Only a few RFamide peptides have been identified in mammals, although they have been abundantly found in invertebrates. Here we report the identification of a human gene that encodes at least three RFamide-related peptides, hRFRP-1-3. Cells transfected with a seven-transmembrane-domain receptor, OT7T022, specifically respond to synthetic hRFRP-1 and hRFRP-3 but not to hRFRP-2. RFRP and OT7T022 mRNAs are expressed in particular regions of the rat hypothalamus, and intracerebroventricular administration of hRFRP-1 increases prolactin secretion in rats. Our results indicate that a variety of RFamide-related peptides may exist and function in mammals.

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) represent a heterogeneous population and have the potential to suppress immune responses via diverse mechanisms. In recent studies, a new subset of MDSC was identified by the markers CD14+ and HLA‐DR− in the peripheral blood from cancer patients. In this study, we investigated the proportions and characteristics of CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). As expected, the percentage of CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells was significantly elevated in patients relative to healthy donors and the sorted CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells were able to suppress effectively both the proliferation and IFN‐γ production of anti‐CD3/anti‐CD28 stimulated T cells, suggesting that CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells in patients with SCCHN contribute to the immune suppressive status. Furthermore, CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells revealed a higher level of CD86 and PD‐L1 expression and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β production than CD14+ HLA‐DR+ cells. Addition of anti‐CD86 mAb, anti‐PD‐L1 mAb and anti‐TGF‐β mAb partially restored T‐cell proliferation and IFN‐γ production, respectively, indicating that the suppressive effects of CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells appear to be mediated by various molecules, including coinhibitory molecules and cytokines. Our data suggest that CD14+ HLA‐DR− cells act as potent immunosuppressive cells and particularly contribute to tumor escape from the host immune system in patients with SCCHN. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 976–983)

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Our findings suggest that standard treatment with raloxifene improves QOL and relieves pain in Japanese women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in a real-world clinical setting.

Background Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) refers to infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogen, and has spread to pandemic levels since its inception in December 2019. While several risk factors for severe presentation have been identified, the clinical course for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis with COVID-19 has been unclear. Previous studies have revealed that some antiviral agents may be effective against COVID-19 in the general population, but the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents in ESRD patients remain under investigation. Favipiravir, an antiviral agent developed for treatment of influenza, is one candidate treatment for COVID-19, but suitable dosages for patients with renal insufficiency are unknown. Here we provide a first report on the efficacy of favipiravir in a patient with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis. Case presentation The case involved a 52-year-old woman with COVID-19 who had been undergoing maintenance hemodialysis three times a week for 3 years due to diabetic nephropathy. She had initially been treated with lopinavir/ritonavir and ciclesonide for 5 days, but developed severe pneumonia requiring invasive positive-pressure ventilation. Those antiviral agents were subsequently switched to favipiravir. She recovered gradually, and after 2 weeks was extubated once the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 fell below the limit of detection. Although concentrations of several biliary enzymes were elevated, no major adverse events were observed. Conclusion Favipiravir may be an effective option for the treatment of COVID-19-infected patients with ESRD.