Laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution and detection of three-dimensional spin vector

We have developed a state-of-the-art apparatus for laser-based spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with micrometer spatial resolution (µ-SARPES). This equipment is realized by the combination of a high-resolution photoelectron spectrometer, a 6 eV laser with high photon flux that is focused down to a few micrometers, a high-precision sample stage control system, and a double very-low-energy-electron-diffraction spin detector. The setup achieves an energy resolution of 1.5 (5.5) meV without (with) the spin detection mode, compatible with a spatial resolution better than 10 µm. This enables us to probe both spatially-resolved electronic structures and vector information of spin polarization in three dimensions. The performance of µ-SARPES apparatus is demonstrated by presenting ARPES and SARPES results from topological insulators and Au photolithography patterns on a Si (001) substrate.

Ultrafast electron dynamics in a topological surface state observed in two-dimensional momentum space

We study ultrafast population dynamics in the topological surface state of Sb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] in two-dimensional momentum space with time- and angle-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy. Linearly polarized mid-infrared pump pulses are used to permit a direct optical excitation across the Dirac point. We show that this resonant excitation is strongly enhanced within the Dirac cone along three of the six [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] directions and results in a macroscopic photocurrent when the plane of incidence is aligned along a [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] direction. Our experimental approach makes it possible to disentangle the decay of transiently excited population and photocurent by elastic and inelastic electron scattering within the full Dirac cone in unprecedented detail. This is utilized to show that doping of Sb[Formula: see text]Te[Formula: see text] by vanadium atoms strongly enhances inelastic electron scattering to lower energies, but only scarcely affects elastic scattering around the Dirac cone.

DSP-0509, a systemically available TLR7 agonist, exhibits combination effect with immune checkpoint blockade by activating anti-tumor immune effects

TLR7 is an innate immune receptor that recognizes single-stranded RNAs, and its activation leads to anti-tumor immune effects. Although it is the only approved TLR7 agonist in cancer therapy, imiquimod is allowed to be administered with topical formulation. Thus, systemic administrative TLR7 agonist is expected in terms of expanding applicable cancer types. Here, we demonstrated the identification and characterization of DSP-0509 as a novel small-molecule TLR7 agonist. DSP-0509 is designed to have unique physicochemical features that could be administered systemically with a short half-life. DSP-0509 activated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and induced inflammatory cytokines including type I interferons. In the LM8 tumor-bearing mouse model, DSP-0509 reduced tumor growth not only in subcutaneous primary lesions but also in lung metastatic lesions. DSP-0509 inhibited tumor growth in several syngeneic tumor-bearing mouse models. We found that the CD8⁺ T cell infiltration of tumor before treatment tended to be positively correlated with anti-tumor efficacy in several mouse tumor models. The combination of DSP-0509 with anti-PD-1 antibody significantly enhanced the tumor growth inhibition compared to each monotherapy in CT26 model mice. In addition, the effector memory T cells were expanded in both the peripheral blood and tumor, and rejection of tumor re-challenge occurred in the combination group. Moreover, synergistic anti-tumor efficacy and effector memory T cell upregulation were also observed for the combination with anti-CTLA-4 antibody. The analysis of the tumor-immune microenvironment by using the nCounter assay revealed that the combination of DSP-0509 with anti-PD-1 antibody enhanced infiltration by multiple immune cells including cytotoxic T cells. In addition, the T cell function pathway and antigen presentation pathway were activated in the combination group. We confirmed that DSP-0509 enhanced the anti-tumor immune effects of anti-PD-1 antibody by inducing type I interferons via activation of dendritic cells and even CTLs. In conclusion, we expect that DSP-0509, a new TLR7 agonist that synergistically induces anti-tumor effector memory T cells with immune checkpoint blockers (ICBs) and can be administered systemically, will be used in the treatment of multiple cancers.

The gut–kidney–heart axis in chronic kidney disease

The recent explosion of scientific interest in the gut microbiota has dramatically advanced our understanding of the complex pathophysiological interactions between the gut and multiple organs in health and disease. Emerging evidence has revealed that the gut microbiota is significantly altered in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), along with impaired intestinal barrier function. These alterations allow translocation of various gut-derived products into the systemic circulation, contributing to the development and progression of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD), partly mediated by chronic inflammation. Among potentially toxic gut-derived products identifiable in the systemic circulation, bacterial endotoxin and gut metabolites (e.g., p-cresyl sulfate and trimethylamine-N-oxide) have been extensively studied for their immunostimulatory and atherogenic properties. Recent studies have also suggested similar biological properties of bacterial DNA fragments circulating in the blood of patients with CKD, even in the absence of overt infections. Despite the accumulating evidence of the gut microbiota in CKD and its therapeutic potential for CVD, the precise mechanisms for multidirectional interactions between the gut, kidney, and heart remain poorly understood. This review aims to provide recent evidence on the associations between the gut microbiota, CKD, and CVD, and summarize current understanding of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the “gut–kidney–heart” axis in CKD.

Sipa1 deficiency unleashes a host-immune mechanism eradicating chronic myelogenous leukemia-initiating cells

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) caused by hematopoietic stem cells expressing the Bcr-Abl fusion gene may be controlled by Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, CML-initiating cells are resistant to TKIs and may persist as minimal residual disease. We demonstrate that mice deficient in Sipa1, which encodes Rap1 GTPase-activating protein, rarely develop CML upon transfer of primary hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) expressing Bcr-Abl, which cause lethal CML disease in wild-type mice. Resistance requires both T cells and nonhematopoietic cells. Sipa1^−/− mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs) show enhanced activation and directed migration to Bcr-Abl⁺ cells in tumor tissue and preferentially produce Cxcl9, which in turn recruits Sipa1^−/− memory T cells that have markedly augmented chemotactic activity. Thus, Sipa1 deficiency uncovers a host immune mechanism potentially capable of eradicating Bcr-Abl⁺ HPCs via coordinated interplay between MSCs and immune T cells, which may provide a clue for radical control of human CML.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)-initiating cells are resistant to kinase inhibitors. Here the authors show that deficiency of the Rap1 GTPase-activating protein Sipa1 in the tumor microenvironment releases an immune response that eradicates CML-initiating cells via interplay between stromal and T cells.

Prolonged duration of nonequilibrated Dirac fermions in neutral topological insulators

Topological insulators (TIs) possess spin-polarized Dirac fermions on their surface but their unique properties are often masked by residual carriers in the bulk. Recently, (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃ was introduced as a non-metallic TI whose carrier type can be tuned from n to p across the charge neutrality point. By using time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we investigate the ultrafast carrier dynamics in the series of (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃. The Dirac electronic recovery of ∼10 ps at most in the bulk-metallic regime elongated to >400 ps when the charge neutrality point was approached. The prolonged nonequilibration is attributed to the closeness of the Fermi level to the Dirac point and to the high insulation of the bulk. We also discuss the feasibility of observing excitonic instability of (Sb_1−xBi_x)₂Te₃.

Lack of interleukin-6 in the tumor microenvironment augments type-1 immunity and increases the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy

Conquering immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments is crucial for effective cancer immunotherapy. It is well known that interleukin (IL)‐6, a pleiotropic cytokine, is produced in the tumor‐bearing state. In the present study, we investigated the precise effects of IL‐6 on antitumor immunity and the subsequent tumorigenesis in tumor‐bearing hosts. CT26 cells, a murine colon cancer cell line, were intradermally injected into wild‐type and IL‐6‐deficient mice. As a result, we found that tumor growth was decreased significantly in IL‐6‐deficient mice compared with wild‐type mice and the reduction was abrogated by depletion of CD8⁺ T cells. We further evaluated the immune status of tumor microenvironments and confirmed that mature dendritic cells, helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells were highly accumulated in tumor sites under the IL‐6‐deficient condition. In addition, higher numbers of interferon (IFN)‐γ‐producing T cells were present in the tumor tissues of IL‐6‐deficient mice compared with wild‐type mice. Surface expression levels of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and MHC class I on CT26 cells were enhanced under the IL‐6‐deficient condition in vivo and by IFN‐γ stimulation in vitro. Finally, we confirmed that in vivo injection of an anti‐PD‐L1 antibody or a Toll‐like receptor 3 ligand, polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid, effectively inhibited tumorigenesis under the IL‐6‐deficient condition. Based on these findings, we speculate that a lack of IL‐6 produced in tumor‐bearing host augments induction of antitumor effector T cells and inhibits tumorigenesis in vivo, suggesting that IL‐6 signaling may be a promising target for the development of effective cancer immunotherapies.

Once-weekly teriparatide in hemodialysis patients with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass: a prospective study

Once-weekly 56.5-μg teriparatide treatment was significantly associated with the increase in lumbar spine bone mineral density at 48 weeks among hemodialysis patients with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass; however, discontinuation of treatment because of adverse events was frequently observed. Careful monitoring for adverse events should be required.

INTRODUCTION

Once-weekly 56.5-μg teriparatide is reportedly effective for treating osteoporotic patients without renal insufficiency. However, little is known about the efficacy and safety of once-weekly teriparatide in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

We conducted a 48-week prospective, observational cohort study including 22 hemodialysis patients aged 20 years or older with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass who received once-weekly teriparatide at 56.5 μg at a tertiary care hospital between January 2013 and January 2015. Primary outcomes were within-subject percent changes of bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and distal one-third radius at 24 and 48 weeks. Secondary outcomes included percent changes of serum bone turnover markers (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type 1 (P1NP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRAP-5b)). Adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

The BMD increased at the lumbar spine by 3.3 ± 1.9 % (mean ± SEM) and 3.0 ± 1.8 % at 24 and 48 weeks but not in the femoral neck and distal one-third radius. Serum osteocalcin, BAP, and P1NP increased significantly at 4 weeks, maintaining higher concentrations up to 48 weeks, although TRAP-5b decreased gradually during treatment. The baseline BAP was significantly associated with the 48-week percent change in lumbar spine BMD. Transient hypotension was the most common adverse event. Ten patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Once-weekly teriparatide was associated with increased lumbar spine BMD in hemodialysis patients with hypoparathyroidism and low bone mass. Careful monitoring should be required for treatment of such patients.

IL-6 down-regulates HLA class II expression and IL-12 production of human dendritic cells to impair activation of antigen-specific CD4(+) T cells

Immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments critically affects the success of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we focused on the role of interleukin (IL)-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) signaling cascade in immune regulation by human dendritic cells (DCs). IL-6-conditioned monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) impaired the presenting ability of cancer-related antigens. Interferon (IFN)-γ production attenuated by CD4(+) T cells co-cultured with IL-6-conditioned MoDCs corresponded with decreased DC IL-12p70 production. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR and CD86 expression was significantly reduced in CD11b(+)CD11c(+) cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors by IL-6 treatment and was STAT3 dependent. Arginase-1 (ARG1), lysosomal protease, cathepsin L (CTSL), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) were involved in the reduction of surface HLA-DR expression. Gene expressions of ARG1, CTSL, COX2, and IL6 were higher in tumor-infiltrating CD11b(+)CD11c(+) cells compared with PBMCs isolated from colorectal cancer patients. Expression of surface HLA-DR and CD86 on CD11b(+)CD11c(+) cells was down-regulated, and T cell-stimulating ability was attenuated compared with PBMCs, suggesting that an immunosuppressive phenotype might be induced by IL-6, ARG1, CTSL, and COX2 in tumor sites of colorectal cancer patients. There was a relationship between HLA-DR expression levels in tumor tissues and the size of CD4(+) T and CD8(+) T cell compartments. Our findings indicate that IL-6 causes a dysfunction in human DCs that activates cancer antigen-specific Th cells, suggesting that blocking the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway might be a promising strategy to improve cancer immunotherapy.

Measurement of the zygomatic bone and pilot hole technique for safer insertion of zygomaticus implants

The zygomaticus implant was developed for patients with severe bone resorption of the posterior maxilla. These may eliminate or minimize the need for bone grafting. Although the zygomaticus implant has shown a remarkable success rate in this difficult-to-treat patient population, the method requires an advanced surgical technique and carries an increased risk of complications. There have been few anatomical studies on the zygomatic bone in relation to the insertion of zygomaticus implants. The height and thickness of the zygomatic bone for the insertion were measured in this study. The thickness at the 90° angle point, where the upper margin of the zygomatic arch and the temporal margin of the frontal process of the zygomatic bone intersect and where the apex of the implant penetrates, was found to be 1.8±0.4 mm; this gradually increased inferiorly and anteriorly. Thus, the penetration point of the apex of the zygomaticus implant should be located more inferoanterior to the 90° angle point, as the thickness in this region is thinner than the diameter of the implant. Based on the results of this study, a newer and safer insertion method for the zygomaticus implant using a drill guide is proposed.

Impact of tubulointerstitial lesions on anaemia in patients with biopsy-proven diabetic nephropathy

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between the progression of anaemia and renal pathological findings in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

METHODS

A total of 223 patients with diabetes underwent renal biopsy from 1985 to 2010 and were confirmed to have pure diabetic nephropathy according to the recent classification, of whom 113 (baseline haemoglobin ≥ 11 g/dl) were enrolled in the study. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the changes in haemoglobin levels during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

In a multivariate model adjusted for clinical and histopathological variables, higher interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores were more strongly associated with a decrease in haemoglobin levels than were lower scores. Compared with an interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy score of 0, the standardized coefficients for interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy scores of 1, 2 and 3 were 0.20 (95% CI -0.31 to 0.93), 0.34 (95% CI -0.22 to 1.34) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.07 to 1.96), respectively, whereas a higher glomerular class, a higher vascular lesion score and the presence of exudative lesions were not strongly correlated with the decrease in haemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

Tubulointerstitial lesions that are more advanced are significantly associated with the progression of anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy after adjustment for numerous covariates. This finding suggests that tubulointerstitial lesions may be a useful prognostic indicator for anaemia in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and that decreased erythropoietin production attributable to the progression of tubulointerstitial lesions is a major cause of anaemia in these patients.

Bone histomorphometry in a long-term hemodialysis patient with hypoparathyroidism and sarcoidosis

A bone biopsy specimen in a long-term hemodialysis patient with sarcoidosis coexisting with severe hypoparathyroidism has demonstrated that a persistent near physiological level of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 contributes to the preservation of bone remodeling and has the potential to retard the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis. Sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia and hypoparathyroidism, which is characterized by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) overproduction, is rarely seen in hemodialysis patients. Herein, we describe a 60-year-old Japanese woman on hemodialysis for 35 years who presented with malaise and hypercalcemia. Severe hypoparathyroidism without parathyroidectomy and a preserved 1,25(OH)2D3 level were detected. Computed tomography showed bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and minimal aortic and soft tissue calcification. The axillary node biopsy led to a definite diagnosis of sarcoidosis. A bone biopsy specimen obtained from the right iliac crest showed remodeling of normal lamellar bone with scalloped cement lines and clear double labeling by tetracycline on fluorescence microscopy. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the bone formation rate was preserved (30.0 %/year), together with a decrease of osteoid volume (5.75 %) and fibrous volume (0 %), indicating that the patient did not have adynamic bone disease and only showed mild disease. This is the first documented case of sarcoidosis-related hypercalcemia associated with severe hypoparathyroidism in a long-term hemodialysis patient who underwent bone histomorphometry. Our findings suggest that, in hemodialysis patients with sarcoidosis coexisting with severe hypoparathyroidism, a persistent near physiological level of 1,25(OH)2D3 contributes to the preservation of bone remodeling and has the potential to retard the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

IL-6/STAT3 signaling impaired induction of cancer-antigen specific T cells via down-regulation of dendritic cells in tumor microenvironment

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Background: Immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments is a critical issue for cancer immunotherapy. Recently, the effectiveness of immuno-check point therapy has been reported on various types of solid tumors. But, the effectiveness in colorectal cancer was poor compared to other cancers, such as melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Correct regulation of dendritic cell (DC) function in tumors is important for inducing anti-tumor immunity. We have been demonstrated that IL-6 inhibits antigen presentation by DCs through STAT3 activation in tumor-bearing mice. In this study, we focused on the role of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling cascade in human DCs. Methods: Both IL-6 and pSTAT3 expressions in tumor sites of colorectal cancers was verified by immunohistostaining. CD11b+CD11c+DCs in cancer tissues and PBMCs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting system and investigated about the surface molecules such as HLA-DR, T cell stimulating ability, and effector gene expression levels. Moreover, we investigated influence of IL-6/STAT3 signaling in human DCs in vitro. Results: The results of IHC revealed that IL-6 was preferentially produced by cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the tissues of colorectal cancers. In addition, it was confirmed that STAT3 was activated in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Tumor infiltrating CD11b+CD11c+ DCs highly induced IL-6 gene, down-regulated surface expression of HLA-DR, and attenuated T cell stimulating ability. In vitro experiments showed that IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation reduced surface expression of HLA-DR. COX2, cathepsin L (CTSL), and arginase activity were are involved in the IL-6-mediated down-regulation of surface expression levels of HLA-DR expression levels on DCs. Gene expressions of CTSL, ARG1 as well as IL6 in tumor infiltrating CD11b+CD11c+DCs were much higher than those of PBMCs. Conclusions: IL-6-mediated STAT3 activation inhibits functional maturation of DCs, causing suppression of anti-tumor immunity in colorectal cancer. Therefore, inhibition of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway could be a promising strategy for improving immunotherapies for colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract 3621: Regulation of antigen-presentaion by dendritic cells by TLR ligands and its application to cancer vaccine immunotherapy

Dendritic cells (DCs), one of the most powerful antigen presenting cells (APCs), are crucial not only for the innate immunity but also for the central role of the antigen-specific immune responses through activation of CD4+T and CD8+T cells. Generally, professional APCs such as DCs have a characteristic to initiate the strong T cell-immune responses because of the signals from costimulatory molecules and cytokines in addition to antigen-loaded MHCs compared with other APCs.

Tumor antigen-pulsed DCs strongly prime both CD4+T and CD8+T cells capable of recognizing and killing tumor cells in response to the antigens on the target cells. Therefore, the effective antigen presentation by DCs is required for application of DC-mediated cancer immunotherapy.

Numerous clinical studies using the HLA class I binding short peptides have been performed to activate tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in cancer patients. However, remarkable results such as the complete disappearance of tumors is still limited. Therefore, we focused on the function of DCs as professional APCs.

In this study, we first prepared long peptides of tumor antigens including MHC class I and class II epitopes to uptake by DCs and to activate effector CTLs and Th cells, effectively.

Next, we examined the effect of adjuvants or cytokines on DC function to activate tumor-antigen specific CTLs and Th cells, because it was thought that the maturation of DCs was an important factor for the induction of antigen specific T cells. We used OK-432, poly I:C, LPS, IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, and TGF-β in addition to GM-CSF for induction or stimulation with DCs. As a result, we observed that upregulation of MHC class I and class II expressions on DCs after stimulation with TLR ligands and cytokines except IL-6 and TGF-β. In this study, we found that IL-6 suppressed the function of DCs, whereas TGF-β inhibited the differentiation of DCs. Furthermore, we confirmed that IL-12 production by DCs after stimulation with OK-432 and poly I:C, but not LPS or other cytokines. Then, we examined the antigen-uptake and activation of antigen-specific CD4+T and CD8+T cells by using OK-432- or poly I:C-treated DCs. As a result, it became clear that we could induce antigen-specific Th cells and CTLs more effectively by using long peptides than short peptides. In addition, we confirmed that antigen-specific cytokine production by T cells was attenuated by the blockade of endocytosis and proteasome of DCs, suggesting the dynamics of antigen processing of the long peptides in DCs.

We are now investigating for the novel regulator of DCs to generate antigen-specific T cells in cancer patients, which would promote the effect of the cancer vaccines.

Citation Format: Junya Ohtake, Takuto Kishikawa, Shun Kaneumi, Kazutaka Masuko, Yosuke Ono, Kentaro Sumida, Satoshi Terada, Toshiyuki Kita, Hidemitsu Kitamura. Regulation of antigen-presentaion by dendritic cells by TLR ligands and its application to cancer vaccine immunotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3621. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3621

Abstract 3620: Neuropeptide signaling activates Type-1 immunity through the NK1 and NK2 receptors on human dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs), representative antigen-presenting cells, effectively induce antigen-specific immune responses through activation of CD4+T and CD8+T cells. In tumor microenvironments, DCs uptake tumor-derived antigens, and generate helper T cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which recognize and kill the target tumor cells in response to the antigens. Thus, proper regulation of DC function is important for tumor immunology.

Substance P (SP) and Neurokinin A (NKA), neurotransmitters, are widely distributed in both central and peripheral nervous system. Recently, we demonstrated that IFN-γ remarkably induced neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R) expression human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. These findings strongly suggested that neuropeptide-signaling cascade might be closely related with regulation of DC-mediated immune responses. To elucidate the precise role of such neuro-immune crosstalk, we further investigated the effect of neuropeptide signaling on function of human DCs.

At first, we found that both neurokinin-1 receptor (NK2R) and NK2R mRNA expressions were significantly enhanced by IFN-β, IFN-γ, LPS, or poly I:C stimulation with human DCs generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In addition, we confirmed that the upregulation of NK1R and NK2R mRNA expressions was induced in a STAT-1-dependent manner. Surface expression levels of HLA-DR and costimulatory molecules on DCs, augmented by poly I:C, were modulated in the presence of specific inhibitors against NK1R or NK2R. On the other hand, we confirmed that blockade of NK1R- and NK2R-mediated signaling cascade significantly suppressed cytokine productions by antigen-specific CD4+ T cells after the antigen stimulation with DCs. Finally, we found that human DCs also enhanced expression level of TAC-1 gene, which encodes SP and NKA, after the IFN-γ stimulation.

Thus, these findings indicate that NK1R- and NK2R-dependent neuropeptide signaling regulate Type-1 immunity through the activation of DC function, suggesting that such neuro-immune cross-talk through SP-NK1R and NKA-NK2R cascade might be involved in various diseases caused by excessive Type-1-dominant immunity including cancer and infection with chronic inflammation.

Citation Format: Hidemitsu Kitamura, Junya Ohtake, Shun Kaneumi, Kazutaka Masuko, Kentaro Sumida, Satoshi Terada, Takuto Kishikawa, Yosuke Ono, Toshiyuki Kita, Hiroya Kobayashi. Neuropeptide signaling activates Type-1 immunity through the NK1 and NK2 receptors on human dendritic cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3620. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3620

Abstract 4085: Crucial roles of helper and killer epitopes in tumor antigens for developing dendritic cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy

Dendritic cells (DCs), powerful antigen presenting cells, play central role for induction of the antigen-specific immune responses through activation of CD4+T and CD8+T cells. Tumor antigen-pulsed DCs strongly generate helper T cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which recognize and kill the target tumor cells in response to the antigens. Thus, proper design of antigen is required for application of DC-mediated cancer immunotherapy.

Many investigators have performed clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy. Numerous vaccinations with tumor antigen-derived peptides have been able to induce tumor specific immune responses to eradicate cancer with superior specificity and without severe adverse effects. However, the therapeutic efficacy of cancer vaccine therapy using MHC class I-binding peptides for CTLs have been limited to induce complete regression in cancer patients. To overcome limitation of antitumor effects, strong and persisting activation of tumor specific CTLs are required for eradication of tumor tissues to induce a complete cure in tumor-bearing hosts. Recently, it has been demonstrated that CD4+ helper T cells play a critical role for inducing fully activated antitumor CTLs. Moreover, long peptides composed of both MHC class I- and class II-binding epitopes exhibited superior vaccine efficacy compared with shorter peptides. Thus, the existence of helper epitopes and the length of peptides appeared to be key factors for designing a promising peptide for DC-mediated immunotherapy.

In this work, we focused natural tumor antigens such as Birc5, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family, which was abundantly expressed in the majority of cancer cells. We first prepared a Birc5 long peptide containing helper and killer epitopes and the shorter peptides containing helper and/or killer epitope. The long peptide was injected alone or with bone marrow-derived DCs into several types of tumor-bearing mice. The tumor growth was remarkably decreased by in vivo injection of the long peptide compared with the short peptide. In addition, we confirmed that long peptides were superior to the short peptides for inducing antigen-specific immune responses in vivo. These data indicated that long peptides containing helper and killer epitopes might be critical for inducing effective antitumor immunity in cancer immunotherapy, suggesting that long peptide vaccination containing helper and killer epitope would become a promising therapeutic vaccine strategy for cancer patients.

Citation Format: Kazutaka Masuko, Shun Kaneumi, Junya Ohtake, Kentaro Sumida, Satoshi Terada, Takuto Kishikawa, Yosuke Ohno, Toshiyuki Kita, Hidemitsu Kitamura. Crucial roles of helper and killer epitopes in tumor antigens for developing dendritic cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4085. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4085

Terahertz phase contrast imaging of sorption kinetics in porous coordination polymer nanocrystals using differential optical resonator

The enhancement of light-matter coupling when light is confined to wavelength scale volumes is useful both for studying small sample volumes and increasing the overall sensing ability. At these length scales, nonradiative interactions are of key interest to which near-field optical techniques may reveal new phenomena facilitating next-generation material functionalities and applications. Efforts to develop novel chemical or biological sensors using metamaterials have yielded innovative ideas in the optical and terahertz frequency range whereby the spatially integrated response over a resonator structure is monitored via the re-radiated or leaked light. But although terahertz waves generally exhibit distinctive response in chemical molecules or biological tissue, there is little absorption for subwavelength size sample and therefore poor image contrast. Here, we introduce a method that spatially resolves the differential near-field phase response of the entire resonator as a spectral fingerprint. By simultaneously probing two metallic ring resonators, where one loaded with the sample of interest, the differential phase response is able to resolve the presence of guest molecules (e.g. methanol) as they are adsorbed or released within the pores of a prototypical porous coordination polymer.

NK1R- and NK2R-dependent neuropeptide signaling regulates Type-1 immunity through activation of dendritic cells (INC6P.336)

Neurotransmitters such as Substance P (SP) and Neurokinin A (NKA) are widely distributed in both central and peripheral nervous system. Recently, we demonstrated that IFN-γ remarkably induced neurokinin-2 receptor (NK2R) expression in human dendritic cells (DCs). These findings strongly suggested that neuropeptide-signaling might regulate function of human DCs DC-mediated immune responses. In this study, we examined the effect of neuropeptide signaling on DC function. Human DCs generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were treated with various type I cytokines or toll-like receptor ligands. Both neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) and NK2R mRNA expressions in DCs were significantly enhanced by poly I:C stimulation. The upregulation of NK1R and NK2R mRNA expressions was blocked in the presence of STAT-1 inhibitor. Surface expression levels of HLA-DR and costimulatory molecules on DCs, augmented by poly I:C, were modulated by NK1R or NK2R inhibitor. In addition, we found that blockade of NK1R- and NK2R-mediated signaling significantly suppressed various cytokine productions by antigen-specific CD4+ T cells stimulated with DCs. These findings indicate that NK1R- and NK2R-dependent neuropeptide signaling regulate Type-1 immunity through the activation of DCs, suggesting that such neuro-immune cross-talk through NK1R and NK2R signaling might be involved in various diseases with chronic inflammation caused by excessive Type-1-dominant immunity.

Activation of IL-6/STAT3-signaling cascade induces suppression of antigen presentation by human dendritic cells (TUM4P.917)

Immunosuppression in tumor microenvironments is one of the critical issues for cancer immunotherapy. We have been demonstrated that IL-6, a pleiotropic cytokine that regulate the growth, differentiation and survival of a variety of cells, significantly inhibited maturation of murine dendritic cells (DCs) via STAT3 activation both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we focused on IL-6/STAT3-signaling cascade in human dendritic cells (DCs), and investigated the effects of IL-6 on antigen-presenting ability of DCs. Surface HLA class I, HLA class II, and costimulatory molecules of human DCs were evaluated after the stimulation with IL-6 in vitro. As a result, HLA-DR and CD86 expressions were significantly reduced by IL-6 treatment of human DCs. The reduction was remarkably blocked in the presence of STAT3 inhibitor. In addition, IFN-γ production by T cells after TCR-stimulation was significantly suppressed in the presence of IL-6-treated DCs compared with control DCs. Moreover, we found that activation of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells by DCs was remarkably reduced by the IL-6-treatment. In this study, we demonstrated that IL-6/STAT3-signaling cascade was one of the regulating factors for antigen presentation of DCs. From these findings suggest that IL-6/STAT3 signaling cascade regulates immunosuppressive function of human DCs, which would be a promising target for improving the effects of cancer immunotherapy.

IL-17 regulates Toll-like receptor-mediated activation of dendritic cells (TUM4P.905)

We have proposed that IL-17 produced by γδ T cells promoted angiogenesis and subsequent tumor progression in tumor microenvironment. However, the precise effect of IL-17 on immune system was remained unclear. Since dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in immune regulation, we investigated the impact of IL-17 on DC function. Bone marrow-derived DCs were treated with IL-17 for 16 h and then stimulated with various toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands. IL-17 treatment significantly reduced IL-12, TNF-α, or IL-6 production by the DCs in a dose dependent manner. Interestingly, we found that IL-12 production was most clearly decreased compared to the other cytokines. In addition, IL-17 markedly suppressed the upregulation of MHC class II, CD40, and CD86 expressions on DCs after the stimulation. To evaluate effects of IL-17 on T cell-stimulating activity, IL-17-treated DCs were co-cultured with OVA antigen-specific T cells in the presence of OVA peptides or OVA proteins. We confirmed that IFN-γ production and T cell proliferation were suppressed by the IL-17-treatment. To determine effects of IL-17 on in vivo DC function, we established a novel tumor-bearing model using IL-17-producing cancer cells. As a result, expression levels of MHC class II and costimulatoly molecules on DCs were reduced in this model. These findings clearly indicated that IL-17 would inhibit activation of DCs including cytokine production and T cell activation in tumor microenvironment.

Characteristics of splenic CD8+ T cell exhaustion in patients with hepatitis C

There is increasing interest in the role of T cell exhaustion and it is well known that the natural history of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is modulated by CD8(+) T cell immunobiology. There are many pathways that alter the presence of exhaustive T cells and, in particular, they are functionally impaired by inhibitory receptors, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (Tim-3). We obtained spleen, liver and peripheral blood (before and after splenectomy) lymphoid cells from 25 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis undergoing liver transplantation for end-stage disease or splenectomy for portal hypertension. In all samples we performed an extensive phenotypic study of exhaustion markers [PD-1, Tim-3, interferon (IFN)-γ) and their ligands (PD-L1, PD-L2, galectin-9] in CD8(+) T cell subpopulations (both total and HCV-specific) and in antigen-presenting cells (APC; monocytes and dendritic cells). In the spleen, total and HCV-specific CD8(+) T cells demonstrated enhanced markers of exhaustion, predominantly in the effector memory subpopulation. Similarly, splenic APC over-expressed inhibitory receptor ligands when compared to peripheral blood. Finally, when peripheral blood CD8(+) T cells were compared before and after splenectomy, markers of exhaustion were reduced in splenic CD8(+) T cells and APC. Our data in HCV-related cirrhosis suggest that CD8(+) T cells in the spleen manifest a significantly higher exhaustion compared to peripheral blood and may thus contribute to the failure to control HCV. Counteracting this process may contribute to inducing an effective immune response to HCV.

The key role of IL-6-arginase cascade for inducing dendritic cell-dependent CD4(+) T cell dysfunction in tumor-bearing mice

Evaluation of immune dysfunction during the tumor-bearing state is a critical issue in combating cancer. In this study, we initially found that IL-6, one of the cachectic factors, suppressed CD4(+) T cell-mediated immunity through downregulation of MHC class II by enhanced arginase activity of dendritic cells (DC) in tumor-bearing mice. We demonstrated that administration of Ab against IL-6R (anti-IL-6R mAb) greatly enhanced T cell responses and inhibited the growth of tumor in vivo. We also found that IL-6 upregulated the expression of arginase-1 and arginase activity of DC in vitro. Tumor-infiltrating CD11c(+) DC exhibited upregulated mRNA expression of arginase-1 but reduced expression of MHC class II in parallel with the increase in serum IL-6 levels at the late stage in tumor-bearing hosts. However, the administration of anti-IL-6R mAb into tumor-bearing mice inhibited both the downmodulation of MHC class II and the upregulation of arginase-1 mRNA levels in DC. Furthermore, we noted that N(ω)-hydroxy-L-arginine or L-arginine, an arginase-1 inhibitor, blocked the reduction in MHC class II levels on CD11c(+) DC during the tumor-bearing state. Finally, we demonstrated that the administration of N(ω)-hydroxy-L-arginine at the peritumor site significantly enhanced CD4(+) T cell responses and inhibited tumor growth. Thus, IL-6-mediated arginase activation and the subsequent reduction in MHC class II expression on DC appeared to be critical mechanisms for inducing dysfunction of the immune system in the tumor-bearing state. Blockade of the IL-6-arginase cascade is a promising tool to overcome the dysfunction of antitumor immunity in tumor-bearing hosts.

Hepatitis C virus-related kidney disease: various histological patterns

BACKGROUND

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is known to be associated with Type 2 cryoglobulinemic glomerulopathy (CG), only a few reports about other types of nephropathy have been published.

METHODS

68 HCV antibody positive patients in whom renal biopsy had been performed for persistent proteinuria, hematuria, and/or renal dysfunction between 1992 and 2008 at our institute were included. The histological, clinical and laboratory characteristics including the age, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, liver histology (chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis), HCV-RNA, HCV genotype, splenomegaly, gastroesophageal varices, serum creatinine, hemoglobin, platelet count, rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulin, IgG, IgA, IgM, CH50, C3, C4, creatinine clearance, 24-h protein excretion, and hematuria, between their nephropathy with and without immune deposition were compared.

RESULTS

Nephropathy was classified into two groups based on the detection of immune deposits by immunofluorescence microscopy: i.e., a positive group (n = 39) and a negative group (n = 29). The former group was further classified into three types of nephropathy: IgG dominant group (n = 10) (including membranous nephropathy (MN)), IgA dominant group (n = 20) (including IgA nephropathy (IgAN)), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) (IgA type)), and IgM dominant group (n = 9) (MPGN apart from the IgA type). The latter group included diabetic nephropathy (n = 13), focal glomerular sclerosis (n = 4), and benign nephrosclerosis (n = 3), malignant nephrosclerosis (n = 1), tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) (n = 2), minimal change nephrotic syndrome (n = 1), cast nephropathy (n = 1), granulomatous TIN (n = 1), and others (n = 3). An increased serum IgM level, hypocomplementemia, splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, liver cirrhosis, hematuria, and a high HCV RNA level were features of patients with MPGN of IgM dominant group (consistent with "CG").

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed various histological patterns of HCV-related kidney disease and the specificity of CG, and revealed that a minority of HCV patients (n = 7) presented typical CG, while IgAN, MN, and diabetic nephropathy were more frequent.

Tumor-infiltrating IL-17-producing gammadelta T cells support the progression of tumor by promoting angiogenesis

Based on the evidence that IL-17 is a key cytokine involved in various inflammatory diseases, we explored the critical role of IL-17-producing gammadelta T cells for tumor development in tumor-bearing mouse model. IL-17(-/-) mice exhibited a significant reduction of tumor growth, concomitantly with the decrease of vascular density at lesion area, indicating a pro-tumor property of IL-17. Among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), gammadelta T cells were the major cellular source of IL-17. Analysis of TCR repertoires in TIL-gammadelta T cells showed that circulating gammadelta T cells, but not skin resident Vgamma5(+)gammadelta T cells, produced IL-17. Neutralizing antibodies against IL-23, IL-6, and TGF-beta, which were produced within the tumor microenvironment, inhibited the induction of IL-17-producing gammadelta T cells. IL-17 production by tumor-infiltrating gammadelta T cells was blocked by anti-gammadeltaTCR or anti-NKG2D antibodies, indicating that these ligands, expressed within the tumor microenvironment, are involved in gammadelta T-cell activation. The IL-17-producing TIL-gammadelta T cells exhibited reduced levels of perforin mRNA expression, but increased levels of COX-2 mRNA expression. Together, our findings support the novel concept that IL-17-producing gammadelta T cells, generated in response to tumor microenvironment, act as tumor-promoting cells by inducing angiogenesis.

Gastric tumor from metastasis of breast cancer

Metastatic tumours of the stomach have been reported to result from various types of cancer. Among them, gastric metastasis from breast cancer has been recognised in 0.3-18% patients (1-4). Here, a rare case of metastatic gastric tumour derived from breast carcinoma is reported. Gastric endoscopy confirmed a large, friable mass (approximately 5 cm in diameter) in the upper part of the gastric body. The mass within the stomach was difficult to distinguish from primary gastric cancer, although biopsies of this lesion revealed the characteristics of adenocarcinoma. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed the positive expression of mammaglobin. Taken together, the evidence pointed to metastasis of breast cancer to the stomach. The patient was treated with hormonal therapy (letrozole), and the size of the metastasis in the stomach was markedly reduced. Therefore, a gastric metastasis from breast cancer was diagnosed successfully using immunohistochemistry and unnecessary surgery was avoided. In conclusion, although gastric metastatic tumours derived from breast carcinoma are rare, their accurate pre-operative diagnosis and appropriate systemic treatment is essential.

Rapid method for analyzing bacterial behavioral responses to chemical stimuli

A rapid method was developed to analyze bacterial behavioral responses to chemical stimuli. Digital image processing was used to detect the accumulation of bacteria at the mouth of a capillary containing an attractant. The accumulation of bacteria was determined from the total number of cells near the mouth of the capillary per videotape frame. This method was applied to measure the chemotactic response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells to serine, with results similar to those obtained by the classical capillary plating assay. The videotape method is much less time-consuming and makes it possible to assess the bacterial response to an attractant within a few minutes.

IFN-gamma-dependent type 1 immunity is crucial for immunosurveillance against squamous cell carcinoma in a novel mouse carcinogenesis model

3-Methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced sarcomas have been used as conventional tools for investigating immunosurveillance against tumor development. However, MCA-induced sarcoma is not always an ideal model for the study of the human cancer system because carcinomas and not sarcomas are the dominant types of human cancers. To resolve this problem, we established a novel and simple method to induce mouse squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). As well known, the subcutaneous injection of MCA caused the formation of sarcomas at 100% incidence. However, we here first succeeded at inducing SCC at 60% of incidence within 2 months by a single intra-dermal injection of MCA. Using this primary SCC model, we demonstrated the critical role of interferon (IFN)-gamma-dependent type 1 immunity in immunosurveillance against SCC from the following results: (i) The incidence of SCC was accelerated in IFN-gamma-deficient mice compared with that in wild-type mice; (ii) In vivo injection of CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) caused a marked reduction in the incidence of SCC in parallel with the activation of type 1-dependent antitumor immunity and (iii) The antitumor activity of CpG-ODN was significantly decreased in IFN-gamma-deficient mice. Thus, our established MCA-induced mouse SCC model could be a powerful tool for evaluating immunosurveillance mechanisms during the development of SCC and might result in a novel strategy to address immunosurveillance mechanisms of human cancer.

Progesterone's effects to reduce anxiety behavior of aged mice do not require actions via intracellular progestin receptors

RATIONALE

Aging is associated with reduced secretion of, and down-regulation of receptors for, progesterone (P); yet, P's effects when administered to younger and older animals have not been systematically investigated. Some of P's antianxiety effects may be due to its conversion to 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) and its subsequent actions as a positive modulator at GABAA receptor complexes (GBRs).

OBJECTIVES

We investigated whether P administration can decrease anxiety behavior of progestin receptor (PR) knockout (PRKO) or wild-type control mice.

METHODS

P (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (propylene glycol) were administered subcutaneously to intact, female or male wild-type or PRKO mice that were either 9-12 or 18-24 months of age. Behavior in tasks that assess spontaneous activity (activity monitor and roto-rod), free exploration of a novel environment (open field, elevated plus maze, and elevated zero maze), and conflict behavior (mirror chamber, dark-light transition, and punished drinking) were examined 1 h after injection.

RESULTS

P significantly decreased anxiety behavior of both PRKO and wild-type mice. P did not alter motor behavior but increased central entries in the open field, time in the open quadrants of the elevated zero maze, time in the mirrored chamber, time in the light compartment of the dark-light transition, and punished drinking in young and old mice. P-administered mice had higher levels of hippocampal 3alpha,5alpha-THP and GABA-stimulated chloride flux than did vehicle-administered PRKO or wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of P to decrease anxiety behavior of younger and older mice do not require classic PRs and may involve actions of 3alpha,5alpha-THP at GBRs.

Mid-aged and aged wild-type and progestin receptor knockout (PRKO) mice demonstrate rapid progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP-facilitated lordosis

RATIONALE

Progesterone (P) and its 5alpha-reduced metabolite, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP), facilitate sexual behavior of rodents via agonist-like actions at intracellular progestin receptors (PRs) and membrane GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs), respectively.

OBJECTIVE

Given that ovarian secretion of progestins declines with aging, whether or not senescent mice are responsive to progestins was of interest.

METHODS

Homozygous PR knockout (PRKO) or wild-type mice that were between 10-12 (mid-aged) or 20-24 (aged) months of age were administered P or 3alpha,5alpha-THP, and the effect on lordosis were examined. Effects of a progestin-priming regimen that enhances PR-mediated (experiment 1) or more rapid, PR-independent effects of progestins (experiments 2 and 3) on sexual behavior were examined. Levels of P, 3alpha,5alpha-THP, and muscimol binding were examined in tissues from aged mice (experiment 4).

RESULTS

Wild-type, but not PRKO, mice were responsive when primed with 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 0.5 microg) and administered P (500 microg, subcutaneously). Mid-aged wild-type mice demonstrated greater increases in lordosis 6 h later compared to their pre-P, baseline test than did aged wild-type mice (experiment 1). Lordosis of younger and older wild-type, but not PRKO, mice was significantly increased within 5 min of intravenous (IV) administration of P (100 ng), compared with E(2)-priming alone (experiment 2). However, wild-type and PRKO mice demonstrated significant increases in lordosis 5 min after IV administration of 3alpha,5alpha-THP, an effect which was more pronounced in mid-aged than in aged animals (100 ng-experiment 3). In tissues from aged wild-type and PRKO mice, levels of P, 3alpha,5alpha-THP, and muscimol binding were increased by P administration (experiment 4). PR binding was lower in the cortex of PRKO than that of wild-type mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Mid-aged and aged PRKO and wild-type mice demonstrated rapid P or 3alpha,5alpha-THP-facilitated lordosis that may be, in part, independent of activity at PRs.

Rats bred for high versus low anxiety responses neonatally demonstrate increases in lordosis, pacing behavior, and midbrain 3α,5α-THP levels as adults

Duration and intensity of lordosis is mediated by actions of the progesterone (P) metabolite, 3 alpha-hydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (3 alpha,5 alpha-THP) at GABA-sub(A) receptors in the midbrain ventral tegmental area. Because rats selectively bred for infantile vocalizations may differ in endogenous 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP secretion, their sexual behavior, midbrain, and plasma 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP levels as adult rats in behavioral estrus was examined. Rats bred for high rates of infantile vocalizations had shorter latencies and intervals between intromissions and ejaculation, higher lordosis quotients and ratings, more pacing of their sexual contacts, and had higher P and 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP levels in plasma and midbrain than did rats bred for low rats of infantile vocalizations. Thus, levels of 3 alpha,5 alpha-THP in the midbrain are associated with differences in sexual behavior of these rats.

3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one in the midbrain ventral tegmental area mediates social, sexual, and affective behaviors

Progestins mediate the onset and duration of lordosis, the mating posture of female rodents, through actions in the hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area. In the hypothalamus, progesterone has traditional, "genomic" actions via intracellular progestin receptors. In the ventral tegmental area, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one has "non-genomic" actions independent of progestin receptors to facilitate lordosis that involve GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptors, NMDA type glutamate receptors, and/or dopamine receptors. 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one levels also change with behavioral and/or environmental stimuli and may have a role in other reproductively-relevant behaviors, such as affiliation, exploration, and anxiety (socio-sexual behaviors). Data are reviewed that support the notion that: 1) effects of 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one in the midbrain ventral tegmental area facilitate lordosis and other reproductively-relevant behaviors. 2) 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one, formed in the ventral tegmental area from metabolism of progestins, produced peripherally by endocrine glands, or centrally from biosynthesis in glial cells mediates socio-sexual behaviors. 3) 3alpha-Hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one's actions at GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptors, NMDA type glutamate receptors, and dopamine receptors in the ventral tegmental area are important for lordosis; however, effects at these substrates on socio-sexual behaviors have not been elucidated. Given 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one's involvement in stress responses, its putative role as a homeostatic regulator and in the pathophysiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed.

Characterization of denitrifying granular sludge treating soft groundwater in an upflow sludge-blanket reactor

Nitrate removal from soft groundwater using ethanol as a carbon source in an upflow sludge-blanket reactor containing denitrifying granular sludge was investigated. At a hydraulic retention time of 0.83 h, influent nitrate was increased stepwise from 20 to 145 mg N/l (volumetric loading rates (VLRs), 0.60 to 4.2 g N/l/d, respectively) and sludge was periodically wasted to maintain a sludge bed of about 2 3 the liquid volume. Complete nitrate removal was achieved at influent nitrate concentrations up to 75 mg N/l(2.1 g N/l/d). MLSS increased from 20 g/l at a VLR of 0.6 g N/l/d to 51 g/l at a VLR of 1.9 g N/l/d, above which it decreased. VSS increased from 11 g/l to a maximum of 25 g/l at a VLR of 2.1 g N/l/d. Settling velocities showed the same trend with maximum values in a VLR range of 1.5 to 2.1 g N/l/d. However, granule size, calcium and magnesium contents of the granular sludge and protein, carbohydrate and nucleic acid contents of extracellular polymers decreased steadily with an increase in VLR throughout the range of testing. Within the VLR range of 0.6 to 2.1 g N/l/d, corresponding to complete nitrate removal and efficient sludge retention, the granular sludge had a high calcium content of 24 to 22%, magnesium ranged from only 0.7 to 0.1%, proteins from 3.2 to 1.3%, carbohydrates from 4.2 to 1.4%, and nucleic acids from 0.34 to 0.05% of the sludge dry weight. These results suggest an optimum operational VLR in terms of nitrate removal and sludge retention of about 2 g N/l/d.

Molecular cloning and characterization of reptilian estrogen receptor cDNAs

cDNAs encoding alligator (caiman), Caiman crocodilus and whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus uniparens estrogen receptors (ERs) were cloned and sequenced. This is the first report of full-length cDNA sequences for reptilian ERs, to our knowledge. The full-length alligator (caiman) ER cDNA (1764 bp, 587 amino acid residues) shows 68% amino acid homology with the full-length whiptail lizard ER cDNA (1746 bp, 581 amino acid residues). The respective ligand binding E domains have 87 and 83% amino acid homology with human ER while the DNA binding C domains show 100% amino acid homology with the human, rat and chicken forms. When the cDNAs were inserted into the pRc/RSV vector and transfected into HeLa cells with a reporter plasmid, the encoding proteins were confirmed to be functional through the interaction of the receptor-ligand complex with the estrogen responsive element (ERE).

Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency thermal ablation of liver tumors: percutaneous, laparoscopic, and open surgical approaches

Only 10% to 20% of patients with primary and colorectal metastatic liver tumors are candidates for curative surgical resection. Even after curative treatment, tumors recur commonly in the liver. As a less invasive therapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of primary, metastatic, and recurrent liver tumors was performed under percutaneous, laparoscopic, or open intraoperative ultrasound guidance. The safety and local control efficacy of RFA were investigated. RFA was performed mostly in patients with unresectable hepatomas or metastatic liver tumors. Patients with large tumors, major vessel or bile duct invasion, limited extrahepatic metastases, or liver dysfunction were not excluded. An RFA system with a 15-gauge electrode-cannula with four-pronged retractable needles was used. All patients were followed for more than 8 months to assess morbidity and mortality, and to determine tumor recurrence. Sixty RFA operations were performed in 46 patients: 11 patients underwent repeat RFA once or twice. A total of 204 tumors were treated: 70 hepatomas and 134 metastatic tumors. Tumor size ranged from 5 mm to 180 mm (mean 36 mm). RFA was performed in 29 operations for 81 tumors percutaneously, in seven operations for 14 tumors laparoscopically, and in 24 operations for 109 tumors by open surgery. Combined colorectal resection was carried out in five operations and combined hepatic resection was carried out in three operations. There was one death (1.7%) from liver failure, and there were three major complications (5%): one case of bile leakage and two biliary strictures due to thermal injury. There were no intra-abdominal infectious or bleeding complications. The length of hospital stay ranged from 0 to 2, 1 to 3, and 4 to 7 days for percutaneous, laparoscopic, and open surgical RFA, respectively. During a mean follow-up period of 20.5 months, local tumor recurrence at the RFA site was diagnosed in 18 (8.8%) of 204 tumors. The risk factors for local recurrence included large tumor size and major vessel invasion: recurrence rates for tumors less than 4 cm, 4 to 10 cm, and greater than 10 cm, and for those with vessel invasion were 3.3%, 14.7%, 50%, and 47.8%, respectively. Ten of 18 tumors recurring locally were retreated by RFA, and eight of them showed no further recurrence. Ultrasound-guided RFA is a relatively safe, well-tolerated, and versatile treatment option that offers excellent local control of primary and metastatic liver tumors. The appropriate use of percutaneous, laparoscopic, and open surgical RFA is beneficial in the management of patients with liver tumors in a variety of situations.

Structural characteristics of the N-glycans of two isoforms of prostate-specific antigens purified from human seminal fluid

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a glycosylated chymotrypsin-like serine protease and is found mainly in prostatic tissue and seminal fluid. We purified two forms of PSA (PSA-A and PSA-B) from human seminal fluid with pI values of approx. 7.2 and approx. 6.9, respectively. To characterize the N-glycans of the two isoforms, the sugar chains were liberated by hydrazinolysis followed by N-acetylation, and derivatized with 2-aminobenzamide. Both PSA-A and PSA-B contained mono- and disialylated sugar chains, although PSA-B had a much higher content of the latter. After removal of sialic acid residues by sialidase digestion, mono- and biantennary N-glycans and three outer chain moieties (Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-, GlcNAcbeta1-, GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-) were found in both samples. However, the ratios of each N-glycan were different. These results indicate that PSA-A and PSA-B differ not only in their sialic acid contents, but also in their outer chain features.

Analysis of cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein in cerebrospinal fluid From patients With spinal diseases

STUDY DESIGN

The expression of cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein (CD-RAP) was measured in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with spinal diseases.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the levels of CD-RAP in human cerebrospinal fluid and to clarify its character.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Cartilage-derived retinoic acid-sensitive protein is a newly discovered, secreted molecule that is expressed during the chondrogenesis phase of endochondral bone formation and in articular cartilage. In recent studies CD-RAP has been detected in the serum of patients with melanoma and breast cancer, and it has been used to monitor tumor activity. However, the function of CD-RAP is unknown, and the expression of CD-RAP in human cerebrospinal fluid has never been reported.

METHODS

The concentration of CD-RAP in human cerebrospinal fluid was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with antihuman CD-RAP antibodies. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from two groups of patients. Group 1, the control group, consisted of 40 patients: 22 with trauma and 18 with gynecologic diseases. Group 2 consisted of 172 patients with spinal diseases: 5 with meningioma, 5 with neurinoma, 5 with arachnoid cyst, 30 with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, 35 with lumbar disc herniation, 56 with lumbar canal stenosis, and 36 with scoliosis.

RESULTS

The concentration of CD-RAP in the control group was 16.5 +/- 8.3 ng/mL. The concentrations of CD-RAP in Group 2 were: 35.3 +/- 14.7 ng/mL in meningioma, 23.5 +/- 7.41 ng/mL in neurinoma, 26.0 +/- 22.2 ng/mL in arachnoid cyst, 41.7 +/- 22.3 ng/mL in cervical myelopathy, 27.8 +/- 14.7 ng/mL in lumbar disc herniation, 36.5 +/- 18.4 ng/mL in lumbar canal stenosis, and 13.4 +/- 7.48 ng/mL in scoliosis. The concentrations of CD-RAP in cervical myelopathy, lumbar canal stenosis, and lumbar disc herniation were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The CD-RAP concentration was low in the control group, whereas it was significantly higher in spinal diseases that cause spinal stenosis. CD-RAP is expressed in cerebrospinal fluid as a result of damage to or stressing of neural structures and could be a marker for spinal diseases.

An in vitro reporter gene assay method incorporating metabolic activation with human and rat S9 or liver microsomes

A metabolic activation system with an S9 fraction or liver microsomes was applied to a reporter gene assay in vitro for the screening of estrogenicity of chemicals. The endpoint (luciferase) was luciferase induction in cells transfected with a reporter plasmid containing an estrogen-responsive element linked to the luciferase gene. Compounds were applied to the reporter gene assay system after pretreatment or simultaneous treatment with an S9 fraction or liver microsomes. Both trans-stilbene and methoxychlor themselves showed no or little estrogenicity, but when they were treated with an S9 fraction or liver microsomes, they demonstrated strong effects, indicating their metabolites to be estrogenic. When four pyrethroid insecticides were subjected to this assay system, however, they showed no estrogenicity even with liver microsome or S9 mix treatment.