Evaluation of Function and Features of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Small Intestinal Epithelial Cells for Analyzing Peptide Drug Intestinal Absorption Profiles

Caco-2 cell monolayers are widely employed as an in vitro model of the intestinal barrier, capable of accurately predicting the absorption of conventional small-molecule drugs. However, this model may not be applicable to all drugs, and the accuracy of absorption prediction is typically poor for high molecular weight drugs. Recently, human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived small intestinal epithelial cells (hiPSC-SIECs), exhibiting properties similar to those of the small intestine when compared with Caco-2 cells, have been developed and are considered a novel candidate model for in vitro evaluation of intestinal drug permeability. Therefore, we evaluated the utility of human hiPSC-SIECs as a new in vitro model to predict the intestinal absorption of middle-molecular weight drugs and peptide drugs. Firstly, we showed that the hiPSC-SIEC monolayer allowed faster transport of peptide drugs (insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1) than the Caco- 2 cell monolayer. Second, we revealed that hiPSC-SIECs require divalent cations (Mg2+ and Ca2+) to maintain barrier integrity. Third, we demonstrated that experimental conditions established for Caco-2 cells are not persistently applicable to hiPSC-SICEs when analyzing absorption enhancers. Comprehensively clarifying the features of hiPSC-SICEs is essential to establish a new in vitro evaluation model.

Mitigation of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients using limb-cooling apparatus: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is one of the most common adverse events that can significantly impair the quality of life of patients. Although limb cooling may be beneficial for preventing CIPN, logistical challenges exist in ensuring consistent efficacy and safety. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to validate whether limb cooling with strict temperature control can reduce CIPN in patients with breast cancer receiving weekly paclitaxel as a perioperative treatment.

Methods

This study is a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. We plan to enroll patients with breast cancer who are scheduled to receive 12 weekly doses of paclitaxel (60 min 80 mg/m² intravenous infusion) as perioperative chemotherapy. Patients will be randomly divided into the intervention or control groups and undergo limb cooling therapy maintained at a constant temperature of 13°C and 25°C, respectively. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients who report Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) ≥ D in their limbs by the end of the study treatment or at the time of discontinuation.

Discussion

The results of this trial will contribute to the establishment of new evidence for limb cooling therapy in the mitigation of CIPN and present a safe and stable cooling device that may be suitable for use in the clinic.

Clinical trial registration

https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCT2032210115, identifier jRCT2032210115.

A universal method to analyze cellular internalization mechanisms via endocytosis without non-specific cross-effects

Endocytosis is an essential biological process for nutrient absorption and intercellular communication; it can also be used to accelerate the cellular internalization of drug delivery carriers. Clarifying the cellular uptake mechanisms of unidentified endogenous and exogenous molecules and designing new effective drug delivery systems require an accurate, specific endocytosis analysis methodology. Therefore, we developed a method to specifically evaluate cellular internalization via three main endocytic pathways: clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis. We first revealed that most known endocytosis inhibitors had no specific inhibitory effect or were cytotoxic. Second, we successfully established an alternative method using small interfering RNA to knock down dynamin-2 and caveolin-1, which are necessary for clathrin- and caveolae-mediated endocytosis, in HeLa cells. Third, we established another method to specifically analyze macropinocytosis using rottlerin on A431 cells. Finally, we validated the proposed methods by testing the cellular internalization of a biological molecule (insulin) and carriers (nanoparticles and cell-penetrating peptides). Through this study, we established versatile methods to precisely and specifically evaluate endocytosis of newly developed biopharmaceuticals or drug delivery systems.

Development of a national health policy logic model to accelerate the integration of oncology and palliative care: a nationwide Delphi survey in Japan

BACKGROUND

Despite recommendations to deliver palliative care to cancer patients and their caregivers, their distress has not been alleviated satisfactorily. National health policies play a pivotal role in achieving a comprehensive range of quality palliative care delivery for the public. However, there is no standardised logic model to appraise the efficacy of these policies. This study aimed to develop a logic model of a national health policy to deliver cancer palliative care and to reach consensus towards specific policy proposals.

METHODS

A draft version of the logic model and specific policy proposals were formulated by the research team and the internal expert panel, and the independent external expert panel evaluated the policy proposals based on the Delphi survey to reach consensus.

RESULTS

The logic model was divided into three major conceptual categories: 'care-delivery at cancer hospitals', 'community care coordination', and 'social awareness of palliative care'. There were 18 and 45 major and minor policy proposals, which were categorised into four groups: requirement of government-designated cancer hospitals; financial support; Basic Plan to Promote Cancer Control Programs; and others. These policy proposals were independently evaluated by 64 external experts and the first to third Delphi round response rates were 96.9-98.4%. Finally, 47 policy proposals reached consensus. The priority of each proposal was evaluated within the four policy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A national health policy logic model was developed to accelerate the provision of cancer palliative care. Further research is warranted to verify the study design to investigate the efficacy of the logic model.

Altered gene expression in leukocyte transendothelial migration and cell communication pathways in periodontitis-affected gingival tissues

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Gene expression is related to the pathogenesis of periodontitis and plays a crucial role in local tissue destruction and disease susceptibility. The aims of the present study were to identify the expression of specific genes and biological pathways in periodontitis-affected gingival tissue using microarray and quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Healthy and periodontitis-affected gingival tissues were taken from three patients with severe chronic periodontitis. Total RNAs from six gingival tissue samples were used for microarray analyses. Data-mining analyses, such as comparisons, gene ontology and pathway analyses, were performed and biological pathways with a significant role in periodontitis were identified. In addition, quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis was performed on samples obtained from 14 patients with chronic periodontitis and from 14 healthy individuals in order to confirm the results of the pathway analysis.

RESULTS

Comparison analyses found 15 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated genes (all of which showed a change of more than twofold in expression levels) in periodontitis-affected gingival tissues. Pathway analysis identified 15 up-regulated biological pathways, including leukocyte transendothelial migration, and five down-regulated pathways, including cell communication. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR verified that five genes in the leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway were significantly up-regulated, and four genes in the cell communication pathway were significantly down-regulated, which was consistent with pathway analysis.

CONCLUSION

We identified up-regulated genes (ITGB-2, MMP-2, CXCL-12, CXCR-4 and Rac-2) and down-regulated genes (connexin, DSG-1, DSC-1 and nestin) in periodontitis-affected gingival tissues; these genes may be related to the stimulation of leukocyte transendothelial migration and to the the impairment of cell-to-cell communication in periodontitis.

Effects of atorvastatin and pravastatin on signal transduction related to glucose uptake in 3T3L1 adipocytes

A number of patients with hyperlipidemia are prescribed 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors that are concomitantly used along with the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The effects of atorvastatin and pravastatin on insulin-induced glucose uptake and the related signal transduction in 3T3L1 adipocytes were studied. 3T3L1 fibroblasts were differentiated into adipocytes, pretreated with atorvastatin or pravastatin, and then exposed to insulin. Glucose uptake and the amount of insulin signal proteins were measured. Atorvastatin significantly decreased insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose uptake in 3T3L1 adipocytes associated with the prevention of translocation of GLUT4 into the plasma membrane. The amounts of Rab4 and RhoA that required lipid modification with farnesyl or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate, in the membrane fraction were decreased by atorvastatin. Insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and serine/threonine phosphorylation of Akt were reduced by atorvastatin. Pravastatin did not modify these insulin-induced changes in the signal transduction. Inhibitors of the RhoA/Rho kinase system, C3 and Y27632, as well as atorvastatin reduced insulin-induced changes in signal transduction. Atorvastatin and pravastatin did not affect messenger RNA expression, protein level, and tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptors. In conclusion, hydrophobic atorvastatin decreases the glucose uptake by 3T3L1 adipocytes since it can enter the cell and prevents lipid modification of some proteins that are involved in the insulin signal transduction process.

Alpha 2 integrin +807 polymorphism in drug-induced gingival overgrowth

Alpha2 integrin on fibroblasts is reported to play an important role in the induction of drug-induced gingival overgrowth, which is characterized by excessive accumulation of type I collagen in gingival connective tissue. Silent polymorphism 807 T/C within the alpha2 integrin gene is associated with high/low alpha2 integrin expression. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that expression of alpha2 integrin 807 T/C polymorphism correlates with drug-induced gingival overgrowth. A case-control study comparing 136 subjects taking calcium channel blockers (72 with vs. 64 without drug-induced gingival overgrowth) demonstrated that the frequency of the +807 C allele was significantly higher in the case group than in the controls (odds ratio, 3.61; 95% confidence interval, 2.14 - 6.10; P < 0.05). The present findings suggest that the alpha2 +807 C allele is one of the genetic risk factors for drug-induced gingival overgrowth.

Characterization of new monoclonal antibodies against porcine lymphocytes: molecular characterization of clone 7G3, an antibody reactive with the constant region of the T-cell receptor δ-chains

A battery of mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reactive with porcine peripheral blood (PB) leukocytes was generated. Among the mAbs, 6F10 was found to react probably with cluster of differentiation (CD)8 alpha-chain, while 7G3 and 3E12 were found to recognize gammadelta T-cells, as revealed by two-color flow cytometric and immunoprecipitation studies. 7G3 was shown to react with the constant (C) region of the T-cell receptor (TCR) delta-chain by the following facts: (1) 7G3 immunoprecipitated full-length TCR delta-chain protein fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) produced by Esherichia coli and (2) 7G3 reacted with TCR delta-chain expressing Cos-7 cells transfected with either full-length or N-terminal deleted mutant cDNA, but did not react with Cos-7 cells transfected with C-terminal deleted mutant TCR delta-chain cDNA. All three mAbs produced high-quality immunostaining results on frozen sections, revealing a distinct distribution of gammadelta T-cells and CD8(+) cells. This report precisely characterizes mAbs against porcine TCR for the first time, facilitating molecular biological investigations of the porcine immune system.

Characterization of monoclonal antibodies against mouse and rat platelet glycoprotein V (CD42d)

The mouse- and rat-platelet-specific hamster monoclonal antibody (MAb) 1C2, previously found to react with a thrombin-sensitive 74-kD glycoprotein, was now shown to recognize platelet glycoprotein V (GPV, CD42d). 1C2 reacted with NIH-3T3 cells in which recombinant mouse or rat GPV was expressed. Both 1C2 and 4A5, another mouse-platelet-specific rat MAb, immunoprecipitated GVP, although they recognized different epitopes. Side-by-side comparison confirmed that 1C2 as well as RPM.9, a MAb against rat GPV, recognized the same rat platelet molecule. In a mouse bone marrow culture, 1C2+ megakaryocytes emerged from CD41 (GPIIb)+1C2- megakaryocytes. Because 1C2+ megakaryocytes exhibited higher DNA ploidy distribution than CD41+ cells, GPV likely appears in the late stage of megakaryocyte maturation. This study established 1C2 as a MAb against mouse and rat GPV, namely CD42d, and as useful tool to study rodent megakaryopoiesis.

Functional conservation of platelet glycoprotein V promoter between mouse and human megakaryocytes

OBJECTIVE

In an attempt to clarify the megakaryo-specific regulatory mechanism of GPV gene transcription, we characterized the 5'-flanking region of the mouse GPV gene.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The promotor activity of a -481/+22 5'-fragment of the mouse GPV gene was examined in normal mouse bone marrow cells (BMC) and various human cell lines using two distinct reporter gene assay systems, luciferase and green fluorescence protein (GFP).

RESULTS

When a DNA construct consisting of this fragment and a GFP reporter gene were transiently expressed in thrombopoietin-supported mouse BMC culture, GFP was identified only in megakaryocytes. The same construct expressed high levels of GFP in the human megakaryocytic Dami line. When assessed by dual luciferase assay, the full -481/+22 fragment could drive variable promoter activity in human as well as mouse megakaryocytic lines but did not work in non-megakaryocytic cells. Sufficient transcriptional activation of this fragment was restricted to the cells expressing apparent GPV mRNA. A deletion and point mutation study indicated that GATA and Ets motifs, typical cis-acting elements for platelet-specific genes, located of -75 and -46, respectively, were essential for promoter function.

CONCLUSION

The GPV promoter has the general characteristics found in platelet-specific genes, and the mechanism for megakaryocyte-specific, maturation-dependent regulation of GPV gene transcription is highly conserved between mouse and human. Analysis of GPV transcription mechanism utilizing human lines as well as BMC should provide new information on the final maturational process of megakaryocytes.

The fractional inhibitory concentration index of antimicrobial agents for bacteria and Mycoplasma isolated from the nasal swabs of cattle with respiratory diseases

We investigated the effect of thiamphenicol plus lincomycin (TP + LCM) and thiamphenicol plus tylosin (TP + TS) combinations using checker board method on the growth of Pasteurella (P.) multocida, P. haemolytica and Mycoplasma (M.) bovis by calculating the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FIC index). The results showed that the FIC indexes of the TP + LCM combination for P. multocida, P. haemolytica and M. bovis were 0.36 +/- 0.10, 0.72 +/- 0.09 and 0.81 +/- 0.18, respectively. The FIC indexes of the TP + TS combination for P. multocida, P. haemolytica, and M. bovis were 0.79 +/- 0.20, 0.66 +/- 0.11 and 0.32 +/- 0.14, respectively. Thus, these combinations are assumed to have a more synergistic or additive effect on bacteria growth than a single antimicrobial agent.

Caffeine and carbachol act on common Ca2+ stores to release Ca2+ in guinea-pig ileal smooth muscle

To characterize intracellular Ca2+ stores, the Ca(2+)-releasing effects of caffeine, carbachol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) were compared by measuring the drug-induced tension development in beta-escin-skinned longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum. Caffeine (20 mM), carbachol (10 or 100 microM) or IP3 (40 microM), applied after loading Ca2+ within intracellular stores, produced a transient rise in tension in a Ca(2+)-free solution. This change in tension occurred in response to release of Ca2+ from the stores. The effect of either caffeine or carbachol was markedly reduced or abolished after preceding application of the other drug. IP3 was without effect when applied subsequently to caffeine. The effects of carbachol and IP3 were abolished after combined treatment with ryanodine (30 microM) and caffeine (20 mM) which causes functional removal of caffeine-releasable Ca2+ stores, but not after combined treatment with ryanodine (30 microM) and carbachol (10 microM). The results suggest that caffeine, carbachol and IP3 all act on common Ca2+ stores to release Ca2+.

Possible involvement of a small G-protein sensitive to exoenzyme C3 of Clostridium botulinum in the regulation of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity in beta-escin skinned smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum

The effects of exoenzyme C3 of Clostridium botulinum on Ca(2+)- and drug-induced tension developments were investigated in beta-escin skinned smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum to test the involvement of a small G-protein in the regulation of myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. C3 is known to ADP-ribosylate the rho p21 family of small G-proteins. Treatment with C3 (0.35 microgram/ml, for 30 min) shifted the pCa-tension curve rightward along the Ca2+ concentration axis, indicating a decrease in Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements. The inhibitory effect of C3 was not preserved after treatment with GDP beta S (1 mM), an antagonist of GTP for the binding to G-proteins. Stimulation of muscarinic receptors with carbachol (CCh, 100 microM) shifted the pCa-tension curve leftward, indicating Ca2+ sensitization of tension development. The Ca(2+)-sensitizing effect of CCh was not observed after C3 treatment. When GTP gamma S (10 microM), an activator of G-proteins, was applied at a plateau of tension development produced by a moderate concentration of Ca2+, further increase in tension was elicited and the effect of GTP gamma S was inhibited by C3 treatment. The results suggest the possible involvement of a rho p21-like small G-protein in the regulation of Ca2+ sensitivity of smooth muscle myofilaments.

Effect of trimebutine on contractile responses in skinned ileal smooth muscle

The effects of trimebutine on Ca2+ release and modulation of Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile elements induced by carbachol (CCh) were investigated using a tension measuring method in beta-escin-treated skinned smooth muscle of the longitudinal muscle layer of guinea pig ileum. Trimebutine (10-100 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited tension development brought about by Ca2+ release from intracellular stores induced by CCh (10 microM), but did not affect those induced by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3, 25 microM) or caffeine (5 mM). The inhibitory effect was reversible. Trimebutine (100 microM) neither altered the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements nor affected the effects of GTP gamma S (50 microM) and CCh (100 microM) in potentiating Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile elements after the Ca2+ storage function had been eliminated by A23187. These results suggest that trimebutine inhibits CCh-induced Ca2+ release by acting at some point during the coupling of muscarinic receptors through a G-protein to phospholipase C and thus reducing the accumulation of IP3.

Contractile responses to histamine and GTP gamma S in beta-escin-treated skinned smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum

To characterize the calcium (Ca2+)-releasing effects of histamine and GTP gamma S, the drug-induced tension developments were measured in beta-escin-treated skinned longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum. Intracellular Ca2+ stores were loaded with Ca2+ by incubating the muscle for 10 min in a Ca(2+)-containing solution. Histamine (10-100 microM), applied after Ca(2+)-loading, produced a transient rise in tension. The effect of histamine was not preserved after treatment with 20 mM caffeine, a Ca(2+)-store releaser. The effect of histamine was potentiated by GTP; inhibited by GDP beta S, an antagonist of GTP for binding to G-proteins; or heparin, an antagonist of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) for binding to its receptor; and mimicked by IP3. When GTP gamma S (20 microM) was applied and continued to be present for 15 min, a transient rise in tension followed by a small, sustained rise in tension was elicited. The effect of GTP gamma S was completely inhibited by GDP beta S. The initial, transient component of the biphasic GTP gamma S response was abolished or markedly inhibited after treatment with caffeine, heparin or the calcium ionophore A23187. The present results suggest that histamine and GTP gamma S cause a release of Ca2+ from caffeine-sensitive stores which is mediated by IP3 formed through a G-protein-coupled mechanism. The GTP gamma S-induced Ca2+ release is not considered to involve such an IP3-independent process as described in chemically-skinned arterial muscle.

[A case of multiple peripheral pulmonary carcinoids showing a diffuse lung disease synchronously associated with sigmoid colon cancer]

Reported is a rare case of a multiple peripheral pulmonary carcinoids showing a diffuse lung disease synchronously associated with a sigmoid colon cancer. An abnormal chest shadow was detected in a 75-year-old male by X ray during a periodic health examination. After admission to hospital for a more thorough examination he was found to have a sigmoid colon cancer. A CT scan of his chest suggested sarcoidosis, but the results of a bronchofiberscopic examination appeared normal. Subsequently, a TBLB specimen revealed typical carcinoid tumors. Thus, the diagnosis of diffuse multiple peripheral carcinoids was made. A surgical resection of the sigmoid colon cancer was performed successfully, but five months later, the patient died of acute pneumonia. An autopsy was not permitted. Also discussed are multiple pulmonary carcinoids and a double cancer.

Hypoplastic-hypocalcified enamel of teeth and dysplastic nails: an undescribed ectodermal dysplasia syndrome

Hypoplastic-hypocalcified enamel of all permanent teeth and dysplasia of finger- and toe-nails were found in a 17-year-old Japanese male. Physical examination revealed no remarkable changes in skin, hair, sweat glands, bones, etc. Family history revealed the same abnormalities of teeth and nails in his mother's brother. A review of the literature concerning ectodermal dysplasia syndromes failed to reveal a combination of hypoplastic-hypocalcified enamel and dysplastic nails without changes in any other ectodermal tissues.

Bilateral subpontic osseous hyperplasia. A case report

A case of osseous hyperplasia under the pontics of fixed partial dentures in right and left mandibular first molar regions is presented. Radiographs showed hemispherical radio-opacities on the alveolar ridges. Histologic examination revealed the lesions were composed of a dense mass of mature bone with well-developed lamellae and haversian systems, viable osteocytes in lacunae and a few marrow spaces filled with loose fibrous connective tissue. The review of the literature showed osseous hyperplasia under the pontic of a fixed partial denture has been seen only in the mandibular molar or premolar regions, but no conclusion about its etiology was made.

[Application of the peripheral leukocyte cytofluorogram to diagnosis and treatment of hematopoietic tumors--with special reference to its effectiveness in malignant lymphoma]

In 1970 Adams and Kamentsky reported on a technique for classifying human peripheral leukocytes into three groups-lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes using supravital staining with a solution of acridine orange, and analyzing the resulting cell suspension with the Cytofluorogram. For the purpose of clinical application of flowcytometry, we investigated the clinical significance of this cytofluorogram of peripheral leukocytes. Cytofluorograms showed characteristic pattern in such hematopoietic malignancies as acute leukemias, chronic leukemias and malignant lymphomas, and turned out to be applicable to the diagnosis of these diseases. Especially in malignant lymphoma, cytofluorogram showed either normal or abnormal pattern. An abnormal cytofluorogram indicated poor prognosis, and an abnormal pattern of cytofluorogram became normalized after chemotherapy against lymphoma. Interestingly, those patients who showed in abnormal pattern relapsed in a short period, even when they were though diagnosed in remission. These data suggest that cytofluorograms are useful in diagnosing, predicting relapse and evaluating therapeutic effects for the treatment of malignant lymphoma. We hope that the analysis of cytofluorogram of peripheral leukocytes in lymphoma will provide a new benefit for further investigation of this disease.