[Chemical studies on immunologically active polysaccharides of Ganoderma lucidum(Leyss. ex Fr.) Karst]

BN3B, the polysaccharide component of the fruit of Ganoderma lucidum, has been shown to have immune activity. From BN3B four homogeneous polysaccharides were separated and purified. Chemical studies on the main components BN3B1 and BN3B3 indicated that BM3B1 contained only glucose and should be a glucan containing beta-(1----6) and (1----3)glycoside bonds and that BN3B3 was an arabinogalactan containing beta-(1----6) and (1----3)glycoside bonds.

[Magnesium sulfate in prevention of preterm labor]

To observe the efficacy of magnesium sulfate in the treatment of preterm labor, 65 uncomplicated cases of preterm labor between 28 and 36 weeks of gestation were studied prospectively during Sep. 1988-May 1991. They were divided into two groups randomly. 30 cases were treated with magnesium sulfate and 35 cases with barbiturates or bed rest. The prevention of delivery for at least 48 hours after the initiation of therapy was achieved in 23 of the 30 cases (76.67%) of the magnesium sulfate group and in 3 of the 35 cases (8.57%) in the control group. Delay of more than 7 days was achieved in 17 of the 30 cases (56.67%) and in 2 of the 35 cases (5.71%). The postponement of delivery between the two groups. There was highly significantly difference (P less than 0.01). There was a significant correlation of cervical dilation at the onset of treatment to success of controlling preterm labor. In the magnesium sulfate group, the mean magnesium level to achieve tocolysis was 2.8 +/- 0.35 mmol/L (mean +/- s). The side effects to the mothers, fetus, and the neonates were mild and not prominent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of interferon-gamma in lymphocytic thyroiditis: its functional and pathological effect on human thyrocytes in culture

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) has been recognized to possess diverse non-immunological effects on epithelial cells such as cellular growth and differentiation. We have previously demonstrated that IFN-gamma suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-stimulated thyroglobulin (TG) synthesis in human thyrocytes through inhibition of TG gene transcription. To define the pathological mechanism involved in the action of IFN-gamma, we studied the ultrastructural changes of human thyrocytes cultured in monolayer. Stimulation of the thyrocytes with TSH 10 mU/ml for 2 days resulted in marked increase in TG release into the medium. This was accompanied by elongation of microvilli, increase in follicles and acinar formation, increase in secretory granules and prominence of Golgi apparatus and rough-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum. Addition of IFN-gamma (500 U/ml) resulted in marked degeneration with shrinkage of the cell membrane, vacuolation of cytoplasm, swollen mitochondria and presence of lysosomal granules. Co-culturing the thyrocytes with the IFN-gamma and TSH resulted in suppression of the morphological responsiveness to TSH. There was also suppression of TSH-induced TG secretion. However, at 500 U/ml IFN-gamma did not cause lysis of the thyrocytes as estimated by the cellular DNA content. Furthermore, binucleated cells were frequently encountered in those wells that were treated with IFN-gamma for either 2 or 5 days. The findings suggest that IFN-gamma resulted in de-differentiation and degeneration of the thyrocytes, which subsequently regained the growth potential and showed attempts at regeneration. This may explain why most patients with lymphocytic thyroiditis recover from the acute injury and do not suffer from permanent hypothyroidism.

Molecular and functional analysis of the XPBC/ERCC-3 promoter: transcription activity is dependent on the integrity of an Sp1-binding site

The human XPBC/ERCC-3 gene, which corrects the excision-repair defect in xeroderma pigmentosum group B cells and the UV-sensitive CHO mutant 27-1 cells, appears to be expressed constitutively in various cell types and tissues. We have analysed the structure and functionality of the XPBC/ERCC-3 promoter. Transcription of the XPBC/ERCC-3 gene is initiated from heterogeneous sites, with a major startpoint mapped at position -54 (relative to the translation start codon ATG). The promoter region does not possess classical TATA and CAAT elements, but it is GC-rich and contains three putative Sp1-binding sites. In addition, there are two elements related to the cyclic AMP (cAMP)-response element (CRE) and the 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-response element (TRE) in the 5'-flanking region. Transient expression analysis of XPBC/ERCC-3 promoter-CAT chimeric plasmids revealed that a 127-bp fragment, spanning position -129 to -3, is minimally required for the promoter activity. Transcription of the XPBC/ERCC-3 promoter depends on the integrity of a putative Sp1-binding site in close proximity to the major cap site. Band shift assays showed that this putative Sp1-binding site can interact specifically with a nuclear factor, most likely transcription factor Sp1 (or an Sp1-like factor) in vitro.

[Role of neutrophil and hydroxyl radical in shock-induced gut origin infection]

The relative roles of hydroxyl radical and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of shock-induced mucosal injury and gut origin infection (GOI) were determined. The incidence of GOI was higher in the shocked rats (30 mmHg for 30 min) than the sham-shock controls (87% vs 12.5%; P less than 0.01). Administration of the hydroxyl radical scavenger, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or iron chelator and deferoxamine reduced the incidence of GOI from 87% to 20% and 40% respectively (P less than 0.05). DMSO and deferoxamine appeared to prevent shock-induced GOI by blunting the magnitude of shock-induced mucosal injury. In contrast, neutrophil depletion did not prevent GOI or protect the intestinal mucosal in the shocked rats. Instead, the incidence of systemic spread of bacteria past the mesenteric lymph nodes to the livers and spleens of the shocked rats was higher in the neutrophil depleted rats (56%) than any other group (7%) (P less than 0.01). Thus, shock-induced GOI and intestinal injury appears to be mediated by xanthine oxidase generated oxidants such as hydroxyl radical rather than neutrophil-generated factors. In addition, neutrophil depletion may be clinically deleterious, since it promotes systemic sepsis rather than preventing shock-induced GOI.

Adenocarcinoma arising in a diverticulum of the urinary bladder

A case of adenocarcinoma arising from a diverticulum of the bladder is reported. A review of literatures together with the local statistics is presented.

The gene encoding vacuolar H+-ATPase subunit C is overexpressed in multidrug resistant HL60 cells

Previous studies have suggested that vacuolar H(+)-ATPase activity may play a role in modulating drug transport mechanism in multidrug resistant HL60 cells. In the present study we have used a cDNA of human vacuolar H(+)-ATPase subunit C (SC-H(+)-ATPase) to analyze expression of this gene in HL60 cells isolated for resistance to adriamycin or vincristine. The results demonstrate that development of resistance to either agent results in a major increase in the levels of SC-H(+)-ATPase mRNA. Furthermore in resistant cells which have partially reverted to drug sensitivity there is a parallel reduction in SC-H(+)-ATPase mRNA levels. Southern blot analysis shows that the SC-H(+)-ATPase gene is not amplified in the resistant cells. These results therefore demonstrate a correlation between the development of multidrug resistance and enhanced expression of the SC-H(+)-ATPase gene.

Kahn's wire passer used in medial canthal tendon fixation

The history of fixation of the medial canthal structures is one of gradual improvement in instrumentation and technique. Today, open reduction and internal fixation remain the mainstay of treatment for the medial canthal structures. With regard to the internal fixation method, we have developed a wire passer that can facilitate wire fixation of the delicate medial canthal tendon. We present two cases that manifest abnormalities of the medial canthal tendon. Both were corrected successfully with this wire passer.

Characterization of the mouse homolog of the XPBC/ERCC-3 gene implicated in xeroderma pigmentosum and Cockayne's syndrome

The human XPBC/ERCC-3 DNA repair gene specifically corrects the repair defect of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) complementation group B and rodent repair mutant cell lines of group 3. The gene encodes a presumed DNA- and chromatin-binding helicase involved in early steps of the excision repair pathway. To study the evolution of this gene, its expression in different tissues and stages of development and to permit the generation of a mouse model of XP by targeted gene replacement in mouse embryonal stem cells, we have isolated the mouse XPBC/ERCC-3 homolog. Sequence comparison of the predicted protein revealed a 96% amino acid identity with the human gene product. Notably, all postulated functional domains were strictly conserved. The mouse XPBC/ERCC-3 promoter is--like its human counterpart--devoid of classical promoter elements such as TATA and CAAT boxes and contains several conserved segments with unknown function. One of these conserved regions, consisting in part of a polypyrimidine track, is also present in the ERCC-1 promoter. The mouse XPBC/ERCC-3 gene is expressed constitutively at low levels in all tissues examined except for testis, where its expression is significantly enhanced.

Ni(II) and Ni(I) forms of pentaalkylamide derivatives of cofactor F430 of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

A series of pentaalkylamide forms of F430 and of its 12,13-diepimer have been generated and characterized. Carbodiimide-assisted N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide activation of all five peripheral carboxylates of the F430 macrocycle allows nucleophilic attack by a number of primary amines (RNH2, R- = CH3-, CH3CH2-, CF3CH2-, CH3(CH2)3-) generating the pentaalkylamide derivatives. The identity of each derivative has been verified by fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB-MS). The solubility of these derivatives in aprotic organic solvents varies as the amine alkyl substituent (R-) is changed. Electrochemical measurements have shown that the Ni(II/I) reduction potentials in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are approximately -1 V (Ag/AgCl). Reduction by sodium amalgam in THF generates the Ni(I) form of the F430 diepimer pentabutylamide. The visible and EPR spectra of this Ni(I) species are very similar to the corresponding spectra of Ni(I) F430M (Jaun, B. and Pfaltz, A. (1986) J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1327-1329.).

[Experimental study on the immunomodulatory effects of rhubarb]

The immunomodulatory effects of Rhubarb on the murine functions are reported. Varying dosages of Rhubarb administrated orally were able to increase the delayed hypersensitivity response induced by bovine serum albumin and proliferation response of murine spleen cell to Con A and lipopolysaccharide. The above description indicate that Rhubarb could promote immune response.

[The humoral immune response of different strains of mice after intragastrointestinal immunization with human sperm antigens]

The inbred Balb/c and C57 mice, and the outbred Swiss Webster mice were intragastrointestinally immunized with human sperm antigens. The lymphocytes from the spleen, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), Peyer's patch (PP) and uterus or epididymis were isolated and cultured. The lymphocyte-secreting antisperm IgG and IgA and the antisperm antibodies in the gut wash and serum were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the Balb/c and Swiss Webster mice, the immune responses to sperm have shown to be stronger than that in C57, stronger in female than in male. The antigenicity of sperm membrane extracts seems to be higher than that of whole sperm. Antisperm antibodies secreted by lymphocytes from the epididymis and uterus have demonstrated to be detectable. For stimulation of the local immune response, the intra-PP and intralumina immunizations are more effective than others.

[Experimental study on the relationship between burn shock and infection]

It is well known that burned patients with difficulty in passing through the shock stage are commonly complicated by early septicemia. But explanations about the mechanism vary and no one can account for all the cases. In the present study, Specific Pathogen-free mice (950), Germfree mice (50) and Wistar rats (720) were used in studying 25%-30% burn injury; limited time of hypotension; endotoxemia and simple intestinal obstruction to determine if the bacteria could translocate across the viable intestinal wall to cause systemic infection. The data showed that microflora from gut can cause systemic infection following early burn injury; and shock, endotoxemia and ileus which always complicate severe burns can function together in promoting bacteria translocation. These results suggest that gut origin infection may play an important role in irreversible burn shock and/or early fulminating septicemia following burn injury.

Fibrinolytic enzyme from Agkistrodon halys brevicaudus (Korean mamushi) snake venom

By means of DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B ion exchange chromatography and TSK-GEL G2000 SW high-performance gel filtration, a purified protein with fibrinolytic activity was obtained from the venom of Agkistrodon halys brevicaudus (Korean mamushi). The protein was homogeneous as judged by isoelectric focusing electrophoresis and high-performance gel filtration. Its mol. wt is 39,200 and its isoelectric point 4.12. The specific fibrinolytic activity of the protein was 3.2 times higher than that of the crude venom. The fibrinolytic activity of the purified principle was 33 units/mg protein (units of standard urokinase activity).

Human papillomavirus in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Thirty seven cases of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma were studied by applying DNA slot blot analysis and in situ hybridisation using type specific probes for HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. Cases of condyloma accuminata, cervical carcinoma, and laryngeal papilloma were used as controls. Blocks including areas of invasive carcinoma, intraepithelial neoplasia, and normal epithelium were studied in each case. No HPV genome was detectable in any of the oesophageal cases. It is concluded that these types of HPV do not have an association with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

[Experimental study on pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced gut origin infection]

It has been documented that endotoxin could induce gut origin infection. Consequently, experiments were performed to correlate endotoxin-induced gut origin infection with changes in intestinal mucosal structure and xanthine dehydrogenase and oxidase activity. Bacteria infection from the intestines to extraintestinal organs in 70% of the mice receiving endotoxin. Endotoxin injured primarily the ileal and cecal mucosa and increased ileal and hepatic xanthine dehydrogenase and cecal oxidase activities (P less than 0.05). These results suggest that xanthine oxidase-induced mucosal damage plays a role in endotoxin-induced gut origin infection.

Identification and characterization of large, complex forms of chloroplast translational initiation factor 2 from Euglena gracilis

Chromatography of partially purified preparations of Euglena gracilis chloroplast initiation factor 2 (IF-2chl) on gel filtration resins indicates that this factor is present in high molecular mass forms ranging from 200 to 700 kDa. The higher molecular weight complexes can be separated from the 200,000 Mr form of this factor by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose. Further purification indicates that the majority of the IF-2chl is present as dimeric, tetrameric, and probably hexameric complexes of polypeptides of 97,000-110,000 in molecular weight. In addition, one form consisting of subunits of about 200,000 Mr has been detected. All of these species are active in promoting fMet-tRNA binding to chloroplast 30 S subunits in a message-dependent reaction. Initiation complex formation promoted by IF-2chl requires the presence of GTP. Similar levels of binding are obtained when GTP is replaced by a nonhydrolyzable analog suggesting that IF-2chl is acting stoichiometrically rather than catalytically under the conditions used. The activity of this factor is stimulated by the presence of either Escherichia coli or chloroplast IF-3. None of the forms of IF-2chl detected is active on E. coli ribosomes.

Localisation of CD10 to biliary canaliculi by immunoelectron microscopical examination

Common acute lymphoblastic leukaemia antigen (CALLA) was first characterised in lymphoid leukaemic cells. The antigen is present in different stages of lymphoid cell differentiation as well as in subsets of myeloid cells, and further studies have also shown its presence in non-lymphoid tissues. The recent cloning and sequencing of the gene permitted deduction of its amino acid sequence which is identical with the human membrane-associated enzyme, neutral endopeptidase. Strong immunostaining for CALLA was detected in the human liver with a canalicular pattern. Immunoelectron microscopy also confirmed that the antigen was localised only in the area of the bile canaliculi. Although the function of neutral endopeptidase in the canaliculi is unknown, this antigen may prove useful in the study of biliary function and diseases.