Associations of meeting 24-h movement guidelines and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to 24-h movement guidelines and metabolic syndrome (MetS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

STUDY DESIGN

Repeated cross-sectional design.

METHODS

We selected 10,882 adults (2019: n = 5710; 2020: n = 5172) aged ≥20 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using a global physical activity questionnaire. We also measured the typical sleep duration (h/day) on weekdays and weekends. MetS was defined as the presence of more than three risk factors.

RESULTS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation-related physical activity decreased, while the prevalence of abdominal obesity (+3.3 %) and low HDL-C levels (+3.1 %) increased significantly. An elevated risk of MetS was observed in the lower aerobic (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.58; P = 0.019) and muscular exercise (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.66; P = 0.023) groups and in the high sedentary behavior (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00-1.51; P = 0.049) during the pandemic. Sensitivity analysis stratified by sex showed similar patterns with more pronounced changes in MetS components in males. The models also showed significant associations between aerobic physical activity, strength exercises, and sedentary behavior with MetS in males and females.

CONCLUSIONS

Although sedentary behavior and sleep time remained unchanged, a significant decrease in transportation-related physical activity was observed during the pandemic. Moreover, our findings revealed that aerobic physical activity, strength exercise, and sedentary time during the pandemic were associated with an increased MetS risk. These results highlight the importance of promoting physical activity, particularly during periods of social restriction, to mitigate the pandemic's negative effects on metabolic health.

Modified Sijunzi Granules Exhibit Hemostatic Effect by Activating Akt and Erk Signal Pathways via Regulating 5-HT and Its Receptors Levels

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hemostatic effect of modified Sijunzi Granules (MSG) in primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) zebrafish model and explore the potential mechanism.

METHODS

AB strain wild type zebrafish were treated with simvastatin (6 µmol/L) for 24 h to establish the hemorrhage model (model control group). The zebrafish were treated with MSG at different doses (55.6, 167, and 500 µg/mL), respectively. The hemostatic effect was assessed by examining the intestinal bleeding and hemostatic rate. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) content was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. The expressions of 5-HT2aR, 5-HT2bR, and SERT genes were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The protein expressions of protein kinase B (Akt), p-Akt, extracellular regulated protein kinases (Erk), and p-Erk were examined using Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The intestinal bleeding rate was 37%, 40%, and 80% in the 55.6, 167, and 500 µg/mL dose of MSG, respectively, in which 55.6 and 167 µg/mL MSG dose groups were associated with significantly decreased intestinal bleeding rate when compared with the model control group (70%, P<0.05). Significantly higher hemostatic rates were also observed in the 55.6 (54%) and 167 (52%) µg/mL MSG dose groups (P<0.05). MSG increased the 5-HT content and mRNA expression levels of 5-HT2aR, 5-HT2bR, and SERT (P<0.05). In addition, caspase3/7 activity was inhibited (P<0.05). Significant increase in p-Akt and p-Erk was also detected after treatment with MSG (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MSG could reduce the incidence and severity of intestinal bleeding in zebrafish by activating MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signal pathways through regulating the levels of 5-HT and its receptors, which may provide evidence for the treatment of ITP.

[Differential proteomic screening of plasma exosomes before and after magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate treatment in chronic hepatitis B]

Objective: To screen the differential proteomic of plasma exosomes before and after magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 36 cases with chronic hepatitis B before and after MgIG treatment (2 ml/case). Plasma exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation. Exosomal particles concentration and inner diameter were detected by Nanosight NS300 particle size analyzer. Three cases of plasma exosomes were randomly selected before and after MgIG treatment. Proteins were extracted after lysis and digested with trypsin. Label-free differential proteomics analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to screen out differential proteins that changed more than 1.5 times. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to verify the quantitative differential protein expression (n = 30). Measurement data were compared by paired sample t-test. Results: The average particle concentration of the extracted exosomes was 2.2×10(9)/ml, and the average size was (107 ± 52) nm, which was consistent with the theoretical value of plasma exosome size, proving that the plasma exosomes were successfully extracted. Proteomics results showed that before and after MgIG treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients, a total of 153 differentially expressed proteins were screened, including 85 up-regulated and 68 down-regulated proteins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that compared with the MgIG before and after treatment group of chronic hepatitis B patients, the differences in the concentrations of hepatocyte growth factor activator and hepatocyte growth factor like protein in plasma exosomes were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Hepatocyte growth factor activator concentration in the plasma exosomes before and after MgIG treatment group was (45.9 ± 9.4) μg/ml and (13.9 ± 2.0) μg/ml, respectively, and it was down-regulated by about 3 times. Hepatocyte growth factor-like protein concentration in the plasma exosomes before and after MgIG treatment group was (23.4 ± 4.9) μg/ml and (13.8 ± 2.2) μg/ml, respectively, and it was down-regulated by about 2 times. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results had consistency with the proteomics results. Conclusion: This study successfully screened the differential proteomic of plasma exosomes before and after MgIG treatment in chronic hepatitis B, and provided experimental basis for studying the molecular mechanism of MgIG treatment for chronic hepatitis B.

[Clinical significance of ascitic interleukin-7 expression levels in cirrhotic patients complicated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis]

Objective: To observe ascitic interleukin-7 expression level in cirrhotic patients complicated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and to detect the effect of recombinant human IL-7 on CD4(+) and CD8(+)T lymphocyte function. Methods: A total of 84 patients with liver cirrhosis who were hospitalized from August 2017 to April 2018 were selected. Among them, 51 cases were complicated with cirrhosis and untainted ascites, and 33 cases were cirrhosis complicated with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Peripheral blood and ascites were collected routinely. The levels of IL-7 in peripheral blood and ascites were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CD4(+)T cells and CD8(+)T cells were purified from ascites, and were stimulated with recombinant IL-7. Cellular proliferation, key transcription factors for mRNA, and cytokines production by CD4(+)T cells in response to IL-7 stimulation was measured. mRNA expression corresponding to perforin, granzyme B, and granulysin as well as cytokines production by CD8(+)T cells was also measured in response to IL-7 stimulation. Cytolytic and non-cytolytic activity of CD8(+)T cells in response to IL-7 stimulation was also investigated in both direct and indirect contact co-culture system. Measurement data of the normal distribution were compared between the two groups by Student's t-test and the data before and after stimulation were compared by paired t-test. Measurements that did not conform to normal distribution were compared between the two groups using Mann-Whitney U test, and data before and after stimulation were compared using Wilcoxon paired test. Results: There was no significant statistical difference in serum IL-7 levels between the two groups [(5 001 ± 1 458) pg/ml vs. (4 768 ± 1 128) pg/ml, P = 0.41]. The level of ascitic IL-7 in cirrhotic patients complicated with SBP was significantly lower than cirrhosis patients with untainted ascites [(966.4 + 155.8) pg/ml vs. (792.1 + 126.4) pg/ml, P < 0.01]. Recombinant IL-7 stimulation promoted the proliferation of CD4(+) and CD8(+)T cells from ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by SBP. T-bet mRNA relative expression and IFN-γ secretion in CD4(+)T cells was also elevated in response to IL-7 stimulation in vitro. Moreover, IL-7 stimulation also increased the mRNA expressions of perforin, granzyme B, and granulysin as well as productions of IFN-γ and TNF-α by CD8(+)T cells. Recombinant IL-7 stimulation elevated cytolytic and non-cytolytic activity of CD8(+)T cells from ascites in patients with liver cirrohosis complicated by SBP, which manifested as increased target cell death and IFN-γ production in both direct and indirect contact co-culture system. Conclusion: Ascitic IL-7 promotes T lymphocyte function in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with SBP.

Circ-ITCH regulates triple-negative breast cancer progression through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Recent studies indicate that circular RNA (circRNA) is involved in tumorigenesis, but its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains largely unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of circ-ITCH in TNBC and found that circ-ITCH was significantly down-regulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines and closely associated with poor prognosis. We therefore constructed the MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 TNBC cell lines stably expressing circ-ITCH by lentiviral vectors to determine its underlying mechanisms in TNBC progression. Most importantly, over-expression of circ-ITCH remarkably inhibited TNBC proliferation, invasion and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that circ-ITCH acts as a sponge for miR-214 and miR-17 to increase expression of its ITCH linear isoform, thereby inactivating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our combined results show for the first time that circ-ITCH is a tumor suppressor, a promising prognostic biomarker in TNBC and that its restoration could well be a successful strategy in TNBC.

Synthesis of substituted cinnamoyl-tyramine derivatives and their platelet anti-aggregatory activities

Substituted cinnamoyl-tyramine derivatives were synthesized by DCC-coupling of substituted cinnamic acid with tyramine or tyramine methyl-1-ether to evaluate PAF-receptor binding antagonistic activities and inhibitory activities on PAF-induced platelet aggregation with interest on structure-activity relations. The results show that 3,4-dimethoxy-cinnamoyl tyramine-amide or its methyl ether have significant PAF-receptor binding antagonistic activity and platelet anti-aggregatory activities.

[Small interfering RNA targeting to hepatitis B virus X gene and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidineon inhibited growth of the subcutaneous implanted tumor of hepatocellular carcinoma in nude mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the anti-tumor effect of small interfering RNA targeting to HBV X gene (X-siRNA) and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) on HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

X-siRNA and control siRNA were synthesized. HepG2/GFP-HBx cells were treated with X-siRNA, and the levels of HBV X mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Nude mice were inoculated with HepG2/GFP and HepG2/GFP-HBx cells subcutaneous respectively to establish implant models of hepatocellular carcinoma, and were treated with X-siRNA, 5-aza-dC alone or in combination, and tumor growth was observed. The methylation of p16 gene promoter was detected by methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP).

RESULTS

RT-PCR showed the expression of HBV X mRNA in HepG2/GFP-HBx cells was inhibited markedly by X-siRNA. The nude mice experiment showed that the gross tumor volume was much bigger in HepG2/GFP-HBx group than that in HepG2/GFP group (P < 0.05). The growth of palpable tumors in X-siRNA or 5-aza-dC treatment group notably decreased (P < 0.05). MSP analysis showed that p16 gene methylation was observed in HepG2/ GFP-HBx-caused palpable tumors, while no methylation was detected in HepG2/GFP group. However, after treatment with X-siRNA or 5-aza-dC, p16 gene methylation reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV X-siRNA and methylation inhibitor can inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells via reversing p16 methylation.

Visual pathway-related horizontal reference plane for three-dimensional craniofacial analysis

OBJECTIVES

To construct three-dimensional (3D) horizontal reference planes based on visual pathway and to determine their stability and reliability by analyzing the structural patterns of normal and dysmorphology for 3D craniofacial analysis.

SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Thirty-six subjects with maxillofacial dysmorphology and malocclusion, and eight normal controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS POPULATION: On the 3D computed tomographic images of the subjects, the visual pathway-based planes, including the orbital axis plane (OAP), visual axis plane (VAP), and the optical axis plane (OpAP), were constructed and evaluated.

RESULTS

The OAP, but not the VAP and OpAP, showed the ideal relationship between the midsagittal and posterior maxillary plane, and properly described the different patterns of maxillofacial dysmorphology with craniofacial plane 1 of Delaire's analysis and the occlusal plane.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed visual pathway-related horizontal reference planes, and in particular the OAP, seem to correctly express the visual axis and the position of the head in natural head position and can be used as a horizontal reference plane for the 3D analysis of craniofacial dysmorphology and anthropology.

Stockholm Convention organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Hong Kong air

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including eight of the original nine pesticides listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 90 air samples collected from January 2004 to March 2005, and in 304 air samples collected from January 1998 to December 2005 in Hong Kong, respectively. The annual average OCP concentrations at Tap Mun, Yuen Long and Tsuen Wan were 135+/-140 (ND-482), 186+/-183 (ND-656), and 190+/-239 fg m(-3) (ND-966), respectively, while annual (January 1998 to December 2005) average concentrations of total PAHs at Tsuen Wan, and Central/Western were 578+/-261 (117-938) and 588+/-248ngm(-3) (103-874), respectively. No seasonal and spatial variations in OCP concentrations were observed due to trace levels, and estimation of carcinogenic risks of OC pesticides was low. Naphthalene (>70%) was the dominant PAH in terms of concentrations measured. The sum of three-ring PAHs, including acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, fluorene and phenanthrene, contributed to around 20% of the total PAH concentration while the contribution of heavier PAHs (sum of four-, five- and six-rings) was less than 5%. t-Values of the paired samples T-test for the individual PAHs showed that the concentrations of benzo(a)pyrene, the relative high cancer risk PAH, and most of the PAHs detected at Tsuen Wan and Central/Western were significantly different (p<0.01), with higher concentrations detected at Tsuen Wan. Several PAHs exhibited strong seasonality with higher concentrations in winter. Sources of PAHs were determined by investigating PAH isomer ratios which suggested petrogenic sources as primary sources of PAHs in Hong Kong air.

AtBAG6, a novel calmodulin-binding protein, induces programmed cell death in yeast and plants

Calmodulin (CaM) influences many cellular processes by interacting with various proteins. Here, we isolated AtBAG6, an Arabidopsis CaM-binding protein that contains a central BCL-2-associated athanogene (BAG) domain. In yeast and plants, overexpression of AtBAG6 induced cell death phenotypes consistent with programmed cell death (PCD). Recombinant AtBAG6 had higher affinity for CaM in the absence of free Ca2 + than in its presence. An IQ motif (IQXXXRGXXXR, where X denotes any amino-acid) was required for Ca2 +-independent CaM complex formation and single amino-acid changes within this motif abrogated both AtBAG6-activated CaM-binding and cell death in yeast and plants. A 134-amino-acid stretch, encompassing both the IQ motif and BAG domain, was sufficient to induce cell death. Agents generating oxygen radicals, which are known to be involved in plant PCD, specifically induced the AtBAG6 transcript. Collectively, these results suggest that AtBAG6 is a stress-upregulated CaM-binding protein involved in plant PCD.

Cytokinesis regulator ECT2 changes its conformation through phosphorylation at Thr-341 in G2/M phase

The Rho activator ECT2 functions as a key regulator in cytokinesis. ECT2 is phosphorylated during G2/M phase, but the physiological significance of this event is not well known. In this study, we show that phosphorylation of ECT2 at threonine-341 (T341) affects the autoregulatory mechanism of ECT2. In G2/M phase, ECT2 was phosphorylated at T341 most likely by Cyclin B/Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), and then dephosphorylated before cytokinesis. Depletion of ECT2 by RNA interference (RNAi) efficiently induced multinucleate cells. Expression of the phospho-deficient mutant of ECT2 at T341 suppressed the multinucleation induced by RNAi to ECT2, indicating that ECT2 is biologically active even when it is not phosphorylated at T341. However, the phospho-mimic mutation at T341 weakly stimulates the catalytic activity of ECT2 as detected by serum response element reporter gene assays. As T341 is located at the hinge region of the N-terminal regulatory domain and C-terminal catalytic domain, phosphorylation of T341 may help accessing downstream signaling molecules to further activate ECT2. We found that the phospho-mimic mutation T341D increases binding with itself or the N-terminal half of ECT2. These results suggest a conformational change of ECT2 upon phosphorylation at T341. Therefore, ECT2 activity might be regulated by the phosphorylation status of T341. We propose that T341 phosphorylation by Cyclin B/Cdk1 could be a trigger for further activation of ECT2.

Liposome-complexed adenoviral gene transfer in cancer cells expressing various levels of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor

PURPOSE

Loss of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is frequently observed in malignant cancer, hampering adenoviral gene therapy approaches. Complexing adenovirus with cationic liposomes can increase adenoviral transgene expression, particularly in cells with CAR-deficiency. We investigated whether other factors such as lipid composition might be involved in determining the efficiency of liposome-complexed adenoviral gene transfer in cancer cells.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Human cancer cell lines with different expression levels of CAR were infected with a GFP transgene. The efficiency of transgene expression was assessed by determining GFP expression using FACS analysis.

RESULTS

The efficiency of liposome-complexed adenoviral gene transfer was dependent on the lipid composition constituting liposomes. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-containing liposomes were most effective in increasing liposome-complexed adenoviral gene transfer. In CAR-deficient cells, use of PEG-containing liposomes enhanced adenoviral gene transfer, whereas in CAR-expressing cells enhancement varied depending on cell type. In some CAR-expressing cells, the effect of liposome complexing was even comparable to that in CAR-deficient cells. Increased adenoviral transgene expression following complexing with PEG-containing liposomes correlated with liposome uptake in cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Liposome-complexed adenoviral gene transfer appears to depend on lipid composition and the level of liposome uptake by cancer cells, in addition to CAR levels. Our study suggest that these multiple factors should be considered in designing liposome-complexed adenoviral vectors to improve outcomes of current adenoviral cancer gene therapies.

Elevated levels of circulating platelet microparticles, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES in patients with gastric cancer: possible role of a metastasis predictor

The activation of coagulation, angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokines are considered to be related with tumour growth and metastasis. We investigated the plasma levels of platelet microparticles (PMP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), IL-6, and the chemokine RANTES in patients with gastric cancer (n=109) and in healthy controls (n=29). The plasma levels of PMP, IL-6 and RANTES were significantly higher in the patients than in the healthy controls, and plasma levels of PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES were significantly higher in patients with stage IV disease than those in patients with stage I or stage II/III. In terms of predicting distant metastasis, the sensitivities of PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES were 93.3%, 56.7%, 70.0% and 81.8%, respectively, and the corresponding specificities were 91.1%, 64.6%, 79.7% and 50.0%. Among these parameters, PMP had the highest diagnostic accuracy. Significant correlations were found between PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES. This study demonstrates that the plasma levels of PMP, VEGF, IL-6 and RANTES were markedly increased in patients with stage IV disease, and that these increased plasma levels of IL-6, RANTES, and especially PMP, might be useful for identifying metastatic gastric patients.

Synthetic low-calcaemic vitamin D(3) analogues inhibit secretion of insulin-like growth factor II and stimulate production of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-6 in conjunction with growth suppression of HT-29 colon cancer cells

The aims of the present study were to compare the ability of various synthetic analogues of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1 alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3)] to inhibit proliferation of HT-29 cells, a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. HT-29 cells were incubated for 144 h with various concentrations (0-100 nM) of 1 alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3), or the analogues EB1089, CB1093 or 1 beta,25-(OH)(2)D(3). All these analogues except 1 beta,25-(OH)(2)D(3) inhibited cell proliferation, but relative potencies and efficacies of EB1089 and CB1093 were much greater than that of the native vitamin. Cells grew in serum-free medium, reaching a plateau density at day 10 of culture, and addition of 10 nM 1 alpha,25-(OH)(2)D(3) or 1 beta,25-(OH)(2)D(3) did not alter the long-term growth characteristics of HT-29 cells. However, cells treated with 10 nM EB1089 or CB1093 grew at a rate slower than control and reached final densities that were 53+/-1 and 36+/-2% lower than control, respectively. Immunoblot analysis of serum-free conditioned medium using a monoclonal anti-insulin-like growth factor-(IGF)-II antibody showed that both 10 nM EB1089 and CB1093 markedly inhibited secretion of both mature 7500 M(r) and higher M(r) forms of IGF-II. Ligand blot and immunoblot analyses of conditioned media revealed the presence of IGFBPs of M(r) 24,000 (IGFBP-4), 30,000 (glycosylated IGFBP-4), 35,000 (IGFBP-2) and 32,000-34,000 (IGFBP-6). The level of IGFBP-2 was decreased by 42+/-8 and 49+/-7% by 10 nM EB 1089 and CB1093, respectively, compared to controls. IGFBP-6 was increased approximately twofold by EB1089 and CB1093, and exogenously added IGFBP-6 inhibited HT-29 cell proliferation. These results suggest that inhibition of HT-29 cell proliferation by EB1089 and CB1093 may be attributed, at least in part, to the decreased secretion of IGF-II. The increase in IGFBP-6 concentration coupled with its high affinity for IGF-II may also contribute to decreased cellular proliferation by an indirect mechanism involving sequestration of endogenously produced IGF-II.

Antimetastatic and antitumor effects of benzoquinonoid AC7-1 from Ardisia crispa

An antimetastatic and cytostatic substance, termed AC7-1, was isolated from Ardisia crispa and identified as a benzoquinonoid compound, 2-methoxy-6-tridecyl-1,4-benzoquinone. It was originally characterized as the potent PAF (platelet-activating factor) receptor-binding antagonist with nonspecific antiplatelet effects on platelet aggregation induced by various agonists including PAF, ADP, thrombin and collagen. The nonspecific antiaggregatory properties of AC7-1 drew our interest given its possible relationship in integrin receptor-binding antagonistic activity. The integrin receptor plays an important role in metastasis and thrombosis as the cell surface transmembrane protein. Based on the aforementioned facts, the antimetastatic activities of AC7-1 were examined using various in vitro and in vivo metastasis assays. AC7-1 strongly blocked B16-F10 melanoma cell adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) and B16-F10 melanoma cell invasion. AC7-1 also remarkably inhibited pulmonary metastasis and tumor growth in vivo. AC7-1 inhibited B16-F10 melanoma cell adhesion to only specific synthetic peptides including RGDS. These findings suggest that antimetastatic activities of AC7-1 can be caused by blocking integrin-mediated adherence. We found AC7-1 to be a potential candidate for the development of a new antimetastatic drug.

Ca(2+) influx and cAMP elevation overcame botulinum toxin A but not tetanus toxin inhibition of insulin exocytosis

Previous reports showed that cleavage of vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 (VAMP-2) and synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) by clostridial neurotoxins in permeabilized insulin-secreting beta-cells inhibited Ca(2+)-evoked insulin secretion. In these reports, the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein target receptor proteins might have formed complexes, which preclude full accessibility of the putative sites for neurotoxin cleavage. In this work, VAMP-2 and SNAP-25 were effectively cleaved before they formed toxin-insensitive complexes by transient transfection of insulinoma HIT or INS-1 cells with tetanus toxin (TeTx) or botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A), as shown by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. This resulted in an inhibition of Ca(2+) (glucose or KCl)-evoked insulin release proportionate to the transfection efficiency (40-50%) and an accumulation of insulin granules. With the use of patch-clamp capacitance measurements, Ca(2+)-evoked exocytosis by membrane depolarization to -10 mV was abolished by TeTx (6% of control) but only moderately inhibited by BoNT/A (30% of control). Depolarization to 0 mV to maximize Ca(2+) influx partially overcame BoNT/A (50% of control) but not TeTx inhibition. Of note, cAMP activation potentiated Ca(2+)-evoked secretion by 129% in control cells but only 55% in BoNT/A-transfected cells and had negligible effects in TeTx-transfected cells. These results indicate that, whereas VAMP-2 is absolutely necessary for insulin exocytosis, the effects of SNAP-25 depletion on exocytosis, perhaps on insulin granule pool priming or mobilization steps, could be partially reversed by higher levels of Ca(2+) or cAMP potentiation.

The relationship between microvessel count and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, p53, and K-ras in non-small cell lung cancer

Using immunohistochemical staining, we studied the relationship between the microvessel count (MC) and the expression of K-ras, mutant p53 protein, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 61 surgically resected non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) (42 squamous cell carcinoma, 14 adenocarcinoma, 2 large cell carcinoma, 2 adenosquamous carcinoma, and 1 mucoepidermoid carcinoma). MC of the tumors with lymph node (LN) metastasis was significantly higher than that of tumors without LN metastasis (66.1+/-23.1 vs. 33.8+/-13.1, p<0.05). VEGF was positive in 54 patients (88.5%). MC was 58.1+/-25.2 (mean+/-S.D.) in a x200 field, and it was significantly higher in VEGF(+) tumors than in VEGF(-) tumors (61.4+/-23.7 vs. 32.9+/-23.8, p<0.05). VEGF expression was higher in K-ras-positive or mutant p53-positive tumors than in negative tumors (p<0.05). MC was significantly higher in K-ras(+) tumors than in K-ras(-) tumors, although it did not differ according to the level of mutant p53 protein expression. Survival did not differ with VEGF, mutant p53, or K-ras expression, or the level of MC. In conclusion, there is a flow of molecular alterations from K-ras and p53, to VEGF expression, leading to angiogenesis and ultimately lymph node metastasis. Correlations between variables in close approximation and the lack of prognostic significance of individual molecular alterations suggest that tumorigenesis and metastasis are multifactorial processes.

Altered expression and mutation of beta-catenin gene in gastric carcinomas and cell lines

beta-catenin serves not only as a structural component of the E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion system, but also as a signaling molecule of the Wnt/wingless pathway. Deregulated expression of beta-catenin and mutations of the gene have been identified in a number of human malignancies. To determine the role of beta-catenin defects in stomach cancer, we investigated beta-catenin exon 3 mutations and altered protein expression in 77 primary gastric carcinomas and 11 cell lines. In addition, the immunohistochemical expression pattern of beta-catenin in 303 consecutive gastric cancers was determined and their relationships with clinicopathologic features and patient outcome were investigated. This study revealed 5% (4 of 77) tumors and 27% (3 of 11) cell lines with beta-catenin gene alteration, 6 missense mutations, and 1 interstitial deletion. These genetic changes were shown to correlate closely with nuclear localization of the protein (p = 0.001). In an immunohistochemical analysis, abnormal expressions of beta-catenin, such as nuclear accumulation and loss of membranous distribution, were detected in 27% (81 of 303) of tumors overall. These altered beta-catenin expressions were more commonly observed in 37% (58 of 158) diffuse type gastric carcinomas (p < 0.001). Loss of membranous beta-catenin staining was associated with poor survival (p = 0.045). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that beta-catenin mutations are common in gastric cancer cell lines but occur infrequently in gastric carcinoma tissues. These mutations are one of the causes of the nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Frequent abnormalities of beta-catenin expression in gastric carcinoma support the idea that both structural and signaling functions of the protein play a critical role in gastric carcinogenesis.

Altered expression and mutation of beta-catenin gene in gastric carcinomas and cell lines

beta-catenin serves not only as a structural component of the E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion system, but also as a signaling molecule of the Wnt/wingless pathway. Deregulated expression of beta-catenin and mutations of the gene have been identified in a number of human malignancies. To determine the role of beta-catenin defects in stomach cancer, we investigated beta-catenin exon 3 mutations and altered protein expression in 77 primary gastric carcinomas and 11 cell lines. In addition, the immunohistochemical expression pattern of beta-catenin in 303 consecutive gastric cancers was determined and their relationships with clinicopathologic features and patient outcome were investigated. This study revealed 5% (4 of 77) tumors and 27% (3 of 11) cell lines with beta-catenin gene alteration, 6 missense mutations, and 1 interstitial deletion. These genetic changes were shown to correlate closely with nuclear localization of the protein (p = 0.001). In an immunohistochemical analysis, abnormal expressions of beta-catenin, such as nuclear accumulation and loss of membranous distribution, were detected in 27% (81 of 303) of tumors overall. These altered beta-catenin expressions were more commonly observed in 37% (58 of 158) diffuse type gastric carcinomas (p < 0.001). Loss of membranous beta-catenin staining was associated with poor survival (p = 0.045). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that beta-catenin mutations are common in gastric cancer cell lines but occur infrequently in gastric carcinoma tissues. These mutations are one of the causes of the nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Frequent abnormalities of beta-catenin expression in gastric carcinoma support the idea that both structural and signaling functions of the protein play a critical role in gastric carcinogenesis.

Intramitochondrial pyruvate attenuates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in bovine pulmonary artery endothelium

In the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) apoptosis model of the murine thymocyte, redox reactant and antioxidant pyruvate prevents programmed cell death. We tested the hypothesis that such protection was mediated, at least in part, via pyruvate handling by mitochondrial metabolism. Cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were incubated for 30 min with 0.5 mM H2O2 in the absence and presence of 0.5 mM alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate, as a selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial pyruvate transporter. In controls H2O2 decreased cell viability by 30% within 24 h; this was associated with apoptosis-like bodies, nuclear condensation, and biochemical DNA damage consistent with programmed cell death. Pyruvate (0.1-20 mM) enhanced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with > or = 85% viable cells at > or = 3 mM and no DNA laddering, no positive nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and no detectable Annexin V or propidium iodide staining. In contrast, using > or = 5 mM L-lactate as a cytosolic reductant or acetate as a redox-neutral substrate, cell death increased to approximately 40%, which was associated with intense DNA laddering, positive TUNEL and Hoechst 33258 assays. Alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate alone did not significantly decrease endothelial viability but reduced viability from 85+/-3 to 71+/-4% (p = 0.023) in presence of 3 mM pyruvate plus H2O2; pathological cell morphology and DNA laddering under the same conditions suggested loss of pyruvate protection against apoptosis. Since alpha-cyano-3-hydroxycinnamate re-distributed medium pyruvate and L-lactate consistent with selective blockade of pyruvate uptake into the mitochondria, the findings support the hypothesis that pyruvate protection against H2O2 apoptosis is mediated in part via the mitochondrial matrix compartment. Possible mediators include anti-apoptotic bcl-2 and/or products of mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism such as citrate that affect metabolic regulation and anti-oxidant status in the cytoplasm.

Precoating of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with polymethylmethacrylate: interfacial strength

Fixation of polymeric implants, especially an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup, to a host bone site has been a challenge since its first conception from the Charnley low friction total hip arthroplasty. Destabilization of the acetabular cup, similar to the well-documented cases of femoral stems, is caused mainly by aseptic loosening; the mobile loosened particles further contribute to the progression of aseptic loosening. Although the obvious fixation problems lie in the bone-bone cement interface, little work has been done to reduce the loosening by improving the acetabular components as a whole in cemented procedures. Most of the grooved outer surface, external fixation devices, and metal backings have been introduced to avoid problematic fixation of the cup to bone cement; nevertheless, the designs themselves to some degree became the source of the loosening problems. One possible way to improve the adhesion of acrylic bone cement to the UHMWPE acetabular cup is precoating the surface with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This study successfully precoated the UHMWPE surface with PMMA, showing good chemical and mechanical stability, and suggests the optimal conditions of variables involved in the newly developed precoating process. The highest interfacial tensile strength was 11.51 +/- 0.65 MPa, which is stronger than those of UHMWPE and metal in metal-backed cups (6.3 MPa) and bone-bone cement (8.5 MPa). Further chemical analysis and mechanical testing are in progress, yet the present result of the mechanical tensile strength test showed that the precoating process for the UHMWPE surface could be a viable means toward stable fixation of the polymeric implants by using PMMA bone cement.

Interfacial strength between molded UHMWPE and PMMA-MMA monomer treated UHMWPE

To solve aseptic loosening of cemented acetabular cup and tibial plateaus of hips and knee joint prostheses in total joint replacement, adhesion between the polymeric prostheses made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and bone cement made of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) has been investigated. Previous studies using xylene, PMMA, and MMA monomer solution to treat bulk surfaces of UHMWPE resulted in 11.5 +/- 0.65 MPa as the maximum interfacial strength between the treated UHMWPE and bone cement. The present study eliminates the use of xylene; instead, UHMWPE powders were treated with MMA monomer and PMMA-MMA solution, dried, and then compression-molded with untreated UHMWPE powders. The interfacial tensile strengths were measured and the best molding conditions investigated by varying temperature, pressure, and time. Temperature was the predominant factor when compared to that of pressure or time. The maximum interfacial strength between the treated UHMWPE and untreated UHMWPE was 16.3 +/- 0.94 MPa with the molding conditions of 166.5 degrees C, 38.7 MPa, and 1 h. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) pictures show the coating of the nodules and fibrils of UHMWPE powder with PMMA. Pulled out aggregated nodular space and coated PMMA after fracture could be seen easily from PMMA-MMA treated UHMWPE powder.

Evidence for functional localization of the proenkephalin-processing enzyme, prohormone thiol protease, to secretory vesicles of chromaffin cells

The biosynthesis of enkephalin opioid neuropeptides as well as numerous peptide hormones and neurotransmitters requires proteolytic processing of the respective prohormone precursors. We previously identified a novel cysteine protease known as prohormone thiol protease (PTP) as the major proenkephalin-processing enzyme in chromaffin granules (secretory vesicles) of bovine adrenal medulla. In this study, colocalization of PTP with (Met)enkephalin in regulated secretory vesicles was assessed by immunochemical approaches. Western blots demonstrated the presence of PTP in chromaffin granules, with equivalent levels of PTP protein in the soluble and membrane components of the vesicle. The presence of PTP in pituitary was also demonstrated by immunoblots. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated immunogold-labeled PTP and (Met)enkephalin within isolated chromaffin granules. In primary cultures of chromaffin cells, the discrete pattern of PTP and (Met)enkephalin immunofluorescence staining in neuritic extensions and cytoplasmic (perinuclear) regions of chromaffin cells is consistent with localization to secretory vesicles. Moreover, cosecretion of PTP and (Met)enkephalin from chromaffin cells occurred upon KCl depolarization in a calcium-dependent manner, indicating the localization of PTP and (Met)enkephalin within regulated secretory vesicles. Calcium-dependent secretion is a well known property of regulated secretory vesicle exocytosis. Overall, these results are consistent with the localization of PTP to functional, regulated secretory vesicles that contain (Met)enkephalin.

The kunitz protease inhibitor form of the amyloid precursor protein (KPI/APP) inhibits the proneuropeptide processing enzyme prohormone thiol protease (PTP). Colocalization of KPI/APP and PTP in secretory vesicles

Proteolytic processing of proenkephalin and proneuropeptides is required for the production of active neurotransmitters and peptide hormones. Variations in the extent of proenkephalin processing in vivo suggest involvement of endogenous protease inhibitors. This study demonstrates that "protease nexin 2 (PN2)," the secreted form of the kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), potently inhibited the proenkephalin processing enzyme known as prohormone thiol protease (PTP), with a Ki,app of 400 nM. Moreover, PTP and PN2 formed SDS-stable complexes that are typical of kunitz protease inhibitor interactions with target proteases. In vivo, KPI/APP (120 kDa), as well as a truncated form of KPI/APP that resembles PN2 in apparent molecular mass (110 kDa), were colocalized with PTP and (Met)enkephalin in secretory vesicles of adrenal medulla (chromaffin granules). KPI/APP (110-120 kDa) was also detected in pituitary secretory vesicles that contain PTP. In chromaffin cells, calcium-dependent secretion of KPI/APP with PTP and (Met)enkephalin demonstrated the colocalization of these components in functional secretory vesicles. These results suggest a role for KPI/APP inhibition of PTP in regulated secretory vesicles. In addition, these results are the first to identify an endogenous protease target of KPI/APP, which is developmentally regulated in aging and Alzheimer's disease.

Angular and Speckle Multiplexing of Photorefractive Holograms by use of Fiber Speckle Patterns

The scheme of using fiber speckle patterns can be applied to the multiplexing of photorefractive holograms. Fiber speckle referencing enhances the angular selectivity of the holograms. Speckle multiplexing is also possible by use of a mode scrambler. Also studied is the feasibility of a hybrid scheme involving simultaneous shift and speckle multiplexing.

In vitro platelet-activating factor receptor binding inhibitory activity of pinusolide derivatives: a structure-activity study

Pinusolide, a labdane-type diterpene lactone isolated from Biota orientalis, was found to be a potent platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor binding antagonist. To investigate the structure-activity relationship and find derivatives with improved pharmacological profiles, 17 pinusolide derivatives were prepared and tested for their ability to inhibit the PAF receptor binding. The results demonstrated that the carboxymethyl ester group at C-19, the integrity of the alpha,beta-unsaturated butenolide ring, and the exocyclic olefinic function of pinusolide are all necessary for its maximum PAF receptor binding inhibitory activity. Among the derivatives, the 17-nor-8-oxo derivative 8 was found to be as potent as pinusolide. The results also suggested that several derivatives warrant further pharmaceutical and pharmacological studies due to their improved water solubility (8 and 11) and apparent lack of susceptibility to Michael-type nucleophilic addition (13 and 18).

Truncated SNAP-25 (1-197), like botulinum neurotoxin A, can inhibit insulin secretion from HIT-T15 insulinoma cells

We and others have previously shown that insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas express high levels of SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa), a 206-amino acid t-SNARE (target soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors) implicated in synaptic vesicle exocytosis. In the present study, we show that SNAP-25 is required for insulin secretion by transient transfection of Botulinum Neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) into insulin-secreting HIT-T15 cells. Transient expression of BoNT/A cleaved the endogenous as well as overexpressed SNAP-25 proteins and caused significant reductions in K+ and glucose-evoked secretion of insulin. To determine whether the inhibition of release was due to the depletion of functional SNAP-25 or the accumulation of proteolytic by-products, we transfected cells with SNAP-25 proteins from which the C-terminal nine amino acids had been deleted to mimic the effects of the toxin. This modified SNAP-25 (amino acids 1-197) remained bound to the plasma membrane but was as effective as the toxin at inhibiting insulin secretion. Microfluorimetry revealed that the inhibition of secretion was due neither to changes in basal cytosolic Ca2+ levels nor in Ca2+ influx evoked by K(+)-mediated plasma membrane depolarization. Electron microscopy revealed that cells transfected with either BoNT/A or truncated SNAP-25 contained significantly higher numbers of insulin granules, many of which clustered close to the plasma membrane. Together, these results demonstrate that functional SNAP-25 proteins are required for insulin secretion and suggest that the inhibitory action of BoNT/A toxin on insulin secretion is in part caused by the production of the plasma membrane-bound cleavage product, which itself interferes with insulin granule docking and fusion.

Phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation after scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or both

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Previous studies have documented the risk of complications for eyes with prior vitreoretinal surgery that later undergo intracapsular or extracapsular cataract extraction. The authors reviewed the records of patients with a history of vitreoretinal surgery and subsequent phacoemulsification to assess the visual outcome in the relatively early postoperative period and to determine the risk of postoperative complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors identified 21 eyes of 21 patients with a history of scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or both, who subsequently underwent phacoemulsification. Data recorded before, during, and after surgery were reviewed.

RESULTS

The best-corrected visual acuity improved in 20 (95%) of 21 eyes, and the final best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 12 (57%) of 21 eyes. The intraoperative complications included iridodialysis, zonular dialysis, and posterior capsular rupture. The immediate postoperative complications were microcorneal edema, anterior chamber hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, and fibrinous pupillary membrane. No retinal detachments occurred during the postoperative follow-up period, which ranged from 3 to 10 months. Late complications included isolated cases of posterior capsular opacity, herpetic corneal ulcer, and iris posterior synechia; however, the final visual acuities were not limited, except in one eye with a corneal ulcer.

CONCLUSION

Although some postoperative complications did occur, they did not limit final vision, and useful vision was achieved.

Lignans from Kadsura angustifolia

A new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan named angustifolin D (1) together with four known lignans: kadsulignan L (2), kadsulignan N (3), schisantherin P (4) and meso-dihydroguaiaretic acid (5) were isolated from the stems of Kadsura angustifolia. Their structures and stereochemistries were elucidated by spectral studies. Compounds 2 and 5 showed moderate platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonistic activities with IC50 values of 2.6 x 10(-5) and 4.1 x 10(-5) M, respectively.

Cutaneous lesions in swine after decompression: histopathology and ultrastructure

A detailed histopathologic description of skin lesions from a porcine model of decompression sickness (DCS) is presented. Pigs were dived in a dry chamber on a variety of profiles over an 11-mo period, with a 0.1-0.6 (10-60%) incidence of cutaneous lesions. The clinical appearance of the lesions evolved from irregular, sharply demarcated areas of erythema to violaceous and, eventually, darkly mottled macules. The lesions were biopsied under deep, sedative anesthesia. Histologic abnormalities were found in 91% (20/22) of the biopsies from clinically apparent cutaneous lesions. Vascular congestion was the most common finding. Focal areas of vasculitis were noted in 45% (10/22) of the lesions. Perivascular neutrophil infiltrates, edema, and occasionally, hemorrhage were also noted. Ultrastructural abnormalities were found in all of the lesions studied. Acute inflammation affecting the dermal vasculature was the most common finding. Platelets were rarely observed aggregating within vessels. The clinical and histologic features of cutaneous lesions in pigs after decompression are compared with previous accounts in humans. The model provides a useful tool for the study of cutaneous lesions in DCS and may be a means of exploring interventions in the disease.

Reinforcement of PMMA bone cement with a continuous wire coil--a canine femur study

The hoop and axial strains present due to loading after femoral stem implantation in canine femurs, implanted with and without a wire coil surrounding the distal tip were investigated. One stem served as the control without wire coil while the other was experimental reinforced with a wire coil. Both stems were implanted by identical methods. Ideally, the wire coil should serve to reduce the hoop and axial strains present in the distal tip of the arthroplasty. The strains were measured using 90 degrees rosette strain gages. Though the coil's position was altered slightly during implantation usable results were still obtained. At a maximum load of 44.5 N there were 32 and 19% reduction in the hoop and axial strains for the reinforced stem and the control, respectively. This experiment presents a striking difference between the control and reinforced hip arthroplasties. Equally important is that this study confirms the trends in hoop and axial strain behavior demonstrated in other works utilizing a wire coil reinforcement scheme. The simple method of applying a continuous wire coil may help to reduce the loosening of femoral stem of total hip arthroplasty by reducing strains at the tip of the stem due to the strengthening of the cement mantle.

New generation dopaminergic agents. 1. Discovery of a novel scaffold which embraces the D2 agonist pharmacophore. Structure-activity relationships of a series of 2-(aminomethyl)chromans

A series of 2-(aminomethyl)chromans (2-AMCs) was synthesized and evaluated for their affinity and selectivity for both the high- and low-affinity agonist states (D2High and D2Low, respectively) of the dopamine (DA) D2 receptor. The 7-hydroxy-2-(aminomethyl)chroman moiety was observed to be the primary D2 agonist pharmacophore. The 2-methylchroman moiety was discovered to be an entirely novel scaffold which could be used to access the D2 agonist pharmacophore. Attaching various simple alkyl and arylalkyl side chains to the 7-hydroxy 2-AMC nucleus had significant effects on selectivity for the D2High receptor vs the 5HT1A and alpha 1 receptors. A novel DA partial agonist, (R)-(-)-2-(benzylamino)methyl)chroman-7-ol [R-(-)-35c], was identified as having the highest affinity and best selectivity for the D2High receptor vs the alpha 1 and 5HT1A receptors. Several regions of the 2-AMC nucleus were modified and recognized as potential sites to modulate the level of intrinsic activity. The global minimum conformer of the 7-hydroxy-2-AMC moiety was identified as fulfilling the McDermed model D2 agonist pharmacophoric criteria and was proposed as the D2 receptor-bound conformation. Structure-activity relationships gained from these studies have aided in the synthesis of D2 partial agonists of varying intrinsic activity levels. These agents should be of therapeutic value in treating disorders resulting from hypo- and hyperdopaminergic activity, without the side effects associated with complete D2 agonism or antagonism.

Improvements in visual acuity following limbal lensectomy for subluxated lenses in children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To report the surgical results of limbal lensectomy using an automated vitrectomy instrument for the treatment of subluxated lenses in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the charts of children who underwent surgery for subluxated lenses. Limbal lensectomies with an "in the bag" technique were performed on 18 eyes of 10 patients. The indications for surgery were a best-corrected visual acuity of less than 20/60, bisection of pupil by the lens, or both.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity improved in all 18 eyes (paired t test, P < .01). In 1 eye, transient anterior chamber hyphema occurred during the early postoperative period. No other significant complications were found during an average follow-up of 19.6 months.

CONCLUSION

Limbal lensectomy for subluxated lenses in children improved visual acuity without severe complications.

Phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation in uveitis

We reviewed the results of posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCL) implantation following scleral tunnel incision and phacoemulsification (PE) in 28 eyes with uveitis. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 89% of eyes and the final BCVA was 20/40 or better in 64% of eyes. Intraoperative complication was a posterior capsular break (3 eyes). Postoperative complications were microcorneal edema (4 eyes), anterior chamber hyphema (3 eyes), posterior capsular opacity (3 eyes), fibrinous pupillary membrane (2 eyes), iris posterior synechia (2 eyes), neovascular glaucoma (1 eye), and retinal detachment (1 eye). In two eyes of three aftercataracts, visual improvement was achieved by Nd: YAG capsulotomy. A well-planned PE and PCL implantation through scleral tunnel in uveitis was not much more dangerous than expected.

Salicylate levels in rat stomach tissues after administration of aspalatone and acetylsalicylic acid in relation to their ulcerogenicity

To study the mechanism for the low ulcerogenicity of the antithrombotic agent aspalatone ([3-[2-methyl-4-pyronyl)]-2-acetyloxybenzoate, CAS 147249-33-0), the metabolism and disposition of aspalatone were compared with those of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in the gut wall in relation to the salicylate level in the stomach tissues following oral administration in pyrolus-ligated rats. Both aspalatone and ASA were essentially stable in gastric juice and were absorbed in stomach unchanged. In glandular portion of the stomach, salicylate level found at 10 min post-dose in aspalatone (80 mg/kg)-and in ASA (50 mg/kg)-treated group was 67 +/- 43 nmol/g tissue and 2000 +/- 250 nmol/g tissue, respectively. In non-glandular (rumen) tissue, salicylate was not detected in the aspalatone group, whereas it reached a concentration of up to 1100 +/- 130 nmol/g tissue in the ASA group. As a result of the relative stability of the ester bond connecting the salicylic acid and maltol groups towards hydrolysis in the stomach and entrapment of ASA due to ion trapping, a lower salicylate level was observed in the stomach after oral aspalatone administration, and this may, at least in part, be the underlying mechanism for the low ulcerogenicity of aspalatone.

Volume hologram scheme using optical fiber for spatial multiplexing

Speckle patterns from optical fibers are used for reference beams in writing and reading volume holograms. The photorefractive volume hologram with the scheme shows good spatial selectivity for spatial (shift) multiplexing. Experimental results are presented and compared with numerical analysis.

Autologous lymphoblastoid cell lines stably transfected with Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein as targets in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assays

To produce cell lines that can be used as a continuous source of antigen presenting cells for stimulating T-cell lines and clones and as targets in cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) assays, we used a retroviral vector with a simian virus (SV40) early promotor to transfer a Plasmodium falciparum circumporozoite (PfCSP) gene into human EBV transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCL). We herein report successful, stable transfection and cell surface expression of this gene, as confirmed by PCR, Western blot analysis and immunoelectron microscopy. One of three successfully transfected autologous cell lines expressed PfCSP on the cell surface and was lysed by CD8+ T-cell dependent CTL from a donor volunteer who had been immunized with irradiated P. falciparum sporozoites. Such cell lines should provide excellent tools for characterizing human CD8+ T-cell responses against Plasmodium sp. proteins.

Metabolic cleavage of frangufoline in rodents: in vitro and in vivo study

Frangufoline, a sedative 14-membered frangulanine-type cyclopeptide alkaloid, was found to be rapidly converted, via enzymatic process, in vitro and in vivo in rodents to M1 ((S)-(N,N-dimethylphenylalanyl)-(2S,3S)-3-[(p-formylphenoxy) leucyl]-(S)-leucine); which is a substituted linear tripeptide. The reaction did not require low molecular weight cofactors, and mammalian serum failed to catalyze the reaction. Structure-reactivity study of cyclopeptide alkaloid analogs suggested that the enamide bond is the site being cleaved, and the reaction was inhibited by organophosphorus esters such as BPNP and by eserine at higher concentrations but not by eserine at lower concentrations or by EDTA and PCMB. On the basis of these results, a possible mechanism for metabolic conversion of frangufoline to M1 was proposed, in which oxidation of the vinyl group and enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis of the adjacent amide bond, possibly by B-esterase-like enzyme, proceed in a concerted manner.

Distribution of the cellular uptake of phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides in the rat kidney in vivo

Previous animal studies have demonstrated that following systemic administration phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODNs) are primarily excreted by the kidneys and that renal tissue levels of S-ODNs exceed that of other organs. Thus, the kidney may be an ideal target organ for application of antisense S-ODNs in vivo. We examined which cells within the rat kidney have uptake of radiolabeled S-ODNs following intravenous infusion. A 20-base 35S-ODN was infused into 6 adult male Wistar rats. Three animals each were sacrificed 30 min and 4 h after infusion. The kidneys were then removed, fixed, and tissue autoradiography was performed. Similar results were obtained in both groups. The highest level of radioactivity was seen within the proximal tubules. Lower levels of activity were seen within the glomerulus, the parietal epithelial cells of Bowman's space, and distal tubular cells. Very weak activity was also detected within the cells of the loop of Henle and the medullary collecting ducts. These results demonstrated that within the kidney S-ODNs were taken up primarily by proximal tubular cells, with much lower uptake by cells in other segments of the nephron.

Mousepox outbreak in a laboratory mouse colony

Mousepox was diagnosed in and eradicated from a laboratory mouse colony at the Naval Medical Research Institute. The outbreak began with increased mortality in a single room; subsequently, small numbers of animals in separate cages in other rooms were involved. Signs of disease were often mild, and overall mortality was low; BALB/cByJ mice were more severely affected, and many of them died spontaneously. Conjunctivitis was the most common clinical sign of disease in addition to occasional small, crusty scabs on sparsely haired or hairless areas of skin. Necropsy findings included conjunctivitis, enlarged spleen, and pale liver. Hemorrhage into the pyloric region of the stomach and proximal portion of the small intestine was observed in experimentally infected animals. In immune competent and immune deficient mice, the most common histologic finding was multifocal to coalescing splenic necrosis; necrosis was seen less frequently in liver, lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. Necrosis was rarely observed in ovary, vagina, uterus, colon, or lung. Splenic necrosis often involved over 50% of the examined tissue, including white and red pulp. Hepatic necrosis was evident as either large, well-demarcated areas of coagulative necrosis or as multiple, random, interlacing bands of necrosis. Intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies were seen in conjunctival mucosae and haired palpebra. Ectromelia virus was confirmed as the causative agent of the epizootic by electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, animal inoculations, serologic testing, virus isolation, and polymerase chain reaction. Serologic testing was of little value in the initial stages of the outbreak, although 6 weeks later, orthopoxvirus-specific antibody was detected in colony mice by indirect fluorescent antibody and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay procedures. The outbreak originated from injection of mice with a contaminated, commercially produced, pooled mouse serum. The most relevant concern may be the unknown location of the source of the virus and the presence of a reservoir for this virus within the United States.

Differential effects of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on lipopolysaccharide induction of endothelial adhesion molecules

In this report, we studied the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of endothelial cell (EC) adhesion molecules. Confluent human umbilical cord vein EC cultures were stimulated with Escherichia coli LPS and TGF-beta 1, alone or in combination for various times and evaluated for expression of ICAM-1, E-selectin, and VCAM-1 by immunofluorescence and radioimmunoassay. Effects of LPS and/or TGF-beta 1 on cell growth were also studied by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Both LPS and TGF-beta 1 alone stimulated EC expression of the adhesion molecules in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of TGF-beta 1 on LPS induction of the adhesion molecules varied with LPS concentration and treatment time, mode, and duration. Pretreatment with TGF-beta 1 for 24 h greatly augmented LPS induction of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, but decreased E-selectin expression. TGF-beta 1 also enhanced expression of the adhesion molecules in cells that were pretreated with 1 microgram/mL LPS for 60 min. Concomitant treatment with TGF-beta 1/LPS resulted in significant increases in ICAM-1 but decreases in VCAM-1 expression. TGF-beta 1 effects on LPS induction of the adhesion molecules were more prominent at lower LPS levels (.001, .01 microgram/mL). Both LPS and TGF-beta 1 suppressed thymidine incorporation in a dose-related pattern. These data suggest that TGF-beta 1 has additive and antagonistic effects on LPS induction of the adhesion molecules and that the cell responsiveness to the stimuli in the expression is related to growth condition of the cells. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TGF-beta 1 exhibits pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities in human endothelial cells and may play an important role in regulating leukocyte adherence and extravasation under LPS-induced inflammatory conditions.

Magnesium activated adenosine formation in intact perfused heart: predominance of ecto 5'-nucleotidase during hypermagnesemia

Magnesium ion is an allosteric effector of 5'-nucleotidase and thus activates adenosine production from AMP. Two distinct 5'-nucleotidase systems, the membrane-bound ecto and the soluble cytosolic isoforms, exist in mammalian myocardium. The aim of this study was to delineate the contributions of the ecto vs. cytosolic isoforms to Mg2+-stimulated cardiac purine nucleoside formation and release. Isolated guinea pig hearts were retrogradely perfused at their physiological aortic pressure with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate buffer fortified with 10 mM glucose. AMP and the adenylate degradatives adenosine and inosine were measured in coronary venous effluent and in epicardial transudate, which was sampled to estimate concentrations of adenylate degradatives in the interstitium. When perfusate Mg2+ was increased from 0.6 to 6 mM, coronary vascular resistance and spontaneous heart rate fell, and steady-state coronary venous release of adenosine + inosine rose severalfold. Cytosolic free magnesium, as estimated by 31P-NMR after 15 min of perfusion with 6 mM Mg2+ or from chemically measured indicator metabolites after 30 min, rose 60 and 144% respectively (P < 0.05). Excess Mg2+ stimulated purine nucleoside release nearly threefold in coronary venous effluent and four- to sevenfold in epicardial transudate. 50 microM, alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-diphosphate (AOPCP), a selective inhibitor of ecto 5'-nucleotidase, elevated interstitial AMP concentration tenfold, did not attenuate basal nucleoside release, but completely inhibited Mg2+-stimulated coronary venous purine nucleoside release and blunted Mg2+-stimulated interstitial purine nucleoside formation by 69%. During perfusion with exogenous 1 microM [8-14C]AMP, excess perfusate MgCl2 increased [14C]adenosine release by 63% in coronary effluent and 133% in epicardial transudate. AOPCP decreased baseline [14C]adenosine release in coronary effluent and epicardial transudate by 85-90%, caused equilibration of arterial and epicardial AMP, and attenuated MgCl2 activation of p[14C]adenosine formation by approx. 75%, in both the vascular and interstitial compartments. Intramyocytic concentrations of allosteric regulators of the cytosolic 5'-nucleotidases were evaluated in stop-frozen myocardium. Excess magnesium did not appreciably alter intracellular pH and ATP concentration, but lowered free cytosolic ADP and AMP concentrations by 50 and 70%, respectively. A simplified model of compartmentalized adenosine metabolism is proposed in which magnesium ion-activated cardiac purine release originates predominantly from the ecto 5'-nucleotidase; magnesium ion stimulation of metabolic flux through the cytosolic isoforms was constrained by concomitant reductions in intracellular AMP substrate and allosteric activator ADP. Magnesium ion-enhanced adenosine formation by 5'-nucleotidase could contribute to the known cardioprotective effects of this clinically used cation.

Biological and pharmacological effects of pinusolide, a novel platelet activating factor antagonist

Pinusolide, a potent platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor binding antagonist, inhibited PAF-induced aggregation of rabbit platelets with an IC50 value of 5 microM, whereas no inhibitory effects on the aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin, and collagen were observed. Pinusolide protected the mice from PAF-induced lethality with ED50 values of 1.1 mg/kg, i.v. and 69 mg/kg, p.o. Topically given pinusolide at 2 mg/ear effectively inhibited croton oil induced mouse ear edema. All the pinusolide treated ears recovered to normal healthy appearance in a sharp contrast to totally necrotized untreated ears. These results indicated that pinusolide is a potent and specific PAF antagonist in all experimental models as shown in vitro, in vivo, and in animal tests.

Distribution and role of lipopolysaccharide in the pathogenesis of acute renal proximal tubule injury

Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides; LPS) are known to cause multiple organ failure, including renal dysfunction. The present report elucidates LPS distribution and effect on renal proximal tubules in an attempt to gain a better understanding of the cellular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction in endotoxemia and sepsis. Rats were intravenously treated with biotin-linked or regular Escherichia coli (0111:B4) LPS (3 mg/kg) and sacrificed at different times. Kidneys were retrieved and examined for LPS localization, tubular permeability, ultracytochemical alterations, leukocyte sequestration, and ICAM-1 expression. The functional impact of endotoxemia was also assessed by monitoring the changes in urine levels of glucose in timed collections up to 6 h. LPS was localized on the plasma membranes of the apical microvilli, the labyrinth of the lateral intercellular spaces, in various organelles of epithelial cells, and in the endothelial cells of the peritubular capillaries. LPS caused structural damage and calcium accumulation in the mitochondria, leakage of tight junctions, widening of the basolateral intercellular spaces, intracellular and extracellular edema, leukocyte margination and accumulation, vascular expression of ICAM-1, and decrease of plasma membrane and mitochondrial Ca2(+)-ATPase. Physiological study showed that both urine volume and glucose were greatly increased after LPS infusion. The pathological alterations in the proximal tubules may directly contribute to the reduction in the reabsorption ability of the proximal tubules.

Antisense gene suppression against human ICAM-1, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Antisense gene suppression has been carried out for human ICAM-1, ELAM-1, and VCAM-1 in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) stimulated by lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or interleukin-1 beta. A panel of antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides (PS-ODN), complementary to mRNA or pre-mRNA of these molecules, were tested for their gene suppression activity monitored by radioimmunoassay of the respective cell surface adhesion molecules. Sequences targeted by effective antisense PS-ODNs were located throughout the mRNA and pre-mRNA. "Hot spots" of gene suppression sites for each region were observed. Shift of the PS-ODN hybridizing site upstream or downstream by a few bases resulted in drastic change of gene suppression efficiency. In addition to translation arrest and RNase H activity, a third mechanism was proposed for antisense gene suppression, involving multiple binding sites for PS-ODN and the activities of RNase H and RNases other than RNase H. Suppression of ICAM-1, ELAM-1, or VCAM-1 in HUVEC by their antisense PS-ODNs resulted in the reduction of adhesion of monocytes and U937 to HUVEC. This may suggest cooperativity among the adhesion molecule pairs in endothelial-leukocyte adhesion, since decrease of a single adhesion molecule on EC surface significantly reduced cell-cell adherence.

Evaluation of the severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse as an animal model for dengue viral infection

Severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice reconstituted with human peripheral blood lymphocytes (hu-PBL) were evaluated as an animal model for demonstrating dengue (DEN) viral infection. Reconstituted mice (hu-PBL-SCID) that demonstrated successful engraftment by the presence of serum titers of human immunoglobulin (Ig) were inoculated intraperitoneally with DEN virus serotype 1 (DEN-1). Serial blood samples were taken postinoculation and assayed for virus in C6/36 cells. The identity of all viral isolates was confirmed by an immunofluorescence antibody assay using DEN-1 monoclonal antibody. A total of six experiments were performed using different procedures of reconstitution and infection, and in three of these experiments, DEN-1 virus was recovered from the hu-PBL-SCID mice. In the first successful experiment, DEN-1 virus was recovered on postinoculation day (PID) 24 from blood, spleen, thymus, and lung tissues of one of eight hu-PBL-SCID mice. A second group of eight hu-PBL-SCID mice were inoculated with human monocytes infected in vitro with DEN-1 virus. Virus was recovered from the blood of mice between PID 15 and 23, and from lung tissue of one of these mice. In a third experiment, seven SCID mice were treated initially with anti-asialo GM1 antibody to eliminate natural killer cells, and then were injected simultaneously with a mixture of hu-PBL and DEN-1 virus. Virus was demonstrated in the blood of one mouse on PID 38, and in another mouse on PID 8, 12, 20, 24, and 36.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of endotoxin on expression of VLA integrins by human bronchoalveolar lavage macrophages

Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is known to induce inflammatory responses, such as monocyte/macrophage adherence, migration, and accumulation. Recruitment and accumulation of macrophages during infection and inflammation are regulated by integrin-mediated cell-extracellular matrix interactions. In the present report, we studied the effects of LPS on the expression of VLA-5 (alpha 5 beta 1), VLA-3 (alpha 3 beta 1), and VLA-2 (alpha 2 beta 1) integrins and fibronectin (FN) by human alveolar macrophages in an attempt to understand the mechanism by which LPS regulates macrophage adhesion to matrix proteins. Bronchoalveolar lavage macrophages were treated with varying concentrations of Escherichia coli LPS for different times and evaluated for expression of the integrins and FN by immunofluorescence, immunoelectron microscopy, autoradiography, and radioimmunoassay. Immunofluorescent and immunoelectron microscopic observations showed that VLA integrins were constitutively expressed on the cell surface and concentrated on the microvilli and pseudopodia of the macrophages. The effects of LPS on expression of the integrins were dose and time related. VLA-5 expression was increased after 30 min of stimulation by LPS, suggesting that LPS may induce rapid secretion of the integrin. However, incubations with LPS longer than 30 min decreased VLA-5 expression in a dose-dependent pattern. LPS also caused dose-related decreases in the expression of VLA-3 and VLA-2 integrins and increases of intracellular FN 24 h after stimulation. The results suggest that a prolonged exposure to LPS may impede VLA integrin-mediated migration and result in local accumulation of macrophages in the lung.