Expression of superficial zone protein in mandibular condyle cartilage

OBJECTIVE

Superficial zone protein (SZP) has been shown to function in the boundary lubrication of articular cartilages of the extremities. However, the expression of SZP has not been clarified in mandibular cartilage which is a tissue that includes a thick fibrous layer on the surface. This study was conducted to clarify the distribution of SZP on the mandibular condyle and the regulatory effects of humoral factors on the expression in both explants and fibroblasts derived from mandibular condyle.

METHODS

The distribution of SZP was determined in bovine mandibular condyle cartilage, and the effects of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on SZP expression were examined in condyle explants and fibroblasts derived from the fibrous zone of condyle cartilage.

RESULTS

SZP was highly distributed in the superficial zone of intact condyle cartilage. The SZP expression was up-regulated by TGF-beta in both explants and cultured fibroblasts, whereas the expression was slightly down-regulated by IL-1beta. A significant increase in accumulation of SZP protein was also observed in the culture medium of the fibroblasts treated with TGF-beta.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that SZP plays an important role in boundary lubrication of mandible condylar cartilage, is synthesized locally within the condyle itself, and exhibits differential regulation by cell mediators relevant to mandibular condyle repairing and pathologies.

Osseous abnormalities of the mandibular condyle: diagnostic reliability of cone beam computed tomography compared with helical computed tomography based on an autopsy material

OBJECTIVES

We compared the diagnostic reliability of cone beam computed tomography (3DX) and helical computed tomography (helical CT) for the detection of osseous abnormalities of the mandibular condyle, using macroscopic observations as the gold standard.

METHODS

Twenty-one temporomandibular joint autopsy specimens underwent imaging with 3DX and helical CT. The specimens were macroscopically evaluated for cortical erosion or osteophytosis and sclerosis. The images were independently assessed for the same osseous abnormalities. Observations with the two imaging modalities were compared with the macroscopic observations using the McNemar test.

RESULTS

According to the macroscopic observations, 10 of the 21 mandibular condyles and one fossa showed osseous abnormalities. 3DX detected abnormalities in eight of these condyles and helical CT identified abnormalities in seven, giving a sensitivity of 0.80 for 3DX and 0.70 for helical CT. The specificity of the condyle assessment was 1.0 for both 3DX and helical CT and hence, the accuracy was 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. No significant differences were detected between the 3DX and helical CT for assessment of osseous abnormalities of the mandibular condyle (P=0.286).

CONCLUSIONS

The cone beam CT equipment 3DX is a dose-effective and a cost-effective alternative to helical CT for the diagnostic evaluation of osseous abnormalities of the mandibular condyle.

Giant cell tumor at the lateral skull base

Giant cell tumor is a bony tumor which primarily occurs in third to fourth decade after skeletal maturation. Usually, this tumor arises in the distal end of long bone and is quite rare in the head and neck region. We had a elderly female patient with giant cell tumor at lateral skull base of the left temporal bone without classic symptoms. Team approach with neurosurgeon was used to eradicate the tumor. The detail of this case in conjunction with treatment of giant cell tumor was reported while reviewing pertinent papers.

Brain and brawn: Parallels in oxidative strength

Neuronal oxidative stress occurs early in the progression of Alzheimer disease (AD), significantly before the development of the pathologic hallmarks, neurofibrillary tangles, and senile plaques. Study of Down syndrome, cases with autosomal dominant mutation, and sporadic AD all suggest amyloid-beta deposition and hyperphosphorylated tau function as compensatory responses and downstream adaptations to ensure that neuronal cells do not succumb to oxidative damage. Amyloid-beta and tau hyperphosphorylation also define vulnerable muscle cells in sporadic inclusion-body myositis (s-IBM). The role of the structural changes of s-IBM, as in AD, remains to be determined but may mark a critical response yielding a novel balance in oxidant homeostasis.

Evaluation of the usefulness of the limited cone-beam CT (3DX) in the assessment of the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa of the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the limited cone-beam X-ray CT (3DX) (Morita Co., Japan) in measuring the thickness of the roof of the glenoid fossa (RGF) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one TMJs removed at autopsy from 21 cadavers were investigated macroscopically using dissection and 3DX imaging. A Digimatic Outside Micrometer and a 3DX-image tool were used to measure the minimum thickness of the RGF. Multiple measurements were made to identify the thinnest area. Once the thinnest areas had been identified, three linear measurements were made and the average value was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The average macroscopic examination measurement was 1.37 mm (range 0.55-3.6 mm) and the average 3DX image measurement was 1.22 mm (range: 0.51-3.0 mm). There was no significant difference between these two groups using the Mann-Whitney U-test (P < 0.05). The Spearman's correlation coefficient by rank between these two groups was r = 0.93(P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that bone thickness measurements of the RGF by 3DX imaging was effective.

The metabolism of hyaluronan in cultured rabbit growth plate chondrocytes during differentiation

Hyaluronan (HA) is one of the major extracellular matrix components in cartilage. In addition to the biomechanical functions, HA has various important roles in the differentiation of chondrocytes. The purpose of this study was to clarify the nature of HA synthesis during chondrocyte differentiation. Growth plate chondrocytes were isolated from rabbit ribs and cultured in chondrocyte differentiation medium. The amount of HA and HA synthase (HAS) mRNA levels were analyzed for each stage of chondrocyte differentiation by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and real-time PCR, respectively. The distribution of HA in cultured chondrocytes was observed by histochemical staining. The amount of HA, ranging widely in size, was increased substantially during the hypertrophic stage. The expression levels of HAS2 and HAS3 mRNAs were low during the matrix-forming stage. HAS2 mRNA level was substantially enhanced at the pre-hypertrophic stage, whereas HAS3 mRNA level exhibited a slight increase. HAS1 mRNA was not detected. The intensity of HA staining was high around the hypertrophic chondrocytes. These results suggest that HA metabolism in chondrocyte differentiation is regulated by the selective expression of HASs, and HAS2 and the related large size-HA may have a certain association with the hypertrophic changes of chondrocytes.

A study of the in vitro interaction between lidocaine and premedications using human liver microsomes*

OBJECTIVE

To investigate potential interactions between lidocaine (lignocaine) metabolism and premedication drugs, i.e. psychotropic and antianxiety agents (diazepam, midazolam), hypnotics (pentobarbital, thiamylal), depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents (vecuronium, pancuronium and suxamethonium), an antihypertensive agent (clonidine) and an H2-receptor blocking agent (cimetidine) using human liver microsomes in vitro.

METHODS

The interaction effects between lidocaine and premedication were examined using human liver microsomal preparations and monitored for enzyme activity. The lidocaine and its main metabolite (monoethylglycinexylide) were measured by HPLC/UV.

RESULTS

Lidocaine metabolism was non-competitively inhibited by midazolam (Ki = 77.6 microM). Thiamylal was a competitive inhibitor of lidocaine metabolism (Ki = 885 microM). Cimethidine, pancuronium and vecuronium weakly inhibited lidocaine metabolism in a concentration-depend manner over the therapeutic range in human liver microsomes. On the contrary, suxamethonium, pentobarbital and clonidine did not inhibit lidocaine metabolism over the therapeutic range in human liver microsomes.

CONCLUSION

These results show that the interactions between lidocaine and midazolam and thiamylal are of potential toxicological and clinical significance.

Neurofilament proteins in neurodegenerative diseases

The function of neurofilaments, the major component in large myelinated neurons, is not well understood even though they were discovered as structures over 100 years ago. Recent studies have suggested that neuro-filaments are closely related to many neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson disease Alzheimer disease, and diabetes. Using in vitro assays, cultures and transgenic mice, these studies provided new insights into neurofilament function. The function of each subunit, the relationship of neurofilaments with other cytoskeletal elements and their clinical significance are topics of increasing attention.

Brain oxidation is an initial process in sleep induction

CNS activity is generally coupled to the vigilance state, being primarily active during wakefulness and primarily inactive during deep sleep. During periods of high neuronal activity, a significant volume of oxygen is used to maintain neuronal membrane potentials, which subsequently produces cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Glutathione, a major endogenous antioxidant, is an important factor protecting against ROS-mediated neuronal degeneration. Glutathione has also been proposed to be a sleep-promoting substance, yet the relationship between sleep and cerebral oxidation remains unclear. Here we report that i.c.v. infusion of the organic peroxide t-butyl-hydroperoxide at a concentration below that triggering neurodegeneration (0.1 micromol/100 microl/10 h) promotes sleep in rats. Also, microinjection (2 nmol, 2 microl) or microdialysis (100 microM, 20 min) of t-butyl-hydroperoxide into the preoptic/anterior hypothalamus (POAH) induces the release of the sleep-inducing neuromodulators, nitric oxide and adenosine, without causing neurodegeneration. Nitric oxide and adenosine release was inhibited by co-dialysis of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, d(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (D-AP5; 1 mM), suggesting that glutamate-induced neuronal excitation mediates the peroxide-induced release of nitric oxide and adenosine. Indeed, Ca2+ release from mitochondria and delayed-onset Ca2+ influx via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors was visualized during peroxide exposure using Ca2+ indicator proteins (YC-2.1 and mitochondrial-targeted Pericam) expressed in organotypic cultures of the POAH. In the in vitro models, t-butyl-hydroperoxide (50 microM) causes dendritic swelling followed by the intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, and D-AP5 (100 microM) or glutathione (500 microM) inhibited t-butyl-hydroperoxide-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and protected POAH neurons from oxidative stress. These data suggest that low-level subcortical oxidation under the control of an antioxidant system may trigger sleep via the Ca(2+)-dependent release of sleep-inducing neuromodulators in the POAH, and thus we propose that a moderate increase of ROS during wakefulness in the neuronal circuits regulating sleep may be an initial trigger in sleep induction.

Photoassociation spectroscopy of laser-cooled ytterbium atoms

We report the photoassociation spectroscopy of laser-cooled ytterbium atoms in an optical trap. We observed more than 90 photoassociation resonances of vibrational levels in the (1)Sigma(+)(u) state, including 80 consecutive series, up to 490 GHz detuning with respect to the atomic resonance. From the resonance frequencies we derived the atomic radiative lifetime of the (6s6p) 1P1 state to be 5.464+/-0.005 ns, which is about 2 orders of magnitude improvement over previous results. We also observed line broadening of resonances, which is ascribed to the predissociation to the triplet states, and estimated the transition probability to be 0.2. Furthermore, we observed the decrease of the photoassociation signal intensity, from which the scattering length is estimated to be equal to or less than 3 nm.

Single air contrast arthrography for temporomandibular joint disorder using limited cone beam computed tomography for dental use

MRI has the problem of artefacts caused by metal or body motion and is also incompatible for patients with claustrophobia. Arthrography is invasive and involves the risk of perforation or allergy to a contrast medium. This report discusses a patient with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder who required soft tissue imaging of the TMJ. As she had claustrophobia and a reaction to iodine, air contrast arthrography and pumping manipulation therapy using limited cone beam computed tomography for dental use (3DX) was performed. We conclude that the 3DX examination method used in the study is practical as a diagnostic procedure and thus recommend this method to be used for patients with TMJ disorder in the presence of iodine contraindication.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma is expressed in airways and inhibits features of airway remodeling in a mouse asthma model

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is associated with persistent functional and structural changes in the airways and involves many different cell types. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and plays a major role in regulating adipocyte differentiation and glucose metabolism. Recently, PPAR-gamma has been shown to play an important role in the control of inflammatory responses, including within the lung, acting on both immune and nonimmune cells.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of a PPAR-gamma agonist locally delivered by means of nebulization.

METHODS

We used a mouse model of asthma induced by sensitization and airway challenge with ovalbumin. Ciglitazone, a PPAR-gamma agonist, was administered by means of nebulization alone at the time of antigen challenge or by means of gavage and nebulization. Treatments with both ciglitazone and GW9662, a specific antagonist, were also performed to verify that ciglitazone's effects were mediated through PPAR-gamma activation.

RESULTS

Our results show that PPAR-gamma is mainly expressed in airway epithelium on antigen sensitization. Treatment with ciglitazone reduced PPAR-gamma levels in the lung, whereas combined treatment with GW9662 abrogated this inhibition. Importantly, nebulization with ciglitazone decreased airway hyperresponsiveness, basement membrane thickness, mucus production, collagen deposition, and TGF-beta synthesis. A significant correlation was also found between airway hyperresponsiveness, basement membrane thickness, and TGF-beta levels.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that inhaled agonistic ligands of PPAR-gamma might have new therapeutic potential for airway asthmatic inflammation.

Utility of urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline ratio for diagnosis of osteoarthritis at temporomandibular joint

BACKGROUND

Pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) collagen cross-links are known markers of bone and cartilage turnover that are found in urine in various diseases. The present study was designed to quantify Pyr and Dpyr levels in urine of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and to evaluate whether their concentrations are related to specific pathologic findings in the TMJ.

METHODS

Urine samples were obtained from 12 patients with OA of the TMJ and 16 asymptomatic controls, and following appropriate preparation, analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence spectroscopy for Pyr and Dpyr.

RESULTS

The urinary concentration of Pyr and the Pyr to Dpyr (Pyr/Dpyr) ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in OA patients than in the controls (182.2 +/- 86.5 pmol/ml vs. 115.6 +/- 27.9 pmol/ml and 4.00 +/- 1.53 pmol/ml vs. 2.86 +/- 0.97 pmol/ml, respectively). However, the Pyr/Dpyr ratio was not associated with any specific clinical or radiographic findings.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the level of Pyr and the Pyr/Dpyr ratio in urine may be a useful diagnostic indicator for intra-articular pathologic changes during TMJ OA.

Effects of TGF-beta on hyaluronan anabolism in fibroblasts derived from the synovial membrane of the rabbit temporomandibular joint

Hyaluronan (HA) synthesis in the synovial membrane is affected by various chemical mediators. It is hypothesized that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) would be a mediator to modulate HA synthesis in cultured synovial membrane fibroblasts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Fibroblasts were extracted from the TMJ synovial membrane of four-week-old Japanese white rabbits. The amount of HA and expression levels of HA synthase (HAS) mRNAs induced by TGF-beta 1 treatment were analyzed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography and real-time polymerase chain-reaction, respectively. Both medium and large amounts of HA were enhanced by the stimulation of TGF-beta 1. HAS2 mRNA expression was enhanced 13-fold after six-hour stimulation with TGF-beta 1 (10 ng/mL), whereas HAS3 mRNA expression was not changed significantly. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 enhances the expression of HAS2 mRNA in the TMJ synovial membrane fibroblasts and may contribute to the production of high-molecular-weight HA in the joint fluid.

Functional and anatomical effects of hormonally induced experimental prostate growth: a urodynamic model of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the beagle

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) produces a variety of changes in the urodynamic pattern of micturition and is usually associated with high detrusor voiding pressure and poor urine flow-rate. In most previous experimental models, designed to simulate this condition, some degree of obstruction is immediately imposed by the technique employed to produce urethral occlusion. Consequently these models cannot reproduce the gradual onset of obstruction. In the present study a canine prostatic enlargement model, using 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) + 17beta-estradiol (E) was adapted in order to produce a more gradual onset of partial obstruction and impaired voiding.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hormonally induced prostatic enlargement was produced using seven beagles, given DHT 75 mg/day together with E 0.75 mg/day for 28 days via an implantable pump. The functional effects of DHT + E treatment on micturition pressure/flow were measured in the conscious animal. Identical measurements were also made using a separate older group of five beagles with symptoms of BPH. In addition seven beagles similarly instrumented were used as controls.

RESULTS

Pressure/flow studies show that DHT + E produced obstructive micturition, characterized by a significantly increased micturition detrusor pressure, from 33.3 +/- 10.5 to 50.8 +/- 10.7 cmH(2)O and significantly decreased low urine flow-rate from 8.6 +/- 2.1 to 6.9 +/- 0.9 ml/sec. Associated with the obstructive micturition, this treatment increased wet prostate weight from 11.9 +/- 2.5 to 31.6 +/- 10.0 g. Prostate volume of the BPH beagles was 29.3 +/- 8.9 g. Morphologic studies show that DHT + E produced epithelial hyperplasia extending focally into the lumen.

CONCLUSIONS

Hormonally induced prostate growth produced bladder obstruction, in terms of pressure/flow characteristics, that are analogous to BPH. It is suggested that this type of hormonal treatment can be used to create a model for the study of the effects of controlled increased in prostate growth and the development of BPH on micturition.

[Evaluation of sternal deformity after pediatric minimally invasive cardiac surgery]

Sternal shape is one of the most important esthetic factors of the chest appearance after pediatric minimally invasive cardiac surgery (pMICS) as well as length of skin wound. We evaluated the grade of postoperative sternal deformity in 20 patients who underwent total repair of pediatric congenital heart disease [atrial septal defect (ASD): 17, ventricular septal defect (VSD): 2, partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC): 1] with minimal skin incision and lower partial median sternotomy. The sternum was closed with stainless wire in 3 patients, with absorbable polydioxanone (PDS) cord in 5 patients, with combined use of reabsorbable radiolucent poly (L-lactate) acid sternal pin and absorbable PDS cord in 12 patients. The evaluation of postoperative sternal deformity was made according to the vertebral index (VI) and frontosagittal index (FSI) in 3 groups with each sternal closure method. VI and FSI of the 3 groups showed no significant difference. Sternal deformity in the group with sternal closure with PDS cord group was more severe than that in other 2 groups. The combined use of sternal pin with PDS cord offered the most sufficient fixative strength for sternal closure.

Central and peripheral immunoreactivity of melanin-concentrating hormone in hypothalamic obese and lactating rats

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is believed to be an important orexigenic peptide mainly localized in the lateral hypothalamic area. Its involvement in the hyperphagia induced by hypothalamic lesions and lactation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated MCH immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus using immunohistochemistry and MCH concentration in the peripheral circulation using an enzyme immunoassay in rats with a lesion in the ventromedial hypothalamus or the paraventricular nucleus, and in lactating rats. Bilateral lesions of the ventromedial or paraventricular nuclei were performed using an electrolytic method. Quantification of immunoreactivity by image analysis revealed that the number and mean staining intensity of MCH-immunoreactive neurones in the lateral hypothalamic area and the zona incerta were significantly decreased by both types of lesions compared to sham controls, whereas circulating MCH concentration was not significantly different on day 7 postlesion. By contrast, in lactating rats on days 11-12 postpartum, the expression of MCH in the lateral hypothalamic area and the zona incerta was significantly increased compared to nonlactating controls. Circulating MCH concentration was not changed in lactating rats. These results suggest that hyperphagia induced by lactation, but not hypothalamic lesion, might be induced by excessive expression of MCH in the lateral hypothalamic area and the zona incerta.

Long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy on bone mineral density in girls oophorectomized in adolescence

The object of this study was to examine the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical development in oophorectomized adolescent girls. Two adolescent girls had bilateral ovaries removed as the treatment of advanced ovarian neoplasms at 12 years of age, and have been receiving HRT for more than 10 years. The changes in BMD and physical development were recorded. Both patients entered puberty and developed mature female physiques, despite the 3 years' absence of estrogen exposure immediately after oophorectomy. BMD recovered soon after the start of HRT and was kept within the normal range. Normal physical development, including bone mineral density, can be achieved with HRT in adolescent girls castrated before puberty.

Changes in enamel surface roughness and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to enamel after vital bleaching

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this in vitro study was to observe the influence of vital bleaching on changes to the enamel surface and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to tooth enamel.

METHODS

The coronal part of each of 70 extracted third molars was cut in half, with either the buccal or lingual half used for experiments or controls. Experimental halves were assigned to the following conditions: (A) enamel was bleached 1, 3 or 5 times using a bleaching material with or without etching; or (B) etched condition without bleaching. All control samples were kept intact in physiological saline solution. Surface roughness (Ra; roughness center-line average: microm) of enamel was measured for 35 pairs of specimens. TS broth culture medium containing 3% glucose was inoculated with S. mutans and cultured for 72 h before adding the other 35 pairs of specimens. Under scanning electron microscopy, the number of S. mutans colonies was counted and statistically analysed.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, bleached enamel displayed increased colonies of S. mutans. Repeated bleaching further increased bacterial adhesion and maximal colonies counts were found under conditions of five bleaching treatments plus etching (p</=0.01). Compared to controls, roughness increased after etching. However, no linear correlation was found between number of S. mutans colonies and roughness.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that both surface roughness and adhesion of S. mutans to the enamel surface increase after bleaching.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha and gamma down-regulate allergic inflammation and eosinophil activation

Allergic asthma is characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, and mucus accumulation and is associated with increased IgE concentrations. We demonstrate here that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), PPAR-alpha and PPAR-gamma, which have been shown recently to be involved in the regulation of various cell types within the immune system, decrease antigen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness, lung inflammation, eosinophilia, cytokine production, and GATA-3 expression as well as serum levels of antigen-specific IgE in a murine model of human asthma. In addition, we demonstrate that PPAR-alpha and -gamma are expressed in eosinophils and their activation inhibits in vitro chemotaxis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Thus, PPAR-alpha and -gamma (co)agonists might be of therapeutic interest for the regulation of allergic or inflammatory reactions by targeting both regulatory and effector cells involved in the immune response.

C4d deposition in the glomeruli and peritubular capillaries associated with transplant glomerulopathy

Transplant glomerulopathy (TGP) is a unique disease entity with characteristic pathological findings. Although ultrastructural studies for TGP have been performed, histogenesis of TGP is not fully understood. The present study was designed to investigate the relation of complement fragment C4d to the histogenesis of TGP. Nine cases of isolated TGP were randomly selected. A commercially available monoclonal antibody against complement fragment C4d was used in allograft biopsies. To evaluate the extent and severity of deposition of the C4d complement in the glomerular and peritubular capillaries, indirect immunofluoresce method was performed on frozen sections. Intense deposition of C4d in the glomerular basement membrane and peritubular capillaries was found in association with morphological appearance of TGP. Peritubular capillaries were affected in all the patients, showing splitting and multilayering of peritubular capillary basement membrane. These changes, which diffusely affect most capillaries, and their severity pattern were quite similar in each patient. In early stages of all patients with cellular rejection, C4d was not detected in the glomerular and peritubular capillaries. In addition, no C4d deposition was detected in all zero-hour biopsies without diagnostic abnormality. These findings suggest that C4d deposition in the glomerular and peritubular capillaries might be associated with the pathogenesis of TGP in renal transplantation.

Mechanical stimuli enhances the expression of RGD-CAP/betaig-h3 in the periodontal ligament

RGD-CAP, a member of the fasciclin family, is expressed in the periodontal ligament (PDL). Since the PDL is continually subjected to mechanical forces from such orofacial functions as mastication, biting, speech and swallowing, the mechanical stimuli is thought to be associated with the expression of RGD-CAP. Furthermore, the adhesive functions of RGD-CAP may contribute to the maintenance or regeneration of PDL architecture. The objective of this study was to examine whether mechanical stimuli modulate the expression of RGD-CAP in the human PDL, and to examine the effects of recombinant RGD-CAP on the adhesion of PDL cells. During experimental tooth movement, the expression of RGD-CAP was significantly enhanced in the PDL. In vitro experiments with cultured PDL cells showed that the expression of RGD-CAP mRNA was significantly enhanced by mechanical tensile force of 15.4kPa for 48h. The induction of RGD-CAP mRNA, meanwhile, was completely inhibited by cycloheximide which is an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Furthermore, neutralising antibody against TGF-beta also suppressed the mechanical induction of RGD-CAP. The adhesion of cultured PDL cells onto plates coated with recombinant RGD-CAP increased significantly compared with the controls. These findings suggest that RGD-CAP, induced by TGF-beta expressed in response to mechanical stimuli, plays an important role in modulating the homeostasis of PDL.

Who gets the information about genetic testing for cancer risk? The role of race/ethnicity, immigration status, and primary care clinicians

This study identified factors associated with awareness of genetic testing for cancer risk in the US general population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey. The strong predictors were education, race/ethnicity, immigration status, health status, interaction with health professionals, controlling for socioeconomic status, cancer diagnosis, family history of cancer, and perceived personal cancer risk. The substantial lack of awareness of genetic testing among immigrant and ethnic populations warrants further research and tailored educational interventions. Ways to improve quality of patient interactions with non-genetic clinicians in promoting public knowledge of genetic testing for cancer risk are also worthy of further exploration.

Upregulated response to chemokines in oxidative metabolism of eosinophils in asthma and allergic rhinitis

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) from eosinophils are known to cause tissue damage in allergic inflammation. CC chemokines, especially eotaxin and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), are involved not only in chemotaxis but also in eosinophil activation, such as ROS production. It has been shown that eosinophils from allergic patients are not functionally equivalent to those from normal subjects. In the present study, the characteristics of chemokine-primed ROS production in eosinophils from allergic patients and normal controls were compared. After pretreatment with chemokines, eosinophils were stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. ROS production by eosinophils was measured using luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. Both RANTES and eotaxin exhibited a priming effect on calcium ionophore-induced ROS production from eosinophils. Despite there being no difference in expression of CC chemokine receptor 3, the priming effect of RANTES and eotaxin was significantly enhanced in eosinophils from the patients. Interleukin-5 further enhanced the priming effect of chemokines in eosinophils from normal subjects, but not those from allergic subjects. The present results suggest an upregulated response to chemokines in eosinophils from allergic patients, and that interleukin-5 can induce a similar phenotype to that found in vivo in allergic patients.

[An effective case of nitric oxide inhalation therapy in pulmonary hypertensive crisis in cardiopulmonary bypass following palliative operation for ventricular septal defect with pulmonary hypertension]

A 4-month-old female with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) underwent a patch closure for VSD. She could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) after the intracardiac repair due to PH crisis. Nitric oxide inhalation therapy during partial CPB enabled her to be weaned from CPB. This therapy could be gradually taped off and quit 7 days after the operation. Nitric oxide inhaled therapy is considered to be an excellent treatment for PH crisis during CPB in congenital cardiac surgery. The causes of PH crisis were also discussed in reference to the date of endothelin-1 (ET-1) measured during the operation.

Possible involvement of C-C chemokines in functional augmentation of adhesion molecules in asthmatic patients

Adhesion molecules and C-C chemokines play an important role in the accumulation of eosinophils in allergic inflammation. In the present study, the expression and function of adhesion molecules on eosinophils from asthmatic patients and involvement of RANTES and eotaxin were examined. Eosinophils isolated by the CD16 negative selection method were stimulated with or without RANTES or eotaxin. Expression of b integrins on eosinophils and the functional adherence to recombinant soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (r-sICAM-1)-coated plates were examined. Compared with normal subjects, eosinophils from asthmatic patients showed increased expression of b2 integrins and functional adherence to r-sICAM-1-coated plates. RANTES and eotaxin augmented the functional adherence of eosinophils without a significant upregulation of b2 integrins. Anti-b2 integrin antibody inhibited the augmentative effect on eosinophil adherence of RANTES and eotaxin. Pertussis toxin, wortmannin, and genistein inhibited chemokine-induced adherence. RANTES and eotaxin are closely related to eosinophil accumulation not only as chemotactic agents but also as augmentative agents for eosinophil adherence through involvement in functional eosinophil adherence to ICAM-1 by a possible qualitative change of b2 integrins. Pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, PI3 kinase, and tyrosine kinase are involved in signal transduction leading to activation of b2 integrins on eosinophil following stimulation with RANTES and eotaxin.

Maxillary cancer in a child: a case report

Cases with maxillary cancer are most frequently found in the 5th to the 7th decades of life, and then rarely occur in adolescence, even less so in a children. One does not expect to encounter this tumor in children, considering that most have a non-epithelial origin. However, we had a case of maxillary squamous cell carcinoma which appeared in a 12-year-old boy. He was initially considered to have sinusitis, and received conservative treatment for a while. After diagnosis, a combination therapy consisting of preoperative irradiation along intra-arterial administration of 5-FU and CBDCA was followed by total maxillectomy and primary reconstruction. Unfortunately about 2 months later, distant metastasis developed along with local recurrence, and the boy died about 1 year 6 months after the initial presentation. The clinical details of this rare case will be discussed in conjunction with some important considerations in dealing with this type of malignancy in a child.

High-density trapping of cold ytterbium atoms by an optical dipole force

We have succeeded in trapping a high density of rare-earth atom of ytterbium (Yb) in a crossed far-off resonance trap. The peak density reaches more than 10(14) cm(-3). With a new method of a delayed crossed far-off resonance trap, we have elucidated that the atoms became concentrated into the cross region by atom-atom collisions. We trap fermionic Yb atoms in the same way as bosonic ones.

Orexin-A immunoreactivity and prepro-orexin mRNA expression in hyperphagic rats induced by hypothalamic lesions and lactation

Orexins are endogenous neuropeptides that potently facilitate appetite and food consumption. In the present study, we examined orexin immunoreactivity and prepro-orexin mRNA expression in the lateral hypothalamus by immunohistochemistry and competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods in different models of hyperphagia in rats. Hyperphagia was induced by lesions of either the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHL) or the paraventricular nucleus (PVNL), and we also compared lactating rats to nonlactating controls. Both VMHL and PVNL increased food intake and body weight compared to shams. On day 7 post lesion, serum leptin and insulin concentrations exhibited 3.2- and 2.8-fold increases in VMHL rats, and nonsignificant 1.8- and 1.8-fold increases in PVNL rats; there were significant decreases (48% and 33%) in lactating rats on day 12 postpartum compared to controls, respectively. Serum glucose concentrations were not significantly changed compared to controls in these rats. Quantification by image analysis suggests that VMHL significantly decreased the number and mean staining intensity of orexin-A immunoreactive neurones compared to those in the sham-lesioned group; while PVNL did not change orexin-A immunoreactivity. Competitive RT-PCR analysis showed that VMHL significantly decreased the prepro-orexin mRNA expression compared to those in the sham-lesioned group, and PVNL did not change it. Lactating rats on days 11-12 of lactation had significantly greater number and mean staining intensity of orexin-A immunoreactive neurones, prepro-orexin mRNA expression food intake and body weight than nonlactating postpartum rats. Thus, changes in orexin-A immunoreactivity and prepro-orexin mRNA expression were not consistent between the hyperphagia models. These results suggest that the hyperphagia from VMHL or PVNL and lactating rats differ in their involvement of orexin-A, and the change in circulating leptin and insulin concentrations may be involved in the change of orexin-A immunoreactivity in these rats.

Association between craniofacial growth and urinary bone metabolic markers (pyridinoline, deoxypyridinoline) in growing rats

Pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) are intermolecular cross-links of mature collagen and reflect the bone turnover. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between craniofacial growth and urinary Pyr and Dpyr levels. Lateral cephalograms and 24-hour urine were taken for 7 male rats from 5 to 20 wks old. The urinary Pyr and Dpyr were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography. The neurocranium and upper viscerocranium exhibited significant increases in size, with the maximum rate at around 6 wks old. The mandible presented more substantial growth, with the maximum change at 8 wks old. The urinary Pyr and Dpyr levels gradually increased and reached the maximum at 8 wks old. No prominent association was found between neurocranial growth and urinary levels of pyridinium cross-links, whereas Pyr and Dpyr levels exhibited similar time-dependent metabolic changes to mandibular growth. In conclusion, it is shown that urinary pyridinium cross-links may be useful for the prediction of mandibular growth.

RGD-CAP (betaig-h3) exerts a negative regulatory function on mineralization in the human periodontal ligament

In our previous studies, RGD-CAP/betaig-h3 was isolated from a fiber-rich fraction of cartilage and was found to have a negative function on mineralization of hypertrophic chondrocytes. However, the expression and biological function of RGD-CAP in the periodontal ligament (PDL) are not known. We hypothesized that RGD-CAP could be expressed in the PDL and regulate its mineralization. To test this, we investigated the expression of RGD-CAP in human PDL and the effects of RGD-CAP on mineralization of cultured PDL cells. RGD-CAP was detected in the human PDL as multimeric proteins greater than 200 kDa. The RGD-CAP mRNA level decreased in cultured PDL cells exposed to 10(-8) M dexamethasone or 10(-8) M 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) when these steroids increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Furthermore, exogenous RGD-CAP suppressed the ALP activity and bone nodule formation of cultured PDL cells. These findings suggest that RGD-CAP in the PDL modulates the mineralization which affects adjacent alveolar bone metabolism.

Enzymatic preparation of D-beta-acetylthioisobutyric acid and cetraxate hydrochloride using a stereo- and/or regioselective hydrolase, 3,4-dihydrocoumarin hydrolase from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus

3,4-Dihydrocoumarin hydrolase (DCH) from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus F46, which was previously found on screening for aromatic lactone-hydrolyzing enzymes, catalyzes the hydrolysis of several linear esters. The substrate specificity of the enzyme toward linear esters was quite characteristic, i.e., (1) it was specific toward methyl esters, (2) it recognized the configuration at the 2-position, and (3) it hydrolyzed diesters to monoesters. DCH hydrolyzed the methyl esters of beta-acetylthioisobutyrate and cetraxate. The products of these reactions were identified as D-beta-acetylthioisobutyrate and cetraxate, respectively, i.e., the hydrolysis reactions catalyzed by DCH were stereo- and/or regioselective. With recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing the DCH gene as a catalyst, stereospecific hydrolysis of methyl beta-acetylthioisobutyrate and regioselective hydrolysis of methyl cetraxate proceeded efficiently.

An endocrinopathy characterized by dysfunction of the pituitary-adrenal axis and alopecia universalis: supporting the entity of a triple H syndrome

We demonstrate the rare disorder of triple H syndrome in a 25-year-old man. He was pointed out as having short stature, at -5.9 s.d., and diagnosed as GH deficient at 6 years old. Approximately a year ago, he noticed systematic hair loss. He lost body weight by 7 kg during the last half year. He was admitted to Jichi Medical School Hospital because of unconsciousness. Physical findings showed disturbance of consciousness with Japan Coma Scale I-3. He had emaciation and alopecia universalis. Laboratory findings showed plasma glucose was as low as 1.11 mmol/l. GH and ACTH deficiency with hypoadrenocorticism were clarified. His intelligence was in the low normal range with a WAIS IQ of 70, and anterograde amnesia was suggested in the presence of a little, but not significant, morphological change in the hippocampus on a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Replacement by a physiological dose of hydrocortisone normalized plasma glucose, and restored body weight and growth of hair during the 7 month therapeutic period. The present finding strongly supports a clinical entity of triple H syndrome, including ACTH deficiency, alopecia universalis and anterograde amnesia, and that there may be some variation of the triad among the subjects.

Subthalamic locomotor region is involved in running activity originating in the rat ventromedial hypothalamus

We have previously shown the involvement of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) in inducing running behavior. Stimulation of kainate (KA)-type glutamate receptors in the unilateral VMH of the rat exclusively elicited stereotyped running behavior. However, the neural pathways or functional connections of the VMH neurons involved in the running activity are yet to be elucidated further. In this study we examined whether the subthalamic locomotor region (SLR) is involved in the expression of the running activity originating in the VMH. The multiunit activity (MUA) in the ipsilateral SLR was significantly increased by KA injection into the VMH of urethane-anesthetized animals. Concomitant injection of 6,7-dinitroquioxalline-2,3-dione (DNQX, a KA-type glutamate receptor antagonist) with KA blocked this change in the MUA. Unilateral pre-injection of either kynurenate (non-selective glutamate receptor antagonist), D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (AP5, an NMDA-type glutamate receptor antagonist) or DNQX into the SLR blocked the expression of the running activity induced by KA injection into the ipsilateral VMH. Results from the present study suggest that communication between KA-sensitive efferents from the VMH to glutamatergic pathways acting via NMDA and non-NMDA receptors in the SLR may underlie expression of running behavior originating in the VMH.

Topical applications of trichloroacetic acid as therapy for nasal allergy

A group of 22 patients (27 nostrils) with nasal allergies was treated with 80 w/v trichloroacetic acid applied to the inferior turbinates. Patients were then evaluated prospectively based on both subjective responses and clinical examinations. Allergic symptoms were reduced significantly, especially those involving nasal obstruction and watery rhinorrhea. Nasal airflow resistance also improved after treatment (P < 0.001). Nasal provocation testing revealed a significant decrease in post-treatment responses (P < 0.001). No severe side effects were noted after treatment. Findings demonstrated that local application of trichloroacetic acid is a safe, effective and simple treatment for outpatients with symptomatic nasal allergies.

Segregation analysis of IgE responses to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen in vivo

The IgE response to Cryptomeria japonica pollen antigen (CPAg) in vivo was determined by radioimmunoassay of the plasma of 525 members from 98 families with known nasal allergies. Based on responses, patients were classified into a non-responder or low-responder group (non/low) and a high-responder group. Segregation analysis revealed that the IgE non/low responsiveness to CPAg involved a single dominant trait. The gene frequency was calculated to be 0.44-0.60. The IgE non/low response to CPAg was found to be mediated by CPAg-specific suppressor T cells. These findings demonstrated that the phenotypic variation of IgE responsiveness to CPAg is not due the immune response gene, but rather is mediated by the immune suppression gene for CPAg, via CPAg-specific suppressor T cells.

Proinflammatory cytokines regulate the gene expression of hyaluronic acid synthetase in cultured rabbit synovial membrane cells

To elucidate the mechanism of accumulation and fragmentation of hyaluronic acid (HA) under inflammatory conditions, we investigated the effect of proinflammatory cytokines on hyaluronic acid synthetase (HAS) mRNA expression using cultured rabbit synovial membrane cells. HASs mRNA levels were determined by real-time PCR. HAS2 mRNA expression was maximally enhanced 3.3- and 2.8-fold after 3-hour stimulation with IL-1beta (1 ng/ml) and after 1-hour stimulation with TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml). HAS3 mRNA expression was increased by a maximum of 4.3 times after 3-hour stimulation with IL-1beta (10 ng/ml), whereas 1-hour stimulation with TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) and IFN-gamma (10 ng/ml) induced around a 2.5-fold increase in HAS3 mRNA. Although IFN-gamma (1-100 ng/ml) alone showed little effect on HAS2 mRNA expression, the effect was synergized by combined with both IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, substantially increasing HAS2 mRNA expression. These results suggest that proinflammatory cytokines regulate the HAS expression, and consequently may contribute to the accumulation and fragmentation of HA.