Lipopolysaccharide activates transcription of the heme oxygenase gene in mouse M1 cells through oxidative activation of nuclear factor kappa B

It has been known for a long time that heme oxygenase (HO) is a key enzyme in heme catabolism, and it was found to act as an oxidative-stress protein to produce carbon monoxide, which has similar actions to those of nitrogen monoxide. We examined transcriptional control of the HO gene in mouse M1 (myeloleukemia) cells during treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; an oxidative reagent). Since the promoter region of this gene in human cells contains a 12-O-tetradecanoyl- phorbol-13-acetate(TPA)-responsive element (TRE) and a nuclear-factor-kappa B-responsive element. HO mRNA expression might be regulated by an oxidative activation pathway. We investigated activation of the HO gene after treatment of M1 cells with LPS. Upon treatment with LPS, H2O2 was produced, the nuclear proto-oncogenes fos and jun were activated, then the HO gene was activated. The extent of transcriptional activation of the fos, jun and HO genes in M1 cells treated with LPS was strongly reduced by a scavenger of oxygen radicals (N-acetyl-L-cysteine), but a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C only reduced transcriptional activation by 10-20%. These results suggest that LPS may be an oxidative reagent. Some oxidative reagents (e.g., H2O2) are strong activators of NF-kappa B, and therefore we treated M1 cells with H2O2. Essentially the same extends of transcriptional activation of the fos, jun and HO genes were observed as those observed after LPS treatment. Super-shift assays with DNA that contained the TRE motif revealed that the Fos and Jun proteins from nuclei of M1 cells treated with LPS and H2O2 bound weakly to the TRE motif, and, in assays with DNA that contained the NF-kappa B motif, nuclear protein from M1 cells treated with H2O2 or LPS bound strongly to the NF-kappa B motif. These results strongly suggest that the HO gene in M1 cells is mainly activated by LPS through oxidative activation of NF-kappa B due to production of H2O2.

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the skin is a rare tumor with a microscopic resemblance to lymphoepitheliomatous tumors of the nasopharynx. A 62-year-old woman exhibited such a tumor on the nose together with regional lymph node metastases. Histologically, irregular islands of atypical epithelial cells unconnected to the overlying epidermis were surrounded by or mixed with numerous lymphocytes in the primary tumor. No squamous or glandular differentiation was present. Metastases to the submandibular lymph nodes appeared as glassy squamous cells that resembled trichilemmal keratinization. Staining of the tumor tissues with S-100 protein antibody revealed the presence of numerous short dendritic cells in clusters of epithelial cells. Total resection and adjunctive radiotherapy have led to a 6-year period free of recurrence. This is the second case report of this condition in Japan.

Concomitant transcriptional activation of nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase genes during nitric oxide-mediated macrophage cytostasis

During in vitro activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their synthesis of peroxynitrite and their cytostatic activity against mouse lymphocytic leukemia (L1210) cells were examined. The activation of the genes for nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) was also determined during the activation of the macrophages. Results showed that activation of peroxynitrite synthesis in macrophages was accompanied by the transcriptional activation of iNOS and HO-1 genes. Both genes seem to be activated simultaneously upon activation of the macrophages. Simultaneous activation of iNOS and HO-1 genes may be important because degradation of heme by HO-1 is one of the most important reaction that produces CO in higher organisms, and nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) can react with heme-containing guanylate cyclase.

Purification and characterization of N-beta-alanyl-5-S-glutathionyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, a novel antibacterial substance of Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly)

We purified a novel antibacterial substance from immunized adult Sarcophaga and determined its molecular structure to be N-beta-alanyl-5-S-glutathionyl-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (5-S-GAD). We synthesized 5-S-GAD enzymatically from N-beta-alanyl-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (beta-Ala-Dopa) and reduced glutathione (GSH). The antibacterial activity of 5-S-GAD was found to be due to its production of H2O2. This is a novel antibacterial mechanism as it differs from the mechanisms of known antibacterial peptides. Two possible roles of 5-S-GAD in insect immunity, suppression of bacterial growth and activation of a Rel family transcription factor, are proposed.

Free composite graft for lip reconstruction after tumor excision

This paper represents 10 patients for whom lip defects following excision of malignant tumors were reconstructed by the free composite graft technique using the opposite side of the lip. Usually, for upper lip reconstruction, a switch flap or Zisser-Madden method is commonly used. For lower lip reconstruction, the methods of the double cross-lip flaps or the rotation flap are most frequently used. However, we recommend the free composite graft technique for selective patients, since this method is simpler than the other techniques and the results are excellent both cosmetically and functionally.

Effects of hypertrichotic agents on follicular and nonfollicular cells in vitro

Our previous studies revealed that topical minoxidil induced an increased rate of DNA synthesis in both dermal papilla and follicular germinal cells in early anagen and bulbar matrix as well as outer root sheath and perifollicular fibrocytic cells in mid and late anagen follicles in the bald scalp of the stump-tailed macaque. However, the epidermis and dermal fibrocytes showed no response. To determine the specific action of hypertrichotic agents on follicular cells, we examined the effects of two potent hypertrichotic agents, minoxidil and cyclosporin, on the DNA synthesis of cultured cells derived from either follicular cells (dermal papillar, perifollicular fibrocytic and outer root sheath cells) obtained from human and macaque scalps or nonfollicular cells (fibrocytes and epidermal keratinocytes) from human and macaque foreskin, palm and sole regions and the 3T3 cell line. Cultured subconfluent cells from the above follicular and nonfollicular specimens were incubated with either minoxidil (0.01-2 mM) or cyclosporin (0.01-100 mM) in medium (serum-free DMEM) for 48 h, then 3H-thymidine was added for the final 6 h. Minoxidil induced a significant increase in DNA synthesis in all follicular cells in a dose-specific manner (maximum rate at 0.5 mM for dermal papilla and perifollicular fibrocytic cells and 0.1 mM for outer root sheath cells). The perifollicular fibrocytic cells appeared to have a potentiality similar to that of the dermal papilla cells. Nonfollicular cells showed no response to minoxidil; 3T3 cells were rather suppressed. Cyclosporin appeared to have rather suppressive effects on both follicular and nonfollicular cells. These results suggest that minoxidil has a specific affinity to hair follicular cells and induced their cell proliferation. Although cyclosporin is known as a potent hypertrichotic agent, our studies on cultured follicular cells showed no direct proliferative effect. The hypertrichotic mechanism of cyclosporin appeared to be different from that of minoxidil.

Effects of mixed silane coupling agent on porcelain tooth material and various dental alloys

Mixed salines, 3-methacryloxypropylsilytriisocyanate and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, were used as primers for adhesion of poly(methyl methacrylate) to porcelain teeth, precious alloys and nonprecious alloys. After thermocycle testing, the mean bond strength of the resin to porcelain, silver alloys and stainless steel were excellent. The fracture patterns of porcelain teeth after thermocycling followed by adherent testing were similar to those of specimens subjected to 48-hour water immersion at 37 degrees C. Two specimens failed cohesively in the porcelain and the other specimens failed in the resin. The mixed primer had no effect on cobalt-chromium alloy specimens.

Regulation of the expression of cathepsin B in Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly) at the translational level during metamorphosis

Previously, we reported that cathepsin B of pupal hemocytes participates in dissociation of the fat body of Sarcophaga larvae at metamorphosis. In this study, we demonstrated that the amount of cathepsin B in hemocytes was controlled at the translational level, i.e. larval hemocytes stored a significant amount of untranslated cathepsin B mRNA. When the larvae pupated, translation of the mRNA commenced, resulting in accumulation of cathepsin B. Our results indicate that the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of this mRNA is necessary for the repression of its translation in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate. We detected the 3'-UTR binding protein in the lysate of larval hemocytes, but not in the pupal hemocytes. The role of this protein in the translation of cathepsin B mRNA is discussed.

Purification and cDNA cloning of an antifungal protein from the hemolymph of Holotrichia diomphalia larvae

An antifungal protein (AFP), holotricin 3, was purified from the hemolymph of the coleopteran insect Holotrichia diomphalia larvae. Analysis of its cDNA showed that holotricin 3 is a novel Gly- and His-rich protein consisting of 84 amino acid residues. This protein was similar to AFP, an antifungal protein of Sarcophaga peregrina that was reported previously, in terms of molecular size and high content of Gly and His residues. However, no appreciable sequence similarity was detected between the two proteins.

Androgen induction of follicular epithelial cell growth is mediated via insulin-like growth factor-I from dermal papilla cells

Androgen significantly stimulates the proliferation of outer root sheath cells that are cocultured with beard dermal papilla cells without cell contact. The expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA in beard dermal papilla cells was stimulated by androgen and antagonized by cyproterone acetate. Outer root sheath cells did not express mRNA for IGF-I either in the presence or absence of androgen. Both of these two types of cells expressed mRNA for IGF-I receptor and the expression was not affected by androgen. Neutralizing antibody against IGF-I antagonized the stimulatory effect of androgen on the growth of outer root sheath cell cocultured with beard dermal papilla cells. These findings suggest that IGF-I is a candidate for androgen induced hair growth factors.

Hyperbaric oxygenation reduces the cytostatic activity and transcription of nitric oxide synthetase gene of mouse peritoneal macrophages

The effects of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) and hyperbaric air (HBA) on the cytostatic activity, peroxynitrite synthesis and transcription of the inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) gene of murine peritoneal macrophages were studied in vitro. Exposure of mice to HBO or HBA significantly reduced the cytostatic activity, peroxynitrite synthesis and transcription of iNOS mRNA of their macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). These results indicate that HBO and HBA treatments of mice reduce the cytostatic activity of peritoneal macrophages by reducing iNOS mRNA synthesis.

Molecular cloning of cDNA for sapecin B, an antibacterial protein of Sarcophaga, and its detection in larval brain

A cDNA clone for sapecin B, an antibacterial protein of Sarcophaga, was isolated. This cDNA encoded a precursor protein of sapecin B consisting of a signal sequence (24 residues), prosegment (30 residues) and mature sapecin B (34 residues). Sapecin B was synthesized almost exclusively in the fat body when the larval body wall was injured, but the brain of naive larvae was also demonstrated to contain a significant amount of sapecin B. These findings suggested that sapecin B is a bifunctional protein.

Mode of action of an antibacterial peptide, KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2

Previously, we reported that a synthetic undecapeptide, KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2, and its D-enantiomer have potent bactericidal activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Here we examined the mode of action of KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 with special reference to its effect on bacterial membranes. We found that both the outer and inner membrane of Escherichia coli become permeable to low molecular mass substances when treated with this peptide. Under these conditions, the bacteria lost the ability to synthesize ATP and to transport proline, suggesting that their electrochemical membrane potential was disrupted. This peptide appears to form numerous channels in bacterial membranes that interfere with membrane functions, resulting in cell death.

Interaction between dermal papilla cells and follicular epithelial cells in vitro: effect of androgen

To investigate the mode of action of testosterone on human hair follicles, we studied the localization of androgen receptors in hair follicles and cultured dermal papilla cells from different body sites, using immunohistochemistry with a polyclonal antibody. Androgen receptors were detected in the dermal papilla cells of beard and axillary hair follicles, but not in those of occipital scalp hair follicles. Epithelial cells of the hair follicles were not stained by the antibody. Androgen receptors were also detected in the nuclei of cultured beard and axillary dermal papilla cells, but the dermal papilla cells from occipital scalp hair follicles showed little staining with this antibody. We also examined the effects of testosterone on the DNA synthesis and proliferation of cultured outer root sheath cells and dermal papilla cells. Testosterone did not have a proliferative effect on either type of cell when cultured alone. In contrast, testosterone significantly stimulated the proliferation of outer root sheath cells which were co-cultured with beard or axillary dermal papilla cells, without cell contact. No such effect was observed when dermal papilla cells from occipital scalp hair follicles were used in the cultures. This proliferative effect of testosterone was concentration-dependent, and was antagonized by cyproterone acetate. Our findings suggest that dermal papilla cells from the beard and axillary hair follicles produce androgen-dependent diffusible growth factors which stimulate follicular epithelial cells.

Molecular characterization of an insect transferrin and its selective incorporation into eggs during oogenesis

A protein with a molecular mass of 65 kDa that was specifically taken up into eggs was purified from the hemolymph of adult female Sarcophaga peregrina flies. From cDNA analysis, this protein was shown to be a Sarcophaga transferrin. Unlike mammalian transferrin, the similarity between its N-terminal and C-terminal halves was only 19%, and it was suggested to conjugate one iron atom/molecule in its N-terminal half. Sarcophaga transferrin was found to transport iron ions into eggs during oogenesis and deliver them to another protein, thought to be ferritin. No significant activation of the transferrin gene was detected during embryogenesis, so probably maternal transferrin is used as an intercellular or intracellular iron-transporter during embryogenesis of this insect.

A sapecin homologue of Holotrichia diomphalia: purification, sequencing and determination of disulfide pairs

We purified and characterized a sapecin homologue, named holotricin 1, from the hemolymph of immunized larvae of a coleopteran insect, Holotrichia diomphalia. We determined its complete amino acid sequence and three disulfide pairs. Holotricin 1 consisted of 43 amino acid residues and showed potent antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, but antibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria was not obvious.

Protoplast fusion method for efficient transformation of mouse spermatogenic cells

The efficiencies of methods for introducing DNAs into spermatogenic cells were investigated. The calcium phosphate method has been most commonly used to transfect DNA into cultured cells, but this method severely damages spermatogenic cells. Therefore, we investigated the efficiencies of transfection of spermatogenic cells by DEAE-dextran, modified liposome, and protoplast fusion methods, which seemed to cause less damage to spermatogenic cells than the calcium phosphate method. The protoplast fusion method was the most suitable for transfection of spermatogenic cells.

Potential of azidothymidine to activate the HIV-1 promoter

Azidothymidine (AZT) has been used for treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), but a recent concord trial showed that it is ineffective for suppressing the development of AIDS. In this study, the effects of AZT on three cell lines transformed by pCD12 plasmid (human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) promoter-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) were examined. Results showed that AZT has the potential to activate the HIV-1 promoter.

The effects of finasteride (Proscar) on hair growth, hair cycle stage, and serum testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in adult male and female stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides)

Finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, was administered orally (1 mg/kg.day) for 6 months to six male and five female stumptail macaques. Vehicle was given to five male and five female animals over the same period of time. Hair weights in a defined 1-in.2 area of frontal scalp were measured periodically every 1-2 months, and serum was collected for measurement of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. In addition, scalp biopsies were taken before and 6 months after treatment to evaluate the micromorphometry of hair follicles. Results showed that both male and female serum dihydrotestosterone levels were significantly reduced (60-70%) by finasteride treatment. Both males and females showed statistically significant increases in mean hair weight over the treatment period compared to controls (P = 0.034). In addition, there was a statistically significant increase in mean follicle length (measured histologically in scalp biopsies) compared to baseline in the finasteride-treated animals (P = 0.028). These data show that an inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase in the stumptail macaque can reverse the balding seen with age in both the male and female animals.

Successful transplantation of cultured human outer root sheath cells as epithelium

We used sheets of cultured outer root sheath cells derived from plucked human hair follicles for the epidermal reconstruction of a burn wound of a patient and prepared wounds of athymic mice. The outer root sheath cells obtained from plucked human follicles can grow in serial culture in a defined medium without serum. After seven subcultures within 5 weeks, outer root sheath cells obtained from a single follicle grew approximately 1 x 10(7) cells, which covered a 360-cm2 area of a monolayer sheet. These cultured outer root sheath cells, carried on a bovine atelocollagen sheet (Meipac) or a polyurethane sheet (Tegaderm), were transplanted on a graft bed prepared on the backs of athymic mice. Contraction of the graft beds was prevented by the use of these carriers. Histological examination of the graft removed 2 weeks after transplantation showed four to seven layers of epithelial cells. Both the epidermal granular and horny cell layers were well developed, although the rete ridges were absent. Using the same technique, the sheet of outer root sheath cells with an atelocollagen as a carrier was successfully transplanted onto the granulating site in a burn patient.

Novel synthetic antimicrobial peptides effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Previously, we identified a core undecapeptide of sapecin B having antimicrobial activity. Based on the structure of this peptide, we systematically synthesized peptides consisting of terminal basic motifs and internal oligo-leucine sequences and examined their antimicrobial activities. Of these peptides, RLKLLLLLRLK-NH2 and KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2 were found to have potent microbicidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant S. aureus and Candida albicans in liquid medium. We also synthesized the D-enantiomer of KLKLLLLLKLK-NH2. This enantiomer was resistant to tryptic digestion and persisted longer in the culture medium, showing greater antimicrobial activity than the original peptide.

Ringed grafting for an abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 92-year-old patient: report of a case

We report herein the case of a 92-year-old man with an abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent successful surgical resection using a ringed graft. His postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged after 42 days, following which he attended the outpatient department twice a month for regular check-ups. He finally died of pneumonia which developed from an upper respiratory tract infection 6 months after his operation. Thus, surgical treatment should always be considered when an aneurysm is detected, even in very aged patients for whom the activities of daily living are possible.

Mechanism of action of androgen in hair follicles

In order to investigate the mode of action of testosterone (T) on human hair follicles we studied the metabolism of T and localization of androgen receptors in outer root sheath cells (ORSC) and dermal papilla cells (DPC) from different body sites. T was principally metabolized to androstenedione (delta 4) even in beard ORSC as well as epidermal keratinocytes (EK), and the ratio of apparent 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha-R) to 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) did not differ between these two kinds of cells. The 5 alpha-R activity in beard DPC was 3 times as high as that in occipital scalp and axillary DPC. The 5 alpha-R of beard DPC exhibited a narrow optimum pH of 5.5, which is characteristic of type 2 enzyme present in androgen target cells. In contrast, 5 alpha-R of DPC from axillary and occipital scalp hair showed a broad optimum pH range between 6.5-9.0 corresponding to type 1 5 alpha-R. Androgen receptors were detected in the DPC of beard and axillary hair follicles, but not in those of occipital scalp hair follicles using immunohistochemical staining with polyclonal anti-androgen receptor antibody. Epithelial cells of the hair bulb were not stained by the antibody. Androgen receptors were also detected in the nuclei of cultured beard and axillary DPC, but the DPC from occipital scalp hair follicles showed little staining with the antibody. We also examined the effects of T on the DNA synthesis and proliferation of cultured ORSC and DPC. T did not have a proliferative effect on either type of cell when cultured alone.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)