ARL-17477 is a dual inhibitor of NOS1 and the autophagic-lysosomal system that prevents tumor growth in vitro and in vivo

ARL-17477 is a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) inhibitor that has been used in many preclinical studies since its initial discovery in the 1990s. In the present study, we demonstrate that ARL-17477 exhibits a NOS1-independent pharmacological activity that involves inhibition of the autophagy-lysosomal system and prevents cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Initially, we screened a chemical compound library for potential anticancer agents, and identified ARL-17477 with micromolar anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of cancers, preferentially affecting cancer stem-like cells and KRAS-mutant cancer cells. Interestingly, ARL-17477 also affected NOS1-knockout cells, suggesting the existence of a NOS1-independent anticancer mechanism. Analysis of cell signals and death markers revealed that LC3B-II, p62, and GABARAP-II protein levels were significantly increased by ARL-17477. Furthermore, ARL-17477 had a chemical structure similar to that of chloroquine, suggesting the inhibition of autophagic flux at the level of lysosomal fusion as an underlying anticancer mechanism. Consistently, ARL-17477 induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization, impaired protein aggregate clearance, and activated transcription factor EB and lysosomal biogenesis. Furthermore, in vivo ARL-17477 inhibited the tumor growth of KRAS-mutant cancer. Thus, ARL-17477 is a dual inhibitor of NOS1 and the autophagy-lysosomal system that could potentially be used as a cancer therapeutic.

Non‐invasive transcriptomic analysis using mRNAs in skin surface lipids obtained from children with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis

Background

Specimens for analysing the molecular pathology of skin disease are generally obtained through invasive methods, such as biopsy. However, less burdensome methods are desirable for paediatric patients. We recently established a method that comprehensively analyses RNA present in sebum (skin surface lipid–RNAs: SSL‐RNAs) using a next‐generation sequencer. Using this method, biological information can be obtained from the skin in a completely non‐invasive manner.

Objectives

To verify the applicability of the SSL‐RNA method for analysis of paediatric skin and analyse the molecular pathology of mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.

Methods

We collected sebum specimens from the whole faces of 23 healthy children and 16 children with mild‐to‐moderate AD (eczema area and severity index (EASI) score: 5.9 ± 2.6) ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years, using an oil‐blotting film. We then extracted SSL‐RNAs from the samples and performed an AmpliSeq transcriptomic analysis.

Results

The expressions of genes related to keratinization (LCE, PSORS1C2, IVL and KRT17), triglyceride synthesis and storage (PLIN2, DGAT2 and CIDEA), wax synthesis (FAR2), ceramide synthesis (GBA2, SMPD3 and SPTLC3), antimicrobial peptides (DEFB1) and intercellular adhesion (CDSN), all of which are related to the skin barrier, are lower in children with AD than in healthy children. The children with AD also have higher expression of CCL17, a Th2‐cytokine and an increased Th2‐immune response as demonstrated by a gene set variation analysis. Moreover, KRT17 and CCL17 expression levels are significantly correlated with the EASI score.

Conclusions

Molecular changes associated with abnormal immune responses and the epidermal barrier in children with mild‐to‐moderate AD can be determined using the SSL‐RNA method. This non‐invasive method could therefore be a useful means for understanding the molecular pathology of paediatric AD.

Effect of ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 on bovine blastocyst implantation

The ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) is an efflux transporter that excretes xenobiotics and waste matter. High expression of ABCB1 induced by forskolin (FSK) and rifampicin (RIF) in the bovine blastocysts reportedly improves the cellular quality. In the present study, interferon-α, similar to FSK and RIF, was highly potent in inducing the expression of ABCB1 in the bovine blastocysts but did not exhibit an additive effect with FSK and RIF. Bovine blastocysts stimulated by the combined treatment with FSK, RIF, and interferon-α to express high levels of ABCB1 displayed better freezing resistance as indicated by higher cell numbers in post thawing cultures. On transfer to recipients, such embryos established pregnancies with significantly higher frequencies in repeat breeder cows rather than normal ones.

Half-value layer measurement: simple process method using radiochromic film

Although the half-value layer (HVL) is one of the important parameters for QA and QC, constant monitoring has not been performed because the measurements using an ionization chamber (IC) are time-consuming and complicated. To solve these problems, the use of radiochromic film (GAFCHROMIC XR TYPE R: GAF-R) with step-shaped aluminum (Al) filters, referred to herein as the simple process method, has been developed. The measurement X-ray tube voltages were 120 kV, 100 kV, and 80 kV. The Al filter area, the full exposure area, and the unexposed area were set on the GAF-R so as to obtain correct data. The HVL was evaluated using the density attenuation ratio. The HVLs obtained using the GAF-R and an 1C dosimeter were compared. HVLs with X-ray tube voltages of 120 kV, 100 kV, and 80 kV using the GAF-R were 4.10 mm, 3.55 mm and 2.97 mm, respectively. The difference ratios of the HVLs using the GAF-R and the IC were 1.2%, 7.6%, and 10.0%, respectively. The HVL at 120 kV can be routinely and quickly measured using the simple process method. Therefore, an IC dosimeter is not needed for HVL measurements for QA and QC. However, the HVL measurements of low energy (100 kV and 80 kV) need attention.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia with 47, XXY Klinefelter syndrome

We describe here a unique case of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) accompanied by Klinefelter syndrome. A Japanese boy was diagnosed as having CAH caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency at birth, but was untreated thereafter until age 10. In the meantime he showed marked acceleration in somatic growth with sexual precocity by age 9, at which time growth completely stopped. During regular follow-ups at our clinic and steroid treatment after age 10, he was recognized as having bilateral small and firm testes. A chromosomal examination and a testicular biopsy revealed a complication of 47, XXY Klinefelter syndrome with CAH. Association of these two diseases has not been reported so far, and the present case is the first one to our knowledge.

Antimyeloma effects of a novel synthetic retinoid Am80 (Tamibarotene) through inhibition of angiogenesis

In multiple myeloma (MM), the interaction between myeloma cells and bone marrow microenvironment has an important role in the pathogenesis of MM. We first examined the inducing effect of myeloma cells on migration of human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Five myeloma cell lines produced varying amounts of VEGF, and migration of HUVECs was induced by coculture with myeloma cells. We next examined the inhibitory effect of a novel synthetic retinoid Am80 (Tamibarotene) on both myeloma cells and HUVECs. Am80 is specific for the retinoic-acid receptor-alpha/beta, and has therapeutic effects in all-trans retinoic acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia. Am80 slightly inhibited the growth of both myeloma cells and HUVECs, and remarkably inhibited the growth of HUVECs stimulated by VEGF. Am80 showed little growth inhibition of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), but it markedly inhibited migration of HUVECs by cocultured myeloma cells. Am80 inhibited VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGF receptor. In addition, VEGF-induced formation of tube-like structures in vitro and neovascularization in mouse corneas were significantly inhibited by Am80. These findings clearly demonstrate that Am80 is a potential inhibitor of angiogenesis caused by the interaction between vascular endothelial cells and myeloma cells, and might be a useful therapeutic agent against MM.

[Case-control study of risk factors for cedar pollinosis among parents of 3-year-old children]

PURPOSE

To identify risk factors associated with cedar pollinosis among parents of three-year-old children.

METHODS

The subjects were parents whose children underwent health examination at the age of three years in September and October 1997 in Tochigi prefecture. We distributed questionnaires to the examinees beforehand with the request that they be filled in and brought to the examination site. Information on parents' environmental factors (place of residence, type and structure of housing, and distance from roads with heavy traffic), and mothers' past history and family history of allergic diseases was obtained. We defined cedar pollinosis in terms of three symptoms, sneezing, nasal discharge, and nasal obstruction, between February and May. Controls were those who did not have any of the three symptoms. Environmental factors were assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses using unconditional logistic models. Maternal genetic factors were also analyzed with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated for each. We also compared odds ratios of environmental factors between groups with and without genetic factors.

RESULTS

Of the parents of children taking the health examination, 90.2% took part (2,968 of 3,291 couples). Information was obtained from 2,846 mothers and 2,905 fathers. Mother and father cases were 312 and 229, and controls were 1,857 and 1,934, respectively. For the univariate analysis of environmental factors, place of residence (residential area/agricultural area), type of housing (apartment complex/solitary house), structure (reinforced concrete building/wooden house), and distance from heavy traffic (< 100 m/100 m+) were positively related to cedar pollinosis. For the multivariate analysis using unconditional logistic models, the odds ratio was significantly high for distance from heavy traffic (< 100 m/100 m+) among fathers. Mothers' past history and family history of allergic diseases showed high odds ratios for cedar pollinosis. We classified groups with and without past and family histories of allergic diseases (group with and without genetic factors) for assessment with multivariate analyses. Odds ratios for the group with an allergic history were higher than for those without such a history, but difference for factors such as, distance from heavy traffic type of housing, and structure were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Risk of cedar pollinosis increases with distance from heavy traffic among fathers. Mothers with histories of allergy show slightly elevated odds ratios for environmental factors, but without statistic significance.

Effects of exercise for 1 month on serum lipids in adolescent females

BACKGROUND

The present study was done to clarify the effects of 1 month of exercise on levels of total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and on the ratio TC/HDLC and also to evaluate the relationship of body fat to amount of exercise and TC/HDLC ratio.

METHODS

Twenty-seven female athletes (aged 15-18 years) were divided into two groups: the participant's group, in which players trained and attended a tournament, and the non-participant's group, in which players did not attend the tournament. We assessed the amount of exercise, body composition, serum TC and HDLC and TC/HDLC on four occasions: before (T0), during (T1), 1 day after (T2) and a week after (T3) the experimental period. Levels of TC and HDLC adjusted for changes in plasma volume were compared for each occasion. Two multiple regression models for change in TC/HDLC from T0 to T2 and from T0 to T3 were employed.

RESULTS

(i) The changing patterns in TC and HDLC throughout the program were different between the two groups; (ii) the decreased level of TC/HDLC after 1 month of exercise may easily revert to its original level; and (iii) the relevant factor for the decline in TC/HDLC was the amount of exercise, not body fat reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise may be a more important factor for the improvement of TC/HDLC than concomitant body fat reduction and non-strenuous exercise may maintain a more stable and higher HDLC level than strenuous exercise.

[Relationship between breast milk and atopic dermatitis in children]

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether or not dioxins and furans in breast milk have a role in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis among children.

METHODS

The target population of the study was all children participating in health check-up program for 3-year-old children in Tochigi Prefecture in September and October 1997. Using a questionnaire, information on nutrition in infants (breast milk only, bottled milk only, or mixed), parity, mothers' age at birth, and a history of atopic dermatitis was obtained. Besides, data on potential confounding factors were obtained.

RESULTS

Questionnaires from 2,968 children (85.3% of those who were to participate in the programs, and 90.2% of children who participated them) were analyzed. The risk of atopic dermatitis was higher among children with breast milk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37 with 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.83) and those with mixed nutrition (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.94-1.57) in comparison with children with only bottled milk. Mothers' age at birth (OR for those who were more than 30 years or older in comparison with those who were younger than 30 years = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.62) and those with second or later parity orders (OR = 1.32, 95% CI; 1.04-1.67) were also risk factors of the dermatitis after the adjustment for some potential confounding factors.

CONCLUSION

Breast milk elevates the risk of atopic dermatitis slightly; the risk is, however, higher in children in second or later parity orders. If the PCDDs and PCDFs in breast milk cause the dermatitis, this would contradict the assumed metabolism of these chemicals in human bodies.

[An evaluation of the biting force, the body composition and the amount of masticatory action in young females]

The purposes of this study were to investigate factors related to maximum biting force and to understand the characteristics of physical properties of daily ingested foods in young females. One hundred and forty subjects aged 18-23, with Angle 1 class occlusion, had not suffered from periodontitis, and had not been treated for preparation of tooth crown of first molars. Body height and weight were measured, and percentage of body fat, fat mass (FM) and lean body mass (LBM) were estimated, using the impedance analyzer. The maximum biting force was measured by the press sensation method. According to the formula on the basis of our new version of Yanagisawa's food classification, the mean value of the amount of masticatory action for one day was calculated. Subjects were divided into the normal biting force and the low biting force groups with -1SD of the maximum biting force, in order to compare body composition and backgrounds in sports activities between these two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was carried out, employing maximum biting force (kg.f) as a dependent variable, and having a background in sports activities, FM, LBM, the number of missing teeth, the number of dental caries and the amount of masticatory action for one day as independent variables. Results were as in the following: 1) The proportion of subjects who had a background in sports activities in the low biting force group were less than that in the normal biting force group (p < 0.01). 2) Having a background in sports activities and LBM were positively correlated to maximum biting force (p < 0.01), while the amount of masticatory action for one day was not. 3) All subjects, especially those in the low biting force group seldom had food requiring the highest amount of masticatory action.

CONCLUSION

Having a background in sports activities and LBM are positively correlated with the maximum biting force, while the amount of masticatory action for one day was not correlated positively nor negatively in young females.

Possible involvement of multidrug-resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene expression in spontaneous drug resistance to vincristine, etoposide and adriamycin in human glioma cells

The multidrug-resistance phenotype in human tumors is partly associated with over-expression of the 170 kDa-P-glycoprotein encoded by the multidrug-resistance-1 (MDR1) gene. Another related, but non-P-glycoprotein, multidrug-resistance-associated protein (MRP) gene encodes a 190 kDa-membrane ATP-binding protein. Glioblastoma multiforme is a highly malignant primary neoplasm of the central nervous system which is refractory to anti-cancer chemotherapy, but the mechanism underlying this drug resistance is unknown. Out of glioma cell lines, 2, namely IN500 and T98G, which had elevated MRP mRNA levels, showed the highest resistance to multiple anti-cancer agents such as etoposide, vincristine and adriamycin, and decreased intracellular accumulation of etoposide. In the remaining 5 cell lines, various degrees of sensitivity to adriamycin and etoposide appeared to correlate with their respective MRP mRNA levels. Our study proposes that MRP may be involved in spontaneous multidrug resistance in human gliomas.

Reducing motion artifacts during hepatic DSA

In hepatic digital subtraction angiography, artifacts caused by diaphragmatic motion can interfere with the correct diagnosis of hepatic lesions. This article describes the feasibility of using the exhalation holding method in reducing diaphragmatic motion artifacts in hepatic DSA. The authors compared respiratory holding methods in 30 patients who underwent hepatic DSA. They performed a blind comparison of images to assess diaphragmatic motion artifacts. Results showed the images obtained by the exhalation holding method were superior to those obtained by the inhalation holding method in 20 out of 30 series (66.7%).