Extremely high levels of C-reactive protein in patients with acute lupus serositis

Abstract We present the cases of two patients (19- and 40-year-old women) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who showed marked elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP). In both patients, pleural and/or peritoneal effusions were caused by lupus serositis. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy was effective in improving the serositis and normalizing CRP. Although it is generally considered that the CRP response is relatively weak in lupus patients, these cases suggest that a strong CRP response can occur in a subset of SLE.

43 EFFECT OF VITRIFICATION AT GERMINAL VESICLE STAGE ON THE MITOCHONDRIAL AND CYTOSKELETAL INTEGRITY IN BOVINE OOCYTES

In the previous report, we demonstrated that bovine germinal vesicle (GV) stage oocytes vitrified using a nylon mesh holder showed an in vitro maturation rate to the metaphase II (MII) stage similar to that of fresh ones. However, cleavage and developmental rates of vitrified oocytes were low. Because mitochondria and the cytoskeleton are thought to have a central role in energy supply and cellular division in mammalian embryogenesis, it seems possible that alternation in their function in vitrified GV oocytes may contribute to subsequent lower cleavage and developmental rates. The oxygen consumption rate reflects the mitochondrial activity and its measurement may be an effective way for non-invasive evaluation of oocyte quality. In this study, to ascertain that altered mitochondrial functions and cytoskeleton may contribute to reduce the quality of oocytes after vitrification, we evaluated the distribution of active mitochondria and the cytoskeleton in vitrified oocytes. We also examined the relationship between oxygen consumption rate and the distribution of active mitochondria in vitrified oocytes. Bovine GV oocytes connected with cumulus cells were exposed to the cryoprotectant (EFS40) in a stepwise way and transferred onto a nylon mesh holder, followed by plunging them directly into liquid nitrogen. After warming, vitrified oocytes were allowed in vitro maturation. After denuding, matured oocytes were stained with a mitochondria-specific probe, rhodamine-123 and then oxygen consumption rate using an embryo respirometer (HV-403; Research Institute for Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan) was measured in each oocyte. According to morphological distribution of mitochondria, oocytes were classified as follows: type 1, uniform distribution; type 2, spotted distribution; and type 3, a weak fluorescence. The oxygen consumption rate of the fresh oocytes at the MII stage was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of vitrified oocytes (5.24 and 4 × 1015 mol–1 s–1, respectively), although there was no difference between the fresh and vitrified groups at the GV stage (5.02 and 5.06 × 1015 mol–1 s–1, respectively). The oxygen consumption rates of type 1 oocytes in fresh and vitrified groups at the MII stage tended to be higher than those of type 2 and 3 oocytes (type 1, 5.29 and 5.27; type 2, 4.99 and 4.52; type 3, 4.77 and 4.48 × 1015 mol–1 s–1, respectively). In addition, the percentage of type 1 oocytes in the fresh group was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in the vitrified group (59.4 and 34.3%, respectively). The matured oocytes also were stained with α-tubulin monoclonal antibody or F-phalloidin independently to examine the morphological status of microtubules or microfilament. The rates of oocytes with abnormal microtubules and microfilament in the vitrified group were 29.7 and 43.5%, respectively, showing higher rates compared with corresponding fresh oocytes (9.8%; P < 0.05 and 25.0%; P = 0.21, respectively). These results suggested that the reduction of quality and subsequent developmental competence in vitrified oocytes might be related to damages of mitochondria and cytoskeleton.

Real-time PCR in clinical practice: a powerful tool for evaluating Leishmania chagasi loads in naturally infected dogs

The performance of the less expensive SYBR-Green-based PCR assay, for quantifying Leishmania chagasi in smears of bone-marrow aspirates from naturally infected, mongrel dogs, was recently compared with that of a similar PCR based on TaqMan chemistry. Aspirates were obtained from 36 infected dogs and examined for parasites by direct examination, culture, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) using specific primers (based on the parasite's kinetoplast DNA), DNA extracted from a smear, and either the SYBR-Green or TaqMan chemistries. Every aspirate smear was found PCR-positive for L. chagasi (whether the assay employed SYBR Green or TaqMan) but only 74% of the aspirates were found positive by culture and only 33% by direct, microscopical examination. There was no evidence of PCR inhibition when the DNA was collected from smears, and the parasite loads estimated using the SYBR-Green PCR were almost identical to those estimated using the TaqMan PCR (r=0.99). As a method for quantifying parasite loads in dogs infected with L. chagasi (and, probably, other mammals infected with other leishmanial parasites), PCR based on SYBR Green may therefore be an appropriate and inexpensive alternative to PCR based on TaqMan, and a reliable clinical tool.

Retrospective and prospective studies of hepatitis B virus reactivation in malignant lymphoma with occult HBV carrier

BACKGROUND

In surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg)-positive carrier for anticancer treatment of malignant lymphoma, it is well recognized that reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occasionally occurs. However, there have been only a few studies of HBV reactivation in serum HBsAg-negative and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb)-positive occult HBV carriers. We looked at both retrospective and prospective studies to determine the prevalence, clinical course and risk factor of HBV reactivation during chemotherapy in lymphoma patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-eight of 127 (37.8%) lymphoma patients were HBsAg negative and HBcAb positive, and 24 of these patients were then given liver function tests and HBsAg tests monthly and serum HBV DNA every 3 months.

RESULTS

HBV reactivation was observed in two patients (4.1%) who had received intensive chemotherapy including steroid and rituximab. Immediate administration of entecavir therapy after elevation of HBV DNA level was conducted, and this resulted in reduction of it and improvement of liver function test.

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab plus steroid-containing regimens may increase the risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative and HBcAb-positive lymphoma patients. More ambitious prospective studies are required to establish clinically useful or cost-effective follow-up methods for control of HBV reactivation in lymphoma patients with occult HBV infection.

Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi-infected mice as a model for the study of glomerular lesions in visceral leishmaniasis

Renal involvement in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is very frequent but the pathogenesis of this nephropathy is poorly understood. In previous studies using dogs with VL we have detected new immunopathological elements in the glomeruli such as T cells and adhesion molecules. Although Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi-infected dogs and hamsters are considered to be good models for VL, their use is limited for immunopathologic studies. The use of isogenic mouse strains susceptible to L. (L.) chagasi infection was an alternative but, on the other hand, the renal lesions of these animals have not yet been characterized. Thus, our purpose in the present study was to characterize mice infected with L. (L.) chagasi as a suitable model to study VL nephropathy. Kidney samples were obtained from control mice (N = 12) and from BALB/c mice (N = 24) injected intraperitoneally with 20 million L. (L.) chagasi amastigotes 7, 15, and 30 days after injection and processed for histopathological studies and detection of IgG deposits. Glomerular hypercellularity was clearly visible and, upon Mason's trichrome and periodic acid methenamine silver staining, a pattern suggestive of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was observed in mice with VL. Time-dependent IgG deposits were also seen in infected mice. We consider L. (L.) chagasi-infected mice to be a suitable model for studies of the immunopathogenesis of glomerular lesions in VL.

359 THE EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE OF OXYGEN CONSUMPTION BY PORCINE OOCYTES RELATES TO THE HIGH COMPETENCE OF OOCYTE MATURATION

We succeeded in noninvasively and quantitatively determining the oxygen consumption rate of single bovine oocytes and embryos by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Results from our earlier studies with bovine embryos established a positive relationship between oxygen consumption and embryo quality by using SECM (Abe et al. 2004 J. Mamm. Ova Res. 21, 22–30). However, the oxygen consumption of porcine oocytes and the relationship between oxygen consumption and oocytes quality were still unclear. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the oxygen consumption of single porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) and oocytes; and (2) to examine the change of oxygen consumption of oocytes during IVM. The COCs collected from 2–5 mm follicles of a porcine ovary were classified into four grades according to morphological criteria (A, compact multilayered cumulus; B, 3 to 5 layers of compact cumulus; C, less than 3 layers of cumulus, including small areas of denuded zonae pellucidae; and D, completely or mostly denuded). Oxygen consumption of these COCs was measured using by the SECM system (HV-403; Research Institute for Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan). After the measurement, cumulus cells were removed from COCs mechanically, and oxygen consumption of the oocytes was evaluated. The COCs were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% porcine follicular fluid and 10 IU mL-1 eCG. After IVM, oxygen consumption and ATP content of the oocytes were determined. ATP content was measured using a commercial assay kit (Promega K.K. Japan, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan) based on the luciferin-luciferase reaction. Moreover, distribution of active mitochondria in the oocytes during IVM was investigated using MitoTracker Orange staining (Invitrogen Japan K.K., Tokyo, Japan). The rates of oxygen consumption and oocyte maturation of higher-graded COCs and oocytes tended to be higher. In matured oocytes with a first polar body, oxygen consumption (F × 10-14 mol s-1) was maintained at a high level during IVM (GV oocytes: 0.60 ± 0.03; matured oocytes: 0.57 ± 0.01). ATP content (pmol/oocyte) of matured oocytes was significantly increased by IVM culture (GV oocytes: 1.16 ± 0.11; matured oocytes: 2.06 ± 0.06). On the other hand, in non-matured oocytes without a first polar body, oxygen consumption (0.31 ± 0.04) and ATP content (1.51 ± 0.21) were significantly lower than in matured oocytes. The mitochondrial distribution pattern of the oocytes during IVM was changed into an aggregated type (mitochondria distributed to the inner region of the cytoplasm with aggregation of larger fluorescent areas) from a peripheral type (mitochondria evenly distributed to the periphery of the cytoplasm) through a semi-peripheral type (mitochondria distributed to the periphery of the cytoplasm with small spots of fluorescence intensity). However, most of non-matured oocytes showed a semi-peripheral type. These results demonstrated that the oocytes with high oxygen consumption and ATP levels showed higher competence of oocyte maturation. Furthermore, these findings suggest that mitochondrial reorganization may be partly related to the oxygen consumption and consequently the quality of porcine oocytes.

197 EFFECTS OF HYALURONAN ON OXYGEN CONSUMPTION AND ATP CONTENT IN PIG BLASTOCYSTS PRODUCED IN VITRO

Hyaluronan (HA), a glycosaminoglycan present in follicular and oviductal fluids, has been related to sperm capacitation, fertilization, and embryo development. We have found that exogenous HA improves cell proliferation of porcine embryos cultured in a chemically defined medium (Yoshioka et al. 2004 Reprod. Fertil. Dev. 16, 264–265). Moreover, mitochondrial maturation was clearly more advanced in blastocysts cultured with HA compared to those cultured without HA, as seen by transmission electron microscopy. In the present study, the effects of HA on oxygen consumption and ATP content of blastocysts, produced in a defined system which reflects metabolic activity, were investigated. Porcine immature oocytes were matured for 44 h in porcine oocyte medium (POM) and subsequently fertilized with frozen–thawed ejaculated semen in porcine gamete medium supplemented with theophylline, adenosine, and cysteine (PGMtac4). Both POM and PGMtac4 were chemically defined media modified from porcine zygote medium (PZM)-5. After IVF, presumptive zygotes were cultured in PZM-5 containing HA (from the microorganism, Nacalai tesque, Kyoto, Japan) at concentrations of 0 [control], 10 [HA10], or 100 [HA100] �g mL-1 until 5 days after IVF. Blastocyst formation rate and total cell numbers/blastocyst at Day 5 were assessed. In addition, oxygen consumption and ATP content of single Day 5 blastocysts were measured. Blastocyst oxygen consumption was quantified using scanning electrochemical microscopy (HV-403; Research Institute for the Functional Peptides, Yamagata, Japan), and embryonic ATP content was determined using a commercial assay based on the luciferin-luciferase reaction (ATPlite; PerkinElmer, Groningen, The Netherlands). Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Fisher&apos;s PLSD test. While the percentage of embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage [30.5% (63/206) to 31.7% (65/206)] did not differ among treatments, blastocyst cell number in the HA100 group [57.9 cells (n = 64)] was greater (P &lt; 0.05) compared to those in the control [48.6 cells (n = 63)] or HA10 [50.0 cells (n = 65)] groups. Blastocyst oxygen consumption rate in the HA100 group [0.629 � 10-14 mol s-1 (n = 15)] was significantly higher than in the control [0.500 � 1-14 mol s-1 (n = 16)] or HA10 [0.464 � 10-14 mol s-1 (n = 14)] groups. ATP content/blastocyst did not differ among treatments [control: 0.645 pmol (n = 38), HA10: 0.727 pmol (n = 42), and HA100: 0.704 pmol (n = 43)]. It is concluded that HA affects the metabolic activity of pig blastocysts developed in a chemically defined medium, enhancing oxygen consumption and their total cell numbers, thus improving the quality of IVP blastocysts.

87 EVALUATION OF MITOCHONDRIAL FUNCTION IN SINGLE CLONED MINIATURE PIG EMBRYOS BY MEASURING OXYGEN CONSUMPTION

Mitochondria are organelles that produce energy for embryogensis. Their function [oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and electron transport] is regulated by intercommunication with the nucleus. In somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos, incomplete reprogramming may lead to dysfunction of the intercommunication before or after embryonic activation, or both, although it is unknown whether reprogramming for energy synthesis is required. In the previous report (Abe et al. 2004 J. Mamm. Ova Rec. 21, 22), we developed a noninvasive method using a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for measurement of oxygen consumption that provides more direct information about mitochondrial function (Trimarch et al. 2000 Biol. Reprod. 62, 1866–1874). In the present study to evaluate mitochondrial function in individual miniature pig SCNT embryos, we measured oxygen consumption by SECM. Oocytes in pig ovaries collected from the local slaughterhouse were matured for 44 h in NCSU23 and used as recipient. After SCNT with fetal miniature pig fibroblasts, reconstructed embryos were cultured in vitro in NCSU23 or PZM-3. Oxygen consumption in single 2- and 4-cell-stage embryos, morulae, and blastocysts were measured, and the values were compared with those derived from IVF. All data were analyzed by ANOVA. In IVF embryos, oxygen consumption was lowest at the 2- and 4-cell stages, and reached a peak at the blastocyst stage on Day 5. However, there were significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) in blastocysts between NCSU23 and PZM-3: 0.61 � 0.14 vs. 0.83 � 0.18 at Day 5, 0.53 � 0.14 vs. 0.70 � 0.24 at Day 6, 0.47 � 0.11 vs. 0.73 � 0.20 � 10-14 mol s-1 at Day 7, respectively. In contrast, SCNT embryos showed no increase in oxygen consumption during pre-implantation stages in the 2 media, but there was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) at the 2-cell stage between NCSU23 and PZM-3 (0.35 � 0.09 vs. 0.43 � 0.10, respectively). Comparison of the Day 5 IVF and SCNT blastocysts cultured in PZM-3 showed no difference in total cell numbers but significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower oxygen consumption in SCNT (0.83 � 0.18 vs. 0.40 � 0.13 � 10-14 mol s-1, respectively). After treatment with 1 �M CCCP (mitochondrial uncoupler) or 1 mM NaCN (mitochondrial electron transporter inhibitor), oxygen consumption in IVF and SCNT blastocysts at Day 5 increased (112 � 18 and 51 � 44%, respectively) or decreased (50 � 20 and 21 � 32%, respectively) compared with those of nontreated embryos. Sensitivity to these reagents differed significantly (P &lt; 0.05) between IVF and SCNT, indicating that the SCNT blastocysts had a lower OXPHOS capacity than those from IVF. These results suggest that reprogramming for sustaining mitochondrial function during pre-implantation development may be required in miniature pig SCNT embryos.

Genetic potential for an acute inflammatory response in IgA glomerulonephritis in mice

Mice selected on the basis of an acute inflammatory response (AIR) can provide information about the immunopathological mechanisms of glomerulonephritis. We studied the differences between mice selected for a maximal AIR (AIRmax that attract more polymorphonuclear cells to the site of injury) or a minimal AIR (AIRmin that attract more mononuclear cells) in an experimental model of IgA nephropathy in order to investigate the effect of genetic background on glomerular disease progression and the participation of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) chemokine. IgA nephropathy was induced by intraperitoneal ovalbumin injection and bile duct ligation in AIRmax and AIRmin mice. Histological changes, urinary protein/creatinine ratio, serum IgA levels, immunofluorescence for IgA, IgG and complement C3 fraction, immunohistochemistry for macrophages and MCP-1, and MCP-1 levels in macerated kidney were determined. Mesangial IgA deposition was seen only in AIRmin mice, which presented more renal lesions. Increased serum IgA levels (1.5 +/- 0.4 vs 0.3 +/- 0.1 mg/mL, P < 0.001), high glomerular MCP-1 expression and decreased monocyte/macrophage infiltration in the interstitial area (0.3 +/- 0.3 vs 1.1 +/- 0.9 macrophages/field, P < 0.05) were detected in AIRmin mice compared to AIRmax mice. No glomerular monocyte/macrophage infiltration was detected in either strain. In spite of the absence of IgA deposition, AIRmax mice presented discrete or absent mesangial proliferation. The study showed that there are differences between mice selected for AIRmax and AIRmin with respect to serum IgA levels, histological damage and MCP-1 chemokine production after ovalbumin injection in combination with bile duct ligation.

Morphological and biochemical dynamics of porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes: role of cumulus expansion in oocyte maturation

The process of cumulus expansion is a current topic of interest for in vitro production of embryos. In the present study, we examined the components of cumulus expansion, molecular mechanisms of cumulus expansion, and role of cumulus expansion for porcine oocyte maturation. The degree of cumulus expansion in the porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) increased gradually until 48 h in culture in TCM-199. On the other hand, when the COCs were cultured in TCM-199 with a hyaluronan synthesis inhibitor and hyaluronidase, they showed no evidence of cumulus expansion during the culture period. Furthermore, the expression of hyaluronan synthase 2 (has2) in cumulus cells is accompanied by cumulus expansion. Hyaluronan receptor CD44 mRNA expressed in the cumulus cell, but not in the oocyte extracts. CD44 protein also expressed in/on the membrane of cumulus cells and its expression increased in a manner dependent on the degree of cumulus expansion. Moreover, we found that hyaluronan-CD44 system during cumulus expansion induces the activation of maturation promoting factor, resulting in germinal vesicle breakdown of the oocytes, and the tyrosine-phosphorylation of Cx43 in the COCs. The present results showed that the main component of cumulus expansion in the COCs is hyaluronan; the hyaluronan-CD44 system during cumulus expansion regulates the disruption of gap junctions in the COCs, and concurrently controls the incidence of meiotic resumption in the porcine oocytes.

Immunohistochemical localization and expression of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the epithelium of the pig oviduct during oestrus

Hyaluronan is related to essential reproductive processes in pigs. Hyaluronan produced by cumulus cells builds, via specific cell surface receptors, an extracellular matrix responsible for cumulus cell cloud expansion during final oocyte maturation, a preparatory event for ovulation and fertilization. In addition, hyaluronan that has been localized in the pig oviduct both in the intraluminal fluid and on the surface of the lining epithelium of the preovulatory sperm reservoir, has proven beneficial during in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, thus indicating that it has a role in vivo. This study monitored the immunolocalization, protein determination and gene expression of the major cell surface hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the epithelial lining of the pig oviduct during selected stages of standing oestrus, in relation to spontaneous ovulation. The CD44 immunostaining in the lining epithelium was localized to the surface membrane and the supranuclear domain of mainly the secretory cells, particularly in the sperm reservoir of both treatment (inseminated) and control (non-inseminated) specimens. Up to four hyaluronan-binding protein (HABP) bands (60, 90, 100 and 200 kDa) were detected in the tubal epithelium, and the 200 kDa band was determined as CD44 by immunoblotting. The expression of CD44 mRNA was higher before than after ovulation (P < 0.05), most conspicuously in the uterotubal junction (UTJ). In addition, CD44 expression in the preovulatory UTJ and the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) of control animals was higher than in those that were inseminated (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 for UTJ and AIJ, respectively). The results demonstrate for the first time that the specific hyaluronan receptor CD44 is expressed by the oviduct epithelial cells during spontaneous oestrus, and is particularly abundant in the sperm reservoir before ovulation. Presence of spermatozoa in this segment seemed to downregulate the receptor. The variation in the expression of CD44 in relation to spontaneous ovulation and the presence of spermatozoa indicate that the hyaluronan CD44-signalling pathway may play a role in oviduct function during sperm storage and fertilization in pigs.

Immunohistochemical localization and expression of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the epithelium of the pig oviduct during oestrus

Hyaluronan is related to essential reproductive processes in pigs. Hyaluronan produced by cumulus cells builds, via specific cell surface receptors, an extracellular matrix responsible for cumulus cell cloud expansion during final oocyte maturation, a preparatory event for ovulation and fertilization. In addition, hyaluronan that has been localized in the pig oviduct both in the intraluminal fluid and on the surface of the lining epithelium of the preovulatory sperm reservoir, has proven beneficial during in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, thus indicating that it has a role in vivo. This study monitored the immunolocalization, protein determination and gene expression of the major cell surface hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the epithelial lining of the pig oviduct during selected stages of standing oestrus, in relation to spontaneous ovulation. The CD44 immunostaining in the lining epithelium was localized to the surface membrane and the supranuclear domain of mainly the secretory cells, particularly in the sperm reservoir of both treatment (inseminated) and control (non-inseminated) specimens. Up to four hyaluronan-binding protein (HABP) bands (60, 90, 100 and 200 kDa) were detected in the tubal epithelium, and the 200 kDa band was determined as CD44 by immunoblotting. The expression of CD44 mRNA was higher before than after ovulation (P < 0.05), most conspicuously in the uterotubal junction (UTJ). In addition, CD44 expression in the preovulatory UTJ and the ampullary-isthmic junction (AIJ) of control animals was higher than in those that were inseminated (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 for UTJ and AIJ, respectively). The results demonstrate for the first time that the specific hyaluronan receptor CD44 is expressed by the oviduct epithelial cells during spontaneous oestrus, and is particularly abundant in the sperm reservoir before ovulation. Presence of spermatozoa in this segment seemed to downregulate the receptor. The variation in the expression of CD44 in relation to spontaneous ovulation and the presence of spermatozoa indicate that the hyaluronan CD44-signalling pathway may play a role in oviduct function during sperm storage and fertilization in pigs.

Concurrent inactivation of RB1 and TP53 pathways in anaplastic oligodendrogliomas

Oligodendrogliomas are characterized by frequent loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomes 1p and 19q, but additional genetic alterations are likely to be involved. In this study, we screened 28 oligodendrogliomas (WHO grade II) and 20 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (WHO grade III) for alterations in the RB1/CDK4/p16INK4a/p15INK4b and TP53/p14ARF/MDM2 pathways. In oligodendrogliomas, hypermethylation of RB1 (1 case) and p14ARF (6 cases) were the only detectable genetic changes (7/28, 25%). In anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, the RB1/CDK4/p16INK4a/p15INK4b signaling pathway regulating the G1 -->3 S transition of the cell cycle was altered in 13/20 (65%) cases, by either RBI alteration, CDK4 amplification, or p16IN4a/p15INK4b homozygous deletion or promoter hypermethylation. Further, 50% (10/20) of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas showed alterations in the TP53 pathway through promoter hypermethylation or homozygous deletion of the p14ARF gene and, less frequently, through TP53 mutation or MDM2 amplification. Of 13 anaplastic astrocytomas with an altered RB1 pathway, 9 (69%) also showed a dysregulated TP53 pathway. Thus, simultaneous disruption of the RB1/CDK4/p16INK4a/p15INK4b and the TP53/p14ARF/MDM2 pathways occurs in 45% (9/20) of anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, suggesting that these phenomena contribute to their malignant phenotype.

Mortality and cancer incidence among a population previously exposed to environmental cadmium

OBJECTIVES

This paper evaluates the associations of previous exposure to environmental cadmium (Cd) and renal function with total mortality and cancer incidence.

METHODS

The study population comprised 275 residents (aged 40-92 years at baseline) in a Cd-polluted area located on Tsushima Island, Nagasaki, Japan. In the study area, the dietary intake of Cd decreased because the soil of the Cd-polluted rice fields was replaced with new soil between 1980 and 1983. The mortality rate from 1982 to 1997 and cancer incidence from 1985 to 1996 were investigated. Standardized mortality and incidence ratios (SMR and SIR) were calculated by using regional reference rates. The associations of renal function and urinary Cd levels with total mortality and cancer incidence were evaluated with Cox regression models.

RESULTS

The SMR for all subjects, and those with a urinary beta2-microglobulin (U-beta2M) concentration > or = 1,000 microg/g creatinine (Cr) and < 1,000 microg/g Cr was estimated at 90 [95% confidence interval (CI) 73-109], 138 (95% CI 101-183) and 66 (95% CI 49-87), respectively. After adjustment for age and other potential confounders, in men, serum beta2M (S-beta2M) (> or = 2.3 mg/l) and in women, serum Cr (> or = 21.2 mg/ 100 ml), relative clearance of beta2M (> or = 21%) and U-beta2M (> or = 1,000 microg/g Cr), were associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality, with hazard ratios exceeding 2.0. After further adjustment for log(U-beta2M), the rate ratio of deaths associated with, in men, increased S-beta2M was 2.53 (95% CI 0.97-6.65) and, in women, increased serum Cr (S-Cr) concentrations was 2.75 (95% CI 1.24-6.14). Urinary Cd concentrations (> or = 10 microg/g Cr) were not significantly associated with mortality. The overall SIR of all malignant neoplasms was 71 (95% CI 44-107).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that renal tubule dysfunction and a reduced glomerular filtration rate are predictors of mortality among persons previously exposed to environmental Cd. However, the results also suggest that overall mortality rates in Cd-polluted areas are not necessarily increased, because of the low mortality among those with no, or only slight, signs of low-molecular weight proteinuria. Overall cancer incidence may not be increased among residents in Cd-polluted areas.

In vitro antifungal activity of KP-103, a novel triazole derivative, and its therapeutic efficacy against experimental plantar tinea pedis and cutaneous candidiasis in guinea pigs

The in vitro activity of KP-103, a novel triazole derivative, against pathogenic fungi that cause dermatomycoses and its therapeutic efficacy against plantar tinea pedis and cutaneous candidiasis in guinea pigs were investigated. MICs were determined by a broth microdilution method with morpholinepropanesulfonic acid-buffered RPMI 1640 medium for Candida species and with Sabouraud dextrose broth for dermatophytes and by an agar dilution method with medium C for Malassezia furfur. KP-103 was the most active of all the drugs tested against Candida albicans (geometric mean [GM] MIC, 0.002 microg/ml), other Candida species including Candida parapsilosis and Candida glabrata (GM MICs, 0.0039 to 0.0442 microg/ml), and M. furfur (GM MIC, 0.025 microg/ml). KP-103 (1% solution) was highly effective as a treatment for guinea pigs with cutaneous candidiasis and achieved mycological eradication in 8 of the 10 infected animals, whereas none of the imidazoles tested (1% solutions) was effective in even reducing the levels of the infecting fungi. KP-103 was as active as clotrimazole and neticonazole but was less active than lanoconazole and butenafine against Trichophyton rubrum (MIC at which 80% of isolates are inhibited [MIC(80)], 0.125 microg/ml) and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (MIC(80), 0.25 microg/ml). However, KP-103 (1% solution) exerted therapeutic efficacy superior to that of neticonazole and comparable to those of lanoconazole and butenafine, yielding negative cultures for all samples from guinea pigs with plantar tinea pedis tested. This suggests that KP-103 has better pharmacokinetic properties in skin tissue than the reference drugs. Because the in vitro activity of KP-103, unlike those of the reference drugs, against T. mentagrophytes was not affected by hair as a keratinic substance, its excellent therapeutic efficacy seems to be attributable to good retention of its antifungal activity in skin tissue, in addition to its potency.

Acute gastric dilatation accompanied by diabetes mellitus

A 72-year-old man with diabetic triopathy was hospitalized with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. Six hours after the admission, his abdomen was fully expanded. An abdominal X-ray showed gastric dilatation. After insertion of a gastric tube to extract gastric air, his abdomen was flat and gastric dilatation improved. A positive Schellong test and decreased coefficient of RR interval in electrocardiogram variation indicated autonomic neuropathy, which may explain the reason for gastric hypomotility. Acute gastric dilatation in this patient may have occurred due to gastric hypomotility as a result of diabetic autonomic neuropathy in addition to gastric motility inhibition resulting from gastric autonomic nerve stimulation by bacterial toxin.

Study of early pregnancy factor (EPF) in equine (Equus caballus)

PROBLEM

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) is an immunosuppressive protein detected in the early pregnancy serum. We have already reported that we developed the rosette inhibition test for mare EPF and detected EPF in thoroughbreds. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not our method could be used clinically.

METHODS OF STUDY

The rosette inhibition test for equine EPF was carried out on serum from six nonpregnant and six pregnant Shetland ponies, a female and a male Chinese pony, and four nonpregnant and 13 pregnant thoroughbred mares. In the thoroughbreds sera were collected during the pregnancy period. Furthermore, we measured progesterone and detected pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) in order to confirm pregnancy of the Chinese pony 3 and 6 months after mating.

RESULTS

In the nonpregnant Shetland ponies, the rosette inhibition titre (RIT) was 6.0+/-1.0 and EPF was negative. In contrast, in the pregnant ponies, the RIT was 9.2+/-0.4 and EPF was positive. Based on these results, we diagnosed pregnancy of the Chinese pony. The RIT of the female Chinese pony (3 months after mating) was above 10 and EPF was positive. Furthermore, we detected PMSG and progesterone in the serum of this pony. EPF appeared in the maternal blood circulation at 24-72 hr after mating, it was detected until the second trimester, and after that it disappeared from the maternal serum.

CONCLUSIONS

The pony's EPF was detected by using the same rosette inhibition test as in the thoroughbred and was present from 24 to 72 hr after mating until the second trimester. The results indicated that our method was useful for pregnancy diagnosis of Equine.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of (2R,3R)-2-aryl-1-azolyl-3-(substituted amino)-2-butanol derivatives as topical antifungal agents

2-Aryl-1-azolyl-3-(substituted amino)-2-butanol derivatives I were prepared by ring-opening reaction of epoxides II with excess amine, and their antifungal activities were evaluated as topical agents. Azolyl-cyclic amine derivatives with a methylene group showed extremely strong activity with a broad spectrum in vitro. In general, anti-Trichophyton mentagrophytes activities of most of the topical antifungal agents are substantially reduced by addition of keratin (a major constituent of the keratinized tissue). However, the triazole derivative (2R,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-methylenepiperidino)-1-(1H-1,2 ,4- triazol-1-yl)-2-butanol ((-)-40, KP-103) showed very little deactivation by addition of keratin. This biological characteristic of triazole derivative (-)-40 resulted in excellent therapeutic efficacy on dermatophytosis superior to that of the corresponding imidazole derivative ((-)-41).

Anti-Trichophyton mentagrophytes activity and percutaneous permeation of butenafine in guinea pigs

We examined anti-Trichophyton mentagrophytes activity, cutaneous penetration, and skin localization of butenafine, a novel benzylamine antifungal agent. The following results were obtained. (i) In the guinea pig dorsal skin trichophytosis model, butenafine produced complete eradication of fungi from infected sites. Clotrimazole was active when animals were infected with 10(4) or 10(5) cells but was almost inactive when the inoculum size was 10(6) cells. (ii) The MICs of butenafine and clotrimazole against arthrospores of T. mentagrophytes KD-04 were 0.025 and 0.39 microgram/ml, respectively. (iii) When 0.2 ml of a 1% 14C-butenafine solution was applied for 23 h/day for 7 days, high radioactivity corresponding to 250 to 500 micrograms of butenafine per g of skin in the epidermis, including the horny layer, was observed. (iv) Butenafine penetrates through transepidermal and transfollicular routes. The excellent therapeutic efficacy of butenafine on experimental dermatophytosis may be attributed to its low MIC and good penetration and distribution in the horny layer and hair follicles, where fungi reside.

Topical treatment with butenafine significantly lowers relapse rate in an interdigital tinea pedis model in guinea pigs

Butenafine is a novel antifungal agent of the class of benzylamines. The incidence of relapse after topical treatment with butenafine or bifonazole was investigated in a guinea pig interdigital tinea pedis model. One percent butenafine or bifonazole cream was applied on the infected site of animals for 20 consecutive days starting on day 10 postinfection. On day 30 posttreatment, relapse of the infection occurred in 11 of the 12 feet treated with bifonazole but in only 3 of the 12 feet treated with butenafine. The lower relapse rate after butenafine treatment might be attributable to its potent fungicidal activity and long retention time in the skin.

[Synthesis and antifungal activity of butenafine hydrochloride (KP-363), a new benzylamine antifungal agent]

In screening of new antifungal agents, bis(naphthalenemethyl)amines were found to have more potent antifungal activity than clotrimazole. Studies on their structure-activity relationships indicated that benzylamines had potent antifungal activity. Among them, butenafine hydrochloride (N-p-tert-butylbenzyl-N-methyl-1-naphthalenemethylamine hydrochloride, KP-363) has proved to show the strongest activity. It exhibits a wide spectrum activity in vitro against particularly dermatophytes (87 strains; minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) range, 0.0015 to 0.05 microgram/ml), and also against Aspergillus (15 strains; MIC range, 0.025 to 0.78 microgram/ml), Cryptococcus neoformans (4 strains; MICs 0.78 and 1.56 micrograms/ml) and yeasts of genus Candida (67 strains; MIC range, 3.13 to greater than 100 micrograms/ml).

Effects of butenafine hydrochloride, a new benzylamine derivative, on experimental dermatophytosis in guinea pigs

Butenafine hydrochloride, N-4-tert-butylbenzyl-N-methyl-1-naphthalenemethylamine hydrochloride (butenafine), is a novel antifungal agent of the class of benzylamine derivatives. Butenafine was investigated for its activity against guinea pig dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Microsporum canis in comparison with those of naftifine, tolnaftate, clotrimazole, and bifonazole. Topical butenafine showed excellent efficacy against dermatophytosis when it was applied once daily, and the effect was superior to those of all four reference drugs. When applied once at 24 or 48 h before infection, the drug exhibited excellent prophylactic efficacy against experimental T. mentagrophytes infection. The concentrations of butenafine in animal skin at 24 and 48 h after application of 0.2 ml of a 1% solution were several hundred times higher than those required to kill T. mentagrophytes and M. canis. The good efficacy of butenafine against dermatophytosis may be attributable to its fungicidal activity and long retention in the skin after topical application.

Effects of butenafine hydrochloride, a new benzylamine derivative, on experimental tinea pedis in guinea pigs

Butenafine is a new antifungal benzylamine. The efficacy of butenafine was investigated in an experimental tinea pedis model in guinea pigs, which is pathologically similar to natural infections in humans. Butenafine (0.1 ml) in 0.2 to 1.0% solutions was applied to the site of infection. Treatment was started on day 10 postinfection and was continued for 20 days. Butenafine applied once daily exhibited excellent dose-related therapeutic efficacy. The efficacy of butenafine was significantly superior to those tolnaftate, clotrimazole, and bifonazole.

Effects of topical cyclosporin A on guinea-pig toxic contact dermatitis

It is known that the topical application of cyclosporin A (CsA) has a significant suppressive effect on allergic contact dermatitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of topical CsA on toxic (non-allergic) contact dermatitis. Topical CsA significantly suppressed the toxic contact reaction to croton oil. This suppressive effect was short-lived and reversible. Significant inhibition of the reaction to croton oil persisted for 3 days after stopping the CsA. The toxic reaction was blocked when CsA was applied within 6 h of the croton oil application, but when application of CsA was delayed until 12 h after the oil application there was no significant suppressive effect. Topical administration of CsA could become a valuable tool for treating toxic and allergic contact dermatitis without producing the adverse reactions caused by systemic therapy.