Search for η^{'} Bound Nuclei in the ^{12}C(γ,p) Reaction with Simultaneous Detection of Decay Products

We measured missing mass spectrum of the ^{12}C(γ,p) reaction for the first time in coincidence with potential decay products from η^{'} bound nuclei. We tagged an (η+p) pair associated with the η^{'}N→ηN process in a nucleus. After applying kinematical selections to reduce backgrounds, no signal events were observed in the bound-state region. An upper limit of the signal cross section in the opening angle cosθ_{lab}^{ηp}<-0.9 was obtained to be 2.2  nb/sr at the 90% confidence level. It is compared with theoretical cross sections, whose normalization ambiguity is suppressed by measuring a quasifree η^{'} production rate. Our results indicate a small branching fraction of the η^{'}N→ηN process and/or a shallow η^{'}-nucleus potential.

Inhibitory effect of statins on inflammatory cytokine production from human bronchial epithelial cells

Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-co-enzyme A reductase inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, and have been reported to exert pleiotropic effects on cellular signalling and cellular functions involved in inflammation. Recent reports have demonstrated that previous statin therapy reduced the risk of pneumonia or increased survival in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. However, the precise mechanisms responsible for these effects are unclear. In the present study, we examined the effects of statins on cytokine production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression and protein secretion in LPS-stimulated cells were inhibited significantly by the lipophilic statin pitavastatin and the hydrophilic statin pravastatin. As these inhibitory effects of statin were negated by adding mevalonate, the anti-inflammatory effects of statins appear to be exerted via the mevalonic cascade. In addition, the activation levels of Ras homologue gene family A (RhoA) in BEAS-2B cells cultured with pitavastatin were significantly lower than those without the statin. These results suggest that statins have anti-inflammatory effects by reducing cytokine production through inhibition of the mevalonic cascade followed by RhoA activation in the lung.

Differing effects of clarithromycin and azithromycin on cytokine production by murine dendritic cells

Summary The macrolide antibiotics are now well known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Because dendritic cells (DCs) orchestrate immune responses, we examined the in vitro effects of clarithromycin (CAM), azithromycin (AZM) and midecamycin (MDM) on the expression of co-stimulatory molecules and production of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-gamma, IL-12p40, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha] of murine bone marrow-derived DCs by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. A 15-membered macrolide, AZM, and a 14-membered macrolide, CAM, significantly enhanced the intensity of a co-stimulatory molecule, CD80, on DCs but not CD86 and CD40. AZM significantly increased the production of IL-10 and CAM significantly inhibited the production of IL-6 by DCs. However, a 16-membered macrolide, MDM, did not have any significant effect on these surface markers and cytokine productions. Moreover, AZM increased IL-10 and CAM decreased IL-2 productions significantly, when naive T cells derived from spleen were co-cultured with DCs treated in advance with LPS and these macrolides. These findings suggest that 14-membered and 15-membered, but not 16-membered macrolides play as anti-inflammatory agents, at least in part, through modulating the functions of DCs. However, each macrolide affects them in different ways.

Synthesis of the novel analogues of dysidiolide and their structure-activity relationship

The novel analogues of natural cdc25A inhibitor dysidiolide were synthesized. To investigate the structure-activity relationship, the inhibitory activity to enzyme and cell cycle was examined.

[Natural organic compounds that affect to microtubule functions: syntheses and structure-activity relationships of combretastatins, curacin A and their analogs as the colchicine-site ligands on tubulin]

Microtubules (MT) are cylindrical polymers of the protein tubulin (TN) alpha, beta-heterodimer, and are known to be the main component of spindles in mitotic apparatus of eucaryotic cells. MT are also involved in many other basic and essential cell functions. There are a number of natural and synthetic compounds that interfere with MT function to cause the mitotic arrest of eucaryotic cells. Such antimitotic agents show a broad biological activity, and can be used for medicinal and agrochemical purposes. On the other hand, they are important also as the biochemical tools for understanding the dynamics of MT network. Most of such antimitotic agents, with a few exceptions, bind to beta-TN. Among them, colchicine (CLC), vinblastine and taxol have played major roles in practical uses as well as in biochemical studies of MT functions. They all bind to beta-TN but their binding sites are different. We have worked on a variety of antimitotic agents that bind to either of colchicine-site, vinblastine-site and taxol-site, in discovery, structures, biological actions and/or interactions with TN. In this paper, the results of our studies on CLC-site ligands were summarized; (1) synthetic analogs of combretastatin A-4 (CBS A-4), isolated as a cytotoxic compound produced by a species of South African tree Combretum caffrum, (2) curacin A (CU-A), a cytotoxic metabolite of a marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula, and its related compounds. Interactions of these compounds with TN were studied and structure-activity relationships of these two classes of compounds were discussed.

Separation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate from a mixture with phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol by Sep-Pak C18 cartridge

A simple and efficient method for the separation of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI 4-P) from phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) is described. A mixture of PI, PI 4-P and PS was injected onto a Sep-Pak C18 cartridge. PI and PS were flushed through the cartridge with solvent 1 [methanol-chloroform (3: 1)] while PI 4-P remained in it. Then the cartridge was inverted, and PI 4-P was eluted backward with solvent 2 [chloroform-methanol-0.5 M aqueous ammonium hydroxide (9:7:2)].

Evidence that 3'-phosphorylated polyphosphoinositides are generated at the nuclear surface: use of immunostaining technique with monoclonal antibodies specific for PI 3,4-P(2)

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3,4-P(2) is a phosphoinositide that has been shown to be important for signal transduction in growth factor stimulation. We have produced monoclonal antibodies specific for PI 3,4-P(2), which were able to detect PI 3,4-P(2) generated in 293T cells treated with H(2)O(2), or in MKN45/BD110 cells expressing activated PI 3-kinase in immunostaining. Prolonged treatment with 0.05% Tween 20 resulted in detection of staining not only at the plasma membrane, but also at the nuclear surface, indicating that 3'-phosphorylated phosphoinositides can be generated and function in the nucleus.

Synthesis of a novel class of cdc25A inhibitors from vitamin D3

We have developed a novel class of cdc25A inhibitors by drastic modification of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic substructures of dysidiolide. The unsaturated derivative 3b strongly inhibited cdc25A (IC50 = 7.7 microM) and caused GI arrest of HL60 cells.

[Two cases of multiple primary cancer involving the lung with old pulmonary tuberculosis]

We reported 2 relatively rare cases of multiple primary cancer including lung cancer accompanied by old pulmonary tuberculosis. Patient 1 was a 62-year-old man admitted to our hospital for further evaluation of an infiltrative shadow on chest X-ray films, and a cervical tumor noted 10 years earlier and thought to be thyroid cancer. A Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) specimen disclosed poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. A right upper lobectomy and thyroidectomy were performed. Histopathologic findings showed a neoplastic lesion adjacent to caseous necrosis with formation of granuloma consistent with tuberculosis. Also, the cervical tumor was considered to be a metastatic lymph node from thyroid papillary carcinoma. Patient 2 was a 73-year-old man with a 14-year history of treatment for transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder, who had been admitted to our hospital for further evaluation because of a nodular shadow observed on chest X-ray films. TBLB specimens disclosed adenocarcinoma. A right upper lobectomy was performed. Histopathologic findings revealed a neoplastic tumorlet in the same lobe. No detectable increases in serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta or IFN-gamma were observed in either patient. Phytohemagglutinin- and concanavalin-A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation decreased in Patient 1. These findings suggested that the immunocompromised status of patients with cancer in addition to old pulmonary tuberculosis may contribute to the development of lung cancer.

Novel small molecule nonpeptide aminopeptidase n inhibitors with a cyclic imide skeleton

A novel series of small molecule nonpeptide aminopeptidase N (APN) inhibitors with a N-phenylphthalimide or N-phenylhomophthalimide skeleton were prepared. Evaluation of their protease inhibitory activities revealed that (i) some N-phenylphthalimide analogs are potent APN inhibitors, but they are also inhibitors of another protease, dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP-IV), and (ii) some N-phenylhomophthalimide analogs, including 2-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-1,3-dione (PIQ-22), are potent and specific inhibitors of APN without DPP-IV-inhibitory activity. The structure-activity relationship studies of N-phenylphthalimides and N-phenylhomophthalimides are reviewed. PIQ-22 showed potent tumor-cell invasion-inhibitory activity.

Immunological function and nutritional status in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Infection is a major complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. We compared the immunological function and nutritional status in 16 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (13 patients had liver cirrhosis) with those of 21 normal healthy subjects.

METHODOLOGY

The immunological function was assessed by chemotaxis and superoxide anion production by neutrophils, phagocytosis and killing activities of neutrophils and monocytes, absolute and relative number of peripheral blood lymphocytes, the percentage of peripheral lymphocyte subsets and serum concentrations of immunoglobulins.

RESULTS

Although the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of monocytes and superoxide production of neutrophils were not different between the groups, the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of neutrophils and the percentage of natural killer cells were significantly reduced in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. In the latter group, the prognostic nutrition index was significantly high compared with normal subjects, indicating a poor nutritional status. The phagocytic and bactericidal activities of neutrophils were low in patients with a poor nutritional status compared to those with a good nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that impaired immunological competence and undernourishment may be one of the mechanisms causing increased susceptibility of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma to infection.

Reduced immune function and malnutrition in the elderly

An important observation in elderly subjects is their susceptibility to infection associated with a decline in host immune function. Nutrition is also an important factor that influences host defense against infection. We, therefore, evaluated the relationship between nutritional status in 155 healthy subjects ranging in age from 20 to 99 years and various immunological parameters, including the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of neutrophils and monocytes, superoxide production and chemotaxis of neutrophils, lymphocyte subsets, blastoid transformation and serum immunoglobulins. Aging was associated with increased phagocytic activity of neutrophils but not bactericidal activity, superoxide production or chemotaxis of neutrophils. Aging was also associated with a significant decrease in the number of lymphocytes as well as a decline in mature T cells and helper/inducer T cells but with increased numbers of activated T cells, suppressor T cells and natural killer cells. In addition, blastoid transformation in response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) was significantly reduced in aged subjects. A poor nutritional status was noted in individuals 60 years of age or older. The nutritional status did not influence neutrophil function but correlated significantly with the number of lymphocytes and degree of blastoid formation with PHA and Con A stimulation. Our results suggest that the cell-mediated immunity in elderly subjects is reduced as a result of malnutrition, and that improvement of the nutritional status may enhance the immune function, likely contributing to their successful aging.

[A case of human infection with Clinostomum sp]

The genus Clinostomum is a cause of parasitic laryngo-pharyngitis. We report the 15th case of Clinostomum sp. infection in Japan. A 29-year-old female visited our hospital because of throat discomfort and expectoration of a worm by sneezing on November 17, 1997. The pharyngitis was caused by the worm. The worm was morphologically identified as the adult of the genus Clinostomum.

Immunological competence and nutritional status in patients with lung cancer

The rate of infection in patients with malignant disease is significantly higher than in patients with benign disease. To investigate whether immunological competence is impaired in patients with lung cancer, we assessed neutrophil function (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, bacterial killing activity, and superoxide production), monocyte function (phagocytosis and killing activity), lymphocyte subsets using flow cytometry, and proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated by phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen. Studies were performed on 22 untreated patients with lung cancer and 21 age-matched healthy volunteers. Nutritional status was assessed by Niederman's nutritional index. In patients with lung cancer neutrophil chemotaxis, monocyte phagocytosis and killing, proliferation of lymphocytes stimulated by phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A, but not pokeweed mitogen, and the number of natural killer cells were significantly lower than in healthy volunteers, whereas gammadelta T cells were increased (p < 0.05). The mean score on Niederman's nutritional index was worse in patients than in healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that the impaired immunological competence and undernutrition may be among the mechanisms causing increased susceptibility to infection in patients with lung cancer.

Asymmetric synthesis of antimitotic combretadioxolane with potent antitumor activity against multi-drug resistant cells

The (S,S)-enantiomer of combretadioxolane (3), designed as a chirally preorganized derivative of combretastatin A-4, exhibited quite strong tubulin polymerization-inhibitory activity (IC50: 4-6 microM). (S,S)-3 is 20 times more potent than vincristine as an in vitro growth inhibitor (in terms of GI50) of the multi-drug-resistant (MDR) cell line PC-12, which produces P-glycoprotein.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha production enhancing activity of substituted 3'-methylthalidomide: influence of substituents at the phthaloyl moiety on the activity and stereoselectivity

The synthesis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production enhancing activity of substituted 3'-methylthalidomides on human leukemia cell line HL-60 stimulated with 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) are described. Though the introduction of an electron-donating amino group at the phthaloyl moiety of alpha-methylthalidomides enhanced the activity, substituted alpha-methylthalidomides showed decreased stereoselectivity as compared to that of non-substituted alpha-methylthalidomide. The data indicates that the TNF-alpha production enhancing activity of thalidomide derivatives depends on both the electronic-state of substituents at the fused benzene ring and the stereochemistry of the glutarimide moiety.

[Complication of infection in malnutritional status]

Recently, the therapeutic guideline has been mentioned in opportunistic infection of the compromised host, and many observations regarding complication of infection in these hosts have been reported. However, there were few reports in the relationship between infection and immune function or nutritional status. In this study, we confirmed that the nutritional status influences immune function in patients with lung cancer, hepatoma and renal failure, and that malnutrition markedly reduces their immunity. In patients after operation who where the pre-operative assessment of the nutritional status was performed an attempt to improve the nutritional status has been already made to improve their prognosis. Therefore, we emphasize that the management of the nutritional status even in hosts with many other diseases is thought to be important in protection against infection and prognosis of the disease.

Non-intercalative and sequence selective interaction between four intercalative reagents and dinucleotides

The analysis of binding experiments between dextran coupled intercalators and nucleotides showed the base- and sequence-selective affinity to mono- and dinucleotides in aqueous solution. Acridine bound CH-Sepharose 4B also revealed base- and sequence-selective affinity.

Specific detection of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate binding proteins by the PIP3 analogue beads: an application for rapid purification of the PIP3 binding proteins

Phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is known as one of the key molecules involved in the various biological events such as vesicle trafficking, cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell survival. T clarify the molecular basis underlying these events, we have tried to identify the proteins that can interact with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3), the lipid product of PI3-kinase. Using a new PIP3 analogue, PIP3-APB, we synthesized an affinity column for PIP3 binding proteins. This enabled us to purify and identify several PIP3 binding proteins such as Tec tyrosine kinase, Gap1m, and Akt, as the candidates for the downstream molecules of PI3-kinase. All of these proteins contain PH domains, possible binding sites for phospholipids. Studies with various deletion mutants of Tec or Gap1m revealed that their PH domains are indeed the binding sites for PIP3. These results demonstrate that this PIP3-analogue binds various PIP3 binding proteins with high specificity and may be useful to elucidate the downstream mechanisms of PI3-kinases-mediated signaling pathways.

Isolation and structure of an antimitotic cyclic peptide, ustiloxin F: chemical interrelation with a homologous peptide, ustiloxin B

Ustiloxin F, a microtubule inhibitor, was isolated as a minor metabolite of Ustilaginoidea virens. The structure was determined from the spectral data and by chemical interrelation to ustiloxin B through reductive removal of the sulfoxide-containing side chain of ustiloxin B to give ustiloxin F. Ustiloxin F inhibited microtubule assembly with an IC50 value of 10.3 microM.

Synthesis and anti-tubulin activity of ustiloxin D derivatives

Ustiloxin D, produced by the rice plant pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens, exhibits potent anti-tubulin activity. In order to elucidate the effects of functional groups in ustiloxin D on its activity, several derivatives were synthesized and their anti-tubulin activities were estimated. The N,N-dimethylamino derivative and the 14-O-methyl derivative were inactive (IC50 > 50 microM). 20-Hydroxymethylated ustiloxin D showed decreased inhibitory activity compared with ustiloxin D.

[A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis with multiple cavitation and pneumothorax]

We describe a rare case of pulmonary sarcoidosis with multiple cavitation and pneumothorax. A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a dry cough and an interstitial shadow with dense infiltrates in both upper lungs and cavitation in the right upper lung on chest roentgenogram and CT. Laboratory tests revealed an elevated level of serum lysozyme. BAL fluid demonstrated a high proportion of lymphocytes with an increased CD4/CD8 ratio, compatible with sarcoidosis. Transbronchial lung and skin biopsies showed evidence of noncaseating epithelioid-cell granuloma, and a diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made. Although pneumothorax appeared in the left lung on chest roentgenogram during clinical observation conservative treatment without corticosteroids or any other therapy for a follow-up period of 3 years resulted in improvement of her clinical condition and abnormal X-ray findings.

Sequence selective interaction between nucleotides and intercalators bound to water soluble dextran: an application to the affinity chromatography of dinucleotides

The analysis of association constant between dextran coupled intercalators and nucleotides revealed the base- and sequence-selective affinity to mono- and dinucleotides in aqueous solution. Acridine bound CH-Sepharose 4B, designed as the affinity stationary phase for nucleotides, also showed base- and sequence-selective affinity.

Phosphorylation of the immunosuppressant FK506-binding protein FKBP52 by casein kinase II: regulation of HSP90-binding activity of FKBP52

FKBP52 (HSP56, p59, HBI) is the 59-kDa immunosuppressant FK506-binding protein and has peptidyl prolyl isomerase as well as a chaperone-like activity in vitro. FKBP52 associates with the heat shock protein HSP90 and is included in the steroid hormone receptor complexes in vivo. FKBP52 possesses a well conserved phosphorylation site for casein kinase II (CK2) that was previously shown to be associated with HSP90. Here we examined whether FKBP52 is phosphorylated by CK2 both in vivo and in vitro. Recombinant rabbit FKBP52 was phosphorylated by purified CK2. We expressed and purified deletion mutants of FKBP52 to determine the site(s) phosphorylated by CK2. Thr-143 in the hinge I region was identified as the major phosphorylation site for CK2. A synthetic peptide corresponding to this region was phosphorylated by CK2, and the peptide competitively inhibited the phosphorylation of other substrates by CK2. The [32P]phosphate labeling of FKBP52-expressing cells revealed that the same site is also phosphorylated in vivo. FK506 binding to FKBP52 did not affect the phosphorylation by CK2 and, conversely, the FK506-binding activity of FKBP52 was not affected by the phosphorylation. Most importantly, CK2-phosphorylated FKBP52 did not bind to HSP90. These results indicate that CK2 phosphorylates FKBP52 both in vitro and in vivo and thus may regulate the protein composition of chaperone-containing complexes such as those of steroid receptors and certain protein kinases.

[Analysis of cases allowed to cease erythromycin therapy for diffuse panbronchiolitis--comparative study between patients with cessation of the therapy and patients continuing the therapy]

We investigated the effect of erythromycin (EM) in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) who were divided into 2 groups, the short term group with 8 patients who were treated for at least 2 years and the long term group with 7 patients who were treated for more than 3 years. Each mean value of %VC, FEV1.0, FEV1.0% and PaO2 two years after administration to these patients was improved than before administration of EM, with the exception of PaO2 in the long term group. There was no change in %VC, FEV1.0, FEV1.0% or PaO2 in each group between one year after the therapy and thereafter, with the exception of the fact that FEV1.0% in the short term group, except patients restarting EM therapy, 2 years after the therapy was significantly higher than in the long term group. One patient was readministered EM because of recurrence of DPB after cessation of EM therapy, whose %VC, FEV1.0 and PaO2, but not FEV1.0%, one year after the therapy were increased in those before the therapy. The Neutrophil proportion in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in this patient was still high after the therapy (94.5%), while that in the patients with cessation of the therapy was improved to the level of less than 8%. Neutrophil proportion in BAL fluids in the patients with continuation of the therapy revealed a high or low level after the therapy. These results suggest that the patients, whose %VC, FEB1.0% and PaO2 were improved and whose proportion of neutrophils in BAL fluid reduced to a normal level compared with those before EM therapy, can be allowed to cease therapy after 2 years or more of EM therapy.

Species-specific B-cell epitope on the C-terminal region of the alpha antigen from Mycobacterium scrofulaceum

In the amino acid (AA) sequences of alpha antigen from mycobacteria, C-terminal regions were variable among a variety of mycobacterial species though the N-terminal regions were relatively conserved. These regions may possess some species-specific antigenic determinants of the alpha antigen from Mycobacterium scrofulaceum (S-alpha). AAs288-300 of S-alpha fused to beta-galactosidase was reactive with the antisera raised against S-alpha. The same fused peptide did not react with the antisera raised against the alpha antigen from Mycobacterium avium (A-alpha) and Mycobacterium bovis BCG (B-alpha). B-cell epitope mapping then was performed focusing on the C-terminal region of S-alpha using the synthetic peptides. Their reactivities with antisera raised against the alpha antigens of three different mycobacterial species were assessed by ELISA. AAs279-286 were a cross-reactive common immunodominant region among three mycobacterial species. This region may be one of the cross-reactive common epitopes in mycobacterial species. And AAs291-300 were reactive only with the antisera raised against S-alpha. This region may possess a species-specific epitope.

Protective effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in a granulocytopenic mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection through enhanced phagocytosis and killing by alveolar macrophages through priming tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production

We investigated the effects of G-CSF in a granulocytopenic mouse model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. The model was prepared by intratracheal instillation of the bacteria, while granulocytopenia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 4.0 mg of cyclophosphamide (CPA). There was no difference in the survival rate between G-CSF-treated animals and the normal group, and the number of neutrophils in the blood and lung recovered to normal in the former group. However, the phagocytic and killing activities of neutrophils were lower in G-CSF-treated mice than in controls. Interestingly, the mortality rate increased significantly when anti-TNF-alpha antibody was combined with G-CSF, although it was intermediate between CPA alone and CPA-G-CSF-treated mice. However, the improved mortality was not associated with a change in the number of neutrophils in the circulation and lung. Administration of anti-TNF-alpha antibody resulted in a significant suppression of TNF-alpha in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and of enhanced alveolar macrophage function (phagocytic and bactericidal activity) against P. aeruginosa in G-CSF-treated granulocytopenic mice. We showed also increased TNF-alpha mRNA expression and TNF-alpha production in vitro using G-CSF-pretreated alveolar macrophages compared with control untreated macrophages. Our results are the first evidence to suggest that G-CSF provides a synergistic protective effect against lethal P. aeruginosa lung infection in the granulocytopenic host. This effect is probably due to enhancement of alveolar macrophage function through endogenous TNF-alpha production, in addition to increasing the number of circulating neutrophils.

Analysis of T cell subsets and beta chemokines in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis

BACKGROUND

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disorder of unknown origin characterised by accumulation of T lymphocytes and macrophages in multiple organs. Several cytokines and adhesion molecules may contribute to the accumulation of T lymphocytes in pulmonary sarcoidosis. The distribution of T lymphocyte subsets, T cell bearing CD11a and beta chemokines such as regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES), macrophage inflammatory peptide 1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha), and macrophage chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood were compared in untreated patients with sarcoidosis and normal subjects.

METHODS

Flow cytometric analysis with monoclonal antibodies to cell surface antigens was used to identify T lymphocyte subsets in the BAL fluid of untreated patients with sarcoidosis (n = 40)--either without (group A, n = 12) or with (group B, n = 28) radiological evidence of pulmonary involvement--and in 22 normal subjects. The level of different beta chemokines was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

A high percentage of CD3+ cells, CD4+ cells expressing HLA-DR antigen, and a high CD4/CD8 ratio were detected in the BAL fluid of patients compared with normal subjects. In particular, CD4+ CD29+ memory T cells were significantly increased in patients with sarcoidosis. Furthermore, these cells were higher in those in group B than group A. The level of RANTES in the BAL fluid of patients was significantly higher than in normal subjects and correlated well with the percentage, number, and expression of CD29 on CD4 cells. The expression of CD11a (alpha chain of lymphocyte function associated antigen-1, LFA-1) on CD3+ cells in the BAL fluid of patients with sarcoidosis was not different from that of normal subjects. However, the expression of CD11a on CD3+ cells in the BAL fluid of patients in group A was significantly lower than that of patients in group B and normal subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a possible interaction between activated memory T cells bearing CD11a and RANTES which may contribute to the pulmonary involvement in patients with sarcoidosis.

A target of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate with a zinc finger motif similar to that of the ADP-ribosylation-factor GTPase-activating protein and two pleckstrin homology domains

We have purified a protein that binds phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] using beads bearing a PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 analogue. This protein, with a molecular mass of 43 kDa, was termed PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-binding protein. The partial amino acid sequences were determined and a full-length cDNA encoding the protein was isolated from bovine brain cDNA library. The clone harbored an open reading frame of 373 amino acids which contained one zinc finger motif similar to that of ADP-ribosylation-factor GTPase-activating protein and two pleckstrin homology domains. The entire sequence was 83% similar to centaurin alpha, another PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-binding protein. The protein bound PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 with a higher affinity than it did inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, phosphatidylinositol 3,4-bisphosphate, and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate suggesting that the binding to PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 was specific. The binding activity was weaker in the mutants with a point mutation in the conserved sequences in each pleckstrin homology domain. Introduction of both mutations abolished the activity. These results suggest that this new binding protein binds PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 through two pleckstrin domains present in the molecule.

Phenotypic characterization of T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis; the importance of cytotoxic T cells

We investigated the contribution of T cells in diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) by identifying T cell subsets in BALF of 36 patients with DPB, before and after long-term treatment with macrolide antibiotics, and 16 healthy control subjects. The percentages of lymphocytes and CD3+ gammadelta+ cells in BALF of DPB patients and control subjects were similar, but the absolute number of these cells was higher in DPB patients. Treatment resulted in a significant reduction in the absolute number of these cells. A further two-colour analysis of T cell subsets in BALF showed a significantly higher ratio and number of CD8+ HLA-DR+ cells in DPB patients. Treatment resulted in a significant reduction of activated T cells. Most BALF CD8+ cells were CD8+ CD11b- cytotoxic T cells. The number of these cells in BALF of DPB patients (26.69 +/- 5.86 x 10(3)/ml) was higher than the control (2.02 +/- 0.38 x 10(3)/ml; P < 0.001), and a significant reduction was observed after treatment (7.69 +/- 2.59 x 10(3)/ml; P < 0.01). The number of CD4+ cells was also higher in DPB patients than in controls, and most were CD4+ CD29+ memory T cells. However, treatment did not influence the number of these cells. The number of lymphocytes, CD3+ gammadelta+, CD8+ CD11b-, CD8+ HLA-DR+, and CD4+ CD29+ cells was higher in patients with bacterial infection than in those without bacterial infection, and interestingly, macrolide therapy reduced the number of lymphocytes, CD3+ gammadelta+, CD8+ CD11b- and CD8+ HLA-DR+ cells, irrespective of bacterial infection. In peripheral blood, the percentage of CD8+ HLA-DR+ cells was also higher in DPB patients than in healthy subjects, and significantly decreased after treatment. The percentage of CD8+ CD11b- cells in peripheral blood was similar in DPB patients and normal subjects, and treatment significantly reduced the percentage of these cells. Finally, the expression of the adhesion molecules CD11a/CD18 (alpha/beta-chains of LFA-1) on lung CD3+ cells and CD49d (alpha-chain of VLA) on lung CD4+ cells was enhanced compared with that on peripheral blood in DPB patients. Our results suggest that elevation of memory T cells and activation of CD8+ cells, mainly cytotoxic T cells, in the airway lumen of DPB patients may contribute to chronic bronchial inflammation, possibly through up-regulation of adhesion molecules. Our findings also indicate that macrolide antibiotics may have a direct or indirect suppressive effect on cytotoxic T cells, and as such, reduce inflammation and improve clinical condition.

Inhibitory effect of erythromycin on interleukin 8 production by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated THP-1 cells

We have recently reported that long-term administration of erythromycin at a low dose reduced the number of neutrophils and concentrations of interleukin 8 (IL-8) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in patients with chronic lower respiratory tract disease. To investigate the mechanism of action of erythromycin, we evaluated its effect on IL-8 production in the 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-stimulated human monocytic cell line THP-1. Erythromycin at a concentration of 10 micrograms/ml significantly reduced IL-8 production by THP-1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (10 ng/ml) and 1% normal human serum compared with the amount produced by untreated cells (untreated cells, 2,448 pg/ml; erythromycin-treated cells, 872 pg/ml). Our results suggest that erythromycin may impair IL-8 production by alveolar macrophages, ultimately reducing neutrophil accumulation in the airspace.

Significance of IL-1beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB)

We evaluated the effect of erythromycin therapy on pulmonary function tests and the airway inflammatory response of patients with DPB. The number of neutrophils in BALF obtained from DPB patients was significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers. Treatment with erythromycin (600 mg/day for 12.9+/-9.5 months (mean +/- s.d.)) significantly reduced the total number of cells and neutrophils in the airway, and significantly improved pulmonary function tests. The levels of IL-1beta and IL-8 were significantly higher in DPB compared with healthy volunteers (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). IL-1Ra in patients is considered to have a weak inhibitory activity for IL-1beta, with approximately five-fold concentration of IL-1beta compared with that in healthy volunteers (approx. nine-fold concentration of IL-1beta). Erythromycin therapy significantly reduced these cytokines to levels comparable to those of healthy volunteers, and produced a trend toward reduction in the level of IL-1Ra in BALF. The level of IL-1beta correlated significantly with the concentration of neutrophils in BALF (r=0.72, P<0.01), as well as with the level of IL-1Ra (r=0.688, P<0.05) and IL-8 (r=0.653, P<0.05). A nearly significant or significant correlation was observed between the concentration of neutrophils and levels of IL-1Ra or IL-8 in BALF (r=0.526, P=0.053 or r=0.776, P<0.01, respectively). There was also a significant relationship between FEV(1) and the concentration of neutrophils in BALF (r=0.524, P<0.05). Our results suggest that the relative amounts of IL-1beta and IL-1Ra or IL-8 may contribute, at least in part, to the neutrophil-mediated chronic airway inflammation in patients with chronic airway disease, and long-term erythromycin therapy may down-regulate the vigorous cycle between the cytokine network and neutrophil accumulation, with resultant reduction of neutrophil-mediated inflammatory response.

Interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin 8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis: a potential mechanism of macrolide therapy

We measured the levels of interleukin (IL) 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and sera of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) before and after administration of erythromycin or roxithromycin. The pretreatment levels of IL-1 beta and IL-8 were significantly higher in the BALF of patients with DPB than in the BALF of patients with sarcoidosis and controls. The tumor necrosis factor alpha level was also higher than in controls, but not statistically significant. There was a significant correlation between percentage of neutrophils and IL-8 level in the BALF of DPB patients (r = 0.509; p < 0.05) on the one hand and between IL-1 beta and IL-8 on the other (r = 0.476; p < 0.04). Treatment for 1-24 months significantly reduced BALF levels of IL-1 beta and IL-8 of DPB patients in parallel with a reduction in BALF neutrophils. The serum level of IL-8 of DPB patients was higher, albeit insignificant, than that of controls and significantly lower than that in the BALF of the same patients (p = 0.0088). Serum IL-1 beta was below the detection limit. In addition, the concentration of IL-8 in alveolar macrophages obtained from 2 volunteers before and after oral erythromycin administration also decreased ex vivo. Our results indicate that IL-8 induces the migration of neutrophils to inflammatory sites. It is possible that the macrolides impair production and/or secretion of these cytokines, ultimately reducing neutrophil accumulation in the airway.

Long term effect of erythromycin therapy in patients with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

BACKGROUND

Diffuse panbronchiolitis is a chronic infection of the lower respiratory tract common among the Japanese people, with a persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the late stage and sustained neutrophil retention in the airways. The long term effect of erythromycin was examined retrospectively in a group of patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis, with and without P aeruginosa infection, and the relationship between drug-induced bacterial clearance and clinical improvement was investigated.

METHODS

The history, daily volume of sputum, type of organisms in sputum cultures, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas tensions, and chest radiographs were compared in 16 patients with diffuse panbronchiolitis with P aeruginosa infection and 12 without. The total and differential cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were compared in 14 of the 28 patients (five of whom were infected with P aeruginosa) before and after 1-12 months of treatment with erythromycin (600 mg/day). The outcome of treatment in patients showing clearance of organisms on repeated sputum cultures was compared with that in those demonstrating persistence of bacteria in the sputum and patients with normal flora.

RESULTS

Erythromycin improved respiratory function and arterial blood gas tensions irrespective of the presence or absence of P aeruginosa in the sputum. Treatment also resulted in a reduction in the BAL fluid total cell count and the percentage of neutrophils in both groups of patients. There were no differences between patients in whom the bacteria cleared and those with persistent bacteria or patients with a normal flora with regard to the degree of improvement of respiratory function, arterial blood gas tensions, and BAL fluid cell composition.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the efficacy of erythromycin in diffuse pan-bronchiolitis may be due to anti-inflammatory effect, independent of P aeruginosa infection or bacterial clearance.

Cytotoxicity and DNA-binding property of non-diynene class of dynemicins and aza-anthraquinones

Dynemicin A is a potent antibacterial and antitumor antibiotic having a striking hybrid structure of both anthraquinone as a DNA intercalator and diynene as a DNA strand breaker. We have investigated the DNA-binding property and cytotoxicity of non-diynene class of dynemicins (H, L, M, O and Q) and several related synthetic tri- and pentacyclic aza-anthraquinones 1a-3a (R = H) and 1b-3b (R = CH3). Among them, dynemicin H, L, M, O, Q, 1a, 1b and 2b exhibited DNA-binding property. All non-diynene class of dynemicins investigated exhibited intercalative binding activity, however, synthetic aza-anthraquinones 1a-3a did not show such ability. Dynemicin H, Q, 2a, 2b and 3b showed cytotoxicity against HL-60 and K-562 cell lines.

Interaction of marine toxin dolastatin 10 with porcine brain tubulin: competitive inhibition of rhizoxin and phomopsin A binding

Dolastatin 10, a cytostatic peptide containing several unique amino acid subunits, was isolated from the marine shell-less mollusk Dolabella auricularia. It inhibits microtubule assembly at concentrations below 5.0 microM (IC50, 3.0 microM) and causes formation of tubulin aggregates at higher (> 10 microM) concentrations in a somewhat different manner from that caused by vinblastine. Electron microscopical analysis showed irregular aggregates of microtubule proteins in the presence of 10 microM dolastatin 10. Dolastatin 10 inhibited the binding of both radiolabeled rhizoxin and phomopsin A to tubulin with inhibition constants (Ki) of 7 x 10(-8) M and 1 x 10(-7) M, respectively. The results suggest that at least one of the binding sites of dolastatin 10 on tubulin is the rhizoxin binding site.

[Roxithromycin treatment in patients with chronic lower respiratory tract disease--its clinical efficacy and effect on cytokine]

We demonstrated the efficacy of "long term" roxithromycin (RXM) treatment in 15 patients with chronic lower respiratory tract disease (11 with diffuse panbronchiolitis and 4 with sinobronchial syndrome). (1) Fourteen (93.3%) of the 15 patients showed improvement when assessed by the comprehensive improvement score, and they showed significant improvements in PaO2 (74.2 +/- 10.4 Torr to 84.3 +/- 10.9 Torr, p < 0.01), %VC (86.9 +/- 20.2% to 96.0 +/- 21.9%, p < 0.001) and FEV1 (1.81 +/- 0.87 L to 2.14 +/- 1.08 L, p < 0.01) after RXM treatment. (2) Neutrophils accumulated in the pre-RXM treatment bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and decreased in BAL fluid of patients responding to RXM treatment (49.8 +/- 28.3% to 17.1 +/- 15.7%, p < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of interleukin 1 beta and interleukin 8 were significantly higher in BAL fluid of these patients than those in the healthy volunteers (p < 0.025, p < 0.01 respectively), and correlated with the neutrophil accumulation (r = 0.619, p < 0.05). These cytokines showed a decrease after RXM treatment. These results indicated that RXM acts by reducing pulmonary inflammation through reduction of neutrophil migration to inflammatory sites, and is effective on chronic lower respiratory tract disease.