Pure rotational spectra of the CCCF radical

Pure rotational transitions of a new carbon-chain radical CCCF in a supersonic jet have been observed for the first time using a Fourier-transform microwave spectrometer with a pulsed-discharge nozzle. The radical was produced by a pulsed electric discharge in a C(2)H(2) and CF(4) mixture diluted to 0.1% and 0.1% with Ne, respectively. Rotational transitions with spin and hyperfine splittings have been observed in the region from 9.1 GHz for N(K(a)K(c)) = 1(01)-0(00) to 27.3 GHz for N(K(a)K(c)) = 3(03)-2(02). The rotational constant, the spin-rotation interaction constant, and the hyperfine coupling constants due to the F nucleus have been precisely determined from the least-squares analysis, yielding B = 4555.8043(44), gamma(eff) = -7.105(16), b(F,eff) = 368(19), and c(eff) = -284.832(61) MHz. The determined molecular constants were compared with those obtained from high-level ab initio calculations and concluded that the CCCF radical has a bent ground state X(2)A(').

Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy of the CCCCl radical

Pure rotational spectra of the CCCCl radical in a supersonic jet have been observed for the first time by Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy. The radical was produced by a pulsed electric discharge in a C(2)H(2) and CCl(4) mixture diluted to 0.3% and 0.2% with Ne, respectively. Transitions with spin and hyperfine splittings were observed for two isotopologs, CCC(35)Cl and CCC(37)Cl, in the region from 11.4 GHz for N=2-1 to 34.2 GHz for N=6-5. The molecular constants including the hyperfine coupling constants due to the Cl nucleus have been determined precisely. From the rotational analyses and high-level ab initio calculations, the molecular structure of the CCCCl radical is concluded to be bent in the ground electronic state.

The specific effect of 2-methoxyestradiol on lymphatic vascular endothelial cells

Lymphatic metastasis of tumors is one of the most important prognostic factors and provides valuable information for decisions on appropriate surgical protocols. Recent studies have demonstrated that lymphangiogenesis of lymphatic vascular endothelial cells into tumors is a key event in lymphatic metastasis. Therefore, control of lymphangiogenesis is a promising strategy for treatment or prevention of tumor metastasis and lymphatic disorders. However, mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis or its specific inhibition are not well-understood. In this study we examined effects of various types of signaling inhibitors on tube formation in human lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (LECs) and blood microvascular endothelial cells (BECs) in vitro. We found that tube formation of LECs was specifically inhibited by 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME). This observation is of potential benefit in understanding the molecular mechanism of lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, 2ME could therefore offer specific protection against lymphatic metastasis and lymphangiogenesis-related diseases.

Primary clear cell carcinoma of the peritoneum: report of two cases and a review of the literature

The most common neoplasms of the peritoneum are malignant mesothelioma and serous papillary adenocarcinoma. Clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is mostly derived from the ovary and often associated with endometriosis. We describe the clinicopathologic features of two cases diagnosed as CCC of the peritoneum origin. Case 1, a 53-year-old woman, presented with upper abdominal and pelvic tumors. Case 2, a 66-year-old woman, presented with massive ascites and abdominal tumor. The ovaries and uterine endometrium of these cases were not affected, and the tumors were diagnosed as Stage IIIc CCC of the peritoneum origin. Pathologically, endometriosis was not observed in either case. Adjuvant chemotherapy using irinotecan and cisplatin was effective in one case. The cases and a review of the literature suggested that residual tumor volume size determines the survival of these patients, and that the tumors show resistance to conventional platinum-based chemotherapy.

Effects of Neonatally Administered High-dose Diethylstilbestrol on the Induction of Mammary Tumors Induced by 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene in Female Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of neonatal administration of a relatively high dose of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on the induction of mammary carcinomas (MCs) and benign proliferative lesions (PLs) induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in female rats. Three different terms of daily administration of DES (10 μg) were used: 0–14, 0–5, and 6–14 days after birth. Control animals were administered solvent (oil) alone once daily from 0 to 14 days after birth. Rats were given DMBA (10 mg) at 50 days after birth. All rats administered DES showed persistent estrus and anovulatory ovaries. In rats administered DES from 0 to 14 and 0 to 5 days after birth there was protection from development of MCs and PLs, and serum levels of both estrogen and progesterone were significantly lower than in the control animals at 100 days after birth. In rats administered DES from 6 to 14 days after birth, the incidence of MCs was equal to that of the control animals (100%), and the number of PLs was significantly higher than in the control animals. The critical period for exposure to endocrine disruptors, such as DES, affecting the induction of MCs and PLs may be from 0 to 5 days after birth.

Arterial stiffness acutely decreases after whole-body vibration in humans

BACKGROUND

Increased arterial stiffness is a well-established cardiovascular risk factor. Mechanical stimuli to artery, such as compression, elicit vasodilation and acutely decrease arterial stiffness. As whole-body vibration (WBV)-induced oscillation is propagated at least to lumbar spine, WBV mechanically stimulates abdominal and leg arteries and may decrease arterial stiffness. WBV is feasible in vulnerable and immobilized humans. Therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the possibility of WBV as a valuable adjunct to exercise training.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of WBV on arterial stiffness.

METHODS

Ten healthy men performed WBV and control (CON) trials on separate days. The WBV session consisted of 10 sets of vibration (frequency, 26 Hz) for 60 s with an inter-set rest period of 60 s. Subjects maintained a static squat position with knees bent on a platform. In the CON trial, WBV stimulation was not imposed. Blood pressure, heart rate and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), an index of arterial stiffness, were measured before and 20, 40 and 60 min after both trials.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Heart rate and blood pressure did not change from baseline after both trials. Although baPWV did not change in the CON trial (baseline vs. after 20, 40 and 60 min; 1144 +/- 35 vs. 1164 +/- 41, 1142 +/- 39, and 1148 +/- 34 cm s(-1)), baPWV decreased 20 and 40 min after the WBV trial and recovered to baseline 60 min after the trial (1137 +/- 28 vs. 1107 +/- 30, 1108 +/- 28, and 1128 +/- 25 cm s(-1)). These results suggest that WBV acutely decreases arterial stiffness.

The Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitor INNO-406 induces autophagy and different modes of cell death execution in Bcr-Abl-positive leukemias

Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors are promising therapeutic agents for Bcr-Abl-positive (Bcr-Abl(+)) leukemias. Although they are known to promote caspase-mediated apoptosis, it remains unclear whether caspase-independent cell death-inducing mechanisms are also triggered. Here we demonstrated that INNO-406, a second-generation Bcr-Abl TK inhibitor, induces programmed cell death (PCD) in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell lines through both caspase-mediated and caspase-independent pathways. The latter pathways include caspase-independent apoptosis (CIA) and necrosis-like cell death (CIND), and the cell lines varied regarding which mechanism was elicited upon INNO-406 treatment. We also observed that the propensity toward CIA or CIND in cells was strongly associated with cellular dependency on apoptosome-mediated caspase activity. Cells that undergo CIND have a high apoptosome activity potential whereas cells that undergo CIA tend to have a lower potential. Moreover, we found that INNO-406 promotes autophagy. When autophagy was inhibited with chloroquine or gene knockdown of beclin1 by shRNA, INNO-406-induced cell death was enhanced, which indicates that the autophagic response of the tumor cells is protective. These findings suggest new insights into the biology and therapy of Bcr-Abl(+) leukemias.

Dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colonic inflammation in angiotensin II type 1a receptor deficient mice

OBJECTIVE

Angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers have been reported to contribute to cytoprotective effects in various organs. However, the role of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in modulation of the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. In this study we assessed the role of angiotensin II type 1a (AT1a) receptor on the outcome of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis by employing AT1a receptor deficient mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The acute colitis was induced in wild type (WT) and AT1a receptor deficient mice by giving orally 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days.

RESULTS

Induction of DSS colitis resulted in up-regulation of Ang II and AT1a receptor in the colonic mucosa of WT mice. In parallel, loss of body weight, an increase in disease activity index (DAI), and the shortening of colon were found in DSS-challenged WT mice. In addition, an increase in thiobarbituric acid (TBA)-reactive substances and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, along with the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were detected in the colonic mucosa of DSS-challenged WT mice. The endpoints mentioned above were significantly ameliorated in DSS-challenged AT1a receptor deficient mice.

CONCLUSIONS

RAS is involved in the pathophysiology of DSS-induced colitis and AT1a receptor may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of IBD.

A novel selective medium for isolation of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Conventional selective media have been used for the selection of Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans in clinical samples. The proportion of A. actinomycetemcomitans grown on the selective media in vitro may not reflect the true counts in vivo because of the low selectivity. A novel selective medium, designated AASM, was developed for the isolation of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

AASM was prepared by adding of 200 microg/mL of vancomycin and 10 U/mL of bacitracin to AAGM, which contains dextrose, sodium bicarbonate, trypticase soy, yeast extract and agar. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the recovery, on AASM, of A. actinomycetemcomitans from subgingival samples of 44 periodontally healthy subjects and 76 patients with chronic periodontitis.

RESULTS

All serotypes (a-f) of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains grew well, and the average growth recovery of A. actinomycetemcomitans on AASM medium was 94.4% (80.0-109.7%) of that on AAGM. The exclusive rate of other bacteria was 99.9% in clinical samples cultured on AASM. A. actinomycetemcomitans was not detected in periodontally healthy persons but was detected in 25 (32.9%) patients with chronic periodontitis. The predominant serotype was c, detected in 11 subjects.

CONCLUSION

The new selective medium, AASM, was highly selective for A. actinomycetemcomitans, eliminated possible false-positive results and was useful for the isolation of A. actinomycetemcomitans from clinical samples.

Antiatherogenic effects of cilostazol and probucol alone, and in combination in low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice fed with a high fat diet

Cilostazol, an antiplatelet drug, and probucol, a cholesterol-lowering drug, are reported to ameliorate atherosclerosis in animal models. However, their combined effect on atherosclerosis is unclear. We therefore evaluated their combined effect on atherosclerotic lesions in LDL receptor-deficient mice. Male LDL receptor-deficient mice were fed a high fat diet with or without cilostazol alone, probucol alone, or with cilostazol and probucol in combination, for 8 weeks. Body weight and plasma lipid levels were measured before and during treatment. At the end of treatment, the size distribution of plasma lipoproteins was analyzed by HPLC and then plasma HDL cholesterol levels and en face aortic atherosclerotic lesion areas were measured. Probucol alone significantly decreased both total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, while cilostazol alone did not decrease total cholesterol, but significantly increased HDL cholesterol. Both cilostazol alone and probucol alone significantly decreased atherosclerotic lesion areas, and their combined administration showed more significant decreases than when each drug was administered singly. The combination of cilostazol and probucol was more effective in preventing atherosclerotic lesion formation than the administration of each drug alone; this may provide us with a new strategy for treating atherosclerosis.

Antioxidative Role of Interleukin-6 in Septic Lung Injury in Mice

We have previously demonstrated the protective role of interleukin (IL)-6 against septic lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using IL-6 knock-out (−/−) mice. This protection is mediated, at least partly, through the inhibition of the enhanced local expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we addressed whether IL-6 regulates oxidative stress in the lung generated by LPS exposure using IL-6 (−/−) and corresponding wild type (WT) mice. Intraperitoneal LPS (1 mg/kg) challenge induced transcriptional expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase −1 in the lung of mice with both genotypes. In the presence of LPS, these expressions were significantly greater in IL-6 (−/−) than in WT mice. Immunohistochemistry also showed that LPS induced a significant increase in 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine formation in the lung as compared to vehicle. Furthermore, the formation was more intense in IL-6 (−/−) than in WT mice in the presence of LPS challenge. In the presence of LPS, lipid peroxidation in the lung was significantly greater in IL-6 (−/−) than in WT mice. These data suggest that the possible mechanisms in which endogenous IL-6 protects against septic lung injury induced by LPS involve, at least in part, its antioxidative properties.

A quantitative method for estimating hepatic blood flow using a dual-input single-compartment model

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy of a quantitative method for estimating arterial hepatic blood flow and portal hepatic blood flow separately using a dual-input single-compartment model compared with the maximum slope method using computer simulations and clinical data. In computer simulations, the rate constants for the transfer of contrast agent (CA) from the hepatic artery to the liver (K(1a)), from the portal vein to the liver (K(1p)) and from the liver to the blood (k(2)) were estimated from simulated time-density curves with various transit times of CA from the aorta to the liver (tau(a)) and from the portal vein to the liver (tau(p)) using the linear least-squares (LLSQ) method. In clinical studies, dynamic CT data were acquired from 27 patients, and parametric maps of K(1a), K(1p) and k(2) were generated by applying the LLSQ method pixel by pixel. In simulation studies, tau(a) and tau(p) were found to have a large and a small effect on the estimates of K(1a) and K(1p), respectively. In clinical studies, the K(1a) and K(1p) values estimated with the maximum slope method were underestimated by 60+/-29% and 37+/-12%, respectively, compared with those estimated by the LLSQ method. In conclusion, our results suggest that correction of tau(a) is necessary for accurately estimating K(1a) and K(1p). Our method is therefore promising for the evaluation of hepatic blood flow in various liver diseases because it allows us to evaluate arterial hepatic blood flow and portal hepatic blood flow separately and visually.

Size effects of nanomaterials on lung inflammation and coagulatory disturbance

Effects of nano-sized materials (nanomaterials) on subjects with predisposing inflammatory disorders have not been well elucidated. This study examined the effects of pulmonary exposure to TiO2 nanomaterials on lung inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and consequent systemic inflammation with coagulatory disturbance in mice, in particular regarding their size-dependency. Also, gene expression pattern in the lung was compared among the experimental groups using cDNA microarray analysis. ICR male mice were divided into 8 experimental groups that intratracheally received vehicle, three sizes (15, 50, 100 nm) of TiO2 nanomaterials (8 mg/kg), LPS (2.5 mg/kg), or LPS plus nanomaterials. Twenty four h after the treatment, these nanomaterials exacerbated the lung inflammation and vascular permeability elicited by LPS, with an overall trend of amplified lung expressions of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, macrophage chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC). LPS plus nanomaterials, especially of a size less than 50 nm, elevated circulatory levels of fibrinogen, IL-1beta, MCP-1, and KC, and von Willebrand factor as compared with LPS alone. The enhancement tended overall to be greater with the smaller nanomaterials than with the larger ones. cDNA microarray analyses revealed that there was no difference in gene expression pattern between the LPS group and the LPS + nanomaterial. These results suggest that nanomaterials exacerbate lung inflammation related to LPS with systemic inflammation and coagulatory disturbance, and that the exacerbation is more prominent with smaller nanomaterials than with larger ones.

Cacao Liquor Proanthocyanidins Inhibit Lung Injury Induced by Diesel Exhaust Particles

Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that diesel exhaust particles (DEPs), which generate reactive oxygen species, may be involved in the recent increase in the prevalence of lung diseases. Cacao liquor proanthocyanidins (CPs) are naturally occurring polyphenols with antioxidative activities. We carried out a study in mice to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of CPs on lung injury induced by intratracheal administration of DEPs (500 μg/body). Dietary supplementation with 1.0% CPs inhibited DEP-induced lung injury, characterized by neutrophil sequestration and edema. Immunohistochemical analyses showed that CPs prevented enhanced expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 caused by DEPs in the lung injury. Numerous adducts of nitrotyrosine, N-(hexanonyl) lysine, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, and 8-OHdG were also observed immunohistochemically in the lungs of mice treated with DEPs. However, these indicators of oxidative stress were barely visible in mice pretreated with CP supplementation. In addition, the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the lung was decreased by CP supplementation in the presence of DEPs. These results suggest that CPs inhibit DEP-induced lung injury by reducing oxidative stress, in association with a reduction in the expression of adhesion molecules.

Overexpression of RegIV in peritoneal dissemination of gastric cancer and its potential as A novel marker for the detection of peritoneal micrometastasis

BACKGROUND

Regenerating gene type IV (RegIV) is a candidate marker for cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, its potential as a novel marker for the detection of gastric cancer peritoneal micrometastases was examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RegIV mRNA levels in the peritoneal washes of 95 gastric cancer patients and 22 with benign disease were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. To examine whether expression of RegIV enhance tumorigenicity or not, thirty two mice were injected intraperitoneally or subcutaneously with RegIV transfectants of TMK-1 cells, parental TMK-1 cells, or neomycin control transfectants.

RESULTS

RegIV expression was markedly higher in patients with peritoneal metastases compared to those without. The level of RegIV mRNA in gastric cancer patients was related to the extent of wall penetration. A cut-off value for RegIV-positive expression was based on an analysis of negative control patients with benign disease, and gastric cancer patients above the cut-off value constituted the micrometastasis (MM+) group. Based on this criteria, 3 out of 43 T1 or T2 cases were MM+ (93% specificity). Among 15 patients with peritoneal dissemination (7 out of 15 cases were positive by cytology), 14 cases were positive for RegIV expression (93% sensitivity), while analysis of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA failed to detect micrometastases in 4 cases (73% sensitivity). Combined analysis of CEA and RegIV improved the accuracy of diagnosis to 100%. The prognosis of RegIV-positive cases was significantly worse than that of RegIV-negative cases. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model suggested that RegIV may be an independent prognostic factor. Stable expression of RegIV significantly enhanced peritoneal metastasis in an animal model of gastric cancer.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that RegIV mRNA expression has the potential to serve as a novel marker for detecting peritoneal dissemination in gastric cancer.

Effects of nanoparticles on lung physiology in the presence or absence of antigen

Ambient particulate matter (PM) exacerbates allergic airway diseases. Our previous study showed that diesel exhaust particles, the main constituents in urban PM, enhance airway hyperresponsivness in mice. In addition, health effects of PM with a diameter of less than 100 nm, called nanoparticles, have been reported, and we have also demonstrated that carbon nanoparticles exacerbate antigen-related airway inflammation. The present study investigates the effects of pulmonary exposure to two sizes of carbon nanoparticles on lung physiology and lung expression of Muc5ac in the presence or absence of antigen in mice. Nanoparticles alone or ovalbumin (OVA) alone moderately enhanced cholinergic airway reactivity, as assessed by total respiratory system resistance (R) and Newtonian resistance (Rn). In the nanoparticle + OVA groups, all the parameters for lung responsiveness, such as R, compliance, elastance, Rn, tissue damping, and tissue elastance, were worse than those in the vehicle group, the corresponding nanoparticle groups or the OVA group. The lung mRNA level for Muc5ac was significantly higher in the OVA group than in the vehicle group, and further increased in the nanoparticle + OVA groups than in the OVA or the nanoparticle groups. These data suggest that carbon nanoparticles can enhance lung hyperresponsiveness, especially in the presence of antigen. The effects may be mediated, at least partly, through the enhanced lung expression of Muc5ac.

Total synthesis of (+)- and (-)-sundiversifolide via intramolecular acylation and determination of the absolute configuration

Intramolecular acylation of an organolithium leads to an efficient stereocontrolled total synthesis of both enantiomers of sundiversifolide. The absolute configuration was determined by HPLC analysis and allelopathy assay. The gamma-lactone moiety resulted from a butenolide was obtained by the condensation of a bicyclic alpha-hydroxyhemiacetal with Ph3P=CMe(CO2R).

Comparative study on transduction and toxicity of protein transduction domains

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Protein transduction domains (PTDs), such as Tat, antennapedia homeoprotein (Antp), Rev and VP22, have been extensively utilized for intracellular delivery of biologically active macromolecules in vitro and in vivo. There is little known, however, about the relative transduction efficacy, cytotoxicity and internalization mechanism of individual PTDs.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We examined the cargo delivery efficacies of four major PTDs (Tat, Antp, Rev and VP22) and evaluated their toxicities and cell internalizing pathways in various cell lines.

KEY RESULTS

The relative order of the transduction efficacy of these PTDs conjugated to fluorescein was Rev>Antp>Tat>VP22, independent of cell type (HeLa, HaCaT, A431, Jurkat, MOLT-4 and HL60 cells). Antp produced significant toxicity in HeLa and Jurkat cells, and Rev produced significant toxicity in Jurkat cells. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that the uptake of PTD-fluorescein conjugate was dose-dependently inhibited by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, cytochalasin D and amiloride, indicating that all four PTDs were internalized by the macropinocytotic pathway. Accordingly, in cells co-treated with 'Tat-fused' endosome-disruptive HA2 peptides (HA2-Tat) and independent PTD-fluorescent protein conjugates, fluorescence spread throughout the cytosol, indicating that all four PTDs were internalized into the same vesicles as Tat.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These findings suggest that macropinocytosis-dependent internalization is a crucial step in PTD-mediated molecular transduction. From the viewpoint of developing effective and safe protein transduction technology, although Tat was the most versatile carrier among the peptides studied, PTDs should be selected based on their individual characteristics.

The association of genetic variants in Krüppel-like factor 11 and Type 2 diabetes in the Japanese population

AIMS

Krüppel-like factor 11 (KLF11) is a transcriptional factor of the zinc finger domain family that regulates the expression of insulin. In North European populations, its common functional variant Q62R (rs35927125) is a strong genetic factor for Type 2 diabetes (P = 0.00033, odds ratio for G allele = 1.29, 95% CI 1.12-1.49). We examined the contribution of KLF11 variants to the susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes in a Japanese population.

METHODS

By re-sequencing Japanese individuals (n = 24, partly 96), we screened all four exons, exon/intron boundaries and flanking regions of KLF11. Verified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in 731 initial samples (369 control and 362 case subjects). Subsequently, we tested for association in 1087 samples (524 control and 563 case subjects), which were collected in different districts of Japan from the initial samples.

RESULTS

We identified eight variants, including a novel A/C variant on intron 3, but no mis-sense mutations. In an association study, we failed to find any significant result of SNPs (minor allele frequency 8.2-46.2%) after correcting for multiple testing. Similarly, no haplotypes were associated with Type 2 diabetes. It is notable that the G allele in rs35927125 was completely absent in 1818 Japanese individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic variants in KLF11 are unlikely to have a major effect of Type 2 diabetes in the Japanese population, although they were significantly associated in North European populations. These observations might help to determine the role of KLF11 variants in Type 2 diabetes in different populations.

Molecular mechanisms involved in anti-inflammatory effects of proton pump inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin (IL)-8 has been reported to participate in neutrophil infiltration in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastritis in humans. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory actions beyond the suppression of acid secretion by proton pump inhibitors (PPI), such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, on IL-8 production by gastric epithelial cells (MKN45) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and on the transendothelial migration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MKN45 and HUVEC were stimulated with H. pylori water extract (HPE) and IL-1beta, respectively, and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) activation and subsequent IL-8 production was assessed in the absence or presence of PPI. We also assessed the effect of PPI on IL-8-induced PMN transendothelial migration and on the alteration of cytoplasmic calcium concentration in formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP)-stimulated PMN.

RESULTS

HPE and IL-1beta induced a significant increase in IL-8 production by MKN45 and HUVEC, respectively, along with NFkappaB activation, which was significantly inhibited by PPI. PPI also inhibited the IL-8-induced transendothelial migration of PMN and the fMLP-induced cytosolic calcium increase in PMN.

CONCLUSIONS

PPI attenuate PMN-dependent gastric mucosal inflammation partly by interfering with NFkappaB activation in vascular endothelial cells and gastric epithelial cells, and partly by modulating the calcium concentration of PMN.

Metabolic syndrome is not associated with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, serum adiponectin and endogenous androgen concentrations in Japanese men with Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by its association with certain cardiovascular disease risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between metabolic syndrome and markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, serum adiponectin and endogenous androgen concentrations in Japanese men with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Using the 2005 International Diabetes Federation (IDF) definition, we assessed the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in 424 consecutive men with Type 2 diabetes aged 40-75 years in a cross-sectional study. We compared characteristics including ultrasonographic carotid atherosclerosis markers, pulse-wave velocity (PWV), and serum adiponectin, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) concentrations in diabetic patients with and without the metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Japanese men with Type 2 diabetes was 46.9%. Men with the metabolic syndrome had higher urinary albumin excretion rate than those without. Carotid intima-media thickness (0.97 +/- 0.26 vs. 0.91 +/- 0.18 mm), plaque score [3.3 (1.5-8.1) vs. 3.8 (1.3-6.2)], PWV (1818 +/- 331 vs. 1749 +/- 331 cm/s) and ankle-brachial index (1.10 +/- 0.14 vs. 1.08 +/- 0.16) did not differ significantly between patients with and without the metabolic syndrome. Similarly, serum adiponectin [3.70 (2.06-6.09) vs. 4.65 (3.09-7.02) microg/ml], free testosterone (36.4 +/- 10.7 vs. 34.7 +/- 11.1 pmol/l), and DHEA-S concentrations (3.29 +/- 1.83 vs. 3.17 +/- 1.63 micromol/l) did not differ significantly between groups,

CONCLUSIONS

The metabolic syndrome, as defined by the IDF, is not significantly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis markers, serum adiponectin, or endogenous androgen concentrations in Japanese men with Type 2 diabetes.

Fluorescence studies on binding of pyrene and its derivatives to humic acid

Binding of pyrene (PyH) and its derivatives to humic acid (HA) has been studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The nature of the interaction between HA and pyrene derivatives are extensively investigated by employing three derivatives ranging from anionic to cationic compounds: 1-pyrenebutylic acid (PyA), 1-pyrenemethanol (PyM), and 1-pyrenebutyltrimethylammonium bromide (PyB). Binding constants between HA and PyX (X=H, A, M, B) are obtained by steady-state fluorescence quenching techniques, and it is found that PyB has a markedly large binding constant among the pyrene family. This is attributed to a strong electrostatic interaction between cationic PyB and anionic HA. The result suggests that an electrostatic interaction plays a dominant role in binding of pyrenes to humic acid. The importance of electrostatic interaction was also confirmed by a salt effect on the binding constant. Influence of collisional quenching on the binding constant, which causes overestimation of the binding constant, was examined by time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy as well as temperature effect in steady-state fluorescence measurements. It is elucidated that collisional quenching does not much bring overestimation into the binding constants.

Circulating tumor cells detected in patients with gastrointestinal cancers associate with tumor stage and response to chemotherapy

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Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic breast cancer has been reported to correlate with shorter overall survival. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical significance of CTCs in gastrointestinal cancers. Methods: CTCs of 108 patients with stage III or IV gastrointestinal cancers and 38 healthy volunteers were measured by use of the CellSearch system. Correlation between CTC counts and clinicopathologic variables was examined. Results: The number of CTCs in stage IV patients (23.0 ± 109.1) was significantly larger than that in healthy donors (0.1 ± 0.2) and that in stage III patients (0.4 ± 1.8) (p < 0.001). =2 CTCs were more frequently found in stage IV patients (41.6%) than in healthy donors (0%) and in stage III patients (3.2%) (p < 0.001). =2 CTCs in gastric or colorectal cancer had significant correlation with peritoneal dissemination (p = 0.029). =2 CTCs in esophageal cancer had significant correlation with pleural dissemination (p = 0.030). In 10 of 32 CTC positive (=2) patients with stage IV gastrointestinal cancers, CTC was measured before initiation of a new line of chemotherapy and more than 3 weeks after initiation of therapy. The change in CTCs correlated with disease progression and reflected chemotherapeutic effect. Conclusions: This study suggested measurement of CTCs in gastrointestinal cancer patients shows promise as a tool for judging advanced tumor stage, predicting peritoneal or pleural dissemination and monitoring response to chemotherapy.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Genetic association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in endonuclease G-like 1 gene with type 2 diabetes in a Japanese population

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

In order to identify type 2 diabetes disease susceptibility gene(s) in a Japanese population, we applied a region-wide case-control association test to the 20.4 Mb region between D3S1293 and D3S2319 on chromosome 3p24.3-22.1, supported by linkage to type 2 diabetes and its related traits in Japanese and multiple populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a two-stage association test using 1,762 Japanese persons with 485 gene-centric, evenly spaced, common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers with minor allele frequency >0.1. For mouse studies, total RNA was extracted from various organs of BKS.Cg-+Lepr(db)/+Lepr(db) and control mice, and from MIN6, NIH3T3 and C2C12 cell lines.

RESULTS

We detected a landmark SNP375 (A/G) (rs2051211, p = 0.000046, odds ratio = 1.33, 95% CI 1.16-1.53) in intron 5 of the endonuclease G-like 1 (ENDOGL1) gene. Systematic dense SNPs approach identified a susceptibility linkage disequilibrium (LD) block of 116.5 kb by |D'|, an LD units map and a critical region of 2.1 kb by r (2) in ENDOGL1. A haplotype-based association test showed that an at-risk haplotype is associated with disease status (p = 0.00001). The expression of ENDOGL1 was rather ubiquitous with relatively abundant expression in the brain and also in a pancreatic islet beta cell line. Mouse Endogl1 expression increased in pancreatic islets of hyperglycaemic BKS.Cg-+Lepr(db)/+Lepr(db) mice compared with that in control mice.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Based on the population genetics, fine mapping of LD block and haplotype analysis, we conclude that ENDOGL1 is a candidate disease-susceptibility gene for type 2 diabetes in a Japanese population. Further analysis in a larger sample size is required to substantiate this conclusion.

Synthesis of Multisubstituted Furans, Pyrroles, and Thiophenes via Ynolates

An efficient synthetic method for the preparation of multisubstituted furans, thiophenes, and pyrroles using ynolates was developed. This novel formal [4 + 1] annulation by C2-C3 and C3-C4 bond formations includes cycloaddition, cyclization, decarboxylation, and dehydration as key steps.

Frequent silencing of RUNX3 in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas is associated with radioresistance and poor prognosis

Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for some esophageal cancers, but the molecular mechanisms of radiosensitivity remain unknown. RUNX3, a novel tumor suppressor of gastric cancer, functions in transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-dependent apoptosis. We obtained paired samples from 62 patients with advanced esophageal cancers diagnosed initially as T3 or T4 with image diagnosis; one sample was obtained from a biopsy before presurgical radiotherapy, and the other was resected in surgical specimens after radiotherapy. RUNX3 was repressed in 67.7% cases of the pretreatment biopsy samples and 96.7% cases of the irradiated, resected samples. The nuclear expression of RUNX3 was associated with radiosensitivity and a better prognosis than cytoplasmic or no RUNX3 expression (P<0.003); cytoplasmic RUNX3 expression was strictly associated with radioresistance. RUNX3 was downregulated and its promoter was hypermethylated in all radioresistant esophageal cancer cell lines examined. Stable transfection of esophageal cancer cells with RUNX3 slightly inhibited cell proliferation in vitro, enhanced the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of TGF-beta and increased radiosensitivity in conjunction with Bim induction. In contrast, transfection of RUNX3-expressing cells with a RUNX3 antisense construct or a Bim-specific small interfering RNA induced radioresistance. Treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine restored RUNX3 expression, increased radiosensitivity and induced Bim in both control and radioresistant cells. These results suggest that RUNX3 silencing promotes radioresistance in esophageal cancers. Examination of RUNX3 expression in pretreatment specimens may predict radiosensitivity, and induction of RUNX3 expression may increase tumor radiosensitivity.

Interleukin-8 production via protease-activated receptor 2 in human esophageal epithelial cells

Interaction between proteases and protease-activated receptor (PAR) 2 has been proposed to mediate inflammatory and immune response in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, increase in interleukin (IL)-8 in the esophageal mucosa has been associated with the pathogenesis of esophagitis induced by reflux of gastric acids, bile acids or trypsin. The aims of the present study were to determine PAR2 expression in normal human esophageal epithelial cells (HEEC) and to evaluate the mediation of IL-8 production by trypsin-PAR2 interaction in HEEC. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis revealed that PAR2 mRNA and protein were constitutively expressed in HEEC without upregulation by the stimulation with tumor necrosis factor alpha or trypsin. IL-8 was produced in a dose-dependent fashion when cells were stimulated with a PAR2 agonist such as trypsin or SLIGKV-amide. Blocking antibody to PAR2, camostat mesilate (a trypsin inhibitor), p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors or ERK1/2 inhibitors reduced IL-8 production from trypsin-stimulated HEEC. Mutation of the NFkappaB-, AP-1- and NF-IL-6-binding site on the IL-8 gene promoter abrogated the induction of luciferase activities stimulated with trypsin by 100, 80 and 50%, respectively. These results indicate that PAR2 activation in HEEC by trypsin induces NFkappaB- and AP-1-dependent IL-8 production in association with activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2, suggesting that esophageal inflammation may be induced by PAR2 activation via reflux of trypsin.

Stage migration caused by D2 dissection with para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer from the results of a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Extended lymphadenectomy (D2) provides accurate nodal staging of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify the degree of stage migration seen with D2 combined with para-aortic lymph node dissection for gastric cancer invading the subserosa, the serosa and adjacent structures (T2ss-4) in patients considered not to have distant metastases (M0).

METHODS

Between July 1995 and April 2001, 523 patients were recruited and randomized in a prospective phase III trial comparing D2 with D2 and para-aortic nodal dissection for T2ss-4 gastric cancer without macroscopic para-aortic nodal metastases. Stage migration was evaluated by Japanese Gastric Cancer Association staging in 260 patients who underwent D2 with para-aortic dissection by analysing pathological information from the dissected lymph nodes.

RESULTS

Node (N)-stage migration was observed in 1 per cent (1 of 82) of patients with N1 disease, 20 per cent (12 of 59) with N2, 43 per cent (10 of 23) with N3 and 8.8 per cent (23 of 260) of all patients. Final stage migration occurred in 9 per cent (5 of 58) of patients with stage IIIa, 19 per cent (8 of 42) with stage IIIb, 56 per cent (9 of 16) with stage IVa and 8.5 per cent (22 of 260) of all patients. Metastasis to N4 nodes was found in 4 per cent (four of 95) of tumours invading the subserosa and 17.4 per cent (19 of 109) of tumours penetrating the serosa. The overall incidence of N4 involvement was 8.8 per cent (23 of 260).

CONCLUSION

Extended para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer provides accurate nodal staging and results in stage migration, which may improve stage-specific survival regardless of overall survival benefit.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis in patellar tendon grafts in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

The aim of this study was to clarify vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and angiogenesis in the patellar tendon (PT) autograft in the early phase after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a rabbit model. The right knees of 30 Japanese white rabbits underwent ACL reconstruction using the medial third of the PT complex. We evaluated the grafted tendon at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks after ACL reconstruction by immunohistology for proliferating cell nuclear antigen, VEGF, and CD31, which is a marker for vascular endothelial cells. At week 1 , few cells were observed at the midsubstance of the grafted tendon. A number of proliferating cells were observed at the surface area of the PT graft 2 weeks after graft transplantation, while no vessel formation was observed in the graft at the same time. VEGF was highly expressed 2-3 weeks postoperatively. Vessel formation in the PT graft increased with time from 3 to 8 weeks after ACL reconstruction. The rates of proliferating cells and VEGF-expressing cells decreased with time from 3 to 8 weeks. This study has suggested that VEGF is involved in the graft remodeling process particularly at the early phase after ACL reconstruction.

Lessons from ovarian cancer patients with more than 10 years survival

15059

Background: Purpose of this retrospective study is to explore predictive factors for long-term survival in patients with primary epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Methods: Total 161 patients treated from March 1983 to December 1994 at the National Defense medical College hospital were enrolled in this study. Profiles and characteristics of patients with long-term survival were retrospectively examined. Results: All patients with stage IA-B or IIA-B survived more than 10 years although 2 of patients with stage IA and IB tumor were dead of primary disease and one patient was dead of other disease after more than 10 years follow-up. More than half of patients with stage IC, IIC or IIIA-B survived more than 10 years, while 10-years’ survival rates of patients with stage IIIC or IV were only 10% with marked increase of death by primary disease. All patients with stage I or IIA-B without residual tumor after initial surgery survived more than 10 years. Although long-term survival rates of patients with stage IIC or IIIA-B were higher in patients without residual tumor after initial surgery, 6 out of 7 patients with stage IIIC or IV had residual tumor. Analysis of 70 patients with stage III or IV ovarian cancer revealed that residual tumor size, histologic types and response to initial chemotherapy affected significantly long-term survival. Conclusions: We demonstrated that predictors for long-term survival were stage, residual tumor size after initial surgery, histology and response to initial chemotherapy.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Transthoracic direct current shock facilitates intramyocardial transfection of naked plasmid DNA infused via coronary vessels in canines

Catheter-mediated, percutaneous, transluminal delivery of naked plasmid DNA (pDNA) into myocardium may offer a valuable strategy to heart diseases. Here, we examined whether clinically available transthoracic direct current (DC) shock improves intracoronary naked DNA transfection into myocardium. Plasmid vector encoding the GL3 luciferase was infused retrogradely into the coronary veins of beagle dogs, whereas another pDNA solution was infused into the left coronary artery. During and after these procedures, the coronary venous sinus was occluded by balloon, and transthoracic DC shock of 200 J was applied immediately after the infusions. Without DC shock, no remarkable increase in luciferase activity was demonstrated in any part of the left ventricular myocardium. In the presence of DC pulsation, significant luciferase expression was detected in the regions that were supplied by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), whereas the gene expression in the right coronary artery (RCA) regions was much less drastic. X-gal (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-beta-D-galactoside) staining of cardiac cross-sections also revealed regional expression of beta-galactosidase. Immunohistochemical examinations of heart cryosections revealed that cardiomyocytes in LAD regions successfully expressed transgene product. The present system may enable a new strategy for myocardial gene therapy, without any special device or technique other than cardiac catheterization and DC cardioversion that are generally performed in ordinary hospitals.

Components of diesel exhaust particles differentially affect Th1/Th2 response in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation

BACKGROUND

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP) can enhance various respiratory diseases. However, it is unclear as to which components in DEP are associated with the enhancement. We investigated the effects of DEP components on antigen-related airway inflammation, using residual carbonaceous nuclei of DEP after extraction (washed DEP), extracted organic chemicals (OC) in DEP (DEP-OC), and DEP-OC plus washed DEP (whole DEP) in the presence or absence of ovalbumin (OVA).

METHODS

Male ICR mice were intratracheally administrated with OVA and/or DEP components. We examined the cellular profile of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, histological changes, lung expression of inflammatory molecules, and antigen-specific production of IgG1 in the serum.

RESULTS

DEP-OC, rather than washed DEP, enhanced infiltration of inflammatory cells into BAL fluid, magnitude of airway inflammation, and proliferation of goblet cells in the airway epithelium in the presence of OVA, which was paralleled by the enhanced lung expression of eotaxin and IL-5 as well as the elevated concentration of OVA-specific IgG1. In contrast, washed DEP with OVA showed less change and increased the lung expression of IFN-gamma. The combination of whole DEP and OVA caused the most remarkable changes in the entire enhancement, which was also accompanied by the enhanced expression of IL-13 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha.

CONCLUSION

DEP-OC, rather than washed DEP, exaggerated allergic airway inflammation through the enhancement of T-helper type 2 responses. The coexistence of OC with carbonaceous nuclei caused the most remarkable aggravation. DEP components might diversely affect various types of respiratory diseases, while whole DEP might mostly aggravate respiratory diseases.

Genome-wide profiling of promoter methylation in human

DNA methylation in the promoter region of a gene is associated with a loss of that gene's expression and plays an important role in gene silencing. The inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes by aberrant methylation in the promoter region is well recognized in carcinogenesis. However, there has been little study in this area when it comes to genome-wide profiling of the promoter methylation. Here, we developed a genome-wide profiling method called Microarray-based Integrated Analysis of Methylation by Isoschizomers to analyse the DNA methylation of promoter regions of 8091 human genes. With this method, resistance to both the methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme HpaII and the methylation-insensitive isoschizomer MspI was compared between samples by using a microarray with promoter regions of the 8091 genes. The reliability of the difference in HpaII resistance was judged using the difference in MspI resistance. We demonstrated the utility of this method by finding epigenetic mutations in cancer. Aberrant hypermethylation is known to inactivate tumour suppressor genes. Using this method, we found that frequency of the aberrant promoter hypermethylation in cancer is higher than previously hypothesized. Aberrant hypomethylation is known to induce activation of oncogenes in cancer. Genome-wide analysis of hypomethylated promoter sequences in cancer demonstrated low CG/GC ratio of these sequences, suggesting that CpG-poor genes are sensitive to demethylation activity in cancer.

Heteroatom-Guided Torquoselective Olefination of α-Oxy and α-Amino Ketones via Ynolates

Ynolates were found to react with alpha-alkoxy-, alpha-siloxy-, and alpha-aryloxyketones at room temperature to afford tetrasubstituted olefins with high Z selectivity. Since the geometrical selectivity was determined in the ring opening of the beta-lactone enolate intermediates, the torquoselectivity was controlled by the ethereal oxygen atoms. From experimental and theoretical studies, the high Z selectivity is induced by orbital and steric interactions rather than by chelation. In a similar manner, alpha-dialkylamino ketones provided olefins with excellent Z selectivity. These products can be easily converted into multisubstituted butenolides and gamma-butyrolactams in good yield.

Heme oxygenase-1 (Hsp32) is involved in the protection of small intestine by whole body mild hyperthermia from ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

AIM

The aim of the present study was to explore whether heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is involved in the hyperthermia-provided protection of the small intestine from ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

METHODS

Intestinal damage was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by clamping both the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk for 30 min, followed by reperfusion. Whole-body hyperthermia was induced in anesthetized rats by placement in a temperature-controlled water bath. Whole-body hyperthermia to a core temperature of 42-43 degrees C for 15 min was followed by passive cooling. We started the hyperthermic treatment 6 h before the vascular clamping. The severity of the mucosal injury was evaluated by several biochemical markers and histological findings. Hyperthermia-induced heat-shock proteins were detected by Western blotting. We also investigated the effect of zinc protoporphyrin IX (an HO-1 inhibitor) on the protective effect of hyperthermia.

RESULTS

The rats, which were killed after ischemia/reperfusion, had severe intestinal inflammation. Hyperthermia significantly induced the production of Hsp70 and HO-1 in intestinal mucosa and significantly reduced ischemia/reperfusion-induced mucosal injury. The combination of zinc protoporphyrin IX with hyperthermia extinguished the protective effects of hyperthermia on ischemia/reperfusion injury.

CONCLUSION

Hyperthermia protects against ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat small intestine through the expression of heat-shock proteins, especially HO-1.

Daily profile of plasma %CoQ10 level, a biomarker of oxidative stress, in patients with diabetes manifesting postprandial hyperglycaemia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regular meals on the daily profile of blood oxidative stress markers in type 2 diabetic patients with postprandial hyperglycaemia. %CoQ10, calculated as the ratio of ubiquinone-10 (oxidised form of coenzyme Q10) to ubiquinol-10 (reduced form), was used as a sensitive marker of oxidative stress. Blood samples were collected from patients before and 2 h after breakfast, lunch and supper, and at 10 p.m. Patients were selected for the study if their blood glucose levels were <7 mmol/l before breakfast and > or =11.1 mmol/l on at least one occasion after breakfast. %CoQ10 levels after breakfast and throughout the day were significantly higher than those before breakfast (p=0.006-0.04). In contrast to the wave-like changes in plasma glucose levels, %CoQ10 levels increased after breakfast and remained at high levels throughout the day. These results indicated that diabetic patients with postprandial hyperglycaemia were exposed to meal-induced periods of oxidative stress during the day. Postprandial hyperglycaemia therefore has the potential to increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through induction of oxidative stress.