IRAK1-dependent Regnase-1-14-3-3 complex formation controls Regnase-1-mediated mRNA decay

Regnase-1 is an endoribonuclease crucial for controlling inflammation by degrading mRNAs encoding cytokines and inflammatory mediators in mammals. However, it is unclear how Regnase-1-mediated mRNA decay is controlled in interleukin (IL)-1β- or Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand-stimulated cells. Here, by analyzing the Regnase-1 interactome, we found that IL-1β or TLR stimulus dynamically induced the formation of Regnase-1-β-transducin repeat-containing protein (βTRCP) complex. Importantly, we also uncovered a novel interaction between Regnase-1 and 14-3-3 in both mouse and human cells. In IL-1R/TLR-stimulated cells, the Regnase-1-14-3-3 interaction is mediated by IRAK1 through a previously uncharacterized C-terminal structural domain. Phosphorylation of Regnase-1 at S494 and S513 is critical for Regnase-1-14-3-3 interaction, while a different set of phosphorylation sites of Regnase-1 is known to be required for the recognition by βTRCP and proteasome-mediated degradation. We found that Regnase-1-14-3-3 and Regnase-1-βTRCP interactions are not sequential events. Rather, 14-3-3 protects Regnase-1 from βTRCP-mediated degradation. On the other hand, 14-3-3 abolishes Regnase-1-mediated mRNA decay by inhibiting Regnase-1-mRNA association. In addition, nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling of Regnase-1 is abrogated by 14-3-3 interaction. Taken together, the results suggest that a novel inflammation-induced interaction of 14-3-3 with Regnase-1 stabilizes inflammatory mRNAs by sequestering Regnase-1 in the cytoplasm to prevent mRNA recognition.

Extracellular mRNA transported to the nucleus exerts translation-independent function

RNA in extracellular vesicles (EVs) are uptaken by cells, where they regulate fundamental cellular functions. EV-derived mRNA in recipient cells can be translated. However, it is still elusive whether “naked nonvesicular extracellular mRNA” (nex-mRNA) that are not packed in EVs can be uptaken by cells and, if so, whether they have any functions in recipient cells. Here, we show the entrance of nex-mRNA in the nucleus, where they exert a translation-independent function. Human nex-interleukin-1β (IL1β)-mRNA outside cells proved to be captured by RNA-binding zinc finger CCCH domain containing protein 12D (ZC3H12D)-expressing human natural killer (NK) cells. ZC3H12D recruited to the cell membrane binds to the 3′-untranslated region of nex-IL1β-mRNA and transports it to the nucleus. The nex-IL1β-mRNA in the NK cell nucleus upregulates antiapoptotic gene expression, migration activity, and interferon-γ production, leading to the killing of cancer cells and antimetastasis in mice. These results implicate the diverse actions of mRNA.

Nonvesicular extracellular RNA (nex-RNA) that are not packed in extracellular vesicles is detected outside the cell, but it is poorly understood. Here the authors report that nex-RNA is captured by a zinc finger protein and transported to the nucleus to enhance antimetastatic characters of the cell.

Translation-dependent unwinding of stem-loops by UPF1 licenses Regnase-1 to degrade inflammatory mRNAs

Regnase-1-mediated mRNA decay (RMD), in which inflammatory mRNAs harboring specific stem–loop structures are degraded, is a critical part of proper immune homeostasis. Prior to initial translation, Regnase-1 associates with target stem–loops but does not carry out endoribonucleolytic cleavage. Single molecule imaging revealed that UPF1 is required to first unwind the stem–loops, thus licensing Regnase-1 to proceed with RNA degradation. Following translation, Regnase-1 physically associates with UPF1 using two distinct points of interaction: The Regnase-1 RNase domain binds to SMG1-phosphorylated residue T28 in UPF1; in addition, an intrinsically disordered segment in Regnase-1 binds to the UPF1 RecA domain, enhancing the helicase activity of UPF1. The SMG1-UPF1–Regnase-1 axis targets pioneer rounds of translation and is critical for rapid resolution of inflammation through restriction of the number of proteins translated by a given mRNA. Furthermore, small-molecule inhibition of SMG1 prevents RNA unwinding in dendritic cells, allowing post-transcriptional control of innate immune responses.

Estimating tadpole-detection rates using visual field surveys: effects of survey time, tadpole species and tadpole density

Context When understanding species occupancy, estimation of detection probability for the target species is often required, provided by repeated surveys. However, if the actual detection probability of the species is determined experimentally, such estimates are not required, and the reliability of the occupancy data obtained by a particular survey effort can be determined. Aims The aim of this study was to determine the detection rate of tadpoles using visual field surveys, as well as to explore the effects of survey time, species and tadpole density on the tadpole-detection rate. The suitability of visual surveys for detecting tadpole occupancy was also assessed. Methods Batch-identified tadpoles were released into several pools and repeatedly counted over successive days to calculate detection rates using visual observation. In Experiment 1, the effects of tag colour, survey time (morning vs night) and species on the detection rates of two species of tadpoles (Babina subaspera and Odorrana splendida) were examined. In Experiment 2, the effects of tadpole density on O. splendida were examined. Key results Detection rates varied by survey time, species and tadpole density; mean rates ranged from 0.2 to 0.6 for B. subaspera and 0.4 to 0.8 for O. splendida, with higher rates at night. There was a negative relationship between detection rate and tadpole density. Based on these detection rates, it was calculated that single visual surveys of O. splendida tadpoles can achieve detection probabilities near 1.0 when more than four individuals occur in a patch. Conclusions Variations in detection probability should be considered in field surveys. If the factors that cause variations in detection rates are controlled, visual surveys of tadpoles should, at least in some species, provide detection probabilities near 1.0. Implications When repeated surveys to estimate species occupancy are not practicable, determination of the actual detection probability of the target species using real detection rates provides a robust alternative approach.

PCSK5 and GDF11 expression in the hindgut region of mouse embryos with anorectal malformations

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Retinoid-mediated signal transduction plays a crucial role in the embryonic development of various organs. We previously reported that retinoic acid induced anorectal malformations (ARM) in mice. GDF11 is a TGFβ superfamily molecule and is cleaved and activated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 5 (PCSK5). PCSK5 (PC5/6) mutations result in an abnormal expression of Hlxb9 and Hox genes, which include known GDF11 targets that are necessary for caudal development in vertebrate embryos. To determine a possible role of the retinoid-mediated signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of ARM, we investigated whether all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) affected the expression patterns of PCSK5 and GDF11 in ARM-treated mouse embryos.

METHODS

Pregnant ICR-Slc mice were administered 100 mg/kg ATRA by gavage on embryonic day (E) 9.0. Embryos were harvested between days E12 and E18, and mid-sagittal sections of the hindgut region were prepared for immunohistochemistry using antibodies against PCSK5 (PC5/6) and GDF11 (GDF8/11).

RESULTS

Over 95% of the embryos treated with ATRA showed ARM, with rectourethral fistula or rectocloacal fistula, and a short tail. Furthermore, most of these embryos exhibited sacral malformations, tethered spinal cords, and presacral masses resembling those malformations found in caudal regression syndrome. By E14, normal mouse embryos formed a rectum and anus, and the somites behind the hindgut were positive for PC5/6 and GDF8/11. In contrast, in ARM embryos, the somites behind the hindgut were negative for PC5/6 and GDF8/11.

CONCLUSION

ATRA treatment affected the caudal development in mouse embryos, resulting in anorectal, sacral, and spinal malformations, and inhibited PCSK5 and GDF11 expression in the hindgut region. These findings indicate that the expression of PCSK5 and GDF11, which plays a crucial role in the organogenesis of the hindgut, was disturbed in the hindgut region when retinoid-mediated signaling was disrupted. This study offers a new insight into the pathogenesis of ARM in mice as affected by the interaction between ATRA and PCSK5/GDF11.

Impact of age at diagnosis on clinical features in children with anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct

AIMS

In patients with an anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AAPBD), clinical presentations may differ between infants and older children. The optimal timing of surgery remains controversial, particularly in early infancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes using comparative methods between infants and older cases. MATERIALS AD METHODS: From 1983 to 2007, a total of 85 consecutive children with AAPBD were treated at our institute. They included 46 with the cystic type, 33 with the fusiform type, and 6 with the non-dilatation type. These patients were divided into 2 age groups: "infant" (n=9), <12 months old; and "older", >1 year old (n=76). A retrospective study was performed.

RESULTS

Mean age was 5.2 months (range, 8 days-11 months) in the infant group and 5.2 years (range, 1.2-17.3 years) in the older group. Jaundice was significantly more frequent in the infant group ( P<0.05), whereas abdominal pain was more common in the older group ( P<0.001). Bleeding tendencies such as cranial hemorrhage or bloody stools were noted in only 3 infants. In terms of liver histology, liver cirrhosis was observed in 2 infants, one of whom was a 3-month-old girl with severe jaundice resulting in living-donor liver transplantation, despite bile drainage. A single postoperative death occurred due to an adenocarcinoma arising in a choledochal cyst in a 12-year-old girl.

CONCLUSIONS

Problems characteristic of infantile AAPBD were a severe bleeding tendency and irreversible liver cirrhosis, which could develop as young as 3 months old. The surgical recommendation for infantile AAPBD is thus early surgery before the age of 3 months to prevent liver failure.

Clinical course of obstructive jaundice associated with operated meconium peritonitis in neonates

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Meconium peritonitis (MP) may induce prolonged cholestasis after laparotomy. In this study, we investigated the postoperative clinical course of MP retrospectively and discuss the relationship between MP and the development of obstructive jaundice, including biliary atresia (BA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1979 and 2008, 23 infants with MP underwent laparotomy at our institution. Eleven of the 23 infants (47.8%) developed obstructive jaundice postoperatively. The medical charts of these 11 infants were reviewed.

RESULTS

The causative disease underlying MP included jejunoileal atresia in 10 and cloacal anomaly in 1. Of these 11 infants, 4 had acholic stools. Nine of the 11 improved with conservative management including an expectant approach, choleretic agents, and exchange blood transfusion. To differentiate the diagnosis from BA, open cholangiography was required in 2 cases following negative HIDA scintigraphy and a small gallbladder on ultrasonography. One of these 2 cases was diagnosed as BA and underwent hepatic portoeneterostomy simultaneously, after which the infant became jaundice free.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative cholestasis after MP was a transient condition in most cases. However, ultrasonography and HIDA scintigraphy should be performed to differentiate BA in infants with MP who show prolonged jaundice with acholic stools.

Choledochal cyst associated with duodenal atresia: case report and review of the literature

We report a rare case of choledochal cyst (CC) associated with congenital duodenal atresia (DA) and annular pancreas (AP). A girl was born at 37 weeks of gestation weighing 2,974 g with a prenatal diagnosis of DA. She underwent a duodenoduodenostomy for type III DA with an AP 1 day after birth. At 4 years of age, she was admitted for evaluation of cholangitis and pancreatitis. Radiological studies demonstrated a fusiform-type CC with pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBMJ). Excision of the CC and hepaticojejunostomy were performed. The patient was discharged without complications. Despite the fact that CC, DA, and AP are embryologically closely related entities, to the best of our knowledge, only eight such cases have been documented. We must be aware of the possible combination of CC in the follow-up of the patients with DA associated with AP.

Congenital anomalies induced by triamcinolone acetonide in murine embryos

INTRODUCTION

We have studied the morphogenesis of anorectal malformations in mice using retinoids. Several investigators have reported an interaction between glucocorticoids and retinoids. It was supposed that glucocorticoids had some effects on the morphogenesis of murine embryos similar to retinoids. Therefore, we investigated alterations in the morphogenesis of murine embryos after triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) administration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

TAC was administered in a single dose (15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg body weight) to pregnant ICR-SLC mice on embryonic day 7 (E7), 8, 9, and 10. They were sacrificed on E18, and fetuses were examined for internal and external malformations. Randomly chosen fetuses were embedded in paraffin for immunohistochemical staining of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).

RESULTS

The groups given 15 mg/kg TAC had one peak in the incidence of cleft palate on E9 (100 %) and the groups given 30 mg/kg TAC showed a biphasic pattern in the incidence of cleft palate on E7 and E10. No other anomalies were found. GR expression was marked in the subepithelial layer of palatal processes in the treated specimens.

CONCLUSION

The group given 15 mg/kg TAC on E9 provided a good model of cleft palate in ICR-SLC mice, and cleft palate was probably induced by various factors including disturbance of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, shown by GR overexpression.

Continuous remission in an infant with chest wall malignant rhabdoid tumor after relapse

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a highly aggressive tumor that occurs in infancy or childhood. The prognosis, especially in infants, is very poor. Here we report the long-term survival of a 5-month-old boy with MRT that arose from the chest wall. After total resection of the tumor, the patient was given 4 cycles of doxorubicin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide, alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide. After 18 months off therapy, he had a local recurrence at the same site. After a second total resection, he was given additional chemotherapy with 30.6-Gy local irradiation. No further recurrence has been observed for 5 years since the second complete remission. Currently, he is alive and well at 7.5 years post-onset. Our experience in this case suggests a fundamental strategy of successful treatment of this highly malignant pediatric tumor: (1) complete resection of the localized tumor, (2) intensive multiagent chemotherapy for the minimal disseminated disease, and (3) radiotherapy for local control of the disease.

Effects of herbal medicine Dai-Kenchu-to on anorectal function in children with severe constipation

AIM

We administered the herbal medicine Dai-Kenchu-To (DKT) to children with severe chronic constipation or with severe constipation after surgery for anorectal malformations. We then objectively assessed the effect of DKT on anorectal function by manometric study in addition to using a clinical scoring system.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ten children with severe chronic constipation and 5 children with severe constipation after surgery for anorectal malformations were assessed. These 15 children received 0.3 g/kg/day of DKT for periods ranging from 3 months to 1 year. We objectively assessed their bowel function, sphincter function and rectal reservoir function by anorectal manometry and clinical scoring.

RESULTS

In 10 children with severe chronic constipation, the clinical score after administration of DKT (7.2 +/- 0.8) improved significantly compared with that before administration of DKT (4.6 +/- 2.9) (p < 0.02). The threshold sensation volume and the maximum tolerable volume after administration of DKT significantly (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) decreased (128 +/- 63 ml vs. 69 +/- 18 ml; 229 +/- 99 ml vs. 144 +/- 47 ml), and rectal compliance after administration of DKT also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased (12.4 +/- 10.9 ml/cmH(2)O vs. 4.7 +/- 3.9 ml/cmH(2)O).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that DKT had a favorable clinical effect on severe constipation in children, and anorectal manometry showed an improvement in their rectal reservoir functions. It appears that the results were secondary to DKT-stimulated peristalsis of the intestine, which promoted regular bowel habits.

The significance of steroid therapy after hepatoportoenterostomy in infants with biliary atresia

PURPOSE

Despite improvements in the surgical management of biliary atresia (BA), it is still difficult to maintain good bile flow. In the present study, we examined steroid therapy and determined the appropriate dose to achieve freedom from jaundice after hepatoportoenterostomy (HPE) in the uncorrectable type of BA.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical analysis was done in 23 of 29 (79 %) cases who had become jaundice-free after undergoing HPE with steroid therapy between 1988 and 2004. A correlation between the total or mean steroid dose and the postoperative jaundice period (serum total bilirubin > 1.0 mg/dl) was evaluated using linear regression analysis. The regimen was as follows: prednisolone was given intravenously, starting with 3 to 5 mg/kg/day, and then gradually tapered with repetition until freedom from jaundice was achieved.

RESULTS

Age at HPE was 72 +/- 20 days (mean +/- SD), and the postoperative jaundice period was 108 +/- 68 days. Total and mean steroid doses were 118 +/- 73 mg/kg and 1.31 +/- 0.8 mg/kg/day, respectively. There was no correlation between the total steroid dose and the period of jaundice. However, there was a significant correlation between the mean steroid dose and the period of jaundice (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

A high mean dose of steroids could shorten the jaundice period after HPE in the uncorrectable type of BA.

Significance of the anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct in the etiology of biliary atresia

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AAPBD) is one theory used to explain the etiology of biliary atresia. We investigated whether AAPBD could be involved and evaluated its significance for the etiology of biliary atresia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of 43 patients with biliary atresia, the area between the common bile duct and the duodenum could be visualized by operative cholangiogram in 5 patients with an uncorrectable type of biliary atresia. Three of the 5 showed an anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct. In these 3 patients, the type of anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct and the length of the common channel were studied by operative cholangiogram. Histological findings of the gallbladder and the common bile duct were examined in addition to the measurement of the serum amylase levels.

RESULTS

All 3 patients showed AAPBD with the P-C type of pancreaticobiliary junction. The length of the common channel ranged from 7 mm to 12 mm. Two of the 3 cases did not show an elevated serum amylase level. Epithelial hyperplasia of the gallbladder was observed in one patient, while the other two showed no hyperplasia. Inflammatory changes in the mucosa of the gallbladder and the common bile duct were not remarkable in these 3 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

From these results it seems that AAPBD in biliary atresia might not be an etiological factor for atresia of the extrahepatic bile duct, but might be an associated anomaly in biliary atresia. Other factors should be examined to clarify the etiological factor leading to lumenal obstruction of the extrahepatic bile duct.

Bleeding tendency as a first symptom in children with congenital biliary dilatation

AIM OF THE STUDY

Although a bleeding tendency as a first symptom is a critical condition in congenital biliary dilatation (CBD), the clinical details of this symptom remain unclear. We assessed this condition in children with CBD in this paper.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five children with CBD were treated at our institute between 1983 and 2004. The children, initially presenting with bleeding manifestations such as intracranial hemorrhage and bloody stools, were defined as the bleeding group, and the remaining children with digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting were defined as the digestive group. The clinical features were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

In 6 of the 65 cases, bleeding manifestations were noted (9.2 %). All six had cystic-type choledochal dilatation. The mean age of the bleeding group was significantly younger than that of the digestive group, and bleeding was more frequent, especially in infants less than 12 months of age. In a laboratory study, the bleeding group showed a more prolonged blood coagulation time than the digestive group did. Serum amylase and lipase levels in the bleeding group were almost normal, while those in the digestive group were significantly higher. The direct bilirubin level in the bleeding group was significantly higher than that in the digestive group.

CONCLUSIONS

Disturbed blood coagulation due to vitamin K deficiency related to cholestasis results in a bleeding tendency in children with CBD. Therefore, pediatric surgeons should be aware of this rare but critical condition which can be prevented by rapid and precise treatment with vitamin K supplementation.

FK506 Induces the Atrophy of Enteric Ganglia in Small Bowel Transplantation, Which Can Be Prevented by the Neuropeptide Bombesin

PURPOSE

FK506, which is widely used for immunosuppression, is reported to have neurotoxicity. However, its neurotoxicity for transplanted graft enteric ganglia (TGEG) has never been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate whether FK506 has a neurotoxic effect on TGEG, and whether bombesin (BBS) prevents such atrophy.

METHODS

Eighteen rats that underwent syngertic heterotopic small bowel transplantation (SBTx) using a cuff method were divided into three groups of six rats each; A: SBTx alone, B: SBTx with FK506, C: SBTx with FK506/BBS. Either BBS (10 mg/kg/d) or normal saline was infused continuously from day 14 to 28. Rats in groups B and C were administered FK506 (0.32 mg/kg/day, intramuscularly) daily. Analysis of TGEG was performed using immunohistochemistry with protein gene product (PGP) 9.5. The ganglionic number was obtained by counting PGP9.5-positive ganglia in each graft.

RESULTS

The number of TGEG were reduced significantly in group B (51.5 +/- 7.7 ganglia per cross section (G/CS)) compared with group A (69.7 +/- 6.0 G/CS), but were well preserved in group C (84.8 +/- 10.2 G/CS). There were significant differences between groups B and C (P < .001) and also between groups A and C (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

FK506 showed severe neurotoxicity on transplanted grafts, and bombesin could rescue TGEG against FK506 neurotoxicity.

Prevention of Warm Ischemic Injury by Neuropeptide Bombesin in Small Bowel Transplantation

PURPOSE

This study investigated whether preoperative administration of neuropeptide bombesin (BBS) had a protective effect against IR/I and subsequent acute rejection.

METHODS

Allogeneic SBTx was performed heterotopically in rats (n = 18). That were administered FK506 (0.32 kg/d) daily. The rats were divided into three groups of six rats each: group 1, BBS(-)5: warm ischemic time (WIT); 5 minutes without BBS; group 2, BBS(-)15: WIT; 15 minutes without BBS; group 3, BBS(+)15: WIT; 15 minutes with BBS. The specimens were obtained from the stoma site at 1 hour after reperfusion and on postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 7. The graft mucosal state and degree of acute rejection were evaluated by H and E staining. The apoptotic cells in the crypt lesion were evaluated using TUNEL immunohistochemistry. An apoptotic index (AI) was calculated for quantitative analysis.

RESULTS

H and E staining revealed that on POD 1 the mucosal villi were shortened in the BBS(-)15 group compared with the other two groups. One hour after reperfusion, the AI in BBS(-)15 group was 125.0 per thousand +/- 37.2 per thousand, which was significantly higher (P < .05) than that in the BBS(-)5 group (32.6 per thousand +/- 5.0 per thousand) or the BBS(+)15 group (32.0 per thousand +/- 3.0 per thousand). On POD 7, the AI in the BBS(-)15 group was 63.7 per thousand +/- 5.03 per thousand, which was significantly higher (P < .05) than in the BBS(-)5 (17.3 per thousand +/- 4.6 per thousand) or the BBS(+)15 group (12.3 per thousand +/- 3.06 per thousand).

CONCLUSIONS

Even a short WIT of 15 minutes induced considerable allograft mucosal damage, which also heightened the possibility of acute rejection. Exogenous BBS prevented mucosal damage by IR/I and was also beneficial to prevent acute rejection.

Neuroendocrine-Immune Modulation May Be Useful for Allograft-Specific Immunosuppression in Small Bowel Transplantation

PURPOSE

The authors have previously demonstrated that the neuropeptide bombesin (BBS) prevented allograft mucosal atrophy under tacrolimus (TRL) immunosuppression for rats small bowel transplantation (SBT). The present study investigated whether BBS had immunosuppressive effects on small bowel allografts.

METHODS

Allogeneic SBT was performed heterotopically in rats (n = 12) that received daily administration of 0.1 mg/kg/d TRL from postoperative day 0 to day 14. Rats divided into two groups of six rats each were administered BBS or normal saline as a control. Biopsy of the allograft was performed from the stomal site on postoperative days 6, 10, and 14. The state of the graft mucosal villi was evaluated by H & E staining and TUNEL immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

By postoperative day 14, extensive mucosal destruction accompanied by heavy transmural cellular infiltration had developed in the control group. Lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrated the lamina propria of the allograft without the distorting villous architecture in the BBS group. The TUNEL index of graft mucosa in the control group was 1.26% +/- 0.37% (mean +/- SD) and that in the BBS group, 0.59% +/- 0.20%, respectively (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect of bombesin on transplanted allografts, which might dramatically reduce the dose of TRL required for postoperative immunosuppression.

The effect of interaction between hepatitis C virus and cigarette smoking on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

We evaluated the interaction between hepatitis C virus (HCV) and cigarette smoking on death from hepatocellular cancer in The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study. The odds ratio of death from HCC for smoking was 9.60 (1.50–61.35) and 1.71(0.58–5.08) among anti-HCV positive and negative individuals, respectively.

Morphology of the enteric nervous system in the hindgut of an infant with cloacal exstrophy

The authors describe the morphology of the enteric nervous system in the hindgut of an infant with cloacal exstrophy. Cloacal exstrophy was diagnosed at 32 weeks' gestation using prenatal ultrasonography. The baby was delivered at 34 weeks' gestation and underwent a separation of the cecum from bladder halves, reapproximation of hemibladders, closure of the omphalocele and pubic symphysis, and a distal colostomy. Intestinal wall specimens were obtained at colostomy from the distal end of the rudimentary hindgut. Serial frozen sections were prepared for histochemical acetylcholinesterase staining. Histological investigations demonstrated a strikingly crowded, immature enteric ganglia and prominent bundles of wandering cholinergic nerves. These findings suggest the unique pathology of the enteric nervous system development in cloacal exstrophy, in which the rudimentary hindgut behaves as a blind alley of the migratory pathway for neural crest-derived cells during embryogenesis. Histological examinations of the hindgut enteric nervous system in cloacal exstrophy may be beneficial for evaluating the postnatal development of the distal colon which might be utilized for a pull-through procedure.

A clinical analysis of prognostic parameters of survival in children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) still has a high mortality because of accompanying lung hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Although prognostic parameters based on perinatal measurements have been proposed, our ability to accurately predict the surgical results remains insufficient.

METHODS

We treated 55 infants with CDH from 1981 to 2004. Among them, 46 patients presented respiratory distress within the first 24 hours of life. Results of surgical treatment in the 46 infants were retrospectively correlated with gender, birth weight, gestational age at diagnosis, laterality, cardiac anomalies, diaphragmatic defect area, contents of herniated viscera, and the great vessel diameters measured by echocardiography.

RESULTS

Out of 46 CDH neonates, 27 (58.7 %) survived and 19 (41.3 %) died aged 3 to 17 days. Non survivors had a significantly larger diaphragmatic defect and more frequent liver herniation. Out of possible predictive parameters studied, an index of the main pulmonary artery (cross-sectional area/diaphragmatic defect area ratio) most closely correlated with the surgical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative prognosis of CDH infants does not depend only on pulmonary hypoplasia, but also on other factors including the magnitude of abdominal visceral herniation. In this series of patients, the most reliable prognostic predictor was a clinical index reflecting the degree of both pulmonary hypoplasia and diaphragmatic maldevelopment.

Coffee and risk of death from hepatocellular carcinoma in a large cohort study in Japan

We examined the relation between coffee drinking and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk (JACC Study). In total, 110 688 cohort members (46 399 male and 64 289 female subjects) aged 40–79 years were grouped by coffee intake into three categories: one or more cups per day, less than one cup per day and non-coffee drinkers. Cox proportional hazards model by SAS was used to obtain hazard ratio of HCC mortality for each coffee consumption categories. The hazard ratios were adjusted for age, gender, educational status, history of diabetes and liver diseases, smoking habits and alcohol. The hazard ratio of death due to HCC for drinkers of one and more cups of coffee per day, compared with non-coffee drinkers, was 0.50 (95% confidence interval 0.31–0.79), and the ratio for drinkers of less than one cup per day was 0.83 (95% confidence interval 0.54–1.25). Our data confirmed an inverse association between coffee consumption and HCC mortality.

The treatment of rectal prolapse in children with phenol in almond oil injection

PURPOSE

The treatment of rectal prolapse in children is controversial. We report the results of injection sclerotherapy in children using phenol in almond oil (PAO) and discuss the occurrence of complications after the injection of PAO.

METHODS

Nine children with rectal prolapse, aged from 2 years and 6 months to 14 years, were treated by PAO injection sclerotherapy between 1993 and 2000. The outcome of PAO injection sclerotherapy and the presence of complications were investigated from the point of anorectal function using anorectal manometry.

RESULTS

All of the nine patients were cured after one to three injections without any complications. The manometric study showed that normal anorectal reflex and other parameters of the anorectum were found after injection sclerotherapy. Two of the 4 who had complained of constipation no longer had constipation after the therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

PAO injection sclerotherapy is simple and should be recommended as a first method of treatment for rectal prolapse in children. PAO as a sclerosing agent did not cause any complications.

Histological investigations into the difference between cystic and fusiform types of congenital biliary dilatation

We investigated the histological differences in the common bile duct wall of bile ducts with congenital biliary dilatation, examining 10 cystic types and 11 fusiform types. A flattened mucosa was found in the cystic type, and a tufted mucosa was occasionally found in the fusiform type. Glands in the choledochus wall were less common in the cystic type than in the fusiform type. Smooth muscle fibre was more abundant in the cystic type than in the fusiform type, and it was markedly developed in the distal choledochus in the cystic type. Based on these results we suggest that the developmental difference of smooth muscle fibres in the distal choledochus in the embryonic period may be closely related to the morphological difference between the cystic and fusiform types of congenital biliary dilatation.

Tubo-ovarian abscess after colonic vaginoplasty for high cloacal anomaly in a 13-year-old girl

Recently a few articles have been published concerning the long-term follow-up of vaginoplasty of cloaca. However, no postoperative evaluation has been fully described and, in particular, the late complications are still unknown. We report a case of tuboovarian abscess after colonic vaginoplasty for high cloacal anomaly in a 13-year-old girl. She required a left salpingo-oophorectomy and postoperatively showed regular menstruation. Therefore we stress that tubo-ovarian abscess is one of the important late complications after colonic vaginoplasty for high cloacal anomaly.

New insight into bile flow dynamics in anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct

BACKGROUND

In an anomalous arrangement of the pancreaticobiliary duct (AAPBD), two-way regurgitation, including pancreaticobiliary reflux and biliopancreatic reflux (BPR), might occur. Although pancreaticobiliary reflux has been shown by high levels of pancreatic enzymes in bile, there have been few reports of clinical evidence of BPR in AAPBD. Recently, spiral computed tomography combined with intravenous infusion cholangiography (IVC-SCT) has been reported to be useful for visualizing the biliary anatomy, which may allow a new insight into bile flow dynamics in AAPBD.

METHODS

Fifteen paediatric patients with AAPBD were examined before operation using both IVC-SCT and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Visualization of the main pancreatic duct on IVC-SCT defined the presence of BPR. Blood samples were also analysed when the initial symptom was strongly present.

RESULTS

BPR was observed in six of 15 patients. Pancreatic enlargement and hyperamylasaemia were significantly more frequent in patients without BPR than in those with BPR. Levels of enzyme markers of cholestasis were also higher in the former group.

CONCLUSION

The present study, using IVC-SCT, has identified clinical evidence of BPR in AAPBD. Further studies are necessary to determine the correlation between BPR and clinical manifestations.

Relationship between the type of RET/GDNF/NTN or SOX10 gene mutations and long-term results after surgery for total colonic aganglionosis with small bowel involvement

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Germline mutations of the RET-mediated or SOX10-mediated signaling pathway genes have been reported in total colonic aganglionosis (TCA). The authors investigated the possible relationship between the type of such genomic abnormalities and surgical outcomes.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with TCA with extensive small bowel involvement were studied. DNA sequences of all the RET/GDNF/NTN and SOX10 coding regions were determined by the direct DyeDeoxy Terminator Cycle method. Data on the patients' clinical courses were obtained retrospectively from their medical charts and surgical records.

RESULTS

RET or SOX10 germline mutations were identified in 11 of the 16 patients (68.8%). In children with aganglionosis up to the jejunum or ileum, most grew up within normal ranges, and the frequency of bowel movements decreased to 2 to 4 times per day within 5 years. However, in 5 infants with total intestinal aganglionosis, only 2 survived beyond 2 years of age, both of whom underwent Ziegler's myectomy-myotomy. A SOX10 mutation was identified in an infant with Shah-Waardenburg's syndrome, and he showed persistent bowel malfunction.

CONCLUSION

The existence or type of RET mutation usually did not affect surgical results in this series of TCA patients, whereas the mutational analysis suggested 2 disease categories of TCA showing different postoperative courses, which may reflect the disparate pathogenesis in the enteric nervous system development induced by impaired RET or SOX10 signaling pathway.

Association analyses between genetic polymorphisms of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene and hypertension in Japanese: The Suita Study

OBJECTIVES

Endothelium-derived nitric oxide plays a key role in the regulation of vascular tone. Recently, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms were reported to be associated with hypertension or coronary spasm. We investigated the association between the eNOS gene polymorphisms and hypertension in a large population-based sample of 4055 Japanese.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We investigated two polymorphisms of the eNOS gene, Glu298Asp polymorphism of exon 7 and T(-786)C polymorphism of the promoter region. The genotype distribution in hypertensive subjects was compared to that in the other subjects. The influence of the genotype on blood pressure values was analyzed in the subjects not taking hypertensive medication. The promoter activities of the eNOS gene with the (-786)T or (-786)C allele were measured by a luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

There was significant linkage disequilibrium between the two polymorphisms (P < 0.0001). The genotype distribution of the Glu298Asp or T(-786)C polymorphism did not differ between the hypertensive and the other subjects. No significant differences in the blood pressure of subjects not taking hypertensive medication were observed among the three genotypes of Glu298Asp or T(-786)C polymorphisms. No significant differences in the promoter activity were observed between bovine endothelial cells transfected with the (-786)T and (-786)C alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that these polymorphisms of the eNOS gene are unlikely to be major factors in the susceptibility to hypertension in the Japanese population studied.

Validity and reliability of single-item questions about physical activity

The Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer Risk Sponsored by Monbusho (JACC Study) included in its self-administered questionnaires some single-item questions concerning physical activity. We examined the validity of the questions among 1,730 Japanese adults and the reliability of the questions among 1,075 Japanese adults. The validity of the sports and physical exercise questions was estimated by comparing the self-administered questionnaire responses with the time spent on the activity and the energy expenditure index for the previous 12-month period, elicited by the interviewing method used in the Japan Lifestyle Monitoring Study with a minor modification. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficients ranged from 0.43 to 0.60, showing moderate correlations. On the other hand, test-retest reliability was estimated by comparing the responses from two separate surveys conducted roughly one year apart. Weighted kappa coefficients of sports and physical exercise questions, classified according to sex and age, ranged from 0.39 to 0.56, showing moderate reliability; and those of a question about walking ranged from 0.25 to 0.39, showing fair reliability. We suggest that measuring physical activity level with these single-item questions may be appropriate for establishing baseline data that reflects long-term physical activity in a large-scale cohort study targeting lifestyle-related diseases.

Association of sodium channel gamma-subunit promoter variant with blood pressure

The SCNN1G gene, located on human chromosome 16p12, encodes the gamma subunit of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channel, and mutations in SCNN1G can result in Liddle's syndrome or pseudohypoaldosteronism type I. We identified sequence variations in the promoter region of SCNN1G and examined the association between this polymorphism and blood pressure in a large cohort (n=4075) representing the general population in Japan. We found T(-1290)C, T(-501)G, G(-173)A, and G(-104)T polymorphisms in the promoter region of SCNN1G and confirmed the existence of T387C and T474C polymorphisms in exon 3 and the C1947G polymorphism in exon 13. Because the genotypes of the T(-1290)C, T(-501)G, G(-104)T, and T474C polymorphisms were in tight linkage disequilibrium, we selected the T474C and G(-173)A polymorphisms for an association study. The G(-173)A polymorphism of SCNN1G had a significant effect on systolic pressure (P=0.0050) and pulse pressure (P=0.0050). The AA genotype was associated with an 11 mm Hg drop in systolic pressure and an 8 mm Hg drop in pulse pressure and with a higher prevalence of hypotension (P=0.0195). A transient transfection assay using MDCK cells and human renal epithelial cells indicated that the promoter activity of the G(-173) allele was higher than that of the A(-173) allele. Although the effects of the A(-173) allele were recessive and although the AA genotype was found in just 0.7% of our study population, we observed that this variation of human SCNN1G had significant effects on blood pressure.

The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is a risk factor for hypertension in Japanese but does not alter the sensitivity to pressor effects of alcohol: the Suita study

Excessive alcohol consumption is a potent risk factor for high blood pressure. About half of Japanese show an extremely high sensitivity to alcohol, which is due to a genetic deficiency in an isoenzyme of aldehydede-hydrogenase with a low Km (ALDH2). It is possible that the effects of alcohol consumption on blood pressure differ according to the ALDH2 genotype. The purpose of the present study was to assess the influence of the ALDH2 genotype on the pressor effects of alcohol. The influence of the ALDH2 genotype on blood pressure was investigated in a large cohort (4,000 subjects) representing the general population in Japan. The genotype was determined by the TaqMan method. The genotype was significantly associated with alcohol consumption, gamma-GTP level, and HDL cholesterol level in both males and females. The odds ratio for the presence of hypertension for the Glu/Glu genotype in comparison to other genotypes was 1.67 (p< 0.0001, odds ratio=1.37-2.08, 95% confidence interval) among males. In contrast, the ALDH2 genotype had no significant effects on blood pressure among females. To investigate whether the ALDH2 genotype affected the sensitivity to the pressor effects of alcohol, we analyzed the effects of the ALDH2 genotype (Lys/Lys+Lys/Glu=0, Glu/Glu=1) and the level of alcohol consumption on blood pressure values after adjusting for age and BMI (residuals after adjusting for age and BMI). Among males, while the level of alcohol consumption significantly affected systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure, no significant interaction was observed between the ALDH2 genotype and the level of alcohol consumption in determining blood pressure levels. These results suggest that the Glu/Glu genotype is a potent risk factor for hypertension among males mainly through its association with the level of alcohol consumption, and that the ALDH2 genotype does not affect the sensitivity to the pressor effects of alcohol.

Optimal combination of seven tumour markers in prediction of advanced stage at first examination of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Between Januaty 1996 and December 1999, we examined seven tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), alpha feto protein (AFP), cancer antigen CAI9-9 (CA199), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cancer antigen CA125 (CA125), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA)) in 312 patients (200 patients with adenocarcinoma (Ad); 112 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (Sq)). In Ad patients, CEA showed the highest positivity rate (46.5% of Ad patients) which rose as the stage advanced and was followed by CA125, the positivity rate of which also increased with the stage. All the Ad cases (35 out of 35:100%) with CA125 levels above 70 ng/ml were advanced (stage IIIB or IV), regardless of the other tumour markers. In Sq patients, the positivity rate of CYFRA (48.2%) was the second highest behind SCC (55.4%), but increased as the stage advanced. As regards the combinations of two markers, in Ad patients, both CYFRA and CA 125 showed significant supplementary value when used with CEA, even though CEA expression was absent. Furthermore, most ofthe CEA, CYFRA (25 out of 26:96.2%) and CEA, CA125 (38 out of 40:95.0%) double-positive Ad patients were also in the advanced stage. In Sq patients, no additional sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of advanced stage resulted from any combination of CYFRA with other markers. By selecting appropriate tumour markers in NSCLC patients, we can predict the stage of the lung cancer and utilize these markers as complementaty tools to establish indications for treatment.

Mutational analysis of RET/GDNF/NTN genes in children with total colonic aganglionosis with small bowel involvement

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by the absence of intramural ganglion cells in the distal gut, resulting in bowel obstruction shortly after birth. Aganglionosis usually affects the distal colon, but may also extensively involve the entire colon and, rarely, the more proximal bowel. Recently, germline mutations of RET, GDNF, and NTN genes have been reported in HSCR. Here we describe the results of mutational analysis of these genes in 15 Japanese child patients with total colonic aganglionosis with small bowel involvement. DNA sequences of all the RET/GDNF/NTN coding regions were determined by the direct dyedeoxy terminator cycle method. Eight different RET mutations were identified in exons 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 17 in 10 of the 15 patients. Of these eight mutations, five were found in the tyrosine kinase domain. No GDNF or NTN mutation was found. Compared with typical HSCR, this patient group appeared to exhibit a higher percentage of RET mutations and accumulation of mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain. A homozygous (or hemizygous) RET mutation was found in a male baby with total intestinal aganglionosis, while the heterozygosity of the same mutation resulted in a less severe type of aganglionosis. In familial cases, all heterozygous for the same mutation, aganglionosis was more severe in male than in female siblings. These results also urge us to examine if the RET germline mutation may cause critical alteration of the GDNF/NTN-Ret signal transduction more severely in homo(hemi)zygosity and in male fetuses during organogenesis.

Mutational analysis of the RET and GDNF gene in children with hypoganglionosis

Germline mutations of the RET (10q11.2) have been reported in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) at a rate of 15-45%. Recently, the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was identified as one of the ligands of the RET, and GDNF (5p12-p13.1) mutations were also found in association with RET mutations in HSCR patients. We analysed the DNA sequence of RET and the GDNF of patients with hypoganglionosis. We investigated the germline mutation in 5 patients histologically diagnosed with hypoganglionosis. DNAs were extracted from peripheral blood lymphocytes of these patients. The PCR primers were designed for RET tyrosine kinase domain (exon 13-17) and GDNF (exon 1-2). The DNA sequence was determined using a direct DyeDeoxy Terminator Cycle method. The analysis of RET showed silent mutation at the codon 769 (CTT-->CTG) by DNA polymorphism in all patients. No other mutation of the RET or GDNF was evident. These results suggest that the RET or GDNF may not contribute to the pathogenesis of hypoganglionosis, which is suspected to be genetically different from HSCR.

A homozygous missense mutation in the tyrosine E kinase domain of the RET proto-oncogene in an infant with total intestinal aganglionosis

Germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene (RET), its ligand glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neurturin (NTN) gene have been reported in patients with Hirschsprung's disease. A targeted mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain of RET produced total intestinal aganglionosis and renal agenesis in homozygous transgenic mice. Here we describe a homozygous mutation of the human gene for the RET tyrosine kinase domain that was present in a male neonate with total intestinal aganglionosis. Gut wall biopsy specimens from the stomach to the anorectum showed no ganglion cells. No urinary tract abnormalities were detected. Genomic DNAs were isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes of the infant and his parents. DNA sequences of all the RET/GDNF/NTN coding regions were determined using a direct DyeDeoxy Terminator Cycle method. A homozygous missense mutation (CGG-to-TGG) at RET codon 969 was identified in this patient, which resulted in an amino acid change from arginine to tryptophan. No germline RET/GDNF/NTN mutations were found in his parents. In this case, the homozygous RET mutation seemed to cause a critical alteration of the Ret tyrosine kinase activity, which resulted in total intestinal aganglionosis but not renal agenesis. Discrepancies in phenotypic expression between humans and mice suggest differing threshold values for RET signal transduction in species or organs.

Alteration of cell adhesion and cell cycle properties of ES cells by an inducible dominant interfering Myb mutant

The Myb transcription factors, c-Myb, A-Myb, and B-Myb, regulate cell differentiation and/or proliferation. To investigate the role of B-Myb in embryogenesis, we introduced an inducible dominant interfering Myb protein (MERT) into embryonic stem (ES) cells, which express B-Myb as an exclusive member of Myb family. Disruption of normal B-Myb function by the conditional activation of MERT caused a drastic morphological alteration of ES cells and G(1)-S cell cycle arrest. The inhibition of B-Myb function by MERT dissociated tightly packed ES cell colonies into dispersed single cells that subsequently detached from the culture dish. Cell adhesion analyses revealed that suppression of B-Myb function reduced the adhesion with extracellular matrix proteins, such as laminin, collagen, and fibronectin. This reduction was presumably due to decreased cell surface expression of beta1 integrin. Embryoid body formation was also severely retarded by the activation of MERT. This impairment was attributed to reduced expression of E-cadherin, which functions as a homophilic intercellular adhesion molecule. Simultaneously, blocking B-Myb function did not alter the expression of differentiation markers. Our data indicate that B-Myb plays important roles in regulating cell adhesion and cell cycle progression. These results are well consistent with the recent report on the phenotype of B-Myb null mice and show that the regulation of cell adhesion is an important B-Myb function that has not yet been assumed.