Association with sagittal alignment and osteoporosis-related fractures in outpatient women with osteoporosis

The baseline sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and pelvic tilt (PT) are independent risk factors of osteoporosis-related fractures in women with osteoporosis. We clarified the SVA and PT to predict the incidence of osteoporosis-related fractures.

PURPOSE

Sagittal alignment with osteoporosis women deteriorates with advancing age and sagittal alignment may indicate osteoporosis-related fractures in the future. However, whether the sagittal alignment predicts future osteoporosis-related fracture in patients with osteoporosis has not been clarified. We aimed to investigate the association between sagittal alignment and future osteoporosis-related fractures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Of the 313 participants (mean follow-up period, 2.9 years), 236 were included in the analysis. At baseline, we measured bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and the femoral neck, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt (PT), geriatric locomotive function scale (GLFS), two-step value, and stand-up test. The information on medications and the duration of treatment were reviewed from the medical records. Additionally, participants reported their history of falls at baseline. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of future osteoporosis-related fracture, and adjusted Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with all predictors as covariates. All continuous variables were calculated using standardized OR (sOR).

RESULTS

Osteoporosis-related fractures occurred in 33 of 313 participants (10.5%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of falls (OR =4.092, 95% CI: 1.029-16.265, p =0.045), SVA (sOR =4.228, 95% CI: 2.118-8.439, p <0.001), and PT (sOR =2.497, 95% CI: 1.087-5.733, p =0.031) were independent risk factors for future osteoporosis-related fractures.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the SVA and PT to predict osteoporosis-related fractures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION

UMIN000036516 (April 1, 2019).

Related factors, increased mortality and causes of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease

Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a life-threatening extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to clarify the relationship between chronic ILD with a pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) or non-UIP and mortality in RA patients.Methods: We retrospectively surveyed information of consecutive RA patients who visited our hospital from 2009 to 2014. The relationship between their mortality and chronic ILD (UIP or non-UIP) detected by high-resolution computed tomography was examined.Results: Of 2702 patients enrolled, 261 (9.7%) had chronic ILD and among these 120 had a UIP pattern. At the onset of RA, the prevalence of chronic ILD was 6%. Patients with chronic ILD had a higher mortality than those without. The most frequent cause of death was pneumonia including acute exacerbation (AE) of chronic ILD. Lung cancer death was frequently identified in deceased patients with chronic ILD with a UIP pattern compared with the other decedents (p=.062). The estimated mortality of lung cancer in patients with chronic ILD with a UIP pattern was five times higher than the general population.Conclusion: RA patients with ILD with a UIP pattern have a high mortality rate and are prone to die of AE or lung cancer.

Comparison of the quantitative dry culture methods with both conventional media and most probable number method for the enumeration of coliforms and Escherichia coli/coliforms in food

Sanita-kun™ CC (coliform count) and EC (Escherichia coli/coliform count), sheet quantitative culture systems which can avoid chromogenic interference by lactase in food, were evaluated in comparison with conventional methods for these bacteria. Based on the results of inclusivity and exclusivity studies using 77 micro-organisms, sensitivity and specificity of both Sanita-kun™ met the criteria for ISO 16140. Both media were compared with deoxycholate agar, violet red bile agar, Merck Chromocult™ coliform agar (CCA), 3M Petrifilm™ CC and EC (PEC) and 3-tube MPN, as reference methods, in 100 naturally contaminated food samples. The correlation coefficients of both Sanita-kun™ for coliform detection were more than 0·95 for all comparisons. For E. coli detection, Sanita-kun™ EC was compared with CCA, PEC and MPN in 100 artificially contaminated food samples. The correlation coefficients for E. coli detection of Sanita-kun™ EC were more than 0·95 for all comparisons. There were no significant differences in all comparisons when conducting a one-way analysis of variance (anova). Both Sanita-kun™ significantly inhibited colour interference by lactase when inhibition of enzymatic staining was assessed using 40 natural cheese samples spiked with coliform. Our results demonstrated Sanita-kun™ CC and EC are suitable alternatives for the enumeration of coliforms and E. coli/coliforms, respectively, in a variety of foods, and specifically in fermented foods.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Current chromogenic media for coliforms and Escherichia coli/coliforms have enzymatic coloration due to breaking down of chromogenic substrates by food lactase. The novel sheet culture media which have film layer to avoid coloration by food lactase have been developed for enumeration of coliforms and E. coli/coliforms respectively. In this study, we demonstrated these media had comparable performance with reference methods and less interference by food lactase. These media have a possibility not only to be useful alternatives but also to contribute for accurate enumeration of these bacteria in a variety of foods, and specifically in fermented foods.

Neutrophil CD64 is upregulated in RA patients with lymphoma but not in other solid cancers

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of quantifying CD64 expression on neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis patients with malignancy, especially its diagnostic role in lymphoma.

METHODS

We used flow cytometry to quantify CD64 expression on neutrophils from patients diagnosed with malignancy during the follow-up period prior to initiating treatment.

RESULTS

Neutrophils from 18 patients with lymphoma expressed significantly higher levels of CD64 (9635.6 ± 2123.7 molecules/cell) than those from 32 patients with other solid cancers (carcinoma) (1250.5 ± 91.1 molecules/cell) (p < 0.001). When the cutoff value was set at 2060 molecules/cell, the sensitivity and specificity of CD64 for diagnosing lymphoma was 88.9% and 94.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The quantitative measurement of neutrophil CD64 by flow cytometry may be useful as a subsidiary diagnostic marker in patients with suspected lymphoma. Although neutrophil CD64 is currently a well-known marker of infection, it is necessary to bear in mind that lymphoma is also a candidate in differential diagnosis when CD64 expression on neutrophils is upregulated.

[Autopsy case of light chain deposition disease presented by nephrotic syndrome]

An eighty-one-year-old male with lower leg edema and proteinuria was diagnosed as having nephrotic syndrome and was hospitalized for a detailed examination. Kidney biopsy and immunostaining revealed nodular glomerulosclerosis and deposition of lambda chains, respectively. Because these findings indicate the occurrence of light chain deposition disease (LCDD), the underlying disease was found to be multiple myeloma BJ-lambda. After the administration of melphalan and prednisolone, followed by further addition of zoledronic acid, the patient's nephrosis remitted. However, renal dysfunction gradually deteriorated further and hemodialysis was instituted. He eventually died of gastrointestinal bleeding and biliary infection. The period of time from the initial diagnosis to death was thirty months. Autopsy revealed pervasive infiltration of plasma cells and light chain deposition in multiple organs. The uncontrollable gastrointestinal bleeding appears to have been caused by light chain deposition in the vascular walls of a bile duct. Although medical treatment for elderly LCDD cases depends on chemotherapy alone, it is difficult to obtain a complete remission with melphalan and prednisolone, according to the literature. Reports on the validities of biological agents, such as bortezomib, are beginning to appear, and accumulation of further therapeutic experience is eagerly awaited.

Influence of surgical insults for colorectal cancers on neuroendocrine and immune parameters

In surgery for colorectal cancer, a tendency of immune suppression was noted as seen in surgery for other types of gastro-intestinal cancer. This tendency was also found in the biological response, and it was related to the operative procedures and insults for rectal cancer. The degree of immunosuppression was milder in patients who underwent procedures that preserve the natural sphincter than in those who underwent colostomy. It is important for surgeons to avoid postoperative immunosuppression in order to prevent recurrence and improve prognosis. Given similar degrees of operative insult and stage of cancer, an operative procedure which causes as little immunosuppression as possible should be selected.

Restoration of shoulder function and elbow flexion by nerve transfer for poliomyelitis-like paralysis caused by enterovirus 71 infection

We report the case of an eight-month-old girl who presented with a poliomyelitis-like paralysis in her left upper limb caused by enterovirus 71 infection. She recovered useful function after nerve transfers performed six months after the onset of paralysis. Early neurotisation can be used successfully in the treatment of poliomyelitis-like paralysis in children.

Reversibility from delayed hyperacute rejection in ABO-incompatible renal transplantation: histopathological findings of renal allograft biopsy

ABO-incompatible renal transplantation (ABOIRTx) tend to lead to blood type antibody-mediated rejection, the so-called delayed hyperacute rejection (DHAR), which results in short-term graft loss. To clarify the accurate incidence and prognostic value of DHAR among ABOIRTx, we reviewed biopsy specimens obtained from ABOKTx allografts with abrupt dysfunction during the early period after transplantation. Among 74 ABOIRTx patients, 34 patients displayed allograft dysfunction within 14 days following transplantation. The biopsy specimens were classified based on the Banff schema. The pathological diagnosis of ABO blood type antibody-mediated humoral rejection (ABO-AMHR) was made by the following 3 findings: Specimens with all of above-mentioned findings were categorized as severe ABO-AMHR; those with at least one findings, were categorized as mild ABO-AMHR. All patients were treated with steroid pulse therapy and/or modification of other immunosuppressants. Group 1 consisted of severe ABO-AMHR (n = 6); group 2 consisted of mild ABO-AMHR (n = 5); group 3 consisted of acute cellular rejection (n = 3); group 4 consisted of recovery phase of ATN (n = 11); group 5 consisted of calcineurin inhibitor toxicity (n = 2); and group 6 consisted of normal histology (n = 5). One of 6 patients (16%) in group 1 lost the graft because of DHAR irreversible by antirejection and anticoagulation therapy. However, there has been no clear definition of histpathological criteria for DHAR after ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation. The definition must prognosticate whether the rejection process is reversible.

Effect of high pressure gaseous carbon dioxide on the germination of bacterial spores

Effect of high pressure gaseous carbon dioxide treatment (HGCT) at 6.5 MPa, 35 degrees C on the germination of bacterial spores was investigated. Germination of bacterial spores was estimated by the decrease of heat tolerance. Approximately, 40% of Bacillus coagulans and 70% of Bacillus licheniformis were germinated by HGCT for 120 min at 35 degrees C, respectively. Germination was confirmed by phase contrast microscopy. The effect of hydrostatic pressure treatment (HPT) at 6.5 MPa, 35 degrees C on the germination of B. coagulans and B. licheniformis spores were also investigated. Spores did not germinate by HPT alone at 6.5 MPa for 120 min.

Direct activation of fission yeast adenylyl cyclase by heterotrimeric G protein gpa2

Genetic studies on Schizosaccharomyces pombe adenylyl cyclase (cyr1) have shown that its activity is positively regulated by a heterotrimetric G protein a subunit gpa2 and that the resulting increase in intracellular cAMP concentration causes inhibition of sexual development including mating and meiosis. However, molecular mechanism underlying this gpa2-dependent regulation of cyr1 remains to be clarified. Here, we show that gpa2 exhibits a direct and GTP-dependent binding to the Ras-associating domain (RAD) of cyr1, which is identified by a computer algorithm-based search of the cyr1 amino acid sequence. Overexpression of this RAD results in acceleration of the sexual development of fission yeast cells presumably by competitive sequestration of gpa2. Furthermore, cyr1 is activated in vitro by the addition of purified gpa2, which is converted to the active state by treatment with AlF4-. These results indicate a crucial role of the RAD as a direct binding site of gpa2 in activation of cyr1. Thus, RADs, which have been defined as a conserved motif shared among the Ras-family small G protein-associating domains, are for the first time shown to exhibit a functional association with a member of the heterotrimeric G proteins.

SulA-independent filamentation of Escherichia coli during growth after release from high hydrostatic pressure treatment

To improve the efficiency of sterilization by high hydrostatic pressure treatment (HPT), it is desirable to know the biochemical process of bacteria most sensitive to the treatment. We investigated growth properties after release from HPT of exponentially growing Escherichia coli K-12 cells. We observed growth retardation after treatment (30 min at 37 degrees C) above 75 MPa. Long filamentous cells of about eight times normal cell length were observed at 90 min growth after treatment at 75 MPa. In the subsequent period the filamentous cells divided into normal-sized cells. recA and sulA mutant strains also formed filamentous cells, indicating that filamentation was SulA-independent. Nucleoids segregated normally in the filamentous cells. Only one FtsZ ring (or none) was detected at possible division sites in the elongated cells. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the amount of FtsZ protein was not affected by the treatment. GTP-dependent in vitro polymerization of either FtsZ protein in E. coli crude extract or purified FtsZ protein, however, was sensitive to HPT. These facts suggest that HPT at 75 MPa denatures a fraction of FtsZ molecules, and that these denatured molecules interfere with the polymerization of functional FtsZ, resulting in the significantly reduced number of FtsZ rings.

Necessity of tyrosine 719 and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-mediated signal pathway in constitutive activation and oncogenic potential of c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase with the Asp814Val mutation

Substitution of valine (Val) for aspartic acid (Asp) at codon 814 constitutively activates murine c-kit receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), and Asp816Val mutation, corresponding to murine Asp814Val mutation, is found in patients with mastocytosis and acute myelocytic leukemia. However, the signal transduction pathways responsible for oncogenesis by the Asp814Val mutant (KIT(Val814)) are not fully understood. To examine the oncogenic signal transduction of KIT(Val814), we converted 20 tyrosine (Tyr) residues to phenylalanine (Phe) in the cytoplasmic domain of KIT(Val814) or deleted the C-terminal region containing 2 other tyrosine residues (Del). Among various KIT(Val814)- derived mutants, KIT(Val814-Tyr719Phe) and KIT(Val814-Del) severely impaired receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and association with the p85 subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (p85 (PI3-K)). Moreover, KIT(Val814-Tyr719Phe) and KIT(Val814-Del) failed to induce ligand-independent growth in Ba/F3 cells, indicating that Tyr719, the binding site for p85(PI3-K), and the C-terminal region are indispensable for factor-independent growth by KIT(Val814). Although the C-terminal region was also required for ligand-dependent growth by wild-type KIT (KIT(WT)), the Tyr719Phe substitution had negligible effects on ligand-dependent growth by KIT(WT). Furthermore, dominant-negative PI3-K significantly inhibited ligand-independent growth by KIT(Val814). These results demonstrate that Tyr719 is crucial for constitutive activation of KIT(Val814), but not for the ligand-induced activation of KIT(WT), and that the downstream signaling of PI3-K plays an important role in ligand-independent growth and tumorigenicity by KIT(Val814), thereby suggesting that KIT(Val814) is a unique activating mutation that leads to a distinguishable function from the effects of KIT(WT).

Effect of MITF on transcription of transmembrane tryptase gene in cultured mast cells of mice

Mouse mast cell protease (mMCP)-6, mMCP-7 and transmembrane tryptase (TMT) are all tryptases. The normal mi transcription factor (+-MITF) transactivated mMCP-6 gene by binding three consensus motifs in the promoter region, but no MITF-binding motifs were found in the mMCP-7 promoter. Instead, c-Jun transactivated mMCP-7 gene, and +-MITF cooperated with it. The mi-MITF encoded by mutant mi allele inhibited the transactivation by c-Jun and reduced the mMCP-7 promoter activity. Here, the effect of MITF on the TMT gene expression was examined. The +-MITF enhanced the TMT promoter activity by binding two consensus motifs. The mi-MITF showed the inhibitory effect on TMT gene expression. The effect of +-MITF on TMT gene was similar to the effect on mMCP-6 gene, and that of mi-MITF was similar to the effect on mMCP-7 gene. The effects of MITF on TMT gene appeared distinct from its effects on either mMCP-6 or mMCP-7 gene.

Simultaneous anterior and posterior interosseous nerve paralysis with several hourglass-like fascicular constrictions in both nerves

A patient with simultaneous anterior and posterior interosseous nerve paralysis was treated surgically with interfascicular neurolysis and found to have several hourglass-like fascicular constrictions in both nerves. Anterior and posterior interosseous nerve paralyses with hourglass-like fascicular constrictions have been described previously, but not the combination of the two.

Effect of a large deletion of the basic domain of mi transcription factor on differentiation of mast cells

The mi transcription factor (MITF) is a basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper transcription factor that is important for the development of mast cells. Cultured mast cells (CMCs) of mi/mi genotype express abnormal MITF (mi-MITF), but CMCs of tg/tg genotype do not express any MITFs. It was previously reported that mi/mi CMCs showed more severe abnormalities than tg/tg CMCs, indicating that mi-MITF had inhibitory function. Whereas mi-MITF contains a single amino acid deletion in the basic domain, MITF encoded by mi(ew) allele (ew-MITF) deletes 16 of 21 amino acids of the basic domain. Here the effect of a large deletion of the basic domain was examined. In mi(ew)/mi(ew) CMCs, the expression pattern of genes whose transcription was affected by MITF was comparable to that of tg/tg CMCs rather than to that of mi/mi CMCs. This suggested that ew-MITF lacked any functions. The part of the basic domain deleted in ew-MITF appeared necessary for either transactivation or inhibition of transactivation.

Inhibitory effect of the mi transcription factor encoded by the mutant mi allele on GA binding protein-mediated transcript expression in mouse mast cells

The mi transcription factor (MITF) is a basic-helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) transcription factor that is important for the development of mast cells. Mast cells of mi/mi genotype express normal amounts of abnormal MITF (mi-MITF), whereas mast cells of tg/tg genotype do not express any MITFs. The synthesis of heparin is abnormal in the skin mast cells of mi/mi mice. Because N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 2 (NDST-2) is essential for the synthesis of heparin, the amount of NDST-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) was compared among cultured mast cells (CMCs) of +/+, mi/mi, and tg/tg genotypes. The NDST-2 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization in the skin mast cells of +/+ and tg/tg mice, but not in the skin mast cells of mi/mi mice. The amount of NDST-2 mRNA decreased significantly in CMCs derived from mi/mi mice when compared to the values of +/+ and tg/tg mice, suggesting that the defective form of MITF inhibited the expression of the NDST-2 transcript. The expression of NDST-2 transcript was mediated by the GGAA motif located in the 5'-untranslated region. GA binding protein (GABP) bound the GGAA motif and increased the amount of NDST-2 transcript. The mi-MITF appeared to inhibit the ability of GABP to express NDST-2 transcript by disturbing its nuclear localization. This is the first study to show that expression of an abnormal form of a bHLH-Zip transcription factor can dramatically alter the intracellular location of another DNA/RNA binding factor, which in turn brings about profound and unexpected consequences on transcript expression.

Blood transfusion increases radical promoting non-transferrin bound iron in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion has been recognised as a risk factor for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or chronic lung disease (CLD) in preterm infants, but the precise mechanism involved is not understood.

AIM

To investigate the level of non-transferrin bound "free" iron, which has the potential to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species, and its redox status in the plasma of preterm infants immediately before and after blood transfusion.

METHODS

Twenty one preterm infants with a median gestational age and birth weight of 27 weeks and 1021 g respectively were prospectively enrolled in the study. Sixteen of the 21 infants developed ROP and/or CLD. The infants were transfused with concentrated red blood cells at a median age of 32 days. The plasma concentration of total bleomycin detectable iron (BDI) was measured and also the ferrous iron (Fe(2+)) activity by bleomycin-iron complex dependent degradation of DNA.

RESULTS

Even before blood transfusion, BDI was detectable in one third of the blood samples, and all but one sample had ferrous iron activity. After transfusion, both BDI and ferrous iron activity were significantly increased, in contrast with the situation in full term infants. Plasma ascorbic acid (AA) concentration was significantly decreased after blood transfusion, whereas the level of its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), and the DHAA/AA ratio were significantly increased compared with before the transfusion. The activity of plasma ferroxidase, which converts iron from the ferrous to the ferric state, was appreciably decreased in preterm infants, as expected from their very low plasma caeruloplasmin concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma non-transferrin bound iron was significantly increased in preterm infants after blood transfusion and existed partly in the ferrous form, because of the low ferroxidase activity and the reduction of ferric iron (Fe(3+)) by ascorbic acid. This finding was specific to preterm infants and was not observed in full term infants after blood transfusion. Non-transferrin bound "free" iron may catalyse the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may be responsible for the clinical association of blood transfusion with ROP and CLD.

Importance of leucine zipper domain of mi transcription factor (MITF) for differentiation of mast cells demonstrated using mi(ce)/mi(ce) mutant mice of which MITF lacks the zipper domain

The mi transcription factor (MITF) is a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) transcription factor that is important for the development of mast cells. Mast cells of mi/mi genotype express normal amount of abnormal MITF (mi-MITF), whereas mast cells of tg/tg genotype do not express any MITFs. Mast cells of mi/mi mice show more severe abnormalities than those of tg/tg mice, indicating that the mi-MITF possesses the inhibitory function. The MITF encoded by the mi(ce) mutant allele (ce-MITF) lacks the Zip domain. We examined the importance of the Zip domain using mi(ce)/mi(ce) mice. The amounts of c-kit, granzyme B (Gr B), and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) messenger RNAs decreased in mast cells of mi(ce)/mi(ce) mice to levels comparable to those of tg/tg mice, and the amounts were intermediate between those of +/+ mice and those of mi/mi mice. Gr B mediates the cytotoxic activity of mast cells, and TPH is a rate-limiting enzyme for the synthesis of serotonin. The cytotoxic activity and serotonin content of mi(ce)/mi(ce) mast cells were comparable to those of tg/tg mast cells and were significantly higher than those of mi/mi mast cells. The phenotype of mi(ce)/mi(ce) mast cells was similar to that of tg/tg mast cells rather than to that of mi/mi mast cells, suggesting that the ce-MITF had no functions. The Zip domain of MITF appeared to be important for the development of mast cells. (Blood. 2001;97:2038-2044)

Characterization of silica-supported Ni catalysts effective for methane decomposition by Ni K-edge XAFS

The structural change of Ni species during the methane decomposition into hydrogen and carbon over Ni/SiO2 catalyst was investigated by Ni K-edge XANES/EXAFS. Before the contact of methane with the Ni/SiO2 catalyst, Ni species were present as Ni metal mainly. The structure of the Ni metal did not change appreciably when the Ni/SiO2 was actively decomposing methane. In contrast, the formation of nickel carbide species was observed at the deactivation stage of the catalyst.

Inhibitory effect of the transcription factor encoded by the mutant mi microphthalmia allele on transactivation of mouse mast cell protease 7 gene

The transcription factor encoded by the mi locus (MITF) is a transcription factor of the basic-helix-loop-helix zipper protein family. Mice of mi/mi genotype express a normal amount of abnormal MITF, whereas mice of tg/tg genotype do not express any MITFs due to the transgene insertional mutation. The effect of normal (+) and mutant (mi) MITFs on the expression of mouse mast cell protease (MMCP) 6 and 7 was examined. Both MMCP-6 and MMCP-7 are tryptases, and their coding regions with high homology are closely located on chromosome 17. Both MMCP-6 and MMCP-7 genes are expressed in normal cultured mast cells (+/+ CMCs). Although the transcription of MMCP-6 gene was severely suppressed in both mi/mi and tg/tg CMCs, that of MMCP-7 gene was severely suppressed only in mi/mi CMCs. The study identified the most significant segment for the transcription in the 5' flanking region of MMCP-7 gene. Unexpectedly, no CANNTG motifs were found that are recognized and bound by +-MITF in this segment. Instead, there was an AP-1 binding motif, and binding of c-Jun to the AP-1 motif significantly enhanced the transcription of MMCP-7 gene. The complex formation of c-Jun with either +-MITF or mi-MITF was demonstrated. The binding of +-MITF to c-Jun enhanced the transactivation of MMCP-7 gene, and that of mi-MITF suppressed the transactivation. Although the former complex was located only in the nucleus, the latter complex was predominantly found in the cytoplasm. The negative effect of mi-MITF on the transcription of MMCP-7 gene appeared to be executed through the interaction with c-Jun.

Mutant mice: a useful tool for studying the development of mast cells

We have used various mouse mutants for studying the development of mast cells. The bone marrow origin of mast cells was shown by using giant granules of beige mice as a marker. Mast cell-deficient W/W(v) and Sl/Sl(d) mice are useful for investigation of the developmental processes. The mi locus encodes a member of the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors (MITF), and mast cells of mi/mi mice showed phenotypic abnormalities. Mast cells of mi/mi mice synthesized the mutant mi-MITF in normal amounts, and mi-MITF showed an inhibitory effect on the transcription of various mast cell-specific genes. On the other hand, mice of tg/tg possess the transgene insertional mutation in the 5' flanking region of the mi gene and do not express any MITFs. Genes whose transcription was suppressed were more numerous in mast cells of mi/mi mice than in those of tg/tg mice. The comparison between phenotypes of mi/mi mast cells and those of tg/tg mast cells gave some insights into the regulation of mast cell phenotypes by transcription factors.

Oxidation products of uric acid and ascorbic acid in preterm infants with chronic lung disease

Allantoin, the oxidation product of uric acid (UA), can be used as an in vivo marker of free radical generation. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the allantoin changes in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as well as to examine plasma levels of ascorbic acid (AA) and its oxidation product, dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA), in infants with or without chronic lung disease (CLD) during the first week of life. The study population was 20 infants of 24-30 weeks gestation, comprising 10 who subsequently developed CLD and 10 without CLD. In the CLD infants, the plasma allantoin/UA ratio showed a significant increase after day 1 and continued to increase gradually to reach a peak on day 6 (6.5 +/- 4.1% for CLD and 2.1 +/- 0.9% for non-CLD infants). The allantoin/UA ratio in BALF was also higher in CLD infants and the difference reached significance on days 4-6 (41.2 +/- 15.8% for CLD and 11.7 +/- 9.9% for non-CLD infants). In contrast to allantoin, the plasma DHAA/AA ratio did not differ between the 2 groups throughout the study period. Our findings that the allantoin/UA ratios were significantly higher in CLD than non-CLD infants not only in plasma but also in BALF, and that the intergroup differences of this ratio in both plasma and BALF was more prominent in the latter half of the first week of life further confirm our previous speculation that oxygen radicals are involved in the development of neonatal CLD.

KL-6, a mucinous glycoprotein, as an indicator of chronic lung disease of the newborn

KL-6 is a mucinous glycoprotein that is preferentially expressed by alveolar type 2 cells. Plasma KL-6 was higher in infants with chronic lung disease (n = 12) than in infants without chronic lung disease (n = 14) on day 0-1, 10, and 30 (P =.04). KL-6 correlated with the alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference on day 10 and day 30. Plasma KL-6 may be useful as an early marker of chronic lung disease and an indicator of severity.

Solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography of Salmonella-infected beef

Eight strains of Salmonellae were incubated in TSB culture medium at 37 degrees C for 24 h. Volatile compounds derived from the bacteria were collected using solid-phase microextraction fibers and then applied to gas chromatography (GC). Similarity analysis of the GC patterns thus obtained could separate these strains on principal component similarity (PCS) scattergrams. Five major food-related pathogenic bacteria and 10 other bacteria (including one Salmonella strain) were also classified by growing in the same medium. It is then proposed to utilize this approach to improve the GC/PCS method of Nakai et al. [Nakai, S.; Wang, Z. H.; Dou, J.; Nakamura, S.; Ogawa, M.; Nakai, E.; Vangerstoep, J. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1999, 47, 576-583] that has been developed for screening safe foods by detecting bacteria contaminated foods. Inoculating food samples pre-enriched through preliminary incubation into a culture medium and then subjecting to the GC/PCS method after secondary incubation enhances the detectability of pathogenic bacteria.

Involvement of mi-transcription factor in expression of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor in cultured mast cells of mice

The microphthalmia (mi) locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) protein family of transcription factors (MITF). We have reported that expression of several genes was impaired in cultured mast cells (CMCs) of mi/mi mice due to a defective transactivation ability of mutant MITF (mi-MITF). We also found that mi/mi CMCs did not express a receptor (MC1R) for alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The overexpression of the wild-type (+/+) MITF but not mi-MITF normalized the expression of the MC1R in mi/mi CMCs, indicating the involvement of +-MITF in the MC1R gene expression. Next, we analyzed the promoter region of the MC1R gene by the transient cotransfection assay. The luciferase construct under the control of the MC1R promoter and the cDNA-encoding +-MITF or mi-MITF were cotransfected into NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. The cotransfection of +-MITF but not mi-MITF increased the luciferase activity. There were five CANNTG motifs recognized by bHLH-Zip-type transcription factors in the cloned promoter region. We found +-MITF bound two of five CANNTG motifs, and both motifs were essential for the transactivation of the MC1R gene by +-MITF. These results indicated that +-MITF directly transactivated the MC1R gene through these two motifs.

Healing process from cinchophen-induced acute gastric mucosal lesion in the rat: a scanning microscopic study

The healing process in the microvasculature of cinchophen-induced acute gastric mucosal lesion was studied by the vascular corrosion casting method and conventional scanning electron microscopy. Thirty-six hours after cinchophen injection, prominent degeneration and exfoliation of surface mucous cells, along with exposure of the underlying connective tissue, were seen. The vascular casts showed leakage of resin and the occlusion of capillaries, which indicates breakage of the capillary network. One week after cinchophen injection, the denuded gastric mucosa was almost covered with surface mucous cells of irregular shape. The vascular casts showed signs of healing of the capillary network, including capillary neogenesis. The lesion was nearly healed by 2 to 3 weeks after cinchophen administration. Cinchophen induces the formation of acute gastric mucosal lesions that affect the surface mucous cells as well as the underlying vasculature. The subsequent healing process involves the regeneration of epithelial cells over the denuded areas and reconstruction of the underlying vascular network.

Expression profile of active genes in mouse lymph node high endothelial cells

High endothelial venules (HEV) allow rapid and selective lymphocyte trafficking from the blood into secondary lymphoid tissues. Here we report the expression profile of active genes in mouse high endothelial cells (HEC). HEC were first purified from mouse lymph nodes (LN) by magnetic cell sorting with MECA-79 mAb and a 3'-directed cDNA library that faithfully represents the composition of mRNA was constructed. A total of 1495 cDNA sequences were obtained from randomly selected clones. Based on their sequence identity, they were grouped into 754 different species [gene signatures (GS)] of which 335 GS were identified in GenBank. Among the previously identified genes, expression of several endothelial cell surface molecules including endoglin and ICAM-1 was detected in HEC. Comparison of the gene expression profile with that of purified CD31(+) flat endothelial cells identified several molecules, such as KC chemokine and Duffy antigen/receptor for chemokines, that are known to be selectively expressed in activated endothelial cells or post-capillary venules. Interestingly, mac25/TAF, which is known to be expressed specifically in tumor vessels and implicated in the regulation of cell adhesion, was highly and selectively expressed in HEC in mouse LN, suggesting that it may participate in regulating HEC-specific functions. Comparison with the expression profiles obtained from 35 different cell types showed at least 22 GS that were apparently specific to HEC. Our results illustrate the expression differences between HEC and CD31(+) flat endothelial cells, and will be useful for the identification and characterization of genes specific for HEC.

Peptide transporter in the rat small intestine: ultrastructural localization and the effect of starvation and administration of amino acids

Peptide transporter-1 is a H+/peptide cotransporter responsible for the uptake of small peptides and peptide-like drugs, and is present in the absorptive epithelial cells of the villi in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). It has been localized to the apical microvillous plasma membrane of the absorptive epithelial cells of the rat small intestine using the immunogold electron microscopic technique. Digital image analysis of the jejunum revealed that the transporter protein was abundant at the tip of the villus and that the amount decreased from the tip of the villus to its base. The effect of dietary administration of amino acids and starvation on the expression of PepT1 in the jejunum was examined by immunoblotting and image analysis of immunofluorescence. Starvation markedly increased the amount of peptide transporter present, whereas dietary administration of amino acids reduced it. The gradient of the transporter protein along the crypt-villus axis was maintained under either condition. These observations show that it is specific to the microvillous plasma membrane and that its expression is regulated by the nutritional condition.

Synergy of PEBP2/CBF with mi transcription factor (MITF) for transactivation of mouse mast cell protease 6 gene

The mi locus encodes a member of the basic - helix - loop - helix - leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). Although the bHLH-Zip family transcription factors generally recognize and bind CANNTG motifs, the expression of mouse mast cell protease 6 (MMCP-6) gene is regulated by MITF through the GACCTG motif in the promoter region. The GACCTG motif was partly overlapped the TGTGGTC sequence, which was bound by polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2 (PEBP2). In the present study, the effect of PEBP2 on the expression of MMCP-6 gene was examined. PEBP2 that is composed of alpha and beta subunits was expressed by mast cell lines and cultured mast cells derived from spleen. The overexpression of dominant negative PEBP2 cDNA reduced the expression of MMCP-6. Moreover, the simultaneous transfection of the plasmid containing MITF cDNA and the plasmid containing PEBP2 cDNA increased the MMCP-6 promoter activity. For the synergistic action of PEBP2 and MITF, the intact GACCTG and TGTGGTC motifs were prerequisite. The PEBP2alphaB1 mutant which lacked the region downstream from the Runt domain did not bind MITF and lost the synergistic function. These results indicated that PEBP2 and MITF synergistically transactivated the MMCP-6 gene and that the region downstream from the Runt domain of PEBP2alphaB1 was essential for the physical and functional interactions with MITF.

Identification of the region of mi transcription factor which is responsible for the synergy with PEBP2/CBF

The mi locus encodes the mi transcription factor (MITF), a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors. MITF binds the alphaB1/AML1 subtype of the alpha subunit of the polyomavirus enhancer binding protein 2 (PEBP2). These two transcription factors synergistically transactivate the mouse mast cell protease 6 (MMCP-6) gene. The interaction of PEBP2 with MITF is mediated through the region carboxy-terminal to the DNA-binding Runt domain. In the present study, we examined the region of MITF that is responsible for the interaction with PEBP2. The MITF mutant that lacked the region aa 67-152 did not bind PEBP2, and the mutant that lacked the region aa 1-152 lost the synergistic function in the transactivation of the MMCP-6 promoter. We conclude that the region amino-terminal to the basic region of MITF is required for physical and functional interactions with PEBP2.

Different effect of various mutant MITF encoded by mi, Mior, or Miwh allele on phenotype of murine mast cells

The mi locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). Mutant alleles of mi, Mior, and Miwh are deletion or point mutation of the basic domain by which MITF binds DNA. The basic domain also has nuclear localization potential. In the present study, we compared the mast cell abnormalities of Mior/Mior and Miwh/Miwh mice with those of mi/mi mice, of which many have been described by us. The number of mast cells in the skin of Mior/Mior suckling mice was remarkably decreased from that observed in mi/mi suckling mice, but the number was normal in the skin of Miwh/Miwh suckling mice. The decrease in skin mast cells was more severe in the mi/mi embryos than in mi/mi suckling mice, but the magnitude of the decrease was comparable between Mior/Mior embryos and Mior/Mior suckling mice. The poor mRNA expression of granzyme B and tryptophan hydroxylase genes was observed in all cultured mast cells (CMCs) derived from the spleens of Miwh/Miwh, Mior/Mior, and mi/mi mice. However, the poor expression of mouse mast cell protease-4 (MMCP-4), MMCP-5, and MMCP-6 was observed only in Mior/Mior and mi/mi CMCs. MITF encoded by Miwh mutant allele (Miwh-MITF) showed deficient but demonstratable DNA binding, but mi-MITF and Mior-MITF did not show any DNA binding ability. Although Miwh-MITF and Mior-MITF showed normal nuclear localization potential, the potential was significantly impaired in mi-MITF. The rank order of mast cell abnormality (mi/mi > Mior/Mior > Miwh/Miwh) appears to be related to the functional abnormality of MITF encoded by each mutant gene.

Peptide transporter in the rat small intestine: ultrastructural localization and the effect of starvation and administration of amino acids

Peptide transporter-1 is a H+/peptide cotransporter responsible for the uptake of small peptides and peptide-like drugs, and is present in the absorptive epithelial cells of the villi in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). It has been localized to the apical microvillous plasma membrane of the absorptive epithelial cells of the rat small intestine using the immunogold electron microscopic technique. Digital image analysis of the jejunum revealed that the transporter protein was abundant at the tip of the villus and that the amount decreased from the tip of the villus to its base. The effect of dietary administration of amino acids and starvation on the expression of PepT1 in the jejunum was examined by immunoblotting and image analysis of immunofluorescence. Starvation markedly increased the amount of peptide transporter present, whereas dietary administration of amino acids reduced it. The gradient of the transporter protein along the crypt-villus axis was maintained under either condition. These observations show that it is specific to the microvillous plasma membrane and that its expression is regulated by the nutritional condition.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity by interferon-gamma-producing cells in human radicular cysts

AIM

In this study, the interaction of interferon-gamma-(IFN-gamma) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-producing cells in human radicular cysts were investigated.

METHODOLOGY

Inflamed periapical tissues were obtained from patients at the time of endodontic surgical treatments and were cut into two pieces. After fixing with acetone or 4% paraformaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline, 5-m-thick paraffin and cryostat sections were prepared. The paraffin sections of the inflamed tissues were evaluated histologically with haematoxylineosin stains. The specimens diagnosed as radicular cysts were then examined by immunostaining. Immunohistochemistry for iNOS and fluoresence microscopy for IFN-gamma using the cryostat sections were performed with a mixture of affinity purified human iNOS antiserum and human IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies.

RESULTS

The results revealed that iNOS-gamma producing cells localized adjacent to IFN-gamma-producing cells. In addition, some of iNOS-producing cells exhibited immunoreactive IFN-gamma. On the other hand, epithelial cells showed significant levels of iNOS production, but not IFN-gamma.

CONCLUSIONS

The data would suggest the possibility that iNOS production could be precisely controlled by autocrine or paracrine effects of IFN-gamma producing cells in radicular cysts and might play a pivotal role in periapical lesions. These findings are consistent with a hypothesis suggesting that NO inhibitors could be used through the root canals as a pharmacological treatment for periapical lesions.

Bone turnover and cortical bone mineral density in the distal radius in patients with hyperthyroidism being treated with antithyroid drugs for various periods of time

OBJECTIVE

Whether patients, who have lost bone mass, can be restored to age-matched control levels by some means is still controversial. We investigated how the thyroid status after antithyroid drug therapy for various periods of time affects bone metabolism in patients with hyperthyroidism by assessing currently used biochemical markers of bone turnover and distal radius bone mineral density (BMD).

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

The biochemical markers of bone turnover and BMD at the distal one third of the radius were measured in 79 women with hyperthyroidism treated with antithyroid drugs for various periods of time. The patients were divided into two groups according to thyroid function at the time of study: a hyperthyroid group (serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.4 mU/l) and an euthyroid group (TSH 0.4-4.0 mU/l). Second, each group was further divided according to the duration of therapy: short-term (less than 3 years) and long-term (3 or more years).

MEASUREMENTS

Urinary type I collagen degradation products (CTx) were measured by the CrossLapsTM ELISA kit. Urinary pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after acid hydrolysis. Serum N-mid osteocalcin (OCN-mid) was measured by a recently developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined by routine laboratory methods. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the distal one third of the radius was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA; DCS-600EX, Aloka, Tokyo).

RESULTS

There were statistically significant positive correlations of FT3 and FT4 with the biochemical markers of bone turnover. There were significant negative correlations between the biochemical markers and BMD only in patients undergoing long-term therapy. In a comparison between hyperthyroid and euthyroid groups based on duration of treatment (long-term and short-term), and in a comparison without regard for length of treatment (all patients), it was evident that ALP and CTx levels were significantly higher in the hyperthyroid than in the euthyroid groups. Significantly lower BMD Z-scores in the hyperthyroid group compared to those in the euthyroid group were observed only in patients undergoing long-term therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary type I collagen degradation products were a sensitive marker for evaluating the bone turnover in patients with hyperthyroidism. Our data suggested that it might be important to control the levels of TSH within normal ranges during long-term antithyroid drug therapy in order to prevent bone loss.

Raised concentrations of aldehyde lipid peroxidation products in premature infants with chronic lung disease

AIM

To indicate the extent of lipid peroxidation induced by oxidative stress, by measuring aldehyde end products in biological samples.

METHODS

A highly specific gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method was used to measure plasma concentrations of aliphatic aldehydes within the first week of life in 13 premature infants who subsequently developed chronic lung disease (CLD) and 11 infants without CLD (non-CLD). The oxime-tert-butyldimethylsilyl derivatives of aldehydes were analysed using 2,2,6,6-d4-cyclohexanone as the internal standard.

RESULTS

All of the aldehydes measured were raised in those infants with CLD compared with non-CLD infants. Plasma concentrations of heptanal, 2-nonenal, and 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) were significantly increased in CLD infants on the day of birth, while the differences in all aldehydes between the two groups were not significant at 4-6 days of age. Logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in these three aldehydes within the first 24 hours of life independently showed significant associations with the development of CLD. In particular, an HNE concentration of > or = 200 nM on day 0 was the best predictor for the early detection of CLD (odds ratio = 32.0), followed by a 2-nonenal concentration of > or = 150 nM (odds ratio = 16.0).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that lipid peroxidation may have a role in the pathogenesis of neonatal CLD.

Transcriptional regulation of osteopontin gene in vivo by PEBP2alphaA/CBFA1 and ETS1 in the skeletal tissues

Osteopontin (Opn) and polyoma enhancer-binding protein (PEBP) 2alphaA/core binding factor (CBFA) 1 have been suggested to play important roles in ossification. The overlapping localization of opn and PEBP2alphaA/CBFA1 mRNA, and the marked decrease of opn mRNA expression in PEBP2alphaA knockout mice, indicated that the transcription of opn gene was controlled by PEBP2alphaA. In the present study, we determined the direct regulation of PEBP2alphaA on the opn promoter activity. Opn promoter activity was markedly enhanced by PEBP2alphaA and ETS1 in a synergistic manner. The synergistic effect was diminished when either the PEBP2alphaA or ETS1 binding site was mutated, or the spatial arrangement of these sites was mutated by a 4-nt insertion. The distance between these sites was important for transactivation but not protein-DNA binding. The direct interaction between PEBP2alphaA and ETS1 was depended on protein-DNA binding. These results suggested that the specific spatial arrangement of both sites and direct interaction between PEBP2alphaA and ETS1, were essential for promoter function. Furthermore, endogenous opn mRNA was decreased with the introduction of dominant negative PEBP2alphaA to MC3T3/E1 cells expressing endogenous PEBP2alphaA, ETS1 and opn. These findings suggest that PEBP2alphaA and ETS1 cooperate in vivo to regulate expression of the opn gene in the skeletal tissue. Cell type-specific regulation of Opn gene expression will also be discussed.

Impaired expression of integrin alpha-4 subunit in cultured mast cells derived from mutant mice of mi/mi genotype

The mi locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). We have reported that expression of several genes was impaired in cultured mast cells (CMCs) of mi/mi mice due to a defective transactivation ability of mutant MITF (mi-MITF). Because attachment of mi/mi CMCs to fibroblasts is impaired, we examined the expression of integrin genes in mi/mi CMCs in the present study. Among the integrin genes examined, the expression of integrin alpha4 subunit was barely detectable in mi/mi CMCs, and the alpha4 protein was not detected by flow cytometry either. The specific adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), the ligand for alpha4 subunit, was observed in +/+ CMCs but not in mi/mi CMCs, indicating that the expression of integrin alpha4 subunit at a functional level did not occur in mi/mi CMCs. In the promoter region of the alpha4 subunit gene, there was a CACTTG motif to which normal MITF (+- MITF) bound. The coexpression of +-MITF but not of mi-MITF transactivated the promoter of the alpha4 subunit gene. The deletion or mutation of the CACTTG motif abolished the transactivation by +-MITF, suggesting that +-MITF directly transactivated the gene encoding alpha4 subunit of integrin.

Systematic method to obtain novel genes that are regulated by mi transcription factor: impaired expression of granzyme B and tryptophan hydroxylase in mi/mi cultured mast cells

The mi locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). We have reported that the expression of several genes was impaired in cultured mast cells (CMCs) of mi/mi genotype, and demonstrated the involvement of MITF in the transcription of these genes. To obtain new genes whose transcription may be regulated by MITF, we prepared a subtracted cDNA library using +/+ and mi/mi CMCs. We found two clones carrying the granzyme (Gr) B and tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) cDNAs in the subtracted library. The expression of the Gr B and TPH genes decreased in mi/mi CMCs, and recovered to nearly normal level by the overexpression of normal (+) MITF but not of mutant (mi) MITF. The +-MITF bound three and one CANNTG motifs in the Gr B and TPH promoters, respectively, and transactivated these two genes, indicating the involvement of +-MITF in their expression. Because TPH is the rate-limiting enzyme for serotonin synthesis, we examined the serotonin content of +/+ and mi/mi CMCs. The serotonin content was significantly smaller in mi/mi CMCs than in +/+ CMCs. The introduction of +-MITF but not of mi-MITF normalized the serotonin content in mi/mi CMCs.

The efficacy of immunochemotherapy with strontium (Sr) in the 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced rat carcinogenetic model: ultrastructural characteristics of the mitochondria in the liver

It is said that stable strontium (Sr), which exists naturally in living cells as a microelement, has cytoprotective effects on liver cells in mammals. We attempted to examine the cytoprotective and anticancer effects of Sr using the rat carcinogenetic model induced by DMH (1,2-dimethylhydrazine). In a comparison of animals given UFT, PSK and Sr or UFT and PSK, carcinogenes in the colon and also increases in immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) levels were suppressed. Electron microscopic observation in the Sr group revealed a tendency toward stabilization of the mitochondrial membrane and highly developed rough endoplasmic reticulum in both the right and left lobe. This tendency became more obvious as the duration of oral intake of Sr was prolonged. Our study suggest that the cytoprotective effect of Sr on mitochondria in the liver may suppress carcinogenesis.

Abnormal expression of mouse mast cell protease 5 gene in cultured mast cells derived from mutant mi/mi mice

Mast cells contain a lot of mast cell-specific proteases. We have reported that the expression of mouse mast cell protease 6 (MMCP-6) is remarkably reduced in both cultured mast cells (CMCs) and skin mast cells of mi/mi mutant mice. In the present study, we found that the expression of MMCP-5 was reduced in CMCs but not in skin mast cells of mi/mi mice, and we compared the regulation mechanisms of MMCP-5 with those of MMCP-6. The mi locus encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-Zip) protein family of transcription factors (hereafter called MITF). The consensus sequence recognized and bound by bHLH-Zip transcription factors is CANNTG. The overexpression of the normal (+) MITF but not of mi-MITF normalized the poor expression of the MMCP-5 gene in mi/mi CMCs, indicating the involvement of +-MITF in transactivation of the MMCP-5 gene. Although +-MITF directly bound CANNTG motifs in the promoter region of the MMCP-6 gene and transactivated it, the binding of +-MITF to the CAGTTG motif in the promoter region of the MMCP-5 gene was not detectable. The +-MITF appeared to regulate the transactivation of the MMCP-5 gene indirectly. Moreover, addition of stem cell factor to the medium normalized the expression of the MMCP-5 but not of the MMCP-6 gene in mi/mi CMCs. Despite the significant reduction of both MMCP-5 and MMCP-6 expressions in mi/mi CMCs, their regulation mechanisms appeared to be different.

[Recent trends in incidence of respiratory tract pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis isolated in 1994 and 1995]

The incidence of pathogenic bacteria in respiratory tract infections in 1994 and 1995 was investigated using quantitative cultures of sputa from patients with the infections in our department. Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis were isolated at high rates (70.5% in 1994 and 73.8% in 1995) from the specimens of out-patients, and the incident rates were similar to the past data. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of these three pathogens were examined with the agar dilution method. The incidence of penicillin (Pc) resistant S. pneumoniae against which MIC of Pc-G was higher than 0.125 microgram/ml was markedly increased from 24% in 1994 to 34.9% in 1995. Most of the Pc resistant isolates were also resistant to other antibiotics including erythromycin, minocycline and tosufloxacin. Serotype of strains against which MIC of Pc-G was higher than 1.0 microgram/ml was 19. The ratios of beta-lactamase-producing strains among H. influenzae isolated in 1994 and 1995 were 20 and 15.8%, respectively, which were slightly higher than those in the past. One quinolone resistant strain was isolated in this study. Although the ratio of beta-lactamase-producing strains among M. catarrhalis was as high (96.7%) as in the past, no increased resistance against the drugs examined was observed.

The incidence of respiratory tract pathogens and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis isolated between 1990 and 1993

Using a quantitative culture of sputum, the incidence of pathogenic bacteria in respiratory infection in our laboratory between 1990 and 1993 were investigated. While Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis were isolated at high rates (67-78%) from the specimens of outpatients throughout the study period, the incidence of S pneumoniae has increased gradually. The antimicrobial susceptibilities of these three pathogens were examined with the agar dilution method. A marked increase of penicillin (PC) resistant S. pneumoniae (MIC > or = 0.1 microgram/ml) was observed with a resistance rate of 2.1% in 1990 and 25% in 1993. Resistance to erythromycin (EM, MIC > or = 1.56 micrograms/ml) was 8.5% in 1990 but then increased to 34% in 1992. Most of the PC resistant isolates were resistant to multidrugs such as EM, minocycline and clindamycin. The MICs of all beta-lactams examined for S. pneumoniae increased along with the MICs of PC, though the level varied between drugs. The rates of beta-lactamase positive H. influenzae gradually decreased, being 14.3% in 1990 and 7.4% in 1993, whereas those of M. (B) catarrhalis were consistently high (> 90%) every year. In addition to beta-lactamase production, the emergence of strains of H. influenzae and M. (B) catarrhalis resistant to new quinolone drugs should be noted.

Immuno-localization of H+/peptide cotransporter in rat digestive tract

In the mammalian digestive tract, small peptides are absorbed by a H+-coupled peptide transport system. Using an antibody against the rat H+/peptide cotransporter (PepT1), we examined the localization of PepT1 immunohistochemically along the rat digestive tract. PepT1 was detected in the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum), but not in the esophagus, stomach, colon, or rectum. PepT1 was especially enriched in the villi, where it was localized in the brush border of the absorptive epithelial cells. PepT1 was not detected in the mucus-secreting goblet cells or less-differentiated epithelial cells in the crypts. These observations show that PepT1 is specific to the brush border of the differentiated absorptive epithelial cells and suggest that H+-coupled uptake of small peptides and peptide-like drugs occurs at the apical membrane of these cells in the small intestine.

Effect of physical activity as a caddie on ultrasound measurements of the Os calcis: a cross-sectional comparison

This cross-sectional study investigated the effect of long-term activity as a caddie on ultrasonic properties of the os calcis. We measured 74 healthy women, age 20-59 years, who worked at a golf course as caddies. An age-matched control group of 433 healthy women, who were office workers or housewives, also were recruited for comparison. The ultrasound measurements were performed with an Achilles ultrasound densitometer. The quadriceps muscle strength and the hand grip strength were measured in a perimenopausal subgroup (45-59 years) of the caddies and a subgroup of controls matched for age, height, weight, and body mass index. Urinary pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline were also measured in these perimenopausal subgroups. Caddies had significantly higher ultrasound values than controls in the 40-49 (stiffness index, 101.6 +/- 12.9% versus 87.9 +/- 11.9%; p < 0.0001) and 50-59 (stiffness index, 90.5 +/- 11.6% versus 77.2 +/- 11.6%; p < 0.0001) age-stratified groups. Quadriceps strength and grip strength were significantly higher in caddies than those in controls. In postmenopausal caddies, all ultrasound values were significantly higher than for controls. In caddies there were not significant decreases of any ultrasound values with postmenopausal age. Even for the subgroup within 3 years of menopause there were significant differences between caddies and controls (p < 0.01). There were no significant increases of pyridinoline and deoxypyridinoline after menopause in the caddies. We demonstrated that the caddies had higher ultrasound properties of the os calcis and lower bone resorption after menopause compared with controls.

New evidence for the involvement of oxygen radicals in triggering neonatal chronic lung disease

We measured the plasma concentration of allantoin, an oxidation product of uric acid and an "in vivo" marker of free radical generation, within 24-48 h after birth in 10 premature infants who subsequently developed chronic lung disease (CLD) and 9 infants without CLD (non-CLD). The plasma allantoin level (mean +/- SD, 25.9 +/- 9.8 microM for CLD versus 11.0 +/- 5.7 microM for non-CLD, p < 0.01) and the allantoin/urate ratio (5.8 +/- 2.0% for CLD infants versus 2.4 +/- 0.9% for non-CLD infants, p < 0.01) were significantly higher in the CLD group than those in the non-CLD group. These observations suggest the possible involvement of oxygen radicals in triggering CLD. In addition, the plasma allantoin concentration and the allantoin/urate ratio may be useful early predictors of the development of CLD.

Plasma copper and antioxidant status in Wilson's disease

It has been demonstrated that the level of serum copper unbound to ceruloplasmin (loosely bound copper) is increased in Wilson's disease, although the total serum copper concentration is usually low, reflecting a low ceruloplasmin level. To assess the contribution of free radical reactions catalyzed by nonceruloplasmin copper to the development of complications in this disease, we investigated copper and antioxidant status in four untreated patients who had hepatic dysfunction with or without hemolytic anemia and made a comparison with five patients controlled on penicillamine therapy and 19 age-matched healthy children. We found that loosely bound copper in plasma measured by the phenanthroline assay was detectable in three of four untreated patients with Wilson's disease, but was not detectable in the patients during therapy or in the healthy controls. Among the various antioxidants, the ascorbate and urate levels were markedly reduced before treatment (mean +/- SD, 23 +/- 16 microM for ascorbate and 90 +/- 59 microM for urate) compared with the values in the patients during treatment with penicillamine (67 +/- 19 and 302 +/- 78 microM, p < 0.05) and in control children (60 +/- 8 and 254 +/- 48 microM, p < 0.05). We also demonstrated that the plasma concentration of allantoin, an oxidation product of uric acid and a possible marker of radical generation in vivo, was markedly elevated in the untreated patients (11.0 +/- 1.8 versus 4.3 +/- 0.5 microM in patients on therapy and 6.5 +/- 0.8 microM in controls, p < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)