Prognosis of high-grade endometrial cancer: a comparison of serous-type and clear cell type to grade 3 endometrioid-type

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prognosis of high-grade endometrial cancers, comparing serous (SC) and clear cell (CCC) types to grade 3 endometrioid carcinoma (ECG3).

METHODS

Among patients with endometrial cancer treated in two decades, medical records of patients with high-grade endometrial cancer were retrospectively investigated.

RESULTS

Of 447 endometrial cancers, 107 (24%) high-grade endometrial cancers were identified, with the increasing incidence in the last decade (28% vs 19%; p = 0.026). There were 24 SC, 14 CCC and 69 ECG3. Median age was 62, 68, and 61 years, respectively, with the CCC type showing an elder age than the ECG3 type (p = 0.012). The rates of patients with Stage IIIc-IV, lymph node assessment or complete resection at primary surgery, and post-operative chemotherapy were not significantly different; however, response rate to first-line chemotherapy in patients with measurable disease was lower in SC than ECG3 (3 / 11, 27% vs 14 / 19, 74%; p = 0.037), regardless of regimens. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 40%, 71%, and 71% respectively, and five-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 25%, 71%, and 61%, respectively, showing SC with worse prognosis than ECG3 on both OS (p = 0.026) and PFS (p = 0.0028). According to the multivariate analysis, age > or = 70, Stage IIIc-IV and incomplete resection were independent prognostic factors on poor OS, whereas SC, Stage IIIc-IV and incomplete resection were on poor PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing trend of high-grade endometrial cancer and different outcomes according to histological subtypes, especially poor PFS and chemotherapeutic response in SC, were suggested.

Repeated topical treatment, in contrast to single oral doses, with Vitamin A-containing preparations does not affect plasma concentrations of retinol, retinyl esters or retinoic acids in female subjects of child-bearing age

BACKGROUND

Vitamin A is widely used in cosmetic preparations. Given that oral Vitamin A and its metabolites present a potential reproductive risk, the present study investigated the effect of topical Vitamin A on human endogenous plasma levels of Vitamin A and its metabolites.

METHODS

Two groups of 14 female volunteers of child-bearing age were kept on a Vitamin A-poor diet and treated topically for 21 days with creams containing 0.30% retinol or 0.55% retinyl palmitate on approximately 3000 cm2 of their body surface area, amounting to a total of approximately 30,000 IU Vitamin A/subject/day. After a 12-day wash-out period, the study groups received single oral doses of 10,000 IU or 30,000 IU retinyl palmitate (RP), corresponding to the maximal EU allowance during pregnancy or three-times higher, respectively. Blood samples were collected over 24h on study days -3 (pre-study), 1, 21 (first and last days of topical treatment) and 34 (oral administration) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 14-16 h and 24 h after treatment for determination of plasma concentrations of retinol (REL), retinyl palmitate (RP), oleate (RO) and stearate (RS), 9-cis-, 13-cis-, all-trans- (AT), 13-cis-4-oxo- or AT-4-oxo-retinoic acids (RAs).

RESULTS

With the exception of transient mild (RP-group) to moderate (REL-group) local irritation on the treatment sites, no adverse local or systemic effects were noted. On days 1 or 21 of topical treatment, no changes were measured in individual or group mean plasma Cmax, AUC0-24 h or other pharmacokinetic parameters of REL, retinyl esters or RAs relative to pre-study data. In contrast, single oral doses of RP at 10,000 IU or 30,000 IU produced dose-related and sustained increases in Cmax and AUC0-24 h values of plasma RP, RO, RS, 13-cis- and 13-cis-4-oxo-RAs, as well as a transient increase in AT-RA. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that human topical exposure to retinol- or retinyl ester-containing cosmetic creams at 30,000 IU/day and maximal use concentrations do not affect plasma levels of retinol, retinyl esters or RAs, whereas single oral doses at 10,000 IU or 30,000 IU produce significant increases in plasma retinyl esters and RAs.

Age-related changes in haematology and serum chemistry of Weiser-Maples guineapigs (Cavia porcellus)

Age-related changes in haematology and serum chemistry values were examined in male and female Weiser-Maples guineapigs (Cavia porcellus). Haematological changes that significantly (P<0.01) correlated with ageing were increased white blood cell and neutrophil counts in both sexes, decreased lymphocyte counts in both sexes, decreased reticulocyte and platelet counts in males, and decreased basophil counts in females. For serum chemistry, increases in total protein, triglycerides, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were seen in both sexes, along with increases in total cholesterol in males and sodium in females. Decreased alkaline phosphatase in both sexes and decreased chloride in males were significantly (P<0.01) associated with age. These age-related changes are compared with the published literature.

The size index as a motor unit identifier in electromyography examined by numerical calculation

A computer simulation was performed to investigate the size index as a motor unit identifier in electromyography. The size index calculated from the amplitude and area of the simulated motor unit action potential (MUP) was plotted against the distance between the needle electrode and current source to show how the index changes as a function of the distance. The index of the MUP also was plotted against the number of muscle fibers belonging to a single motor unit, the size of the motor unit territory, and the diameter of the muscle fibers in order to establish the major determinants of the index. The index was relatively constant for the distance less than 2 mm between the needle electrode and closest edge of the current source. It changed logarithmically with the number of muscle fibers and with the diameter of the fibers.

Quantitative analysis of the effects of lithium on the reverse tolerance and the c-Fos expression induced by methamphetamine in mice

To elucidate the mechanism of psychostimulant-induced reverse tolerance [A. Kifune, S. Tadokoro, Modification of stereotype producing and ambulation-increasing effects following repeated administration of methamphetamine in rats, Jpn. J. Psychopharmacol. 11 (1991) 207-214 [11]; N.J. Leith, R. Kuczenski, Chronic amphetamine: tolerance and reverse tolerance reflect different behavioral actions of the dog, Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 15 (1981) 399-405 [13]; S. Tadokoro, H. Kuribara, Reverse tolerance to the ambulation-increasing effect of methamphetamine in mice as an animal model of amphetamine-psychosis, Psychopharmacol, Bull. 22 (1986) 757-762 [18]; S. Tadokoro, H. Kuribara, Modification of the behavioral effects of drugs after repeated administration: special reference to the reverse tolerance, Folia Pharmacologica Japonica 95 (1990) 229-238 [19]], the effects of lithium on ambulatory activity [P. Cappeliez, E. Moore, Effects of lithium on an amphetamine animal model of bipolar disorder, Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. Biol. Psychiatry 14 (1990) 347-358 [1]; M. Hirabayashi, M.K. Alam, Enhancing effect of methamphetamine on ambulatory activity produced by repeated administration on mice, Pharmacol. Biochem. Behav. 15 (1981) 925-932 [7]; M. Hirabayashi, S. Okada, S. Tadokoro, Comparison of sensitization to ambulation-increasing effects of cocaine and methamphetamine after repeated administration in mice, J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 43 (1991) 827-830 [8]; T. Miyauchi, K. Kikuchi, S. Satoh, Further studies on the potentiating effect of lithium chloride on methamphetamine-induced stereotypy in mice, Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 31 (1981) 61-68 [14]; H. Ozawa, T. Nozu, H. Aihara, F. Akiyama, M. Sasajima, Pharmacokinetics and general pharmacological actions of lithium salts administered singly or repeatedly, Folia Pharmacologica Japonica 72 (1976) 433-443 [15].] and cerebral c-Fos expression [S. Ceccatelli, M.J. Villar, M. Goldstein, T. Hokfelt, Expression of c-Fos immunoreactivity in transmitter-characterized neurons after stress, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86 (1989) 9569-9573 [2]; L. Giovannelli, P.J. Shiromani, G.F. Jirikoski, F.E. Bloom, Expression of c-fos protein by immunohistochemically identified oxytocin neurons in the rat hypothalamus upon osmotic stimulation, Brain Research 588 (1992) 41-48 [4]; B.T. Hope, H.E. Nye, M.B. Kelz, D.W. Self, M.J. Iadarola, Y. Nakabeppu, R.S. Duman, E.J. Nestler, Induction of a long-lasting AP-1 complex composed of altered Fos-like proteins in brain by chronic cocaine and other chronic treatments, Neuron 13 (1994) 1235-1244 [10]; T. Miyauchi, K. Kikuchi, S. Satoh, Further studies on the potentiating effect of lithium chloride on methamphetamine-induced stereotypy in mice, Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 31 (1981) 61-68 [14]; F.R. Sharp, S.M. Sager, K. Hicks, D. Lowenstein, K. Hisanaga, c-fos mRNA, Fos, and Fos-related antigen induction by hypertonic saline and stress, J. Neurosci. 11 (1991) 2321-2331 [16].] were investigated in mice injected with methamphetamine (2 mg/kg, s.c., one to five times). The ambulatory activity enhanced by either acute or chronic methamphetamine injection was delayed or diminished by lithium chloride (LiCl) pretreatment [R.G. Fessler, R.D. Sturgeon, S.F. London, H.Y. Meltzer, Effects of lithium on behaviour induced by phencyclidine and amphetamine in rats. Psychopharmacology 78 (1982) 373-376 [3].]. How the Li-sensitive c-Fos expression in the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus and striatum is related to methamphetamine-induced behavioral excitation is unclear. This protocol, in combination with c-Fos expression of mouse cerebral regions, may provide a useful tool for quantitation of ambulatory activity during c-Fos expression.

Effects of intestinal and hepatic metabolism on the bioavailability of tacrolimus in rats

PURPOSE

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive agent, has poor and variable bioavailability following oral administration in clinical use. We investigated the contribution of intestinal metabolism to the first pass effect of tacrolimus in rats.

METHODS

Tacrolimus was administered intravenously, intraportally or intraintestinally to rats. Blood samples were collected over a 240-min period, and blood tacrolimus concentrations were measured. The extraction ratios of tacrolimus in the intestine and liver were investigated. In addition, the metabolism of tacrolimus in the everted sacs of the small intestine was examined.

RESULTS

The rate of absorption of tacrolimus in the intestine was rapid, and tacrolimus was almost completely absorbed after intestinal administration. The bioavailability of tacrolimus was about 40% and 25% after intraportal and intraintestinal administration, respectively. indicating that tacrolimus is metabolized in both the intestine and the liver. In addition, tacrolimus was significantly metabolized in the everted sacs of the rat intestine.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggested that the metabolism of tacrolimus in the intestine contributes to its extensive and variable first pass metabolism following the oral administration.

Localization of GTPase-activating protein-(GAP) like immunoreactivity in mouse cerebral regions

GTPase-activating protein is known to regulate the conversion between ras-GTP and ras-GDP. We studied the basal expression of GTPase-activating protein-like immunoreactivity in mouse cerebral regions using a polyclonal anti-GTPase-activating protein antibody. Cells with GTPase-activating protein-like immunoreactivity were distributed in frontal cortical layers IV and V, and in the parietal cortex, piriform cortex, amygdaloid area, septum, lateral thalamus, and hypothalamus. The GTPase-activating protein-like immunoreactivity was also observed in fiber-like structures in the caudate putamen, stria terminalis, internal capsule, and medial forebrain bundle, and around CA2 pyramidal cells in Ammon's horn. These results imply that GTPase-activating protein is constitutively expressed in mouse brain regions and may have physiological functions in specific neuronal pathways in the brain.

Recurrent abortion and moderate or strong antiphospholipid antibody production

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment outcome for women suffering recurrent miscarriages associated with strong or moderate antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) production.

METHODS

Sixty-seven pregnancies in 61 women demonstrating at least one kind of aPL with a history of recurrent miscarriages were treated with: (1) aspirin (ASA) alone; (2) prednisolone (PSL) and ASA; and (3) PSL, ASA, heparin and/or immunoglobulin (IgG). For comparison purposes the aPL-positive patients were divided into two groups, strongly and moderately-positive. IgG and IgM antibodies against PE and five negatively-charged phospholipids were measured by ELISA between 1987 and 1993. Beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) dependent anticardiolipin antibodies were measured by ELISA since 1993. Lupus anticoagulant was measured by a diluted aPTT method since 1993.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 16 (50%) patients strongly-positive for aPL and 47 out of 51 (92.2%) moderately-positive demonstrated a successful outcome. The live birth rate moderate group was significantly higher than in the strongly-positive cases (P < 0.0005). In the cases exhibiting moderate aPL production, 28 out of 30 (93.3%) receiving PSL and ASA and 14 out of 15 (93.3%) treated with ASA alone successfully gave birth. None of the 14 given ASA alone suffered preterm delivery or IUGR. In contrast 12 (36.4%) and 6 (18.2%) of the 33 patients treated with the PSL combination therapy suffered from preterm delivery and IUGR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The live birth rate in patients strongly positive for aPL is lower than that in patients with moderate aPL production even if treatment is performed during pregnancy. However, ASA is useful to treat cases with moderate aPL so that distinction of the two groups is warranted.

Hepatic extraction of tacrolimus in rats with experimental liver diseases

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive agent, is metabolized mainly in the liver and has shown large intra- and interindividual pharmacokinetic variability. We investigated the effect of liver dysfunctions on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in rats with experimental liver diseases. Experimental hepatic failure was induced by CCl4-treatment or bile duct ligation. Tacrolimus (1 or 0.3 mg/kg) was administered intravenously or intraportally to the rats (n = 5-6 per group), and blood samples were collected over a 240-min period. The tacrolimus concentrations in the blood were then measured by a high-performance liquid chromatography-enzyme immunoassay. In the normal rats, the hepatic extraction ratio of tacrolimus (EH) was dose-independent, ranging from 0.556-0.598 at 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg doses. The EH were dose-dependent in the CCl4-treated rats and in the bile duct-ligated rats: the EH at 1.0 mg/kg dose were 0.158-0.170 and those at 0.3 mg/kg dose were 0.329-0.394. The intermediate EH of tacrolimus suggested that the clearance of tacrolimus depends not only on hepatic intrinsic clearance but also on hepatic blood flow. The present pharmacokinetic study also suggested that the decrease of EH and the dose-dependence of EH contribute to the elevation of blood tacrolimus concentrations and to the large variability in the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after oral administration in hepatic dysfunctions.

Effect of growth factor on GTPase-activating protein (Ras GAP) in Chinese hamster ovary cells

GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) stimulate the hydrolysis of GTP bound to small G-proteins and regulate the signal transduction pathway. Changes in the expression of p21-Ras p120-GAP induced by growth factor treatment were examined in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and human choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cells. Expression of p120-GAP and GAP activity were measured. Fetal bovine serum induced a significant increased level of GAP in CHO cells, but did not increase GAP in BeWo cells. The results suggest that growth factors affect Ras GAP expression in CHO cells, while they do not in other cells such as BeWo cells.

Expression of Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) in human normal chorionic villi and hydatidiform mole

Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP), an important downregulator of Ras activity, has previously been shown to be abundant in human placenta. The expression of p120 and p100 isoforms of GAP in human normal chorionic villi (n=5) and hydatidiform mole (n=5) was investigated to clarify the involvement of Ras GAP in the growth of chorionic villi in the first trimester of pregnancy. Immunoblot analysis revealed that both p120- and p100-GAP isoforms were remarkably less expressed in mole villi than in normal chorionic villi. The expression of p100-GAP significantly reduced in comparison with that of pl20-GAP in mole villi. Northern blot analysis showed that the amount of GAP mRNA reduced in hydatidiform mole less than one-third of that in normal chorionic villi. The GAP activity, measured by the effect of tissue extract on the hydrolysis of Ras-bound GTP, was significantly lower in hydatidiform mole than in normal chorionic villi. These results suggest that Ras GAP may play an important role in the normal growth and differentiation of human chorionic villi in the first trimester.

Anti beta 2glycoprotein I antibodies and lupus anticoagulant in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss: prevalence and clinical significance

Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were found to recognize beta 2glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI) structure altered by its interaction with an oxygen modified solid phase surface by gamma-ray radiation. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) has been reported to comprise anti prothrombin antibodies, anti factor X antibodies and anti beta 2GPI antibodies. The present study focuses on the possible association between antibodies against the altered beta 2GPI structure (anti beta 2GPI antibodies) and LA in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Moreover, the clinical significance of both subgroups of so-called antiphospholipid antibodies were investigated to cast light on the controversy of whether aCL and LA are risk factors for pregnancy losses. One hundred and ninety five women with a history of two or more unexplained consecutive miscarriages and 100 control pregnant women were tested. Lupus anticoagulant was detected by the dilute phospholipid activated partial thromboplastin time. Anti beta 2GPI antibodies were measured by the ELISA method using commercially oxygenated microtiter plates. Twenty two (11.3%) and 19 (9.7%) of the 195 recurrent aborters were, respectively, positive for LA and anti beta 2GPI antibodies. Seven (3.6%) of the aborters had both of them. None of the control pregnant women had LA. Three of the control pregnant women had anti beta 2GPI antibodies. Nine (40.9%) of 22 aborters with positive-LA had a history of miscarriages in the second trimester as compared to 8 (4.6%) of 173 aborters with negative-LA. (P = 0.000007, Odds ratio = 14.3). None of the 12 aborters with anti beta 2GPI antibodies but no LA had a history of second trimester-fetal loss. These results support the hypothesis that aCL and LA define two distinct but partly related populations and that aCL include two subtypes of antibodies, with and without LA activity. LA and anti beta 2GPI antibodies appear to be associated with pregnancy loss, with LA being linked not only to abortions in the first trimester but also to miscarriages in the second trimester.

beta 2-Glycoprotein I-dependent anticardiolipin antibodies as a predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes in healthy pregnant women

Our aim was to elucidate prospectively whether beta 2-glycoprotein I-dependent anticardiolipin antibodies (beta 2GPI-dependent aCL; autoimmune type) can predict an adverse pregnancy outcome in healthy pregnant women and whether beta 2GPI-dependent aCL should be applied for routine screening of the pregnant population. A prospective cohort study was performed on 1600 healthy pregnant women from whom blood samples were obtained at about week 10 of gestation. We used a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with which to divide the subjects into three study groups: beta 2GPI-independent aCL positive, beta 2GPI-dependent aCL positive and aCL negative. Their subsequent pregnancy outcomes were ascertained and the three study groups were compared statistically for the following poor pregnancy outcomes: intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) after 12 gestational weeks, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia. The total number of patients eligible for this study was 1125. The prevalence of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL positive was eight (0.7%), beta 2GPI-independent aCL positive was 17 (1.5%) and aCL negative was 1100 (97.8%). Beta 2-GPI-dependent aCL positivity was significantly associated with poor pregnancy outcome: 25.0% of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL-positive and 0.5% of aCL-negative patients experienced IUFD [relative risk 52.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 12.7-216.3; P = 0.0009]; 37.5% of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL-positive and 2.9% of aCL-negative patients experienced IUGR (relative risk 18.4; 95% CI, 4.6-74.0; P = 0.001); and 50.0% of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL-positive and 4.0% aCL-negative patients experienced pre-eclampsia (relative risk 22.1; 95% CI, 5.7-85.7; P = 0.0002). In contrast, beta 2GPI-independent aCL did not show any significant association with such adverse pregnancy outcomes. beta 2GPI-dependent aCL are significantly highly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in healthy pregnant women and can be used for prediction purposes, whereas beta 2GPI-independent aCL cannot. Our results suggest that routine screening for beta 2GPI-dependent aCL should be introduced for the general pregnant population.

Successful pregnancy in a Churg-Strauss syndrome patient with a history of intrauterine fetal death

Allergic granulomatosis and angiitis was first reported as a disease entity separate from polyarteritis nodosa in 1951 by Churg and Strauss. It is characterized by bronchial asthma, eosinophilia, and vasculitis and is especially rare in women of reproductive age, though, when present, may be associated with fetal mortality in pregnancy. We report a successful pregnancy in a patient who previously experienced intrauterine fetal death at 30 weeks of gestation.

Successful management of congenital protein C deficiency with recurrent pregnancy loss

A 29-year-old woman experienced unexplained intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) three times, at 16, 27 and 27 gestational weeks. She was found to be protein C-deficient and the existence of infarction in the placenta was suspected at 20 weeks' gestation during her fourth pregnancy. Both heparin and antithrombin III were administered until delivery of a small-for-dates but live baby. Massive infarction in the placenta was evident at term. Anticoagulation with heparin is a useful treatment approach for cases of recurrent IUFD with protein C deficiency.

Specific antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) eluted from placentae of pregnant women with aPL-positive sera

The mechanism by which antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) cause recurrent pregnancy loss remains unclear. It has however been reported that aPL may affect cytotrophoblasts in vitro and thus direct placental damage might occur. Therefore, we investigated whether aPL are bound directly to placental tissues in patients with immunoglobulin G (IgG)-aPL positive sera. The material investigated comprised the placentae of six patients with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss and subclinical autoimmune disorder and one with systemic lupus erythematosus, who were treated with a combination of prednisolone and aspirin. Normal controls consisted of placentae derived from six women, negative for serum aPL, with no medical or obstetrical complication during their pregnancy. Five kinds of IgG- and IgM-antiphospholipid (anti-PS, PI, PA, PG and CL) antibodies were eluted from the placentae of both patients and controls, which were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgG-aPL were detected in the placental eluates of four of seven (57%) patients, whereas IgM-aPL were not found in any. With respect to the pregnancy outcome of the four patients with IgG-aPL-positive placental eluates, one experienced intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) at 23 weeks of gestation and three demonstrated intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). In contrast, the remaining three patients, evaluated negative for IgG-aPL in placental eluates, gave birth to one baby with IUGR and two appropriate-for-date babies. The placentae of the four mothers with IgG-aPL-positive placental eluates pathologically showed severe thrombotic findings. These results suggest that IgG-aPL can directly bind to placental tissue and might cause pathologic damage resulting in IUFD or IUGR.

Wortmannin, a specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, inhibits adipocytic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells

The effect of wortmannin, which inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), on adipocytic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells was examined. The extent of differentiation was evaluated by the staining of adipocytes with Oil Red O and measurement of glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity. Wortmannin, at over 100 nM, significantly inhibited adipogenesis of cells treated with isobutyl-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin with an IC50 value about 50 nM. These results suggest that PI 3-kinase plays a role in adipocytic differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells.

beta 2-Glycoprotein I-dependent and -independent anticardiolipin antibodies in healthy pregnant women

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI)-dependent anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and beta 2GPI-independent aCL and their respective relevance to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we prospectively studied 210 normal pregnant women, utilizing a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for beta 2GPI-dependent and -independent aCL. Seven of the 210 pregnant women (3.3%) demonstrated evidence for beta 2GPI-independent immunoglobulin G (IgG)-aCL. Two patients, who also appeared positive for beta 2GPI-dependent IgG-aCL, were proven to be false positives. Amongst the 210 patients, not one was thus positive for beta 2GPI-dependent aCL. Women with beta 2GPI-independent aCL demonstrated no adverse pregnancy outcomes. These results suggest that the presence of beta 2GPI-independent aCL is not associated with the presence of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL, though it may give rise to false positive results. Since the presence of beta 2GPI-independent aCL does not appear to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, beta 2GPI-dependent assays may represent better markers of miscarriage risk.

[Establishment and characterization of a CA125-producing human ovarian clear cell carcinoma cell line]

A human ovarian cancer cell line designated "KK" was established from ascites of a patient with ovarian clear cell carcinoma. This cell line was grown for more than 2 years and over 140 passages in medium RPMI1640 containing 10% FCS. Doubling time of this cell line at passage 70 was approximately 4 days and saturation density was 1.1 x 10(5)/cm2. Plating efficiency was approximately 23%. Chromosome analysis revealed aneuploidy with a model number of 67. PAS-positive substances were present in the cytoplasm. CA125 and SLX were detected in both the original tumor and the cultured cells. This cell line is less sensitive to cisplatin than KF cells and IC50 was 0.95 microM.

[Establishment of a cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line]

A human ovarian cancer cell line designated "MH" was established from ascites of a patient with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma treated with cisplatin. This cell line was grown for more than 2 years and over 100 passages in medium RPMI1640 containing 10% FCS. The cell doubling time, saturation density and plating efficiency was approximately 6.3 days, 5.5 x 10(4)/cm2, and 42%, respectively. Chromosomal analysis revealed aneuploidy with a modal number of 72 and 14-19 types of marker chromosomes. CA125 was detected in both the original tumor and the cultured cells. This cell line is cisplatin-resistant (IC50: 3.28 microM) and has high protein kinase C activity.

Steady-state plasma concentrations of mianserin and its major active metabolite, desmethylmianserin

The steady-state plasma concentrations of mianserin and its major active metabolite, desmethylmianserin, were measured in 76 depressed patients receiving 30 mg of mianserin at bedtime. There were considerable inter-individual variations in the steady-state plasma concentrations of these compounds; the plasma concentrations of mianserin plus desmethylmianserin were within the therapeutic range suggested previously by us in only 43% of the patients. With advancing age, the plasma concentrations of mianserin increased significantly, while those of mianserin plus desmethylmianserin remained unchanged. Sex, smoking, and coadministration of benzodiazepines did not affect the drug's metabolism. There was no evidence that the kinetics of these compounds were nonlinear with increasing doses. The present study thus suggests that measuring the plasma concentrations of mianserin and desmethylmianserin contributes to rational treatment with this drug, that age, sex, smoking, and coadministration of benzodiazepines are not important factors in determining the dose, and that these compounds have linear kinetics.

Changes of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets before and after operation of patients with endometriosis

This study was performed to elucidate whether endometriotic lesions can affect peripheral blood lymphocyte-subsets. Changes of lymphocyte-subsets of normal healthy women and patients with uterine myoma or endometriosis before and after operation were also examined by using two-color assay methods. The percentage and absolute number of CD57+CD16+ cells [moderately differentiated natural killer (NK) cells] of NK cell subsets in peripheral blood from patients with endometriosis were significantly lower than values from normal healthy women and patients with uterine myoma, while there was no difference in CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte-subsets between normal healthy women and patients with uterine myoma or endometriosis. In patients with endometriosis the percentage and absolute number of CD8+CD11+ cells (suppressor T-cells) was significantly increased after operation, while those in patients with urine myoma did not change. On the other hand, resection of endometriotic lesions resulted in a significant decrease of the percentage of CD57+CD16- cells (immature NK cells) and a significant increase of not only the percentage but also the absolute number of CD57+CD16+ cells (moderately differentiated NK cells), suggesting that existence of endometriotic lesions disturbs differentiation of the NK cells. Furthermore, suppressor inducer T-cells as shown by measuring CD4+2H4+ and CD4+4B4- cells were significantly increased after operation of endometriosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Cytokinetic effects of cisplatin on cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines]

Cytokinetic effects of cisplatin on human ovarian cancer cell lines with natural cisplatin-resistance was examined by means of flow cytometry. These ovarian cancer cell lines derived from patients with clear cell carcinoma and serous cystadenocarcinoma were established and designated "KK" and "MH", respectively. Both KK and MH cells have shown resistance to cisplatin and IC50 of them were 0.95 microM and 3.28 microM, respectively. Cisplatin inhibited cell cycle progression at G2 +M phase up to IC50 of each cell from the analysis of cell cycle. Similar results had been obtained in the case of "KF" cell which was sensitive to cisplatin. Further studies of these cells should be performed to elucidate the mechanism of cisplatin resistance.

Adjuvant effects of antineoplastic prostaglandins to cisplatin in nude mice bearing human ovarian cancer cells

Effects of antineoplastic prostaglandins (PG) on human ovarian cancer cell growth were examined by using HR cells derived from ascites of a patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. With regard to inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro, the effects of delta 7-PGA1 was most marked, followed by that of delta 12-PGJ2, PGJ2 and PGD2. When antineoplastic prostaglandins were administered to nude mice bearing HR cells, tumor growth in groups treated with PGJ2 and delta 12-PGJ2 alone was significantly inhibited 63 days after tumor inoculation, compared to that in an untreated group. Consequently, a significant prolongation of median survival was obtained with delta 12-PGJ2, compared to that in untreated groups and in groups with cisplatin alone. In addition, when prostaglandins were administered together with cisplatin, adjuvant inhibitory effects on the tumor growth were obtained 35, 56 and 63 days after tumor inoculation. Subsequently a significant prolongation of median survival was observed when cisplatin was combined with PGD2 or delta 7-PGA1, compared to the results in groups treated with PGD2 alone, delta 7-PGA1 alone or cisplatin alone. Combination of PGJ2 or delta 12-PGJ2 and cisplatin resulted in a significant decrease of hematocrit and body weight 63 days after tumor inoculation, suggesting a deterioration of the median survival. These results suggest that combination of PGD2 or delta 7-PGA1 with cisplatin may be of clinical use for ovarian cancer resistant to cisplatin.

Subjective side effects of mianserin in relation to plasma concentrations of mianserin and desmethylmianserin

The main purpose of the present study was to examine the possibility that plasma concentrations of mianserin and its metabolite, desmethylmianserin, might be predicted by recording subjective side effects. In 44 depressed patients, subjective side effects during 3 weeks of treatment with 30 mg of mianserin were evaluated by the UKU Side Effect Rating Scale, and their relationships to plasma concentrations of mianserin and desmethylmianserin were analyzed. There was no significant relationship between plasma concentrations of these compounds and the occurrence of mianserin-induced side effects, except for dryness of mouth during week one. Our study, therefore, suggests that it is difficult to predict plasma concentrations of mianserin and desmethylmianserin based on the occurrence of subjective side effects.

[In vitro and in vivo effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on the proliferation of serous cystadenocarcinoma of the human ovary]

Inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo by Ginsenoside Rh2(Rh2) isolated from Red Ginseng was examined by using a cell line (HRA) derived from ascites of a patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The HRA cell proliferation in vitro was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with between 10 and 100 microM of Rh2. The uptake of radiolabeled precursors (3H-thymidine, 3H-uridine, and 3H-varine) by HRA cells was also inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with between 30 and 100 microM of Rh2. The growth of HRA cells transplanted into nude mice was not significantly inhibited by Rh2 alone. On the other hand, when cisplatin was administered together with 10 microM, 30 microM, or 50 microM Rh2, the growth of HRA cells was inhibited 31 and 35 days after tumor inoculation. Survival was also prolonged when cisplatin was administered with 10 microM and 30 microM Rh2. These results suggest that there is a synergistic effect between cisplatin and Rh2.

Inhibition of human ovarian cancer cell proliferation in vitro by ginsenoside Rh2 and adjuvant effects to cisplatin in vivo

In vitro and in vivo effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on human ovarian tumor growth were examined by using a cell line (HRA) derived from ascites of a patient with serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary. The HRA cell proliferation in vitro was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner with dosages of 10-100 microM of ginsenoside RH2. DNA, RNA and protein synthesis by the HRA cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner at more than 15 microM of ginsenoside RH2. However, the growth of HRA cells transplanted in nude mice was not significantly inhibited by ginsenoside RH2. On the contrary, when cisplatin was administered together with 10 microM (but not 1 microM or 100 microM) ginsenoside RH2, the tumor growth was significantly inhibited 31 days after inoculation and the survival was also significantly prolonged, compared with not only the untreated group but also the groups given cisplatin alone or ginsenoside RH2 alone. This indicates synergistic effects between cisplatin and ginsenoside RH2. From monitoring of body weight and hematocrit, concentrations of ginsenoside RH2 used in this study did not seem to cause any adverse effect.

Restorative effects of calmodulin antagonists on reduced cisplatin uptake by cisplatin-resistant human ovarian cancer cells

In the present study, we attempted to determine effects of calmodulin antagonists (W-7 and W-5) on cisplatin uptake by human ovarian cancer cells, using KF cells derived from serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary and cisplatin-resistant cells (KFr). The degree of cisplatin resistance of the KFr cells was about 3.7-fold higher than that of the parent KF cells, with regard to the concentration of cisplatin required for 50% inhibition of cell proliferation (IC50). When KF and KFr cells were incubated with 10 micrograms/ml cisplatin for 4 hr, cisplatin-content in the KF cells was significantly higher than that in the KFr cells. When KF cells were incubated in the presence of W-7 (but not W-5), cisplatin uptake significantly increased, compared to cells treated with cisplatin alone. On the other hand, when KFr cells were incubated in the presence of 5 micrograms/ml W-7 or W-5, cisplatin uptake was significantly higher than uptake by KFr cells treated with cisplatin alone, being comparable to that by KF cells treated with cisplatin alone. Such an increase in cisplatin uptake seemed to bring about adjuvant effects to cisplatin of KFr cell proliferation in vitro. The KF tumor grown in nude mice took up 24.8 ng/g dry wt of cisplatin 4 hr after intraperitoneal administration. When cisplatin was administered with calmodulin antagonists, cisplatin uptake by the KF and KFr tumors was significantly increased, compared to that after treatment with cisplatin alone. In particular, the cisplatin uptake by the KFr tumor was about 2.5-fold higher than that by the KFr tumor treated with cisplatin alone. These results suggest that coadministration of calmodulin antagonists and cisplatin may be of use in patients with refractory ovarian cancer.

[A surgical case of aortic regurgitation with Behçet disease]

A case of Behçet disease associated with aortic valve regurgitation treated with aortic valve replacement is reported. The patient was treated successfully with special surgical techniques for prevention of post operative paravalvular leakage and occurrence of pseudo aneurysm because the patient was under long-term steroid therapy for Behçet disease.

S-100ao protein in serum during acute myocardial infarction

Concentrations in serum of S100ao protein (alpha alpha form of S-100 protein, which is present at high concentrations in heart muscle) were successively measured by enzyme immunoassay in 21 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and six with angina pectoris (ANP). Results were compared with measurements of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) concentrations in the same specimens. Mean S100ao concentrations in sera from 100 healthy adults were 0.12 (SD 0.08) microgram/L. In patients with AMI, S100ao concentrations were 4.74 +/- 5.27 micrograms/L at admission, peaked 8 h after admission (23.5 +/- 27.7 micrograms/L), then decreased gradually. Among nine AMI patients who were admitted within an hour after their attack, eight showed abnormally high concentrations of S100ao in serum (greater than 0.5 microgram/L), whereas only four showed abnormally high CK-MB concentrations (greater than 5 micrograms/L) in sera at the time of admission. Serum S100ao concentrations remained within the normal range in all six patients with ANP; however, serum CK-MB concentrations were increased in two of them. Therefore, serum S100ao is useful not only for detection of AMI but also for differentiating AMI from ANP.

S-100ao protein in serum during acute myocardial infarction

Concentrations in serum of S100ao protein (alpha alpha form of S-100 protein, which is present at high concentrations in heart muscle) were successively measured by enzyme immunoassay in 21 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and six with angina pectoris (ANP). Results were compared with measurements of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) concentrations in the same specimens. Mean S100ao concentrations in sera from 100 healthy adults were 0.12 (SD 0.08) microgram/L. In patients with AMI, S100ao concentrations were 4.74 +/- 5.27 micrograms/L at admission, peaked 8 h after admission (23.5 +/- 27.7 micrograms/L), then decreased gradually. Among nine AMI patients who were admitted within an hour after their attack, eight showed abnormally high concentrations of S100ao in serum (greater than 0.5 microgram/L), whereas only four showed abnormally high CK-MB concentrations (greater than 5 micrograms/L) in sera at the time of admission. Serum S100ao concentrations remained within the normal range in all six patients with ANP; however, serum CK-MB concentrations were increased in two of them. Therefore, serum S100ao is useful not only for detection of AMI but also for differentiating AMI from ANP.

Gas permeability of round window membrane

The perilymphatic oxygen tension in the scala tympani was measured with a polarographic technique after various gases were insufflated into the middle ear cavity of 7 guinea pigs. Pure oxygen, insufflated into the middle ear cavity, easily permeated the round window membrane and elevated the perilymphatic oxygen tension. Oxygen transport to the inner ear, other than by the inner ear vessels, was confirmed. The inner ear function may partially be maintained by oxygenation through this route.

Influence of chlorpromazine administered to rat dams in the peripartum and nursing periods on the learning behavior of the second generation

Behavioral teratogenicity of chlorpromazine (CPZ) was studied in rats by observing the spontaneous motor activity level and learning behavior of light-dark discrimination in the second generation. The dams were treated with CPZ from day 17 of gestation to postpartum day 21 at doses of 2 mg/kg sc. once daily in one group and 4 mg/kg sc. twice daily in the other. The activity level of F1 was measured at 6 to 7 weeks of age for 68 hrs by a magnetic field counter. The learning experiments were started at 5 weeks of age in one group and 15 weeks of age in the other on the behaviors of the continuous food reinforcement at the beginning, then the light-dark discrimination, and finally the reversal discrimination learning. As the results, no influence of the CPZ treatment was observed in the activity level and learning behaviors of the continuous food reinforcement and light-dark discrimination. But, in the reversal learning of the light-dark discrimination an impairment or delay was observed in some F1 of the CPZ groups. Thus, the significance of observing reversal learning behavior in the assessment of the behavioral teratogenicity of drugs has been shown.