Eggshell membrane modulates gut microbiota to prevent murine pre-cachexia through suppression of T helper cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

Cachexia is a life-threatening condition observed in several pathologies, such as cancer or chronic diseases. Interleukin 10 (Il10) gene transfer is known to improve cachexia by downregulating Il6. Here, we used an IL10-knockout mouse model to simulate cachexia and investigate the effects of eggshell membrane (ESM), a resistant protein, on general pre-cachexia symptoms, which is particularly important for the development of cachexia therapeutics.

METHODS

Five-week-old male C57BL6/J mice were fed an AIN-93G powdered diet (WT), and 5-week-old male B6.129P2-Il10 < tm1Cgn>/J (IL10^-/- ) mice were fed either the AIN-93G diet (KO) or an 8% ESM-containing diet (KOE) for 28 weeks. The tissue weight and levels of anaemia-, blood glucose-, lipid metabolism-, and muscular and colonic inflammation-related biochemical markers were measured. Transcriptomic analysis on liver and colon mucus and proteomic analysis on skeletal muscle were performed. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to identify molecular pathways and networks. Caecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were identified using HPLC, and caecal bacteria DNA were subjected to metagenomic analysis. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to measure the CD4⁺ IL17⁺ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes.

RESULTS

The body weight, weight of gastrocnemius muscle and fat tissues, colon weight/length ratio, plasma HDL and NEFA, muscular PECAM-1 levels (P < 0.01), plasma glucose and colonic mucosal myeloperoxidase activity (P < 0.05) and T helper (Th) 17 cell abundance (P = 0.071) were improved in KOE mice over KO mice. Proteomic analysis indicated the protective role of ESM in muscle weakness and maintenance of muscle formation (>1.5-fold). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ESM supplementation suppressed the LPS/IL1-mediated inhibition of RXR function pathway in the liver and downregulated the colonic mucosal expression of chemokines and Th cell differentiation-related markers (P < 0.01) by suppressing the upstream BATF pathway. Analysis of the intestinal microenvironment revealed that ESM supplementation ameliorated the microbial alpha diversity and the abundance of microbiota associated with the degree of inflammation (P < 0.05) and increased the level of total organic acids, particularly of SCFAs such as butyrate (2.3-fold), which could inhibit Th1 and Th17 production.

CONCLUSIONS

ESM supplementation ameliorated the chief symptoms of cachexia, including anorexia, lean fat tissue mass, skeletal muscle wasting and reduced physical function. ESM also improved colon and skeletal muscle inflammation, lipid metabolism and microbial dysbiosis. These results along with the suppressed differentiation of Th cells could be associated with the beneficial intestinal microenvironment and, subsequently, attenuation of pre-cachexia. Our findings provide insights into the potential of ESM in complementary interventions for pre-cachexia prevention.

Dietary Eggshell Membrane Powder Improves Survival Rate and Ameliorates Gut Dysbiosis in Interleukin-10 Knockout Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known to be associated with compositional and metabolic changes in the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary eggshell membrane (ESM) improves survival rate or ameliorates gut dysbiosis in a spontaneous IBD model of interleukin-10 knockout (IL10^−/−) mice. Female C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) and IL10^−/− mice (KO) were fed an AIN-93G basal diet or an ESM diet (KOE) for 19 weeks. Gut microbiota profiles were analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing, and short-chain fatty acids in cecal content were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. The results demonstrated that ESM supplementation significantly improved the survival rate and body composition in KO mice. Alpha diversity analysis of the microbiota revealed that ESM supplementation significantly increased gut microbial diversity, which was decreased in IL10^−/− mice. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was recovered to a normal level by ESM supplementation, suggesting that ESM helps maintain the compositional balance of the gut microbiota. ESM increased relative abundance of commensal bacterial Ruminococcus and Bacteroidales S24-7 and reduced the abundance of the proinflammatory-related bacterium, Enterobacteriaceae. Additionally, ESM supplementation promoted the production of butyrate in cecal contents and downregulated the expression of proinflammatory genes, including interleukin-1β (Il-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (Tnf-α) in IL10^−/− mice colon, indicating anti-inflammatory functions. These findings suggest that ESM may be used as a beneficial dietary intervention for IBD.

Assessment of Eggshell Membrane as a New Type of Proton-Conductive Membrane in Fuel Cells

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells have recently attracted considerable attention as sustainable and eco-friendly electricity generation devices from the viewpoint of carbon neutrality. This study focuses on new discoveries related to the application of eggshell membranes to polymer electrolytes in the development of cheaper, more eco-friendly fuel cells. We observed the electricity generation of the fuel cells using an eggshell membrane as a proton-conductive material and a general carbonic acid aqueous solution. This new fuel cell will contribute to the continued improvement of available fuel cells at lower costs.

Predictive value of QRS duration normalized to left ventricular volume for responding to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with mid-QRS duration enrolled in the multicenter registry

Background

For cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and wide (&gt;150msec) QRS duration (QRSd) received class I/A indication. However, its beneficial effect seemed to be limited for those with mid- (120–150msec) QRSd. Recent studies demonstrated that QRSd normalized to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (QRSd/ LVEDV) improved prediction of clinical outcome in patients with CRT. Therefore, we sought to investigate predictive value of QRSd/LVEDV for responding to CRT in patients with mid-QRSd.

Methods

This was retrospective multi-center observational cohort study. A total 506 consecutive patients who underwent CRT implantation in Tohoku University Hospital and National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were QRSd less than 120ms, upgrade procedures from other implanted non-CRT devices and bradycardia requiring pacing. We evaluated clinical variables, data of electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and 6 months after CRT implantation. Primary endpoint was a HF hospitalization after CRT implantation. Distribution of free from HF hospitalization during follow-up was calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves, and the effects of covariate on the time to endpoint were investigated using a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

After 199 patients were excluded based on exclusion criterion, remaining 307 patients were included for the analysis. Mean age was 62±14 [SD] years, and 238 (77%) were male. Mean LVEF and LVEDV were 25±9% and 234±82ml, respectively, and 24% of patients had ischemic etiology of HF. During the median 948 days of follow-up, CRT patients with mid QRSd (n=126; 136±10msec), as compared with those with wide QRSd (n=181; 174±17msec), tended to have higher incidence of HF hospitalization (Wilcoxon p=0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that QRSd and QRSd/LVEDV were significant predictors for HF hospitalization in CRT patients with mid QRSd, and cut-off values (137msec of QRSd and 0.65 of QRSd/LVEDV), which was calculated by receiver operative curve analysis, was used for risk stratification. QRSd&lt;137msec was significant negative predictors for HF hospitalization (p=0.005), and Mid-QRSd patients with QRSd≥137msec demonstrated equivalent clinical outcome with those with wide QRSd. Moreover, patients with QRSd/LVEDV≥0.65 tended to have lower incidence of HF hospitalization as compared with those without it among patients with QRSd&lt;137msec (n=64, Figure).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates that QRSd normalized to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (QRSd/ LVEDV) could be clinical value in predicting outcome in CRT patients with mid-QRSd. These findings indicate normalized QRSd reflects myocardial conduction properties and contribute to risk stratification.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effects of Eggshell Membrane on Keratinocyte Differentiation and Skin Aging In Vitro and In Vivo

Skin aging is one of the hallmarks of the aging process that causes physiological and morphological changes. Recently, several nutritional studies were conducted to delay or suppress the aging process. This study investigated whether nutritional supplementation of the eggshell membrane (ESM) has a beneficial effect on maintaining skin health and improving the skin aging process in vitro using neonatal normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK-Neo) and in vivo using interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10 KO) mice. In NHEK-Neo cells, 1 mg/mL of enzymatically hydrolyzed ESM (eESM) upregulated the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers, including keratin 1, filaggrin and involucrin, and changed the keratinocyte morphology. In IL-10 KO mice, oral supplementation of 8% powdered-ESM (pESM) upregulated the expression of growth factors, including transforming growth factor β1, platelet-derived growth factor-β and connective tissue growth factor, and suppressed skin thinning. Furthermore, voltage-gated calcium channel, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V members were upregulated by eESM treatment in NHEK-Neo cells and pESM supplementation in IL-10 KO mice. Collectively, these data suggest that ESM has an important role in improving skin health and aging, possibly via upregulating calcium signaling.

Eggshell membrane powder lowers plasma triglyceride and liver total cholesterol by modulating gut microbiota and accelerating lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-fed mice

Obesity is a major global lifestyle disorder associated with gut microbiota. The health benefits of eggshell membrane (ESM) have been shown in previous reports, particularly as regards gut microbiota composition. Here, we investigated whether ESM improves lipid metabolism and alters gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice. A total of 20 C57BL/6J mice aged 6 weeks were given either a control diet (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), or high-fat diet + 8% ESM powder (HESM) for 20 weeks. ESM supplementation in HFD-fed mice reduced plasma triglycerides (TG) and liver total cholesterol (TC) and upregulated the expression of lipid metabolism genes carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A and suppressor of cytokine signaling 2. Microbiota analysis showed increased relative abundance of the anti-obesity bacterium, Lactobacillus reuteri, at 4, 12, and 16 weeks and reduced the abundance of inflammation-related Blautia hydrogenotrophica, Roseburia faecis, and Ruminococcus callidus at 12 and 20 weeks. ESM-supplemented mice had increased cecal isobutyrate, negatively correlated with B. hydrogenotrophica and Parabacteroides goldsteinii abundance. The results indicate that ESM supplementation in HFD-fed mice reduced plasma TG and liver TC, possibly through alteration of lipid metabolism gene expression and gut microbiota composition, suggesting that ESM may be effective in obesity management.

Solubilized eggshell membrane supplies a type III collagen-rich elastic dermal papilla

Signs of aging in facial skin correlate with lifespan and chronic disease; however, the health of aging skin has not been extensively studied. In healthy young skin, the dermis forms a type III collagen-rich dermal papilla, where capillary vessels supply oxygen and nutrients to basal epidermal cells. Chicken eggshell membranes (ESMs) have been used as traditional medicines to promote skin wound healing in Asian countries for many years. Previously, we designed an experimental system in which human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were cultured on a dish with a solubilized ESM (S-ESM) bound to an artificial phosphorylcholine polymer; we found that genes that promoted the health of the papillary dermis, such as those encoding type III collagen, were induced in the S-ESM environment. The present study found that a gel with a ratio of 20% type III/80% type I collagen, similar to that of the baby skin, resulted in a higher elasticity than 100% type I collagen (p < 0.05) and that HDFs in the gel showed high mitochondrial activity. Thus, we decided to perform further evaluations to identify the effects of S-ESM on gene expression in the skin of hairless mice and found a significant increase of type III collagen in S-ESM. Picrosirius Red staining showed that type III collagen significantly increased in the papillary dermis after S-ESM treatment. Moreover, S-ESM application significantly improved human arm elasticity and reduced facial wrinkles. ESMs may have applications in extending lifespan by reducing the loss of tissue elasticity through the increase of type III collagen.

Eggshell membrane powder ameliorates intestinal inflammation by facilitating the restitution of epithelial injury and alleviating microbial dysbiosis

Gut microbiota is an essential factor in the shaping of intestinal immune system development and driving inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We report the effects and microbe-host interactions underlying an intervention using fine powder of eggshell membrane (ESM) against IBD. ESM attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine production and promoted the Caco-2 cell proliferation by up-regulating growth factors in vitro. In a murine model of dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis, ESM significantly suppressed the disease activity index and colon shortening. These effects were associated with significant ameliorations of gene expressions of inflammatory mediators, intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, restitution-related factors and antimicrobial peptides. Multifaceted integrated omics analyses revealed improved levels of energy metabolism-related genes, proteins and metabolites. Concomitantly, cecal metagenomic information established an essential role of ESM in improving dysbiosis characterized by increasing the diversity of bacteria and decreasing absolute numbers of pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli, as well as in the regulation of the expansion of Th17 cells by suppressing the overgrowth of segmented filamentous bacteria. Such modulations have functional effects on the host; i.e., repairing the epithelium, regulating energy requirements and eventually alleviating mucosal inflammation. These findings are first insights into ESM’s modulation of microbiota and IBD suppression, providing new perspectives on the prevention/treatment of IBD.

Eggshell membrane ameliorates hepatic fibrogenesis in human C3A cells and rats through changes in PPARγ-Endothelin 1 signaling

Our previous nutrigenomic findings indicate that eggshell membrane (ESM) may prevent liver fibrosis. Here we investigated the effects and mechanisms underlying ESM intervention against liver injury by using DNA microarray analysis and comparative proteomics. In vitro hydrolyzed ESM attenuated the TGFβ1-induced procollagen production of human hepatocyte C3A cells and inhibited the expression of Endothelin 1 (EDN1) and its two receptors, and extracellular matrix components. In vivo male Wistar rats were allocated into a normal control group, a CCl4 group (hypodermic injection of 50% CCl4 2×/wk) and an ESM group (20 g ESM/kg diet with CCl4 injection) for 7 wks. Dietary ESM ameliorated the elevated activity of ALT/AST, oxidative stress and collagen accumulation in liver, accompanied by the down-regulated expression of Edn1 signaling and notable profibrogenic genes and growth factors as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Concomitantly, the decreased expressions of Galectin-1 and Desmin protein in the ESM group indicated the deactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through a multifaceted integrated omics approach, we have demonstrated that ESM can exert an antifibrotic effect by suppressing oxidative stress and promoting collagen degradation by inhibiting HSCs' transformation, potentially via a novel modulation of the PPARγ-Endothelin 1 interaction signaling pathway.

Hydrolyzed eggshell membrane immobilized on phosphorylcholine polymer supplies extracellular matrix environment for human dermal fibroblasts

We have found that a water-soluble alkaline-digested form of eggshell membrane (ASESM) can provide an extracellular matrix (ECM) environment for human dermal fibroblast cells (HDF) in vitro. Avian eggshell membrane (ESM) has a fibrous-meshwork structure and has long been utilized as a Chinese medicine for recovery from burn injuries and wounds in Asian countries. Therefore, ESM is expected to provide an excellent natural material for biomedical use. However, such applications have been hampered by the insolubility of ESM proteins. We have used a recently developed artificial cell membrane biointerface, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer (PMBN) to immobilize ASESM proteins. The surface shows a fibrous structure under the atomic force microscope, and adhesion of HDF to ASESM is ASESM-dose-dependent. Quantitative mRNA analysis has revealed that the expression of type III collagen, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and decorin mRNAs is more than two-fold higher when HDF come into contact with a lower dose ASESM proteins immobilized on PMBN surface. A particle-exclusion assay with fixed erythrocytes has visualized secreted water-binding molecules around the cells. Thus, HDF seems to possess an ECM environment on the newly designed PMBN-ASESM surface, and future applications of the ASESM-PMBN system for biomedical use should be of great interest.

Caregiver psychological characteristics predict discontinuation of care for disabled elderly at home

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to determine the predictors of discontinuation of care for the disabled elderly at home using multivariate regression analysis.

METHODS

In January to February 2005, using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 193 caregivers of frail elderly listed on a roster for utilization of day service or short stay service from two Home Visit Nursing Care Stations. Family caregivers were defined as co-resident family members who provided a minimum of 1 h of daily care for at least 3 months. Multiple stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to detect predictors of a discontinuation for the disabled elderly at home.

RESULTS

The mean age of caregivers was around 59.0 years, accounting for about 80% of the women among caregivers. Of those caregivers, the proportion of desire to institutionalization (high DI) (56.8%) was higher than that of desire to care at home (low DI) (43.2%). Among the following three factors selected by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, the strength of the relationship was stronger in frequent mood swings and irritability as carerecipient characteristic (adjusted OR = 5.93; 95% CI, 2.09-16.8) than in no advanced or skilled care (adjusted OR = 3.13; 95% CI, 1.41-7.14) and a high caregiver burden (adjusted OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.23) as caregiver's one.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the carerecipients' psychological characteristics may be more strongly related to the decision to continue care for disabled elderly at home than that of the caregivers'.

Initial fermentation of sea sludge using aerobic and thermophilic microorganisms in a mangrove soil

As sea sludge has the potential to cause eutrophication and red tide resulting in the death of shellfish and offensive odors, an effective method to treat it is needed. It was found that adding soil taken from a mangrove swamp to sea sludge promoted an initial fermentation of the sludge constituents. The result suggested that certain microorganisms that were thought to inhabit the sub-tropical mangrove soil had the potential to play a significant role in the fermentation and that the use of the microorganisms in the mangrove soil might be useful for composting sea sludge.

[Percutaneous cryosurgery for liver tumors]

A new cryoprobe developed in our department makes it possible to perform percutaneous cryoablation for small liver tumors. This cryoprobe is placed into each lesion using an ultrasonic guidance technique. In this study there were 10 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 5 patients with liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma. In 6 cases the tumor size was below 2 cm, in 6 cases between 2 and 3 cm, and in 3 cases over 3 cm. Using a cryoprobe of 3 mm in diameter, each lesion was frozen using liquid nitrogen for 15 or 20 minutes then thawed for 10 minutes, and repeated. The ice ball was found to enlarge to 3 cm in 20 minutes and 5 cm in 60 minutes experimentally. Six cases were CR, 5 PR, 2 NC and 2 PD. After cryoablation, liver function did not change and there were no complications. However, as the size of the ice ball was small (about 3 cm), this method was insufficiently effective in some cases. Percutaneous cryoablation using this probe should be performed for tumors smaller than 3 cm.

Pleasant odors attenuate the blood pressure increase during rhythmic handgrip in humans

We have investigated the effects of inhaling odors of preference on physiological responses to physical exercise in college students. Rhythmic handgrip, maintaining a mercurial pressure by repetitive compression, increased blood pressure. In the participants exercised with inhaling odors of their choice, such as rose, jasmine and lavender, the increase in diastolic blood pressure during exercise was reduced by 24%. In contrast, the blood pressure increase during static handgrip, maintaining the power 30-40% of maximum, was not affected by the existence of favorite odors. Since the blood pressure increase during static handgrip is a lower brainstem reflex, the present result shows that the inhalation of favorite odors suppresses the muscle sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity and attenuates the blood pressure increase by affecting the central nervous system higher than the midbrain.

Pentoxifylline inhibition of vasculogenesis in the neonatal rat retina

PURPOSE

The zeta isozyme of protein kinase C (PKC) is essential for activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)kappaB and transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study examined the antiangiogenic potential of an existing drug, pentoxifylline (PTX), which inhibits PKC-dependent activation of NFkappaB and is reported to prevent hypoxia-induced expression of VEGF.

METHODS

Neovascularization was induced by maintaining neonatal rats for 10 full days in 80% oxygen, interrupted daily by 30 minutes in room air followed by a progressive return to 80% oxygen. On experimental day 11, they were placed in room air until they were killed on day 17. Daily intraperitoneal injections of PTX in saline (25 or 75 mg/kg per day), or saline alone, were administered from day 6 through day 16. Retinal neovascularization was scored, and avascular areas (AVAs) were measured in ADPase stained retinas.

RESULTS

PTX inhibited radial extension of retinal vessels, causing increases in AVA of 65% (P < 0.01) and 33% (P < 0.15) at the lower and upper doses, respectively. A significant increase in mean neovascular score was seen at the lower dose (P < 0.0001), but analysis of variance indicated that neovascularization was strongly and positively influenced by the AVA (P < 0.0001) and only weakly stimulated by PTX (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic PTX significantly inhibited VEGF-mediated retinal vasculogenesis, but was not effective in reducing neovascularization in the oxygen-exposed neonatal rat.

A comparison of distilled water and normal saline as diluents for endobronchial administration of epinephrine in the dog

We compared the effects of distilled water and normal saline as diluents for the endobronchial administration of epinephrine in anesthetized dogs by using a cross-over design. Six dogs received 2 mL of either normal saline or distilled water into the bronchus, and the other solution was administered 1 wk later. Eight dogs received 0.02 mg/kg epinephrine diluted in either distilled water (E + water) or normal saline (E + saline) to a total volume of 2 mL into the bronchus, and the other solution was administered 1 wk later. Normal saline or distilled water without epinephrine did not affect the plasma epinephrine concentration, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and PaO(2). The peak plasma epinephrine concentration was significantly larger after treatment with E + water (26.5 +/- 7.9 ng/mL) than after E + saline (2.1 +/- 0.7 ng/mL). E + water caused an increase in MAP of 91 +/- 24 mm Hg, whereas E + saline did not affect MAP. The maximal decrease in PaO(2) after the administration of E + water (14 +/- 5 mm Hg) was significantly greater than after E + saline (7 +/- 2 mm Hg). In conclusion, distilled water as the diluent for endobronchially administered epinephrine to a total volume of 2 mL allowed better absorption of epinephrine compared with normal saline without a serious detrimental effect on PaO(2).

IMPLICATIONS

Using a small volume of distilled water as the diluent for endobronchial epinephrine administration significantly increased epinephrine absorption and arterial pressure in comparison with normal saline, without having a serious detrimental effect on PaO(2), in an anesthetized, noncardiopulmonary, resuscitation dog model.

Eicosapentaenoic acid release from the red alga Pachymeniopsis lanceolata by enzymatic degradation

Forty-eight species of seaweeds from Japanese waters were screened for the valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The eight species that contained the highest levels of these compounds were analyzed in detail. Of all species tested the red alga Pachymeniopsis lanceolata contained the highest EPA concentration, and it was present as both the free and bound forms. EPA constituted 38.7% of total fatty acids, and polar lipids were the main constituent of the total lipids in P. lanceolata. EPA was obtained from the marine algae P. lanceolata by enzymatic hydrolysis of the total lipids extract using phospholipase A2 (PLA2). The release of EPA reached a plateau after 10 min of enzymatic treatment. These results suggest that P. lanceolata is a useful natural source of EPA and that PLA2 treatment is a convenient method for obtaining EPA from the red alga.

Highly sensitive flow detection of uric acid based on an intermediate regeneration of uricase

The principle of the signal amplification of a uric acid sensor based on dithiothreitol (DTT)-mediated intermediate regeneration of uricase was applied to a flow-injection system with an immobilized uricase reactor and a DTT-containing carrier. Highly sensitive detection for nM to microM order of uric acid was achieved when 10 mM TRIS-HCl buffer (pH 10.0) containing 20 mM DTT was used as a carrier at 0.6 ml min-1 and 37 degrees C. The sensitivity of the uric acid was much improved over a batch method using a uricase membrane-coupling electrode, and the detection limit (ca. peak current 8 nA) of uric acid was found to be down to 3 x 10(-10) M (amplification factor; more than 10,000). This chemically amplified flow-system is very useful for the direct assay of uric acid in highly diluted biological fluids (urine and serum) without complicated pretreatment of the samples, because this sensor has the potential to detect trace amounts (nM to microM) of uric acid in highly diluted body fluids in which the concentration of interfering constituents was decreased to negligible levels. Good correlation was observed between this system and conventional spectrophotometry. The immobilized uricase reactor could be re-used for at least 4 months of repeated analysis without loss of activity and was stable if stored at 4 degrees C in 10 mM TRIS-HCl buffer, pH 9.0.

Dorsal specification in blastoderm at the blastula stage in the goldfish, Carassius auratus

The teleost dorsoventral axis cannot be morphologically distinguished before gastrulation. Previous studies by the current authors have shown that localized dorsalizing activity in the yolk cell (YC) induces the dorsal tissues in the overlying blastoderm. In order to examine whether or not dorsal blastomeres are committed to their dorsal fate before the gastrula stage, a variety of transplant operations were performed in goldfish blastoderms at the mid- to late-blastula stages. When the blastoderm was cut from the YC, rotated horizontally at 180 degrees, and recombined with the YC, the blastoderm frequently developed two axes, indicating that dorsal blastomeres of the blastula had already acquired the ability to differentiate into the organizer in the absence of dorsalizing signals from the YC. This result was further confirmed by experiments using ventralized embryos in which no dorsal structures formed: the axis formation was frequently observed in the normal blastoderm combined with the ventralized YC at the blastula stage. However, the axes formed in the absence of dorsal information from the YC exhibited a lower dorso-anterior index. Furthermore, the dorsal specification was not stably maintained when the dorsal cells were located far from the YC. These results suggest that the inductive and permissive influence of the YC may be required for the blastoderm to undergo full dorsal differentiation.

Effects of skin surface temperature distribution of thermal manikin on clothing thermal insulation

Effects of the distribution of skin surface temperature were investigated on thermal insulation of clothing for whole and each body part. The experiments were carried out with a thermal manikin in a climatic chamber. The two types of clothing ensemble were measured. The measurement with nude thermal manikin were also conducted. The three variations of skin temperature distribution were set with the thermal manikin. The values of the thermal insulation of nude skin surface (Ia), the total thermal insulation of clothing (It) and the basic thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) were measured with this thermal manikin under each skin temperature distribution. As a result, the values of Ia and It were not affected by skin temperature distributions of the range of typical experimental conditions. However, It is necessary to carefully use the values of the thermal insulation of clothing for the body parts, because these values were more influenced by the skin temperature distribution than those for the whole body.

Specific and amplified current responses to histidine and histamine using immobilized copper-monoamine oxidase membrane electrode, based on novel ascorbate oxidase activity induced by exogenous ligands

Upon the addition of histidine and histamine, the copper containing monoamine oxidase (MAO) catalyzes the oxidation of L-ascorbic acid (AsA) by dissolved oxygen, in which the consumed oxygen was finally converted to hydrogen peroxide, according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Km) = 1.97 mM, upon the addition of 5 x 10(-5) M L-histidine at 35 degrees C and pH 8.5). The amount of oxygen consumption depended on the amount of histidine and histamine added, and specific responses over other amines were observed when the oxygen electrode modified with immobilized MAO membrane was used in the 0.1 M Tris buffer containing AsA. The calibration curves of L-histidine and histamine at 4 mM AsA exhibit linearity in the concentration range from 5 x 10(-7) to 5 x 10(-5) M L-histidine and 5 x 10(-6) to 1 x 10(-8) M histamine, with detection limit of 3 x 10(-7) M L-histidine and 3 x 10(-6) M histamine, respectively. The ESR signal of copper(II) in active site of MAO at 77K was apparently changed upon the addition of L-histidine and histamine indicating that exogenous histidine and histamine bound to the copper site of enzyme and lead to the structural change in active site.

Microbial cyanide sensor for monitoring river water

A microbial cyanide sensor using Saccharomyces cerevisiae for monitoring a river water is described. This sensor is based on the inhibition of S. cerevisiae's respiration by cyanide. This sensor is a reactor type flow system and composed of two oxygen electrodes and a reactor which contains S. cerevisiae immobilized beads. The S. cerevisiae's respiration activity is measured using the oxygen electrodes. The sensor showed a linear response in the range from 0 to 15 microM and maintained stable response for 9 days at ambient temperature. The sensor was optimized for the monitoring of river water and was applied to river water analysis.

Usefulness of R-R interval and its variability in evaluation of thermal comfort

The use of R-R interval and the coefficient of variation in R-R intervals (CVR-R) for the evaluation of thermal comfort was investigated. The experiments were carried out with ten male subjects but data from one were excluded from the analysis. Thermal sensation, comfort, and tolerance of environmental conditions were reported and mean skin temperature, R-R interval and CVR-R were monitored during a 3 h period in a climatic chamber with the operative temperature set at 26, 20, or 30 degrees C. Relative humidity was maintained at ca. 50% in each case. At the operative temperature of 20 degrees C, the mean skin temperature was significantly lower, the cold sensation was significantly more intense, and discomfort was significantly greater than at 26 degrees C and R-R interval was increased significantly. Seven of the nine subjects were unable to tolerate this thermal environment. The R-R interval and CVR-R were increased in five and four of those seven subjects, respectively. At the operative temperature of 30 degrees C, the mean skin temperature was significantly higher, and the sensation of warmth was significantly more intense than at 26 degrees C. Seven of the nine subjects felt discomfort, and four of the seven reported an inability to tolerate this thermal environment. The R-R interval and CVR-R were decreased in four and three of these four subjects, respectively. At the operative temperature of 20 degrees C CVR-R was significantly greater than that at 30 degrees C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Thermal insulation of clothing for seated and standing postures]

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of body posture on thermal insulation of clothing. Clothing ensembles including skirts were mainly investigated. A new thermal manikin was developed for this study. This manikin was able to change her body posture without increasing or decreasing her surface area. By changing posture from standing to seated, the total thermal insulation of clothing (It) was decreased by around 1.4%. The surface thermal resistance at nude (Ia) was increased by 8%. As a result, the basic thermal insulation of clothing (Icl) was decreased by 14%. The main reason for the decrease of basic thermal insulation (Icl) when the posture of thermal manikin changes from standing to seated was the increase of Ia at nude. The total thermal insulation of clothing for each body posture (Iti), when standing and seated, were compared. The parts affected by the changed posture were abdomen, hip and thighs, and especially under the skirt of 61cm length, the knees were most affected.

[Intermittent intra-arterial chemotherapy using subcutaneously implanted reservoir for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastasis of colorectal carcinoma]

Hepatectomy has been performed as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metastatic liver carcinoma. The prognosis has improved, but it is not sufficient. In our department hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy using subcutaneous implanted reservoir has been undertaken in 21 of 66 patients who underwent hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma and 13 of 30 in liver metastasis of colorectal carcinoma since 1986. There was no significant difference between the group with and without arterial infusion chemotherapy in HCC but there was a significant difference in metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. In unresectable cases, intra-arterial chemotherapy was undertaken, but there was no significant difference. On the other hand, 26 of 58 cases receiving arterial infusion chemotherapy have shown complications.

Amphetamine-antagonistic properties of 4-phenyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydroisoquinoline: inhibition of spinal reflex-enhancing effects of methamphetamine, phenylethylamine and nomifensine

The antagonistic effects of 4-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (4PTIQ) against S(+)-methamphetamine, phenylethylamine and nomifensine were studied by measurement of spinal monosynaptic reflex potential (MSR). S(+)-Methamphetamine, phenylethylamine and nomifensine enhanced the amplitude of MSR in C1-spinalized rats through release of noradrenaline from the terminals of descending fibers and consequent activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Although 4PTIQ alone did not change the amplitude of the MSR, 4PTIQ inhibited the enhancement of MSR induced by S(+)-methamphetamine and related compounds. The MSR of rats with an intact spinal cord was enhanced by conditioning stimulation of the ipsilateral locus ceruleus. The MSR enhancement produced by the stimulation was blocked by prazosin but unaffected by 4PTIQ, showing that 4PTIQ does not have an alpha 1-blocking action. These results suggest that the antagonistic effects of 4PTIQ on MSR enhancement by S(+)-methamphetamine, phenylethylamine and nomifensine are due to its blocking of noradrenaline release produced by these amphetamine-like agents.

Effects of the new centrally acting muscle relaxant 7-chloro-N,N,3-trimethylbenzo[b]furan-2-carboxamide on motor and central nervous systems in rats

Effects of KW-6629 (7-chloro-N,N,3-trimethylbenzo[b]furan-2-carboxamide) were studied with special reference to the effect on motor and central nervous systems using rats. The drug effectively reduced the motor coordination (rotarod), the anemic decerebrate rigidity, the crossed extensor reflex, and the gamma-activity indirectly recorded from muscle afferent discharges without showing the direct inhibitory effect on muscle spindles. KW-6629 depressed the polysynaptic and dorsal root reflexes without showing marked effect on the monosynaptic reflex in intact spinal cord rats. KW-6629 produced high-amplitude slow wave in the cerebral cortex in electroencephalogram (EEG). KW-6629 did not reduce the EEG after-discharges and behavioral convulsion (amygdaloid kindling). KW-6629 had no effect on the neuromuscular junction. These results suggest that KW-6629 is a centrally acting muscle relaxant which has a site of action in supraspinal structures.

Photo-switchable ion and enzyme sensors. Photoinduced potentiometric response of glassy carbon electrode coated with polymer or polymer/enzyme dual membrane

Photo-switchable ion and enzyme sensors were fabricated by the use of glassy carbon electrode coated with nonactindoped or enzyme modified poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membranes. The ion sensor with nonactin-doped PVC membrane, which contained spirobenzopyran as the photosensitive dye, exhibited a potentiometric photoresponse to NH4+ ion in the solution. The dynamic range of the NH4+ ion sensor was 10(-7)--10(-3) M. Urea, adenosine, and asparagine sensors were prepared by coating the surface of the NH4+-ion sensor with urease, adenosine deaminase, and asparaginase membranes, respectively. These enzyme sensors could be used for determining the substrates at the micro mole level. The performance characteristics of these sensors were compared with those previously prepared membrane electrode sensors.

Structure-activity relationships of phenylethylamine analogs in their serotonergic depressant effects on the spinal monosynaptic reflex in rats

The effects of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) and related compounds on the spinal monosynaptic reflex (MSR) were examined using C1-spinalized rats. At low doses, PEA, S(+)-amphetamine, S(+)-methamphetamine and phentermine increased the amplitude of the MSR, whereas high doses of these drugs reduced it. p-Substituted PEA analogs (p-C1-PEA, p-methoxy-PEA and (+/-)-p-C1-amphetamine) only reduced the MSR. Low doses of PEA-related rigid compounds, R(+)-2-aminotetralin, (+/-)-N-methyl-2-aminotetralin and (+/-)-N,N-dimethyl-2-aminotetralin only reduced the MSR. S(-)-2-Aminotetralin did not affect the MSR. Depressions of MSR produced by PEA, S(+)-methamphetamine and R(+)-2-aminotetralin were antagonized by ketanserin and haloperidol which have 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) antagonistic activity, and the MSR depression caused by S(+)-methamphetamine but not PEA and R(+)-2-aminotetralin was abolished by intracisternal 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine treatment or chronic spinal transection. These results suggest that PEA-related compounds cause MSR depression by direct and indirect 5-HT agonistic mechanisms, and support the proposal that the PEA moiety which exists in R(+)-2-aminotetralin is important for the direct 5-HT agonistic activity of some hallucinogens.

Enhancement of spinal monosynaptic reflexes with phenylethylamine and related drugs through descending noradrenergic neurons

The effects of phenylethylamine (PEA) and related drugs, such as methamphetamine, phenelzine, methylphenidate, nomifensine and mazindol on the spinal monosynaptic reflex (MSR) were investigated in rats treated with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (5,6-DHT). PEA (1 x 10(-5) mol/kg, i.v.) increased the amplitude of MSR in control rats, but decreased the amplitude in rats treated with 6-OHDA. Although PEA-related drugs increased the amplitude of MSR, they did not change the MSR amplitude in 6-OHDA-treated rats. In 5,6-DHT-treated rats, PEA-related drugs increased the amplitude of MSR, whereas PEA produced a decrease. These results support our previous suggestion that the enhancement of MSR by these drugs might be mediated through release of noradrenaline or inhibition of noradrenaline uptake at the noradrenergic synapses.

The most desirable conformation of phenylethylamine (PEA) moiety stimulating noradrenergic neurons: effects of PEA, methamphetamine, phenelzine, methylphenidate, nomifensine and mazindol on rat spinal reflexes

1. The effects of phenylethylamine (PEA) and PEA-related substances on the rat spinal monosynaptic reflex (MSR) were examined. According to the flexibility of the PEA moiety in the molecule, these drugs were classified into three groups, i.e. non-rigid, rigid and semi-rigid groups. 2. PEA, methamphetamine and phenelzine (non-rigid group) showed opposite effects on the MSR, an increase at low doses and a decrease at high doses. The former effect was antagonized by pretreatment with the alpha 1-blocker, prazosin. 3. Nomifensine and mazindol (rigid group), which share the similar spatial relationships between the aromatic moiety and nitrogen, increased the MSR, and this effect was blocked by prazosin. 4. In the semi-rigid group the same result was obtained for methylphenidate but not for 1-methyl-2-benzylpiperidine, which might have difficulty in having the similar conformation of PEA moiety as methylphenidate because of its methyl group. 5. From these results, it appears that the effects of PEA and amphetamines on the MSR are determined by the spatial relationships between the amino group and the aromatic moiety and that the enhancement of the MSR might be induced through alpha 1-adrenergic transmission.

Effects of valproic acid on spinal reflexes and [3H]muscimol and [3H]diazepam binding in brain membranes in rats

It was examined whether the anticonvulsant activity of valproic acid (di-n-propylacetic acid, DPA) was exerted via the inhibitory GABA system in the central nervous systems (CNS). Dorsal root reflexes (DR-DRR) were not augmented but intensely suppressed following the administration of DPA (50 and 200 mg/kg, i.v.). DPA did not depolarize the resting dorsal root potentials. These electrophysiological findings may indicate that DPA does not potentiate GABA system in the spinal cord of rats. DPA (1 and 10 mM) neither affected the binding of 2 or 40 nM of [3H]muscimol nor the binding of [3H]diazepam in the rat brain membranes; the same concentrations of DPA did not affect the enhancement of binding of [3H]diazepam induced by the addition of GABA (100 microM). The result obtained from binding assays indicates that DPA does not interact with the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex. The findings in the present study do not support the proposal that the anticonvulsant action of DPA is exerted by potentiation of the GABA system in the CNS.