Selective and easy detection of the Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA type II and IV genes by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbrillin (fimA) type II and IV, the definitive factors for periodontitis, are also found to be associated with systemic diseases. To detect the fimA type II and IV genes easily and rapidly, we used the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. The LAMP method showed high specificity as DNA from the P. gingivalis HW24D1 strain could only be amplified by the type II-specific primers and that from the W83 strain could only be amplified by the type IV-specific primers. Pathogens, namely, Streptococcus sobrinus, S. mutans, and Candida species, lack the type II and IV genes, and hence, were not detected by the LAMP reaction. Both bacterial cells and purified DNA could be used in the LAMP reaction. The LAMP reaction was highly sensitive and both type II and type IV genes could be detected in 1000 DNA molecules. In the bacterial suspensions of HW24D1 and W83 strains, type II and type IV genes, respectively, could be detected in 100 bacterial cells. We examined the type II and type IV genes in the dental plaques from 22 P. gingivalis-positive patients using the LAMP method. Only one person was found to be positive for the type II gene (4.5%). For the type IV gene, 3 positive cases (13.6%) were identified. Moreover, type II and type IV genes could be detected simultaneously using a multiplex amplification primer of fimA type II and type IV, under visible light. Thus, we established a selective and easy method to detect P. gingivalis fimA type II and IV genes using LAMP.

Depletion of Csk preferentially reduces the protein level of LynA in a Cbl-dependent manner in cancer cells

There are eight human Src-family tyrosine kinases (SFKs). SFK members c-Src, c-Yes, Fyn, and Lyn are expressed in various cancer cells. SFK kinase activity is negatively regulated by Csk tyrosine kinase. Reduced activity of Csk causes aberrant activation of SFKs, which can be degraded by a compensatory mechanism depending on Cbl-family ubiquitin ligases. We herein investigated whether all SFK members are similarly downregulated by Cbl-family ubiquitin ligases in cancer cells lacking Csk activity. We performed Western blotting of multiple cancer cells knocked down for Csk and found that the protein levels of the 56 kDa isoform of Lyn (LynA), 53 kDa isoform of Lyn (LynB), c-Src, and Fyn, but not of c-Yes, were reduced by Csk depletion. Induction of c-Cbl protein levels was also observed in Csk-depleted cells. The reduction of LynA accompanying the depletion of Csk was significantly reversed by the knockdown for Cbls, whereas such significant recovery of LynB, c-Src, and Fyn was not observed. These results suggested that LynA is selectively downregulated by Cbls in cancer cells lacking Csk activity.

Evidence for the Single-Site Quadrupolar Kondo Effect in the Dilute Non-Kramers System Y_{1-x}Pr_{x}Ir_{2}Zn_{20}

Acoustic signatures of the single-site quadrupolar Kondo effect in Y_{0.966}Pr_{0.034}Ir_{2}Zn_{20} are presented. The elastic constant (C_{11}-C_{12})/2, corresponding to the Γ_{3}(E)-symmetry electric-quadrupolar response, reveals a logarithmic temperature dependence of the quadrupolar susceptibility in the low-magnetic-field region below ∼0.3  K. Furthermore, the Curie-type divergence of the elastic constant down to ∼1  K indicates that the Pr ions in this diluted system have a non-Kramers ground-state doublet. These observations evidence the single-site quadrupolar Kondo effect, as previously suggested based on specific-heat and electrical-resistivity data.

Single-Site Non-Fermi-Liquid Behaviors in a Diluted 4f^{2} System Y_{1-x}Pr_{x}Ir_{2}Zn_{20}

Electrical resistivity ρ(T) and specific heat C(T) measurements have been made on the diluted 4f^{2} system Y(Pr)Ir_{2}Zn_{20}. Both data of ρ and magnetic specific heat C_{m} per Pr ion are well scaled as a function of T/T_{0}, where T_{0} is a characteristic temperature of non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behaviors. Furthermore, the temperature dependences of ρ and C_{m}/T agree with the NFL behaviors predicted by the two-channel Kondo model for the strong coupling limit. Therefore, we infer that the observed NFL behaviors result from the single-site quadrupole Kondo effect due to the hybridization of the 4f^{2} states with multichannel conduction electrons.

Nosocomial BK Polyomavirus Infection Causing Hemorrhagic Cystitis Among Patients With Hematological Malignancies After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is recognized as a pathogen that causes diseases such as hemorrhagic cystitis and nephritis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or renal transplantation. BKPyV-associated disease is thought to occur through reactivation under immunosuppression. However, the possibility of its nosocomial transmission and the clinical significance of such transmission have not been elucidated. During a 6-month period, nine adult patients (median age: 47 years) who had hematological disorders and who were treated with HSCT (n = 7) or chemotherapy (n = 2) in a single hematology department developed hemorrhagic cystitis due to BKPyV infection. The polymerase chain reaction products of BKPyV DNA obtained from each patient were sequenced. Of the nine patients, six had subtype I, 2 had subtype IV, and 1 had subtype II or III. In the alignment of sequences, four and two of the six subtype I strains were completely homologous (100%). These results strongly suggest that BKPyV has the potential to cause nosocomial infection within a medical facility, especially among recipients of HSCT. Further studies are clearly warranted to elucidate the route(s) of BKPyV transmission in order to establish optimal infection control.

Effect of Compounding Conditions on Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyamide-6

Glass fiber-reinforced polyamide-6 (GFPA-6) was compounded using a HYPERKTX46 twin screw extruder with three different types of screw segments (rotor segments, kneading disc segments and turbine segments). Based on the ‘neural network’ regression analysis, we investigated the effects of compounding conditions, such as screw configurations, screw rotation speed, and production rate on mechanical properties, such as tensile, flexural and impact strength of GFPA-6. It was found that the mechanical properties of GFPA-6 changed in different ways with compounding conditions (screw rotation speed and production rate), depending on the type of screw segments. It was also found that the rotor segment exhibited good mechanical properties in wider ranges of compounding conditions than the kneading disc segment and the turbine segment, probably due to its mild and uniform mixing capability.

The histone methyltransferase Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1-like 1 (WHSC1L1) is involved in human carcinogenesis

Histone lysine methylation plays a fundamental role in chromatin organization. Although a set of histone methyltransferases have been identified and biochemically characterized, the pathological roles of their dysfunction in human cancers are still not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate important roles of WHSC1L1 in human carcinogenesis. Expression levels of WHSC1L1 transcript were significantly elevated in various human cancers including bladder carcinoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of bladder, lung, and liver cancers confirmed overexpression of WHSC1L1. WHSC1L1-specific small interfering RNAs significantly knocked down its expression and resulted in suppression of proliferation of bladder and lung cancer cell lines. WHSC1L1 knockdown induced cell cycle arrest at the G(2)/M phase followed by multinucleation of cancer cells. Expression profile analysis using Affymetrix GeneChip(®) showed that WHSC1L1 affected the expression of a number of genes including CCNG1 and NEK7, which are known to play crucial roles in the cell cycle progression at mitosis. As WHSC1L1 expression is significantly low in various normal tissues including vital organs, WHSC1L1 could be a good candidate molecule for development of novel treatment for various types of cancer.

The JmjC domain-containing histone demethylase KDM3A is a positive regulator of the G1/S transition in cancer cells via transcriptional regulation of the HOXA1 gene

A number of histone demethylases have been identified and biochemically characterized, yet their biological functions largely remain uncharacterized, particularly in the context of human diseases such as cancer. In this study, we describe important roles for the histone demethylase KDM3A, also known as JMJD1A, in human carcinogenesis. Expression levels of KDM3A were significantly elevated in human bladder carcinomas compared with nonneoplastic bladder tissues (p < 0.0001), when assessed by real-time PCR. We confirmed that some other cancers including lung cancer also overexpressed KDM3A, using cDNA microarray analysis. Treatment of cancer cell lines with small interfering RNA targeting KDM3A significantly knocked down its expression and resulted in the suppression of proliferation. Importantly, we found that KDM3A activates transcription of the HOXA1 gene through demethylating histone H3 at lysine 9 di-methylation by binding to its promoter region. Indeed, expression levels of KDM3A and HOXA1 in several types of cancer cell lines and bladder cancer samples were statistically correlated. We observed the down-regulation of HOXA1 as well as CCND1 after treatment with KDM3A siRNA, indicating G(1) arrest of cancer cells. Together, our results suggest that elevated expression of KDM3A plays a critical role in the growth of cancer cells, and further studies may reveal a cancer therapeutic potential in KDM3A inhibition.

Histone lysine methyltransferase SETD8 promotes carcinogenesis by deregulating PCNA expression

Although the physiologic significance of lysine methylation of histones is well known, whether lysine methylation plays a role in the regulation of nonhistone proteins has not yet been examined. The histone lysine methyltransferase SETD8 is overexpressed in various types of cancer and seems to play a crucial role in S-phase progression. Here, we show that SETD8 regulates the function of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein through lysine methylation. We found that SETD8 methylated PCNA on lysine 248, and either depletion of SETD8 or substitution of lysine 248 destabilized PCNA expression. Mechanistically, lysine methylation significantly enhanced the interaction between PCNA and the flap endonuclease FEN1. Loss of PCNA methylation retarded the maturation of Okazaki fragments, slowed DNA replication, and induced DNA damage, and cells expressing a methylation-inactive PCNA mutant were more susceptible to DNA damage. An increase of methylated PCNA was found in cancer cells, and the expression levels of SETD8 and PCNA were correlated in cancer tissue samples. Together, our findings reveal a function for lysine methylation on a nonhistone protein and suggest that aberrant lysine methylation of PCNA may play a role in human carcinogenesis.

RB1 methylation by SMYD2 enhances cell cycle progression through an increase of RB1 phosphorylation

It is well known that RB functions are regulated by posttranslational modifications such as phosphorylation and acetylation, but the significance of lysine methylation on RB has not been fully elucidated. Our expression analysis of SMYD2 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that expression levels of SMYD2 are significantly elevated in human bladder carcinomas compared with nonneoplastic bladder tissues (P < .0001), and its expression levels in tumor tissues were much higher than those of any other normal tissues. SMYD2 knockdown resulted in the suppression of cancer cell growth, and cell cycle analysis indicated that SMYD2 might play a crucial role in the G(1)/S transition. According to an in vitro methyltransferase assay, we found that SMYD2 methylates RB1 protein, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed lysine 810 of RB1 to be methylated by SMYD2. Importantly, this methylation enhanced Ser 807/811 phosphorylation of RB1 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that methylated RB1 accelerates E2F transcriptional activity and promotes cell cycle progression. SMYD2 is an important oncoprotein in various types of cancer, and SMYD2-dependent RB1 methylation at lysine 810 promotes cell cycle progression of cancer cells. Further study may explore SMYD2-dependent RB1 methylation as a potential therapeutic target in human cancer.

Continuous generation of spinmotive force in a patterned ferromagnetic film

We study, both experimentally and theoretically, the generation of a dc spinmotive force. By exciting a ferromagnetic resonance of a comb-shaped ferromagnetic thin film, a continuous spinmotive force is generated. Experimental results are well reproduced by theoretical calculations, offering a quantitative and microscopic understanding of this spinmotive force.

Histone lysine methyltransferase Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 is involved in human carcinogenesis through regulation of the Wnt pathway

A number of histone methyltransferases have been identified and biochemically characterized, but the pathologic roles of their dysfunction in human diseases like cancer are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome candidate 1 (WHSC1) plays important roles in human carcinogenesis. Transcriptional levels of this gene are significantly elevated in various types of cancer including bladder and lung cancers. Immunohistochemical analysis using a number of clinical tissues confirmed significant up-regulation of WHSC1 expression in bladder and lung cancer cells at the protein level. Treatment of cancer cell lines with small interfering RNA targeting WHSC1 significantly knocked down its expression and resulted in the suppression of proliferation. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry indicated that knockdown of WHSC1 decreased the cell population of cancer cells at the S phase while increasing that at the G(2)/M phase. WHSC1 interacts with some proteins related to the WNT pathway including β-catenin and transcriptionally regulates CCND1, the target gene of the β-catenin/Tcf-4 complex, through histone H3 at lysine 36 trimethylation. This is a novel mechanism for WNT pathway dysregulation in human carcinogenesis, mediated by the epigenetic regulation of histone H3. Because expression levels of WHSC1 are significantly low in most normal tissue types, it should be feasible to develop specific and selective inhibitors targeting the enzyme as antitumor agents that have a minimal risk of adverse reaction.

Validation of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 as a therapeutic target for various types of human cancer and as a prognostic marker

The emphasis in anticancer drug discovery has always been on finding a drug with great antitumor potential but few side-effects. This can be achieved if the drug is specific for a molecular site found only in tumor cells. Here, we find the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to be highly overexpressed in lung and other cancers, and show that EZH2 is integral to proliferation in cancer cells. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed higher expression of EZH2 in clinical bladder cancer tissues than in corresponding non-neoplastic tissues (P < 0.0001), and we confirmed that a wide range of cancers also overexpress EZH2, using cDNA microarray analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for EZH2 in 14 of 29 cases of bladder cancer, 135 of 292 cases of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and 214 of 245 cases of colorectal cancer, whereas no significant staining was observed in various normal tissues. We found elevated expression of EZH2 to be associated with poor prognosis for patients with NSCLC (P = 0.0239). In lung and bladder cancer cells overexpressing EZH2, suppression of EZH2 using specific siRNAs inhibited incorporation of BrdU and resulted in significant suppression of cell growth, even though no significant effect was observed in the normal cell strain CCD-18Co, which has undetectable EZH2. Because EZH2 expression was scarcely detectable in all normal tissues we examined, EZH2 shows promise as a tumor-specific therapeutic target. Furthermore, as elevated levels of EZH2 are associated with poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC, its overexpression in resected specimens could prove a useful molecular marker, indicating the necessity for a more extensive follow-up in some lung cancer patients after surgical treatment.

The effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors of left atrial pressure in dogs with mitral valve regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Despite many epidemiological reports concerning the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in dogs with mitral regurgitation (MR), the hemodynamic effects of ACE inhibitor administration have not been fully evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

To document left atrial pressure (LAP) in dogs with MR administered ACE inhibitors, in order to obtain interesting information about daily LAP changes with administration of ACE inhibitors.

ANIMALS

Five healthy Beagle dogs weighing 9.8 to 14.2 kg (2 males and 3 females; aged 2 years).

METHODS

Experimental, crossover, and interventional study. Chordae tendineae rupture was induced, and a radiotelemetry transmitter catheter was inserted into the left atrium. LAP was recorded for 72 consecutive hours during which each of 3 ACE inhibitors--nalapril (0.5 mg/kg/d), temocapril (0.1 mg/kg/d), and alacepril (3.0 mg/kg/d)--were administered in a crossover study.

RESULTS

Averaged diurnal LAP was significantly, but slightly reduced by alacepril (P = .03, 19.03 +/- 3.01-18.24 +/- 3.07 mmHg). The nightly drops in LAP caused by alacepril and enalapril were significantly higher than the daily drops (P = .03, -0.98 +/- 0.19 to -0.07 +/- 0.25 mmHg, and P = .03, -0.54 +/- 0.21-0.02 +/- 0.17 mmHg, respectively), despite the fact that the oral administrations were given in the morning. Systolic blood pressure (122.7 +/- 14.4-117.4 +/- 13.1 mmHg, P = .04) and systemic vascular resistance (5800 +/- 2685-5144 +/- 2077 dyne x s/cm5, P = .03) were decreased by ACE inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

ACE inhibitors decrease LAP minimally, despite reductions in left ventricular afterload. ACE inhibitors should not be used to decrease LAP.

A novel histopathological evaluation method for predicting the outcome of non-small cell lung cancer treated by neoadjuvant therapy

e11574

Background: Chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or radiotherapy is sometimes used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) before surgical resection (neoadjuvant therapy). However, no histopathological evaluation method for predicting the outcome of NSCLC treated by neoadjuvant therapy has been fully assessed. The purpose of this study was to assess a novel histopathological evaluation method for predicting the outcome of NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection. Methods: We reviewed the histopathology of the tumors of 61 NSCLC patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy, or radiotherapy and identified the histological features produced by neoadjuvant therapy by comparing them with the histopathological features of the tumors in 138 NSCLC cases treated by surgery without neoadjuvant therapy. We also measured the area of residual tumor (ART) on the maximum cut surface of the tumors and analyzed the relationships between the histological features, ART, and the outcome. Results: The proportions of cases with the histological features “cholesterin clefts,” “foreign body reactive giant cells,” “stromal hyalinosis,” and “cancer cells more than 50% of which contained a bizarre nucleus” were significantly higher in the neoadjuvant therapy group than in the surgery alone group. However, the presence of none of these features except “stromal hyalinosis” had any significant effect on survival in the neoadjuvant therapy group. Although pathological T factor (ypT) and N factor (ypN) had no significant effect on overall survival, smaller ART (≤400 mm2) and absence of pleural invasion (p(-)) were predictors of a outcome (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Smaller ART (≤400 mm2) and p(-) predict a better outcome of NSCLC in patients who receive neoadjuvant therapy. We concluded that ART is a novel histopathological parameter for predicting the outcome of NSCLC patients who receive neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgical resection.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Complete Atrioventricular Block Associated with Lymphocytic Myocarditis of the Atrioventricular Node in Two Young Adult Dogs

A histological investigation of the atrioventricular (AV) conduction system was performed in two young adult dogs with complete AV block. In both cases, infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells into the AV node and loss and disappearance of the conduction fibres were observed. Such inflammatory lesions of the AV conduction system were associated with complete AV block. The aetiology of these changes and the cause of its location at the AV node were not elucidated.

A Histological Study of the Cardiac Conduction System in Canine Cases of Mitral Valve Endocardiosis with Complete Atrioventricular Block

The cardiac conduction system was examined histologically in four canine cases of endocardiosis of the mitral valve (MV) with complete atrioventricular (AV) block. In all cases, moderate to severe reduction of the conduction fibres due to fibrous or fibro-fatty replacement was observed in the penetrating and branching portions of the AV bundle. In addition, degenerative and fibrotic lesions were commonly seen at the upper portions of the left and right bundle branches. These changes in the AV conduction system were associated with marked degeneration and fibrosis of the base of the central fibrous body and the upper part of the ventricular septum. The degenerative and sclerotic changes of the AV junctional region, affecting the AV bundle and bundle branches, were qualitatively similar to those in age-matched control dogs, but were more severe. It is possible that the pathological process occurred as a result of ageing and may have been exaggerated or accelerated by the abnormal mechanical forces created by excessive motion of the prolapsed MV and the long-term haemodynamic stresses of mitral regurgitation, resulting in interruption of the AV conduction system to produce complete AV block. Conduction abnormalities represent a possible complication in some canine cases of MV endocardiosis.

The Anatomical Basis of Complete Atrioventricular Block in Cats with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The cardiac conduction system was examined histologically in 13 feline cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Marked degeneration and fibrous replacement of the AV conduction system were consistently observed in the combined regions of the branching portion of the AV bundle and the upper portion of the left bundle branch. These changes were associated with extensive fibrosis of the central fibrous body and endocardial and myocardial fibrosis in the upper border of the ventricular septum. Chondrometaplastic lesions or osseous lesions, or both, present in the base of the central fibrous body, compressed the underlying penetrating or branching (or both) portions of the AV bundle, causing apparent reduction of the conduction fibres. The pathological process and the nature and predilection sites of the lesions resembled those associated with ageing in human patients with complete AV block. It is possible that the pathological process in the cats was fundamentally related to the normal ageing phenomenon and may have been exacerbated by mechanical forces created by the cardiac hypertrophy associated with HCM.

Surgical management of a double-chambered right ventricle and chylothorax in a Labrador retriever

A 22-month-old, male Labrador retriever was presented with anorexia, dyspnoea, and fainting. The dog was diagnosed with a double-chambered right ventricle and tricuspid valve dysplasia using echocardiography and cardiac catheterisation. A marked bilateral pleural effusion was also present and chemical analysis of the fluid confirmed the diagnosis of chylothorax. Using echocardiography, a pressure gradient of 87.1 mmHg was found between the proximal and distal chambers of the double-chambered right ventricle. Initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass allowed the anomalous muscle bundle that divided the right ventricle into two chambers to be resected via a right ventriculotomy. The fainting completely resolved postoperatively, and this treatment seemed quite effective in the reduction of pressure overload ascribable to ejection disturbance. Because the tricuspid dysplasia was not corrected in the first operation, the postoperative chyle effusion was reduced but did not cease. A combination of thoracic duct ligation and passive pleuroperitoneal shunting was effective in the resolution of the chyle effusion.

Surgical correction of ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation in a dog

An 8-month-old entire Miniature Dachshund, weighing 4.2 kg, was presented for examination following delvelopment of a cough. Ventricular septal defect had been diagnosed tentatively in its infancy on the basis of a cardiac murmur detected by auscultation and echocardiography. Echocardiography using a B mode right parasternal long-axis view showed a defect at the atrioventricular junction and a thickened cusp of the aortic valve prolapsing into the defect. Colour-flow Doppler showed shunt blood flow across the defect at the level of the atrioventricular junction, from left to right. The sinus of Valsalva was dilated, with turbulent blood flow. Aortic regurgitation was also observed. Cardiac catheterisation studies confirmed the diagnosis of a supracristal ventricular septal defect with aortic regurgitation. Despite medication with digoxin, enalapril and aminophylin, started from the first admission, left ventricular internal dimensions gradually increased, and fractional shortening of the left ventricle gradually decreased. Surgery, with the aid of extracorporeal circulation, to close the ventricular septal defect, was performed 1 year after the initial examination. The aortic valve was left untreated. Postoperatively, the systolic murmur disappeared. Shunt flow from the left to the right ventricle was no longer observed on echocardiography, however there was still a small amount of aortic regurgitation during diastole visualised with colour-flow Doppler echocardiography. The prolapse of the cusp of the aortic valve on B-mode echocardiography was no longer observed and thickening of the cusp had not progressed. Left ventricular function measurement using M mode echocardiography showed a reduced left ventricular volume overload with reduced left ventricular internal dimensions and increased fractional shortening. The cough was relieved and no follow-up medication was scheduled. Early surgical closure of the ventricular septal defect improved the patient's condition and controlled prolapse and thickening of the aortic valve.

Numerous nonclonal chromosomal aberrations arising in residual recipient hematopoietic cells following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation

A young female patient in a second remission of acute lymphoblastic leukemia underwent bone marrow transplantation after total body irradiation and high-dose cytarabine from her HLA-matched brother. Following successful engraftment, mixed chimerism was seen 75 days post transplant. The karyotype contained numerous abnormalities in residual recipient cells. Chromosomes 1, 7, 13, and X were significantly more affected than other chromosomes. The high-frequency breakpoints identified were 1p22.2, 5q31.2, and 13q14.2. Some karyotypes specific for leukemia, such as t(9;22)(q34.1;q11.2) and t(8;21)(q22.2;q22.2), not seen with the original disease, were also present. As the frequency of aberrant chromosomes increased markedly with time, donor leukocytes were infused 14 months after BMT, which effectively eradicated the abnormal karyotypes.

Ethnic differences in the formation of small LDL particles in Asians: a comparison of Koreans, Japanese and Mongolians

BACKGROUND

The presence of small, dense LDL particles has been recognized as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) but is not directly representative of CHD mortality rate beyond any given population. We investigated whether such inconsistency between three Asian ethnic groups might have arisen from anthropometric and metabolic factors.

DESIGN

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among adult Koreans (412), Japanese (453) and Mongolians (253).

RESULTS

The prevalence of small LDL particles was 36% in the Koreans, 21% in the Japanese and 7% in the Mongolians. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed plasma triglyceride (TG) levels to be the strongest determinant of small LDL particle size in all three groups, with sex, HDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-C being other ethnic-specific significant determinants. Body mass index (BMI), FFA and insulin resistance were not significant factors in the regression analysis. Of the subjects with low TG levels (< 133 mg dL(-1)), 25% of the Koreans and 10% of the Japanese, but no Mongolians, had small LDL particles.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the present study suggest that traditionally, high-carbohydrate diets in Korea and Japan possibly contribute to higher TG-levels compared with BMI-matched Mongolians, and to the formation of small LDL particles, even in instances of low TG levels.

Cardiac myxoma of the tricuspid valve in a dog

A case of cardiac myxoma arising from the tricuspid valve is described in an 8-year-old dog that had suffered intermittent episodes of syncope. At surgical operation, a large, irregular, gelatinous mass was found attached to the septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve. The excised tumour, measuring 5x4x3.5 cm, had a grey-to-yellow, friable, mucoid, multilobulated and polypoid appearance, with focal haemorrhage. Histologically, the tumour consisted of a hypocellular mass of a myxoid matrix, rich in acid mucopolysaccharides, with a supporting structure of spindle-like, elongated or stellate cells scattered in an abundant stroma. The surface of the mass was covered by a single layer of endothelial-like cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the surface cells of the mass were positive for the endothelial marker CD34 and the constituent cells within the mass reacted positively and uniformly with antibodies to vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. The dog died 36 h after the operation and, at necropsy, wide dissemination of myxomatous embolization to the intrapulmonary arteries was found.

Overweight Japanese with body mass indexes of 23.0-24.9 have higher risks for obesity-associated disorders: a comparison of Japanese and Mongolians

OBJECTIVE

The degree of obesity of Asians is less than that of Caucasians. It has been suggested that Japanese, categorized as having normal weight (BMI<25.0), as defined by WHO (2000), have a tendency toward increased incidences of dyslipidemia and diabetes. Our objective was to analyze parameters constituting obesity-associated disorders in overweight Japanese and Mongolians with a body mass index (BMI) of 23.0-24.9, and to assess the suitability for Asians of the Regional Office for Western Pacific Region of WHO criteria pertaining to obesity (WPRO criteria, 2000).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study in a workplace setting.

SUBJECTS

A total of 386 Japanese men and 363 Japanese women, and 102 Mongolian men and 155 Mongolian women.

MEASUREMENTS

Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference and blood pressure) and metabolic measurements (plasma levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose and insulin).

RESULTS

Graded increases in BMI of Japanese and Mongolians were positively associated with body fat percent, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist/hip ratio. The Japanese were categorized as 22% overweight, 22% obese I, 3% obese II; the Mongolians rated as 18% overweight, 34% obese I, 19% obese II, based on the WPRO BMI criteria. The Mongolians had a higher prevalence of obesity and a higher body fat percent, but a lesser gradation of dyslipidemia, than did the BMI-matched Japanese groups. Overweight Japanese (BMI 23.0-24.9), in comparison to normal Japanese (BMI 18.5-22.9), had significant differences in systolic blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride in men, and in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin and Homoeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance in women. In contrast, the Mongolians showed no significant differences in metabolic parameters between overweight and normal subjects, except for diastolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSION

Since the relationship between abdominal fat mass and BMI is ethnic-specific, a universal BMI cutoff point is inappropriate for Asian populations such as the Japanese and Mongolians. The present investigation suggests that, while the WPRO criteria are suitable for Japanese, the WHO criteria are more appropriate for Mongolians.

[In what case can we abbreviate mediastinal lymph nodes dissection of peripheral small-sized lung cancer?]

We analyzed 723 cases of non small cell lung cancer (459 adenocarcinomas and 264 squamous cell carcinomas) from the view point of lymph nodes metastases, according to histological type, location of cancer and tumor size.

METHOD

Histological type was adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. Location was divided into 8 areas [right side; 4 areas, upper lobe (RUL)/middle lobe (RML)/S6 (RS6)/basal segment of lower lobe (RBS): left side; 4 areas, upper division of upper lobe (LUD)/lingula (LLS)/S6 (LS6)/Basal segment of lower lobe (LBS)]. Tumor size was divided by centimeters, namely 0.0-1.0 cm, 1.1-2.0 cm, 2.1-3.0 cm, etc..

RESULTS

Safety size of lung cancer in which we can abbreviate mediastinal lymph nodes dissection was as follows. In adenocarcinoma, in RUL/RML/RBS 1.0 cm, in RS6 2.0 cm, in LUD 1.0 cm, in LLS/LS6/LBS 2.0 cm. In squamous cell carcinoma, in RUL 1.0 cm, in RML/RS6/RBS 2.0 cm, in LUD 1.0 cm, in LLS/LS6/LBS 2.0 cm.

CONCLUSION

In 1.0 cm or smaller non small cell lung cancer we might abbreviate mediastinal lymph nodes dissection. Moreover, in squamous cell carcinoma of (RML, LLS, right or left lower lobe) of 2.0 cm or smaller size, we might abbreviate mediastinal lymph nodes dissection.

Difficulty in losing weight by behavioral intervention for women with Trp64Arg polymorphism of the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene

OBJECTIVE

Trp64Arg mutation in the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) gene is relatively common in Japanese people. However, it has not been clear whether persons with Trp64Arg mutation in the beta(3)AR gene tend to have obesity and difficulty in losing weight even with a restricted diet and exercise. We investigated the response of body weight and metabolic factors to behavioral intervention in Japanese women with Trp64Arg mutation in the beta(3)AR gene.

DESIGN

A 3-month behavioral intervention study using a combination of diet and exercise programs.

SUBJECTS

A total of 76 perimenopausal women with no clinical symptoms (age: 54.7+/-7.7 y, body mass index (BMI): 21.0-33.0 kg/m(2)).

MEASUREMENTS

Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, skin fold, resting energy expenditure and blood pressure) and metabolic measurements (serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, nonesterified fatty acid, glucose, insulin and leptin) and determination of the beta(3)AR genotype by polymerase chain reaction followed by BstNI digestion.

RESULTS

At the baseline of BMI, body weight, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, the arm skin fold, resting energy expenditure, or blood lipid and glucose profiles, there was no significant difference in participants with/without mutation of the beta(3)AR gene. The intervention yielded a body weight reduction in 69 and 48%, and induced a significant difference in weight loss (-0.74 and -0.01 kg) for women with wild-type and Trp64Arg mutation, respectively. Significant differences of anthropometric parameters were found in body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure of wild type by the intervention. However, women with Trp64Arg mutation did not show significant changes in these anthropometric parameters, except for hip circumference. A significant difference was found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL-C ratio in both genotypes.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the Trp64Arg mutation of the beta(3)AR gene is associated with difficulty in losing weight through behavioral intervention, although it is not related to obesity-related phenotypes and resting energy expenditure before the intervention.