Interaction of Eating Status and Dietary Variety on Incident Functional Disability among Older Japanese Adults

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether eating status and dietary variety were associated with functional disability during a 5-year follow-up analysis of older adults living in a Japanese metropolitan area.

DESIGN

A 5-year follow-up study.

SETTING

Ota City, Tokyo, Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 10,308 community-dwelling non-disabled adults aged 65-84 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Eating status was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. Dietary variety was assessed using the dietary variety score (DVS). Based on the responses, participants were classified according to eating alone or together and DVS categories (low: 0-3; high: 4-10). Functional disability incidence was prospectively identified using the long-term care insurance system's nationally unified database. Multilevel survival analyses calculated the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident functional disability.

RESULTS

During a 5-year follow-up, 1,991 (19.3%) individuals had functional disabilities. Eating status or DVS were not independently associated with incident functional disability. However, interaction terms between eating status and DVS were associated with functional disability; HR (95% CI) for eating together and low DVS was 1.00 (0.90-1.11), eating alone and high DVS was 0.95 (0.77-1.17), and eating alone and low DVS was 1.20 (1.02-1.42), compared to those with eating together and high DVS.

CONCLUSION

Older adults should avoid eating alone or increase dietary variety to prevent functional disability. This can be ensured by providing an environment of eating together or food provision services for eating a variety of foods in the community.

Evaluation of circadian phenotypes utilizing fibroblasts from patients with circadian rhythm sleep disorders

We evaluated the circadian phenotypes of patients with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) and non-24-hour sleep-wake rhythm disorder (N24SWD), two different circadian rhythm sleep disorders (CRSDs) by measuring clock gene expression rhythms in fibroblast cells derived from individual patients. Bmal1-luciferase (Bmal1-luc) expression rhythms were measured in the primary fibroblast cells derived from skin biopsy samples of patients with DSWPD and N24SWD, as well as control subjects. The period length of the Bmal1-luc rhythm (in vitro period) was distributed normally and was 22.80±0.47 (mean±s.d.) h in control-derived fibroblasts. The in vitro periods in DSWPD-derived fibroblasts and N24SWD-derived fibroblasts were 22.67±0.67 h and 23.18±0.70 h, respectively. The N24SWD group showed a significantly longer in vitro period than did the control or DSWPD group. Furthermore, in vitro period was associated with response to chronotherapy in the N24SWD group. Longer in vitro periods were observed in the non-responders (mean±s.d.: 23.59±0.89 h) compared with the responders (mean±s.d.: 22.97±0.47 h) in the N24SWD group. Our results indicate that prolonged circadian periods contribute to the onset and poor treatment outcome of N24SWD. In vitro rhythm assays could be useful for predicting circadian phenotypes and clinical prognosis in patients with CRSDs.

Initial Report for the Radiation Effects Research Foundation F1 Mail Survey

To study the full health effects of parental radiation exposure on the children of the atomic bomb survivors, the Radiation Effects Research Foundation developed a cohort of 76,814 children born to atomic bomb survivors (F1 generation) to assess cancer incidence and mortality from common adult diseases. In analyzing radiationassociated health information, it is important to be able to adjust for sociodemographic and lifestyle variations that may affect health. In order to gain this and other background information on the F1 cohort and to determine willingness to participate in a related clinical study, the F1 Mail Survey Questionnaire was designed with questions corresponding to relevant health, sociodemographic, and lifestyle indicators. Between the years 2000 and 2006, the survey was sent to a subset of the F1 Mortality Cohort. A total of 16,183 surveys were completed and returned: 10,980 surveys from Hiroshima residents and 5,203 from Nagasaki residents. The response rate was 65.6%, varying somewhat across parental exposure category, city, gender, and year of birth. Differences in health and lifestyle were noted in several variables on comparison across city and gender. No major differences in health, lifestyle, sociodemographics, or disease were seen across parental exposure categories, though statistically significant tests for heterogeneity and linear trend revealed some possible changes with dose. The data described herein provide a foundation for studies in the future.

Steroid hormone measurements from different types of assays in relation to body mass index and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women: Reanalysis of eighteen prospective studies

Epidemiological studies have examined breast cancer risk in relation to sex hormone concentrations measured by different methods: "extraction" immunoassays (with prior purification by organic solvent extraction, with or without column chromatography), "direct" immunoassays (no prior extraction or column chromatography), and more recently with mass spectrometry-based assays. We describe the associations of estradiol, estrone and testosterone with both body mass index and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women according to assay method, using data from a collaborative pooled analysis of 18 prospective studies. In general, hormone concentrations were highest in studies that used direct assays and lowest in studies that used mass spectrometry-based assays. Estradiol and estrone were strongly positively associated with body mass index, regardless of the assay method; testosterone was positively associated with body mass index for direct assays, but less clearly for extraction assays, and there were few data for mass spectrometry assays. The correlations of estradiol with body mass index, estrone and testosterone were lower for direct assays than for extraction and mass spectrometry assays, suggesting that the estimates from the direct assays were less precise. For breast cancer risk, all three hormones were strongly positively associated with risk regardless of assay method (except for testosterone by mass spectrometry where there were few data), with no statistically significant differences in the trends, but differences may emerge as new data accumulate. Future epidemiological and clinical research studies should continue to use the most accurate assays that are feasible within the design characteristics of each study.

Atypical mycobacteriosis in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract We report two cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with atypical mycobacteriosis. Opportunistic infections are critical complications for rheumatic diseases. The use of steroids or immunosuppressants may increase the risk of opportunistic infections. However, these reports are rare in that they demonstrate atypical mycobacterial infections as complications of RA, even though no immunosuppressive agents were used. We discuss the characteristics of atypical mycobacterial infections of the lung in RA.

Lipid infiltration in the parotid glands: a clinical manifestation of metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The clinical features of lipid infiltration in the parotid glands (LIPG) have not been studied. Monitoring of atomic-bomb survivors for late effects of radiation exposure has provided the opportunity to review the clinical findings of LIPG.

METHODS

A total of 992 atomic-bomb survivors in Nagasaki, Japan underwent lachrymal and salivary secretion tests and anthropometric, biochemical, and abdominal ultrasonographic examinations between 2002 and 2004. Among 465 subjects who had reduced tear and/or salivary excretion, 176 subjects took a salivary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination.

RESULTS

LIPG was detected in 53 of the 176 subjects who had salivary MRI. LIPG cases showed a preponderance of females and fatty liver compared with the subjects without LIPG. Age-and-sex-adjusted regression analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, and C-reactive protein were higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin were lower, in the subjects with LIPG. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI and fatty liver were mutually associated with LIPG independently from radiation dose.

CONCLUSIONS

LIPG associated with BMI, fatty liver, and coronary risk factors was a clinical manifestation of metabolic syndrome.

Cataract in atomic bomb survivors

PURPOSE

Ophthalmologic examinations were conducted on atomic bomb (A-bomb) survivors 55 years after exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A-bomb survivors who had been exposed before 13 years of age at the time of the bombings in 1945 or who had been examined in a previous study between 1978 and 1980. The examinations, conducted between June 2000 and September 2002, included slit-lamp examination, digital photography and a cataract grading system for three parts of the lens (nucleus, cortex and posterior subcapsule) as an outcome variable. Proportional odds logistic regression analysis was conducted using the lowest grading class as a reference and included explanatory variables such as age, sex, city, dose and various cataract-related risk factors. When the grades in an individual differed, the worst grade was used.

RESULTS

Results indicate that odds ratios (ORs) at 1 Sv were 1.07 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.90, 1.27) in nuclear colour, 1.12 (95% CI 0.94, 1.30) in nuclear cataract, 1.29 (95% CI 1.12, 1.49) in cortical cataract and 1.41 (95% CI 1.21, 1.64) in posterior subcapsular cataract. The same was true after excluding 13 people whose posterior subcapsular cataracts had been previously detected.

CONCLUSION

Significant radiation effects were observed in two types of cataracts in A-bomb survivors.

Prevalence of adult-onset multifactorial disease among offspring of atomic bomb survivors

The first study to examine whether parental radiation exposure leads to increased heritable risk of common adult-onset multifactorial diseases (i.e., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, ischemic heart disease, and stroke) was conducted among 11,951 participants in the clinical examination program out of a potential of 24,673 mail survey subjects who were offspring of survivors born from May 1946 through December 1984. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated no evidence of an association between the prevalence of multifactorial diseases in the offspring and parental radiation exposure, after adjusting for age, city, gender and various risk factors. The odds ratio (OR) for a paternal dose of 1 Gy was 0.91 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-1.01, P = 0.08], and that for a maternal dose of 1 Gy was 0.98 (95% CI 0.86-1.10, P = 0.71). There was no apparent effect of parental age at exposure or of elapsed time between parental exposure and birth, but male offspring had a low odds ratio (OR = 0.76 at 1 Gy) for paternal exposure, but cautious interpretation is needed for this finding. The clinical assessment of nearly 12,000 offspring of A-bomb survivors who have reached a median age of about 50 years provided no evidence for an increased prevalence of adult-onset multifactorial diseases in relation to parental radiation exposure.

Prevalence of Sjogren syndrome among Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors

OBJECTIVES

Through a comprehensive epidemiological study, we determined Sjögren syndrome (SS) prevalence and examined the association between SS and ionising radiation dose.

METHODS

A total of 1008 atomic bomb survivors in Nagasaki agreed to undergo the tests comprising a questionnaire for xerophthalmia and xerostomia, Schirmer-I test, Saxon test, and tests of anti-SS-A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La antibodies, and, if necessary, Rose Bengal stain test, salivary ultrasonographic and MRI examination from November 2002 through October 2004. Diagnosis of SS was based on the American-European Consensus Group criteria, or a modified version thereof.

RESULTS

Among the 1008 participants (male 398, female 610, average age 71.6 years), 154 participants (15.3%) complained of xerophthalmia, and 264 (26.2%) of xerostomia. Reduced tear flow as assessed by the Schirmer-I test was detected in 371 of 992 participants (37.4%) and reduced saliva flow as assessed by the Saxon test in 203 of 993 participants (20.4%). Among all participants, 38 (3.8%) and 10 (1.0%) participants tested positive for anti-SS-A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La antibodies, respectively. Taking into consideration all the results, 23 participants were diagnosed with SS (primary 20, secondary 3), yielding a prevalence of 2.3%. Although the association between SS and radiation dose was not significant, radiation dose was significantly associated with hyposalivation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present comprehensive epidemiological study reveals that the prevalence of SS was 2.3% among Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors and was not associated with radiation dose. The association between radiation dose and hyposalivation supported the possibility that radiation exposure damaged salivary gland function.

Detection of apoptosis-specific autoantibodies directed against granzyme B-induced cleavage fragments of the SS-B (La) autoantigen in sera from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

The objective of this study was to detect autoantibodies against granzyme B cleavage products in sera from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Cell lysates derived from human salivary gland (HSG) cell lines were incubated with granzyme B. The susceptibility to the generation of cleavage fragments of SS autoantigens was assayed by immunoblotting using sera from 57 primary SS patients, 17 primary SS patients with malignant lymphoma (ML), 28 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and 20 healthy controls. A 27 kD protein was recognized by serum autoantibodies in 8 (14.0%) of 57 primary SS patients, 5 (29.4%) of 17 SS patients with ML, 2 (7.1%) of 28 SLE patients, but not in 20 normal subjects. This protein was recognized by anti-SSB (La) monoclonal antibodies. Granzyme B-treated recombinant La protein was also shown to migrate as a discrete 27 kD protein by SDS PAGE. Blocking studies demonstrated the existence of an apoptosis-specific B cell epitope present in sera from 2 of 8 primary SS patients and in 2 of 5 primary SS patients with ML which recognized the 27 kD protein. Granzyme B-induced La fragments are generated during cytotoxicity in vitro. This is the first report describing autoantibodies in sera from primary SS patients that specifically recognize fragments of the La protein that are produced by the granzyme B protease.

Anti-apoptogenic function of TGFbeta1 for human synovial cells: TGFbeta1 protects cultured synovial cells from mitochondrial perturbation induced by several apoptogenic stimuli

OBJECTIVE

To investigate anti-apoptogenic mechanism of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) towards synovial cells.

METHODS

Isolated synovial cells, treated or not with TGFbeta1, were cultured in the presence or absence of anti-Fas IgM, proteasome inhibitor Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-aldehyde (LLL-CHO), etoposide, or C2-ceramide. After cultivation, apoptosis of synovial cells was examined by the presence of hypodiploid DNA(+) cells, the presence of terminal deoxy (d)-UTP nick end labelling(+) cells (TUNEL(+) cells), activation of caspases, and disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim).

RESULTS

Activation of caspase-9 and DeltaPsim was found in anti-Fas IgM treated synovial cells. The increment of both hypodiploid DNA(+) cells and TUNEL(+) cells accompanied by the activation of caspase-8 and caspase-3 was also determined in anti-Fas IgM treated synovial cells. These hallmarks for apoptosis induced by anti-Fas IgM were significantly suppressed in TGFbeta1 treated synovial cells. LLL-CHO, etoposide, and C2-ceramide also caused DeltaPsim, the increment of both hypodiploid DNA(+) cells and TUNEL(+) cells, and the activation of both Leu-Glu-His-Asp ase (LEHDase; caspase-9 like activity) and Asp-Glu-Val-Asp ase (DEVDase; caspase-3 like activity) in synovial cells. As determined in anti-Fas IgM treatment, TGFbeta1 significantly reduced apoptotic cell death of synovial cells induced by the above chemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of TGFbeta1 for mitochondrial homoeostasis may be important in the anti-apoptogenic function of TGFbeta1 for synovial cells.

The role of peroxynitrite in cyclooxygenase-2 expression of rheumatoid synovium

OBJECTIVE

Reactive oxygen intermediates play an important role in the inflammatory processes of rheumatoid arthritis. Cyclooxygenase-2 is an inducible form of an enzyme involved in prostanoid biosynthesis. This study linked peroxynitrite (ONOO-) to the signaling pathways that induce COX-2.

RESULTS

Exposure of rheumatoid synovial cells to peroxynitrite resulted in COX-2 protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR analysis also demonstrated that COX-2 mRNA was induced in peroxynitrite-treated rheumatoid synovial cells. Dexamethasone markedly inhibited this peroxynitrite-mediated COX-2 expression at therapeutic concentrations.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that oxidant stress is an important inducer of COX-2 in rheumatoid synovium. This induction may contribute to the amplification of prostanoids in the rheumatoid inflammatory process.

Expression of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase in rheumatoid synovial cells

Membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) is thought to be a putative regulator of pro-gelatinase A (MMP-2) in the rheumatoid synovium. In this study, we examined the effects of IL-1beta, one of the inflammatory cytokines, on the expression of MT1-MMP and the activation of pro-MMP-2 using rheumatoid synovial cells. We also studied the effects of KE-298 (2-acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid), a new disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), on MT1-MMP expression of rheumatoid synovial cells. Type B synovial cells (fibroblast-like synovial cells) were cultured with KE-298 (25-100 microg/ml) in the presence of IL-1beta for 48 h. Activation of pro-MMP-2 secreted from synovial cells was analysed by gelatin zymography. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods were used to detect MT1-MMP mRNA. MT1-MMP protein expression on synovial cells was examined by anti-MT1-MMP immunoblot. An active form of MMP-2 was demonstrated in the culture media conditioned by IL-1beta-stimulated synovial cells. In addition, MT1-MMP mRNA and protein expression of rheumatoid synovial cells were increased by IL-1beta treatment. KE-298 blocked this IL-1beta-induced pro-MMP-2 activation and MT1-MMP expression, but did not affect IL-1beta-induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) secretion from rheumatoid synovial cells. These findings indicate that activation of rheumatoid synovial cells by IL-1beta results in the induction of MT1-MMP expression. Given that MT1-MMP promotes matrix degradation by activating pro-MMP-2, these results suggest a novel mechanism whereby cytokine may contribute to articular destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). KE-298 may prevent this process by down-regulating MT1-MMP expression.

New disease-modifying antirheumatic drug 2 acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid (KE-298) selectively augments activation-induced T cell death

We examined in this study whether the newly developed disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) 2-acetylthiomethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid (KE-298) augments activation-induced T cell death. Peripheral blood (PB) T cells, isolated from healthy donors, were activated by incubation with interleukin-2 (IL-2) followed by further culture with 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin in the presence or absence of KE-298. The apoptosis of activated T cells was examined by flow cytometric determination of hypodiploid DNA. Fas expression and caspase-3 activity in activated T cells were also examined by flow cytometry, and expression of Fas ligand (FasL), Bcl-2-related proteins, and X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was determined by Western blot analysis. Apoptosis was not obvious in resting T cells and was not augmented by KE-298. In contrast, apoptosis was clearly detected in activated T cells (activation-induced T cell death) with the increment of caspase-3 activity, and incubation of these cells with KE-298 further enhanced apoptosis. Treatment of activated T cells with KE-298 increased Bax expression but decreased XIAP expression without affecting the expression of Fas/FasL. Thus caspase-3 activity in activated T cells appeared to be increased by KE-298. Our results suggest that the newly developed DMARD, KE-298, selectively augmented activation-induced T cell death. This finding may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of KE-298 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and provide new insight into the pharmacologic action of DMARDs.

Importance of NF-kappaB in rheumatoid synovial tissues: in situ NF-kappaB expression and in vitro study using cultured synovial cells

OBJECTIVES

To examine whether inhibition of NF-kappaB induces apoptosis of human synovial cells stimulated by tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interleukin 1beta (IL1beta), and anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (mAb).

METHODS

The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), NF-kappaB, and the presence of apoptotic synovial cells were determined in synovial tissues. Apoptosis of cultured synovial cells was induced by inhibition of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation by Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-aldehyde (LLL-CHO). The activation of caspase-3 and expression of XIAP and cIAP2 in synovial cells in LLL-CHO induced apoptosis was also examined.

RESULTS

Abundant PCNA+ synovial cells were found in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue, though a few apoptotic synovial cells were also detected in the RA synovial tissues. Nuclear NF-kappaB was expressed in RA synovial cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that treatment of cells with TNFalpha or IL1beta significantly stimulated nuclear NF-kappaB activity. A small number of apoptotic synovial cells expressing intracellular active caspase-3 were found after treatment of cells with LLL-CHO. Although treatment of RA synovial cells with TNFalpha or IL1beta alone did not induce apoptosis, apoptosis induced by LLL-CHO and caspase-3 activation were clearly enhanced in TNFalpha or IL1beta stimulated synovial cells compared with unstimulated synovial cells. Furthermore, induction of apoptosis of synovial cells with caspase-3 activation by anti-Fas mAb was clearly increased by LLL-CHO. The expression of cIAP2 and XIAP in synovial cells may not directly influence the sensitivity of synovial cells to apoptosis induced by LLL-CHO.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that NF-kappaB inhibition may be a potentially important therapeutic approach for RA by correcting the imbalance between apoptosis and proliferation of synovial cells in RA synovial tissue.

Y chromosome compound haplotypes with the microsatellite markers DXYS265, DXYS266, and DXYS241

Two newly developed microsatellite markers on Yp11 (DXYS265) and Yq11.21 (DXYS266) and our previously reported marker, on Yp11 (DXYS241), were typed by triplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 102 Japanese, 18 white American, and 17 black American males. The DXYS265 locus revealed three alleles, the DXYS266 locus showed two alleles, while the DXYS241 locus showed five alleles. Nine different compound haplotypes were observed among the males. Of these, two haplotypes were common to all groups, while four were limited to Japanese. Pedigree analysis of 61 Japanese families revealed no mutations of these loci. The triplex PCR developed in this study, as well as the new loci, are useful for tracing paternal lineages in human migration studies and population analysis, in addition to Y chromosome evolutionary studies.

Novel acyl-CoA synthetase in adrenoleukodystrophy target tissues

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by demyelination of white matter. The X-ALD gene product adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP) is expressed broadly among various tissues. However, deficiency of functional ALDP exclusively impairs brain, adrenal gland, and testis. Thus, loss of ALDP function is assumed to involve inactivation of a putative mediating factor that functions in a tissue-specific manner. Here we cloned a mouse cDNA encoding a novel protein, Lipidosin, that possesses long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (LCAS) activity. Lipidosin is expressed exclusively in mouse brain, adrenal gland, and testis, which are affected by X-ALD. LCAS activity of Lipidosin was diminished by mutation of conserved amino acids within the AMP-binding domain. Mutation of the Drosophila homologue of Lipidosin has been reported to cause neuronal degeneration. Thus, Lipidosin may mediate the link between ALDP dysfunction and the impairment of fatty acid metabolism in X-ALD.

Regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human osteoblastic cells by N-acetylcysteine

Cyclooxygenase (COX) plays a pivotal role in the inflammatory process of inflammatory arthropathies. Inflammatory cytokines induce COX-2 expression in osteoblasts of inflamed joints, followed by osteoclast activation. The inhibition of COX-2 expression could help prevent prostaglandin E2 secretion, followed by osteoclast activation for bone destruction and resorption. We examined whether the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhibited COX-2 expression induced in the human osteoblastic cell line MG63 by interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). According to Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results, NAC inhibited IL-1beta-induced COX-2 expression in protein and messenger RNA. We also demonstrated immunohistochemically that NAC inhibited NFkappaB nuclear translocation. These results suggested that NAC inhibited both COX-2 expression and NFkappaB nuclear translocation in MG63, which in turn indicated that NAC could inhibit the inflammatory process involved in bone resorption by regulating COX-2 expression at the level of transcription.

MR imaging of the salivary glands in sicca syndrome: comparison of lipid profiles and imaging in patients with hyperlipidemia and patients with Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

We correlated abnormalities on MR imaging with the plasma lipid profiles of patients with hyperlipidemia and symptoms of sicca syndrome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

MR imaging features of the salivary glands, salivary function, immunologic abnormalities, and plasma lipid profiles were analyzed in 24 patients with hyperlipidemia and symptoms of sicca syndrome and compared with those of 50 patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

RESULTS

Swelling of the parotid gland, impaired salivary flow, or both were observed in 20 (83%) of 24 patients with hyperlipidemia and symptoms of sicca syndrome. MR imaging findings included an enlarged parotid gland replaced with extensive lipid infiltration, whereas sialography of the parotid gland revealed normal findings. Immunologic studies and analyses of the labial glands of the mouth revealed distinctive features in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Importantly, elevated levels of plasma triglyceride correlated with parotid gland swelling, and increased cholesterol levels significantly affected salivary flow.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a distinct entity of sicca syndrome in patients with hyperlipidemia compared with patients with Sjögren's syndrome. Characteristic MR imaging findings of salivary glands in patients with hyperlipidemia included extensive lipid infiltration and gland enlargement.

Effect of vitamin K2 on osteoblast apoptosis: vitamin K2 inhibits apoptotic cell death of human osteoblasts induced by Fas, proteasome inhibitor, etoposide, and staurosporine

Vitamin K2 is used for the treatment of osteoporosis, but the precise mode of action is still not clear. We investigated the effects of vitamin K2 on apoptosis of human osteoblasts. Human osteoblastic cell line MG63 cells and human primary osteoblast-like cells obtained from bone fragments in corrective surgery were used as human osteoblasts. Cells were cultured with or without various concentrations of vitamin K2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). We then determined the proliferative response, expression of Fas and Bcl-2-related proteins, and Fas-mediated apoptosis of these cells induced by anti-Fas immunoglobulin M (IgM). In addition, the effect of vitamin K2 in osteoblast apoptosis induced by Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-aldehyde (LLL-CHO), etoposide, or staurosporine was also examined. Human osteoblasts did not show spontaneous apoptosis in culture, even in the presence of vitamin K2 or TNF-alpha. Furthermore, proliferation of the cells was not influenced by vitamin K2 or TNF-alpha. Fas was functionally expressed on human osteoblasts, and the treatment with TNF-alpha significantly enhanced both Fas expression and Fas-mediated apoptosis of osteoblasts. The addition of vitamin K2 to the culture resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of functional Fas expression on osteoblasts, in the presence or absence of TNF-alpha. Treatment of human osteoblasts with vitamin K2 clearly suppressed Bax expression of the cells, although the expression of Bcl-2 was not influenced by vitamin K2. Fas ligand (FasL) cDNA transformants were cytotoxic against osteoblasts, and the cytotoxicity was increased when osteoblasts were treated with TNF-alpha. The addition of vitamin K2 to osteoblasts significantly decreased the cytotoxic effects of FasL cDNA transformants. Furthermore, apoptosis of human osteoblasts induced by LLL-CHO, etoposide, or staurosporine was also clearly suppressed in vitamin K2-treated osteoblasts. Our results suggest that vitamin K2 inhibits apoptotic cell death of osteoblasts and maintains the number of osteoblasts. These actions may explain the therapeutic efficacy of vitamin K2 in osteoporosis.

The human and mouse Period1 genes: five well-conserved E-boxes additively contribute to the enhancement of mPer1 transcription

The clock gene, Period1, from human and mouse was sequenced and characterized. Both human PERIOD1 (human PER1) and mouse Period1 (mouse Per1) consisted of 23 exons spanning approximately 16 kb, and their structures showed strong similarity to each other. For example, six highly conserved regions were identified in the 5' upstream sequences. These conserved segments exhibited 77-88% identity and possessed several potential regulatory elements including five E-boxes (the binding site of the CLOCK-BMAL1 complex) and four cyclic AMP response elements. Transient transfection assays using a mPer1-luciferase fusion gene revealed that each of the conserved E-boxes additively functions as an enhancer for the transactivation of mPer1 by mCLOCK and mBMAL1.

Resetting central and peripheral circadian oscillators in transgenic rats

In multicellular organisms, circadian oscillators are organized into multitissue systems which function as biological clocks that regulate the activities of the organism in relation to environmental cycles and provide an internal temporal framework. To investigate the organization of a mammalian circadian system, we constructed a transgenic rat line in which luciferase is rhythmically expressed under the control of the mouse Per1 promoter. Light emission from cultured suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of these rats was invariably and robustly rhythmic and persisted for up to 32 days in vitro. Liver, lung, and skeletal muscle also expressed circadian rhythms, which damped after two to seven cycles in vitro. In response to advances and delays of the environmental light cycle, the circadian rhythm of light emission from the SCN shifted more rapidly than did the rhythm of locomotor behavior or the rhythms in peripheral tissues. We hypothesize that a self-sustained circadian pacemaker in the SCN entrains circadian oscillators in the periphery to maintain adaptive phase control, which is temporarily lost following large, abrupt shifts in the environmental light cycle.

Nuclear factor-kappaB and caspases co-operatively regulate the activation and apoptosis of human macrophages

Accumulating evidence suggests that macrophages function as major effector cells in the pathological process of various human diseases. We examined here the role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and caspases in the regulation of activation and apoptosis of macrophages. Activation of the human monoblastic leukaemia cell line, U937, by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) increased the expression of CD14/CD86, and cytokine production. PMA stimulation also increased the expression of both pro-caspase-8 and pro-caspase-3 in U937, but not apoptosis or intracellular caspase-3 activity. PMA also increased the expression of X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) in U937, suggesting an inhibitory action for XIAP on the caspase cascade in PMA-stimulated U937. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed a significant increase of nuclear NF-kappaB activity in PMA-stimulated U937. When a potent NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), was added to U937 cell culture in the presence of PMA, apoptosis was triggered by activation of caspase-3, which was induced by caspase-8 activation. XIAP expression was markedly suppressed in PMA-treated U937 in the presence of PDTC. The inhibitors of caspase-8 and caspase-3 mostly inhibited apoptosis of U937 treated with PMA in the presence of PDTC. Furthermore, a phenotype of U937 treated with PMA and PDTC in the presence of caspase inhibitor was almost identical to that of unstimulated U937. Our results suggest that the signalling pathways involved in the activation and apoptosis of human macrophages could be co-operatively regulated by the use of NF-kappaB and caspase inhibitors, thus enabling the control of macrophage function and number.

CD4+ T cell-mediated cytotoxicity toward thyrocytes: the importance of Fas/Fas ligand interaction inducing apoptosis of thyrocytes and the inhibitory effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone

The accumulation of activated CD4+ T cells and antigen (Ag)-dependent cellular interactions between thyrocytes and CD4+ T cells have been determined in thyroid gland from patients with Graves' disease. The Fas/Fas ligand (FasL) interaction between antigen-presenting cells and T cells regulates the apoptosis of the former cells triggered by the latter cells. The inhibition of Fas-mediated apoptosis in thyrocytes could be a underlying mechanism of hyperplasia of thyrocytes in patients with Graves' disease. We investigated the potential role of Fas/FasL interaction between thyrocytes and CD4+ T cells in the induction of Fas-mediated apoptosis of the former cells induced by the latter cells. The presence of only a few specific T cells responsive to a putative autoantigen has hampered the investigation of specific T cell activation toward antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Therefore, we used a superantigen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), to examine specific T cell activation toward thyrocytes in vitro since it stimulates a large proportion of T cells with particular Vbeta elements. Spontaneous apoptosis of thyrocytes in culture was not found even in the presence of various kinds of cytokines. In contrast, a clear induction of Fas-mediated apoptosis by anti-Fas IgM was determined in interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-stimulated thyrocytes. In addition, a significant cytotoxicity of purified CD4+ T cells toward IFN-gamma-stimulated thyrocytes in the presence of SEB was induced, and the addition of anti-HLA-DR and -DQ monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or blockade of the Fas/FasL interaction reduced this cytotoxicity. FasL expression of CD4+ T cells cocultured with IFN-gamma-stimulated thyrocytes in the presence of SEB was clearly induced. Furthermore, the addition of mAbs against CD54 and CD58 inhibited both cytotoxicity and FasL expression of CD4+ T cells. The cytotoxicity of CD4+ T cells toward IFN-gamma-stimulated, SEB-pulsed thyrocytes was markedly inhibited when we used thyrocytes cultured with IFN-gamma in the presence of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) as target cells. Our results suggest that 1) CD4+ T cells were activated by thyrocytes expressing MHC class II molecules in an SEB-dependent manner and then expressed FasL. 2) These activated FasL+ CD4+ T cells killed thyrocytes by interacting with Fas on thyrocytes and FasL on activated CD4+ T cells. The presence of costimulating molecules such as CD54 and CD58 on thyrocytes was also necessary to generate activated FasL+ CD4+ T cells. 3) Since the actions of thyroid stimulating antibody (TSAb) toward thyrocytes are similar to those of TSH, one goitrogenic activity of TSAb may, in part, be due to the inhibitory effect on Fas-mediated apoptosis of thyrocytes triggered by activated CD4+ T cells.

Relationship between Sjögren's syndrome and human T-lymphotropic virus type I infection: follow-up study of 83 patients

We have previously demonstrated a high prevalence of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in patients with human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy (HAM) in Nagasaki prefecture. The present follow-up study compared the clinical and laboratory findings of SS with or without human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) antibody in this endemic area for HTLV-I infection. We investigated the clinical and laboratory manifestations in 83 patients with SS and HAM, including histologic examination of labial salivary glands and the prevalence of SS in patients with HAM. Definite SS was diagnosed in 13 out of 20 patients with HAM when the European Community criteria were used. The density of mononuclear cell infiltration in labial salivary glands was higher in HTLV-I-seropositive patients with SS (including patients with HAM) than in HTLV-I-seronegative patients. The volume of saliva and lacrima determined by the Schirmer or Saxon test was lower than normal but was not different among SS-HTLV-I-seronegative patients, HTLV-I-seropositive patients without HAM, and HTLV-I-seropositive patients with HAM. The proportions of patients positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-SS-A (Ro) antibody or anti-SS-B (La) antibody were similar in the three groups. However, the low volume of saliva and the frequency of ANA in SS correlated with the degree of mononuclear cell infiltration in labial salivary glands. Our results suggested that HTLV-I infection is related to SS and that laboratory and clinical findings in SS closely correlate with the degree of mononuclear cell infiltration in the salivary glands.

Inhibition of caspase cascade by HTLV-I tax through induction of NF-kappaB nuclear translocation

NF-kappaB is required for prevention of apoptosis. We examined the importance of human T-cell leukemia virus-I (HTLV-I) Tax protein to stimulate NF-kappaB nuclear translocation, thus preventing apoptosis. Jurkat cells and JPX-9 cells in which the inducible Tax expression plasmid vector was stably transfected were used in the present study. Both Jurkat and Tax(-) JPX-9 cells had small amounts of basal nuclear NF-kappaB activity. The addition of NF-kappaB inhibitors suppressed NF-kappaB nuclear translocation of the cells, thus inducing apoptosis. Sequential activation of caspases from caspase-8 to caspase-3 was shown during this process. NF-kappaB nuclear translocation in JPX-9 cells was stimulated through Tax expression, and both the activation of caspases and apoptosis induced by NF-kappaB inhibitors were significantly suppressed in the Tax(+) JPX-9 cells. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and Bcl-x was not changed among Jurkat, Tax(-) JPX-9, and Tax(+) JPX-9 cells in the presence or absence of NF-kappaB inhibitors. X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) protein expression in Tax(-) JPX-9 cells was significantly suppressed by NF-kappaB inhibitors, however, its expression in Tax(+) JPX-9 cells was maintained even by the addition of NF-kappaB inhibitors. Our results suggest that the activation of NF-kappaB via Tax protein in HTLV-I infected cells renders the cells resistant to apoptosis. The expression of anti-apoptotic gene products such as XIAP to suppress caspase cascade, results in an increase of cytokine production and cell proliferation; one of the proposed mechanisms that promotes autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis found in HTLV-I seropositive subjects.

Regulation of synovial cell apoptosis by proteasome inhibitor

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have shown the importance of proteasome function in the regulation of apoptosis. This study examined whether inhibition of proteasome function mediates apoptosis of synovial cells, and whether cytokines modulate this process.

METHODS

Type B synovial cells (fibroblast-like synovial cells) were cultured with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) or transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1), and further incubated in the presence of variable concentrations of Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-aldehyde (LLL-CHO), a proteasome inhibitor. During this process, apoptosis of synovial cells was determined by Hoechst 33258 dye staining and 51Cr release assay. The involvement of caspase cascade was examined using enzyme activity assay and blocking experiments by peptide inhibitors. The expression of pro-caspases, Bcl-2-related proteins, and X chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) in synovial cells was examined by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Apoptosis of cultured synovial cells was induced in a dose-dependent manner by LLL-CHO. Activation of caspase cascade through caspase-8 to caspase-3 was essential during this process. Pretreatment of synovial cells with TNF alpha significantly augmented both the activation of caspases and the proportion of apoptosis in synovial cells induced by LLL-CHO, whereas TGFbeta1 pretreatment markedly suppressed these phenomena. The ratio of the expression of Bcl-2 to Bax or Bcl-xL to Bax, and XIAP expression in synovial cells may not be directly associated with the susceptibility of synovial cells to apoptosis by LLL-CHO.

CONCLUSION

Apoptosis of synovial cells was induced by inhibition of proteasome function through the activation of caspase cascade, and this process was clearly modulated by cytokines. These data provide new insight into the regulatory mechanisms controlling synovial cells in rheumatoid synovitis by proteasome inhibitors, and might be useful for the design of new therapeutic strategies in rheumatoid arthritis.

Expression of metalloproteinase-2 (gelatinase A) in labial salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome with HTLV-I infection

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether gelatinase A (MMP-2) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with or without HTLV-I infection.

METHODS

We examined 24 patients with SS (14 HTLV-I-seropositive and 8 HTLV-I-seronegative). Labial salivary gland tissue samples were analysed immunohistochemically using anti-MMP-2 monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

In normal salivary glands, MMP-2 expression was not detected. All biopsy samples of 8 SS patients with HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM) and 3 of 6 HTLV-I-seropositive SS patients without manifestation of HAM stained positively for MMP-2. However, the other samples were negative for MMP-2.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed the MMP-2 expression in labial salivary glands of HTLV-I seropositive SS patients, especially in all SS patients with HAM. The presence of MMP-2 in the salivary glands of these patients suggests that it may play a role in cellular infiltration and destruction in salivary glands of SS.

The effect of papaverine on morphologic differentiation, proliferation and invasive potential of human prostatic cancer LNCaP cells

BACKGROUND

Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) level changes are thought to play an important role in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing differentiation in several types of cells. It has been reported that cyclic AMP analogs induce terminal differentiation in human prostate cancer cells. Consequently, phosphodiesterase inhibitors may be useful in delineating the role of cyclic AMP in the differentiation of these cells. Therefore, the effect of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on morphologic differentiation, proliferation and invasive potential of human prostate cancer cells was investigated.

METHODS

Three human prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, DU145 and LNCaP were treated with one of the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, papaverine, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) or theophylline, for 6 days. Morphologic changes of these cells induced by phosphodiesterase inhibitors were observed by microscopy. Intracellular cyclic AMP levels in LNCaP cells were measured by radioimmunoassay using a cyclic AMP assay kit. The effect of papaverine on the proliferation and invasive potential of LNCaP cells were measured by cell counting and the Matrigel invasion chamber assay.

RESULTS

Of the three agents, examined papaverine (10(-5) mol/L) is the most effective inducer of morphologic change and also raised intracellular cyclic AMP levels in LNCaP cells. However, unlike LNCaP cells, PC-3 and DU145 cells treated with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, including papaverine, showed little change in morphology. Additionally, proliferation and invasive potential of LNCaP cells were significantly inhibited by papaverine.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that papaverine induces terminal differentiation in LNCaP cells, which is correlated with an intracellular cyclic AMP-mediated pathway.

Inhibitory effect of a new anti-rheumatic drug T-614 on costimulatory molecule expression, cytokine production, and antigen presentation by synovial cells

The present study was undertaken to investigate the immunoregulatory effects of T-614 (3-formylamino-7-methylsulfonylamino-6-phenoxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-o ne) on synovial cells in vitro. Synovial cells were cultured with T-614 in the presence or absence of various cytokines. After incubation, the costimulatory molecule expression on synovial cells and cytokine production in culture supernatants were analyzed by an indirect immunofluorescence method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. We also examined the effect of T-614 on the function of synovial cells as antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The costimulatory molecules including CD54, CD58, and CD106 were constitutionally expressed on the surface of synovial cells. However, neither CD80 nor CD86 nor CD102 was found on the surface, and these costimulatory molecules could not be induced by any cytokines. T-614 itself did not affect the costimulatory molecule expression and cytokine production of unstimulated synovial cells. The stimulation of synovial cells with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-1beta, or 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate enhanced the expression of costimulatory molecules and the proinflammatory cytokine production of these cells. Both the up-regulated expression of these costimulatory molecules and the enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited by T-614. Autologous T cell proliferation in response to purified protein derivative by IFN-gamma-treated synovial cells was significantly suppressed by T-614. T-614 has considerable immunosuppressive effects on synovial cells by inhibiting the costimulatory molecule expression and cytokine production of these cells and the antigen-specific T cell proliferation mediated by the synovial cells. These results suggest that T-614 plays an important immunoregulatory role in rheumatoid synovial tissues.

HTLV-I associated Sjögren's syndrome is aetiologically distinct from anti-centromere antibodies positive Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether Sjögren's syndrome (SS) with anti-HTLV-I antibodies is aetiopathologically distinguishable from SS without these antibodies, the study compared prevalence of autoantibodies in serum samples of SS patients with or without anti-HTLV-I antibodies.

METHODS

The test group included 135 patients with primary SS and 97 patients with secondary SS. Serum samples of the patients were examined for the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-SS-A/Ro antibodies, anti-SS-B/La antibodies, anti-centromere antibodies (ACA), and anti-HTLV-I antibodies.

RESULTS

Anti-HTLV-I antibodies were detected in 25.0% of primary SS patients and in 29.2% of secondary SS patients. There were no significant differences in the mean age, sex, values of asparate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, serum complements and IgG between HTLV-I seropositive and seronegative SS patients. The rheumatoid factor, ANA, anti-SS-A/Ro, and anti-SS-B/La antibodies in serum samples of SS patients were detected in 60.0%, 84.0%, 51.9%, and 12.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of these antibodies between HTLV-I seropositive and seronegative SS patients. Using the indirect immunofluorescence test, 14.2% showed a discrete speckled staining pattern. All serum samples contained significant amounts of ACA determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. These antibodies were detected in only 4% of HTLV-I seropositive SS patients but were present in 19.9% of HTLV-I seronegative SS patients. Furthermore, the prevalences of anti-SS-A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La antibodies in serum samples of ACA positive patients were significantly lower than those in ACA negative SS patients.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that SS patients with anti-SS-A/Ro or anti-SS-B/La antibodies, or both, might be aetiopathologically distinct from SS patients with ACA. HTLV-I might be involved in the pathogenesis of SS in a subset of patients with anti-SS-A/Ro or anti-SS-B/La antibodies, or both, but not SS patients with ACA.

Novel (CA)n marker DXYS241 on the nonrecombinant part of the human Y chromosome

The origin of modern humans can be traced by comparing polymorphic sites in either mitochondria or genomic sequences between humans and other primates. The human Y chromosome has both a non-recombining region and X-Y homologous pseudo-autosomal regions. In the nonrecombining region events during evolution can be directly detected. At least a part of homology between Xq21 and Yp11 is a result of rather recent translocations from the X chromosome to the Y chromosome. DNA markers residing in the nonrecombining region of the human Y chromosome are potentially useful in tracing male-specific gene flow in human evolution. However, the number of available markers in the region is limited. Here, we report a novel X-Y homologous (CA)n repeat locus in the nonrecombining region of the Y chromosome. This marker, DXYS241, has several interesting features. Y- and X-chromosome alleles are distinguishable because the Y-chromosome alleles are shorter than the X-chromosome alleles most of the time. We developed 2 primer sets for specific examination of Y- and X-chromosome alleles. The marker should be useful in establishing relationships between populations based on patrilineal gene flow. Sequences homologous to DXYS241 are also found on the X chromosome of primates. Four events during primate evolution that led to the modern human Y chromosome were identified.

Successful treatment of rapidly progressive lupus nephritis associated with anti-MPO antibodies by intravenous immunoglobulins

We report a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) associated with crescentic glomerulonephritis and myeloperoxidase-specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA). A 34-year-old Japanese female patient diagnosed with SLE developed rapidly progressive renal failure and nephrotic syndrome. Haemodialysis was required to restore renal function. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by plasmapheresis did not suppress the progression of renal failure, so she was treated with high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IV-IG) therapy, which was well tolerated and effectively prevented renal failure. A renal biopsy showed diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis (WHO classification IVc) with predominant crescent formation and scant subendothelial immune deposits. These findings indicate that, in addition to lupus nephritis, which usually results from the deposition of circulating or locally formed immune complexes, MPO-ANCA may be involved in the pathogenesis of crescentic glomerulonephritis. Furthermore, we propose that IV-IG is an effective therapy for MPO-ANCA-related renal crisis in lupus nephritis.

Induction of cyclooxygenase-2 in human synovial cells by beta 2-microglobulin

BACKGROUND

Prostaglandins (PGs) are important mediators of inflammation in arthritis. We evaluated the role of the cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, which regulates PG biosynthesis, in osteoarthropathy associated with hemodialysis-associated amyloidosis (HAA) by characterizing COX-2 expression in beta 2-microglobulin-treated human synovial cells.

METHODS

We examined the effects of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2m), a major constituent protein of amyloid fibrils in HAA, on the COX-2 protein and mRNA expression in human synovial cells using Western blot and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

beta 2m selectively increased the biosynthesis of COX-2 protein and induction of COX-2 mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. Immunoabsorption of beta 2m-containing media by anti-beta 2m-specific antibody abrogated beta 2m-mediated COX-2 expression on synovial cells. On the other hand, dexamethasone markedly suppressed the induction of COX-2 protein and mRNA in beta 2m-stimulated synovial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that induction of COX-2 expression by beta 2m may be an important component of the inflammatory process in hemodialysis-associated osteoarthropathy.

Identification of the mammalian homologues of the Drosophila timeless gene, Timeless1

We have identified novel mammalian homologues of a Drosophila clock gene, timeless, and designated them as human TIMELESS1 (hTIM1) and mouse Timeless1 (mTim1), respectively. These genes were mapped by FISH to chromosomal regions 12q12-13 in human and 10D3 in mouse. The deduced amino acid sequences of hTim1 and mTim1 proteins were 1208 and 1197 amino acids in length and shared 83% identity. Northern blot analysis identified a single transcript of 4.5 kb expressed widely in many tissues examined. Unlike the Drosophila counterpart, the levels of the mTim1 transcript exhibited no prominent circadian oscillation in the mouse brain.

Sexual differences in branched chain amino acid metabolism into fatty acids and cholesterol in Harderian gland of golden hamster

The Harderian gland of golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) secretes copious lipids, most of which is 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol (ADG). We previously reported that the composition of ADG shows marked sexual dimorphism [Seyama et al. (1995) J. Biochem. 117, 661-670]. Male ADG contains only straight chain alkyl and acyl groups, but female ADG contains a lot of branched chain ones too. In this study, we investigated the metabolism of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) and analyzed the incorporation of the metabolites into lipids in the Harderian gland. Golden hamsters were injected intraperitoneally with [U-14C]BCAAs, and Harderian glands were obtained at 3, 6, 9, and 24 h after injection. Lipids were then extracted from the glands and analyzed. Thin layer chromatography revealed that the ADG was labeled in both sexes, but the profile depended on the sex. The cholesterol fraction was labeled only in the male gland. The alkyl and acyl groups of ADG were subjected to radio-gas liquid chromatography. As for the alkyl groups, radioactivity was detected in straight-C16 and -C18 chains in males, while branched-C17 and -C19 chains were labeled in females. As for the acyl groups, straight-C14, -C15, and -C16 chains were labeled in males, while in females, branched-C17 and -C19 chains were labeled as well as a straight-C16 chain. These results suggest that the BCAA metabolism should be regulated as to the sex at the step of branched chain acyl-CoA degradation in the Harderian gland of golden hamster, which causes the sexual dimorphism in the lipid composition in this gland.

Effect of the photoperiod in modulating the androgenic control of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol composition in the harderian gland of the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus

The golden hamster Harderian gland produces a lipid secretion consisting mainly of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol. We investigated the composition of alkyl and acyl groups in male and female hamster Harderian alkyldiacylglycerol, in animals kept in long and short photoperiods. Female hamsters in long days have alkyl groups with long saturated straight chains (C18:0 and C20:0) and methyl-branched chains (even and odd chain length iso-branched and odd chain length anteiso-branched chains). Acyl groups in females in long days are mostly long straight chains (C16:0) and methyl-branched chains. In females, short photoperiods led to reductions in the proportions of methyl-branched chains and changes in the proportions of straight chain alkyl and acyl groups; these changes were prevented by pinealectomy. Male hamsters with intact gonads, maintained in long days, had no methyl-branched chain alkyl or acyl groups; saturated straight chains were generally shorter than those of females and the odd chain length saturated C15:0 acyl group was common. Short photoperiods did not significantly alter the composition of male alkyldiacylglycerol. Castrated male hamsters in long days showed a distinctively female phenotype, with long straight chains and methyl-branched alkyl and acyl groups. Castrated males in short days showed a mixture of male and female characteristics: shorter straight chain alkyl and acyl groups, a total absence of methyl-branched alkyl groups, and the presence of methyl-branched acyl groups. These results and those of other studies suggest that testosterone controls the enzymes isovaleryl acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and 2-methyl branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase; in the absence of these enzymes, the primers for the synthesis of methyl-branched chain fatty acids are produced. Our results indicate that this control is modulated by short photoperiods (perhaps due to reduced prolactin levels). It is also suggested that characteristics of male-type alkyldiacylglycerol are better adapted to conditions of autumn and winter than are those of female-type alkyldiacylglycerol.

Androgenic control of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol in the harderian gland of the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus

Harderian glands of golden hamsters produce a copious lipid secretion, most of which is in the form of 1-alkyl-2,3-diacylglycerol (ADG). Sexual differences are seen in the composition of golden hamster ADG and in the morphology of secretory lipid droplet. ADGs from females contained abundant iso- and anteiso-branched chain alkyl groups and fatty acids [Seyama, Y., Otsuka, H., Ohashi, K., Vivien-Roels, B., and Pevet, P. (1995) J. Biochem. 117, 661-670]. Female hamsters were either untreated or given subcutaneous testosterone pellets. Treatment of females with testosterone led to the disappearance of such branched chain alkyl groups and fatty acids. Intact males had ADGs with entirely saturated straight chain alkyl groups and fatty acids. Castration led to the appearance of iso- and anteiso-branched chain alkyl groups and fatty acids. These observations suggested that the production of branched chain fatty acids in the Harderian gland of golden hamster is inhibited by testosterone at the step of isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase and 2-methyl branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

Chromosomal localisation of a Y specific growth gene(s)

Although a Y specific growth gene(s) has been postulated in the Yq11 region, the precise location has not been determined. To localise the growth gene(s), we correlated genotype with stature in 13 Japanese and four European non-mosaic adult male patients with a partial Yq deletion. Fourteen patients preserving the region between DYS11 and DYS246 did not have short stature (11 Japanese, 165-180 cm; three Europeans, 165-173 cm) whereas the remaining three patients with the region deleted had short stature (two Japanese, both 159 cm; one European, 157 cm). The results suggest that the region defined by DYS11 at interval 5C and by DYS246 at interval 5D may be the critical region for the Y specific growth gene(s).

PCR analysis of the Y chromosome long arm in azoospermic patients: evidence for a second locus required for spermatogenesis

We analyzed DNA from 63 Japanese men with either azoospermia or severe oligospermia whose Y chromosomes were cytogenetically normal. A total of 16 loci were examined: 15 loci on the long arm between DYS7E and DYZ1, and the YRRM1 locus, a candidate gene for the azoospermic factor, AZF. One patient with a pericentric inversion of the Y chromosome was also included. We detected micro-deletions in ten individuals. The YRRM1 gene was involved in only three of them. The remaining seven patients showed deletion between DYS7C and DYS239 in common, indicating the presence of at least one additional gene, deletion of which causes azoospermia.

A Y-associated allele is shared among a few ethnic groups of Asia

In our previous study, both of Y-associated alleles, Y1 and Y2, were detected in Japanese and Koreans, but only the Y1 allele was detected in each of other populations including Chinese in both Beijin and Guangzhou areas, Caucasians, Africans, and Jewish. In the present study, these observations were extended to other ethnic groups in East Asia. Evenks in central Siberia and Khalkhs in Mongolia had only the Y1 allele. On the other hand, two ethnic groups, Fo-lo and Hakka, in Taiwan had both of the Y1 and the Y2 alleles. Three of the eight Y2-positive men, 2 Fo-lo and a Hakka, shared family name Chen. Both Hakka people and ancestors of Chen families could be traced to the Province of Henan in northern China in early 4th century. They arrived in Fujian/Guangdong area in the south-east China via various routes and then some of them migrated to Taiwan in the 18th century. It is tempting to speculate that the Y2 allele may be originated from an ancestral population in Henan from which, Japanese, Koreans, and some of the Taiwanese diverged.