Simvastatin enhances bone formation around titanium implants in rat tibiae.

Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that have been reported to promote bone formation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of simvastatin on the enhancement of bone formation around titanium implants. Thirty-week-old female rats received pure titanium implants in both tibiae. The animals were intra-peritoneally administered 0, 0.125, 1, 5 or 10 mg kg(-1) of simvastatin daily. After 30 days, the animals were sacrificed, and specimens were prepared. The bone contact ratio of the implant, bone density in the medullary canal and percentage of cortical bone were obtained. Markers for bone turnover were also measured using sera collected at the time of euthanasia. In the medullary canal, a scanty amount of bone was observed in the 0, 0.125 and 1 mg kg(-1) groups. In contrast, in both the 5 and 10 mg kg(-1) groups, thicker bone trabeculae were abundant. Histometric observations showed that the bone contact ratio and the bone density of both groups were significantly greater than those of the other groups (anova, P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in the percentage of cortical bone was found between groups. Serum chemistry showed that statin increased bone formation markers and decreased bone resorption markers. In conclusion, although the dose equivalent to that used in human patients with hypercholesterolemia was not effective, a simvastatin dose of 5 mg kg(-1) or higher increased medullary bone formation around the titanium. In contrast, no effect of simvastatin on pre-existing cortical bone was indicated.

Isolation and characterization of a C-type lectin cDNA specifically expressed in the tip of mouthparts of the flesh fly Sarcophaga peregrina.

We have isolated a novel gene, CLEM 36, of the flesh fly Sarcophaga peregrina, which shows significant homology to the C-type lectin family. CLEM 36 mRNA was transcribed excessively from the second day after eclosion only in the tip of mouthparts. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed that CLEM 36 mRNA was expressed in the C-type lectin-producing tissue (CLPT) located at the entrance of the food canal and between the labellum and haustellum. Immunoblot analysis showed that the mature form of CLEM 36 protein was synthesized in the CLPT, then secreted into saliva. Our results indicate that CLEM 36 protein may play an important role in biological defence against pathogens during the food intake of this insect.

A case report of angioedema during long-term (66 months) angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition therapy with enalapril.

We describe a rare case of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema during long-term therapy in a 51-year-old male patient with essential hypertension; and this is the third case reported of this adverse reaction in Japan. The patient received enalapril for 66 months, and complained of a dry cough which was mild and tolerable. Recently, he noted tenderness of his mouth, face, swelling of lips and tongue for 3 to 4 h after taking his morning dose of enalapril. These symptoms abated spontaneously, so he continued taking the drugs. He again noted similar episodes of angioedema 29 days after the first experience. He had no further episodes of angioedema or dry cough after cessation of enalapril. This case of angioedema developed during long-term therapy with enalapril administered as 19,930 mg of enalapril maleate. We emphasize that angioedema may occur at any time during the use of enalapril.