The role of E2F8 in the human placenta.

Recent studies have reported that E2F transcription factor (E2F) 8, an atypical E2F transcription factor, serves a critical role in promoting the growth and development of the murine placenta. However, the function of E2F8 in the human placenta remains unknown. Invasion of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) into the maternal decidua is known to be important for the development of the human placenta. To investigate the role of E2F8 in human placental development, E2F8 localisation was examined in the human placenta and E2F8 mRNA expression was detected in primary cultured EVTs. The human EVT cell line, HTR­8/SVneo, was divided into two groups and treated separately, one with retrovirus expressing short hairpin (sh)­RNA against E2F8 (shE2F8 cells) and the other with non­target control shRNA (shControl cells). The cell functions, including cell cycle, proliferation, invasion and adhesion, were compared between the shE2F8 and shControl cells. A histological examination revealed that E2F8 was localised in the decidua cells, EVTs, and cytotrophoblasts in the placenta. E2F8 mRNA was confirmed to be expressed in cultured primary EVTs. No significant difference was observed in the cell cycle, proliferation or adhesion between the shE2F8 and shControl cells. The invasive ability was ~2­fold higher in the shE2F8 cells when compared with the shControl cells (P<0.01). Production of matrix metalloproteinase­1 was significantly increased in the shE2F8 cells when compared with the shControl cells (P<0.05). Taken together, E2F8 is present in the EVTs of the human placenta, but, unlike murine placenta, it may suppress the invasiveness of EVTs. E2F8 was also present in cytotrophoblasts in cell columns, which have no invasive ability and differentiate into EVTs. In conclusion, E2F8 also exists in the human placenta, and its function may be different from that in the murine placenta, although further investigation is required.

The expression of Toll-like receptor 5 in preterm histologic chorioamnionitis.

Spontaneous preterm birth is often caused by chorioamnionitis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a role in the response of the innate immune system. The role of TLR5 in chorioamnionitis remains unclear: however, TLR5 was reported to have a significantly stronger effect on the induction of interleukin (IL)-6 when compared with other TLRs in amniotic epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate TLR5 expression in placentas with preterm histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA). The expression levels of TLR5 were evaluated in the amnions, chorions, deciduae and villi with and without HCA using immunohistochemistry. The co-localization of IL-6 or IL-8 with TLR5 was examined by immunofluorescence. The production of IL-6 was examined in primary tissue cultured fetal membranes treated with and without the TLR5 agonist. The protein expression of TLR5 was significantly increased in amnions with HCA (p<0.05) and showed a trend toward an increase in chorions with HCA, whereas no significant difference was detected in the villi and decidua. TLR5 co-localized with IL-6 and IL-8 in amnions and chorions. IL-6 showed a significant increase (p<0.05) with the TLR5 agonist. These results suggest that TLR5 plays a role in the pathogenesis of preterm HCA and IL-6 production.

Producing Capabilities of Interferon-gamma and Interleukin-10 in Peripheral Blood from Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

In order to evaluate the Th1 and Th2 responses of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) patients, we investigated the cytokine producing capability of peripheral blood (PB), and compared it with clinicopathological appearances of OSCC patients. The production of a Th1-type cytokine, interferon (IFN)-γ, from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PB correlated positively with the frequency of lymph node metastasis. We also investigated the production of a Th2-type cytokine, IL-10, however, no significant correlation was observed with the clinicopathological appearances. Our results suggested that the IFN-γ producing capability was specifically regulated and dependent on the regional metastatic potencies of OSCCs.

[Having trouble with pressure ulcers care?].

Since 1997, we, the community pharmacists, have established this society, Aichi Prefecture Society for the Study of Pressure Ulcers Care, in order to furnish drug information about pressure ulcers care. Moist atmosphere is required for the healing of pressure ulcers. The moist environment that could be regulated depends on the physicochemical property of ointment bases. Therefore, ointment should reasonably be chosen to adjust the moisture. Since 2000, we have been committed to providing pharmacists, who work on home care, with a booklet to instruct how to choose ointments for pressure ulcers treatment. In 2002, when the Aichi pharmaceutical association held a training conference held at various hospitals using the booklet as a teaching material, hospital pharmacists cooperated by making a field study trip to observe pressure ulcers treatments. Nowadays researchers at pharmaceutical colleges have also cooperated in studying the efficacy and economical effect of the method of blending different ointments to improve the healing process of pressure ulcers.

[Preparation of a manual treatment of pressure ulcers which draws attention to moisture of the affected part].

As for pressure ulcers care, prevention is the most important approach. However, pressure ulcers, might develop despite enough care, depending on each person's physical condition. As for the treatment of pressure ulcers, maintenance of a moderately moist environment (60-70%) is quite important. We propose the use of ointment to control the moisture of a pressure ulcer environment. One ointment base absorbs moisture, while another provides moisture. We have prepared a manual that allows the user to select the medicine according to the degree of moisture of the affected part. When the moisture cannot be regulated with one ointment, it can be adjusted by mixing two or more ointments. In choosing a drug for external use, it is important to pay attention not only to the effect of the main ingredient but also to the physicochemical properties of the ointment base that serves as vehicle for that active component.

[Preparation of a manual treatment of pressure ulcers which draws attention to moisture of the affected part].

As for pressure ulcers care, prevention is the most important approach. However, pressure ulcers, might develop despite enough care, depending on each person's physical condition. As for the treatment of pressure ulcers, maintenance of a moderately moist environment (60-70%) is quite important. We propose the use of ointment to control the moisture of a pressure ulcer environment. One ointment base absorbs moisture, while another provides moisture. We have prepared a manual that allows the user to select the medicine according to the degree of moisture of the affected part. When the moisture cannot be regulated with one ointment, it can be adjusted by mixing two or more ointments. In choosing a drug for external use, it is important to pay attention not only to the effect of the main ingredient but also to the physicochemical properties of the ointment base that serves as vehicle for that active component.