Optical switching and image storage by means of azobenzene liquid-crystal films

Liquid crystals are promising materials for optical switching and image storage because of their high resolution and sensitivity. Azobenzene liquid crystals (LCs) have been developed, in which azobenzene moieties play roles as both mesogens and photosensitive chromophores. Azobenzene LC films showed a nematic phase in trans isomers and no LC phase in cis isomers. Trans-cis photoisomerization of azobenzene with a laser pulse resulted in a nematic-to-isotropic phase transition with a rapid optical response of 200 microseconds.

Usefulness of epidural anesthesia in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery for infertility in comparison to general anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Although the advantages of epidural anesthesia in open surgery have been established, its usefulness in the setting of laparoscopic surgery remains to be studied.

METHODS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for infertility were randomly administered epidural anesthesia (group A, n = 11) or general anesthesia (group B, n = 9). The operation was performed under 4 mmHg pneumoperitoneum and in the 20 degrees Trendelenburg position. Respiratory function tests using a spirometer and blood gas analysis were performed during the intra- or perioperative period. Pain status was evaluated with visual analog scale scoring. The number of postoperative recovery days needed to resume daily activities was obtained by a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Respiratory rate, minute volume, P(a)CO2, % vital capacity (VC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % were virtually constant throughout the study period in group A, whereas %VC was decreased immediately after operation in group B (p < 0.05). Minute volume immediately after operation was significantly increased in group B compared with group A (p < 0.01), suggesting shallow respiration in women undergoing general anesthesia. Observed pain scores on abdominal pain, shoulder pain, and dyspnea were very low during operation in group A. Pain scores immediately and 3 h after operation were also minimal in group A, whereas abdominal pain scores at these points were significantly higher in group B than those in group A (both p < 0.01). The number of days required for a half reduction in wound pain, trotting, and full recuperation for group A were less than those for group B (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural anesthesia, when used in laparoscopic surgery for infertility treatment, has advantages over general anesthesia in terms of analgesic effects, postoperative respiratory function, and a return to preoperative daily activities.

Differential expression of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 in decidual cells during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the uterus shows marked morphological and physiological changes under the regulation of ovarian steroid. To elucidate the molecular cues of these changes, we tried to identify the transcripts differentially expressed in the pregnant rat uterus by using the suppression subtractive hybridization method. Seven independent clones were isolated and one of the up-regulated genes was secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4). sFRP4 contains a Wnt-binding domain and belongs to the secreted frizzled protein family whose members are assumed to function as modulators of the Wnt signal. The expression level of sFRP4 mRNA reached a peak in the pregnant uterus on day 12, when uterine decidualization was almost complete in the rat. In situ hybridization histochemistry revealed that sFRP4 transcripts were observed in the decidual cells. In addition, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were shown to be overlapped in decidua, suggesting that sFRP4 mRNA expression was accompanied by the late phase of decidual cell proliferation. Moreover, sFRP4 and estrogen receptor-alpha transcripts were co-localized. Furthermore, we analyzed the regulation of sFRP4 by estrogen using 17 beta-estradiol-treated ovariectomized rats. sFRP4 mRNA was detected in the uterus at 48 h after estrogen treatment, especially in endometrial stroma where PCNA-positive cells were also observed. The results in this study led us to the notion that sFRP4 mRNA may be up-regulated after estrogen treatment in the late phase of uterine cell proliferation.

Effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment on skin condition

The skin is a target organ of estrogens. Thus, theoretically, a hypoestrogenic state induced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment may have effects on skin condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate skin condition during GnRHa treatment. Sixteen premenopausal women undergoing GnRHa treatment for 16 weeks, as a presurgical treatment for uterine leiomyomas, were studied. Measurement of serum estradiol levels and epidermal hydration, and evaluation of subjective findings on skin condition using a questionnaire, were performed every 4 weeks during the treatment period. Serum estradiol levels were significantly suppressed at 4 weeks of treatment, and remained low afterwards. Epidermal hydration measured by corneometer did not show any significant difference at any time point examined, compared with that before treatment. No particular subjective findings relating to the skin (dryness, wrinkling, roughness, pigmentation, itching, formication, reaction to cosmetics) were reported during treatment, whereas complaints about hot flushes and sweating were notable. The results of this preliminary study support the notion that GnRHa treatment for 16 weeks is unassociated with apparent changes in skin condition.

No evidence of PEG1/MEST gene mutations in Silver-Russell syndrome patients

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth retardation with morphologic anomalies. Maternal uniparental disomy 7 has been reported in some SRS patients. PEG1/MEST is an imprinted gene on chromosome 7q32 that is expressed only from the paternal allele and is a candidate gene for SRS. To clarify its biological function and role in SRS, we screened PEG1/MEST abnormalities in 15 SRS patients from various standpoints. In the lymphocytes of SRS patients, no aberrant expression patterns of two splice variants (alpha and beta) of PEG1/MEST were detected when they were compared with normal samples. Direct sequence analysis failed to detect any mutations in the PEG1/MEST alpha coding region, and there were no significant mutations in the 5'-flanking upstream region containing the predicted promoter and the highly conserved human/mouse genomic region. Differential methylation patterns of the CpG island for PEG1/MEST alpha were normally maintained and resulted in the same pattern as in the normal control, suggesting that there was no loss of imprinting. These findings suggest that PEG1/MEST can be excluded as a major determinant of SRS.

The participation of pharmacists in a team to introduce a clinical pathway to laparoscopic cystectomy in obstetrics and gynecology

In the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at our hospital, a team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other medical staff was established to prepare a clinical pathway for laparoscopic cystectomy. Various data on clinical charts including the use of drugs were collected from 57 patients by pharmacists and nurses. Based on the analysis of these data, hospitalization period, method of preoperative bowel preparation, time to initiation of food intake, duration of antibiotic administration, and time and content of pharmaceutical instructions to patients of dosage and administration were determined. Criteria for variances requiring the doctor's directions were determined for fever, wound pain, and vomiting. The clinical pathway established here allows of not only the efficient and uniform care of patients, but also the active exchange of opinions among members of the medical team. Moreover, most patients who replied to a questionnaire said that they were at ease during hospitalization because they had received detailed information about the clinical pathway including the use of drugs before surgery. Thus, the participation of pharmacists on a medical team that is introducing a clinical pathway is particularly important because the use of drugs and pharmaceutical care are an important part of good patient care.

Is an elevation in basal follicle-stimulating hormone levels in unexplained infertility predictive of fecundity regardless of age?

An elevation in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels is considered to reflect lowered ovarian function, resulting in poor fecundity in infertile women. However, it remains to be clarified whether or not the significance of FSH levels applies equally to all women irrespective of age. The objective of the present study is to compare basal FSH levels in infertile women who conceived or not after stratification by age. A total of 144 infertile women between ages 25 and 45 who underwent infertility treatment due to unexplained infertility in the University of Tokyo Hospital were included in the retrospective study. Subjects were divided by age into two groups, < 38 (n=98) vs > or = 38 (n=46) years, with ages ranging from 25 to 37, and from 38 to 45, respectively. Blood samples were collected in early follicular phase (day 4-6) for assessment of basal levels of LH, FSH, and PRL. In the older group, pregnant cases had significantly lower FSH levels (6.07 +/- 2.83 mIU/ml) than nonpregnant cases (9.60 +/- 3.67 mIU/ml), whereas no difference in basal FSH levels was observed between pregnant and nonpregnant cases in the younger group. Basal FSH levels of pregnant cases in the older group were significantly lower than those of pregnant cases in the younger group (8.26 +/- 2.95 mIU/ml). Basal LH and PRL levels were not related to fecundity in either group. Thus, an increase in basal FSH levels as a predictor of fecundity should be considered in the context of age.

Demonstration of angiogenin in human endometrium and its enhanced expression in endometrial tissues in the secretory phase and the decidua

Angiogenesis is thought to be crucial for normal physiology of the endometrium, where dynamic vascular remodeling occurs during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. We investigated the presence of angiogenin, a potent inducer of angiogenesis, and the regulatory mechanisms of its production in the human endometrium. Western blot analysis demonstrated that angiogenin protein expression increased by 3- to 4-fold in the endometrium in the mid and late secretory phases and in early gestation relative to that during the proliferative phase. Quantitative mRNA analysis showed the similar tendency in the expression of angiogenin mRNA in the endometrium, with the highest levels observed in the mid and late secretory phases and early gestation. An immunohistochemical study showed that angiogenin was expressed in both stromal cells and epithelial cells, with indistinguishable intensity between these cells regardless of phases of the menstrual cycle. In support of the Western blot analysis, the intensity of staining appeared to be highest in the mid to late secretory phases relative to other phases. Consistent with these in vivo results, decidualized cultured stromal cells, after treatment with progesterone or progesterone plus E2, exhibited the capacity to secrete significantly increased amounts of angiogenin compared with untreated or E2 alone-treated control group. Both the treatment with (Bu)2cAMP and hypoxic conditions stimulated angiogenin secretion by stromal cells. For isolated epithelial cells, hypoxia stimulated angiogenin secretion, whereas (Bu)2cAMP had no appreciable effect. In summary, we demonstrated the presence of angiogenin in human endometrium and its possible local regulatory factors, such as progesterone, cAMP, and hypoxia. These findings along with its enhanced expression in the endometrium in the secretory phase and in decidual tissues raise the possibility that angiogenin may play a role in establishing pregnancy.

[Establishment of an optimum bowel preparation method before gynecologic laparoscopic surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a new method for preoperative bowel preparation that facilitates nursing care and minimizes the patient's discomfort during the clinical pathway of laparoscopic surgery.

METHOD

A randomized controlled trial was conducted for the following two preparation methods. Twenty cases were assessed with Method 1 and 18 cases with Method 2. Method 1 (the conventional procedure): oral magnesium citrate is given in the afternoon of the day before surgery, followed by a glycerin enema in the night of the day before surgery and in the morning of the day of surgery. Method 2 (a new procedure): oral magnesium citrate is given in the afternoon of the day before surgery, followed by oral picosulfate in the night before the day of surgery and a bisacodyl suppository in the morning of the day of surgery. To evaluate the two methods we sent questionnaires to the surgeons (blinded to the method used), nurses, and patients.

RESULTS

No statistical difference existed between the two methods in their effectiveness as a preoperative treatment. Facilitation of nursing care was significantly better in Method 2, and patients had considerably reduced discomfort with Method 2.

DISCUSSION

Patients who received oral picosulfate and a bisacodyl suppository experienced much less discomfort and nursing care was easier when compared with the conventional method of administering a glycerin enema. Since an enema is disliked by young women and an effect comes out with discomfort very shortly after the administration, the degree of discomfort of patients would have become high. Picosulfate is an oral medicine and thereby the effect comes out mildly. That would be the reason why the degree of discomfort of patients was low. In the nursing care, an enema requires time for preparation and administration, while picosulfate is easy to administer, making the nursing care easier. Therefore, Method 2 was chosen as a preoperative bowel treatment for the clinical pathway. Thus, we could establish a new evidence-based method useful for the preoperative bowel preparation in the clinical pathway of laparoscopic surgery.

Successful laparoscopic treatment of ileo-cecal endometriosis producing bowel obstruction

Bowel endometriosis manifesting with ileus is difficult to diagnose, often requiring laparotomy for diagnosis and treatment. We report here a case of ileo-cecal endometriosis causing bowel obstruction. A diagnosis of intestinal endometriosis with menstruation-associated bowel symptoms was made, and the patient was successfully treated by laparoscopic ileo-cecal resection.

Usefulness of long-jaw forceps in laparoscopic cornual resection of interstitial pregnancies

Although laparoscopic surgery could be an option for treating interstitial pregnancies, it has not gained wide acceptance largely because of difficulty achieving hemostasis. To overcome this, we employed long-jaw forceps in three cases of interstitial pregnancy that were successfully treated by laparoscopic cornual resection. The forceps grasped a relatively large portion of pregnant myometrium without slipping, thus securing hemostasis and facilitating suturing.

Molecular cloning and characterization of mouse EBAG9, homolog of a human cancer associated surface antigen: expression and regulation by estrogen

We previously identified a human estrogen-responsive gene, EBAG9 (ER-binding fragment-associated antigen9) (Watanabe, T. et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 18, 442-449, 1998). It was later reported as RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed on SiSo cells) that induced apoptosis and suppressed the growth of several cells such as activated T cells (Nakashima, M. et al., Nat. Med. 5, 938-942, 1999). Here, we have isolated both cDNA and genomic DNA of mouse EBAG9/RCAS1. Mouse EBAG9 gene spans about 30 kb in genomic DNA and consists of 7 exons. Mouse EBAG9 cDNA encodes a protein that contains the transmenbrane segment and coiled-coil domain. An alignment between the predicted mouse and human EBAG9 shows a high degree of homology at the amino acid level (98%). Northern and Western blot analyses demonstrate that EBAG9 is expressed in several tissues including the heart, brain, spleen, liver, kidney, and testis, and also in developing embryo. In the uterus, a target organ for estrogen, the EBAG9 was shown to be upregulated in vivo by 17beta-estradiol. To determine the biological action of mouse EBAG9, NIH3T3 fibroblastic cells were incubated with recombinant EBAG9 protein, resulting in suppression of cell growth. These findings suggest that EBAG9 is an in vivo estrogen-responsive gene that inhibits the cell growth.

Evidence for the expression of interleukin (IL)-18, IL-18 receptor and IL-18 binding protein in the human endometrium

To see whether the interleukin (IL)-18 system is operative in the endometrium, we examined the expression of IL-18, IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) and IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), the substance known to neutralize IL-18 activity, in this tissue. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that IL-18, IL-18R and IL-18BP mRNA were constitutively expressed without significant fluctuation throughout the menstrual cycle. When epithelial cells and stromal cells were cultured separately, the expression levels of IL-18 mRNA in epithelial cells were about 18-fold higher compared to those in stromal cells. Furthermore, the IL-18 precursor protein was detected by Western blot analysis in cultured epithelial cells but not in stromal cells. Recombinant human IL-18 stimulated the secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma by resident bone marrow-derived cells in the endometrium. On the other hand, IFN-gamma up-regulated the IL-18BP expression both in cultured epithelial cells and stromal cells. Thus, we have presented evidence for the presence of the IL-18 system in the human endometrium. In light of its immunomodulatory roles in a variety of tissues, this system may afford protection against pathogenic micro-organisms and provide a regulatory mechanism for controlled trophoblast invasion by modulating a local cytokine network.

Effects of pulsed ultrasound on development and glucose uptake of preimplantation mouse embryos

The effects of pulsed ultrasound (US) on early mouse embryos were investigated. Two-cell embryos contained in oviducts were irradiated to US (1.875 MHz with an I (SPTA) of 2.96 W/cm(2)) in an experimental unit for either 1 or 5 min (exposure groups). The embryos were cultured to examine the rate of developing to blastocysts, and the uptake of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) into blastocysts was measured to evaluate their viability. The rates in the exposure groups were essentially the same, with those of the embryos treated similarly in the unit unless being exposed to US (nonexposure groups). However, they were lower than that of embryos not treated in the experimental unit (a control group). There were no significant differences of 2-DG uptake among the 1-min exposure, 1-min nonexposure, and control groups. The uptake in the 5-min exposure group did not differ from that in the 5-min nonexposure group; however, uptake in both groups was lower than that in the control group. Pulsed US for 1 min did not affect viability of preimplantation mouse embryos.

Caspase-2 deficiency prevents programmed germ cell death resulting from cytokine insufficiency but not meiotic defects caused by loss of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (Atm) gene function

It is well established that programmed cell death claims up to two-thirds of the oocytes produced during gametogenesis in the developing fetal ovaries. However, the mechanisms underlying prenatal germ cell loss in females remain poorly understood. Herein we report that caspase-11 null female mice are born with a reduced number of oocyte-containing primordial follicles. This phenotype is likely due to failed cytokine processing known to occur in caspase-11 mutants since neonatal female mice lacking both interleukin (IL)-1alpha and IL-1beta also exhibit a reduced endowment of primordial follicles. In addition, germ cell death in wild-type fetal ovaries cultured ex vivo is suppressed by either cytokine, likely via ligand activation of type 1 IL-1 receptors expressed in fetal germ cells. Normal oocyte endowment can be restored in caspase-11 null female mice by simultaneous inactivation of the gene encoding the cell death executioner enzyme, caspase-2. However, caspase-2 deficiency cannot overcome gametogenic failure resulting from meiotic recombination defects in ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (Atm) null female mice. Thus, genetically distinct mechanisms exist for developmental deletion of oocytes via programmed cell death, one of which probably functions as a meiotic quality-control checkpoint that cannot be overridden.

Evidence for the presence of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in human ovarian follicles

The presence of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in human follicular fluid (FF) was investigated in a total of 145 FFs obtained during oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization (IVF) from 29 patients with no apparent endocrine disorders. The concentrations of KGF, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in FF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FF samples contained relatively higher amounts of KGF (2194+/-87 pg/ml), whereas its concentrations in serum were below assay limit (<31.2 pg/ml). Concentrations of KGF in FF were positively correlated with both progesterone (r=0.311, p<0.0005) and testosterone (r=0.230, p<0.01) concentrations in FF. However, KGF concentrations were not significantly correlated with estradiol and hCG concentrations. KGF in FF was detected as a broad band (26-29 kD) by immunoblotting, the size being reduced by 7kD after N-glycosidase treatment. In an in vitro experiment, KGF suppressed the basal and hCG-stimulated progesterone production by cultured human luteinized granulosa cells. summary, we demonstrated the presence of KGF in human ovarian follicles, suggesting its possible role as a local factor in regulating human ovarian functions.

A case of XY pure gonadal dysgenesis with 46,XYp-/47,XXYp- karyotype whose gonadoblastoma was removed laparoscopically

A case of pure gonadal dysgenesis was investigated. The patient was an 18-year-old Japanese woman with a history of primary amenorrhea. She had poorly developed breasts, a hypoplastic uterus, a normal vagina and infantile genitalia. The patient's karyotype was 46,XYp-/ 47,XXYp-. Microsatellite analysis revealed that the X chromosomes of this patient originated from one of the two maternal X chromosomes. DNA analysis of the Y chromosome revealed that she had a deletion of SRY (the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome). She underwent laparoscopic gonadectomies with a final pathology consistent with gonadoblastoma. Laparoscopic surgery is recommended as it is much less invasive and associated with rapid postoperative recovery.

Preimplantation exposure to bisphenol A advances postnatal development

Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogenic compound, has been shown to alter postnatal development at an environmentally relevant exposure level. To elucidate these low dose effects of preimplatation exposure to BPA, two-cell mouse embryos were cultured with 1 nM BPA. More embryos exposed to 1 nM BPA than controls reached the blastocyst stage. When the blastocysts with or without BPA exposure were transferred to uterine horns of pseudopregnant recipient mice not treated with BPA, the number of pups per litter and body weight at birth did not differ. At weaning on postnatal day 21, however, pups treated with 1 nM BPA during the preimplantation period were significantly heavier than controls. These findings suggest that BPA may not only affect early embryonic development even at low, environmentally relevant doses, but also may exert late effects on postnatal development.

An estrogen receptor beta isoform that lacks exon 5 has dominant negative activity on both ERalpha and ERbeta

An alternatively spliced isoform of human estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) has been isolated from normal human testis mRNA that is coexpressed with wild-type ERbeta by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Sequence analysis of the ERbeta isoform PCR product reveals the absence of 139 bp that corresponds to the entire exon 5 of wild-type ERbeta, which predicts to lack part of the hormone-binding domain. The transient expression of the exon 5-deleted isoform of ERbeta (ERbetaDelta5) had no effect on basal transactivation activity of an estrogen-responsive luciferase reporter gene. This finding was in contrast to the previous reports that the exon 5-deleted isoform of ERalpha (ERalphaDelta5) acts as a dominant positive receptor, increasing basal gene transactivation itself. Moreover, when ERbetaDelta5 was cotransfected with the wild-type ERalpha or ERbeta, it behaved as a dominant negative receptor that inhibited not only estradiol-stimulated transactivation by ERbeta but also that by ERalpha. The ligand-independent nuclear localization of ERbetaDelta5 was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, and the coexpression of the isoform and the wild-type receptors could be observed in a single cell that transfected with both receptor cDNAs. These findings indicate that ERbetaDelta5 has a potential as a dominant negative receptor that blocks both ERalpha and ERbeta signaling pathways, suggesting some physiological roles of this isoform as an "ER inhibitor".

[Synthetic estrogen as a endocrine disruptor--diethylstilbestrol and oral contraceptives]

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on certain environmental contaminants, endocrine disruptors, of industrial origin that may mimic the action of estrogen. Oral contraceptives containing ethynylestradiol, a synthetic estrogen, have been suspected to have adverse environmental effects since prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol, another synthetic estrogen, was reported to be associated with clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina in female offspring. In terms of magnitude and extent, such exposures to synthetic estrogens are now considered virtually insignificant compared with the secretion and excretion of natural estrogens from humans. However, as is the case with all other chemicals, continuous and rational risk assessment and risk management of these synthetic estrogens must be made.

[Effects of endocrine disruptors on preimplantation embryo development]

Endocrine disruptors such as dioxins and bisphenol A(BPA) were detected in the human follicular fluids indicating that the reproductive organs have been exposed to these substances. To study possible effects of these chemicals on the germ cells and early embryos, we employed mouse preimplantation embryo development models. Dioxin(TCDD) and BPA both have positive and negative effects on embryo development in mice. The developmental rates were significantly decreased by exposure to concentrations of TCDD between 1 and 5 pM as compared with the control group. On the other hand, stimulatory effects of BPA were observed in the blastocyst formation rate at concentrations of 1 nM and 3 nM. The present study demonstrated that low concentration of both TCDD and BPA, not dose dependent manner, exert stimulatory or inhibitory effects on preimplantation embryo development. These alterations in low doses may be mediated by AhR or ER alpha and ER beta, present in mouse preimplantation embryos.

Human NB-2 of the contactin subgroup molecules: chromosomal localization of the gene (CNTN5) and distinct expression pattern from other subgroup members

NB-2 is one of the neural recognition molecules in the contactin subgroup, which belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. In rat, the six molecules in this subgroup that have been reported to date are contactin, TAG-1, BIG-1, BIG-2, NB-2, and NB-3. We have isolated cDNAs encoding the two splicing isoforms of human NB-2. The long isoform of human NB-2 consists of 1100 amino acids residues that are 91% homologous to rat NB-2 at the amino acid sequence level. The short isoform lacks 74 amino acid residues between residues 19 and 93 of the long isoform. Among various regions of the adult human brain, high-level expression of NB-2 was detected in the amygdala and occipital lobe, whereas expression was low in the corpus callosum, caudate nucleus, and spinal cord. Although there were some differences, the expression pattern of NB-2 was the most similar to that of BIG-1 in the brain. Likewise, contactin and BIG-2 exhibited similar expression patterns. The expression of TAG-1 showed the least regional differences. The human NB-2 gene (CNTN5) was mapped to chromosome 11q21-q22.2 by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Our results suggest that the NB-2 gene may contribute to human neurological disorders.

Stem cell factor (SCF) concentrations in peritoneal fluid of women with or without endometriosis

PROBLEM

In the quest for possible involvement of stem cell factor (SCF), a cytokine known to have multiple effects, in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, we evaluated concentrations of SCF in peritoneal fluid (PF) of women with or without endometriosis.

METHOD OF STUDY

SCF concentrations in PF collected from women undergoing laparoscopy were measured, using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis to detect gene expression of c-kit, the receptor for SCF, was performed using the endometriotic tissue and the eutopic endometrium collected during the operation.

RESULTS

SCF concentrations in PF of women with endometriosis were significantly higher compared to women without endometriosis. Looking at SCF concentrations in PF of women with endometriosis stratified by disease stage, women with stage I and II exhibited relatively higher SCF levels in PF, whereas SCF levels in PF with stage III and IV were comparable with those without endometriosis. The expression of mRNA for c-kit was detected in both the endometriotic tissue and the eutopic endometrium.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated an elevation in SCF levels in PF associated with endometriosis and the presence of its receptor in endometriotic tissues. Given the known pleiotropic properties of SCF, the present results suggest that SCF might play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Increased concentrations of soluble tumour necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR) I and II in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), a proapoptotic cytokine, is known to be present in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. An emerging view is that soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) can modulate the effects of TNFalpha by acting as TNFalpha antagonists. To assess the relevance of sTNFRs in the pathophysiology of endometriosis, concentrations of sTNFR I, sTNFR II and TNFalpha in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis (n = 53) and without endometriosis (n = 40) were measured. Concentrations of both sTNFR I and sTNFR II in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis were significantly higher than in peritoneal fluid from women without endometriosis, both in the follicular and the luteal phases. TNFalpha concentrations did not differ in patients with and without endometriosis in both phases. When stratified by the stage of the disease, women with both stages I/II and stages III/IV exhibited significantly higher concentrations of sTNFR I and sTNFR II in peritoneal fluid, compared with women without endometriosis, whereas no appreciable difference in the concentrations was detected between stages I/II and stages III/IV. A significant correlation was found between the concentrations of sTNFR I and sTNFR II; while the correlations between TNFalpha and sTNFR I or sTNFR II, were either not significant or were very weak. Furthermore, mRNA for the membrane-associated TNF receptor type 1 and TNF receptor type 2, both of which convey the effects of TNFalpha, were shown to be expressed in endometriotic tissues as well as eutopic endometrium. Together, these findings suggest a possible involvement of sTNFRs in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.

An in-vitro model of scirrhous carcinoma of the stomach using stomach fibroblasts derived from gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The mechanisms of the particular stromal changes that occur upon cancer invasion by scirrhous carcinoma of the stomach, in particular, the relationships among cancer cells, stomach fibroblasts and collagen, a major constituent of the stroma of the invasive tumor, have yet to be clarified.

METHODOLOGY

Three different human fibroblast cell lines (TIG-101, MF-2, MKF-1) and a cancer cell line derived from scirrhous carcinoma of the stomach (KATO III) were cultured three-dimensionally in collagen gels to investigate collagen gel contraction by these cells as a model of scirrhous carcinoma of the stomach.

RESULTS

The gels contracted and gradually decreased in size in all of the fibroblast (TIG-101, MF-2 and MKF-1) cultures, but not in the KATO III culture, and the extent of gel contraction was not uniform among the fibroblast cell lines. The extent of gel contraction when fibroblasts derived from stomach (MF-2, MKF-1) were co-cultured with KATO III cells in collagen gel was almost similar to that of fibroblasts alone. Moreover, microscopic examination following Masson's trichrome staining revealed condensation and remodeling of collagen fibrils only around the fibroblast cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The extent of collagen gel contraction by fibroblasts may depend on their in vivo origin. This property appears to be characteristic of fibroblasts, but not of malignant epithelial cells, under this culture system. Furthermore, the results of the present study demonstrate that stomach fibroblasts may play an important role in the stromal changes associated with scirrhous gastric cancer.

A fetus with Prader-Willi syndrome showing normal diurnal rhythm and abnormal ultradian rhythm on heart rate monitoring

Clinical features of Prader-Willi syndrome in neonates are marked hypotonia with the absence of crying and feeding difficulty so that prenatal diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome is strongly hoped in order to provide appropriate medical and psychological care for neonates and their families. However, the clinical picture of Prader-Willi syndrome in utero has not been well described. We report a pregnancy associated with Prader-Willi syndrome manifesting polyhydramnios, large biparietal diameter of the fetus and characteristic fetal heart rate pattern: prolonged inactive periods and diurnal variation of the incidence of heart rate accelerations. These findings may offer a clue to the prenatal diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome, although molecular cytogenetics is mandatory for the definite diagnosis.

Evidence for the presence of angiogenin in human follicular fluid and the up-regulation of its production by human chorionic gonadotropin and hypoxia

Angiogenesis is an essential event during the development of the ovarian follicle and ensuing formation of the corpus luteum. We investigated the presence of angiogenin, a potent inducer of angiogenesis, and the regulatory mechanisms of its production in the human ovary. Follicular fluid (FF) and granulosa cells (GCs) were collected from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The presence of angiogenin in FF and GCs was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. The production of angiogenin by cultured GCs was stimulated with the addition of human CG or cAMP or under the hypoxic milieu. Concentrations of angiogenin in FF from an individual follicle were positively correlated with those of progesterone, but not estradiol and testosterone. Given the presence of angiogenin in FF and up-regulation of its production by human CG and hypoxia, it seems logical to assume that angiogenin may play a role as a local angiogenic factor in the human ovary.

Molecular analysis of clonality in ovarian endometrial cysts

Ovarian endometrial cysts, one of the typical manifestations of endometriosis, are classified as tumor-like lesions rather than as neoplasms. Clonality analysis provides important information on the histogenesis and progression of neoplastic diseases. It is generally accepted that most neoplasms are monoclonal in origin, while the clonality of endometrial cysts remains uncertain. In our study, the clonality of endometrial cysts was analyzed by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on restriction fragment length polymorphism of the X chromosome-linked human androgen receptor gene (HUMARA) and on random inactivation of the gene by methylation. We separated 21 fresh epithelial cell samples from 11 endometrial cysts and found that all were monoclonal in the methylation pattern of the human androgen receptor alleles. Moreover, in each of the five cysts where epithelial cells were sampled from multiple areas, the methylation patterns of all samples from a single cyst were identical. These data indicate that endometrial cysts are monoclonal in origin and suggest their neoplastic potential.

Promoter analysis and chromosomal mapping of human EBAG9 gene

The human EBAG9 was previously identified as an estrogen responsive gene using CpG-genomic binding site cloning (Watanate et al., (1998) Mol. Cell. Biol. 18: 442-449). Recently it was revealed that the EBAG9 is identical with RCAS1 which is a cancer cell surface antigen implicated in immune escape. Here, we isolated and analyzed the 5'-flanking region of human EBAG9 gene. We determined transcription initiation site, which has a homology with an initiator element YYCAYYYY, and found that TATA motif was absent. Deletion analysis of the 5'-flanking region using MCF-7 breast cancer cells indicated that the sequences -86 to -36 containing the ERE had the basal level of promoter activity and the upstream GC-rich region positively regulated the activity. EBAG9 promoter luciferase reporters containing the ERE could respond to estrogen, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that ERalpha bound to the ERE. Moreover, fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis has shown that the human EBAG9 gene is located at chromosome 8q23 which is frequently amplified in tumors. These findings suggest that the human EBAG9 might be involved in carcinogenesis as an estrogen responsive gene.

Regulation of nitric oxide synthase to promote cytostasis in ovarian follicular development

Our own recent studies have demonstrated that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is predominantly localized in granulosa cells of healthy immature follicles in the rat ovary, whereas granulosa cells of either healthy mature follicles or follicles destined to be atretic are devoid of iNOS. These findings suggest that iNOS is pivotal for immature follicles to remain dormant. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of a GnRH agonist (buserelin), a proapoptotic substance, and epidermal growth factor (EGF), a mitogenic and, consequently, antiapoptotic factor, on the amount of iNOS mRNA in rat granulosa cells. Administration of buserelin in immature female rats transiently diminished iNOS mRNA levels in the ovaries as determined by Northern blot analysis. In cultured rat granulosa cells, buserelin and EGF increased the incidence of apoptosis and DNA synthesis, respectively, whereas both reduced iNOS mRNA levels as determined by reverse transcription-coupled polymerase chain reaction. The concomitant addition of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine, an NO donor, together with buserelin or EGF eliminated the observed effects of these substances (i.e., induction of apoptosis and stimulation of DNA synthesis, respectively). These results suggest that the changes in developmental status of immature follicles either into development or atresia are associated with reduced iNOS levels in granulosa cells, thus reinforcing the notion of NO as a cytostatic factor in ovarian follicles.

Basal leptin concentrations in women with normal and dysfunctional ovarian conditions

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether leptin is involved in ovarian function.

METHODS

Fasting serum samples were obtained from 20 women with normal menstrual cycles who were either obese or non-obese: 12 non-obese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), 8 obese patients with PCOS, 10 patients with stress-related hypothalamic amenorrhea, and 8 patients with weight loss-related hypothalamic amenorrhea.

RESULTS

Serum leptin levels were strongly related to body mass index (BMI) in each group, but there was no difference in the mean serum leptin levels among the BMI-matched study groups. A significant difference in the mean serum leptin levels was found between the non-obese and obese control groups (P<0.001) and between the non-obese and obese PCOS groups (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that circulating leptin levels in women with normal menstrual cycles and those with ovarian dysfunction are strongly related to BMI. Leptin does not appear to be primarily involved in regulating ovarian function.

Surgical outcome of curative resection in patients with Borrmann type IV gastric carcinoma with particular reference to the extent of lymph node metastasis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The prognosis after curative resection for Borrmann type IV carcinoma, according to the extent of lymph node metastasis, is poorly understood.

METHODOLOGY

The surgical outcome of curative resection was examined in 78 patients with T2-T3 Borrmann type IV gastric carcinomas, with particular reference to the extent of lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

The 5-year survival rate was 35.7% for the n0 patients, 27.8% for the n1 patients, 18.2% for the n2 patients and 0% for the n3 or n4 patients. The survival curve for the n3 or n4 patients differed significantly from those of the n0 (P < 0.0001), n1 (P = 0.0009) and n2 (P = 0.0203) patients. However, no other statistically significant differences between the curves were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study indicate that patients with Borrmann type IV carcinoma of the stomach may indeed be cured by curative surgery, and that the surgical outcome of this disease does not depend on the extent of lymph node metastasis under curative resection if lymph node metastasis is restricted to the n2 lymph nodes.

Estrogen receptor-mediated effects of a xenoestrogen, bisphenol A, on preimplantation mouse embryos

The effects of bisphenol A, a xenoestrogen widely used in industry and dentistry, were studied in early preimplantation mouse embryos. Two-cell mouse embryos were cultured with 100 pM to 100 microM bisphenol A with or without 100 nM tamoxifen and evaluated at 24-h intervals for their development to eight-cell and blastocyst stages. At 72 h, blastocysts were cultured for another 48 h without bisphenol A, and surface areas of trophoblast spread were measured. At 24 h, more embryos exposed to 3 nM bisphenol A than to controls had reached the eight-cell stage. At 48 h, more embryos exposed to 1 nM and 3 nM bisphenol A than to controls had become blastocysts. At 100 microM, bisphenol A decreased frequency of development to blastocysts. Tamoxifen counteracted both stimulatory and inhibitory effects of bisphenol A on blastocyst formation. Although bisphenol A did not alter blastocyst morphology or cell number, early exposure to 100 microM bisphenol A increased subsequent trophoblast areas. These findings suggest that bisphenol A may not only effect early embryonic development via estrogen receptors even at low, environmentally relevant doses, but also exert some late effects on subsequent development of these embryos.

Expression and imprinting status of human PEG8/IGF2AS, a paternally expressed antisense transcript from the IGF2 locus, in Wilms' tumors

A large imprinted gene cluster in human chromosome 11p15.5 has been implicated in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Wilms' tumor. We have identified a paternally expressed imprinted gene, PEG8/IGF2AS, in this locus. It is transcribed in the opposite direction to the IGF2 transcripts and some genomic regions are shared with the IGF2 gene, as in the case of the mouse imprinted Igf2as gene reported previously by T. Moore et al. As to the relationship between these genomic regions, the human and mouse genes are very similar but there is no homology in their middle parts. Interestingly, PEG8/IGF2AS and IGF2 were found to be overexpressed in Wilms' tumor samples, at levels over ten and a hundred times higher than that in normal kidney tissues neighboring the tumors, respectively. These findings indicate that PEG8/IGF2AS is a good marker of Wilms' tumor and also suggest the possibility of PEG8/IGF2AS being one of the candidate Wilms' tumor genes.