroups; 160.8 +/- 38.0; 161.8 +/- 38.1; 137.1 +/- 48.4) were decreased significantly compared with the values in Group 2 rats (AOM alone; 214.8 +/- 48.1) (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The highest dose group (2-AP, 50 mg/kg body weight) had the lowest levels of total numbers of ACF/colon among the three subgroups. Total numbers of aberrant crypts (AC)/colon of the highest dose group (340.1+/- 117.9) decreased significantly compared with the value for Group 2 rats (AOM alone; 545.1 +/- 38.3). These results thus suggest that 2-AP may have potential as a chemopreventive agent against rat colon carcinogenesis after administration of AOM during the post-initiation stage.

Lower respiratory tract infections due to adenovirus in hospitalized Korean children: epidemiology, clinical features, and prognosis

On occasion, outbreaks of infection with adenovirus types 3, 7, and 21 cause severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. From 1990 to 1998, all cases of LRTI due to adenovirus at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea, were reviewed. Adenoviruses were recovered from nasal aspirate specimens of 87 (5.9%) of 1472 children with LRTI. The principal adenovirus serotypes were type 2 (13 [15%] of 87 strains), type 3 (13 [15%]), and type 7 (36 [41%]). Of the 87 infections, 62 (71%) occurred in children <2 years of age, and 81 (94%) occurred in children <5 years of age. Infections due to types 3 and 7 occurred during epidemics, whereas infections due to type 2 occurred sporadically. For patients who were infected with types 3 and 7, extrapulmonary abnormalities were more common and homogeneous consolidation and pleural effusion were frequently identified on radiographs. The mortality rate was 12% overall and 19% among patients who were infected with type 7. Residual sequelae were identified in 6 (50%) of 12 patients who were infected with type 3 and in 9 (25%) of 36 who were infected with type 7. The data confirm that adenovirus types 3 and 7 can cause epidemics of severe LRTI in young children. Epidemics of LRTIs caused by adenovirus types 3 and 7 in Korea have not been described in reports published elsewhere.

Thermal inactivation kinetics and application of phospho- and galactolipid-degrading enzymes for evaluation of quality changes in frozen vegetables

Lipid-acyl hydrolases (LAHases) play significant roles in lipid degradation during the storage of vegetables. In particular, spinach contains a large portion of galactolipids (59.5%) and phospholipids (22.4%) among its fat-soluble components, which are used as substrates for LAHases. Thermal inactivation of various LAHases, including phospholipases A, C, and D, phosphatase, and galactolipase, from spinach and carrot was investigated to optimize the blanching process prior to the frozen storage of vegetables. Thermostability of phospholipase C or galactolipase was greatest among the LAHases from both spinach and carrot. Galactolipase from spinach exhibited a D value of 3.39 x 10(2) s at 80 degrees C and a z value of 8.21 degrees C, whereas phospholipase C from spinach showed D(80) of 1.72 x 10(2) s with a z value of 9.26 degrees C. In the case of LAHases from carrot, the D(65) and z values of galactolipase were 6.66 x 10(2) s and 8.69 degrees C, respectively, whereas phospholipase C displayed D(85) of 3.12 x 10(2) s and a z value of 15.8 degrees C. Highly active and thermostable galactolipase and phospholipase C in spinach and carrot made it possible for them to be used as indicator enzymes for the determination of quality deterioration of the stored vegetables.