Effects of 5-fluorouracil derivative UFT on thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase in rat colorectal tumors

BACKGROUND

Thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase are key enzymes involved in de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Weekly injections of 1,2-dimethyl-hydrazine induced high incidence of colorectal adenocarcinomas in rats.

RESULTS

An increased activity of thymidylate synthetase was found in the poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas of the chemically induced rat colorectal tumors. Six-week oral administration of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil in combination with uracil (UFT) reduced the total number of colorectal tumors, with the reduction of thymidylate synthetase activity in the poorly-differentiated type, though the mRNA expression of thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase differed little between the groups with or without UFT treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the long-term oral administration using UFT suppresses colorectal carcinogenesis and the growth of the poorly-differentiated type tumors.

Successful induction of adjuvant arthritis in mice by treatment with a monoclonal antibody against IL-4

Adjuvant arthritis (AA) is an experimental model of autoimmune disease in rats induced by immunization with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). Induction of AA in other species, including mice, has been shown to be difficult. In the present study, we found that AA could be induced in mice if the animals were treated with a mAb (11B11 mAb) against IL-4. Histologically, the joints exhibited synovial edema with infiltration of many neutrophils in the early phase of inflammation. In its late phase, there were proliferation of synovium, cell infiltrate in which mononuclear cells predominated, and destruction of cartilage and subchondral bone. The joint inflammation was passively transferred to normal syngeneic recipient mice with lymphoid cells but not with sera from mice immunized with MT followed by treatment with the anti-IL-4 Ab. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and proliferative responses of lymphoid cells to purified protein derivative were markedly augmented in 11B11 mAb-treated mice. Furthermore, the induction of arthritis was associated with a marked decrease in IL-4 secretion but a significant increase in IFN-gamma and IL-2 production. Thus, the neutralization of IL-4 by an anti-IL-4 Ab appears to be required for the induction of AA in mice.

Natural killer cell-derived large granular lymphocyte lymphoma of lung developed in a patient with hypersensitivity to mosquito bites and reactivated Epstein-Barr virus infection

A 17-year-old female developed natural killer (NK) cell-derived large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma of the lung. She had a past history of hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB). After an eight-year chronic, active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, she developed multiple lung lesions and pleural effusion. In the effusion, 60% of the cells were LGL. They were CD2+, 3-, 16+, 56+, 57+, 45RO+/RA + weak, and possessed strong NK activity. No rearrangement of T-cell-receptor genes was detected. From all these results, a diagnosis of NK-LGL lymphoma of the lung was made. EB virus DNA was detected in cells infiltrating the pleural effusion. The clonality of the LGLs was determined by Southern blot hybridization with the terminal repeat sequence of EB virus as a probe, and by chromosomal abnormalities. The patient died from respiratory failure. Necropsy of the lung revealed diffuse lymphoma composed of polymorphic cells with typical angiocentric lesions. Reportedly, lymphomas of NK lineage show predominantly extranodal involvement, and primary lung lesions are rare. In the pleural effusion of the present case, abnormally high levels of soluble Fas ligand, interleukin-10 and interferon gamma were detected. This hypercytokinemia, reflecting the microenvironment of lymphoma cells, may play a role in the progression of the lymphoma and organ injury in the lung.

Possible involvement of protein kinase C in the attenuation of the morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in diabetic mice

To investigate the role of protein kinase C in the attenuation of the morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in diabetic mice, we examined the effects of protein kinase C activator or inhibitor on the i.c.v. morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in mice. This reaction was less in diabetic mice than in normal mice. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (50 pmol), a potent protein kinase C activator, attenuated the morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in normal mice, but not in diabetic mice. I.c.v. pretreatment with calphostin C (10 pmol), a selective protein kinase C inhibitor, enhanced the reaction in diabetic mice, but not in normal mice. The dose-response curve for the morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in normal mice, but not in diabetic mice, was shifted to the right by i.c.v. pretreatment with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (50 pmol). Furthermore, i.c.v. pretreatment with calphostin C (3 pmol) shifted the dose-response curve to the left in diabetic mice, but not in normal mice. These results indicate that activation of protein kinase C reduces the morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in normal mice. Also, the attenuation of the morphine-induced Straub tail reaction in diabetic mice may be due in part to increased protein kinase C activity.

Diesel exhaust particles block induction of oral tolerance in mice

We investigated the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on oral tolerance. Oral tolerance was induced by feeding mice with 10 mg of hen egg lysozyme (HEL) daily over a period of 5 days before immunization with the antigen. Varying doses of DEP were orally administered immediately before each feeding of HEL. The results showed that oral administration of HEL significantly suppressed production of anti-HEL IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies, delayed-type hypersensitivity and proliferative responses of lymph node cells to the antigen. The suppression of these immune responses to HEL by the oral antigen was associated with a marked decrease in secretion of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 from the lymphoid cells. Administration of DEP dose-dependently blocked suppression by oral HEL of antigen-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibody production, delayed-type hypersensitivity and lymphoid cell proliferation. The suppression by the fed antigen of secretion of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 was also markedly diminished by the particles. Thus, DEP appear to be effective in blocking induction of oral tolerance.

Changes in bone mineral density after orchidectomy and hormone replacement therapy in individuals with androgen insensitivity syndrome

Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) after orchidectomy and after hormone replacement therapy were reported in two patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Diagnosis of AIS was made by clinical features and confirmed by the presence of 46,XY karyotype and the presence of testis component in the removed gonads. BMD at the lumbar spine and at three sites of the femur was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The Z scores of the lumbar spine BMD before orchidectomy were -0.8 and -3.1, confirming that patients with AIS have low BMD and that androgen plays an important role in bone mineralization in 46,XY individuals. Castration reduced BMD, but treatment with daily doses of 1.25 mg of conjugated oestrogen and 10 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate increased BMD. These results indicate that both oestrogen and androgen play an important role in balancing BMD in men.

Dimensional changes of MOD mold cavity corresponding to the degree of setting expansion

The correlation between the degree of linear setting expansion and the dimensional changes in a mold space was examined. The dimensional changes in the mold were determined by investing the MOD-type wax pattern using a die-investing material of which the degree of the setting expansion was controlled by diluting a concentration of colloidal silica solution. The wax was eliminated in an electric furnace at 130 degrees C and a fusible alloy, m.p. 48 degrees C, was cast into the mold space at room temperature. The dimensions of the wax pattern and the casting were compared. The degree of linear setting expansion was measured in a paper ring by means of a dial gauge. A high correlation was found between the dimensional changes of the mold space and the degree of the linear setting expansion. The expansion was highest at the axiogingival portion while those at both the axial dimension and the occlusal dimension were smallest. Linear regression lines (Y = AX + B) revealed the differences in the expansion mode at both the external and internal portions to show a discrepancy in value B.

Characteristics of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma complicated by renal cell malignancies

Previous epidemiological studies showed an increased risk for the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after adjuvant therapy or simultaneous discovery of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, clinicopathological features of NHL complicated by RCC are not well known. We summarized the clinicopathological features of 42 cases with malignant lymphoma complicated by renal tumors collected in a nationwide study in Japan. There were 27 males and 15 females, and the age at initial diagnosis of NHL ranged from 51 to 85 years (median 69 years). The clinical stages of NHL were stage I in 13 patients, stage II in 8, stage III in 8 and stage IV in 13 patients. RCC was simultaneously detected in 4 patients, within 1 year after the diagnosis of NHL in 20 and after more than 1 year in 13 patients. In the remaining 3 patients, NHL was diagnosed 1 year (2 cases) or 6 years (1 case) after nephrectomy. Histologically, all but 2 cases of NHL were diagnosed as diffuse lymphoma, with the large-cell type being the most common. The remaining 2 cases were follicular lymphoma. NHL in 35 cases (85%) were immunophenotyped as B cell type and 4 (10%) as T cell type. Renal tumors in all but 2 cases were classified as RCC: clear-cell type in 29, chromophobic type in 3, chromophilic type in 7 and Bellini duct carcinoma in 1 case. All RCC showed a cellular malignancy of grade II or III. When compared to sporadic autopsy cases of NHL in Japan, the frequency of extranodal lymphoma and B cell type was higher in the current cases (p = 0.06). In addition, leiomyosarcoma occasionally occurred among complicated renal tumors.

Hodgkin's disease of the chest wall: report of a case

Hodgkin's disease primarily originating from the chest wall is very rare. A 48-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray. Radiographic examinations suggested a neurogenic tumor located in the right second-intercostal space, and it was thus extirpated thoracoscopically. The tumor was thought to have arisen from the subpleural space, probably from a lymph node of the chest wall. The resected specimen measured 5.5 x 2.0 cm in size, and the pathological diagnosis was Hodgkin's disease of the diffuse lymphocyte predominant type. A clinical examination showed no other lesions in any other part of the body, including the bone marrow. Following surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy (COPP-ABVD) was given because of the possible scattering of malignant cells during surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Hodgkin's disease originating in the chest wall.

Modulation of the formalin-induced nociceptive response by diabetes: possible involvement of protein kinase C

Injection of formalin into the hind paw of mice produced a biphasic nociceptive response consisting of immediate (first-phase) and tonic (second-phase) components. Although the duration of the first-phase response was significantly longer in diabetic mice than in nondiabetic mice, the second phase was significantly shorter in diabetic mice. The first-phase response was dose-dependently and significantly reduced by pretreatment with calphostin C (0.3 to 3 pmol, i.t.), a specific protein kinase C inhibitor, in diabetic mice. The second-phase response was markedly increased when diabetic mice were pretreated with calphostin C. However, calphostin C (3 nmol, i. t.) had no significant effect on either the first-phase or second-phase response in nondiabetic mice. On the other hand, pretreatment with phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (50 pmol, i.t.), a protein kinase C activator, significantly enhanced the first-phase response in nondiabetic mice. These results suggest that the change in the formalin-induced nociceptive response in diabetic mice may be due, at least in part, to the modification of nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord by the activation of protein kinase C.

Decreased central histamine in the amygdaloid kindling rats

This study was conducted to elucidate the role of central histamine (HA) in seizure susceptibility. We stimulated the left amygdala of rats to produce amygdaloid kindling. We sacrificed rats 1 h, 1 week and 1 month after the last kindled seizure, and measured the histamine contents and the histidine decarboxylase (HDC) activities of various brain regions. One hour after the last kindled seizure, we found significant decreases in HA levels in the bilateral amygdala, hippocampus and diencephalon in the kindled group. The HDC activities of the bilateral amygdala and diencephalon were lower in the kindled group than in the control group. One week after the last kindled seizure, we also found a significant decrease in the HA level in the bilateral amygdala. No significant change was found in HA content or HDC activity 1 month after the last kindled seizure. These results suggest that kindling suppresses HA synthesis and that the reduced HA content is maintained until 1 week after the last kindled seizure. The reduced HA may play a role in the acquired kindled seizure susceptibility.

Role of intracellular calcium in modification of mu and delta opioid receptor-mediated antinociception by diabetes in mice

We examined the effects of calcium modulators on mu and delta opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception in both diabetic and nondiabetic mice. In nondiabetic mice, intracerebroventricular (i.c. v.) pretreatment with calcium and thapsigargin, which increase intracellular calcium, reduced [D-Ala2,N-MePhe4,Gly-ol5]-enkephalin (DAMGO)-induced antinociception by shifting its dose-response curve to the right. However, in diabetic mice i.c.v. pretreatment with calcium and thapsigargin did not affect DAMGO-induced antinociception. In contrast i.c.v. administration of agents that decrease intracellular calcium, such as EGTA and ryanodine, enhanced DAMGO-induced antinociception in both diabetic and nondiabetic mice. In contrast with DAMGO i.c.v. pretreatment with calcium and thapsigargin enhanced (-)-TAN67-induced antinociception in nondiabetic mice by shifting its dose-response curve to the left. However, (-)-TAN67-induced antinociception in diabetic mice was not affected by pretreatment with calcium or thapsigargin. Moreover i.c. v. pretreatment with EGTA, but not with ryanodine, reduced (-)-TAN67-induced antinociception in nondiabetic mice. In diabetic mice i.c.v. pretreatment with both EGTA and ryanodine reduced (-)-TAN67-induced antinociception. These results suggest that cytosolic calcium has different effects on mu and delta opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception. Further, these results suggest that the modification of mu and delta opioid receptor agonist-induced antinociception by diabetes in mice may be due to increased levels of intracellular calcium.

Appearance of a different clone of Epstein-Barr virus genome in recurrent tumor of pyothorax-associated lymphoma (PAL) and a mini-review of PAL

A case of pyothorax-associated lymphoma (PAL) is reported. A 76-year-old Japanese man developed a lymphoma in the pleural cavity after 46 years duration of pyothorax due to pulmonary tuberculosis. The histologic diagnosis of biopsy specimen was diffuse large cell lymphoma of B cell type. The lymphoma cells contained the monoclonal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) determined by the analysis of terminal repeat of EBV genome and expressed EBV nuclear antigen 2 and latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). He received antineoplastic chemotherapy and was induced to complete remission (CR). After 19 months of CR, the lymphoma developed again in the thoracic wall. Histopathology and immunohistochemical phenotypes of recurrent tumor were almost the same as those of the primary tumor with the exception of a little more frequent expression of LMP1. The EBV genome in lymphoma cells was monoclonal, however, the clone was different from that of the primary tumor. After antineoplastic chemotherapy, minor EBV-positive clones in primary lymphoma might survive and develop into recurrent tumor. These results suggest that the PAL starts as poly- or oligoclonal proliferation of B lineage cells. This poly- or oligoclonality of PAL at the initial stage may suggest underlying immunosuppressive conditions in the development of PAL.

Anticoagulant effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on human myelogenous leukemia cells and monocytes

The hormonally active form of vitamin D is 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], which is a principal regulator of calcium homeostasis. It also affects hormone secretion, cell differentiation, and proliferation by a mode of action that involves stereospecific interaction with an intracellular vitamin D receptor (VDR). We recently found that retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives, exert anticoagulant effects by upregulating thrombomodulin (TM) and downregulating tissue factor (TF) expression in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells and monoblastic leukemia cells. Both the VDR and retinoid receptors belong to the same family of receptors. A heterodimer consisting of the retinoid X receptor and the VDR binds to vitamin D responsive elements on genes regulated by vitamin D. To determine whether 1,25(OH)2D3 would exhibit anticoagulant effects similar to retinoids, we measured the antigen level, activity, and mRNA level of TM and TF in human leukemic cells, vascular endothelial cells, and monocytes treated with 1,25(OH)2D3. We found that 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulates antigen expression, activity, and mRNA levels of TM and downregulates antigen expression, activity, and mRNA levels of TF in human monocytic leukemia cells, some acute myelogenous leukemia cells, and monocytes, but not in umbilical vein endothelial cells. Transient transfection studies with reporter plasmids in monocytic leukemia cells and mobility gel-shift assay showed interaction with 1,25(OH)2D3 and functional retinoic acid responsive elements present in the 5'-flanking region of the TM gene. However, auxiliary factors or other elements in the TM gene may contribute to VDR specificity and transactivation of the gene in specific target cells. These findings indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 resembles the retinoids in its control of the transcription of the TM and TF genes in human monocytic cells. Analogs of 1,25(OH)2D3 with anticoagulant activity may serve as adjunctive antithrombotic agents in monocytic leukemia and atherosclerotic disease.

Epstein-Barr virus and gastrointestinal lymphomas in Korea

To analyze the association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) with gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin's lymphomas arising in immunocompetent patients, 56 consecutive cases of gastrointestinal lymphomas (B-cell: 52-cases, T-cell: 3 cases, T/NK-cell: 1 case) occurring in the stomach (33 cases), intestine (22 cases) and esophagus (1 case) were investigated for the presence of EBV using polymerase chain reaction analysis as a screening method followed by EBER-1 RNA and DNA in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry for the expression of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1). Forty-seven cases demonstrated extractable DNA and EBV DNA was detected only in 4 cases. Among the, RNA (EBER-1) and DNA ISH analysis confirmed the presence of the EBV genome in tumor cells in 3 cases (T/NK-cell lymphoma of ileum, gastric high-grade B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). Only the T/NK cell lymphoma showed diffuse positivity of tumor cells while 2 gastric B-cell lymphomas demonstrated a scattered positive reaction and no cases expressed LMP-1. Nine cases without extractable DNA by the PCR method showed no nuclear signal by EBER-1 ISH. These findings suggest that most sporadic primary gastrointestinal lymphomas in Korea are not associated with EBV.

Hepatitis C viral genome in a subset of primary hepatic lymphomas

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are not only hepatotropic but possibly hematotropic. Recent studies showed the presence of HBV in lymphoma cells of extrahepatic origin. In the current study, we examined the presence of HBV DNA and HCV RNA in the tumor tissues of nine patients with primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL). Immunohistochemical study using polyclonal anti-HCV antibody was possible in four cases. The age of the patients ranged from 45 to 78 years (median, 58 yr), with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. A history of chronic hepatitis was found in three patients and of cirrhosis in one. Histologically, all of the cases were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of B-cell phenotype, with a diffuse large cell type being the most common. Polymerase chain reaction using both the S and X region primers failed to detect HBV DNA in the lymphoma tissues. The HCV genome was detected by in situ hybridization in the tumor cells but not in the surrounding hepatocytes in the one case of cirrhosis, which probably resulted from a blood transfusion more than 20 years previous; immunohistochemical analysis revealed positive staining for anti-HCV antibody in the cytoplasm of lymphoma cells in this case. In two cases, positive signals were found only in the hepatocytes surrounding the lymphoma. This is the first report showing the presence of the HCV genome in the lymphoma cells of PHL. HCV could be involved in development of PHL directly or via exogenic antigenic stimulus from HCV-infected hepatocytes.

Site-specific localization of Epstein-Barr virus in pharyngeal carcinomas

In this study, the correlations of factors with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-association were investigated in 50 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), 61 with oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC), and 55 with hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) in Okinawa and Osaka prefectures in Japan. The incidence of pharyngeal carcinoma in Okinawa was previously found to be higher than that in Osaka; the incidence of OPC was approximately 6 times higher and that of HPC was two times higher. The EBV genome was detected in the tumor cells of the present patients; 83% of the Okinawa and 92% of the Osaka NPC patients. The EBV genome was not detected in OPC or HPC. A univariate analysis showed that sex, the location of the tumor, histology, and the degree of lymphocytic infiltration correlated with the EBV-positive rate. A multivariate analysis revealed that only the location of the tumor was independently correlated with the EBV-positive rate. Histology and tumor size were factors affecting the prognosis of the patients with NPC. The NPC of poorly differentiated type frequently showed the EBV genome, and NPC with lymphocytic infiltration showed a more favorable prognosis compared to the other NPC types. These findings suggest that latent genes of EBV expressed in cancer cells might trigger a cytotoxic T cell reaction against the cancer.

Antitussive effect of moguisteine on allergic coughs in the guinea pig

The effect of moguisteine, a novel peripherally acting non-narcotic antitussive drug, on allergic coughs was examined in guinea pigs. Male Hartley guinea pigs were actively sensitized to ovalbumin. The number of coughs elicited over 5 min following a 2-min exposure to ovalbumin was counted. Exposure of sensitized guinea pigs to 0.5% ovalbumin aerosol induced 22.0 +/- 3.2 coughs/5 min. Moguisteine at doses of 30 and 56 mg/kg, p.o., dose-dependently and significantly suppressed the number of allergic coughs. Dihydrocodeine at doses of 30 and 56 mg/kg, p.o., dose-dependently but not significantly reduced the number of allergic coughs. These results suggest that moguisteine may be of a therapeutic benefit in reducing allergic coughs.

Dual action of CD30 antigen: anti-CD30 antibody induced apoptosis and interleukin-8 secretion in Ki-1 lymphoma cells

CD30 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. In this study, we examined the effect of four anti-CD30 (aCD30) antibodies (Abs) on CD30-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma-derived cell line, Ki-JK. The aCD30 Abs suppressed [3H]thymidine (TdR) incorporation. With a TdT mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling method, apoptosis was detected in Ki-JK cells at day 5 after the addition of aCD30 Ab to the culture. Genistein, an inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, had no effect on aCD30 Ab-induced apoptosis. The aCD30 Ab simultaneously induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion in the Ki-JK cells. In culture of the Ki-JK cells with aCD30 Ab for 5 days, the IL-8 concentration of the cell free-supernatant increased to 240 +/- 16 pg/ml, though the concentration was < 12.5 pg/ml without aCD30 Ab. In combination with aCD30 Ab, genistein decreased the concentration of IL-8 in day 5 supernatants. Although, doxorubicin and herbimycin-A suppressed [3H]TdR incorporation and induced apoptosis in the Ki-JK cells, they did not induce IL-8 secretion. Only aCD30 Ab-induced apoptosis was accompanied by IL-8 secretion. IL-8 mRNA was not detected in the Ki-JK cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. IL-8 mRNA was detected 5 days after adding aCD30 Ab to the culture.

Intraventricular insulin reduces the antinociceptive effect of [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin in mice

The effects of pretreatment with insulin on the antinociception induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the mu-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala2, NMePhe4, Gly-ol5]enkephalin (DAMGO) were studied in mice. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with insulin (1 and 3 mU) for 60 min dose dependently attenuated the antinociception induced by i.c.v. DAMGO (5.6 ng) in mice. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment with a highly selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, lavendustin A, at doses of 100 and 300 ng for 10 min, dose dependently reversed the antinociceptive effect of DAMGO (5.6 ng) in insulin-treated mice. The antinociceptive effect of DAMGO (5.6 ng, i.c.v.) was significantly reduced in C57BL/KsJ-db/db diabetic mice compared with that in age-matched control (C57BL/KsJ-db/ + + ) mice. When C57BL/KsJ-db/db diabetic mice were pretreated with lavendustin A (300 ng), the antinociceptive effect of DAMGO was significantly increased. These results indicate that tyrosine kinase may be involved in the reduction of DAMGO-induced antinociception by insulin in mice. Furthermore, the attenuation of DAMGO-induced antinociception in C57BL/KsJ-db/db diabetic mice may be due in part to increased tyrosine kinase activity as a result of hyperinsulinemia.

The long-term effect of menopause on postmenopausal bone loss in Japanese women: results from a prospective study

The aim of this study was to elucidate perimenopausal bone loss in relation to menstrual conditions and to investigate the long-term effect of menopause on bone loss in aged women. The rate of change in bone mineral density (BMD) was measured twice at an exact interval of 12 months by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the lumbar spine in 176 pre- and postmenopausal healthy women 41-65 years of age. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone, intact and N-fragment osteocalcin (OC), three types of vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and calcitonin were also determined. Women who exercised regularly or had anatomical changes at the lumbar spine were excluded from this study. The subjects were divided into eight groups based on their menstrual status and years since menopause. Annual bone loss at the lumbar spine of premenopausal women with regular menstruation was -0.2+/-1.9% (95% confidence interval, -0.9 approximately -0.4%) and was not statistically different from zero, while that of women with irregular menstruation or at menopausal transition was -2.1+/-3.4% (-3.4 approximately -0.8%), and -3.3+/-2.3% (-5.2 approximately -0.3%), respectively, and was significantly different from zero. Serum OC levels of women at menopausal transition were significantly higher than those of women with regular menstruation, suggesting that bone loss had commenced in these women. The rate of annual change in BMD of women who were menopausal for 1-3, 4-6, 10-12, and more than 13 years was -3.1+/-4.0% (-4.7 approximately -1.5%), -1.2+/-2.6% (-2.2 approximately -0.2%), -1.0+/-3.0% (-2.3 approximately -0.3%), and -2.3+/-2.1% (-3.7 approximately -1.0%), respectively, and was significantly less than zero. But the annual bone loss of women who were menopausal for 7-9 years was -1.5+/-2.6% (-3.0 approximately -0.1%) and was not statistically significant from zero. These results indicate that postmenopausal women lose BMD in two phases. The early bone loss is rapid and commences during irregular menstruation, then is attenuated within 6 years after the onset of menopause. The second bone loss commences after the attenuation of the first bone loss. Among bone metabolic hormones, intact PTH alone showed an age-related increase and was suggested as being a causal factor of bone loss in women who were menopausal for 13 years or more.

Large-vessel arteritis associated with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection

This report describes an autopsy case of large-vessel arteritis associated with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in a 10-year-old Japanese girl. All of the 3 main coronary arteries, bilateral common carotid and subclavian arteries, abdominal aorta and its major branches, and bilateral common iliac arteries were involved, and all showed aneurysmal dilation of the lumens. Histopathologic examination revealed mesoarteritis characterized by moth-eaten-appearing destruction of the medial elastic laminae, with T lymphocyte infiltration around the vasa vasorum and severe intimal thickening. The EBV DNA genome was detected in the diseased aortic tissue by polymerase chain reaction, and in the infiltrating lymphocytes by in situ hybridization. The clinical symptoms and histopathologic manifestations of the arterial lesions in this patient were obviously different from those of Kawasaki disease and Takayasu arteritis, and the arteritis was considered to be associated with the EBV infection.

Modulation by serum glucose levels on morphine-induced antinociceptive effect in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice

The role of serum glucose levels on the sensitivity to the antinociceptive effect of morphine in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and C57BL/KsJ db/db mice were examined. The sensitivity to the antinociceptive effect of morphine was significantly reduced in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice as compared with age-matched nondiabetic mice. Pretreatment with insulin (3 U/kg, s.c.) significantly reduced the serum glucose levels of streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice as compared with those of untreated diabetic mice. However, post-drug (morphine) tail-flick latency was not affected by pretreatment with insulin. The antinociceptive effect of morphine was also significantly reduced in C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice as compared with age-matched control mice. When CS-045 was administered to C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice, the serum glucose levels were significantly reduced. There was no significant difference in the antinociceptive effect of morphine between CS-045-treated C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice and C57BL/KsJ-db/++ mice. Adoptive transfer of supernatant of the spleen cell homogenate from C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice to naive ICR mice had no significant effect on the recipients' antinociceptive sensitivities to s.c. morphine. These findings support the our previous suggestion that some factor(s) derived from spleen mononuclear cells is the prime factor involving the insulin-insensitive mechanisms for the reduction of mu-opioid agonist-induced antinociception during the severe stages of diabetes.