Morphological and physiological analysis of type-5 and other bipolar cells in the Mouse Retina

Retinal bipolar cells are second-order neurons in the visual system, which initiate multiple image feature-based neural streams. Among more than ten types of bipolar cells, type-5 cells are thought to play a role in motion detection pathways. Multiple subsets of type-5 cells have been reported; however, detailed characteristics of each subset have not yet been elucidated. Here, we found that they exhibit distinct morphological features as well as unique voltage-gated channel expression. We have conducted electrophysiological and immunohistochemical analysis of retinal bipolar cells. We defined type-5 cells by their axon terminal ramification in the inner plexiform layer between the border of ON/OFF sublaminae and the ON choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) band. We found three subsets of type-5 cells: XBCs had the widest axon terminals that stratified at a close approximation of the ON ChAT band as well as exhibiting large voltage-gated Na(+) channel activity, type-5-1 cells had compact terminals and no Na(+) channel activity, and type-5-2 cells contained umbrella-shaped terminals as well as large voltage-gated Na(+) channel activity. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) currents were also evoked in all type-5 bipolar cells. We found that XBCs and type-5-2 cells exhibited larger HCN currents than type-5-1 cells. Furthermore, the former two types showed stronger HCN1 expression than the latter. Our previous observations (Ichinose et al., 2014) match the current study: low temporal tuning cells that we named 5S corresponded to 5-1 in this study, while high temporal tuning 5f cells from the previous study corresponded to 5-2 cells. Taken together, we found three subsets of type-5 bipolar cells based on their morphologies and physiological features.

Oxygen radicals in lung carcinogenesis accompanying phagocytosis of diesel exhaust particles

We sought to examine the involvement of oxygen radicals derived from phagocytosis process in lung carcinogenesis induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP). The carcinogenic response and formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were examined in the lungs of mice intratracheally injected with washed DEP (WDEP), DEP, or nontoxic control particles of titanium dioxide (TiO2). After 10 weekly treatments with these particles, the formation of 8-OHdG in the lungs of mice treated with WDEP or DEP showed a significant increase, but not in those treated with TiO2. After 12 months, the incidence of lung tumors in mice treated with WDEP or DEP was higher than that of mice treated with vehicle by 2.3- and 3.1-fold, respectively. A significant difference in the incidence of tumors was found between the vehicle group and DEP-treated group. Treatment with TiO2 had no effect on the incidence of lung tumors. The formation of 8-OHdG in mice treated with these particles was significantly correlated with the development of lung tumors. These results suggest that the induction of DNA damage by oxygen radicals may be an important factor in the initiation of WDEP- and DEP-induced lung carcinogenesis, and that oxygen radicals derived from the phagocytic process may play a role in 8-OHdG formation induced by DEP.

Dietary Supplementation with Fructooligosaccharides Attenuates Airway Inflammation Related to House Dust Mite Allergen in Mice

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are prebiotic supplements that can enhance immunological responses in the host to activate mucosal immunity, probably through regulation of gastrointestinal microflora. An area that has not been investigated, however, is the therapeutic potential of prebiotics on allergic airway diseases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with FOS on a murine model of airway inflammation induced by the house dust mite allergen Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f). Male C3H/HeN mice were intratracheally administered with Der f and were fed a diet containing 0% or 2.5% FOS ad libitum. Supplementation with FOS alleviated mite allergen-related airway inflammation characterized by eosinophilic inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia, which was evidenced by cytological and histological examinations. In addition, the FOS-supplemented diet reduced the serum allergen-specific IgG1 level as compared with a control diet in the presence of the mite allergen. Moreover, FOS tended to suppress the expression of IL-5 and eotaxin in the lungs, which is enhanced by mite allergen. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with FOS can prevent/improve airway inflammation induced by the mite allergen. This effect can be at least partially associated with the inhibition of allergen-specific Ig production and probably with that of IL-5 and eotaxin expression.

Size Effects of Polystyrene Nanoparticles on Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions in NC/NGA Mice

Nano-sized particles are diffusing in the environment with the development of nanotechnology. Polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles are modified industrial products and pharmaceutical agents, however, adverse effects of PS nanoparticles remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PS nanoparticles with different sizes on the atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice assumed to show the skin barrier defect/dysfunction in the presence or absence of mite allergen. Male NC/Nga mice were injected intradermally with three different-sized PS nanoparticles (25, 50, or 100 nm) and/or mite allergen into their right ears. We evaluated clinical scores, ear thickening, histological findings and the local protein expression of inflammatory molecules in the ear and Ig production in serum. PS nanoparticles aggravated AD-like skin lesions related to mite allergen, which was paralleled by the local protein levels of interleukin-4, CCL2/monocyte chemotactic protein-1, CCL3/macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, and CCL4/macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta. In contrast, PS nanoparticles decreased interferon-γ expression. Furthermore, exposure to PS nanoparticles induced ear swelling and CC-chemokine expression in the absence of allergen. These effects were greater with the smaller PS nanoparticles than with the larger ones regarding overall trend. These results suggest that exposure to PS nanoparticles under skin barrier defect/dysfunction can exacerbate AD-like skin lesions related to mite allergen in a size-dependent manner. The enhancing effects may be accounted for by T helper 2-biased immune responses. Furthermore, PS nanoparticles can evoke skin inflammation via the overexpression of CC-chemokines even in the absence of allergen in atopic subjects.

Neoadjuvant LHRH analog plus estramustine phosphate combined with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy for intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer: a randomized study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of a treatment regimen comprising neoadjuvant conventional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus estramustine phosphate (EMP) combined with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) for patients with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer classified according to the NCCN practice guidelines recurrence risk group were randomly allocated into two groups: neoadjuvant LHRH agonist plus EMP for 6 months until completion of the 3D-CRT (EMP group, n = 20), or neoadjuvant LHRH agonist alone (LHRH group, n = 19). Both groups received 3D-CRT in daily fractions of 2 Gy for a total dose of 70 Gy. PSA relapse was defined according to the Phoenix definition.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up was 27.1 months. None of the patients died during the follow-up period, but three patients in the LHRH group developed distant metastasis. The 4-year PSA relapse-free survival outcomes for the EMP group and LHRH group were 61.2 and 49.4%, respectively (P = 0.04). Multivariate Cox regression model analyses of the pretreatment PSA level (>20 ng/ml n = 16 vs. < or =20 ng/ml n = 23), grade (G8 or more n = 11 vs. G7 or less n = 28) and modality (LHRH group n = 19 vs. EMP group n = 20) revealed these factors to be independent predictors of PSA relapse after treatment: pretreatment PSA had a relative risk of 3.84 (95% CI: 1.003-14.722), grade had a relative risk of 4.29 (95% CI: 1.093-16.824), and modality had a relative risk of 8.01 (95% CI: 1.867-34.361). No severe toxicities were observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results indicate that the combination of neoadjuvant ADT plus EMP combined with 3D-CRT sustains freedom from PSA relapse in patients with intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. However, this regimen is insufficient for preventing biochemical failure, and an additional intervention such as adjuvant ADT, radiation dose escalation, or both, is required, especially for patients with a pretreatment PSA level of more than 20 ng/ml and high-grade cancer.

Stress assessment in acute care department nurses by measuring interleukin-8

BACKGROUND

Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-8, have been shown to be related to depressive symptoms or inflammatory diseases and may be useful as stress biomarkers.

AIM

This study was to assess whether urinary IL-8 levels were reliable indicators of stress among acute care department (AD) nurses.

METHODS

A total of 118 nurses participated in the study. Urinary IL-8 levels of 49 AD nurses were compared with levels of a control group of 69 chronic care department (CD) nurses.

RESULTS

The urinary IL-8 levels of AD nurses, who reported a higher level of professional stress, were higher than the levels of CD nurses (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Measurement of urinary IL-8 may be an appropriate biomarker for stress assessment in nurses.

The effects of microbial materials adhered to Asian sand dust on allergic lung inflammation

Asian sand dust (ASD) containing microbiological materials, sulfate (SO(4)(2)), and nitrate (NO(3)(-) ) derived from air pollutants in East China, reportedly cause adverse respiratory health effects. ASD aggravates ovalbumin (OVA)-associated experimental lung eosinophilia. In this study, the toxic materials adsorbed onto ASD were excluded by heat treatment at 360 degrees C for 30 min. The effects of nonheated ASD or heated ASD (H-ASD) toward the allergic lung inflammation were compared in murine lungs. ICR mice were administered intratracheally with normal saline (control), H-ASD, ASD, OVA, OVA + H-ASD, and OVA + ASD, four times at 2-week intervals. ASD only increased neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs) along with pro-inflammatory mediators, such as keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC). H-ASD and ASD enhanced eosinophil recruitment induced by OVA in the alveoli and in the submucosa of the airway, which has a goblet cell proliferation in the bronchial epithelium. The two ASDs synergistically increased interleukin-5 (IL-5), monocyte chemotactic protein-3 (MCP-3), and eotaxin, which were associated with OVA, in BALF. The enhancing effects were much greater in ASD than in H-ASD. The two ASDs induced the adjuvant effects to specific IgE and IgG1 production by OVA. In the in vitro study using RAW264.7 cells, ASD increased the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR 2) mRNA but not TLR4 mRNA. H-ASD caused no expression of either TLR mRNA. These results suggest that the aggravated lung eosinophilia by ASD may be due to activation of Th2-associated immune response via the activation of TLR2 by microbial components adhered to ASD.

Potential for the replication of the betanodavirus redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus in human cell lines

The determination of the host ranges of viruses is important because of the possible emergence of infectious agents, which may result from the zoonotic transmission of animal viruses to humans. The family Nodaviridae, whose members are non-enveloped, positive-stranded bipartite RNA viruses, is comprised of the genera Alphanodavirus and Betanodavirus, whose members predominantly infect insects and fish, respectively. The alphanodaviruses can also infect suckling mice and suckling hamsters, resulting in paralysis and death. Pigs near the site of isolation of the Nodamura virus (NoV), an alphanodavirus, have been reported to have high levels of NoV neutralizing antibody, suggesting that they may be part of the natural host range of this virus. Betanodaviruses are the causative agents of viral nervous necrosis, which occurs in several species of fish. However, little is known regarding the mechanism of infection of these viruses. Whether betanodaviruses can infect hosts other than fish remains unclear. In this study, we examined the possibility that a betanodavirus, redspotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV), can infect human cell lines and showed that this virus can attach to the cells but cannot penetrate them, although human cells can support the replication of the betanodavirus when viral RNAs are transfected. The betanodavirus in its present form cannot infect human cells.

Inhibition of betanodavirus infection by inhibitors of endosomal acidification

Betanodaviruses, members of the family Nodaviridae, have small positive-stranded bipartite RNA genomes and are the causal agent of viral nervous necrosis (VNN) in many species of marine farmed fish. In the aquaculture industry, outbreaks of betanodavirus infection and spread in larval and juvenile fish result in devastating damage and heavy economic loss. Although an urgent need exists to develop drugs that inhibit betanodavirus infection, there have been no reports about anti-betanodavirus drugs. Recently, it was reported that betanodaviruses were detected in the endosomes of infected cells, suggesting that betanodaviruses enter fish cells by endocytosis. This finding prompted us to examine whether blocking this endosomal pathway could provide a target for antiviral drug development. In this study, we examined the inhibitory effect of several lysosomotropic agents against betanodavirus infection in fish E-11 cells. The presence of 1 mM NH₄Cl or 1 µM chloroquine in the medium inhibited the entry of betanodaviruses into cells and inhibited viral infection. The lysosomotropic agents bafilomycin A1 and monensin also inhibited virus-induced cytopathology and virus production. Our data demonstrate that inhibitors of endosomal acidification are candidates as antiviral agents against betanodavirus.

Significant relationship of matrix metalloproteinase 9 with nuclear grade and prognostic impact of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 for incidental clear cell renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To examine the immunoreactivity of tumors for matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 and 2 (TIMP-1, TIMP-2), and membrane type MMP 1 (MT-MMP-1), to evaluate the optimum assessment of incidental renal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Tumor samples from 120 incidental clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ICRCC) patients without distant metastasis or invasion beyond Gerota's fascia were obtained by surgery. They were immunohistochemically stained for MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and MT-MMP-1. Immunoreactivity for these factors was analyzed by semiquantitative multivariate analysis for cancer-specific survival.

RESULTS

The cancer-specific 5 and 10-year survival rates were 91.4% and 91.4%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that nuclear grade (P = 0.0064) and TIMP-2 (P = 0.034) were significant prognostic factors. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 has a significant relationship with high nuclear grade RCC (P = 0.017) and was found to be an independent prognosticator by Cox multiple regression analysis (P = 0.0028).

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear grade and TIMP-2 were significant prognostic factors of ICRCC. Multivariate analysis showed that a nuclear grade greater than 3 was associated with a 566% significant increase in the odds of cancer death. Strong expression of MMP-9 was associated with a 774% increase in the odds of high nuclear grade, with statistical significance. Although ICRCC is well known for having a favorable prognosis, patients with tumors having a high nuclear grade and strongly expressed MMP-9 and TIMP-2 should undergo strict postoperative follow-up.

Morphologic evaluation of the caudal end of the inferior petrosal sinus using 3D rotational venography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) is the main transvenous access route used to examine or treat lesions involving the cavernous sinus. To carry out these procedures successfully, one must have a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the venous system around the junction of the IPS and the internal jugular vein (IJV).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-three sides in 63 patients (26 men, 37 women; mean, 56.5 years of age) were examined by using 3D rotational venography (3DRV).

RESULT

The drainage patterns of the IPS could be classified into the following 6 types, with emphasis on the level of IPS-IJV junction: type A, the IPS drains into the jugular bulb in 1/83 sides (1.2%); type B, the IPS drains into the IJV at the level of the extracranial opening of the hypoglossal canal in 29/83 sides (34.9%); type C, the IPS drains into the lower extracranial IJV in 31/83 sides (37.3%); type D, the IPS forms a plexus and has multiple junctions to the IJV near the jugular foramen in 5/83 sides (6.0%); type E, the IPS drains directly into the vertebral venous plexus (VVP) with no connection to the IJV in 3/83 sides (3.6%); and type F, the IPS is absent in 14/83 sides (16.9%). Each type is also characterized by the way of anastomosis with the VVP.

CONCLUSION

This classification seemed to be rational from the embryologic viewpoint, and it may be useful in establishing treatment strategies that involve endovascular manipulation via the IPS.

Naphthoquinone enhances antigen-related airway inflammation in mice

The current authors have previously demonstrated that diesel exhaust particles (DEP) enhance antigen-related airway inflammation in mice. Furthermore, a recent study has shown that organic chemicals in DEP, rather than their carbonaceous nuclei, are important contributors to the aggravating effects of airway inflammation. However, the components in DEP responsible for the enhancing effects on the model remain to be identified. The current authors investigated the effects of naphthoquinone (NQ), one of the extractable chemical compounds of DEP, on antigen-related airway inflammation, local expression of cytokine proteins, and antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) production in mice. Pulmonary exposure to NQ dose-dependently aggravated antigen-related airway inflammation, as characterised by infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes around the airways and an increase in goblet cells in the bronchial epithelium. Combined exposure to NQ and antigen enhanced the local expression of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, eotaxin, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 and keratinocyte chemoattractant, compared with exposure to antigen or NQ alone. Also, NQ exhibited adjuvant activity for the antigen-specific production of IgG(1) and IgG(2a). These results provide the first experimental evidence that naphthoquinone can enhance antigen-related airway inflammation in vivo, and that naphthoquinone can, to some extent, partly play a role in the pathogenesis of diesel exhaust particle toxicity on the condition.

Usefulness of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for the diagnosis of recurrent renal cell carcinoma in contralateral kidney

We studied contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) for recurrence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at the contralateral kidney during postoperative follow up of localized renal cell carcinoma. CEU successfully detected all recurring cases, despite the fact that 5/6 cases were observed using conventional ultrasound; the remaining one case was not detected using conventional ultrasound. CEU using Levovisto successfully revealed renal tumors as RCC. Lesions were diagnosed as cystic renal tumors by Bosniac classification, and pathological findings demonstrated RCC, in accordance with the prior tumor.

Strong significant correlation between MMP-9 and systemic symptoms in patients with localized renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To identify a relationship between clinical symptoms and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2, and membrane type MMP-1.

METHODS

Tumor samples from 232 patients with renal cell carcinoma with no distant metastasis were immunohistochemically stained for MMP-2 and MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2, and membrane type MMP-1. The immunoreactivity of these factors was analyzed by semiquantitative multivariate analysis for correlation with clinical symptoms.

RESULTS

Patard's criteria were used to classify symptoms at initial tumor clinical presentation, with three groups defined: S1, S2, and S3. The cancer-specific 5-year survival rate was 88.7%, 74.7%, and 67.6% for S1 (145 patients), S2 (69 patients), and S3 (18 patients), respectively (P = 0.0015). Multiple logistic regression analysis of preference was used to determine whether differences in the contribution of the symptoms were statistically significant. A maximal tumor diameter of 40 mm or greater and positive venous invasion were associated with a 262% and 281% increase in the odds of local symptoms, respectively. MMP-9 positive cases were associated with a 2979% increase in the odds of systemic symptoms with significance.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found a strong significant correlation between the histopathologic expression of MMP-9 and the systemic symptoms of renal cell carcinoma. We propose the histopathologic measurement of MMP-9 as a useful tool for assessing the prognosis of patients with renal cell carcinoma with systemic symptoms.

Murine strain differences in 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine formation in hepatic DNA induced by oxidized lard and dietary oils

Difference of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) formation in liver DNA in C3H/HeN and in C57BL/6 mice--fed oxidized lard and dietary oils (soybean and sardine)--was investigated. The blank levels of 8-OH-dG were higher in C3H/HeN mice (highly sensitive to liver tumorigenesis) than in C57BL/6 mice (resistant strain). The level of 8-OH-dG increased much more in C3H/HeN mice than in the C57BL/6 mice fed by oxidized lard and dietary oil treatment. Feeding oxidized lard and dietary oils increased 8-oxo-guanine DNA glycosylase I (OGG1) and mRNA 8-oxo-dGTPase in C57BL/6 mice. On the other hand, no appreciable change of mRNA in the C3H/HeN mice was observed. The formation differences of 8-OH-dG from the two murine strains fed with oxidized lard and dietary oils may be associated with the different mRNA levels in the DNA repair enzymes because the mRNA levels in the DNA repair enzymes were much lower in C3H/HeN mice than in C57BL/6 mice.

Long-term outcome from a study on the prevention of postoperative recurrence in patients with renal cell carcinoma: could PBL be a predictor of postoperative recurrence in patients postoperatively treated with IFN-gamma?

This study examined the outcome of postoperative recurrence therapy on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) prevention involving treatment with single doses of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). From 1990-2000, 37 patients with no distant metastasis at the time they underwent a nephrectomy were enrolled in this investigation. Subcutaneous IFN-gamma was administered once a week. Total and differential white blood cells were counted before the pre-administration of IFN-gamma and then monthly thereafter for all patients. Blood lymphocyte subsets were analyzed phenotypically by direct immunofluorescence. Disease-free survival rates (DFSR) at 5 and 10 years were 81.7% and 75.9%, respectively. To clarify the effects of preoperative peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) and NK activity on DFSR, we categorized the patients into two groups according to the median number of PBL before the administration of IFN-gamma. Except for CD11b, PBL level had no effect on DFSR. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that CD11b levels greater than 16.5% were associated with 25.35 odds ratio increase in the risk of postoperative recurrence. A multivariate analysis found that CD11b may be an independent factor for postoperative recurrence. In terms of preventing postoperative recurrence, our results showed that an elevated CD11b level may indicate patients who can benefit from further combination therapy.

Prostate-specific antigen failure within 2 years of radical prostatectomy predicts overall survival

OBJECTIVE

This study attempts to determine whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) failure following radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) affects patients' long-term overall survival.

METHODS

This study examined 155 men diagnosed as clinical stages T1b-T3a who received RRP as primary therapy. To evaluate whether PSA failure following RRP affects overall survival, the patients were grouped into those who experienced PSA failure within 2 years and those who did not. Clinical failure-free survival, prostate cancer-specific survival and overall survival were used as endpoints. Comparisons of survival curves were performed using the log-rank test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the variable most predictive of PSA failure within 2 years of surgery.

RESULTS

At 10 years, the PSA failure-free survival rate, clinical failure-free survival rate, prostate cancer specific survival rate and overall survival rate of the 155 patients were 40.1%, 83.1%, 94.9% and 84.2%, respectively. The overall survival curve for patients with PSA failure within 2 years of surgery was significantly lower than for patients with no PSA failure within 2 years of surgery (P = 0.042). The multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that PSA greater than 20 ng/mL and poor differentiation of the tumor were significant independent predictors of PSA failure within 2 years of surgery.

CONCLUSION

These results imply that prospective studies should be conducted to detect patients at high risk for PSA recurrence in whom metastasis may occur early and to investigate postoperative treatments for these high-risk patients to improve overall survival.

Components of diesel exhaust particles differentially affect Th1/Th2 response in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) can enhance various respiratory diseases. However, it is unclear as to which components in DEP are associated with the enhancement. We investigated the effects of DEP components on antigen-related airway inflammation, using residual carbonaceous nuclei of DEP after extraction (washed DEP), extracted organic chemicals (OC) in DEP (DEP-OC), and DEP-OC plus washed DEP (whole DEP) in the presence or absence of ovalbumin (OVA).

METHODS

Male ICR mice were intratracheally administrated with OVA and/or DEP components. We examined the cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, histological changes, lung expression of inflammatory molecules, and antigen-specific production of IgG1 in the serum.

RESULTS

DEP-OC, rather than washed DEP, enhanced infiltration of inflammatory cells into BAL fluid, magnitude of airway inflammation, and proliferation of goblet cells in the airway epithelium in the presence of OVA, which was paralleled by the enhanced lung expression of eotaxin and IL-5 as well as the elevated concentration of OVA-specific IgG1. In contrast, washed DEP with OVA showed less change and increased the lung expression of IFN-gamma. The combination of whole DEP and OVA caused the most remarkable changes in the entire enhancement, which was also accompanied by the enhanced expression of IL-13 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha.

CONCLUSION

DEP-OC, rather than washed DEP, exaggerated allergic airway inflammation through the enhancement of T-helper type 2 responses. The coexistence of OC with carbonaceous nuclei caused the most remarkable aggravation. DEP components might diversely affect various types of respiratory diseases, while whole DEP might mostly aggravate respiratory diseases.

Effects of phenanthraquinone on allergic airway inflammation in mice

BACKGROUND

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) enhance allergic airway inflammation in mice (Takano et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1997; 156: 36-42). DEP consist of carbonaceous nuclei and a vast number of organic chemical compounds. However, it remains to be identified which component(s) from DEP are responsible for the enhancing effects. 9,10-Phenanthraquinone (PQ) is a quinone compound involved in DEP.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of PQ inoculated intratracheally on allergic airway inflammation related to ovalbumin (OVA) challenge.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated effects of PQ on airway inflammation, local expression of cytokine proteins, and allergen-specific immunoglobulin production in mice in the presence or absence of OVA. Results In the presence of OVA, PQ (2.1 ng/animal) significantly increased the numbers of eosinophils and mononuclear cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as compared with OVA alone. In contrast, the numbers of these cells around the airways were not significantly different between OVA challenge and OVA plus PQ challenge in lung histology. PQ exhibited adjuvant activity for the allergen-specific production of IgG1 and IgE. OVA challenge induced significant increases in the lung expression of IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant as compared with vehicle challenge. However, the combination of PQ with OVA did not alter the expression levels of these proteins as compared with OVA alone.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that PQ can enhance the immunoglobulin production and the infiltration of inflammatory cells into alveolar spaces that are related to OVA, whereas PQ seems to be partially responsible for the DEP toxicity on the allergic airway inflammation.

Spinal arteriovenous malformation associated with a radicular arteriovenous fistula suggested a metameric disease. A case report

SUMMARY

A spinal intramedullary arteriovenous malformation (AVM) associated with a radicular arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is reported. The patient had mild myelopathy and low back pain. Spinal angiography revealed the AVM fed by the anterior spinal artery via left T10, T11 and right L1 radiculomedullary arteries and the radiculopial arteries of left L1, L2 and right T11, L3 levels and the radicular AVF at the left L4 level. There were three radiculomedullary arteries within four levels in our case. This spinal AVM associated with a radicular AVF is considered a genetic nonhereditary lesion with metameric link.

Liver carcinogenesis and formation of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine in C3H/HeN mice by oxidized dietary oils containing carcinogenic dicarbonyl compounds

Oxidized dietary oils (lard, soybean oil, and sardine oil) were orally administered to C3H/HeN male mice. After 6 months, benign hepatocellular adenoma was observed in the mice treated with all three oxidized dietary oils. After 12 months, malignant hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatoblastoma were observed in addition to the benign tumor. Oxidized sardine oil caused the highest tumor incidence (35%) and malignant tumors (27.5%) among the oxidized dietary oils tested. Mice treated with oxidized lard and sardine oil exhibited a significant increase of 8-OH-dG in the livers. The amounts of 8-OH-dG found in the mice treated with oxidized sardine oil correlated with the rates of tumor incidence. After 6 months, mRNA decreased in the case of oxidized lard and sardine oil, whereas it increased in the case of oxidized soybean oil, either in 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1) or in 8-oxo-dGTPase. On the other hand, there was no appreciable change in mRNA, in either OGG1 or 8-oxo-dGTPase, after 12 months. Oxidized sardine oil contained the highest level of malonaldehyde (MA) (713+/-91.1 nmol/g) and glyoxal (33.3+/-5.2 nmol/g) among three oxidized oils. The malignant tumor incidence correlated with the high level of MA and glyoxal found in the dietary oils tested.

Rosmarinic acid in perilla extract inhibits allergic inflammation induced by mite allergen, in a mouse model

BACKGROUND

Perilla and its constituent rosmarinic acid have been suggested to have anti-allergic activity. However, few studies have examined the effects on allergic asthma.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral administration of perilla leaf extract, which contains high amount of rosmarinic acid, on a murine model of allergic asthma induced by house dust mite allergen.

METHODS

C3H/He mice were sensitized by intratracheal administration of Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f). Mice were orally treated with rosmarinic acid in perilla extract (PE) (1.5 mg/mouse/day).

RESULTS

Der f challenge of sensitized mice elicited pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation, accompanied by an increase in lung expression of IL-4 and IL-5, and eotaxin. Daily treatment with rosmarinic acid in PE significantly prevented the increases in the numbers of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids and also in those around murine airways. Rosmarinic acid in PE treatment also inhibited the enhanced protein expression of IL-4 and IL-5, and eotaxin in the lungs of sensitized mice. Der f challenge also enhanced allergen-specific IgG1, which were also inhibited by rosmarinic acid in PE.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that oral administration of perilla-derived rosmarinic acid is an effective intervention for allergic asthma, possibly through the amelioration of increases in cytokines, chemokines, and allergen-specific antibody.

Development of malignant glioma 15 months after anterior temporal lobectomy in a patient with temporal lobe epilepsy

We report a 36-year-old woman, who had previously undergone anterior temporal lobectomy for intractable temporal lobe seizures; fifteen months later, magnetic resonance (MR) images showed a space-occupying lesion in the temporal lobectomy cavity. After a second operation, a histopathological examination showed a grade III astrocytoma. The fortuitous co-occurrence of temporal lobe epilepsy and a tumour was suspected, but histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of original resected temporal lobe parenchyma did not show evidence of neoplasm. The patient had not undergone postoperative radiotherapy and had not experienced viral infections. We propose that two factors possibly associated with the development of glioma were chemical exposure from anticonvulsant agents and trauma from resection of the anterior temporal lobe during initial surgery.

Enhancement of acute lung injury related to bacterial endotoxin by components of diesel exhaust particles

BACKGROUND

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) synergistically aggravate acute lung injury related to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice, but the components in DEP responsible for this have not been identified. A study was undertaken to examine the effects of the organic chemicals (DEP-OC) and residual carbonaceous nuclei (washed DEP) derived from DEP on LPS related lung injury.

METHODS

ICR mice were divided into experimental groups and vehicle, LPS, washed DEP, DEP-OC, washed DEP+LPS, and DEP-OC+LPS were administered intratracheally. The cellular profile of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, pulmonary oedema, lung histology, and expression of proinflammatory molecules and Toll-like receptors in the lung were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both DEP-OC and washed DEP enhanced the infiltration of neutrophils into BAL fluid in the presence of LPS. Washed DEP combined with LPS synergistically exacerbated pulmonary oedema and induced alveolar haemorrhage, which was concomitant with the enhanced lung expression of interleukin-1beta, macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha, macrophage chemoattractant protein-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant, whereas DEP-OC combined with LPS did not. Gene expression of Toll-like receptors 2 and 4 was increased by combined treatment with washed DEP and LPS. The enhancement effects of washed DEP on LPS related changes were comparable to those of whole DEP.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the residual carbonaceous nuclei of DEP rather than the extracted organic chemicals predominantly contribute to the aggravation of LPS related lung injury. This may be mediated through the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and Toll-like receptors.

Melatonin metabolite excretion among cellular telephone users

PURPOSE

The relationship between cellular telephone use and excretion of the melatonin metabolite 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS) was evaluated in two populations of male electric utility workers (Study 1, n=149; Study 2, n=77).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants collected urine samples and recorded cellular telephone use over 3 consecutive workdays. Personal 60-Hz magnetic field (MF) and ambient light exposures were characterized on the same days using EMDEX II meters. A repeated measures analysis was used to assess the effects of cellular telephone use, alone and combined with MF exposures, after adjustment for age, participation month and light exposure.

RESULTS

No change in 6-OHMS excretion was observed among those with daily cellular telephone use >25 min in Study 1 (5 worker-days). Study 2 workers with >25 min cellular telephone use per day (13 worker-days) had lower creatinine-adjusted mean nocturnal 6-OHMS concentrations (p=0.05) and overnight 6-OHMS excretion (p=0.03) compared with those without cellular telephone use. There was also a linear trend of decreasing mean nocturnal 6-OHMS/creatinine concentrations (p=0.02) and overnight 6-OHMS excretion (p=0.08) across categories of increasing cellular telephone use. A combined effect of cellular telephone use and occupational 60-Hz MF exposure in reducing 6-OHMS excretion was also observed in Study 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure-related reductions in 6-OHMS excretion were observed in Study 2, where daily cellular telephone use of >25 min was more prevalent. Prolonged use of cellular telephones may lead to reduced melatonin production, and elevated 60-Hz MF exposures may potentiate the effect.

Zinc induces a Src family kinase-mediated up-regulation of NMDA receptor activity and excitotoxicity

Zinc is coreleased with glutamate from excitatory nerve terminals throughout the central nervous system and acutely inhibits N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Here we report that cultured murine cortical neurons briefly exposed to sublethal concentrations of zinc developed increased intracellular free Na(+), phosphorylation of Src kinase at tyrosine 220, and tyrosine phosphorylation of NMDA receptor 2A/2B subunits, in a fashion sensitive to the Src family kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, PP2. Functionally, this zinc exposure produced a delayed increase in NMDA receptor current in perforated patch but not conventional whole-cell recordings, as well as an increase in NMDA receptor-mediated cell death. These observations suggest that the effect of synaptically released zinc on neuronal NMDA receptors may be biphasic: acute block, followed by Src family kinase-mediated up-regulation of NMDA receptor activity and cytotoxicity.

The Effect of Dietary Carotenoids on Lung Tumorigenesis Induced by Intratracheally Instillated Diesel Exhaust Particles

The purpose of this study is to examine the carotenoid effects on lung tumorigenesis induced by intratracheal instillation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) into mice weekly for 20 wk. It was suggested that active oxygen radicals might play an important role in DEP-induced lung tumorigenesis. Mice were divided to 4 groups of diet containing 0.02% of palm oil carotene, 0.02% of beta-carotene, or no carotenoid with or without DEP. The BF group (4% fat) and the HF group (16% fat) were prepared for each diet group. The experimental period was 12 mo. By the administration of palm oil carotene, neither adenocarcinoma nor adenoma was found in the BF group. In the HF group with palm oil carotene, no adenocarcinoma was observed, and adenoma was reduced. Adenoma in the HF group was not greatly reduced by beta-carotene, but rather increased in the BF group. No adenocarcinoma was found in either the BF or the HF groups with beta-carotene. The 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine/deoxyguanosine ratio in palm carotene groups was lower than in the other groups, while that in beta-carotene groups was not. From these results, palm oil carotene was suggested to prevent lung tumorigenesis by its protective effect on DNA from active oxygen. Beta-carotene was supposed to have different effects from palm oil carotene on lung tumorigenesis. Besides the chemopreventive effect, the growth of mice was inhibited by the administration of palm oil carotene. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms of carotenoid effects.

Effects of tetraethylammonium analogs on apoptosis and membrane currents in cultured cortical neurons

Tetraethylammonium (TEA), the quaternary ammonium ion and nonselective K(+) channel blocker, is protective against neuronal apoptosis. We now tested two TEA analogs, tetrapentylammonium (TPeA) and tetrahexylammonium (THA), for their effects on apoptotic neuronal death and for their pharmacological profiles on membrane currents in cultured mouse cortical neurons. TPeA and THA (0.1-1.0 microM) attenuated staurosporine-induced caspase-3 activation and neuronal apoptosis. TPeA and THA blocked the outward delayed rectifier K(+) (I(K)) current in concentration-dependent manners with IC(50) values of 2.7 and 1.9 microM, respectively. I(K) was blocked by TPeA in a use-dependent manner, whereas THA blocked I(K) regardless of activation state of the channel. TPeA at 1 microM inhibited the high voltage-activated (HVA) Ca(2+) current and the A-type K(+) current (I(A)). TPeA (1-10 microM) also blocked the fast inactivating Na(+) current. The ligand-gated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor current was not affected by up to 20 microM TPeA. THA at 1 microM showed inhibitory effects on I(A), HVA Ca(2+), and Na(+) currents. THA (10 microM) suppressed NMDA currents. The data suggest that, as K(+) channel blockers and apoptosis antagonists, TPeA and THA are much more potent than TEA; however, they have nonspecific actions on several voltage-gated or ligand-gated channels.

Effect of the natural antioxidant 2"-O-glycosylisovitexin on superoxide and hydroxyl radical generation

The inhibitory effect of 2"-O-glycosyl isovitexin (2"-O-GIV) isolated from green barley leaves on superoxide and hydroxyl radical generation was investigated using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. 2"-O-GIV exhibited dose-related inhibitory activity both towards superoxide generation and hydroxyl radical generation. 2"-O-GIV inhibited superoxide formation by 97% at a level of 25 mM and inhibited hydroxyl radical formation by 91% at a level of 500 microM. The results suggest that the inhibitory activity of 2"-O-GIV is due to trapping radicals.

Differential effects of TrkC isoforms on sensory axon outgrowth

Neurotrophins are powerful regulators of neuronal morphology. Several lines of evidence are consistent with the idea that characteristic axonal and dendritic morphologies throughout the nervous system may be determined by local patterns of neurotrophin and neurotrophin receptor expression. Neurotrophin receptor tryosine kinases (Trks) exist in both tyrosine-containing (TK+) and tyrosine-lacking (TK-) isoforms, both of which are expressed in many neuronal populations. However, ratios of TK+ to TK- isoforms may vary at different stages of development and may be differentially distributed to cellular compartments. To test whether these isoforms have different functions related to axon outgrowth, full-length or tyrosine kinase-lacking TrkC receptors were overexpressed in embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons maintained in explant cultures in neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)-containing media. Neurons were transfected with plasmid DNA encoding enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) and TrkC receptor isoforms by particle-mediated gene transfer. Control neurons possessed 3.7 +/- 1.3 primary processes and 113.8 +/- 46 branch points. About 80% of the branches were located along the distal part of the axon. Transfection with the trkC TK+ increased the number of primary processes (6.5 +/- 2.8), whereas transfection with trkC TK- reduced the formation of primary processes (3.0 +/- 1.3). Surprisingly, the distribution of branch points was shifted to the proximal region of axons in neurons transfected with trkC TK-. These observations are consistent with the idea that differential expression of Trk isoforms during development may sculpt axonal morphology.

Differential effects of TrkC isoforms on sensory axon outgrowth

Neurotrophins are powerful regulators of neuronal morphology. Several lines of evidence are consistent with the idea that characteristic axonal and dendritic morphologies throughout the nervous system may be determined by local patterns of neurotrophin and neurotrophin receptor expression. Neurotrophin receptor tryosine kinases (Trks) exist in both tyrosine-containing (TK+) and tyrosine-lacking (TK-) isoforms, both of which are expressed in many neuronal populations. However, ratios of TK+ to TK- isoforms may vary at different stages of development and may be differentially distributed to cellular compartments. To test whether these isoforms have different functions related to axon outgrowth, full-length or tyrosine kinase-lacking TrkC receptors were overexpressed in embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons maintained in explant cultures in neurotrophin-3 (NT-3)-containing media. Neurons were transfected with plasmid DNA encoding enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) and TrkC receptor isoforms by particle-mediated gene transfer. Control neurons possessed 3.7 +/- 1.3 primary processes and 113.8 +/- 46 branch points. About 80% of the branches were located along the distal part of the axon. Transfection with the trkC TK+ increased the number of primary processes (6.5 +/- 2.8), whereas transfection with trkC TK- reduced the formation of primary processes (3.0 +/- 1.3). Surprisingly, the distribution of branch points was shifted to the proximal region of axons in neurons transfected with trkC TK-. These observations are consistent with the idea that differential expression of Trk isoforms during development may sculpt axonal morphology.

Manipulation of the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in airway inflammation induced by diesel exhaust particles in mice

The role of the L-arginine-nitric oxide (NO) pathway in bronchial asthma that is characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation has not yet been established. We investigated the effects of three different agents on eosinophilic airway inflammation induced by the intratracheal instillation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) in mice: L-Arginine, the substrate for NO synthases; L-N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a relatively selective inhibitor of constitutive NO synthase; and aminoguanidine, a relatively selective inhibitor of inducible NO synthase. The mice received drinking water with or without added drug for a continuous period of 9 weeks plus 4 days. Lung histology showed that airway inflammation with goblet cell proliferation induced by DEP was aggravated by the administration of L-arginine or L-NAME, whereas it was reduced by aminoguanidine. The numbers of neutrophils around the airways in animals that received plain drinking water, L-arginine, L-NAME, and aminoguanidine were 0.98+/-0.26, 3.66+/-0.81, 1.64+/-0.31, and 0.12+/-0.04 (number/mm basement membrane), respectively. The numbers of eosinophils around the airways were 0.37+/-0.08, 16.1+/-6.47, 11.1+/-3.59, and 0.21+/-0.11, respectively. The numbers of goblet cells in the bronchial epithelium were 1.67+/-0.80, 16.5+/-7.33, 19.0+/-3.40, and 0.86+/-0.41, respectively. The cellular profiles of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid also showed that airway inflammation induced by DEP was aggravated by the administration of L-arginine or L-NAME, whereas it was reduced by aminoguanidine. These results suggest that NO produced from inducible NO synthase may have a detrimental effect on the DEP-induced airway inflammation. A relatively selective inhibition of inducible NO synthase by aminoguanidine may have therapeutic value in the inhalant injury. NO derived from constitutive NO synthase may afford protection against the airway inflammation induced by DEP.

Effects of diesel exhaust on allergic airway inflammation in mice

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia were induced by the intratracheal instillation of diesel exhaust particles and ovalbumin in mice. However, it is unknown whether its results differ from the effects of the inhalation of diesel exhaust and allergen.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of diesel exhaust inhalation and intratracheal instillation of diesel exhaust particles in a murine asthma model.

METHODS

ICR mice were exposed to 3 mg soot per cubic meter of diesel exhaust for 6 weeks. After the first week, animals were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide gel. After 5 weeks of diesel exhaust exposure, the mice were challenged with ovalbumin. The animals were killed 1, 2, 3, and 7 days after the challenge and investigated for airway inflammation, hyperplasia of goblet cells, airway hyperresponsiveness, local cytokine expression, and antigen-specific IgE and IgG1 production.

RESULTS

Exposure to diesel exhaust enhanced infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils in murine airways even 1 day after the challenge. An increment of goblet cells under the bronchial epithelium was followed by the recruitment of inflammatory cells. Furthermore, exposure to diesel exhaust combined with ovalbumin sensitization enhanced respiratory resistance and expression of IL-5 in lung tissue and IgG1 production but not IgE. However, diesel exhaust alone did not induce pathologic changes in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Diesel exhaust enhanced allergic airway inflammation, hyperplasia of goblet cells, and airway hyperresponsiveness caused by ovalbumin sensitization.

Involvement of superoxide and nitric oxide on airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness induced by diesel exhaust particles in mice

We previously demonstrated that chronic intratracheal instillation of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) induces airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in the mouse, and that these effects were partially reversed by the administration of superoxide dismutase (SOD). In the present study, we have investigated the involvement of superoxide in DEP-induced airway response by analyzing the localization and activity of two enzymes: (1) a superoxide producer, NADPH cytochrome P-450 reductase (P-450 reductase), and (2) a superoxide scavenger, SOD, in the lungs of the exposed mice and controls. P-450 reductase was detected mainly in ciliated cells and clara cells: its activity was increased by the repeated intratracheal instillation of DEP. While CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD were also present in the airway epithelium, their activity was significantly decreased following DEP instillation. Exposure to DEP doubled the level of nitric oxide (NO) in the exhaled air. DEP exposure also increased the level of constitutive NO synthase (cNOS) in the airway epithelium and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in the macrophages. Pretreatment with N-G-monomethyl L-arginine, a nonspecific inhibitor of NO synthase, significantly reduced the airway hyperresponsiveness induced by DEP. These results indicate that superoxide and NO may each contribute to the airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness induced by the repeated intratracheal instillation of DEP in mice.

Oral administration of L-arginine potentiates allergen-induced airway inflammation and expression of interleukin-5 in mice

The role of nitric oxide in the airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation of bronchial asthma has not yet been established. However, L-arginine, the substrate for nitric oxide synthases, reportedly alleviates airway hyperresponsiveness caused by parainfluenza virus and reduces granulocytic inflammation induced by ischemia-reperfusion. We investigated the effects of L-arginine on a murine model of allergic asthma that included airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation and expression of interleukin (IL)-5 in the lung. The mice received drinking water with or without L-arginine for 9 weeks. Histologic evaluation and cellular profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed that p.o. administration of L-arginine (72 micromol/kg/day) significantly enhanced eosinophilic airway inflammation and goblet cell proliferation that were associated with intratracheal instillation of ovalbumin. L-Arginine also increased protein levels of IL-5 and IL-2 in supernatants from the lung exposed to ovalbumin. The number of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid correlated significantly with the expression of IL-5. L-Arginine did not reverse ovalbumin-associated airway hyperresponsiveness to inhaled ACh. These results suggest that p.o. administration of L-arginine aggravates allergen-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation via expression of IL-5, and in this model it does not show therapeutic efficacy against airway hyperresponsiveness associated with allergen exposure. Oral administration of L-arginine, the precursor of nitric oxide, may not be an effective intervention in allergic asthma.