Possible involvement of brain hydrogen sulphide in the inhibition of the rat micturition reflex induced by activation of brain alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

We previously reported that brain α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors inhibited the rat micturition reflex. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying this inhibition, we focused on the relationship between α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) because we found that H₂S also inhibits the rat micturition reflex in the brain. Therefore, we investigated whether H₂S is involved in the inhibition of the micturition reflex induced by the activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. Cystometry was performed in male Wistar rats under urethane anesthesia (0.8 g/kg, ip) to examine the effects of icv pre-treated GYY4137 (H₂S donor, 1 or 3 nmol/rat) or aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA; non-selective H₂S synthesis inhibitor, 3 or 10 μg/rat) on PHA568487 (α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, icv)-induced prolongation of intercontraction intervals. PHA568487 administration at a lower dose (0.3 nmol/rat, icv) had no significant effect on intercontraction intervals, while under pre-treatment with GYY4137 (3 nmol/rat icv), PHA568487 (0.3 nmol/rat, icv) significantly prolonged intercontraction intervals. PHA568487 at a higher dose (1 nmol/rat, icv) induced intercontraction interval prolongation, and the PHA568487-induced prolongation was significantly suppressed by AOAA (10 μg/rat, icv). The AOAA-induced suppression of the PHA568487-induced intercontraction interval prolongation was negated by supplementing H₂S via GYY4137 at a lower dose (1 nmol/rat, icv) in the brain. GYY4137 or AOAA alone showed no significant effect on intercontraction intervals at each dose used in this study. These findings suggest a possible involvement of brain H₂S in inhibiting the rat micturition reflex induced by activation of brain alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Effectiveness of Albumin-Fused Thioredoxin against 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Neurotoxicity In Vitro

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by oxidative stress-dependent loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and elevated microglial inflammatory responses. Recent studies show that cell loss also occurs in the hypothalamus in PD. However, effective treatments for the disorder are lacking. Thioredoxin is the major protein disulfide reductase in vivo. We previously synthesized an albumin-thioredoxin fusion protein (Alb-Trx), which has a longer plasma half-life than thioredoxin, and reported its effectiveness in the treatment of respiratory and renal diseases. Moreover, we reported that the fusion protein inhibits trace metal-dependent cell death in cerebrovascular dementia. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of Alb-Trx against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro. Alb-Trx significantly inhibited 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death and the integrated stress response. Alb-Trx also markedly inhibited 6-OHDA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, at a concentration similar to that inhibiting cell death. Exposure to 6-OHDA perturbed the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, with increased phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinase and decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase levels. Alb-Trx pretreatment ameliorated these changes. Furthermore, Alb-Trx suppressed 6-OHDA-induced neuroinflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that Alb-Trx reduces neuronal cell death and neuroinflammatory responses by ameliorating ROS-mediated disruptions in intracellular signaling pathways. Thus, Alb-Trx may have potential as a novel therapeutic agent for PD.

Five-mer peptides prevent short-term spatial memory deficits in Aβ25-35-induced Alzheimer's model mouse by suppressing Aβ25-35 aggregation and resolving its aggregate form

BACKGROUND

The development of drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is related to the misfolding and aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ), is high in demand due to the growing number of AD patients. In this study, we screened 22 kinds of 5-mer synthetic peptides derived from the Box A region of Tob1 protein to find a peptide effective against Aβ aggregation.

METHODS

A Thioflavin T (ThT) assay was performed to evaluate aggregation and screen aggregation inhibitors. Male ICR mice (6 weeks old) were administered saline, 9 nmol Aβ25-35, or a mixture of 9 nmol Aβ25-35 and 9 nmol GSGFK in the right lateral ventricle. Short-term spatial memory was assessed through Y-maze. Microglia cells (BV-)2 cells were plated on 24-well plates (4 × 10⁴ cells/well) and incubated for 48 h, and then, the cells were treated with 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.5 mM GSGFK. After incubation for 24 h, bead uptake was evaluated using a laser confocal microscope and Cytation 5.

RESULTS

We found two kinds of peptides, GSGNR and GSGFK, that were not only suppressed by aggregation of Aβ25-35 but also resolved the aggregated Aβ25-35. Results obtained from the Y-maze test on an Aβ25-35-induced AD model mouse indicated that GSGFK prevents the deficits in short-term memory induced by Aβ25-35. The effect of GSGFK on phagocytosis in BV-2 cells proved that GSGFK activates the phagocytic ability of microglia.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, 5-mer peptides prevent short-term memory deficit in Aβ25-35 induced AD model mouse by reducing the aggregated Aβ25-35. They may also upregulate the phagocytic ability of microglia, which makes 5-mer peptides suitable candidates as therapeutic drugs against AD.

Flat band ferromagnetism in Pb[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] via a self-doped mechanism

Electron systems with strong geometrical frustrations have flat bands, and their unusual band dispersions are expected to induce a wide variety of physical properties. However, for the emergence of such properties, the Fermi level must be pinned within the flat band. In this study, we performed first-principles calculations on pyrochlore oxide Pb[Formula: see text]Sb[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text] and theoretically clarified that the self-doping mechanism induces pinning of the Fermi level in the flat band in this system. Therefore, a very high density of states is realized at the Fermi level, and the ferromagnetic state transforms into the ground state via a flat band mechanism, although the system does not contain any magnetic elements. This compound has the potential to serve as a new platform for projecting the properties of flat band systems in the real world.

Protective effects of hydrogen sulfide pretreatment on cyclophosphamide-induced bladder dysfunction in rats via suppression of bladder afferent nerves

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, causes serious side effects, such as haemorrhagic cystitis (HC). Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, has physiological properties, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and neuromodulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaHS (H₂S donor) pretreatment on bladder dysfunction in CYP-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally pretreated with NaHS (3 or 10 μmol/kg) or vehicle once daily for 7 days before cystometry, and CYP (150 mg/kg) or saline was intraperitoneally administered 2 days before cystometry. After cystometry, the bladder tissues were collected for haematoxylin and eosin staining. In some rats, capsaicin (CAP), which can desensitise CAP-sensitive afferent nerves, was subcutaneously injected at 125 mg/kg 4 days before cystometry. CYP reduced intercontraction intervals (ICI) and bladder compliance (Comp) and increased the number of non-voiding contractions (NVCs) compared with the saline-treated control group. NaHS pretreatment dose-dependently improved the CYP-induced these changes. In bladder tissues, CYP increased histological scores of neutrophil infiltration, haemorrhage, and oedema, while NaHS had no effect on these CYP-induced changes. CAP showed a tendency to suppress CYP-induced changes in ICI. NaHS-induced improvement in CYP-induced changes in urodynamic parameters were not detected in CAP-treated rats. These findings suggest that NaHS pretreatment prevented bladder dysfunction in CYP-treated rats by suppressing CAP-sensitive bladder afferent nerves, but not by suppressing bladder inflammation. Therefore, H₂S represents a new candidate as a protective drug for bladder dysfunction induced by HC, a side effect of CYP chemotherapy.

Stimulation of brain corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type1 facilitates the rat micturition via brain glutamatergic receptors

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a representative stress-related neuropeptide, in the central nervous system reportedly both facilitates and suppresses the micturition, therefore, roles of central CRF in regulation of the micturition are still controversial. In this study, we investigated (1) effects of intracerebroventricularly (icv)-administered CRF on the micturition, and (2) brain CRF receptor subtypes (CRFR1/CRFR2) and glutamatergic receptors (NMDA/AMPA subtypes) involved in the CRF-induced effects in male Wistar rats under urethane anesthesia. Intercontraction intervals (ICI), and maximal voiding pressure (MVP), were evaluated by continuous cystometry 45 min before CRF administration or intracerebroventricular pretreatment with other drugs as follows and 3 h after CRF administration. Single-voided volume (Vv), post-voiding residual volume (Rv), bladder capacity (BC), and voiding efficiency (VE) were evaluated by single cystometry 60 min before CRF administration and 60-120 min after the administration. Icv-administered CRF reduced ICI, Vv, and BC without changing MVP, Rv, or VE. The CRF-induced ICI reduction was attenuated by icv-pretreated CP154526 (CRFR1 antagonist), MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist), and DNQX (AMPA receptor antagonist), but not by K41498 (CRFR2 antagonist). These results indicate that stimulation of brain CRFR1 can be involved in facilitation of the rat micturition via brain NMDA/AMPA receptors.

Effects of losartan on bladder dysfunction due to aging-related severe hypertension in rats

Aging is a major risk factor for bladder dysfunction. Anti-hypertensive drugs, angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs), are reported to ameliorate lower urinary tract dysfunction in rodent models and humans. We aimed to examine the preventive effect of an ARB, losartan, against bladder dysfunction due to aging-related severe hypertension. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) (36-week-old) were administered losartan (0, 3, or 10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 18 weeks. Age-matched, vehicle-treated Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were used as controls. After the treatments, bladder and renal weight, mean blood pressure, and voiding parameters were measured. Additionally, detrusor thickness and bladder arterial wall thickness were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Renal morphology was also assessed using periodic acid-Schiff staining. Compared to WKYs, SHRs demonstrated significantly higher bladder weight/body weight ratio (BBR), renal weight/body weight ratio, mean blood pressure, detrusor thickness, bladder arterial wall thickness, urine output, water intake, post-voiding residual urine volume, bladder capacity, intercontraction interval, and rate of glomerular and tubular injury and a lower urine osmolality. A low dose of losartan decreased the urine output, post-voiding residual urine volume, and bladder capacity in SHRs but not mean blood pressure in SHRs. A high dose of losartan decreased the BBR, mean blood pressure, detrusor thickness, bladder arterial wall thickness, post-voiding residual urine volume, bladder capacity, intercontraction interval, and glomerular and tubular injury in SHRs. Losartan inhibits bladder dysfunction in aged SHRs. The ARB losartan might be a preventive drug for bladder dysfunction due to aging-related severe hypertension.

Association of common carotid artery measurements with the incidence of hypertension: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Diameter, intima–media thickness (IMT), and flow parameters, including resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI), in the common carotid artery (CCA) are markers of arterial remodeling, atherosclerosis, and vascular resistance, respectively. These CCA parameters have usually been evaluated as markers of target organ damage. Little is known about whether these parameters predict a new onset of hypertension.

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the association of CCA parameters including IMT, diameter, RI, and PI with the incidence of hypertension.

Methods

This is an observational study involving 1249 participants (656 women, mean age 69.6 years) without hypertension, who underwent carotid artery ultrasonography at baseline. The participants were divided into elderly group (defined as age ≥70 years) and a middle-aged group. We defined obesity as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. CCA diameter was defined as the distance between the adventitia–media interface on the near wall and the media–adventitia interface on the far wall. IMT was defined as the distance between the lumen–intima and media–adventitia interfaces. RI was calculated as [peak systolic velocity (PSV)- end-diastolic velocity (EDV)]/PSV. PI was calculated as (PSV-EDV)/Vmean. Larger CCA diameter, increased IMT, high RI, and high PI were determined based on the optimal cutoff values from ROC curve analysis.

Results

Over a mean 5.1-year follow-up period, 524 participants developed hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that larger CCA diameter and increased IMT were significant predicators for incident hypertension in elderly group, but not in middle-aged group. High RI, and high PI were significant predicators for incident hypertension in both the two groups. CCA diameter, IMT, and RI predicted the incidence of hypertension only in nonobesity group, whereas PI predicted it in both obesity and nonobesity groups (Table).

Conclusion

CCA parameters assessed by ultrasonography are useful markers to estimate the risk of hypertension. In particular, PI is a better predictor for the incidence of hypertension.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Association of adipose tissue insulin resistance and serum free fatty acid levels with the incidence of type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Insulin resistance in adipose tissue attenuates the suppression of lipolysis, leading to increased free fatty acid (FFA) release. The excess FFA may be involved in the development of type 2 diabetes.

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the association of adipose tissue insulin resistance and serum free fatty acid levels with the incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This is an observational study involving 6800 participants (3451 women, mean age 69.2 years) without diabetes who underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at baseline. The participants were divided into the obesity and nonobesity groups on the basis of body mass index of ≥25 and <25 kg/m2, respectively. Serum FFA levels were assessed before and 30, 60, and 120 min after glucose ingestion, and the total area under the FFA curve (AUCFFA) was calculated. Adipose tissue insulin resistance was assessed using adipose insulin resistance index (adipo-IR) calculated based on fasting FFA and insulin concentrations. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and the Matsuda index were evaluated as measures of insulin resistance in the liver and whole-body, respectively. High adipo-IR, high fasting FFA, great AUCFFA high HOMA-IR, and low Matsuda index were determined based on the optimal cutoff values from ROC curve analysis.

Results

Over a mean 5.3-year follow-up period, 485 participants developed type 2 diabetes. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that high adipo-IR was a significant predicator for incident type 2 diabetes in the obesity group, but not in nonobesity group. AUCFFA, HOMA-IR, and Matsuda index were significantly associated with incident type 2 diabetes in both the two groups (Table).

Conclusion

Serum FFA levels after glucose loading predict the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Adipose tissue insulin resistance was associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes in individuals with obesity, but not in individuals without obesity.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

[Pharmacological training with small animals in Kochi University]

The use of animals for scientific purposes is still a subject of debate. The current regulatory position in most western countries allows regulated animal use to occur because of the perceived benefits in generating new knowledge. The use of animals for scientific purposes engenders a wide range of ethical perspectives, with some people looking for the complete termination of animal use, and others strongly support their continued use. Although regulatory systems vary from country to country, in most jurisdictions, research and teaching institutions are required to ensure that staff and students using animals for scientific purposes are appropriately trained, that animals are well cared for, and that the ethical review process for projects is robust. In the curriculum of the Kochi Medical School, it is mandatory for all medical students to perform laboratory exercises in the class of Pharmacology. For the purpose of this experimental class it is common to use small animals in these exercises. However, in recent years in many countries, alternative methods to replace the use of small animals have been introduced. Such methods are experiment simulations with the use of computers and they have been used in some medical schools. In this manuscript, I will make an introduction on how we perform pharmacological laboratory exercises with the use of small animals in Kochi Medical School. Additionally, I would like to discuss the necessity of the use of small animals in exercises as part of the training of medical students.

Psychological/mental stress-induced effects on urinary function: Possible brain molecules related to psychological/mental stress-induced effects on urinary function

Exposure to psychological/mental stress can affect urinary function, and lead to and exacerbate lower urinary tract dysfunctions. There is increasing evidence showing stress-induced changes not only at phenomenological levels in micturition, but also at multiple levels, lower urinary tract tissues, and peripheral and central nervous systems. The brain plays crucial roles in the regulation of the body's responses to stress; however, it is still unclear how the brain integrates stress-related information to induce changes at these multiple levels, thereby affecting urinary function and lower urinary tract dysfunctions. In this review, we introduce recent urological studies investigating the effects of stress exposure on urinary function and lower urinary tract dysfunctions, and our recent studies exploring "pro-micturition" and "anti-micturition" brain molecules related to stress responses. Based on evidence from these studies, we discuss the future directions of central neurourological research investigating how stress exposure-induced changes at peripheral and central levels affect urinary function and lower urinary tract dysfunctions. Brain molecules that we explored might be entry points into dissecting the stress-mediated process for modulating micturition.

Aging-related severe hypertension induces detrusor underactivity in rats

AIMS

Aging is an obvious risk factor for detrusor underactivity. We investigated the effects of aging on bladder function in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

MAIN METHODS

Male spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar Kyoto rats (used as normotensive controls) at the ages of 18, 36, 54, or 72 weeks were used. Bladder weight, blood pressure, bladder blood flow, and urodynamic and renal parameters were measured. Additionally, detrusor thickness and renal histology were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

In spontaneously hypertensive rats, significant increases were observed in bladder weight/body weight ratio, blood pressure, detrusor thickness, intercontraction interval, urine output, serum creatinine, and renal glomerular and tubular scores, and decreases in bladder blood flow and urine osmolality at 72 weeks as compared to those at 18 weeks. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, significant increases were observed in single voided volume, post voiding residual urine volume, and bladder capacity, with decrease in voiding efficiency were observed at 54 or 72 weeks than at 18 weeks. However, there were no significant differences in blood pressure, urodynamic and renal parameters, detrusor thickness and renal histology among Wistar Kyoto rats of different ages.

SIGNIFICANCE

In spontaneously hypertensive rats, aging induces significant increases in blood pressure, single voided volume, post voiding residual urine volume, intercontraction intervals and urine output, and decreases in voiding efficiency and bladder blood flow indicative of detrusor underactivity. Aging-related severe hypertension could induce voiding dysfunction such as detrusor underactivity via severe bladder ischemia and polyuria. Aged spontaneously hypertensive rats may be useful animal models for detrusor underactivity.

Bacillus subtilis var. natto increases the resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans to gram-positive bacteria

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Bacillus subtilis var. natto on the susceptibility of the model host, Caenorhabditis elegans, to bacterial infection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Caenorhabditis elegans worms were fed with a standard food consisting of Escherichia coli OP50 strain (control) or B. subtilis (natto) during their larval stage. The worms were then infected with pathogenic bacteria. We analyzed their survival time and RNA sequencing-based transcriptome. Upon infection with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, the survival time of B. subtilis (natto)-fed worms was longer than that of the control. Transcriptome analyses showed upregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and defense response to gram-positive bacteria in B. subtilis (natto)-fed worms.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus subtilis (natto) conferred an increased resistance of C. elegans to gram-positive bacteria. Our findings provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying B. subtilis (natto)-regulated host immunity and emphasized its probiotic properties for preventing and alleviating infections caused by gram-positive bacteria.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that B. subtilis (natto) confers specific resistance against gram-positive bacteria.

Stimulation of brain α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors suppresses the rat micturition through brain GABAergic receptors

Brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) reportedly suppress the micturition, but the mechanisms responsible for this suppression remain unclear. We previously reported that intracerebroventricularly administered (±)-epibatidine (non-selective nAChR agonist) activated the sympatho-adrenomedullary system, which can affect the micturition. Therefore, we investigated (1) whether intracerebroventricularly administered (±)-epibatidine-induced effects on the micturition were dependent on the sympatho-adrenomedullary system, and (2) brain nAChR subtypes involved in the (±)-epibatidine-induced effects in urethane-anesthetized male Wistar rats. Plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline (catecholamines) were measured just before and 5 min after (±)-epibatidine administration. Evaluation of urodynamic parameters, intercontraction intervals (ICI) and maximal voiding pressure (MVP) by cystometry was started 1 h before (±)-epibatidine administration or intracerebroventricular pretreatment with other drugs and continued 1 h after (±)-epibatidine administration. Intracerebroventricularly administered (±)-epibatidine elevated plasma catecholamines and prolonged ICI without affecting MVP, and these changes were suppressed by intracerebroventricularly pretreated mecamylamine (non-selective nAChR antagonist). Acute bilateral adrenalectomy abolished the (±)-epibatidine-induced elevation of plasma catecholamines, but had no effect on the (±)-epibatidine-induced ICI prolongation. The latter was suppressed by intracerebroventricularly pretreated methyllycaconitine (selective α7-nAChR antagonist), SR95531 (GABAA antagonist), and SCH50911 (GABAB antagonist), but not by dihydro-β-erythroidine (selective α4β2-nAChR antagonist). Intracerebroventricularly administered PHA568487 (selective α7-nAChR agonist) prolonged ICI without affecting MVP, similar to (±)-epibatidine. These results suggest that stimulation of brain α7-nAChRs suppresses the rat micturition through brain GABAA/GABAB receptors, independently of the sympatho-adrenomedullary outflow modulation.

Age-related differences in responses to hydrogen sulfide in the bladder of spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether a response to hydrogen sulfide donors (GYY4137 and sodium hydrosulfide) and the endogenous hydrogen sulfide system (hydrogen sulfide level and expression of cysteine aminotransferase, cystathionine β-synthase, cystathionine γ-lyase, and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat bladder differ with age, we compared the responses of hydrogen sulfide donors to micturition and bladder relaxation, and the endogenous hydrogen sulfide system in the bladder of 18-week versus 12-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats.

METHODS

GYY4137 was intravesically administered and cystometry was performed in anesthetized rats. The responses of sodium hydrosulfide were evaluated in carbachol-mediated precontracted bladder strips. Bladder hydrogen sulfide levels and expression levels of each enzyme were investigated using the methylene blue method and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

GYY4137 treatment significantly prolonged intercontraction intervals only in 12-week-old rats. Sodium hydrosulfide-induced bladder relaxation was significantly attenuated in the strips of 18-week-old rats compared with that in 12-week-old rats. In the bladder dome, significant increases in hydrogen sulfide levels and in the expression of cystathionine β-synthase, 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, and cysteine aminotransferase were observed in 18-week-old rats compared with 12-week-old rats. However, cystathionine γ-lyase bands were not detected in bladder tissues of either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder relaxation induced by hydrogen sulfide may be attenuated in spontaneously hypertensive rats in an age-dependent manner.

[The neuroprotective role of EAAC1 in hippocampal injury following ischemia-reperfusion]

Ischemic stroke is one of the most prevalent brain disorders and the major cause of long-term disability. In particularly, hippocampal injury after ischemia-reperfusion is a serious problem as it contributes to vascular dementia. Many researches have revealed that ischemia-reperfusion causes increase in reactive oxygen species production and disruption of neuronal Zn²⁺ homeostasis in the hippocampus, which induces hippocampal neuron death. Glutathione (GSH) is present in all mammalian cells and plays a crucial role in neuronal cell defense against oxidative stress. On the other hand, thiol group of GSH chemically chelates Zn²⁺ and functions as a regulator of neuronal Zn²⁺ homeostasis. These evidences suggest that neuronal GSH levels could be an important factor affecting neuronal surviving. The synthesis of GSH is largely influenced by intracellular cysteine availability. In neurons, excitatory amino acid carrier type 1 (EAAC1) acts as a cysteine transporter and provides cysteine substrate for GSH synthesis. Recently, several animal studies have revealed that promotion of neuronal GSH synthesis through EAAC1 reduces ischemia-induced hippocampal neuron death. This review aims to describe neuroprotective role of GSH against hippocampal injury following ischemia-reperfusion, focusing on EAAC1.

Therapeutic effects of losartan on prostatic hyperplasia in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIMS

We investigated the therapeutic effects of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, on prostatic hyperplasia in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

MAIN METHODS

Male SHRs (age, 36 weeks) were perorally treated with losartan (3 or 10 mg·kg^-1) or vehicle once daily for 18 weeks. Age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs) were used as vehicle-treated controls (n = 8). The effects of losartan were evaluated by analyzing prostate weight, blood pressure, and prostatic blood flow. The tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) levels were measured. Histological analysis for the ventral prostate involved hematoxylin and eosin staining and TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

KEY FINDINGS

Compared to the vehicle-treated WKYs, the vehicle-treated SHRs had significantly higher prostate weight, prostate weight/body weight ratio (PBR), blood pressure, glandular epithelial area, and tissue MDA, IL-6, and bFGF levels in the ventral prostate and lower prostatic blood flow. Treatment with losartan caused significant recovery of blood flow and decreased PBR and glandular epithelial area as well as tissue MDA, IL-6, and bFGF levels in the SHR ventral prostate without affecting blood pressure. High-dose losartan significantly decreased blood pressure and increased TUNEL-positive cells in the ventral prostate in SHRs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Chronic losartan treatment could ameliorate prostatic hyperplasia via recovery of reduced prostatic blood flow and induction of apoptosis in the ventral prostate in SHRs. Losartan might have therapeutic effects on not only hypertension but also prostatic hyperplasia in humans.

Targeting CD146 using folic acid-conjugated nanoparticles and suppression of tumor growth in a mouse glioma model

OBJECTIVE

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are responsible for tumor initiation, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. CD146 is mainly expressed in dividing GSCs and regulates cell cycle progression. However, the evaluation of the efficacy of targeted therapy against CD146 in vivo remains to be investigated. In this study, the authors aimed to develop gene therapy targeting GSCs using chitosan oligosaccharide lactate (COL) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with folic acid-polyethylene glycol (FA-PEG-COL NPs) for in vitro and in vivo delivery of CD146 small-interfering RNA (siCD146) and to determine the effect of CD146 knockdown on tumor growth.

METHODS

To examine the uptake of NPs by tumor cells, immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, and in vivo imaging were performed. The knockdown effect of siCD146 was measured by western blot and water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 assay in mouse glioma cells. The efficacy of siRNA therapy-targeted GSCs was evaluated by monitoring tumor growth through in vivo imaging and histological analysis.

RESULTS

In vivo accumulation of the FA-PEG-COL NPs in subcutaneous and intracranial gliomas following NP administration via a mouse tail vein was observed. Additionally, in vitro delivery of siCD146 ionically cross-linked NPs, reduced CD146 levels, and suppressed growth in the glioma tumor sphere. Evaluation of the in vivo therapeutic effects of siCD146-cross-linked NPs in a mouse glioma model revealed significant suppression of intracranial tumor growth, with complete removal of the tumor observed in some mice on histological examination. Furthermore, delivery of siCD146 significantly reduced the Ki-67 index in residual tumor tissues relative to that in control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

CD146 is a potential therapeutic target, and folic acid-conjugated NPs delivering siRNA may facilitate gene therapy in malignant gliomas.

Zinc-aggravated M1 microglia regulate astrocytic engulfment via P2×7 receptors

BACKGROUND

Glial cells such as astrocytes and microglia play an important role in the central nervous system via communication between these glial cells. Activated microglia can exhibit either the inflammatory M1 phenotype or the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which influences astrocytic neuroprotective functions, including engulfment of cell debris. Recently, extracellular zinc has been shown to promote the inflammatory M1 phenotype in microglia through intracellular zinc accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

PURPOSE

Here, we investigated whether the zinc-enhanced inflammatory M1 phenotype of microglia affects the astrocytic engulfing activity.

METHODS

Engulfing activity was assessed in astrocytes treated with microglial-conditioned medium (MCM) from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated or from ZnCl2-pretreated LPS-activated M1 microglia. The effect of zinc on microglia phenotype was also validated using the zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) and the ROS scavenger Trolox.

RESULTS

Although treatment of astrocytes with LPS showed no significant effect on the engulfing activity, MCM from LPS-induced M1 microglia increased the beads uptake by astrocytes. This increased uptake activity was suppressed when MCM from LPS-induced M1 microglia pretreated with ZnCl2 was applied to astrocytes, which was further abolished by the intracellular zinc chelator TPEN and the ROS scavenger Trolox. In addition, expression of P2×7 receptors (P2×7R) was increased in astrocytes treated with MCM derived from M1 microglia but not in the M1 microglia pretreated with ZnCl2.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that zinc pre-treatment abolishes the ability of LPS-induced M1 microglia to increase the engulfing activity in astrocytes via alteration of astrocytic P2×7R.

Stimulation of brain cannabinoid CB1 receptors can ameliorate hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Excessive activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system plays a pathogenic role in triggering and sustaining essential hypertension. We previously reported that, in normotensive rats, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing factor and bombesin induced activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary system, and that brain cannabinoid CB₁ receptors negatively regulated this activation. In this study, we investigated the effects of brain CB₁ receptor stimulation on blood pressure and the sympatho-adrenomedullary outflow in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), commonly used animal models of essential hypertension, and in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, normotensive controls of SHRs. In 18-week-old SHRs and WKY rats under urethane anaesthesia (1.0 g/kg, i.p.), SHRs exhibited significantly higher systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures and plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline, and a lower heart rate than WKY rats. Single administration of arachidonyl 2'-chloroethylamide (ACEA, CB₁ agonist, 1.4 µmol/animal, i.c.v.) significantly but partially reduced mean and diastolic blood pressures and the plasma level of noradrenaline in SHRs compared to vehicle (N,N-dimethylformamide)-treated SHRs. These ACEA-induced reductions were abolished by central pretreatment with rimonabant (CB₁ antagonist, 300 nmol/animal, i.c.v.), which alone showed no significant effect on blood pressures or plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels of SHRs. On the other hand, ACEA had no significant effect on blood pressure or plasma noradrenaline and adrenaline levels in WKY rats. These results suggest that stimulation of brain CB₁ receptors can ameliorate hypertension accompanied by enhanced sympathetic outflow without affecting blood pressure under normotensive conditions.

Effects of silodosin and tadalafil on bladder dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats: Possible role of bladder blood flow

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of an alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, silodosin, or a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, tadalafil, on bladder overactivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

METHODS

Twelve-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats were perorally administered silodosin (100 µg/kg), tadalafil (2 or 10 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 6 weeks. Wistar rats were used as normotensive controls and were treated with the vehicle. At 18-weeks-old, the effects of silodosin or tadalafil on blood pressure, bladder blood flow, urodynamic parameters (i.e. micturition frequency, urine output, inter-contraction interval, maximum voiding pressure, single voided volume and post-voiding residual urine volume), and bladder tissue levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured.

RESULTS

A significant increase in blood pressure, micturition frequency and bladder tissue levels of malondialdehyde, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was noted in spontaneously hypertensive rats. The single voided volume, bladder capacity and bladder blood flow were significantly lower in the spontaneously hypertensive rats than in the Wistar rats. Treatment with silodosin and the higher dose of tadalafil improved the urodynamic parameters, bladder blood flow and bladder tissue levels of malondialdehyde in the spontaneously hypertensive rats without affecting the blood pressure and bladder tissue levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with silodosin or tadalafil might improve hypertension-related bladder overactivity, as shown in spontaneously hypertensive rats through an improvement in the bladder blood flow and bladder tissue levels of oxidative stress.

[Central regulation mechanisms for stress-induced frequent urination]

Psychological stress can induce not only frequent urination but also exacerbation of bladder dysfunctions. However, the brain pathophysiological mechanisms underlying stress-induced effects on the micturition reflex are still unknown. Bombesin (BB)-related peptides and BB receptors in the brain have been reported to mediate and integrate stress responses. We have found that centrally administered BB induced frequent urination in rats through brain BB₁ and BB₂ receptors, serotoninergic nervous system/5-HT₇ receptors and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) type1 (CRF₁) receptors. Interestingly, the BB-induced frequent urination was independent of the BB-induced activation of the sympatho-adrenomedullary outflow, a representative response to stress. Because the outflow is well known to regulate micturition, the finding was very surprising. These findings indicate that brain BB₁, BB₂, 5-HT₇ and CRF₁ receptors could be new therapeutic targets for bladder dysfunction exacerbated by stress exposure.

[Roles of endogenous hydrogen sulfide in the bladder and prostate]

Recently, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been recognized as the third gasotransmitter besides nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, and it has been reported that H₂S exhibits various physiological functions such as neuromodulation and vasorelaxation. In the lower urinary tract (bladder and prostate), it is reported that donors of H₂S induce contraction of the rat detrusor and relaxation of the pig bladder neck. These reports suggest a possibility that H₂S may have site-specific effects on the bladder. However, the detailed functions of H₂S in each part of the bladder are still unclear. In addition, there is no report showing physiological roles of H₂S in the prostate. In this article, we will review the distribution of enzymes related to H₂S biosynthesis and physiological roles of H₂S in the lower urinary tract based on reports from our and other groups. We will also introduce a possibility that H₂S can be a new therapeutic target against lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) based on our data from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), which develop hypertension-mediated LUTS.

[Brain zinc dyshomeostasis and glial cells in ischemic stroke]

Zinc, an essential trace element, plays an important role in a large number of biological functions. In mammalian brain, whereas the majority of brain zinc is bound to proteins including metallothionein, about 5-15% is stored in presynaptic vesicles of glutamatergic neurons throughout the forebrain, especially in the hippocampus, in a relatively free state. Thus, free zinc (Zn²⁺) concentration in the brain is considered to be regulated in order to maintain normal brain functions such as learning and memory. On the other hand, brain Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis has been recognized as a mechanism for neuronal injury in brain disorders including Alzheimer's disease and brain ischemia. In particular, after transient brain ischemia, Zn²⁺ accumulates in hippocampal neurons via a zinc transport system, or via release from cytosolic zinc-binding proteins, which results in neuronal cell death. Recently, it has been demonstrated that Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis also occurs in glial cells such as microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes after brain ischemia. In oligodendrocytes, ischemic insult triggers intracellular Zn²⁺ accumulation, resulting in cell death via mitochondrial dysfunction. Increased extracellular Zn²⁺ inhibits astrocytic glutamate uptake. In addition, extracellular Zn²⁺ massively released from ischemic neurons primes microglia to enhance production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to stimuli that trigger M1 activation. This review aims to describe the impact of brain Zn²⁺ dyshomeostasis on alterations in glial cell survival and functions in post-ischemic brains.

New precise measurements of muonium hyperfine structure at J-PARC MUSE

High precision measurements of the ground state hyperfine structure (HFS) of muonium is a stringent tool for testing bound-state quantum electrodynamics (QED) theory, determining fundamental constants of the muon magnetic moment and mass, and searches for new physics. Muonium is the most suitable system to test QED because both theoretical and experimental values can be precisely determined. Previous measurements were performed decades ago at LAMPF with uncertainties mostly dominated by statistical errors. At the J-PARC Muon Science Facility (MUSE), the MuSEUM collaboration is planning complementary measurements of muonium HFS both at zero and high magnetic field. The new high-intensity muon beam that will soon be available at H-Line will provide an opportunity to improve the precision of these measurements by one order of magnitude. An overview of the different aspects of these new muonium HFS measurements, the current status of the preparation for high-field measurements, and the latest results at zero field are presented.

[Prostatic blood flow as prominent targets on benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic enlargement (BPH/BPE) is a common proliferative disease, and giving rise to associate with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, the pathogenesis is not well clarified, and thought to be multifactorial. There are some lines of evidence that impairment in the blood supply of the lower urinary tract causes development of BPH/BPE. Clinical data showed an association between the development of BPH/BPE and atherosclerotic disease such as hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) has been used as model of genetic hypertension. SHR also shows decreased blood flow and hyperplastic morphological abnormalities in the ventral prostate. Our previous studies demonstrated that chronic treatment with vasodilative drugs nicorandil (ATP sensitive potassium channel opener) and silodosin (alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist) increased blood flow and suppressed the growth factor and morphological abnormalities in the SHR ventral prostate. These data suggested that prostatic blood flow could be therapeutic targets for BPH/LUTS.

The inhibitory role of intracellular free zinc in the regulation of Arg-1 expression in interleukin-4-induced activation of M2 microglia

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, can display a pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype or an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. Arginase (Arg)-1 expressed in interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced M2 microglia reduces nitric oxide (NO) production by competing with inducible NO synthase for l-arginine, which contributes to the attenuation of brain inflammation. Although previous studies have indicated that brain zinc promotes M1 activation, the effect of zinc on M2 microglial activation remains to be determined. In the present study, murine primary microglia treated with 10 ng mL^-1 IL-4 exhibited increased Arg-1 mRNA expression and levels of intracellular free zinc. Chelation of this increased intracellular free zinc by the cell permeable zinc chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) aggravated the IL-4-induced mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of Arg-1. However, the cell impermeable zinc chelator CaEDTA had no effect on Arg-1 expression or cytosolic levels of free zinc in IL-4-induced M2-polarized microglia. Furthermore, treatment with IL-4 resulted in upregulation of phagocytic activity in microglia, while administration of TPEN abolished IL-4-induced phagocytic activity. Moreover, this effect was reversed vial-arginine supplementation. These findings suggest that IL-4 induces an increase in intracellular free zinc in microglia, which may act as a negative regulator of IL-4-induced Arg-1 expression, and that such negative regulation is essential for microglial phagocytic activity.

Angiotensin II, a stress-related neuropeptide in the CNS, facilitates micturition reflex in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We investigated the effects of centrally administered stress-related neuropeptide, angiotensin II, on the micturition reflex and the downstream signalling pathways in rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Male Wistar rats were anaesthetized with urethane for cystometry before and after i.c.v. administration of vehicle or angiotensin II (30 pmol). Muscimol (a GABA_A receptor agonist) or baclofen (a GABA_B receptor agonist) was i.c.v. administered 30 min before or 15 min after central angiotensin II administration. Telmisartan [an angiotensin II type 1 (AT₁ ) receptor antagonist], valsartan (an AT₁ receptor antagonist), PD123319 (an AT₂ receptor antagonist), U-73122 (a PLC inhibitor), chelerythrine chloride (a PKC inhibitor), apocynin (a NADPH oxidase inhibitor) or tempol (an antioxidant) was centrally administered 30 min before central angiotensin II administration.

KEY RESULTS

Centrally administered angiotensin II significantly shortened the intercontraction interval and decreased the voided volume and bladder capacity without altering the maximum voiding pressure, post-voiding residual urine volume or voiding efficacy. Muscimol, baclofen, telmisartan, valsartan, U-73122, chelerythrine chloride, apocynin or tempol pretreatment significantly suppressed the reduction in intercontraction interval induced by central angiotensin II. Post-treatment with muscimol or baclofen also ameliorated the decrease in intercontraction interval induced by central angiotensin II.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Angiotensin II in the CNS facilitates micturition reflex by inhibiting central GABAergic activity and activating the AT₁ receptor/PLC/PKC/NADPH oxidase/superoxide anion pathway.

Stimulation of brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors activates adrenomedullary outflow via brain inducible NO synthase-mediated S-nitrosylation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We have demonstrated that i.c.v.-administered (±)-epibatidine, a nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) agonist, induced secretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline (catecholamines) from the rat adrenal medulla with dihydro-β-erythroidin (an α4β2 nAChR antagonist)-sensitive brain mechanisms. Here, we examined central mechanisms for the (±)-epibatidine-induced responses, focusing on brain NOS and NO-mediated mechanisms, soluble GC (sGC) and protein S-nitrosylation (a posttranslational modification of protein cysteine thiol groups), in urethane-anaesthetized (1.0 g·kg^-1 , i.p.) male Wistar rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

(±)-Epibatidine was i.c.v. treated after i.c.v. pretreatment with each inhibitor described below. Then, plasma catecholamines were measured electrochemically after HPLC. Immunoreactivity of S-nitrosylated cysteine (SNO-Cys) in α4 nAChR subunit (α4)-positive spinally projecting neurones in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN, a regulatory centre of adrenomedullary outflow) after i.c.v. (±)-epibatidine administration was also investigated.

KEY RESULTS

(±)-Epibatidine-induced elevation of plasma catecholamines was significantly attenuated by L-NAME (non-selective NOS inhibitor), carboxy-PTIO (NO scavenger), BYK191023 [selective inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor] and dithiothreitol (thiol-reducing reagent), but not by 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (selective neuronal NOS inhibitor) or ODQ (sGC inhibitor). (±)-Epibatidine increased the number of spinally projecting PVN neurones with α4- and SNO-Cys-immunoreactivities, and this increment was reduced by BYK191023.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Stimulation of brain nAChRs can induce elevation of plasma catecholamines through brain iNOS-derived NO-mediated protein S-nitrosylation in rats. Therefore, brain nAChRs (at least α4β2 subtype) and NO might be useful targets for alleviation of catecholamines overflow induced by smoking.

Outcome of indeterminate liver lesions on computed tomography in patients with colorectal cancer

Introduction The aim of this study was to determinate the outcome of indeterminate liver lesions on computed tomography (CT) in patients with a background history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and to identify clinicopathological variables associated with malignancy in these lesions. A secondary aim was to devise a management algorithm for such patients. Methods Patients referred to our institution with indeterminate liver lesions on CT with a background history of CRC between January 2012 and December 2014 were included in the study. Clinicopathological factors, surveillance period and histological findings were analysed. Results Fifty-six patients with indeterminate liver lesions were identified. Fifty-three (94.6%) of these required further imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI; n=50] and positron emission tomography combined with CT [n=3]). For the patients who had MRI, the underlying diagnosis was benign in 19 and colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) in 8 while 23 patients and an indeterminate lesion. In cases that remained indeterminate following MRI, liver resection was performed in 2 patients for a high suspicion of CRLM while the 21 remaining patients underwent interval surveillance (median: 9 months, range: 3-52 months). Of these 21 patients, 14 had benign lesions while CRLM was noted in 6 patients and an incidental hepatocellular carcinoma in a single patient. Age ≥65 years was the only statistically significant clinicopathological factor in predicting an underlying malignancy in patients with indeterminate liver lesions on CT. Conclusions Over a third of the patients diagnosed with indeterminate liver lesions on CT subsequently showed evidence of CRLM. These indeterminate lesions are more likely to be malignant in patients aged ≥65 years.

Brain serotoninergic nervous system is involved in bombesin-induced frequent urination through brain 5-HT7 receptors in rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Psychological stress exacerbates symptoms of urinary bladder dysfunction; however, the underlying brain mechanisms are unclear. We have demonstrated that centrally administered bombesin, a stress-related neuropeptide, facilitates the rat micturition reflex. Brain bombesin-like peptides modulate the serotoninergic nervous system activity under stress conditions; therefore, we examined whether brain 5-HT is involved in the bombesin-induced increased frequency of urination in urethane-anaesthetised male Sprague-Dawley rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Evaluation of intercontraction intervals (ICI) and maximal voiding pressure (MVP) during cystometrograms were started 1 h before i.c.v. administration of bombesin or i.c.v. pretreatment with the 5-HT receptor antagonists.

KEY RESULTS

Bombesin (0.03 nmol per animal, i.c.v.) significantly reduced ICI without affecting MVP. The bombesin-induced response was significantly suppressed by acute depletion of brain 5-HT, which was induced by pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine, a 5-HT synthesis inhibitor. Bombesin at a lower dose (0.01 nmol per animal, i.c.v.) showed no significant effect on ICI, while it significantly reduced ICI in the presence of WAY-100635 (5-HT_1A receptor antagonist, 0.1 or 0.3 μg per animal, i.c.v.), which can block the negative feedback control of 5-HT release. Bombesin (0.03 nmol per animal)-induced ICI reduction was significantly attenuated by SB269970 (5-HT₇ receptor antagonist, 0.1 or 0.3 μg per animal, i.c.v.) but not by ritanserin (5-HT₂ receptor antagonist, 0.3 or 1 μg per animal, i.c.v.).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The brain serotoninergic nervous system is involved in the facilitation of the rat micturition reflex induced by bombesin-like peptides at least in part through brain 5-HT₇ receptors.

ASP2409, A Next-Generation CTLA4-Ig, Versus Belatacept in Renal Allograft Survival in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Belatacept is the first costimulatory blockade agent approved for maintenance immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients. Clinical results have indicated that belatacept is associated with superior renal function and improved metabolic profile; however, higher incidence of acute rejection and posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder are the shortcomings of this agent. In this study, ASP2409, a new cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4-immunoglobulin possessing 14-fold higher in vitro CD86 binding affinity than belatacept, was tested for renal allograft survival in cynomolgus monkeys. ASP2409 monotherapy dose-dependently prolonged renal allograft survival. Low-dose ASP2409 in combination with a subtherapeutic dose of tacrolimus showed much longer median survival time than monotherapy. Similar allograft survival results were observed in regimens based on high-dose ASP2409, belatacept, and therapeutic-dose tacrolimus. The results of renal allograft histopathology with high-dose ASP2409-based regimens were not inferior to the belatacept-based regimen. Moreover, higher frequencies of FoxP3-positive regulatory T cells in renal allografts were observed in ASP2409- and belatacept-based regimens compared with tacrolimus-based regimens. No serious side effects related to ASP2409 administration were found during the study. These data suggest that ASP2409 is a promising candidate for calcineurin inhibitor-sparing or -avoidance regimens.

Detection of Vascular Disease Risk in Women by Panoramic Radiography

Low bone mineral density and rapid bone loss of the skeleton are associated with mortality risk from vascular diseases in post-menopausal women. Panoramic radiographic measurements are considered as indicators of skeletal bone mineral density or bone turnover. We hypothesize that such measurements may be associated with vascular disease risk in post-menopausal women. Associations of mandibular cortical shape and width on panoramic radiographs with skeletal bone mineral density and risk factors related to vascular diseases were investigated in 87 post-menopausal women. Cortical shape was associated with skeletal bone mineral density, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, resting heart rate, and endothelial dysfunction. Cortical width was associated with skeletal bone mineral density, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A1. Dentists may be able to refer women with increased risk of vascular diseases, as well as low bone mineral density, to medical professionals for further examination by panoramic findings.

Measurement of Excitation Spectra in the ^{12}C(p,d) Reaction near the η^{'} Emission Threshold

Excitation spectra of ^{11}C are measured in the ^{12}C(p,d) reaction near the η^{'} emission threshold. A proton beam extracted from the synchrotron SIS-18 at GSI with an incident energy of 2.5 GeV impinges on a carbon target. The momenta of deuterons emitted at 0° are precisely measured with the fragment separator (FRS) operated as a spectrometer. In contrast to theoretical predictions on the possible existence of deeply bound η^{'}-mesic states in carbon nuclei, no distinct structures are observed associated with the formation of bound states. The spectra are analyzed to set stringent constraints on the formation cross section and on the hitherto barely known η^{'}-nucleus interaction.