Factor XII deficiency: a possible cause of livedo with ulceration?
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to T Atsumi.
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Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) are associated with an increased incidence of thrombosis, but the mechanisms responsible for thrombosis are unclear. The present study investigated the effect of both beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI) and aPLs on the activity of extrinsic fibrinolysis. The remaining tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA) of the sample consisting of beta2-GPI, two-chain recombinant t-PA, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) -1 was measured by a chromogenic assay using synthetic substrate S-2251, Glu-plasminogen, and soluble fibrin monomer. Without PAI-1, beta2-GPI did not affect t-PA activity. When 14.3 ng/ml PAI-1 was added to 3.6 U/ml t-PA, the remaining t-PA activity was increased from 48.9% to 60.4% by the addition of beta2-GPI (190 microg/ml). The effect of beta2-GPI did not require phospholipids. The beta2-GPI seems to protect t-PA activity from the inhibition by PAI-1. When monoclonal anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLs), EY1C8, and EY2C9, which were established from a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome, were further added to the mixture with a diluted phospholipid (Platelin) to investigate the influence of aPL, the remaining t-PA activity decreased to 50.1 and 80.7%. Monoclonal aCLs appeared to inhibit the effect of beta2-GPI, that is, these monoclonals inhibited the fibrinolytic activity by an elevation in PAI-1 activity. These results suggest the possibility that the impairment of fibrinolytic activity by aCLs is one of reasons for the increased incidence in thrombosis in patients with aCLs.
Binding of beta(2)-glycoprotein I (beta(2)-GPI)-dependent anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) derived from antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is significantly reduced in aCL ELISA due to loss of the phospholipid (PL) binding property of beta(2)-GPI by plasmin treatment. In the present study, the treatment generated a nicked form of beta(2)-GPI and resulted in loss of antigenicity for the autoantibodies detected in ELISA, using an beta(2)-GPI directly adsorbed polyoxygenated carboxylated plate, the assay system of which was not related to PL binding. The nicked form bound to neither Cu(2+)-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) nor to beta(2)-GPI-specific lipid ligands isolated from oxLDL, the result being a complete loss of subsequent binding of anti-beta(2)-GPI autoantibodies. The conformational change in the nicked domain V was predicted from its intact structure determined by an X-ray analysis (implemented in Protein Data Bank: 1C1Z), molecular modeling and epitope mapping of a monoclonal anti-beta(2)-GPI antibody, i.e. Cof-18, which recognizes the related structure. The analysis revealed that novel hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions appeared in domain V after the cleavage, thereby affecting the PL binding of beta(2)-GPI. Such a conformational change may have important implications for exposure of cryptic epitopes located in the domains such as domain IV.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify the potential mechanism of action of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and related compounds to membranes of living cells, compared with their interaction with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes as a model for biological membranes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For (meth)acrylates, MMA, ethyl acrylate(EA), n-butyl acrylate (BA) and n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and for living cells, primary human gingival fibroblast (HGF), human submandibular gland adenocarcinoma cell line (HSG) and human erythrocytes were used. The physicochemical changes in DPPC liposomes induced by (meth)acrylates were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). RESULTS: Cytotoxicity decreased as follows: BA > BMA > EA > MMA. Changes in phase transition properties (temperature Tm, enthalpy delta H and Height/Half-Height Width (H/HHW) of DSC peak were decreased as follows: BA > EA > MMA. BMA enhanced H/HHW and increased Tm slightly. NMR-shielding effect decreased as follows: BMA > MMA > BA, EA. CONCLUSION: BA and BMA exhibited large cytotoxicity and high DPPC-interaction due to their lipophilicity, compared to EA or MMA. MMA showed little cytotoxicity and small changes in DPPC liposomes, whereas BA showed large cytotoxicity and large changes in the liposomes characterized by the membrane disturbance. Haemolytic activity and cytotoxicity of acrylates were higher than those of methacrylates. The physico-chemical properties (Log P or Q sigma) of (meth)acrylates affect the lipid bilayer in biological membranes.
Severe infection or tissue invasion can provoke a catabolic response, leading to severe metabolic derangement, cachexia, and even death. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an important regulator of the host response to infection. Released by various immune cells and by the anterior pituitary gland, MIF plays a critical role in the systemic inflammatory response by counterregulating the inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on immune-cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production. We describe herein an unexpected role for MIF in the regulation of glycolysis. The addition of MIF to differentiated L6 rat myotubes increased synthesis of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F2,6BP), a positive allosteric regulator of glycolysis. Increased expression of the enzyme 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK-2) enhanced F2,6BP production and, consequently, cellular lactate production. The catabolic effect of TNF-alpha on myotubes was mediated by MIF, which served as an autocrine stimulus for F2, 6BP production. TNF-alpha administered to mice decreased serum glucose levels and increased muscle F2,6BP levels; pretreatment with a neutralizing anti-MIF mAb completely inhibited these effects. Anti-MIF also prevented hypoglycemia and increased muscle F2,6BP levels in TNF-alpha-knockout mice that were administered LPS, supporting the intrinsic contribution of MIF to these inflammation-induced metabolic changes. Taken together with the recent finding that MIF is a positive, autocrine stimulator of insulin release, these data suggest an important role for MIF in the control of host glucose disposal and carbohydrate metabolism.
We performed superselective angiography in 28 hips in 25 patients with Perthes' disease in order to study the blood supply of the lateral epiphyseal arteries (LEAs). Interruption of the LEAs at their origin was observed in 19 hips (68%). Revascularisation in the form of numerous small arteries was seen in ten out of 11 hips in the initial stage of Perthes' disease, in seven of eight in the fragmentation stage and in five of nine in the healing stage. Penetration of mature arteries into the depths of the epiphysis was seen in four of nine hips in the healing stage. Vascular penetration was absent in the weight-bearing portion of the femoral head below the acetabular roof. Interruption of the posterior column artery was seen where it passed through the capsule in seven hips when they lay either in internal rotation or in abduction with internal rotation. We suggest that in Perthes' disease the blood supply of the LEAs is impaired at their origin and that revascularisation occurs from this site by ingrowth of small vessels into the femoral epiphysis. This process may be the result of recurrent ischaemic episodes.
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Steroid induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a well known disease, but, there are few reports about the disease in neurosurgical patients. In the neurosurgical field, the use of steroids has become prevalent since the 1960's. Recently, the adverse effect of steroids and the limitation of its effect have been highlighted, but its use against neurosurgical diseases is still a common treatment to prevent cerebral edema or to counteract hypo-pituitarism caused by hypophyseal lesions. We reviewed 250 patients of avascular necrosis treated between 1985 and 1997 in our institute. Within these patients, 11 (4.4%) were treated with steroid during neurosurgical treatment. Six patients were treated for brain tumors near hypophyseal lesions, and 5 patients were treated for head injury or cerebro-vascular disease. It is concluded that total steroid dose over 5000 mg such as hydrocortisone may become a high risk for causing avascular necrosis of the femoral had in neurosurgical disease, and it may occur even with the supplemental steroid treatment against hypo-pituitarism. The onset is usually 2 or 3 years after the neurosurgical treatment, when neurosurgical care is no longer needed. Therefore, it tends to be ignored in the neurosurgical field. The treatments against avascular necrosis of the femoral head were femoral head osteotomy or conservative management, and good results were obtained. Early diagnosis and early treatment is essential. Further consideration concerning steroid treatment in neurosurgical patients may be required.
The clinical manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome(APS) include arterial and venous thrombosis and a fetal loss, but the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. To clarify the mechanism of thrombogenic state in APS, we investigated the markers for thrombosis including thrombin-antithrombin complex(TAT) in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies(aPL). Prothrombin fragment 1 + 2(F1 + 2) in patients with APS and in autoimmune disease patients with aPL increased significantly compared with those obtained in autoimmune disease patients without aPL or in control subjects. However, there was not a significant difference in the TAT level of each group, suggesting that the formation of TAT was impeded in APS. To investigate which aPL is responsible for the disturbance of the TAT formation, the ratio of F1 + 2/TAT was calculated. The ratio increased in patients with lupus anticoagulant, especially with prolonged kaolin clotting time, and furthermore the ratio strongly increased in patients with IgG type-anticardiolipin antibodies(aCL). Our results suggest that IgG-aCL is associated with thrombogenic state in APS because free thrombin is present in patients' blood by impeding the formation of TAT by mainly IgG-aCL.
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To clarify the possible link between radicals and cytotoxicity of eugenol-related compounds, dimeric compounds were synthesized from eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxy-phenol), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) (2-t-butyl-4-methoxyphenol) or MMP (2 methoxy-4-methylphenol); bis-EUG (3,3'-dimethoxy-5,5'-di-2-propenyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol), bis-BHA (3,3'-di-t-butyl-5,5'-dimethoxy-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol), and bis-MMP (3,3'-di-methoxy-5,5'-dimethyl-1,1'-biphenyl-2,2'-diol). The cytotoxic activity of these compounds was determined using a salivary gland tumor cell line (HSG), oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2) and human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60). A parabolic relationship between the cytotoxicity and log P (the octanol-water partition coefficient) was observed, showing that both BHA and bis-MMP, with a log P of 3-4, were the most cytotoxic. The cytotoxic activity of the 2-methoxy derivatives, eugenol, MMP and bis-MMP, against HSG cells was significantly enhanced by visible-light irradiation, possibly due to their high redox potential. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy indicated that eugenol and BHA alone produced radicals under alkaline conditions (pH > 9.5), and eugenol most efficiently scavenges reactive oxygen species (O2-). Antioxidative reactivity of eugenol-related compounds was determined by measuring the inhibiting periods of the AIBN (2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile)/MMA (methyl methacrylate) polymerization system, and the number of moles of peroxy radical trapped by moles of the relevant phenols (stoichiometric factor, n). It was found that the n values of eugenol and MMP were approximately 1, whereas those of BHA >2, suggesting that eugenol and MMP undergo dimerization through radical-radical couplings through quinone methides, whereas BHA undergoes the competitive interaction with poly-MMA radicals after oxidation by AIBN-peroxy radicals. BHA was an efficient peroxy radical-scavenger, but possibly reacted with polymer radicals of the lipid, thus mediating the cytotoxicity. The n value of bis-BHA was two, whereas those of bis-EUG and bis-MMP were 1.6-1.7, suggesting that the latter were further oxidized. The enthalpies of phenoxyl radical formation were determined using the semi-empirical PM3 quantum-mechanical method and the possible link to redox potential was discussed.
We previously found that the adapter protein Gab1 (110 kD) is tyrosine-phosphorylated and forms a complex with SHP-2 and PI-3 kinase upon stimulation through either the interleukin-3 receptor (IL-3R) or gp130, the common receptor subunit of IL-6-family cytokines. In this report, we identified another adapter molecule (100 kD) interacting with SHP-2 and PI-3 kinase in response to various stimuli. The molecule displays striking homology to Gab1 at the amino acid level; thus, we named it Gab2. It contains a PH domain, proline-rich sequences, and tyrosine residues that bind to SH2 domains when they are phosphorylated. Gab1 is phosphorylated on tyrosine upon stimulation through the thrombopoietin receptor (TPOR), stem cell factor receptor (SCFR), and T-cell and B-cell antigen receptors (TCR and BCR, respectively), in addition to IL-3R and gp130. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab2 was induced by stimulation through gp130, IL-2R, IL-3R, TPOR, SCFR, and TCR. Gab1 and Gab2 were shown to be substrates for SHP-2 in vitro. Overexpression of Gab2 enhanced the gp130 or Src-related kinases-mediated ERK2 activation as that of Gab1 did. These data indicate that Gab-family molecules act as adapters for transmitting various signals.
The rotation of the Na+-driven flagellar motor is specifically and strongly inhibited by phenamil, an amiloride analog. Here, we provide the first evidence that phenamil interacts directly with the Na+-channel components (PomA and PomB) of the motor. The alterations in Mpar (motility resistant to phenamil) strains were mapped to the pomA and/or pomB genes. We cloned and sequenced pomA and pomB from two Mpar strains, NMB205 and NMB201, and found a substitution in pomA (Asp148 to Tyr; NMB205) and in pomB (Pro16 to Ser; NMB201). Both residues are predicted to be near the cytoplasmic ends of the putative transmembrane segments. Mutational analyses at PomA-Asp148 and PomB-Pro16 suggest that a certain structural change around these residues affects the sensitivity of the motor to phenamil. Co-expression of the PomA D148Y and PomB P16S proteins resulted in an Mpar phenotype which seemed to be less sensitive to phenamil than either of the single mutants, although motility was more severely impaired in the absence of inhibitors. These results support the idea that PomA and PomB interact with each other and suggest that multiple residues, including Asp148 of PomA and Pro16 of PomB, constitute a high-affinity phenamil-binding site at the inner face of the PomA/PomB channel complex.
OBJECTIVE: To clarify mechanisms of the thrombosis associated with anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), we examined the effects on activated protein C (APC) of monoclonal aCL and beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI), which is required for formation of the epitopes of aCL. METHODS: We developed the chromogenic assay, in which the degradation of coagulation factor Va by APC is reflected in the reduced generation of thrombin from prothrombin, using soybean trypsin inhibitor to inhibit APC. APC activities were measured in the presence and absence of 3.4 microM beta2GPI and/or 2.5 microg/ml of IgM monoclonal aCL (EY2C9 and EY1C8) established from peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from a patient with aCL. RESULTS: Without APC, the formed thrombin activity decreased by the addition of 3.4 microM beta2GPI. When 12.8 nM APC was added, beta2GPI partially reversed the APC-induced inhibition of thrombin generation in a concentration-dependent manner. With 3.4 microM beta2GPI, the thrombin generation in monoclonal aCL (2.5 microg/ml) decreased to 77.1-80.2% by the addition of 12.8 nM APC, but the values were above that in the control IgM (72.7%). Without beta2GPI, the APC activity was unaffected by the addition of monoclonal aCL. CONCLUSION: Beta2-glycoprotein I exhibits procoagulant activity by inhibiting APC activity and anticoagulant activity by inhibiting thrombin generation. Any further inhibition of APC activity was caused by monoclonal aCL and only in the presence of beta2GPI.
OBJECTIVE: Thromboembolic manifestations or thrombocytopenia in association with anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) or lupus anticoagulant are known as the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Efforts have been made to elucidate precise clinical features and adequate therapeutic options for treating patients with APS. However, the lack of a proper international standard for measurement of aCL makes it difficult to compare data derived from different laboratories. We attempted to design a chimeric antibody with human gamma constant regions and variable regions of WBCAL-1, a monoclonal antibody established from an APS-prone mouse which has a specificity similar to that of aCL in sera from humans with APS. METHODS: Variable-region genes of WBCAL-1, which were cloned using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, were inserted into plasmids containing human gamma1 and kappa constant-region genes. The construct was transfected to a mouse myeloma cell line. Stable transfectants that secreted a chimeric antibody, HCAL, into the culture supernatant were obtained. The reactivity of HCAL to cardiolipin and to beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) was studied using a solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. The binding of HCAL was compared with the binding of standards for IgG aCL and anti-beta2GPI antibody assays done in 18 independent laboratories. RESULTS: In the presence of beta2GPI, HCAL bound to the wells of cardiolipin-coated microtiter plates in a dose-dependent manner and reacted with beta2GPI on oxygenated polystyrene plates. The aCL activity of HCAL can be converted into GPL units (IgG phospholipid units), which is widely used to quantify IgG aCL activity, using the following formula: 1 GPL unit = 32.9 x (concentration of HCAL [in microg/ml])(0.503). The reactivity of HCAL to cardiolipin or beta2GPI was similar to the reactivity of standards for IgG aCL or anti-beta2GPI antibody assays done in collaborative laboratories. CONCLUSION: Because the reactivity of HCAL is similar to that of aCL in sera from humans with APS, HCAL will be useful as a standard for human IgG aCL and anti-beta2GPI antibody assays.
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the existence of antibodies that react against malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified lipoprotein(a) (MDA-Lp[a]), a molecule that exhibits behavioral similarities to MDA-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL), and to assess the possible relationship of these antibodies (anti-MDA-Lp[a]) to anti-MDA-LDL antibodies (anti-MDA-LDL) in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). METHODS: We studied 104 patients with APS (61 with primary APS and 43 with APS secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus) and 106 healthy controls. Anti-MDA-Lp(a) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using MDA-Lp(a) as antigen. Plasma levels of Lp(a) were determined. Anti-MDA-LDL, anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL), and anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies (anti-beta2GPI) were also measured by ELISA. Inhibition assays were performed to determine the presence of cross-reactivity between anti-MDA-Lp(a) and anti-MDA-LDL. RESULTS: Anti-MDA-Lp(a) were detected in 38 of 104 patients (37%) but in only 6 of 106 controls (6%) (chi2 = 28, P<0.0001). Levels of anti-MDA-Lp(a) were also higher in patients than in controls (P<0.0001). Titers of these antibodies did not correlate with plasma levels of Lp(a). The presence of anti-MDA-Lp(a) was significantly associated with that of anti-MDA-LDL (chi2 = 22.09, P<0.0001). There was a strong correlation between the titers of anti-MDA-Lp(a) and anti-MDA-LDL (r = 0.59, P<0.0001), and inhibition assays showed significant cross-reactivity between the 2 populations of antibodies. Anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-beta2GPI were present in sera from 67 patients (64%) and 48 patients (46%), respectively. No correlation was found between the titer of anti-MDA-Lp(a) and titers of either aCL or anti-beta2GPI. CONCLUSION: We report for the first time the existence of autoantibodies against MDA-Lp(a). The presence of antibodies reacting not only against MDA-LDL but also against MDA-Lp(a) supports the hypothesis of a role for oxidative phenomena in the pathogenesis of APS and atherosclerosis.
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) participate in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. We reported earlier that OPB-9195, a synthetic thiazolidine derivative and novel inhibitor of advanced glycation, prevented progression of diabetic glomerulosclerosis by lowering serum concentrations of advanced glycation end products and reducing their deposition in the glomeruli. Here, we examined their contribution and that of growth factors, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. We also investigated the expression of type IV collagen in the kidneys of Otsuka-Long-Evans-Tokushima-Fatty (OLETF) rats, a Type II (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus model, after treatment with OPB-9195. METHODS: Using northern blots and immunohistochemical techniques, we determined the renal expression of TGF-beta and type IV collagen mRNAs and proteins in OLETF rats. We also examined OPB-9195's effects on renal expression of VEGF mRNA and protein. RESULTS: Concomitant increases in TGF-beta and type IV collagen expression were observed at each point in time in OLETF rats not given OPB-9195. In contrast, OPB-9195 treatment greatly suppressed the renal expression of TGF-beta, VEGF and type IV collagen mRNAs and proteins to that seen in non-diabetic rats. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: Since OPB-9195, an AGE-inhibitor, prevented the progression of diabetic nephropathy by blocking type IV collagen production and suppressing overproduction of two growth factors, TGF-beta and VEGF, in diabetic rats, this compound warrants further investigation.
Posterior rotational osteotomy in 46 hips of 39 patients with femoral head osteonecrosis was reviewed radiographically and clinically after 2-12 years of follow-up (mean 5 years). The age of the patients at the time of surgery ranged from 18 to 60 years, with a mean of 35 years. There were 18 women and 21 men. The cause of the osteonecrosis was steroid administration in 14, alcohol abuse in 5, trauma in 16, and no apparent risk factor in 4. According to the Ficat staging system, 2 hips were stage II, 30 hips III, and 14 hips stage IV. All hips had an extensive lesion. Forty-one hips showed less than 1/3 noncollapsed posterior living area, which was a contraindication for traditional anterior rotational osteotomy. The posterior rotational angle was 60-180 deg with an mean of 127 deg. Recollapse of the final follow-up anteroposterior radiograph was prevented in 36 hips (78%). Progressive joint space narrowing was found in 12 hips (26%). Of these hips, 9 suffered recollapse, while the remaining 3 hips did not. Clinically, 32 hips (70%) showed excellent or good results (both hips in stage II, 23 of 30 hips in stage III, 7 of 14 hips in stage IV. A fair or poor result was seen in 14 hips (30%)). These results suggest that posterior rotational osteotomy is effective in delaying the progression of degeneration for large necrotic lesions, especially in young patients. Extent of rotation is limited to 150 deg because of limitations of bone quality. The indications should be refined further, and longer term follow-up is necessary.