[Evaluation of treatment for carcinoma of the papilla of Vater]

105 cases of resected carcinoma of the papilla of Vater were studied and 5-year cumulative survival rate of PD was 56.5% and that of each stage was as follows: stage I 93.3%, stage II 70.2%, stage III 7.3%, stage IV 0%. The most significant histological factor influencing on prognosis was pancreatic invasion. 3-year survival rate of panc1a was 75.0%, significantly much better than that of panc1b (29.8%). The lymph node metastasis was frequently noted at no. 14 (11.5%). All of no. 14 lymph-adenectomy and no. 16 lymph-adenectomy on the case suspected as pancreatic parenchymal invasion, produced long-term survive even with metastasis of no. 14. This method led improvement of prognosis of stage II and stage III determined by lymph node factor. However, each prognosis of panc 1b, 2, 3 cases was not improved by this method, especially panc2, 3 cases survived fewer than only 2 years. Extended lymphadenectomy and multimodality therapy were needed on the cases which were suspected as pancreatic parenchymal invasion.

Synthesis by an alpha-glucosidase of glycosyl-trehaloses with an isomaltosyl residue

Glycosyl-trehaloses with an isomaltosyl residue were synthesized by alpha-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger by using maltotetraose as a glucosyl donor and trehalose as the acceptor. The one trisaccharide and two tetrasaccharides formed were isolated by successive column chromatography. The results of an enzymatic digestion, methylation analysis, and 13C-NMR studies indicated that these oligosaccharides were alpha-isomaltosyl alpha-glucoside, alpha-isomaltotriosyl alpha-glucoside and alpha-isomaltoside. These oligosaccharides were not fermented to an acid by Streptococcus mutans, and they effectively inhibited water-insoluble glucan synthesis from sucrose by glucosyltransferase. In an in vitro utilization test with human intestinal bacteria, these oligosaccharides were predominantly utilized by Bifidobacteria.

[Anesthetic managements for pericardiectomy of three patients with constrictive pericarditis]

We experienced three patients with constrictive pericarditis who underwent pericardiectomy. Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) was carried out in two patients because of unstable hemodynamics caused by massive bleeding or cardiac compression due to surgical manipulation. In the other patient with severe tachycardia, we prepared PCPS before the induction of anesthesia, and could manage the whole course of anesthesia satisfactorily. It is suggested that PCPS is the most reliable way to support hemodynamics during anesthesia in patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome associated with acute myeloblastic leukemia

Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by cerebellar atrophy, ataxia, cataracts, short stature and varying degrees of mental retardation. A high incidence of malignant disease associated with this syndrome has not so far been reported. We report the case of a 6-year-old girl affected with Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome, who developed acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML, M2), and whose karyotype was 46,XX,t(8;21),(q22;q22) in bone marrow blasts. This is the first report of Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome associated with malignant disorders.

[Relationship between distortion product otoacoustic emissions and pure tone thresholds in normal and hearing-impaired ears]

To establish clinical criteria for distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in order to distinguish normal-hearing from hearing-impaired ears, DPOAEs were measured and evaluated in 325 normal and 291 cochlear-impaired human ears using an ILO92 Otoacoustic Emission Analyzer. The background noise level was too variational in each individual ear to ignore in DPOAE measurements. Therefore, the value of the difference between the DPOAE amplitude and the background noise level (DPOAE noise) was calculated and compared with the pure tone threshold at 1 kHz, 2 kHz and 4 kHz. It was difficult, however, to precisely separate normal-hearing and hearing impaired ears with DPOAE noise values because many normal ears presented small amplitudes of DPOAEs and some impaired ears showed high amplitudes. Therefore, cumulative distributions of sensitivity (normal hearing ears identified as normal hearing) and specificity (hearing impaired ears identified as hearing impaired) were constructed and used to calculate a cut off point for DPOAE-noise in order to separate normal hearing from hearing impaired ears. It is considered that the cut-off points (DPOAE noise values of 7.3 dB at 1 kHz, 10.3 dB at 2 kHz and 16.1 dB at 4 kHz) at which the false alarm rates (1 specificity: the rate of hearing impaired ears incorrectly identified as normal hearing) correspond to 5% can be useful for clinical evaluation of DPOAEs.

Polyclonal B-cell lymphocytosis with features resembling hairy cell leukemia-Japanese variant

Polyclonal B lymphocytosis was found in four patients having clinical and hematologic features resembling those of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). All four patients were women between 37 and 67 years of age. Three patients had splenomegaly. Lymphadenopthy was absent or slight. Persistent lymphocytosis was seen in all the patients, and anemia and/or thrombopenia was observed in three of the patients. Abnormal lymphocytes have long microvilli and prominent membranous ruffles on their surfaces. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsy specimens showed increased numbers of abnormal lymphocytes with round nuclei and abundant pale cytoplasm. Although these findings were similar to those of HCL, studies of Ig gene rearrangements and expression showed the polyclonal proliferation of B cells. We called this new disease hairy B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (HBLD). All four patients exhibited a polyclonal increase in serum IgG. The morphology of the cells in HBLD was more similar to that of leukemia cells of a variant form of HCL (HCL-Japanese variant) than to typical HCL cells. The surface IgG+, CD5-, CD11c+, CD22+, CD24-, CD25- phenotype and the weak tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in the cells were identical to those of HCL cells of the Japanese variant. Our findings suggest that the B cells in HBLD are the nonmalignant counterpart of leukemic B cells in HCL-Japanese variant.

Involvement of thromboxane A2 and histamine in experimental allergic rhinitis of guinea pigs

To identify the chemical mediators involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, we studied the effects of the thromboxane (TX) A2 receptor antagonist seratrodast, the peptide leukotriene receptor antagonist pranlukast and the antihistamine azelastine using a guinea pig model of allergic rhinitis. In guinea pigs actively sensitized by aerosol inhalation of antigen, antigen challenge into the nasal cavity increased both the nasal vascular permeability and the intranasal pressure; it also induced swelling of the nasal mucosa, which was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Both seratrodast and azelastine significantly inhibited these antigen-induced responses when the drugs were administered p.o. 1 hr before antigen challenge. Also, the TX synthetase inhibitor ozagrel reduced the antigen-induced increase in nasal vascular permeability. On the other hand, pranlukast had little effect on the antigen-induced increases in nasal vascular permeability and intranasal pressure. Perfusions and inhalations of U-46619, a stable TXA2 mimetic, or of histamine into the nasal cavity caused concentration-dependent increases in nasal vascular permeability and intranasal pressure in normal guinea pigs. Leukotriene C4 also induced these responses, but the maximal responses to leukotriene C4 were less than the maximal responses to U-46619 or histamine. On the other hand, these responses were not induced by prostaglandin D2 or prostaglandin F2alpha. Moreover, the U-46619- and histamine-induced increases in vascular permeability and intranasal pressure were significantly inhibited by seratrodast and azelastine, respectively. In addition, levels of TXB2, a stable breakdown product of TXA2, and histamine in nasal lavage fluid increased after antigen challenge in actively sensitized guinea pigs. These results suggest that TXA2 and histamine play important roles in the pathogenesis of experimental allergic rhinitis in guinea pigs.

Evaluation of DNA polymerase beta gene mutation as a genetic marker for colorectal carcinoma

DNA polymerase beta is known to be involved in repair of DNA damage. Frequent mutation of its gene in the segment encoding amino acids 149-297 has been reported in colorectal cancer. To investigate whether mutation in this region is available as a genetic marker for colorectal cancer, 11 primary tumors and 4 liver metastases from 11 patients were examined by fragment length analysis and single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products. Although allelic imbalance in the p53 and DCC genes were observed in ten out of eleven primary tumors and all liver metastases using a dinucleotide repeat polymorphism, mutation was not detected in the DNA polymerase beta mRNA. Neither was it detected in seven colon cancer cell lines. Present results suggest that mutation in this region is uncommon in colorectal cancers and is not a useful genetic marker for colorectal cancer.

Detection of latent varicella-zoster virus infection in human vestibular and spiral ganglia

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) becomes latent in the sensory ganglia after primary infection and VZV DNA has been found in human trigeminal, thoracic, and geniculate ganglia. In this study, human vestibular and spiral ganglia, which do not received innervation from the skin, were examined for VZV DNA using the polymerase chain reaction. VZV DNA was detected in 2 of 10 (20%) vestibular ganglia and in 2 of 10 (20%) spiral ganglia from five adults. VZV DNA was undetectable in either type of ganglion from a newborn and from two of the five adults. These two adults were VZV seronegative. The results indicate that VZV becomes latent in several types of sensory ganglion after primary infection and suggest the possibility that reactivation of the virus from the vestibular and spiral ganglia may cause disorders in the labyrinth.

No evidence of mutation in the human PTC gene, responsible for nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, in human primary squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus and lung

The high frequency of loss of heterozygosity that has been observed on the distal region of the long arm of chromosome 9 in squamous cell carcinomas of esophagus, lung, uterus, and head and neck indicates the presence of a tumor suppressor gene(s) in this region. To investigate the possible role of the PTC gene on chromosome 9q22.3, that was identified as the cause of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, during carcinogenesis in esophagus and lung, we examined 20 esophageal squamous cell carcinomas and 10 squamous cell carcinomas of the lung for mutations in any coding exon of PTC. Using single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing, we detected no mutations other than two non-deleterious polymorphisms. Our results suggest that inactivation of some tumor suppressor gene(s) on 9q other than PTC contributes to the development of squamous cell carcinomas in these tissues.

Control of Mitosis by Phytochrome and a Blue-Light Receptor in Fern Spores

The first mitosis in spores of the fern A. capillus-veneris was observed under a microscope equipped with Nomarski optics with irradiation from a safelight at 900 nm, and under a fluorescent microscope after staining with 4[prime],6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. During imbibition the nucleus remained near one corner of each tetrahedron-shaped dormant spore, and asymmetric cell division occurred upon brief irradiation with red light. This red light-induced mitosis was photoreversibly prevented by subsequent brief exposure to far-red light and was photo-irreversibly prevented by brief irradiation with blue light. However, neither far-red nor blue light affected the germination rate when spores were irradiated after the first mitosis. Therefore, the first mitosis in the spores appears to be the crucial step for photoinduction of spore germination. Furthermore, experiments using a microbeam of red or blue light demonstrated that blue light was effective only when exposed to the nucleus, and no specific intracellular photoreceptive site for red light was found in the spores. Therefore, phytochrome in the far-red absorbing form induces the first mitosis in germinating spores but prevents the subsequent mitosis in protonemata, whereas a blue-light receptor prevents the former but induces the latter.

Distribution of a synthetic protease inhibitor in rat pancreatic acini after supramaximal secretagogue stimulation

Protease inhibitors may have a beneficial effect in acute pancreatitis. The effects of E3123, a new low molecular weight protease inhibitor, on the ultrastructure of isolated pancreatic acini were examined using transmission electron microscopy. Acini supramaximally stimulated with cerulein (10(-8) M) formed large cytoplasmic vacuoles similar to those generated in the cerulein-induced in vivo model of pancreatitis. Pretreatment of isolated acini with E3123 significantly reduced the size and number of vacuoles associated with cerulein treatment. The distribution of 3H-E3123 in acinar cells was examined using a pulse-chase protocol and electron microscopic autoradiography. Cellular levels of 3H-E3123 increased about 30-fold in acinar cells treated with cerulein (10(-8) M) compared to unstimulated controls. In cerulein-treated acini examined after a 5-min chase, 47.4% of the autoradiographic grains were associated with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and 13.2% were associated with zymogen granules. After 30 min of incubation, the grains associated with the endoplasmic reticulum decreased to 18.5% but increased to 26.3% over zymogen granules. Thus, E3123 is taken up by the acinar cell and follows a cellular itinerary similar to that of newly synthesized secretory proteins. One potential conclusion from these studies is that the ability of E3123 to reduce the formation of vacuoles in supra-maximally stimulated acini may be due to its inhibition of proteases within the secretory pathway.

Cloning and sequencing of trehalose synthase gene from Thermus aquaticus ATCC33923

The gene encoding trehalose synthase (catalyzing the conversion of maltose into alpha, alpha-trehalose by transglucosylation) was cloned from Thermus aquaticus ATCC33923. Sequence analysis revealed a 2892 bp synthase gene and a 963 residue amino-acid sequence. The 547 N-terminal residues were homologous to the full-length synthase from Pimelobacter sp. R48 (53.8% identity).

Reconstruction following total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and extensive resection of the superior mediastinum

Our experience with four patients who underwent immediate reconstruction following total laryngopharyngoesophagectomy and extensive resection of the superior mediastinum is presented. The reconstructive procedures included free jejunal graft or microvascularly augmented gastric pedicle for esophageal reconstruction, pectoral fasciocutaneous or myocutaneous flap for tracheal reconstruction, and mesenteric flap connected with jejunal graft omental flap, or pectoral flap for protection of the great vessels and obliteration of the dead space in the cervical and superior mediastinal region. The reconstructive procedures were successful, and no pharyngocutaneous fistula, mediastinitis, or great vessel rupture was noted in any patient. There was one patient who developed lung edema and liver dysfunction postoperatively. Combinations of reconstructive procedures using well-vascularized soft tissues can be expected to provide well-tolerated reconstruction following extensive cervical and superior mediastinal resection.

HLA DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes influencing the progression of hepatitis C

Some HLA class II alleles and haplotypes were examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism of corresponding DNA fragments amplified by the polymerase chain reaction in 117 patients with chronic hepatitis C in Japan. The prevalence rates were compared between patients and 1216 controls and in 67 patients with liver cirrhosis, of whom 20 had hepatocellular carcinoma and 50 patients with chronic hepatitis who did not have cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Notably, DRB1*0405 (49% [95% confidence range 38-60%] vs. 26% [16-40%]; P < 0.05, relative risk [rr] = 2.8) and DQB1*0401 (43% [33-54%] vs. 22% [13-34%]; P < 0.05, rr = 2.1) were detected more frequently in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. By contrast, DRB1*0901 (11% [6-19%] vs. 28% [18-40%]; P < 0.05; rr = 0.3) and DQB1*0303 (11% [6-19%] vs. 36% [25-49%]; P < 0.01; rr = 0.2) were detected less frequently in patients with cirrhosis than those without cirrhosis. Accordingly, the DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401 haplotype was more common (43% [33-54%] vs. 22% [13-34%]; P < 0.05; rr = 2.7), while the DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 haplotype was less common (9% [4-17%] vs. 28% [18-40%]; P < 0.05; rr = 0.3) in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. These results suggest that there would be HLA class II alleles and haplotypes which may be associated with an accelerated or slower progression of chronic hepatitis C towards cirrhosis and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma.

HLA DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes influencing the progression of hepatitis C

Some HLA class II alleles and haplotypes were examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism of corresponding DNA fragments amplified by the polymerase chain reaction in 117 patients with chronic hepatitis C in Japan. The prevalence rates were compared between patients and 1216 controls and in 67 patients with liver cirrhosis, of whom 20 had hepatocellular carcinoma and 50 patients with chronic hepatitis who did not have cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Notably, DRB1*0405 (49% [95% confidence range 38-60%] vs. 26% [16-40%]; P < 0.05, relative risk [rr] = 2.8) and DQB1*0401 (43% [33-54%] vs. 22% [13-34%]; P < 0.05, rr = 2.1) were detected more frequently in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. By contrast, DRB1*0901 (11% [6-19%] vs. 28% [18-40%]; P < 0.05; rr = 0.3) and DQB1*0303 (11% [6-19%] vs. 36% [25-49%]; P < 0.01; rr = 0.2) were detected less frequently in patients with cirrhosis than those without cirrhosis. Accordingly, the DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401 haplotype was more common (43% [33-54%] vs. 22% [13-34%]; P < 0.05; rr = 2.7), while the DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 haplotype was less common (9% [4-17%] vs. 28% [18-40%]; P < 0.05; rr = 0.3) in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. These results suggest that there would be HLA class II alleles and haplotypes which may be associated with an accelerated or slower progression of chronic hepatitis C towards cirrhosis and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma.

HLA DRB1 and DQB1 alleles and haplotypes influencing the progression of hepatitis C

Some HLA class II alleles and haplotypes were examined by restriction fragment length polymorphism of corresponding DNA fragments amplified by the polymerase chain reaction in 117 patients with chronic hepatitis C in Japan. The prevalence rates were compared between patients and 1216 controls and in 67 patients with liver cirrhosis, of whom 20 had hepatocellular carcinoma and 50 patients with chronic hepatitis who did not have cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Notably, DRB1*0405 (49% [95% confidence range 38-60%] vs. 26% [16-40%]; P < 0.05, relative risk [rr] = 2.8) and DQB1*0401 (43% [33-54%] vs. 22% [13-34%]; P < 0.05, rr = 2.1) were detected more frequently in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. By contrast, DRB1*0901 (11% [6-19%] vs. 28% [18-40%]; P < 0.05; rr = 0.3) and DQB1*0303 (11% [6-19%] vs. 36% [25-49%]; P < 0.01; rr = 0.2) were detected less frequently in patients with cirrhosis than those without cirrhosis. Accordingly, the DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401 haplotype was more common (43% [33-54%] vs. 22% [13-34%]; P < 0.05; rr = 2.7), while the DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 haplotype was less common (9% [4-17%] vs. 28% [18-40%]; P < 0.05; rr = 0.3) in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. These results suggest that there would be HLA class II alleles and haplotypes which may be associated with an accelerated or slower progression of chronic hepatitis C towards cirrhosis and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Extracellular ATP promotes cellular growth of renal inner medullary collecting duct cells mediated via P2u receptors

The present study was undertaken to determine whether extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) promotes cellular proliferation of cultured rat renal inner medullary collecting duct cells. Extracellular ATP increased inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) production and cellular free calcium concentration - [Ca2+]i - in a dose-dependent manner. ATP also caused a transient cellular acidification. Extracellular ATP activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and [3H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner. However, such effects were not obtained with adenosine 5'-diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and adenosine. In addition, uridine triphosphate, a P(2u) purinergic agonist, increased IP3 production and activated MAP kinase. 2-Methylthio ATP, a P(2y) purinergic agonist, also increased IP3 production, but did not affect the MAP kinase activity. We also examined the effect of arginine vasopressin on cellular growth. Arginine vasopressin did not alter MAP kinase activity and [3H]thymidine incorporation in cultured rat renal inner medullary collecting duct cells. These results indicate that extracellular ATP activates phospholipase C mediated through P(2u) and P(2y) purinergic receptors and promotes cellular proliferation mediated through P(2u) purinergic receptors in renal inner medullary collecting duct cells.

Improved localizing method of radiopill in measurement of entire gastrointestinal pH profiles: colonic luminal pH in normal subjects and patients with Crohn's disease

OBJECTIVE

To measure gastrointestinal (GI) pH profiles in patients with Crohn's disease with an improved pH radiotelemetry method.

METHODS

A computer-assisted method was developed to exactly localize a pH sensitive radiotelemetry capsule (radiopill) in the GI tract from the stomach to the cecum by detecting distinct changes in transmitted pH signals sampled at 1-sec intervals. The combined usage of a radiodirectional probe facilitated localization of the radiopill in the colon. With this improved method, GI pH profiles in four patients (male/female, 3/1; age range, 21-34 yr) with Crohn's disease that involved the left colon (active disease: 3; disease at quiescent state, 1) were measured and compared with those in four gender- and age-matched control subjects (controls).

RESULTS

Gastric and small intestinal luminal pH profiles in Crohn's disease were similar to those in the controls. In contrast, colonic luminal pH profiles in both right (uninvolved) and left (involved) colon in active or quiescent Crohn's disease showed more coarse fluctuations with a significantly low value than those seen in the controls. The minimum colonic pH registered in the four patients was 0.6, 1.2, 3.2, and 5.3 pH unit, respectively. The overall mean luminal pH (+/-SD) in the right colon was 5.3 +/- 0.3 for the patients versus 6.8 +/- 0.2 for the controls (p < 0.01) and that in the left colon was 5.3 +/- 0.7 versus 7.2 +/- 0.3 (p < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study first demonstrates that an extremely acidic colonic environment occurs in either active or inactive Crohn's disease.

Cloning and sequencing of a cluster of genes encoding novel enzymes of trehalose biosynthesis from thermophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius

Trehalose biosynthesis genes, treZ, treX and treY, encoding maltooligosyltrehalose trehalohydrolase (TreZ), glycogen debranching enzyme (TreX), and maltooligosyltrehalose synthase (TreY) have been cloned from the thermophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius ATCC33909. The amino-acid sequences deduced from treZ, treX and treY are composed of 556, 713 and 720 amino-acid residues, respectively. TreZ and TreY are 33-40% homologous to the corresponding enzymes from Arthrobacter sp. Q36. We have proposed that the biosynthesis of trehalose in Sulfolobus occurs via the actions of the three enzymes encoded by treZXY.

Mineral metabolism in plasma, urine and bone of periparturient cows fed anionic diets with different calcium and phosphorous contents

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influences of Ca and P contents in an anionic diet on the mineral metabolism in plasma, urine and bone in periparturient diary cows. Fifteen multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows were divided into 3 dietary groups (5 cows/group) by dietary Ca and P contents and dietary cation-anion balance [(Na + K) - (Cl + S) mEq/kg DM]; diet 1 [low Ca (0.46%), low P (0.24%), cationic (+195.8 mEq/kg DM)]; diet 2 [low Ca (0.46%), low P (0.24%), anionic (-32.4 mEq/kg DM)]; and diet 3 [high Ca (0.93%), high P (0.60%), anionic (-41.0 mEq/kg DM)]. Cows were fed one of these 3 diets from approximately 4 weeks before the expected calving date to 5 days after calving. There was no outbreak of milk fever in any cows fed these 3 diets; however, plasma Ca levels at 1 and 2 days after calving tended to be higher in the cows fed diet 3 than those in the cows fed diets 1 or 2. Fractional urinary excretion of Ca in the cows fed diet 2 or 3 was higher than that in the cows fed diet 1. Fractional urinary excretion and plasma level of Pi were higher during the periparturient period in the cows fed diet 3 than those in the cows fed diets 1 or 2. There were no significant differences in plasma parathyroid hormone levels among the 3 groups. In the spongy substance of ilium at 5 days after calving, the Ca and Mg contents bone volume and trabecular thickness were the lowest, but not significant, in the cows fed diet 2. These data suggest that sufficient Ca and P contents in an anionic diet may be effective in maintaining plasma Ca and Pi levels of periparturient cows and further in preventing of potential bone damage brought about by increased urinary mineral excretion following the feeding of an anionic diet.

RANTES production in nasal epithelial cells and endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

It is well documented that the chemokine that is regulated upon activation, normal T expressed and presumably secreted, RANTES, is produced by macrophages, platelets, fibroblasts, and renal tubular epithelial cells. Recently, however, production of RANTES by vascular endothelium and airway epithelial cells was demonstrated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and epithelial cell lines.

OBJECTIVE

This investigation was aimed at determining whether human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) and human mucosal microvascular endothelial cells (HMMECs) produce RANTES when they are stimulated by several cytokines.

METHODS

HNECs and HMMECs were isolated from nasal mucosa and subsequent continuous subcultures and were stimulated either by IL-1 beta or by the combination of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma).

RESULTS

After the combined stimulation by TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma, HNECs and HMMECs dramatically produced RANTES, as previously observed in HUVECs and bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B. IL-1 beta also increased RANTES production to a lesser extent. We also demonstrated that the amount of RANTES induced by TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma was higher in HNECs and HMMECs obtained from patients with nasal allergy than in those from patients without allergy.

CONCLUSION

RANTES from HNECs and HMMECs likely plays a critical role in eosinophil infiltration of the nasal mucosa in subjects with nasal allergy.

Human peroxisome assembly factor-2 (PAF-2): a gene responsible for group C peroxisome biogenesis disorder in humans

Peroxisome-biogenesis disorders (PBD) are genetically heterogeneous and can be classified into at least ten complementation groups. We recently isolated the cDNA for rat peroxisome assembly factor-2 (PAF-2) by functional complementation using the peroxisome-deficient Chinese-hamster-ovary cell mutant, ZP92. To clarify the novel pathogenic gene of PBD, we cloned the full-length human PAF-2 cDNA that morphologically and biochemically restores peroxisomes of group C Zellweger fibroblasts (the same as group 4 in the Kennedy-Krieger Institute) and identified two pathogenic mutations in the PAF-2 gene in two patients with group C Zellweger syndrome. The 2,940-bp open reading frame of the human PAF-2 cDNA encodes a 980-amino-acid protein that shows 87.1% identity with rat PAF-2 and also restored the peroxisome assembly after gene transfer to fibroblasts of group C patients. Direct sequencing of the PAF-2 gene revealed a homozygous 1-bp insertion at nucleotide 511 (511 insT) in one patient with group C Zellweger syndrome (ZS), which introduces a premature termination codon in the PAF-2 gene, and, in the second patient, revealed a splice-site mutation in intron 3 (IVS3+1G-->A), which skipped exon 3, an event that leads to peroxisome deficiency. Chromosome mapping utilizing FISH indicates that PAF-2 is located on chromosome 6p21.1. These results confirm that human PAF-2 cDNA restores peroxisome of group C cells and that defects in the PAF-2 produce peroxisome deficiency of group C PBD.