Inhibitory effects of antisense oligonucleotides on the expression of procollagen type III gene in mouse hepatic stellate cells transformed by simian virus 40

The effects of phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), complementary to the AUG start region, the junctional region of the intron and exon, and to exon of the procollagen type III gene, were investigated in a mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line transformed by the simian virus 40 gene, SV68c-IS cells. ASO were transfected by lipofection. Immunohistochemistry, western and northern blotting showed inhibitory effects on procollagen type III gene expression by ASO that were complementary to the AUG start region and the junctional region of the intron and exon 2. However, ASO complementary to the exon 2 and 3, junctional region of the intron and exon 3, and sense oligonucleotides complementary to each ASO did not show any inhibitory effects. The effects of ASO complementary to the AUG start region were greater than those of ASO complementary to the junctional region. The effects of ASO were transient and a large amount of ASO was required to induce inhibitory effects without lipofection. ASO were effective in inhibiting the expression of the procollagen type III gene in the HSC which is well known to play a critical role in liver fibrosis.

Clinicopathological features of gastric stromal tumors

Stromal tumors in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract consist of myogenic tumors, neurogenic tumors and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). Mutations in the c-kit gene have been found in GISTs, and GISTs with c-kit mutations showed aggressive clinical behavior and histological features. In the present study, we classified stromal tumors into four groups according to histological differentiation and c-kit mutation: myogenic tumors, neurogenic tumors, c-kit mutation (-) GISTs and c-kit mutation (+) GISTs, and examined their clinicopathological importance and validity using data obtained from 125 patients with gastric stromal tumors. There was no difference in preoperative symptoms and signs among the four groups. GISTs with c-kit mutations were large and showed invasion into neighboring structures compared with the other tumors, indicating the clinically aggressive features of mutation (+) GISTs. In histological examinations, c-kit mutation (+) GISTs were higher in cellularity (P < 0.0001) and mitotic cell count (P = 0.0086), and showed frequent histological necrosis (P = 0.0058) and hemorrhage (P = 0.0170), and consequently, were higher in histological grade (P = 0.0001). In prognostic analyses, overall, cause-specific and disease-free survival of patients in the mutation (+) GIST group was the poorest among the four groups. No significant differences were found among the other three groups of myogenic tumors, neurogenic tumors and c-kit mutation (-) GISTs, indicating a similar aggressiveness in clinical presentation and histological features. Thus, this classification is considered to be clinically and pathologically important in the diagnosis of gastric stromal tumors.

Impairment of spatial learning and hippocampal synaptic potentiation in c-kit mutant rats

The c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the white-spotting (W) gene is highly expressed in rat hippocampal CA1-CA4 regions. We found an impaired spatial learning and memory in homozygous c-kit (Ws/Ws) mutant rats that have a 12-base deletion in the tyrosine kinase domain of the c-kit gene and a very low kinase activity. Electrophysiological studies in hippocampal slices revealed that the long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by the tetanic stimulation (100 Hz, 1 sec) in the mossy fiber (MF)-CA3 pathway, but not in the Schaffer collaterals/commissural-CA1 pathway, was significantly reduced in c-kit mutants compared with wild-type (+/+) rats. The paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) was measured before the tetanus and after the establishment of the LTP in each slice. The initial PPF in the MF-CA3 pathway positively correlated with the amplitude of the LTP in the wild-type rats but not in the c-kit mutant rats. Furthermore, they failed to show the normal characteristics observed in the MF-CA3 pathway of +/+ rats; that is, the negative correlation between the initial PPF and the changes in PPF measured after the LTP. These findings suggest an involvement of SCF/c-kit signaling in hippocampal synaptic potentiation and spatial learning and memory.

Mechanisms of [2,3-butanedione bis(N4-dimethylthiosemicarbazone)]zinc (Zn-ATSM2)-induced protection of cultured hippocampal neurons against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated glutamate cytotoxicity

Hyperexcitation of glutamatergic neurons may play a key role in ischemia-related neurodegeneration. Recent studies have suggested that the zinc ion (Zn2+), which is present in the central nervous system, has a modulatory role in glutamatergic neuron activity. Zinc ions block glutamate-induced depolarizing currents and neuronal damage by binding with zinc sites on the NMDA subtypes. Therefore, we examined the usefulness of zinc as a therapeutic agent for the prevention of ischemic neuronal damage in the brain. In our previous study, 2,3-butanedione bis(N4-dimethylthiosemicarbazonato) zinc complex (Zn-ATSM2), with high brain uptake, showed significant neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia in rats when administered systemically. In this study, to elucidate the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of Zn-ATSM2, we first examined its in vitro protective effects against glutamate-, NMDA- and kainite-induced neurotoxicity in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons. Zn-ATSM2 elicited protective effects against this glutamate- and NMDA-induced neurotoxicity, but did not affect kainite-induced cytotoxicity. In addition, we studied the effects of Zn-ATSM2 on influx of Ca2+, which undergoes modification subsequent to NMDA activation. Zn-ATSM2 significantly decreased glutamate-induced 45Ca2+ uptake. Thus, Zn-ATSM2 protected against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and its protective effect was, at least in part, due to the blockage of NMDA receptor-mediated Ca2+ influx.

The parkinsonian models: invertebrates to mammals

In contrast to Alzheimer's disease, effective therapeutic options are available for Parkinson's disease. Therapy of dopamine replacement such as levodopa improves the symptoms of this disease, but does not inhibit neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. Numerous studies have suggested that endogenous and environmental neurotoxins, and oxidative stress may participate in this disease, but the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Recent genetic studies in familial Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism show several gene mutations. This new information regarding pathogenesis offers novel prospects for therapy. To develop novel neuroprotective drugs, it is necessary to have a model for each type of parkinsonism. This review summarizes current findings regarding parkinsonian models in vertebrates and invertebrates and discusses their value.

[Treatment of metastatic seminoma by chemotherapy.: an experience]

PURPOSE

To describe the outcome of chemotherapy using cisplatin-based regimen, and experimental combination with carboplatin and ifosfamide to treat advanced seminoma.

METHODS

From 1981 to Jan. 1999, 15 patients with Stage IIA, IIB, IIIA or IIIC metastatic seminoma and one patient with lung disease, who suffered a relapse of his primary mediastinal lesion were treated. Three of these patients had relapsed, following surveillance for Stage I testicular cancer, and another had received prophylactic radiotherapy to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes in advance. The first patient's regimen consisted of cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. Since 1983, cases have been treated with the same regimen as that used to treat non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors; cisplatin/vinblastine/bleomycin (PVB); cisplatin/vinblastine/actinomycin D/cyclophosphamide/bleomycin (VAB-6); cisplatin/etoposide/bleomycin (BEP). From 1993, six patients with non-bulky metastatic seminoma participated in a trial involving 3 courses of carboplatin (400 mg/m2) and ifosfamide (2,000 mg/m2, 3 days).

RESULTS

Of the entire group, 10 patients (62.5%) achieved a CR after chemotherapy alone. Four cases who received radiation, following chemotherapy, produced CR. Surgical resection of residual tumors were performed on 2 patients. Resected tumors were fibrous and no evidence of malignancy. All those individuals who participated in this study, are alive and disease-free today, from 11 months to 18 years. Carboplatin and ifosfamide demonstrated only mild toxicity, during a 4-week cycle, with subjects being treated on an outpatient basis.

CONCLUSION

As expected, the type of chemotherapy we used, to treat non-seminomatous germ-cell tumors proved to be highly effective for seminomatous types, as well. Carboplatin and ifosfamide performed well and safe, in the treatment of non-bulky metastatic seminoma. Comparative studies of long-term treatment results and QOL, using either radiotherapy or low-toxicity chemotherapy for Stage IIA disease should be undertaken.

The binding site of transcription factor YY1 is required for intramolecular recombination between terminally repeated sequences of linear replicative hepatitis B virus DNA

In the replication cycle of hepadnavirus DNA, the double-stranded linear form of viral DNA is generated as a minor replicative intermediate, which is efficiently converted to covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) by intramolecular recombination (W. Yang and J. Summers, J. Virol. 69:4029-4036, 1995). We previously found a binding site of transcription factor Yin and Yang 1 (YY1) in one terminal region of the double-stranded linear replicative hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (M. Nakanishi-Matsui, Y. Hayashi, Y. Kitamura, and K. Koike, J. Virol. 74:5562-5568, 2000). However, it is not known whether the YY1-binding site is required for the intramolecular recombination of HBV DNA. In this study, we established an HBV-producing system in which the cccDNA appeared to be generated from the transfected linear DNA or the linear replicative DNA by nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) or by both NHEJ and homologous recombination between terminally repeated sequences, respectively. When the YY1-binding site in the terminal region of transfected linear viral DNA was mutated, the cccDNA was generated merely by NHEJ. Results suggest that the YY1-binding site in the terminal region of linear replicative HBV DNA is required for intramolecular recombination between terminally repeated sequences.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator is induced by kainic acid in rat hippocampal glial cells

The localization and function of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) in the brain are still unclear. In this study, we examined changes of ARNT protein in rat hippocampus, by immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis using anti-ARNT antibody. Treatment of kainic acid (KA) induced marked increase in ARNT protein in both cytosolic and organellar fractions. ARNT immunoreactivity was markedly increased, predominantly in microglia and partly in astrocytes, similar to the immunoreactivity of heme oxygenase-1. In contrast, protein level of dioxin receptor did not change and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha protein was undetectable. These results suggest that ARNT expression in glial cells may participate in KA-induced episodes in the hippocampus.

Nitric oxide generation around buccal ganglia accompanying feeding behavior in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis

Although there are many lines of evidence for both the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the central nervous system (CNS) and the effects of NO on activating and modulating the feeding circuit in Lymnaea stagnalis, there has been no direct evidence that NO generation in the CNS accompanies feeding behavior. In the present study, we used a NO specific electrode to measure the increase in NO concentration around the buccal ganglia when the lips of semi-intact preparations of L. stagnalis were stimulated by sucrose. The NO concentration of the buccal ganglia was significantly increased by an application of sucrose to the lips. A NO scavenger and a NOS inhibitor suppressed this increase in NO concentration. A pair of putative NO-generative neurons in the buccal ganglia, the B2 cells, are active during the inter-feeding phase, and the bursting of the B2 cell elicited by sucrose application starts simultaneously with the feeding response. The rhythmic pulses of NO generation corresponded well with the rhythmic bursting of the B2 cells, which itself corresponds to the 'fictive feeding response'. The present data provide the first direct evidence that NO is generated in the buccal ganglia of L. stagnalis and is involved in a specific behavior such as feeding.

Bioactive polymethyl methacrylate-based bone cement: comparison of glass beads, apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic, and hydroxyapatite fillers on mechanical and biological properties

A new bioactive bone cement (designated GBC) consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as an organic matrix and bioactive glass beads as an inorganic filler has been developed. The bioactive beads, consisting of MgO-CaO-SiO(2)-P(2)O(5)-CaF(2) glass, have been newly designed, and a novel PMMA powder was selected. The purpose of the present study was to compare this new bone cement GBC's mechanical properties in vitro and its osteoconductivity in vivo with cements consisting of the same matrix as GBC and either apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic (AW-GC) powder (designated AWC) or sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) powder (HAC). Each filler added to the cements amounted to 70 wt %. The bending strength of GBC was significantly higher than that of AWC and HAC (p < 0.0001). Cements were packed into intramedullar canals of rat tibiae in order to evaluate osteoconductivity as determined by an affinity index. Rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after operation. An affinity index, which equaled the length of bone in direct contact with the cement expressed as a percentage of the total length of the cement surface, was calculated for each cement. At each time interval studied, GBC showed a significantly higher affinity index than AWC or HAC up to 8 weeks after implantation (p < 0.03). The value for GBC increased significantly with time up to 8 weeks (p < 0.006). The handling property of GBC was comparable with that of PMMA bone cement. Our study revealed that the higher osteoconductivity of GBC was due to the higher bioactivity of the bioactive glass beads at the cement surface and the lower solubility of the new PMMA powder to MMA monomer. In addition, it was found that the smaller spherical shape and glassy phase of the glass beads gave GBC strong enough mechanical properties to be useful under weight-bearing conditions. GBC shows promise as an alternative with improved properties to the conventionally used PMMA bone cement.

A case of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) complicated with MPO-ANCA-related necrotizing glomerulonephritis

Renal diseases of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) are not unusual. Although most of them are SLE-like renal impairment with immune complex deposits, systemic sclerosis- (SSc) like renal impairments with intimal thickening of interlobular arteries or arterioles are also encountered. Several cases of SSc complicated with MPO-ANCA-related necrotizing glomerulonephritis (nGN) are reported. Here we report a case which developed MPO-ANCA-related nGN 16 years after the diagnosis of MCTD. She exhibited pauci-immune focal nGN and significantly high titer of MPO-ANCA. She was successfully treated with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. We believe this is the first case in which MPO-ANCA-related nGN was demonstrated in a patient with MCTD.

Bioactive polymethyl methacrylate-based bone cement: comparison of glass beads, apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic, and hydroxyapatite fillers on mechanical and biological properties

A new bioactive bone cement (designated GBC) consisting of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as an organic matrix and bioactive glass beads as an inorganic filler has been developed. The bioactive beads, consisting of MgO-CaO-SiO(2)-P(2)O(5)-CaF(2) glass, have been newly designed, and a novel PMMA powder was selected. The purpose of the present study was to compare this new bone cement GBC's mechanical properties in vitro and its osteoconductivity in vivo with cements consisting of the same matrix as GBC and either apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic (AW-GC) powder (designated AWC) or sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) powder (HAC). Each filler added to the cements amounted to 70 wt %. The bending strength of GBC was significantly higher than that of AWC and HAC (p < 0.0001). Cements were packed into intramedullar canals of rat tibiae in order to evaluate osteoconductivity as determined by an affinity index. Rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after operation. An affinity index, which equaled the length of bone in direct contact with the cement expressed as a percentage of the total length of the cement surface, was calculated for each cement. At each time interval studied, GBC showed a significantly higher affinity index than AWC or HAC up to 8 weeks after implantation (p < 0.03). The value for GBC increased significantly with time up to 8 weeks (p < 0.006). The handling property of GBC was comparable with that of PMMA bone cement. Our study revealed that the higher osteoconductivity of GBC was due to the higher bioactivity of the bioactive glass beads at the cement surface and the lower solubility of the new PMMA powder to MMA monomer. In addition, it was found that the smaller spherical shape and glassy phase of the glass beads gave GBC strong enough mechanical properties to be useful under weight-bearing conditions. GBC shows promise as an alternative with improved properties to the conventionally used PMMA bone cement.

Immunohistochemical studies on vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1/CD-31 in islet transplantation

Neovascularization may be necessary for better and longer function of transplanted islets. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to be one of the most important factors of angiogenesis. Recently, VEGF was reported to be expressed in islets of normal pancreas. We studied the expression of VEGF and neovascularization related peptides in transplanted islets. To determine the angiogenic microcapillary, immunochemical staining was performed for Factor VIII-related antigen (von Willebrand factor [vWF]) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1/CD31 (PECAM-1), both of which are known as markers of the angiogenic microvessel. Transplantable islets were isolated from Lewis rats (8-10 weeks of age) by discontinuous dextran gradient after collagenase digestion. Seven to twelve hundred islets were injected into the portal vein (IPV group, n = 7) or transplanted into subnephrocapsular cavity (SNC, n = 12) of the same descent rats. In the IPV group, the liver was resected 1 hour, 1 week, or 4 weeks after transplantation (Tx). In the SNC group, the kidney was resected 1, 3, 7, or 28 days after Tx. Each tissue was fixed in formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Serial 4-microm slices were immunostained for insulin, VEGF, PECAM-1, or vWF using specific antibodies. In IPV group, insulin-positive cells were VEGF positive as were in the normal pancreas at all time points. Islets of 1 hour after Tx were barely PECAM-1 positive as were in normal pancreas, but islets became weakly stained at 7 and 28 days after Tx. In vWF staining, transplanted islets showed stronger staining than those in the normal pancreas. In SNC group, VEGF was also stained in insulin-positive cells at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days. In PECAM-1 staining, islets of 1 day after Tx were barely stained as were in normal pancreas. However, the staining was increasingly enhanced from 3 to 7 days and then appeared weakened at 28 days after Tx. In vWF staining, islets were always vWF positive, as was seen in IPV group. This study revealed that PECAM-1 appeared in islets after islet Tx, suggesting that neovascularization occurs within the islet grafts. On the other hand, VEGF of transplanted islet did not obviously vary with time. Enhancement of the neovascularization may lead to better results of islet Tx.

Increase of bcl-2 protein in neuronal dendritic processes of cerebral cortex and hippocampus by the antiparkinsonian drugs, talipexole and pramipexole

Treatment of rats for 4 days with the antiparkinsonian drugs, talipexole and pramipexole, markedly increased Bcl-2 immunoreactivity in neuronal dendritic processes in both cerebral cortex and hippocampus, but treatment for 1 day with either of these drugs did not. Repeated administration of talipexole or pramipexole may have neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative disorders.

Effects of loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations of c-kit on the gastrointestinal tract

Protooncogene c-kit encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, KIT. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) that are important for the autonomous movement of the gastrointestinal tract essentially require the normal function of the KIT for their development. Therefore, germline loss-of-function mutations of the c-kit gene cause deficiency of ICCs that results in disturbed gastrointestinal movement. On the other hand, somatic gain-of-function mutations of the c-kit gene induce gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) that are considered to originate from ICCs. Moreover, germline gain-of-function mutations of the c-kit gene are a cause of familial development of multiple GISTs.

Interleukin-4-inhibited mRNA expression in mixed rat glial and in isolated microglial cultures

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) likely is one of the key players in the concert of immunosuppressive factors in brain. Therefore, influences of the cytokine on mRNA expression of endogenous mediators of inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), interleukin-3 receptor-beta (IL-3R-beta), and of another antiinflammatory cytokine, IL-10, have been evaluated in the present study by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Primary rat mixed glial cultures and isolated microglial cells, the resident immunocytes of the brain, have been used as rich sources of these mRNAs in response to the bacterial cell wall component lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Time-course studies showed peak levels of LPS-increased mRNAs at approximately 4 h. Interestingly, IL-10 mRNA was elevated also upon the LPS-stimulus. IL-4, given 30 min before LPS, inhibited increases of all mRNAs significantly, including IL-10 mRNA. IL-4, however, induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma in cultured microglia. This induction was completely inhibited by simultaneous administration of LPS. The data confirms IL-4 as an important antiinflammatory cytokine and gives some idea of cross-talk between intracellular signaling evoked by pro- and antiinflammatory substances.

Microcoaxial electrode for in vivo nitric oxide measurement

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous mediator involved in various physiological phenomena, such as vasorelaxation and neurotransmission. Investigation of local cellular responses of NO production in vivo and in vitro requires a measurement method with a high spatial resolution. For selective NO measurement, we therefore developed a microcoaxial electrode whose tip diameter is less than 10 microm. Calibration using various concentrations of NO (0.1-1.0 microM) showed that the electrode has good linearity (r = 0.99) and its detection limit is 0.075 microM (S/N = 3). We verified the applicability of this electrode to in vivo and in vitro local measurement NO released from bovine aortic cultured endothelial cells (BAECs) stimulated by acetylcholine (ACh). After the addition of ACh, a transient increase in NO concentration was detected by the electrode. In the presence of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a putative NO synthase inhibitor, NO release (peak NO concentration) from RAECs was significantly less than that in the absence of L-NAME (0.18 +/- 0.04 microM vs 0.47 +/- 0.13; P < 0.01). After removal of L-NAME, NO release partially recovered (0.39 +/- 0.10 microM). In conclusion, the microcoaxial electrode was successfully applied to direct and continuous NO measurement in biological systems.

Pressurization of bioactive bone cement in vitro

We have developed a bioactive bone cement consisting of MgO-CaO-SiO2-P2O5-CaF2 glass-ceramic powder (AW glass-ceramic powder), silica glass powder as an inorganic filler, and bisphenol-a-glycidyl methacrylate (bis-GMA) based resin as an organic matrix. The efficacy of this bioactive bone cement was investigated by evaluating its pressurization in a 5-mm hole and small pores using a simulated acetabular cavity. Two types of acetabular components were used (flanged and unflanged sockets) and a commercially available polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement (CMW 1 Radiopaque Bone Cement) was selected as a comparative control. Bioactive bone cement exerted greater intrusion volume in 5-mm holes than PMMA bone cement in both the flanged and unflanged sockets 10 minutes after pressurization (p < 0.05). In the small pores the bioactive and PMMA bone cements exerted almost identical intrusion volumes in flanged and unflanged sockets 10 min after pressurization. The intrusion volume in the flanged socket 10 minutes after pressurization was greater than that in the unflanged socket in all groups (p < 0.05). These results show that bioactive bone cement intrudes deeper into anchor holes than PMMA bone cement.

Integrated hepatitis B virus DNA preserves the binding sequence of transcription factor Yin and Yang 1 at the virus-cell junction

Accumulated findings have indicated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integrates into the cellular DNA of HBV-infected chronic hepatitis tissues. The integrated sequence (IS) of HBV DNA at the virus-cell junction is conserved in a 25-bp region which is adjacent to direct repeat 1. A cellular protein which we purified from the nuclear extract of HepG2 cells binds to the IS and was designated IS binding protein 3 (ISBP3). The amino acid sequence of ISBP3 was determined and found to be identical to that of transcription initiation factor Yin and Yang 1 (YY1). An antibody against C-terminal amino acids of YY1 recognized ISBP3 in a Western blot analysis and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Furthermore, ISBP3 also interacted with Y3, which corresponds to the YY1 binding sequence, to enhance intramolecular recombination of polyomavirus DNA. Although YY1 is known as a transcription factor, the IS did not exhibit any effect on the transcription of precore and pregenome RNAs. The possible involvement of YY1 in the intramolecular recombination of linear replicative HBV DNA has been examined (Y. Hayashi et al., unpublished data). Data suggest that YY1 is involved in the joining reaction between HBV DNA and cellular DNA to form the virus-cell junction.

Association of allelic loss on 1q, 4p, 7q, 9p, 9q, and 16q with postoperative death in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Papillary thyroid carcinomas, most of which are characterized by slow growth and good prognosis, account for the majority of thyroid carcinomas. To provide appropriate postoperative management, it is important to classify them by prediction of their prognosis. To find genetic markers associated with poor prognosis, allelic loss at all 39 nonacrocentric chromosome arms was compared in 24 deceased cases and 45 age-, sex-, stage-, and type-matched survived cases. Allelic loss was examined in primary tumors from both groups using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers on 39 nonacrocentric autosomal arms. Age at diagnosis, sex, stage, and types of tumors were matched between the two groups. No recurrent tumor was used for DNA analysis. Mean fractional allelic loss in the deceased and survived cases was 0.10+/-0.08 and 0.03+/-0.05 (P < 0.001). The survived cases showed marginal frequencies of allelic loss throughout all chromosome arms except 22q. The deceased cases showed frequent allelic losses on chromosomes 1q (37%), 4p (21%), 7q (20%), 9p (36%), 9q (31%), and 16q (29%), with significant difference (P < 0.05). These chromosome regions may include tumor suppressor genes whose inactivation is associated with aggressive phenotypes of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

A role for heterologous gap junctions between melanoma and endothelial cells in metastasis

F10 and BL6 sublines of B16 mouse melanoma cells are metastatic after intravenous injection, but only BL6 cells are metastatic after subcutaneous injection. We found that connexin (Cx) 26 is upregulated in BL6 cells. To examine gap junction formation, we devised a coculture system, in which an opened vein segment was placed at the bottom of a culture dish and then dye-labeled melanoma cells were seeded onto it. Immunohistochemistry indicated that the vein segment preserved the integrity of the endothelial monolayer. In this system, BL6 cells could transfer dye into endothelial cells but F10 cells could not. Transfection with wild-type Cx26 rendered F10 cells competent for coupling with endothelial cells and as spontaneously metastatic as BL6 cells. Conversely, transfection with a dominant-negative form of Cx26 rendered BL6 cells deficient in coupling and less metastatic. In human melanoma lesions, the level of Cx26 expression was low in melanoma cells residing in the basal layer, but significantly upregulated in melanoma cells invading the dermis. The results suggested that Cx26 plays a role in intravasation and extravasation of tumor cells through heterologous gap junction formation with endothelial cells.

mi-transcription factor as a regulator of mast cell differentiation

Masts cells are progeny of the hematopoietic stem cell. For the differentiation of mast cells, a transcription factor encoded by the mouse mi locus (MITF) plays an important role. The expression of many genes encoding proteins that are essential for the function of mast cells is regulated by MITF. Because various mutant mice are available at the mi locus and because cultured mast cells are easily obtained from the spleen of these mutant mice, this system may be a good model for studying the regulation of hematopoietic cell differentiation by a transcription factor.

Primary T-cell non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma of the appendix

A case of primary T-cell lymphoma of the appendix in an 84-year-old female was reported. Appendectomy was performed as a result of the clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis, due to the rebound tenderness of McBurney's point and thickness of the appendix wall as determined from ultra echo sonograph. Grossly, the surgical resected appendix did not have a dominant inflammatory appearance, therefore a tumor was suspected. Microscopic examination showed diffused proliferation of large and medium size lymphoma cells. Immunohistochemical examination further revealed that the lymphoma cells were positive for T-cell markers. To ensure this was a T-cell lymphoma, molecular examination was performed using paraffin-embedded tissue sections, since T-cell lymphoma of the appendix is extremely rare. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis demonstrated monoclonal T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma was excluded. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary T-cell lymphoma of the appendix. PCR-SSCP analysis in paraffin-embedded tissue section was very useful in the diagnosis of lymphoma cell monoclonality.

Cbfa1 is a positive regulatory factor in chondrocyte maturation

Cbfa1 is a transcription factor that belongs to the runt domain gene family. Cbfa1-deficient mice showed a complete lack of bone formation due to the maturational arrest of osteoblasts, demonstrating that Cbfa1 is an essential factor for osteoblast differentiation. Further, chondrocyte maturation was severely disturbed in Cbfa1-deficient mice. In this study, we examined the possibility that Cbfa1 is also involved in the regulation of chondrocyte differentiation. mRNAs for both Cbfa1 isotypes, type I Cbfa1 (Pebp2alphaA/Cbfa1) and type II Cbfa1 (Osf2/Cbfa1 or til-1), which are different in N-terminal domain, were expressed in terminal hypertrophic chondrocytes as well as osteoblasts. In addition, mRNA for type I Cbfa1 was expressed in other hypertrophic chondrocytes and prehypertrophic chondropcytes. In a chondrogenic cell line, ATDC5, the expression of type I Cbfa1 was elevated prior to differentiation to the hypertrophic phenotype, which is characterized by type X collagen expression. Treatment with antisense oligonucleotides for type I Cbfa1 severely reduced type X collagen expression in ATDC5 cells. Retrovirally forced expression of either type I or type II Cbfa1 in chick immature chondrocytes induced type X collagen and MMP13 expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and extensive cartilage-matrix mineralization. These results indicate that Cbfa1 is an important regulatory factor in chondrocyte maturation.

Allelotyping of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: frequent allelic losses on 1q, 9p, 11, 17, 19p, and 22q

Little is known about the genetic mechanisms behind the genesis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. This is among the most virulent of all human malignancies, and it is believed to result most often from transformation of differentiated thyroid carcinomas of the papillary type. So far, TP53 and beta-catenin mutations are the only genetic alterations that have been implicated in its pathogenesis. To identify loci of other potential tumor suppressor genes, we carried out a genome-wide allelotyping study using 39 microsatellite markers representing all nonacrocentric autosomal arms, in a panel of 21 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. Frequent allelic losses were identified in 1q (40%), 9p (58%), 11p (33%), 11q (33%), 17p (44%), 17q (43%), 19p (36%), and 22q (38%). Deletion mapping of chromosome arms with the most frequent allelic losses (frequencies above 40%) localized the commonly deleted region to 1q31-42, 9p21-22, 17p12-ter, and 17q21.1-22. The mean frequency of loss of heterozygosity on all arms tested was 20%, and the mean fractional allelic loss among the cancers examined was 0.20. These findings defined a sharp distinction between anaplastic thyroid carcinomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas, because the latter do not tend to show losses at the same loci. Frequent allelic losses at multiple loci may implicate chromosomal instability as an important factor in the development of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 27:244-251, 2000.

Packageable antiviral therapeutics against human immunodeficiency virus type 1: virion-targeted virus inactivation by incorporation of a single-chain antibody against viral integrase into progeny virions

To determine their activities as an antiviral agent packageable within virions and suitable for continued expression in cells, we tested a single-chain antibody (scAb) against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) integrase and its three fusion proteins: fused to viral protein R (scab-Vpr), a double-cassette of the WXXF motif binding to Vpr (scAb-WXXF), and viral major capsid protein (scAb-CA), respectively. Cotransfection of human 293T cells with expression plasmid for scAb-Vpr or -WXXF along with HIV-1 clone pLAI resulted in the production of a normal amount of progeny virions with infectivity decreased by more than 10(3)-fold. Immunoblot analyses showed that scAb-Vpr or -WXXF was associated with virions, whereas scAb or scAb-CA was not, suggesting that scAb-Vpr or -WXXF was incorporated into virions. The incorporation of scAb-WXXF appeared to be Vpr dependent, because the fusion protein was associated with the wild-type but not with Vpr-truncated HIV-1 virions. Since G418-selected HeLa clones carrying expression plasmid for scAb-WXXF were obtained much more frequently than those for scAb-Vpr, scAb-WXXF was inferred to be less toxic to cells than scAb-Vpr. These results suggest that scAb-WXXF may serve as a novel class of antiviral therapeutic that inactivates progeny HIV virions from within.

A truncated isoform of the PP2A B56 subunit promotes cell motility through paxillin phosphorylation

Both F10 and BL6 sublines of B16 mouse melanoma cells are metastatic after intravenous injection, but only BL6 cells are metastatic after subcutaneous injection. Retrotransposon insertion was found to produce an N-terminally truncated form (Deltagamma1) of the B56gamma1 regulatory subunit isoform of protein phosphatase (PP) 2A in BL6 cells, but not in F10 cells. We found an interaction of paxillin with PP2A C and B56gamma subunits by co-immunoprecipitation. B56gamma1 co-localized with paxillin at focal adhesions, suggesting a role for this isoform in targeting PP2A to paxillin. In this regard, Deltagamma1 behaved similarly to B56gamma1. However, the Deltagamma1-containing PP2A heterotrimer was insufficient for the dephosphorylation of paxillin. Transfection with Deltagamma1 enhanced paxillin phosphorylation on serine residues and recruitment into focal adhesions, and cell spreading with an actin network. In addition, Deltagamma1 rendered F10 cells as highly metastatic as BL6 cells. These results suggest that mutations in PP2A regulatory subunits may cause malignant progression.

Evaluation of bioactive bone cement in canine total hip arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed in beagle dogs using a bioactive bone cement (BABC) consisting of a silane-treated apatite- and wollastonite-containing glass-ceramic (AW glass-ceramic) powder and a silica glass powder as the filling particles and a bisphenol-A-glycidyl dimethacrylate-based resin (Bis-GMA-based resin) as the organic matrix. The outcomes were compared with the results of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement. The mechanical properties of the BABC were stronger than those of PMMA bone cement. The bonding strength of the BABC to bone in the dogs' femora increased with time and reached 3.7 MPa at 24 months after implantation whereas that of PMMA bone cement was 2.0 MPa (p < 0.05). Histological examination showed direct bonding between the BABC and the femoral bone for up to 24 months after implantation. However, with PMMA bone cement an intervening soft-tissue layer consistently was observed at the bone-cement interface. Direct bonding at the interface between the BABC and the bone through a calcium phosphorous layer 30 microm-thick was revealed by scanning electron microscopy. Femoral bone resorption was observed at 24 months after implantation in the BABC group, but it was not observed in the PMMA bone cement group. Direct bonding between BABC and the bone may have accelerated femoral bone resorption. Cement fractures of the BABC were observed on the acetabular side 24 months after implantation. Weak bonding between the BABC and an acetabular component made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), relatively high elastic characteristics of BABC, and weakness of the calcium phosphorous layer formed on the surface of this cement seemed to lead to failure at 24 months on the acetabular side.

Involvement of mi-transcription factor in expression of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor in cultured mast cells of mice

The microphthalmia (mi) locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) protein family of transcription factors (MITF). We have reported that expression of several genes was impaired in cultured mast cells (CMCs) of mi/mi mice due to a defective transactivation ability of mutant MITF (mi-MITF). We also found that mi/mi CMCs did not express a receptor (MC1R) for alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The overexpression of the wild-type (+/+) MITF but not mi-MITF normalized the expression of the MC1R in mi/mi CMCs, indicating the involvement of +-MITF in the MC1R gene expression. Next, we analyzed the promoter region of the MC1R gene by the transient cotransfection assay. The luciferase construct under the control of the MC1R promoter and the cDNA-encoding +-MITF or mi-MITF were cotransfected into NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. The cotransfection of +-MITF but not mi-MITF increased the luciferase activity. There were five CANNTG motifs recognized by bHLH-Zip-type transcription factors in the cloned promoter region. We found +-MITF bound two of five CANNTG motifs, and both motifs were essential for the transactivation of the MC1R gene by +-MITF. These results indicated that +-MITF directly transactivated the MC1R gene through these two motifs.

Upregulation of two death pathways of perforin/granzyme and FasL/Fas in septic acute respiratory distress syndrome

Accumulation and activation of inflammatory cells in the lung characterize the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the precise mechanism for lung epithelial and endothelial cell damage remains unknown. Based on evidence that rapid apoptosis caused by CD8(+) cytolytic T cells can induce pathological cell death, we hypothesized that this mechanism may also participate in the acute lung injury, and attempted to evaluate apoptosis-related factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from ARDS patients. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed that the messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) for several apoptosis molecules, such as perforin, granzyme A, granzyme B, FasL, and Fas were highly upregulated in the acute phase of ARDS following sepsis. In contrast, low or negligible mRNA expression of these molecules was detected in patients with normal lung function, in septic patients without lung injury (septic non-ARDS), and in patients in the late phase of septic ARDS (late ARDS). While the genes of the classic proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, and IL-8, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were upregulated in septic non-ARDS or late ARDS patients, expressions of these genes in the acute phase of septic ARDS were most distinct. The immunofluorescence flow cytometry showed that only the lymphocyte population in BALF from acute phase of septic ARDS patients expressed perforin and granzyme. The level of soluble FasL in the BALF increased only in the acute ARDS patients. These results thus suggested that the dual apoptosis pathway, perforin/granzyme and FasL/Fas system, is likely to be another participant for the pathogenesis of acute lung injury.

Annexin VII as a novel marker for invasive phenotype of malignant melanoma

Both F10 and BL6 sublines of B16 mouse melanoma cells are metastatic after intravenous injection, but only BL6 cells are metastatic after subcutaneous injection. While examining the genetic difference between the two sublines, we found a marked reduction of annexin VII expression in BL6 cells. In addition, fusion cell clones of both sublines were as poorly metastatic as F10 cells after subcutaneous injection, and contained the annexin VII message as abundantly as F10 cells. Hence, we examined whether the annexin VII expression was correlated with the less malignant phenotype of clinical cases by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivities to anti-annexin VII antibody in melanoma cells were evaluated quantitatively by using skin mast cells as an internal positive control. Eighteen patients with malignant melanoma were divided into two groups: lymph node metastasis-negative and positive groups. The ratio of numbers of patients positive versus negative to the antibody was significantly larger in the former than in the latter group. These results not only indicated that annexin VII serves as a marker for less invasive phenotype of malignant melanoma, but also suggested a possible role of annexin VII in tumor suppression.

Effect of silane treatment and different resin compositions on biological properties of bioactive bone cement containing apatite-wollastonite glass ceramic powder

In methylmethacrylate (MMA)-based cements containing bioactive particles, polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) is known to suppress the bioactivity of Bioglass(R) and apatite-wollastonite glass ceramic (AW-GC). Little is known about the effect of different silane treatment methods on the bioactivity of AW-GC. MMA-based cement plates containing dry silanated AW-GC particles and PMMA particles of different molecular weights (12,000-900,000) were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). Cements containing PMMA particles of high molecular weight formed an apatite layer on the surface after 24 h. Using PMMA particles with a molecular weight of 60,000 and AW-GC particles silanated with different methods (dry method vs. slurry method), cement plates were made and immersed in SBF. Only cement plates containing dry silanated AW-GC particles showed apatite formation in SBF after 3 days. In vivo implantation in rat tibias of MMA-based cement containing dry silanated AW-GC particles and PMMA particles (molecular weight 900,000) demonstrated an affinity index of 32.1 +/- 15.8% after 8 weeks of implantation compared to 89.4 +/- 10.7% achieved by bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate based cement containing the same bioactive powder. By using a dry method of silane treatment and high molecular weight PMMA particles, the bioactivity of cement based on MMA monomer was achieved; but further effort is needed to improve the mechanical properties of the composite.

A new member of the GTPase superfamily that is upregulated in highly metastatic cells

Two sublines of B16 melanoma cells, F10 and BL6, are metastatic after intravenous injection, but only BL6 cells are metastatic after subcutaneous injection. We found a new member of the GTPase superfamily, namely TIB929, which displayed an induction of expression in BL6 cells. It conserved three consensus sequences for GTP-binding site motifs and showed a significant homology to the yeast Gtr2 gene throughout the coding sequence. TIB929 was expressed ubiquitously in human tumor cells, with a marked expression in highly metastatic cells. TIB929 was mapped on mouse chromosome 4D, syntenic to human chromosome 1p. The results suggested an involvement of TIB929 in malignant progression.

Vascular endothelial growth factor activates MAP kinase and enhances collagen synthesis in human mesangial cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor activates MAP kinase and enhances collagen synthesis in human mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial mitogen that is constitutively expressed in normal human glomeruli, but its role in the kidney is still unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of VEGF on human mesangial cells (HMCs). Methods and Results. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated the presence of VEGF receptor mRNA (flt-1 and KDR) in HMCs. The treatment of HMCs with VEGF did not cause a change in 3H-thymidine incorporation or cell numbers. In contrast, VEGF caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in collagen synthesis, with threefold to fivefold increases in both cell-associated and secreted collagen synthesis seen after treatment with 200 ng/ml VEGF. The effects of VEGF were attenuated by treatment of HMCs with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor herbimycin A or the MEK inhibitor PD 98059, but not with the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythrine. VEGF treatment also caused a marked increase in p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, but had no significant effect on HMC superoxide production. Finally, an increase in collagen synthesis was also seen in rat mesangial cells treated with VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that VEGF is not a mitogenic signal in HMCs, but may be involved in the regulation of the mesangial matrix in humans by a MAPK-dependent mechanism.

Combination of transileocolic vein obliteration and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration is effective for ruptured duodenal varices

Duodenal varices are a rare site of hemorrhage in patients with portal hypertension, but their rupture is a serious and often fatal event. We report a 65-year-old woman who presented with hematemesis and melena. She was admitted to our department because of prolonged shock, despite having received transfusion of a large volume of blood. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed nodular varices with active bleeding in the second portion of the duodenum. Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) was performed using a tissue adhesive agent, alpha-cyanoacrylate monomer, with only temporary benefit. However, anemia continued to progress after the procedure. Therefore, we combined transileocolic vein obliteration (TIO) with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RIO), using 5% ethanolamine oleate with iopamidol to obliterate the varices. Complete hemostasis was achieved without complications. Neither recurrence of varices nor further bleeding has occurred for over 3 years. We conclude that combined TIO and B-RTO, which can obstruct both the feeding and the draining vessels of duodenal varices to retain the sclerosing agent completely in the varices, is a safe and effective hemostatic measure for ruptured duodenal varices, when EIS has failed to accomplish complete hemostasis.

Induction of inducible heme oxygenase (HO-1) in the central nervous system: is HO-1 helpful or harmful?

Heme oxygenase (HO) produced biliverdin and bilirubin, which are powerful antioxidants, therefore, it has been proposed as helpful against oxidative stress. In contrast, HO also produces iron, and it could increase oxidative stress if not handled property. To clarify the effect of HO, i.e., helpful or harmful, we examined the expression, localization, and induction mechanism of HO-1 in the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia and injection of kainic acid (KA). Following ischemia, HO-1 expression was observed early but transiently in the CA1 pyramidal neurons and later but continuously in glial cells. In addition, HO-1-expressing pyramidal neurons were colocalized well with phosphorylated c-Jun, which is a critical step in neuronal apoptosis. After injection of KA, HO-1 expression was observed only in glial cells but not neurons, and HO-1 expression was observed in predominantly ameboid microglia, along with a few astrocytes. HO-1-expressing ameboid microglia expressed major histocompatibility complex class II antigen, suggesting strong activation. These results suggested that HO-1 may have double-edged effects, and its effects may be depend on the cell type. This short review is intended to highlight on the effect of HO-1 in neurodegeneration.

Immediate causes of death in thyroid carcinoma: clinicopathological analysis of 161 fatal cases

Most patients with thyroid carcinoma have a good prognosis. Due to the small number of fatal cases, it has not been clarified what conditions result in death for patients with thyroid carcinoma. To provide appropriate management for advanced thyroid carcinoma patients, we analyzed causes of death in 161 fatal cases. Clinical characteristics and immediate (final) causes of death based on pathological conditions were analyzed in 62 anaplastic carcinomas and 99 fatal differentiated carcinomas. Single fatal conditions could not be specified in 55 patients. In the remaining 106 patients, respiratory insufficiency (43%) was the most common specific fatal condition, followed by circulatory failure (15%), hemorrhage (15%), and airway obstruction (13%). Respiratory insufficiency due to remarkable pulmonary metastasis replacing lung tissue, massive hemorrhage and airway obstruction due to uncontrolled local tumors, and circulatory failure resulting from compression of the vena cava by extensive mediastinal or sternal metastases were found to be the most important immediate causes of death. Based on this knowledge, several palliative procedures may be worth considering to improve survival and quality of life in patients with advanced thyroid carcinoma.

Phosphorylation of c-Jun and its localization with heme oxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 in CA1 pyramidal neurons after transient forebrain ischemia

Accumulating evidence on the molecular and cellular basis of ischemia/reperfusion-induced neurodegeneration suggests that oxidative stress is involved. Heme oxygenase (HO) and cyclooxygenase (COX) play physiologically important roles in the CNS. Conversely, HO and COX also can increase oxidative stress. Recent studies suggest that c-Jun phosphorylation is an important step in some forms of stress-induced neuronal apoptosis. In this study, the authors tried to clarify the association of HO and COX with c-Jun phosphorylation. Inducible forms of HO and COX (HO-1 and COX-2, respectively) were transiently induced in CA1 pyramidal neurons after ischemia. c-Jun also was induced in pyramidal neurons throughout the hippocampal formation, but its phosphorylation was limited to CA1. In contrast, these molecules were constitutively expressed at low levels. Most (84%) of the CA1 pyramidal neurons examined expressed HO-1, COX-2, or both, and such expression showed good co-localization with c-Jun phosphorylation. These results suggest the following: (1) c-Jun phosphorylation was associated with ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal apoptosis; (2) HO-1 and COX-2 were induced in CA1 pyramidal neurons, which undergo cell death; and (3) most CA1 pyramidal neurons expressed HO-1, COX-2, or both, which strongly suggests that these are candidates for neuron killers.

Effects of angiotensin inhibitors on renal injury and angiotensin receptor expression in early hypertensive nephrosclerosis

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) are known to inhibit the progression of established renal failure. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of an ACEI and an AT1 receptor antagonist (AT1R-Ant) in preventing the development of renal disease, at an early stage of hypertensive nephrosclerosis. SHRSP/Izm rats (n = 61) were treated from 10 wk until 22 wk with the ACEI delapril (40 mg/kg/d) or the AT1R-Ant candesartan cilexetil (1 mg/kg/d). Proteinuria, and structural/ultrastructural changes were assessed at 14 and 22 wk. Treatment with either agent resulted in reductions in blood pressure and cardiovascular hypertrophy. Neither proteinuria nor major renal histological changes were evident at 14 wk. At 22 wk, however, proteinuria accompanied by nephrosclerotic changes was seen in the untreated SHRSP/Izm. Treatment with either ACEI or AT1R-Ant resulted in similar reductions in proteinuria (untreated, 32.2 +/- 7.4; delapril-treated, 5.5 +/- 1.2; candesartan-treated, 3.9 +/- 0.3 mg/100 g/d). Prominent sclerosis of small-to-medium sized renal arteries was seen in the untreated SHRSP/Izm at 22 wk, but was similarly attenuated by the ACEI and AT1R-Ant. The glomerular ultrastructure was comparable between the two groups. No significant changes in renal AT1a or AT1b receptor subtype mRNA expression were seen throughout the course of the study. In contrast, a decrease in AT2 receptor mRNA was seen in the drug-treated groups at 14 wk but not at 22 wk. These results suggest that both ACEI and AT1R-Ant have similar efficacy in attenuating the onset of renal injury in early hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and that treatment with either agent is associated with a transient decrease in AT2 receptor mRNA expression.

The pathophysiology of glossal pain in patients with iron deficiency and anemia

BACKGROUND

It is well known that prolonged anemia causes atrophy of tongue papillae, glossal pain, and dysphagia, but it is uncertain whether iron (Fe) deficiency induces glossal pain without any objective manifestation. To resolve this matter, the relationship between Fe deficiency and glossal pain was examined.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with Fe deficiency and 7 anemic patients manifesting spontaneous irritation or pain of the tongue without any objective abnormalities participated in this study. To ascertain the cause of glossal pain and the oral pathophysiology in Fe deficiency and anemia, peripheral blood was examined and the glossal pain threshold and salivary flow rates (SFRs) were estimated along with Candida albicans cell culture tests.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with Fe deficiency, those with anemia had a longer history of tongue pain. In patients with anemia, painful areas of the tongue were more numerous than in patients with Fe deficiency. Pain thresholds were decreased in the painful portions, and both nonstimulated and stimulated SFRs were suppressed. Each patient was treated with oral Fe; within 2 months, most patients exhibited increased serum ferritin level (P< 0.02, paired t-test), pain threshold (P < 0.05) and salivation (P < 0.05) and glossal pain subsided.

CONCLUSIONS

Fe deficiency causes glossal pain and the degree of glossal pain increases as Fe deficiency advances to anemia, manifesting hyposalivation and abnormalities of glossal papillae.

Replication of GB virus C (hepatitis G virus) in interferon-resistant Daudi cells

We previously reported that Daudi cells, a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line, were capable of supporting productive infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV). During continual cultivation after HCV infection, the culture became resistant to interferons (IFNs). This resistant cell line, coded as H-903, was used as host cells for replication of GB virus C (GBV-C), also known as hepatitis G virus. GBV-C RNA was detected in the culture by reverse transcription-PCR for more than 130 days after inoculation, while it was detected for 44 days but not later in the parental IFN-sensitive Daudi cells. Productive infection of GBV-C in the H-903 system was confirmed by serially inoculating supernatants from infected cultures into uninfected cells. The viral E2 antigen was detected by immunofluorescence in the cells inoculated with the fifth passage of GBV-C. The presumed capsid-coding region of the viral genome in the inoculum, in the serially passaged virus, or in the virus produced by a long-term culture was only 16 amino acids long, suggesting that the GBV-C with a short core sequence was replication competent.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 production, a newly identified function of mast cell progenitors, is downregulated by c-kit receptor activation

Mast cell precursors invade from the peripheral blood into local tissues where they differentiate to their mature phenotypes. However, the mechanism of this migration process has been unclear. We clearly demonstrated here the production and release of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a matrix-degrading enzyme necessary for leukocyte transmigration, by interleukin-3-dependent mouse mast cell progenitors: bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells and IC-2 mast cells. Because several interleukin-3-independent mast cell lines with active mutations in the c-kit gene did not release MMP-9, the possible involvement of c-kit receptor activation in downregulation of MMP-9 production was predicted. c-kit receptor activation by stem cell factor led to a significant decrease in MMP-9 production of cultured mast cells and IC-2 mast cells transfected with the c-kit gene. Thus, the present results suggest that mast cell precursors are able to produce MMP-9, which may be essential for mast cell migration into tissues, and that stem cell factor may downregulate the MMP-9 production, resulting in engagement of mast cells to matrix components.

Endogenous adenosine protects CA1 neurons from kainic acid-induced neuronal cell loss in the rat hippocampus

CA3 pyramidal neurons in the rat hippocampus show selective vulnerability to the intracerebroventricular injection of kainic acid (KA). However, the mechanism of this selective neuronal vulnerability remains unclear. In this study, we examined the contribution of endogenous adenosine, a potent inhibitory neuromodulator, to the differences in the neuronal vulnerability of the hippocampus, using microtubule-associated protein (MAP)-2, phosphorylated c-Jun, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II immunoreactivities as markers for neuronal cell loss, neuronal apoptosis and glial activation, respectively. Pretreatment with 8-cyclopenthyltheophylline (CPT), an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, significantly exacerbated KA-induced neuronal cell loss in both the CA1 and CA3. Although c-Jun phosphorylation, a critical step in neuronal apoptosis, was not detected in the vehicle-injected rat hippocampus, c-Jun phosphorylation was induced in the CA3 by the injection of KA alone. Pretreatment with CPT induced c-Jun phosphorylation in both the CA1 and CA3. MHC class II antigen was also detected in the regions of c-Jun phosphorylation. Coadministration of N6-cyclopenthyladenosine (CHA), an A1 adenosine receptor agonist, attenuated the neuronal cell loss in the CA1 and CA3 with or without pretreatment with CPT. These results strongly suggest that endogenous adenosine has neuroprotective effects against excitotoxin-induced neurodegeneration in the CA1 through its A1 receptors.