Wnt/β-catenin-C-kit axis may play a role in adenoid cystic carcinoma prognostication

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common malignant salivary gland tumors. ACC is composed of myoepithelial and epithelial neoplastic cells which grow slowly and have a tendency for neural invasion. The long term prognosis is still relatively poor. Although several gene abnormalities, such as fusions involving MYB or MYBL1 oncogenes and the transcription factor gene NFIB, and overexpression of KIT have been reported in ACC, their precise functions in the pathogenesis of ACC remain unclear. We recently demonstrated that the elevated expression of Semaphorin 3A (SEMA3A), specifically expressed in myoepithelial neoplastic cells, might function as a novel oncogene-related molecule to enhance cell proliferation through activated AKT signaling in 9/10 (90%) ACC cases. In the current study, the patient with ACC whose tumor was negative for SEMA3A in the previous study, revisited our hospital with late metastasis of ACC to the cervical lymph node eight years after surgical resection of the primary tumor. We characterized this recurrent ACC, and compared it with the primary ACC using immunohistochemical methods. In the recurrent ACC, the duct lining epithelial cells, not myoepithelial neoplastic cells, showed an elevated Ki-67 index and increased cell membrane expression of C-kit, along with the expression of phosphorylated ERK. Late metastasis ACC specimens were not positive for β-catenin and lymphocyte enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), which were detected in the nuclei of perineural infiltrating cells in primary ACC cells. In addition, experiments with the GSK-3 inhibitor revealed that β-catenin pathway suppressed not only KIT expression but also proliferation of ACC cells. Moreover, stem cell factor (SCF; also known as KIT ligand, KITL) induced ERK activation in ACC cells. These results suggest that inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may promote C-kit-ERK signaling and cell proliferation of in metastatic ACC.

Stepwise activation of p63 and the MEK/ERK pathway induces the expression of ARL4C to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation

Carcinogenesis is a multistep process wherein cells accumulate multiple genetic alterations and progress to a more malignant phenotype. It has been proposed that sequential accumulation of gene abnormalities in specific genes drives the transition from non-tumorous epithelia through a preneoplastic lesion/benign tumor to cancer. Histologically, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progresses in multiple ordered steps that begin with mucosal epithelial cell hyperplasia, which is followed by dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. It is therefore hypothesized that genetic alteration-mediated multistep carcinogenesis would be involved in the development of OSCC; however, the detailed molecular mechanisms are unknown. We clarified the comprehensive gene expression patterns and carried out an enrichment analysis using DNA microarray data from a pathological specimen of OSCC (including a non-tumor region, carcinoma in situ lesion and invasive carcinoma lesion). The expression of numerous genes and signal activation were altered in the development of OSCC. Among these, the p63 expression was increased and the MEK/ERK-MAPK pathway was activated in carcinoma in situ lesion and in invasive carcinoma lesion. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that p63 was initially upregulated in carcinoma in situ and ERK was sequentially activated in invasive carcinoma lesions in OSCC specimens. ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-like 4c (ARL4C), the expression of which is reportedly induced by p63 and/or the MEK/ERK-MAPK pathway in OSCC cells, has been shown to promote tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemically, in OSCC specimens, ARL4C was more frequently detected in tumor lesions, especially in invasive carcinoma lesions, than in carcinoma in situ lesions. Additionally, ARL4C and phosphorylated ERK were frequently merged in invasive carcinoma lesions. Loss-of-function experiments using inhibitors and siRNAs revealed that p63 and MEK/ERK-MAPK cooperatively induce the expression of ARL4C and cell growth in OSCC cells. These results suggest that the stepwise activation of p63 and MEK/ERK-MAPK contributes to OSCC tumor cell growth through regulation of ARL4C expression.

Bone morphogenetic protein induces bone invasion of melanoma by epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the Smad1/5 signaling pathway

Oral malignant melanoma, which frequently invades the hard palate or maxillary bone, is extremely rare and has a poor prognosis. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is abundantly expressed in bone matrix and is highly expressed in malignant melanoma, inducing an aggressive phenotype. We examined the role of BMP signaling in the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype in melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. In five cases, immunohistochemistry indicated the phosphorylation of Smad1/5 (p-Smad1/5) in the nuclei of melanoma cells. In the B16 mouse and A2058 human melanoma cell lines, BMP2, BMP4, or BMP7 induces morphological changes accompanied by the downregulation of E-cadherin, and the upregulation of N-cadherin and Snail, markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). BMP2 also stimulates cell invasion by increasing matrix metalloproteinase activity in B16 cells. These effects were canceled by the addition of LDN193189, a specific inhibitor of Smad1/5 signaling. In vivo, the injection of B16 cells expressing constitutively activated ALK3 enhanced zygoma destruction in comparison to empty B16 cells by increasing osteoclast numbers. These results suggest that the activation of BMP signaling induces EMT, thus driving the acquisition of an aggressive phenotype in malignant melanoma.

YAP signaling induces PIEZO1 to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation

Most cancer cells are exposed to altered extracellular environments, such as an increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and soluble signals consisting of growth factors and cytokines. It is therefore conceivable that changes in tumor extracellular environments affect tumor cell behavior. The Hippo pathway reportedly responds to the extracellular environment and regulates the nuclear localization of the transcription co-activator, yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Inactivation of the Hippo pathway with nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ stimulates cell proliferation. Its pathway also regulates gene expression, but the precise molecule(s) meditating the cell-proliferating effect of YAP signaling on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is unclear. First, we examined the effects of YAP signaling on OSCC tumorigenesis. Loss-of-function experiments using siRNA or an inhibitor, and immunohistochemical analyses of tissue specimens obtained from OSCC patients demonstrated that YAP signaling was involved in OSCC cell proliferation. Second, we identified Piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1), a Ca²⁺ channel, as a transcriptional target of YAP signaling and showed that elevated PIEZO1 was required for PIEZO1 agonist-dependent Ca²⁺ entry and cell proliferation in OSCC cells. Experiments using three-dimensional and suspension culture revealed that PIEZO1 was involved in OSCC cellular growth. Finally, YAP overexpression in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm was immunohistochemically detected in tumor lesions with frequent expression of both PIEZO1 and Ki-67, but not in non-tumor regions of OSCC specimens. These results suggest that the YAP/PIEZO1 axis promotes OSCC cell growth. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The TRPV4-AKT axis promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation via CaMKII activation

Most human malignant tumor cells arise from epithelial tissues, which show distinctive characteristics, such as polarization, cell-to-cell contact between neighboring cells, and anchoring to a basement membrane. When tumor cells invaginate into the stroma, the cells are exposed to extracellular environments, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). Increased ECM stiffness has been reported to promote cellular biological activities, such as excessive cellular growth and enhanced migration capability. Therefore, tumorous ECM stiffness is not only an important clinical tumor feature but also plays a pivotal role in tumor cell behavior. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), a Ca²⁺-permeable nonselective cation channel, has been reported to be mechano-sensitive and to regulate tumorigenesis, but the underlying molecular mechanism in tumorigenesis remains unclear. The function of TRPV4 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is also unknown. The current study was conducted to investigate whether or not TRPV4 might be involved in OSCC tumorigenesis. TRPV4 mRNA levels were elevated in OSCC cell lines compared with normal oral epithelial cells, and its expression was required for TRPV4 agonist-dependent Ca²⁺ entry. TRPV4-depleted tumor cells exhibited decreased proliferation capabilities in three-dimensional culture but not in a low-attachment plastic dish. A xenograft tumor model demonstrated that TRPV4 expression was involved in cancer cell proliferation in vivo. Furthermore, loss-of-function experiments using siRNA or an inhibitor revealed that the TRPV4 expression was required for CaMKII-mediated AKT activation. Immunohistochemical analyses of tissue specimens obtained from 36 OSCC patients showed that TRPV4 was weakly observed in non-tumor regions but was strongly expressed in tumor lesions at high frequencies where phosphorylated AKT expression was frequently detected. These results suggest that the TRPV4/CaMKII/AKT axis, which might be activated by extracellular environments, promotes OSCC tumor cell growth.

Anorexigenic effects of miglitol in concert with the alterations of gut hormone secretion and gastric emptying in healthy subjects

Although the α-glucosidase inhibitor miglitol (MG) has been reported to have anorexigenic effects, the mechanism remains to be elucidated. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of MG on appetite in relation to concomitant changes in postprandial gut hormone levels. This randomized open-label crossover study included 20 healthy volunteers. The effects of 50 mg MG on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and ghrelin levels were assessed in conjunction with a simultaneous determination of appetite scores using visual analogue scales (VAS) over 3 h after the ingestion of a 592 kcal test cookie. Additionally, the gastric emptying rate (GER) was measured using breath ¹³CO₂ appearance in 10 subjects. 12 subjects were administered 50 mg MG thrice a day for 1 week, and alterations of the gut hormone levels and the VAS scores for appetite were evaluated. MG pre-administration resulted in a significant enhancement of GLP-1 and PYY responses induced by the cookie ingestion. Following MG administration, ghrelin level declined at 1 h, with a persistent suppression during the postprandial phase in contrast to the restoration to the basal level without MG. Furthermore, MG pre-administration suppressed appetite and maintained satiety evaluated using a VAS rating with concomitant inhibition of GER after cookie ingestion. One-week administration of MG did not influence either gut hormone levels before a meal or VAS rating during a whole day. These observations suggest that MG exerts an anorexigenic effects with concomitant alterations of gut hormone secretions and gastric emptying after meal ingestion.

Hyperadiponectinemia protects against premature death in metabolic syndrome model mice by inhibiting AKT signaling and chronic inflammation

We previously reported that transgenic (Tg) expression of adiponectin significantly prolonged the lifespan of normal mice. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism involved in the longevity effects of adiponectin using KK/Ta mice, a murine model of metabolic syndrome. We established a Tg line of KK/Ta (Tg-KK/Ta) mice expressing human adiponectin in the liver, and assessed their lifespan. The cause of death was determined by macroscopic and microscopic examinations immediately after death. The expressions of SIRT1, C-reactive protein (CRP), inflammatory cytokines, AMPK, and AKT were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, ELISAs, and/or western blotting. KK/Ta mice had lower serum adiponectin levels and shorter lifespan (57.6±13.9 vs 106.5±18.3 weeks, P<0.0001) than C57BL/6N mice. Tg adiponectin expression significantly extended the lifespan of KK/Ta mice (73.6±16.6 weeks, P<0.001) without affecting body weight, daily food consumption, or plasma glucose levels. Neoplasms were observed in only three of 22 KK/Ta mice that died spontaneously because of tumors. Atherosclerotic lesions were not detected in any mice. SIRT1 levels were not significantly different between KK/Ta and Tg-KK/Ta mice. Gene expressions of Crp, Tnfα, Il6, and Nfκb were increased in KK/Ta mice, but they were significantly attenuated in Tg-KK/Ta mice. Phosphorylated AMPK levels were increased and phosphorylated AKT levels were decreased in Tg-KK/Ta mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of adiponectin, achieved by inhibiting the AKT signaling pathway, may explain how adiponectin slows the accelerated aging process associated with the metabolic syndrome.

Differences in the composition of intestinal Bifidobacterium species and the development of allergic diseases in infants in rural Japan

BACKGROUND

Bifidobacterium is a dominant genus in the intestinal microbiota of infants and comprises many different species. A series of studies performed in northern Europe showed differences in the composition of Bifidobacterium species between allergic infants and healthy controls. Additional studies are needed to confirm this observation.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the composition of fecal Bifidobacterium species in allergic infants and healthy controls in Japan, using molecular methods.

METHODS

Full-term born babies were followed up to 6 months of age at a local hospital in rural Japan. The presence or absence of allergy was determined based on allergic symptoms and skin prick tests. Fecal Bifidobacterium species in allergic infants (n=10), and healthy controls (n=16) were evaluated using nine Bifidobacterium species-specific or group-specific primers based on 16S rDNA sequences at 1, 3, and 6 months of age.

RESULTS

The number of the infants in whom no Bifidobacterium species could be found was four (15.4%) at 1 month, two (7.7%) at 3 months, and one (3.3%) at 6 months of age, all of whom were healthy controls. At 1 month of age, allergic infants had a higher prevalence f the Bifidobacterium catenulatum group than healthy controls (60.0% vs. 6.3%, P<0.01). At 6 months of age, allergic infants had a higher prevalence of B. bifidum than healthy controls (70.0% vs. 12.5%, P<0.01). These differences were not related to feeding method.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results in infants in rural Japan support the hypothesis that a compositional difference in intestinal Bifidobacterium species may be associated with the development of allergy in early infancy, although the responsible species might vary among countries or races.

Restoration of elbow function by intercostal nerve transfer for obstetrical paralysis with co-contraction of the biceps and the triceps

Among the conservatively treated patients with obstetrical paralysis after delivery in the vertex presentation, cross reinnervation sometimes occurs in the course of their recovery and co-contraction of multiple muscles impairs smooth upper limb motion. Such co-contraction of the biceps and the triceps inhibits normal elbow motion, making it impossible to use the elbow effectively in daily activities, despite adequate strength in these muscles. To overcome biceps/triceps co-contraction, we performed intercostal nerve transfer to the musculocutaneous nerve for three patients of age 11 months, 6 years and 9 years, respectively, and to the motor branches of the triceps for two patients of age 4 and 14 year-old, respectively. During the average follow-up period of 5.6 (range 1-11.5) years, the power of the reinnervated muscle improved to more than M3, and smooth motion of the elbow independently of shoulder motion was restored.

Lower plasma adiponectin concentration predicts the efficacy of pioglitazone in diabetic patients

AIM

To investigate clinical efficacy of pioglitazone in association with plasma adiponectin concentration in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Ten diabetic patients were treated with 15 or 30 mg of pioglitazone for 8 weeks, and association between plasma adiponectin concentration before treatment and decrease in glycated albumin levels was examined.

RESULTS

Treatment with pioglitazone for 8 weeks lowered glycated albumin level (27.1 +/- 1.2 to 23.8 +/- 1.4%, p < 0.05), and inverse relationship between changes in glycated albumin and plasma adiponectin concentration before treatment was revealed (r = -0.66, p < 0.05). Plasma adiponectin concentrations of patients whose glycated albumin level reduced by more than 10% of the levels before treatment were significantly lower than those of patients whose glycaemic control was affected less (5.2 +/- 0.6 vs. 8.0 +/- 1.0 micro g/ml, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lower plasma adiponectin concentration predicts the clinical efficacy of pioglitazone.

[Specific and rapid identification of Malassezia species based on the DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 regions]

Species identification of genus Malassezia is important in epidemiological and etiological studies, however, is difficult by the conventional system. A specific and rapid identification system based on sequences of internal transcribed spacer 1 of ribosomal DNA has therefore been developed. Using this system, we could identify two or more species mixed in the clinical samples.

Effects of biotin on glucotoxicity or lipotoxicity in rat pancreatic islets

Biotin (vitamin H) plays an important role as a cofactor in glucose or lipid metabolism. We showed that biotin potentiated glucose-induced insulin release in isolated rat islets, while biotin alone did not affect insulin release. Coculture with biotin in islets for 48 hours significantly enhanced glucose-induced insulin release or islet insulin content. Similarly, preproinsulin or pancreatic/duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) mRNA was also enhanced in islets cultured with biotin for 48 hours. Furthermore, we measured effects of biotin on beta-cell function under glucotoxic or lipotoxic states. In islets cultured with high glucose or palmitate for 48 hours, glucose-induced insulin release or islet insulin content deteriorated. Coculture with biotin significantly restored glucose-induced insulin release or islet insulin content together with the restoration of preproinsulin or PDX-1 mRNA. We conclude that biotin exerts its beneficial effects on beta-cell dysfunction induced by glucose or free fatty acids probably through the enhancement of insulin biosynthesis.

Effects of bezafibrate on beta-cell function of rat pancreatic islets

Bezafibrate is an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) alpha. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of bezafibrate and the PPAR alpha activator, 4-Cholro-6-(2.3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidin-ylthio acetic acid (WY14643), on the beta-cell function of rat pancreatic islets in vitro. In islets cultured with 300 microM bezafibrate or WY14643 for 8 h, a low glucose concentration induced insulin release and increased the levels of mRNA for PPAR alpha, acyl CoA oxidase, carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 alpha or pyruvate carboxylase. In contrast, after a 48-h culture period, a high glucose concentration induced insulin release and islet insulin content, but decreased the levels of mRNA for glucose transporter-2 (GLUT-2), preproinsulin or pancreatic/duodenal homeobox-1. Diazoxide, the KATP channel opener, restored these responses. We conclude that bezafibrate enhances insulin release through the activation of PPAR alpha gene expression during a short culture period, whereas it may contribute to beta-cell dysfunction through the mechanism of "excessive stimulation" during longer culture periods.

The role of cyclic AMP in the pathogenesis of glucose desensitization in rat pancreatic islets

Adenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) promotes exocytosis of insulin in pancreatic beta cells. This study was performed to investigate the role of cyclic AMP in the pathogenesis of glucose desensitization in rat pancreatic islets. In islets cultured with high glucose for 48 hours, 27 mmol/L glucose-induced insulin release was markedly impaired, while 3.3 mmol/L glucose-or arginine-induced insulin release was enhanced, indicating glucose desensitization. Islet cyclic AMP content was 190% enhanced in high glucose-culture islets for 48 hours. In islets cultured with dibutyryl-cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) or 3-isobutyl methy-xanthine (IBMX), islet insulin content or 27 mmol/L glucose-induced insulin release was deteriorated. In contrast, 3.3 mmol/L glucose- or arginine-induced insulin release was increased, which was similar to glucose-desensitized islets. Wash-out of dbc AMP for the last 24 hours of the 48-hour culture period restored impaired high glucose-induced insulin release in the same manner as wash-out of high glucose. Diazoxide, the KATP channel opener, also restored impaired high glucose-induced insulin release from dbcAMP-cultured islets. The data suggest that enhancement of cyclic AMP in high glucose-culture islets may be one of the pathogenesis of glucose desensitization.

Effects of free fatty acids on beta-cell functions: a possible involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha or pancreatic/duodenal homeobox

It is well known that acute administration of fatty acids enhances insulin release from beta cells, although chronic exposure to fatty acids inhibits insulin release (lipotoxicity). The mechanism for these reciprocal effects of fatty acids on insulin release remains to be elucidated. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of fatty acids on gene expression related to glucose metabolism or insulin biosynthesis. In islets cultured with palmitate for 8 hours, glucose-induced insulin release was enhanced together with increment of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) mRNA or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)alpha. In contrast, by extending the culture period up to 48 hours, glucose-induced insulin release or islet insulin content was significantly impaired by the coexistence of palmitate. Concomitantly, PC, PPARalpha, GLUT-2, glucokinase (GK), preproinsulin, or pancreatic/duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) mRNA were significantly suppressed in those islets cultured for 48 hours with palmitate. These data may imply that during short-term culture period palmitate promotes PPARalpha gene expression, which enhances PC mRNA expression leading to the enhancement of insulin release, whereas during long-term culture period, palmitate rather inhibits PPARalpha mRNA, which reduces PC mRNA expression. Furthermore, palmitate reduces GLUT-2, GK, or preproinsulin mRNA expression probably through the inhibition of PDX-1 mRNA.

Multiple constrictions of the radial nerve without external compression

We report a patient with multiple constrictions within the main trunk of the radial nerve that was found after epineurectomy and speculate that the etiology is an inflammatory response. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:134-137.

Helicobacter pylori in the natural environment

The presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in the natural environment has been demonstrated in a number of studies. However, its route of infection into humans is unknown. To study this further, we attempted to detect H. pylori in the natural environment in a region of Japan with a high infection rate. Tap and well water and field soil samples were collected from around the residences of subjects who had participated in an epidemiological survey in 1996. Samples of water from rivers and ponds, and specimens of flies and cow faeces were collected in the region. DNA was extracted from the water, field soil and faecal samples after selective collection of H. pylori by the immunomagnetic-bead separation technique. H. pylori-specific DNA was detected in water, field soil, flies and cow faeces by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the ureA partial sequences of the PCR products were aligned. The nucleotide sequences of the samples amplified by PCR were highly homologous (96-100%) with the H. pylori sequence in the GenBank database and the H. pylori-specific DNA sequences were highly homologous with each other. These findings suggest the existence of H. pylori in the natural environment and a possible transmission route.

A positioning device to allow rotation for cine-MRI of the distal radioulnar joint

'Cine-mode' magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with disorders of joint motion. We have designed a device for imaging of the distal radioulnar joint by cine-MRI. Five normal wrists and eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated prior to surgery for subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint. Normally, the radius moves in a constant arc around the ulna, whereas in rheumatoid wrists the centre of rotation varies continuously with increase in rotation. The device should prove helpful in imaging disorders of the distal radioulnar joint.

Phylogenetic classification and species identification of dermatophyte strains based on DNA sequences of nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 regions

The mutual phylogenetic relationships of dermatophytes of the genera Trichophyton, Microsporum, and Epidermophyton were demonstrated by using internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region ribosomal DNA sequences. Trichophyton spp. and Microsporum spp. form a cluster in the phylogenetic tree with Epidermophyton floccosum as an outgroup, and within this cluster, all Trichophyton spp. except Trichophyton terrestre form a nested cluster (100% bootstrap support). Members of dermatophytes in the cluster of Trichophyton spp. were classified into three groups with ITS1 homologies, with each of them being a monophyletic cluster (100% bootstrap support). The Arthroderma vanbreuseghemii-Arthroderma simii group consists of A. vanbreuseghemii, A. simii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates from humans, T. mentagrophytes var. quinckeanum, Trichophyton tonsurans, and Trichophyton schoenleinii. Arthroderma benhamiae, T. mentagrophytes var. erinacei, and Trichophyton verrucosum are members of the Arthroderma benhamiae group. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton violaceum form the T. rubrum group. This suggests that these "species" of dermatophytes have been overclassified. The ITS1 sequences of 11 clinical isolates were also determined to identify the species, and all strains were successfully identified by comparison of their base sequences with those in the ITS1 DNA sequence database.

Interactions between vitamin E and glucose on B-cell functions in the rat: an in vivo and in vitro study

Hyperglycemia exerts negative effects on B-cell functions that may involve oxidative stress. This was tested for by investigating effects of D-alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), known as a free radical scavenger, on B-cell functions. For in vivo testing, rat pancreatic islets were transplanted syngeneically under the kidney capsule in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Transplanted rats were treated with D-alpha-tocopherol (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally injected every other day) or soybean oil for 2 or 6 weeks. Graft-bearing kidneys were then perfused and insulin release was measured after stimulation sequentially with glucose (27 mmol/L) and L-arginine (10 mmol/L). D-alpha-tocopherol treatment for 2 or 6 weeks failed to restore glucose-induced insulin secretion, whereas treatment for 2 but not for 6 weeks enhanced basal insulin release (by 24%, p < 0.05) and arginine-induced release (by 79%, p < 0.05). Treatment did not affect graft content of preproinsulin mRNA. The presence of D-alpha-tocopherol (50 microg/ml) in vitro enhanced glucose (27 mmol/L)-stimulated insulin release from batch-type incubated islets by 33% (p < 0.05). Exposing islets to D-alpha-tocopherol for 1 day in the presence of 38 mmol/L glucose enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin release (by 25%, p < 0.05), L-arginine-stimulated release (by 37%, p < 0.05) and elevated islet insulin content (by 20%, p < 0.05). These effects of exposure to D-alpha tocopherol were lost when the culture period was extended up to 3 weeks. It is concluded that D-alpha-tocopherol exerts moderate beneficial effects on B-cell functions during short to intermediate length of high glucose exposure. These effects are, however, insufficient to support a major role for oxidative stress behind glucotoxicity toward B cells.

Multiple origins of fungal group I introns located in the same position of nuclear SSU rRNA gene

The archiascomycetous fungus Protomyces pachydermus has two group I introns within the nuclear small subunit (nSSU) rRNA gene. One of these introns has an internal open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a predicted protein of 228 amino acid residues. On the other hand, Protomyces macrosporus has two group I introns that insert at the same positions as P. pachydermus, which have no ORF. Each alignment was constructed with Protomyces group I introns located in the same position and other introns retrieved by the BLAST Search. Each phylogenetic tree based on the alignment shows that Protomyces introns are monophyletic but the relationships among fungal introns do not reflect on the fungal phylogeny. Therefore, it is suggested that two different horizontal transfers of group I introns occurred at the early stage of Protomyces species diversification.

Incorporation of an artificial receptor into a native protein: new strategy for the design of semisynthetic enzymes with allosteric properties

The sugar-facilitated structure and enzymatic activity change of engineered myoglobins bearing a phenylboronic acid moiety, which were semisynthesized by a cofactor reconstitution method, were studied by the denaturation experiment, spectrophotometric titration of the pKa shift of the axial H2O, circular dichloism (CD), and the kinetics of the myoglobin-catalyzed-aniline hydroxylation reaction. Both boronophenylalanine-appended myoglobin [Mb(m-Bphe)2] and phenylboronic acid-appended myoglobin [Mb(PhBOH)2] were stabilized by approximately 2 kcal/mol upon complexation with D-fructose. CD spectral changes and the sugar-induced pKa shift suggested that the microenvironment of the active site of these myoglobins was re-formed from a partially disturbed state to that comparable to the native state upon D-fructose binding. The correlation of pKa with kcat (for the aniline hydroxylase activity) and the delta GDH2O-kcat profile showed that these structural changes of Mb-(m-Bphe)2 and Mb(PhBOH)2 were closely related to their sugar-enhanced aniline hydroxylase activity. Thus, the results established that an incorporation of the artificial receptor molecule can be a valid methodology for the design of stimuli-responsive semiartificial enzymes.

Long-term effects of aminoguanidine on insulin release and biosynthesis: evidence that the formation of advanced glycosylation end products inhibits B cell function

Chronic hyperglycemia has adverse effects on B cell function. We investigated the possible role of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) in glucotoxicity. Rat islets were cultured at different glucose concentrations for 1-6 weeks in RPMI 1640. Culture was performed with or without aminoguanidine (AG), which is known to prevent AGE formation in other tissues. AGE-associated fluorescence (370 nm excitation and 440 nm emission) progressively increased during 6 weeks of culture at 38 nM, but not at 11 or 5.5 mM, glucose. The increase in fluorescence was significantly inhibited by AG. The effects of AG on insulin secretion were tested directly after the culture period as well as after a wash-out period of continued culture at 11 mM glucose in the absence of AG. The presence of AG during culture for 1 week at 38 mM glucose failed to affect basal release at 3.3 mM glucose or stimulated release at 27 mM glucose. AG was ineffective whether tested directly after the culture period or after wash-out. When the same culture conditions were prolonged for 6 weeks, culture with AG suppressed basal and stimulated insulin secretion after the culture period. However, after wash-out, previous AG treatment enhanced the insulin response to 27 mM glucose 2-fold compared to culture without AG (P < 0.01). Proinsulin and total protein biosyntheses in 38 mM glucose-cultured islets were increased 40-80% by AG after 6 weeks of culture, and this effect was similar after wash-out. Preproinsulin messenger RNA levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 6 weeks of culture with AG. NG-Methyl-L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, failed to mimic the effects of AG. The results indicate that the time-dependent beneficial effects of AG on insulin secretion and biosynthesis are related to inhibitory effects on AGE formation and that accumulation of islet AGEs could be important for glucotoxicity toward B cells.

Spontaneous anterior interosseous nerve palsy with hourglass-like fascicular constriction within the main trunk of the median nerve

Interfascicular neurolysis was performed in nine patients with spontaneous anterior interosseous nerve palsy. In eight of these patients, an hourglass-like constriction in the fascicles forming the anterior interosseous nerve was found within the main trunk of the median nerve at 2-7.5 cm above the medial epicondyle. The clinical signs and symptoms of these eight patients were similar to those that have been described to isolated neuritis. While the etiology remains unknown, when spontaneous anterior interosseous nerve palsy is suspected to be caused by isolated neuritis, interfascicular neurolysis should be performed to confirm the lesion and to discover whether fascicular constriction is present.

Effects of thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) on urinary prostaglandin excretion and renal function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a selective thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (OKY-046) on urinary prostaglandins (PGs) excretion and renal parameters such as endogenous creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) and urinary protein excretion in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. STZ-diabetic rats were divided into two groups; one fed standard chow (DM1) and the other, standard chow mixed with 0.1% OKY-046 (DM2) for 24 weeks. Male Wistar rats were fed standard chow for 24 weeks as control (C). Urinary thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretions significantly increased in STZ-induced diabetic rats (DM1 and DM2) compared with C after 24 weeks. The increased urinary TXB2 excretion in DM2 was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) compared with that in DM1 (261.1 +/- 18.6 ng/gCr versus 380.0 +/- 48.4 ng/gCr, mean +/- SEM). No significant difference could be found in urinary protein excretion between DM1 and DM2, which was significantly higher in both diabetic groups than C after 12 and 24 weeks. Ccr in both DM1 and DM2 significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with C after 12 weeks. In contrast, after 24 weeks, Ccr in DM1 fell down to 0.18 +/- 0.02 mL/min 100 g body weight (BW), thus being significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in C (0.27 +/- 0.03 mL/min 100 g BW) and DM2 (0.25 +/- 0.02 mL/min 100 g BW). Electron microscopic findings in diabetic rats after 24 weeks were the typical change of early diabetic nephropathy, whereas there were no obvious differences between DM1 and DM2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of pravastatin on serum lipids, apolipoproteins and lipoprotein (a) in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

In 43 patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) associated with hypercholesterolemia, the effect of pravastatin, a potent HMG CoA-reductase inhibitor, on serum lipids, apolipoproteins and lipoprotein (a) was examined. After 1 to 3 months administration of 10 mg per day of pravastatin, the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly decreased, while the serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in patients with NIDDM. The levels of apolipoproteins B (apo B) and E were significantly decreased, while apolipoprotein AI (apo A-I) was not changed by the administration of pravastatin. The atherogenic indices (LDL-C/HDL-C and apo B/apo A-I) were significantly decreased by the administration of this drug. The serum lipoprotein (a), which was increased in the diabetic patients, was not affected by the pravastatin treatment. Plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels were not affected by the treatment. We concluded that pravastatin is a potentially useful agent in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in patients with NIDDM.

Reduction of urinary albumin excretion by thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, OKY-046, through modulating renal prostaglandins in patients with diabetic nephropathy

We evaluated the effects of thromboxane synthetase inhibitor, OKY-046, on urinary albumin and prostaglandin (PG) excretion in 14 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha (a stable metabolite of PGI2), TXB2 (a stable metabolite of TXA2) and PGE2 in NIDDM patients was comparable with that in control subjects. However, the urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 ratio in NIDDM patients with both micro- and macroalbuminuria was significantly (P less than 0.001) lower than that in the controls. By a single administration of OKY-046 (40 mg, i.v.) to the diabetic patients, urinary TXB2 excretion significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased from 169.7 +/- 23.9 to 140.2 +/- 17.9 ng/gCr, but urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and PGE2 excretion did not change significantly. The urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 ratio thus significantly (P less than 0.01) increased from 1.02 +/- 0.13 to 1.73 +/- 0.41 as associated with significant increments in urine volume (P less than 0.05), urinary sodium excretion (P less than 0.01) and creatinine clearance (P less than 0.05). Of 14 diabetic patients, 7 with macroalbuminuria (albumin index exceeding 100 mg/gCr) were orally given OKY-046 (600 mg/day) for 8 weeks. After this period, the urinary albumin index significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased from 524.9 +/- 149.6 to 317.6 +/- 90.6 mg/gCr.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of captopril on urinary excretion of albumin and prostaglandins in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Recently the beneficial effects of captopril (angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor) on diabetic nephropathy, especially proteinuria, have been reported by some investigators. The mechanism whereby proteinuria is reduced, however, have not been clarified yet. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of captopril on urinary albumin excretion in relation to urinary prostaglandins (PGs) excretion in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Captopril (37.5 mg/day) was orally administered to 13 diabetic patients for an eight-week period. A single administration of captopril (12.5 mg) was performed in the same patients. The spot urine samples were collected in the early morning and 2 hr after the single administration of captopril. The albumin index (mg/gram-creatinine) was markedly decreased in eight patients (Group A) within four weeks, but no decrease was found in five patients (Group B). Furthermore, in Group A, by the single administration of captopril urinary excretions of 6-keto-PCF1 alpha (a stable metabolite of PGI2) and PGE2 were significantly (p less than 0.05) increased while urinary TXB2 (a stable metabolite of TXA2) excretion did not change significantly. The urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 ratio, which is significantly (p less than 0.05) low in diabetic patients was significantly (p less than 0.01) increased up to the normal value in Group A. In Group B, however, there were no significant changes in urinary PGs excretion. These results suggest that captopril enhances the production of intrarenal vasodilatory PGs such as PGI2 and PGE2, which may be deeply involved in the reduction of intraglomerular capillary pressure and urinary protein excretion in diabetic patients.

Effect of galanin on arginine-stimulated pancreatic hormone release from isolated perifused rat islets

The effect of galanin on pancreatic hormone release was studied using isolated perifused rat pancreatic islets. In the presence of 100 mg/dl glucose, 10(-8) mol/L galanin significantly inhibited the basal somatostatin release compared with the perifusion without galanin, whereas there was no significant change in the basal insulin and glucagon release. However, under stimulation of 20 mmol/L arginine, 10(-8) mol/L galanin significantly enhanced glucagon release and suppressed insulin and somatostatin release. These effects disappeared immediately after cessation of galanin infusion. Additionally, 10(-8) mol/L galanin significantly enhanced the first and second phase of glucagon release stimulated by arginine, whereas arginine-stimulated insulin and somatostatin releases were significantly inhibited in both phases. In the cysteamine-treated rat islets, neither enhancement of glucagon release nor suppression of insulin release by galanin was reproducible. These findings indicate two possible explanations. First, it is suggested that the effects of galanin on insulin and glucagon release may be direct and reversed by non-specific effect of cycteamine. Secondly, it seems likely that galanin-enhanced glucagon release may be indirect and in part due to the concomitant somatostatin suppression. Galanin may have an important regulatory function on endocrine pancreas.

Albumin index in spot urine from outpatients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The albumin index (mg/g . creatinine) was determined in untimed spot urine collected in the early morning from 92 randomly selected outpatients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). The patients were divided into three groups: 49 patients with normo-albuminuria (albumin index less than 9.1), 24 with micro-albuminuria (albumin index between 9.1 and 100), and 19 with overt-albuminuria (albumin index over than 100). With diabetic duration, the frequency of the patients with overt-albuminuria was increased, but that with normo-albuminuria was decreased. The patients treated with only a diet almost showed normo-albuminuria. In contrast, micro-and overt-albuminuria were found more frequently in the patients treated with oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin. Micro- and overt-albuminuria were found more frequently in the patients with poor glycemic control than in those with good glycemic control. The urinary albumin index was significantly high in the micro-albuminuric patients with poor glycemic control. Similarly, micro- and overt-albuminuria were found more frequently in the patients associated with diabetic retinopathy or neuropathy than in those without diabetic complications. In addition, overt-albuminuria was found more frequently in the patients with hypertension. The urinary albumin index was significantly high in the overt-albuminuric patients with hypertension. In conclusion, the determination of the albumin index in spot urine may be outpatients with NIDDM.

Primary aortoduodenal fistula--report of an autopsy case

This report describes a case of primary aortoduodenal fistula (PADF) in an 83 year-old male admitted a local hospital with massive hematemesis. Endoscopy failed to reveal the site of hemorrhage. During his course, he had two episodes of hematemesis and melena. On the 77th hospital day, he died of acute hemorrhagic shock resulting from massive hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract. An autopsy revealed adhesion and a fistulous communication between an atherosclerotic abdominal aneurysm and the third portion of the duodenum. Primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF), including PADF, is an uncommon but lethal complication of aortic aneurysm. Since fistula formation occurs most frequently between the abdominal aorta and duodenum, upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination and aortography at the earliest possible moment are necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis before surgery.