Inducers and co-inducers of molecular chaperones

Molecular chaperones, which are mostly heat- or stress-induced proteins (HSPs), not only regulate various cellular functions such as protein folding, refolding of partially denatured proteins, protein transport across membranes, cytoskeletal organization, degradation of disabled proteins, and apoptosis, but also act as cytoprotective factors against deleterious environmental stresses. Recent studies indicated that moderate overexpression of molecular chaperones could confer cells and tissues stress tolerance and provide beneficial effects on various pathological states associated with protein misfolding and protein aggregation. Mild heat shock, transfection of HSP genes, and some chemical compounds are the major means of overexpression of molecular chaperones. In this review, we summarize recent studies of chemical compounds that could induce or enhance the expression of molecular chaperones or HSPs.

Effectiveness of mechanochemical treatment with cyclodextrins on increasing solubility of glimepiride

We investigated the enhancement of the solubility of glimepiride (GLM), a poorly water soluble anti-diabetes drug, by cogrinding it with various cyclodextrins (CDs) using a ball mill. The phase solubility profiles of GLM with beta-CD and its derivatives were classified as A(L)-type, indicating the formation of a 1 : 1 stoichiometric water-soluble complex. When GLM crystals were coground with beta-CD using a ball mill for 48 h, the aqueous solubility of GLM increased to approximately 250 microg/mL. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern showed that the peak intensity of crystalline GLM decreased after cogrinding. Endothermic peaks of around 208 degrees C, which were assigned to the fusion of GLM crystals, disappeared in the DSC measurement of the ground mixture. After cogrinding, two sharp peaks assigned to sulfonylurea and benzoyl carbonyl stretching bands varied to broaden the peak to around 1700 cm(-1) in the C=O stretching region. These results suggested the formation of a complex between GLM and beta-CD during cogrinding.

Augmented expression of secondary lymphoid tissue chemokine and EBI1 ligand chemokine in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

A dominant T helper type 1 (Th1) immune response is thought to be involved in Crohn's disease (CD). SLC/CCL21 and ELC/CCL19, chemokines that regulate T cell homing and promote recirculating T and dendritic cell (DC) interactions, help control antigen specific T cell responses.

AIMS

To investigate the Th1 response and SLC and ELC in CD pathogenesis.

METHODS

Surgically resected intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) from controls and patients with CD and ulcerative colitis (UC) were investigated. CD3, CD83, HECA452, VEGFR3, SLC, ELC, and CCR7 expression was studied immunohistochemically. CCR7 mRNA was quantified using real time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

ELC was almost undetectable in intestinal samples. SLC was found sporadically in lymphoid follicles, lymphoid aggregate venules, and lymphatic vessels. In MLNs, SLC was highly expressed in high endothelial venules (HEVs), lymphatic vessels, and stromal DCs, predominantly in T cell areas. ELC was highly expressed in mature DCs. There were significantly more SLC positive HEVs and ELC positive mature DCs, important components of T cell areas, in CD. SLC, ELC, and CCR7 mRNA was significantly higher in CD MLNs compared with UC. CD MLNs had increased expression of SLC and ELC, mainly in HEVs, mature DCs, and lymphatic vessels, inducing T cell hyperplasia. CCR7 mRNA was increased in T cell areas.

CONCLUSION

The dominant Th1 immune response is facilitated by interaction of SLC positive HEVs/lymphatic vessels, ELC positive mature DCs, and CCR7 positive T cells in hyperplastic T cell areas. In CD, memory T cells and mature DCs may home to MLN.