[Serological tests for syphilis].
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Antigens, Bacterial↗
Biomedical subjects
T Kodama
Publications and source records attributed to T Kodama.
[Scavenger receptor family].
After the proposal of scavenger pathway hypothesis, a family of genes have been discovered. Here we show the precise properties of the first cloned scavenger receptor class A type I and II. Then the profiles of other members of scavenger receptors including lectin receptors are shown briefly.
Animals↗
Induction of murine macrophage growth by oxidized low density lipoprotein is mediated by granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
We have examined whether certain secreted factor(s) is involved in oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL)-induced murine macrophage growth. An antibody against granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) effectively inhibited Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth by >80%. Ox-LDL as well as phospholipase A2-treated acetylated LDL enhanced mRNA levels and protein release of GM-CSF from macrophages, while neither acetylated LDL nor lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) showed such effects. The maximal induction of GM-CSF by Ox-LDL was noted at 4 h, followed by a time-dependent decrease to a basal level within 24 h. Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth was inhibited by 75% by replacement of the culture medium at 24 h by a fresh medium containing the same concentration of Ox-LDL, when GM-CSF had already returned to the basal level. Thus, a cytokine(s) other than GM-CSF is also expected to participate in Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth in a later phase. The Ox-LDL-induced GM-CSF release was inhibited by calphostin C, a protein kinase C inhibitor, and was significantly reduced in macrophages from the knockout mice lacking class A, type I and type II macrophage scavenger receptors (MSR-AI/AII). These results taken together indicate that effective endocytosis of lyso-PC of Ox-LDL by macrophages through MSR-AI/AII and subsequent protein kinase C activation have led to GM-CSF release into the medium which may play a priming role in conjunction with other cytokines in Ox-LDL-induced macrophage growth.
Animals↗
Cloning of a novel gene yrbB, encoding a protein located in the spore integument of Bacillus subtilis.
A DNA fragment (2.7 kbp) containing three deduced open reading frames, orf1, orf2 and orf3 (partial sequence), was isolated from the genomic library of Bacillus subtilis using an antiserum raised against spore integument, and was sequenced. orf2 was 519 nucleotides long and encoded a protein of 172 amino acids with a predicted molecular size of 19,552, corresponding to the protein which reacted with the antiserum. Immunoelectron microscopic observation indicated that YrbB, the product of orf2, was located within the spore integument, mainly in the cortex layer with a part in the inner region of the coat layer.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The nirQ gene, which is required for denitrification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, can activate the RubisCO from Pseudomonas hydrogenothermophila.
Two putative ATP-binding proteins encoded in the gene cluster for the Calvin cycle of Pseudomonas hydrogenothermophila (cbbQ) and for the denitrification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (nirQ) have been found to be similar. The cbbQ gene has been shown to activate the RubisCO from P. hydrogenothermophila in E. coli. The nirQ was functionally substituted for cbbQ. The nirQ gene restored the anaerobic growth and the NOR activity of the nirQOP mutant of P. aeruginosa, while the cbbQ gene did not.
Adenosine Triphosphate↗
Loss of heterozygosity in the tuberous sclerosis gene associated regions in adenocarcinoma of the lung accompanied by multiple atypical adenomatous hyperplasia.
To investigate the potential allelic loss of tumor suppressor gene loci in the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)-associated regions located on the long arm of chromosome 9 (9q) and on the short arm of chromosome 16 (16p) in human lung carcinoma, we analyzed 21 paired normal and tumor DNAs with 11 polymorphic markers on the chromosomes. All tumors were adenocarcinoma of the lung, which included 9 adenocarcinomas with associated multiple atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH). A precise microdissection technique followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to prevent under-evaluation of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was used. Twelve of the 21 (57%) adenocarcinomas displayed LOH on 9q. Five of the 21 adenocarcinomas (24%) showed LOH at all informative loci on 9q, whereas 7 (33%) demonstrated partial LOH on 9q34. Among these 21, 5 (24%) showed partial LOH between D9S149 and D9S150, where TSC1 is located. The incidence of associated AAH was significantly higher in adenocarcinoma harboring a partial LOH in the TSC1-associated region (p = 0.0048). Twelve of the 21 (57%) adenocarcinomas displayed LOH on 16p. No significant differences in the clinico-pathological characteristics could be discerned between adenocarcinomas with and without LOH on 16p. When combining these data, a partial LOH at TSC1- and/or TSC2-associated loci was observed more frequently in cases with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (p = 0.086) and associated AAH (p = 0.081). In conclusion, our results suggest that the TSC-associated regions are new candidate loci for tumor suppressor genes in lung adenocarcinoma, especially when it is accompanied by multiple AAH.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Antiatherogenic effects of the antioxidant BO-653 in three different animal models.
Antioxidants have been proposed to have antiatherogenic potential by their inhibition of low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. Here, we report an antioxidant, BO-653 (2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxy-2, 2-dipentyl-4,6-di-tert-butylbenzofuran), designed to exhibit antioxidative potency comparable to that of alpha-tocopherol, but yet possess a high degree of lipophilicity comparable to that of probucol. BO-653 exhibits a high affinity for LDL and is well distributed in aortic vessels in vivo. In atherosclerosis models of rabbits and mice, BO-653 has been shown to be able to suppress the formation of atherosclerotic lesions without untoward side effects. Specifically, there was no reduction of high density lipoprotein levels. This antioxidant provides additional evidence in support of the oxidized-LDL hypothesis, and itself is a promising candidate antioxidant for clinical use.
Animals↗
Antitumor effect of CD40 ligand: elicitation of local and systemic antitumor responses by IL-12 and B7.
The interaction between CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154) and its receptor CD40 has been implicated in the establishment of cell-mediated immunity as well as humoral immune responses. To examine the role of CD40L in eliciting antitumor immunity, we introduced murine CD40L gene into P815 mastocytoma (CD40L-P815). CD40L-P815 cells underwent prompt rejection when inoculated s.c. into syngenic DBA/2 mice or athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice, which was mediated by NK cells and dependent on endogenous IL-12. The primary rejection of CD40L-P815 cells in DBA/2 mice elicited CD8+ T cell-mediated protective and systemic immunity against parental tumor cells, which was induced by CD4+ T cells and endogenous B7. These results indicated a potent antitumor effect of CD40L that is mediated by potentiation of host Ag-presenting cell functions, and introduction of CD40L will be useful as a new strategy of immuno-gene therapy against tumors.
Animals↗
Solution structure of thermostable cytochrome c-552 from Hydrogenobacter thermophilus determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.
The solution structure of a thermostable cytochrome c-552 from a thermophilic hydrogen oxidizing bacterium Hydrogenobacter thermophilus was determined by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Twenty structures were calculated by the X-PLOR program on the basis of 902 interproton distances, 21 hydrogen bonds, and 13 torsion angle constraints. The pairwise average root-mean-square deviation for the main chain heavy atoms was 0.91 +/- 0.11 A. The main chain folding of the cytochrome c-552 was almost the same as that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome c-551 that has 59% sequence identity to the cytochrome c-552 but is less thermostable. We found several differences in local structures between the cytochromes c-552 and c-551. In the cytochrome c-552, aromatic-amino interactions were uniquely formed between Arg 35 and Tyr 32 and/or Tyr 41, the latter also having hydrophobic contacts with the side chains of Tyr 32, Ala 38, and Leu 42. Small hydrophobic cores were more tightly packed in the cytochrome c-552 because of the occupancies of Ala 5, Met 11, and Ile 76, each substituted by Phe 7, Val 13, and Val 78, respectively, in the cytochrome c-551. Some of these structural differences may contribute to the higher thermostability of the cytochrome c-552.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Immunohistochemical evidence for a macrophage scavenger receptor in Mato cells and reactive microglia of ischemia and Alzheimer's disease.
Macrophage scavenger receptors (MSR) are implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and amyloid b-protein deposition in Alzheimer's disease. However, histopathological studies of MSR expression in human tissues have been hampered by a lack of specific antibodies. Using MSR-deficient mice, we successfully raised a novel monoclonal antibody against human MSR together with high-titer antisera. These antibodies specifically recognized human tissue macrophages and human MSR protein purified from differentiated THP1 cells. In normal brain, MSR staining was mainly distributed to the perivascular cells, which correspond to Mato's fluorescent granular perithelial cells (Mato cells). In the lesions of ischemia and Alzheimer's disease, a subset of microglia stained positive for MSR. These novel antibodies are useful tools for analysis of MSR expression in human tissues.
Alzheimer Disease↗
Uptake and catabolism of modified LDL in scavenger-receptor class A type I/II knock-out mice.
The liver is the major organ responsible for the uptake of modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the blood circulation, with endothelial and Kupffer cells as major cellular uptake sites. Scavenger-receptors, which include various classes, are held responsible for this uptake. Mice deficient in scavenger-receptor class A types I and II were created and the fate of acetylated LDL (Ac-LDL) in vivo and its interaction with liver endothelial, Kupffer and peritoneal macrophages was characterized. Surprisingly, the decay in vivo (t12 < 2 min), tissue distribution and liver uptake (at 5 min it was 77.4 +/- 4.6% of the injected dose) of Ac-LDL in the knock-out mice were not significantly different from control mice (t12 < 2 min and liver uptake 79.1 +/- 4.6% of the injected dose). A separation of mice liver cells into parenchymal, endothelial and Kupffer cells 10 min after injection of Ac-LDL indicated that in both control and knock-out mice the liver endothelial cells were responsible for more than 70% of the liver uptake. Both in control and knock-out mice, preinjection of polyinosinic acid (poly I, 200 microg) completely blocked the liver uptake, indicating that both in control and knock-out mice the scavenger-receptors are sensitive to poly I. Preinjection of suboptimal poly I concentrations (20 and 50 microg) provided evidence that the serum decay and liver uptake of Ac-LDL is more readily inhibited in the knock-out mice as compared with the control mice, indicating less efficient removal of Ac-LDL in vivo in the knock-out mice under these conditions. Studies in vitro with isolated liver endothelial and Kupffer cells from knock-out mice indicate that the cell association of Ac-LDL during 2 h at 37 degrees C is 50 and 53% of the control, respectively, whereas the degradation reaches values of 58 and 63%. For peritoneal macrophages from knock-out mice the cell association of Ac-LDL was identical to the control mice whereas the Ac-LDL degradation in cells from the knock-out mice was 17% of the control. The low degradation capacity of peritoneal macrophages from knock-out mice for Ac-LDL indicates that scavenger-receptor class A types I and II play a quantitative important role in the degradation of Ac-LDL by macrophages. In liver, the contribution of scavenger-receptor class A types I and II to the maximal uptake and degradation of Ac-LDL by endothelial and Kupffer cells was 40-50%. Binding studies performed at 4 degrees C indicate that the lower rates of degradation are due to a lower number of surface receptors on the cells from the knock-out mice. From the in vitro and in vivo data it can be concluded that in addition to the classic scavenger-receptors class A types I and II liver does contain additional novel poly I-sensitive scavenger-receptors that facilitate efficient removal of Ac-LDL from the blood circulation. The availability of the scavenger-receptor class A types I and II knock-out mice will stimulate further molecular identification of these receptors.
Acetylation↗
BetaAPP gamma-secretase and SREBP site 2 protease are two different enzymes.
The cleavage process of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) shares several characteristics with that of beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP). We studied the secretion of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) from mutant M19 Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells that are defective in the site 2 cleavage of SREBPs. The levels as well as the C-terminal properties of Abeta secreted from M19 cells were similar to those from wild-type CHO cells, demonstrating that gamma-cleavage of betaAPP occurs normally in M19 cells. The present data indicated that gamma-secretase of betaAPP and SREBP site 2 protease are distinct enzymes.
Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases↗
Clinicopathologic characteristics of patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma with elevated serum progastrin-releasing peptide levels.
BACKGROUND: Progastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP) is a specific tumor marker in patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). It has been reported that serum proGRP levels rarely are elevated in patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC); the reported frequency is <3%. The purpose of this study was to examine the clinicopathologic features of NSCLC patients with high serum proGRP levels. METHODS: The authors measured serum proGRP levels with a TND-4 kit, a newly developed enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, in 544 NSCLC and 206 SCLC patients. Pathologic features were examined using conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining and histochemical and immunohistochemical staining using polyclonal antibodies to proGRP, chromogranin A, calcitonin, and monoclonal antibody to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCC-Lu-243). RESULTS: The serum proGRP levels were elevated in 140 SCLC patients (68.0%) and in 23 NSCLC patients (4.2%). Seven of these 23 NSCLC patients had serum proGRP levels > or = 100 pg/mL. They included two patients with renal dysfunction, one patient diagnosed cytologically with adenocarcinoma without undergoing precise pathologic examination, two patients diagnosed histologically with squamous cell carcinoma with foci of small cell elements, and two patients diagnosed with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, respectively, which showed neuroendocrine differentiation on immunohistologic analysis. The remaining 16 NSCLC patients had serum proGRP levels < 70 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all NSCLC patients had serum proGRP levels < 100 pg/mL. However, if an NSCLC patient presents with a proGRP level > or = 100 pg/mL, the clinicopathologic features must be examined with regard to the small cell component, neuroendocrine differentiation, and renal dysfunction.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Enhanced glutamate release during REM sleep in the rostromedial medulla as measured by in vivo microdialysis
Anatomical studies and stimulation studies in the decerebrate animal have suggested that the muscle atonia of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is mediated by a projection from cholinoceptive glutamatergic neurons in the pons to the nucleus magnocellularis (NMC) of medulla. This model suggests that glutamate release in NMC should be enhanced in REM sleep. In the present study, glutamate release across the sleep-wake cycle in NMC was measured by in vivo microdialysis. We found that glutamate release in NMC was significantly higher (p=0.0252) during REM sleep than during wakefulness (W). Glutamate release during REM sleep was not elevated either in nucleus paramedianus (NPM) or in the pontine inhibitory area (PIA) regions where cholinergic stimulation suppresses muscle tone. Acetylcholine (ACh) microinjection into PIA enhanced glutamate release in NMC. These results support the hypothesis that a glutamatergic pathway from PIA to NMC is responsible for the suppression of muscle tone in REM sleep.
Journal Article↗
Enhanced glutamate release during REM sleep in the rostromedial medulla as measured by in vivo microdialysis.
Anatomical studies and stimulation studies in the decerebrate animal have suggested that the muscle atonia of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is mediated by a projection from cholinoceptive glutamatergic neurons in the pons to the nucleus magnocellularis (NMC) of medulla. This model suggests that glutamate release in NMC should be enhanced in REM sleep. In the present study, glutamate release across the sleep-wake cycle in NMC was measured by in vivo microdialysis. We found that glutamate release in NMC was significantly higher (p = 0.0252) during REM sleep than during wakefulness (W). Glutamate release during REM sleep was not elevated either in nucleus paramedianus (NPM) or in the pontine inhibitory area (PIA) regions where cholinergic stimulation suppresses muscle tone. Acetylcholine (ACh) microinjection into PIA enhanced glutamate release in NMC. These results support the hypothesis that a glutamatergic pathway from PIA to NMC is responsible for the suppression of muscle tone in REM sleep.
Acetylcholine↗
Scavenger receptor family proteins: roles for atherosclerosis, host defence and disorders of the central nervous system.
In this review, we summarize the structure and function of the scavenger receptor family of proteins including class A (type I and II macrophage scavenger receptors, MARCO), class B (CD36, scavenger receptor class BI), mucinlike (CD68/macrosialin, dSR-CI) and endothelial (LOX-1) receptors. Two motifs have been identified as ligand-binding domains: a charged collagen structure of type I and II receptors, and an immunodominant domain of CD36. These structures can recognize a wide range of negatively charged macromolecules, including oxidized low-density lipoproteins, damaged or apoptotic cells, and pathogenic microorganisms. After binding, these ligands can be either internalized by endocytosis or phagocytosis, or remain at the cell surface and mediate adhesion or lipid transfer through caveolae. Under physiological conditions, scavenger receptors serve to scavenge or clean up cellular debris and other related materials, and they play a role in host defence. In pathological states, they mediate the recruitment, activation and transformation of macrophages and other cells which may be related to the development of atherosclerosis and to disorders caused by the accumulation of denatured materials, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Animals↗
Phylogenetic position of an obligately chemoautotrophic, marine hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium, Hydrogenovibrio marinus, on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences and two form I RuBisCO gene sequences.
Two form ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) genes from the obligately autotrophic, marine hydrogen oxidizer Hydrogenovibrio marinus were sequenced. The deduced amino acid sequences of both RuBisCOs revealed that they are similar to those of sulfur oxidizers (Thiobacillus) and a purple sulfur bacterium (Chromatium vinosum). According to the 16S rRNA gene sequences, H. marinus is also affiliated with these microorganisms, members of Thiomicrospira being the closest relatives. Sequence similarities of the 16S rRNA genes and of the RuBisCO genes among these gamma-Proteobacteria suggest a common autotrophic ancestry. An ancestor of purple sulfur bacteria might be a common root of H. marinus and related sulfur oxidizers.
Bacterial Proteins↗
Dietary oxidized cholesterol modulates cholesterol metabolism and linoleic acid desaturation in rats fed high-cholesterol diets.
The interactive effect of high dietary levels of oxidized cholesterol on exogenous cholesterol and linoleic acid metabolism was examined in male 4-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats given high-cholesterol diets. The rats were pair-fed purified diets free of or containing either 0.5% cholesterol alone or both 0.5% cholesterol and 0.5% oxidized cholesterol mixture (containing 93% oxidized cholesterol) for 3 wk. Hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase activity was reduced in rats given cholesterol alone or both cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol. However, hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase activity was lowered only when rats were given both cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol, although dietary cholesterol increased this activity. Reflecting this effect, acidic steroid excretion was lowest among the groups of rats given cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol. On the other hand, the activity of hepatic delta6 desaturase, a key enzyme in the metabolism of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid, was increased in rats given both cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol, although dietary cholesterol alone lowered its activity. As a result, the delta6 desaturation index, 20:3n-6 + 20:4n-6/18:2n-6, in liver and serum phospholipids tended to be higher in the group fed both cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol than in the one fed cholesterol alone. Thus, dietary oxidized cholesterol significantly modulated exogenous cholesterol metabolism and promoted linoleic acid desaturation even when it was given at high levels together with a high cholesterol diet.
Animals↗