Bcr-Abl signaling through the PI-3/S6 kinase pathway inhibits nuclear translocation of the transcription factor Bach2, which represses the antiapoptotic factor heme oxygenase-1

The malignant phenotype of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is due to the abnormal tyrosine kinase activity of the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein. We have previously reported that expression of the Bach2 transcription factor, which induces apoptosis in response to oxidative stress, is greatly reduced in CML cells. Because these cells are resistant to apoptosis, we tested whether Bach2 could also be regulated through posttranslational mechanisms that promote inhibition of the apoptotic response to mutagenic stimuli in CML. We found that Bach2 is phosphorylated on S521 via the phosphatidylinositol-3/S6 kinase pathway, and substitution of this site to alanine leads to nuclear accumulation of the protein, indicating that this phosphorylation is important for its subcellular localization. Ectopic expression of the S521 mutant imparts greater impairment to CML cell growth than the wild-type factor. Furthermore, we showed that Bach2 transcriptionally represses heme oxygenase-1, an antiapoptotic factor up-regulated in CML. Because CML cells are known to produce high levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 resulting from inhibition of Bach2 activity may contribute to their genomic instability and leukemic phenotype.

Relationship between aging and susceptibility of erythrocytes to oxidative damage: in view of nutraceutical interventions

Twelve (12) healthy elderly subjects were divided into two groups: (a) those given an antioxidant/NO-modulating fermented papaya preparation (FPP) 9 g/day for 4 weeks, and (b) a placebo group. No protein/lipid distribution in erythrocytes (RBC) membranes was noted among different ages and treatments. Higher RBC concentration of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide synthase were found in the elderly (p < 0.05 versus "young" controls), whereas superoxide dismutase was unaltered. Such abnormalities were prevented by FPP supplementation (p < 0.01). RBC and RBC ghosts showed an enhanced susceptibility to lipid peroxidation by using cumene hydroperoxide (p < 0.01 versus young) but FPP supplementation significantly protected intact RBC (p < 0.05). These preliminary data suggest that nutraceuticals with antioxidant/NO-regulating properties significantly protect from RBC oxidative damage, and are potential weapons for the aging process and chronic and degenerative diseases.

Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses of microbial community from field-scale composter

The diversity of microbial community during the decomposition of waste in a field-scale composter (Hazaka system) was investigated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The composter operates at a high temperature through a self-heating system, creating a thermophilic (60-76 degrees C) stage during the initial phase and a mesophilic (45 degrees C) stage towards the later phase of the composting period. The pH of the system (pH 7.75-8.10) did not vary significantly during the process while moisture content was reduced from 48.8% to 25.1%. DGGE and 16S rDNA analyses showed that the following genera were found throughout the process: Propionibacterium sp., Methylobacterium sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Bradyrhizobium sp. Different Bacillus spp. thrive at the thermophilic or the mesophilic stage while Clostridium sp. was only found at the initial phase of the process. Staphylococcus sp. and Caulobacter sp. or Brevundimonas sp. existed during the later phase of the composting period.

Some Characteristics of Primary and Secondary Oestrous Signs in High-producing Dairy Cows

Shortened and weakened oestrous signs in dairy cows may cause a failure of oestrus detection and artificial insemination timing error leading to poor reproductive performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the duration of standing oestrus in high-producing dairy cows under a free stall system, to determine the duration of expression of secondary oestrous signs before and after standing oestrus (Expt 1) and to compare the duration and intensity of oestrus between cows and heifers (Expt 2). Cattle were checked for primary and secondary oestrous signs at an interval of 4 h. Heat detection aids were also used. In Expt 1, of 56 cows which were detected in oestrus, 36 cows (64.3%) showed standing oestrus and other 20 cows (36.6%) showed secondary oestrous signs only. Duration of the standing oestrus was 6.6 +/- 6.3 h on average (+/-SD), ranging between 2 and 32 h. The cows in standing oestrus showed secondary oestrous signs during a period from 9.6 +/- 8.1 h before onset of standing to 18.4 +/- 18.8 h after the end of standing oestrus. In the cows that did not show standing oestrus, expression of secondary oestrous signs were observed for 25.7 +/- 20.5 h, which was 7.5 h shorter than the average duration of oestrus in cows showing standing oestrus. In Expt 2, nine (82%) of the 11 lactating cows in oestrus showed standing, while all the 10 heifers exhibited standing oestrus. Average duration of standing oestrus was 6.4 +/- 4.3 h in cows and 6.2 +/- 3.9 h in heifers, respectively. It may be concluded that the duration of standing oestrus is substantially shortened in lactating dairy cows, and more than one-third of cows did not show standing oestrus. In cows showing standing oestrus, duration of expression of secondary oestrous signs before and after standing is not shortened. Duration of standing oestrus in heifers was as short as that in cows.

Biology of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Possible Therapeutic Approaches to Imatinib-Resistant Disease

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a stem cell disorder caused by a constitutively activated tyrosine kinase, the Bcr-Abl oncoprotein. An inhibitor of this tyrosine kinase, imatinib mesylate, is rapidly becoming the first-line therapy for CML. However, the development of resistance to this drug is a frequent setback, particularly in patients in advanced phases of the disease. Several mechanisms of resistance have been described, the most frequent of which are amplification and/or mutations of the BCR-ABL gene. To overcome resistance, several approaches have been studied in vitro and in vivo. They include dose escalation of imatinib, combination of imatinib with chemotherapeutic drugs, alternative Bcr-Abl inhibitors, inhibitors of kinases downstream of Bcr-Abl, farnesyl and geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitors, histone deacetylase, proteasome and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, arsenic trioxide, hypomethylating agents, troxacitabine, targeting Bcr-Abl messenger RNA, and immunomodulatory strategies. It is important to understand that these approaches differ in efficiency, which is often dependent on the mechanisms of resistance. Further investigations into the molecular mechanisms of disease and how to specifically target the abnormal processes will guide the design of new treatment modalities in future clinical trials.

The aging/precancerous gastric mucosa: a pilot nutraceutical trial

The aim of this study was to test the effect of antioxidant supplementation on enzymatic abnormalities and free radical-modified DNA adducts associated with premalignant changes in the gastric mucosa of elderly patients with HP-negative atrophic gastritis (CAG). Sixty patients with atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia underwent a nutritional interview and a gastroscopy with multiple biopsy samples in the antrum that were processed for histology and for assaying: alpha-tocopherol, MDA, xanthine oxidase (XO), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), and 8-OHdG. Patients were randomly allocated into three matched groups and supplemented for 6 months with (1) vitamin E, 300 mg/day; (2) multivitamin, two tablets t.i.d.; and (3) Immun-Age 6 g/day nocte (ORI, Gifu, Japan), a certified fermented papaya preparation with basic science-validated antioxidant/immunomodulant properties. Ten dyspeptic patients served as controls. Histology and biochemistry were blindly repeated at 3 and 6 months. CAG patients showed a significantly (P <.05) increased level of mucosal MDA and XO concentration that were reverted to normal by each supplementation (P <.05). All supplements caused a significant decrease of ODC (P <.01), but Immun-Age yielded the most effective (P < 0.05) and was the only one significantly decreasing 8-OhdG (P < 0.05). These data suggest that antioxidant supplementation, and, namely, Immun-Age, might be potential chemopreventive agents in HP-eradicated CAG patients and especially in the elderly population.

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with add(1)(p36) and del(12)(p11) following acute myelocytic leukemia with partial deletion of 9p

We describe the case of a 40-year-old man whose disease was initially diagnosed as acute myelocytic leukemia. The patient achieved remission with chemotherapy, but relapsed shortly afterwards with an acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. He died of intracranial bleeding. Karyotyping analysis showed a del(9p?) as a common abnormality in the leukemic cells at onset and relapse. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis demonstrated allelic loss of the CDKN2A gene in cells from both stages of the disease. At relapse the leukemia cells had additional abnormalities such as add(1)(p36) and del(12)(p11). We postulate that the loss of CDKN2A is involved in leukemogenesis but does not determine the lineage of the leukemic cells. Instead, abnormalities of genes at 1p36, 12p11, or both may be involved in driving a lymphoid phenotype.

Association of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with chronic neutrophilic leukemia

A 54-yr-old female having chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) associated with severe liver injury is presented. Physical examination on admission showed severe jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, massive ascites, and pretibial edema. Complete blood count showed a hemoglobin level of 9.1 g/dL, platelet count of 25.8 x 10(4)/microL, and white blood cell count of 36.6 x 10(3)/microL with 89.7% neutrophils. Blood chemistry showed hyperbilirubinemia (21.9 mg/dL) with normal transaminase levels. There was no abnormality in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, or glucose levels. Neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly elevated. Bone marrow aspiration showed myeloid hyperplasia with normal karyotype. Rearrangement of the bcr/abl was not detected by either polymerase chain reaction or fluorescence in situ hybridization. Human androgen receptor gene assay (HUMARA) of the bone marrow cells showed clonal proliferation of neutrophils. The patient was diagnosed as having CNL. To evaluate the pathogenesis of the liver injury, a needle biopsy was performed, which showed steatohepatitis with infiltration of neutrophils. As the patient had no history of alcohol abuse, a diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was made. Assuming that the infiltration of abnormal neutrophils into the liver contributed to the development of NASH, she was treated with cytoreductive chemotherapy (cytosine arabinoside: 100 mg/d, 1-3 doses/wk). With decreases in white blood cell counts, serum bilirubin levels decreased gradually to 1.5 mg/mL. A postchemotherapy liver biopsy specimen showed marked improvement of the fatty degenerative change. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the development of NASH in a myeloproliferative disorder. We believe that the infiltration of leukemic cells contributed to the development of NASH in this patient.

Association of pyoderma gangrenosum and sterile osteomyelitis in a patient having myelodysplastic syndrome with der(1;7)(q10;q10)

Neutrophilic dermatoses such as Sweet's disease and pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) are occasionally associated with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We present here a 67-yr-old male having PG and sterile osteomyelitis in association with underlying MDS (refractory anemia) and Crohn's disease. To establish the diagnosis of MDS, sternal bone marrow puncture was performed, which showed chromosomal abnormality containing der(1;7)(q10;q10). After the puncture, he suffered from gradually progressive skin ulceration, flare, and bone pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sternum showed severe inflammation in the sternum and the overlying subcutaneous tissue. All of the cultures obtained from the wound were negative for both bacteria and fungus. Biopsy was performed from the antero-sternal skin lesion, which showed epidermal ulceration with prominent infiltration of neutrophils. He was thus diagnosed as having PG and sterile osteomyelitis, and was treated with prednisolone, which completely resolved the symptoms. We consider that the bone marrow aspiration in the present patient provoked PG and sterile osteomyelitis. As was previously reported by others, certain chromosomal abnormalities in MDS may be related with the development of neutrophilic dermatoses.

Incidence of silent ovulation in dairy cows during post partum period

The present study was undertaken to show the incidence of silent ovulation in high producing dairy cows, by monitoring ovarian cyclicity based on practical milk progesterone assay which was established in this study. The direct milk progesterone enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using anti-progesterone-3(E)-carboxymethyloxime-BSA antibody for the antibody and horse radish peroxidase labeled progesterone for tracer. High sensitivity (26 pg/mL, 0.65 pg/well), high recovery rates (83-97%), high reproducibility (CV of intra-assay 4.8-11.5%; CV of inter-assay 14.3-19.1%) and high correlation between milk progesterone concentrations measured by the direct ELISA and the values obtained by the ELISA after extraction proved the reliability of the assay. In second experiment the incidence of silent ovulation was investigated based on the milk progesterone concentrations in 32 dairy cows within 70 days post partum. The incidences of silent ovulation at the first, second, third and fourth ovulation post partum were 83, 46, 13 and 0%, respectively. Most commonly observed patterns of sequential occurrence of silent ovulation in cows ovulating 2, 3 or 4 times within 70 days post partum were silent-estrus (50%), silent-silent-estrus (60%) and silent-silent-estrus-estrus (67%), respectively. These results suggest that the present ELISA is a reliable and practically applicable method for determination of progesterone in milk and that high producing dairy cows show a high incidence of silent ovulation at the first post partum ovulation as well as the second ovulation, which then decreased with the increased frequency of ovulation.

Chorioamnionitis caused by Serratia marcescens in a non-immunocompromised host

A 26 year old pregnant woman with antithrombin III deficiency developed recurrent septicaemia with Serratia marcescens. In spite of the administration of antibiotics, high grade fever persisted. She subsequently manifested lower abdominal pain, and spontaneous abortion occurred. After the abortion, she became completely afebrile. The amnion was turbid, and microscopic examination of the placenta showed haemorrhage and massive infiltration of neutrophils, suggestive of infectious chorioamnionitis. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis showed that isolates from the blood, urine, and vaginal discharge were genetically identical. Intravenous pyelography revealed that she had a bilateral completed double ureter. It was thought that a urinary tract anomaly caused infection with S marcescens, and the pathogen spread to the chorioamnion via the bloodstream. This is the first report of chorioamnionitis caused by S marcescens in a non-immunocompromised host. In addition, these findings indicate that the chorioamnion can serve as a site for persistent infection in normal pregnancies.

Rapidly progressive Lennert's lymphoma terminating in fulminant hepatic failure

A 65-year-old male with rapidly progressive Lennert's lymphoma terminating in fulminant hepatic failure is presented. Staging radiological studies revealed that he had cervical and mediastinal lymph node swellings and multiple nodular lesions in the spleen. Lymph node biopsy specimens showed the proliferation of epithelioid cells interspersed with large blastic lymphocytes. These lymphocytes were CD3+, CD45RO (UCHL-1) +, CD4-, CD8+, CD56-, CD30-, CD15-, T-cell intracellular antigen-1+, granzyme B+ and perforin+, suggestive of the cytotoxic T-cell lineage. Under the diagnosis of Lennert's lymphoma, he was treated with standard CHOP chemotherapy. After two courses of the chemotherapy, despite the decreased size of cervical lymph nodes, high-grade fever and constitutional symptoms appeared. As multiple low-density nodules were observed in the liver by computed tomography, needle biopsy was performed. The biopsy specimens showed the proliferation of CD3+, CD4- and CD8+ lymphoma cells. Thereafter, the liver function deteriorated rapidly, and disseminated intravascular coagulation emerged. He died of rapidly progressive hepatic failure. This case is another example demonstrating that at least some of the Lennert's lymphomas phenotypically correspond with cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas, as was previously suggested by us [Am. J. Surg. Pathol. 24 (2000) 1627]. It should be also emphasized that Lennert's lymphomas containing cytotoxic proteins may have a fulminant clinical course, which cannot be rescued by the conventional chemotherapy.

Cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma arising in Behçet disease

The case of a 49-year-old man with peripheral T-cell lymphoma arising in Behcet disease (BD) is reported. A diagnosis of incomplete BD was made, and the patient was treated with immunosuppressive agents for 9 months. A left perirenal mass emerged, and a computed tomography-guided needle biopsy of the tumor revealed the infiltration of small- and medium-sized lymphoma cells. The cells were positive for CD3, CD8, CD45RO, CD43, granzyme B, and T-cell intracellular antigen-1. A diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (diffuse medium, T-cell) was made. A left orbital mass also appeared. Standard combination chemotherapy diminished the perirenal and orbital lesions. Lymphoma cell infiltration in the esophagus was detected after chemotherapy, and the patient died of massive bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is rarely associated with BD, and only 7 cases have been reported in the literature. We have summarized the published case reports of malignant lymphoma arising in BD. To our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe cytotoxic T-cell lymphoma arising in Behçet disease.

High-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for treatment of unspecified peripheral T-cell lymphoma presented with hepatosplenomegaly and hypercytokinemia syndrome: report of three cases

We report here three cases of peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified (PTCL-US), which presented with bone marrow infiltration and hepatosplenomegaly and were successfully treated with high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (auto-PBSCT). The patients were all characterized by cytokine-induced symptoms such as fever, anasarca, cytopenia, poor general condition, and disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. Laboratory data showed extremely high levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor, beta(2)-microglobulin, and ferritin. All three patients were negative for anti-adult T-cell leukemia antibody. In one patient, hemophagocytosis was revealed by a histological examination of the bone marrow. The International Prognostic Index was high for all three patients, and they all achieved complete remission after the intensive chemotherapy for remission induction. During complete remission, they were treated with HDCT [modified interleukin-converting enzyme regimen] followed by auto-PBSCT. The recovery of hematopoiesis after auto-PBSCT was prompt and sustained engraftment was obtained. No serious adverse effects other than myelosuppression were noted. One patient died due to cerebrovascular disease without relapse 18 months after auto-PBSCT. The other two patients are still alive and have not suffered from relapse. Our observations suggest that auto-PBSCT following HDCT may be an effective and safe therapeutic modality for high-risk PTCL-US patients characterized by hepatosplenomegaly and cytokine-induced syndrome.

Fournier's gangrene after unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation

A 16-year-old boy with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia developed Fournier's gangrene as an early complication after two-antigen HLA-mismatched unrelated cord blood stem cell transplantation. On day 25 after the transplantation, he noted abrupt onset of penile swelling with miction pain. The penile inflammation rapidly extended posteriorly to involve the scrotum and perianal tissues, inferiorly to involve the thighs, and superiorly up the lower abdominal region within the next 36 h, and he died from sepsis on day 27. Fournier's gangrene presenting as a genitoperineal necrotizing fasciitis should be considered as a potential complication in umbilical-cord blood recipients in the cytopenic post-transplant phase.

A patient with acquired pure red cell aplasia showing a positive antiglobulin test and the presence of inhibitor against erythroid precursors

A 66-year-old Japanese man developed severe anemia and erythroid hypoplasia in bone marrow without any significant underlying disease. The results of an antiglobulin test were strongly positive, and serum erythropoietin (Epo) was high. The patient was diagnosed as having acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and was treated with steroids. Anemia was subsided by reticulocyte production in parallel with a decrease in the titer of antiglobulin test and the level of Epo. We studied the immunological mechanism directed against erythroid cells in vitro by using the patient's serum. In vitro analysis indicated the presence of an inhibitor of erythroid precursors at onset, and its disappearance at remission, suggesting the presence of inhibitor against erythroid precursors.

Overexpression of Cbfa1 in osteoblasts inhibits osteoblast maturation and causes osteopenia with multiple fractures

Targeted disruption of core binding factor alpha1 (Cbfa1) showed that Cbfa1 is an essential transcription factor in osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that Cbfa1 plays important roles in matrix production and mineralization. However, it remains to be clarified how Cbfa1 controls osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and bone remodelling. To understand fully the physiological functions of Cbfa1, we generated transgenic mice that overexpressed Cbfa1 in osteoblasts using type I collagen promoter. Unexpectedly, Cbfa1 transgenic mice showed osteopenia with multiple fractures. Cortical bone, which was thin, porous, and enriched with osteopontin, was invaded by osteoclasts, despite the absence of acceleration of osteoclastogenesis. Although the number of neonatal osteoblasts was increased, their function was impaired in matrix production and mineralization. Furthermore, terminally differentiated osteoblasts, which strongly express osteocalcin, and osteocytes were diminished greatly, whereas less mature osteoblasts expressing osteopontin accumulated in adult bone. These data indicate that immature organization of cortical bone, which was caused by the maturational blockage of osteoblasts, led to osteopenia and fragility in transgenic mice, demonstrating that Cbfa1 inhibits osteoblast differentiation at a late stage.

Enhanced throughput for DNA sequencing by capillary array electrophoresis with a gradient of electric field strength

The effect of electric field gradients are examined on the speed, selectivity, read length, and accuracy for DNA sequencing using capillary array electrophoresis. Modified electric field gradients was realized to read over 800 bases within 140 min. The method developed is effectively applicable to single nucleotide polymorphism analysis for genomic drug discovery and pharmacogenomics.

Carcinosarcoma of the tongue with cyclin D1 gene amplification

Carcinosarcoma of the tongue is a rare malignancy and its molecular aspect is unclear. A case of carcinosarcoma of the tongue in a 51-year-old man is presented. A polypoid tumor of the tongue, measuring 12 x 12 x 6 mm, was resected. Histologically, the tumor was composed of a squamous cell carcinoma and a spindle cell sarcomatous component. We previously showed that one cell-cycle regulator, the cyclin D1 gene, was frequently amplified in esophageal carcinosarcoma, which shows the same morphologic features as carcinosarcoma of the tongue. In this case, we examined whether the cyclin D1 gene is amplified in carcinosarcoma of the tongue as well. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that the cyclin D1 gene was amplified in both components of carcinosarcoma of the tongue. The cyclin D1 protein was also detected by immunostaining in both components. Our results suggest that the amplification of cyclin D1 gene plays a role in the molecular pathogenesis of carcinosarcoma of the tongue, at least in some cases.