Monitoring the build-up of hydrogen polarization for polarized hydrogen-deuteride (HD) targets with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at 17 T

We report on the frozen-spin polarized hydrogen-deuteride (HD) targets for photoproduction experiments at SPring-8/LEPS. Pure HD gas with a small amount of ortho-H₂ (∼0.1%) and a very small amount of para-D₂ (∼0.001%) was liquefied and solidified by liquid helium. The temperature of the produced solid HD was reduced to about 30 mK with a dilution refrigerator. A magnetic field (17 T) was applied to the HD to grow the polarization with the static method. After the aging of the HD at low temperatures in the presence of a high-magnetic field strength for three months, the polarization froze. Almost all ortho-H₂ molecules were converted to para-H₂ molecules. Most remaining para-D₂ molecules were converted to ortho-D₂ molecules. The para-H₂ and ortho-D₂ molecules exhibited weak spin interactions with the HD. If the concentrations of the ortho-H₂ and para-D₂ were reduced appropriately at the beginning of the aging process, the aging time can be shortened. We have developed a new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system to measure the relaxation times (T₁) of the ¹H and ²H nuclei with two frequency sweeps at the respective frequencies of 726 MHz and 111 MHz and succeeded in the monitoring of the polarization build-up at decreasing temperatures from 600 mK to 30 mK at 17 T. Automatic NMR measurements with the frequency sweeps enabled us to omit the use of a manual tuning circuit and to remove magnetic field sweeps with eddy current heat. This technique enables us to optimize the concentration of the ortho-H₂ and to efficiently polarize the HD target within a shortened aging time.

Search for η^{'} Bound Nuclei in the ^{12}C(γ,p) Reaction with Simultaneous Detection of Decay Products

We measured missing mass spectrum of the ^{12}C(γ,p) reaction for the first time in coincidence with potential decay products from η^{'} bound nuclei. We tagged an (η+p) pair associated with the η^{'}N→ηN process in a nucleus. After applying kinematical selections to reduce backgrounds, no signal events were observed in the bound-state region. An upper limit of the signal cross section in the opening angle cosθ_{lab}^{ηp}<-0.9 was obtained to be 2.2  nb/sr at the 90% confidence level. It is compared with theoretical cross sections, whose normalization ambiguity is suppressed by measuring a quasifree η^{'} production rate. Our results indicate a small branching fraction of the η^{'}N→ηN process and/or a shallow η^{'}-nucleus potential.

Differential Cross Section and Photon-Beam Asymmetry for the γ[over →]p → π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) Reaction at Forward π^{-} Angles for E_{γ}=1.5-2.95 GeV

Differential cross sections and photon-beam asymmetries for the γ[over →]p→π^{-}Δ^{++}(1232) reaction have been measured for 0.7<cosθ_{π}^{c.m.}<1 and E_{γ}=1.5-2.95  GeV at SPring-8/LEPS. The first-ever high statistics cross-section data are obtained in this kinematical region, and the asymmetry data for 1.5<E_{γ}(GeV)<2.8 are obtained for the first time. This reaction has a unique feature for studying the production mechanisms of a pure uu[over ¯] quark pair in the final state from the proton. Although there is no distinct peak structure in the cross sections, a non-negligible excess over the theoretical predictions is observed at E_{γ}=1.5-1.8  GeV. The asymmetries are found to be negative in most of the present kinematical regions, suggesting the dominance of π exchange in the t channel. The negative asymmetries at forward meson production angles are different from the asymmetries previously measured for the photoproduction reactions producing a dd[over ¯] or an ss[over ¯] quark pair in the final state. Advanced theoretical models introducing nucleon resonances and additional unnatural-parity exchanges are needed to reproduce the present data.

Gene cloning and characterization of the protein encoded by the Neospora caninum bradyzoite-specific antigen gene BAG1

Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite that causes repeated abortion and stillbirth in cattle. The aim of this study was to clone the gene encoding the N. caninum orthologue (NcBAG1) of the Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite-specific protein TgBAG1 and characterize its expression pattern in the parasite. Isolation of the full-length 684-bp gene revealed that it shared 78.3% sequence similarity with TgBAG1. NcBAG1 encodes a predicted protein of 227 amino acids with 80.3% similarity to TgBAG1. A putative signal peptide sequence and an invariant GVL motif characteristic of small heat-shock proteins were identified in the predicted N. caninum amino acid sequence. We expressed the NcBAG1 gene as a recombinant glutathione S-transferase fusion protein (rNcBAG1) in Escherichia coli and used the purified 60 kDa protein to obtain a monoclonal antibody (Mab). rNcBAG1 reacted to Mabs specific for NcBAG1 and TgBAG1. No reaction between the NcBAG1 Mab and N. caninum tachyzoites was observed. Although the predicted molecular mass of NcBAG1 is 25 kDa, Western blot analysis of parasite lysates using the NcBAG1 Mab revealed a cross-reactive protein of approximately 30 kDa. Additionally, immunofluorescence assays using the tachyzoite-specific Mab for NcSAG1 and the bradyzoite-specific Mab for TgBAG1 or NcSAG4 revealed NcBAG1-specific expression in bradyzoites in cultures exposed to sodium nitroprusside, a reagent that increases the frequency of bradyzoites. Interestingly, the NcBAG1 protein was identified in the cytoplasm of the bradyzoite-stage parasites. This preliminary analysis of the NcBAG1 gene will assist investigations into the role of this protein in N. caninum .

Type 1 interferon receptor in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may predict response to intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil + interferon therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Type 1 interferon alpha receptor 2 (IFNAR2) in the liver has been reported to be a predictive factor for the response to intra-arterial 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) + systemic interferon (IFN)-alpha combination therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. We tested whether IFNAR2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells could predict the response to 5-FU + IFN.

METHODS

Predictive factors for survival and response to therapy were determined in 30 patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent treatment with 5-FU + IFN. IFNAR2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured in 11 of the 30 patients.

RESULTS

With a mean number of 4.2 courses of combination therapy, one patient (3%) showed a complete response, eight (27%) showed partial responses, 13 (43%) had stable disease, and eight (27%) showed progressive disease. The median survival time of responders (complete response/partial response) was 12.7 months and that of nonresponders (stable disease/progressive disease) was 7.5 months. The one-year and two-year cumulative survival rates of responders and nonresponders were 87/69% and 40/11%, respectively (P = 0.019). Multivariate analysis identified response to therapy (P = 0.037) as the sole independent determinant of survival. The expression level of IFNAR2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was significantly (P = 0.012) higher in responders (6.5 ± 2.4) than in nonresponders (2.4 ± 0.6), even though no clinical factors were identified as being associated with the response to the combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

IFNAR2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells may predict the response to 5-FU + IFN therapy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, although these data are preliminary.

Antitumor effects of a combination of interferon-alpha and sorafenib on human renal carcinoma cell lines

To support the role of interferon (IFN)-alpha and sorafenib combination therapy against renal cell carcinoma (RCC), the effects of IFN-alpha and sorafenib on tumor growth, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, and phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and mitogen-activated protein/ERK kinase (MEK) were examined using several cultured RCC cell lines (ACHN, Caki-1, Caki-2, SMKT-R1, SMKT-R2, SMKT-R3 and SMKT-R4). IFN-alpha or sorafenib alone inhibited the proliferation of all the cell lines except Caki-2, while combined treatment with the two agents showed enhanced inhibitory effects compared to treatment with each agent alone. VEGF production was inhibited by IFN-alpha alone in ACHN and SMKT-R2 cells and by sorafenib alone in ACHN, Caki-1, SMKT-R1 and SMKT-R2 cells. However, sorafenib increased VEGF production by Caki-2 cells. Interestingly, combined treatment with the two agents suppressed VEGF production by SMKT-R1 and SMKT-R2 cells more strongly than IFN-alpha or sorafenib alone. Although phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) was increased after 30 min of treatment with IFN-alpha alone, no difference was observed between control and IFN-alpha-treated cells after 2 h. Sorafenib decreased p-ERK in ACHN, Caki-1, SMKT-R1 and SMKT-R2 cells, but increased p-ERK in Caki-2, SMKT-R3 and SMKT-R4 cells, after 2 h. Combined treatment with IFN-alpha and sorafenib decreased p-ERK compared to treatment with each agent alone in all cell lines except Caki-2. However, IFN-alpha did not inhibit the p-ERK increase induced by sorafenib in Caki-2 cells. Phosphorylated MEK showed similar patterns to p-ERK after the various treatments. In conclusion, combined treatment with IFN-alpha and sorafenib suppressed cell proliferation and VEGF production more strongly than treatment with each agent alone in several RCC cell lines.

Increased interferon alpha receptor 2 mRNA levels is associated with renal cell carcinoma metastasis

Background

Interferon-α (IFN-α) is one of the central agents in immunotherapy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and binds to the IFN-α receptor (IFNAR). We investigated the role of IFNAR in RCC.

Methods

We quantified IFNAR mRNA expression in paired tumor and non-tumor samples from the surgical specimens of 103 consecutive patients with RCC using a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and IFNAR2 protein using Western blotting.

Results

The absolute level of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2 mRNAs in tumor and non-tumor tissues did not correlate with the malignant and metastatic profiles. The relative yields of the PCR product from the tumor tissue to that from the corresponding non-tumor tissue (T/N) for the expression of IFNAR mRNAs were calculated. While the T/N ratio of IFNAR1 did not correlate with any factor, a high T/N ratio of IFNAR2 correlated with poor differentiation (P < 0.05), local invasion (P < 0.001), and metastasis (P < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, a high T/N ratio of IFNAR2 predicted a shortened overall survival in all cases (P < 0.05) and a shorter disease-free survival in those without metastasis (M0; 68 cases, P < 0.05). Impressively, patients with a poorer response to IFN-α treatment had a higher IFNAR2 T/N ratio than those who had a good response (P < 0.05). IFNAR2c protein expression was higher in the primary tumors in patients with metastases (M1; 35 cases) compared to those without ( P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

IFNAR2 is associated with the progression of RCC.

Growth inhibitory effects of interferon-alpha subtypes vary according to human liver cancer cell lines

BACKGROUND

Interferon (IFN)-alpha preparations used in the treatment of viral and neoplastic disease consist of single or multiple IFN-alpha subtypes that may possess different biological activity, but there are no data on liver cancer cells.

METHODS

Antiproliferative effects and the mechanisms of growth inhibition of five IFN-alpha subtypes (alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, alpha8 and alpha10) were examined in vitro using 13 human liver cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

The antiproliferative effect of each IFN-alpha subtype was different in each cell line. The 50% growth inhibitory concentration (IC50) on an antiviral unit basis showed that alpha5 presented the most potent antiproliferative effects in 11 of the 13 cell lines, and alpha8 in two cell lines. On average, the antiproliferative effects were strong in descending order from alpha5, alpha8, alpha10, alpha2 to alpha1. On weight basis, the most potent antiproliferative effect was shown by alpha8 in nine of the 13 cell lines, alpha5 in four cell lines, and the potency of the effects on average in descending order was alpha8, alpha5, alpha10, alpha2 and alpha1. No significant difference was observed between natural and recombinant alpha2. The mechanism of growth inhibition of each subtype in HAK-1B and KMCH-1 cell lines were apoptosis and S-phase arrest, and their induction levels were related to a certain degree to the antiproliferative effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that the antiproliferative effect of each IFN-alpha subtype varies according to the cell line, but that the cells are relatively or absolutely responsive to alpha5 and alpha8 subtypes.

Interferon-related mental deterioration after craniotomy for removal of metastatic renal cancer

Interferon-related severe adverse events on the central nervous system are relatively rare, because interferon-alpha (INF-alpha) can not cross an intact blood-brain barrier. We experienced remarkable mental deterioration caused by INF-alpha administration in a 43-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma after surgical removal of a metastatic brain tumor. We detected a high concentration of INF-alpha in a cerebrospinal fluid sample, which was comparable to that in the serum at 24 h after the administration of INF-alpha; 5x10(6) IU i.m., suggesting that the blood-brain barrier was damaged somehow by the craniotomy. The mental deterioration improved shortly after discontinuation of the INF-alpha administration.

Divergent activities of interferon-alpha subtypes against intracellular hepatitis C virus replication

BACKGROUNDS

Interferon (IFN)-alpha is represented by several structurally related subtypes that show different antiviral and anti-tumor effects. Here, we analyzed differential effects of IFN-alpha subtypes on intracellular hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication using HCV subgenomic replicon system as a model.

METHODS

Huh7 and HeLa cells supporting expression of HCV replicon were treated with various concentrations of five recombinant human IFN-alpha subtypes 1, 2, 5, 8, and 10, and with IFN-alpha con1. The effects of IFNs on various cell-signaling pathways were assayed by using ISRE-, GAS-, AP1-, NF-kappa B-, CRE-, and SRE-luciferase reporter plasmids.

RESULTS

Each IFN-alpha subtype suppressed HCV replication in a dose-dependent manner. Among them, IFN-alpha8 was the most effective, while IFN-alpha1 was the least effective with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.123IU/ml versus 0.375IU/ml, respectively. These differential effects against HCV replication did not correlate with levels of the IFN-responsive ISRE or GAS reporter activities, nor they did activate the other reporters, AP1, NF-kappa B, CRE and SRE.

CONCLUSION

There were divergent effects of IFN-alpha subtypes against HCV replication that may be through JAK-STAT-independent pathways. Exploring further mechanisms of action may elucidate IFN-mediated cellular antiviral mechanisms.

Effects of interferon-alpha subtypes on the TH1/TH2 balance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with hepatitis virus infection-associated liver disorders

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has recently been shown to modulate in vitro T helper (Th) 1-driven responses in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with hepatitis B virus or C virus infection. In this study, we examined the in vitro effects of IFN-alpha subtypes (IFN-alpha1, -alpha2, -alpha5, -alpha8, and -alpha10) on the Th1/Th2 balance in PBMC obtained from patients with hepatitis virus infection-associated liver disorders and chronic hepatitis (CH), in comparison with the effect on healthy control volunteer PBMC. The Th1-type cell percentages and Th1/Th2 ratios were significantly higher in the PBMC of patients when compared with controls both before and after cultivation in vitro, with the IFN-alpha subtypes. The IFNalpha-5 induced an increase in the Th2-type cell percentages in both control and patient PBMC, resulting in that IFN-alpha5 lowered the Th1/Th2 ratio in patients with CH. Furthermore, statistical analysis revealed that IFN-alpha8 significantly promoted an increase in the Th1/Th2 ratios of PBMC from patients with CH and liver cirrhosis (LC) but not that of PBMC from patients with LC-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and HCC. These findings imply that hepatitis virus infection and its disease status modify the effects of IFN-alpha subtypes on Th1 and Th2 immune balance in patients. Our findings should help to elucidate the mechanisms underlying successful IFN therapy for hepatitis virus infection and prevention of hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

Metastases-related genes in the classification of liver and peritoneal metastasis in human gastric cancer

INTRODUCTION

With the aim of identifying metastases-related genes in gastric cancer, we performed a broad analysis of differential gene expression between low-metastatic parental cell lines and established highly metastatic sublines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established novel cell lines, AZ-H5c, NUGC-3H5, and TMK-1H7, with a high potential of liver metastasis, and AZ-P7a, NUGC-3P4T, and TMK-1P4a, with a high potential of peritoneal metastasis. These cell lines were derived from low-metastatic parental AZ-521, NUGC-3, and TMK-1 cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, to investigate different levels of gene expression implicated in metastatic potentials in gastric cancer, we investigated approximately 2000 expressed genes in each cell line using a DNA microarray.

RESULTS

Varieties of genes were up-regulated or down-regulated in highly metastatic liver and peritoneal cell lines. Fifty-eight genes, including the transferrin receptor, ras-related rho, and osteopontin, and 22 genes, including apolipoprotein E and inhibin A-submit, were up-regulated and down-regulated in two or three liver metastatic sublines. On the other hand, 19 genes, the transferrin receptor, c-fos, and RANTES, and 26 genes, including MAC25, PISSLRE, and RNA polymerase, were up-regulated and down-regulated in two or three peritoneal metastatic sublines.

CONCLUSION

How gene expression is implicated in gastric cancer metastasis has never been thoroughly explained, and further studies are necessary to understand the involvement of genes in cancer metastasis more thoroughly. We hope that our highly metastatic liver and peritoneal experimental models are helpful for further study and gene therapy of human gastric cancer.

Profiling analysis of differential gene expression between hematogenous and peritoneal metastatic sublines of human pancreatic cancer using a DNA chip

We established the novel sublines HPC-1H5, HPC-3H4, HPC-4H4, and Panc-1H5, which have a high potential of liver metastasis, and HPC-1P5a, HPC-3P4a, HPC-4P4a, and Panc-1P5a, which have a high potential of peritoneal dissemination, derived from low metastatic HPC-1, HPC-3, HPC-4, and Panc-1cell lines, respectively. To clarify the molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis and of the different levels of gene expression in a variety of metastatic potentials in pancreatic cancer, we performed a broad analysis of differential gene expression analysis between parental cell lines and metastatic sublines. In comparison with the parental cell lines, 65 and 36 genes were overexpressed and underexpressed in highly liver-metastatic sublines. On the other hand, 43 and 45 genes were overexpressed and underexpressed in highly peritoneal-metastatic sublines. uPAR and Serin protease were overexpressed, and E2A and IGF1R were underexpressed in both metastatic sublines. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed 22 genes classifying liver, peritoneal metastatic sublines and low-metastatic parental cell lines. These genes might be targeted genes separating those two major metastatic forms after surgery. A greater number of cell line samples and more genes will have to be utilized in future studies in order to understand the involvement of genes in cancer metastasis more thoroughly. However, these results will help to clarify the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Correlation Between Interferon Alpha Receptor Protein Expression and Sensitivity to Interferon Alpha Subtypes in Human Renal Carcinoma Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

We have previously characterized the antitumor activities and immunological properties of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) subtypes on renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the mechanism responsible for the different biologic activities among the IFN-α subtypes is still unclear. To explain the different cellular sensitivities to IFN-α subtypes, detailed expression of the interferon-alpha receptor (IFNAR)-1 and IFNAR-2 subunits on different RCC cell lines was examined and compared with sensitivity of the cell lines to the IFN-α subtypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the antiproliferative effects of natural IFN-α subtypes (IFN-α2 and IFN-α8) using eight RCC cell lines. IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2 expression were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. To determine a possible relationship between IFN activity and IFNAR expression, the correlation between the 50% effective IFN dose (ED₅₀) for growth inhibition and the level of IFNAR expression was statistically examined.

RESULTS

We report here that IFN-α8 more potently induced growth inhibition than IFN-α2 in the majority of the RCC cell lines examined, this being in accordance with our previous results. The ED₅₀ value of IFN-α8 was lower than 1000 (IU/ml) in six of the eight cell lines, whereas that of IFN-α2 was lower than 1000 (IU/ml) in three of the eight cell lines. The results of experiments using Western blotting analysis revealed that IFN-α subtype sensitivities were closely correlated with the expression level of IFNAR-2(c), a long form of the IFNAR-2 protein, in seven of the eight cell lines.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the intensity of IFNAR-2(c) protein expression could be an important prognostic marker for clinical application of particular IFN-α subtypes in RCC.

Metastatic-associated biological properties and differential gene expression profiles in established highly liver and peritoneal metastatic cell lines of human pancreatic cancer

To elucidate metastasis mechanisms, we established a Panc-1H5 subline with a highly liver metastatic cell line and a Panc-1P4a with a highly peritoneal metastatic cell line, which were sequentially selected from the parental pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1. Using these three cell lines, we investigated several biological properties and mRNA levels of differentially-expressed genes involved in cancer metastasis with a cDNA macroarray. The tumorigenicity, motile activity, adhesive activity and cytokine production of metastatic sublines were higher than those of parental Panc-1 cells. Particularly, in Panc-1H5 cells, adhesive activity to the extracellular matrix and angiogenetic factors increased, whereas in Panc-1P4a cells, motile activity was extremely enhanced compared with Panc-1 cells. Histopathological findings for the three cell lines were the same. In cDNA macroarray analysis of Panc-1H5 cells, 11 genes were up-regulated and 20 genes were down-regulated compared with parental Panc-1 cells. In Panc-1P4a cells, 7 genes were up-regulated and 13 genes were down-regulated compared with parental Panc-1 cells. This study provides a demonstration of global gene expression analysis of pancreatic cancer cells with liver and peritoneal metastasis and these results provide new insight into the study of human pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Frequent beta-catenin alteration in gallbladder carcinomas

To investigate the contribution of beta-catenin to the development of gallbladder carcinoma, genetic alteration in beta-catenin gene, ctnnb-1 and subcellular localization of beta-catenin protein were searched. Mutational analysis of exon 3 in ctnnb-1, which encodes the serine/threonine residues for GSK3beta phosphorylation sites, was performed for 21 gallbladder carcinomas affected with/without the pancreaticobiliary malunion, PBM, and 6 non-cancerous tissues affected with PBM. We also analyzed subcellular localization of beta-catenin protein in all cases immunohistochemically. Nucleotide sequencing analysis revealed that none of them carried mutations that altered amino acid residues in the potential GSK3beta phophorylation sites, but one nucleotide substitution was found. We also analyzed subcellular localization of beta-catenin protein in all cases immunohistochemically, and confirmed its accumulation in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in 10 out of 21 cancer tissues, while the non-cancerous tissues which were affected with PBM and histologically diagnosed as hyperplasia or dysplasia displayed intense membranous staining. A significant correlation between cytoplasmic or nuclear beta-catenin immunoreactivity and clinicopathological status of gallbladder carcinomas was found, especially in the poorer histological differentiation grade(p < 0.05). In conclusion our results suggested that beta-catenin alteration might be a minor contributor to the development of gallbladder carcinomas through abnormal Wnt-wingless signalling, however, decreased membranous expression of beta-catenin might be correlated to carcinoma progression through loss of cell adhesive function in E-cadherin-catenin fashion.

Expression profiling of tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis-associated genes in human solid tumor cell lines

BACKGROUND

The induction of genes associated with cellular apoptosis by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in human cancer cell line sof various tissue origins may characterize TNF-alpha responder cell lines/cancers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the comprehensive molecular profiling of genes downstream of the TNF-alpha receptor genes in 91 well-defined human cancer cell lines allowed us to elucidate relationships between TNF-alpha response and the genetic expression profiles of the target cell lines.

RESULTS

Among the 52 genes tested, the above average expression of Akt mRNA showed significant correlation with TNF-alpha-induced susceptibility to apoptosis. In addition, multidrug resistance protein 5 (MRP5) and tumor necrosis factor receptor type 1 (TNFR1) mRNA expressions also appear to be possible markers for responsiveness to TNF-alpha.

CONCLUSION

These results provide a preliminary basis for the screening for genetic markers that may help to predict a favorable therapeutic outcome, and also to identify patients who may benefit from cytokine therapy.

The anti-tumor activities of interferon (IFN)-alpha in chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML)-derived cell lines depends on the IFN-alpha subtypes

Here we report on the anti-tumor effects of five interferon (IFN)-alpha subtypes, alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, alpha8, and alpha10 in chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML)-derived cell lines. All of the CML cells can respond to IFN-alpha although the anti-tumor effects of IFN-alpha depend on the target cell and on the type of IFN-alpha subtype used. Proliferation assays showed that IFN-alpha8 was substantially more effective than the other four IFN-alpha subtypes. IFN-alpha8 was the most potent at upregulating immunomodulatory molecule expression while IFN-alpha1 was least potent. These data indicate in vitro distinctions between IFN-alpha subtypes that should be appreciated more in the clinic.

beta-Catenin alteration in cancer of the ampulla of Vater

To investigate the contribution of beta-catenin to the development of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, genetic alterations of beta-catenin gene, CTNNB-1 were searched. Mutational analysis of exon3 in CTNNB-1, which encodes the serine/threonine residues for GSK-3beta phosphorylation sites, was performed on 21 cases of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater, by means of polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) followed by nucleotide sequencing. We found one deleted mutation at codon 32 to approximately 65 in one case of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. We also analyzed subcellular localization of beta-catenin protein in all cases immunohistochemically, and confirmed its accumulation in the nucleus in four cases including in a CTNNB-1 mutated one. This is the first study to show CTNNB-1 mutation and beta-catenin expression in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. These results suggested that abnormal Wnt-wingless signaling and in particular beta-catenin alteration caused accumulation of beta-catenin, which might partially contribute to the development of carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater.

Characterization of the antitumor activities of IFN-alpha8 on renal cell carcinoma cells in vitro

Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) has a number of therapeutic applications in the treatment of various human cancers and diseases of viral origin. IFN-alpha includes several subtypes, and little has been reported on the biologic properties of the individual subtypes. Here, we report on the individual antitumor effects of five IFN-alpha subtypes, alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, alpha8, and alpha10, against six renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro. Among the subtypes, IFN-alpha8 most potently inhibited cell proliferation and delayed the G(1)/S transition. Synergistic induction of apoptosis was shown in two of the RCC cell lines when treated with the combination of IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma rather than with either IFN-alpha or IFN-gamma alone. IFN-alpha8 was most effective in the induction of apoptosis when combined with IFN-gamma. In addition, IFN-alpha8 had the strongest ability to upregulate HLA class II antigen expression in the subtypes examined. These data indicate that subtypes of IFN-alpha have disparate antitumor effects in vitro, and in vitro distinctions among the IFN-alpha subtypes should be appreciated more in clinical application.

EMBRYONIC FLOWER2, a novel polycomb group protein homolog, mediates shoot development and flowering in Arabidopsis

In higher plants, developmental phase changes are regulated by a complex gene network. Loss-of-function mutations in the EMBRYONIC FLOWER genes (EMF1 and EMF2) cause Arabidopsis to flower directly, bypassing vegetative shoot growth. This phenotype suggests that the EMF genes play a major role in repression of the reproductive program. Positional cloning of EMF2 revealed that it encodes a zinc finger protein similar to FERTILIZATION-INDEPENDENT SEED2 and VERNALIZATION2 of Arabidopsis. These genes are characterized as structural homologs of Suppressor of zeste 12 [Su(z)12], a novel Polycomb group gene currently identified in Drosophila. In situ hybridization studies have demonstrated that EMF2 RNA is found in developing embryos, in both the vegetative and the reproductive shoot meristems, and in lateral organ primordia. Transgenic suppression of EMF2 produced a spectrum of early-flowering phenotypes, including emf2 mutant-like phenotype. This result confirms the role of EMF2 in phase transitions by repressing reproductive development.

Analysis of the antiviral activities of natural IFN-alpha preparations and their subtype compositions

Here we report on the antiviral effects of two commercially available natural interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) preparations, their subtype compositions, and the effects of combinations of pairs of the subtypes on virally infected cells. Our results show that the antiviral effects of these preparations depend on the target cell and on the infecting virus. The component subtypes vary with the preparations, and combinations of pairs of IFN-alpha subtypes may have synergistic or competitive effects. Our results suggest that optimal preparations of synergistically acting subtypes may provide more therapeutic benefit to patients.

Vascular endothelial growth factor C promotes human gastric carcinoma lymph node metastasis in mice

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, one of several members of the VEGF family, is a relatively specific lymphangiogenic growth factor. VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3 (or Flt4) is a VEGF-C receptor with expression restricted to lymphatic endothelial cells. Since the mechanisms by which carcinoma cells metastasize to lymph nodes remain unclear, we constructed a VEGF-C transfectant (AZ-VEGF-C) from the AZ521 human gastric carcinoma cell line, which ordinarily shows little nodal metastatic potential and little VEGF-C expression. We orthotopically implanted transfected tumor cells into the stomachs of nude mice. The number of mice developing lymph node metastases and the number of lymph node metastases per mouse with nodal metastases were higher than with implants of mock-transfected control cells. Specifically, percentages of mice with lymph node metastases were 95.5% (21/22) for AZ-VEGF-C and 29.4% (5/17) for controls (P<0.01), while mean numbers of involved lymph nodes were 3.76 for AZ-VEGF-C and 1.00 for controls (P<0.01). No difference was found between AZ-VEGF-C and controls regarding cell growth and chemotactic responses in vitro, or in volumes of tumors arising from implanted cells. When we performed immunohistochemical staining for VEGFR-3 in these tumors to investigate lymphangiogenesis by VEGF-C, the number of vessels stained for VEGFR-3 in tumors and surrounding tissues was higher for AZ-VEGF-C than for controls. VEGFR-3-positive vessels occupied 14.9/1000 of microscopically examined areas for AZ-VEGF-C, but only 1.30/1000 for controls (P<0.001). Our results suggest that VEGF-C is a specific lymphangiogenic growth factor with an important role in lymph node metastasis.

The effects of fabric air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation in sedentary women at cyclic changes of ambient temperatures from 27 degrees C to 33 degrees C

The present paper aimed at learning the effects of two different levels of air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation in sedentary women. Three kinds of clothing ensemble were investigated: 1) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and low air permeability (A clothing); 2) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and high air permeability (B clothing); and 3) cotton clothing with high moisture absorption and high air permeability (C clothing). After 20 min of dressing time, the room temperature and humidity began to rise from 27 degrees C and 50% rh to 33 degrees C and 70% rh over 20 min, and it was maintained for 30 min (Section I); it then began to fall to 27 degrees C and 50% rh over 20 min, and it was maintained there for 20 min (Section II). The subject sat quietly on a chair for 110 min. The main findings are summarized as follows: 1) The clothing surface temperature was significantly higher in C clothing than in B clothing during section I, but it was significantly higher in B clothing than in C clothing during section II. 2) Although the positive relationship between the microclimate humidity and forearm sweat rate was significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the microclimate humidity at the chest for the same sweat rate was lower in C clothing than in A and B clothing. These results were discussed in terms of thermal physiology.

Neoadjuvant intraarterial high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for advanced breast cancer

Eight locally advanced breast cancer patients were treated with neoadjuvant intraarterial high-dose chemotherapy (epirubicin) plus MPA combined with autologous PBSCT. All patients completed the scheduled treatment, and there were no toxic deaths. Patients were treated with an escalating dose of epirubicin (370-480 mg) and cyclophosphamide (0-6000 mg). The rate of clinical response was 100%. The rate of good histologic response was 87.5% in the main tumor and 75% in diseased lymph nodes. The 2-year survival rate was 100%. Six patients were disease-free at the time of writing. This treatment resulted in higher rates of clinical and histologic response when compared with standard-dose intraarterial chemotherapy.

Combined effects of fabric air permeability and moisture absorption on clothing microclimate and subjective sensation during intermittent exercise at 27 degrees C

The present paper aimed at determining the combined effects of two different levels of air permeability and moisture absorption, in terms of clothing microclimate and subjective sensation, in resting and exercising subjects at an ambient temperature of 27 degrees C, a relative humidity of 50% and an air velocity of 0.14 m s-1. Three kinds of clothing ensemble were investigated: (1) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and low air permeability (A), (2) polyester clothing with low moisture absorption and high air permeability (B), and (3) cotton clothing with high moisture absorption and high air permeability (C). The subjects exercised for 10 min on a cycle ergometer at an intensity of 30% maximal oxygen uptake and then had a 10 min rest. This sequence was repeated four times. The main findings are summarized as follows: (1) The clothing microclimate humidity in the back area was significantly higher in A than in B, and in C than in B. (2) The clothing microclimate temperature in the chest area was significantly higher in B than in A, and in B than in C. (3) The clothing microclimate temperature in the back area was significantly higher in C than in B. (4) The clothing surface temperature was significantly higher in C than in B. (5) Although the positive relationships between the microclimate humidity and forearm sweat rate was significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the microclimate humidity at chest for the same sweat rate was lower in C than in A and B. (6) Although the positive relationships between subjective sensation and forearm sweat rates were significantly confirmed in all three kinds of clothing, the subjective discomfort seemed to be reduced more effectively in C than in A and B for the same sweat rate. These results were discussed in terms of thermal physiology and combined effects of air permeability and moisture absorbency of the fabrics.

Complementation of plant mutants with large genomic DNA fragments by a transformation-competent artificial chromosome vector accelerates positional cloning

To accelerate gene isolation from plants by positional cloning, vector systems suitable for both chromosome walking and genetic complementation are highly desirable. Therefore, we developed a transformation-competent artificial chromosome (TAC) vector, pYLTAC7, that can accept and maintain large genomic DNA fragments stably in both Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Furthermore, it has the cis sequences required for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer into plants. We cloned large genomic DNA fragments of Arabidopsis thaliana into the vector and showed that most of the DNA fragments were maintained stably. Several TAC clones carrying 40- to 80-kb genomic DNA fragments were transferred back into Arabidopsis with high efficiency and shown to be inherited faithfully among the progeny. Furthermore, we demonstrated the practical utility of this vector system for positional cloning in Arabidopsis. A TAC contig was constructed in the region of the SGR1 locus, and individual clones with ca. 80-kb inserts were tested for their ability to complement the gravitropic defects of a homozygous mutant line. Successful complementation enabled the physical location of SGR1 to be delimited with high precision and confidence.

An essential role for NF-kappa B in IL-18-induced IFN-gamma expression in KG-1 cells

IL-18 is a multifunctional cytokine playing various regulatory roles in the immune system including induced cytokine production. As a part of our ongoing studies on the molecular mechanisms of IL-18-induced IFN-gamma production, we have examined the transcriptional regulation of the IFN-gamma gene by IL-18 in a human myelomonocytic cell line, KG-1. On the basis of DNA/protein binding, we have determined an IL-18-inducible NF-kappa B binding site located at -786 to -776 of the IFN-gamma gene regulatory region (designated KBBsite). Transient transfection of promoter-reporter gene constructs revealed that the KBBsite is required for full IL-18-induced activation of the IFN-gamma gene transcription induced by IL-18. In addition, stable transformants of a dominant-negative form of the I kappa B alpha showed an inhibition of IL-18-dependent I kappa B alpha degradation, NF-kappa B activation, and expression of IFN-gamma. These results are the first to show the actual significance of the NF-kappa B pathway in the regulation of IFN-gamma gene expression by IL-18.

An Essential Role for NF-κB in IL-18-Induced IFN-γ Expression in KG-1 Cells

IL-18 is a multifunctional cytokine playing various regulatory roles in the immune system including induced cytokine production. As a part of our ongoing studies on the molecular mechanisms of IL-18-induced IFN-γ production, we have examined the transcriptional regulation of the IFN-γ gene by IL-18 in a human myelomonocytic cell line, KG-1. On the basis of DNA/protein binding, we have determined an IL-18-inducible NF-κB binding site located at −786 to −776 of the IFN-γ gene regulatory region (designated KBBsite). Transient transfection of promoter-reporter gene constructs revealed that the KBBsite is required for full IL-18-induced activation of the IFN-γ gene transcription induced by IL-18. In addition, stable transformants of a dominant-negative form of the IκBα showed an inhibition of IL-18-dependent IκBα degradation, NF-κB activation, and expression of IFN-γ. These results are the first to show the actual significance of the NF-κB pathway in the regulation of IFN-γ gene expression by IL-18.

Physiological significance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic textile materials during intermittent exercise in humans under the influence of warm ambient temperature with and without wind

The purpose of this present study was to compare the physiological effects of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the fabrics investigated in exercising and resting subjects at an ambient temperature of 30 degrees C and a relative humidity of 50% with and without wind. Three kinds of clothing ensemble were tested: wool and cotton blend with high moisture regain (A), 100% cotton with intermediate moisture regain (B), 100% polyester clothing with low moisture regain (C). The experiments were performed using seven young adult women as subjects. They comprised six repeated periods of 10-min exercise on a cycle ergometer at an intensity of 40% maximal oxygen uptake followed by 5 min of rest (20 min for the last rest). The experiments comprised two sessions. During session I (first three repetitions of exercise and rest) the subjects were exposed to an indifferent wind velocity and during session II (last three repetitions of exercise and rest) they were exposed to a wind velocity of 1.5 m x s(-1). Rectal temperature and skin temperatures at eight sites, pulse rate and clothing microclimate were recorded throughout the whole period. The main findings can be summarized as follows: rectal temperature during session II was kept at a significantly lower level in A than in B and C. Clothing microclimate humidity at the chest was significantly lower in A than in B and C during session II. Skin and clothing microclimate temperatures at the chest were significantly lower in A than in B and C during session II. Pulse rate was significantly higher in C than in A and B during sessions I and II. It was concluded that the hydrophilic properties of the fabrics studied were of physiological significance for reducing heat strain during exercise and rest especially when influenced by wind.

Prevention of small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat by anti-cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant monoclonal antibody

The function of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), which is the rat counterpart to human growth-related gene product belonging to the CXC chemokine subgroup, is based principally on neutrophil-specific chemotactic activity. In addition, we previously reported that plasma CINC was elevated during the period of small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and that there was a correlation between the degree of mucosal damage and the peak level of CINC after reperfusion, suggesting that CINC may play a major role in neutrophil infiltration into the rat small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury site. Thus, we investigated whether administration of anti-CINC monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) reduces small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Small intestine was subjected to ischemia for 3 h by occlusion of the anterior mesenteric artery with an atraumatic vascular clump. After infusion of anti-CINC mAbs or isotype-matched mAbs, the intestine was subjected to reperfusion. The pretreatment with anti-CINC mAbs attenuated ischemia-reperfusion injury in the small intestine, in association with the reduction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and myeloperoxidase production, and resulted in the prolongation of survival. It is concluded that CINC plays an important role in the onset of rat small intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, blocking the action of CINC, namely, the neutrophil chemotactic activity, may be useful in preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury in the small intestine.

Comparison of chemical characteristics of the first and the second cysteine-rich domains of protein kinase C gamma

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a key enzyme family involved in cellular signal transduction. The binding of endogenous diacyl glycerol (DAG) to the cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of PKC is associated with normal cell signaling and function. In contrast, the binding of exogenous phorbol esters to the CRD of PKC is considered to be a key initiating event in tumor promotion. Conventional PKC isozymes (PKC alpha, beta I, beta II, and gamma) contain two CRDs, both of which are candidates for the phorbol ester binding site. In order to elucidate the binding requirements of phorbol esters and to obtain information on the phorbol ester binding site in native PKC gamma, several key chemical characteristics of the first and the second CRDs consisting of ca. 50 amino acids of rat PKC gamma (gamma-CRD1 and gamma-CRD2) were examined. In the presence of Zn2+ and phosphatidylserine (PS), both CRDs gave similar Kd values (65.3 nM for gamma-CRD1, 44.1 nM for gamma-CRD2) in phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) binding assays. In comparison, the binding affinity of PDBu for native rat PKC gamma was found to be 6.8 nM. Zn2+ was shown to play an important role in the folding and PDBu binding of both CRDs. A Zn(2+)-induced conformational change was observed for the first time by CD spectroscopic analysis of the complexed and uncomplexed CRDs. Relative to the pronounced Zn2+ effect, most divalent first row transition metal ions along with Ca2+, Mg2+, and Al3+ were ineffective in folding either CRD. Notably, however, Co2+ exhibited a gamma-CRD1-selective effect, suggesting that metal ions, not unlike extensively used organic probes, might also become effective tools for controlling isozyme selective activation of PKC. Moreover, group Ib (Cu2+ and Ag+) and group IIb element ions other than Zn2+ (Cd2+ and Hg2+) were found to abolish PDBu binding of both CRDs. Importantly, these inhibitory effects of Cu2+, Ag+, and Cd2+, and Hg2+ were also observed with native PKC gamma. These results indicate that recent reports on the modulation of conventional PKC by heavy metal ions could be explained by their coordination to the CRDs. While the similar affinities of gamma-CRD1 and gamma-CRD2 for PDBu suggest that either site qualifies as the PDBu binding site, new molecular probes of these CRD3 have now been identified that provide information on the preferred site. These novel ligands (5a and 5b) were synthesized by aza-Claisen rearrangement of (-)-N13-desmethyl-N13-allylindolactam-G (4). These compounds did not significantly affect the specific PDBu binding of gamma-CRD1 but did inhibit that of gamma-CRD2 with similar potency to (-)-indolactam-V. Moreover, these new probes did not significantly inhibit the PDBu binding of native PKC gamma. (-)-Indolactam-V itself bound almost equally to gamma-CRD1, gamma-CRD2, and native PKC gamma. These results suggest that the major PDBu binding site in native PKC gamma is the first CRD, not the second CRD, unlike the novel PKCs.

Characterization and mapping of Ds-GUS-T-DNA lines for targeted insertional mutagenesis

The transposition patterns of the Ds-GUS transposon T-DNA in 23 independent single-copy lines have been characterized and the map positions of 10 of them on three of the five Arabidopsis chromosomes are reported. Using overexpressed Activator (Ac) elements as a transposase source, it was found that the primary determinant of transposition frequency is the insertion site of the Ac-T-DNA. Neither the structure of the transposon T-DNA nor, in most cases, its insertion site have a significant effect on transposition frequency. Both the frequency and timing of transposition are influenced by the parent through which the transposon and transposase T-DNAs are transmitted. Overall, nearly 75% of plants in which excision has occurred bear a reinserted element and very short-range transpositions predominate, underlining the advantage of using mapped transposons for insertional mutagenesis.