Inhibitory effect of Sanguisorba hakusanensis Makino ethanol extract on atopic dermatitis-like responses in NC/Nga mice and human keratinocytes

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic, inflammatory skin disease caused by immune dysregulation. In this study, we investigated anti-atopic and anti-inflammatory activities of Sanguisorba hakusanensis ethanol extract (SHE) both in vivo using NC/Nga mice and in vitro using human HaCaT keratinocytes. Oral administration of SHE suppressed several atopic symptoms associated with house dust mites (induced with Dermatophagoides farinae extract) in NC/Nga mice and decreased serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as immunoglobulin E, histamine, and inflammatory chemokines. Additionally, SHE treatment reduced the infiltration of immune cells such as mast cells and macrophages in AD skin lesions. In vitro, interferon-γ- and tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated HaCaT cells exhibited increased expression of T helper 1 and 2 chemokines; their expression was inhibited by SHE treatment. The anti-inflammatory effects of SHE treatment involved blocking of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling pathways. In conclusion, SHE exerts potent anti-atopic and anti-inflammatory effects and should be considered for the clinical treatment of AD.

Topical Administration of Gardenia jasminoides Extract Regulates Th2 Immunity in OVA-Induced Mice

A key feature of an allergic immune response is a T helper type 2 (Th2)-mediated response with production of allergen-specific IgE antibodies. Gardenia jasminoides extract with the crocin removed (GJExCR) has been shown to inhibit IgE-mediated allergic disease. To evaluate the efficacy and mechanism-of-action of this inhibition, GJExCR was used in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergy model in BALB/C mice. Sensitization of BALB/C mice with OVA and aluminum hydroxide was performed on days 1 and 14 by intraperitoneal injection, followed by OVA challenge to the dorsal skin for 2 weeks before removal. Seven days post-challenge, mice were treated with GJExCR topically every day for 11 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry analysis, real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to determine IgE and Th2 cytokine levels. Following OVA challenge, Th2 cytokine expression and both total and OVA-specific serum IgE levels increased, of which OVA-specific IgE and Th2 cytokine levels decreased after GJExCR treatment. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that GJExCR treatment decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell populations in the spleen and lymph nodes. In addition, treatment with GJExCR downregulated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) activation and Th2 cytokine levels as compared to control. GJExCR containing geniposide downregulated STAT1 activation in HaCaT cells. These findings demonstrate that GJExCR exerts its anti-allergy effect via inhibition of STAT1 activation, thus regulating the immune response via modulation of Th2 cytokine release and IgE levels. Therefore, we propose GJExCR as a potential treatment for allergic hypersensitivity reactions.

Gleditsia sinensis Lam. aqueous extract attenuates nasal inflammation in allergic rhinitis by inhibiting MUC5AC production through suppression of the STAT3/STAT6 pathway

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a chronic respiratory inflammatory disease, is among the most common chronic diseases reported worldwide. Mucus hypersecretion is a critical feature of AR pathogenesis. Although the Gleditsia sinensis extract has several beneficial effects on human health, its effects on allergic inflammation have not yet been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of G. sinensis aqueous extract (GSAE) on nasal inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR mouse model. GSAE was administered orally for 1 week and then the clinical nasal symptoms were evaluated. The levels of histamine, OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, and interleukin (IL)-13 were measured in the serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Inflammatory cells were then counted in the nasal lavage fluid (NALF) and histopathology in the nasal epithelium was evaluated. STAT3/STAT6 phosphorylation was examined in primary human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpCs) using western blot analysis. Oral administration of GSAE to OVA-induced AR mice alleviated nasal clinical symptoms and reduced OVA-specific immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-13, and histamine levels. The accumulation of eosinophils in nasal lavage fluid, nasal mucosa, mast cells, goblet cells, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in the nasal epithelium was also inhibited by GSAE. Treatment with GSAE inhibited the production of MUC5AC in IL-4/IL-13-stimulated primary human nasal epithelial cells through the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3/STAT6 signaling pathway. These results indicated that GSAE reduces nasal inflammation suggesting that it is a potential treatment option for AR.

Novel Herbal Therapeutic YH23537 Improves Clinical Parameters in Ligature-Induced Periodontal Disease Model in Beagle Dogs

Currently, available medicine does not satisfy the clinical unmet needs of periodontal disease. Therefore, novel drugs with improved efficacy profiles are needed. We previously demonstrated that YH14642, water extracts of Notoginseng Radix and Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, improved probing depths in double-blind phase II clinical trial. However, it still has hurdles for commercialization due to the low efficiency of active compound extraction. To resolve this issue, we developed YH23537 through process optimization to extract active compounds efficiently while still achieving the chemical profile of YH14642. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of YH23537 compared with YH14642 using a canine model of ligature-induced periodontitis. Human gingival fibroblast (hGF) cells were treated with various concentrations of YH23537 or YH14642 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 24 hr. IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the conditioned media were determined using Luminex. Sixteen 3-year-old male beagle dogs had their teeth scaled and polished using a piezo-type ultrasonic scaler under general anesthesia and brushed once daily for the following 2 weeks. Two weeks after the scaling procedure, the left upper second premolar (PM2), third premolar (PM3), and fourth premolar (PM4) as well as the left lower PM3, PM4, and first molar (M1) were ligated with silk-wire twisted ligatures. The dogs were fed with soft moistened food to induce periodontitis for 8 weeks, and the ligatures were then removed. YH23537 and YH14642 were administered for 4 weeks, and clinical periodontal parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were determined before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after treatment. YH23537 inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in hGF cells stimulated with LPS. The IC₅₀ values for YH23537 were 43 and 54 μg/ml for IL-6 and IL-8, respectively, while the values for YH14642 were 104 and 117 μg/ml, respectively. In the animal study, clinical parameters including GI, PD, CAL, and BoP were significantly increased after 8 weeks of ligature-induced periodontitis. The YH23537 300 and YH23537 900 mg groups had significant improvements in CAL from 1 to 4 weeks after treatment in comparison to the placebo group. GR values in the YH23537 900 mg group were decreased throughout the treatment period. GI values were also reduced significantly after 4-week treatment with 300 and 900 mg of YH23537. YH23537 at 300 mg doses showed comparable efficacy for CAL and GR with 1,000 mg of YH14642. YH23537 showed therapeutic efficacy against periodontitis in dogs, mediated by anti-inflammatory effects. These findings indicate that YH23537 has the potential for further development as a new drug for patients suffering from periodontal disease.

Terminalia chebula Retz. extract ameliorates the symptoms of atopic dermatitis by regulating anti-inflammatory factors in vivo and suppressing STAT1/3 and NF-ĸB signaling in vitro

BACKGROUND

Terminalia chebula (TC) is a traditional medicinal plant used for treating various diseases in humans. However, pharmacological mechanisms underlying the effects of TC in atopic treatment remain unelucidated.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

We investigated the therapeutic effects of TC extract in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis (AD) in vivo and the anti-inflammatory mechanism in vitro.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

For the in vivo study, AD was induced by Dermatophagoides farinae extract (Dfe) in NC/Nga mice. After 14 days of oral administration, the effects of TC concentrations of 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg were analyzed by assessing morphological changes visually; measuring serum levels of inflammatory chemokines/cytokines, IgE, histamine, MDC, TARC, RANTES, and TSLP using ELISA kits; and counting infiltrated mast cells. For in vitro analyses, we used IFNγ/TNF-α-stimulated human keratinocyte cell lines to study the mechanism of action. The production of chemokines/cytokines in the IFNγ/TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells was measured using ELISA and a bead array kit. The signaling pathways were analyzed by western blotting and the expression of the transcriptional factors using RT-PCR and luciferase assay.

RESULTS

Administration of TC significantly alleviated AD-like symptoms in vivo and decreased the ear thickness, dermatitis score, keratinization, and mast cell infiltration. It also resulted in decreased serum levels of IgE, histamine, and inflammation-related mediators MDC, TARC, RANTES, and TSLP compared with those in the Dfe treatment group. Moreover, TC downregulated the expression of the inflammatory chemokines RANTES and MDC in IFNγ/TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells. TC inhibited phosphorylated STAT1/3 and NK-κB subunits and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. It also suppressed the transcription of IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 in the IFNγ/TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT cells. TC and its constituents, chebulic acid, gallic acid, corlagin, chebulanin, chbulagic acid, ellagic acid, and chebulinic acid, strongly inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB, STAT1, and STAT3 and decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines at the mRNA level.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, TC extract alleviated AD-like symptoms by regulating anti-inflammatory factors in vivo and suppressing STAT1/3 and NF-κB signaling in vitro. In addition, our results show the in vivo effect of partial improvements in AD, as well as the in vitro effect on inflammatory factors by the constituents of TC. This finding provides that TC extract and its components could be potential therapeutic drugs for AD.

Ethanol extract of Veronica persica ameliorates house dust mite-induced asthmatic inflammation by inhibiting STAT-3 and STAT-6 activation

Veronica persica is a flowering plant belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. Here, we aimed to evaluate the pharmacological activity of the ethanol extract of Veronica persica (EEVP) in an airway inflammation model. We examined airway responsiveness to aerosolized methacholine, serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels, and total cell numbers in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Histological analysis of the lung tissue was performed using hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome, or periodic acid-Schiff staining. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis in the lung and BALF was applied to clarify the changes in immune cell types. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were applied to investigate cytokine levels and gene expression related to airway inflammation. STAT-3/6 phosphorylation was examined in primary bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells using western blot analysis. EEVP significantly suppressed total IgE levels and methacholine-induced increase of Penh value in the HDM-challenged mouse model. EEVP also attenuated the severity of airway remodeling in lung tissues and decreased eosinophil and neutrophil infiltration in the lungs and BALF. EEVP significantly reduced the production of cytokines in BAL and splenocyte culture medium, and the expression of mRNAs related to airway inflammation in the lung tissue. EEVP suppressed IL-4/13-induced STAT-3/6 phosphorylation in the epithelial cells. We showed for the first time that EEVP effectively inhibits eosinophilic airway inflammation by suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors for T cell activation and polarization, and inhibits MCP-1 production of bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells by suppressing STAT-3/6 activation. EEVP may be a potential pharmacological agent to prevent inflammatory airway diseases.

Spatholobus suberectus Dunn Water Extract Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis–Like Symptoms by Suppressing Proinflammatory Chemokine Production In Vivo and In Vitro

S. patholobus suberectus Dunn, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory properties. However, to the best of our knowledge, its therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis (AD) has not been investigated. In this study, we explored the effect of S. suberectus Dunn water extract (SSWex) on AD in vivo and in vitro. In Dermatophagoides farina extract (DfE)–treated NC/Nga mice, the oral administration of SSWex alleviated AD-like symptoms, such as ear thickness, dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, immune cell infiltration, and levels of AD-related serum parameters (immunoglobulin E, histamine, and proinflammatory chemokines). In HaCaT cells, the production of proinflammatory chemokines induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was inhibited by SSWex pretreatment. SSWex treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and activation and translocation of transcriptional factors, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and nuclear factor kappa B in IFN-γ/TNF-α–stimulated HaCaT cells. These results indicate that SSWex may be developed as an efficient therapeutic agent for AD.

Alpinia officinarum water extract inhibits the atopic dermatitis-like responses in NC/Nga mice by regulation of inflammatory chemokine production

Alpinia officinarum (AO) has been traditionally used in Asia as an herbal medicine to treat inflammatory and internal diseases. However, the therapeutic effect of AO on atopic dermatitis (AD) is unclear. Therefore, we examined whether Alpinia officinarum water extract (AOWex) affects AD in vivo and in vitro. Oral administration of AOWex to NC/Nga mice with Dermatophagoies farina extract (DfE)-induced AD-like symptoms significantly reduced the severity of clinical dermatitis, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration into the skin and ear tissue. Decreased total serum IgE, macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) levels were observed in DfE-induced NC/Nga mice in the AOWex-treated group. These effects were confirmed in vitro using HaCaT cells. Treatment with AOWex inhibited the expression of proinflammatory chemokines such as MDC, RANTES, IP-10 and I-TAC in interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated HaCaT cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of AOWex were due to its inhibitory action on MAPK phosphorylation (ERK and JNK), NF-κB, and STAT1. Furthermore, galangin, protocatechuic acid, and epicatechin from AOWex were identified as candidate anti-AD compounds. These results suggest that AOWex exerts therapeutic effects against AD by alleviating AD-like skin lesions, suppressing inflammatory mediators, and inhibiting major signaling molecules.

Downregulation of matriptase suppresses the PAR‑2/PLCγ2/PKC‑mediated invasion and migration abilities of MCF‑7 breast cancer cells

Matriptases, members of the type II transmembrane serine protease family, are cell surface proteolytic enzymes that mediate tumor invasion and metastasis. Matriptase is highly expressed in breast cancer and is associated with poor patient outcome. However, the cellular mechanism by which matriptase mediates breast cancer invasion remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine the role of matriptase in the protein kinase C (PKC)‑mediated metastasis of MCF‑7 human breast cancer cells. Matriptase small interfering RNA‑mediated knockdown significantly attenuated the 12‑O‑tetradecanoylphorbol‑13‑acetate (TPA)‑induced invasiveness and migration of MCF‑7 cells, and inhibited the activation of phospholipase C γ2 (PLCγ2)/PKC/MAPK signaling pathways. Matriptase‑knockdown also suppressed the expression of MMP‑9 and inhibited the activation of NF‑κB/activator protein‑1 in MCF‑7 cells. Additionally, GB83 [an inhibitor of protease‑activated receptor‑2 (PAR‑2)] inhibited PKC‑mediated MMP‑9 expression and metastatic ability in MCF‑7 cells. Furthermore, downregulation of matriptase suppressed TPA‑induced MMP‑9 expression and invasiveness via PAR‑2/PLCγ2/PKC/MAPK activation. These findings shed light on the mechanism underlying the role of matriptase in MCF‑7 cell invasion and migration ability, and suggest that matriptase modulation could be a promising therapeutic strategy for preventing breast cancer metastasis.

Bruton's agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase (Btk) regulates TPA‑induced breast cancer cell invasion via PLCγ2/PKCβ/NF‑κB/AP‑1‑dependent matrix metalloproteinase‑9 activation

Bruton's agammaglobulinemia tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an important cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase involved in B-lymphocyte development, differentiation, and signaling. Activated protein kinase C (PKC), in turn, induces the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, which promotes cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and metastasis. This effect is associated with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation, suggesting an anti-metastatic effect of BTK inhibitors on MCF-7 cells that leads to the downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. However, the effect of BTK on breast cancer metastasis is unknown. In this study, the anti-metastatic activity of BTK inhibitors was examined in MCF-7 cells focusing on MMP-9 expression in 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated MCF-7 cells. The expression and activity of MMP-9 in MCF-7 cells were investigated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, western blotting, and zymography. Cell invasion and migration were investigated using the Matrigel invasion and cell migration assays. BTK inhibitors [ibrutinib (10 µM), CNX-774 (10 µM)] significantly attenuated TPA-induced cell invasion and migration in MCF-7 cells and inhibited the activation of the phospholipase Cγ2/PKCβ signaling pathways. In addition, small interfering RNA specific for BTK suppressed MMP-9 expression and cell metastasis. Collectively, results of the present study indicated that BTK suppressed TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion/migration by activating the MAPK or IκB kinase/NF-κB/activator protein-1 pathway. The results clarify the mechanism of action of BTK in cancer cell metastasis by regulating MMP-9 expression in MCF-7 cells.

Laminaria japonica Suppresses the Atopic Dermatitis-Like Responses in NC/Nga Mice and Inflamed HaCaT Keratinocytes via the Downregulation of STAT1

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin allergy accompanied by acute and chronic dermal inflammation. In traditional oriental medicine, Laminaria japonica has been used to treat various diseases, including inflammatory diseases. Therefore, to determine the therapeutic potential of L. japonica against AD, we investigated the inhibitory effects of L. japonica water extract (LJWE) on the inflammatory mediators and AD-like skin lesions. We determined the cell viability of LJWE-treated HaCaT cells using the cell counting kit-8 assay and the levels of inflammatory cytokines using cytometric bead array kits. Additionally, we analyzed the modulatory effects of LJWE on the signaling pathways in tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells via Western blotting. Furthermore, we determined the in vivo effect of LJWE on NC/Nga mice and found that LJWE remarkably improved the skin moisture, reduced dermatitis severity, and inhibited the overproduction of inflammatory mediators in 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-sensitized NC/Nga mice. We also observed that LJWE inhibits the expression of inflammatory chemokines in human keratinocytes by downregulating the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. In conclusion, LJWE has the therapeutic potential against AD by healing AD-like skin lesions, and suppressing inflammatory mediators and major signaling molecules.

Immuno-enhancement effects of Platycodon grandiflorum extracts in splenocytes and a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rat model

Background

Platycodon grandiflorum is a flowering plant that is used in traditional medicine for treating pulmonary and respiratory disorders. It exerts various pharmacological effects, including immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities. The purpose of this study was to confirm the in vitro and in vivo immune-enhancing effects of P. grandiflorum extract (PGE) on splenocytes isolated from cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppressed rats.

Methods

For in vitro analysis, splenocytes were treated with PGE at various doses along with CP. Cell viability was measured by a WST-1 assay, and NK cell activity and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity was also examined. In addition, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG, and cytokine levels were measured. For in vivo analysis, Sprague Dawley rats were treated with various doses of PGE along with CP. Complete blood count (CBC) was performed, and plasma levels of IgA, IgG, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 were quantified. Additionally, tissue damage was assessed through histological analyses of the thymus and spleen.

Results

PGE treatment enhanced cell viability and natural killer cell and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and increased the production of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA) in splenocytes. In addition, in CP-treated rats, PGE treatment induced the recovery of white blood cell, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts, along with mid-range absolute counts, and increased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12) and immunoglobulins (IgG and IgA). Moreover, PGE attenuated CP-induced spleen and thymic damage.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that PGE exerts an immune-enhancing effect both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that PGE may have applications as a component of immunostimulatory agents or as an ingredient in functional foods.

Reversine inhibits MMP-3, IL-6 and IL-8 expression through suppression of ROS and JNK/AP-1 activation in interleukin-1β-stimulated human gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissue around teeth commonly caused by gram-negative bacterial infections. Interleukin (IL)-1β, a cytokine involved in host immune and inflammatory responses, is known to induce the activation of various intracellular signaling pathways. One of these signaling mechanisms involves the regulation of gene expression by activation of transcription factors (AP-1 and NF-κB). These transcription factors are controlled by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which increase cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. We examined the preventive effects of reversine, a 2,6-disubstituted purine derivative, on cytokine and MMP-3 expression in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) stimulated with IL-lβ.

STUDY DESIGN

Western blot analyses were performed to verify the activities of MAPK, p65, p50, and c-Jun and the expression of MMPs in IL-1β-stimulated HGFs. Cytokine and MMP-3 expression in IL-1β-stimulated HGFs was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Reversine decreased the IL-1β-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) and MMP-3 in HGFs. Furthermore, the mechanism underlying the effects of reversine involved the suppression of IL-1β-stimulated MAPK activation and AP-1 activation.

CONCLUSION

Reversine inhibits IL-1β-induced MMP and cytokine expression via inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 activation and ROS generation. Therefore, we suggest that reversine may be an effective therapeutic candidate for preventing periodontitis.

Silencing of casein kinase 2 inhibits PKC‑induced cell invasion by targeting MMP‑9 in MCF‑7 cells

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that has been considered to represent an important factor in mammary tumorigenesis. Increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase‑9 (MMP‑9) via nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) activation has been demonstrated to promote breast cancer cell invasion. In the present study, the involvement of CK2 in protein kinase C (PKC) induced cell invasion in MCF‑7 breast cancer cells was investigated as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. The mRNA and protein levels of MMP‑9 in MCF‑7 cells were investigated using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analyses and a zymography assay. Cell invasiveness was investigated using a Matrigel invasion assay, and it was revealed that small interfering RNA specific for CK2 suppressed PKC induced cell invasion by regulating MMP‑9 expression via activation of the p38 kinase/c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase/NF‑κB pathway. In addition, it was demonstrated that CK2 inhibitors [apigenin (20 µM), emodin (20 µM) or 2‑dimethylamino‑4,5,6,7‑tetrabromo‑1H‑benzimidazole (2 µM)] suppressed PKC induced cell invasion and MMP‑9 expression. The results of the present study suggested that CK2 is an important factor involved in the induction of MCF‑7 breast cancer cell invasion by PKC. Therefore, CK2 may represent novel candidates for therapy intended to inhibit invasion in breast cancer.

Reversine inhibits MMP-1 and MMP-3 expressions by suppressing of ROS/MAPK/AP-1 activation in UV-stimulated human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts

UVB has been shown to stimulate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently results in the activation of various intracellular signalling pathways and transcription factors (AP-1, NF-κB). These transcription factors are regulated by MAPKs, which increase cytokine and MMP expression. We examined the preventive effects of reversine on MMP-1 and MMP-3 expressions in NHEKs and NHDFs exposed to UVB irradiation. Also, we confirmed that reversine decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in NHEKs. The mechanism underlying the MMP inhibitory effects of reversine occurred via the suppression of UVB-induced ROS generation and MAPK/AP-1 activation. Therefore, reversine is an effective therapeutic candidate for preventing skin photoageing.

Crotonis Fructus Extract Inhibits 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate-Induced Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 via the Activator Protein-1 Pathway in MCF-7 Cells

Purpose

Metastatic cancers spread from the primary site of origin to other parts of the body. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is essential in metastatic cancers owing to its major role in cancer cell invasion. Crotonis fructus (CF), the mature fruits of Croton tiglium L., have been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disturbance in Asia. In this study, the effect of the ethanol extract of CF (CFE) on MMP-9 activity and the invasion of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-treated MCF-7 cells was examined.

Methods

The cell viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The expression of MMP-9 was examined by Western blotting, zymography, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. An electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay was performed to detect activator protein-1 (AP-1) DNA binding activity and cell invasiveness was measured by an in vitro Matrigel invasion assay.

Results

CFE significantly suppressed MMP-9 expression and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CFE attenuated the TPA-induced activation of AP-1.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the inhibitory effects of CFE against TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and MCF-7 cell invasion were dependent on the protein kinase C δ/p38/c-Jun N-terminal kinase/AP-1 pathway. Therefore, CFE could restrict breast cancer invasiveness owing to its ability to inhibit MMP-9 activity.

Salvia miltiorrhiza extract inhibits TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and invasion through the MAPK/AP-1 signaling pathway in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells

Cancer cell invasion is crucial for metastasis. A major factor in the capacity of cancer cell invasion is the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix. Salvia miltiorrhiza has been used as a promotion for blood circulation to remove blood stasis. Numerous previous studies have demonstrated that S. miltiorrhiza extracts (SME) decrease lipid levels and inhibit inflammation. However, the mechanism behind the effect of SME on breast cancer invasion has not been identified. The inhibitory effects of SME on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced MMP-9 expression were assessed using western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and zymography assays. MMP-9 upstream signal proteins, including mitogen-activated protein kinases and activator protein 1 (AP-1) were also investigated. Cell invasion was assessed using a matrigel invasion assay. The present study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of the SME ethanol solution on MMP-9 expression and cell invasion in TPA-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. SME suppressed TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and MCF-7 cell invasion by blocking the transcriptional activation of AP-1. SME may possess therapeutic potential for inhibiting breast cancer cell invasiveness.

PTEN inhibits replicative senescence-induced MMP-1 expression by regulating NOX4-mediated ROS in human dermal fibroblasts

The biological function of NADPH oxidase (NOX) is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS, primarily arising from oxidative cell metabolism, play a major role in both chronological ageing and photoageing. ROS in extrinsic and intrinsic skin ageing may be assumed to induce the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. NADPH oxidase is closely linked with phosphatidylinositol 3‐OH kinase (PI3K) signalling. Protein kinase C (PKC), a downstream molecule of PI3K, is essential for superoxide generation by NADPH oxidase. However, the effect of PTEN and NOX4 in replicative‐aged MMPs expression has not been determined. In this study, we confirmed that inhibition of the PI3K signalling pathway by PTEN gene transfer abolished the NOX‐4 and MMP‐1 expression. Also, NOX‐4 down‐expression of replicative‐aged skin cells abolished the MMP‐1 expression and ROS generation. These results suggest that increase of MMP‐1 expression by replicative‐induced ROS is related to the change in the PTEN and NOX expression.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. ethanol extract suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis

The constituents of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJ) exhibit biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-obesity, anti-oxidant and anti-allergic activities. The aim of the present study was to examine in vitro effects of PJ in RANKL-induced signaling pathways, which determine osteoclast differentiation. PJ ethanol extract (PEE) exhibited anti-osteoporotic activity by disrupting the phospholipase C (PLC)-Ca2+-c-Fos/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) signaling pathway during osteoclastogenesis. Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) were cultured and used to determine the effects of PJ in the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis. The effects of PEE in the RANKL-mediated signaling cascade were evaluated using a standard in vitro osteoclastogenesis system. PEE treatment of BMMs significantly reduced the number of RANKL-mediated tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive multinucleated cells (P<0.05 for 5 and 10 µg/ml PEE, P<0.01 for 25 and 50 µg/ml PEE), without cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, the expression of differentiation-related marker genes, including TRAP, Oscar, Cathepsin K, dendrocyte expressed seven transmembrane protein, ATPase H+ Transporting V0 Subunit D2 and NFATc1, were markedly suppressed. PEE induced a transient increase in free cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]_i) mobilization via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and PLC-sensitive pathways. Transient [Ca2+]_i increase consequently resulted in the suppression of c-Fos, CREB and NFATc1 activities. These findings highlight the potential use of PJ in treating bone disorders caused by osteoclast overgrowth.

Sophorae Flos extract inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation by suppressing the NF-κB/NFATc1 pathway in mouse bone marrow cells

Background

Sophorae Flos (SF) is a composite of flowers and buds of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott and has been used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine for the treatment of hemostasis and inflammation. Previous studies reported that SF possesses anti-obesity properties, as well as anti-allergic, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of SF in bone resorption has not been studies. In this study, we examined the potential of SF extract (SFE) to inhibit receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclast differentiation in cultured mouse-derived bone marrow macrophages (BMMs).

Methods

BMMs, that act as osteoclast precursors, were cultured with M-CSF (50 ng/ml) and RANKL (100 ng/ml) for 4 days to generate osteoclasts. Osteoclast differentiation was measured by tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the TRAP solution assay. Osteoclast differentiation marker genes were analyzed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RANKLs signaling pathways were confirmed through western blotting.

Results

SFE significantly decreased osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. SFE inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NF-κB activation. By contrast, SFE did not affect phospholipase C gamma 2 or subsequent cAMP response element binding activation. SFE inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1).

Conclusions

SFE attenuated the RANKL-mediated induction of NF-κB through inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, which contributed to inhibiting of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through downregulation of NFATc1.

Suppression of TPA-induced cancer cell invasion by Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. extract through the inhibition of PKCα/NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 expression in MCF-7 cells

Metastatic cancers spread from their site of origin (the primary site) to other parts of the body. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix, is important in metastatic cancers as it plays a major role in cancer cell invasion. The present study examined the inhibitory effect of an ethanol extract of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (PJT) on MMP-9 expression and the invasion of MCF-7 breast cancer cells induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Western blot analysis, gelatin zymography, and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR revealed that PJT significantly suppressed MMP-9 expression and activation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PJT attenuated TPA-induced nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB. The results indicated that the PJT-mediated inhibition of TPA-induced MMP-9 expression and cell invasion involved the suppression of the PKCα/NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 cells. Thus, the inhibition of MMP-9 expression by PJT may have potential value as a therapy for restricting the invasiveness of breast cancer.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 improves insulin resistance and ameliorates renal injury in db/db mice

Despite the emerging importance of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a metabolic hormone regulating energy balance, its direct effects on renal function remain unexplored. FGF21 was injected ip daily for 12 weeks into db/db mice. Compared with control vehicle injection, FGF21 treatment significantly improved lipid profiles and insulin resistance and resulted in significantly higher serum adiponectin levels. In contrast, serum insulin and 8-isoprostane levels were significantly decreased. Interestingly, FGF21 and its receptor components in the kidneys were found to be significantly up-regulated in db/db mice, which suggests an FGF21-resistant state. FGF21 treatment significantly down-regulated FGF21 receptor components and activated ERK phosphorylation. FGF21 administration also markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion and mesangial expansion and suppressed profibrotic molecule synthesis. Furthermore, FGF21 improved renal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress injury. In cultured renal cells, FGF21 was mainly expressed in mesangial cells, and knockdown of FGF21 expression by stealth small interfering RNA further aggravated high-glucose-induced profibrotic cytokine synthesis in mesangial cells. Our results suggest that FGF21 improves insulin resistance and protects against renal injury through both improvement of systemic metabolic alterations and antifibrotic effects in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Targeting FGF21 could therefore provide a potential candidate approach for a therapeutic strategy in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Renal protective effects of toll-like receptor 4 signaling blockade in type 2 diabetic mice

Chronic inflammation caused by high glucose and high free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Recent evidence suggests that activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling induces peripheral insulin resistance and mediates central insulin and leptin resistance. In this study, we investigated the renal effects of TLR4 signaling blockade in type 2 diabetic mice. Eight-week-old db/db mice were treated for 12 weeks with (S,R)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxasole acetic acid (GIT27), which targets macrophages through the inhibition of TLR4- and TLR2/6-mediated signaling pathways. Although GIT27 treatment improved glycemic control and insulin tolerance, which is associated with a lower lipid profile, it did not impact body weight or food consumption. GIT27 treatment also markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion, decreased proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, improved tissue lipid metabolism, induced oxidative stress, and improved glomerulosclerosis compared with the control db/db group. In cultured podocytes and adipocytes, high glucose levels with FFA stimulation increased TLR4 expression and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis, but the effects were abolished by GIT27 treatment. In addition, knockdown of TLR4 expression by stealth small interfering RNA abolished FFA-induced proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in cultured podocytes. In conclusion, our results suggest that GIT27 treatment improves insulin resistance and protects against the renal injury that occurs in type 2 diabetic nephropathy through both metabolic and antiglomerulosclerotic mechanisms. These results suggest that TLR pathway inhibition might play a direct protective role in diabetic kidney disease.

Anatomical investigations for appropriate needle positioning for thoracic paravertebral blockade in children

OBJECTIVE

Clinicians hesitate to perform thoracic paravertebral blockade (TPVB) in children due to the potential high risk of adverse effects. No paediatric anatomical guidelines for TPVB exist. This study aimed to estimate the appropriate depth and distance for safe needle positioning in children.

METHODS

The depth (D) from the skin to the paravertebral space and the distance (A) from the spinous process to the needle entry point on the skin were measured using chest computed tomography (CT) in children aged between 1 and 9 years. Correlations between age, gender, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and each of the anatomical measurements were analysed.

RESULTS

Each measurement correlated significantly with age, weight and height, but not with BMI (n = 373 children). Measurements A and D could be calculated by: A = 13.56 + (0.33 × age [years]) + (0.06 × weight [kg]) + 0.47 × (gender [female = 0, male = 1]); and D = 17.49 - (0.35 × age [years]) + (0.55 × weight [kg]).

CONCLUSION

These anatomical guidelines for TPVB are recommended to help prevent anaesthetic complications such as pneumothorax, when ultrasonography and CT are unavailable.

Blockade of cannabinoid receptor 1 improves insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice

The endocannabinoid system is important in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the effect of inhibiting the endocannabinoid system in type 2 diabetic nephropathy is unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of the cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor antagonist, SR141716, on insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice. Six-week-old db/db mice were treated with the CB1-specific antagonist SR141716 (10 mg/kg · d) for 3 months. Treatment with SR141716 significantly improved insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities. Concomitantly, CB1 antagonism improved cardiac functional and morphological abnormality, hepatic steatosis, and phenotypic changes of adipocytes into small differentiated forms, associated with increased adiponectin expression and decreased lipid hydroperoxide levels. CB1 receptor was overexpressed in diabetic kidneys, especially in podocytes. Treatment with the SR141716 markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion and mesangial expansion and suppressed profibrotic and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis. Furthermore, SR141716 improved renal lipid metabolism and decreased urinary 8-isoprostane levels, renal lipid hydroperoxide content, and renal lipid content. In cultured podocytes, high-glucose stimulation increased CB1 receptor expression, and SR141716 treatment abolished high-glucose-induced up-regulation of collagen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis. Additionally, knockdown of CB1 receptor expression by stealth small interfering RNA abolished high-glucose-induced sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1 expression in podocytes. These findings suggest that CB1 blockade improves insulin resistance and protect against renal injury through both metabolic and antifibrotic effects in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Targeting CB1 blockade could therefore provide a new therapeutic target to prevent type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Influence of sirolimus on cyclosporine-induced pancreas islet dysfunction in rats

This study was performed to investigate the effect of sirolimus (SRL) on cyclosporine (CsA)-induced pancreatic islet dysfunction in rats. Three separate studies were performed. First, diabetogenic effect of SRL was evaluated with three different doses (0.15, 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg). Second, rats were treated with SRL (0.3 mg/kg) with or without CsA (15 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Third, rats were treated with CsA for 4 weeks, and then switched to SRL for 4 weeks. The effect of SRL on CsA-induced pancreatic islet dysfunction was evaluated by an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, plasma insulin concentration, HbA1c level, HOMA-R index, immunohistochemistry of insulin and pancreatic beta islet cell mass. The SRL treatment increased blood glucose concentration in a dose-dependent manner. The combined treatment with SRL and CsA increased blood glucose concentration, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level, HOMA-R [fasting insulin (mU/mL) x fasting glucose (mmol/L)]/22.5] index and decreased plasma insulin concentration, immunoreactivity of insulin and pancreatic beta islet cell mass compared with rats treated with CsA. CsA withdrawal for 4 weeks improved pancreatic beta-cell function and structure. However, conversion from CsA to SRL further increased blood glucose levels compared with the rats converted from vehicle to SRL. The results of our study demonstrate that SRL is diabetogenic and aggravates CsA-induced pancreatic islet dysfunction.

Paroxysmal stabbing headache in the multiple dermatomes of the head and neck: a variant of primary stabbing headache or occipital neuralgia?

A paroxysmal stabbing or icepick-like headache in the multiple nerve dermatomes, especially involving both trigeminal and cervical nerves, has not been fully explained or classified by the International Classification of Headache Disorder, 2(nd) Edition (ICHD-II). Of patients with acute-onset paroxysmal stabbing headache who had visited the Hallym University Medical Center during the last four years, 28 subjects with a repeated stabbing headache involving multiple dermatomes at the initial presentation or during the course were prospectively enrolled. All patients were neurologically and otologically symptom free. A coincidental involvement of both trigeminal and cervical nerve dermatomes included seven cases. Six cases involved initially the trigeminal and then cervical nerve dermatomes. Five cases showed an involvement of the cervical and then trigeminal nerve dermatomes. The remaining patients involved multiple cervical nerve branches (the lesser occipital, greater occipital and greater auricular). Pain lasted very shortly and a previous history of headache with the same nature was reported in 13 cases. Preceding symptom of an infection and physical and/or mental stress were manifested in seven and six subjects, respectively. All patients showed a self-limited benign course and completely recovered within a few hours to 30 days. Interestingly, a seasonal gradient in occurrence of a stabbing headache was found in this study. A paroxysmal stabbing headache manifested on multiple dermatomes can be explained by the characteristics of pain referral, and may be considered to be a variant of primary stabbing headache or occipital neuralgia.

Construction and calibration of a 50 T/m z-gradient coil for quantitative diffusion microimaging

q-Space imaging is capable of providing quantitative geometrical information of structures at cellular resolution. However, the size of restrictions that can be probed hinges on available gradient amplitude and places very high demands on gradient performance. In this work we describe the design and construction of a small, high-amplitude (50 T/m) z-gradient coil, interfaced with a commercial 9.4 T microimaging system. We also describe a method to calibrate the coil for quantitative measurements of molecular diffusion at very high-gradient amplitudes. Calibration showed linear current response up to 50 T/m, with a gain=1.255 T/m/A. The z-gradient coil was combined with the commercial x- and y-gradients for tri-axial imaging, and its performance was demonstrated by ADC maps of free water and by q-space experiments on water sequestered around polystyrene microspheres (4.5 microm diameter), which showed the expected diffraction peak. In addition, diffusion-weighted images of a fixed mouse spinal cord illustrated the capability of this coil for quantitative imaging of tissue microstructure.

Measurement of phosphorus content in normal and osteomalacic rabbit bone by solid-state 3D radial imaging

In osteomalacia decreased mineralization reduces the stiffness and static strength of bone. We hypothesized that hypomineralization in osteomalacic bone could be quantified by solid-state (31)P magnetic resonance imaging (SS-MRI). Hypomineralization was measured with a 3D radial imaging technique at 162 MHz (9.4T) in rabbit cortical bone of hypophosphatemic (HY) and normophosphatemic (NO) animals. The results were compared with those obtained by quantitative micro-CT (micro-CT) and (31)P solution NMR. 3D images of 277 microm isotropic voxel size were obtained in 1.7 hr with SNR approximately 9. Mineral content was lower in the HY relative to the NO group (SS-MRI: 9.48 +/- 0.4 vs. 11.15 +/- 0.31 phosphorus wet wt %, P < 0.0001; micro-CT: 1114.6 +/- 28.3 vs. 1175.7 +/- 23.5 mg mineral/cm(3); P = 0.003). T(1) was shorter in the HY group (47.2 +/- 3.5 vs. 54.1 +/- 2.7 s, P = 0.004), which suggests that relaxation occurs via a dipole-dipole (DD) mechanism involving exchangeable water protons, which are more prevalent in bone from osteomalacic animals.

Structural MRI of carotid artery atherosclerotic lesion burden and characterization of hemispheric cerebral blood flow before and after carotid endarterectomy

Collateral circulation plays a major role in maintaining cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. CBF can remain normal despite severe ICA stenosis, making the benefit of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or stenting difficult to assess. Before and after surgery, we assessed CBF supplied through the ipsilateral (stenotic) or contralateral ICA individually with a novel hemisphere-selective arterial spin-labeling (ASL) perfusion MR technique. We further explored the relationship between CBF and ICA obstruction ratio (OR) acquired with a multislice black-blood imaging sequence. For patients with unilateral ICA stenosis (n = 19), conventional bilateral labeling did not reveal interhemispheric differences. With unilateral labeling, CBF in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory on the surgical side from the ipsilateral supply (53.7 +/- 3.3 ml/100 g/min) was lower than CBF in the contralateral MCA territory from the contralateral supply (58.5 +/- 2.7 ml/100 g/min), although not statistically significant (p = 0.09). The ipsilateral MCA territory received significant (p = 0.02) contralateral supply (7.0 +/- 2.7 ml/100 g/min), while ipsilateral supply to the contralateral side was not reciprocated. After surgery (n = 11), ipsilateral supply to the MCA territory increased from 57.3 +/- 5.7 to 67.3 +/- 5.4 ml/100 g/min (p = 0.03), and contralateral supply to the ipsilateral MCA territory decreased. The best predictor of increased CBF on the side of surgery was normalized presurgical ipsilateral supply (r(2) = 0.62, p = 0.004). OR was less predictive of change, although the change in normalized contralateral supply was negatively correlated with OR(excess) (=OR(ipsilateral) - OR(contralateral)) (r(2) = 0.58, p = 0.006). The results demonstrate the effect of carotid artery stenosis on blood supply to the cerebral hemispheres, as well as the relative role of collateral pathways before surgery and redistribution of blood flow through these pathways after surgery. Unilateral ASL may better predict hemodynamic surgical outcome (measured by improved perfusion) than ICA OR.

Off pump coronary artery bypass surgery for significant left ventricular dysfunction: safety, feasibility, and trends in methodology over time--an early experience

OBJECTIVE

To examine the safety and applicability of off pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) in patients with significant left ventricular dysfunction and to discuss the clinical implications for the surgical methods.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary care university affiliated referral centre.

PARTICIPANTS

353 consecutive patients with preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction < or = 35% who underwent coronary artery bypass over a three year period.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Postoperative morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

144 patients operated by OPCAB were compared with 209 patients operated by conventional coronary artery bypass. Multivariate and univariate analyses were performed on the pre- and postoperative variables to predict risk factors associated with hospital morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Patients in the OPCAB group were more likely to be women and to have congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, and diabetes; patients in the on pump group were more likely to have had a recent myocardial infarction and to have more severe angina pectoris and an urgent/emergent status. The groups did not differ significantly in length of stay, major postoperative complication rates, or mortality. Comparison of the impact of the procedures on surgical methods over time showed an increase in the use of OPCAB (13% to 67%), without any impact on morbidity or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

OPCAB is feasible and applicable for patients with depressed left ventricular function. This high risk group can potentially benefit from the off pump approach.

Reproducibility and error sources of micro-MRI-based trabecular bone structural parameters of the distal radius and tibia

The mechanical competence of trabecular bone is significantly determined, next to material density, by its three-dimensional (3D) structure. Recent advances in micromagnetic resonance imaging (micro-MRI) acquisition and processing techniques allow the 3D trabecular structure to be analyzed in vivo at peripheral sites such as the distal radius and tibia. The practicality of micro-MRI-based noninvasive virtual bone biopsy (VBB) for longitudinal studies of patients hinges on the reproducibility of the derived structural parameters, which largely determine the size of the effect that can be detected at a given power and significance level. In this paper, the reproducibility of micro-MRI-derived trabecular bone structure measures was examined by performing repeat studies in six healthy subjects in whom the distal aspects of the radius and tibia were scanned with a 3D spin-echo sequence at 137 x 137 x 410 microm3 voxel size. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and digital topological analysis (DTA) structural parameters including the topological bone surface-to-curve ratio (SCR) and topological erosion index (TEI) were evaluated after subjecting the raw images to a cascade of processing steps. The average coefficient of variation was 4-7% and was comparable for the two anatomic sites and for all parameters measured. The reliability expressed in terms of the intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.95 to 0.97 in the radius and 0.68 to 0.92 in the tibia. Error analysis based on simulations suggests involuntary patient motion, primarily rotation, to be the chief source of imprecision, followed by failure to accurately match the analysis volumes in repeat studies.

A noncontact, nondestructive method for quantifying intratissue deformations and strains

The function of soft connective tissues is frequently characterized by quantifying tissue strain (e.g., during joint motion). Conventional techniques for quantifying tendon and ligament strain typically provide surface measures, using markers, stain lines or instrumentation that may influence the tissue. An alternative approach is to quantify intratendinous strain by applying texture correlation analysis to magnetic resonance (MR) images. This paper reports the accuracy and reproducibility of this approach by (1) assessing the reproducibility of MR images, (2) assessing texture correlation accuracy using simulated displacements, and (3) comparing texture correlation measures of displacement and strain from MR images to conventional techniques.

Crystal structure of Klebsiella aerogenes UreE, a nickel-binding metallochaperone for urease activation

UreE is proposed to be a metallochaperone that delivers nickel ions to urease during activation of this bacterial virulence factor. Wild-type Klebsiella aerogenes UreE binds approximately six nickel ions per homodimer, whereas H144*UreE (a functional C-terminal truncated variant) was previously reported to bind two. We determined the structure of H144*UreE by multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction and refined it to 1.5 A resolution. The present structure reveals an Hsp40-like peptide-binding domain, an Atx1-like metal-binding domain, and a flexible C terminus. Three metal-binding sites per dimer, defined by structural analysis of Cu-H144*UreE, are on the opposite face of the Atx1-like domain than observed in the copper metallochaperone. One metal bridges the two subunits via the pair of His-96 residues, whereas the other two sites involve metal coordination by His-110 and His-112 within each subunit. In contrast to the copper metallochaperone mechanism involving thiol ligand exchanges between structurally similar chaperones and target proteins, we propose that the Hsp40-like module interacts with urease apoprotein and/or other urease accessory proteins, while the Atx1-like domain delivers histidyl-bound nickel to the urease active site.

Enhanced IL-18 expression in common skin tumors

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) has been found to have multiple effects upon various cells involved in inflammatory response. Recently we reported that B16 murine melanoma cells are able to produce IL-18, which is involved in the regulation of intracellular reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) and Fas-ligand expression, indicating that IL-18 plays key role in the tumor activity of melanoma. In this study, we investigated the pattern of IL-18 expression in the human system. IL-18 production was tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay in various tumor cell lines, including Raji (Burkitt's lymphoma), IM-9 (B lymphoblast), Jurkat (acute T cell leukemia), SK-MES-1 (squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell line), SK-MEL-2, G-361, DM-4, and DX-3 (melanoma cell lines). ELISA tests showed that IL-18 was highly expressed in malignant skin tumors such as SK-MES-1, SK-MEL-2, G-361, DM-4, and DX-3 cell lines, thus suggesting that IL-18 production may be associated with the malignancy of skin tumors. Here, we report that enhanced IL-18 expression is positively correlated with malignant skin tumors such as SCC and melanoma, suggesting the importance role of IL-18 in malignancy of skin tumors. Taken together, expression of IL-18 by tumor cells in human skin tissue may provide an important clue to understand the pathogenesis of malignant skin tumors.

Pulmonary MR angiography with contrast agent at 4 Tesla: a preliminary result

In this study, pulmonary MR angiography (MRA) using a tailored coil at 4 Tesla in conjunction with an intravenous injection of contrast agent is described. Three-dimensional gradient-echo images were obtained during the intravenous injection of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/kg body weight of gadodiamide to investigate the signal enhancement effect of the contrast agent in pulmonary arteries qualitatively and quantitatively. In the qualitative analysis, the subsegmental branches were visualized on every dose. In the quantitative analysis, the average contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the main pulmonary arteries increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, the CNRs of segmental arteries did not increase as the dose of contrast agent increased, as observed at 1.5 Tesla MRI. These observations demonstrate the feasibility of delineating the pulmonary vasculature using a contrast agent; however, our results also suggest possible high-field-related disabilities that need to be overcome before high-field (> or =4 Tesla) MRI can be used to full advantage.

Contrasting effects of zonisamide and acetazolamide on amygdaloid kindling in rats

PURPOSE

Zonisamide (ZNS) and acetazolamide (AZM) are two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that differ in clinical efficacy. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these compounds, we investigated their therapeutic and prophylactic effects in rats by using a kindling model of partial epilepsy.

METHODS

Electrodes were implanted into the left amygdala of adult male Wistar rats. The animals were stimulated at the afterdischarge threshold until five stage 5 seizures were induced. The generalized seizure threshold was then determined. Therapeutic effects were examined in rats manifesting successive convulsions with near-threshold stimulation. To test prophylactic effects, drugs were administered intraperitoneally before daily kindling stimulation until the animal had a stage 5 seizure or reached day 18.

RESULTS

ZNS (10-40 mg/kg; n=6) suppressed kindled seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Repeated administration for 7 days produced tolerance to anticonvulsive effects. AZM (25-200 mg/kg; n=7) showed limited therapeutic effect, alleviating only the clonic convulsion in stage 5 seizures and reducing afterdischarge duration. Secondary generalization was not significantly suppressed during repeated treatment (50-200 mg/kg; n=6). ZNS, 25 or 40 mg/kg (n=8), significantly retarded seizure development; 15.0 or 17.0 daily stimulations were required to produce a stage 5 seizure. AZM, 50-200 mg/kg (n=6), also retarded seizure development, with 14.0-14.8 stimulations required.

CONCLUSIONS

ZNS exhibited modest therapeutic and prophylactic effects, whereas AZM showed mainly prophylactic effects. Hypotheses are presented that may explain the mechanisms of action of these drugs.

Impaired activation of islet-reactive CD4 T cells in pancreatic lymph nodes of B cell-deficient nonobese diabetic mice

Despite the impressive protection of B cell-deficient (muMT(-/-)) nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice from spontaneous diabetes, existence of mild pancreatic islet inflammation in these mice indicates that initial autoimmune targeting of beta cells has occurred. Furthermore, muMT(-/-) NOD mice are shown to harbor a latent repertoire of diabetogenic T cells, as evidenced by their susceptibility to cyclophosphamide-induced diabetes. The quiescence of this pool of islet-reactive T cells may be a consequence of impaired activation of T lymphocytes in B cell-deficient NOD mice. In this regard, in vitro anti-CD3-mediated stimulation demonstrates impaired activation of lymph node CD4 T cells in muMT(-/-) NOD mice as compared with that of wild-type counterparts, a deficiency that is correlated with an exaggerated CD4 T cell:APC ratio in lymph nodes of muMT(-/-) NOD mice. This feature points to an insufficient availability of APC costimulation on a per T cell basis, resulting in impaired CD4 T cell activation in lymph nodes of muMT(-/-) NOD mice. In accordance with these findings, an islet-reactive CD4 T cell clonotype undergoes suboptimal activation in pancreatic lymph nodes of muMT(-/-) NOD recipients. Overall, the present study indicates that B cells in the pancreatic lymph node microenvironment are critical in overcoming a checkpoint involving the provision of optimal costimulation to islet-reactive NOD CD4 T cells.

Simultaneous acquisition of multiple resolution images for dynamic contrast enhanced imaging of the breast

An imaging technique is described that allows the reconstruction of a series of images at high temporal rates, while simultaneously providing images at high spatial resolution. The method allows one to arbitrarily choose from among several combinations of temporal/spatial resolutions during postprocessing. This flexibility is accomplished by strategically interleaving multiple undersampled projection reconstruction datasets (or subapertures), in which each set can be used to reconstruct a high temporal resolution image. Images with increasingly higher spatial resolutions can subsequently be formed by combining two or more subaperture datasets. The technique is demonstrated in vivo to assess the kinetics of contrast enhancement and to visualize the architectural features of suspicious breast lesions.

The quaternary arrangement of HslU and HslV in a cocrystal: a response to Wang, Yale

Protease HslV and ATPase HslU form an ATP-dependent protease in bacteria. We have previously determined the structure of the components of this protease. In the case of HslU, the structure was derived from HslU-HslV cocrystals, combining phase information from MAD and the previously determined HslV model. Whereas the structures of the components were confirmed in detail by later structures, the quaternary arrangement of HslV and HslU was not reproduced in later crystal forms. In a recent communication to this journal, Wang attempted a reinterpretation of our original data to account for this difference. In response, we demonstrate that difference Pattersons, difference Fouriers, molecular replacement calculations, R factors, and omit maps all support our original analysis and prove that the suggested reinterpretation is false by these criteria. In particular, we show that our crystals are essentially untwinned and that only the originally reported quaternary arrangement of HslV and HslU particles is consistent with the experimental data. We finally demonstrate that Wang's newly introduced R(tpart) method to predict translational corrections for a subset of the unit cell contents is systematically flawed.

Comparison of activation requirements and activation phenotype of allogeneic and xenogeneic rodent responses in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

Both discordant and concordant xenogeneic responses are dominated by humoral immunity. Recent advances in molecular engineering approaches may largely prevent rejection by means of this pathway, leaving the cellular arm of the immune response as the principal remaining barrier to successful engraftment.

METHODS

To characterize further the cellular response to xenogeneic tissues, we used the intracellular fluorescent marker CFSE (5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester) to track the mitotic record of T cells (and T cell subsets) after either xenogeneic or allogeneic activation in vitro or in vivo. Activation marker expression was monitored by simultaneous labeling with antibodies for either CD25 or CD134.

RESULTS

The in vitro and in vivo responses of Lewis lymphocytes were generally similar in magnitude and timing comparing activation with allogeneic or xenogeneic stimulators. However, the xenogeneic T cell precursor frequency was found to be markedly higher than that previously reported and were comparable to that seen in allogeneic responses. Xenogeneic responses were unique in the continued expression of activation markers in later division cycles. In addition, CD4 and CD8 T-cell proliferation was highly dependent on stimulator class II expression, highlighting the importance of CD4 T cells and the indirect pathway in the xenogeneic response.

CONCLUSIONS

An unexpectedly high precursor frequency was detected for xenogeneic cellular responses in the rat anti-mouse combination and was comparable to that seen in allogeneic responses. Differences in xenogeneic versus allogeneic activation profiles exist that may result from the cellular pathways used for activation.

Digital topological analysis of in vivo magnetic resonance microimages of trabecular bone reveals structural implications of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by bone volume loss and architectural deterioration. The majority of work aimed at evaluating the structural implications of the disease has been performed based on stereologic analysis of histomorphometric sections. Only recently noninvasive imaging methods have emerged that provide sufficient resolution to resolve individual trabeculae. In this article, we apply digital topological analysis (DTA) to magnetic resonance microimages (mu-MRI) of the radius obtained at 137 x 137 x 350 microm3 voxel size in a cohort of 79 women of widely varying bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral deformity status. DTA is a new method that allows unambiguous determination of the three-dimensional (3D) topology of each voxel in a trabecular bone network. The analysis involves generation of a bone volume fraction map, which is subjected to subvoxel processing to alleviate partial volume blurring, followed by thresholding and skeletonization. The skeletonized images contain only surfaces, profiles, curves, and their mutual junctions as the remnants of trabecular plates and rods after skeletonization. DTA parameters were compared with integral BMD in the lumbar spine and femur as well as MR-derived bone volume fraction (BV/TV). Vertebral deformities were determined based on sagittal MRIs of the spine with a semiautomatic method and the number of deformities counted after threshold setting. DTA structural indices were found the strongest discriminators of subjects with deformities from those without deformities. Subjects with deformities (n = 29) had lower topological surface (SURF) density (p < 0.0005) and surface-to-curve ratio (SCR; a measure of the ratio of platelike to rodlike trabeculae; p < 0.0005) than those without. Profile interior (PI) density, a measure of intact trabecular rods, was also lower in the deformity group (p < 0.0001). These data provide the first in vivo evidence for the structural implications inherent in postmenopausal osteoporosis accompanying bone loss, that is, the conversion of trabecular plates to rods and disruption of rods due to repeated osteoclastic resorption.

Trabecular bone volume fraction mapping by low-resolution MRI

Trabecular bone volume fraction (TBVF) is highly associated with the mechanical competence of trabecular bone. TBVF is ordinarily measured by histomorphometry from bone biopsies or, noninvasively, by means of high-resolution microcomputed tomography and, more recently, by micro-MRI. The latter methods require spatial resolution sufficient to resolve trabeculae, along with segmentation techniques that allow unambiguous assignment of the signal to bone or bone marrow. In this article it is shown that TBVF can be measured under low-resolution conditions by exploiting the attenuation of the MR signal resulting from fractional occupancy of the imaging voxel by bone and bone marrow, provided that a reference signal is available from a marrow volume devoid of trabeculation. The method requires accurate measurement of apparent proton density, which entails correction for various sources of error. Key among these are the spatial nonuniformity in the RF field amplitude and effects of the slice profile, which are determined by B(1) field mapping and numerical integration of the Bloch equations, respectively. By contrast, errors from variations in bone marrow composition (hematopoietic vs. fatty) between trabecular and reference site are predicted to be small and usually negligible. The method was evaluated in phantoms and in vivo in the distal radius and found to be accurate to 1% in marrow volume fraction. Finally, in a group of 12 patients of varying skeletal status, TBVF in the calcaneus was found to strongly correlate with integral bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebrae (r(2) = 0.83, p < 0.0001). The method may fail in large imaging objects such as the human trunk at high magnetic field where standing wave and RF penetration effects cause intensity variations that cannot be corrected. Magn Reson Med 46:103-113, 2001.

Structural basis of non-specific lipid binding in maize lipid-transfer protein complexes revealed by high-resolution X-ray crystallography

Non-specific lipid-transfer proteins (nsLTPs) are involved in the movement of phospholipids, glycolipids, fatty acids, and steroids between membranes. Several structures of plant nsLTPs have been determined both by X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance. However, the detailed structural basis of the non-specific binding of hydrophobic ligands by nsLTPs is still poorly understood. In order to gain a better understanding of the structural basis of the non-specific binding of hydrophobic ligands by nsLTPs and to investigate the plasticity of the fatty acid binding cavity in nsLTPs, seven high-resolution (between 1.3 A and 1.9 A) crystal structures have been determined. These depict the nsLTP from maize seedlings in complex with an array of fatty acids.A detailed comparison of the structures of maize nsLTP in complex with various ligands reveals a new binding mode in an nsLTP-oleate complex which has not been seen before. Furthermore, in the caprate complex, the ligand binds to the protein cavity in two orientations with equal occupancy. The volume of the hydrophobic cavity in the nsLTP from maize shows some variation depending on the size of the bound ligands. The structural plasticity of the ligand binding cavity and the predominant involvement of non-specific van der Waals interactions with the hydrophobic tail of the ligands provide a structural explanation for the non-specificity of maize nsLTP. The hydrophobic cavity accommodates various ligands from C10 to C18. The C18:1 ricinoleate with its hydroxyl group hydrogen bonding to Ala68 possibly mimics cutin monomer binding which is of biological importance. Some of the myristate binding sites in human serum albumin resemble the maize nsLTP, implying the importance of a helical bundle in accommodating the non-specific binding of fatty acids.

Nutritional support for Crohn's disease

This article reviews nutritional considerations that arise in the care of patients with Crohn's disease. The causes and presentation of malnutrition in these patients are discussed, and a rational method is presented for comprehensive nutritional assessment. The indications for nutritional intervention, either as supportive or primary therapy for Crohn's disease, are reviewed.