The influence of the eradication of Helicobacter pylori on gastric ghrelin, appetite, and body mass index in patients with peptic ulcer disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been known to influence the gastric leptin and ghrelin secretion, for which the exact pathogenic role has not been documented yet. This study was designed to investigate the influence of H. pylori eradication on plasma or gastric levels of ghrelin, body mass index (BMI), and resultant levels of appetite in patients with peptic ulcer disease.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with H. pylori-associated active duodenal or gastric ulcer were treated with 7 weeks of antisecretory medication followed with 7 days of eradication regimen. The plasma and tissue ghrelin levels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA, BMI, and appetite scale were checked before and after treatment. An additional endoscopic examination was conducted in 10 patients taking both ulcer treatment and H. pylori eradication.

RESULTS

Gastric ghrelin mRNA expression was significantly increased after either ulcer healing or H. pylori eradication, whereas gastric TNF-alpha mRNA expression was decreased after ulcer treatment and H. pylori eradication. In parallel with these changes, the visual analog scales for hunger and prospective food consumption were significantly increased after ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication. An increase in BMI was not statistically related to ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication therapy. In the subgroup analysis of 10 patients performed with additional endoscopic examination, ulcer treatment was associated with increased plasma ghrelin level and tissue ghrelin expression irrelevant to H. pylori eradication.

CONCLUSION

Restored tissue levels of ghrelin and improved status of appetite was achieved with gastric ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication.

Sauchinone attenuates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key mediators of fibrogenesis, and the regulation of their activation is now viewed as an attractive target for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Here, the authors investigated the ability of sauchinone, an active lignan found in Saururus chinensis, to regulate the activation of HSCs, to prevent liver fibrosis, and to inhibit oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. Blood biochemistry and histopathology were assessed in CCl4-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis to investigate the effects of sauchinone. In addition, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-activated LX-2 cells (a human HSC line) were used to investigate the in vitro effects of sauchinone. Sauchinone significantly inhibited liver fibrosis, as indicated by decreases in regions of hepatic degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the intensity of α-smooth muscle actin staining in mice. Sauchinone blocked the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad 2/3 and the transcript levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-2 as well as autophagy in HSCs. Furthermore, sauchinone inhibited oxidative stress, as assessed by stainings of 4-hydroxynonenal and nitrotyrosine: these events may have a role in its inhibitory effects on HSCs activation. Sauchinone attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and TGF-β1-induced HSCs activation, which might be, at least in part, mediated by suppressing autophagy and oxidative stress in HSCs.

Liquiritigenin inhibits hepatic fibrogenesis and TGF-β1/Smad with Hippo/YAP signal

BACKGROUND

Recent reports highlighted the possibility that Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) can act as critical regulators of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation; therefore, it is natural for compounds targeting Hippo/YAP and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathways to be identified as potential anti-fibrotic candidates.

PURPOSE

Liquiritigenin (LQ) is an aglycone of liquiritin and has been reported to protect the liver from injury. However, its effects on the Hippo/YAP and TGF-β1/Smad pathways have not been identified to date.

METHODS

We conducted a series of experiments using CCl₄-induced fibrotic mice and cultured LX-2 cells.

RESULT

LQ significantly inhibited liver fibrosis, as indicated by decreases in regions of hepatic degeneration, inflammatory cell infiltration, and the intensity of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining in mice. Moreover, LQ blocked the TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad 3, and the transcript levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in LX-2 cells, which is similar with resveratrol and oxyresveratrol (positive controls). Furthermore, LQ increased activation of large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) with the induction of YAP phosphorylation, thereby preventing YAP transcriptional activity and suppressing the expression of exacerbated TGF-β1/Smad signaling molecules.

CONCLUSION

These results clearly show that LQ ameliorated experimental liver fibrosis by acting on the TGF-β1/Smad and Hippo/YAP pathways, indicating that LQ has the potential for effective treatment of liver fibrosis.

TM-25659 enhances osteogenic differentiation and suppresses adipogenic differentiation by modulating the transcriptional co-activator TAZ

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is characterized as a transcriptional modulator of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes. Moreover, increased TAZ activity in the nucleus enhances osteoblast differentiation and suppresses adipocyte development by interacting with runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and PPARγ, respectively. Therefore, it would be of interest to identify low MW compounds that modulate nuclear TAZ activity.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

High-throughput screening was performed using a library of low MW compounds in order to identify TAZ modulators that enhance nuclear TAZ localization. The effects and molecular mechanisms of a TAZ modulator have been characterized in osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation.

KEY RESULTS

We identified 2-butyl-5-methyl-6-(pyridine-3-yl)-3-[2'-(1H-tetrazole-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-ylmethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine] (TM-25659) as a TAZ modulator. TM-25659 enhanced nuclear TAZ localization in a dose-dependent manner and attenuated PPARγ-mediated adipocyte differentiation by facilitating PPARγ suppression activity of TAZ. In addition, TAZ-induced RUNX2 activity activation was further increased in osteoblasts, causing increased osteoblast differentiation. Accordingly, TM-25659 suppressed bone loss in vivo and decreased weight gain in an obesity model. After oral administration, TM-25659 had a favourable pharmacokinetic profile.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

TM-25659 stimulated nuclear TAZ localization and thus caused TAZ to suppress PPARγ-dependent adipogenesis and enhance RUNX2-induced osteoblast differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Our data suggest that TM-25659 could be beneficial in the control of obesity and bone loss.

Fucoxanthin, the constituent of Laminaria japonica, triggers AMPK-mediated cytoprotection and autophagy in hepatocytes under oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Laminaria japonica has frequently been used as a food supplement and drug in traditional oriental medicine. Among the major active constituents responsible for the bioactivities of L. japonica, fucoxanthin (FX) has been considered as a potential antioxidant. This study was conducted to examine the effects of L. japonica extract (LJE) or FX against oxidative stress on hepatocytes and to elucidate the overall their cellular mechanisms of the effects.

METHODS

We constructed an in vitro model with the treatment of arachidonic acid (AA) + iron in HepG2 cells to stimulate the oxidative damage. The cells were pre-treated with LJE or FX for 1 h, and incubated with AA + iron. The effect on oxidative damage and cellular mechanisms of LJE or FX were assessed by cytological examination and several biochemical assays under conditions with or without kinase inhibitiors.

RESULTS

LJE or FX pretreatment effectively blocked the pathological changes caused by AA + iron treatment, such as cell death, altered expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as procaspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and mitochondria dysfunction. Moreover, FX induced AMPK activation and AMPK inhibitor, compound C, partially reduced the protective effect of FX on mitochondria dysfunction. Consistent with AMPK activation, FX increased the protein levels of autophagic markers (LC3II and beclin-1) and the number of acridine orange stained cells, and decreased the phosphorylation of mTOR and simultaneously increased the phosphorylation of ULK1. And the inhibition of autophagy by 3-methylanine or bafilomycin A1 partially inhibited the protective effect of FX on mitochondria dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that FX have the function of being a hepatic protectant against oxidative damages through the AMPK pathway for the control of autophagy.

Combination of honokiol and magnolol inhibits hepatic steatosis through AMPK-SREBP-1 c pathway

Honokiol and magnolol, as pharmacological biphenolic compounds of Magnolia officinalis, have been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 c (SREBP-1 c) plays an important role in the development and processing of steatosis in the liver. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a combination of honokiol and magnolol on SREBP-1 c-dependent lipogenesis in hepatocytes as well as in mice with fatty liver due to consumption of high-fat diet (HFD). Liver X receptor α (LXRα) agonists induced activation of SREBP-1 c and expression of lipogenic genes, which were blocked by co-treatment of honokiol and magnolol (HM). Moreover, a combination of HM potently increased mRNA of fatty acid oxidation genes. HM induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an inhibitory kinase of the LXRα-SREBP-1 c pathway. The role of AMPK activation induced by HM was confirmed using an inhibitor of AMPK, Compound C, which reversed the ability of HM to both inhibit SREBP-1 c induction as well as induce genes for fatty acid oxidation. In mice, HM administration for four weeks ameliorated HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and liver dysfunction, as indicated by plasma parameters and Oil Red O staining. Taken together, our results demonstrated that a combination of HM has beneficial effects on inhibition of fatty liver and SREBP-1 c-mediated hepatic lipogenesis, and these events may be mediated by AMPK activation.

Oxyresveratrol ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation through liver kinase B1 and AMP-activated protein kinase

Oxyresveratrol (OXY) is a naturally occurring polyhydroxylated stilbene that is abundant in mulberry wood (Morus alba L.), which has frequently been supplied as a herbal medicine. It has been shown that OXY has regulatory effects on inflammation and oxidative stress, and may have potential in preventing or curing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study examined the effects of OXY on in vitro model of NAFLD in hepatocyte by the liver X receptor α (LXRα)-mediated induction of lipogenic genes and in vivo model in mice along with its molecular mechanism. OXY inhibited the LXRα agonists-mediated sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) induction and expression of the lipogenic genes and upregulated the mRNA of fatty acid β-oxidation-related genes in hepatocytes, which is more potent than genistein and daidzein. OXY also induced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, AMPK activation by the OXY treatment helped inhibit SREBP-1c using compound C as an AMPK antagonist. Oral administration of OXY decreased the Oil Red O stained-positive areas significantly, indicating lipid droplets and hepatic steatosis regions, as well as the serum parameters, such as fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol in high fat diet fed-mice, as similar with orally treatment of atorvastatin. Overall, this result suggests that OXY has the potency to inhibit hepatic lipogenesis through the AMPK/SREBP-1c pathway and can be used in the development of pharmaceuticals to prevent a fatty liver.

Wogonin, a plant flavone from Scutellariae radix, attenuated ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in mouse model of asthma via the suppression of IL-4/STAT6 signaling

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by a marked infiltration of eosinophils at the site of inflammation. Eotaxins are potent chemoattractants for eosinophils and play important roles in pathogenesis of asthma. In the course of screening for eotaxin-3 inhibitors, we found that wogonin showed potent inhibitory activity of interleukin-4 (IL-4)-induced eotaxin-3 expression in BEAS-2B cells. In this study, we examined the effects of wogonin on IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway and biological implication in a mouse model of asthma. Wogonin inhibited IL-4-induced activation and nuclear translocation of STAT6 which plays a key role in either the transcription of STAT6-response genes or Th2 cytokine-mediated inflammation. Oral administration of wogonin significantly reduced activation of STAT6 in the lung and the expression of eotaxin and RANTES in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Histological examination of lung tissue demonstrated that wogonin significantly inhibited allergen-induced eosinophilic inflammation. Administration of wogonin reduced the total IgE and ovalbumin-specific IgE levels compared with the ovalbumin-challenged group. All of these data demonstrated that wogonin could alleviate airway inflammation through inhibition of STAT6 activation induced by Th2 cytokines. Our finding implicates a potential therapeutic value of wogonin in the treatment of asthma through regulation of IL-4/STAT6 signaling pathway.

Measurement of antioxidant capacity using the biological antioxidant potential test and its role as a predictive marker of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Oxidative stress increases the risk of cardiovascular complications of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was conducted to examine the difference in antioxidant capacity according to the presence of MetS, and to characterize the association between antioxidant capacity and MetS-related factors.

METHODS

We used the biological antioxidant potential (BAP) test to estimate antioxidant capacity. The BAP test has recently been used as an indicator of antioxidant capacity. We measured BAP levels in 45 patients with MetS (mean age, 44.6 ± 1.1 years) and 47 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age, 42.7 ± 1.1 years). To evaluate the association between antioxidant capacity and MetS, adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), linear regression and logistic analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The mean BAP of the MetS group (1,937.3 ± 36.5 µmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the non-MetS group (2,101.7 ± 29.5 µmol/L). Also, the mean BAP was low in persons having low high density lipoprotein and high triglyceride. Reduced antioxidant capacity was significantly associated with adiponectin, HOMA-IR and hs-CRP after adjusting for age and sex. The odds ratios for MetS with BAP, log adiponectin, log HOMA-IR, and log hs-CRP were 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49 to 0.82), 0.22 (0.10 to 0.51), 14.24 (4.35 to 46.58), and 1.93 (1.36 to 2.75), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Persons with MetS showed reduced antioxidant capacity. We identified relationships between antioxidant capacity measured by BAP test and MetS, as well as MetS-related factors, such as insulin resistance, hs-CRP, and adiponectin.

Anti-melanogenic activity of phytosphingosine via the modulation of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) suppresses the expression of enzymes controlling the production of melanin. Phytosphingosine is a well-known cosmetic agent, but its anti-melanogenic activity and mechanism of action remain unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to investigate the effects of phytosphingosine on melanin synthesis and elucidate the plausible mechanism of actions in vitro and ex vivo systems.

METHODS

Melanin content, cell viability, tyrosinase activity, p-CREB DNA binding activity, and the protein gene expression levels of the enzymes and proteins involved in melanogenesis were measured with the treatment of phytosphingosine.

RESULTS

Phytosphingosine inhibits melanin synthesis in cultured melan-a cells and a reconstructed human skin model. One possible mechanism of the anti-melanogenic activity of phytosphingosine appears to be associated with the modulation of MITF, which suppresses the expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), and TRP-2. Further analysis revealed that phytosphingosine suppressed paired box 3 and SRY-related HMG-box 10, critical transcription factors of MITF. Phytosphingosine also effectively downregulated the protein levels of β-catenin and the phospho-cAMP response element binding protein, an upstream regulatory factor of MITF. These results are closely related to the suppression of MITF gene expression. In addition, treatment with phytosphingosine for over 12h, which is a relatively long period of time, did not directly suppress these MITF transcriptional factors. Instead, phytosphingosine induced ERK activation, which led to MITF phosphorylation, followed by its degradation. Therefore, the downregulation of MITF protein levels by phytosphingosine with a long time exposure is in part associated with MITF protein degradation through the MAPK kinase activation pathway.

CONCLUSION

The modulation of MITF by phytosphingosine is closely related with the signaling pathways, such as the suppression of the MITF gene expression and the degradation of the MITF protein, depending on the duration of treatment time. These results suggest that phytosphingosine might serve as an effective melanogenesis inhibitor in melanocytes via the regulation of the MITF signaling pathways.

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori increases ghrelin mRNA expression in the gastric mucosa

It has been suggested that Helicobacter pylori eradication may influence production of some peptides in the stomach, which can affect appetite. This hypothesis is controversial. To verify the hypothesis, we conducted this randomized controlled trial using H. pylori infected subjects without any gastrointestinal symptoms. The treatment group received triple H. pylori eradication therapy for 7 days and the control group received no medication. We measured ghrelin, obestatin and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA levels in endoscopic biopsy specimens and the changes from baseline to follow-up. The plasma active n-octanoyl ghrelin and obestatin levels were measured in both groups. The ghrelin/obestatin ratios in plasma and gastric mRNA expression were calculated at baseline and follow-up. Ghrelin mRNA expression in the fundic mucosa after H. pylori eradication increased significantly compared to the control group (4.47+/-2.14 vs. 1.79+/-0.96, P=0.009), independent of inflammatory changes. However, obestatin mRNA expression decreased in the antral mucosa (-0.57+/-1.06 vs. 0.41+/-0.72, P=0.028). The treatment group showed a marginal increase (P=0.060) in plasma ghrelin/obestatin ratio. The TNF-alpha mRNA expression also decreased significantly with treatment. This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that H. pylori eradication increases ghrelin mRNA expression, independent of inflammatory cell changes.

Associations between polymorphisms in DNA repair genes and TP53 mutations in non-small cell lung cancer

This study was conducted to identify genetic factors predisposing to TP53 mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A comprehensive panel of potentially functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair genes was evaluated in relation to TP53 mutations. Thirty-seven SNPs in 28 DNA repair genes were genotyped by a sequenome mass spectrometry-based genotyping assay in 173 NSCLCs and the associations with TP53 mutations in the entire coding exons (exons 2-11), including splicing sites of the gene, were analyzed. Four SNPs (XPA rs1800975, OGG1 rs1052133, ADPRT rs1136410, and NBS1 rs1805794) were significantly associated with the prevalence of TP53 mutations in multivariate analysis for each SNP. When the 4 SNPs were combined, the prevalence of TP53 mutations was increased as the number of bad genotypes increased (P(trend)=0.001). Patients with 3 and 4 bad genotypes had a significantly higher frequency of TP53 mutations than those with 0-1 bad genotypes (adjusted odds ratio=5.18, 95% confidence interval=1.51-17.81, P=0.01 and adjusted odds ratio=18.26, 95% confidence interval=2.87-116.09, P=0.002, respectively). These findings suggest that the 4 SNPs may modulate the occurrence of TP53 mutations and contribute to lung carcinogenesis. However, larger studies are required to confirm our findings in other ethnic populations.

Hypomethylation of the thymosin β(10) gene is not associated with its overexpression in non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is usually associated with a late diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Thymosin β(10) (TMSB10) is a monomeric actin sequestering protein that regulates actin cytoskeleton organization. The aberrant TMSB10 expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human cancers. However, its role in carcinogenesis is still controversial. To better understand the role of TMSB10 in lung tumorigenesis and its regulatory mechanism, we examined the methylation status and expression of the TMSB10 gene in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) using methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. MSP analysis showed that the TMSB10 promoter was already unmethylated in most tumor tissues and became demethylated in 20 (14.4%) of the 139 NSCLCs. TMSB10 hypomethylation was not significantly correlated with the clinicopathological features. IHC showed that the TMSB10 protein was strongly expressed in the cytoplasm of malignant cells and its overexpression was detected in 50.0% of the tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. TMSB10 overexpression was frequently observed in sqaumous cell carcinomas compared to adenocarcinomas with border line significance (P = 0.072). However, TMSB10 methylation status was not linked to its overexpression. Collectively, these results suggest that TMSB10 hypomethylation may be a frequent event in NSCLCs, but it may not be a common mechanism underlying TMSB10 overexpression. However, further studies with large numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

HMGB1 enhances AGE-mediated VSMC proliferation via an increase in 5-LO-linked RAGE expression

Receptors for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) play a pivotal role in the progression of proliferative vascular diseases. However, the precise mechanisms regulating RAGE expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the injured vasculatures is unclear. Given the potential importance of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) derived mediators in cellular responses mediated by RAGE, this study aimed to evaluate in VSMCs treated with high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1): 1) the RAGE expression; 2) the AGE-induced VSMC proliferation; 3) the role of 5-LO signaling in HMGB1-induced RAGE expression. In cultured human VSMCs stimulated with HMGB1 (100 ng/ml), RAGE mRNA and protein expression were markedly increased along with an increase in AGE-mediated VSMC proliferation. Both of these effects were markedly attenuated in cells pretreated with zileuton (1-10 μM), a 5-LO inhibitor, as well as in cells transfected with 5-LO siRNA, suggesting a potential involvement of 5-LO signaling in HMGB1-mediated RAGE expression in VSMCs. Moreover, 5-LO expression, accompanied by production of leukotrienes was markedly increased in HMGB1-stimulated VSMCs, which was attenuated in cells deficient of TLR2 or RAGE. Taken together, our results suggest that HMGB1-induced increase in 5-LO expression enhances RAGE expression in VSMCs, which stimulates AGE-mediated VSMC proliferation. Thus, the 5-LO-RAGE signaling axis in VSMCs might serve as a potential therapeutic target for vascular remodeling in the injured vasculature.

Single-Port Laparoscopic and Robotic Cholecystectomy in Obesity (>25 kg/m2)

Background and Objectives

Single-port cholecystectomy has emerged as an alternative technique to reduce the number of ports and improve cosmesis. Few previous studies have assessed obesity-related surgical outcomes following single-port cholecystectomy. In this study, technical feasibility and surgical outcomes of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (SPLC) and robotic single-site cholecystectomy (RSSC) in obese patients were investigated.

Methods

We conducted a two-center collaborative study and retrospectively reviewed initial experiences of RSSC and SPLC in patients whose body mass index was over 25 kg/m². Medical records of patients were reviewed. Clinical characteristics and short-term oncologic outcomes were considered and compared between SPLC and RSSC groups.

Results

RSSC and SPLC were performed in 39 and 78 patients, respectively. In comparative analysis, the total operative time was longer in the RSSC group (109.92 minutes vs. 60.99 minutes; P < .001).However, requiring additional port for completion of surgical procedure was less frequent in the RSSC group (0% vs. 12.8%; P = .029). Immediate postoperative pain score was not significantly different between the two groups (4.95 vs. 5.00; P = .882). However, pain score was significantly lower in the RSSC group at the time of discharge (1.79 vs. 2.38; P = .010). Conversion to conventional multiport cholecystectomy, intraoperative bile spillage, or complication rate was not significantly different between the two groups (P > .05).

Conclusions

SPLC and RSSC could be safely performed in selected patients with high body mass index, showing no significant clinical differences.

Nodular fasciitis in the submandibular gland

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign, proliferative lesion of myofibroblasts. The most common site of the lesion is in the upper extremities or trunk. NF in the head and neck is next in frequency and is the most common site in infants and children. In adults, NF in the submandibular region is very rare. We report a case of a 53-year-old man with a submandibular mass, rapidly growing for 10 days. Cytologic findings revealed a few sheets or clusters of small, uniform spindle cells. The uniform spindle cells had centrally located round to ovoid nucleus, but there were no nuclear atypia and atypical mitosis. There were focally loose stroma but we could not find chondroid or myxoid components. A partial parotidectomy was performed. We describe a case of NF in the submandibular region, adjacent to the parotid gland and review the clinical, cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of NF.

Acidic effect of porous alumina as supports for Pt nanoparticle catalysts in n-hexane reforming

Catalytic activity and selectivity of n-hexane reforming are changed significantly by the surface acidic properties of the alumina support following halogen treatment.

Novel single nucleotide polymorphism of the VEGF gene as a risk predictor for gastroduodenal ulcers

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The gastroduodenal ulcer (GDU) mostly develops on the lesser curvature side of stomach and the anterior wall of duodenal bulb, irrespective of the etiologies including Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, etc. However, a clear explanation as to why ulcers are prevalent in these areas has still not been given. The current study was designed to evaluate whether the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) polymorphism could predict susceptibility to GDU through deranged angiogenic activities.

METHODS

A large scale case-control study based on known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of VEGF and another case control study based on the novel SNP of VEGF was performed through the SNP-IT assay using the SNP stream 25 k system. A site-directed mutagenesis and functional assay was executed to document the biological effect of a novel VEGF SNP on angiogenesis.

RESULTS

Even though the case-control study between non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) and gastric ulcer (GU) patients was done in 10 SNP of the VEGF gene including -2488C/T, -634G/C, -7C/T, 3436G/C, 6112C/A, 6894C/T, 9374G/A, 9812C/T, 13128C/T, and 13553C/T, the analysis showed no statistically significant association between NUD and GU. Denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis could identify two novel SNP of the VEGF gene, -1780T/C and IVS-99 G/C, among which -1780T/C showed a very strong association between NUD and GDU, presenting with OR=2.93 on codominant analysis (P<0.001), OR=8.62 on dominant analysis (P<0.001), and OR=3.21 on recessive analysis (P<0.001). The promoter assay using a site-directed mutagenesis and in vitro angiogenesis assay showed repressed transcription of the VEGF gene in gastric epithelial cells and defective tube formation in endothelial cells, both transfected with a plasmid containing -1780C/C mutant of VEGF gene.

CONCLUSION

The novel VEGF polymorphism -1780T/C could significantly predict the predisposition to GDU after the exposure to etiologic risks, based on defective angiogenic activity.

Nasal absorption of procyclidine in rats and dogs

Nasal absorption of procyclidine, a synthetic anticholinergic compound, was investigated in Wistar rats and Beagle dogs. The dosing solution was prepared by dissolving 14C-procyclidine in 50% ethanolic saline. The dosing solution was administered intravenously and intranasally to rats at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg (i.e., 60 microl/kg in the form of a 1% w/v solution), and intravenously, orally and intranasally to dogs at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg (i.e., 6 microl/kg in the form of a 5% w/v solution). Blood samples were taken from an artery of the animals through the catheter for periods of 1200 (for rats) and 1,440 min (for dogs), and the radioactivity in the samples was determined by liquid scintillation counting. The nasal bioavailability of procyclidine in rats and dogs, based on the radioactivity, was calculated to be 81.1 and 98.6%, respectively. In both rats and dogs, the plasma profiles of procyclidine following nasal administration were very close to those following intravenous administration, leading to nearly superimposable profiles between the two protocols. In dogs, nasal administration resulted in significantly higher plasma concentrations during the first 30 min period compared to oral administration, suggesting the superiority of the nasal route over the oral route in terms of a prompt expression of the pharmacological effect of the drug. The results obtained in this study indicate that procyclidine is rapidly and nearly completely absorbed via the nasal route. In conclusion, nasal administration represents a viable alternative to intravenous administration in the case of procyclidine.