3-carene supresses inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 in a murine model of asthma

Asthma is a common airway disease associated with allergic inflammation. Environmental factors, such as pollens, pollution, insect-borne antigens, or commercial chemicals, cause this disease. The common symptoms of this airway allergic reaction are increasing mucus, narrowing of the airway wall, coughing, and chest tightness. Medications, such as steroids, alleviate the disease but with severe side effects. Several studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of tree-based essential oil components, particularly 3-carene. Therefore, this study used 3-carene to determine if it alleviates asthmatic symptoms in the murine model. First, BALB/c mice were sensitized to an ovalbumin and aluminium hydroxide mixture on day 7th and 14th. From days 21st to 23rd, the mice were challenged with 3-carene and budesonide. The lung trachea, plasma, and bronchiolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) were collected on day 24. The 3-carene treatment suppressed the cytokine gene expression, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, reducing the lung epithelial cell thickness in the asthmatic model. These results suggest that essential oil 3-carene has an anti-asthmatic effect.

Initial phase establishment of an in vitro method for developmental neurotoxicity test using Ki-67 in human neural progenitor cells

Building a precise alternative neurotoxicological test is of great importance to respond to societal and ethical requirements. In this study, a new developmental neurotoxicity test (DNT) was established with the human neural progenitor cell line. ReNcell CX cells were exposed to neurotoxic chemicals (aphidicolin, hydroxyurea, cytosine arabinoside, 5-fluorouracil, and ochratoxin A) or non-neurotoxic chemicals (sodium gluconate, sodium bicarbonate, penicillin G, and saccharin). Propidium iodide (PI) was used to evaluate cell viability. BrdU and Ki-76 were employed to determine cell proliferation. Based on the cell viability and proliferation, mathematical models were built by linear discriminant analysis. Furthermore, the neurotoxic-considered chemicals inhibited cell cycle progression at the protein level, supporting the biomolecular rationale for the predictive model. Overall, these results show that the new test method can be used to determine the potential developmental neurotoxicants or new drug candidates.

Potassium-dependent sodium/calcium exchanger 3 (Nckx3) depletion leads to abnormal motor function and social behavior in mice

Transcellular calcium transport is an essential activity in mineralized tissue formation, including that in nervous systems. Dysregulation of Ca²⁺ homeostasis can induce excitotoxicity and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. Nckx3, a potassium-dependent Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger, is most abundant in the brain and has a critical role in the transport of intracellular calcium across the cell membrane. However, the roles of Nckx3 in neuron development and function remain unreported. Herein, we examined the behaviors of Nckx3-knock-out mice at the age of six weeks. Detailed behavioral analyses showed Nckx3^-/- mice exhibited an increase in moving distances in the open field test. Additionally, the rotarod test revealed motor learning defects in Nckx3^-/- mice. Both Nckx3^+/- and Nckx^-/- mice also exhibited deficits in sociability and social novelty preference. Furthermore, Nckx^-/- mice displayed increased depression-related behavior. However, there was no significant change in cognition function detected in Nckx^-/- mice. This study demonstrates that NCKX3 is involved in behavior and neuronal function.

Cigarette smoke extraxt influences intracellular calcium concentration in A549 cells

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer. Cigarette smoke is reported to contain over 4,000 chemical compounds. Therefore, it needs to study the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) administration on intracellular calcium concentration. In this study, we investigated how CSE influences intracellular calcium concentration in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The CSE concentrations used (0.4, 2, 3%) did not influence cell viability. However, at these CSE concentrations, calcium influx transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6) proteins significantly increased, whereas calcium efflux sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX1) and plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase (PMCA1) proteins significantly decreased from those of the control cells. The 3% CSE treatment produced an intracellular calcium concentration higher than that of the control treatment through methods of co-transfection of pGP-CMV-GCaMP6f/CMV-R-GECO1.2 and Rhod-4 Assay. CSE induced concentration-dependent increments in hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and HIF-2α protein levels. Moreover, phosphorylation of ERK and Akt was induced by CSE treatment. Also, mitochondrial marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein level decreased and Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) protein level increased following CSE treatment. Also, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers BiP, CHOP, p-SAPK, and p-eIF2α levels were increased by CSE treatment. These results suggest that CSE may increase the concentration of intracellular calcium, thus increasing mitochondrial and ER stress.

Demetylation of the sex-determining region Y gene promoter and incidence of disorder of sex development in cloned dog males

Canine cloning is occasionally accompanied by abnormal sexual development. Some male donor cells produce cloned pups with female external genitalia and complete male gonadal dysgenesis, which is classified as an XY disorder of sex development (XY DSD). In this study, we examine the potential of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, to reduce the phenotypic abnormality XY DSD in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)- derived pups. We used a 9-year-old normal male German Shepherd dog as a cell donor. Donor cells were treated with 10 nM 5-aza-dC for 4 days before being used for SCNT. At the same stage of cell development, significantly lower levels of DNA methylation of the sex-determining region Y (SRY) promoter was observed in the treated donor cells compared to that in the untreated cells (95.2% versus 53.3% on day 4 for the control and treated groups, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the control or treatment groups concerning fusion rate, pregnancy rate (30 days or entire period), the number of pups, or the incidence of XY DSD. However, more XY DSD dogs were observed in the control group (31.25%) than in the treatment group (14.29%). Hypermethylation of the SRY promoter was observed in the XY DSD cloned pups in both the treatment (84.8%) and control groups (91.1 ± 1.4%) compared to the methylation level in the phenotypically normal male pups of the treatment (23.2 ± 20.9%) and control groups (39.1 ± 20.1%). These results suggest that 5-aza-dC treatment of donor cells can reduce the methylation level of the SRY promoter in donor cells, and thus, 5-aza-dC is advantageous for reducing the incidence of XY DSD in canine cloning.

Second-phase validation study of an alternative developmental toxicity test using mouse embryonic stem cell-derived embryoid bodies

The embryoid body test (EBT) is a developmental toxicity test method that measures the size of embryoid bodies (EBs) and the viability of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and fibroblasts (3T3 cells). The previous pre-validation study confirmed the high accuracy (above 80%) of EBT using 26 coded test chemicals. This second-phase validation study assessed the inter-laboratory reproducibility (5 chemicals in common) and predictive capacity (10 chemicals in each laboratory) test using the coded test chemicals at three laboratories. For the prediction model, the accuracy is increased when more data is accumulated. Therefore, we updated the prediction model and analyzed the results of the second year with the newly created-prediction model. Statistical analysis of the inter-laboratory reproducibility test results indicated that accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 87%, 78%, and 100%, respectively. The results of the statistical analysis of the predictive capacity test showed an accuracy of 80%, sensitivity of 78%, and specificity of 81%. In conclusion, the EBT can accurately classify various embryotoxicants within a short period and with relatively little effort. Therefore, EBT can be used as a good way to test developmental toxicity.

Melatonin influences the expression and oligomerization of amylin in rat INS-1E cells

The present study investigated whether melatonin influences the expression/oligomerization of amylin with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in rat insulinoma INS-1E cells. No change in cell survival after exposure to thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-combined melatonin treatment or melatonin-only treatment was observed when compared with the normal control cells. With thapsigargin-only or combined tunicamycin-melatonin treatments, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was significantly increased compared with control and melatonin-only treatments. A significant increase was observed in the levels of ER stress markers, namely, phosphorylated inositol-requiring protein 1α (p-IRE1α), CCAAT enhancer binding proteins (C/EBP)-homologous protein, p-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α and cleaved caspase-12, in the thapsigargin-combined melatonin-treated cells as compared with the tunicamycin-combined or only melatonin treatment. The melatonin-only treatment resulted in increased levels of amylin expression/oligomerization in 15-25 kDa and insulin proteins, compared with the thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-combined melatonin treatments. Treatment with ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) did not suppress amylin expression/oligomerization or insulin production with thapsigargin or tunicamycin treatment. Levels of cleaved caspase-12 were significantly decreased in the thapsigargin- or tunicamycin-4-PBA combination treatments. Therefore, whether melatonin regulates the amylin expression/oligomerization in thapsigargin- or tunicamycin-combined with Bafilomycin A1 (autophagy inhibitor) or MG132 (proteasome inhibitor) treatments were investigated. Amylin expression/oligomerization with melatonin treatment was significantly decreased in the thapsigargin- or tunicamycin-combined Bafilomycin A1 or MG132 treatments. Since these outcomes are involved in cell viability, they indicate that increased cell death leads to decreased amylin expression/oligomerization, however, the effects of melatonin treatment on amylin expression/oligomerization induce proliferation of pancreatic β cells and improve the cellular functions of pancreatic β cells.

Inhibitory effect of octyl-phenol and bisphenol A on calcium signaling in cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have structures similar to steroid hormones and can interfere with hormone synthesis and normal physiological functions of reproductive organs. For example, sex steroid hormones influence calcium signaling of the cardiac muscle in early embryo development. To confirm the effect of progesterone (P4), octyl-phenol (OP), and bisphenol A (BPA) on early differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into cardiomyocytes, mESCs were treated with P4, OP, and BPA two days after attachment and media were replaced every two days. In addition, cells were treated with mifepristone (RU486), a synthetic steroid that has an affinity for progesterone receptor (Pgr), for one day starting on day 11. Beating ratio was decreased with P4, OP, and BPA treatment. The Pgr mRNA level was significantly increased in the P4-, OP- and BPA-treated groups. However, the mRNA level of the calcium channel gene (Trpv2), contraction-related genes (Ryr2, Cam2, and Mylk3) and cardiac development and morphogenesis genes (Rbp4, Ly6e, and Gata4) were significantly decreased in the P4-, OP-, and BPA-treated groups. Interestingly, treatment with RU486 rescued the altered calcium channel gene, contraction-related genes, and cardiac development and morphogenesis genes. P4, OP, and BPA treatments reduced the intracellular calcium level. Taken together, these results indicate that EDCs (OP and BPA) has a structure similar to that of endogenous steroid hormones such as progesterone and estrogen, and OP and BPA act like progesterone to inhibit and disrupt cardiomyocyte differentiation of mESCs.

Regulatory effect of dexamethasone on tracheal calcium processing proteins and mucosal secretion

Dexamethasone inhibits mucin secretion considering the primary option for treating acute asthma exacerbation. However, the mechanism underlying dexamethasone-induced decreased in mucosecretion is unclear. Recent studies have reported that dexamethasone exerts an inhibitory effect on mucosecretion in the lung by modulating the expression of calcium processing genes. However, the expression of the calcium processing genes in the trachea is not examined yet. Thus, the present study is the first to report the localization of calcium processing proteins such as transient receptor potential vanilloid-4 (Trpv4), transient receptor potential vanilloid-6 (Trpv6), calbindin-D_9k (CaBP-9k) and plasma membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase 1 (Pmca1) in the mouse trachea and their glucocorticoid-induced response. In this study, mice were subcutaneously injected with dexamethasone for 5 days, and their tracheal samples were collected by dividing the trachea into the cervical, and thoracic sections based on its anatomical structure. The localization of TRPV4, TRPV6, CaBP-9k, and PMCA1 proteins was detected in the tracheal epithelium, submucosal glands, cartilages and muscles. Dexamethasone treatment downregulated the mRNA expression of the four calcium processing genes and mucin producing genes. The dexamethasone-induced decrease in the secretion of mucosubstances in the trachea was determined by performing Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining. Thus, the findings of the present study suggest that glucocorticoids simultaneously can regulate the expression of calcium processing genes and tracheal mucosecretion.

Anti-asthmatic effects of volatile organic compounds from Chamaecyparis obtusa, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, or Larix kaempferi wood panels

Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory disease in which lung airways narrow and produce extra mucus. Numerous medications, such as steroids, are used to prevent or control asthmatic symptoms, but side effects are associated with those medications. There are reports of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiparasitic effects of terpene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) in conifers. VOCs easily enter a gaseous form, and wood products are good sources of VOCs. However, only a few studies have been conducted on the effect on asthma of VOCs emitted by wood. In this study, we examined the effects of VOCs diffused from wood panels on ovoalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma in a mouse model. The mice were intraperitoneally sensitized with 10 μg of OVA with aluminum hydroxide on days 0, 7, and 14. From day 21 to day 26, the mice were challenged with 2% OVA intranasally for 30 min. For VOC treatment, asthma model mice were placed in polyacrylamide chambers containing wood panels of Chamaecyparis obtusa, Pinus densiflora, Pinus koraiensis, or Larix kaempferi. On day 27, serum, lung tissue, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were prepared for H&E staining, qRT-PCR, ELISA, and Diff-Quik staining, as appropriate. OVA treatment induced hypertrophy of the bronchiolar wall. The budesonide group and all four of the wood panel-exposed groups showed less thickening of the bronchiolar wall and downregulated transcriptional expressions of cytokines such as interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). The serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) mRNA expression level was significantly decreased only in the C. obtusa group, but the serum IL-4 levels were decreased in all wood panel treatment groups. Diff-Quik staining of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids revealed a decrease in the number of granulocytes in all wood panel treatment groups. The results suggest that VOCs from C. obtusa, P. densiflora, P. koraiensis and L. kaempferi produce antiasthmatic effects by regulating the production of IL-4, IL-9, IL-13, TNF-α.

Assessment of neurotoxicity of pharmacological compounds during early neural development of human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), with the potential for differentiation, have been used to evaluate the embryotoxicity of various compounds. The effects of pharmacological compounds (cytosine arabinoside, 5-fluorouracil, hydroxyurea, indomethacin, and dexamethasone) on neurogenesis of hESCs over 28 days were examined based on cytotoxicity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration of viability, IC₅₀) and expression of neural markers. Cytosine arabinoside, 5-fluorouracil, and hydroxyurea showed strong cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ < 10 μM), whereas indomethacin and dexamethasone had weaker cytotoxic effects. Dose-dependent expression profiles of neural markers in the compound-treated groups are presented in triangular charts to allow comparison with the standard expression levels in the control group. Differences in compound-specific reductions in expression patterns of GAD1, OLIG2, FABP, and NES were similar to the differences in cytotoxic strength. Cytosine arabinoside diminished nestin and β3-tubulin in neural differentiated hESCs. The results of this study extend the understanding of how differentiated hESCs may be useful for assessment of cell viability or neurogenesis impairment by chemicals that could have effects during the embryonic stage, particularly during neurogenesis.

Serum Concentrations of Leptin and Adiponectin in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease

Background

The concentrations of circulating adipokines in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) have not been investigated in detail.

Objectives

To determine whether serum concentrations of adipokines differ between healthy dogs and dogs with MMVD and whether circulating concentrations depend on the severity of heart failure resulting from MMVD.

Animals

In the preliminary study, 30 healthy dogs and 17 client‐owned dogs with MMVD, and in the subsequent study, 30 healthy dogs and 46 client‐owned dogs with MMVD.

Methods

Prospective case‐controlled observational study. In the preliminary study, serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐18, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were measured. In the subsequent study, MMVD dogs were divided into three groups according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) classification, and serum concentrations of leptin and adiponectin were measured.

Results

In the preliminary study, serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations differed significantly between dogs with MMVD and healthy dogs. Serum leptin (P = .0013) concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with MMVD than in healthy dogs, whereas adiponectin (P = .0009) concentrations were significantly lower in dogs with MMVD. However, we observed no significant differences in the other variables. In the subsequent study, dogs classified as ISACHC class 3 had higher serum concentrations of leptin (P = .0022) than healthy dogs but ISACHC class 1 or 2 dogs did not. Serum adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in ISACHC class 1 (P < .0001) dogs than in healthy dogs, whereas adiponectin concentrations in ISACHC class 3 dogs were significantly higher than in ISACHC class 1 dogs (P = .0081).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Circulating concentrations of leptin and adiponectin might be altered in dogs with MMVD.

Tissue-specific expression of occludin, zona occludens-1, and junction adhesion molecule A in the duodenum, ileum, colon, kidney, liver, lung, brain, and skeletal muscle of C57BL mice

Tight junctions are the most apically positioned intercellular junction and play many roles such as securing adjacent cells, forming barriers from extracellular materials, and facilitating paracellular transport. Occludin and junction adhesion molecule A (JAM-A) are classified as transmembrane proteins that are directly involved in paracellular transport. Zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) is a protein that contains a PDZ domain which forms a binding site for other tight junction proteins. In this study, we assessed the differential expression of these tight junction components in various mouse organs including the intestine (duodenum, ileum, and colon), kidney, liver, lung, brain, and skeletal muscle. Realtime PCR and Western blot assays were performed to measure the gene and protein expression of occludin, JAM-A, and ZO-1. Similar levels of occludin gene expression were detected in all tissues except for skeletal muscle in which occludin expression was not found. The JAM-A and ZO-1 genes were highly expressed in all the tested tissues. Localization of occludin, JAM-A, and ZO-1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. These proteins were detected in the intercellular apical junctions in each tissue except for occludin (which was not observed in skeletal muscle). These immunostaining data were consistent with the gene expression profiles we obtained. Our results suggest that occludin, JAM-A, and ZO-1 genes are normally expressed in the intestine, kidney, liver, lung, and brain indicating that these factors may be essential for maintaining appropriate physiological concentration of ions, solutes and water.

Additional effects of bisphenol A and paraben on the induction of calbindin-D(9K) and progesterone receptor via an estrogen receptor pathway in rat pituitary GH3 cells

There are concerns about the combined estrogenic effects of chemicals since mixtures of these chemicals exist in our environment. This study investigated potential additional interactions between bisphenol A (BPA) and isobutylparaben (IBP), which are major xenoestrogens used in the manufacture of plastics, cosmetics, drugs, and other products. The combined effects of these two chemicals were analyzed by measuring the expression of calbindin-D(9k) (CaBP-9k) in rat pituitary cancer GH3 cells. GH3 cells were treated with single and combination doses of both chemicals (BPA single doses: 10(-7), 10(-6) and 10(-5) M; IBP single doses: 10(-7), 10(-6) and 10(-5) M, and each of the BPA and IBP doses combined). Prior to treatment, cells were temporarily transfected with a plasmid containing an ERE-luciferase reporter gene. Luciferase activity was measured as an indicator of ER activation by 17β-estradiol (E2), BPA, and IBP. BPA (10(-5) M) combined with IBP (10(-7) M and 10(-6) M) induced a significant increase in the luciferase activity. Twenty-four hours after treatment, dose-dependent effects were observed in both single and combined dose groups, and several combination doses induced significant increases in the expression of CaBP-9k and progesterone receptor (PR) at both transcriptional and translational levels. Pre-treatment with ICI 182,780, a pure estrogen antagonist, significantly reversed BPA- and IBP-induced CaBP-9k and PR upregulation in GH3 cells. Taken together, these results indicate that BPA and IBP may have additionally increased estrogenic potency via an estrogen receptor-mediated pathway.

Synergistic effects of genetically engineered stem cells expressing cytosine deaminase and interferon-β via their tumor tropism to selectively target human hepatocarcinoma cells

Stem cells have received a great deal of attention for their clinical and therapeutic potential for treating human diseases and disorders. Recent studies have shown that it is possible to genetically engineered stem cells (GESTECs) to produce suicide enzymes that convert non-toxic prodrugs to toxic metabolites, selectively migrate toward tumor sites and reduce tumor growth. In this study, we evaluated whether these GESTECs are capable of migrating to hepatocarcinoma cells and examined the potential therapeutic efficacy of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy against liver cancer cells in cellular and animal models. A modified transwell migration assay was performed to determine the migratory capacity of GESTECs to Hep3B hepatocarcinoma cells. GESTECs, that is, HB1.F3.CD or HB1.F3.CD.interferon-β (IFN-β) cells, engineered to express a suicide gene, cytosine deaminase (CD), selectively migrated toward liver cancer cells. Treatment of Hep3B, human liver cancer cells, with the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) in the presence of HB1.F3.CD or HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells resulted in the inhibition of Hep3B cell growth. In a xenografted mouse model injected with hepatocarcinoma, we investigated the therapeutic effect of these stem cells. For 9 weeks, the xenografted mice were treated with HB1.F3.CD or HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β in the presence of 5-FC. A growth of tumor mass was inhibited about 40-50% in the mice treated with GESTECs and a prodrug. In addition, we further confirmed the cytotoxic effect on tumor cells by histological analysis and migratory effect of therapeutic stem cells. Taken together, GESTECs expressing a fusion gene encoding CD and IFN-β may exert a synergistic antitumor effect on this type of tumor.

Potential antitumor therapeutic strategies of human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid-derived stem cells

As stem cells are capable of self-renewal and can generate differentiated progenies for organ development, they are considered as potential source for regenerative medicine and tissue replacement after injury or disease. Along with this capacity, stem cells have the therapeutic potential for treating human diseases including cancers. According to the origins, stem cells are broadly classified into two types: embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and adult stem cells. In terms of differentiation potential, ESCs are pluripotent and adult stem cells are multipotent. Amnion, which is a membranous sac that contains the fetus and amniotic fluid and functions in protecting the developing embryo during gestation, is another stem cell source. Amnion-derived stem cells are classified as human amniotic membrane-derived epithelial stem cells, human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells and human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells. They are in an intermediate stage between pluripotent ESCs and lineage-restricted adult stem cells, non-tumorigenic, and contribute to low immunogenicity and anti-inflammation. Furthermore, they are easily available and do not cause any controversial issues in their recovery and applications. Not only are amnion-derived stem cells applicable in regenerative medicine, they have anticancer capacity. In non-engineered stem cells transplantation strategies, amnion-derived stem cells effectively target the tumor and suppressed the tumor growth by expressing cytotoxic cytokines. Additionally, they also have a potential as novel delivery vehicles transferring therapeutic genes to the cancer formation sites in gene-directed enzyme/prodrug combination therapy. Owing to their own advantageous properties, amnion-derived stem cells are emerging as a new candidate in anticancer therapy.

Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells expressing cytosine deaminase and thymidine kinase inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells in cellular and xenograft mouse models

As human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSCs) are capable of multiple lineage differentiation, extensive self-renewal and tumor targeting, they may be valuable for clinical anticancer therapies. In this study, we used hAFSCs as vehicles for targeted delivery of therapeutic suicide genes to breast cancer cells. hAFSCs were engineered to produce AF2.CD-TK cells in order to express two suicide genes encoding bacterial cytosine deaminase (CD) and herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) that convert non-toxic prodrugs, 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) and mono-phosphorylate ganciclovir (GCV-MP), into cytotoxic metabolites, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and triphosphate ganciclovir (GCV-TP), respectively. In cell viability test in vitro, AF2.CD-TK cells inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in the presence of the 5-FC or GCV prodrugs, or a combination of these two reagents. When the mixture of 5-FC and GCV was treated together, an additive cytotoxic effect was observed in the cell viability. In animal experiments using female BALB/c nude mouse xenografts, which developed by injecting MDA-MB-231 cells, treatment with AF2.CD-TK cells in the presence of 5-FC and GCV significantly reduced tumor volume and weight to the same extent seen in the mice treated with 5-FU. Histopathological and fluorescent staining assays further showed that AF2.CD-TK cells were located exactly at the site of tumor formation. Furthermore, breast tissues treated with AF2.CD-TK cells and two prodrugs maintained their normal structures (for example, the epidermis and reticular layers) while breast tissue structures in 5-FU-treated mice were almost destroyed by the potent cytotoxicity of the drug. Taken together, these results indicate that AF2.CD-TK cells can serve as excellent vehicles in a novel therapeutic cell-based gene-directed prodrug system to selectively target breast malignancies.

Synergistic effects of parabens on the induction of calbindin-D9k gene expression act via a progesterone receptor-mediated pathway in GH3 cells

Although the endocrine-disrupting bioactivity of parabens is weakly estrogenic (parabens are xenoestrogens), their combined synergistic effect is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of methyl paraben (MP), ethyl paraben (EP), propyl paraben (PP), isopropyl paraben (IPP), butyl paraben (BP), and isobutyl paraben (IBP), either alone or in combination (MP + EP + PP + BP; PP + IPP; and BP + IBP) on the induction of the estrogenic biomarker gene, calbindin-D9k( CaBP-9k), in rat pituitary lactosomatotrophic GH3 cells. The expression of CaBP-9k mRNA and protein was analyzed using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. After 24 h of treatment, a significant increase in CaBP-9k expression was observed. This was dependent upon the length of the paraben alkyl chains (shortest in MP and longest in IBP). Interestingly, the synergistic effects of these paraben combinations were observed at a dose (10−5 M) of these parabens, which induced the highest expression of CaBP-9k mRNA and protein. To investigate the involvement of estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs), through which parabens exert their effects, the expression levels of ERα and PR-B were also examined. The expression of ERα mRNA and protein fluctuated after paraben treatment in GH3 cells, which was not significant. However, the expression level of ERα gene was induced when cotreated with 17β-estradiol (E2) and ICI 182, 780 (estrogen receptor antagonist). The different combinations of parabens induced the expression of the PR-B gene, which was abolished by cotreatment with ICI 182,780. The expression patterns of CaBP-9k and PR-B genes appeared to be similar in response to paraben treatments. This implied that CaBP-9k expression in GH3 cells may be induced by parabens via a PR-mediated pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that exposure to multiple parabens at low concentrations may increase their synergistic estrogenic activities in GH3 cells through a PR-mediated pathway.

Regulation and molecular mechanisms of calcium transport genes: do they play a role in calcium transport in the uterine endometrium?

Maintenance of calcium (Ca) balance in the uterus is critically important for many physiological functions, including smooth muscle contraction during embryo implantation. Ca transport genes, i.e., transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V members 5/6 (TRPV5/6), calbindins, plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase 1 (PMCA1), and NCX1/NCKX3, may play roles in the uterus for Ca transport and reproductive function. Although these Ca transport genes may have a role in Ca metabolism, their role(s) and molecular mechanisms require further elucidation. In this review, we highlight the expression and regulation of Ca transport genes in the uterus to clarify their potential role(s). Since Ca transport genes are abundantly expressed in reproductive tissues in a distinct manner, they may be involved in specific uterine functions including fetal implantation, Ca homeostasis, and endometrial cell production.

Effect of citral, eugenol, nerolidol and alpha-terpineol on the ultrastructural changes of Trichophyton mentagrophytes

The antifungal effects of citral, eugenol, nerolidol and alpha-terpineol on Trichophyton mentagrophytes were investigated. Citral over 0.1 mg/ml strongly inhibited the hyphal growth of T. mentagrophytes, and the antifungal activity of alpha-terpineol was less effective. The morphological changes of the fungus exposed to the terpenes were observed by electron microscopy. The hyphae were distorted and collapsed at 0.2, 0.4 and 1 mg/ml of eugenol, nerolidol and alpha-terpineol respectively, and cell membrane and organelles were irreversibly damaged at 0.2 mg/ml citral. These suggested that four terpenes possess antifungal activity against T. mentagrophytes, and the activity might lead to irreversible cellular disruption.

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells express gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), GnRH receptor, and interleukin-2 receptor gamma-chain messenger ribonucleic acids that are regulated by GnRH in vitro

The hypothalamic decapeptide, GnRH, plays a critical role in human reproduction. In addition to the well known effects of GnRH on pituitary cells, there is evidence supporting the presence of GnRH-binding sites in tissues other than pituitary cells, including lymphocytes. In addition, a GnRH-like substance has been found to be secreted from lymphoid cells. However, the precise nature of GnRH secretion and binding in immune cells has not been fully established. In this study, we used the RT-PCR method to examine the expression and regulation of GnRH, GnRH receptor (GnRHR), and interleukin-2 receptor gamma-chain messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. It was found that human mononuclear cells expressed GnRH and GnRHR mRNAs. Nucleotide sequences of these mRNAs are identical to their hypothalamic and pituitary counterparts, respectively. In addition, GnRH and GnRHR mRNA expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells are regulated by GnRH and its synthetic analogs in vitro. Treatment with various concentrations of GnRH (10(-5)-10(-11) mol/L) increased GnRHR mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner (maximal level is 158% of the untreated control value at 10(-8) mol/L GnRH; P < 0.05), but reduced GnRH mRNA levels to 69% of the untreated control value at 10(-9) mol/L GnRH (P < 0.05). Cotreatment of GnRH with a GnRH antagonist blocked these regulatory effects, indicating the receptor-mediated nature of the GnRH action. Both GnRH and GnRH agonist stimulated interleukin-2 receptor gamma-chain mRNA in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that GnRH may be involved in lymphocyte activation. In summary, these observations suggest that mRNAs encoding the pituitary form of GnRHR and the hypothalamic form of GnRH are also expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The endogenous production of GnRH by lymphocytes may act as an autocrine or paracrine factor to regulate immune functions. Because of the presence of GnRHR on lymphocytes, exogenous GnRH analog therapy may have an impact on the immune system through these receptors.

The baboon expresses the calbindin-D9k gene in intestine but not in uterus and placenta: implication for conservation of the gene in primates

Expression of the Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) gene was studied in the baboon. Northern blot analysis using a human CaBP-9k cDNA probe detected expression in duodenum but not in uterus and placenta. Reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) confirmed this expression pattern and indicated a high degree of identity between the baboon and human CaBP-9k mRNAs. PCR was employed to amplify the intron A region of the baboon CaBP-9k gene using human-derived primers and baboon genomic DNA. The baboon intron was closely related to the human CaBP-9k intron A, including the presence a complete Alu-repetitive element. Most significantly, a 13 nucleotide long element at the 5' end of the baboon intron matched exactly the human sequence. This element represents a nonfunctional variation of an estrogen response element found at the same location in the rat CaBP-9k gene. The rat element functions as an enhancer and mediates uterine and possibly placental CaBP-9k expression in the rat and probably most other mammals. The finding of a modified ERE in baboon as in human suggests that during primate evolution the expression of this mammalian-specific gene has been eliminated in uterus and placenta. This scenario raises the question of the role of CaBP-9k in these reproductive tissues.

Porcine calbindin-D9k gene: expression in endometrium, myometrium, and placenta in the absence of a functional estrogen response element in intron A

The expression of Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) in the pig uterus and placenta was measured by Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Progesterone (P4) administration to ovariectomized pigs decreased CaBP-9k mRNA levels. Expression of endometrial CaBP-9k mRNA was high on pregnancy Days 10-12 and below the detection limit on Days 15 and 18. On Day 60, expression could be detected at low levels. In myometrium and placenta, CaBP-9k mRNA expression was not detectable by Northern analysis using total RNA. Reverse-transcribed RNA from both tissues demonstrated the presence of CaBP-9k transcripts by means of PCR. The partial CaBP-9k gene was amplified by PCR and cloned to determine the sequence of intron A. In contrast to the rat CaBP-9k gene, the pig gene does not contain a functional estrogen response element (ERE) within this region. A similar ERE-like sequence located at the identical location was examined by gel retardation analysis and failed to bind the estradiol receptor. A similar disruption of this ERE-like sequence has been described in the human CaBP-9k gene, which is not expressed at any level in placenta, myometrium, or endometrium. It is concluded that the pig CaBP-9k gene is regulated in these reproductive tissues in a manner distinct from that in rat and human tissues. The regulation is probably due to a regulatory region outside of intron A, which in the rat gene contains the key cis element for uterine expression of the CaBP-9k gene.

The human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor gene: cloning, genomic organization and chromosomal assignment

The cDNA encoding the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor has recently been cloned and characterized in several species, including human. To determine the structure of the gene encoding the human GnRH receptor, we have screened a human genomic library and isolated seven positive clones, using cDNA probes derived from a human pituitary cDNA library. The isolated genomic clone contains the entire protein coding region of the GnRH receptor which is distributed between three exons and spans over 18.9 kb. Sequence analysis and restriction endonuclease mapping revealed the presence of two introns of 4.2 and 5.0 kb, respectively, both located within the open reading frame, designating the human GnRH receptor gene to the intron-containing class of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily. Genomic Southern blot analysis indicated the presence of a single copy of the gene encoding for the GnRH receptor within the human genome. Using DNA from human-hamster somatic hybrid cell lines, the GnRH receptor gene was assigned to human chromosome 4, by means of PCR. The present study represents the first report on the GnRH receptor gene and its partial characterization should facilitate further investigation of the mechanisms by which expression of this gene is regulated.

The human calbindin-D9k gene. Complete structure and implications on steroid hormone regulation

The gene encoding the human calbindin-D9k has been cloned and the complete sequence established. The gene spans about 5.5 kilobases and is localized on the X-chromosome, consists of three exons and carries four Alu repeats. The promoter and 1300 base-pairs of 5' flanking region have been characterized. Besides a TATA box and two CAAT-like motifs a sequence related to a vitamin D response element was detected about 1.1 kilobases upstream from the promoter. A sequence positioned 50 nucleotides downstream from the promoter showed extensive homology to the estrogen response element at the same location within the rat calbindin-D9k gene. Two essential nucleotides within this region are changed when the rat and human sequences are compared. The human element failed to bind the estrogen receptor as determined by gel retardation assay. It is proposed that a two-nucleotide change within this region causes the gene to lack expression in human uterus and possibly placenta.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and cyclic AMP positively regulate inhibin subunit messenger RNA levels in human placental cells

Bioactive and immunodetectable levels of both inhibin and activin are present in the placenta, raising questions as to the regulatory control of their synthesis. This study was designed to determine the effect of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on inhibin subunit gene expression in short-term incubations of placental cells. A semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used after isolation of total RNA and first strand cDNA synthesis from mechanically dispersed trophoblast-enriched cells obtained from human placentae at term. The level of gene expression of inhibin subunits was higher for beta A and alpha-subunits mRNA compared to the beta B-subunit mRNA as determined by PCR in combination with Southern blotting or Northern hybridization. Steady-state levels of beta-actin mRNA did not change throughout the 6-h incubation period and was used as a control of PCR amplification of the respective inhibin subunit gene transcripts following treatments with 8-bromo cAMP or GnRH. 8-bromo cAMP dose-dependently increased all three inhibin subunit gene transcripts with maximal responses seen at 150 microM (alpha-subunit mRNA 2.3-fold, beta A-subunit mRNA 1.8-fold and beta B-subunit mRNA 2.8-fold over control). GnRH (100 nM) significantly increased inhibin alpha and beta B-subunit mRNA levels 2.9-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively (P < 0.01), but not beta A-subunit mRNA. Collectively, the present findings demonstrate that in human term placental cells, gene expression of all inhibin subunits is under the direct influence of cAMP and further support a modulatory role of local GnRH in placental trophoblasts during late pregnancy.

Expression of the type II activin receptor gene in the human placenta

Activin has been suggested to be an autocrine/paracrine regulator in the human placenta. In the present study, we examined the expression of the gene encoding activin type II receptor (ActRII) in this tissue. Using primers corresponding to the published sequence of human ActRII, a 456bp fragment was obtained from cDNAs prepared from the placenta, as well as the ovary and brain, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Southern blot hybridization of the PCR products and DNA cloning and sequencing confirmed that the product is the authentic ActRII. Trophoblast cells prepared from both first trimester and term placentae expressed the ActRII gene. When trophoblast cells from term placenta were separated into syncytiotrophoblast- and cytotrophoblast-enriched fractions and incubated for 1-6 days, ActRII gene expression was observed in both cell preparations, with the syncytiotrophoblast-enriched fraction having higher levels of expression at days 1, 3, and 4. These results provide the first direct evidence that the activin type II receptor mRNA is present in human trophoblast cells and strengthen the hypothesis that activin is an autocrine/paracrine regulator of placental function. To our knowledge, this is also the first report that the ActRII gene is expressed in the human brain and ovary.

Calbindin-D9k gene expression during the perinatal period in the rat: correlation to estrogen receptor expression in uterus

Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) is a cytosolic calcium binding protein mainly expressed in duodenum, placenta and uterus. The gene encoding the rat CaBP-9k is subject to tissue specific induction by 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (intestine) and estradiol (E2) (uterus). Control of placental expression remains unknown. The expression of CaBP-9k mRNA during the perinatal period was studied (pregnancy day 21 (P21)-lactation day 4 (L4)). In uterus, maximal expression levels were found at P21 and maintained until L1. With the transition to L2, the CaBP-9k mRNA concentration dropped drastically below the detection limit as quantitated by Northern blot analysis. Measurements of E2 and progesterone (P) levels showed a gradual decrease at late pregnancy (P21; birth). Post partum E2 levels continued to decline and P concentrations increased slightly. Uterine estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA levels determined by cDNA/PCR analysis revealed close correlation between expression of ER and CaBP-9k mRNAs. ER mRNA levels were maximal at P22 and declined at parturition and with onset of lactation. At L2 and L3 ER mRNA levels were minimal and had decreased 5-fold compared to late pregnancy. CaBP-9k protein concentrations fluctuated only slightly dependent on the stage of the estrous cycle: estrus > proestrus > diestrus. During the perinatal period CaBP-9k concentration was overall lower than in non-pregnant uterus and revealed only a moderate increase at birth and decrease in early lactation. Similar to the uterine levels, placental CaBP-9k mRNA was highest at P21 and remained high until birth. Fetal duodenal CaBP-9k rose sharply just prior to birth and plateaued in the early postpartal period.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cloning of the porcine Calbindin-D9k complementary deoxyribonucleic acid by anchored polymerase chain reaction technique

The Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) is a cytosolic calcium binding protein expressed in the mammalian intestine, placenta, and uterus. The protein is probably involved in calcium transport across the intestinal and placental epithelia. In uterus, a function in controlling myometrial activity involving intracellular calcium has been postulated. The amino acid sequence of the porcine CaBP-9k has been determined from intestine. The cDNAs for the bovine, murine, and rat CaBP-9k have been cloned. The objective of this study was the cloning of the porcine cDNA encoding the CaBP-9k. We performed the anchored polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using rat and bovine cDNA sequence-derived primers for amplification of intestinal cDNA. Both 5' and 3' amplification products were cloned and sequenced. The sequences revealed the full-length cDNA encoding the porcine CaBP-9k, coding region for 79 amino acids, 57 nucleotides 5' and 149 nucleotides 3' noncoding region. The inferred amino acid sequence is identical to the published amino acid sequence, except for one residue. The porcine CaBP-9k cDNA is 82.8% and 69.1% homologous with the bovine and rat sequences, respectively. Both bovine and porcine cDNAs contain a stretch of approximately 50 nucleotides not found in the rat sequence. Northern analysis showed a 600 nucleotide transcript in intestine, kidney, and uterus.

Calbindin-D9k gene expression during pregnancy and lactation in the rat

Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) is a calcium binding protein expressed in mammalian intestine, uterus and placenta. It is believed to be involved in transepithelial calcium transport in intestine and placenta and regulation of cytosolic calcium concentration in uterus. CaBP-9k mRNA levels were measured by Northern blot analysis in maternal duodenum, uterus, placenta and fetal/neonatal duodenum during pregnancy and lactation. In maternal duodenum a maximal increase occurred at day 15 of lactation (2.3-fold) and 20 days post-lactation levels decrease to 30.3% of non-pregnant controls. In non-pregnant uterus a 10-fold variation of CaBP-9k mRNA levels was observed between individual animals despite a uniform expression of beta-actin. During pregnancy high CaBP-9k expression is found, averaging about 20% of duodenal levels, which abruptly drops below detection during early lactation. At late lactation CaBP-9k mRNA levels are again subject to great variation ranging from no expression to maximal levels found in the non-pregnant uterus. Placental CaBP-9k is maximally expressed at the end of pregnancy (day 20) reaching about 2.5% of duodenal levels. Fetal intestinal CaBP-9k mRNA was detectable in 20 micrograms total RNA at day 18 of pregnancy and rose sharply in early lactation reaching about 50% of adult duodenal levels at day 20 lactation. The profound changes of uterine CaBP-9k mRNA in non-pregnant (cycling), pregnant, and lactating rats indicate a rapid hormonal regulation of gene expression, most likely involving 17 beta-estradiol.

Molecular cloning of the full-length cDNA encoding the human calbindin-D9k

The full-length cDNA encoding the human calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) has been cloned using reverse transcription/PCR methodology with rat- and bovine-derived primers and intestinal RNA. A core product, and both a 5' and 3' product encompassing the full-length cDNA were obtained. The clones include coding region for 79 amino acids, 57 nucleotides 5'-and 159 nucleotides 3'-non-coding region, and a poly(A) tail. The deduced protein sequence is homologous to other mammalian CaBPs. Northern analysis revealed the mRNA in human duodenum to be about 600 nucleotides in length. Expression levels in adult human tissue were substantially lower than in child, rat or porcine intestine.

Calbindin-D9k mRNA is tightly regulated during the estrous cycle in the rat uterus

Calbindin-D9k (CaBP-9k) is a cytosolic calcium binding protein with a molecular weight of 9000. CaBP-9k is mainly expressed in intestine, uterus and placenta, with intestinal levels controlled by vitamin D and uterine levels controlled by estrogens. CaBP-9k mRNA levels were measured in rat uterus throughout the estrous cycle. On the morning of proestrus, estrus and diestrus animals were sacrificed. Serum 17 beta-estradiol concentrations were determined using a radioimmunoassay. Whole uterus was used for preparation of total RNA. Northern blot analysis was performed to quantify CaBP-9k and beta-actin mRNA. CaBP-9k levels were highest at proestrus, dropped 10-fold at estrus and were not detectable at diestrus. beta-Actin levels did not change significantly throughout the estrous cycle. Peak 17 beta-estradiol concentrations coincided with maximum CaBP-9k mRNA expression at proestrus. Despite minimal concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol at estrus, CaBP-9k mRNA was still present at 10% of the proestrus level. At diestrus, CaBP-9k mRNA was not detectable despite increasing 17 beta-estradiol. It is concluded that CaBP-9k is subject to 17 beta-estradiol regulation during the estrous cycle. Correlation between CaBP-9k mRNA and 17 beta-estradiol levels indicates a lag period for CaBP-9k induction in diestrus following a rise in steroid hormone levels.