The first successful case of ABO-incompatible living-donor lobar lung transplantation following desensitization therapy

ABO-incompatible (ABO-I) living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT) was successfully performed in a 14-year-old girl who suffered from bronchiolitis obliterans due to graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the ABO-I LDLLT procedure, the blood type O patient received a right lower lobe donated from her blood type B father and a left lower lobe donated from her blood type O mother. Desensitization therapy, using rituximab, immunosuppressants, and plasmapheresis, was implemented for 3 weeks prior to transplantation to reduce the production of anti-B antibodies in the recipient and prevent acute antibody-mediated rejection after ABO-I LDLLT.

Outcome and growth of lobar graft after pediatric living-donor lobar lung transplantation

BACKGROUND

Living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT) remains a life-saving option for pediatric patients with respiratory failure. However, the long-term survival and post-transplant quality of adult lobar grafts transplanted into children are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric LDLLT and post-transplant graft growth.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected clinical data of 25 living-donor lung transplantations performed in 24 pediatric recipients aged ≤17 years. The annual pulmonary function test data and computed tomography scans of 12 recipients, followed up for >5 years without significant complications, were used to evaluate growth in height, graft function, and radiological changes. The Kaplan-Meier method and simple linear regression were performed for analysis.

RESULTS

Bilateral lower lobe transplantation was performed in 12 patients, unilateral lower lobe transplantation in 12, and bilateral middle lobe transplantation in 1. The median volumetric size matching at transplantation was 142% (range, 54%-457%). The 5- and 10-year overall survival rates were 87.7% and 75.1༅, respectively. Chronic lung allograft dysfunction occurred in 2 patients. During a median follow-up of 6 years, the median increases in height and vital capacity were 14.4% (range, 0.80%-43.5%) and 58.5% (range, 6.7%-322%), respectively. Graft weight was positively correlated with graft volume (r²=0.622, p<0.001) after the graft volume exceeded the original lobar volume in the donor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that pediatric LDLLT offers satisfactory long-term survival, with the growth of mature adult lobes transplanted into growing children.

Cavin-1 modulates BMP/Smad signaling through the interaction of Caveolin-1 with BMPRII in pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease associated with poor outcomes. Caveolin-1 (Cav1) and Cavin-1 are components of caveolae, and Cav1 is identified as a related gene of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Gene mutations of bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPRII) is the most common cause of PAH. BMPRII is localized in caveolae and associates with Cav1. However, the role of the Caveolin-Cavin system on the BMP/Smad signaling and the PAH progression has not been well-known.

Purpose

Our study aims to investigate the relationship between Caveolin-Cavin system and BMP/Smad signaling pathway in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). [Methods] Cav1 knockout mice were used to assess PH, and caveolae in PAECs were observed by electron microscope. After knocking down Cav1 and/or Cavin-1 in human PAECs (hPAECs) using siRNA, we evaluated the phosphorylation of Smad by Western blotting. Apoptosis was explored by flow cytometry. To assess the interaction between Cav1 and BMPRII, and the effect of Cavin-1 for this interaction and BMP/Smad signaling, we performed immunoprecipitation, Co-immunostaining, Proximal Ligation Assay (PLA), GST pulldown assay, and Western blotting.

Results

As in previous reports, Cav1 knockout mice exhibited PH with pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy and PAECs isolated from Cav1 knockout mice showed caveolae disappearance. Cav1 knockdown in hPAECs reduced BMPRII at the plasma membrane and Smad 1/5/9 phosphorylation. Cav1 knockdown also significantly increased hypoxia-induced apoptosis in hPAECs. Co-immunostaining revealed that Cav1 was associated with BMPRII at the membrane of hPAECs. Cavin-1 inhibited the interaction of BMPRII with Cav1 and reduced BMPRII localization on the membrane of hPAECs. GST pulldown assay revealed that Cavin-1 and BMPRII were associated with Cav1 through the scaffolding domain in Cav1. These findings suggest that Cavin-1 and BMPRII are competitively associated with Cav1. Cavin-1 knockdown improved the interaction between Cav1 and BMPRII and inhibited both BMPRII reduction at the plasma membrane and Smad 1/5/9 dephosphorylation.

Conclusions

Cavin-1 affects the interaction of Cav1 with BMPRII at the plasma membrane and modulates BMP/Smad signaling in PAECs. The binding of Cavin-1 to Cav1 enhances the interaction between BMPR2 and Cav1, resulting in stabilization of BMPRII localization at the plasma membrane in PAECs and prevention of BMP/Smad signaling attenuation, which is important for PAH development.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Retrospective evaluations revealed pre-symptomatic citrulline concentrations measured by newborn screening were significantly low in late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency patients

INTRODUCTION

Ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) is the most common urea cycle disorder. Late-onset OTCD manifests after the neonatal period; therefore, if pre-symptomatic diagnosis and treatment are performed, it can improve the prognosis by preventing hyperammonemia. However, pre-symptomatic diagnosis is unreliable as the specific screening marker of OTCD has not been established yet. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the pre-symptomatic blood citrulline levels in patients with late-onset OTCD.

METHODS

Patients with late-onset OTCD who were born after the newborn screening based on tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS-NBS) was started and were referred to Hyogo College of Medicine Hospital between 2014 and 2018 were included. Pre-symptomatic blood citrulline levels measured by MS/MS-NBS were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Four patients were included in this study. The pre-symptomatic blood citrulline levels were 2.02, 4.50, 4.97, and 3.75 µmol/l, respectively. Compared with the citrulline levels in all newborns in Hyogo prefecture, these values were significantly low.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest the possibility that hypocitrullinemia detected by the MS/MS-NBS can be used as a screening marker for some patients with late-onset OTCD. Further retrospective evaluation of pre-symptomatic citrulline levels in patients with late-onset OTCD, as well as prospective monitoring of hypocitrullinemia on the MS/MS-NBS should be conducted.

Relationship between the length of the forefoot bones and performance in male sprinters

Although recent studies have reported that the forefoot bones are longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters, these reports included a relatively small number of subjects. Moreover, while computer simulation suggested that longer forefoot bones may contribute to higher sprint performance by enhancing plantar flexor moment during sprinting, the correlation between forefoot bone length and sprint performance in humans has not been confirmed in observational studies. Thus, using a relatively large sample, we compared the length of the forefoot bones between sprinters and non-sprinters. We also examined the relationship between forefoot bone length and performance in sprinters. The length of forefoot bones of the big and second toes in 36 well-trained male sprinters and 36 male non-sprinters was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The length of forefoot bones in the big and second toes was significantly longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters. After dividing the sprinters into faster and slower groups according to their personal best time in the 100-m sprint, it was found that the forefoot bone length of the second toe, but not that of the big toe, was significantly longer in faster group than in slower group. Furthermore, the forefoot bone length of the second toe correlated significantly with the personal best time in the 100-m sprint. This study supported evidence that the forefoot bones are longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters. In addition, this is the first study to show that longer forefoot bones may be advantageous for achieving superior sprint performance in humans.

Ischemic Preconditioning Enhances Muscle Endurance during Sustained Isometric Exercise

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) enhances whole-body exercise endurance. However, it is poorly understood whether the beneficial effects originate from systemic (e. g., cardiovascular system) or peripheral (e. g., skeletal muscle) adaptations. The present study examined the effects of IPC on local muscle endurance during fatiguing isometric exercise. 12 male subjects performed sustained isometric unilateral knee-extension exercise at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction until failure. Prior to the exercise, subjects completed IPC or control (CON) treatments. During exercise trial, electromyography activity and near-infrared spectroscopy-derived deoxygenation in skeletal muscle were continuously recorded. Endurance time to task failure was significantly longer in IPC than in CON (mean±SE; 233±9 vs. 198±9 s, P<0.001). Quadriceps electromyography activity was not significantly different between IPC and CON. In contrast, deoxygenation dynamics in the quadriceps vastus lateralis muscle was significantly faster in IPC than in CON (27.1±3.4 vs. 35.0±3.6 s, P<0.01). The present study found that IPC can enhance muscular endurance during fatiguing isometric exercise. Moreover, IPC accelerated muscle deoxygenation dynamics during the exercise. Therefore, we suggest that the origin of beneficial effects of IPC on exercise performance may be the enhanced mitochondrial metabolism in skeletal muscle.

Topochemical conversion of a dense metal-organic framework from a crystalline insulator to an amorphous semiconductor

A dense, insulating metal–organic framework (MOF), is successfully converted into a semiconducting amorphous MOF via a topochemical route.

The topochemical conversion of a dense, insulating metal–organic framework (MOF) into a semiconducting amorphous MOF is described. Treatment of single crystals of copper(i) chloride trithiocyanurate, Cu^ICl(ttcH₃) (ttcH₃ = trithiocyanuric acid), 1, in aqueous ammonia solution yields monoliths of amorphous Cu^I_1.8(ttc)_0.6(ttcH₃)_0.4, 3. The treatment changes the transparent orange crystals of 1 into shiny black monoliths of 3 with retention of morphology, and moreover increases the electrical conductivity from insulating to semiconducting (conductivity of 3 ranges from 4.2 × 10^–11 S cm^–1 at 20 °C to 7.6 × 10^–9 S cm^–1 at 140 °C; activation energy = 0.59 eV; optical band gap = 0.6 eV). The structure and properties of the amorphous conductor are fully characterized by AC impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray pair distribution function analysis, infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and theoretical calculations.

Visualization of Flow Instabilities for High Density Polyethylene

Two typical flow instabilities of “Shark Skin” and “Melt Fracture” for high density polyethylene were investigated in this report. Experimental measurements were carried out methodically in a wide flow region from the reservoir (entry region) to the die land with a specific slit die. Especially the flow pattern was visualized with a high speed camera and the frequency of the flow instability was analyzed. Corresponding to the visualization analysis, the pressure fluctuation in the slit die and the surface roughness at the die exit were measured simultaneously and these frequency characteristics were analyzed with a FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer. As for “Shark Skin” region, the irregularity of the surface roughness in the broad frequency band was recognized at the die exit. In spite of this surface roughness, the pressure fluctuation and the fluctuation of the flow pattern at the wall vicinity in the die land were not observed. These results indicate that “Shark Skin” occurs at the die exit. As for “Melt Fracture” region, the periodical oscillation of the flow pattern and the periodical pressure fluctuation which corresponded to the periodical distortion of the extrudate was recognized in the die land. However the periodical oscillation of the flow pattern and the periodical pressure fluctuation could not be recognized in the reservoir (entry region of the die land). These results indicate that “Melt Fracture” is initiated at the die entry and occurs in the die land. Consequently it is clarified that “Shark Skin” occurs at the die exit and the flow instability which lead to “Melt Fracture” is initiated at the die entry and occurs in the die land.

Quantitative Analysis for Polymer Degradation in the Extrusion Process

Polymer degradation in the extrusion process decreases quality and productivity. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent polymer degradation. In the extrusion process, polymer degradation is caused by oxidation. It depends on the processing temperature and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the molten polymer. Therefore, a quantitative analysis of these factors is required.

As for the degradation characteristics of the material used in this study, temperature and oxygen concentration dependency of the oxidation rate could be quantitatively characterized with an apparatus to evaluate polymer degradation which utilized chemiluminescence generated by an oxidation reaction.

Moreover, an online measuring apparatus to analyze dissolved gas in the extruded molten polymer was developed. With this apparatus, the volume ratio of dissolved gases (N2, O2 etc.) to the extruded molten polymer could be quantitatively analyzed and the quality of the extruded molten polymer evaluated.

With this apparatus, dissolved nitrogen (an index of entrained air) was analyzed with a full-flight screw and a barrier screw. Furthermore, observation of cross sectional views in the screw channel obtained from the cooling experiment under the operating conditions was carried out for the full-flight screw and the barrier screw. With the full-flight screw, break up phenomenon (collapse of solid polymer) occurred in the screw channel and the amount of nitrogen increased. With the barrier screw, the amount of nitrogen decreased because of prevention of the break up phenomenon in the screw channel.

Consequently, it is shown that the use of the barrier screw is suitable for oxygen reduction in the molten polymer, which is a factor in causing polymer degradation.

Molecular cloning of a structural homolog of YY1AP, a coactivator of the multifunctional transcription factor YY1

YY1 is a multifunctional transcription factor that activates or represses gene transcription depending on interactions with other regulatory proteins that include coactivator YY1AP. Here, we describe the cloning of a novel homolog of YY1AP, referred to as YARP, from the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. The cloned cDNA encoded a 2240 amino acid protein that contained a domain which was 97% homologous to an entire YY1AP sequence of 739 amino acids. Two splice variants, YARP2 and YARP3, were also cloned. Northern blotting demonstrated the YARP mRNA (approximately 10 kb), which was increased 1.7-fold after dibutyryl cAMP-induced neural differentiation of the cells. Presence of YARP mRNA was also confirmed in human tissues such as the heart, brain and placenta. Bioinformatic analysis predicted various functional motifs in the YARP structure, including nuclear localization signals and domains associated with protein-protein interactions (PAH2), DNA-binding (SANT), and chromatin assembly (nucleoplasmin-like), outside the YY1AP-homology domain. Thus, we propose that YARP is multifunctional and plays not only a role analogous to YY1AP, but also its own specific roles in DNA-utilizing processes such as transcription.

Cloning and expression analysis of YY1AP-related protein in the rat brain

YY1AP-related protein (YARP) is a structural homolog of YY1AP, a transcriptional coactivator of the multifunctional transcription factor YY1. We cloned a rat YARP cDNA that encoded a 2256 amino acid protein with 93% homology to the human counterpart. Northern blots revealed significant expression of the YARP gene in the rat brain. In situ hybridization demonstrated its expression in neurons throughout the brain, including pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and granule cells in the dentate gyrus. YARP was coexpressed with YY1 in these same neuronal cells. However, there was no evidence of YARP expression in glia. In the developing rat brain, the level of YARP mRNA ( approximately 10 kb) peaked at embryonic day 18 and promptly declined thereafter to reach the steady-state level found in adulthood, by 14 days after birth. These results suggest that YARP functions at a late stage of neurogenesis during perinatal development of the rat brain, as well as in mature neurons.

Phase II study of the efficacy of gefitinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with the EGFR mutations

7183

Purpose: Recent studies have indicated that the mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were associated with sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The clinical objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of gefitinib in patients with stageIII/IV NSCLC that had the EGFR mutations. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from tumor specimens and EGFR mutations in exon 19 and 21 were analyzed by direct sequencing. Patients with stageIII/IV NSCLC who had the EGFR mutations were treated with gefitinib (250mg) orally. Response, survival data and toxicity were assessed. Results: From Nov. 2004 to Dec 2005, 14 patients with the EGFR mutations received gefitinib (median age: 67 years; 2 males, 12 females; 1 smokers, 13 non-smokers; all adenocarcinomas). Two patients discontinued gefitinib and came off study because of interstitial pneumonitis (grade 3) and acne (grade 3), respectively. Response data are available for 12 patients. Two achieved a complete response (CR), seven exhibited a partial response (PR) and three had stable disease (SD). Response rate and disease control rate were 75% and 100%, respectively. There were no grade 3/4 toxicities in these 12 patients. All patients were alive during median follow-up period of 8 months (range 1–13 months). Conclusions: The EGFR mutations could be an excellent predictor of response to gefitinib in NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Tumour matrilysin expression predicts metastatic potential of stage I (pT1) colon and rectal cancers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nodal metastases are indisputable determinants of prognosis for colon and rectal cancer. Using classical histological criteria, many attempts to predict nodal metastasis have failed, preventing the adequate management of stage I (pT1) cancer. We investigated the role of tumour matrilysin in predicting metastatic potential, and discuss its potential use in individualising treatment of pT1 colon and rectal cancer.

METHODS

The gene signature associated with nodal metastasis was investigated by cDNA array in 24 colon and rectal cancers. We studied 494 colon and rectal cancer patients to identify risk factors for nodal metastasis and evaluated the potential to predict nodal metastasis by either the logistic regression model or the Bayesian neural network model with built-in matrilysin. We then inferred possible causality of nodal metastasis from structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

cDNA array revealed that matrilysin was maximally upregulated in the metastasis signature identified. Tumour matrilysin expression emerged as a stage independent risk factor for nodal metastasis, resulting in a similar predictive performance in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in the two models. A Bayesian approach called automatic relevance determination identified matrilysin as one of the most relevant predictors examined. Structural equation modelling suggested possible direct causality between matrilysin and nodal metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

We have provided evidence that tumour matrilysin expression is a promising biomarker predicting nodal metastasis of colon and rectal cancer. Analysis of tumour matrilysin expression would help clinicians achieve the goal of individualised cancer treatment based on the metastatic potential of pT1 colon and rectal cancer.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 capsular polysaccharide induces IL-1beta mRNA expression through the JNK pathway in differentiated THP-1 cells

Capsular polysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 (Y4 CP) induces bone resorption in a mouse organ culture system and osteoclast formation in mouse bone marrow cultures, as reported in previous studies. We also found that Y4 CP inhibits the release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from human gingival fibroblast (HGF). Thus Y4 CP induces various responses in localized tissue and leads to the secretion of several cytokines. However, the effects of Y4 CP on human monocytes/macrophages are still unclear. In this study, THP-1 cells, which are a human monocytic cell line, were stimulated with Y4 CP, and we measured gene expression in inflammatory cytokine and signal transduction pathways. IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA were induced from Y4 CP-treated THP-1 cells. IL-1beta mRNA expression was increased according to the dose of Y4 CP, and in a time-dependent manner. IL-1beta mRNA expression induced by Y4 CP (100 microg/ml) was approximately 7- to 10-fold greater than that in the control by real-time PCR analysis. Furthermore, neither PD98059, a specific inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase nor SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 kinase prevented the IL-1beta expression induced by Y4 CP. However, JNK Inhibitor II, a specific inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) prevented the IL-1beta mRNA expression induced by Y4 CP in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that Y4 CP-mediated JNK pathways play an important role in the regulation of IL-1beta mRNA. Therefore, Y4 CP-transduced signals for IL-1beta induction in the antibacterial action of macrophages may provide a therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.

Detection of tryptase-, chymase+ cells in human CD34+ bone marrow progenitors

BACKGROUND

Mast cells (MCs) arise from haematopoietic stem cells. We have recently reported that CD34(+) progenitors derived from human bone marrow (BM) develop into tryptase+, chymase+ MCs when cultured in the presence of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF) and recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6). In an experiment for the expression of chymase during differentiation, chymase+ cells were detected in human BM, but tryptase+ cells were not found.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to show the appearance of chymase+ cells in CD34(+) cells with an origin different from MC differentiation.

METHODS

CD34(+) cells from human BM were sorted with anti-CD117 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and cytospins of CD34(+), CD34(+)CD117(+), or CD34(+)CD117(-) were prepared. These cells were cultured with rhSCF+rhIL-6 for 12 weeks. Some of the cells were subjected to either histological stain with Wright-Giemsa or immunocytochemistry with anti-chymase mAb. Real-time RT-PCR was also performed to compare the transcriptional level of chymase from each cell preparation.

RESULTS

Chymase was expressed in CD34(+) cells as well as human MCs by immunocytochemistry. Substantial CD34(+)CD117(-) cells, but not CD34(+)CD117(+) cells, were stained immunocytochemically with anti-chymase mAb. For 1 week culture with rhSCF+rhIL-6, no cells expressed chymase in any preparation. Real-time RT-PCR revealed positivity for chymase mRNA in CD34(+) cells, but it reduced at 1 week of culture, and increased as cells developed into MCs. Chymase mRNA in CD34(+)CD117(+) cells was negligible compared with that in CD34(+)CD117(-). Tryptase mRNA was below the detectable level in CD34(+) cells, and increased along with MC differentiation. After 12 weeks of culture, CD34(+)CD117(+) developed predominantly into MCs, whereas CD34(+)CD117(-) developed into monocytes/macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that chymase is present not only in MCs but also in CD34(+)CD117(-) BM progenitors, but that its origin is different from the MC lineage.

Review of combination of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis as a modality of treatment for end-stage renal disease

Because the contribution of residual renal function (RRF) to total solute clearance is often significant in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), loss of RRF over time can lead to inadequate dialysis if appropriate prescription management strategies are not pursued. Additionally, declines in ultrafiltration caused by increases in peritoneal permeability may limit continuation of CAPD therapy. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (PD + HD) combination therapy (complementary dialysis therapy) is an alternative method. This therapy allows the patient to maintain daily activities, as with CAPD, while undergoing once-a-week HD supplements for the insufficient removal of solutes and water. This therapy allows for the continuation of PD without shifting to total HD in PD patients who continue to have uremic symptoms even after individualization of the PD prescription. This treatment option is psychologically more acceptable to patients and may be expected to provide such accompanying beneficial effects as peritoneal resting, improvement of QOL and reduction in medical cost.

Functional expression of high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E on mast cells precedes that of tryptase during differentiation from human bone marrow-derived CD34 progenitors cultured in the presence of stem cell factor and interleukin-6

BACKGROUND

CD34(+) progenitor cells develop into tryptase(+), CD117(+) mast cells when cultured in the presence of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF). However, spontaneous IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) expression during human mast cell development is not well examined.

OBJECTIVE

Here, the expression and function of FcepsilonRI in and on human bone marrow-derived mast cells (HBMMCs) during development were investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

At 4 weeks of culture, predominant cells expressed high-affinity IgE receptor alpha chain (FcepsilonRIalpha) on the cell surface determined by flow cytometry, but CD117 was less expressed. Immunocytochemistry with antitryptase mAb and anti-FcepsilonRIalpha mAb revealed intracellular and surface expression of FcepsilonRIalpha at 2 weeks of culture, but tryptase was less expressed. FcepsilonRIalpha mRNA transcript preceded that of tryptase mRNA at 2 weeks of culture determined by real-time RT-PCR, and FcepsilonRIalpha, FcepsilonRIbeta, FcepsilonRIgamma, and tryptase mRNA increased along with differentiation. FcepsilonRIalpha cross-link on HBMMC and 4-week-old mast cells/mast cell precursors induced the release of IL-5 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, which was enhanced by rhSCF.

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that HBMMC constitutively and spontaneously expressed functional FcepsilonRI subunits at the early stage of differentiation, probably because of the differences in the ability and functional property of progenitors.

Hepatic induction of mitochondrial and cytosolic acyl-coenzyme a hydrolases/thioesterases in rats under conditions of diabetes and fasting

Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) hydrolases/thioesterases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA thioesters to free fatty acids and CoA-SH. The potency of these enzymes may serve to modulate intracellular concentrations of acyl-CoAs, free fatty acids, and CoA to affect various cellular functions, including lipid metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of diabetes and fasting on the protein levels of mitochondrial (MTE-I) and cytosolic acyl-CoA thioesterases (CTE-I), multigene family members of this class of enzymes, in adult rat liver. Rats were treated with alloxan to induce diabetes or fasted for 72 hours. Western blot analysis with the liver homogenates revealed 2.8-fold and 3.8-fold increases in MTE-I and 8.5-fold and 9.2-fold increases in CTE-I under the diabetic and fasting conditions, respectively, compared with the control in which the level of MTE-I was 4.3-fold higher than CTE-I. Serum level of free fatty acids was elevated 5-fold and 2.5-fold in diabetic and fasted rats, respectively. These results confirm the adaptive induction of MTE-I and CTE-I in response to fatty acid overload in the liver, being consistent with their auxiliary role in fatty acid degradation.

Localization of [14C]clarithromycin in rat gastric tissue when administered with lansoprazole and amoxicillin

After oral and intravenous administration of [14C]clarithromycin to rats, c. 60-70% of the radioactivity in the gastric tissue was found to be distributed in the mucosal layer. Co-administration of lansoprazole and amoxicillin had no apparent effect on this distribution pattern of [14C]clarithromycin. The amount of unchanged [14C]clarithromycin in gastric contents increased with co-administration of lansoprazole and amoxicillin. Microautoradiograms of the gastric mucosa showed that [14C]clarithromycin was highly distributed in the mucous layer and in surface epithelial cells following oral administration. Homogeneous distribution of radioactivity was evident in the fundic gland. With iv administration, [14C]clarithromycin seemed to be secreted by both secreting cells in the gland base and surface epithelial cells.

Actual behaviour of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (histoacryl) in a blood vessel: a model of the varix

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Though many gastric varices are treated endoscopically with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, its behavior in varices is not known precisely.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We created a varix model. A volume of 0.7 ml or 1.4 ml of 71.4 % n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, a tissue adhesive, was injected into vinyl tubes of 0.4, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 cm in diameter, which were filled with still blood or flowing blood. The tissue adhesive was also injected into the inferior vena cava or femoral vein of dogs.

RESULTS

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was similarly polymerized in the vinyl tubes and the animal veins. A volume of 0.7 ml of the tissue adhesive could block all tubes up to 0.6 cm in diameter. A double quantity of the tissue adhesive could block tubes 0.9 and 1.2 cm in diameter, with flow velocities up to 10 cm/s and up to 5 cm/s, respectively. Some polymer masses were fragmented.

CONCLUSIONS

One rapid shot of the tissue adhesive can block a vessel 0.6 cm or less in diameter with fast flow velocity, and a vessel up to 1.2 cm in diameter with slow flow velocity. Fast blood flows in a larger diameter vessel and slow injection of the tissue adhesive may result in fragmentation. This model of the varix was useful for assessing the effect of tissue adhesive used to treat gastric varices.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a puerperant with drug-induced agranulocytosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an acute infection of Aspergillus species to the lungs. It generally occurs in immunocompromised hosts, especially with neutropenia. We report a 30-year-old puerperant, who developed IPA from agranulocytosis. She had been treated for threatened labor with ritodrine and cefepime, one of which induced agranulocytosis. After vaginal delivery of twins, pneumonia emerged in the right lower lobe. She was diagnosed to have IPA according to the halo sign on computed tomography (CT) and positive circulating antibody against Aspergillus, and was treated successfully with oral itraconazole followed by surgical resection. It is important to note that IPA might arise in otherwise immunocompetent hosts when neutropenia is long-standing.

Toxicity and effects of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl N-methylcarbamate (terbutol) on hepatic cytochrome P450 in F344 rats

The subacute toxicity and effects of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl N-methylcarbamate (terbutol) on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (P450) were investigated in male and female F344 rats. Rats were given 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% terbutol for 28 days. Liver weights of male and female rats increased at all dose levels. The compound did not affect activity or amount of serum biochemical markers related to hepatic damage. The concentrations of terbutol in rat serum were less than 0.1 microM, and its major metabolites in serum were 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-carboxyphenyl N-methyl-carbamate and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-carboxyphenol. In male rats, P450 and cytochrome b5 (b5) contents, and NADPH cytochrome c reductase (fp2) activity in liver microsomes were increased about 2-fold by 1% terbutol administration for 7 to 28 days. Among the P450-dependent monooxygenase activities in liver microsomes, 7-benzyloxyresorufin-O-debenzylase (BROD) activity was greatly increased by 100-fold, and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), and aminopyrine-N-demethylase (APND) activities were elevated 2- to 3-fold. 7-Methoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (MROD), erythromycin-N-demethylase (EMND), estradiol 2-hydroxylase (ED2H), chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylase (CZ6H), and lauric acid omega-hydroxylase (LAOH) activities were unchanged. For the activities of testosterone hydroxylation, testosterone 16beta-hydroxylase (T16BH) activity was markedly increased by 30-fold, and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase (T6BH) and testosterone 7alpha-hydroxylase (T7AH) activities were slightly elevated. Testosterone 2alpha-hydroxylase (T2AH) activity was not affected. Terbutol 4-methylhydroxylase (T4MH) activity was increased 9-fold by 1% terbutol. In an immunoinhibition study, T4MH activity in liver microsomes from 1% terbutol-treated rats was decreased about 50% by polyclonal anti-rat CYP2B1, whereas polyclonal anti-rat CYP2A1 and CYP2C11 did not affected the activity. These results indicate that terbutol increased CYP2B subfamily in rat liver microsomes, and that the compound did not cause serious hepatic damage.

Change in concentrations of luteinizing hormone subunit messenger ribonucleic acids in the estrous cycle of beef cattle

Changes in the concentrations of LH subunit messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and in the LH content of the anterior pituitary of beef cattle were studied during the estrous cycle. Japanese beef cows were classified according to the expected day of the estrous cycle: stage I (early-luteal phase, days 1-4; day 1=day of ovulation), stage II (early-mid-luteal phase, days 5-10), stage III (late-mid-luteal phase, days 11-17) and stage IV (follicular phase, days 18-20), according to the morphology of the ovaries. The anterior pituitaries of the cows were collected and the levels of alpha and LHbeta subunit mRNAs were determined by slot-blot analyses. The LH content of the anterior pituitary was measured by radioimmunoassay. The level of alpha subunit mRNA in the pituitary of cows was highest in stage I and decreased significantly by stage II (P<0.05); thereafter it tended to increase. The level of LHbeta subunit mRNA did not change significantly during the estrous cycle. The LH content of the pituitary of cows was low in stage I and tended to increase by stage II, then to decrease from stage II to III, and to increase significantly from stage III to IV (P<0.05). These results suggest that the highest levels of gene expressions of alpha subunit in the anterior pituitary occur in the early-luteal phase of beef cows, while the LH content is increased most in the follicular phase. The enhanced gene expressions of common alpha subunit in the early-luteal phase could be important in replenishing the bovine anterior pituitary with LH, which is depleted of hormone by the LH surge or the enhanced pulsatile release.

Large vessel arteritis in relapsing polychondritis

A healthy 58-year-old woman presented with recurrent swelling and pain of the nose and both auricules. Bruits were heard over both carotid arteries. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed stenosis of both internal carotid arteries. Relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed. These symptoms improved after treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine. Although relapsing polychondritis is sometimes associated with systemic vasculitis, large vessel arteritis is rare and can negatively affect prognosis. We conclude that the detection of systemic vascular lesions, including those involving the central nervous system, can play an important role in the diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis and that early treatment is essential for a good outcome.

Monitoring of phthalic acid monoesters in river water by solid-phase extraction and GC-MS determination

An analytical method for monitoring 10 phthalic acid monoesters in river water was investigated by solid-phase extraction, methylation with diazomethane, and GC-MS. Two cartridge-type solid phases packed with octadesyl-coated silica (C18) and styrenedivinyl polymer (PS-2) and one disk-type solid phase made from octadesyl-coated styrenedivinylbenzene polymer (SDB-XD) were investigated in solid-phase extraction. PS-2 gave the highest recoveries of the three solid phases, and recoveries of more than 80% of the monoesters in filtered water samples were obtained at pH 2 to 3 with PS-2 at the spiked level of 0.1 microg L(-1), except for monomethyl-phthalate (MMP), in which more than 72% of the monoesters were recovered. For the monoesters in the suspended solids (SS), an acidic methanol extract of SS was added to purified water acidified to pH 2, and the monoesters were extracted with PS-2. The recoveries of the monoesters in SS were more than 80%, but the recoveries of MMP were more than 57%. The method detection limit (MDL) of each phthalic acid monoester in 500 mL of water sample and in 2 mg of dry weight of SS ranged from 0.010 to 0.030 microg L(-1) and from 1 to 11 microg g(-1), respectively. Monitoring of phthalic acid monoesters in the Tama River in Tokyo was conducted every month from March 1999 to February 2000 using the present method. MMP, mono-n-butyl-phthalate (MBP), and mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) were detected at concentrations of 0.030-0.0340, 0.010-0.480, and 0.010-1.30 microg L(-1), respectively, in the filtered water samples but were not detected in SS. Dimethyl-phthalate (DMP), di-n-butyl-phthalate (DBP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) were detected in the river water at concentrations of 0.010-0.092, 0.008-0.540, and 0.013-3.60 microg L(-1), respectively. Diethyl-, di-iso-butyl-, and benzylbutyl-phthalates were also detected at concentrations of nanograms per liter, whereas the corresponding monoesters did not appear. The concentrations of MBP and MEHP in the river water were slightly lower than those of the corresponding diesters at the majority of sampling sites and sampling times.

Development of a time-resolved fluorometric method for observing hybridization in living cells using fluorescence resonance energy transfer

We previously showed that a specific kind of mRNA (c-fos) was detected in a living cell under a microscope by introducing two fluorescently labeled oligodeoxynucleotides, each labeled with donor or acceptor, into the cytoplasm, making them hybridize to adjacent locations on c-fos mRNA, and taking images of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) (A. Tsuji, H. Koshimoto, Y. Sato, M. Hirano. Y. Sei-Iida, S. Kondo, and K. Ishibashi, 2000, Biophys. J. 78:3260-3274). On the formed hybrid, the distance between donor and acceptor becomes close and FRET occurs. To observe small numbers of mRNA in living cells using this method, it is required that FRET fluorescence of hybrid must be distinguished from fluorescence of excess amounts of non-hybridizing probes and from cell autofluorescence. To meet these requirements, we developed a time-resolved method using acceptor fluorescence decays. When a combination of a donor having longer fluorescence lifetime and an acceptor having shorter lifetime is used, the measured fluorescence decays of acceptors under FRET becomes slower than the acceptor fluorescence decay with direct excitation. A combination of Bodipy493/503 and Cy5 was selected as donor and acceptor. When the formed hybrid had a configuration where the target RNA has no single-strand part between the two fluorophores, the acceptor fluorescence of hybrid had a sufficiently longer delay to detect fluorescence of hybrid in the presence of excess amounts of non-hybridizing probes. Spatial separation of 10-12 bases between two fluorophores on the hybrid is also required. The decay is also much slower than cell autofluorescence, and smaller numbers of hybrid were detected with less interference of cell autofluorescence in the cytoplasm of living cells under a time-resolved fluorescence microscope with a time-gated function equipped camera. The present method will be useful when observing induced expressions of mRNA in living cells.

Effects of renal sorbitol accumulation on urinary excretion of enzymes in hyperglycaemic rats

We studied the effects of epalrestat, a specific inhibitor of aldose reductase, on renal sorbitol accumulation and the resulting urinary enzyme excretion in hyperglycaemic rats. The activities of proximal tubule-derived enzymes such as N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) and dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV (DAPIV) in urine were determined in five groups of male Wistar rats (each n = 7): (a) 0.9% saline-loaded, (b) 10% glucose-loaded, (c) 10% glucose-loaded with epalrestat pretreatment, (d) 10% mannitol-loaded and (e) 10% mannitol-loaded with epalrestat pretreatment. Epalrestat was given mixed in chow at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. Urinary NAG, AAP, GGT and DAPIV activities were significantly increased (P<0.005, P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively) by the induction of hyperglycaemia. In contrast, enzyme excretion was not increased in the mannitol- or saline-loaded groups. Pre-treatment with epalrestat completely prevented the increased urinary excretion of NAG, AAP and GGT. At the end of the infusion study, renal cortical glucose concentrations of the glucose-loaded groups with and without epalrestat pretreatment were approximately fivefold higher than those of the mannitol- or saline-loaded groups (P<0.005 each). Renal cortical sorbitol concentrations of the glucose-loaded group was also approximately twofold higher than those of the mannitol- or saline-loaded groups (P<0.01 each). However, in the group that received both glucose and epalrestat, renal cortical sorbitol concentration was not increased. These results suggest that accumulation of intracellular sorbitol leads to proximal tubular cell dysfunction and abnormal enzymuria.

Pulmonary intravascular lymphoma complicated with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: a case report

We report a case of intravascular lymphoma (IVL) complicated with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). A 65-year-old male complaining of dyspnea and dementia was diagnosed to have pulmonary IVL by transbronchial lung biopsy. Concomitantly, deoxyribonucleic acid sequence specific to Pneumocystis carinii was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by polymerase chain reaction. Differential responses to the sequential treatments for PCP and IVL implied that increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was due to PCP, whereas hypoxemia and dementia were due to IVL. Although pulmonary IVL and PCP share many clinical presentations, exact diagnosis is essential for their successful treatment.

Phosphorylation of 13 kDa nuclear protein in hepatocarcinomas induced by peroxisome proliferators

Peroxisome proliferators (PPs) are nongenotoxic compounds causing the emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma in rodents, but the mechanisms of the hepatocarcinogenesis have been unclear. The authors examined the changes in phosphorylation of nuclear proteins after treatment with (4-chloro-6-[2,3-xylidino]-2-pyrimidinylthio) acetic acid (Wy-14,643). Wy-14,643 (0.1% w/w in diet) was given orally to male F-344 rats for up to 80 wk. In the hepatocarcinomas induced by Wy-14,643, phosphorylation of 13 kDa nuclear protein (NP 13), which was resistant to alkaline treatment, was significantly increased. NP 13 phosphorylation gradually increased, dependent on treatment period. Furthermore, in the hepatocarcinomas induced by other PP, di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, increase in NP13-phosphorylation was also observed. Therefore, NP 13-phosphorylation may relate to development of preneoplastic or neoplastic lesions induced by PPs.

Involvement of hepatocyte growth factor on hepatocarcinogenesis induced by peroxisome proliferators

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been known to enhance the growth of normal hepatocytes, but also to inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells. This article examines the involvement of HGF in the hepatocarcinogenesis caused by peroxisome proliferators (PPs). Up to 78 wk after male F-344 rats were orally given (4-chloro-6-[2,3-xylidino]-2-pyrimidinylthio) acetic acid (Wy-14,643), the hepatocarcinomas and (pre)neoplastic nodules in the livers were observed. At that time, the content of HGF and the expression of HGF mRNA in the liver tumors were significantly decreased. These changes were observed also in the liver of rats treated with other PPs, such as dehydroepiandrosterone and di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, but were not observed in tumors induced by genotoxic carcinogens (diethylnitrosamine-phenobarbital). In in vivo experiments, the formation of preneoplastic lesions and the tumors caused by Wy-14,643 administration were markedly suppressed by i.v.-injection of HGF in a dose-dependent manner. In the colony assay using (pre)neoplastic cells from livers of Wy-14,643-treated rats, HGF inhibited the colony formation of (pre)neoplastic cells in a dose-dependent manner. These findings may indicate that decreases in hepatic HGF levels are common and specific events induced by PPs, but not by genotoxic carcinogens, and that those changes play an important role in the promotion of neoplastic or preneoplastic cell growth induced by PPs.