[A case of recurrent aseptic meningitis caused by high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin therapy for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy]

We experienced a patient of CIDP who was twice complicated with aseptic meningitis following high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin therapy. The patient was a 29-year-old woman who first developed gait disturbance in September 1998. Neurological examination revealed muscle weakness and sensory disturbance in the distal parts of four extremities and decrease of deep tendon reflexes. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an elevated protein content and a normal cell count. Steroid therapy was effective in early stage, however, this effectiveness had been reduced gradually. She received high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin administrations in September 1999. On the fourth day after start of this therapy, she developed severe headache, nausea and nuchal rigidity without fever. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed an increased cell count of mononuclear predominance and an elevated protein content. As bacterial culture remained negative and viral titers were not elevated, aseptic meningitis was diagnosed. The therapy was stopped, and thereafter her headache continued for 7 days. The muscle weakness and sensory disturbance were remarkably improved, but 9 months later, her symptoms became worse again. She received high-dose gammaglobulin administrations for 2 days in June 2000 and developed aseptic meningitis again. Over again, 9 months later, she received the same medication for only 1 day in March 2001 and she developed mild headache but not meningitis. Aseptic meningitis with CIDP following high-dose gammaglobulin therapy was rare, however, we should pay attention to this therapy in patients with CIDP and may prevent the occurrence of aseptic meningitis by reducing the total dose and shortening the administration periods of gammaglobulin.

IgG1 anti-P2 as a marker of response to interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C

To study the relations of antibody production to long-term outcomes after interferon (IFN) treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C), we used ELISA to measure the levels of antibodies against HCV core protein and peptides. Samples from 21 complete responders and 36 non-responders were collected before IFN therapy, soon after the end of IFN therapy and 6 months later. Using a set of 19 synthesized HCV core peptide antigens, we found that anti-P2 (11-25a.a.) was the most prevalent of all IgG antibodies (93%: 39/42). Among complete responders, IgG1 anti-P2 levels had fallen by the end of IFN therapy (from 79.8 +/- 60.4-46.1 +/- 44.2: P < 0.01), and were lower still 6 months after the end of IFN therapy (31.0 +/- 35.2: P < 0.001); this change was the greatest of all antibodies studied. Among the non-responders, there was no change within the follow-up period. Soon after the end of IFN therapy, IgG1 anti-P2 levels were more than 30% lower than the initial value in more than two-thirds of the complete responders, but in only one-third of the non-responders (14/20 vs. 8/25: P < 0.05). Six months after the end of IFN therapy, IgG1 anti-P2 levels were more than 30% lower than the initial value in more than 85% of the complete responders, but in only 12% of the non-responders (17/20 vs. 3/25: P < 0.001). In conclusion, the changes in levels of IgG1 anti-P2 paralleled the activity of chronic hepatitis C after IFN therapy, and IgG1 anti-P2 levels may be markers of the efficacy of IFN therapy.

[Direct laryngoscopic extirpation and wound suture for hypopharyngeal lipoma: a case report]

We report a case of hypopharyngeal lipoma. An 82-year-old woman referred to our clinic for 10 years of wheezing and intermittent breathlessness developing 1 month before admission was found on laryngoscopic examination to have a mobile mass arising from the hypopharyngeal region intermittently obstructing the laryngeal airway. After emergency tracheotomy, the tumor was removed under direct laryngoscopy, given the patients age and general status. Under general anesthesia, the tumor was extirpated using a laser and electric scalpel under microlaryngoscopy. The operative wound was sutured under direct laryngoscopy using a specially designed probe with a U-shaped tip. The tumor was histologically diagnosed as lipoma. The surgical procedure enabled the operative wound to heal rapidly and oral feeding to start early.

A pivotal role of Rho GTPase in the regulation of morphology and function of dendritic cells

Dendritic cell (DC) is the most potent activator of CD4+ T cells and has unique dendrites and veils. To explore the function of Rho in DC, exoenzyme C3 from Clostridium botulinum was used as a specific inhibitor of Rho. Treatment of DC with C3 (DC/C3) resulted in profound morphological changes by losing dendrites and emerging of shrunk membrane processes that were in parallel with marked reduction of polymerized actin in the marginal area. Inactivation of Rho-associated coiled coil-containing kinase (p160ROCK) by a specific ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 also led to disappearance of dendrites of DC with retaining large membrane expansions. In scanning electron microscopy, untreated DCs interacted with CD4+ T cells more efficiently than DC/C3. Conjugate formation assay showed that the number of DCs associated with CD4+ T cells was 2-fold higher in untreated DCs than that of DC/C3. Alloantigen-presenting capacity of DC/C3 was significantly suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. Because C3 treatment did not affect the surface expression of HLA, costimulatory, and adhesion molecules of DC, we examined cytokine production of DC and naive CD4+ T cells to further elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of MLR. Unexpectedly, DC/C3 increased IL-12 production after LPS stimulation. Naive CD4+ T cells cocultured with DC/C3 produced the increased percentage of IFN-gamma-producing cells, whereas the percentage of IL-2-producing T cells was decreased. These results demonstrate that Rho GTPase in DC controls both characteristic shape and immunogenic capacity.

Postgastrectomy polyneuropathy with thiamine deficiency

OBJECTIVE

Polyneuropathy has been reported after gastrectomy performed to treat various lesions. Although thiamine deficiency is a possible cause of this neuropathy, the pathogenesis still remains to be clarified. Seventeen patients with peripheral neuropathy with thiamine deficiency after gastrectomy are described.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with polyneuropathy after gastrectomy accompanied by thiamine deficiency were selected. Patients were restricted to those with total or subtotal gastric resection to treat ulcer or neoplasm. Patients who had undergone operations to treat morbid obesity were excluded.

RESULTS

Intervals between the operation and onset of neuropathy varied from 2 months to 39 years. Most patients did not seem malnourished. Serum concentrations of B vitamins other than thiamine were nearly normal. Symmetric motor-sensory polyneuropathy, predominantly involving the lower limbs, had progressed over intervals varying from 3 days to 8 years. Relative degrees of motor and sensory impairment also varied extensively. Some cases that progressed rapidly mimicked Guillain-Barré syndrome. Electrophysiological and pathological findings were those of axonal neuropathy. Substantial functional recovery from polyneuropathy was seen in most patients by 3 to 6 months after initiating thiamine supplementation. Motor recovery was better than sensory recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Various symptoms were seen in patients with postgastrectomy neuropathy. Thiamine deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis of motor-sensory polyneuropathy after gastrectomy.

Successful unrelated BMT in a patient with Kostmann syndrome complicated by pre-transplant pulmonary 'bacterial' abscesses

Kostmann syndrome, severe congenital neutropenia, is often associated with life-threatening bacterial infections. A 5-year-old girl with Kostmann syndrome developed pulmonary abscesses. She was refractory to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and antibiotics. She underwent unrelated HLA-matched BMT. Myeloablative conditioning consisted of 12-Gy TBI with lung shielding, antithymocyte globulin, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide. After successful engraftment, the pulmonary abscesses resolved by day 75 post-transplant. Although the option of transplantation is not established in the setting of unrelated HLA-matched BMT in Kostmann syndrome, this case may provide useful information. Furthermore, pre-transplant pulmonary bacterial abscesses may not be a contraindication for BMT in some patients with Kostmann syndrome.

Differential responsiveness of cord and adult blood monocytes to hepatocyte growth factor

Monocytes as antigen-presenting cells play an important role in host defence. There are several cytokines affecting monocyte function. We demonstrate that both adult and cord blood monocytes constitutively express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor, MET. HGF significantly down-regulated MET expression of adult blood monocytes, compared with cord blood monocytes, when cultured either in RPMI-1640 containing 10% FBS or serum-free medium. Surface levels of MET correlated with c-met mRNA levels both in adult and cord blood when cultured. MET expression was down-regulated by treating with actinomycin D or cycloheximide. HGF stimulated DNA synthesis of adult monocytes, but not cord blood. HGF enhanced antigen-presenting capacity of adult blood monocytes but not cord blood monocytes. HGF up-regulated HLA class I expression in adult monocytes but not in cord blood monocytes. The current results suggest that the failure of cord blood monocytes to respond to HGF may be responsible, in large part, for their functional immaturity.

Functional immaturity of cord blood monocytes as detected by impaired response to hepatocyte growth factor

BACKGROUND

Monocytes as antigen-presenting cells play an important role in host defense and transplantation. However, there are little reports on cord blood monocytes, and the role of monocytes in cord blood transplantation is largely unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

There are several cytokines affecting monocyte function. These include interferon-gamma, interleukin-4, interleukin-10, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). We investigated the effect of these cytokines on antigen-presenting capacity (APC) of cord and adult blood monocytes. Using either mononuclear cells or purified CD4+ T cells as responder cells, HGF enhanced APC of adult monocytes most effectively among these cytokines. In contrast, cord blood monocytes failed to respond to HGF. As HLA, costimulatory and adhesion molecules may affect APC function, we examined these antigens of monocytes following HGF stimulation. The HGF upregulated integrin alpha5 subunit (CD49e) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (CD54) was expressed in adult blood monocytes, but not in cord blood. In kinetic studies, HGF downregulated c-met protein/HGF receptor expression of adult monocytes in lower concentrations and at shorter incubation time as compared with that of cord blood.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that impaired response of cord blood monocytes to HGF may be responsible, in large part, for their functional immaturity.

Plasma levels of natriuretic peptides in relation to doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and cardiac function in children with cancer

BACKGROUND

Anthracyclines are effective anticancer drugs for childhood cancer with dose-limiting cardiotoxicity. Children who have received anthracyclines thus need periodical cardiac evaluation. The plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been shown to increase in proportion to severity of cardiac dysfunction. We examined whether plasma levels of ANP and BNP, in addition to echocardiographic evaluation, can be used as specific markers for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxic effects in children.

PROCEDURE

Consecutively, 34 patients (18 boys and 16 girls) who had previously received doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. Plasma ANP and BNP were assayed simultaneously at the time of first cardiac function evaluation by echocardiography.

RESULTS

Of the 34 patients, 8 (23.5%) had left ventricular dysfunction as assessed by echocardiography. Both ANP and BNP plasma levels in these patients were significantly elevated in comparison with healthy controls (P < 0.01) or patients with normal cardiac function (P < 0.05). It should be also noted that ANP and BNP levels were correlated significantly with cardiac systolic function, but not with diastolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that plasma ANP and BNP levels could be markers for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in children. Measurement of natriuretic peptide levels during treatment may allow earlier-identification of individuals at risk for severe cardiac damage.

Painful alcoholic polyneuropathy with predominant small-fiber loss and normal thiamine status

BACKGROUND

Although polyneuropathy related to chronic alcoholism has been reported frequently, its clinical features and pathogenesis remain to be clarified.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinicopathologic features and pathogenesis of alcoholic polyneuropathy associated with pain in patients with normal thiamine status, particularly in comparison to beriberi neuropathy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical, electrophysiologic, and histopathologic findings were assessed in 18 patients with painful alcoholic polyneuropathy and normal thiamine status.

RESULTS

Symmetric sensory-dominant polyneuropathy predominantly involving the lower limbs was the major clinical pattern. Painful sensations with or without burning quality represented the initial and major symptom. Progression of symptoms usually was gradual, continuing over months or years. Electrophysiologic and pathologic findings mainly indicated an axonal neuropathy. Densities of small myelinated fibers and unmyelinated fibers were more severely reduced than the density of large myelinated fibers, except in patients with a long history of neuropathic symptoms and marked axonal sprouting.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinicopathologic features of painful symptoms and small axon loss are distinct from those of beriberi neuropathy. Sensory-dominant involvement with prominent neuropathic pain is characteristic of alcoholic neuropathy when thiamine deficiency is not involved, supporting the view of direct neurotoxic effect by alcohol or its metabolites.

Cardiac (123)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake in dementia with Lewy bodies: comparison with Alzheimer's disease

Cardiac (123)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake was measured in 11 patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and 10 age matched control subjects. The severity of cognitive impairment and duration of symptoms in patients with DLB matched that in the patients with AD. The heart/mediastinum (H/M) ratio of MIBG uptake in the patients with AD was indistinguishable from that in the control subjects. However, the H/M ratio in all patients with DLB was significantly lower than that in the patients with AD and control subjects (p<0.001). These findings indicate that local myocardial sympathetic nerves are affected in DLB and that cardiac (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy may provide a means of differentiating DLB from AD.

Quantitative evaluation of the enhanced green fluorescent protein displayed on the cell surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by fluorometric and confocal laser scanning microscopic analyses

The number of foreign protein molecules expressed on the cell surface of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by cell surface engineering was quantitatively evaluated using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The emission from EGFP on the cell surface was affected by changes in pH. The amount of EGFP on the cell surface, displayed as alpha-agglutinin-fusion protein under control of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) promoter, was determined at the optimum pH of 7.0. The fluorometric analysis and the image analysis by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed a similar number of molecules displayed on the cell surface, demonstrating that 10(4)-10(5) molecules of alpha-agglutinin-fused molecules per cell were expressed. Furthermore, the amount of fluorescent protein expressed on cells harboring a multicopy plasmid was three to four times higher than that on cells harboring the gene integrated into the genome.

The MEK1-ERK map kinase pathway and the PI 3-kinase-Akt pathway independently mediate anti-apoptotic signals in HepG2 liver cancer cells

Primary liver cancers, which are generally hypervascular in nature, depend highly on blood supply. So far there are few reports on apoptosis of liver cancer cells upon deprivation of serum-derived survival factors. The aim of our study is to clarify molecular mechanisms by which liver cancer cells survive with the aid of serum. In HepG2 liver cancer cells, serum deprivation induced time-dependent increase in the number of apoptotic cells, which was detected by fragmentation of genomic DNA and fluorescent nuclear staining. The activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) did not decrease considerably after serum deprivation, although it increased after serum stimulation. However, we found that the MEK1 inhibitor PD98059, but not the p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580, potently induced apoptosis of the liver cancer cells in the presence of serum, indicating that the MEK-ERK signaling pathway is required for serum-dependent survival of HepG2 cells. In agreement with this notion, transient expression of active MEK1 prevented apoptosis in serum-deprived condition. We also found that the protective effect of serum against apoptosis was totally abrogated by LY294002 or wortmannin, which are the inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase. The activity of Akt, the target of PI 3-kinase, decreased gradually after deprivation of serum, whereas it was rapidly reactivated upon serum stimulation. These data indicate that survival of HepG2 liver cancer cells depends upon serum and that both the MEK1-ERK- and the PI 3-kinase-Akt- pathways are required for survival signaling to the nucleus.

MK-801 is cytotoxic to microglia in vitro and its cytotoxicity is attenuated by glutamate, other excitotoxic agents and atropine. Possible presence of glutamate receptor and muscarinic receptor on microglia

We examined the cytotoxicity of MK-801 on cultured microglia and demonstrated its cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity of MK-801 was reduced by the addition of L-glutamate, kainate and NMDA. The action of MK-801 was due to the direct action of microglia. It suggested the existence of glutamate receptor in microglia. Cytotoxicity of MK-801 was reduced by the addition of atropine sulfate which suggested the presence of muscarinic receptor in microglia.

Successful immunization following cord blood transplantation in a child with Diamond-Blackfan anemia

Cord blood transplantation (CBT) has been increasingly used to treat patients with hematological diseases, but active immunizations for patients have not been described. Patients certainly need immunizations following CBT, since transplanted cord blood is naive. The authors previously reported successful hematopoietic reconstitution following cord blood transplantation from an HLA-matched sibling in a transfusion-dependent child with Diamond-Blackfan anemia. No graft-versus-host disease, either acute or chronic, has been observed so far. Here, the authors report that immunological recovery of the patient has been rapid shortly after CBT and immunization has been done successfully. Vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, rubella, measles, and BCG) were administered during 22-34 months post-transplant. Seroconversion to these vaccines was excellent without significant adverse effects. These results indicate that both toxoid and live vaccines have been safely administered in the patient who underwent related cord blood transplantation.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the fructooligosaccharide-producing beta-fructofuranosidase gene from Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611

The fopA gene encoding a fructooligosaccharide-producing beta-fructofuranosidase was isolated from Aspergillus niger ATCC 20611. The primary structure deduced from the nucleotide sequence showed considerable similarity to those of two other beta-fructofuranosidases from A. niger, but the fopA gene product had several amino acid insertions and an extra C-terminal polypeptide consisting of 38 amino acids that could not be found in the two others. We could successfully express the fopA gene in S. cerevisiae and the fopA gene product obtained from the culture supernatant of the S. cerevisiae transformant had similar characteristics to the beta-fructofuranosidase purified from A. niger ATCC 20611. However, we could not detect any beta-fructofuranosidase activity in either the culture supernatant or cell lysate when the C-terminal truncated fopA gene product by 38 amino acids was used to transform S. cerevisiae. In western analysis of those samples, there was no protein product that is cross-reacted with anti-beta-fructofuranosidase antibody. These results suggested that the C-terminal region of the fopA gene product consisting of 38 amino acids was essential for the enzyme production.

Orally administered delphinidin 3-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside are directly absorbed in rats and humans and appear in the blood as the intact forms

Four components of black currant anthocyanins (BCA), delphinidin 3-O-beta-rutinoside (D3R), cyanidin 3-O-beta-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin 3-O-beta-glucoside (D3G), and cyanidin 3-O-beta-glucoside (C3G), were found to be directly absorbed and distributed to the blood and excreted into urine as the glycosylated forms. In a rat study, following oral administration of purified D3R, C3R, and C3G (800 micromol/kg of body weight), the anthocyanins were detected in the plasma and the C(max) values were 580 +/- 410, 850 +/- 120, and 840 +/- 190 nmol/L, respectively, 0.5-2.0 h after administration. In a human study, when a mixture of BCA [6.24 micromol (3.58 mg) consisting of 2.75 micromol (1.68 mg) of D3R, 2.08 micromol (1.24 mg) of C3R, 1.04 micromol (0.488 mg) of D3G, and 0.37 micromol (0.165 mg) of C3G/kg of body weight)] was orally ingested by eight volunteers, D3R, C3R, D3G, and C3G were detected in the plasma and urine. The plasma C(max) values were 73.4 +/- 35.0, 46.3 +/- 22.5, 22.7 +/- 12.4, and 5.0 +/- 3.7 nmol/L, respectively, 1.25-1.75 h after intake, and the cumulative excretion of the four compounds in urine in the period 0-8 h after intake was 0.11 +/- 0.05% of the dose ingested. These results indicate that 3-O-beta-rutinosyl anthocyanins were directly absorbed and distributed to the blood.

Preparative-scale isolation of four anthocyanin components of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) fruits

Four anthocyanin components of black currant, delphinidin 3-O-beta-rutinoside (D3R), cyanidin 3-O-beta-rutinoside (C3R), delphinidin 3-O-beta-glucoside (D3G), and cyanidin 3-O-beta-glucoside (C3G), were successfully isolated as crystalline forms on a preparative scale. In this process, selective hydrolysis of the glucosides (D3G and C3G) and rhamnosides (D3R and C3R) was achieved by treatment with beta-glucosidase and hesperidinase (alpha-rhamnosidase), respectively, to improve resolution of anthocyanin components. Especially, selective conversion of the rutinosides into glucosides made the amounts of D3G and C3G increase about 4- and 7-fold, respectively. D3R, C3R, D3G, and C3G were isolated from enzymatic hydrolysates of black currant anthocyanins through Amberlite XAD-7HP absorption followed by preparative HPLC separation, and their crystals were obtained as the flavylium chloride.

Age of onset influences clinical features of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which can occur through life from childhood to old age, presents a wide variety of clinical phenotypes. We investigated the relationship between age of onset and phenotype in 124 CIDP patients. Clinical symptoms, pathologic findings and electrophysiologic features were assessed according to age at onset: juvenile, younger than 20-years-old; adult, 20 to 64; and elderly, older than 64 (total n=124). Half of the juvenile group showed subacute progression initially, while most patients in the elderly group showed chronic insidious progression (chi(2)=23.2, P<0.0001). Motor dominant neuropathy was prominent in juveniles, while sensorimotor neuropathy was frequent in the elderly group (chi(2)=27.0, P<0.0001). A relapsing and remitting course predominated in the juvenile group (chi(2)=8.50, P=0.0143). Demyelinating and axonal degenerating features in sural nerve biopsy and in nerve conduction studies were common to three age groups. The subperineurial edema was more prominent in the juvenile and adult groups (P=0.006). Functional recovery was common in all three age groups, but was least apparent in the elderly group (P=0.00062). Demyelinating features in studies of nerve conduction and biopsy specimens was common to all three age groups, and was a useful diagnostic feature. Clinical features of CIDP differ by age of onset, which is a factor to consider in diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis.

Acid hydrolase activity of cultured bovine oligodendrocytes

We measured the activity of several acid hydrolases of cultured oligodendrocytes prepared from adult bovine brain white matter to clarify the biochemical basis of bovine oligodendrocytes in vitro. Lysosomal enzyme activities were assayed by using 4-methylumbelliferyl glycosides as substrates. Lysosomal enzyme activities became higher at 8-11 days in vitro (DIV) than 4 DIV. The enrichment in acid hydrolase specific activities in oligodendrocytes may be associated with lysosomal origin of myelin-like membranes.

An axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease showing distinctive features in association with mutations in the peripheral myelin protein zero gene (Thr124Met or Asp75Val)

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

Seven families were studied with an axonal form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) associated with mutations in the peripheral myelin protein zero (MPZ) gene-Thr124Met or Asp75Val.

RESULTS

Patients with these mutations commonly showed relatively late onset sensorimotor neuropathy predominantly involving the lower limbs. Sensory impairment typically was marked, and distal muscle atrophy and weakness were also present in the legs. Adie's pupil and deafness were often present, and serum creatine kinase concentrations were often raised irrespective of which MPZ mutation was present. Relatively well preserved motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities contrasted with reduced or absent compound muscle action potentials and sensory nerve action potentials. Axonal change with marked axonal sprouting was seen in sural nerve specimens.

CONCLUSION

The similar associated clinical findings suggest that patients with axonal CMT with an MPZ gene mutation share distinctive clinical features.

Synergistic suppressive effect of double transfection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 12 genes on tumorigenicity of Meth-A cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 12 (IL-12), both potent antitumor cytokines, are known to be involved in the host's antitumor immune surveillance in tumor bearers, via different mechanisms. The former enhances the activities of dendritic cells, natural killer / lymphocyte-activated killer (NK / LAK) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), while the latter induces Th1-type cellular immunity and enhances the activities of natural killer T (NKT), NK / LAK and CTL. In the present study, in the expectation of synergistic actions of these cytokines in stimulating the host's immune responses, we investigated the feasibility of a cancer vaccine involving double transfection with both genes in a murine model. The expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, class II and B7.1 on the surface of the double transfectants was enhanced as revealed by FACS analysis. A significant decrease in tumorigenicity was observed in mice inoculated with the double transfectants. Cytotoxicity assay revealed that the activities of NK / LAK and CTL from spleens of mice bearing the double transfectants were enhanced. The induction of tumor-specific immunity was confirmed by rechallenge with parental Meth-A cells in mice that had rejected the double transfectants. Thus, double transfection of TNF-alpha and IL-12 genes was considered to bring about synergistic suppressive effects on the tumorigenicity of transfectants through the activation of killer cells by produced cytokines and the enhancement of expression of MHC class I, II and B7.1 molecules.

Effects of black current anthocyanoside intake on dark adaptation and VDT work-induced transient refractive alteration in healthy humans

The effects of oral intake of a black currant anthocyanosides (BCA) concentrate on dark adaptation, video display terminal (VDT) work-induced transient refractive alteration, and subjective asthenopia symptoms (visual fatigue) were examined in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with healthy human subjects. In a dark adaptation study, intake of BCA at three dose levels (12.5-, 20-, and 50 mg/subject, n = 12) appeared to bring about dose-dependent lowering of the dark adaptation threshold. Statistical analysis comparing the values before and after intake indicated there was a significant difference at the 50 mg dose (p= 0. 011). Comparing the refraction values for the dominant eye, BCA intake (50 mg/subject, n = 21) resulted in no decrease in the average value after the visual task; whereas, a placebo trial resulted in a large decrease in the average value, resulting in borderline significance (p = 0.064). In the assessment of subjective asthenopia symptoms by questionnaire, significant improvement was recognized on the basis of the statements regarding the eye and lower back after BCA intake.