[Current alteration of Helicobacter pylori in gastro-duodenal diseases]

The current alteration of the detection rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) on mucous membranes of the stomach has been surveyed and reviewed for 49 cases of gastro-duodenal diseases. The survey has been conducted for 3 years and an endoscopic examinations have been performed 2-8 times. On the first visit, the diagnosis can be made endoscopically, and H2 blockers and another agents were used as therapeutic drugs. The detection rate was 67.3% (33 cases) for positive cases and positive reaction cases, while the rate was 32.6% (16 cases) in negative cases and negative reaction cases. Among them, the most commonly observed disease was atrophic gastritis, followed by duodenal ulcer, and acute gastric mucous lesions (AGML). Peptic ulcer was not seen. After administration of H2 blockers and anti-ulcer agents, the H. pylori-detection rate was found to fluctuate according to the diseases and alterations in the morbidity period. Some cases indicated the disappearance of H. pylori in accordance with the improvement of the lesion site.

Production and secretion of nerve growth factor by clonal striated muscle cell line, G8-1

Two specific methods, Northern blot analysis using a 50 nucleotides probe to the conserved region of the nerve growth factor (NGF) gene, and enzyme immunoassay using a monoclonal biotinylated rat anti-NGF IgG-avidin conjugated peroxidase system, were used to demonstrate the production and secretion of NGF by mouse striated muscle cell line G8-1. Calcium ionophore, A23187 (0.1-1 microM), forskolin (0.1-100 microM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (0.1-10 mM) strongly decreased the secretion of ir-NGF. The level of NGF mRNA was decreased by veratridine, A23187, forskolin and cyclic AMP but not by cyclic GMP. Consequently, we conclude that the secretion of NGF molecules paralleled the changes of NGF mRNA levels in the cells induced by all agents tested. Carmamylcholine also decreased the level of NGF mRNA. Immunoblot analysis suggested that denatured ir-NGF molecules exist in a higher molecular weight form (22 KDa) than those of mouse submaxillary gland (13 KDa). Both Ca(2+)- and cAMP mediated mechanisms contribute to the decreased production of NGF mRNA in the cells and the consequent inhibition of secretion of NGF molecules. Finally, molecular cloning of NGF of G8-1 cells was conducted and confirmed the structure of the gene that consists of 1, 3, and 4 exons deleting exon 2. Thus, G8-1 NGF is derived from transcript B.

A comparative study of once-a-day morning and once-a-day bedtime administration of 40 mg famotidine in treating gastric ulcers

A randomized controlled study comparing once-a-day morning and once-a-day bedtime administration of 40 mg famotidine in treating gastric ulcers was carried out in 179 Japanese patients. Endoscopic examinations were performed at the baseline and repeated at 4-wk intervals until healing was confirmed. One hundred and sixty-four patients fulfilled the evaluation criteria (81 in the morning group and 83 in the bedtime group). The healing rates were 50.7% after 4 wk and 88.9% after 8 wk in the morning group and 46.5% after 4 wk and 74.7% after 8 wk in the bedtime group. The difference was statistically significant after 8 wk. Significant reductions from baseline for overall pain, beginning during the first 3 days, were likewise found in the two treatment groups. However, the pain severity in hunger state 1 wk after treatment was significantly higher in the bedtime group than in the morning group. Thus, once-a-day morning administration of 40 mg famotidine seems to be superior to once-a-day bedtime administration of 40 mg famotidine in treating gastric ulcers.

An HLA study on 149 Japanese patients with Crohn's disease

To search for possible immunogenetic roles in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, we examined the HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR and -DQ locus antigens in 149 Japanese patients with Crohn's disease. All patients were living on Kyushu island. We also examined the HLA of 136 healthy controls who resided in Kyushu. The results were compared with both controls throughout Japan and Kyushu controls. In Japanese patients with Crohn's disease, HLA-DR4, especially -DR4.1, and -DQ4 were more frequent than in the controls throughout Japan and in Kyushu. In light of these observations, an immunogenetic factor may have some role in the development of Crohn's disease. The susceptibility to Crohn's disease may relate to HLA-DR4, especially -DR4.1, and -DQ4, in Japanese patients.

[Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on meropenem]

Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on meropenem (MEPM, SM-7338), a new developed carbapenem, were performed and the following results were obtained. 1. Absorption/excretion: Pharmacokinetics of MEPM was studied in 9 children using doses of 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg by a 30 minute-drip infusion. Peak plasma levels and plasma half-lives of the 2 doses were 28.4 and 43.0 micrograms/ml, and 0.70 and 0.80 hours, respectively. Their urinary recovery rates were 42.5 to 67.6% and 29.9 to 62.6%, respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid levels and penetration rates of MEPM in a patient with purulent meningitis were 0.66 to 4.01 micrograms/ml and 1.6 to 12.2%, respectively. 2. Clinical study: Forty-nine patients were treated with MEPM at doses exceeding 100 mg/kg/day with purulent meningitis and 30 to 60 mg/kg/day with other infections. MEPM gave "excellent" or "good" responses in 48 cases, an efficacy rate of 98.0%. Only one patient with subdural abscess showed fair response. Diarrhea and rash were observed in 1 case each. Abnormal laboratory test results were noted in 5 patients including elevation of GOT, GPT and eosinophils. In no cases the treatment had to be discontinued.

Regulation of nerve growth factor and nerve growth factor receptor production by NMDA in C6 glioma cells

The synthesis of nerve growth factor (NGF) and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) were studied in a C6 glioma cell line by Northern blot hybridization. In response to a glutamate agonist N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA), NGF mRNA increased by up to 2-fold after 4-12 h of culture. The non-NMDA receptor agonists, quisqualate and kainate, did not induce any increase of NGF mRNA, and kainate actually produced a decrease. The increase in NGF mRNA in response to NMDA was dose-dependent at 1, 5 and 10 microM. NGF receptor (NGFR) mRNA showed changes in expression which were similar to those for NGF mRNA, but were less marked. The specific glutamate antagonist 2-aminophosphonovaleric acid (APV) blocked the increase of NGF mRNA produced by NMDA. In the absence of Ca2+, an increase of NGF mRNA was still observed but in the presence of 1 mM ethylglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether) N,N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), NGF mRNA production abolished. The mechanism producing an increase in NGF mRNA by NMDA may be mediated by cyclic AMP since intracellular cyclic AMP and NGF mRNA levels both increased following treatment with NMDA or dibutyryl cyclic AMP.

Effect of pH and guanidine hydrochloride on the conformation of 57 kDa rat liver nuclear thyroid hormone binding protein measured by fluorescence

The denaturation of the 57 kilodalton (kDa) rat liver nuclear thyroid hormone binding protein (NTHB) by pH and guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) has been investigated with the fluorescence method. The acid and alkaline fluorescence quenching suggests that the structure of NTHB is invariant in the relatively narrow pH region of approximately pH 7-9. A cooperative conformational transition occurred in GdnHCl concentrations of 1.5-2.5 m. The apparent free energy of unfolding of NTHB, delta G(appH2O) was evaluated as 6.31 (+/- 0.12) kcal.mol-1 at pH 7.7, 25 degrees C.

Production of nerve growth factor in rat skeletal muscle

Production of the nerve growth factor (NGF) was confirmed by Northern blot hybridization using a specific probe of synthetic cDNA. In normal rat skeletal muscle, this probe clearly showed a band equivalent to 1.3 kilobases (kb) of messenger RNA (mRNA) of NGF of male mouse submaxillary gland. By denervation, the density of the bands derived from muscles increased by a factor of more than 3 at 4 and 6 days later compared to the control. The synthesis of mRNA of NGF in muscle was also confirmed following tetrodotoxin (TTX) blockade of sciatic nerve without denervation.

Binding characteristics of dopa (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) and its metabolites to bovine serum albumin as measured by ultrafiltration technique

The interaction between 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), dopamine, 3-methoxytyramine and homovanillic acid and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated by the ultrafiltration technique. The apparent binding constants were determined assuming the equivalence and independence of the binding sites on the BSA molecule. The binding constants were in the range of log K = 2.85 to 3.77 with 1 to 2 binding sites. The affinity of ligands to BSA strengthened with progression of the metabolism in the order of DOPA less than dopamine less than 3-methoxytyramine less than homovanillic acid.

Development and evaluation of the TD97 measles virus vaccine

The TD97 strain vaccine virus was prepared from the Tanabe strain measles virus by low-temperature passages in primary cell cultures and ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis. The TD97 strain exhibited the following characteristics: highly temperature sensitive, neither multiplying nor forming any plaques at 40 degrees C in Vero cells; genetically stable, maintaining high temperature sensitivity after ten successive passages in CE cells at 30 degrees C or 35 degrees C; and M proteins of this virus about 1 KD slower in mobility in SDS-PAGE than that of the Tanabe strain. The TD97 strain was further confirmed to be attenuated by an inoculation test into primate brain. In field trials, 752 healthy children were inoculated with a live virus vaccine prepared with this strain, and the following results were obtained: the seroconversion rate was 97% (517/533), and the average HI antibody titer was 2(5.2). An antibody-increasing effect was also observed in children who were initially seropositive. In children who seroconverted, the rates of fever were 15.7% (55/351) for 37.5 degrees C or higher and 4.0% (14/351) for 39 degrees C or higher. The rash rate was 7.7% (27/351), and the incidence of local reaction was 5.4% (19/351). The TD97 strain is thus considered to be suitable in use for an attenuated measles vaccine.

Immunological studies on Crohn's disease. VIII. Diminished phagocytic activity in peripheral blood monocytes

We have been examining superoxide production activity in patients with Crohn's disease and we noted an increase in this activity in peripheral whole blood and monocytes, determined by a luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. However, superoxide production and phagocytosis are different phenomena. To search for the "real" phagocytic capacity, we examined the phagocytic activity of peripheral blood monocytes and neutrophils in 20 Japanese patients with Crohn's disease, using automated laser flow cytometry. In contrast to the results obtained with the chemiluminescence assay, we found a decrease in the "real" phagocytic function in monocytes, yet there was no difference in the phagocytic ability in neutrophils. The phagocytic activity in patients with an active form of the disease was lower than that in patients with inactive form of the disease. These results provide pertinent information on the role of monocytes in Crohn's disease. The depressed phagocytic activity in monocytes from these patients may play some role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Granulation tissue that developed after a minor trauma in a psoriatic patient on long-term etretinate therapy

Synthetic analogues of retinoic acid, isotretinoin in particular, are known to cause granulation tissue in the nail sulcus and healing cystic acne. We observed granulation tissue that developed in a psoriatic patient on long-term oral etretinate therapy (30 mg/day for 3 years), another synthetic analogue of retinoic acid. In August of 1988, the patient, a 44-year-old male, hit his lower leg against a wooden stick, resulting in a laceration. At that time he had relatively limited patches of psoriasis, but his skin was generally thin with telangiectasia, even in areas without psoriasis, probably due to the long-term use of oral etretinate and topical steroid. In spite of treatment with topical disinfectants and oral antibiotics, the wound progressed into granulation tissue surrounded by erythema and multiple punctate erosions with marked secretion of a clear exudate. The histological findings of the granulation tissue included the presence of proliferating microvessels and a relatively dense cell infiltration with a predominance of plasma cells on the sparse edematous connective tissue. Based on these findings, the rash was considered to be retinoid-induced granulation tissue. As compared with previous reports, our case had the following characteristics: development of rash after minor trauma, rash on the lower leg, eosinophil infiltration into the rash. We believe that long-term users of oral etretinate should be cautioned about the potential for delayed wound healing and the formation of granulation tissue.

Physicochemical properties of 57 kDa thyroid hormone binding protein from rat liver nuclei

The nuclear thyroid hormone binding protein (NTHB) with the molecular weight of 57 kDa was obtained from rat liver nuclear extracts by using HPLC and DEAE-Sephadex A-25 ion exchange chromatography methods. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled 3,5,3'-triiodo-L-thyronine (F-T3) was used as a fluorescent probe to identify the hormone binding protein. Purified NTHB has a single binding site for T3 with the apparent binding constant of (3.3 +/- 0.7) X 10(8) M-1. NTHB is an acidic protein with a pI of 5.0. The secondary structure of NTHB is characterized by about 42% helical and 18% beta-structure from CD measurements.

The nasalis musculocutaneous flap; a report of three cases

In three cases a nasalis musculocutaneous flap, using the dog-ear, has been used to help close the secondary defect after transfer of a superiorly based nasolabial flap to the nose. In one case part of the nasalis flap was used to close a defect in the nasal lining.

Re-evaluation of the phagocytic respiratory burst in the physiological or inflammatory state and in aging

We studied the differences in oxygen metabolite generation, using a chemiluminescence (CL) assay, in peripheral blood phagocytic cells from various donors including healthy young volunteers, patients with acute or chronic inflammation, pregnant women, and elderly persons. The CL response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) after stimulation with serum-opsonized zymosan was increased in patients with acute inflammation due to infection and in pregnant women as compared with that in controls. Monocytes from those patients also showed a slight increase of the CL response. In contrast, CL of monocytes from patients with chronic inflammation (Crohn's disease patients) and elderly persons was significantly enhanced, whereas that of their PMN remained in the range of control values. The significance of these results was discussed.

[Change of blood lentinan level in patients with advanced cancers]

A conventional limulus test can detect not only endotoxin but also beta(1----3) glucan. Therefore, with a quantitative limulus test, the limulus colorimetric test, we studied the pharmacokinetics of lentinan, an antitumor beta(1----3) glucan preparation, in the blood of 10 healthy volunteers and 20 patients with advanced cancers. The calibration curve of lentinan in the human plasma was linear in the range of 0 to 100 ng/ml. Two mg of lentinan was administered once a week and blood samplings for the measurement were done immediately before the next lentinan administration to document trough-levels serially at a week interval. Trough-levels tended to rise gradually and showed a rapid elevation between 4 and 8 weeks after beginning of administration. This phenomenon may correlate closely with the antitumor effect of lentinan and, therefore, deserves further investigations.

[HLA study in 108 Japanese patients with Crohn's disease]

We attempted to clarify the association between HLA and Crohn's disease. HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR and -DQ locus antigens in 108 Japanese patients with Crohn's disease were analyzed and the results were compared with findings of 472 healthy Japanese. In patients with Crohn's disease there was a strong positive association with HLA-DR4 (chi 2 = 14.086, Pc less than 0.005, RR = 2.231), and a weak positive association with HLA-B51, -Bw54, -DRw12, -DRw13 and -DRw52. While there was a strong negative association with HLA-DR2 (chi 2 = 10.194, Pc less than 0.025, RR = 0.435), DQw1 (chi 2 = 14.680, Pc less than 0.001 RR = 0.442) and DQw3 (chi 2 = 7.760 Pc less than 0.025 RR = 0.549), and a weak negative association with HLA-B7. In conclusion, susceptibility to Crohn's disease may relate to HLA-DR4, especially HLA-DR4.1, in Japanese patients.

Binding characteristics of a major thyroid hormone metabolite, 3,3',5'-triiodo-L-thyronine, to bovine serum albumin as measured by fluorescence

The interaction between a major thyroid hormone metabolite, 3,3',5'-triiodo-L-thyronine and bovine serum albumin was investigated by fluorescence measurements. The apparent binding constants were obtained at various pHs assuming the equivalence and independence of the interaction sites on the protein from the fluorescence titration curves. The maximum binding was attained at pH 8.0, and the apparent binding constant was (5.28 +/- 0.13).10(5) M-1 with one binding site per albumin molecule. Thermodynamic parameters were also determined from the van't Hoff plot of the apparent binding constants at pH 7.5. The free energy change, enthalpy change and entropy change were -7.70 +/- 0.09 kcal.mol-1, -4.59 kcal.mol-1 and 10.2 e.u., respectively.