Takayasu arteritis: diagnosis with MR imaging and MR angiography in acute and chronic active stages

Early diagnosis and treatment of Takayasu arteritis is important in prevention of serious complications. Spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can depict early wall thickening of the aorta and cine MRI can evaluate aortic valve function. Significant enhancement in and around the aorta and carotid arteries is observed on postcontrast MR images in acute phase Takayasu arteritis. In the chronic phase, contrast enhancement in the aortic wall stronger than in the myocardium suggests activity of the disease. Breath-hold contrast-enhanced three-dimensional MR angiography is very effective in noninvasive evaluation of luminal change of aortitis. Contrast-enhanced MRI and MR angiography have an important role in early diagnosis, activity determination, and follow-up of Takayasu arteritis. MRI and MR angiography can be utilized for initial diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis and replace catheterization angiography. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:751-757.

Solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the temporal lobe: case report and review of the literature

A solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the central nervous system is an unusual manifestation of histiocytosis X. A unique case of a solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the right temporal lobe without osseous involvement is described. A 20-year-old man presented with a grand mal seizure. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated an intraaxial enhancing mass in the right temporal lobe with marked vasogenic edema. A right temporal craniotomy was performed for resection of the lesion and the diagnosis of an eosinophilic granuloma was confirmed by histopathology. Follow-up MR imaging obtained 5 years following resection demonstrated no recurrence. Solitary eosinophilic granuloma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of enhancing mass lesions affecting the central nervous system. Although the natural history of solitary eosinophilic granulomas remains poorly defined, surgical treatment still remains the mainstay of therapy for these unifocal cerebral lesions.

Comparison of hematopoietic activities of human bone marrow and umbilical cord blood CD34 positive and negative cells

Although the hematopoietic activities of human CD34+ bone marrow (BM) and cord blood (CB) cells have been well characterized, the phenotype of nonobese-diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice repopulating cells (SRCs) in CB and BM has not yet been fully examined. To address this issue, various hematopoietic activities were compared in terms of total and CD34+ CB and BM cells. Clonal culture of fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) CD34+ CB and BM cells revealed a higher incidence of colony-forming cells with greater proliferation capacity in CB over BM CD34+ cells. CB CD34+ cells also demonstrated higher secondary plating efficiency over BM cells. In addition, we demonstrated that mice transplanted with CB mononuclear cells (MNCs) showed significantly higher levels of chimerism than those transplanted with BM MNCs. However, recipients of FACS-sorted CD34+ CB cells showed significantly lower levels of chimerism than those that received total CB MNCs, suggesting a role of facilitating cells in the CD34- cell population. To further analyze the role of CD34- cells, the NOD/SCID repopulating ability of FACS-sorted CB CD34-c-kit+Lin- and CD34-c-kit-Lin- cells were examined. However, SRCs were not detected in those cells. Taken together, these data suggest that CB is a better source of hematopoietic stem cells and that there are cells in the CD34- fraction that facilitate repopulation of hematopoiesis in the NOD/SCID environment.

Enhanced secretory group II PLA2 activity in the tears of chronic blepharitis patients

PURPOSE

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) hydrolyzes phospholipids, one of the important constituents of human meibomian gland secretions. This study was performed to investigate PLA2 type and activity in the tears of chronic blepharitis patients compared to those of normal persons.

METHODS

Tear samples of 36 patients and 10 normal persons were collected in non-heparinized microcapillary tubes. PLA2 activity in the tears was measured by Dole's method, and the results of the blepharitis patients were compared to those of the normal persons. The characterization of PLA2 was performed by the head group preference test and the dithiothreitol (DTT) sensitivity test. The classification of PLA2 type was done using Western blot analysis with anti-human secretory PLA2 antibody.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found among the six categories of chronic blepharitis. However, the mean PLA2 activity in the tears of the chronic blepharitis patients was about two times higher than that of the normal controls with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The PLA2 substrate specificity test revealed group II PLA2 activity. Furthermore, the group II PLA2 was identified as a 14 kDa band in Western blot analysis using an antibody raised against human secretory group II PLA2.

CONCLUSIONS

Secretory group II PLA2 activity was significantly enhanced in the tears of the chronic blepharitis patients compared with that of the normal controls. It is suggested that this increased enzymatic activity may decrease the tear film stability through increased hydrolysis of phospholipids.

Safety and efficacy study with various doses of SS-cream in patients with premature ejaculation in a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical study

OBJECTIVES

SS-cream is a topical agent made from the extracts of natural products for treating premature ejaculation (PE). To determine the optimal clinical dosage of SS-cream on PE, we investigated the safety and efficacy of SS-cream with various doses. A double blind, randomized placebo controlled clinical study was performed.

METHODS

Fifty patients completed the study. Mean age of the patients was 37.1+/-1.O y and mean ejaculatory latency was 1.35+/-0.07 min. Sexual satisfaction rate of both the partner and patient was 16.2%. Each patient was instructed to apply the different cream (placebo, SS-cream 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 g) on glans penis 1 h before sexual intercourse in random fashion. The ejaculatory latency was measured by stop watch and the satisfaction rate of both partner and patient was also recorded two times in the screening period and after the application of each test drugs. Clinical efficacy was considered if ejaculatory latency was prolonged more than 2 min and sexual satisfaction rate increased more than 20% than that of pretest values.

RESULTS

The mean ejaculatory latencies were significantly prolonged after using various test drugs (placebo 2.27+/-0.32, SS-cream 0.05 g 4.47+/-0.81, 0.10 g 5.34+/-0.79, 0.15 g 6.22+/-0.87, 0.20 g 11.06+/-1.17 min, respectively). Clinical efficacies evaluated by ejaculatory latency were placebo 18%, SS-cream 0.05 g 30%, 0.10 g 60%, 0.15 g 54%, 0.20 g 84%, respectively. The satisfaction rate was also significantly increased dose-dependently (placebo 26%, SS-cream 0.05 g 60%, 0.10 g 70%, 0.15 g 78%, 0.20 g 90%, respectively). A side effect such as local mild burning sensation was noted in 35/250 times (14%) and no adverse effect on sexual function and no systemic side effects were observed. From the result of logistic regression analysis on clinical efficacy, the ED50 of SS-cream was obtained as 0.10 g. SS-cream 0.20 g was effective in 84% without any serious systemic side effects.

CONCLUSION

From the above results, our conclusions are that SS-cream is effective on the treatment of PE with a few local side effects and that clinical optimal dose of SS-cream is 0.20 g.

Phase II trial of a novel platinum analog, SKI 2053R, in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer

A phase II trial of a novel platinum analog, SKI 2053R, was performed in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage disease (ED) small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). SKI 2053R was administered at the dose of 400 mg/m2 every 3 to 4 weeks as a 1-h infusion. After the first cycle, the dose was escalated to 440 mg/m2 based on toxicity. Thirty-eight patients (31 male) were enrolled between June 1995 and August 1997. The median age was 61 years (range, 36-70 years). Six of 37 evaluable patients achieved a partial response (16.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4-28.0%). The durations of response were 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9, 3.4, and 4.6 months. The estimated median survival time was 7.4 months (95% CI, 5.1-9.7 months). Grade 3 or 4 toxicities were not observed. Grade 1 to 2 leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were seen in 5 of 68 cycles, 16 of 68, and 2 of 68, respectively. Nonhematologic toxicities included grade 1 to 2 nausea or vomiting (30 of 68 cycles), nephrotoxicity (27 of 68), and hepatotoxicity (13 of 68). SKI 2053R showed a modest antitumor activity with limited toxicities in patients with ED SCLC. Further clinical trials are warranted in SCLC with a higher dose of SKI 2053R.

Angiotensin II stimulates proliferation of adventitial fibroblasts cultured from rat aortic explants

It has been proposed that the local renin-angiotensin system is activated in the adventitia after vascular injury. However, the physiological role of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in the adventitia has not been studied at a cellular level. This study was designed to assess the role of Ang II in the growth response of cultured adventitial fibroblasts (AFs). Adventitial explants of the rat thoracic aorta showed outgrowth of AFs within 5-7 days. Ang II caused hyperplastic response of AF cultures. The Ang II-induced mitogenic response of AFs was mediated primarily by the AT1 receptor. Ang II caused a rapid induction of immediate early genes (c-fos, c-myc and jun B). Induction of c-fos expression was fully blocked by an AT1 receptor antagonist but not by an AT2 receptor antagonist. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induced DNA synthesis in AFs. Co-stimulation of AFs with the growth factors and Ang II potentiated the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into DNA. Results from this study indicate that Ang II causes mitogenesis of AFs via AT1 receptor stimulation and potentiates the responses to other mitogens. These data suggest that the Ang II may play an important role in regulating AF function during vascular remodeling following arterial injury.

Bacterial meningitis associated with lumbar drains: a retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The infective potential of lumbar drainage is an important topic deserving particular study. The aetiology, incidence, and clinical findings associated with bacterial meningitis are described in patients having continuous lumbar CSF drainage to treat communicating hydrocephalus after subarachnoid haemorrhage or CSF leaks after traumatic dural rents.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the records of patients with a positive CSF bacterial culture who underwent lumbar drain placement over a 39 month period.

RESULTS

Thirteen cases of bacterial meningitis occurred subsequent to the use of 312 lumbar drain kits (4.2%). All meningitic patients had CSF pleocytosis, but not all had peripheral leukocytosis. Fever, peripheral leukocytosis, and CSF pleocytosis did not help to differentiate the presence of bacterial meningitis from other infections. Eight patients had prior CSF drainage procedures, including ventriculostomy (n=5) or lumbar drain (n=5) placements; two patients received both procedures. Six of 13 patients developed their CSF infection within 24 hours of lumbar drain insertion. Six of 13 patients developed meningitis while receiving antibiotics for other reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

External lumbar drainage seems to carry a low risk of infectious meningitis and offers a safe alternative to ventriculostomy or serial lumbar punctures. Antibiotics do not seem to protect completely against developing the infection. The infection happens most often with skin organisms. The meningitis often appears within 24 hours after lumbar drain placement. Daily CSF samples should include bacterial cultures but cell counts may not offer any additional useful information in diagnosing the complication. Lumbar drain insertion and management need not be confined to the intensive care unit.

Increased group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity in lungs of sheep after smoke inhalation injury

Increased phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity was measured in cytosolic fractions of lungs from sheep exposed to smoke from burning cotton or to synthetic smoke consisting of carbon and acrolein, a cotton smoke toxin. Three peaks of PLA2 activity were identified by heparin-Sepharose chromatography. The heparin-nonbinding PLA2 activity was twofold higher in the extracts from lungs exposed to smoke than in normal lungs. This activity was identified as the group IV 85-kDa cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2). The activities of the forms of PLA2 that bound to heparin did not change after smoke exposure. Those activities showed a pH optimum of 9.0, required a millimolar Ca2+ concentration for full activity, and were inhibited by 5 mM dithiothreitol. One activity eluted at an NaCl concentration typical for group Ib and V PLA2 and had the expected substrate specificity. The other form of lung PLA2 that bound heparin was a group II PLA2. Lung myeloperoxidase activity increased progressively with increased exposure to smoke. cPLA2 was identified in sheep neutrophils. With 30 breaths of smoke exposure, there was an increase in cPLA2 activity without a difference in immunoreactivity on Western blot, indicating that the increased activity was not due to increased amounts of protein. In conclusion, smoke induces increases in resident lung cell cPLA2 activity that is likely responsible for eicosanoid production, leading to lung inflammation and bronchoconstriction.

Synergy of PEBP2/CBF with mi transcription factor (MITF) for transactivation of mouse mast cell protease 6 gene

The mi locus encodes a member of the basic - helix - loop - helix - leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). Although the bHLH-Zip family transcription factors generally recognize and bind CANNTG motifs, the expression of mouse mast cell protease 6 (MMCP-6) gene is regulated by MITF through the GACCTG motif in the promoter region. The GACCTG motif was partly overlapped the TGTGGTC sequence, which was bound by polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2 (PEBP2). In the present study, the effect of PEBP2 on the expression of MMCP-6 gene was examined. PEBP2 that is composed of alpha and beta subunits was expressed by mast cell lines and cultured mast cells derived from spleen. The overexpression of dominant negative PEBP2 cDNA reduced the expression of MMCP-6. Moreover, the simultaneous transfection of the plasmid containing MITF cDNA and the plasmid containing PEBP2 cDNA increased the MMCP-6 promoter activity. For the synergistic action of PEBP2 and MITF, the intact GACCTG and TGTGGTC motifs were prerequisite. The PEBP2alphaB1 mutant which lacked the region downstream from the Runt domain did not bind MITF and lost the synergistic function. These results indicated that PEBP2 and MITF synergistically transactivated the MMCP-6 gene and that the region downstream from the Runt domain of PEBP2alphaB1 was essential for the physical and functional interactions with MITF.

Synthesis and evaluation of 2-amino-9-(3-acyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purines and 2-amino-9-(3-alkoxycarbonyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1- yl)purines as potential prodrugs of penciclovir

A series of 2-amino-9-(3-acyloxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purin es (1-8) and 2-amino-9-(3-alkoxycarbonyl-oxymethyl-4-alkoxycarbonyloxybut -1-yl)purines (9-12) were synthesized as potential prodrugs of penciclovir. Treatment of 6-deoxypenciclovir with trimethyl orthoacetate or triethyl orthopropionate (1.2 equiv) in DMF in the presence of p-TsOH.H2O (0.1 equiv) followed by quenching with excess H2O gave the corresponding mono-O-acetyl or mono-O-propionyl compound, 17 or 18, in excellent yields of 95 and 92%, respectively. Reactions of 17 or 18 with an appropriate alkyl (Me, Et, n-Pr, and i-Pr) 4-nitrophenyl carbonate (1.2 equiv) in pyridine in the presence of a catalytic amount of DMAP (0.1 equiv) at 80 degrees C afforded the monoacyl, monocarbonate derivatives of 6-deoxypenciclovir, 1-8, in 86 94% yields. Similar reactions of 6-deoxypenciclovir with 2.1 equiv of alkyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate produced the dicarbonate derivatives 9 12 in 81-83% yields. Of the prodrugs tested in rats, 2-amino-9-(3-acetoxymethyl-4-isopropoxycarbonyloxybut-1-yl)purine (4) achieved the highest mean urinary recovery of penciclovir (36%), followed in order by compounds 2 (35%), 6 (35%), 7 (34%), 10 (34%), 8 (32%), 3 (32%), and famciclovir (31%). The mean urinary recovery of penciclovir and concentrations of penciclovir in the blood from 4 in mice were also slightly higher than those from famciclovir. The in vivo antiviral efficacy of 4 in HSV-1-infected normal BALB/c mice was higher than those of famciclovir and valaciclovir in terms of mortality (100, 80, and 40%) and mean survival time ( > 21, 13+/-5.0 (SEM), and 13+/-1.6 days). Compound 4 demonstrated an effective anti-hepadnaviral response with intrahepatic viral load being reduced by 90%, the viral supercoiled DNA levels reduced by 70% and Pre-S expression inhibited by 30% against duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) in vivo, and did not cause any significant hepatotoxicity after 4 weeks of treatment.

Role of the inflamed synovial volume of the wrist in defining remission of rheumatoid arthritis with gadolinium-enhanced 3D-SPGR MR imaging

The purpose of this study was to assess the role of inflamed synovial volume (ISV) in defining a state of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with contrast-enhanced, fat-suppression, three-dimensional (3D) gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state with radiofrequency spoiling (SPGR) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Sixteen patients with RA (5 remission and 11 non-remission patients) were enrolled in this study. Contrast-enhanced, fat-suppression, 3D-SPGR MR imaging was performed before (n = 12) and after (n = 16) a mean 17 months of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). ISV was calculated by using a segmentation method. Statistical analysis of changes in ISVs and residual ISVs between the remission and the non-remission groups was performed. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was tested. Residual ISVs and relative changes in ISVs were 3.23 +/- 1.84 cm(3) and 51.4% (range 47.6-55.2%) in the remission group and 6.26 +/- 2. 03 cm(3)and 31.4% (range -73.5-53.5%) in the non-remission group. Both values were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05 and 0.05, respectively). Volume measurement showed high reproducibility: Intra- and inter-observer mean percentage errors were 5.04, 7.06, and 5.09%, respectively. Residual ISVs and relative changes in ISVs measured by MR imaging may provide objective and quantitative parameters in defining a state of remission in RA after therapy; however, the clinical utility of these measurements remains to be verified. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:202-208.

Identification of the region of mi transcription factor which is responsible for the synergy with PEBP2/CBF

The mi locus encodes the mi transcription factor (MITF), a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors. MITF binds the alphaB1/AML1 subtype of the alpha subunit of the polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2 (PEBP2). These two transcription factors synergistically transactivate the mouse mast cell protease 6 (MMCP-6) gene. The interaction of PEBP2 with MITF is mediated through the region carboxy-terminal to the DNA-binding Runt domain. In the present study, we examined the region of MITF that is responsible for the interaction with PEBP2. The MITF mutant that lacked the region aa 67-152 did not bind PEBP2, and the mutant that lacked the region aa 1-152 lost the synergistic function in the transactivation of the MMCP-6 promoter. We conclude that the region amino-terminal to the basic region of MITF is required for physical and functional interactions with PEBP2.

Laminin-1-adherent cancer cells show increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis in vivo

BACKGROUND

The growth rate of a tumor is dependent on both cell proliferation and cell loss. We have established subpopulations of human colon cancer cells with different in vivo growth rates by selecting the cells according to their adhesiveness to laminin-1 in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Laminin-1-adhesion selected colon cancer cells were injected into the cecal wall of nude mice. The tumors were examined 30 days later. Cell proliferation was assessed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) index and apoptotic cells were labeled by digoxigenin-11-dUTP using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase.

RESULTS

The laminin-1-adherent cells, which formed larger tumors in vivo, showed increased proliferative activity and reduced apoptosis in comparison with the laminin-1-nonadherent cells.

CONCLUSION

Laminin-1 may enhance the malignant behavior of colon cancer cells by accelerating proliferation as well as by decreasing cell loss.

Inhibitory effect of mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions by Cichorium intybus

We investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Cichorium intybus (CIAE) on mast cell-mediated immediate type allergic reactions. CIAE (0.1-1000 mg kg-1) dose-dependently inhibited systemic anaphylactic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in mice. Especially, CIAE inhibited compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic reaction 100% with the dose of 1000 mg kg-1. CIAE 1000 mg kg-1also significantly inhibited local anaphylactic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. When mice were pretreated with CIAE at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mg kg-1, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. CIAE (1-1000 microg ml-1) dose-dependently inhibited histamine release from the rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. The level of cAMP in RPMC, when CIAE (1000 microg ml-1) was added, increased significantly compared with that of control cells. These results indicate that CIAE inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in vitro.

Folate binding protein peptide 191-199 presented on dendritic cells can stimulate CTL from ovarian and breast cancer patients

Tumor associated lymphocytes (TAL) isolated from malignant ascites cultured in media containing interleukin-2 show antitumor responses. These antitumor responses are mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) which recognize antigen in the context of MHC molecules using T cell receptors. CD8+ CTL recognize peptide epitopes processed from cellular proteins in the context of MHC class I molecules. These peptides have a restricted length of 8-11 amino acids. The folate binding protein (FBP) is overexpressed in over 90% of ovarian and 20-50% of breast cancers. We recently found that FBP is the source of antigenic peptides recognized by a number of these CTL-TAL. This indicated that FBP peptides are antigenic in vivo for ovarian and breast CTL-TAL. To define FBP immunogenicity, a peptide defining the epitope E39 (FBP, 191-199) was presented by PMBC derived dendritic cells (DC) from healthy donors isolated by the CD14 method to ovarian and breast CTL-TAL. Stimulation of ovarian and breast CTL-TAL by E39 pulsed DC (DC-E39), in the presence of IL-2, rapidly enhanced or induced E39 specific CTL activity. This E39-responder population consisted of cells expressing TCR V beta 9, V beta 13, and V beta 17 families, based on the increase in the percentages of these families in DC-E39 versus DC-NP stimulated TAL. Characterization of immunogenic tumor antigens and of cytokine requirements for induction of functional antitumor effectors may be important for future cancer vaccine developments.

Candidate neuroanatomic substrates of psychosis in old-aged depression

1. The authors investigated the candidate neuroanatomic substrates underlying delusional thought disorder in old-aged depressed patients by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and examined the relationship between volumes for individual brain structures and clinical correlates of particular relevance to depression: executive cognitive impairment and global severity of depression. 2. MR morphometry was performed on nineteen deluded depressed patients and 26 non-deluded depressed patients, all older than 55 years of age. Subjects were administered a neuropsychological test battery and measures of depression. 3. The absolute volume of prefrontal cortex (PFC) was smaller in the deluded depressed group than in non-deluded depressed group (131.79 +/- 37.26 ml vs. 152.65 +/- 26.13 ml, p = 0.03); a difference that was statistically significant even after adjusting for the effect of whole brain volume (p = 0.01). No group differences were observed in the volumes of the basal ganglia, the temporal lobes, the superior temporal gyri, the amygdala-hippocampal complex, the lateral ventricles, or whole brain. The relative volume of PFC correlated inversely and significantly with the index of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) performance (r = -0.76, p < 0.01) in depressed patients. 4. PFC may be one of the candidate neuroanatomic substrates underlying delusional thought disorder in old-aged depression.

Different effect of various mutant MITF encoded by mi, Mior, or Miwh allele on phenotype of murine mast cells

The mi locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). Mutant alleles of mi, Mior, and Miwh are deletion or point mutation of the basic domain by which MITF binds DNA. The basic domain also has nuclear localization potential. In the present study, we compared the mast cell abnormalities of Mior/Mior and Miwh/Miwh mice with those of mi/mi mice, of which many have been described by us. The number of mast cells in the skin of Mior/Mior suckling mice was remarkably decreased from that observed in mi/mi suckling mice, but the number was normal in the skin of Miwh/Miwh suckling mice. The decrease in skin mast cells was more severe in the mi/mi embryos than in mi/mi suckling mice, but the magnitude of the decrease was comparable between Mior/Mior embryos and Mior/Mior suckling mice. The poor mRNA expression of granzyme B and tryptophan hydroxylase genes was observed in all cultured mast cells (CMCs) derived from the spleens of Miwh/Miwh, Mior/Mior, and mi/mi mice. However, the poor expression of mouse mast cell protease-4 (MMCP-4), MMCP-5, and MMCP-6 was observed only in Mior/Mior and mi/mi CMCs. MITF encoded by Miwh mutant allele (Miwh-MITF) showed deficient but demonstratable DNA binding, but mi-MITF and Mior-MITF did not show any DNA binding ability. Although Miwh-MITF and Mior-MITF showed normal nuclear localization potential, the potential was significantly impaired in mi-MITF. The rank order of mast cell abnormality (mi/mi > Mior/Mior > Miwh/Miwh) appears to be related to the functional abnormality of MITF encoded by each mutant gene.

Correlation between EGFR and c-erbB-2 oncoprotein status and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical carcinoma

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to definitive radical surgery or radiotherapy may be effective in reducing tumor volume or clinical stage and may even enhance pelvic control and survival. However, there are significant limitations to the use of neoadjuvant therapy in the non-responder group. They include delayed total treatment course, the presence of drug resistant clones which result in accelerated tumor growth, and limited bone marrow reserve for subsequent definitive therapy. Thus, there is a need to identify parameters providing a more precise indication of the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with invasive cervical cancer. From Jan. 1995 to Jan. 1996, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with 3 courses of cisplatin and vincristine was used in 32 patients with invasive cervical cancer (FIGO stage Ib to IIIb; tumor size greater than 2 cm). Prior to chemotherapy, quantitative tissue levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and c-erbB-2 oncogene protein were measured by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tumor size was estimated before and after chemotherapy. Relations between oncoproteins and reductions of tumor size were evaluated. Tumor size prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not show any correlation with either the concentrations of EGFR or c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. As well, the tumor reduction index did not manifest any correlation with EGFR, it did had an inverse linear correlation with the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein levels (Rs = -0.71, P < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that c-erbB-2 oncoprotein is associated with a reduced response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in primary treatment of invasive cervical cancer and may be useful in directing therapeutic approaches.

Pharmacokinetic imaging of 11C ethanol with PET in eight patients with hepatocellular carcinomas who were scheduled for treatment with percutaneous ethanol injection

PURPOSE

To evaluate the carbon 11 ethanol kinetics with positron emission tomography after intratumoral injection of the tracer and assess its redistribution and dilution in patients who have hepatocellular carcinomas and who were scheduled for treatment with percutaneous ethanol injection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included eight patients with hepatocellular carcinomas. 11C ethanol was administered via a puncture needle positioned with ultrasonographic guidance. Parametric images based on the Fourier transformation were created for further analysis of the local distribution patterns of the tracer. The ratio of the 45-minute postinjection standardized uptake value to the 5-minute postinjection standardized uptake value was used for the evaluation of ethanol dilution.

RESULTS

Five of eight tumors demonstrated almost constant uptake values after the initial distribution phase. In contrast, a rapid elimination of the 11C ethanol from the tumor was documented in three of eight tumors. The 45 minute-to-5 minute ratio was 0.18-0.67 (median value, 0.56) in the tumors. The time-activity curves of the normal liver parenchyma increased slowly but steadily with time owing to a low ethanol elimination from the tumor. Fourier transformation demonstrated inhomogeneous parts on the amplitude images in seven of eight tumors and random redistribution on the phase images in six of eight tumors.

CONCLUSION

Inhomogeneous drug distribution and drug dilution in the target area are likely to be the major limiting parameters for therapy response.

A cyclitol derivative as a replication inhibitor from the marine sponge Petrosia sp

A bioactive cyclitol derivative (1) was isolated from the marine sponge Petrosia sp. The chemical structure of 1 was determined as (2S)-1-O-(2',3',4',5'-tetrahydroxycyclopentyl)-3-O-(10' '-methylhexadecyl)glycerol. Compound 1 inhibited DNA replication in vitro at the level of initiation.

Long-term outcome of aqueous shunt surgery in ten patients with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome

PURPOSE

To report the long-term outcome of ten patients with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome who underwent aqueous shunt surgery for uncontrolled glaucoma.

DESIGN

Noncomparative, retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors reviewed charts of ten patients with ICE syndrome-related glaucoma who underwent aqueous shunt surgery at one institution between 1987 and 1996.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and further surgical interventions were measured.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 55 months, four eyes had adequate IOP control (IOP <21 mm Hg) with one or two medications after the initial aqueous shunt surgery. An additional three eyes achieved adequate IOP control after one or more tube repositionings or revisions of the initial aqueous shunt. In this series, the aqueous shunt surgery most often failed because of blocking of the tube ostium by iris, ICE membrane, or membrane-induced tube migration.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous shunt surgery appears to be an effective method for IOP lowering in some eyes with ICE syndrome-related glaucoma when medical treatment or conventional filtration surgeries fail, but additional glaucoma procedures and/or aqueous shunt revisions and tube repositionings are not uncommon.

Anti-proliferating effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Ginsenoside Rh2 (G-Rh2) isolated from the root of Panax ginseng has been shown to have anti-cancer proliferation, differentiation and chemopreventive effects in certain cancer cell types. We investigated the mechanism of G-Rh2-induced growth inhibition in MCF-7 human breast carcinoma cells. G-Rh2 significantly inhibited the cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, which effect was reversible, and induced a G1 arrest in cell cycle progression. G-Rh2 treatment down-regulated the protein level of cyclin D3 but upregulated the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1. The increased levels of p21 were associated with increased binding of p21 and Cdk2 concomitant with marked decrease in Cdk2 and cyclin E-dependent kinase activities with no changes in Cdk2 and cyclin E expression. G-Rh2 markedly reduced the phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and enchanced association of unphosphorylated pRb and the transcription factor E2F-1. These data suggest that G-Rh2 inhibited the growth of MCF-7 cells, by inducing protein expression of p21 and reducing the protein levels of cyclin D which resulted in the down-regulation of cyclin/Cdk complex kinase activity, decreasing phosphorylation of pRb, and inhibiting E2F release.

Functional studies on the interaction between human replication protein A and Xeroderma pigmentosum group A complementing protein (XPA)

The human replication protein A (RPA; also known as human single-stranded DNA binding protein, HSSB) is a multisubunit complex (70, 34 and 11 kDa subunits) involved in the three processes of DNA metabolism; replication, repair, recombination. We found that both 34 and 70 kDa subunits (p34 and p70, respectively), of RPA interacts with the Xeroderma pigmentosum group A complementing protein (XPA), a protein that specifically recognizes UV-damaged DNA. Our mutational analysis indicated that no particular domains of RPA p70 were essential for its interaction with XPA. We also examined the effect of this XPA-RPA interaction on in vitro simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication catalyzed by the crude extract and monopolymerase system. XPA inhibited SV40 DNA replication in vitro through its interaction with RPA. Taken together, these results suggest that there is a role for RPA in the regulation of DNA metabolism through its ability to modulate the interactions of proteins involved in the processes of DNA metabolism.