Stereochemistry of hydrogen addition to C-25 of desmosterol by sterol-delta 24-reductase of rat liver homogenate

Chemically synthesized (26)- and (27)-methyl-13C-labeled desmosterol (3, 5) were separately incubated with rat liver homogenate. 13C-NMR analysis of the incubation products indicated that the C-25 hydrogen of cholesterol was introduced from the si-face of 3 and the re-face of 5.

Characteristics of ventricular premature contractions and their clinical course

One hundred patients with frequent (> 1,000 beats/day) ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) were followed for 4 years. All of the patients, except those with non-cardiac death (n = 8), were classified into 3 groups based on their outcome. Group A consisted of 29 patients with idiopathic VPCs who survived the study period. Group B consisted of 49 patients with underlying diseases who survived the study period. Group C consisted of 14 patients who suffered cardiac death. There was no significant difference in the daily number of VPCs. However, groups B and C had more patients with Lown grade 4a or 4b VPCs than group A. The mean coupling interval was significantly longer in group C than in group A, and the standard deviation of the coupling interval was significantly larger in group C than in group A. Forty patients underwent serial Holter monitorings to assess changes in the number of VPCs. VPCs spontaneously decreased in 13 patients, while the other 27 patients continued to have frequent VPCs. Most of these 13 patients were classified as Lown grade 2. The results suggest that in patients with frequent VPCs, longer and more varied coupling intervals may predict a poor prognosis, and Lown grade 2 may predict a spontaneous regression.

An in-frame deletion of codon 298 of the NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase gene results in hereditary methemoglobinemia type II (generalized type). A functional implication for the role of the COOH-terminal region of the enzyme

The nucleotide sequence was determined for the gene of NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase of a patient of type II hereditary methemoglobinemia found in Yokohama, Japan. An in-frame deletion of 3 base pairs corresponding to codon 298 (TTC) was identified in the patient. The patient was homozygous for the mutation as shown by hybridization experiments using allele-specific oligonucleotides. The mutation causes deletion of Phe-298, which is the third to the COOH-terminal residue, indicating that in this mutant enzyme the sequence of this region has changed from -Cys-Phe-Val-Phe-COOH to -Cys-Val-Phe-COOH. The mutant enzyme, whose Phe-298 was deleted (F298 delta), was prepared by means of a bacterial expression system and site-directed mutagenesis. The kcat/Km value (NADH) of the enzyme was 5.7 s-1 M-1, which corresponds to 0.4% of that of the wild type. Moreover, the enzyme was much less thermostable than the wild type. To examine further the role of the COOH-terminal portion of the enzyme, various mutant enzymes were also prepared and characterized. The enzymatic properties of F298L, F300L, and F298L/F300L were essentially the same as that of the wild type. The kinetic properties of F298A, and F300A were not greatly affected, but the stability of the enzymes was somewhat impaired. Since Val-299 is naturally Ala in steer enzyme, no specific residues in the carboxyl-terminal region (298-300) are essential to the enzyme function. The instability of the F298/F300A double mutant indicates that the hydrophobicity of the carboxyl-terminal region of the enzyme might be important to maintain the conformation of the enzyme. high impairment of the activity of the F298 delta, F298stop, and F300stop mutants might be caused by the loss of the residue(s) in the carboxyl-terminal portion. These results indicate that the hydrophobicity, but not the specific amino acid residues, of the carboxyl-terminal portion of the enzyme is important for the stability of the enzyme.

The capacity of the malate-aspartate shuttle differs between periportal and perivenous hepatocytes from rats

The capacity of the malate-aspartate shuttle was evaluated in periportal (PP-H) and perivenous subfraction of rat hepatocytes (PV-H). The rate of glutamine production from alanine was 34-fold higher in PV-H than in PP-H. Statistically significant differences between PP-H and PV-H were found for the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate kinase but not for the activities of NAD(+)-malate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and mitochondrial alanine aminotransferase. The rate of glucose production from sorbitol and the rate of ethanol utilization were higher in PP-H than in PV-H. In the presence of phenazine methosulfate (PMS), the increments in these rates were significantly greater in PV-H than in PP-H. The capacity of malate-aspartate shuttle in the presence of alanine was significantly higher in PP-H than in PV-H but in the presence of asparagine was similar in PP-H and PV-H. The results suggest that the capacity of malate-aspartate shuttle distributes heterogeneously along liver lobules with the dominance in periportal zone and that the difference of the capacity may result from the difference in the transport of aspartate across the mitochondrial membrane.

Antiestrogenic effects of danazol on rabbit uterus

To examine antiestrogenic effects of danazol through the receptor system and to clarify its direct effects on the endometrium in vivo, we applied danazol jelly directly into the rabbit uterine cavity and measured uterine estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors (ER, PR and AR, respectively). Danazol significantly reduced ER, PR and AR (p < 0.05). Treatment with receptor-blocking agents (RU 486 and oxendolone) showed that the decrease in the ER level showed a closer association with that in PR than with AR. These results indicate that danazol directly administered into the uterine cavity is absorbed by the endometrial tissue and exerts its antiestrogenic effects possibly through PR in the cells.

Effect of 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid on prostaglandin synthesis in rabbit kidney medulla microsomes

The effect of 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE) on the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) was examined in rabbit kidney medulla microsomes. Medulla microsomes were incubated with arachidonic acid in 0.1 M-Tris/HCl buffer (pH 8.0) containing reduced glutathione and hydroquinone and the PGE2, PGF2a and PGD2 formed were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography using 9-anthryldiazomethane for derivatization. Under our incubation conditions rabbit kidney medulla was found to produce mainly PGE2. The addition of 13-HPODE inhibited the production of all three PGs to a similar extent. 13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid did not suppress the formation of PGs, indicating the requirement of the hydroperoxy moiety for the inhibitory effect of 13-HPODE on PG formation. Experiments utilizing the native fatty acid linoleic acid and tert-butyl hydroperoxide suggested the importance of the fatty acid-derived hydroperoxide in PG synthesis by kidney medulla. We conclude that 13-HPODE is an inhibitor of renomedullary cyclooxygenase and may have functional effects within the kidney.

Alterations of tumor suppressor genes and allelic losses in human hepatocellular carcinomas in China

Aflatoxin B1 has been suggested as a causative agent for a G to T mutation at codon 249 in the p53 gene in human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) from southern Africa and Qidong in China. The objective of the present work was to test the hypothesis that exposure to aflatoxin B1 either alone or coincident with other environmental carcinogens might be associated with allelic losses occurring during development of human hepatocarcinogenesis in China. The HCCs were obtained from two different areas in China: Qidong, where exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and aflatoxin B1 is high; and Beijing, where exposure to HBV is high but that of aflatoxin B1 is low. We analyzed the tumors for mutations in the p53 gene and loss of heterozygosity for the p53, Rb, and APC genes and at marker loci on chromosomes 4, 13, and 16. Frequencies of mutation, loss, and aberration (mutation and loss) of the p53 gene in 25 HCCs from Qidong were 60, 58, and 80%, respectively. The frequencies in 9 HCCs from Beijing were 56, 57, and 78%. However, the frequency of a G to T transversion at codon 249 in HCCs from Qidong and Beijing were 52 and 0%, respectively. These data indicate that mutation and/or loss of heterozygosity in the p53 gene, independent of the 249 mutation, play a critical role in the development of hepatitis B virus-associated HCCs in China. Loss of the Rb and APC genes was observed in 44 and 7% of HCCs from Qidong, respectively. Allelic losses on chromosome 4 and especially on chromosome 16 were frequent in HCCs from Qidong but were not observed in HCCs from Beijing, while loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 13 occurred at similar frequency in both Qidong and Beijing. These results show a distinct difference in the pattern of allelic losses between HCCs in Qidong and Beijing and suggest that aflatoxin B1 and/or other environmental carcinogens may contribute to this difference.

Intraoperative adjustable suture surgery for bilateral superior oblique palsy

BACKGROUND

The modified Harada-Ito procedure has been reported to be an effective treatment for correction of cyclotorsion in bilateral superior oblique palsy. However, there are no reports regarding its use in intraoperative adjustable suture surgery.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective study of 12 patients with traumatic bilateral superior oblique palsy who were classified as having either symmetric or asymmetric palsy according to the symmetry of the alternate hyperdeviation on side gazes. Cyclotorsion and vertical and horizontal deviation in the nine diagnostic positions were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of the 12 patients, 6 were determined to have symmetric palsy and 6 asymmetric palsy. Intraoperative adjustable suture surgery with the modified Harada-Ito procedure was performed bilaterally in the six patients with symmetric palsy and unilaterally in those with asymmetric palsy. The median measured value of extorsion in the primary position was reduced from 14.5 degrees to 2.5 degrees in patients with symmetric palsy and from 9.5 degrees to 2.0 degrees in those with asymmetric palsy. In downgaze, some degree of residual extorsion remained, and there was no significant change in esodeviation after surgery. In five patients with symmetric palsy and in all of those with asymmetric palsy, normal single binocular vision in the primary position but did not that in downgaze was restored after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative adjustable suture surgery is an effective treatment in correcting torsion, but may not be as effective for esodeviation in downgaze.

Effect of 13-hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE) on arachidonic acid metabolism in rabbit platelets

1. The effect of 13-hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE) on the formation of thromboxane (TX) B2, 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) from exogenous arachidonic acid in washed rabbit platelets was examined. 2. 13-HPODE inhibited TXB2 and HHT formation without affecting 12-HETE production. 3. 13-Hydroxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid which was produced rapidly from 13-HPODE, did not suppress the formation of TXB2 and HHT, indicating the requirement of the hydroperoxy moiety for the inhibitory effect of 13-HPODE on TXB2 and HHT formation. 4. Experiments utilizing mannitol and dimethyl sulfoxide (hydroxy radical scavengers) revealed that the action of 13-HPODE is not due to hydroxy radicals which are expected to be formed from 13-HPODE. 5. These results suggest that 13-HPODE is a selective inhibitor of platelet cyclo-oxygenase and may have functional effects within platelets.

Surgical and medical management of patients with pulmonary metastasis from parathyroid carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to characterize patients with pulmonary metastasis of parathyroid carcinoma and to evaluate the long-term effect of surgical and medical therapy.

METHODS

Seven patients with pulmonary metastasis of parathyroid carcinoma were treated between 1980 and 1992. Six patients underwent resection of pulmonary metastases, and one patient has had long-term bisphosphonate therapy alone. Bisphosphonate was also given before or after operation to three patients.

RESULTS

Two patients underwent a unilateral thoracotomy for a single pulmonary lesion, and four other patients with multiple lesions underwent staged bilateral thoracotomies. The postoperative serum calcium level returned to normal after each thoracotomy in three patients who were alive and well 3, 8, and 12 years after the first thoracotomy. Hypercalcemia persisted in the other three patients. In two of the patients, bisphosphonate therapy was also unable to control hypercalcemia. In one patient the serum calcium level has been maintained in the 13 mg/dl range by bimonthly bisphosphonate therapy alone for 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The aggressive surgical approach to pulmonary metastasis of parathyroid carcinoma was shown to be effective for palliation in selected patients. Bisphosphonate therapy is an alternative to resection but has only a temporary calcium-lowering effect.

[Immunohistochemical determination of endometrial progesterone receptor (PR) content after intrauterine infusion of danazol in rabbits]

Danazol, an isoxazole derivative of 17 alpha-ethinyl-testosterone, has various effects on the female reproductive system. To examine its anti-estrogenic effects through the receptor system and clarify its direct effect on the endometrium in vivo, we applied danazol jelly into the rabbit uterine cavity. Recent studies performed in our laboratory using the ligand-binding assay have shown that danazol administered directly into the uterine cavity is absorbed by the endometrial tissue and exerts its anti-estrogenic effects possibly through progesterone receptors (PR) in the cells. In the present study we examined the variations in endometrial PR content during 7 days after the intrauterine administration of danazol into the rabbit uterine cavity. Immature female white rabbits were used. They were given daily subcutaneous injections of estradiol-17 beta (E2) for 3 days after which their abdomens were opened, and danazol gel was infused into the lumen of the right horn and HPC-jelly was infused into the lumen of the left horn, as the control. Thereafter and until they were killed, the same daily dose of E2 was injected. They were killed 6h, 24h, 3 days, 5 days or 7 days after intrauterine infusion of danazol and PRs were studied immunohistochemically using a specific antireceptor monoclonal antibody (PR-AT 4.14). Six hours after danazol infusion, the PR staining in the glandular epithelium and part of the stroma surrounding the epithelium had declined. On day 3, PR staining declined to its lowest level in the glandular epithelium and stroma. On Day 5, PR staining had been restored in the glandular epithelium but stayed low in the stroma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Two forms of acidic arginine amidases in human kidney

Two forms of acidic arginine amidases were separated from human kidney extract using the techniques of basic ion exchange adsorption and elution as well as lima bean trypsin inhibitor (LBTI) and aprotinin affinity adsorptions and elutions. The enzymes were tentatively named acidic human renal arginine amidase-L (AHRAA-L, with affinity to an LBTI column) and -A (AHRAA-A, with affinity to an aprotinin column). Both enzymes showed a similar molecular mass of approximately 3.0 x 10(4) daltons, differing from that of human renal kallikrein (HRK, molecular mass of 4.8 x 10(4) daltons). The specific activity of AHRAA-L and -A were 106 and 680 nmol/min/A280 of Val-Leu-Arg-pNA amidolysis, respectively, and they were strongly inhibited by LBTI and human urinary trypsin inhibitor (UTI), while ethylenglycol-bis(beta-amino ethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) showed a weak or no effect on both enzymes.

Studies on the constituents of Turkish plants. I. Flavonol triglycosides from the fruit of Rhamnus thymifolius

Two new flavonol glycosides have been isolated from the fruit of Turkish Rhamnus thymifolius (Rhamnaceae) and their structures were elucidated as kaempferol-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)-(4-O-acetyl)-O-alpha-L- rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside and kaempferol-4'-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1-->3)-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1-->6)-O-beta-D-galactopyranoside based on spectral and chemical evidence.

Adaptive changes in zonation for gluconeogenic capacity in liver lobules of cold-exposed rats

The rate of gluconeogenesis from lactate increased in perfused livers after exposure of rats to cold for 5 days, and it returned to the control rate after 20 days [M. Shiota, T. Tanaka, and T. Sugano. Am. J. Physiol. 249 (Endocrinol. Metab. 12): E281-E286, 1985.]. The relationship between the increased gluconeogenic activity and its zonal distribution in liver lobules was studied in cold-exposed rats that had been starved for 24 h by examination of preparations enriched for periportal hepatocytes (PP-H) and for perivenous hepatocytes (PV-H), which had been isolated by the digitonin-collagenase perfusion technique. In the control group, the rate of gluconeogenesis from lactate or alanine was three times higher in PP-H than in PV-H. The rate of gluconeogenesis from these substrates in PP-H was not changed by exposure of rats to cold. The rates of PV-H increased to the level in PP-H after 5 days of exposure of rats to cold and then returned to the control rates after 20 days. The rate of gluconeogenesis from fructose was not altered in either preparation of cells by cold treatment of rats. The change in gluconeogenic capacity in PV-H caused by exposure of rats to cold was unrelated to changes in the activity of the malate-aspartate shuttle and of pyruvate kinase. The increased capacity in mitochondrial respiration was observed in both preparations of cells by cold treatment of rats for 5 days. The activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was higher in PP-H than in PV-H in the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 60-kDa protein of rat kidney dipeptidyl peptidase IV

The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the 60-kDa protein of purified dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP IV) was determined. The protein was isolated from rat kidney by detergent solubilization. The first 22 amino acids were sequenced; these matched the predicted sequence between residues 281 and 302 of the amino-terminal region of rat liver DPP IV.

[Unfavorable characteristics in patients with early postoperative recurrence of Graves' disease after subtotal thyroidectomy]

Unfavorable characteristics of early postoperative recurrence of hyperthyroidism were studied in patients with Graves' disease after subtotal thyroidectomy. We examined 338 patients who underwent subtotal thyroidectomy during a 9-year period from 1981 to 1989. Thyroid functional status was determined biochemically and the following variables were collected and divided into two categories for each patient: sex, age at operation, indication for surgery, serum titer of antimicrosomal hemagglutination antibody, weight of resected thyroid tissue and size of remnant thyroid tissue relative to body surface area. Early postoperative recurrence was defined as relapse of the disease within one year after surgery, necessitating medication or radioiodine therapy. Logistic regression analysis disclosed that the most important characteristics were age < 20 yr, relatively large thyroid remnant and weight of resected thyroid tissue > or = 100g, the odds ratios for these variables being 20.6, 16.7 and 3.4, respectively (p < 0.05). Although candidates for surgical treatment of Graves' disease are likely to be younger and to have a large goiter, these characteristics are unfavorable, since they predict the early recurrence of hyperthyroidism. One alternative is to leave a smaller than usual thyroid remnant thyroid in these patients, even if the risk of postoperative hypothyroidism is high.

Increased excretion of proline-containing peptides in dipeptidyl peptidase IV-deficient rats

We have reported that a substrain of Fischer 344 rat exhibits a deficiency of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (Watanabe et al. Experientia 43: 400-401, 1987). In this study, this rat model was found to excrete large amounts of proline-containing peptides in the urine. The peptide fraction also contained other amino acids, such as hydroxyproline and glycine. The results indicate that the enzyme might be involved in the metabolism of collagens and related peptides.

[Urethral condyloma acuminatum with severe dysplasia in a male patient detected human papillomavirus type 11: a case report]

We report a case of urethral condyloma acuminatum with severe dysplasia detected human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11. A 47-year-old male patient visited St. Luke's International Hospital complaining of tumor at the urethral meatus. One small papillary lesion was found and excised. Histopathological examination revealed condyloma acuminatum with severe dysplasia. Immunohistochemical detection for HPV antigen in the specimen of condyloma acuminatum was positive and that of severe dysplasia was negative. In an electron microscopical study, viral particles were demonstrated only in the specimen of condyloma acuminatum. Detection of HPV DNA was performed using in situ hybridization (ISH) and southern blot hybridization (SBH). HPV type 11 was found in both lesions. In conclusion, although previous studies have shown that HPV type 16/18 was especially correlated with genital severe dysplasia and carcinoma, the process of malignant transformation was suggested in the association with HPV type 11.

Effect of 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid on 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity in rabbit kidney cortex

The effect of a hydroperoxy adduct of linoleic acid, 13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE), on 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity in rabbit kidney cortex was examined. 13-HPODE inhibited the 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity at concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 microM. The effect was concentration-dependent and the concentration required for 50% inhibition was approximately 3 microM. Linoleic acid and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) exhibited weaker inhibition of the enzyme activity than did 13-HPODE (linoleic acid, 30% inhibition at 10 microM; 13-HODE, 45% inhibition at 10 microM). Studies utilizing Fe2+ (a catalyst of peroxide decomposition), and mannitol or dimethylsulfoxide (a hydroxy radical scavenger) revealed that the inhibitory effect of 13-HPODE on the 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity is not due to the hydroxy radicals which are expected to be formed from 13-HPODE and that the hydroperoxy functional group is a prerequisite. The inhibition by 13-HPODE was uncompetitive and non-competitive with regard to NAD+ and prostaglandin E2, respectively. These results suggest that 13-HPODE has the potential to modulate the prostaglandin catabolism by affecting the 15-hydroxy prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity.

Effects of reactive oxygen species on arachidonic acid metabolism in rabbit platelets

Rabbit platelets were exposed to a reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating system (xanthine plus xanthine oxidase) to explore the effect of ROS on the formation of 12-hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), thromboxane (TX) B2, and 12-hydroxy-5,8,10-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) from exogenous arachidonic acid. Xanthine plus xanthine oxidase suppressed the production of 12-HETE, TXB2, and HHT by 65-69%. This effect was reversed by addition of catalase to the ROS generating system but not by superoxide dismutase, mannitol, or dimethylsulfoxide, indicating that H2O2 is the responsible metabolite. These results suggest that H2O2 plays an important role in the regulation of platelet cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase activities.

Identification of 27-nor-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxycoprostan-24-one apparently derived from 3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxy-24-oxocoprostanoic acid, a postulated intermediate of bile acid biosynthesis

Incubation of [27-13C]-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxycoprost-24-en-26-oic acid with rat liver homogenate followed by 13C-NMR analysis of the incubation product has resulted in the identification of [26-13C]-27-nor-3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxycoprostan-24-one, supporting the idea that the substrate has been metabolized into 3 alpha, 7 alpha, 12 alpha-trihydroxy-24-oxocoprostan-26-oic acid CoA derivative.

Role of Lys-110 of human NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase in NADH binding as probed by site-directed mutagenesis

Lys-110 of human NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase was replaced by Ala, Met, or Arg by site-directed mutagenesis to evaluate the role of the residue. Km values of purified Lys-110-->Ala and Lys-110-->Met mutants for NADH were approximately 200-fold and 1,100-fold higher than that of the wild-type, respectively, while the value of the Arg mutant was almost the same as that of the wild-type. These results indicate that the positive charge at position 110 is important for NADH binding. The kcat value of Lys-110-->Ala was not affected, indicating that the residue only participates in the binding process in the reaction by forming an ionic interaction with phosphoryl group of NADH.

Fixed drug eruption due to allylisopropylacetylurea

We report a case of fixed drug eruption due to allylisopropylacetylurea. A 21-year-old female developed purplish-red round eruptions on her neck and left thigh after taking an analgesic containing isopropylantipyrine, allylisopropylacetylurea, phenacetin and anhydrous caffeine. Patch testing with the analgesic and its ingredients on the eruptive area showed positive reactions to the analgesic and allylisopropylacetylurea, while patch testing on the non-eruptive area showed negative reactions. We diagnosed her condition as a fixed drug eruption due to allylisopropylacetylurea in an analgesic.