Aggregability of the SQSTM1/p62-based aggresome-like induced structures determines the sensitivity to parthanatos.

Overactivation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) triggers a noncanonical form of programmed cell death (PCD) called parthanatos, yet the mechanisms of its induction are not fully understood. We have recently demonstrated that the aggresome-like induced structures (ALIS) composed of the autophagy receptor SQSTM1/p62 and K48-linked polyubiquitinated proteins (p62-based ALIS) mediate parthanatos. In this study, we identified the D1 dopamine receptor agonist YM435 as a unique parthanatos inhibitor that acts as the disaggregating agent for the p62-based ALIS. We found that YM435 structurally reduces aggregability of the ALIS, and then increases its hydrophilicity and liquidity, which prevents parthanatos. Moreover, dopamine and L-DOPA, a dopamine precursor, also prevented parthanatos by reducing the aggregability of the ALIS. Together, these observations suggest that aggregability of the p62-based ALIS determines the sensitivity to parthanatos, and the pharmacological properties of YM435 that reduces the aggregability may be suitable for therapeutic drugs for parthanatos-related diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases.

Physical Stimulation Methods Developed for In Vitro Neuronal Differentiation Studies of PC12 Cells: A Comprehensive Review.

PC12 cells, which are derived from rat adrenal pheochromocytoma cells, are widely used for the study of neuronal differentiation. NGF induces neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells by activating intracellular pathways via the TrkA receptor, which results in elongated neurites and neuron-like characteristics. Moreover, the differentiation requires both the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK pathways. In addition to NGF, BMPs can also induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells. BMPs are part of the TGF-ß cytokine superfamily and activate signaling pathways such as p38 MAPK and Smad. However, the brief lifespan of NGF and BMPs may limit their effectiveness in living organisms. Although PC12 cells are used to study the effects of various physical stimuli on neuronal differentiation, the development of new methods and an understanding of the molecular mechanisms are ongoing. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the induction of neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells without relying on NGF, which is already established for electrical, electromagnetic, and thermal stimulation but poses a challenge for mechanical, ultrasound, and light stimulation. Furthermore, the mechanisms underlying neuronal differentiation induced by physical stimuli remain largely unknown. Elucidating these mechanisms holds promise for developing new methods for neural regeneration and advancing neuroregenerative medical technologies using neural stem cells.

SP600125 Enhances Temperature-Controlled Repeated Thermal Stimulation-Induced Neurite Outgrowth in PC12-P1F1 Cells.

This study evaluated the mechanism of temperature-controlled repeated thermal stimulation (TRTS)-mediated neuronal differentiation. We assessed the effect of SP600125, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor, on neuronal differentiation of rat PC12-P1F1 cells, which can differentiate into neuron-like cells by exposure to TRTS or neurotrophic factors, including bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4. We evaluated neuritogenesis by incubating the cells under conditions of TRTS and/or SP600125. Cotreatment with SP600125 significantly enhanced TRTS-mediated neuritogenesis, whereas that with other selective mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors did not-e.g., extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 inhibitor U0126, and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580. We tried to clarify the mechanism of SP600125 action by testing the effect of U0126 and the BMP receptor inhibitor LDN193189 on the SP600125-mediated enhancement of intracellular signaling. SP600125-enhanced TRTS-induced neuritogenesis was significantly inhibited by U0126 or LDN193189. Gene expression analysis revealed that TRTS significantly increased ß3-Tubulin, MKK3, and Smad7 gene expressions. Additionally, Smad6 and Smad7 gene expressions were substantially attenuated through SP600125 co-treatment during TRTS. Therefore, SP600125 may partly enhance TRTS-induced neuritogenesis by attenuating the negative feedback loop of BMP signaling. Further investigation of the mechanisms underlying the effect of SP600125 during TRTS-mediated neuritogenesis may contribute to the future development of regenerative neuromedicine.

Effect of Beta 2-Adrenergic Receptor Gly16Arg Polymorphism on Taste Preferences in Healthy Young Japanese Adults.

The Gly16Arg polymorphism results in a G to C nucleotide mutation in the human beta 2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene and has a relationship with obesity; however, this substitution's effects on food preferences are unclear. Therefore, we determined this relationship among healthy young adults (mean age, 23.4; n = 52). To evaluate food preferences, four categories of food (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter) along with high-fat foods were evaluated using a self-reporting questionnaire. Male (n = 26) and female subjects (n = 26) were genotyped for the polymorphism and further divided into three groups (two homozygous groups, GG, CC; and a heterozygous group, GC). Preference for sour foods in the GG group was higher compared with that in the CC group in females (p < 0.05). When sweet foods were classified into low- and high-fat subgroups, preference for high-fat sweet foods in the GG group was higher than that for low-fat sweet foods in all subjects (p < 0.05). The degree of preference for high-fat foods in the GG group was higher than other groups for males (p < 0.05). These results suggest that ADRB2 polymorphism is associated with food preference. Understanding the relationship of ADRB2 substitution to food preference will be valuable for designing individualized anti-obesity strategies.

Characterization of PC12 Cell Subclones with Different Sensitivities to Programmed Thermal Stimulation.

Neuritogenesis is the process underling nervous system regeneration; however, optimal extracellular signals that can promote neuronal regenerative activities require further investigation. Previously, we developed a novel method for inducing neuronal differentiation in rat PC12 cells using temperature-controlled repeated thermal stimulation (TRTS) with a heating plate. Based on neurogenic sensitivity to TRTS, PC12 cells were classified as either hyper- or hyposensitive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of hyposensitivity by establishing two PC12-derived subclones according to TRTS sensitivity during differentiation: PC12-P1F1, a hypersensitive subclone, and PC12-P1D10, a hyposensitive subclone. To characterize these subclones, cell size and neuritogenesis were evaluated in subclones treated with nerve growth factor (NGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), or various TRTS. No significant differences in cell size were observed among the parental cells and subclones. BMP4- or TRTS-induced neuritogenesis was increased in PC12-P1F1 cells compared to that in the parental cells, while no neuritogenesis was observed in PC12-P1D10 cells. In contrast, NGF-induced neuritogenesis was observed in all three cell lines. Furthermore, a BMP inhibitor, LDN-193189, considerably inhibited TRTS-induced neuritogenesis. These results suggest that the BMP pathway might be required for TRTS-induced neuritogenesis, demonstrating the useful aspects of these novel subclones for TRTS research.

Association between Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor Trp64Arg Polymorphism and Fat Preference in Healthy Young Japanese Women.

Beta3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) is a mediator of catecholamine-stimulated lipolysis in humans. The Trp64Arg polymorphism with T/C transition in the ADRB3 gene has been considered to reduce lipolysis and metabolic expenditure. Here, we investigated the hitherto unknown role of the Trp64Arg substitution on food preference among healthy young adults (mean age, 24.3; n = 53, including 25 men). Preference toward four food types (bitter, sour, salty, or sweet) and greasy (high-fat) foods was examined using a self-reported questionnaire. There was no noticeable sex-difference in food preference. Incidentally, only among female subjects, the genotype frequencies of the Trp64Arg polymorphism were in accordance with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Consequently, female subjects were divided into two groups for further analyses: 18 subjects with TT genotype (Trp64Trp) (wild-type group) and 10 subjects with TC genotype (Trp64Arg) (heterozygous group). No significant difference was observed in preference for four food types between the groups. However, when sweet foods were divided into high-fat and low-fat subgroups, food preference for high-fat sweet foods in heterozygous group was significantly higher than that in wild-type group. Moreover, when subjects were divided into two classes based on preference for greasy foods (like, n = 16 or dislike, n = 12), the preference degree in heterozygous group who liked high-fat foods (n = 5) was significantly higher than that in wild-type group (n = 11), suggesting that the Trp64Arg substitution might genetically enhance high-fat food preference. Thus, understanding the relationship between ADRB3 Trp64Arg substitution and fat preference will be valuable for obesity prevention.

The dopamine D1 receptor is expressed and induces CREB phosphorylation and MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelium.

Background: Dopamine receptors comprise two subgroups, Gs protein-coupled "D1-like" receptors (D1, D5) and Gicoupled "D2-like" receptors (D2, D3, D4). In airways, both dopamine D1 and D2 receptors are expressed on airway smooth muscle and regulate airway smooth muscle force. However, functional expression of the dopamine D1 receptor has never been identified on airway epithelium. Activation of Gs-coupled receptors stimulate adenylyl cyclase leading to cyclic AMP (cAMP) production, which is known to induce mucus overproduction through the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in airway epithelial cells. We questioned whether the dopamine D1 receptor is expressed on airway epithelium, and whether it promotes CREB phosphorylation and MUC5AC expression. Methods: We evaluated the protein expression of the dopamine D1 receptor on native human airway epithelium and three sources of cultured human airway epithelial cells including primary cultured airway epithelial cells, the bronchial epithelial cell line (16HBE14o-), and the pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line (NCI-H292) using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. To characterize the stimulation of cAMP through the dopamine D1 receptor, 16HBE14o- cells and NCI-H292 cells were treated with dopamine or the dopamine D1 receptor agonists (SKF38393 or A68930) before cAMP measurements. The phosphorylation of CREB by A68930 in both 16HBE14o- and NCI-H292 cells was measured by immunoblot. The effect of dopamine or A68930 on the expression of MUC5AC mRNA and protein in NCI-H292 cells was evaluated by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Results: The dopamine D1 receptor protein was detected in native human airway epithelium and three sources of cultured human airway epithelial cells. Dopamine or the dopamine D1-like receptor agonists stimulated cAMP production in 16HBE14o- cells and NCI-H292 cells, which was reversed by the selective dopamine D1-like receptor antagonists (SCH23390 or SCH39166). A68930 significantly increased phosphorylation of CREB in both 16HBE14o- and NCI-H292 cells, which was attenuated by the inhibitors of PKA (H89) and MEK (U0126). Expression of MUC5AC mRNA and protein were also increased by either dopamine or A68930 in NCI-H292 cells. Conclusions: These results suggest that the activation of the dopamine D1 receptor on human airway epithelium could induce mucus overproduction, which could worsen airway obstructive symptoms.

Oral Fat Sensitivity Is Associated with Social Support for Stress Coping in Young Adult Men.

Oral fat sensitivity (OFS), the ability to taste fat, is associated with eating habits in humans, including daily fatty food consumption; namely, proper OFS is important for health. In addition, lifestyle factors, such as stress and sleep, may affect fat intake. However, correlations between OFS, stress management, and sleep are largely unknown. Thus, we investigated the associations of OFS with lifestyle factors regarding stress management and daytime sleepiness in healthy young adult men. We measured OFS, sensitivities for three prototypical tastes (sweet, salty, and sour), and BMI in 22 subjects (27.2 ± 6.0 years), who also completed a self-reported questionnaire on health, including lifestyle-related questions. The correlations of taste sensitivities with stress management and daytime sleepiness were analyzed. We thus found that the number of mentors for personal concerns (a question regarding stress management, social support) was positively associated with OFS (P = 0.041), but not the other taste sensitivities. In contrast, other lifestyle factors related to stress management (frequency of relaxation, frequency of eating when irritated or worried, and degree of satisfaction with one's sleep) and daytime sleepiness were not significantly associated with OFS, similar to that observed for other tested taste sensitivities. These results characterize the unique association of OFS with the degree of social support in healthy young men and provide novel insights into the nature of individual OFS differences. Thus, measuring the degree of social support may be helpful for the evaluation of OFS impairment, thereby contributing to the prevention of stress-induced overeating.

TiO2 microspheres containing magnetic nanoparticles for intra-arterial hyperthermia.

Magnetic microspheres measuring 15-35 µm in diameter are believed to be useful for intra-arterial hyperthermia. In this study, we attempted to prepare titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) microspheres containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNP-containing TiO2 microspheres with diameters of approximately 30 µm were successfully obtained by sol-gel reaction of titanium tetraisopropoxide in a water-in-oil emulsion with added cosurfactant of 1-butanol and subsequent heat treatment at 200°C. The microspheres showed ferrimagnetism owing to high content of MNPs in approximately 60 wt % and had a low-crystalline TiO2 matrix. Furthermore, the agar phantom was heated to above 43°C after approximately 1 min under an alternating magnetic field of 100 kHz and 300 Oe and showed in vitro biocompatibility similar to that of MNP-free TiO2 microspheres. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 2308-2314, 2017.

Gustatory Salivation Is Associated with Body Mass Index, Daytime Sleepiness, and Snoring in Healthy Young Adults.

The taste detection system for oral fatty acid may be related to obesity. In addition, sleep is intrinsically and closely related to food intake and metabolism. However, the association of gustatory salivation with body mass index (BMI), daytime sleepiness, or sleep habits is largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between gustatory salivation and BMI, Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS, a daytime sleepiness scale) or sleep habits among 26 healthy young individuals (20 males and 6 females; mean age: 26.0 ± 4.3 years). We also measured the saliva flow rate (SFR) that was induced by gum-chewing or each of three prototypical tastants (acetic acid, sucrose, and NaCl). Further, the SFR was induced by fatty acid, provided as oleic acid (OA) homogenized in non-fat milk. All participants showed normal rates of salivation during resting and gum-chewing states. The increase in the SFR induced by OA, but not by each of the three tastants, was associated with BMI. Moreover, both daytime sleepiness level and frequency of snoring were associated with the increase in the SFR induced by NaCl. These results suggest that BMI is associated with salivation induced by oral fatty acid exposure. Additionally, the regulatory mechanism for the NaCl-induced salivation reflex may have a relationship with impairments of the respiratory control system that are related to snoring during sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness because of insufficient sleep. Thus, measurement of gustatory salivation might contribute to the evaluation and prevention of obesity and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Effect of fibronectin adsorption on osteoblastic cellular responses to hydroxyapatite and alumina.

Initial cellular responses following implantation are important for inducing osteoconduction. We investigated cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and differentiation of mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells on untreated or fibronectin (Fn)-coated discs of hydroxyapatite (HAp) or alpha-type alumina (α-Al2O3). Fn coating significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of MC3T3-E1 cells on HAp, but did not affect MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation on HAp or α-Al2O3. Fn-coated HAp likely does not stimulate pre-osteoblast cells to initiate the process of osteoconduction; however, Fn adsorption might affect the response of inflammatory cells to the implanted material or, in conjunction with other serum proteins, stimulate pre-osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation. Further studies on the effect of serum proteins in cell culture and the efficacy of Fn-coated HAp and α-Al2O3in vivo are warranted.

Fibronectin adsorption on osteoconductive hydroxyapatite and non-osteoconductive α-alumina.

The osteoconductivity mechanism of hydroxyapatite (HAp) has not been elucidated. It is hypothesized that specific proteins adsorb on HAp, promoting its osteoconductivity. To verify this hypothesis, we compared the adsorption behavior of fibronectin (Fn) on HAp powder and on α-alumina (α-Al2O3) powder, a material with no osteoconductivity. More Fn adsorbed on α-Al2O3 than on HAp, irrespective of the Fn concentration, and there was no significant difference in the secondary structure of Fn adsorbed on HAp and α-Al2O3. Further, it is possible that Fn did not adsorb on HAp and α-Al2O3 through the Arg-Gry-Asp motif of Fn. The amount of Fn adsorbed on HAp oriented to the a(b)-axis with very little decrease in carbonate and the adsorbed Fn had a smaller α-helix structure content. The results suggest that the secondary and/or higher-order structure rather than the amount of adsorbed Fn might affect the osteoconductivity of HAp, which might be electrostatically controlled by the crystal face orientation and/or carbonate content of HAp, although this should be confirmed by a cell culture test in the future.

Association of Oral Fat Sensitivity with Body Mass Index, Taste Preference, and Eating Habits in Healthy Japanese Young Adults.

Oral fat sensitivity (OFS, the ability to detect fat) may be related to overeating-induced obesity. However, it is largely unknown whether OFS affects taste preference and eating habits. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate (1) the association between body mass index (BMI) and OFS and (2) the relationship of OFS with four types of taste preference (sweet, sour, salty, and bitter) and eating habits using serial concentrations of oleic acid (OA) homogenized in non-fat milk and a self-reported questionnaire. Participants were 25 healthy Japanese individuals (mean age: 27.0 ± 5.6 years), among whom the OA detection threshold was significantly associated with BMI. Participants were divided into two subgroups based on oral sensitivity to 2.8 mM OA: hypersensitive (able to detect 2.8 mM OA, n = 16) and hyposensitive (unable to detect 2.8 mM OA, n = 9). The degree of sweet taste preference of the hypersensitive group was significantly higher than that of the hyposensitive group. Furthermore, there was significantly higher degree of preference for high-fat sweet foods than low-fat sweet foods in the hypersensitive group. There was also a significant inverse correlation between the OA detection threshold and the degree of both spare eating and postprandial satiety. Thus, OFS is associated not only with BMI, but also with the preference for high-fat sweet foods and eating habits. The present study provides novel insights that measuring OFS may be useful for assessing the risk of obesity associated with overeating in countries, including Japan, where BMI is increasing in the population.

Adsorption of Laminin on Hydroxyapatite and Alumina and the MC3T3-E1 Cell Response.

Artificial hydroxyapatite (HAp) is osteoconductive, but the mechanism is still unclear. It is likely that some serum proteins are adsorbed onto HAp and influence its osteoconductivity. We investigated the adsorption behavior of laminin (LN), which was isolated from murine Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm sarcoma, onto HAp and compared it with nonosteoconductive alpha-type alumina (α-Al2O3). Cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation on native and LN-adsorbed discs of HAp or α-Al2O3 were examined using murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. A larger amount of LN adsorbed onto HAp than α-Al2O3 despite the electrostatic repulsion between LN and HAp, suggesting the specific adsorption of LN onto HAp. The LN adsorbed onto HAp remarkably enhanced initial attachment and spreading of MC3T3-E1 cells, but subsequent proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells was influenced by the type of material rather than LN adsorption. These fundamental findings imply that LN adsorbed on HAp could trigger osteoconductivity in vivo, aiding in the development of novel biomaterials that specifically adsorb LN and effectively enhance cell attachment and spreading.

Induction of neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells treated with temperature-controlled repeated thermal stimulation.

To promote the functional restoration of the nervous system following injury, it is necessary to provide optimal extracellular signals that can induce neuronal regenerative activities, particularly neurite formation. This study aimed to examine the regulation of neuritogenesis by temperature-controlled repeated thermal stimulation (TRTS) in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, which can be induced by neurotrophic factors to differentiate into neuron-like cells with elongated neurites. A heating plate was used to apply thermal stimulation, and the correlation of culture medium temperature with varying surface temperature of the heating plate was monitored. Plated PC12 cells were exposed to TRTS at two different temperatures via heating plate (preset surface temperature of the heating plate, 39.5°C or 42°C) in growth or differentiating medium for up to 18 h per day. We then measured the extent of growth, neuritogenesis, or acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity (a neuronal marker). To analyze the mechanisms underlying the effects of TRTS on these cells, we examined changes in intracellular signaling using the following: tropomyosin-related kinase A inhibitor GW441756; p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580; and MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 with its inactive analog, U0124, as a control. While a TRTS of 39.5°C did not decrease the growth rate of cells in the cell growth assay, it did increase the number of neurite-bearing PC12 cells and AChE activity without the addition of other neuritogenesis inducers. Furthermore, U0126, and SB203580, but not U0124 and GW441756, considerably inhibited TRTS-induced neuritogenesis. These results suggest that TRTS can induce neuritogenesis and that participation of both the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways is required for TRTS-dependent neuritogenesis in PC12 cells. Thus, TRTS may be an effective technique for regenerative neuromedicine.

In vitro evaluation of biocompatibility of Ti-Mo-Sn-Zr superelastic alloy.

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) including superelastic alloys have unique properties such as shape memory and superelasticity, thus they are recognized as very useful biomaterials. These properties are very advantageous for medical use, and actually the SMA wires have been widely used in medical field. However, biocompatibility of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) alloy, which is the only practical SMA at present, has been questioned because of its high nickel content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of a newly developed Ni-free Ti-based SMA for medical use. The newly developed SMA made of Ti-Mo-Sn-Zr system was processed into a disk of 15.1 mm in diameter. Pure titanium of the same shape was prepared as control. All the disk surfaces were polished using emery papers, #120, #400, and #600. Scanning electron microscopy and a 3D optics profiler were used to evaluate the surface of the materials. In vitro evaluations included colony examination for evaluation of the cell cytotoxicity, DNA quantification for the cell proliferation, Alamar blue assay for metabolic activity, FDA staining for the live cell imaging, and cell cycle analysis, using Chinese hamster fibroblastic V-79 cells and mouse osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. In colony examination and DNA quantification, there was no significant difference between the Ti-Mo-Sn-Zr and the pure titanium. In FDA staining, cultured cells on the Ti-Mo-Sn-Zr alloy showed the same biocompatibility as those on the pure titanium. The present results suggest that the newly developed Ti-Mo-Sn-Zr alloy showed the high biocompatibility comparable to pure titanium and can be used as efficient biomaterial for medical use.

MC3T3-E1 and RAW264.7 cell response to hydroxyapatite and alpha-type alumina adsorbed with bovine serum albumin.

Initial cell responses following implantation are important for inducing osteoconductivity. We investigated cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation in response to native and bovine serum albumin (BSA)-adsorbed disc of hydroxyapatite (HA) or alpha-type alumina (α-Al2O3) using mouse MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. The adsorbed BSA inhibited adhesion and spreading of MC3T3-E1 cells, but did not affect MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation on HA and α-Al2O3 substrates. Thus, MC3T3-E1 cells quickly adhere to original HA before cell binding is impeded by adsorption of BSA in quantities sufficient to inhibit the adhesion of MC3T3-E1 cells. The adsorbed BSA inhibits adhesion of RAW264.7 cells to α-Al2O3, but not to HA. BSA adsorption does not affect RAW264.7 cell spreading and proliferation on both HA and α-Al2O3 substrates. Thus, BSA adsorbed on HA stimulates a different cell response than α-Al2O3. Moreover, quick adherence of osteoblast cells and monocyte-macrophage lineage cells plays a role in HA osteoconductivity.

Induction of neuritogenesis in PC12 cells by a pulsed electromagnetic field via MEK-ERK1/2 signaling.

We examined the regulation of neuritogenesis by a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) in rat PC12 pheochromocytoma cells, which can be induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells with elongated neurites by inducers such as nerve growth factor (NGF). Plated PC12 cells were exposed to a single PEMF (central magnetic flux density, 700 mT; frequency, 0.172 Hz) for up to 12 h per day and were then evaluated for extent of neuritogenesis or acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity. To analyze the mechanism underlying the effect of the PEMF on the cells, its effects on intracellular signaling were examined using the ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors PD098059 and U0126 (U0124 was used as a negative control for U0126). The number of neurite-bearing PC12 cells and AChE activity increased after PEMF exposure without the addition of other inducers of neuritogenesis. Additionally, PEMF exposure induced sustained activation of ERK1/2 in PC12 cells, but not in NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages. Furthermore, U0126 strongly inhibited PEMF-dependent ERK1/2 activation and neuritogenesis. The PEMF-dependent neuritogenesis was also suppressed by PD098059, but not U0124. These results suggest that PEMF stimulation independently induced neuritogenesis and that activation of MEK-ERK1/2 signaling was induced by a cell-type-dependent mechanism required for PEMF-dependent neuritogenesis in PC12 cells.

Pressure controlled clamp using shape memory alloy for minimal vessel invasion in blood flow occlusion.

PURPOSE: Vessel damage after clamping may affect the success of surgical operations. A new pressure controlled clamp (SMA clamp) was designed using super elastic property of shape memory alloy (SMA) to realize atraumatic vessel occlusion. The ability and biological effect of the SMA clamp to control pressure was investigated in vivo. METHODS: The loading-displacement curves of the SMA clamps (experimental group) and conventional clamp (control group) by occlusion of pig carotid arteries were evaluated using a clamping-pressure analyzing system. To investigate macroscopically and histologically the vessel damage of the SMA and conventional clamps, pig carotid arteries were stained with Evan's blue and its histological sections were stained with Elastica Massion after clamping for fifteen minutes. RESULTS: Constant value was shown in the loading-displacement curve of SMA clamp. In the control group, damaged area stained with Evan's blue in the vessel wall showed enlargement with the pressure increasing. Less areas in experimental groups are observed than that in the control group. Histological section in the experimental group showed no obvious except a slight compressive damage in the tunica intima. In the control group, vessel wall showed irreversible damages. CONCLUSIONS: This experiment indicated that the SMA clamp, which has a unique mechanical property, can be used without vessels damage. This pressure controlled clamp can be a selection in clinical apparatus to improve surgical safety.

Sol-gel synthesis, characterization, and in vitro compatibility of iron nanoparticle-encapsulating silica microspheres for hyperthermia in cancer therapy.

We prepared iron nanoparticle-encapsulating silica (FeSi) microspheres and tested their suitability as thermal seeds for hyperthermia in cancer therapy. These microspheres were prepared by introducing a ferric ion (Fe(3+)) into microspheres of a SiO(2) gel matrix derived from the hydrolysis of tetramethoxysilane in a water-in-oil emulsion that was then heat-treated at 850 °C in an argon atmosphere. The particles obtained were 5-30 µm in size and had a saturation magnetization up to 21 emu g(-1) and a coercive force of 86-133 Oe. Heat generation in an alternating current magnetic field of 300 Oe at 100 kHz was estimated to be 7.7-28.9 W g(-1). The in vitro cell biocompatibility of the microspheres was assessed by culturing rat fibroblast Rat-1 cells in medium supplemented with microspheres containing 6.7 % of iron nanoparticles. At microsphere concentrations of <7.5 g L(-1) proliferation of Rat-1 cells was not significantly inhibited.