[A study of LOH on chromosome 9p21 region D9S319 locus of laryngeal carcinoma]

Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 9p21 (D9S319) from fifty-four laryngeal cancer patients has been examined by using the PCR technique of DNA microsatellite markers in this study. The results showed that the LOH on 9p21 was 100% present (2/2) in in situ carcinomas and 66% (29/44) in invasive carcinomas. Therefore, these results suggest that there is a tumor suppressor gene located on 9p21 region. Its inactivation was related to laryngeal carcinoma and it was an early event.

Two new polyacetylenes from Artemisia eriopoda

The aerial parts of Artemisia eriopoda (Compositae) afforded two new C (17)-polyacetylenes. Based on their IR, UV, EIMS, (1)H- and (13)C-NMR (DEPT) spectral data, the structures were elucidated to be (1,8 E,13 Z,16)-heptadecatetraene-4,6-diyne-3,11,12-triol and (1,8 E,12 E,14 Z)-heptadecatetraene-4,6-diyne-3,11-diol.

Finite element formulation of biphasic poroviscoelastic model for articular cartilage

The purpose of the present study was to develop a computationally efficient finite element model that could be useful for parametric analysis of the biphasic poroviscoelastic (BPVE) behavior of articular cartilage under various loading conditions. The articular cartilage was modeled as the BPVE mixture of a porous, linear viscoelastic, and incompressible solid and an inviscid and incompressible fluid. A finite element (FE) formulation of the BPVE model was developed using two different algorithms, the continuous and discrete spectrum relaxation functions for the viscoelasticity of the solid matrix. These algorithms were applied to the creep and stress relaxation responses to the confined compression of articular cartilage, and a comparison of their performances was made. It was found that the discrete spectrum algorithm significantly saved CPU time and memory, as compared to the continuous spectrum algorithm. The consistency analysis for the present FE formulation was performed in comparison with the IMSL, a commercially available numerical software package. It was found that the present FE formulation yielded consistent results in predicting model behavior, whereas the IMSL subroutine produced inconsistent results in the velocity field, and thereby in the strain calculation.

[Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome RB1.20 locus and p110RB1 protein state in squmous cell carcinomas of larynx]

OBJECTIVE

To study the RB1 gene in squamous cell carcinoma of larynx(ISCC) and to find clue for discovering and locating new suppressor gene.

METHODS

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of microsatellite polymorphic sequence on chromosomes 13 at RB1.20 locus of 58 LSCC patients were analyzed. The p110RB1 protein state was detected by immunohistochemical staining using the polyclonal antibody to the RB1 products.

RESULTS

It showed that 3 cases in the preinvasive stage (i.e. carcinoma in situ) had no any LOH on chromosome 13. Forty percent of the 55 invasive LSCC showed LOH at RB1.20 locus. By immunohistochemical staining p110RB1 protein negative reaction was observed in 8 LSCCs in which 6 cases associated with LOH at RB1.20 locus.

CONCLUSIONS

RB1 gene was inactivated in some LSCCs. It is putative that there is another tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 13 near by RB1.20 locas. The inactivation of the genes at the chromosome 13q region including RB1 involved genesis and development of invasive LSCC.

[Inferior pulmonary ligament spindle-shaped covering on the anastomotic orifice in the surgery of cardiac carcinoma: experience in 772 patients with no anastomotic leakage or stricture successively]

OBJECTIVE

To prevent anastomotic leakage and stricture after the resection of cardiac carcinoma.

METHODS

Since complications are the main causes of postoperative death and poor living quality, we modified anastomotic method, and projected anastomotic orifice to be covered with inferior pulmonary ligament(IPL) in spindle shape.

RESULTS

From March 1987 to December 1996, 772 cases of cardiac carcinoma underwent surgical treatment with this method and no anastomotic leakage and stricture developed.

CONCLUSION

The IPL has strong ability to adhere and heal. Anastomotic orifice is covered tightly and safely. No forth row 13 needed in not introsed anastomotic orifice, thus preventing stricture, because of lung expanding, IPL adheres to anastomotic orifice tightly, making stump space disappeared. IPL possesses well tenacity and can be used easily.

[Effects of octacosanol in food physiological parameters in tail-suspended rats]

The purposes of the experiment were to observe the physiological effects of octacosanol in food on tail-suspended rats and to investigate the possibility of using octacosanol in health food for astronauts. 24 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into free action control, tail-suspension and tail suspension plus octacosanol (TSO) groups. Octacosanol was emulsified into water by supersound and given to TSO rats with a dosage of 25 mg/kg wt d. The results showed that octacosanol elevated the weight of thymus, improved biomechanical properties of the femur and improved membrane fluidity of red blood cell. It suggests that octacosanol can counteract some effects of simulated weightlessness on rats. Therefore, octacosanol may be added to natural foods to benefit the health of cosmonauts.

[Suppression of transforming growth factor beta 1 on malignant phenotype in HL-60 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 on tumor cells.

METHOD

HL-60 cells were transfected with transforming growth factor beta 1 expression vector by electroporation. Stable cell clones resistant to G 418 were obtained after 2-3 week growth with the drug-containing medium. A series of malignant phenotype were compared between transfected and untransfected HL 60 cells.

RESULTS

The growth speed of HL-60 cells which overexpressed transforming growth factor beta 1 mRNA decreased significantly. Clonigenecity in soft agarase and tumor formation in athymic mice were lower than those untransfected HL-60 cells.

CONCLUSION

Suppression effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 on malignant phenotype in HL-60 cells were demonstrated.

[Loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 13 in squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx]

OBJECTIVE

To locate lost region of tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 13q in squamous-cell carcinoma of the larynx (LSCC) and to provide clues and evidence for discovering and locating new suppressor gene.

METHODS

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomes 13 was analyzed in 58 LSCC patients. By microsatellite polymorphic sequences in loci D13S765 (13q13), RB 1.20 (13q14.2), D13s133 (13q14.3) and D13S318 (13q21) on chromosome 13 by PCR.

RESULTS

There weren't any LOH on chromosome 13q in 3 cases with preinvasive LSCC. Forty-five percentage (24/53) of the 53 invasive LSCC cases showed LOH at one or more loci on chromosome 13q region. The highest perentage of LOH on chromosome 13q was 52% (22/53) at D13S765 locus.

CONCLUSION

The deletion region on chromosome 13q was located near by D13S765 locus which is centrimeric to RB1. In this region there is suppressor gene, which related to the genesis and developement of LSCC, possibly including RB1. The inactivation of these suppressor gene may be related to the genesis and developement of invasive LSCC.

New eudesmane sesquiterpene and other constituents from Artemisia mongolica

The aerial parts of Artemisia mongolica afforded the eudesmane derivative ludovicin B, two coumarins, umbelliferone and esculetin, two methoxylated flavones, eupatilin and pectolinarigenin, as well as a new eudesmane sesquiterpene, 6alpha,8alpha-dihydroxyisocostic acid methyl ester. Structures were elucidated by highfield 1D and 2D NMR techniques.

Immunologic distribution of an organic anion transport protein in rat liver and kidney

A Na(+)-independent organic anion transport protein was recently cloned from rat liver using a Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system [E. Jacquemin, B. Hagenbuch, B. Stieger, A.W. Wolkoff, and P.J. Meier, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 133-137, 1994]. Although expression of this protein is sufficient for cells to transport the organic anion bromosulfophthalein, little is known about its cell biology or biochemical characteristics. Northern blot analysis performed under high-stringency conditions revealed hybridization with RNA only from liver and kidney; transcripts appeared the same in these two organs. Within kidney, hybridization was greatest when RNA extracted from the outer medulla was used. Immunoblot analysis revealed that in liver, the transporter was enriched in 0.1 M Na2CO3-extracted membranes and sinusoidal plasma membrane preparations, consistent with its being an integral membrane protein. This 80-kDa protein migrated as a 65-kDa protein after treatment with N-glycanase. Immunomorphological examination of liver revealed basolateral plasma membrane localization. In 0.1 M Na2CO3-extracted membranes of kidney, the transporter migrated as an 83-kDa protein on nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). On reduction, it resolved into peptides of 33 and 37 kDa. SDS-PAGE migration of the liver protein was unaffected by reduction. Immunomorphological examination of kidney revealed apical plasma membrane localization in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule of the outer medulla. Differential processing and trafficking of this transporter in liver and kidney may have important functional and regulatory consequences.

Augmentation of tumor metastasis by platelet-activating factor

The effect of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on experimental pulmonary metastasis by the B16F10 murine melanoma and the possible involvement of PAF in the activities of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) in tumor metastasis were investigated. i.p. injection of PAF enhanced the lung colonization in a dose- and time-dependent manner. PAF enhanced lung colonization when it was administered after, but not before, B16F10 inoculation. Multiple injections of PAF were more effective than a single injection. Neutralization of endogenous PAF with PAF antagonist BN50739 decreased lung colonization, suggesting that endogenous PAF plays an important role in pulmonary metastases. A single i.p. injection of TNF-alpha or IL-1alpha caused a marked enhancement in lung colonization. TNF-alpha- and IL-1alpha-mediated enhancement in lung colonies was significantly inhibited by BN50739. These results demonstrate that PAF has a metastasis-enhancing effect and is a mediator of the metastatic activities of TNF-alpha and IL-1alpha.

Manuduction of adhesive ankylosis of the knee under anesthesia

This paper reports 60 cases of adhesive ankylosis of the knee treated by manuduction under anesthesia. Excellent and good effects were achieved in 50 cases (83%), and normal function of the knee joint was maintained in 35 of the 40 cases followed up for more than one year.

[A new technique of esophagogastrostomy above the aortic arch--covering and suspending of the anastomotic area with mediastinal pleura flap]

The postoperative anastomotic leakage is the most severe complication and the principal cause of death after resection of esophageal carcinoma. Especially, anastomosis above the aortic arch is accompanied by high incidence of anastomotic leakage usually with fatal prognosis. The authors improved the conventional method of anastomosis by using a mediastinal pleura flap to cover and suspend the anastomotic area with excellent result. From January of 1990 to April of 1995, 210 patients with esophageal carcinoma were so treated. No anastomotic leakage or stricture developed. Only one patient died of extensive myocardial infarction with an overall mortality of 0.47%. The major merit of this procedure was that the mediastinal pleura flap could cover the area of anastomosis and sustain the dragging force acting on this area, providing a better condition for the anastomosis to heal and thus reducing the possibility of anastomotic leakage.

Stable inducible expression of a functional rat liver organic anion transport protein in HeLa cells

Recently we expression cloned a rat liver organic anion transport protein in Xenopus laevis oocytes (Jacquemin, E. Hagenbuch, B, Stieger, B., Wolkoff, A.W., and Meier, P.J.,(1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 91, 133-137). In the present study, we have stably transfected the cDNA encoding this protein into HeLa cells by using a vector containing a zinc-inducible promoter. The parent cells have virtually no baseline transport of [35S]sulfobromophthalein, whereas the induced transfected cells express a novel 74-kDa protein and avidly transport this ligand. Transport by these cells is saturable (Km = 3.3 microM, Vmax = 257 pmol/min/mg protein), bidirectional, and highly temperature-dependent. In the presence of albumin, uptake of [35S]sulfobromophthalein requires the presence of extracellular Cl, whereas in the absence of albumin, this C1- dependence is not seen. These studies indicate that cellular uptake of sulfobromophthalein does not result from direct interaction with the plasma membrane lipid bilayer but rather requires the presence of a specific plasma membrane transporter.

Basal promoter of the rat connexin 32 gene: identification and characterization of an essential element and its DNA-binding protein

The connexin 32 (Cx32) gene, a member of a multigene family, is expressed preferentially in the liver. The basal promoter complex of the rat Cx32 gene was previously localized to a 146-bp region (map positions [mp] -179 to -34) immediately upstream of the first exon. To investigate the biochemical factors contributing to the basal promoter activity, nuclear protein-DNA complexes within this region (mp -177 to -106) were investigated by using a DNA mobility shift assay. Three DNA-protein binding activities, termed Cx32-B1, Cx32-B2, and Cx32-B3, were identified with nuclear protein extracts from hepatoma cell lines, HuH7 and FAO-1. However, only Cx32-B2 binding activity was detected in nuclear protein extract from normal rat liver tissue. This activity was significantly more abundant in rat liver tissue than in hepatoma cell lines and tissues from various other organs. By using methylation interference footprinting, the Cx32-B2 complex was localized to the region between mp -152 and -127 and a DNA probe containing this region bound to a 60-kDa protein in rat liver nuclear extracts. Mutation of two nucleotides in the Cx32-B2 binding site abrogated the formation of the Cx32-B2 protein-DNA complex and significantly reduced the transcriptional activity of the Cx32 promoter. These results indicate that the Cx32-B2 complex is an essential component of the rat Cx32 basal promoter and is likely a major factor in the preferential expression of this gene in the liver.

Orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia and heart failure in a dog with a concealed posteroseptal accessory pathway

A 4-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented for recurrent bouts of pulmonary edema associated with tachycardia. Initial physical examination and echocardiography were unremarkable, and the electrocardiogram revealed only an intraventricular conduction disturbance. Subsequent recordings showed paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) (340 beats/min), which consistently produced pulmonary edema. The supraventricular tachycardia was unresponsive to adenosine, esmolol, and propranolol; was variable and transiently responsive to various vagal maneuvers and precordial thumps; and was always responsive to IV diltiazem. Multiple life-threatening episodes of SVT occurred, however, despite the chronic administration of oral diltiazem, propranolol, and procainamide. Diastolic cardiac dysfunction was documented by Doppler echocardiography and was thought to contribute to the development of pulmonary edema. A subsequent electrophysiologic study confirmed the presence of an atrioventricular posteroseptal accessory pathway that participated in orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia. This pathway was determined to conduct only in the retrograde direction ("concealed accessory pathway"). Intraoperative IV procainamide titration terminated the arrhythmia, which could not be reinduced when procainamide blood concentration approximated 20 micrograms/dL. Increasing the oral procainamide dose to achieve such plasma concentrations was successful in eliminating orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia, preventing heart failure, and returning Doppler indices of diastolic function to normal.

[Association of polymorphism for HLA-DQA1 promotor region (QAP) with IDDM]

We have identified the DNA polymorphism for the HLA-DQA1 promotor region (QAP) in patients with early and late onset insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) by PCR direct sequencing. The result showed that single nucleotide substitution at position-92(C-->T-92) and -146 (T-->C-146) were detected in QAP for early and late onset IDDM respectively. These findings suggests that the mutation seems to alter the conformation of QAP so that these are likely to influence the aberrant expression of MHC-class II loci in beta-pancreatic islet cells.

[A model of orthotopic transplantation of human hepatoma established in nude mice tumor inhibition studies]

We established a model of orthotopic transplantation of human hepato-carcinoma. The tissues from human hepatoma LTNM4 were surgically implanted into the livers of 32 BALB/c nu/nu nude mice. These led to the development of tum or masses in the livers of 31 nude mice; the rate of success was about 96.8% (31/32). Furthermore, this model was applied to the studies on the tumor inhibitory action of DHAQ-PBCA-NS, a hepatic targeting preparation for anticarcinoma. Satisfactory effect was attained. The result has proved the applicability of this animal model to researches on hepatic targeting preparations against carcinoma.

[An observation of the anticarcinogenic effect of mitoxantrone-polybutylcyanoacrylate-nanosperes]

This paper reports the result of an experiment on the anticarcinogenic effect of liver targeted drug delivery system-mitoxantrone-polybutylcyanoacrylate-nanospheres (DHAQ-PBCA-NS) by using a model of heterotopic and orthotopic transplantation of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in nude mice. No significant difference was noted between the anti-HCC effects of mitoxantrone and dexerubicin, but the anti-orthotopic transplanting HCC effect of mitoxantrone-nanospheres was obviously higher than that of mitoxantrone and dexerubicin by comparison of tumor inhibition rates and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The result showed the applicability of mitoxantrone-nanospheres.

Identification of proximal and distal regulatory elements of the rat connexin32 gene

We have investigated the genetic basis of the transcriptional regulation of the rat connexin32 gene which encodes the major gap junction protein in rat liver. Primer extension analysis of RNA isolated from adult rat liver identified multiple initiation sites clustered between -110 bp and -50 bp upstream from the translation start codon. An approx. 760 bp genomic DNA fragment upstream of the first exon which included the mRNA start sites was cloned 5' to the luciferase reporter cassette in p19LUC to yield pCx32-800/-33-LUC. Transfection of pCx32-800/-33-LUC resulted in a 200-fold increase in luciferase activity above p19LUC in the human hepatoma cell line HuH-7. Using a series of vectors containing 5' deletions of the 760 bp fragment, a basal promoter was localized between -179 bp and -134 bp. Three DNA:protein complexes were identified with the basal promoter fragment by DNA mobility shift assay using nuclear extracts from HuH-7 cells. Two of the DNA-binding complexes appeared to be related to the transcription factor Sp1. In addition, three DNase hypersensitive (HS) sites were identified within the genomic locus of connexin32 in adult rat liver. Two of the DNase HS regions behaved as silencer elements with both the native promoter and a heterologous promoter in HuH-7 cells. These data demonstrate that (1) the active promoter responsible for rat connexin32 mRNA transcription is located upstream of the first exon, (2) a basal promoter region was localized to a 50 bp region which formed multiple DNA:protein complexes, and (3) multiple proximal and distant regulatory elements are involved in the expression of connexin32.

Characterization of a rapid and sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for progesterone applied to conditioned cell culture media

Progesterone accumulation in conditioned media is a frequently employed endpoint for in vitro cell culture of steroidogenic cells. Although radioimmunoassay (RIA) has been the predominant method for measurement of progesterone, a number of nonradiometric immunoassays have been described but they have not been applied to conditioned media. Here, we report the characterization of a microtitre plate enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for determination of progesterone in conditioned media. The EIA has a sensitivity of 0.3 pg per well with intraassay and interassay coefficients of variation of 7.3 and 10.2%, respectively. The specificity of the EIA is no different than that of a comparable RIA showing crossreactivities of less than 0.1% for other steroids except 5 alpha-pregnan-3,20-dione (47%) and 11 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (18%). Progesterone levels from conditioned cell culture media of either rat or human granulosa cell cultures measured by both EIA and RIA were in close agreement (r = 0.96) and serial dilutions of culture samples in the EIA were parallel to those of the standards. Also, extraction of culture media prior to EIA was found not to be necessary. Thus, this EIA is a highly sensitive and specific assay that provides a rapid, simple, inexpensive, and non-radiometric alternative to radioimmunoassay for measurement of progesterone in conditioned cell culture media.

Effect of caval-portal shunt on ovarian tissue in rats: I. Histological observation

Forty-three female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups, with groups 1-4 subjected to end-to-side caval-portal shunt (CPS). In addition to CPS, group 1 (n = 13), group 2 (n = 10), and group 3 (n = 7) rats had undergone removal of the right ovary and one-half of the left ovary, the left ovary, and one-half of the left ovary, respectively. Group 4 (n = 6) rats were not subjected to ovariectomy. Group 5 (n = 7) animals were not subjected to CPS but underwent left ovarian hemiresection. The ovarian volume of the hemiresected ovaries increased to 393.00 +/- 4.83 mm3 and 126.00 +/- 44.3 mm3 from 18.40 +/- 0.54 mm3 and 18.40 +/- 0.59 mm in groups 1 and 3, respectively, at the end of three postoperative months. The nonresected ovaries enlarged to 339.98 +/- 5.09 mm3 and 226.3 +/- 46.2 mm3 from 36.79 +/- 1.09 mm3 in groups 2 and 3, respectively. When no ovaries were resected, the CPS animals in group 4 showed an increment of ovarian volume of 1.75-2.2 times as much as the preoperative ones. In the animals that had undergone simple hemiovariectomy (group 5), the contralateral ovaries showed a significant increase in volume (40.2 +/- 8.3 mm3 to 243.1 +/- 114.8 mm3) at 3 months. The hemiresected ovarian volume increased from 27.1 +/- 5.5 mm3 to 44.1 +/- 11.8 mm3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Nucleotide sequence of the extracellular alpha-amylase gene in the yeast Schwanniomyces occidentalis ATCC 26077

The Schwanniomyces occidentalis (formerly castellii) ATCC 26077 (CBS 2863) alpha-amylase (AMY 26077) gene was cloned in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and sequenced. An open-reading frame encoding the AMY consists of 1536 base pairs and contains 512 amino-acid residues, which is almost the same in size as the AMY of Sch. occidentalis ATCC 26076 and CCRC 21164. The amino-acid sequence of AMY 26077 differed from that of ATCC 26076 alpha-amylase (AMY 26076) at two residues and from that of CCRC 21164 alpha-amylase (AMY 21164) at three residues. Comparison of the AMY 26077 gene with its homologues from two other strains (Sch. alluvius CBS 1153 and Sch. persoonii CBS 2169) using several restriction enzymes revealed that the AMY 26077 was very similar to AMY CBS 1153 but different from that of CBS 2169.

Effects of some natural products as components of Chinese herbal medicines on mammary gland growth and function in mice

As a possible step to evaluate the role in the mammary glands of the scales of Guanshanjia, the fruits of Lulutong and the seeds of Wangbuliouxing, which are the natural products used widely as the components of herbal medicine in China for the improvement of lactation and the therapy of breast disorders, the effects of these agents on mammary gland growth and function were studied in female mice. The chronic administration of each agent in drinking water improved several parameters; however, the mode of action differed markedly among agents. The results indicate the necessity of acquiring enough knowledge of the characteristics of each agent for the efficient prescription of herbal medicine as well as the single use of the agent.