Aromatic oil from lavender as an atopic dermatitis suppressant

In atopic dermatitis (AD), nerves are abnormally stretched near the surface of the skin, making it sensitive to itching. Expression of neurotrophic factor Artemin (ARTN) involved in such nerve stretching is induced by the xenobiotic response (XRE) to air pollutants and UV radiation products. Therefore, AD can be monitored by the XRE response. Previously, we established a human keratinocyte cell line stably expressing a NanoLuc reporter gene downstream of XRE. We found that 6-formylindolo[3,2-b]carbazole (FICZ), a tryptophan metabolite and known inducer of the XRE, increased reporter and Artemin mRNA expression, indicating that FICZ-treated cells could be a model for AD. Lavender essential oil has been used in folk medicine to treat AD, but the scientific basis for its use is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of lavender essential oil and its major components, linalyl acetate and linalool, to suppress AD and sensitize skin using the established AD model cell line, and keratinocyte and dendritic cell activation assays. Our results indicated that lavender essential oil from L. angustifolia and linalyl acetate exerted a strong AD inhibitory effect and almost no skin sensitization. Our model is useful in that it can circumvent the practice of using animal studies to evaluate AD medicines.

Fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) and core fucose expression in oxidative stress response

GlycoMaple is a new tool to predict glycan structures based on the expression levels of 950 genes encoding glycan biosynthesis-related enzymes and proteins using RNA-seq data. The antioxidant response, protecting cells from oxidative stress, has been focused on because its activation may relieve pathological conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases. Genes involved in the antioxidant response are defined within the GO:0006979 category, including 441 human genes. Fifteen genes overlap between the glycan biosynthesis-related genes defined by GlycoMaple and the antioxidant response genes defined by GO:0006979, one of which is FUT8. 5-Hydroxy-4-phenyl-butenolide (5H4PB) extracted from Chinese aromatic vinegar induces the expression of a series of antioxidant response genes that protect cells from oxidative stress via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element pathway. Here, we show that FUT8 is upregulated in both our RNA-seq data set of 5H4PB-treated cells and publicly available RNA-seq data set of cells treated with another antioxidant, sulforaphane. Applying our RNA-seq data set to GlycoMaple led to a prediction of an increase in the core fucose of N-glycan that was confirmed by flow cytometry using a fucose-binding lectin. These results suggest that FUT8 and core fucose expression may increase upon the antioxidant response.

Evaluation of skin sensitization based on interleukin-2 promoter activation in Jurkat cells

Skin sensitization is an allergic reaction caused by certain chemical substances, and is an important factor to be taken into consideration when evaluating the safety of numerous types of products. Although animal testing has long been used to evaluate skin sensitization, the recent trend to regulate such testing has led to the development and use of alternative methods. Skin sensitization reactions are summarized in the form of an adverse outcome pathway consisting of four key events (KE), including covalent binding to skin proteins (KE1), keratinocyte activation (KE2), and dendritic cell activation (KE3). Equivalent alternative methods have been developed for KE1 to KE3, but no valid alternative has yet been developed for the evaluation of KE4 and T-cell activation. Current alternative methods rely on data from KE1 to KE3 to predict the effect of chemicals on skin sensitization. The addition of KE4 data is expected to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of such predictions. The aim of this study was to establish an assay to evaluate KE4 T-cell activation to supplement data on skin sensitization related to KE4. To evaluate T-cell activation, the Jurkat T-cell line stably expressing luciferase downstream of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-2 promoter was used. After exposure to known skin sensitizing agents and control substances, luciferase activity measurements revealed that this assay was valid for evaluating skin sensitization. However, two skin sensitizers known to have immunosuppressive effects on T-cells reacted negatively in this assay. The results revealed that this assay simultaneously allows for monitoring of the skin sensitization and immuno-suppressiveness of chemical substances and supplements KE4 T-cell activation data, and may thus contribute to reducing the use of animal experiments.

Quantification of Fraglide-1, a New Functional Ingredient, in Vinegars

Vinegar is a widely used condiment in the world, and is produced from ethanol by acetic acid fermentation. Different fruits, vegetables, cereals, and wines can be used as ingredients for vinegar production. It is known that vinegar has many nutrient components such as organic acids, polyphenols, and aromatic compounds. Because of these bioactive components, it has many health benefits. China has a long history of producing vinegar and has been using it for health products and as medicine. Chinese aromatic Zhenjiang vinegar (Kozu) is produced from sticky rice. It is famous for its special flavor and health benefits. 5-Hydroxy-4-phenyl-butenolide (Fraglide-1) is a functional compound discovered in Kozu and has anti-fungal and anti-obesity effects. In this study, the Fraglide-1 content of different kinds of vinegars and ingredients, including Kozu samples and ingredients, was investigated. Fraglide-1 analysis was carried out via LC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring mode. It was found that all the Kozu samples, as well as brown rice vinegar (Kurosu) samples, and the Chinese sticky rice husk used for the production of Kozu, contained Fraglide-1. Kozu production requires a 6-month- to 8-year-long aging process for its special flavor and aroma. Because of this long aging process, Fraglide-1 is thought to move from the sticky rice husk to Kozu.

Antioxidant properties of 5-hydroxy-4-phenyl-butenolide via activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway

5-Hydroxy-4-phenyl-butenolide (5H4PB) is a bioactive compound with antifungal and anti-obesity properties. Although it has recently been shown that 5H4PB activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), the effect of 5H4PB on intracellular signaling pathways has not been clarified. In this study, we found that 5H4PB activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling pathway, which plays an important role in cellular defense against oxidative stress, and the subsequent upregulation of ARE-dependent cytoprotective genes, including the heme oxygenase-1, catalase, and superoxide dismutase genes, without exhibiting cytotoxicity. In addition, 5H4PB significantly attenuated intracellular ROS generation, glutathione oxidation, and DNA damage induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) exposure in mouse fibroblast cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pretreatment with 5H4PB confers a significant cytoprotective effect against H₂O₂-induced cell death in mouse cultured fibroblasts and primary hepatocytes. Thus, our study demonstrated that 5H4PB enhanced cellular resistance to oxidative damage via activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

Physicochemical Profiling of Surfactant-Induced Membrane Dynamics in a Cell-Sized Liposome

We used a cell-sized model system, giant liposomes, to investigate the interaction between lipid membranes and surfactants, and the membrane transformation during the solubilization process was captured in real time. We found that there are four distinct dynamics in surfactant-induced membrane deformation: an episodic increase in the membrane area prior to pore-forming associated shrinkage (Dynamics A), fission into many small liposomes (Dynamics B), the formation of multilamellar vesicles and peeling (Dynamics C), and bursting (Dynamics D). Classification of the diversity of membrane dynamics may contribute to a better understanding of the physicochemical mechanism of membrane solubilization induced by various surfactants.

Detection of Circulation Tumor Cells Using Telomerase-Selective Adenoviral Marker (OBP-401®) in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: The detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is a potential method to predict survival of metastatic breast cancer patients as well as outcomes of early breast cancer patients. However, no method for CTCs has yet proven to be the golden standard. We developed a new approach for detecting CTCs using telomerase-specific replication-competent adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) (OBP-401®, Oncolys Biopharma™).Methods: OBP-401® contains the replication cassette, in which the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter drives expression of E1 genes, and the GFP gene for monitoring viral replication. This system is consisted of the following steps; (1) virus-infection for 7.5 ml whole blood (incubated with 4 X 108 Plaque Forming Unit OBP-401 virus for 24 hours at 37 Celsius), (2) dead cell staining using L23102 (invitrogen™), (3) virus-inactivation and RBC elimination, and (4) detection of GFP expressing cells using fluorescence microscopy. In a preclinical study, the sensitivity of this system was assessed using cell lines. Next, we conducted feasibility studies for CTCs detection in 80 healthy individuals, 50 metastatic, and 27 early breast cancer patients. In metastatic and early breast cancer patients, we compared the sensitivity of this system with that of CellSearch® (Veridex™) and tumor makers (CEA and CA15-3). GFP-positive cells (viable CTCs) and L23102 expressing cells measuring ≥ 20µm in diameter (dead CTCs) were considered as CTCs in this system.Results: The sensitivity of this system, which was determined by a serial dilution of MDA-MB-468 cells against healthy volunteer's blood, was 1 cell per 7.5 ml. No CTCs were detected in any of healthy controls. Of 50 metastatic patients, 12% were primary breast cancers with stage IV disease, 24% were in the 1st line chemotherapy setting, and 42% were heavily pretreated with chemotherapy. The sensitivities of tumor markers, CellSearch®, and OBP-401® were 78%, 54%, and 66%, respectively. Neither CTCs detected with CellSearch® nor OBP-401® were significantly associated with clinicopathologic parameters. However, CTCs-positivity detected with CellSearch® were strongly associated with CA15-3 positivity (p = 0.003). Of 14 patients with normal CA15-3 levels, CellSearch® detected CTCs in three patients (21%) but OBP-401® in nine patients (64%). The sensitivity of the combination of tumor markers and OBP-401® was 92%. In 27 early breast cancers (Stage1 7, StageII 17, StageIII 3), three patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). All blood samples were drawn before surgery or NAC. The sensitivities of tumor markers, CellSearch®, and OBP-401® were 7%, 0%, 67%, respectively. There were no significant correlations between CTCs detected with OBP-401® and clinicopathologic features.Conclusion: OBP-401® showed no false positive in healthy controls, and a high sensitivity for CTCs detection, particular in metastatic breast cancer patients with normal 15-3 levels and early breast cancer patients, compared with CellSearch®.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3012.

Fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green for detecting sentinel nodes in extramammary Paget's disease and squamous cell carcinoma

The radioisotope navigation method, which has usually been used for identification of sentinel nodes, is less useful in locating sentinel nodes close to primary lesions in cases of extramammary Paget's disease because of overlapping radioactivity from the primary site. We applied fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green (ICG) in two patients with skin cancer to cover this defect. The use of a charge-coupled device camera enabled real-time visualization of dynamic lymph flow without skin incision. The inguinal skin over the identified sentinel node with a handheld gamma probe was in accordance with the point detected by ICG fluorescence in a patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the foot. Sentinel node biopsy using fluorescence navigation with ICG proved to be easy and reliable.

Effects of redecoration of a hospital isolation room with natural materials on stress levels of denizens in cold season

We investigated the effects of redecoration of a hospital isolation room with natural materials on thermoregulatory, cardiovascular and hormonal parameters of healthy subjects staying in the room. Two isolation rooms with almost bilaterally-symmetrical arrangements were used. One room (RD) was redecorated with wood paneling and Japanese paper, while the other (CN) was unchanged (with concrete walls). Seven healthy male subjects stayed in each room for over 24 h in the cold season. Their rectal temperature (T(re)) and heart rate, and the room temperature (T(a)) and relative humidity were continuously measured. Arterial blood pressures, arterial vascular compliance, thermal sensation and thermal comfort were measured every 4 h except during sleeping. Blood was sampled after the stay in the rooms. In RD, T(a) was significantly higher by about 0.4 degrees C and relative humidity was lower by about 5% than in CN. Diurnal T(re) levels of subjects in RD significantly differed from those in CN, i.e., T(re)s were significantly higher in RD than in CN especially in the evening. In RD, the subjects felt more thermally-comfortable than in CN. Redecoration had minimal effects on cardiovascular parameters. Plasma levels of catecholamines and antidiuretic hormone did not differ, while plasma cortisol level was significantly lower after staying in RD than in CN by nearly 20%. The results indicate that, in the cold season, redecoration with natural materials improves the thermal environment of the room and contributes to maintaining core temperature of denizens at preferable levels. It also seems that redecoration of room could attenuate stress levels of isolated subjects.

Fusion of single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography images of sentinel lymph nodes in extramammary Paget's disease of the scrotum

We describe a new method for the fusion of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) images using an acrylic resin marker containing 99 m-Tc phytate and viewing software (Fusion Viewer Version 1.0 for Windows). This method provided the fusion of SPECT and CT images in a short time and made it easy to identify the sentinel lymph nodes in the patient with extramammary Paget's disease of the scrotum.

Electrochemical consideration on the optimum pH of bilirubin oxidase

Steady-state current-potential curves were obtained for the direct electron transfer (DET) of bilirubin oxidase (BOD) at a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite electrode, and the theoretical analysis based on nonlinear regression enabled us to determine the formal redox potential (E degrees') of BOD in a wide pH range of 2.0 to 8.5. Cyclic voltammetric measurements were also performed for substrates, including p-phenylenediamine (PPD), o-aminophenol (OAP), and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and their E degrees ' values or the anodic peak potentials (for OAP) were determined at various pH values. The difference in the redox potentials between BOD and substrates (DeltaE degrees') showed a maximum at pH 6.5 to 8.0, pH 6.5 to 8.0, and pH 3.5 to 4.5 for PPD, OAP, and ABTS, respectively. These pH ranges should be thermodynamically most favorable for the electron transfer between BOD and the respective substrates. In practice, the pH ranges showing a maximum DeltaE degrees' corresponded well with the optimum pH values for the O(2) reduction activity of BOD: pH 6.5 to 7.5, pH 8.0 to 8.5, and pH 4.0 for PPD, OAP, and ABTS, respectively. Thus, it was suggested that DeltaE degrees ' should be one of the primary factors determining the activity of BOD with the substrates.

Skin analysis to determine causative agent in dermal exposure to petroleum products

This study evaluates the usefulness of skin analysis to determine the causative agent in cases of dermal exposure. The study consists of an animal experiment and two human cases. The petroleum components detected at high concentrations in skin samples resembled the composition of those in the corresponding petroleum products. However, the petroleum components in blood were detected at low concentrations and were a different composition. Skin is considered to be an advantageous sample to estimate the petroleum product in clinical and forensic cases of dermal exposure.

A rapid and definitive diagnosis of kerosene dermatitis by an analysis of detached lesional epidermis using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A 73-year-old woman, who suffered from erythema with bullae and pustules on her abdomen and anterior right thigh, visited our hospital without an awareness of the causative agents. The lesions appeared like first and second degree burns. The small amount of detached roof of bulla was sampled without skin biopsy before the ointment treatment. The sample was sonicated in an ultrasonic bath for 1 min in n-pentane, and then 1 mul of the extract was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The causative agent was determined to be kerosene. An examination of blood samples collected at the first visit failed to detect kerosene, though traces of trimethylbenzene were detected. A GC-MS analysis of the small sample of lesional epidermis was very useful to identify kerosene as a causative agent.

Kinetic characteristics and toxic effects of benzalkonium chloride following intravascular and oral administration in rats

Kinetic characteristics and toxic effects of benzalkonium chloride (BZK) following injection via jugular vein (JV), femoral artery (FA) and oral administration (PO) were experimentally investigated using rats. The BZK concentrations in blood and tissues (lung, liver and kidney) were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with solid phase extraction. Toxic doses of 15 and 250 mg/kg of BZK were used for intravascular (JV and FA) and PO administration, respectively. The fatal effects appeared soon after the dose in JV-rats, while delayed in FA- or PO-rats. The blood BZK concentrations and the elimination half-lives were similar between JV- and FA-rats, while the distribution of BZK in tissues was slightly different. In PO administration, the rats that aspirated BZK into their lungs had some symptoms, while the rats that did not aspirate BZK appeared to be normal. The BZK concentrations in blood and tissues were significantly higher in the aspirated PO-rats. The toxic degree of BZK was correlated with the BZK concentration in orally dosed rats. Lung and kidney had higher BZK concentrations compared to blood or liver, and they could be the target organs of BZK.Keyword: Benzalkonium chloride

Atmospheric concentrations of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, nitric acid, formic and acetic acids in the south of Vietnam measured by the passive sampling method

A passive sampling method was applied to measure the concentrations of air pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia, hydrogen chloride, and nitric, formic and acetic acids, in the ambient air at four test sites in the southern region of Vietnam. The monthly averages and the average concentrations of air pollutants during the period from July 2001 to September 2002 are reported here. The concentrations of air pollutants varied widely, depending on the test sites and the sampling periods. The average concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the air during the period from July 2001 to September 2002 at the four test sites were 3.3-16.9 ppb, and those of nitrogen dioxide were 5.4-12.8 ppb. The concentrations of nitrogen monoxide and hydrogen chloride were very low at all of the test sites. The observed concentrations of all of the above-mentioned pollutants were lower than those of the Vietnamese standards of air pollutants.

The levels of kerosene components in biological samples after repeated dermal exposure to kerosene in rats

The current study was experimentally investigated using rats whether or not kerosene components are accumulated from daily repeated dermal exposure. Rats received daily 1h-exposure to kerosene for 5 days (5K), daily 1h-exposure for 4 days and left for 1 day (4KL), a single 1h-exposure (1K), a single 1h-exposure and left for 1 day (1KL), or a single 1h-exposure, sacrificed and left dead for 1 day (1KLD). Kerosene components, trimethylbenzenes (TMBs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) in blood and tissues were determined by GC-MS. In blood, almost the same concentrations of TMBs were detected in the rats sacrificed immediately after exposure (5K, 1K and 1KLD), and only trace levels were detected in the rats sacrificed 1 day after exposure (4 and 1KL). Almost the same levels of AHCs in blood were detected among groups except for the rats sacrificed 1 day after a single exposure (1KL), in which AHCs were slightly lower. These results suggest that (1) AHCs tend to be accumulated from daily exposure, while TMBs do not, (2) the proportions of detected kerosene components in blood can be an indicator of whether the last exposure occurred just before death or not, (3) the kerosene levels last at least 1 day without blood circulation.

Skin analysis following dermal exposure to kerosene in rats: the effects of postmortem exposure and fire

To evaluate the usefulness of skin analysis for the forensic examination of cases involving postmortem dermal exposure to kerosene and/or fire, an experimental study using rats was performed. Rats received dermal exposure to kerosene before or after death, and the effect of fire was determined by burning an area of exposed skin after death. Kerosene concentrations in skin and blood were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and microscopic observation was performed for skin samples. No differences were observed in skin kerosene levels between antemortem and postmortem exposure. Kerosene concentrations in mildly burned skin where the stratum corneum (SC) was retained were approximately 84% compared to those in non-burned exposed skin, whereas concentrations in severely burned skin where the SC was almost completely burned off were 28% of non-burned skin. Even in non-exposed control skin 14% of the original kerosene concentrations could be detected, which was considered to be caused by contamination during the experimental protocol combined with kerosene's property of a high affinity for the SC. These results suggest that (1) skin analysis is useful in estimating the type of petroleum product involved in crimes or accidents even for postmortem exposure, (2) whether the SC is retained or not primarily determined the kerosene levels in burned skin, and (3) attention must be paid to evaluate the results obtained from skin samples in the light of the circumstances surrounding the case.

Dermal absorption of kerosene components in rats and the influence of its amount and area of exposure

The influences of amount and area of dermal exposure to kerosene upon the levels of kerosene components in biological samples were examined in vivo and in vitro. Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups and exposed to kerosene through the abdominal skin for 2h. The amounts (soaked in cotton) and area of kerosene exposed were 1 ml/4 cm(2) in Group I, 4 ml/4 cm(2) in Group II, 4 ml/16 cm(2) in Group III and 16 ml/64 cm(2) in Group IV. Before, then 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min after exposure, 0.5 ml of blood was collected. Solid tissue samples, including the exposed skin area, were harvested at 120 min. Kerosene components were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Trimethylbenzens (TMBs) that are easily absorbed kerosene components, appeared at 5-20 min. The time course changes in TMB levels in blood were significantly different between Groups I and II or Groups I and III, and almost identical between Groups II and III. Similar trends were observed in tissue samples at 120 min. High concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) were detected in the exposed skin and the AHC levels were dependent on the amount of kerosene exposed per unit area. These results suggest that (1) dermal absorption of kerosene occurs soon after dermal exposure started, (2) absorption of TMBs is influenced by the total amount of kerosene rather than area of exposure, and (3) AHCs remaining in the skin at significant levels are influenced by the amount of kerosene per unit area exposed.

Higher radical scavenging activities of polyphenolic antioxidants can be ascribed to chemical reactions following their oxidation

Radical scavenging activities of 34 natural antioxidants were investigated from an electrochemical viewpoint. While the correlation of the oxidation potentials with their DPPH radical scavenging activities (represented by EC(50)) was not high (the correlation coefficient, r=0.73), the number of electrons n required for oxidation of an antioxidant, being obtained by continuous flow-column electrolysis with a slower flow rate (0.05 ml min(-1)), did show a good correlation with EC(50) (1/EC(50)=1.67n+0.50 with r=0.94). The n values of most polyphenols were increased with a decrease in the flow rate, while those of nonpolyphenols were invariant. This suggests that a slower subsequent chemical reaction(s) should be involved in the oxidation of polyphenols, whose higher radical scavenging activities seem to be ascribed to the chemical reactions. In this study, we have proposed a possible mechanism for the oxidation of polyphenols, in which the oxidizable -OH moieties are reproduced through an oxidative dimerization (or more highly polymerization).

Distribution of kerosene components in rats following dermal exposure

The systemic distribution of kerosene components in blood and tissues was analysed in rats following dermal exposure. Four types of trimethylbenzenes (TMBs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHCs) with carbon numbers 9-16 (C(9)-C(16)) were analysed as major kerosene components by capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The kerosene components were detected in blood and all tissues after a small piece of cotton soaked with kerosene was applied to the abdominal skin. The amounts of TMBs detected were higher than those of AHCs. Greater increases in TMB levels were found in adipose tissue in an exposure duration-dependent manner. The amounts of TMBs detected were only at trace levels following post-mortem dermal exposure to kerosene. These findings suggest that kerosene components were absorbed percutaneously and distributed to various organs via the blood circulation. Post-mortem or ante-mortem exposure to kerosene could be distinguished when the exposure duration was relatively long. Adipose tissue would seem to be the most useful for estimating the degree of kerosene exposure.

Mechanistic study of the oxidation of caffeic acid by digital simulation of cyclic voltammograms

The oxidation mechanism of caffeic acid (CAF) has been studied by means of cyclic voltammetry with the plastic formed carbon or glassy carbon electrode. CAF gives a well-developed two-electron reversible wave in acidic media, whereas it shows an irreversible behavior, i.e., a decrease of the rereduction peak, in less acidic media, suggesting that the oxidation of CAF follows an irreversible chemical reaction(s). Digital simulation analyses based on different oxidation mechanisms have been performed for the voltammograms obtained with the GC electrode in 1:1 (v/v) water:ethanol solutions. The results clearly show that the seeming two-electron oxidation of CAF occurs stepwise via one-electron processes, each of which follows an irreversible chemical reaction. It has also been suggested that the semiquinone radical as an intermediate of the one-electron oxidation should play an important role in the oxidation reaction. Evaluations of the rate constants for the chemical reactions have further suggested that the chemical reactions are dimerization reactions.

Vitamins D and K in the treatment of osteoporosis secondary to graft-versus-host disease following bone-marrow transplantation

We report a case of secondary osteoporosis treated with a combination of vitamins D3 and K2, administered orally. A 13-year-old male, diagnosed with highly differentiated acute myelogenous leukaemia, received an allogeneic bone-marrow transplantation. Chronic graft-versus-host disease persisted, thereafter, in the form of severe diarrhoea, rash and allergic conjunctivitis. Since the patient was then at risk from osteoporosis secondary to calcium malabsorption caused by the diarrhoea, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and ultrasound analysis were used to measure bone mineral density and bone stiffness, respectively. Both measurements were markedly lower than the average values from patients of matched age, gender and physical characteristics. The osteoporosis did not respond to active vitamin D3 0.1 microg/kg once daily, but when this therapy was combined with vitamin K2 15 mg once daily, an increase in bone mineral density and bone stiffness was observed. In conclusion, vitamin D3 and K2 combination therapy merits further evaluation for the treatment of various types of secondary osteoporosis, including steroid-induced osteoporosis.

Unusually large numbers of electrons for the oxidation of polyphenolic antioxidants

Reaction mechanisms of polyphenolic antioxidants were studied using electrochemical methods (flow column electrolysis and cyclic voltammetry). In flow column electrolysis, the numbers (ns) of electrons involved in the oxidation of catechols (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) became larger than two (i.e. the number of -OH moieties) at pH > 7; the n-values finally reached ca. 4 at pH 10. Other polyphenols including catechin, ellagic acid, and curcumin exhibited higher n-values than the numbers of -OH moieties in the whole pH range studied (4 < pH < 10). Such unusually large n-values for polyphenols were found to correlate to their irreversible behavior in cyclic voltammetry. A digital simulation analysis of the voltammograms of chlorogenic acid clearly showed that the electrode reaction at higher pHs can be elucidated in terms of a quasi-reversible electron transfer followed by a chemical reaction and also suggested that the chemical reaction is of second order to the concentration of chlorogenic acid, i.e. a dimerization reaction. In a similar manner, polyphenolic antioxidants generally undergo certain chemical reactions on the occasion of their oxidation. As a result, some oxidizable, phenolic -OH moieties are reproduced in the polymeric products. The unusually large n-values of polyphenols and thus their higher radical scavenging activities may be ascribed to such reproduction of -OH moieties by oxidative polymerization.

Hyperexpression of the gene for a Bacillus alpha-amylase in Bacillus subtilis cells: enzymatic properties and crystallization of the recombinant enzyme

We have constructed a new excretion vector, pHSP64, to develop a hyperexcretion system for Bacillus subtilis [Sumitomo et al., Biosci. Biotech. Biochem., 59, 2172-2175 (1995)]. The structural gene for a novel liquefying semi-alkaline alpha-amylase from the alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. KSM-1378 was amplified by PCR. It was cloned into a SalI-SmaI site of pHSP64 and the recombinant plasmid obtained was introduced into B. subtilis. The transformed B. subtilis hyperproduced the alpha-amylase activity extracellularly, corresponding to approximately 1.0 g (5 x 10(6) units) per liter of an optimized liquid culture. The recombinant enzyme was purified to homogeneity by a simple purification procedure with very high yield. No significant differences in physiochemical and catalytic properties were observed between the recombinant enzyme and the native enzyme produced by Bacillus sp. KSM-1378. The enzymatic properties of the recombinant enzyme were further examined with respect to the responses to various metal ions. The recombinant enzyme could easily be crystallized at room temperature within one day in a buffered solution of 10% (w/v) ammonium sulfate (pH 6.5).

Inhibitory effects on Epstein-Barr virus activation of anthraquinones: correlation with redox potentials

The redox potentials have been determined for nine anthraquinones in phosphate buffer at pH 7.2 by means of cyclic voltammetry. A definite correlation has been found between the redox potentials and the inhibitory effects of the anthraquinones on the EBV-EA activation. It has further been shown that the correlation can be made better by introducing an electronic property, i.e. the atomic charge at O12 as an additional parameter.

Lymphoblastic transformation of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia in an infant

A 10-month-old infant with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) of 5 months' duration, who had been treated only with transfusion, displayed leukemic transformation characterized by lymphoid morphology, PAS positivity, and myeloperoxidase negativity. Surface marker analysis of blast cells revealed expression of lymphoid-associated antigens (CD10 and CD19) but not myeloid-associated antigens (CD13, CD14, and CD33). These findings suggest that some cases of infantile CMML are clonal disorders arising in a pluripotent stem cell that can also differentiate along the lymphoid cell lineage.

Ganglioside-like epitopes of lipopolysaccharides from Campylobacter jejuni (PEN 19) in three isolates from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome

Sera from patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) frequently have anti-GM1 antibody. We earlier showed that an lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Campylobacter jejuni (PEN 19) isolated from a GBS patient has a GM1 ganglioside-like structure. Aspinall et al. (Biochemistry, 61 (1994) 335-337) reported that OH 4382 has an LPS that bears a CD3 ganglioside-like structure and that OH 4384 has an LPS that bears a GT1a-like structure; both strains were isolated from patients with GBS. They also suggested a GM1-like structure is present in the LPSs from OH 4384, but failed to show the presence in the LPSs from OH 4382. To clarify the pathogenesis of GBS after infection by C. jejuni (PEN 19), we investigated the carbohydrate structures of the three strains by thin-layer chromatography immunostaining with cholera toxin and monoclonal anti-ganglioside antibodies. We found that both OH 4382 and OH 4384 have an LPS with the GM1 epitope as well as one with the GT1a or GD3 epitope.

Production of the phytotoxic metabolite, ferricrocin, by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

A siderophore was isolated as a non-specific phytotoxic compound from a culture of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from infected blackberry. This siderophore was identified as ferricrocin by NMR, IR, MS, and CD spectra. The phytotoxic activities of ferricrocin and deferriferricrocin were compared.

[A case of pontine hematoma with Foville's syndrome in childhood]

We reported a surviving case of 6-year-old boy with pontine hematoma. He complained of headache as an initial symptom and developed progressively Foville's syndrome with impairments of the IX-XII cranial nerves. Although brainstem tumor was suspected initially using CT scan, MRI revealed the existence of hematoma in the ventromedial pons. During the first 4 months of his clinical course, Gd-DTPA did not demonstrate any enhancement in that lesion. However, hemangiomatous lesion was suspected by subsequent serial MRIs with positive Gd-DTPA enhancement. Using conservative treatment including oral corticosteroids, all the neurological deficits disappeared in several months and he did not show any recurrence of clinical signs for 3 years. It was suggested that MRI was very useful in the differential diagnosis and the follow-up of hematoma in the posterior fossa.

Generation of self HLA-DR-specific CD3+CD4-CD8+ cytotoxic T cells in chronic graft-versus-host disease

To analyze the mechanism of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) characteristic of autoimmune disease, we used a cell-mediated lympholysis assay to study the autoreactivity of PBL from two patients after MHC-matched BMT. Our data indicate the induction of CD3+CD4-CD8+ autoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the one patient with chronic GVHD and an important role for allo-non-MHC (minor histocompatibility) antigen-specific CD3+CD4+CD8- helper T cells in this induction. Experiments using HLA-DR gene-transfected mouse L cells as target cells and blocking assays with anti-HLA class I and class II antibodies provided evidence that autoreactive CTL recognized HLA-DR antigen on autologous cells. Analysis of antigen-specific T cell proliferative responses in these patients to examine the effect of self HLA-DR-specific CTL on the antigen presenting cell (APC)-T cell interaction suggested that donor bone marrow-derived self HLA-DR-specific CTL are responsible for the decreased antigen-presenting ability of the patient's APC. These results suggest a new interpretation of the induction mechanism of chronic GVHD and its associated immunosuppression after MHC-matched BMT based on diminished APC function.

Antioxidative effects of dihydro-gamma-pyronyl-triterpenoid saponin (chromosaponin I)

Chromosaponin I (CSI), the naturally occurring form of soyasaponin I, inhibited the oxidation of soybean phosphatidylcholine liposomal membranes induced by a water-soluble radical initiator, 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride. The antioxidative activity of CSI was similar to that of urate. Soyasaponin I, a degraded product of CSI, which has previously been thought to be an antioxidant, exerted no antioxidative activity.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia on the penis: report of a case

An 82-year-old Japanese man with intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia on the penis is described. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient who developed this tumor on his penis.

Effects of mast cell growth factor, interleukin-3, and interleukin-6 on human primitive hematopoietic progenitors from bone marrow and cord blood

Phycoerythrin (PE)-labeled murine monoclonal antibodies (MAB) to CD2, CD10, CD19, CD20, and CD33 were used as lineage markers, as were PE-labeled anti-DR MAB and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated MAB to CD34. One hundred CD34+Lin+DR+ or CD34+Lin-DR- cells were individually sorted and incubated without adherent cell layer in alpha-medium with or without cytokines such as 100 U/mL recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhIL-3), 100 U/mL rhIL-6, and/or 500 ng/mL mast cell growth factor (MGF). The incubated cells were harvested and cultured in medium containing methylcellulose every 2 weeks. The numbers of colonies from colony-forming units-granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM), burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-E), and mixed colony-forming units (CFU-Mix) were scored on day 14. In the incubation, CD34+Lin-DR- cells from bone marrow and cord blood produced more CFU-GM and BFU-E, and for longer periods, than did CD34+Lin+DR+ cells. In addition, CD34+Lin-DR- from cord blood supplied more CFU-GM and BFU-E than did CD34+Lin-DR- from bone marrow. Although these data demonstrate that MGF, IL-3, and IL-6 synergistically stimulate the production of CFU-GM and BFU-E, this study indicates that CD34+Lin-DR- cells contain more primitive hematopoietic progenitors and that CD34+Lin-DR- cells are unable to maintain their self-renewal capacity in the presence of IL-3, IL-6, and MGF without adherent cell layer.