IL-12 inhibits TNF-α induced osteoclastogenesis via a T cell-independent mechanism in vivo

It has been reported that TNF-α plays an important role in bone resorption in pathological conditions. IL-12, which is a T cell mediator, is also an important inflammatory cytokine. We previously reported that IL-12 induces apoptosis in bone marrow cells treated with TNF-α in vitro via an interaction between TNF-α-induced Fas and IL-12-induced Fas ligand (FasL), and that, as a result, osteoclastogenesis is inhibited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of IL-12 on TNF-α-mediated osteoclastogenesis in vivo. We administered TNF-α with and without IL-12 into the supracalvaria in mice. The numbers of osteoclasts in the sutures in the calvaria were higher in mice administered TNF-α than in control mice not administered TNF-α. The numbers of osteoclasts in mice administered both TNF-α and IL-12 were lower than those in mice administered only TNF-α. Next, we determined the levels of mRNAs for cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). mRNA levels were increased in mice administered TNF-α compared with control mice, but not in mice administered both TNF-α and IL-12. We also evaluated the amounts of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP 5b) in mouse sera. The levels of TRACP 5b in mice administered TNF-α were higher than those in control mice. On the other hand, in mice administered both TNF-α and IL-12, the levels were lower than those in mice administered TNF-α alone. Fas and FasL expression levels were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. The levels of Fas mRNA were increased in the calvaria of mice administered TNF-α compared with control mice, while those of FasL mRNAs were increased in the calvaria of mice administered IL-12. In TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assays, many apoptotic cells were found in the sutures in the calvaria of mice administered both TNF-α and IL-12. IL-12 also inhibited TNF-α-induced osteoclastogenesis in mice whose T cells were blocked by anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 antibodies. These results suggest that IL-12 inhibits TNF-α-mediated osteoclastogenesis and induces apoptotic changes through an interaction between TNF-α-induced Fas and IL-12-induced FasL, in vivo, via a T cell-independent mechanism.     

Difference of ITS sequences of Akebia plants growing in various parts of Japan

The stem of the Akebia plant, “Mokutsu”, is a crude diuretic and antiphlogistic drug. Japanese products prepared from wild Akebia plants cover most of the Mokutsu market. Two Akebia plants, Akebia quinata Decaisne (Aq) and A. trifoliata Koidzumi (At) of Lardizabalaceae, are standardized as Mokutsu in Japanese pharmacopoeia. These two Akebia plants along with A. × pentaphylla Makino (Ap), which is considered a hybrid with the morphology of Aq and At, can be distinguished by DNA sequence analysis of internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2 (ITS) of nuclear ribosome DNA. Here, we report the results of molecular genetic analysis of Akebia plants grown in various wild habitats in Japan. We found that each of three Akebia plants could be distinguished in terms of their locality according to their nucleotide sequence in ITS, specifically at positions 91, 128, 133, 134, and 221. Plants with a comparable habitat had similar nucleotide sequences at these five points. We also found Aq with ITS and nucleotide deletion at position 86 that was distributed only around Awajishima in Shikoku (A), Harimanada (B), and Kinki (C), including the chief production center of Akebia Caulis. The results of these ITS sequences enabled discrimination of plants originating from Akebia Caulis.     

Triangulating anastomosis using a linear cutter in a colectomy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We have performed end-to-end anastomosis by the triangulating method using a linear cutter for the reconstruction in colectomy. In this report, we present our technique of triangle anastomosis and its convenience and merits. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent end-to-end anastomosis with the triangulating method, or the Gambee procedure, for reconstruction after colon cancer surgery from 1998 to 2003 in our department, were analyzed retrospectively. The anastomosis time and complications were compared in these two groups. RESULTS: The mean anastomosis time was 14.7+/-3.5 minutes, which is 17+/-0.7 shorter than the 31.7+/-4.2 minutes it took for the Gambee anastomosis performed during the same period. There were no significant differences in the incidences and variety of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Triangulating anastomosis using a linear cutter is a safe and easy technique that can be performed in a short amount of time. It is, therefore, considered a useful method for reconstructive surgery for colon cancer.     

Clinical effectiveness of probiotics therapy (BIO-THREE) in patients with ulcerative colitis refractory to conventional therapy

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal microflora has been implicated in the etiology of ulcerative colitis (UC). Over the past few years, the use of probiotics in UC has gained attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics therapy for mild to moderate distal UC refractory to conventional therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients with mild to moderate distal UC took 9 BIO-THREE tablets per day for 4 weeks. Clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings were evaluated as ulcerative colitis disease activity index (UCDAI) scores before and after administration of BIO-THREE. Fecal samples were collected from all patients before and after probiotics administration, and fecal microflora was analyzed by the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) method. RESULTS: Remission (UCDAI score < or =2) was observed in 45% (9/20) of the patients; response (decrease in UCDAI > or = 3, but final score > or = 3) in 10% (2/20); no response in 40% (8/20); and worsening (UCDAI > 3) in 5% (1/20). T-RFLP analysis indicated that the principal alteration in microflora was an increase in bifidobacteria. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that administration of BIO-THREE improved the clinical symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with UC, indicating that administration of BIO-THREE is safe and efficacious for the treatment of UC.     

Hypoadiponectinemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus in men is associated with sympathetic overactivity as evaluated by cardiac 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy

Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with insulin resistance. However, there is very limited information about the relationship between plasma adiponectin and cardiac autonomic nervous function. We tested the hypothesis that hypoadiponectinemia is associated with cardiac sympathetic overactivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thirty-three male type 2 diabetic patients not on insulin treatment were classified into a hypoadiponectinemia group (plasma adiponectin concentration, <4.0 microg/mL; age, 58.6 +/- 8.6 years [mean +/- SD]; n = 14) and an age-matched normoadiponectinemia group (serum adiponectin concentration, >/=4.0 microg/mL; age, 58.2 +/- 8.1 years; n = 19). In each patient, baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, plasma norepinephrine concentration, and cardiac (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphic findings were assessed. Compared with the normoadiponectinemia group, the hypoadiponectinemia group had a higher body mass index (P < .01), higher plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively), higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values (P < .005), higher plasma triglyceride levels (P < .05), and lower plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < .05). In the hypoadiponectinemia group, the autonomic function measurements included a lower baroreflex sensitivity (P< .05) and a lower delayed myocardial uptake of (123)I-MIBG (P < .01) with a higher washout rate (P < .05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the plasma adiponectin level was independently associated with HOMA-IR (F = 9.916) and the percent washout rate of (123)I-MIBG (F = 5.985). Our results suggest that in middle-aged men with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypoadiponectinemia is associated with cardiac sympathetic overactivity as determined by (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy.     

Correlations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and atherosclerosis in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND: The elevated level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) and aortic stiffness are associated with high mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. We tested the hypothesis that the HSCRP correlates with aortic stiffness and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of 46 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and high HSCRP group (0.3-1.0 mg/dl, age: 57+/-5 years, mean+/-s.d.) and a control group of 55 age-matched patients with low HSCRP group (<0.3 mg/dl, 57+/-6 years). Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) was measured by automatic oscillometric method and was used as an index of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The body mass index (BMI) values (P<0.05) and waist circumferences (P<0.0005) and the waist-to-hip ratios (P<0.05) were higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group. The BaPWV was higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group (P<0.0001). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG; P<0.005) and insulin concentrations (P<0.0001), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (P<0.0001), were higher in the high HSCRP group than in the low HSCRP group. Multiple regression analysis showed that HSCRP levels were independently predicted by BaPWV and HOMA index. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the elevated level of HSCRP in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes is characterized by increased aortic stiffness and insulin resistance, and that the BaPWV and HOMA index are independent predictors of HSCRP.     

Therapeutic approach of histamine H3 receptors in obesity

Obesity is considered one of the risk factors for metabolic disorders. There is increasing evidence that obesity is under control of several cytokines and hormone in the brain. Brain histamine and H3 receptors are important factors for regulating obesity. The results of physiological and pharmacological studies revealed that brain histamine and H3 receptors are involved in the regulation of obesity. In this review, we describe the implication and patent for developing H3 receptor antagonists and their therapeutic potential of obesity.     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using a pull-through technique for hepatic arterial occlusion at the time of port-catheter implantation

We report a successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using a pull-through technique for the treatment of a hepatic arterial occlusion caused by iatrogenic subintimal dissection during the percutaneous placement of a port-catheter system.     

Evaluation of Retrievability of the Gunther Tulip Vena Cava Filter

Purpose To evaluate the feasibility and safety of withdrawal of a Gunther tulip retrievable vena cava filter (GTF). Methods Between June 2001 and December 2005, at our institution 86 GTFs were implanted for temporary caval filtration in 59 patients (37 women, 22 men; mean age 59.3 years, range 18–87 years). For GTFs retrieved thereafter, we retrospectively reviewed the following parameters: rate of success in retrieval, degree of trapped thrombus in the filter, and complications during retrieval. Results Worsening of or new development of pulmonary embolism after filter implantation did not occur in any patient. Of the 86 GTFs implanted, retrieval of 80 was attempted. Among those 80 filters, 77 (96%) were successfully retrieved (with the standard method, n = 72; with the modified method, n = 5) without any complication. The period of implantation of the retrieved filters was 13.4 ± 4.2 days. In the 5 filters that were filled to a height of ≥ 1/4 with trapped thrombus, retrieval was performed after attempts were made to decrease trapped thrombi. In addition, a temporary filter or another GTF was temporarily placed at the cephalad level of the GTF during this removal procedure. Conclusion GTFs can be retrieved in the majority of cases. Even when encountering situations in which the filter could not be removed using the standard method, withdrawal was possible in a high frequency of cases through various trials using modified methods.     

Successful embolization using interlocking detachable coils for a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt in a child

The authors report the case of a 6-year-old boy with a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic venous shunt. He had hyperammonemia. The shunt was 18 mm in diameter and located between the inferior mesenteric vein and the left internal iliac vein. The flow in the shunt was very rapid. After decreasing blood flow by inflating a balloon catheter inserted into the left internal iliac vein from the femoral vein, a microcatheter was coaxially advanced to the shunt to embolize the shunt. Embolization was successfully performed with interlocking detachable coils and microcoils without any complication. This patient's hyperammonemia resolved soon after the procedure.