Lack of dimer formation ability in rat strains with low aldehyde oxidase activity

Aldehyde oxidase (AO) is a homodimer with a molecular weight of 300 kDa. To clarify the reasons for the well-known differences in rat strains, we set out to study the relationship between AO activity and the expression levels of its dimer. AO-catalyzed 2-oxidation activity of (S)-RS-8359 was measured in liver cytosols from ten rat strains. The expression levels of AO dimeric protein were evaluated by the native-PAGE/Western blot. Rat strains with low AO activity showed only a monomer, whereas strains with high activity overwhelmingly exhibited a dimer. Exceptionally, one strain in the high AO activity group displayed complex mixed expression patterns of low and high AO activity groups. However, there was a good relationship between AO activity and the expression levels of a dimer, but not of a monomer. The results suggest that rat strains with low AO activity lack the ability to produce a dimer necessary for catalytic activity, and AO differences in rat strains should be discussed in terms of the expression levels of the dimer itself.

A case of Varicella zoster virus polyneuropathy: involvement of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves mimicking a tumor

A 36-year-old woman presented with glossopharyngeal and vagus nerve palsy, which proved to be herpes zoster based on the high titers of Varicella zoster virus antibody in her serum. Thin-section T1-weighted images with contrast media demonstrated swelling and distinct contrast enhancement of the glossopharyngeal and vagus complex, mimicking a tumor. Following MR imaging, the size of the nerve complex returned to normal; however, the contrast enhancement remained longer than the symptoms.

Depiction of the cranial nerves within the brain stem with use of PROPELLER multishot diffusion-weighted imaging

Despite the recent progress of MR imaging, visualization of the cranial nerves within the brain stem has not been accomplished. Periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (PROPELLER) multishot diffusion-weighted imaging, an effective method for compensating for motion and distortion, offers high-quality diffusion-weighted images. We succeeded in depicting the cranial nerves within the brain stem in some subjects by using this method with motion-probing gradient applied in the superior-inferior direction.

Heredity mode of genetic polymorphism in aldehyde oxidase activity in Donryu strain rats

Donryu strain rats show genetic polymorphisms in the aldehyde oxidase gene, resulting in the phenotypic expression of ultrarapid metabolizers with homozygous nucleotide sequences (337G, 2604C), extensive metabolizers with heterozygous nucleotide sequences (377G/A, 2604C/T), and poor metabolizers with homozygous nucleotide sequences (377A, 2604T). In the mating experiments the ratio of the number of ultrarapid metabolizers, extensive metabolizers, and poor metabolizers rats in the F1 generation from the heterozygous F0 extensive metabolizers male and female rats was roughly 0.6 : 1.5 : 1, and the ratio converged to approximately 1 : 2 : 1 in the F2 generation from the heterozygous F1 extensive metabolizers male and female rats. On the contrary, all the F2 generation from homozygous F1 ultrarapid metabolizers male and female rats or from homozygous F1 poor metabolizers male and female rats had the ultrarapid metabolizers or the poor metabolizers genotypes and phenotypes. The genotypes completely agreed with the phenotypes in all individuals of F0, F1, and F2 generations. The results indicate that the genetic polymorphism of aldehyde oxidase in Donryu strain rats obeys Mendelian heredity. The reason for a low ratio of the ultrarapid metabolizers rats in the commercially available Donryu strain rats - not more than several per cent - compared with the ratio expected from the Mendelian rule is unknown.

Inhibitory effects of suplatast tosilate on the differentiation and function of monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with asthma

BACKGROUND

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that efficiently activate T cells.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the effects of suplatast tosilate, which prevents T-helper type 2 responses, on the differentiation and function of monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs).

METHODS

DCs were differentiated in vitro from peripheral monocytes from patients with asthma by the addition of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and IL-4 in the presence or absence of suplatast tosilate. Cell surface molecules (CD1a, CD14, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA-DR) on immature and mature DCs were analysed with flow cytometry, and the secretion of CC chemokine ligand (CCL)17 (thymus and activation-regulated chemokine), IL-12p70, IL-12p40, and IL-10 was measured with an ELISA. We also studied the proliferative responses of allogeneic CD4(+) T cells from healthy subjects to DCs differentiated in the presence of suplatast tosilate. In addition, the production of IFN-gamma and IL-5 by CD4(+) T cells after coculture with untreated DCs or suplatast tosilate-treated DCs was measured with ELISA.

RESULTS

Suplatast tosilate significantly inhibited the expression of CD1a, CD80, and CD86 on immature DCs and of CD1a, CD80, CD83, and CD86 on mature DCs. Suplatast tosilate also significantly inhibited the secretion of CCL17, IL-12p70, and IL-12p40; however, the secretion of IL-10 was not affected. The proliferative responses of allogeneic CD4(+) T cells to suplatast tosilate-treated DCs were suppressed. Moreover, suplatast tosilate-treated DCs had an impaired capacity to stimulate CD4(+) T cells to produce IFN-gamma and IL-5.

CONCLUSION

Suplatast tosilate inhibits the differentiation, maturation, and function of moDCs.

Effect of new anti-neoplastic agent, MK615, from Japanese apricot, ume, on growth of breast cancer cells in vitro

11105

Background: MK615 is an extract mixture from Japanese apricot, UME. In this study, the anti-neoplastic effects of MK615 against breast cancer cells were investigated. Methods: Two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468 (MDA) and MCF7, were cultured with (600, 300, 150 μg/ml) or without MK615. After 72 hours of incubation, growth inhibition was evaluated by MTT assay, and the mechanism of the anti-neoplastic effect of MK615 was evaluated by cell cycle- and apoptosis assay. Results: MK615 inhibited the growth of MDA and MCF7 in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage growth inhibition of MDA at dosages of 600, 300, and 150 μg/ml was 59.2%, 52.4%, and 23.3%, respectively, and that for MCF7 was 83.5%, 52.7%, and 16.6%, respectively. Cell cycle analysis showed that MK615 increased the proportion of cells in G2-M phase in both MDA (7.8% to 11.7%) and MCF7 (8.1% to 18.7%), and finally both cell lines became apoptotic. The proportion of apoptotic cells increased with incubation time. Conclusions: MK615 effectively inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro, possibly by cell cycle modification and apoptosis induction.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

A polymorphism of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is a risk factor for multiple lacunar infarcts in Japanese men: the Takahata Study

The objective of the present study was to examine the association between a polymorphism of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene and lacunar infarcts of the brain. We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study on residents from two age groups (61- and 72-year olds). A total of 376 subjects participated in the study, which included brain magnetic resonance image and genetic analysis of the ALDH2 gene. Of the 61- and 72-year-old subjects, 46.4% and 64.3%, respectively, had one or more lacunar infarcts. The average number of infarcts also increased from 2.0 to 2.8 in men and from 2.3 to 3.5 in women. No significant association between the ALDH2 genotype and the presence of lacunar infarction (> or =1) was found. However, in subjects with lacunar infarction, the genotype of ALDH2 *1/*1 was associated with a larger number of the lesion ['single' versus 'multiple' odds ratio (OR) 3.73, 95%CI: 1.43-9.74] in men. The OR was comparable even after adjusting for alcohol consumption, tobacco habits, age, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR 3.88; 95% CI: 1.10-13.66). In women, there was no significant association between the ALDH2 genotypes and lacunar infarcts. The present study revealed that the ALDH2 *1/*1 genotype was significantly associated with the prevalence of multiple lacunar infarcts in Japanese men.

Tonsillectomy in the treatment of pediatric Henoch-Schönlein nephritis

The exact pathophysiology of HSN remains to be elucidated. Hence, a therapeutic strategy that enables curative treatments for all the various grades of HSN patients has yet to be established. We report our experience performing tonsillectomy combined with steroid therapy for 16 pediatric proteinuric Henoch-Schönlein nephritis (HSN) patients. All patients exhibited hematuria and proteinuria in their first HSN attack with the mean age of onset 7.7 years (range 4.75 - 13.9 years). Nine patients were diagnosed with clinically severe HSN presenting with massive proteinuria (> 1 g/m(2)/day). Renal biopsy findings performed in 6 patients were Grade II (3), Grade III (2) and Grade IV (1) according to the International Study of Kidney Diseases in childhood classification. Tonsillectomy was performed after 1-4 cycles of methylprednisolone pulses during oral prednisolone (0.5 - 1.5 mg/kg/day) therapy. In 2 patients, oral cyclophosphamide therapy was added before the tonsillectomy. The interval between the onset of HSN and tonsillectomy was 97.4 +/- 24.5 days (range 27 424 days). In all patients, proteinuria had disappeared by 6 months after the tonsillectomy and the urine findings had normalized. The interval between therapy initiation and complete remission was 9.6 +/- 2.0 months (range 2 - 26 months). Over follow-up periods of 4.9 +/- 0.6 years (range 2.2 - 9.3 years), no recurrences of Henoch-Schonlein purpura or HSN were observed. There was a significant correlation between early tonsillectomy performance and decreased time until normalization of the urine findings, indicating that the tonsils may have pivotal roles in the initiation and progression of HSN. Their elimination might promote the reversal of nephritis. Although this study is retrospective, we suggested that tonsillectomy at an early stage of HSN may be beneficial by shortening the period of illness and contributing to clinical recovery. Randomized controlled trials will be needed to confirm this supposition.

Professional oral health care by dental hygienists reduced respiratory infections in elderly persons requiring nursing care

OBJECTIVES

Respiratory infection is a major cause of death in the elderly. We have evaluated the role of professional oral health care (POHC) by dental hygienists in reducing respiratory infections in elderly persons requiring nursing care.

METHODS

Two populations of elderly persons, one receiving POHC and one not, were examined to determine numbers of microorganisms, potent pathogens of respiratory infection, enzymatic activity in saliva, fevers, prevalence of fatal aspiration pneumonia and prevalence of influenza.

RESULTS

In the first population, we found a high prevalence of potent respiratory pathogens such as Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Patients who received POHC showed a lower prevalence for these pathogens than those who did not. The ratio of fatal aspiration pneumonia in POHC patients was significantly lower than that in patients without POHC (non-POHC) over a 24-month period (P < 0.05). The prevalence of a fever of 37.8 degrees C or more in POHC patients was significantly lower than that in the non-POHC group (P < 0.05). In the second study population, we investigated the effects of POHC on infection with influenza over a 6-month period. In the POHC group, neuraminidase and trypsin-like protease activities decreased, and one of 98 patients was diagnosed with influenza; whereas, in the non-POHC group, nine of 92 patients were diagnosed with influenza. The relative risk of developing influenza while under POHC was 0.1 (95% CI 0.01-0.81, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that POHC by dental hygienists is effective in preventing respiratory infections in elderly persons requiring nursing care.

Synthetic double-stranded RNA induces multiple genes related to inflammation through Toll-like receptor 3 depending on NF-kappaB and/or IRF-3 in airway epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that synthetic double-stranded (ds)RNA may mimic viral infection and induce expression of genes related to inflammation in airway epithelial cells.

OBJECTIVE

We analysed what gene was up-regulated by synthetic dsRNA poly I : C and then focused this study on the role of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), a receptor of dsRNA and its transcriptional pathway.

METHODS

Airway epithelial cell BEAS-2B and normal human bronchial epithelial cells were cultured in vitro. Expression of targets RNA and protein were analysed by PCR and ELISA. Localization of TLR3 expression in the cells was analysed with flow cytometry. To analyse the role of TLR3 and transcription factors, knockdown of these genes was performed with short interfering RNA (siRNA).

RESULTS

Real-time PCR revealed that poly I : C significantly increased the expression of mRNAs for chemokines IP-10, RANTES, LARC, MIP-1alpha, IL-8, GRO-alpha and ENA-78 and cytokines IL-1beta, GM-CSF, IL-6 and the cell adhesion molecule ICAM-1 in both cell types. Increases in protein levels were also observed. Expression of these genes was significantly inhibited in BEAS-2B cells in which TLR3 expression was knocked down. However, pre-treatment with anti-TLR3 mAb, which interferes with the function of TLR3 expressed on the cell surface, did not inhibit the genes expression and these data were concordant with the results that TLR3 was expressed inside airway epithelial cells. The study of siRNA for NF-kappaB and IRF3 showed that they transduce the signal of poly I : C, but their roles were different in each target gene.

CONCLUSION

TLR3 is expressed inside airway epithelial cells and transduces synthetic dsRNA signals. These signals may increase expression of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and ICAM-1 through activation of transcription factors NF-kappaB and/or IRF3 in airway epithelial cells.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oxidative stress in cancer cells

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, including those of colon, prostate, breast and leukemia. In addition, the classical NSAIDs sulindac and aspirin are promising chemopreventive agents against colon cancer. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX) preventing the formation of prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane. NSAIDs also exert other biological effects, including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of NF-kappaB-mediated signals. Despite many suggested mechanisms for their anticancer effects, it remains uncertain how they induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. Furthermore, there is little information on the selectivity of NSAIDs-mediated anticancer effects, although this is one of the most important issues in cancer therapy. Increased understanding of the biological basis for the anticancer activity of NSAIDs and their selectivity is essential for future therapeutic advances. In this paper, we propose that increased ROS generation is one of the key mechanisms for NSAIDs-mediated anticancer effects on various cancer cells.

[Initial efficacy of intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A against cervical dystonia and general muscular hypertonia in persons with severe motor and intellectual disabilities]

We introduced an intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A (hereafter, BTX-A) in 5 cases of cervical dystonia (CD) with generalized muscular hypertonia (GMH). The patients all had severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID). The initial injections (first and second) of BTX-A exerted a focal muscular relaxant effect in all 5 cases. It is interesting that they decreased hypertonia in the lower extremities, which resulted in an improved activity of daily living (ADL) in 4 cases (80%). This fact reveals the involvement of many muscles in regard to CD and GMH, especially in patients with severe cerebral palsy. As for adverse effects, a mild increase of saliva and cough indicated transient misswallowing in 2 cases (40%) and changes in the pattern of head movement and posture in 2 cases (40%). These effects were all mild and did not disturb ADL in any patient. BTX-A is considered to be safer and worthier of trying to decrease complaints related to CD and GMH than we expected. Furthermore, a modified Tsui's score cannot explain the many benefits from BTX-A in the treatment of SMID. For a reliable assessment of BTX-A therapy used to treat CD and GMH, especially in persons with SMID, more expressible and specific assessment methods will need to be established.

Colonic carcinoma resembling submucosal tumor: report of a case and review of the literature

Submucosal tumor-like colorectal carcinoma, most of whose surface is covered with normal mucosa, is very rare. We report a case of colonic carcinoma resembling submucosal tumor. A 54-yr-old man visited our institution for an evaluation of a positive fecal occult blood test. Colonoscopic examination revealed a small, mainly red polypoid lesion with a central deep ulceration and many white spots in the sigmoid colon. Indigocarmine staining demonstrated that the white spots were faint shallow depressions. Magnifying colonoscopic examination showed that the lesion surface, except for the ulceration and the depressions, was covered with normal mucosa. Although the tumor was small, we strongly suspected its malignancy due to a deep ulceration. As we could not excise it endoscopically, we performed sigmoidectomy. The lesion was 12 mm in size. Histologic examination revealed that the lesion was a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma that was mainly covered with normal mucosa, that carcinoma was exposed only at the ulceration and the depressions on the surface, and that it had expanded to the muscularis propria. Together with considerations from the literature, this type of colorectal carcinoma is supposed to be invasive and surgical resection should be considered, no matter how small it may be.

Inhibitory effects of fluvastatin on cytokine and chemokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with allergic asthma

BACKGROUND

Statins have anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of fluvastatin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after allergen-specific and non-allergen-specific stimulation in patients with asthma and in healthy subjects.

METHODS

PBMCs from seven patients with asthma who showed elevated immunoglobulin (Ig)E to house dust mite were isolated and stimulated with Dermatofagoides farinae, purified protein derivative, and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in the presence or absence of fluvastatin. PBMCs from seven healthy subjects were stimulated with PHA. The effects of fluvastatin on cell proliferation and production of cytokines (interferon [IFN]-gamma and interleukin [IL]-5) and chemokines (chemokine CXC motif, ligand [CXCL10], and CC chemokine ligand [CCL17]) were measured. Migration of T helper (Th)1 and Th2 cell lines was also investigated. The expression of CXCR3 and CCR4 was analysed with flow cytometry. Steroid-insensitive PBMCs induced by preculture with IL-2 and IL-4 were also evaluated. Some experiments were performed in the presence of mevalonic acid.

RESULTS

Fluvastatin inhibited the proliferation of PBMCs and decreased the production of IL-5, IFN-gamma, CCL17, and CXCL10 after allergen-specific and non-allergen-specific stimulation; all these effects, except for decreased CXCL10 production, were partially reversed by mevalonic acid. Culture supernatants obtained in the presence of fluvastatin prevented the migration of Th1 and Th2 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, CCR4 and CXCR3 expression on CD4(+) T cells was not affected by the presence of fluvastatin. Fluvastatin inhibited the proliferative response of steroid-insensitive PBMCs to phytohaemagglutinin.

CONCLUSION

Fluvastatin has inhibitory effects on cytokine and chemokine production, and thus might be used as a potential therapeutic agent in severe asthma.

Inhibition of prostasin-induced ENaC activities by PN-1 and regulation of PN-1 expression by TGF-beta1 and aldosterone

Prostasin has been shown to regulate sodium handling in the kidney. Recently, a serine protease inhibitor, protease nexin-1 (PN-1), was identified as an endogenous inhibitor for prostasin. Therefore, we hypothesized that PN-1 may regulate sodium reabsorption by reducing prostasin activity, and that expression of PN-1 was regulated by transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) or aldosterone, like prostasin. cRNAs for epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), prostasin, and PN-1 were expressed in Xenopus oocytes, and the amiloride-sensitive sodium currents (I(Na)) were measured. The effect of TGF-beta1 and aldosterone on the mRNA and protein abundance of PN-1 and ENaC was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in M-1 cells. Expression of PN-1 substantially decreased prostasin-induced I(Na) by approximately 68% in oocytes. Treatment of M-1 cells with 20 ng/ml TGF-beta1 significantly increased protein expression of PN-1 by 3.8+/-0.5-fold, whereas administration of 10(-6) M aldosterone markedly decreased protein expression of PN-1 to 53.7+/-6.7%. Basolateral, but not apical, application of TGF-beta1 significantly reduced I(eq). To elucidate the involvement of PN-1 in basal ENaC activity, we silenced the expression of PN-1 by using short-interfering RNA. This increased I(eq) by 1.6+/-0.1-fold. Our study indicates that PN-1 could have a natriuretic role by inhibiting prostasin activity and suggests the possibility that aldosterone and TGF-beta reciprocally regulate the expression of PN-1 in renal epithelial cells contributing to salt retention or natriuresis, respectively by an additional mechanism. PN-1 could represent a new factor that contributes to regulation of ENaC activity in the kidney.

Association between lipid peroxidation and inflammation in obstructive sleep apnoea

In the present study, the authors examined the relationship between lipid peroxidation and inflammation in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). A total of 40 obese patients with OSA were studied, along with 18 obese and 12 lean subjects without OSA. Overnight excretion of 8-isoprostane in urine and serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured. In addition, the effects of 3 months' treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) were studied in 20 obese patients with moderate-to-severe OSA. Overnight urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane and serum levels of hsCRP were significantly higher in patients with moderate-to-severe OSA compared with patients with mild OSA and obese or lean subjects without OSA. Overnight urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane significantly correlated with apnoea-hypopnoea index, duration of hypoxia during sleep, body mass index, and serum levels of hsCRP in patients with OSA. The severity of OSA was an independent factor predicting the urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane. nCPAP significantly decreased urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane and serum levels of hsCRP. In conclusion, these results suggest that both obstructive sleep apnoea severity and obesity can independently contribute to elevations in urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane. Therefore, obstructive sleep apnoea may increase the risks of cardiovascular morbidity in obese patients.

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma in colonic epithelial cells protects against experimental inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is expressed in epithelial cells, macrophage, and T and B lymphocytes. Ligand induced activation of PPARgamma was reported to attenuate colitis activity but it is not clear whether this protection is mediated by epithelial or leucocyte PPARgamma.

METHODS

Mice with targeted disruption of the PPARgamma gene in intestinal epithelial cells, generated using a villin-Cre transgene and floxed PPARgamma allele and designated PPARgamma(DeltaIEpC), were compared with littermate mice having only the PPARgamma floxed allele with no Cre transgene that expressed PPARgamma in the gut, designated PPARgamma(F/F). Colitis was induced by administering dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) and the two mouse lines compared for typical symptoms of disease and expression of inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

PPARgamma(DeltaIEpC) mice displayed reduced expression of the PPARgamma target genes ADRP and FABP in the gut but were otherwise normal. Increased susceptibility to DSS induced colitis, as defined by body weight loss, colon length, diarrhoea, bleeding score, and altered histology, was found in PPARgamma(DeltaIEpC) mice in comparison with PPARgamma(F/F) mice. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1beta, and tumour necrosis factor alpha mRNA levels in colons of PPARgamma(DeltaIEpC) mice treated with DSS were higher than in similarly treated PPARgamma(F/F) mice. The PPARgamma ligand rosiglitazone decreased the severity of DSS induced colitis and suppressed cytokine production in both PPARgamma(F/F) and PPARgamma(DeltaIEpC) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies reveal that PPARgamma expressed in the colonic epithelium has an endogenous role in protection against DSS induced colitis and that rosiglitazone may act through a PPARgamma independent pathway to suppress inflammation.