Germ line MLH1 and MSH2 mutations in Taiwanese Lynch syndrome families: characterization of a founder genomic mutation in the MLH1 gene

This multicenter study evaluated the mutation spectrum and frequencies of the MLH1 and MSH2 genes and determined the occurrence of large genomic deletions in 93 unrelated Taiwanese families that fulfilled the Amsterdam criteria II by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, DNA sequencing for aberrant chromatograms, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis. In total, 38 pathogenic mutations (10 large deletions and 28 point mutations or small deletion/insertions) in the MSH2 or MLH1 gene were identified in 61 of the 93 families (66%). Three of the 10 large deletions and 14 of the 28 point mutations or small insertions/deletions have not been reported elsewhere. Three mutations in the MLH1 gene, the MLH1c.1846_1848delAAG (5 families), deletion exons 11-15 (4 unrelated families), and MLH1c.793C>T (13 unrelated families), accounted for 35% of all cases with pathogenic mutations. Haplotype analysis indicated that mutant c.793C>T alleles were derived from two distinct common founders that might be inherited from a single ancestor of presumably Chinese origin. As a mutation detection strategy for Taiwanese Lynch syndrome patients, we recommend that diagnosis starts with screening for large genomic deletions and continues by screening for common mutations in exons 10 and 16 of the MLH1 gene prior to searching for small mutations in the remaining exons.

Time-dependent oxidative stress responses of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) to intraperitoneal injection of extracted microcystins

This study was conducted to investigate time-dependent changes in oxidative enzymes in liver of crucian carp after intraperitoneally injection with extracted microcystins 600 and 150 microg kg(-1) body weight. The results showed that activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase generally exhibited a rapid increase in early phase (1-3 h post injection), but gradually decreased afterwards (12-48 h) compared with the control, with an evident time-dependent effect. These zigzag changes over time contributed a better understanding on oxidative stress caused by microcystins in fish.

Effects of Chinese Herb Danshen-Dahuang on Hippocampal Gene Expression of APP and PS1 in Rats with Alzheimer Disease

Aims:

To investigate the effect of Chinese herb Danshen-Dahuang on learning and memory ability in rats with Alzheimer disease (AD) induced by D-galactose and AlCl3 and its possible mechanisms.

Methods:

The AD model was produced by injecting D-galactose and AlCl3 intraperitoneally for 90 days. Since the 20th day of D-galactose and AlCl3 intraperitoneal injection, the rats in Danshen-Dahuang group had been treated with Danshen-Dahuang extraction by intragastric administration for 70 days. Subsequently,learning and memory ability of the mice was evaluated by Morris water maze and hippocampal gene expression of APP, PS1 was tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results:

Rats intragastric administration with Danshen-Dahuang, mice had shorter latency (P< 0.05) and less error times (P< 0.05) in water maze test compared with those in AD model group. At the same time, Danshen-Dahuang down regulated the expression of APP, PS1 mRNA (P< 0.05) in hippocampus.

Conclusions:

Danshen-Dahuang improves the learning and memory ability of AD rats, its mechanism may be related to the downregulated expression of APP, PS1 mRNA.

A Study on Personal Characteristics of the Freshman and Graduates of in Five Different Universities of Shanxi Province of China

Aims:

To study on Personal Characteristics of the freshman and graduates in five different universities.

Methods:

The 1022 freshman and 956 graduates from five different universities were tested with the Eysenck Personality Questiornaire (EPQ). They came from one was general university, two technological universities, one is medical university, one is agricultural university.

Results:

Distribution of freshman and graduates personal characteristics in various sexes and universities is different. There are 19% and 12% of freshman with some psychological problem were P type and N type respectively according to neuroticism scale of EPQ, 64% of that were unstable temperament; 31% of the freshman who were unstable temperament and 25% were mental health status was extroversion disposition. But in graduates are 42% and 34% ( P type and N type) respectively according to neuroticism scale of EPQ. Unstable temperament is 58% and mental health status was extroversion disposition is 39%.

Conclusion:

The freshman and graduates psychological health of Shanxi Province of China is poor and should be paid more attention. the psychological state is related to different universities. the freshman and graduates are associated with personal characteristics, unstable professions, emotional trouble and passive attitude to the value and so on.

Interaction of G-protein beta3 subunit and nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms on carotid artery intima-media thickness in young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study

BACKGROUND

G-protein beta3 subunit (GNB3) gene C825T and endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) gene G894T polymorphisms both influence arterial structure and function. However, information is scant regarding the interaction of these genes on arterial wall thickness.

METHODS

This aspect was examined in 654 white and black subjects, aged 25-43 years (72.9% white, 39.3% male). Arterial wall thickness was assessed in terms of the average intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid, internal carotid, and carotid bulb segments by B-mode ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Frequencies of T allele of the GNB3 C825T polymorphism (0.718 vs. 0.304, P < 0.0001) and G allele of the eNOS G894T polymorphism (0.868 vs. 0.661, P < 0.0001) were higher in blacks compared to whites. In a multivariate model including gender, age, mean arterial pressure, body mass index, triglycerides/HDL cholesterol ratio, insulin resistance index, smoking, and/or race, there was no significant genotypic effect on carotid IMT with respect to GNB3 C825T or eNOS G894T polymorphisms among whites, blacks, and total sample. However, the carriers of TT genotype of the GNB3 C825T and T allele of the eNOS G894T had a significantly lower carotid IMT among blacks (P = 0.003) and the total sample (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the genetic variations of the eNOS gene in combination with the GNB3 gene jointly influence carotid artery wall thickening process in young adults, especially in blacks.

Correlation of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-1 and -3 to cardiovascular risk indicators and early carotid atherosclerosis in healthy middle-aged men

OBJECTIVES

IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 are putative mediators in cardiovascular disease. The present study examined (i) the correlations of circulating IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 to established cardiovascular risk factors and signs of early atherosclerosis as reflected by ultrasound measurement of common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), and (ii) whether serum concentrations of these analytes are modulated during alimentary lipaemia.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional clinical study.

PATIENTS

A biobank and clinical database based on 96 healthy Caucasian men, aged 50 years, with an apolipoprotein (apo) E3/E3 genotype, who had originally undergone investigations of postprandial lipoprotein metabolism was used for the study.

MEASUREMENTS

Total IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 were determined in serum by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Free IGF-I was measured by a commercial two-site immunoradiometric assay (IRMA).

RESULTS

In multivariate analyses, fasting serum free IGF-I correlated inversely with IMT and accounted for 5% of the variation in multiple R(2). When fasting serum IGFBP-1 was entered in the models instead of IGF-I, IGFBP-1 correlated positively with IMT and accounted for 6% of the variation in IMT. IGFBP-3 and total IGF-I were unrelated to IMT. There were no associations between free IGF-I and cardiovascular risk factors, whereas IGFBP-1 behaved like a component of the insulin resistance syndrome. Serum free IGF-I increased and IGFBP-1 decreased postprandially.

CONCLUSION

The data indicate that serum free IGF-I and IGFBP-1 are implicated in early atherosclerosis.

Global analysis of differentially expressed genes in androgen-independent prostate cancer

Progression to androgen independent (AI) is the main cause of death in prostate cancer, and the mechanism is still unclear. By reviewing the expression profiles of 26 prostate cancer samples in a holistic view, we found a group of genes differentially expressed in AI compared with androgen-dependent groups (P-value<0.01, t-test). Focusing on apoptosis, proliferation, hormone and angiogenesis, we found a group of genes such as thioredoxin domain containing 5 , tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 10a , ribosomal protein S19 and Janus kinase 2 upregulated in AI prostate cancer, could play important roles in the transition from AD to AI and could be biomarkers of prognosis.

Enamel demineralization in primary and permanent teeth

Although enamel demineralization is important for our understanding of caries formation, no consensus has been reached regarding the possible differences in susceptibility of primary and permanent enamel. We used the constant composition (CC) technique to investigate the acid-induced demineralization of these tissues at a relative undersaturation with respect to hydroxyapatite (HAP) of 0.902, pH = 4.5, and ionic strength = 0.15 mol L(-1). The demineralization rates showed significant differences, primary enamel having the greater susceptibility to dissolution during an initial linear stage: 1.5 +/- 0.5 x 10(-10) mol mm(-2) min(-1) compared with 2.6 +/- 0.5 x 10(-11) mol mm(-2) min(-1) for permanent enamel. During the reactions, we observed nanosized crystallites which attached to the enamel surfaces or escaped into the bulk solution. These nanosized crystallites were kinetically protected against further dissolution, even though the solutions remained undersaturated. It is hypothesized that they may contribute to the remarkable mechanical and dynamic characteristics of enamel.

[Identification of a novel human MAST4 gene, a new member of the microtubule associated serine-threonine kinase family]

Human protein kinases make up a large superfamily of homologous proteins, which are related by virtue of their kinase domains (also known as catalytic domains). Here we report the cloning and characterization of a novel human MAST4 (microtubule associated serine/threonine kinase family member 4) gene, which locates on human chromosome 5q13. The MAST4 cDNA is 7587 base pairs in length and encodes a putative protein of 2435 amino acids which contains a serine/threonine kinase domain and a PDZ domain. MAST4 protein has 64%, 63%, 59% and 39% identical aminoacid residues with MAST1, MAST2, MAST3 and MASTL respectively. RT-PCR analysis revealed relatively high expression level of MAST4 in most normal human tissues, with an exception of in testis, small intestine, colon and peripheral blood leukocyte.

No association between the genetic polymorphisms in the RTN4R gene and schizophrenia in the Chinese population

The RTN4R gene is located in the 22q11 region and it encodes a subunit of the receptor complex (RTN4R-p75NTR) which results in neuronal growth inhibitory signals in response to Nogo-66, MAG or OMG signaling. Previous studies have suggested that RTN4R might act as a potential candidate for schizophrenia susceptibility loci. We genotyped four SNPs within the gene and conducted a case-control study and TDT analysis, involving 707 schizophrenic patients, 689 controls and 372 unrelated small nuclear families with schizophrenic offspring in the Chinese population. We examined allele and genotype frequencies and haplotype distributions in both family- and nonfamily-based samples. Our results suggest that there is no significant association between the genetic polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the Han Chinese population.

Novel insights into actions of bisphosphonates on bone: differences in interactions with hydroxyapatite

Bisphosphonates are now the most widely used drugs for diseases associated with increased bone resorption, such as osteoporosis. Although bisphosphonates act directly on osteoclasts, and interfere with specific biochemical processes such as protein prenylation, their ability to adsorb to bone mineral also contributes to their potency and duration of action. The aim of the present study was to compare the binding affinities for hydroxyapatite (HAP) of 6 bisphosphonates currently used clinically and to determine the effects of these bisphosphonates on other mineral surface properties including zeta potential and interfacial tension. Affinity constants (K(L)) for the adsorption of bisphosphonates were calculated from kinetic studies on HAP crystal growth using a constant composition method at 37 degrees C and at physiological ionic strength (0.15 M). Under conditions likely to simulate bisphosphonate binding onto bone, there were significant differences in K(L) among the bisphosphonates for HAP growth (pH 7.4) with a rank order of zoledronate > alendronate > ibandronate > risedronate > etidronate > clodronate. The measurements of zeta potential show that the crystal surface is modified by the adsorption of bisphosphonates in a manner best explained by molecular charges related to the protonation of their side-chain moieties, with risedronate showing substantial differences from alendronate, ibandronate, and zoledronate. The studies of the solid/liquid interfacial properties show additional differences among the bisphosphonates that may influence their mechanisms for binding and inhibiting crystal growth and dissolution. The observed differences in kinetic binding affinities, HAP zeta potentials, and interfacial tension are likely to contribute to the biological properties of the various bisphosphonates. In particular, these binding properties may contribute to differences in uptake and persistence in bone and the reversibility of effects. These properties, therefore, have potential clinical implications that may be important in understanding differences among potent bisphosphonates, such as the apparently more prolonged duration of action of alendronate and zoledronate compared with the more readily reversible effects of etidronate and risedronate.

Dual roles of brushite crystals in calcium oxalate crystallization provide physicochemical mechanisms underlying renal stone formation

Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals are the major mineral component of most kidney stones, and thus have an important role in chronic human disease. However, the physicochemical mechanisms leading to calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone disease are only partially defined. As spontaneous precipitation of CaOx is rare under renal conditions, an alternative pathway for CaOx crystallization seems necessary to resolve this central issue. We performed kinetic studies using the dual constant composition method to simultaneously analyze the crystallization of COM and brushite, the form of calcium phosphate that is most readily formed in the typical slightly acidic urinary milieu. These studies were supported by parallel analysis by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. In these studies, mineralization of a thermodynamically stable phase (COM) was induced by the presence of brushite, a more readily precipitated inorganic phase. Furthermore, once formed, the COM crystals grew at the expense of brushite crystals causing the dissolution of the brushite crystals. These studies show that brushite may play crucial roles in the formation of COM crystals. The definition of these two roles for brushite thereby provides physicochemical explanations for the initiation of COM crystallization and also for the relative paucity of calcium phosphate detected in the majority of CaOx renal stones.

Functional categories of TP53 mutation in colorectal cancer: results of an International Collaborative Study

BACKGROUND

Loss of TP53 function through gene mutation is a critical event in the development and progression of many tumour types including colorectal cancer (CRC). In vitro studies have found considerable heterogeneity amongst different TP53 mutants in terms of their transactivating abilities. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether TP53 mutations classified as functionally inactive (< or=20% of wildtype transactivation ability) had different prognostic and predictive values in CRC compared with mutations that retained significant activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TP53 mutations within a large, international database of CRC (n = 3583) were classified according to functional status for transactivation.

RESULTS

Inactive TP53 mutations were found in 29% of all CRCs and were more frequent in rectal (32%) than proximal colon (22%) tumours (P < 0.001). Higher frequencies of inactive TP53 mutations were also seen in advanced stage tumours (P = 0.0003) and in tumours with the poor prognostic features of vascular (P = 0.006) and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.002). Inactive TP53 mutations were associated with significantly worse outcome only in patients with Dukes' stage D tumours (RR = 1.71, 95%CI 1.25-2.33, P < 0.001). Patients with Dukes' C stage tumours appeared to gain a survival benefit from 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regardless of TP53 functional status for transactivation ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Mutations that inactivate the transactivational ability of TP53 are more frequent in advanced CRC and are associated with worse prognosis in this stage of disease.

Family-based association studies of the TCP1 gene and schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population

A previous case-control study by Yang et al. indicated that the TCP1 gene in 6q25 was associated with schizophrenia in the Han population. To replicate this result, we selected eight SNPs (rs2273828, rs3818298, rs1547094, rs1547093, rs2295898, rs2295899, rs4832, rs15982) spanning the whole gene and performed a family-based study using 325 trios samples. Our transmission disequilibrium test showed neither allele nor haplotype association with schizophrenia, and suggests that the TCP1 locus is not associated with schizophrenia in the Chinese population. Since 6q25 has consistently been found to be a susceptible region for schizophrenia, we suggest that other genes within this region should be the focus of attention.

Towards defining parameters for a successful single embryo transfer in frozen cycles

BACKGROUND

Twin pregnancies in IVF should be avoided by transferring embryos one at a time, even for frozen cycles. In this study, we investigated the effect of blastomere lysis and cleavage in singleton frozen embryo transfer (sFET) cycles. Outcomes were compared with the transfer of two embryos in frozen transfer cycles (dFET).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 891 FET cycles, involving 404 sFET and 487 dFET cycles.

RESULTS

Overall, in sFET cycles, the pregnancy and implantation rates were 8.9 and 8.7%. When blastomere lysis was more than 25% but no greater than 50%, the pregnancy and implantation rates were 3.2%. If blastomere lysis was greater than 50% there were no pregnancies. If blastomere lysis was less than 25%, but with no cleavage, the pregnancy and implantation rates were 4.1%. The results significantly improved (P = 0.007) in the group with less than 25% lysis, when cleavage occurred. The pregnancy and implantation rates for this group were 17.3 and 16.6%. This was not significantly different from unselected two embryo transfers (22 and 12.7%,P = 0.2 and 0.19, respectively). There were 21 twins with dFET (19.6% of pregnancies) and none in sFET.

CONCLUSION

Both blastomere lysis and cleavage affect the outcome in sFET. To avoid the risk of twins, sFET should be considered when the embryo shows less than 25% blastomere lysis and at least one blastomere cleaves.

Effects of sucrose concentration on the developmental potential of human frozen–thawed oocytes at different stages of maturity

BACKGROUND

Success of human oocyte cryopreservation depends on multiple cryobiological factors that could influence the developmental potential of the oocytes. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of different sucrose concentrations on the developmental potential of human frozen-thawed oocytes at different maturity stages.

METHODS

A total of 355 oocytes collected from small follicles were randomly divided into three groups and two groups (B and C) were cryopreserved using slow-freezing method. Group A included 131 oocytes at different maturity stages without freezing. Another 119 oocytes in Group B were cryopreserved with 0.1 M sucrose and 105 oocytes in Group C with 0.2 M sucrose concentration.

RESULTS

The post-thaw survival rate of the oocytes and the cleavage rate in Group C were significantly higher than that of Group B (P<0.05). For immature metaphase I (MI) stage oocytes, a significant difference was found in the maturation rate between Group C and Group B (P<0.05). The maturation rate for the GV oocytes in Groups A and C was significantly higher than Group B (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that sucrose concentration of 0.2 M in the cryoprotectant solution is more suitable for human oocyte cryopreservation.

Correlates of carotid artery stiffness in young adults: The Bogalusa Heart Study

Decreased arterial elasticity, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (C-V) disease, is associated with C-V risk factors in middle-aged and older individuals. However, information is limited in this regard in young adults. This aspect was examined in a community-based sample of 516 black and white subjects aged 25-38 years (71% white, 39% male). The common carotid artery elasticity was measured from M-mode ultrasonography as Peterson's elastic modulus (Ep) and relative wall thickness-adjusted Young's elastic modulus (YEM). Blacks and males had higher Ep (P < 0.05); males had higher YEM (P < 0.0001); and blacks had higher wall thickness (P < 0.01). For the entire sample adjusted for race and gender both Ep and YEM correlated significantly (P < 0.05-0.0001) with age, BMI, waist, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate, product of heart rate and pulse pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio, insulin and glucose. In a multivariate regression model that included hemodynamic variables, systolic blood pressure, product of heart rate and pulse pressure, age, triglycerides, BMI, and male gender (for YEM only) were independent correlates of Ep (R2 = 0.38) and YEM (R2 = 0.25). When the hemodynamic variables were excluded from the model, age, triglycerides, BMI, black race (Ep only), male gender, parental history of hypertension, HDL cholesterol (inverse association), and insulin (marginal significance) remained independent correlates of Ep (R2 = 0.20) and YEM (R2 = 16). Both Ep and YEM increased (P for trend P < 0.0001) with increasing number of independent continuous risk factors (defined as values above or below the age, race, and gender-specific extreme quintiles) that were retained in the regression models. The observed increasing arterial stiffness (or decreased elasticity) with increasing number of risk factors related to insulin resistance syndrome in free-living, asymptomatic young adults has important implications for prevention.

Valproic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells expressing P-gp and MRP1

The multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype, induced by the overexpression of several ABC transporters or by antiapoptotic mechanisms, has been identified as the major cause of drug resistance in the treatment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we have shown that valproic acid (VPA) (a histone deacetylase inhibitor) can inhibit the proliferation of both P-glycoprotein (P-gp)- and MDR-associated protein 1 (MRP1)-positive and -negative cells. VPA also induced apoptosis of P-gp-positive cells. VPA induced apoptosis in K562 cells led to decrease in Flip (FLICE/caspase-8 inhibitory protein) expression with Flip cleavage, which could not be observed in HL60 cells. In HL60/MRP cell line, which proved to be resistant to apoptosis by VPA, we observed an abnormal expression of apoptotic regulatory proteins, overexpression of Bcl-2 and absence of Bax. Also, the Bcl-2 antagonist HA14-1 rapidly restored apoptosis in this cell line. Cotreatment with cytosine arabinoside induced very strong apoptosis in both K562/DOX and HL60/DNR cell lines. VPA also induced apoptosis in AML patient cells expressing P-gp and/or MRP1. Our findings show VPA as an interesting drug that should be tested in clinical trials for overcoming the MDR phenotype in AML patients.

The relation of obesity throughout life to carotid intima-media thickness in adulthood: the Bogalusa Heart Study

OBJECTIVE

Although obese children are at increased risk for coronary heart disease in later life, it is not clear if this association results from the persistence of childhood obesity into adulthood. We examined the relation of adiposity at various ages to the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) at age 35 y.

DESIGN

Prior to the determination of IMT by B-mode ultrasound, subjects (203 men, 310 women) had, on average, six measurements of body mass index (BMI) and triceps skinfold thickness (TSF) between the ages of 4 and 35 y. Mixed regression models for longitudinal data were used to assess the relation of these characteristics to adult IMT.

RESULTS

Overall, adult IMT was associated with levels of both BMI and TSF (P<0.001), with the magnitudes of the associations with childhood adiposity comparable to those with adult levels of BMI and TSF. Furthermore, adult obesity modified the association between childhood adiposity and IMT: high IMT levels were seen only among overweight (BMI > or =95th percentile) children who became obese (BMI > or =30 kg/m2) adults (P<0.01 for linear trend). In contrast, IMT levels were not elevated among (1) overweight children who were not obese in adulthood, or among (2) thinner children who became obese adults.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the adverse, cumulative effects of childhood-onset obesity that persists into adulthood. Since many overweight children become obese adults, the prevention of childhood obesity should be emphasized.

Flavopiridol downregulates the expression of both the inducible NO synthase and p27(kip1) in malignant cells from B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Flavopiridol, an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases and other protein kinases, induces in vitro apoptosis of malignant cells from B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). Previously, we reported that nitric oxide (NO), produced by an inducible NO synthase (iNOS), spontaneously expressed by the B-CLL cells, contributed to their deficiency in apoptosis. In the present work, we show that ex vivo treatment of leukemic cells from B-CLL patients with flavopiridol results in the inhibition of iNOS expression, as determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, and in a marked inhibition of NO production measured in situ with a specific fluorescent probe (DAF-2 DA). These effects are accompanied by membrane, mitochondrial and nuclear events of apoptosis. Flavopiridol exposure also results in the stimulation of caspase 3 activity and in caspase-dependent cleavage of p27(kip1), a negative regulator of the cell cycle, which is overexpressed in B-CLL. Thus, flavopiridol is capable of downregulating both iNOS and p27(kip1) expression in B-CLL cells. Furthermore, flavopiridol-promoted apoptosis is partly reverted by an NO donor, suggesting that inhibition of the NO pathway could participate in the apoptotic effects of flavopiridol on the leukemic cells.

Aldosterone signaling modifies capillary formation by human bone marrow endothelial cells

We investigated the regulation of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) in human bone marrow endothelial cells (HBMEC) responding to mineralocorticoid hormones and other accessory effectors. The message for both the mineralocorticoid receptor (MCR) and the alpha subunit of ENaC was expressed in HBMEC as predicted bands of 838 and 521 bp, respectively. In Western blots, the MCR of about 107 kDa was localized primarily in the cytoplasmic compartment but migrated to the nucleus when cell cultures were exposed to exogenous aldosterone. On the other hand, the alphaENaC was revealed as a membrane-bound protein of approximately 82 kDa, whose abundance increased after aldosterone treatment. Confocal microscopy confirmed the presence of both the MCR and ENaC as nucleocytoplasmic and membrane-bound proteins, respectively, and both colocalized with tubulin in situ. On Matrigel, the mineralocorticoid aldosterone, by itself, did not influence capillary formation by HBMEC, but the diuretic amiloride reduced the organization of HBMEC into capillary-like networks; curiously, aldosterone further exacerbated this inhibitory effect of amiloride. On the fibrin matrix, aldosterone had no influence at all on the length of the newly formed capillaries, but the capillary diameter was highly increased over the control. Aldosterone-mediated capillary swelling was totally reversed by amiloride, which, by itself, also inhibited capillary elongation by HBMEC. Thus, cell signaling by mineralocorticoid hormones in HBMEC appears to proceed in a manner very similar to that in the epithelial cell, thereby leading to an increase in the endothelial cell volume, which may underline the hypertensive state and which may also modify angiogenesis.

Mineralocorticoid hormones exert dramatic effects on pluripotent human stem cell progeny

The authors studied mineralocorticoid receptor (MCR)-mediated effects of steroids on CD34(+) progenitor cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed the presence of mRNA for both the MCR and the alpha subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, a member of the amiloride-sensitive sodium channel (ASSC) superfamily, in human CD41(+) megacaryoblastic cells derived from cultured bone marrow CD34(+) isolates, as well as in the human erythromegakaryoblastic leukemia (HEL) cell line. Immunofluorescence also revealed the presence of both the MCR and ASSC in circulating CD34(+) and medullar CD41(+) megacaryoblastic cells, the former as a nucleocytoplasmic protein and the latter as a membrane-bound protein, as expected from earlier studies using MCR-specific targets. In a selective medium, the formation of erythrocyte burst-forming units, and of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-forming units, by circulating CD34(+) cells was influenced by the agonists deoxycorticosterone and aldosterone, as well as by the antagonists RU 26752 and ZK 91587, targeted for the MCR. The multiplication of the leukemic HEL progeny, derived from CD41(+) cells, was similarly altered by these steroids targeted for the MCR. In contrast, in the optimal growth medium, the multiplication, and colony formation by bone marrow CD34(+) progenitor cells were not altered by either aldosterone or ZK 91587. These and other studies reveal that the receptor-mediated action of mineralocorticoids may influence the functional maturation of the hematopoietic progenitor lineage, contrary to the classical notion where the mineralotropic effect would be a unique feature of the epithelial cell.

Fludarabine-induced apoptosis of B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells includes early cleavage of p27kip1 by caspases

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of growth arrested clonal B lymphocytes that undergo apoptosis when treated with fludarabine. To further explore the mechanism for the cell cycle arrest, we examined the expression and activity of cyclin-dependent kinases and inhibitors in primary B-CLL cells. We observed high levels of p27kip1, cyclin D2, cyclin E, cdk2, and cdk4 expression in freshly isolated B-CLL cells. Despite high levels of cyclins and cdks, little cdk2 or cdk4 activity was observed with p27kip1 in complex with cyclinD2/cdk4 and cyclin E/cdk2. Remarkably, when B-CLL cells were treated in vitro with fludarabine, p27kip1 underwent caspase-specific degradation accompanied by an increase in cdk4 activity. We conclude that the G0/G1 arrest of B-CLL cells may protect against apoptosis and that the decrease in p27kip1 expression by caspase cleavage may be a key step in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in B-CLL.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human gene (ANP32E alias LANPL) from human fetal brain

Leucine-rich acidic nuclear protein (LANP) is a member of the leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) superfamily. Here we report on a human homologue of LANP, encoded by the gene ANP32E (alias LANPL). The gene was cloned and identified during large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library. The human protein shared 70% amino acid identity with rat LANP. According to bioinformatics analysis, ANP32E is located on chromosome 1q22. RT-PCR analysis indicates that ANP32E was expressed in human peripheral blood leukocytes, colon, small intestine, prostate, thymus, spleen, skeletal muscle, liver and kidney.

A novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like 1 gene (HSDL1) is highly expressed in reproductive tissues

We report the cloning and characterization of a novel human hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase like gene (HSDL1) located on human chromosome 16q24.2. The HSDL1 cDNA is 3407 base pair in length, encoding a 309 amino acid polypeptide related to human 17beta-HSD3. Northern blot reveals that the HSDL1 is highly expressed in testis and ovary. In situ hybridization indicates that the expression of HSDL1 is predominantly increased in the prostate cancer tissue compared with the normal prostate tissue, which suggests that the gene expression is important to the arising of prostate cancer.

Plasma tumour necrosis factor-alpha and early carotid atherosclerosis in healthy middle-aged men

AIMS

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine, which is implicated in some metabolic disorders and may play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease. We examined whether plasma TNF-alpha is related to established cardiovascular risk indicators, plasma levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules and carotid artery intima-media thickness determined by ultrasound examination in a population-based cohort of 96 healthy 50-year-old men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TNF-alpha and cellular adhesion molecules were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Plasma TNF-alpha concentration was associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, degrees of alimentary lipaemia, plasma very low density lipoprotein triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations and peak LDL particle size. Two indices of insulin resistance as well as all soluble cellular adhesion molecules correlated positively with TNF-alpha. The plasma TNF-alpha concentration was associated with common carotid intima-media thickness in univariate analysis. In contrast, soluble E-selectin and postprandial triglycerides, but not TNF-alpha, were independent determinants of common carotid intima--media thickness.

CONCLUSION

The plasma TNF-alpha concentration is associated with degrees of early atherosclerosis and correlates with metabolic and cellular perturbations that are considered important for the vascular process.

Humoral response to p53 in human colorectal tumors: a prospective study of 1,209 patients

p53 Antibodies (p53-Abs) have been detected in the serum of a proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. It is not yet known at which stage during colorectal tumor progression p53-Abs appear in the serum. The utility of these antibodies as markers for CRC prognosis remains to be clarified. Using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we analyzed serum samples from 998 CRC patients and from 211 patients with polyp. Levels of p53-Abs were defined as negative (<10 U/microL), low (10-76 U/microL) and high (>76 U/microL). Overall, 13.0% of CRC patients and less than 1% of polyp patients had increased serum p53-Ab levels. High p53-Ab levels were only seen in patients with invasive carcinomas. The parameters that were significantly and independently associated with a greater frequency of high p53-Ab levels were the left colon (odds ratio [OR] = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.1-10.5), the rectum (OR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.0-8.8) and advanced lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.6; 95% CI, 2.2-9.6). In univariate analysis, patients with high p53-Ab levels had a shorter survival times than did those without (p = 0.007). However, the significant effect disappeared in a Cox regression model adjusting for sex, age, tumor location, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, gross findings, histologic grade, mucin production and TNM stage. Thus, autoantibodies against p53 occur with tumor progression in multistep colorectal carcinogenesis and increase with advanced node metastasis. Furthermore, the seemingly adverse effect of high p53-Ab levels on the survival of CRC patients may be explained by other prognostic factors.

Cloning and characterization of a novel human TEKTIN1 gene

Tektins comprise a family of filament-forming proteins that are known to be coassembled with tubulins to form ciliary and flagellar microtubules. A new member of the tektin gene family was cloned from the human fetal brain cDNA library. We hence named it the human TEKTIN1 gene. TEKTIN1 cDNA consists of 1375 bp and has a putative open reading frame encoding 418 amino acids. The predicted protein is 48.3 kDa in size, and its amino acid sequence is 82% identical to that of the mouse, rat, and dog. One conserved peptide RPNVELCRD was observed at position number 323-331 of the amino acid sequence, which is a prominent feature of tektins and is likely to represent a functionally important protein domain. TEKTIN1 gene was mapped to the human chromosome 17 by BLAST search, and at least eight exons were found. Northern blot analysis indicated that TEKTIN1 was predominantly expressed in testis. By in-situ hybridization analysis, TEKTIN1 mRNA was localized to spermatocytes and round spermatids in the seminiferous tubules of the mouse testis, indicating that it may play a role in spermatogenesis.

Interferon therapy for orbital infiltration secondary to Erdheim-Chester disease

PURPOSE

To describe a 55-year-old male with Erdheim-Chester disease with bilateral orbital infiltration and visual loss who was successfully treated with interferon-alpha.

METHODS

Interventional case report.

RESULTS

The patient was treated with interferon-alpha and had an improvement in his clinical signs, including his visual acuity, after 4 weeks of interferon therapy.

CONCLUSION

Interferon-alpha can be effective in the treatment of orbital infiltration secondary to Erdheim-Chester disease.

Selective, high affinity peptide antagonists of alpha-melanotropin action at human melanocortin receptor 4: their synthesis and biological evaluation in vitro

Peptide Ac-Nle(4)-cyclo(5beta-->10epsilon)(Asp(5)-His(6)-D-(2')Nal(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Lys(10))-NH(2), compound 1, a cyclic derivative of alpha-melanotropin, is a nonselective high affinity antagonist at human melanocortin receptors 3 and 4, and an agonist at melanocortin receptors 1 and 5. To differentiate between the physiological functions of these receptors, antagonists with improved receptor selectivity are needed. In this study, analogues of compound 1 without Ac-Nle(4) or His(6) and/or the amino group of Asp(5) were prepared and tested in binding assays and in functional assays on CHO cells expressing hMC3-5R. Several of these peptides were to be selective, high affinity hMC-4R antagonists. The most interesting was compound 10, named MBP10, cyclo(6beta-->10epsilon)(succinyl(6)-D-(2')Nal(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9)-Lys(10))-NH(2), an antagonist (IC(50) = 0.5 nM) with 125-fold selectivity over hMC-3R (and of >300-fold selectivity over MC-1RB). This compound had no agonist activity at hMC-3R or hMC-4R and only weak agonist activity at hMC-5R. Examination of the sequences of these new peptides revealed that the D-(2')Nal(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9) segment of peptide 1 forms the "essential core" required for high affinity and high selectivity of analogues of peptide 1 at hMC-4R, but the "extended core", His(6)-D-(2')Nal(7)-Arg(8)-Trp(9), is necessary for the maximum affinity for hMC-3R and hMC-5R.

Assessment of regional differences in myocardial blood flow using T2-weighted 3D BOLD imaging

The feasibility of detecting regional differences in myocardial blood flow based on the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) effect was evaluated in vivo in dogs (N = 9) using a 3D T2-prepared segmented gradient-echo sequence at 1.5 T. Regional differences in myocardial blood flow were created by administering adenosine through a catheter placed in the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX). The difference in the R2 (1/T2) relaxation rate between the left ventricular myocardial region supplied by the LCX and regions supplied by the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) or septal artery during adenosine administration was correlated to the corresponding regional myocardial blood flow difference determined using fluorescent microspheres. A correlation coefficient of 0.80 was found between the MR BOLD measurements and the myocardial flow assessment. Our results show that the sequence used in this study allows fast 3D BOLD imaging of the heart, and is a promising technique for detecting regional myocardial perfusion differences.

Potent and selective peptide agonists of alpha-melanotropin action at human melanocortin receptor 4: their synthesis and biological evaluation in vitro

alpha-Melanotropin (alphaMSH) and several of its derivatives are potent but not selective agonists at melanocortin receptors 3, 4, and 5 present in the brain (MC3-5R). To differentiate between the physiological role of hMC-4R (believed to be involved in regulation of energy balance) from those of melanocortin receptors 3 and 5, potent and receptor-specific agonists are needed. Therefore, the cyclic derivatives of alphaMSH of a general structure, cyclo(X-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Y)-NH(2), where X is succinic acid or an omega-amino-carboxylic acid, and Y is an alpha,omega-di-amino-carboxylic acid or an omega-carboxy-alpha-amino acid, were prepared and tested in binding assays and in cAMP assays on CHO cells expressing hMC3-5R. Several of the 21-membered or larger lactams turned out to be potent and hMC-4R-selective agonists. For instance, cyclo(CO-CH(2)-CH(2)-CO-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Dab)-NH(2) (Dab: 2,4-di-amino-butyric acid) was a potent agonist at hMC-4R (EC(50) = 4 nM) with 55-fold selectivity over hMC-3R and greater than 1000-fold selectivity over hMC-5R. Another potent and selective compound was cyclo(NH-CH(2)-CH(2)-CO-His-d-Phe-Arg-Trp-Glu)-NH(2): EC(50) about 1 nM at hMC-4R, with 90-fold selectivity over hMC-3R and greater than 2000-fold selectivity over hMC-5R.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel peptidylprolyl isomerase (cyclophilin)-like gene (PPIL3) from human fetal brain

During the large-scale sequencing analysis of a human fetal brain cDNA library, we isolated two cDNA clones encoding two novel proteins, which show 52% and 72% identity to the cyclophilin isoform 10 of C. elegans, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed these two cDNA clones are two different splicing variants of a novel cyclophilin-like gene (PPIL3). The PPIL3 gene was identified on a completely sequenced BAC (GenBank accession AC005037) from chromosome 2q33 between STS markers stSG2762 (proximal) and SHGC-3074 (distal), oriented toward the telomere. The PPIL3 gene consisted of eight exons spanning more than 18 kb of genomic DNA. RT-PCR analysis indicated that PPIL3 was ubiquitously expressed in adult human tissues.

The effect of fetal gender on nuchal translucency at 10-14 weeks of gestation

Recent data have suggested that fetal nuchal translucency (NT) is affected by fetal gender. We investigated the size of this effect in 12 189 unselected pregnancies with known normal outcomes that had undergone NT measurements between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation. NT increased with gestation and was converted to multiples of the median (MoM) for the gestational day. The median NT MoM (95% CI) for female fetuses was 0.98 (0.97-0.99). This was significantly lower than that of the male fetuses (1.03; range 1.02-1.04) (p<0.0005; Wilcoxon rank-sum test). The gender difference was not observed at 10 weeks but was observed from 11 weeks onwards. There is no obvious explanation for the above findings.