Bisphenol A derivatives act as novel coactivator-binding inhibitors for estrogen receptor β

Bisphenol A and its derivatives are recognized as endocrine disruptors based on their complex effects on estrogen receptor (ER) signaling. While the effects of bisphenol derivatives on ERα have been thoroughly evaluated, how these chemicals affect ERβ signaling is less well understood. Herein, we sought to identify novel ERβ ligands using a radioligand competitive binding assay to screen a chemical library of bisphenol derivatives. Many of the compounds identified showed intriguing dual activities as both ERα agonists and ERβ antagonists. Docking simulations of these compounds and ERβ suggested that they bound not only to the canonical binding site of ERβ but also to the coactivator binding site located on the surface of the receptor, suggesting that they act as coactivator-binding inhibitors (CBIs). Receptor-ligand binding experiments using WT and mutated ERβ support the presence of a second ligand-interaction position at the coactivator-binding site in ERβ, and direct binding experiments of ERβ and a coactivator peptide confirmed that these compounds act as CBIs. Our study is the first to propose that bisphenol derivatives act as CBIs, presenting critical insight for the future development of ER signaling-based drugs and their potential to function as endocrine disruptors.

Effects of resistance training on arterial compliance and plasma endothelin-1 levels in healthy men

Arterial compliance (AC) is an index of the elasticity of large arteries. Endothelial dysfunction has been reported to result in reduced arterial compliance, which represents increased arterial stiffness. A reduction in AC is elicited by high-intensity resistance training, however the mechanisms are obscure. Because a single bout of resistance exercise causes a transient increase in circulating plasma endothelin-1 in humans, some vasoconstrictors may play a role in the mechanisms. The present study aimed to investigate whether resistance training-induced decrease in AC is associated with changes in circulating vasoconstrictors levels in young men. Young sedentary men were assigned to control (n=5) or training (n=9) groups. The training group performed four-week high-intensity resistance training (weight training exercise; three sessions/week). We measured AC and plasma levels of endothelin-1, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine before and after intervention. Resistance training significantly decreased AC, whereas the changes in plasma levels of neither endothelin-1, nor angiotensin II, nor norepinephrine were significantly different between the control and the training groups. Moreover, we found no significant correlations between changes in circulating plasma levels (endothelin-1, angiotensin II, and norepinephrine) and in the AC. Despite of no alteration of the resting circulating plasma levels (endothelin-1, etc.), we cannot exclude a possibility that the tissue/local concentrations of vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, etc.) around the vessels might be increased and also involved in a reduction of AC in the training group. Taken together, the present results suggest that circulating vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, etc.) in plasma are not involved in a reduction in AC by the resistance training.

The hnRNP-Htt axis regulates necrotic cell death induced by transcriptional repression through impaired RNA splicing

In this study, we identify signaling network of necrotic cell death induced by transcriptional repression (TRIAD) by α-amanitin (AMA), the selective RNA polymerase II inhibitor, as a model of neurodegenerative cell death. We performed genetic screen of a knockdown (KD) fly library by measuring the ratio of transformation from pupa to larva (PL ratio) under TRIAD, and selected the cell death-promoting genes. Systems biology analysis of the positive genes mapped on protein-protein interaction databases predicted the signaling network of TRIAD and the core pathway including heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and huntingtin (Htt). RNA sequencing revealed that AMA impaired transcription and RNA splicing of Htt, which is known as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stabilizing molecule. The impairment in RNA splicing and PL ratio was rescued by overexpresion of hnRNP that had been also affected by transcriptional repression. Fly genetics with suppressor or expresser of Htt and hnRNP worsened or ameliorated the decreased PL ratio by AMA, respectively. Collectively, these results suggested involvement of RNA splicing and a regulatory role of the hnRNP-Htt axis in the process of the transcriptional repression-induced necrosis.

Deuterostome evolution: early development in the enteropneust hemichordate, Ptychodera flava

Molecular and morphological comparisons indicate that the Echinodermata and Hemichordata represent closely related sister-phyla within the Deuterostomia. Much less is known about the development of the hemichordates compared to other deuterostomes. For the first time, cell lineage analyses have been carried out for an indirect-developing representative of the enteropneust hemichordates, Ptychodera flava. Single blastomeres were iontophoretically labeled with Dil at the 2- through 16-cell stages, and their fates followed through development to the tornaria larval stage. The early cleavage pattern of P. flava is similar to that of the direct-developing hemichordate, Saccoglossus kowalevskii, as well as that displayed by indirect-developing echinoids. The 16-celled embryo contains eight animal "mesomeres," four slightly larger "macromeres," and four somewhat smaller vegetal "micromeres." The first cleavage plane was not found to bear one specific relationship relative to the larval dorsoventral axis. Although individual blastomeres generate discrete clones of cells, the appearance and exact locations of these clones are variable with respect to the embryonic dorsoventral and bilateral axes. The eight animal mesomeres generate anterior (animal) ectoderm of the larva, which includes the apical organ; however, contributions to the apical organ were found to be variable as only a subset of the animal blastomeres end up contributing to its formation and this varies from embryo to embryo. The macromeres generate posterior larval ectoderm, and the vegetal micromeres form all the internal, endomesodermal tissues. These blastomere contributions are similar to those found during development of the only other hemichordate studied, the direct-developing enteropneust, S. kowalevskii. Finally, isolated blastomeres prepared at either the two- or the four-cell stage are capable of forming normal-appearing, miniature tornaria larvae. These findings indicate that the fates of these cells and embryonic dorsoventral axial properties are not committed at these early stages of development. Comparisons with the developmental programs of other deuterostome phyla allow one to speculate on the conservation of some key developmental events/mechanisms and propose basal character states shared by the ancestor of echinoderms and hemichordates.

Molecular studies of hemichordate development: a key to understanding the evolution of bilateral animals and chordates

Using the Hawaiian acorn worm, Ptychodera flava, we began molecular studies on the development of hemichordates, a phylum previously unstudied at this level. Here we review results garnered from the examination of a few specific genes selected to help understand the evolution of vertebrate structures. These studies suggest new ideas about the evolution of developmental mechanisms in the deuterostomes. In a seminal observation, we noted an unexpected zone of expression of the Brachyurygene in the early anterior embryonic ectoderm where the mouth will form. Typically, the Brachyury gene is closely linked to development of the notochord and is expressed around the blastopore and in the posterior mesoderm in most animals. This first expression of Brachyury at the blastopore may represent a regulatory program associated with organizing the original animal head and gut opening, as suggested by the expression of Brachyury during hypostome formation in hydra. We believe that the anterior expression of Brachyury in deuterostomes represents the cooption of the program for organizing the original animal gut opening to form the deuterostome mouth. Recent data from the trochophore larva of a polychaete show that an anterior zone of expression of Brachyury is produced in this protostome by splitting of the Brachyury field during the formation of a gut with a mouth and anus by the lateral fusion of the sides of the blastopore. The ability to initiate independently a secondary regulatory program to organize the new mouth leading to an anterior field of Brachyury expression may be a signal event in the evolution of the deuterostomes. We also noted that the P. flava homolog of T-brain/Eomes, a gene closely related by sequence and expression around the blastopore to Brachyury and associated with development of the vertebrate brain, also exhibits early posterior expression around the blastopore and a field of de novo anterior ectoderm expression during later embryogenesis. The tissue in the zone of de novo anterior ectoderm expression of Pf-Tbrain produces the apical organ, a larval neural structure that has been touted as an evolutionary precursor of the chordate dorsal brain. The gene regulatory mechanisms responsible for initiating the anterior zone of de novo expression of T-brain may represent a cooption to specify early neuroectoderm of the regulatory program evolved first to drive anterior Brachyury expression for deuterostome mouth formation. It will be interesting to examine the possibilities that an ability to initiate the de novo anterior expression of the program that includes T-brain may be a key event in the evolution of the developmental mechanisms leading to the chordate dorsal nervous system.

Test validity of periodic liver function tests in a population of Japanese male bank employees

The validity (sensitivity and specificity) of annual liver function tests, determined by assaying blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transpeptidase, was evaluated using the results of health checkups of male bank workers. The specificity of each liver function test to detect persons with fatty liver, excess alcohol users, and hepatic virus carriers, diagnosed respectively by ultrasound, detailed inquiry, and virus marker tests, was always higher than 80%, except for alanine aminotransferase in excess alcohol users (63.5%). However, the highest sensitivity to detect virus carriers was alanine aminotransferase to detect HCV antibody-positive workers, but it was only 45.5%. The highest sensitivity of the liver function tests to detect excess alcohol users in obese subjects was only 33.3%. The highest sensitivity by liver function tests to detect fatty liver was 35.7% which was inferior to that of the body mass index. These results indicate that the liver function tests mandated in the workplace periodic health checkups in Japan exhibit very low sensitivity for the detection of any of the proposed target clinical conditions.

Selective deficiency of alpha-dystroglycan in Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy

BACKGROUND

Fukuyama-type congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe dystrophic muscle wasting from birth or early infancy with structural brain abnormalities. The gene for FCMD is located on chromosome 9q31, and encodes a novel protein named fukutin. The function of fukutin is not known yet, but is suggested to be an enzyme that modifies the cell-surface glycoprotein or glycolipids.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the roles of fukutin gene mutation in skeletal and cardiac muscles and brain.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses were performed in skeletal and cardiac muscles and brain tissue samples from patients with FCMD and control subjects.

RESULTS

The authors found a selective deficiency of highly glycosylated alpha-dystroglycan, but not beta-dystroglycan, on the surface membrane of skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers in patients with FCMD. Immunoblot analyses also showed no immunoreactive band for alpha-dystroglycan, but were positive for beta-dystroglycan in FCMD in skeletal and cardiac muscles.

CONCLUSION

The current findings suggest a critical role for fukutin gene mutation in the loss or modification of glycosylation of the extracellular peripheral membrane protein, alpha-dystroglycan, which may cause a crucial disruption of the transmembranous molecular linkage of muscle fibers in patients with FCMD.

Production of acetate in the liver and its utilization in peripheral tissues

In experimental rat liver perfusion we observed net production of free acetate accompanied by accelerated ketogenesis with long-chain fatty acids. Mitochondrial acetyl-CoA hydrolase, responsible for the production of free acetate, was found to be inhibited by the free form of CoA in a competitive manner and activated by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). The conditions under which the ketogenesis was accelerated favored activation of the hydrolase by dropping free CoA and elevating NADH levels. Free acetate was barely metabolized in the liver because of low affinity, high K(m), of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) synthetase for acetate. Therefore, infused ethanol was oxidized only to acetate, which was entirely excreted into the perfusate. The acetyl-CoA synthetase in the heart mitochondria was much lower in K(m) than it was in the liver, thus the heart mitochondria was capable of oxidizing free acetate as fast as other respiratory substrates, such as succinate. These results indicate that rat liver produces free acetate as a byproduct of ketogenesis and may supply free acetate, as in the case of ketone bodies, to extrahepatic tissues as fuel.

Recognition of novel lipopolypeptides with many pendent sugar residues by lectin

A lipid-polypeptide conjugate (lipo-polypeptide) was obtained by the ring-opening polycondensation of N-epsilon-Z-L-lysine N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) using 3-aminopropyl dioctadecylamine as initiator and subsequent deprotection. Maltose lactone was coupled with the lipo-polypeptide to give novel amphiphiles which carried many maltoamide residues as pendent groups. The sugar group-carrying amphiphiles incorporated in phospholipid liposomes were recognized by a lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (Con A), which was proven by the increase in turbidity of the liposome suspension after mixing with the lectin. The recognition was largely affected by the degree of polymerization of lysine residues and the surface density of the amphiphile in the liposomes. The association constant (K(ass)) of Con A with maltoamide residues on the liposome was much larger than those for small molecular weight sugars due to the "cluster effect".

Correlation between morphological heterogeneity and genetic alteration within one tumor in adenocarcinomas of the lung

In some human cancers, multistep carcinogenesis has been advocated on the basis of morphological and genetic analysis. In adenocarcinoma of the lung, a carcinogenetic process from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) to bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma (BAC) and/or more malignant adenocarcinoma has been recently suggested. In the present study, we selected 13 lung tumors which had AAH-like or BAC-like areas at the periphery, and poorly differentiated areas at other sites, and examined their loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosome 3p, 9p and 17p and point mutation of the p53 gene. A heterogeneous pattern of LOH and/or point mutation of the p53 gene was detected in five of 13 cases, and genetic alterations were frequent in the areas of poorer differentiation. These findings suggest that some adenocarcinomas of the lung occur through multistep carcinogenesis.

Correlation between genetic alterations and histopathological subtypes in bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia of the lung

Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a type of lung adenocarcinoma characterized by growth along the alveolar wall. It is divided into two subtypes: sclerosing BAC (SBAC), which has central fibrosis, and non-sclerosing BAC (NSBAC), which lacks central fibrosis. We compared the genetic alterations in these two types of BAC with those in atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). There were 39 cases of SBAC, 19 of NSBAC and 20 of AAH. To detect the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) we used the microsatellite markers D3S1234 and D3S1300 on chromosome 3p, IFNA and D9S144 on 9p, and TP53 on 17p. We also used polymerase chain reaction-SSCP analysis and direct sequencing to examine a point mutation of the p53 gene at exons 5-8. At the TP53 locus, the frequencies of LOH showed a statistical rank-difference correlation among AAH, NSBAC and SBAC. On chromosomes 3p and 9p there were no statistical differences of LOH among AAH, NSBAC and SBAC. We detected a significant statistical rank-difference correlation in the p53 mutation among AAH, NSBAC and SBAC. These findings suggest that a process of multistep carcinogenesis from AAH through NSBAC to SBAC might occur in some cases of adenocarcinoma, and LOH of 3p and 9p might be an early event of carcinogenesis, while the p53 mutation might be a later event.

Auditory agnosia restricted to environmental sounds following cortical deafness and generalized auditory agnosia

We encountered a case of auditory agnosia restricted to environmental sounds, which was associated with the development of bilateral subcortical lesions after suffering a bilateral putaminal hemorrhage. The patient had a history of a putaminal hemorrhage on her left side without any major disability. Three years later, she suffered a putaminal hemorrhage on the other side. The clinical picture started with cortical deafness, then changed to generalized auditory agnosia for verbal and environmental sounds, and finally developed into auditory agnosia confined to the perception of environmental sounds. Her errors in a test of sound recognition were discriminative rather than associative in nature. Neuro-radiological examinations revealed bilateral subcortical lesions involving the fibers from the medial geniculate body to the temporal lobes after bilateral putaminal hemorrhage. This case suggested that the subcortical lesion involving bilateral acoustic radiation could cause either cortical deafness, auditory agnosia of all sounds, or auditory agnosia restricted to environmental sounds.

Deep white matter lesions on MRI, and not silent brain infarcts are related to headache and dizziness of non-specific cause in non-stroke Japanese subjects

OBJECTIVE

Silent or asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease is believed to be an important risk factor for symptomatic stroke and vascular dementia. Although non-specific complaints such as mild to moderate headache and/or dizziness may also be caused by silent stroke, which remains a topic of controversy.

METHODS

To investigate the relationship between silent brain infarcts and non-specific complaints, we assessed findings on magnetic resonance images using a common protocol in the following three groups of subjects; Group 1:78 subjects with non-specific complaints, Group 2:47 subjects with vascular risk factors, and Group 3:75 normal subjects without any subjective complaints or vascular risk factors. In addition to silent stroke, deep white matter lesions on MRI were also evaluated. All subjects were recruited from 12 institutes of the study group located at various parts of Japan.

RESULTS

Silent brain infarcts were demonstrated in 44%, 43%, and 20% of subjects in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In Group 1, the average number of infarcts per individual who had silent brain infarction was 1.8, which was significantly fewer than 3.8 in Group 2 or 3.5 in Group 3 (p<0.0167). White matter lesions were found in 68%, 49%, and 11% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, indicating that non-specific complaints are more closely related to deep white matter lesions than to silent infarct lesions. Such white matter lesions were found more frequently in subjects with depressive state than in non-depressed subjects (67% vs. 39%, p=0.0155).

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that deep white matter lesions, rather than silent brain infarcts, appear to be important in producing headache and/or dizziness of non-specific cause and also to be related to the depressive state.

Myopathy phenotype of transgenic mice expressing active site-mutated inactive p94 skeletal muscle-specific calpain, the gene product responsible for limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A

A defect of the gene for p94 (calpain 3), a skeletal muscle-specific calpain, is responsible for limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A (LGMD2A), or 'calpainopathy', which is an autosomal recessive and progressive neuromuscular disorder. To study the relationships between the physiological functions of p94 and the etiology of LGMD2A, we created transgenic mice that express an inactive mutant of p94, in which the active site Cys129 is replaced by Ser (p94:C129S). Three lines of transgenic mice expressing p94:C129S mRNA at various levels showed significantly decreased grip strength. Sections of soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the aged transgenic mice showed increased numbers of lobulated and split fibers, respectively, which are often observed in limb girdle muscular dystrophy muscles. Centrally placed nuclei were also frequently found in the EDL muscle of the transgenic mice, whereas wild-type mice of the same age had almost none. There was more p94 protein produced in aged transgenic mice muscles and it showed significantly less autolytic degradation activity than that of wild-type mice. Although no necrotic-regenerative fibers were observed, the age and p94:C129S expression dependence of the phenotypes strongly suggest that accumulation of p94:C129S protein causes these myopathy phenotypes. The p94:C129S transgenic mice could provide us with crucial information on the molecular mech-anism of LGMD2A.

T-Brain expression in the apical organ of hemichordate tornaria larvae suggests its evolutionary link to the vertebrate forebrain

T-box genes encode a novel family of sequence-specific activators that appear to play crucial roles in various processes of animal development. Although most of the T-box genes are involved in the mesoderm formation of chordate embryos, mammalian T-Brain is expressed in the developing central nervous system, and defines molecularly distinct domains within the cerebral cortex. Here we report the first invertebrate T-Brain homologue from the hemichordate acorn worm, Ptychodera flava, which we designate Pf-Tbrain. Developmental expression of Pf-Tbrain was examined by whole mount in situ hybridization to various stages of P. flava embryos. A weak, broad in situ hybridization signal of the Pf-Tbrain transcript is first detected during gastrulation in cells around the archenteron, but this signal disappears as gastrulation proceeds. At mid-gastrula an intense signal appears in several apical ectoderm cells of the gastrula. This signal becomes restricted to the apical region, where the eyespots or the light-sensory organ of the tornaria larva form. Expression of Pf-Tbrain in the apical sensory organ of the tornaria and vertebrate T-Brain in the forebrain suggests an evolutionary relationship between the non-chordate deuterostome larval apical sensory organ and the chordate forebrain.

Characterization of gill-specific genes of the acorn worm Ptychodera flava

Acorn worms are hemichordate deuterostomes that have remarkable gills thought to be homologous to pharyngeal gills in urochordates and cephalochordates, and pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates. In search of molecular keys to analyzing the origin and evolution of the anterior gut and neck region of the chordate body, the present study isolated cDNA clones for six gill-specific genes, designated PfG1 to PfG6, from Ptychodera flava using differential screening of a cDNA library of RNA from gills. Northern blotting confirmed that these genes were all expressed only in the gills. In situ hybridization showed that the expression of these genes is limited to the endodermally derived columnar epithelium of the pharynx. PfG1 encodes a 42-kDa polypeptide containing sequence similar to D-domains, protein domains characteristic of extracellular proteins. Expression of PfG1 is localized in a delimited pattern along the columnar epithelium of the inner gill apparatus. Expression in the epibranchial ridge appears as two stripes running longitudinally in the epithelium just lateral of the midline. A stripe of expression also appears in a slightly posterior portion on the curve of each band of columnar epithelium on the pharyngeal surface of the secondary gill bars. The five other gill-specific genes, PfG2 to PfG6, encode a family of C-type lectin polypeptides that appear to be secreted proteins. PfG2 to PfG6 are also expressed in the columnar epithelium of the epibranchial ridge as two parallel stripes, but at the lateral margin of the ridge. One of the genes, PfG6, is additionally expressed in the innermost curve of the epithelium on the pharyngeal surface of each secondary gill bar. The localization of expression of PfPax1/9, a gill-specific transcription factor gene, was examined and shown to also be primarily in the endodermal columnar epithelium on the pharyngeal faces of the gill bars. On the secondary gill bars, where PfG1 and PfG6 are also expressed in the columnar epithelium, PfPax1/9 is expressed in the anterior and posterior portions but signal is not evident in the epithelium on the central, innermost curve of the gill bar. The anterior domain of PfPax1/9 expression is more extensive but overlaps the anterior domain of PfG1 expression, whereas its posterior domain of expression is more posterior and complementary to that of PfG6.

Developmental expression of the hemichordate otx ortholog

The phylogenetic location of hemichordates is unique because they seem to fill an evolutionary gap between echinoderms and chordates. We report here characterization of Pf-otx, a hemichordate ortholog of otx, with its embryonic and larval expression pattern. Pf-otx is initially expressed in the vegetal plate of the blastula. Expression remains evident in the archenteron through gastrulation and then disappears. A new expression domain appears near the mouth along the preoral and postoral ciliated bands in the early tornaria larva.

Characterization of a hemichordate fork head/HNF-3 gene expression

Based on anatomical and developmental similarities, hemichordates are thought to be most closely related to chordates. However, so far very few developmental genes have been characterized from hemichordates. To gain molecular insight into the developmental mechanisms involved in the origin and evolution of chordates, we investigated the expression of a fork head/HNF-3 (PfHNF3) gene in the acorn worm embryo. Chordate fork head genes are implicated in the formation of endoderm, notochord and floor plate. We found that a PfHNF3 transcript was first detected at the early blastula stage; the signal of in situ hybridization was found in the vegetal plate cells, invaginating endoderm and then in the archenteron. By the late gastrula and into the early tornaria larva stages, an intense signal remained in the anterior region of the archenteron, while the expression in the other regions of archenteron decreased. The intense signal was retained in the pharynx of the tornaria larva. A comparison of the pattern of PfHNF3 with that of HNF-3 genes of sea urchin, ascidian, amphioxus and vertebrate suggests a possible acquisition of new functions of the gene during deuterostome evolution.

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varix draining via the left inferior phrenic vein into the left hepatic vein

We encountered a patient with gastric varix draining not via the usual left suprarenal vein but via the left inferior phrenic vein joining the left hepatic vein. Transfemoral balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) of the varix was performed under balloon occlusion of the left inferior phrenic vein via the left hepatic vein and retrograde injection of the sclerosing agent (5% of ethanolamine oleate) into the gastric varix. Disappearance of the gastric varix was confirmed on endoscopic examination 2 months later.

Down-regulation of KAI1 messenger RNA expression is not associated with loss of heterozygosity of the KAI1 gene region in lung adenocarcinoma

KAI1, a metastasis suppressor gene of prostate cancer, is located on human chromosome 11p11.2. Down-regulation of KAI1 mRNA during tumor progression and metastasis has been reported for several kinds of cancer, but the mechanism of this down-regulation is not known. In the present study, our aim was to ascertain the relationship between down-regulation of KAI1 mRNA expression and KAI1 gene alterations in lung cancer. Forty-nine cases of adenocarcinoma of the lung were studied by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of KAI1 mRNA and by immunohistochemical detection of KAI1 protein. In addition, markers of the microsatellite loci D11S1344 and D11S1326 were used to investigate loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and replication errors (RERs) of the KAI1 gene region. The RT-PCR assay showed that there was no correlation between KAI1 mRNA expression and either the age of the patients or tumor size. By contrast, KAI1 mRNA expression was significantly correlated with gender (P=0.047), metastasis to the lymph nodes or other organs (P=0.004), the histological grade of the tumor (P=0.036) and the pathological stage (P=0.049). Immunohistochemical staining showed that in one case without metastasis, loss of KAI1 mRNA was associated with invasion of the stroma by KAI1 protein-negative cancer cells. The numbers of informative cases by microsatellite analysis were 14 (28.6%) of 49 at D11S1344 and 27 (55.1%) of 49 at D11S1326; none of 49 adenocarcinomas showed LOH or RERs at these loci. These results suggest that down-regulation of KAI1 mRNA expression rarely if ever involves LOH or RERs of the KAI1 gene region in primary lung adenocarcinoma.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, -2 and -3 in squamous cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) plays an important role in extracellular matrix degradation associated with cancer invasion. An expression of MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase), MMP-2 (72-kDa type IV collagenase) and MMP-3 (stromelysin-1) was investigated in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and its precancerous condition, actinic keratosis (AK), using in situ hybridization techniques. MMP-1 mRNA was detected in tumour cells and/or in stromal cells in all cases of SCC, four of six AKs adjacent to SCC and four of 16 AKs. MMP-2 and MMP-3 mRNAs were detected in SCC but not in AK. The expression of MMP-3 correlated to that of MMP-1 (P = 0.03) localized at the tumour mass and stroma of the invasive area, while MMP-2 mRNA was detected widely throughout the stroma independent of MMP-1 expression. Our results indicated that the expression of MMP-1, -2 and -3 showed different localization patterns, suggesting a unique role of each MMP in tumour progression. Moreover, MMP-1 expression could be an early event in the development of SCC, and AK demonstrating MMP-1 mRNA, might be in a more advanced dysplastic state, progressing to SCC.

Recognition of novel amphiphiles with many pendent mannose residues by Con A

Novel amphiphiles which carry many mannose residues as side chains were prepared by telomerization of N-methacryloylaminopropyl D-mannopyranoside (alpha:beta = 20:1), N-methacryloylaminohexyl D-mannopyranoside (alpha:beta = 20:1), or 3-(2-methacryloylaminoethylthio)propyl D-mannopyranoside (alpha:beta = 4:1) using a lipophilic radical initiator. The mannose-carrying amphiphiles incorporated in liposomes were recognized by a lectin from Canavalia ensiformis (Con A), which was proven by the increase in turbidity of the liposome suspension after mixing with Con A. The interaction between sugar residues on the liposome surface and the lectin was largely affected by the degree of polymerization (DP) and the surface density of the amphiphile in the liposomes. The distance between the sugar residues and the polymer main chain did not affect the specific recognition by the lectin significantly in the liposome system, whereas it appreciably affected the recognition in the water-soluble polymer system. The association constants (Ka) of the amphiphiles (DP approximately 18) with Con A (0.3-2.2 x 10(6) M-1 at 25 degrees C) were much larger than that of alpha-methyl D-mannopyranoside (8.2 x 10(3) M-1) due to the "cluster effect ". The positive entropy change (20-52 J/mol K) for the binding of Con A to mannose residues on the liposome surface showed that the recognition in the liposome system was largely promoted by the release of water molecules from both the sugar residues on the liposome surface and the binding site of Con A.

A combined analysis of regional energy metabolism and immunohistochemical ischemic damage in the gerbil brain

By combining immunohistochemical technique with microassay methods, we analyzed regional energy metabolism in vulnerable and tolerant areas of gerbil brains during evolution of neuronal damage after bilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 10 min with subsequent reperfusion. Four animals were used for each reperfusion period. Based on the information from the immunohistochemical examination, we dissected out vulnerable and tolerant subregions of the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and thalamus from freeze-dried 20-microm-thick sections, and measured the levels of creatine phosphate (P-Cr), adenine nucleotides, guanine nucleotides, and purine bodies by HPLC, and the levels of glucose, glycogen, and lactate by an enzyme-immobilized column method. There were no significant differences in the levels of metabolites between vulnerable and tolerant subregions of control brains. After reperfusion, both vulnerable and tolerant subregions recovered preischemic metabolic profiles by 2 days. Although the regional differences between vulnerable and tolerant subregions were minimal at each reperfusion period, there were delays in the recovery of P-Cr, ATP, and/or total adenine nucleotides in all vulnerable subregions. A decline of P-Cr, ATP, and GTP levels without change in %ATP, AMP, or purine bodies occurred after reperfusion for 3 days, coinciding with the development of immunohistochemical damage by the immunoreaction for microtubule-associated protein 1A. The results supported the notion that subtle but sustained impairment of energy metabolism caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in the early reperfusion period might trigger delayed neuronal death in vulnerable subregions.

Recognition of Amphiphiles with Many Pendent Galactose Residues by Ricinus communis Agglutinin

Amphiphiles which carry many pendent galactose residues as side chains were prepared by telomerization of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl beta-D-galactopyranoside (MEGal) or 3-(2-methacryloyl aminoethylthio)propyl D-galactopyranoside (MEPGal, alpha:beta = 3.9:1) using a lipophilic radical initiator. The galactose-carrying amphiphiles (DP (degree of polymerization) = 15) incorporated in liposomes were recognized by a lectin from Ricinus communis (RCA120), which was proven by the increase in turbidity of the liposome suspension after mixing with the lectin. The recognition was largely affected by the distance between the galactose residues and the polymer main chain, and the surface density of the amphiphile in the liposomes. The liposomes containing these galactolipids were not taken up by mouse peritoneal macrophages, probably due to a steric hindrance of polymer main chains from the uptake of D-galactose receptors on the macrophages. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

A comparative molecular approach to mesodermal patterning in basal deuterostomes: the expression pattern of Brachyury in the enteropneust hemichordate Ptychodera flava

This work concerns the formation of mesoderm in the development of an enteropneust hemichordate, Ptychodera flava, and the expression of the Brachyury gene during this process. Brachyury expression occurs in two distinct phases. In the embryo, Brachyury is transcribed during gastrulation in the future oral and anal regions of the gut, but transcripts are no longer detected by 2 weeks of development. Brachyury expression is not detected during the 5 months of larval planktonic existence. During this time, the adult coeloms begin to develop, originating as coalescences of cells that appear to delaminate from the wall of the gut. Brachyury expression cannot be detected again until metamorphosis, when transcripts appear in the mesoderm of the adult proboscis, collar and the very posterior region of the trunk. It is also expressed in the posterior end of the gut. At no time is Brachyury expressed in the stomochord, the putative homologue of the chordate notochord. These observations illuminate the process of maximal indirect development in Ptychodera and, by comparison with patterns of Brachyury expression in the indirect development of echinoderms, their sister group, they reveal the evolutionary history of Brachyury utilization in deuterostomes.

The carboxyl-terminal region of the yeast ATPase inhibitor is indispensable for the stability of the protein in mitochondria

The role of the carboxyl-terminal region of the yeast mitochondrial ATPase inhibitor was investigated. Three progressive C-terminal deletion mutants of the inhibitor were constructed: (i) Ile58-->end; (ii) Ile51-->end; and (iii) Gln43-->end. The truncated inhibitor was detected in extracts of Ile58-->end mutant yeast cells. For the Ile51-->end mutant, the truncated inhibitor was only detected when the cells were grown on medium containing the membrane-permeable metal chelator, o-phenanthroline, which inhibits mitochondrial proteases. The most greatly truncated inhibitor protein, Gln43-->end, was never detected even in the cells grown in the presence of the metal chelator. The rates of ATP synthesis and hydrolysis in the mutant mitochondria containing the Ile51-->end inhibitor were similar to those in wild type control cells, while the Ile51-->end inhibitor protein was degraded in the cells unless they were incubated in the presence of the chelator. These results indicate that the carboxyl-terminal region of the ATPase inhibitor is not involved in the its inhibitory action on the F1Fo-ATPase, but is required for the stable conformation of the protein which is protected against degradation by proteases.

Characterization of an ascidian maternal T-box gene, As-mT

The T-box genes encode a novel family of transcriptional factors that seem to play crucial roles in various processes of animal development, in particular, mesoderm formation of chordate embryos. The ascidian egg has been regarded as a typical mosaic egg, in which several types of embryonic cells are specified autonomously dependent on prelocalized maternal factors or determinants. In the present study, we investigated a possible role of a maternal T-box gene (As-mT) of the ascidian Halocynthia roretzi. A cDNA clone we obtained predicted As-mT protein of 891 amino acids with a distinct T-domain, which was divergent from those of other T-box genes. Expression of As-mT was exclusively maternal. Although the transcript became barely detectable by the gastrula stage, no zygotic expression was evident during embryogenesis. The maternal transcript was distributed rather evenly within eggs and early embryos without any special localization. Injection of synthetic As-mT mRNA into fertilized eggs induced retardation of embryogenesis. Although cleavage occurred normally, the initiation of gastrulation was delayed, and delay in the morphogenesis resulted in dumpy larvae. Expression of a muscle-specific actin gene, a notochord-specific Brachyury gene, and an epidermis-specific gene was not detected at the early gastrula stage, all of the three genes being expressed in normal embryos at that stage. However, the expression of these genes as well as a mesenchyme-specific gene and histochemical activity of endoderm-specific alkaline phosphatase were evident by the mid-tailbud stage.

Novel pattern of Brachyury gene expression in hemichordate embryos

Together with echinoderms and chordates, hemichordates constitute the third major group of the deuterostomes, which share a number of common developmental features. The Brachyury gene is responsible for the formation of notochord, the most defining feature of chordates. Therefore, isolation and characterization of the hemichordate homolog of Brachyury is key to understand the origin and evolution of chordates. Here we show that the hemichordate Brachyury gene (PfBra) is expressed in two regions of the gastrula and young tornaria larva, the archenteron invagination region and the stomodeum invagination region.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for TA-2005-glucuronide in human plasma

A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for TA-2005-glucuronide, a main metabolite of new adrenergic beta-receptor agonist TA-2005, has been investigated without prior deconjugation. Coupling of the hapten with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or beta-D-galactosidase was carried out by the N-hydroxysuccinimide ester method. An anti-TA-2005-glucuronide antiserum was obtained from guinea pig immunized with the hapten-BSA conjugate. The ELISA was based upon a competitive assay in which the separation of bound from free fraction was performed by the double antibody technique using rabbit anti guinea pig immunoglobulin antibody adsorbed to microtiter plates. A satisfactory standard curve for the ELISA of TA-2005-glucuronide was observed in the range of 30 pg-3 ng ml-1 using 25 microliters of human plasma. Inter-day and intra-assay variations were 7.0-17.5% and 1.0-11.7% respectively. The recoveries of TA-2005-glucuronide spiked to plasma samples were 95.5-120% (inter-assay) and 96.0-123.3% (intra-assay). The cross-reactivities of the prepared antiserum with the related compound of TA-2005-glucuronide were quite low though there was a considerable cross-reaction with TA-2005. However, TA-2005-glucuronide could be easily separated from TA-2005 by a simple pretreatment of the plasma sample with a C18 cartridge column. This method was applied to the determination of TA-2005-glucuronide in human plasma samples for the evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of TA-2005. From the results, it was demonstrated that the ELISA developed was useful for the determination of TA-2005-glucuronide in human plasma and that the method was applicable to pharmacokinetic studies in humans.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a sustained-release biodegradable pellet containing imidapril, a new angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of a sustained-release biodegradable pellet containing imidapril, a new angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, were investigated in comparison with those of an osmotic pump in male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). A pellet was prepared from copolymer of DL-lactic acid and glycolic acid by the melt-pressing technique. Imidapril was released in vitro from the pellet at an approximately zero-order rate and the release profile was similar to that of the osmotic pump. Imidapril was administered subcutaneously via a pellet or an osmotic pump implanted under the skin in the back of SHRs. Plasma concentrations of imidaprilat as an active metabolite of imidapril, plasma ACE activity and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were determined periodically. The plasma concentration of imidaprilat during the administration of a pellet was maintained for 4 weeks, and the plasma concentration profile was close to that of the osmotic pump. Both groups of pellet and osmotic pump significantly inhibited plasma ACE activity and reduced SBP for 4 weeks, and these action profiles were similar in both groups. In addition, in vivo release profile of the pellet was close to the in vitro release profile, and the in vivo release profiles of the pellet and the osmotic pump were similar to each other. From these results, it was found that the PK/PD of a biodegradable pellet were close to those of the osmotic pump, and it was shown that the pellet may be a useful system to maintain the plasma concentration of imidaprilat for a long time.

The recently-described ascidian species Molgula tectiformis is a direct developer

Molgula tectiformis is a new ascidian species recently described by Nishikawa (1991). In Otsuchi Bay, Iwate, Japan, they are easily obtainable from cages for culturing scallops. We report here that M. tectiformis is another example of a direct developer: their embryonic development is lacking the tadpole larva. The fertilized egg is orange and about 150 microns in diameter. At 18 degrees C, the egg cleaves at about 20 min intervals and gastrulation occurs about 5 hr after fertilization. In contrast to conventionally-developing ascidians, M. tectiformis does not form a tadpole larva. Immediately before hatching, three stolons or ampullae begin to extend from the tailless embryo. After hatching the stolons mediate the attachment of the juvenile body to the substratum. Histochemistry for tissue-specific enzyme activity did not detect muscle-specific acetyl-cholinesterase, endoderm-specific alkaline phosphatase, and pigment cell-specific tyrosinase. In addition, in situ hybridization could not prove the presence of muscle actin gene transcripts in the embryo. These results suggest that these larval tissues do not differentiate in M. tectiformis embryos. Because M. tectiformis is common and gravid year-around in Otsuchi Bay, this direct developer provides the opportunity for further analysis of molecular changes during evolution that cause an alternative mode of development.

Mutation of potential N-linked glycosylation sites in the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein (APP)

In order to study the mechanism of intracellular sorting and processing of the Alzheimer's disease amyloid precursor protein (APP), we deleted two potential N-linked glycosylation sites of APP by site-directed mutagenesis. Substitution of alanines for the critical asparagine residues Asn467 and Asn496 was performed. Wild-type and mutant APPs were expressed in COS-1 cells by cDNA transfection and the expressed of the protein and secretion of N-terminal large fragment was observed. The initial secretion of the mutant APP appeared to be slow compared with wild-type. In addition, we found that a distinct APP fragment, the cytosolic form, is transiently increased in the cytosol fraction of COS-1 cells. These results suggest that aberrant processing occurs following the expression of a mutant APP with Ala substituted for Asn, and that glycosylation may modulate the intracellular sorting of APP.

Effects of active and passive recoveries on splitting of the inorganic phosphate peak determined by 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Six male long-distance runners performed knee flexion exercises in a 2.1 T superconducting magnet. 31P MRS was used to investigate the splitting pattern of the inorganic phosphate (Pi) peak during active and passive recovery. During exercise splitting of the Pi peak into two was observed (high and low pH) and after exercise the manner in which the Pi peak disappeared was different in passive and active recoveries. During passive recovery, in which exercise was not performed at all, the high-pH Pi peak disappeared more rapidly than the low-pH Pi peak. The low-pH Pi peak remained at a similar acidified chemical shift as during exercise, and then gradually disappeared during passive recovery. Conversely, during active recovery in which unloaded exercise was followed, the high-pH Pi peak was reduced, but remained, whereas the low-pH Pi peak returned very quickly to the pre-exercise level and then disappeared. Teh recovery rate of the low pH during active recovery (0.095 +/- 0.019 pH units/min) was significantly faster than that during passive recovery (0.014 +/- 0.019 pH units/min) (p < 0.01). The slow disappearance of the low pH Pi peak during passive recovery can be explained by the halting of glycogenolysis and an insufficient oxygen supply to resting glycolytic fibers, whereas the quick disappearance observed with active recovery would have been due to elevated sufficient oxygen supply and efficient removal of lactate as a result of the maintained blood flow. Oxy-myoglobin and hemoglobin was also measured with near infrared spectroscopy.

[Antituberculous drug-resistance among homeless peoples]

We studied on the prevalence of drug-resistance among 65 homeless cases who were admitted and treated for active tuberculosis at the Nakano National Chest Hospital during the period from 1990 to 1992 and at the International Medical Center of Japan during the period from 1993 to 1994. Resistance to one or more first line antituberculous drug were revealed in 14 cases out of 65 (21.5%) in initially treated cases 6 out of 43, and in retreated cases 8 out of 22. The prevalence of drug resistance in this study was significantly higher compared with 2 out of 39 cases (5.1%) in our previous report during the period from 1986 to 1988. In these drug-resistant cases, multidrug-resistant cases, namely, resistant to at least 2 drugs including both INH and RFP were founded in 6 cases (9.2%). Compared with drug-sensitive cases, the negative convertion rate of bacilli was lower and the number of defalters was significantly larger. It was suggested that higher prevalence of drug-resistance and defalting from the adequate treatment in homeless cases of tuberculosis possibly makes the prognosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis worse and treatment of such cases more difficult.

An intrinsic ATPase inhibitor binds near the active site of yeast mitochondrial F1-ATPase

An ATPase inhibitor and its stabilizing factor, the 9K protein, are regulatory factors of F1F0-ATPase. The binding sites for these factors on F1 were examined using the zero length cross-linkers, N-ethoxycarbonyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline, and 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylamino)propyl]carbodiimide. The cross-linked products were analyzed by immunoblotting after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The inhibitor and the 9K protein cross-linked to the alpha and beta subunits of F1, indicating that they interacted with both subunits. Peptide mapping and amino acid sequence analysis of the cross-linked products after weak acid hydrolysis showed that the inhibitor cross-linked to the Pro334-Asp363 region of the beta subunit. Amino acid sequence analysis of the cross-linked peptide showed that the inhibitor binds to Asp363 of the beta subunit. As this region contains the amino acid residues, including Tyr359, that are modified by nucleotide analogs and form the active site, the inhibitor probably binds to the catalytic site of F1.

Muscle-specific calpain, p94, responsible for limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A, associates with connectin through IS2, a p94-specific sequence

p94, a muscle-specific member of calpain family, is unique in that it undergoes rapid and exhaustive autolysis with a half-life of less than 1 h resulting in its disappearance from muscle. Recently, p94 was shown to be responsible for limb girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A. To elucidate the muscular proteolytic system mediated by p94 and to solve the mystery of its unusually rapid autolysis, we searched for p94-binding proteins by the two-hybrid system. Although calpain small subunit plays a crucial role for regulation of ubiquitous calpains, it did not associate with p94. After a screening of skeletal muscle library, connectin (or titin), a gigantic filamentous protein spanning the M- to Z-lines of muscle sarcomere, was found to bind to p94 through a p94-specific region, IS2. The connectin-insoluble fraction of washed myofibrils contained full-length intact p94, suggesting that connectin regulates p94 activity.

Onset of diabetes with high titer anti-GAD antibody after IFN therapy for chronic hepatitis

A case of hyperglycemia induced by the injection of interferon-alpha was experienced in our hospital. This patient showed a sustained high titer of anti-GAD antibody after the onset of diabetes, suggesting that the involvement of immunological disturbance by IFN induces the onset of the disease. However, the susceptibility and the response of the immune system differs from patient to patient, and only limited destruction of beta-cells in the islet of Langerhans and normalization of glucose tolerance by CSII was induced in this patient.

Proliferating trichilemmal tumor on the dorsum of the hand

A patient with a proliferating trichilemmal tumor on the dorsum of a hand is described. A surgical excision was performed, and the skin defect was covered with a distally based posterior interosseous island flap. In the operation, an iron fragment was found beneath the mass, and this was thought to have triggered development of the tumor.

Ca2+ release from mitochondria induces cytosolic enzyme leakage in anoxic liver

The mechanisms of elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration during anoxia causing cytosolic enzyme leakage were studied in perfused rat liver. Before anoxia the Ca2+ contents in mitochondria of perfused rat liver were varied by addition of noradrenaline and glucagon, lowering Ca2+ concentration in the perfusion medium, and addition of Ca2+ channel blocker, either singly or in combination. The amount of cytosolic enzyme leakage during anoxic perfusion positively correlated with the mitochondrial Ca2+ content just before anoxia and also with Ca2+ release from mitochondria during anoxia. However, the amount of cytosolic enzyme leakage during anoxic perfusion did not correlate with the Ca2+ concentration in the perfusion medium and microsomal Ca2+ content. These data support the hypothesis that in anoxic liver, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is elevated to a pathological level mainly by Ca2+ release from mitochondria, causing the cytosolic enzyme leakage.