Systemically Administered D-allose Inhibits the Tumor Energy Pathway and Exerts Synergistic Effects With Radiation

BACKGROUND/AIM

The present study investigated the anticancer effects of intraperitoneally administered D-allose in in vivo models of head and neck cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To assess the direct effects of D-allose, its dynamics in blood and tumor tissues were examined.

RESULTS

D-allose was detected in blood and tumor tissues 10 min after its intraperitoneal administration and then gradually decreased. In vivo experiments revealed that radiation plus D-allose was more effective than either treatment alone. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) mRNA over-expression was detected after the addition of D-allose in in vitro and in vivo experiments. D-allose inhibited cell growth, which was associated with decreases in glycolysis and intracellular ATP levels and the prolonged activation of AMPK. The phosphorylation of p38-MAPK was also observed early after the administration of D-allose and was followed by the activation of AMPK and up-regulated expression of TXNIP in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

CONCLUSION

Systemically administered D-allose appears to exert antitumor effects. Further studies are needed to clarify the appropriate dosage and timing of the administration of D-allose and its combination with other metabolic agents.

Predictive value of local control by 4'-[methyl-11C]-thiotymidine PET volume parameters in p16-negative oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

We investigated the potential of baseline 4'-[methyl- 11 C]-thiothymidine ([ 11 C]4DST) PET for predicting loco-regional control of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed using volumetric parameters, such as SUVmax, proliferative tumor volume (PTV), and total lesion proliferation (TLP), of pretreatment [ 11 C]4DST PET for 91 patients with HNSCC with primary lesions in the oral cavity, hypopharynx, supraglottis, and oropharynx, which included p16-negative patients. PTV and TLP were calculated for primary lesions and metastatic lymph nodes combined. We examined the association among the parameters and relapse-free survival and whether case selection focused on biological characteristics improved the accuracy of prognosis prediction.

RESULTS

The area under the curves (AUCs) using PTV and TLP were high for the oropharyngeal/hypopharyngeal/supraglottis groups (0.91 and 0.87, respectively), whereas that of SUVmax was 0.66 ( P  < 0.01). On the other hand, the oral group had lower AUCs for PTV and TLP (0.72 and 0.77, respectively). When all cases were examined, the AUCs using PTV and TLP were 0.84 and 0.83, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Baseline [ 11 C]4DST PET/CT volume-based parameters can provide important prognostic information with p16-negative oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and supraglottic cancer patients.

Estimated incidence and characteristics of vestibular neuritis in Japan: A nationwide survey

OBJECTIVE

To assess the annual incidence of vestibular neuritis (VN) in the Japanese population.

METHODS

We conducted a mail-based survey targeting otolaryngologic clinics and hospitals across Japan to estimate the annual number of patients who were newly-diagnosed with VN during the one-year period of 2021. Using a stratified sampling method, we selected 1,107 departments and asked them to report the number of new patients with VN and their demographics. The total number of VN patients was estimated by multiplying the reported numbers by the reciprocal of the sampling rate and response rate.

RESULTS

The overall survey response rate was 40.5 % (448 departments). The estimated number of newly-diagnosed VN patients in 2021 was 8,861 (95 % confidential interval [CI], 2,290-15,432) The annual incidence of VN was 7.05 per 100,000 population in Japan. The male-to-female ratio of VN patients was 0.96, and the mean age was 60.3 ± 16.1 years (range 11-94 years).

CONCLUSIONS

The annual incidence of VN in Japan in 2021 had almost doubled and the mean age had become older compared to the previous study in 1993 (annual incidence; 3.5 per 100,000 per year; mean age: 45 years).

Low-salt diet increases mRNA expression of aldosterone-regulated transporters in the intermediate portion of the endolymphatic sac

The endolymphatic sac is a small sac-shaped organ at the end of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. The endolymphatic sac absorbs the endolymph, in which the ion balance is crucial for inner ear homeostasis. Of the three sections of the endolymphatic sac, the intermediate portion is the center of endolymph absorption, particularly sodium transport, and is thought to be regulated by aldosterone. Disorders of the endolymphatic sac may cause an excess of endolymph (endolymphatic hydrops), a histological observation in Meniere's disease. A low-salt diet is an effective treatment for Meniere's disease, and is based on the assumption that the absorption of endolymph in the endolymphatic sac abates endolymphatic hydrops through a physiological increase in aldosterone level. However, the molecular basis of endolymph absorption in each portion of the endolymphatic sac is largely unknown because of difficulties in gene expression analysis, resulting from its small size and intricate structure. The present study combined reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and laser capture microdissection techniques to analyze the difference of gene expression of the aldosterone-controlled epithelial Na⁺ channel, thiazide-sensitive Na⁺-Cl^- cotransporter, and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase genes in the three individual portions of the endolymphatic sac in a rat model. A low-salt diet increased the expression of aldosterone-controlled ion transporters, particularly in the intermediate portion of the endolymphatic sac. Our findings will contribute to the understanding of the physiological function of the endolymphatic sac and the pathophysiology of Meniere's disease.

Estimated prevalence and characteristics of bilateral vestibulopathy diagnosed in Japan: A nationwide survey

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and annual incidence of bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) diagnosed in the Japanese adult population.

METHODS

We conducted a mail-based survey targeting otolaryngologic clinics and hospitals across Japan to estimate the annual number of patients who were diagnosed as having bilateral vestibulopathy after vestibular function tests during a 12-month period ending March 2019. Using a stratified sampling method, we selected 1,106 departments and asked them to report the number of patients with BV and their demographics. The total number of patients was estimated by multiplying the reported numbers by the reciprocal of the sampling rate and response rate.

RESULTS

The overall survey response rate was 51.4% (568 departments). The estimated number of patients diagnoses with BV in 2018 was 1,063 (95% confidential interval [CI], 127-1,998) which included 407 patients (95% CI: 134-680) newly-diagnosed with BV. The prevalence and annual incidence of BV in Japan were 0.84 and 0.32, respectively per 100,000 population in Japan. The male-to-female ratio of BV patients was 1.29, and the mean age was 63.7 ± 16.4 years (range 18-84 years). The most frequent etiologies of BV were Meniere's disease (11.4%), meningitis (3.4%), and ototoxic agents (3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who were diagnosed as having BV were extremely rare in Japan.

Temporal Adjusters Can Reduce Pain During the Video Head Impulse Test for Patients With Mongoloid Facial Features, Without Increasing the Slippage-Induced Artifacts

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine whether the extent and intensity of pain caused by wearing goggles during the video head impulse test (vHIT) could be reduced by adjusting the direction in which the band pulls the goggles, without increasing the number of artifacts recorded during vHIT.

METHODS

vHIT tests were performed in 65 healthy adult subjects, and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were used to evaluate pain intensity. Temporal adjusters were used to adjust the direction in which the band pulls the goggles, without decreasing the tightness of the temple straps. Artifacts were compared by calculating the instantaneous gains at 40 ms, 60 ms, and 80 ms of head movement.

RESULTS

Maximum VAS and NRS of pain were significantly reduced from 22.0 ± 2.3 to 13.0 ± 1.7 and from 3.0 ± 0.2 to 2.0 ± 0.2 (both P < .0001). The VAS score without adjusters was significantly correlated with the improvement of the VAS score with temporal adjusters (P < .0001, r = 0.61). The higher the VAS score without adjusters, the greater the improvement in the VAS score with temporal adjusters. The instantaneous gains were close to 1.0 under both conditions.

CONCLUSION

The pain induced by the goggle was significantly mitigated with temporal adjusters in the bilateral temple strap. Using temporal adjusters is a useful and easy solution to reduce discomfort during vHIT, while maintaining the tightness of the strap to decrease the slippageinduced artifacts.

Comparison of the accuracy of clinical prediction of survival and palliative prognostic index for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the end-of-life setting

OBJECTIVE

In the end-of-life stage of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), predicting survival is essential to determine treatment procedure and place of care. Several reports have compared actual survival (AS) and clinical prediction of survival (CPS), a subjective prognostic prediction by attending physicians. However, specific studies focusing on patients with HNSCC are limited. Likewise, a comparison of the accuracy of CPS and palliative prognostic index (PPI), a prognostic tool using subjective assessment, has not been sufficiently investigated. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between AS and CPS/PPI and compare the accuracy of CPS and PPI in end-stage HNSCC.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with HNSCC in the end-of-life setting. Patients were recruited from the National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center between April 2011 and March 2019. Data on basic demography and clinical parameters when patients decided to start end-of-life care at the head and neck oncology division were collected. We examined the correlation between AS and CPS using Spearman's correlation coefficients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CPS and PPI for 30-day survival prediction were compared for predictive accuracy.

RESULTS

Among 98 eligible patients, 59 patients were enrolled in this study and analyzed. Of the 59 patients, CPS and PPI were calculated for 30 patients, whereas, only the PPI was calculated for 29 patients. The median AS and CPS were 35 (IQR: 9-73) days and 30 (IQR: 7-83) days, respectively. CPS and PPI (30 cases) were moderately correlated (r = 0.72, p<0.01). AS and CPS/PPI (30 cases) were significantly correlated (p<0.01) and showed a strong correlation (r = 0.86 and 0.80, respectively). In the 30-day survival prediction, the AUROCs of CPS and PPI (30 cases) were 0.967 (95%CI: 0.919-1) and 0.884 (95%CI: 0.767-1), respectively. Both CPS and PPI (30 cases) showed high accuracy in predicting the 30-day prognosis, with no significant difference (p = 0.077). The AUROC of PPI (59 cases) was 0.840 (95%CI: 0.711-0.969).

CONCLUSIONS

AS and CPS/PPI showed significant correlations. The high accuracy of CPS may have been influenced by the fact that multiple head and neck cancer specialists at a comprehensive cancer center estimated CPS. Both CPS and PPI showed high prognostic accuracy in predicting 30-day survival. This suggests that PPI is useful in centers among physicians and healthcare workers unfamiliar with head and neck cancer.

The Utility of Glasgow Prognostic Score and Palliative Prognostic Index in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Under Palliative Care

OBJECTIVES

Palliative care patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) often experience dysphagia and airway trouble; thus, each patient requires a specific palliative care plan based on their prognostication. However, no established specific prognostic tool performed on the day of starting end-of-life care is available for such patients. We assessed the accuracy of Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and palliative prognostic index (PPI) and their combination to establish a specified prognostic tool for patients with HNSCC in end-of-life setting.

METHODS

A retrospective clinical chart review was undertaken on patients with HNSCC in end-of life setting who were decided in Kagawa University Hospital and National Hospital Organization Shikoku Cancer Center between April 2011 and March 2019. The patients were divided into 2 categories according to GPS (0-1 and 2) and PPI (groups A-B and C). These were combined into 4 categories (PPI group A-B and GPS score 0-1: good; PPI group A-B and GPS score 2: intermediate; PPI group C and GPS score 2: poor; and PPI group C and GPS score 0-1: others). The survival curves were compared for the former 3 categories.

RESULTS

The median survival of the scores 0-1 and 2 on GPS were 114 (72-148) and 39 (25-52) days, respectively (P < .01). These of groups A-B and C on PPI were 79 (64-99) and 16 (9-29) days, respectively (P < .01). The median survival of the good, intermediate, and poor categories was 127 (73-149), 64 (44-80), and 15 (9-27) days, respectively (P < .01 among all categories).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the survival of terminally ill patients with HNSCC can be predicted by the GPS, PPI, and their combination with sufficient probability.

Two cases of refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis wherein mepolizumab was effective against pulmonary and ear lesions

Recently, mepolizumab, an interleukin (IL)-5 inhibitor, has been indicated for the treatment of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) refractory to standard therapies. However, no reports have compared the efficacy of mepolizumab according to symptoms and organ lesions. Herein, we report two cases in which mepolizumab was highly effective in the management of EGPA with lung lesions and otitis media refractory to treatment with multiple immunosuppressive agents. These two cases suggest that mepolizumab is effective in treating pulmonary and ear lesions in EGPA.

Unpleasantness of Amplified Environmental Sound Used in Tinnitus Sound Therapy: A Preliminary Study of Clinical Assessment

OBJECTIVES

In this study, our aim was to use environmental sounds amplified in the frequency region corresponding to the tinnitus frequency of individual patients and apply them as sound therapy in tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). In this pilot study, we 1) investigated the unpleasantness of processed environmental sounds using the amplification, attenuation, and removal in different frequency regions; 2) compared the unpleasantness of processed sounds for older and younger groups of participants; and 3) determined the amplification level appropriate for a clinical test.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We processed the sound of a river with three types of modification (amplified, attenuated, and notched) at a one-octave width of seven central frequencies, in the range 250-8000 Hz. Amplified and attenuated sounds were processed with five positive gains (+6, +12, +15.6, +18, and +20 dB) and two negative gains (-6 and -12 dB). Twenty-three older participants and 23 younger participants rated the unpleasantness of sounds using a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

We found that, in the older group, there was no difference in unpleasantness among the three modifications. Older participants rated the level of unpleasantness as lower than younger participants for processed sounds in the high-frequency region. There were no marked differences among the amplification levels in the group of older participants.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, we decided that our clinical study would target older patients who had a tinnitus frequency over 4000 Hz and would compare the effect of an amplified sound with a 20 dB gain at the frequency corresponding to individual tinnitus with notched sound.

Tricellulin Expression and its Deletion Effects in the Endolymphatic Sac

OBJECTIVES

Tricellulin is a tight junction (TJ)-forming protein that participates in the sealing function of tricellular TJs. Tricellulin-knockout (Tric-/-) mice show progressive hearing loss with degeneration of hair cells in the cochlea without physiological or physical disorders. In the present study, we investigated the tricellulin expression and its deletion effects in the endolymphatic sac (ES) using Tric-/- mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ES epithelia from wild-type (WT) mice were laser-microdissected, and RT-PCR was performed. The ES sections from Tric-/- and WT mice were immunostained with an anti-tricellulin antibody. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for morphological examination. The inner ear of Tric-/- mice was perfused with biotinylation reagents, and the ES sections were observed for tracer permeability assay after applying streptavidin-Alexa Fluor 488 conjugate.

RESULTS

The tricellulin expression was confirmed by RT-PCR and by immunohistochemistry in the WT ES. The ES in Tric-/- mice showed normal morphology and revealed no biotin leakage from the lumen.

CONCLUSION

The ES in Tric-/- mice showed no changes in morphology or disruption in macromolecular barrier function. The effects of solute leakages in the ES of Tric-/- mice may be very limited and compensatable, or that the ES epithelia may have other sealing system covering the lack of tricellulin.

Increased expression of αv integrin as a regulator of fibrosis in Dupuytren's nodules

Although Dupuytren's contracture is characterized by increased transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and fibrosis in the palmar fascia, the relationship between TGF-β1 and integrins, which are considered to be related to fibrosis, remains unclear. We investigated the involvement of TGF-β1 and integrins in the pathological palmar fascia of Dupuytren's contracture. Seven patients underwent partial fasciectomy for treatment of this disease. The nodule and cord were isolated from the fascial tissues of the patients. Control fasciae were obtained from seven patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to detect the fibrosis marker α-smooth muscle actin and integrins in the fascial tissues. The expression of TGF-β1 and integrins was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results suggest that nodules may be areas involved in activation of fibrosis in the fascia, associated with increased expression of TGF-β1 and αv integrin. Thus, αv integrin may contribute to fibrosis in Dupuytren's contracture by activating TGF-β1.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

The difference in endolymphatic hydrostatic pressure elevation induced by isoproterenol between the ampulla and the cochlea

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to investigate the difference in the responses of endolymphatic hydrostatic pressure to isoproterenol, β-adrenergic receptor agonist, between pars superior and pars inferior.

METHODS

The hydrostatic pressure of endolymph and perilymph and endolymphatic potential in the ampulla and the cochlea during the intravenous administration of isoproterenol were recorded using a servo-null system in guinea pigs.

RESULTS

The hydrostatic pressure of endolymph and perilymph in the ampulla and cochlea was similar in magnitude. Isoproterenol significantly increased hydrostatic pressure of ampullar and cochlear endolymph and perilymph with no change in the ampullar endolymphatic potential and endocochlear potential, respectively. The isoproterenol-induced maximum change of endolymphatic hydrostatic pressure in ampulla was significantly (p<0.01) smaller than that in the cochlea. In ears with an obstructed endolymphatic sac, the action of isoproterenol on endolymphatic hydrostatic pressure in the ampulla disappeared like that in the cochlea.

CONCLUSION

Isoproterenol elevates endolymphatic hydrostatic pressure in different manner between the vestibule and the cochlea.

Ischemia reperfusion-facilitated sinusoidal endothelial cell injury in liver transplantation and the resulting impact of extravasated platelet aggregation

Background

The exact sequence of events leading to ultimate hepatocellular damage following ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is incompletely understood. In this article, we review a mechanism of organ dysfunction after hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment, in addition to the potential of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) protection and antiplatelet treatment for the suppression of hepatocellular damage.

Methods

A review of the literature, utilizing PubMed-NCBI, was used to provide information on the components necessary for the development of hepatocellular damage following I/R.

Results

It is well-established that LSECs damage following hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment followed by extravasated platelet aggregation (EPA) is the root cause of organ dysfunction in liver transplantation. We have classified three phases, from LSECs damage to organ dysfunction, utilizing the predicted pathogenic mechanism of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. The first phase is detachment of LSECs and sinusoidal wall destruction after LSECs injury by hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment. The second phase is EPA, accomplished by sinusoidal wall destruction. The various growth factors, including thromboxane A2, serotonin, transforming growth factor-beta and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, released by EPA in the Disse’s space of zone three, induce portal hypertension and the progression of hepatic fibrosis. The third phase is organ dysfunction following portal hypertension, hepatic fibrosis, and suppressed liver regeneration through various growth factors secreted by EPA.

Conclusion

We suggest that EPA in the space of Disse, initiated by LSECs damage due to hepatic I/R or immunosuppressive treatment, and activated platelets may primarily contribute to liver damage in liver transplantation. Endothelial protective therapy or antiplatelet treatment may be useful in the treatment of hepatic I/R following EPA.

Efficacy of conversion gastrectomy following docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 therapy in potentially resectable stage IV gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in gastric cancer chemotherapy have made macroscopic complete resection possible in some patients with stage IV disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the efficacy of multimodal therapy with combined docetaxel, cisplatin, and S-1 (DCS) and conversion gastrectomy in 57 patients with stage IV gastric cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 57 patients, 15 patients were categorized into potentially resectable case, which is defined as patients with single incurable factor including the upper abdominal para-aortic lymph node metastasis (16a2b1 PAN metastasis) or fewer than three peripheral liver metastases. The other 42 were categorized as initially unresectable. All of patients underwent DCS therapy, and then 34 patients underwent conversion gastrectomy. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate among the patients who underwent conversion gastrectomy was 50.1% with MST of 29.9 months. They had significantly longer OS than patients who underwent DCS therapy alone (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis among the patents with conversion gastrectomy identified 16a2b1PAN metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, potential resectable case, R0 resection as significant prognostic factors. A 3-year OS in potential resectable cases was 92.9%. Multivariate analysis identified potential resectability as the only independent prognostic factor contributing to OS (HR 0.133, 95%CI 0.024-0. 744, p = 0.021). In contrast, clinical response was selected as the only independent prognostic factor in the subgroup of initially unresectable cases (HR 0.354, 95%CI 0.151-0.783, p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Patients with potentially resectable disease had a remarkably good prognosis among stage IV gastric cancer patients, and might be ideal candidates for conversion gastrectomy following DCS therapy.

Clinical outcomes of nedaplatin and S-1 treatment with concurrent radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer

CONCLUSION

Nedaplatin and S-1 treatment with concurrent radiotherapy was effective, with acceptable toxicities. This regimen does not require extensive intravenous hydration and continuous infusion. Nedaplatin and S-1 may contribute to better clinical outcomes and improve quality of life for patients.

OBJECTIVES

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with nedaplatin and S-1 for head and neck squamous cell cancer.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer were treated with S-1 on days 1 through 14 and nedaplatin on day 1 every 4 weeks for two cycles of radiotherapy. Therapeutic responses and adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

Primary site tumors and neck lymph nodes exhibited complete response rates of 91% and 64.3%, respectively. The 4-year relapse-free survival and overall survival rates were 76.2% and 85.3%, respectively. The main grade 3 and 4 toxicities were mucositis (30%), leukopenia (30%), anorexia (22%), dermatitis (15%), and thrombocytopenia (9%).

Prox1 expression in the endolymphatic sac revealed by whole-mount fluorescent imaging of Prox1-GFP transgenic mice

This study describes a technical breakthrough in endolymphatic sac research, made possible by the use of the recently generated Prox1-GFP transgenic mouse model. Whole-mount imaging techniques through the decalcified temporal bone and three-dimensional observations of Prox1-GFP mouse tissue revealed the positive labeling of the endolymphatic sac in adult stage, and allowed, for the first time, the GFP-based identification of endolymphatic sac epithelial cells. Prox1 expression was observed in all parts of the endolymphatic sac epithelia. In intermediate portion of the endolymphatic sac, mitochondria-rich cells did not express Prox1, although ribosome-rich cells showed strong GFP labeling. The anatomical relationship between the endolymphatic sac and the surrounding vasculature was directly observed. In the endolymphatic sac, expression of Prox1 may suggest progenitor cell-like pluripotency or developmental similarity to systemic lymphatic vessels in other organs. This whole-mount imaging technique of the endolymphatic sac can be combined with other conventional histological, sectioning, and labeling techniques and will be very useful for future endolymphatic sac research.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in the endolymphatic sac of the rat

OBJECTIVE

Na(+) and Cl(-) are dominant ions in the endolymphatic fluid in the endolymphatic sac and are important for volume regulation in the endolymphatic sac. An epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) and other Na(+) transporters have been identified in the endolymphatic sac epithelia, and they are involved in the regulation of endolymph. Although the presence of Cl(-) channels in the endolymphatic sac epithelia has been speculated, no Cl(-) channels have been identified. In this study, we confirmed the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in the endolymphatic sac by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and by immunohistochemical staining.

METHODS

Pure mRNA from endolymphatic sac epithelia was prepared using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and examined using RT-PCR. Localization of CFTR and ENaC in the endolymphatic sac was examined using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

mRNA of the CFTR was expressed in the endolymphatic sac. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the expression of the CFTR on apical side of the endolymphatic sac epithelia and co-localization with the ENaC.

CONCLUSION

RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to identify the expression of CFTR in the endolymphatic sac epithelia, which gives us a clue for understanding Cl(-) transport in the endolymphatic sac. These results suggest a pathway for Cl(-), possibly through interaction with the ENaC, which may regulate the endolymph in the endolymphatic sac.

Direct observation of back energy transfer in blue phosphorescent materials for organic light emitting diodes by time-resolved optical waveguide spectroscopy

We demonstrate a high-sensitive transient absorption technique for detection of excited states in an organic thin film by time-resolved optical waveguide spectroscopy. By using a laser beam as a probe light, we detect small change in the transient absorbance which is equivalent to 10^-7 absorbance unit in a conventional method. This technique was applied to organic thin films of blue phosphorescent materials for organic light emitting diodes. We directly observed the back energy transfer from emitting guest molecules to conductive host molecules.

Presence of adrenergic receptors in rat endolymphatic sac epithelial cells

Intravenous application of catecholamines produces a depression in the endolymphatic sac direct current potential (ESP) and increases endolymphatic pressure via the β-adrenergic receptor (AR) in guinea pigs, suggesting that catecholamines play a role in the endolymphatic system. However, the localization of ARs in the endolymphatic sac (ES) is still undetermined. The presence of ARs in the rat ES was investigated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction using laser capture microdissection (LCM) and immunohistochemical analysis. Expression of α(1A)-, α(1B)-, α(2A)-, α(2B)-, β(1)-, β(2)- and β(3)-ARs was observed in LCM samples of ES epithelia. Immunohistochemical analysis using specific antibodies showed immunofluorescence of β(2)- and β(3)-ARs in epithelial cells of the ES intermediate portion, and no specific staining results were obtained for α(1)-, α(2A)-, α(2B)- and β(1)-ARs. The presence of β(2)-AR with no clear immunostaining of β(1)-AR in ES epithelial cells is in accordance with previous electrophysiological and pharmacological results, which suggests that β(2)-AR mediates the action of catecholamines on the ESP. The presence of β(3)-AR in the ES epithelial cells and its absence in the stria vascularis implies that β(3)-AR plays a specific role in the ES.

Reactive oxygen species are not involved in the onset of age-related memory impairment in Drosophila

Damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS) is thought to be a cause of organismal aging. Reactive oxygen species have also been proposed to be responsible for several age-associated phenotypes, including age-related memory impairment (AMI). However, it has not previously been tested whether increasing ROS affects AMI onset. Here we examined the effects of feeding hydrogen peroxide, and the ROS-generating agent, paraquat, on olfactory aversive memory in Drosophila at young ages and during AMI onset. Reactive oxygen species feeding greatly reduced fly survival, and increased oxidized proteins and transcripts of an antioxidant enzyme, catalase (Cat) and a stress-responsive chaperone, heat-shock protein 22 (Hsp22) in fly heads. However, feeding did not impair memory in young wild-type flies, nor did it exacerbate the memory deficits in flies at the onset of AMI. Strikingly ROS feeding did disrupt memory at young ages and accelerated AMI onset was observed when expression of genes involved in the defense system to ROS, including antioxidant enzymes and Hsp22, was reduced in the mushroom bodies, neural centers required for olfactory memory. These results implicate that although ROS production increases upon aging, neuronal functions required for memory processes are sufficiently protected by the defense system to ROS even at the age of AMI onset. Thus we propose that ROS production does not affect AMI onset in Drosophila.

Specific RNA collection from the rat endolymphatic sac by laser-capture microdissection (LCM): LCM of a very small organ surrounded by bony tissues

Laser-capture microdissection (LCM) is an excellent tool to selectively obtain target tissue or cells. The endolymphatic sac (ES) is part of the inner ear, and a large part of the ES is located in the temporal bone. The rat ES is conventionally harvested using stereomicroscopy. In this method, contamination is unavoidable because of its size and location; therefore, additional checks, such as in situ hybridization, are necessary to confirm the cellular localization, and quantitative analysis is difficult in the ES. We have shown a selective epithelial tissue method using LCM to obtain RNA without contamination from ES epithelial tissue.

The mRNA of claudins is expressed in the endolymphatic sac epithelia

OBJECTIVE

Claudins are a family of membrane proteins which localize to tight junctions (TJs). Recent studies have shown that claudins can form pores for ions in the TJs and regulate the permeability of epithelial paracellular ion transport. The endolymphatic sac (ES) is a part of the inner ear, absorbing the endolymphatic fluid. ES dysfunction may result in endolymphatic hydrops. In this study, we focused on the paracellular transport and examined claudin mRNA expression in the ES epithelia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total RNA was isolated from whole ES epithelia of rats by laser capture microdissection. RT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of claudins. The expression of each claudin mRNA in the epithelial cells of rat ES was confirmed by in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

RT-PCR indicated the expression of cldn2, cldn4, cldn6, cldn7, cldn9, cldn11, cldn12, and cldn14. The expression of these claudin mRNAs in the epithelial cells of rat ES was confirmed by in situ hybridization.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated mRNA expression of multiple claudins in the rat ES epithelia. These results in the ES epithelia were consistent with a role of claudins in paracellular ion transport.

Relationship between urinary angiotensinogen and salt sensitivity of blood pressure in patients with IgA nephropathy

We demonstrated previously that the blood pressure of patients with IgA nephropathy becomes salt sensitive as renal damage progresses. We also showed that increased urinary angiotensinogen levels in such patients closely correlate with augmented renal tissue angiotensinogen gene expression and angiotensin II levels. Here, we investigated the relationship between urinary angiotensinogen and salt sensitivity of blood pressure in patients with IgA nephropathy. Forty-one patients with IgA nephropathy consumed an ordinary salt diet (12 g/d of NaCl) for 1 week and a low-salt diet (5 g/d of NaCl) for 1 week in random order. The salt-sensitivity index was calculated as the reciprocal of the slope of the pressure-natriuresis curve drawn by linking 2 data points obtained during consumption of each diet. The urinary angiotensinogen:creatinine ratio was significantly higher in patients who consumed the ordinary salt diet compared with the low-salt diet (17.5 μg/g [range: 7.3 to 35.6 μg/g] versus 7.9 μg/g [range: 3.1 to 14.2 μg/g] of creatinine, respectively; P<0.001). The sodium sensitivity index in our patients positively correlated with the glomerulosclerosis score (r=0.43; P=0.008) and changes in logarithmic urinary angiotensinogen:creatinine ratio (r=0.37; P=0.017) but not with changes in urinary protein excretion (r=0.18; P=0.49). In contrast, changes in sodium intake did not alter the urinary angiotensinogen:creatinine ratio in patients with Ménière disease and normal renal function (n=9). These data suggest that the inappropriate augmentation of intrarenal angiotensinogen induced by salt and associated renal damage contribute to the development of salt-sensitive hypertension in patients with IgA nephropathy.

Expression of CD64 on polymorphonuclear neutrophils in patients with familial Mediterranean fever

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and serosal or synovial inflammation. We examined the utility of CD64 (FcγRI) expression in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) as clinical and biological parameters in patients with FMF. We studied 12 Japanese FMF patients (mean age; 22·8 ± 15·5 years, male/female: 2/10), along with rheumatoid arthritis patients (RA, n = 38 male/female: 6/32, mean age; 52·2 ± 15·3 years), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, n = 15 male/female: 0/15, mean age; 38·5 ± 15·9 years) and 12 healthy subjects (male/female: 3/9, mean age; 37·9 ± 17·2 years). CD64 expression on PMNs was determined using flow cytometry. The quantitative expression of CD64 in patients with FMF (2439·6 ± 2215·8 molecules per PMN) was significantly higher than in healthy subjects (547·8 ± 229·5, P = 0·003) or in patients with RA (606·5 ± 228·2, P < 0·0001) and SLE (681·3 ± 281·1, P = 0·004). The increased CD64 expression on PMNs isolated from untreated FMF patients was down-regulated by colchicine treatment. NACHT-LRR-PYD-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) activation using MurNAc-L-Ala-D-isoGln (MDP) resulted in increased CD64 expression on PMNs from healthy subjects. Our results suggest that quantitative measurement of CD64 expression on PMNs can be a valuable tool to discriminate between FMF and autoimmune diseases.

A comparison of two-dimensional techniques for converting magnetocardiogram maps into effective current source distributions

The aim of this study was to develop a method for converting the pseudo two-dimensional current given by a current-arrow map (CAM) into the physical current. The physical current distribution is obtained by the optimal solution in a least mean square sense with Tikhonov regularization (LMSTR). In the current dipole simulation, the current pattern differences (ΔJ) between the results of the CAM and the LMSTR with several regularization parameters (α = 10(-1)-10(-15)) are calculated. In magnetocardiographic (MCG) analysis, the depth (z(d)) of a reconstruction plane is chosen by using the coordinates of the sinus node, which is estimated from MCG signals at the early p-wave. The ΔJs at p-wave peaks, QRS-complex peaks, and T-wave peaks of MCG signals for healthy subjects are calculated. Furthermore, correlation coefficients and regression lines are also calculated from the current values of the CAM and the LMSTR during p-waves, QRS-complex, and T-waves of MCG signals. In the simulation, the ΔJs (α ≈ 10(-10)) had a minimal value. The ΔJs (α = 10(-10)) at p-wave peaks, QRS-complex peaks, and T-wave peaks of MCG signals for healthy subjects also had minimal value. The correlation coefficients of the current values given by the CAM and the LMSTR (α = 10(-10)) were greater than 0.9. Furthermore, slopes (y) of the regression lines are correlated with the depth (z(d)) (r = -0.93). Consequently, the CAM value can be transformed into the LMSTR current value by multiplying it by the slope (y) obtained from the depth (z(d)). In conclusion, the result given by the CAM can be converted into an effective physical current distribution by using the depth (z(d)).