Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Population Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modelling of Bilastine, a Second-Generation Antihistamine, in Healthy Japanese Subjects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Bilastine is a novel second-generation antihistamine for the symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and tolerability of bilastine following single and multiple oral doses in healthy Japanese subjects. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles were compared with those reported in Caucasian subjects.

METHODS

In a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, single- and multiple-ascending dose study, bilastine tablets were administered at single doses of 10, 20, and 50 mg (Part I), and once daily for 14 days at 20 and 50 mg (Part II).

RESULTS

After single oral doses, maximum plasma concentrations (C _max) were reached at 1.0-1.5 h postdose. Plasma exposure [C _max and area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC)] increased dose-proportionally at single doses of 10-50 mg. In repeated-dose administration, no remarkable differences were observed between Day 1 and Day 14 for C _max or AUC. For inhibitory effects on wheal and flare response, bilastine 20 and 50 mg showed significant inhibition from 1.5 h after administration as compared with placebo, and the significant effect persisted for 24 h after administration. The rates of adverse events (AEs) were comparable between bilastine and placebo in both Part I and Part II. In addition, no dose- or administration period-dependent tendency of increase in rate of AEs or worsening of severity was observed.

CONCLUSION

Bilastine exhibits similar single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics in healthy Japanese subjects compared with those observed in Caucasian subjects in previous studies.

The impact of ischemic stress on the quality of isolated pancreatic islets

BACKGROUND

Although the ischemic stress of donated organs has been shown to have strong negative effects on islet recovery, the impact on islet quality remains uncertain. In the present study, therefore, we examined the influence of ischemic stress on the expression of inflammatory mediators among isolated islets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Islets were isolated from adult porcine pancreata subjected to 16-hour cold ischemia time (CIT) in addition to 40-minute warm ischemia time (WIT). We evaluated the islet yield, islet loss during the first 24 hours in culture, adenosine diphosphate (ADP)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio, ATP/DNA ratio, glucose-stimulated respiratory activity, in vivo bioassay, and the expression of inflammatory mediators (tissue factor [TF], [MCP-1], macrophage migration inhibitory factor) on the isolated islets. We also analyzed ATP/DNA ratios of the exocrine tissues during isolation procedures.

RESULTS

The islet yield, survival rate during culture, and glucose-stimulated respiratory activity were significantly lower in cases of 16-hour CIT plus 40-minute WIT compared with the control group (P < .0001, .0006, and .002, respectively). In contrast, ADP/ATP ratio as well as TF and MCP-1 expressions on the isolated islets were higher among the ischemic group (P = .005, .16, and .005, respectively). During isolation procedures, the ATP/DNA of the exocrine tissues was extremely lower in the ischemic compared to the control group (P < .0001). Notably, however, both ATP/DNA and ADP/ATP ratio of isolated islets were well preserved even in the ischemic group (P = .45 and .40).

DISCUSSION

These data suggest that ischemic stress during the preservation period negatively affects the energy status of exocrine tissues. Destruction of the exocrine tissues, in combination with warm ischemic stress during the isolation procedures, subsequently decreases isolated islet activity, inducing the expression of inflammatory mediators.

Abstract 2747: Prediction of neutropenia in patients with solid tumor by population pharmacokinetics / pharmacodynamics analyses for the different formulations of paclitaxel

Background: Neutropenia is one of the main toxicities of paclitaxel. In a population pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PPK/PD) analysis, the pharmacokinetic profile of paclitaxel concentration and the time course of neutrophil counts were correlated. Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel is a novel Cremophor-free formulation of paclitaxel, with pharmacokinetics that are dose-proportional within the clinical dose ranges. A higher dose of nab-paxlitaxel (260 mg/m2) is recommended, while 175 mg/m2 of solvent-based (sb) -paclitxel has been used for the treatment of breast cancer. In a phase III study comparing the two drug formulations, response rate and time-to progression were superior in the nab-paclitaxel arm. To compare the pharmacokinetics and the time course of neutrophil counts after administration of either nab-paclitaxel or sb-paclitaxel., PPK/PD analyses were performed using the data of Japanese cancer patients.

Method: Eighty-four Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors were treated; 27 with nab-paclitaxel at doses ranging from 80 to 300 mg/m2 over 30 minutes (include weekly regimen) and the others by sb-paclitaxel from 105 to 270 mg/m2 over 3 hours with every 3 weeks regimen. The plasma concentration of paclitaxel was analyzed by a PPK approach using a non-linear three compartment model with Michaelis-Menten processes for sb-paclitaxel, while a linear three compartment model was used for nab-paclitaxel. For PPK/PD analyses, the time courses of neutrophil counts were analyzed using semi-physiological models consisting of transit compartments with individual PK parameters estimated by the PPK models using software, NONMEM ver. VI.

Results: Predicted clearance of paclitaxel by PPK at a recommended dose of nab-paclitaxel given every three weeks for breast cancer (260 mg/m2) was higher than that of sb-paclitaxel at a commonly used dose of 175mg/m2 (21.9 vs 10.5 L/hr/m2). The volume of distribution was 697 vs 235 L/m2, respectively, for nab-paclitaxel and sb-paclitaxel. Those differences could be attributed to paclitaxel entrapment to Cremophor micelle in plasma. In the PPK/PD analyses, Median neutrophil nadir was roughly estimated 1300 /mm3 at 10 days for nab-paclitaxel and 640 /mm3 at 11 days for sb-paclitaxel. Population estimates for PD model parameters of nab-paclitaxel were comparable to those estimated for sb-paclitaxel; the drug stimulus parameter as cytotoxic effect, which directly related to plasma concentration for sb-paclitaxel (4.10 [µg/ml]−1), was similar to that for nab-paclitaxel (4.51 [µg/ml]−1).

Conclusion: Despite the higher clearance and volume of distribution for nab-paclitaxel in comparison with those for sb-paclitaxel, the PD parameters estimated and the time-courses of neutrophil count were similar for both formulations when they were given at respective recommended doses.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2747.

Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TAS-108, a novel anti-oestrogen, in healthy post-menopausal Japanese women: a phase I single oral dose study

TAS-108 is a novel steroidal anti-oestrogen, expected to be useful for the treatment of breast cancer. The present study was conducted to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of TAS-108 following the administration at a single oral dose of 40 mg to up to 120 mg in 12 post-menopausal women and the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of the drug. All adverse events were mild and involved transient symptoms that resolved without therapeutic intervention. TAS-108 was readily absorbed and plasma levels of TAS-108 steadily declined, apparently in a multi-exponential manner. C(max) and AUC(0-12) were proportionally increased with increasing dose of TAS-108. The C(max) and AUC(0-t) of TAS-108 and its metabolite, deEt-TAS-108, were significantly increased to approximately 150% when TAS-108 was administered after a meal. Food did not affect the elimination half-life of TAS-108 or its metabolites. In this escalating dose-study of TAS-108, the drug was well tolerated by healthy post-menopausal Japanese women. The pharmacokinetics of TAS-108 indicated dose proportionality, and its bioavailability was significantly increased by food intake.

New class of oxygen carriers improves islet isolation from long-term stored rat pancreata

OBJECTIVE

Pancreas shipment is frequently associated with prolonged ischemia deteriorating islet graft function. The strategy to prevent ischemic damage utilizing perfluorodecalin (PFD) for human pancreas oxygenation does not seem to improve isolation outcome. The present study investigated the efficiency of perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8), a hyperoxygen carrier characterized by low specific density (1.33 g/cm3) and lipophilic qualities, to facilitate islet isolation from long-term stored rat pancreata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prior to islet isolation, pancreata were intraductally flushed in situ with Kyoto solution (KS) and stored for 24 hours in KS, oxygenated PFD, or F6H8.

RESULTS

Islet isolation performed after 24-hour storage in KS failed completely. The intrapancreatic pO2 in PFD- and F6H8-incubated pancreata was almost the same. In correspondence, the ATP content and viability of isolated islets were similar as well. In contrast, islet yield and in vitro function were significantly reduced after storage in PFD compared with F6H8.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that islet isolation performed after long-term pancreas preservation can be significantly improved utilizing semifluorinated alkanes as oxygen carriers.

Distribution of (7alpha)-21-[4-[(diethylamino) methyl]-2-methoxyphenoxy]-7-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol-20-[14C]2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate ([14C]TAS-108) and its metabolites after single oral administration to rats bearing 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha)anthracene-induced mammary tumor

(7Alpha)-21-[4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-2-methoxyphenoxy]-7-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate (TAS-108) is a novel steroidal antiestrogen, modulating the differential recruitment of transcriptional cofactors by liganded estrogen receptors and representing a promising agent for the treatment of breast cancer. To understand better the relationships between the drug exposure and the efficacy or toxicity of TAS-108, we investigated the metabolism and distribution of TAS-108 after oral administration of [14C]TAS-108 to rats bearing a 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha)anthracene-induced mammary carcinoma. The metabolites (7alpha)-21-[4-[(ethylamino)methyl]-2-methoxyphenoxy]-7-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol (deEt-TAS-108), (7alpha)-21-[4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-2-methoxyphenoxy]-7-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol-N-oxide (TAS-108-N-oxide), and 3-methoxy-4-[(7alpha)-7-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol-21-yl]oxybenzoic acid (TAS-108-COOH) were identified as the major metabolites in the plasma, and in addition, (7alpha)-21-[4-[(ethylamino)methyl]-2-methoxyphenoxy]-3-methoxy-7-methyl-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10)-triene (O-Me-deEt-TAS-108) was identified as a novel metabolite in this study. The time-concentration profiles of TAS-108 and its metabolites in the plasma were compared with those in the tumor and uterus of the rats. Radioactivity was found at a high level in various organs including lung, liver, spleen, ovary, and many glands at 12 h and was relatively higher in tumor tissue than in plasma. On the other hand, the levels of radioactivity in the brain and eyeball were very low or not detectable. TAS-108, deEt-TAS-108, and O-Me-deEt-TAS-108 were extensively distributed in the rat tissues and the tumor, with corresponding tissue/plasma ratios for Cmax and area under the curve in the range of 7 to 100. In contrast, TAS-108-COOH and TAS-108-N-oxide were hardly distributed to the tissues and thus may not contribute to the efficacy or toxicity of TAS-108. Thus, TAS-108, deEt-TAS-108, and O-Me-deEt-TAS-108, being distributed highly in tumor tissue, may be more important for the efficacy and toxicity of TAS-108 in vivo than TAS-108-COOH and TAS-108-N-oxide.

Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of TAS-108 in normal healthy post-menopausal female subjects: a phase I study on single oral dose

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of TAS-108 after ascending single oral doses and to analyse preliminarily the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of TAS-108 in normal healthy post-menopausal female subjects.

METHODS

Twelve healthy subjects participated in an open-label, ascending single-dose, alternating group, safety, tolerance, and pharmacokinetic study of TAS-108 administered orally to two groups of the subjects, one given alternating doses of 10, 40, 120 mg (group A) and the other of 20, 80, 160 mg (group B), in the fasting state. In addition, six subjects (group A) were administered an additional dose at 120 mg TAS-108 after food consumption. Plasma and urine samples for measurement of TAS-108 were analysed by validated analytical procedures using a liquid chromatographic method with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC/MS/MS).

RESULTS

There was no dose-dependent increase in any adverse events (AEs), and there were no serious AEs or deaths. TAS-108 was readily absorbed following oral administration of the 80-, 120- and 160-mg doses. Plasma TAS-108 levels steadily declined, generally in a mono-exponential manner, with overall mean t(1/2) values ranging from 3.04 to 4.43 h in the fasting groups. Administration of TAS-108 after a high-fat meal markedly increased the bioavailability of the drug. The mean C(max) and AUC(0--t) values increased after a high-fat breakfast by 182 and 191% compared with the fasting value respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In this escalating dose study of TAS-108, the drug was well tolerated by the participants. The maximum and systemic exposure to TAS-108 tended to increase with increasing dose and its bioavailability markedly increased after high-fat food intake.

Beneficial effect of FR183998, a Na+/H+ exchanger inhibitor, on porcine pancreas allotransplantation retrieved from non–heart-beating donors

Activation of Na(+)/H(+) exchanger (NHE) may have an important role in the ischemia/reperfusion injury by producing intracellular calcium overload. Recent studies have shown a beneficial effect of an NHE inhibitor on the ischemia/reperfusion injury in the heart. In this study, we examined the effect of FR183998, a potent NHE inhibitor, in porcine pancreas allotransplantation from non-heart-beating Landrace pig donors (NHBDs). The four experimental groups included: untreated with no preservation (group 1; n = 3), treated with no preservation (group 2; n = 5), untreated with preservation (group 3; n = 6), and treated with preservation (group 4; n = 4). The preservation was made in ice-cold University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for 24 hours. The groups treated received 1 mg/kg FR183998 before donor cardiac arrest and 10 mg in the UW solution flush in situ. Serum blood glucose, insulin, and amylase were measured daily. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed on the postoperative day (POD) 7 when pigs were sacrificed for histological examination. Graft survival rates on that day in groups 1,2,3, and 4 were 3 of 3; 5 of 5; 3 of 6; and 4 of 4, respectively. The mean K values of IVGTT in groups 3 and 4 were 0.78 +/- 0.10 and 1.27 +/- 0.16, respectively, which were significantly different (P < .05). Upon histological examination, pancreatic tissue in group 3 showed more severe edema and necrosis than other groups. FR183998 may be considered beneficial for ischemia/reperfusion injury to pancreatic grafts from NHBDs.

Excessive portal flow causes graft nonfunction in small size liver transplantation: An experimental study in pigs

We investigated the effects of portocaval shunt (PCS) on excessive portal flow in producing sinusoidal microcirculatory injury in small-for-size liver transplants in pigs. The posterior segment of a whole liver (25%) was transplanted orthotopically. The pigs were divided two groups: group A, graft with PCS (n = 11), and group B, graft without PCS (n = 11). The PCS was a side-to-side anastomosis of the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. In group A, eight pigs survived for more than 4 days; all pigs except for one died of graft nonfunction within 24 hours in group B. The portal flow after reperfusion decreased in group A, but increased about three times greater in group B than that before the operation (P < .01). In group B, destruction of the sinusoidal lining and bleeding in the periportal areas were observed after reperfusion, findings that were not recognized in group A. These results suggest that graft nonfunction after small-for-size liver transplantation may be attributable to excessive portal flow producing sinusoidal microcirculatory injury.

[The pollen survey and dynamic statistics of patients with allergic rhinitis in Hakodate]

We have investigated the pollen survey (1994-1998) and dynamic statistics of patients with allergic rhinitis (1999-2000) in Hakodate, which is located southern part of Hokkaido. We have noted the pollen dispersion of Cryptomeria japonica, Cupressaceae, white birch, Gramineae and Artemisia. Especially, a lot of dispersion of Cryptomeria japonica has been noted in April. Concerning the dynamic statistics of patients with allergic rhinitis, we have investigated the 192 patients with allergic rhinitis in Hakodate municipal hospital. There has been a lot of pollinosis in March, April, May and September. Frequency of positive reaction to the specific IgE have been 38.0% of house dust, 16.9% of Artemisia, 13.2% of Gramineae, 10.3% of white birch, 9.0% of Cryptomeria japonica and 6.9% of cat in 379 subjects. In conclusion, we have noted that Cryptomeria japonica and white birch in addition to Gramineae and Artemisia are becoming more important antigen in patients with pollinosis in Hakodate, south part of Hokkaido.

Urinary excretion levels of sodium and potassium in environmental cadmium-exposed subjects

The urinary excretion levels of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in cadmium (Cd)-exposed subjects as related with urinary beta2-microglobulin (beta2-MG) and Cd concentrations were investigated. The target population comprised of 3164 inhabitants of Japan who were more than 50 years of age and who lived in cadmium-polluted areas and 294 inhabitants who lived in non-polluted areas of Japan. A significant increase in urinary excretion of K was shown in Cd-exposed subjects although there was no significant difference in urinary excretion of Na between the Cd-exposed and non-exposed subjects. Urinary K concentrations in both sexes were significantly correlated with age, urinary beta2-MG and Cd concentrations by multiple regression analysis. Urinary Na concentration was significantly correlated with age, beta2-MG and Cd in men, but in women it was significantly associated with only the urinary beta2-MG concentration. The present study demonstrated that increased K excretion was a more sensitive effect of cadmium exposure than increased Na excretion.

The expression of murine cutaneous late phase reaction requires both IgE antibodies and CD4 T cells

BACKGROUND

Exposure of atopic patients to a specific allergen evokes an immediate response which is followed, in many cases, by a late phase reaction (LPR) some hours later. Here we have examined the immunological mechanisms required for the expression of cutaneous LPR in mice.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were immunized by i.p. injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and alum actively or by i.v. injection of anti-OVA IgE monoclonal antibody (mAb) passively. After challenge by intradermal injection of OVA into ears, the changes in ear thickness, the number of eosinophils, and the levels of IL-4 and IFN-gamma protein at the site of antigen challenge were examined.

RESULTS

Actively immunized mice developed a biphasic response at the site of OVA injection, while mice passively immunized with IgE anti-OVA mAb displayed a strong early response but no LPR. Cell transfer experiments using BALB/c nu/nu mice revealed that both OVA-specific IgE mAb and OVA-primed CD4 T cells were required to evoke LPR. Moreover, LPR was associated with increased levels of IL-4 production concomitant with reduced IFN-gamma production and was abolished by pretreatment with anti-IL-4 neutralizing mAb.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that murine cutaneous LPR against OVA is a type 2 inflammatory response in which both IgE antibodies and CD4 T cells play an obligatory role.

The burst-phase intermediate in the refolding of beta-lactoglobulin studied by stopped-flow circular dichroism and absorption spectroscopy

The kinetics of the guanidine hydrochloride-induced unfolding and refolding of bovine beta-lactoglobulin, a predominantly beta-sheet protein in the native state, have been studied by stopped-flow circular dichroism and absorption measurements at pH 3.2 and 4.5 degrees C. The refolding reaction was a complex process composed of different kinetic phases, while the unfolding was a single-phase reaction. Most notably, a burst-phase intermediate of refolding, which was formed during the dead time of stopped-flow measurements (approximately 18 ms), showed more intense ellipticity signals in the peptide region below 240 nm than the native state, yielding overshoot behavior in the refolding curves. We have investigated the spectral properties and structural stability of the burst-phase intermediate and also the structural properties in the unfolded state in 4.0 M guanidine hydrochloride of the protein and its disulfide-cleaved derivative. The main conclusions are: (1) the more intense ellipticity of the intermediate in the peptide region arises from formation of non-native alpha-helical structure in the intermediate, apparently suggesting that the folding of beta-lactoglobulin is not represented by a simple sequential mechanism. (2) The burst-phase intermediate has, however, a number of properties in common with the folding intermediates or with the molten globule states of other globular proteins whose folding reactions are known to be represented by the sequential model. These properties include: the presence of the secondary structure without the specific tertiary structure; formation of a hydrophobic core; broad unfolding transition of the intermediate; and rapidity of formation of the intermediate. The burst-phase intermediate of beta-lactoglobulin is thus classified as the same species as the molten globule state. (3) The circular dichroism spectra of beta-lactoglobulin and its disulfide-cleaved derivative in 4.0 M guanidine hydrochloride suggests the presence of the residual beta-structure in the unfolded state and the stabilization of the beta-structure by disulfide bonds. Thus; if this residual beta-structure is part of the native beta-structure and forms a folding initiation site, the folding reaction of beta-lactoglobulin may not necessarily be inconsistent with the sequential model. The non-native alpha-helices in the burst-phase intermediate may be formed in an immature part of the protein molecule because of the local alpha-helical propensity in this part.

[A familial case of ADPKD with intracranial aneurysms detected by MR angiography]

The management and screening of unruptured asymptomatic intracranial aneurysm (ICA) in patients with ADPKD and those with a family history of ICA remains a subject of considerable controversy. In recent years, it has been revealed that MRA (magnetic resonance angiography) can define the circle of Willis to allow detection of ICA as small as 3-4 mm. We report a case of a 63-year-old man with ADPKD and his family. No definite aneurysm was observed by angiography screening at 46 years of age, when he was referred for hemodialysis. For the past three years, his family history revealed that three relatives were suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage at the ages of 32, 36 and 39 years, respectively, two of whom had ICA and one had arterio-venous malformation detected by angiography. Whether they had ADPKD was unknown, but two were suggestive of ADPKD. Therefore, our case underwent MRA as screening for ICA, which showed an ICA with a diameter of 5mm in the anterior communicating artery. The ICA was confirmed as being 6 mm in diameter by conventional angiography. His niece and her son, who had ADPKD, also underwent MRA, which showed a suspicious image of a 2 mm ICA in the latter case. These results suggest that prophylactic screening for ICA is important in an ICA clustering family. MRA is useful in screening for ICA and in the follow-up study on the natural course of ICA.

Down-regulation of Th2 cell-mediated murine peritoneal eosinophilia by antiallergic agents

Local eosinophilia has been linked to the pathogenesis of the inflammatory aspect of allergic diseases. The present study found that co-injection of D10G4.1 (D10) cells, a murine Th2 clone, with conalbumin (CA) into the peritoneal cavity of AKR/J mice increased the number of peritoneal eosinophils. The accumulation of eosinophils reached a maximum level at 24 to 48 hr and was accompanied by a marked increase in the number of neutrophils and a minor increase in the number of mononuclear cells. D10-induced peritoneal eosinophilia was suppressed by administration of either anti-IL-4 and anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies in an additive manner or by cyclosporin A (CsA). Interestingly, suplatast tosilate (IPD-1151T), known to be antiallergic agent capable of suppressing IgE synthesis and chemical mediator release, but not disodium cromoglycate, selectively suppressed eosinophil accumulation. Taken together with the observation that CsA and IPD-1151T suppressed IL-4 and IL-5 production by CA-stimulated D10 cells in vitro, the present results strongly suggest that agents capable of down-regulating Th2 cell cytokine production may attenuate allergic inflammation by impairing the recruitment of eosinophils that is mediated by Th2 cells.

Comparative pharmacodynamic analysis of TAT-59 and tamoxifen in rats bearing DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma

TAT-59 suppressed the growth of DMBA-induced mammary tumors in rats earlier and more strongly than tamoxifen (TAM). After oral administration of the drugs, DP-TAT-59, one of the main metabolites of TAT-59, was found in 10- to 15-fold higher concentrations in both the tumor and blood compared to 4-OH-TAM, an active metabolite of TAM. In a 3-day antiuterotrophic test, every detected metabolite of TAT-59 showed stronger antiestrogenic activity than did TAM. In a competition assay, the affinity of the metabolites for estrogen receptors ranged from that of estradiol to that of TAM. These results suggest that the superior antiestrogenic activity of TAT-59 compared to TAM was either due to its higher penetration into tumor tissue or to the stronger antiestrogenic activity of its metabolites.

Suppression of IgE production by IPD-1151T (suplatast tosilate), a new dimethylsulfonium agent: (1). Regulation of murine IgE response

The effect of IPD-1151T, a new dimethylsulfonium compound, on the IgE response was investigated in the mouse system. The oral administration of IPD-1151T to immunized BALB/c mice suppressed the primary IgE antibody response and depressed the elevation of serum IgE levels, whereas the same treatment did not affect the IgG antibody response. The enhanced expression of low-affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon RII/CD23) on the spleen cells of immunized mice was also inhibited by IPD-1151T administration. It was further demonstrated from the adoptive transfer experiment that IPD-1151T, administered to hapten-primed B cell donors, but not to carrier-primed T cell donors, exerted its suppressive influence on the hapten-specific secondary IgE antibody response in irradiated syngeneic recipients. Interestingly, IPD-1151T concentration-dependently inhibited the production of interleukin 4 (IL-4) by D10G4.1, known to be a typical Th2 clone. However, IPD-1151T did not suppress the production of IgE and IgG1 by normal splenic B cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and IL-4. Moreover, IL-4-induced expression of Fc epsilon RII on normal spleen cells was not inhibited by the agent. These results strongly suggest that the IgE-suppressive activity of IPD-1151T is most likely due to the inhibition of IL-4 production at the T cell level.

Possible involvement of interleukin-1 in ischemic brain edema formation

To determine the contribution of interleukin 1 (IL-1) on ischemic brain edema formation, the effect of recombinant human interleukin 1 beta (rhIL-1 beta), or zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) as an IL-1 blocker, on brain edema was studied in rats. The animals were subjected to 60 min of ischemia in a middle cerebral artery occlusion model. Immediately after reperfusion, rhIL-1 beta at a dose of 10 ng/2 microliters, or ZnPP at doses of 1 and 10 micrograms/2 microliters were topically applied into lateral cerebroventricle. In rhIL-1 beta-treated rats, ischemic brain edema formation was significantly increased in the dorsal and ventral areas of the caudate putamen 24 h after reperfusion, compared to that of vehicle-treated control rats. Furthermore, in ZnPP-treated rats, brain edema was decreased in both caudate-putamen areas. This suggests that IL-1 plays an important role in pathogenesis for post-ischemic brain edema.

Alcohol, high blood pressure, and serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level

The influence of the level of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, a biological marker of alcohol consumption, on elevations of blood pressure and on the development of hypertension related to increases in alcohol consumption was determined in a cross-sectional study of 1,492 middle-aged male workers and in a subsequent 5-year follow-up study of 1,393 workers. Blood pressure levels, as well as the prevalence and incidence of hypertension, were higher in the subjects with serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels above 50 units/l than in those with normal levels. These differences were more marked in drinkers who consumed 30 ml or more of alcohol per day. Thus, elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity may identify drinkers at higher risk for the development of alcohol-related hypertension.

Elevations of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activities in hypertensive drinkers

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was measured in 70 middle-aged male drinkers with or without elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) activity and high BP. Serum ACE activity in hypertensive drinkers with elevated serum gamma-GTP was higher than that in drinkers, both normotensive and hypertensive, with normal serum gamma-GTP. Serum ACE levels were strongly correlated with alcohol consumption and serum gamma-GTP levels. Since the induction of ACE by alcohol in hepatic cells has been disputed, the coincident elevation of serum ACE and gamma-GTP activities in hypertensive drinkers may support the contention that the close association between gamma-GTP levels and BP found in drinkers is not mainly related to the induction of gamma-GTP in the hepatic cells, but related to the hepatic cell damage caused by alcohol.

Relationship between serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activity, blood pressure and alcohol consumption

The associations among alcohol consumption, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (gamma-GTP) activity in serum and blood pressure (BP) were analysed in a cross-sectional study of 1,156 healthy male workers 35 to 59 years of age, consisting of 349 non-drinkers, 682 light-daily drinkers (consuming less than 58 ml of alcohol per day) and 125 heavy-daily drinkers consuming more. No marked elevation of BP with high alcohol consumption was seen in the present subjects. On the other hand, a linear elevation of BP together with an increase in serum gamma-GTP activity was found in subjects above 40 years of age. The BP levels corresponding to the three different drinking habits, non-drinkers, light drinkers and heavy drinkers, were similar to each other regarding gamma-GTP levels. The relationship between gamma-GTP and BP was shown, by multiple regression analysis, to be independent of age, obesity and the dose of alcohol consumed. The contribution to the rise in BP of the dose of alcohol consumed, in comparison with that of gamma-GTP, was negligible. Serum gamma-GTP activity is a useful indicator of the susceptibility to the pressor effect of alcohol.

Osteopenia in inhabitants with renal dysfunction induced by exposure to environmental cadmium

Bone density was measured in 28 women with itai-itai disease, 92 men and 114 women with cadmium-induced renal dysfunctions and 44 men and 66 women living in the three different non-polluted areas using a microdensitometer. The values of both indices corresponding to cortical width and bone mineral content were significantly lower in itai-itai disease patients than the cadmium-exposed women with renal dysfunctions and the non-exposed subjects. The cadmium-exposed women also showed a decrease in bone density compared with the non-exposed subjects. A significant decrease in bone density was also observed between cadmium-exposed men and the non-exposed subjects, although the difference was not as clear as in the women. The present study indicates that exposure to cadmium could cause marked osteopenia, particularly in the women.

Selenium, zinc, copper and cadmium concentration in livers and kidneys of people exposed to environmental cadmium

Selenium (Se), Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) concentrations have been determined in the kidney cortex, medulla and liver of 21 Cd-exposed and 15 nonexposed autopsied subjects. In the kidney cortex, all four metals were significantly lower in the Cd-exposed subjects than in the nonexposed ones. In the liver Se levels were almost the same in both groups. Significant correlation coefficients between Se and the three metals were found in the kidney cortex of all the subjects. In the liver significant correlation coefficients were only seen between Se and Cu in the Cd-exposed subjects. These results indicated that the distribution of Se in humans chronically exposed to environmental Cd is different from that in humans exposed to environmental organic mercury.

Progress of renal dysfunction in inhabitants environmentally exposed to cadmium

The reversibility of beta 2-microglobulinuria, glucosuria, and aminoaciduria was examined in 74 inhabitants (32 males and 42 females) over 50 yr of age, who lived in a cadmium-polluted area. The subjects participated in two examinations conducted just after the cessation of cadmium exposure and 5 yr later. All urinary parameters did not show reversible changes. During the 5 yr the geometric mean concentrations of beta 2-microglobulinuria, glucosuria, and aminoaciduria indicated significant increases in excretion. In cases where greater than 1,000 micrograms/g creatinine of beta 2-microglobulinuria was observed (at the time cadmium exposure ended), almost all individuals exposed to cadmium showed deterioration of beta 2-microglobulinuria, whereas in the case of less than 1,000 micrograms/g creatinine of beta 2-microglobulinuria, no significant changes were observed. The present study indicates that cadmium-induced renal dysfunction in individuals environmentally exposed to cadmium is irreversible.

Leukocytosis and low serum IgA in workers exposed to the epoxy compound, t-methyl-3-phenylglycidate

Forty-nine out of 54 male workers engaged in the production of an epoxy compound, t-methyl-3-phenylglycidate, showed skin symptoms in varying degrees that may be due to the skin-irritative effect of the compound. The exposed workers were also shown to have subjective symptoms which may be related to the irritative property of the compound on surface tissue. Laboratory examinations on the blood obtained from the exposed workers showed significantly higher values of leukocyte concentration as compared with the non-exposed controls. This was chiefly caused by the increase of neutrophilic granulocytes and T-cell lymphocytes. Serum IgA levels of the exposed workers were shown to be significantly lower than those of the control group. Hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value and red cell count of the exposed workers remained at the same level as those of the control subjects. Liver or kidney damage was not found in biochemical analyses on the sera of exposed workers.

Rapid formation of secondary structure framework in protein folding studied by stopped-flow circular dichroism

Kinetic refolding reactions of ferricytochrome c and beta-lactoglobulin have been studied by stopped-flow circular dichroism by monitoring rapid ellipticity changes of peptide backbone and side-chain chromophores. In both proteins, a transient intermediate accumulates within the dead time of stopped-flow mixing (18 ms), and the intermediate has an appreciable amount of secondary structure but possesses an unfolded tertiary structure. It is suggested that the rapid formation of a secondary structure framework in protein folding is a common property observed in a variety of globular proteins.