Characterizations of a neutralizing antibody broadly reactive to multiple gluten peptide:HLA-DQ2.5 complexes in the context of celiac disease

In human celiac disease (CeD) HLA-DQ2.5 presents gluten peptides to antigen-specific CD4+ T cells, thereby instigating immune activation and enteropathy. Targeting HLA-DQ2.5 with neutralizing antibody for treating CeD may be plausible, yet using pan-HLA-DQ antibody risks affecting systemic immunity, while targeting selected gluten peptide:HLA-DQ2.5 complex (pHLA-DQ2.5) may be insufficient. Here we generate a TCR-like, neutralizing antibody (DONQ52) that broadly recognizes more than twenty-five distinct gluten pHLA-DQ2.5 through rabbit immunization with multi-epitope gluten pHLA-DQ2.5 and multidimensional optimization. Structural analyses show that the proline-rich and glutamine-rich motif of gluten epitopes critical for pathogenesis is flexibly recognized by multiple tyrosine residues present in the antibody paratope, implicating the mechanisms for the broad reactivity. In HLA-DQ2.5 transgenic mice, DONQ52 demonstrates favorable pharmacokinetics with high subcutaneous bioavailability, and blocks immunity to gluten while not affecting systemic immunity. Our results thus provide a rationale for clinical testing of DONQ52 in CeD.

A long-acting anti-IL-8 antibody improves inflammation and fibrosis in endometriosis

Current pharmacological treatments for endometriosis are limited to hormonal agents that can relieve pain but cannot cure the disease. Therefore, the development of a disease-modifying drug for endometriosis is an unmet medical need. By studying human endometriotic samples, we found that the progression of endometriosis was associated with the development of inflammation and fibrosis. In addition, IL-8 expression was highly up-regulated in endometriotic tissues and closely correlated with disease progression. We created a long-acting recycling antibody against IL-8 (AMY109) and evaluated its clinical potency. Because rodents do not produce IL-8 and do not experience menstruation, we analyzed the lesions in cynomolgus monkeys that spontaneously developed endometriosis and in a surgically induced endometriosis monkey model. Both spontaneously developed and surgically induced endometriotic lesions demonstrated pathophysiology that was highly similar to that of human endometriosis. Once-a-month subcutaneous injection of AMY109 to monkeys with surgically induced endometriosis reduced the volume of nodular lesions, lowered the Revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine score as modified for monkeys, and ameliorated fibrosis and adhesions. In addition, experiments using cells derived from human endometriosis revealed that AMY109 inhibited the recruitment of neutrophils to endometriotic lesions and the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from neutrophils. Thus, AMY109 may represent a disease-modifying therapy for patients with endometriosis.

Levy geometric graphs

We present a family of graphs with remarkable properties. They are obtained by connecting the points of a random walk when their distance is smaller than a given scale. Their degree (number of neighbors) does not depend on the graph's size but only on the considered scale. It follows a gamma distribution and thus presents an exponential decay. Levy flights are particular random walks with some power-law increments of infinite variance. When building the geometric graphs from them, we show from dimensional arguments that the number of connected components (clusters) follows an inverse power of the scale. The distribution of the size of their components, properly normalized, is scale invariant, which reflects the self-similar nature of the underlying process. This allows to test if a graph (including nonspatial ones) could possibly result from an underlying Levy process. When the scale increases, these graphs never tend towards a single cluster, the giant component. In other words, while the autocorrelation of the process scales as a power of the distance, they never undergo a phase transition of percolation type. The Levy graphs may find applications in community detection and in the analysis of collective behaviors as in face-to-face interaction networks.

Morphological differences in skulls and feeding apparatuses between Antarctic (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and common (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) minke whales, and the implication for their feeding ecology

The differences in rorqual feeding ecology have been linked to the presence of different morphological markers. The Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis Burmeister, 1867) and the common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804) are closely related species, but their morphological differences have not been fully investigated. In this study, we compared 21 skull and 11 feeding apparatus (baleen and mouth-related parts) measurement points between these two species using hundreds of individuals covering a wide range of body lengths in both sexes. Their engulfment capacities were estimated using these measurements. Our results show that Antarctic minke whales have (i) proportionally larger skulls to the body length, (ii) more dorsoventrally and laterally curved rostra, (iii) proportionally larger feeding apparatuses to the condylobasal length, and (iv) significantly larger engulfment capacity than common minke whales. These differences could indicate that Antarctic minke whales have developed a feeding strategy suitable for feeding on krill, which forms large schools. In contrast, common minke whales have adapted to prey on small pelagic fishes that are agile and form small schools.

Prediction of Human Pharmacokinetics Profile of Monoclonal Antibody Using hFcRn Transgenic Mouse Model

Human pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are usually predicted using non-human primates (NHP), but this comes with drawbacks in terms of cost and throughput. Therefore, we established a human PK profile prediction method using human neonatal Fc receptor (hFcRn) transgenic mice (TgM). We administered launched 13 mAbs to hFcRn TgM and measured the concentration in plasma using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. This was then used to calculate PK parameters and predict human PK profiles. The mAbs showed a bi-phased elimination pattern, and clearance (CL) (mL/d/kg) and distribution volume at steady state (V_dss) (mL/kg) ranges were 11.0 to 131 and 110 to 285, respectively. There was a correlation in half-life at elimination phase (t_1/2β) between hFcRn TgM and humans for 10 mAbs showing CL of more than 80% in the elimination phase (R² = 0.714). Human t_1/2β was predicted using hFcRn TgM t_1/2β; 9 out of 10 mAbs were within 2-fold the actual values, and all mAbs were within 3-fold. Regarding the predicted CL values, 7 out of 10 mAbs were within 2-fold the human values and all mAbs were within 3-fold. Furthermore, even on day 7 the predicted CL values of 8 out of 10 mAbs were within 2-fold the observed value, with all mAbs within 3-fold. These results suggest human PK profiles can be predicted using hFcRn TgM data. These methods can accelerate the development of antibody drugs while also reducing cost and improving throughput.

Effective epidemic model for COVID-19 using accumulated deaths

The severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 has been in the center of the ongoing global health crisis in 2020. The high prevalence of mild cases facilitates sub-notification outside hospital environments and the number of those who are or have been infected remains largely unknown, leading to poor estimates of the crude mortality rate of the disease. Here we use a simple model to describe the number of accumulated deaths caused by COVID-19. The close connection between the proposed model and an approximate solution of the SIR model provides estimates of epidemiological parameters. We find values for the crude mortality between 10 - 4 and 10 - 3 which are lower than estimated numbers obtained from laboratory-confirmed patients. We also calculate quantities of practical interest such as the basic reproduction number and subsequent increment after relaxation of lockdown and other control measures.

Predicting Method for the Human Plasma Concentration-Time Profile of a Monoclonal Antibody from the Half-life of Non-human Primates

Efficiency (speed and cost) and animal welfare are important factors in the development of new drugs. A novel method (the half-life method) was developed to predict the human plasma concentration-time profile of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) after intravenous (i.v.) administration using less data compared to the conventional approach; moreover, predicted results were comparable to conventional method. This new method use human geometric means of pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters and the non-human primates (NHP) half-life of each mAb. PK data on mAbs in humans and NHPs were collected from literature focusing on linear elimination, and the two-compartment model was used for analysis. The following features were revealed in humans: 1) the coefficient of variation in the distribution volume of the central compartment and at steady state of mAbs was small (22.6 and 23.8%, respectively) and 2) half-life at the elimination phase (t1/2_β) was the main contributor to plasma clearance. Moreover, distribution volume showed no significant correlation between humans and NHPs, and human t1/2_β showed a good correlation with allometrically scaled t1/2_β of NHP. Based on the features revealed in this study, we propose a new method for predicting the human plasma concentration-time profile of mAbs after i.v. dosing. When tested, this half-life method showed reasonable human prediction compared with a conventional empirical approach. The half-life method only requires t1/2_β to predict human PK, and is therefore able to improve animal welfare and potentially accelerate the drug development process.

The Influence of Carbohydrate Structure on the Clearance of Recombinant Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator

Modification of the carbohydrate structures of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) can increase or decrease its rate of clearance in rabbits. When rt-PA was treated with sodium periodate to oxidize carbohydrate residues, the rate of clearance was decreased from 9.6 ± 1.9 ml min−1 kg−1 to 3.5 ± 0.6 ml min−1 kg−1 (mean ± SD, n = 5). A similar change in the clearance of rt-PA was introduced by the use of endo-β-N-acetyl- glucosaminidase H (Endo-H), which selectively removes high mannose asparagine-linked oligosaccharides; the clearance of Endo-H-treated rt-PA was 5.0 ± 0.5 ml min−1 kg−1. A mutant of rt-PA was produced with an amino acid substitution at position 117 (Asn replaced with Gin) to remove a potential glycosylation site that normally contains a high mannose structure. The clearance of this material was also decreased, similar to the periodate and Endo-H-treated rt-PA. Conversely, when rt-PA was produced in the CHO 15B cell line, which can produce only high mannose oligosaccharide structures on glycoproteins, the clearance was increased by a factor of 1.8. These results demonstrate that the removal of rt-PA from the blood depends significantly upon the nature of its oligosaccharide structures.

Involvement of Tumor Lymphatic System in Translocation of Intratumorally Injected Liposomes

The tumor microenvironment is one of the key factors contributing to the efficiency of drug delivery to a tumor. It has been reported that lymphangiogenesis is induced in certain tumors. Because the lymphatic system functions as a drainage one, it is possible that tumor lymphatic vessels alter not only the tumor microenvironment, but also the distribution of drug nanocarriers accumulated in the tumor tissue. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the involvement of the tumor lymphatic system in the translocation of intratumoral liposomes to regional lymph nodes by using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C-overexpressing B16F10 tumor-bearing mice (B16/VEGF-C). When the amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes in lymph nodes (cervical, brachial, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes) was measured after the radiolabeled liposomes had been intratumorally injected into B16/VEGF-C-bearing mice or wild-type B16-bearing mice, the accumulation of liposomes in the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes was significantly higher on the tumor-implanted side of B16/VEGF-C-bearing mice than on that of the B16-bearing ones. On the other hand, the accumulation of liposomes in these lymph nodes on the control side (no implantation) of either type of tumor-bearing mice was very low; and no difference could be observed between the 2 sides. Furthermore, the intratumoral distribution of liposomes was observed to be located near the lymphatic vessels. These results indicate that the tumor lymphatic system contributed to the extrusion of a portion of PEG-modified liposomes from the tumor tissue, suggesting that tumor lymphangiogenesis would be one of the key factors to determine the intratumoral distribution of liposomes and their subsequent fate.

Long lasting neutralization of C5 by SKY59, a novel recycling antibody, is a potential therapy for complement-mediated diseases

Dysregulation of the complement system is linked to the pathogenesis of a variety of hematological disorders. Eculizumab, an anti-complement C5 monoclonal antibody, is the current standard of care for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). However, because of high levels of C5 in plasma, eculizumab has to be administered biweekly by intravenous infusion. By applying recycling technology through pH-dependent binding to C5, we generated a novel humanized antibody against C5, SKY59, which has long-lasting neutralization of C5. In cynomolgus monkeys, SKY59 suppressed C5 function and complement activity for a significantly longer duration compared to a conventional antibody. Furthermore, epitope mapping by X-ray crystal structure analysis showed that a histidine cluster located on C5 is crucial for the pH-dependent interaction with SKY59. This indicates that the recycling effect of SKY59 is driven by a novel mechanism of interaction with its antigen and is distinct from other known pH-dependent antibodies. Finally, SKY59 showed neutralizing effect on C5 variant p.Arg885His, while eculizumab does not inhibit complement activity in patients carrying this mutation. Collectively, these results suggest that SKY59 is a promising new anti-C5 agent for patients with PNH and other complement-mediated disorders.

Identification of human IgG1 variant with enhanced FcRn binding and without increased binding to rheumatoid factor autoantibody

Various studies have demonstrated that Fc engineering to enhance neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) binding is effective for elongating half-life or increasing cellular uptake of IgG. A previous study has shown that a N434H mutation to enhance FcRn binding resulted in increased binding to rheumatoid factor (RF) autoantibody, which is not desirable for therapeutic use in autoimmune disease. In this study, we first showed that all the existing Fc variants with enhanced FcRn binding also show increased RF binding, and then identified specific mutations that could be introduced to those Fc variants to reduce the RF binding. Furthermore, we generated novel Fc variants that do not increase RF binding and show half-lives of 45 d in cynomolgus monkey, which is longer than those of previously reported Fc variants. In addition, we generated novel Fc variants with antigen sweeping activity that do not increase RF binding. We expect that these novel Fc variants will be useful as antibody therapeutics against autoimmune diseases.

Inhibitory FcγRIIb-Mediated Soluble Antigen Clearance from Plasma by a pH-Dependent Antigen-Binding Antibody and Its Enhancement by Fc Engineering

Fc engineering can modulate the Fc-FcγR interaction and thus enhance the potency of Abs that target membrane-bound Ags, but it has not been applied to Abs that target soluble Ags. In this study, we revealed a previously unknown function of inhibitory FcγRII in vivo and, using an Ab that binds to Ag pH dependently, demonstrated that the function can be exploited to target soluble Ag. Because pH-dependent Ab dissociates Ag in acidic endosome, its Ag clearance from circulation reflects the cellular uptake rate of Ag/Ab complexes. In vivo studies showed that FcγR but not neonatal FcR contributes to Ag clearance by the pH-dependent Ab, and when Fc binding to mouse FcγRII and III was increased, Ag clearance was markedly accelerated in wild-type mice and FcR γ-chain knockout mice, but the effect was diminished in FcγRII knockout mice. This demonstrates that mouse FcγRII efficiently promotes Ab uptake into the cell and its subsequent recycling back to the cell surface. Furthermore, when a human IgG1 Fc variant with selectively increased binding to human FcγRIIb was tested in human FcγRIIb transgenic mice, Ag clearance was accelerated without compromising the Ab half-life. Taken together, inhibitory FcγRIIb was found to play a prominent role in the cellular uptake of monomeric Ag/Ab immune complexes in vivo, and when the Fc of a pH-dependent Ab was engineered to selectively enhance human FcγRIIb binding, the Ab could accelerate soluble Ag clearance from circulation. We assume such a function would enhance the therapeutic potency of Abs that target soluble Ags.

Real-time trafficking of PEGylated liposomes in the rodent focal brain ischemia analyzed by positron emission tomography

Aliposomal drug delivery system was previously applied to ischemic brain model rats for the treatment of brain ischemia, and we observed that 100-nm-sized liposomes could extravasate and accumulate in the ischemic brain region even when cerebral blood flow was markedly reduced in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (p-MCAO) model rats. In the present study, we investigated the real-time cerebral distribution of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes (PEGliposomes) labeled with 1-[18F]fluoro-3,6-dioxatetracosane in p-MCAO rats by positron emission tomography (PET). [18F]-Labeled PEG-liposomes were intravenously injected into p-MCAO rats 1 h after the onset of occlusion, and then a PET scan was performed for 2 h. The PET scan showed that the signal intensity of [18F] gradually increased in the ischemic region despite the drastic reduction in cerebral perfusion, suggesting that PEG-liposomes had accumulated in and around the ischemic region. Therefore,drug delivery to the ischemic region by use of liposomes would be possible under ischemic conditions, and a liposomal drug delivery system could be a promising strategy for protecting the ischemic brain from damage before recovery from ischemia.

Suppression in mice of immunosurveillance against PEGylated liposomes by encapsulated doxorubicin

PEGylated liposomes (PEG-lip) can escape from recognition by immune system and show a longer half-life in the blood than non-PEGylated liposomes. In this study, we investigated the influence of injected PEG-lip encapsulating doxorubicin (PEG-lip-DOX) on the biodistribution of subsequently injected PEG-lip in mice. PEG-lip-DOX, free doxorubicin or empty PEG-lip were initially injected into BALB/c mice via a tail vein, and 3days later [(3)H]-labeled PEG-lip ([(3)H] PEG-lip) were injected into these same mice. At 24h after the injection, the distribution of [(3)H] PEG-lip in the liver and spleen was significantly reduced in the PEG-lip-DOX group compared with that in the free doxorubicin or PEG-lip group. Consequently, the plasma concentration of [(3)H] PEG-lip was significantly elevated by the pretreatment with PEG-lip-DOX. Altered pharmacokinetics was observed at least until 72h after the injection of [(3)H] PEG-lip. The influence of the injected PEG-lip-DOX on the pharmacokinetics of the subsequently injected [(3)H] PEG-lip was clearly observed from 1 to 14days, and slightly observed on days 21 and 28, after the injection of the PEG-lip-DOX. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the number of liver Kupffer cells was significantly reduced after the treatment with PEG-lip-DOX. On the other hand, a similar alteration in the distribution of the subsequently injected [(3)H] PEG-lip was observed in immunodeficient mice such as BALB/c nu/nu and severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. These findings suggest that immune cells including liver Kupffer cells responsible for recognizing PEG-lip were selectively damaged by the encapsulated doxorubicin in PEG-lip injected initially, which damage led to prolongation of the half-life of subsequently injected [(3)H] PEG-lip in the blood.

Noncovalent porphyrin-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes: solubilization and spectral behaviors

We describe the solubilization/dispersion of as-produced and purified single-walled carbon nanotubes (raw-SWNTs and p-SWNTs) with protoporphyrin IX derivatives and tetraphenylporphyrin iron(III) chloride, the spectral behavior of the octaalkylporphyrins-solubilized shortened-SWNTs (s-SWNTs), and the electrochemistry of a p-SWNTs/FePP cast film on a glassy carbon electrode. Transmission electron and atomic force microscopies, as well as UV-visible-near IR spectroscopy, revealed that the protoporphyrin IX derivatives individually dissolved the p-SWNTs in polar solvents under mild conditions of sonication using a bath-type sonicator, followed by centrifugation at 1000 g. The raw-SWNTs were more easily dissolved than the p-SWNTs with protoporphyrin IX zinc(II) ( ZnPP ), whereas the amount of the solubilized/dispersed p-SWNTs did not depend on the concentration of the solubilizer and sonication time. The absorption and fluorescence spectral measurements of the octaalkylporphyrins in dimethylformamide containing 1 vol% tetrahydrofuran with various amounts of the s-SWNTs showed that the absorption maxima of the octaalkylporphyrins decreased with an increase in the concentration of the s-SWNTs without wavelength shift and the fluorescence of the porphyrins was quenched by the addition of the s-SWNTs. These spectral behaviors are direct evidence for the interaction between the nanotube sidewall and the porphyrins in the solutions. The cyclic voltammograms of the p-SWNTs/hemin ( FePP ) and free hemin ( FePP ) suggest that the nanotubes act as a conduction passage for electrons between hemin ( FePP ) and the glassy carbon electrode.

PEGylation of a factor VIII-phosphatidylinositol complex: pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity in hemophilia A mice

Hemophilia A is an X-linked bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency of factor VIII (FVIII). Exogenous FVIII is administered therapeutically, and due to a short half-life, frequent infusions are often required. Fifteen to thirty-five percent of severe hemophilia A patients develop inhibitory antibodies toward FVIII that complicate clinical management of the disease. Previously, we used phosphatidylinositol (PI) containing lipidic nanoparticles to improve the therapeutic efficacy of recombinant FVIII by reducing immunogenicity and prolonging the circulating half-life. The objective of this study is to investigate further improvements in the FVIII-PI formulation resulting from the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to the particle. PEGylation was achieved by passive transfer of PEG conjugated lipid into the FVIII-PI complex. PEGylated FVIII-PI (FVIII-PI/PEG) was generated with high association efficiency. Reduced activity in vitro and improved retention of activity in the presence of antibodies suggested strong shielding of FVIII by the particle; thus, in vivo studies were conducted in hemophilia A mice. Following intravenous administration, the apparent terminal half-life was improved versus both free FVIII and FVIII-PI, but exposure determined by area under the curve was reduced. The formation of inhibitory antibodies after subcutaneous immunization with FVIII-PI/PEG was lower than free FVIII but resulted in a significant increase in inhibitors following intravenous administration. Passive transfer of PEG onto the FVIII-PI complex does not provide any therapeutic benefit.

Efficient solubilization of single-walled carbon nanotubes using tea solutions

Here we describe the finding that oolong tea and black tea act as excellent carbon nanotube solubilizers to produce individually dissolved single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), which have been revealed using visible-near IR absorption, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy as well as AFM study. The oolong tea solution has a tendency to individually dissolve metallic SWNTs that can be detected by 514 nm-excition, and in solution, the (11,3)SWNTs enriched and (11,0)SWNTs that are contained in as-produced SWNTs were very few. Black tea solution shows similar tendency, while the separation performance was weaker compared to that of the oolong tea. We also used epigallocatechin gallate to solubilize the SWNTs and shed light on the mechanism of the SWNT dissolution. Tea contains numerous components with antioxidant activities; therefore biological and biomedical applications using the present soluble nanotubes might be of interest.

Enhancement of immune responses to an HBV DNA vaccine by electroporation

These studies document the ability of electroporation (EP)-based DNA vaccination to induce multi-specific CTL responses to hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA vaccination in normal mice and marked immune responses to multivalent HBV DNA immunization in larger animal species. These results suggest that electroporation-mediated HBV DNA vaccination is worth pursuing as a treatment for chronic HBV infection.

Kidney-targeted naked DNA transfer by retrograde injection into the renal vein in mice

We recently developed a novel kidney-targeted gene transfer technique in rats, using the retrograde renal vein injection of naked plasmid DNA. Many animal disease models are created in mice by transgenic or knockout technologies. However, it is much harder to perform renal vein injection in mice than in rats because they have a thin and short vein. Here we transferred the mouse interleukin (IL)-10 gene into mice by retrograde renal vein injection, using an IL-10 and immunoglobulin fusion protein (IL-10/Fc) (96-kDa) expression plasmid, pCAGGS-IL10/Fc. We observed a dose-response relationship between serum IL-10 levels and the amount of injected DNA. The serum IL-10 levels peaked at day 1 and then were sustained for at least 2 weeks. These results demonstrate that the kidney-targeted naked plasmid DNA transfer of mice by retrograde renal vein injection can be achieved, and the kidney serves as a depot organ for the production of large proteins.

Structure and expression of 12-oxophytodienoate reductase (subgroup I) genes in pea, and characterization of the oxidoreductase activities of their recombinant products

Recently, we observed that expression of a pea gene (S64) encoding an oxophytodienoic acid reductase (OPR) was induced by a suppressor of pea defense responses, secreted by the pea pathogen Mycosphaerella pinodes. Because it is known that OPRs are usually encoded by families of homologous genes, we screened for genomic and cDNA clones encoding members of this putative OPR family in pea. We isolated five members of the OPR gene family from a pea genomic DNA library, and amplified six cDNA clones, including S64, by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-PCR). Sequencing analysis revealed that S64 corresponds to PsOPR2, and the amino acid sequences of the predicted products of the six OPR-like genes shared more than 80% identity with each other. Based on their sequence similarity, all these OPR-like genes code for OPRs of subgroup I, i.e., enzymes which are not required for jasmonic acid biosynthesis. However, the genes varied in their exon/intron organization and in their promoter sequences. To investigate the expression of each individual OPR-like gene, RT-PCR was performed using gene-specific primers. The results indicated that the OPR-like gene most strongly induced by the inoculation of pea plants with a compatible pathogen and by treatment with the suppressor from M. pinodes was PsOPR2. Furthermore, the ability of the six recombinant OPR-like proteins to reduce a model substrate, 2-cyclohexen-1-one (2-CyHE), was investigated. The results indicated that PsOPR1, 4 and 6 display robust activity, and PsOPR2 has a most remarkable ability to reduce 2-CyHE, whereas PsOPR3 has little and PsOPR5 does not reduce this compound. Thus, the six OPR-like proteins can be classified into four types. Interestingly, the gene structures, expression profiles, and enzymatic activities used to classify each member of the pea OPR-like gene family are clearly correlated, indicating that each member of this OPR-like family has a distinct function.

Hydrodynamics-based transfer of PCR-amplified DNA fragments into rat liver

A high level of plasmid DNA expression in rat liver can be achieved by the rapid injection of a large volume of a naked DNA solution into the tail vein, called the 'hydrodynamics-based procedure.' The preparation of PCR-amplified DNA fragments is easier than that of naked DNA. In this paper we evaluated the effects of expressing the erythropoietin (Epo) gene in the rat liver by injecting fCAGGS-Epo, an Epo-expressing PCR-amplified DNA fragment, via the tail vein. After injection of 5 pmol fCAGGS-Epo (10 microg) or pCAGGS-Epo (18.4 microg), plasmid DNA, the serum Epo levels peaked at week 1, then persisted for at least 12 weeks. Transgene-derived Epo secretion resulted in significant erythropoiesis. These results demonstrated that transfer of PCR-amplified DNA fragments into the rat liver via rapid tail vein injection can be achieved. This method may provide a useful means for studying the physiologic function of a putative gene.

Binding protein-3-selective insulin-like growth factor I variants: engineering, biodistributions, and clearance

Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is a potent anabolic peptide that mediates most of its pleiotropic effects through association with the IGF type I receptor. Biological availability and plasma half-life of IGF-I are modulated by soluble binding proteins (IGFBPs), which sequester free IGF-I into high affinity complexes. Elevated levels of specific IGFBPs have been observed in several pathological conditions, resulting in inhibition of IGF-I activity. Administration of IGF-I variants that are unable to bind to the up-regulated IGFBP species could potentially counteract this effect. We engineered two IGFBP-selective variants that demonstrated 700- and 80,000-fold apparent reductions in affinity for IGFBP-1 while preserving low nanomolar affinity for IGFBP-3, the major carrier of IGF-I in plasma. Both variants displayed wild-type-like potency in cellular receptor kinase assays, stimulated human cartilage matrix synthesis, and retained their ability to associate with the acid-labile subunit in complex with IGFBP-3. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue distribution of the IGF-I variants in rats differed from those of wild-type IGF-I as a function of their IGFBP affinities. These IGF-I variants may potentially be useful for treating disease conditions associated with up-regulated IGFBP-1 levels, such as chronic or acute renal and hepatic failure or uncontrolled diabetes. More generally, these results suggest that the complex biology of IGF-I may be clarified through in vivo studies of IGFBP-selective variants.

High prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium in female commercial sex workers in Japan

Our objectives were to explore the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium in Japanese female commercial sex workers (CSWs), in comparison with pregnant women as controls. A high-risk group of 174 female CSWs and 90 asymptomatic pregnant women were enrolled in this study. Detection of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium on the endocervix of the women was performed mainly by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays. The prevalence rates of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium were 19.0%, 32.8%, and 12.6%, respectively, in the CSWs, compared with 5.6%, 0%, and 1.1% respectively, in the pregnant women. These results suggest a high prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium in Japanese CSWs. We conclude that continued close monitoring of the prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium infection in CSWs is important for preventing the dissemination of these microorganisms, and that further investigation of M. genitalium as a sexually transmitted pathogen in women is needed.

Eosinophilia of dystrophin-deficient muscle is promoted by perforin-mediated cytotoxicity by T cell effectors

Previous investigations have shown that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) contribute to muscle pathology in the dystrophin-null mutant mouse (mdx) model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy through perforin-dependent and perforin-independent mechanisms. We have assessed whether the CTL-mediated pathology includes the promotion of eosinophilia in dystrophic muscle, and thereby provides a secondary mechanism through which CTLs contribute to muscular dystrophy. Quantitative immunohistochemistry confirmed that eosinophilia is a component of the mdx dystrophy. In addition, electron microscopic observations show that eosinophils traverse the basement membrane of mdx muscle fibers and display sites of close apposition of eosinophil and muscle membranes. The close membrane apposition is characterized by impingement of eosinophilic rods of major basic protein into the muscle cell membrane. Transfer of mdx splenocytes and mdx muscle extracts to irradiated C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection resulted in muscle eosinophilia in the recipient mice. Double-mutant mice lacking dystrophin and perforin showed less eosinophilia than was displayed by mdx mice that expressed perforin. Finally, administration of prednisolone, which has been shown previously to reduce the concentration of CTLs in dystrophic muscle, produced a significant reduction in eosinophilia. These findings indicate that eosinophilia is a component of the mdx pathology that is promoted by perforin-dependent cytotoxicity of effector T cells. However, some eosinophilia of mdx muscle is independent of perforin-mediated processes.

Correlation between microvessel density and tumor cell proliferation with clinical factors in breast carcinomas

Fifty-nine methacarn-fixed, paraffin-embedded human breast carcinomas were immunostained by QB-END/10 (an antibody to CD34 antigen) to observe microvessels and by PC10 (an antibody to proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCNA) to determine tumor cell proliferation; 9 normal human breast tissue specimens were also immunostained by QB-END/10. The number of microvessels in the periphery of the breast carcinoma was significantly greater than both that in the center of the breast carcinoma and that in the normal breast. There was also a significant relationship between the number of microvessels in the periphery of breast carcinomas and the histological tumor size and lymph node status. However, there was no significant relationship between the tumor cell proliferation activity (PCNA positive cell ratio) and any clinical or histopathological variables. The number of microvessels and the tumor cell proliferation activity showed a weak negative correlation.

Ablation depths and morphological changes in human enamel and dentin after Er:YAG laser irradiation with or without water mist

OBJECTIVE

This investigation was performed quantitatively to determine the ranges of ablation and to evaluate the morphological changes in human enamel and dentin irradiated by Er:YAG laser with or without water mist.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Recently, several infrared lasers have been introduced in the dental clinic to remove carious dental hard tissues in anticipation of replacing the high-speed dental drill. Among them, the Er:YAG laser has shown the most promise for hard tissue ablation.

METHODS

An Er:YAG laser was used to ablate human dental hard tissues using a pulse energy that ranged from 100 to 400 mJ at a frequency of 2 Hz for 5 seconds. Ablation rates with or without water mist at different pulse energies were measured, and the morphological changes on enamel and dentin were also investigated by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

RESULTS

The relationship between ablation depths and energies was almost linear at both enamel and dentin samples. The irradiation with water mist reduced the ablation depths, but only minimally, when compared to those irradiated without water mist. Morphological findings by SEM indicated that Er:YAG laser irradiation with water mist could produce the cavities without signs of thermal damage to the surrounding enamel and dentin.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that addition of a fine water mist directed at the ablation sites does not greatly decrease the ablation, and does not cause any carbonization and melting in the surrounding dental hard tissues.

Immunohistochemical study of mammary and extramammary Paget's disease

Immunophenotypes of mammary (MPD) and extramammary Paget's disease (EPD) are still not well understood. Thirty-four formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 33 patients with 6 MPD and 28 EPD were studied immunohistochemically with the use of polyclonal c-erbB-2 and pS2 antisera, and monoclonal nm23, B6.2, GCDFP-15, and p53 antibodies. Cases of MPD expressed a high incidence of c-erbB-2 and nm23 compared with those of EPD (100% vs. 29%; p < 0.01, and 83% vs. 29%; p < 0.05, respectively). Although high expression of B6.2 (> 83%) and moderate expression of GCDFP-15 (33-39%), pS2 (33-46%) and p53 (39-50%) were seen, the positivity was not significantly different between MPD and EPD. These findings indicate that MPD and EPD share immunohistochemical features but partially differ in their patterns of antigen expression.

Effects of two different doses of leuprolide acetate depot on uterine cavity area in patients with uterine leiomyomata

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of two different doses of a monthly depot injection of a GnRH agonist (GnRH-a) on uterine cavity area in patients with uterine leiomyomata.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

Hospital department of obstetrics and gynecology.

PATIENTS

Thirty-six premenopausal women, 25 to 52 years of age, with uterine leiomyomata.

INTERVENTION

Leuprolide acetate (LA) depot, 1.88 or 3.75 mg, was administered SC every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Uterine cavity area before and after treatment was assessed by hysterosalpingography.

RESULTS

The 1.88- and 3.75-mg LA depots significantly reduced uterine cavity area by 40.8% and 40.2%, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Monthly injection of 1.88 or 3.75 mg LA depots appears to reduce uterine cavity area to a similar extent in patients with uterine leiomyomata.

Cytotoxic cells directed against placental cells detected in human habitual abortions by an in vitro terminal labeling assay

PROBLEM

From the clinical point of view, it has been proposed that an immunological imbalance between the mother and the fetus might exist in one of the mechanisms for human habitual abortion. However, in the definition of habitual abortion, we have no distinct immunological criteria for this clinical entity at the moment.

METHOD

We employed aborted placental cells as the target cells in an in vitro terminal labeling (IVTL) assay system, in which the cytotoxic activity of maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) against the placental cell was examined.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the cytotoxic activity of maternal PBMCs was significantly higher in the habitual aborters (the mean target cell destruction: %TCD = 34.9%, N = 14) than that in the women with a normal first trimester (the mean % TCD = 8.9%, N = 14, P < .01). The results from the IVTL assay did not correlate with other assays using paternal lymphocytes as the target cells. The surface marker analyses revealed that CD16+ cells, CD14+ cells, and CD5+ cells were involved in the cytotoxic response against the placental cells in various degrees among the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The above evidence suggests that a variety of cytotoxic cells participate in the phenomenon of human habitual abortion.

A rapid microassay for dichloroacetate in serum by gel-permeation chromatography

We have developed a novel, rapid microassay for dichloroacetate in the serum. The serum sample is directly injected into a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography apparatus. The peak of dichloroacetate appears after a giant protein peak. The method requires a very small amount of serum (10 microliters), and the analysis time is short (20 min). Using this micro method, we measured the serum concentrations of dichloroacetate in healthy adult volunteers and paediatric patients with congenital lactic acidosis. Although the effect of dichloroacetate on the neurological manifestations of congenital lactic acidosis has not been proved to be beneficial, the potential usefulness of dichloroacetate in refractory lactic acidosis in cardiac and respiratory failure has been recognized, and human as well as animal studies have been undertaken in many laboratories. To prevent possible side effects of dichloroacetate, it has been recommended that the minimal effective dose be used. Our microassay method is useful for both human and animal experiments, even after administration of minimal doses.

Changes in phospholipase A2 activity of the rabbit ampullary epithelium by ovarian steroids

Phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) activity of the ampullary epithelium from rabbit oviducts was compared in the presence of various ovarian steroids to assess how they could modulate prostaglandins (PG) biosynthesis in the oviduct. The phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity of the cells from ovariectomized rabbits (control) was 190.8 +/- 9.8 pmol/min/mg. The PLA2 activity of the cells from progesterone-treated rabbits was 156.0 +/- 41.8 pmol/min/mg and was not significantly different from the control activity. However, the PLA2 activity of the cells from the estrogen-treated rabbits was 233.5 +/- 29.0 pmol/min/mg, which was significantly higher than the control activity (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the PLA2 activity of the cells from progesterone-treated rabbits after being primed with estrogen was 116.3 +/- 25.9 pmol/min/mg, which was significantly lower than the control activity (p < 0.01). These results suggest that the effects on PLA2 activity of ovarian steroids could regulate the local production of PG which plays a role in both smooth muscle contractility and ciliary activity.

Regional differences of phospholipase A2 activity in the rabbit oviductal epithelium

To evaluate the biosynthesis of prostaglandins in the oviducts, phospholipase A2 (EC 3.1.1.4) activities were first measured in the epithelial cells obtained from rabbit oviducts. At least four kinds of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities with respect to calcium dependency and pH requirement were observed. There were two calcium-dependent, pH optima of 7.5 and 8.5 activities, and two calcium-independent, pH optima of 4.0 and 8.0 activities. One of those activities, a calcium-dependent and alkaline active PLA2 activity of the epithelial cells was then compared between the ampullary portion and the isthmic portion of the oviducts. The activity was significantly higher in the ampullary epithelium than in the isthmic epithelium (223.2 +/- 57.2 or 103.8 +/- 32.3 pmol/min/mg, p < 0.05). These results support the idea that the production of prostaglandins, which is dependent upon the activity of the arachidonate cascades, was higher in the ampullary portion of oviduct than that in the isthmic portion. The PLA2 activity of the ampullary epithelium may thus play an important role in the regulation of smooth muscle contractility and ciliary movement.

Efficacy of a low-dose leuprolide acetate depot in the treatment of uterine leiomyomata in Japanese women

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of two different doses, 1.88 mg and 3.75 mg, of a monthly depot injection of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) in the treatment of uterine leiomyomata.

DESIGN

A prospective randomized study.

SETTING

Hospital department of gynecology and obstetrics.

PATIENTS

Forty-one premenopausal Japanese women, 25 to 53 years of age, with uterine leiomyomata.

INTERVENTIONS

Depot type of GnRH-a, leuprolide acetate (LA) 1.88 mg or 3.75 mg was administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 24 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Efficacy of treatment was assessed in terms of uterine volume, serum levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and adverse symptoms during treatment.

RESULTS

In both groups, a significant reduction in uterine volume, 52% in 1.88 mg group and 47% in 3.75 mg group, was obtained at week 24, with near maximal reduction (41%, 45%) apparent by 12 weeks. No significant difference was observed between the groups in percent uterine volume reduction at each treatment week. Both groups showed significant and equal suppression of serum levels of E2, LH, and FSH. In addition, the incidence of adverse symptoms was not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Monthly injection of 1.88 mg or 3.75 mg LA depot has equivalent treatment efficacy in reducing uterine volume. Twelve weeks of treatment is enough to obtain near maximal reduction.

Cervical cancers in uterus didelphys

Two cases of cervical cancer in uterus didelphys are presented. One was extensive adenocarcinoma and one was squamous cell carcinoma in situ. In both cases the cancers appeared to have originated separately in each cervix.

Vascular pedicle transposition of an ovary with subsequent intrauterine pregnancy

In a patient who underwent both a right salpingectomy because of right tubal pregnancy and left ovarian cystectomy due to an ovarian cyst, we performed an operation whereupon the normal right ovary was shifted toward the position of the left ovary together with the pelvic infundibular ligament. By observation of the ovarian follicle through ultrasonic tomography, the follicle, as seen only from the right preoperatively, was seen only from the left after the operation. The patient delivered a baby by normal pregnancy 3 months after the operation. This method requires no complicated technique and could prove to be a promising therapeutic procedure treating patients with infertility.

Effects of lathyrogens on the mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament in the rat mandibular first molar

Effects of lathyrogens such as aminoacetonitrile (AAN), beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) and cysteamine--known inhibitors of cross-linking of collagen--on the mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament of the rat mandibular first molar were examined by measuring the ultimate load required to extract the tooth from its socket in the dissected jaw. Single injections of AAN (40 approximately 100 mg/100 g body weight) or of BAPN (100 mg/100 g body weight) caused significant decreases of the mechanical strength 24 h after administration of the drugs but that of cysteamine (30 mg/100 g body weight) did not. Significant correlations between the dose of AAN or of BAPN and the mechanical strength were found following daily administrations of the drugs for 5 days. The relative potency of AAN to BAPN was estimated to be 4.5 by a slope ratio assay. The rapid appearance and disappearance of the effect of lathyrogens on the mechanical strength of the periodontal ligament of the rat mandibular first molar provide further evidence that the turnover of the collagen in the tissue is fast. The half-time of collagen synthesis was estimated to be approximately 3 d.

Expression and immunogenicity of the extracellular domain of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 envelope glycoprotein, gp160

The envelope glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 is synthesized as a precursor, gp160, that subsequently is cleaved to yield mature gp120 and gp41. In these studies, the gene encoding gp160 was mutagenized so as direct the synthesis of a truncated protein consisting of the extracellular domains of both gp120 and gp41. The variant protein, termed sgp160, consisted of 458 amino acids of gp120 and 172 amino acids of gp41. To facilitate protein purification, the normal polyglycoprotein processing site between gp120 and gp41 was deleted through the use of site-directed mutagenesis. This allowed for the synthesis of a molecule that could be purified by affinity chromatography, using acid elution, without dissociation of the gp120 polypeptide from the gp41 polypeptide. The conformation of the sgp160 variant appeared to be functionally relevant, as reflected by its ability to bind to CD4 with an affinity comparable to that of the variant rgp120. The structure of the sgp160-containing polypeptide differed from that of rgp120 in that it tended to form high-molecular-weight aggregates that could be dissociated to monomers and dimers in the presence of reducing agents. Antibodies against the sgp160 protein reacted with authentic virus-derived gp160, gp120, and gp41; neutralized viral infectivity; and inhibited the binding of rgp120 to CD4. Rabbit antibodies to the sgp160 protein differed from those raised against rgp120 in that they were enriched for populations that blocked CD4 binding but did not prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1-induced syncytium formation.

Two-dimensional pulsed Doppler echocardiographic technique for estimating pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio in children with atrial septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus

A two-dimensional pulsed Doppler echocardiographic method was evaluated for quantifying the pulmonary (Qp) to systemic (Qs) blood flow ratio. Twenty six patients were studied, 15 with atrial septal defect (ASD) and 11 with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). An apical four-chamber view was used to measure the maximal Doppler flow velocities in the right and left ventricular inflow regions (RVIR and LVIR) and the maximal diameters of the tricuspid and mitral anuli at diastole. The two-dimensional pulsed Doppler pulmonary to systemic blood flow ratio (Qp/Qs) estimation involved calculating the area of the Doppler flow velocity signal along the time scale multiplied by the diameter of either the tricuspid or mitral anulus as measured on the apical four-chamber view. In ASD patients, Qp was measured at RVIR and Qs at LVIR. In PDA patients, Qp was calculated at LVIR and Qs at RVIR. Twenty-six healthy children comprised the control group. The areas of the Doppler flow velocity signals along the time scales of RVIR and LVIR were also quantified and the diameters of the tricuspid and mitral anuli were measured. In the control group, the linear correlation of the trans-mitral M(d)*M(a) to trans-tricuspid T(d)*T(a) value was r = 0.909, n = 26. The correlations between Doppler Qp/Qs ratio estimates and those obtained at cardiac catheterization were r = 0.902, n = 15 in ASD and r = 0.967, n = 11 in PDA. These results suggest a clinical application of this Doppler echocardiographic method in the noninvasive estimation of the cardiac shunt in ASD and PDA.

Environment: peculiar pigment cell neoplasm in fish

Chromatophoroma in the croaker (Nibea mitsukurii) showed a unique geographic distribution. The contribution of environmental chemicals to the cause of chromatophoroma in the feral croaker is considered likely on the basis of the following results in our studies. 1) Chromatophoroma was induced in tank-reared N. mitsukurii by administration of certain kinds of known carcinogens such as 7,12-dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene, N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, and nifurpirinol. 2) Local accumulation of pigment-cell hyperplasia in the catfish (Protosus anguillaris) showed similar tendencies to those of chromatophoroma in N. mitsukurii. 3) Removal of contaminated sediment from the harbor and the river appeared to reduce the incidence from 47% in 1973-1983 to about 20% in 1985-1987. 4) Waste water from a factory located at the station where the incidence of the neoplasm was the highest contained mutagenic substances such as chloroacetones and glyoxals [5]. Exposure of catfish to the waste water induced pigment-cell hyperplasia on the skin.

Evaluation and comparison of the axis of the interventricular septum by two-dimensional echocardiography among the patients with congenital heart disease (ASD, VSD, PDA, PS, TOF) and the normal subjects

A two-dimensional echocardiographic method was applied to determine the axis of interventricular septum (IVS) in the horizontal plane. This study comprised 19 subjects with ASD, 15 subjects with VSD(I), 20 subjects with VSD(II), 13 subjects with PDA, 16 subjects with PS, 15 subjects with TOF and 99 normal children. Parasternal left ventricular short axis view was taken, and the IVS was recorded by using the polaroid prints. The axis of the IVS in the horizontal plane was measured from the recorded polaroid prints. The value of the angularity of IVS (IVS-A) expressed as means +/- one standard deviation (mean +/- 1S.D.) is 52.0 +/- 13.7 degrees in ASD, 42.2 +/- 9.7 degrees in VSD(I), 43.7 +/- 9.1 degrees in VSD(II), 41.6 +/- 11.4 degrees in PDA, 38.6 +/- 10.9 degrees in PS, 61.0 +/- 8.5 degrees in TOF and 40.1 +/- 8.2 degrees in normal controls. There was no significant difference among VSD(I), VSD(II), PDA, PS and normal controls but a highly significant difference was noted in ASD and TOF as compared to other groups. The correlation coefficient of the IVS-A with (1) the Qp/Qs ratio, (2) the magnitude of shunt (%), (3) the right ventricular pressure and (4) the hematocrits were evaluated among the patient groups. The IVS-A of ASD and VSD(II) had a good correlation with the shunt flow (r = 0.921 and 0.88 respectively) and/or the Qp/Qs ratio (r = 0.782 and 0.955 respectively); while that of VSD(I), PDA, and PS had a good correlation with the right ventricular pressure (r = 0.956, 0.953, 0.842 respectively) and that of TOF was mostly concerned with the hematocrits (r = 0.911). Besides, the IVS-A in each severe CHD subgroup was significantly (p less than 0.005 or a better value) higher than the normal control group. Thus an alternative method was validated for evaluating the severity of congenital heart disease by using a noninvasive two-dimensional echocardiographic technique.