Sex-Inducing Activities of the Land Planarian Bipalium nobile Extract Fractions, Obtained Using Bioassay-Guided Fractionation, in the Freshwater Planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis

Sexually mature planarians produce sex-inducing substances that induce postembryonic development of hermaphroditic reproductive organs in asexual freshwater planarians. Although the sex-inducing substances may be useful for elucidating the mechanism underlying this reproductive switch, the available information is limited. The potency of sex-inducing activity is conserved, at least at the order level. Recently, we showed that the sex-inducing activity in the land planarian Bipalium nobile was much higher than that in freshwater planarians. In the present study, we performed bioassay-guided fractionation of the sex-inducing substances produced by B. nobile and propose that crucial sex-inducing activity that triggers complete sexualization for asexual worms of the freshwater planarian Dugesia ryukyuensis is produced by additive and/or synergetic effects of various sex-inducing substances involved in ovarian development. The current study provided an isolation scheme for the minimum-required combination of sex-inducing substances for producing crucial sex-inducing activity.

A Novel Diagnostic System for Infectious Diseases Using Solid-State Nanopore Devices

Nanopore-based diagnostic systems are a promising tool for counting viruses in a specimen one by one. However, despite intensive R&D efforts, it remains difficult to recognize virus subtypes by nanopore devices. We thus propose a novel diagnostic system that combines a specialized virus recognition procedure with a nanopore detection procedure. This recognition procedure consists of three steps: 1) capture target viruses using specific probes for recognition; 2) release captured targets; and 3) detect released targets by nanopore. Proof-of-concept tests are conducted using avidin-modified fluorescent particles (as a model for viruses) and biotin-modified alkane thiol (as a model for probes). The avidin-modified particles are confirmed to be captured on electrode by biotin-modified probes and then, the particles are electrochemically released from the electrode. Consequently, the released particles are successfully detected by nanopore devices. Furthermore, the concept is also proved by using human influenza viruses (H1N1, A/PR/8/34) and sugar chain (6'-sialyllactose)-modified probes. This suggests that our concept is applicable to various infectious diseases by changing probes (ligands).

The first isolation of furanoeremophilane from Ligularia nelumbifolia

Ligularol (1), a furanoeremophilane, was isolated together with eremophil-l(10)-en-11-ol (2) from one of eight collected samples of Ligularia nelumbifolia and L. kongkalingensis, a closely related species. It is proposed that the ability to produce the furanoeremophilane has been acquired through hybridization.

The First Isolation of Furanoeremophilane from Ligularia nelumbifolia

Ligularol (1), a furanoeremophilane, was isolated together with eremophil-1(10)-en-11-ol (2) from one of eight collected samples of Ligularia nelumbifolia and L. kongkalingensis, a closely related species. It is proposed that the ability to produce the furanoeremophilane has been acquired through hybridization.

Enhancement of radiosensitivity by a unique novel NF-κB inhibitor, DHMEQ, in prostate cancer

Background:

Inducible activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB is one of the principal mechanisms through which resistant prostate cancer cells are protected from radiotherapy. We hypothesised that inactivation of inducible NF-κB with a novel NF-κB inhibitor, DHMEQ, would increase the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy.

Methods:

PC-3 and LNCaP cells were exposed to irradiation and/or DHMEQ. Cell viability, cell cycle analysis, western blotting assay, and NF-κB activity were measured. The antitumour effect of irradiation combined with DHMEQ in vivo was also assessed.

Results:

The combination of DHMEQ with irradiation resulted in cell growth inhibition and G2/M arrest relative to treatment with irradiation alone. Inducible NF-κB activity by irradiation was inhibited by DHMEQ treatment. The expression of p53 and p21 in LNCaP, and of 14-3-3σ in PC-3 cells, was increased in the combination treatment. In the in vivo study, 64 days after the start of treatment, tumour size was 85.1%, 77.1%, and 64.7% smaller in the combination treatment group than that of the untreated control, DHMEQ-treated alone, and irradiation alone groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

Blockade of NF-κB activity induced by radiation with DHMEQ could overcome radio-resistant responses and may become a new therapeutic modality for treating prostate cancer.

Four New Bisabolane-type Sesquiterpenes from

The chemical constituents of the roots of two Ligularia lankongensis samples collected in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces, China, were investigated, together with the DNA sequence of the atpB-rbcL and ITS regions. Four new highly oxygenated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes (1 – 4) were obtained. Intraspecific diversity in the DNA sequence was found to be limited.

Four new bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes from Ligularia lankongensis

The chemical constituents of the roots of two Ligularia lankongensis samples collected in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces, China, were investigated, together with the DNA sequence of the atpB-rbcL and ITS regions. Four new highly oxygenated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes (1 - 4) were obtained. Intraspecific diversity in the DNA sequence was found to be limited.

Application of conditionally replicating herpes vector for gene therapy treatment of urologic neoplasms

Herpes vector has been widely used for experimental gene therapy. We herein review the strategies of such therapy for the treatment of urologic neoplasms. Most experimental studies of genetically altered viruses have employed replication-incompetent vectors. However, such viruses are unable to infect additional cells subsequent to the initial infection event. Therefore, this strategy has relied heavily on the bystander effect because a large number of noninfected tumor cells remain. Conditionally replicating herpes vector G207 has been developed in order to overcome potential problems of safety and tumor specificity for human use. It has been used to treat malignant brain tumors because of its neural tropism. In the last few years, applications of G207 for non-neural tumors have been reported. Because G207 may be useful for the treatment of urologic malignant tumors, we evaluated the antitumor effect against several types of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that G207 may be applicable for the treatment of urologic malignant tumors.

Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factors and Bordetella dermonecrotic toxin: the dermonecrosis-inducing toxins activating Rho small GTPases

Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNFs) and Bordetella dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) have been recently found to comprise a novel family of dermonecrosis-inducing toxins which activate the small GTPases of the Rho family. They are single chain polypeptides consisting of an N-terminal domain responsible for binding to target cells and a C-terminal catalytic domain. CNFs (CNF1 and 2) and DNT share in the catalytic domain about 30% identical residues and a consensus sequence where the catalytically active center Cys resides. Both toxins deamidate Rho and other members of the Rho family, Rac and Cdc42, at Gln in the switch II region, which plays an important role in their GTPase activity. DNT, in addition, catalyzes a cross-link of the Gln of the GTPases with ubiquitous polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine. The deamidation and the polyamination result in abrogation of the GTPase activity, and in addition, the polyamination endows Rho with the ability to interact with a downstream effector, ROCK, in a GTP-independent manner. These effects render the GTPases constitutively active, which underlies the toxicities of CNFs and DNT.

Congestion of superior mesenteric veins and small bowel mucosal injury after endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension

We investigated treatment-induced changes in venous return from the small bowel and small bowel intestinal mucosal injury induced by the treatment of esophageal varices in patients with portal hypertension. A total of 14 patients (age 59.8+/-9.5 years, five women and 9 men) who received prophylactic treatment of esophageal varices between December 1998 and March 1999 were investigated. Diamine oxidase (DAO) activity was measured before and after treatment. Changes in blood flow of the portal and superior mesenteric veins were investigated by Doppler ultrasonography in six patients. A significant decrease in DAO activity was observed three days after treatment (11.5+/-1.6 units/liter prior to treatment versus 8.6+/-1.6 units/liter three days after treatment; P < 0.001). Decreases in superior mesenteric and portal venous flow velocity were observed in four and three patients, respectively. In two patients with an increase in the cross-sectional area of the superior mesenteric vein with delayed venous return, a marked decrease in DAO activity was observed three days after treatment. In patients with portal hypertension, rapid reduction of pooling of portal flow caused by the treatment of esophageal varices can induce transient congestion of the mesenteric venous system which can produce some small bowel mucosal injury.

Intramolecular capture of pummerer reaction intermediates by an aromatic nucleophile: selective construction of 1,4-benzothiazine and indole ring systems

The simple alkyl sulfoxide 6 carrying two aromatic nucleophiles, when treated with trifluoroacetic anhydride at room temperature (Pummerer reaction conditions), underwent an intramolecular aromatic sulfenylation of the 6-exo-tet process in an exclusive manner to yield two regioisomeric 1,4-benzothiazine derivatives, 8 and 9. On the other hand, a similar reaction of the alpha-acyl sulfoxide 7, possessing identical aromatic nucleophiles, caused an intramolecular aromatic alkylation of the 5-exo-trig process to produce the 3-oxo-indole derivative 14 in a quantitative yield. These results demonstrate that the construction of 1,4-benzothiazine and indole ring systems can be achieved in a selective manner by proper choice of the sulfoxide side chain.

A dual signaling cascade that regulates the ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor

Ectodomain shedding is an important mechanism to regulate the biological activities of membrane proteins. We focus here on the signaling mechanism of the ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (pro HB-EGF). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a ligand for seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, stimulates the shedding of pro HB-EGF, which constitutes a G protein-coupled receptor-mediated transactivation of the EGF receptor. Experiments using a series of inhibitors and overexpression of mutant forms of signaling molecules revealed that the Ras-Raf-MEK signal is essential for the LPA-induced shedding. In addition, the small GTPase Rac is involved in the LPA-induced shedding, possibly to promote MEK activation. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is another potent inducer of pro HB-EGF shedding. We also demonstrate that the LPA-induced pathway is distinct from the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced pathway and that these pathways constitute a dual signaling cascade that regulates the shedding of pro HB-EGF.

A synthesis of 3-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline and 2-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-3-benzazepine via Pummerer-type cyclization: enhancing effect of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate on the cyclization

A synthesis of 6,7-dimethoxy-3-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (14a) and 7,8-dimethoxy-2-phenyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-3-benzazepine (14b) was achieved via the cyclization of N-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)methyl-1-phenyl-2-(phenylsulfinyl)ethylformamide (6a) and N-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl-1-phenyl-2-(phenylsulfinyl)-ethylformamide (6b) using the Pummerer reaction as a key step, respectively. The Pummerer reaction of 6a,b under usual conditions using trifluoroacetic anhydride yielded the vinyl sulfides (8a, b), non-cyclized products, as a major product. The cyclization proceeded when boron trifluoride diethyl etherate was used as an additive reagent, thus giving rise to the corresponding cyclized products (7a) and (7b) in moderate yields. We propose that the enhancing effect of the Lewis acid on the cyclization may be attributable to the involvement of a dicationic intermediate, sulfonium-carbenium dication (23).

Useful applications of DNA repair tests for differential diagnosis of atypical dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria from xeroderma pigmentosum

Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is a hereditary skin disease characterized by the presence of pigmented and hypopigmented macules on the extremities and freckles on the face. However, if clinical features are not fully developed in infantile patients, it is difficult to differentiate DSH from xeroderma pigmentosum by clinical features alone. A 2-year-old boy (patient 1), revealed atypical features of DSH with slight susceptibility to sunburn. However, his grandfather (patient 4) who was 67 years old, revealed typical features of DSH, which helped to make an exact diagnosis in patient 1. For patient 2, a 5-year-old boy, and patient 3, a 3-year-old girl, it was more difficult to make a diagnosis because there were no family members with DSH features. DNA repair ability was tested for all four cases by means of unscheduled DNA synthesis and colony formation of skin fibroblasts after ultraviolet light irradiation, which resulted in an accurate diagnosis of DSH. We propose that these tests be performed to make a diagnosis of DSH in the case of poor or atypical clinical symptoms.

Immunotherapy of bladder cancer using autologous dendritic cells pulsed with human lymphocyte antigen-A24-specific MAGE-3 peptide

Recent investigations have demonstrated the efficacy of autologous dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with tumor antigens to generate tumor-specific CTLs against cancer cells. Melanoma antigens (MAGE) are a family of tumor-specific antigens shown to be expressed in various tumors, including bladder cancers and melanoma, but not in normal tissues except for the testis. Because invasive bladder cancers are frequently reported to express MAGE, we explored the possibility of establishing a new immunotherapeutic modality against advanced bladder cancer using autologous DCs pulsed with one of the MAGE-3 epitope peptides (IMPKAGLLI), which is synthesized to bind specifically to HLA-A24. A MAGE-3-expressing bladder cancer cell line, FY, was newly established from a lymph node metastasis of bladder cancer in a HLA-A24+ patient. The FY cell-specific CTL response was significantly higher when CTL was induced by autologous DCs pulsed with IMPKAGLLI than by FY cells alone or by nonpulsed DCs in vitro. A total of four HLA-A24+ patients with advanced MAGE-3+ bladder cancers were treated with s.c. injections of autologous DCs pulsed with IMPKAGLLI every 2 weeks for a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 18 times. Three of four patients showed significant reductions in the size of lymph node metastases and/or liver metastasis. No significant untoward side effects were noted in these patients. This study indicated that, at sometime in the future, tumor-specific DC-based cancer immunotherapy may be useful as an additional treatment modality against advanced bladder cancer.

Synthesis of methoxy-2-quinolones via pummerer-type cyclization of N-aryl-N-methyl-3-(phenylsulfinyl)propionamides

The thionium ions 10 generated by Pummerer reaction of N-aryl-N-methyl-3-(phenylsulfinyl)propionamides 4 caused not only an electrophilic cyclization reaction producing 2-quinolones 8, but also the formation of the vinyl sulfides 5 and 6 in favor of the latter reaction. On the other hand, the treatment of the vinyl sulfides 5 and 6 with p-toluenesulfonic acid induced cyclization to afford the 2-quinolones 8 in excellent to moderate yields, depending on the electronic properties of the aromatic ring, thus providing a convenient method for the synthesis of methoxy-2-quinolones.

Long-term follow-up of sustained responders to interferon therapy, in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Interferon (IFN) therapy has been proven to induce the normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and to eradicate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in some patients with chronic hepatitis C, and these patients are usually defined as 'sustained responders'. However, there have been some reports of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in these patients, and the development of HCC remains life-threatening in patients who clear HCV. We analysed the long-term prognoses of patients with chronic hepatitis C in whom HCV was eradicated with IFN. We investigated 392 sustained responders to IFN therapy, from 1,277 patients with chronic HCV infection who received IFN treatment at one of our institutions between April 1989 and March 1999. We analysed the medical records and looked for the development of HCC. About 30% of the sustained responders had been lost to follow-up 3 years after the end of IFN therapy, and the follow-up rate of sustained responders was significantly lower than that of non-sustained responders (P < 0.0001). HCC were found in eight patients: in seven patients HCC developed within 5 years after completion of IFN therapy; but in one patient, a single HCC less than 3 cm in diameter was detected between 7 and 8 years after completion of IFN. Of the five patients who had regular medical follow-up, the HCC was solitary, and the patients survived without any evidence of recurrence. Of the three patients who had not been followed-up, two died from HCC and HCC recurred in the third. These results suggest that HCC can develop in sustained responders and that sustained responders should be followed-up closely after completion of IFN so that HCC may be detected at an early stage. The optimal duration of the follow-up period of the sustained responders remains unclear. Additional prospective studies are required in order to establish an appropriate follow-up protocol for sustained responders to IFN.

Eradication of hepatitis C virus 1b by interferon in a health care worker with acute hepatitis following needlestick transmission from a patient with chronic hepatitis C unresponsive to interferon

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was successfully eradicated by a short course of interferon (IFN) therapy in a nurse with acute HCV infection from a needlestick accident. The source patient had chronic hepatitis C and was a nonresponder to IFN therapy. The HCV genotype was 1b in patients, and a single point mutation (H-->R in amino acid 2218) was observed in the IFN sensitivity-determining region of the nonstructural 5A gene, in comparison with sequences of HCV-J, in HCV RNA from both the source patient (before and after IFN therapy) and the recipient (before IFN therapy). Though the strain transmitted was believed to be IFN-resistant in the patient with chronic hepatitis, the patient with acute hepatitis had a sustained response.

Abscess-forming neutrophilic dermatosis: report of three cases associated with hemopathies

BACKGROUND

The development of different types of neutrophilic dermatosis is reported to occur in the course of malignant hemopathies. These concern mainly Sweet's syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema elevatum et diutinum and neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis.

OBSERVATIONS

We have recently encountered the cases of 3 patients who presented all with multiple acneiform papules and dome-shaped aseptic abscesses leaving scars. Pus was sterile in all except case 3 in which slight Staphylococcus aureus growth was shown. However, in this patient, only steroids were effective demonstrating that this bacterium was not responsible for the disease. Histopathology disclosed a dense dermal polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltrate and some mononuclear cells. Two of these patients had myelodysplastic syndromes while one had IgA myeloma.

CONCLUSION

Abscess-forming neutrophilic dermatosis seems to be another type of neutrophilic dermatosis associated with hematological malignancies.

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin binds to the second extracellular loop of claudin-3, a tight junction integral membrane protein

Claudins (claudin-1 to -18) with four transmembrane domains and two extracellular loops constitute tight junction strands. The peptide toxin Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE) has been shown to bind to claudin-3 and -4, but not to claudin-1 or -2. We constructed claudin-1/claudin-3 chimeric molecules and found that the second extracellular loop of claudin-3 conferred CPE sensitivity on L fibroblasts. Furthermore, overlay analyses revealed that the second extracellular loop of claudin-3 specifically bound to CPE at the K(a) value of 1.0x10(8) M(-1). We concluded that the second extracellular loop is the site through which claudin-3 interacts with CPE on the cell surface.

Serum interleukin 6 as a prognostic factor in patients with prostate cancer

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prognostic significance of the serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with prostate cancer. Serum IL-6 levels were measured in 74 patients with prostate cancer. The tumor was stage B in 23 patients, stage C in 14 patients, and stage D in 37 patients. Prognostic significance of tumor histology, performance status (PS), bone metastasis, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, serum lactate dehydrogenase level, serum IL-6 levels, and hemoglobin on disease-specific survival was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox's proportional hazards model analyses. Serum IL-6 was significantly correlated with the clinical stage of prostate cancer. Univariate analysis of all patients demonstrated that an extent of disease (EOD) on bone scanning > or = 1, IL-6 > or = 7 pg/ml, PS > or = 1, PSA > 100 ng/ml, and ALP > 620 IU/liter were associated with a significantly lower survival rate than their respective counterparts. In multivariate analysis, however, the only two significant prognostic factors were EOD and IL-6. In 51 patients with stage C and stage D prostate cancer, univariate analysis showed that EOD > or = 1, IL-6 > or = 7 pg/ml, PS > or = 1, PSA > 100 ng/ml, LDH > 200 IU/liter, and ALP > 620 IU/liter were significantly related to survival, whereas multivariate analysis again demonstrated that EOD > or = 1 and IL-6 > or = 7 pg/ml were significant prognostic factors. These results indicate that the serum IL-6 level is a significant prognostic factor for prostate cancer as well as EOD.

Effectiveness of combined interleukin 2 and B7.1 vaccination strategy is dependent on the sequence and order: a liposome-mediated gene therapy treatment for bladder cancer

We have developed a novel liposome-mediated immunogene therapy using interleukin 2 (IL-2) and B7.1 in a murine bladder cancer model. A carcinogen-induced murine bladder cancer cell line, MBT-2, was transfected with cationic liposome 1,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide/dioleolylphosphatidylethanolamine and IL-2 plasmid. The optimized transfection condition generated IL-2 levels of 245-305 ng/10(6) cells/24 h, 100-fold higher than the levels seen with retrovirus transfection. Ninety percent of the peak level of IL-2 production was maintained for up to 11 days after transfection. Animal studies were conducted in C3H/HeJ female mice with 2 x 10(4) MBT-2 cells implanted orthotopically on day 0. Multiple vaccination schedules were performed with i.p. injection of 5 x 10(6) IL-2 and/or B7.1 gene-modified cell preparations. The greatest impact on survival was observed with the day 5, 10, and 15 regimen. Control animals receiving retrovirally gene-modified MBT-2/IL-2 cell preparations had a median survival of 29 days. Animals receiving the IL-2 liposomally gene-modified cell preparation alone had a median survival of 46 days. Seventy-five percent of animals receiving IL-2 followed by B7.1 gene-modified tumor vaccines were the only group to show complete tumor-free survival at day 60. All of these surviving animals rejected the parental MBT-2 tumor rechallenge and survived at day 120 with a high CTL response. In conclusion, liposome-mediated transfection demonstrates a clear advantage as compared with the retroviral system in the MBT-2 model. Multi-agent as opposed to single-agent cytokine gene-modified tumor vaccines were beneficial. These "targeted" sequential vaccinations using IL-2 followed by B7.1 gene-modified tumor cells significantly increased a systemic immune response that translated into increased survival.

Long-term follow-up of periodontitis in a patient with Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. A case report

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an extremely rare hereditary disease characterized by leukocyte dysfunction. We report on a 21-year-old woman who presented at the age 9 years with CHS and serious periodontal tissue destruction around erupted teeth. The patient had received systemic, radiographic, immunological, microbial, and clinical periodontal examinations since childhood. The chemotactic activity of neutrophils in the Boyden chamber assay was 22% of the control, and leukocyte bactericidal activity was one-third of the control. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia were isolated from periodontal pockets. Periodontal treatment including oral hygiene was provided, followed by professional tooth cleaning from the age of 12 to 21 years. However, the mobility of teeth and the inflammation of periodontal tissue progressed. This CHS patient presented with periodontal disease of extremely early onset, which was resistant to periodontal treatment.

Intravesical liposome-mediated interleukin-2 gene therapy in orthotopic murine bladder cancer model

Using a novel orthotopic MBT-2 murine bladder tumor model, we evaluated the feasibility of intravesical gene therapy utilizing a cationic liposome, DMRIE/DOPE. Superficial bladder tumors were consistently established by intravesical instillation of 5x10(5) MBT-2 cells in syngeneic C3H female mice. In situ gene transfer to bladder tumors was accomplished via intravesical instillation of plasmid DNA/DMRIE/DOPE lipoplex. Beta-Galactosidase (beta-gal) gene expression was preferentially evident in bladder tumors and was present for at least 7 days after a single 30 min in situ transfection. Murine interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene was used for treatment of 3-day-old pre-established bladder tumors. Forty percent of animals treated with IL-2 gene were completely free of tumors by 60 days following the initial tumor implantation, while all control groups treated with beta-gal gene died. Those animals initially cured of pre-established tumors were completely resistant to a subsequent tumor re-challenge and their splenocyte-derived cytotoxic T lymphocytes were shown to be specific to MBT-2 cells, indicating that immunological memory against MBT-2 tumors was elicited by the treatment. These results demonstrate the possibility of an effective clinical application of this in situ intravesical IL-2 gene delivery system to high-risk superficial bladder tumors, obviating a need for tumor procurement and ex vivo gene transfer.

Transthoracic ultrasonic visualisation of coronary aneurysm, stenosis, and occlusion in Kawasaki disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of our transthoracic echocardiographic technique using high frequency (7.5 MHz) transducers for identification of the presence and type of coronary artery disease in patients with Kawasaki disease.

DESIGN

The results of the prospective echocardiographic study in each of seven segments of the four major coronary arteries were compared with the selective coronary angiograms.

SETTING

Kitasato University Hospital.

SUBJECTS

60 patients with Kawasaki disease, ranging in age from 8.0 months to 22 years (median, 6.0 years).

RESULTS

Adequate echocardiographic images were obtained in 397 (95%) of 420 coronary segments. Coronary angiography showed the presence of coronary aneurysms in 87 segments and stenosis or occlusion in 28. The overall sensitivity and specificity of cross sectional echocardiography for correctly identifying coronary aneurysms were 95% and 99%, respectively; for correctly identifying coronary stenosis or occlusion the values were 85% and 98% for the right coronary artery, and 80% and 97% for the left anterior descending coronary artery. Agreement on the presence or absence of coronary aneurysms and obstructive lesions on echocardiograms between the two observers was 1.0 and 0.98, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Echocardiography may provide a non-invasive means of identifying the presence and type of coronary artery disease in patients with Kawasaki disease.

Echocardiographic evaluation of the ductal morphology in patients with refractoriness to lipo-prostaglandin E1 therapy

BACKGROUND

Lipo-prostaglandin (PG)E1 is effective at lower doses and has fewer side effects than PGE1-cyclodextrin (CD). Previous studies, however, have suggested that some patients show refractoriness to lipo-PGE1 in the course of treatment. The present paper examines: (i) whether such cases can be predicted by examining the ductal morphology before and 24 h after the start of lipo-PGE1 infusion; and (ii) whether PGE1-CD dilates the ductus arteriosus in patients with refractoriness to lipo-PGE1.

METHODS

The ductal morphology was evaluated with two echo indices, such as minimal and minimal plus maximal intraluminal diameters of the ductus. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed in 24 patients with ductus-dependent congenital heart disease. The two echo indices were measured before and 24 h after lipo-PGE1 infusion and also at least twice per week until surgery.

RESULTS

In 19 of 24 patients, ductal patency was maintained until surgical treatment (group A). The remaining five patients (21%) showed ductal closure during the course of the lipo-PGE1 therapy (group B). There were no significant differences between the two groups, in either the maximal or minimal diameters, which were examined before and 24 h after treatment. In the five patients of group B, lipo-PGE1 was replaced with a relatively high dosage of PGE1-CD (50-100 ng/kg per min), resulting in good ductal patency until surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with refractoriness to lipo-PGE1 therapy could not be predicted from initial intraluminal diameters of the ductus using echocardiography. Therefore, serial echocardiographic examinations are important to detect early findings of ductal closure. In addition, PGE1-CD is still useful as back-up therapy in such patients.

Activation of rho through a cross-link with polyamines catalyzed by Bordetella dermonecrotizing toxin

The small GTPase Rho, which regulates a variety of cell functions, also serves as a specific substrate for bacterial toxins. Here we demonstrate that Bordetella dermonecrotizing toxin (DNT) catalyzes cross-linking of Rho with ubiquitous polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine and spermine. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed that the cross-link occurred at Gln63, which had been reported to be deamidated by DNT in the absence of polyamines. Rac1 and Cdc42, other members of the Rho family GTPases, were also polyaminated by DNT. The polyamination, like the deamidation, markedly reduced the GTPase activity of Rho without affecting its GTP-binding activity, indicating that polyaminated Rho behaves as a constitutively active analog. Moreover, polyamine-linked Rho, even in the GDP-bound form, associated more effectively with its effector ROCK than deamidated Rho in the GTP-bound form and, when microinjected into cells, induced the anomalous formation of stress fibers indistinguishable from those seen in DNT-treated cells. The results imply that the polyamine-linked Rho, transducing signals to downstream ROCK in a novel GTP-independent manner, plays an important role in DNT cell toxicity.

Sex-related differences in plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibiting activities in young and aged rats

The purpose of this study was to determine whether aging influences the sex-related differences in fibrinolytic activity in rats. We measured plasminogen activator (PA) activity and plasminogen activator inhibiting (PAI) activity in 5-, 12-, 45-, and 60-week-old male and female rats. We also examined the effects of gonadectomy and sex hormone-treatments in adult male and female rats. The increase in age did not influence the PA activity in the male or female rats. However, the PA activity was higher in the female rats than in the males in all four age groups. Orchidectomy caused a significant increase in PA activity in the male rats. Estradiol treatment induced a significant increase of PA activity in ovariectomized female rats. Testosterone treatment resulted in a decrease of PA activity in orchiectomized male rats. The increase in age had an effect on PAI activity; the activity level in the 45- and 60-week-olds was stronger than that in the 12-week-old rats. The PAI activity was not significantly different between the normal rats of each sex. Gonadectomy did not influence the PAI activity in male or female rats, and testosterone and estradiol treatments also did not affect PAI activity in gonadectomized male and female rats. We found that the increase in age induced a decrease in the fibrinolytic system in the rats, and that there were sex-related differences in the fibrinolytic system in even 60-week-old rats.

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 2 produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli deamidates a gln residue in the conserved G-3 domain of the rho family and preferentially inhibits the GTPase activity of RhoA and rac1

Cytotoxic necrotizing factor types 1 and 2 (CNF1 and -2) produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli strains have 90% conserved residues over 1,014-amino-acid sequences. Both CNFs are able to provoke a remarkable increase in F-actin structures in cultured cells and covalently modify the RhoA small GTPases. In this study, we demonstrated that CNF2 reduced RhoA GTPase activity in the presence and absence of P122(RhoGAP). Subsequently, peptide mapping and amino acid sequencing of CNF2-modified FLAG-RhoA produced in E. coli revealed that CNF2 deamidates Q63 of RhoA-like CNF1. In vitro incubation of the C-terminal domain of CNF2 with FLAG-RhoA resulted also in deamidation of the FLAG-RhoA, suggesting that this region contains the enzymatic domain of CNF2. An oligopeptide antibody (anti-E63) which specifically recognized the altered G-3 domain of the Rho family reacted with glutathione S-transferase (GST)-RhoA and GST-Rac1 but not with GST-Cdc42 when coexpressed with CNF2. In addition, CNF2 selectively induced accumulation of GTP form of FLAG-RhoA and FLAG-Rac1 but not of FLAG-Cdc42 in Cos-7 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that CNF2 preferentially deamidates RhoA Q63 and Rac1 Q61 and constitutively activates these small GTPases in cultured cells. In contrast, anti-E63 reacted with GST-RhoA and GST-Cdc42 but not with GST-Rac1 when coexpressed with CNF1. These results indicate that CNF2 and CNF1 share the same catalytic activity but have distinct substrate specificities, which may reflect their differences in toxic activity in vivo.

Strip biopsy of superficial bladder tumors using an electrosurgical snare

BACKGROUND/METHODS

Transurethral strip biopsy of bladder tumors using an electrosurgical snare was tested to determine whether or not this technique provides any advantage to the histologic examination of bladder cancers and to the management of superficial bladder tumors as a routine treatment.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Our research results confirm that the strip biopsy technique can be applied as an alternative transurethral management procedure for treatment of superficial bladder tumors. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the procedure can also provide significantly greater histologic diagnostic advantages for bladder cancers than are possible through cold cup biopsy or transurethral resection.

Identification of functional domains of Bordetella dermonecrotizing toxin

Bordetella dermonecrotizing toxin (DNT) stimulates the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions by deamidating Gln63 of the small GTPase Rho. To clarify the functional and structural organization of DNT, we cloned and sequenced the DNT gene and examined the functions of various DNT mutants. Our analyses of the nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed that the start codon of the DNT gene is a GTG triplet located 39 bp upstream of the reported putative initiation ATG codon; consequently, DNT contains an additional 13 amino acids at its N-terminal end. All of the N-terminally truncated mutants were found to modify Rho. The shortest fragment of DNT possessing the Rho modification activity consists of amino acids from Ile1176 to the C-terminal end. This fragment overlaps the region homologous to Escherichia coli cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNFs), which show activity similar to that of DNT. The introduction of a mutation at Cys1305 located in the highly conserved region between CNFs and DNT eliminated the activity, indicating that this domain is the catalytic center of DNT. The N-terminal fragment (1 to 531) of DNT failed to modify Rho but reduced the DNT-induced polynucleation in MC3T3-E1 cells when simultaneously added with the holotoxin, suggesting competitive inhibition in the receptor-binding or internalizing step. Our finding that DNT consists of an N-terminal receptor-binding and/or internalizing domain and a C-terminal catalytically active domain may facilitate analysis of the overall action of the toxin on the mammalian target cells.

A prospective multicenter trial evaluating diagnostic validity of multivariate analysis and individual serum marker in differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from benign pancreatic diseases

CONCLUSION

A multivariate analysis of CAMPAS-PX2 can increase its diagnostic accuracy in differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from benign pancreatic or extrapancreatic disease, when compared with CA19-9 alone. However, the improvement in diagnostic accuracy is still not satisfactory in spite of an elaborate combination of serum markers in diagnosis for pancreatic cancer. Optimal combination of a sensitive serum marker and another diagnostic modality, such as ultrasonography, can be a practical way to improve important diagnostic and cost-effectiveness in diagnosis for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND

No specific biological test has yet been developed for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, although increasing numbers of tumor markers become available. For improvement in the diagnostic and cost effectiveness, it is important to select optimal combination of several serum markers relatively independent of each other.

METHODS

A new model of discriminant function, computer-aided multivariate and pattern analysis system for pancreatic cancer examination 2 (CAMPAS-PX2), was developed based on the data of the 23 serum tumor markers from the first prospective trial (1) to differentiate between pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatobiliary disease by logistic regression analysis using a stepwise selection method. In 243 patients suspected of having pancreatic pancreatic cancer by a multicenter prospective study, the diagnostic value of the multivariate analysis, CAMPAS-PX2, was compared with the 23 markers.

RESULTS

Pancreatic cancer was subsequently identified in 27 patients. Positive in disease, negative in health, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve were significantly higher by CAMPAS-PX2 (89, 87, 91%) than by CA 19-9 (78, 82, 84%), the most sensitive marker among the 23 markers.

Human herpesvirus 6 open reading frame U83 encodes a functional chemokine

Some viruses including herpesviruses have undergone evolution to benefit viral infection and propagation by pirating and modifying host genes such as chemokine genes. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), acutely or persistently infects mononuclear cells in vitro. DNA sequence analysis of HHV-6 has revealed that the putative protein encoded by an open reading frame (ORF) of the U83 gene in HHV-6 variant B resembled a human chemokine. We have cloned the U83 gene and analyzed the biological function of this gene. The U83 gene contained an ORF encoding a 113-amino-acid peptide, starting at the first methionine and containing a possible signal peptide and the typical cysteine residues characteristic of the chemokines. Reverse transcription-PCR analysis of mRNA and immunofluorescent-antibody testing of infected cells both indicated that the encoded protein was a late protein. The ORF U83 gene fused to the Fc gene was expressed as a fusion protein in COS-7 cells by transfection, and the fusion protein was purified from the supernatant of transfected cells to test its biological function. The purified protein was capable of inducing transient calcium mobilization in THP-1 cells and of chemotactically activating THP-1 cells. These findings suggested that the U83 protein might play an important role in HHV-6 propagation in vivo by activating and trafficking mononuclear cells to sites of viral replication, thus aiding the development of superbly efficient virus production mechanisms.

A prospective multicenter trial evaluating diagnostic validity of multivariate analysis and individual serum marker in differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from benign pancreatic diseases

CONCLUSION

A multivariate analysis of CAMPAS-PX2 can increase its diagnostic accuracy in differential diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from benign pancreatic or extrapancreatic disease, when compared with CA19-9 alone. However, the improvement in diagnostic accuracy is still not satisfactory in spite of an elaborate combination of serum markers in diagnosis for pancreatic cancer. Optimal combination of a sensitive serum marker and another diagnostic modality, such as ultrasonography, can be a practical way to improve important diagnostic and cost-effectiveness in diagnosis for pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND

No specific biological test has yet been developed for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, although increasing numbers of tumor markers become available. For improvement in the diagnostic and cost effectiveness, it is important to select optimal combination of several serum markers relatively independent of each other.

METHODS

A new model of discriminant function, computer-aided multivariate and pattern analysis system for pancreatic cancer examination 2 (CAMPAS-PX2), was developed based on the data of the 23 serum tumor markers from the first prospective trial (1) to differentiate between pancreatic cancer and benign pancreatobiliary disease by logistic regression analysis using a stepwise selection method. In 243 patients suspected of having pancreatic pancreatic cancer by a multicenter prospective study, the diagnostic value of the multivariate analysis, CAMPAS-PX2, was compared with the 23 markers.

RESULTS

Pancreatic cancer was subsequently identified in 27 patients. Positive in disease, negative in health, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve were significantly higher by CAMPAS-PX2 (89, 87, 91%) than by CA 19-9 (78, 82, 84%), the most sensitive marker among the 23 markers.

Mapping, genomic organization and promoter analysis of the human prostate-specific membrane antigen gene

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a 100 kDa type II transmembrane protein with folate hydrolase and NAALAdase activity. PSMA is highly expressed in prostate cancer and the vasculature of most solid tumors, and is currently the target of a number of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. PSMA is also expressed in the brain, and is involved in conversion of the major neurotransmitter NAAG (N-acetyl-aspartyl glutamate) to NAA and free glutamate, the levels of which are disrupted in several neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. To facilitate analysis of the role of PSMA in carcinoma we have determined the structural organization of the gene. The gene consists of 19 exons spanning approximately 60 kb of genomic DNA. A 1244 nt portion of the 5' region of the PSMA gene was able to drive the firefly luciferase reporter gene in prostate but not breast-derived cell lines. We have mapped the gene encoding PSMA to 11p11-p12, however a gene homologous, but not identical, to PSMA exists on chromosome 11q14. Analysis of sequence differences between non-coding regions of the two genes suggests duplication and divergence occurred 22 million years ago.