Ascorbate-induced high-affinity binding of copper to cytosolic proteins

Copper chaperones are necessary for intracellular trafficking of copper to target proteins. This is probably because the milieu inside the cell has a large capacity for sequestering this metal. By fluorometry using a fluorescent Cu(II) chelator and by centrifugal ultrafiltration, we have studied copper binding of the whole cytosolic proteins from mouse brain and liver, and found that their binding capacity and affinity for copper were markedly increased by ascorbate. Brain cytosolic protein bound, with high affinity, 63 nmol of copper/mg, more than half of which was redox-inactive, as indicated by its inability to catalyze oxidation of ascorbate. Most of the bound copper was in the Cu(I) state, coordinating to thiol groups of protein. Cytosolic protein competed for copper more strongly than GSH when compared at their relative concentrations in tissues. The results taken together suggest that protein thiols of cytosol can strongly sequester copper.

Inhibition of progression of heart failure and expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA in rats with heart failure by the ACE inhibitor quinapril

The cardioprotective effects of quinapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, were studied in a rat model of heart failure. Twenty-six rats were divided into two groups: one given 20 mg/kg/day quinapril (n = 11), and controls given 0.5% methylcellulose (n = 15). After oral administration for 1 month, quinapril reduced heart weight (from 1.28+/-0.05 to 0.87+/-0.02 g; p < 0.05) without changing body weight. Quinapril lowered left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (from 14.1+/-2.0 to 6.6+/-1.5 mmHg; p < 0.05) and central venous pressure (from 2.7+/-0.9 to 0.7+/-0.4 mmHg), and increased +/- dP/dt (from +2409+/-50 to +3569+/-169 mmHg/s, and from -2318+/-235 to -3960+/-203 mmHg/s; both p < 0.01). The area of myocardial fibrosis was markedly reduced by quinapril (6+/-3%) as compared with controls (29+/-6%; p < 0.01). Expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 mRNA was markedly increased in controls as compared with age-matched normal rats. The increase in level of TGF-beta1 mRNA was significantly suppressed by quinapril (from 17.1+/-6.2 to 9.00+/-2.40; p < 0.05). These observations indicated that quinapril has cardioprotective effects on heart failure, and that the beneficial effects may be partly explained by attenuation of fibrotic response through suppression of TGF-beta1 mRNA expression.

Binding activity of natto (a fermented food) and Bacillus natto isolates to mutagenic-carcinogenic heterocyclic amines

The fermented food, whole meal Natto, viscous polymeric material from Natto, Natto bean, cooked soya bean, and 28 bacterial isolates from Natto were studied for their binding capacity to foodborne mutagenic-carcinogenic heterocyclic amines. The mutagenic heterocyclic amines used were Trp-P-1 (3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido(4,3-b)indole); Trp-P-2 (3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido(4,3-b)indole); Glu-P-1 (2-amino-6-methyldipyrido(1,2-a:3'2'-d)imidazole); PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo(4,5-b)pyridine); IQ (2-amino-3-methylimidazo(4,5-f)quinoline); MeIQ (2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo(4,5-f)quinoxaline); MeIQx (2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo(4,5-f)quinoxaline); and MeAalphaC (2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido(2,3)indole). The lyophilized Natto and other fractions of Natto exhibited high binding activity towards Trp-P-1, Trp-P-2, PhIP, and MeAalphaC, while Glu-P-1, IQ, and MeIQ were not effectively bound. The binding capacity of bacterial isolates (Bacillus natto) were isolate-mutagen dependent. Heat treated lyophilized cells, cell wall, and cytoplasmic contents of the bacterial isolate with the highest binding capacity were analyzed for their ability to bind different heterocyclic amines. The results indicate the importance of the cell wall in binding to heterocyclic amines, whereas the cytoplasmic contents were less effective. Heat-treated cells were not much different from that of viable cells in their binding. The impact of different factors, such as pH, incubation time, metal ions, different concentrations of sodium chloride and alcohol, various enzymes, and acetylation of mutagens on binding of Trp-P-1 and IQ, were discussed. The significance of the present results is also discussed from the viewpoint that Natto, a fermented food, is able to scavenge dietary mutagenic heterocyclic amines through binding.

Inhibitory action of Oren-gedoku-to extract on enzymatic lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes

We examined the inhibitory action of the extract of Oren-gedoku-to, a traditional herbal medicine known to act as an antioxidant, on enzymatic lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Simultaneous addition of a spray-dried preparation of Oren-gedoku-to extract (Tsumura TJ-15) inhibited enzymatic lipid peroxidation induced by reduced beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and ADP/Fe3+ complex in liver microsomes in a dose-dependent manner. When the inhibition by TJ-15 of enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes was kinetically analyzed, this medicine showed a competitive inhibition against NADPH or ADP/Fe3+ complex. TJ-15 inhibited the NADPH-driven enzymatic reduction of ADP/Fe3+ complex or cytochrome c in liver microsomes competitively. TJ-15 enhanced NADPH consumption by liver microsomes with ADP/Fe3+ complex. Treatment with TJ-15 after the onset of enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes inhibited the progression of lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner. The present results indicate that Oren-gedoku-to extract inhibits enzymatic lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes in the initiation and propagation steps in a dose-dependent manner. These results also suggest that Oren-gedoku-to extract inhibits enzymatic lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes not only through its antioxidant action but also through reduction of the supply of electrons derived from NADPH to ADP/Fe3+ complex in liver microsomes both in a competitive manner and through stimulation of NADPH oxidation.

Bisoprolol improves survival in rats with heart failure

The cardioprotective effects of bisoprolol were studied in a rat model of severe heart failure induced by autoimmune myocarditis. Twenty-eight days after immunization, Lewis rats were divided into four groups: 0.1 mg/kg/day bisoprolol (Group 0.1), 1.0 mg/kg/day bisoprolol (Group 1) and 10 mg/kg/day bisoprolol (Group 10), and vehicle (0.5% methylcellulose; Group V) (all groups, n = 13). After oral administration for 1 month, heart weight, mean blood pressure, heart rate, central venous pressure, peak left ventricular pressure, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, +/- dP/dt, and area of fibrosis were measured. Although bisoprolol reduced heart rate (399+/-11/min in Group V, 382+/-10/min in Group 0.1, 348+/-8/min in Group 1 and 302+/-9/min in Group 10) and increased survival (62% in Group V, 69% in Group 0.1, and 100% in Group 1 and Group 10) in a dose-dependent manner, this drug did not change heart weight, the area of myocardial fibrosis or hemodynamic parameters. These observations suggested that bisoprolol may improve survival independently of its effect on left ventricular function by reducing sudden death in patients with severe heart failure.

Embryo growth and amino acid concentration profiles of broiler breeder eggs, embryos, and chicks after in ovo administration of amino acids

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of in ovo amino acid (AA) injections in broiler breeder eggs on AA utilization of embryos. All AA used in these experiments were pure crystalline AA in free-base form. Treatments in Experiment 1 comprised 1) control eggs (no injection), 2) 0.5 mL sterile-distilled water injected eggs, and 3) eggs injected with an AA solution suspended in 0.5 mL sterile-distilled water. Injections were administered into the yolk at Day 7 of incubation. At hatch, chicks were killed and bled, and plasma AA concentration was determined. Plasma AA concentration of hatched chicks decreased (P < 0.05) when water was injected. In addition, all AA from eggs injected with AA, except Glu and Lys, were decreased (P < 0.05) at hatch as compared to control eggs. However, AA pattern was not affected by in ovo water injection, but the AA ratio to Lys was reduced by in ovo AA injection. Experiment 2 was conducted to evaluate whole internal egg AA concentrations over incubation time in the presence or absence of in ovo AA administration. Treatments in Experiment 2 comprised 1) control eggs (no injection), and 2) eggs injected with a AA solution at Day 7 of incubation. The AA contents of embryo, yolk, albumen, and allantoic and amnion fluids were analyzed over time during incubation (Days 0, 7, 14, and 19 of incubation). On Day 14 of incubation, there were no differences in AA contents of all tissues between the control group and the group injected with AA on Day 7 of incubation. On Day 19 of incubation, AA contents of embryo, yolk, albumen, and allantoic and amnion fluids were increased (P < 0.05) as mediated by in ovo administration of AA at Day 7 of incubation. These results suggest that in ovo administration of AA may increase AA concentrations in chicken embryos and other egg contents.

Optimum site for in ovo amino acid injection in broiler breeder eggs

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of differences in in ovo amino acid (AA) injection sites in broiler breeder eggs on subsequent hatchability and BW of chicks. In Experiment 1, an AA solution was injected into eggs with 13-mm or 19-mm, 27-ga needles. Uninjected eggs served as controls. Hatchability was decreased (P < 0.05) in eggs receiving AA injections with the 19-mm needle in comparison to the control and 13-mm-injected groups. However, BW of chicks increased (P < 0.05) relative to pre-incubational egg weight by AA injection with the 13-mm needle. In order to evaluate the in ovo location of AA injections from Experiment 1, India ink was injected into eggs in Experiment 2 with a 13-or 19-mm needle. Immediately after injection, the air cell end of the egg was windowed in order to observe effects of injection site. Windowing of eggs was accomplished by removing a piece of the eggshell over the air cell and the underlying membrane at Day 7 of incubation. The amount of injected India ink was higher in the extra-embryonic coelom in eggs treated by both needles. However, the occurrence of India ink in the extra embryonic coelom was higher (P < 0.05) in the group injected with AA solution using a 13-mm needle as compared to that after injection using a 19-mm needle. The observation of India ink in the amniotic cavity was higher (P < 0.05) in the group injected with AA solution using a 19-mm needle rather than that using a 13-mm needle. In Experiment 3, treatments consisted of control (uninjected eggs) or windowed eggs. Windowed eggs received AA to the chorioallantoic membrane, the yolk, extra-embryonic coelom, or amniotic cavity at Day 7 of incubation. Hatchability was reduced, but chicks hatched when eggs were windowed and when AA were injected into the yolk sac or extra-embryonic coelom. However, chicks did not hatch when AA were administered to the chorioallantoic membrane or into the amniotic cavity. These results suggest that the best AA injection sites in ovo may be the yolk and extra-embryonic coelom.

Effect of diethylstilbestrol on cell proliferation and expression of epidermal growth factor in the developing female rat reproductive tract

To evaluate mechanisms of cell proliferation in the fetal female rat reproductive tract, diethylstilbestrol (DES) effects on cell division and estrogen receptor (ER), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and EGF receptor (EGF-R) expressions were determined from gestational day (GD) 15.5 to 21.5. Reproductive tracts were evaluated within three regions along the Müllerian duct axis; these were proximal, middle and caudal, which differentiate into oviduct, uterus and upper vagina respectively. In fetuses from non-treated dams, epithelial and mesenchymal proliferation, as evaluated by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, was decreased with development in all regions of the Müllerian duct. EGF levels were determined by immunohistochemistry. Müllerian epithelial EGF immunoreactivity was intense in the proximal and middle regions on GDs 15.5 and 17.5. EGF staining remained intense only in the proximal epithelia by GD 19.5 and was weak in the caudal epithelium, but substantially reduced throughout epithelia in all regions by GD 21.5. Thus, decreased cell proliferation correlated with decreased EGF expression in the developing Müllerian duct. DES (100 microg/kg body weight) was injected from GD 15 to 19 and female fetuses were collected on GD 19.5. DES increased Müllerian duct cell proliferation in the proximal epithelium and mesenchyme but decreased it in the caudal epithelium compared with oil-treated controls. No proliferative DES effect was observed in any cell type in the middle region. Müllerian duct EGF immunoreactivity was suppressed by DES compared with oil. Competitive RT-PCR indicated DES also decreased mRNAs for EGF, ERbeta1 and ERbeta2, but not ERalpha and EGF-R. These results indicate EGF may be an important regulatory factor of Müllerian duct cell proliferation, and that DES may alter cell proliferation by disrupting normal EGF, ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 expression in the developing female rat reproductive tract.

Plasma VEGF concentration can predict the tumor angiogenic capacity in non-small cell lung cancer

We assessed the clinical utility of circulating angiogenic factors as a predictor for tumor angiogenesis in primary lung cancer. Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intratumoral VEGF were assessed by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). There was a significant increase in the mean value of both plasma and serum VEGF concentration in primary lung cancer patients (n=97) compared to those of healthy controls (n=59). There was a significant correlation between plasma VEGF levels and microvessel density (MVD), and also between plasma VEGF and intratumoral VEGF levels. Plasma VEGF in patients with lung cancer appears to be a useful indicator of tumor angiogenesis.

Trends in the pathophysiological characteristics of malignant hypertension

The aim of the present study is to investigate the pathophysiological characteristics of a number of recent cases of malignant hypertension (MHT) and to compare them to the characteristics of earlier cases. Patients with MHT (age 25-76, mean 44+/-2 years) who were admitted to our hospital from 1984-1999 were retrospectively studied. All of the patients had either grade III or IV retinopathy and diastolic blood pressure levels higher than 120 mmHg. The observations in this study were compared to previously reported findings regarding 59 MHT patients who were admitted from 1971-1983. Of the 37 recent MHT patients, 20 had essential hypertension (EHT) as the underlying disease, 13 had chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), and the remaining 4 presented with other diseases including pyelonephritis and renovascular hypertension. A positive family history of hypertension was more prevalent in the EHT patients than in other patients, and persistent proteinuria, microhematuria, and anemia were more prevalent in the CGN patients. These characteristics were similar between the recent and previous cases. Within 4 weeks after admission, hemodialysis was initiated in 3 of the 13 patients (23%) with CGN and 2 of the 20 (10%) patients with EHT. The prevalence of renal death at 1 year after admission was 30%, which was lower than the prevalence in the previous cases (42%). Grade IV retinopathy was seen in 45% of the patients admitted from 1984-1999, significantly less than in the patients admitted from 1971-1983 (66%, p<0.05). In addition, left ventricular hypertrophy was less frequently observed on electrocardiogram in the recent cases (67%) than in the previous cases (88%, p<0.05). Our results suggest that the recent cases of MHT demonstrate less severe organ damage.

Full-genome nucleotide sequence of a hepatitis E virus strain that may be indigenous to Japan

We identified hepatitis E virus (HEV) RNA in serum from a Japanese patient with acute hepatitis, who had never been abroad. The full-genome nucleotide sequence of the HEV isolate (JRA1) from this patient was composed of 7227 nucleotides excepting the poly(A) tail and had ORF1 coding for 1703 amino acids (aa), ORF2 coding for 660 aa, and ORF3 coding for 122 aa. This Japanese strain showed approximately 87% nucleotide similarity to human and swine strains reported from the United States, while it had only 73-76% similarity to Asian and Mexican strains. Here we report the characteristics of the HEV-JRA1 isolate, which might be the first example of an indigenous strain(s) of HEV in Japan.

Neurosteroid synthesis by cytochrome p450-containing systems localized in the rat brain hippocampal neurons: N-methyl-D-aspartate and calcium-dependent synthesis

Neurosteroidogenesis has not been well elucidated due to the very low level of steroidogenic proteins in the brain. Here we report the first demonstration of the neuronal localization of neurosteroidogenic systems as well as the regulation of neurosteroidogenic activity in the adult rat hippocampus. Significant localization of cytochrome P450scc was observed in pyramidal neurons and granule neurons by means of immunohistochemical staining of slices. We also observed the colocalization, in hippocampal neurons, of P450scc with redox partners, hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. The distributions of astroglial cells and oligodendroglial cells showed very different patterns from that of the P450scc-containing cells. The expression of P450scc, redox partners, the sulfotransferase, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was also confirmed by Western blot analysis. The process of active neurosteroidogenesis was stimulated by exposing neurons to N-methyl-D-aspartate. Upon stimulation with N-methyl-D-aspartate, Ca(2+) influx through the N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype of glutamate receptors occurred, and significant net production of pregnenolone and pregnenolone sulfate was observed in the hippocampus. This neurosteroid production was considerably suppressed by the addition of antagonists of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, by Ca(2+) depletion, or by the addition of an inhibitor of P450scc. Upon stimulation with N-methyl-D-aspartate, the processing of full-length steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (37-kDa) to the truncated 30-kDa steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was observed. Taken together, these observations imply that hippocampal neurons synthesize neurosteroids. This synthesis may be stimulated and regulated by glutamate-mediated synaptic communication.

Doppler echocardiography-derived index of myocardial performance (TEI index): comparison with brain natriuretic peptide levels in various heart disease

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) has diagnostic and prognostic value in heart failure. Cardiac dysfunction varies from systolic or diastolic dysfunction alone to the combination of both. In the present study, Doppler echocardiographic parameters, including the Doppler echocardiography-derived index (TEI index), were compared with plasma BNP levels in 74 patients with various heart diseases. Blood sampling was performed before an echocardiographic examination was conducted. The TEI index was defined as the summation of isovolumic contraction and relaxation time divided by ejection time. In patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <50%), the TEI index and BNP were increased significantly compared with patients with normal LV systolic function (p<0.05). Patients with a TEI index > or =0.45 showed significantly increased BNP levels compared with patients with a TEI index <0.45, irrespective of LV systolic function (241.4+/-451.2 vs 65.9+/-81.8pg/ml; p<0.05). The TEI index was significantly higher in patients with a BNP > or =73pg/ml than in patients with BNP <73pg/ml (0.57+/-0.24 vs 0.46+/-0.17; p<0.05). Other echocardiographic parameters did not correlate significantly with levels of plasma BNP. Of the echocardiographic parameters, a simple Doppler index (TEI index) that combines systolic and diastolic function can detect LV dysfunction in patients with high levels of plasma BNP in various heart diseases.

Expression of IL-18 in psoriasis

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a novel cytokine that plays an important role in the T-helper 1 (Th1) response, primarily via its ability to induce IFN-gamma production in T cells and NK cells. Human keratinocytes produce IL-18, as do monocytes and macrophages, which are the two major sources of this molecule. It is thought that IL-18 derived from keratinocytes might be involved in the cutaneous Th1-type immune response. In the present study, we investigated the expression of IL-18 in psoriatic lesional skin and attempted to determine whether immunoreactive IL-18 in crude extracts of psoriatic scales is processed to the mature, active form. Immunohistochemical and RT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of IL-18 was increased in psoriatic lesional skin relative to that in normal skin. Western blotting and an ELISA for IL-18 in combination demonstrated that the immunoreactive IL-18 in extracts of psoriatic scales contained the mature form of IL-18, but most of the IL-18 was pro-IL-18. No bioactivity of IL-18 or IFN-gamma inducibility in human PBMC could be detected in psoriatic scales. Taken together, these findings indicate that keratinocyte-derived IL-18 participates in the development of the Th1 response in psoriatic lesions, and that its bioactivity appears to be tightly regulated in cutaneous inflammation.

Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses with intracranial extension-postoperative course

Mucoceles of the paranasal sinuses cause progressive distension of the bony walls and induce compressive symptoms. Although rare, cases of massive intracranial extension have occurred. We believe that an endoscopic transnasal approach is the best choice for such huge mucoceles because it is the least invasive and can provide an adequate surgical field of view for wide marsupialization. However, the results of long-term follow-up after endoscopic transnasal surgery have not been reported. This study was designed to evaluate prospectively the postoperative course of patients with intracranially extended mucocele. In the last 5 years, we have operated on four patients with intracranially extended mucocele. Although postopertive scanning is not recommended routinely after surgery for inflammatory disease, we followed up two patients who consented by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with endoscopy. Dural descent to the original skull base plane necessitated long periods of follow-up, lasting 18 and 5 months, respectively. On the mucocele wall mucosa, which had been smooth during surgery, polyps and granulations developed after surgical drainage and lasted for a considerable time. Although endoscopic transnasal opening of mucocele is a method of choice, we recommend follow-up of such patients for long periods, at least until the frontal skull base dura returns to its original position.

Discordance between cerebral oxygen and glucose metabolism, and hemodynamics in a mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episode patient

A patient with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episode (MELAS) syndrome underwent serial measurement of cerebral blood flow with xenon computed tomography (Xe-CBF) while presenting with strokelike episodes accompanied by a cerebral lesion. He underwent positron emission tomography (PET) measurement of the regional cerebral blood flow (PET-CBF), metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), and glucose (CMRGlu) after his symptoms and lesion disappeared. During the symptomatic period, Xe-CBF and the Xe-CBF response to acetazolamide loading were well preserved both in and outside the low-density lesion. In the PET study, decreased CMRO2 and increased PET-CBF and CMRGlu were noted in the entire brain. The strokelike episodes of patients with MELAS are more likely attributed to the failure of oxygen metabolism than to a vascular accident.

The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C and its receptors in non-small cell lung cancer

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C and that of its receptors were assessed in non-small cell lung cancer. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive VEGF-C expression in 38.7% (24/62) of the patients studied. A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF-C in cancer cells and VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) in vascular endothelial cells, but not between VEGF-C in cancer cells and VEGFR-2 in endothelial cells. In this cohort of lung cancer patients, VEGF-C expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, lymphatic vessel invasion, and worse outcomes after the operation. Although the independent prognostic impact of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 was not clear, VEGFR-2 expression in endothelial cells retained the independency as the prognostic indicator. In light of these findings, we conclude that VEGF-C plays an important role in lymphatic invasion/metastasis and tumour progression in non-small cell lung cancer.

Tenascin-C modulates adhesion of cardiomyocytes to extracellular matrix during tissue remodeling after myocardial infarction

Tenascin-C (TNC), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein, plays important roles in tissue remodeling. TNC is not normally expressed in adults but reappears under pathologic conditions. The present study was designed to clarify the contribution of TNC to ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. We examined the expression of TNC after experimental myocardial infarction in the rat by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Within 24 hours of permanent coronary ligation, interstitial fibroblasts in the border zone started to express TNC mRNA. The expression of TNC was down-regulated on Day 7 and was no longer apparent by Day 14 after infarction. During the healing process, TNC protein and TNC-producing cells were found at the edges of the residual myocardium. Some of the TNC-producing cells were immunoreactive for alpha-smooth muscle actin. In culture, TNC increased the number of cardiomyocytes attached to laminin but inhibited the formation of focal contacts at costameres. The results indicate that during the acute phase after myocardial infarction, interstitial cells in the border zone synthesize TNC, which may loosen the strong adhesion of surviving cardiomyocytes to connective tissue and thereby facilitate tissue reorganization.

Targeting adjuvant brachytherapy for a superior sulcus tumor: report of two cases

We report herein the cases of two patients who underwent complete resection of a superior sulcus tumor (SST) plus adjuvant brachytherapy, with the area to be irradiated determined by a computer program system designed to minimize unnecessary irradiation to the normal components and to optimize the effect on the targeted area. Although the efficacy of brachytherapy on the inhibition of local relapse needs to be observed over a long period, the selective and alternative use of delivering adjuvant brachytherapy by this method appears to enhance the quality of life of patients with a SST.

Opacification of isolated rat lenses intoxicated with diethylmaleate: relation to lens membrane dysfunction

We examined whether opacification of rat lenses treated with diethylmaleate (DEM), a depletor of reduced glutathione (GSH), is associated with membrane dysfunction. When isolated rat lenses were incubated with 2 mM DEM for 1, 6, and 24 h, a cortical opacity appeared at 6 h and was more pronounced at 24 h. This opacification was accompanied by decreases in GSH and vitamin E (Vit. E) content and Na+,K+-ATPase activity, and an increase in water content, but not by a change in the content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), an index of lipid peroxidation. Vit. E co-treatment caused a partial prevention of opacification, a complete recovery of decreased Vit. E content, attenuation of decreased Na+,K+-ATPase activity, and a decrease in TBARS content in rat lenses treated with 2 mM DEM for 24 h. Neither opacity formation nor changes in Vit. E, TBARS, and water content and Na+,K+-ATPase activity occurred in rat lenses treated for 48 h with 2 mM l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, although a marked GSH depletion was observed. These results suggest that opacification of isolated rat lenses treated with DEM could be associated with impairment of Na+,K+-ATPase rather than GSH depletion.

Expression of NeuroD and TrkB in developing and aged mouse olfactory epithelium

To better understand the roles of NeuroD, a member of the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family, during the differentiation of olfactory receptor neurons, we studied the expression of NeuroD in developing and aging mouse olfactory epithelium (OE). During embryonic period, NeuroD expression is confined in the basal compartment of OE. During neonatal period, NeuroD expression is detected in the middle compartment and in the basal compartment of OE. In the adult, the number of NeuroD expressing cells in the basal compartment significantly decreased, while the NeuroD-positive cells in the middle compartment was maintained throughout lifetime. This dual phase expression pattern of NeuroD suggests multiple roles of NeuroD in the neurogenesis of ORNs.

Nodal occult metastasis in patients with peripheral lung adenocarcinoma of 2.0 cm or less in diameter

BACKGROUND

Detection of occult micrometastasis in regional lymph nodes is crucial for diagnosis and selection of appropriate therapy for patients with pN0 non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Using immunohistochemical staining, we evaluated the impact of detection of occult micrometastasis on the prevalence and prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma of 2.0 cm or less in diameter.

METHODS

A total of 103 pN0 disease patients with peripheral lung adenocarcinomas of 2.0 cm or less in diameter were enrolled in this study. We studied 1,438 regional lymph nodes for occult micrometastasis by immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratins.

RESULTS

Micrometastasis was detected in 49 lymph nodes (3.4%) of 21 patients (20.4%) but not in patients with localized bronchioloalveolar carcinoma or localized bronchioloalveolar carcinoma with foci of collapse of alveolar structure. The 5-year survival rate (61.9%) of patients with micrometastasis was significantly (p = 0.0041) lower than that of patients without micrometastasis (86.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

There still remains a risk of nodal micrometastasis in patients with primary peripheral lung adenocarcinoma, even if the diameter of the tumor is smaller than 2.0 cm. Selection of patients for limited surgery should be done prudently, taking into consideration the risk of nodal micrometastasis.

Protective effect of L-arginine against stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats and its relation to nitric oxide-mediated inhibition of neutrophil infiltration

Pretreatment with l -arginine (150-600 mg kg(-1), i.p.), but not d -arginine (600 mg kg(-1), i.p.), protected against gastric mucosal lesions in rats with water immersion restraint stress over a 6-h period. This protective effect occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Increases in the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and myeloperoxidase (MPO), an index of tissue neutrophil infiltration, and the concentration of nitrite/nitrate, breakdown products of nitric oxide, and a decrease in the activity of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) occurred in the gastric mucosal tissue with the development of gastric mucosal lesions. The l -arginine pretreatment attenuated the increases in iNOS and MPO activities and nitrite/nitrate concentration and the decrease in cNOS activity in the gastric mucosal tissue in a dose-dependent manner, while the d -arginine pretreatment did not. Both the protective effect of l -arginine (300 mg kg(-1)) against stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions and the attenuating effect of the amino acid on the increases in gastric mucosal iNOS and MPO activities and the decrease in gastric mucosal cNOS activity with the lesion development were counteracted by pretreatment with N(G)-monomethyl- l -arginine (100 mg kg(-1), s.c.), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, but not its d -isomer (100 mg kg(-1), s.c.). These results suggest that the protective effect of exogenously administered l -arginine against stress-induced gastric mucosal lesions in rats is, at least in part, due to nitric oxide-mediated inhibition of neutrophil infiltration into the gastric mucosal tissue.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b sequences from fifteen patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: the 'progression score' revisited

The genome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may have some characteristics which would barely be found in those of HCV from asymptomatic carriers (ASC). We analyzed 15 HCC patients who were infected with HCV genotype 1b (HCV-1b) for complete nucleotide sequences of the viral genomes. Of the 15 isolates, three were sequenced up to the first nucleotide of the 5'UTR, and six were sequenced to encompass the X-tail at the 3' end: sequencing of at least three-quarters of the 5'UTR and entire polyprotein-ORF was accomplished in all 15 isolates. Analyses of these sequences together with those reported previously by Nagayama et al. [Hepatology; 31 (2000) 745] suggested that nine residues (nt 119 of 5'UTR and aa 90, 434, 938, 962, 1176, 1412, 2143, and 2774 of polyprotein) might be useful to discriminate HCC-type sequences from ASC-type ones. The 'progression score' was 1.4+/-0.9 in ASC versus 3.7+/-1.5 in HCC (P=3.87E-07) when calculated with the Nagayama et al.'s seven residues, but was 1.4+/-0.6 versus 4.6+/-1.9 (P=1.33E-09) with our nine residues: a greater difference between HCC and ASC was achieved in the latter system. Further analyses, by increasing the sample size and/or by extending the comparison to include entire 5'UTR and 3'UTR/X-tail, may thus contribute to define the 'progression score' more appropriately.

Metallothionein expression and tumor growth in the transplantable pregnancy-independent mouse mammary tumor

In various human tumors, a metal binding protein, metallothionein (MT) is reported to play an important role in carcinogenesis. In the present preliminary study, MT expression and tumor growth were investigated in transplantable pregnancy-independent mammary tumors (TPIMT) derived from pregnancy-independent mammary tumors (PIMT) in GR/A mice, in order to study the possible role of MT in mammary carcinogenesis. TPIMT as well as PIMT showed MT expression in tumor cells in all of the successive transplantations. A negative correlation was observed between MT expression in transplanted tumor tissues and their growth in the hosts (r=-0.53, p<0.05). The present study indicates that MT is a useful marker of tumor progression in TPIMT.

Filamin associates with Smads and regulates transforming growth factor-beta signaling

Members of the Smad proteins transmit signals triggered by the ligands of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily. Ligand-activated receptors induce phosphorylation of so-called receptor-regulated Smads, which then accumulate in the nucleus to participate in target gene transcription, in collaboration with Smad-interacting proteins. We performed yeast two-hybrid screening and identified filamin, a cytoskeletal actin-binding protein 280, as a Smad5-interacting protein. Filamin was found to be associated not only with Smad5 but also with other Smad proteins, including TGF-beta/activin receptor-regulated Smad2. TGF-beta signaling was defective in filamin-deficient human melanoma cells M2 compared with a filamin-transfected subline A7, as determined by TGF-beta-responsive reporter gene activation and Smad2 nuclear accumulation. M2 cells restored TGF-beta responsiveness following transient transfection of full-length filamin encoding vector. The defective TGF-beta signaling in M2 cells seemed to be due to impaired receptor-induced serine phosphorylation of Smad2. These results suggest that filamin plays an important role in Smad-mediated signaling.

[From the perspective of the Japan Association of Clinical Reagents Industries]

Simple testing conducted in the hospital laboratory and the Commercial Lab is not considered "time-consuming testing" but prompt testing that enables obtaining data near the patient. In the field of medical care, the need for POCT(Point-of-Care Testing) which can test in prompt and minimally invasive ways has been increasing. In a related move, new techniques are being developing one after another to meet those needs. In the future, we will need to appropriately provide intensive service at the central laboratory and prompt service at the bedside while increasing economic efficiency. Because the 21st century is being promoted as the age of self-responsibility, we need to create systems and an environment for patients to manage their own health. In terms of the reduction of medical service fees, it seems that the method of payment directs forward like DRG definitely. Therefore, cooperation among industry and academia is needed to promote OTC test agents as testing before getting a disease and take an active part enlightening the importance of home testing. Currently, long-term medication is administered for an increasing number of chronic ailments going with the aging population. It seems desirable to develop and popularize easy home tests for monitoring chronic ailment and easy test agents for the checking side effects by drug.

Tuberous sclerosis: epileptogenicity and multimodal presurgical evaluations

We report on a patient with tuberous sclerosis-related epilepsy who benefited from surgical treatment. Various presurgical evaluations, including positron emission tomography (PET), made it possible for us to localize the epileptic focus accurately. In this paper, we stress the importance of performing multimodal evaluations to determine which tubers really possess epileptogenicity. In addition, the implications of PET in tuberous sclerosis-related epilepsy are described.

Rapid detection of Brevibacillus formosus BN53-1 in chicken feces

Here we describe a rapid method for detecting the hydrogen sulfide-decomposing bacterium Brevibacillus formosus BN53-1 in chicken feces. The method, which can be adapted to the specific detection of a variety of useful eubacteria, is based on blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and makes use of the genus or species hypervariable region of eubacterial 16S rDNA. The approximate limit of detection under the conditions we tested was 1.0 x 10(3) cells in 10 mg of chicken feces.

Therapy for otitis-prone children in Tenshi hospital

With the recent emergence and increases of multiple-drugs-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, we have been seeing an increasing number of infants with intractable recurrent otitis media which is resistant to the general conservative out-patient treatments such as oral administration of medicines or tympanotomy. In this study, we investigated the inflammation-causing bacteria in the infants with otitis media which were treated in our hospital from January to December in 1997, and in six serious cases among them, we measured IgG subclass and specific IgG2 antibody to S. pneumoniae to examine them. As a result, S. pneumoniae was found to be the cause in 45% of the cases of initial development of otitis media, and in 88% of them the S. pneumoniae was penicillin-resistant. The level of specific IgG2 antibody to S. pneumoniae was low in all the cases, whereas IgG2 subclass was deficient only in one out of the six cases; from these findings, the selectively low level of immune status was thought to be the cause of the recurrences of otitis media. In two cases, clinical condition was markedly improved by immunoglobulin substitute therapy, which demonstrates that immunoglobulin is effective for the intractable recurrent otitis media in infants.

Usefulness of 1% terbinafine HCl (Lamisil) cream for hyperkeratotic-type tinea pedis and its transfer into the horny layer

The usefulness of 1% terbinafine HCl (Lamisil) cream for hyperkeratotic-type tinea pedis and its transfer into the horny layer were evaluated. Of the 36 patients enrolled in the study, 35 were retained for analysis and one was excluded due to inappropriate drug application. Hyperkeratotic-type tinea pedis was classified into three types: true hyperkeratotic-type, partial hyperkeratotic-type, and quasi-hyperkeratotic type. The overall clinical improvement rate was 95.5% (100% for true-, 80% for partial- and 96.2% for quasi-hyperkeratotic type). The overall fungal eradication rate was 88.6% (75% for true-, 100% for partial- and 88.5% for quasi-hyperkeratotic type). The overall efficacy rate was 88.6% (75% for true-, 100% for partial- and 88.5% for quasi-hyperkeratotic type). No adverse reactions were reported. Drug concentrations in the horny layer were 170.3, 228.5 and 249.2 ng mg-1, respectively, 2, 4 and 12 weeks after starting the treatment. These concentrations are more than 50,000 times higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations of terbinafine for dermatophytes. These findings indicate that terbinafine HCl (Lamisil) cream is very useful for refractory hyperkeratotic-type tinea pedis when administered alone. The pharmacokinetic data also support the clinical and mycological findings.

Drop in plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels after successful direct current cardioversion in chronic atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

According to previous reports, plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels increase in atrial fibrillation (AF) and decrease after successful direct current (DC) cardioversion, but there have been no reports on plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether plasma BNP levels decrease after successful direct DC cardioversion in patients with chronic AF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients who remained in sinus rhythm for at least seven days after cardioversion, and 20 normal control subjects, were studied. Group A consisted of 10 patients with underlying heart disease, including dilated cardiomyopathy (n=2), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=1), mitral valve disease (n=3), hypertensive heart disease (n=3) and status after atrial septal closure (n=1). Group B consisted of 10 patients with just AF. Group C (serving as controls) comprised 20 subjects with normal sinus rhythm and no risk factors.

RESULTS

Before cardioversion, plasma BNP levels were higher in group A (176.7+/-128.1 ng/mL) and in group B (96.8+/-51.7 ng/ml) than in group C (6.3+/-3.8 ng/ml) (P<0.01 for all). After successful cardioversion, mean plasma BNP levels in groups A and B decreased from 136.8+/-105.5 ng/mL to 46.4+/-44.2 ng/mL (P<0.01). In group A, plasma BNP levels decreased from 176.7+/-128.1 ng/mL to 62.5+/-54.6 ng/mL (P<0.01), and in group B, plasma BNP levels decreased from 96.8+/-51.7 ng/mL to 30.3+/-23.8 ng/mL (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Lone AF raises plasma BNP levels, which is more marked if there is underlying structural heart disease present, and cardioversion reduces plasma BNP levels. Therefore, high plasma BNP levels in patients with chronic AF are likely to be caused by AF and reflect cardiac overloading associated with, although contributed to in part by, underlying heart diseases.

Effect of arachidonic acid-rich oil on lipids and arachidonate metabolites in ethanol- treated rats

The effects of dietary arachidonic acid-rich oil (AAoil) on lipids and arachidonate metabolites in the liver and plasma were evaluated in ethanol-treated rats. Rats were fed a purified diet containing 10% weight of lard or AAoil for 14 days. Ethanol was administered by gavage at a single daily dose of 3 g/kg body weight. Comparing with the lard group, a decrease was observed in liver fatty vacuoles in the AAoil group. Plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F1 alpha and thromboxane (TX) B(2)levels and the 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB(2)ratio increased significantly in the AAoil group. Liver 6-keto-PGF1 alpha also increased but not leukotriene B(4)in the AAoil group. In the phospholipid fraction of liver tissue, plasma and red blood cells, arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) and docosatetraenoic acid (22:4n-6) increased and oleic acid (18:1n-9) and linoleic acid (18:2n-6) decreased significantly in the AAoil group compared with the lard group. These observations suggest that AAoil supplementation reduces liver injury of ethanol-treated rats, although longer observation will be necessary for confirmation.

Acute effects of endothelin-1 and TAK-044 (ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonist) in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy

The hemodynamic effects of endothelin (ET)-1 and TAK-044 (ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonist) were studied in a rat model of dilated cardiomyopathy after autoimmune myocarditis. Six weeks after immunization, survived Lewis rats (30/43 = 70%) were randomly allocated into five groups to be given 0, 0.3, 3, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day (groups F0, F0.3, F3, F30 and F60; each group, n = 4) of TAK-044 using an osmotic pump subcutaneously. Age-matched normal Lewis rats (n = 26) were also randomly divided into four groups to be given 0, 0.3, 3 and 30 mg/kg/day (groups N0, N0.3, N3 and N30; each group, n = 4). ET-1 concentrations in plasma and myocardium were measured, and immunohistochemical detection of ET-1 in the left ventricle from the remaining rats (groups F and N) was performed. After administration of TAK-044 for 7 days, 2, 4, 11, 21 and 42 ng/min ET-1 every 20 min was infused using a pump, and the change in mean arterial pressure of each group during the infusion was examined. The plasma and myocardial ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in group F than group N (12.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 5.4 +/- 0.2 pg/ml and 426 +/- 31 vs. 98 +/- 6 pg/g tissue; both p < 0.01). Strong positive signals for ET-1 were found to be widely distributed in the left ventricular myocardium of both groups of rats. Although the ET-1-induced increase in the mean arterial pressure was abolished in group N30, the maximal dose of ET-1 produced a 34% increase in the mean arterial pressure in group F30. Even in group F60, ET-1-induced hypertension was blocked incompletely. These results indicate that the heart may be a major ET-1-producing organ, and a higher dose of ET-1 antagonist is needed to block the effect of ET-1 in rats with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Carvedilol enhances atrial and brain natriuretic peptide mRNA expression and release in rat heart

To clarify the role of the natriuretic peptide (NP) system in the myocardial protective effects of carvedilol, a beta-blocking agent, we investigated the effects of carvedilol on the NP system in the rat heart. After oral administration of carvedilol (low-dose group: 2 mg/kg/day, group C2; high-dose group: 20 mg/kg/day, group C20) for 1 week, plasma rat atrial NP (r-ANP), atrial mRNA levels of ANP, left ventricular mRNA of brain NP (BNP), NP receptor-A and NP receptor-C (NPR-C) (as a clearance receptor) were measured. Values were compared with those in vehicle-treatment rats (group V). The concentration of r-ANP was significantly higher in group C2 (135 +/- 9 pg/ml) and group C20 (161 +/- 11 pg/ml) than group V (75 +/- 6 pg/ml; both p < 0.01). ANP and BNP mRNA levels were significantly increased and NPR-C was significantly down regulated in group C2 (151 +/- 7, 120 +/- 8 and 78 +/- 7%, respectively, vs. group V) and group C20 (164 +/- 8. 133 +/- 7 and 72 +/- 8%, respectively, vs. group V) compared with group V (all p < 0.01). These results suggest that not only a high dose, but a low dose of carvedilol has the effect of increasing plasma ANP and BNP levels. This effect was closely related to the upregulation of ANP and BNP mRNA expression, and the down regulation of NPR-C mRNA expression in the heart. These mechanisms seem to account for a sizable portion of the protective effect of carvedilol for heart diseases.

Preventive effect of ebselen on acute gastric mucosal lesion development in rats treated with compound 48/80

The preventive effect of ebselen, a seleno-organic compound, which is known to possess glutathione peroxidase-like activity and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, on the development of acute gastric mucosal lesions was examined in rats with a single injection of compound 48/80 (0.75 mg/kg, i.p.), a mast cell degranulator. Pre-administration of ebselen (p.o.) at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg, but not 10 mg/kg, prevented gastric mucosal lesion development at 3 h, but not gastric mucosal lesion formation at 0.5 h, after compound 48/80 injection, although any dose of pre-administered ebselen did not affect decreased gastric mucosal blood flow and increased serum serotonin and histamine concentrations found at 0.5 and 3 h after compound 48/80 injection. A decrease in Se-glutathione peroxidase activity and increases in the activities of myeloperoxidase, an index of tissue neutrophil infiltration, and xanthine oxidase and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, an index of lipid peroxidation, were found in gastric mucosal tissues at 0.5 h after compound 48/80 injection and these changes were further enhanced at 3 h. Pre-administration of ebselen (p.o.) at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg, but not 10 mg/kg, attenuated all these changes found at 3 h after compound 48/80 injection. These preventive effects of ebselen occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The present results indicate that pre-administered ebselen prevents the development of compound 48/80-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions in rats, and suggest that this preventive effect of ebselen could be due to its glutathione peroxidase-like activity and antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Immunohistochemical investigation of caspase-1 and effect of caspase-1 inhibitor in delayed neuronal death after transient cerebral ischemia

The localization of caspase-1 protein, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta)-converting enzyme, was immunohistochemically examined in the hippocampal CA-1 subfield by a transient occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries in Mongolian gerbils. Immunoreactivities for caspase-1 were found in microglias, astrocytes, endothelial cells of capillaries and some non-pyramidal neurons. Immunopositive microglias increased in number from 3 days until 7 days from the transient ischemia, and astrocytes also increased in number from 3 days until 28 days. At the electron microscopic level, caspase-1 immunoreaction endproducts were associated with Golgi apparatus in glial cells, endothelial cells of blood vessels and non-pyramidal neurons. The delayed neuronal death of CA-1 pyramidal cells was significantly protected by the treatment of specific caspase-1 inhibitor (Ac-WEHD-CHO) or broad caspase family inhibitor (z-VAD-FMK). Cell death was protected in a dose dependent manner by the former by 43-57%, and by the latter by 66-91% when injected at 1 and 10 microg, respectively. On the other hand, the protective effect of specific caspase-3 inhibitor (Ac-DMQD-CHO) was less significant at higher dose (10 microg) by 33% (P<0.05), and not detectable at lower dose (1 microg) by 13% (P=0.27). Furthermore, a significant decrease of microglias and astrocytes was found in the CA-1 as well as the reduction of IL-1beta and caspase-1 immunoreactivities by the treatment of Ac-WEHD-CHO. Extravasation of serum albumin was also extremely reduced by this treatment. These findings suggest that the inhibition of caspase-1 activity ameliorates the ischemic injury by inhibiting the activity of IL-1beta.

Effect of prolonged marginal ascorbic acid deficiency on lenticular levels of antioxidants and lipid peroxide in guinea pigs

We examined the effect of prolonged marginal ascorbic acid deficiency of the levels of antioxidants and lipid peroxide in lenses of guinea pigs in order to clarify lenticular antioxidant status under ascorbic acid deficiency. Male guinea pigs aged 4 weeks were given a scorbutic diet (20 g/animal per day) with either marginally deficient ascorbic acid (0.5 mg/animal per day) or sufficient ascorbic acid (1 g/animal per day) in drinking water for 3 and 6 months. The deficient group showed no lens opacity during the administration period. The deficient group had 62.3 and 53.9% of lenticular ascorbic acid content in the sufficient group at 3 and 6 months of ascorbic acid deficiency, respectively. There were no differences in lenticular contents of reduced glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, an index of lipid peroxidation, between both groups at 3 and 6 months of ascorbic acid deficiency, while the deficient group tended to have higher lenticular vitamin E content than the sufficient group. The deficient group had higher serum vitamin E concentration than the sufficient group at 3 and 6 months of ascorbic acid deficiency. These results indicate that lenticular antioxidant status is maintained well in guinea pigs with prolonged marginal ascorbic acid deficiency, which may result in no cataract formation.

The predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor and nm23 for the diagnosis of occult metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer

We assessed the association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nm23 expression with occult micrometastasis in lung cancer. As destination sites for micrometastasis, we scrutinized lymph node (LN) and bone marrow (BM) specimens. For LN, 122 stage I patients who had received curative operations were studied. As regards BM, 203 patients in stage I - IV who underwent operations were registered. Immunohistochemical anti-cytokeratin staining was used to detect microdissemination of cancer cells. The VEGF and the nm23 expression at the primary sites were immunohistochemically studied in 285 cases in total. The percentages of the patients with microdissemination were 28.7% for LN and 42.4% for BM. The outcome for the patients with LN or BM microdissemination was significantly worse than that for patients without it. The increased VEGF and the decreased nm23 expression within primary tumors were significantly associated with LN and BM microdissemination. The results indicate possible value of using these biological markers to predict the risk of systemic micrometastasis in non-small cell lung cancer.

Metallothionein expression and apoptosis in pregnancy-dependent and -independent mouse mammary tumors

BACKGROUND

A metal binding protein, metallothionein (MT), may be involved in the regulation of carcinogenesis and apoptosis in addition to various physiological processes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MT and sex hormone receptors (estrogen and progesterone receptors, ER and PR) expressions, and apoptosis were investigated immunohistochemically in pregnancy-dependent (PDMT) and -independent mammary tumors (PIMT) in GR/A mice in order to evaluate the possible role of MT in the genesis and regression of tumors.

RESULTS

In PDMT and PIMT, MT was localized in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm of tumor cells. In PDMT, MT expression and apoptotic figures were increased during the regression period after parturition. MT and ER expressions in PIMT were approximately the same as those in the growing PDMT, while PR expression was lower in PIMT than in the PDMT. A significant correlation was observed between MT expression and apoptosis in PDMT, but not in PIMT.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that MT involvement in the PDMT regression is associated with apoptosis.

Biological characteristics of carcinomatosa pleuritis in orthotopic model systems using immune-deficient rats

We assessed the association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on the formation of carcinomatosa pleuritis in orthotopic model systems. Immune-deficient rats were inoculated with PC-14 cells into i) a subpleural space of the parietal pleura after pneumonectomy or ii) into the thoracic cavity directly. The rats bearing tumor cells were randomly separated into two groups: non-treatment and treatment with anti-VEGF neutralizing antibody groups. At the time of the autopsy, all rats developed gross pleural dissemination with/without malignant effusions. In the first model, despite no significant difference in the mean volume of the subpleural tumors between the groups, the degree of dissemination was suppressed in the treatment group with less tumor vasculature and with reduced expression of autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) in tumor cells. In the second model, although the inhibitory effect on dissemination was not clear, the formation of pleural effusion was inhibited in the treatment group. In addition to the ability of vascular permeability, the results demonstrated here showed the possible association of VEGF with the development of pleural dissemination/metastasis in the context of blood/lymphatic routes and cancer cell motility affected by AMFR.

Atrial fibrillation impairs endothelial function of forearm vessels in humans

BACKGROUND

Although there have been many studies on the effects of atrial fibrillation (AF) on cardiac function, few studies have been done on its effects on endothelial function. The present study was designed to examine the effects of AF on endothelial function in human subjects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Changes in forearm blood flow (FBF) induced by acetylcholine and nitroglycerin were measured by using plethysmography in 14 patients with lone AF, 13 patients with AF and underlying heart disease, and 12 normal control subjects. In the patients, these measurements were repeated after cardioversion. Although baseline FBF was the same in the 3 groups, acetylcholine-induced increases in FBF were significantly smaller in both patient groups than in the control group, and FBF increases were particularly depressed in AF patients with underlying heart disease. After restoration of sinus rhythm by cardioversion, FBF response to the highest dose of acetylcholine increased by 46% in patients with lone AF (n = 10) and by 90% in AF patients with underlying heart disease (n = 11). Nitroglycerin-induced vasodilatation was the same in all 3 groups and was not affected by cardioversion.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that endothelium-dependent vasodilatation is impaired by AF and improves after sinus rhythm is restored.

Enhanced thrombolysis induced by argatroban or activated protein C in the presence or absence of staphylokinase, measured in an in vivo animal model using mesenteric arterioles

Successful administration of thrombolytic agents is associated with vessel reocclusion in a high proportion of cases. We have previously established an animal model to investigate platelet-rich thrombolytic mechanisms in vivo and demonstrated that recombinant staphylokinase (rSAK)-induced thrombolysis was enhanced by the concomitant administration of the direct thrombin inhibitor argatroban. The present study expanded the use of this model by comparing arterial and venous thrombolysis using advanced image analysis software. Mural thrombi were formed by Helium-Neon laser irradiation in mesenteric arterioles and were shown to be lysed, dose-dependently, by smaller amounts of rSAK than those required in venules. Activated protein C (APC), as well as argatroban, enhanced the rSAK-induced thrombolysis. APC or argatroban also induced thrombolysis in the absence of rSAK, and the effect was inhibited by tranexamic acid. The enhanced thrombolysis induced by APC or argatroban in the presence or absence of rSAK may be due to increased endogenous thrombolysis mediated by the inhibition of thrombin activity or delayed thrombin generation.

Autocrine motility factor receptor expression in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Expression of autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) associates with increased cell migration and poor survival in certain types of human cancers. We assessed the possible correlation between AMFR, clinicopathologic features, and survival in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

AMFR expression was analyzed immunohistochemically, using a monoclonal antibody (3F3A) in tumor specimens from 97 patients with curative resection. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was also examined after accounting for AMFR expression.

RESULTS

Out of 97 tumors, 38 (39.2%) were positively stained with AMFR. The AMFR expression was significantly associated with histologic type of tumor, mainly in adenocarcinoma. Overall survival of patients with AMFR-positive tumors was significantly worse than that of AMFR-negative tumors (p = 0.0050). The AMFR expression appears to be associated with VEGF expression. Patients who were AMFR positive and had high VEGF expression had a worse prognosis compared with the AMFR-negative and low VEGF-expression group (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis revealed an independent prognostic impact of AMFR on survival (p = 0.0039).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that evaluation of AMFR expression may provide useful guidance in follow-up of patients with NSCLC.

Identification of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the MxA gene promoter (G/T at nt -88) correlated with the response of hepatitis C patients to interferon

The interferon (IFN)-inducible MxA protein is known to play an important role in the host defense against certain viruses. We aimed to see if any genetic polymorphism in the promoter region of the MxA gene is associated with the IFN responsiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. Initially we sequenced the promoter region of the MxA gene in 12 subjects and found a polymorphic site. We then constructed a specific PCR-RFLP system for this site and subjected 63 samples from chronic hepatitis C patients who were nonresponders (NR) to IFN therapy to it, 52 with sustained response (SR), and 42 healthy controls. Subjects were all Japanese, and unrelated. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was identified in the MxA promoter region: G/T alleles at nt position -88. Interestingly, this SNP was involved in a genetic element highly homologous to the IFN-stimulated response element consensus sequence, and the G-to-T change there makes this homology a little greater. The rate of G.G homozygosity was 31% in the SR patients, significantly lower than in the NR patients (62%, p = 0.0009), while that of healthy controls was between the two groups (48%). Differences in HCV genotypes did not influence this result. Based on these findings, we propose that the SNP of the MxA promoter at nt -88 identified in this study affects the expression of MxA protein, and may thus be associated with the response of HCV patients to IFN.

Size and composition changes in diaphragmatic fibers in rats exposed to chronic hypercapnia

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that chronic hypercapnia changes the composition of the respiratory muscle by continuous augmentation of ventilation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen male Wistar rats were housed in 10% CO(2) in air for 19 weeks, and their minute ventilation V(E) was measured every 6 weeks. The diaphragm, excited at 19 weeks of exposure, was classified as fiber type I, IIa, or IIb. Cross-sectional areas of individual fibers were measured. Fibers with a target-like appearance on reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) stain also were counted. The data were compared with those of rats kept in room air.

RESULTS

The mean (+/- SD) PaCO(2) after 19 weeks of sustained hypercapnia was 71.0 +/- 4.7 mm Hg. The V(E) remained at a high level until 12 weeks of exposure, and then it significantly decreased at week 18. In a comparison with the control rats, a larger number of type I fibers and a smaller number of type IIb fibers were found in the diaphragm of the chronically hypercapnic rats. In addition, the latter group's cross-sectional area revealed fibers of a significantly smaller diameter. Target-like fibers were observed in 5% of the NADH-TR-stained fibers in the chronically hypercapnic rats but were not seen in the control rats.

CONCLUSION

By increasing the ratio of fatigue-resistant fibers, the diaphragm was able to adapt to a sustained load induced by hypercapnia. However, this adaptive process was accompanied by a degenerative change in the tissue.

[Early replacement of intravenous aminophylline administration with oral theophylline in treating acute exacerbation of asthma]

Intravenous (i.v.) administration of aminophylline has been used to relieve acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma for almost a century. Despite confidence in its effectiveness, controversy has arisen about its efficacy. We currently use aminophylline in the routine treatment of asthma since the drug is essentially useful. Continuous aminophylline infusion tends to be used rather haphazardly in hospital wards, and the criteria for termination of an infusion have not been clarified. We therefore attempted to determine: 1) whether continuous aminophylline infusion is actually beneficial, 2) whether the TDM (treatment drug monitoring) system can be used to establish a protocol for prescribed dosing after an early switch from i.v. to oral administration, and 3) whether adherence to the protocol would contribute to decreases in the duration of hospitalization and in medical expenses. Seventeen patients with acutely exacerbated asthma were enrolled in this study. Nine patients were prescribed oral theophylline on the second hospital day (p.o. group), while eight received continuous i.v. aminophylline (i.v. group). The serum theophylline concentrations were maintained in the therapeutic range in both groups. Peak flow, symptom scores, and QOL scores showed significant improvements in the p.o. group on the third hospital day. It might therefore be possible, by using the TDM system, to set the dosage of theophylline so that hospitalization is shortened.