Freezing immature oocytes

The establishment of a long-term preservation system for mammalian oocytes is important for the development of both biological and medical sciences. A number of efforts have been made to develop this system. In human reproductive medicine, the development of an oocyte cryopreservation system can improve the efficacy of the current assisted reproductive technology (ART) for infertile patients with severe reproductive disorders. In this article, the technical development of cryopreservation programs for human oocytes and its biological background were reviewed. Clinical outcome after the use of this technology was further introduced.

Identification of Rab6 as an N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein-binding protein

In this study we show the interaction of N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) with a small GTP-binding protein, Rab6. NSF is an ATPase involved in the vesicular transport within eukaryotic cells. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we have isolated new NSF-binding proteins from the rat lung cDNA library. One of them was Rab6, which is involved in the vesicular transport within the Golgi and trans-Golgi network as a Ras-like GTPase. We demonstrated that the N-terminal domain of NSF interacted with the C-terminal domain of Rab6, and these proteins were co-immunoprecipitated from the rat brain extract. This interaction was maintained preferentially in the presence of hydrolysable ATP. Recombinant NSF-His(6) can also bind to C-terminal Rab6-glutathione S-transferase under the conditions to allow the ATP hydrolysis. Surprisingly, Rab6 stimulates the ATPase activity of NSF by approx. 2-fold as does alpha-soluble NSF attachment protein receptor. Anti-Rab6 polyclonal antibodies significantly inhibited the Rab6-stimulated ATPase activity of NSF. Furthermore, we found that Rab3 and Rab4 can also associate with NSF and stimulate its ATPase activity. Taken together, we propose a model in which Rab can form an ATP hydrolysis-regulated complex with NSF, and function as a signalling molecule to deliver the signal of vesicle fusion through the interaction with NSF.

Expression of nm23 protein in human osteosarcoma in relationship with early metastasis

Nm23 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections from 39 cases with osteosarcomas and compared with the histologic findings and early metastasis for the purpose of detecting nm23 expression in osteosarcoma and elucidating the clinical significance of its expression. Immunoreactivity of nm23 protein was detected in 48.7% of the total cases. There was no statistical difference between nm23 expression and early metastasis, but there was a trend for cases with nm23 expression to progress to early metastasis within 1 year after operation. The role of nm23 as a tumor metastasis suppressor in osteosarcomas appeared less prominent.

Functional evaluation of p53 and PTEN gene mutations in gliomas

We screened mutations of two major tumor suppressor genes, p53 and PTEN, in 66 human brain tumors using a yeast-based functional assay and cDNA-based direct sequencing, respectively. The frequency of p53 mutations was 28.8% (19 of 66) and was higher in anaplastic astrocytoma (9 of 14, 64.3%,) than in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM; 7 of 27, 25.9%,), supporting previous speculation that there are at least two genetic pathways leading to GBM, a de novo pathway without p53 mutation and a "progressive" pathway with p53 mutation. PTEN mutation was observed in 8 of 64 tumors (12.5%), mainly GBMs (7 of 26, 26.9%), both with and without p53 mutation. These results suggest that mutation of the PTEN gene is a later event than that of the p53 gene in glioma progression and is associated with both the genetic pathways. All of the detected PTEN missense mutations and an in-frame small deletion inactivated PTEN phosphoinositide phosphatase activity in vitro. Because the tumors containing PTEN mutations also showed loss of heterozygosity in the chromosome 10q23 region flanking the PTEN gene, our data clearly indicate that inactivation of both PTEN alleles occurs in a subset of high-grade gliomas, therefore confirming the previous idea that PTEN acts as a tumor suppressor gene.

Pharmacokinetic disposition and tissue distribution of bisphenol A in rats after intravenous administration

This study examined the dose-linearity pharmacokinetics of bisphenol A, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified endocrine disruptor, in rats following iv administration. Upon iv injection of 0.2, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg, serum levels of bisphenol A declined biexponentially, with mean initial distribution and elimination half-life ranges of 4-8.2 min and 38.6-62.2 min, respectively. There were no significant alterations in the systemic clearance rate (mean range 90.1-123.6 ml/min/kg) and the steady-state volume of distribution (mean range 4.6-6.0 L/kg) as a function of the administered dose. In addition, the area under the serum concentration-time curve linearly rose as the dose was increased. In a second study, bisphenol A was given by simultaneous iv bolus injection plus infusion to steady state, and levels were measured in serum and various organs. When expressed in concentration terms (e.g., amount accumulated per gram organ weight), bisphenol A was found predominantly in the lung, followed by kidneys, thyroid, stomach, heart, spleen, testes, liver, and brain. Ratios of the organ to serum bisphenol A concentrations exceeded unity for all the organs examined (ratio range 2.0-5.8) except for brain (ratio 0.75). Given the high systemic clearance and short elimination half-life, bisphenol A is unlikely to accumulate significantly in the rat.

Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induces alteration in mucin gene expression and biological properties of colon cancer cells

Phorbol esters such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) have been reported to modulate diverse cellular responses through signal transduction pathways including the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of PMA on mucin gene expression and on the biological properties of a human colon cancer cell line, HM3. The cells were treated for 8 and 24 h with various concentrations of PMA and total RNA was extracted and Northern and slot blot analyses were carried out using MUC2, MUC3 and MUC5AC mucin cDNA probes to assess the steady state levels of mRNA. Spent media were collected and the level of cancer associated carbohydrate antigens (T, Tn, sialyl Tn, sialyl Lex, and sialyl Lea) and matrix-degrading metalloproteinase (MMPs) activity were examined. Trypsinized cells were used for assessing in vitro invasion, motility and adhesion to matrigel. Our results showed that PMA caused upregulation of steady state mRNA levels of MUC2, MUC3 and MUC5AC which was inhibited after treatment with protein synthesis inhibitors. Calphostin C, a highly specific inhibitor of protein kinase C significantly inhibited the PMA induced induction of mRNA levels of MUC2, MUC3, and MUC5AC. The levels of all cancer-associated mucin carbohydrate antigens examined in the media were increased by PMA treatment. PMA also caused an increase in MMPs activity and in in vitro invasion and motility properties, but did not affect adhesion of HM3 cells to matrigel. Thus, PMA caused a significant increase in the expression of all three mucin genes through signaling pathways involving protein kinase C and increased secretion of mucin associated carbohydrate antigens. These changes were associated with increases in MMP activity as well as by increases in the invasive and motility properties of HM3 colon cancer cells. These data suggest that protein kinase C signaling pathways may be involved in mucin gene regulation and in modulating the invasive and metastatic properties of colon cancer cells.

Magnetic breakdown at high fields: semiclassical and quantum treatments

The effects of finite temperature and noninteracting spins on magnetic breakdown (MB) in a quasi-two-dimensional organic conductor have been determined by computing the field-dependent free energy using a realistic crystal structure with no adjustable parameters. The de Haas-van Alphen oscillation spectra, including the MB phenomena, are thereby obtained microscopically. Within the range of computed magnetic field, from 170 to 1400 T, we find remarkable agreement between the predictions of the semiclassical and quantum treatment. We also find that the Zeeman effect leads to splitting of a frequency corresponding to the fundamental orbit.

Induction of smooth muscle alpha-actin in vascular smooth muscle cells by arginine vasopressin is mediated by c-Jun amino-terminal kinases and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells to arginine vasopressin (AVP) increases smooth muscle alpha-actin (SM-alpha-actin) expression through activation of the SM- alpha-actin promoter. The goal of this study was to determine the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) family in regulation of SM-alpha-actin expression. AVP activated all three MAP kinase family members: ERKs, JNKs, and p38 MAP kinase. Inhibition of JNKs or p38 decreased AVP-stimulated SM-alpha-actin promoter activity, whereas inhibition of ERKs had no effect. A 150-base pair region of the promoter containing two CArG boxes was sufficient to mediate regulation by vasoconstrictors. Mutations in either CArG box decreased AVP-stimulated promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using oligonucleotides corresponding to either CArG box resulted in a complex of similar mobility whose intensity was increased by AVP. Antibodies against serum response factor (SRF) completely super-shifted this complex, indicating that SRF binds to both CArG boxes. Overexpression of SRF increased basal promoter activity, but activity was still stimulated by AVP. AVP stimulation rapidly increased SRF phosphorylation. These data indicate that both JNKs and p38 participate in regulation of SM- alpha-actin expression. SRF, which binds to two critical CArG boxes in the promoter, represents a potential target of these kinases.

Functional evaluation of PTEN missense mutations using in vitro phosphoinositide phosphatase assay

The tumor suppressor gene PTEN is frequently mutated in diverse human cancers and in autosomal dominant cancer predisposition disorders. Recent studies have shown that the lipid phosphatase activity of PTEN is critical for its tumor suppressor function and that PTEN negatively regulates the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-protein kinase B pathway. Although more than half of PTEN mutations result in protein truncation, a significant fraction of PTEN mutations are missense mutations. To examine whether tumor-derived and germ-line-derived missense mutations inactivate PTEN lipid phosphatase function, we constructed 42 distinct types of PTEN missense mutations and expressed them in Escherichia coli. The purified (His)6-tagged PTEN proteins were tested for their ability to dephosphorylate inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate. In addition, we examined the effect of mutant PTENs on the ability of PTEN to bind to the phospholipid membrane. The results revealed that the majority of PTEN missense mutations [38 of 42 (90%)] eliminated or reduced phosphatase activity and that all of the mutations examined had no effect on the membrane binding activity of PTEN. Our study indicated that phosphoinositide phosphatase activity is important for the tumor suppressor function of PTEN and that there may be other mechanisms of PTEN inactivation that are not monitored by in vitro phosphatase assay and in vitro membrane binding assay.

Pregnancies and deliveries after in vitro maturation culture followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer without stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To improve the efficacy of an IVF-ET program for unstimulated patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with the use of culture for oocyte maturation.

DESIGN

Prospective studies with the comparison of different ET procedures from March 1995 through February 1998.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Ninety-four cycles in 64 consenting patients with PCOS.

INTERVENTION(S)

Immature oocytes were retrieved from unstimulated patients with PCOS and subsequently cultured and fertilized in vitro. Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), uterine ET, or a combined approach of ZIFT + uterine ET was subsequently performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Laboratory and clinical data.

RESULT(S)

Among 1, 280 immature oocytes (13.6 +/- 7.5 oocytes per patient) retrieved, 89% (1,139) were morphologically normal, and 62.2% (708/1,139) of the normal oocytes matured in vitro after culture for 48 hours. When intracytoplasmic sperm injection was performed, 68% (481/708) developed to the normal pronuclear stage, and 88.1% of the embryos cocultured with Vero cells (266/302) cleaved. Eighty-five ET cycles were conducted and pregnancy was established in 23 cycles (27.1%), which consisted of 8 after uterine ET and 15 after a combined approach. Seventeen patients delivered 20 normal infants.

CONCLUSION(S)

The IVF-ET method using no ovarian stimulation followed by in vitro maturation culture can be a feasible assisted reproductive technology for treatment of PCOS with various complications.

Activation of NF-kappaB determines the sensitivity of human colon cancer cells to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) generates a potent cytotoxic effect, however many cancer cells are resistant to TNFalpha-mediated killing and the cause of the differential sensitivity remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that TNFalpha induced cell death in four different human colon cancer cell lines. The degree of cytotoxic effect was different in each cell line, in that HCT-15 was relatively sensitive, while DLD-1, HT-29 and WiDr were relatively resistant. TNFalpha induced apoptotic changes such as morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and activation of caspase-3 in HCT-15, but to a lesser degree in the others. Transcriptional expression of TNFR1(p55), as well as that of FLICE, Fas, FADD, DR3, FAF, TRADD, and RIP was similar in these cell lines, indicating that the susceptibility to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis may not be determined by the constitutive expression level of these factors. Interestingly, the cytotoxic effect of TNFalpha was well correlated with the DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB in the colon cancer cell lines. Further, the overexpression of a non-phosphorylated mutant form of IkappaBalpha enhanced the cytotoxicity of TNFalpha in the resistant cell line, DLD-1, indicating that NF-kappaB activity may determine the sensitivity of colon cancer cells to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. Thus, our results indicate that modulation of NF-kappaB activity may provide a useful tool to sensitize colon cancer cells to TNFalpha treatment.

Analysis of the candidate target genes for mutation in microsatellite instability-positive cancers of the colorectum, stomach, and endometrium

Microsatellite instability (MSI) in human carcinoma DNA is a characteristic phenotype observed in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer and also in some human sporadic cancers including multiple primary carcinomas. In this study, we analyzed mutations in the hCHK1, E2F4, hMSH3, and hMSH6 genes in MSI+ human cancers arising in colorectum, stomach and endometrium. The E2F4 and hMSH3 genes were mutated in all tumor types. Interestingly, the hMSH6 gene was mutated in colorectal and gastric cancers but not in endometrial cancer; this is similar to the TGFbetaRII gene. It is notable that the mutation status of the secondary mutators, hMSH3 and hMSH6, did not influence slippage-related frameshift mutations in genes harboring simple tandem-repeats, which suggests that the MSI phenotype may be affected mainly by abnormalities in the primary mutator genes, not by the secondary mutator genes. No mutations were observed in the cell cycle checkpoint gene hCHK1; mutations of this gene are thought to have a limited role, if any, in at least the tumor types analyzed in this study.

Differential effects of retinoic acid on growth and apoptosis in human colon cancer cell lines associated with the induction of retinoic acid receptor beta

Retinoids are well known as potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents against a variety of human cancers. Here, we report that retinoic acid (RA) induced differential growth inhibition in human colon cancer cell lines: while DLD-1, HT-29, and WiDr were relatively resistant, HCT-15 and Colo201 were relatively sensitive. All-trans-retinoic acid caused morphological and biochemical changes such as membrane shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA cleavage, which are typical features of cells undergoing apoptosis in sensitive cell lines. Although retinoic acid receptor (RAR)alpha, beta, gamma and retinoid X receptor alpha were expressed in all cell lines examined, a significant induction of RARbeta by all-trans-RA was observed only in sensitive cell lines, suggesting important roles of RARbeta in RA sensitivity. When a vector containing the RARbeta gene was introduced into a relatively resistant cell line, DLD-1, the cells acquired RA sensitivity. Further, we found that the RARbeta transfectants of DLD-1 expressed an enhanced level of c-Myc and Bax proteins, which may result in the increased susceptibility of the cells to all-trans-RA-induced apoptosis. In summary, our data demonstrated that RA induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in human colon cancer cells and that the induction of RAR3 may mediate the retinoid action.

In vitro blastocyst formation of human oocytes obtained from unstimulated and stimulated cycles after vitrification at various maturational stages

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the developmental competence and chromosomal normality of oocytes vitrified at various times after maturation culture.

DESIGN

In vitro model study.

SETTING

A university-affiliated hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Unstimulated women who underwent cesarean section or oophorectomy and infertile women who underwent a long protocol of GnRH stimulation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Retrieved oocytes were vitrified at 0 or 48 hours after culture in unstimulated cycles and at 0, 8-15, or 24-28 hours after culture in stimulated cycles.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Postthaw morphologic normality, maturation, fertilization, cleavage, blastocyst formation, and chromosome number.

RESULT(S)

In the 53 oocytes that were obtained from unstimulated cycles, no statistically significant differences were found in rates of morphologic normality (range, 56%-63%) or fertilization (range, 31%-37%) according to the time of vitrification. In the 50 oocytes that were obtained from stimulated cycles, more of those that were vitrified at 24-28 hours were morphologically normal than those that were vitrified at 0 or 8-15 hours. Regardless of these differences, high cleavage rates (83%-100%) were obtained that did not differ significantly among the treatment groups. In both cycles, 20%-43% of cleaved oocytes developed to the blastocyst stage by 6 days after IVF. All the karyotyped blastocysts, three from unstimulated cycles and four from stimulated cycles, had a normal number of chromosomes.

CONCLUSION(S)

Vitrified and thawed oocytes from unstimulated or stimulated cycles developed to the blastocyst stage, regardless of when vitrification occurred; the number of chromosomes in the blastocysts was normal.

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia in a patient on maintenance hemodialysis

Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is known to occupy about 25% to 60% of intestinal infarction. NOMI has been reported to be responsible for 9% of the deaths in the dialysis population and the postulated causes of NOMI include intradialytic hypotension, atherosclerosis and medications, such as diuretics, digitalis and vasopressors. Clinical manifestations, such as fever, diarrhea and leukocytosis, are nonspecific, which makes early diagnosis of NOMI very difficult.

CASE

A 66-year-old woman on maintenance hemodialysis for 5 years was admitted with syncope, abdominal pain and chilly sensation. Since 7 days prior to admission, blood pressure on the supine position during hemodialysis had frequently fallen to 80/50 mmHg. Four days later, she complained of progressive abdominal pain. Rebound tenderness and leukocytosis (WBC 13900/mm3) with left shift were noted. Stool examination was positive for occult blood. Abdominal CT scan showed a distended gall bladder with sludge. Under the impression of acalculous cholecystitis, she was operated on. Surgical and pathologic findings of colon colon were compatible with NOMI. Because of recurrent intradialytic hypotension, we started midodrine 2.5 mg just before hemodialysis and increased the dose up to 7.5 mg. After midodrine therapy, blood pressure during dialysis became stable and the symptoms associated with hypotension did not recur.

CONCLUSION

As NOMI may occur within several hours or days after an intradialytic hypotensive episode, abdominal pain should be carefully observed and NOMI should be considered as a differential diagnosis. In addition, we suggest that midodrine be considered to prevent intradialytic hypotensive episodes.

Identification of triacylglycerols containing two short-chain fatty acids at sn-2 and sn-3 positions from bovine udder by fast atom bombardment tandem mass spectrometry

Several triacylglycerol (TAG) molecular species, that contain two short-chain fatty acids (C4 to C8) at the sn-2 and sn-3 positions of the glycerol backbone, were isolated from bovine udder by using solvent extraction and silica gel column chromatography. Their structures were identified by fast atom bombardment (FAB) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), based on the information obtained from collision-induced dissociation (CID) spectra of sodium-adducted molecules ([M + Na](+)) of model TAG compounds which had been synthesized from glycerol and appropriate fatty acids. For each species, the relative positions of the three fatty acids on the glycerol backbone, as well as fatty acid composition and double-bond position in the fatty acyl group, were determined. A majority of sodium-adducted molecules observed in the FAB mass spectrum were mixtures of at least two components that have different fatty acid composition but the same molecular mass. In addition, all the components present in mixtures of all the species contain a long-chain fatty acid (C12 to C18) at the sn-1 position, a short-chain fatty acid (C4 to C8) at the sn-2 position, and a butyric acid uniquely at the sn-3 position.

Somatic mutations of Fas (Apo-1/CD95) gene in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma arising from a burn scar

Fas (Apo-1/CD95) is a cell-surface receptor involved in cell death signaling, and recent reports have suggested that defects within the Fas receptor pathway such as Fas mutation play an important part in the development and progression of human tumors. Burn scar-related squamous cell carcinoma of skin is a unique subtype of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and tends to be more aggressive in nature than conventional squamous cell carcinoma. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of burn scar-related squamous cell carcinoma, however, are not clear. In this study, we analyzed the entire coding region and all splice sites of the Fas gene for the detection of the somatic mutations in a series of 50 conventional squamous cell carcinomas and 21 burn scar-related squamous cell carcinomas by polymerase chain reaction, single strand conformation polymorphism, and DNA sequencing. We detected mis-sense mutations in three of 21 burn scar-related squamous cell carcinomas (14.3%), whereas no mutation was detected in 50 conventional squamous cell carcinomas. Of the three Fas mutations detected in the burn scar-related squamous cell carcinomas, one was found in Fas ligand-binding domain, another one was identified in the death domain known to be involved in the transduction of an apoptotic signal, and the other one was found in the transmembrane domain. Our data show that some burn scar-related squamous cell carcinomas have Fas gene mutations in important regions for the apoptosis function and suggest that these mutations might be involved in the pathogenesis of burn scar-related squamous cell carcinomas. In addition, our results provide an important clue to understanding the difference between burn scar-related squamous cell carcinoma and conventional squamous cell carcinoma at the molecular level.

ACE gene polymorphism and renal responsiveness to ACE inhibitors in IgA nephropathy patients

We examined the renal responsiveness to ACE inhibitor in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients according to the grouping of ACE gene polymorphism. Sixty one patients diagnosed as IgAN by renal biopsy and prescribed with ACE inhibitors were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and PCR was performed. The I/D polymorphism was determined by the presence of the 287 bp fragment in intron 16 of chromosome 17. During the follow-up period (mean; 44.6 months, median: 44.5 months, 5 to 113 months), the blood pressure of 61 patients was controlled below 130/80 mmHg. The renal responsiveness was determined by the degree of changes of proteinuria at 12 months after initiation of ACE inhibitors and by the slope of reciprocal variation of the serum creatinine against follow-up duration ¿(1/Cr2-1/Cr1)/durations¿. The distribution of the II, ID and DD genotype among 61 patients was 21, 16 and 24 patients, respectively. There were no differences among three genotypes in age, sex, the number of patients with initial blood pressure over 140/90 mmHg, initial serum creatinine level, the number of patients with initial azotemia (> 1.4 mg/dL) and with initial 24-hr proteinuria amount over 2.0 g. Significant anti-proteinuric effect of ACE inhibitor was found in IgAN (p = 0.001), but no significant difference was found among genotypes. Significant difference (p = 0.011) was noticed between II type and DD type in the slope of reciprocal variation of the serum creatinine against follow-up duration. In conclusion, efficacy of ACE inhibitors on renal function preservation in IgAN was more pronounced in DD genotype than II genotype.

Isolation and characterization of monoacetyldiglycerides from bovine udder

Monoacetyldiglycerides (MADGs) were isolated from an animal tissue, bovine udder, by solvent extraction and silica gel column chromatography. Monoacetyldiglyceride structures were identified using a variety of 1-D and 2-D NMR techniques and collision-induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry coupled with fast atom bombardment. CID of sodium-adducted molecular ions ([M+ Na](+)) generated numerous types of product ions providing information on the double bond position of fatty acyl groups as well as fatty acid compositions. Structural analysis led to the classification of the MADGs isolated from bovine udder as 1-palmitoyl-2-lauroyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1, 2-dimyristoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-palmitoyl-2-myristoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-oleoyl-2-myristoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-palmitoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1, 2-dipalmitoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-linoleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-oleoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-stearoyl-2-palmitoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1-oleoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, 1, 2-dioleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol, and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-3-acetyl-rac-glycerol.

Immunohistochemical localization of FAP-1, an inhibitor of Fas-mediated apoptosis, in normal and neoplastic human tissues

Fas, a death receptor, is widely expressed in human tissue, but its expression, although a prerequisite for the induction of apoptosis, does not predict its biological function. To understand the mechanisms of Fas resistance in human tissues in vivo, we performed immunohistochemistry using an antibody against Fas-associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1), which interacts with the cytosolic domain of Fas and inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis. In normal human tissues, FAP-1 immunostaining was easily detected, for example, in renal tubules, skeletal muscle, myocardiocytes, pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, pancreatic islets, hepatocytes, testicular germ cells, prostatic glands, neurons, epithelium of fallopian tube, endometrial glands, trophoblasts, bronchial epithelial cells, and some types of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. In 123 (78%) of 158 cancers of various origins, including breast carcinomas, stomach carcinomas, colon carcinomas, lung carcinomas and several types of sarcomas, variable intensities of FAP-1 expression were evident. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that FAP-1 is widely expressed in normal human tissues and partly overlapped with Fas expression described in earlier reports, suggesting that FAP-1 may have an important role in the regulation of apoptosis in vivo. In addition, FAP-1 expression in cancers suggests that many cancers may be resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis through the action of FAP-1 in vivo.

Alterations of the DR5/TRAIL receptor 2 gene in non-small cell lung cancers

Chromosome 8p21-22 is a frequent site of allelic deletions in many types of human tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) is a cell-surface receptor involved in cell death signaling. The TRAIL-R2 gene recently has been mapped to chromosome 8p21-22. To explore the possibility that the TRAIL-R2 gene might be the relevant gene to the frequent deletion of 8p21-22 in NSCLC, we have analyzed the entire coding region and all splice sites of TRAIL-R2 for the detection of the somatic mutations in a series of 104 NSCLCs. Overall, 11 tumors (10.6%) were found to have TRAIL-R2 gene mutations in the death domain known to be involved in the transduction of an apoptotic signal. Our data indicate that somatic mutation of TRAIL-R2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of some NSCLCs and that the TRAIL-R2 gene is one of the genes relevant to the frequent loss of chromosome 8p21-22 in NSCLC.

Determination of melatonin in biological samples by capillary electrophoresis

The determination of melatonin (MLT) in physiological samples was investigated using capillary electrophoresis (CE). Mouse blood was collected in tubes containing EDTA, centrifuged at 1500 g for 20 min at 4 degrees C, and stored at -20 degrees C. Plasma samples were extracted with dichloroethane, centrifuged and the aqueous phase was discarded. Then the organic phase was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in deionized water and filtered with a microfilter (0.22 micron). Separations were carried out using a CE system equipped with a fused silica capillary [80 cm (effective length 52 cm) x 75 microns I.D.] and an ultraviolet-visible detector (200 nm), and programmed to provide 25 mM 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (pH 5.7). Injection was performed hydrostatically by elevating the sample by 10 cm at the cathodic side of the capillary. The calibration curve, reproducibility, recovery and limit of detection were examined, and validation of the method was performed. The result showed that MLT in blood could be easily determined with the new method.

Hepatic involvement in hypereosinophilia: sonographic findings

Hypereosinophilic syndrome may cause eosinophil-related tissue damage to various organs. The purpose of this paper is to describe sonographic findings in 13 patients with hypereosinophilia in whom the liver was involved. The diagnosis in these 13 patients was based on liver biopsy in seven patients with bone marrow biopsy in six patients. Eight patients had hypereosinophilic syndrome and five patients had clonorchiasis. All 13 patients had mild to marked hepatomegaly. Seven of 13 patients showed multiple round or oval hypoechoic (n = 6) or variably echogenic (n = 1) lesions measuring 1 to 2 cm with poorly defined margins in both lobes of the liver. Four patients had one or two hypoechoic lesions 3 to 4 cm in size, with geographic pattern and poorly defined margins. Two patients showed diffuse hepatomegaly with increased parenchymal echogenicity. The number of lesions and the extent of diffuse lesions seem to be proportional to the degree of eosinophilia. Hypereosinophilia may produce multiple small focal hepatic lesions or diffuse segmental or lobar echogenic lesions simulating primary or metastatic tumor of the liver.

Clonazepam release from bioerodible hydrogels based on semi-interpenetrating polymer networks composed of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) macromer

Poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) macromers terminated with acrylate groups and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) composed of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)(PCL) and PEG macromer were synthesized to obtain a bioerodible hydrogel. Polymerization of PEG macromer resulted in the formation of cross-linked gels due to the multifunctionality of macromer. Glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of PEG networks and PCL in the SIPNs were inner-shifted, indicating an interpenetration of PCL and PEG chains. Water content in the SIPNs increased with increasing PEG weight fraction due to the hydrophilicity of PEG. The amount of clonazepam (CNZ) released from the SIPNs increased with higher content in the SIPNs, lower drug loading, lower concentration of PEG macromer during the SIPNs preparation, and higher molecular weight of PEG. In particular, a combination with low PEG content and low CNZ solubility in water led to long-term constant release from these matrices in vitro and in vivo.