A Novel Kinase Inhibitor AX-0085 Inhibits Interferon-γ-Mediated Induction of PD-L1 Expression and Promotes Immune Reaction to Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells

In this study, we describe a novel kinase inhibitor AX-0085 which can suppress the induction of PD-L1 expression by Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells. AX-0085 effectively blocks JAK2/STAT1 signaling initiated by IFN-γ treatment and prevents nuclear localization of STAT1. Importantly, we demonstrate that AX-0085 reverses the IFN-γ-mediated repression of T cell activation in vitro and enhances the anti-tumor activity of anti-PD-1 antibody in vivo when used in combination. Finally, transcriptomic analyses indicated that AX-0085 is highly specific in targeting the IFN-γ-pathway, thereby raising the possibility of applying this reagent in combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. It may be particularly relevant in cases in which PD-L1-mediated T cell exhaustion leads to immunoevasive phenotypes.

Suicide associated with COVID-19 infection: an immunological point of view

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic and leading cause of death. Beyond the deaths directly caused by the virus and the suicides related to the psychological response to the dramatic changes as socioeconomic related to the pandemic, there might also be suicides related to the inflammatory responses of the infection. Infection induces inflammation as a cytokine storm, and there is an increasing number of studies that report a relationship between infection and suicide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the World Health Organization status report and the PubMed database for keywords (COVID-19, suicide, infection, inflammation, cytokines), and reviewed five cytokine pathways between suicide and inflammation using two meta-analyses and two observational studies starting from November 31, 2020, focusing on the relationship between suicide and inflammation by infection. First, we discussed existing evidence explaining the relationship between suicidal behaviors and inflammation. Second, we summarized the inflammatory features found in COVID-19 patients. Finally, we highlight the potential for these factors to affect the risk of suicide in COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

Patients infected with COVID-19 have high amounts of IL-1β, IFN-γ, IP10, and MCP1, which may lead to Th1 cell response activation. Also, Th2 cytokines (e.g., IL-4 and IL-10) were increased in COVID-19 infection. In COVID-19 patients, neurological conditions, like headache, dizziness, ataxia, seizures, and others have been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 pandemic can serve as a significant environmental factor contributing directly to increased suicide risk; the role of inflammation by an infection should not be overlooked.

Nicotinamide Ameliorates Amyloid Beta-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Adult Mouse Brain

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most predominant age-related neurodegenerative disease, pathologically characterized by the accumulation of aggregates of amyloid beta Aβ_1–42 and tau hyperphosphorylation in the brain. It is considered to be the primary cause of cognitive dysfunction. The aggregation of Aβ_1–42 leads to neuronal inflammation and apoptosis. Since vitamins are basic dietary nutrients that organisms need for their growth, survival, and other metabolic functions, in this study, the underlying neuroprotective mechanism of nicotinamide (NAM) Vitamin B3 against Aβ_1–42 -induced neurotoxicity was investigated in mouse brains. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) Aβ_1–42 injection elicited neuronal dysfunctions that led to memory impairment and neurodegeneration in mouse brains. After 24 h after Aβ_1–42 injection, the mice were treated with NAM (250 mg/kg intraperitoneally) for 1 week. For biochemical and Western blot studies, the mice were directly sacrificed, while for confocal and “immunohistochemical staining”, mice were perfused transcardially with 4% paraformaldehyde. Our biochemical, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical results showed that NAM can ameliorate neuronal inflammation and apoptosis by reducing oxidative stress through lowering malondialdehyde and 2,7-dichlorofluorescein levels in an Aβ_1–42-injected mouse brains, where the regulation of p-JNK further regulated inflammatory marker proteins (TNF-α, IL-1β, transcription factor NF-kB) and apoptotic marker proteins (Bax, caspase 3, PARP1). Furthermore, NAM + Aβ treatment for 1 week increased the amount of survival neurons and reduced neuronal cell death in Nissl staining. We also analyzed memory dysfunction via behavioral studies and the analysis showed that NAM could prevent Aβ_1–42 -induced memory deficits. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that NAM may be a potential preventive and therapeutic candidate for Aβ_1–42 -induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and neurotoxicity in an adult mouse model.

Maintenance of hPSCs under Xeno-Free and Chemically Defined Culture Conditions

Previously, the majority of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells have been derived on feeder layers and chemically undefined medium. Those media components related to feeder cells, or animal products, often greatly affect the consistency of the cell culture. There are clear advantages of a defined, xeno-free, and feeder-free culture system for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) cultures, since consistency in the formulations prevents lot-to-lot variability. Eliminating all non-human components reduces health risks for downstream applications, and those environments reduce potential immunological reactions from stem cells. Therefore, development of feeder-free hPSCs culture systems has been an important focus of hPSCs research. Recently, researchers have established a variety of culture systems in a defined combination, xeno-free matrix and medium that supports the growth and differentiation of hPSCs. Here we described detailed hPSCs culture methods under feeder-free and chemically defined conditions using vitronetin and TeSR-E8 medium including supplement bioactive lysophospholipid for promoting hPSCs proliferation and maintaining stemness.

A novel kit for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using a fluorescent nanoparticle imaging

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and chronic illness with long preclinical phases and a long clinical duration. Until recently, a lack of potential therapeutic agents against AD was the primary focus of research, which resulted in less effort directed towards developing useful diagnostic approaches. In this study, we developed a WO2002/088706 kit that is composed of fluorescent nanoparticles for the early detection of AD. We provided a fluorescent nanoparticle for detecting markers and a kit for the early diagnosis of AD. The kit consists of a probe molecule comprising an oligonucleotide capable of detecting one or more AD-specific microRNAs (miRNAs) and biomarkers related to AD. Through screening, we selected miR-106b, miR-146b, miR-181a, miR-200a, miR-34a, miR-124b, miR-153, miR-155, Aβ_1-42 monomer (mAβ), Aβ_1-42 oligomer (oAβ), UCHL1, NLRP3, Tau, STAT3, SORL1, Clusterin, APOE3, APOE4, Nogo-A, IL-13, and Visfatin to serve as AD- and inflammation-related markers. For detection of kit-binding properties, we checked the expression levels of amyloid beta (Aβ), tau protein, and inflammatory mediators in APP/PS/ApoE knockdown (KD) mice and a control group using co-localisation analysis conducted with a confocal microscope. Using a similar approach, we checked the expression levels of miRNAs in HT22 cells. Finally, we used the plasma from AD patients to confirm that our fluorescent nanoparticles and the WO2002/088706 kit will provide a possible early diagnosis to serve as an AD detector that can be further improved for future studies on targeting AD.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) analog phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (P1P) improves the in vitro maturation efficiency of porcine oocytes via regulation of oxidative stress and apoptosis

Phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (P1P) is a signaling sphingolipid that regulates various physiological activities. However, little is known about the effect of P1P in the context of reproduction. Thus, we aimed to investigate the influence of P1P on oocyte maturation during porcine in vitro maturation (IVM). Here, we report the expression of S1PR1-3 among P1P receptors (S1PR1-4) in cumulus cells and oocytes. When P1P was administered at concentrations of 10, 50, 100, and 1,000 nM during IVM, the metaphase II rate was significantly increased in the 1,000 nM (1 μM) P1P treatment group. Maturation rate improvement by P1P supplementation was observed only in the presence of epidermal growth factor (EGF). Oocytes under the influence of P1P showed decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels but no significant differences in glutathione levels. In our molecular studies, P1P treatment upregulated gene expression involved in cumulus expansion (Has2 and EGF), antioxidant enzymes (SOD3 and Cat), and developmental competence (Oct4) while activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and Akt signaling. P1P treatment also influenced oocyte survival by shifting the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax while inactivating JNK signaling. We further demonstrated that oocytes matured with P1P displayed significantly higher developmental competence (cleavage and blastocyst [BL] formation rate) and greater BL quality (total cell number and the ratio of apoptotic cells) when activated via parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization. Despite the low levels of endogenous P1P found in animals, exogenous P1P influenced animal reproduction, as shown by increased porcine oocyte maturation as well as preimplantation embryo development. This study and its findings are potentially relevant for both human and animal-assisted reproduction.

O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate stimulates HIF1α-dependent glycolytic reprogramming to enhance the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells

O-cyclic phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (cP1P) is a novel chemically synthesized sphingosine metabolite derived from phytosphingosine-1-phosphate. Although structurally similar to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), its biological properties in stem cells remain to be reported. We investigated the effect of cP1P on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their regulatory mechanism. We found that, under hypoxia, cP1P suppressed MSC mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis. Metabolic data revealed that cP1P stimulated glycolysis via the upregulation of glycolysis-related genes. cP1P-induced hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) plays a key role for MSC glycolytic reprogramming and transplantation efficacy. The intracellular calcium-dependent PKCα/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway triggered by cP1P regulated HIF1α translation via S6K1, which is critical for HIF1 activation. Furthermore, the cP1P-activated mTOR pathway induced bicaudal D homolog 1 expression, leading to HIF1α nuclear translocation. In conclusion, cP1P enhances the therapeutic potential of MSC through mTOR-dependent HIF1α translation and nuclear translocation.

Clinical significance of serum YKL-40 in Behçet disease

BACKGROUND

Serum YKL-40 is an inflammatory biomarker of endothelial dysfunction and may play a role in the inflammatory process of Behçet disease (BD).

OBJECTIVES

Serum YKL-40 levels were evaluated in patients with BD in order to identify associations with other inflammatory cytokines and establish laboratory parameters. Serum YKL-40 levels were also compared with BD clinical features and disease activity.

METHODS

In total, 112 patients with BD and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included. Disease activity was assessed with BD Current Activity Form score and Electronic Medical Record-based Activity Index (EMRAI) score.

RESULTS

Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in patients with BD (median 41·88, range 12·52-171·30 ng mL(-1) ) than in healthy volunteers (median 20·92, range 5·01-64·20 ng mL(-1) ; P < 0·01). The cut-off value for YKL-40 (30·005 ng mL(-1) ) was determined from the receiver operating characteristic curve. EMRAI scores and the proportion of patients in the active phase of BD presenting with two or more major criteria were significantly higher in patients with elevated YKL-40 levels (P = 0·04 and P = 0·04, respectively). A statistically significant elevation in YKL-40 levels was observed in patients with active BD compared with patients with inactive BD (P = 0·05). Serum YKL-40 values were positively correlated with interleukin-6 and EMRAI scores (both P = 0·04), indicating that serum YKL-40 levels are increased in patients with BD and positively correlate with disease activity.

CONCLUSIONS

YKL-40 may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD and provide a useful marker for monitoring patients with BD.

Post calibration of the two-dimensional electron cyclotron emission imaging instrument with electron temperature characteristics of the magnetohydrodynamic instabilities

The electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) instrument is widely used to study the local electron temperature (Te) fluctuations by measuring the ECE intensity IECE ∝ Te in tokamak plasmas. The ECEI measurement is often processed in a normalized fluctuation quantity against the time averaged value due to complication in absolute calibration. In this paper, the ECEI channels are relatively calibrated using the flat Te assumption of the sawtooth crash or the tearing mode island and a proper extrapolation. The 2-D relatively calibrated electron temperature (Te,rel) images are reconstructed and the displacement amplitude of the magnetohydrodynamic modes can be measured for the accurate quantitative growth analysis.

Quasi 3D ECE imaging system for study of MHD instabilities in KSTAR

A second electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) system has been installed on the KSTAR tokamak, toroidally separated by 1/16th of the torus from the first ECEI system. For the first time, the dynamical evolutions of MHD instabilities from the plasma core to the edge have been visualized in quasi-3D for a wide range of the KSTAR operation (B0 = 1.7∼3.5 T). This flexible diagnostic capability has been realized by substantial improvements in large-aperture quasi-optical microwave components including the development of broad-band polarization rotators for imaging of the fundamental ordinary ECE as well as the usual 2nd harmonic extraordinary ECE.

Distal renal tubular acidosis associated with Sjogren syndrome

Renal tubular acidosis is a common cause of normal anion gap metabolic acidosis but these disorders can be easily missed or misdiagnosed. We highlight the approach to assessing renal tubular acidosis by discussing a case study with a temporal data set collected over more than 5 weeks. We highlight the principles and the necessary information required for a diagnosis of classic distal renal tubular acidosis. We also briefly review several aspects of type 1 renal tubular acidosis related to autoimmune disease, drugs and thyroid disorders.

Toroidal mode number estimation of the edge-localized modes using the KSTAR 3-D electron cyclotron emission imaging system

A new and more accurate technique is presented for determining the toroidal mode number n of edge-localized modes (ELMs) using two independent electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI) systems in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device. The technique involves the measurement of the poloidal spacing between adjacent ELM filaments, and of the pitch angle α* of filaments at the plasma outboard midplane. Equilibrium reconstruction verifies that α* is nearly constant and thus well-defined at the midplane edge. Estimates of n obtained using two ECEI systems agree well with n measured by the conventional technique employing an array of Mirnov coils.

Automated registration of optical coherence tomography and dermoscopy in the assessment of sub-clinical spread in basal cell carcinoma

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been shown to be of clinical value in imaging basal cell carcinoma (BCC). A novel dual OCT-video imaging system, providing automated registration of OCT and dermoscopy, has been developed to assess the potential of OCT in measuring the degree of sub-clinical spread of BCC. Seventeen patients selected for Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) for BCC were recruited to the study. The extent of BCC infiltration beyond a segment of the clinically assessed pre-surgical border was evaluated using OCT. Sufficiently accurate (<0.5 mm) registration of OCT and dermoscopy images was achieved in 9 patients. The location of the OCT-assessed BCC border was also compared with that of the final surgical defect. Infiltration of BCC across the clinical border ranged from 0 mm to >2.5 mm. In addition, the OCT border lay between 0.5 mm and 2.0 mm inside the final MMS defect in those cases where this could be assessed. In one case, where the final MMS defect was over 17 mm from the clinical border, OCT showed >2.5 mm infiltration across the clinical border at the FOV limit. These results provide evidence that OCT allows more accurate assessment of sub-clinical spread of BCC than clinical observation alone. Such a capability may have clinical value in reducing the number of surgical stages in MMS for BCC. There may also be a role for OCT in aiding the selection of patients most suitable for MMS.

Serum IgA reactivity against GroEL of Streptococcus sanguinis and human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 in patients with Behçet disease

BACKGROUND

Infectious agents, especially Streptococcus sanguinis and herpes simplex virus, have long been postulated as major triggering factors for Behçet disease (BD).

OBJECTIVES

To identify an anti-S. sanguinis antigen reacting with serum IgA antibody in patients with BD.

METHODS

We detected a target protein by proteomics analysis and evaluated serum IgA reactivity of 100 patients with BD against the identified streptococcal target protein and human heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1. Homologous epitope sequences between the streptococcal target protein and human hnRNP A2/B1 were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Four protein bands were detected by immunoprecipitation, and chaperonin GroEL was identified by a proteomics analysis. Reactivity of serum IgA against recombinant S. sanguinis GroEL was detected in 77 of 100 patients with BD (77%) and in 21 of 70 healthy controls (30%). In addition, reactivity of serum IgA against human recombinant hnRNP A2/B1 was seen in 79 of 100 patients with BD (79%) and in eight of 70 healthy controls (11%). Among the eight distinctive epitopes with significant homology between S. sanguinis GroEL and human hnRNP A2/B1, the serum IgA reactivity of patients with BD was markedly higher with epitope 3 (hnRNP A2/B1 peptide 33-46 and GroEL peptide 57-70) and epitope 6 (hnRNP A2/B1 peptide 177-188 and GroEL peptide 347-358).

CONCLUSION

We identified an S. sanguinis GroEL protein as a target of serum anti-S. sanguinis IgA antibody reactivity in patients with BD. In addition, patients with BD exhibited serum IgA reactivity against homologous epitope regions between S. sanguinis GroEL and human hnRNP A2/B1.

RAF kinase inhibitor-independent constitutive activation of Yes-associated protein 1 promotes tumor progression in thyroid cancer

The transcription coactivator Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is regulated by the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. However, the role of YAP1 in thyroid cancer, which is frequently associated with the BRAF^V600E mutation, remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of YAP1 in thyroid cancer. YAP1 was overexpressed in papillary (PTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer, and nuclear YAP1 was more frequently detected in BRAF^V600E (+) PTC. In the thyroid cancer cell lines TPC-1 and HTH7, which do not have the BRAF^V600E mutation, YAP1 was cytosolic and inactive at high cell densities. In contrast, YAP1 was retained in the nucleus and its target genes were expressed in the thyroid cancer cells 8505C and K1, which harbor the BRAF^V600E mutation, regardless of cell density. Furthermore, the nuclear activation of YAP1 in 8505C was not inhibited by RAF or MEK inhibitor. In vitro experiments, YAP1 silencing or overexpression affected migratory capacities of 8505C and TPC-1 cells. YAP1 knockdown resulted in marked decrease of tumor volume, invasion and distant metastasis in orthotopic tumor xenograft mouse models using the 8505C thyroid cancer cell line. Taken together, YAP1 is involved in the tumor progression of thyroid cancer and YAP1-mediated effects might not be affected by the currently used RAF kinase inhibitors.

Both the sera of patients with Behçet's disease and Streptococcus sanguis stimulate membrane expression of hnRNP A2/B1 in endothelial cells

OBJECTIVES

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A2/B1 has been identified as a target antigen of anti-endothelial cell immunglobulin (Ig)A antibodies in patients with Behçet's disease (BD). The aim was to investigate the effects of the sera from BD patients and Streptococcus sanguis on the subcellular expression of hnRNP A2/B1 in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs).

METHOD

The sera of BD patients and healthy controls (HC) as well as cultured S. sanguis were used to stimulate HDMECs. Subcellular fractions were obtained from stimulated HDMECs and were subjected to immunoblot analyses. The distribution of hnRNP A2/B1 was investigated by immunocytochemistry and direct immunofluorescence study was performed in biopsy specimens of mucosal ulcers from BD patients.

RESULTS

BD patients' sera increased the membrane expression of hnRNP A2/B1 in HDMECs after 12 and 24 h of incubation compared with HDMECs incubated with endothelial cell culture media and HC sera. S. sanguis also increased hnRNP A2/B1 in the cellular membrane. hnRNP A2/B1 mRNA level was also significantly upregulated in HDMECs incubated with BD patients' sera and S. sanguis. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated marked expression of hnRNP A2/B1 in the cytoplasm and cellular membrane of HDMECs incubated with BD patients' sera or S. sanguis. In addition, direct immunofluorescence experiments revealed the co-localization of serum IgA antibodies and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against hnRNP A2/B1 in tissue sections from ulcers of BD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that both the sera of BD patients with active disease and S. sanguis infection are inflammatory stimuli that can induce membranous hnRNP A2/B1 expression in HDMECs.

Appearance and dynamics of helical flux tubes under electron cyclotron resonance heating in the core of KSTAR plasmas

Dual (or sometimes multiple) flux tubes (DFTs) have been observed in the core of sawtoothing KSTAR tokamak plasmas with electron cyclotron resonance heating. The time evolution of the flux tubes visualized by a 2D electron cyclotron emission imaging diagnostic typically consists of four distinctive phases: (1) growth of one flux tube out of multiple small flux tubes during the initial buildup period following a sawtooth crash, resulting in a single dominant flux tube along the m/n=1/1 helical magnetic field lines, (2) sudden rapid growth of another flux tube via a fast heat transfer from the first one, resulting in approximately identical DFTs, (3) coalescence of the two flux tubes into a single m/n=1/1 flux tube resembling the internal kink mode in the normal sawteeth, which is explained by a model of two current-carrying wires confined on a flux surface, and (4) fast localized crash of the merged flux tube similar to the standard sawtooth crash. The dynamics of the DFTs implies that the internal kink mode is not a unique prerequisite to the sawtooth crash, providing a new insight on the control of the sawtooth.

The optimization of ELISA for methamphetamine determination: the effect of immunogen, tracer and antibody purification method on the sensitivity

To obtain more sensitive immunoassay for methamphetamine (MA) determination, the optimum condition of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was investigated in regard to immunogens, antibody purification methods and coating tracers. Activated MA, N-(4-aminobutyl)methamphetamine (4-ABMA), was conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) or keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and used as immunogen. The antibodies were purified by protein G chromatography or various immunoaffinity chromatography-linked MA-protein ligands, such as MA-BSA, MA-KLH or MA-ovalbumin (OVA). Each purified antibody was characterized by means of sensitivity and cross-reactivity using the three MA-protein coating tracers, MA-BSA, MA-KLH and MA-OVA. The best sensitivity of each antibody was acquired with the MA-OVA tracer although the tracer concentration and the antibody titer level at optimum condition were varied. The antibody with high titer level did not always yield good sensitivity. At optimum condition, immunoaffinity chromatography-purified antibodies were better for sensitivity and for specificity than protein G-purified antibodies. The cross-reactivity of the purified antibodies seemed to be affected by immunogen structure and showed somewhat different patterns according to the immunoaffinity ligand utilized. These data show that the antibody purification method as well as choice of coating tracer and immunogen is essential for the sensitivity and specificity of EIA; the optimum condition for assay should be discovered using various methods and combinations.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of N,N,N-trimethylphytosphingosine-iodide (TMP) in liposomes for the treatment of angiogenesis and metastasis

Phytosphingosine and methyl derivatives are important mediators on cellular processes, and are associated with cell growth and death. The antitumor activity of N,N,N-trimethylphytosphingosine-iodide (TMP) as a novel potent inhibitor of angiogenesis and metastasis was evaluated in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. The results indicated that TMP itself effectively inhibited in vitro cell migration, tube formation, and the expression of angiogenic factors as well as in vivo lung metastasis. However, TMP slightly suppressed in vivo experimental tumor metastasis in its free form and induced side effects including hemolysis and local side effects. Therefore, in an attempt to reduce the toxicity and the undesirable side effects of TMP, a liposomal formulation was prepared and tested for its effectiveness. TMP liposomes retained the effectiveness of TMP in vitro while side effects were reduced, and both in vivo experimental and spontaneous tumor metastasis were significantly suppressed. These results support the conclusion that TMP effectively inhibits in vitro angiogenesis as well as in vivo metastasis, and a liposomal formulation is more efficient delivery system for TMP treatment than solution.

Behçet's disease in concurrence with psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Behçet's disease (BD) and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory diseases characterized by multisystemic vasculitis and epidermal hyperplasia respectively. Although it has been found that the pathogenesis of BD and psoriasis share common perspectives, reports of patients who have both diseases in concurrence are rare.

OBJECTIVES

To analyse and evaluate the clinical manifestations of BD patients who have psoriasis together.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of the medical records of nine BD patients who were also diagnosed with psoriasis at the BD Specialty Clinic of Severance Hospital was carried out. We analysed the characteristics of patients and the clinical activity of both diseases, and also the effect of the treatment of one disease against the other.

RESULTS

Of the nine BD patients who also had psoriasis, male to female ratio was 1 : 2. Two (22.2%) patients had a complete type of BD and seven (77.8%) patients had an incomplete type of BD. For the psoriatic lesions, all nine (100%) patients were diagnosed as psoriasis vulgaris. Five (55.6%) patients had BD as the preceding disease and four (44.4%) patients had psoriasis as the preceding. All five patients who formerly developed BD followed by psoriasis had an active state of BD, but the activity of psoriasis of all nine patients was minimal to average.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we evaluated the clinical manifestations of nine patients who had BD and psoriasis together. Although the exact pathogenesis remains unclear, there might be some influence by each disease to the other between BD and psoriasis.

Transthoracic needle biopsy using a C-arm cone-beam CT system: diagnostic accuracy and safety

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of performing transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) under combined fluoroscopy and CT guidance using a C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT) system.

METHODS

We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and safety of performing TNB using a C-arm CBCT system. We retrospectively evaluated 99 TNB cases performed in 98 patients using a C-arm CBCT system with an 18-gauge automated cutting needle. We reviewed the diagnostic accuracy according to the size and depth of the lesion, incidence of complications, additional treatment for complications, procedure time, number of needle passes per biopsy and radiation dose.

RESULTS

The final diagnoses revealed 72 malignant and 27 benign lesions. The overall malignancy sensitivity, malignancy specificity and diagnostic accuracy were 95.8%, 100% and 97.0%, respectively, and those for small pulmonary nodules <20 mm in size were 94.1%, 100% and 96.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the correct diagnosis of malignancy according to lesion size (p = 0.634) or depth (p = 0.542). For benign lesions, a specific diagnosis was obtained in 14 cases (51.9%). TNB induced complications in 19 out of 99 procedures (19.2%), including pneumothorax (16.2%), immediate haemoptysis (2.0%) and subcutaneous emphysema (1.0%). Among these, four patients with pneumothorax required chest tube insertion (2.0%) or pig-tail catheter drainage (2.0%). The mean procedure time, number of needle passes and radiation doses were 11.9 ± 4.0 min, 1.2 ± 0.5 times and 170.0 ± 67.2 mGy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TNB using a C-arm CBCT system provides high diagnostic accuracy with a low complication rate and a short procedure time, particularly for small pulmonary nodules.

Two-dimensional visualization of growth and burst of the edge-localized filaments in KSTAR H-mode plasmas

The filamentary nature and dynamics of edge-localized modes (ELMs) in the KSTAR high-confinement mode plasmas have been visualized in 2D via electron cyclotron emission imaging. The ELM filaments rotating with a net poloidal velocity are observed to evolve in three distinctive stages: initial linear growth, interim quasisteady state, and final crash. The crash is initiated by a narrow fingerlike perturbation growing radially from a poloidally elongated filament. The filament bursts through this finger, leading to fast and collective heat convection from the edge region into the scrape-off layer, i.e., ELM crash.

Production of antibodies with peptide-CpG-DNA-liposome complex without carriers

Background

The screening of peptide-based epitopes has been studied extensively for the purpose of developing therapeutic antibodies and prophylactic vaccines that can be potentially useful for treating cancer and infectious diseases such as influenza virus, malaria, hepatitis B, and HIV. To improve the efficacy of antibody production by epitope-based immunization, researchers evaluated liposomes as a means of delivering vaccines; they also formulated adjuvants such as flagella and CpG-DNA to enhance the magnitude of immune responses. Here, we provide a potent method for peptide-based epitope screening and antibody production without conventional carriers.

Results

We present that a particular form of natural phosphodiester bond CpG-DNA encapsulated in a specific liposome complex (Lipoplex(O)) induces potent immunomodulatory activity in humans as well as in mice. Additionally, Lipoplex(O) enhances the production of IgG2a specific to antigenic protein in mice. Most importantly, immunization of mice with several peptides co-encapsulated with Lipoplex(O) without carriers significantly induces each peptide-specific IgG2a production in a TLR9-dependent manner. A peptide-specific monoclonal antibody produced against hepatocellular carcinoma-associated antigen has functional effects on the cancer cells.

Conclusions

Our overall results show that Lipoplex(O) is a potent adjuvant and that complexes of peptide and Lipoplex(O) are extremely useful for B cell epitope screening and antibody production without carriers. Therefore, our strategy may be promptly used for the development of therapeutic antibodies by rapid screening of potent B cell epitopes.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphisms and mirtazapine responses in Koreans with major depression

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a candidate molecule for influencing the clinical response to antidepressant treatment. The aims of this study were to determine the relationship between the Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene and the response to mirtazapine in 243 Korean subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). The reduction in the Hamilton Depression score over the 8-week treatment period was not influenced by BDNF V66M genotypes. A marginal effect of genotype on somatic anxiety score was observed at baseline (P = 0.047 in the dominant model). However, genotype-time interaction had no effect on somatic anxiety score after the 8-week a treatment period. Plasma BDNF levels tended to increase during mirtazapine treatment, although without statistical significance (P = 0.055). After 8 weeks of mirtazapine treatment, plasma BDNF levels were higher in Met allele homozygotes (1499.7 ± 370.6 ng/mL) than in Val allele carriers (649.7 ± 158.5 ng/mL, P = 0.049). Our results do not support the hypothesis that the Val66Met promoter polymorphism in the BDNF gene influences the therapeutic response to mirtazapine in Korean MDD patients. However, our data indicate that this polymorphism results in increased plasma BDNF after mirtazapine treatment.

Relatively scaled ECE temperature profiles of KSTAR plasmas

A scheme to obtain relatively scaled profiles of electron cyclotron emission (ECE) temperature directly from uncalibrated raw radiometer data is proposed and has been tested for the 2009 campaign KSTAR plasmas. The proposed method utilizes a position controlled system to move the plasma adiabatically and compares ECE radiometer channels at the same relative radial positions assuming the profile consistency during the adiabatic change. This scaling method is an alternative solution when an absolute calibration is unreliable or too time consuming. The application to the two dimensional ECE imaging data, wherein calibration is extremely difficult, may also prove to be useful.

Development of KSTAR ECE imaging system for measurement of temperature fluctuations and edge density fluctuations

The ECE imaging (ECEI) diagnostic tested on the TEXTOR tokamak revealed the sawtooth reconnection physics in unprecedented detail, including the first observation of high-field-side crash and collective heat transport [H. K. Park, N. C. Luhmann, Jr., A. J. H. Donné et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 195003 (2006)]. An improved ECEI system capable of visualizing both high- and low-field sides simultaneously with considerably better spatial coverage has been developed for the KSTAR tokamak in order to capture the full picture of core MHD dynamics. Direct 2D imaging of other MHD phenomena such as tearing modes, edge localized modes, and even Alfvén eigenmodes is expected to be feasible. Use of ECE images of the optically thin edge region to recover 2D electron density changes during L/H mode transitions is also envisioned, providing powerful information about the underlying physics. The influence of density fluctuations on optically thin ECE is discussed.

Elastic vesicles as topical/transdermal drug delivery systems

Skin acts a major target as well as a principle barrier for topical/transdermal drug delivery. Despite the many advantages of this system, the major obstacle is the low diffusion rate of drugs across the stratum corneum. Several methods have been assessed to increase the permeation rate of drugs temporarily. One simple and convenient approach is application of drugs in formulation with elastic vesicles or skin enhancers. Elastic vesicles are classified with phospholipid (Transfersomes((R)) and ethosomes) and detergent-based types. Elastic vesicles were more efficient at delivering a low and high molecular weight drug to the skin in terms of quantity and depth. Their effectiveness strongly depends on their physicochemical properties: composition, duration and application volume, and entrapment efficiency and application methods. This review focuses on the effect of elastic liposomes for enhancing the drug penetration and defines the action mechanism of penetration into deeper skin.

Effects of low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) stimulation on human cartilage explants

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of low-intensity ultrasound (LIUS) stimulation on the anabolic state of human cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

Explant cultures of human OA cartilage were stimulated for 10 min every day for 7 consecutive days using continuous-wave sonication at a frequency of 1 MHz with spatial and temporal average intensities of 0 (control), 40, 200, 500, or 700 mW/cm2. The effects of LIUS on cell proliferation were evaluated by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Proteoglycan synthesis was evaluated by the incorporation of 35S-sulfate and by Safaranin O staining. Collagen synthesis was evaluated by 3H-proline incorporation and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

At an intensity of 200 mW/cm2, LIUS treatment induced the expression of collagen type II and proteoglycan measured by the incorporation of radioactivity and specific staining of the cartilage explants. However, the expression decreased again at the higher intensities of 500 or 700 mW/cm2. Ultrasound had no stimulatory effect on cell proliferation at any intensity.

CONCLUSION

LIUS has anabolic effects on human cartilage in explant cultures, indicating a potentially important method for the repair of osteoarthritic cartilage.

Topical DNA vaccination with DNA/Lipid based complex

Topical DNA vaccines have been shown to elicit both broad humoral and cellular immune response in vivo. The skin is an attractive site for the delivery DNA antigens for DNA vaccination. However, due to skin's barrier properties, the penetration of DNA and the applications of topical vaccination are limited. To improve permeability of stratum corneum and the potency of topical DNA vaccines, efficient delivery systems are needed. Topical vaccination has been achieved using topical application of naked DNA with or without tape stripping and DNA/lipid based complex such as liposomes, niosomes, Transfersomes, or microemulsion. All methods resulted in significant enhancement in humoral and cellular immune response over naked DNA alone. To develop more cost-effective and needle free vaccines, skin targeted immunizations are required. This overview focuses on the comparison of the potency of topical DNA vaccine between naked DNA and DNA-lipid based complex.

Role of ceramides in barrier function of healthy and diseased skin

Stratum corneum intercellular lipids play an important role in the regulation of skin water barrier homeostasis and water-holding capacity. Modification of intercellular lipid organization and composition may impair these properties. Patients with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and some genetic disorders have diminished skin barrier function. Lipid composition in diseased skin is characterized by decreased levels of ceramide and altered ceramide profiles. To clarify mechanisms underlying ceramides as a causative factor of skin disease, investigators have examined the activity of enzymes in the stratum corneum on ceramide production and degradation. The activities of ceramidase, sphingomyelin deacylase, and glucosylceramide deacylase are increased in epidermal atopic dermatitis. Investigators have also compared the expression levels of sphingolipid activator protein in the epidermis of normal and diseased skin. A decreased level of prosaposin has been identified in both atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. These results indicate that decreased ceramide level is a major etiologic factor in skin diseases. Hence, topical skin lipid supplementation may provide opportunities for controlling ceramide deficiency and improving skin condition.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity and Preventive Effects of a Topical Emulsion and Its Vehicle Control on the Skin Response to UV Exposure

Supplying topical exogenous antioxidants to the skin may prevent or minimize free radical-induced damaging. This study determines antioxidative capacity of a topical skin care emulsion (an oil-in-water vitamin E-containing formulation) versus its vehicle on human skin that was exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by utilizing a photochemiluminescence device and biophysical methods. Ten healthy Caucasians (3 male and 7 female; mean age 47 +/- 10 years) were enrolled. In a randomized and double-blind manner, a pH-balanced vitamin E emulsion or its vehicle control was applied onto predesignated forearm prior to UVR exposure. Thirty minutes after application, these test sites were exposed to a UV light to induce the minimal erythema dose. One untreated site served as a blank control. Visual scoring and instrumental measurements were recorded at baseline and at 24 h and 48 h thereafter. At day 3, after completing instrumental measurements, each test site was stripped three times in a consecutive manner with a proprietary adhesive tape disc. These tapes were quantified for antioxidant capacity using a photochemiluminescence device. Vitamin E emulsion and vehicle control significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed visual scores when compared with blank control at day 2 and day 3 after UV exposure. However, vitamin E emulsion showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower visual scores when compared with vehicle control at day 2 and day 3 after UV exposure.Also,vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control significantly (p < 0.05) diminished skin color measurement (a*) values when compared with blank control at day 2 and day 3 after UV exposure. At day 2 after UV exposure, only vitamin E emulsion significantly (p < 0.05) reduced skin blood flow volume when compared with blank control. Vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction of blood flow volume when compared with blank control at day 3 after UV exposure. Vitamin E emulsion and its vehicle control proved effective in preventing induction of erythema and reducing inflammatory damage caused by UV exposure. The effect of vitamin E emulsion exceeded that of an 'active control'.

Liposomes and niosomes as topical drug delivery systems

The skin acts as a major target as well as a principle barrier for topical/transdermal (TT) drug delivery. The stratum corneum plays a crucial role in barrier function for TT drug delivery. Despite major research and development efforts in TT systems and the advantages of these routes, low stratum corneum permeability limits the usefulness of topical drug delivery. To overcome this, methods have been assessed to increase permeation. One controversial method is the use of vesicular systems, such as liposomes and niosomes, whose effectiveness depends on their physicochemical properties. This review focuses on the effect of liposomes and niosomes on enhancing drug penetration, and defines the effect of composition, size and type of the vesicular system on TT delivery.

Topical vaccination of DNA antigens: topical delivery of DNA antigens

Topical DNA vaccines have been shown to elicit both broad humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo. The skin is an attractive site for the delivery of DNA antigens for DNA vaccination. However, due to skin's barrier properties, the penetration of DNA and the applications of topical vaccination are limited. To improve permeability, chemical and physical approaches have been examined to decrease stratum corneum barrier properties. Topical vaccination has been achieved using topical application of naked DNA, DNA/liposomes or emulsion complex, liposomal cream, as well as physical methods such as stripping, electroporation, and micromechanical disruption methods. All methods resulted in a significant enhancement in humoral and cellular immune responses over naked DNA alone. To develop more cost-effective and needle-free vaccines, skin-targeted immunizations are required. This review focuses on the chemical and physical methods developed to enhance DNA delivery into skin.

A rapid, accurate, and facile method to quantify the antioxidative capacity of topical formulations

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Various methodologies have been developed to quantify antioxidant activity. A simple, rapid and accurate method is demanded. This study examined the antioxidative status of a pH balanced vitamin E containing formulation versus its vehicle control utilizing a photochemiluminescence device.

METHODS/RESULTS

A pH balanced 5% Vitamin E containing formulation and its vehicle control were tested. The quantity of antioxidant capacity for the pH balanced vitamin E formulation and its vehicle control were 2.28 +/- 0.05 and 0.16 +/- 0.03, respectively. The pH balanced vitamin E formulation showed a significant (P < 0.001) higher antioxidant capacity compared to its vehicle control.

CONCLUSIONS

This method not only provides quantitative data, but also is rapid, accurate, and facile in performance. The in vitro data obtained in this study require validation by in vivo studies to properly place them in context to alternate methods.

Applications of the pulsatile flow versatile ECLS: in vivo studies

INTRODUCTION

T-PLS (Twin-Pulse Life Support) is the first commercial pulsatile ECLS (Extra Corporeal Life Support) device (1). The dual sac structure of T-PLS can effectively reduce high membrane oxygenator inlet pressure and hemolysis. To verify both the use of T-PLS for ECLS and the advantages of T-PLS, we tested various models.

METHOD AND RESULTS

In the partial CPB (cardio pulmonary bypass) model (swine), T-PLS (N = 6), and Biopump (N = 2), a single pulsatile pump (N = 2), were compared. In the case of single pulsatile flow, during pump systole, pressure increased to 700 - 800 mmHg at the inlet port of the membrane oxygenator. fHb, a hemolysis measurement value, was about 80 mg/dL at 3 hours. On the contrary, because of T-PLS's dual sac system, the pressure of T-PLS had a maximum value of about 250 mmHg and fHb was similar to that of the commercial centrifugal pumps. In the total CPB model (bovine, N = 6), the heart was stopped via cardioplegia (Kcl). T-PLS flow was maintained at 3.0-4.5 L/min. T-PLS functioned like a natural heart, having a pulse pressure of 26-43 mmHg and a pulse rate of 40-60 bpm (beats per minute). In the emergency case model (canine, N = 6), T-PLS was started 10 minutes after cardiac arrest from electronic shock. In spite of cardiac arrest for a period of 40 minutes, the heart was recovered after defibrillation. In the ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) model (canine, N = 6), minimal ventilator parameters were set: tidal volume 130 ml, respiration rate = bpm, FiO2 = 10%. Three hours after starting T-PLS, PO2 of the carotid artery blood (after 2 hours: 195 +/- 89.4; after 3 hours: 258 +/- 99.3 mmHg) was above half the value of the femoral artery but was within normal range.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that a portable pulsatile ECLS like T-PLS may be used as a CPB device and as an alternative CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) device in the case of cardiac arrest. Due to the pulsatile flow, oxygenated blood is delivered to the patient without overloading the ARDS patients heart.

Application of the moving-actuator type pump as a ventricular assist device: in vitro and in vivo studies

A moving actuator type pump has been developed as a multifunctional Korean artificial heart (AnyHeart). The pump consists of a moving actuator as an energy converter, right and left sacs, polymer (or mechanical) valves, and a rigid polyurethane housing. The actuator containing a brushless DC motor moves back and forth on an epicyclical gear train to produce a pendular motion, which compresses both sacs alternately. Of its versatile functions of ventricular assist device and total artificial heart use, we have evaluated the system performance as a single or biventricular assist device through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Pump performance and anatomical feasibility were tested using various animals of different sizes. In the case of single ventricular assist device (VAD) use, one of the sacs remained empty and a mini-compliance chamber was attached to either an outflow or inflow port of the unused sac. The in vitro and in vivo studies show acceptable performance and pump behavior. Further extensive study is required to proceed to human application.

A surprisingly mild and versatile method for palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-couplings of aryl chlorides in the presence of a triarylphosphine

In the presence of new air-stable triarylphosphine 2, palladium-catalyzed Suzuki reactions of a wide array of aryl chlorides can be accomplished in uniformly good yield, including couplings of very sterically demanding and electronically deactivated substrates; activated aryl chlorides can be coupled at room temperature. In terms of scope and mildness, Pd-2 compares well with other catalyst systems that have been described for Suzuki reactions of aryl chlorides, thereby establishing that triarylphosphines should be regarded as fertile ground for future ligand-design efforts for palladium-catalyzed couplings of aryl chlorides.

Inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by Korean mistletoe lectin is associated with apoptosis and antiangiogenesis

The mistletoe lectins are major active components in the extract of European mistletoes that have been widely used in adjuvant chemotherapy of cancer. This study was performed to investigate the mechanism of anticancer and antimetastatic activity of the purified Korean mistletoe lectin (Viscum album L. coloratum agglutinin, VCA). C57BL6 mice inoculated with B16-BL6 melanoma cells and treated with VCA were assessed for survival and metastasis. The induction of apoptosis of B16-BL6 cells by VCA was investigated by morphological changes, DNA fragmentation characteristics, and cell cycle analysis. The antiangiogenic activity of VCA was also measured by the CAM (choriallantoic membrane) assay. Length of survival of mice was increased and lung metastasis was inhibited by VCA. Treatment of cells with VCA resulted in growth suppression, nuclear morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, and an increased fraction of cells in sub-G1 consistent with apoptosis. Antiangiogenesis of VCA was assessed by CAM assay, where vessel growth induced by fat emulsion was decreased. These results suggest that VCA inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by increasing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.

A new Hg(2+)-selective chromoionophore based on calix[4]arenediazacrown ether

A new azophenol type chromogenic ionophore based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenediazacrown ether was prepared: the ionophore exhibited a pronouncedly selective chromogenic behaviour toward Hg2+ ions among the surveyed guests of alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions in liquid-liquid extraction experiments.

Self-assembled monolayer of a redox-active calix[4]arene: voltammetric recognition of the Ba2+ ion in aqueous media

The Redox-active monolayer of a novel calix[4]arene recognizing redox-inactive ionic species by voltammetry is reported. Calix[4]arene-disulfide-diquinone, which is not only redox-active but is also a highly selective ionophore for the Ba2+ ion, spontaneously forms a stable and dense monolayer film on gold. The redox-active calixarene monolayer selectively recognizes Ba2+ ion in aqueous media, and the voltammetric signals are proportional to the ionic concentration. A new voltammetric peak can be detected by square-wave voltammetry upon adding a dilute solution containing Ba2+ ion having a concentration as low as 1.0 x 10(-6) M. The Langmuir plot (1/ip vs 1/[Ba2+]) shows a linear slope in the range from 1.0 x 10(-6) M to 1.0 x 10(-4) M. This modified electrode does not show any significant interference from alkali and alkaline earth metal ions except for Sr2+ and Ca2+. Only 100- and 500-fold concentrations of Sr2+ and Ca2+ ions, respectively, can lead to voltammetric responses comparable to that of Ba2+.

Increased expression and localization of a serine protease inhibitor, protease nexin-1 (PN-1), in the ovary and uterus during implantation in rat

Protease nexin-1 (PN-1) is a serine protease inhibitor (serpin) that inactivates several proteases, including thrombin, urokinase, plasminogen activators (PA), and plasmin. It also plays a role in regulating proteolytic activity generated by PA system. PN-1 is known to be involved in tissue remodeling, cellular invasiveness, matrix degradation, and tumor growth. However, the role of PN-1 in female reproductive tracts, such as the uterus, ovary, and oviduct, during pregnancy is not known. The present study was designed to investigate the changes of PN-1 mRNA level and localization in the tracts during implantation and early pregnancy by using reverse transcription (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization. We found that PN-1 mRNA levels were coordinately regulated during early pregnancy in a stage- and tissue-specific manner, such that an increased expression of PN-1 gene appeared at the time of the implantation period in the uterus and ovary. Both the uterus and ovary synthesized PN-1 mRNA and their maximal PN-1 expression occurred on Day 6.5 postcoitum (p.c.). On 13.5 days of pregnancy, PN-1 level was low in the uterus and ovary. On the other hand, PN-1 mRNA in the oviduct did not show after 6.5 days of pregnancy. It appears that PN-1 mRNA in the uterus and ovary was highly regulated during early pregnancy, which might have an important role in implantation of rat blastocysts. PN-1 was localized in endometrial stromal cells of the uterus and in granulosa cells of the unstimulated primary follicles in the ovary during periimplantation period. Also, PN-1 mRNA expression was higher at implantation period than that at nonimplantation period of pregnancy. In conclusion, PN-1 is expressed in female reproductive tracts and highly regulated during implantation and early pregnancy.

Development of Th1-mediated CD8+ effector T cells by vaccination with epitope peptides encapsulated in pH-sensitive liposomes

There have been many studies for tumor therapy mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) that recognize tumor-associated antigen. It is generally accepted that CTL responses are induced when antigen is delivered into the cytosol. The pH-sensitive liposomes as vehicles are well known for their capacity to deliver the antigen into the cytosol. In this work, immunization of mice with CTL epitope peptides from Hantaan nucleocapsid protein (M6) or human papilloma virus E7 encapsulated in pH-sensitive liposomes induced effective antigen-specific CTL responses. The CTL responses induced by M6 peptide encapsulated in pH-sensitive liposomes blocked the formation of tumor mass from Hantaan NP transfected B16 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice and delayed the growth of preinoculated melanoma cells. During the blockade of the tumor growth, the CTL response was maintained for at least approximately 6 weeks, and the mice secreted Th1 type cytokines such as IL-2 and IFN-gamma. These results suggested that the pH-sensitive liposomes might provide an effective peptide delivery system for CTL-mediated tumor therapy.

Relationship between lymphocyte and clinical steroid responsiveness in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

A remission in nephrotic proteinuria with steroid treatment appears to favorably alter the natural history of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). It is not known why some patients have a favorable response to steroid treatment whereas others do not. Considering the possibility that differences in the pharmacodynamic responsiveness to steroids among patients might be one factor, the authors examined the relationship between the pretreatment suppressive effect of steroids on lymphocyte proliferation (% inhibition) in vitro and the short- and intermediate-term responses of creatinine clearance (Clcr) and/or nephrotic proteinuria (urine protein/creatinine ratio = Up/c) in 13 patients with FSGS. There were significant correlations between % inhibition and the changes in Clcr at 3 (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) and 6 (r = 0.86, p < 0.01) months and the changes in Up/c at 3 months (r = -0.74, p = 0.02). Thus, the greater the pretreatment lymphocyte steroid sensitivity, the greater the increase in Clcr or decrease in Up/c. The changes in these parameters could not be accounted for on the basis of steroid dose or histopathology. The in vitro sensitivity of FSGS patients' lymphocytes to steroids may be of value in anticipating their clinical response to treatment.

Influence of the antibody purification method on immunoassay performance: hapten-antibody binding in accordance with the structure of the affinity column ligand

The effects of ligands for immunoaffinity chromatography on the immunoassay were investigated with three goat anti-methamphetamine (anti-MA) antibodies (Abs). An N-4-aminobutyl derivative of methamphetamine (4-ABMA) was conjugated with proteins and used as immunogens. All the antisera produced were purified by affinity chromatography with various ligands of 4-ABMA-proteins and of haptens as well as protein G: 4-ABMA-bovine serum albumin (4-ABMA-BSA), 4-ABMA-keyhole limpet hemocyanine (4-ABMA-KLH), 4-ABMA-ovalbumin (4-ABMA-OVA), MA, 4-ABMA, and amphetamine were used as ligands. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to examine characteristics of the purified Abs with the 4-ABMA-OVA competitor coated. The results obtained revealed that characters of the purified Abs were closely related with chemical structures of ligands used. The Abs from the MA and the amphetamine columns showed better sensitivities than those from the others in each antiserum. Particularly, the Ab from the amphetamine column gave the best results in terms of sensitivity and specificity. The recognition or the affinity of the Ab selected was considered to be affected by the structure of the ligand concerned. These results suggest that the Ab purification method should be considered as an important parameter which has great influence on the performance of immunoassays with polyclonal Abs.