[Preliminary results of biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion, decompression and pedicle screw insertion assisted with endoscopic technique for lumbar spinal stenosis combined with spondylolisthesis or instability]

Objectives: To evaluate the preliminary clinical outcomes of biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (BE-LIF), decompression and pedicle screw insertion assisted with endoscopic technique for lumbar spinal stenosis combined with spondylolisthesis or instability. Methods: The data of 9 patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent BE-LIF, decompression and pedicle screw insertion assisted with biportal endoscopy in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Hospital from March 1st 2022 to April 30th 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. The visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain in back and legs, and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) of all the patients were collected before operation, on the third day after operation and at the last follow-up. Moreover, the operation time, intra-operation blood loss, radiation shots for pedicle screw insertion, post-operation drainage and ambulation time were recorded. The screw position was checked with CT after the operation. Results: All the patients were female with a mean age of (70.3±8.4) years (ranged 56-84 years); the patients were followed-up for 12-16 weeks. All 9 patients had good clinical results. The VAS scores for back pain on the third day after operation and at the last follow-up were both significantly lower than that preoperatively[(2.9±0.6), (1.8±0.4) vs (6.4±1.1) points, both P<0.05]. The VAS scores for leg pain on the third day after operation and at the last follow-up were both significantly lower than that preoperatively[(1.9±0.3), (1.4±0.5) vs (7.3±1.6) points, P<0.05]. The ODI scores at last follow-up was significantly lower than that before the operation ((24.0%±6.5% vs 55.7%±12.8%, P<0.05). The intra-operative blood loss was (177±103) ml, the drainage amounts post-operation was (122±56) ml, the operation time was (207.8±32.7)min, the ambulation time was (2.3±0.5) days. The total radiation shots for pedicle screw insertion were 20-42 times, the average radiation shots per screw was (6.9±1.5) times. No severe complications or adverse events occurred. No nerve root injury or dural tear occurred in the operation, and no revision surgery needed. Conclusions: The pedicle screw insertion assisted with biportal endoscopic technique can decrease the radiation exposure with good feasibility and safety during the BE-LIF. The BE-LIF combined with the pedicle screw insertion assisted with biportal endoscopy is an effective and safe surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis with good early results.

Effects of Tiarella polyphylla D. Don Callus Extract on Photoaging in Human Foreskin Fibroblasts Hs68 Cells

Ultraviolet (UV)-irradiation causes an overproduction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen (COL) degradation causing skin sunburn, inflammation, or photoaging in human. In this study, we prepared callus from Tiarella polyphylla D. Don ( T. polyphylla) stem and its phytochemical profiles were analyzed using HPLC-MWD. The effects of T. polyphylla callus extract evaluated against on UVB-induced damage in human foreskin fibroblast (Hs68). Hs68 was exposed to UVB in the presence or absence of T. polyphylla callus extract at concentrations of 100 and 250 µg/mL. Cell damage caused by UVB was inhibited by T. polyphylla callus extract, which was tested by cell viability and caspase 3 activity in Hs68 cells. Further experiment revealed that T. polyphylla extract suppressed the level of MMP-1, but increased the level of type I procollagen. In addition, T. polyhylla callus extract inhibited UVB-mediated COL (-1 and -3) protein degradation and MMP (-1, 2, and -3) overexpression in Hs68. These results suggest that T. polyphylla callus extract has considerable potential as a cosmetic ingredient with anti-aging effects.

Anti-Inflammatory Activities of an Extract of In Vitro Grown Adventitious Shoots of Toona sinensis in LPS-Treated RAW264.7 and Propionibacterium acnes-Treated HaCaT Cells

Toona sinensis has been traditionally used to treat dysentery, enteritis, flatulence, and itchiness. However, the existence of anti-inflammatory effects of T. sinensis on Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin disease is unknown. In vitro cultures of plant cells and tissues produced under controlled conditions offer a continuous production platform for plant natural products including pigments and anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we determine the anti-inflammatory activities of an extract of in vitro grown adventitious shoots of T. sinensis on P. acnes, the etiologic agent of skin inflammation. The extract of T. sinensis showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. It also had antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory effects on P. acnes-treated HaCaT cells. In addition, these effects were regulated by suppression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. These results suggesting the potential application of adventitious shoots of T. sinensis grown with an in vitro proliferation system as a medicine for treating P. acnes-induced inflammatory skin disease.

[Progression and clinical application in unilateral biportal endoscopic]

With the advantages of less operative injury and quicker postoperative recovery time, percutaneous endoscopic spine surgery system is currently one of the most widely used minimal invasive spine surgery techniques in China. However, this technique usually requires surgeon to operate in a single cannula, which brings much inconvenience such as limited vision, small range of motion and low efficiency. Meanwhile, the increasingly popular technique of unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) surgery possesses the advantages of better operation visual field, more flexible in operation, shorter learning curve period, handier surgical instruments for spine surgeon, and minimize radiation dosage caused by intraoperative fluoroscopy when comparing with single cannula endoscopic technique, since UBE requires an additional portal for surgical instruments while the anther portal is placed for arthroscope and pressure pump irrigation system. This technique has been applied to the treatment of degenerative diseases of cervical and lumbar spine, facet cyst, spinal epidural lipomatosis and abscess, and has achieved satisfactory clinical results.

Galuteolin, identified in the extract of thymus quinquecostatus flowers, is involved in inhibiting melanin biosynthesis in B16/F10 melanoma cells

To enhance the skin whitening effect, tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis needs to be suppressed in the skin. To achieve this goal, we examined the extract of Thymus quinquecostatus flowers, and identified a functional ingredient, galuteolin. Galuteolin effectively inhibited melanin biosynthesis in B16/F10 cells, partially suppressing tyrosinase activity. Therefore, this study suggests that galuteolin can be used as a cosmetic ingredient for skin whitening.

The Chaenomeles sinensis Extract has the Potential to Exhibit Antioxidant Activity or Attenuate Liver Damage

Even though Chaenomeles sinensis is extensively used as a medicinal product to cure coughs, little is known about the biomedical efficacies of C. sinensis. In this study, we report the novel efficacy of C. sinensis extract ( Cs-E01). Our 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and superoxide anion scavenging assays revealed that Cs-E01 exhibits strong antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, Cs-E01 played a negative role in transforming growth factor (TGF-β1)-induced gene expression in LX-2 cells, suggesting that Cs-E01 is related to the cellular pathway suppressing liver damage.

The Extract of Edible Alga Petalonia binghamiae Suppresses TGF-β1-or H2O2-Induced Liver Fibrogenesis in LX-2 and HepG2 Cells

Although the edible alga Petalonia binghamiae is extensively consumed as a health-promoting food by Northeast Asians, little is known about the biomedical efficacies of P. binghamiae. In this report, we investigated the novel efficacy of P. binghamiae extract ( Pb-E01) using LX-2 and HepG2 cells. Pb-E01 inhibited TGF-β1-induced cell proliferation and gene expression in LX-2 cells. In addition, Pb-E01 reduced H2O2–induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in HepG2 cells. According to these results, we suggest that Pb-E01 plays a functional role in suppressing liver fibrogenesis.

Anti-hyperglycemic effects and signaling mechanism of Perilla frutescens sprout extract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. (PF) sprout is a plant of the labiate family. We have previously reported the protective effects of PF sprout extract on cytokine-induced β-cell damage. However, the mechanism of action of the PF sprout extract in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has not been investigated. The present study was designed to study the effects of PF sprout extract and signaling mechanisms in the T2DM mice model using C57BL/KsJ-db/db (db/db) mice.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male db/db mice were orally administered PF sprout extract (100, 300, and 1,000 mg/kg of body weight) or rosiglitazone (RGZ, positive drug, 1 mg/kg of body weight) for 4 weeks. Signaling mechanisms were analyzed using liver tissues and HepG2 cells.

RESULTS

The PF sprout extract (300 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in db/db mice. PF sprout extract also significantly improved glucose intolerance and insulin sensitivity, decreased hepatic gluconeogenic protein expression, and ameliorated histological alterations of the pancreas and liver. Levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein expression also increased in the liver after treatment with the extract. In addition, an increase in the phosphorylation of AMPK and decrease in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose 6-phosphatase proteins in HepG2 cells were also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results sugges that PF sprout displays beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes via modulation of the AMPK pathway and inhibition of gluconeogenesis in the liver.

Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Probiotic Mixture on Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Growing evidence has indicated that supplementation with probiotics improves lipid metabolism. We aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of a probiotics mixture (PM) of three strains belonging to the species Bifidobacterium (B. longum, B. lactis, and B. breve) and two strains belonging to the species Lactobacillus (L. reuteri and L. plantarum) on cholesterol-lowering efficacy in hypercholesterolemic rats. A hypercholesterolemic rat model was established by feeding a high-cholesterol diet for eight weeks. To test the effects of PM on hypercholesterolemia, hypercholesterolemic rats were assigned to four groups, which were treated daily with low (1.65 × 10⁹ cfu/kg), medium (5.5 × 10⁹ cfu/kg), or high (1.65 × 10¹⁰ cfu/kg) doses of probiotic mixture or simvastatin for eight weeks. Significant reductions of serum total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, but increases of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol were observed after supplementation of PM in hypercholesterolemic rats. In PM-supplemented hypercholesterolemic rats, hepatic tissue contents of TC and TG also significantly decreased. Notably, the histological evaluation of liver tissues demonstrated that PM dramatically decreased lipid accumulation. For their underlying mechanisms, we demonstrated that PM reduced expressions of cholesterol synthesis-related proteins such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in the liver. Taken together, these findings suggest that PM has beneficial effects against hypercholesterolemia. Accordingly, our PM might be utilized as a novel therapeutic agent for the management of hypercholesterolemia.

Measurement of Heavy Ion Irradiation Induced In-Plane Strain in Patterned Face-Centered-Cubic Metal Films: An in Situ Study

Nanocrystalline Ag, Cu, and Ni thin films and their coarse grained counterparts are patterned using focused ion beam and then irradiated by Kr ions within an electron microscope at room temperature. Irradiation induced in-plane strain of the films is measured by tracking the location of nanosized holes. The magnitude of the strain in all specimens is linearly dose-dependent and the strain rates of nanocrystalline metals are significantly greater as compared to that of the coarse grained metals. Real-time microscopic observation suggests that substantial grain boundary migration and grain rotation are responsible for the significant in-plane strain.

What determines the interfacial configuration of Nb/Al2O3 and Nb/MgO interface

Nb films are deposited on single crystal Al₂O₃ (110) and MgO(111) substrates by e-beam evaporation technique. Structure of Nb films and orientation relationships (ORs) of Nb/Al₂O₃ and Nb/MgO interface are studied and compared by the combination of experiments and simulations. The experiments show that the Nb films obtain strong (110) texture, and the Nb film on Al₂O₃(110) substrate shows a higher crystalline quality than that on MgO(111) substrate. First principle calculations show that both the lattice mismatch and the strength of interface bonding play major roles in determining the crystalline perfection of Nb films and ORs between Nb films and single crystal ceramic substrates. The fundamental mechanisms for forming the interfacial configuration in terms of the lattice mismatch and the strength of interface bonding are discussed.

Extraordinary light absorptance in graphene superlattices

Extraordinary absorption decrease in graphene superlattices in the visible range is presented. Due to competition between loss and resonant reflection at resonance, the absorption displays non-monotonic behavior. As the period number increases above a certain critical value, absorption decreases with the increase in the period number. This is in contrast to ordinary absorption for a non-resonant condition, which monotonically increases with the period number. Moreover, this extraordinary property can also be controlled by applying a gate voltage to graphene sheets. The results provide not only a new understanding of graphene physics but also an application in nanophotonics and optoelectronics.

In situ study of defect migration kinetics and self-healing of twin boundaries in heavy ion irradiated nanotwinned metals

High energy particles introduce severe radiation damage in metallic materials, such as Ag. Here we report on the study on twin boundary (TB) affected zone in irradiated nanotwinned Ag wherein time accumulative defect density and defect diffusivity are substantially different from those in twin interior. In situ studies also reveal surprising resilience and self-healing of TBs in response to radiation. This study provides further support for the design of radiation-tolerant nanotwinned metallic materials.

Regulating role of transmembrane protein 173 (Tmem173) on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis (INM1P.446)

Tmem173, also known as STING, MITA and MPYS, is a potential stimulator of IFN-β production which is essential for innate immune response in monocyte/macrophage cells. Based on the known function of IFN-β as a negative feedback controller for RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of monocytic macrophage cells, we investigated the effect of Tmem173 on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via monitoring the osteoclast-associated gene expression and protein activation in RAW264.7 cells. TRAP activity and bone resorption activity were significantly suppressed in Tmem173-overexpressed RAW264.7 cells compared to control vector-transfected RAW264.7 cells. Tmem173 overexpression also down-regulated expression of osteoclast marker genes, such as TRAP, MMP-9 and cathepsin K, in RANKL-treated RAW264.7 cells. These marker genes were up-regulated efficiently in Tmem173 knock-downed RAW264.7 cells. Tmem173 overexpression down-regulated the expression of osteoclast-specific transcription factors, such as c-Fos and NFATc1, and RANKL-induced activation of ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase. In addition, we observed the down-regulation of RANKL-induced expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Finally, we found that Tmem173 expression was up-regulated by osteoprotegerin (OPG). These results suggest that regulatory role of Tmem173 in RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation.

Transmembrane protein 173 inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation

Tmem173 was identified as a growth inhibitor associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and a potential stimulator for IFN-β, an innate immune inducer and a negative feedback controller for RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of monocytic macrophage cells. In this study, we confirmed that transmembrane protein 173 (Tmem173) overexpression inhibited the expression of osteoclast-specific genes, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), cathepsin K, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), as well as bone resorption pit formation in RANKL-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Activation of osteoclast-specific transcription factors, c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic-1 (NFATc1), and RANKL-induced activation of ERK were also down-regulated by Tmem173 overexpression. Collectively, these results suggest that Tmem173 plays a regulatory role in RANKL-RANK-mediated signaling in osteoclastogenesis.

Possible involvement of transmembrane protein 173 in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis (P3012)

Osteoclasts play a central role in bone development and remodeling via the resorption of bone and are thus important mediators of bone loss, which leads to osteoporosis. In this research, we investigated the effect of Tmem173 on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via the study of osteoclast differentiation associated gene expression, TRAP activity and NO on Tmem173 overexpressed RAW264.7 cells. The mRNA levels of c-Fos, NFATc1, TRAP and TRAP activity were decreased in Tmem173 overexpressed RAW264.7 cells stimulated by RANKL. In addition, we observed down-regulation NO production and the mRNA levels of NO associated factors such as COX-2 and iNOS. Interestingly, we discovered up-regulation of the Tmem173 by osteoprotegerin (OPG) on Tmem173 overexpressed RAW264.7 cells. OPG prevents interaction of RANKL to RANK by competitive binding to RANKL. These results provide new additional information that Tmem173 played a regulatory role in RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation.

Antibacterial activity of phytochemicals isolated from Atractylodes japonica against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been emerging worldwide as one of the most important problems in communities and hospitals. Therefore, new agents are needed to treat acute oral infections from MRSA. In this study, antibacterial compounds from the roots of Atractylodes japonica (A. japonica) were isolated and characterized. The compounds were isolated from the root extracts using HPLC-piloted activity-guided fractionations. Four A. japonica compounds were isolated and identified as atractylenolide III (1), atractylenolide I (2), diacetylatractylodiol [(6E,12E)-tetradeca-6,12-diene-8,10-diyne-1,3-diol diacetate, TDEYA, 3). and (6E,12E)-tetradecadiene-8,10-diyne-1,3-diol (TDEA, 4), which was obtained by hydrolysis of TDEYA. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) was determined in the setting of clinical MRSA isolates. Compound 4 showed anti-MRSA activity with a MIC value of 4-32 μg/mL. The overall results provide promising baseline information for the potential use of the extract of A. japonica as well as some of the isolated compounds in the treatment of bacterial infections.

The effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on the plasma concentrations of resistin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Resistin is a protein secreted from adipose tissue that is thought to play a role in insulin sensitivity. We examined the effects of rosiglitazone and metformin on the plasma resistin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who showed poor glycemic control with glimepiride (4 mg/d) were randomized to rosiglitazone (4 mg/d) and metformin (500 mg bid) treatment groups. All subjects continued glimepiride treatment as well. The plasma concentrations of resistin were measured at baseline and at 6 months of treatment for both groups. The anthropometric parameters, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, and adiponectin concentrations were also measured. After 6 months of treatment, the reduction in plasma glucose levels was similar between the 2 groups. There were no significant changes in the lipid profiles of either group during the study period. The plasma resistin levels decreased in the rosiglitazone group (2.49 +/- 1.93 vs 1.95 +/- 1.59 ng/ml; P < .05) but increased in the metformin group (2.61 +/- 1.69 vs 5.13 +/- 2.81 ng/ml; P < .05). The plasma adiponectin concentrations were increased in the rosiglitazone group (2.91 +/- 1.46 vs 4.23 +/- 1.77 microg/ml; P < .05) but were unchanged in the metformin group. In summary, rosiglitazone treatment decreased the plasma resistin levels whereas metformin treatment increased them in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus showing poor glycemic control with sulfonylurea therapy. These results suggest that the observed changes in plasma resistin levels are not the consequences of improved insulin resistance, nor are they consequences of glycemic control. Considering the potential role of resistin in insulin resistance, decrease in resistin levels may contribute to improving insulin action with rosiglitazone treatment.

Differential Role of the Loop Region between Helices H6 and H7 within the Orphan Nuclear Receptors Small Heterodimer Partner and DAX-1

The orphan nuclear receptors small heterodimer partner (SHP) and dosage-sensitive sex-reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenital (AHC) critical region on the X chromosome gene 1 (DAX-1) contain extra amino acids between helices H6 and H7 of LBD, and here we investigated a possible role of these additional amino acids. Transient transfection assay demonstrated that, in contrast to wild type, in mutant SHP Delta128-139 deletion of 12 extra amino acids in H6-H7 failed to repress the transactivity of orphan nuclear receptors such as estrogen receptor-related receptor-gamma, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha, and constitutive androstane receptor. Interestingly, yeast two-hybrid and glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assays demonstrated that wild-type and SHP Delta128-139 have similar abilities to interact with estrogen receptor-related receptor-gamma, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4alpha, and constitutive androstane receptor. Unexpectedly, in wild-type DAX-1 and mutant DAX-1 Delta338-362, deletion of 25 extra amino acids in H6-H7 had no significant difference in the interaction and repression of steroidogenic factor 1 transactivation. Mutant SHP that contains DAX-1 extra amino acids or polyalanine stretch in H6-H7 showed indistinguishable pattern of repression from wild-type SHP. Interestingly, the swapped SHP mutant with DAX-1 extra amino acids interacted with EID-1 (E1A-like inhibitor of differentiation 1), which is characterized as an SHP-interacting corepressor. However, interaction between SHP Delta128-139 and EID-1 was significantly diminished. Moreover, SHP-mediated repression of constitutive androstane receptor transactivation was significantly released by down-regulation of EID-1 expression with EID-1 small interfering RNA. The present study suggests that H6-H7 loop regions of SHP and DAX-1 play a different role in the repression of nuclear receptor transactivation.

Plasma resistin concentrations measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a newly developed monoclonal antibody are elevated in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Resistin is an adipocyte-derived peptide that might play a role in obesity and insulin resistance. However, its role in humans is largely unclear. Although many studies have measured the expression of human resistin in tissues, the circulating concentrations of resistin and its relation to metabolic parameters in humans are unknown. We developed an ELISA for human resistin and measured plasma concentrations in aged individuals with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus. To validate the results of plasma resistin concentrations in our subjects, plasma adiponectin concentrations were also determined, which were higher in nondiabetic subjects than in type 2 diabetic patients and correlated with the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Log-transformed plasma resistin concentrations (log-resistin) were higher in diabetic patients compared with normal individuals (0.50 +/- 0.39 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.51 ng/ml; P < 0.001), and this difference was significant after controlling for gender and body mass index. Log-resistin did not show a significant correlation with HOMA-IR, waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, or total cholesterol. The plasma glucose concentration was an independent factor associated with log-resistin. In conclusion, plasma resistin concentrations are elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes, but are not associated with insulin resistance or obesity.

Identification of a ligand for glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor constitutively expressed in dendritic cells

Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis receptor (GITR) has been implicated in regulation of T cell suppression by CD25(+)CD4(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs). We isolated a cDNA encoding GITR ligand (GITRL) from mouse endothelioma cells. When stably expressed in HEK293 cells, its specific interaction with GITR was confirmed by flow cytometry with the use of GITR-Fc. The interaction was greatly diminished by the addition of soluble GITRL. Consistent with this, soluble GITRL bound to the cell surface of the GITR-expressing HEK293 cells. Coexpression of GITR with GITRL or stimulation of the GITR-expressing cells with soluble GITRL led to activation of NF-kappaB, which was significantly reduced by anti-GITR. More importantly, GITRL was expressed by both immature and mature dendritic cells, suggesting that the interaction between GITR and GITRL may contribute to immune regulation of Tregs by dendritic cells. This isolated TNFRL represents a bona fide GITRL whose presence has been elusive until this time.

Cutting edge: mouse pellino-2 modulates IL-1 and lipopolysaccharide signaling

Pellino is a Drosophila protein originally isolated in a two-hybrid screen for proteins interacting with the serine/threonine kinase, pelle. Although mammalian homologs have been identified in mouse and man, the function of pellino is as yet unknown. In this study, the cloning, expression pattern, and a preliminary characterization of mouse pellino-2 is described. These studies reveal that mouse pellino-2 is expressed during embryogenesis and in a tissue-restricted manner in the adult. IL-1 induces the association of mouse pellino-2 with the mouse pelle-like kinase/IL-1R-associated kinase protein, a mammalian homolog of pelle. Ectopic pellino-2 expression did not result in NF-kappaB activation. However, ectopic expression of a mouse pellino-2 antisense construct inhibited IL-1 or LPS-induced activation of NF-kappaB-dependent IL-8 promoter activity. Our data reveal that mouse pellino-2 is a tissue-restricted component of a signaling pathway that couples the mouse pelle-like kinase/IL-1R-associated kinase protein to IL-1- or LPS-dependent signaling.

Blocking of c-FLIP(L)--independent cycloheximide-induced apoptosis or Fas-mediated apoptosis by the CC chemokine receptor 9/TECK interaction

Chemokines play a pivotal role in regulating leukocyte migration as well as other biological functions. CC chemokine receptor 9 (CCR9) is a specific receptor for thymus-expressed CC chemokine (TECK). It is shown here that engagement of CCR9 with TECK leads to phosphorylation of Akt (protein kinase B), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), glycogen synthase kinase--3 beta (GSK-3 beta), and a forkhead transcription factor, FKHR, in a human T-cell line, MOLT4, that naturally expresses CCR9. By means of chemical inhibitors, it is shown that phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI-3 kinase), but not MAPK, is required for CCR9-mediated chemotaxis. Akt, GSK-3 beta, FKHR, and MAPK have been previously implicated in cell survival signals in response to an array of death stimuli. When MOLT4 cells, which expressed Fas as well as CXCR4, were stimulated with cycloheximide (CHX), an agonistic anti-Fas antibody, or a combination of these, the cells rapidly underwent apoptosis. However, costimulation of MOLT4 cells with TECK or stromal derived factor--1 significantly blocked CHX-mediated apoptosis, whereas stimulation only with TECK partially blocked Fas-mediated apoptosis. Concomitant with this blocking, cleavage of poly (adenosine 5'-diphosphate--ribose) polymerase and activation of caspase 3 were significantly attenuated, but the expression level of FLICE inhibitory protein c-FLIP(L), which had been shown to be regulated by CHX, was unchanged. This demonstrates that activation of CCR9 leads to phosphorylation of GSK-3 beta and FKHR and provides a cell survival signal to the receptor expressing cells against CHX. It also suggests the existence of a novel pathway leading to CHX-induced apoptosis independently of c-FLIP(L). (Blood. 2001;98:925-933)

SIMPL is a tumor necrosis factor-specific regulator of nuclear factor-kappaB activity

The IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK/mPLK) is linked to the regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent gene expression. Here we describe a novel binding partner of IRAK/mPLK that we term SIMPL (signaling molecule that associates with the mouse pelle-like kinase). Overexpression of SIMPL leads to the activation of NF-kappaB-dependent promoters, and inactivation of SIMPL inhibits IRAK/mPLK as well as tumor necrosis factor receptor type I-induced NF-kappaB activity. Dominant inhibitory alleles of IkappaB kinase (IKKalpha or IKKbeta) block the activation of NF-kappaB by IRAK/mPLK and SIMPL. Furthermore, SIMPL binds IRAK/mPLK and the IKKs in vitro and in vivo. In the presence of antisense mRNA to SIMPL, the physical association between IRAK/mPLK and IKKbeta but not IRAK/mPLK and IKKalpha is greatly diminished. Moreover, dominant-negative SIMPL blocks IKKalpha- or IKKbeta-induced NF-kappaB activity. These results lead us to propose a model in which SIMPL functions to regulate NF-kappaB activity by linking IRAK/mPLK to IKKbeta/alpha-containing complexes.

The seventh transmembrane domain of cc chemokine receptor 5 is critical for MIP-1beta binding and receptor activation: role of MET 287

CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) is a high-affinity receptor for macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1beta and functions as the major coreceptor for entry of macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To evaluate the role of transmembrane domains (TM) in the receptor function of CCR5, the seventh transmembrane domain (TM7) was examined in a series of chimeric receptor constructs including CCR5TM (CCR5 backbone/CCR5 TM7 replaced with CCR1 TM7) and mutants of CCR5TM. The CCR5TM chimera exhibited a dramatic reduction in receptor activation, as well as little or no MIP-1beta binding. Further mutational analysis revealed that Met 287 in TM7 of CCR5 is a critical molecular determinant for both MIP-1beta binding and receptor activation. Interestingly, all of the chimeric/mutated receptors were biologically active in an HIV-1 coreceptor fusion assay, demonstrating that chemokine binding is independent of HIV-1 coreceptor activity.

Thymus size and its relationship to perinatal events

A retrospective study was conducted to assess radiographically the thymus size in well and sick neonates and to search for a possible relationship to perinatal events. Thymus size was expressed as cardiothymic:thoracic ratio (CT/T) by measuring the width of the cardiothymic shadow at the level of carina and dividing it by the width of the thorax at the costophrenic angles. The CT/T was measured on chest radiographs obtained on day 1 in well term neonates consecutively born in our nursery and sick neonates with meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, meconium aspiration syndrome or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Neonates with congenital anomalies, congenital heart disease or intrauterine growth retardation were excluded. There were no significant relationships between CT/T and sex, birth route, birthweight or gestational age in well and sick term neonates. The CT/T were comparable among well and sick term neonates and were significantly greater in the preterm neonates with RDS than in the preterm neonates without RDS. The CT/T was correlated to the birth route only in the preterm neonates. We conclude that thymus involution in the perinatal period is a complex process and the response is different between term and preterm neonates.

A newly identified member of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TR6) suppresses LIGHT-mediated apoptosis

TR6 (decoy receptor 3 (DcR3)) is a new member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. TR6 mRNA is expressed in lung tissues and colon adenocarcinoma, SW480. In addition, the expression of TR6 mRNA was shown in the endothelial cell line and induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin in Jurkat T leukemia cells. The open reading frame of TR6 encodes 300 amino acids with a 29-residue signal sequence but no transmembrane region. Using histidine-tagged recombinant TR6, we screened soluble forms of TNF-ligand proteins with immunoprecipitation. Here, we demonstrate that TR6 specifically binds two cellular ligands, LIGHT (herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM)-L) and Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L). These bindings were confirmed with HEK 293 EBNA cells transfected with LIGHT cDNA by flow cytometry. TR6 inhibited LIGHT-induced cytotoxicity in HT29 cells. It has been shown that LIGHT triggers apoptosis of various tumor cells including HT29 cells that express both lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTbetaR) and HVEM/TR2 receptors. Our data suggest that TR6 inhibits the interactions of LIGHT with HVEM/TR2 and LTbetaR, thereby suppressing LIGHT- mediated HT29 cell death. Thus, TR6 may play a regulatory role for suppressing in FasL- and LIGHT-mediated cell death.

Identification of a novel activation-inducible protein of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and its ligand

Among members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, 4-1BB, CD27, and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related gene (GITR) share a striking homology in the cytoplasmic domain. Here we report the identification of a new member, activation-inducible TNFR family member (AITR), which belongs to this subfamily, and its ligand. The receptor is expressed in lymph node and peripheral blood leukocytes, and its expression is up-regulated in human peripheral mononuclear cells mainly after stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 monoclonal antibodies or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin. AITR associates with TRAF1 (TNF receptor-associated factor 1), TRAF2, and TRAF3, and induces nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation via TRAF2. The ligand for AITR (AITRL) was found to be an undescribed member of the TNF family, which is expressed in endothelial cells. Thus, AITR and AITRL seem to be important for interactions between activated T lymphocytes and endothelial cells.

Regulatory region with putA gene of proline dehydrogenase that links to the lum and the lux operons in Photobacterium leiognathi

Nucleotide sequence of regulatory region (R & R) with putA gene (EMBL Accession No. U39227) from Photobacterium leiognathi PL741 has been determined, and the putA gene encoded amino acid sequence of proline dehydrogenase is deduced. Alignment and comparison of proline dehydrogenase of P. leiognathi with the proline dehydrogenase domain in the PutA protein of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium show that they are homologous. Nucleotide sequence reveals that regulatory region with the putA gene is linked to the lum and lux operons in genome; the gene order is <--putA--R & R(I)<--ter-lumQ-lumP-R & R-luxC-luxD-luxA-luxB-luxE--> (R & R: regulatory region; ter:transcriptional terminator), whereas the R & R is the regulatory region for the lum and the lux operons, ter is the transcriptional terminator for the lum operon, and R & R(I) apparently is the regulatory region for the putA and related genes. Nucleotide sequence analysis illustrates the specific inverted repeat (SIR), cAMP-CRP consensus sequence, canonical -10/-35 promoter, putative operator and Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence on the regulatory region R & R(I) for the putA and related genes; it suggests that the putA and related genes are simply linked to the lum and the lux operons in genome, the regulatory region R & R(I) is independent for the putA and related genes.

The lumQ gene is linked to the lumP gene and the lux operon in Photobacterium leiognathi

The nucleotide sequence of the designated lumQ gene (EMBL accession No. U35231) from Photobacterium leiognathi PL741 has been determined, and the encoded amino acid sequence is deduced. The LumQ protein has a calculated M(r) of 28,416 and comprises 248 amino acid residues. The lumQ gene is identified as the envY-like gene by significant similarity of the encoded protein with the EnvY and AdiY proteins of E. coli; there the envY gene encodes the porin thermoregulatory protein EnvY, and the adiY gene encodes the putative transcriptional regulator protein AdiY. It suggests that the lumQ gene of P. leiognathi is orthologous to the envY and adiY genes of E. coli. The function of the protein encoded by the lumQ gene from P. leiognathi is not really defined yet, it is likely to be the DNA-binding protein related to the araC and xylS family of transcriptional regulators. The lumQ and lumP genes form the lum operon which linked to the lux operon, but run in the opposite direction. The gene order of the lum and the lux operon is < -ter-lumQ-lumP-R&R-luxC-luxD-luxA-luxB- luxN-luxE- > (R&R: regulatory region; ter: transcriptional terminator); whereas the regulatory region (R&R) includes two promoter systems, PR-promoter for the lux operon and PL-promoter for the lum operon; ter is the transcriptional terminator of the lum operon.

[Clinical study on treatment of peptic ulcer with bushen kangkui decoction]

The clinical controlled study of Bushen Kangkui Decoction (BSKKD) on 150 peptic ulcer patients showed that it had a similar effect to injectio cimetidine, and had a lower rate of relapse. And the long-term therapeutic effect was better than that of injectio cimetidine. Simultaneous RIA showed that PGE2 of most treated patients was below normal level before the treatment, but it has increased in various degree after the treatment. The patients under the treatment of BSKKD had significant difference in PGE2 level (P < 0.05), while those treated with injectio cimetidine didn't have (P > 0.05). So the BSKKD has an effect on the increase of PGE2 level of the peptic ulcer patients.