The neovascularization effect of dedifferentiated fat cells

Mature adipocyte-derived dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells can be prepared efficiently and with minimal invasiveness to the donor. They can be utilized as a source of transplanted cells during therapy. Although the transplantation of DFAT cells into an ischemic tissue enhances angiogenesis and increases vascular flow, there is little information regarding the mechanism of the therapeutic angiogenesis. To further study this, mice ischemic hindlimb model was used. It was confirmed that in comparison with the adipose derived stem cells and fibroblasts, the transplantation of DFAT cells led to a significant improvement in the blood flow and increased mature blood vessel density. The ability of DFAT cells to secrete angiogenic factors in hypoxic conditions and upon co-culture with vascular endothelial cells was then examined. Furthermore, we examined the possibility that DFAT cells differentiating into pericytes. The therapeutic angiogenic effects of DFAT cells were observed by the secretion of angiogenic factors and pericyte differentiation by transforming growth factor β1 signalling via Smad2/3. DFAT cells can be prepared with minimal invasiveness and high efficiency and are expected to become a source of transplanted cells in the future of angiogenic cell therapy.

An Efficient Method to Obtain Dedifferentiated Fat Cells

Tissue engineering and cell therapy hold great promise clinically. In this regard, multipotent cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), may be used therapeutically, in the near future, to restore function to damaged organs. Nevertheless, several technical issues, including the highly invasive procedure of isolating MSCs and the inefficiency surrounding their amplification, currently hamper the potential clinical use of these therapeutic modalities. Herein, we introduce a highly efficient method for the generation of dedifferentiated fat cells (DFAT), MSC-like cells. Interestingly, DFAT cells can be differentiated into several cell types including adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic cells. Although other groups have previously presented various methods for generating DFAT cells from mature adipose tissue, our method allows us to produce DFAT cells more efficiently. In this regard, we demonstrate that DFAT culture medium (DCM), supplemented with 20% FBS, is more effective in generating DFAT cells than DMEM, supplemented with 20% FBS. Additionally, the DFAT cells produced by our cell culture method can be redifferentiated into several tissue types. As such, a very interesting and useful model for the study of tissue dedifferentiation is presented.

The Tol2 transposon system mediates the genetic engineering of T-cells with CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptors for B-cell malignancies

Engineered T-cell therapy using a CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CD19-CAR) is a promising strategy for the treatment of advanced B-cell malignancies. Gene transfer of CARs to T-cells has widely relied on retroviral vectors, but transposon-based gene transfer has recently emerged as a suitable nonviral method to mediate stable transgene expression. The advantages of transposon vectors compared with viral vectors include their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. We used the Tol2 transposon system to stably transfer CD19-CAR into human T-cells. Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes were co-nucleofected with the Tol2 transposon donor plasmid carrying CD19-CAR and the transposase expression plasmid and were selectively propagated on NIH3T3 cells expressing human CD19. Expanded CD3(+) T-cells with stable and high-level transgene expression (~95%) produced interferon-γ upon stimulation with CD19 and specifically lysed Raji cells, a CD19(+) human B-cell lymphoma cell line. Adoptive transfer of these T-cells suppressed tumor progression in Raji tumor-bearing Rag2(-/-)γc(-/-) immunodeficient mice compared with control mice. These results demonstrate that the Tol2 transposon system could be used to express CD19-CAR in genetically engineered T-cells for the treatment of refractory B-cell malignancies.

Inhibition of morphine tolerance is mediated by painful stimuli via central mechanisms

Tolerance to morphine analgesia following repeated administration disturbs the continuation of opioid therapy for severe pain. Emerging evidence suggests that the development of morphine tolerance may be antagonized by painful stimuli. To clarify the detailed mechanisms of these phenomena, we examined the effects of several pain stimuli on morphine-induced tolerance. Subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of morphine (10 mg/kg) produced an analgesic effect, which was evaluated by tail-pinch test. Morphine-induced analgesia was diminished by repeated administration of morphine (10 mg/kg, s.c.) once a day for 5 days, demonstrating the development of tolerance. Morphine analgesic tolerance was suppressed by nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and formalin- or carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain. Tolerance to serum corticosterone elevation by morphine (10 mg/kg), which was evaluated by fluorometric assay, was also suppressed by formalin-induced inflammatory pain. Moreover, morphine analgesia induced by intracerebroventricular (10 nmol) or intrathecal (5 nmol) injection was diminished by repeated administration of morphine s.c., and this was also suppressed by carrageenan-induced inflammatory pain. These results suggest that morphine tolerance is inhibited by several pain stimuli, including neuropathic and inflammatory pain, through central mechanisms.

Efficacy of S-1 in patients with capecitabine-resistant breast cancer-Japan Breast Cancer Research Network (JBCRN) 04-1 trial

BACKGROUND

S-1 is an orally administered fluorinated pyrimidine with high activity in metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) and in chemotherapy-pretreated metastatic breast carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty patients with MBC who did not respond to capecitabine-based chemo-therapy and then received S-1 were identified from our data base of records between 2006 and 2008. The clinico-pathological data and outcomes of these patients were then reviewed.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 27.8%. The median survival was 19.2 months, and the median time to disease progression was 6.2 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (all grades) were hand-foot syndrome (15%), nausea (15%), vomiting (7.5%), disorder of taste (7.5%), and diarrhea (5%). However, the majority were mild to moderate in intensity, and only one patient experienced grade 3 (according to the National Cancer Institute of Canada Common Toxicity criteria) adverse events. Myelosuppression and alopecia were rare, and there were no reported treatment-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

The results of the current study demonstrate that S-1 is an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with capecitabine-resistant MBC. In addition, it is a convenient, orally administered drug, which makes it an attractive agent for use in outpatient treatment.

Zinc-finger transcriptional factor Sall1 induces angiogenesis by activation of the gene for VEGF-A

Zinc-finger transcriptional factor Sall1 modulates gene expression and regulates organogenesis, including kidney development. Angiogenesis induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is also required for organogenesis. We investigated whether Sall1 induces angiogenesis through VEGF gene activation. Sall1 gene transfer induced marked neovascularization in rat cornea and in mouse embryoid bodies (EBs). The neovascularization in EBs was abolished by co-administration of anti-VEGF antibody. Sall1 gene transfer in Swiss 3T3 cells significantly increased the expression of VEGF-A mRNA but did not markedly increase the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2, epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor and ETS-1 mRNA. Sall1 gene transfer significantly increased VEGF-A protein levels in conditioned medium from cultured fibroblasts. Sall1 gene transfer significantly increased VEGF-A promoter activity in HEK293T cells as compared with cells transfected with mock vector or truncated Sall1. These results suggest that Sall1 induces angiogenesis by stimulating VEGF-A promoter activity.

Implantation of dedifferentiated fat cells ameliorates habu snake venom-induced chronic renal dysfunction in tenascin-C-deficient mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We established dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells from mature adipocytes that differentiate to multiple lineages and have characteristics similar to those of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we evaluated the effect of implantation of DFAT cells on habu snake venom (HSV)-induced renal dysfunction in tenascin-C knockout (TC-KO) mice.

METHODS

Cultured DFAT cells were incubated with PDGF-BB and immunostained with anti-desmin antibody to determine mesenchymal differentiation. HSV was injected, and DFAT cells from GFP mice were implanted in TC-KO mice via the tail vein. Expression of tenascin-C, transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta1), and fibronectin mRNAs in the renal cortex were evaluated by RT-PCR analysis.

RESULTS

Cultured DFAT cells showed desmin immunostaining in response to PDGF-BB.HSV injection induced glomerulosclerosis, which was significantly improved by implantation of DFAT cells. Serum BUN increased after HSV injection and was significantly decreased by implantation of DFAT cells. Tenascin-C mRNA was detected in the renal cortex in implanted mice. Expression of TGF-beta1 and fibronectin mRNAs increased in the renal cortex after HSV injection, and was significantly decreased by implantation of DFAT cells.

CONCLUSION

DFAT cells may provide a source for cell therapy for severe progressive renal disease.

Losartan improves the impaired function of endothelial progenitor cells in hypertension via an antioxidant effect

We evaluated the effects of the angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blocker (ARB) losartan on the formation and number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in hypertensive rats. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP) were salt-loaded and then treated with losartan (10 mg/kg/day), trichlormethiazide (TCM; 1.6 mg/kg/day), or tempol (1 mmol/L) for 2 weeks. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, subjected to flow cytometric analysis to determine the number of circulating EPCs, cultured to assay EPC colony formation, and subjected to a migration chamber assay to evaluate EPC migration. Oxidative stress in EPCs was evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay. The results showed that the number, colony formation, and migration of EPCs were markedly decreased in SHR-SP compared to those in WKY rats. The TBARS scores were significantly greater in SHR-SP than in WKY rats. Losartan and TCM decreased systolic blood pressure in SHR-SP to similar levels. Losartan and tempol increased the number of circulating EPCs and colony formation, and inhibited oxidation in SHR-SP. TCM did not affect the EPC number, colony formation, or oxidation. Both losartan and TCM stimulated EPC migration. Expression of gp91(phox), p22(phox), and p47(phox) mRNA in tissues was significantly decreased by losartan but not by TCM. These results indicate that the formation and function of EPCs are impaired by oxidative stress in SHR-SP. This is the first report to show that losartan improves the proliferation and function of EPCs in hypertension, suggesting that ARBs are useful to repair hypertensive vascular injuries.

Foliar trichome- and aquaporin-aided water uptake in a drought-resistant epiphyte Tillandsia ionantha Planchon

The atmospheric epiphyte Tillandsia ionantha is capable of surviving drought stress for 6 months or more without any exogenous water supply via an as of yet to be determined mechanism. When plants were soaked in water for 3 h, leaves absorbed a remarkably large amount of water (30-40% on the basis of fresh weight), exhibiting a bimodal absorption pattern. Radiolabeled water was taken up by the leaves by capillary action of the epidermal trichomes within 1 min (phase 1) and then transported intracellularly to leaf tissues over 3 h (phase 2). The removal of epidermal trichome wings from leaves as well as rinsing leaves with water significantly lowered the extracellular accumulation of water on leaf surfaces. The intracellular transport of water was inhibited by mercuric chloride, implicating the involvement of a water channel aquaporin in second-phase water absorption. Four cDNA clones (TiPIP1a, TiPIP1b, TiPIP1c, and TiPIP2a) homologous to PIP family aquaporins were isolated from the leaves, and RT-PCR showed that soaking plants in water stimulated the expression of TiPIP2a mRNA, suggesting the reinforcement in ability to rapidly absorb a large amount of water. The expression of TiPIP2a complementary RNA in Xenopus oocytes enhanced permeability, and treatment with inhibitors suggested that the water channel activity of TiPIP2a protein was regulated by phosphorylation. Thus, the high water uptake capability of T. ionantha leaves surviving drought is attributable to a bimodal trichome- and aquaporin-aided water uptake system based on rapid physical collection of water and subsequent, sustained chemical absorption.

The influence of uremic serum on interleukin-1beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

We investigated whether or not uremic serum has an influence on IL-1beta and IL-1Ra production by normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Four groups of subjects were divided into healthy controls and non-dialyzed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. We examined cytokine concentrations and cytokine production by PBMC from a normal subject at the density of 2.5 x 10(6) cells/mL incubated with 25% serum in the medium and serum containing polymyxin-B or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). IL-1Ra concentrations in the serum of the uremic groups were significantly higher than those of the controls. In IL-1beta production by PBMC in medium with both serum and serum containing polymyxin-B, these values in the uremic groups were significantly higher than in the controls. In IL-1Ra production with serum containing polymyxin-B, these values in the uremic groups were significantly higher than in the controls. In contrast, in IL-1Ra production by PBMC in medium with serum containing LPS, these values in the uremic groups were significantly lower than in the controls. It was concluded that uremic serum not only contains nonendotoxemic cytokine-inducing substances, but also shows impaired cytokine production by PBMC in response to LPS.

The influence of uremic serum on interleukin-1beta and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells

We investigated whether or not uremic serum has an influence on IL-1beta and IL-1Ra production by normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Four groups of subjects were divided into healthy controls and non-dialyzed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. We examined cytokine concentrations and cytokine production by PBMC from a normal subject at the density of 2.5 x 10(6) cells/mL incubated with 25% serum in the medium and serum containing polymyxin-B or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). IL-1Ra concentrations in the serum of the uremic groups were significantly higher than those of the controls. In IL-1beta production by PBMC in medium with both serum and serum containing polymyxin-B, these values in the uremic groups were significantly higher than in the controls. In IL-1Ra production with serum containing polymyxin-B, these values in the uremic groups were significantly higher than in the controls. In contrast, in IL-1Ra production by PBMC in medium with serum containing LPS, these values in the uremic groups were significantly lower than in the controls. It was concluded that uremic serum not only contains nonendotoxemic cytokine-inducing substances, but also shows impaired cytokine production by PBMC in response to LPS.

A Comparison of Bicarbonate Hemodialysis, Hemodiafiltration, and Acetate-free Biofiltration on Cytokine Production

Acetate-free biofiltration (AFB) is a special hemodiafiltration (HDF) modality performed with a base-free dialysate and simultaneous injection of non-pyrogenic sodium bicarbonate solution. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of cytokine production by conventional bicarbonate hemodialysis (BCD), standard HDF and AFB in the same patients. Eight stable hemodialysis patients were treated in random order with BCD, HDF and AFB every 4 weeks. The production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was investigated without stimulation and with stimulation by a small amount of endotoxin (ET)-contaminated beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before and after dialysis treatment in the last sessions during all periods. To serve as controls, 14 healthy volunteers participated in this study. In spontaneous IL-1Ra production, the values of before and after AFB were not significantly different from that of the controls, and the values of before and after BCD and before HDF were significantly higher than that of the controls. In LPS-stimulated PBMC, IL-1 beta production before and after AFB was not significantly different from that of the controls, and before and after BCD and HDF was significantly higher than that of the controls. In ET-contaminated beta 2M-stimulated PBMC, IL-1 beta production before and after AFB was not significantly different compared to the controls, and the production was significantly lower than that before and after BCD and HDF. In addition, IL-1Ra production after AFB was not significantly different from the controls, and the production was significantly lower than that before and after BCD and HDF. It was concluded that a lower cytokine production by AFB may have the effect of preventing dialysis-related complications.

Rejection of stimulus-related MEG artifacts using independent component analysis

Electro-gustatory (EG) stimuli have been used to investigate the gustatory information processing in the human brain with precise temporal and spatial accuracy. But this technique was not widely applicable to magnetoencephalographic measurements due to the difficulty in eliminating huge stimulus-related artifact. In this study, we used independent component decomposition of the measured signal to reject the stimulus-related artifact from other brain activities based on information maximization (infomax) approach. Infomax ICA was applied to raw MEG data measured by 122 magnetometer channels producing 122 temporally independent components, and the trials for each component were averaged separately. Each independent component was visually inspected and the components obviously representing the EG stimulus-related artifacts were excluded from remixing and the signal projection onto the original MEG signal space to reconstruct the artifact-free MEG signals. Results showed that large EG stimulus-related artifacts were clearly removed from MEG waveforms. We were also able to separate blink-related components and magnetocardiographic components as well as the components representing alpha-band (8-13 Hz) spontaneous brain activity.

Comparison of the effects of cellulose triacetate and polysulfone membrane on GPIIb/IIIa and platelet activation

BACKGROUND

During hemodialysis session, several adverse reactions can occur on platelets, which are attributable to bioincompatibility of the dialysis membrane. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) is the receptor for fibrinogen, which mediates platelet aggregation and adhesion. Accordingly, we compared the influence of a cellulose triacetate (CTA) and polysulfone (PS) membrane on GPIIb/IIIa and platelet activation.

METHODS

Blood samples from 5 patients on hemodialysis were taken at 0 time, 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 240 min, during a single hemodialysis session, by a crossover design using CTA or PS. Platelet count and plasma concentration of GPIIb/IIIa, beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF-4) were measured. GPIIb/IIIa was measured by flow cytometry. beta-TG and PF-4 were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

There was no significant change in the total amount of GPIIb/IIIa during dialysis session between the CTA and PS. However, the level of bound GPIIb/IIIa was significantly (p < 0.0002) increased from 1,426 +/- 435 to 40,446 +/- 2,777 mol/PLT with PS. In contrast, there was no significant change with CTA (3,258 +/- 1,469 to 4,301 +/- 1,422 mol/PLT). The platelet counts and beta-TG and PF-4 behavior during the dialysis session did not show significant change between the PS and CTA.

CONCLUSION

The characterization of changes in platelet membrane receptor (GPIIb/IIIa) may be a useful marker for studying the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes. On platelet aggregation, CTA might be more biocompatible membrane than PS.

[First marriage tables for Japanese males and females, 1975]

The authors present net nuptiality tables for Japanese males and females in 1975. Data are from official registers and the 1975 census. "According to the tables, 87.43 percent of newly born males and 91.21 percent of newly born females may expect to marry during their whole life." (SUMMARY IN ENG)

Experimental nephropathy induced by Haemophilus parainfluenzae antigens

BACKGROUND

We have demonstrated that outer membrane antigens of Haemophilus parainfluenzae (OMHP) are potentially involved in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In this study, we established an experimental model of IgAN using OMHP antigens and investigated the nephritogenicity of OMHP antigens.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty C3H/HeN mice were administered OMHP antigens orally (PO group) or intraperitoneally (IP group). Mice were sacrificed at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 weeks of age to examine sequential glomerular changes and to measure levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibody against OMHP by ELISA.

RESULTS

Glomerular deposition of IgA and increases in the amount of mesangial matrix were observed in the PO group and the IP group from 40 and 30 weeks of age, respectively. Mice in both groups showed glomerular deposition of OMHP antigens from 30 or 40 weeks of age. Levels of IgA antibodies against OMHP were significantly increased in the PO and IP groups compared with controls. There was a significant correlation between mesangial proliferation and glomerular deposition of IgA.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of OMHP antigens to mice may induce glomerular deposition of IgA and mesangial proliferation, resembling the changes seen in IgAN, with increases in IgA antibodies against OMHP antigens. This is the first use of OMHP antigens to establish an active model of IgAN.

Impact of boost irradiation with surgically placed radiopaque clips on local control in breast-conserving therapy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine whether boost irradiation relying on radiopaque clips placed surgically around the resected margin of breast cancer contributes to increasing the local control rate in patients with close or positive margins in breast-conserving therapy (BCT).

METHODS

Among 837 patients with breast cancer who underwent BCT between November 1987 and December 1998, 181 patients with close or positive surgical margins received boost irradiation following conventional tangential whole breast irradiation. Since 1994, four radiopaque clips were surgically placed around the resected margin of the breast cancer in 155 patients treated with wide excision. The four clips were clearly and accurately identified with a CT-simulator (CT-S). The boost irradiation field was automatically determined with a safety margin of 3 cm according to one-to-one correspondence of radiopaque clips to pathologically close or positive surgical margins. In the remaining 26 patients treated before 1994, the boost irradiation field was determined according to the skin tattoo of the primary tumor.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period of the 155 patients receiving the radiopaque clips was 42 months (range: 19 to 78), and that of the 26 patients without the clips was 87 months. Local recurrence was observed in two of the 155 patients who underwent boost irradiation using the radiopaque clips 39 and 54 months after the surgery, while 4 of the 26 patients developed local recurrence 14, 23, 51, and 76 months after BCT. In three of the four patients without the clips developing local recurrences, local recurrences were observed at the margin of the boost irradiation field. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate of patients who received boost irradiation with the radiopaque clips was 97%, and that of patients without the clips was 88%. The difference of local recurrence-free survival rates between the patients with and without the clips was significant (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Surgically placed radiopaque clips appear to be useful for determining adequate boost field in the BCT using the CT-S and help increase the local control rate.

Trimeresurus flavoviridis (habu snake) venom induces human erythrocyte lysis through enzymatic lipolysis, complement activation and decreased membrane expression of CD55 and CD59

Trimeresurus flavoviridis (habu snake) bites can be fatal to man because of its virulent venom, which is clinicopathologically classified as haemorrhagic, necrotic, and haemolytic toxins. Trimeresurus flavoviridis venom causes lysis of human erythrocytes in conditions where plasma is present as well as in plasma-free conditions in a dose-dependent manner. The haemolytic process requires Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions in the solution. Additionally, the venom initiates activation of the human complement cascade as evidenced by C3a and C5a releases, complement consumption indicated by CH50 and formation of soluble membrane attack complex. The insertion of membrane attack complex into the erythrocyte membranes is morphologically identified by electronmicroscopy. Immunofluorescence analysis reveals that incubation of erythrocytes with the venom decreased cell-surface expression of CD55 (decay accelerating factor) and CD59 (protectin), which renders erythrocyte more vulnerable to adherent C3 and C5 convertases and to polymerization of C9 into membranes, and may enhance autologous complement-mediated haemolysis triggered by the venom. Our data demonstrate that Trimeresurus flavoviridis venom induces haemolysis in the presence of plasma by three distinct mechanisms, direct lipolysis through PLA2 activity, activation of the human complement system, and cleavages of CD55 and CD59 from erythrocyte membranes.

Programmed filtration, a new method for removing large molecules and regulating albumin leakage during hemodiafiltration treatment

During hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment for chronic renal failure patients, replacing large volumes using high-flux membranes with relatively large pores is preferred from the standpoint of enhancing the elimination of large molecules (10 to 50 kd). Aggressive protein-permeable treatment often results in massive leakage of essential albumin, however, which may cause fatigue, hypotension, and a decrease in the plasma albumin concentration in some patients. During 5-hour conventional HDF treatment with the filtration rate or pressure set at constant values, fractional albumin loss in the dialysate was assayed, which revealed that the albumin concentration in the dialysate showed a maximum value in the beginning with a steep decline within 1 hour. Approximately 40% to 50% of the total amount of albumin leakage occurred during the first 30 minutes. Concomitantly the large molecules transferred into the pores by aggressive filtration during the beginning partially plugged the pores, resulting in a decrease in the permeability for beta(2)-microglobulin. From the standpoint of achieving the highest clearance for large molecules, while suppressing albumin leakage below the acceptable range, the optimal profiles for filtration conditions in HDF have been proposed, in which either the transmembrane pressure is regulated according to the sigmoid curve in the pressure control manner or the flow rate is set along the concave in the flow control manner. The profiles of pressure or flow as a function of time have been programmed and installed in a HDF machine to perform an optimal HDF treatment automatically. The new filtration methods gave significantly higher beta(2)-microglobulin removal and lower albumin leakage than conventional HDF methods with constant filtration.

Thought Field Therapy clinical applications: utilization in an HMO in behavioral medicine and behavioral health services

Thought Field Therapy (TFT) is a self-administered treatment developed by psychologist Roger Callahan. TFT uses energy meridian treatment points and bilateral optical-cortical stimulation while focusing on the targeted symptoms or problem being addressed. The clinical applications of TFT summarized included anxiety, adjustment disorder with anxiety and depression, anxiety due to medical condition, anger, acute stress, bereavement, chronic pain, cravings, depression, fatigue, nausea, neurodermatitis, obsessive traits, panic disorder without agoraphobia, parent-child stress, phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, relationship stress, trichotillomania, tremor, and work stress. This uncontrolled study reports on changes in self-reported Subjective Units of Distress (SUD; Wolpe, 1969) in 1,594 applications of TFT, treating 714 patients. Paired t-tests of pre- and posttreatment SUD were statistically significant in 31 categories reviewed. These within-session decreases of SUD are preliminary data that call for controlled studies to examine validity, reliability, and maintenance of effects over time. Illustrative case and heart rate variability data are presented.

Enantioseparation of selected chiral sulfoxides using polysaccharide-type chiral stationary phases and polar organic, polar aqueous-organic and normal-phase eluents

HPLC enantioseparation of selected chiral sulfoxides was studied using cellulose and amylose phenylcarbamate derivatives as chiral stationary phases (CSPs). The contributions of various functional groups of a chiral analyte as well as the polysaccharide derivatives in the analyte retention and chiral recognition were evaluated. A very high enantioseparation factor exceeding 110 was observed in the enantioseparation of 2-(benzylsulfinyl)benzamide (BSBA) on cellulose tris(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate) (CDCPC) CSP by using 2-propanol as a mobile phase. The enantiomer elution order was opposite on cellulose and amylose phenylcarbamates. For the polysaccharide-type CSPs, pure alcohols such as methanol, ethanol and 2-propanol represent a valuable alternative to more common alcohol-hydrocarbon and reversed-phase eluents.

Cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride, a H+/Cl- symporter, induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines in vitro

Recently, we reported that cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride (cPrG.HCl), a novel H+/Cl- symporter, induces acidification of the cytosol and leads to apoptosis on rat and human liver cancer cells. In the present study, the effects of cPrG.HCl, a H+/Cl- symporter, were examined in colon cancer cell lines in vitro. In the MTT assay, cPrG.HCl inhibited the growth of two colon cancer cell lines (WiDr and SW480) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cPrG.HCl treatment of both types of cells induced apoptosis as confirmed by the appearance of a sub-G1 population and intranucleosomal DNA fragmentation. In addition, cPrG.HCl lowered pHi (below pH 6.8) respectively. Therefore, these results suggest that cPrG.HCl may be useful for the treatment of colon cancer cells.

Diastereoselective Inter- and Intramolecular Pinacol Coupling of Aldehydes Promoted by Monomeric Titanocene(III) Complex Cp2TiPh

A monomeric titanocene(III) derivative, Cp(2)TiPh, effectively promoted the pinacol coupling of both an aromatic aldehyde, benzaldehyde, and an aliphatic aldehyde, 3-phenylpropionaldehyde. The same reactive complex was successfully generated by a catalytic amount of a precursor, Cp(2)Ti(Ph)Cl, and its stoichiometric amount of Zn. The Cp(2)TiPh-catalyzed pinacol coupling of benzaldehyde derivatives and aliphatic aldehydes afforded the corresponding 1,2-diols in high yields with moderate to good threo-selectivity. On the other hand, Cp(2)TiPh-catalyzed pinacol cyclization of dials gave cyclic 1,2-diols with excellent diastereoselectivity. The extension of this protocol to chiral dials demonstrated that the phenyltitanium complex catalytically transmitted an axial chirality or a central chirality of the starting dials to the central chirality of the resultant 1,2-diols.

Mechanical strain induces specific changes in the synthesis and organization of proteoglycans by vascular smooth muscle cells

In the mechanically active environment of the artery, cells sense mechanical stimuli and regulate extracellular matrix structure. In this study, we explored the changes in synthesis of proteoglycans by vascular smooth muscle cells in response to precisely controlled mechanical strains. Strain increased mRNA for versican (3.2-fold), biglycan (2.0-fold), and perlecan (2.0-fold), whereas decorin mRNA levels decreased to a third of control levels. Strain also increased versican, biglycan, and perlecan core proteins, with a concomitant decrease in decorin core protein. Deformation did not alter the hydrodynamic size of proteoglycans as evidenced by molecular sieve chromatography but increased sulfate incorporation in both chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (p < 0.05 for both). Using DNA microarrays, we also identified the gene for the hyaluronan-linking protein TSG6 as mechanically induced in smooth muscle cells. Northern analysis confirmed a 4.0-fold increase in steady state mRNA for TSG6 following deformation. Size exclusion chromatography under associative conditions showed that versican-hyaluronan aggregation was enhanced following deformation. These data demonstrate that mechanical deformation increases specific vascular smooth muscle cell proteoglycan synthesis and aggregation, indicating a highly coordinated extracellular matrix response to biomechanical stimulation.

Effects of a two-week, hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program on physical capacity, lipid profiles and psychological variables in patients with acute myocardial infarction

A new 2-week hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program has been designed and the present study sought to clarify whether the physical and psychological status of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) improved after participation in the program. Fifty-one patients with AMI were enrolled in the rehabilitation program, which consisted of exercise training, education and counselling, and another 34 patients with AMI who did not participate in the program served as the control group. The physical and psychological status of the patients was evaluated before, at 1-month after the program, and at 6- and 12-months follow-ups. The physical status was assessed by exercise tolerance and serum lipid profiles and the psychological status was assessed by the Spielberger State-Trait anxiety inventory questionnaire (STAI) and self-rating questionnaire for depression. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using established and validated QOL scales. After participation in the program, the exercise tolerance, serum lipid profiles and STAI anxiety score of the patients were improved significantly and at the 6-month follow-up these parameters remained improved and regular physical activity was maintained. The QOL score also improved significantly. Even at the 12-month follow-up, lipid profiles remained improved and regular physical activity was maintained. The 2-week hospitalized phase II cardiac rehabilitation program improved the management of cardiac risk factors and psychological status in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). It provides beneficial effects on the patient's physical and psychological activities in the recovery phase and may also contribute to the secondary prevention of MI.

Effect of diet on changes in small intestinal blood flow following intracolonic administration of indomethacin to rats

Liquid diet (LD) is known to be protective against indomethacin-induced enteropathy, which is thought to be associated with ischemic change. We tested the hypothesis that the solid component of diet modulates small intestinal blood flow (SIBF) following indomethacin administration. In the first experiment, male Wistar rats were divided into 18-hr-fasted and normal diet groups. Indomethacin (20 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered intracolonically. SIBF was measured on both the mesenteric and antimesenteric sides of the intestine, using the hydrogen gas clearance method. In the second experiment, rats were given LD alone or LD with increasing concentration of soluble/insoluble fiber for seven days. The baseline SIBF was significantly higher in the groups with normal diet and LD with fiber than in the fasting and LD groups. Following indomethacin administration, SIBF gradually decreased in the groups with normal diet and LD with insoluble fiber, while neither liquid diet nor fasting reduced SIBF. There was no difference in SIBF between the mesenteric and antimesenteric sides of the intestine in any group. Our findings suggest that solid components of diet increase basal SIBF and decrease SIBF following indomethacin administration.

Resolution and rotational barriers of quinolinone and acridone sulfenamide derivatives: demonstration of the S-N chiral axis

Achiral (8a) and chiral (8b) N-(2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfenyl)acridone derivatives were synthesized. Addition of the chiral solvating agent (S)- 2,2,2-trifluro-1-(anthryl)ethanol to 8a rendered the enantiotopic groups on the acridone ring diastereotopic and anisochronous, thus allowing the estimation of a lower limit for the rotational barrier about the S-N bond (18.7 kcal mol(-)(1)) by NMR spectroscopy. 8b and the previously reported chiral sulfenamide 5 (Raban, M.; Martin, V. A.; Craine, L. J. Org. Chem. 1990, 55, 4311) were resolved on a Chiracel OD HPLC column. This constitutes the first resolution of stereostable enantiomers of a compound in which the chirality is due only to the presence of the S-N chiral axis. The rotational barriers of both compounds are nearly equal (22.7-22. 8 kcal mol(-)(1) at 303.7 K) and are the largest determined to date for the rotation about the S-N bond in sulfenamides. The relatively high enantiomerization barrier for 8b is remarkable since the peri positions are unsubstituted.

Enantioseparations using cellulose tris(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate) during high-performance liquid chromatography with analytical and capillary columns: potential for screening of chiral compounds

The appropriate selection of the mobile phase facilitated the use cellulose tris(3,5-dichlorophenylcarbamate (CDCPC) as a chiral stationary phase (CSP) during high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A preliminary evaluations of this material indicated its very high chiral resolving ability toward many analytes of different chemical and pharmacological groups. Some chemicals and drugs containing two centers of chirality were also successfully resolved into all possible stereoisomers. The applicability of CDCPC for enantioseparations in capillary liquid chromatography was also shown giving promising prospects for the screening of novel biologically active compounds (which may be also synthesized based on combinatorial strategies) for their enantiomeric composition.

Proteoglycans synthesized by cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells after exposure to lead: lead selectively inhibits the synthesis of versican, a large chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan

To investigate the effects of lead on the formation of extracellular matrix in the vascular wall, we characterized proteoglycans synthesized by cultured vascular smooth muscle cells after exposure to the metal by biochemical techniques. Confluent cultures of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells were metabolically labeled with [(35)S]sulfate or [(35)S]methionine/cysteine in the presence of lead nitrate. The amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was evaluated by the incorporation of [(35)S]sulfate into GAGs by the cetylpyridinium chloride precipitation method. The labeled proteoglycans were characterized by DEAE-Sephacel ion exchange chromatography and Sepharose CL-2B molecular sieve chromatography. The GAG M(r) and composition were analyzed by Sepharose CL-6B chromatography, and the core protein M(r) was analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, before and after digestion with papain or chondroitin ABC lyase. Lead significantly decreased the [(35)S]sulfate incorporation into GAGs accumulated in the cell layer and the conditioned medium. [(35)S]Sulfate-labeled proteoglycans obtained from the cell layer and the conditioned medium were separated into three peaks on DEAE-Sephacel chromatography and only the peak with the highest charge density was decreased by lead. The highly charged peak was eluted near the void volume on Sepharose CL-2B molecular sieve chromatography and sensitive to chondroitin ABC lyase on Sepharose CL-6B chromatography, indicating that lead selectively inhibits the synthesis of large and highly charged chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (CS/DSPGs). However, the size of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate chains of the CS/DSPGs was M(r) approximately 47000 in both the control and lead-treated cultures. On the other hand, lead decreased the accumulation of a large CS/DSPG with a core protein of approximately 450 kDa in the cell layer and the conditioned medium; the core protein was identified as versican core by Western blot analysis. It is therefore suggested that lead inhibits the synthesis of the versican core protein in vascular smooth muscle cells without a change in length of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate side chains. As a result, versican-poor extracellular matrix would be induced by lead in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride, H(+)/CL(-) symporter, induces apoptosis and differentiation in HL-60 cells

Cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride (cPrG * HCl), a novel H(+)/Cl(-) symporter, induces acidification of the cytosol and leads to apoptosis in rat and human liver cancer cells. In the present study, the effect of cPrG * HCl on a promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60) was examined. cPrG * HCl lowered intracellular pH and induced apoptosis through up-regulation of Fas ligand, activation of stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) and caspase. Apoptosis induced by cPrG * HCl was strongly suppressed when a cell-permeable weak base, imidazole, was present, indicating that cytosol acidification introduced by cPrG * HCl triggered caspase activation, leading to apoptosis. Concomitantly, cell differentiation into monocyte was also induced by cPrG * HCl both morphologically and functionally. However, the cPrG * HCl-induced differentiation was not suppressed by addition of imidazole, indicating that the differentiation process is unrelated to cytosol acidification. Further, the differentiation induced by cPrG * HCl was blocked by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lavendustin A and HMA) but unaffected by the inhibitors of A-kinase (H-89) or C-kinase (H-7). Taken together, these findings suggest that cPrG * HCl, through apoptosis and differentiation induction, may be useful in leukemia treatment.

Chemical modification of a catalytic antibody that accelerates the hydrolysis of carbonate esters

Catalytic antibody, 4A1, catalyzes the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl alkyl carbonate. To determine the amino acid residues related to the catalytic activity of the antibody, we studied the effect of Tyr-, Trp-, and Lys-selective reagents on the catalytic activity and determined the amino acid sequences around the modified amino acid residues. We found that the Tyr-selective reagent is the most effective one and the modification of one Tyr residue results in the complete loss of the catalytic activity. The modified Tyr residue is identified to be Tyr-32 in the CDR-1 of the L chain.

[Toxicity of cadmium and lead on vascular cells that regulate fibrinolysis]

Cadmium and lead are heavy metals that cause vascular lesions such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Toxicity of cadmium and lead on the regulation of fibrinolysis by vascular-composing cells was investigated using a cell culture system. It was found that cadmium promotes the synthesis of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) whereas lead inhibits the synthesis of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) in vascular endothelial cells; consequently, both heavy metals reduced fibrinolytic activity in the liquid phase. The responses of endothelial cells to cadmium and lead were different from those to other heavy metals and the release of the fibrinolytic proteins from vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts was perturbed by cadmium and lead in different manners. In conclusion, the present study showed that cadmium and lead exhibit their toxicity on fibrinolysis regulated by vascular cells in different manners among cell types and the individual cell types respond to cadmium and lead in different manners with respect to the release of fibrinolytic proteins.

Synthesis of immunoglobulins against Haemophilus parainfluenzae by tonsillar lymphocytes from patients with IgA nephropathy

BACKGROUND

We previously demonstrated glomerular deposition of Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HP) antigens and the presence of IgA antibody against HP antigens in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In this report we examine the synthesis of immunoglobulins against HP antigens in tonsillar lymphocytes from patients with IgAN.

METHODS

We used tonsillar lymphocytes isolated from the palatine tonsils of 15 patients with IgAN and 16 patients with chronic tonsillitis but without renal disease. We examined lymphocyte proliferation and production of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against HP antigens by measuring thymidine uptake and concentrations of these antibodies in culture supernatants after lymphocyte incubation with HP antigens by ELISA.

RESULTS

Lymphocytes from patients with IgAN showed a significantly higher stimulation index (SI) on exposure to HP antigens (thymidine incorporation in tonsillar lymphocytes exposed to HP (c.p.m.)/ thymidine incorporation in unstimulated tonsillar lymphocytes (c.p.m.)) than did controls (P=0. 0015). Lymphocytes from patients with IgAN also showed a significantly higher IgA SI (concentrations of IgA against HP antigens in supernatants from HP-stimulated lymphocytes/IgA against HP antigens in supernatants from unstimulated tonsillar lymphocytes) than did controls (P=0.0004). We found positive correlations between concentrations of IgA and IgG antibodies, between IgA and IgM antibodies, and between IgG and IgM antibodies against HP antigens after HP stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that HP antigens stimulate tonsillar T and B lymphocytes in patients with IgAN and that these patients have polyclonal activation of lymphocytes against HP antigens, with isotype switching of antibody production from IgM to IgA.

Cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride, a H+/Cl- symporter, induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cell lines

The effect of cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride (cPrG.HCl), a H+/Cl- symporter, on five human breast cancer cell lines (KPL-1, T-47D, MCF-7, MKL-F, and MDA-MB-231), a human breast epithelial cell line (HBL-100), and a human fibroblast cell line (WI-38-40) was examined. cPrG.HCl inhibited the growth of all five breast cancer cell lines (IC50: 0.46-0.62 microM) and slightly inhibited HBL-100 and WI-38-40 cell growth (IC50: 1.75 microM and 2.26 microM respectively). cPrG.HCl treatment in KPL-1 cells increased the pH of acidic organelles, decreased intracellular pH, and caused apoptosis, which was confirmed by the appearance of a sub-G1 population by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation. In addition, cPrG.HCl-induced apoptosis was strongly suppressed by imidazole, a cell-permeable base, suggesting that intracellular acidification was essential for the apoptosis. Further, cPrG.HCl treatment up-regulated Bax and Bak expression, down-regulated Bcl-2 expression, and activated caspase-3. Therefore, the intracellular acidification by cPrG.HCl treatment suppressed the growth of human breast cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis.