Tuning surface grafting density of CeO2 nanocrystals with near- and supercritical solvent characteristics

In this work, the solvent effect on the synthesis of CeO₂ nanocrystals prepared in near- and supercritical alcohols is discussed.

A 13-week subchronic toxicity study of dietary administered saponin-rich and isoflavones-containing soybean extract in F344 rats

A subchronic toxicity study of soybean extract was performed in F344 rats with dietary administration at concentrations of 0%, 1.25%, 2.5% and 5% for 13 weeks. No mortality or abnormal clinical signs in any group were observed. Body weight gains were decreased with a tendency for reduction of feed intake in the 1.25% and above female and 5% male groups. In males, absolute and relative liver weights were increased in the 1.25% and above groups. In females relative kidney weights were increased in the 1.25% and above groups. Other significant changes such as decreased RBC and hematocrit and increased urea nitrogen were detected in the 2.5% and/or 5% groups. On histopathological observation, atrophy of the ventral prostate was observed in all animals in the 5% male group. Mucification and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium and increased atretic follicles in ovaries were noted in 2.5% and 5% female rats. Based on the above findings the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level for male and female rats was estimated to be 1.25% (707.2 and 751.8 mg/kg b.w./day, respectively).

Evaluation of toxicity of green tea catechins with 90-day dietary administration to F344 rats

Green tea catechins (GTC), polyphenols extracted from the stalks and leaves of Camellia sinensis, are found in the different types of tea beverages and as antioxidant additives to many foods, snacks, fats and fatty oils. As a part of their safety assessment, subchronic toxicity was investigated in male and female F344 rats with dietary administration at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.3%, 1.25% and 5.0% for 90 days. The average daily intakes of GTC in each group were 180, 764 and 3525mg/kg body weight/day, respectively for males, and 189, 820 and 3542mg/kg body weight/day, respectively for females. No mortality or obvious clinical signs were observed throughout the experimental period but body weights were reduced from week 1 to the end of the experiment in 5.0% males. In serum biochemistry, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in 5.0% males and females and aspartate transaminase in 5.0% females were increased, together with the relative liver weights in both sexes receiving 5.0%. Although decreases were evident for total cholesterol in 0.3-5.0% males and triglycerides in 1.25% and 5.0% males and 5.0% females, these changes were not considered to be adverse. Hematology and histopathological observation revealed no GTC-related toxicological changes. Based on above findings, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of GTC was estimated to be 1.25% (764mg/kg body weight/day for males and 820mg/kg body weight/day for females).

Chemokine receptor antagonist peptide, viral MIP-II, protects the brain against focal cerebral ischemia in mice

The authors previously reported that mRNA for macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1 alpha), a member of the CC chemokines, was expressed in glial cells after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. However, the function of chemokines in the ischemic brain remains unclear. Recently, viral macrophage inflammatory protein-II (vMIP-II), a chemokine analogue encoded by human herpesvirus-8 DNA, has been demonstrated to have antagonistic activity at several chemokine receptors. In the present study, the effects of vMIP-II and MIP-1alpha on ischemic brain injury were examined in mice to elucidate the roles of chemokines endogenously produced in the ischemic brain. Intracerebroventricular injection of vMIP-II (0.01-1 microg) reduced infarct volume in a dose-dependent manner when examined 48 hours after 1-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. However, 1 microg MIP-1alpha increased infarct volume in the cortical region. These results supported the possibility that chemokines endogenously produced in the brain are involved in ischemic injury, and that chemokine receptors are potential targets for therapeutic intervention of stroke.

Intravenous administration of MEK inhibitor U0126 affords brain protection against forebrain ischemia and focal cerebral ischemia

Brain subjected to acute ischemic attack caused by an arterial blockage needs immediate arterial recanalization. However, restoration of cerebral blood flow can cause tissue injury, which is termed reperfusion injury. It is important to inhibit reperfusion injury to achieve greater brain protection. Because oxidative stress has been shown to activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and because oxidative stress contributes to reperfusion injury, MAPK may be a potential target to inhibit reperfusion injury after brain ischemia. Here, we demonstrate that reperfusion after forebrain ischemia dramatically increases phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) in the gerbil hippocampus. In addition, i.v. administration of U0126 (100-200 mg/kg), a specific inhibitor of MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase), protects the hippocampus against forebrain ischemia. Moreover, treatment with U0126 at 3 h after ischemia significantly reduces infarct volume after transient (3 h) focal cerebral ischemia in mice. This protection is accompanied by reduced phosphorylation level of ERK2, substrates for MEK, in the damaged brain areas. Furthermore, U0126 protects mouse primary cultured cortical neurons against oxygen deprivation for 9 h as well as nitric oxide toxicity. These results provide further evidence for the role of MEK/ERK activation in brain injury resulting from ischemia/reperfusion, and indicate that MEK inhibition may increase the resistance of tissue to ischemic injury.

Ebselen reduces cytochrome c release from mitochondria and subsequent DNA fragmentation after transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The seleno-organic compound ebselen has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although ebselen has been shown to protect the brain against stroke, it is unclear how ebselen provides neuroprotection. In the present study the authors examined whether ebselen inhibits neuronal apoptosis resulting from transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice. The cytochrome c release and DNA fragmentation, both of which are biochemical markers of apoptosis, were compared between vehicle- and ebselen-treated mice.

METHODS

Cerebral ischemia was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 30 minutes in ICR mice under halothane anesthesia. Ebselen (10 mg/kg) was given orally twice, 30 minutes before ischemia and 12 hours after reperfusion. By Western blot analysis, we examined release of mitochondrial cytochrome c. To evaluate brain damage, the brain sections were treated for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated DNA nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and Nissl staining. Prolonged neuroprotective efficacy of ebselen was determined by counting neuronal nuclei (NeuN) immunopositive cells at 21 days after ischemia.

RESULTS

- Cytochrome c release was detected in the ischemic hemisphere at 3 to 24 hours after ischemia. Ebselen treatment diminished the cytochrome c release at 12 and 24 hours. In addition, ebselen decreased both DNA fragmentation determined by TUNEL and brain damage volume at 3 days after ischemia. Furthermore, ebselen increased the number of NeuN immunopositive cells at 21 days after ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that ebselen attenuates ischemic neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting cytochrome c release. Ebselen may be a potential compound in stroke therapy.

Vomeronasal epithelial cells of human fetuses contain immunoreactivity for G proteins, Go(alpha) and Gi(alpha 2)

Two G protein subfamilies, Go(alpha) and Gi(alpha 2), were identified and localized immunohistochemically in the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of 5-month-old human fetuses. Immunoreactivity for Go(alpha) and Gi(alpha 2) was present in a subset of vomeronasal epithelial cells. Prominent immunoreactivity was observed in apical processes and their apical terminals facing onto the vomeronasal lumen. Nerve fibers associated with the VNO exhibited intense immunoreactivity for Go(alpha) and weak immunoreactivity for Gi(alpha 2). Since Go(alpha) and Gi(alpha 2) are characteristically expressed and coupled with putative pheromone receptors in rodent vomeronasal receptor neurons, the present results suggest the possibility that vomeronasal epithelial cells containing Go(alpha) and Gi(alpha 2) in human fetuses are chemosensory neurons.

Chromosomal instability detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization in Japanese breast cancer patients

The relationship between chromosomal instability (CIN) and prognostic factors was investigated in 31 breast cancers and 5 benign breast lesions (three fibroadenomas and two papillomas). Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with chromosome-specific DNA probes of chromosomes 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 17 and 18, CIN for each case was determined. CIN varied from 8.1% to 59.3% among the breast cancer patients tested, and was significantly higher than that observed in the benign breast lesions (p<0.01). Moreover, CIN showed a significant correlation with lymph node metastases (p<0.05) and estrogen receptor negativity (p<0.01). These findings suggest that CIN might be useful in the prediction of the biological aggressiveness of breast cancers.

Clinicopathologic analysis of breast carcinoma with chromosomal aneusomy detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization

BACKGROUND

The clinicopathologic characteristics of breast carcinoma with chromosomal aneusomy detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have yet to be clarified.

METHODS

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) samples were obtained from 113 breast tumors and were subjected to FISH analysis using centromeric probes for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17 to study a numerical aberration of these chromosomes and its correlation with various clinicopathologic features of breast tumors.

RESULTS

Polysomy was observed in 77.0%, 50.5%, and 37.2% of breast carcinoma samples for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17, respectively, and monosomy was observed in 1.8%, 8.8%, and 22.1% for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17, respectively. High histologic grade showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with polysomy of chromosome 11. Lymph node metastasis showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) with polysomy of all three chromosomes, and positivity of lymph node metastasis increased as the number of polysomic chromosomes increased. In addition, estrogen receptor negativity was correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with monosomy of chromosome 17, and progesterone receptor negativity was correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with polysomy of chromosomes 11 and 17.

CONCLUSIONS

Aneusomy of chromosome 1, 11, or 17 detected by FISH is correlated significantly with various clinicopathologic features of breast carcinoma. Because FISH analysis of chromosomal aneusomy can be done using FNAB samples, this technique seems to have the potential to be used for a better, preoperative definition of the biologic characteristics of breast tumors.

Detection of chromosomal aneusomy by fluorescence in situ hybridization in fine-needle aspirates from breast tumors: application to the preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The authors studied the clinical usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of a numerical aberration of chromosomes (aneusomy) using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples from patients with breast tumors in the preoperative diagnosis of breast carcinoma.

METHODS

FNA samples were obtained from 176 breast tumors and were subjected to conventional cytology and FISH analysis using the centromere probes for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17. Patients with FNA samples that showed aneusomy in at least one of the three chromosomes were diagnosed as positive.

RESULTS

Histologic examination revealed 157 malignancies and 19 benign results (10 fibroadenomas, 6 intraductal papillomas, 1 intracystic papilloma, and 2 ADH). The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 85.4%, 94.7%, and 86.4%, respectively, for cytology and 90.4%, 100%, and 91.5%, respectively, for FISH. Of 15 breast malignancies that were diagnosed with indeterminate cytology, 13 were diagnosed as positive with FISH analysis (sensitivity, 86.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that the use of FISH in the diagnosis of FNA samples has a diagnostic accuracy comparable to conventional cytology and is useful in making a definitive diagnosis of malignancy (100% specificity) in patients with indeterminate cytologic results, suggesting that FISH diagnosis can be a good adjunct to conventional cytology.

Deletion polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is associated with postprandial hyperglycaemia in individuals undergoing general check-up

1. Deletion polymorphism, DD, of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is reported to be related to cardiovascular disease, which is frequently based on insulin resistance. 2. To clarify the relationship between the ACE genotype DD and plasma glucose increases after an oral glucose load, we performed 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 301 nondiabetic men (age range 30-60 years) undergoing general check-up. 3. Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene was explored using a polymerase chain reaction. The frequency of the II, ID and DD genotypes was 0.43, 0.43 and 0.14, respectively. 4. There were no differences in baseline clinical characteristics between subjects with each ACE genotype. 5. The mean (+/- SEM) plasma glucose level at 60 min of the OGTT was significantly higher in subjects with the DD genotype (170.8 +/- 6.9 mg/dL) than in subjects with either the II or ID genotype (mean value for two groups 156.6 +/- 2.7 mg/dL; P < 0.05). Moreover, the mean percentage change of plasma glucose after 60 min of the OGTT, a marker of plasma glucose increase, was significantly higher in individuals with the DD genotype than in individuals with either the II or ID genotypes. 6. In contrast, the mean fasting plasma glucose level, the plasma glucose level at 120 min, the glucose response area and the fasting insulin level were not different between individuals with the DD genotype and individuals with other genotypes. 7. In conclusion, subjects with the DD genotype showed transiently higher levels of plasma glucose after an oral glucose load than subjects with other genotypes. Further studies are required to determine whether the association between ACE genotype and postprandial hyperglycaemia influences the incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.

Localization of calcitonin receptor mRNA in the mouse brain: coexistence with serotonin transporter mRNA

To elucidate the sites of and mechanisms of analgesic effect of centrally injected calcitonin, we examined expression of calcitonin receptor mRNA in the mouse brain by in situ hybridization techniques. Calcitonin receptor mRNA was expressed in various brain regions, including the preoptic area, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic area, periaqueductal gray, dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, lateral parabrachial nucleus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus alpha part, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, raphe magnus nucleus and solitary tract nucleus, which are known to play important roles in pain modulation. In addition, a double in situ hybridization technique demonstrated the intense expression of calcitonin receptor mRNA on serotonergic neurons in some raphe nuclei and the lateral paragigantocellular nucleus, suggesting the involvement of central serotonergic pathways in analgesic effect of calcitonin.

Gene polymorphism of the renin-angiotensin system associates with risk for lacunar infarction. The Ohasama study

The polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is considered to be associated with increased risk for stroke, but there is a diversity in the results obtained. The genetic involvement of the renin-angiotensin system in stroke also remains unclear. To predict the genetic risk of lacunar infarction, we conducted an association study in an Ohasama population, which is the cohort in a rural region of northern Japan. A total of 134 subjects without major neurological, cardiovascular, or metabolic disorders were recruited. Using brain magnetic resonance imaging, the number of lacunae in each of four brain regions were calculated, and periventricular hyperintensity was classified into five grades. We used the following four candidate gene polymorphisms: angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)/Insertion(I)-Deletion(D), angiotensinogen (AGT)/M235T, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1)/ A1166C, type 2 receptor (AT2)/C3123A, to examine the association between polymorphisms and the severity of lacunar infarction. AGT/M235T was significantly associated with the number of lacunae in the brain stem, the basal ganglia (P < .05), and whole brain (P < .005) regions. The AT1 polymorphism was also significantly associated with the number of lacunae in the basal ganglia and whole brain regions (P < .05), and with periventricular hyperintensity grade (P < .005) in the younger population. However, ACE and AT2 polymorphisms failed to show an association with either the number of lacunae or the PVH grade. We concluded that AGT and AT1 polymorphisms are independent genetic risk factors for lacunar infarction.

Human G-protein beta3 subunit variant is associated with serum potassium and total cholesterol levels but not with blood pressure

The activity of a sodium-proton exchanger is enhanced in the patients with essential hypertension and regulated via G-protein, which is a signal transducer between receptors and intracellular effectors. A recent study has revealed that a novel variant (C825T) in exon 10 of the gene encoding the beta3 subunit of heterotrimetric G proteins (GNB3) is a genetic factor predisposing to hypertension in Caucasians. We examined the association between GNB3/ C825T and blood pressure, lipids, electrolytes, and other parameters in a Japanese population. Subjects (n = 352) were selected from the Ohasama Study, the population of which is regarded as from a rural community in Japan. To obtain precise clinical measurements, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and carotid ultrasonography (CUS) were conducted in this population. In addition, we recruited 762 subjects from outpatients at the Osaka University Medical School to carry out the association study between hypertension and GNB3. The GNB3 genotype distribution did not differ significantly between normotensives and hypertensives in either of the two studies. The T825 allele of GNB3 was not associated with the presence of hypertension, blood pressure level, the number of brain lacunae or carotid wall thickness. However, the serum potassium and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in subjects with the T allele (P < .005). The T825 allele of GNB3 is associated with increased serum potassium and total cholesterol levels but not with blood pressure in a Japanese population.

[Detection of numerical aberrations in chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization in fine needle aspirates in the preoperative diagnosis of cancer]

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) samples were obtained from 176 breast tumors suspected of malignancy, which were then subjected to conventional cytological and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses using the centromeric probes for chromosomes 1, 11, and 17. Histological examination revealed 157 breast cancers and 19 benign diseases (ten fibroadenomas, six intraductal papillomas, one intracystic papilloma, and two ADH). Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 85.4% 94.7%, and 86.4%, respectively, for cytology and 90.4%, 100%, and 91.5%, respectively, for FISH. These results demonstrate that FISH diagnosis of FNA samples has a diagnostic accuracy comparable to that of conventional cytology.

Linkage analysis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene with human blood pressure

OBJECTIVE

Endothelial nitric oxide exerts important effects on the regulation of vascular tone and structure. Variants of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (eNOS) have been associated with hypertension and myocardial infarction, although some reports have shown negative linkage with hypertension. To examine whether the region encoding the eNOS gene is linked with physiological blood pressure variation, we undertook a linkage analysis of this region in the general population.

DESIGN

In healthy volunteer families, we used two independent quantitative linkage analyses to examine the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes, with both parametric and non-parametric and single-locus and multi-point methods.

METHODS

We selected 260 families comprising mother and father (aged 40-70 years) and two natural offspring (aged 18-30 years) from the Victorian Family Heart Study. After standardized measurement of clinical data and extraction of DNA, all family members were genotyped at five microsatellite loci including the CA repeat in the eNOS gene by a PCR method. The quantitative linkage analyses were conducted according to two different analysis programs, the Genetic Analysis System (GAS) and the MAPMAKER/SIBS.

RESULTS

With both linkage analyses, we found no linkage between any of the loci on chromosome 7q35-36 and the phenotypes systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, pulse rate, weight, height and body mass index.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, we conclude that in this population the eNOS gene is not linked to the physiological variation of blood pressure and other related phenotypes.

Structural organization of the 5'-end and chromosomal assignment of human placental leucine aminopeptidase/insulin-regulated membrane aminopeptidase gene

Placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP) which is identical with cystine aminopeptidase as oxytocinase was found to be a homologue of rat insulin-regulated membrane aminopeptidase (IRAP) by cDNA cloning. In this study, we confirmed 5'-end cDNA sequence of P-LAP and isolated genomic clones containing the upstream region of human P-LAP gene. The transcription initiation sites determined by primer extension located 478 and 480 bp upstream of the initiation methionine codon, 38 bp downstream of TATA box-like motif. The 5'-flanking region of human P-LAP gene contained DNA-binding motifs for several ubiquitous transcription factors such as SP1 and AP2. Chromosomal localization by fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that the gene was assigned to 5q14.2-q15 of the human chromosome. This study establishes the genetic basis for P-LAP gene research, thereby leading to better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the P-LAP gene.

[Detection of TT virus in healthy volunteer]

A novel DNA virus, TT virus(TTV), has been reported in Japanese patient with non A to G posttransfusion hepatitis. We sought to determine whether TTV infection occurs in healthy volunteer, and to compared with DNA extraction methods and polymerase chain reaction(PCR) primer for TTV in diagnostic system. Using a nested PCR assay, serum sample of healthy volunteer serve our laboratory in Japan were examined for the presence of TTV DNA. Twenty of 90(22%) healthy volunteer were detected to have TTV sequences in their serum. Also, we found that DNA extraction methods with a modified phenol-chloroform method. Our result suggested that detection of TTV DNA are high ratio of adults in Japan and were necessary to take care of selected using diagnostic systems.

Efficacy of all-trans retinoic acid for molecular relapse of acute promyelocytic leukemia during remission

We analyzed the efficacy of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) as an early treatment for four acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients in remission who were PML/RARalpha-positive by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or fluorescence in situ hybridization. ATRA 45 mg/m2 was administered orally. All became negative for PML/RARalpha transcripts after 3 to 6 months of ATRA treatment. However, the PML/RARalpha transcripts subsequently reverted to positive in three cases. Although retreatment with ATRA failed to prevent hematological relapse in two patients, one case remains in hematological remission. No serious side effects were encountered during ATRA treatment. These findings suggest that early treatment of ATRA for PML/RARalpha-positive APL patients in remission may have a therapeutic benefit and prolong the duration of hematological remission without chemotherapy.

Linkage analysis of glucocorticoid and beta2-adrenergic receptor genes with blood pressure and body mass index

Glucocorticoids and catecholamines exert important effects on cardiovascular physiology and metabolism. Variants of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (GRL) and the beta2-adrenergic receptor gene (ADRB2) have been associated with high blood pressure and obesity. These genes are close on human chromosome 5q31-5q32, and we undertook a linkage analysis of this region in 264 families from the general population in relation to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, weight, height, and pulse rate. All family members were genotyped at four microsatellite loci (D5S207, D5S210, D5S519, and D5S119) located on chromosome 5q31-5q33.3. Using quantitative identity-by-descent sibling pair linkage analysis, we found that at no loci was genetic similarity associated with phenotypic similarity for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, weight, height, or pulse rate. Although it is not possible to exclude the influence of specific combinations of certain GRL and ADRB2 polymorphisms, the absence of significant linkage in our population argues against a role for GRL or ADRB2 in physiological variation of blood pressure and body mass index.

A hyperalgesic effect of intracerebroventricular cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 in the rat paw pressure test

Cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1) is a member of the chemokine superfamily. The effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection of CINC-1 on the mechanical nociceptive threshold in the rat was examined using the paw-pressure test. An i.c.v. injection of CINC-1 at doses of 1 and 10 pg/rat tended to decrease the nociceptive threshold for mechanical stimuli at 15 min after the injection, and significantly lowered the threshold at 30 min. The threshold stayed at these lowered level over 180 min after the injection. Lower (100 fg/rat) and higher (30 and 100 pg/rat, and 1 and 10 ng/rat) doses of CINC-1 had no effect on the mechanical nociceptive threshold. The present results suggest that CINC-1 facilitates mechanical nociception in the central nervous system (CNS).

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism: relation to blood pressure and cerebrovascular disease

Hyperhomocysteinemia is reported to be associated with an increase in the incidence of ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Genetic aberrations in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may account for reduced enzyme activity and elevated plasma homocysteine level. A recent report revealed that a common mutation (677C to T; Ala to Val) in the MTHFR gene is associated with decreased specific MTHFR activity and with increased risk for coronary artery disease in the homozygous state (Val/Val). In the present study, we investigated whether the MTHFR gene is a genetic risk factor for cerebrovascular disease (CVD). To undertake a case-control study, we selected the patients with cerebral infarction (n = 48) or cerebral hemorrhage (n = 35) and examined the association between MTHFR gene polymorphism and CVD. The genotype distribution of the MTHFR gene was not significantly different between cases and controls. Because the possibility of matching the morbidity of the effects of hypertension, the lack of association could not be excluded in the first study; however, we also examined whether the MTHFR mutation was associated with any clinical risk factor for CVD or with hypertension. It turned out that the subjects with the Val allele of the MTHFR gene had significantly lower blood pressure than the subjects with other genotypes in the general population (P = .02), and that the frequency of the Val/Val genotype in hypertensive subjects (n = 173) was significantly lower than in control subjects (n = 184) (P = .03). From these results, we conclude that the Val/Val homozygous state of the MTHFR gene increased the risk of thrombosis, but reduced the blood pressure, which resulted in the lack of increased risk for CVD.

Expression of stromal cell-derived factor-1 and CXCR4 chemokine receptor mRNAs in cultured rat glial and neuronal cells

The expression of the mRNAs for stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha and -1beta (SDF-1alpha and -1beta) and their receptor CXCR4 in cultured rat glial and neuronal cells was examined. SDF-1alpha mRNA was expressed intensely in astrocytes and weakly in neurons, but not in microglia. SDF-1beta mRNA was expressed weakly in these three types of cells. The expressions of SDF-1alpha and -1beta mRNAs in astrocytes were decreased by treatment with LPS (100 ng/ml) for 1-6 h but markedly increased by that for 24-72 h, whereas the expression of SDF-1beta mRNA in microglia was hardly changed by the treatment for 0.5-6 h, and was decreased by that for 24-48 h. The expression of CXCR4 mRNA was observed in astrocytes, microglia and neurons, and was not altered by LPS treatment.

Localization of fractalkine and CX3CR1 mRNAs in rat brain: does fractalkine play a role in signaling from neuron to microglia?

Localization of the mRNAs for fractalkine, a CX3C chemokine, and for its receptor CX3CR1 was investigated in the rat brain. In situ hybridization study revealed that fractalkine mRNA was dominantly expressed in neuronal cells particularly in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens. In vitro study using enriched neuronal or glial culture supported the dominant expression of fractalkine mRNA in neurons. On the other hand, CX3CR1 mRNA was dominantly expressed in glial cells throughout the whole brain. The in vitro study suggested the cells expressing CX3CR1 mRNA are microglia, not astrocytes or neurons. Fractalkine appears to function as a signal molecule from neuron to microglia.

Association between angiotensin II receptor gene polymorphism and serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) activity in patients with sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Serum angiotensin converting enzyme (SACE) is considered to reflect disease activity in sarcoidosis. SACE activity is increased in many patients with active sarcoid lesions. The mechanism for the increased SACE activity in this disease has not been clarified. ACE insertion/deletion (I/D) gene polymorphism has been reported to have an association with SACE levels in sarcoidosis, but no evidence of an association between angiotensin II receptor gene polymorphism and SACE in this disease has been found. A study of the association of angiotensin II receptor gene polymorphisms with sarcoidosis was therefore undertaken.

METHODS

ACE (I/D), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AGTR2) gene polymorphisms were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and SACE levels were measured in three groups of patients: those with sarcoidosis or tuberculosis and normal controls.

RESULTS

There was no difference in allele frequency of AGTR1 and AGTR2 polymorphism among the three groups. Neither AGTR1 nor AGTR2 polymorphisms were associated with sarcoidosis. SACE activity was higher in patients with sarcoidosis with the AGTR1 A/C genotype than in others. However, this tendency was not detected in patients with tuberculosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The AGTR1 allele C is associated with high activity of SACE in patients with sarcoidosis. It is another predisposing factor for high levels of SACE in patients with sarcoidosis and is considered to be an independent factor from the ACE D allele for high levels of SACE in sarcoidosis. This fact could be one of the explanations for the increased SACE activity in sarcoidosis.

Increased density of olfactory receptor neurons immunoreactive for apolipoprotein E in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Immunolocalization of apolipoprotein E (apoE) was investigated in human olfactory mucosa in which olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) were identified with antiserum to protein gene product (PGP) 9.5. Tissue was obtained at autopsy from 10 nondemented middle-aged or elderly subjects and 9 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Double-labeling immunofluorescence established that apoE immunoreactivity was colocalized in a subpopulation of PGP 9.5-immunoreactive ORNs. The mean number of apoE-immunoreactive ORNs per unit epithelial length in AD patients was about 3.5 times greater than that in nondemented patients, although the mean number of PGP 9.5-immunoreactive ORNs was similar. The apoE-immunopositive Schwann cells in olfactory nerve bundles were the probable source of apoE in the ORNs. The increased numbers of apoE-immunoreactive ORNs in AD patients compared to nondemented subjects demonstrates another manifestation of AD-related neuropathology, in addition to cytoskeletal changes, beta-amyloid deposition, and changes in immunoreactivity for other neuroproteins, that parallels changes in neurons in the AD brain.

High concentration of glucose induces the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Atherosclerosis is known to be accelerated in patients with diabetes mellitus. We have examined the effect of glucose on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the adhesion of cells of monocyte-like cell line, THP-1, to HUVEC. HUVEC exposed to a high glucose concentration (16.7 mM) showed a 1.4-fold increase in the adhesion of THP-1 cells and a 1.3-fold increase in cell surface expression of ICAM-1 after 6 h exposure compared with those cultured in medium with a low glucose concentration (5.6 mM). ICAM-1 expression began to increase after 3 h exposure, was maximal at 6 h and gradually decreased afterwards. At 16.7 mM, raffinose stimulation produced a significantly lower expression of ICAM-1 on HUVEC than glucose, furthermore it caused a significantly lower expression than low glucose stimulation (5.6 mM). We conclude that a high concentration of glucose can induce ICAM-1 in endothelial cells and that this effect may play an important role in atherogenesis in patients with diabetes mellitus.

No association between alpha-adducin 460 polymorphism and essential hypertension in a Japanese population

Many unknown genetic factors are involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Recently, the reverse genetic approach revealed that some genetic variants, such as angiotensinogen, lipoprotein lipase, and alpha-adducin gene polymorphisms, increase the risk for hypertension. Both in rat and human, the genetic predisposition to hypertension was confirmed only for angiotensinogen and alpha-adducin genes. Adducin is a membrane cytoskeletal protein, which is thought to regulate sodium transport. Abnormalities of membrane sodium transport in the kidney play an important role in hypertension. A recent report by Cusi et al showed that the Trp allele of alpha-adducin polymorphism (Gly 460 Trp) is associated with an increased risk of hypertension in whites, which led us to carry out a case-control study to examine whether the same association is observed in the Japanese population. We recruited 170 hypertensive and 194 normotensive Japanese subjects and compared the genotype distribution of alpha-adducin 460 polymorphism between cases and controls and between whites and Japanese. Trp allele frequency of controls in the Japanese subjects was twice as high as in the whites. However, no association was observed between alpha-adducin polymorphism and hypertension. Furthermore, alpha-adducin 460 polymorphism was not associated with any clinical characteristics. Accordingly, we concluded that alpha-adducin 460 polymorphism is not a major genetic risk for hypertension in Japanese people.

Lipoprotein(a) enhances the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

We reported an increase in serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans, suggesting that Lp(a) could also contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases by a mechanism different from atherosclerosis. Adhesion molecules were shown to contribute to the development of not only atherosclerotic but also inflammatory vascular diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated the effect of Lp(a) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and E-selectin in human umbilical vein endothelial cells by a cell ELISA. Lp(a) dramatically enhanced the levels of ICAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner. A discernible increase in ICAM-1 expression was observed at a physiological concentration of 0.26 mmol cholesterol/L Lp(a) after 48-hour incubation. A 1.8-fold increase in ICAM-1 expression was observed 48 hours after the addition of Lp(a) (1.04 mmol cholesterol/L). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that the amount of ICAM-1 mRNA was increased after treatment with Lp(a). In contrast to ICAM-1, the expression of VCAM-1 and E-selectin was not significantly affected by Lp(a). Lp(a-) [apolipoprotein(a)- removed Lp(a) by reduction with dithiothreitol] and LDL had no significant effect on the expression of ICAM-1. In contrast, recombinant apolipoprotein(a) protein alone significantly enhanced ICAM-1 expression. Lp(a) decreased the level of active transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in the conditioned medium. Furthermore, recombinant TGF-beta significantly decreased the Lp(a)-induced ICAM-1 expression. These findings suggested that Lp(a) may enhance the ICAM-1 expression by decreasing active TGF-beta level.

CONCLUSIONS

Lp(a) could contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases by enhancing the expression of ICAM-1 in endothelial cells.

Role of epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression, K-ras point mutation and c-myc amplification in the carcinogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer

Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), K-ras gene mutations and c-myc gene amplification were studied in tumor and normal lung tissues from 100 patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The mean a standard deviation (SD) of the amount of EGF-R in the tumor (N=97) and the normal (N=82) tissues were 16.0 +/- 3.7 and 10.8 +/- 2.0 fmol/mg, respectively (P=0.015). Overexpression of the receptor was observed in 6 (24.0%) of 25 squamous cell carcinomas, 16 (23.2%) of 69 adenocarcinomas and 23 (23.7%) of a total of 97 tumors. K-ras mutations were observed in nine (9%) of 100 tumors. Of these, five (55.6%) mutations were in codon 12, one (11.1%) was in codon 22, and three (33.3%) were in codon 61. The patterns of the mutations were GC transversions in three (33.3%) tumors, GC transitions in two ( 22.2%) and AT transversions in four (44.4%) tumors. There was no association between EGF-R overexpression and K-ras mutation. c-myc amplification was studied in 23, but was not detected in any tumor (mean number of copies +/- SD = 1.28 +/- 0.24).

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene polymorphism is associated with increase of left ventricular mass but not with hypertension

A genetic epidemiologic approach is useful to elucidate the genes responsible for hypertension. Genetic analyses of the components of the renin-angiotensin system have succeeded in showing an association between their polymorphism and hypertension. Recently, two types of angiotensin II receptor were cloned and characterized. To examine the genetic contribution of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) and type 2 receptor (AT2) genes in human essential hypertension, a case-control study was performed in Japanese subjects. The study comprised 321 subjects with hypertension who satisfied the criteria for essential hypertension, together with 215 age and sex matched controls. The significance of the differences in genotype distribution between hypertensive and normotensive subjects was examined by chi2 analysis. Neither AT1 nor AT2 gene variants were associated with human essential hypertension in the Japanese subjects. However, the AT1 receptor gene polymorphism was associated with left ventricular mass index in normotensive subjects. The study results suggest that gene polymorphisms of both angiotensin II receptors are not directly involved in the increase of genetic risk for hypertension, but that the AT1 receptor gene might contribute genetically to the increase of left ventricular mass.

A novel vascular modulator, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), as a potential index of the severity of hypertension

HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), a member of endothelium-specific growth factors, might contribute to protection and/or repair of vascular endothelial cells injured by high blood pressure (BP). If so, serum HGF level might be elevated in response to endothelial cell damage. To test this hypothesis, we measured serum levels of HGF in hypertensive and normotensive patients. Serum HGF concentration in hypertensive patients without any complication was significantly higher than normal subjects (p < 0.001). Serum HGF concentration showed a significant positive correlation with BP (p < 0.01). Interestingly, serum HGF concentration in hypertensive patients with complications was significantly higher than that in hypertensive patients without complication and normotensive subjects (p < 0.01). Of importance, hypertensive patients treated with antihypertensive drugs showed the same level of serum HGF concentration as normotensive subjects (p < 0.001). The present study demonstrated that serum concentration of HGF is significantly elevated dependent on the severity of hypertension, suggesting that HGF may be a new index of the severity of hypertension.

Polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensinogen, and apolipoprotein E genes in a Japanese population with cerebrovascular disease

The homozygous deletion allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE/DD), homozygous threonine allele of the angiotensinogen gene (AGN/TT), and the epsilon4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (apoE/epsilon4) are reported to be associated with ischemic heart disease. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is another atherosclerotic disease; and the effects of these polymorphisms on CVD have been confusing. In this study, we investigated whether ACE/DD, AGN/TT, and apoE/epsilon4 genotypes are associated with CVD and whether genetic risk is enhanced by the effect of one upon another. We ascertained these genotypes in patients with cerebral infarction (n = 55) and cerebral hemorrhage (n = 38), diagnosed by brain computed tomography. Control subjects for the infarction group and the hemorrhage group were randomly selected from 583 subjects matched for age, gender, and history of hypertension with patients. Frequency of ACE/DD genotype was higher in the patients with infarction than in the controls (chi2 = 6.1, P < .05). The AGN/TT genotype was not associated with either infarction or hemorrhage, but it increased the relative risk for cerebral infarction in the subjects with ACE/DD genotype (chi2 = 8.0, P < .01, odds ratio; 11.7, 95% confidence intervals: 1.4 to 96.0). There was no significant association between apoE/epsilon4 and CVD. These results suggest that ACE/DD predicts cerebral infarction, but not cerebral hemorrhage, and that AGN/TT enhances the risk for cerebral infarction associated with ACE/DD.

Insulin resistance is related to silent cerebral infarction in patients with essential hypertension

Recently, hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance has been suggested to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the role of insulin resistance in the occurrence of silent cerebral infarction in 28 patients with essential hypertension (40 to 75 years, 157 +/- 4/89 +/- 2 mm Hg). Patients with diabetes mellitus or obesity (BMI > or = 30) were excluded. Insulin resistance was evaluated by means of constant glucose infusion rate (M value) during euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp test. Infarction was defined as a focal area with prolonged T1 and T2 relaxation times that was > 5 mm in diameter on brain magnetic resonance imaging. The severity of periventricular hyperlucency was evaluated by the distribution of the high intensity area. The number of silent infarctions significantly correlated only with the M value (F = 7.58, R2 = 0.23, P = .01) in multiple regression analysis using all variables: age, blood pressure, smoking history, lipid profile, levels of plasma glucose and insulin on fasting, and total amounts during 75-g OGTT. However, the severity of periventricular hyperlucency did not show a correlation with any factors. The occurrence of cerebral infarction was significantly correlated with thickening of the intima-media complex (IMC) of the common carotid artery on B-mode ultrasonography (F = 8.43, R2 = 0.25, P < .01). In conclusion, insulin resistance and thickening of IMC show a close relationship with the occurrence of silent cerebral infarction. Therefore, it may be important to improve insulin resistance for prevention of cerebral infarction in essential hypertensives.