Association between low MCV in early pregnancy and perinatal mental health in the Japan Environment and Children's Study and the possible effect of iron deficiency

BACKGROUND

Postpartum anemia and iron deficiency are associated with postpartum depression. This study investigated the association between a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) without anemia (which implies early-stage iron deficiency) in early pregnancy and perinatal mental health outcomes.

METHODS

The fixed data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), a Japanese nationwide birth cohort, were used. Perinatal mental health was assessed using the Kessler 6-item psychological distress scale (K6) in mid-pregnancy and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 1- and 6-months postpartum.

RESULTS

Among the 3635 women with MCVs <85 fL in early pregnancy, the proportions of women with K6 scores ≥13 in mid-pregnancy and EPDS scores ≥9 at 1- and 6-months postpartum were 2.7 %, 12.8 %, and 9.9 %, respectively, compared with the 33,242 women with MCVs ≥85 fL at 1.9 %, 11.9 %, and 9.0 %, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that an MCV <85 in early pregnancy was associated with a K6 score ≥ 13 in mid-pregnancy and an EPDS score ≥ 9 at 1- and 6-months postpartum (adjusted odds ratio (95 % confidence interval): 1.48 (1.16-1.87), 1.14 (1.01-1.28), and 1.09 (0.95-1.24), respectively).

LIMITATIONS

Low MCV values do not necessarily represent iron deficiency. Ferritin, currently the best indicator of iron deficiency, was not measured in the JECS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study results suggest that a low MCV without anemia in early pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of perinatal mental health deterioration.

Sensitive Gas Chromatography Detection of Nanomolar Hydroxylamine in Environmental Water by Fe(III) Oxidation

Nanomolar concentrations of NH₂OH in natural water sources were determined using an Fe³⁺ oxidation method. A pH of 2.35 - 2.50 was used, which was adjusted by adding a chloroacetate buffer. Equal amounts (1.0 mL) of the chloroacetate solution and ferric chloride solution were added to the water sample (70 mL) to oxidize NH₂OH to N₂O. The resulting N₂O in the sample water was then quantified by headspace analysis using a gas chromatograph with an electron-capture detector (ECD), where a limit of detection of 0.2 μgN L^-1 (14 nmol L^-1) was achieved. This method was successfully applied to samples of freshwater, brackish water, and seawater, and despite the various salinities no interfering substances were observed. Furthermore, NH₂OH was successfully detected in samples collected from the Hii River and Lakes Shinji and Nakaumi (Shimane Prefecture, Japan). In addition, the proposed method was also applicable to samples rich in organic substance derived from phytoplankton.

Determination of Trace Hydrazine in Environmental Water Samples by in situ Solid Phase Extraction

A simple and rapid in situ method for the determination of hydrazine based on the concentration of aldazine compound formed by the reaction of hydrazine with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde was developed. This method was based on solid-phase extraction using a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge, followed by the quantification of hydrazine using a spectrophotometric method. To a sample solution of environmental water, p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde solution was added to form aldazine by the reaction with hydrazine. The solution was passed through a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge for the adsorption of aldazine. In the laboratory, the aldazine adsorbed on the Sep-Pak C18 cartridge was eluted by passing a hydrochloric acid-ethanol (1:10) solution through the cartridge, and the color intensity of the solution was measured at 457 nm. The limit of detection for the new method was 0.2 mgN L^-1 of hydrazine. The determination of hydrazine in solution was not influenced even by hydrogen sulfide and organic matter. This method was then applied to the brackish water of Lake Nakaumi in the eastern area of Shimane Prefecture, Japan. This method was used to determine hydrazine in freshwater, seawater and wastwater.

Analysis of absorption and spreading of moisturizer on the microscopic region of the skin surface with near-infrared imaging

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Near-infrared (NIR) light with high water absorption enables us to visualize the water content distribution appeared in the superficial skin layer. The light penetration depth with the wavelength of 1920 nm is almost 100 μm from the skin surface. Thus, the water distribution in the stratum corneum can be effectively imaged by detecting the wavelength band around 1920 nm. The aim of this article was to measure the time-lapse behavior of the tiny droplet of the moisturizer spreading on the skin surface by imaging in 1920 nm wavelength band for investigating the correlation with the traditional index of the skin condition such as the water content and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

METHODS

Experiment is performed with three moisturizer products and seven volunteer subjects. The NIR image is acquired by an originally designed imaging scope equipped with the white light of the strong brightness [super continuum (SC) light], the bandpass filter with the center wavelength of 1920 nm, and the NIR image sensor. A tiny droplet of the moisturizer is put on the surface of the skin and the time-lapse images are saved. Each acquired image is analyzed from a view point of the droplet area and elapsed time for absorption into the skin. The water content and TEWL of all subjects are measured by the conventional electrical method for investigating the relationship with the measured droplet dynamics parameters.

RESULTS

Elapsed time for moisturizer droplet to be absorbed into the skin, the droplet area just before absorption for three moisturizer products, skin water contents, and TEWL for seven subjects were measured and correlation coefficients for each parameters were calculated. It was found that the skin with higher water contents or lower TEWL absorbed the moisturizer faster and spreads moisturizer wider. Also absorption and spreading speed depend on moisturizer property (moisturizing or fresh) which is originated from the moisturizer constituents.

CONCLUSION

The correlation values between the moisturizer dynamics on the skin surface and the traditional index of the skin property were clarified. It was found that the skin with the high water content or low TEWL absorbs the moisturizer droplet fast. The spreading area depends not only on the skin property but on the constituents of the moisturizers.

Oxidative effects of cigarette smoke on the human skin

The oxidative effects of cigarette smoke on the human skin were investigated. A remarkable increase in the conversion ratio of squalene (SQ) to squalene monohydroperoxide (SQHPO) due to exposure to cigarette smoke was observed using a CL-HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography with a chemiluminescence detector) system. The results showed that cigarette smoke caused lipid peroxidation. We also found that the addition of chain-breaking-type antioxidants, such as oolong tea extract, inhibited the peroxidation. When cultured human skin fibroblasts were exposed to cigarette smoke, this increased the intensity of ultraweak chemiluminescence (CL), leading us to assume that cigarette smoke caused oxidation in cultured human skin fibroblasts. When the cultured human skin fibroblasts were treated with antioxidants such as glutathione, thiotaurine, hypotaurine and ascorbic acid there was little increase in CL, meaning that oxidation had been prevented in the human skin fibroblasts. We also exposed the human forearm to cigarette smoke and obtained sebum using cotton immersed in acetone in order to measure hydroperoxide levels by means of a CL-HPLC system. The exposure of skin to the smoke caused a dose-dependent increase in hydroperoxides derived from cigarette smoke. Further exposure of the forearm to cigarette smoke increased the intensity of CL, but pretreating the skin with antioxidants such as glutathione, thiotaurine and hypotaurine inhibited this increase. From these results, we concluded that cigarette smoke had an oxidative effect on SQ, cultured human skin fibroblasts and the surface of the human skin. The application of antioxidants prevented the cigarette smoke-induced oxidation. We consider that these oxidative effects on the skin could be a cause of skin disorders and skin aging.

The sentinel node concept in prostate cancer: Present reality and future prospects

A sentinel node (SN) is defined as the first site where cancer cells are carried by lymph flow from a tumor. If this definition (SN concept) correctly reflects the clinical reality, intraoperative SN biopsy would facilitate precise nodal staging. In malignant melanoma, a prolonged survival has been evidenced by a large-scale randomized controlled study. On the contrary, research on SN concept in deeply located cancers including prostate cancer, is still investigative, and no concrete data from clinical trials are yet available. Since 1993, several investigators have demonstrated that the SN concept could be applied in prostate cancer patients as well with high accuracy. Although promising and technically feasible in pre-clinical settings, many hurdles remain to be cleared before clinical application can be recommended. This review addresses the current status and related issues of the SN concept in prostate cancer, and discusses the future directions.

Epigenetic alteration of BRCA1 in human ovarian tumors

e16532

Background: The breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) is mutated in half of hereditary breast cancers, and in about 80% of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. Also, BRCA1 expression is decreased in sporadic breast cancers by other mechanisms, such as epigenetic alteration, suggesting its important role in sporadic breast cancers. The epigenetic alteration of BRCA1 and its contribution in sporadic ovarian tumors are not fully understood. Methods: We evaluated the DNA methylation status of the BRCA1 5’ CpG island by methylation-specific PCR in 12 human ovarian cancer cell lines and 39 primary epithelial ovarian tumor specimens. Cases included the following: malignant (n = 16), borderline (n = 8), and benign (n = 16) tumors. The correlation between these results and clinicopathological features was examined. Results: BRCA1 was hypermethylated in one of 12 (8%) ovarian cancer cell lines and 15 of 39 (38%) primary ovarian tumors. Relative to clinicopathological features, BRCA1 methylation was detected in 39% of malignant and borderline tumors and in 38% of benign tumors, suggesting the importance of BRCA1 pathway in both types of tumors. Some adjacent nontumorous tissues also showed aberrant methylation. Conclusions: BRCA1 was found to be frequently hypermethylated both in benign and malignant ovarian tumors. Our results suggest that epigenetic alteration of BRCA1 might play a role in the development of benign and malignant sporadic ovarian tumors.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Comparison of the depth profiles of water and water-binding substances in the stratum corneum determined in vivo by Raman spectroscopy between the cheek and volar forearm skin: effects of age, seasonal changes and artificial forced hydration

BACKGROUND

Dermatologists and cosmetic scientists are becoming increasingly interested in stratum corneum (SC) hydration because the SC plays an important role in keeping the skin surface soft and smooth. However, conventional in vivo noninvasive methods do not provide direct information about the depth profiles of water content or SC components that hold water.

OBJECTIVES

To study the depth profiles of water and SC components in vivo by Raman spectroscopy, and to analyse the changes due to age, anatomical location, season and water application.

METHODS

In vivo Raman spectra of the skin of the cheek and the volar forearm were obtained from 50 healthy Japanese volunteers of different ages (age range 22-76 years) with a confocal Raman spectrometer. The depth-dependent profiles of water and of SC water-binding components were calculated from the respective Raman spectra.

RESULTS

The depth profile of the SC water content was observed in a pattern ranging from around 30% (water/wet tissue) at the outermost layer of the SC to about 70% at the deeper living layer. Although the water content at a depth of 10-30 microm in the forearm skin tended to be lower in older subjects than in younger subjects, no such difference was found in the much thinner SC of the cheek. Moreover, there was no seasonal difference in depth profile of water content from the mid part of the SC to an 80-microm depth from the skin surface both in the cheek and in the forearm. The water content of all the evaluated SC components showed a gradual decrease from the surface to deeper portions. The mean amounts of lactate in the forearm skin and cholesterol in the cheek skin were significantly higher in younger subjects than in older subjects. In contrast, the levels of free amino acids and trans-urocanic acid were higher in the forearm skin of older subjects than in younger subjects. The relative amounts of urea and lactate were the highest in summer, when that of trans-urocanic acid was the lowest. Prolonged water application on the forearm skin even for 90 min resulted in a remarkable increase in water content throughout the SC, even reaching the granular layer, which was only gradually released from the upper part of the SC after discontinuation of the hydration procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present findings suggest that changes in the concentration depth profiles of water, free amino acids and lipids in the skin depend on age, anatomical site and season. These findings indicate the important roles played by various water-holding substances in the SC in the regulation of SC water content.

A new method for detecting the abomasal position and characteristics of movement at the onset of the left displacement of the abomasum in cows

A new method has been developed by us to observe the movements of the abomasum by using a magnet and digital magnetometer. Four cows with left displacement of the abomasum underwent conventional correction by rolling without tacking. A doughnut-type magnet was sutured to the pyloric region in a routine operation. The same was done in three control cows. The position of the pyloric region was observed with a digital magnetometer from outside the cow's body. The magnets in the pyloric region of the control cows were located at the right side of the abdominal cavity at 10-30 cm anterior to the udder base, and moved slightly in various directions within the span of a day. On the other hand, the magnets in the pyloric region of cows with abomasal displacement moved widely in the abdominal cavity from the normal right side to the abnormal left front side. A large movement of the magnet from the normal right side to the abnormal left side of the abdominal cavity was observed within 12 h of the onset of abomasal displacement.

Gicerin, an Ig-superfamily cell adhesion molecule, promotes the invasive and metastatic activities of a mouse fibroblast cell line

Gicerin is a cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily and plays an important role during development through its adhesive properties. Gicerin has two isoforms that differ in their cytoplasmic domains; s-gicerin is the shorter and l-gicerin the longer form of the protein. Gicerin is over-expressed in some sporadic tumors as well as in developing tissues. To provide direct evidence that gicerin has the potential to participate in malignant aspects of tumor cell behavior, a gicerin cDNA was introduced into L-929 cells, an endogenous gicerin-negative mouse fibroblast and subsequently analyzed for changes in their invasive and metastatic potential by implantation into nude mice and chick embryos. Compared with parental cells, both gicerin isoform transfectants showed an enhanced cell growth and invaded deeply into surrounding tissues from implanted sites in both animal models. Furthermore, l-gicerin transfectants markedly enhanced metastasis to the lung. These findings suggest that gicerin promotes the tumor growth and invasion, and the isoform bearing the longer cytoplasmic domain may play a role in metastasis.

The effect of acupuncture on the coronary arteries as evaluated by coronary angiography: a preliminary report

The Neiguan acupuncture point (EH-6) of the heart meridian is often used for circulatory disorders. To clarify this effect, we measured coronary diameters in patients with angina pectoris following acupuncture stimulation using cardioangiography. Two kinds of acupuncture stimulation, the leaving needle (LN) and the sparrow pecking method (SPM), were employed for this study. No significant differences were found between LN and SPM. Concerning the pattern of coronary reaction, coronary constriction following acupuncture showed a relationship to patients with vasospastic angina. Coronary dilation following acupuncture showed a relationship to patients with Syndrome X. The mean dilatation with acupuncture was 68.8% of that caused by isosorbide dinitrate. These findings may help to clarify the mechanism of acupuncture treatment.

Antitumor effect of reduction of 150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein expression in human prostate cancer cells

Heat shock proteins (HSPs)/stress proteins are molecular chaperones that are induced by various environmental and physiological stimuli. Evidence of the relations between the expression of HSPs and the regulation of cell growth or transformation has accumulated. The 150-kDa oxygen-regulated protein (ORP150), a new member of HSP family, functions as a molecular chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum. We have examined whether transduced antisense ORP150 cDNA reduces tumorigenicity and angiogenicity. Relations between these stress proteins and cancer and possibilities for anticancer gene therapy are described.

[Prospects for molecular research in urological oncology: bladder cancer]

This report consists of a description of our research findings relating to the mechanism of cancer metastasis and target molecules for early diagnosis or cancer therapy. First, we investigated the significance of metastasis-related genes expressed to various extents in three human bladder cancer cell lines using two in vivo models. The relationship between the gene expression pattern and the behavior of cancer cells implicated a loss of E-cadherin expression as a critical factor in facilitating the progression of bladder cancer. Second, we examined the expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA in voided urine samples in patients with bladder cancer. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed a higher positive rate as compared with cytological examination, suggesting that the expression of hTERT in urine samples may be a useful diagnostic marker for bladder cancer. Finally, we searched for a molecule to which antisense can be applied as a treatment modality. The 150 kDa oxygen regulated protein (ORP 150), a kind of heat shock proteins, functions as a molecular chaperone in the endoplasmic reticulum. We demonstrated that the adenoviral-mediated antisense ORP150 cDNA transfer resulted in the suppression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and tumor growth in vivo. In addition, the significant correlation between ORP150 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) expression was observed in bladder cancer, suggesting that ORP150 functions as a molecular chaperon to MMP-2 secretion for tumor invasion. Anti-sense ORP150 may therefore have a potentially stronger antitumor effect because of its multitargeting capability as a molecular chaperone.

Expression and adhesive ability of gicerin, a cell adhesion molecule, in the pock lesions of chorioallantoic membranes infected with an avian poxvirus

The expression and adhesive activities of gicerin, a cell adhesion protein, in the pock lesions on chicken chorioallantoic membranes (CAM) infected with an avian poxvirus were studied. In normal CAMs, gicerin was found on the flattened epithelial cells, and neurite outgrowth factor (NOF) was in the basement membrane. However, in the pock lesions on infected CAMs, gicerin was overexpressed on the cell membranes of hyperplastic epithelial cells forming thick epithelial layers. Neurite outgrowth factor was also found mainly in the basement membrane, but occasionally showed aberrant expression among hyperplastic cells. In vitro analyses, using the dissociated cells from pock lesions, demonstrated that an anti-gicerin polyclonal antibody inhibit cell aggregation activity and cell adhesion to NOF. These results suggest that gicerin might promote the cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix protein bindings of the hyperplastic epithelial cells by its homophilic and heterophilic adhesive activities, and contribute to pock formation on the infected CAMs.

A conditional replication-competent adenoviral vector, Ad-OC-E1a, to cotarget prostate cancer and bone stroma in an experimental model of androgen-independent prostate cancer bone metastasis

Prostate cancer has a high propensity to metastasize to bone, which often resists hormone, radiation, and chemotherapies. Because of the reciprocal nature of the prostate cancer and bone stroma interaction, we designed a cotargeting strategy using a conditional replication-competent adenovirus to target the growth of tumor cells and their associated osteoblasts. The recombinant Ad-OC-E1a was constructed using a noncollagenous bone matrix protein osteocalcin (OC) promoter to drive the viral early E1a gene with restricted replication in cells that express OC transcriptional activity. Unlike Ad-PSE-E1a, Ad-OC-E1a was highly efficient in inhibiting the growth of PSA-producing (LNCaP, C4-2, and ARCaP) and nonproducing (PC-3 and DU145) human prostate cancer cell lines. This virus was also found to effectively inhibit the growth of human osteoblasts and human prostate stromal cells in vitro. Athymic mice bearing s.c. androgen receptor-negative and PSA-negative PC-3 xenografts responded to a single intratumoral administration of 2 x 10(9) plaque-forming unit(s) of Ad-OC-E1a. In SCID/bg mice, intraosseous growth of androgen receptor-positive and PSA-producing C4-2 xenografts responded markedly to i.v. administrations of a single dose of Ad-OC-E1a. One hundred percent of the treated mice responded to this systemic Ad-OC-E1a therapy with a decline of serum PSA to an undetectable level, and 80% of the mice with PSA rebound responded to the second dose of systemic Ad-OC-E1a. Forty percent of the mice were found to be cured by systemic Ad-OC-E1a without subsequent PSA rebound or tumor cells found in the skeleton. This cotargeting strategy shows a broader spectrum and appears to be more effective than systemic Ad-PSE-E1a in preclinical models of human prostate cancer skeletal metastasis.

Intermetatarsophalangeal bursitis induced by a plantar epidermal cyst

A 44-year-old woman was admitted to the authors' institution for evaluation of two masses in the right forefoot. Standard radiographs showed foci of calcification within the mass. Magnetic resonance imaging and macroscopic findings during surgery revealed the lesion was composed mainly of two different portions: dorsal cystic masses and a solid mass in the plantar side of the fifth metatarsal head. Histologic and immunohistochemical examinations showed that the former was an intermetatarsophalangeal bursitis induced by keratinous material, whereas the latter was a ruptured epidermal cyst. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the current case is the first report of intermetatarsophalangeal bursitis caused by an untreated epidermal cyst.

[Correlation between expression of metastasis-related genes and lymph node metastasis in testicular cancer]

To investigate the factors related to lymph node metastasis of testicular germ cell tumors, we first established a seminoma orthotopic model with lymph node metastasis in SCID mice by inoculating small fragments from subcutaneous xenografts. Second, we compared the expression patterns of metastasis-related genes of the seminoma xenografts and of the TCam-2 cells which were established as a seminoma cell line from a primary testicular seminoma. Third, we immunohistochemically analyzed human germ cell tumors (25 seminomas, 17 nonseminomas) using monoclonal antibodies to CD34, VEGF, VEGF-C, Flt-4, MMP-2 and E-cadherin. Testicular seminoma xenografts grew in 32/32 (100%) of the inoculated mice, of which 15 (47%) developed macroscopic metastasis to the renal hilar lymph node. Circulating tumor cells were detectable by using a PCR assay for the human beta-globin gene in 25/32 (78%) mice, although metastatic foci were not histologically evident in the visceral organs, including lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen. This may reflect the lymphophilic characteristics of the seminoma cells used. Regarding mRNA expression of metastasis-related genes, an increased expression of MMP-2 and VEGF compared with that in the s.c. xenografts was demonstrated by RT-PCR assay in the testicular seminoma xenografts. In addition, uPAR, MMP-1, MMP-2, MT1-MMP and MT3-MMP showed a a stronger expression and PAI-2 a weaker expression in the seminoma xenografts than did TCam-2 cells. These results suggest a higher metastatic potential of the seminoma xenografts, especially testicular xenografts, as compared with TCam-2 cells. In the immunohistochemical study, a significant correlation was found between MMP-2 expression and lymph node metastasis, which is compatible with the results for the metastasis-related gene expression from the seminoma xenografts.

Intrarenal varix mimicking a cystic renal tumor

BACKGROUND

A case of intrarenal varix in a 60-year-old woman is reported.

METHODS/RESULTS

The preoperative diagnosis was cystic tumor in the central part of the left kidney. Retrospectively, gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging demonstrated a layered gadolinium sign, indicating the vascular nature of the mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience shows that urologists should be aware of the possible presence of a renal cystic mass of vascular origin and of the usefulness of gadolinium-enhanced MR examination for making an identification.

Anti-obesity effects of lipase inhibitor CT-II, an extract from edible herbs, Nomame Herba, on rats fed a high-fat diet

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibitory effects of CT-II, extract of Nomame Herba, on lipase activity in vitro and on obesity in rats fed a high-fat diet in vivo.

DESIGN

The assay for the inhibitory effect of CT-II on lipase activity was performed by measuring released free fatty acids after the incubation of the medium with CT-II, porcine pancreatic lipase and triolein (experiment 1). In vivo experiments, lean rats or obese rats (570-718 g) were fed a high-fat diet containing 60% fat with or without CT-II for 8 weeks (experiment 2), for 14 days (experiment 3) or for 12 weeks (experiment 4), respectively.

MEASUREMENT

The time course of body weight, food intake, organ weight (parametrial fat, liver, heart and kidney) and plasma parameters (triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, AST, ALT and insulin), fecal output of total fat and total cholesterol were measured. Hepatic histological examinations were also performed.

RESULTS

CT-II inhibited the porcine lipase activity dose-dependently in vitro (experiment 1). Body and liver weight were reduced and hepatic histological examination showed an amelioration of fatty liver in CT II treated animals (experiment 2). CT-II significantly inhibited body weight gain and plasma triglyceride elevation in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting food intake in lean rats fed the high-fat diet. Elevated plasma AST and ALT were also decreased (experiment 3). When obese rats fed the high-fat diet were treated with CT-II for up to 6 months, body weight was initially reduced and thereafter weight gain was significantly suppressed. Total body fat was also significantly reduced and significant reduction of plasma AST and ALT was observed (experiment 4).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that the lipase inhibitor CT-II is effective in preventing and ameliorating obesity, fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Uptake of BrdU in olfactory and respiratory epithelium of rabbits with experimental sinusitis

Sinusitis was induced in six rabbits in order to evaluate its influence on the proliferation of cells in the olfactory epithelium compared with the respiratory epithelium during conservative antibiotic therapy. Then 1% ofloxacin was injected into the paranasal sinuses. Three normal rabbits were not administered any treatment and served as controls. The rabbits were sacrificed under intravenous anesthesia and the olfactory and respiratory mucosa was excised 24 hours after intravenous administration with the labeling reagent 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU). The extent of cell proliferation in these tissues was estimated by immunohistochemical staining with BrdU-specific antibody. The uptake of BrdU was significantly increased (p = 0.0099) in the respiratory mucosa, but not in the olfactory mucosa. Furthermore, in olfactory epithelium, 79.2% and 16.7% of all BrdU-positive cells were olfactory and basal, respectively. Thus, turnover of epithelial cells due to sinusitis was not as accelerated in the olfactory mucosa as in the respiratory mucosa during antibiotic treatment.

Liposarcoma associated with multiple intramuscular lipomas. A case report

A 71-year-old slender, previously healthy man was admitted to the authors' institution because of a huge painless mass in his left scapular area. Physical examination revealed a second soft tissue mass in his right scapular region and a third soft tissue mass in the anterior side of his right shoulder. Surgical treatment including marginal resection of the second and third small masses followed by wide local resection of the huge tumor was performed. Histologic examination showed that the first mass was a well differentiated lipomalike liposarcoma, whereas the second and third lesions were identified as intramuscular lipomas. A review of the literature showed two cases of retroperitoneal liposarcoma associated with multiple subcutaneous lipomas and two cases of liposarcoma involving an extremity associated with multiple subcutaneous lipomas. There is no previous report in which intramuscular liposarcoma was associated with multiple intramuscular lipomas.

[Clinical efficacy and reduction effect on prostatic volume of chlormadinone acetate combined with tamsulosin hydrochloride in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients insufficiently treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride only]

Alpha adrenergic blocker has become the first choice in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The efficacy of alpha adrenergic blocker has been suggested to be related to the prostatic tissue components, and to be ineffective in treating the clinical symptoms caused by BPH in some cases. The efficacy and prostate reduction of an anti-androgenic agent, chlormadinone acetate, combined with alpha adrenergic blocker, tamsulosin hydrochloride, were evaluated using 40-BPH patients insufficiently treated with tamsulosin hydrochloride alone. Fifty mg of chlormadinone acetate and 0.2 mg of tamsulosin hydrochloride were administered orally once a day for 16 weeks to patients with a prostate subjective symptoms score, I-PSS, of greater than 13 or a peak flow rate of less than 12 ml/s, even after the treatment with 0.2 mg of tamsulosin hydrochloride alone for more than four weeks. Total I-PSS decreased significantly after four weeks. The total irritative symptom score did not change for 16 weeks, but the total obstructive symptom score decreased significantly, as did the total I-PSS. In objective data, the estimated volume of both total prostate and the transition zone on transrectal ultrasonogram decreased significantly at the end of the treatment, and the peak flow rate decreased significantly after 12 weeks. These findings suggest that the addition of chlormadinone acetate may be a reasonable alternative in the treatment of BPH patients responding insufficiently to tamsulosin hydrochloride alone, and that combination therapy using chlormadinone acetate and tamsulosin hydrochloride may be useful for BPH patients with serious obstructive symptoms.

Enhancing effect of 2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid, a stable ascorbic acid derivative, on collagen synthesis

The objective of the present study was to compare 2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G) with ascorbic acid (AA) and ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-2P) concerning the promotion of collagen production in human skin fibroblasts. Though AA-2G was still observed to be promoting collagen synthesis at the same level on the 8th day of the culture, collagen synthesis was seen to decrease on the fifth day of culturing with AA and AA-2P. This sustained collagen synthesis-promoting action is considered to be a major feature of the novel vitamin C derivative, AA-2G by conducting an experiment in which an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor was present, it was shown that AA-2G exerts its collagen synthesis-promoting action after being decomposed to AA by alpha-glucosidase. Further, we observed that for AA-2G, even on the 8th day of the culture, the amount of AA in the fibroblasts was virtually unchanged from the beginning of the experiment, whereas, in the case of adding AA and AA-2P, virtually no AA was detectable in the culture medium on the fifth day. These findings suggests that AA-2G is decomposed to AA by alpha-glucosidase in the cells. This AA promotes collagen synthesis, which is prolonged through AA-2G's sustained decomposition.

In vitro and in vivo prolonged biological activities of novel vitamin C derivative, 2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G), in cosmetic fields

The biological activity of the novel vitamin C derivative, 2-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-L-ascorbic acid (AA-2G), was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The percutaneous absorption of AA-2G was determined in five Japanese males. The excretion of ascorbic acid (AA) in the subjects administered AA-2G was sustained for a longer period than in the subjects administered ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-2P), which is a conventional vitamin C derivative. An analysis of the distribution of AA in the skin showed that small black specks assumed to be AA were observed in the epidermis even 3 d after applying AA-2G. The melanin synthesis in B16 melanoma cells was inhibited more by AA-2G than by AA-2P, and AA-2G also prevented more UV-induced damage of human skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts than AA-2P did. From these in vivo and in vitro results, it is supposed that the conversion of AA-2G to AA is sustained for a long time compared with that of AA-2P, and that AA-2G is an effective and available compound having vitamin C activity in human subjects.

Effects of a 7-day infusion of glucose on insulin secretion in vivo and in vitro in ventromedial hypothalamic-lesioned obese rats

Excessive stimulation of insulin secretion may be one cause of the beta-cell dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia. We investigated a possible link between the prior endogenous hypersecretion of insulin and this dysfunction by performing a 7-day glucose infusion (50% wt/vol, 1.2 ml/h) on ventromedial hypothalamic VMH-lesioned hyperinsulinemic rats. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests (i.v.GTT 1.0 g/kg) revealed that a 3-day glucose infusion enhanced the insulin responses in both the sham- and VMH-lesioned rats compared with saline infusions. A similar 7-day glucose infusion enhanced the insulin response to glucose in sham-lesioned rats but not in VMH-lesioned rats. Batch-incubation of islets isolated from sham-lesioned rats showed an enhanced insulin response to glucose after 7 days of glucose treatment compared with the saline infusions. Conversely, the glucose infusion in VMH-lesioned rats markedly suppressed the in vitro insulin response. In sham- and VMH-lesioned rats, similar islet insulin contents were produced by saline and glucose treatments. Electron microscopy revealed that glucose infusions impaired the granule-releasing function of the beta-cells in VMH-lesioned rats, while insulin synthesis was accelerated in either group. These findings support the notion that excessive secretion is partly responsible for the beta-cell dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia without signs of exhaustion.

Effect of 5-[3-[((2S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino]propoxy]-1,3-benzodioxole HCl (MKC-242), a novel 5-HT1A-receptor agonist, on aggressive behavior and marble burying behavior in mice

Behavioral effects of 5-[3-[((2S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino]propoxy]-1,3-be nzodioxole HCl (MKC-242), a novel 5-HT1A-receptor agonist, were evaluated using animal models of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder and compared against reference compounds. MKC-242 suppressed foot shock-induced fighting behavior without loss of motor coordination in mice as the reference compounds did. The ED50 values of MKC-242, buspirone, tandospirone and diazepam were 1.7, 42, 80 and 2.0 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. The duration of the suppression of fighting by MKC-242 was longer than those of buspirone and tandospirone and comparable to that of diazepam. Similar results were also obtained with the water-lick conflict test in rats. The plasma concentration of MKC-242 in rats was much higher than the reported value of buspirone during 0.25-6 hr after oral administration. In addition, MKC-242 reduced marble burying behavior without reduction of motor activity. Fluoxetine, tandospirone and diazepam also reduced the behavior at non-sedative doses. These findings indicate that MKC-242 possesses a longer-lasting anxiolytic effect than azapirones. This might be due to the high concentration of the compound in plasma. In addition, it is also suggested that MKC-242 possesses an antiobsessional effect.

Pharmacological profile of the novel antidepressant 4-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-2-(1-piperazinyl)thieno-[2,3-d]pyrimidine monohydrate hydrochloride

This is a first report on the investigation of the antidepressant activity of MCI-225 (4-(2-fluorophenyl)-6-methyl-2-(1-piperazinyl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine monohydrate hydrochloride, CAS 99487-26-0) in comparison with maprotiline (CAS 10347-81-6), desipramine (CAS 58-28-6), imipramine (CAS 113-52-0) and trazodone (CAS 25332-39-2). MCI-225 inhibited the synaptosomal uptake of noradrenaline (NA, Ki = 35.0 nmol/l), serotonin (5-HT, Ki = 491 nmol/l), and dopamine (Ki = 14,800 nmol/l), although it did not inhibit MAO-A and MAO-B activities. MCI-225 showed high affinity only for the 5-HT3 receptor (Ki = 81.0 nmol/l) among all receptors tested including M1, M2, alpha 1, and H1 receptors. The inhibition of the von Bezold-Jarisch reflex by MCI-225 (ID50 = 22.2 mg/kg, p.o.) suggests its antagonistic action on the 5-HT3 receptor. MCI-225 dose-dependently reduced reserpine-induced hypothermia (0.3-10 mg/kg, p.o.) and potentiated yohimbine-induced lethality (3-100 mg/kg, p.o.) in mice. These effects of MCI-225 were as potent as desipramine and more potent than maprotiline, imipramine and trazodone. MCI-225 and desipramine did not change either 5-HTP-induced head movements or p-CA-induced hyperactivity in rats. In forced swimming tests in rats, the minimum effective doses of MCI-225, maprotiline, desipramine, and imipramine were 1, 30, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o., respectively, for 5-days administration. Only MCI-225 had shown its full activity with this short term treatment. MCI-225 (10 mg/kg, p.o.) decreased the REM sleep period without affecting slow-wave sleep or wakefulness in rats. Even at 100 mg/kg, p.o. MCI-225 and trazodone did not inhibit oxotremorine-induced tremor, lacrimation or salivation in mice in contrast with imipramine. These results suggest that MCI-225, which selectively inhibits NA uptake and antagonizes the 5-HT3 receptor, has potential as a new type of potent antidepressant.

MCI-225, a novel thienopyrimidine analog, enhances attentional eye tracking in midpontine pretrigeminal preparation

The effects of MCI-225, a novel psychoactive compound, and reference drugs on attention behavior were studied using visual stimulus induced vertical eye tracking movements in midpontine pretrigeminal (PTG) feline preparation. Surgery was performed under ether anesthesia and subsequently switched to nitrous oxide-fluothane which was discontinued only during experimental sessions. In addition xylocaine was locally injected. Vertical eye movements were monitored by electrooculogram (EOG) and a TV camera. To compare the effects of drugs on eye movement, numbers of spontaneous and tracking eye movements exceeding a present amplitude in EOG were counted before and during the visual stimulation, respectively. MCI-225 (1 and 3 mg/kg, i.v.) enhanced tracking movements dose-dependently without an increase in spontaneous eye movements. No or little change of the electrocorticogram (ECoG) was seen with 1 mg/kg MCI-225 and a slight increase in low voltage fast pattern was observed with 3 mg/kg, i.v.. On the other hand, tacrine (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.), physostigmine (0.03 mg/kg, i.v.) and methylphenidate (0.3 mg/kg, i.v.) enhanced both types of eye movement and induced ECoG arousal. Desipramine (3 mg/kg, i.v.) slightly increased spontaneous eye movement without affecting tracking movements. Piracetam (100 mg/kg, i.v.) decreased spontaneous eye movements only. These data clearly show that MCI-225 enhances attention to a moving object and suggest that MCI-225 could be useful in the treatment of attentional deficits and related cognitive dysfunctions in psychiatric disorders.

Clinical evaluation of taste dysfunction using a salt-impregnated taste strip

We have used special tests to investigate taste function in detail. To evaluate acuity for a salty taste, we used a paper with salt crystals, Salsave. The procedure is simple and takes only a few minutes. We analyzed the relationships between the magnitude of the threshold of response to this test and the results of other taste function tests in 126 patients who visited our clinic. The mean magnitude of the response to Salsave significantly correlated with the results of other taste tests. Thus, this is a useful method for screening the detection and recognition threshold of a salty taste.

Novel benzodioxan derivative, 5-[3-[((2S)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl) amino]propoxy]-1,3-benzodioxole HCl (MKC-242), with anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like effects in animal models

Behavioral effects of MKC-242 (5-{3-[((2>)-1,4-benzodioxan-2-ylmethyl)amino] propoxy}-1,3-benzodioxole CHl), a novel and selective serotonin 1A receptor agonist, were investigated in rats and mice and compared against those of diazepam, buspirone and tandospirone. MKC-242 (0.0625-0.25 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly increased punished drinking in water-deprived rats. The reference compounds also increased punished drinking at doses of 10 to 40 mg/kg, p.o. The increase by MKC-242 was blocked by N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxypenyl)piperazin-1-yl) -2-phenylpropanamide, a serotonin 1A receptor antagonist. MKC-242 (0.1-0.5 mg/kg, p.o.) also increased social interaction under high light and unfamiliar conditions in rats. It had weak benzodiazepine-like side effects in mice. MKC-242 (1, 3 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the reduction of locomotion caused by restraint stress in rats, the same effects were observed on both buspirone (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and tandospirone (100 mg/kg, p.o.). In the forced swimming test in rats, MKC-242 (0.3-3 mg/kg, i.p.), 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (1, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) and amitriptyline (30 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced immobility, although diazepam, buspirone and tandospirone did not. The reduction by MKC-242 and 8-OH-DPAT was antagonized by N-tert-butyl-3-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl) -2-phenylpropanamide. Moreover, the reduction was also blocked by 1-(2--pyrimidinyl)piperazine (1-PP), a common metabolite of buspirone and tandospirone. These findings suggest that MKC-242 possesses potent anxiolytic and antidepressant properties that are mediated via an activation of serotonin 1A receptors.

Effect of the novel high affinity choline uptake enhancer 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N-(2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b] quinolin-4-yl)acetoamide on deficits of water maze learning in rats

The pharmacological properties of MKC-231 (2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)-N- (2,3-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofuro[2,3-b]quinolin-4-yl) acetoamide, CAS 135463-81-9) in comparison with an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, tacrine (CAS 1684-40-8) were studied. MKC-231(10(-10)-10(-6) moll) significantly increased high affinity choline uptake (HACU) when it was incubated with the hippocampal synaptosomes of ethylcholine mustard aziridinium ion (AF64A) treated rats, but not of normal rats. MKC-231 did not affect the AChE activity, [3H]- quinuclidinyl benzilate binding, and [3H]-pirenzepine binding. Oral administration of MKC-231 (1-10 mg/kg) significantly improved the learning deficits in the Morris' water maze of AF64A-treated rats, but it did not produce any significant side effects, like tremor, salivation or hypothermia, which were observed in rats treated with high doses of tacrine. Tacrine (0.1-3 mg/kg p.o.) failed to ameliorate the learning deficits in AF64A-treated rats. These results suggest that MKC-231 is a novel and quite unique compound, which improves the memory impairment induced by AF64A through the enhancement of HACU without any side effects at the effective doses.

[Preoperative autologous blood donation in patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck region]

Twelve instances of preoperative autologous blood donation were assessed in 10 patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck region. All patients received preoperative radiation therapy and chemotherapy and most of the cases were also given recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) and iron sulfate. Hemoglobin concentrations immediately before starting the 800ml blood donations were higher than 13g/dl in 5 cases and less than 13g/dl in 6 cases. The mean hemoglobin concentration just prior to donation and one week after donation in these two groups changed from 14.4g/dl to 12.5g/dl and 11.7g/dl to 11.7g/dl, respectively. A 1000ml blood donation was carried out in only one patient, and the hemoglobin concentrations just before donation and one week after donation were 11.4g/dl and 10.5g/dl, respectively. Only half of the blood volume scheduled, 400ml, was achieved in 3 of the 12 cases attempted because of fever, diarrhea and a change of the day of surgery, respectively. The mean estimated blood loss in the 10 patients that underwent surgery as planned was 898ml, and allogenic blood transfusion was avoided in all cases. We concluded that 800-1000ml preoperative autologous blood donation can be performed safely in patients with advanced malignant tumors of the head and neck region who have undergone preoperative radiation therapy and chemotherapy by giving EPO and iron sulfate.

Effects of selective vagotomy on circadian rhythms of plasma glucose, insulin and food intake in control and ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesioned rats

Effects of hepatic and celiac vagotomy on circadian rhythms of plasma glucose, insulin, and food intake were examined in sham-operated (control) and ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) lesioned rats. Rats were acclimated to the condition with a 12-hour light-dark cycle for 1 week before surgery. One week after VMH lesions, control and VMH lesioned rats were divided into three groups: sham vagotomy, hepatic vagotomy, and celiac vagotomy. Three days after vagotomy, food intake was measured at 6-hour intervals. Seven days after vagotomy, plasma glucose and insulin were measured at the midpoint of each feeding period. In control rats, hepatic vagotomy destroyed circadian rhythms of plasma glucose and insulin probably due to removal of afferent function. In VMH lesioned rats, celiac vagotomy destroyed circadian rhythm of food intake due to the reduction of plasma insulin by removal of efferent function without affecting the loss of circadian rhythms of plasma glucose and insulin.

Effects of MCI-225 on memory and glucose utilization in basal forebrain-lesioned rats

The effects of MCI-225 on amnesia, the cerebral glucose metabolism, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity in basal forebrain (BF)-lesioned rats were studied in comparison with those of tacrine. Bilateral BF lesions with ibotenic acid impaired the performance in passive avoidance (PA) tasks. Single administration of MCI-225 (10 mg/kg, PO) after a 2-week postoperative recovery period, increased the escape latencies in the PA task, but was not statistically significant. Repeated administration of MCI-225 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, PO for 6 days) significantly reversed the PA failure. The BF-lesioned rat exhibited a marked decrease in the local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) in the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, and caudate-putamen. MCI-225 (1 mg/kg, PO for 5 days) significantly ameliorated the reduction of the LCGU in the parietal cortex. MCI-225 did not change the decrease in the cortical ChAT activity induced by the BF lesion. Repeated administration of tacrine reversed the PA failure (0.3 mg/kg, PO) but failed to prevent the decrement in the LCGU and the ChAT activity. These results suggest that MCI-225 could be effective in the treatment of senile dementia of the Alzheimer type, which is accompanied with both deficit in the BF-cortex cholinergic neuron and cerebral glucose hypometabolism.

Peripheral 3-hydroxybutyrate and food intake in a model of dietary-fat induced obesity: effect of vagotomy

We have examined the effect of peripheral 3-hydroxybutyrate injections on food intake and the contribution of the vagus nerve in the resistance to dietary fat-induced obesity in a rodent model. S 5B/Pl rats, which are resistant to dietary-fat induced obesity, and Osborne-Mendel rats, which are sensitive, were adapted to reverse light cycle. Food intake was measured for 24 h following the injection of 3-hydroxybutyrate, lactate, or glycerol (all 5 mMol/kg0.75, SC) at the onset of dark. Three-hydroxybutyrate reduced food intake (p < 0.0001) in S 5B/Pl rats only. Lactate reduced food intake slightly (p < 0.009) in both strains and glycerol had no effect on food intake. In a second experiment, S 5B/Pl and Osborne-Mendel rats were adapted to a high-fat diet and were then subjected to either selective hepatic vagotomy or sham operation. Vagotomy had no effect on weight gain of Osborne-Mendel rats but allowed weight gain in S 5B/Pl rats (p < 0.0001). Even in vagotomized S 5B/Pl rats, however, blood 3-hydroxybutyrate levels were inversely associated (r = -0.50) with food intake. These data suggest that the hepatic vagus nerve may contribute to the resistance of S 5B/Pl rats to dietary-fat induced obesity, but the data do not rule out a strictly central role for the regulation of food intake by 3-hydroxybutyrate in this strain.

[Olfactory disturbance caused by chronic sinusitis]

Sinusitis has been reported to be one of the major causative etiologies of olfactory disorder. According to our data during last 3 years, 47.5% of all cases of olfactory disorder were attributed to sinusitis. Persistent olfactory disturbance was often critical even after resection of the pathological sinus mucosa by surgery for chronic sinusitis. Accordingly, olfactory epithelial inflammation involved in sinusitis may be considered another important causative factor disturbing the restoration of olfactory acuity. To elucidate this hypothesis, the following experimental and clinical studies were carried out. (1) A morphological study was done with specimens taken from the olfactory cleft of rabbits with experimentally induced sinusitis to analyze the inflammatory effects, and the degree of inflammatory damage was compared, histopathologically between olfactory and respiratory epithelium. SEM observation in the morphological study showed delayed healing in the olfactory portion in comparison with the respiratory portion (p < 0.01). Cell proliferation activity as determined by immunohistochemical study with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was significantly greater in the respiratory area of the cases with sinusitis than in the control (p < 0.01). Cell proliferation status may play a significant role in this delay. (2) Olfaction tests were performed in patients with sinusitis accompanied with olfactory disturbance. In addition to both T&T olfactometry and intravenous olfactometry using fursultiamine (Alinamin Test), Smell Identification Test (SIT) and Threshold Test by graded Phenyl Ethyl Alchol (PEA) were applied to estimate the olfactory acuity of the patients with sinusitis. The results of SIT and PEA tended to parallel not the Alinamin Test but T&T olfactometry. Results showed that the olfactory disorder caused by sinusitis tended to be severe. The results showed that the epithelial factor is important in explaining olfactory disorder etiologically in cases of sinusitis. In particular, olfactory disturbance tended to persist.

Expression of the human interleukin 6 receptor alpha-chain in Xenopus laevis oocytes

We investigated the biochemical properties of the 80 kDa binding subunit (gp80) of the human interleukin 6 receptor (IL-6R) in the genetic environment of the amphibian Xenopus laevis. In vitro transcribed mRNA encoding full length human gp80 was microinjected into Xenopus laevis stage VI oocytes. Protein expression was monitored by iodinated IL-6 and human gp80-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) PM1 and MT18. Maximal IL-6 binding activity was observed between 36-42 h after injection. Scatchard analysis indicated that gp80-injected oocytes expressed two independent classes of IL-6 binding sites of high- (Kd1 = 9 x 10(-11) M, 20 x 10(6) sites/cell) and low-affinity (Kd2 = 2 x 10(-9) M, 70.3 x 10(6) sites/cell). PM1 but not MT18 completely inhibited IL-6 binding to injected eggs. Our data suggest that the human IL-6R alpha-subunit gp80 is sufficient to confer high- and low-affinity IL-6 binding to Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Disruption by interferon-alpha of an autocrine interleukin-6 growth loop in IL-6-dependent U266 myeloma cells by homologous and heterologous down-regulation of the IL-6 receptor alpha- and beta-chains

IL-6 is an autocrine growth factor for U266 myeloma cells and their growth is inhibited by IFN-alpha or IL-6 mAb. We asked, therefore, whether IFN-alpha-induced growth inhibition involved IL-6. IFN-alpha and mAb against IL-6, the IL-6R alpha-(gp80) or beta-chain (gp130) potently inhibited U266 cells. Remarkably, this effect occurred despite IFN-alpha-augmented secretion of endogenous IL-6. However, examining the IL-6R revealed that IFN-alpha drastically curtailed expression of the IL-6R alpha- and beta-chain. This effect occurred on two different levels (protein and mRNA) and by two different mechanisms (directly and indirectly through IL-6). First, IFN-alpha, but not IL-6, greatly decreased gp80 and, to a lesser extent, gp130 mRNA levels which resulted in a loss of IL-6 binding sites. Second, IFN-alpha-induced IL-6 predominantly down-regulated membrane-bound gp130. IFN-alpha-mediated decrease of gp80 levels was not detected on IL-6-independent myeloma (RPMI 8226) or myeloid cells (U937). We conclude that IFN-alpha inhibited IL-6-dependent myeloma cell growth by depriving U266 cells of an essential component of their autocrine growth loop, a functional IL-6R.

Effects of an antistroke agent MCl-186 on cerebral arachidonate cascade

Activation of the cerebral arachidonate (AA) cascade is one of the major causes of edema and tissue injury in cerebral ischemia, particularly after reperfusion. The cascade produces toxic oxygen radicals responsible for peroxidative neurodegeneration and synthesizes, the potent edematous inducer, leukotrienes. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of MCl-186 (3-methyl-1-phenyl-pyrazolin-5-one), a radical scavenger and antioxidant which has beneficial anti-ischemic actions, on the cerebral AA cascade. Postischemic treatment with MCl-186 (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg i.v.) significantly inhibited the aggravation of cortical edema seen 60 min after recirculation following 30 min of ischemia in gerbils. An antilipoxygenase agent, FPL-55712 (7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-2- hydroxypropoxy]-4-oxo-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, monosodium salt; 10 mg/kg i.v.) or AA-861 ((2,3,5-trimethyl-6-(12-hydroxy-5,10-dodecadiynyl)-1,4-benzoquinon e; 60 mg/kg i.p.) was also effective in this model; however, indomethacin (4 mg/kg i.p.), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, was ineffective. Concomitant treatment with MCl-186 (0.1-3.0 mg/kg i.v.) remarkably inhibited the swelling observed 24 hr after cortical infusion of AA (80 micrograms) in rats. Similarly, antilipoxygenase agents clearly inhibited the AA-induced edema. Furthermore, postischemic treatment with MCl-186 (0.3-3.0 mg/kg i.v.) inhibited the facilitation of cerebral leukotriene synthesis seen 15 min after recirculation following 30 min of ischemia in gerbils. These findings suggest that the site of action of MCl-186 as an anti-ischemic agent may be closely associated with the cerebral AA cascade, especially the lipoxygenase system, activated by ischemia-reperfusion.

Etretinate-induced heterotopic bone formation about the hip joint. A case report including ultrastructural study

Despite considerable documentation for retinoid-induced hyperostosis, sufficient knowledge regarding its management and histologic features is not available. In a 26-year-old man with etretinate-induced heterotopic bone formation about the hip joint, the use of etidronate disodium was unsuccessful. Surgical excision of the heterotopic bone dramatically improved restricted motion of the hip joint without initiating significant postoperative heterotopic ossification. Ultrastructural study showed abundant myofibroblasts in the fibrous tissue close to the heterotopic bone. Their role in local biologic events should be determined.