Simvastatin Attenuates Oxidative Stress, NF-κB Activation, and Artery Calcification in LDLR-/- Mice Fed with High Fat Diet via Down-regulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α and TNF Receptor 1

Simvastatin (SIM) is anti-inflammatory. We used low density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR-/-) mice and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) as model systems to study the effect of SIM on arterial calcification and to explore the potential mechanisms contributing to this protective effect. High-fat diet (HFD) caused the LRLR -/- to develop dyslipidemia, diabetics, atherosclerosis and aortic smooth muscle calcification. SIM, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, a ROS scavenger) and apocynin (APO, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor) did not significantly retard the development of dyslipidemia or diabetic. However, those treatments were still effective in attenuating the HFD-induced atherosclerosis and aortic smooth muscle calcification. These findings suggest that the protective effect of SIM against aortic calcification is not contributed by the cholesterol lowering effect. SIM, NAC and APO were found to attenuate the HFD induced elevation of serum TNF-α, soluble TNFR1 (sTNFR1), 3-nitro-tyrosine. We hypothesized that the pro-inflammatory cytokine, oxidative stress and TNFR1 played a role in inducing aortic calcification. We used HASMC to investigate the role of TNF-α, oxidative stress and TNFR1 in inducing aortic calcification and to elucidate the mechanism contributes the protective effect of SIM against aortic calcification. We demonstrated that treating HASMC with TNF-α induced cell Ca deposit and result in an increase in ALP, NADPH oxidase activity, NF-kB subunit p65, BMP2, MSX2, and RUNX2 expression. SIM suppressed the TNF-α induced activation of NADPH oxidase subunit p47, the above-mentioned bone markers and TNFR1 expression. Furthermore, p65, p47 and TNFR1 siRNAs inhibited the TNF-α-mediated stimulation of BMP-2, MSX2, RUNX2 expression. SIM, APO, and NAC either partially inhibit or completely block the TNF-α induced H2O2 or superoxide production. These results suggest that SIM may, independent of its cholesterol-lowering effect, suppresses the progression of vascular diseases through the inhibition of the inflammation mediators TNF-α and TNFR1.

High output cardiac failure in a parturient with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is a genetic condition which results in arteriovenous malformations involving the skin, mucous membranes, lung, brain, gastrointestinal tract, liver and spinal canal. The shunting of blood through arteriovenous malformations, especially in the liver,; leads to maldistribution of cardiac output. In order to supply blood to vital organs, cardiac output is increased through vasodilation, elevated stroke volume and elevated heart rate. Pregnancy can worsen the effects of the arteriovenous malformations. We present the peripartum management of a woman with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia predominantly involving the liver that resulted in high output cardiac failure during two consecutive pregnancies.

Enhanced light output from a nitride-based power chip of green light-emitting diodes with nano-rough surface using nanoimprint lithography

Enhanced light extraction from a GaN-based power chip (PC) of green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with a rough p-GaN surface using nanoimprint lithography is presented. At a driving current of 350 mA and with a chip size of 1 mm × 1 mm packaged on transistor outline (TO)-cans, the light output power of the green PC LEDs with nano-rough p-GaN surface is enhanced by 48% when compared with the same device without a rough p-GaN surface. In addition, by examining the radiation patterns, the green PC LED with nano-rough p-GaN surface shows stronger light extraction with a wider view angle. These results offer promising potential to enhance the light output powers of commercial light-emitting devices by using the technique of nanoimprint lithography under suitable nanopattern design.

Accentuated ovariectomy-induced bone loss and altered osteogenesis in heterozygous N-cadherin null mice

Ovariectomy-induced bone loss is accentuated in mice with germline Cdh2 haploinsufficiency, the result of a decreased osteoblastogenesis in the face of normal osteoclast number. Reduced N-cadherin abundance in these mice decreases cell-cell adhesion and alters signaling pathways important for osteoblast commitment and differentiation, thus providing in vivo evidence that N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interactions are involved in homeostatic responses to increased bone remodeling.

INTRODUCTION

We have shown that targeted expression of a dominant negative truncated form of N-cadherin (Cdh2) delays acquisition of peak bone mass in mice and retards osteoblast differentiation. We tested the role of this molecule in the skeletal homeostatic response to ovariectomy in mice with germline Cdh2 haploinsufficiency.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Heterozygous Cdh2 null (Cdh2+/-) and wildtype mice were ovariectomized and followed up to 13 weeks by in vivo radiodensitometric and ex vivo histologic assessment of bone mass and turnover. Cells isolated from wildtype and Cdh2+/- mice were used to determine the alterations in bone cell function produced by partial loss of N-cadherin.

RESULTS

Bone mass was not significantly different between Cdh2+/- and wildtype littermates, but on ovariectomy, bone loss in Cdh2+/- mice was initially slower, but with time it became significantly greater than in wildtype mice. This accentuated bone loss was associated with lower osteoblast number and serum osteocalcin levels, with no differences in bone resorption. Although development of calcified nodules was faster in calvaria cells isolated from Cdh2+/- mice relative to Cdh2+/+ cells, bone marrow osteogenic precursors were lower in the former than in the latter genotypes. Cdh2 expression was downregulated with differentiation in wildtype calvaria cells, whereas cadherin-11 abundance remained unchanged. Furthermore, cell-cell adhesion (postconfluence) was decreased among heterozygous calvaria cells, as was cell proliferation (preconfluence), relative to wildtype cells. Finally, the abundance and cellular distribution of beta-catenin was minimally decreased in Cdh2+/- cells, whereas mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling was more active in Cdh2 insufficient cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Cdh2 is involved in the homeostatic bone formation response to ovariectomy, presumably by regulating osteoprogenitors number and differentiation through stabilization of cell-cell adhesion and/or signaling modulation.

Nerve growth factor activates persistent Rap1 signaling in endosomes

We investigated a role for endogenous Rap1, a small monomeric GTP-binding protein of the Ras family, in nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling in PC12 cells. Although both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and NGF caused transient activation of Ras, only NGF induced the activation of Rap1. Moreover, Rap1 activation was sustained for hours, an effect that matched the sustained activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. To investigate the molecular basis for Rap1 activation, we examined complexes containing C3G, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1, and CrkL, an adapter protein known to influence Rap1 signaling. NGF induced the formation of a long-lived complex containing C3G/CrkL/Shp2/Gab2/TrkA. Linking the complex to Rap1 activation, we coprecipitated activated TrkA and activated MAPK with activated Rap1 in NGF-treated cells. Confocal microscopy and subcellular fractionation showed that activated Rap1 and the other proteins of the signaling complex were present in endosomes. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with brefeldin A (BFA), which disrupts the Golgi and endosomal compartments, had little effect on Ras activation but strongly inhibited NGF-induced Rap1 activation and continuing MAPK activation. We propose that endosomes are a site from which NGF induces the prolonged activation of Rap1 and MAPK.

Erk is essential for growth, differentiation, integrin expression, and cell function in human osteoblastic cells

Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (Erks), members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase superfamily, play an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study we employed a dominant negative approach to determine the role of Erks in the regulation of human osteoblastic cell function. Human osteoblastic cells were transduced with a pseudotyped retrovirus encoding either a mutated Erk1 protein with a dominant negative action against both Erk1 and Erk2 (Erk1DN cells) or the LacZ protein (LacZ cells) as a control. Both basal and growth factor-stimulated MAPK activity and cell proliferation were inhibited in Erk1DN cells. Expression of Erk1DN protein suppressed both osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization by decreasing alkaline phosphatase activity and the deposition of bone matrix proteins. Cell adhesion to collagen, osteopontin, and vitronectin was decreased in Erk1DN cells as compared with LacZ cells. Cell spreading and migration on these matrices were also inhibited. In Erk1DN cells, expression of alphabeta(1), alpha(v)beta(3), and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins on the surface was decreased. Metabolic labeling indicated that the synthesis of these integrins was inhibited in Erk1DN cells. These data suggest that Erks are not only essential for the growth and differentiation of osteoblasts but also are important for osteoblast adhesion, spreading, migration, and integrin expression.

In vitro and in vivo induction of bone formation using a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human BMP-2 gene

It has been well established that bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) can induce bone formation both in vivo and in vitro, although high concentrations (up to milligrams) of BMP-2 have been required to achieve this effect in vivo. Further, clinical applications are usually limited to a single dose at the time of implantation. In an attempt to prolong the transforming effect of BMP-2 we used a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human BMP-2 gene (Adv-BMP2) to transduce marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits. The pluripotential MSC were incubated with Adv-BMP2 overnight followed by culture in growth medium for 1 week. Assays on tissue cultures demonstrated that these Adv-BMP2 transduced MSC produced BMP-2 protein, differentiated into an osteoprogenitor line, and induced bone formation in vitro. These MSC had increased alkaline phosphatase activity, increased expression of type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin mRNA, and induced matrix mineralization compared with both non-transduced cells and cells transduced with a control adenoviral construct. To analyze the osteogenic potential in vivo, Adv-BMP2-transduced MSC were autologously implanted into the intertransverse process space between L5 and L6 of the donor rabbits. The production of new bone was demonstrated by radiographic examination 4 weeks later in areas implanted with cells transduced with Adv-BMP2, whereas no bone was evident at sites implanted with cells transduced with the control adenoviral construct. Histological examination further confirmed the presence of new bone formation. These accumulated data indicate that it is possible to successfully transduce mesenchymal stem cells with a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the gene for BMP-2 such that these cells will produce BMP-2, differentiate into an osteoprogenitor line, and induce bone formation both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, incubation of the Adv-BMP2-transduced cells for an additional 7 days in culture before transplantation enhances the success rate in bone formation (three out of three) as compared with our previous report (one out of five, Calcif Tissue Int 63:357-360, 1998).

In Vitro andIn Vivo induction of bone formation using a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human BMP-2 gene

It has been well established that bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) can induce bone formation bothin vivo andin vitro, although high concentrations (up to milligrams) of BMP-2 have been required to achieve this effectin vivo. Further, clinical applications are usually limited to a single dose at the time of implantation. In an attempt to prolong the transforming effect of BMP-2 we used a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the human BMP-2 gene (Adv-BMP2) to transduce marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of skeletally mature male New Zealand white rabbits. The pluripotential MSC were incubated with Adv-BMP2 overnight followed by culture in growth medium for 1 week. Assays on tissue cultures demonstrated that these Adv-BMP2 transduced MSC produced BMP-2 protein, differentiated into an osteoprogenitor line, and induced bone formationin vitro. These MSC had increased alkaline phosphatase activity, increased expression of type I collagen, osteopontin, and osteocalcin mRNA, and induced matrix mineralization compared with both nontransduced cells and cells transduced with a control adenoviral construct. To analyze the osteogenic potentialin vivo, Adv-BMP2-transduced MSC were autologously implanted into the intertransverse process space between L5 and L6 of the donor rabbits. The production of new bone was demonstrated by radiographic examination 4 weeks later in areas implanted with cells transduced with Adv-BMP2, whereas no bone was evident at sites implanted with cells transduced with the control adenoviral construct. Histological examination further confirmed the presence of new bone formation. These accumulated data indicate that it is possible to successfully transduce mesenchymal stem cells with a recombinant adenoviral vector carrying the gene for BMP-2 such that these cells will produce BMP-2, differentiate into an osteoprogenitor line, and induce bone formation bothin vitro andin vivo. Moreover, incubation of the Adv-BMP2-transduced cells for an additional 7 days in culture before transplantation enhances the success rate in bone formation (three out of three) as compared with our previous report (one out of five, Calcif Tissue Int 63:357-360, 1998).

Bone mineralization and osteoblast differentiation are negatively modulated by integrin alpha(v)beta3

Numerous bone matrix proteins can interact with alpha(v)-containing integrins including alpha(v)beta3. To elucidate the net effects of the interaction between these proteins and alpha(v)beta3 on osteoblast function, we developed a murine osteoblastic cell line that overexpressed human alpha(v)beta3. Human alpha(v)beta3-integrin was expressed on cell membrane, in which its presence did not alter the surface level of endogenous mouse alpha(v)beta3. The expressed human alpha(v)beta3 was functional because cell adhesion to osteopontin was increased and this increment was abolished by antibody against human alpha(v)beta3. The proliferation rate of cells overexpressing alpha(v)beta3 (alpha(v)beta3-cells) was increased whereas matrix mineralization was decreased. To elucidate the mechanisms leading to inhibition of matrix mineralization, the expression of proteins important for mineralization was analyzed. Alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of osteocalcin, type I collagen, and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were decreased whereas osteopontin was stimulated in alpha(v)beta3-cells. The regulation of osteopontin, osteocalcin, and BSP expression was mediated via transcriptional mechanism because their promoter activities were altered. Examination of molecules involved in integrin signaling indicated that activator protein-1 (AP-1) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) activities were enhanced whereas c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity was decreased in alpha(v)beta3-cells. The activity of p38 and the levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and vinculin were not altered. Moreover, the adhesions of alpha(v)beta3-cells to type I collagen and fibronectin were inhibited, which was attributed to decreased beta1-integrin levels on cell surface. In conclusion, overexpressing alpha(v)beta3-integrin in osteoblasts stimulated cell proliferation but retarded differentiation, which were derived via altered integrin-matrix interactions, signal transduction, and matrix protein expression.

Transforming growth factor-beta up-regulates the beta 5 integrin subunit expression via Sp1 and Smad signaling

Integrin-mediated cell-matrix interactions play important roles in regulating cell function. Since transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) modulates many osteoblast activities, we hypothesized that the growth factor acts in part by modulating integrin expression. TGF-beta increased cell adhesion to vitronectin and up-regulated the surface level of alpha(v)beta(5) via increasing beta(5) protein synthesis by a transcriptional mechanism. Promoter activity analysis demonstrated that a TGF-beta-responsive element resides between nucleotides -63 and -44. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunoprecipitation/Western studies indicated that the nuclear complex formed using the -66/-42 oligonucleotide contained both Sp1/Sp3 and Smad proteins. Since nuclear Sp1/Sp3 levels were not altered, whereas Smad levels were increased by TGF-beta, we investigated the roles of Smad proteins in the up-regulation of beta(5) gene activation. Co-transfection of cells with beta(5) promoter reporter construct and expression vectors for Smad3, Smad4, and Sp1 increased the stimulatory effect of TGF-beta. Furthermore, expression of dominant negative Smad3 or Smad4 in cells decreased or abolished the stimulation of beta(5) promoter activity by TGF-beta. Smad4 mutant also inhibited the up-regulation of surface beta(5) level by TGF-beta. Thus, TGF-beta increases expression of the integrin beta(5) gene by mechanisms involving Sp1/Sp3 and Smad transcription factors.

A retrospective analysis of complications in the treatment of nevus of Ota with the Q-switched alexandrite and Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers

BACKGROUND

Studies on the use of Q-switched alexandrite (QS alex) and QS Nd:YAG lasers in the treatment of nevus of Ota were limited to case reports and small series. There was no study that looked at the complication rate of these systems.

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively study the complication rate of nevus of Ota patients that were treated with QS alex laser, QS Nd:YAG laser, or a combination of both.

METHODS

The study was performed in a teaching hospital and a private hospital, where 513 patients with nevus of Ota had been treated since 1993. The 171 patients with 211 treatment sites were evaluated retrospectively following treatment with QS alex laser only (n = 58), QS Nd:YAG laser (n = 105) only, or a combination of both systems (n = 48). Patients were called back to be interviewed and examined by two independent clinicians to look for evidence of complications.

RESULTS

Of the treatment sites, 15. 3% had hypopigmentation, 2.9% had hyperpigmentation, and texture changes and scarring were seen in 2.9% and 1.9%, respectively. The combined treatment group was associated with a significantly higher risk of complications. Thirteen patients had recurrence of their nevus after complete or near-complete clearance with laser treatment.

CONCLUSION

Hypopigmentation is common after the use of QS laser for lightening of nevus of Ota. This particularly applies when alternate treatment with QS alex and QS Nd:YAG is used. Recurrence is an important issue and must be taken into consideration, especially when children are treated.

Sp1/Sp3 and PU.1 differentially regulate beta(5) integrin gene expression in macrophages and osteoblasts

Murine osteoclast precursors and osteoblasts express the integrin alpha(v)beta(5), the appearance of which on the cell surface is controlled by the beta(5), and not the alpha(v), subunit. Here, we show that a 173-base pair proximal region of the beta(5) promoter mediates beta(5) basal transcription in macrophage (osteoclast precursor)-like and osteoblast-like cells. DNase I footprinting reveal four regions (FP1-FP4) within the 173-base pair region, protected by macrophage nuclear extracts. In contrast, osteoblast nuclear extracts protect only FP1, FP2, and FP3. FP1, FP2, and FP3 bind Sp1 and Sp3 from both macrophage and osteoblast nuclear extracts. FP4 does not bind osteoblast proteins but binds PU.1 from macrophages. Transfection studies show that FP1 and FP2 Sp1/Sp3 sites act as enhancers in both MC3T3-E1 (osteoblast-like) and J774 (macrophage-like) cell lines, whereas the FP3 Sp1/Sp3 site serves as a silencer. Mutation of the FP2 Sp1/Sp3 site totally abolishes promoter activity in J774 cells, with only partial reduction in MC3T3-E1 cells. Finally, we demonstrate that PU.1 acts as a beta(5) silencer in J774 cells but plays no role in MC3T3-E1 cells. Thus, three Sp1/Sp3 sites regulate beta(5) gene expression in macrophages and osteoblast-like cells, with each element exhibiting cell-type and/or activation-suppression specificity.

Regulation of alphaVbeta3 and alphaVbeta5 integrins by dexamethasone in normal human osteoblastic cells

Long-term administration of pharmacological doses of glucocorticoids inhibits bone formation and results in osteoporosis. Since integrin-mediated cell-matrix interactions are essential for osteoblast function, we hypothesized that the detrimental effect of glucocorticoids on bone derived, at least in part, from decreased integrin-matrix interactions. Because alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins can interact with several bone matrix proteins, we analyzed the effects of dexamethasone (Dex) on the expression of these integrins in normal human osteoblastic cells. We found adhesion of these cells to osteopontin and vitronectin to be dependent on alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5, respectively; this ligand specificity was not altered by Dex. The effects of Dex on the adhesion of human osteoblastic cells to osteopontin and vitronectin were biphasic with an increase after 2 days, followed by a decrease after 8 days of treatment. Consistently, surface alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins, which were increased after 2 days of Dex treatment, were decreased after 8 days. Similarly, total cellular alphav, beta3, and beta5 proteins, which were increased by Dex early in the culture, were diminished after 8 days. Metabolic labeling studies indicated that Dex exhibited biphasic regulation on the biosynthesis of alphavbeta5, with stimulation observed during the second day of treatment, followed by inhibition during the 8th day of exposure. By contrast, the biosynthesis of alphavbeta3 was inhibited by Dex on day 1 and remained inhibited on day 8. Analysis of the mRNA indicated that alphav and beta5 levels were increased by Dex during early exposure (1-3 days), followed by inhibition after prolonged exposure (>/=7 days). By contrast, Dex decreased beta3 mRNA level at all the time points analyzed. Consistently, Dex decreased beta3 promoter activity after 1 day and persisted over 8-day period. By contrast, Dex stimulated beta5 promoter activity after 1 or 2 days but had no effect after 8 days. To further evaluate mechanism(s) leading to the decreased integrin expression after prolonged Dex treatment, mRNA stability was analyzed. Dex was found to accelerate the degradation of alphav, beta3 and beta5 mRNA after an 8-day treatment. Thus, the regulation of alphavbeta3 was dependent on transcription and posttranscriptional events whereas the expression of alphavbeta5 was dependent mainly on posttranscriptional events after prolonged Dex treatment. In conclusion, Dex exhibited time-dependent regulation on the expression of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 integrins in normal human osteoblastic cells. Short-term exposure to Dex increased the levels of alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 on the surface and cell adhesion to osteopontin and vitronectin whereas long-term exposure to Dex decreased the expression of both integrins and inhibited the cell adhesion to matrix proteins.

The STAT3-independent signaling pathway by glycoprotein 130 in hepatic cells

Interleukin (IL)-6 is a major regulator of hepatic acute-phase plasma protein (APP) genes. The membrane-proximal 133-amino acid cytoplasmic domain of glycoprotein (gp) 130, containing one copy of the Box3 motif, is sufficient to transmit a productive signal to endogenous APP genes in rat hepatoma H-35 cells. In contrast, a mutant gp130 domain lacking the Box3 motif activates Janus kinases to a normal level but fails to activate signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and to up-regulate a number of APP genes, including thiostatin, fibrinogen, hemopexin, and haptoglobin. However, in the absence of Box3, gp130 still stimulates the expression of alpha2-macroglobulin and synergizes with IL-1 to up-regulate alpha1-acid glycoprotein. The Box3 motif is not required for activation of the SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 or the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nor is the immediate induction of egr-1 and junB significantly altered. Surprisingly, gp130 without any functional Box3 stimulates prolonged activation of MAPK, leading to an extended period of up-regulation of egr-1 and to an extracellularly regulated kinase-mediated reduction in the IL-6-stimulated production of thiostatin. IL-6 reduces proliferation of H-35 cells through signaling by the Box3. In addition, cells expressing Box3-deficient gp130 showed distinct morphologic changes upon receptor activation. Taken together, these results indicate that Box3-derived and Box3-independent signals cooperate in the control of hepatic APP genes and that Box3 may be involved in the modulation of MAPK activity in gp130 signaling.

Characterization of interleukin-10 receptor expression on B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells accumulate in vivo in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle, suggesting that their malignant expansion is due, at least in part, to a delay in cell death. However, the cellular or molecular factors responsible for a delay in B-CLL cell death are unknown. B-CLL cells do express receptors for interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and IFN-gamma, and activation of both has been shown to promote B-CLL survival in vitro by preventing apoptosis. The interleukin-10 (IL-10) receptor is another member of the IFN receptor family, but its ligand, IL-10, has been reported to induce apoptosis in B-CLL cells. In the current study, we undertook a biochemical analysis of IL-10 receptor expression on freshly isolated B-CLL cells and characterized the functional responsiveness of IL-10 binding to its constitutively expressed receptor. We show that B-CLL cells bind IL-10 with significant specificity and express between 47 and 127 IL-10 receptor sites per cell, with a dissociation constant in the range of 168 to 426 x 10(-12) mol/L. Ligand binding and activation of the IL-10 receptor expressed on B-CLL cells results in the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3 proteins. This pattern of STAT protein phosphorylation is identical to IL-10 receptor activation on normal cells and similar to IFN-alpha (STAT1 and STAT3) and IFN-gamma (STAT1) receptor activation in CLL. Further, in consecutive samples of fresh blood obtained from patients with B-CLL cells, the addition of IL-10 inhibited B-CLL proliferation, enhanced B-CLL differentiation, but did not induce apoptosis. Indeed, IL-10, like IFN-gamma, was able to significantly reduce the amount of B-CLL cell death caused by hydrocortisone-induced apoptosis. We conclude that cytokines, which signal through the interferon family of receptors, have comparable functional effects on B-CLL cells.

A potential role for interleukin-15 in the regulation of human natural killer cell survival

Resting lymphocyte survival is dependent upon the expression of Bcl-2, yet the factors responsible for maintaining lymphocyte Bcl-2 protein expression in vivo are largely unknown. Natural killer (NK) cells are bone marrow-derived lymphocytes that constitutively express the beta and common gamma(c) subunits of the IL-2 receptor (R) as a heterodimer with intermediate affinity for IL-2. IL-15 also binds to IL-2Rbeta gamma(c) and is much more abundant in normal tissues than IL-2. Mice that lack the IL-2 gene have NK cells, whereas mice and humans that lack IL-2R gamma(c) do not have NK cells. Further, treatment of mice with an antibody directed against IL-2Rbeta results in a loss of the NK cell compartment. These data suggest that a cytokine other than IL-2, which binds to IL-2Rbeta gamma(c), is important for NK cell development and survival in vivo. In the current report, we show that the recently described IL-15R(alpha) subunit cooperates with IL-2Rbeta gamma(c) to transduce an intracellular signal at picomolar concentrations of IL-15. We demonstrate that resting human NK cells express IL-15R(alpha) mRNA and further, that picomolar amounts of IL-15 can sustain NK cell survival for up to 8 d in the absence of serum. NK cell survival was not sustained by other monocyte-derived factors (i.e., TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-10, IL-12) nor by cytokines known to use gamma(c) for signaling (i.e., IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL- 13). One mechanism by which IL-15 promotes NK cell survival may involve the maintenance of Bcl-2 protein expression. Considering these functional properties of IL-15 and the fact that it is produced by bone marrow stromal cells and activated monocytes, we propose that IL-15 may function as an NK cell survival factor in vivo.

The full-length leptin receptor has signaling capabilities of interleukin 6-type cytokine receptors

The leptin receptor (OB-R) is a single membrane-spanning protein that mediates the weight regulatory effects of leptin (OB protein). The mutant allele (db) of the OB-R gene encodes a protein with a truncated cytoplasmic domain that is predicted to be functionally inactive. Several mRNA splice variants encoding OB-Rs with different length cytoplasmic domains have been detected in various tissues. Here we demonstrate that the full-length OB-R (predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus), but not a major naturally occurring truncated form or a mutant from found in db/db mice, can mediate activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins and stimulate transcription through interleukin 6 responsive gene elements. Reconstitution experiments suggest that, although OB-R mediates intracellular signals with a specificity similar to interleukin 6-type cytokine receptors, signaling appears to be independent of the gp130 signal transducing component of the interleukin 6-type cytokine receptors.

Complex of the soluble IL-11 receptor and IL-11 acts as IL-6-type cytokine in hepatic and nonhepatic cells

The signaling functions of the membrane and soluble form of the mouse IL-11 receptor (mIL-11R) were compared in rat and human hepatoma cells, which have a low endogenous IL-11 response. The expression vectors encoding either the full length or a secretory form of the ligand binding subunit of mIL-11R together with IL-6-responsive reporter gene constructs were transiently transfected into the H-35 and HepG2 cells. An IL-11-specific stimulation of transcription was detected that was qualitatively similar to that mediated by the endogenous IL-6R. HepG2 cells were noted to synthesize constitutively IL-11, resulting in an autocrine stimulation of gene expression. Addition of COS cell-derived soluble mIL-11R to the hepatoma cell cultures prominently enhanced IL-11 regulation of transfected reporter gene constructs and expression of endogenous acute phase plasma protein genes. Similarly, the complex of soluble mIL-11R and IL-11 was capable of mediating an IL-6-type signaling in cells that are naturally deficient in IL-11 response as shown by the activation of STAT1 and STAT3 in mouse embryonal carcinoma cells and human T cells. The results indicate that the IL-11R can serve as a substitute to IL-6R in activating gene expression in target cells that are devoid of the appropriate ligand-binding receptor subunits.

Complex of the soluble IL-11 receptor and IL-11 acts as IL-6-type cytokine in hepatic and nonhepatic cells

The signaling functions of the membrane and soluble form of the mouse IL-11 receptor (mIL-11R) were compared in rat and human hepatoma cells, which have a low endogenous IL-11 response. The expression vectors encoding either the full length or a secretory form of the ligand binding subunit of mIL-11R together with IL-6-responsive reporter gene constructs were transiently transfected into the H-35 and HepG2 cells. An IL-11-specific stimulation of transcription was detected that was qualitatively similar to that mediated by the endogenous IL-6R. HepG2 cells were noted to synthesize constitutively IL-11, resulting in an autocrine stimulation of gene expression. Addition of COS cell-derived soluble mIL-11R to the hepatoma cell cultures prominently enhanced IL-11 regulation of transfected reporter gene constructs and expression of endogenous acute phase plasma protein genes. Similarly, the complex of soluble mIL-11R and IL-11 was capable of mediating an IL-6-type signaling in cells that are naturally deficient in IL-11 response as shown by the activation of STAT1 and STAT3 in mouse embryonal carcinoma cells and human T cells. The results indicate that the IL-11R can serve as a substitute to IL-6R in activating gene expression in target cells that are devoid of the appropriate ligand-binding receptor subunits.

Receptors for interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6-type cytokines use similar signaling mechanisms for inducing transcription through IL-6 response elements

The cytoplasmic domain of the receptor for interleukin 10 (IL-10R) contains two box 3 sequence motifs that have been identified in the signal-transducing receptor subunits for IL-6-type cytokines and noted to be required for activating STAT3 and inducing transcription through IL-6-responsive elements. To determine whether the IL-10R has signaling functions similar to IL-6R in cells normally expressing these receptors, leukocytes of the B-, T-, and NK-cell lineages were treated with either cytokine. Both cytokines activated factors that bound to the sis-inducible element and included STAT1 and STAT3. The cell response to IL-10 characteristically differed from that to IL-2/IL-15, IL-4, and interferon gamma. The signaling capabilities of the IL-10R for activating specific STAT proteins and inducing gene transcription were defined by reconstitution of receptor functions in transfected tissue culture cells. COS-1 cells, co-expressing the human IL-10R and individual STAT proteins, confirmed a preference of the IL-10R for STAT3 and STAT1. Unlike many hematopoietin receptors, the IL-10R did not detectably activate STAT5. The IL-10R, together with reporter gene constructs containing different IL-6-responsive gene elements, reconstituted in hepatoma cells an induction of transcription by IL-10 that was comparable to that by IL-6. This regulation could not be appreciably modified by enhanced expression of STAT proteins. The similar actions of IL-10R and IL-6R on the induction of endogenous IL-6-responsive genes were demonstrated in hepatoma cells stably expressing the IL-10R. These receptor functions required the presence of the box 3 motifs, as shown by the analysis of the mouse IL-10R constructs containing progressively truncated cytoplasmic domains. The data demonstrate that the IL-10R, unlike other members of the interferon receptor family, is highly effective in recruiting the signaling pathways of IL-6-type cytokine receptors.

Interleukin-1 beta induces production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in human hepatoma cells

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a proinflammatory cytokine that participates in the activation of the acute-phase plasma protein genes in hepatic cells during infection and injury. In human hepatoma HepG2 and Hep3B cells, IL-1 beta induced production of the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in a dose-dependent manner. Activation of G-CSF gene expression was an early and transient response. In HepG2 cells, G-CSF mRNA was strongly upregulated 2 hours after IL-1 beta treatment and returned to the pretreatment level by 6 hours. The secreted G-CSF was biologically active, as shown by the induction of gene transcription through the G-CSF receptor. Maximal G-CSF activity released to culture medium occurred after 8 hours. Previous studies have shown that liver expression of G-CSF was augmented in mice challenged by inflammatory stimuli. Our data suggest that IL-1 beta mediates, at least in part, this cytokine activation program in parenchymal cells and that liver-derived G-CSF may contribute to the regulation of hematopoiesis during the acute-phase response.

STAT3 and STAT5B are targets of two different signal pathways activated by hematopoietin receptors and control transcription via separate cytokine response elements

Transient transfection of expression vectors for various members of the hematopoietin receptor family and STAT proteins into COS-1 cells indicated that each receptor was capable of stimulating the DNA binding activity of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5B. However, gp130 preferentially activated STAT1 and STAT3. Activation of STAT5B differed from that of the other two in that the box 3 sequence motif in the cytoplasmic domain of gp130 was not required. Moreover, STAT5B and STAT3 enhanced gene transcription via separate regulatory elements. This study has identified two potential signal transduction pathways by which hematopoietin receptors, including the interleukin-6 receptor, control transcription of acute phase plasma protein genes in hepatic cells.

Receptors for interleukin-3 (IL-3) and growth hormone mediate an IL-6-type transcriptional induction in the presence of JAK2 or STAT3

To determine the specificity of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) protein activation by box 3 motif-deficient hematopoietin receptors, expression vectors encoding the receptors for growth hormone, interleukin-3 (IL-3), and IL-4 were transiently transfected into COS-1 cells, together with expression vectors for Janus kinases (JAKs) and STAT proteins. Each receptor mediated a dose-dependent activation of STAT1 and STAT3, and for IL-3R and GHR this process was enhanced by JAK2. The data suggest that a box 3 motif in the cytoplasmic domain of the signal-transducing receptor to the JAK/STAT pathway. Transfection of the receptors, in combination with STAT3, into HepG2 cells reconstituted a cytokine-dependent stimulation of gene transcription through IL-6 response elements, providing evidence for a functional role of STAT3 in controlling gene expression.

Signal transduction by the receptors for thrombopoietin (c-mpL) and interleukin-3 in hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells

Antisense oligonucleotide to the translation initiation sequence of human c-mpI reduced the proliferation of human CD34+ bone marrow cells in response to interleukin-3 (IL-3) alone or to the combination of IL-3 and thrombopoietin (TPO). To investigate the molecular basis for these cytokine interactions, we analyzed the relationship between the receptor subunits for IL-3 and TPO and determined whether both receptors activate identical signal transduction pathways. The function of the receptor subunits was characterized in transiently transfected hepatoma cells and fibroblasts by the activation of gene expression via specific regulatory elements and by the stimulation of DNA-binding activity of STAT proteins. Although c-mpl and IL-3 receptor (IL-3R) reconstituted a qualitatively comparable gene regulatory response, there was no detectable functional interaction between their respective receptor subunits. By comparing the receptor action in different cell lines, we observed that in human hepatoma cells the signaling of c-mpI was 100-fold less sensitive to TPO than in rat hepatoma cells. However, IL-3R signaling was comparable between the two cell types, suggesting that c-mpI and IL-3R do not use identical signal transducing mechanisms. The cytoplasmic domains necessary for c-mpI signaling were determined by testing deletion mutants. The membrane-proximal box 1 sequence motif was critical for gene regulation and for STAT protein activation that seemed to involve the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Because IL-3R was less dependent on JAK2 than c-mpI, different levels of JAK2 expression may account, in part, for the quantitative difference in IL-3 and TPO response among various cell lines.

Separate signaling mechanisms are involved in the control of STAT protein activation and gene regulation via the interleukin 6 response element by the box 3 motif of gp130

The cytoplasmic receptor sequences required for the transcriptional control via the IL-6 response element (IL-6RE) and the hematopoietin receptor response element (HRRE) in hepatoma cells were defined by transient expression of wild-type and mutant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor receptor-gp130 chimeric receptors. gp130 generated two separate transcriptional signals, one of which was directed to IL-6RE and required an intact box 3 motif, and another, which was directed to HRRE and was box 3-independent. The activation of DNA-binding of STAT3 required the same gp130 domains as the IL-6RE response. A box 3-independent activation of STAT proteins was achieved by overexpression of the kinases JAK2 or TYK2. The increase in the DNA-binding activity of STAT proteins, however, did not result in a corresponding increase in transcription via either IL-6RE or HRRE. The data indicate that activation of the DNA-binding potential of STAT proteins via gp130 is not sufficient to achieve transcriptional up-regulation of specific target genes.

The action of interleukin-2 receptor subunits defines a new type of signaling mechanism for hematopoietin receptors in hepatic cells and fibroblasts

The gene regulatory functions of the human IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) were reconstituted in transiently transfected hepatoma cells. The combination of IL-2R beta and -gamma mediated a strong stimulation via the cytokine response element of the alpha 1-acid glycoprotein gene and the hematopoietin receptor response element, but none via the IL-6 response element or the sis-inducible element. IL-2R alpha enhanced 10-fold the sensitivity of the IL-2R beta.gamma complex to respond to IL-2 or IL-15, but did not modify the specificity or the magnitude of maximal gene regulation. A homodimerizing chimeric receptor G-CSFR-IL-2R beta could mimic the IL-2R action. The IL-2R-mediated gene regulation was similar to that seen with receptors for IL-4 and IL-7, but differed from that for IL-6 type cytokines, thrombopoietin, erythropoietin, and growth hormone. The activation of STAT proteins by the IL-2R was assessed in transfected L-cells and COS-1 cells. Although IL-2R subunits were highly expressed in these cells, no STAT protein activation was detectable. Transient overexpression of JAK3 was unable to change the signaling specificity of the hematopoietin receptors in rat hepatoma, L-, and COS cells, but established a prominent activation of the IL-6 response elements by the IL-2R and IL-4R in HepG2 cells. The data support the model that the IL-2R and related hematopoietin receptors produce at least two separate signals which control gene expression.

Ofloxacin susceptibilities of 5,667 Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains isolated in Hong Kong

Of 5,667 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from the Government Social Hygiene (sexually transmitted disease) Clinics in Hong Kong from 1990 to 1992, there was a trend toward an increase in the percentage of strains resistant in vitro to 0.01 and 0.1 microgram of ofloxacin per ml, with 54.3 and 5.5% resistant strains, respectively, in January 1990, rising to 95.3 and 41.5%, respectively, in December 1992. The percentage of strains for which the MIC is > 1 microgram/ml remains stable, and no clinical failure has yet been seen. This trend of decreasing susceptibility warrants close monitoring when ofloxacin is used as first-line treatment for gonorrhea.

Cervical human papilloma virus infection of women attending social hygiene clinics in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE

To find the prevalence of HPV infection in women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Hong Kong.

METHOD

Cervical HPV infection was identified by cervical cytology and DNA filter in-situ-hybridization (Virapap) techniques in 207 women attending a social hygiene clinic. Other risk factors for cervical cancer were assessed and any association with HPV infection was sought. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi 2-test.

RESULT

The prevalence of HPV infection in the 207 Chinese women was 8.2% by cervical smear and 12.6% by DNA filter in-situ-hybridization. Risk factors for cervical cancer were not significantly associated with HPV infection in this group, 95% of whom were prostitutes.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HPV infection in this group at high risk for cervical cancer is higher than in low-risk pregnant women, however the prevalence of HPV infection in Hong Kong is at the low end of the range of figures quoted for Caucasians. The cause of such a low prevalence is yet to be determined.

Patterns of antibiotic susceptibility of gonococci isolated in Hong Kong, 1987-1990

Among the 14,528 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from the Government Social Hygiene Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinics in Hong Kong between 1987 and 1990, there has been a trend toward a decrease in the percentage of penicillin resistant strains in both penicillinase-producing and nonpenicillinase producing N. gonorrhoeae (PPNG and non-PPNG) and an increase in moderate resistant strains, whereas the proportion of sensitive strains has remained stable, except for a small increase in 1990. Presently, PPNG still accounts for 31% of all isolates. In early 1991, 100 consecutive isolates were tested for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against 6 commonly used antibiotics. Although ofloxacin has been used as the first-line treatment for gonorrhea for the last 5 years, there is still no sign of in vitro resistance. Two isolates with high-level tetracycline resistance (MIC greater than 16 mg/l) were detected that have not been seen before. Sensitivity to spectinomycin, cefuroxime, and ceftriaxone has also been maintained, and these drugs can probably be recommended as alternative treatments in noncompliant cases. Analysis of location of contact shows an increasing proportion of cases of gonorrhea from overseas, particularly from parts of China. Comparison with the limited information published in the region shows that the population sampled can be very heterogeneous. With the continued flux of international travel, one should be extremely careful when trying to get an accurate assessment of epidemiologic data.

Necrolytic migratory erythema in glucagonoma syndrome

A 32-year-old female Chinese presenting with typical features of necrolytic migratory erythema due to glucagonoma syndrome is reported. The clinical, biochemical, histopathological, and electron-microscopic findings are described. Various different aspects of this rare entity are discussed.

The purified 14-kilodalton envelope protein of vaccinia virus produced in Escherichia coli induces virus immunity in animals

Vaccinia virus (VV) was successfully used as a live vaccine to eradicate smallpox, but the nature of viral proteins involved in eliciting viral immunity has not yet been identified. A potential candidate is a 14-kDa VV envelope protein that is involved in virus penetration at the level of virus-cell fusion, in cell-cell fusion late in infection, and in virus dissemination. The 14-kDa envelope protein has been produced in Escherichia coli, with properties similar to those of the native protein found in the virus particle and in infected cells (C. Lai, S. Gong, and M. Esteban, J. Biol. Chem. 256:22174-22180, 1990). In this investigation, we showed that mice immunized with purified VV 14-kDa protein synthesized in E. coli in the form of a monomer or a trimer develop high-titer neutralizing antibodies and are protected when challenged with lethal doses of wild-type VV. Our findings demonstrate that it is possible to confer protection against VV through immunization with the 14-kDa envelope protein.

Cloning of a cellular factor, interleukin binding factor, that binds to NFAT-like motifs in the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) gene expression is regulated by both general transcription factors and factors induced by activation of T lymphocytes such as NF-kappa B and the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Within the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR), two purine-rich domains between nucleotides -283 and -195 have homology to a regulatory region found in the interleukin 2 promoter, which binds NFAT and other cellular factors. In the HIV LTR, this region has been demonstrated to have both positive and negative regulatory effects on HIV gene expression. In an attempt to clone genes encoding cellular factors that bind to these NFAT-like elements in the HIV LTR, we used lambda gt11 expression cloning with oligonucleotides corresponding to these binding motifs. A ubiquitously expressed cDNA encoding a 60-kDa protein, which we termed interleukin binding factor (ILF), binds specifically to these purine-rich motifs in the HIV LTR. This factor also binds to similar purine-rich motifs in the interleukin 2 promoter, through with lower affinity than to HIV LTR sequences. Sequence analysis reveals that the DNA binding domain of ILF has strong homology to the recently described fork head DNA binding domain found in the Drosophila homeotic protein fork head and a family of hepatocyte nuclear factors, HNF-3. Other domains found in ILF include a nucleotide binding site, an N-glycosylation motif, a signal for ubiquitin-mediated degradation, and a potential nuclear localization signal. These results describe a DNA binding protein that may be involved in both positive and negative regulation of important viral and cellular promoter elements.

Structural and functional properties of the 14-kDa envelope protein of vaccinia virus synthesized in Escherichia coli

Vaccinia virus is a highly cytocidal virus, but the steps that lead to virus penetration into cells, the first event in virus pathogenesis, have not been elucidated. We have shown that a 14-kDa envelope protein of vaccinia virus might play a major role in virus-penetration acting at the level of cell fusion (Rodriguez, J. F., Paez, E., and Esteban, M. (1987) J. Virol. 61, 395-404; Gong, S., Lai, C., and Esteban, M. (1990) Virology 178, 81-91). To carry out structural and functional studies on the vaccinia 14-kDa protein, it would be desirable to have a high level expression system, since the amount of protein that can be obtained from purified virus or from infected cells is very limited. In this investigation we demonstrate that the 14-kDa envelope protein of vaccinia virus is expressed in Escherichia coli in soluble form and at high levels. We establish, by several criteria, that the 14-kDa vaccinia virus protein expressed in E. coli is similar to the protein found in the virus particle based on apparent molecular mass, occurrence of disulfide-linked oligomers, reactivity against specific monoclonal antibody, and identity in amino-terminal sequence with the predicted DNA sequence of the gene. We define several structural and functional properties concerning the 14-kDa envelope protein of vaccinia virus. 1) 14 kDa is a trimer of identical subunits. 2) A monomer binds to itself more strongly than to a dimer or a trimer. 3) Oligomerization does not require cellular factors. 4) Trimers induce high titer neutralizing antibodies in animals which correlate with overall immunogenicity. 5) 14-kDa binds with specificity to the cell surface of cultured cells.

Vaccinia virus induces cell fusion at acid pH and this activity is mediated by the N-terminus of the 14-kDa virus envelope protein

The mechanism by which the large-size poxviruses enter animal cells is not known. In this investigation we show that acid pH treatment of wild-type vaccinia virus-infected cells triggers strong fusion of cells in culture, with an optimum at pH 4.8. We have identified the virus-induced fusion protein as a 14-kDa envelope protein, based on the ability of a 14-kDa specific monoclonal antibody (mAbC3) to block vaccinia virus-induced fusion-from-within and fusion-from-without. We provide genetic evidence for a role of the 14-kDa protein in cell fusion, since insertion of the 14-kDa encoding gene into the genome of nonfusogenic mutant viruses generates heterozygous viruses that now acquire acid pH-dependent fusion activity. DNA sequence analyses of the 14-kDa encoding gene of the mutant viruses, 65-16 and 101-14, reveal N-terminal deletions of 46 and 10 amino acids, respectively. These deletions remove a small hydrophobic region at the N-terminus of the 14-kDa protein and prevent fusion. Our findings demonstrate that vaccinia virus can induce strong fusion of cells in culture at acid pH implying some entry of the virus by endocytosis, that the 14-kDa virus envelope protein is the fusogenic protein, and that the N-terminal proximal region is involved in fusion.

A single point mutation of Ala-25 to Asp in the 14,000-Mr envelope protein of vaccinia virus induces a size change that leads to the small plaque size phenotype of the virus

The molecular defect responsible for a structural and functional abnormality of the 14,000-molecular-weight (14K) envelope protein of vaccinia virus has been identified. Through DNA sequence analysis of the entire 14K gene from wild-type vaccinia virus and three vaccinia virus mutants, a single base change of C to A was found that resulted in the substitution of Asp for Ala-25. This mutation is responsible for protein size abnormality, as documented by cell-free translation in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate of in vitro mRNA transcripts. In addition, through marker rescue experiments we show that this mutation is responsible for the small plaque size phenotype of vaccinia virus mutants. The structural consequence of the point mutation is a possible turn in an alpha-helix domain with destabilization of a hydrophobic interaction at the N terminus, resulting in monomers and trimers of vaccinia virus 14K protein with decreased electrophoretic mobilities. The functional consequence of the point mutation is a reduction in virulence of the virus.