Localization of chondromodulin-I at the feto-maternal interface and its inhibitory actions on trophoblast invasion in vitro

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Chondromodulin-I (ChM-I) is an anti-angiogenic glycoprotein that is specifically localized at the extracellular matrix of the avascular mesenchyme including cartilage and cardiac valves. In this study, we characterized the expression pattern of ChM-I during early pregnancy in mice <it>in vivo </it>and its effect on invasion of trophoblastic cells into Matrigel <it>in vitro</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Northern blot analysis clearly indicated that <it>ChM-I </it>transcripts were expressed in the pregnant mouse uterus at 6.5-9.5 days post coitum. <it>In situ </it>hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that ChM-I was localized to the mature decidua surrounding the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)-expressing trophoblasts. Consistent with this observation, the expression of <it>ChM-I </it>mRNA was induced in decidualizing endometrial stromal cells <it>in vitro</it>, in response to estradiol and progesterone. Recombinant human ChM-I (rhChM-I) markedly inhibited the invasion through Matrigel as well as the chemotactic migration of rat Rcho-1 trophoblast cells in a manner independent of MMP activation.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study demonstrates the inhibitory action of ChM-I on trophoblast migration and invasion, implying the potential role of the ChM-I expression in decidual cells for the regulated tissue remodeling and angiogenesis at feto-maternal interface.</p

Specific loss of chondromodulin-I gene expression in chondrosarcoma and the suppression of tumor angiogenesis and growth by its recombinant protein in vivo

AbstractChondromodulin-I (ChM-I) was previously identified as an angiogenesis inhibitor in cartilage. Here, we demonstrated that the level of ChM-I transcripts was substantially reduced to 100 or even less in the lower-grade chondrosarcomas, in articular cartilage or other benign cartilage tumors. We implanted human chondrosarcoma OUMS-27 cells into nude mice that reproducibly produced tumors with cartilaginous matrix. Tumor-induced angiogenesis was evident when the tumors were excised 30 days after implantation. However, the local administration of recombinant human ChM-I almost completely blocked vascular invasion and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, ChM-I also inhibited the growth of HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma in vivo, implying its therapeutic potential for solid tumors

地域活動への住民参加を促すための保健師の支援方法

A地区の地域活動への住民の参加状況と参加条件を明らかにするため、4団体108名を対象に質問紙調査を行った。地域活動への参加条件として重要なのは、健康であること、家族の理解と協力があること、身近な人と一緒に参加できること、活動場所が自宅に近いこと、活動する時間的余裕があること等が明らかとなった。地域活動支援のあり方としては、個人や家族の健康を保持・増進し、地域の人々のつながりを強め、時間・場所・移動手段を工夫し住民が集いやすくすることにより、参加条件を満たすことが有効と考えられた。保健師は、個人や集団が地域活動を活発にするための工夫や連携を図り、個人・集団の力を引き出せるような支援をしていくことが重要であると考えられた

First identification of a single amino acid change in the spike protein region of feline coronavirus detected from a coronavirus-associated cutaneous nodule in a cat

Case summary A 32-month-old spayed female Singapura cat presented with a non-pruritic erythematous nodule on the upper lip. The cat also had multiple nodules in the liver but exhibited no other clinical signs consistent with classical feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), such as pleural effusion or ascites, uveitis or neurological symptoms. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of the cutaneous nodule revealed pyogranulomatous dermatitis with intralesional macrophages laden with feline coronavirus (FCoV) antigen. Real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR of a cutaneous sample revealed a single nucleotide substitution in the spike protein gene of FCoV (mutation M1058L), which is consistent with an FCoV genotype commonly associated with FIP. The cat received a blood transfusion and supportive therapy, but the owner declined to continue the treatments owing to poor response. The cat was lost to follow-up 5 months after discharge. Relevance and novel information This report describes a case of a coronavirus-associated cutaneous nodule in which the evidence of amino acid changes in the spike protein gene identified by RT-PCR were consistent with an FCoV genotype commonly seen in cases of FIP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of cutaneous disease associated with the mutated FCoV that was confirmed by molecular diagnostic testing

Symbiotic Bradyrhizobium japonicum Reduces N(2)O Surrounding the Soybean Root System via Nitrous Oxide Reductase

N(2)O reductase activity in soybean nodules formed with Bradyrhizobium japonicum was evaluated from N(2)O uptake and conversion of (15)N-N(2)O into (15)N-N(2). Free-living cells of USDA110 showed N(2)O reductase activity, whereas a nosZ mutant did not. Complementation of the nosZ mutant with two cosmids containing the nosRZDFYLX genes of B. japonicum USDA110 restored the N(2)O reductase activity. When detached soybean nodules formed with USDA110 were fed with (15)N-N(2)O, they rapidly emitted (15)N-N(2) outside the nodules at a ratio of 98.5% of (15)N-N(2)O uptake, but nodules inoculated with the nosZ mutant did not. Surprisingly, N(2)O uptake by soybean roots nodulated with USDA110 was observed even in ambient air containing a low concentration of N(2)O (0.34 ppm). These results indicate that the conversion of N(2)O to N(2) depends exclusively on the respiratory N(2)O reductase and that soybean roots nodulated with B. japonicum carrying the nos genes are able to remove very low concentrations of N(2)O