N-glycosylation modifies prostaglandin E2 uptake by reducing cell surface expression of SLCO2A1

SLCO2A1 functions as a prostaglandin (PG) influx transporter to facilitate intracellular oxidation of PGs and its defect causes dysregulation of PG signaling and metabolism. This study aimed to clarify effects of N-glycosylation on functional SLCO2A1 expression. Putative N-glycosylation site(s) (N134, N478, and/or N491) of human SLCO2A1 were mutated to Q and wild-type (WT) and mutant forms were expressed in HEK293 and human epithelial cells. Molecular weight of WT decreased to nearly 55 kDa by PNGase F treatment and was identical to that of triple mutant (TM, i.e., N134Q/N478Q/N491Q). Transport affinity of TM for PGE₂ (K_m of 392.7 nM) was comparable to that of WT (K_m of 328.5 nM); however, immunoassays showed that TM cell surface expression remained at 24% of WT in HEK293 cells, resulting in a reduced cellular PGE₂ uptake. These results suggest N-glycosylation modifies cellular PGE₂ uptake by decreasing SLCO2A1 localization to the plasma membrane.

Resonance effect in white X-ray magnetic diffraction of GdAl2

Using elliptically polarized white synchrotron radiation and an energy-sensitive detector, the 444 reflection from a single-crystal sample of the ferromagnetic compound GdAl2magnetized along the scattering vector has been measured, and the asymmetry of the diffraction intensity upon the magnetization reversal has been studied in the X-ray energy range across the GdLIIedge. The dependence of the magnetic asymmetry on the scattering angle or on the X-ray energy is understood as the superposition of the sharp near-edge structure and the much broader component arising from the interference between the electric scattering and the resonant and nonresonant magnetic scattering, respectively. To interpret the experimental results, an analytical treatment of the magnetic asymmetry is developed, and in the course of the analysis it is pointed out that in general the pseudo-extinction of the Bragg reflection due to the dispersion effects can be utilized as a technique to raise the magnetic sensitivity in the X-ray scattering from ferromagnetic materials. The potential of an unconventional approach to the resonant X-ray scattering using a white beam, as is clearly demonstrated by the present experiment, is also discussed.

SLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 genotyping by the PCR-SSOP-Luminex method

A simple and novel genotyping method was developed to detect alleles at the swine leukocyte antigen (SLA)-DRB1 and -DQB1 class II loci by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fluorescently labeled sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs) and Luminex 100 xMAP detection. The PCR-SSOP-Luminex method exhibited accuracy of 95% for both SLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 in 6 homozygous and 16 heterozygous pig samples as confirmed by sequencing the PCR products of the same samples. In addition, 12 low-resolution SLA class II haplotypes consisting of 7 and 9 DRB1 and DQB1 alleles were identified, respectively, in one population of 283 Landrace pigs. This genotyping method facilitates the rapid and accurate identification of two- or four-digit alleles at the SLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 loci.

Crystal Structure of Endohedral Metallofullerene La@C82

Since the success of synthesis the molecular structure of the endohedral metallofullerene is a most interesting subject in relation to the electronic state of metal and carbon cage. Highquality crystals of endohedral metallofullerene La@C82 have been synthesized by the arc discharge and HPLC method. The x-ray powder diffraction and the precession photograph of a tiny single crystal have revealed the cubic structure with the space group I43d and the lattice constant ao = 25.72 ± 0.007 Å at room temperature. The structure is characterized by the molecular arrangement in which the molecules align in the [111] direction with the molecular axis orienting in the same [111] direction; this structure suggests the existence of a dipole interaction between the molecules. The metal position in the cage is also discussed on the basis of an ellipsoidal model of molecule.

A novel nonsecosteroidal VDR agonist (CH5036249) exhibits efficacy in a spontaneous benign prostatic hyperplasia beagle model

To date, there have been no reports showing the efficacy of nonsecosteroidal vitamin D receptor (VDR) agonists in a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) animal model. To examine the efficacy of CH5036249, a novel nonsecosteroidal VDR agonist, we orally administered the compound at 0.03 microg/kg to a beagle model with spontaneous BPH. Prostate volume was checked by rectal ultrasonic probe periodically during 11 months of administration and the prostate tissues histologically examined. CH5036249 inhibited prostate growth in two out of three dogs compared with vehicle-treated dogs. In the prostate specimens, substantial atrophy of the epithelium was observed in all dogs administered CH5036249. At the dose given, serum calcium levels slightly increased in the CH5036249-treated dogs but stayed within a normal range. We next examined the cell growth inhibition of CH5036249 using human prostate stromal cells and found the cell growth inhibitory activity of CH5036249 to be comparable to that of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. The bioavailability from oral administration in rats was 95.1% with a t1/2 of 17.6 h. Both micro-AMES and micronucleus tests were negative. Although the results are still preliminary, we consider the novel nonsecosteroidal VDR agonist CH5036249 to be a possible new drug candidate for the treatment of BPH in humans.

Anomalous electronic correlations in the ground state momentum density of Al(97)Li(3)

We report high resolution Compton scattering measurements on an Al(97)Li(3) disordered alloy single crystal for momentum transfer along the [100], [110], and [111] symmetry directions. The results are interpreted via corresponding Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent potential approximation first-principles computations. By comparing spectra for Al(97)Li(3) and Al, we show that the momentum density in the alloy differs significantly from the predictions of the conventional Fermi-liquid picture and that the ground state of Al is modified anomalously by the addition of Li.

A new approach to measuring high-resolution magnetic Compton profiles

It is demonstrated that long-term stability in the polarization of incident photons delivered from an insertion device makes it possible to measure magnetic Compton profiles with a momentum resolution of 0.15 atomic units or better, without employing a solid-state detector and the traditional method of reversing the external magnetic field or the handedness of the polarization of incident photons in an asynchronous cycle with a short period of tens to hundreds of seconds.

Comparison of hemostatic effects by route of H2 receptor antagonist administration following endoscopic mucosal resection in patients with neoplastic gastric lesions

BACKGROUND

To date, there has not been an in-depth investigation to identify differences in the effects of bleeding prevention among different routes of administration of H2 receptor antagonists to treat gastric ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).

AIM

To prospectively compare the frequency of bleeding following EMR between patients treated with intravenous (IV) famotidine and those with oral famotidine.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients with neoplastic gastric lesions (33 carcinoma and 20 adenoma) treated by EMR were included. Subjects underwent EMR with circumferential mucosal incision assisted by submucosal injection of sodium hyaluronate (EMRSH), followed by IV or oral (PO) administration of famotidine at a dosage of 40 mg/day for 2 days. Patients with odd ID numbers were assigned to IV therapy (30 cases) while even numbers were given PO therapy (23 cases). Frequencies and endoscopic findings of bleeding during the first 2 days after EMR were examined.

RESULTS

Frequency of bleeding within 2 days after EMR was 3 and 4% in IV and PO patients, respectively, showing no significant difference. No significant difference was seen in the endoscopic findings of bleeding and therapy, either, with respective IV and PO findings at 23 and 26%.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference was observed in frequency of bleeding within 2 days after gastric EMR between IV and oral administrations of famotidine.

Molecular analysis of HLA allele frequencies and haplotypes in Baloch of Iran compared with related populations of Pakistan

The extreme polymorphism in different loci of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system has been used as an invaluable tool for anthropological studies. Determination of HLA allele and haplotype frequencies in different ethnic groups is useful for population genetic analyses and the study of genetic relationships among them. In the present study, molecular analysis of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DQA1, -DQB1, and -DRB1 genes has been used to assign HLA allele and haplotype frequencies in 100 unrelated healthy individuals from the Baloch ethnic group of Iran. The results were compared with Baloch and other ethnic groups in the neighboring Pakistan. The results of this study showed that the most frequent HLA class I alleles were A*02011 (20.2%), B*4006 (11.1%), and C*04011 (28.6%). The most common HLA class II alleles were DQA1*0101/2 (42.5%), DQB1*0201 (32%), and DRB1*0301 (29%). Three-locus haplotype analysis revealed that A*11011-B*4006-C*15021 (5.8%) and DQA1*0501-DQB1*0201-DRB1*0301 (22.1%) were the most common HLA class I and II haplotypes, respectively, in this population. Neighbor-joining tree based on DA genetic distances and correspondence analysis according to HLA-A, -B, -DQB1, and -DRB1 allele frequencies showed that Baloch of Iran are genetically very close to Baloch and Brahui of Pakistan. This may reflect an admixture of Brahui and Baloch ethnic groups of Pakistan in the Balochistan province of Iran.

Association of polymorphic MHC microsatellites with GVHD, survival, and leukemia relapse in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplant donor/recipient pairs matched at five HLA loci

In order to determine whether matching/mismatching for microsatellite polymorphism provides useful information on acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), survival, and leukemia relapse in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, we genotyped for polymorphisms at 13 microsatellite loci within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of 100 unrelated HSC transplant donor-recipient pairs who were matched at five classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci. A high percentage of allele matching was obtained for five microsatellite loci, DQCARII (96%), MICA (93%), MIB (89%), C1-3-1 (93%), and D6S510 (97%), that are localized within 100 kb of the HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, HLA-B, HLA-C, or HLA-A locus. In contrast, the other eight microsatellites are located farther away from the HLA classical loci and have much lower percentages of allele matching [e.g. tumor necrosis factor a (TNFa) (73%), TNFd (74%), D6S273 (64%), C3-2-11 (46%), C5-3-1 (50%), C5-4-5 (63%), C5-2-7 (68%), and D6S265 (81%)]. Therefore, there were at least eight microsatellite markers with relatively high percentages of mismatches in the donor/recipient pairs with acute or chronic GVHD, poor graft survival, and leukemia relapse. However, there were no statistically significant associations between mismatched donor-recipient pairs at the 13 microsatellite loci and acute or chronic GVHD, graft survival, and leukemia relapse. Nevertheless, allele matching at the microsatellite TNFd locus near the TNFa gene was found by the Fisher's exact double-sided test to be significantly associated with decreased survival in the grade III/IV acute GVHD group. Overall, these results suggest that the matching of microsatellite polymorphisms within the HLA region, especially the ones farthest from the classical HLA loci, was not useful indicator for the outcome of HSC transplantation from unrelated donors. In this regard, the future determination of the genome-wide microsatellite genotypes in HLA-matched donor-recipient pairs, outside the MHC, may be a better possibility for identifying minor histocompatibility genes in linkage disequilibria with microsatellites as potential predictive markers for the occurrence of acute GVHD and survival rate in HSC transplantation.

Insulin regulates the expression of the enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-2 gene via different pathways in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes

We investigated the effect of insulin on the expression of the enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-2 gene in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes. The level of enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-2 mRNA was increased by insulin in both cells. While both wortmannin and LY294002 blocked the increase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and only PD98059 was effective in L6 myotubes. Although the increase by insulin in these cells was inhibited by treatment with actinomycin D, this was enhanced by treatment with cycloheximide. Furthermore, cyclic AMP increased the level of enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-2 mRNA in both cells in an additive manner. Thus, we conclude that insulin and cyclic AMP induce the expression of the enhancer of split- and hairy-related protein-2 gene in both 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myotubes, and that the gene expression enhanced by insulin is regulated by the cell type-specific pathway. The former requires a phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway and the latter a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Successful en-bloc resection of large superficial tumors in the stomach and colon using sodium hyaluronate and small-caliber-tip transparent hood

En-bloc resection is desirable for accurate histopathological assessment of tissue specimens obtained using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). A new EMR method using sodium hyaluronate and a small-caliber-tip transparent hood has been developed. This is a peeling-off method using a needle-knife for mucosal and submucosal incisions. Long-lasting submucosal thickening resulting from an injection of sodium hyaluronate, and good visualization of the submucosal tissue with the aid of a small-caliber-tip transparent hood, make the cutting procedures easy and safe. A large superficial gastric cancer and a large villous tumor of the sigmoid colon were endoscopically resected using this method. En-bloc endoscopic resection was successful in both patients. The gastric lesion was an well-differentiated intramucosal adenocarcinoma, completely resected in a specimen measuring 97 x 50 mm. The colonic lesion was an intramucosal well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in adenoma, completely resected in a specimen measuring 70 x 55 mm in diameter. No significant complications were noted in either patient. The new method of EMR using sodium hyaluronate and the small-caliber-tip transparent hood is a promising method for endoscopic en-bloc resection of large superficial neoplastic lesions, both in the stomach and the colon.

Change in apoptosis in the gastric surface epithelium and glands after eradication of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Change in apoptosis in gastric glands after eradication of Helicobacter pylori has never been reported.

AIMS

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the change in apoptosis in gastric glands after eradication of Heliobacter pylori.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied 23 Heliobacter pylori-positive patients with duodenal and gastric ulcers, who were monitored for 6-12 months after eradication, and eight controls. Biopsies were taken from the antrum and body. Apoptosis was evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-single stranded DNA antibody. Apoptotic index was calculated by counting immunostained cells in surface epithelial and glandular cells.

RESULTS

In the surface epithelium, Apoptotic indexes were significantly higher in patients than in controls. In the upper portion of fundic glands, apoptotic indexes were significantly higher in patients with gastric ulcers (14.2% (9.3, 17.8)) (median (1st quartile, 3rd quartile)) than in controls (8.0% (2.0, 9.0), p < 0.01) and decreased significantly after eradication (3.4% (2.0, 5.3)), p < 0.01). In pyloric glands, apoptotic indexes were no different between patients and controls. In the lower portion of fundic glands, apoptotic indexes were very low, both in patients and in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that apoptosis, not only of surface epithelial cells but also of glandular cells in the upper portion of fundic glands, increased in Heliobacter pylori-positive patients with gastric ulcers and decreased to normal levels after eradication of Heliobacter pylori.

Ordered charge asphericity around dysprosium and structural deformation in DyB2C2

The orbitally ordered phase of DyB2C2 has been studied by nonresonant x-ray diffraction with high-brilliance synchrotron radiation. From the condition of diffraction, the symmetry property of the charge distribution around dysprosium has been concluded at the quadrupolar level. The quantitative inspection, furthermore, indicates that the observed signals cannot be interpreted as arising only from the 4f electrons of dysprosium responsible for the ordering; instead, the experiment can be described rather well by considering a distortion of the metaloid network concomitant with the ordering.

The HLA-DOB gene displays limited polymorphism with only one amino acid substitution

The HLA-DO molecule is a non-classical class II heterodimer composed of alpha and beta chains. We have previously recognized that all eight of the allelic variations of the HLA-DOA gene represent non-synonymous amino acid substitution. In the present study, to analyze genetic polymorphism and allelic variation of the HLA-DOB gene which may affect the efficiency of class II restricted antigen presentation thereby being involved in the susceptibility of HLA associated diseases, we conducted direct DNA sequencing of HLA-DOB in 36 HLA class II homozygous typing cells and identified six new allelic variations (DOB*0101101, *0101102, *01012, *01022, *0104101 and *0104102) including five single nucleotide polymorphisms with only one amino acid substitution. Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium was detected between DOB*01022 and DRB1*1502 only, with no linkage disequilibrium between the DOA and the DOB genes. The HLA-DOB gene has been identified in other mammals, and their nucleotide sequences are well conserved. These facts suggest that limited polymorphism in the DOB gene is profitable to execute their unique function as a co chaperone and so strong selective pressure is operating to prevent generic variation against the DOB molecule interacting with the DM molecule and thus maintaining the specified immunological function of regulating antigen presentation.

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.

Effect of hemodilution on the adequacy of cerebral perfusion under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

Open heart surgery without transfusion has been performed even in children. However, the critical limit of the hemoglobin level has not yet been ascertained. Here, we have assessed experimentally the effect of the hemoglobin level on brain metabolism under hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Brain tissue pH was measured in 14 rabbits that were put on bypass with a different degree of hemodilution. Cardiopulmonary bypass was started at 37 degrees C and cooled down to 25 degrees C. After maintaining the bypass at 25 degrees C for 60 minutes, the animal was rewarmed to 37 degrees C for 30 minutes and then kept on-bypass for another 30 minutes. The perfusion flow was maintained as 10 ml/kg/min.

RESULTS

The lowest hemoglobin level in each rabbit was from 2.5 through 8.5 g/dl. During hypothermic bypass, brain tissue pH increased from 7.21 +/- 0.16 (mean +/- SD, at the normothermic baseline) to 7.55 +/- 0.27 except 2 cases (6.91 +/- 0.16) whose hemoglobin level was lower than 3.0 g/dl. The brain tissue pH after 60 minutes on hypothermic bypass had a good correlation with the hemoglobin level (r = 0.831). After rewarming for 60 minutes, the brain tissue pH was decreased to 7.18 +/- 0.31. In 4 rabbits with less than 4.0 g/dl of hemoglobin, the brain tissue pH (6.67 +/- 0.24) was lower than the baseline level. In the other 10 rabbits, the brain tissue pH (7.22 +/- 0.16) was almost the same as the baseline level. The correlation coefficient between the brain tissue pH and the hemoglobin level after rewarming for 60 minutes was 0.778.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that severe hemodilution in cardiopulmonary bypass promoted acidosis in brain even during hypothermia.

Alterations of gene expression in endoderm differentiation of F9 teratocarcinoma cells

During the endoderm differentiation of F9 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells, as induced by sodium butyrate (NaBu) or retinoic acid (RA), gene expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase), pyruvate kinase (PKase) and 5' ribonucleotide phosphohydrolase (5'-Nase) were examined. The specific activity of ALPase was found to increase by 3.5-fold after 48 hr treatment with NaBu. In contrast, specific activity of PKase were decreased by 63%. Northern blot analysis revealed that the elevation of ALPase activity resulted from an increase in the level of liver/bone/kidney (L/B/K)-type ALPase mRNA and that the decrease of PKase activity was dependent on a reduction in the level of M(2)-PKase mRNA. Interestingly, when NaBu was removed from the culture medium, the levels of these mRNAs reverted to their original levels after 16 h. During these processes, the specific activity of 5'-Nase and the level of its mRNA remained unchanged. In contrast, when F9 cells were treated with RA, only the level of L/B/K-type ALPase mRNA increased. Lastly, we examined the issue of whether an increase in the level of ALPase mRNA is dependent on the transcriptional activation of the mouse L/B/K-type ALPase gene. Transient transfection assays using luciferase reporter constructs showed that the promoter activity increased as the result of treatment with RA but not with NaBu.

Zero-magnetization ferromagnet proven by helicity-switching Compton scattering

A single crystal of gadolinium-doped SmAl(2) has zero magnetization in the midst of the ordered temperature region, despite the probable ferromagnetic spin ordering. The asymmetry in Compton-scattering intensity when switching between right- and left-handed polarization of incident 150-keV synchrotron radiation provides decisive proof that ferromagnetic order is really there, and that spin and orbital magnetic contributions cancel. The experiments also show that the spin direction at this zero-magnetization state is rather stable against the external magnetic field and, nevertheless, reversible by a preceding control of temperature and an external field.

Dynamic asymmetries in convergence eye movements under natural viewing conditions

PURPOSE

To clarify differences in the dynamics of convergence eye movements in response to symmetrical stimuli between the dominant eye and the nondominant eye under natural viewing conditions.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 11 normal volunteers (age range, 22-30 years). The subject was seated on a chair, and the head was fixed using a bite-block. The dominant eye was determined with the "hole-in-the-card" test. Horizontal positions of the eyes were recorded using an infrared reflection device. Recordings of right eye movements were subtracted from left eye movements to obtain the vergence response. The fixation target was moved toward the center of both eyes from 50 to 20 cm in front of the face at a constant velocity in five steps (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 cm/s). The target was moved by a pulse motor controlled by a microcomputer. The dynamic properties of each eye movement and the vergence components were analyzed.

RESULTS

At velocities < or =40 cm/s, convergence responses consisted of two components: the fusion-initiating component and the fusion-sustaining component. The fusion-initiating component drove the initial faster dynamic portion of the response, and the fusion-sustaining component maintained the latter slower dynamic portion of the response. The mean peak velocity of the fusion-initiating component was significantly greater in the dominant eye than in the nondominant eye. The mean peak latency of the catch-up component was significantly shorter in the dominant eye than in the nondominant eye.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicated that the trajectory of convergence eye movement under natural viewing conditions consists of two components, the fusion-initiating component and the fusion-sustaining component, and that the convergence response to symmetric stimuli was asymmetric between the dominant eye and the nondominant eye during the fusion-initiating phase. The neural control system of convergence eye movements preferentially drives the dominant eye during the fusion-initiating phase of the response.

Severe inclusion body myositis with interstitial pneumonia

We report a patient with a severe inclusion body myositis (IBM). His illness was unusual in terms of a rapid progression, high creatine kinase levels, and complication with interstitial pneumonia. He responded well to immunosuppressive agents such as corticosteroids, cyclosporin A, cyclophosphamide, and immunoglobulin. The present patient indicates the wide range of the disease, and that immunosuppressive agents may be useful for treatment of IBM.

Diversity of MICA (PERB11.1) and HLA haplotypes in Northeastern Thais

MICA or PERB11.1 is a polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-related gene located 46 kb centromeric of the HLA-B gene in the HLA class I region. It is expressed mainly in gut epithelial cells, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and monocytes, and is upregulated by heat stress. MICA has been found to interact with gamma delta T cells, alpha beta CD8(+) and natural killer (NK) cells bearing the NKG2D/DAP10 receptor. The MICA gene displays a high degree of polymorphism with at least 54 alleles. In the present study, polymorphic exons 2, 3 and 4 of the MICA gene were analyzed using sequencing based typing (SBT) in 255 unrelated healthy northeastern Thais. Thirteen previously reported MICA alleles were detected. MICA*008, *010, *002 and *019 were highly predominant with the allele frequencies of 21.4%, 18.2%, 17.6% and 15.3%, respectively. Five of these 13 MICA alleles show significantly different frequencies from those of the Japanese and Caucasian populations. Interestingly, MICA052, which is a very rare allele in other populations, was prevalent with the allele frequency of 8.2%, mainly on the HLA haplotype carrying HLA-B*13 in this population. Strong linkage disequilibria were observed between MICA and HLA-B, as similarly observed in other populations, namely MICA*010-B*4601, MICA052-B*13, MICA*002-B*5801, and MICA*019-B*15 (1502, 1508, 1511, 1515, 1528, 1530). A large variety of three-locus (MICA - HLA-B - HLA-Cw) and six-locus (HLA-DQB1 - HLA-DRB1 - MICA - HLA-B - HLA-Cw - HLA-A) haplotypes were recognized in the northeastern Thai population. This is the first report on MICA allelic distribution in Southeast Asian populations. These data will provide the important basis for future analyses on the potential role of the MICA gene in disease susceptibility and transplantation matching in Southeast Asian populations.

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.

Association between CagA+ Helicobacter pylori infection and p53, bax and transforming growth factor-beta-RII gene mutations in gastric cancer patients

We assessed the possible association between CagA+ Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric carcinogenesis in gastric cancer patients. Gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from 64 patients with gastric cancer and were histologically classified into intestinal and diffuse types. H. pylori infection was determined by cultivation, flaA-PCR and serum antibody against CagA. p53, BAX and transforming growth factor-beta-RII (TGFbeta-RII) gene mutations were analyzed by PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing. Intestinal and diffuse types of cancer were detected in 45 and 19 patients, respectively. H. pylori infection was found in 55 (85.9%) of 64 patients. There was no significant difference in H. pylori positivity between intestinal and diffuse types. However, the CagA antibody was positive in 15 (78.9%) of 19 patients with the diffuse type and in 22 (48.9%) of 45 patients with the intestinal type (p = 0.030). Among the 55 H. pylori-positive cases, 11 (29.7%) of the 37 patients in the CagA+ group were found to have p53 alterations, compared with 2 (11.1%) in the 18 CagA- group (p = 0.182). Moreover, among the 64 gastric cancer patients, p53 alterations were more frequently found in the CagA+ group (29.7%) than in the H. pylori-positive CagA- and H. pylori-negative groups (7.4%; p = 0.033). BAX gene mutations were found in 19 (29.7%) of 64 patients and there was no relationship among CagA seropositivity, cancer stages and histopathological phenotypes. In contrast, the TGFbeta-RII gene mutation was only detected in one CagA- patient. The results suggest that CagA+ H. pylori infection may have an important role in the development of gastric cancer patients with p53 mutations

cDNA cloning and genetic polymorphism of the swine major histocompatibility complex (SLA) class II DMA gene

cDNA clones corresponding to the swine histocompatibility complex (SLA: swine leucocyte antigen)-DM alpha chain were isolated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from the third exon in the human HLA-DMA gene as a probe. Amino acid comparative analysis revealed that these clones were more closely related to the bovine and human DMA genes than to the other swine class II genes alpha chain genes, DRA, DQA and DOA. These results suggest that the SLA-DMA gene is expressed and may function, like HLA-DM, as an important modulator in class II restricted antigen processing in swine. Furthermore, based on the sequences and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) patterns in the SLA-DMA gene, no allelic variation was recognized in the second exon, but five allelic variations were recognized in the third exon in five different breeds of swine. These DMA alleles were defined by variation at four nucleotide positions. Two of these alleles resulted in an amino acid substitution. These results suggest that SLA-DMA has little polymorphism as observed in HLA-DMA and mouse H2-Ma.

p53 expression in the gastric mucosa before and after eradication of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Accumulation of p53 has been recognized in the gastric mucosa infected with Helicobacter pylori. We investigated the prevalence of p53-positive cells in the gastric mucosa before and one month after eradication of H. pylori and the relationship between p53 positivity and inflammation and cell proliferation.

METHODS

The subjects included 24 H. pylori-positive patients. They achieved eradication one month after anti-H. pylori therapy. Biopsies were taken from the greater curvatures of the antrum and middle body. H. pylori status was assessed using culture and tissue section (Giemsa stain). Serial sections were used for examination of gastritis (hematoxylin and eosin stain) and for immunostaining of p53, Ki-67 and myeloperoxidase (MPO). p53 index and Ki-67 labeling index (LI) were calculated by counting p53-positive and Ki-67-positive cells in the entire gastric pits longitudinally sectioned and expressing them as a percentage of the total cells in a gastric pit. In the neck regions with and without p53-positive cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were counted in the corresponding area (/50 x 50 microm2) of the sections stained both with p53 and MPO.

RESULTS

p53-positive cells decreased significantly after eradication of H. pylori. Before eradication, the number of PMNs was significantly higher in the neck regions with p53-positive cells than in those without.

CONCLUSIONS

In the gastric mucosa infected with H. pylori, p53-positive cells were found in the neck region infiltrated with PMNs. p53 expression decreased significantly one month after eradication of H. pylori.

Association between CagA+ Helicobacter pylori infection and p53, bax and transforming growth factor-beta-RII gene mutations in gastric cancer patients

We assessed the possible association between CagA+ Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric carcinogenesis in gastric cancer patients. Gastric biopsy specimens were obtained from 64 patients with gastric cancer and were histologically classified into intestinal and diffuse types. H. pylori infection was determined by cultivation, flaA-PCR and serum antibody against CagA. p53, BAX and transforming growth factor-beta-RII (TGFbeta-RII) gene mutations were analyzed by PCR-SSCP and direct sequencing. Intestinal and diffuse types of cancer were detected in 45 and 19 patients, respectively. H. pylori infection was found in 55 (85.9%) of 64 patients. There was no significant difference in H. pylori positivity between intestinal and diffuse types. However, the CagA antibody was positive in 15 (78.9%) of 19 patients with the diffuse type and in 22 (48.9%) of 45 patients with the intestinal type (p = 0.030). Among the 55 H. pylori-positive cases, 11 (29.7%) of the 37 patients in the CagA+ group were found to have p53 alterations, compared with 2 (11.1%) in the 18 CagA- group (p = 0.182). Moreover, among the 64 gastric cancer patients, p53 alterations were more frequently found in the CagA+ group (29.7%) than in the H. pylori-positive CagA- and H. pylori-negative groups (7.4%; p = 0.033). BAX gene mutations were found in 19 (29.7%) of 64 patients and there was no relationship among CagA seropositivity, cancer stages and histopathological phenotypes. In contrast, the TGFbeta-RII gene mutation was only detected in one CagA- patient. The results suggest that CagA+ H. pylori infection may have an important role in the development of gastric cancer patients with p53 mutations

Hypercholesterolemia inhibits angiogenesis in response to hindlimb ischemia: nitric oxide-dependent mechanism

BACKGROUND

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) plays an important role in the regulation of angiogenesis, whereas hypercholesterolemia (HC) impairs EDNO release. We examined the hypothesis that HC may inhibit ischemia-induced angiogenesis by inhibition of EDNO in a rat model of unilateral hindlimb ischemia and that oral L-arginine supplementation, a substrate for NO synthase, may prevent HC-related impairment of angiogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed (A) standard diet (control), (B) 2% high-cholesterol diet (HC group), or (C) high-cholesterol diet with oral L-arginine (2.25% in drinking water) (HC+L-arg group). At 2 weeks of the dietary intervention, unilateral limb ischemia was surgically induced in all animals. Dietary HC groups (B and C) revealed elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels compared with control animals. Laser Doppler blood flow analyses showed significant decreases in the ischemic/normal limb blood flow ratio in the HC group compared with controls (P:<0.05) when followed up until 4 weeks after surgery. Selective angiography and immunohistochemical analyses in the ischemic limb at postoperative day 14 revealed significantly lower angiographic scores (P:<0.01) and capillary densities (P:<0.01) in the HC group than controls, which were associated with decreased tissue contents of NO(x) and cGMP. Oral L-arginine supplementation (HC+L-arg) significantly improved all parameters of the laser Doppler blood perfusion ratio, angiographic scores, and capillary densities (P:<0.01 versus HC group), which were accompanied by significant elevations in serum L-arginine levels and tissue NO(x) and cGMP contents.

CONCLUSIONS

Collateral vessel formation and angiogenesis in response to hindlimb ischemia were significantly attenuated in rats with dietary HC. The mechanism may be related to the reduced NO bioactivity in the ischemic tissues. Augmentation of the tissue NO activity by oral L-arginine supplementation restored the impaired angiogenesis in HC.

Simple and rapid determination of Gtpase activity by capillary electrophoresis without radioisotope

In order to determine guanosine-5'-triphosphatase (GTPase) activity, we developed a simple, rapid and reliable method that utilizes capillary electrophoresis without radioisotope. Tubulin-GTPase was used for simple measurement of GTPase activity utilizing capillary electrophoresis. Tubulin, a component of microtubules, was incubated with guanosine-5'-triphosphate (GTP) in 100 mM 2-(N-morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid (MES) buffer (pH 6.5). Guanosine-5'-diphosphate (GDP) was determined as the hydrolyzed product of GTP. Guanosine-5'-monophosphate, GDP and GTP in the filtrate of the mixture were clearly separated using 10 mM MES buffer (pH 6.5) (migration time, 3.8, 5.5 and 7.2 minutes, respectively) with a fused-silica capillary column. The quantification of GDP was based on the peak area, which increased linearly with the concentration of GDP from 1 to 50 microM (r2=0.995). The peak area and migration time had good reproducibility; the intra-assay coefficient of variation (n=6) was 1.3% for peak area and 0.6% for migration time. As an application of this method, we examined the effect of dimethylarsinic acid, an effective antimitotic agent, on tubulin-GTPase. Dimethylarsinic acid inhibited tubulin-GTPase activity in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition was not complete and the maximum decrease of the activity was about 50% at 200 microM dimethylarsinic acid. Thus, since this method is clean, simple and rapid, its application to the study of various GTPase proteins is expected to be useful.

[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.

Purification and characterization of 2-ethoxyphenol-induced cytochrome P450 from Corynebacterium sp. strain EP1

A soluble cytochrome P450 (P450EP1A) induced by 2-ethoxyphenol was purified to apparent homogeneity from Corynebacterium sp. strain EP1. The P450EP1A showed a single band on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a molecular weight of about 45 kDa. The CO-reduced difference spectra of P450EP1A had a Soret maximum at 447.6 nm. The substrate difference spectra with 2-ethoxyphenol showed an absorption maximum at 394.0 nm. The purified P450EP1A degraded 2-ethoxyphenol in an assay system composed of spinach ferredoxin-NADP+ oxidoreductase and NADPH. The reaction activity decreased to 1.4% of its original activity by addition of CO. The existence of catechol in the reaction mixture was confirmed after the metabolic reaction, indicating that P450EP1A catalyzes O-dealkylation of 2-ethoxyphenol. In addition to 2-ethoxyphenol, the P450EP1A metabolized 2-methoxyphenol, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and toluene.

Suppression of solid tumor growth by a monoclonal antibody against tumor vasculature in rats: involvement of intravascular thrombosis and fibrinogenesis

We have reported that immunization of rat tumor-derived endothelial cells (TEC) isolated from KMT-17 solid tumors results in the generation of several monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). TES-23, one of these MAbs, recognizes a naturally occurring 80-kDa antigen expressed on endothelial cells of tumor blood vessels. To determine whether such MAbs can suppress solid tumor growth in vivo by impairment of endothelial cells in tumors following direct binding, we tested the biodistribution of (125)I-labeled TES-23 in rats bearing KMT-17 solid tumors. We also examined the effect of treatment using unconjugated TES-23 on tumor growth and histo-pathological changes in tumor tissues. Biodistribution studies showed localization of TES-23 into tumor tissues 60 min after intravenous injection. TES-23 suppressed significantly the growth of KMT-17 solid tumors following administration for 5 days. Histo-pathological examination showed that TES-23 caused degeneration, apoptosis and/or necrosis and denudation of endothelial cells in viable tumor areas following local aggregation and adhesion of lymphocytes, with subsequent intravascular thrombus formation by platelets and fibrin. Our results indicate that TES-23, which recognizes TEC, can target endothelial cells of solid tumor vasculature directly, resulting in growth suppression in vivo by reduction of blood flow due to intravascular thrombosis. Our results also suggest that targeting tumor vasculature is a potentially attractive approach for the treatment of solid tumors.

Biphasic nature of inotropic action of nitric oxide donor NOC7 in guinea-pig ventricular trabeculae

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) donor on the contractility of guinea-pig ventricular trabeculae were explored to clarify whether NO affects the function of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the contractile elements. NO donor, 3-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitroso-hydrazino)-N-methyl-1-propanamine (NOC7), increased monotonically the amplitude of the twitch tension induced by electrical stimulation at a concentration of 20 microM. A higher concentration of NOC7 (200 microM) caused a biphasic response: transiently increased the amplitude of twitch and then decreased it. On wash-off of the higher concentration of NOC7, a rebound increase of the twitch amplitude was observed. An inhibitor of NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4, 3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), abolished the mono-tonic increase and rebound increase in the amplitude of tension but did not affect the decrease in the amplitude of tension at the higher concentration of NOC7. Oscillatory contractions developed by beta-escin-skinned muscle fibers were not changed by NOC7 at either concentration. Caffeine-induced tension transients indicating the Ca(2+)-accumulating and -releasing functions of intracellular Ca(2+) stores were not affected by NOC7. NOC7 did not change the steady tension developed in 1.6 microM Ca(2+) containing solution with and without ODQ. These results suggest that the biphasic inotropic effects by NOC7 were not caused by modifying the function of SR and the Ca(2+) sensitivity of myofilaments of the guinea-pig ventricular trabecula, but at least the positive inotropic effect was mediated through cGMP-dependent mechanisms.

New indicator for the Fontan operation: diameters of the pulmonary veins in patients with univentricular heart

BACKGROUND

Operative survival after the Fontan procedure is good; however, there are some patients with disappointing results, especially those with atrial isomerism.

OBJECTIVES

We tested whether the diameter of the pulmonary veins, which is reported as a useful indicator of pulmonary blood flow, predicts operative results after the Fontan operation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated 30 consecutive patients undergoing either the bidirectional Glenn anastomosis (BDG) or the Fontan operation. Age at operation ranged from 3 to 81 months (mean 30). Diagnosis was right or left isomeric heart in 15 patients, double-outlet right ventricle in 4 and various other malformations in 11. BDG was performed in 16 patients and the Fontan operation in 14 patients. The diameters of the pulmonary veins were measured proximal to the entrance into the atrium in the late phase of a pulmonary arteriogram. The pulmonary vein (PV) index (in mm2/m2) was calculated from the sum of the cross-sectional areas of these veins divided by the body surface area.

RESULTS

Of the patients undergoing BDG (+/- ancillary procedures), 12 had successful results and 4 had unsuccessful results. The PV index for hemodynamically successful patients was 361 +/- 153 and 275 +/- 60 mm2/m2 (mean +/- SD) for unsuccessful patients (p = 0.30). Of the patients who underwent the Fontan operation, 13 had successful and 1 had unsuccessful results. The PV index for successful patients was > 285 mm2/m2 and 137 mm2/m2 for the nonsuccessful patients. The new pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) calculated by using the PV index (mean pressure difference between the pulmonary artery and the atrium/PV index) for BDG patients with successful or unsuccessful results was 2.0 +/- 0.5 or 3.5 +/- 0.2 mmHg/mm2 per m2, respectively (p < 0.01). The new PVR for Fontan patients with successful results was < 2.0 mmHg/mm2 per m2, while that for the patient with an unsuccessful result was 4.4. The new PVR completely separated patients into successful and unsuccessful groups, while conventionally calculated PVR did not (p = 0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

PV index appears to be a useful morphological indicator of pulmonary blood flow and "new" PVR may improve the decision-making strategy for patients presenting with univentricular heart, especially those associated with isomeric heart.