Non-invasive assessment of left ventricular filling pressure in aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure (FP) is important for the management of aortic stenosis (AS) patients. Although, it is often restricted for predict LV FP in AS because of mitral annular calcification and a certain left ventricular hypertrophy. Thus, we tested the predictive ability of the algorithm for elevated LV FP in AS patients and also applied a recently-proposed echocardiographic scoring system of LV FP, visually assessed time difference between the mitral valve and tricuspid valve opening (VMT) score. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive 116 patients with at least moderate AS in sinus rhythm who underwent right heart catheterization and echocardiography within 7 days. Mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) was measured as invasive parameter of LV FP. LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) was graded according to the ASE/EACVI guidelines. The VMT score was defined as follows: time sequence of opening of mitral and tricuspid valves was scored to 0-2 (0: tricuspid valve first, 1: simultaneous, 2: mitral valve first). When the inferior vena cava was dilated, one point was added and VMT score was finally calculated as 0-3. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients, 29 patients showed elevated PAWP. Ninety patients (93%) and 67 patients (63%) showed increased values for left atrium volume index (LAVI) and E/e', respectively when the cut-off values recommended by the guidelines were applied and thus the algorism predicted elevated PAWP with a low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). VMT ≥ 2 predicted elevated PAWP with a sensitivity of 59%, specificity of 90%, PPV of 59%, and negative predictive value of 89%. An alternative algorithm that applied tricuspid regurgitation velocity and VMT scores was tested, and its predictive ability was markedly improved. CONCLUSION: VMT score was applicable for AS patients. Alternative use of VMT score improved diagnostic accuracy of guideline-recommended algorism.

Unbiased prediction of off-target sites in genome-edited rice using SITE-Seq analysis on a web-based platform.

Genome-editing using the CRISPR-Cas9 system has the potential to substantially accelerate crop breeding. Since off-target editing is one of problems, a reliable method for comprehensively detecting off-target sites is needed. A number of in silico methods based on homology to on-target sequence have been developed, however the prediction without false negative is still under discussion. In this study, we performed a SITE-Seq analysis to predict potential off-target sites. SITE-Seq analysis is a comprehensive method that can detect double-strand breaks in vitro. Furthermore, we developed a systematic method using SITE-Seq in combination with web-based Galaxy system (Galaxy for Cut Site Detection), which can perform reproducible analyses without command line operations. We conducted a SITE-Seq analysis of a rice genome targeted by OsFH15 gRNA-Cas9 as a model, and found 41 candidate off-target sites in the annotated regions. Detailed amplicon-sequencing revealed mutations at one off-target site in actual genome-edited rice. Since this off-target site has an uncommon protospacer adjacent motif, it is difficult to predict using in silico methods alone. Therefore, we propose a novel off-target assessment scheme for genome-edited crops that combines the prediction of off-target candidates by SITE-Seq and in silico programs and the validation of off-target sites by amplicon-sequencing.

Structural change dynamics of heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes observed by ultrafast emission spectroscopy.

[Cu(I)(dmp)(P)2]+ (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline derivatives; P = phosphine ligand) is one of the most promising photosensitizers used in a photo-catalytic system for reducing CO2, for which the quantum yield is as high as 57%. In this work, time-resolved emission spectra of Cu(I) complexes in solutions were investigated using femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion and nanosecond time-resolved emission spectroscopic systems. The temporal profiles of emission intensities less than 10 ps in acetonitrile solution were reproduced using a tri-exponential function with three-time constants of 0.040 ps, 0.78 ps and 8.0 ps. We found that only the second time constant is dependent on the solvent (acetonitrile: 0.78 ps, butyronitrile: 1.4 ps), indicating that the 0.78 ps spectral change is attributed to the structural change of the Cu(I) complex. The oscillator strengths of transition species are derived from the intensities in the time-resolved emission spectra (species-associated spectra). Based on the oscillator strengths, we concluded that the 0.040 ps process is the Sn → S1 internal conversion and the 0.78 ps process is a structural change in the S1 state. The final time constant of 8.0 ps is assigned to the S1 → T1 intersystem crossing because the 3MLCT state (τT1 = 97 ns) is generated after the decay. The DFT calculation showed that the 0.78 ps spectral change (∼600 cm-1 redshift) is attributed to Jahn-Teller distortion around the metal center, and there is a large structural change in the ligand, which results in a large Stokes shift in the Sn state (7.3 × 103 cm-1).

Short-term outcomes of intravitreal faricimab for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of loading phase treatment with 3 monthly intravitreal injections of faricimab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 16-week outcomes of 40 consecutive eyes of 38 patients with treatment-naïve nAMD. Three monthly injections of faricimab were administered to all eyes as a loading phase treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, central choroidal thickness (CCT), and dry macula achievement were all assessed every 4 weeks. Moreover, the regression of polypoidal lesions was evaluated after the loading phase. RESULTS: BCVA was 0.33 ± 0.41 at baseline and showed significant improvement to 0.22 ± 0.36 at week 16 (P < 0.01). Foveal thickness was 278 ± 116 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 173 ± 48 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). CCT was 214 ± 98 µm at baseline, decreasing significantly to 192 ± 89 µm at week 16 (P < 0.01). Dry macula was achieved in 31 eyes (79.5%) at week 16. Indocyanine green angiography after the loading phase revealed complete regression of polypoidal lesions in 11 of 18 eyes (61.1%) with polypoidal lesions. One eye (2.5%) developed vitritis without visual loss at week 16. CONCLUSION: Loading phase treatment with intravitreal faricimab appears to generally be safe and effective for improving visual acuity and reducing exudative changes in eyes with nAMD.

Paradoxical increase in global longitudinal strain by handgrip exercise despite left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Although global longitudinal strain (GLS) is recognized as a sensitive marker of intrinsic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, its afterload dependency has also been pointed. We hypothesized that decrease in GLS during handgrip exercise could be more sensitive marker of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction. METHODS: Handgrip exercise-stress echocardiography was performed in 90 cardiovascular disease patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. LV diastolic function was graded according to the guidelines. Diastolic wall stress (DWS) and ratio of left atrial (LA) volume index to late-diastolic mitral annular velocity (LAVI/a') were measured at rest as LV stiffness. As well, LA strains were measured to assess LA function. GLS was expressed as absolute value and significant changes in GLS by handgrip exercise was defined as changes over prespecified mean absolute test-retest variability (2.65%). RESULTS: While mean value of GLS did not change by the exercise, substantial patients showed significant changes in GLS: decreased (group I, n = 28), unchanged (group II, n = 34), and increased (group III, n = 28). Unexpectedly, patients in group I did not show any clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, while those in group III were characterized by elevated natriuretic peptide levels, blunted heart rate response to handgrip exercise, and advanced LV diastolic dysfunction. Multivariable analyses revealed that DWS, left atrial booster strain, and grade II or more diastolic dysfunction determined the increase in GLS even after adjustment for elevated natriuretic peptides and the changes in heart rate by the exercise. CONCLUSION: In contrast to our hypothesis, paradoxical increase in GLS by handgrip exercise could be associated with advanced LV diastolic dysfunction in cardiovascular patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. Our findings suggest that HG exercise for heart failure patients does not enhance the afterload straightforward, resulting in variable changes of GLS according to the individual conditions.

Development and Validation of a New Robust Detection Method for Low-Content DNA Using ΔΔCq-Based Real-Time PCR with Optimized Standard Plasmids as a Control Sample.

Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for DNA detection in many fields, including food analysis. However, robust detection using a real-time PCR for low-content DNA samples remains challenging. In this study, we developed a robust real-time PCR method for low-content DNA using genetically modified (GM) maize at concentrations near the limit of detection (LOD) as a model. We evaluated the LOD of real-time PCR targeting two common GM maize sequences (P35S and TNOS) using GM maize event MON863 containing a copy of P35S and TNOS. The interlaboratory study revealed that the LOD differed among laboratories partly because DNA input amounts were variable depending on measurements of DNA concentrations. To minimize this variability for low-content DNA samples, we developed ΔΔCq-based real-time PCR. In this study, ΔCq and ΔΔCq are as follows: ΔCq = Cq (P35S or TNOS) - Cq (SSIIb; maize endogenous gene), ΔΔCq = ΔCq (analytical sample) - ΔCq (control sample at concentrations near the LOD). The presence of GM maize was determined based on ΔΔCq values. In addition, we used optimized standard plasmids containing SSIIb, P35S, and TNOS with ΔCq equal to the MON863 genomic DNA (gDNA) at concentrations near the LOD as a control sample. A validation study indicated that at least 0.2% MON863 gDNA could be robustly detected. Using several GM maize certified reference materials, we have demonstrated that this method was practical for detecting low-content GM crops and thus for validating GM food labeling. With appropriate standards, this method would be applicable in many fields, not just food.

Development and Interlaboratory Validation of a Novel Reproducible Qualitative Method for GM Soybeans Using Comparative Cq-Based Analysis for the Revised Non-GMO Labeling System in Japan.

Many countries have implemented the labeling system of genetically modified organisms (GMO). In Japan, the regulatory threshold for non-GMO labeling will be revised and restricted to undetectable by April 2023. The practical criterion for the revised system is based on the limit of detection (LOD). However, determining whether the commingling of GMO levels exceeds the LOD is challenging because GM contents close to the LOD are usually below the limit of quantification. In this study, we developed a qualitative method based on comparative Cq-based analysis targeting cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and GM soybean MON89788 event-specific sequences that could be applicable to the revised non-GMO labeling. ΔCq values between the target and endogenous sequences were calculated, and the ΔΔCq value obtained was used as a criterion to determine analytical samples with GM contents exceeding the threshold. To improve the reproducibility of the method, we used a standard plasmid that yields equivalent and stable ΔCq values comparable with those obtained from LOD samples. The developed method was validated with an interlaboratory study. The new qualitative detection concept would be useful for ensuring robust and reproducible results among laboratories, particularly for detecting low-copy-number DNA samples.

Single-cell chromatin immunocleavage sequencing (scChIC-seq) to profile histone modification.

Our method for analyzing histone modifications, scChIC-seq (single-cell chromatin immunocleavage sequencing), involves targeting of the micrococcal nuclease (MNase) to a histone mark of choice by tethering to a specific antibody. Cleaved target sites are then selectively PCR amplified. We show that scChIC-seq reliably detects H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 target sites in single human white blood cells. The resulting data are used for clustering of blood cell types.

Intravitreal Aflibercept versus Brolucizumab for Treatment-Naive Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Type 1 Macular Neovascularization: Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of loading-phase treatment with intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) or brolucizumab (IVBr) for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) associated with type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 108 consecutive eyes undergoing IVA and 103 consecutive eyes administered IVBr. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), dry macula achievement, polypoidal lesion regression, and development of intraocular inflammation (IOI) were all assessed. RESULTS: During the loading-phase treatment, IOI was detected in 18 eyes (17.5%) in the IVBr but none of those in the IVA group (p < 0.01). The loading-phase treatment was completed in 101 eyes in the IVA and 85 eyes in the IVBr group. In those cases, BCVA improved significantly, and CMT and CCT showed significant reductions after the loading-phase treatment in both groups (all p < 0.01). The CCT reduction was significantly greater with IVBr than with IVA (32 ± 28 µm vs. 40 ± 25 µm, p < 0.01). The dry macula achievement rate was significantly higher in the IVBr than in the IVA group (71.3 vs. 85.9%, p < 0.05). We observed complete regression of polypoidal lesions significantly more frequently with IVBr than with IVA (47.5 vs. 77.3%, p < 0.01). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Loading-phase treatment with IVA or IVBr for treatment-naïve nAMD with type 1 MNV effectively improved BCVA and diminished exudative changes. The CCT reduction, dry macula achievement, and polypoidal lesion regression rates were all significantly greater in the IVBr than in the IVA group. The incidence of IOI was significantly higher with IVBr than with IVA.

Variation of vortex veins at the horizontal watershed in normal eyes.

PURPOSE: To assess the vascular pattern of choroidal vortex veins at the horizontal watershed zone in normal eyes using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: We retrospectively studied 207 normal eyes of 207 patients whose fellow eyes were diagnosed with unilateral retinal diseases without choroidal involvement. Venous anastomosis between the superior and inferior vortex veins and deviation of the horizontal watershed zone were evaluated using 12 × 12-mm en face OCT images. Central choroidal thickness (CCT) was measured on B-mode OCT images. RESULTS: Vortex vein anastomosis was observed in 92 eyes (44.4%) at the horizontal watershed zone. Superior or inferior deviation of the horizontal watershed was ascertained in 69 eyes (33.3%). The frequency of the anastomosis and deviation did not differ significantly between age groups (P = 0.56 and 0.96, respectively). Mean CCT of all eyes was 221 ± 80 µm. CCT was significantly greater in eyes with anastomosis than in those without (233 ± 73 µm vs 210 ± 83 µm, P < 0.05). However, CCT did not differ significantly between eyes with and without deviation of the horizontal watershed zone (223 ± 74 µm vs 219 ± 82 µm). CONCLUSIONS: Venous anastomosis at the horizontal watershed zone as well as superior or inferior deviation of the zone were frequently observed in normal eyes. CCT was greater in eyes with than in those without anastomosis, suggesting subclinical vortex vein congestion.

Hybrid transileocecal portal vein embolization associated with staging laparoscopy for planned major hepatectomy in advanced hepatobiliary cancers.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein embolization (PVE) is widely used to promote the hypertrophy of a future liver remnant (FLR) and reduce posthepatectomy liver failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transileocecal portal embolization (TIPE) associated with staging laparoscopy (hybrid lap-TIPE) for a planned hepatectomy in advanced hepatobiliary cancers. METHODS: The hybrid lap-TIPE procedure consisted of staging laparoscopy for complete screening of the abdominal cavity with cytoreductive surgery and subsequent TIPE. Data on hybrid lap-TIPE, performed between March 2013 and February 2020, were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Hybrid lap-TIPE was conducted for 52 patients, and a subsequent TIPE was accomplished in 42 patients (80.8%), since staging laparoscopy detected latent or unresectable factors in 13 patients (25.0%), among which 2 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 1 with colorectal liver metastasis received laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery for latent lesions in the FLR. Finally, radical hepatectomy was completed in 36 patients (69.2%), including 3 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery. The most common operation was an extended right hepatectomy (50.0%), followed by right hepatectomy (30.6%), including 3 hepatopancreatoduodenectomies. The overall morbidity associated with hybrid lap-TIPE and hepatectomy was 7.1% and 41.7%, respectively. The mortality associated with hybrid lap-TIPE and hepatectomy was 0% and 5.6%, respectively. The rates of 2-year survival and 2-year disease-free survival were 64.8% and 61.9%, respectively, after hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid lap-TIPE is safe and could be a useful treatment option for patients with advanced hepatobiliary cancer because it can help to identify optimal candidates for PVE followed by a planned hepatectomy.

Laparoscopic portal branch ligation of the right caudate lobe concomitant with portal vein embolization for planned right hemihepatectomy in advanced hepatobiliary cancers.

BACKGROUND: The role of ligation of the portal venous branches to the caudate lobe (cPVL) as preparation for planned major hepatectomy is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic cPVL (Lap-cPVL) concomitant with transileocolic portal vein embolization of the right portal venous system (rTIPE), namely, Lap-cPVL/rTIPE, for planned right hemihepatectomy (rHx) in advanced hepatobiliary cancer patients. METHODS: Thirty-one patients who underwent rHx after rTIPE with/without Lap-cPVL between March 2013 and March 2020 were enrolled in this study. The Lap-cPVL was performed for the portal branches of the right caudate lobe. RESULTS: Eight of the 31 patients underwent Lap-cPVL/rTIPE. The degree of hypertrophy was significantly increased in Lap-cPVL/rTIPE (19.3%, range 6.5-25.6%) as compared to rTIPE (7.2%, range - 1.1 to 21.2%) (p=0.027). The functional kinetic growth rate was also significantly increased in Lap-cPVL/rTIPE (5.40%, range 2.17-5.97) than that in rTIPE (1.85%, range - 0.22 to 6.45%) (p=0.046). Postoperative liver failure ≧ grade B occurred in 21.7% of patients in rTIPE, while there was no postoperative liver failure ≧ grade B in Lap-cPVL/rTIPE. Mortality rates were zero after rHx in this study. CONCLUSIONS: Lap-cPVL/rTIPE is safe and provides an additional effect on liver hypertrophy in advanced hepatobiliary cancers.

Development and Testing of an Individual Kernel Detection System for Genetically Modified Soybean Events in Non-identity-preserved Soybean Samples.

A genetically modified (GM) soybean kernel detection system using combination of DNA preparation from individual soybean kernels and event-specific real-time PCR was developed to simultaneously identify GM soybean events authorized for food after safety assessments in Japan. Over 100 kernels in the non-identity-preserved soybean samples imported from the United States of America (two U.S.A. lots) and Brazil (one lot) were randomly selected and examined. In total, 98 and 96% of the two independent U.S.A. lots, and 100% of the Brazilian lot contained GM soybean kernels. Herbicide-tolerant events, MON89788 (trade name Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield™), GTS 40-3-2 (trade name Roundup Ready™ soybean) and A2704-12 (trade name Liberty Link® soybean), were detected similarly in both U.S.A. lots. In the Brazilian lot, in addition to GTS 40-3-2, a stacked GM event, MON87701 × MON89788, having insect-resistance and herbicide-tolerance, was detected. There were no unauthorized GM soybeans comingled, and the ratio of GM soybean events detected was consistent with statistical reports on the cultivated GM soybean events in both countries.

Rapid DNA template preparation directly from a rice sample without purification for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of rice genes.

Rapid DNA template preparation directly from a single rice (Oryza sativa) grain or rice flour of its equivalent weight was developed for loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). LAMP efficiency using DNA extract obtained from consecutive addition of alkaline lysis reagent (25 mM NaOH, 0.2 mM EDTA) and neutralizing reagent (40 mM Tris-HCl [pH 5]) was comparable to that using an equivalent amount of purified DNA as template. The stability of the prepared DNA extract was confirmed for up to six-day storage at room temperature. Without using any special laboratory devices, the developed method enabled a rapid, simple, and low-cost DNA template preparation method for reliable LAMP testing to detect rice genes.

[Evaluation of Conversion Factors for Genetically Modified Maize Quantification].

To quantify the amount of authorized GM maize or soybean, conversion factor (Cf) values are required for converting the copy number ratio of GM sequence to an endogenous sequence into weight-based GMO amounts. Cf values are available for the several latest real-time PCR instruments such as QuantStudio5, QuantStudio12K Flex, LightCycler 96, and LightCycler 480 for GM soybeans but not for GM maize. For the quantification of GM maize, we experimentally determined the Cf values targeting Cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter (P35S), GA21 construct specific, MIR604 event specific and MIR162 event specific sequences using the four real-time PCR instruments.

Tetramethylammonium Fluoride Tetrahydrate-Mediated Transition Metal-Free Coupling of Aryl Iodides with Unactivated Arenes in Air.

Biaryls are important compounds with widespread applications in many fields. Tetramethylammonium fluoride tetrahydrate was found to promote the biaryl coupling of aryl iodides bearing electron-withdrawing substituents with unactivated arenes. The reaction takes place at temperatures between 100 and 150°C and can be applied to a wide range of aromatic and heteroaromatic rings, affording the products in moderate to high yields. The reaction does not require strong bases or expensive additives that are employed in the existing methods and can be conducted in air and moisture without any precautions.

[Detection of DNA in Highly Processed Foods].

Highly processed foods, including soy sauce, cornflakes, starch sugar, beet sugar and vegetable oil, are not currently subject to genetically modified (GM) food labeling, because DNA could not be detected in these food products. Here we re-examined the method of DNA extraction from starch syrup, beet sugar and vegetable oil using commercially available DNA extraction kits. We found that DNA was not stably detected by PCR targeting a species-specific endogenous plant gene. The reason for this may have been that the DNA yield was below the detection limit, because PCR inhibition was not observed.

Horseradish-Peroxidase-Catalyzed Tyrosine Click Reaction.

The efficiency of protein chemical modification on tyrosine residues with N-methylluminol derivatives was drastically improved by using horseradish peroxidase (HRP). In the previous method, based on the use of hemin and H2 O2 , oxidative side reactions such as cysteine oxidation were problematic for functionalization of proteins selectively on tyrosine residues. Oxidative activation of N-methylluminol derivatives with a minimum amount of H2 O2 prevented the occurrence of oxidative side reactions under HRP-catalyzed conditions. As probes for HRP-catalyzed protein modification, N-methylluminol derivatives showed much higher efficiency than tyramide without inducing oligomerization of probe molecules. Tyrosine modification also proceeded in the presence of ß-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH, H2 O2 -free conditions).

Ultrafast Coulomb explosion of a diiodomethane molecule induced by an X-ray free-electron laser pulse.

Coulomb explosion of diiodomethane CH2I2 molecules irradiated by ultrashort and intense X-ray pulses from SACLA, the Japanese X-ray free electron laser facility, was investigated by multi-ion coincidence measurements and self-consistent charge density-functional-based tight-binding (SCC-DFTB) simulations. The diiodomethane molecule, containing two heavy-atom X-ray absorbing sites, exhibits a rather different charge generation and nuclear motion dynamics compared to iodomethane CH3I with only a single heavy atom, as studied earlier. We focus on charge creation and distribution in CH2I2 in comparison to CH3I. The release of kinetic energy into atomic ion fragments is also studied by comparing SCC-DFTB simulations with the experiment. Compared to earlier simulations, several key enhancements are made, such as the introduction of a bond axis recoil model, where vibrational energy generated during charge creation processes induces only bond stretching or shrinking. We also propose an analytical Coulomb energy partition model to extract the essential mechanism of Coulomb explosion of molecules from the computed and the experimentally measured kinetic energies of fragment atomic ions by partitioning each pair Coulomb interaction energy into two ions of the pair under the constraint of momentum conservation. Effective internuclear distances assigned to individual fragment ions at the critical moment of the Coulomb explosion are then estimated from the average kinetic energies of the ions. We demonstrate, with good agreement between the experiment and the SCC-DFTB simulation, how the more heavily charged iodine fragments and their interplay define the characteristic features of the Coulomb explosion of CH2I2. The present study also confirms earlier findings concerning the magnitude of bond elongation in the ultrashort X-ray pulse duration, showing that structural damage to all but C-H bonds does not develop to a noticeable degree in the pulse length of ∼10 fs.

Dual preventive benefits of iron elimination by desferal in asbestos-induced mesothelial carcinogenesis.

Asbestos-induced mesothelial carcinogenesis is currently a profound social issue due to its extremely long incubation period and high mortality rate. Therefore, procedures to prevent malignant mesothelioma in people already exposed to asbestos are important. In previous experiments, we established an asbestos-induced rat peritoneal mesothelioma model, which revealed that local iron overload is a major cause of pathogenesis and that the induced genetic alterations are similar to human counterparts. Furthermore, we showed that oral administration of deferasirox modified the histology from sarcomatoid to the more favorable epithelioid subtype. Here, we used i.p. administration of desferal to evaluate its effects on asbestos-induced peritoneal inflammation and iron deposition, as well as oxidative stress. Nitrilotriacetate was used to promote an iron-catalyzed Fenton reaction as a positive control. Desferal significantly decreased peritoneal fibrosis, iron deposition, and nuclear 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in mesothelial cells, whereas nitrilotriacetate significantly increased all of them. Desferal was more effective in rat peritoneal mesothelial cells to counteract asbestos-induced cytotoxicity than in murine macrophages (RAW264.7). Furthermore, rat sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells were more dependent on iron for proliferation than rat peritoneal mesothelial cells. Because inflammogenicity of a fiber is proportionally associated with subsequent mesothelial carcinogenesis, iron elimination from the mesothelial environment can confer dual merits for preventing asbestos-induced mesothelial carcinogenesis by suppressing inflammation and mesothelial proliferation simultaneously.