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1.
Science ; 381(6659): 748-753, 2023 08 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37590351

ABSTRACT

During the consumption of alkanes, Alcanivorax borkumensis will form a biofilm around an oil droplet, but the role this plays during degradation remains unclear. We identified a shift in biofilm morphology that depends on adaptation to oil consumption: Longer exposure leads to the appearance of dendritic biofilms optimized for oil consumption effected through tubulation of the interface. In situ microfluidic tracking enabled us to correlate tubulation to localized defects in the interfacial cell ordering. We demonstrate control over droplet deformation by using confinement to position defects, inducing dimpling in the droplets. We developed a model that elucidates biofilm morphology, linking tubulation to decreased interfacial tension and increased cell hydrophobicity.


Subject(s)
Alcanivoraceae , Alkanes , Biofilms , Petroleum , Alcanivoraceae/metabolism , Alkanes/metabolism , Petroleum/metabolism , Biodegradation, Environmental
2.
Acta Virol ; 63(3): 309-315, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31507197

ABSTRACT

Influenza virus is activated by proteolytic cleavage of hemagglutinin by trypsin. After determining the optimal trypsin concentration, intracellular and extracellular influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) and A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2) virus productions were compared in cultures treated with T-705 (favipiravir) and GS 4071 (an active form of oseltamivir). Although both drugs efficiently inhibited extracellular viral RNA release in a dose-dependent manner, T-705 inhibited it to the level of the inoculum without trypsin treatment, while GS 4071 inhibited it to a final level 10 times higher than that without trypsin. T-705 inhibited intracellular viral RNA production to the level of input virus in both trypsin-treated and untreated cells. In contrast, GS 4071 dose-dependently inhibited intracellular viral RNA production in cells treated with trypsin but allowed viral RNA synthesis. The level of maximum inhibition by GS 4071was 10 times higher than that of cells without trypsin and 1,000 times greater than the inoculum titer in cells without trypsin. T-705 inhibited both intracellular and extracellular virus production 1,000 and 10 times more strongly, respectively, than GS 4071. T-705 has powerful anti-influenza activity in the absence of trypsin and even in the trypsin-optimized growth condition, suggesting the therapeutic advantage in treatment of influenza complicated with bacterial pneumonia. Keywords: influenza; T-705; Tamiflu; trypsin; bacterial trypsin-like protease.


Subject(s)
Amides , Antiviral Agents , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype , Pyrazines , Trypsin , Amides/pharmacology , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Cell Line , Gene Expression Regulation, Viral/drug effects , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/drug effects , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/drug effects , Oseltamivir/pharmacology , Pyrazines/pharmacology , RNA, Viral/biosynthesis , Trypsin/pharmacology
3.
Clin Genet ; 94(1): 125-131, 2018 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29520754

ABSTRACT

Distinguishing autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) from other inherited renal cystic diseases in patients with adult polycystic kidney disease and no family history is critical for correct treatment and appropriate genetic counseling. However, for patients with no family history, there are no definitive imaging findings that provide an unequivocal ADPKD diagnosis. We analyzed 53 adult polycystic kidney disease patients with no family history. Comprehensive genetic testing was performed using capture-based next-generation sequencing for 69 genes currently known to cause hereditary renal cystic diseases including ADPKD. Through our analysis, 32 patients had PKD1 or PKD2 mutations. Additionally, 3 patients with disease-causing mutations in NPHP4, PKHD1, and OFD1 were diagnosed with an inherited renal cystic disease other than ADPKD. In patients with PKD1 or PKD2 mutations, the prevalence of polycystic liver disease, defined as more than 20 liver cysts, was significantly higher (71.9% vs 33.3%, P = .006), total kidney volume was significantly increased (median, 1580.7 mL vs 791.0 mL, P = .027) and mean arterial pressure was significantly higher (median, 98 mm Hg vs 91 mm Hg, P = .012). The genetic screening approach and clinical features described here are potentially beneficial for optimal management of adult sporadic polycystic kidney disease patients.


Subject(s)
Cysts/etiology , Cysts/pathology , Kidney/pathology , Liver/pathology , Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant/diagnosis , Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant/genetics , TRPP Cation Channels/genetics , Aged , Female , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Humans , Kidney Function Tests , Liver Function Tests , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Male , Middle Aged , Mutation , Phenotype , Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant/complications , Polycystic Kidney, Autosomal Dominant/epidemiology , Prevalence , Tomography, X-Ray Computed
4.
Acta Virol ; 61(1): 48-55, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28105854

ABSTRACT

Influenza virus infection induces the production of various cytokines, which play important roles in the pathogenesis of infection. Among the cytokines induced by influenza, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production has been correlated with the severity of lung lesions. We investigated the effects of T-705 (Favipiravir, 6-fluoro-3-hydroxy-2-pyrazinecarboxamide) on cytokine production due to influenza virus infection in vitro and in vivo, compared with oseltamivir or GS 4071, an active form of oseltamivir. TNF-α production in mouse macrophage-derived P388D1 cells infected with the influenza virus was lower following treatment with T-705 at concentrations of 0.3 to 100 µg/ml than treatment with GS 4071 at the same concentrations. The effect of treatment with T-705 on the cytokine production induced by the influenza virus infection was investigated in mouse influenza virus infection model. At 48 h post-infection (p.i.) T-705 significantly suppressed the viral load in the lungs and TNF-α production in the airways of infected mice even when viral loads were high. Furthermore, T-705 suppressed only TNF-α production from the early phase of infection. In this study, T-705 showed the antiviral activity of reducing pulmonary viral load compared with oseltamivir, thereby suppressing the TNF-α production. This feature of T-705 is benefit against severe influenza infection.


Subject(s)
Amides/therapeutic use , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/drug therapy , Pyrazines/therapeutic use , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism , Animals , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/chemistry , Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/virology , Cell Line, Tumor , Female , Gene Expression Regulation , Mice , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Oseltamivir/therapeutic use , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Viral Load
5.
Int J Lab Hematol ; 37(4): 466-73, 2015 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25496069

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the basic performance of Microsemi CRP, an unique automated hematology analyzer which can simultaneously measure CBC including 3-part WBC differential (3-Diff) and CRP using whole blood treated with EDTA-2K anticoagulant. METHOD: We found that it produced generally the acceptable results for all parameters performed (repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, interference effect, carry over, and correlation) using control materials, fresh human whole bloods, and serum samples. RESULTS: CBC data examined using Microsemi CRP showed the good correlation with the previous model, Micros CRP200 (r ≧ 0.9), and also those obtained using the routine analyzer, ADVIA 2120i (r ≧ 0.989). Concerning the 3-Diff, both GRA (%) and LYM (%) showed the excellent correlation coefficient between Microsemi CRP and Micros CRP200 (r ≧ 0.992) as well as ADVIA 2120i (r ≧ 0.957). MON (%) showed good correlation between Microsemi CRP and Micros CRP200 (r = 0.959), but lower correlation between Microsemi CRP and ADVIA 2120 i (r = 0.471). CRP data showed the good correlation with HITACHI7600 (r ≧ 0.997) and Micros CRP200 (r ≧ 0.997). CONCLUSION: From these findings, we concluded that Microsemi CRP seemed the convenient laboratory analyzer in the setting of point of care testing (POCT) especially at NICU or primary care unit.


Subject(s)
Automation, Laboratory/standards , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Hematology/instrumentation , Automation, Laboratory/instrumentation , Blood Cell Count/methods , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Humans , Point-of-Care Systems , Reproducibility of Results
6.
Int J Lab Hematol ; 37(2): 208-16, 2015 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24915801

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pentra MS CRP is a new automated hematology analyzer that can rapidly and reliably provide 5-part differential of leukocytes (5-Diff) and C-reactive protein (CRP) within approximately 3.5 min using a small volume of whole blood (35 µL). METHODS: We evaluated the basic performance of Pentra MS CRP and correlations with Sysmex XN-3000, manual microscopic count, and Hitachi LABOSPECT. RESULTS: Pentra MS CRP demonstrated good repeatability and linearity without any significant carryover for all parameters examined (WBC, RBC, HGB, Hct, PLT, 5-Diff, and CRP). Complete blood cell count (CBC) data examined by Pentra MS CRP correlated well with those evaluated by Sysmex XN-3000 (R ≥ 0.9880). Absolute number of NEU, LYM, and EOS also showed the good correlation (R ≥ 0.9866) between the two analyzers. The correlation with the manual microscopic count was within acceptable criteria. Furthermore, when CRP was examined in hemolyzed whole blood by Pentra MS CRP and converted to plasma concentrations according to Hct, it correlated well (R = 0.9964) with serum CRP examined by Hitachi LABOSPECT. CONCLUSION: Pentra MS CRP is a convenient and reliable analyzer especially in the emergency unit of hospitals in which the prompt and simultaneous measurement of CBC including 5-Diff and CRP is often necessary.


Subject(s)
Automation , Blood Cell Count/methods , C-Reactive Protein , Blood Cell Count/instrumentation , Blood Cell Count/standards , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and Specificity
7.
Br J Cancer ; 111(8): 1562-71, 2014 Oct 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25093497

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The increasing usage of statins (the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) has revealed a number of unexpected beneficial effects, including a reduction in cancer risk. METHODS: We investigated the direct anticancer effects of different statins approved for clinical use on human breast and brain cancer cells. We also explored the effects of statins on cancer cells using in silico simulations. RESULTS: In vitro studies showed that cerivastatin, pitavastatin, and fluvastatin were the most potent anti-proliferative, autophagy inducing agents in human cancer cells including stem cell-like primary glioblastoma cell lines. Consistently, pitavastatin was more effective than fluvastatin in inhibiting U87 tumour growth in vivo. Intraperitoneal injection was much better than oral administration in delaying glioblastoma growth. Following statin treatment, tumour cells were rescued by adding mevalonate and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate. Knockdown of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthetase-1 also induced strong cell autophagy and cell death in vitro and reduced U87 tumour growth in vivo. These data demonstrate that statins main effect is via targeting the mevalonate synthesis pathway in tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the potent anticancer effects of statins. These safe and well-tolerated drugs need to be further investigated as cancer chemotherapeutics in comprehensive clinical studies.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Mevalonic Acid/metabolism , Animals , Autophagy/drug effects , Brain Neoplasms/drug therapy , Brain Neoplasms/metabolism , Brain Neoplasms/pathology , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/metabolism , Breast Neoplasms/pathology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Computer Simulation , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , In Vitro Techniques , Mice , Mice, Nude
8.
Eye (Lond) ; 27(8): 979-83, 2013 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23743525

ABSTRACT

The caveolin 1 to caveolin 2 (CAV1-CAV2) gene region on chromosome 7q31 has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in previous studies. We investigated whether genetic variants in the CAV1-CAV2 region are associated with NTG in Japanese patients. Two hundred and ninety-two Japanese patients with NTG and 352 Japanese healthy controls were recruited. We genotyped three single-nucleotide polymorphisms; that is, rs1052990, rs4236601, and rs7795356, in the CAV1-CAV2 gene region and assessed the allelic diversity among cases and controls. The frequency of the minor allele (G) of rs1052990 was significantly decreased in NTG cases compared with controls (P=0.014, OR=0.71), whereas NTG or POAG cases had a significantly higher frequency of the allele than controls in previous studies. Conversely, rs7795356 did not show any significant association with NTG cases, and rs4236601 was monomorphic in the Japanese study population. Our findings did not correspond with previous positive results, suggesting that CAV1-CAV2 variants studied in the present study are not important risk factors for NTG susceptibility in all populations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the possible contribution of the CAV1-CAV2 region to the development of glaucoma.


Subject(s)
Asian People/genetics , Caveolin 1/genetics , Caveolin 2/genetics , Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7/genetics , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Low Tension Glaucoma/genetics , Adult , Alleles , Case-Control Studies , Female , Gene Frequency , Genetic Association Studies , Genetic Variation , Genotype , Humans , Japan , Male , Middle Aged , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Young Adult
9.
Cancer Gene Ther ; 19(4): 292-8, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22281756

ABSTRACT

Although several studies have reported that locally administering oncolytic viruses effectively targets malignancies, the efficacy of systemically administered oncolytic viruses is restricted. Recently, however, it was reported that systemic administration of oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus adsorbed onto antigen-specific lymphocytes was effective against malignancies. We hypothesized that intravenously administering such virus might have significant potential in treatment of the malignant tumors. We adsorbed oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 mutant R3616 onto lymphocytes harvested from mice with acquired antitumor immunity. We administered adsorbed R3616 to peritoneally disseminated tumors and analyzed the efficacy of this treatment. Mice administered adsorbed R3616 survived significantly longer than mice administered R3616 adsorbed onto non-specific lymphocytes, or mice administered either virus or tumor antigen-specific lymphocytes alone. In this context, herpes oncolytic virus is a promising treatment not only for primary lesions, but also for multiple metastasizing lesions. This treatment strategy may become one of the most effective methods for systemic virus delivery.


Subject(s)
Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology , Herpesvirus 1, Human , Lymphocytes/immunology , Neoplasms/therapy , Oncolytic Viruses , Animals , Cell Line , Chlorocebus aethiops , Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/immunology , Epitopes/immunology , Humans , Lymphocytes/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Neoplasms/immunology , Neoplasms/virology , Oncolytic Virotherapy , Peritoneal Neoplasms/immunology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/secondary
10.
Int Endod J ; 45(5): 462-8, 2012 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22211861

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the effect of cyclic fatigue on nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic instruments using a nano-indentation test. METHODOLOGY: Eight ProFile NiTi rotary instruments (size 30, taper 0.06; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) were tested using a cyclic fatigue set-up until fracture. The fractured instruments and eight new NiTi instruments of the same size and taper were used for a nano-indentation test on the internal surfaces of a NiTi instruments in the region just adjacent to their fractured edge (group I) and in the same region of the new group (group II), and the cutting part beside the shaft for both instruments [group III (fractured) and group IV (new)]. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Games-Howell post hoc test. The alpha-type error was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences in terms of hardness and elastic modulus for each group (P < 0.05) were found, with group I having the lowest mean values followed by group III. Additionally, standard deviations increased remarkably after failure, as represented by groups I and III. CONCLUSION: The nano-indentation technique can be applied to determine the performance and the failure mechanism of NiTi instruments. The fatigue process revealed a significant decrease in the hardness and elastic modulus of the NiTi instrument. As indicated by the low hardness, the fatigue process did not result in work hardening but rather work softening.


Subject(s)
Dental Alloys/chemistry , Nickel/chemistry , Root Canal Preparation/instrumentation , Titanium/chemistry , Dental Stress Analysis/instrumentation , Elastic Modulus , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure , Hardness , Humans , Materials Testing , Nanotechnology , Rotation , Stress, Mechanical , Surface Properties , Time Factors
11.
Cancer Gene Ther ; 19(4): 229-37, 2012 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22193629

ABSTRACT

Oncolytic viruses are a promising method of cancer therapy, even for advanced malignancies. HF10, a spontaneously mutated herpes simplex type 1, is a potent oncolytic agent. The interaction of oncolytic herpes viruses with the tumor microenvironment has not been well characterized. We injected HF10 into tumors of patients with recurrent breast carcinoma, and sought to determine its effects on the tumor microenvironment. Six patients with recurrent breast cancer were recruited to the study. Tumors were divided into two groups: saline-injected (control) and HF10-injected (treatment). We investigated several parameters including neovascularization (CD31) and tumor lymphocyte infiltration (CD8, CD4), determined by immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis, determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. Median apoptotic cell count was lower in the treatment group (P=0.016). Angiogenesis was significantly higher in treatment group (P=0.032). Count of CD8-positive lymphocytes infiltrating the tumors was higher in the treatment group (P=0.008). We were unable to determine CD4-positive lymphocyte infiltration. An effective oncolytic viral agent must replicate efficiently in tumor cells, leading to higher viral counts, in order to aid viral penetration. HF10 seems to meet this criterion; furthermore, it induces potent antitumor immunity. The increase in angiogenesis may be due to either viral replication or the inflammatory response.


Subject(s)
Breast Neoplasms/therapy , Herpesvirus 1, Human/genetics , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/therapy , Oncolytic Viruses/genetics , Tumor Microenvironment/genetics , Aged , Apoptosis/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/genetics , Breast Neoplasms/surgery , Female , Gene Order , Genetic Therapy , Genetic Vectors/administration & dosage , Humans , Mastectomy , Middle Aged , Neovascularization, Pathologic/immunology , Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology , Oncolytic Virotherapy , Treatment Outcome , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
12.
Cancer Gene Ther ; 18(3): 167-75, 2011 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21102422

ABSTRACT

In 2005, we initiated a clinical trial that examined the efficacy of the oncolytic virus HF10 to treat pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer continues to have a high mortality rate, despite multimodal treatments for patients, and new therapeutic methods are greatly needed. The current mainstream methods for cancer treatment include biological therapeutics such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) for breast cancer or erlotinib (Tarceva) for non-small cell lung cancer. Oncolytic virus therapy is a new and promising treatment strategy for cancer. Oncolytic viruses are novel biological therapeutics for advanced cancer that appear to have a wide spectrum of anticancer activity with minimal human toxicity. To examine the efficacy of oncolytic virus therapy for pancreatic cancer, we initiated pilot studies by injecting six patients with non-resectable pancreatic cancer with three doses of HF10. All patients were monitored for 30 days for local and systemic adverse effects and were not administered any other therapeutics during this period. There were no adverse side-effects, and we observed some therapeutic potential based on tumor marker levels, survival, pathological findings and diagnostic radiography. The tumors were classified as stable disease in three patients, partial response in one patient and progressive disease in two patients.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/therapy , Oncolytic Virotherapy , Oncolytic Viruses/metabolism , Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy , Simplexvirus/metabolism , Aged , Antigens, Neoplasm/blood , Antigens, Viral/metabolism , CA-19-9 Antigen/blood , CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/diagnostic imaging , Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology , Humans , Injections , Macrophages/metabolism , Male , Middle Aged , Oncolytic Viruses/genetics , Pancreatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology , Radiography , Radionuclide Imaging , Simplexvirus/genetics , Survival Analysis , Treatment Outcome , Watchful Waiting
13.
Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids ; 29(4-6): 291-4, 2010 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20544509

ABSTRACT

Inherited mutation of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) gives rise to Lesch-Nyhan syndrome or HPRT-related gout. On the other hand, PRPS1 mutations cause PRPP synthetase superactivity associated with hyperuricemia and gout, sometimes including neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We have identified two mutations in two Lesch-Nyhan families after our last report. One of them, a new single nucleotide substitution (130G>T) resulting in a missense mutation D44Y was detected in exon 2 of HPRT1. RT-PCR amplification showed not only a cDNA fragment with normal size, but also a small amount of shorter fragment skipping exons 2 and 3. The other missense mutation F74L (222C > A) was detected in a Japanese patient but has been reported previously in European families. In four hyperuricemic patients with mild neurological abnormality, no mutations responsible for partial HPRT deficiency were identified in HPRT1. In these four patients, we also performed molecular analysis of PRPS1, but no mutations in PRPP synthetase were found.


Subject(s)
Genetic Diseases, X-Linked , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase , Purines/metabolism , Ribose-Phosphate Pyrophosphokinase , DNA Mutational Analysis , Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/enzymology , Humans , Hyperuricemia/etiology , Hyperuricemia/genetics , Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase/genetics , Hypoxanthine Phosphoribosyltransferase/metabolism , Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome/etiology , Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome/genetics , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Ribose-Phosphate Pyrophosphokinase/genetics , Ribose-Phosphate Pyrophosphokinase/metabolism
14.
Acta Biomater ; 6(10): 4161-6, 2010 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-20466077

ABSTRACT

The cathodic polarization technique to form an alkaline environment on a zirconium (Zr) surface, discussed in the present study, is unique, and gives the ability to form calcium phosphate in a simulated body fluid to Zr; on the other hand, many previous studies have been conducted using immersion in alkaline solutions. In this study, two discrete techniques were investigated. Zr was cathodically polarized in an electrolyte without calcium and phosphate ions, and Zr was cathodically polarized in another electrolyte containing calcium and phosphate ions, Hanks' solution, to directly form a calcium phosphate layer. The surface was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the performance of the material was evaluated by immersion in Hanks' solution. As a result, the ability to form calcium phosphate in Hanks' solution was given by cathodic polarization in the Na(2)SO(4) solution containing H(2)O(2). In addition, a cathodic potential under -1.5 V(SCE) is required to form hydroxyapatite directly in Hanks' solution. This research clearly reveals useful surface modification techniques giving the ability to form calcium phosphate in a simulated body fluid by cathodic polarization.


Subject(s)
Calcium Phosphates/chemistry , Electrodes , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Solutions/chemistry , Zirconium/chemistry , Body Fluids/chemistry , Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry , Electrochemistry , Humans , Materials Testing , Photoelectron Spectroscopy , Surface Properties
15.
Lett Appl Microbiol ; 49(6): 679-84, 2009 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19874484

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the effects of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus megaterium in terms of toxin and growth of pathogenic Vibrio harveyi. METHODS AND RESULTS: Three Bacillus probionts were isolated from probiotic BZT aquaculture and identified using a 16S rDNA sequence. Growth inhibition assay showed that supernatants from the 24-h culture of three Bacillus species were able to inhibit the growth of V. harveyi (LMG 4044); B. subtilis was the most effective based on the well diffusion method. Results of a liquid culture model showed that B. subtilis was also widely effective in inhibiting three strains of V. harveyi (isolated from Thailand, the Philippines and LMG 4044), and that both B. licheniformis and B. megaterium inhibit the growth of V. harveyi isolated from the Philippines. Moreover, a haemolytic activity assay demonstrated that V. harveyi (IFO 15634) was significantly decreased by the addition of B. licheniformis or B. megaterium supernatant. CONCLUSIONS: Bacillus subtilis inhibited Vibrio growth, and both B. licheniformis and B. megaterium suppressed haemolytic activity in Vibrio. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The cell-free supernatants produced by Bacillus probionts inhibit Vibrio disease, and Bacillus probionts might have an influence on Vibrio cell-to-cell communications.


Subject(s)
Antibiosis , Bacillus/physiology , Penaeidae/microbiology , Vibrio/growth & development , Animals , Aquaculture , Bacillus/classification , Bacterial Toxins/metabolism , Bacterial Typing Techniques , Hemolysin Proteins/metabolism , Microbial Viability , Probiotics , Vibrio/metabolism , Vibrio/pathogenicity , Vibrio Infections/microbiology
16.
Clin Ophthalmol ; 3: 183-8, 2009.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19668563

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the GLC3A locus harboring the CYP1B1 gene is associated with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) in Japanese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-two Japanese patients with NTG and 101 Japanese healthy controls were recruited. Patients exhibiting a comparatively early onset were selected as this suggests that genetic factors may show stronger involvement. Genotyping and assessment of allelic diversity was performed on 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in and around the GLC3A locus. RESULTS: There were decreased frequencies of the 444 allele of D2S0416i and the 258 allele of D2S0425i in cases compared to controls (P = 0.022 and P = 0.034, respectively). However, this statistical significance disappeared when corrected (Pc > 0.05). We did not find any significant association between the remaining 11 microsatellite markers, including D2S177, which may be associated with CYP1B1, and NTG (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed no association between the GLCA3 locus and NTG, suggesting that the CYP1B1 gene, which is reportedly involved in a range of glaucoma phenotypes, may not be an associated factor in the pathogenesis of NTG.

17.
J Appl Microbiol ; 102(5): 1300-6, 2007 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17448165

ABSTRACT

AIM: To demonstrate the influence of copper on luminescence and toxin production in Vibrio harveyi. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effect of copper concentration on the expression of both luminescence and toxin of V. harveyi was investigated. Copper concentration of less than 40 ppm had no effect on the growth. While V. harveyi cultured with 40 ppm copper concentration showed decreased luminescence as measured by spectrofluorophotometer and as observed. LuxD gene, which is related to luminescence expression, was monitored using real-time RT-PCR. Result showed that the concentration of cDNA coding for luxD was lower in V. harveyi with copper. Toxic activity against both HeLa cells and shrimp haemocytes was also lower in the culture supernatant of V. harveyi grown with 40 ppm copper concentration. Moreover, V. harveyi extracellular proteins were analysed using SDS-PAGE. Results showed that culture supernatant from V. harveyi grown without copper had thicker band indicating a higher concentration of the putative cysteine protease, one of the major toxin of V. harveyi. CONCLUSIONS: This study proved that both luminescence and toxin were repressed by copper. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The current study demonstrated that copper inhibited expression of phenotype of V. harveyi. Furthermore, it may inhibit quorum sensing of V. harveyi.


Subject(s)
Copper/metabolism , Luminescence , Toxins, Biological/metabolism , Vibrio/pathogenicity , Virulence , Water Microbiology , Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial , Luminescent Measurements , Toxicity Tests
18.
Cancer Gene Ther ; 14(6): 533-42, 2007 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17415379

ABSTRACT

Recently, the use of oncolytic viruses against cancer has attracted considerable attention. We studied the potential of the US3 locus-deficient herpes simplex virus (HSV), L1BR1, for oncolytic virus therapy. Its high specificity and potency indicate that L1BR1 is a promising candidate as a new oncolytic virus against pancreatic cancer. Moreover, the virus exhibited the unique characteristic of increasing apoptosis when used in combination with anticancer drugs. We assessed the feasibility of using the US3 locus-deficient HSV named L1BR1 as a new replication-competent oncolytic virus for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The US3 locus of HSV has been shown to be a key gene in producing a multifunctional protein kinase that inhibits apoptosis induced by viral infections, chemicals and ultraviolet (UV) light. L1BR1 has been reported to be more than 10 000-fold less virulent than the parental virus in mice. In this study, we examined the tumor specificity and oncolytic effect of this attenuated replication-competent virus, L1BR1, in pancreatic cancers derived from SW1990, Capan2 and Bxpc-3cells compared with the parent virus and other well-known oncolytic herpes viruses (R3616 and hrR3). We also studied the efficacy of L1BR1 for the induction of apoptosis as an attribute of this virus in combination with the anticancer drugs 5FU and cisplatin. The combined treatment of the pancreatic cancer cells with L1BR1 and these anticancer drugs enhanced apoptosis significantly. More importantly, L1BR1 showed the lowest replication capacity in normal human hepatocytes, but the highest tumor-reducing effect in vivo among the oncolytic herpes viruses tested. In addition, L1BR1 significantly increased the induction of apoptosis of cancer cells when treated in combination with anticancer drugs although the parental virus inhibited the induction of apoptosis. These results suggest that L1BR1 is promising as a new anticancer oncolytic virus.


Subject(s)
Oncolytic Virotherapy , Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/deficiency , Simplexvirus/pathogenicity , Cisplatin/pharmacology , Fluorouracil/pharmacology , Genetic Therapy , Genetic Vectors , Oncolytic Viruses/immunology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology , Pancreatic Neoplasms/virology , Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics , Simplexvirus/genetics , Simplexvirus/physiology , Tumor Cells, Cultured , Viral Proteins/genetics
19.
Curr Cancer Drug Targets ; 7(2): 123-5, 2007 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17346102

ABSTRACT

We are very pleased and proud to be able to publish this special issue of Current Cancer Drug Targets devoted to oncolytic virus therapy covering basic and clinical research on adenovirus, vaccinia virus, herpes virus, and Newcastle disease virus. In these papers, we welcome the world's top authorities in the field who have generously contributed their latest review articles for exclusive publication in this special issue. Moreover, this issue also includes a range of opinion from government drug organizations. Here we simply wish to bring together the newest knowledge and experience in the field of cutting-edge oncolytic virus therapy for researchers and every kind of cancer therapist. The Foreword presents a historical perspective on the development of oncolytic virus together with the encouraging results of recent clinical trials (e.g., H101 has been tested in clinical trial of nearly 250 patients and approved for human use by the Chinese FDA, while PV701 has been tried in over 110 patients, as described in our special issue).


Subject(s)
Neoplasms/therapy , Oncolytic Virotherapy , Animals , Asia , History, 20th Century , History, 21st Century , Humans , Oncolytic Virotherapy/history , Oncolytic Viruses/genetics , Oncolytic Viruses/physiology , Treatment Outcome , Virus Replication
20.
J Appl Microbiol ; 101(1): 200-5, 2006 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16834607

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To demonstrate that Vibrio harveyi produces various types of toxins and how the production of those toxins is related with luminescence. METHODS AND RESULTS: Luminescence and toxicity of eight V. harveyi were evaluated. We demonstrated that all V. harveyi emitting luminescence were isolated from marine organisms and also showed that they were highly pathogenic when compared with culture collection V. harveyi based on cytotoxic assay test. On the contrary, V. harveyi isolated from shrimp farm showed no luminescence but showed high pathogenicity based on toxicity test. The effect of protease inhibitors on pathogenicity and luminescence was also investigated. We demonstrated that light emission of pathogenic V. harveyi remarkably decreased after addition of protease inhibitor. Furthermore, extracellular proteins from cell-free culture supernatant of luminescent and nonluminescent V. harveyi were compared using SDS-PAGE analysis. Results showed that there were differences in molecular weight and amount of proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Vibrio harveyi parasiting marine organisms have both luminescence and pathogenicity. Based on this study, luminescence and protease toxin activity in V. harveyi are related. Moreover, this paper clarified that V. harveyi produces various types of toxins. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The current study demonstrated that V. harveyi produces two kinds of toxins, haemolysin and protease toxin. It may be clear roots of V. harveyi toxin.


Subject(s)
Endopeptidases/metabolism , Luminescence , Vibrio/physiology , Water Microbiology , Bacterial Proteins/metabolism , Hemolysin Proteins , Luminescent Measurements , Protease Inhibitors/pharmacology , Seawater , Toxicity Tests , Toxins, Biological/metabolism , Vibrio/drug effects , Vibrio/metabolism , Virulence
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