Forensic Science in Support of Wildlife Conservation Efforts - Developments in Morphological and Chemical Approaches in Taiwan

Parts from animals that are now endangered species (such as bear bile, rhino horn, and tiger bone) have long been important ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Deeply believing in the potency of these ingredients and coupled with substantial gains in wealth of the population in Taiwan in the 1980s, ugly scenarios came to light. Taiwan quickly became the target of investigation pursued by international wildlife conservationists. To provide scientific bases for the government's investigation efforts, morphological, chemical/physical, and genetic methods were developed to characterize TCM products. This review focuses on Taiwanese scientists' efforts on the following topic matters: (a) morphological approach to identify CITES-listed species from the turtle shells traded in the TCM market; (b) chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods for the identification and differentiation of bile products of different animal origins; and (c) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the analysis of deer musk components and alleged musk products.

Determination of microbial diversity in meju, fermented cooked soya beans, using nested PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis

AIMS

To identify the microbiota in meju, fermented cooked soya beans, that may directly affect the microbial communities of Korean fermented soya bean foods.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using conventional bacterial 16S rDNA, bacilli-specific 16S rDNA or fungi 18S rDNA-specific primers, PCR products were amplified through a series of PCRs using the DNA extracted from ten meju samples. The amplicons were analysed using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), which showed that Enterococcus durans was commonly detected in nine of ten meju samples. Bacillus subtilis was shown to be the major strain of bacilli in the samples tested. Based on the DGGE analysis of fungi in meju, we determined that Absidia corymbifera, Aspergillus sp. and Candida rugosa were the main fungi in the tested samples.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of bacterial and fungal micro-organisms were identified in meju samples, in addition to the micro-organisms already known to be present.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first report showing the differences and similarities in the populations of micro-organisms in meju samples using nested PCR-DGGE, a culture-independent method. The results may be applicable to the development of improved meju, in which the indigenous micro-organisms required for fermentation can be standardized.

Butein up-regulates the expression of the π class of glutathione S-transferase in rat primary hepatocytes through the ERK/AP-1 pathway

Induction of phase II enzymes is an important mechanism of chemoprevention. Here we compared the effects of chalcones on the expression of the π class of glutathione S-transferase (GSTP) in rat primary hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were treated with 10 or 25 μM of phloretin or butein for 24 h. Both butein and phloretin dose-dependently increased GSTP protein expression, and the induction potency of butein was stronger than that of phloretin. The increase in GSTP mRNA in cells treated with 25 μM of phloretin and butein was 107% and 211%, respectively (P < 0.05). Butein increased GST enzyme activity by 27% compared with that in the control cells (P < 0.05). In contrast, phloretin had no significant effect on GST enzyme activity. The pTA-luciferase reporter construct with the rat -2.7 kb GSTP promoter region was transiently transfected into Clone 9 liver cells, and the luciferase activity in butein-treated cells was 1.1-fold higher than that in control cells (P < 0.05). GSTP enhancer 1 (GPE1) deletion abolished the induction of reporter activity by butein. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), but not of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38, was stimulated in the presence of butein. Pretreatment with PD98059, an ERK inhibitor, alleviated the increase in activator protein-1 (AP-1)-DNA binding activity and also the activation of GSTP protein expression by butein. Moreover, c-Jun is likely to bind to the GPE1. Silencing of ERK2 by siRNA gene knockdown reduced the butein-induced expression of GSTP. In conclusion, the increased GSTP expression by butein is likely related to the ERK-AP-1 pathway.

Induction of heme oxygenase 1 and inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule expression by andrographolide in EA.hy926 cells

Andrographolide is the most abundant diterpene lactone in Andrographis paniculata, which is widely used as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is an antioxidant enzyme encoded by a stress-responsive gene. HO-1 has been reported to inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules in vascular endothelial cells (EC). Intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) is an inflammatory biomarker that is involved in the adhesion of monocytes to EC. In this study, we investigated the effect of andrographolide on the expression of ICAM-1 induced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in EA.hy926 cells and the possible mechanisms involved. Andrographolide (2.5-7.5 microM) inhibited the TNF-alpha-induced expression of ICAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner and resulted in a decrease in HL-60 cell adhesion to EA.hy926 cells (p < 0.05). In parallel, andrographolide significantly induced the expression of HO-1 in a concentration-dependent fashion (p < 0.05). Andrographolide increased the rate of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related 2 (Nrf2) and induced antioxidant response element-luciferase reporter activity. Transfection with HO-1-specific small interfering RNA knocked down HO-1 expression, and the inhibition of expression of ICAM-1 by andrographolide was significantly reversed. These results suggest that stimulation of Nrf2-dependent HO-1 expression is involved in the suppression of TNF-alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression exerted by andrographolide.

Purification of a new antifungal compound produced by Lactobacillus plantarum AF1 isolated from kimchi

The aim of this study was to purify and to identify an antifungal compound of Lactobacillus plantarum AF1, which was isolated from kimchi, and to determine if Lb. plantarum AF1 can prevent fungal growth in a particular food model system. The antifungal compound was purified using SPE and recycling prep-HPLC and its structure was elucidated using NMR and ESI-MS. The active compound from Lb. plantarum AF1 is C(12)H(22)N(2)O(2), 3,6-bis(2-methylpropyl)-2,5-piperazinedion has a molecular mass of 226. This is a new antifungal compound produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). To investigate the potential application of the antifungal compound to eliminate fungal spoilage in food and feed, soybean was used as a model. White mycelia and dark green spores of Aspergillus flavus ATCC 22546 were observed in the control soybeans after 1 to 2days incubation. However, fungal growth was not observed in the soybeans treated with a 4-fold concentrated supernatant of Lb. plantarum AF1 culture, even after 2days. The end products produced from kimchi LAB, like 3,6-bis(2-methylpropyl)-2,5-piperazinedion identified in this study, may be a promising alternative to chemical preservatives as a potential biopreservative which prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin formation in food and feed.

Water-assisted CO(2) laser ablated glass and modified thermal bonding for capillary-driven bio-fluidic application

The glass-based microfluidic chip has widely been applied to the lab-on-a-chip for clotting tests. Here, we have demonstrated a capillary driven flow chip using the water-assisted CO(2) laser ablation for crackless fluidic channels and holes as well as the modified low-temperature glass bonding with assistance of adhesive polymer film at 300 degrees Celsius. Effect of water depth on the laser ablation of glass quality was investigated. The surface hydrophilic property of glass and polymer film was measured by static contact angle method for hydrophilicity examination in comparison with the conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material. Both low-viscosity deionized water and high-viscosity whole blood were used for testing the capillary-driving flow behavior. The preliminary coagulation testing in the Y-channel chip was also performed using whole blood and CaCl(2) solution. The water-assisted CO(2) laser processing can cool down glass during ablation for less temperature gradient to eliminate the crack. The modified glass bonding can simplify the conventional complex fabrication procedure of glass chips, such as high-temperature bonding, long consuming time and high cost. Moreover, the developed fluidic glass chip has the merit of hydrophilic behavior conquering the problem of traditional hydrophobic recovery of polymer fluidic chips and shows the ability to drive high-viscosity bio-fluids.

Safrole-Induced Ca2+Mobilization and Cytotoxicity in Human PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells

The effect of the carcinogen safrole on intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and on viability of human PC3 prostate cancer cells was examined. Cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) were measured by using fura-2 as a probe. Safrole at concentrations above 10 microM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 350 microM. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by more than half after removing extracellular Ca2+ but was unaffected by nifedipine, nicardipine, nimodipine, diltiazem, or verapamil. In Ca2+-free medium, after treatment with 650 microM safrole, 1 microM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor) failed to release Ca2+. Neither inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 nor modulation of protein kinase C activity affected safrole-induced Ca2+ release. Overnight incubation with 0.65-65 microM safrole did not affect cell viability, but incubation with 325-625 microM safrole decreased viability. Collectively, the data suggest that in PC3 cells, safrole induced a [Ca2+]i increase by causing Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum in a phospholipase C- and protein kinase C-independent fashion, and by inducing Ca2+ influx. Safrole can decrease cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner.

Melittin-induced [Ca2+]i increases and subsequent death in canine renal tubular cells

The effect of melittin on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and viability is largely unknown. This study examined whether melittin alters Ca2+ levels and causes Ca2+-dependent cell death in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. [Ca2+]i and cell death were measured using the fluorescent dyes fura-2 and WST-1 respectively. Melittin at concentrations above 0.5 μM increased [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The Ca2+ signal was reduced by 75% by removing extracellular Ca2+. The melittin-induced Ca2+ influx was also implicated by melittin-caused Mn2+ influx. After pretreatment with 1 μM thapsigargin (an endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor), melittin-induced Ca2+ release was inhibited; and conversely, melittin pretreatment abolished thapsigargin-induced Ca2+ release. At concentrations of 0.5–20 μM, melittin killed cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of 0.5 μM melittin was nearly completely reversed by prechelating cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA. Melittin at 0.5–2 μM caused apoptosis as assessed by flow cytometry of propidium iodide staining. Collectively, in MDCK cells, melittin induced a [Ca2+]i rise by causing Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx from extracellular space. Furthermore, melittin can cause Ca2+-dependent cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Fragment-specific fracture fixation and double-column plating of unstable distal radial fractures using AO mini-fragment implants and Kirschner wires

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of AO mini-fragment implants and 1.25-mm Kirschner wires using fragment-specific fracture fixation and double-column plating for displaced or unstable distal radial fractures.

DESIGN

prospective and consecutive.

SETTING

level II trauma hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

28 people with 30 fractures and an average follow-up of 21.1 (range 12-41) months, treated with fragment-specific fracture fixation.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

anatomical assessment using anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, graded according to Sarmiento's modification of Lidstrom's scoring system. CLINICAL OUTCOME ASSESSMENT: DASH and Modified Gartland and Werley scores.

RESULTS

There were 24 excellent and 6 good radiological results. Final mean grip strength was 83% of uninjured side, and mean wrist range of motion was 61 degrees dorsiflexion, 54 degrees palmar flexion, 85 degrees supination and 83 degrees pronation. Gartland and Werley's demerit point system revealed 13 (43%) excellent, 12 (40%) good, 5 (17%) fair and no poor results. The mean DASH score was 18, with a standard deviation of +/-18.

CONCLUSION

This fixation method is a reliable and low-cost alternative with good clinical and anatomical results, particularly useful in open reduction and internal fixation of comminuted intra-articular distal radial fractures.

Identification of the agent from Lactobacillus plantarum KFRI464 that enhances bacteriocin production by Leuconostoc citreum GJ7

AIM

To provide evidence that the production of bacteriocin by lactic acid bacteria can be enhanced by the presence of a bacteriocin-sensitive strain and identify the agent that is responsible for enhancing bacteriocin production.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacterium was isolated from kimchi. The strain GJ7 was designated as Leuconostoc citreum GJ7 based on Gram staining, biochemical properties, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The isolate produced a heat- and pH-stable bacteriocin (kimchicin GJ7), which has antagonistic activity against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms. Tricine-sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified kimchicin GJ7 showed a single band of molecular weight c. 3500 Da. Cultures of Leuc. citreum GJ7 in the presence of thermally inactivated kimchicin GJ7-sensitive strains, Lactobacillus plantarum KFRI 464, Lactobacillus delbrueckii KFRI 347, or Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCTC 1628, increased bacteriocin production. This inducing factor was characterized and purified from Lact. plantarum KFRI 464, which showed the greatest enhancement of kimchicin GJ7 activity. The inducing factor was purified using a DEAE (diethyl aminoethyl)-Sephacel column and high-performance liquid chromatography, and yielded a single band of c. 6500 Da. N-terminal sequencing of the inducing factor identified 16 amino acids. The N-terminal sequence of the inducing factor was synthesized and examined for the induction of kimchicin GJ7 activity, and was found to induce activity, but at a level about 10% lower than that of the entire molecule.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a bacteriocin-sensitive strain, Lact. plantarum KFRI 464, acts as an environmental stimulus to activate the production of kimchicin GJ7 by Leuc. citreum GJ7. The inducing factor from Lact. plantarum KFRI 464 is highly homologous to the 30S ribosomal protein S16 from various micro-organisms. The N-terminal sequence of the inducing factor examined in this study is a very important sequence related to the inducing activity. Nevertheless, the inducing factor may not be part of the ribosomal protein S16 itself.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

We believe that the present study is the first to identify an agent that is produced by one micro-organism and influences bacteriocin production in another. The bacteriocin-enhancing system described in this study could be effectively used to control the growth of other micro-organisms (sensitive cells) in food systems. Moreover, this enhancement of bacteriocin production can be applied usefully in industrial production of natural food preservatives.

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for stage-II impingement

PURPOSE

To evaluate outcomes of arthroscopic subacromial decompression for stage-II impingement.

METHODS

Records of 42 consecutive patients with stage-II impingement treated by arthroscopic subacromial decompression from January 2000 to February 2002 were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were measured using the UCLA shoulder rating scale, and radiological outcomes using anteroposterior and supraspinatus outlet shoulder radiographs.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 14.6 (range, 12-30) months. Using the UCLA scale, 14 (33%) patients had an excellent result, 21 (50%) had a good result, 4 (10%) had a fair result, and 3 (7%) had a poor result. Mean component scores for the UCLA scale were: 8.0 for pain, 8.8 for function, 4.5 for forward flexion, and 4.5 for strength. The mean extent of resection was 2.9 mm in the anteroposterior and 2.0 mm in the supraspinatus outlet radiographs. There was no correlation between the extent of acromial resection and the UCLA shoulder rating scores.

CONCLUSION

Short-term results of arthroscopic subacromial decompression for stage-II impingement are favourable.

JWA as a novel molecule involved in oxidative stress-associated signal pathway in myelogenous leukemia cells

Previous data showed that JWA might be a novel environmental responsive gene regulated by environmental stressors such as heat shock and oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanism underlying JWA gene function involved in oxidative stress is still unknown. In this study, the potential role of JWA was further investigated in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced DNA damage and cell apoptosis in K562 cells. Series of the oxidative stress models were established to observe if JWA was involved in DNA damage or cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 exposure. These results indicated that the inhibitory effect on K562 cells' viability induced by H2O2 was concentration and time dependent. JWA was more sensitive to H2O2 (0.01 mmol/L) than the heat-shock proteins (hsp70 and hsp27), and its expression pattern was similar to that of hsp70. In addition, JWA, hsp70, hsp27, and p53 were overexpressed and the expression patterns of JWA, hsp70, and p53 were similar during cell apoptosis. H2O2 led to the cleavage and activation of procaspase-3. In conclusion, these results suggested that JWA might be an effective environmental responsive gene that functions as a parallel with hsp70 in oxidative stress-responsive pathways in K562 cells. Like hsp70, JWA might enhance intracellular defenses and function against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in leukemia cells. At the same time, JWA was involved in the p53-associated signal pathways of oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, which is also caspase-3 dependent.

Effects of terephthalic acid on rat lipid metabolism

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of terephthalic acid (TPA) on lipid metabolism in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

METHODS

Five groups of SD rats that ingested 0%, 0.04%, 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA, respectively, were included in a 90-day subchronic feeding study. Effects of TPA on levels of serum protein, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total antioxidative capability (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for concentration of ion.

RESULTS

TPA decreased the level of serum T-AOC in a dose dependent manner. The contents of serum and bladder MDA significantly decreased in 1% and 5% TPA ingestion groups. Serum CuZn superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) lowered in groups of 0.2%, 1%, and 5% TPA. TPA subchronic feeding had no significant influences on serum TC, LDL or HDL, but increased serum TG, TP and ALB after administration of 0.04% and/or 0.2% TPA. Concentrations of urinary Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+ were elevated in 1% and 5% TPA groups.

CONCLUSION

Antioxidative potential decreased after TPA exposure. MDA increase in serum and bladder tissues was one of the most important reactions in rats which could protect themselves against TPA impairment. The decrease of serum CuZnSOD was related to the excretion of Zn2+.

Recognising tuberculosis in the lower lung field: an age- and sex-matched controlled study

OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis (TB) can sometimes present with consolidation in the lower lung field. This study was conducted to compare the manifestations of lower-lung-field TB (LLFTB) and other pulmonary TB.

DESIGN

All new culture-proven TB patients with lower-lung-field consolidation from July 2001 through December 2002 were included. Age- and sex-matched TB patients with upper lung involvement were selected as controls.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients with LLFTB were included. Their mean age was 58.8 years; 46 were male. The clinical, radiographic and laboratory findings were similar in the LLFTB and the control groups, except that the LLFTB patients had less cavitation (P = 0.005). Patients with LLFTB were diagnosed (P = 0.051) and treated (P = 0.001) later than the control patients. The calibres of the trachea and both main bronchi were significantly smaller in the LLFTB group (P < 0.001). More patients with LLFTB developed segmental or lobar atelectasis during follow-up (P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

The manifestations of LLFTB are non-specific. The lower-lung involvement, the lower incidence of cavitation and the higher probability of segmental or lobar atelectasis implied that LLFTB was primary TB. A small bronchial calibre probably contributed to its development.

Soy protein with and without isoflavones fails to substantially increase postprandial antioxidant capacity

Five methods for the assessment of antioxidant capacity [whole plasma conjugated diene formation, low-density lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility, ferric-reducing ability of plasma, oxygen radical absorbance capacity and perchloric-acid-treated oxygen radical absorbance capacity (PCA-ORAC)] were used in a randomized, double blind, crossover study to determine the acute postprandial antioxidant protection imparted by the isoflavone component of soy. On separate days, 16 subjects consumed one of three isocaloric shakes containing 25 g of protein in the form of soy, with 107 mg of total aglycone units of isoflavones, soy with trace isoflavones (<4 mg) or total milk protein. Blood was collected at baseline, 4 h, 6 h and 8 h after consumption. Antioxidant capacity, serum isoflavone levels, fat-soluble antioxidants and plasma vitamin C levels were evaluated. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed no significant differences (P=.05) within treatments over time in four of five antioxidant capacity measurements. Significant differences over time between the soy with trace isoflavones and the total milk protein group were observed using the PCA-ORAC assay. It can be concluded that, on an acute basis, a significant increase in serum antioxidant capacity is not detectable following consumption of soy protein.

Metabolism of terephthalic acid and its effects on CYP4B1 induction

OBJECTIVE

To investgate the metabolism of terephthalic acid (TPA) in rats and its mechanism. Methods Metabolism was evaluated by incubating sodium terephthalate (NaTPA) with rat normal liver microsomes, or with microsomes pretreated by phenobarbital sodium, or with 3-methycholanthrene, or with diet control following a NADPH-generating system. The determination was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the mutagenic activation was analyzed by umu tester strain Salmonella typhimurium NM2009. Expression of CYP4B1 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. Results The amount of NaTPA (12.5-200 micromol x L(-1)) detected by HPLC did not decrease in microsomes induced by NADPH-generating system. Incubation of TPA (0.025-0.1 mmol x L(-1)) with induced or noninduced liver microsomes in an NM2009 umu response system did not show any mutagenic activation. TPA exposure increased the expression of CYP4B 1 mRNA in rat liver, kidney, and bladder.

CONCLUSION

Lack of metabolism of TPA in liver and negative genotoxic data from NM2009 study are consistent with other previous short-term tests, suggesting that the carcinogenesis in TPA feeding animals is not directly interfered with TPA itself and/or its metabolites.

Fenvalerate-induced alterations in calcium homeostasis in rat ovary

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of fenvalerate on calcium homeostasis in rat ovary.

METHODS

Female Sprague-Dawley rats were orally given fenvalerate at daily doses of 0.00, 1.91, 9.55, and 31.80 mg/kg for four weeks. The ovary ultrastucture was observed by electron microscopy. Serum free calcium concentration was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The activities of phosphorylase a in rat ovary were evaluated by the chromatometry. The total content of calmodulin in ovary was estimated by ELISA at each stage of estrous cycle. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to evaluate the level of serum progesterone.

RESULTS

Histopathologically, damages of ovarian corpus luteum cells were observed. An increase in serum free calcium concentration was observed in rats treated with 31.80 mg/kg fenvalerate. The activities of phosphorylase a enhanced in all treated groups, and fenvalerate increased the total content of calmodulin significantly in estrus period. Serum progesterone levels declined in fenvalerate exposed rats in diestrus.

CONCLUSION

Fenvalerate interferes with calcium homeostasis in rat ovary. Also, the inhibitory effects of fenvalerate on serum progesterone levels may be mediated partly through calcium signals.

PARK6-linked autosomal recessive early-onset parkinsonism in Asian populations

The authors performed linkage analysis in 39 families with autosomal recessive early-onset PD (AR-EOPD) negative for parkin and DJ-1 mutations. Eight families including three Japanese, two Taiwanese, one Turkish, one Israeli, and one Philippine showed evidence of linkage with PARK6 with multipoint log of the odds (lod) score of 9.88 at D1S2732. The results indicate worldwide distribution of PARK6-linked parkinsonism.

Modification of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea initiated bladder carcinogenesis in Wistar rats by terephthalic acid

The effect of terephthalic acid (TPA) on urinary bladder carcinogenesis was examined. Male Wistar rats were initiated by injection of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea (MNU) (20 mg/kg b.w. ip) twice a week for 4 weeks, then given basal diet containing 5% TPA, 5% TPA plus 4% Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or 1% TPA for the next 22 weeks, and then euthanized. 5% TPA treatment induced a high incidence of urinary bladder calculi and a large amount of precipitate. Though 5% TPA plus 4% Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and 1% TPA treatment did not induce urinary bladder calculi formation, they resulted in a moderate increase in urinary precipitate. Histological examination of urinary bladder revealed that MNU-5% TPA treatment resulted in a higher incidence of simple hyperplasia, papillary or nodular hyperplasia (PN hyperplasia), papilloma and cancer than MNU control. MNU-5% TPA plus 4% Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and 1% TPA treatment increased slightly the incidence of simple hyperplasia and PN hyperplasia (not statistically significant). The major elements of the precipitate are phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, chloride, calcium and TPA. The present study indicated that the calculi induced by TPA had a strong promoting activity on urinary bladder carcinogenesis and the precipitate containing calcium terephthalate (CaTPA) may also have weak promoting activity on urinary bladder carcinogenesis.