Cloning, sequencing, and expression of a beta-amylase gene from Bacillus cereus var. mycoides and characterization of its products

The cloned gene was composed of 1638 bp for coding plus promoter like and SD-like sequences ahead of it. The deduced amino acid sequence had high similarity with known beta-amylases. The N-terminal sequence of the cloned beta-amylase seemed to be a signal peptide. The gene was introduced into Bacillus subtilis 1A289 using pHY300PLK as a vector and the expressed protein was recovered from the culture media. The enzyme fraction produced was divided into two components upon the DEAE column chromatography. The amino acid sequence of one fraction (FrI) was the same as the mature enzyme, and the other (FrII) lacked the N-terminal amino acid residue (Ala) of the mature enzyme. The kinetic parameters of the hydrolysis catalyzed by the enzyme component FrI were measured, and the subsite affinities of the enzyme were evaluated. In conclusion, it was shown that the recombinant enzyme was the same as the mature enzyme functionally and proteochemically.

Roles of XPG and XPF/ERCC1 endonucleases in UV-induced immunostaining of PCNA in fibroblasts

To investigate the relationship between proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) complex formation and dual incisions in the nucleotide excision repair (NER) process, xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XP-G), XP-F, and XP-G equivalent mouse UV-sensitive mutant ERCC group 5 cells were utilized as a model in this study. These cells are deficient in endonucleases related to 3' (XP-G and ERCC group 5) or 5' (XP-F) incision of the DNA lesions in the NER process. PCNA complex formation was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence method after the cells were fixed in methanol. When Sps1 (XP-G) and XL216-7 (ERCC group 5) cells were UV irradiated, neither of them showed PCNA staining. In contrast, SFN4 (a human normal strain) and heterokaryons of Sps1 and XP96TO (XP-A) cells fused by polyethylene glycol treatment showed PCNA staining following UV irradiation. Furthermore, XLgfPAneo1 cells, derived from XL216-7 cells transfected with a plasmid containing mouse ERCC5 (xpg) cDNA, also restored staining and UV sensitivity. On the other hand, we observed a very faint PCNA staining in XP2YO (XP-F) cells, expressing no detectable ERCC1 or XPF protein, after UV irradiation. X rays induced PCNA staining in all cell lines with a similar staining pattern, and radiosensitivity was exactly the same between XL216-7 and XLgfPAneo1 cells. These results may have implications for the NER process in vivo in that coordinately occurring dual incisions by XPG and XPF/ERCC1 proteins play an important role in inducing PCNA complex formation, but the step may not be required for PCNA-dependent repair of X-ray-induced DNA damage.

Transposition of the mental nerve and inferior alveolar nerve trunk

Transposition of the mental nerve trunk is performed as a preprosthetic procedure. It is effective for patients with hyperesthesia caused by dental prosthesis and resorption of the alveolar ridge caused by aging. It is also performed to protect a location for implant insertion and to preserve the inferior alveolar nerve during mandibular tumor excision surgery. The demand for this surgery is increasing. The disadvantages of the surgery performed with the usual methods include the difficulty of the procedure and the long operation time. In an attempt to solve these problems, this study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University Hanover, introducing an improved surgical method and presenting the actual operation performed in our department. This surgical method is considered superior because it is easy to perform, requires no special equipment and results in recovery of the mental nerve after surgery.

An epitope on Ki antigen recognized by autoantibodies from lupus patients shows homology with the SV40 large T antigen nuclear localization signal

OBJECTIVE

Epitopes on Ki antigen were analyzed using synthetic peptides, including KILT, a 16-mer peptide with an amino acid sequence homologous to the SV40 large T antigen nuclear localization signal (SV40 T NLS).

METHODS

In addition to KILT, 4 synthetic peptides, all potential epitopes on Ki antigen according to computer analysis, were prepared and tested for reactivity with 49 anti-Ki-positive lupus sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Eighteen sera reacted with KILT, but not with other peptides. The reaction of anit-Ki sera with KILT was specifically inhibited by recombinant Ki antigen. Eight of 49 anti-Ki sera reacted with a 7-mer synthetic peptide of SV40 T NLS, and the reaction was specifically inhibited by KILT.

CONCLUSION

The 16-mer Ki peptide containing the sequence homologous to the SV40 T NLS is one of the antigenic epitopes recognized by anti-Ki antibodies in lupus sera.

[Serum CA 19-9 levels in rheumatic diseases with interstitial pneumonia]

Serum CA 19-9 (2-3 sialyl Le(a)) is a marker of malignant disorder such as pancreas or gall bladder cancers. It has been reported that sera from patients with interstitial pneumonia show elevated level of CA 19-9. To investigate the relationship between the elevation of serum CA 19-9 (sCA 19-9) and the presence of pulmonary fibrosis, we examined the level of sCA 19-9 in sera from patients with rheumatic diseases with or without interstitial pneumonia (IP). The sCA 19-9 level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fourteen sera of 129 (10.9%) patients with rheumatic diseases without malignant disorders were positive for sCA 19-9 when normal range was determined as less than 100 U/ml (mean +/- 5 SD), and 26.7% of sera from poly/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and 11.8% of systemic sclerosis (PSS) were positive for CA 19-9. Whereas only 8.0% of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was positive. Twelve (28.6%) of 42 rheumatic patients with IP showed positive levels for sCA 19-9 (mean 142.5 +/- 363.0 U/ml), whereas only two (2.3%) of 87 without IP were positive (mean 33.9 +/- 65.8 U/ml; p < 0.05). The correlation between the level of sCA 19-9 and pulmonary diffusing capacity (%DLCO) revealed an inverse correlation in 32 rheumatic patients with IP (r = -0.43, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the elevated sCA 19-9 levels decreased after treatment with corticosteroid and/or cyclophosphamide or cyclosporin A. Therefore, elevation of the level of sCA 19-9 seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of IP and sCA 19-9 will be a useful parameter for IP. It has been reported that the CA 19-9 is produced from the bronchial glands and suggested that during chronic fibrotic process of the lung, the metaplastic change of the bronchial glandular cells occur and the cells produce CA 19-9.

Autoantibodies recognizing proteins copurified with PCNA in patients with connective tissue diseases

OBJECTIVE

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), one of the target antigen recognized by lupus sera, has been reported to be present as a subnuclear multi-peptide complex. But autoantibodies reacting with components of PCNA complex are poorly understood. To study the specificity of those autoantibodies, immunoreactivities of autoimmune sera against purified PCNA antigen were studied.

METHODS

PCNA antigens were purified from rabbit thymus extract by affinity column using murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to PCNA, TOB7, TO17 and TO30. Immunoreactivities of autoimmune sera against purified PCNA were analyzed by WB.

RESULTS

PCNA antigen purified by serum AK predominantly showed a 34 kD band specific for PCNA in SDS-PAGE. When antigens were purified by anti-PCNA mAb TOB7 and TO30 which are known to be targeting different epitopes on PCNA antigen, SDS-PAGE analysis showed various mol. wt of proteins in addition to the 34 kD PCNA while both AK and mAbs reacted only with 34 kD PCNA in WB. In WB using PCNA purified by TOB7, various immunoreactivities were observed at 150, 66, 58, 48, 45, 37, 32 and 16 kDa in sera from patients with connective tissue diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that many of the proteins copurified with PCNA were also targets of autoimmune responses and these autoantibody expression may be induced through antigen-driven mechanisms.

Reactive arthritis induced by tonsillitis

We describe 13 adult patients with reactive arthritis induced by tonsillitis. Arthritis occurred 710 days after tonsillitis and involved the wrists, knees, feet and sternoclavicular joints. Some cases had pain in the Achilles tendon areas. Synovial fluid examined in 4 patients was sterile. All patients except 3 showed unequivocal elevation of serum ASO and/or ASK. Streptococcus was isolated from tonsillar swabs in 7 patients. One had maculopapular erythema and 2 had abdominal pain of unknown origin, but none had cardiac involvement, chorea and subcutaneous nodule. HLA examination revealed that 4 had B39 (p <0.005). Eight cases were treated with antibiotics. Five cases underwent tonsillectomy. All tonsils had cryptic abscess. No exacerbation was seen thereafter. These cases probably represent reactive arthritis induced by tonsillitis and should be distinguished from other rheumatic diseases.

Characterization of X-ray-induced immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in human diploid fibroblasts

The repair of X-ray-induced DNA damage related to the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was characterized in human diploid fibroblasts by an indirect immunofluorescence method. PCNA staining induced by X rays was lost after DNase I treatment but not after RNase treatment. The staining was not induced when ATP was depleted or the temperature was lowered to 0 degrees C during the X irradiation. When cells were incubated at 37 degrees C after X irradiation, PCNA staining diminished gradually and was almost entirely absent 12-15 h later. On the other hand, PCNA staining persisted during aphidicolin treatment even 20 h after X irradiation. Induction of PCNA staining was not affected by the aphidicolin treatment. Cycloheximide treatment did not affect induction of the staining either, but did inhibit the disappearance of the staining. There was no difference in the staining pattern and time course of PCNA staining after X irradiation between normal and xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XP-A) cells. These results imply that PCNA-dependent, aphidicolin-sensitive DNA polymerases may be involved in repair of X-ray-induced DNA damage in vivo, but the repair initiation step could be different from that of nucleotide excision repair initiated by XP proteins.

[Sign and symptoms in Japanese patients with obstructive sleep apnea: present status and problems]

We studied 176 patients with habitual snoring (HS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to find out whether Japanese patients with OSA differ from those in western countries. The prevalence and pathophysiology of hypertension may substantially differ between OSA patients in Japan and in western countries: body mass index may be more closely associated with hypertension in western patients. No statistical relationship was found between obesity and hypertension in Japanese patients. Although the reason is unknown, thinner body builds in Japanese patients could account for this difference. However, if Japanese patients complain of severe obesity or excessive daytime sleepiness, or both, and have a saw-tooth sign in the flow-volume curve or hypertension, or both, a polysomuography should be indicated.

Inhibitory effect of the immunosuppressant FK506 on apoptotic cell death induced by HIV-1 gp120

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein gp120 may play a central role in inducing immunoregulatory disorders after HIV infection. The apoptotic death of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was induced by priming with gp120 followed by stimulation with an anti-T cell receptor (TCR) antibody. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha produced by gp120-binding macrophages may be important to induce this cell death. Treatment of gp120-primed cells with an immunosuppressant (FK506) before TCR signaling inhibited apoptotic cell death, and this blocking effect of FK506 was concentration dependent. FK506 did not have any influence on cell growth and viability over the range of concentrations tested. These findings suggest that FK506 is a potentially useful drug in delaying the onset of AIDS after HIV infection.

Elevation of serum creatine phosphokinase during growth hormone treatment in patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency

Serum creatinine phosphokinase (s-CPK) increased to more than 500 U/l in 5 out of 21 patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency during the 2 years of treatment with biosynthetic GH. In three of these five patients, s-CPK had elevated gradually after the start of GH treatment and remained high in one patient except in the period when GH injection was interrupted, and gradually decreased in the other two patients during treatment. These three patients had complete GH deficiency associated with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency due to pituitary stalk transection. One of the remaining two patients had Noonan syndrome and his s-CPK levels before therapy were relatively high. The fifth patient was a baseball athlete and the elevation of s-CPK seemed to be attributable to the strenuous exercise. Conclusion. s-CPK increases significantly in a certain group of patients with GH deficiency during GH replacement therapy. Measurement of s-CPK is to be included in the follow up laboratory tests at least in the 1st treatment year to evaluate the potential hazardous effects of GH on muscle.

[Enzyme-immunoassay for autoantibodies using recombinant antigens]

The Enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) is known as safe and sensitive quantitative-method to detect autoantibodies. However, it has not been used routinely because of difficulty to prepare a large amount of native autoantigens. Many investigators have established EIA system using recombinant proteins to overcome this problem. And some of them have been useful for the diagnosis of disease and evaluation of disease activity. However, some sera positive for autoantibodies to nuclear antigens such as U1 RNP and Sm, do not react with recombinant proteins because those autoantibodies often recognize the conformational profile of the autoantigen. Therefore, using both double immunodiffusion and EIA is recommended to diagnose the patient with connective tissue disease and to evaluate the disease activities, and may clarify the clinical significance of EIA using recombinant antigens.

An electron microscopic study of the processes of nerve regeneration after lyophilized nerve homografting

The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of the Schwann cell basal lamina in nerve regeneration. To achieve this goal, we observed the process of axonal regeneration within a lyophilized nerve graft, in which only the basal lamina of the Schwann cell persisted. Sciatic nerves were removed from rats and lyophilized to kill the Schwann cells and other components. These grafts were transplanted to rat sciatic nerve defects. The rats were then killed after lapses of time. We observed the processes of axonal regeneration using a transmission electron microscope. Regeneration of axons along the inner surface of the Schwann cell basal lamina was clearly seen. These results suggest that, if tubular basal laminae persist, Schwann cells are not always necessary, and axonal regeneration can be induced in the direction toward the basal lamina.

Drosophila melanogaster aldolase: characterization of the isozymes alpha, beta, and gamma generated from a single gene

Three isozymic forms, alpha, beta, and gamma, of Drosophila melanogaster aldolase are produced from a single gene by alternative usage of the triple exons 4 (4 alpha, 4 beta, and 4 gamma) [Shaw-Lee et al. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 3959-3967; Kim et al. (1992) Mol. Cell. Biol. 12, 773-783; Kai et al. (1992) J. Biochem. 112,677-688]. The expression plasmids for the respective isozymes were transfected into Escherichia coli cells, and the isozymes alpha and beta were purified to homogeneity by a simple procedure, though isozyme gamma was only partially purified. These isozymes are active towards two substrates, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (Fru-1,6-P2) and fructose-1-phosphate (Fru-1-P), with a preference for Fru-1,6-P2 over Fru-1-P, but they have different kcat/Km values towards these two substrates; isozyme alpha shows the highest value for Fru-1,6-P2. These isozymes show similarity in optimal pHs, thermal stability, and Km values for both Fru-1,6-P2 and Fru-1-P. They are composed of four identical subunits of 40 kDa, forming a tetramer with a molecular weight of approximately 160 kDa. The three isozymes are different in primary structure only at the carboxyl-terminal region encoded by the respective exon 4. Therefore, this region should be primarily responsible for the distinct characteristics of these isozymes.

Prognostic value of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining in neuroblastoma

Immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of cell proliferation, is being increasingly used to study the proliferative activity of tumors, and the PCNA labeling index has been correlated with the prognosis of several malignant neoplasms. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of 24 primary neuroblastomas were immunostained using an anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody and the PCNA index was calculated. Then the relationship between the PCNA index, prognosis, and various other factors was assessed, retrospectively. The mean PCNA index was 11.0%. Patients having tumors with a high PCNA index (> or = 11.0%) showed a significantly lower survival rate than those possessing tumors with a low PCNA index (P < 0.001). Moreover, the tumors showing N-myc amplification had a high mean PCNA index of 15.6%, while those without N-myc amplification had a low mean index of 1.7% (P < 0.01). The PCNA index was closely related to the prognosis of neuroblastoma and to N-myc amplification. It has the potential to be a useful prognostic indicator of the patients with neuroblastoma.

Type 3 GM1 gangliosidosis: clinical and neuroradiological findings in an 11-year-old girl

An 11-year-old Japanese girl was diagnosed as having type 3 GM1 gangliosidosis by clinical symptoms and enzyme assay. She was the youngest among the patients with type 3 GM1 gangliosidosis whose clinical and neuroradiological findings have been documented. Clumsiness since early infancy and dystonia since early childhood which progressed slowly without mental deterioration and dysmorphism led us to the diagnosis of type 3 GM1 gangliosidosis. Genotype determination showed point mutation in exon 2 of the beta-galactosidase gene, which is common among the patients reported in Japan. T2-weighted MRI demonstrated bilateral symmetrical hypointensity in the putamen and globus pallidus. Single photon emission computed tomography using 99mTc-HMPAO showed bilateral hyperperfusion in the basal ganglia which decreased gradually during 1 year of observation. Twenty-two patients with type 3 GM1 gangliosidosis reported in the literature whose onset was at under 15 years of age were reviewed.

[Diltiazem potentiates the neuromuscular blockade by vecuronium in humans]

We investigated interaction of diltiazem with vecuronium using constant infusion technique in 24 ASA class I or II elective surgical patients with no preoperative administration of Ca antagonists. Neuromuscular blockade was evaluated with accelerometry, which measured single twitch height of adductor pollicis muscle. After tracheal intubation under isoflurane anesthesia, patients received either no diltiazem (control group, n = 8)m, 5 mg (bolus) + 2 mcg.kg-1.min-1 constant infusion (2 mcg group, n = 8) or 5 mg (bolus) + 4 mcg.kg-1.min-1 constant infusion (4 mcg group, n = 8). When single twitch height returned to 10% of control value, infusion of vecuronium was started and the infusion rate was adjusted to maintain twitch height at 10% of the control value. After 30 minutes of stable twitch height, the vecuronium infusion rate and plasma diltiazem concentrations were measured. Diltiazem infusion of 4 mcg.kg-1.min-1 decreased the vecuronium infusion rate by 45% compared with 2 other groups. Plasma diltiazem concentrations in patients receiving 4 mcg.kg-1.min-1 were significantly higher than those receiving 2 mcg.kg-1.min-1. In conclusion diltiazem 4 mcg.kg-1.min-1 potentiates the neuromuscular blockade of vecuronium and it relates with the plasma diltiazem concentration.

[Estimation of respiratory functions by analysis of expired gas and blood gas during artificial ventilation and general anesthesia]

One-hundred and seven patients undergoing elective surgery were studied to analyze the correlations between preoperative spirometric values and respiratory parameters during general anesthesia. They were grouped according to 3 criterions; preoperative %VC of less than 80%, FEV1.0% of less than 70%, V50/V25 exceeding 4.0. Following the induction of general anesthesia and of mechanical ventilation, expiratory flow (VE), FECO2, PaCO2 and PaO2 were measured to calculate respiratory parameters including VCO2-SR, VD/VT-Bohr, VD/VT-physiological (phys), a-ETDCO2, Volume Pressure Index (VPI) and A-aDO2. Six respiratory parameters were compared between the groups, and correlations between preoperative spirometric values were studied. Those with lower %VC had higher values in VCO2-SR and in VPI, and those with lower FEV1.0% had higher values in VCO2-SR, in VD/VT-phys and in a-ETDCO2. Significant correlations were also observed between these parameters. Preoperative V50/V25 and A-aDO2 during general anesthesia did not correlate with any of the parameters studied. We conclude that VCO2-SR, VD/VT-phys, a-ETDCO2 and VPI during general anesthesia are useful to detect the patients with restrictive and/or obstructive lung dysfunction, although they are not sensitive enough to detect those with small airway disease.

[Successful combination therapy of cyclosporine and steroids in two cases with interstitial pneumonitis associated with polymyositis]

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent which is well-established in the transplantation of organs including kidney, liver and bone marrow. It acts by inhibiting the production of interleukin 2, thereby blocking both the development of cytotoxic lymphocytes, and the proliferation of helper T cells. T cell-mediated muscle damage is thought to be important in the pathogenesis of polymyositis. And activated cytotoxic T cells are thought to play an important role of polymyositis/dermatomyositis with active pneumonitis. It is thereby likely that cyclosporine would be effective in the management of polymyositis with interstitial pneumonitis. We have used cyclosporine in two cases of corticosteroids resistant polymyositis associated with pneumonitis. The first case was admitted because of the relapse of polymyositis. She was partially responded by the high dose of steroid, but showed decreased %DLCO and increased AaDO2 during the therapy. And oral cyclosporine was given with steroid. Within two weeks, serum creatinine kinase level was reduced to normal range, and the improvement of pneumonitis was observed. The second case was admitted because of the flare of pneumonitis. She was treated with high dose of steroid with insufficient response. And cyclosporine was prescribed. Within two weeks of treatment, her symptom was relieved, and blood gas analysis showed an improvement of pulmonary function. And steroid could be tapered. In both cases, the initial dose of cyclosporine was 200 mg/day, and the optimal trough level was thought to be ranged 100 to 150 ng/ml. In the second case, renal dysfunction was observed but it was recovered by the reduction of the dose of cyclosporine. No other side effect was appeared.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Detection of antibodies to HIV-1 gp41- and HLA class II antigen-derived peptides in SLE patients

A role for viruses in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases has long been suspected but has not yet been proven. Highly conserved homologous regions has been reported in the carboxy terminus of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 gp41 (amino acids 838-844) and the amino-terminal of the beta chain of all human HLA class II antigens (amino acids 19-25). This molecular mimicry between HIV-1 and HLA class II antigens may lead to the generation of autoantibodies and may contribute to the development of autoimmune phenomena in HIV infected patients. We detected antibodies for these homologous peptides from HLA class II and HIV-1 gp41 in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without HIV-1 infection. Thirty-seven percent of the SLE patients had IgM antibodies reacting with both HLA class II- and HIV-1 gp41-derived peptides. These results suggest the possibility that a retrovirus may be one of the causative agents of SLE.

Two forms of restriction enzyme HindIII

Restriction endonuclease HindIII was purified from Haemophilus influenzae Rd. Two active fractions, P1 and P2, were obtained in phosphocellulose chromatography. HindIII could be purified completely from the first fraction, P1, by subsequent DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The second fraction, P2, showed HindIII activity higher than that of P1, though it was still contaminated with some minor proteins. The HindIII in P2 fraction showed differences in stability, binding to substrate DNA, electrophoretic mobility, etc., from the HindIII in P1 fraction. It is likely that there are two forms of HindIII in the bacterial cell. The endonuclease HindIII in P2 fraction was finally purified by DNA-cellulose chromatography, though considerable loss of enzymatic activity resulted. Upon infection of the cells with phage T4, the P2 fraction in phosphocellulose chromatography almost disappeared. The presence of two forms of HindIII may be related to bacterial defense against viral infection.