Health-Related Behaviors and Perceived Health Status According to Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Korean Adolescents.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between water and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, health behaviors, and self-perceived health status using data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS). The subjects included in this analysis were 57,302 Korean adolescents from the 7th to 12th grades. The intake patterns of water and SSBs were categorized into four groups: Group I, adequate water intake (≥4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake (≤1-2 times/week); Group II, adequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake; Group III, inadequate water intake (<4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake; Group IV, inadequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake (≥3 times/week). Complex sample analyses were used for considering strata, clusters, and weights for samples. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of sociodemographic characteristics between the water and SSB intake groups. As grade levels increased or if students were female, there was a significant increase in the proportion of students characterized by low water intake and high consumption of SSB. Adolescents with healthier beverage habits, characterized by adequate water intake and low frequency of SSB consumption (Group I), generally abstained from smoking and alcohol, were more physically active, and maintained a desirable diet, reporting a better perceived health status. In contrast, those with higher SSB consumption and inadequate water intake (Group IV) were more likely to perceive their health as poor, with higher rates of smoking and alcohol use, lower physical activity levels, and poorer dietary habits compared to Group I. In conclusion, adolescents with desirable beverage consumption habits differed by sex and grade and they reported positive health behaviors and better overall health status. This suggests that there is a need for more active education and intervention in schools and families, as well as increased efforts by adolescents to promote healthy beverage habits.

Experiences of Life-Sustaining Treatment Decisions among Patients with Terminal Cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the life-sustaining treatment decisions of terminal cancer patients. Methods: Data on 10 terminal cancer patients who decided to withhold or withdraw from treatment were collected using in-depth interviews conducted from February 8 to October 30, 2019. Data were collected until saturation was reached and then analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: In this study, six thematic clusters were identified "having complicated feelings", "making choices to protect everyone", "accepting and preparing for death", "feeling distress", "pursuing spiritual well-being", and "evaluating the new system". Conclusion: When facing death, terminal cancer patients often made choices to protect their family and their dignity with uneasiness of mind when deciding to withdraw from life-sustaining treatments. Though many patients had accepted and prepared for death, they experienced distress about leaving children behind after death. They also pursued spiritual well-being to find peace after deciding to withdraw from life-sustaining treatment. In addition, participants evaluated the new system of policies pertaining to decisions on life-sustaining treatment. Thus, various approaches regarding acceptance and preparation for death, communication with family, hope, and spiritual comfort should be taken in educational interventions to assist terminal cancer patients as they decide whether to withdraw from life-sustaining treatment.

[Factors Influencing Nurses' Performance of Care in COVID-19 Wards].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing nurses' performance of care in COVID-19 wards. METHODS: The participants were 132 nurses who worked in COVID-19 wards at three hospitals, and were recruited from April 1 to May 31, 2021. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis with SPSS/WIN 24.0 program. RESULTS: Nursing performance was significantly and positively correlated with ethical sensitivity (r = .75, p < .001), nursing professionalism (r = .67, p < .001), and social support (r = .67, p < .001). Nursing professionalism was positively correlated with ethical sensitivity (r = .64, p < .001) and social support (r = .55, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis for nursing performance revealed that the most significant factor was ethical sensitivity (ß = .47, p < .001). Ethical sensitivity, nursing professionalism, and social support explained 66.0% of total variance in nursing performance. CONCLUSION: Ethical sensitiviy, nursing professionalism, and social support significantly influence nurses' performace of care in COVID-19 wards. It suggests that intervention programs should be directed at improving nurses' ethical sensitivity, bolstering social support, and enhancing nursing professionalism.

[The Development and Evaluation of a Health Literacy-Adapted Self-Management Intervention for Elderly Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy].

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of an adapted health literacy self-management intervention for elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: The intervention in this study was systematically developed through the six stages of Intervention Mapping Protocol and was based on Fransen et al's causal pathway model. A quasi-experimental trial was conducted on a total of 52 elderly patients (26 in an experimental group and 26 in a control group) undergoing chemotherapy in Korea. The intervention consisted of seven sessions over 5 weeks. The experimental tool for this study was an adapted health literacy self-management intervention, which was designed to promote a reduction in the symptom experience and distress of elderly cancer patients through the promotion of self-management behavior. To develop efficient educational materials, the participants' health literacy was measured. To educate participants, clear communication and the teach-back method were used. In addition, for the improvement of self-efficacy, four sources were utilized. For the promotion of self-management behavior, five self-management skills were strengthened. Data were collected before and after the intervention from June 4 to September 14, 2018. The data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 21.0. RESULTS: Following the intervention, self-management knowledge and behavior and, self-efficacy significantly improved in experimental group. Symptom experience and distress decreased in the experimental group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: The self-management intervention presented in this study was found to be effective in increasing self-management knowledge and behavior and, self-efficacy, and ultimately in reducing symptom experience and distress for elderly patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids alter oxytocin signaling and receptor density in cultured pregnant human myometrial smooth muscle cells.

Epidemiological studies and interventional clinical trials indicate that consumption of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) lengthen gestational duration. Although the mechanisms are not well understood, prostaglandins (PG) of the 2-series are known to play a role in the initiation and progress of labor. In animal studies, modest DHA provision has been shown to reduce placental and uterine PGE(2) and PGF(2α), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression, and placental collagenase activity. However, modulation of PG biosynthesis may not account for all the effects of LC n-3 PUFAs in labor. We investigated one potential PG-independent mechanism of LC PUFA action using cultured pregnant human myometrial smooth muscle cells. Our goal was to characterize the effect of LC PUFA treatment on oxytocin signaling, a potent uterotonic hormone involved in labor. The addition of 10 µM-100 µM DHA or arachidonic acid (AA) to the culture media for 48 h resulted in dose dependent enrichment of these fatty acids in membrane lipid. DHA and AA significantly inhibited phosphatidylinositol turnover and [Ca(2+)](i) mobilization with oxytocin stimulation compared to bovine serum albumin control and equimolar oleic acid. DHA and AA significantly reduced oxytocin receptor membrane concentration without altering binding affinity or rate of receptor internalization. These findings demonstrate a role for LC n-3 PUFAs in regulation of oxytocin signaling and provide new insight into additional mechanisms pertaining to reports of dietary fish and fish oil consumption prolonging gestation.

Bacterial inactivation of wound infection in a human skin model by liquid-phase discharge plasma.

BACKGROUND: We investigate disinfection of a reconstructed human skin model contaminated with biofilm-formative Staphylococcus aureus employing plasma discharge in liquid. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We observed statistically significant 3.83-log10 (p<0.001) and 1.59-log10 (p<0.05) decreases in colony forming units of adherent S. aureus bacteria and 24 h S. aureus biofilm culture with plasma treatment. Plasma treatment was associated with minimal changes in histological morphology and tissue viability determined by means of MTT assay. Spectral analysis of the plasma discharge indicated the presence of highly reactive atomic oxygen radicals (777 nm and 844 nm) and OH bands in the UV region. The contribution of these and other plasma-generated agents and physical conditions to the reduction in bacterial load are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the potential of liquid plasma treatment as a potential adjunct therapy for chronic wounds.

Evaluation of a liquid bead array system for high-risk human papillomavirus detection and genotyping in comparison with Hybrid Capture II, DNA chip and sequencing methods.

Since persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer, several HPV DNA detection methods have been developed during the last decade. The Hybrid Capture II (HCII) assay, which allows detection of 13 high-risk HPVs, has been well validated; however, it does not provide any genotype-specific information. The oncogenic activity of HPV is dependent on its genotype. The prophylactic effects of HPV vaccines are based on L1 virus-like particles and are limited mainly to infections corresponding to the HPV type used to develop the immunogen. Therefore, accurate detection and genotyping are important for treatment as well as screening. A newly developed HPV genotyping system using a liquid bead array was evaluated with 286 cervical samples and the results were compared to two commercially available methods, i.e. the HCII and HPV DNA chip assays, and sequencing. The sensitivity for detection of high-risk HPV was 85.3 % (HCII), 94.7 % (DNA chip) and 99.0 % (liquid bead array). The liquid bead array showed almost perfect agreement (κ=0.95) with genotype information confirmed by sequencing, while substantial agreement (κ=0.8) was observed between DNA chip and sequencing. Furthermore, the liquid bead array had superior detection of 26 HPVs (16 high-risk and 10 low-risk types) and has proven to be as accurate as sequencing in identifying individual HPV types, even in cases with multiple HPV infections.

Changes in rat myometrial plasma membrane protein kinase A are confined to parturition.

We have previously shown that pregnant rat myometrial plasma membrane-associated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) decreases prior to delivery, coincident with a decline in the inhibitory effect of cAMP on contractant-stimulated parameters. We now find that rat myometrial membrane-associated PKA concentrations in early to mid-pregnancy are equivalent to those in cycling rats. Following the decline associated with parturition, membrane PKA recovers within 1 to 2 days postpartum. Treatment with the antiprogestin onapristone caused a decrease in myometrial membrane PKA catalytic and regulatory subunits compared to untreated controls by 12 hours. This coincided temporally with recently reported increases in electrical and contractile activity. In unilaterally pregnant rats, the decline in plasma membrane PKA was observed in both nonpregnant and pregnant horns but was more rapid in the pregnant horns. These data indicate that the myometrial plasma membrane PKA pattern before and during most of pregnancy is not consistent with progesterone exerting a primary influence on PKA membrane localization. Rather, the fall in membrane PKA associated with parturition may contribute to or be influenced by the increased contractile and electrical activity of labor that is a consequence of the loss of progesterone influence and is not absolutely dependent on the presence of fetuses.

An 8-gene signature, including methylated and down-regulated glutathione peroxidase 3, of gastric cancer.

We have identified an 8-gene signature with significant expression differences between gastric cancer and normal gastric tissues. This 8-gene set can predict the normal and cancer status of gastric tissues with more than 96% accuracy in a totally independent microarray dataset. The 8 genes are composed of down-regulated KLF4, GPX3, SST and LIPF, together with up-regulated SERPINH1, THY1 and INHBA in gastric cancer. To corroborate the differential gene expression pattern, we chose GPX3 and examined its expression pattern in detail. A comparison of GPX3 expression pattern shows a broader down-regulated pattern in multiple types of cancers, including cervical, thyroid, head and neck, lung cancers and melanoma than in healthy controls. An immuno-histostaining analysis in tissue microarrays confirms GPX3 down-regulation in gastric cancer. Mechanism-wise GPX3 down-regulation in gastric cancer is due to promoter hypermethylation. Collectively, these results show a correct identification of 8 genes as gastric cancer biomarkers.

Attenuation of canonical transient receptor potential-like channel 6 expression specifically reduces the diacylglycerol-mediated increase in intracellular calcium in human myometrial cells.

An increase in intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) as a result of release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores or influx of extracellular Ca(2+) contributes to the regulation of smooth muscle contractile activity. Human uterine smooth muscle cells exhibit receptor-, store-, and diacylglycerol (OAG)-mediated extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent increases in [Ca(2+)](i) (SRCE) and express canonical transient receptor potential-like channels (TRPC) mRNAs (predominantly TRPC1, -4, and -6) that have been implicated in SRCE. To determine the role of TRPC6 in human myometrial SRCE, short hairpin RNA constructs were designed that effectively targeted a TRPC6 mRNA reporter for degradation. One sequence was used to produce an adenovirus construct (TC6sh1). TC6sh1 reduced TRPC6 mRNA but not TRPC1, -3, -4, -5, or -7 mRNAs in PHM1-41 myometrial cells. Compared with uninfected cells or cells infected with empty vector, the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) in response to OAG was specifically inhibited by TC6sh1, whereas SRCE responses elicited by either oxytocin or thapsigargin were not changed. Similar findings were observed in primary pregnant human myometrial cells. When PHM1-41 cells were activated by OAG in the absence of extracellular Na(+), the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was partially reduced. Furthermore, pretreatment with nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, also partially reduced the OAG-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. Similar effects were observed in primary human myometrial cells. These findings suggest that OAG activates channels containing TRPC6 in myometrial cells and that these channels act via both enhanced Na(+) entry coupled to activation of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) entry channels and a nifedipine-independent Ca(2+) entry mechanism to promote elevation of intracellular Ca(2+).

Sulforaphane suppresses oligomerization of TLR4 in a thiol-dependent manner.

TLRs are pattern recognition receptors that detect invading microorganisms and nonmicrobial endogenous molecules to trigger immune and inflammatory responses during host defense and tissue repair. TLR activity is closely linked to the risk of many inflammatory diseases and immune disorders. Therefore, TLR signaling pathways can provide efficient therapeutic targets for chronic diseases. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate, has been well known for its anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the modulation of TLR activity by SFN and the underlying mechanism. SFN suppressed ligand-induced and ligand-independent TLR4 activation because it prevented IL-1R-associated kinase-1 degradation, activation of NF-kappaB and IFN regulatory factor 3, and cyclooxygenase-2 expression induced by LPS or overexpression of TLR4. Receptor oligomerization, which is one of the initial and critical events of TLR4 activation, was suppressed by SFN, resulting in the downregulation of NF-kappaB activation. SFN formed adducts with cysteine residues in the extracellular domain of TLR4 as confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and the inhibitory effects of SFN on oligomerization and NF-kappaB activation were reversed by thiol donors (DTT and N-acetyl-L-cysteine). These suggest that the reactivity of SFN to sulfhydryl moiety contributes to its inhibitory activities. Blockade of TLR4 signaling by SFN resulted in the reduced production of inflammatory cytokines and the decreased dermal inflammation and edema in vivo in experimental inflammatory animal models. Collectively, our results demonstrated that SFN downregulated TLR4 signaling through the suppression of oligomerization process in a thiol-dependent manner. These present a novel mechanism for beneficial effects of SFN and a novel anti-inflammatory target in TLR4 signaling.

Alteration of Toll-like receptor 4 activation by 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal mediated by the suppression of receptor homodimerization.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) detect invading microbial pathogens and initiate immune responses as part of host defense mechanisms. They also respond to host-derived substances released from injured cells and tissues to ensure wound healing and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of TLRs increases the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases and immune disorders. Inflammatory events are often accompanied by oxidative stress, which generates lipid peroxidation products such as 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE). Therefore, we investigated if 4-HNE affects TLR activation. We found that 4-HNE blocked LPS (a TLR4 agonist)-induced activation of NFkappaB and IRF3 as well as expression of IFNbeta, IP-10, RANTES, and TNFalpha. To investigate the mechanism of inhibition by 4-HNE, we examined its effects on TLR4 dimerization, one of the initial steps in TLR4 activation. 4-HNE suppressed both ligand-induced and ligand-independent receptor dimerization. The thiol donors, DTT and NAC, prevented the inhibitory effects of 4-HNE on TLR4 dimerization, and LC-MS/MS analysis showed that 4-HNE formed adducts with cysteine residues of synthetic peptides derived from TLR4. These observations suggest that the reactivity of 4-HNE with sulfhydryl moieties is implicated in the inhibition of TLR4 activation. Furthermore, inhibition of TLR4 activation by 4-HNE resulted in down-regulation of the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Collectively, these results demonstrate that 4-HNE blocks TLR4-mediated macrophage activation, gene expression, and phagocytic functions, at least partly by suppressing receptor dimerization. They further suggest that 4-HNE influences innate immune responses at sites of infection and inflammation by inhibiting TLR4 activation.

Reduction in TRPC4 expression specifically attenuates G-protein coupled receptor-stimulated increases in intracellular calcium in human myometrial cells.

Canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins may play a role in regulating changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)). Human myometrium expresses TRPC4, TRPC1 and TRPC6 mRNAs in greatest relative abundance. Contributions of TRPC4 to increases in [Ca(2+)](i) were assessed in PHM1-41 and primary human uterine smooth muscle (UtSMC) cells using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs). Based on a reporter assay screen, one shRNA was selected to construct an adenoviral expression vector (TC4sh1). TC4sh1 induced both mRNA and protein TRPC4 knockdown in PHM1-41 cells without affecting expression of other TRPCs. Signal-regulated Ca(2+) entry (SRCE), defined as a stimulus- and extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent increase in [Ca(2+)](i), was measured in PHM1-41 cells treated with oxytocin (G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)-stimulated), thapsigargin (store depletion-stimulated), and OAG (diacylglycerol-stimulated), using Fura-2. Cells infected with TC4sh1 exhibited attenuated oxytocin-, ATP- and PGF2alpha-mediated SRCE, but no change in thapsigargin- or OAG-stimulated SRCE. Similar results were obtained in primary uterine smooth muscle cells. Additionally, cells expressing TC4sh1 exhibited a significantly smaller increase in channel activity in response to oxytocin administration than did cells infected with empty virus. These data show that, in human myometrial cells, knockdown of endogenous TRPC4 specifically attenuates GPCR-stimulated, but not thapsigargin- or OAG-stimulated extracellular calcium-dependent increases in [Ca(2+)](i). These data imply that, in this cellular context, the mechanisms regulating extracellular Ca(2+)-dependent increases in [Ca(2+)](i) are differentially affected by different signaling pathways.

Suppression of the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway of Toll-like receptors by luteolin.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play important roles in induction of innate immune responses for both host defense against invading pathogens and wound healing after tissue injury. Since dysregulation of TLR-mediated immune responses is closely linked to many chronic diseases, modulation of TLR activation by small molecules may have therapeutic potential against such diseases. Expression of the majority of lipopolysaccharide-induced TLR4 target genes is mediated through a MyD88-independent (TRIF-dependent) signaling pathway. In order to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the flavonoid luteolin we examined its effect on TLR-stimulated signal transduction via the TRIF-dependent pathway. Luteolin suppressed activation of Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and NFkappaB induced by TLR3 and TLR4 agonists resulting in the decreased expression of target genes such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12, IP-10, IFNbeta, CXCL9, and IL-27 in macrophages. Luteolin attenuated ligand-independent activation of IRF3 or NFkappaB induced by TLR4, TRIF, or TBK1, while it did not inhibit TLR oligomerization. Luteolin inhibited TBK1-kinase activity and IRF3 dimerization and phosphorylation, leading to the reduction of TBK1-dependent gene expression. Structural analogs of luteolin such as quercetin, chrysin, and eriodictyol also inhibited TBK1-kinase activity and TBK1-target gene expression. These results demonstrate that TBK1 is a novel target of anti-inflammatory flavonoids resulting in the down-regulation of the TRIF-dependent signaling pathway. These results suggest that the beneficial activities of these flavonoids against inflammatory diseases may be attributed to the modulation of TLR-mediated inflammatory responses.

Differences in the gestational pattern of mRNA expression of the Rnd family in rat and human myometria.

Uterine myometrial contractility remains a poorly characterized area of research in reproductive physiology. Rnd1, a novel member of the GTP-binding Rho protein family, inhibits Ca(2+)-sensitization by specifically interfering with a RhoA/Rho-activated kinases-dependent mechanism in smooth muscle. In addition to Rnd1, there are two other members, Rnd2 and Rnd3, in the Rnd family of Rho proteins. In the present comparative study of myometrial contractility in rats and humans, we found that all three Rnd mRNAs were expressed in nonpregnant rat myometrium and in nonpregnant human myometrial tissues. Although all three mRNA levels increased significantly after gestation in rat myometria, only Rnd1 expression was significantly greater after gestation in human samples. In the ovariectomized rat, administration of estrogen and/or progesterone increased the expression of all Rnd mRNAs. These results suggest that universal Rnd family up-regulation during pregnancy in rats may have an important role for negative-feedback control of uterine contraction during gestation by inhibiting RhoA-mediated increase in Ca(2+) sensitivity of contractile elements. Such increases in Rnd levels may be due to augmented levels of reproductive steroids in rats. Our data also point to gestational differences between rats and humans in Rnd isoform patterns.

Cdc42 contributes to phorbol ester-induced Ca2+-independent contraction of pulmonary artery smooth muscle.

We determined the contribution of the Rho family of low molecular GTP-binding proteins to phorbol ester-induced contraction in swine pulmonary artery smooth muscle. In Ca2+-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA, 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate (DPB, 1 microM), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, elicited sustained contractions, which were not inhibited by treatment with verapamil, a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel antagonist, and Y27632, a Rho-associated kinase inhibitor. Immunoblot analysis showed three PKC isoforms (alpha, epsilon, and zeta) and two Rho GTPases (RhoA and Cdc42) in both cytosolic and the membrane fractions from quiescent strips. DPB (1 microM) significantly induced PKCalpha and epsilon to translocate from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction in Ca2+-free medium. DPB also elicited the translocation of Cdc42, but not RhoA to the membrane fraction. Similarly, in the experiment for measurement of Rho GTPase activity by pull-down assay, DPB (1 microM) significantly increased the activity of Cdc42 in Ca2+-free medium. Norepinephrine (NE, 10 microM) stimulated the redistribution of RhoA from the cytosolic to the membrane fraction in swine pulmonary artery smooth muscle. In contrast, NE did not alter the subcellular distributions of Cdc42 and the PKC isoforms. These results indicate that phorbol ester evokes PKC-mediated Ca2+-independent contraction via a Rho GTPase pathway, especially Cdc42, in smooth muscle from swine pulmonary arteries.

Ligusticum wallichi-induced vasorelaxation mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase in rat aortic smooth muscle.

Traditional herbal medicines have been widely used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders in oriental countries. To determine the effects of Ch1LW, a chloroform extract of Ligusticum wallichi, on the vascular system, we studied changes in rat aortic smooth muscle in terms of magnitude of contraction and the activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Ch1LW inhibited the muscle contraction induced by norepinephrine (NE) in aortic strips. Ch1LW also abolished Ca2+-independent contraction evoked by 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate in Ca2+-free medium containing 1 mM EGTA. Furthermore, western blotting analysis using phosphorylated MAPK antibodies showed that NE increased the activity of both extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK, which were inhibited by PD98059 and SB203580, blockers of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, respectively. Furthermore, treatment with Ch1LW significantly abolished NE-mediated activation of ERK1/2, whereas the activity of p38 MAPK was not affected by the extract. These results suggest that Ch1LW induces vasorelaxation in rat aortic smooth muscle, which may be mediated by the inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway, but not p38 MAPK.

Up-regulation of Rnd1 during pregnancy serves as a negative-feedback control for Ca2+ sensitization of contractile elements in rat myometrium.

We investigated the role of Rnd1, a member of the small GTP-binding Rho protein family, in the change in Ca(2+) sensitivity of contractile element in rat myometrium at estrus, gestation, and postpartum stages. In the permeabilized muscles, GTPgammaS or carbachol with GTP increased Ca(2+) sensitivity of contractile force in non-pregnant myometrium at the estrus stage, whereas these stimuli were ineffective in pregnant myometrium at day 21. After postpartum, the reduced Ca(2+) sensitization was recovered. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis indicated that the expressions of RhoA, ROCKI, and ROCKII were not significantly different between non-pregnant and pregnant myometria. In contrast, the expression of Rnd1 was increased during the course of pregnancy, reaching a maximal at day 21, and rapidly declined after the delivery. On the other hand, Ca(2+) sensitization of contractile elements was decreased during the progress in gestation. These results suggest that Rnd1 may have an important role as a negative-feedback control of uterine contraction during gestation through the inhibition of RhoA-mediated increase in the Ca(2+) sensitivity of contractile elements.

Possible role of the protein kinase C/CPI-17 pathway in the augmented contraction of human myometrium after gestation.

1. Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) by phorbol 12,13-dibutylate (PDBu, 1 microm) induced sustained contractions with no increase in [Ca2+]i in nonpregnant and pregnant human myometria. The contractile effects of PDBu in pregnant myometrium were much greater than those in nonpregnant myometrium, and the contractions in pregnant myometrium were accompanied by an increase in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation at Ser19. 2. The contraction induced by PDBu in pregnant myometrium was inhibited by the inhibitors of conventional PKC isoforms, bisindolylmaleimides and indolocarbazole, such as Go6976, Go6983, and Go6850 (1 microM). LY333531 (1 microM), a specific inhibitor of PKC beta, also inhibited the PDBu-induced contraction in the pregnant myometrium. 3. In the pregnant myometrium permeabilized with alpha-toxin, PDBu increased the contractions induced at fixed Ca2+ concentration (0.3 microM) both in nonpregnant and pregnant myometria, indicating Ca2+ sensitization of contractile elements. 4. Western immunoblot analysis indicated that pregnant myometrium contained PKC isozymes such as conventional PKC (alpha, beta, gamma), novel PKC (delta, epsilon, theta), and atypical PKC (zeta but not iota and lambda). RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR analysis indicated that, among the conventional PKC, the levels of mRNA of beta isoform in pregnant human myometrium were greater than those in nonpregnant myometrium. 5. CPI-17 is a substrate for PKC, and the phosphorylated CPI-17 is considered to inhibit myosin phosphatase. The levels of CPI-17 mRNA and protein expression were also greater in the pregnant myometrium. 6. These results suggest that the PKC-mediated contractile mechanism is augmented in human myometrium after gestation, and that this augmentation may be attributable to the increased activity of the beta PKC isoform and CPI-17.

Conventional-type protein kinase C contributes to phorbol ester-induced inhibition of rat myometrial tension.

1 Phorbol ester decreases muscle tension in the rat myometrium, and the effect is more potent in late-pregnant myometrium than in nonpregnant myometrium. In the present study, we have examined the contribution of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms to the phorbol ester-induced inhibition of tension in rat uterine smooth muscle. 2 Thymeleatoxin (THX), a selective activator of conventional-type PKC (cPKC), and 12-deoxyphorbol 13-isobutyrate (DPB), an activator of pan PKC, inhibited the tension induced by high K(+), and inhibitions were significantly increased in pregnant myometrium compared to nonpregnant myometrium. The inhibition by DPB and THX of high K(+)-induced tension was significantly attenuated when PKC was downregulated by long-term pretreatment with THX and inhibited by Go6976, a cPKC inhibitor. 3 Of the cPKCs, PKC alpha is predominantly expressed in the rat myometrium, as detected by Western blot analysis. The expression of PKC alpha gradually increases from the beginning of gestation, reaching a maximum at day 21 of pregnancy. Treatment with DPB induced PKC alpha to translocate from the cytosol to the membrane in the pregnant myometrium. PKC epsilon and PKC zeta, other dominant PKC isoforms in the rat myometrium, decrease during gestation, reaching a minimum in late pregnancy. 4 These results suggest that cPKC may be at least partly involved in the PKC-mediated inhibition of muscle tension in the rat myometrium.