Hepatocellular carcinoma with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab

Atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy might be one of the treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma concurrent with gastric adenocarcinoma.

Adolescents with chronic hepatitis C might be good candidates for direct‐acting antiviral therapy

Three Japanese adolescents with chronic hepatitis C were treated by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). No adverse events or laboratory abnormalities were observed during and after DAA therapy, and a sustained virological response was achieved in all cases. The emotional functioning of the patients and their mothers were improved after DAA therapy.

The efficacy/safety of therapy with direct‐acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C in Japanese adolescents were favorable and the improvement of emotional functioning of them and their mothers by viral eradication was observed in all cases.

[Liver injury in patients with moderate II COVID-19 who received dexamethasone monotherapy]

We examined 171 patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with liver injury in the respiratory failure groups and the nonrespiratory failure groups and investigated 41 patients with moderate II COVID-19 with respiratory failure who received dexamethasone (Dex) monotherapy in the liver injury group and the nonliver injury group at the time before treatment. The respiratory failure group had 64% more liver damage than the nonrespiratory failure group, was older, had more men, and had significantly more complications from lifestyle-related diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Obesity was more common in the liver injury group prior to Dex monotherapy, and the liver CT value was significantly lower than in the nonliver injury group. Liver injury worsened in 41% of patients after Dex monotherapy, but there was no significant difference in the frequency before Dex monotherapy between the liver injury group and the nonliver injury group, and the degree of liver injury was mild in all cases, improving in 38% of the liver injury group. Dex monotherapy was a safe treatment for moderate II COVID-19, which frequently resulted in liver injury.

Disordered branched chain amino acid catabolism in pancreatic islets is associated with postprandial hypersecretion of glucagon in diabetic mice

Dysregulation of glucagon is associated with the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes. We previously reported that postprandial hyperglucagonemia is more obvious than fasting hyperglucagonemia in type 2 diabetes patients. However, which nutrient stimulates glucagon secretion in the diabetic state and the underlying mechanism after nutrient intake are unclear. To answer these questions, we measured plasma glucagon levels in diabetic mice after oral administration of various nutrients. The effects of nutrients on glucagon secretion were assessed using islets isolated from diabetic mice and palmitate-treated islets. In addition, we analyzed the expression levels of branched chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism-related enzymes and their metabolites in diabetic islets. We found that protein, but not carbohydrate or lipid, increased plasma glucagon levels in diabetic mice. Among amino acids, BCAAs, but not the other essential or nonessential amino acids, increased plasma glucagon levels. BCAAs also directly increased the intracellular calcium concentration in α cells. When BCAAs transport was suppressed by an inhibitor of system L-amino acid transporters, glucagon secretion was reduced even in the presence of BCAAs. We also found that the expression levels of BCAA catabolism-related enzymes and their metabolite contents were altered in diabetic islets and palmitate-treated islets compared to control islets, indicating disordered BCAA catabolism in diabetic islets. Furthermore, BCKDK inhibitor BT2 suppressed BCAA-induced hypersecretion of glucagon in diabetic islets and palmitate-treated islets. Taken together, postprandial hypersecretion of glucagon in the diabetic state is attributable to disordered BCAA catabolism in pancreatic islet cells.

Successful treatment of Japanese hemophilia patient co-infected with HIV and HCV genotype 4a by glecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy

Although direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies are very effective for patients with genotypes 1 and 2, evidence of the efficacy of DAA-based therapy for the special population of patients with genotypes 3-6 is insufficient due to the relatively small number of these subjects in Japan. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-co-infected patients are recommended to be treated as HCV-mono-infected patients by the latest version of the Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines. However, evidence of efficacy in patients with HIV/HCV genotype 3-6 co-infection is insufficient. Currently, HCV genotypes 3-6 can be treated with two DAA-based therapies, including glecaprevir (GLE)/pibrentasvir (PIB) therapy in Japan. We experienced a relatively rare case of a Japanese hemophilia patient co-infected with HIV/HCV genotype 4a. We evaluated resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) against GLE and PIB before GLE/PIB therapy and found that he had no RASs. He was treated with 12 weeks of GLE/PIB therapy and achieved a sustained virologic response at post-treatment weeks 24. Although the treatment was well tolerated, the patient developed hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia that was probably associated with HCV elimination during the therapy. Additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of GLE/PIB therapy for this special population in Japan.

Cavin-1 modulates BMP/Smad signaling through the interaction of Caveolin-1 with BMPRII in pulmonary artery endothelial cells

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease associated with poor outcomes. Caveolin-1 (Cav1) and Cavin-1 are components of caveolae, and Cav1 is identified as a related gene of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Gene mutations of bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPRII) is the most common cause of PAH. BMPRII is localized in caveolae and associates with Cav1. However, the role of the Caveolin-Cavin system on the BMP/Smad signaling and the PAH progression has not been well-known.

Purpose

Our study aims to investigate the relationship between Caveolin-Cavin system and BMP/Smad signaling pathway in pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). [Methods] Cav1 knockout mice were used to assess PH, and caveolae in PAECs were observed by electron microscope. After knocking down Cav1 and/or Cavin-1 in human PAECs (hPAECs) using siRNA, we evaluated the phosphorylation of Smad by Western blotting. Apoptosis was explored by flow cytometry. To assess the interaction between Cav1 and BMPRII, and the effect of Cavin-1 for this interaction and BMP/Smad signaling, we performed immunoprecipitation, Co-immunostaining, Proximal Ligation Assay (PLA), GST pulldown assay, and Western blotting.

Results

As in previous reports, Cav1 knockout mice exhibited PH with pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy and PAECs isolated from Cav1 knockout mice showed caveolae disappearance. Cav1 knockdown in hPAECs reduced BMPRII at the plasma membrane and Smad 1/5/9 phosphorylation. Cav1 knockdown also significantly increased hypoxia-induced apoptosis in hPAECs. Co-immunostaining revealed that Cav1 was associated with BMPRII at the membrane of hPAECs. Cavin-1 inhibited the interaction of BMPRII with Cav1 and reduced BMPRII localization on the membrane of hPAECs. GST pulldown assay revealed that Cavin-1 and BMPRII were associated with Cav1 through the scaffolding domain in Cav1. These findings suggest that Cavin-1 and BMPRII are competitively associated with Cav1. Cavin-1 knockdown improved the interaction between Cav1 and BMPRII and inhibited both BMPRII reduction at the plasma membrane and Smad 1/5/9 dephosphorylation.

Conclusions

Cavin-1 affects the interaction of Cav1 with BMPRII at the plasma membrane and modulates BMP/Smad signaling in PAECs. The binding of Cavin-1 to Cav1 enhances the interaction between BMPR2 and Cav1, resulting in stabilization of BMPRII localization at the plasma membrane in PAECs and prevention of BMP/Smad signaling attenuation, which is important for PAH development.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The first reported case of Noonan syndrome complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma

Noonan syndrome is a genetic multisystem disorder and is associated with mutation of genes encoding the proteins in the RAS-MAPK pathway. We reported the first case of Noonan syndrome complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Ipragliflozin-induced improvement of liver steatosis in obese mice may involve sirtuin signaling

BACKGROUND

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are newly developed oral antidiabetic drugs. SGLT2 is primarily expressed in the kidneys and reabsorbs approximately 90% of the glucose filtered by the renal glomeruli. SGLT2 inhibitors lower glucose levels independently of insulin action by facilitating urinary glucose excretion. The SGLT2 inhibitor ipragliflozin has reportedly improved liver steatosis in animal models and clinical studies. However, the mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors improve liver steatosis are not fully understood.

AIM

To investigate the ameliorative effects of ipragliflozin on liver steatosis and the mechanisms of these effects in obese mice.

METHODS

We analyzed 8-wk-old male obese (ob/ob) mice that were randomly divided into a group receiving a normal chow diet and a group receiving a normal chow diet supplemented with ipragliflozin (3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg) for 4 wk. We also analyzed their lean sex-matched littermates receiving a normal chow diet as another control group. Body weight and liver weight were evaluated, and liver histology, immunoblotting, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Hepatic lipid accumulation was significantly ameliorated in ob/ob mice treated with 10 mg/kg ipragliflozin compared to untreated ob/ob mice irrespective of body weight changes. Ipragliflozin had no appreciable effects on hepatic oxidative stress-related gene expression levels or macrophage infiltration, but significantly reduced hepatic interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression levels. Ipragliflozin increased both the mRNA and protein expression levels of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the liver. The hepatic mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) were also significantly higher in ipragliflozin-treated ob/ob mice than in untreated ob/ob mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that the liver steatosis-ameliorating effects of ipragliflozin in ob/ob mice may be mediated partly by hepatic SIRT1 signaling, possibly through the PGC-1α/PPARα-FGF21 pathway.

Neuronal SIRT1 regulates macronutrient-based diet selection through FGF21 and oxytocin signalling in mice

Diet affects health through ingested calories and macronutrients, and macronutrient balance affects health span. The mechanisms regulating macronutrient-based diet choices are poorly understood. Previous studies had shown that NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in part influences the health-promoting effects of caloric restriction by boosting fat use in peripheral tissues. Here, we show that neuronal SIRT1 shifts diet choice from sucrose to fat in mice, matching the peripheral metabolic shift. SIRT1-mediated suppression of simple sugar preference requires oxytocin signalling, and SIRT1 in oxytocin neurons drives this effect. The hepatokine FGF21 acts as an endocrine signal to oxytocin neurons, promoting neuronal activation and Oxt transcription and suppressing the simple sugar preference. SIRT1 promotes FGF21 signalling in oxytocin neurons and stimulates Oxt transcription through NRF2. Thus, neuronal SIRT1 contributes to the homeostatic regulation of macronutrient-based diet selection in mice.

Relationship between the length of the forefoot bones and performance in male sprinters

Although recent studies have reported that the forefoot bones are longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters, these reports included a relatively small number of subjects. Moreover, while computer simulation suggested that longer forefoot bones may contribute to higher sprint performance by enhancing plantar flexor moment during sprinting, the correlation between forefoot bone length and sprint performance in humans has not been confirmed in observational studies. Thus, using a relatively large sample, we compared the length of the forefoot bones between sprinters and non-sprinters. We also examined the relationship between forefoot bone length and performance in sprinters. The length of forefoot bones of the big and second toes in 36 well-trained male sprinters and 36 male non-sprinters was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. The length of forefoot bones in the big and second toes was significantly longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters. After dividing the sprinters into faster and slower groups according to their personal best time in the 100-m sprint, it was found that the forefoot bone length of the second toe, but not that of the big toe, was significantly longer in faster group than in slower group. Furthermore, the forefoot bone length of the second toe correlated significantly with the personal best time in the 100-m sprint. This study supported evidence that the forefoot bones are longer in sprinters than in non-sprinters. In addition, this is the first study to show that longer forefoot bones may be advantageous for achieving superior sprint performance in humans.

Ischemic Preconditioning Enhances Muscle Endurance during Sustained Isometric Exercise

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) enhances whole-body exercise endurance. However, it is poorly understood whether the beneficial effects originate from systemic (e. g., cardiovascular system) or peripheral (e. g., skeletal muscle) adaptations. The present study examined the effects of IPC on local muscle endurance during fatiguing isometric exercise. 12 male subjects performed sustained isometric unilateral knee-extension exercise at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction until failure. Prior to the exercise, subjects completed IPC or control (CON) treatments. During exercise trial, electromyography activity and near-infrared spectroscopy-derived deoxygenation in skeletal muscle were continuously recorded. Endurance time to task failure was significantly longer in IPC than in CON (mean±SE; 233±9 vs. 198±9 s, P<0.001). Quadriceps electromyography activity was not significantly different between IPC and CON. In contrast, deoxygenation dynamics in the quadriceps vastus lateralis muscle was significantly faster in IPC than in CON (27.1±3.4 vs. 35.0±3.6 s, P<0.01). The present study found that IPC can enhance muscular endurance during fatiguing isometric exercise. Moreover, IPC accelerated muscle deoxygenation dynamics during the exercise. Therefore, we suggest that the origin of beneficial effects of IPC on exercise performance may be the enhanced mitochondrial metabolism in skeletal muscle.

Probable case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom syndrome due to combination therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir

A 66-year-old, interferon-ineligible, treatment-naive man who was diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C due to hepatitis C virus genotype 1b began combination therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir. On day 14 of treatment, hepatic reserve and renal function deterioration was observed, while his transaminase levels were normal. Both daclatasvir and asunaprevir were discontinued on day 18 of treatment, because the patient complained of dark urine and a rash on his trunk and four limbs. After discontinuing antiviral therapy, the abnormal laboratory finding and clinical manifestations gradually improved, without recurrence. Our case fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of probable drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptom (DRESS) syndrome. Despite the 18-d treatment, sustained virological response 12 was achieved. Based on the clinical course, we concluded that there was a clear cause-and-effect relationship between the treatment and adverse events. To our knowledge, this patient represents the first case of probable DRESS syndrome that includes concomitant deterioration of hepatic reserve and renal function due to combination therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir, regardless of normalization of transaminase levels. Our case suggests that we should pay attention not only to the transaminase levels but also to allergic symptoms associated with organ involvement during combination therapy with daclatasvir and asunaprevir.

Topochemical conversion of a dense metal-organic framework from a crystalline insulator to an amorphous semiconductor

A dense, insulating metal–organic framework (MOF), is successfully converted into a semiconducting amorphous MOF via a topochemical route.

The topochemical conversion of a dense, insulating metal–organic framework (MOF) into a semiconducting amorphous MOF is described. Treatment of single crystals of copper(i) chloride trithiocyanurate, Cu^ICl(ttcH₃) (ttcH₃ = trithiocyanuric acid), 1, in aqueous ammonia solution yields monoliths of amorphous Cu^I_1.8(ttc)_0.6(ttcH₃)_0.4, 3. The treatment changes the transparent orange crystals of 1 into shiny black monoliths of 3 with retention of morphology, and moreover increases the electrical conductivity from insulating to semiconducting (conductivity of 3 ranges from 4.2 × 10^–11 S cm^–1 at 20 °C to 7.6 × 10^–9 S cm^–1 at 140 °C; activation energy = 0.59 eV; optical band gap = 0.6 eV). The structure and properties of the amorphous conductor are fully characterized by AC impedance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray pair distribution function analysis, infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and theoretical calculations.

Visualization of Flow Instabilities for High Density Polyethylene

Two typical flow instabilities of “Shark Skin” and “Melt Fracture” for high density polyethylene were investigated in this report. Experimental measurements were carried out methodically in a wide flow region from the reservoir (entry region) to the die land with a specific slit die. Especially the flow pattern was visualized with a high speed camera and the frequency of the flow instability was analyzed. Corresponding to the visualization analysis, the pressure fluctuation in the slit die and the surface roughness at the die exit were measured simultaneously and these frequency characteristics were analyzed with a FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analyzer. As for “Shark Skin” region, the irregularity of the surface roughness in the broad frequency band was recognized at the die exit. In spite of this surface roughness, the pressure fluctuation and the fluctuation of the flow pattern at the wall vicinity in the die land were not observed. These results indicate that “Shark Skin” occurs at the die exit. As for “Melt Fracture” region, the periodical oscillation of the flow pattern and the periodical pressure fluctuation which corresponded to the periodical distortion of the extrudate was recognized in the die land. However the periodical oscillation of the flow pattern and the periodical pressure fluctuation could not be recognized in the reservoir (entry region of the die land). These results indicate that “Melt Fracture” is initiated at the die entry and occurs in the die land. Consequently it is clarified that “Shark Skin” occurs at the die exit and the flow instability which lead to “Melt Fracture” is initiated at the die entry and occurs in the die land.

Quantitative Analysis for Polymer Degradation in the Extrusion Process

Polymer degradation in the extrusion process decreases quality and productivity. For this reason, it is necessary to prevent polymer degradation. In the extrusion process, polymer degradation is caused by oxidation. It depends on the processing temperature and the amount of dissolved oxygen in the molten polymer. Therefore, a quantitative analysis of these factors is required.

As for the degradation characteristics of the material used in this study, temperature and oxygen concentration dependency of the oxidation rate could be quantitatively characterized with an apparatus to evaluate polymer degradation which utilized chemiluminescence generated by an oxidation reaction.

Moreover, an online measuring apparatus to analyze dissolved gas in the extruded molten polymer was developed. With this apparatus, the volume ratio of dissolved gases (N2, O2 etc.) to the extruded molten polymer could be quantitatively analyzed and the quality of the extruded molten polymer evaluated.

With this apparatus, dissolved nitrogen (an index of entrained air) was analyzed with a full-flight screw and a barrier screw. Furthermore, observation of cross sectional views in the screw channel obtained from the cooling experiment under the operating conditions was carried out for the full-flight screw and the barrier screw. With the full-flight screw, break up phenomenon (collapse of solid polymer) occurred in the screw channel and the amount of nitrogen increased. With the barrier screw, the amount of nitrogen decreased because of prevention of the break up phenomenon in the screw channel.

Consequently, it is shown that the use of the barrier screw is suitable for oxygen reduction in the molten polymer, which is a factor in causing polymer degradation.

Molecular cloning of a structural homolog of YY1AP, a coactivator of the multifunctional transcription factor YY1

YY1 is a multifunctional transcription factor that activates or represses gene transcription depending on interactions with other regulatory proteins that include coactivator YY1AP. Here, we describe the cloning of a novel homolog of YY1AP, referred to as YARP, from the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH. The cloned cDNA encoded a 2240 amino acid protein that contained a domain which was 97% homologous to an entire YY1AP sequence of 739 amino acids. Two splice variants, YARP2 and YARP3, were also cloned. Northern blotting demonstrated the YARP mRNA (approximately 10 kb), which was increased 1.7-fold after dibutyryl cAMP-induced neural differentiation of the cells. Presence of YARP mRNA was also confirmed in human tissues such as the heart, brain and placenta. Bioinformatic analysis predicted various functional motifs in the YARP structure, including nuclear localization signals and domains associated with protein-protein interactions (PAH2), DNA-binding (SANT), and chromatin assembly (nucleoplasmin-like), outside the YY1AP-homology domain. Thus, we propose that YARP is multifunctional and plays not only a role analogous to YY1AP, but also its own specific roles in DNA-utilizing processes such as transcription.

Cloning and expression analysis of YY1AP-related protein in the rat brain

YY1AP-related protein (YARP) is a structural homolog of YY1AP, a transcriptional coactivator of the multifunctional transcription factor YY1. We cloned a rat YARP cDNA that encoded a 2256 amino acid protein with 93% homology to the human counterpart. Northern blots revealed significant expression of the YARP gene in the rat brain. In situ hybridization demonstrated its expression in neurons throughout the brain, including pyramidal cells in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and granule cells in the dentate gyrus. YARP was coexpressed with YY1 in these same neuronal cells. However, there was no evidence of YARP expression in glia. In the developing rat brain, the level of YARP mRNA ( approximately 10 kb) peaked at embryonic day 18 and promptly declined thereafter to reach the steady-state level found in adulthood, by 14 days after birth. These results suggest that YARP functions at a late stage of neurogenesis during perinatal development of the rat brain, as well as in mature neurons.

Phase II study of the efficacy of gefitinib in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with the EGFR mutations

7183

Purpose: Recent studies have indicated that the mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were associated with sensitivity of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The clinical objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of gefitinib in patients with stageIII/IV NSCLC that had the EGFR mutations. Methods: Genomic DNA was extracted from tumor specimens and EGFR mutations in exon 19 and 21 were analyzed by direct sequencing. Patients with stageIII/IV NSCLC who had the EGFR mutations were treated with gefitinib (250mg) orally. Response, survival data and toxicity were assessed. Results: From Nov. 2004 to Dec 2005, 14 patients with the EGFR mutations received gefitinib (median age: 67 years; 2 males, 12 females; 1 smokers, 13 non-smokers; all adenocarcinomas). Two patients discontinued gefitinib and came off study because of interstitial pneumonitis (grade 3) and acne (grade 3), respectively. Response data are available for 12 patients. Two achieved a complete response (CR), seven exhibited a partial response (PR) and three had stable disease (SD). Response rate and disease control rate were 75% and 100%, respectively. There were no grade 3/4 toxicities in these 12 patients. All patients were alive during median follow-up period of 8 months (range 1–13 months). Conclusions: The EGFR mutations could be an excellent predictor of response to gefitinib in NSCLC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Tumour matrilysin expression predicts metastatic potential of stage I (pT1) colon and rectal cancers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nodal metastases are indisputable determinants of prognosis for colon and rectal cancer. Using classical histological criteria, many attempts to predict nodal metastasis have failed, preventing the adequate management of stage I (pT1) cancer. We investigated the role of tumour matrilysin in predicting metastatic potential, and discuss its potential use in individualising treatment of pT1 colon and rectal cancer.

METHODS

The gene signature associated with nodal metastasis was investigated by cDNA array in 24 colon and rectal cancers. We studied 494 colon and rectal cancer patients to identify risk factors for nodal metastasis and evaluated the potential to predict nodal metastasis by either the logistic regression model or the Bayesian neural network model with built-in matrilysin. We then inferred possible causality of nodal metastasis from structural equation modelling.

RESULTS

cDNA array revealed that matrilysin was maximally upregulated in the metastasis signature identified. Tumour matrilysin expression emerged as a stage independent risk factor for nodal metastasis, resulting in a similar predictive performance in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis in the two models. A Bayesian approach called automatic relevance determination identified matrilysin as one of the most relevant predictors examined. Structural equation modelling suggested possible direct causality between matrilysin and nodal metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

We have provided evidence that tumour matrilysin expression is a promising biomarker predicting nodal metastasis of colon and rectal cancer. Analysis of tumour matrilysin expression would help clinicians achieve the goal of individualised cancer treatment based on the metastatic potential of pT1 colon and rectal cancer.

Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 capsular polysaccharide induces IL-1beta mRNA expression through the JNK pathway in differentiated THP-1 cells

Capsular polysaccharide from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 (Y4 CP) induces bone resorption in a mouse organ culture system and osteoclast formation in mouse bone marrow cultures, as reported in previous studies. We also found that Y4 CP inhibits the release of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 from human gingival fibroblast (HGF). Thus Y4 CP induces various responses in localized tissue and leads to the secretion of several cytokines. However, the effects of Y4 CP on human monocytes/macrophages are still unclear. In this study, THP-1 cells, which are a human monocytic cell line, were stimulated with Y4 CP, and we measured gene expression in inflammatory cytokine and signal transduction pathways. IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA were induced from Y4 CP-treated THP-1 cells. IL-1beta mRNA expression was increased according to the dose of Y4 CP, and in a time-dependent manner. IL-1beta mRNA expression induced by Y4 CP (100 microg/ml) was approximately 7- to 10-fold greater than that in the control by real-time PCR analysis. Furthermore, neither PD98059, a specific inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase nor SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 kinase prevented the IL-1beta expression induced by Y4 CP. However, JNK Inhibitor II, a specific inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) prevented the IL-1beta mRNA expression induced by Y4 CP in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that Y4 CP-mediated JNK pathways play an important role in the regulation of IL-1beta mRNA. Therefore, Y4 CP-transduced signals for IL-1beta induction in the antibacterial action of macrophages may provide a therapeutic strategy for periodontitis.

Detection of tryptase-, chymase+ cells in human CD34+ bone marrow progenitors

BACKGROUND

Mast cells (MCs) arise from haematopoietic stem cells. We have recently reported that CD34(+) progenitors derived from human bone marrow (BM) develop into tryptase+, chymase+ MCs when cultured in the presence of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF) and recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6). In an experiment for the expression of chymase during differentiation, chymase+ cells were detected in human BM, but tryptase+ cells were not found.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to show the appearance of chymase+ cells in CD34(+) cells with an origin different from MC differentiation.

METHODS

CD34(+) cells from human BM were sorted with anti-CD117 monoclonal antibody (mAb), and cytospins of CD34(+), CD34(+)CD117(+), or CD34(+)CD117(-) were prepared. These cells were cultured with rhSCF+rhIL-6 for 12 weeks. Some of the cells were subjected to either histological stain with Wright-Giemsa or immunocytochemistry with anti-chymase mAb. Real-time RT-PCR was also performed to compare the transcriptional level of chymase from each cell preparation.

RESULTS

Chymase was expressed in CD34(+) cells as well as human MCs by immunocytochemistry. Substantial CD34(+)CD117(-) cells, but not CD34(+)CD117(+) cells, were stained immunocytochemically with anti-chymase mAb. For 1 week culture with rhSCF+rhIL-6, no cells expressed chymase in any preparation. Real-time RT-PCR revealed positivity for chymase mRNA in CD34(+) cells, but it reduced at 1 week of culture, and increased as cells developed into MCs. Chymase mRNA in CD34(+)CD117(+) cells was negligible compared with that in CD34(+)CD117(-). Tryptase mRNA was below the detectable level in CD34(+) cells, and increased along with MC differentiation. After 12 weeks of culture, CD34(+)CD117(+) developed predominantly into MCs, whereas CD34(+)CD117(-) developed into monocytes/macrophages.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that chymase is present not only in MCs but also in CD34(+)CD117(-) BM progenitors, but that its origin is different from the MC lineage.

Review of combination of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis as a modality of treatment for end-stage renal disease

Because the contribution of residual renal function (RRF) to total solute clearance is often significant in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), loss of RRF over time can lead to inadequate dialysis if appropriate prescription management strategies are not pursued. Additionally, declines in ultrafiltration caused by increases in peritoneal permeability may limit continuation of CAPD therapy. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis (PD + HD) combination therapy (complementary dialysis therapy) is an alternative method. This therapy allows the patient to maintain daily activities, as with CAPD, while undergoing once-a-week HD supplements for the insufficient removal of solutes and water. This therapy allows for the continuation of PD without shifting to total HD in PD patients who continue to have uremic symptoms even after individualization of the PD prescription. This treatment option is psychologically more acceptable to patients and may be expected to provide such accompanying beneficial effects as peritoneal resting, improvement of QOL and reduction in medical cost.

Functional expression of high-affinity receptor for immunoglobulin E on mast cells precedes that of tryptase during differentiation from human bone marrow-derived CD34 progenitors cultured in the presence of stem cell factor and interleukin-6

BACKGROUND

CD34(+) progenitor cells develop into tryptase(+), CD117(+) mast cells when cultured in the presence of recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF). However, spontaneous IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) expression during human mast cell development is not well examined.

OBJECTIVE

Here, the expression and function of FcepsilonRI in and on human bone marrow-derived mast cells (HBMMCs) during development were investigated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

At 4 weeks of culture, predominant cells expressed high-affinity IgE receptor alpha chain (FcepsilonRIalpha) on the cell surface determined by flow cytometry, but CD117 was less expressed. Immunocytochemistry with antitryptase mAb and anti-FcepsilonRIalpha mAb revealed intracellular and surface expression of FcepsilonRIalpha at 2 weeks of culture, but tryptase was less expressed. FcepsilonRIalpha mRNA transcript preceded that of tryptase mRNA at 2 weeks of culture determined by real-time RT-PCR, and FcepsilonRIalpha, FcepsilonRIbeta, FcepsilonRIgamma, and tryptase mRNA increased along with differentiation. FcepsilonRIalpha cross-link on HBMMC and 4-week-old mast cells/mast cell precursors induced the release of IL-5 and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, which was enhanced by rhSCF.

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that HBMMC constitutively and spontaneously expressed functional FcepsilonRI subunits at the early stage of differentiation, probably because of the differences in the ability and functional property of progenitors.

Hepatic induction of mitochondrial and cytosolic acyl-coenzyme a hydrolases/thioesterases in rats under conditions of diabetes and fasting

Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) hydrolases/thioesterases are a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of acyl-CoA thioesters to free fatty acids and CoA-SH. The potency of these enzymes may serve to modulate intracellular concentrations of acyl-CoAs, free fatty acids, and CoA to affect various cellular functions, including lipid metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of diabetes and fasting on the protein levels of mitochondrial (MTE-I) and cytosolic acyl-CoA thioesterases (CTE-I), multigene family members of this class of enzymes, in adult rat liver. Rats were treated with alloxan to induce diabetes or fasted for 72 hours. Western blot analysis with the liver homogenates revealed 2.8-fold and 3.8-fold increases in MTE-I and 8.5-fold and 9.2-fold increases in CTE-I under the diabetic and fasting conditions, respectively, compared with the control in which the level of MTE-I was 4.3-fold higher than CTE-I. Serum level of free fatty acids was elevated 5-fold and 2.5-fold in diabetic and fasted rats, respectively. These results confirm the adaptive induction of MTE-I and CTE-I in response to fatty acid overload in the liver, being consistent with their auxiliary role in fatty acid degradation.

Localization of [14C]clarithromycin in rat gastric tissue when administered with lansoprazole and amoxicillin

After oral and intravenous administration of [14C]clarithromycin to rats, c. 60-70% of the radioactivity in the gastric tissue was found to be distributed in the mucosal layer. Co-administration of lansoprazole and amoxicillin had no apparent effect on this distribution pattern of [14C]clarithromycin. The amount of unchanged [14C]clarithromycin in gastric contents increased with co-administration of lansoprazole and amoxicillin. Microautoradiograms of the gastric mucosa showed that [14C]clarithromycin was highly distributed in the mucous layer and in surface epithelial cells following oral administration. Homogeneous distribution of radioactivity was evident in the fundic gland. With iv administration, [14C]clarithromycin seemed to be secreted by both secreting cells in the gland base and surface epithelial cells.

Actual behaviour of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (histoacryl) in a blood vessel: a model of the varix

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Though many gastric varices are treated endoscopically with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, its behavior in varices is not known precisely.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We created a varix model. A volume of 0.7 ml or 1.4 ml of 71.4 % n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, a tissue adhesive, was injected into vinyl tubes of 0.4, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2 cm in diameter, which were filled with still blood or flowing blood. The tissue adhesive was also injected into the inferior vena cava or femoral vein of dogs.

RESULTS

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was similarly polymerized in the vinyl tubes and the animal veins. A volume of 0.7 ml of the tissue adhesive could block all tubes up to 0.6 cm in diameter. A double quantity of the tissue adhesive could block tubes 0.9 and 1.2 cm in diameter, with flow velocities up to 10 cm/s and up to 5 cm/s, respectively. Some polymer masses were fragmented.

CONCLUSIONS

One rapid shot of the tissue adhesive can block a vessel 0.6 cm or less in diameter with fast flow velocity, and a vessel up to 1.2 cm in diameter with slow flow velocity. Fast blood flows in a larger diameter vessel and slow injection of the tissue adhesive may result in fragmentation. This model of the varix was useful for assessing the effect of tissue adhesive used to treat gastric varices.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in a puerperant with drug-induced agranulocytosis

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is an acute infection of Aspergillus species to the lungs. It generally occurs in immunocompromised hosts, especially with neutropenia. We report a 30-year-old puerperant, who developed IPA from agranulocytosis. She had been treated for threatened labor with ritodrine and cefepime, one of which induced agranulocytosis. After vaginal delivery of twins, pneumonia emerged in the right lower lobe. She was diagnosed to have IPA according to the halo sign on computed tomography (CT) and positive circulating antibody against Aspergillus, and was treated successfully with oral itraconazole followed by surgical resection. It is important to note that IPA might arise in otherwise immunocompetent hosts when neutropenia is long-standing.

Toxicity and effects of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl N-methylcarbamate (terbutol) on hepatic cytochrome P450 in F344 rats

The subacute toxicity and effects of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenyl N-methylcarbamate (terbutol) on hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (P450) were investigated in male and female F344 rats. Rats were given 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% terbutol for 28 days. Liver weights of male and female rats increased at all dose levels. The compound did not affect activity or amount of serum biochemical markers related to hepatic damage. The concentrations of terbutol in rat serum were less than 0.1 microM, and its major metabolites in serum were 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-carboxyphenyl N-methyl-carbamate and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-carboxyphenol. In male rats, P450 and cytochrome b5 (b5) contents, and NADPH cytochrome c reductase (fp2) activity in liver microsomes were increased about 2-fold by 1% terbutol administration for 7 to 28 days. Among the P450-dependent monooxygenase activities in liver microsomes, 7-benzyloxyresorufin-O-debenzylase (BROD) activity was greatly increased by 100-fold, and 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), 7-ethoxycoumarin-O-deethylase (ECOD), and aminopyrine-N-demethylase (APND) activities were elevated 2- to 3-fold. 7-Methoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (MROD), erythromycin-N-demethylase (EMND), estradiol 2-hydroxylase (ED2H), chlorzoxazone 6-hydroxylase (CZ6H), and lauric acid omega-hydroxylase (LAOH) activities were unchanged. For the activities of testosterone hydroxylation, testosterone 16beta-hydroxylase (T16BH) activity was markedly increased by 30-fold, and testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase (T6BH) and testosterone 7alpha-hydroxylase (T7AH) activities were slightly elevated. Testosterone 2alpha-hydroxylase (T2AH) activity was not affected. Terbutol 4-methylhydroxylase (T4MH) activity was increased 9-fold by 1% terbutol. In an immunoinhibition study, T4MH activity in liver microsomes from 1% terbutol-treated rats was decreased about 50% by polyclonal anti-rat CYP2B1, whereas polyclonal anti-rat CYP2A1 and CYP2C11 did not affected the activity. These results indicate that terbutol increased CYP2B subfamily in rat liver microsomes, and that the compound did not cause serious hepatic damage.