Elevation of circulating neutrophil extracellular traps, interleukin (IL)-8, IL-22, and vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with venomous snake mamushi (Gloydius blomhoffii) bites

Mamushi bites cause swelling and pain that extend from the bitten site. The coagulopathic, anti-coagulopathic, and vasculopathic actions of mamushi venom result in various laboratory abnormalities, occasionally with muscular, renal, and other organ damage. We investigated the serum biomarkers that were associated with the pathogenesis of mamushi bites, focusing on markers related to tissue-damage and neutrophil activation. Twenty patients (one case of grade 2, 13 cases of grade 3, and six cases of grade 4 of severity) seen by us in one summer season were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were taken from the patients on day 0, day 2, and day 7 after mamushi bites. In addition to routine blood examination, serum samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3), interleukin (IL)-8, IL-17A, IL-22, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-33. Creatinine kinase (CK) values significantly correlated with prothrombin time (PT) levels, suggesting that muscular damage is associated with exaggerated coagulation and fibrinolysis. In the vast majority of patients, HMGB1, TNF-α, and IL-33 were under detection levels. Neutrophil counts did not correlate with PT or CK, indicating that the coagulation disorder and muscular damage were virtually independent of the neutrophil activation. The neutrophil number significantly correlated with CitH3, a representative marker of neutrophil extracellular traps. Moreover, there were significant correlations between neutrophil number, CitH3, IL-8, IL-22, and VEGF. Our study suggests that there are two major cascades in mamushi bites. One is an already characterized venom effect on coagulation, vessels, and muscles. In the other novel cascade, we propose that neutrophil activation with IL-8 leads to the production of IL-22 and VEGF. This sequential event may contribute to both vascular damage and repair.

Azathioprine-induced severe myelosuppression accompanied by massive hair loss and painful oral ulcer in an autoimmune hepatitis patient with NUDT15 minor variant: A case report

This report highlights azathioprine-induced severe myelosuppression in the patient with NUDT15 minor variant. This case report is particularly instructive because several typical symptoms are the clues to this critical adverse drug reaction.

Three-dimensional histological explanation of the dermoscopy patterns in acral melanocytic lesions

Dermoscopic images of pigmented lesions have distinct features on the sole where skin ridges and furrows exist. Pigmentation of benign nevus usually locates on the skin furrow, while the malignant melanoma is pigmented on the skin ridge. Correspondence between dermoscopy and pathology in the pigmented lesions on soles have been studied based on conventional vertical pathological images. However, for the full understanding of the correspondence, observation of horizontal histological images would be required, because the epidermis constructs unique horizontal structures, namely crista profunda limitans, crista profunda intermedia, and transverse ridge. In this study, we analyzed basic dermoscopic images of the representative acral melanocytic lesions (nevus, lentigo, and malignant melanoma) by horizonal histological images. We created serial horizontal pathological images by digital reconstruction of a hundred of serial vertical images. We could show that parallel furrow pattern is created by the pigmentation of crista profunda limitans, parallel ridge pattern by the pigmentation of both of crista profunda limitans and crista profunda intermediate, and lattice-like pattern by the pigmentation of transverse ridge. Our results would be useful for the intuitive histological understanding of dermoscopy.

Induction of plasmablasts by follicular helper T cell-CXCL13 axis upon occurrence of herpes zoster

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a recurrent varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells produce IL-21 and CXCL13, which contributes to the differentiation of plasmablasts. Plasmablasts are involved in the VZV-specific antibody production. We investigated the kinetics of circulating plasmablasts and circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells in 43 HZ patients. Plasma IL-21 and CXCL13 levels were also measured. We found an increase of circulating plasmablasts during the clinical course of HZ. The frequency of circulating plasmablasts positively correlated with VZV-specific IgG titers, frequency of activated cTfh cells, and plasma CXCL13 levels, but did not correlate with plasma IL-21 levels. In a representative case, the kinetics peaked in the order of cTfh cells, CXCL13, plasmablasts, and VZV IgG titer. These results suggest that cTfh-CXCL13 may have a crucial role in the differentiation of B cells into VZV-specific IgG-producing plasmablasts, resulting in boosting immunity against VZV reactivation.

APP transgenic mice for modelling behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)

The discovery of gene mutations responsible for autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease has enabled researchers to reproduce in transgenic mice several hallmarks of this disorder, notably Aβ accumulation, though in most cases without neurofibrillary tangles. Mice expressing mutated and wild-type APP as well as C-terminal fragments of APP exhibit variations in exploratory activity reminiscent of behavioural and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer dementia (BPSD). In particular, open-field, spontaneous alternation, and elevated plus-maze tasks as well as aggression are modified in several APP transgenic mice relative to non-transgenic controls. However, depending on the precise murine models, changes in open-field and elevated plus-maze exploration occur in either direction, either increased or decreased relative to controls. It remains to be determined which neurotransmitter changes are responsible for this variability, in particular with respect to GABA, 5HT, and dopamine.

Accumulation of spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase and alternatively spliced mRNAs as a delayed response of HeLa S3 cells following X‐ray irradiation

PURPOSE

A key enzyme of polyamine catabolism, spermidine/spermine N(1)-acetyltransferase (SSAT), is responsive to antiproliferative agents. The role of SSAT in cellular responses to X-ray irradiation was examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Exponentially growing HeLa S3 cells were irradiated by X-rays, and mRNA levels for SSAT were measured as a function of post-irradiation time through Northern hybridization. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect alternatively spliced SSAT mRNAs. The intracellular polyamine content was measured by the o-phthalaldehyde method and the enzymatic activity of SSAT by the increased amount of acetylated spermidine after incubation.

RESULTS

Not only SSAT mRNA, but also an alternatively spliced mRNA accumulated at the initial stage of growth inhibition after the first or second replication of irradiated cells. The maximum fold increase relative to the level of non-irradiated cells was 3.0-3.5 for both transcripts after 5-Gy irradiation. On the other hand, the mRNA of ornithine decarboxylase, a key enzyme of polyamine synthesis, was little influenced by X-ray treatment. Enzymatic activity of SSAT and the acetylspermidine level were elevated after X-ray irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Activation of SSAT and the induction of alternatively spliced mRNA of the SSAT gene play an important role in regulating growth inhibition and cell death after X-ray irradiation.

Masked Prosthetic Graft to Sigmoid Colon Fistula Diagnosed by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography

The diagnosis of low grade prosthetic graft infection or aorto-enteric fistula is difficult using conventional radiographic imaging modalities. We report a case of aorto-enteric fistula to the sigmoid colon diagnosed by the new technique of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.

Benign variations and incidental abnormalities of myocardial FDG uptake in the fasting state as encountered during routine oncology positron emission tomography studies

Increased 18fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the myocardium is frequently observed while performing clinical positron emission tomography (PET) body scans for oncology under fasting conditions. This article reviews the normal variations and abnormal appearances of myocardial FDG accumulation which are likely to be encountered in the routine PET studies. Knowledge about the myocardial glucose metabolism and specific abnormalities are indispensable in the interpretation of myocardial FDG uptake.

Glucose utilization in the inferior cerebellar vermis and ocular myoclonus

In a patient with symptomatic ocular myoclonus, the authors observed the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose use (rCMRGlu) before and after successful treatment with clonazepam. Even after the symptoms resolved, the rCMRGlu in the hypertrophic olive increased persistently, whereas that in the inferior cerebellar vermis contralateral to the hypertrophic olive decreased. The inferior cerebellar vermis, belonging to the vestibulocerebellar system, may be associated with the generation of symptomatic ocular myoclonus.

Microalbuminuria and deterioration of renal function after elective repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm

AIMS

Renal dysfunction affects the prognosis of patients after aortic surgery. However, the factors associated with the postoperative deterioration of renal function has not been clarified precisely.

METHOD

We prospectively examined renal function in 80 patients (age: 73 +/- 7 years, 66 males) who required the elective repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Serum creatinine (Scr) was measured. 24-h-creatinine clearance (Ccr) and urinary albumin excretion (UAE) were determined. Renal volume and mean renal length were calculated using the data obtained by ultrasonography. 48 patients showed normal UAE (< 30 mg/day), and 24 had microalbuminuria (30-300 mg/day) and 8 had overt proteinuria (> 300 mg/day). Scr were 0.9 +/- 0.4, 1.0 +/- 0.3 and 2.1 +/- 1.3 mg/dl, respectively.

RESULTS

On Day 5 after surgery, 12 patients (15%) showed deterioration of renal function as defined either by an increase in Scr (> or = 0.5 mg/dl) or by a decrease in Ccr > or =20%). The acute deterioration of renal function was related to mean renal volume, mean renal length, duration of operation and the use of antibiotics. At Month 12 after surgery, Scr increased in the overt proteinuria group. The deterioration of renal function at Month 12 was found in 8 patients (10%) with microalbuminuria or overt proteinuria, and related to preoperative Ccr, UAE, mean renal volume, mean renal length, smoking status and blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the deterioration of renal function occurred in considerable number of patients with AAA after elective operation on acute and chronic phase, although the development of end-stage renal failure is rare. Factors related to the acute and late deterioration appears to be different. UAE and renal size should be measured, even if Scr is in normal range at preoperative observation.

Regional acetylcholinesterase activity and its correlation with behavioral performances in 15-month old transgenic mice expressing the human C99 fragment of APP

In addition to Abeta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by increased brain levels of APP C-terminal fragments. In the present investigation, the cholinergic innervation in forebrain regions of transgenic mice (Tg13592) expressing the human betaAPP C99 fragment was compared to that of non-transgenic controls by measuring the activity of the non-specific catabolic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The AchE activity of Tg13592 mice was altered in several regions implicated in the functional loop of regulation between septum and hippocampus, vulnerable in Alzheimer pathology and critically involved in cognitive functions. In particular, AChE activity was upregulated in three basal forebrain regions containing cholinergic cell bodies, prelimbic cortex, anterior subiculum, and paraventricular thalamus, but downregulated in lateral septum and reticular thalamus. The increased activity in medial septum and anterior subiculum was linearly correlated with poor performances in a spatial learning task, possibly due to cell stress mechanisms. Because of some similarities in terms of neurochemistry and behavior, this mouse model may be of use for studying prodromal AD.

Exploratory activity and spatial learning in 12-month-old APP695SWE/co+PS1/ΔE9 mice with amyloid plaques

APP(695)SWE/co+PS1/DeltaE9 mice with Abeta plaques in neocortex and hippocampus were evaluated in tests of exploratory activity and spatial learning. On the initial testing day, 12-month-old APP(695)SWE/co+PS1/DeltaE9 mice spent more time than non-transgenic controls in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze. The bigenic group also travelled farther in the central region of the open-field without spending more time there. Only the bigenic group alternated above chance in the T-maze. In the Morris water maze, APP(695)SWE/co+PS1/DeltaE9 mice were impaired during acquisition of the hidden platform sub-task and the probe trial but not in the visible platform test. These results indicate a selective spatial deficit and disinhibitory tendencies in a mouse model with amyloid pathology.

Radionuclide imaging metabolic activity of brown adipose tissue in a patient with pheochromocytoma

We describe a patient with extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma and high plasma norepinephrine levels. Radionuclide images of this patient obtained using (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose and (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine revealed bilateral tracer accumulation in the shoulder and lower neck. The regions of radiotracer uptake corresponded to the location of human brown adipose tissue (BAT). Excessive sympathetic stimulation by high circulating catecholamine concentrations augmented the metabolic activity and tracer uptake in the BAT. This study showed that radionuclide imaging can noninvasively visualize human BAT in terms of metabolic and functional activity.

Transgenic mice expressing the human C99 terminal fragment of betaAPP: effects on cytochrome oxidase activity in skeletal muscle and brain

In order to furnish a combined model of relevance to human inclusion-body myopathy and Alzheimer's disease, transgenic mice expressing human betaAPP-C99 in skeletal muscle and brain under the control of the cytomegalovirus/beta-actin promoter were produced (Tg13592). These transgenic mice develop Abeta deposits in muscles but not in brain. Cell metabolic activity was analyzed in brain regions and muscle by cytochrome oxidase (CO) histochemistry, the terminal enzyme of the electron transport chain. By comparison to age-matched controls of the C57BL/6 strain, CO activity was selectively increased in dark skeletal muscle fibers of Tg13592 mice. In addition, only increases in CO activity were obtained in those brain regions where a significant difference appeared. The CO activity of Tg13592 mice was elevated in several thalamic nuclei, including laterodorsal, ventromedial, and midline as well as submedial, intralaminar, and reticular. In contrast, the groups did not differ in most cortical regions, except for prefrontal, secondary motor, and auditory cortices, and in most brainstem regions, except for cerebellar (fastigial and interpositus) nuclei and related areas (red and lateral vestibular nuclei). No variation in cell density and surface area appeared in conjunction with these enzymatic alterations. The overproduction of betaAPP-C99 fragments in brain without (amyloidosis did not appear to affect the metabolic activity of structures particularly vulnerable in Alzheimer's disease.

Exploratory activity, anxiety, and motor coordination in bigenic APPswe + PS1/ΔE9 mice

Bigenic APPswe + PS1/DeltaE9 mice with Abeta plaque formation in neocortex and hippocampus were evaluated in three tests measuring exploratory activity. By comparison to a non-transgenic group controlled for age and gender, 7-month-old APPswe + PS1/DeltaE9 mice spent more time in the open arms and had higher open/total entries and duration in the elevated plus-maze, indicative of disinhibitory tendencies. On the contrary, the groups did not differ in T-maze and open-field tests. Moreover, the motor coordination of the bigenic group was equivalent to that of controls in stationary beam, coat-hanger, rotorod, and grip strength tests. No mouse displayed neurological signs, such as pathological reflexes, myoclonus, or convulsions. The results in the elevated plus-maze test are akin to the loss of inhibitory control observed in some patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Transgenic mice overexpressing both amyloid beta-protein and perlecan in pancreatic acinar cells

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans such as perlecan are thought to facilitate amyloid fibril formation. Tg3695 mice overexpress perlecan core protein in many tissues including the brain and pancreas. Tg13592 mice overexpress the signal plus 99-amino acid carboxyl terminal sequences (C99) of amyloid beta-protein precursor in multiple tissues and develop amyloid deposits in the pancreas. To investigate a role of perlecan in beta-amyloidosis, we established doubly transgenic mice by crossing the two lines of transgenic mice. The expression levels of the two transgenes remained unchanged in the brain and pancreas and the doubly transgenic mice did not develop amyloid deposits in the brain up to 19-months of age. Amyloid load detected by thioflavine S in the pancreas of the doubly transgenic mice was not significantly different from that in the transgenic littermates expressing only C99. Amyloid load in the pancreas increased during aging. We found a positive correlation between the Abeta-immunoreactive (non-fibrillar and fibrillar) and thioflavine S-positive (fibrillar) Abeta deposits in the single (C99) but not doubly transgenic mice. Our results suggest that perlecan does not independently influence amyloid formation in the pancreas of the transgenic mice and that there may be other factors that may modulate amyloid formation together with perlecan.

Apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinomas is induced by 15-deoxy-delta 12,14-prostaglandin J2 but not by troglitazone

15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15-d-PGJ(2)) and troglitazone have been shown to induce apoptosis in several carcinoma cell lines. However, apoptotic signaling pathways of these agents are poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands such as these two agents will induce caspase-mediated apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Treatment of these cell lines with 15-d-PGJ(2) or troglitazone decreased cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. 15-d-PGJ(2), but not troglitazone, induced apoptosis, and this effect was time-dependent. Exposure of cells to 20 micro M of 15-d-PGJ(2) initiated early cytochrome c release, followed by late caspase activation. Furthermore, co-treatment with caspase inhibitors such as Z-VAD-FMK or Z-DEVD-FMK of oral SCC cells that had been treated with 20 micro M of 15-d-PGJ(2) blocked apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that treatment with 15-d-PGJ(2), but not troglitazone, induces apoptosis in human SCC cell lines, and 15-d-PGJ(2) appears to work through cytochrome c release and caspase activation.

Transgenic mice expressing the betaAPP695SWE mutation: effects on exploratory activity, anxiety, and motor coordination

The functional consequences of the betaAPP transgene with the Swedish mutation in mice were assessed in tests of exploratory activity and motor coordination. The betaAPP(695)SWE (Tg2576) transgenic mice are characterized by Abeta plaque formation in the neocortex and hippocampus. By comparison to non-transgenic mice controlled for age and gender, 17-month-old betaAPP(695)SWE transgenic mice displayed impaired spontaneous alternation, increased activity levels in the peripheral part of the open-field, and reduced anxiety in the elevated plus-maze. These results are similar to the loss of inhibitory control observed in some patients with Alzheimer's disease. These measures may be added to cognitive dysfunctions as testing ground for Abeta vaccination and other attempts at experimental therapies.

Transgenic mice expressing the human C99 terminal fragment of betaAPP: effects on spatial learning, exploration, anxiety, and motor coordination

The functional consequence of beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) manipulation on behavior was assessed in Tg13592 mice, characterized by transgene expression of the 99 amino acid C-terminal sequence of human betaAPP in brain and skeletal muscle but with plaque formation only in muscle. By comparison to the C57BL/6 background strain controlled for age and gender, Tg13592 transgenic mice had fewer movements in an automated chamber and fewer enclosed arm entries in the elevated plus-maze. This hypoactivity was probably due to a loss in the motivation to explore novel environmental stimuli rather than motor weakness or anxiety. In addition, the acquisition of place learning in the Morris water maze task was impaired in Tg13592 mice. The transgenic mice were not impaired in a probe trial or while swimming toward a visible platform. These results are concordant with the hypothesis that transgene expression of the C-terminal sequence of human betaAPP in brain is sufficient for causing behavioral abnormalities. The hypoactivity and the spatial learning deficit were associated with higher cytochrome oxidase activity seen in thalamic nuclei, indicating that altered regional brain metabolism caused by betaAPP transgene expression may be responsible for the behavioral changes.

14 C-deoxyglucose imaging overestimates myocardial viability in subacute infarction of rats

Clinical studies using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose suggest that this tracer may overestimate myocardial viability. This study aimed to elucidate whether 2-deoxyglucose accurately indicates myocardial viability at the early phase of myocardial infarction. Autoradiography with 14C-deoxyglucose was performed in fasting rats whose left coronary artery was occluded for 60 min and then reperfused. 14C-deoxyglucose was injected 30 min after the reperfusion (acute; n=10) or 1 week later (subacute; n=9). Infarction and risk areas were identified by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride or haematoxylin-eosin staining and methylene blue, respectively. Immuno-histochemical staining using anti-glucose transporter 1 and 4 antibodies was performed. At the acute stage, the uptake of deoxyglucose was consistent with the grade of anti-glucose transporter 4 expression. At the subacute stage, the uptake of deoxyglucose in poorly viable myocardium (543.4+/-343.7%: normalized with the uptake at the right ventricle) as well as in the viable one (335.2+/-149.8%) in the risk area was significantly greater than that in the remote area (116.4+/-94.9%, P<0.01). Anti-glucose transporter 1 was expressed in the poorly viable area where inflammatory cells infiltrated. It is concluded that deoxyglucose uptake by inflammatory cells which express anti-glucose transporter 1 causes overestimation of myocardial viability at subacute stage.

Clinical analysis of myocardial perfusion and metabolism in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by single photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Changes in myocardial energy metabolism and their relation to coronary flow reserve in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were assessed by myocardial fatty acid imaging with iodine-123 beta-methyliodophenyl pentadecanoic acid single photon emission tomography (123I-BMIPP SPECT) (fasting), glucose imaging with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET) (fasting), and perfusion imaging with nitrogen-13 (13N)-ammonia PET (dipyridamole-stress and at rest) in adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and with asymmetric septal hypertrophy.

RESULTS

123I-BMIPP defects mismatched with thallium-201 (201Tl) uptake were often observed in the hypertrophic septal regions indicating reduced fatty acid utilization incidence of 59% (22/37). 18F-FDG images showed diffusely increased uptake in most of the patients (73%, 27/37), but showed regionally increased 18F-FDG uptake at the septal regions in only two patients. Study of 18 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients with the mismatched 123I-BMIPP defects found that the severity of the defects correlated with reduced coronary flow reserve determined by the 13N-ammonia PET study. On the other hand, changes in 18F-FDG images were not related to those in coronary flow reserve.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the mismatched 123I-BMIPP defects, which indicate abnormality in myocardial fatty acid metabolism, occur under reduced coronary flow reserve, and may contribute to the prediction of progressive myocardial failure in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The significance of 18F-FDG in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is still uncertain.

Production of hydrogen peroxide and methionine sulfoxide by epigallocatechin gallate and antioxidants

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) induced apoptosis-associated characteristics in human oral tumor cell lines more efficiently than ascorbates, gallic acid, vitamin K, flavonoids or steroidal saponins. Since catalase partially inhibited the cytotoxic activity of EGCG, the possible involvement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in cell death induction was investigated, using TCPO chemiluminescence method. Production of H2O2 by EGCG, sodium ascorbate, gallic acid or catechin reached a maximum level within 30 minutes, and was increased up to a plateau level above pH 8. Under optimal conditions, 1 mM EGCG was converted to 1 mM H2O2. At neutral pH, EGCG produced the highest amount of H2O2, followed by gallic acid, sodium ascorbate and catechin. EGCG produced methionine sulfoxide from methionine in the culture medium, while the methionine oxidation by EGCG was significantly reduced in the presence of serum. ESR spectroscopy showed that EGCG, gallic acid and sodium ascorbate, but not catechin, produced radicals under alkaline condition and that all these compounds scavenged superoxide anion, produced by hypoxanthine-xanthine oxidase reaction. EGCG also effectively scavenged the ascorbate and gallate radicals, more efficiently than other compounds. These data suggest that the apoptosis induction by EGCG may be mediated by H2O2 produced in the culture medium.

[Hepatitis C virus genotyping by restriction fragment length polymorphism of polymerase chain reaction products generated with a HCV detection kit]

Highly conserved sequence in the 5' untranslated region(UTR) of hepatitis C virus(HCV) genome have been targeted by most nucleic acid amplification-based detection assays, such as Amplicor HCV test, a commercially available assay kit. In this study, we classified HCV genotypes by direct sequencing determination for 5' UTR of nested-PCR after Amplicor HCV test. Then, based on the results of sequence, RFLP analysis after digestion of the nested PCR fragments with Hae III or Sau 3AI to classify HCV genotype was evaluated. RFLP analysis distinguished the type 1, 2a and 2b. Only one of 29 samples was not classified by RFLP analysis due to the point mutation of Hae III recognition site. HCV genotypes commonly found in JAPAN were classified into three types, 1b, 2a, and 2b. Also, RFLP analysis requires fewer resources than serotype grouping test. Hence, the present method provides an adaptable and rapid HCV genotyping in clinical laboratory in JAPAN.

Analysis of c-myc DNA amplification in non-small cell lung carcinoma in comparison with small cell lung carcinoma using polymerase chain reaction

Previous studies of c-mvc DNA amplification in lung cancer have focused primarily on analysis of small cell carcinoma or its tumor cell lines. There are few data about c-myc DNA amplification in histological types of lung cancer other than small cell carcinoma. Therefore the present study was conducted to investigate c-myc oncogene amplification in non-small cell lung carcinoma. We studied 46 lung tumor specimens for c-myc DNA amplification (15 adenocarcinomas, 15 squamous cell carcinomas, 6 large cell carcinomas, and 10 small cell carcinomas). Polymerase chain reaction, digoxigenin DNA labeling, and electrophoresis were utilized to investigate the c-myc copy number in the lung tumor specimens. The c-myc copy number of non-small cell carcinoma ranged from 1.5 to more than 20.0 in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and from 6.0 to 12.0 in large cell carcinoma. That of small cell carcinoma ranged from 1.8 to 12.0. The c-myc copy number of non-small cell carcinoma was significantly higher than that of small cell carcinoma (Wilcoxon rank sum test, Z=2.06 P=0.040). However, the differences in c-myc copy number among these four histological types were not statistically significant. Amplification of c-myc (more than 4 copies) was observed not only in small cell carcinoma but also in nonsmall cell carcinoma at similarly high frequency (12/15 in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, 6/6 in large cell carcinoma, and 9/10 in small cell carcinoma).

Embolic distribution through patent foramen ovale demonstrated by (99m)Tc-MAA brain SPECT after Valsalva radionuclide venography

Cryptogenic stroke might relate to paradoxical embolism stemming from right-to-left shunt caused by patent foramen ovale (PFO). We performed radionuclide venography using the Valsalva maneuver, followed by (99m)Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) brain SPECT to investigate the fate of emboli originating from the lower extremities.

METHODS

Ten patients (9 men, 1 woman; mean age, 61 +/- 17 y) with PFO underwent radionuclide venography with and without the Valsalva maneuver on the whole-body image, followed by brain SPECT with (99m)Tc-MAA to determine the cortical uptake that would detect right-to-left shunt. After counts in each region of interest (ROI) were normalized by comparison with the averaged count, the distribution of MAA was compared with that of (99m)Tc-hexamethyl-propyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) brain SPECT by drawing ROIs on frontal, temporoparietal (anterior circulation territory), occipital, and cerebellar areas (posterior circulation territory).

RESULTS

The thyroid on the whole-body scan was visualized after the Valsalva maneuver in 2 of the 10 patients. In 7 of 10 patients, 56 ROIs in the visualized cortical uptake showed that the distribution of MAA correlated well with that of HMPAO according to the equation: HMPAO = -71.21 + 1.71 x MAA, (r = 0.575, P < 0.01). The excess difference in the relative counts in the posterior over anterior circulation territory was 5.6% and 16.1% of the HMPAO and MAA values, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Brain SPECT with (99m)Tc-MAA was more sensitive than thyroid visualization in detecting right-to-left shunt. The excess flow in the posterior cerebral circulation indicated an increased likelihood of cerebral emboli originating from the lower extremities and indicated that the flow difference between HMPAO and MAA probably resulted from poor linearization of HMPAO in the high-flow area.

Overproduction of perlecan core protein in cultured cells and transgenic mice

Heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) and amyloid P component are the only macromolecules consistently associated with all varieties of amyloid, irrespective of the type of amyloid protein, suggesting that HSPG may play a pathogenetic role in amyloid formation through a common mechanism. In the case of Alzheimer's disease (AD), HSPG, such as perlecan, co-accumulates with amyloid-beta protein (Abeta), a main constituent of amyloid plaques, and paired helical filaments (PHFs). Additionally, in vitro, HSPG accelerates both Abeta fibril and PHF formation and protects Abeta from degradation. Therefore, this study first established lines of P19 mouse embryonic carcinoma cells stably carrying an expression vector encoding the complete perlecan core protein (approximately 400 kD). In the cell lysates, overexpressed perlecan was identified as an approximately 400 kD protein without glycosaminoglycan side-chains, while in the media, secreted perlecan was mostly glycosylated, suggesting that the secretion and glycosylation of perlecan are coupled. Next, transgenic mice were produced using the same expression vector. Marked perlecan overexpression occurred in the cytoplasm of multiple tissues including the brain, heart, kidney, and pancreas, without a discernible increase of perlecan in extracellular matrices. The transgenic mice up to 18 months of age did not develop amyloid or AD-like pathology in the brain or elsewhere, based on histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses. Thus, overproduction of perlecan core protein is insufficient to lead to amyloidosis and AD-like pathology.

Synergistic effect of CGS16949A and 5-fluorouracil on a human breast cancer cell line

The effects of the aromatase inhibitor, CGS16949A, and the fluoropyrimidine, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), on cell cycle distribution and growth were studied using FACS analysis and MTT assay in the human breast cancer cell line, SK-BR-3. CGS16949A induced an increase in the G0-G1 fraction on SK-BR-3 cells, and the growth inhibition rate of the combination of both (65.7 +/- 3.0%) was significantly higher than 10 nM CGS16949A (37.9 +/- 6.9%) or 100 microg/ml 5-FU (45.6 +/- 4.5%); p < 0.01). Administering 5-FU after preincubation with CGS16949A significantly increased the combined cytotoxic efficacy, suggesting that clinical therapy using this combined therapy may be more efficient.

Heterodimerization of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X(L) with Bax and Bad in colorectal cancer

The rate of cell loss owing to apoptosis is mediated by competitive dimerization with selective pairs of cell death antagonists (Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L)) and agonists (Bax, Bad). The aim of this study was to investigate which Bcl-2 family dimers had a critical factor in colorectal cancer. We analyzed the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), Bax, and Bad in normal-appearing mucosa and colorectal tumor tissues by Western blotting after immunoprecipitation. Compared with the ratio of Bax-Bcl-2/total Bax in normal mucosa, the ratio was significantly reduced in tumors (p = 0.02). In this series, the low ratio of Bad-Bcl-2/total Bcl-2 was associated with advanced tumor stages (p = 0.02). A reduced heterodimerization of Bax with Bcl-2 may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. The heterodimerization of Bad with Bcl-2 may be repressed in advanced tumor tissues, and may contribute to tumor growth in colorectal cancer.