Metagenomic analyses of 7000 to 5500 years old coprolites excavated from the Torihama shell-mound site in the Japanese archipelago

Coprolites contain various kinds of ancient DNAs derived from gut micro-organisms, viruses, and foods, which can help to determine the gut environment of ancient peoples. Their genomic information should be helpful in elucidating the interaction between hosts and microbes for thousands of years, as well as characterizing the dietary behaviors of ancient people. We performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing on four coprolites excavated from the Torihama shell-mound site in the Japanese archipelago. The coprolites were found in the layers of the Early Jomon period, corresponding stratigraphically to 7000 to 5500 years ago. After shotgun sequencing, we found that a significant number of reads showed homology with known gut microbe, viruses, and food genomes typically found in the feces of modern humans. We detected reads derived from several types of phages and their host bacteria simultaneously, suggesting the coexistence of viruses and their hosts. The food genomes provide biological evidence for the dietary behavior of the Jomon people, consistent with previous archaeological findings. These results indicate that ancient genomic analysis of coprolites is useful for understanding the gut environment and lifestyle of ancient peoples.

Detection of Ancient Viruses and Long-Term Viral Evolution

The COVID-19 outbreak has reminded us of the importance of viral evolutionary studies as regards comprehending complex viral evolution and preventing future pandemics. A unique approach to understanding viral evolution is the use of ancient viral genomes. Ancient viruses are detectable in various archaeological remains, including ancient people's skeletons and mummified tissues. Those specimens have preserved ancient viral DNA and RNA, which have been vigorously analyzed in the last few decades thanks to the development of sequencing technologies. Reconstructed ancient pathogenic viral genomes have been utilized to estimate the past pandemics of pathogenic viruses within the ancient human population and long-term evolutionary events. Recent studies revealed the existence of non-pathogenic viral genomes in ancient people's bodies. These ancient non-pathogenic viruses might be informative for inferring their relationships with ancient people's diets and lifestyles. Here, we reviewed the past and ongoing studies on ancient pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses and the usage of ancient viral genomes to understand their long-term viral evolution.

Evaluation of a colourimetric method for the measurement of oxidation in butter

Butter is an emulsion of water in oil containing approximately 25% unsaturated fat. It is used in various types of cooking because of its delectable flavour. However, oxygen absorption by the unsaturated fatty acids alters its quality. Therefore, oxidation measurement is essential for the quality evaluation of butter. Although titrimetric analysis is mainly used for oxidation measurement in butter, it needs a large quantity of samples and reagents, and the results lack reproducibility. In this study, the colourimetric method was evaluated to measure oxidation levels in butter. A comparative analysis of the standard titrimetric methods and the colourimetric method revealed an increase in the oxidation levels with an increase in time. The findings demonstrated a positive correlation between the titrimetric and colourimetric methods. Furthermore, the measurement accuracy of the colourimetric method was less than 10% (1.7–9.5%) on all examination days. Overall, these findings suggest the efficiency of the colourimetric method to measure oxidation in butter with increased accuracy.

Comprehensive discovery of CRISPR-targeted terminally redundant sequences in the human gut metagenome: Viruses, plasmids, and more

Viruses are the most numerous biological entity, existing in all environments and infecting all cellular organisms. Compared with cellular life, the evolution and origin of viruses are poorly understood; viruses are enormously diverse, and most lack sequence similarity to cellular genes. To uncover viral sequences without relying on either reference viral sequences from databases or marker genes that characterize specific viral taxa, we developed an analysis pipeline for virus inference based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). CRISPR is a prokaryotic nucleic acid restriction system that stores the memory of previous exposure. Our protocol can infer CRISPR-targeted sequences, including viruses, plasmids, and previously uncharacterized elements, and predict their hosts using unassembled short-read metagenomic sequencing data. By analyzing human gut metagenomic data, we extracted 11,391 terminally redundant CRISPR-targeted sequences, which are likely complete circular genomes. The sequences included 2,154 tailed-phage genomes, together with 257 complete crAssphage genomes, 11 genomes larger than 200 kilobases, 766 genomes of Microviridae species, 56 genomes of Inoviridae species, and 95 previously uncharacterized circular small genomes that have no reliably predicted protein-coding gene. We predicted the host(s) of approximately 70% of the discovered genomes at the taxonomic level of phylum by linking protospacers to taxonomically assigned CRISPR direct repeats. These results demonstrate that our protocol is efficient for de novo inference of CRISPR-targeted sequences and their host prediction.

The evolution and origins of viruses are long-standing questions in the field of biology. Viral genomes provide fundamental information to infer the evolution and origin of viruses. However, viruses are extraordinarily diverse, and there are no single genes shared across entire species. Several methods were developed to collect viral genomes from metagenome. To infer viral genomes from metagenome, previous approaches relied on reference viral genomes. We thought that such reference-based methods may not be sufficient to uncover diverse viral genomes; therefore, we developed a pipeline that utilizes CRISPR, a prokaryotic adaptive immunological memory. Using this pipeline, we discovered more than 10,000 positively complete CRISPR-targeted genomes from human gut metagenome datasets. A substantial portion of the discovered genomes encoded various types of capsid proteins, supporting the contention that these sequences are viral. Although the majority of these capsid-protein-coding sequences were previously characterized, we notably discovered Inoviridae genomes that were previously difficult to infer as being viral. Furthermore, some of the remaining unclassified sequences without a detectable capsid-protein-encoding gene had a notably low protein-coding ratio. Overall, our pipeline successfully discovered viruses and previously uncharacterized presumably mobile genetic elements targeted by CRISPR.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

Constraints on Cosmic Strings Using Data from the Third Advanced LIGO-Virgo Observing Run

We search for gravitational-wave signals produced by cosmic strings in the Advanced LIGO and Virgo full O3 dataset. Search results are presented for gravitational waves produced by cosmic string loop features such as cusps, kinks, and, for the first time, kink-kink collisions. A template-based search for short-duration transient signals does not yield a detection. We also use the stochastic gravitational-wave background energy density upper limits derived from the O3 data to constrain the cosmic string tension Gμ as a function of the number of kinks, or the number of cusps, for two cosmic string loop distribution models. Additionally, we develop and test a third model that interpolates between these two models. Our results improve upon the previous LIGO-Virgo constraints on Gμ by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude depending on the model that is tested. In particular, for the one-loop distribution model, we set the most competitive constraints to date: Gμ≲4×10^{-15}. In the case of cosmic strings formed at the end of inflation in the context of grand unified theories, these results challenge simple inflationary models.

OP0107 CLINICAL EFFICACY OF ROMOSOZUMAB IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS FOR 12 MONTHS

Background:

Romosozumab (ROMO), a monoclonal antibody that binds sclerostin, increases bone formation and decreases bone resorption. And although it is a novel therapeutic agent for osteoporosis, which has shown high effects of increasing bone density and inhibiting fragile fracture in overseas clinical trials. However the clinical efficacy for rheumatoid arthritis complicated with osteoporosis (RA-OP) is unknown.

Objectives:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ROMO in patients with RA-OP for 12 months.

Methods:

RA patients diagnosed according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria. All patients met at least one of the following criteria were eligible; a bone mineral density T score of -2.5 or less at the lumber spine or total hip and either one or more moderate or severe vertebral fractures or two or more mild vertebral fractures. All patients were initiated ROMO from between March and December, 2019. The total number of patients was 13 cases. The ROMO dose was 210mg at once every 1 months. In all cases native or activated vitamin D has been used. We reviewed the results for 12 months about the increase and decrease of bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar spine(LS) and total hip(TH) by DEXA and bone turnover markers, intact n-terminal propeptide type I procollagen(PINP) and tartrate-resistant acid phopshatate form 5b(TRACP-5b).

Results:

The gender was all female. The mean age was 73.2 ± 7.6; disease duration was 20.5 ± 16.9 years; the body mass index was 19.7 ± 3.0 and the FRAX was 40.5 ± 16.2. Clinical findings related to RA-OP at baseline were as follows; CRP 1.29 ± 1.66; DAS-CRP 3.43 ± 0.96; HAQ 1.59 ± 0.97 and, bone turnover markers and bone mineral density at baseline were as follows; P1NP 58.1 ± 33.5; TRACP-5b 438 ± 216; LS-BMD and T-score 0.81 ± 0.15 g/cm2 and -2.63 ± 1.05 and TH-BMD 0.54 ± 0.08 g/cm2 and -3.22 ± 0.64 g/cm2. The rate of increased P1NP from baseline to 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were each 114.3 ± 90.6% at 1 month, 131.6 ± 134.3% at 3 month, 122.6 ± 174.3% at 6 month and 80.4 ± 181.6% at 12 month and decreased TRAC-5b were -10.7 ± 20.8% at 1 month, 7.9 ± 36.9% at 3 month, 25.5 ± 64.6% at 6 month and 32.5 ± 77.0% at 12 month. The rate of increased LS-BMD from baseline to 6 and 12 months were 8.6 ± 8.0%, 12.5 ± 11.1% and TH-BMD were 4.3 ± 5.0%, 6.8 ± 6.9% (Fig. 1, 2).

Conclusion:

Clinical efficacy of ROMO for RA-OP was extremely effective and has the high potential to be an important option in the treatment of RA-OP.

References:

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

Actuation performance of a photo-bending crystal modeled by machine learning-based regression

The bending deflection and blocking force of photo-bending crystals of different sizes were experimentally measured at various light intensities, and then modeled by the machine learning-based regression.

Identification of Monohexosylceramides From Euglena gracilis by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

To date, the monohexosylceramides present in the eukaryotic alga Euglena gracilis has not been reported. In this study, we extracted and purified a lipid fraction that eluted similarly to other reported monohexosylceramides. The structural determination of the lipid fraction revealed a monohexosylceramide ( m/ z = 889.5 and a loss of m/ z = 162), corresponding to the formula C54H99O8N having moieties corresponding to a monohexose (C6H12O6), a 9-methyl-4,8-sphingadienine (C19H37O2N), and a nonacosanoic acid with 2 double bonds (C29H54O2). This is the first report of the isolation of monohexosylceramides from E. gracilis and will promote its utilization in functional foods and cosmetics.

Prospects for observing and localizing gravitational-wave transients with Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA

We present our current best estimate of the plausible observing scenarios for the Advanced LIGO, Advanced Virgo and KAGRA gravitational-wave detectors over the next several years, with the intention of providing information to facilitate planning for multi-messenger astronomy with gravitational waves. We estimate the sensitivity of the network to transient gravitational-wave signals for the third (O3), fourth (O4) and fifth observing (O5) runs, including the planned upgrades of the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. We study the capability of the network to determine the sky location of the source for gravitational-wave signals from the inspiral of binary systems of compact objects, that is binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems. The ability to localize the sources is given as a sky-area probability, luminosity distance, and comoving volume. The median sky localization area (90% credible region) is expected to be a few hundreds of square degrees for all types of binary systems during O3 with the Advanced LIGO and Virgo (HLV) network. The median sky localization area will improve to a few tens of square degrees during O4 with the Advanced LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA (HLVK) network. During O3, the median localization volume (90% credible region) is expected to be on the order of 10 5 , 10 6 , 10 7 Mpc 3 for binary neutron star, neutron star-black hole, and binary black hole systems, respectively. The localization volume in O4 is expected to be about a factor two smaller than in O3. We predict a detection count of 1 - 1 + 12 ( 10 - 10 + 52 ) for binary neutron star mergers, of 0 - 0 + 19 ( 1 - 1 + 91 ) for neutron star-black hole mergers, and 17 - 11 + 22 ( 79 - 44 + 89 ) for binary black hole mergers in a one-calendar-year observing run of the HLV network during O3 (HLVK network during O4). We evaluate sensitivity and localization expectations for unmodeled signal searches, including the search for intermediate mass black hole binary mergers.

Combination gemcitabine plus S-1 versus gemcitabine plus cisplatin for advanced/recurrent biliary tract cancer: the FUGA-BT (JCOG1113) randomized phase III clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GC) is the standard treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC); however, it causes nausea, vomiting, and anorexia, and requires hydration. Gemcitabine plus S-1 (GS) reportedly has equal to, or better, efficacy and an acceptable toxicity profile. We aimed to confirm the non-inferiority of GS to GC for patients with advanced/recurrent BTC in terms of overall survival (OS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We undertook a phase III randomized trial in 33 institutions in Japan. Eligibility criteria included chemotherapy-naïve patients with recurrent or unresectable BTC, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status of 0 - 1, and adequate organ function. The calculated sample size was 350 with a one-sided α of 5%, a power of 80%, and non-inferiority margin hazard ratio (HR) of 1.155. The primary end point was OS, while the secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), response rate (RR), adverse events (AEs), and clinically significant AEs defined as grade ≥2 fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, oral mucositis, or diarrhea.

RESULTS

Between May 2013 and March 2016, 354 patients were enrolled. GS was found to be non-inferior to GC [median OS: 13.4 months with GC and 15.1 months with GS, HR, 0.945; 90% confidence interval (CI), 0.78-1.15; P = 0.046 for non-inferiority]. The median PFS was 5.8 months with GC and 6.8 months with GS (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.70-1.07). The RR was 32.4% with GC and 29.8% with GS. Both treatments were generally well-tolerated. Clinically significant AEs were observed in 35.1% of patients in the GC arm and 29.9% in the GS arm.

CONCLUSIONS

GS, which does not require hydration, should be considered a new, convenient standard of care option for patients with advanced/recurrent BTC.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

This trial has been registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm), number UMIN000010667.

Bacteriophage nanofiber fabrication using near field electrospinning

M13 bacteriophage (phage) nano- and microfibers were fabricated using electrospinning. Using liquid crystalline suspension of the phage, we successfully fabricated nano- and microscale pure phage fibers. Through a near field electrospinning process, we fabricated the desired phage fiber pattern with tunable direction and spacing. In addition, we demonstrated that the resulting phage fibers could be utilized as an electrostatic-stimulus responsive actuator. The near field electrospinning would be a very useful tool to design phage-based chemical sensors, tissue regenerative materials, energy generators, metallic and semiconductor nanowires in the future.

Comprehensive and quantitative assessment of nitrate dynamics in two contrasting forested basins along the Sea of Japan using dual isotopes of nitrate

The recent deposition rates of atmospheric nitrate derived from east Asia to the Japanese forested watershed facing the Sea of Japan are of serious concern. However, export ratios and the seasonality of atmospheric nitrate versus microbial nitrate from forest soils to upstreams have not yet been quantified. Furthermore, the influence of local nitrogen sources and internal biogeochemical processes are still unclear. To determine the influence of watershed properties and atmospheric nitrogen deposition on nitrate dynamics in two adjacent basins (the Kita and Minami Rivers) located in central Japan, we conducted seasonal synoptic surveys using the dual isotopes of nitrate. It was found that nitrate regenerated through nitrification in the forest soil was likely the dominant nitrogen source in both basins from the upstream to downstream waters. However, nitrate concentrations and the direct leaching ratio of atmospheric nitrate were considerably higher in the Kita River Basin than in the Minami River Basin, possibly due to the difference in forest environments. In the Kita River Basin, geographic trait such as altitude may be one factor regulating the sensitivity of forest ecosystem to nitrogen deposition. Quantitative assessments of nitrate outflows from the sub-basins revealed that nitrogen leached from the forest soil was a major source (61-81%) of nitrate loading to the coastal sea.

Anti-fibrotic activity of Euglena gracilis and paramylon in a mouse model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) manifests as hepatitis, fibrosis, and sometimes carcinoma, resulting in liver failure. Various clinical trials have indicated that several pharmacological agents, including angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, are effective in NASH treatment. In addition, functional foods are expected to be important alternatives for treating or preventing NASH. Recently, focus has been directed toward microalgae as dietary supplements, mainly for lifestyle-related diseases, because they contain various nutrients and functional ingredients. Specifically, a unicellular microalga Euglena gracilis stores a unique β-1,3-glucan particle called paramylon that stimulates the immune system. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Euglena and paramylon on NASH in Stelic Animal Model (STAM) mice using Sirius red staining and confirmed that oral administration of Euglena or paramylon inhibits the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, compared with controls, paramylon decreased non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity scores related to inflammation. These results indicate that the oral administration of Euglena and paramylon inhibits fibrosis and ameliorates NASH.

Euglena extract suppresses adipocyte-differentiation in human adipose-derived stem cells

Euglena gracilis Z (Euglena) is a unicellular, photosynthesizing, microscopic green alga. It contains several nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In this study, to verify the potential role of Euglena consumption on human health and obesity, we evaluated the effect of Euglena on human adipose-derived stem cells. We prepared a Euglena extract and evaluated its effect on cell growth and lipid accumulation, and found that cell growth was promoted by the addition of the Euglena extract. Interestingly, intracellular lipid accumulation was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis and western blotting analysis indicated that the Euglena extract suppressed adipocyte differentiation by inhibiting the gene expression of the master regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and one of three CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPα). Further Oil Red O staining experiments indicated that the Euglena extract inhibited the early stage of adipocyte-differentiation. Consistent with these results, we observed that down-regulation of gene expression was involved in the early stage of adipogenesis represented by the sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 c (SREBP1c), two of three CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ), and the cAMP regulatory element-binding protein (CREB). Taken together, these data suggest that Euglena extract is a promising candidate for the development of a new therapeutic treatment for obesity.

Identification of YbhA as the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) phosphatase in Escherichia coli: Importance of PLP homeostasis on the bacterial growth

The gene ybhA of Escherichia coli encodes a phosphatase that has an in vitro specificity to dephosphorylate pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP or vitamin B₆), a co-factor for aminotransferases and other enzymes. In this study, we found that excess pyridoxal (PL) in a minimal medium resulted in excess PLP in vivo and growth inhibition, which was alleviated by YbhA overproduction. Conversely, the YbhA overproduction resulted in PLP shortage in vivo and the correlated reduction in growth rate, which was significantly negated by PL in the medium. In addition, the overproduction of a PL kinase, PdxK or PdxY, was inhibitory to cell growth only in the absence of the functional ybhA gene, and the growth defects were alleviated by casamino acids in the medium, which suggested that both the shortage of, and excess, PLP resulted in the disturbance of amino acid metabolism and cell growth, as revealed by a metabolome analysis.

Sorafenib plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin versus sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: randomized phase II trial

In a randomized phase II study of sorafenib plus hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin in comparison with sorafenib alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, it yielded favorable overall survival when compared with sorafenib alone. This is the first report of its effectiveness in relation to the overall survival in comparison with that of sorafenib alone in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background

Sorafenib (Sor) is acknowledged as a standard therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of addition of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin (SorCDDP) to Sor for the treatment of advanced HCC.

Patients and methods

We conducted a multicenter open-labeled randomized phase II trial in chemo-naïve patients with advanced HCC with Child-Pugh scores of 5–7. Eligible patients were randomly assigned 2:1 to receive SorCDDP (sorafenib: 400 mg bid; cisplatin: 65 mg/m², day 1, every 4–6 weeks) or Sor (400 mg bid). The primary end point was overall survival.

Results

A total of 108 patients were randomized (Sor, n = 42; SorCDDP, n = 66). The median survival in the Sor and SorCDDP arms were 8.7 and 10.6 months, respectively [stratified hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.60 (0.38–0.96), P = 0.031]. The median time to progression and the response rate were, respectively, 2.8 months and 7.3% in the Sor arm and 3.1 months and 21.7% in the SorCDDP arm. The adverse events were more frequent in the SorCDDP arm than in the Sor arm, but well-tolerated.

Conclusion

SorCDDP yielded favorable overall survival when compared with Sor in patients with advanced HCC.

Clinical Trial registration

UMIN-CTR (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm), identification number: UMIN000005703.

Solvent free oxidative coupling polymerization of 3-hexylthiophene (3HT) in the presence of FeCl3 particles

Solvent free oxidative coupling reaction of 3HT within a nanocavity is demonstrated. The side reaction at the 4-position is regulated.

Large-scale analysis of macromolecular crowding effects on protein aggregation using a reconstituted cell-free translation system

Proteins must fold into their native structures in the crowded cellular environment, to perform their functions. Although such macromolecular crowding has been considered to affect the folding properties of proteins, large-scale experimental data have so far been lacking. Here, we individually translated 142 Escherichia coli cytoplasmic proteins using a reconstituted cell-free translation system in the presence of macromolecular crowding reagents (MCRs), Ficoll 70 or dextran 70, and evaluated the aggregation propensities of 142 proteins. The results showed that the MCR effects varied depending on the proteins, although the degree of these effects was modest. Statistical analyses suggested that structural parameters were involved in the effects of the MCRs. Our dataset provides a valuable resource to understand protein folding and aggregation inside cells.

Nitrite reduces acute lung injury and improves survival in a rat lung transplantation model

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is the most common cause of early mortality following lung transplantation (LTx). We hypothesized that nitrite, an endogenous source of nitric oxide (NO), may protect lung grafts from IRI. Rat lung grafts were stored in preservation solution at 4°C for 6 hours. Both grafts and recipients were treated with nitrite. Nitrite treatment was associated with significantly higher levels of tissue oxygenation, lower levels of cytokines and neutrophil/macrophage infiltration, lower myeloperoxidase activity, reduced oxidative injury and increased cGMP levels in grafts than in the controls. Treatment with either a nitric oxide scavenger or a soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor diminished the beneficial effects of nitrite and decreased cGMP concentrations. These results suggest that nitric oxide, generated from nitrite, is the molecule responsible for the effects of nitrite via the nitric oxide/sGC/cGMP pathway. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) inhibitor, abrogated the protective effects of nitrite, suggesting that XOR is a key enzyme in the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide. In vitro experiments demonstrated that nitrite prevented apoptosis in pulmonary endothelial cells. Nitrite also exhibits longer survival rate in recipients than control. In conclusion, nitrite inhibits lung IRI following cold preservation and had higher survival rate in LTx model.

[Treatment strategy and outcomes of invading apical lung cancer]

Invading apical lung cancers are generally the non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) which involve the apex of the chest wall. These tumors should be classified into 2 types based on the main location of tumor because of the difference of involved surrounding structures ; (1) the superior sulcus tumor origi nally termed Pancoast tumor which involves posterior region of the apex and (2) the anterior apical tumor which involves anterior region of the apex. Previously, these NSCLCs were considered to be inoperable showing a dismal prognosis. With the development of combined modality therapies for locally advanced NSCLCs, the prognosis of invading apical NSCLCs has been improved, especially since intro duction of the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Surgical resection for invading apical NSCLCs is 1 of challenging procedures for thoracic surgeons. The point is the anatomical complication of the small apex surrounding vital structures. Several approaches have been developed such as the posterior Paul-son's approach or anterior Masaoka's approach. In particular, the approach from anterior chest has been modified or devised to achieve safe and complete resection of tumors invading anterior structures like subclavian vessels. In this article, we reviewed our 13 cases of invading apical NSCLCs, especially from the view point of surgical approach. Thoracic surgeons should understand the properties of each approach and master them for complete resection avoiding serious complications.

Hydrogen inhalation ameliorates oxidative stress in transplantation induced intestinal graft injury

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury during small intestinal transplantation (SITx) frequently causes complications including dysmotility, inflammation and organ failure. Recent evidence indicates hydrogen inhalation eliminates toxic hydroxyl radicals. Syngeneic, orthotopic SITx was performed in Lewis rats with 3 h of cold ischemic time. Both donor and recipient received perioperative air or 2% hydrogen inhalation. SITx caused a delay in gastrointestinal transit and decreased jejunal circular muscle contractile activity 24 h after surgery. Hydrogen treatment resulted in significantly improved gastrointestinal transit, as well as jejunal smooth muscle contractility in response to bethanechol. The transplant induced upregulation in the inflammatory mediators CCL2, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha were mitigated by hydrogen. Hydrogen significantly diminished lipid peroxidation compared to elevated tissue malondialdehyde levels in air-treated grafts demonstrating an antioxidant effect. Histopathological mucosal erosion and increased gut permeability indicated a breakdown in posttransplant mucosal barrier function which was significantly attenuated by hydrogen treatment. In recipient lung, hydrogen treatment also resulted in a significant abatement in inflammatory mRNA induction and reduced neutrophil recruitment. Hydrogen inhalation significantly ameliorates intestinal transplant injury and prevents remote organ inflammation via its antioxidant effects. Administration of perioperative hydrogen gas may be a potent and clinically applicable therapeutic strategy for intestinal I/R injury.

Comparison of hepatic oxidative DNA damage in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C

8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a promutagenic DNA lesion produced by hydroxyl radicals and is recognized as a useful marker in estimating DNA damage induced by oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of hepatic 8-OHdG levels in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatic 8-OHdG accumulation was investigated in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) (n = 77) and chronic hepatitis B (CH-B) (n = 34) by immunohistochemical staining of liver biopsy samples. 8-OHdG positive hepatocytes were significantly higher in patients with CH-C compared to CH-B (median 55.0 vs 18.8 cells/10(5) mum(2), P < 0.0001). The number of positive hepatocytes significantly increased with the elevation of serum aminotransferase levels, especially in CH-C patients (8-OHdG vs alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotrasferase (AST) were r = 0.738/0.720 in CH-C and 0.506/0.515 in CH-B). 8-OHdG reactivity was strongly correlated with body and hepatic iron storage markers in CH-C (vs serum ferritin, r = 0.615; vs hepatic total iron score, r = 0.520; vs hepatic hepcidin mRNA levels, r = 0.571), although it was related to serum HBV-DNA titers (r = 0.540) and age of patients (r = -0.559) in CH-B. These results indicate that hepatic oxidative DNA damage is common in chronic viral hepatitis, in particular chronic HCV-infected patients, suggesting a possible link between chronic hepatic inflammation and hepatocarcinogenesis. The strong positive correlation between hepatic DNA damage and iron overload suggests that iron content is one of the most likely mediators of hepatic oxidative stress and iron reduction may be beneficial to reduce the incidence of hepatic cancer in CH-C patients.

Carbon monoxide protects rat lung transplants from ischemia-reperfusion injury via a mechanism involving p38 MAPK pathway

Carbon monoxide (CO) provides protection against oxidative stress via anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective actions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a low concentration of exogenous (inhaled) CO would protect transplanted lung grafts from cold ischemia-reperfusion injury via a mechanism involving the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Lewis rats underwent orthotopic syngeneic or allogeneic left lung transplantation with 6 h of cold static preservation. Exposure of donors and recipients (1 h before and then continuously post-transplant) to 250 ppm CO resulted in significant improvement in gas exchange, reduced leukocyte sequestration, preservation of parenchymal and endothelial cell ultrastructure and reduced inflammation compared to animals exposed to air. The beneficial effects of CO were associated with p38 MAPK phosphorylation and were significantly prevented by treatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor, suggesting that CO's efficacy is at least partially mediated by activation of p38 MAPK. Furthermore, CO markedly suppressed inflammatory events in the contralateral naïve lung. This study demonstrates that perioperative exposure of donors and recipients to CO at a low concentration can impart potent anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in a clinically relevant model of lung transplantation and support further evaluation for potential clinical use.

Effects of bezafibrate in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: combination with interferon and ribavirin

An association of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in serum of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been suggested. We conducted a prospective study in CHC patients complicated with hyperlipidaemia, to examine whether bezafibrate, which is commonly used for treatment of hyperlipidaemia, reduces serum HCV-RNA titre and improves liver dysfunction. Fifteen patients received daily oral bezafibrate treatment (400 mg/day) for 8 weeks, and its effects on serum lipids, transaminases, HCV-RNA titres, and HCV-RNA titres bound to LDL were evaluated. Fifteen untreated patients with CHC and hyperlipidaemia were used as controls. The mean serum alanine aminotransferase levels and HCV-RNA titres significantly decreased at the end of bezafibrate therapy in the treated group (105 +/- 34 to 80 +/- 32 IU/L, P = 0.02 and 2.23 +/- 2.71 to 1.78 +/- 2.38 x 10(7) copies/mL, P < 0.01 respectively), but no changes were observed in the control group. Serum HCV-RNA titres bound to LDL, as quantified by immunoprecipitation using anti-LDL antibody, also decreased in all 15 treated patients [5.55 +/- 6.59 to 1.07 +/- 1.58 x 10(6) copies/ml, P < 0.01 (mean reduction rate was -78.5 +/- 17.0%)]. Sucrose density-gradient ultracentrifugation study revealed that HCV-RNA-decreased density fractions after the bezafibrate were identical to LDL-density fractions (1.015-1.062 g/mL). Eight CHC patients were treated with bezafibrate, interferon, and ribavirin triple therapy for 32 weeks, and four patients achieved sustained virological response to therapy. This pilot study provides further evidence of an association between HCV and LDL in serum and suggests the potential usefulness of bezafibrate as an anti-HCV reagent for the treatment of CHC patients.

Hepatitis C virus free-virion and immune-complex dynamics during interferon therapy with and without ribavirin in genotype-1b chronic hepatitis C patients

The Synergistic effect of interferon (IFN) and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C has been demonstrated, but ribavirin has no apparent direct antiviral effect against hepatitis C virus (HCV) when used as monotherapy. To elucidate the mechanism of ribavirin on enhanced HCV eradication when used in combination therapy, we investigated the serum HCV dynamics of free-virions (FV) and immune-complexes (IC) in genotype-1b infected patients treated with IFN-alpha2b alone (n = 11) or in combination with ribavirin (n = 15). Serum FV- and IC-HCV RNA were separated by immunoprecipitation using anti-human immunoglobulin and quantified serially using real-time detection polymerase chain reaction. At the first phase (day 0-2), the decline of FV- and IC-HCV RNA was similar between the two treatment groups. At the second phase (day 2-28), the decline of IC was significantly faster in patients treated with IFN plus ribavirin compared with IFN alone [exponential decay slope = 0.079 +/- 0.036 vs 0.048 +/- 0.027 log10/day, P = 0.0248; half-life = 81.1 +/- 21.4 vs 135.1 +/- 61.4 h, P = 0.0053], although the second phase FV-decline was not significantly different between the two treatment groups. The fast second phase decline of IC was associated with sustained virological response to therapy. These results suggest that ribavirin may modulate the humoral immune response against HCV and trigger a favourable response to IFN. In conclusion, analysis of early IC-HCV dynamics is useful for predicting the response to therapy and for understanding the mechanism of action of antiviral drugs in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Dimethyl sulfoxide inhibits dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

We studied the preventive effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on experimental hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. Treatment with DMN caused a significant decrease in body and liver weight. Oral DMSO (2 ml/kg daily for 4 weeks) essentially prevented this DMN-induced body and liver weight loss with no major side effects. DMSO suppressed the induction of hepatic fibrosis, as determined by histological evaluation, and reduced hepatic hydroxyproline. It also suppressed the expression of mRNA for type I collagen in the liver. Because hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major cellular source of the collagen in hepatic fibrosis, we examined the effects of DMSO on collagen production in vitro using rat primary HSC culture. However, it was found that DMSO did not inhibit the collagen production in vitro. We next evaluated the effects of DMSO on tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and nitric oxide (NO) production by Kupffer cells, because these factors represent major activator of HSC, and because monocyte-macrophage infiltration has been implicated as being pathogenetically important for hepatic fibrosis induced by DMN. DMSO inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNFalpha and NO production, and reduced TNFalpha mRNA levels. DMSO also suppressed the LPS-induced nuclear factor kappa B activation in a murine macrophage-like cell line. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of DMSO on hepatic fibrosis may be primarily exerted via blocking of DMN-induced inflammation. These results also implied that DMSO may be potentially useful for preventing the development of hepatic fibrosis.

Corneal surface area: an index of anterior segment growth

Corneal surface area and perimeter were assessed as novel indices to monitor anterior segment growth, using chicks reared under different photoperiods. We obtained central and mid-peripheral corneal curvatures using photokeratometry. Anatomical tracings of the anterior corneal surface also were made from freeze-dried non-fixed preparations of the anterior segments of the same eyes. Using either photokeratometry or anatomical data, the profile of the anterior corneal surface was fit to a general equation for conical sections; corneal surface area was estimated from surfaces of revolution. Optical techniques modeled the chick cornea as a circle or as an ellipse closely resembling a circle. The anatomical technique, in contrast, modeled the chick corneal profile as a hyperbola. Potential explanations of this discrepancy are discussed. Regardless of which model is evaluated, the corneal surface area and perimeter of two-week-old chicks are affected by the photoperiod of rearing. Corneal surface area in particular proved more sensitive than conventional measurements in identifying anterior segment effects of rearing under different photoperiods. Analysis of corneal area may prove useful in evaluating the mechanisms governing anterior segment growth.

Pirfenidone inhibits dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

1. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic agent, on experimental hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. 2. Treatment with DMN caused a significant decrease in bodyweight and liver weight. Oral PFD (500 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks) essentially prevented this DMN-induced loss in bodyweight and tended to suppress the loss in liver weight. There were no significant differences in liver weight and serum L-alanine aminotransferase levels between PFD-treated and -untreated groups. Pirfenidone has no major side effects in vivo. 3. Pirfenidone suppressed the induction of hepatic fibrosis determined by histological evaluation and reduced hepatic hydroxyproline levels. Expression of mRNA for type I collagen and transforming growth factor-beta in the liver was also suppressed by PFD treatment. 4. Because hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major cellular source of extracellular matrix in hepatic fibrosis, we examined the effects of PFD on type I collagen production in vitro using rat primary HSC cultures. Pirfenidone inhibited collagen production in HSC culture in a dose-dependent manner. 5. These results demonstrate that the inhibitory effects of PFD against hepatic fibrosis may be due, at least in part, to blockade of collagen production by HSC and suggest that PFD may be potentially useful in the prevention of the development of hepatic fibrosis.

A selective ROCK inhibitor, Y27632, prevents dimethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

p160ROCK is a direct Rho target which mediates Rho-induced assembly of focal adhesions and stress fibers. We previously reported that Rho signaling pathways are involved in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in vitro. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that an inhibitor specific for p160ROCK (Y27632) could prevent experimental hepatic fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats.

METHODS

Y27632 was given orally at 30 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks after the first injection of DMN. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated by image analysis and also by measurements of collagen and hydroxyproline content in the liver. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in the liver and in the primary cultured HSC was also evaluated. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of type I collagen mRNA in the liver.

RESULTS

Y27632 treatment significantly decreased the occurrence of DMN-induced hepatic fibrosis and reduced the collagen and hydroxyproline content and alpha-SMA expression in the liver. The expression of alpha-SMA in HSC was also suppressed in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that inhibitors of the Rho-ROCK pathway might be useful therapeutically in hepatic fibrosis.

Serum levels of HCV RNA and core protein before and after incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h

The kinetics of HCV during interferon (IFN) therapy have recently been described and the estimated virion half-life is an average of 2.7 h, suggesting that HCV infection is highly dynamic. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of HCV-RNA and HCV core protein (HCV-Ag) before and after incubation at 37 degrees C for 24 h. We also evaluated the viral kinetics during IFN treatment by determining their serum levels at 0, 24 and 48 h, and day 8 after the start of treatment. The decay slope was calculated as the logarithm of the ratio of HCV-RNA levels at 0 and 24 h of incubation: log(virus load) 24 h-log(virus load) 0 h and the estimated half-life was also calculated. The decay slope was -1.66+/-0.75 (-4.12 to -0.18) (mean+/-S.D. (range)) and the estimated virion half-life was 6.2+/-6.9 h (1.8-39.3). The HCV-RNA level was rapidly decreased to 6.8+/-13.1% of the initial load after incubation independently of the serotype. In contrast, the HCV-Ag level after incubation for 24 h was 98.7+/-12.2% of the initial level. The synthesized naked HCV-RNA (equivalent to 10(7) copy/ml) was not detected after 1-min incubation. These data suggested that HCV virions are very unstable and collapsed rapidly and that HCV-RNA, existing outside of virions, is immediately degraded in serum, whereas HCV-Ag remains stable. IFN treatment caused a rapid decrease in the levels of both HCV-RNA and HCV-Ag. The HCV-RNA decay slope was -1.95+/-0.96 (range: -3.48 to -0.50) and was similar to that seen in the incubation study. Our result suggested the significance of measuring HCV-Ag during clinical management independently of HCV-RNA, especially because of its high stability.

Serum leptin levels in patients with nonalcoholic chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The elevated serum leptin level of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis has been reported, however, the precise mechanism is still unknown. Leptin expression and protein synthesis have also been detected in activated hepatic stellate cells in cell cultures, which play a major role in hepatic fibrosis. We evaluated the serum leptin levels of patients with nonalcoholic liver diseases including cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. We also investigated the hepatic clearance of leptin by determining the serum leptin level in blood samples obtained from the portal and hepatic veins.

METHODOLOGY

The serum leptin level of 44 patients with nonalcoholic chronic liver disease (male/female = 21/23, cirrhosis/chronic hepatitis = 30/14) and 40 control subjects (male/female = 20/20) was determined in blood samples obtained from the antecubital vein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also assessed the relationship between the leptin level and various biochemical tests of liver function. Additionally, we determined the leptin levels in the portal and the hepatic venous blood (nonalcoholic cirrhosis = 10, nonhepatic disease = 4).

RESULTS

There were positive correlations between the serum leptin level and body mass index among males and among females in the liver disease group and in the control group. However, the serum leptin level of the liver disease group and control group did not differ significantly. Among the 44 liver disease patients, only the serum cholesterol level was significantly correlated with the serum leptin level after adjusting for sex and body mass index by multiple regression analysis. Furthermore, the leptin level in hepatic venous blood was significantly lower than that in portal venous blood. However, the ratio of [leptin level in hepatic venous blood]/[leptin level in portal venous blood] in the cirrhosis group, and that in the nonhepatic disease group, did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum leptin level of patients with nonalcoholic liver diseases is not elevated. On the other hand, the serum leptin level of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis has been reported to be elevated. The difference in the serum leptin level of patients with nonalcoholic liver disease and that of patients with alcoholic cirrhosis may be due to a difference in factors such as the levels of cytokines or sex steroids, and/or nutrition. Furthermore, it is likely that leptin is cleared in part by the portosystemic circulation through the liver.