Negative Pressure Pulmonary Hemorrhage after Laryngospasm during the Postoperative Period

Negative pressure pulmonary hemorrhage (NPPH) is an uncommon complication of upper airway obstruction. Severe negative intrathoracic pressure after upper airway obstruction can increase pulmonary capillary mural pressure, which results in mechanical stress on the pulmonary capillaries, causing NPPH. We report a case of acute NPPH caused by laryngospasm in a 25-year-old man during the postoperative period. Causative factors of NPPH include negative pulmonary pressure, allergic rhinitis, smoking, inhaled anesthetics, and positive airway pressure due to coughing. The patient’s symptoms resolved rapidly, within 24 hours, with supportive care.

Anesthetic management of a patient with undiagnosed paraganglioma -a case report-

Retroperitoneal paragangliomas are uncommon neuroendocrine tumors which are derived from extra-adrenal paraganglioma with various clinical signs and symptoms. Although most extra-adrenal paragangliomas are histologically benign, some tumors can synthesize and secrete excess catecholamine from the tumor. Excessive production of catecholamine causes numerous cardiovascular manifestations such as severe hypertension, cardiomyopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, and even multiorgan failure. It can lead to high risks of morbidity and mortality, especially in patients who are unrecognized or not adequately prepared. We present a female patient who was preoperatively undiagnosed of secreting retroperitoneal paraganglioma that caused cardiac tachyarrhythmia and severe intraopertive hypertension not controlled by usual antihypertensive agents. A secreting extra-adrenal paraganglioma should be included in differential diagnosis for patient who have incidentaloma and show wide range of hypertension with hemodynamic instability that is not well controlled by common antihypertensive drugs.

Motor Axonal Neuropathy Associated With Idiopathic CD4(+) T-Lymphocytopenia

Idiopathic CD4⁺ T-lymphocytopenia is a rare immune disorder characterized by an unexplained deficit of CD4⁺ T cells and results in various opportunistic infections. Herein, we report a case of new onset weakness in a 10-year-old boy secondary to motor axonal neuropathy associated with idiopathic CD4⁺ T-lymphocytopenia. The patient was referred to rehabilitation for an evaluation of progressive weakness involving all four limbs. A subsequent nerve conduction study and needle electromyography identified motor axonal neuropathy. At that time, laboratory studies specific to the differential diagnosis of motor axonal neuropathy were performed; however, the abnormality noted was a decreased CD4⁺ T-lymphocyte count. Motor axonal neuropathy represents an uncommon manifestation of idiopathic CD4⁺ T-lymphocytopenia and is probably associated with an underlying immune process.

Allergenicity of recombinant profilins from Japanese hop, Humulus japonicus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pollen from Japanese hop, Humulusjaponicus, is a major cause of pollinosis in Korea. Profilin (15 kDa) from Humulus scandens has been associated with strong allergenicity in allergic Chinese patients. Profilin has also been detected in pollen extract from Korean Japanese hop by proteomic analysis and immunoglobulin (Ig) E immunoblotting. However, the allergenicity of allergens isolated from Japanese hop has not been investigated in Korean individuals. This study was undertaken to produce recombinant profilin from Japanese hop and evaluate its allergenicity.

METHODS

Complementary DNA sequences encoding 2 isoallergens were cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and their recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. The IgE-binding reactivities of the recombinant allergens were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The deduced amino acid sequences of the H. japonicus profilins were 68.7% to 80.2% homologous with profilins from mugwort (Art v 4), ragweed (Amb a 14), and birch (Bet v 2). Two isoallergens of profilin from H. japonicus were 78.2% identical. Notably, the cDNA sequences of these 2 isoallergens were 98.5% (AY268422) and 98.7% (AY268424) identical to those of H. scandens. Serum samples from Japanese hop-sensitized individuals showed 12.9% IgE reactivity to both of the recombinant profilin isoallergens from H. japonicus, indicating that profilin may not be an allergenically dominant component of Japanese hop pollen. The recombinant profilins showed only 0% to 9.3% inhibition of the crude extract.

CONCLUSIONS

Two isoallergens of profilin that are highly conserved with those of mugwort, ragweed, and birch were identified in H. japonicus. Profilins from Japanese hop pollen may play a minor role in the pathogenesis of pollinosis in Koreans.

Reliability of the supraspinatus muscle thickness measurement by ultrasonography

Objective

To assess the intrarater and interrater reliability of the supraspinatus thickness measured by ultrasonography (US) in normal subjects and to identify the relationship between the supraspinatus thickness measured by US and cross sectional area (CSA) of the supraspinatus muscle by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hemiplegic patients.

Method

We examined 20 shoulders of normal subjects and 10 shoulders of hemiplegic patients. In normal subjects, one examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness twice by US at the scapular notch and another examiner measured the supraspinatus thickness several days later. The intrarater and interrater reliability of supraspinatus thickness measurements were then evaluated. In hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch was measured by US in affected side and compared with CSA of the supraspinatus muscle at the scapular notch and the Y-view of MRI.

Results

One examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.72±0.21 cm and 1.74±0.24 cm, and the other examiner's supraspinatus thickness measurement average was 1.74±0.22 cm in normal subjects. Intraclass correlation coefficients of intrarater and interrater examination were 0.91 and 0.88, respectively. For hemiplegic patients, the supraspinatus thickness measured by US was 1.66±0.13 cm and CSA by MRI was 4.83±0.88 cm² at the Y-view and 5.61±1.19 cm² at the scapular notch. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the supraspinatus thickness at the scapular notch and the CSA at the Y-view was 0.72 and that between the supraspinatus thickness and CSA at the scapular notch was 0.76.

Conclusion

The supraspinatus thickness measurement by US is a reliable method and is positively correlated with the CSA of the supraspinatus muscle in MRI in hemiplegic patients. Therefore, supraspinatus thickness measurement by US can be used in the evaluation of muscle atrophy and to determine therapeutic effects in hemiplegic patients.

Spinal epidural hematoma after epidural anesthesia in a patient receiving enoxaparin -A case report-

Spinal epidural hematoma is a rare but serious neurological complication of neuraxial anesthesia. Enoxaparin sodium is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for use in preventing deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Hemorrhage is an uncommon but documented adverse reaction when using LMWH. We report a case of epidural hematoma after lumbar epidural anesthesia in a patient who administered enoxaparin in perioperative period.

l-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate promotes elongation of hair shafts via the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 from dermal papilla cells through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase

BACKGROUND

l-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc 2-P), a derivative of l-ascorbic acid, promotes elongation of hair shafts in cultured human hair follicles and induces hair growth in mice.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the promotion of hair growth by Asc 2-P is mediated by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and, if so, to investigate the mechanism of the Asc 2-P-induced IGF-1 expression.

METHODS

Dermal papilla (DP) cells were cultured and IGF-1 level was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay after Asc 2-P treatment in the absence or presence of LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. Also, hair shaft elongation in cultured human scalp hair follicles and proliferation of cocultured keratinocytes were examined after Asc 2-P treatment in the absence or presence of neutralizing antibody against IGF-1. In addition, keratinocyte proliferation in cultured hair follicles after Asc 2-P treatment in the absence or presence of LY294002 was examined by Ki-67 immunostaining.

RESULTS

IGF-1 mRNA in DP cells was upregulated and IGF-1 protein in the conditioned medium of DP cells was significantly increased after treatment with Asc 2-P. Immunohistochemical staining showed that IGF-1 staining is increased in the DP of cultured human hair follicles by Asc 2-P. The neutralizing antibody against IGF-1 significantly suppressed the Asc 2-P-mediated elongation of hair shafts in hair follicle organ culture and significantly attenuated Asc 2-P-induced growth of cocultured keratinocytes. LY294002 significantly attenuated Asc 2-P-inducible IGF-1 expression and proliferation of follicular keratinocytes in cultured hair follicles.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that Asc 2-P-inducible IGF-1 from DP cells promotes proliferation of follicular keratinocytes and stimulates hair follicle growth in vitro via PI3K.

Modulation of murine gastric antrum smooth muscle STOC activity and excitability by phospholamban

We investigated intracellular Ca(2+) waves, spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), and membrane potentials of gastric antrum smooth muscle cells from wild-type and phospholamban-knockout mice. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased intracellular Ca(2+) wave activity in wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on the constitutively elevated intracellular Ca(2+) wave activity of phospholamban-knockout cells. STOC activity was also constitutively elevated in phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells relative to wild-type cells. SNP or 8-bromo-cGMP increased the STOC activity of wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on STOC activity of phospholamban-knockout cells. Iberiotoxin, but not apamin, inhibited STOC activity in wild-type and phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells. In the presence of SNP, STOC activity in wild-type and phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells was inhibited by ryanodine, but not 2-APB. The cGMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor KT5823 reversed the increase in STOC activity evoked by SNP in wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells, but had no effect on STOC activity in phospholamban-knockout cells. The resting membrane potential of phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscle cells was hyperpolarized by approximately -6 mV compared to wild-type cells. SNP hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential of wild-type antrum smooth muscle cells to a greater extent than phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscles. Despite the hyperpolarized membrane potential, slow wave activity was significantly increased in phospholamban-knockout antrum smooth muscles compared to wild-type smooth muscles. These results suggest that phospholamban is an important component of the mechanisms regulating the electrical properties of gastric antrum smooth muscles.

Roles of CaM kinase II and phospholamban in SNP-induced relaxation of murine gastric fundus smooth muscles

The mechanisms by which nitric oxide (NO) relaxes smooth muscles are unclear. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) has been reported to increase the Ca2+ release frequency (Ca2+ sparks) through ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and activate spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs), resulting in smooth muscle relaxation. Our findings that caffeine relaxes and hyperpolarizes murine gastric fundus smooth muscles and increases phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation by Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) suggest that PLB phosphorylation by CaM kinase II participates in smooth muscle relaxation by increasing sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ uptake and the frequencies of SR Ca2+ release events and STOCs. Thus, in the present study, we investigated the roles of CaM kinase II and PLB in SNP-induced relaxation of murine gastric fundus smooth muscles. SNP hyperpolarized and relaxed gastric fundus circular smooth muscles and activated CaM kinase II. SNP-induced CaM kinase II activation was prevented by KN-93. Ryanodine, tetracaine, 2-aminoethoxydiphenylborate, and cyclopiazonic acid inhibited SNP-induced fundus smooth muscle relaxation and CaM kinase II activation. The Ca2+-activated K+ channel blockers iberiotoxin and apamin inhibited SNP-induced hyperpolarization and relaxation. The soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one inhibited SNP-induced relaxation and CaM kinase II activation. The membrane-permeable cGMP analog 8-bromo-cGMP relaxed gastric fundus smooth muscles and activated CaM kinase II. SNP increased phosphorylation of PLB at Ser16 and Thr17. Thr17 phosphorylation of PLB was inhibited by cyclopiazonic acid and KN-93. Ser16 and Thr17 phosphorylation of PLB was sensitive to 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-alpha]quinoxalin-1-one. These results demonstrate a novel pathway linking the NO-soluble guanylyl cyclase-cGMP pathway, SR Ca2+ release, PLB, and CaM kinase II to relaxation in gastric fundus smooth muscles.

CaM kinase II and phospholamban contribute to caffeine-induced relaxation of murine gastric fundus smooth muscle

Caffeine has been shown to increase the Ca2+release frequency (Ca2+sparks) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through ryanodine-sensitive stores and relax gastric fundus smooth muscle. Increased Ca2+store refilling increases the frequency of Ca2+release events and store refilling is enhanced by CaM kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylation of phospholamban (PLB). These findings suggest that transient, localized Ca2+release events from the SR may activate CaMKII and contribute to relaxation by enhancing store refilling due to PLB Thr17 phosphorylation. To investigate this possibility, we examined the effects of caffeine on CaMKII, muscle tone, and PLB phosphorylation in murine gastric fundus smooth muscle. Caffeine (1 mM) hyperpolarized and relaxed murine gastric fundus smooth muscle and activated CaMKII. Ryanodine, tetracaine, or cyclopiazonic acid each prevented CaMKII activation and significantly inhibited caffeine-induced relaxation. The large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+channel blocker iberiotoxin, but not apamin, partially inhibited caffeine-induced relaxation. Caffeine-induced CaMKII activation increased PLB Thr17, but not PLB Ser16 phosphorylation. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine increased PLB Ser16 phosphorylation, but not PLB Thr17 phosphorylation. The CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 inhibited caffeine-induced relaxation and PLB Thr17 phosphorylation. These results show that caffeine-induced CaMKII activation and PLB phosphorylation play a role in the relaxation of gastric fundus smooth muscles.

Cloning and characterization of GITR ligand

The gene encoding the natural ligand of murine glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR) was cloned and characterized. The putative GITR ligand (GITRL) is composed of 173 amino acids with features resembling those of type II membrane proteins and is 51% identical to the human activation-inducible TNF receptor (AITR) ligand, TL6. Expression of the GITRL is restricted to immature and mature splenic dendritic cells. GITRL binds GITR expressed on HEK 293 cells and triggers NF-kappaB activation. Functional studies reveal that soluble CD8-GITRL prevents CD4+CD25+ regulatory T-cell-mediated suppressive activities.

Inhibition effect of new farnesol derivatives on all-trans-retinoic acid metabolism

All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) is a promising anticancer and antiwrinkle drug. However, its clinical application is limited because it is rapidly metabolized by the induced cytochrome P450 (P450). In this study, farnesol derivatives are proposed as new inhibitors to prevent P450-mediated metabolism. The farnesol derivatives were suc-farnesol and mal-farnesol, which were synthesized by the chemical conjugation of farnesol with succinic anhydride and maleic anhydride, respectively. The inhibition effects of farnesol, farnesoic acid, and farnesol derivatives on the atRA metabolism were evaluated in microsome and in AMC-HN-6 cells. In the microsome experiment, suc-farnesol and mal-farnesol strongly inhibited atRA metabolism at 10(minus;4) mol/L concentration by as much as 61% and 77%, respectively. In the cell experiment, the inhibition effects of farnesol derivatives on the atRA metabolism showed similar tendency as the results in the microsome experiment, even if the effect was somewhat decreased. Effects of farnesoic acid and farnesol, however, were not significant. This research suggests that carboxylic end groups, such as atRA and hydrophobicity, might be important factors causing the higher inhibition effect, and that derivatization of farnesol can be 1 method to develop new inhibitors of atRA metabolism.

The roles of two TATA boxes and 3'-flanking region of soybean beta-tubulin gene (tubB1) in light-sensitive expression

The soybean tubB1 gene is expressed primarily in the germinating seedling and is strongly down regulated in response to light in the upper hypocotyl. Previous studies demonstrate that the 1 kb 5'-flanking region of this gene is sufficient for its appropriate expression in etiolated seedlings. Transient expression studies demonstrated that the presence of the tubB1 3'-flanking sequence element decreased reporter gene expression as compared to the nopaline synthase (NOS) 3'-flanking sequence element. In this study we investigated the ability of the 3' flanking region to influence the expression of a beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis. The presence of the tubB1 3'-flanking sequence element in chimera constructs reduced reporter gene expression specifically in the hypocotyl and petioles of light-grown, transgenic seedlings. Additionally, site-directed mutagenesis of the two TATA sequences in the 1 kb tubB1 5'-flanking sequence element (TATA box A in the -122 to -117 bp region and TATA box B in the -35 to -30 region) showed that both elements are functional and additive in controlling tubB1 gene expression in seedling tissues. While transcription from TATA box A was predominant regardless of lighting conditions, the relative usage of TATA box B increased in the dark. We conclude that both TATA box sequences are utilized to direct expression of the tubB1 gene to the cotyledons, hypocotyl and root tip of germinating seedlings that are regions of cell expansion and that the 3'-flanking sequence element down-regulates expression in the hypocotyl in response to light. Thus, it is plausible that the tubB1 protein may play an important role in cell expansion in seedling development requiring its regulated expression by light.

Capsaicin protects against ethanol-induced oxidative injury in the gastric mucosa of rats

In this study, we investigated the protective effects of capsaicin on gastric mucosal oxidative damage induced by ethanol. Sprague Dawley rats intragastrically received 0.5-10 mg/kg, BW capsaicin or vehicle; 30 min later gastric lesions were induced by intragastric administration of absolute ethanol. Lipid peroxidation was estimated by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in gastric mucosa. Myeloperoxidase activity, a marker enzyme of polymorphonuclear leukocytes for tissue inflammation, was also measured in the gastric mucosa. The expression level of cyclooxygenase-2, which increases in inflammatory region, was determined by Western blot analysis. Capsaicin significantly suppressed gastric haemorrhagic erosions induced by ethanol. Capsaicin inhibited lipid peroxidation and myeloperoxidase activity in ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesion in a dose-dependent manner. Capsaicin also inhibited the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in the gastric mucosal lesion. The gastroprotective activity of capsaicin on the ethanol-induced oxidative damage may be important for chemoprevention.

Low molecular weight protamine: a potent but nontoxic antagonist to heparin/low molecular weight protamine

To avoid bleeding complications, protamine is routinely used after cardiovascular surgery to neutralize the anticoagulant function of heparin. However, its clinical use is associated with adverse and sometimes fatal reactions. Based on literature review of the mechanism of heparin neutralization and protamine induced immunologic toxicity, we propose the following hypothesis: If a chain shortened low molecular weight protamine (LMWP) containing the heparin neutralizing domain could be derived from native protamine, it could be a potent and yet nontoxic heparin antagonist. In this study, we present results to validate this hypothesis. LMWP fragments containing an intact arginine sequence and an average molecular weight of approximately 1,100 daltons were successfully prepared by enzymatic digestion of protamine with thermolysin. In vitro studies show that such LMWP fragments completely neutralized the anticoagulant functions of heparin and LMWH, based on the anti-Xa chromogenic and aPTT clotting time assays. In vivo results reveal that although injection of protamine to mice led to obvious production of anti-protamine antibodies, injection of LMWP did not elicit any detectable immunogenic responses. In addition, these LMWP fragments exhibited a markedly reduced antigenicity and cross-reactivity toward the mice anti-protamine antibodies.

Effects of capsaicin on induction of c-jun proto-oncogene expression in Fisher-344 rats by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine

N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) is a potent inducer of cellular stress leading to chromosomal aberrations, point mutations, and cell death. To study the effect of capsaicin on c-jun expression when given with MNNG to rats, Fisher-344 rats that had been administered MNNG were treated with capsaicin in their diet and organs were removed for measuring c-jun transcripts. We show that pre- or post-treatment of capsaicin relative to MNNG administration up- or down-regulates (depending on the organ) c-jun expression in a consistent pattern in most organs. In fact, we found in this study that capsaicin inhibits c-jun induction, stimulated by MNNG, in the spleen, heart, stomach and lung. Since MNNG, a methylating agent, is a powerful carcinogen that is very effective in the induction of c-jun mRNA, the results suggest that capsaicin uptake in the diet could play a role in inhibition of tumorigenesis induced by MNNG.

Electrochemical sensors for polyionic macromolecules: development and applications in pharmaceutical research

The first electrochemical sensors responsive towards polyionic heparin and protamine - two clinically important polymeric drugs - have been fully developed. The response mechanism of these sensors has been completely elucidated. As well as their significance in measuring blood heparin levels in clinically relevant concentration ranges, these polyion sensors could also find broad applications in pharmaceutical research, such as in the study of the binding events between heparin (or protamine) and other polycationic (or polyanionic) macromolecules. In addition, the sensors could be employed in the design of blood assays for a range of clinically important proteases and their inhibitors by utilizing either protamine or specially designed synthetic polypeptides as the substrates

The induction of P450-mediated oxidation of all-trans retinoic acid by retinoids in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

All-trans retinoic acid (RA) can be catabolized into polar metabolites by cytochrome P450 (P450) in several tissues including the skin. We examined eight different squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines to determine their capacity to induce P450-mediated oxidation of RA. Among the eight different cell lines, enhanced catabolism was detected in AMC-HN-1, -2, -5, and -6, whereas it was not found in the cell lines of AMC-HN-3, -4, -7, and -8. It was found that the enhanced catabolism brought on by P450 induction was blocked when RA was added to AMC-HN-6 along with actinomycin D or cyclohexamide. Also, this catabolism was inhibited by ketoconazole. P450-mediated oxidation was detectable within 4 hours of RA treatment, and RA catabolism reached its maximum 16 hours after treatment. P450 was induced by 13-cis-RA, 9-cis-RA, and retinal; however, retinol could not induce P450. In conclusion, P450 can be induced by retinoids in head and neck SCC (HNSCC) cells and the ability of retinoids to induce P450 can serve as an important factor in determining the biological effect of retinoids.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor rapidly potentiates synaptic transmission through NMDA, but suppresses it through non-NMDA receptors in rat hippocampal neuron

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rapidly enhances synaptic transmission among the hippocampal neurons. In order to examine which component of glutamate receptors participates in synaptic potentiation by BDNF, we have studied the effect of glutamate antagonists on excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) enhanced by BDNF, using cultured embryonic hippocampal neurons. In the presence of AP5, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist, BDNF depressed the EPSCs. In contrast, BDNF enhanced the EPSCs in the presence of a non-NMDA antagonist CNQX. Our results suggest that BDNF acutely activates synaptic transmission via NMDA, but suppresses it via non-NMDA receptors in the hippocampus.

Arabidopsis NPH1: a protein kinase with a putative redox-sensing domain

The NPH1 (nonphototropic hypocotyl 1) gene encodes an essential component acting very early in the signal-transduction chain for phototropism. Arabidopsis NPH1 contains a serine-threonine kinase domain and LOV1 and LOV2 repeats that share similarity (36 to 56 percent) with Halobacterium salinarium Bat, Azotobacter vinelandii NIFL, Neurospora crassa White Collar-1, Escherichia coli Aer, and the Eag family of potassium-channel proteins from Drosophila and mammals. Sequence similarity with a known (NIFL) and a suspected (Aer) flavoprotein suggests that NPH1 LOV1 and LOV2 may be flavin-binding domains that regulate kinase activity in response to blue light-induced redox changes.

Capsaicin can alter the expression of tumor forming-related genes which might be followed by induction of apoptosis of a Korean stomach cancer cell line, SNU-1

Capsaicin (CAP) has been known to inhibit some tumor development in vivo (J.J. Jang, S.H. Kim, T.K. Yun, Inhibitory effect of capsaicin on mouse lung tumor development, in vivo, J. Korean Med. Sci. 3 (1989) 49-53; J.J. Jang, K.J. Cho, Y.S. Lee, J.H. Bae, Different modifying responses of capsaicin in a wide-spectrum initiation model of F344 rat, J. Korean Med. 6 (1991) 31-36) [1,2] even though its mechanism of action is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of CAP on expression of tumor forming-related genes in a Korean stomach tumor cell, SNU-1. We used slot blot hybridization to investigate its effect on a wide spectrum of proto-oncogenes. It was found that CAP enhanced the transcripts of two proto-oncogenes (c-myc and c-Ha-ras) and tumor suppressor gene p53. While a low concentration of CAP (0.01 microM) did not significantly increase the level of p53 transcript in SNU-1, it did increase it by a factor of 3.5 at a 10 microM dose of CAP. Consequently, SNU-1 cells are sensitive to CAP in the overexpression of tumor suppressor gene, p53 and proto-oncogenes, c-myc and c-Ha-ras, but not those of c-erbB-2, c-jun and bcl-2 genes. Both cell death and DNA fragmentation were shown in SNU-1 cells with treatment of CAP. Our results suggest that CAP induces apoptotic cell death in human gastric cancer cells (SNU-1) in vitro which may be possibly mediated by the overexpression of p53 and/or c-myc genes. Because cell suicide is arguably the most potent natural defense against cancer, the correlation between the induction of apoptosis and the change of tumor forming-related gene expression after CAP treatment should be further studied in detail.

Selective monitoring of peptidase activities with synthetic polypeptide substrates and polyion-sensitive membrane electrode detection

A novel method to monitor specific peptidase activities in biological samples as complex as undiluted plasma/blood is described. The approach is based on the design of synthetic polypeptide substrates in which di- or triarginine sequences are linked to each other via one or more other amino acids recognized specifically by the peptidase to be determined. Detection of chymotrypsin and renin activities using synthetic substrates P4 (F-R-R-R-F-V-R-R-F-NH2) and P5 (R-R-R-L-L-R-R-L-L-R-R-R), respectively, serves to demonstrate the principles of this new assay system. A polyion-sensitive membrane electrode, prepared by doping polymer films with dinonylnaphthalene-sulfonate (DNNS), is shown to exhibit significant nonequilibrium electromotive force (EMF) responses toward these and other polycationic substrates at microgram/milliliter levels under physiological conditions. The same electrode, however, exhibits much smaller total EMF response toward the shorter fragments of the synthetic peptides generated by peptidase activity; hence, the addition of peptidase to a solution containing the synthetic substrate yields a change in electrode EMF response, the rate of which is proportional to the activity of peptidase present. Other synthetic polycationic peptides as well as natural polycationic peptides (e.g., protamine) that lack specific cleavage sites for chymotrypsin and renin, yet are detected by the DNNS-based membrane electrode, do not elicit any significant change in EMF response in the presence of the peptidases, confirming the feasibility and utility of the proposed bioanalytical method.

Highly specific cytochrome P450-like enzymes for all-trans-retinoic acid in T47D human breast cancer cells

When human breast cancer T47D cells were treated with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA), the RA 4- and 18-hydroxylase activities were induced in microsomes in a time-dependent manner, indicating that these cells readily metabolized RA into more polar compounds, such as all-trans-4-hydroxy-RA and all-trans-18-hydroxy-RA. In contrast, T47D cells treated for 12 h with xenobiotics, such as phenobarbital, beta-naphthoflavone, 3-methylcholanthrene, and dimethylsulfoxide, showed lower levels of catalytic activities for 4- and 18-hydroxylases. The induction of 4- and 18-hydroxylase activities appears to be regulated at the level of transcriptional control (basal level). Competitive assays demonstrated that inhibitors and substrates for 1A, 2A, 3A, 2B, and 2C cytochrome P450 (P450 subfamilies), all-trans-retinol, and all-trans-retinal showed no inhibition of RA metabolism, but other retinoic acid derivatives competed highly with RA. The RA-inducible 4- and 18-hydroxylases showed high specificity for RA and high levels of catalytic activities, with Km and maximum velocity values for 4-hydroxylase equal to 99 nmol/L and 0.26 pmol/min.mg protein, respectively, and those for 18-hydroxylase equal to 65 nmol/L and 0.18 pmol/min.mg protein. Cell-free metabolism of RA required microsomes from RA-treated cells and NADPH, and was inhibited by liarozole, an inhibitor of P450. These data suggest that RA-inducible 4- and 18-hydroxylases may be novel P450 isozymes.

Homogeneous enzyme-based binding assay for studying glycosaminoglycan interactions with macromolecules and peptides

A simple and rapid homogeneous enzyme-based binding assay is described to study the degree of interaction between glycosaminoglycans and various macromolecules/peptides. The method is based on the homogeneous inhibition of a highly positively charged enzyme, acid deoxyribonuclease II (EC 3.1.22.1), by glycosaminoglycan polyanions, such as heparin, chondroitin 4-sulfate, and dermatan sulfate. Catalytic activity of DNase II is inhibited to nearly 100% by relatively small amounts of these glycosaminoglycan molecules. In the presence of species that bind these polyanions, the activity of the enzyme is regained in an amount proportional to the concentration of the species present. Thus, the relative binding affinities of various species with a given GAG can be assessed rapidly by comparing the concentration of the compound required to reverse the enzyme inhibition to 50% of the maximum value (ED(50) values). The feasibility of this binding assay principle is demonstrated by measuring the ED(50) values of five macromolecules: polylysine, polyarginine, protamine, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), using heparins of different size, as well as chondroitin 4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate as the GAG polyanions. The applicability of the assay method is further extended to study GAG-peptide interactions. A variety of small synthetic peptides (8-13 amino acid residues) derived from the heparin-binding domains of protamine and type IV collagen are used as model peptide species. Relative GAG-binding affinities of these macromolecules/peptides are compared to previous literature values and data obtained via a new electrode-based titration method.

A protamine filter for extracorporeal heparin removal. Development, testing, blood compatibility evaluation, and future direction

The authors previously developed a filter device containing immobilized protamine (termed "protamine filter") that could be used to remove heparin during extracorporeal perfusion. In vivo studies involving dogs showed that the protamine filter removed more than 50% of heparin from the animals' blood circuit in less than 20 min. In addition, the use of the protamine filter did not elicit statistically significant protamine induced hemodynamic and thrombocytopenic responses. Biocompatibility of the protamine filter was also evaluated, with the focus on its effect on the coagulation cascade, the complement system, and the blood antithrombin III levels. Results showed that heparin adsorbed to the protamine coated surface retained 20% of its original activated partial thromboplastin time activity, rendering the coated surface antithrombotic. Activation of the coagulation system by the protamine coated membrane and the untreated cellulose membrane, as measured by the elevation of prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 levels, was statistically identical. The CH50 hemolytic assay showed that the protamine coated membrane produced a reduction of 1.2 +/- 0.8% of the total complement levels, as compared to 9.4 +/- 1.6% by the untreated membrane. In addition, the change in C3a des Arginine levels after 30 min of circulation was 1.5 +/- 0.2 mg/ml by the protamine filter, as compared to 2.1 +/- 0.1 mg/ml by the untreated membrane. Unlike native heparin that would bind with antithrombin, heparin adsorbed on the protamine coated surface was devoid of such activity, and produced no depletion of circulating antithrombin. Because of the limited capacity of the protamine filter, the future system is envisioned to consist of two filters; while one filter is removing heparin the other will be regenerated. With a recently developed heparin sensor, it should be possible to design a sensor directed, biofeedback, two filter heparin removal system.

Hypocotyl expression and light downregulation of the soybean tubulin gene, tubB1

The tubB1 beta-tubulin gene of Glycine max (previously named s beta 1) is highly expressed only in rapidly elongating regions of etiolated seedling hypocotyls and this expression is strongly downregulated when the seedlings are exposed to light. Primer extension demonstrated that the gene was transcribed in these tissues and contained two sites of transcriptional initiation. To determine the mechanism regulating tubB1 expression, a chimeric reporter gene was constructed by fusing 5' upstream regions of tubB1 to a promoterless beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene and these constructs were introduced into protoplasts by electroporation. Strong transient expression of the reporter gene was obtained after electroporation of chimeric constructs containing 1 kb of tubB1 5' upstream sequence into tobacco protoplasts. Deletion of the distal most 300 bp from the 5' sequence of tubB1 enhanced expression, suggesting the possibility of a negative transcriptional regulator in this region. Additional deletions of the 5' sequence reduced expression substantially. Constructs containing a tubB1 3' terminus were expressed at much lower levels than those containing a nopaline synthase (NOS) 3' terminus. The tubB1-GUS chimeric gene also was introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated Ti plasmid transformation and the organ-specific expression pattern of the chimeric gene was determined in seedlings of the transgenic plants. Hypocotyls exhibited strong GUS activity when the seedlings were germinated in darkness, but lacked the GUS enzyme when the seedlings were germinated in the light.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Basic fibroblast growth factor is a testicular germ cell product which may regulate Sertoli cell function

Previously, a proteinacious factor secreted by a mixture of rat testicular spermatocytes and round spermatids was shown to stimulate transferrin mRNA and protein levels in Sertoli cells. To identify the germ cell-secreted proteins which affect Sertoli cell functions, concentrated germ cell-conditioned medium was fractionated by reverse-phase HPLC. The fraction which eluted at 35% acetonitrile increased transferrin secretion in Sertoli cell cultures 2.4-fold above the basal level. Both the active fraction and a protein extract from cultured germ cells were positive for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as determined by Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. The apparent molecular sizes of the immunoreactive proteins were 30, 27, and 24 kilodaltons (kDa). By immunohistochemistry, bFGF was shown to be present in pachytene spermatocytes and Leydig cells. The bFGF receptor was also examined by immunohistochemistry and found to be present in Leydig cells, round and elongated spermatids, and Sertoli cells. The presence of receptors was more pronounced in stages I-VIII. Western blot analysis confirmed that the receptors were expressed in isolated round spermatids, elongated spermatids, and Sertoli cells. Two major receptor species with apparent molecular sizes of 120 and 145 kDa were detected in the rat testis. Germ cells contained both of these receptors, but Sertoli cells possessed only the 120-kDa receptor. From these experiments, it is evident that bFGF is a germ cell product which may regulate Sertoli cell function. The expression of bFGF and its receptor may be an important component of germ cell-Sertoli cell and/or germ cell-germ cell communication during spermatogenesis.

[A case report of premolar autotransplantation]

The patient was a 12-year-old female with Angle's Class II malocclusion accompanying congenital missing of upper premolar. The results were as follows: 1. After autotransplantation, orthodontic treatment time was 26 months. 2. In panoramic and periapical radiographs demonstrated closed root apex of transplanted tooth. 3. Autotransplanted tooth responses about vitality test. 4. Periodontal probing was within normal limits in the transplanted area.

Limited expression of a diverged beta-tubulin gene during soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) development

We examined the developmental expression of a diverged soybean beta-tubulin gene (designated sb-1), which had been cloned and sequenced previously. A probe specific for the sb-1 gene was constructed from the 3' transcribed untranslated sequence. As a control, a more general probe for beta-tubulin genes and their transcripts was constructed from a highly conserved region of the third exon of another soybean beta-tubulin gene, sb-2. Poly(A)+ RNA, extracted from various soybean tissues and organs, was probed alternatively with the sb-1 gene-specific probe and with the generic beta-tubulin probe. Levels of beta-tubulin transcripts recognized by the generic probe differed by a factor of approximately 3 in the different tissues and organs and varied with the state of organ development. Highest levels were found in young, unexpanded leaves and they decreased as leaf maturation occurred. In contrast, transcripts of sb-1 were nearly undetectable in young leaves, and they increased as leaf maturation occurred. Levels of sb-1 transcript were low in all organs of the light-grown plant examined, except the hypocotyl, where they were approximately 10-fold higher. However, the highest levels of sb-1 transcripts were observed in elongating hypocotyls of etiolated seedlings. Exposure of six-day-old etiolated seedlings to light for 12 hours halted further hypocotyl elongation and brought about a dramatic, nearly 100-fold, decrease in the steady-state level of sb-1 transcripts.

Identical nucleotide sequences of the 3'A gamma globin gene enhancer elements from four different chromosomes

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the 2,360-bp long EcoRI fragment from four chromosomes; this fragment is located 3' to the A gamma globin gene and is considered to contain the enhancer element identified by Bodine and Ley. The chromosomes were from an Arabian sickle cell anemia patient with high Hb F and a homozygosity for haplotype No 31 and from a black sickle cell anemia patient with low Hb F and a homozygosity for haplotype No 19. A third chromosome carried the determinant for a nondeletional hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin seen in a Chinese subject, and the fourth was a normal chromosome from a Yugoslavian subject. Twenty-one differences were observed when a comparison was made with the published sequence; no differences were seen between the sequences of the four different samples except for an additional mutation in the Chinese. These data make it unlikely that specific mutations within this sequence are associated with increases in G gamma and A gamma production.

Clinical and genetic heterogeneity in black patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia from the southeastern United States

The presence of various substitutions and deletions resulting in beta-thalassemia was studied in 19 black patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia and in numerous relatives; all patients were from Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. Methodology included gene mapping, amplification of genomic DNA with Taq polymerase, identification of known nucleotide substitutions or a single nucleotide deletion through hybridization with synthetic oligonucleotides, cloning and sequencing of a beta-globin gene, and sequencing of amplified genomic DNA. Of the 38 chromosomes tested, 21 (55%) had the A----G substitution at nt -29, eight (21%) had the C----T substitution at nt -88, three (8%) had the substitution at codon 24, while one each of the following abnormalities were also detected: frameshift at codon 6, a C----A mutation at nt 848 of the beta IVS-II (new), an A----T mutation at codon 61 (new), a deletion of 1.35 kilobases including the 5' end of beta, a Ggamma(Agamma delta beta)(0)-thalassemia, and one thalassemia determinant that remained unidentified. The C----A mutation at nt 848 of IVS-II occurred at a position 3 nucleotides 5' to the third exon, adjacent to the invariant AG dinucleotide of the acceptor sequence. The A----T mutation in codon 61 (AAG----TAG) resulted in the creation of a stop codon and thus in beta(0)-thalassemia. The various mutations occurred on chromosomes with different haplotypes; however, chromosomes with a specific mutation but with different haplotypes belonged to one specific framework, which suggested that crossovers were responsible for these different types. Hemoglobin (Hb) F levels were generally high (55% to 75% with 98.5% in one patient with beta(0)/beta(0)); a few patients with specific haplotypes and an alpha-thalassemia-2 heterozygosity had a lower Hb F level. The Ggamma in the Hb F was consistently high when the C----T mutation occurred at nt -158 to the Cap site of the Ggamma-globin gene; seven patients with +/+ at this site had an average Ggamma of 73.8%, eight patients with +/- had 64.8%, and one patient with -/- had 34.2%. Variations in hematologic values and in Hb F, Ggamma, and Hb A2 levels of relatives with a beta-thalassemia heterozygosity depended to some extent on the types of mutations or deletions and on the haplotypes of the chromosomes with the beta-thalassemia determinant.

Inclusion body beta-thalassemia trait in a Swiss family is caused by an abnormal hemoglobin (Geneva) with an altered and extended beta chain carboxy-terminus due to a modification in codon beta 114

We have analyzed the sequence of the beta globin gene of a chromosome that is linked to the occurrence of an inclusion body beta-thalassemia characterized in the heterozygote by moderate anemia, severe red cell abnormalities, splenomegaly, inclusion body formation, elevated Hb A2 levels, and an increased in vitro alpha/beta chain synthetic ratio. The data indicate a change in codon 114 from CTG (Leu) to -GG that resulted in a frameshift and the presumed synthesis of an abnormal beta chain that is 156 residues long with a completely different C-terminal amino acid sequence. The change in codon 114 gives a -GGGCCC- sequence that creates a new ApaI site; the resulting 2.6-kilobase fragment has been observed in all subjects with this thalassemia condition. Protein structural analyses failed to demonstrate any trace of the abnormal beta chain, even in reticulocytes and nucleated red cells that were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The inclusion bodies appear to contain mainly normal alpha chains. It is assumed that the structure of the beta-Geneva chain prevents it from combining with normal alpha chains; this results in a rapid breakdown of the abnormal protein during the early stages of red cell maturation and an accumulation of free alpha chains.

Nucleotide sequence of the human theta 1-globin gene

We have cloned and sequenced the human theta 1-globin gene. The nucleotide sequence and organization of the human theta 1 gene (exons, introns, promoter, and polyadenylation signals) are similar to those reported for the orangutan theta 1-globin gene. If these genes are functional, the sequences of their theta 1-globin chains would differ by only one amino acid residue (at position 137).

[A Survey On The Prevalence Of Intestinal Protozoan Cysts In Jeonlanam Do, Korea]

A survey on the prevalence of intestinal protozoan cysts was conductcd in Jeonlanam Do (Province), Korea in 1981. A total of 4,116 specimens was collected from 2,035 male and 2,086 female inhabitants in 4 urban and 7 rural areas. Each case was selected randomly to represent 1,000 inhabitants referred to the census in 1980. Formalin-Ether sedimentation technique was employed to concentrate the cysts and one Lugol's iodine stained smear was examined for each case. The results were summarized as follows: 1. The cases who passed out protozoan cysts of any kind were 9.1 % out of total 4,116 examined, and cumulative positive rate was 11.0 %. Among the positive cases, 16.5 % were infected by two or more species of protozoa. 2. Total 5 species of cysts were detected and the positive rates were as follows; Entamoeba histolytica 1.4 %, E. Coli, 4.9 %, Endolimax nana 2.5 %, Iodamoeba butschlii 0.4 % and Giardia lamblia 1.9 %. 3. The cyst positive rates varied greatly by the surveyed area. The positive rate in rural area was 11.6 % compared with 5.7 % in urban area. The highest rate was found 14.5 % in Gurye Gun (County) and the lowest 3.6 % in Mogpo Si (City). 4. Female showed much higher positive rate than male as 11.8 % compared with 6.4 % and the cumulative rate 14.2 % and 7.6 % respectively. By age group, the rate was highest as 13.9 % in 40~49 years and next 12.5 % in over 60 years group. The cyst prevalence rate diminished remarkably in Jeonlanam Do compared to previous records. However, the finding that 20.2 % of females of 40 years were the carrier of protozoan cysts was an important information in public health point of view.

[The Status Of Intestinal Protozoan Infections In Inhabitants Of Gangweon-Do, Korea]

To evaluate the status of intestinal protozoan infections in inhabitants of Gangweon-Do, Korea, a total of 1,310 stool specimens (male 669, female 641) was collected from 2 cities and 3 counties. They were examined routinely 1 time by the method of formalin-ether sedimentation technique. The results were as follows: 1. The positive rate for any kind of the intestinal protozoan cysts was 8.9 %. 2. A total of 6 kinds of the intestinal protozoan cysts were detected. The prevalence rate of each protozoa were; E. histolytica 0.8 %, E. coli 7.6 %, E. nana 1.4 %, I. butschlii 0.2 %, G. lamblia 0.5 % and C. mesnili 0.5 %. 3. Sogcho-city showed the highest positive rate as 15.2 %, Myeongju county was the next as 11.3 % and Weonju-city showed the lowest positive rate as low as 3.9 %. 4. By age, the highest positive rate was found in 20-29 age group(12.4 %). Female (9.5 %) showed a slight higher positive rate than male (8.4 %).

An Epidemiologic Study On Clonorchiasis And Metagonimiasis In Riverside Areas In Korea

A study was carried out to figure the cases and to observe the endemic status of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis in endemic areas in Korea. Total 13,373 inhabitants living in 40 villages along 7 main rivers and 9 small streams were subjected to stool examination. They were selected randomly among the riverside population. Their specimens were examined both by cellphane thick smear method and Stoll's egg countung technique. This study was performed during the period from May 1979 to April 1980. The results obtained are as follows: 1. The egg positive rate of any kind of helminths was 58.7% out of 13,373 examned cases, and the egg positive rates by each helminth were; Clonorchis sinensis 21.5%, Metagonimus yokogaqai 4.8%, large type Metagonimus eggs 0.4%, Ascaris lumbricoides 22.9%, Trichuris trichiura 35.2%, hookworm 0.2%, Taenia sp. 0.5%, Hymenolepis nana 0.07%, Paragonimus westermani 2 cases, Fasciola sp. 4 cases, Echinostoma sp. 1 case and Hymenolepis diminuta 1 case respectively. 2. Many endemic foci of clonorchiasis were revealed along the 7 major rivers. The egg positive rates of each river basin differed from each other significantly; Nagdonggang 40.2%, Yeongsangang 30.8%, Seomjingang 17.3%, Hangang 15.7%, Tamjingang 15.9%, Geumgang 12.0% and Mangyeonggang 8.0%. The cases of clonorchiasis were estimated in range 830,000 to 890,000 in riverside areas of the 7 rivers. By grading the infection intensity, 64.7% was in Grade I(EPG 0-900), 28.6% in Grade II (EPG 1000-9,900), 5.5% in Grade III (EPG 10,000-29,900) and 1.3% in Grade IV (EPG over 30,000). The proportion of the cases in Grade III and IV was 6.8% among positive cases. Therefore 60,000 cases at least were regarded to suffer from it clinically. Males of 30-60 years of age showed higher positive rate and heavier burden of infection. This makes clonorchiasis more important socially because the patients lose their social productivity. 3. A few endemic foci of metagonimiasis were detected newly by egg detection; Samcheong 28.5% egg positive rate, Uljin 21.3%, Yeuongdeog 46.3%, Milyang 6.7%, Yeongil 9.2% and Geoje 18.2%. The mean EPG values were in range of 320-7, 120 by the focus. The egg positive rate and proportion of EPG Grade varied greatly by the area, and mean proportion of the positive cases were 69.7% in Grade I, 24.1% in Grade II, 5.0% in Grade III and 1.2% in Grade IV. Males of 30-60 years were infected in higher rate also. The large sized eggs of Metagonimus were found also in upper basin of Hangang and Geumgang mainly. They were regarded as eggs of M. takahashii which is mediated by the cyprinid fishes. Its significance should be studied further. Clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis should be realized as important public health problems in Korea by their wide distribution, high prevalence rate and heavy infection intensity. Comprehensive measures against them are needed urgently.