Assessment of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in pediatric community-acquired pneumonia

Rapid diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is required for timely treatment with effective antibiotics; however, PCR-based methods are often too expensive and technologically intensive for general use in clinical practice. In this study, the efficacy of the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pneumonia in clinical practice was prospectively evaluated. From July 2011 to March 2012, 531 children hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia were enrolled. In all patients, throat swabs were obtained on admission for the detection of M. pneumoniae DNA, and paired serum samples were obtained to assay M. pneumoniae particle agglutination (PA) antibody titers. M. pneumoniae pneumonia was diagnosed by either a positive LAMP assay or an increase of 4-fold or greater in the PA titer. Overall, 271 children (51.0% of the patients with pneumonia) were diagnosed with M. pneumoniae pneumonia. Among these, 258 (95.2%) and 248 (91.5%) were identified by the LAMP assay and serological tests, respectively. When the results of serological tests were considered as standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the LAMP assay were 94.8%, 91.9%, and 91.1% and 95.2%, respectively. The median duration of pharyngeal carriage, as measured by the LAMP assay, was 9.5 days. Thus, the LAMP assay is useful in the rapid diagnosis of M. pneumoniae pneumonia.

Clinical manifestations of children with microbiologically confirmed pertussis infection and antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated strains in a regional hospital in Japan, 2008-2012

We conducted a retrospective study in 57 children (median age, 3.5 years; range, 1 month-14.5 years) with microbiologically confirmed pertussis infection over a recent 4-year period in a regional hospital in Japan. We obtained nasal swabs from all patients for Bordetella pertussis isolation as well as performed B. pertussis DNA detection using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Of the 57 cases, 34 (60%) were culture-positive and 57 (100%) were LAMP-positive. The frequency of each symptom was as follows: typical paroxysmal cough for over 14 days, 96% (55/57); paroxysms, 86% (49/57); posttussive vomiting, 33% (19/57); inspiratory whoop, 25% (14/57); and apnea, 12% (7/57). Hospitalization was required in 14 cases (25%), 93% (13/14) of which were aged <1 year. The proportion of patients previously immunized against diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) was 19% (4/21) in children aged <1 year and 92% (11/12) in children aged ≥ 10 years. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for 6 antimicrobials (erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, minocycline, amoxicillin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) were measured for 30 isolated strains, and all strains were susceptible to all aforementioned antimicrobials. Thus, an additional pertussis vaccination in older children is necessary, and the current macrolides-based treatment strategy is considered reasonable.

Morning granulocytopenia in a case of Graves' disease

A 65-year-old woman with Graves' disease presented marked diurnal changes in white blood cell (WBC) and granulocyte counts. Granulocyte count was low and sometimes decreased to 0.2-0.3 x 10(9)/l in the early morning and increased in the afternoon irrespective of her thyroid status. She did not develop sore throat or fever during the investigation period. The present study indicates that these unusual diurnal changes in WBC and granulocyte counts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of agranulocytosis in Graves' disease patients treated with an antithyroid drug.

Inhibitory effects of tranilast on the proliferation and functions of human pterygium-derived fibroblasts

PURPOSE

We studied the possibility that tranilast, an antiallergic and antiproliferative drug, may be beneficial for the treatment of pterygium.

METHODS

Pterygium-derived cells were identified by immunohistochemical methods. Growth rate of pterygium-derived cells was determined by using a hemocytometer. Chemotaxis was determined in a microchemotaxis chamber. Pterygium-derived cells were cultured on floating collagen gel, and the contracted diameter was measured. Collagen synthesis by pterygium-derived cells was determined by the collagenase digestive method. Tranilast was added to the culture medium at final concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 microg/ml.

RESULTS

Pterygium-derived cells were stained with anti-prolylhydroxylase and anti-alpha-smooth muscle actin, and identified as fibroblasts. Tranilast inhibited the proliferation and chemotaxis of pterygium-derived fibroblasts, and the collagen-gel contraction induced by these cells, but it exerted no inhibitory action on collagen synthesis by pterygium-derived fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

Tranilast may be useful for suppressing the recurrence and, possibly, the development of pterygium.

A collagen network formation effector from leaves of Premna subscandens

As a part of the search for biologically active plant products, M cells, which form a collagen fiber network in vitro after a prolonged culture period, were used. The n-BuOH-soluble fraction of a methanol extract of leaves of Premna subscandens exhibited promotion of collagen network formation by M cells. Extensive isolation work guided by a bioassay afforded a phenylethanoid, acteoside, as an active compound.

Novel proteoglycan linkage tetrasaccharides of human urinary soluble thrombomodulin, SO4-3GlcAbeta1-3Galbeta1-3(+/-Siaalpha2-6)Galbeta1-4Xyl

O-linked sugar chains with xylose as a reducing end linked to human urinary soluble thrombomodulin were studied. Sugar chains were liberated by hydrazinolysis followed by N-acetylation and tagged with 2-aminopyridine. Two fractions containing pyridylaminated Xyl as a reducing end were collected. Their structures were determined by partial acid hydrolysis, two-dimensional sugar mapping combined with exoglycosidase digestions, methylation analysis, mass spectrometry, and NMR as SO4-3GlcAbeta1-3Galbeta1-3(+/-Siaalpha2-6)Galbeta1+ ++-4Xyl. These sugar chains could bind to an HNK-1 monoclonal antibody. This is believed to be the first example of a proteoglycan linkage tetrasaccharide with glucuronic acid 3-sulfate and sialic acid.

Inhibition by tranilast of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/vascular permeability factor (VPF)-induced increase in vascular permeability in rats

We studied the effects of tranilast, an anti-allergic and anti-proliferative drug in clinical use, on VEGF/VPF-induced vascular permeability in a rat air pouch model. A large increase in vascular permeability was induced by injection of 4 ml of a 100 ng/ml VEGF/VPF solution into the preformed air pouch. Over a 15-min period, tranilast inhibited the VEGF/VPF-induced vascular permeability in a dose-dependent manner. This result suggests that tranilast, which we recently found to inhibit VEGF/VPF-induced angiogenesis, could also improve VEGF/VPF-dependent increases in vascular permeability.

Human neutrophil elastase degrades inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor to liberate urinary trypsin inhibitor related proteins

Urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) is a physiological protease inhibitor and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (ITI) is regarded as a precursor of UTI. The purpose of this study is to determine the mechanism of the UTI release from ITI. To examine this, ITI was digested by human neutrophil elastase at various concentrations, and UTI-related proteins which were of the same size as UTI were obtained. The amino acid sequence of the 15 amino acid residues at the N-terminal of UTI-related proteins, corresponded to that of UTI. The amino acid sequences of the small amount of peptides detected corresponded to those of peptides from the heavy chain1 (H1) and the heavy chain2 (H2) of ITI, suggesting that most UTI-related proteins do not combine with peptides from the H1 and H2 of ITI. It was also revealed that UTI-related proteins have several physiological activities similar to those of UTI, i.e., human trypsin inhibitory activity, human neutrophil elastase inhibitory activity, inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production from rat macrophages and of superoxide production from rabbit leukocytes. These results demonstrated that ITI is a precursor of UTI which is digested by human neutrophil elastase to release UTI, and that its elastase inhibitory activity is derived from UTI.

Role of O-linked carbohydrate of human urinary trypsin inhibitor on its lysosomal membrane-stabilizing property

Human urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) was digested with various enzymes to obtain O-glycoside linked N-terminal glycopeptide (UTIm1), N-glycoside linked C-terminal tandem Kunitz-domains (domain I and II, UTIm2), UTI lacking O-glycoside (UTIc), asialo UTI (UTIa) and UTI lacking N-glycoside (UTIn). We investigated the membrane stabilizing effect of these UTI derivatives on rat renal lysosome by measurement of lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) release after hypotonic treatment. Intact UTI suppressed NAG release, but aprotinin, gabexate mesilate (FOY), nafamostat mesilate (FUT) and recombinant domain II of UTI (R-020) had no effect, indicating that inhibition of serine proteases was not involved and the carbohydrate moiety of UTI might be necessary for this property. Among UTI derivatives, UTIm1, UTIm2, UTIm1+ UTIm2, and UTIc had no effect. In contrast, UTIa or UTIn suppressed NAG release. From these results, we conclude that O-glycoside linked core protein without N-glycoside is essential to the lysosomal membrane-stabilizing property of UTI.

Tranilast inhibits the proliferation, chemotaxis and tube formation of human microvascular endothelial cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo

1. First developed as an antiallergic drug, tranilast inhibits chemical mediator release from mast cells. In the present study, we examine the effects of tranilast on angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo and discuss the application of tranilast for angiogenic diseases. 2. Tranilast inhibited significantly the proliferation (IC50: 136 microM, 95% confidence limits: 134-137 microM) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF)-induced chemotaxis (IC50: 135 microM, 95% confidence limits: 124-147 microM) of human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) at concentrations greater than 25 micrograms ml-1. No toxicity to HDMECs measuring by LDH release and no inhibitory effects on metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 activity were observed even at 100 micrograms ml-1 (306 microM). 3. Tube formation of HDMECs cultured on the matrigel as an in vitro angiogenesis model was inhibited by tranilast in a concentration-dependent manner. The IC50 value and 95% confidence limits were 175 microM and 151-204 microM, respectively. 4. In vivo angiogenesis was induced in mice by the subcutaneous injection of matrigel containing 30 ng ml-1 VEGF and 64 micrograms ml-1 heparin. Tranilast was administered orally twice a day for 3 days. Tranilast dose-dependently suppressed angiogenesis in the matrigel and a significant change was observed at a dose of 300 mg kg-1. 5. These results indicate that tranilast is an angiogenesis inhibitor which may be beneficial for the improvement of angiogenic diseases such as proliferative diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, tumour invasion and rheumatoid arthritis.

Detection of canine pemphigus foliaceus autoantigen by immunoblotting

The antigens targeted by autoantibodies in sera from canine patients with pemphigus foliaceus (PF) were detected by indirect immunofluorescence and Western immunoblotting. The extracted proteins from canine keratinocytes cultured in high-calcium condition for 48 h after confluency and from bovine nose epidermis were used as antigens in Western blotting. Canine keratinocytes cultured in high-calcium condition showed fluorescent deposits in intercellular spaces by incubation with sera from both canine and human pemphigus patients. By Western blotting, eight out of 16 canine PF sera recognised 160 kDa protein. 85 kDa and 120 kDa proteins were also recognised by four to five canine PF sera, respectively. The 160 kDa band, recognised by eight canine PF sera, had an identical mobility to the protein identified by a human PF serum. These results suggested that the autoantibodies in sera from canine PF recognised the 160 kDa desmosomal proteins, which may correspond to the desmoglein 1.

Efficacy of monotherapy with benazepril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, in dogs with naturally acquired chronic mitral insufficiency

Benazepril (BP), an angiotensin convertive enzyme inhibitor, was administered orally once daily for 4 weeks to 31 dogs with mild to moderate (NYHA functional classes II and III) congestive heart failure caused from mitral insufficiency (MI). There were no significant changes in clinical signs, electrocardiogram findings, radiographical observations and plasma biochemical results in 11 dogs treated with placebo for 4 weeks. In 31 dogs treated with BP, appetite increased, and mean scores of heart failure signs, such as activity, exercise tolerance, cough and respiratory effort, were significantly improved. No dog displays signs suggesting systemic hypotension. One dog died suddenly on the 26th day of treatment with BP. This dog had good vigor and appetite till the evening before the death, and cough and exercise tolerance had been gradually improving. The heart rate and ECG parameters of BP treated dogs did not change significantly, but length of long axis of the heart decreased. In plasma biochemical tests, plasma urea nitrogen (UN) levels did not change significantly, and plasma creatinine (CRE) levels increased slightly within the normal ranges during BP trial. Two dogs had higher plasma UN levels with slightly higher plasma CRE levels, but had normal general condition and other biochemical results. Plasma ACE activity decreased to 57.3% of pre-treatment level at 4 weeks after BP treatment. It is concluded that BP monotherapy was efficacious at least in dogs with relatively low grade congestive heart failure caused by MI.

Immunomapping of basement membrane zone macromolecules in canine salt-split skin

Certain macromolecules of human and canine cutaneous basement membrane zone (BMZ) have shown to have responsibilities for pathogenesis of mechanobullous skin diseases. Salt-split skin by 1 M NaCl have been used for diagnosis of human mechanobullous diseases. However, there have been no studies to characterize canine salt-split skin. Electron microscopy of canine salt-split skin showed the separation within lamina lucida. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed the roof of the cleft was labeled by human patient serum with bullous pemphigoid, whereas laminin, laminin 5, type IV and type VII collagen were labeled at the bottom of the cleft. It is suggested that immunomapping of salt-split skin may be useful for the differential diagnosis of canine mechanobullous diseases.

Effect of cabergoline, a long-acting dopamine D2 agonist, on reserpine-treated rodents

We studied the characterization of cabergoline, a new ergot alkaloid derivative and a selective dopamine D2 receptor agonist, in comparison to bromocriptine and pergolide in reserpine-treated rodents. Cabergoline (0.25-1.0 mg/kg, s.c.) improved dose-dependently the reserpine-induced akinesia that was assessed on the locomotor activity, and the efficacy lasted longer than those of bromocriptine (1.25-5.0 mg/kg, s.c.) or pergolide (0.0625-0.5 mg/kg s.c.). Cabergoline (ED50 = 1.10 mg/kg, at 4 h after the administration of drugs) also reversed catalepsy, the failure to correct an externally imposed posture, and its efficacy was stronger and longer than bromocriptine (ED50 = 4.65 mg/kg, at 4 h). Further, reserpine-induced rigidity was improved equally by cabergoline (0.125-1.0 mg/kg, i.v) and bromocriptine (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.). When cabergoline was administered together with 3(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-DOPA), the effects were additive. Our results indicate that the long-lasting effects of cabergoline could be beneficial for treating Parkinson's disease.

Dopamine receptor affinities in vitro and stereotypic activities in vivo of cabergoline in rats

An ergot alkaloid derivative, cabergoline, and its metabolites were investigated for their affinities for dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in rat striatum in vitro in comparison with those of bromocriptine and pergolide. The affinity for D1 receptors was in the following order: pergolide > des-dimethylaminopropyl cabergoline (FCE21904) > cabergoline > or = bromocriptine > or = des-methyl cabergoline (FCE27395) > or = des-ethylcarbamoyl cabergoline (FCE21590). From the effects of GTP on these affinities for the D1 receptor, cabergoline, some of its metabolites, and pergolide were characterized as agonists in contrast to bromocriptine which was classified as an antagonist. The affinity for D2 receptors was ranked as follows: pergolide > or = cabergoline > or = FCE27395 > or = FCE21904 > bromocriptine > FCE21590 > carboxylic acid-type derivative of cabergoline (FCE21589). The affinity of each compound for the D2 receptor was much higher than that for the D1 receptor. The selectivity of cabergoline for D2 receptor was higher than those of bromocriptine and pergolide. Furthermore, these ergot alkaloids were investigated for eliciting stereotypy after subcutaneous administration to normal rats. Pergolide potently induced stereotypy at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg, cabergoline slightly induced it only at a high dose of 2.0 mg/kg, whereas bromocriptine did not induce it at any of the doses tested, 10-40 mg/kg. These results suggest that pharmacological properties of cabergoline for the D1 and D2 receptors differ from those of bromocriptine and pergolide.

Purification and identification of a novel and four known serine proteinase inhibitors secreted by human glioblastoma cells

Our previous studies have shown that some human cancer cell lines produce pancreatic trypsinogen, plasminogen, and tissue-type kallikrein. To understand the regulatory mechanism of these proteinases, serine proteinase inhibitors secreted by human glioblastoma cell line T98G were analyzed by gelatin reverse zymography with trypsin. The serum-free conditioned medium of T98G cells showed more than ten trypsin inhibitor bands ranging from 16 to 150 kDa in the reverse zymography. Major trypsin inhibitors were purified by trypsin-affinity chromatography. Analysis of their N-terminal amino acid sequences demonstrated that the purified inhibitors were identical to the secreted forms of amyloid protein precursors (APPs), tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI), placental protein 5 (PP5)/TFPI-2, and secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI). In addition, a novel 25-kDa trypsin-binding protein, tentatively named p25TI, was identified. p25TI showed weak inhibitory activity against trypsin in reverse zymography as compared with the other inhibitors. The secretion of multiple forms of serine proteinase inhibitors by human cancer cells raises the possibility that they might be involved in the abnormal growth of cancer cells.

Combined effects of cabergoline and L-dopa on parkinsonism in MPTP-treated cynomolgus monkeys

The behavioral effects of L-dopa or cabergoline alone were compared with those of the joint administration of the two drugs in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned parkinsonian cynomolgus monkeys with attention to the induction of hyperactivity and dyskinesia. Cabergoline alone at 0.2 mg/kg or less improved in a dose-dependent fashion the parkinsonism without inducing hyperactivity and dyskinesia following a single subcutaneous injection. L-dopa alone improved the parkinsonism, but induced hyperactivity and dyskinesia, depending on the dose applied. Doses required for 50% amelioration by L-dopa and cabergoline were 10 and 0.038 mg/kg, s.c., respectively. With low doses (50%-amelioration doses), cabergoline or L-dopa alone improved the parkinsonism without induction of hyperactivity and dyskinesia, but the duration of action was brief. Cabergoline in combination with L-dopa was highly effective in improving motor disability without induction of hyperactivity and dyskinesia. Moreover, the duration of action was more prolonged with the coadministration than with the single administration of each drug. These findings suggest that the combined therapy with low doses of L-dopa and cabergoline is beneficial for treating patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.

Differential effects of three dopamine receptor agonists in MPTP-treated monkeys

The behavioral effects of cabergoline, pergolide and bromocriptine were investigated in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned parkinsonian cynomolgus monkeys with attention to the induction of hyperactivity, as evidenced by irritability, excitability and aggressiveness. All three drugs improved the parkinsonism in a dose-dependent fashion following a single injection. Among the three dopamine (DA) receptor agonists used, the antiparkinsonian effect of pergolide was the strongest and had an immediate effect, while cabergoline showed the longest duration of the antiparkinsonian effect and was least potent in inducing hyperactivity.

Purification and molecular cloning of prostacyclin-stimulating factor from serum-free conditioned medium of human diploid fibroblast cells

We attempted to identify the factor that stimulated prostacyclin (PGI2) production using conditioned medium from cultured human diploid fibroblast cells subjected to a series of purification steps using h.p.l.c. on DEAE-5PW, Heparin-5PW, Protein-Pak 300, and an insulin-like growth factor-1 ligand affinity column. The purified prostacyclin-stimulating factor (PSF) ran as a single band with a molecular mass of 31 kDa by SDS/PAGE. Analysis of the purified PSF by C4 reversed-phase h.p.l.c. showed a single sharp peak in 31% (v/v) acetonitrile. The material was purified 8000-fold with an overall yield of about 18%. The purified PSF stimulated PGI2 production by cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells at a concentration of about 10 ng/ml; maximal stimulation was achieved at a concentration of 25 ng/ml. A cDNA coding for PSF was cloned and sequenced, revealing an apparently novel protein with no obvious sequence similarity to known proteins.

Overexpression of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET17/MET25 gene in Escherichia coli and comparative characterization of the product with O-acetylserine.O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase of the yeast

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae MET17/MET25 gene encoding O-acetyl-L-serine (OAS).O-acetyl-L-homoserine (OAH) sulfhydrylase (EC 4.2.99.10) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and the gene product was purified to homogeneity, using three steps, with a recovery of 28% from the total cell extract. The gene product has been compared with OAS.OAH sulfhydrylase purified from the yeast cells. These two protein preparations were indistinguishable with respect to their behavior in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, both with and without sodium dodecyl sulfate, their specificity for substrate amino acids, Michaelis constant (Km) value for OAH, sensitivity to carbonyl reagents, absorption spectrum, isoelectric point, behavior in HPLC (both ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration), sensitivity to heat treatment, susceptibility to trypsin digestion, and their N-terminal amino acid sequence. The results obtained imply that the gene product is properly processed in E. coli, and the technique developed in this study to overexpress the gene in bacterial cells provides us with a large amount of the purified preparation of the enzyme. In contrast to a previous report we found that cystathionine gamma-lyase of S.

Expression of prostacyclin-stimulating factor, a novel protein, in tissues of Wistar rats and in cultured cells

We recently purified and cloned a newly identified PGI2-stimulating factor (PSF). In the present study, we examined the PSF expression in the tissues of Wistar rats and in cultured cells, such as fibroblast cells (FCs), endothelial cells (ECs), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The expression of PSF was observed in many tissues of Wistar rats, such as brain, lung, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, and fat tissue. Especially, lung and kidney showed a greater expression than the other tissues. PSF was also expressed in cultured FCs, ECs, and SMCs. These results indicate that PSF is conserved over species, suggesting that PSF plays a significant role in regulating PGI2 production.

Modulation of morphology, proliferation and collagen synthesis in fibroblasts by the exudate from hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation in rats

We examined the effects of the exudate, collected from rats in which hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation was induced by methylated bovine serum albumin, on the function of inflammatory fibroblasts in culture. Addition of the exudate to the fibroblast culture induced changes in fibroblast morphology, identified by staining with antirat prolyl hydroxylase. Phase-contrast microscopy revealed that the exudate-treated fibroblasts became elongated and formed a network. Scanning electron microscopy showed that numerous long pseudopods covered the surface of the fibroblasts. Transmission electron microscopy revealed microfilament bundles with dense zones parallel to the long axis of the cell and nuclei with folds and indentations. Microfilaments were also visible in the elongated pseudopods. These features were consistent with those of myofibroblasts. The exudate also stimulated fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. These findings suggest that the exudate contained certain factors that modulated fibroblast morphology, proliferation, and collagen synthesis. It is possible that putative endogenous factor(s) at the sites of inflammation modulate the development, contraction, and fibrosis of granulation tissue in hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation.

Impaired cell-mediated immunity to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leukemic children with prolonged CMV viruria

To determine the role of cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in leukemic children after CMV infection, CMI to CMV antigen was studied using CMV-specific lymphocyte blastogenic responses (LBR) and interferon (IFN) production. Four children, who continuously secreted CMV in urine more than 2 years after symptomatic CMV infection (CMV disease) (group 1), showed impaired LBR to CMV antigen, though they had normal LBR to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A). Impairment of LBR either to AD-169 strains or autologous and heterologous wild strains was observed. IFN production was not detected in three of four children. Six leukemic children, who had no viruria after cessation of CMV disease (group 2), showed good responses to CMV antigens. IFN was detected in all six children in group 2. Eight leukemic children, who were seropositive to CMV at the onset of leukemia (group 3), showed good responses to CMV antigens and IFN production. These results suggest that impaired cell-mediated immunity to CMV antigen might contribute to prolonged excretion of CMV in urine in leukemic children.

Design of variants of the second domain of urinary trypsin inhibitor (R-020) with increased factor Xa inhibitory activity

The second domain (R-020) of human urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI) exerts similar inhibitory activities on trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin, leukocyte elastase, and plasmin to those of UTI itself, and additionally inhibits coagulation factor Xa (FXa) and plasma kallikrein, on both of which UTI has no inhibitory effect. In the present study, we attempted to increase this FXa-inhibitory activity by modeling the structure of R-020-FXa complex and substituting one or two amino acids in R-020 using recombinant DNA technology. Molecular modeling of R-020 and FXa was performed with reference to X-ray analysis of the complex of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) and bovine trypsin to determine the site of amino acid modification. The expression plasmids into which R-020 genes with base substitution were inserted were prepared and introduced into Escherichia coli to express R-020 variants. The resulting variants were purified and their enzyme inhibitory activities were measured. The FXa-inhibitory activity was increased in four variants with single amino acid substitution. With another four variants having two amino acid substitutions involving combinations of the above single amino acid substitutions, the FXa-inhibitory activity was further increased. Because the electrostatic interaction within R-020-FXa complex seemed stronger in these R-020 variants, this increase in FXa-inhibitory effect was speculated to be a consequence of more potent binding between the enzyme and the inhibitor.

Novel factor Xa and plasma kallikrein inhibitory-activities of the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain of urinary trypsin inhibitor

Urinary trypsin inhibitor is a glycoprotein with a structure in which two Kunitz-type inhibitory domains are linked in a row. We isolated two genes encoding the 70 amino acid sequence from the 78th amino acid (Thr) to the C-terminal and the 68 amino acid sequence from the 80th (Ala) to the C-terminal of human urinary trypsin inhibitor, both which correspond to the second Kunitz-type inhibitory domain, and then constructed expression plasmids by ligating it to the E. coli alkaline phosphatase signal peptide gene. These plasmids under the control of the tryptophan promoter expressed the second domain in E. coli strain JE5505 which lacks the membrane lipoprotein. The recombinant second domain purified from the culture supernatant of the transformant inhibited trypsin, plasmin, leukocyte elastase and chymotrypsin which are known to be inhibited by urinary trypsin inhibitor. In addition it inhibited blood coagulation factor Xa and plasma kallikrein in a concentration dependent and competitive manner, and significantly prolonged the plasma-based activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). The truncated natural counterpart obtained by a limited degradation of human urinary trypsin inhibitor also revealed the identical inhibitory activities.

Inhibition by tranilast of collagen accumulation in hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation in vivo and of morphological changes and functions of fibroblasts in vitro

We examined the effects of tranilast, an anti-allergic agent, on hypersensitive inflammation and on morphology and functions of fibroblasts. In vivo, tranilast suppressed the content of collagen in granulation tissue of hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation induced by methylated bovine serum albumin (m-BSA) in rats. In culture, tranilast inhibited the TGF-beta-independent inflammatory exudate-induced stimulation of morphological changes of fibroblasts to myofibroblast-like cells and their proliferation. Collagen gel contraction by myofibroblast-like cells and fibroblasts was also inhibited by tranilast. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that tranilast suspended the cell cycle of fibroblasts at the G0/G1 phase. These results suggest that tranilast modulates the fibrosis and contraction of granulation tissue by inhibiting the growth of myofibroblast-like cells and fibroblasts.

Cloning and bacterial expression of the CYS3 gene encoding cystathionine gamma-lyase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the physicochemical and enzymatic properties of the protein

By screening a yeast genomic library, we isolated and characterized a gene rescuing the cysteine requirement in a "cys1" strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Except for four residues in the open reading frame composed of 1,182 nucleotides, the DNA sequence was the same as that for the CYS3 (CYI1) gene, encoding cystathionine gamma-lyase (EC 4.4.1.1), and isolated previously as a cycloheximide-induced gene (B. Ono, K. Tanaka, K. Naito, C. Heike, S. Shinoda, S. Yamamoto, S. Ohmori, T. Oshima, and A. Toh-e, J. Bacteriol. 174:pp.3339-3347, 1992). S. cerevisiae "cys1" strains carry two closely linked mutations; one (cys1) causes a defect in serine O-acetyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.30), and another, designated cys3, impairs cystathionine gamma-lyase activity. Rescue of the cysteine requirement by the gene encoding cystathionine gamma-lyase is consistent with both defects being responsible for the cysteine auxotrophy. In an effort to further determine the physicochemical and enzymatic properties of this enzyme, a coding fragment was cloned into an Escherichia coli expression plasmid, and the protein was produced in the bacteria. The induced protein was extracted by sonication and purified to homogeneity through one course of DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. The yield of the protein was approximately 150 mg from cells cultured in 1 liter of L broth. The protein showed molecular weights of approximately 194,000 and 48,000 (for the subunit), suggesting a tetrameric structure. An s20,w value of 8.8 was estimated by centrifugation in a sucrose concentration gradient. No sulfhydryl groups were detected, which is consistent with the absence of cysteine residues in the coding sequence. The isoelectric point was at pH 5.2. The protein showed a number of cystathionine-related activities, i.e., cystathionine beta-lyase (EC 4.4.1.8), cystathionine gamma-lyase, and cystathionine gamma-synthase (EC 4.2.99.9) with L-homoserine as substrate. In addition, we demonstrated L-homoserine sulfhydrylase (adding H2S) activity but could find no detectable serine O-acteyltransferease activity. In this paper, we compare the enzymatic properties of the protein with those of homologous enzymes previously reported and discuss the possibility that this enzyme has a physiological role as cystathionine Beta-lyase and cystathionine gamma-synthase in addition to its previously described role as cystathionine gamma-lyase.

[Effect of tranilast ophthalmic solution on allergic conjunctivitis in guinea pigs]

The effect of the ophthalmic solution of tranilast, an anti-allergic agent, on allergic conjunctivitis was studied in passively sensitized guinea pigs. We determined the content of uranine dye and histamine in tears and histopathologically examined palpebral conjunctiva. After instillation of antigen into the conjunctival sac, inflammation of the palpebral conjunctiva, an increase in leaked dye and the release of histamine were found. In the histopathological study, tranilast (1.0%) suppressed the appearance of edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Tranilast suppressed the leakage of uranine in a dose-dependent manner. A 0.5% solution of diphenhydramine also showed the inhibitory effect on the leakage of uranine. The inhibitory effect of 0.5% tranilast on antigen-induced dye leakage and histamine release lasted for 6 hr. These results suggest that topically applied tranilast is effective for allergic conjunctivitis.

Comparative studies on inflammatory reactions induced by non-immunological and immunological stimuli in an air pouch and in a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-induced inflammatory pouch

Inflammatory reactions were compared in the air pouch and the CMC pouch. Inflammation was induced by injection of CMC as a non-specific irritant, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as an activator of macrophages, and methylated bovine serum albumin (m-BSA) as an inducer of delayed type hypersensitivity. There was no prominent difference in the inflammatory reactions following injection of 2% CMC solution into a 4-day-old air pouch and a 3-day-old CMC pouch. On the other hand, injection of 4 ml of 100 ng/ml LPS into each of the pouches enhanced the inflammatory reactions in the CMC pouch several-fold compared with those in the air pouch. A similar tendency was found in the case of an injection of 1 ml of 1 mg/ml m-BSA in rats sensitized with 1 mg of m-BSA. The enhanced inflammatory reactions induced by the injection of LPS or m-BSA were inhibited by dexamethasone, but not by indomethacin. These results indicate that the enhanced inflammatory reactions induced by CMC are related to lining tissue formation, which was a common characteristic in both pouches. Enhanced inflammatory reactions following injection of LPS and m-BSA were related to the activation of macrophages and newly formed blood vessels, which were not characteristic features in the air pouch, but were in the CMC pouch, in addition to the lining tissue. Cyclo-oxygenase products were not associated with the reactions.

Purification of megakaryocyte differentiation activity from a human fibrous histiocytoma cell line: N-terminal sequence homology with activin A

We purified a protein possessing a potent ability to induce the differentiation of a murine megakaryoblastic cell line, L8057, from the supernatant of a human fibrous histiocytoma cell line, KHM-5M. The protein, a homodimer of a molecular weight of 25-kDa, has an N-terminal sequence identical with that of the beta A-chain of inhibin, indicating that it is identical to or highly homologous with activin A. Thus, it is speculated that activin A or its homologue is involved in megakaryocytic differentiation.

Antibody response determined with antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), neutralizing antibody, and varicella skin test in children with natural varicella and after varicella immunization

Humoral and cellular immune responses were examined in 115 children with varicella and in 21 children who had been immunized with live varicella vaccine. Antibody determined with antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) was detected earlier than neutralizing antibody (NT) in both groups. While humoral and cellular immunity were detected simultaneously in the natural varicella group, cellular immunity was detected earlier than humoral immunity in the immunized group. This suggests that ADCC, rather than NT, is involved in the early stages of recovery from varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection.

Enhancement of inflammatory reactions in a non-immunological air pouch model in rats

In a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) air pouch inflammation model, accumulation of exudate decreased at a relatively rapid rate and almost disappeared 3 days after a 2% CMC injection into the preformed air pouch. After a second injection of 2% CMC solution into the 1-day-old CMC pouch on the day following the first CMC injection, the decrease in rate of exudate was similar to the change seen after the first CMC injection. In another group of rats, 3 days after the first CMC injection when inflammation had subsided, a second injection of 2% CMC solution into the 3-day-old CMC pouch resulted in a marked increase of exudate accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular permeability. Histologically, large numbers of macrophages accumulated in the 3-day-old CMC pouch and fibroblast proliferation and newly formed blood vessels were also visible. The enhanced exudative reaction was significantly inhibited by dexamethasone but not by indomethacin. These results indicate that the enhanced inflammatory reactions appear to be closely correlated with the increase of reactivity at the site of inflammation and the exudative reaction was not mediated by cyclo-oxygenase products.

Species differences in the effects of bezafibrate, a hypolipidemic agent, on hepatic peroxisome-associated enzymes

The effects of bezafibrate on hepatic peroxisome-associated enzymes of rats, mice, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, dogs and monkeys were examined. Dogs and monkeys were given bezafibrate orally at 30 mg/kg body wt daily for 2 weeks and at 125 mg/kg body wt daily for 13 weeks, respectively, and other species at 100 mg/kg daily for 2 weeks. In male rats, marked changes were observed in the activities of catalase (1.73-fold), D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO; 0.56-fold), fatty acyl-CoA oxidizing system (FAOS; 12.9-fold) and carnitine acetyltransferase (CAT; 35.8-fold); in female rats, the changes were less than in the males. In mice, there were no apparent sex differences in the responses of hepatic peroxisomal enzymes to bezafibrate and the increases in the activities of catalase, FAOS and CAT were 1.76-, 3.75- and 7.94-fold respectively. In guinea pigs, only slight increases in the activities of FAOS (3.00-fold) and CAT (2.83-fold) were observed. In hamsters, the increases in catalase, FAOS and CAT activities, were 1.23-, 2.19- and 2.77-fold respectively. Although rabbits and dogs showed slight increases in CAT activity, no significant response to the drug was observed in monkeys. Hepatomegaly and the increase of hepatic content of peroxisome proliferation-associated polypeptide (PPA-80), which has been recognized as a peroxisomal bifunctional protein in the fatty acid beta-oxidation pathway, were observed only in rats and mice. These results show that there were marked species differences in the effects of bezafibrate on hepatic peroxisomes, and that bezafibrate induced hepatic peroxisome proliferation in rodents, especially rats and mice.

Selective inhibition of collagen accumulation by N-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (N-5') in granulation tissue

The effect of topically applied N-5', an inhibitor of chemical mediator release from mast cells, on the carrageenin-air-pouch inflammation was studied. The formation of granulation tissue, the accumulation of exudate and the number of infiltrating cells were significantly reduced by the treatment with N-5' (100 mg/kg). The collagen content in granulation tissue was dose-dependently reduced without affecting the noncollagen protein and DNA content by treatment with N-5'. At a dose of 100 mg/kg of N-5', prolyl hydroxylase activity in the tissue was significantly decreased. The selective inhibition of collagen accumulation in granulation tissue resulted from reduction of collagen biosynthesis in vivo. N-5' did not directly inhibit collagen synthesis by diploid fibroblasts, but inhibited fibroblast proliferation in culture. Such results indicate that one of the inhibitory mechanisms of collagen accumulation by N-5' in inflamed sites may involve the inhibition of fibroblast proliferation.

Immunization of acute leukemic children with a live varicella vaccine (Oka strain)

A total of 52 acute leukemic children have been safely and effectively vaccinated with live varicella (Oka strain) vaccine given under close clinical and immunological observation. The incidence of zoster in the vaccinated children group was slightly less than that in the group that had experienced natural varicella.

Effect of proteinase inhibitors having anti-inflammatory activity on gelatinase, elastase and cathepsin G isolated from rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes

Gelatinase, elastase and cathepsin G isolated from the granule extract of rat polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) had similar properties to the enzymes of human PMNs already reported. Effect of proteinase inhibitors on these neutral proteinases isolated from rat PMNs was studied. Epsilon-Amino-n-caproic acid n-hexyl ester, a proteinase inhibitor having anti-inflammatory activity, inhibited cathepsin G, whereas elastase was activated by the inhibitor. On the other hand, leupeptin, L-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone and N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone, which had been reported as anti-inflammatory inhibitors, had no inhibitory effect on these neutral proteinases. These results suggest that proteinase inhibitors reported as anti-inflammatory agents exert their anti-inflammatory actions not by direct inhibition of the neutral proteinases released from PMNs, but by other effects such as suppression of the infiltration of PMNs into inflammatory locus.

Proteinase inhibitors suppress the formation of granulation tissue in the carrageenin-induced inflammation in rats

Effect of proteinase inhibitors on the carrageenin-induced inflammation was studied. The formation of granulation tissue was markedly inhibited by a single injection of epsilon-amino-n-caproic acid n-hexyl ester (EACA hexyl ester, 300 mg/kg) into the carrageenin-airpouch immediately after carrageenin injection, whereas repeated injections of the inhibitor starting at 12 hr, 24 hr and 48 hr after carrageenin injection were less effective, slightly effective and ineffective, respectively. A dose-dependent inhibition of both the formation of granulation tissue and the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) into the inflammatory locus was found by a single injection of EACA hexyl ester into the carrageenin-airpouch immediately after carrageenin injection. Similarly, a single injection of L-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK, 50 mg/kg) and N-alpha-p-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK, 30 mg/kg) inhibited both the formation of granulation tissue and the migration of PMNs into the inflammatory locus. These results suggest that serine proteinase inhibitors such as EACA hexyl ester, TPCK and TLCK exert their anti-inflammatory actions by interfering with the initial inflammatory reactions including the migration of PMNs into inflammatory locus after carrageenin injection.

Selective inhibition of collagen breakdown by proteinase inhibitors in granulation tissue in rats

A rapid breakdown of collagen was found in granulation tissue induced by carrageenin in rats; the half-life of collagen in both growing and resorbing tissues was about 3.5 days, whereas that in non-resorbing tissue was about 7 days. On the other hand, the half-life of noncollagen protein in the growing, resorbing and non-resorbing tissues was about 2-3 days. epsilon-Amino-n-caproic acid n-hexyl ester, an inhibitor of plasmin and trypsin, selectively inhibited collagen breakdown in vivo without affecting the degradation of noncollagen protein or the syntheses of collagen and noncollagen protein in granulation tissues. A similar selective inhibition of collagen breakdown was also found upon treatment with soybean trypsin inhibitor. Collagenase activity was assayed directly in the insoluble 6,000 X g pellet of granulation tissue homogenates. epsilon-Amino-n-caproic acid n-hexyl ester and soybean trypsin inhibitor markedly inhibited the collagen breakdown in granulation tissue pellets in vitro. The results are consistent with those from in vivo experiments and suggest that both the inhibitors indirectly inhibit the collagen breakdown in granulation tissue through the inhibition of a latent collagenase-activating proteinase(s), because none of the inhibitors directly inhibit collagenase. It may be argued, therefore, that a proteinase(s) which activates a latent collagenase plays an important role in the rapid breakdown of collagen in granulation tissues.