Sensitivity of genera Porphyromonas and Prevotella to the bactericidal action of C-terminal domain of human CAP18 and its analogues

This paper reports the effect of the synthesized 27-amino acid sequence in the C-terminal domain of human CAP18 (hCAP18), a human cationic antibacterial protein or cathelicidin, on certain strains belonging to the genera Porophyromonas and Prevotella. The domain binds lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from Porophyromonas gingivalis and Porophyromonas circumdentaria as well as enterobacterial LPS. Two analogues of hCAP18, designated LL/CAP18 and FF/CAP18, were also tested to determine whether additional activity was obtained. The analogue peptides replaced with hydrophobic and cationic amino acid residues showed more potent bactericidal and LPS-binding activities than the original one.

Endotoxin contamination in wound dressings made of natural biomaterials

Contamination by endotoxin of nine kinds of wound dressings made of natural biomaterials (calcium alginate, collagen, chitin, and poly-L-leucine) was examined with the use of water extracts. By applying the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test, high concentrations of endotoxin were detected in extracts from three kinds of products made of calcium alginate. These extracts evoked fever in rabbits and induced the release of a proinflammatory (pyrogenic) cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6), from human monocytic cells (MM6-CA8). The effects disappeared when the extracts were treated with endotoxin-removing gel column chromatography or with an endotoxin antagonist, B464, confirming that the contaminating pyrogen was endotoxin. A noteworthy finding was that one of the endotoxin-containing extracts showed very weak IL-6-inducibility in human monocytic cells in contrast to its high pyrogenicity to rabbits. The discrepancy could be explained based on differences between humans and rabbits in sensitivity to the endotoxin, because the extract showed higher proinflammatory-cytokine (TNF-alpha)-inducibility in rabbit whole-blood cells (WBCs) than human WBCs. The results suggest that the LAL test is a useful method of detecting endotoxin contamination in wound dressings and the MM6-CA8 assay is a good supplement to the LAL test for evaluating pyrogenicity in humans accurately.

The stress- and inflammatory cytokine-induced ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor is mediated by p38 MAPK, distinct from the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate- and lysophosphatidic acid-induced signaling cascades

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a critical growth factor for a number of physiological and pathological processes. HB-EGF is synthesized as a membrane-anchored form (pro-HB-EGF), and pro-HB-EGF is cleaved at the cell surface to yield soluble HB-EGF by a mechanism called "ectodomain shedding." We show here that the ectodomain shedding of pro-HB-EGF in Vero cells is induced by various stress-inducing stimuli, including UV light, osmotic pressure, hyperoxidation, and translation inhibitors. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1beta also stimulated the ectodomain shedding of pro-HB-EGF. An inhibitor of p38 MAPK (SB203580) or the expression of a dominant-negative (dn) form of p38 MAPK inhibited the stress-induced ectodomain shedding of pro-HB-EGF, whereas an inhibitor of JNK (SP600125) or the expression of dnJNK1 did not. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) are also potent inducers of pro-HB-EGF shedding in Vero cells. Stress-induced pro-HB-EGF shedding was not inhibited by the inhibitors of TPA- or LPA-induced pro-HB-EGF shedding or by dn forms of molecules involved in the TPA- or LPA-induced pro-HB-EGF shedding pathway. Reciprocally, SB203580 or dnp38 MAPK did not inhibit TPA- or LPA-induced pro-HB-EGF shedding. These results indicate that stress-induced pro-HB-EGF shedding is mediated by p38 MAPK and that the signaling pathway induced by stress is distinct from the TPA- or LPA-induced pro-HB-EGF shedding pathway.

Antibacterial activity of isoflavonoids isolated from Erythrina variegata against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

AIMS

To screen 16 isoflavonoids isolated from Erythrina variegata (Leguminosae) for their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The roots of E. variegata were macerated with acetone. The chloroform-soluble fraction of the residue was subjected to repeated silica gel column chromatography followed by elution with various solvents. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by extensive spectroscopic studies. Each compound was dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide and added to agar plates (final concentration 1.56-100 microg ml(-1) and suspensions of MRSA spotted onto the agar plates to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Repeated silica gel chromatography yielded 16 compounds and spectroscopic studies revealed that all were isoflavonoids. Whilst 14 compounds showed antibacterial activity in this concentration range, the MIC values varied significantly among them. Of the active compounds, 3,9-dihydroxy-2,10-di(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-6a,11a-dehydropterocarpan (erycristagallin) and 9-hydroxy-3-methoxy-2-gamma,gamma-dimethylallylpterocarpan (orientanol B) exhibited the highest activity with MIC values of 3.13-6.25 microg ml(-1).

CONCLUSIONS

Erycristagallin and orientanol B showed the highest anti-MRSA activity (3.13-6.25 microg ml(-1).

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Erycristagallin and orientanol B could be leading compounds for phytotherapeutic agents against MRSA infections.

Antibacterial property of isoflavonoids isolated from Erythrina variegata against cariogenic oral bacteria

The antibacterial property of 7 compounds, isolated from Erythrina variegata (Leguminosae) by repeated silica gel column chromatography, against cariogenic oral bacteria was investigated. Extensive spectroscopic study revealed that all were isoflavonoids. Among them, 3,9-dihydroxy-2,10-di(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-6a,11a-dehydropterocarpan (erycristagallin) showed the highest antibacterial activity against mutans streptococci, other oral streptococci, Actinomyces and Lactobacillus species with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 1.56-6.25 microg/ml, followed by 3,6a-dihydroxy-9-methoxy-2,10-di(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)pterocarpan (erystagallinA) and 9-hydroxy-3-methoxy-2-gamma,gamma-dimethylallylpterocarpan (orientanol B) (MIC range: 3.13-12.5 microg/ml). The antibacterial effect of erycristagallin to mutans streptococci was based on a bactericidal action. Erycristagallin (6.25 microg/ml: MIC) completely inhibited incorporation of radio-labelled thymidine into Streptococcus mutans cells. Incorporation of radio-labelled glucose into bacterial cells was also strongly inhibited at MIC, and 1/2 MIC of the compound reduced the incorporation approximately by half. The findings indicate that erycristagallin has a potential as potent phytochemical agent for prevention of dental caries by inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria and by interfering with incorporation of glucose responsible for production of organic acids.

Protective effect of sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin on DY-9760e-induced hemolysis in vitro

The hemolytic behavior of a novel cytoprotective agent, DY-9760e (3-[2-[4-(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-5,6-dimethoxy-1-(4-imidazolylmethyl)-1H-indazole dihydrochloride 3.5 hydrate) was investigated using rabbit erythrocytes. Further, the effects of water-soluble cyclodextrin derivatives, such as 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD) and sulfobutyl ether of beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-beta-CyD), on the hemolytic activity of DY-9760e were studied. DY-9760e induced hemolysis at concentrations >0.2-0.3 mM in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) of pH 4.0 and 6.0, where DY-9760e is predominantly in dicationic and monocationic forms, respectively. The hemolytic activity of the monocationic DY-9760e was higher than that of the dicationic species, and the hemolysis at pH 4.0 involved the formation of methemoglobin. DY9760e induced the morphological change of erythrocytes towards membrane invagination at both pH 4.0 and 6.0. SBE7-beta-CyD significantly suppressed the DY-9760e-induced hemolysis and morphological change at both pH 4.0 and 6.0, as well as the formation of methemoglobin at pH 4.0. On the other hand, HP-beta-CyD suppressed only the hemolysis, but neither the morphological change nor the formation of methemoglobin. In addition, the inhibitory effect of SBE7-beta-CyD on the hemolysis was greater than that of HP-beta-CyD. The superior inhibitory effect of SBE7-beta-CyD on the DY-9760-induced hemolysis, the morphological change, and the formation of methemoglobin may be attributable to the formation of a stable inclusion complex with DY-9760e and to the weaker hemolytic activity of SBE7beta-CyD than HP-beta-CyD. These results suggest potential use of SBE7-beta-CyD as a parenteral carrier for DY-9760e.

[Aortic valve-sparing root reconstruction in Marfan syndrome]

The outcome of aortic valve-sparing root reconstruction in Marfan syndrome was reviewed. Thirteen patients with Marfan syndrome underwent aortic valve-sparing root reconstruction for annuloaortic ectasia or aortic root dissection between 1994 and 1999. The grade of preoperative aortic regurgitation was I in 4, II in 2, III in 5, IV in 2 patients. The procedures of aortic valve-sparing were reimplantation in 7 and remodeling in 5 patients. There was no hospital and late death. Recurrence of aortic regurgitation greater than moderate grade developed in 1 patient immediately after the surgery and in the other 4 patients in the late stage. One patient of them required aortic valve replacement for it. Aortic valve-sparing root reconstruction is applicable in Marfan patients, although the indication should be cautious. Close observation is needed for recurrence of aortic regurgitation.

Anti-angiogenic action of hyperthermia by suppressing gene expression and production of tumour-derived vascular endothelial growth factor in vivo and in vitro

Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important angiogenic factor for tumour progression because it increases endothelial-cell proliferation and remodels extracellular matrix in blood vessels. We demonstrated that hyperthermia at 42 degrees C, termed heat shock, suppressed the gene expression and production of vascular endothelial growth factor in human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells and inhibited its in vitro angiogenic action on human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The gene expression of alternative splicing variants for vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF121, VEGF165 and VEGF189, was constitutively detected in HT-1080 cells, but the VEGF189 transcript was less abundant than VEGF121 and VEGF165. When HT-1080 cells were treated with heat shock at 42 degrees C for 4 h and then maintained at 37 degrees C for another 24 h, the gene expression of all vascular endothelial growth factor variants was suppressed. In addition, HT-1080 cells were found to produce abundant VEGF165, but much less VEGF121, both of which were inhibited by heat shock. Furthermore, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor in sera from six cancer patients was significantly diminished 2-3 weeks after completion of whole-body hyperthermia at 42 degrees C (49.9+/-36.5 pg x ml(-1), P<0.01) as compared with that prior to the treatment (177.0+/-77.5 pg x ml(-1)). On the other hand, HT-1080 cell-conditioned medium showed vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent cell proliferative activity and the augmentation of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The augmentation of endothelial-cell proliferation and pro-matrix metalloproteinase-1 production was poor when human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with conditioned medium from heat-shocked HT-1080 cells. These results suggest that hyperthermia acts as an anti-angiogenic strategy by suppressing the expression of tumour-derived vascular endothelial growth factor production and thereby inhibiting endothelial-cell proliferation and extracellular matrix remodelling in blood vessels.

Primary carcinoid tumor of the liver: report of two cases with an emphasis on US findings

Primary carcinoid tumor of the liver is rare, and its sonographic (US) findings have rarely been reported. We present two histologically proven cases. Both patients were asymptomatic and huge masses, found incidentally by US, were echogenic with many cystic areas. Lesions were markedly hypervascular on color Doppler US and angiography. Thus, primary carcinoid tumor of the liver should be considered when US detects this type of mass in asymptomatic patients.

The role of MDM2 in the proliferative activity of ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is a unique tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region with various levels of proliferative activity in each type. p53 is most commonly found to be mutated in human cancer and sometimes is overexpressed also in other lesions, such as ameloblastoma. Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) is able to physically associate with the p53 tumor suppressor and therefore block the growth suppressive functions of p53. In the present study, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for p53 mutant selective test were done. MDM2 was overexpressed in ameloblastoma and the results showed different numbers of MDM2 labeling index based on both WHO classification and cytological pattern of outer layer cells. Basal ameloblastoma, which has a high proliferative activity, had the highest MDM2 labeling index. We suggest MDM2 protein caused the high proliferative activity of ameloblastoma, especially in basal cell ameloblastoma.

Segmental chronic cholecystitis: sonographic findings and clinical manifestations

BACKGROUND

In chronic cholecystitis, the gallbladder (GB) wall is usually evenly involved, whereas marked segmental thickening of the GB wall (segmental cholecystitis) seldom is reported. We wanted to define its clinical manifestations and sonographic (US) findings.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical and US data of 13 cases and compared these results with those of 30 patients with chronic cholecystitis with evenly thickened GB walls (usual-cholecystitis group).

RESULTS

(a) All cases of segmental cholecystitis showed the portion distal to the kinking to be markedly thickened. (b) The thickened portion corresponded to the fundus in three cases, the body and fundus in seven cases, and the fundus, body, and infundibulum in three cases; and the thickened distal portion contained many stones in 11 cases. (c) There was no difference in the maximal diameters of the GB walls between the segmental-cholecystitis group and the usual-cholecystitis group. However, there was a significant difference in the minimal diameters of the GB walls between groups.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of the US findings and clinical presentations of segmental cholecystitis can help in the development of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Denitrification of industrial wastewater with sulfur and limestone packed column

An autotrophic denitrification system was developed for nitrate contaminated industrial wastewater whose C/N ratio was very low. The microbes containing Thiobacillus denitrificans as a dominant species were attached on the surface of granular elemental sulfur packed in a column. Elemental sulfur was used as an electron donor for autotrophic denitrification. The granules of limestone were mixed with the granular sulfur to moderate the decrease of alkalinity during autotrophic denitrification. The stoichiometry and basic kinetics of denitrification were studied in column runs. The effects of minerals such as phosphorus on treatment performance were clarified. The wastewater from steel production plants was treated by the present biofilm process. Low extent of nitrogen removal was caused by the lack of minerals.

Removal of mutagen precursor from wastewater by activated sludge and oxidation treatment

Removal of mutagen precursors from wastewaters was investigated. Removal extent of mutagen precursor was evaluated by the mutagen formation potential (MFP) which is mutagenicity of pollutants capable of forming mutagens when chlorinated under the conditions of water purification processes. 77% of the MFP reduction extent for a wastewater from a university was achieved by activated sludge treatment. However, no significant reduction of the MFP was observed for wastewater from food industry, a landfill leachate and mold extract. The Fenton oxidation treatment and ozone treatment are able to remove mutagen precursors from the mold extract and the wastewater from a university, respectively. 90% of the MFP reduction extent was achieved for the mold extract by the Fenton treatment. 54% of the MFP reduction extent was achieved for a sewage by the ozone treatment. Using the oxidation treatments, biodegradability of mutagen precursors in the mold extract and sewage was improved. From the viewpoint of treatment cost, the oxidation treatments should be oriented to the improvement of biodegradability.

Two-generation reproductive toxicity study of tributyltin chloride in male rats

A 2-generation reproductive toxicity study of tributyltin chloride (TBTCl) was conducted in male rats using dietary concentrations of 5, 25, and 125 ppm TBTCl to evaluate its effect on sexual development and the reproductive system. F1 males were killed on postnatal day 119 and F2 males were killed on postnatal day 91. TBTCl affected the male reproductive system of rats. The weights of the testis and epididymis were decreased and homogenization-resistant spermatid and sperm count were reduced mainly in the 125 ppm TBTCl group. Histopathologic changes were also observed in the testis of this group and included vacuolization of the seminiferous epithelium, spermatid retention, and delayed spermiation. However, the changes were minimal in nature. The weight of the ventral prostate was decreased to 84% of the control value in the 125 ppm group in the F1 generation and decreased to 84 and 69% of the control value in the 25 ppm and 125 ppm TBTCl groups, respectively, in the F2 generation. The serum 17beta-estradiol concentration was also decreased to 55% of the control value in the 125 ppm group in the F1 generation and decreased to 78 and 57% of the control value in the 25 ppm and 125 ppm TBTCl groups, respectively, in the F2 generation. However, the serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were not decreased in these groups. These changes corresponded with those caused by aromatase inhibition and therefore TBTCl might be a weak aromatase inhibitor in male rats.

Involvement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway in insulin/IGF-I-induced chondrogenesis of the mouse embryonal carcinoma-derived cell line ATDC5

The embryonal carcinoma-derived cell line, ATDC5, differentiates into chondrocytes in response to insulin/insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) stimulation. In the present study, we examined whether insulin/IGF-I stimulation caused activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB) pathway in ATDC5 cells. We also determined whether the insulin-stimulated differentiation of ATDC5 cells into chondrocytes could be mimicked by activation of the PKB pathway alone. ATDC5 cells produced phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and the pleckstrin homology domain of PKB was recruited to the plasma membrane in response to insulin stimulation. This was probably a result of activation of PI3K because the PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin and LY294002, inhibited both responses, although the effective concentrations were as high as 10 microM. Insulin stimulation caused the chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells as assessed by chondrogenic nodule staining with alcian blue. The addition of wortmannin or LY294002, PI3K inhibitors, suppressed the staining, and the suppression was reversible, indicating the effect of the inhibitors is not toxic. Finally, we exogenously expressed a constitutively-activated from of PKB (myristoylated PKB, myr-PKB) in ATDC5 cells, and found the chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells to form nodules occurred in the absence of insulin stimulation. The kinase-negative mutant of myr-PKB did not caused differentiation, indicating that kinase activity is required. These results support the hypothesis that the PI3K/PKB signaling pathway is involved in the chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells in response to insulin/IGF-I stimulation. This is the first report that demonstrates the involvement of phosphoinositide signaling in the induction of chondrogenesis from undifferentiated cells.

Eleven cases of intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus

Intraosseous lipomas are rare benign primary bone tumors, with an incidence of one per thousand bone tumors. We studied eleven cases of intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus. All the patients received radiographic examinations and MRI with T1-and T2-weighted images with Gd-DTPA enhancement. Seven patients received tumor curettage. Plain radiographs demonstrated that all of the lesions showed clear osteolysis surrounded by a sclerotic margin in the central body of the calcaneus. MRI revealed that all the lesions had demarcated homogenous high signal intensity lesions on both T1- and T2-weighted images, which strongly suggested adipose tissue. In 5 cases, the center of the lesion showed low signal intensity lesions on T1-weighted images, suggesting the existence of central necrosis or cyst formation. After excising the tumors of 7 patients, there was no local tumor recurrence. Surgical intervention was considered unnecessary in all cases after the diagnosis of an intraosseous lipoma was determined by MRI.

Localized gallbladder carcinoma: sonographic findings

Our study of color (seven cases) and contrast (three cases) Doppler results of seven cases with gallbladder carcinoma localized in the gallbladder wall (TNM stage T1) showed that the presence or absence of blood flow signals distinguishes gallbladder carcinoma in stage T1b (muscular involvement) from tumefactive biliary sludge and that injection of contrast medium markedly increased diagnostic confidence. Thus, when color Doppler sonography is ambiguous, contrast-enhanced Doppler sonography is the next line of investigation. However, actual color Doppler sonography is still not fully capable of displaying fine blood flow signals from gallbladder carcinoma in stage T1a (mucosal involvement), and greater Doppler sensitivity is mandatory for this purpose.

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst: case report with an emphasis on US findings

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare mass, and its medical imaging findings are seldom reported. We present a histologically proven case of CHFC. The patient was asymptomatic, and a mass was found incidentally by sonography (US) in segment IV. The lesion was almost anechoic on fundamental US but filled with dense echoes with distinct posterior echo enhancement on second harmonic imaging. The lesion was avascular on color Doppler US and angiography. Thus, when US detects a mass in segment IV, the possibility of a CHFC should be considered regardless of the US results.

Improvement of some pharmaceutical properties of DY-9760e by sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin

The interaction of DY-9760e, a novel cytoprotective agent, with sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin (SBE-beta-CyD) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at various pH and ionic-strengths was studied by spectroscopic methods and the solubility method, and the results were compared with that of 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CyD). The circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic studies suggested that both beta-CyDs form the inclusion complexes with DY-9760e in a molar ratio of 1:1, and the interaction of DY-9760e with SBE-beta-CyD is much stronger than that with HP-beta-CyD at any pH studied, in terms of a synergetic effect of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. The different intermolecular interaction between the SBE-and HP-beta-CyD complexes was clearly reflected in the stability constant (K'), e.g. the different dependence of K' value on pH and ionic strength of solutions. 1H- and 13C-NMR studies suggested that HP-beta-CyD interacts preferably with the benzene ring of DY-9760e, whereas SBE-beta-CyD interacts not only with the benzene ring via hydrophobic interaction but also with the piperazine ring of the drug via electrostatic interaction. The solubilizing ability of SBE-beta-CyD against DY-9760e was much greater than that of HP-beta-CyD at any pH studied. Furthermore, SBE-beta-CyD markedly suppressed the photo-degradation of DY-9760e in aqueous solution and reduced the adsorption of DY-9760e from PBS to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes after incubation. The results suggest that SBE-beta-CyD is useful in preparing parenteral solutions of poorly water-soluble drugs with positive charge such as DY-9760e.

Revised structures for senegalensin and euchrenone b(10)

Two prenylated isoflavones (1 and 2) with a hydroxyisopropyldihydrofuran moiety have been isolated from the wood of Erythrina suberosa var. glabrescence. The structure of compound 1 was in agreement with that of the previously reported senegalensin, isolated from the stem bark of Erythrina senegalensis. The structure of senegalensin was revised from structure 2 to structure 1 by spectroscopic means. Compound 2, the regioisomer of 1, was confirmed as euchrenone b(10) by comparison with the spectral data of the reported euchrenone b(10), isolated from the roots of Euchresta horsfieldii. The structure of 2 was established by 2D NMR spectroscopic analysis and by the X-ray crystallographic analysis of its p-bromobenzoyl derivative (2b).

Functional expression of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors precedes the development of cholinergic phenotype in embryonic rat septal cells in culture

We examined the development of cholinergic neuronal functions and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) responses in cultured embryonic rat septal cells. Choline acetyltransferase activity was increased from 4 to 6 days in culture and reached a plateau at day 8. Acetylcholine release was increased from 6 to 8 days in culture. AMPA-induced increase in intracellular Ca(2+) level was observed at 3 days in culture and most of the AMPA-responsive cells coincided with high-K(+) responsive cells. These results suggest that cholinergic neurons develop their neuronal functions about 8 days under cultured conditions, and functional expression of AMPA receptors precedes the cholinergic functional development.

Cathelicidin family of antibacterial peptides CAP18 and CAP11 inhibit the expression of TNF-alpha by blocking the binding of LPS to CD14(+) cells

Mammalian myeloid and epithelial cells express several kinds of antibacterial peptides (alpha-/beta-defensins and cathelicidins) that contribute to the innate host defense by killing invading micro-organisms. In this study we evaluated the LPS-neutralizing activities of cathelicidin peptides human CAP18 (cationic antibacterial proteins of 18 kDa) and guinea pig CAP11 using the CD14(+) murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and the murine endotoxin shock model. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CAP18 and CAP11 inhibited the binding of FITC-conjugated LPS to RAW264.7 cells. Likewise, Northern and Western blot analyses indicated that CAP18 and CAP11 suppressed LPS-induced TNF-alpha mRNA and protein expression by RAW264.7 cells. Interestingly, CAP18 and CAP11 possessed LPS-binding activities, and they strongly suppressed the interaction of LPS with LPS binding protein that mediates the transport of LPS to CD14 to facilitate the activation of CD14(+) cells by LPS. Moreover, when CAP18 and CAP11 were preincubated with RAW264.7 cells, they bound to the cell surface CD14 and inhibited the binding of FITC-LPS to the cells. Furthermore, in the murine endotoxin shock model, CAP18 or CAP11 administration inhibited the binding of LPS to CD14(+) cells (peritoneal macrophages) and suppressed LPS-induced TNF-alpha expression by these cells. Together these observations indicate that cathelicidin peptides CAP18 and CAP11 probably exert protective actions against endotoxin shock by blocking the binding of LPS to CD14(+) cells, thereby suppressing the production of cytokines by these cells via their potent binding activities for LPS and CD14.

Assignment of 118 novel cDNAs of cynomolgus monkey brain to human chromosomes

In order to isolate genes that may not be represented in current human brain cDNA libraries, we have sequenced about 20,000 sequence tags of cDNA clones derived from cerebellum and parietal lobe of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). We determined the entire cDNA sequence of approximately 700 clones whose 5'-terminal sequences showed no homology to annotated putative genes or expressed sequence tags in current databases of genetic information. From this, 118 clones with sequences encoding novel open reading frames of more than 100 amino acid residues were selected for further analysis. To localize the genes corresponding to these 118 newly identified cDNA clones on human chromosomes, we performed a homology search using the human genome sequence and fluorescent in situ hybridization. In total, 108 of 118 clones were successfully assigned to specific regions of human chromosomes. This result demonstrates that genes expressed in cynomolgus monkey are highly conserved throughout primate evolution, and that virtually all had human homologs. Furthermore, we will be able to discover novel human genes in the human genome using monkey homologs as probes.

Japanese family with glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism diagnosed by long-polymerase chain reaction

We report a Japanese family with glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA) in whom gene abnormality was identified by the long-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The proband was a 21-year-old female incidentally found to have high blood pressure (173/107 mmHg). Laboratory tests showed hypokalemia (3.7 mmol/l), and high plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC, 234 pg/ml) with suppressed plasma renin activity (PRA, <0.1 ng/ml/h). The circadian rhythm pattern and the results of a rapid adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) test indicated ACTH-dependent changes in PAC. Imaging studies showed no adrenal mass on either side. A dexamethasone (Dexa) suppression test (1.0 mg/day orally for 7 days) showed a marked decrease of PAC 2 days after administration, and this decreased level was maintained throughout Dexa administration. High blood pressure and hypokalemia also improved during Dexa treatment. The proband's younger sister was 19 years old and had hypertension, PAC of 231 pg/ml, and PRA <0.1 ng/ml/h. The mother was 53 years old and had hypertension, PAC of 98.5 pg/ml, and PRA <0.1 ng/ml/h. The proband's elder sister was a 22-year-old normotensive with PAC of 110 pg/ml and PRA of 0.1 ng/ml. Long-PCR was performed for detection of the chimeric gene associated with GRA, using DNA samples from all four cases and two normal control subjects. Although the aldosterone synthase gene was expressed among all DNA samples, the chimeric gene was detected only in the proband, her younger sister and her mother. Our clinical data and genetic investigation confirmed the presence of GRA in this Japanese family.

Motor cortex stimulation for deafferentation pain

Object

The authors tested a modified motor cortex stimulation (MCS) protocol for the treatment of deafferentation pain in 15 patients: eight patients with poststroke pain, four with brachial plexus injury, two with phantom limb pain, and one with spinal cord injury.

Methods

Preoperative pharmacological tests were performed with phentolamine, lidocaine, ketamine, thiopental, morphine, and a placebo. In 12 patients we placed a 20– or 40–grid electrode in the subdural space to determine the best stimulation point for pain relief over a few weeks and therefore the optimum position for a permanent internal device. In four patients, the MCS devices were implanted in the interhemispheric fissure to reduce lower-extremity pain. In one patient, the MCS device was placed within the central sulcus, and a 20-grid electrode was placed on the brain surface. In two patients with pain extending from the upper extremity to the hyperbody, dual-electrode devices were implanted to drive two electrodes. In 10 of the 15 patients MCS-induced pain reduction was achieved (four with excellent, two with good, and four with fair alleviation of pain). The result of pharmacological testing indicated that patients with ketamine sensitivity seem to be good candidates for MCS.

Conclusions

Test stimulation with a subdural multigrid electrode was helpful in locating the best stimulation point for pain relief.

[Analysis of difficult tracheal intubation in patients with first and second brachial arch syndrome]

We experienced 87 anesthetic managements of 26 patients with first and second brachial arch syndrome in the past 20 years. We analyzed retrospectively the occurrence of difficulty in tracheal intubation with these patients. The incidence of difficult intubation was as high as 39.5% of the cases. Furthermore it was quite difficult to place endotracheal tube, especially in younger children undergoing oral procedure. We examined the correlation among classification of mandibular hypoplasia (Pruzansky classification), the fusion of cervical spines and the degrees of difficulty in intubation for 16 patients who had had radiographs of skull, but we found no correlation among them. But in all the 3 patients with the fusion of cervical spines, intubation was difficult. Therefore, we must perform radiographic assessment of the fusion of the cervical spine.

A dual signaling cascade that regulates the ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor

Ectodomain shedding is an important mechanism to regulate the biological activities of membrane proteins. We focus here on the signaling mechanism of the ectodomain shedding of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like growth factor (pro HB-EGF). Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a ligand for seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors, stimulates the shedding of pro HB-EGF, which constitutes a G protein-coupled receptor-mediated transactivation of the EGF receptor. Experiments using a series of inhibitors and overexpression of mutant forms of signaling molecules revealed that the Ras-Raf-MEK signal is essential for the LPA-induced shedding. In addition, the small GTPase Rac is involved in the LPA-induced shedding, possibly to promote MEK activation. 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate is another potent inducer of pro HB-EGF shedding. We also demonstrate that the LPA-induced pathway is distinct from the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced pathway and that these pathways constitute a dual signaling cascade that regulates the shedding of pro HB-EGF.

Reversible hepatofugal portal flow after liver transplantation using a small-for-size graft from a living donor

We describe a case of reversible hepatofugal portal flow 1 week after transplantation of a small-for-size liver graft from a living donor. A transient increase in intrahepatic portal vascular resistance was the suspected cause. The portal venous flow normalized after residual collateral channels had been interrupted surgically. The patient was discharged on the 90th postoperative day. Liver transplant clinicians should be aware that hepatofugal flow can occur with small-for-size liver grafts, despite sufficient portal venous flow immediately after transplantation.

Bone reaction induced by femoral stem of titanium alloy endoprosthesis for malignant bone tumors at the distal femur

We demonstrated radiological evaluations after limb salvage surgery with an uncemented titanium endoprosthesis possessing a rotating hinge-type knee joint for 7 patients with malignant bone tumors at the distal femur. Although radiographically, cortical hypertrophy and new bone formation at the junction between implant and cortex appeared in all cases, there was a small quantity of subsidence of the implant in all cases. Loosening of the stem was found in 2 patients at 4 and 9 years after surgery. However, after revision surgery, the function restored as before. The latest average functional score according to the system of the International Society of Limb Salvage was good, being 73%.

Choledochal cyst due to anomalous pancreatobiliary junction in the adult: sonographic findings

BACKGROUND

Adult cases of choledochal cyst due to anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction have been rarely reported. At present, sonography (US) is the first tool for diagnosing biliary disorders. The aim of this study was to reevaluate the US findings of choledochal cysts due to anomalous pancreaticobiliary duct junction in adults.

METHODS

We reviewed the clinical manifestations and US findings of 12 such adult cases confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatic ductography (ERCP). Patients were assigned to three groups: (a) associated with biliary carcinoma (two cases), (b) associated with choledocholithiasis (one case), and (c) not associated with other abdominal diseases (nine cases).

RESULTS

Patients in group c were asymptomatic, and the lesions were detected incidentally detected by US. In contrast, patients in group a sought medical care because of symptoms such as jaundice and those in group b sought medical attention because of abdominal pain. The diameter of a dilated bile duct on US was considerably less than that of ERCP (ERCP: 26-58 mm, mean = 37.6 mm; US: 13-32 mm, mean = 21.8 mm). Its diameter changed significantly under probe compression when the dilated bile duct took a purely cystic form but changed very little when it took a tubular form.

CONCLUSION

Unlike cases in children, adult cases of choledochal cyst are generally asymptomatic. Careful US observation of the bile duct is thus expected to detect asymptomatic adult choledochal cysts cases. Cyst diameter can change significantly under probe compression, so it is important not to compress the bile duct during routine US examination.

Identification of serum factor inducing ectodomain shedding of proHB-EGF and sStudies of noncleavable mutants of proHB-EGF

The ectodomain of the transmembrane form of HB-EGF (proHB-EGF) is cleaved at the cell surface by proteases, yielding a soluble growth factor. A number of stimuli, including TPA, accelerate this cleavage. However, proHB-EGF is shed constitutively under normal culture conditions without any particular stimuli. We demonstrate here that constitutive cleavage resulted largely from factor(s) contained in supplemented FCS in a culture medium. Analysis of serum factors, including digestion with enzymes, separation by thin layer chromatography, and shedding assay with purified phospholipids, revealed that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a major factor in FCS for stimulation of proHB-EGF shedding. We also studied here ectodomain shedding of two kinds of mutant form of proHB-EGF which have a single amino acid substitution around the putative cleavage sites. These mutant forms showed resistance to stimuli of both TPA and LPA, suggesting that proHB-EGF is cleaved at the similar site by stimulation with TPA and LPA.

Chemical and biological evaluation of endotoxin contamination on natural rubber latex products

Relationship between pyrogenicity and bacterial endotoxin contamination on latex products was demonstrated by chemical analysis and biological assays. In commercially available latex products' surveillance, water extracts prepared from one surgical glove and two silicone elastomer-coated Foley catheters sterilized by gamma-irradiation were obviously pyrogenic in rabbits. The induced fever was monophasic at low dose of the pyrogenic extracts and biphasic at high dose. These extracts exhibited limulus amebocyte lysate gelation activity, and induced inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) production from MM6-CA8 human monocytoid cells. These biological properties, including pyrogenicity, completely disappeared by treating the pyrogenic extracts with endotoxin-adsorbent affinity column. Limulus amebocyte lysate activity and cytokine production from MM6-CA8 cells induced by the extracts were significantly decreased by endotoxin inhibitors, an active fragment peptide of an 18-kDa cationic antimicrobial protein and a synthetic lipid A B464 analogue. Furthermore, very small amounts of 2-keto-3-deoxyoctonate and 3-hydroxy fatty acid, which are common constituents of bacterial endotoxins, were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the pyrogenic extracts. These findings clearly showed that the pyrogenicity found in these latex products originated from endotoxins contaminating the products.

Effect of nitric oxide synthase inhibition on Schistosoma japonicum egg-induced granuloma formation in the mouse liver

Nitric oxide (NO) plays diverse roles in a variety of pathological processes. We investigated the role of NO in Schistosoma japonicum egg-induced granuloma formation in a mouse hepatic model. Immunohistological analysis revealed that there is the most intense and extensive inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) expression 2 weeks after egg implantation, and thereafter it decreased considerably with time. Treatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, NIL (L-N6- (iminoethyl)-lysine) or N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), resulted in two different types of unusual granulomas at 2 weeks. One type showed suppressed fibrosis, while another showed foreign body-type multinuclear cell formation which frequently appeared particularly when 50 microg/ml NIL was given. At 3 weeks following treatment, fibrotic granulomas with scanty peripheral cellularity was obvious. However, there were no apparent changes after this period (at 4 weeks). Cytokine analysis in NIL-treated mice showed a significant increase of IL-4 and IL-13 production at 2 weeks. These findings indicated that nitric oxide contributes to granuloma development during the early stages, probably through the regulation of Th2 cytokine production.

Schistosoma japonicum egg granuloma formation in the interleukin-4 or interferon-gamma deficient host

The roles of interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma in Schistosoma japonicum egg granuloma formation were investigated in cercariae-infected (infection model) or after implantation of laid parasite eggs (egg implantation model) in cytokine deficient mice. Two weeks after hepatic egg-implantation, a markedly decreased mononuclear cell infiltration and lack of multinuclear cell formation were characteristic features in IL-4 deficient mice. By 4 weeks (late stage), the cellular reactions around the eggs were negligible in the deficient mice. Compared to the controls, there was a drastic reduction in the production of the Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13. MCP-1 levels were also significantly lowered. In mice experimentally infected with cercariae, granuloma cellularity in both the wild-type and IL-4 deficient mice at 45 days and 10 weeks postinfection was analogous to the egg implantation model at 2 and 4 weeks. Overall, the effects of IFN-gamma deficiency on granuloma induction differed markedly from the IL-4 results. Two weeks after egg implantation, IFN-gamma deficient mice showed suppressed neutrophil response and hepatic necrosis with confluent mononuclear cell infiltration along the outer layer of granulomas. By 4 weeks, there was a decrease in cell infiltration, fibrosis and MCP-1 production while IL-10 production increased. While these early characteristic features for IFN-gamma deficiency were common to both the egg implantation (at 2 and 4 weeks) and cercariae infection model (at 45 days), there was a surprising difference, i.e. marked fibrosis was found in the late stages (at 10 weeks postinfection) of cercariae-infected mice, but not in parasite egg implanted mice. Furthermore, while IL-13 levels were unchanged, both MCP-1 and IL-4 production were significantly lower at 10 weeks in comparison with wild-type. The present study clearly demonstrates the importance of both Th1 and Th2 cytokine responses in S. japonicum egg-induced granuloma formation.

Noninvasive diagnosis of the degree of hepatic fibrosis using ultrasonography in patients with chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease is characterized by progressive hepatic fibrosis and changes in hepatic haemodynamics. This study has addressed the possibility of a noninvasive diagnosis of the degree of hepatic fibrosis by evaluating the velocity of blood in the hepatic vasculature. Materials and methods The maximum velocity of blood at the portal vein and hepatic artery was measured in 80 patients with chronic liver diseases (19 with liver cirrhosis; 61 with chronic hepatitis) and in 20 normal volunteers by Doppler ultrasonography. The arterio-portal ratio (A/P ratio) was calculated by dividing the maximum velocity of blood (Vmax) in the hepatic artery with the Vmax in the portal vein. Multivariate analysis was used to disclose the independent predictors of the degree of hepatic fibrosis.

RESULTS

The levels of A/P ratio were significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) compared to those with chronic hepatitis (CH) and normal controls. Probit analysis revealed that the value of A/P ratio at which CH becomes LC was A/P >or= 3.5. The levels of A/P ratio were also significantly higher in patients with severe fibrosis compared with mild (P < 0.0001) and moderate (P < 0.0001) fibrosis. Multivariate analysis disclosed right A/P ratio (P = 0.0001), left A/P ratio (P = 0.013), and platelet counts (P = 0.0172), as the only independent predictors of the degree of hepatic fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

A/P ratio may be used for the noninvasive diagnosis of the degree of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases.

Interaction of p130 with, and consequent inhibition of, the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1alpha

The protein p130 was originally isolated from rat brain as an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-binding protein with a domain organization similar to that of phospholipase C-delta1 but which lacks phospholipase C activity. Yeast two-hybrid screening of a human brain cDNA library for clones that encode proteins that interact with p130 has now led to the identification of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1alpha (PP1calpha) as a p130-binding protein. The association between p130 and PP1calpha was also confirmed in vitro by an overlay assay, a "pull-down" assay, and surface plasmon resonance analysis. The interaction of p130 with PP1calpha resulted in inhibition of the catalytic activity of the latter in a p130 concentration-dependent manner. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis of COS-1 cells that stably express p130 and of mouse brain extract with antibodies to p130 and to PP1calpha also detected the presence of a complex of p130 and PP1calpha. The activity of glycogen phosphorylase, which is negatively regulated by dephosphorylation by PP1calpha, was higher in COS-1 cells that stably express p130 than in control COS-1 cells. These results suggest that, in addition to its role in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and Ca(2+) signaling, p130 might also contribute to regulation of protein dephosphorylation through its interaction with PP1calpha.

Role of brain arachidonic acid cascade on central CRF1 receptor-mediated activation of sympatho-adrenomedullary outflow in rats

The present experiments were designed to characterize the mechanisms involved in the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-induced activation of central sympatho-adrenomedullary outflow in rats. Intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) administered CRF and urocortin (0.5, 1.5 and 3.0 nmol/animal) effectively and dose-dependently elevated plasma levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, and the effect of urocortin was almost the same as that of CRF. The elevation of catecholamines induced by CRF and urocortin (1.5 nmol/animal) was reduced by CP-154,526(butyl-ethyl-(2,5-dimethyl-7-(2,4,6trimethylphenyl)-7H-pyrrolo [2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-yl]amine), a selective CRF1 receptor antagonist, in a dose dependent manner (1.2 and/or 2.4 micromol/animal, i.c.v.), and abolished by indomethacin (1.2 micromol/animal, i.c.v.), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. Furegrelate (1.8 micromol/animal, i.c.v.), an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthase, abolished the CRF-induced elevation of adrenaline, but had no effect on the evoked release of noradrenaline. These results suggest that activation of brain CRF1 receptor facilitates the central sympathetic and adrenomedullary outflow in distinct central pathways in rats; brain thromboxane A2 is involved in the central adrenomedullary outflow; an active metabolite of arachidonic acid other than thromboxane A2 (probably prostaglandin E2) may be involved in the central sympathetic outflow.

Evaluation of the effects of peptide antibiotics human beta-defensins-1/-2 and LL-37 on histamine release and prostaglandin D(2) production from mast cells

Antimicrobial peptides, human beta-defensins (hBD-1/-2), and LL-37 (a peptide of human cathelicidin CAP18) are predominately expressed at epithelial tissues, where they participate in the innate host defense by killing invading microorganisms. In this study, to investigate the interactions between epithelial cell-derived antimicrobial peptides and mast cells, we evaluated the effects of hBD-1/-2 and LL-37 on mast cell functions using rat peritoneal mast cells. hBD-2 and LL-37 but not hBD-1 induced histamine release and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization, and hBD-2 was more potent than LL-37. Interestingly, histamine release and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization elicited by hBD-2 and LL-37 were markedly suppressed by BAPTA-AM (an intracellular Ca(2+) chelating agent), pertussis toxin and U-73122 (a phospholipase C inhibitor). In addition, among the peptides examined, only hBD-2 significantly induced PGD(2) production, which was abolished by indomethacin (cyclooxygenase-1/-2 inhibitor) but not NS-398 (cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor), suggesting that hBD-2-induced PGD(2) production is mediated by cyclooxygenase-1. Likewise, the PGD(2) production was suppressed by pertussis toxin and U-73122. These observations suggest that hBD-2 and LL-37 stimulate mast cells to mobilize intracellular Ca(2+) and release histamine or generate PGD(2) in a G protein-phospholipase C-dependent manner. Thus, hBD-2 and LL-37 may have modulatory effects on inflammatory reactions.

Generalized scaling laws of the formation and effects of plasma-confining potentials for tandem-mirror operations in GAMMA 10

The main operations from 1979 to 2000 in the GAMMA 10 tandem-mirror, characterized in terms of the high-potential mode having kV-order plasma-confining potentials and the hot-ion mode yielding fusion neutrons with 10-20 keV bulk-ion temperatures, are summarized and generalized as a result of scalings of the formation and the effects of the potentials. The wide validity of potential-formation physics from Cohen's theory and the validity of the generalized Pastukhov's theory for the effects of thermal-barrier potentials on electron confinement are verified and consolidated through electron-energy balance.

A vitamin D analog ameliorates glomerular injury on rat glomerulonephritis

OCT (22-oxa-calcitriol), a vitamin D analog, has been reported to show strong inhibitory effects on mesangial cell proliferation in vitro. In the present study, we report a study of the effect of OCT on anti-thy-1 glomerulonephritis. Both OCT and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) significantly inhibited mesangial cell proliferation, the degree of glomerulosclerosis, and albuminuria at day 8 compared to the disease control group. The OCT-treated group showed normal calcium levels but the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treated group showed higher levels. The disease control group showed a marked increase of type I and type IV collagens, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) compared to the normal group. The treatment of OCT or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) significantly reduced the expression of these proteins. The mRNA of the glomeruli of anti-thy-1 model expressed significantly higher levels of type I and type IV collagens, and alpha-SMA at day 8 compared to normal rats. Treatment with OCT or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) inhibited the mRNA expressions of type I and type IV collagens, as well as that of alpha-SMA. These data demonstrate that OCT inhibits mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix expansion with a low calcemic activity. Disease control rats showed significantly increased levels of transforming growth factor-beta1 protein in the glomeruli, but treatment with OCT or 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) markedly reduced this expression. The levels of mRNA in glomeruli were also consistent with these protein levels. Therefore, the suppressive effect of OCT may be mediated by inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta1. The present results suggest that OCT has potential for use in therapeutic strategy for the treatment of glomerulonephritis without inducing hypercalcemia.