Opposite role of Ras in tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced cell cycle regulation: competition for Raf kinase

Ras, a well-known oncogene, induces cell cycle stimulation through the Raf/Erk pathway and leads to cellular transformation, accompanied by other oncogenes such as c-myc and viral oncogenic protein. Here we suggest the interfering role of Ras in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced cell cycle regulation. In TSU-Pr1 and T24 (oncogenic Ras cell lines), TNF-alpha suppresses cell cycle progression without induction of apoptosis, whereas AGS (wild-type Ras) is stimulated in its cell cycle by TNF-alpha coupled with activation of Erk. However, in TSU-Pr1 and T24, TNF-alpha leads to dephosphorylation of Erk1/2. Inhibition or activation of Ras can restore or convert TNF-alpha-induced cell cycle regulation in the cell lines containing the oncogenic Ras (TSU-Pr1 and T24) or AGS, respectively. Regulation of Erk also shows the coincidental pattern. We suggest the competition between the Ras pathway and TNF signaling for the binding to Raf, a common downstream target, as the cause of such reciprocal response, based on co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) with antibodies against Raf and Ras or cellular Flice-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP), which have been recently identified upstream of Raf in death-ligand-induced cell cycle stimulation. Overexpression of Raf in TSU-Pr1, to reduce the competition, overcomes TNF-induced cell cycle arrest, also supporting our hypotheses.

Long-term clinical outcomes after unprotected left main trunk percutaneous revascularization in 279 patients

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary revascularization (PCI) has been increasingly applied to unprotected left main trunk (LMT) lesions, with varied long-term success. This study attempts to define the predictors of outcome in this population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-nine consecutive patients who had LMT PCI at 1 of 25 sites between 1993 and 1998 were studied. Forty-six percent of these patients were deemed inoperable or at high surgical risk. Thirty-eight patients (13.7%) died in hospital, and the rest were followed up for a mean of 19 months. The 1-year incidence was 24.2% for all-cause mortality, 20.2% for cardiac mortality, 9.8% for myocardial infarction, and 9.4% for CABG. Independent correlates of all-cause mortality were left ventricular ejection fraction </=30%, mitral regurgitation grade 3 or 4, presentation with myocardial infarction and shock, creatinine >/=2.0 mg/dL, and severe lesion calcification. For the 32% of patients <65 years old with left ventricular ejection fraction >30% and without shock, the prevalence of these adverse risk factors was low. No periprocedural deaths were observed in this low-risk subset, and the 1-year mortality was only 3.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing unprotected LMT PCI have frequent serious comorbidities and consequently have high event rates. PCI may be an alternative to CABG for a select proportion of elective patients and may also be appropriate for highly symptomatic inoperable patients. Meticulous follow-up of hospital survivors is required because of the rather high mortality during the first few months after treatment.

Involvement of DNA-dependent protein kinase in regulation of stress-induced JNK activation

DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is composed of a 460-kDa catalytic subunit and the regulatory subunits Ku70 and Ku80. The complex is activated on DNA damage and plays an essential role in double-strand-break repair and V(D)J recombination. In addition, DNA-PK is involved in S-phase checkpoint arrest following irradiation, although its role in damage-induced checkpoint arrest is not clear. In an effort to understand the role of DNA-PK in damage signaling, human and mouse cells containing the DNA-PK catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs proficient) were compared with those lacking DNA-PKcs for c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity that mediates physiologic responses to DNA damage. The DNA-PKcs-proficient cells showed much tighter regulation of JNK activity after DNA damage, while the level of JNK protein in both cell lines remained unchanged. The JNK proteins physically associated with DNA-PKcs and Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer, and the interaction was significantly stimulated after DNA damage. Various JNK isoforms not only contained a DNA-PK phosphorylation consensus site (serine followed by glutamine) but also were phosphorylated by DNA-PK in vitro. Together, our results suggest that DNA damage induces physical interaction between DNA-PK and JNK, which may in turn negatively affect JNK activity through JNK phosphorylation by DNA-PK.

Congenital pericardial defect and concomitant coronary artery disease

Chest pain is the most common presenting symptom among patients with congenital pericardial defects. A delay in diagnosis of a congenital pericardial defect occurred in a patient because he had concomitant atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Multiple radiological studies had suggested the diagnosis. The pericardial defect caused myocardial ischemia by obstructing flow in three coronary arteries. Surgical repair of the pericardial defect along with coronary artery bypass grafting was performed to correct the problem.

Intravascular ultrasound analysis of beta radiation therapy for diffuse in-stent restenosis to inhibit intimal hyperplasia

We evaluated the efficacy of beta-radiation therapy ((188)Re-MAG(3)) to inhibit intimal hyperplasia (IH) in diffuse in-stent restenosis by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis in 50 patients. Nine patients who did not agree with radiation therapy, and therefore underwent rotational atherectomy and balloon angioplasty for diffuse in-stent restenosis in the same study period, were selected for control groups. Serial IVUS comparisons were available in 44 of 50 patients with radiation therapy and 7 of 9 control patients. At 6-month follow-up, there was less significant increase of IH area in patients with radiation therapy than in control patients (Delta IH area = 0.1 +/- 0.8 mm(2) vs. 2.6 +/- 1.8 mm(2), P > 0.001 in mean values, and 0.6 +/- 1.4 mm(2) vs. 2.9 +/- 2.1 mm(2), P = 0.026 in values of follow-up lesion site, respectively). In conclusion, beta-radiation therapy might be an effective treatment modality to inhibit intimal hyperplasia in patients with diffuse in-stent restenosis.

Tissue-specific autoregulation of the stat3 gene and its role in interleukin-6-induced survival signals in T cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) mediates signals of various growth factors and cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). In certain IL-6-responsive cell lines, the stat3 gene is autoregulated by STAT3 through a composite IL-6 response element in its promoter that contains a STAT3-binding element (SBE) and a cyclic AMP-responsive element. To reveal the nature and roles of the stat3 autoregulation in vivo, we generated mice that harbor a mutation in the SBE (stat3(mSBE)). The intact SBE was crucial for IL-6-induced stat3 gene activation in the spleen, especially in the red pulp region, the kidney, and both mature and immature T lymphocytes. The SBE was not required, however, for IL-6-induced stat3 gene activation in hepatocytes. T lymphocytes from the stat3(mSBE/mSBE) mice were more susceptible to apoptosis despite the presence of IL-6 than those from wild-type mice. Consistent with this, IL-6-dependent activation of the Pim-1 and junB genes, direct target genes for STAT3, was attenuated in T lymphocytes of the stat3(mSBE/mSBE) mice. Thus, the tissue-specific autoregulation of the stat3 gene operates in vivo and plays a role in IL-6-induced antiapoptotic signaling in T cells.

Elective stenting of unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis: effect of debulking before stenting and intravascular ultrasound guidance

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate: 1) the long-term outcomes of 127 selected patients receiving unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenting; and 2) the impact of the debulking procedure before stenting and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance on their clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

The long-term safety of stenting of unprotected LMCA stenoses has not been established yet.

METHODS

A total of 127 consecutive patients with unprotected LMCA stenosis and normal left ventricular function were treated by elective stenting. The long-term outcomes were evaluated between two groups: IVUS guidance (n = 77) vs. angiographic guidance (n = 50); and debulking plus stenting (debulking/stenting; n = 40) vs. stenting only (n = 87).

RESULTS

Angiographic restenosis was documented in 19 (19%) of 100 patients. The lumen diameter after stenting was significantly larger in IVUS-guided group (p = 0.003). The angiographic restenosis rate was significantly lower in the debulking/stenting group (8.3% vs. 25%, p = 0.034). The reference artery size was the only independent predictor of angiographic restenosis. During follow-up (25.5 +/- 16.7 months), there were four deaths, but no nonfatal myocardial infarctions occurred. The survival rate was 97.0 +/- 1.7% at two years.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that stenting of unprotected LMCA stenosis might be associated with a favorable long-term outcome in selected patients. Guidance with IVUS may optimize the immediate results, and debulking before stenting seems to be effective in reducing the restenosis rate. However, we need a large-scale, randomized study.

Endogenous gastrin stimulates regeneration of remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of endogenous gastrin on pancreatic regeneration after a partial pancreatectomy in the rat. Sixty rats were divided into 6 groups. Groups I and II received sham operation (splenectomy only), and groups III, IV, V, and VI received both 66% partial pancreatectomy (PPx) and splenectomy. Endogenous hypergastrinemia was induced in groups II, IV, and VI by gavage of Lansoprozole (LSP) for three weeks. In groups V and VI, gastrin receptor blocker, L365,260, was given continuously using an osmotic minipump. Following three weeks of treatment, PPx alone increased the pancreatic weight and protein content, but not RNA or DNA content (Group III). In the PPx groups, the pancreatic weight, and contents of protein, RNA, and DNA were significantly increased in the LSP treated rats (Group IV). This effect was abolished by L365,260 (Group VI). This results suggest that endogenous gastrin specifically stimulates regeneration of the remnant pancreas after partial pancreatectomy in rat. Induction of endogenous hypergastrinemia may be useful in patients following pancreatic resection for the prevention and treatment of pancreatic insufficiency.

Industrial scale production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)

Large scale production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HHx)] by Aeromonas hydrophila 4AK4 was examined in a 20,000 l fermentor. Cells were first grown using glucose as a carbon source, and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biosynthesis was triggered by the addition of lauric acid under conditions of limited nitrogen or phosphorus. When cells first grown in a medium containing 50 g glucose l(-1) were further cultivated after the addition of 50 g lauric acid l(-1) under phosphorus limitation, a final cell concentration, PHA concentration and PHA content of 50 g l(-1), 25 g l(-1), and 50 wt%, respectively, were obtained in 46 h, equivalent to PHA productivity of 0.54 g l(-1)t h(-1). The copolymer produced was found to be a random copolymer, and the 3HHx fraction was 11 mol%.

Clinical characteristics of constrictive pericarditis diagnosed by echo-Doppler technique in Korea

A retrospective analysis of clinical data of 71 patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP) diagnosed by echo-Doppler technique (mean age, 49+/-17) was done. In 27 patients (38%), the etiology was unknown, and the three most frequent identifiable causes were tuberculosis (23/71, 32%), cardiac surgery (8/71, 11%), and mediastinal irradiation (6/71, 9%). Pericardiectomy was performed in 35 patients (49%) with a surgical mortality of 6% (2/35), and 11 patients (15%, 11/ 71) showed complete resolution of constrictive physiology with medical treatment. Patients with transient CP were characterized by absence of pericardial calcification, shorter symptom duration, and higher incidence of fever, weight loss, and tuberculosis. The 5-yr survival rates of patients with transient CP and those undergoing pericardiectomy were 100% and 85+/-6%, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of patients without undergoing pericardiectomy (33+/-17%, p=0.0083). Mediastinal irradiation, higher functional class, low voltage in ECG, low serum albumin, and old age were the independent variables associated with a higher mortality. Tuberculosis is still the most important etiology of CP in Korea, and not infrequently, it may cause transient CP. Early diagnosis and decision-making using follow-up echocardiography are crucial to improve the prognosis of patients with CP.

Stimulation of fracture healing in a canine ulna full-defect model by low-intensity pulsed ultrasound

Because no report has been issued on the healing effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on moderate to large fracture gaps, we performed an experimental study using a canine ulna full-defect model. Ten mongrel male dogs were divided into two groups: a small defect group and large defect group. The defects were made on the middle one third of both ulnae and one side only was randomly selected for ultrasound sonication, at 1 MHz, 200 microsecond bursting sine wave in 50 mW/cm2 spacial average and temporal average. Sonication was started on the day after surgery and applied for 15 minutes once a day for six days a week. In the small defect group, the means of the radiologic scores, as described by Lane and Sandhu, were 0.6, 4.4, and 8.4 in the control side and 1.8, 6.0, and 10.4 in the treatment side one, three, and five months after the operation, respectively (p=0.0372). In the large defect model, the corresponding means were 2.2, 3.4, and 6.0 in the control side and 3.3, 5.4, and 9.2 in the treatment side (p= 0.009). Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhanced new bone formation in small and large full-defects and decreased the incidence of nonunion in the large defect model.

Characteristics of Korean native, Hanwoo, calves produced by transfer of in vitro produced embryos

The main objectives of this investigation were to monitor the birth weight of calves and gestation length following artificial insemination (AI) and transfer of in vivo or in vitro produced Korean native, Hanwoo embryos. Embryos produced in vivo were recovered from uterine flushings of superovulated cows 7 days after AI. Those embryos produced in vitro were co-cultured with cumulus cells for 7-8 days after in vitro fertilization. The birth weights of calves following the transfer of in vitro produced (IVP) embryos were heavier than calves from both of AI- and in vivo-derived embryo transferred calves in both sexes (29.6, 24.1 and 25.2kg, respectively, P<0.05). The IVP calves also had a longer gestation length (293.9, 285.8 and 283.8 days, respectively, P<0.05).

Regulation of apoptosis by somatostatin and substance P in peritoneal macrophages

Recent studies have shown that somatostatin (SOM) inhibits interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interferon gamma (IFNgamma) production by lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages, whereas substance P (SP) enhances these cytokines production. To define the mechanism of the cytokine production enhancements and inhibitions by SOM and SP, we examined the expression of apoptosis modulator, p53, Bcl-2, Bax, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Fas, caspase-8 and nitric oxide (NO) in thioglycolate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. SOM caused up-regulation of p53, Bcl-2, Fas and caspase-8 activities, and down-regulation of iNOS expression and NO production. On the other hand, SP slightly induces p53 and highly induces Bcl-2, iNOS expression and NO production. These data suggest that apoptosis by SOM may occur by a Bax- and NO-independent p53 accumulation, and through Fas and caspase-8 activation pathways, and that the inducible expression of Bcl-2 and NO production by SP may contribute to prevent the signals of apoptosis by Bax, and via Fas and caspase-8 activation.

Self-assembled nanoscale capsules between resorcin[4]arene derivatives and Pd(II) Pt(II) complexes

Nanoscale molecular capsules have been prepared by self-assembly of resorcin[4]-arene derivatives and Pd(II) or Pt(II) complexes; the positively charged N-alkylpyridinium derivatives are encapsulated inside capsules due to strong cation-pi interactions.

Treatment of diffuse in-stent restenosis with rotational atherectomy followed by radiation therapy with a rhenium-188-mercaptoacetyltriglycine-filled balloon

OBJECTIVES

This study was done to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of beta-radiation therapy with a rhenium-188-mercaptoacetyltriglycine ((188)Re-MAG(3))-filled balloon after rotational atherectomy for diffuse in-stent restenosis (ISR).

BACKGROUND

Rotational atherectomy has been shown to be safe and efficient for the treatment of ISR, but the recurrence rate is still high. Intracoronary beta-irradiation after rotational atherectomy may be a reasonable approach to prevent recurrent ISR.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with diffuse ISR (length >10 mm) in native coronary arteries underwent rotational atherectomy and adjunctive balloon angioplasty, followed by beta-irradiation using a (188)Re-MAG(3)-filled balloon catheter. The radiation dose was 15 Gy at a depth of 1.0 mm into the vessel wall.

RESULTS

The mean lengths of the lesion and irradiated segment were 25.6 +/- 12.7 mm and 37.6 +/- 11.2 mm, respectively. Radiation was delivered successfully to all patients, with a mean irradiation time of 201.8 +/- 61.7 s. No adverse event, including myocardial infarction, death or stent thrombosis, occurred during the follow-up period (mean 10.3 +/- 3.7 months), and nontarget vessel revascularization was needed in one patient. The six-month binary angiographic restenosis rate was 10.4%, and the loss index was 0.17 +/- 0.31.

CONCLUSIONS

Beta-irradiation using a (188)Re-MAG(3)-filled balloon after rotational atherectomy is safe and feasible in patients with diffuse ISR, and it may improve their clinical and angiographic outcomes. Further prospective, randomized trials are warranted to evaluate the synergistic effect of debulking and irradiation in patients with diffuse ISR.

The clinical and ocular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and ocular manifestations of Takayasu arteritis and the fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) characteristics of Takayasu retinopathy (TR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records and fundus fluorescein angiograms of 156 eyes of 78 patients with Takayasu arteritis were reviewed. Fundus FA using a wide-field fundus camera (60 degrees) was performed in 19 patients, and conventional angiography or spiral computed tomographic angiography was performed in all 78 patients.

RESULTS

The series included 67 female and 11 male patients; mean age at time of diagnosis was 26.7 years (range, 4-61 years). Hypertension was found in 44 (56.4%) patients, ischemic cerebrovascular symptoms in 18 (23.1%) patients, and amaurosis fugax in 20 (25.6%) patients. On fundus examination, no retinopathy was found in 87 (55.8%) eyes; hypertensive retinopathy was found in 48 (30.8%) eyes; and TR was found in 21 (13.5%) eyes. Patients with TR had carotid artery or aortic arch involvement, and patients with hypertensive retinopathy had involvement of the descending aorta or renal artery and sparing of the carotids. Best-corrected visual acuity in TR Stage 1 to 3 ranged from 20/15 to 20/30, but in Stage 4, it ranged from 20/200 to hand motions because of secondary ocular complications. On FFA, the arm-to-retina circulation time was prolonged in all 21 eyes with TR (mean, 22.7+/-8.9 seconds), but only 14 eyes showed delayed arteriovenous filling time, which was mainly found in chronic, moderate to severe TR, Stage 3 or 4. Arteriovenous anastomosis was found in all 12 eyes with Stage 3 and 4 TR.

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed arm-to-retina circulation time is shown in all cases of TR, but delayed arteriovenous filling time is mostly found in moderate and severe TR. During ophthalmic examination, the delay of arteriovenous filling time and formation of arteriovenous anastomosis must be examined carefully to prevent visual deterioration.

Dissolution of poorly crystalline apatite crystals by osteoclasts determined on artificial thin-film apatite

Poorly crystalline apatite (PCA) crystals introduced into bone tissue should be stable for a definite period before they are dissolved as a result of a host response. In this report, the dissolution of PCA crystals by the action of osteoclasts was studied on artificial thin films. These consisted of PCA crystals having similar crystallographic properties to bone crystals which were developed for assaying the osteoclast activity in vitro. The dissolution of minerals by osteoclasts decreased along with the decreased amount of labile phosphate and hydrogen phosphate domains of apatite crystals, which were caused by the crystal maturation temperature. A profound effect on mineral dissolution by pH in the culture medium was also shown. Low acidity considerably increased mineral dissolution, whereas a slight alkalinity totally blocked mineral dissolution. There was little difference in the mineral dissolution behavior of osteoclasts near the physiologic pH. In addition, it was determined whether mineral dissolution by osteoclasts was dependent on the destruction of the organic matrix. Nocodazole was introduced to inhibit the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, and acetazolamide was added to inhibit acid production by the osteoclasts. There was no significant change as a result of nocodazole addition on mineral dissolution or by the addition of acetazolamide on degradation of collagen. These results indicate that small changes in the physicochemical properties of apatite crystals can decrease resorption by osteoclasts, which can be highly activated at low pH. These results also suggest that mineral dissolution and organic degradation by osteoclasts are self-regulating.

Determinants and prognostic implications of terminal QRS complex distortion in patients treated with primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction

Terminal QRS complex distortion on admission has an impact on a patient's prognosis after primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We evaluated the determinants and prognostic significance of terminal QRS complex distortion in 153 consecutive patients with AMI after primary angioplasty. The study population was divided into 2 groups according to the presence (group I, n = 41) or absence (group II, n = 112) of terminal QRS complex distortion. The primary end points were the occurrence, within 6 weeks after AMI, of death, nonfatal reinfarction, or congestive heart failure. Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. However, patients in group I had higher peak levels of serum creatine kinase than those in group II (5,100 +/- 3,100 vs 3,000 +/- 1,800 U/L, respectively, p <0.01). The rate of angiographic no-reflow (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade < or =2) was 31.7% in group I and 10.7% in group II (p <0.01). The predischarge left ventricular ejection fraction was 45.0 +/- 12.0% in group I and 54.0 +/- 8.0% in group II (p <0.01). Multivariate analysis identified the pressure-derived fractional collateral flow index and the culprit lesion in the left anterior descending coronary artery as independent determinants of the terminal QRS complex distortion. No patients died during 6 weeks of follow-up. The 2 groups were similar for life-threatening arrhythmia or reinfarction. However, there were more patients in group I than in group II with congestive heart failure (26.8% vs 5.4%, respectively, p <0.01) or who reached the primary end points (29.3% vs 5.4%, respectively, p <0.01). In conclusion, terminal QRS complex distortion on admission is associated with poor clinical outcome after primary angioplasty for AMI, and collateral flow may have a major influence on terminal QRS complex distortion during AMI.

Diagnosis of nut-cracker phenomenon using renal Doppler ultrasound in orthostatic proteinuria

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the efficacy of non-invasive renal Doppler ultrasound (US) to detect the nut-cracker phenomenon (NCP) and we studied the prevalence of NCP in children with orthostatic proteinuria.

METHODS

Among a total 66 cases of orthostatic proteinuria, 39 cases of NCP were found, with 27 cases being detected in a normal control group. Using Doppler US, the anteroposterior (AP) diameter and peak velocity (PV) of the left renal vein (LRV) were measured at the hilar and aortomesenteric portion. We calculated the ratio of AP and PV diameters between the two portions. The parameters were analysed using Student's t-test.

RESULTS

The AP diameters and the ratio in the hilar and narrow portions were all significantly different between the two groups (P<0.01). The PV in the narrow portion and the ratio of PV were significantly different (P<0.01), but the PV in the hilar portion was not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05). If the diagnostic criteria for NCP was that the ratio of PV was more than 5, then 22 subjects (56.4%) in the orthostatic proteinuria group and none in the control group could be diagnosed as NCP. If, however, the cut-off values for the diagnosis of NCP were set at the mean+/-2 SD of the ratio (PV ratio 3.98 and size ratio 4.16), then the orthostatic proteinuria group showed abnormal AP diameter in 25 (64.1%), peak velocity in 28 (71.8%), and both in 21 patients (53.8%), and the control group showed an abnormal AP diameter in one subject (3.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

NCP may be one of the leading causes of orthostatic proteinuria, and non-invasive renal Doppler US may be a useful diagnostic tool in the screening of NCP. In the future, the diagnostic criteria of NCP must be redefined in children.

A study on the distribution of chlorination by-products (CBPs) in treated water in Korea

Fifteen chlorination by-products were analyzed in 416 water samples collected from 35 water treatment plants in Korea from 1996 to 1998. These samples were divided into five groups according to water sources (Han-river, Nakdong-river, Youngsan-river, Kum-river and Cheju) and detected CBPs were classified into six classes (trihalomethanes; THMs, haloacetic acids; HAAs, haloacetonitriles: HANs haloketones; HKs, chloralhydrate; CH, chloropicrin; CP) and then, it was observed the detection tendency and frequency of CBPs in each water source. The total concentration of CBPs in treated water from Nakdong-river or Han-river was higher than those from the other rivers. And the distribution pattern of each class of CBPs was similar in all water sources. THMs were the highest portion in the range of 40-50%, and HAAs and HANs were 28-35 and 9-15%, respectively. And there was a strong correlation between HANs and HKs (r=0.813). Each and total concentrations of CBPs showed to be more affected by the water source in two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) among the concentration of CBPs, the source of water and season.

Osteoclastogenesis is enhanced by activated B cells but suppressed by activated CD8(+) T cells

Host immune response is known to contribute to the progression of periodontitis, and alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis is associated with enhanced osteoclast activity. Therefore, we evaluated the roles of activated lymphocyte subsets in osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast precursors were co-cultured with activated lymphocytes (B, CD4(+) T, CD8(+) T) in the presence of either macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) alone or M-CSF plus soluble receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (sRANKL), and subsequent differentiation into active osteoclasts was evaluated by a resorption assay. The activated B and CD4(+) cells, but not CD8(+) T cells, induced osteoclast differentiation in the presence of M-CSF alone. In the presence of M-CSF and sRANKL, B cells induced the formation of small but highly active osteoclasts and increased resorption, while CD8(+) T cells profoundly suppressed osteoclastogenesis. Co-culture using an insert well or supernatant suggested that both B and CD8(+) T cells acted on osteoclasts mostly via soluble proteins. Activated B cells expressed many osteoclastogenic factors including RANKL, TNF-alpha, IL-6, MIP-1alpha, and MCP-3. CD8(+) T cells expressed a substantial amount of osteoprotegerin (OPG) along with RANKL. However, blocking antibody to OPG did not reverse the suppression by CD8(+) T cells, suggesting that other factor(s) are involved. Taken together, activated B cells promoted osteoclastogenesis, while CD8(+) T cells inhibited the osteoclast formation via direct interaction. The results imply the importance of lymphocyte subpopulations in the development of periodontitis.

Functional Interaction of bZIP Proteins and the Large Subunit of Replication Factor C in Liver and Adipose Cells

The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBPalpha) has a vital role in cell growth and differentiation. To delineate further a mechanism for C/EBPalpha-mediated differentiation, we screened C/EBPalpha-interacting proteins through far-Western screening. One of the strongest interactions was with RFC140, the large subunit of the replication factor C complex. C/EBPalpha specifically interacted with RFC140 from rat liver nuclear extract as determined by a combination of affinity chromatography and co-immunoprecipitation. Subsequent far-Western blotting showed that the bZIP domain of C/EBPalpha interacted with the DNA-binding region of RFC140. Overexpression of RFC140 in mammalian cells increased the transactivation activity of C/EBPalpha on both minimal and native promoters. Consistent with the enhanced transactivation, a complex of C/EBPalpha and RFC140 proteins with the cognate DNA element was detected in vitro. The specific interaction between C/EBPalpha and RFC140 was detected in the terminal differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes to adipocytes. The synergistic transcription effect of these two proteins increased the promoter activity and protein expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, which is a main regulator of adipocyte differentiation. Our results demonstrate that the specific transcription factor C/EBPalpha and the general DNA replication factor RFC140 interact functionally and physically. This observation highlights a unique mechanism by which the levels of the general replication factor can strongly modulate the functional activity of the specific transcription factor as a coactivator.

Prognostic significance of cerebral metabolic abnormalities in patients with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

Cerebral metabolic abnormalities were proposed as a potential marker of disease severity in congestive heart failure (CHF), but their prognostic significance remains uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We investigated the prognostic value of cerebral metabolic abnormalities in 130 consecutive patients with advanced CHF (100 men aged 42.6+/-11.9 years; left ventricular ejection fraction, 22.2+/-6.2%). Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were obtained from localized regions ( approximately 8 mL) of the occipital gray matter and the parietal white matter. The primary end point was the occurrence of death after the proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. During follow-up (18.5+/-14.4 months), 21 patients died and 15 underwent urgent heart transplantation. In the Cox proportional model, occipital metabolites (N-acetylaspartate, creatine, choline, and myoinositol), parietal N-acetylaspartate level, and the duration of CHF symptoms (>12 months) were validated as univariate predictors of death. In multivariate Cox analyses, however, the occipital N-acetylaspartate level was an independent predictor of death (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.67; P<0.001). An analysis with respect to the combined end point of death or urgent transplantation showed similar results. The best cutoff value (9.0 mmol/kg) for occipital N-acetylaspartate level had 75% sensitivity and 67% specificity to predict mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The occipital N-acetylaspartate level is a powerful and independent predictor of CHF mortality, suggesting that cerebral metabolic abnormalities may be used as a new prognostic marker in the assessment of patients with CHF.

Study on the Expression of Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF- II) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and Developing Rat Embryos

PURPOSE

The insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) gene expresses a family of transcripts in embryonic/fetal tissue, and also highly was expressed during hepatocellular carcinogenesis. In this study, we showed that IGF-II mRNA and protein levels are detected in rat embryo, HepG2 human hepatoma cells and Chang liver cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included sections of rat embryos 7~17 days post coitum (d.p.c), HepG2 cells and Chang liver cells. Using immunohistochemistry, Northern blotting and Western blotting, we observed the expression of IGF-II in the rat embryo, HepG2 cells and Chang liver cells.

RESULTS

We localized IGF-II gene products in sections of rat embryo 7~17 d.p.c by performing immunohistochemistry. The IGF-II was mainly expressed in the proximal endoderm and ectoplacental cone between 7 and 9 d.p.c. At 10 d.p.c. the expression was localized at the heart primodium as well as the proximal endoderm, and at 11 d.p.c. the IGF-II was expressed in the liver and heart. After 12 d.p.c. and 14 d.p.c., the expression was also detected in the brain, muscle and bone, and head mesenchyme, respectively. While the expression of IGF-II protein was not detected in the normal adult liver, intense staining was detected in the heart, liver and choroids plexus at 17 d.p.c.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that IGF-II may act as an oncofetal protein during hepatocellular carcinogenesis and embryogenesis.