Induction of MMP-13 expression by soluble human glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor in fibroblast-like synovial cells

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that human glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (hGITR/TR11) expressed on the surface of activated CD4(+) T cells is responsible for up-regulating the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 by fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs).

METHODS

The level of MMP-13 was measured by Western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Expressions of hGITR ligand (hGITRL) on the surface of FLSs and hGITR on the surface of human CD4(+) T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. Neutralizing antibodies (Abs) were used to block hGITRL and hGITR on the surface of FLSs and human CD4(+) T cells, respectively. Human CD4(+) T cells were cocultured with FLSs to facilitate interaction between hGITR on CD4(+) T cells and hGITRL on FLSs.

RESULTS

Soluble hGITR (shGITR) stimulated FLSs to produce MMP-13, and blockade of hGITRL reduced this effect. Direct contact between activated CD4(+) T and FLSs also induced the production of MMP-13, and neutralization of hGITR on activated CD4(+) T cells during coculture decreased the amount of MMP-13 produced by FLSs.

CONCLUSION

shGITR stimulated FLSs to produce MMP-13 via a signal through hGITRL. Direct contact between activated CD4(+) T cells and FLSs facilitated hGITR-hGITRL interaction, and resulted in inducing MMP-13. This effect may increase tissue destruction in chronic inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Effect of leptin on insulin resistance of muscle – direct or indirect?

We examined the effect of leptin on the insulin resistance in skeletal muscles by measuring glucose transport. Male Wistar rats were fed rat chow or high-fat diets for 30 days. Before sacrifice, rats fed high-fat diet were subcutaneously injected with leptin (1 mg/kg b.w.) for 3 days. The glucose transport in epitrochlearis and soleus muscles did not differ in the experimental groups under basal conditions, however these values decreased significantly in the rats fed high-fat diet under insulin stimulation (p<0.01). Leptin treatment recovered the decreased glucose transport in epitrochlearis (p<0.05) and soleus muscles (p=0.08). Triglyceride concentrations in soleus muscles were increased significantly in the rats fed high-fat diet as compared to rats fed chow diet (p<0.01), and were decreased significantly by leptin treatment (p<0.01). The glucose transport was measured under basal conditions and after 60 microU/ml of insulin treatment with or without 50 ng/ml of leptin. Leptin had no direct stimulatory effect on glucose transport under both basal and insulin-stimulated conditions in vitro. These results demonstrate that leptin injection to rats fed high-fat diet recovered impaired insulin responsiveness of skeletal muscles and muscle triglyceride concentrations. However, there was no direct stimulatory effect of leptin on insulin sensitivity of skeletal muscles in vitro.

Technical Note: Improved Extraction Method with Hexane for Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Conjugated Linoleic Acids

Extraction properties of different solvents (chloroform/methanol, hexane/isopropanol, and hexane) were studied for the gas chromatographic analysis of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) from probiotic bacteria grown in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium. As compared with chloroform/methanol and hexane/isopropanol, hexane showed comparable extraction efficiency for CLA from unspent de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe medium, but showed minimal extraction of oleic acid originated from the emulsifier in broth. The extraction efficiency of CLA by hexane was influenced by the broth pH, showing the optimal pH of 7.0. Repeated extraction with hexane increased the yield. Extraction with hexane showed excellent recovery of spiked CLA from the spent broth with up to 97.2% (standard deviation of 1.74%). This represents the highest recovery of CLA from culture broth ever reported. The sample size was also successfully reduced to 0.5 mL to analyze CLA from the broth without impairment of analytical data. This smaller sample size in the 1.5-mL microcentrifuge tube using a small bench-top centrifuge reduced analytical time significantly.

Morphometric Studies on the Testis of Korean Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus karpowi) during the Breeding and Non-breeding Seasons

The purpose of this study was to obtain detailed quantitative information on all cell types in the testis interstitium of Korean ring-necked pheasants and to combine these data with changes in the steroidogenic function of the testis during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. For animals collected during the breeding season, their testis weights, sperm production, serum testosterone levels and leuteinizing hormone (LH)-stimulated testosterone secretion were significantly (p < 0.01) increased compared to the non-breeding season. Testes of the pheasants during the non-breeding season displayed a 98% reduction in testis volume that was associated with a decrease in the absolute volume of seminiferous tubules (98% reduction), tubular lumen (100%), interstitium (90%), blood vessels (84%), lymphatic spaces (97%), Leydig cells (79%), mesenchymal cells (51%) and myoid cells (61%) compared to the breeding season. The numbers of Leydig cells, mesenchymal cells and myoid cells per testis in the breeding season were much higher than in the non-breeding season. Although the mean volume of a Leydig cell was 74% lower in the non-breeding season, the mean volumes of myoid and mesenchymal cells remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that there are striking differences in the testicular structure of the Korean ring-necked pheasant during the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Every structural parameter of the Leydig cell was positively correlated with both testosterone serum levels and LH-stimulated testosterone secretion. The correlation of changes in hormonal status with the morphometric alterations of Leydig cells suggests that the Korean-ring necked pheasant may be used as a model to study structure-function relationships in the avian testis.

The effects of pulsatile versus non-pulsatile extracorporeal circulation on the pattern of coronary artery blood flow during cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

In sudden cardiac arrest, the effective maintenance of coronary artery blood flow is of paramount importance for myocardial preservation as well as cardiac recovery and patient survival. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the effects of pulsatile versus non-pulsatile circulation to coronary artery flow and myocardial preservation in a cardiac arrest condition.

METHODS

A cardiopulmonary bypass circuit was constructed in a ventricular fibrillation model using fourteen Yorkshire swine weighing 25-35 kg each. The animals were randomly assigned to group I (n=7, non-pulsatile centrifugal pump) or group II (n=7, pulsatile T-PLS pump). Extracorporeal circulation was maintained for two hours at a pump flow of 2 L/min. The left anterior descending coronary artery flow was measured with an ultrasonic coronary artery flow measurement system at baseline (before bypass) and at every 20 minutes after bypass. Serologic parameters were collected simultaneously at baseline, 1 hour, and 2 hours after bypass in the systemic arterial and coronary sinus venous blood. The Mann-Whitney U test of STATISTICA 6.0 was used to determine intergroup significances using a p value of <0.05.

RESULTS

The resistance index of the coronary artery was lower in group II and the difference was significant at 40 min, 80 min, 100 min and 120 min (p<0.05). The mean velocity of the coronary artery was higher in group II throughout the study, and the difference was significant from 20 min after starting the pump (p<0.05). The coronary artery blood flow was higher in group II throughout the study, and the difference was significant from 40 min to 120 min (p<0.05) except at 80 min. Serologic parameters showed no differences between the groups at 1 hour and 2 hours after bypass in the systemic and coronary sinus blood (p=NS).

CONCLUSION

In the cardiac arrest condition, pulsatile extracorporeal circulation provides more blood flow, higher flow velocity and less resistance to coronary artery than non-pulsatile circulation.

Awake nasotracheal intubation using fiberoptic bronchoscope in a pediatric patient with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome

The Freeman-Sheldon syndrome is a congenital disease primarily affecting the facial, limb and respiratory muscles that give rise to classical clinical features including typical whistling face and short webbed neck associated with difficult intubation. We present successful awake nasotracheal intubation in a 6-year-old patient with typical clinical features of Freeman-Sheldon syndrome by using fiberoptic bronchoscope on two separate occasions.

Effect of PK11195, a peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist, on insulinoma cell death and insulin secretion

Functional role of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor on mitochondrial membrane in apoptosis and insulin secretion from insulinoma cells was studied. A prototypic peripheral benzodiazepine receptor agonist PK11195 induced insulinoma cell apoptosis, while a central benzodiazepine receptor agonist did not. Death of insulinoma cells by PK11195 was inhibited by cyclosporin A, a blocker of mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Caspase inhibitors further inhibited MIN6N8 cell death. PK11195 induced dissipation of mitochondrial potential and cytochrome c translocation to cytoplasm. PK11195 induced an increase in cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)], which was reversed by cyclosporin A. Rhod-2 staining showed decreased mitochondrial [Ca(2+)] after PK11195 treatment. PK11195 potentiated glucose-induced insulin secretion probably due to the increased cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)]. Calpain was activated following Ca(2+) release, and calpain inhibitors attenuated death of insulinoma cells by PK11195. These results suggest that PK11195 induces mitochondrial potential loss, cytochrome c translocation, increased insulin secretion in conjunction with an increase in cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)] and calpain activation, which collectively leads to apoptosis of insulinoma cells.

Review on the role of dietary zinc in poultry nutrition, immunity, and reproduction

Zinc is an important nutrient in animal metabolism. In poultry, zinc serves not only as a nutrient but can also be used as a dietary supplement to manipulate the reproductive system of the bird. This article summarizes the general biochemistry, physiology, and nutritional aspects of zinc metabolism to provide a brief overview on what is known regarding zinc. The potential role of zinc in poultry immune response, Salmonella infection, and molting are emphasized.

Using a feed-grade zinc propionate to achieve molt induction in laying hens and retain postmolt egg production and quality

A commercial-feed-grade form of zinc propionate was examined as a potential feed amendment at a concentration of 1% zinc to induce molt in 90-wk-old hens. Dietary treatments consisted of 4 treatment groups of 28 birds each randomly assigned to either (1) molted conventionally by feed withdrawal, (2) 1% zinc as Zn acetate, (3) 1% zinc as Zn propionate, or (4) nonmolted control for 9 d. Ovary weights of hens fed Zn acetate or Zn propionate were not significantly different from each other, but hens fed Zn acetate or Zn propionate were significantly (p<0.05) lighter than the ovary weight of nonmolted control hens. Zinc concentrations in the kidney and liver were significantly (p<0.05) increased in both Zn acetate- and Zn propionate-molted hens when compared to either nonmolted control-fed hens or feed-withdrawal molted hens. Over the entire 3-mo postmolt period, there were no significant differences in interior or exterior egg qualities among the four treatments. Egg production of hens fed Zn acetate was significantly lower than feed-withdrawal hens, Zn propionate-fed hens, or nonmolted control hens (p<0.05). The data of the current study demonstrated that feeding a feed grade of Zn propionate (1% Zn)-supplemented diet can induce molt and retain postmolt egg quality and production comparable to hens molted by feed withdrawal.

Comparison of zinc acetate and propionate addition on gastrointestinal tract fermentation and susceptibility of laying hens to Salmonella enteritidis during forced molt

Feed deprivation is the most common method used to induce molting and stimulate multiple egg-laying cycles in laying hens for commercial egg production. Unfortunately, an increased risk of Salmonella enteritidis (SE) colonization may result from the use of this method. Methods to stimulate multiple egg-laying cycles without increasing the risk of SE are needed. In each of 3 experiments, hens over 50 wk of age were divided into groups of 12 and placed in individual laying cages. One week before dietary changes, hens were put on an 8L:16D photoperiod that continued for the 9-d experimental period. Hens in all treatments were challenged orally with 10(4) cfu of SE on the fourth day. Treatments were full fed hens (nonmolted, NM), nonfed hens (molted, M), a zinc acetate diet (ZAC), and a zinc propionate diet (ZPR). The zinc diets contained 10,000 mg of zinc per kilogram of diet. Body weight losses were significantly higher in the M, ZPR, and ZAC treatments than in the NM treatment. Crop lactic acid decreased more in M, ZPR, and ZAC treatments than in NM hens in trial 2. Crop pH was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in NM hens than in M, ZAC, and ZPR hens in trial 2. Although cecal individual or total volatile fatty acids (VFA), and lactic acid were not significantly (P > 0.05) different between NM hens and M, ZAC and ZPR hens in trial 1, lactic acid was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in NM hens than in M, ZAC and ZPR hens (trial 2), and cecal total VFA were lower in M hens than in NM, ZAC and ZPR hens (trial 3). Colonization of SE in the crop and ceca was higher in the M and ZPR hens (trials 1 and 2). Liver, spleen, or ovary invasion by SE was higher in the M and ZPR hens (trials 1 and 2) than in NM hens. At the zinc concentration used in these studies, the zinc dietary regimens may be effective for reducing the risk of SE during induced molt.

Mesenchymal progenitor cells in the human umbilical cord

Mesenchymal progenitor or stem cells (MPCs) isolated from fetal blood, liver, and bone marrow are a population of multipotential cells that can proliferate and differentiate into multiple mesodermal tissues including bone, cartilage, muscle, ligament, tendon, fat, and stroma. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize MPCs in the human umbilical cord. The suspensions of endothelial and subendothelial cells in cord vein were collected and cultured in M199 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Of 50 umbilical cord samples, 3 had numerous fibroblastoid cells morphologically distinguishable from endothelial cells. Fibroblastic cells displayed lack of expression of vWF, Flk-1, and PECAM-1, indicating the endothelial cell-specific marker. To investigate the differentiation potentials, the cells were cultured in adipogenic or osteogenic medium for 2 weeks. Fibroblast-like cells treated with adipogenic supplementation showed Oil red O-positive staining and expressed adipsin, FABP4, LPL, and PPARgamma2 genes by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium accumulation were detected. RT-PCR studies determined that Cx43, osteopontin, and Runx2 genes were expressed in the osteogenic cultures. Among three cell lines cultured continuously for passage 10, two had normal karyotypes; however, one retained a karyotype of mos 46,XY[19]/47,XY,+mar[3]. These observations suggest that MPCs are present in human umbilical cord and possess several typical traits of MPCs.

Anaesthesia in patients with Brugada syndrome

Brugada syndrome is characterized by right bundle branch block, ST segment elevation in the precordial leads and sudden death caused by ventricular fibrillation. We present two successful anaesthetic management cases in patients with Brugada syndrome.

Emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant pseudomonas in chronic suppurative otitis media

The most frequently isolated organism in chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ototopical ciprofloxacin has proven effectiveness against P. aeruginosa. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patients with recurrent otorrhoea caused by CSOM that was unresponsive to topical ciprofloxacin. Eighty-eight patients (18-77 years of age) with otorrhoea due to CSOM were reviewed retrospectively. All of them were initially treated with ciprofloxacin eardrops but the otorrhoea failed to resolve. Bacteriological specimens were processed and identified with standard cultures. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of these bacterial isolates was assessed by an agar disc diffusion method. Isolates were tested against 16 antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin-resistant P. aeruginosa were isolated in all cases. Imipenem was the most sensitive antibiotic agent with an overall susceptibility rate of 96.5%, followed by amikacin (55.6%), piperacillin/tazobactam (37.5%) and ceftazidime (31.8%). In our series, ciprofloxacin-resistant P. aeruginosa is increasing recently. Continuous surveillance is necessary to monitor antimicrobial resistance and to guide antibacterial therapy.

Effects of high zinc diets using zinc propionate on molt induction, organs, and postmolt egg production and quality in laying hens

This study was conducted to determine the ability of an alternative salt form of 1% Zn, Zn propionate, to induce molt in 66-wk-old hens. The hens were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups of 27 or 28 birds each: a) molted conventionally by feed withdrawal, b) 1% Zn as Zn acetate, c) 1% Zn as Zn propionate, or d) nonmolted control for 9 d. Feed intake was (P < 0.05) depressed in Zn acetate and Zn propionate hens when compared with nonmolted control hens during the 9 d. Ovary weights of hens undergoing feed withdrawal, Zn acetate, or Zn propionate were not (P > 0.05) different from each other, but all were (P < 0.05) lighter than the ovary weights of nonmolted control hens. Zinc concentrations in the kidney and liver were (P < 0.05) increased in Zn acetate and Zn propionate molted hens when compared with nonmolted hens on the control diet or hens molted by feed withdrawal. Bone ash values were (P < 0.05) increased for Zn acetate and Zn propionate molted hens or nonmolted control hens as compared with molted hens on feed withdrawal. Over the entire 3-mo postmolt period, there were no significant differences in interior egg qualities, but egg weights from hens fed Zn propionate were (P < 0.05) heavier than those from hens on feed withdrawal. The data of the current study demonstrated that feeding a Zn propionate (1% zinc)-supplemented diet can induce molt.

Validation of the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-C30

This study evaluated the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) in terms of psychometric properties and its validation. One hundred and seventy patients completed three questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30, the Beck depression inventory (BDI), and a brief pain inventory (BPI). Multitrait scaling analyses demonstrated that all scales met multidimensional conceptualization criteria, in terms of convergence and discrimination validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for eight multiple-item scales were greater than 0.70, with the exception of cognitive functioning. All interscale correlations were statistically significant in the expected direction (p < 0.01). Multivariate analyses showed that physical and emotional functioning were significant explanatory variables for the global quality-of-life (QOL) scale (regression coefficients: 0.36, p < 0.001; and 0.37, p < 0.001; respectively). All scales were significantly associated with pain severity and interference of the BPI, and with the cognitive-affective and somatic scales of the BDI. The emotional-functioning scale was substantially correlated with the cognitive-affective scale and somatic scale of the BDI. These results demonstrate that the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 is a valid instrument for evaluating Korean-speaking patients with cancer, and can be used to distinguish clearly between subgroups of patients of differing performance status.

Purification, cDNA cloning and expression of an insect defensin from the great wax moth, Galleria mellonella

An insect defensin, named Galleria defensin, was purified from the larval haemolymph of Galleria mellonella immunized against E. coli. The peptide was composed of forty-three amino acid residues containing six cysteines that might be engaged in intramolecular disulphide bridges. The primary structure of Galleria defensin shared about 90.7% identity to that of heliomicin, which was an insect defensin isolated from Heliothis virescens. The full-length cDNA encoding Galleria defensin was cloned from the fat body of the immunized G. mellonella larvae. Northern blot analysis revealed that Galleria defensin was expressed not only in the fat body but also in the midgut against invading bacteria into haemocoel. This is the first report presenting cDNA and expression of an insect defensin in the lepidopteran species.

The combination of zinc compounds and acidic pH limits aerobic growth of a Salmonella typhimurium poultry marker strain in rich and minimal media

The objective of the present study was to examine the combined effects of zinc compounds with different acidic pH levels on the aerobic growth of a S. typhimurium poultry isolate in either rich or minimal media. When overall main effects of pH levels of medium or concentrations of Zn compounds were compared, growth rates of the S. typhimurium poultry isolate were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by stepwise increase of pH levels of medium (pH 4, 5, 6, and 7) or concentrations (0.67, 3.35, and 6.03%) of Zn compounds (Zn acetate and Zn sulfate). In general growth rates of S. typhimurium poultry isolate appeared to be more reduced by Zn acetate than by Zn sulfate and more reduced in minimal media compared to rich media.

Effect of storage condition on bone breaking strength and bone ash in laying hens at different stages in production cycles

This study was conducted to determine the effects of refrigeration and frozen storage on tibia breaking strength (kg/g) and tibia ash (%) in bones obtained from hens of different ages. A total of 75 Single Comb White Leghorn hens were divided into three equal groups according to age (72, 80, and 92 wk of age). Both tibias of each hen were harvested and immediately defleshed. The tibias from each hen were randomly assigned to either 1 d of refrigeration or 7 d of frozen storage. Tibia breaking strengths were determined using an Instron Universal Testing Machine with 50-kg-load cell at 50-kg-load range with a crosshead speed of 50 mm/min. Tibia ash weights were determined by ashing for 24 h at 615 degrees C. Bone breaking strength in 72 wk of age hens was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in refrigerated tibias (2.48 kg/g) than those in frozen storage (1.75 kg/g). However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) for bone ash (percentage of tibia ash) in all three groups between refrigerated storage (72 wk: 38.840%, 80 wk: 46.40%, 92 wk: 46.99%) and frozen storage (72 wk: 39.12%, 80 wk: 44.88%, 92 wk: 45.35%). This study indicated that frozen storage only influenced assessment of bone strength in 72-wk-old laying hens but could be used for sample storage of bones from older hens.

Effects of Jaoga-Yukmiwon®, a Korean herbal medicine, on chondrocyte proliferation and longitudinal bone growth in adolescent male rats

Externally visible growth of the body is the result of proliferation of chondrocytes and longitudinal bone growth. The effects of the Korean herbal medicine, Jaoga-Yukmiwon((R)), on the growth of adolescent rats were investigated in the present study. The proliferation ratio of chondrocytes was calculated from 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation during DNA synthesis. The 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation ratio of the control group was 21.1 +/- 3.5%, and Jaoga-Yukmiwon((R)) administration markedly increased the ratio to 34.5 +/- 4.6% (p < 0.05). The bone formation rate of longitudinal bone was estimated by labelling with tetracycline, which binds to newly formed bone. The bone formation rate in the tibia of Jaoga-Yukmiwon((R))-administered rats was increased to 405.1 +/- 4.3 micro m (p < 0.05) from 292.2 +/- 11.8 micrometer (control value). The height of the growth plate in the administrated rats was increased to 614.6 +/- 10.0 micro m (p < 0.05) from 552.3 +/- 17.1 micro m. The bone morphogenetic protein-2 immunostaining in the growth plate was also increased. These results suggest that Jaoga-Yukmiwon((R)) may promote longitudinal bone growth during the developmental period.

Phylogenetic analysis of Antrodia and related taxa based on partial mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequences

Sequences of mitochondrial SSU rDNA were obtained from six species of Antrodia and related fungal taxa to reveal their phylogenetic relationships. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the species of Antrodia did not cluster into a single clade. Brown rot fungi were separated into two main groups through which Antrodia was dispersed. Antrodia sinuosa, A. serialis, A. heteromorpha and A. malicola clustered with Perenniporia, Fomitopsis, Piptoporus, Daedalea and Melanoporia within one group of brown rot fungi, while A. carbonica and A. vaillantii clustered with Oligoporus, Gloeophyllum and Auriporia within the other group of brown rot fungi, indicating that Antrodia is a heterogeneous genus and that brown rot fungi have evolved convergently.

Differential expression of six novel peroxidase cDNAs from cell cultures of sweetpotato in response to stress

Six peroxidase (POD) cDNAs were isolated from suspension cultures of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) by cDNA library screening, and their expression was investigated with a view to understanding the physiological functions of each POD in relation to environmental stress. The gene products encoded by these cDNAs could be divided into two groups, anionic PODs (SWPA4, SWPA5, SWPA6) and basic PODs (SWPB1, SWPB2, SWPB3), on the basis of the predicted pI values of the mature proteins. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the six POD genes showed diverse expression patterns in various tissues of intact plants, a various stages of growth in suspension cultures, and in leaf tissues exposed to different stresses. The six genes from which they were derived are predominantly expressed in cultured cells of sweetpotato. Thus, transcripts of swpa4 were not detected in any tissues of the intact plant. The genes swpa6 and swpb1 were highly expressed in root tissues, whereas swpa6 and swpb3 were highly expressed in stem tissues. During suspension culture, the expression patterns of the six genes differed from each other. The level of swpa4, swpa5, swpb2 and swpb3 transcripts progressively increased during culture, whereas swpa6 and swpb1 showed high expression levels regardless of the age of the culture. In leaf tissues the six POD genes responded differently to various abiotic stresses. In particular, swpa4 was highly induced by several abiotic stresses, including exposure to hydrogen peroxide (440 mM) or NaCl (100 mM), and wounding of leaf tissues, suggesting that this POD gene is inducible by many stresses. Based on the different expression patterns of these POD genes, we propose that each POD may have different enzymatic properties and physiological functions during cell growth and development.

Enhanced cough response to hyperpnea with cold air challenge in chronic cough patients showing increased cough sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin

BACKGROUND

Although many chronic cough patients have complained of an induced cough by cold air contact, the clinical relevance of cold air to inducing a cough and the diagnostic value of a hyperpnea with cold air (HCA) challenge to detect a hyperreactive cough reflex have not yet been investigated.

METHODS

Recordings of cough counts after a 2-min HCA challenge were performed in 49 chronic cough patients and 15 healthy controls. Capsaicin cough provocation tests, which determine the threshold concentration of capsaicin that induces five or more consecutive coughs (C5), were also administered.

RESULTS

After comparing the results from the capsaicin cough provocation tests of the patients and the controls, the chronic cough patients were divided into two groups: an increased cough sensitivity (ICS) group (n = 28) (C5 < 32 micromol/l) and a normal cough sensitivity (NCS) group (n = 21) (C5 >or= 32 micromol/l). The median value of induced cough counts after a HCA challenge was 11 coughs in patients with ICS and was a significantly enhanced cough response compared to that of the patients with NCS and healthy controls (four coughs, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A simple cough provocation test using a HCA challenge may be useful for detecting ICS. It also suggests that hyperreactive cough reflexes may be one of the mechanisms of inducing chronic cough.

Identification of a novel BMPR1A germline mutation in a Korean juvenile polyposis patient without SMAD4 mutation

Juvenile polyposis (JP) is characterized by the development of multiple hamartomatous polyps and is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Germline mutations of the SMAD4 gene have been reported in JP. We have previously identified three SMAD4 germline mutations in five Korean JP patients. Recently, germline mutations of the BMPR1A (ALK3) gene were reported in JP cases without SMAD4 mutations. In order to determine whether BMPR1A could be involved in the development of JP, we screened all five patients using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) analysis. We found that one patient had a BMPR1A germline mutation without a SMAD4 mutation. This patient harbored a novel missense mutation (M470T) in exon 10. After close clinico-pathological examination, one patient who was previously diagnosed to have JP was excluded from the JP group. In total, all four Korean JP patients had either the SMAD4 or the BMPR1A mutation, with three having SMAD4 germline mutations and one carrying a BMPR1A germline mutation.