Uncovering the health implications of abandoned mines through protein profiling of local residents

Residents in areas with abandoned mines risk significant exposure to abundant heavy metals in the environment. However, current clinical indicators cannot fully reflect the health changes associated with abandoned mine exposure. The aim of this study was to identify biological changes in the residents of abandoned mine areas via proteomic analysis of their blood. Blood samples were collected from abandoned mine and control areas, and mass spectrometry was used for protein profiling. A total of 138 unique or common proteins that were differentially expressed in low-exposure abandoned mine area (LoAMA) or high-exposure abandoned mine area (HiAMA) compared to non-exposure control area (NEA) were analyzed, and identified 4 clusters based on functional similarity. Among the 10 proteins that showed specific change in LoAMA, 4 proteins(Apolipoprotein M, Apolipoprotein E, Apolipoprotein L1, and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein) were cluded in cluster 1(plasma lipoprotein remodeling), and linked to proteins that showed specific change in protein expression in HiAMA. Therefore, it is suggested that 4 proteins are changed at low exposure to an abandoned mine (or initial exposure), and then at high exposure, changes in various proteins involved in linked plasma lipoprotein remodeling are induced, which might triggered by the 4 proteins. Interestingly, in addition to plasma lipoprotein remodeling, proteins involved in other functional networks were changed in the high exposure group. These were all directly or indirectly linked to the 4 biomarkers(Apolipoprotein M, Apolipoprotein E, Apolipoprotein L1, and Cholesteryl ester transfer protein) that changed during low exposure. This suggests their potential utility in identifying areas impacted by abandoned mines. Especially, proteins involved in lipid metabolism and renal function-related diseases in individuals exposed to heavy metals in abandoned mine areas were correlated. Chronic kidney disease is predominantly instigated by cardiovascular disease and is commonly accompanied by dyslipidemia.

Cadmium-associated protein changes in residents of contaminated areas: Abandoned mine and smelter

Cadmium (Cd), a serious environmental contaminant, is associated with adverse health effects. However, the specific changes that the human body experiences in response to exposure to varying concentrations of cadmium remain unknown. The high levels of heavy metal contamination, especially Cd, in abandoned mines and smelter sites make them ideal locations to investigate the physiological manifestations of Cd exposure. This study found that individuals inhabiting abandoned mine and smelter areas had higher concentrations of Cd in their urine and blood compared to those living outside these areas (i.e., the controls). Furthermore, proteomic profiling of blood samples from all study groups was performed to identify proteomic biomarkers associated with chronic and severe Cd exposure. This analysis showed statistically significant correlations between urine Cd levels and sixteen proteins. Among these proteins, seven exhibited significantly altered expressions in samples from contaminated areas compared with those from control areas. Therefore, these proteins were selected as potential markers representing Cd-related protein alterations. Multiple reaction monitoring analysis was performed to validate the expression patterns of the proteins and four proteins were found to exhibit consistent trends. The findings show that Cd exposure significantly affects the expression of certain proteins in the human body. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and diseases associated with Cd-induced protein alterations can aid in the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for individuals exposed to Cd-linked pollution.

Discovery and validation of a protein biomarker for the diagnosis and classification of disease severity of major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diagnosis and classification of disease severity of major depressive disorder (MDD) are determined through a doctor's consultation and questionnaire-based rating scale. This study aimed to identify and validate a serum protein biomarker for diagnosing and classifying the disease severity of MDD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) score, participants were divided into control, mild, moderate, and severe groups. Samples prepared from collected sera were analyzed using non-targeted qualitative and targeted quantitative tools to identify potential biomarkers.

RESULTS

Four proteins were selected as biomarker candidates, which showed statistically significant consistent tendencies depending on MDD severity. Among them, tetranectin was the only validated protein in the quantitative analysis that showed the same decreasing tendency as that in the qualitative analysis. Furthermore, tetranectin showed fair discrimination performance between the control and MDD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Tetranectin may be a novel potential biomarker for diagnosing and classifying the severity of MDD, though further verification and validation studies of its efficacy are needed.

Discovery and validation of metabolite markers in bloodstains for bloodstain age estimation

Bloodstain age estimation involves measuring time-dependent changes in the levels of biomolecules in bloodstains. Although several studies have identified bloodstain metabolites as markers for estimating bloodstain age, none have considered sex, age-related metabolomic differences, or long-time bloodstain age. Therefore, we aimed to identify metabolite markers for estimating the age of bloodstains at weekly intervals within 28 days and validate them through multiple reaction monitoring. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate, choline, and pyroglutamic acid were selected as markers. Seven metabolites were validated, including five previously reported metabolites, ergothioneine, hypoxanthine, L-isoleucine, L-tryptophan, and pyroglutamic acid. Choline and hypoxanthine can be used to differentiate bloodstains between days 0 and 14 after deposition at weekly intervals, whereas L-isoleucine and L-tryptophan can help distinguish bloodstains between 7 days before and 14 days after deposition. Evaluation of the changes in metabolite levels according to sex and age revealed that the average levels of all seven metabolites were higher in women on day 0. Moreover, the level of ergothioneine was significantly higher in elderly individuals than in young individuals at all time points. In this study, we confirmed the potential effectiveness of metabolites in bloodstains as forensic markers and provided a new perspective on metabolomic approaches linked to forensic science.

Effect of environmental conditions on bloodstain metabolite analysis

Establishing a correlation between environmental variables and chemical change can significantly improve the quality of research in multiple fields. Among various environmental variables, temperature and humidity are closely related to the rate of chemical reactions. This study aimed to confirm changes in metabolite markers that were previously discovered in other temperature and humidity environment conditions and to confirm the possibility that they could act as markers. After blood collection from the subjects and bloodstain preparation, the quantitative values of the bloodstain metabolites were confirmed (when the age of the bloodstain was within a month) under eight environmental conditions (4 °C/30%, 4 °C/60%, 25 °C/30%, 25 °C/60%, 25 °C/90%, 40 °C/30%, 40 °C/60%, and 40 °C/90%). Age-of-bloodstain estimation models were constructed to confirm the applicability of bloodstain metabolites as markers for bloodstain age in various environments. The average concentration of metabolite markers exhibited a decreasing trend with the age of the bloodstain, which transformed into an increasing trend from day 7 onwards. In terms of temperature and humidity, 25 °C and 90%, respectively, showed the most dissimilar metabolite change pattern compared to other conditions. The age-of-bloodstain estimation models developed here have an R-square value of up to 0.92 for each condition and an R-square value of 0.71 when all environmental conditions were combined. The findings herein highlight the immense potential of blood metabolites for field application, confirming the possibility of predicting metabolite changes from the rates of their chemical reactions and validating the importance of metabolites as age-of-bloodstain markers under various environmental conditions.

Validation of the Metabolite Ergothioneine as a Forensic Marker in Bloodstains

Ergothioneine, which is a naturally occurring metabolite, generally accumulates in tissues and cells subjected to oxidative stress, owing to its structural stability at physiological pH; therefore, it has been attracting attention in various biomedical fields. Ergothioneine has also been suggested as a potential forensic marker, but its applicability has not yet been quantitatively validated. In this study, quantitative analysis of ergothioneine in bloodstains was conducted to estimate the age of bloodstains and that of bloodstain donors. Blood from youth and elderly participants was used to generate bloodstains. After extracting metabolites from the bloodstains under prevalent age conditions, ergothioneine levels were quantified by mass spectrometry via multiple reaction monitoring. The concentration of ergothioneine in day 0 bloodstains (fresh blood), was significantly higher in the elderly group than in the youth group, but it did not differ by sex. Statistically significant differences were observed between the samples from the two age groups on days 0, 5 and 7, and on days 2 and 3 compared with day 0. The findings suggest that ergothioneine can be used to estimate the age of bloodstains and of the donor; it could be useful as a potential marker in reconstructing crime scenes.

Bloodstain Metabolite Markers: Discovery and Validation for Estimating Age of Bloodstain within 7 Days

Metabolomic research using analytical chemistry methods has been carried out in a wide range of research fields. However, research combining forensic science and metabolomics is rare. Determining the age of bloodstains could provide key information regarding when a crime was committed. Currently, validated methods for estimating the age of bloodstains are unavailable. Metabolites are intermediate and final products of chemical reactions. Therefore, they are less likely to be degraded than other components of blood under field conditions. In this study, metabolites in bloodstains were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to discover and validate metabolic markers for determining the age of bloodstains within a week post-bleeding. Nontargeted analysis of bloodstain metabolites revealed statistically significant differences over time. Quantitative analysis of identified candidates via multiple reaction monitoring confirmed the statistical significance according to the age of bloodstain. Pyroglutamic acid, l-glutamine, acetylcarnitine, and adenosine 5'-monophosphate were selected as the final markers. The content of each marker exhibited a statistically significant and consistent tendency to decrease with the age of bloodstain. Furthermore, the effect of hemolysis was considered according to the blood fraction spots of the four markers. This study is the first to identify and validate metabolite markers that may help determine the age of bloodstains within a week post-bleeding. If applied to crime scenes as indicators of the age of bloodstains, they can be used as innovative and important tools for reconstructing crime scenes, suggesting initial investigative direction. This study highlights the forensic utility of blood metabolites ex vivo.

Discovery and validation of acetyl-L-carnitine in serum for diagnosis of major depressive disorder and remission status through metabolomic approach

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that accompany psychophysiological and mood changes. However, the pathophysiology-based disease mechanism of MDD is not yet fully understood, and diagnosis is also conducted through interviews with clinicians and patients. Diagnosis and treatment of MDD are limited due to the absence of biomarkers underlying the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD. Although various attempts have been made to discover metabolite biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment response of MDD, problems with sample size and consistency of results have limited clinical application. In addition, it was reported that future biomarker studies must consider exposure to antidepressants, which is the main cause of heterogeneity in depression subgroups. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to discover and validate biomarkers for the diagnosis of depression in consideration of exposure to drug treatment including antidepressants that contribute to the heterogeneity of the MDD subgroup. In the biomarker discovery and validation set, the disease group consisted of a mixture of patients exposed and unexposed to drug treatment including antidepressants for the treatment of MDD. The serum metabolites that differed between the MDD patients and the control group were profiled using mass spectrometry. The validation set including the remission group was used to verify the effectiveness as a biomarker for the diagnosis of depression and determination of remission status. The presence of different metabolites between the two groups was confirmed through serum metabolite profiling between the MDD patient group and the control group. Finally, Acetylcarnitine was selected as a biomarker. In validation, acetylcarnitine was significantly decreased in MDD and was distinguished from remission status. This study confirmed that the discovered acetylcarnitine has potential as a biomarker for diagnosing depression and determining remission status, regardless of exposure to drug treatment including antidepressants.

Discovery of donor age markers from bloodstain by LC-MS/MS using a metabolic approach

Bloodstains are frequently encountered at crime scenes and they provide important evidence about the incident, such as information about the victim or suspect and the time of death or other events. Efforts have been made to identify the age of the bloodstain's donor through genomic approaches, but there are some limitations, such as the availability of databases and the quality dependence of DNA. There is a need for the development of a tool that can obtain information at once from a small blood sample. The aim of this study is to identify bloodstain metabolite candidates that can be used to determine donor age. We prepared bloodstain samples and analyzed metabolites using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Eighteen molecular features (MFs) were selected as candidates using volcano plots and multivariate analysis. Based on the MS/MS spectrum of the MFs, the following nine metabolites were identified from the METaboliteLINk database: Δ2-cis eicosenoic acid, ergothioneine, adenosine 5'-monophosphate, benzaldehyde, phenacylamine, myristic acid ethyl ester, p-coumaric acid, niacinamide, and N-arachidonoyl-L-alanine. These nine age markers at high or low abundances could be used to estimate the age of a bloodstain's donor. This study was the first to develop metabolite age markers that can be used to analyze crime scene bloodstains.

A discovery of screening markers for rheumatoid arthritis by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry: A metabolomic approach

AIM

This study aimed to discover serum metabolite biomarkers for potential use in screening for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

METHODS

The sera from 43 healthy controls (HCs) and 49 RA patients were globally analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry. Molecular features (MFs) from samples were analyzed using volcano plots, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and variable importance in projection scores to select candidates. The spectra of candidate MFs were matched with the METLIN database. We confirmed the association between candidates and RA and analyzed the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

We selected a total of 57 candidate MFs that had a fold change ≥1.5, P value ≤.05, and over 80% of frequency. Among them, 18 MFs were identified as metabolites with the METLIN database. Six metabolites (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, androsterone sulfate, γ-linolenic acid, 9[E],11[E]-conjugated linoleic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid [22n-3]) out of the 18 were associated with mechanisms of RA and were selected as final candidates. ROC curve analysis revealed their area under the curve (AUC) values were all above 0.75 and the combined AUC of the six candidates was 0.89.

CONCLUSION

Using six candidates as a marker set showed potential in distinguishing RA patients from HCs, based on high AUC values. Therefore, we propose that a marker set of these six candidates has potential clinical application in RA screening.

Bifidobacterium longum DS0956 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus DS0508 culture-supernatant ameliorate obesity by inducing thermogenesis in obese-mice

Excessive body fat and the related dysmetabolic diseases affect both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial role of a bacterial culture supernatant (hereafter: BS) of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and their potential mechanisms of action on white-fat browning and lipolysis. For selection of four candidates among 55 Lactic acid producing bacteria (LAB) from human infant faeces, we evaluated by Oil Red O staining and Ucp1 mRNA quantitation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. The expression of browning and lipolysis markers was examined along with in vitro assays. The possible mechanism was revealed by molecular and biological experiments including inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) assays. In a mouse model, physiological, histological, and biochemical parameters and expression of some thermogenesis-related genes were compared among six experimental groups fed a high-fat diet and one normal-diet control group. The results allow us to speculate that BS treatment promotes browning and lipolysis both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the BS may activate thermogenic programs via a mechanism involving PKA-CREB signaling in 3T3-L1 cells. According to our data, we can propose that two LAB strains, Bifidobacterium longum DS0956 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus DS0508, may be good candidates for a dietary supplement against obesity and metabolic diseases; however, further research is required for the development as dietary supplements or drugs.

A medical care model using comprehensive geriatric assessment for community-dwelling older Korean adults

BACKGROUND

The quality of life of older adults deteriorates when they lose their ability to perform activities of daily living. Therefore, the older adults should be assessed to identify risk factors for functional decline and to correct these factors so that they may live as independently as possible in the community. We developed a medical care model using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for community-dwelling older patients.

METHODS

Three hundred and ninety-one older adults who were frail or likely to be frail were selected. CGA was performed before and after the interventions to determine the effect of the interventions. Three interventions-exercise training, nutritional education, and medication reconciliation-were performed for 5.1 ± 0.6 months.

RESULTS

A comparison of the results of the first and second assessments revealed that the participants showed improvement in physical function, quality of life, medication, and nutrition. The average gait speed had increased from 0.77 ± 0.17 m/s to 0.89 ± 0.20 m/s (P < 0.001). For health-related quality of life, the average EuroQol-5 dimension-3L score for each domain decreased significantly. The number of patients with polypharmacy decreased from 181(50 %) to 155(43 %) (P = 0.001). The number of patients who were at risk of malnutrition or malnourished decreased from 72(20 %) to 45(12 %) (P < 0.001). The majority of participants were highly satisfied and were willing to participate again.

CONCLUSION

Our medical model based on CGA showed a significantly positive effect on the physical function and quality of life of community-dwelling older adults. Our model may be a promising strategy for improving the care of them.

Metabolomic profiling of bloodstains on various absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces

Bloodstains found at crime scenes contain immense information about the crime; thus, studies involving analysis of small molecules in bloodstains have been conducted. However, most of these studies have not accounted for the difference in the results of small molecule analysis due to the surface of bloodstains. To evaluate the "surface effect," we prepared bloodstains on seven surfaces, including both absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces, and performed global small molecule analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). We used three indicators: (1) count recovery rate (%) of molecular features (MFs), (2) the number of MFs extracted from the surface without bloodstains, and (3) difference in abundance recovery rate (%) of MFs, to determine the ranking of the seven surfaces in the order of their similarity with blood. We also confirmed the correlation between each surface and blood through multivariate analysis. We found that the non-absorbent surfaces ranked better than the absorbent surfaces; wooden flooring was ranked as the most efficient surface, followed by stainless, vinyl flooring, glass, tile, filter paper, and mixed cotton. This study will help in the selection of the most efficient surface for collection of bloodstains for small molecule analysis from a crime scene. This is the first study to identify the effects of surface on extraction of global small molecules from bloodstains; it will help forensic scientists in obtaining more accurate information from small molecules present in the bloodstains collected at the field. Graphical abstract.

Bone marrow lesions in knee osteoarthritis: regional differences in tibial subchondral bone microstructure and their association with cartilage degeneration

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate how bone microstructure within bone marrow lesions (BMLs) relates to the bone and cartilage across the whole human tibial plateau.

DESIGN

Thirty-two tibial plateaus from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) at total knee arthroplasty and eleven age-matched non-OA controls, were scanned ex vivo by MRI to identify BMLs and by micro CT to quantitate the subchondral (plate and trabecular) bone microstructure. For cartilage evaluation, specimens were processed histologically.

RESULTS

BMLs were detected in 75% of the OA samples (OA-BML), located predominantly in the anterior-medial (AM) region. In contrast to non-OA control and OA-no BML, in OA-BML differences in microstructure were significantly more evident between subregions. In OA-BML, the AM region contained the most prominent structural alterations. Between-group comparisons showed that the AM region of the OA-BML group had significantly higher histological degeneration (OARSI grade) (P < .0001, P < .05), thicker subchondral plate (P < .05, P < .05), trabeculae that are more anisotropic (P < .0001, P < .05), well connected (P < .05, P = n.s), and more plate-like (P < 0.05, P < 0.05), compared to controls and OA-no BML at this site. Compared to controls, OA-no BML had significantly higher OARSI grade (P < .0001), and lower trabecular number (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

In established knee OA, both the extent of cartilage damage and microstructural degeneration of the subchondral bone were dependent on the presence of a BML. In OA-no BML, bone microstructural alterations are consistent with a bone attrition phase of the disease. Thus, the use of BMLs as MRI image-based biomarkers appear to inform on the degenerative state within the osteochondral unit.

Screening of Sera from Patients with Pancreatitis by an Apoptosis Assay of Skin-derived Cells

Background/Aims

An excessive inflammatory response is typical in acute pancreatitis and a significant cause of early mortality in severe acute pancreatitis. This is believed to be caused by inflammatory molecules or upregulated cytokine levels in the serum of patients. The aim of this study was to identify the serum-mediated apoptosis-inducing effects in acute pancreatitis patients.

Methods

A skin tissue-derived cell line, BJ, was treated for 24 hours with the sera of 22 healthy volunteers (control) and 71 acute pancreatitis patients (22 with gallstone pancreatitis, 16 with alcoholic pancreatitis, and 11 with pancreatitis with other causes) collected at the time of hospital admission (active) and discharge (resolved). Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

The average percentage of living cells, early apoptotic cells, and late apoptotic cells ranged from 78.8% to 85.0%, 5.5% to 7.3%, and 7.7% to 13.1%, respectively. The number of live cells increased significantly using the serum from the resolved state of gallstone-induced pancreatitis. In addition, the number of early apoptotic cells increased significantly using the serum from the resolved state of pancreatitis with other causes. The number of late apoptotic cells decreased significantly with the serum from the resolved state compared to the active state of gallstone- and alcohol-induced pancreatitis.

Conclusions

Serum samples from patients with pancreatitis induced a change in the apoptosis profiles of skin-derived cells. These results indicate changes in the serum components in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Estimation of Age of Bloodstains by Mass-Spectrometry: A Metabolomic Approach

Bloodstains are common evidence in crime scenes, containing significant information, including genetic information. Although efforts have been made to reliably determine the time of incident by analyzing the elapsed time of the bloodstain, there has been limited success. To identify candidate metabolites in bloodstains over time, we prepared bloodstain samples using filter paper and analyzed the metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)/MS over a 21-day period. Using Venn diagrams and by multivariate analysis, we selected 62 candidate molecular features. We found by partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) that the group can be classified with an accuracy of 75.0%, and the R² and Q² values were 0.7513 and 0.6998, respectively. Five metabolites were successfully identified based on candidate molecular features. The level of two metabolites, l-tryptophan and ergothioneine, decreased with time. The concentration of candidate metabolites that we propose reliably increased or decreased with time, thus, enabling the measurement of elapsed time of the bloodstain. This study is the first to identify markers used to analyze the elapsed time of bloodstains through metabolomics analysis.

Proteomics Analysis for Verification of Rheumatoid Arthritis Biomarker Candidates Using Multiple Reaction Monitoring

PURPOSE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which autoantibodies attack the synovial membrane, causing joint inflammation. Blood tests would offer a powerful, minimally invasive method for early diagnosis of RA. However, no reliable biomarkers for RA are presently available. The aim is to develop biomarkers for RA by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based quantification of candidate biomarkers.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Proteomics approaches are commonly used to identify and verify disease biomarkers. For discovery of biomarkers for RA, SWATH acquisition is performed and selected candidate biomarkers are validated by MRM. Target serum proteins are compared between patients with RA and healthy controls divided into three groups based on rheumatoid factor level.

RESULTS

A total of 45 differentially expressed proteins are identified, as determined by SWATH acquisition. Of these, 13 proteins are selected as novel candidate biomarkers. A total of five proteins (transthyretin, gelsolin, angiotensinogen, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and protein S100-A9) are shown to have the potential to distinguish patients with RA from healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These five proteins may improve the efficiency of diagnosis of RA. MRM can be used to easily diagnose RA by detecting five proteins simultaneously in a single sample with high sensitivity.

Early complications after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma: an analysis of 1,843 ablations in 1,211 patients in a single centre: experience over 10 years

AIM

To evaluate the incidence of adverse events and associated factors after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma within 30 days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The early complications that occurred within 30 days after RFA at a single institution from January 2000 to July 2010 were reviewed in order to evaluate the morbidity, mortality, and risk factors associated with the complications. In total, 1,211 patients (845 men, 70.5%) with a mean age of 68 years (range, 27-88 years) underwent 1,843 RFA procedures.

RESULTS

The overall incidence rate of complications was 6.8% (125 cases). Major complications (n=36, 2%) included liver abscess (n=15, 0.8%), intraperitoneal bleeding (n=8, 0.4%), liver failure (n=5, 0.3%), variceal bleeding (n=3, 0.2%), haemothorax (n=2, 0.1%), cholecystitis (n=2, 0.1%), and bowel perforation (n=1, 0.1%). Among the minor complications (n=89, 4.8%), the most common was the post RFA syndrome accompanied by pain and fever (n=75, 4.1%). Other minor complications included significant pleural effusion (n=7, 0.4%), skin wound infection (n=4, 0.2%), and thermal injuries to the skin (n=3, 0.2%). Procedural infections significantly increased with tumour size (OR=1.379; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.191-1.579; p<0.001), and multiple overlapping ablations (OR=1.118; 95% CI, 1.019-1.227, p=0.018). Thrombocytopenia (<50,000/μl), prothrombin time, and serum albumin level were significantly associated with post-RFA bleeding episodes (p=0.041, p=0.021, and p=0.003, respectively). The overall mortality rate was 0.3% (three cases of hepatic failure, two case of sepsis, and one case of renal failure).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is a safe and effective local treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Careful selection of patients and appropriate RFA planning could decrease procedural mortality and morbidity.

Glechoma hederacea Suppresses RANKL-mediated Osteoclastogenesis

Glechoma hederacea (GH), commonly known as ground-ivy or gill-over-the-ground, has been extensively used in folk remedies for relieving symptoms of inflammatory disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of GH are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that GH constituents inhibit osteoclastogenesis by abrogating receptor activator of nuclear κ-B ligand (RANKL)-induced free cytosolic Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i) oscillations. To evaluate the effect of GH on osteoclastogenesis, we assessed the formation of multi-nucleated cells (MNCs), enzymatic activity of tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP), expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and [Ca(2+)]i alterations in response to treatment with GH ethanol extract (GHE) in primarily cultured bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Treatment of RANKL-stimulated or non-stimulated BMMs with GHE markedly suppressed MNC formation, TRAP activity, and NFATc1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, GHE treatment induced a large transient elevation in [Ca(2+)]i while suppressing RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)]i oscillations, which are essential for NFATc1 activation. GHE-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)]i was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and was inhibited by 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP), inhibitor of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs), but was independent of store-operated Ca(2+) channels. Notably, after transient [Ca(2+)] elevation, treatment with GHE desensitized the VGCCs, resulting in an abrogation of RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)]i oscillations and MNC formation. These findings demonstrate that treatment of BMMs with GHE suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis by activating and then desensitizing DHP-sensitive VGCCs, suggesting potential applications of GH in the treatment of bone disorders, such as periodontitis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract P5-07-04: Aurora kinase regulates PKC-mediated MMP-9 expression and invasion in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Aurora kinase is a novel family of serine/threonine kinases. Elevated expression of aurora kinase A and B is observed in many tumor cells, and dysregulation of aurora kinase has been linked to tumorigenesis. Therefore, a number of studies focused in their oncogene activities as anti-tumor targets. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which degrades the extracellular matrix (ECM) and it is important process for breast cancer cell invasion. MMP-9 can be stimulated by activation of various cellular signaling pathways including protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Here, we show that 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a directly PKC activator stimulation resulted in an up-regulation and phosphorlyation of aurora kinases in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Also, Results showed that inhibition of the aurora kinases suppressed TPA-induced MMP-9 secretion/expression and cell invasion through suppression of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs in MCF-7 breast cancer cell. In conclusion, this study provides new insight into the novel role of aurora kinase for expression of MMP-9 by TPA and regulation of aurora kinase by TPA through MAPKs signaling pathway.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-07-04.

SPA0355, a thiourea analogue, inhibits inflammatory responses and joint destruction in fibroblast-like synoviocytes and mice with collagen-induced arthritis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

NF-κB has been implicated as a therapeutic target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We previously synthesized a thiourea analogue, SPA0355, which suppressed NF-κB activity. Here we have assessed the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects of SPA0355.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

We evaluated the effects of SPA0355 on human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes in vitro and on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice in vivo.

KEY RESULTS

In vitro experiments demonstrated that SPA0355 suppressed chemokine production, matrix metalloproteinase secretion and cell proliferation induced by TNF-α in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes. In addition, SPA0355 inhibited osteoclast differentiation induced by macrophage colony-stimulating factor and the receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, in bone marrow macrophages. Mice with CIA that were pretreated with SPA0355 had a lower cumulative disease incidence and severity of arthritis, based on hind paw thickness, radiological and histopathological findings, and inflammatory cytokine levels, than mice treated with vehicle. Mice treated with SPA0355, after the onset of CIA, also showed significantly decreased disease incidence and joint oedema. The in vitro and in vivo protective effects of SPA0355 were mediated by inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, these results suggested that using SPA0355 to block the NF-κB pathway in rheumatoid joints reduced both the inflammatory responses and tissue destruction. Therefore, SPA0355 may have therapeutic value in preventing or delaying joint destruction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Inhibition of VEGF blocks TGF-beta1 production through a PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mediator of airway inflammation and remodelling in asthma. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) plays pivotal roles in diverse biological processes, including tissue remodelling and repair in a number of chronic lung diseases. However, there are few studies elucidating the interactions between VEGF and TGF-beta(1) in allergic airway disease. A murine model of allergic airway disease was used to define the mechanism by which VEGF induces subepithelial fibrosis and to investigate a potential relationship between VEGF and TGF-beta(1) and the mechanisms by which VEGF signalling regulates TGF-beta(1) expression in allergic airway disease. The ovalbumin (OVA)-inhaled murine model revealed the following typical pathophysiological features of allergic airway disease in the lungs: increased numbers of inflammatory cells of the airways, airway hyperresponsiveness, increased peribronchial fibrosis, and increased levels of VEGF and TGF-beta(1). Administration of VEGF inhibitors reduced the pathophysiological signs of allergic airway disease and decreased the increased TGF-beta(1) levels and peribronchial fibrosis, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity after OVA inhalation. In addition, the increased TGF-beta(1) levels and collagen deposition after OVA inhalation were decreased by administration of PI3K inhibitors. These results suggest that inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor attenuates peribronchial fibrosis, at least when mediated by regulation of transforming growth factor-beta(1) expression through phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway in a murine model of allergic airway disease.

CT halo sign: the spectrum of pulmonary diseases

The CT halo sign indicates ground glass attenuation surrounding a pulmonary nodule on CT. Although it was initially proposed as an early, specific finding of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, it can be caused by many other pathological conditions such as infection, neoplastic and inflammatory diseases. The halo of ground glass attenuation pathologically represents pulmonary haemorrhage, tumour infiltration, or non-haemorrhagic inflammatory processes. Although non-specific, this sign is important because the clinical setting and associated radiological features may give a clue to the differential diagnosis. In this review, we demonstrate the spectrum of pulmonary diseases showing the "CT halo sign" on thin-section CT and discuss their radiological and clinical features.

The most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT

PURPOSE

To evaluate the most useful findings to look for in diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Appendiceal helical CT scans with intravenous contrast administration (abdomen, 7-mm collimation; abdominopelvic junction, 5-mm collimation) of 71 patients with surgically proven acute appendicitis and 167 patients with alternative diagnoses were reviewed retrospectively. Three radiologists analyzed the following parameters: enlarged appendix (>6 mm in diameter), appendiceal wall thickening, appendiceal wall enhancement, no identification of the appendix, appendicolith(s), appendiceal intraluminal air, intramural air, extraluminal air, periappendiceal fat stranding, extraluminal fluid, phlegmon, abscess, lymphadenopathy, segmental terminal ileal wall thickening, focal cecal apical thickening, focal colonic wall thickening, and segmental colonic wall thickening. The features that best distinguished appendicitis from alternative diagnoses were selected with stepwise logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nine CT findings distinguished acute appendicitis from alternative diagnoses (P < 0.05): enlarged appendix (R = 0.739), appendiceal wall thickening (R = 0.525), periappendiceal fat stranding (R = 0.414), appendiceal wall enhancement (R = 0.404), focal cecal apical thickening (R = 0.171), appendicolith(s) (R = 0.157), extraluminal air (R = 0.050), intramural air (R = 0.043), and phlegmon (R = 0.030). Enlarged appendix (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 92%), appendiceal wall thickening (sensitivity, 66%; specificity, 96%), periappendiceal fat stranding (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 74%), and appendiceal wall enhancement (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 85%) showed the statistically most significant association with acute appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

On 5-mm-section contrast-enhanced helical CT examinations, enlarged appendix, appendiceal wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding, and appendiceal wall enhancement were the most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis.

The most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT

PURPOSE

To evaluate the most useful findings to look for in diagnosing acute appendicitis on contrast-enhanced helical CT.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Appendiceal helical CT scans with intravenous contrast administration (abdomen, 7-mm collimation; abdominopelvic junction, 5-mm collimation) of 71 patients with surgically proven acute appendicitis and 167 patients with alternative diagnoses were reviewed retrospectively. Three radiologists analyzed the following parameters: enlarged appendix (>6 mm in diameter), appendiceal wall thickening, appendiceal wall enhancement, no identification of the appendix, appendicolith(s), appendiceal intraluminal air, intramural air, extraluminal air, periappendiceal fat stranding, extraluminal fluid, phlegmon, abscess, lymphadenopathy, segmental terminal ileal wall thickening, focal cecal apical thickening, focal colonic wall thickening, and segmental colonic wall thickening. The features that best distinguished appendicitis from alternative diagnoses were selected with stepwise logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Nine CT findings distinguished acute appendicitis from alternative diagnoses (P < 0.05): enlarged appendix (R = 0.739), appendiceal wall thickening (R = 0.525), periappendiceal fat stranding (R = 0.414), appendiceal wall enhancement (R = 0.404), focal cecal apical thickening (R = 0.171), appendicolith(s) (R = 0.157), extraluminal air (R = 0.050), intramural air (R = 0.043), and phlegmon (R = 0.030). Enlarged appendix (sensitivity, 93%; specificity, 92%), appendiceal wall thickening (sensitivity, 66%; specificity, 96%), periappendiceal fat stranding (sensitivity, 87%; specificity, 74%), and appendiceal wall enhancement (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 85%) showed the statistically most significant association with acute appendicitis.

CONCLUSION

On 5-mm-section contrast-enhanced helical CT examinations, enlarged appendix, appendiceal wall thickening, periappendiceal fat stranding, and appendiceal wall enhancement were the most useful findings for diagnosing acute appendicitis.

Solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas with peritoneal metastasis and its recurrence: a case report

Solid and papillary epithelial neoplasm of the pancreas is a low-grade malignant tumor, generally occurring as a slowly growing upper abdominal mass in a young female. With complete excision, the prognosis is good. Malignant behavior with metastasis does occur, but the incidence is very low. We report a young woman who had this neoplasm in the pancreatic tail with peritoneal seeding and its recurrence.

Proximal gastrectomy and jejunal pouch interposition: radiographic evaluation of postoperative findings

BACKGROUND

We assessed the postoperative findings of proximal gastrectomy and jejunal pouch interposition with contrast radiography.

METHODS

Eleven patients with proximal gastrectomy and jejunal pouch interposition for proximal gastric carcinoma underwent contrast radiography. We evaluated the radiographic findings of the remnant stomach and interposed jejunal pouch.

RESULTS

The interposed jejunal pouch showed good expansion, and the motility of the remnant gastric antrum was normal in all patients. One patient had significant lumenal narrowing of the esophageal pouch anastomotic site. Leak at the anastomotic site was not found. Reflux into the esophagus from the pouch was observed in two patients. Gastric emptying time was considerably delayed in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Follow-up upper gastrointestinal series of the proximal gastrectomy and jejunal pouch interposition showed different postoperative findings. Awareness of the normal and abnormal findings is essential in the accurate postoperative evaluation of these patients.

A novel plant kinesin-related protein specifically associates with the phragmoplast organelles

In higher plants, the formation of the cell plate during cytokinesis requires coordinated microtubule (MT) reorganization and vesicle transport in the phragmoplast. MT-based kinesin motors are important players in both processes. To understand the mechanisms underlying plant cytokinesis, we have identified AtPAKRP2 (for Arabidopsis thaliana phragmoplast-associated kinesin-related protein 2). AtPAKRP2 is an ungrouped N-terminal motor kinesin. It first appeared in a punctate pattern among interzonal MTs during late anaphase. When the phragmoplast MT array appeared in a mirror pair, AtPAKRP2 became more concentrated near the division site, and additional signal could be detected elsewhere in the phragmoplast. In contrast, the previously identified AtPAKRP1 protein is associated specifically with bundles of MTs in the phragmoplast at or near their plus ends. Localization of the tobacco homolog(s) of AtPAKRP2 was altered by treatment of brefeldin A in BY-2 cells. We discuss the possibility that AtPAKRP1 plays a role in establishing and/or maintaining the phragmoplast MT array, and AtPAKRP2 may contribute to the transport of Golgi-derived vesicles in the phragmoplast.

A novel plant kinesin-related protein specifically associates with the phragmoplast organelles

In higher plants, the formation of the cell plate during cytokinesis requires coordinated microtubule (MT) reorganization and vesicle transport in the phragmoplast. MT-based kinesin motors are important players in both processes. To understand the mechanisms underlying plant cytokinesis, we have identified AtPAKRP2 (for Arabidopsis thaliana phragmoplast-associated kinesin-related protein 2). AtPAKRP2 is an ungrouped N-terminal motor kinesin. It first appeared in a punctate pattern among interzonal MTs during late anaphase. When the phragmoplast MT array appeared in a mirror pair, AtPAKRP2 became more concentrated near the division site, and additional signal could be detected elsewhere in the phragmoplast. In contrast, the previously identified AtPAKRP1 protein is associated specifically with bundles of MTs in the phragmoplast at or near their plus ends. Localization of the tobacco homolog(s) of AtPAKRP2 was altered by treatment of brefeldin A in BY-2 cells. We discuss the possibility that AtPAKRP1 plays a role in establishing and/or maintaining the phragmoplast MT array, and AtPAKRP2 may contribute to the transport of Golgi-derived vesicles in the phragmoplast.

Altered mRNA expression of sialyltransferase in squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix

OBJECTIVE

Increased sialylation has been reported in various kinds of cancers, but to date, sialylation of cervical carcinoma has never been evaluated. This study of the changes in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of the four sialyltransferases (ST3Gal I, ST3Gal III, ST3Gal IV, and ST6Gal I) in a normal cervix and that with FIGO stage IB1 squamous cell carcinoma was undertaken to assess the extent of sialylation associated with establishment of the carcinoma.

METHODS

Alterations in ST mRNA expression in FIGO IB1 cervical cancer (n = 30) and normal cervixes (n = 30) were examined by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

ST6Gal I expression was enhanced in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (P = 0.026, Mann-Whitney U test), but mRNA expression from the other three STs (ST3Gal I, ST3Gal III, and ST3Gal IV) was significantly down-expressed in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix compared to the normal cervix (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively). High ST6Gal I expression was associated with more invasive properties of cervical cancer, such as deep stromal invasion, lymph or vascular space involvement, and poor differentiation (P = 0.010, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of enhanced ST6Gal I mRNA expression and decreased mRNA expression from ST3Gal I, ST3Gal III, and ST3Gal IV might be important in cervical cancer. Future studies will investigate whether RT-PCR detection of the expression of these enzymes can be helpful for prognostic purposes.

Inhibitory effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on interleukin-6 bioactivity

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is known as a proinflammatory cytokine involved in immune response, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Inhibitory effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on IL-6 bioactivity using IL-6-dependent hybridoma have been evaluated. Three out of 16 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) showed IC50 values of less than 100 microM, which were in the order of oxyphenylbutazone hydrate (IC50=7.5 microM)>meclofenamic acid sodium salt (31.9 microM)>sulindac (74.9 microM). Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (SAIDs) exhibited significant inhibitory effects at 100 microM on the IL-6 bioactivity, and their inhibitory potencies were in the order of budesonide (IC50=2.2 microM)>hydrocortisone 21-hemisuccinate (6.7 microM), prednisolone (7.5 microM), betamethasone (10.9 microM)>dexamethasone (18.9 microM) and triamcinolone acetonide (24.1 microM). The results would provide an additional mechanism by which anti-inflammatory drugs display their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects at higher concentrations.

Polarization-resolved output analysis of X-ray multiple-wave interaction

The polarization suppression of the interfering components in X-ray multiple-wave interaction is observed for the first time by using a polarization analyzer with an arbitrary inclination of the diffraction plane with respect to that of the investigated crystal. The condition for total suppression of the multiple-wave interaction outside the investigated crystals by a polarization analyzer is derived theoretically from the modified Born approximation. By means of the partial suppression of the strong interfering component, the increase in the visibility of multiple-wave interference is experimentally and theoretically demonstrated. The proposed experimental polarization-resolved technique provides an operational way to enhance the visibility of X-ray multiple-wave interaction outside the investigated crystals for direct phase determination.

Photochemically removable silyl protecting groups

Several o-phenol-containing alkoxyvinylsilanes were prepared and their photochemistry was investigated. These materials were prepared via hydrosilylation of the corresponding o-acetoxy arylacetylenes. Two major classes of photochemical processes were identified in these reactants: trans-->cis isomerization, leading to an intramolecular nucleophilic substitution process at silicon, and 1,5-silyl shift, leading to an unsymmetrical dialkoxysilane. The major outcome of this work is a novel class of photochemically removable protecting groups. Two alkyl substitutions on silicon, the dimethyl and diisopropyl, were examined. The latter is more stable and is preferred for protecting groups that must tolerate multiple steps or reagents. Protection of alcohols is generally performed starting with the arylethynyl acetate, which can be subjected to hydrosilylation, alcohol substitution, and acetate deprotection without isolation of intermediates. Two groups were studied in detail, the phenol and 2-naphthol vinyl silane derivatives. A variety of primary and secondary alcohols were protected with these reagents. These groups can be deprotected cleanly and in high yield by irradiation from 250 to 350 nm.

Design and synthesis of novel fluorocyclopropanoid nucleosides

Novel fluorocyclopropanoid nucleosides were designed, synthesized and evaluated their antiviral activities against poliovirus, HSV, HIV, and HBV.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activator expressed in hair follicles is involved in in vitro HGF-dependent hair follicle elongation

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a paracrine factor secreted by follicular papilla cells, acts on neighboring follicular epithelial cells to promote follicular growth, while HGF activator is a serine proteinase, which converts inactive single-chain HGF to the active heterodimeric form. In this study, using 3' rapid amplification of cDNA end/nested polymerase chain reaction (3' RACE/nested PCR) and immunoblotting, we confirmed the expression of HGF activator in both cultured human follicular papilla cells and outer root sheath cells. HGF activator mRNA was expressed in all of the isolated 15 anagen hair follicles taken from the scalps of seven individuals. In an organ culture system, single-chain HGF stimulated hair follicle elongation, which was partially inhibited by aprotinin, a serine proteinase inhibitor (P<0.01). These results suggest that single-chain HGF secreted from follicular papilla cells is converted to an active heterodimeric form by intrinsic HGF activator and that the resultant active form of HGF stimulates hair growth.

Pancreatitis due to Ascaris lumbricoides: second occurrence after 2 years

Pancreatitis is a common disease in the United States, with the most likely etiologies being biliary tract disease and alcohol use. Infections with parasites such as Ascaris lumbricoides comprise a small percentage of pancreatitis cases in the United States, but they are a common etiology in developing countries. In the United States, the incidence of pancreatic and biliary ascariasis has been increasing because of the migration of people from endemic countries, as well as increased travel by Americans to such countries. Patients treated for this roundworm can have reinvasion for the same reasons. We report the case of a patient with two episodes of pancreatitis due to A. lumbricoides 2 years apart.

Molecular and pharmacological aspects of antiestrogen resistance

Endocrine therapy is effective in approximately one-third of all breast cancers and up to 80% of tumors that express both estrogen and progesterone receptors. Despite the low toxicity, good overall response rates, and additional benefits associated with its partial agonist activity, most Tamoxifen-responsive breast cancers acquire resistance. The development of new antiestrogens, both steroidal and non-steroidal, provides the opportunity for the development of non-cross-resistant therapies and the identification of additional mechanisms of action and resistance. Drug-specific pharmacologic mechanisms may confer a resistance phenotype, reflecting the complexities of both tumor biology/pharmacology and the molecular endocrinology of steroid hormone action. However, since all antiestrogens will be effective only in cells that express estrogen receptors (ER), many mechanisms will likely be directly related to ER expression and signaling. For example, loss of ER expression/function is likely to confer a cross-resistance phenotype across all structural classes of antiestrogens. Altered expression of ERalpha and ERbeta, and/or signaling from transcription complexes driven by these receptors, may produce drug-specific resistance phenotypes. We have begun to study the possible changes in gene expression that may occur as cells acquire resistance to steroidal and non-steroidal antiestrogens. Our preliminary studies implicate the altered expression of several estrogen-regulated genes. However, resistance to antiestrogens is likely to be a multigene phenomenon, involving a network of interrelated signaling pathways. The way in which this network is adapted by cells may vary among tumors, consistent with the existence of a highly plastic and adaptable genotype within breast cancer cells.

Identification of a phragmoplast-associated kinesin-related protein in higher plants

The phragmoplast executes cytokinesis in higher plants. The major components of the phragmoplast are microtubules, which are arranged in two mirror-image arrays perpendicular to the division plane [1]. The plus ends of these microtubules are located near the site of the future cell plate. Golgi-derived vesicles are transported along microtubules towards the plus ends to deliver materials bound for the cell plate [2] [3]. During cell division, rapid microtubule reorganization in the phragmoplast requires the orchestrated activities of microtubule motor proteins such as kinesins. We isolated an Arabidopsis cDNA clone of a gene encoding an amino-terminal motor kinesin, AtPAKRP1, and have determined the partial sequence of its rice homolog. Immunofluorescence experiments with two sets of specific antibodies revealed consistent localization of AtPAKRP1 and its homolog in Arabidopsis and rice cells undergoing anaphase, telophase and cytokinesis. AtPAKRP1 started to accumulate along microtubules towards the spindle midzone during late anaphase. Once the phragmoplast microtubule array was established, AtPAKRP1 conspicuously localized to microtubules near the future cell plate. Our results provide evidence that AtPAKRP1 is a hitherto unknown motor that may take part in the establishment and/or maintenance of the phragmoplast microtubule array.

One-pot construction of medium- and large-sized ring substituted furans. Efficient conversion to dibenzofurans, coumestans, and 4-pyrones

New efficient synthesis of medium- and large-sized ring substituted furans is achieved by 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with vinyl sulfides in the presence of Ag(2)CO(3)/Celite (Fétizon's reagent) in a one-pot procedure. The synthesized furans can be further converted to biologically interesting compounds such as dibenzofurans, coumestans, benzofuroquinolinone, and 4-pyrone.

Radiological features of leiomyomatous tumors of the colon and rectum

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiological features of 12 pathologically proven cases of colorectal leiomyomatous tumors.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of radiologic findings was performed in 12 patients with pathologically proven colorectal leiomyomatous tumors (2 leiomyomas and 10 leiomyosarcomas). Available radiologic studies included abdominal CT scans in 11 patients, double contrast barium studies in 4, and pelvic MRI in 1. On imaging, we evaluated the size, tumor margin (smooth or lobulated), morphologic appearance, growth patterns (endocolic, exocolic, or combined), contrast enhancement patterns, presence or absence of calcification within the tumors, and metastasis.

RESULTS

The involved tumor sites were the colon in 2 patients and the rectum in 10. The mean tumor size was 7.9 cm (range 2-15 cm): It was 3.5 cm in leiomyomas and 8.8 cm in leiomyosarcomas. On imaging studies, the tumor margin was smooth in three patients and lobulated in nine, with endocolic growth in one, exocolic in four, and combined in the remaining seven. Eight of the 12 tumors showed varying degrees of internal necrosis with heterogeneous contrast enhancement. Dystrophic calcification was noted in five patients. Metastasis was seen in the liver in three patients at the time of initial diagnosis, and lymphadenopathy was noted in two patients (paraaortic space in one and perirectal space in two).

CONCLUSION

Although rare, the diagnosis of leiomyomatous tumor may be suggested especially when the tumor occurring in the colorectum shows exocolic growth or calcification with varying degree of internal necrosis.

Hair cycle-dependent expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activator, other proteinases, and proteinase inhibitors correlates with the expression of HGF in rat hair follicles

We previously reported that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) had a stimulatory effect on hair growth in vivo and in vitro. The secreted inactive form of HGF is processed into an active form by serine proteinases such as HGF activator and urokinase. The mRNA expressions of various proteinases and their inhibitors in relation to HGF activation in hair growth were examined using animals with a synchronous hair cycle. Total RNA were extracted from the anterior dorsal skin of rats in different hair cycle stages, and mRNA expressions of the specific genes were compared using semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA of HGF, HGF activator, urokinase, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, nexin-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 were expressed strongly in anagen tissue and slightly in telogen tissue. Moreover, topical application of 1% minoxidil sulfate to the anterior dorsal skin of rats in telogen stimulated hair growth and increased the mRNA expressions of HGF and MMP-2. These findings suggest that some proteinases and their inhibitors, strongly expressed in anagen, may act as hair growth regulatory molecules, and may also be involved in processing the latent form of HGF.

Systematic mutation analysis of the catechol O-methyltransferase gene as a candidate gene for schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the degradation of catecholamine neurotransmitters. Recent linkage studies of schizophrenia and molecular studies of velocardiofacial syndrome suggest that the COMT gene might be a candidate gene for schizophrenia.

METHOD

The authors systematically searched for mutations and microdeletion of the COMT gene in 177 Chinese schizophrenic patients from Taiwan; 99 comparison subjects were also studied.

RESULTS

Five molecular variants were identified: c.186C > T at exon 3, c.408C > G at exon 4, c.472G > A at exon 4, c.597G > A at exon 5, and c.821-827insC at the 3' untranslated region. However, no differences in the genotype and haplotype frequencies of these molecular variants between the schizophrenic and comparison subjects were detected. Furthermore, no microdeletion was identified among the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the COMT gene does not play a major role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and the genotypic overlap between schizophrenia and velocardiofacial syndrome was rare in this cohort.

Evaluation of solid breast lesions with power Doppler sonography

PURPOSE

We compared the abilities of power and conventional color Doppler sonography to depict the vascularity of solid breast lesions and evaluated the usefulness of power Doppler sonography in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions.

METHODS

One hundred two solid breast lesions (59 benign and 43 malignant lesions) were studied with power and color Doppler sonography. Power and color Doppler sonograms were retrospectively compared for the depiction of blood flow signals. Power Doppler images were also reviewed for the amount of Doppler signals, pattern of vascularity, and morphology of vessels. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the 2 techniques were calculated.

RESULTS

Compared with color Doppler sonography, power Doppler sonography depicted flow superiorly in 61 cases (60%) and equally in 41 cases (40%). On power Doppler sonography, the incidence of marked blood flow in malignant lesions (65%) was higher than that in benign lesions (39%). The pattern of vascularity was predominantly central (86%) and/or penetrating (65%) more often in malignant lesions than in benign lesions (51% and 34%, respectively). Branching (56%) and disordered vessels (42%) were seen more often in malignant lesions than in benign lesions (22% and 8%, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in diagnosing malignancy were 64%, 76%, and 71%, respectively, for power Doppler sonography and 77%, 76%, and 76% for color Doppler sonography.

CONCLUSIONS

Power Doppler sonography was more sensitive than color Doppler sonography in the detection of flow in solid breast lesions. Although power Doppler sonography was not more effective in diagnosing malignant lesions, central and penetrating vascularity patterns and branching and disordered vessels seem to be helpful findings in predicting malignancy.

Arabidopsis thaliana 'extra-large GTP-binding protein' (AtXLG1): a new class of G-protein

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins, composed of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits, are involved in signal transduction pathways in animal and plant systems. In plants, physiological analyses implicate heterotrimeric G-proteins in ion channel regulation, light signaling, and hormone and pathogen responses. However, only one class of plant G alpha genes has been identified to date. We have cloned a novel gene, 'Arabidopsis thaliana extra-large GTP-binding protein' (AtXLG1). AtXLG1 appears to be a member of a small gene family and is transcribed in all tissues assayed: roots, leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. The conceptually translated protein from AtXLG1 is 99 kDa, twice as large as typical G alpha proteins. The carboxy-terminal half of the AtXLG1 protein has significant homology to animal and plant G alpha proteins. This region includes a GTP-binding domain, a predicted helical domain, and an aspartate/glutamate-rich loop, which are characteristics of G alpha's. Despite the absence of some of the amino acids implicated in GTP binding and hydrolysis by crystallographic and mutational analyses of mammalian G alpha's, recombinant AtXLG1 binds GTP with specificity. The amino-terminal region of AtXLG1 contains domains homologous to the bacterial TonB-box, which is involved in energy transduction between the inner and outer bacterial membranes, and to zinc-finger proteins. Given the unique structure of AtXLG1, it will be of interest to uncover its physiological functions.

Cultural influences on caregiving burden: cases of Koreans and Americans

This study compared cultural influences on caregiver burdens of Korean adult children and American adult children caring for parents with dementia, and identified culturally specific values, norms, and customs associated with low or high burden. The findings suggested that the low burden of the Korean caregivers was associated with extended family support and high filial responsibility while that of the American caregivers was related to the use of formal services and high gratification from caregiving. Obversely, the high burden of the Koreans was seen to be associated with limited formal services outside the family and low gratification from caregiving for in-laws while that of the Americans was suggested to be due to limited extended family support and low filial responsibility. Needs for culturally-appropriate interventions are discussed.

Guard cells possess a calcium-dependent protein kinase that phosphorylates the KAT1 potassium channel

Increasing evidence suggests that changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels and phosphorylation play important roles in the regulation of stomatal aperture and as ion transporters of guard cells. However, protein kinases responsible for Ca2+ signaling in guard cells remain to be identified. Using biochemical approaches, we have identified a Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinase with a calmodulin-like domain (CDPK) in guard cell protoplasts of Vicia faba. Both autophosphorylation and catalytic activity of CDPK are Ca2+ dependent. CDPK exhibits a Ca(2+)-induced electrophoretic mobility shift and its Ca(2+)-dependent catalytic activity can be inhibited by the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide. Antibodies to soybean CDPK alpha cross-react with CDPK. Micromolar Ca2+ concentrations stimulate phosphorylation of several proteins from guard cells; cyclosporin A, a specific inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin enhances the Ca(2+)-dependent phosphorylation of several soluble proteins. CDPK from guard cells phosphorylates the K+ channel KAT1 protein in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. These results suggest that CDPK may be an important component of Ca2+ signaling in guard cells.

Revised Relative and Absolute Stereochemistry of (+)-Purpurin

The relative and absolute stereochemistries of (+)-purpurin (3), a flavanone natural product from Tephrosia, were determined to be 2S,7aR,10S,10aS by synthesis from semiglabrin in conjunction with X-ray crystallographic analysis.