Measurements of h(c)(1P(1)) in psi' decays

We present measurements of the charmonium state h(c)(1P(1)) made with 106x10(6) psi' events collected by BESIII at BEPCII. Clear signals are observed for psi'-->pi0 h(c) with and without the subsequent radiative decay h(c)-->gamma eta(c). First measurements of the absolute branching ratios B(psi'-->pi0 h(c)) = (8.4+/-1.3+/-1.0) x 10(-4) and B(h(c)-->gamma eta(c)) = (54.3+/-6.7+/-5.2)% are presented. A statistics-limited determination of the previously unmeasured h(c) width leads to an upper limit Gamma(h(c))<1.44 MeV (90% confidence). Measurements of M(h(c)) = 3525.40+/-0.13+/-0.18 MeV/c2 and B(psi'-->pi0 h(c)) x B(h(c)-->gamma eta(c)) = (4.58+/-0.40+/-0.50) x 10(-4) are consistent with previous results.

The nanostructure effect on the adhesion and growth rates of epithelial cells with well-defined nanoporous alumina substrates

We systematically analyzed the adhesion and the proliferation of cells on various nanoporous alumina surfaces to understand the effects of nanostructured surfaces on cell behavior. Various nanoporous surfaces were fabricated using the anodizing method and characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The adhesion rate and proliferation rate of cells as functions of pore size and depth were statistically investigated using a colorimetric method. The adhesion rate of cells was not affected by the depth of the nanoporous surface whereas the proliferation of cells dramatically increased when the aspect ratio of the nanopore was near unity. This phenomenon was further verified by comparing the change in roughness of the cytoplasmic layer of cells adhered on a nanoporous surface with that of a bare nanoporous surface. The proliferation of cells was also influenced by the pore size of the nanoporous surface because the nanostructure could control the interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and the surface. In conclusion, the nanostructured surfaces affected cell adhesion and proliferation by increasing the surface area to which the cells could adhere, and the interactions between small ECM molecules were influenced by the sufficiently small structures of the nanosurface.

CLN5 mutations are frequent in juvenile and late-onset non-Finnish patients with NCL

OBJECTIVES

To explore a potential expansion of the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Finnish variant late-infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), we screened a collection of 47 patients with clinically diagnosed NCL in whom no molecular diagnosis had been made.

METHODS

We used PCR amplification of genomic DNA, followed by fluorescent-labeled dideoxy-nucleotide chain termination sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification, to screen our cohort of patients for mutations in CLN5. We collected ethnic background, clinical, and pathologic information, as available, to clarify the breadth of CLN5 disease expression and to explore possible genotype-phenotype correlations.

RESULTS

We identified 10 patients with pathogenic CLN5 mutations, including 11 mutations not previously described: 4 missense, 5 out-of-frame insertion/deletion mutations, and 2 large intragenic deletions. We also documented 3 previously reported CLN5 mutations. The age at disease onset in this cohort is predominantly juvenile rather than late infantile. Importantly, we have identified 2 adult-onset patients who share a common pathogenic allele. The majority of patients presented with motor and visual impairments and not seizures. In those patients with available longitudinal data, most had progressed to global neurodevelopmental and visual failure with seizures within 1 to 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that CLN5 mutations 1) are more common in patients with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) than previously reported, 2) are found in non-Finnish NCL patients of broad ethnic diversity, and 3) can be identified in NCL patients with disease onset in adult and juvenile epochs. CLN5 genetic testing is warranted in a wider population with clinical and pathologic features suggestive of an NCL disorder.

Impact of Primary Site Surgical Resection on Survival in Stage IV Breast Cancer

Background: Currently, primary treatments for stage IV breast cancer are radiation and systemic therapy which include chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and targeted therapy. Surgical resection of primary tumor is usually done for tumor-related complications. A recent review suggested that surgery may improve long-term survival in stageIV breast cancer patients. We evaluated the impact of primary site surgical resection on survival in such patients.Material and Methods: We reviewed the records of stage IV breast cancer patients treated at Seoul National University Hospital between 1992 and 2008. Clinical and tumor characteristics, systemic and local treatments were compared for the surgically versus nonsurgically treated patients.Results: Of 199 patients identified, 111(55.8%) recevied surgical excision of their primary tumor and 88(44.2%) did not. The mean survival of surgically treated patients was 67 months versus 52 months for patients those who did not(p=0.0276). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for ER status, visceral metastasis, number of metastatic sites and herceptin treatment, surgery remained an independent factor associated with improved survival(HR 0.547[95%CI 0.359-0.971] p=0.001).Discussion: Surgical resection of the primary tumor in stage IV breast cancer patient was independently associated with improved survival, even after adjustment for other factors associated with survival. Randomized prospective trials are needed to validate these findings.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 3117.

Enhanced degradation and toxicity reduction of dihexyl phthalate by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi cutinase

AIMS

This research aims to investigate the efficiency of two lipolytic enzymes--fungal cutinase and yeast esterase--upon the biodegradation of dihexyl phthalate (DHP).

METHOD AND RESULTS

During the enzymatic degradation of DHP dissolved in methanol, several degradation products were detected and their time-course changes were monitored using GC/MS. The DHP-degradation rate of cutinase was surprisingly high; i.e. almost 70% of the initial DHP (500 mg l(-1)) was decomposed within 4.5 h. Although the same amount of esterase was employed, more than 85% of the DHP remained after 3 days. Almost all the DHP was converted by cutinase into 1,3-isobenzofurandione (IBF), whereas hexyl methyl phthalate and IBF were abundantly produced by esterase. In addition, the toxicities of the DHP-degraded products by esterase were evaluated using various recombinant bioluminescent bacteria, which caused oxidative and protein damage, whereas the hydrolysis products from cutinase never caused any cellular damage in the methanol-containing reaction system.

CONCLUSIONS

Cutinase starts to act as a DHP-degrader much earlier and faster than esterase, with high stability in ester-hydrolytic activity, therefore a plausible approach to the practical application of cutinase for DHP degradation in the DHP-contaminated environments may be possible.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study describes the enhanced degradation and detoxification of DHP using Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi cutinase.

Design and clinical application of the ‘styloidectome’ styloid process cutter

A styloid process (SP) cutter was developed and put into clinical use. The design of components of the ‘styloidectome’ was based on the principles of mechanics. The measurements of the individual parts were determined on the basis of morphological data of the oropharynx from 40 subjects undergoing tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia. Experiments showed that the instrument could be used to transect the SP and excise the amputated bones from the deep tissue space. We used the instrument for the resection of elongated SPs, via an oral approach, in seven in-patients (involving 10 SPs) under general anaesthesia and in two out-patients (involving three SPs) under local anaesthesia. The length of the resected SP ranged from 0.8 to 2.5 cm and the stump of the SP was smooth. The removal lasted only seconds and blood loss was minimal, without any complications. The styloidectome was reliable, easy to use and could be used for the resection of an elongated SP under general or local anaesthesia.

Intrasplenic transplantation of allogeneic hepatocytes modified by BCL-2 gene protects rats from acute liver failure

BACKGROUND

Apoptosis of donor hepatocytes may be induced by recipient cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) during acute rejection, representing a major impediment for these cell transplants. Because the mechanisms of transplanted hepatocyte loss involve Fas-mediated pathways, BCL-2 genetic modification may protect liver cells. In the present study, we further investigated whether BCL-2 transfer into transplanted liver cells rendered them resistant to Fas ligand-induced apoptosis, and protected rats from acute liver failure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatocytes isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with an adenovirus vector encoding human BCL-2 gene (AdCMVBCL-2) or a control AdCMVLacZ vector. Forty-eight hours later, cells challenged with recombinant Fas ligand (rhsFasL) were assayed for apoptosis using TUNEL staining and caspase 3 activity. Other cells were transplanted into the spleens of Wistar rats with a 90% hepatectomy 12 hours later.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis and RT-PCR confirmed the expression of hBcl-2 in AdCMVhBcl-2-infected hepatocytes. Recombinant FasL produced a dose-dependent increase in TUNEL-positive percentage and caspase-3 activity in uninfected hepatocytes, but did not influence these features in AdCMVhBcl-2-infected cells. On challenge with 90% hepatectomy, the survival of Wistar rats receiving transplantation of AdCMVhBCL-2-infected hepatocytes was significantly prolonged compared with the controls.

CONCLUSION

Adenovirus-mediated BCL-2 gene transfer protects transplanted hepatocytes from Fas-mediated cytolysis, thus holding promise for a new avenue of acute liver failure treatment.

Acclimation and repair of DNA damage in recombinant bioluminescent Escherichia coli

AIMS

The aim of this study is to understand different adaptive responses in bacteria caused by three different mutagens, namely, an intercalating agent, an alkylating agent and a hydroxylating agent, and the repair systems according to the type of DNA damage, that is, DNA cross-linking and delayed DNA synthesis, alkylation and hydroxylation of DNA. A recombinant bioluminescent Escherichia coli, DPD2794 with the recA promoter fused to luxCDABE originating from Vibrio fischeri, was used in this study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The recombinant bioluminescent E. coli strain DPD2794, containing a recA promoter fused to luxCDABE from V. fischeri, was used to detect adaptive and repair responses to DNA damage caused by mitomycin C (MMC), and these responses were compared with those when the cells were induced with N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The response ratio between the induced samples and that of the controls decreased suddenly when the induced culture was used in further inductions, indicating a possible adaptive response to DNA damage. DNA damage, or the proteins produced, because of MMC addition does not appear to be completely resolved until the seventh sub-culture after the initial induction, whereas simple damage, such as the base modification caused by MNNG and H2O2, appears to be repaired rapidly as evidenced by the quick recovery of sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that it takes more time to completely repair DNA damage caused by MMC, as compared with a simple repair such as that required for the damage caused by MNNG and H2O2. Therefore, repair of the damage caused by these three mutagens is controlled by different regulons, even though they all induced the recA promoter.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Using a bioluminescent E. coli harbouring a recA promoter-lux fusion, it was found that different adaptive responses and repair systems for DNA damage caused by several mutagens exists in E. coli.

Fas siRNA reduces apoptotic cell death of allogeneic-transplanted hepatocytes in mouse spleen

BACKGROUND

Synthetic siRNAs 21 to 23 nucleotides in length silence gene expression posttranscriptionally, and RNA interference targeting Fas protects mice from fulminant hepatitis. Fas-mediated apoptosis has also been implied in the mechanism of hepatocyte apoptosis upon allogenic hepatocyte transplantation (HTx), and blockade of Fas and Fas ligand interaction successfully promotes the repopulation of allogenic liver cells in recipient spleens. In the present study, we further investigated the protective effects of Fas silencing on allogeneic hepatocytes transplanted into mouse spleens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatocytes were isolated from BALB/c mice and mock transfected or transfected with Fas siRNA or GFP siRNA (n = 8/group). The expression of Fas was examined by RT-PCR and flow cytometric analysis. Forty-eight hours later, the cells were transplanted into spleens of allogenic B6 mice. Spleens were harvested on day 21 after transplantation. Apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay, survival of hepatocytes by alanine transaminase (ALT) assay.

RESULTS

Fas siRNA transfection reduced Fas expression on hepatocytes at both mRNA and protein levels (P <.05). Upon transplanting into recipient spleens, hepatocytes transfected with Fas siRNA demonstrated a lower percentage of apoptosis detected by TUNEL (6 +/- 3% in Fas siRNA group vs 12 +/- 5% in GFP siRNA group and 10 +/- 3% in mock transfected group; P <.05), and increased survival as determined by ALT assay (38.2 +/- 10.6 IU/g in Fas siRNA group vs 21.3 +/- 8.4 IU/g in GFP siRNA group and 18.5 +/- 5.9 IU/g in mock-transfected animals).

CONCLUSIONS

Fas silencing by RNA interference reduces apoptosis and increases survival of allogenic transplanted hepatocytes, and thus holds promise to inhibit acute rejection after hepatocyte transplantation.

Novel role for RNA-binding protein CUGBP2 in mammalian RNA editing. CUGBP2 modulates C to U editing of apolipoprotein B mRNA by interacting with apobec-1 and ACF, the apobec-1 complementation factor

Mammalian apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA editing is mediated by a multicomponent holoenzyme containing apobec-1 and ACF. We have now identified CUGBP2, a 54-kDa RNA-binding protein, as a component of this holoenzyme. CUGBP2 and ACF co-fractionate in bovine liver S-100 extracts, and addition of recombinant apobec-1 leads to assembly of a holoenzyme. Immunodepletion of CUGBP2 co-precipitates ACF, and these proteins co-localize the nucleus of transfected cells, suggesting that CUGBP2 and ACF are bound in vivo. CUGBP2 binds apoB RNA, specifically an AU-rich sequence located immediately upstream of the edited cytidine. ApoB RNA from McA cells, bound to CUGBP2, was more extensively edited than the unbound fraction. However, addition of recombinant CUGBP2 to a reconstituted system demonstrated a dose-dependent inhibition of C to U RNA editing, which was rescued with either apobec-1 or ACF. Antisense CUGBP2 knockout increased endogenous apoB RNA editing, whereas antisense knockout of either apobec-1 or ACF expression eliminated apoB RNA editing, establishing the absolute requirement of these components of the core enzyme. These data suggest that CUGBP2 plays a role in apoB mRNA editing by forming a regulatory complex with the three components of the minimal editing enzyme, apobec-1, ACF, and apoB RNA.

Optical organophosphorus biosensor consisting of acetylcholinesterase/viologen hetero Langmuir-Blodgett film

The fiber-optic biosensor consisting of an acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-immobilized Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film was developed to detect organophosphorus compounds in contaminated water. The sensing scheme was based on the decrease of yellow product, o-nitrophenol, from a colorless substrate, o-nitrophenyl acetate, due to the inhibition by organophosphorus compounds on AChE. Absorbance change of the product as the output of enzyme reaction was detected and the light was guided through the optical fibers. The enzyme portion of the sensor system was fabricated by the LB technique for formation of the enzyme film. AChE-immobilized LB film was formed by adsorbing the enzyme molecules onto a viologen monolayer using the electrostatic force. The proposed kinetics for irreversible inhibition of organophosphorus compounds on AChE agreed well with the experimental data. The surface topography of AChE-immobilized LB film was investigated by atomic force microscope (AFM). The immobilized AChE had the maximum activity at pH 7. The proposed biosensor could successfully detect the organophosphorus compounds up to 2 ppm and the response time to steady signal of the sensor was about 10 min.

Color image detection by biomolecular photoreceptor using bacteriorhodopsin-based complex LB films

A biomolecular photoreceptor consisting of bacteriorhodopsin (bR)-based complex Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films was developed for color image detection. By mimicking the functions of the pigments in retina of human visual system, biomolecules with photoelectric conversion function were chosen and used as constituents for an artificial photoreceptor. bR and flavin were deposited onto the patterned (9-pixelized) ITO glass by LB technique. A 9-pixel biomolecular photoreceptor was fabricated with a sandwich-type structure of ITO/LB films/electrolyte gel/Pt. Since each functional molecule shows its own response characteristic according to the light illumination in the visible region, the simplified knowledge-based algorithm for interpretation of the incident light wavelength (color) was proposed based on the basic rule describing the relationship between the photoelectric response characteristics and the incident light wavelength. When simple color images were projected onto the photoreceptor, the primary colors in visible light region, red, green, and blue were clearly recognized, and the projected color images were fairly well reproduced onto the color monitor by the proposed photoreceptor with the knowledge-based algorithm. It is concluded that the proposed device has a capability of recognizing the color images and can be used as a model system to simulate the information processing function of the human visual system.

Visual information processing using bacteriorhodopsin-based complex LB films

Image extraction and visual information processing using bacteriorhodopsin (bR)-based bioelectronic devices is presented. Image extraction was achieved using a photoreceptor consisting of bR and spiropyran films. The undesired signals from the photoreceptor were automatically eliminated from the whole signal by spiropyran films acting as an optical noise filter that increases the target signal to an undesired signal ratio. For the information processing, the photoreceptor consisting of bR and lipid films deposited with different configurations was used and the target signals were processed to achieve the pattern recognition. The pattern recognition was based on not only the response variability of bacteriorhodopsin, induced by different film configurations, but also on the initial learning process. The input patterns were predicted by simple calculation with the known signals through the initial learning process.

[Pulmonary surfactant impairment in the development of ventilator-induced lung injury in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether pulmonary surfactant (PS) impairment plays a role in the development of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI).

METHODS

Thirty-two healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to four groups ( n = 8, each group ) and mechanically ventilated (MV). (1) P7 group: with settings [expressed as peak inspiratory pressure (PIP, cm H2O)/frequency (cpm)/inspiratory:expiratory ratio/positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP, cm H2O)] of 7/40/1:1/0, (2) P45 group: with settings of 45/ 20/1:1/0, (3) PS group: 100 mg/kg of a porcine PS administered intra-tracheally and with the same settings as P45 group, (4) PEEP group: with settings of 45/20/1: 1/10. After 20 minutes of MV, all animals were killed. Another 8 animals were killed immediately after surgical procedure to serve as nonventilated controls (CON group). Arterial blood O2 partial pressure (PaO2) and maximum thorax-lung compliance (C(max)) were measured, and total proteins (TP), total phospholipids (TPL), small and large aggregates (SA, LA), and minimum surface tension (ST min) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed.

RESULTS

P45 group had decreased PaO2, C(max), TPL/TP all P < 0.01), increased TP, SA/LA and ST min of ABLF (all P < 0.01) as compared with P7 group. Both PS group and PEEP group had improved PaO2, C(max), BALF analyses as compared with P45 group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was no significant difference between P7 group and CON group in any parameter described above.

CONCLUSIONS

A short period of mechanical ventilation with high PIP alone can cause VILI in rats that is associated with PS impairment; both exogenous PS and PEEP can restore or preserve alveolar space PS composition and function, attenuate abnormalities of lung oxygenation and mechanics, indicating PS impairment may play an important role in the development of VILI.

[Improvement of proliferation of intrasplenically transplanted fetal hepatocytes after immunoadsorption]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether removing the compartments of hemopoietic stem cells by immunoadsorption would improve the proliferation of fetal hepatocytes after transplantation.

METHODS

The purification of fetal hepatocytes was performed by immunoadsorption, and the proliferative capability of fetal hepatocytes after intrasplenic transplantation was evaluated by image analysis and flowcytometry analysis.

RESULTS

The yield of fetal hepatocytes after immnoadsorption was (2~3)+/-10(7) in total per fetal liver and the viability is over 85%. The square densities of fetal hepatocytes with image analysis at 3, 7, and 14 days after transplantation were (1603+/-337), (3788+/-605), (8129+/-1025) micrometer(2)/mm(2), and the adult hepatocytes were (1007+/-128), (2013+/-242), (3780+/- 772) mum(2)/mm(2) accordingly. The S phase rates of fetal hepatocytes by flowcytometry analysis were (14.25+/-4.11)%, (16.07+/-5.35)%, and (17.32+/-5.17)%, and the rates of adult hepatocytes were (5.66+/-1.02)%, (4.98+/- 0.74)%, and (6.83+/-1.37)% correspondingly. The S phase rates and the square densities of fetal hepatocytes were significantly higher than those of adult hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal hepatocytes are highly proliferative and potentially suitable as donor cells in hepatocytes transplantation after immunoadsorption.

[The growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors axis in liver failure patients]

OBJECTIVE

To measure circulating concentration of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factors 1 (IGF-1), and it's binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in patients with sever hepatitis, and to survey the clinical significance of GH-IGFS axis.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 18 patients with liver failure caused by serious virous hepatitis, and of 20 normal volunteers. Serum concentration of GH, IGF-1, IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 was determined by ELISA. Liver biochemistric functions were measured by routine methods.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were equally reduced (5.5microgram/ml +/- 6.2 microgram/ml vs 17.6 microgram/ml +/-7.0 microgram/ml, and 2.4 microgram/ml +/-1.3 microgram/ml vs 9.4 microgram/ml +/- 1.7microgram/ml, P<0.001, respectively); increased serum GH and IGFBP1 were observed (9.1ng/ml +/-12.4ng/ml vs 1.6ng/ml +/-2.4ng/ml, P<0.05; 67.9ng/ml+/-50.2ng/ml vs 45.8ng/ml+/-33.1ng/ml, P<0.01) in liver failure patients as compared with the controls. The positive relationship between IGF-1 and IGFBP3 (r=0.91, P<0.001) was observed. The closed relation between the serum IGF-1 and the prognosis of patients was also obtained. IGF-1<10 microgram/ml was in accord with 90% accurate rate of predicted death.

CONCLUSIONS

The GH-IGFs axis is significantly abnormal in liver failure patients, suggesting the existence of GH resistance in these patients. Serum IGF-1 may act as a predictor for their prognosis.

[Effect of vascular endothelial diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase mRNA regulated by alcohol]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) gene transfection on tissue vascularization in transplanted site and the proliferation of transplanted hepatocytes.

METHODS

Samples were gained at ten days after the pcDNA3 VEGF121 gene transfected hepatocyte was transplanted into the spleen of SD rats. The changes of microvascular density(MVD) counts in the transplanted site and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA) index of the transplanted hepatocytes were examined.

RESULTS

In vitro protein expression of VEGF gene was enough to induce proliferation of human umbilical venous endothelial cells. In vivo VEGF gene transfected hepatocytes could form mass colonization of transplanted hepatocytes and reconstituted liver tissue. Difference of MVD counts in the transplanted site on all groups were not significant. P>0.05; PCNA index of pcDN-A3 VEGF121 gene transfection group increased significantly compared with pcDNA3 control group and no transfection group, P<0.01. PCNA index were 13.13 +/- 2.75, 4.75 +/- 1.58, and 4.63 +/- 1.41, suggesting that in vivo many factors affect the tissue vascularization, and expression of VEGF gene can promote not only proliferation of transplanted hepatocyte but formation of reconstituted liver tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

VEGF ex vivo gene transfection is an effective way to induce reconstitution of transplanted liver tissue.

Contractile responses of diabetic rat aorta to phenylephrine at different stages of diabetic duration

AIM

To investigate the time-dependent changes in contractile responses of aorta to phenylephrine (Phe) in diabetic rats and age-matched control, and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

At stages of 2-, 6-, and 12-week diabetic duration, aortic rings were studied for contractile responses to agonists in vitro.

RESULTS

At the stage of 2-week diabetic duration, contractile responses to lower concentrations of phenylephrine were increased (P < 0.05), but the maximal contraction of phenylephrine did not change. At the stage of 6-week diabetic duration, contractile responses to phenylephrine were increased (P < 0.01) at each concentration, and the maximal contraction was increased by approximately 40 %. However, at the stage of 12-week diabetic duration: 1) the maximal contractile response to Phe 10 micromol . L-1 was decreased (P < 0.05), 2) in Ca2+ free edetic acid medium, Phe 10 micromol . L-1-induced transient contraction was also decreased (P < 0.05), 3) in Ca2+ free edetic acid medium, in the presence of nifedipine 10 micromol . L-1 and Phe 10 micromol . L-1, the Ca2+ repletion-caused contraction was not different from control, 4) in normal medium, cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) 10 micromol . L-1-induced contraction was decreased (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that contractile responses to phenylephrine in diabetic rat aorta changed with the development of diabetes, and the changes of functional Ca2+ store sizes and Ca2+ entry mainly through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels were responsible for the alterations of contractile responses to phenylephrine in diabetes.

Optical peroxide biosensor using the electrically controlled-release technique

An optical biosensor using an electrically controlled-release system was developed for the measurement of peroxide concentration. The electrically controlled-release system consisted of a current-supplying system and a polymer complex by hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic and oxazoline group. The polymer complex was formed below pH 5.0 and was degraded above pH 5.4. The local pH change near the surface of the polymer complex could be controlled by applying the electric current to release an enzyme reaction reagent, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPA), in the polymer complex. The releasing rate of HPA was proportional to the electric current applied to the polymer complex. The model of the controlled-release system was proposed to predict the degradation velocity of the polymer complex, which is equivalent to the releasing rate of HPA. The released HPA and analyte, peroxide, flowed into the reactor with the immobilized enzyme and then reacted with the enzyme. The peroxide concentration was measured based on the fluorescence detection of enzyme reaction product, 6,6'-dihydroxy (1,1'-biphenyl) 3,3'-diacetic acid (DBDA). The proposed biosensor had the linear analytical range of 0.025 approximately 1.0 mM with a response time of 20 min, good repeatability, and reproducibility.

Crystal structure of a SIR2 homolog-NAD complex

The SIR2 protein family comprises a novel class of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent protein deacetylases that function in transcriptional silencing, DNA repair, and life-span extension in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two crystal structures of a SIR2 homolog from Archaeoglobus fulgidus complexed with NAD have been determined at 2.1 A and 2.4 A resolutions. The structures reveal that the protein consists of a large domain having a Rossmann fold and a small domain containing a three-stranded zinc ribbon motif. NAD is bound in a pocket between the two domains. A distinct mode of NAD binding and an unusual configuration of the zinc ribbon motif are observed. The structures also provide important insights into the catalytic mechanism of NAD-dependent protein deacetylation by this family of enzymes.

Lysophosphatidylcholine derived from deer antler extract suppresses hyphal transition in Candida albicans through MAP kinase pathway

A family of 2-lysophosphatidylcholines (lyso-PCs) was isolated from deer antler extract, guided exclusively by hyphal transition inhibitory activity in Candida albicans. Structural determination of the isolated lyso-PCs by spectroscopic methods, including infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, 2D correlation spectroscopy NMR, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry, confirmed that the natural products were composed of at least four different lyso-PCs varying in fatty acid moiety at the sn-1 position of the glycerol backbone. The major lyso-PCs were confirmed as 1-stearoyl-, 1-oleoyl-, 1-linoleoyl- and 1-palmitoyl-2-lyso-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholines. Lyso-PC specifically suppressed the morphogenic transition from yeast to hyphae in C. albicans, without affecting the growth of either yeast or hyphae. Lyso-PC exerted hyphal transition that suppressed activity in the broad spectrum of the Candida species, such as C. albicans, Candida krusei, Candida guilliermondii and Candida parapsilosis. Northern analysis indicated that the suppression was mediated through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

[Bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide sensitizes Fas-mediated apoptosis of gastric cancer cells]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide on the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to Fas-mediated apoptosis.

METHODS

Gastric cancer cell line MKN45 was transfected with bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide, and expression of bcl-2 was examined by Western blotting. Agonistic Fas antibody was used to induce apoptosis detected by TUNEL staining and flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Bcl-2 expression in MKN45 cells transfected with bcl-2 anti-sense oligonucleotide was markedly inhibited. When cultured with antibody apoptosis index of the anti-sense oligonucleotide-treated MKN45 cells was 55.6% +/- 4.7% (n = 5), which was significantly higher than that of the control (8.4% +/- 2.1%, n = 5).

CONCLUSION

Expression of bcl-2 in gastric cancer cells may antagonize Fas-mediated apoptosis.

Bacterial bioluminescent emission from recombinant Escherichia coli harboring a recA::luxCDABE fusion

This paper describes the quantitative evaluation of a bioluminescence assay for DNA damaging agents with respect to the linearity, sensitivity, specificity and dependence on the cell culture status. A recombinant bacterium, DPD2794, harboring a plasmid with a recA promoter fused to the luxCDABE operon, showed a very sensitive response to DNA-damaging stress. DPD2794 was found to show no noticeable response to non-mutagenic agents, i.e. phenol, except for some false responses appearing soon after injection. DPD2794 also showed a highly sensitive response to Mitomycin C, which was found to be a growth-stage-dependent response, not a growth-rate-dependent response. In addition, the relationship between the bioluminescence emitted in vivo, luciferase activity measured in vitro, and the amount of Lux proteins expressed was determined. The intensity of the bioluminescence emitted was found to be proportional to the luciferase activity in vitro, while the bioluminescence also seems to be correlated with the level of Lux proteins expressed in these Escherichia coli cells, up to 230 min post induction.

Detection of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus in oral and genital secretions of Zimbabwean women

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) in oral and genital secretions of women may be involved in horizontal and vertical transmission in endemic regions. Nested polymerase chain reaction assays were used to detect KSHV DNA sequences in one-third of oral, vaginal, and cervical specimens and in 42% of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens collected from 41 women infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 who had Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). KSHV DNA was not detected in specimens from 100 women without KS, 9 of whom were seropositive for KSHV. A positive association was observed between KSHV DNA detection in oral and genital mucosa, neither of which was associated with KSHV DNA detection in PBMC. These data suggest that KSHV replicates in preferred anatomic sites at levels independent of PBMC viremia. Detection of genital-tract KSHV only among relatively immunosuppressed women may provide an explanation for infrequent perinatal transmission of KSHV.

Detection of radiation effects using recombinant bioluminescent Escherichia coli strains

Effects of ionizing radiation (0.1-500 Gy) on recombinant Escherichia coli cells containing the stress promoters recA, grpE, or katG, fused to luxCDABE, were characterized by monitoring transcriptional responses reflected by the bioluminescent output. The minimum dose of gamma-irradiation detected by E. coli DPD2794 (recA::luxCDABE) was about 1.5 Gy, while the maximum response was obtained at 200 Gy. The amount of emitted bioluminescence increased proportionally with the gamma-ray doses which were found to elicit a DNA damage response in a range of 1-50 Gy. In addition, the cell growth rate was severely, but transiently, retarded by about 50 Gy. Quantification of the gamma-ray dose may be possible using the recA promoter fusion, since linear enhancement of the bioluminescence emission with increasing gamma-ray dose was observed. Other irradiated strains (50 Gy) responsive to either oxidative stress (DPD2511, katG::luxCDABE) or protein-damaging stress (TV1061, grpE::luxCDABE) did not display an increased bioluminescent output, while DPD2794 irradiated by the same dose of gamma-rays gave a significant bioluminescent output. This indicates that the recA promoter is the one most suitable for developing a biosensor for ionizing radiation.

The role of IL-12 in inflammatory activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-12 in patients with RA. IL-12 (p70) and its associated cytokines were measured in sera and synovial fluid (SF) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent method. Seven American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core set measures as well as IL-12 levels were sequentially monitored at the commencement and 4 months after treatment with a low-dose steroid and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In sera, 64 (42.2%) of 152 RA patients had detectable concentrations of IL-12 (p70), whereas one (1.4%) of 69 osteoarthritis (OA) patients and five (10%) of 50 healthy controls had detectable IL-12 (P < 0.001). The median level of circulating IL-12 was also higher in RA patients (P < 0.001). In SF, the number of patients with detectable IL-12 and the median IL-12 levels were significantly higher in RA patients (n = 53) than in OA patients (n = 22). In paired samples (n = 53) of sera and SF from RA patients, IL-12 levels were higher in the SF than in sera (P < 0.001). Patients with detectable IL-12 (n = 51) in sera had higher tender joint scores (P = 0.003), swollen joint scores (P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP; P = 0.036), than those without (n = 55). Four months after treatment with DMARDs, the improved group showed a larger IL-12 decrease than the non-improved group (P = 0.017). The levels of IL-12 correlated positively with those of IL-2, interferon-gamma, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, but were correlated inversely with those of IL-10. Our results demonstrate that IL-12 levels reflect RA disease activity and that IL-12 is involved in the production of proinflammatory cytokines. An IL-12 blockade could be useful for the treatment of RA.

Studies on the synthesis and properties of new PNA analogs consisting of L- and D-lysine backbones

Homopentamers of PNA consisting of L- and D-lysine were synthesized. It was found that the intramolecular hydrogen bonding has no significant influence on intermolecular interaction. These pentamers show a tendency to form complex with polyA in tris(pH 8.0) solution. The L-conformer has more potential than D-isomer.

Distinct responses of a recA::luxCDABE Escherichia coli strain to direct and indirect DNA damaging agents

The recombinant Escherichia coli strain DPD2794 containing a recA::luxCDABE fusion is used to detect genotoxicity of various chemicals. Genotoxic agents were previously categorized into two groups, Direct DNA Damaging (DDD) agents and Indirect DNA Damaging (IDD) agents; these two groups have been distinguished with this strain. Minimum detectable concentrations of the DDD agents were about one to five orders of magnitude lower than those of the IDD agents. The response patterns of this strain to DDD agents differed from those to IDD agents in terms of kinetics and the forms of the dose-dependent response.

Synip: a novel insulin-regulated syntaxin 4-binding protein mediating GLUT4 translocation in adipocytes

Insulin-stimulated glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation require regulated interactions between the v-SNARE, VAMP2, and the t-SNARE, syntaxin 4. We have isolated a novel syntaxin 4-binding protein, Synip, which specifically interacts with syntaxin 4. Insulin induces a dissociation of the Synip:syntaxin 4 complex due to an apparent decrease in the binding affinity of Synip for syntaxin 4. In contrast, the carboxyterminal domain of Synip does not dissociate from syntaxin 4 in response to insulin stimulation but inhibits glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation. These data implicate Synip as an insulin-regulated syntaxin 4-binding protein directly involved in the control of glucose transport and GLUT4 vesicle translocation.

Synthesis of 3-C-(methyl beta-D-xylofuranosid-3-yl)-5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole

Nucleophilic addition of KCN to 5-O-benzoyl-1,2-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-erythro-pentofuranos-3-++ +ulose gave the xylo cyanohydrin stereoselectively. Several xylos-3-yl-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives were synthesized from this cyanohydrin and were converted into 3-C-(methyl beta-D-xylofuranosid-3-yl)-5-phenyl-1,2,4-oxadiazole.

Detection of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus in peripheral blood cells in human immunodeficiency virus infection: association with Kaposi's sarcoma, CD4 cell count, and HIV RNA levels

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA, consistently found in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) tissues, was sought in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HIV-infected individuals. To determine quantitative relationships between the presence of KSHV DNA in PBMCs, CD4 cell counts, plasma HIV RNA levels, and the development of KS, we designed a cross-sectional study of prospectively collected PBMC samples from ongoing cohort studies. PBMCs were collected from 142 HIV-seropositive individuals in California, 7 of whom had a clinical diagnosis of KS. KSHV sequences were detected in extracted PBMC DNA by nested polymerase chain amplification using two nonoverlapping primer sets. KSHV DNA was detected in PBMCs of 5 of 7 (71%) subjects with KS and in 18 of 135 (13%) HIV-infected subjects without KS. Among HIV-seropositive individuals without KS, detection of KSHV was more common in men than women (19 versus 4%, p = 0.01) and was associated with lower mean CD4 percent (14.8 versus 20.7% CD4 cells, p = 0.03), lower mean CD4 cell count (244 versus 334 CD4 cells/microl, p = 0.05), and higher geometric mean plasma HIV RNA (4.83 versus 4.03 1og10 copies/ml, p = 0.0002). Semiquantitative analysis found 5 to 15,625 copies of KSHV per microgram of PBMC DNA with increased plasma HIV RNA levels and a trend toward increased subsequent development of KS in subjects with higher KSHV loads. The association of the presence of KSHV DNA in PBMCs with lower CD4 cell counts and higher plasma HIV RNA provides evidence of a relationship between immunosuppression, HIV replication, and KSHV expression.

Lymphotoxin-alpha (LTalpha) supports development of splenic follicular structure that is required for IgG responses

LTalpha-deficient (LTalpha-/-) mice show altered splenic microarchitecture. This includes loss of normal B cell-T cell compartmentalization, of follicular dendritic cell (FDC) clusters, and of ability to form germinal centers (GC). LTalpha-/- mice immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) produced high levels of antigen-specific IgM but no IgG in either primary or secondary responses, demonstrating failure of Ig class switching. This inability to switch to IgG could have been due to the altered splenic microarchitecture in these mice. Alternatively, it could have been due directly to a requirement for LTalpha expression by lymphocytes cooperating in the antibody response. To investigate this, we performed reciprocal spleen cell transfers. When irradiated LTalpha-/- mice were reconstituted with wild-type splenocytes and immunized immediately with SRBC, splenic microarchitecture remained disturbed and there was no IgG response. In contrast, when irradiated wild-type animals received splenocytes from LTalpha-/- mice, follicle structure and a strong IgG response were retained. These data indicate that LTalpha-deficient B cells and T cells have no intrinsic defect in ability to generate an IgG response. Rather, the altered microenvironment characteristic of LTalpha-/- mice appears to result in impaired ability to switch to a productive IgG response. To investigate whether prolonged expression of LTalpha could alter the structure and function of spleen follicles, reciprocal bone marrow (BM) transplantation was performed. Six weeks after reconstitution of LTalpha-/- mice with wild-type BM, spleen follicle structure was partially restored, with return of FDC clusters and GC. B cell/T cell compartmentalization remained abnormal and white pulp zones were small. This was accompanied by restoration of IgG response to SRBC. Reconstitution of wild-type mice with LTalpha-/- BM resulted in loss of FDC clusters and GC, and loss of the IgG response, although compartmentalized B cell and T cell zones were largely retained. Thus, defective IgG production is not absolutely associated with abnormal B cell and T cell compartmentalization. Rather, expression of LTalpha supports the maturation of spleen follicle structure, including the development and maintenance of FDC clusters, which supports Ig class switching and an effective IgG response.

Cloning and characterization of the rat apobec-1 gene: a comparative analysis of gene structure and promoter usage in rat and mouse

ApolipoproteinB (apoB) mRNA editing involves a C to U deamination of the nuclear apoB mRNA and occurs in mammalian small intestine and in the liver of certain species. This reaction is mediated by a multicomponent enzyme complex that includes a catalytic subunit, apobec-1. Apobec-1 mRNA is widely expressed in the rat and mouse and is subject to tissue-specific regulation. In order to understand the basis for the species- and tissue-specific pattern of apobec-1 gene expression we have cloned and characterized the rat chromosomal apobec-1 gene. We demonstrate its structural organization and regulation in comparison to that of the mouse apobec-1 gene. The rat apobec-1 gene spans 16 kb and includes one untranslated (exon A) and five translated exons (exons 1-5). The mouse apobec-1 gene contains eight exons, of which the first three (exons A, B, C) are untranslated. Independent approaches demonstrated three distinct clusters of transcription initiation sites in both species, including exon A, the distal region of exon 1, and a separate group in the proximal region of exon 1. These transcription start sites generate three distinct mRNA species whose proportions differ in a tissue-specific fashion. Promoter-luciferase reporter constructions using regions flanking exon A and exon 1 of the rat apobec-1 gene identified two functional regions upstream of exon 1 that independently promote luciferase expression in transfected hepatoma and colon cancer cells. These data serve as a basis for an understanding of the regulation of apobec-1 gene expression, in particular the mechanisms that serve to restrict its expression to the gastrointestinal tract in higher mammals.

Characterization of the human apobec-1 gene: expression in gastrointestinal tissues determined by alternative splicing with production of a novel truncated peptide

In humans, both the expression of apobec-1 and the C to U deamination of apoB mRNA are confined to the small intestine. In order to understand the tissue-restricted pattern of apobec-1 expression, we have isolated the chromosomal gene spanning the human apobec-1 locus. The human apobec-1 gene spans 18 kb and contains five exons, all of which are translated. Transcription initiation, determined by RNase protection and primer extension analyses, is localized to a single start site 34 nt upstream of the open-reading frame in exon 1. A common, but functionally silent, gene polymorphism was detected than changes Ilc80 to MCl. RNase protection and reverse-transcription PCR analysis demonstrated the presence of an exon 2-skipped form of apobec-1 mRNA that arises through use of an alternative splice acceptor. This alternative splicing causes a frame-shift that produces a novel, 36 amino acid peptide. The exon 2-skipped form accounts for approximately 50% of apobec-1 mRNA in the adult small intestine and up to 90% of apobec-1 mRNA in the developing gut. An antipeptide antibody identified the truncated protein in villus cells of the adult small intestine. These data suggest that exon 2-skipping may represent an important control mechanism regulating apobec-1 gene expression in humans.

Men homozygous for an inactivating mutation of the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor gene present variable suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility

Gonadal function is controlled by the two pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). While LH mainly regulates gonadal steroidogenesis, FSH is considered essential for folliculogenesis in the female and spermatogenesis in the male. We recently discovered that an inactivating point mutation in the FSH receptor (R) gene causes a recessively inherited form of hypergonadotropic ovarian failure in homozygous females. This 566C-->T mutation, predicting an alanine to valine substitution, is located in exon 7 of the FSHR gene, in the region encoding the extracellular domain of the receptor molecule. Functional testing showed a clear-cut reduction in ligand binding and signal transduction by the mutated receptor. Hence, lack of FSH function is incompatible with ovarian follicular maturation and female fertility. In the male, FSH is generally considered essential for the pubertal initiation of spermatogenesis and maintenance of quantitatively normal sperm production in adults. We report here the first characterization of males homozygous for an inactivating FSHR mutation. They have variable degrees of spermatogenic failure, but, surprisingly, do not show azoospermia or absolute infertility. These results question the essential role of FSH for the initiation of spermatogenesis, and demonstrate that FSH is more important for female than for male fertility.