MITOCHONDRIAL MEMBRANE POTENTIAL, MORPHOLOGY AND ATP PRODUCTION IN MAMMALIAN CELLS EXPOSED TO X-RAYS

This study aimed to reveal the effect of X-irradiation on mitochondrial function in terms of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP productivity. At the cellular level, ΔΨm was quantified using JC-1, a mitochondrial probe that emits red or green fluorescence at high or low ΔΨm sites, respectively. The fluorescence area was quantified for both colors together relative to the whole-cell area of the same cell. The fluorescence areas versus whole-cell areas varied widely among the irradiated cells depending on the X-ray doses received (6 and 10 Gy) and incubation time, although the relative red area to total mitochondrial area was rather constant. Average ATP concentrations temporarily increased and showed a maximum at 48 h after irradiation for largely G1-arrested cells. These results indicate that an increase of mitochondrial volume per cell, not simply an increase in their active sites, is induced by irradiation, resulting in enhanced ATP production.

Perlecan regulates bidirectional Wnt signaling at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction

Perlecan/Trol at the neuromuscular junction suppresses presynaptic canonical Wg signaling but enhances the postsynaptic Frizzled nuclear import pathway.

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of Wnt signaling activity in several tissues. At the Drosophila melanogaster neuromuscular junction (NMJ), Wnt/Wingless (Wg) regulates the formation of both pre- and postsynaptic structures; however, the mechanism balancing such bidirectional signaling remains elusive. In this paper, we demonstrate that mutations in the gene of a secreted HSPG, perlecan/trol, resulted in diverse postsynaptic defects and overproduction of synaptic boutons at NMJ. The postsynaptic defects, such as reduction in subsynaptic reticulum (SSR), were rescued by the postsynaptic activation of the Frizzled nuclear import Wg pathway. In contrast, overproduction of synaptic boutons was suppressed by the presynaptic down-regulation of the canonical Wg pathway. We also show that Trol was localized in the SSR and promoted postsynaptic accumulation of extracellular Wg proteins. These results suggest that Trol bidirectionally regulates both pre- and postsynaptic activities of Wg by precisely distributing Wg at the NMJ.

Neuronal conditions of spinal cord in dermatitis are improved by olopatadine

Intense pruritus and cutaneous reactivity represent cardinal features of eczema. The resulting scratching behaviors alter neuronal conditions of the spinal dorsal horn where the primary sensory afferent fibers transmit cutaneous stimulation and deteriorate eczematous skin lesions. We investigated the effects of olopatadine hydrochloride (olopatadine) on alteration of neuronal conditions of the spinal dorsal horn and eczematous skin lesions induced by contact dermatitis. Eczematous lesions were induced by repeated application of diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) in BALB/c mice. Olopatadine suppressed scratching behavior caused by repeated application of DCP in mice. Increased expressions of c-Fos and substance P in the spinal dorsal horn following DCP application were improved by olopatadine. Furthermore, olopatadine diminished the number of infiltrating cells and levels of cytokines in eczematous skin lesions resulting from DCP application. Olopatadine improves neurological conditions in the spinal cord and eczematous skin lesions in a murine contact dermatitis model.

Hyaluronan forms complexes with low density lipoprotein while also inducing foam cell infiltration in the dermis

BACKGROUND

Xanthoma is a foam cell infiltrating lesion similar to atherosclerosis. Glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans have long been considered to play a role in atherogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of hyaluronan, the main dermal glycosaminoglycan, in xanthoma formation.

METHODS

The complex formation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) with hyaluronan was investigated by assaying the cholesterol level of precipitates that were formed by incubating LDL, hyaluronan and cetylpyridinium chloride in the presence of Ca2+. The uptake of LDL by mouse peritoneal macrophages was studied by assaying the cellular cholesterol esterification activity. The responsible receptor for the LDL internalization was examined by saturating hyaluronan receptor and blocking class A macrophage scavenger receptor (CD204). Hyaluronan was injected into the dorsal skin of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits to reveal the xanthoma inducing activity of hyaluronan.

RESULTS

Cetylpyridinium chloride precipitated hyaluronan, which had formed complexes with LDL. The macrophages incorporated hyaluronan-LDL complexes and oxidized LDL via CD204. Foam cell infiltration and cholesterol accumulation were induced by intradermal injections of hyaluronan in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

CONCLUSION

Hyaluronan, like other sulfated glycosaminoglycans, retains LDL by forming a complex. Via macrophage scavenger receptors, macrophages incorporate not only LDL-hyaluronan complexes, but also oxidized LDL, which has been oxidized during the retention time.

Alteration of sensorineural circuits in spinal cord by chronic contact dermatitis

In the present study, eczema-induced alteration of sensorineural circuits of the spinal dorsal horn was investigated. Eczematous lesions resembling atopic dermatitis were induced by repeated application of diphenylcyclopropenone (DCP) onto murine right hind paws. Immunohistochemical labeling of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P was increased in the dorsal horn on the DCP-treated side. Expression of calcium binding proteins, calretinin and calbindin-D28K, normally widely seen in dorsal horn interneurons, was up-regulated on the DCP-treated side. E-Cadherin and alpha-N-catenin, synapse-related molecules, were intensely expressed in the spinal dorsal horn of the DCP-treated side. Interestingly, c-Fos positive cells were also significantly increased in laminae I and III of the DCP-treated side. These results suggest an enhanced release of neuropeptides from peripheral afferents and alterations in the sensorineural circuitry of the dorsal horn. These changes may account for the enhanced sensory sensitivity recognized in patients with chronic eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Isolated medial medullary infarction due to vertebral artery dissection

A 54-year-old man developed left hemiparesis and tactile and deep sensory disturbance following onset of rightside cervical pain. These symptoms resulted from an isolated infarct in the right medial area of the upper medulla oblongata and intracranial vertebral artery (VA) dissection. Atherosclerotic disease of the VA is the most common cause of medial medullary infarction. In past reports of isolated medial medullary infarction, only a few cases involved VA dissection.

Discovery of Novel Aldose Reductase Inhibitors Using a Protein Structure-Based Approach: 3D-Database Search Followed by Design and Synthesis

Aldose reductase (AR) has been implicated in the etiology of diabetic complications. Due to the limited number of currently available drugs for the treatment of diabetic complications, we have carried out structure-based drug design and synthesis in an attempt to find new types of AR inhibitors. With the ADAM&EVE program, a three-dimensional database (ACD3D) was searched using the ligand binding site of the AR crystal structure. Out of 179 compounds selected through this search followed by visual inspection, 36 compounds were purchased and subjected to a biological assay. Ten compounds showed more than 40% inhibition of AR at a 15 microg/mL concentration. In a subsequent lead optimization, a series of analogues of the most active compound were synthesized based on the docking mode derived by ADAM&EVE. Many of these congeners exhibited higher activities compared to the mother compound. Indeed, the most potent, synthesized compound showed an approximately 20-fold increase in inhibitory activity (IC(50) = 0.21 vs 4.3 microM). Furthermore, a hydrophobic subsite was newly inferred, which would be useful for the design of inhibitors with improved affinity for AR.

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.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of TT virus (TTV) in patients with sporadic acute hepatitis of unknown etiology

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Recently, a novel DNA virus was isolated from the serum of a patient with post-transfusion non-A-G hepatitis and named TT virus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of TT virus infection in patients with sporadic acute hepatitis of unknown etiology.

METHODS

TT virus was investigated in the serum of 66 patients with sporadic acute hepatitis non-A-G and 50 healthy controls by semi-nested PCR with previously published primers.

RESULTS

TT virus was detected in 17 (26%) of the 66 patients with sporadic acute hepatitis non-A-G and in a slightly higher rate (34%,17/50) in the control group. No significant differences in alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin concentrations were observed between the groups of patients with or without TT virus infection. Eighty per cent (12/15) of patients for whom follow up was possible had persistent viremia from 4 to 36 months, and 67% (8/12) of these patients had already normalized their levels of alanine aminotransferase. A phylogenetic tree constructed by the Neighbor Joining Method revealed that all isolates in this study were grouped within genotype 1a and 1b, without showing any association between genetic type and development of hepatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that TT virus DNA is present not only in patients with sporadic acute hepatitis non-A-G but also in a large proportion of the general population. This virus was not likely to be the causative agent of hepatitis among the patients in this study.

Influence of fabrication errors on wölter mirror imaging performance

The resolution of the Wölter mirror, which is utilized as an objective in soft-x-ray microscopes, is limited by fabrication errors. We studied the relation between fabrication errors and imaging performance of the Wölter mirror to determine how this performance could be improved. Figure errors, which are characterized by low spatial frequency, were analyzed by ray tracing, and surface roughness, characterized by high spatial frequency, was analyzed by modified ray tracing. Modified ray tracing was based on ray tracing but took scattering into account. The results of these analyses were compared with experimental data. As a result, we obtained a simple and practical fabricating tolerance criterion that may be employed to obtain higher Wölter mirror resolution. Additionally, we discuss problems in current Wölter mirror fabrication techniques and the changes that might be made in both the design and the fabrication process to improve imaging performance.

Long-term follow up of abdominal aortic aneurysm complicating Kawasaki disease: comparison of the effectiveness of different imaging methods

A 2 month old boy with Kawasaki disease developed the rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). He was followed up over 7 years by ultrasonography (2D-ECHO) with and without Doppler flow evaluation, angiography and computed tomography. Calcification was noted 33 months after the onset of the disease but the aneurysm did not decrease in size. 2D-ECHO was adequate for evaluating the size of an aneurysm, but did not show thrombus formation or calcification. Doppler flow studies did not show abnormally high blood flow velocities either at the inflow or outlet of aneurysms, which are indicative of stenosis. On the other hand an abdominal aortogram provided information regarding the luminal shape and abnormalities in flow pattern suggestive of thrombus formation. Fluoroscopy cannot demonstrate calcification in the early stages. Computed tomography (CT) was the imaging method of choice for the evaluation of obstructive or calcific changes; an organizing thrombus was clearly demonstrated and early detection of calcification was possible.

Detection of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA viral sequences by polymerase chain reaction in selected Kenyan samples and the relationship to HBV seromarkers

We undertook a study on selected samples from patients who had presented with viral hepatitis and conditions of the liver (liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma). Diagnosis, screening and confirmation for viral hepatitis was done using a battery of techniques: ultrasound, conventional serological methods (Hepatitis B surface Antigen [HBsAg] - Reverse Passive Haemagglutination [RPHA], Hepatitis B core Antibody [HBcAb] - Passive Haemagglutination [PHA], Alpha-feto Protein - RPHA), Hepatitis B e Antigen/Antibody [HBeAg/Ab] - Radioimmunoassay [RIA], Hepatitis C antibody [HCV-Ab] - Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay [EIA]. Due to the high specificity and sensitivity of the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique [PCR] in detecting the viral genomes, it was used to establish the presence of the HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA to correlate the serological diagnosis of their respective seromarkers. A total of 39 serum samples were tested comprising 11 blood donors, 8 chronic liver disease patients and 20 hepatocellular carcinoma cases. 4/19 (21%) HCV-antibody (C-l) reactive samples were found to be positive for HCV-RNA by PCR. 14 of the 19 (73.7%) including the 4 HCV-RNA positive cases tested positive for HBcAb. 6 of 11 (55%) HBsAg positive cases also tested positive for HBV-DNA by PCR, In 8 of 20 (40%) hepatocellular carcinoma cases, no aetiological role could be assigned to hepatitis B or C as only HBcAb was demonstrated in those cases.

Computed tomography in fetal methylmercury poisoning

Cerebral computed tomography was studied in eight patients with fetal methylmercury poisoning. All patients had evidence of prenatal exposure to methylmercury and showed psychomotor retardation. All of them had abnormal computed tomography findings. The most common finding was sulcal and ventricular enlargement, with or without cisternal enlargement. These findings indicated generalized cortical and subcortical maldevelopment. The distribution of sulcal and fissural enlargement did not show specific dominance in central sulcus, calcarine fissure or cerebellum. This distribution contrasts with the location of focal atrophy present in adult methylmercury poisoning. The computed tomography findings were relatively mild compared with the clinical features and were not distinct from those in cerebral palsy.

Patients with homocystinuria: high metal concentrations in hair, blood and urine

Patients with homocystinuria excrete a large amount of metal in their urine. Homocysteine similar to penicillamine, administration to methylmercury treated rats resulted in a large amount of urinary methylmercury excretion. These results suggested that the total metal amounts in the whole body of patients with homocystinuria might be decreased. However, actually metal concentrations in hair and plasma of these patients were higher than those of normal controls. High plasma and hair metal levels are not accounted for in patients with homocystinuria. The physiological metal excretory mechanism in which small amounts of metals bind to the small, plasma molecular substances filter through the kidney and emerge in the urine is necessary for reconfirmation. Strongly perturbed metal metabolism exists in the patients with homocystinuria.

Truncal hypesthesia in patients with Minamata disease

Patients with Minamata disease (methylmercury intoxication) usually suffer from the glove and stocking type hypesthesia in the extremities. Recently it is believed that the sensory disturbance of the disease may be a manifestation of the cerebral involvement. The aim of this study was to determine the pain threshold of their extremities and body by algesimeter. The results showed that a majority of the patients had elevated pain thresholds in the body and the extremities, and suggest that the pain impairment is not responsible for the peripheral nerve involvement.

Neonatal tuberous sclerosis with heart and brain tumors

A 6-day-old neonate with tuberous sclerosis having brain and cardiac tumors is reported. The patient presented with a seizure 20 minutes after birth. Cranial ultrasonography and computed tomography on admission showed a large and round high-density tumor lesion in the left frontal lobe. Echocardiography also showed a large tumor lesion beside the left ventricle wall, and a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis was promptly made. Two months later, a periventricular calcified lesion was found on the demonstrated portion, and the tumor lesion initially observed in the brain had disappeared. These findings suggest that the initial tumor lesion found in the brain developed into a typical calcified lesion.

Post-traumatic stress disorder among Special Forces Vietnam veterans

Fifty-seven Special Forces Vietnam Veterans were studied to determine if special selection and rigorous training affected the frequency and pattern of predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No absolute immunity to PTSD was conferred. Frequency (25%) and predictors of PTSD were similar to those reported for other groups of Vietnam Veterans. Symptoms of PTSD were associated with poorer pre-service relationships, being wounded, being wounded after return from R&R, having friends missing in action, feeling guilt over the death of a friend, lack of emotional preparation to leave the unit or service, and failure to discuss feelings upon return from Vietnam.

Determination of urine thiocyanate in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

It has been reported that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-Parkinsonism-dementia in Guam might be related to the eating of Cycas seeds, which contain cyanide. Based on this assumption, we determined the urinary thiocyanate excretion level in patients with ALS and compared this with that of other neurological diseases. The assay method was designed to use column chromatography with Amberlite IRA 402. The thiocyanate level was determined using pyridine-barbiturate method. The 24-h thiocyanate level was higher in the ALS patients of the middle stages than in the normal control group (Wilcoxon's test, P less than 0.02). There were no significant differences between the ALS patient groups of the early and terminal stages, Kugelberg-Welander disease group, Duchenne type muscular dystrophy group and control group. From these results, we concluded that ALS patients were contaminated with cyanide or thiocyanate and that, along with rapid muscular atrophy, the thiocyanate excretion levels were high.

Comparative biochemical and morphometric studies on corneal wound healing

Comparative biochemical and morphological studies were carried out on wounded corneas in order to correlate biochemical findings with morphometric observations during the healing process. Experimental production of corneal wounds, biochemical determinations and quantitative morphometric studies are described in an attempt to correlate corneal matrix macromolecules biosynthesis during the healing process with the morphological modifications of the tissue. The central part and the peripheral part of the corneas were examined separately and compared to the central and peripheral parts of the controlateral corneas. The DNA content of the central portion of the wounded corneas progressively increased and reached after 60 days the same level as the corresponding portion of the controlateral corneas. The DNA contents of the peripheral portions of wounded and controlateral corneas are persistently higher than the DNA contents in the central portion. In peripheral portions of wounded corneas the DNA content is higher than in controlateral corneas and continues to increase steadily during the 60 days of experimentation. Cell density, as determined by morphometry, increased also during that period. The differences between the evolution of the DNA contents and cell density curves may be attributed to variations in cell sizes. The collagen content, estimated from hydroxyproline determinations remained lower in the wounded corneas as compared to the controlateral corneas, even 60 days after operation. This was true for the central as well as for the peripheral portions, suggesting a collagenolytic process as a result of wounding. This is confirmed by morphometric evaluation of fiber density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The clearance of manganese chloride in the primate

Two macaque monkeys inhaled trace amounts of 54MnCl2 for 30 min. Subsequently the chest, head, and fecal radioactivity were monitored for over a year. The chest data curve required a sum of three exponential terms, with half-times ranging from 0.2 to 187 days, to attain a satisfactory fit. Head levels peaked 40 days after acute inhalation exposure and remained elevated for over a year. The excretion of manganese through the feces was best described by a sum of two exponentials. One had a half-time of less than 1 day and the second had a half-time of 50 to 60 days. A third macaque received a 6-week continuous exposure to 54Mn through a subcutaneous osmotic pump. With this route, manganese clearance from the head occurred at a faster rate than after acute inhalation exposure. Fecal elimination following continuous subcutaneous exposure resembled that following acute inhalation. Kinetic analyses suggested that the long half-times of manganese in the head following inhalation reflected both slow disappearance from the head and replenishment from other depots.

A comparison of statistical outcome variables in extremely low birth weight infants

Three different summary statistics of developmental outcome are described. These include the "handicap ratio" (handicapped individuals divided by survivors), the "handicap rate" (handicapped individuals divided by live births for that birth weight group), and the "handicaps per 10,000 live births" (handicapped individuals divided by 10,000 live births for a geographic region). An analysis of these statistics was undertaken using a sample of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) (less than 1,001 g) infants born in Hawaii during the period of 1975-1981. The results of this study showed a poor correlation between these summary statistics. The results suggest that these statistics represent different aspects of outcome in the ELBW infant. Suitable uses for each of these variables is discussed.

Blood vitamin B1, transketolase and thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) effect in beriberi patients, with studies employing discriminant analysis

In recent years, many cases of beriberi have been reported throughout Japan. One may assume that a great many healthy subjects suffer from a subclinical thiamine deficiency. The present study was carried out in order to examine thiamine status in 21 beriberi patients and 674 apparently normal subjects. In the beriberi patients the total vitamin B1 in whole blood and transketolase activity in the hemolysate were significantly lower, and the thiamine pyrophosphate effect was significantly higher, compared to normal subjects. However, these two groups could not be clearly separated by these biochemical parameters because of significant overlap. On analyzing the results of these biochemical parameters by discriminant analysis, beriberi could be diagnosed with an accuracy of 87,7%. Thus, vitamin B1 levels in blood, transketolase activity and the thiamine pyrophosphate effect in the hemolysate are useful biochemical indices for the diagnosis of beriberi. Above all, the thiamine pyrophosphate effect proved to be the most effective parameter in distinguishing the beriberi group from normal subjects.