To assess the transforming capability of the c-Jun protein, we introduced the chicken c-jun proto-oncogene into a replication competent avian retroviral expression vector (RCAS). Viral Jun efficiently transformed chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) when expressed from this vector. Overexpression of c-Jun leads to transformation of CEFs with an efficiency that is 15-to 25-fold less than that seen for v-Jun, suggesting that v-Jun contains structural features that increase its oncogenic potential relative to c-Jun. There are four structural differences between v-Jun and c-Jun. To determine the relative contribution that each of these structural differences between v-Jun and c-Jun has on oncogenic activity, several deletion and substitution mutants were constructed. Each of these mutants was expressed in CEF and assayed for transformation by focus formation. Analysis of the results reveals that deletion of a region of 27 amino acids near the amino terminus of c-Jun and deletion of 3'-untranslated sequences are critical in activating the full oncogenic potential of Jun.

An increased systemic production of oxygen-free radicals by activated inflammatory cells is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of asthma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical effects of radon and thermal therapy on asthma in relation to antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxide. Radon and thermal therapy were performed once a week. All subjects went to a hot bathroom with a high concentration of radon, and nasal inhalation of vapor from a hot spring was performed for 40 min once a day under conditions of high humidity. The room temperature was 48 degrees C; the room radon concentration was 2,080 Bq/m3. Blood samples were collected at 2 h, 14, and 28 days after the first therapy. A blood sample also was collected before the first therapy (at body temperature and background radon level) to be used as the control. The forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV1) was significantly increased 28 days after the first therapy. On day 28, the catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased in comparison with the control. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly increased compared to the control after first inhalation. On days 14 and 28, the lipid peroxide level was significantly decreased in comparison with the control. In conclusion, the present pilot study has shown that radon and thermal therapy improved the pulmonary function of asthmatics by increasing the reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes.

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Objective The effects of perilla seed oil (n-3 fatty acids) on bronchial asthma were compared with the effects of corn oil (n-6 fatty acids) in relation to the pulmonary function and the generation of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and C4 (LTC4) by leucocytes.Methods and Subjects 14 asthmatic subjects were divided randomly into two groups: one group (7 subjects) consumedperilla seed oil-rich supplementation and the other group (7 subjects) consumed corn oil-rich supplementation for 4 weeks. Generation of LTsby leucocytes and respiratory function were comparedbetween the two groups.Results The generation of LTB4 and LTC4 by leucocytes tended to increase in subjects (N=7) with corn oil-rich supplementation, and decrease in subjects (N=7) with perilla seed oil-rich supplementation. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in the generation of LTB4 at 2 weeks (p<0.05) and LTC4 at 2 weeks (p<0.05) after dietary supplementation. Significant increases in the value of PEF (p<0.05), FVC (p<0.01), FEV1 0 (p<0.05) and V25 (p<0.05) were found in subjects who received perilla seed oil supplementation for 4 weeks. And significant differences in the value of FVC (p<0.05) and FEV1 0 (p<0.05) were observed between the two groups after 4 weeks of dietary supplementation.Conclusion These results suggest that perilla seed oilrich supplementation is useful for the treatment of asthma in terms of suppression of LTB4and LTC4generation by leucocytes, and improvement of pulmonary function.