Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) powder and its functional compound xanthoangelol prevent heat stress-induced impairment in sperm density and quality in mouse testes.

Recently, gradual decline in human sperm production has become a serious worldwide concern because it leads to increased rates of infertility. Endocrine disrupters, lifestyle changes, and varicocele, all of which elevate testicular temperature, are thought to be the main causes of this decline. The present study aimed to determine whether the dietary phytochemicals Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) powder (57.5 mg/kg) and its functional component, xanthoangelol (3 mg/kg), can prevent heat stress-induced impairment in sperm density and quality in mice. Sperm parameters were analyzed 28 days after mice exposure to heat. Supplementation with Ashitaba powder completely prevented heat-induced impairment in sperm parameters, including densities of motile sperms and progressive sperms (> 25 µm/sec), and amplitude of lateral head displacement. Xanthoangelol did not exert a complete protective effect; nevertheless, it significantly prevented heat stress-induced reduction in most parameters. Both Ashitaba powder and xanthoangelol elevated the expression of the widely expressed heat shock proteins (HSPs) Hspa1a and Hsp40 and the antioxidant enzyme glutathione synthase in non-stressed testes. Ashitaba powder significantly prevented heat stress-induced reduction in the expression of Hspa1l and Hspa2, which are highly expressed in the testes and critical for fertility. Our results showed that Ashitaba powder and xanthoangelol protected testicular cells from heat stress, probably by elevating the levels of antioxidant enzymes and HSPs. Supplementation with dietary functional phytochemicals may help prevent heat stress-induced male infertility.

The protective effect of lycopene intake on bone loss in ovariectomized rats.

Antioxidant lycopene supplementation has been shown to decrease oxidative stress and have beneficial effects on bone health. However, it remains unclear whether lycopene exerts its beneficial effect on bone metabolism through mitigation of oxidative stress in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate whether lycopene intake protects against bone loss by reducing oxidative stress in ovariectomized rats. Female Sprague-Dawley 6-week-old rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into four groups according to the lycopene content of their diet: 0, 50, 100, and 200 ppm. The tibial bone mineral density (BMD) in the 50, 100, and 200 ppm groups was significantly higher than that in the 0 ppm group. Serum and urinary bone resorption marker levels were significantly lower in the 50, 100, and 200 ppm groups than in the 0 ppm group. There was no significant difference in systemic oxidative stress markers among all groups. However, systemic oxidative stress levels were inversely correlated with the tibial BMD. Our findings suggest that lycopene intake significantly inhibits bone loss by suppressing bone resorption in ovariectomized rats. Further studies are necessary to clarify the effect of lycopene on oxidative stress in local tissues such as bone tissue.

Roles of muscle activities in foreleg movements during predatory strike of the mantis.

Foreleg trajectory in the mantis strike varies depending on prey distance. To examine how muscle activities affect foreleg trajectory, we recorded strike behaviours of the Chinese mantis with a high-speed camera and electromyograms of the foreleg trochanteral extensor and flexor. At the approach phase of the mantis strike, the prothorax-coxa (P-C) joint elevated and the femur-tibia (F-T) joint extended. At the sweep phase, the coxa-trochanter (C-T) joint rapidly extended, then, the F-T joint rapidly flexed to capture the prey. At capture initiation, the C-T joint extended more with greater prey distance. After cutting the tendon of the trochanteral flexor, the C-T joint extended similarly to that of the intact foreleg but did not flex after it reached its peak angle. After cutting the tendon of the trochanteral extensor, the C-T joint did not extend as much as that of the intact foreleg. During rapid extension of the C-T joint, a burst of spikes from the coxal trochanteral extensor was observed in electromyograms. Among several parameters, burst duration was the best predictor of C-T joint angular change during strike. Unexpectedly, trochanteral flexor activity was also observed during rapid extension of the C-T joint. These results indicated that the coxal trochanteral extensor mainly contributed to the rapid C-T extension during strike, but other muscles also contributed at the beginning of extension. The trochanteral flexor appeared to contribute to C-T flexion by countering the rapid extension.

Successful myomectomy using barbed sutures at 15 weeks of gestation: A case report.

To date, there are no reports on the use of barbed sutures in myomectomy during pregnancy. Herein, successful laparotomic myomectomy at 15 weeks of gestation using barbed sutures is described. A 38-year-old pregnant woman with a large myoma (16 × 11 cm) underwent myomectomy at 15 weeks and 4 days of gestation because of strong pain at the myoma site, a high level of inflammatory markers with degeneration of uterine fibroids, and severe anemia caused by denaturation of myoma. The uterine wall was reconstructed using monofilament absorbable 0 barbed sutures. Unlike conventional sutures, barbed sutures do not retract, so an assistant does not need to hold onto it during reconstruction of the uterine wall, resulting in less pressure and damage to the gravid uterus while maintaining resistance and the ability to hold the tissue under tension. The pregnancy continued with no evidence of myometrial thinning or symptoms of preterm labor. The patient delivered a healthy baby via cesarean section due to partial placenta previa at 36 weeks. The case shows the satisfactory outcome of perinatal myomectomy using barbed sutures during pregnancy.

Type 3 vasa previa with no low-lying placenta, with central umbilical cord insertion at the upper uterine segment, and with aberrant vessels on the broad membrane: A case report.

Type 3 vasa previa is a new concept. Herein, a case is reported of a 35-year-old woman, pregnant following in vitro fertilization, in whom vasa previa was detected on color Doppler ultrasound at 26 weeks, with no finding of a low-lying placenta. A cesarean section was performed at 34 weeks and 3 days. Gross examination of the placenta showed Type 3 vasa previa with findings somewhat different from previous reports: two aberrant fetal vessels with branching on the broad membrane, and central cord insertion which was farther from the longitudinal center of the placenta than were the running vessels on the membrane. Vasa previa cannot be excluded due to normal cord insertion at the upper uterine segment, absence of placenta previa, or a low-lying placenta in the second trimester. Careful ultrasound screening can promote neonatal survival in patients with Type 3 vasa previa.

ε-Viniferin is more effective than its monomer resveratrol in improving the functions of vascular endothelial cells and the heart.

The present study compared the effects of resveratrol and its dimer ε-viniferin on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) functions, and on the blood pressure and cardiac mass of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Treatment of VECs with these compounds enhanced cell proliferation via nitric oxide generation and protected the cells from oxidative stress by suppressing increases in intracellular oxygen species. ε-Viniferin was more potent than resveratrol in most of these effects. ε-Viniferin, but not resveratrol inhibited angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in vitro. Three weeks of ε-viniferin treatment (5 mg/kg) reduced the systolic blood pressure and improved the whole cardiac mass and left ventricle mass indexes in SHRs. In contrast, resveratrol administration (2.5 mg/kg) failed to lower the blood pressure and significantly improve these mass indexes. These data suggest that ε-viniferin as well as resveratrol may be involved in protecting the functions of VECs and the heart.

AxyR, an AraC family transcriptional activator of the xylanase 3 gene, requires xylo-oligosaccharides as a cofactor for DNA binding in Paenibacillus sp. strain W-61.

The xylanolytic bacterium Paenibacillus sp. strain W-61 encodes three extracellular xylanase genes, xyn1, xyn3, and xyn5. In this study, we identified a transcriptional activator required for transcription of the xyn3 gene in strain W-61. The activator, AxyR, contained the highly homologous AraC-type DNA binding domain and required xylobiose, xylotriose, or xylotetraose as cofactor for binding to the xyn3 promoter region.

A vaginal fibroepithelial stromal polyp: a case report with magnetic resonance images.

A fibroepithelial stromal polyp is a benign soft tissue tumour that can occur in the vagina, vulva and uterine cervix. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings have been reported in patients with vulvar fibroepithelial stromal polyps, not in those with vaginal polyps. We present MRI findings of vaginal fibroepithelial stromal polyp in a postmenopausal female. A 1 to 2 cm firm vaginal mass arising from the left side of the vaginal wall with hypointense signal changes on T1W MRI was identified. A well-defined vaginal mass (1 cm diameter) was detected with inhomogeneous signal intensity on T2W images. However, a major portion had high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted images. A benign vaginal lesion with oedematous changes or myxoid degeneration was suspected. Vaginal resection was performed, and fibroepithelial stromal polyp was pathologically diagnosed. MRI may be a useful non-invasive modality for preoperatively diagnosing vaginal fibroepithelial stromal polyps.

Epithelioid leiomyoma of the uterus: A case report with magnetic resonance imaging findings.

Epithelioid leiomyoma of the uterus is rare, and its prognostic factors have not been well established. Moreover, radiologic findings of this disease have not been previously documented. This is a case of a 49-year-old woman with epithelioid leiomyoma of the uterus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneous high-intensity mass with multiple ordinary uterine leiomyomas. The mass showed a slightly diffusion-restricted site. Since benign tumors could not be confidently diagnosed using these MRI findings, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was performed, and a pathological diagnosis of epithelioid leiomyoma of the uterus was established. Microscopically, this lesion showed edematous changes and cyst formation, causing a heterogeneous appearance on T2-weighted images. In addition, the diffusion-restricted site is considered to be consistent with areas of solid and dense proliferation of tumor cells. The patient survived and was well 10 months after the surgery. It is important to recognize this benign variant of leiomyoma with an unusual appearance, to provide appropriate therapeutic management.

Greater effectiveness of ε-viniferin in red wine than its monomer resveratrol for inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration.

Resveratrol is a strong candidate for explaining an irreversible correlation between red wine consumption and coronary heart disease. The present study examined the effect of ε-viniferin, a dehydrodimer of resveratrol, on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), because ε-viniferin functions are poorly understood in spite of its comparable content to resveratrol in red wines and grapes. Both ε-viniferin and resveratrol inhibited platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell proliferation, migration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, in addition to inducing nitric oxide generation. ε-Viniferin was more effective than resveratrol in these effects, except for inhibiting ROS production. The compounds also increased the expression of the antioxidant enzyme, hemeoxygenase-1, via transcription factor Nrf2. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt pathway was implicated in resveratrol-dependent nuclear Nrf2 accumulation, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 were involved in ε-viniferin-induced Nrf2 accumulation. These data suggest that ε-viniferin may function more effectively than resveratrol in different mechanisms and cooperatively with resveratrol in preventing atherosclerosis.

Radiotherapy for Japanese elderly patients with cervical cancer: preliminary survival outcomes and evaluation of treatment-related toxicity.

PURPOSE: To examine the preliminary survival outcomes and treatment-related toxicity for elderly patients with cervical cancer treated with radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: Forty patients ≥75 years old with cervical cancer who were treated with RT were evaluated. Of these 40 patients, 25 were classified as FIGO stage I or II and 15 as stage III or IVA. Thirty-five patients were treated with radical RT (RRT), and five were treated with surgery plus adjuvant RT (S + ART). External beam radiotherapy combined with high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy was performed on 31 patients who were treated with RRT and on 2 patients who were treated with S + ART because of positive vaginal surgical margins. The patients' median age was 78 years (range 75-89 years). Concurrent chemotherapy (CCT) was performed on five patients (RRT: 3, S + ART: 2). RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 20 months (range 1-85 months). Only one patient could not complete RT. The 3-year overall and disease-specific survival (OS and DSS) rates for all patients were 58 and 80%, respectively. Five patients experienced Grade 3 acute toxicity; two were treated with RRT (2/35), and three were treated with S + ART (3/5, 2 of them with CCT). Two patients experienced Grade 3 late toxicity; one was treated with RRT (1/35, with CCT) and the other was treated with S + ART (1/5). No Grade 4 or higher toxicity was experienced. CONCLUSIONS: RRT for elderly patients with cervical cancer is generally effective and safe, but severe toxicity may occur with more aggressive treatment modalities.

Tailored synbiotic powder (functional food) to prevent hyperphosphataemia (kidney disorder).

Hyperphosphataemia is treated with phosphate binders, which can cause adverse effects. Spray-dried synbiotic powder (SP) composed of Lactobacillus casei JCM1134 (a phosphate-accumulating organism; PAO) and Aloe vera is potentially a safer alternative for efficient phosphate removal. In this study, a novel strategy was developed; lysine-derivatized deacetylated A. vera (DAVK) was synthesised and fabricated on phosphate-deficient PAO (PDP) for efficient phosphate transfer and then spray-dried with the supernatant of DAV centrifugation to form a sacrificial layer on PDP for SP integrity during gastric passage. In vitro experiments revealed that PAO removed only 1.6% of the phosphate from synthetic media, whereas SP removed 89%, 87%, and 67% (w/v) of the phosphate from milk, soft drink, and synthetic media, respectively, confirming the protective role of A. vera and efficient phosphate transport. Compared with commercial binders, SP effectively removed phosphate from synthetic media, whereas SP and CaCO3 exhibited comparative results for milk and soft drink. Importantly, CaCO3 caused hypercalcaemia. Thus, the described SP presents a promising tool to prevent hyperphosphataemia. This study also revealed a novel factor: diets of patients with chronic kidney disease should be monitored to determine the optimal phosphate binders, as phosphate removal performance depends on the accessible phosphate forms.

Cell surface xylanases of the glycoside hydrolase family 10 are essential for xylan utilization by Paenibacillus sp. W-61 as generators of xylo-oligosaccharide inducers for the xylanase genes.

Paenibacillus sp. W-61 is capable of utilizing water-insoluble xylan for carbon and energy sources and has three xylanase genes, xyn1, xyn3, and xyn5. Xyn1, Xyn3, and Xyn5 are extracellular enzymes of the glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 11, 30, and 10, respectively. Xyn5 contains several domains including those of carbohydrate-binding modules (CBMs) similar to a surface-layer homologous (SLH) protein. This study focused on the role of Xyn5, localized on the cell surface, in water-insoluble xylan utilization. Electron microscopy using immunogold staining revealed Xyn5 clusters over the entire cell surface. Xyn5 was bound to cell wall fractions through its SLH domain. A Deltaxyn5 mutant grew poorly and produced minimal amounts of Xyn1 and Xyn3 on water-insoluble xylan. A Xyn5 mutant lacking the SLH domain (Xyn5DeltaSLH) grew poorly, secreting Xyn5DeltaSLH into the medium and producing minimal Xyn1 and Xyn3 on water-insoluble xylan. A mutant with an intact xyn5 produced Xyn5 on the cell surface, grew normally, and actively synthesized Xyn1 and Xyn3 on water-insoluble xylan. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR showed that xylobiose, generated from water-insoluble xylan decomposition by Xyn5, is the most active inducer for xyn1 and xyn3. Luciferase assays using a Xyn5-luciferase fusion protein suggested that xylotriose is the best inducer for xyn5. The cell surface Xyn5 appears to play two essential roles in water-insoluble xylan utilization: (i) generation of the xylo-oligosaccharide inducers of all the xyn genes from water-insoluble xylan and (ii) attachment of the cells to the substrate so that the generated inducers can be immediately taken up by cells to activate expression of the xyn system.

Resveratrol and its dimers ε-viniferin and δ-viniferin in red wine protect vascular endothelial cells by a similar mechanism with different potency and efficacy.

Red wine compounds have been reported to reduce the rate of atherosclerosis by inducing nitric oxide (NO) production and antioxidant enzyme expression in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). The present study compared the effects of the three red wine compounds resveratrol and its dimers, ε-viniferin and δ-viniferin, on VECs function for the first time. Both 5 µM ε-viniferin and δ-viniferin, but not 5 µM resveratrol, significantly stimulated wound repair of VECs. Increased levels of wound repair induced by 10 and 20 µM ε-viniferin were significantly higher than those stimulated by 10 and 20 µM resveratrol, respectively. These stimulatory effects of the three compounds were suppressed by the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME. When VECs were exposed to each compound, endothelial NO synthase was activated and the expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and HO-1 was induced. Addition of the SIRT1 and HO-1 inhibitors EX527 and ZnPPiX, respectively, suppressed wound repair stimulated by the three compounds, demonstrating that SIRT1 and HO-1 are involved in these wound repair processes. Furthermore, each compound induced the suppression of H2 O2 -dependent reduction of cell viability as well as the expression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase. These data suggest that not only resveratrol, but also its dimers, ε-viniferin and δ-viniferin, may be effective in preventing atherosclerosis by a similar molecular mechanism with different potency and efficacy.

Citraconylation and maleylation on the catalytic and thermodynamic properties of raw starch saccharifying amylase from Aspergillus carbonarius.

Amylase capable of raw starch digestion presents a cheap and easier means of reducing sugar generation from various starch sources. Unfortunately, its potential for use in numerous industrial processes is hindered by poor stability. In this work, chemical modification by acylation using citraconic anhydride (CA) and maleic anhydride (MA) was used to stabilize the raw starch saccharifying amylase from A. carbonarius. The effect of the anhydrides on the pH and thermal stability of the free amylase was investigated. Enzyme kinetics and thermodynamic studies of the free and modified amylase were also carried out. Blue shifts in fluorescent spectra were observed after modification with both anhydrides. Citraconylation led to increased affinity of the enzyme for raw potato starch, unlike maleylation. The activation energy (kJ mol-1) for enzyme inactivation was increased by 94.8% after modification with CA while only 17.9% increase was noted after modification with MA. Acylation led to an increase in Gibb's free energy and enthalpy while a reduction in entropy was observed. At 80 °C the half-life (h) was 5.92, 11.18 and 14.74 for free, MA and CA enzyme samples, respectively. These findings have potential value in all industries interested in starch conversion to sugars.

4-Hydroxyderricin inhibits osteoclast formation and accelerates osteoblast differentiation.

4-Hydroxyderricin (4-HD) is a major polyphenol of Angelica keiskei (Japanese name Ashitaba), exhibiting anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, and antitumor effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of 4-HD on bone formation and maintenance by using cultured osteoclasts and osteoblasts. 4-HD did not affect cell proliferation of stromal ST2 cells and preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells at concentrations of 1-10 µM. This compound inhibited the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts from mouse splenic cells, and we identified a molecular pathway of osteoclast differentiation mediated by 4-HD, which led to inhibition of the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and macrophage-colony stimulating factor in ST2 cells. By contrast, 4-HD enhanced indices of osteoblast differentiation, such as alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition by osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, at concentrations of 1-10 µM. Furthermore, we found that 4-HD at 1 µM attenuated H2O2 levels in MC3T3-E1 cells. Our findings indicate that 4-HD may have critical effects on bone formation and maintenance.

Progesterone receptor modulator CDB-2914 induces extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer in cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells.

Effects of progesterone receptor modulator CDB-2914 on the expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components were examined in cultured human uterine leiomyoma and myometrial cells. ECM metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs) and collagen levels were assessed by Western blot analysis, MMP activity assay and real-time RT-PCR. RNA interference (RNAi) of EMMPRIN was performed using small interfering mRNA. In cultured leiomyoma cells, CDB-2914 treatment at concentrations greater than or equal to 10(-8) M significantly increased EMMPRIN, MMP-1 and MMP-8 protein contents and MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 mRNA levels, and activity of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3 and MMP-9 in the medium. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were significantly decreased at mRNA and protein levels by CDB-2914 treatment at concentrations > or =10(-7) M in these cells. CDB-2914 treatment decreased types I and III collagen protein contents. However, CDB-2914 treatment did not affect the ECM component expression in cultured myometrial cells. RNAi of EMMPRIN abrogated CDB-2914-mediated both induction of MMPs and reduction of TIMPs and collagens in cultured leiomyoma cells. These results suggest that CDB-2914 modulates the expression of EMMPRIN, MMPs, TIMPs and collagens in cultured leiomyoma cells without comparable effects on myometrial cells.

Purification, molecular cloning, and enzymatic properties of a family 12 endoglucanase (EG-II) from fomitopsis palustris: role of EG-II in larch holocellulose hydrolysis.

A family 12 endoglucanase with a molecular mass of 23,926 Da (EG-II) from the brown-rot basidiomycete Fomitopsis palustris was purified and characterized. One of the roles of EG-II in wood degradation is thought to be to loosen the polysaccharide network in cell walls by disentangling hemicelluloses that are associated with cellulose.

Selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil down-regulates collagen synthesis in cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells through up-regulating extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer.

BACKGROUND: A recent clinical trial demonstrated that selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil is effective in reducing uterine leiomyoma volume. We investigated the effects of asoprisnil in vitro on the expression of the extracellular matrix (ECM)-remodeling enzymes and collagens in cultured leiomyoma and matching normal myometrial cells. METHODS: The expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs) and collagens were assessed by western blot analysis. RESULTS: Untreated cultured leiomyoma cells had significantly lower EMMPRIN (P < 0.05), MMP-1 (P < 0.05) and membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) (P < 0.01) protein contents, but significantly higher TIMP-1 (P < 0.05), TIMP-2 (P < 0.01), type I (P < 0.05) and type III (P < 0.01) collagen protein contents compared with untreated cultured myometrial cells. Treatment with asoprisnil at concentrations > or =10(-7) M for 48 h significantly (P < 0.05) increased EMMPRIN, MMP-1 and MT1-MMP protein contents, and decreased TIMP-1 (P < 0.05), TIMP-2 (P < 0.01), type I (P < 0.01) and type III (P < 0.05 at 10(-7) M; P < 0.01 at 10(-6) M) collagen protein contents in cultured leiomyoma cells compared with control cultures. However, asoprisnil treatment did not affect the protein contents of ECM-remodeling enzymes and collagens in cultured myometrial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that asoprisnil may reduce collagen deposit in the ECM of cultured leiomyoma cells through decreasing collagen synthesis and enhancing the expression of EMMPRIN, MMPs and TIMPs without comparable effects on cultured myometrial cells.

Percutaneous pelvic perfusion with extracorporeal chemofiltration for advanced uterine cervical carcinoma.

This review was focused on a new intra-arterial infusion system with an extracorporeal chemofiltration circuit. After inferior vena cava isolation was percutaneously achieved by balloon catheter technique, cisplatin (140-240 mg/m(2)) was administered by intrauterine arterial infusion, with inferior and superior gluteal arterial embolization. The platinum-containing blood was pumped through an extracorporeal charcoal chemofiltration circuit. The percutaneous pelvic perfusion with extracorporeal chemofiltration (PPPEC) achieved a super high-dose cisplatin perfusion with the minimal adverse effects, allowing cisplatin dose escalation with further augmented tumor response. The results obtained in 23 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy under PPPEC demonstrate that PPPEC has a better therapeutic advantage because of prompt tumor down-staging of locally advanced uterine cervical carcinoma with minimal adverse effects.