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Biomedical subjects

A Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to A Inoue.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Safer video-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy after location of thymic veins with multidetector computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) thymectomy has been applied as a surgical option for autoimmune myasthenia gravis. Prior identification and fine division of the thymic veins are critical to the prevention of unexpected severe bleeding that may require conversion to open surgery. Until recently, such bleeding could be avoided only by meticulous dissection of thymic fat tissue away from the left brachiocephalic vein (LBV). With recent advances in computed tomography (CT), multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) can readily be obtained and provides three-dimensional (3D) images. This study explored its value for preoperative identification of the thymic veins draining into the LBV, and thus for prevention of injury to these veins during endoscopic thymectomy. METHODS: Five patients with myasthenia gravis, thymoma, or both underwent enhanced MDCT preoperatively. The thymic veins draining into the LBV were visualized using both horizontal and sagittal/coronal CT images. Then 3D images were reconstructed to enable operators to simulate endoscopic views. During each VATS extended thymectomy, the numbers and branching patterns of the thymic veins were compared with the preoperative MDCT images. RESULTS: The thymic veins draining into the LBV were clearly identified with MDCT in all five patients examined. Reconstructed 3D images clearly located their courses in the thymic/fat tissue and their entry routes into the LBV, thus simulating the actual intraoperative endoscopic views. All tributaries divided during surgery were identified preoperatively with MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: Location of thymic veins with MDCT can provide precise preoperative information about thymic venous anatomy. This easy and less invasive examination has the potential to make VATS thymectomy easier and safer.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Lower haemoglobin level and subsequent decline in kidney function in type 2 diabetic adults without clinical albuminuria.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Anaemia has been suggested to be an independent risk factor for subsequent progression of advanced diabetic nephropathy; however, the relationship between haemoglobin levels and progression of nephropathy in patients without clinical albuminuria is unknown. METHODS: We conducted this prospective hospital-based cohort study of 464 type 2 diabetic patients (149 women and 315 men, 55+/-13 [mean+/-SD] years of age) with serum creatinine <177 micromol/l (2.00 mg/dl) and urinary albumin : creatinine ratio <300 mg/g creatinine. GFR was estimated using the equation formulated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study group, refitted for Japanese individuals. Most patients had haemoglobin concentrations in the normal range (144+/-15 g/l), only modest renal impairment (GFR: 74.8+/-14.5 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2)), and normal urinary albumin levels (81.5/18.5% with normo-/microalbuminuria). The primary outcome measurement was the rate of change in GFR determined by regression analysis with GFR as a function of time. Patients were followed up for a mean observation period of 5.0+/-0.9 (range: 2.5 to 6.2) years. RESULTS: Univariate and multiple regression analyses yielded a significant association between the rate of change in GFR and baseline haemoglobin concentration. After adjusting for covariates, the rate of decline in GFR was significantly greater in patients in the lowest haemoglobin quartile (-3.27 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) year(-1)) than in the third (-2.71 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) year(-1), p = 0.024) and highest quartiles (-2.78 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2) year(-1), p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Lower haemoglobin concentrations in type 2 diabetic patients without clinical albuminuria may be a significant predictor of subsequent decline in GFR.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Glutamine protects articular chondrocytes from heat stress and NO-induced apoptosis with HSP70 expression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of l-glutamine (Gln) on stress responses of chondrocytes exposed to heat stress or nitric oxide (NO). METHODS: Cultures of articular chondrocytes were established from rabbit joints, and treated for 12h with various concentrations of Gln (0-20 mM). In some experiments, cells were also treated with quercetin (Que), a heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) inhibitor. Heat stress (43 degrees C) was applied to the cells for 0-120 min. Apoptosis was induced by 0.5mM sodium nitroprusside (SNP) dihydrate that produces NO. After stress loading, HSP70 expression was detected by Western blot analysis. Cell viability was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and tetrazolium salt-based assays, while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechst 33342 staining, TUNEL methods and active caspase-3 determination. RESULTS: Gln demonstrated dose-dependent enhancing effect on stress-mediated induction of HSP70, while in the absence of any stress HSP70 was not induced by Gln alone. After heating or SNP loading, chondrocytes showed severe reduction in viability, while the cytotoxic outcome was almost completely abrogated by conditioning with Gln. The protective effect of Gln was significantly blocked by Que that effectively suppressed stress-induced HSP70 expression in chondrocytes. The Gln also rendered chondrocytes unsusceptible to NO-induced apoptosis that was frequently seen in SNP-treated culture. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the treatment of chondrocytes with Gln protected the cells from heat stress and NO-induced apoptosis. These chondroprotective effects of Gln may be mediated by HSP70.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

First principles based design and experimental evidence for a ZnO-based ferromagnet at room temperature.

The introduction of ferromagnetic order in ZnO results in a transparent piezoelectric ferromagnet and further expands its already wide range of applications into the emerging field of spintronics. Through an analysis of density functional calculations we determine the nature of magnetic interactions for transition metals doped ZnO and develop a physical picture based on hybridization, superexchange, and double exchange that captures chemical trends. We identify a crucial role of defects in the observed weak and preparation sensitive ferromagnetism in ZnO:Mn and ZnO:Co. We predict and explain co-doping of Li and Zn interstitials to both yield ferromagnetism in ZnO:Co, in contrast with earlier insights, and verify it experimentally.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Comparison of expression of glucokinase gene and activities of enzymes related to glucose metabolism in livers between dog and cat.

Plasma glucose and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations and activities of enzymes related to glucose metabolism in livers were measured in dogs and cats. Nucleotide sequences of the conserved region of glucokinase (GK) cDNA that contained ATP- and glucose-binding domains were determined in canine liver and feline pancreas for design of the species-specific oligonucleotide primers for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. There were no significant differences in plasma glucose and IRI concentrations between dogs and cats. In feline liver, although GK activities were not detected, activities of hexokinase, fructokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase were significantly higher than those in canine liver. The partial sequences of canine liver GK and feline pancreas GK cDNA were respectively 88% and 89% identical with the rat liver GK cDNA. Expression of GK gene was observed in canine liver and pancreas and feline pancreas with RT-PCR using species specific primers based on the cDNA sequences.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Malate dehydrogenase activities are lower in some types of peripheral leucocytes of dogs and cats with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The activities of the enzymes in the malate-aspartate shuttle were measured in peripheral leucocytes of spontaneous type 1 diabetic dogs and cats treated with insulin injections. In the diabetic dogs and cats, fasting plasma glucose concentrations were three- or fourfold greater than the control levels in spite of insulin injections and the activities of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH), one of pivotal enzymes in the malate-aspartate shuttle, were remarkably lower than the controls. Depressed expression of cytosolic MDH mRNA was confirmed by RT-PCR analysis in the diabetic animals. The cytosolic ratio of MDH/lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (M / L ratio) in leucocytes of the diabetic animals was significantly lower than that of normal control animals. The smaller M / L ratio appeared to reflect depression of energy metabolism in the diabetic animals. Intrinsically lower and further decreased MDH activities may be factors that induce insulin resistance observed in diabetic cats.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Effect of the alternative magnetic stimulation on peripheral circulation for regenerative medicine.

Regenerative medicine for patients with peripheral atherosclerosis attracts considerable attention around the world. However, ethical problems persist in gene therapy. This study evaluates the effect of alterative magnetic stimulation on peripheral circulation. The effect of magnetic stimulation as a medical treatment was examined using a thermograph for 11 healthy volunteers. The thermograph was used to measure the rise in skin temperature. The experimental results suggested an improvement in the peripheral circulation. The results of our study suggest the effectiveness of alternative magnetic stimulation on atherosclerosis. We intend to extend our study in order to establish a methodology for regenerative medical treatment for patients with peripheral atherosclerosis. Further, we wish to advance the current research in the field of angiogenesis.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Changes in activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in peripheral leukocytes of fattening steers.

Glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations, some enzyme activities in plasma, and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in peripheral leukocytes were measured in fattening Japanese Black Wagyu x Holstein steers fed on different diets at 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 months of age. The plasma IRI concentrations at 20 and 24 months of age were significantly higher than those at 8 months of age. Activities of hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in cytosolic fractions, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), MDH and AST in mitochondrial fractions in peripheral leukocytes of steers at 24 months of age were significantly higher than those at 8 months. Increasing plasma insulin concentration was considered to induce acceleration of glucose utilization in leukocytes of fattening steers. The cytosolic ratio of MDH/lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in leukocytes increased significantly in the fattening process and was considered to be a useful indicator for evaluating changes in energy metabolism in steers.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis: CT and pathologic findings in 10 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To evaluate CT findings of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis and correlate the CT with the pathologic findings. METHODS: The study included 10 patients with pathologically proven microlithiasis. Two independent observers evaluated the presence, extent and distribution of the CT findings. CT findings were compared with those at autopsy in two patients and with transbronchial biopsy in eight patients. RESULTS: All patients had a myriad of calcified nodules measuring approximately 1 mm in diameter. Close apposition of the nodules resulted in areas of ground-glass attenuation and consolidation, which were the predominant abnormality on CT in all 10 patients, involving 41% +/- 16.3 (mean +/- SD) and 30% +/- 4.8 of the lung parenchyma, respectively. Calcifications were also seen along interlobular septa, bronchovascular bundles and pleura. Other findings included interlobular septal thickening, thickening of bronchovascular bundles, nodules, and subpleural cysts. There was a solid agreement between the observers for the presence (kappa value; 0.77) and extent (Spearman rank correlation; r = 0.81 to 1.0 p < 0.01) of abnormalities. Autopsy specimens demonstrated microliths in alveolar airspaces and along interlobular septa, bronchovascular bundles and pleura. Subpleural small cysts were shown to represent dilated alveolar ducts. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary microlithiasis is characterised by the presence of numerous small, calcified nodules, calcifications along interlobular septa, bronchovascular bundles and pleura, ground-glass opacities, consolidation, and subpleural cysts. The cysts represent dilated alveolar ducts.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Significantly reduced spontaneous thrombolytic activity in older men: a possible explanation for the gender differences in risk of acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Although incidence of arterial thrombotic events increases with advancing age, the mechanism of such increased risk is poorly understood. There is also a gender difference; coronary heart disease is more common in men than women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible contribution from platelet reactivity and spontaneous thrombolysis, determinants of arterial thrombosis, to the increased risk of thromboembolism in aging, but otherwise healthy subjects. METHOD: One hundred and forty-five normal subjects (61 men, 82 women) of age between 19 and 77 years were grouped into groups of young (<30 years); middle aged (31-50 years), and older (>51 years), according to their gender and body mass index (BMI). A new in vitro test [Gorog Thrombosis Test (GTT)] was used to measure in sequence both platelet reactivity [occlusion time (OT)] and spontaneous thrombolysis [lysis time (LT)] from one non-anticoagulated blood sample. RESULT: OT in all women was 315+/-9.2 s (mean+/-S.E.M.), in all men OT was 300+/-10.6 s. The mean LT in all women was 2557+/-201.5 s, and in all men LT was 2493+/-198.6 s. Advanced age did not enhance platelet reactivity (OT), but increased BMI did (P=0.039). Spontaneous thrombolysis (LT) was impaired in older men but not in women (difference between young vs. middle age: P=0.019; young vs. older: P=0.0002). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that in men, spontaneous thrombolytic activity is reduced with age, and this may explain the increased frequency and severity of thromboembolic events. Interestingly, in women, spontaneous thrombolytic activity did not change after menopause.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Human Kluver-Bucy syndrome following acute subdural haematoma.

We present a rare case of complete human Kluver-Bucy syndrome (KBS) following recovery from transtentorial herniation caused by acute subdural haematoma (ASDH). A 17-year-old right-handed high school boy got into stupor within five minutes after 3-rounds of sparing at boxing. Emergency computed tomographic (CT) scan showed right cerebral hemispheric ASDH, which was evacuated following intentional decompressive craniectomy. After recovery of consciousness, he developed emotional changes (placidity with loss of normal fear and anger), psychic blindness, aberrant sexual behaviour, excessive oral tendencies, increased appetite, and hypermetamorphosis in order of mention, which were observed with waxing and waning from 17th to 28th hospital day. Peri-operative CT scaning and magnetic resonance imaging showed lesions of the right temporal lobe and right-dominant orbitofrontal regions including bilateral rectal and medial orbital gyri, and the intact left temporal lobe. Two pathogeneses can be thought of and the whole picture of KBS following ASDH can arise even though one (left in this case) temporal lobe is preserved, 1) in which associated orbitofrontal lesions of the frontal lobes may correlate with occurrence of KBS, or 2) cerebral blood hypoperfusion of both temporal lobes due to increased intracranial pressure and/or compression of both posterior cerebral arteries at the edge of the tentorium cerebelli occurs.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Enzyme activities in some types of peripheral leukocytes of thoroughbred race horses before and after the races.

Glucose, free fatty acid (FFA), triglyceride (TG) and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) concentrations in plasma and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism in some types of peripheral leukocytes were measured in thoroughbred race horses before and after racing. Glucose, FFA, TG and IRI concentrations and enzyme activities did not change significantly in plasma. However, the activities of cytosolic hexokinase, malate dehydrogenase (MDH), mitochondrial MDH and aspartate aminotransferase decreased significantly in leukocytes of the horses after the races. The cytosolic ratio of MDH/LDH activity (ML ratio) in leukocytes decreased significantly after racing, and the ratio may be a useful indicator to evaluate energy metabolism in race horses.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed2004

Pharmacokinetic analysis of combination chemotherapy with carboplatin and etoposide in small-cell lung cancer patients undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to use pharmacokinetic analysis to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of combined chemotherapy with carboplatin (CBDCA) and etoposide (ETP) in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis (HD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three SCLC patients with chronic renal failure undergoing HD were treated with CBDCA (300 mg/m(2)) on day 1 and ETP (50 mg/m(2)) on days 1 and 3, followed by HD 1 h after completing the administration of anticancer agents on each day. The pharmacokinetic analysis of CBDCA and ETP was planned for at least the first two courses of the chemotherapy in each patient. RESULTS: Two complete responses and one partial response were achieved in the three patients. Two patients experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia and required blood transfusion due to thrombocytopenia and anemia. Non-hematological toxicities were moderate. The pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that the platinum and the ETP concentrations in the plasma were similar to those in patients with normal renal function during the first 24 h, while the platinum still remained in the plasma for over 90 h. CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy with CBDCA (300 mg/m(2) on day 1) and ETP (50 mg/m(2) on day 1, 3) as used in the present study may be a suitable regimen for SCLC patients undergoing HD, although careful attention should be given to hematological toxicities.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Transcription factor EGR3 is involved in the estrogen-signaling pathway in breast cancer cells.

Estrogen has been closely associated with the genesis and malignant progression of breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of estrogen is far from being completely clarified. We previously developed a custom-made cDNA microarray consisting of approximately 200 estrogen-responsive genes in breast cancer cells. Using this system, we found one estrogen-induced gene in various cancer cell lines, including breast cancer MCF-7 cells, which encode a zinc-finger transcription factor, EGR3 (early growth response 3). Northern blot analysis of estradiol-treated MCF-7 cells showed rapid and robust induction of Egr3, and addition of cycloheximide or ICI 182,780 suggested that Egr3 is the bona fide target for the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Using stable transformants derived from MCF-7 cells which were transfected with expression-controllable Egr3-expression vector, we demonstrated that Nab2 is one of the target genes for EGR3. Microarray analysis of the transformants revealed other candidate EGR3-induced genes. These strategies could be useful for analyzing downstream genes of ERalpha, and may contribute to elucidating the extensive signaling network of estrogen stimuli. Furthermore, a reporter assay using the upstream region of fasL probably involving escape from the immune system revealed that fasL is another target gene for EGR3. The roles of EGR3 in the physiology of breast cancer are discussed.

Breast Neoplasms↗
PubMed2004

Outcome of 51 nonmalignant nodules in the liver: usefulness of aspiration cytology for diagnosis of dysplastic nodules.

Pathologic diagnostic criteria for intrahepatic nonmalignant nodules using needle biopsy are controversial. To evaluate the cytodiagnostic criteria for dysplastic nodules using aspiration biopsy, a follow-up study of nonmalignant nodules was performed. Fifty-one intrahepatic nodules diagnosed histologically and cytologically as nonmalignant using an aspiration biopsy in 39 patients were followed up without treatment. The outcomes of the nodules were investigated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's multivariate analysis. The cumulative rates of development to HCC at the 2nd year were 0%, 18%, and 53% in the non-dysplastic nodules, the low-grade dysplastic nodules, and the high-grade dysplastic nodules, respectively; and significant differences were seen among them (P= 0.0001). Multivariate analysis showed that cytologic grade was a significant risk factor for development to HCC (P=0.020). In conclusion, aspiration cytology was useful for diagnosis of the dysplastic nodules to predict risks of development to HCC.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Activities of enzymes in the malate-aspartate shuttle and the isoenzyme pattern of lactate dehydrogenase in plasma and peripheral leukocytes of lactating Holstein cows and riding horses.

The activities of the enzymes involved in the malate-aspartate shuttle and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the pattern of the isoenzymes of LDH were determined in plasma and peripheral leukocytes of lactating Holstein cows and thoroughbred riding horses as representative herbivorous animals. In the horse plasma, LDH activities were significantly lower and AST activities were significantly higher than those in the cow plasma. The specific activities of cytosolic malate dehydrogenase (MDH), LDH and AST in the horse leukocytes were higher than those in the cows. The cytosolic ratio of MDH/LDH activity (ML ratio) in the horse leukocytes was significantly lower than that in the cow leukocytes owing to significantly higher activities of LDH. The ML ratio was considered to reflect the difference in energy metabolism in leukocytes between cows and horses. The plasma LDH isoenzyme patterns of cow and horse showed the characteristic as herbivorous animals with dominance of LDH-1, -2 and -3. The LDH isoenzyme patterns with dominance of LDH-3 and -4 in the horse leukocytes were remarkably different from those in the cow leukocytes. There were significant differences in activities of malate-aspartate shuttle enzymes, ML ratio and LDH isoenzyme patterns in the cytosolic fractions of leukocytes between the lactating cows and the riding horses.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed2003

The expression and function of estrogen receptor alpha and beta in human breast cancer and its clinical application.

The overexpression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is frequently observed in the early stage of breast cancer. We previously reported that the specific promoter of the ERalpha gene is responsible for this enhanced transcription of the gene, and identified the cis-acting elements which play an important role in its transcription. Furthermore, methylation of the ERalpha gene promoters also contribute to the regulation of gene transcription. Elucidation of these mechanisms of ERalpha gene expression may provide useful information for the early detection and chemoprevention of breast cancer. On the other hand, the expression of ERbeta has been reported in breast cancer. We have also assessed the significance and function of ERbeta and its variant types in breast cancer, and suggest that ERbeta and ERbetacx specifically suppress the function of ERalpha through different mechanisms. ERbeta isoforms may be important functional modulators of the estrogen-signaling pathway in breast cancer cells, and might affect the clinical outcome of patients. Moreover, to address the role of these ERs on the estrogen-dependent growth of breast cancer cells and to develop a diagnostic tool, we have analyzed the gene expression profiles of estrogen-responsive genes using cDNA microarray. Based on these results, the expression of several candidate genes in breast cancer tissues were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and by immunohistochemical techniques, in order to discover new predictive factors for the endocrine therapy of patients with breast cancer. These studies could provide new clues for the elucidation of the estrogen-dependent mechanisms of cancer and the clinical benefits for patients.

Breast Neoplasms↗