Oleic acid-induced interleukin-36γ: A possible link between facial skin redness and sebum

BACKGROUND

Redness of the facial skin is an important cosmetic concern. Although qualitative and quantitative modifications of sebum on the skin surface are major pathogenic factors of chronic inflammatory skin conditions, the relationship between skin redness, sebum, and mild inflammation on the cheeks of healthy subjects remains elusive.

AIMS

We aimed to explore the correlation between cheek redness and sebum and inflammatory cytokines in the stratum corneum (SC) of healthy subjects. We also examined the effects of representative sebum lipids on the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines in cultured keratinocytes.

PATIENTS/METHODS

This study included 198 healthy participants. Skin sebum was analyzed using flow injection analysis, and skin redness was assessed using a spectrophotometer. Inflammatory cytokines in tape-stripped SC were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Cheek redness parameters positively correlated with the amount of skin sebum and the proportion of monounsaturated free fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:1) in the sebum. They also positively correlated with the interleukin (IL)-36γ/IL-37 ratio in the SC. Among the representative sebum lipids examined, oleic acid (C18:1, cis-9) dose- and time-dependently regulated the mRNA expression of IL-36γ and IL-37 in cultured keratinocytes, and this effect was attenuated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor antagonist, MK801.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin surface sebum may be related to cheek redness in healthy subjects, and oleic acid-induced IL-36γ through NMDA-type glutamate receptors may be a link between them. Our study provides a possible skincare strategy for mitigating unfavorable increase in skin redness by targeting the facial skin sebum, particularly oleic acid.

SDR9C7 catalyzes critical dehydrogenation of acylceramides for skin barrier formation

The corneocyte lipid envelope, composed of covalently bound ceramides and fatty acids, is important to the integrity of the permeability barrier in the stratum corneum, and its absence is a prime structural defect in various skin diseases associated with defective skin barrier function. SDR9C7 encodes a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family 9C member 7 (SDR9C7) recently found mutated in ichthyosis. In a patient with SDR9C7 mutation and a mouse Sdr9c7-KO model, we show loss of covalent binding of epidermal ceramides to protein, a structural fault in the barrier. For reasons unresolved, protein binding requires lipoxygenase-catalyzed transformations of linoleic acid (18:2) esterified in ω-O-acylceramides. In Sdr9c7-/- epidermis, quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectometry (LC-MS) assays revealed almost complete loss of a species of ω-O-acylceramide esterified with linoleate-9,10-trans-epoxy-11E-13-ketone; other acylceramides related to the lipoxygenase pathway were in higher abundance. Recombinant SDR9C7 catalyzed NAD+-dependent dehydrogenation of linoleate 9,10-trans-epoxy-11E-13-alcohol to the corresponding 13-ketone, while ichthyosis mutants were inactive. We propose, therefore, that the critical requirement for lipoxygenases and SDR9C7 is in producing acylceramide containing the 9,10-epoxy-11E-13-ketone, a reactive moiety known for its nonenzymatic coupling to protein. This suggests a mechanism for coupling of ceramide to protein and provides important insights into skin barrier formation and pathogenesis.

Reduced stratum corneum acylceramides in autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis with a NIPAL4 mutation

BACKGROUND

NIPAL4, encoding the NIPA-like domain containing 4 protein (NIPAL4), is one of the causative genes of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI). The physiological role of NIPAL4 and the pathogenetic mechanisms of ARCI caused by NIPAL4 mutations remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the changes of ceramide components in the lesional stratum corneum (SC) and the gene expression profile in the lesional skin of an ARCI patient with a novel frameshift mutation in NIPAL4.

METHODS

We performed ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses of the skin. We used RNA sequencing to determine the mRNA expression in the skin of the patient and healthy individuals. We investigated ceramide components using tape stripped SC samples from the patient.

RESULTS

mRNA expression profiling in the patient's skin showed significant upregulation of IL-17/TNFα-related genes (IL17C, IL36A, IL36G, S100A7A, S100A9) and psoriasis hallmark genes (VNN3, LCE3D, PLA2G4D), and significant downregulation of lipid-associated genes (GAL, HAO2, FABP7). Ceramide analysis in the patient's SC revealed amounts of CER[NS] with carbon chain-length (C) 32-52 were increased, while amounts of most acylceramide with C66:2 - C72:2 were reduced relatively to those in healthy individuals. After the retinoid treatment, CER[NS] with carbon chains C46-54, CER[EOH] and CER[EOP] increased.

CONCLUSION

IL-17C and IL-36 family cytokines might be involved in the pathogenetic process of ARCI with NIPAL4 mutations. Reduced amounts of the acylceramides in the SC are associated with the skin phenotype due to NIPAL4 mutations. Efficacy of the oral retinoid treatment might be due to restored amounts of CER[EOH] and CER[EOP] in the SC.

Reduction of stratum corneum ceramides in Neu-Laxova syndrome caused by phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency

Neu-Laxova syndrome (NLS) is a very rare autosomal recessive congenital disorder characterized by disturbed development of the central nervous system and the skin and caused by mutations in any of the three genes involved in de novo l-serine biosynthesis: PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH l-Serine is essential for the biosynthesis of phosphatidylserine and sphingolipids. The extracellular lipid of the stratum corneum, of which sphingolipid constitutes a significant part, plays a primary role in skin barrier function. Here, we describe a Japanese NLS pedigree with a previously unreported nonsense mutation in PHGDH and a unique inversion of chromosome 1. In addition, the levels of 11 major ceramide classes in the tape-stripped stratum corneum of the NLS patient's skin were assessed by LC/MS. Notably, lower amounts of ceramides of all classes were found in the patient's stratum corneum than in those of controls. This is the first report to demonstrate the reduction of ceramides in the stratum corneum of an NLS patient due to PHGDH mutations. The clinical findings and a detailed analysis of ceramides from the stratum corneum in the family extend the spectrum of clinical anomalies and give us a clue to the pathomechanisms of ichthyosis in NLS patients with phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Determination of the hyperfine coupling tensor in organic conductors κ-(BEDT-TTF)₂X (X=Cu[N(CN)₂]Br, Cu(NCS)₂) on central ¹³C sites

Although the organic superconductors κ-(BEDT-TTF)2X (X=Cu[N(CN)2]Br and Cu(NCS)2) have been studied by NMR spectroscopy, hyperfine coupling tensors are required to quantify NMR spectra. Angle dependences of NMR spectra were measured to determine hyperfine coupling tensors applicable to further NMR assessments of attractive physical phenomena on κ-salts. The tensors of κ-(BEDT-TTF)2X and β(')-(BEDT-TTF)2ICl2 salts were compared to determine the hyperfine coupling mechanism in organic metals, with the results indicating that off-site dimer contribution should be considered. We also report the electron correlation of these salts and further application of the tensors.

Controlling traffic jams by time modulating the safety distance

The possibility of controlling traffic dynamics by applying high-frequency time modulation of traffic flow parameters is studied. It is shown that the region of the car density where the uniform (free) flow is unstable changes in the presence of time modulation compared with the unmodulated case. This region shrinks when the speed-up of cars does not exceed some critical value and expands in the opposite case. The flux of the time-modulated flow is an increasing function of the amplitude of the modulation for traffic flows whose density is larger than 1/h where h is the safety distance in the nonmodulated case, while it is a decreasing function in the opposite case. In other words, the safety distance time modulation facilitates car propagation in the case when the mean distance between cars in the congestive traffic is less than h and hinders it when the neighboring cars in the flow are well separated. A link between a microscopic description and the macroscopic fundamental diagram is established.

[False-negative cases of axillary ultrasonography: how much size?]

PURPOSE/AIM

1. To review the sonographic criteria of axillary lymph node status in breast cancer patients. 2. To understand imaging pathologic correlations that the false-negative cases of axillary ultrasonography.

CONTENT ORGANIZATION

The sonographic criteria, the accuracy of sonographic axillary ultrasonography, imaging pathologic correlations in false-negative cases, measurement of largest malignant focus size in lymph node, classification of ratio of malignant focus size, ratio of micro metastasis.

SUMMARY

1. Recently, lymph node evaluation that using serial section and immunohistochemical stains makes it difficult to detect imaging modalities. 2. Ultrasonography is limited how to detect the example of sentinel lymph node biopsy non-indications.

Evaluation and treatment for spinal cord tethering in patients with anorectal malformations

BACKGROUND

It has recently been recognized that there is a close relationship between spinal cord tethering (SCT) and congenital anorectal malformation (ARM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated spinal MRI examinations of 28 patients with ARM (14 boys and 14 girls) aged 5 months to 9 years. All patients diagnosed with SCT subsequently underwent operation. Patients were divided into high and low type ARM groups. We reviewed the relationship between SCT and ARM, and evaluated the untethering surgery.

RESULTS

We evaluated 14 boys (high, 9; low, 5) and 14 girls (high, 4; low, 10). Of these 28 patients, 13 had SCT on MRI. Five out of 13 patients with high type ARM and 8 out of 15 patients with low type ARM had SCT. Seven out of 10 girls with low type ARM had SCT. Ten of these 13 patients with SCT experienced bowel/urological/orthopedic symptoms. SCT symptoms progressed prior to operation in the 2 patients who underwent untethering surgery a few years after their initial MRI examination. Postoperatively, orthopedic symptoms disappeared completely in all patients, but other symptoms did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this study, we recommend routine MRI examination of patients with ARM and early untethering surgery in cases with SCT.

Proximity of pseudogapped superconductor and commensurate antiferromagnet in a quasi-two-dimensional organic system

We performed the single-crystal 13C NMR studies on a quasi-two-dimensional system, deuterated kappa-(BEDT-TTF)2Cu[N(CN)(2)]Br, which is just on the border of the Mott transition. The NMR spectra are separated into two parts coming from the metallic (superconducting) and insulating phases due to the phase separation at low temperature. The examination of the separated spectra revealed that the Mott transition in this system is characterized by the first-order transition between the pseudogapped superconductor and the simplest commensurate antiferromagnet with a moment of 0.26 mu(B)/dimer.

Bone marrow as a source of endothelial cells for natural and iatrogenic vascular repair

Postnatal neovascularization has previously been considered synonymous with angiogenesis, but the finding that circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may home to sites of neovascularization and there differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs) is consistent with "vasculogenesis," through which the primordial vascular network is established in the embryo. Our findings suggest that growth and development of new blood vessels in the adult are not restricted to angiogenesis but encompass vasculogenesis as well, although the proportional contributions remain to be clarified. Likewise, augmented or retarded neovascularization probably involves enhancement or impariment of the vasculogenesis process.

Vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction

We studied vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA synthesis by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 20 healthy individuals. PBMCs were isolated from all patients on days 3 and 14 after the onset of aMI, and from all of control individuals. To prepare samples containing identical amounts of GAPDH cDNA, competitive PCR was performed by co-amplifying serial dilutions of GAPDH mutant templates. Next, to measure VEGF cDNA quantitatively in the samples containing identical amounts of GAPDH, we also used competitive PCR by co-amplifying mutant templates of VEGF. The serum VEGF concentrations on day 14 in patients with aMI were measured by an ELISA method. Higher levels of VEGF mRNA in PBMCs were present on day 14 than either on day 3 or in the control group. Serum VEGF concentrations correlated with the VEGF mRNA levels of PBMCs on day 14. Peak serum CK levels correlated well with VEGF mRNA levels of PBMCs on day 14. The present findings suggest that PBMCs may be one of the candidates responsible for elevated circulatory VEGF protein following aMI. In addition, VEGF mRNA may be overexpressed in PBMCs in response to cardiac muscle damage.

Ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic fluctuations of pi-d itinerant electrons disclosed by band-selective NMR

We present a band-selective NMR method to probe the constituent electronic bands separately in the condensed molecular matter. This method is applied to an organic-inorganic pi-d hybrid metal, and its utility to give the static and dynamic spin susceptibilities for the constituent bands is demonstrated. The analysis of the results uncovers an exotic feature; the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic correlations are enhanced in separate bands in a single material. This finding provides a novel scope connecting the metal-insulator transitions in this system and the manganese oxides.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor mobilizes bone marrow--derived endothelial progenitor cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been isolated from circulating mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and shown to incorporate into foci of neovascularization, consistent with postnatal vasculogenesis. These circulating EPCs are derived from bone marrow and are mobilized endogenously in response to tissue ischemia or exogenously by cytokine stimulation. We show here, using a chemotaxis assay of bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro and EPC culture assay of peripheral blood from simvastatin-treated animals in vivo, that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, simvastatin, augments the circulating population of EPCs. Direct evidence that this increased pool of circulating EPCs originates from bone marrow and may enhance neovascularization was demonstrated in simvastatin-treated mice transplanted with bone marrow from transgenic donors expressing beta-galactosidase transcriptionally regulated by the endothelial cell-specific Tie-2 promoter. The role of Akt signaling in mediating effects of statin on EPCs is suggested by the observation that simvastatin rapidly activates Akt protein kinase in EPCs, enhancing proliferative and migratory activities and cell survival. Furthermore, dominant negative Akt overexpression leads to functional blocking of EPC bioactivity. These findings establish that augmented mobilization of bone marrow-derived EPCs through stimulation of the Akt signaling pathway constitutes a novel function for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor mobilizes bone marrow--derived endothelial progenitor cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been isolated from circulating mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and shown to incorporate into foci of neovascularization, consistent with postnatal vasculogenesis. These circulating EPCs are derived from bone marrow and are mobilized endogenously in response to tissue ischemia or exogenously by cytokine stimulation. We show here, using a chemotaxis assay of bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro and EPC culture assay of peripheral blood from simvastatin-treated animals in vivo, that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, simvastatin, augments the circulating population of EPCs. Direct evidence that this increased pool of circulating EPCs originates from bone marrow and may enhance neovascularization was demonstrated in simvastatin-treated mice transplanted with bone marrow from transgenic donors expressing beta-galactosidase transcriptionally regulated by the endothelial cell-specific Tie-2 promoter. The role of Akt signaling in mediating effects of statin on EPCs is suggested by the observation that simvastatin rapidly activates Akt protein kinase in EPCs, enhancing proliferative and migratory activities and cell survival. Furthermore, dominant negative Akt overexpression leads to functional blocking of EPC bioactivity. These findings establish that augmented mobilization of bone marrow-derived EPCs through stimulation of the Akt signaling pathway constitutes a novel function for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor mobilizes bone marrow--derived endothelial progenitor cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been isolated from circulating mononuclear cells in peripheral blood and shown to incorporate into foci of neovascularization, consistent with postnatal vasculogenesis. These circulating EPCs are derived from bone marrow and are mobilized endogenously in response to tissue ischemia or exogenously by cytokine stimulation. We show here, using a chemotaxis assay of bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro and EPC culture assay of peripheral blood from simvastatin-treated animals in vivo, that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, simvastatin, augments the circulating population of EPCs. Direct evidence that this increased pool of circulating EPCs originates from bone marrow and may enhance neovascularization was demonstrated in simvastatin-treated mice transplanted with bone marrow from transgenic donors expressing beta-galactosidase transcriptionally regulated by the endothelial cell-specific Tie-2 promoter. The role of Akt signaling in mediating effects of statin on EPCs is suggested by the observation that simvastatin rapidly activates Akt protein kinase in EPCs, enhancing proliferative and migratory activities and cell survival. Furthermore, dominant negative Akt overexpression leads to functional blocking of EPC bioactivity. These findings establish that augmented mobilization of bone marrow-derived EPCs through stimulation of the Akt signaling pathway constitutes a novel function for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

[Significance of retardation of abnormal uptake of iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid myocardial scintigraphy in patients with vasospastic angina]

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated retardation of abnormal uptake of iodine-123-beta-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid(BMIPP) scintigraphy in patients with vasospastic angina.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with vasospastic angina showed abnormal uptake of BMIPP before medical treatment and had coronary vasospasm induced by acetylcholine. The patients were divided into two groups according to uptake of BMIPP after medical treatment: retardation of abnormal uptake of BMIPP(Group R, n = 4) and normal uptake of BMIPP(Group N, n = 19). Frequency of chest pain, medical treatment and autonomic nervous activity were compared between the two groups. Furthermore, the frequency of chest pain and uptake of BMIPP in group R were obtained after intensive medical treatment. Autonomic nervous activity was evaluated by heart rate variability on Holter electrocardiography. Heart rate variability contained high-frequency elements(HF; 0.15-0.4 Hz) and low-frequency elements(LF; 0.04-0.15 Hz). LF/HF was estimated for sympathetic nervous activity and HF was estimated for parasympathetic nervous activity. Daytime and nighttime autonomic nervous activity were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The frequency of chest pain was higher in Group R than in Group N(p < 0.05). Medical treatment was not different between the two groups. Circadian variation of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous activity were absent in Group R. During the nighttime, Group R showed higher sympathetic nervous activity(p < 0.05) and lower parasympathetic nervous activity(p < 0.01) than Group N. The frequency of chest pain was significantly lower after intensive medical treatment(p < 0.05), and uptake of BMIPP returned to normal in Group R. We suspected that the disorder in autonomic nervous activity was more severe in Group R, and thus induced coronary vasospasm.

CONCLUSIONS

Retardation of abnormal uptake of BMIPP in patients with vasospastic angina indicates poor control of coronary vasospasm. Uptake of BMIPP is useful in the evaluation of coronary vasospasm control in such patients.

Ischemic preconditioning upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA expression and neovascularization via nuclear translocation of protein kinase C epsilon in the rat ischemic myocardium

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) exerts cardioprotection through protein kinase C (PKC) activation, whereas myocardial ischemia enhances vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression. However, the IP effect or the involvement of PKC on the VEGF expression is unknown in myocardial infarction. We investigated whether IP enhances VEGF gene expression and angiogenesis through PKC activation in the in vivo myocardial infarction model. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into the following 3 groups: the sham group; the IP group, which underwent 3 cycles of 3 minutes of ischemia and 5 minutes of reperfusion (IP procedure); and the non-IP group. The latter 2 groups were subsequently subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion. To examine the involvement of PKC, the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (5 mg/kg) or bisindolylmaleimide (1 mg/kg) was injected intravenously before the IP procedures. PKCepsilon was translocated to the nucleus after 10 minutes of ischemia after the IP procedure but was not translocated in the non-IP and the sham groups. VEGF mRNA expression 3 hours after infarction was significantly higher in the IP group than in the non-IP and the sham groups. Capillary density in the infarction was significantly higher, whereas the infarct size was smaller in the IP group than in the non-IP group at 3 days of infarction. Chelerythrine but not bisindolylmaleimide blocked all of the IP effects on the nuclear translocation of PKCepsilon, enhancement of VEGF mRNA expression and angiogenesis, and infarct size limitation. These results show that IP may enhance VEGF gene expression and angiogenesis through nuclear translocation of PKCepsilon in the infarcted myocardium.

Therapeutic potential of ex vivo expanded endothelial progenitor cells for myocardial ischemia

BACKGROUND

We investigated the therapeutic potential of ex vivo expanded endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) for myocardial neovascularization.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from healthy human adults were cultured in EPC medium and harvested 7 days later. Myocardial ischemia was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in male Hsd:RH-rnu (athymic nude) rats. A total of 10(6) EPCs labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-1 to 3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate were injected intravenously 3 hours after the induction of myocardial ischemia. Seven days later, fluorescence-conjugated Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin I was administered intravenously, and the rats were immediately killed. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that transplanted EPCs accumulated in the ischemic area and incorporated into foci of myocardial neovascularization. To determine the impact on left ventricular function, 5 rats (EPC group) were injected intravenously with 10(6) EPCs 3 hours after ischemia; 5 other rats (control group) received culture media. Echocardiography, performed just before and 28 days after ischemia, disclosed ventricular dimensions that were significantly smaller and fractional shortening that was significantly greater in the EPC group than in the control group by day 28. Regional wall motion was better preserved in the EPC group. After euthanization on day 28, necropsy examination disclosed that capillary density was significantly greater in the EPC group than in the control group. Moreover, the extent of left ventricular scarring was significantly less in rats receiving EPCs than in controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed capillaries that were positive for human-specific endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Ex vivo expanded EPCs incorporate into foci of myocardial neovascularization and have a favorable impact on the preservation of left ventricular function.

Efficacy of adding multiple doses of oxitropium bromide to salbutamol delivered by means of a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device in adults with acute severe asthma

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of combination therapy adding multiple doses of anticholinergics to beta(2)-agonists to improve outcome has not been established in adults with acute severe asthma.

OBJECTIVE

This study was undertaken to compare the outcome of adults with acute severe asthma treated with 4 puffs of salbutamol (100 microg/actuation) every 20 minutes for 3 doses plus 4 puffs of oxitropium bromide (100 microg/actuation) with each of the 3 salbutamol doses versus salbutamol alone administered by means of a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device.

METHODS

A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed in 74 patients between 18 and 55 years old presenting to the emergency department (ED) for treatment of acute asthma with a peak expiratory flow (PEF) of 50% or less than the normal predicted value. The primary endpoint was improvement in PEF over the course. The secondary endpoint was the need for additional ED treatment at 120 minutes.

RESULTS

The increase in PEF over the course was significantly greater in the oxitropium plus salbutamol treatment group (P <.0001). The mean absolute difference in PEF at 120 minutes for combination therapy compared with salbutamol alone was 37.8 L/min (P =.001). In addition, the proportion of need for additional ED treatment was less in the combination group than the group receiving salbutamol alone (odds ratio, 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-0.90).

CONCLUSION

Adding multiple doses of oxitropium bromide to salbutamol delivered by means of a metered-dose inhaler with a spacer device for acute severe asthma produces a significant improvement in lung function and reduces the need for additional ED treatment.

[An elderly case of triple-vessel coronary artery disease with alternating bundle branch blocks in serial electrocardiograms]

An 82-year-old woman was admitted with severe chest pain and orthopnea on January 17, 1997. Physical examination revealed bilateral leg edema and cyanosis at the periphery of the extremities. The serum CK level was 488 IU/l on admission and increased to a maximum value of 4,866 IU/l 8 hours after admission. An echocardiogram demonstrated diffuse severe hypokinesis in the left ventricle. Serial electrocardiograms showed transient right bundle branch block, left bundle branch block, and normal sinus rhythm. The patient was diagnosed as having congestive heart failure. Artificial ventilation was performed, and furosemide, isosorbide dinitrate and dopamine were administered. A right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy performed on the 13th hospital day demonstrated moderate hypertrophy and disparity of cardiac myocytes and fibrosis around the myocytes, and few inflammatory cells in the specimens. This biopsy finding was not compatible with acute myocarditis but with the chronic stage of myocarditis. The patient was discharged on the 45th hospital day, but returned because of a recurrence of congestive heart failure. After an improvement of the heart failure, a coronary angiography was performed on the 20th hospital day. The coronary angiography revealed significant stenosis in three vessels. This elderly patient had congestive heart failure and triple-vessel coronary artery disease with transient alternating bundle branch blocks on serial electrocardiograms. Alternating bundle branch blocks and diffuse left ventricular dysfunction was considered to be induced by the aging process, postmyocarditic change of myocytes, and triple-vessel coronary artery disease in this case.

Estimation of coronary flow reserve by intracoronary administration of nicorandil: comparison with intracoronary administration of papaverine

We investigated the usefulness of the intracoronary administration of nicorandil (NIC) compared with that of papaverine (PAP) in the evaluation of coronary flow reserve (CFR) in 17 patients, including 10 patients with old myocardial infarction and 7 patients with angina pectoris. CFR was measured with a Doppler guidewire inserted into the distal site of the left anterior descending coronary artery during intracoronary administration of 10 mg PAP, and of 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, and 3.0 mg NIC. We examined the changes in heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (mBP), the total score of QTc interval on a 12-lead electrocardiogram (sigma QTc), and ST-T segment, before and after drug administration. CFR was significantly lower during administration of 0.5 mg (1.9 +/- 0.9) and 1.0 mg (2.2 +/- 0.9) NIC than during administration of PAP (2.6 +/- 1.1) (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the CFR during administration of 2.0 mg (2.6 +/- 1.0) or 3.0 mg (2.5 +/- 1.0) NIC and that observed during administration of PAP. The CFR during administration of PAP was significantly correlated with that during administration of 2.0 mg NIC (r2 = 0.72, P < 0.0001) and 3.0 mg NIC (r2 = 0.70, P < 0.0001). PAP, but not NIC, significantly altered the HR, mBP, and sigma QTc. Inverted T waves were observed in 14 patients, and elevation of the ST segment was observed in 4 patients during administration of PAP (including 1 patient with ventricular tachycardia). The administration of 0.5 mg to 2.0 mg NIC was not associated with ST-T segment changes, except in 1 patient, but inverted T waves were observed in 2 patients and depression of the ST segment was observed in 2 patients during administration of 3.0 mg NIC. Intracoronary administration of NIC is useful and safe for evaluating the CFR. The appropriate dose for measuring CFR is 2.0 mg nicorandil.

Phylogenic analysis of echovirus type 30 isolated from a large epidemic of aseptic meningitis in Japan during 1997-1998

During 1997 to 1998, a nationwide epidemic of aseptic meningitis occurred in Japan. More than 4,500 isolates from patients with aseptic meningitis were identified as echovirus type 30. To investigate the character of these isolates, we examined the nucleotide sequences of thirty-seven geographical representatives and compared them with 50 strains isolated during the past 20 years. The phylogenic analysis used partial sequences from either the VP1 or VP4-VP2 region of the viral capsid. This analysis revealed that the isolates were divided into six genomic groups. All isolates identified during 1997-1998 belonged to only two genomic groups; these two groups are thought to be the causative viral agents involved in the recent epidemic.

Endometrial development was improved by transdermal estradiol in patients treated with clomiphene citrate

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of transdermal estrogen therapy on the endometrial thickness and serum hormone levels in anovulatory patients treated with clomiphene citrate (CC). There was a significant difference in endometrial thickness between the CC + transdermal estrogen group and the CC only group from day -2 to day +2. Serum estradiol (E2) levels in the CC + transdermal estrogen group were significantly higher than those in the CC only group on day -2 and day 0. Our results support that addition of transdermal E2 to the treatment protocol of the women treated with CC elicited a favorable response of the endometrium.

Two-color fluorescence staining of lectin and anti-CD46 antibody to assess acrosomal status

OBJECTIVE

To examine potential methods for distinguishing between the acrosome reaction and acrosomal loss.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Hospital, Suita, Japan.

PATIENT(S)

Five healthy volunteers and 34 patients with normozoospermia who were participating in an IVF program.

INTERVENTION(S)

Semen samples were collected from the volunteers before the hamster egg penetration assay and from the patients at the time of IVF.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The numbers of oocytes penetrated and spermatozoa bound were determined with the hamster egg penetration assay. Acrosomal status was assessed with two-color fluorescence staining using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (FITC-PSA) and MH61 (anti-CD46 monoclonal antibody) with Texas red-conjugated antimouse immunoglobulin G antiserum.

RESULT(S)

The MH61 monoclonal antibody inhibited the penetration of human spermatozoa into hamster oocytes but did not reduce the number of spermatozoa bound to the zona-free hamster oocytes. Two-color fluorescence staining revealed four staining patterns of the acrosomal region. The percentage of PSA-negative/CD46-positive spermatozoa increased to a greater extent than that of PSA-negative/CD46-negative spermatozoa with an increase in the incubation time.

CONCLUSION(S)

Two-color fluorescence staining with FITC-PSA and the anti-CD46 monoclonal antibody may be useful for distinguishing between the acrosome reaction and acrosomal loss.

A case of eosinophilic myocarditis complicated by Kimura's disease (eosinophilic hyperplastic lymphogranuloma) and erythroderma

This report describes a patient with eosinophilic myocarditis complicated by Kimura's disease (eosinophilic hyperplastic lymphogranuloma) and erythroderma. A 50-year-old man presented with a complaint of precordial pain. However, the only abnormal finding on examinatioin was eosinophilia (1617 eosinophils/microl). Three years later, the patient developed chronic eczema, and was diagnosed with erythroderma posteczematosa. One year later, a tumor was detected in the right auricule, and a diagnosis of Kimura's disease was made, based on the biopsy findings. The patient developed progressive dyspnea 6 months later and was found to have cardiomegaly and a depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (17%). A diagnosis of eosinophilic myocarditis was made based on the results of a right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy. The eosinophilic myocarditis and erythrodrema were treated with steroids with improvement of both the eosinophilia and left ventricular function.

Serum levels of VEGF and basic FGF in the subacute phase of myocardial infarction

We examined serial changes in serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) measured by ELISAs in 45 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who received heparin intravenously for 3 to 5 days after the onset and in 30 control subjects with an old myocardial infarction. To evaluate the effect of heparin on these serum levels, heparin was administered intravenously in 10 patients with AMI on day 21. Blood samples were obtained from all AMI patients on days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and from 10 AMI patients before and 1 h after heparin administration. Serum VEGF level was significantly reduced after heparin administration (P<0.001). Serum samples from day 1 to 3 were therefore excluded from the subsequent analysis. Serum VEGF level in AMI patients was significantly higher on day 7 than in the control subjects (P<0.0001), and then decreased over time (P<0.0001). The serum VEGF level on day 7 was independently associated with the peak serum CK level (P<0.05). The serum bFGF level did not differ significantly between the AMI patients and the control subjects. In conclusion, the serum VEGF level may be selectively elevated during the healing process after AMI.

[Carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with myocardial infarction]

This study investigated carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with myocardial infarction. One hundred and two patients with acute myocardial infarction [Group MI: male 86, female 16, mean 62 (range 43-79) years] and 55 normal subjects matched for age and sex with negative responses to exercise electrocardiogram testing (control group: Group C) were included. Patients in Group MI were divided into 3 subgroups according to coronary angiographic findings as follows: 57 patients with one-vessel disease (Group I: mean 59 years), 34 with 2-vessel disease (Group II: mean 64 years), and 11 with 3-vessel disease (Group III: mean 64 years). Intima-media complex thickness (IMT) of the bilateral common carotid arteries (15 mm proximal to the bifurcation) and the internal carotid arteries (15 mm distal to the bifurcation) were measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, and the sum of maximum IMT of the bilateral carotid arteries (sigma IMT) were calculated. sigma IMT was significantly greater in Group MI (2.5 +/- 0.5 mm) than in Group C (1.8 +/- 0.3 mm), sigma IMT was 2.5 +/- 0.5 in Group I, 2.6 +/- 0.5 in Group II, and 2.7 +/- 0.4 mm in Group III. There was a significant positive correlation between sigma IMT and the number of involved vessels (tau = 0.45, p < 0.01). The percentage of patients with carotid artery atherosclerosis was 2% in Group C, 63% in Group MI, 54% in Group I, 68% in Group II, and 82% in Group III (p < 0.001). This study suggests that carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with myocardial infarction is frequently complicated and severe, and more frequently complicated in patients with severe coronary artery disease.

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLP) concentrations in seminal plasma: SLPI restores sperm motility reduced by elastase

In this study, we quantified secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and elastase in ejaculates from normal donors and infertile patients with or without leukospermia and investigated the effect of SLPI on sperm motility reduced by elastase. Western blot analysis revealed that SLPI protein was detected in the seminal plasma. The SLPI titre in the seminal plasma with leukospermia was lower than that in the seminal plasma without leukospermia and in the seminal plasma of fertile donors. The elastase concentration in the seminal plasma with leukospermia was significantly higher than that in the seminal plasma without leukospermia. A significant correlation between SLPI and elastase concentrations in the seminal plasma (r = 0.36, P< 0.01) was observed. There was a positive correlation between SLPI titre in the seminal plasma and sperm motility (r = 0.51, P < 0.001). SLPI recovered the sperm motility reduced by elastase in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that SLPI is a potential substance to treat infertile patients with leukospermia.

[Blood pressure and diastolic function in the elderly]

To evaluate the relation between blood pressure and diastolic function in the elderly, 28 apparently healthy volunteers underwent blood pressure measurements, echocardiographic examinations, and radionuclide angiography acquired in list mode. Casual blood pressure did not correlate with diastolic indices measured either by echocardiography or by a radionuclide method, except for peak filling rate during atrial contraction assessed by radionuclide angiography (r = 0.39, p < 0.05). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring revealed significant correlations between peak filling rate during atrial contraction assessed by radionuclide angiography and blood pressure measured over 24 hours, while awake and during sleep. The time to peak filling rate and the velocity of early diastolic filling were found to correlate with blood pressure, but the best correlation was between blood pressure during sleep and peak filling rate during atrial contraction (r = 0.53, p < 0.005). These results show a direct relation between blood pressure and diastolic function in the elderly, which is stronger during sleep than during wakefulness.

Survey of human group C rotaviruses in Japan during the winter of 1992 to 1993

Fecal specimens from patients with acute diarrhea were collected from 10 prefectures in Japan over a 6-month period (November 1992 to April 1993), and the specimens that were negative for human group A rotaviruses were screened for the presence of human group C rotaviruses (CHRVs) by the reverse passive hemagglutination test. Of 784 specimens examined, 53 samples (6.8%) that were collected in 7 of 10 prefectures were positive for CHRV, indicating that CHRVs are widely distributed across Japan. Most of the CHRV isolates were detected in March and April, and CHRVs mainly prevailed in children ages 3 to 8 years. The genome electropherotypes of eight strains isolated in five individual prefectures were surprisingly similar to each other and were different from those of CHRV strains isolated to date. The outer capsid glycoprotein (VP7) gene homologies of the isolates retrieved in 1993 were subsequently analyzed by the dot blot hybridization method. As a result, the VP7 genes of the isolates revealed very high levels of homology not only with each other but also with the VP7 gene of the OK118 strain isolated in 1988. These results suggest that a large-scale outbreak of CHRV occurred during the winter of 1992 and 1993 in Japan.

Does increased QT dispersion in the acute phase of anterior myocardial infarction predict recovery of left ventricular wall motion?

QT dispersion has been recognized as an undesirable marker because of its association with arrhythmogenicity in patients with myocardial infarction, but the relation between QT interval dispersion and wall motion abnormalities has not been clarified. After the introduction of reperfusion therapy, it was recognized that T waves were inverted twice in the course of myocardial infarction. An investigation was made of the clinical significance of QT dispersion in relation to the presence of inverted T waves and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities in 34 patients (mean age, 59 years) with acute anterior myocardial infarction who underwent successful reperfusion therapy. The amplitude of the deepest inverted T waves occurring within the first 3 days (T1) and after 3 days (T2) of myocardial infarction were measured in electrocardiographic (ECG) lead V3. On the ECGs on which T1 and T2 were recorded, QT dispersion was calculated (QTd1, QTd2), and T1 and T2 were correlated with QTd1 (r = .65) and QTd2 (r = .47), respectively. The difference between the extent of asynergy in the acute phase and the chronic phase, which was evaluated by the centerline method, was correlated with T1 (r = .63) and QTd1 (r = .67). Patients with a QTd1 of 0.1 second or longer showed a greater change in the extent of asynergy (23.4 +/- 13.1% vs 4.9 +/- 9.8%, P < .01) and less asynergy in the chronic phase (19.9 +/- 15.6% vs 46.5 +/- 14.0%, P < .01) than patients with a QTd1 of less than 0.1 second. Thus, QT dispersion in the acute phase of anterior myocardial infarction indicates recovery of left ventricular wall motion. Prolongation of the local action potential duration of the myocardium that recovers from severe ischemia may be a contributor to the increased QT dispersion that results in inversion of T waves in the acute phase of myocardial infarction.

Differences in sialic acid-galactose linkages in the chicken egg amnion and allantois influence human influenza virus receptor specificity and variant selection

Human influenza viruses are more efficiently isolated by inoculating patient samples into the amniotic rather than the allantoic cavity of embryonated chicken eggs. This type of cultivation selects virus variants with mutations around the hemagglutinin (HA) receptor binding site. To understand the molecular basis of these phenomena, we investigated the abundances of sialic acid (SA) linked to galactose (Gal) by the alpha-2,3 linkage (SA alpha2,3Gal) and SA alpha2,6Gal in egg amniotic and allantoic cells and in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Using SA-Gal linkage-specific lectins (Maackia amurensis agglutinin specific for SA alpha2,6Gal and Sambucus nigra agglutinin specific for SA alpha2,3Gal), we found SA alpha2,3Gal in both allantoic and amniotic cells and SA alpha2,6Gal in only the amniotic cells. MDCK cells contained both linkages. To investigate how this difference in abundances of SA alpha2,3Gal and SA alpha2,6Gal in allantoic and amniotic cells affects the appearance of host cell variants in eggs, we determined the receptor specificities and HA amino acid sequences of two different patient viruses which were isolated and passaged in the amnion or in the allantois and which were compared with MDCK cell-grown viruses. We found that the viruses maintained high SA alpha2,6Gal specificities when grown in MDCK cells or following up to two amniotic passages; however, further passages in either the amnion or allantois resulted in the acquisition of, or a complete shift to, SA alpha2,3Gal specificity, depending on the virus strain. This change in receptor specificity was accompanied by the appearance of variants in the population with Leu-to-Gln mutations at position 226 in their HA. These findings suggest that lack of SA alpha2,6Gal linkages in the allantois of chicken eggs is a selective pressure for the appearance of host cell variants with altered receptor specificities and amino acid changes at position 226.

[The effect of coronary intervention on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure]

To investigate the effect of coronary intervention on renal function in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) we investigated 19 patients with CRF [serum creatinine (Scr) > 1.5 mg/dl] who underwent coronary intervention for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina recruited from 516 consecutive patients admitted to the coronary care unit of Nara Medical University Hospital from January, 1992 to July, 1995. Serum creatinine levels were measured at 3 points: on admission, at peak level, and at discharge. Nineteen patients were divided into two groups on the basis of increases in Scr (delta Scr): a worsened group (group A) (delta Scr > or = 1mg/dl after coronary intervention; 6 patients) and an unchanged group (group B) (delta Scr < 1 mg/dl ; 13 patients). In group A, except for one patient, the renal function recovered to the level before coronary intervention after adequate hydration or hemodialysis. The volume of contrast medium in group A (420 +/- 134 ml) was significantly higher than group B (253 +/- 97 ml) (p < 0.01). There was significant positive correlation (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) between delta Scr and the volume of contrast medium. In conclusion, coronary intervention for patients with CRF can be performed safely under treatment with adequate hydration and hemodialysis, even at higher serum creatinine levels of up to 4.0 mg/ml.

[An autopsy case of systemic lupus erythematosus complicating leukocytosis, amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, interstitial pneumonitis, and pleulitis]

A 52-year-old female was admitted to our hospital in August 1988, for evaluation of purpura and gingival bleeding. Hematologic examination showed mild leukocytosis (12,400/microliter) and severe thrombocytopenia (1,000/microliter). On bone marrow examination, megakaryocyte count was normal and the number of myeloblasts was increased (7.2%). Serological examination was positive for anti-nuclear antibody and anti-DNA antibody. She was diagnosed as having idiopathic or autoimmune thrombocytopenia, and received thrombocyte transfusion and gamma-globulin administration. Hematologic values improved temporarily, but leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia recurred. On the 22nd hospital day, leukocytes increased to 49,300/microliter and thrombocytes decreased to 10,000/microliter. Bone marrow myeloblasts were also increased to 18.8%, and she was suspected of having myelodysplastic syndrome. Then, hematologic values improved simultaneously, and she was discharged in November 1988. After the discharge, leukocyte count ranged from 6,000 to 16,500/microliter, but the number of bone marrow myeloblasts was normal. However, transient thrombocytopenia appeared in association with decrease or absence of bone marrow megakaryocytes and rise of platelet associated-IgG, (PA-IgG) to 99.6 ng/10(7) cells. From September to December 1989, she complained of fever, morning stiffness, multiple arthralgia, and oral ulcer. On serological findings, she was positive for LE cell. Therefore, she was diagnosed as having systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In January 1990, she had a high grade fever and dyspnea. Bilateral pleuritis and interstitial pneumonitis were shown on the chest roentgenogram. She received gamma-globulin administration, methylprednisolone pulse therapy, and mechanical ventilation. However, hypoxia developed rapidly, and she died of respiratory failure. Autopsy revealed severe interstitial pneumonitis, fibrinous pleuritis, fibrinous pericarditis, and vasculitis in the arcuate artery of the kidney. This is the first report of SLE complicating thrombocytopenia associated with decrease of megakaryocytes and rise of the PA-IgG, and severe leukocytosis associated with increased bone marrow myeloblasts.

Power spectral analysis of spontaneous blood pressure and heart rate variability in elderly hypertensives

To examine the influence of hypertension on cardiovascular variability in elderly subjects, we measured spontaneous beat-to-beat blood pressure (BPV) and heart rate variability (HRV) in elderly subjects with or without hypertension at rest and during tilting. The study group consisted of 23 community-dwelling, male elderly subjects (aged 62-75 years) and was divided into two groups, i.e., a hypertensive group (HT group; n = 11) and normotensive group (NT group; n = 12). According to the modeling and decomposing algorithm of an autoregressive process, we estimated the component power of low-frequency (LF; 0.03-0.15 Hz) and high-frequency components (HF; respiratory frequency) of BPV and HRV by power spectral analysis. We also measured plasma norepinephrine (PNE) levels in the two groups at rest and during tilting. In the HT group, we found that the amplitude of LF-BPV was greater (p < 0.05) and its relative change by postural tilting was smaller (p < 0.05) than those in the NT group. We found no significant difference in the amplitude of LF-HRV and HF-HRV between the two groups, and found no significant response of the amplitude of LF-HRV and HF-HRV to postural tilting. We also found no difference in PNE level between the two groups at rest or during tilting. These results suggest that the regulatory function of sympathetic vasomotor activity assessed by power spectral analysis of BPV is altered in hypertensive elderly subjects, although the influence of hypertension on the autonomic control of the heart is less dominant in the elderly.