Phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ, Double-Masked, Randomized, Vehicle-Controlled Study of H-1337 Ophthalmic Solution for Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension

PURPOSE

To perform a phase Ⅰ/Ⅱ evaluation of an H-1337 ophthalmic solution in subjects with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

DESIGN

This was a phase I/II, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, dose-response study conducted at 6 private practice sites in the United States. The study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03452033.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-seven subjects with bilateral POAG or OHT were enrolled.

METHODS

After washout of ocular hypotensive medications as required, the subjects were randomized to receive either the H-1337 ophthalmic solution at 0.06%, 0.2%, and 0.6% or its vehicle twice daily unilaterally in the study eye for the first 3 days and then twice daily in both eyes from day 4 to 28.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary efficacy end point was the mean change in intraocular pressure from baseline (day 0) for each group on day 28 at hour 4 compared with the vehicle.

RESULTS

In the primary efficacy end point, i.e., mean change from the baseline on day 28 at hour 4, the mean change from the baseline was - 4.45 ± 3.801, - 5.16 ± 3.114, - 4.93 ± 3.110, and - 0.39 ± 2.355 in the 0.06%, 0.2%, and 0.6% H-1337 and vehicle groups, respectively. The difference between each active group and the vehicle group was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 49% of subjects who received H-1337 (range, 41% [0.2% arm]-64% [0.6% arm] across the H-1337 arms) and 18% of subjects who received the vehicle. The majority of TEAEs were mild in severity; 3 subjects who received H-1337 had a TEAE of moderate intensity (instillation site erythema, blurred vision, and muscle strain).

CONCLUSIONS

The H-1337 ophthalmic solution showed clinically and statistically significant ocular hypotensive activity and was well tolerated, with a relatively low incidence of hyperemia.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

The Isoquinoline-Sulfonamide Compound H-1337 Attenuates SU5416/Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Rats

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and right heart failure. Selective pulmonary vasodilators have improved the prognosis of PAH; however, they are not able to reverse pulmonary vascular remodeling. Therefore, a search for new treatment agents is required. H-1337 is an isoquinoline-sulfonamide compound that inhibits multiple serine/threonine kinases, including Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Here, we investigated the effects of H-1337 on pulmonary hypertension and remodeling in the pulmonary vasculature and right ventricle in experimental PAH induced by SU5416 and hypoxia exposure. H-1337 and H-1337M1 exerted inhibitory effects on ROCK and Akt. H-1337 inhibited the phosphorylation of myosin light chain and mTOR and suppressed the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in vitro. H-1337 treatment also suppressed the phosphorylation of myosin light chain and mTOR in the pulmonary vasculature and decreased right ventricular systolic pressure and the extent of occlusive pulmonary vascular lesions. Furthermore, H-1337 suppressed aggravation of right ventricle hypertrophy. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that inhibition of ROCK and mTOR pathways with H-1337 suppressed the progression of pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular remodeling.

Fermented milk retains beneficial effects on skeletal muscle protein anabolism after processing by centrifugation and supernatant removal

Lactobacillus-fermented milk can stimulate anabolic effects in skeletal muscle. Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus produces aqueous molecules, such as free AA and lactate. This study aimed to investigate how processing fermented milk by centrifugation and removal of supernatant affects AA absorption and postprandial skeletal muscle protein synthesis (MPS) when mice are fed fermented milk. We gavaged male Sprague-Dawley rats with skim milk (S), fermented milk (F), or processed fermented milk (P), and examined the total AA content in portal vein blood (reflecting AA absorption) and plantaris muscle MPS at 30, 60, and 90 min following administration. Relative to fasted rats, at 30 min the total AA concentration in portal vein blood from rats in the P groups was significantly higher, followed by F and S, respectively. The MPS rates were higher for the F or P groups compared with the S group. Phosphorylation levels of p70S6 kinase in the P and F groups were significantly higher than those for the S group 30 min after administration, although the level of Akt phosphorylation was similar among the groups. These results suggested that fermentation improves AA absorption that in turn enhances postprandial MPS via Akt-independent mechanisms, and that processed fermented milk retains these favorable effects on MPS.

Effects of Low-Dose Dairy Protein Plus Micronutrient Supplementation during Resistance Exercise on Muscle Mass and Physical Performance in Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether supplementation with low-dose dairy protein plus micronutrients augments the effects of resistance exercise (RE) on muscle mass and physical performance compared with RE alone among older adults.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Tokyo, Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-two community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 73.5 years) were randomly allocated to an RE plus dairy protein and micronutrient supplementation group or an RE only group (n = 41 each).

INTERVENTION

The RE plus supplementation group participants ingested supplements with dairy protein (10.5 g/day) and micronutrients (8.0 mg zinc, 12 μg vitamin B12, 200 μg folic acid, 200 IU vitamin D, and others/day). Both groups performed the same twice-weekly RE program for 12 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS

Whole-body, appendicular, and leg lean soft-tissue mass (WBLM, ALM, and LLM, respectively) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, physical performance, biochemical characteristics, nutritional intake, and physical activity were measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed by using linear mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

The groups exhibited similar significant improvements in maximum gait speed, Timed Up-and-Go, and 5-repetition and 30-s chair stand tests. As compared with RE only, RE plus supplementation significantly increased WBLM (0.63 kg, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31-0.95), ALM (0.37 kg, 95% CI: 0.16-0.58), LLM (0.27 kg, 95% CI: 0.10-0.46), and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (4.7 ng/mL, 95% CI: 1.6-7.9), vitamin B12 (72.4 pg/mL, 95% CI: 12.9-131.9), and folic acid (12.9 ng/mL, 95% CI: 10.3-15.5) (all P < 0.05 for group-by-time interactions). Changes over time in physical activity and nutritional intake excluding the supplemented nutrients were similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Low-dose dairy protein plus micronutrient supplementation during RE significantly increased muscle mass in older adults but did not further improve physical performance.

Eldecalcitol (ED-71), an analog of 1α,25(OH)2D3, inhibits the growth of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells in vitro and in vivo by down-regulating expression of heparin-binding protein 17/fibroblast growth factor-binding protein-1 (HBp17/FGFBP-1) and FGF-2

Heparin-binding protein 17 (HBp17)/fibroblast growth factor-binding protein-1 (FGFBP-1) was first purified from medium conditioned by A431 cells for its capacity to bind to fibroblast growth factors 1 and 2 (FGF-1 and -2). Among FGF family members, FGF-2 is a potent mitogen for various cell types, including vascular endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and cancer cells such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells. Besides being well known in bone metabolism, the active form of vitamin D₃, i.e., 1α,25(OH)₂D₃ (1,25D₃), was reported to have protective effects for heart disease and cancer. Previously, we reported that 1,25D₃ inhibited HBp17/FGFBP-1 expression in OSCC cell lines through NF-κB inhibition (IκBα activation) and resulted in the inactivation of FGF-2. In this study, we examined the potential anti-tumor effect of ED-71, an analog of 1α,25(OH)₂D₃, for squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. The cell lines used were OSCC cell lines (NA-HO-1-n-1 and UE-HO-1-u-1), established from oral cancer patients in our laboratory, and an epidermoid carcinoma/SCC cell line (A431). The growth assay in serum-free culture revealed that ED-71 inhibited the growth of the cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, ED-71 suppressed HBp17/FGFBP-1 expression by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway as did 1,25D₃. Furthermore, a luciferase reporter assay revealed that the promoter activity of HBp17/FGFBP-1 (region between -217 and +61) was down-regulated by ED-71. Oral administration of ED-71 significantly inhibited the growth of A431-derived tumors in athymic nude mice. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression of HBp17/FGFBP-1, FGF-2, CD31, and Ki-67 in the tumors of ED71-treated group was down-regulated in comparison to control. These results suggest that ED-71 possesses potential anti-tumor activity for SCCs both in vitro and in vivo. This compound may act directly on the tumor cells or on endothelial cells by modulating the tumor microenvironment.

IOP-lowering effect of isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide compounds in ocular normotensive monkeys

Rho-associated coiled coil-formed protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors are under development as a new class of antiglaucoma agents. Based on the potent ROCK inhibitor H-1152, previously developed by us, we explored the possibility of related compounds as antiglaucoma agents and synthesized seven types of H-1152-inspired isoquinoline-5-sulfonamide compounds (H-0103-H-0107, H-1001, H-1005). Although all of these compounds potently inhibited ROCK (IC50=18-48 nM), only H-0104 and H-0106 exerted strong intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effects into the eyes of monkeys. These results suggested the possibility that there is no direct relationship between ROCK inhibition and IOP-lowering effects, indicating that the initial screening of compounds based on ROCK inhibitory activity may be an unsuitable strategy for developing antiglaucoma agents with potent IOP-lowering effects.

Highly efficient syntheses of [methyl-11C]thymidine and its analogue 4'-[methyl-11C]thiothymidine as nucleoside PET probes for cancer cell proliferation by Pd(0)-mediated rapid C-[11C]methylation

Pd(0)-mediated rapid couplings of CH(3)I (and then [(11)C]CH(3)I) with excess 5-tributylstannyl-2'-deoxyuridine and -4'-thio-2'-deoxyuridine were investigated for the syntheses of [methyl-(11)C]thymidine and its stable analogue, 4'-[methyl-(11)C]thiothymidine as PET probes for cancer diagnosis. The previously reported conditions were attempted using Pd(2)(dba)(3)/P(o-CH(3)C(6)H(4))(3) (1 : 4 in molar ratio) at 130 °C for 5 min in DMF, giving desired products only in 32 and 30% yields. Therefore, we adapted the current reaction conditions developed in our laboratory for heteroaromatic compounds. The reaction using CH(3)I/stannane/Pd(2)(dba)(3)/P(o-CH(3)C(6)H(4))(3)/CuCl/K(2)CO(3) (1 : 25 : 1 : 32 : 2 : 5) at 80 °C gave thymidine in 85% yield. Whereas, CH(3)I/stannane/Pd(2)(dba)(3)/P(o-CH(3)C(6)H(4))(3)/CuBr/CsF (1 : 25 : 1 : 32 : 2 : 5) including another CuBr/CsF system promoted the reaction at a milder temperature (60 °C), giving thymidine in 100% yield. Chemo-response of thiothymidine-precursor was different from thymidine system. Thus, the above optimized conditions including CuBr/CsF system gave 4'-thiothymidine only in 40% yield. The reaction using 5-fold amount of CuBr/CsF at 80 °C gave much higher yield (83%), but unexpectedly, the reaction was accompanied by a considerable amount of undesired destannylated product. Such destannylation was greatly suppressed by changing to a CuCl/K(2)CO(3) system using CH(3)I/stannane/Pd(2)(dba)(3)/P(o-CH(3)C(6)H(4))(3)/CuCl/K(2)CO(3) (1 : 25 : 1 : 32 : 2 : 5) at 80 °C, giving the 4'-thiothymidine in 98% yield. The each optimized conditions were successfully applied to the syntheses of the corresponding PET probes in 87 and 93% HPLC analytical yields. [(11)C]Compounds were isolated by preparative HPLC after the reaction conducted under slightly improved conditions, exhibiting sufficient radioactivity of 3.7-3.8 GBq and specific radioactivity of 89-200 GBq µmol(-1) with radiochemical purity of ≥99.5% for animal and human PET studies.

The effect of the H-1152P, a potent Rho-associated coiled coil-formed protein kinase inhibitor, in rabbit normal and ocular hypertensive eyes

PURPOSE

We wanted to determine the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of H-1152P by utilizing a rabbit ocular hypertension-glaucoma model and normal eyes. H-1152P is a potent, Rho-associated, coiled, coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor.

METHODS

IOPs were monitored by a pneumatonometer in New Zealand White rabbits that were given topically administered H-1152P or vehicle alone. Animals were divided into four groups followed by topical administration of 0.1, 1.0, 10, and 28 mM H-1152P. To study the IOP-lowering effects on an elevated IOP model, a rabbit ocular hypertension model was created by water loading. All studies were carried out by monitoring of IOPs on H-1152P-administered right eyes and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-administered left eyes.

RESULTS

In normotensive IOP rabbits, topical administration of H-1152P significantly decreased IOPs by 46.1 +/- 5.0% at 1% (28 mM) solution. This effect was dose dependent, as the maximum reduction of IOPs were observed between 60 and 90 min after topical administration (3.6 +/- 0.9 mmHg, 5.4 +/- 0.7 mmHg, 6.8 +/- 0.7 mmHg, and 7.2 +/- 1.9 mmHg at 0.1, 1.0, 10, and 28 mM H-1152P). In addition, in the rabbit ocular hypertension model, the topical administration of H-1152P (28 mM) significantly lowered IOPs starting at 30 minutes and lasting up to 300 minutes after water loading. The maximum IOP reduction, however, was observed at 90 minutes after water loading (10.6 +/- 2.3 mmHg). No serious side effects were observedin ocular tissues except for some conjunctival congestion that shortly disappeared within 3 hours.

CONCLUSION

Topical administration of H-1152P potently decreased rabbit normotensive IOPs in a dose-dependent manner, and the duration of the IOP lowering was also elongated in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, H-1152P has a potent IOP-lowering effect on an ocular hypertension model. These result suggested that H-1152P could be a candidate for the next generation of glaucoma therapy.

Heart rate variability during high-intensity field exercise in female distance runners

The purposes of this study were to demonstrate the transition of heart rate variability (HRV) during trials in the field and to examine the relationship between peak frequency of high-frequency band (HF) and stride frequency. Ten healthy long-distance college female runners (age 19-21 years) performed a 3000 m realistic time trial. The time-series power spectrum analysis by maximum entropy method was used to evaluate cardiac autonomic nervous activity during the race. Cross-correlation coefficients were calculated to estimate the degree of linear co-ordination between the central peak frequency of HF and stride frequency. Just after starting, the decrease in HF (0.15-1.00 Hz) and a transient increase of low-frequency band (LF)/HF were found. After that, the HF remained at a low level and LF/HF decreased sharply. These findings suggested that the parasympathetic activity was suppressed and sympathetic activity increased just after starting, and the sympathetic activity reached the saturated level according to continuation of high-intensity exercise. In spite of the significant decrease of HRV during trials, peak frequency of HF could be differentiated clearly. The cross-correlation coefficient of peak frequency of HF and stride frequency was from 0.703 to 0.868. This finding indicated that exercise rhythm reflected HRV during high-intensity running in the field.

Effect of nCPAP therapy on heart rate in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea

BACKGROUND

Elevated heart rate (HR) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The effects of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome (OSAHS) on HR are controversial.

AIM

To investigate the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) therapy on HR in OSAHS patients.

METHODS

Sixty-two OSAHS patients underwent 24-h electrocardiographic recording, both before and 3 or 4 days after instigation of nCPAP.

RESULTS

After nCPAP was started, HR significantly decreased (mean +/- SD 71.8 +/- 10.6 vs. 67.5 +/- 9.4 bpm, p < 0.0001), both in the daytime (0600-2200 h, 76.3 +/- 12.2 vs. 72.2 +/- 10.2 bpm, p < 0.0001) and at night-time (2200-0600 h, 64.5 +/- 9.1 vs. 60.0 +/- 8.9 bpm, p < 0.0001). HR was significantly reduced in both periods in the 44 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, but only during the night-time in the 18 with neither condition. Before nCPAP treatment, HR was positively correlated with percentage time of arterial O2 saturation <90% during sleep (p = 0.008) and with the apnoea-hypopnoea index during sleep (p = 0.003). In 15 patients undergoing HR for 2 days before starting nCPAP, the mean HRs for the two periods were similar (p = 0.95).

DISCUSSION

nCPAP therapy appears to decrease HR in OSAHS patients, and may thereby reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Utilization of host SR protein kinases and RNA-splicing machinery during viral replication

Although the viral genome is often quite small, it encodes a broad series of proteins. The virus takes advantage of the host-RNA-processing machinery to provide the alternative splicing capability necessary for the expression of this proteomic diversity. Serine-arginine-rich (SR) proteins and the kinases that activate them are central to this alternative splicing machinery. In studies reported here, we use the HIV genome as a model. We show that HIV expression decreases overall SR protein/activity. However, we also show that HIV expression is significantly increased (20-fold) when one of the SR proteins, SRp75 is phosphorylated by SR protein kinase (SRPK)2. Thus, inhibitors of SRPK2 and perhaps of functionally related kinases, such as SRPK1, could be useful antiviral agents. Here, we develop this hypothesis and show that HIV expression down-regulates SR proteins in Flp-In293 cells, resulting in only low-level HIV expression in these cells. However, increasing SRPK2 function up-regulates HIV expression. In addition, we introduce SR protein phosphorylation inhibitor 340 (SRPIN340), which preferentially inhibits SRPK1 and SRPK2 and down-regulates SRp75. Although an isonicotinamide compound, SPRIN340 (or its derivatives) remain to be optimized for better specificity and lower cytotoxicity, we show here that SRPIN340 suppresses propagation of Sindbis virus in plaque assay and variably suppresses HIV production. Thus, we show that SRPK, a well known kinase in the cellular RNA-processing machinery, is used by at least some viruses for propagation and hence suggest that SRPIN340 or its derivatives may be useful for curbing viral diseases.

Dysregulated expression of P1 and P2 promoter-driven hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α in the pathogenesis of human cancer

Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4alpha (HNF4alpha) exists in multiple isoforms that are generated by alternative promoter (P1 and P2) usage and splicing. Here we establish monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for detecting P1 and P2 promoter-driven HNF4alpha, and evaluate their expression in normal adult human tissues and surgically resected carcinomas of different origins. Using immunohistochemical analysis, we demonstrate that, while P1 promoter-driven HNF4alpha is expressed in hepatocytes, small intestine, colon, kidney and epididymis, P2 promoter-driven HNF4alpha is expressed in bile duct, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, colon and epididymis. Altered expression patterns of P1 and P2 promoter-driven HNF4alpha were observed in gastric, hepatocellular and colorectal carcinomas. HNF4alpha was expressed in lung metastases from renal cell, hepatocellular and colorectal carcinoma but was not observed in lung tumours. The P1 and P2 promoter-driven HNF4alpha expression pattern of tumour metastases correlated with the primary site of origin. P1 promoter-driven HNF4alpha was also found in intestinal metaplasia of the stomach. These data provide evidence for the tissue distribution of P1 and P2 promoter-driven HNF4alpha at the protein level and suggest that HNF4alpha may be a novel diagnostic marker for metastases of unknown primary. We propose that the dysregulation of alternative promoter usage of HNF4alpha is associated with the pathogenesis of certain cancers.

Rapid methylation on carbon frameworks useful for the synthesis of 11CH3-incorporated PET tracers: Pd(0)-mediated rapid coupling of methyl iodide with an alkenyltributylstannane leading to a 1-methylalkene

The Pd(0)-mediated rapid coupling of methyl iodide with an excess of alkenyltributylstannane was examined with the aim of incorporating a short-lived 11C-labeled methyl group into a biologically significant organic compound with a 1-methylalkene unit for the synthesis of a PET tracer. Four sets of reaction conditions (A-D) were used, all performed in DMF at 60 degrees C for 5 min. Condition B, using CH3I/stannane/Pd2(dba)3/P(o-tolyl)3/CuCl/K2CO3 (1:40:0.5:4-6:2:5), works well in almost all cases. Condition D, using CH3I/stannane/Pd2(dba)3/P(o-tolyl)3/CuX (X = Br, Cl, or I)/CsF (1:40:0.5-5:2-20:2-20:5-50), shows the best results with regard to general applicability to tin substrates, affording the corresponding methylated product in >90% yield based on consumption of methyl iodide. P(t-Bu)2Me was less effective than P(o-tolyl)3, particularly for alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl substrates. No regio- or stereoisomerization occurred under these reaction conditions. The efficiency of the protocol was demonstrated by synthesis of an 11C-methylated compound.

In vivo transfection of a cis element 'decoy' against signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6)-binding site ameliorates IgE-mediated late-phase reaction in an atopic dermatitis mouse model

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) play a crucial role in the transactivation of IL-4 and IL-13, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). We herein reported that the IgE-mediated late-phase reaction significantly decreased in STAT6-deficient (STAT6(-/-)) mice in AD model mice induced by intravenous injection of monoclonal anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-IgE antibody and subsequent skin testing with dinitrofluorobenzene. We therefore hypothesized that synthetic double-stranded DNA with a high affinity for STAT6 could be introduced in vivo as decoy cis elements to bind the transcriptional factor and block the gene activation contributing to the onset and progression of AD, thus providing effective therapy for AD. Treatment by the transfection of STAT6 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs), but not scramble decoy ODN after sensitization by anti-DNP-IgE antibody, had a significant inhibitory effect on not only STAT6 binding to nuclei but also on the late-phase response. A histological analysis revealed that both edema and the infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils significantly decreased in STAT6 decoy ODN-transfected mice. To examine the mechanism of the in vivo effect of STAT6 decoy ODN, we employed an in vitro mast cells culture system. After IgE receptor engagement, mast cells transfected by STAT6 decoy ODN exhibited normal histamine release, but their cytokine release (TNF-alpha, IL-6) markedly decreased. We herein report the first successful in vivo transfer of STAT6 decoy ODN to reduce the late-phase reaction, thereby providing a new therapeutic strategy for AD.

In vivo transfection of a cis element 'decoy' against signal transducers and activators of the transcription 6 (STAT6) binding site ameliorates the response of contact hypersensitivity

We herein demonstrate that STAT6 plays an important role in the induction of not only acute contact hypersensitivity (CHS), but also chronic CHS in a mouse model using STAT6-deficient (STAT6(-/-)) mice. We, therefore, determine whether synthetic double-stranded DNA with a high affinity for STAT6 can be introduced in vivo as a decoy cis element to bind the transcriptional factor and block the induction of not only acute CHS but also chronic CHS. Treatment by the transfection of STAT6 decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN), after the induction of 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene or other haptens had a significant inhibitory effect on the induction of both acute CHS and chronic CHS. We thus examined the mechanism of the in vivo effect of the transfection of STAT6 decoy ODN in both acute and chronic CHS. In the histological analysis, the infiltration of eosinophils and degranulated mast cells, and the production of IL-4, IL-6 and eotaxin, but not IFN-gamma in the extracts from challenged skin significantly decreased by the transfection of STAT6 decoy ODN. We herein report the first successful in vivo transfer of STAT6 decoy ODN to inhibit acute and chronic CHS, thus providing a new therapeutic strategy not only for the treatment of CHS but also for atopic dermatitis.

Snail and SIP1 increase cancer invasion by upregulating MMP family in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Loss of E-cadherin (E-cad) triggers invasion, metastasis, and dedifferentiation in various epithelial carcinomas. Recently, it has been reported that two transcription factors, Snail and SIP1 (Smad interacting protein 1), directly repress transcription of the E-cad gene by binding E-box on E-cad promoter. Our aim is to solve the molecular mechanism of Snail and SIP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We first showed an inverse correlation between E-cad and Snail/SIP 1 expression among five HCC lines with different phenotypes. The result indicated that undifferentiated, but not differentiated type expressed Snail/SIP1. Then, we established transfectants stably expressing Snail and SIP1 in two differentiated cells with E-cad expression. Suppressed expression of E-cad, morphologic change into fibroblastoid feature, and remarkable acceleration of invasion activity were observed in the transfectants. In reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction series of genes relating to motility and invasion, we demonstrated striking evidence that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1), MMP-2, MMP-7, and MT1-MMP expressions were strongly upregulated by Snail. On the other hand, MMP-1, MMP-2, and MT1-MMP expressions were enhanced by SIP1 transfection, however, the intensity was weaker than that in Snail transfection. In conclusion, Snail or SIP1 expression may be induced during HCC progression, where Snail/SIP1 directly represses E-cad gene transcription and activates cancer invasion via the upregulation of the MMP gene family.

Manipulation of alternative splicing by a newly developed inhibitor of Clks

The regulation of splice site usage provides a versatile mechanism for controlling gene expression and for the generation of proteome diversity, playing an essential role in many biological processes. The importance of alternative splicing is further illustrated by the increasing number of human diseases that have been attributed to mis-splicing events. Appropriate spatial and temporal generation of splicing variants demands that alternative splicing be subjected to extensive regulation, similar to transcriptional control. The Clk (Cdc2-like kinase) family has been implicated in splicing control and consists of at least four members. Through extensive screening of a chemical library, we found that a benzothiazole compound, TG003, had a potent inhibitory effect on the activity of Clk1/Sty. TG003 inhibited SF2/ASF-dependent splicing of beta-globin pre-mRNA in vitro by suppression of Clk-mediated phosphorylation. This drug also suppressed serine/arginine-rich protein phosphorylation, dissociation of nuclear speckles, and Clk1/Sty-dependent alternative splicing in mammalian cells. Consistently, administration of TG003 rescued the embryonic defects induced by excessive Clk activity in Xenopus. Thus, TG003, a novel inhibitor of Clk family will be a valuable tool to dissect the regulatory mechanisms involving serine/arginine-rich protein phosphorylation signaling pathways in vivo, and may be applicable for the therapeutic manipulation of abnormal splicing.

Th2 cytokines, IgE and mast cells play a crucial role in the induction of para-phenylenediamine-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice

We previously reported the establishment of a mouse model system of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to paraphenylemediamine (PPD). In order to analyse the functional contribution of Th2 cytokines, IL-4 and IL-5, in PPD induced CHS, STAT6 deficient (STAT6-/-) and wild-type control (WT) mice (C57BL/6) were immunized by the topical application of a PPD solution, and then the subsequent skin reactions were examined. Ear swelling was significantly reduced with a delayed peak response in STAT6-/- mice as compared with that of WT mice. A histological analysis showed the infiltration of both eosinophils and neutrophils in the skin of STAT6-/- mice challenged 24 h previously to significantly decrease in comparison with that in the WT mice. The expression of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5) by ELISA in the PPD-challenged skin tissue specimens as well as the IgE and IgG1 response after challenge were also profoundly reduced in the STAT6-/- mice. The adoptive transfer of the serum obtained from sensitized WT mice for the putative IgE transfer induced a peak response at 3 h and 24 h after challenge. To further investigate the role of mast cells in the induction of PPD-CHS, mast cell deficient W/Wv mice were sensitized with PPD and then were challenged. Maximal ear swelling was detected from 12 to 24 h and another small peak response was observed at 1 h in+/+mice, whereas only a small peak response at 24 h was detected in W/Wv mice. These data indicate that not only Th2 cytokines and IgE but also mast cells play an essential role in the induction of PPD-CHS.

Role of anions on heavy metal sorption of a cellulose modified with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and polyethyleneimine

The influence of anions on the equilibrium and kinetic uptake of heavy metals from an aqueous solution by a novel nitrogen-type chelating adsorbent was evaluated. Equilibrium experiments revealed that stoichiometric amounts of metals and anions are adsorbed by the resin. Kinetic studies showed that during the initial stage of adsorption, the anions are adsorbed by the adsorbent prior to the metal ions. This occurred almost simultaneously with an increase in solution pH. At equilibrium, the pH returned towards its initial value. The concentration of anion also fluctuated during the entire equilibration process. Following these observations, mechanisms governing the role of anions on enhancing capacity and rate of metal uptake of this type of chelating adsorbent type were established.

Mutations in the human homologue of the Drosophila segment polarity gene patched in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines

In the present study, we have analyzed tumor deoxyribonucleic acid from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells for patched mutations using an exon-by-exon single strand conformation polymorphism assay and direct sequencing. We found two missense mutations which affected the conserved residue in the transmembrane domains of the gene product and in the intracellular loop at the C-terminal residue implicated in regulating the smoothened molecule. In addition, we demonstrated that the N-terminal fragment of sonic hedgehog (Shh-N) stimulates the growth of normal epithelial cells, the OSCC cell line, NA, and the salivary gland adenocarcinoma cell lines, HSG and HSY, which have no detectable mutation in patched. On the other hand, Shh has no effect on human SCC cells (UE, KA, KO, NI, A431 cells) that have mutations in patched. These results strongly suggest that an Shh-patched signaling is involved in the cell growth of oral epithelial cells and in the tumorigenesis of OSCCs.

Type A behavior, social support, and sex in Japanese college students

The relations among self-report scores for Type A behavior with social support and sex were examined in 239 female and 213 male Japanese college students. Scores on Type A behavior were inversely correlated with those for social support for both women and men separately. There were no significant differences in the magnitudes of these coefficients for women and men.

High Toxoplasma seroprevalence associated with meat eating habits of locals in Nepal

A serosurvey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in apparently healthy subjects (n = 404) living in Achham (n = 215) and Dang (n = 189) districts in western Nepal was carried out. An interview with 249 participants, each representing a household, was also conducted. This interview pertained to their meat eating habits and the keeping of cats in their houses. Toxoplasma antibodies were detected by using the microlatex agglutination test. The overall seroprevalence was 65.3% with no significant difference in the two districts (Achham: 66.9% and Dang: 63.5%) included (p = 0.546). Females and the Indo-Aryan ethnic-group showed marginally higher prevalence compared with their male (p = 0.545) and Tibeto-Burman (p = 0.075) counterparts. The majority of the infections was found to have occurred during childhood. The frequency of meat eating in western and eastern regions differed greatly (p = 0.000) with the people in the eastern region being frequent meat eaters than those in the western region. About one-third of the subjects, all Indo-Aryans, in the western region had the raw meat eating habit but none in the eastern region. Approximately 7.0% of households in both western and eastern regions kept cats. The present findings demonstrated a typical role of meat eating habits of people in the high Toxoplasma seroprevalence in Nepal.

Neurotic perfectionism, perceived stress, and self-esteem among Japanese men: a prospective study

The present study examined the relationship between self-report scores of neurotic perfectionism and of perceived stress and self-esteem 6 wk. later among 146 Japanese male college students. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that scores for neurotic perfectionism accounted for statistically significant but functionally small variance (4% and 3%) in scores for perceived stress and self-esteem obtained at Time 2 (6 wk. later), after controlling for the scores for perceived stress and self-esteem at Time 1, respectively.

A prospective clinical study on inhaled nitric oxide therapy for neonates in Japan

BACKGROUND

This is the first report about a prospective clinical investigation to study the efficacy and safety of nitric oxide (NO) inhalation in infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in Japan.

METHODS

Patients in the present study had to meet the following entry criteria: (i) they had to be younger than 7 days of age; (ii) they had to have evidence of PPHN as defined by echocardiograph; (iii) they had to have severe systemic hypoxemia under mechanical ventilation at 100% oxygen supplementation; and (iv) they had to have a failure to respond to conventional therapies. Patients were excluded from this trial if they had any of the following: hypoplastic lung, structural cardiac lesions or severe multiple anomalies.

RESULTS

Nitric oxide inhalation therapy was performed in 68 infants who had severe PPHN at 18 hospitals between May 1995 and May 1997. At birth, 21 of 68 infants (31%) weighed less than 1,500 g and 39 infants weighed more than 2,500 g. The diagnoses associated with PPHN were as follows: 27 infants had meconium aspiration syndrome, 15 infants had dry lung syndrome, nine infants had congenital diaphragmatic hernia, six infants had respiratory distress syndrome, three infants had pneumonia and eight infants had other diagnoses. The mean oxygenation index (OI) before NO inhalation therapy in 68 infants was 43.2; 55 infants (81%) had good responses.

CONCLUSIONS

These results may be valuable for further randomized controlled and double-blind trials in Japan to evaluate whether NO inhalation therapy is more effective than conventional therapy in infants with severe PPHN.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in identical twins

The authors present a pair of identical twins with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) diagnosed prenatally, who underwent successful surgical repair. They were diagnosed as having CDH at 32 weeks' gestation and showed respiratory distress soon after cesarean section at 33 weeks' gestation. Both survived after scheduled perinatal management followed by surgery, for which the prenatal diagnosis of CDH was valuable.

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in a child with congenital bilateral perisylvian syndrome

A 9-year-old male with congenital bilateral perisylvian syndrome is described. He had pseudobulbar palsy, mental retardation, and intractable epilepsy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images of the brain demonstrated bilateral perisylvian malformations and a diffuse pachygyric appearance. At 8 years of age, he had episodes of excessive drooling, fluctuating impairment of consciousness, unsteady sitting, and frequent head drop that lasted several days. The electroencephalogram demonstrated continuous diffuse slow spike and waves. These findings suggested atypical absence status epilepticus. Intravenous administration of diazepam resulted in transient improvement of clinical and electroencephalographic findings. Status epilepticus recurred within several minutes after diazepam administration. Although no patient has been reported to have a history of status epilepticus among those affected by this syndrome, it seems that atypical absence status can occur more frequently than expected, as seen in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. After recognition and confirmation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus, immediate treatment must be attempted.

Molecular cloning and sequencing of cDNAs encoding homologues of human Ku70 and Ku80 autoantigen from Xenopus and their expression in various Xenopus tissues

We isolated cDNA clones encoding Ku70 and Ku80 homologues of Xenopus laevis from a cDNA library prepared from Xenopus oocytes. The nucleotide sequences of these Ku70 and Ku80 homologues have coding sequences of 1833 bp and a 611 aa protein, and 2178 bp and a 726 aa protein, respectively. The amino acid sequences deduced from the open reading frame of the Ku70 and Ku80 cDNA clones were highly homologous to those from Ku genes previously isolated, such as human (ca. 65% and ca. 62% identity, respectively) and mouse (ca. 65% and ca. 60%), and show a certain degree of homology to Drosophila (ca. 27% with Ku70), Caenorhabditis elegans (ca. 20% with Ku80) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ca. 23% and ca. 19%). Our detailed comparison of the predicted amino acid sequences among these species revealed the highly conserved octa-peptide LPFXXDIR common to both Xenopus Ku70 and Ku80 homologues in the region showing the high homology throughout the species tested. A Northern analysis using specific cDNA probes showed that Ku poly(A)+ mRNAs are expressed at high levels in Xenopus adult oocyte and testis.

Induction of ovulation by Sairei-to for polycystic ovary syndrome patients

In anovulatory patients ovulation is usually induced by clomiphene citrate (CC) or gonadotropin therapy, but in the case of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diagnosed by the presence of several micropolycysts in the ovaries and a high LH/FSH ratio in the serum, CC is only minimally effective, and side effects are often a problem with gonadotropin therapy. In the present study we administered a Chinese herbal medicine Sairei-to which appears to have a steroidal effect in anovulatory PCOS patients. As a result of the treatment, serum LH and the LH/FSH ratio significantly decreased (P<0.01) and the ovulatory rate was 70.6%. Serum testosterone levels were within normal limits before the treatment, and did not significantly change during the treatment. Sairei-to may therefore be useful for the treatment of anovulation in PCOS patients.

Toxoplasma antibody prevalence in Nepalese pregnant women and women with bad obstetric history

Sera from randomly selected 345 pregnant Nepalese women aged 16-36 years and 13 women with bad obstetric history (BOH) were tested for the presence of Toxoplasma antibodies using microlatex agglutination (MLA) and ELISA methods. The overall prevalence was 55.4% (191/345). Prevalence was slightly higher (59.0%) in older age-group (27-36 years) compared with younger age-group (16-26 years) (52.2%). No significant difference in antibody prevalence in women belonging to two different ethnic-groups (Tibeto-Burmans 57.8%, Indo-Aryans 52.7%) was observed (p>0.05). MLA antibody titer ranged from 1:16 to 1:2,048. Over three-fourth of the women showed either high (1:510 or over) or low (1:16 or 1:32) antibody titer. Three percent (6/191) of MLA antibody positive subjects had Toxoplasma IgM antibodies by IgM-ELISA. All six IgM antibody positive pregnant women had MLA antibody titer of over 1:510. Of the total 13 women with BOH, 5 (38.5%) had Toxoplasma antibodies of which 2 (40.0%) were positive for Toxoplasma-IgM antibodies.

Type A behavior, social support, stress, and physical and psychological well-being among Japanese women

The present study examined the relationships among self-report scores for Type A behavior, social support, and stress, and those for physical and psychological well-being among 152 Japanese female college students. Significant interactions were found between scores for Type A behavior and social support, indicating that individuals who report higher Type A behavior as well as higher social support tended to rate their physical and psychological well-being higher than those who reported higher Type A behavior but lower social support.

Mutant isolation of the Escherichia coli quinoprotein glucose dehydrogenase and analysis of crucial residues Asp-730 and His-775 for its function

Several mutants of quinoprotein glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) in Escherichia coli were obtained and characterized. Of these, significant mutants were further characterized by kinetic analysis after purification or by site-directed mutagenesis to introduce different amino acid substitutions. H775R and H775A showed a pronounced reduction of affinity for a prosthetic group, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), suggesting that His-775 may directly interact with PQQ. D730N and D730A showed low glucose oxidase activity without influence on the affinity for PQQ, Mg2+, or substrate, but D730R showed reduced affinity for PQQ. The spectrum of tryptophan fluorescence revealed that the local structure surrounding PQQ was not changed by D730N mutation. Based on these data, we assume that Asp-730 may occur close to PQQ and function as a proton (and also electron) donor to PQQ or acceptor from PQQH2. Substitutions of Gly-689, that are located at the end of a unique segment of GDH among homologous quinoprotein dehydrogenases, directed reduction of the affinity for PQQ or GDH activity. Therefore, the unique segment and Asp-730 may play a specific role for GDH, which might be related to the intramolecular electron transfer from PQQ to ubiquinone.

[Significance of full-thickness chest wall resection as a local treatment for sternum metastasis of breast cancer]

Bone metastasis of breast cancer generally tends to be multiple. However, breast cancer frequently metastasizes to the sternum as solitary metastasis. Resection of the sternum was reported to be an effective surgical technique for sternum metastasis which could not be remarkably improved by chemo-endocrine therapy and locoregional recurrent breast cancer invading the skin. A first patient was diagnosed with sternum metastasis invading the skin 44 months after radical mastectomy for breast cancer of stage II. A second patient had breast cancer of stage IV simultaneously with metastases to the sternum and the lung. Only the lung metastasis was successfully controlled by chemo-endocrine therapy, but the sternum metastasis was progressive, following radical mastectomy. Both patients manifested solitary bone metastases and underwent full-thickness chest wall resection. The defect of the chest wall was reconstructed with the mucocutaneous flap using the dorsal latissimus muscle in case 1 and with the abdominal rectus muscle in case 2. Twenty months after the resection of the sternum, the first patient suffered from supraclavicular lymph node metastasis, and the multidisciplinary treatment including radiation therapy was indicated. This therapeutic procedure was effective, and the patient survived for 63 months after resection of the sternum. The second patient has made good progress for six months in maintaining complete remission with chemo-endocrine therapy. These findings suggested that surgical resection was a useful local treatment for solitary sternum metastasis.

[Management of errors in hospital laboratories--Total Quality Control and lists]

Errors in the daily routine work of a hospital laboratory vary. Therefore, measures to prevent errors must be devised. It is important to perform Total Quality Control (TQC) and to provide reliable diagnostic information and this does not stop at quality control of mere assay value, but extends to consideration of the correspondence to a patient. It is absolutely necessary to reduce errors in a laboratory and to perform TQC steadily. Therefore, the concept of TQC is divided roughly as follows 1) Safe management, 2) Technical management, 3) Information management, 4) Materials management. These categories are then subdivided even further. These categories relate to error management because it is considered that the manuals for technical and information management are important. It is necessary to create an error processing ledger to collect information for error management for TQC and for prevention of errors in investigating causes and to record all processes according to the contents of the error. Such records can be used to prevent recurrences. Thereby, not only prevention of errors but also improvements in the accuracy and reliability of information offered are thought to become possible.

[Intraoperative interstitial microwave therapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma of the caudate lobe: a case report]

Microwave tissue coagulation (MTC) therapy was given patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of the caudate lobe of the liver, in which radical surgery for deteriorated liver function was impossible. A total of 40 MTC sessions was applied to two tumors under laparotomy. MTC was administered for 20 seconds in each session. Microwave energy output was 70 watts for 15 mm needle-electrodes and 100 watts for 30 mm electrodes. Alpha-fetoprotein levels in serum had decreased after surgery. Abdominal computed tomography showed no blood flow whatsoever in tumors undergoing MTC. There are fewer limits to the sites and angles for insertion of electrodes under laparotomy. Thus, the surgical approach provides access to all parts of the liver for treatment. We conclude that intraoperative MTC is highly effective in tumor necrosis, and can be a useful local treatment for nonresectable HCC.

Optimism, social support, stress, and physical and psychological well-being in Japanese women

The present study examined the relationship between self-reported scores on optimism, social support, and stress and on physical and psychological well-being in 176 Japanese female college students. The significant interactions found among scores on optimism, social support, and stress suggest that individuals who reported higher optimism and social support also rated themselves higher with respect to physical and psychological well-being, regardless of their reported stress.

Pure red cell aplasia during carbamazepine monotherapy

A 7-year-old girl developed pure red cell aplasia during carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy for epilepsy. She developed generalized clonic convulsions at the age of 7 years and 8 months. Treatment with CBZ was begun. Two months later she was admitted to our hospital because of severe anemia. Bone marrow examination revealed the almost complete absence of erythroblasts, with normal myelopoiesis and megakaryocytopoiesis, indicating pure red cell aplasia. Following the discontinuation of CBZ, she developed brisk reticulocytosis within 1 week and her hemoglobin level rose to a normal one within 1 month. Although the hematological toxicity of CBZ is well documented, isolated cessation of red cell production is uncommon. A patient who is undergoing treatment with CBZ should be carefully monitored, especially for serious adverse reactions including pure red cell aplasia.

Optimism, Type A behavior, and psychological well-being in Japanese women

The relations of self-report scores for optimism, Type A behavior, and stress with those for depression and anxiety were examined in 144 Japanese female college students. A significant interaction of scores on optimism and Type A behavior indicated that subjects who reported higher optimism and higher Type A behavior had a lower mean for anxiety than those who reported lower optimism and higher Type A behavior.

Nitric oxide and immune complexes are involved in the induction of a novel luminol chemiluminescence in cytotoxic macrophages

A chemiluminescence (CL) was observed immediately after the addition of luminol to thioglycollate-elicited ICR mouse peritoneal macrophages (M phi) that had been incubated overnight with recombinant murine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The intensity of this CL was closely correlated with the cytotoxic activity of M phi. NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, inhibited the induction of this CL, and L-arginine restored the L-NMMA-induced inhibition. These results suggest that NO is directly involved in the induction of CL. However, we found that immune complexes are required for the induction of CL as well as NO.

Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasma infection in central and western regions in Nepal

The present study was carried out to ascertain the seroprevalence rate in different geographical areas in Central and Western Regions in Nepal. A total of 1,237 serum samples collected from Nuwakot (217), Kathmandu valley (402) and Chitawan (159) districts in Central Region, and Mustang (143), Surkhet (64) and Banke (252) districts in Western Region in Nepal were included in this study. Toxoplasma antibodies were detected by micro-latex agglutination (MLA) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (IgM-ELISA) methods. The seropositive rate in Central and Western Regions were found to be 48% and 49%, respectively; with an overall positive rate of 48 percent. Districtwise, the seropositive rate in Nuwakot, Kathmandu valley, Chitawan, Mustang, Surkhet and Banke districts were 38, 46, 64, 51, 67 and 44%, respectively. Interestingly, the relatively newly inhabited Surkhet district in Western Region and Chitawan district in Central Region showed significantly higher seropositive rate compared with those of two other districts in the respective Regions (p < 0.05). Ethnically, Tibeto-Burmans showed higher seropositive rates in Central Region (p > 0.05). In contrast, Indo-Aryans showed higher seropositive rate in Western Region (p > 0.05). Age related increase in seropositivity was observed only in Central Region. One percent of Toxoplasma antibody positive samples also showed Toxoplasma IgM antibody positivity.

[SPECT, MRI and EEG in infants with lissencephaly]

Single photon emission tomography (SPECT), MRI and EEG were studied in two infants with lissencephaly. One infant had generalized tonic convulsions at 7 month of age and continuous high voltage fast activities on EEG. The other infant developed infantile spasms at the age of 2.5 months, and showed low voltage disorganized background with pseudorhythmic high voltage sharp waves on EEG. Cranial CT and MRI in both infants revealed abnormally thick cortex, dilatation of the lateral ventricles, and smooth or relatively smooth cerebral surface. In SPECT studies, a diffuse increase of tracer uptake was shown at the cerebral cortex compared with the basal ganglia or cerebellum in both infants. The SPECT finding might reflect the abnormal cortical architectures in this cerebral malformation.

The Bean Seed Storage Protein [beta]-Phaseolin Is Synthesized, Processed, and Accumulated in the Vacuolar Type-II Protein Bodies of Transgenic Rice Endosperm

The seed storage protein [beta]-phaseolin of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was expressed in the endosperm of transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants. The 5.1- or 1.8-kb promoter fragment of the rice seed storage protein glutelin Gt1 gene was fused transcriptionally to either the genomic or cDNA coding sequence of the [beta]-phaseolin gene. The highest quantity of phaseolin estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was 4.0% of the total endosperm protein in the transgenic rice seeds. The phaseolin trait was segregated as a single dominant trait with a positive gene dosage effect and was stably inherited through three successive generations. Both phaseolin genomic and cDNA coding sequences were used to synthesize four isoforms of mature phaseolin protein with apparent molecular masses of 51, 48, 47, and 45 kD. Enzyme deglycosylation experiments indicated that the 51-kD form contains high-mannose N-glycans; the 48- and 47-kD forms have further modified N-glycans; and the 45-kD form is a nonglycosylated protein. Immunolabeling studies using light and electron microscopy demonstrated that phaseolin accumulates primarily in the vacuolar type-II protein bodies located at the periphery of the endosperm near the aleurone layer. We discuss the implications of these results on nutritional improvement of rice grains.