The possible role of c-fos protein in hypothalamus in sleep disturbance in chronic uremic rats

Sleep disturbance is very common in patients with chronic renal failure, but its mechanism is not clear. The activity of c-fos protein (FOS) in ventrolateral preoptic neurons (VLPO) is associated with the sleep pattern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between sleep disturbance and the expression of FOS in VLPO of chronic uremic rats. Chronic uremia was induced by the 5/6 nephrectomized model. The movements of the rats were measured with infrared monitoring during the daytime (8.00-20.00) and nighttime (20.00-8.00). Rats were killed at 10.00 or 16.00 h for the daytime (uremic rats 7, control 8) and at 22.00 h for the nighttime (uremic rats 7, control 9). The expression of FOS in VLPO was examined with the immunohistochemical method. The number of recorded daytime movements in uremic rats was significantly higher than in control rats (458 +/- 185 vs. 222 +/- 41, p < 0.001), but the number of recorded nighttime movements in uremic rats was lower than in control rats (949 +/- 430 vs. 1,618 +/- 261, p < 0.001). In the daytime, the number of FOS immunoreactive cells in uremic rats was lower than in control rats (18.4 +/- 5.3 vs. 42.8 +/- 6.3, p < 0. 001), but there was no difference between two groups in the nighttime (10.8 +/- 8.4 vs. 12.5 +/- 5.1, p = 0.62). There was a strong negative correlation between the number of recorded movements and the number of FOS immunoreactive cells in VLPO (r = -0.700, p < 0.001). This finding suggests that sleep disturbances in chronic uremic rats might be related to the decreased expression of FOS in VLPO.

Genomic organization and structure of the 3' region of human MUC3: alternative splicing predicts membrane-bound and soluble forms of the mucin

The MUC3 gene encodes a large, glycosylated mucin produced by intestinal epithelial cells to form a protective barrier against the external environment. Recently published cDNA sequences for the carboxyl-terminal region of MUC3 polypeptide indicated that rodent Muc3 possesses two epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains, and putative transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, whereas the sequence of human MUC3 predicted termination after the first EGF-like domain. Here we describe the complete genomic sequence encompassing the carboxyl terminal region of human MUC3, revealing the boundaries of 11 exons. RT-PCR and cDNA library cloning experiments indicate that the gene is alternatively spliced, yielding a major membrane-bound form as well as multiple soluble forms. Thus, this work indicates that both membrane-bound and soluble MUC3 mucin proteins are produced by alternative splicing of a single gene. A potentially important polymorphism involving a Tyr residue with a proposed role in signalling is described as well.

Protein kinase CKII interacts with and phosphorylates the SAG protein containing ring-H2 finger motif

To investigate the biological function of CKII, we have identified proteins that interact with the subunits of CKII using the yeast two-hybrid system. Here we report that SAG, an antioxidant protein containing Ring-H2 finger motif, is a cellular partner associating with the beta subunit of CKII. SAG does not interact with the alpha subunit of CKII. Analysis of SAG deletion mutants indicates that the Ring-H2 motif of SAG is necessary and sufficient for its binding to the beta subunit of CKII. Recombinant SAG can be phosphorylated by CKII in vitro, providing evidence that the beta subunit mediates the interaction of CKII enzyme with substrate proteins. Overlay experiment shows that SAG and the beta subunit of CKII associate directly in vitro and that CKII-mediated phosphorylation of SAG does not affect the interaction between SAG and the beta subunit of CKII. Northern blot analysis indicates that both SAG and the beta subunit of CKII were relatively rich in human heart, liver, skeletal muscle, and pancreas, but were detected in only trace amounts in brain, placenta, and lung. Our present results suggest that CKII may play a role in the regulation of SAG function.

HRC (histidine-rich Ca2+ binding protein) resides in the lumen of sarcoplasmic reticulum as a multimer

HRC (histidine-rich Ca2+ binding protein) has been identified from skeletal and cardiac muscle and shown to bind Ca2+ with low affinity and high capacity that is reminiscent of calsequestrin. The physiological role of HRC is largely unknown. In this study, we show that HRC exists as a multimeric complex (probably larger than a pentamer) under physiological conditions. At higher Ca2+ concentrations, the complex appeared to dissociate into dimers or trimers that form a more relaxed structure. This is in striking contrast to the characteristics of calsequestrin. An earlier immuno-electron microscopic study showed that HRC resides in the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), but this conclusion has been challenged by other data. By tryptic digestion and biotinylation of SR vesicles, we provide compelling evidence showing that HRC is indeed present in the lumen of the SR.

Gastric malignant stromal tumor with long stalk impacted into duodenum

Most GIST have traditionally been classified as submucosal origin by upper gastrointestinal series (UGIS) or endoscopy. However, we experienced a gastrointestinal mesenchymal origin tumor expressed by polypoid mass with a long stalk. The gastric outlet was obstructed by the polypoid mass on the duodenum. The microscopic findings of the resected mass showed a stromal cell component by immunohistochemical stain. We experienced gastric stromal tumor found as a polypoid mass with long stalk which was easily detected by endoscopy. It would not have been suspected as a stromal tumor as a result of endoscopic findings only.

Preoperative clinical radioimmunodetection of pancreatic cancer by 111 In-labeled chimeric monoclonal antibody Nd2

The present study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the clinical usefulness of radioimmunodetection (RAID) with 111In-labeled murine/human chimeric monoclonal antibody, Nd2 (c-Nd2) in patients with pancreatic cancer. Nineteen patients suspected to have pancreatic cancer were administered intravenously 74 MBq/2 mg 111In-labeled c-Nd2 in 100 ml of saline containing 2% albumin over 30 min. A scintigram was obtained on the 3rd day after infusion by using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Of the 14 patients finally diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer on the basis of surgical specimens or progress of disease, specific focal uptake at the site of the tumor was detected in 12 (true positive cases), representing a sensitivity of 85.7% (12/14), and liver metastasis was found in one case with metastasis. Of the 5 patients diagnosed with tumor-forming pancreatitis (TFP), 4 patients demonstrated true negative imaging, but one patient whose tumor demonstrated interesting findings in histology and immunostaining, showed false positive imaging. Of patients investigated for human anti-chimeric antibody (HACA) response, none showed HACA response, and no allergic reaction was seen in any of the patients administered c-Nd2. These results suggest that RAID with 11In-labeled c-Nd2 is useful for differential preoperative diagnosis between invasive pancreatic cancer and TFP.

Acylated flavonol glycosides with anti-complement activity from Persicaria lapathifolia

During a search for biologically active compounds from traditional medicines, a crude extract of Persicaria lapathifolia was found to have anti-complement activity. Bioassay-guided chromatographic separation of the active constituents led to the isolation of a new acylated kaempferol glycoside (1) and three known acylated quercetin glycosides (2-4). The structures of compounds 1-4 were characterized as kaempferol 3-O-beta-D-(6"-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-(6"-feruloyl)-galactopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-(2"-galloyl)-rhamnopyranoside and quercetin 3-O-beta-D-(2"-galloyl)-glucopyranoside, respectively. Compounds 1-4 showed strong anti-complement activity (IC50 values of 4.3, 9.7, 3.9 and 7.6 x 10(-5) M, respectively) on the classical pathway of the complement. On the other hand, six isolated flavonol glycosides (5-10) did not show any activity on this system.

Viral genotypes and p53 expression in Epstein-Barr virus-associated primary malignant lymphomas of the intestines

A small number (4% to 6%) of primary malignant lymphomas arising in the intestines express the EBV genome. However, in these tumors, the viral genotype and the role of tumor suppressor gene p53 have not been investigated. We sought to determine what genotype of EBV is frequently involved and whether the expression of p53 is related to these tumors. We used EBER-1 in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for EBNA-1, EBNA-2A, and EBNA-2B to detect latent infection with EBV and to determine the genotype, respectively. In addition, we performed p53 PCR-SSCP (exons 5 through 9) and immunohistochemical analysis for p53. We found that EBV type B was present in 4 of 6 cases (67%); the genotype of the remaining cases could not be determined. The p53 PCR-SSCP indicated normal migration patterns in all malignant lymphomas, despite the fact that the tumor cells were strongly immunostained for p53 protein in 5 of the 6 cases. Thus, our study demonstrates that EBV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of the intestines in Korea are strongly related to the type B EBV and not to mutations of p53 gene. We suggest that EBV-associated intestinal lymphomas may arise through an interaction between the latent proteins of EBV and the wild-type p53 protein.

Ginsenoside Rh2 induces apoptosis independently of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, or Bax in C6Bu-1 cells

In ginsenoside Rh2-treated rat glioma C6Bu-1 cells, apoptotic morphological changes, such as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation and pyknosis were confirmed by means of electron microscopy. To evaluate whether induction of apoptosis by ginsenoside Rh2 is mediated by the members of Bcl-2 family, we first established C6Bu-1 cells overexpressing Bcl-2. It was demonstrated that the expression of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bax was not altered in ginsenoside Rh2-treated C6Bu-1 cells. Bcl-2 overexpressing C6Bu-1 cells failed to prevent from ginsenoside Rh2-induced cell death. These results suggest the existence of other apoptotic pathway that requires induction of apoptosis by ginsenoside Rh2 rather than the pathway through Bcl-2, Bcl-xL or Bax in C6Bu-1 cells.

Thermatomal changes in cervical disc herniations

Subjective symptoms of a cool or warm sensation in the arm could be shown objectively by using of thermography with the detection of thermal change in the case of radiculopathy, including cervical disc herniation (CDH). However, the precise location of each thermal change at CDH has not been established in humans. This study used digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) for 50 controls and 115 CDH patients, analyzed the data statistically with t-test, and defined the areas of thermatomal change in CDH C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, C6/7 and C7/T1. The temperature of the upper trunk and upper extremities of the control group ranged from 29.8 degrees C to 32.8 degrees C. The minimal abnormal thermal difference in the right and left upper extremities ranged from 0.1 degree C to 0.3 degree C in 99% confidence interval. If delta T was more than 0.1 degree C, the anterior middle shoulder sector was considered abnormal (p < 0.01). If delta T was more than 0.3 degree C, the medial upper aspect of the forearm and dorsal aspect of the arm, some areas of the palm and anterior part of the fourth finger, and their opposite side sectors and all dorsal aspects of fingers were considered abnormal (p < 0.01). Other areas except those mentioned above were considered abnormal if delta T was more than 0.2 degree C (p < 0.01). In p < 0.05, thermal change in CDH C3/4 included the posterior upper back and shoulder and the anterior shoulder. Thermal change in CDH C4/5 included the middle and lateral aspect of the triceps muscle, proximal radial region, the posterior medial aspect of the forearm and distal lateral forearm. Thermal change in CDH C5/6 included the anterior aspects of the thenar, thumb and second finger and the anterior aspects of the radial region and posterior aspects of the pararadial region. Thermal change in CDH C6/7 included the posterior aspect of the ulnar and palmar region and the anterior aspects of the ulnar region and some fingers. Thermal change in CDH C7/T1 included the scapula and posterior medial aspect of the arm and the anterior medial aspect of the arm. The areas of thermal change in each CDH included wider sensory dermatome and sympathetic dermatome. There was a statistically significant change of temperature in the areas of thermal change in all CDH patients. In conclusion, the areas of thermal change in CDH can be helpful in diagnosing the level of disc protrusion and in detecting the symptomatic level in multiple CDH patients.

Responses of low-IQ students on the learning awareness questionnaire compared to students matched on mental and chronological age

Learning awareness, including semantic content, response strategy, processing strategy, summarization, and memory in the classroom, were examined in students with mental retardation. From urban schools in Japan special high school students with average IQ of 60 (n = 40) and students with normal intellectual capacity matched on mental (n = 40) and chronological age (n = 40) were administered a 16-item Learning Awareness Questionnaire. Students of low IQ on the Tanaka-Binet test obtained lower scores on semantic content and memory strategies than chronological or mental age-matched controls, but not on response and processing. Scores indicated that students of low IQ may be equally aware of learning processes related to response and processing strategies.

Stereochemical course of biotin-independent malonate decarboxylase catalysis

Malonate decarboxylases, which catalyze the conversion of malonate to acetate, can be classified into biotin-dependent and biotin-independent enzymes. In order to reveal the stereochemical course of the reactions catalyzed by the biotin-independent enzymes from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Pseudomonas fluorescens, a chiral substrate, malonate carrying (13)C in one carboxyl group and (3)H at one of the methylene positions, was prepared and used in the reactions catalyzed by these two enzymes. The decarboxylation of (R)-[1-(13)C(1), 2-(3)H]malonate in (2)H(2)O gave a pseudo-racemate of chiral acetate which was converted via acetyl-CoA into malate with malate synthase. From the relative proportions of the isotopomers of malate present, determined by (3)H NMR analysis, it was concluded that in the decarboxylation of malonate by these two biotin-independent enzymes COOH is replaced by H with retention of configuration. The same stereochemical outcome had been previously observed for the reaction catalyzed by the biotin-dependent malonate decarboxylase from Malonomonas rubra (J. Micklefield et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 117, 1153-1154, 1995).

Increased expression of CaM kinase II alpha in the brains of scrapie-infected mice

We investigated the distribution of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) in the brains of mice infected with ME7 scrapie strain. CaM kinase II is an enzyme that plays a major role in the regulation of long-term potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity associated with learning and memory. Immunoreactivity of CaM kinase II alpha, measured by Western blot, increased markedly in scrapie-infected brains compared with control brains. Immunohistochemically, CaM kinase II alpha immunoreactivity was upregulated in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA1 area of scrapie-positive mice infected with ME7 scrapie strain. This result implies that this enzyme is associated with aberrant function of synaptic transmission and LTP of the pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of mice infected with ME7 scrapie strain.

A new sulfated beta-galactan from clams with anti-HIV activity

A new polysaccharide composed of galactan sulfate with a beta-(1-->3)-glycosidic linkage has been isolated from the marine clam species Meretrix petechialis. The polysaccharide was homogeneous in its composition containing D-galactose. The glycosidic linkage was examined by 2D DQF-COSY and 2D NOESY spectroscopy. The coupling constant of anomeric proton was 7.8 Hz, suggesting a beta-galacto configuration. The downfield shift of H-2 of galactose residue demonstrated the presence of 2-O-sulfonate group. TQF-COSY confirmed that the C-6 position was substituted with a sulfonate group. The anti-HIV activity of the polysaccharides has been evaluated by the inhibition of syncytia formation. The fusion index and percentage fusion inhibition of sulfated galactan were 0.34 and 56% at 200 micrograms/mL.

Chlorpromazine-induced inhibition of catecholamine secretion by a differential blockade of nicotinic receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels in rat pheochromocytoma cells

We investigated the effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ), a phenothiazine neuroleptic, on catecholamine secretion in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. CPZ inhibited [3H]norepinephrine ([3H]NE) secretion induced by 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP), an agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) with an IC50 value of 1.0 +/- 0.2 microM. The DMPP-induced rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [Ca2+]i was inhibited by CPZ with an IC50 of 1.9 +/- 0.1 microM. The DMPP-induced increase in cytosolic free Na+ concentration [Na+]i was also inhibited by CPZ with a similar potency. Furthermore, the binding of [3H]nicotine to PC12 cells was inhibited by CPZ with an IC50 value of 2.7 +/- 0.6 microM, suggesting that the nAChRs themselves are inhibited by CPZ. In addition, both 70 mM K+-induced [3H]NE secretion and [Ca2+]i increase were inhibited by CPZ with IC50 of 7.9 +/- 1.1 and 6.2 +/- 0.3 microM, respectively. Experiments with Ca2+ channel antagonists suggest that L-type Ca2+ channels are mainly responsible for the inhibition. We conclude that CPZ inhibits catecholamine secretion by blocking nAChRs and L-type Ca2+ channels, with the former being more sensitive to CPZ.

Control of circadian rhythms and photoperiodic flowering by the Arabidopsis GIGANTEA gene

Photoperiodic responses in plants include flowering that is day-length-dependent. Mutations in the Arabidopsis thaliana GIGANTEA (GI) gene cause photoperiod-insensitive flowering and alteration of circadian rhythms. The GI gene encodes a protein containing six putative transmembrane domains. Circadian expression patterns of the GI gene and the clock-associated genes, LHY and CCA1, are altered in gi mutants, showing that GI is required for maintaining circadian amplitude and appropriate period length of these genes. The gi-1 mutation also affects light signaling to the clock, which suggests that GI participates in a feedback loop of the plant circadian system.

A novel sperm-specific hypomethylation sequence is a demethylation hotspot in human hepatocellular carcinomas

Certain human DNA regions are strikingly undermethylated at CpG sites in sperm compared to adult somatic tissues. These sperm-specific hypomethylation sequences are thought to function early in embryogenesis or gametogenesis. By using the restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS) cloning method, we have isolated a novel sperm-specific hypomethylation sequence, the status of which changes during spermatogenesis, embryonal growth and differentiation. This sequence is a part of a new 'NotI repeat' consisting of a 1.4 kb repetitive unit sequence named DE-1. The sequence is GC-rich and has high homology to a CpG DNA clone that was isolated by a methyl CpG protein binding column, indicating that it was normally highly methylated. We investigated the methylation status of this sequence. In the normal genome the sequence was methylated, but in the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) genome, the target sequence was demethylated at the cytosine residue of the CpG dinucleotides with high frequency (75% in the previous study). These data suggest that this regional DNA hypomethylation may play a role in both cell differentiation and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Investigation of influence of Proteus mirabilis LPS polysaccharide part on the murine immune cells activation

The biological activities were investigated of Proteus mirabilis lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) and their fragments, namely, the induction of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) synthesis by murine macrophages and the proliferation of murine spleen cells. The O-specific polysaccharide (F1), core oligosaccharide (F2) and lipid A were as effective as intact LPS in stimulating murine macrophages to produce NO. IL-1 synthesis was also induced by all studied types of endotoxins (S, Ra, Re) and partial structures, however F1, F2 and lipid A fractions required the presence of serum. In contrast to LPS, the O-specific polysaccharide, core oligosaccharide and lipid A were not able to induce the blast response of murine non-adherent splenocytes.

Frequent somatic mutations of the beta-catenin gene in intestinal-type gastric cancer

The increased level of cytoplasmic beta-catenin through the mutations to either beta-catenin or adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) has been proposed as an important oncogenic step in various tumors. Gastric cancer showed frequent genetic alterations of the APC gene, and the risk for gastric cancer in familial adenomatosus polyposis patients is 10 times higher than that in the general population. These findings raise the possibility that mutations of beta-catenin may also be associated with the development of gastric cancer. We detected seven somatic mutations in a portion of exon 3 encoding for the glycogen synthase kinase 3beta phosphorylation consensus region of the beta-catenin gene in 43 gastric cancers. All of these mutations were missense mutations, of which five are in the highly conserved aspartic acid 32 and two are in serine 29; all of these seven mutations were detected exclusively in intestinal-type gastric cancers (7 of 26; 26.9%), but not in the diffuse-type (0 of 17). We concluded that disruption of the APC/beta-catenin/T cell factor-lymphoid enhancer binding factor pathway might play an important role especially in the development of intestinal-type gastric cancer.

Cerebellar pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma in an infant

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare brain tumor and typically occurs in the superficial cerebral hemispheres of young subjects. We report a case of PXA in the cerebellum of a 3-month-old infant in view of its unusual location and age. The patient presented with a 1-month history of upward eyeball gazing difficulty. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of occurrence of this neoplasm in the cerebellum of an infant. We report the morphologic and immunophenotypical features, and literature review with regard to the clinicopathologic aspects of a case of unusual PXA.

Fate of the facet joints after instrumented intertransverse process fusion

A success or failure of an intertransverse process fusion has been determined by the fusion status of the intertransverse fusion mass alone, and little consideration has been given to the fusion status of the facet joint. The purpose of this study was to assess the fusion status of the facet joints at the fusion level and its impact on the overall fusion outcome. Sixteen patients (19 levels) treated with decompression and intertransverse process fusion using pedicle screw fixation without facet arthrodesis were entered into a cross sectional study in which the fusion status of the intertransverse fusion masses and facet joints at each fusion level were evaluated and combined at an average duration of followup of 35 months (range, 22-61 months). Union rate of the intertransverse process fusion (58%, 22 of 38) was lower than the spontaneous fusion rate of the facet joint (68%, 26 of 38). However, the combination of the two fusion statuses at each fusion level generated 89% of the overall fusion rate (17 of 19 levels). With surgery, all patients had a good or excellent clinical outcome, but the outcome had no relation to the overall fusion status. The results suggest that the fusion status of the facet joint should be considered in determining overall fusion status after combined decompression with instrumented intertransverse process fusion.

LDL stimulates collagen mRNA synthesis in mesangial cells through induction of PKC and TGF-beta expression

Abnormal lipid accumulation in glomeruli could be implicated in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) stimulates collagen mRNA expression in cultured human mesangial cells (HMC). To explore the possible molecular mechanisms by which LDL promotes collagen gene expression, we examined the effects of LDL on protein kinase C (PKC) activity and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) expression in relation to collagen gene regulation in HMC. LDL (200 microg/ml) induced an acute increase in PKC activity, particularly PKC-alpha and -delta, within 15 min, which decreased to control value at 2 h. LDL stimulated TGF-beta1, and alpha1(I) and alpha1(IV) collagen mRNA expression within 30 min of incubation with HMC, and levels remained elevated until hour 4. LDL induced the secretion of TGF-beta by HMC. This TGF-beta was shown by CCL-64 mink lung cell assay to be, in part, bioactive. The stimulatory effects of LDL on collagen gene regulation in HMC were blocked by the inhibition of PKC using GF-109203X (GFX) or the downregulation of PKC using phorbol myristate acetate. Neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta inhibited the increased collagen mRNA expression by HMC exposed to LDL. The downregulation or inhibition of PKC did not affect the stimulatory effect of LDL on TGF-beta mRNA or protein expression. These results suggest that in HMC, LDL stimulates collagen mRNA expression through the rapid activation of PKC-alpha and -delta and transcriptional upregulation of TGF-beta. Thus PKC and TGF-beta may function as independent key signaling intermediaries in the pathway by which LDL upregulates collagen gene expression in HMC.

Prognostic factors of diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis

BACKGROUND

Diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN) is the most severe form in lupus nephritis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 90 DPLN patients who were confirmed by kidney biopsy and treated at least for 12 months to compare the effectiveness of treatment modalities and to investigate the prognostic factors of DPLN. The patients were categorized to intravenous cyclophosphamide pulse (CY) group and oral corticosteroid (with/without cytotoxic drug, PO) group.

RESULTS

When the CY group (69 patients) and PO group (21 patients) were compared, there were no differences between two groups in sex, age, histologic chronicity index (CI, 4.55 vs 3.76; CY vs PO, respectively), mortality rate (4.3% vs 0%), remission rate of nephritis (at 3-year 59. 1 % vs 75.5%), renal survival rate (at 5-year 88.0% vs 91.7%) and complications of treatment, but significant differences in the frequency of nephrotic syndrome (66.7% vs 33.3%) and initial azotemia (30.4% vs 0%). histologic activity index (7.14 vs 4.33) and relapse rate (2.9% vs 42.9%). When the remission group (49 patients) and non-remission group (41 patients) were compared, CI, initial renal insufficiency, male sex and the duration of nephritis were the prognostic factors for remission in univariate analysis, and male sex (OR 10.99) and CI (OR 9.89) in multivariate analysis. When the remission group (35 patients) and non-remission (34 patients) group were compared in the CY group, CI was the prognostic factor in univariate analysis, and CI (OR 8.63) and male sex (OR 5.54) in multivariate analysis. The initial renal insufficiency (OR 12.74) and male sex (OR 7.99) were the prognostic factors for renal survival. The renal survival rate was 100% in remission-induced patients.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that CI, male sex, initial renal insufficiency were the prognostic factors of DPLN, and treatment with oral corticosteroid could induce remission in patients who had mild histologic and clinical features. Therefore it would be necessary to evaluate the prognostic factors before the selection of treatment modality.

Isolation of NotI clusters hypomethylated in HBV-integrated hepatocellular carcinomas by two-dimensional electrophoresis

To examine genetic and epigenetic alterations associated with HBV integration in hepatocarcinogenesis, we compared genomic DNA profiles of primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and cell lines that either contained or did not contain integrated HBV. To accomplish this, we carried out Restriction Landmark Genomic Scanning (RLGS), a two-dimensional system that displays 2000-3000 Not I landmark sites in a single gel electrophoresis experiment. We identified one Not I landmark spot that showed high signal intensity in HBV-integrated cell lines or in primary HCCs, but not in HCCs or tumor-cell lines free of HBV integration. Cloning of this spot revealed that it consisted of a Not I cluster sequence enriched with CpG dinucleotides. This sequence, hypomethylated in association with HBV integration, was found in the peri-centromeric region of human acrochromosomes. The results demonstrate that epigenetic changes at specific sequences in the genome occur in association with HBV integration during the process of hepatocarcinogenesis.