CD30+ large cell transformation of mycosis fungoides after psoralen plus ultraviolet A photochemotherapy

Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy is widely used for the therapy of mycosis fungoides (MF). Clinical progression of MF is often associated with an increase in the size of tumour cells known as transformation. We report two patients with CD30+ large cell transformation that appeared after low-dose PUVA therapy for MF. Clinical data, histopathology, immunohistopathology and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement were studied. Nodules consisted of atypical large cells that expressed CD30. Monoclonal rearrangement of T-cell receptors was observed in one case. Low-dose PUVA therapy may be associated with CD30+ large cell transformation in patients with MF.

Idiopathic acquired generalized anhidrosis due to occlusion of proximal coiled ducts

Idiopathic acquired generalized anhidrosis is a very rare disease of unknown pathogenesis. We report a 25-year-old man with acquired generalized anhidrosis due to occlusion of the coiled ducts. He did not have sweat secretion over the entire surface of the body, including the palms and soles. Sweat-inducing stimuli provoked tingling pain on the skin. Pilocarpine iontophoresis on the forearm did not induce sweat secretion. Neurological examination did not reveal any abnormality in the central or peripheral nervous system. Skin biopsy showed that the coiled ducts were occluded by an amorphous eosinophilic substance. This amorphous eosinophilic substance was positive with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and was resistant to digestion by diastase. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the coiled ducts were completely occluded by an amorphous substance. The substance occluding the coiled ducts contained fibrous structures. These findings suggested that the acquired generalized anhidrosis in this patient was caused by occlusion of the coiled ducts by a PAS-positive substance probably derived from dark cell granules.

Localized lymphomatoid papulosis

A 50-year-old Japanese male visited our clinic in April 1999 with a 2-year history of self-healing, reddish papules on his right palm. On examination, there were grouped erythematous papules, 2-4 mm in size, which formed a relatively well-circumscribed erythematous plaque. A biopsy specimen showed a wedge-shaped, dense dermal infiltrate consisting of variously sized mononuclear lymphoid cells mixed with few large CD30-positive cells and inflammatory cells, suggesting the diagnosis of regional lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP). Analysis of the T cell receptor gene revealed a polyclonal pattern on lesional skin. Only 5 cases of LyP presenting in a regional distribution have been reported previously. Although the etiology of localized LyP remains unknown, considering that 2 of 5 reported patients developed widespread lesions regional LyP may be the initial presentation of typical LyP.

Physiological and pharmacological role of lysophosphatidic acid as modulator in mechanotransduction

The mechanotransduction mechanism is believed to play an important role in maintenance of cellular homeostasis in a wide variety of cell types. In particular, the mechanotransduction system in vascular endothelial cells may be an essential mechanism for local hemodynamic control. Elevations in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2]i) are an important signal in the initial step of mechanotransduction and mechanosensitive (MS) cation channels are thought to be a putative pathway; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We found that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid, sensitizes the response of [Ca2+]i to mechanical stress in several cell types. Employing real-time confocal microscopy, local increases in [Ca2+]i in several regions within the cell during application of mechanical stress were clearly visualized in bovine lens epithelial and endothelial cells in the presence of LPA. The phenomenon was termed "Ca2+ spots". Pharmacological studies revealed that Ca2+ spots arise due to influx through MS channels. In this report, our data indicating the possible significance of LPA as an endogenous factor involved in regulation of mechanotransduction is reviewed. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the Ca2+ spot is a novel phenomenon occurring as an elementary Ca2+-influx event through MS channels directly coupled with the initial step in mechanotransduction.

Lysophosphatidic acid positively regulates the fluid flow-induced local Ca(2+) influx in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Using real-time confocal microscopy, we have demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid existing in plasma, positively regulates fluid flow-induced [Ca(2+)](i) response in fluo 4-loaded, cultured, bovine aortic endothelial cells. The initial increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was localized to a circular area with a diameter of <4 microm and spread concentrically, resulting in a mean global increase in [Ca(2+)](i). The local increase often occurred in a stepwise manner or repetitively during constant flow. The percentage of cells that responded and the averaged level of increase in [Ca(2+)](i) were dependent on both the concentration of LPA (0.1 to 10 micromol/L) and the flow rate (25 to 250 mm/s). The response was inhibited by removing extracellular Ca(2+) or by the application of Gd(3+), an inhibitor of mechanosensitive (MS) channels, but not by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the endoplasmic reticular Ca(2+)-ATPASE: It was also inhibited by 8-bromo-cGMP, and the inhibition was completely reversed by KT5823, an inhibitor of protein kinase G (PKG). These results suggest that the [Ca(2+)](i) response arises from Ca(2+) influx through Gd(3+)-sensitive MS channels, which are negatively regulated by the activation of PKG. The spatiotemporal properties of the [Ca(2+)](i) response were completely different from those of a Ca(2+) wave induced by ATP, a Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonist. Therefore, we called the phenomenon Ca(2+) spots. We conclude that LPA positively regulates fluid flow-induced local and oscillatory [Ca(2+)](i) increase, ie, the Ca(2+) spots, in endothelial cells via the activation of elementary Ca(2+) influx through PKG-regulating MS channels. This indicates an important role for LPA as an endogenous factor in fluid flow-induced endothelial function.

Rapid RNA cleavage using an antisense system with two terpyridine.Cu(II) complexes

An effective approach to promote sequence-specific RNA cleavage by an antisense 2'-O-methyloligonucleotide with a terpyridine.Cu(II) complex attached at the 5'-end was developed. We have synthesized a Cu(II) complex 3'-conjugate, which when used in a tandem fashion, greatly enhanced the RNA cleavage efficiency.

Downregulation of CXCR-2 but not CXCR-1 expression by human keratinocytes by UVB

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) belongs to the CXC chemokine family. IL-8 exerts its biological activities by binding to specific cell surface receptors, CXCR-1 and CXCR-2. Both receptors bind IL-8 with high affinity but they have different affinities for MGSA/Groalpha and NAP-2. It has been shown that the expression of epidermal CXCR-2 is increased in psoriasis, suggesting that activation of KC mediated by CXCR-2 contributes to the characteristic epidermal changes observed in psoriasis. In order to examine the mechanism(s) by which UVB therapy is effective for several dermatoses including psoriasis, we sought to examine if UVB would modulate the expression of CXCR-1 and CXCR-2 in human keratinocytes (KC). Constitutive expression of CXCR-1 and CXCR-2 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in normal cultured human KC. After 100 or 300 J/m(2) irradiation, a decrease in CXCR-2 mRNA was detectable from 12 h after irradiation; this downregulation was observed until 48 h after irradiation. In contrast, the CXCR-1 mRNA level was unchanged. Immunohistochemical studies and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the suppressive effect of UVB on the expression of CXCR-2 protein in cultured human keratinocytes. Immunohistochemical studies on two minimal erythema doses (2MED)-exposed and 2MED-unexposed skin from healthy volunteers revealed that CXCR-2 staining occurred over the whole layer of the epidermis but at 24 h after 2MED irradiation, the positive staining of CXCR-2 was decreased. A faint CXCR-1 staining was observed in the lower part of the epidermis both in unexposed and exposed skins. Our results indicate that UVB-induced growth inhibition of KC in hyperproliferative skin disorders may, in part, be related to downregulation of CXCR-2.

Downregulation of CXCR-2 but not CXCR-1 expression by human keratinocytes by UVB

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) belongs to the CXC chemokine family. IL-8 exerts its biological activities by binding to specific cell surface receptors, CXCR-1 and CXCR-2. Both receptors bind IL-8 with high affinity but they have different affinities for MGSA/Groalpha and NAP-2. It has been shown that the expression of epidermal CXCR-2 is increased in psoriasis, suggesting that activation of KC mediated by CXCR-2 contributes to the characteristic epidermal changes observed in psoriasis. In order to examine the mechanism(s) by which UVB therapy is effective for several dermatoses including psoriasis, we sought to examine if UVB would modulate the expression of CXCR-1 and CXCR-2 in human keratinocytes (KC). Constitutive expression of CXCR-1 and CXCR-2 mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in normal cultured human KC. After 100 or 300 J/m(2) irradiation, a decrease in CXCR-2 mRNA was detectable from 12 h after irradiation; this downregulation was observed until 48 h after irradiation. In contrast, the CXCR-1 mRNA level was unchanged. Immunohistochemical studies and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the suppressive effect of UVB on the expression of CXCR-2 protein in cultured human keratinocytes. Immunohistochemical studies on two minimal erythema doses (2MED)-exposed and 2MED-unexposed skin from healthy volunteers revealed that CXCR-2 staining occurred over the whole layer of the epidermis but at 24 h after 2MED irradiation, the positive staining of CXCR-2 was decreased. A faint CXCR-1 staining was observed in the lower part of the epidermis both in unexposed and exposed skins. Our results indicate that UVB-induced growth inhibition of KC in hyperproliferative skin disorders may, in part, be related to downregulation of CXCR-2.

Characteristics of cell-membrane and extracellular proteoglycans in monkey submandibular gland

We investigated the characteristics of cell-membrane and extracellular proteoglycans in the monkey submandibular gland using enzymatic digestion and Western blot analysis. Extracellular proteoglycans and cell-membrane proteoglycans were extracted from the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) soluble fraction and microsomal fraction of submandibular glands, respectively, and purified partially by ion exchange chromatography. Cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis and immunoblotting with 3G10 monoclonal antibody or 6B6 monoclonal antibody showed that the extracellular proteoglycans contain several heparan sulfate proteoglycans (117, 67, 47 and 35 kDa core proteins) and a dermatan sulfate proteoglycan (45-50 kDa core protein), while the cell-membrane proteoglycans contain only a heparan sulfate proteoglycan with 69 kDa core protein. These results indicate that the several extracellular heparan sulfate proteoglycans may be released ectodomains of the cell-membrane proteoglycans from cell surface. It is suggested that the cell-membrane and extracellular proteoglycans may regulate the function of growth factors and the microenvironment in the normal submandibular gland.

Expression of the cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan mRNA in monkey submandibular gland

We investigated the mRNA expression of cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, syndecans and glypican, in the adult female monkey submandibular gland using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Agarose gel electrophoresis of the PCR products of the cDNA generated from RNA was carried out to demonstrate the expression of mRNA in syndecan-1, syndecan-2, syndecan-4 and glypican in this study. In order to compare the mRNA expression level among the cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, we measured changes in the relative intensity of PCR products with increasing thermal cycle number. The expression levels were syndecan-4 > syndecan-1, syndecan-2 > glypican. Considering these results together with our previous report, we found that the cell-surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, syndecan-1, syndecan-2, syndecan-4 and glypican, are synthesized in the monkey submandibular glands, and that their ectodomains are released into the extracellular matrix. It was speculated that control of the expression patterns of the cell-surface proteoglycans may regulate the cellular function and behavior in the submandibular gland.

Adsorption of glycosaminoglycans onto hydroxyapatite using chromatography

Proteoglycans are known to play an important role in the mineralization process, acting either as promoters or inhibitors. In this study the binding affinity of a variety of constituent glycosaminoglycan to hydroxyapatite was studied. Glycosaminoglycans (10-1000 microg ml(-1) in 0.02 M sodium acetate (pH 6.8) were constantly circulated through a hydroxyapatite column for 1 h. The total amount of glycosaminoglycan bound was determined by dimethylmethylene blue assay. The relative affinities of the different glycosaminoglycans remaining bound to hydroxyapatite was investigated by examining their release in a 0-1 M sodium phosphate gradient. Differences were noted between the desorption profiles of dermatan sulfate with two elution peaks and chondroitin 4-sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate each with a single peak. Dermatan sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate had a higher affinity for hydroxyapatite than chondroitin 4-sulfate possibly due to the presence of differing di-sulfated disaccharide ratios in the glycosaminoglycan chains. These findings suggest the presence of a variety of binding forms of each glycosaminoglycan or the differing orientation of these forms to yield different complexes with hydroxyapatite. The Ca2+ co-ordinates of the glycosaminoglycans are known to vary and may in part explain these findings.

[Evaluation on the clinical background on early death in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis during the past five years]

We evaluated the clinical background of early death (within 3 months after admission to our hospital) in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis during the past five years (1992-1996). Among 65 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients who died during the past five years, 32 (49%) died directly of tuberculosis. Thirteen (41%) of those 32 patients died of acute respiratory failure and 9 patients (28%) died in emacitation state. Twenty two patients (69%) died within 3 months after admission to our hospital (the early death group) and 10 patients (31%) died after 3 months (the late death group). Thirteen patients (59%) in the early death group died of acute respiratory failure. On the other hand, none in the late death group died of acute respiratory failure but 4 patients died of chronic heart and/or respiratory failure and 4 patients died in emarciation state. Compared to the patients in the late death group, more patients in the early death group had long total delays (patient's and doctor's delays), had coexisiting diseases, had fallen into acute respiratory failure, and were under malnutrition. We evaluated the nutritional condition of patients using the Onodera's PNI (Prognostic Nutritional Index; 10 x serum almumin concentration + 0.005 x peripheral lymphocyte count) and the PNI value was lower among the patients in the early death group than among those in the late death group. To prevent death due to tuberculosis, we emphasize that it is important to start anti-tuberculosis therapy before patients fall into acute respiratory failure and/or malnutrition.

Expression and localization of HGF mRNA in monkey submandibular gland

We investigated the characteristics and mRNA expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the adult female monkey submandibular gland using Western blot analysis and the reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) technique, and observed HGF mRNA localization using the in situ RT-PCR technique. HGF was extracted with PBS containing protease inhibitors, and purified partially by heparin affinity chromatography. With Western blot analysis, the HGF fraction showed an immunopositive protein band of 69-kDa corresponding to the alpha-subunit of HGF. The gene expression for HGF was revealed in the monkey submandibular gland using RT-PCR, and the PCR products showed high homology to cDNA for human HGF. Furthermore, the mRNA signal for HGF was localized in the striated and excretory ductal cells. These results unequivocally confirmed both the synthesis and existence of HGF in monkey submandibular glands.

Chondroitin sulfate isomers in synovial fluid of healthy and diseased human temporomandibular joints

Synovial fluid was collected from the superior articular cavity of the temporomandibular joint in patients with unilateral internal derangement and joint pain whose contralateral joint was healthy. Glycosaminoglycans were liberated by digestion with pronase E, and precipitated with cetylpyridinium chloride and ethanol. Unsaturated disaccharide isomers of chondroitin sulfate, obtained following chondroitinase ACII digestion, were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Analytic data indicated that deltaDi-0S and deltaDi-6S were often found in chondroitin sulfate from the fluid of the diseased joints. The amounts of deltaDi-0S and deltaDi-6S differed significantly between synovial fluid samples from the diseased and healthy joints. Comparison of the relative proportions of the unsaturated disaccharides in the synovial fluid with previously reported values for several tissues, indicated that the chondroitin sulfate originated from articular cartilage, with possibly some contributions from soft connective tissues and serum present in the synovial fluid. These results suggest that chondroitin sulfate in the synovial fluid provides a useful indicator of the degree of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

Characteristics of proteoglycans associated with cell membrane of ascites Tawa sarcoma cells

We investigated the biochemical characteristics of cell membrane-associated proteoglycans extracted from ascites Tawa sarcoma cells. Proteoglycans were extracted with 4 M Gdn-HCl, and purified by DEAE-Sephacel. The extract sample was fractionated into two proteoglycan fractions, TC-I and TC-II, and eluted at salt concentrations of approximately 0.35 M and 0.45 M NaCl, respectively, by HPLC ion exchange chromatography using a Bio-Scale DEAE 5 column in 7 M urea. After HPLC gel filtration using a TSK gel G 6000 PW column, the fractions were further analysed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography on Octyl-Sepharose in 4 M Gdn-HCl. Since TC-I displayed hydrophobic properties while TC-II was non-hydrophobic, the former was regarded as the proteoglycan associated with the cell membrane. Cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis confirmed that both TC-I and TC-II contained only heparan sulfate as a sugar chain, and that the degree of sulfation of TC-I and TC-II was lower than that for normal tissue. Immunoblotting with monoclonal antibody HepSS-1 showed that TC-I and TC-II contained two heparan sulfate proteoglycans with Mr of about 30 kDa and 45 kDa, respectively. These results indicate that the proteoglycan associated with the cell membrane of ascites Tawa sarcoma cells is a small and undersulfated-heparan sulfate proteoglycan.

Characteristics and localization of rat submandibular gland proteoglycans

The submandibular gland proteoglycans were investigated biochemically and immunohistochemically in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Proteoglycans were extracted with 4 M guanidine-HCl, followed by ultracentrifugation in a CsCl density gradient, and fractionated by ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular weight of PGs was estimated by SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis with monoclonal antibodies (HepSS-1 or 6-B-6). The glycosaminoglycan side-chains in the proteoglycan fractions were identified by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membrane. Three proteoglycan fractions were obtained. One was a heparan sulphate proteoglycan that migrated as a diffuse band of about 210 kDa. The other two fractions contained at least two dermatan sulphate proteoglycans of 70-85 kDa and 40-50 kDa. Digestion of these two proteoglycans with chondroitinase ABC, but not heparitinase, produced two bands of 50 and 21 kDa, which were core proteins. The smaller dermatan sulphate proteoglycan may be a portion of the other, as the core protein of both bound to 6-B-6 antibody, and sugar chains of both were the same (20-30 kDa). Heparan sulphates recognized by antibody HepSS-1 were observed widely in the basement membrane, fibrous connective tissue, and striated and excretory ductal cells, while dermatan sulphate proteoglycans recognized by antibody 6-B-6 were located in the connective tissue surrounding striated and excretory ducts.

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of chondroitin sulphate isomers in human whole saliva in a variety of clinical conditions

OBJECTIVES

Tests have been carried out to assess the level of unsaturated disaccharide isomers obtained from chondroitin sulphate in whole saliva, which contains chondroitin sulphate derived from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole saliva was collected from periodontally diseased subjects (PDS), clinically healthy subjects (CHS) and edentulous subjects (ES). Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were liberated by digestion with Pronase E, and precipitated with cetylpyridinium chloride and ethanol. The unsaturated disaccharides obtained by chondroitinase ACII digestion of the liberated GAG were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The unsaturated disaccharides included delta Di-0S, delta Di-6S and delta Di-4S.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of data indicated that delta Di-0S, delta Di-6S and delta Di-4S were found in all PDS samples. The amount (ng ml-1 collected whole saliva) of delta Di-0S, delta Di-6S and delta Di-4S (P < 0.01) indicated significant differences between CHS and PDS whole saliva samples. The quantities of delta Di-0S and delta Di-4S (P < 0.01) indicated significant differences between PDS and ES whole saliva. The amount of delta Di-0S (P < .05) and delta Di-6S (P < 0.01) also indicated significant differences between CHS and ES whole saliva. These results indicate that chondroitin sulphate in PDS and CHS whole saliva is representative of that previously reported in gingival crevicular fluid and so provides a useful and alternative means of assessing the role of GAG as indicators of periodontal disease.

Age changes in the rat temporomandibular joint articular disc: a biochemical study on glycosaminoglycan content

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular discs were removed from female Sprague-Dawley rats 3, 5, 10, 32, 90 and 130 weeks of age. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were extracted from the discs by heat treatment, alkali treatment and digestion with Pronase E, and purified by precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride and ethanol. The concentration of total GAG was highest in the 3 week extracts and tended to decrease with age. Dermatan sulphate was the predominant GAG detected in all age groups along with chondroitin sulphate, hyaluronic acid and heparan sulphate. The disaccharides obtained from chondroitin sulphate were delta Di-4S, delta Di-6S and delta Di-0S, with delta Di-4S being the predominant isomer followed by delta Di-6S for all ages of all the GAG examined. The concentration of chondroitin sulphate showed a decrease with age. Quantitative changes of GAG with age may be related to functional changes in TMJ discs.

Disaccharide analysis of chondroitin sulfate in peri-implant sulcus fluid from dental implants

We collected peri-implant sulcus fluid by capillary tubes from sites around titanium osseointegrated implants and determined the chondroitin sulfate released into the peri-implant sulcus fluid by high-performance liquid chromatography. Chondroitin sulfate was found in all peri-implant sulcus fluid samples, and its content was similar to that in gingival crevicular fluid obtained around natural teeth. The predominant unsaturated disaccharide isomer was delta Di-0S, followed by delta Di-4S. Delta Di-6S was present in trace amounts. The amount of delta Di-0S was greater in peri-implant sulcus fluid than in gingival crevicular fluid. Assaying chondroitin sulfate disaccharides in peri-implant sulcus fluid may be an effective method of monitoring the peri-implant condition of dental implants.

Changes in glycosaminoglycan characteristics during progression of a human gingival carcinoma xenograft line in nude mice

We investigated changes in the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) during progression of a human gingival carcinoma xenograft line, GK -1, in nude mice. The GAGs extracted from cancers 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 weeks after transplantation consisted of hyaluronic acid (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and heparan sulfate (HS) as major components, and dermatan sulfate (DS) as a trace component for all cancers. HPLC analysis revealed that the HA content per defatted tissue dry weight increased in the cancers 5 weeks after transplantation compared to those of 3 weeks (p < 0.05), while CS for cancers at 10 weeks decreased compared with 7 weeks (p < 0.05). However, HS showed no significant change. Both the CS and DS contained primarily 4-sulfated disaccharide units. Immunohistochemical staining with antibody 2-B-6 for the PGs having delta DI-4S produced by chondroitinase ABC digestion showed that CS is located in the tissue surrounding the cancer nests and mass. These results indicate that the location of accumulation of CS, which primarily contains 4-sulfated disaccharide units, plays an important role in cancer progression.

Disaccharide analysis of chondroitin sulphate in human gingival crevicular fluid using high-performance liquid chromatography

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected into capillary tubes from healthy gingiva and sites of advanced periodontitis. Following digestion with Pronase E, the glycosaminoglycans were isolated by successive precipitation into 5% cetylpyridinium chloride and 95% ethanol. Unsaturated disaccharide isomers of chondroitin sulphate, obtained following chondroitinase ACII digestion, were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Chondroitin sulphate was found in all GCF samples, with greater amounts in patients with periodontal disease than at control sites with a relatively healthy periodontium. The predominant isomer in the periodontal diseased group was delta Di-4S, while that in the control group and serum samples was delta Di-0S. Comparison of the relative proportions of the unsaturated disaccharides in GCF with previously reported values for alveolar bone, cementum, gingiva and periodontal ligament, as well as for serum, indicates that the chondroitin sulphate present in GCF of patients with periodontal disease originated from the mineralized connective tissues of the periodontium, notably alveolar bone, possibly with some contributions from soft connective tissues of gingiva and periodontal ligament and from serum.

Studies on orally active cephalosporins. I. Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of new 3-substituted carbamoyloxymethyl cephalosporins

The synthesis and antibacterial activities of 7 beta-[2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoacetamido]-3-N,N - dimethylcarbamoyloxymethyl-3-cephem-4-carboxylic acid (E1100) and its analogs are described, as well as oral absorbability and in vivo activities of the 1-(isopropoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl ester (E1101) and its analogous esters. The introduction of acyclic and cyclic lower alkyl groups at the N-position of 3-carbamoyloxymethyl cephems influences antibacterial activities, especially against H. influenzae, and oral absorbability of their prodrug esters. The structure-activity relationships are also discussed.

Studies on orally active cephalosporins. II. Synthesis and structure-activity relations of new [(E) or (Z) 3-substituted carbamoyloxy]-1-propenyl cephalosporins

In an effort to find a new oral cephalosporin with well-balanced antibacterial spectrum, good oral absorbability and long plasma half-life, a series of oxyimino aminothiazolyl 3-[(E)- or (Z)-N-substituted carbamoyloxy]propenyl cephems was synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity and oral absorbability. The substituents of the carbamoyloxy group affected their in vitro activity and bioavailability after oral administration of their pivaloyloxymethyl esters at the C-4 position. The compound possessing an N,N-dimethylcarbamoyloxy moiety at the C-3 position showed good oral absorption and well-balanced antibacterial activity. In this report, the structure-activity relationships and the structure-oral absorbability relationships of 3-(N-substituted carbamoyloxy)-propenyl cephems are described.

High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of chondroitin sulfate isomers in human periodontium

We investigated the chondroitin sulfate in human periodontal samples (gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum and alveolar bone) collected for orthodontic reasons. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were extracted from the periodontium by enzyme digestion, and unsaturated disaccharide isomers of chondroitin sulfate were obtained by chondroitinase ACII and hyaluronidase digestion. The isomers were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Chondroitin sulfate was found in all four types of periodontal tissue; its unsaturated disaccharide isomers consisted in delta Di-0S, delta Di-6S, delta Di-4S, delta Di-diSE and delta Di-triS. These four types of periodontal tissue showed different molar ratios of the unsaturated disaccharides. The ratio of delta Di-4S to delta Di-6S was greater in the calcified than in the uncalcified tissue.

Changes in synovial fluid N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity in the human temporomandibular joint with dysfunction

beta-Glycosidases (N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, N-acetyl-beta-galactosaminidase, beta-glucuronidase) were assayed in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) synovial fluid obtained from 23 patients with closed lock TMJ internal derangement (ID), four with closed-lock TMJ osteoarthritis (OA), and 13 with normal controls (N). Synovial fluid was collected from the upper joint space after injecting 1.5 ml of 1% lidocaine three times. The specific activity of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase increased significantly both with ID (p < 0.01) and with OA (p < 0.001), along with increases in the activity of N-acetyl-beta-galactosaminidase (p < 0.05 with ID and p < 0.01 with OA) and in beta-glucuronidase (p < 0.05 both with ID and OA). The N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity with OA was also significantly higher (p < 0.001) than with ID. These findings suggest that N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity in the TMJ synovial fluid reflects the degree of TMJ dysfunction.

Age-related changes in central nervous system hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in senescence-accelerated mice

Age-related changes in cerebral hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) in senescence-accelerated mice (SAM-P/8 parallel Odu, P substrain) were investigated. SAM-R/1 parallel Odu (R substrain) mice were used as controls. Levels of both HA and CS extracted from the defatted dry cerebrums at 7, 17, 27 and 37 weeks of age were determined by HPLC analysis after conversion to unsaturated disaccharides following enzymatic digestion. Glycosaminoglycan content (determined as uronic acid) was lower in P substrain mice than in the age-matched controls at all ages tested. Though the ratio of HA to CS was increased at 17 and 27 weeks in control mice, this ratio for the P substrain was already high at the initial test at 7 weeks and remained so thereafter. The CS chain consisted mainly of delta Di-4S, with delta Di-0S and delta Di-6S present only as minor components at all ages in both substrains. The HA chain consisted only of delta Di-HA for all ages in both substrains. The relative amount of each unsaturated disaccharide was higher in the R substrain than in the P substrain mice at all ages. We found that qualitative and quantitative changes in cerebral CS and HA were expressed relatively early in the P substrain mice compared to controls. We propose that these changes are associated with and may cause physiological and functional alterations associated with senescence in the CNS.

Analysis of chondroitin sulfate isomers in the periodontium of the monkey using high-performance liquid chromatography

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) was extracted from monkey periodontium, consisting of gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and cementum, and from dental pulp and dentin by digestion with Pronase E. Unsaturated disaccharide isomers formed by chondroitinase AC digestion from chondroitin sulfate were labeled with dansylhydrazine and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. These tissues showed different molar ratios of the unsaturated chondroitin sulfate disaccharides. The ratio of delta Di-4S to delta Di-6S was lowest in the dental pulp, followed by the gingiva, periodontal ligament, dentin, alveolar bone, and cementum, in that order. It was greater in the calcified than in the uncalcified tissues.

Alteration of cell-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan in tumor-bearing rats

Alteration of cell-associated heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) under tumor-bearing conditions was evaluated using microsomal membranes prepared from the liver of ascites Tawa sarcoma-bearing and age-matched control rats. Cell-associated HSPGs have been fractionated into two populations displaying different modes of membrane association; one is a NaCl-soluble HSPG and the other is recovered only after detergent treatment of the membranes. The former is thought to represent HSPG from the peripheral membrane and the latter, HSPG from the intercalated membrane. We extracted the cell-associated HSPGs from liver microsomal membranes with a NaCl solution followed by a deoxycholate (DCA) solution. Both were isolated by gel filtration and cetylpyridinium chloride precipitation. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) were isolated from the tumor cells and tumorous ascitic fluids by standard procedures. Using electrophoresis on a cellulose acetate membrane, it was confirmed that the cell-associated HSPGs contained no GAG chains other than HS, and that these HSPGs did not include PGs from tumor cells since hyaluronic acid predominates in tumor cells while chondroitin sulfate is present in ascitic fluids. The HSPG extracted with the DCA solution was markedly reduced under tumor-bearing conditions, with slight increase in the NaCl-soluble HSPG. The results suggests that this condition strongly influences the type of cell-associated HSPG related to the intracellular cytoskeleton.

In vitro percutaneous transport of sodium diclofenac and diclofenac from oleaginous vehicle

The penetration enhancement of sodium diclofenac and diclofenac by alcohols with various alkyl chains (C8 to C14) was evaluated by the steady state flux of diclofenac through rat abdominal skin. Decanol showed the greatest effect in this series. A more remarkable enhancing effect of the alcohols was observed in sodium diclofenac than in diclofenac. Diclofenac can penetrate through the ethylene-vinyl acetate membrane as a lipoid model membrane, but sodium diclofenac can not. Decanol enhanced the penetration of phenol red being dependent on its concentration in the vehicle. Therefore, decanol may interact with lipoid components of the skin and increase the aqueous pathway in the skin. These results indicate that sodium diclofenac and diclofenac may be penetrated through partially different pathways.

In vitro transport of sodium diclofenac across rat abdominal skin: effect of selection of oleaginous component and the addition of alcohols to the vehicle

The in vitro percutaneous transport of sodium diclofenac from various oil vehicles was examined using rat abdominal skin as a model skin membrane. The overall transport of diclofenac through the skin from the oleaginous vehicles was very poor because of a poor solubility of sodium diclofenac in nonpolar oils. To increase the solubility and the permeability of sodium diclofenac, ethanol and n-octanol were added to each oil (designated as the formulated vehicles). The addition of ethanol and n-octanol to the nonpolar vehicles resulted in an extreme increase in drug solubility in each vehicle, with a remarkable increase in the permeation of diclofenac. The effects of oil components in the formulated vehicle on the permeation of diclofenac across the skin were in the following order: squalane greater than or equal to squalene greater than liquid paraffin greater than middle chain triglyceride greater than olive oil greater than castor oil. In order to clarify the reason for the differences in permeation of diclofenac from these formulated vehicles, the release of diclofenac and n-octanol from these vehicles in vitro was studied. The release rates of n-octanol from the formulated vehicles were in the following order: liquid paraffin greater than squalene greater than or equal to squalane greater than middle chain triglyceride greater than or equal to olive oil greater than castor oil. On the other hand, a linear correlation was observed between the initial release rate of diclofenac from the formulated vehicle and the in vitro permeation of diclofenac through the vehicle to the skin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Combined effect of alcohol and urea on the in vitro transport of indomethacin across rat dorsal skin

An aqueous gel, prepared with hydrogenated soya phospholipid, increased the in vitro transport of indomethacin across rat dorsal skin. The addition of various alkanols further accelerated the transport, with an increasing effect as the chain length of the alkanol increased. The addition of urea alone did not significantly affect the transport of indomethacin. However, the addition of urea markedly accelerated the transport of indomethacin when included in an aqueous gel containing an alkanol such as 1-octanol, 1-decanol, or 1-dodecanol. Thus, it appears that a combination of urea and these alkanols strongly enhances the transdermal absorption of indomethacin. Urea appears to accelerate enhanced drug transport into the stratum corneum by a mechanism involving the transport of urea enhanced by these alkanols.

Effectiveness of insulin suppositories in diabetic patients

Experimental insulin suppositories regulated postprandial hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. The insulin suppositories seemed also to avoid hyperinsulinaemia. The formulation with more rapid dissolution of insulin, which contained a solid dispersed form of insulin, effectively reduced the insulin dose required.

Effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the structure of heparan sulfate from rat kidneys

The effect of streptozotocin-induced diabetes on the structure of heparan sulfate (HS) prepared from rat kidney glycosaminoglycans (GAG) was evaluated. GAG were isolated and purified from the kidneys of diabetic and age-matched control rats by standard procedures. HS was prepared from GAG by digestion with chondroitinase ABC and precipitation with cetylpyridinium chloride. The tissue dry weight of diabetic kidneys was greater than that of the controls. The amounts of protein and DNA per tissue dry weight were decreased in the diabetic group, while GAG and hydroxyproline remained unchanged. The above information indicates that the extracellular components are increased in diabetes. There was no significant difference in the amount of HS to tissue dry weight between the diabetic and control groups. When the molecular weight of the HS from both groups was compared by Sephacryl S-300 HR column chromatography, the HS peak for the diabetic kidney indicated a slightly higher molecular weight and the base of the peak was broader than that for the controls. A reduction in N-sulfate residues was observed in Sephadex G-50 profiles after nitrous acid degradation of the HS. The ratio of glucuronic acid to its epimer, iduronic acid, in diabetic kidney HS was slightly lower than that in the controls. This indicates that diabetes may influence the carbohydrate chain structure of the HS in the kidney. Quantitative and qualitative changes in the kidney HS may contribute to the symptoms associated with diabetic nephropathy.

[Variability of respiratory function variables in healthy aged men]

We studied six healthy young males (young group; mean age 30.0 +/- SD 1.8 years, FVC 4.5 +/- 80.45 l and FEV1.0/FVC 87.6 +/- 4.3%), and five aged healthy males (aged group; age 63.8 +/- 3.0 years, FVC 3.40 +/- 0.22 l and FEV1.0/FVC 75.9 +/- 3.2%) to evaluate the variability of pulmonary function. We measured flow-volume curves, closing volumes, functional residual capacities (FRC) and airway resistances (Raw) five times in different days in each person. The coefficients of variation in FVC and FEV1.0 in both groups were less than 5%, and there were no significant differences in these coefficients between the two groups. Although the coefficients in FEV1.0/FVC in both group were less than 5%, there was a significant difference between the two groups. The coefficients in flow at 50% FVC (V50), maximal midexpiratory flow (MMF) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in the aged group were significantly larger than those in the young group. The coefficients in closing volume, FRC, Raw and specific airway conductance (SGaw) using body plethysmography exceeded 10% in both groups, and the coefficients in Raw and SGaw in the aged group were significantly larger than those in the young group. These results suggest that aging worsens the variabilities of respiratory function in FEV1.0/FVC, MMF, V50, Raw and SGaw.

Changes in rat submandibular gland N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Changes were determined in the activity of submandibular gland N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase from streptozotocin-induced diabetic and insulin-treated rats. Most of the activity of this enzyme was localized histochemically in the ductal cells. The activities of this enzyme from both the subcellular supernatant and lysosomal fractions were increased in the diabetic group, and recovered to the level of the controls in the insulin-treated group. Although sex differences were observed in the activity of this enzyme, with the activity in the male rats of the control group being lower than that in the females, these differences disappeared in the diabetic group, suggesting that insulin may be related to the expression of androgen function. Both enzymes in the supernatant and lysosomal fractions were separated by isoelectric focusing into two enzymatic proteins with isoelectric points in the vicinities of pI 3 and pI 8. The effects of diabetes were reflected in an increase primarily in the activity in the vicinity of the pI 8 isoenzyme in the supernatant fraction, and in an increase in both isoenzymes in the lysosomal fraction. It is clear from these findings that the diabetic condition brings about an insulin-dependent increase in the activity of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in the rat submandibular gland, and imparts certain changes in the properties of the enzymatic proteins themselves.

Arterial H+ as a determinant for interindividual variability of respiratory chemosensitivity to hypoxia in man

Ventilatory response to normocapnic progressive hypoxia (A/BSA) was measured in 76 healthy males to examine how arterial blood gases and acid base status are involved in interindividual variability of hypoxic chemosensitivity. A/BSA and HCO3- were significantly higher in Group 1 (26 subjects, mean age = 15.8 +/- S.D. 0.9 years) than those in Group III (26 subjects, mean age = 46 +/- 7.1 years). A/BSA and HCO3- in Group II (24 subjects, mean age = 29.8 +/- 6 years) were in the middle of Groups I and III. Arterial blood gases and H+ were similar among the 3 groups. Arterial H+ correlated inversely with A/BSA (subjects with lower arterial H+ on air had higher hypoxic response) in Group I, while the correlation was positive (subjects with higher H+ on air had higher hypoxic response) in Group III. The correlation was not seen in Group II. PaCO2 and H+ correlated positively in the 3 groups. Intrasubject stability was equivalent among H+, PaCO2, and HCO3- (mean coefficients of variation = 1.81, 1.83, and 1.65, respectively), but smaller than that in PaO2 (3.28%). These results indicate that interindividual variability in hypoxic ventilatory response is related to arterial H+ in adolescent and middle age groups but the relation is opposite between the 2 groups.

[Effects of differences in oxygen affinity on circulatory response to hypoxia]

It is well known that tissue hypoxia is an important prognostic predictor in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Compensatory responses to acute hypoxia occur in various organs and the magnitude of such response may also be an important factor in prognosis. P50, (oxygen tension at which the hemoglobin is 50% saturated with oxygen) is recognized as one of the factors affecting oxygen supply to the tissue. These studies were made to determine whether differences of P50 affect the circulatory response to acute hypoxia. Studies were made on nineteen male patients with COPD. They were divided into two groups according to low (less than 26.6 torr) or high (greater than 26.6 torr) P50. Isocapnic hypoxia was induced progressively with the patients being under right cardiac catheterization. The low P50 (25.8 +/- SD 0.6 torr) group included ten patients, and the high P50 (27.4 +/- 0.6 torr) group included nine patients. No differences could be detected in respect of pH, PaCO2, PaO2 or any hemodynamic parameters. Heart rate increased in both low and high P50 groups but the degree of the increase (delta HR/HR ROOM AIR x 100) in the high P50 group (20.7 +/- 9.2%) was significantly greater than in the low P50 group (9.4 +/- 10.9%). An increase in cardiac output was observed in the high P50 group (4.4 +/- 0.8 to 5.3 +/- 0.6 1/min), but not in the low P50 group (4.5 +/- 1.0 to 5.0 +/- 0.9 1/min). There was a significant positive relationship (r = 0.903) between hypoxic circulatory response and oxygen transport (TO2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of differences of oxygen affinity on circulatory response to hypoxia

Studies were made on eighteen male patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to investigate whether differences of P50 affect the circulatory response to acute hypoxia as a model of acute exacerbation. Subjects were divided into two groups according to low (less than 26.6 torr) or high (greater than 26.6 torr) P50. Isocapnic hypoxia was induced progressively (final PaO2 = 45 torr) and maintained for 10 minutes. Blood gases and hemodynamic parameters were measured before and after hypoxia. Results before and after hypoxia and results between groups were compared. The low P50 group includes eleven subjects with a mean P50 of 25.8 +/- 0.2 torr. The high P50 group includes seven subjects with a mean P50 of 27.5 +/- 0.2 torr. Comparison between groups showed no significant differences. In the high P50 group cardiac output and heart rate increased, whereas cardiac output did not change in the low P50 group. We conclude that circulatory response to hypoxia is well preserved in the high P50 group but deteriorated in the low P50 group, and this suggests that patients with low P50 cannot compensate adequately to hypoxia during acute exacerbation.

Pharmacological effects on hemoglobin-oxygen affinity in vitro and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We examined the effects of pentoxifylline, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and calcium hopantenate on hemoglobin-oxygen affinity in vivo and in vitro. In vitro study, pentoxifylline at 3 and 15 micrograms/ml significantly increased P50 from the placebo (27.0 +/- 0.3 Torr, mean +/- SE) to 28.2 +/- 1.7 and 28.1 +/- 1.3 Torr respectively (p less than 0.05) after 4 hours incubation. With 75 micrograms/ml pentoxifylline, P50 increased slightly to 27.8 +/- 1.4 Torr (0.05 less than p less than 0.1). 2,3-DPG was slightly higher (0.05 less than p less than 0.1) with pentoxifylline of 3 (11.15 +/- 4.12 mumol/gHb) and 75 micrograms/ml (10.62 +/- 2.32 mumol/gHb) than placebo. Other agents, 1-100 micrograms/ml of CoQ10 and 0.01-1 mg/ml of calcium hopantenate, neither P50 nor 2,3-DPG, Hb,ATP and glucose were changed compared to placebo. In vivo study, after administration of pentoxifylline 300 mg per day orally for 4 weeks to seven patients with COPD, P50 increased significantly from 29.0 +/- 0.6 to 30.4 +/- 0.6 Torr (p less than 0.05) and 2,3-DPG increased slightly from 11.67 +/- 0.56 to 14.33 +/- 1.12 mumol/gHb (p less than 0.1). These results suggest that pentoxifylline reduces hemoglobin-oxygen affinity by increasing 2,3-DPG and improves oxygen delivery to the tissues in patients with COPD.

Effect of phenothiazines, disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethyl maleate on in vitro rat colonic transport of cefmetazole and inulin

An in vitro rat colonic sac method developed in this study was found to be suitable for frequent collection of samples and determination of transport of compounds from serosal and mucosal medium, since the volume of both was large. Under no a treatment condition, both cefmetazole and inulin penetrated the intestinal mucosa via the paracellular route, but did so very poorly. Phenothiazines as well as disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid increased the transport of cefmetazole and inulin, probably via the paracellular route, while diethyl maleate increased the transport of only cefmetazole, probably via the intracellular route. The effect of phenothiazines in increasing the clearance rate for both cefmetazole and inulin showed dependency on their initial concentrations in the mucosal medium with maximum action at a concentration of 30 microM for trifluoperazine, 20 microM for perphenazine, 75 microM for profenemine and 50 microM for propericiazine.