Cytokine mRNA expression in basal cell carcinoma

There is evidence that cytokines (CKs) play a significant role in the development and/or progression of skin cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 in biopsy specimens of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and to compare the results with the mRNA levels of non-lesional skin of BCC patients and healthy subjects. Skin samples were obtained from 22 patients with BCC (lesional, non-lesional) and 25 healthy subjects (controls). Routine histology and real-time RT-PCR was performed. Histological examination revealed 12 nodular BCCs and 10 superficial BCCs. The mRNA levels of CKs observed in healthy controls did not significantly (P > 0.05) differ from non-lesional CK levels of BCCs patients. However, IL-6 and IL-8 levels of lesional skin were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the CK levels observed in non-lesional skin and controls, respectively. mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-8 showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.51; P < 0.05). There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between lesional mRNA levels of TNF-alpha and those levels observed in non-lesional skin and controls. The mRNA expression of CKs found in nodular and superficial BCCs did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). BCC is associated with a significant increase of IL-6 and IL-8 expression. We have shown for the first time that upregulation of IL-6 mRNA significantly correlates with IL-8 overexpresssion. In accordance with previous studies our data suggest a role for IL-6 and IL-8 in the development and/or progression of BCC, since mRNA expression of both CKs are significantly increased in tumour tissue.

Ultraviolet A1-induced downregulation of human β -defensins and interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 correlates with clinical improvement in localized scleroderma

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, distinct immunological abnormalities have been reported in localized scleroderma (LS). Several pro-inflammatory cytokines have been demonstrated at increased levels in sera of patients with LS in parallel with disease activity. Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are peptides with antimicrobial activity, but have been also shown to be implicated in tissue injury, scarring and wound healing. hBD expression in LS, a condition resembling pathological scarring due to excessive stimulation of matrix synthesis and fibroblast activation, has so far not been investigated. Ultraviolet (UV) A1 phototherapy, the most recent advance in the treatment of LS, targets T-cell dermal inflammatory infiltrates via induction of various cytokines and soluble factors besides well-known effects on collagen metabolism.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to investigate the effects of UVA1 on the expression and modulation of hBDs and several pro-inflammatory cytokines in LS.

METHODS

UVA1 phototherapy was performed five times weekly for 8 weeks resulting in a total of 40 treatment sessions (single dose 20 J cm2, cumulative dose 800 J cm2). hBD-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3 mRNA as well as tumour necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, interleukin (IL) -2, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression were determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in lesional and unaffected skin of patients with LS.

RESULTS

Skin status markedly improved in all 14 patients, resulting in a significant reduction of the clinical score from baseline to the end of treatment. hBD-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3 mRNA levels were higher in lesional skin compared with unaffected skin and skin from healthy volunteers. Following UVA1 phototherapy, hBD-1 mRNA decreased in lesional, but not in unaffected skin. hBD-3 mRNA levels significantly decreased after UVA1 in lesional skin, whereas an increase of hBD-3 was observed in unaffected skin. IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA levels were significantly elevated in lesional skin and significantly decreased after UVA1 irradiation, whereas mRNA for both cytokines remained unchanged in irradiated unaffected skin. The decrease of hBD-1, hBD-3, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA paralleled the extent of disease and response to UVA1 phototherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

hBDs and IL-6 and IL-8, cytokines with pivotal importance in sclerotic skin diseases, are downregulated by UVA1 in the lesional skin of patients with LS. Their pathogenetic relevance with respect to clinical improvement needs further investigation.

A randomised controlled trial on photo(chemo)therapy of subacute purigo

BACKGROUND

Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) is the standard photo(chemo)therapeutic regimen for patients suffering from subacute prurigo (SP).

HYPOTHESIS

Regarding efficacy, bath PUVA is not superior to medium-dose ultraviolet-A1 (MD-UVA1) and narrowband ultraviolet-B (NB-UVB), which may be considered the new photo(chemo)therapeutic options for SP.

METHODS

We performed a prospective randomised, controlled, three-arm photo(chemo)therapeutic study. Patients suffering from histopathologically proven SP with a clinical score (PIP score; papules, infiltration and pruritus) of at least 5 points were enrolled into the study. Treatment with bath PUVA was performed 4 times weekly and MD-UVA1 and NB-UVB 5 times weekly. Photo(chemo)therapy was administered over a 4-week period. Outcome measure was the severity of SP investigated by means of the PIP score after 4 weeks of therapy.

RESULTS

In total, 33 patients with SP were randomly allocated to photo(chemo)therapy. Bath PUVA (n = 9), MD-UVA1 (n = 11) and NB-UVB (n = 13) resulted in a significant reduction of the baseline PIP score as assessed on the basis of intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (P = 0.003). However, ITT analysis revealed significantly higher PIP score reduction in patients who were treated with bath PUVA and MD-UVA1 compared with NB-UVB (P < 0.01, 95% CI 1.1-3.63 and P < 0.05, 95% CI 0.42-2.70, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Photo(chemo)therapy, including bath PUVA, MD-UVA1 and NB-UVB, appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for patients suffering from SP. UVA1 and particularly PUVA seem superior to NB-UVB in the management of SP.

A study of methods to reduce groundwater contamination around the Kimpo landfill in Korea

Four different methods were studied to reduce the groundwater contamination around the Kimpo landfill in Korea by leakage of a leachate. The hydraulic parameters were measured for this study and then the groundwater flow and contaminant transport systems around the Kimpo landfill were simulated with MODFLOW and MT3D models. Both the method of establishing 5 sets of Radial Collector Well Laterals (RCWLs) within the landfill and a method utilizing the wells for dewatering condensed water brought about a 70% leachate elimination efficiency. Their construction costs were cheap, and the maximum concentrations of chloride and phenol in the leachate effluent were high. Meanwhile, a method establishing an interception wall to the 2nd layer at the cirumference of the landfill and 22 sets of RCWLs within it brought about a 92% leachate elimination efficiency. Its construction cost was expensive, and the maximum concentrations of chloride and phenol in the leachate effluent were low. A method of establishing an interception wall to the 3rd layer and 40 sets of RCWLs brought about a 97% leachate elimination efficiency. Its construction cost was the most expensive, and the maximum concentrations of chloride and phenol were low. Conclusively, a method of establishing 22 sets of RCWLs was evaluated as the most stable and economical option to reduce groundwater contamination concentration below drinking water standard.

The reductive metabolism of nitric oxide in hepatocytes: possible interaction with thiols

Nitric oxide (NO) is both an endogenously generated species and the active species released from a variety of important drugs. Due to its endogenous generation and use as a therapeutic agent, the metabolism and fate of NO is of interest and concern. To date, most attention regarding the metabolism and fate of NO has been paid to its oxidized metabolites. Due to the reducing environment of cells, we considered that NO may also undergo reductive metabolism as well. Therefore, we have examined the reductive metabolism of NO by hepatocytes. Generation of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) was used as an indication of NO reduction. Indeed, we observed that NO could be reduced to N(2)O by the cytosolic fraction of hepatocytes. The N(2)O production was partially inhibited by the thiol modifying agent, N-ethylmaleimide and thiol consumption was observed during N(2)O formation. Thus, our results indicate that NO reduction is feasible and likely occurs via a thiol-dependent process.

Potentiation of cholecystokinin and secretin-induced pancreatic exocrine secretion by endogenous insulin in humans

To investigate the effects of endogenous insulin on pancreatic exocrine secretion in humans, we evaluated the pure pancreatic juice obtained by endoscopic cannulation of the main pancreatic duct in 21 healthy subjects (14 men and seven women). Samples of pancreatic juices were collected after intravenous injection of either glucose (50%, 40 ml), secretin (0.25 CU/kg), and cholecystokinin-8 (CCK) (40 ng/kg), or a combination of glucose, secretin, and CCK in six 5-min periods. The responses of plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide to intravenous administration of glucose were measured. After infusion of glucose, the plasma insulin and C-peptide levels were significantly increased and remained at high levels during 30-min experiments, intravenous administration of secretin and CCK resulted in significant increases of pancreatic secretion including volume, bicarbonate, and protein output. When glucose was simultaneously administered with secretin and CCK, pancreatic secretion was significantly increased, more than the effects achieved by the secretin and CCK. However, glucose alone did not increase basal pancreatic secretion. These observations suggest that endogenous insulin intensifies pancreatic secretion stimulated by secretin and CCK in humans.

Reaction between S-nitrosothiols and thiols: generation of nitroxyl (HNO) and subsequent chemistry

S-Nitrosothiols have been implicated to play key roles in a variety of physiological processes. The potential physiological importance of S-nitrosothiols prompted us to examine their reaction with thiols. We find that S-nitrosothiols can react with thiols to generate nitroxyl (HNO) and the corresponding disulfide. Further reaction of HNO with the remaining S-nitrosothiol and thiol results in the generation of other species including NO, sulfinamide, and hydroxylamine. Mechanisms are proposed that rationalize the observed products.

The role of thiols in the apparent activation of rat brain nitric oxide synthase (NOS)

The role of thiols on the activation and/or stabilization of rat brain nitric oxide synthase (NOS) has been investigated. It was found that thiols are not necessary for stabilizing or protecting the protein during purification but are required during enzyme turnover for maximum activity. In the complete absence of thiols but with added tetrahydrobiopterin, the enzyme retained a low basal activity. Thiol addition to a thiol-deplete preparation of the enzyme resulted in a 4 to 7-fold increase in activity when measured after 15 min. High concentrations of dihydropteridine reductase also caused an apparent activation of NOS and was capable of replacing thiols. The data presented is consistent with a cofactor role for thiols. The possibility that they serve as reducing agents for the regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin from dihydrobiopterins is discussed.

The protective effect of tetrahydrobiopterin on the nitric oxide-mediated inhibition of purified nitric oxide synthase

The nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are a class of enzymes responsible for the generation of NO via an oxygen and NADPH dependent oxidation of the amino acid arginine. These enzymes are ironheme proteins which contain FAD and FMN and, enigmatically, require tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). NOS has recently been shown to be subject to inhibition by its product, NO. Preliminary data by us indicate that a possible role for BH4 is to prevent and/or reverse the NO-mediated inhibition of NOS. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which BH4 protects NOS against NO inhibition. Protection of NOS from NO inhibition was observed by both BH4 and the BH4 regeneration system, dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR)/NADH. NO, rather than an oxidation product, appears to be the inhibitory species. Protection by BH4 is not likely due to a simple chemical reaction between BH4 and NO or its oxidation product, NO2. The results are consistent with a protective mechanism by which BH4 may act as a nonstoichiometric reducing agent for a redox active enzyme component, such as the ironheme, to prevent NO ligation.

Aging of the human crystalline lens and anterior segment

Changes in the unaccommodated human crystalline lens were characterized as a function of subject age for 100 normal emmetropes over the age range 18-70 yr by Scheimpflug slit-lamp photography. With increasing age, the lens becomes thicker sagittally, but since the distance from the cornea to the posterior lens surface remains unchanged, this indicates that the center of lens mass moves anteriorly and the anterior chamber becomes shallower. Sagittal nuclear thickness is independent of age, but both anterior and posterior cortical thicknesses increase with age, shifting the location of the nucleus and the central sulcus in the anterior direction. The amount of light scattered by the lens at high angles, as represented by normalized and integrated lens densities from the digitized images, increases with increasing age in an exponential fashion. Similar relationships to age are observed for the major anterior zone of discontinuity (maximum density) and the central sulcus (minimum density). The relationships of these results to accommodation and presbyopia are discussed.

The temporal relationship of psychosocial stress to cellular immunity and herpes labialis recurrences

This study used a prospective single-subject study design and time series analysis for repeated measures data to investigate the hypothesis that variations in psychosocial stress are associated with changes in cellular immunity in a study subject with recurrent herpes labialis. A study subject who was antibody positive for HSV-1 but reported no clinical manifestations of disease served as a control. Psychosocial stress, as measured by a questionnaire; cellular immunity, as measured by the monoclonal antibodies CD4 (OKT4), which defines the helper/inducer subset of T lymphocytes; and CD8 (OKT8), which defines the suppressor/cytotoxic subset, were measured weekly over the 32-week study period. Analysis of data using bivariate time series (ARIMA) demonstrated significant inverse correlations between stress level scores and percent CD4 helper/inducer T lymphocytes in both subjects. In the study subject with recurrent herpes simplex labialis, a Mann-Whitney U statistic determined that the percent of CD4 in the early stages of a recurrence were significantly lower than the percent of CD4 at other times when blood samples were drawn. The data presented are repeated measures on two individuals with positive antibodies to the herpes simplex virus, one with recurrent herpes and one without a history of recurrent herpes. Relevance for stress research is discussed.

Captopril-induced hypersensitivity lung disease. An immune-complex-mediated phenomenon

Captopril has not yet been included in the list of drugs causing hypersensitivity lung disease. We report a patient with hypertension, congestive heart failure, and chronic renal failure who, when rechallenged with captopril, developed upper lung field infiltrates associated with productive cough and striking peripheral eosinophilia. Gallium scan, transbronchial biopsy histologic findings, and direct immunofluorescent study were consistent with an immune-complex-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. There was no other etiology discovered for the patient's eosinophilia, nor was there evidence for an infectious etiology to explain his presentation.

Increased viability and differentiation of normal and dystrophic striated muscle in vitro

Primary cultures of muscle from normal (line 412) and dystrophic (line 413) chick embryos were exposed to corticosterone-21-acetate (C-21-A) or sodium ibuprofen (Motrin) for 28 d after myotube formation. Ibuprofen (0.5 to 500 micrograms/ml) or C-21-A (0.4 to 40 micrograms/ml)-treated cultures were fixed and assessed semiquantitatively using phase microscopy. On this basis, ibuprofen (50 micrograms/ml) and C-21-A (40 micrograms/ml) seemed to be effective in maintaining both normal and dystrophic muscle cultures. Using ibuprofen and C-21-A at these concentrations, experiments were repeated and analyzed quantitatively. Ibuprofen maintained culture viability (up to 68% more myotubes than untreated controls) but had no significant effect on the number of striated cells. C-21-A effectively maintained culture viability (up to 73% increase) and strongly promoted the formation of striated cells in these cultures (up to a sixfold increase). Both normal and dystrophic cultures were affected similarly by these agents, but the dystrophic cultures showed more consistent if not more extensive improvements in the parameters examined here. Thus, it seems that ibuprofen and C-21-A may affect both normal and dystrophic muscle directly to maintain survival and even promote differentiation.

Acute interstitial nephritis. A case characterized by increase in serum IgG, IgM, and IgE concentrations. Eosinophilia, and IgE deposition in renal tubules

A case of acute interstitial nephritis with a distinct immunopathologic pattern was seen. The relevant findings included elevated levels of serum IgG, IgM, and IgE; persistent eosinophilia; prominent granular and electron-dense depositions of IgE and C3 in renal tubules, as demonstrated by direct immunofluorescent and electron microscopic procedures; persistent failure to demonstrate anti-basement membrane antibodies (both glomerular and tubular); and hypocomplementemia. The findings in our case suggest a type of acute interstitial nephritis with a somewhat different clinical outlook. In this respect, serial assays of complement components and IgE in serum and kidney tissue and determinations of circulating anti-basement membrane antibodies (both glomerular and tubular) may be of particular importance.