IgA Vasculitis With Concurrent ANCA-Positivity in the Setting of Bacterial Endocarditis

Cutaneous small vessel vasculitis (CSVV) or leukocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV) is a group of immune complex mediated vasculitides that affect dermal capillaries or post-capillary venules and classically presents as lower extremity palpable purpura. CSVV can be subdivided by antibody type and clinical features. In patients presenting with signs of LCV and ANCA positivity, clinicopathologic correlation is important in characterizing the type of vasculitis. We report an uncommon case of IgA vasculitis with concurrent ANCA-positivity attributed to bacterial endocarditis.

Systemic contact dermatitis induced by Rhus allergens in Korea: exercising caution in the consumption of this nutritious food

Systemic contact dermatitis (SCD) develops when a person who was previously sensitized to an allergen is exposed to the same allergen via the systemic route. In East Asia, the use of lacquer for polishing furniture is common and a part of the traditional culture. Contact exposure to tableware polished with Rhus lacquer may lead to sensitization. In Korea, SCD is commonly observed after systemic exposure to Rhus, a nutritious food item consumed because of the common belief of it improving the immune system. In this study, we reviewed the medical records of 21 Korean patients with SCD caused by Rhus ingestion. We found that the most significant epidemiological factor for SCD was the season of the year. Furthermore, 66.67% of the patients presented with leucocytosis and 23.81% showed increased liver enzyme levels. It is important to educate people on the risks associated with the systemic ingestion of Rhus.

The relationship between clinical characteristics including presence of exposed lesions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis: analysis from the nationwide epidemiologic study for psoriasis in Korea (EPI-PSODE study)

BACKGROUND

Psychological aspect and quality of life should be considered in treating patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to ascertain which clinical characteristics including presence of exposed lesions are associated with impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with psoriasis.

METHODS

The EPI-PSODE study was a nationwide, multicenter, cross-sectional study conducted in Korea that included 1260 adult patients with psoriasis. In addition to clinical characteristics including presence of exposed lesions, data were collected using the Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Screening and Evaluation (PASE), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire Psoriasis (WPAI: PSO) and Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ).

RESULTS

Patients with a DLQI score > 5 (n = 990) were younger, had an earlier onset of psoriasis, scored higher on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), had higher body surface area (BSA) and had higher PASE scores than patients with DLQI ≤ 5 (n = 266). The group of patients with exposed lesions (n = 871) were younger and male predominance, earlier onset of psoriasis, longer disease duration, higher PASI/BSA score and a higher proportion with drinking and smoking history each than the group of patients without exposed lesions (n = 389). Presence of exposed lesions negatively influenced DLQI, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) (mental component), presenteeism, total work productivity impairment and total activity impairment in the WPAI: PSO. In multiple regression model, PASI score was the only variable which was significantly associated with all HRQoL measures. Presence of exposed lesions was a significant factor affecting DLQI and SF-36 (mental).

CONCLUSION

The presence of exposed lesions has a negative impact on quality of life, mental health and work productivity. Therefore, effective treatments are particularly needed for psoriasis patients with exposed lesions.

Simultaneous detection of barrier- and immune-related gene variations in patients with atopic dermatitis by reverse blot hybridization assay

BACKGROUND

Hereditary factors are involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, AD-related gene variations are significantly different across ethnicities.

AIM

To identify mutations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in barrier- or immune-related genes from Korean patients with AD and compare the variations with those observed in nonatopic healthy controls (HCs), and to use novel reverse blot hybridization assay (REBA) for AD-related gene variants.

METHODS

We carried out REBA to simultaneously detect variations in genes related to barrier or immune function, namely, FLG, SPINK5, KLK7, DEFB1, TNFα, KDR, FCER1A, IL4, IL5,IL5RA, IL9, IL10, IL12, IL12R, IL13 and IL18, from Korean patients with AD, and compared the variation to that in nonatopic healthy controls.

RESULTS

The homozygous mutants of KLK7 and SPINK5-2475, and the heterozygous mutants of FLG 3321delA, SPINK5-1156, DEFB1, KDR, IL5RA, IL9 and IL12RB1 were significantly more frequent in AD. It has been predicted that the larger the number of gene variants, the higher the odds ratio of AD prevalence; however, we did not find any significant correlation between the number of gene variants and AD severity.

CONCLUSION

Using REBA, we identified more genetic variants that can predict AD occurrence. We also verified that REBA can be used to easily and accurately detect multiple AD-related gene variants simultaneously. In addition, we identified a correlation between KLK7 mutation and AD in Koreans, which is the first such report, to our knowledge.

The clinical significance of infrared thermography for the prediction of postherpetic neuralgia in acute herpes zoster patients

BACKGROUND

Infrared thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides information for damage to the nerve, there was some reports that thermal asymmetry of acute Herpes zoster (HZ) patients was significantly related to development of PHN.

OBJECTIVE

To identify whether infrared thermography is useful as a predictor for the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and as an objective assessment tool of subjective pain in acute HZ patients.

METHODS

Infrared thermography was performed on the affected body regions of 112 patients who had been diagnosed with an acute stage of HZ. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. Differences >0.5°C for the mean temperature across the face and trunk were considered abnormal. According to whether PHN developed or not, we analyzed the correlation of risk factors.

RESULTS

The study consisted of a total of 112 subjects (46 males and 66 females) with an age range of 9-93 years. The following summarizes the analysis results. (1) As pain severity increased, the occurrence of PHN increased significantly. (2) In older patients, the occurrence of PHN was significantly higher. (3) As the temperature difference between the affected and contralateral dermatome (ΔT) increased, the occurrence of PHN increased significantly. (4) There is a statically significant association between diabetes mellitus and the occurrence of PHN. (5) There is no correlation between pain intensity and ΔT.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we showed that infrared thermography is useful as a predictor of PHN development in acute HZ patients but is not useful as an objective assessment tool for indicating subjective pain.

Efficacy and safety of topical glycopyrrolate in patients with facial hyperhidrosis: a randomized, multicentre, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, split-face study

BACKGROUND

Although facial hyperhidrosis has been frequently associated with a diminished quality of life, various conservative modalities for its management are still far from satisfactory.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antiperspirant efficacy and safety of the topical glycopyrrolate on facial hyperhidrosis at specified posttreatment intervals.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with facial hyperhidrosis were enrolled and treated with 2% topical glycopyrrolate on one-half of the forehead, whereas the other half of the forehead was treated with a placebo. All patients applied topical glycopyrrolate or placebo once a day for nine successive days. Each evaluation included weighing sweat and assessing the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) score and any adverse effects.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo-treated sides, topical glycopyrrolate-treated sides showed a reduction in the rate of sweat production at the forehead of 25.16 ± 10.30% (mean ± SD) at 90 min after the first application (day 1), 29.63 ± 7.74% at 24 h after the first application (day 2) and 36.68 ± 11.41% at 24 h after eight additional successive daily applications (day 10) (all P < 0.025). There was a little more decrease in HDSS score with the topical glycopyrrolate-treated half of the forehead, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.025). No serious adverse events were reported during the course of this study. Only one patient developed a transient headache after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Topical glycopyrrolate application appears to be significantly effective and safe in reducing excessive facial perspiration.

Photodynamic therapy: new treatment for refractory lymphocytic infiltration of the skin

Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) is a relatively uncommon skin condition, first described by Jessner and Kanof in 1953. LIS presents mainly on the face, in particular on the cheeks and earlobe, but also on the neck, upper trunk or proximal limbs of middle-aged adults. LIS is often resistant to treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) refers to the process of applying a topical prodrug, such as 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) or methyl 5-aminolaevulinic acid (MAL), followed by irradiation with visible or ultraviolet light. The prodrug is converted by target tissue to photoactive porphyrins, which lead to local tissue destruction when activated by light. We describe a 48-year-old woman with refractory LIS, who was treated with MAL-PDT.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the STAT gene in Hyphantria cunea haemocytes

A new insect member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors, Hyphantria cunea STAT (HcSTAT), was cloned from the lepidopteran H. cunea. The domain involved in DNA interaction and the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain were well conserved. During all developmental stages, the gene was expressed at a low level in the haemocytes, fat body cells, midgut, epidermis and Malpighian tubules. The haemocytes and Malpighian tubules showed transcriptional activation of HcSTAT upon Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial challenges. These challenges increased the induction and nuclear translocation of the HcSTAT protein that recognizes a STAT target site in H. cunea haemocytes. In vivo treatment with sodium orthovanadate translocated HcSTAT to the haemocyte nucleus. This study shows the involvement of the haemocyte Janus kinase/STAT pathway after microbial infection in lepidopteran insects.

Comparative analysis of two attacin genes from Hyphantria cunea

A full-length clone corresponding to attacin was isolated from a cDNA library made from fat body of immunized Hyphantria cunea larvae. This newly isolated attacin B shows characteristics different from those previously reported for attacin A. The two attacin cDNAs encode precursor proteins of 233 and 248 amino acid residues, respectively. The two attacins show 45.9% identity at the amino acid level, and 35.2% identity at the nucleotide level. Attacins A and B of H. cunea show significant identities with the attacins of Lepidoptera. Attacin B is a typical glycine-rich protein, while attacin A is leucine-rich. Attacin B is expressed from last instar larvae to adult, while attacin A showed stage-specific expression during the prepupal and pupal stages. Attacins A and B are predicted to have different secondary structure in that attacin A has no tendency to form helices but attacin B contains a substantial number of helices. Attacin A is induced at a trace level in infected larvae, while attacin B is strongly induced against Gram-positive and negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The attacin B transcripts were detected in fat body, epidermis and hemocytes after injection with Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii, or Candida albicans, but not in the midgut and Malpighian tubule. Recombinant attacin A showed no antibacterial activity, while recombinant attacin B showed strong antibacterial activity in proportion to the amount of the protein injected.

Effect of a new infrared light device (1100-1800 nm) on facial lifting

Laser skin resurfacing procedures can be classed into two categories - invasive and non-invasive. The last several decades have witnessed a host of advancements in ablative laser therapy and other ablative modalities for the rejuvenation of skin, including the CO(2) laser, the erbium : yttrium aluminum garnet laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion. Despite the excellent results that can result from the practice of these techniques by experienced surgeons, the invasive nature of these devices is associated with inherent risks and patient discomfort. Therefore, much of the focus has been on non-ablative lasers and intense-pulsed light devices. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with the new infrared light device (1100-1800 nm), Titan, and assessed the degree of improvement associated with two-time laser treatments, as compared to one-time laser treatment.

Down-regulation of PPARgamma2-induced adipogenesis by PEGylated conjugated linoleic acid as the pro-drug: Attenuation of lipid accumulation and reduction of apoptosis

This study is designed to evaluate whether the PEGylated conjugated linoleic acid (PCLA) as the pro-drug can have favorable stability, bioavailability, and anti-adipogenic activity in 3T3-L1 cells for anti-obesity when compared with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) itself. The CLA was simply coupled to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) at the melting state without solvents or catalysts through ester linkages between the carboxylic group of CLA and the hydroxyl group of PEG. To confirm of PCLA as the pro-drug, CLA release from PCLA was investigated by using high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC), showing that CLA release from PCLA was almost 90% in a nearly continuous fashion over the next 75h. Apoptosis was promoted by both CLA- and PCLA-treatments with increasing concentrations. However, the level of cell apoptosis induced by PCLA was lower than that induced by CLA owing to the biocompatible and hydrophilic properties of PEG. Moreover, the PCLA decreased glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activity in 3T3-L1 cells by acting upon major adipocyte marker proteins such as PPARgamma2, C/EBPalpha, and aP2 modulators. Furthermore, either CLA or PCLA stimulated basal, but not isoproterenol-sensitive, lipolysis in our cell model, suggesting that both CLA and PCLA may stimulate lipolysis via hormone sensitive lipase (HSL)-independent mechanisms. These results suggest that the PCLA may prove to be a stable pro-drug to control the deposition of fat in the human body, and that the anti-adipogenic effect of the PCLA on 3T3-L1 cells will offer a challenging approach for anti-obesity.

Galactose-carrying polymers as extracellular matrices for liver tissue engineering

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays important roles in tissue engineering because cellular growth and differentiation, in the two-dimensional cell culture as well as in the three-dimensional space of the developing organism, require ECM with which the cells can interact. Especially, the bioartificial liver-assist device or regeneration of the liver-tissue substitutes for liver tissue engineering requires a suitable ECM for hepatocyte culture because hepatocytes are anchorage-dependent cells and are highly sensitive to the ECM milieu for the maintenance of their viability and differentiated functions. Galactose-carrying synthetic ECMs derived from synthetic polymers and natural polymers bind hepatocytes through a receptor-mediated mechanism, resulting in enhanced hepatocyte functions. Attachment and functions of hepatocytes were affected by physico-chemical properties including ECM geometry as well as the type, density and orientation of galactose. Also, cellular environment, medium composition and dynamic culture system influenced liver-specific functions of hepatocytes beside ECM.

Role of E-cadherin Molecules in Spheroid Formation of Hepatocytes Adhered on Galactose-Carrying Polymer as an Artificial Asialoglycoprotein Model

The role of E-cadherin in the spheroid formation of hepatocytes adhered on the poly(N-p-vinylbenzyl-D-lactonamide) (PVLA) as a model ligand for asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGP-R) of hepatocytes was studied. Expression of E-cadherin was increased in round hepatocytes adhered on a high-coating density of PVLA (100 microg/ml), and also in flat ones adhered on a low-coating density of PVLA (1 microg/ml) in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Hepatocyte spheroids formed on the high-coating density of PVLA in the presence of EGF after 48 h were inhibited by an anti-E-cadherin monoclonal antibody (ECCD-1). From immunofluorescence and confocal laser microscopy, E-cadherin was localized in the intercellular boundaries and concentrated at the inside surface of aggregated cells. As a result, E-cadherin could play an important role in hepatocyte assembly.

Adsorption behaviors of poly(N-p-vinylbenzyl-4-o-β-d-galactopyranosyl-[1→4]-d-gluconamide) by quartz-crystal microbalance

Adsorption behaviors of amphiphilic poly(N-p-vinylbenzyl-4-o-beta-d-galactopyranosyl-[1-->4]-d-gluconamide) (PVLA) on the polystyrene (PS) surface was studied using 27 MHz quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM). The amount of adsorbed PVLA on PS surface was increased with an increase of PVLA concentration as a Langmuir-type in a monolayer. The saturated mass change (DeltaM(max)) and association constant (K(a)) of PVLA on PS surface were 498.6 ng/cm(2) and 1.93 x 10(7)M(-1), respectively. The adsorbed PVLA on PS surface was specifically recognized by Allo A lectin due to specific interaction between galactose moieties in the PVLA and Allo A. The hydrophobic interaction between hydrophobic main chain of PVLA and hydrophobic surface of PS was reduced in the presence of urea and the diameter of PVLA aqueous solution was decreased with an increase of urea concentration.

Delivery of all trans-retinoic acid (RA) to hepatocyte cell line from RA/galactosyl α-cyclodextrin inclusion complex

All trans-retinoic acid (RA) plays a role in regulation of P450RAI gene expression. In this study, hepatocyte cell line (HepG2) was used to study an effect of RA released from RA/galactosyl alpha-cyclodextrin (GCD) inclusion complex on regulation of P450RAI gene expression. A delivery system composed of RA/GCD inclusion complex was applied because RA is poorly water soluble, and organic solvents used to dissolve it often interfere with cytotoxicity. Solubility of RA in water was increased by forming complex with GCD. Inclusion complex between GCD and RA was checked by (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transformation infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical shifts of the interior and exterior GCD protons in the presence of RA indicated that the RA was included within the GCD macrocycle cavity. The carbonyl band of RA and crystalline peak of RA in RA/GCD inclusion complex disappeared from FT-IR and XRD measurements, respectively, indication of inclusion complex between RA and GCD. From the observation of fluorescence micrograph of hepatocytes and flow cytometry measurement of HepG2, the internalization of fluorescein isothiocyanate-GCD by the hepatocyte occurred. Gene expression of P450RAI in HepG2 by delivery of RA from RA/GCD complex was observed.

The regulation and activation potential of autoreactive B cells

Anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) B cells persist even in nonautoimmune- prone animals. In this review, we summarize data regarding the activation potential of these cells. Provision of cognate CD4 T cell help to anti-dsDNA B cells in nonautoimmune mice not only drives their maturation and entry into the B cell follicle, but also leads to secretion of anti-dsDNA autoantibodies. Intriguingly, if T regulatory cells are provided along with T helper cells, the antibody response of anti-dsDNA B cells is diminished. We have also found that T-independent stimulation with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides leads to the proliferation and enhanced recovery of antidsDNA B cells in vitro. These data suggest that control of anti-dsDNA antibody production may rely on elements from both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.

Purification, cDNA cloning and expression of an insect defensin from the great wax moth, Galleria mellonella

An insect defensin, named Galleria defensin, was purified from the larval haemolymph of Galleria mellonella immunized against E. coli. The peptide was composed of forty-three amino acid residues containing six cysteines that might be engaged in intramolecular disulphide bridges. The primary structure of Galleria defensin shared about 90.7% identity to that of heliomicin, which was an insect defensin isolated from Heliothis virescens. The full-length cDNA encoding Galleria defensin was cloned from the fat body of the immunized G. mellonella larvae. Northern blot analysis revealed that Galleria defensin was expressed not only in the fat body but also in the midgut against invading bacteria into haemocoel. This is the first report presenting cDNA and expression of an insect defensin in the lepidopteran species.

Fat body expressed yolk protein genes in Hyphantria cunea are related to the YP4 follicular epithelium yolk protein subunit gene of pyralid moths

cDNA clones for two of the yolk proteins, YP1 and YP2, produced by the fat body of the moth, Hyphantria cunea, were sequenced and found to be homologous to the follicular epithelium yolk proteins of pyralid moths. Both cDNA clones coded for polypeptides of 290 residues and the deduced amino acid sequence identity between YP1 and YP2 was very high (79.0%). Analysis of the secondary structure of the predicted polypeptides suggests that YP1 and YP2 do not form heteromeric proteins because of differences in secondary structure due to the lack of alpha helices in YP1. Northern blot analysis showed that the transcripts for YP1 (1.2 kb) and YP2 (1.1 kb) were present primarily in the female fat body with only trace levels detectable in the ovary of the adult female. In a developmental study, the YP1 and YP2 transcripts were first detectable in 10-day-old pupae and increased into the adult stage. These results suggest that the YP1 and YP2 genes in H. cunea have been recruited to replace the vitellogenin gene as the primary source of yolk proteins. During this process they have acquired a modified pattern of expression that is different from homologous genes reported in pyralid moths. The assessment of the evolution of proteinaceous yolk in these moths should serve as an excellent model for the evolution of gene recruitment.

Baculovirus expression vectors that incorporate the foreign protein into viral occlusion bodies

Current baculovirus expression systems typically produce soluble proteins that accumulate within the infected insect cell or are secreted into the growth medium. A system has now been developed for the incorporation of foreign proteins, along with the matrix protein, polyhedrin, into baculovirus occlusion bodies. Initial studies showed that a recombinant virus expressing a translational fusion between polyhedrin and GFP did not form occlusion bodies. However, a baculovirus coexpressing native polyhedrin and the polyhedrin-GFP fusion protein formed occlusion bodies that fluoresced under UV light, demonstrating that they included the polyhedrin-GFP fusion protein. This was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. Thus, incorporation of a foreign protein into occlusion bodies depends on an interaction between native polyhedrin and the polyhedrin fusion protein. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the occlusion bodies containing GFP also incorporated virions as expected. These ColorPol occlusion bodies were as infectious to insect larvae as occlusion bodies produced by wild-type virus. This new system expands the capabilities for foreign gene expression by baculoviruses, which has implications for biopesticide design, novel vaccine delivery systems, and fusion protein purification applications.

The effect of amniotic membrane extract on the expression of iNOS mRNA and generation of NO in HaCaT cell by ultraviolet B irradiation

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Amniotic membrane (AM) is the innermost fetal membrane, which contains several proteinase inhibitors and expresses several growth factors. Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases including sunburn and ultraviolet induced erythema. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is up regulated by UVB irradiation and inhibited by TGF-beta and EGF-beta. We evaluated the effect of AM extract on the expression of iNOS mRNA by UV irradiation in HaCaT cell (immortalized human keratinocyte cell line).

METHODS

HaCaT cells were irradiated UVB 30 mJ/cm2 and AM extract was added. The iNOS mRNA was isolated by RT-PCR and NO production was assessed by spectrophotometric method based on Griess reaction.

RESULTS

The expression of iNOS mRNA was induced by UVB irradiation in HaCaT cell and the expression of iNOS mRNA was higher at 48 h than that at 24 h. AM extract down regulated the induction of iNOS mRNA in HaCaT cell by UVB irradiation. NO generation was increased by UVB irradiation, but down regulated by AM extract treatment in HaCaT cells.

CONCLUSION

These results assured that the expression of iNOS mRNA and generation of NO are up regulated by UVB irradiation and showed that AM extract down regulated the induction of iNOS mRNA and decreased generation of NO by UVB irradiation.

Time course of expression of mRNA of inducible nitric oxide synthase and generation of nitric oxide by ultraviolet B in keratinocyte cell lines

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide (NO), the ubiquitous free radical, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including sunburn and ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced pigmentation, and it also seems to play an important part in host defence against bacterial infection.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the time course of production of NO and time course of expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) by UVB irradiation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in keratinocyte cell lines. Furthermore, we intended to elucidate the relationship between iNOS and NO in various stimulated conditions.

METHODS

Normal human keratinocytes (NHK), HaCaT cells and PAM212 cells were irradiated with UVB at a dose of 50 mJ cm-2 and 100 mJ cm-2. Separately, the cell lines were stimulated with 20 micro g of LPS. NO was measured by the Griess assay and iNOS mRNA was isolated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after stimulation.

RESULTS

The generation of NO was induced by UVB irradiation and LPS stimulation. NO production was significantly increased at 72 h after irradiation of UVB 100 mJ cm-2 in NHK, and at 48 and 72 h in HaCaT cells. In PAM212 cells, NO production was significantly increased at 12, 24, 48 and 72 h by UVB 100 mJ cm-2 and at 72 h by LPS. Induction of iNOS mRNA peaked at 48 h and then decreased to basal level at 72 h when treated with UVB irradiation. The time course of production of NO was approximately correlated with the timing of induction of iNOS mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the expression of iNOS mRNA is upregulated by UVB irradiation, and that NO produced by this inducible enzyme may play a part as a mediator or an immunomodulator in UV-induced skin reactions such as sunburn reaction and photo-induced immune alterations.

Expressions of beta-defensins in human keratinocyte cell lines

BACKGROUND

Defensins, a major family of antimicrobial peptides, are small cationic, cysteine-rich peptides with a wide range of antimicrobial activity. In human, beta-defensin-1 was isolated from urine and cervical mucous suggesting that this peptide plays an antimicrobial role in the genitourinary tract. Beta-defensin-2 was identified in psoriatic scale produced by keratinocytes suggesting that this peptide contributes to defend the expansive surface of the integuments.

OBJECTIVE

Current research was done to investigate the expression and modulation of beta-defensin mRNA in human keratinocyte cell lines.

METHODS

HaCaT and A431 cell lines were used to all culture experiments. Cultured human keratinocytes were stimulated with ultraviolet (UV) B irradiation or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to determine whether defensin mRNA production occurred. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to amplify defesin cDNA from stimulated keratinocytes, and southern blots were used to verify the specificity of RT-PCR amplication products.

RESULTS

Expression of human beta-defensins was upregulated with UVB irradiation, TNF-alpha and LPS in HaCaT cells and in comparison to the control, significantly higher at 6 h post stimulation with UVB 100 mJ/cm2 and peak at 12 to 18 h post stimulation with UVB 30 mJ/cm2, TNF-alpha and LPS. A431 cells did not show expression of human beta-defensins in unstimulated state, even after irradiation with UVB or TNF-alpha or LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

This report demonstrates the presence of defensin in human keratinocytes and capacity of human keratinocytes to produce defensin mRNA in response to UVB irradiation, TNF-alpha and LPS. Release of defensins by keratinocytes in response to cytokines elaborated in inflammation may contribute to the host defense responses.

Local expression and distribution of a storage protein in the ovary of Hyphantria cunea

Storage protein-1 (HcSP-1) is a major storage protein found in the hemolymph and fat body of Hyphantria cunea. HcSP-1 has a high methionine (6.0%) and low aromatic amino acid content (8.5%) (Cheon et al., 1998). In this study, the accumulation and expression of HcSP-1 in ovary was investigated using biochemical and immunocytochemical methods. HcSP-1 was detected in the ovaries in 6-day-old pupae and accumulated toward the end of pupal life, when HcSP-1 transcripts were detectable by Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR. In situ hybridization showed that the HcSP-1 mRNA was located in the nurse cells and follicular epithelial cells, but not in the oocyte. Though most of the HcSP-1 that is incorporated in the yolk bodies of the oocyte is probably sequestered from the surrounding hemolymph, HcSP-1 is an important yolk protein contributing to early yolk body formation before the development of patency by the follicular epithelium.

Molecular characterization of the VLDL receptor homolog mediating binding of lipophorin in oocyte of the mosquito Aedes aegypti

Lipophorin (Lp) functions as a yolk protein precursor in the mosquito Aedes aegypti and it is internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis (Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol., 30 (2000) 1161). We cloned and molecularly characterized a putative mosquito ovarian lipophorin receptor (AaLpRov) cDNA. The cDNA has a length of 3468 bp coding for a 1156-residue protein with a predicted molecular mass of 128.9 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA revealed that it encodes a protein homolog of the LDL receptor superfamily, and that it harbors eight cysteine-rich ligand binding repeats at the N-terminus like vertebrate VLDL receptors. The deduced amino acid sequence of this mosquito ovarian receptor is most similar to that of the locust lipophorin receptor (LmLpR) (64.3%), and is only distantly related to the mosquito vitellogenin receptor (VgR) (18.3%), another ovarian LDLR homolog with a different ligand. The AaLpRov cDNA was expressed in a TnT Coupled Reticulocyte Lysate system, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that the receptor protein specifically binds Lp. Developmental expression profiles clearly showed that AaLpRov transcripts are present in the vitellogenic ovary, with peak expression at 24-36 h post blood meal. In situ hybridization indicated that AaLpRov transcripts are present only in female germ line cells. Distance-based phylogenetic analyses suggest that the insect LpR and vertebrate LDL/VLDL receptor lineages separated after divergence from the insect VgR lineage.

Activation of murine epidermal V gamma 5/V delta 1-TCR(+) T cell lines by Glu-Tyr polypeptides

The physiologic role of gamma delta-T-cell-receptor-bearing cells and the T cell receptor ligands that they recognize is still poorly understood. Previous studies have suggested that one possible antigen for gamma delta-TCR(+) cells is the random copolymer poly-glutamic acid-tyrosine (poly-Glu-Tyr), because poly-Glu-Tyr-reactive gamma delta-TCR(+) hybridoma cells were produced from poly-Glu-Tyr-immunized mice. We have found, however, that clonal V gamma 5/V delta 1-TCR(+) epidermal T cell lines from nonimmune mice also respond to poly-Glu-Tyr by producing cytokines. Other amino acid homopolymers, copolymers, and tripolymers were not stimulatory for the V gamma 5/V delta 1-TCR(+) epidermal T cells, except for poly-glutamic acid-alanine-tyrosine (poly-Glu-Ala-Tyr). Of the poly-Glu-Tyr and poly-Glu-Ala-Tyr polymers, only those that contained Glu and Tyr in an equimolar ratio were stimulatory. The cytokine interleukin-2 was strictly required for the responses to poly-Glu-Ala-Tyr, whereas the responses to poly-Glu-Tyr were merely enhanced with interleukin-2. The response to poly-Glu-Tyr was also enhanced by crosslinking CD28 molecules with plate-bound anti-CD28 crosslinking antibody. This finding suggests that the poly-Glu-Tyr response has a partial dependence on CD28-mediated costimulation, a characteristic of TCR-dependent responses. Consistent with this observation, V gamma 5/V delta 1-TCR-loss variants of the epidermal T cell line could no longer respond to poly-Glu-Tyr. The unpredicted responses of epidermal gamma delta-TCR(+) T cells to poly-Glu-Tyr and poly-Glu-Ala-Tyr demonstrate that the functions of these cells potentially can be triggered by peptidic ligands, probably through a TCR-mediated process.

cDNA sequence and gene expression of storage protein-2--a juvenile hormone-suppressible hexamerin from the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea Drury

We isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone corresponding to storage protein-2 (SP-2) from the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea. The cDNA for SP-2 (2572 bp) codes for a 747-residue protein with a predicted molecular mass of 88.5 kDa. The calculated isoelectric point is 7.6. Multiple alignment analysis of amino acid sequence revealed that SP-2 is most similar to BJHSP2 (74.3% identity). According to both the phylogenetic analyses and criteria for amino acid composition, SP-2 belongs to the subfamily of moderately methionine-rich storage proteins (3.2% methionine, 11.8% aromatic amino acid). Topical application of the JH analog, methoprene, after head ligation of larvae, suppressed transcription of the SP-2 gene, indicating hormonal effects at the transcriptional level. The SP-2 transcript was detected by Northern blot analysis in Malpighian tubules, in addition to the fat body where it was most abundant. The local expression of SP-2 in Malpighian tubules suggests that it may have some function in that organ.

Response of murine gamma delta T cells to the synthetic polypeptide poly-Glu50Tyr50

Random heterocopolymers of glutamic acid and tyrosine (pEY) evoke strong, genetically controlled immune responses in certain mouse strains. We found that pE50Y50 also stimulated polyclonal proliferation of normal gamma delta, but not alpha beta, T cells. Proliferation of gamma delta T cells did not require prior immunization with this Ag nor the presence of alpha beta T cells, but was enhanced by IL-2. The gamma delta T cell response proceeded in the absence of accessory cells, MHC class II, beta 2-microglobulin, or TAP-1, suggesting that Ag presentation by MHC class I/II molecules and peptide processing are not required. Among normal splenocytes, as with gamma delta T cell hybridomas, the response was strongest with V gamma 1+ gamma delta T cells, and in comparison with related polypeptides, pE50Y50 provided the strongest stimulus for these cells. TCR gene transfer into a TCR-deficient alpha beta T cell showed that besides the TCR, no other components unique to gamma delta T cells are needed. Furthermore, interactions between only the T cells and pE50Y50 were sufficient to bring about the response. Thus, pE50Y50 elicited a response distinct from those of T cells to processed/presented peptides or superantigens, consistent with a mechanism of Ig-like ligand recognition of gamma delta T cells. Direct stimulation by ligands resembling pE50Y50 may thus selectively evoke contributions of gamma delta T cells to the host response.

Alterations in splenic architecture and the localization of anti-double-stranded DNA B cells in aged mice

Aging is characterized by a decline in humoral immunity and a concommitant increased incidence of anti-DNA and other autoantibodies. To define how the regulation of autoreactive B cells is altered with age, we have used BALB/c mice with an Ig heavy H chain transgene to track the fate of anti-double-stranded (ds) DNA B cells in vivo. In young adult mice, anti-dsDNA B cells are developmentally arrested and excluded from the splenic B cell follicle, whereas in most aged mice they are mature and localize within the B cell follicle. Furthermore, we have detailed global changes in lymphoid architecture that accompany aging: CD4(+) T cells are found not only in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, but also in the B cell follicles. Strikingly, these disruptions are similar to those that precede serum anti-dsDNA antibody expression in autoimmune MRL-lpr/lpr mice.

MRL-lpr/lpr mice exhibit a defect in maintaining developmental arrest and follicular exclusion of anti-double-stranded DNA B cells

A hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus and the MRL murine model for lupus is the presence of anti-double-stranded (ds)DNA antibodies (Abs). To identify the steps leading to the production of these Abs in autoimmune mice, we have compared the phenotype and localization of anti-dsDNA B cells in autoimmune (MRL+/+ and lpr/lpr) mice with that in nonautoimmune (BALB/c) mice. Anti-dsDNA B cells are actively regulated in BALB/c mice as indicated by their developmental arrest and accumulation at the T-B interface of the splenic follicle. In the MRL genetic background, anti-dsDNA B cells are no longer developmentally arrested, suggesting an intrinsic B cell defect conferred by MRL background genes. With intact Fas, they continue to exhibit follicular exclusion; however, in the presence of the lpr/lpr mutation, anti-dsDNA B cells are now present in the follicle. Coincident with the altered localization of anti-dsDNA B cells is a follicular infiltration of CD4 T cells. Together, these data suggest that MRL mice are defective in maintaining the developmental arrest of autoreactive B cells and indicate a role for Fas in restricting entry into the follicle.

Distribution and accumulation of storage protein-1 in ovary of Hyphantria cunea Drury

Storage protein-1 (SP-1) is a major storage protein found in the hemolymph and fat body of Hyphantria cunea. In this study, the uptake and accumulation of SP-1 into the ovary of H. cunea was investigated using biochemical and immunocytochemical methods. SP-1 in H. cunea has a high methionine content (4.6%) but is not female-specific, like other high methionine storage proteins. In the 6-day-old pupal ovary, SP-1 was detectable in trace amounts but accumulated to significant levels toward the end of the pupal stage. After adult emergence, SP-1 rapidly decreased in the ovarian follicles and remained low in the egg. This suggest that SP-1 is either extensively modified or degraded, causing a loss of its antigenic property in the ovary after adult emergence. During vitellogenesis, SP-1 is present in the hemolymph and penetrates through the tunica propria to reach the perioocytic space. From there, SP-1 is incorporated into yolk bodies. These results clearly show that SP-1 is taken up by the developing oocyte. Its disappearance suggests that SP-1 might be an amino acid reservoir for providing precursors for egg formation, in contrast to yolk proteins, which are utilized during postembryonic development.

C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta play similar roles in the transcription of the human Cu/Zn SOD gene

Copper/zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) is one of the essential enzymes that protects cells in aerobic conditions. To understand the mechanism of transcriptional regulation of the human Cu/Zn SOD gene, the proximal promoter region of Cu/Zn SOD has been investigated. In a previous study, it was found that transcription factors of the Sp1 and C/EBP family are associated with the expression of human Cu/Zn SOD [Seo et al. (1996). Gene, 178, 177-180]. Of the four known C/EBP activators, the effects of C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta on the transcription of Cu/Zn SOD were examined. Usually, one of the two C/EBP factors, C/EBP alpha or C/EBPbeta, exclusively stimulates the target gene, but, unexpectedly, C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta stimulated the expression of Cu/Zn SOD to a similar extent in our experiments. LIP, a dominant negative regulator of the C/EBP family, inhibited the transcriptional activation of Cu/Zn SOD stimulated by C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta. These results suggest that C/EBP alpha and C/EBPbeta can substitute each other and play similar roles on the transcription of Cu/Zn SOD.