Runx3 expression and its roles in mouse endometrial cells.

Runx3 is a transcription factor that belongs to the Runx family. We studied the localization of Runx3 mRNA in the mouse uterus, and its function in the mouse endometrium using Runx3 knockout (Runx3(-/-)) mice. Runx3 mRNA was detected in the endometrial luminal epithelial cells, glandular epithelial cells and stromal cells below the epithelial cell layer on the luminal side.

Transforming growth factor-α mRNA expression and its possible roles in mouse endometrial stromal cells.

Transforming growth factor-α (TGFα) is thought to be involved in the regulation of endometrial cells. We investigated Tgfa mRNA expression, and the effects of TGFα on DNA-synthesis and gene expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) and IGF1 receptor in the mouse endometrial cells, because IGF1 is involved in estrogen-induced growth of endometrial cells. We also investigated the role of TGFα on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, as MMPs are involved both in tissue remodeling during cell proliferation and in enhancement of IGF1 signaling through the degradation of IGFBP3.

Loss of Runx3 affects ovulation and estrogen-induced endometrial cell proliferation in female mice.

Runx3 is a transcription factor that belongs to the Runx family. We studied the function of Runx3 in the mouse ovary and uterus using the Runx3 knockout (Runx3(-/-)) mouse. Ovaries were collected from 8-week-old wild type (wt) and Runx3(-/-) mice.

Isobavachalcone, a chalcone constituent of Angelica keiskei, induces apoptosis in neuroblastoma.

Six chalcones from Angelica keiskei KOIDZUMI (Ashitaba in Japanese) and two chalcones from Humulus lupulus L. (hop) were examined for their cytotoxicity in two human neuroblastoma cell lines (IMR-32 and NB-39) and normal cells (primary culture of rat cerebellar granule cells) by [3-(4,5)-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl]-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. All chalcones exhibited cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells, and two of them (isobavachalcone and xanthoangelol H) had no effect on normal cells even at high concentration (10(-4) M) exposure.

A simplified method for detecting isoniazid compliance in patients receiving antituberculosis chemotherapy.

The objective of this study was to develop a new simplified method using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) for determining isoniazid (INH) compliance in patients receiving antituberculosis chemotherapy. TLC was performed on silica gel plates using a standard solution of INH and acetylisoniazid (AcINH) and ethyl acetate-methanol (70:30 v/v) as the developing solvent. The spots of compound were detected by iodine.