Search for Boosted Dark Matter in COSINE-100

We search for energetic electron recoil signals induced by boosted dark matter (BDM) from the galactic center using the COSINE-100 array of NaI(Tl) crystal detectors at the Yangyang Underground Laboratory. The signal would be an excess of events with energies above 4 MeV over the well-understood background. Because no excess of events are observed in a 97.7  kg·yr exposure, we set limits on BDM interactions under a variety of hypotheses. Notably, we explored the dark photon parameter space, leading to competitive limits compared to direct dark photon search experiments, particularly for dark photon masses below 4 MeV and considering the invisible decay mode. Furthermore, by comparing our results with a previous BDM search conducted by the Super-Kamionkande experiment, we found that the COSINE-100 detector has advantages in searching for low-mass dark matter. This analysis demonstrates the potential of the COSINE-100 detector to search for MeV electron recoil signals produced by the dark sector particle interactions.

Effects of Plant-Based Extract Mixture on Alcohol Metabolism and Hangover Improvement in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Paralleled, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Hangovers are uncomfortable physiological symptoms after alcohol consumption caused by acetaldehyde, a toxic substance in which alcohol is metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Rapid alcohol and acetaldehyde decomposition are essential to alleviate alcohol handling symptoms. This study investigated the effects of HY_IPA combined with Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Pueraria lobata flower, and Artemisia indica on alleviating hangovers. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted on 80 individuals with hangover symptoms. Alcohol intake was 0.9 g/bw with 40% whiskey, adjusted proportionately to body weight. The Acute Hangover Scale total score was 5.24 ± 5.78 and 18.54 ± 18.50 in the HY_ IPA and placebo groups, respectively (p < 0.0001). All nine indicators of the hangover symptom questionnaire were significantly improved in the HY_IPA group (p < 0.01). Blood alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations rapidly decreased from 30 min in the HY_IPA group (p < 0.05). ADH and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities in the blood of the HY_IPA group were significantly higher than those in the placebo group at 0, 1, and 2 h after alcohol consumption (p < 0.01). The rapid hangover relief was due to increased ADH and ALDH. Therefore, HY_IPA effectively relieves hangover symptoms by decomposing alcohol and acetaldehyde when consumed before alcohol consumption.

Protective Effects of Cudrania tricuspidata Against Helicobacter pylori-Induced Inflammation in C57BL/6 Mice

Helicobacter pylori modulates the host inflammatory response, resulting in chronic gastritis, which contributes to gastric cancer pathogenesis. We verified the effect of Cudrania tricuspidata on H. pylori infection by inhibiting H. pylori-induced inflammatory activity. Five-week-old C57BL/6 mice (n = 8) were administered C. tricuspidata leaf extract (10 or 20 mg/kg per day) for 6 weeks. An invasive test (campylobacter-like organism [CLO]) and noninvasive tests (stool antigen test [SAT] and H. pylori antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were performed to confirm the eradication of H. pylori. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of C. tricuspidata, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and inflammation scores were measured in mouse gastric tissue. C. tricuspidata significantly decreased the CLO score and H. pylori immunoglobulin G antibody optical density levels at both 10 and 20 mg/kg per day doses (P < .05). C. tricuspidata decreased the H. pylori antibody levels in a concentration-dependent manner, increased negative responses to SAT by up to 37.5%, and inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL; IL-1β, IL-6, 1L-8, and tumor necrosis factor alpha). C. tricuspidata also relieved gastric erosions and ulcers and significantly reduced the inflammation score (P < .05). We measured rutin in C. tricuspidata extract as a standard for high-performance liquid chromatography. C. tricuspidata leaf extract showed anti-H. pylori activity through the inhibition of inflammation. Our findings suggest that C. tricuspidata leaf extract is potentially an effective functional food material against H. pylori.

Organic vegetable juice supplement alleviates hyperlipidemia in diet-induced obese mice and modulates microbial community in continuous colon simulation system

In this study, we investigated the effects of organic vegetable juice (OVJ) supplementation on modulating the microbial community, and how its consumption ameliorated blood-lipid profiles in diet-induced obese mice. Here, we studied the alleviating effect of hyperlipidemia via animal experiments using diet-induced obese mice and analyzed the effect of OVJ on the microbial community in continuous colon simulation system. OVJ consumption did not have a significant effect on weight loss but helped reduce the weight of the epididymis fat tissue and adipocytes. Additionally, blood-lipid profiles, such as triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose, were improved in the OVJ-fed group. Expression levels of genes related to lipid synthesis, including SREBP-1, PPARγ, C/EBPα, and FAS, were significantly decreased. In addition, OVJ treatment significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. OVJ supplement influenced intestinal bacterial composition from phylum to genus level, including decreased Proteobacteria in the ascending colon in the phylum. At the family level, Akkermansia, which are associated with obesity, were significantly augmented in the transverse colon and descending colon compared to the control juice group. In addition, treatment with OVJ affected predicted lipid-metabolism-function genes related to lipid synthesis. These results suggest that OVJ supplementation may modulate gut microbial community and reduce the potential symptom of hyperlipidemia in diet-obese mice.

Lactobacillus paracasei HP7 with Portulaca oleracea Linn. Alleviates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Decline via Regulation of Neurotrophic Factor and Inflammation Signals in Mice

People often experience cognitive deterioration of various degrees, from early-stage mild cognitive impairment to severe cognitive decline. Cognitive deterioration is related to many diseases and studied to alleviated inflammation reaction or oxidative stress. In the present study, the levels of various memory-related proteins: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), amyloid beta (Aβ) 42, Aβ40, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured. Among Lactobacillus paracasei HP7 (HP7), Portulaca oleracea Linn. (PO) and HP7 together with PO (HP7A), the HP7A group had the best effect on increasing BDNF expression and suppressing Aβ40 expression. Also, we measured the protective effect on scopolamine-induced cognitive decline in mice. In the acquisition test, the HP7A group most reliably relieved cognitive decline from days 2 to 5 of scopolamine injection. When the probe test was performed on the day 6 of scopolamine injection, the HP7A group had the shortest escape latency. Based on the results of the Morris water maze tasks, we suggest that HP7A is most useful for ameliorating cognitive decline. It is suggested that the HP7A ameliorating scopolamine-induced cognitive decline via the increase of BDNF expression and the suppression of Aβ40 expression.

Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Extract Promotes Human Dermal Papilla Cell Cytoprotective Effect and Hair Regrowth Rate in C57BL/6 Mice

Hair loss is a disease that requires accurate diagnosis and type-specific medical treatment. Many hair loss treatments have some side effects, such as hormone-related effects, so there is a need for safe and effective hair loss treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 (HY7015) and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. (LT) extract on hair regrowth and protection. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of HY7015 and/or LT extract on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) of cytoprotective functions such as proliferations, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and growth factor expressions. In animal experiments, we investigated hair regrowth rate, hair follicle formation and secretion of growth factors in telogenic C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed the cytoprotective effects of HY7015 and LT through regulations of proliferation, SOD and IL-1β in HFDPC. In mouse experiments, oral administration of HY7015 and LT promoted hair regrowth as well as hair follicle maturation in the dermal skin of C57BL/6 mice, and upregulated VEGF and IGF-1 growth factor levels in mouse serum. In summary, our data demonstrate that ingestions of HY7015 and LT can promote hair regrowth by enhancing cytoprotective effects and expressions of growth factors.

Comparison of trans-radial access and femoral access in cardiogenic shock patient who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention from SMART RESCUE trial

Introduction

Throughout the years of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), the debate regarding access route, whether it being trasns-radial or femoral, is an ongoing agenda yet to be solved. Recent guidelines suggest trans-radial approach as an option to be considered in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, data on cardiogenic shock patients undergoing PCI is relatively sparse.

Purpose

Compare the clinical implication of trans-radial and femoral approach in cardiogenic shock patients who had undergone PCI.

Method

Cardiogenic shock patients who had undergone PCI from January 2014 to December of 2018 were enrolled. Patients were divided according to their access route respectfully. Primary outcome was composite endpoints including all-cause death, re-admission due to heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accident.

Result

A total of 694 (572 via femoral approach, 122 via radial approach) cardiogenic shock patients who received PCI were enrolled. Mean age femoral and radial groups was 66.59±12.51 and 66.66±12.8 respectfully. Disease severity was higher for femoral patients compared to radial patients as represented by their LM involvement, mechanical organ support (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, continuous renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and vasoactive inotropic score. Cox regression analysis after adjusting for conventional risk factors showed that femoral route was a poor prognosticator with respect to composite endpoints (HR=2.059, 95% CI 1.249–3.397, p value = 0.005). Radial approach patients had higher survival probability compared to femoral approach patients (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Radial approach in cardiogenic shock patients who are in need for PCI with relatively less severe clinical condition could be a reasonable option for access route.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Inha University Hospital

Prognostic impact of plasma glucose on cardiogenic shock patients with or without diabetes ellitus: smart rescue trial

Background

Even though the presence of hyperglycemia has shown to affect the clinical outcome of cardiogenic shock patients, the extent of hyperglycemia and its association with prognosis have not been fully addressed in large population

Purpose

Investigate the clinical relationship between hyperglycemic status and in-hospital mortality in cardiogenic shock patients

Method

A total of 1,177 consecutive cardiogenic shock patients were enrolled from January 2014 to December of 2018 at 12 hospitals in South Korea. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Patients were divided into four groups according to their initial plasma glucose level in each of diabetes patients (n=752) and non-diabetes patients (n=425); group 1 (≤8 mmol/L), group 2 (8–12 mmol/L), group 3 (12–16 mmol/L) and group 4 (≥16 mmol/L).

Results

The groups with higher admission plasma glucose were associated with lower systolic blood pressure and higher lactic acid level in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. In-hospital mortality increased in groups with higher admission plasma glucose level in non-diabetic patients (group-1:24.2%, group-2: 28.6%, group-3: 38.1%, group-4: 49.0%, p&lt;0.01) whereas in diabetic patients, mortality and admission plasma glucose level showed no significant association (group-1: 45%, group-2: 35.4%, group-3: 33.3%, group-4: 43.1%, p=0.26). Even after Multivariate analysis, high plasma glucose was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients

Conclusion

In cardiogenic shock patients, plasma glucose obtained at admission was associated with in-hospital mortality in non-diabetic patients

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Inha University hospital

Lactobacillus casei HY2782 and Pueraria lobata Root Extract Complex Ameliorates Particulate Matter-Induced Airway Inflammation in Mice by Inhibiting Th2 and Th17 Immune Responses

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus casei HY2782 and Pueraria lobata root extract complex (HY2782 complex) in mitigating airway inflammation resulting from exposure to particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) in an animal model. Chronic inflammatory airway disease is associated with Th2-related cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and Th17-related cytokine IL-17A, which are the major contributors to allergy and asthma. Results indicated that PM2.5 elevates allergen-related airway inflammation and respiratory hyperresponsiveness in C57BL/6 mice. The HY2782 complex significantly reduced Th2/Th17-derived cytokines IL-4, IL5, IL-13, and IL-17A; immunoglobulin E; and leukotriene C₄ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum. Furthermore, the HY2782 complex was associated with the modulation of oxidative stress-related genes. Administration of the HY2782 complex resulted in a markedly reduced number of neutrophils and eosinophil infiltration in BALF. Histopathological observation of lung tissue also showed reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into airways and surrounding tissue. The HY2782 complex may be a promising candidate for the preventive therapy of allergic diseases and airway inflammation caused by PM2.5 inhalation.

The Impact of Gut Microbiome on the Pharmacokinetics of Ginsenosides Rd and Rg3 in Mice after Oral Administration of Red Ginseng

Ginsenosides of orally administered red ginseng (RG) extracts are metabolized and absorbed into blood. Here, we examined the pharmacokinetic profiles of ginsenosides Rd and Rg3 in mice orally gavaged with RG, then investigated the correlations between these and gut microbiota composition. RG water extract (RGw), RG ethanol extract (RGe), or fermented RGe (fRGe) was orally gavaged in mice. The plasma concentrations of the ginsenosides were determined, and the gut microbiota composition was analyzed. RGe and fRGe-treated mice showed higher plasma concentration levels of ginsenoside Rd compared with RGw-treated mice; particularly, ginsenoside Rd absorbed was substantially high in fRGe-treated mice. Oral administration of RG extracts modified the gut microbiota composition; the modified gut microbiota, such as Peptococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Hungateiclostridiaceae, were closely correlated with the absorption of ginsenosides, such as Rd and Rg3. These results suggest that oral administration of RG extracts can modify gut microbiome, which may consequently affect the bioavailability of RG ginsenosides.

Lactobacillus plantarum HY7715 Ameliorates Sarcopenia by Improving Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function in Aged Balb/c Mice

Sarcopenia is a loss of muscle mass and function in elderly people and can lead to physical frailty and fall-related injuries. Sarcopenia is an inevitable event of the aging process that substantially impacts a person's quality of life. Recent studies to improve muscle function through the intake of various functional food materials are attracting attention. However, it is not yet known whether probiotics can improve muscle mass and muscle strength and affect physical performance. Lactobacillus plantarum HY7715 (HY7715) is a lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi. The present research shows that L. plantarum HY7715 increases physical performance and skeletal muscle mass in 80-week-old aged Balb/c male mice. HY7715 not only induces myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis but also inhibits the sarcopenic process in skeletal muscle. In addition, HY7715 recovers the microbiome composition and beta-diversity shift. Therefore, HY7715 has promise as a functional probiotic supplement to improve the degeneration of muscle function that is associated with aging.

Gastroprotective Effects of Cudrania tricuspidata Leaf Extracts by Suppressing Gastric cAMP and Increasing Gastric Mucins

Cudrania tricuspidata has been used as an East Asian folk remedy to treat various symptoms. Recently, scientific evidence of the efficacy of C. tricuspidata has emerged. The objective of this study was to elucidate protective role of C. tricuspidata in the gastric mucosa using pylorus-ligated Sprague-Dawley rats and primary parietal cells. C. tricuspidata ethanol extracts attenuated gastric mucosal damage, secretion, and juice acidity in pylorus-ligated rats; however, it did not affect expression of gastric acid-related genes [muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 receptor (M3R), histamine H2-receptors (H2R), and cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptors (CCK2R)] or serum gastrin concentrations. Furthermore, extracts greatly reduced levels of gastric cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and significantly increased mRNA levels of gastric-type mucins (MUC5AC and MUC6). To identify the mode of action of C. tricuspidata extract in regulating gastric acid secretion, intracellular cAMP and mRNA for H2R, M3R, and CCK2R were measured in primary parietal cells. mRNA levels of H2R, M3R, and CCK2R did not significantly differ following treatment with C. tricuspidata extract, whereas cAMP induced by the H2R-specific agonist was significantly decreased. C. tricuspidata may therefore reduce gastric acid secretion by inhibiting H2R activity rather than regulating mRNA expression. These finding suggest that ethanol extracts of C. tricuspidata inhibit H2R-related gastric acid secretion and increase gastric mucus to help prevent gastric mucosal damage. Therefore, C. tricuspidata extract has potential to be used in foods and medicines to prevent diseases related to gastric mucosal damage, such as gastritis and functional dyspepsia.

P3649Analysis of clinical and angiographic parameters as predictors of recurrent vasospastic angina

Background

Patients with vasospastic angina (VA) may have recurrent chest symptoms and life-threatening arrhythmias. Despite regular medications, many VA patients experience recurrent episodes of VA. In this study, we evaluate clinical and angiographic predictors of recurrent VA.

Patients and methods

From January 2010 to May 2018, a total of 858 patients who underwent ergonovine provocation test were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded the patients who had negative results of provocation test, follow up duration less than 1 month and poor medication compliance. The recurrent-VA group consisted of patients who were re-hospitalized, visited the emergency room, or had repeated coronary angiographies because of chest pain.

Results

A total of 858 patients who underwent ergonovine provocation tests between January 2010 to May 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Of them, 162 (mean follow-up duration, 3.0 years) were eligible for our study. The patients were divided into two groups: recurrent-VA (n=33, 20.4%) and stable-VA groups (n=129, 79.6%). Compared with the stable-VA group, the recurrent-VA group consisted mostly of men (93.9% vs. 75.2%, P=0.01), and had low LDL-cholesterol levels (93±27 mg/dl vs. 108±31 mg/dl, P=0.01). In the angiographic findings, a degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the site and number of spasm-positive vessels showed no difference between the two groups. Nicorandil was more frequently prescribed at discharge in the stable-VA group (15.2% vs. 35.7%, P=0.02). In the multivariate analysis, the male sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31–26.22; P=0.02) and non-use of nicorandil (OR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.25–9.84; P=0.01) were the independent predictive factors in the recurrent-VA group. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, men who did not use nicorandil (n=85, 52.5%) had higher incidences of recurrent angina compared to the other group (n=77, 47.5%). (30.6% vs. 6.6%; p<0.001).

Univariate and multivariate analysis Refractory VA (n=33) Stable VA (n=129) Odds ratio [95% CI] P value univariate Odds ratio [95% CI] P value multivariate Age <56 years, n (%) 20 (66) 58 (44) 1.88 [0.86–4.10] 0.11 NA NS Male sex, n (%) 31 (93.9) 97 (75.2) 5.11 [1.15–22.56] 0.03 5.87 [1.31–26.22] 0.02 Smoking, n (%) 17 (51.5) 46 (35.7) 1.91 [0.88–4.14] 0.09 NA NS No AMI presentation, n (%) 11 (33.3) 25 (19.4) 2.08 [0.89–4.84] 0.08 NA NS Troponin-I >0.86 ng/ml, n (%) 2 (7.1) 3 (2.7) 2.74 [0.43–17.27] 0.08 NA NS LDL-C <105 mg/dl, n (%) 21 (63) 58 (49) 1.81 [0.81–4.01] 0.14 NA NS No use of nicorandil, n (%) 5 (15.2) 46 (35.7) 3.10 [1.12–8.58] 0.02 3.51 [1.25–9.84] 0.01

Kaplan-Meier curves

Conclusions

Male sex and non-use of nicorandil were independent predictors of recurrent VA.

Oral Administration of Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 with Cinnamomi Ramulus Extract Reduces Diet-Induced Obesity and Modulates Gut Microbiota

Obesity is a major health issue worldwide, and is associated with many diseases including type 2 diabetes. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of combinations of two lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032, and Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR) extract, and explored the mechanism through which they modulate gut microbiota using diet-induced obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups that received a high-fat diet (HFD), HFD and LAB (HFD+LAB), HFD and CR extract (HFD+CR), HFD with LAB and CR extract (HFD+LAB+CR), or normal diet for 10 weeks. The mice in the HFD+LAB+CR group showed significant reductions in body weight gain, in particular epididymal fat and liver, blood leptin levels, and an increase in the levels of blood adiponectin. In addition, the LAB and CR extract altered the gut microbiota, mainly increasing the alpha diversity. These results demonstrate that a mixture of two LAB (Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032) and CR extracts alleviate HFD-induced obesity, and has potential of being used as a strategy for the treatment of obesity.

Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 Restores TNF-α Induced Defects on Tight Junctions

In addition to intestinal balance, probiotics are known to have beneficial effects on skin inflammation, metabolic diseases, and emotions. Previously, we have reported the skin anti-aging effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HY7714 (HY7714) in a clinical trial. To prove the protective skin effects of HY7714 through the intestinal tight junction (TJ), we investigated the effects of HY7714 on the intestines through tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced TJ defects in Caco-2 cells. Specifically, 24 h treatment with HY7714 restored the decreased expression of zonula occludens-1, occludin, and claudin-1 compared to the TNF-α-treated groups (P<0.05). It also attenuated the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, 8, and 1β. Further, increases in the mRNA levels of Elk-1, nuclear factor-κB, and myosin light chain kinase expression induced by TNF-α were recovered by HY7714. These findings imply that HY7714 improves intestinal barrier integrity and is a potential therapeutic agent for dysfunctions derived from TJ defects.

Procedure-related Complication Rate for the Endovascular Treatment of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage under Local Anesthesia

OBJECTIVE

To report the procedure related complication rate of endovascular treatments (EVTs) performed on patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) under local anesthesia (LA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study enrolled 186 patients who underwent EVT for ruptured aneurysm under LA from January 2009 to December 2013. Procedure-related complications rate and factors associated with it were analyzed depending on the patients' factors, aneurysm factors and physician factors.

RESULTS

Among the 186 patients who underwent EVT under LA, the respective rates of thromboembolic complication (TEC) and intraoperative rupture (IOR) were 12.8% (23 cases) and 12.9% (24 cases), respectively. Aneurysm size (≥ 7 mm) was the only risk factor for TEC (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

Compared to previous result with under general anesthesia (GA), the rate of TEC was similar in patients treated under LA, but the IOR rate was significantly higher. The main reason for increasing IOR is considered as the unexpected patients' motion and in accordance with the unexpected movement of the microinstruments. Therefore, another methods to stabilize the patients or switching from LA to GA may be necessary when performing EVT, to reduce complications.

Efficacy of Pre-procedural Rehydration against Thromboembolic Complications for Ruptured Aneurysm Embolization

Objective

To report effects of the pre-procedural rehydration for reduce thromboembolic complications in acute phase aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage coil embolization.

Materials and Methods

From January 2009 to December 2013, 190 patients with ruptured aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) treated by coil embolization at our institution were consecutively enrolled in this study. In period 1 (from January 2009 to June 2012, n = 122), pre-procedural fluid was not supplied. In period 2 (from July 2012 to December 2013, n = 68), depending on the state of the patient's body weight and degree of dehydration, intravenous fluid was started with infusion of approximately 7 mL/kg of 0.9 percent saline (minimum 300 to maximum 500 mL) over 30 minutes.

Results

A total of 190 patients were hospitalized due to aSAH and underwent coil embolization for five years between January 2009 and December 2013. Of these, 122 patients underwent coil embolization based on the old protocol before June 2012 (period 1) and 68 underwent the procedure based on the new protocol after the period 2. Neck size, width, maximum diameter of the aneurysm and procedure time were associated with procedure related thromboembolic complications in entire periods (multivariate analysis, p < 0.05, in respectively). The frequency of thromboembolism showed a drastic decrease in period 2 (re-hydration period), from 18.0% (22/123) to 4.4% (3/67), which was also statistically significant (p = 0.007, Chi-square test).

Conclusion

Pre-procedural administration of a sufficient dose of fluid considering the patient's dehydration reduced the frequency of thromboembolism in cases of emergency coil embolization for ruptured aneurysm, without increasing additional specific complications.

Performance of PCR-REBA assay for screening and identifying pathogens directly in whole blood of patients with suspected sepsis

AIMS

Rapid and accurate identification of a broad range of bacterial and fungal pathogens is the key to successful management of patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of PCR-REBA Sepsis-ID test for the detection of BSIs pathogens.

METHODS AND RESULTS

EDTA anticoagulated blood for REBA Sepsis-ID assay and blood culture samples from 882 patients with suspected sepsis were simultaneously collected from January 2014 to December 2014. Of 115 patients with positive blood culture, 64 (55·7%) were Gram-positive bacteria, 35 (30·4%) were Gram-negative bacteria, 1 (0·9%) was Candida albicans and 15 (13·0%) were polymicrobial infections. The concordance rate of blood culture system and PCR-REBA Sepsis ID test was 83·0% (95% confidence interval (CI), 79·8-84·8, P < 0·0001). Compared to blood culture, the diagnosis of bacterial proven pathogens by PCR-REBA revealed 81·0% (95% CI, 73·4-86·8, P < 0·0001) sensitivity, 83·4% (95% CI, 80·0-85·4, P < 0·0001) specificity, 80·9% positive and 95·8% negative predictive values respectively. In 10 cases with PCR-REBA positive but blood culture negative, the levels of C-reactive protein were significantly elevated 18·5 mg dl(-1) (SD ± 13·7, 95% CI 1·8-41·9) and six cases has been proven to have pathogen by bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing. Although the sensitivity for pathogen identification was not significantly different between PCR-REBA and blood culture (P = 0·5), the combination of the two methods resulted in a significantly increased rate of pathogen detection (P = 0·002). The results of this study suggested that PCR-REBA may be helpful when added to blood culture in the diagnosis and management of sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

PCR-REBA Sepsis-ID test is a useful tool for the rapid identification of pathogenic isolates in whole blood to ensure adequate treatment for the causative agents of BSIs.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Although the cost of molecular diagnostic assays is higher than the cost of conventional methods, clinical and economic cost-benefit analysis is still needed. PCR-REBA may provide essential information for accelerating therapeutic decisions to ensure effective treatment with antibiotics in the acute phase of pathogen infection.

Comparative effect of topical silicone gel and topical tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation and the improvement of scars

BACKGROUND

Numerous modalities have been used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars; however, optimal treatment has not yet been established. Therefore, prevention is the mainstay. Recently, silicone gel and tretinoin cream have been shown to be useful for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. However, there has been no comparative study of the two topical agents thus far.

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids resulting from postoperative wounds and for scar improvement.

METHOD

This study included 26 patients with 44 different wounds. The postoperative wounds were divided into two treatment groups and one control group. The patients in the first and second treatment group applied silicone gel and tretinoin cream, respectively, twice a day on their wounds after their stitches were removed. In contrast, the control group patients did not apply anything. We used the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream just after stitches removal, and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after removal of the stitches.

RESULTS

The silicone gel and tretinoin cream effectively prevented hypertrophic scars and keloids and improved scar effects in the two treatment groups compared with those in the control group. However, no significant difference was noted between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

To prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids and improve scars after surgery, application of a silicone gel or a tretinoin cream to the wounds is needed.

Comparative effect of topical silicone gel and topical tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scar and keloid formation and the improvement of scars

BACKGROUND

Numerous modalities have been used to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars; however, optimal treatment has not yet been established. Therefore, prevention is the mainstay. Recently, silicone gel and tretinoin cream have been shown to be useful for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. However, there has been no comparative study of the two topical agents thus far.

OBJECTIVE

To determine and compare the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream for the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids resulting from postoperative wounds and for scar improvement.

METHOD

This study included 26 patients with 44 different wounds. The postoperative wounds were divided into two treatment groups and one control group. The patients in the first and second treatment group applied silicone gel and tretinoin cream, respectively, twice a day on their wounds after their stitches were removed. In contrast, the control group patients did not apply anything. We used the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale to quantitatively examine the effectiveness of silicone gel and tretinoin cream just after stitches removal, and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after removal of the stitches.

RESULTS

The silicone gel and tretinoin cream effectively prevented hypertrophic scars and keloids and improved scar effects in the two treatment groups compared with those in the control group. However, no significant difference was noted between the two treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

To prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids and improve scars after surgery, application of a silicone gel or a tretinoin cream to the wounds is needed.

Expression analysis of the csp-like genes from Corynebacterium glutamicum encoding homologs of the Escherichia coli major cold-shock protein cspA

Three csp-like genes were identified in the Corynebacterium glutamicum genome and designated cspA, cspB, and cspA2. The genes cspA and cspA2 encode proteins, comprising of 67 amino acid residues, respectively. They share 83% identity with each other. Identity of those proteins with Escherichia coli Csp proteins was near 50%. The cspB gene encodes a protein composed of 127 amino acids, which has 40% and 35% sequence identity with CspA and CspA2, respectively, especially at its N-terminal region. Analysis of the gene expression profiles was done using transcriptional cat fusion, which identified not only active expression of the three genes at the physiological growth temperature of 30 degrees C but also growth phase-dependent expression with the highest activity at late log phase. The promoters of cspA and cspA2 were more active than that of cspB. The expression of the two genes increased by 30% after a temperature downshift to 15 degrees C, and such stimulation was more evident in the late growth phase. In addition, the cspA gene appeared to show DNA-binding activity in vivo, and the activity increased at lower temperatures. Interestingly, the presence of cspA in multicopy hindered the growth of the host C. glutamicum cells at 20 degrees C, but not at 30 degrees C. Altogether, these data suggest that cspA, cspB, and cspA2 perform functions related to cold shock as well as normal cellular physiology. Moreover, CspA and its ortholog CspA2 may perform additional functions as a transcriptional regulator.

Characteristics of methionine production by an engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum strain

A methionine-producing strain was derived from a lysine-producing Corynebacterium glutamicum through a process of genetic manipulation in order to assess its potential to synthesize and accumulate methionine during growth. The strain carries a deregulated hom gene (hom(FBR)) to abolish feedback inhibition of homoserine dehydrogenase by threonine and a deletion of the thrB gene (delta thrB) to abolish threonine synthesis. The constructed C. glutamicum MH20-22B/hom(FBR)/delta thrB strain accumulated 2.9 g/l of methionine by batch fermentation and showed resistance to methionine analogue ethionine at concentrations up to 30 mM. The growth of the strain was apparently impaired as a result of the accumulation of methionine biosynthetic intermediate, homocysteine. Production assays also revealed that the accumulation of methionine in the growth medium was transient and declined as the carbon source was depleted. During the period of methionine disappearance, the methionine biosynthetic genes were completely repressed in the engineered strains but not in the parental strain. After all, we have not only successfully constructed a methionine-producing C. glutamicum strain by genetic manipulation, but also revealed cellular constraints in attaining high yield and productivity.

Biochemical analysis on the parallel pathways of methionine biosynthesis in Corynebacterium glutamicum

Two alternative pathways for methionine biosynthesis are known in Corynebacterium glutamicum: one involving transsulfuration (mediated by metB and metC) and the other involving direct sulthydrylation (mediated by metY). In this study, MetB (cystathionine gamma-synthase) and MetY (O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase) from C. glutamicum were purified to homogeneity and the biochemical parameters were compared to assess the functional and evolutionary importance of each pathway. The molecular masses of the native MetB and MetY proteins were measured to be approximately 170 and 280 kDa, respectively, showing that MetB was a homotetramer of 40-kDa subunits and MetY was a homohexamer of 45-kDa subunits. The Km values for the O-acetylhomoserine catalysis effected by MetB and MetY were 3.9 and 6.4 mM, and the maximum catalysis rates were 7.4 (kcat = 21 s(-1)) and 6.0 (kcat=28 s(-1)) micromol mg(-1) min(-1), respectively. This suggests that both MetB and MetY can be comparably active in vivo. Nevertheless, the Km value for sulfide ions by MetY was 8.6 mM, which was too high, considering the physiological condition. Moreover, MetB was active at a broad range of temperatures (30 and 65 degrees C) and pH (6.5 and 10.0), as compared with MetY, which was active in a range from 30 to 45 degrees C and at pH values from 7.0 to 8.5. In addition, MetY was inhibited by methionine, but MetB was not. These biochemical data may provide insight on the role of the parallel pathways of methionine biosynthesis in C. glutamicum with regard to cell physiology and evolution.

Management of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato by root-dip treatment in culture filtrate of the blue-green alga, Microcoleus vaginatus

The nematicidal potential of culture filtrates of the blue-green alga, Microcoleus vaginatus (Cyanobacterium) was tested against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato in pots under greenhouse conditions. Prior to the transplantation of tomato seedling, roots were dipped in different concentrations (0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 10%, 50% and 100%) of culture filtrate of M. vaginatus for 30 min. Root-dip treatment reduced the root galling and final population of M. incognita and increased vegetative growth of plants and root-mass production compared with the control. The beneficial effect of root-dip treatment increased with the increase in the concentration of culture filtrate. Root galling and final nematode populations were reduced by 65.9% and 97.5%, respectively when treated at the highest concentration.

Integration of proteomics and genomics in platelets: a profile of platelet proteins and platelet-specific genes

Platelets, while anucleate, contain RNA, some of which is translated into protein upon activation. Hypothesising that the platelet proteome is reflected in the transcriptome, we identified 82 proteins secreted from activated platelets and compared these, as well as published proteomic data, to the transcriptional profile. We also compared the transcriptome of platelets to other tissues to identify platelet-specific genes and used ontology to determine gene categories over-represented in platelets. RNA was isolated from highly pure platelet preparations for hybridization to Affymetrix oligonucleotide arrays. We identified 2,928 distinct messages as being present in platelets. The platelet transcriptome was compared with the proteome by relating both to UniGene clusters. Platelet proteomic data correlated well with the transcriptome, with 69% of secreted proteins detectable at the mRNA level, and similar concordance was obtained using two published datasets. While many of the most abundant mRNAs are for known platelet proteins, messages were detected for proteins not previously reported in platelets. Some of these may represent residual megakaryocyte messages; however, proteomic analysis confirmed the expression of many previously unreported genes in platelets. Transcripts for well-described platelet proteins are among the most platelet-specific messages. Ontological categories related to signal transduction, receptors, ion channels, and membranes are over-represented in platelets, while categories involved in protein synthesis are depleted. Despite the absence of gene transcription, the platelet proteome is mirrored in the transcriptome. Conversely, transcriptional analysis predicts the presence of novel proteins in the platelet. Transcriptional analysis is relevant to platelet biology, providing insights into platelet function and the mechanisms of platelet disorders.

Srg3, a mouse homolog of yeast SWI3, is essential for early embryogenesis and involved in brain development

Srg3 (SWI3-related gene product) is a mouse homolog of yeast SWI3, Drosophila melanogaster MOIRA (also named MOR/BAP155), and human BAF155 and is known as a core subunit of SWI/SNF complex. This complex is involved in the chromatin remodeling required for the regulation of transcriptional processes associated with development, cellular differentiation, and proliferation. We generated mice with a null mutation in the Srg3 locus to examine its function in vivo. Homozygous mutants develop in the early implantation stage but undergo rapid degeneration thereafter. An in vitro outgrowth study revealed that mutant blastocysts hatch, adhere, and form a layer of trophoblast giant cells, but the inner cell mass degenerates after prolonged culture. Interestingly, about 20% of heterozygous mutant embryos display defects in brain development with abnormal organization of the brain, a condition known as exencephaly. Histological examination suggests that exencephaly is caused by the failure in neural fold elevation, resulting in severe brain malformation. Our findings demonstrate that Srg3 is essential for early embryogenesis and plays an important role in the brain development of mice.

Epidemiologic and clinical survey of Behcet's disease in Korea: the first multicenter study

The prevalence of Behcet's disease is the highest in the East Asian and the Mediterranean countries. Behcet's disease is also distributed in the Asian countries, but the nationwide survey has not been performed in Korea yet. The Korean Study Group for Behcet's Disease, founded in 1999, conducted a multicenter, retrospective survey on epidemiologic and clinical features of the patients with Behcet's disease from 20 hospitals around the nation from 1997 to 1999. Of 3,497 patients, 1,527 were classified into complete or incomplete type of Behcet's disease according to the revised Shimizu's classification. The sex ratio was 1:1.75 with the female predominance. Geographical distribution showed the highest frequency in Seoul (38.5%). Clinically, 98.8% had oral ulcers, 83.2% had genital ulcers, 84.3% had skin lesions and 50.9% had ocular lesions. As for the minor clinical manifestations, articular symptoms were the most frequent. The pathergy test showed positive in 15.4% of patients and revealed a higher positive rate in males (20.2%) than in females (12.7%). In conclusion, we performed the first multicenter study on Behcet's disease in Korea and revealed the female predominance, higher frequency of ocular lesions, and lower positivity of pathergy test in the patients.

Notch1 confers a resistance to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis on developing thymocytes by down-regulating SRG3 expression

We previously have reported that SRG3 is required for glucocorticoid (GC)-induced apoptosis in the S49.1 thymoma cell line. Activation of Notch1 was shown to induce GC resistance in thymocytes. However, the specific downstream target of Notch1 that confers GC resistance on thymocytes is currently unknown. We found that the expression level of SRG3 was critical in determining GC sensitivity in developing thymocytes. The expression of SRG3 also was down-regulated by the activated form of Notch1 (NotchIC). The promoter activity of the SRG3 gene also was down-regulated by NotchIC. Expression of transgenic SRG3 resulted in the restoration of GC sensitivity in thymocytes expressing transgenic Notch1. These results suggest that SRG3 is the downstream target of Notch1 in regulating GC sensitivity of thymocytes.

Peripheral T cells become sensitive to glucocorticoid- and stress-induced apoptosis in transgenic mice overexpressing SRG3

Immature double-positive thymocytes are sensitive to glucocorticoid (GC)-induced apoptosis, whereas mature single-positive T cells are relatively resistant. Thymocytes seem to acquire resistance to GCs during differentiation into mature single-positive thymocytes. However, detailed knowledge concerning what determines the sensitivity of thymocytes to GCs and how GC sensitivity is regulated in thymocytes during development is lacking. We have previously reported that the murine SRG3 gene (for SWI3-related gene) is required for GC-induced apoptosis in a thymoma cell line. Herein, we provide results suggesting that the expression level of SRG3 protein determines the GC sensitivity of T cells in mice. SRG3 associates with the GC receptor in the thymus, but rarely in the periphery. Transgenic overexpression of the SRG3 protein in peripheral T cells induces the formation of the complex and renders the cells sensitive to GC-induced apoptosis. Our results also show that blocking the formation of the SRG3-GC receptor complex with a dominant negative mutant form of SRG3 decreases GC sensitivity in thymoma cells. In addition, mice overexpressing the SRG3 protein appear to be much more susceptible to stress-induced deletion of peripheral T cells than normal mice, which may result in an immunosuppressive state in an animal.

8-Cl-cAMP induces cell cycle-specific apoptosis in human cancer cells

8-Cl-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (8-Cl-cAMP) has been known to induce growth inhibition and differentiation in a variety of cancer cells by differential modulation of protein kinase A isozymes. To understand the anticancer activity of 8-Cl-cAMP further, we investigated the effect of 8-Cl-cAMP on apoptosis in human cancer cells. Most of the tested human cancer cells exhibited apoptosis upon treatment with 8-Cl-cAMP, albeit with different sensitivity. Among them, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and HL60 leukemic cells showed the most extensive apoptosis. The effect of 8-Cl-cAMP was not reproduced by other cAMP analogues or cAMP-elevating agents, showing that the effect of 8-Cl-cAMP was not caused by simple activation of protein kinase A (PKA). However, competition experiments showed that the binding of 8-Cl-cAMP to the cAMP receptor was essential for the induction of apoptosis. After the treatment of 8-Cl-cAMP, cells initially accumulated at the S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle and then apoptosis began to occur among the population of cells at the S/G2/M cell cycle phases, indicating that the 8-Cl-cAMP-induced apoptosis is closely related to cell cycle control. In support of this assumption, 8-Cl-cAMP-induced apoptosis was blocked by concomitant treatment with mimosine, which blocks the cell cycle at early S phase. Interestingly, 8-Cl-cAMP did not induce apoptosis in primary cultured normal cells and non-transformed cell lines, showing that 8-Cl-cAMP-induced apoptosis is specific to transformed cells. Taken together, our results show that the induction of apoptosis is one of the mechanisms through which 8-Cl-cAMP exerts anticancer activity.

Progesterone together with estrogen attenuates homologous upregulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor mRNA in primary cultured rat pituitary cells

In a previous study, we clearly demonstrated that an application of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to cultured rat pituitary cells increased the expression of GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA through transcriptional activation of GnRH-R gene rather than suppression of the turnover rate of GnRH-R mRNA. Along with GnRH, gonadal steroids seem to be an important regulator for GnRH-R expression in the pituitary gland. Recent in vivo studies reported that an application of gonadal steroids to gonadectomized animals modulated GnRH-R mRNA expression in the pituitary gland. However, it has not been clearly understood whether steroids may act directly at the pituitary or indirectly via modulation of hypothalamic GnRH release. Therefore, we assessed the effects of estrogen and progesterone on GnRH-R mRNA expression in primary cultured female rat pituitary cells. Neither estradiol nor progesterone modulates the basal expression of GnRH-R mRNA in primary cultured pituitary cells. When cultured pituitary cells were exposed to different doses of estradiol in combination with GnRH (0.2 nM), the GnRH-stimulated increment of GnRH-R mRNA expression was not significantly changed by estradiol at any given doses. However, when different doses of progesterone were added to primary cultured pituitary cells in combination with GnRH (0.2 nM), GnRH-induced increases in GnRH-R mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-related manner, showing a significant reduction at 100 nM progesterone. Furthermore, the addition of estradiol reinforced the suppressive effect of progesterone on the homologous upregulation of GnRH-R mRNA expression. Collectively, our results clearly demonstrated that progesterone directly attenuates the homologous upregulation of GnRH-R mRNA expression at the pituitary level, and that estradiol potentiates the effect of progesterone.

Gain- and loss-of-function of Rhp51, a Rad51 homolog in fission yeast, reveals dissimilarities in chromosome integrity

Rad51 is crucial not only in homologous recombination and recombinational repair but also in normal cellular growth. To address the role of Rad51 in normal cell growth we investigated morphological changes of cells after overexpression of wild-type and a dominant negative form of Rad51 in fission yeast. Rhp51, a Rad51 homolog in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, has a highly conserved ATP-binding motif. Rhp51 K155A, which has a single substitution in this motif, failed to rescue hypersensitivity of a rhp51 mutant to methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and UV, whereas it binds normally to Rhp51 and Rad22, a Rad52 homolog. Two distinct cellular phenotypes were observed when Rhp51 or Rhp51 K155A was overexpressed in normal cells. Overexpression of Rhp51 caused lethality in the absence of DNA-damaging agents, with acquisition of a cell cycle mutant phenotype and accumulation of a 1C DNA population. On the other hand, overexpression of Rhp51 K155A led to a delay in G(2) with decondensed nuclei, which resembled the phenotype of rhp51. The latter also exhibited MMS and UV sensitivity, indicating that Rhp51 K155A has a dominant negative effect. These results suggest an association between DNA replication and Rad51 function.

Functional genomic, biochemical, and genetic characterization of the Salmonella pduO gene, an ATP:cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase gene

Salmonella enterica degrades 1,2-propanediol by a pathway dependent on coenzyme B12 (adenosylcobalamin [AdoCb1]). Previous studies showed that 1,2-propanediol utilization (pdu) genes include those for the conversion of inactive cobalamins, such as vitamin B12, to AdoCbl. However, the specific genes involved were not identified. Here we show that the pduO gene encodes a protein with ATP:cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase activity. The main role of this protein is apparently the conversion of inactive cobalamins to AdoCbl for 1,2-propanediol degradation. Genetic tests showed that the function of the pduO gene was partially replaced by the cobA gene (a known ATP:corrinoid adenosyltransferase) but that optimal growth of S. enterica on 1,2-propanediol required a functional pduO gene. Growth studies showed that cobA pduO double mutants were unable to grow on 1,2-propanediol minimal medium supplemented with vitamin B(12) but were capable of growth on similar medium supplemented with AdoCbl. The pduO gene was cloned into a T7 expression vector. The PduO protein was overexpressed, partially purified, and, using an improved assay procedure, shown to have cob(I)alamin adenosyltransferase activity. Analysis of the genomic context of genes encoding PduO and related proteins indicated that particular adenosyltransferases tend to be specialized for particular AdoCbl-dependent enzymes or for the de novo synthesis of AdoCbl. Such analyses also indicated that PduO is a bifunctional enzyme. The possibility that genes of unknown function proximal to adenosyltransferase homologues represent previously unidentified AdoCbl-dependent enzymes is discussed.

Rdp1, a novel zinc finger protein, regulates the DNA damage response of rhp51(+) from Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The Schizosaccharomyces pombe DNA repair gene rhp51(+) encodes a RecA-like protein with the DNA-dependent ATPase activity required for homologous recombination. The level of the rhp51(+) transcript is increased by a variety of DNA-damaging agents. Its promoter has two cis-acting DNA damage-responsive elements (DREs) responsible for DNA damage inducibility. Here we report identification of Rdp1, which regulates rhp51(+) expression through the DRE of rhp51(+). The protein contains a zinc finger and a polyalanine tract similar to ones previously implicated in DNA binding and transactivation or repression, respectively. In vitro footprinting and competitive binding assays indicate that the core consensus sequences (NGG/TTG/A) of DRE are crucial for the binding of Rdp1. Mutations of both DRE1 and DRE2 affected the damage-induced expression of rhp51(+), indicating that both DREs are required for transcriptional activation. In addition, mutations in the DREs significantly reduced survival rates after exposure to DNA-damaging agents, demonstrating that the damage response of rhp51(+) enhances the cellular repair capacity. Surprisingly, haploid cells containing a complete rdp1 deletion could not be recovered, indicating that rdp1(+) is essential for cell viability and implying the existence of other target genes. Furthermore, the DNA damage-dependent expression of rhp51(+) was significantly reduced in checkpoint mutants, raising the possibility that Rdp1 may mediate damage checkpoint-dependent transcription of rhp51(+).

Progesterone together with estrogen attenuates homologous upregulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor mRNA in primary cultured rat pituitary cells

In a previous study, we clearly demonstrated that an application of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to cultured rat pituitary cells increased the expression of GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA through transcriptional activation of GnRH-R gene rather than suppression of the turnover rate of GnRH-R mRNA. Along with GnRH, gonadal steroids seem to be an important regulator for GnRH-R expression in the pituitary gland. Recent in vivo studies reported that an application of gonadal steroids to gonadectomized animals modulated GnRH-R mRNA expression in the pituitary gland. However, it has not been clearly understood whether steroids may act directly at the pituitary or indirectly via modulation of hypothalamic GnRH release. Therefore, we assessed the effects of estrogen and progesterone on GnRH-R mRNA expression in primary cultured female rat pituitary cells. Neither estradiol nor progesterone modulates the basal expression of GnRH-R mRNA in primary cultured pituitary cells. When cultured pituitary cells were exposed to different doses of estradiol in combination with GnRH (0.2 nM), the GnRH-stimulated increment of GnRH-R mRNA expression was not significantly changed by estradiol at any given doses. However, when different doses of progesterone were added to primary cultured pituitary cells in combination with GnRH (0.2 nM), GnRH-induced increases in GnRH-R mRNA levels were reduced in a dose-related manner, showing a significant reduction at 100 nM progesterone. Furthermore, the addition of estradiol reinforced the suppressive effect of progesterone on the homologous upregulation of GnRH-R mRNA expression. Collectively, our results clearly demonstrated that progesterone directly attenuates the homologous upregulation of GnRH-R mRNA expression at the pituitary level, and that estradiol potentiates the effect of progesterone.

Identification of Rab6 as an N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein-binding protein

In this study we show the interaction of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) with a small GTP-binding protein, Rab6. NSF is an ATPase involved in the vesicular transport within eukaryotic cells. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have isolated new NSF-binding proteins from the rat lung cDNA library. One of them was Rab6, which is involved in the vesicular transport within the Golgi and trans-Golgi network as a Ras-like GTPase. We demonstrated that the N-terminal domain of NSF interacted with the C-terminal domain of Rab6, and these proteins were co-immunoprecipitated from the rat brain extract. This interaction was maintained preferentially in the presence of hydrolysable ATP. Recombinant NSF-His(6) can also bind to C-terminal Rab6-glutathione S-transferase under the conditions to allow the ATP hydrolysis. Surprisingly, Rab6 stimulates the ATPase activity of NSF by approx. 2-fold as does alpha-soluble NSF attachment protein receptor. Anti-Rab6 polyclonal antibodies significantly inhibited the Rab6-stimulated ATPase activity of NSF. Furthermore, we found that Rab3 and Rab4 can also associate with NSF and stimulate its ATPase activity. Taken together, we propose a model in which Rab can form an ATP hydrolysis-regulated complex with NSF, and function as a signalling molecule to deliver the signal of vesicle fusion through the interaction with NSF.

Rad22 protein, a rad52 homologue in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, binds to DNA double-strand breaks

DNA double-strand breaks can be introduced by exogenous agents or during normal cellular processes. Genes belonging to the RAD52 epistasis group are known to repair these breaks in budding yeast. Among these genes, RAD52 plays a central role in homologous recombination and DNA double-strand break repair. Despite its importance, its mechanism of action is not yet clear. It is known, however, that the human homologue of Rad52 is capable of binding to DNA ends in vitro. Herein, we show that Rad22 protein, a Rad52 homologue in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, can similarly bind to DNA ends at double-strand breaks. This end-binding ability was demonstrated in vitro by electron microscopy and by protection from exonuclease attack. We also showed that Rad22 specifically binds near double-strand break associated with mating type switching in vivo by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. This is the first evidence that a recombinational protein directly binds to DNA double-strand breaks in vivo.

An ikaros-containing chromatin-remodeling complex in adult-type erythroid cells

We have previously described a SWI/SNF-related protein complex (PYR complex) that is restricted to definitive (adult-type) hematopoietic cells and that specifically binds DNA sequences containing long stretches of pyrimidines. Deletion of an intergenic DNA-binding site for this complex from a human beta-globin locus construct results in delayed human gamma- to beta-globin switching in transgenic mice, suggesting that the PYR complex acts to facilitate the switch. We now show that PYR complex DNA-binding activity also copurifies with subunits of a second type of chromatin-remodeling complex, nucleosome-remodeling deacetylase (NuRD), that has been shown to have both nucleosome-remodeling and histone deacetylase activities. Gel supershift assays using antibodies to the ATPase-helicase subunit of the NuRD complex, Mi-2 (CHD4), confirm that Mi-2 is a component of the PYR complex. In addition, we show that the hematopoietic cell-restricted zinc finger protein Ikaros copurifies with PYR complex DNA-binding activity and that antibodies to Ikaros also supershift the complex. We also show that NuRD and SWI/SNF components coimmunopurify with each other as well as with Ikaros. Competition gel shift experiments using partially purified PYR complex and recombinant Ikaros protein indicate that Ikaros functions as a DNA-binding subunit of the PYR complex. Our results suggest that Ikaros targets two types of chromatin-remodeling factors-activators (SWI/SNF) and repressors (NuRD)-in a single complex (PYR complex) to the beta-globin locus in adult erythroid cells. At the time of the switch from fetal to adult globin production, the PYR complex is assembled and may function to repress gamma-globin gene expression and facilitate gamma- to beta-globin switching.

The stress-activated MAP kinase Sty1/Spc1 and a 3'-regulatory element mediate UV-induced expression of the uvi15(+) gene at the post-transcriptional level

Exposure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells to UV light results in increased uvi15(+) gene expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, leading to elevated cell survival. This UV-induced expression of the uvi15(+) gene was reduced in Deltasty1 and Deltawis1 cells lacking the stress-activated protein kinase pathway, but not in DNA damage checkpoint mutants. To further understand the cellular mechanisms responsible for this UV-induced expression, the transcription rate and mRNA half-life were investigated. Transcription run-on assays revealed that the rate of uvi15(+) transcription was increased 1.8-fold regardless of Sty1 when cells were UV irradiated. The half-life of uvi15(+) mRNA was also increased 1.5-fold after UV irradiation, but it was decreased in the Deltasty1 background for both basal and UV-induced mRNAs, indicating that the stress-activated MAPK cascade can mediate UV-induced gene expression by increasing mRNA half-life. Deletion analyses identified a 54 nt element downstream of the distal poly(A) site, which was involved in the increased half-life of uvi15(+) mRNA. These results suggest that both Sty1 and the 3'-regulatory element regulate UV-induced expression of the uvi15(+) gene at the post-transcriptional level.

Improvement of oxidative stability of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by microencapsulation in cyclodextrins

Oxidative stability of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) encapsulated in alpha-, beta-, and gamma-cyclodextrins (designated CLA/CDs microencapsules) was studied by measuring the headspace-oxygen depletion in airtight serum bottles and by measuring the peroxide values (POV). The rate of oxygen depletion was reduced from 41.0 (control) to 21.5, 2.1, 1.2, and 1.1 micromol/L.h(-)(1) by CLA/alpha-CD microencapsules at 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6 mole ratios, respectively, indicating that CLA oxidation was completely protected by a 1:4 mole ratio of CLA/alpha-CD. Such a protective effect by CLA/beta-CD or CLA/gamma-CD microencapsules was achieved at a 1:6 mole ratio, but the effect by CLA/beta-CD was slightly greater than that by CLA/gamma-CD. The protective effect of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-CDs for CLA oxidation was confirmed by their POV-reducing abilities in CLA/CDs. These results suggest that alpha-CD was the most effective for the protection of CLA oxidation by microencapsulation, followed by beta-CD and gamma-CD.

Homologous upregulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor mRNA occurs through transcriptional activation rather than modulation of mRNA stability

In a previous study, we showed that even continuous application of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) could increase the steady-state levels of GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) mRNA if treated for a relatively short period (6 h). Therefore, in the present study we examined whether GnRH-induced increment of GnRH-R mRNA is owing to stabilization of the preexisting GnRH-R mRNA or new synthesis of GnRH-R mRNA or both. Initially, to examine the effect on new RNA synthesis, the transcription inhibitor, actinomycin D (2 microM), was added to primary cultured rat anterior pituitary cells. In the presence of transcription inhibitor, GnRH-induced augmentation of GnRH-R mRNA levels was completely abolished. This result indicates that homologous upregulation of GnRH-R mRNA expression occurs at least through new RNA synthesis of GnRH-R gene. We further assessed the effects of GnRH on the turnover rate of GnRH-R mRNA using actinomycin D (2 microM). The basal half-life of GnRH-R mRNA was estimated to be approx 21 h. The application of GnRH tended to slightly suppress the basal turnover rate of GnRH; however, there was no statistically significant difference, compared with the group treated with actinomycin D alone. Collectively, our results suggest that the homologous upregulation of GnRH-R mRNA may occur through transcriptional activation of GnRH-R gene rather than enhancement of GnRH-R mRNA stability, although we did not examine the transcription rate of GnRH-R gene.

Dual anticancer activity of 8-Cl-cAMP: inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptotic cell death

8-Cl-cAMP induces apoptotic cell death in human cancer cells. To look at this more closely, we examined the changes in the levels of Bcl-2 family proteins during 8-Cl-cAMP-induced apoptosis of SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. Following the treatment with 8-Cl-cAMP, Bcl-2 was transiently down-regulated and Bad was increased continuously up to day 5. In addition, overexpression of Bcl-2 efficiently blocked the 8-Cl-cAMP-induced apoptosis, suggesting Bcl-2 family proteins may be involved in the 8-Cl-cAMP-induced apoptosis. The contribution of the apoptotic cell death and the inhibition of cell proliferation in the 8-Cl-cAMP-induced growth inhibition was closely monitored in the Bcl-2-overexpressing cells. Though the apoptosis was reduced significantly, no significant difference was observed in the inhibition of cell proliferation up to day 2 of 8-Cl-cAMP treatment. These results suggest that 8-Cl-cAMP exerts anticancer activity by two distinct mechanisms, i.e. , through the inhibition of cell proliferation as well as the induction of apoptosis. Supporting this notion was the observations that (1) suppression of apoptosis by zVAD did not abrogate 8-Cl-cAMP-induced inhibition of cell proliferation, and (2) 8-Cl-cAMP did not show additive inhibition of cell proliferation in RIIbeta-overexpressing cells.

Clinical features of 31 patients with systemic contact dermatitis due to the ingestion of Rhus (lacquer)

In Korea, Rhus has been used as a folk medicine to cure gastrointestinal diseases and as a health food. We review the clinicopathological and laboratory findings in patients with systemic contact dermatitis caused by intake of Rhus. We reviewed medical records and histopathological sections from 31 patients during a 10-year period. The male/female ratio was 1.4: 1 and the average age was 43.8 years (range 22-70). Ten patients (32%) had a known history of allergy to lacquer. Rhus was ingested to treat gastrointestinal problems including indigestion and gastritis (45%), and as a health food (39%), in cooked meat, in herbal medicine, or taken by inhalation. The patients developed skin lesions such as a maculopapular eruption (65%), erythema multiforme (EM, 32%), erythroderma (19%), pustules, purpura, weals and blisters. Erythroderma was very frequent in patients with a known history of allergy to lacquer, but maculopapular and EM-type eruptions were more frequently observed in those without a history of allergy. All patients experienced generalized or localized pruritus. Other symptoms included gastrointestinal problems (32%), fever (26%), chills and headache; many developed leucocytosis (70%) with neutrophilia (88%), while some showed toxic effects on liver and kidney. Fifty-nine per cent of patients observed cutaneous or general symptoms within a day after ingestion of Rhus. There was no difference in the time lag for symptoms to develop between patients allergic and not allergic to Rhus. All patients responded well to treatment with systemic steroids and antihistamines. Common histopathological findings were vascular dilatation, perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltration, and extravasation of red blood cells in the upper dermis. Rhus lacquer should not be ingested in view of its highly allergic and toxic effects.

Fission yeast hrp1, a chromodomain ATPase, is required for proper chromosome segregation and its overexpression interferes with chromatin condensation

Hrp1 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a member of the CHD protein family, characterized by a chromodomain, a Myb-like telobox-related DNA-binding domain and a SNF2-related helicase/ATPase domain. CHD proteins are thought to be required for modification of the chromatin structure in transcription, but the exact roles of CHD proteins are not known. Here we examine the sub-cellular localization and biochemical activity of Hrp1 and the phenotypes of hrp1 Delta and Hrp1-overexpressing strains. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that Hrp1 protein is targeted to the nucleus. We found that Hrp1 exhibited DNA-dependent ATPase activity, stimulated by both single- and double-stranded DNA. Overexpression of Hrp1 caused slow cell growth accompanied by defective chromosome condensation in anaphase resulting in a 'cut' (celluntimelytorn) phenotype and chromosome loss. The hrp1 Delta mutation also caused abnormal anaphase and mini-chromosome loss phenotypes. Electron micrographs demonstrated that aberrantly shaped nucleoli appeared in Hrp1-overexpressing cells. Therefore, these results suggest that Hrp1 may play a role in mitotic chromosome segregation and maintenance of chromatin structure by utilizing the energy from ATP hydrolysis.