Molecular Interaction Between Boron Tracedrug UTX-51 Derivatives and Bovine Serum Albumin: Application to an Analytical Model of AGEs Destruction by Thermal Neutron Irradiation

BACKGROUND/AIM

Boron tracedrugs possess global molecular tracking abilities and localized destructive power. We investigated the molecular properties of synthesized boron tracedrugs, including UTX-51, and their interactions with the advanced glycation end-product (AGE)-related protein bovine serum albumin (BSA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A conformational analysis of the compounds used in the present study was performed using CAChe (Fujitsu Inc., Tokyo, Japan) and the degree of stereo-hydrophobicity of the conformers obtained was verified using Mopac (Fujitsu Inc.). The interactive properties of global minimum conformers of the derivatives tested with BSA were assessed using Molegro Virtual Docker (CLC bio., Aarhus, Denmark).

RESULTS

Among the compounds investigated, UTX-51 was confirmed to interact with BSA based on the formation of hydrogen bonds between BSA and UTX-51.

CONCLUSION

UTX-51 is a promising boron tracedrug and can be used as the lead structure for developing a therapeutic agent for AGE-related diseases, including cancer.

Association of Pharmacist-led Deprescribing Intervention with the Functional Recovery in Convalescent Setting

So far, no studies investigated the association between pharmacist intervention and rehabilitation outcomes. The aim of study was to establish whether the pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention affects rehabilitation outcomes. This retrospective, observational, single-center, cohort study included consecutive geriatric patients (n = 448) with pharmacist-led intervention between 2017 and 2019. Participants were divided based on pharmacist-led deprescribing and non deprescribing interventions during hospitalization. Demographic data, laboratory data, the Functional Independence Measure were (FIM) analyzed between the groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between pharmacist-led deprescribing and FIM total gain. The primary outcome was FIM total gain. The rate of pharmacist intervention during the study period was 92.4%. A multiple linear regression analysis of FMI-T gain, adjusting for confounding factors, revealed that the pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention was independently correlated with FMI-T gain. Particularly, the use of dyslipidemia drugs, antipsychotic drugs, hypnotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs significantly decreased during hospitalization. The pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention was independently and significantly associated with FIM-T gain. The pharmacist-led deprescribing intervention improved functional recovery in a rehabilitation setting.

Effect of Isomerization of TX-2036 Derivatives on the Interaction With Tyrosine Kinase Domain of EGF Receptor

BACKGROUND

From the design and synthesis of enantiomers, we can expect to obtain two compounds with different pharmacokinetics and pharmacological activities at the same time, which is thought to lead to the development of efficient anticancer agents. Chiral-2-nitroimidazole TX-2036 derivatives exhibit stereo-configuration (R- and S-configuration)-dependent tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity, and the activity of the tyrosine kinase domain of EGF receptor (EGFR-tyk) is suppressed. In order to clarify the reason why the effects on EGFR-tyk activity differ depending on stereoisomers, we tried to analyze the interaction between each TX-2036 derivative and EGFR-tyk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 2-nitroimidazole-based radiosensitizer TX-2036 series were synthesized and their molecular features were examined using protein kinase inhibition assay and molecular structural analysis.

RESULTS

R-configured TXs (TX-2043, -2030, and -2036) exhibited more potent protein kinase inhibitory activity than S-configured TXs (TX-2044, - 2031, and -2037), and the IC₅₀ value of TX-2036 was 1.8 μM.

CONCLUSION

R-configured TXs interacted with Lys⁷²¹ and Thr⁷⁶⁶ of EGFR-tyk. The combinations of amino acid residues targeted by the S-configured TXs were different from each other (Ile⁷⁶⁵ and Thr⁷⁶⁶ (TX-2044), Ser⁶⁹⁶, Thr⁷⁶⁶, and Thr⁸³⁰ (TX-2031), Gly⁷⁷², Cys⁷⁷³, and Thr⁸³⁰ (TX-2037)). Preparing a series of isomers with different target sites was considered beneficial when the target was mutated.

Moderating effect of schizotypy on the relationship between smoking and neurocognition

Purpose

Smoking rates in schizotypic individuals are shown to be elevated, as in patients with schizophrenia, although findings on the association of smoking with different symptomatology of schizotypy have been mixed. Moreover, possible moderating effects of schizotypy on the relationship between smoking and cognition have not been well documented.

Subjects and methods

The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and the full version of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) were administered to 501 healthy adults. Subjects were divided into smokers (n = 85) and non-smokers (n = 416) based on the presence/absence of current smoking.

Results

The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the three factor scores as well as the total score of the SPQ, controlling for age and gender, revealed that cognitive-perceptual factor was significantly associated with an increased rate of smoking (P = 0.048). The ANCOVA on the WMS-R indices, with smoking group as a fixed factor and age, gender and total SPQ score as covariates, revealed that the schizotypy-by-smoking interaction was significant for attention/working memory (P = 0.029).

Discussion and conclusion

Positive schizotypy may be associated with more smoking. Schizotypy and smoking could interact with each other to negatively affect attention/working memory.

A Simplified Modification of the AOAC Official Method for Determination of Total Dietary Fiber Using Newly Developed Enzymes: Preliminary Interlaboratory Study

A preliminary interlaboratory study was conducted to evaluate the validity of the modified AOAC method for determination of total dietary fiber by Tada and Innami, in which the 3-step enzymatic digestion process in AOAC Method 991.43 is modified to a 2-step process without pH adjustment. Total dietary fiber contents in 8 representative foodstuffs were measured using both the original AOAC Method 991.43 and the modified method in 6 research facilities in Japan. Repeatability relative standard deviations, reproducibility relative standard deviations, and Horwitz ratio values from the modified method were equivalent to those from AOAC Method 991.43, except in the rice sample. However, this exceptional case shown in the modified method was entirely dissolved by the addition of α-amylase stabilizing agents. The modified method, which shortens the process of enzymatic digestion from 3 to 2 steps and in which only reaction temperature is adjusted under the same pH, was found not only to give accurate values comparable to the original method, but also to substantially reduce the labor required by the laboratory staff in the process of routine analysis. This study revealed that the validity of the modified method was further ensured by adding α-amylase stabilizing agents to the reaction system.

Correlation Between Radiosensitizing Activity and the Stereo-structure of the TX-2036 Series of Molecules

BACKGROUND/AIM

The stereo-configuration (R-, S-configuration) of chiral-2-nitroimidazole derivatives alters their radiosensitizing activity. This study aimed at examining the molecular features of these enantiomers by molecular simulation techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A series of 2-nitroimidazole-based radiosensitizer TX-2036 molecules were synthesized, and their profiles were examined using molecular structural analysis such as conformation analysis, molecular orbital analysis, and electrostatic potential analysis.

RESULTS

R-configured TXs (TX-2043, -2030, -2036) had a weaker radiosensitizing activity than S-configured TXs (TX-2044, -2031, -2037), and R-compounds had a small minus electrostatic potential (ESP) field in the cyclopentene-1,3-dione region. S-configured TX-2046 had weaker radiosensitizing activity than R-configured TX-2045, and TX-2046 had a small minus ESP field as well as R-configured TX-2043, -2030, - 2036.

CONCLUSION

The cyclopentene-1,3-dione involved in the small minus ESP field affected the radiosensitizing activity of the TX-2036 series of molecules.

Structure-associated Functional Control of TX-1877 Series by Glyco-conjugation

BACKGROUND/AIM

Sugar molecules are often used as a tool to structurally modify chemical compounds. The features of synthesized sugar-conjugated TX-1877 derivatives were herein examined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The molecular stabilities (reactivity) and hydrophobicities of sugar (e.g., monosaccharide and tetra-O-acetylated monosaccharide)-conjugated TXs were analyzed using a molecular simulation (e.g. molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular orbital (MO) analysis).

RESULTS

The hydrophobicities of TX-1877 derivatives were increased by tetra-O-acetylation, and TX-2244 exhibited the most potent radiosensitizing activity (enhancement ratio: ER=2.30).

CONCLUSION

The conformations and hydrophobicities of chemical compounds may be controlled by adding monosaccharide- and tetra-O-acetyl-conjugated sugars to TX-1877.

PCLO rs2522833-mediated gray matter volume reduction in patients with drug-naive, first-episode major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been linked to differences in the volume of certain areas of the brain and to variants in the piccolo presynaptic cytomatrix protein (PCLO), but the relationship between PCLO and brain morphology has not been studied. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in PCLO, rs2522833, is thought to affect protein stability and the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We investigated the relationship between cortical volume and this SNP in first-episode, drug-naive patients with MDD or healthy control subjects. Seventy-eight participants, including 30 patients with MDD and 48 healthy control subjects, were recruited via interview. PCLO rs2522833 genotyping and plasma cortisol assays were performed, and gray matter volume was estimated using structural magnetic resonance images. Among the individuals carrying the C-allele of PCLO rs2522833, the volume of the left temporal pole was significantly smaller in those with MDD than in healthy controls (family-wise error-corrected, P=0.003). No differences were detected in other brain regions. In addition, the C-carriers showed a larger volume reduction in the left temporal pole than those in the individuals with A/A genotype (P=0.0099). Plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in MDD-affected C-carriers than in the healthy control C-carriers (12.76±6.10 vs 9.31±3.60 nm, P=0.045). We conclude that PCLO SNP rs2522833 is associated with a gray matter volume reduction in the left temporal pole in drug-naive, first-episode patients with MDD carrying the C-allele.

Latent pH-responsive ratiometric fluorescent cluster based on self-assembled photoactivated SNARF derivatives

We have developed a self-assembled fluorescent cluster comprising a seminaphthorhodafluor (SNARF) derivative protected by a photoremovable o-nitrobenzyl group. Prior to UV irradiation, a colorless and nonfluorescent cluster was spontaneously assembled in aqueous solution. After UV irradiation, the self-assembled cluster remained intact and showed a large enhancement in pH-responsive fluorescence. The unique pH responsive fluorescent cluster could be used as a dual-emissive ratiometric fluorescent pH probe not only in the test tube but also in HeLa cell cultures.

Antioxidant action of acteoside and its analogs on lipid peroxidation

We have investigated antioxidant actions of acteoside (ACT) and another natural phenylpropanoid glycoside, cistanoside F (CIS-F) on lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria (RLM) and rat liver mitochondrial lipid (RLML) liposomes induced by Fe(2+)/ADP. A synthetic ACT analogue, TX-1847, was also examined. Oxygen consumption, the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and glutathione concentration were determined simultaneously during lipid peroxidation. The radical scavenging activity of the compounds was evaluated by using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. ACT and its analogs produced dose-dependent inhibitions of mitochondrial and liposomal lipid peroxidation (ACT ≈ CIS-F > TX-1847). Their radical scavenging activities were ranked as follows: TX-1847 > ACT > CIS-F. ACT, CIS-F, and TX-1847 spared reduced glutathione (GSH) during mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. The radical scavenging activities of the compounds did not parallel their anti-peroxidative activities. The data are consistent with the idea that the inhibitory activities of phenylpropanoids were primarily due to a radical chain-breaking mechanism. The sugar moieties in ACT and CIS-F, and/or the conformational structure of the compounds, also seem to play an important role in their inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation.

An Antitumor 2-Hydroxyarylidene-4-cyclopentene-1,3-Dione as a Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor: Interaction Between TX-1123 Derivatives and Src Kinase

BACKGROUND

Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play major roles in signal transduction during cell proliferation and apoptosis. Tyrphostin AG17 was previously shown to be a potent tumor growth inhibitor, while AG17 induced apoptosis and inhibited activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 2. We herein describe the binding features of tyrphostin AG17 analogs, such as TX-1123, with Src kinase (Src-K).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Structural data for Src-K were obtained from a protein data bank (ID=2SRC), and the molecular interactions between Src-K and TX-1123 derivatives were examined.

RESULTS

TX-1123 exihibited potent Src-K inhibitory activity (half maximal-inhibitory concentration=2.2 μM), and fit into the pocket of the Src-K molecule as well as c-AMP did.

CONCLUSION

The binding profiles of TX-1123 derivatives differed from each other, while their Src-K inhibitory activities were affected by their fit in the Src-K molecule.

CMAP decrement as a potential diagnostic marker for ALS

OBJECTIVE

We previously reported that decrement of compound muscle action potential (CMAP) by repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) was greater in the median nerves than in the ulnar nerves of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether CMAP decrement by RNS is a feasible marker for the differentiation of ALS from other diseases.

MATERIALS & METHODS

We performed RNS in the median and ulnar nerves of 51 patients with ALS and 40 patients with other diseases.

RESULTS

The CMAP decrement was significantly greater in the median nerves of patients with ALS, compared to the disease control patients. In the median nerves of patients with ALS, CMAP decrement was significantly greater in the cervical region-onset group than in the other region-onset group.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of CMAP decrement in the median nerves can be useful for differentiating ALS patients with cervical region onset from other controls with active neuropathic diseases.

Crystal structure of (2-{[3,5-bis-(1,1-di-methyl-eth-yl)-4-hy-droxy-phen-yl](5-methyl-2H-pyrrol-2-yl-idene)meth-yl}-5-methyl-1H-pyrrolido-κ(2) N,N')di-fluoridoboron

The title compound, C₂₅H₃₁BF₂N₂O, is a potential boron tracedrug in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), in which the B atom adopts a distorted BN₂F₂ tetra­hedral geometry: it is soluble in dimethyl sulfoxide, di­methyl­formamide and methanol. The pyrrolyl­idene­methyl­pyrrole triple fused ring system is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.031 Å) and subtends a dihedral angle of 47.09 (5)° with the plane of the pendant phenol ring. The phenol –OH group is blocked from forming hydrogen bonds by the adjacent bulky tert-butyl groups. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of very weak C—H⋯F inter­actions generate R₂²(22) loops.

Increased protein and mRNA expression of resistin after dexamethasone administration

Synthetic glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone are widely used to treat a variety of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, but they may induce adverse events including hyperglycemia. To shed light on the effect and action mechanism of dexamethasone, we examined the alterations of gene expression levels caused by dexamethasone.Microarray analysis was performed on whole blood collected from 24 physically healthy subjects at baseline and after dexamethasone administration. The expression levels of resistin mRNA were found to be significantly increased after the dexamethasone administration. In a separate sample of 12 subjects, we examined plasma resistin protein levels and found that they were increased after dexamethasone administration. Furthermore, the plasma mRNA and protein levels of resistin were significantly higher in individuals who carried the A allele of RETN single nucleotide polymorphism rs3219175 than in those who did not carry the allele. There was no significant interaction between the genotype and dexamethasone administration. No significant correlation was found between plasma levels of cortisol and resistin. Consistent with previous studies, the genotype of RETN rs3219175 was a strong determinant of resistin levels. The present study showed that oral administration of dexamethasone increases the protein and mRNA levels of resistin irrespective of the rs3219175 genotype.

Promotion of apoptosis and cytochrome c depletion by a low-temperature environment in hindlimb-unloading rats

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify the influence of a low-temperature environment on muscle atrophy and apoptosis.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into four groups: two groups of hindlimb-unloading rats maintained in a normal (25°C, HU) or low-temperature (10°C, HU+LT) environment for 3 weeks and two corresponding control groups (CON; normal temperature, CON+LT; low-temperature).

RESULTS

The soleus muscle wet weight and muscle-to-body mass ratio were lower in the experimental groups than in the control groups. The cross-sectional areas of myofibers in the HU+LT and HU groups were significantly decreased than those in the CON and CON+LT groups. Ubiquitin ladder levels from soleus muscle lysates were significantly increased in the HU+LT group. Caspase-3-activated myofibers were observed only in the HU+LT group. Decreased cytochrome c levels were present in these caspase-3-activated myofibers. Meanwhile, cytochrome c levels were increased significantly in CON+LT rats but unchanged in HU+LT rats.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that apoptosis caused by hindlimb unloading at low temperatures is associated with a lack of cytochrome c in myofibers. This indicates that long-term hindlimb unloading at low temperatures did not suppress muscle atrophy. We conclude that low-temperature stimulation should not be used as a long-term treatment for preventing disuse atrophy.

Molecular cloning and characterization of a geranyl diphosphate-specific aromatic prenyltransferase from lemon

Prenyl residues confer divergent biological activities such as antipathogenic and antiherbivorous activities on phenolic compounds, including flavonoids, coumarins, and xanthones. To date, about 1,000 prenylated phenolics have been isolated, with these compounds containing various prenyl residues. However, all currently described plant prenyltransferases (PTs) have been shown specific for dimethylallyl diphosphate as the prenyl donor, while most of the complementary DNAs encoding these genes have been isolated from the Leguminosae. In this study, we describe the identification of a novel PT gene from lemon (Citrus limon), ClPT1, belonging to the homogentisate PT family. This gene encodes a PT that differs from other known PTs, including flavonoid-specific PTs, in polypeptide sequence. This membrane-bound enzyme was specific for geranyl diphosphate as the prenyl donor and coumarin as the prenyl acceptor. Moreover, the gene product was targeted to plastid in plant cells. To our knowledge, this is the novel aromatic PT specific to geranyl diphosphate from citrus species.

A neutron dynamic therapy with a boron tracedrug UTX-51 using a compact neutron generator

BACKGROUND/AIM

We are developing a neutron dynamic therapy (NDT) with boron tracedrugs for a new mechanical-clearance treatment of pathotoxic misfolded, aggregated, and self-propagating prion-associated disease proteins. We present a compact neutron generator-based NDT using a boron tracedrug UTX-51. Our NDT is based on the weak thermal neutron-bombarded destructive action of UTX-51 on bovine serum albumin (BSA) using the neutron beams produced from a compact inertial electrostatic confinement fusion (IECF) neutron generator.

RESULTS

BSA as an NDT molecular target was subjected to thermal neutron irradiation for eight hours using a compact neutron generator. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis pattern showed no protein band when 2 nmoles of BSA were irradiated with more than 100 nmoles of UTX-51, while BSA was not affected when irradiated without UTX-51.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, we have succeeded in the molecular destruction of a prion-disease model protein, BSA, by NDT with a boron tracedrug, UTX-51, using a compact neutron generator.

An NDT study of a boron tracedrug UTX-51 for glycated BSA as an AGE model

BACKGROUND

Conventional therapies for diseases that are associated with protein aggregation typically prevent rather than clear protein aggregates. We have proposed neutron dynamic therapy (NDT) as a physical clearance therapy for protein aggregates. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are aggregated proteins, have been implicated in diabetes, Alzheimer's, and heart disease. Herein, we report the use of the boron tracedrug UTX-51, under thermal neutron irradiation, as an NDT for the targeted clearance of glycated bovine serum albumin (Gly-BSA), a model of AGEs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed to detect Gly-BSA decomposition by thermal neutron irradiation treated with UTX-51.

RESULTS

The combination of UTX-51 with neutron irradiation showed a decrease in band intensity of Gly-BSA.

CONCLUSION

We present our NDT strategy, which has been used for the targeted clearance of Gly-BSA, suggesting that NDT with boron tracedrugs can be used for the treatment of AGEs-related disease.

Case report: A breast cancer patient treated with GcMAF, sonodynamic therapy and hormone therapy

Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) occurs naturally in the human body. It has various functions, such as macrophage activation and antitumor activities. Recently, immunotherapy has become an attractive new strategy in the treatment of cancer. GcMAF-based immunotherapy can be combined with many other therapies. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) using low-intensity ultrasound is a novel therapeutic modality. Ultrasound has been demonstrated to activate a number of sonosensitive agents allowing for the possibility of non-invasive targeted treatment for both superficial and deep-seated tumors. The current case study demonstrates that GcMAF and SDT can be used in combination with conventional therapies in patients with metastatic cancer, especially where treatment options are limited due to factors such as toxicity. This case study also suggests a new concept of cancer treatment using local destruction of cancer tissue, in this case conducted with SDT, to be used in combination with GcMAF immunotherapy as a systemic treatment.

Evaluation of the sonosensitizing activities of 5-aminolevulinic acid and Sn(IV) chlorin e6 in tumor-bearing chick embryos

BACKGROUND

Recently, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), precursors of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), and Sn(IV) chlorin e6 (SnCe6) have been proposed as possible sonosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy of cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the pharmacokinetic properties and sonosensitizing activities of 5-ALA and SnCe6 in vivo by using the EMT6/KU tumor-bearing chick embryos.

RESULTS

The concentration of PpIX in tumor and liver tissues and serum increased in a time-dependent manner after the i.v. administration of 5-ALA; PpIX concentrations reached their peak level after 5-7 h. The concentration of SnCe6 reached its maximum value in the tumor tissue and serum immediately after i.v. administration. The combined treatment of 5-ALA or SnCe6 with ultrasound irradiation showed a significant antitumor effect towards EMT6/KU solid tumors.

CONCLUSION

We evaluated the pharmacokinetic properties and sonosensitizing activities of 5-ALA and SnCe6 in a chick embryo model and found that 5-ALA might be more suitable as a sonosensitizer than SnCe6.

Radiosensitivity uncertainty evaluation for the in vitro biophysical modeling of EMT6 cells

BACKGROUND/AIM

The aims of this study were to evaluate the cell survival uncertainty distribution of radiation and to assess the accuracy of predictions of tumor response by using three different in vitro experimental cell cultures with radiosensitizers (including etanidazole).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using EMT6 cells and X-rays, the cell survival fraction was obtained from 15, 34, and 21 different experiments under normoxic, hypoxic, and hypoxic-plus-radiosensitizer culture, respectively.

RESULTS

The α coefficients were 0.257 ± 0.188, 0.078 ± 0.080, and 0.182 ± 0.116 Gy(-1), respectively. The β coefficients were 0.0159 ± 0.0208, 0.0076 ± 0.0113, and 0.0062 ± 0.0077 Gy(-2), respectively. The α coefficient and the dose that killed half of the clonogens population (D50) were significantly different between normoxic cell and hypoxic cell cultures (p<0.01), respectively. The use of radiosensitizers under hypoxic conditions improved radiosensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that parameter value distributions are required for biophysical modeling of applications for radiotherapy.

Evaluation of the in vivo antioxidative activity of redox nanoparticles by using a developing chicken egg as an alternative animal model

Antioxidants have been demonstrated to exert beneficial effects as pharmacotherapies for cardiovascular diseases. The in vitro systems generally employed to evaluate antioxidants, however, are limited by having no appreciable in vivo redox status of the antioxidants. Therefore, we used our developing chicken egg model to evaluate the in vivo antioxidative activity of a redox nanoparticle possessing 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (RNP(O)). The 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) elicited strong oxidative stress and its LD50 value for chick embryos was 3.5±0.9mg/egg. The low molecular weight nitroxide compound, 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPOL), which is known to have the highest level of antioxidant activity, showed no significant protective effect against AAPH-induced embryo lethality. On the contrary, RNP(O) had potent protective effects against AAPH-induced embryo lethality. Moreover, RNP(O) could significantly suppress the production of lipid peroxides in chick serum induced by hydrocortisone. Since RNP(O) has a longer retention time in blood than TEMPOL, RNP(O) may protect the embryo against lethal oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation. The validity of in vivo experiments using developing chicken eggs was supported by our data, where RNP(O) was determined to elicit strong antioxidative activity in vivo, irrespective of the lack of a significant difference in the in vitro activity between low-molecular weight TEMPOL and RNP(O). Our results support the use of the developing chicken egg model to evaluate the potential in vivo antioxidative activity of RNP(O).

An inhibitor of HIF-α subunit expression suppresses hypoxia-induced dedifferentiation of human NSCLC into cancer stem cell-like cells

AIM: To investigate whether hypoxia induces dedifferentiation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and whether a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitor is able to suppress the process.

METHODS: Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells and squamous carcinoma QG56 cells were cultured under normoxic (21% O₂) or hypoxic (4% or 1% O₂) conditions. The expression of the following genes were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and/or immunofluorescence: HIF-1α and HIF-2α subunits; differentiation marker genes, namely surfactant protein C (SP-C) (type II alveolar cell marker), CC10 (type I alveolar cell marker) and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) (Clara cell marker); and stem cell-associated genes, namely CD133, OCT4, and Musashi-1 (MSI1). The tumor sphere-forming ability of the cells was evaluated by culturing them in serum-free growth factor-rich medium containing epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). CD133 expression in hypoxic regions in A549 tumors was examined by double-immunostaining of tissue cryosections with an anti-2-nitroimidazole EF5 antibody and an anti-CD133 antibody. The metastatic ability of A549 cells was examined macroscopically and histologically after injecting them into the tail vein of immunocompromised mice.

RESULTS: A549 cells primarily expressed SP-C, and QG56 cells expressed CC10 and AQP5. Exposure of A549 cells to hypoxia resulted in a marked down-regulation of SP-C and upregulation of CD133, OCT4, and MSI1 in a time-dependent manner. Moreover, hypoxia mimetics, namely desferrioxamine and cobalt chloride, elicited similar effects. Ectopic expression of the constitutively active HIF-1α subunit also caused the downregulation of SP-C and upregulation of CD133 and MSI1 but not OCT4, which is a direct target of HIF-2. Hypoxia enhanced the sphere-forming activity of A549 cells in serum-free medium containing EGF and FGF. Similarly, hypoxia downregulated the expression of CC10 and AQP5 genes and upregulated CD133, OCT4, and MSI1 genes in QG56 cells. TX-402 (3-amino-2-quinoxalinecarbonitrile 1, 4-dioxide), which is a small molecule inhibitor of the expression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α subunits under hypoxic conditions, inhibited the upregulation of SP-C and hypoxia-induced down-regulation of CD133, OCT4, and MSI1. Notably, TX-402 significantly suppressed the hypoxia-enhanced lung-colonizing ability of A549 cells.

CONCLUSION: Hypoxia induces the de-differentiation of NSCLC cells into cancer stem cell-like cells, and HIF inhibitors are promising agents to prevent this process.

Degalactosylated/desialylated human serum containing GcMAF induces macrophage phagocytic activity and in vivo antitumor activity

BACKGROUND

The group-specific component protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) has various biological activities, such as macrophage activation and antitumor activity. Clinical trials of GcMAF have been carried out for metastatic breast cancer, prostate cancer, and metastatic colorectal cancer. In this study, despite the complicated purification process of GcMAF, we used enzymatically-treated human serum containing GcMAF with a considerable macrophage-stimulating activity and antitumor activity.

RESULTS

We detected GcMAF in degalactosylated/desialylated human serum by western blotting using an anti-human Gc globulin antibody, and Helix pomatia agglutinin lectin. We also found that GcMAF-containing human serum significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages and extended the survival time of mice bearing Ehrlich ascites tumors.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that GcMAF-containing human serum can be used as a potential macrophage activator for cancer immunotherapy.

Clinical experience of integrative cancer immunotherapy with GcMAF

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy has become an attractive new strategy in the treatment of cancer. The laboratory and clinical study of cancer immunotherapy is rapidly advancing. However, in the clinical setting, the results of cancer immunotherapy are mixed. We therefore contend that cancer immunotherapy should be customized to each patient individually based on their immune status and propose an integrative immunotherapy approach with second-generation group-specific component macrophage activating factor (GcMAF)-containing human serum.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The standard protocol of our integrative cancer immunotherapy is as follows: i) 0.5 ml GcMAF-containing human serum is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously once or twice per week for the duration of cancer therapy until all cancer cells are eradicated; ii) hyper T/natural killer (NK) cell therapy is given once per week for six weeks; iii) high-dose vitamin C is administered intravenously twice per week; iv) alpha lipoic acid (600 mg) is administered orally daily; v) vitamin D3 (5,000-10,000 IU) is administered orally daily.

RESULTS

By March 2013, Saisei Mirai have treated over 345 patients with GcMAF. Among them we here present the cases of three patients for whom our integrative immunotherapy was remarkably effective.

CONCLUSION

The results of our integrative immunotherapy seem hopeful. We also plan to conduct a comparative clinical study.>

Antitumor effect of degalactosylated gc-globulin on orthotopic grafted lung cancer in mice

BACKGROUND

Group-specific component (Gc)-globulin-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) generated by a cascade of catalytic reactions with deglycosidase enzymes exerts antitumor activity. We hypothesized that degalactosyl Gc-globulin (DG3), a precursor of GcMAF, also plays a role in recovery from cancer as well as GcMAF due to progression of deglycosylation by generally resident sialidases and mannosidases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prepared the subtypes of DG3, such as 1f1f and 1s1s and its 22 homodimers, by using vitamin D3-binding Sepharose CL-6B and examined their antitumor activity in mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma cells, by counting the number of nodules formed in their lungs.

RESULTS

Antitumor activity of DG3 was observed regardless of its subtype, being equivalent to that of GcMAF. The injection route of DG3 affected its antitumor activity, with subcutaneous and intramuscular administration being more favorable than the intraperitoneal or intravenous route. In order to obtain significant antitumor activity, more than 160 ng/kg of DG3 were required.

CONCLUSION

DG3 proved to be promising as an antitumor agent, similarly to GcMAF.

Lysophosphatidic acid produced by hen egg white lysophospholipase D induces vascular development on extraembryonic membranes

Lysophosphatidic acid (lysoPtdOH), a lysophospholipid mediator, exerts diverse physiological effects, including angiogenesis, through its specific G-protein-coupled receptors. Previously, we showed that unfertilized hen egg white contains polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich lysoPtdOH and lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD). Here, we examined whether lysoPtdOH was produced by lysoPLD in the presence and absence of a hen fertilized ovum and what the physiological role of lysoPtdOH in hen egg white is. Mass spectrometry showed that fertilized hen egg white contained about 8 μM lysoPtdOH before incubation with an ovum, mainly comprised of 18:1- (12.6 %), 18:2- (37.8 %) and 20:4-molecular species (41.5 %). In an early gestation period, the lysoPtdOH was increased up to 9.6 μM, concomitant with a decrease in the level of polyunsaturated lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPtdCho). Moreover, lysoPtdOH-degrading activities were found in egg white and the vitelline membrane, showing that these enzymes control lysoPtdOH levels in egg white. In an egg yolk angiogenesis assay, two lysoPtdOH receptor antagonists, Ki16425 and N-palmitoyl serine phosphoric acid (NASP), inhibited blood vessel formation induced by exogenously added 18:1-lysoPtdOH and its precursor lysoPtdCho on the hen yolk sac. Ki16425 and NASP also inhibited blood vessel formation in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Furthermore, the relatively higher levels of LPA₁, LPA₂, LPA₄ and LPA₆ mRNA were present in the yolk sac and CAM. These results suggest that lysoPtdOH produced from lysoPtdCho by the action of lysoPLD in hen egg white is involved in the formation of blood vessel networks through several lysoPtdOH receptors on various extraembryonic membranes, including the yolk sac membrane and CAM.

Glutamatergic changes in the cerebral white matter associated with schizophrenic exacerbation

OBJECTIVE

Glutamatergic dysfunction in the brain has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study was aimed to examine several brain chemical mediators, including Glx (glutamate + glutamine), using (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in medicated patients with schizophrenia, with and without psychotic exacerbation.

METHOD

(1)H MRS was acquired in 24 patients with schizophrenia, with psychotic exacerbation; 22 patients without exacerbation; and 27 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers. The levels of metabolites were measured in the left frontal and inferior parietal white matter and compared across the three groups.

RESULTS

The Glx level was significantly elevated in the left inferior parietal white matter in the patients with psychotic exacerbation in comparison with that in the healthy volunteers and the patients without exacerbation (P < 0.05). We also detected that there was a significant correlation between Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-positive scale and Glx level in the left parietal white matter (r = 0.51, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher than normal Glx levels indicate glutamatergic overactivity in the left inferior parietal white matter with schizophrenic exacerbation, a finding that is in accordance with the glutamatergic hypothesis in schizophrenia. The Glx level measured by (1)H MRS could be a biomarker for exacerbation in schizophrenia.

Molecular profiles of cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family-derived 11mer regions

BACKGROUND

Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are secreted from various types of bacteria and are involved in various diseases (e.g. abscess formation). Traditional CDCs has a conserved 11mer region, which is a key structure in membrane recognition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Based on the X-ray data of traditional CDC perfringolysin O (PFO), molecular models of intermedilysin (ILY), pyolysin (PLO), vaginolysin (VLY), and Streptococcus mitis-derived human platelet aggregation factor (Sm-hPAF) were constructed. The 11mer regions of these models were extracted, and their molecular features were analyzed.

RESULTS

The dipole moments of these 11mer regions were classified into four types, and their stereo-hydrophobicity (dGW) was different. It was thought that these results influenced the species specificity and membrane recognition of each cytolysin.

CONCLUSION

Traditional CDCs, ILY, PLO, and VLY consisted of four domains (domains 1 to 4). Domain 0 existed on the N-terminal side in Sm-hPAF in addition to these four domains. The 11mer sequence of Sm-hPAF is the same as that of VLY, but Sm-hPAF has slightly different characteristics (e.g. species specificity, membrane recognition, cholesterol dependency) compared to VLY. Dynamic structure analysis of domain 0 might clarify these differences.

Boron tracedrugs challenge for neutron dynamic therapy

In this short review we describe our innovative boron tracedrugs and drugs for neutron dynamic therapy (NDT), as a newly emerging challenge beyond conventional drug treatments.

β-Galactosidase treatment is a common first-stage modification of the three major subtypes of Gc protein to GcMAF

BACKGROUND

The 1f1f subtype of the group-specific component (Gc) protein is converted into Gc protein-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) by enzymatic processing with β-galactosidase and sialidase. We previously demonstrated that preGc(1f1f)MAF, a full Gc(1f1f) protein otherwise lacking a galactosyl moiety, can be converted to GcMAF by treatment with mouse peritoneal fluid. Here, we investigated the effects of the β-galactosidase-treated 1s1s and 22 subtypes of Gc protein (preGc(1s1s)MAF and preGc₂₂MAF) on the phagocytic activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages.

RESULTS

We demonstrated the presence of Gal-GalNAc disaccharide sugar structures in the Gc(1s1s) protein by western blotting using peanut agglutinin and Helix pomatia agglutinin lectin. We also found that preGc(1s1s)MAF and preGc₂₂MAF significantly enhanced the phagocytic activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages in the presence and absence of mouse peritoneal fluid.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that preGc(1s1s)MAF and preGc₂₂MAF proteins can be used as effective macrophage activators.

Pharmacotherapeutic determinants for QTc interval prolongation in Japanese patients with mood disorder

An increased incidence of sudden death has been observed among patients treated with antidepressants. A prolonged QTc interval is a known prognostic factor for fatal arrhythmia, and several studies have shown that the use of antidepressants can cause a prolonged QTc interval. However, few studies, especially in Japan, have compared the effects of multiple drugs on QTc interval or examined dose relationships in a clinical setting.We compared the effects of antidepressants on QT interval, corrected to QTc by Bazett's formula, in 729 Japanese patients who were diagnosed with mood disorder.Using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, we found that the use of tricyclic antidepressants (P<0.01) and concomitant use of antipsychotics (P<0.05), as well as advanced age and being female (known factors for prolonged QTc interval; both P<0.01), significantly prolonged the QTc interval. Analysis of individual antidepressants also revealed that the use of clomipramine (P<0.01) and amitriptyline (P<0.05) significantly prolonged the QTc interval.Our results reveal that tricyclic antidepressants, especially clomipramine and amitriptyline, confer a risk of prolonged QTc interval in a dose-dependent manner. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors investigated (fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline) were not indicated as risk factors for QTc prolongation.

Purulent meningoventriculitis caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus in a snow leopard (Panthera uncia)

Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (SEZ) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes respiratory tract infections in man and animals. SEZ infections are very rare in felids. This report describes purulent meningoventriculitis caused by SEZ in an approximately 16-year-old male snow leopard (Panthera uncia). The animal exhibited neurological signs and died 1 month after their onset. On necropsy examination, the surface blood vessels of the brain were swollen and there was an increased volume and turbidity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Microscopically, suppurative inflammation accompanied by gram-positive cocci was observed in the meninges and near the ventricles. SEZ was isolated from the brain tissue and CSF. This is the first report of infection with SEZ in a felid other than a domestic cat. This animal had not had direct contact with horses, but it had been fed horse flesh that may have been the source of infection.

The novel hypoxic cytotoxin, TX-2098 has antitumor effect in pancreatic cancer; possible mechanism through inhibiting VEGF and hypoxia inducible factor-1α targeted gene expression

Tumor hypoxia has been considered to be a potential therapeutic target, because hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors and is associated with their malignant phenotype. In the present study, we investigated the antitumor effect of a novel hypoxic cytotoxin, 3-[2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino]-2-quinoxalinecarbonitrile 1,4-dioxide (TX-2098) in inhibiting the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and consequently vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) expression in pancreatic cancer. The antitumor effects of TX-2098 under hypoxia were tested against various human pancreatic cancer cell lines using WST-8 assay. VEGF protein induced pancreatic cancer was determined on cell-free supernatant by ELISA. Moreover, nude mice bearing subcutaneously (s.c.) or orthotopically implanted human SUIT-2 were treated with TX-2098. Tumor volume, survival and expression of HIF-1 and associated molecules were evaluated in treatment versus control groups. In vitro, TX-2098 inhibited the proliferation of various pancreatic cancer cell lines. In s.c model, tumors from nude mice injected with pancreatic cancer cells and treated with TX-2098 showed significant reductions in volume (P<0.01 versus control). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR analysis revealed that TX-2098 significantly inhibited mRNA expression of the HIF-1 associated molecules, VEGF, glucose transporter 1 and Aldolase A (P<0.01 versus control). These treatments also prolong the survival in orthotopic models. These results suggest that the effect of TX-2098 in pancreatic cancer might be correlated with the expression of VEGF and HIF-1 targeted molecules.

Design, synthesis and destructive dynamic effects of BODIPY-containing and curcuminoid boron tracedrugs for neutron dynamic therapy

BACKGROUND

We previously designed the boron tracedrugs UTX-42, UTX-43, and UTX-44, which possess antioxidant potency. In order to explore their destructive dynamic effects when bombarded by weak thermal neutrons, we performed thermal neutron irradiation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) treated with the boron tracedrugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Boron tracedrugs, including the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-containing compounds UTX-42, UTX-44, and UTX-47 and the curcuminoid compounds UTX-50 and UTX-51, were designed for neutron dynamic therapy based on their molecular orbital calculation. Newly designed UTX-47, UTX-50, and UTX-51 were synthesized. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was performed to detect decomposition by thermal neutron irradiation of BSA treated with these boron tracedrugs.

RESULTS

The combination of 1.0 μM BSA with 100 μM of each of the boron tracedrugs showed a decrease in band intensity after irradiation.

CONCLUSION

All boron tracedrugs tested caused destructive dynamic damage of BSA during thermal neutron irradiation, suggesting that boron tracedrugs could be used as dynamic drugs for neutron dynamic therapy.

Effect of the Gc-derived macrophage-activating factor precursor (preGcMAF) on phagocytic activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages

BACKGROUND

The 1f1f subtype of the Gc protein (Gc(1f1f) protein) was converted into Gc-derived macrophage-activating factor (GcMAF) by enzymatic processing in the presence of β-galactosidase of an activated B-cell and sialidase of a T-cell. We hypothesized that preGc(1f1f)MAF, the only Gc(1f1f) protein lacking galactose, can be converted to GcMAF in vivo because sialic acid is cleaved by residual sialidase. Hence, we investigated the effect of preGc(1f1f)MAF on the phagocytic activation of mouse peritoneal macrophages.

RESULTS

We examined the sugar moiety of preGc(1f1f)MAF with a Western blot using peanut agglutinin (PNA) and Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) lectin. We also found that preGc(1f1f)MAF significantly enhanced phagocytic activity in mouse peritoneal macrophages but only in the presence of the mouse peritoneal fluid; the level of phagocytic activity was the same as that observed for GcMAF.

CONCLUSION

PreGc(1f1f)MAF can be used as an effective macrophage activator in vivo.

Efficiency of antimicrobial defense: molecular flexibility of natural defensin and artificial bis-quaternary ammonium compound

BACKGROUND

Human α-defensins (such as HD5 and HD6) are typical bactericidal peptides. We examined the molecular features of HD5 and HD6 by molecular dynamics (MD) analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular features of natural defensins and artificial bis-quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g. 1,6-polymethylenedithio)bis(1-octylpyridinium iodide: 4DTBP-m,8) were analyzed using molecular simulation techniques.

RESULTS

HD5 and HD6 had different electrostatic potential profiles, which indicated the region-dependent hydrophobicity. 4DTBP-m,8 derivatives were significantly flexible, and many conformers existed.

CONCLUSION

HD5 and HD6 indicated antimicrobial activity by restricted conformation.