Cytochrome P450 (CYP) of chicken and other avian species have been studied primarily with microsomes or characterized by cloning and protein expression. However, the overall existing isoforms in avian CYP1-3 families or dominant isoforms in avian xenobiotic metabolism have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to clarify and classify all of the existing isoforms of CYP1-3 in avian species using available genome assemblies for chicken, zebra finch, and turkey. Furthermore, we performed qRT-PCR assay to identify dominant CYP genes in chicken liver. Our results suggested that avian xenobiotic-metabolizing CYP genes have undergone unique evolution such as CYP2C and CYP3A genes, which have undergone avian-specific gene duplications. qRT-PCR experiments showed that CYP2C45 was the most highly expressed isoform in chicken liver, while CYP2C23b was the most highly induced gene by phenobarbital. Considering together with the result of further enzymatic characterization, CYP2C45 may have a dominant role in chicken xenobiotic metabolism due to the constitutive high expression levels, while CYP2C23a and CYP2C23b can be greatly induced by chicken xenobiotic receptor (CXR) activators. These findings will provide not only novel insights into avian xenobiotic metabolism, but also a basis for the further characterization of each CYP gene.

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The inhibitory effects of macrolide antibiotics including clarithromycin (CAM) on autophagy flux have been reported. Although a macrolide antibiotic exhibits no cytotoxicity, its combination with bortezomib (BZ), a proteasome inhibitor, for the simultaneous blocking of the ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome pathways leads to enhanced multiple myeloma (MM) cell apoptosis induction via stress overloading of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As misfolded protein cargo is recruited by histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) to dynein motors for aggresome transport, serving to sequester misfolded proteins, we further investigated the cellular effects of targeting proteolytic pathways and aggresome formation concomitantly in MM cells. Pronounced apoptosis was induced by the combination of vorinostat [suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA); potently inhibits HDAC6] with CAM and BZ compared with each reagent or a 2-reagent combination. CAM/BZ treatment induced vimentin positive-aggresome formation along with the accumulation of autolysosomes in the perinuclear region, whereas they were inhibited in the presence of SAHA. The SAHA/CAM/BZ combination treatment maximally upregulated genes related to ER stress including C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Similarly to MM cell lines, enhanced cytotoxicity with CHOP upregulation following SAHA/CAM/BZ treatment was shown by a wild-type murine embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line; however, a CHOP-deficient MEF cell line almost completely canceled this pronounced cytotoxicity. Knockdown of HDAC6 with siRNA exhibited further enhanced CAM/BZ-induced cytotoxicity and CHOP induction along with the cancellation of aggresome formation. Targeting the integrated networks of aggresome, proteasome, and autophagy is suggested to induce efficient ER stress-mediated apoptosis in MM cells.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital cystic lung diseases in neonates was practicable, with good esthetic results. Dissection was easier with significantly less blood loss in patients without adhesions, even in neonates. However, this procedure necessitated highly skilled endoscopic maneuvers within a small working space.

Warfarin is commonly used worldwide as a rodenticide. It inhibits blood coagulation by inhibiting vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase (VKOR) activity leading to hemorrhage. However, it has been reported that repeated or long-term treatment with warfarin results in resistance emerging in wild rodents. Such resistance may explain why it is difficult to control rodents in many regions in Japan.In this report, we studied mutations in the VKOR gene (including the VKOR complex subunit 1 (VKORC1)), while also analyzing VKOR and clotting factor activity in black rats (Rattus rattus) in order to understand better the mechanism of warfarin resistance in this species.We sequenced the VKORC1 gene from 275 rats living in the wild in Japan. We found several types of novel base substitutions, some of which conferred warfarin resistance.There was no difference in coagulation times between warfarin-sensitive and resistant rats measured under physiological conditions. However, after warfarin administration, no effect was noted in warfarin-resistant rats, although a prolonged coagulation time was noted in warfarin-sensitive rats.We also determined the kinetic differences in hepatic microsomal VKOR-dependent activity between warfarin-resistant and sensitive rats. Warfarin-resistant rats showed 2-3-fold lower V max /K m values than did sensitive rats. In addition, we report that resistant rats found in the Tokyo area had a VKOR activity which was poorly inhibited by warfarin.Finally, we conclude that reduced VKOR activity and warfarin resistance in the Japanese black rat might be due to mutations in the VKORC1 gene. However, further study is needed to clarify how such rats can maintain adequate vitamin K-dependent clotting factor levels, while simultaneously exhibiting low VKOR activity and warfarin resistance.