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Biomedical subjects

H Ito

Publications and source records attributed to H Ito.

At least 541 records · Page 30Linked to original sources

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth and neurotrophin-3 selected regions of the rat brain following kainic acid-induced seizure activity.

Changes in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in various regions of the rat brain following kainic acid-induced seizure activity were investigated. BDNF protein, as measured by a two-site enzyme immunoassay, increased transiently 12-24 h after the intraperitoneal administration of kainic acid to 61.6 ng/g wet weight in the hippocampus (approximately 10-fold increase), 19.5 ng/g in the piriform plus entorhinal cortex (approximately 10-fold) and 8.2 ng/g in the olfactory bulb (approximately 16-fold), and then rapidly decreased. Increases of 2- to 4-fold in levels of BDNF were also detected in the septum, cerebral cortex, striatum and hypothalamus, but not in the cerebellum. In contrast, levels of NGF and NT-3 decreased 24 h after the administration of kainic acid. Western and Northern blotting analyses of hippocampal tissues, respectively, revealed increase in levels of a 14-kDa protein corresponding to BDNF and its mRNA at both 4.2 and 1.4 kb. Hippocampal mRNAs for NGF and NT-3 increased and decreased, respectively, in kainic acid-treated rats. Immunohistological investigations showed that, in the hippocampus, the administration of kainic acid enhanced a homogeneous immunoreactivity of BDNF in the polymorph inner layer (the stratum radiatum of the CA3/CA4 regions and the hilar region) and in granule cells of the dentate gyrus. BDNF protein was found in neurons, but not at all in glial cells or in blood vessels, and was localized in the cytoplasm, the nucleoplasm and the primary dendrites of neurons as well as in perisynaptic extracellular spaces, but hardly in their axons. Our results show that kainic acid treatment increases levels of BDNF, but not NGF or NT-3, in various regions of the rat brain, other than the cerebellum. Also, the majority of BDNF newly synthesized by hippocampal granule neurons is secreted into the perisynaptic extracellular space in the polymorph inner layer of the dentate gyrus, supporting an autocrine-like role for the factor in synaptic functions.

Animals↗

Effects of transforming growth factor-beta signaling on chondrogenesis in mouse chondrogenic EC cells, ATDC5.

Cellular condensation of chondroprogenitors is a distinct cellular event in chondrogenesis. During this process, N-cadherin mediates cell-cell interactions responsible for the initial stage of cellular condensation and subsequently fibronectin contributes to cell-matrix interactions mediating a progression of chondrogenesis. We previously showed that chondrogenesis in mouse chondrogenic EC cells, ATDC5, was induced, at a high incidence in the presence of insulin, through formation of cellular condensation. In this study, we took advantage of the sequential progression of chondrogenesis in ATDC5 cells and evaluated, in vitro in these cells, the role of endogenous transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in chondrogenesis. ATDC5 cells expressed TGF-beta2 mRNA at a cellular condensation stage. The treatment of undifferentiated ATDC5 cells with anti-TGF-beta32 neutralizing antibody inhibited the accumulation of Alcian blue stainable proteoglycan in a dose-dependent manner. Transfection of a dominant-negative mutant of mouse TGF-beta type II receptor to undifferentiated ATDC5 cells completely inhibited cellular condensation. Moreover, exogenously administered TGF-beta2 upregulated the expression of fibronectin and type II collagen (a phenotypic marker gene of chondrogenesis) mRNAs and downregulated that of N-cadherin mRNA in time- and dose-dependent manners. These results indicate that TGF-beta stimulates chondrogenesis via initiation of cellular condensation by transition from an initial N-cadherin-contributing stage to a fibronectin-contributing stage during processes of chondrogenesis in ATDC5 cells.

Animals↗

Effect of ACE gene on diabetic nephropathy in NIDDM patients with insulin resistance.

We investigated the influence of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene on the onset and/or progression of diabetic nephropathy in 62 Japanese patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM; type II diabetes). Because a number of factors are believed to be involved in the onset and/or progression of diabetic nephropathy, especially in patients with NIDDM, we selected the patients with well-matched risk factors, duration of disease, glycemic control, blood pressure, and others. All patients had normal renal function and none were receiving ACE inhibitors. Patients were divided into three groups according to albumin excretion rate (AER): group A, patients with an AER less than 15 microg/min (n = 29); group B, patients with an AER between 15 and 70 microg/min (n = 19); and group C, patients with an AER greater than 70 microg/min (n = 14). The glucose disposal rate was estimated using a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. We determined the mean glucose disposal rate in 132 patients with NIDDM (6.49 mg/kg/min). Patients with a glucose disposal rate less than the mean rate were considered to have a high degree of insulin resistance (n = 36). The presence of an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene was determined by the polymerase chain reaction method. Among patients with a high degree of insulin resistance, diabetic nephropathy was present in 2 of 11 patients with the II genotype of the ACE gene compared with 19 of 25 patients with the ID or DD genotype (P = 0.0024). The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was greater in patients with both significant insulin resistance and the D allele (19 of 25) than in the remaining patients (14 of 37; odds ratio, 5.20). These results suggest that the ACE gene influences the onset and/or progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with NIDDM with significant insulin resistance.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2↗

Clinical and histopathological analyses of desmoplastic ameloblastoma.

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma (DA) is an unusual subtype of ameloblastoma characterized by pronounced desmoplastic stroma. There is, however, still argument whether DA is a distinct clinicopathologic entity. To enhance knowledge of DA, 7 cases of DA (7.9%) were retrieved from 89 ameloblastomas field in the Department of Oral Pathology, Hiroshima University School of Dentistry and analyzed clinicopathologically and histopathologically. The mean age of the patients with DA and non-DA at the time of the diagnosis was 40.6 +/- 5.9 years and 33.1 +/- 2.0 years, respectively. The male-to-female ratio was 2.5:1 in DA and 1.8:1 in non-DA. Four (57%) DAs were located in the maxilla where only 6% of the non-DA occurred. Interestingly, all DAs arose in the anterior/premolar area of the jaws and 6 cases were located mainly within the alveolus. None of the DA showed typical radiographic features of ameloblastoma. In 5 DAs, scattered radiopacities were observed in the radiolucent lesion and gave preoperative diagnoses of non-ameloblastomatous lesions or even osteosarcoma. All DAs showed pronounced desmoplastic stroma where there were compressed tumor islands usually lacking a peripheral layer of ameloblastic cells and a central zone of stellate reticulum. There was cystic change within the epithelial nests in 3 DAs and true glandular structures with mucus cells in a case of DA. Tumor islands often infiltrated into marrow spaces of surrounding bone. There was no capsule formation. Recurrence rate was 14% in DA and 20% in non-DA. The present study based on data of DA in the Japanese population supports that DA must be considered as a distinct clinicopathologic entity.

Adolescent↗

Epidemiological research into nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the Chubu region of Japan.

Although patient death due to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is increasing, few epidemiological analyses of NPC in Japan have been conducted since Sawaki's report in 1979. To determine the current incidence of NPC in Japan we examined NPC case in the Chubu area from 1986 to 1995. The leaders and reporting representatives of all otorhinolaryngological groups in the area were asked for their support of this epidemiological research. A total of 607 cases (445 male and 162 female NPC patients) were analyzed epidemiologically, histologically, serologically and clinically in this study. The incidence of NPC gradually increased with age. The mean age of the patients was 54.1 years. The age-standardized annual incidence in the Chubu region was 0.28 per 10(5) persons per year. The incidence in prefectures bordering Japan Sea (0.36) was significantly higher than that of prefectures facing the Pacific Ocean (0.21, P<0.05). On the basis of World Health Organization (WHO) histological criteria, 12%) of the cases were classified as WHO I, 54% as WHO II and 34% as WHO III. As for tumor origin, in 58% of the cases it originated posterosuperiorly, in 32% laterally and in 1% inferiorly. Tumor staging showed 4% to belong to stage I, 9% to stage II, 15% to stage III and 72% to stage IV. The positive rates of serum titers of the antibodies to Epstein Barr virus

Adolescent↗

Intravenous nicorandil can preserve microvascular integrity and myocardial viability in patients with reperfused anterior wall myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether the intravenous administration of nicorandil, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channel opener, exerts beneficial effect on microvascular function and functional and clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). BACKGROUND: Experimental studies documented that ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener exerts cardioprotection after prolonged ischemia. METHODS: We randomly divided 81 patients with a first anterior AMI into two groups, nicorandil (n = 40) and control groups (n = 41). All patients received successful coronary angioplasty within 12 h after the symptom onset and underwent myocardial contrast echcardiography (MCE) with the intracoronary injection of sonicated microbubbles. In the nicorandil group, we injected 4 mg of nicorandil followed by the infusion at 6 mg/h for 24 h and by oral nicorandil (15 mg/day). RESULTS: The improvement in regional left ventricular function, wall motion score and regional wall motion was significantly better in the nicorandil group then in the control group. Intractable congestive heart failure, malignant ventricular arrhythmia and pericardial effusion were more frequently found in the control group than in the nicorandil group (15% vs. 37%, 5% vs. 20% and 8% vs. 37%, p < 0.05, respectively). The frequency of sizable MCE no reflow phenomenon was significantly lower in the nicorandil group than in the control group (15% vs. 33%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous nicorandil in conjunction with coronary angioplasty is associated with better functional and clinical outcomes compared to angioplasty alone in patients with an anterior AMI. Myocardial contrast echocardiography findings imply that an improvement in microvascular function with nicorandil may be attributable to this better outcome.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Parenchyma-preserving hepatectomy in the surgical treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although extended hepatic resection has been shown to improve prognosis by increasing the surgical curability rate in hilar cholangiocarcinoma, high surgical morbidity and mortality rates have been reported in patients with obstructive jaundice. Postoperative liver failure after hepatic resection in patients with obstructive jaundice has been shown to depend on the volume of the resected hepatic mass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of parenchyma-preserving hepatectomy in a surgical treatment for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety-three resected patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma were included in this retrospective study. The resected patients were stratified into three groups: the extended hepatectomy (EXH) group (n = 66), the parenchyma-preserving hepatectomy (PPH) group (n = 14), and the local resection (LR) group (n = 13). The EXH group had undergone hepatectomy more extensive than hemihepatectomy, the PPH group had undergone hepatectomy less extensive than hemihepatectomy, and the LR group had undergone extrahepatic bile duct resection without hepatic resection. Surgical curability, defined by histologically confirmed negative surgical margins, surgical morbidity and mortality, and survival rates were compared among the three groups. The clinicopathologic factors were studied for prognostic value by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Surgical curability of the PPH and EXH groups was better than that of the LR group. Fifty-four percent of patients in the LR group showed positive surgical margins at the hepatic stump of the bile duct, compared with 7% in the PPH group and 20% in the EXH groups (p < 0.01 for each comparison). Surgical morbidity was higher in the EXH group (48%) than in the LR group (8%) and the PPH group (14%) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). Postoperative hyperbilirubinemia occurred more frequently in the EXH group (29%) than in the LR and PPH groups (0% and 0%, respectively, p < 0.05 for each comparison). Survival rates after resection were significantly higher in patients who underwent hepatectomy, including PPH and EXH, than in patients who underwent LR, 29% versus 8% at 5 years, respectively (p < 0.05). But no significant difference in survival was found between the PPH and EXH groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that significant prognostic factors for survival were resected margin, lymph nodal status, and vascular resection. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, PPH could obtain a curative resection and improve the outcomes for patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma that is localized at the hepatic duct confluence who do not require vascular resection. PPH might bring about a beneficial effect in highly selected patients according to extent of cancer and high-risk patients with liver dysfunction.

Bile Duct Neoplasms↗

Phenolic antioxidants from the leaves of Corchorus olitorius L.

Six phenolic antioxidative compounds [5-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-galactoside, quercetin 3-glucoside, quercetin 3-(6-malonylglucoside), and quercetin 3-(6-malonylgalactoside) (tentative)] were identified from the leaves of Corchorus olitorius L. (moroheiya) by NMR and FAB-MS. The contents of these phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid, and alpha-tocopherol in C. olitorius leaves were determined, and their antioxidative activities were measured using the radical generator-initiated peroxidation of linoleic acid. The results obtained showed that 5-caffeoylquinic acid was a predominant phenolic antioxidant in C. olitorius leaves.

Antioxidants↗

Iridal-type triterpenoids with ichthyotoxic activity from belamcanda chinensis

Ichthyotoxic activity-guided fractionation of the hexane and ether extracts of Belamcanda chinensis (Iridaceae) has resulted in the isolation of eleven iridal-type triterpenoids including six new compounds, 3-O-tetradecanoyl-16-O-acetylisoiridogermanal (4), 3-O-decanoyl-16-O-acetylisoiridogermanal (5), belachinal (7), anhydrobelachinal (9), epianhydrobelachinal (10), and isoanhydrobelachinal (11). Structures of the new iridals were determined by spectral and chemical methods. The absolute configuration of isoiridogermanal (1) at C-16 was determined to be R by the modified Mosher's method. Of these compounds, 16-O-acetylisoiridogermanal (3), 7, and spiroiridal (12) exhibited potent ichthyotoxic activity against killie-fish (Oryzias latipes).

Journal Article↗

Comparative genomic hybridization analysis of genetic alterations associated with malignant progression of meningioma.

Little is known about genetic alterations during malignant progression of meningioma. We used comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) in 20 patients (13 with typical, 4 with atypical and 3 with anaplastic meningiomas) to investigate the genetic pathway underlying the development of meningioma. Typical meningiomas displayed only a few genetic changes such as monosomy 22. Anaplastic meningiomas manifested more aberrations than typical meningiomas, frequently exhibiting losses of 1p, 2p, 6q, chromosome 10 and 14q, and gain of 20q, in addition to monosomy 22. The average number of alteration sites in each patient with typical meningioma was significantly less than those in each patient with atypical (p < 0.01) and with anaplastic meningioma (p < 0.05). Anaplastic meningiomas showed the chromosomal changes seen in atypical meningiomas together with other aberrations. These CGH findings suggest that losses of 1p, 2p, 6q, chromosome 10 and 14q, and gain of 20q are genetic changes implicated in the malignant progression of meningioma.

Adult↗

Participation of Bcl-2/Bax-alpha in glutamate-induced apoptosis of human glioblastoma cells.

Glutamate has been shown to function as a toxic agent in neuronal and glial cells, as well as an excitatory neurotransmitter throughout the central nervous system. In the present study, we examined the effect of increasing glutamate concentration on the induction of apoptosis in the two human glioblastoma cell lines GB-4 and GB-12. Glutamate exposure caused cell death of GB-4 and GB-12 in a dose-dependent manner. The cells were found to die via apoptosis in response to glutamate based on the following criteria: propidium iodide (PI) staining, H-E staining, electron microscopic analysis, and the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The glutamate-induced apoptosis appears to involve the modulation of Bcl-2 family gene products such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bax-alpha. Both Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were down-regulated by glutamate at 24 h and further at 48 h. The apoptosis-promoting product p21 Bax-alpha was also down-regulated in GB-12 but slightly up-regulated in GB-4, accompanied by generation of variant form of p18 Bax-alpha in both cell lines. These findings suggest that glutamate toxicity results in cellular death via an apoptotic mechanism which appears to involve the Bcl-2/Bax-alpha molecular complex.

Apoptosis↗

Total synthesis of a cholinergic neuron-specific ganglioside GT1a alpha: a high affinity ligand for myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG).

An efficient total synthesis of a cholinergic neuron-specific ganglioside GT1a alpha (IV3NeuAcIII6NeuAcII3NeuAc-GgOse4Cer) is described. The suitably protected sialyl-alpha(2-->6)-gangliotriose (III6NeuAc-GgOse3) derivative was glycosylated with the phenyl 2-thioglycoside of sialic acid in the presence of N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) and trimethylsilyl trifluoromethane-sulfonate (TMSOTf) in acetonitrile medium, giving the disialogangliotriose (III6NeuAcII3NeuAc-GgOse3) derivative which contains both sialyl-alpha(2-->6)-GalNAc and sialyl-alpha(2-->3)-Gal structures (Route I). This pentasaccharide was efficiently synthesized also by the coupling of (methyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto -2-nonulopyranosylonate)-(2-->6)-2-deoxy-3,4-O-isopropylidene-2-ph thalimido-D-galactopyranosyl trichloroacetimidate with 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl (methyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-galacto -2-nonulopyranosylonate)-(2-->3)-(2,6-di-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopy ranosyl)-(1-->4)-2,3,6-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, followed by conversion of the phthalimido group to the acetamido group (Route II). O-Deisopropylidenation and further glycosylation with methyl (methyl 5-acetamido-4,7,8,9-tetra-O-acetyl-3,5-dideoxy-D-glycero-alpha-D-gala ct-2-nonulopyranosylonate)-(2-->3)-2,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-1-thio-b eta-D-galactopyranoside, promoted by dimethyl(methylthio)sulfonium triflate (DMTST), gave the desired trisialogangliotetraose (IV3NeuAcIII6NeuAcII3NeuAc-GgOse4) derivative, which was converted stepwise into the title ganglioside GT1a alpha by the introduction of the ceramide part and then complete deprotection. The ganglioside obtained was shown to be identical with the native GT1a alpha on TLC-immunostaining.

Animals↗

Neuroprotective properties of propofol and midazolam, but not pentobarbital, on neuronal damage induced by forebrain ischemia, based on the GABAA receptors.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of the neuroprotective effects of propofol was compared to two other types of intravenous (i.v.) anesthetics (i.e., benzodiazepine; midazolam and barbiturate; pentobarbital) using Mongolian gerbils focusing on GABA receptor subtypes. METHODS: Neuronal injury was induced by a 4-min occlusion of the common carotid arteries followed by reperfusion. One week after occlusion, animals were transcardially perfused for histochemistry. Neuronal death in four brain regions was evaluated by direct visual counting of acidophilic neurons. RESULTS: Seven days after this ischemic episode, severe neuronal injury was measured in the hippocampal CA1 area (> 98% of total cells damaged) and parietal cortex (> 35%). Also lateral thalamus and caudate putamen were damaged but to a lesser extent (about 10%). The neuronal injury in these areas was significantly attenuated by propofol, midazolam and the GABAA agonist, muscimol, intraperitoneally administered 15 min prior to ischemia. This neuroprotective property, however, was lacking with pentobarbital and GABAB agonist baclofen. Concomitant pretreatment with subthreshold doses of propofol and muscimol significantly reduced the amount of cell death induced by brain ischemia. On the other hand, pretreatment with the GABAA antagonist bicuculline significantly inhibited the neuroprotective effects of propofol. However, a GABAB antagonist, phaclofen, was without effect on neuronal damage and on neuronal protection of propofol. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that activation of GABAA receptors, which include the specific binding subunits for propofol and midazolam, but not pentobarbital, plays a role in the inhibition of neuronal death induced by brain ischemia.

Anesthetics, Intravenous↗

Induction of the p16INK4a senescence gene as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Synovial tissue affected by rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by proliferation, which leads to irreversible cartilage and bone destruction. Current and experimental treatments have been aimed mainly at correcting the underlying immune abnormalities, but these treatments often prove ineffective in preventing the invasive destruction. We studied the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid synovial cells as a means of suppressing synovial cell proliferation. Synovial cells derived from hypertrophic synovial tissue readily expressed p16INK4a when they were growth-inhibited. This was not seen in other fibroblasts, including those derived from normal and osteoarthritis-affected synovial tissues. In vivo adenoviral gene therapy with the p16INK4a gene efficiently inhibited the pathology in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, the induction of p16INK4a may provide a new approach to the effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Adenoviridae↗

Effect of prolonged administration of a urinary kinase inhibitor, ebelactone B on the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension in rats.

The effect of prolonged administration of a carboxypeptidase Y-like kininase inhibitor, ebelactone B (EB) (2-ethyl-3, 11-dihydroxy-4, 6, 8, 10, 12-pentamethyl-9-oxo-6-tetradecenoic 1, 3-lactone), on the development of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension was tested. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) of non-treated 6-week-old Sprague-Dawley strain rats was gradually increased by DOCA-salt treatment from 137+/-2 mmHg (n=11) to 195+/-7 mmHg at 10 weeks of age. With daily oral administration of lisinopril (5 mg kg(-1), twice a day), which is an inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme, a major kininase in plasma, the development of hypertension was not suppressed. By contrast, administration of EB (5 mg kg(-1), twice a day), completely inhibited the development of hypertension (SBP: 146+/-1 mmHg, n=5, 10 weeks old). The reduced SBP at 10 weeks of age was equal to the SBP before any treatment (142+/-1 mmHg, n=5). Direct determination of mean blood pressure (MBP) in conscious, unrestrained rats confirmed that MBP elevation was completely inhibited by EB. Continuous subcutaneous infusion (5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) of HOE140, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, restored the elevation of SBP, which was suppressed by EB. The weights of left ventricle of DOCA-salt treated rats 10-weeks-old (0.36+/-0.02 g 100 g body weight(-1), n=11) was significantly reduced by EB (0.27+/-0.01, n=5), as were the sodium levels in serum, cerebrospinal fluid and erythrocyte. These findings suggested that EB is effective in preventing salt-related hypertension presumably by eliminating sodium retention.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

An anti-platelet agent, OPC-29030, inhibits translocation of 12-lipoxygenase and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid production in human platelets.

1. In human platelets, arachidonic acid is mainly metabolized by the two enzyme systems; cyclo-oxygenase and 12-lipoxygenase. Cyclo-oxygenase produces prostaglandin H(2) which is further converted to thromboxane B(2). 12-Lipoxygenase synthesizes 12(S)-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid which is reduced to 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE). 2. An anti-platelet compound, OPC-29030, dose-dependently inhibited 12(S)-HETE production with an IC(50) of 0.06+/-0.01 microM, but not synthesis of thromboxane B(2) in human platelets. Although the compound suppressed 12(S)-HETE production in human platelets, cytosolic 12-lipoxygenase activity was not inhibited up to 10 microM. Essentially identical data were obtained with a 12-lipoxygenase of human erythroleukaemia cells which had megakaryocyte/platelet-like properties. 3. OPC-29030 also suppressed production of 5(S)-HETE, a 5-lipoxygenase product, in rat basophilic leukaemia cells without inhibiting enzyme activity. It has been shown that 5-lipoxygenase binds to membrane 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) to produce 5(S)-HETE, and thus FLAP inhibitor suppresses cellular 5(S)-HETE production. 4. A FLAP inhibitor, L-655,238, suppressed platelet 12(S)-HETE production, but had no effect on the 12-lipoxygenase activity. 5. Western blot analysis showed that platelet 12-lipoxygenase translocated from cytosol to membranes upon thrombin stimulation, and OPC-29030 suppressed this process in a dose-dependent manner. 6. These results suggest that the 12-lipoxygenase of human platelets binds to FLAP or a similar protein, and OPC-29030 suppresses 12(S)-HETE production by inhibiting a certain step of the 12-lipoxygenase translocation.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Allograft transduction of IL-10 prolongs survival following orthotopic liver transplantation.

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an ideal candidate cytokine for suppressing the alloimmune response in transplantation. To determine whether genetic modulation of the hepatic graft with IL-10 could prolong survival following orthotopic liver transplantation, we constructed a replication-deficient adenovirus vector expressing human IL-10 (AdCMVhIL-10). Intraportal injection of this vector into a donor rat 24-48 h before grafting resulted in efficient release of IL-10 into the circulation of a recipient rat after transplantation. Moreover, levels of hIL-10 from the suprahepatic vena cava were significantly (1.48-fold) higher than those from the infrahepatic vena cava (P = 0.013), indicating local IL-10 production within the transduced hepatic graft. AdCMVhIL-10 induced a prolongation of median survival to more than 87 days, with two of five transduced grafts showing more than 100 days of ongoing survival, when compared with 11 days for grafts transduced with a control adenovirus vector carrying the E. coli beta-galactosidase gene (P = 0.0021) and 11 days for untreated grafts (P = 0.0021). Pathological findings occurring in the AdCMVhIL-10-transduced hepatic grafts revealed no evidence of progressive rejection reaction resulting in graft failure. These results demonstrate that hepatic grafts modulated by IL-10 gene transfer make local and effective immunosuppression feasible in the transplantation setting.

Adenoviridae↗