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Biomedical subjects

A Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to A Watanabe.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Oxygenation reaction of methyl valproate with a mono-oxygenase model reagent: implication for stereochemical identification of the mammalian metabolites of valproic acid.

Non-enzymic oxygenation reaction of methyl valproate (2) utilizing a simple model system for mono-oxygenases, Fe(MeCN)2(6+)-H2O2-Ac2O in MeCN, was investigated in connection with stereochemical analyses of the mammalian metabolites of 1. This oxygenation reaction of methyl valproate (2) gave a 92:8 mixture of the anti-isomer 4a and the syn-isomer 4b, together with 5a, and 5b corresponding to the mammalian metabolites of 1. The stereochemistry of 4a, 5a, and 5b was elucidated by spectral analyses of the corresponding beta-lactone 6a, gamma-lactone 7a and 7b prepared from the oxygenation products. The asymmetric synthesis of (+)-7a was also achieved.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Polarizing microscopy of crystalline drugs based on the crystal habit determination for the purpose of a rapid estimation of crystal habits, particle sizes and specific surface areas of small crystals].

In 1939 the author reported the results of measured refractive indices of about a hundred crystalline drugs listed in [JP V] at the Takeda Research Laboratory using a Leitz PM polarizing microscope and newly developed immersion oils. When the author had reopened the study of crystalline drugs using a polarizing microscope at the Kobe-Gakuin University starting from 1975 one of the main purposes was to clarify the relation between crystal habits and refractive indices. It had been found that in most cases of crystal habits refractive indices were uniquely measured from a predominant pair of faces forming superior the habit, and they were called as "key refractive indices". The author and his co-workers tried to investigate the possibility of measuring the key refractive indices widely from all the obtainable crystalline drugs listed in the [JP X] or [JP XI], co-operating with the Pharmacy of Kobe University Hospital. Thus, more than 170 kinds of crystalline drugs were tested for their key refractive indices and found that they were measured from about 60-70% of tested drugs. It was also clarified that the difference of 2 key refractive indices, (n2 - n1), the birefringence of the section, was also an unique invariable number for the habit, and it played an important role not only for the graphic representation of log(n2 - n1), abscissa, against (n1, n2), ordinate, for the sake of an analytical purpose but also to measure a thickness of a section (habit) using a retardation color. Then, it had been cleared that the similarity of crystal habits in the microscopic field was based on the facts of measuring the same key refractive indices, and the author had developed a chart for measuring key refractive indices as well as producing a 3 dimensional orthographic projection of a crystal habit simultaneously applying a thickness measuring method using a birefringence. Finally 3 dimensional parameter a, b, c of a crystal habit and "habit coefficients" T: square root of ab/c and L: b/c were determined from the orthographic projection. In conclusion using the similarity in crystal habits the distributions of particle sizes and specific surface areas of all the crystals in the microscopic field had been calculated by a personal computer putting in necessary habit coefficients and obtained data of parameter b. The relation between 2 dispersions of particle sizes in log (V) and specific surface areas in log (SSA) were shown under the rectangular coordinates log (V) on the abscissa and log (SSA) on the ordinate, where the loci of log (SSA) formed simple striped pattern composed of parallel straight lines depending on habit coefficients. It would be possible to estimate the value of a specific surface area of any crystalline substance by plotting the value of log (V) on the straight line of a locus of log (SSA) having the same habit coefficients.

Biological Availability↗
PubMed1997

3Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in human osteoblast-like cells.

This paper describes for the first time the presence of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) activity in osteoblast-like cells and investigates its characteristics. 3beta-HSD activity was detected by the formation of androstenedione from [3H]dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in whole cell assays of human osteoblast-like cells, HOS and MG-63. The radiolabeled product, androstenedione, was purified by thin-layer chromatography and identified by recrystallization on admixture with authentic androstenedione to show constant specific activities. The apparent Michaelis constant (Km) for DHEA in HOS was found to be 9.9 microM and that in MG-63 was 80.4 microM. The expression of the 3beta-HSD messenger ribonucleic acid in HOS and MG-63 was demonstrated through a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The PCR products were confirmed by Southern blot analysis. The existence of 3beta-HSD in osteoblast-like cells indicates that these cells convert delta5 androgens into more biologically active delta4 3-keto steroids. These results, together with the demonstration of other steroid converting enzyme systems, suggest that the osteoblast cells play an important role in facilitating hormonal action in bone tissue.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗
PubMed1997

Decrease in Thy-1 expression on peripheral CD34 positive cells induced by G-CSF mobilization. The Tohoku Children Leukemia Study Group.

In order to ascertain the cytological features of peripheral hematopoietic progenitor cells (PHPC) mobilized after administration of chemotherapeutic agents and G-CSF, lineage- and progenitor cell-specific surface markers on CD34 positive (+) cells were sequentially examined. Nineteen evaluable samples were obtained from a malignant lymphoma, an acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 5 neuroblastoma patients. CD38 and HLA-DR were respectively expressed on more than 95% and approximately 85% of CD34+ PHPC cells. CD19 was also expressed on the majority and CD117 on 10 to 20% of the CD34+ cells. The most striking finding was that the Thy-1(CDw90)+/CD34+ population was decreased at the peak of mobilization of CD34+ cells as compared to the early phase after G-CSF administration (approximately 20% vs. 60%). These results suggest that decrease in Thy-1 expression on CD34+ cells is related to mechanisms easing CD34+ cell mobilization to the peripheral blood.

Antigens, CD34↗
PubMed1997

Cervical spondylotic amyotrophy associated with Hirayama's disease.

A 47-year-old man with Hirayama's disease who developed cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) is presented. The patient had noted weakness and atrophy of hand and forearm muscles bilaterally at the age of 16. At the age of 40, he developed proximal muscle atrophy and weakness bilaterally after 20 years of a non-progressive state. Myelography and computed tomography (CT)-myelography revealed that ventral cord compression at multiple levels of C4-7 vertebral bodies was increased when the neck was extended. The clinical diagnosis was CSA associated with Hirayama's disease. To our knowledge, this is the first such case to be reported.

Cervical Vertebrae↗
PubMed1997

Measurements of LET distribution and dose equivalent onboard the Space Shuttle IML-2 (STS-65) and S/MM#4 (STS-79).

Space radiation dosimetry measurements have been made onboard the Space Shuttle STS-65 in the Second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2: 28.5 degrees x 300 km: 14.68 days) and the STS-79 in the 4th Shuttle MIR mission (S/MM#4: 51.6 degrees x 300-400km: 10.2 days). In these measurements, three kinds of detectors were used; one is a newly developed active detector telescope called "Real-time Radiation Monitoring Device (RRMD-I for IML-2 and RRMD-II with improved triggering system for S/MM#4)" utilizing silicon semi-conductor detectors and the other detectors are conventional passive detectors of thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) and CR-39 plastic track detectors. The main contribution to dose equivalent for particles with LET > 5.0 keV/micrometer (IML-2) and LET > 3.5 keV/micrometer (S/MM#4) is seen to be due to galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and the contribution of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) is less than 5% (IML-2: 28.5 degrees x 300 km) and 15% (S/MM#4: 51.6 degrees x 400 km) in the above RRMD LET detection conditions. For the whole LET range (> 0.2 kev/micrometer) obtained by TLDs and CR-39 in these two typical orbits (a small inclination x low altitude and a large inclination x high altitude), absorbed dose rates range from 94 to 114 microGy/day, dose equivalent rates from 186 to 207 microSv/day and average quality factors from 1.82 to 2.00 depending on the locations and directions of detectors inside the Spacelab at the highly protected IML-2 orbit (28.5 degrees x 300 km), and also, absorbed dose rates range from 290 to 367 microGy/day, dose equivalent rates from 582 to 651 microSv/day and average quality factors from 1.78 to 2.01 depending on the dosimeter packages around the RRMD-II "Detector Unit" at the S/MM#4 orbit (5l.6 degrees x 400km). In general, it is seen that absorbed doses depend on the orbit altitude (SAA trapped particles contribution dominant) and dose equivalents on the orbit inclination (GCR contribution dominant). The LET distributions obtained by two different types of active and passive detectors, RRMDs and CR-39, are in good agreement for LET of 15 - 200 kev/micrometer and difference of these distributions in the regions of LET < 15 kev/micrometer and LET > 200 kev/micrometer can be explained by considering characteristics of CR-39 etched track formation especially for the low LET tracks and chemical etching conditions.

Atlantic Ocean↗
PubMed1997

Effect of stages of lactation on the concentration of a 90-kilodalton heat shock protein in bovine mammary tissue.

From the normal mammary tissue of a Holstein cow in late lactation, a heat shock protein (90 kDa) was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and five-step column chromatography. From 70 g of tissue, 9.5 mg of this heat shock protein were obtained; samples had 98% purity and 19% recovery. The molecular mass of the 90-kDa heat shock protein was estimated to be 86 kDa by SDS-PAGE. Analysis of the amino-terminal amino acid sequence suggested that the protein had been purified as a mixture of two isoforms. The contents of the heat shock protein in cytoplasmic fractions of mammary tissues from Holstein heifers and cows at lactation and involution were measured by quantitative immunoblot analysis using rabbit antiserum raised against the purified heat shock proteins. The contents of the heat shock protein were higher in tissues from lactating cows than in those from heifers and involuting cows. The elevated concentrations of cytoplasmic 90-kDa heat shock protein in lactating tissue suggested that this protein is involved in mammary differentiation and lactation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Effect of arachidonate on lipid metabolism in ethanol-treated rats fed with lard.

Two groups of rats, ethanol-treated and sucrose-administered control rats, were fed diets with different AA content (0, 2 and 3% weight) for 14 days. Ethanol was administered by gavage at a single daily dose of 3 g/kg body weight. The ethanol-treated rats showed significantly higher levels (p < 0.01) of serum ALT activity. The dietary AA supplement lowered the serum ALT activity and liver triglyceride both in control and ethanol-treated rats. Significantly lower levels of 20:4n - 6 and 20:4n - 6/18:2n - 6 ratio and higher levels of 18:1n - 9 in both the serum and liver triglyceride were observed in the ethanol-treated rats. The AA-supplemented diet induced a marked increase of 20:4n - 6 and subsequent significant decrease of 18:2n - 6 both in the liver and serum phospholipid in control and ethanol-treated rats. 18:1n - 9 in the serum and liver triglyceride in both groups was also markedly decreased by AA supplement. No significant difference was observed in the liver 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) level between the ethanol-treated and control rats. In the ethanol-treated rats, the level of 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) was elevated in the rats fed the 3% AA-supplemented diet. Though the liver leukotriene B4 levels were increased by ethanol administration in all rats, these levels were not increased by dietary AA.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1997

Estimation of age from teeth by amino acid racemization: influence of fixative.

To determine the age of a subject from teeth accurately utilizing the racemization rates of amino acids, standard samples of the same tooth species from the same jaw are necessary as controls, as well as data for identification. However, standard teeth are generally stored in fixatives such as ethanol and formalin. We investigated and compared the degree of progression of racemization of dentinal aspartic acid in teeth stored in 95% ethanol, 10% formalin, or 10% neutral formalin fixatives. The racemization rate of dentinal aspartic acid in teeth stored in 10% neutral formalin was the highest, followed by that for teeth stored in 10% formalin then that for teeth stored in 95% ethanol. Teeth stored in these fixatives at 15 degrees C showed almost no progression of racemization. The racemization ratio (D/L ratio) in teeth extracted 10 years previously was almost unchanged from that at the time of extraction, and allowed an accurate evaluation of the subjects age at tooth extraction.

Age Determination by Teeth↗
PubMed1997

[Evaluation of combination chemotherapy with 5-FU and CDDP for human gastric carcinoma transplanted into nude mice].

Combined chemotherapy of 5-FU and CDDP is useful for advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. To evaluate the efficacy of this chemotherapy, using human gastric carcinoma (NSC-30) maintained in the subcutaneous (sc) space in nude mice, we designed the following four experimental groups: 1) control group, 2) 5-FU group, 3) CDDP group, and 4) combined therapy group of 5-FU and CDDP (FP group). 5-FU (150 mg/kg) was injected into the intraperitoneal space for seven days using AlZet osmotic pumps. CDDP (9 mg/kg) was injected into the intraperitoneal space at one time. The tumor growth of drug administered groups was inhibited compared with the control group, especially in the FP group. Body weight and general condition of nude mice did not differ between groups. We also measured tumor concentrations of 5-FU and thymidylate synthetase (TS) total, free, inhibition rate between 5-FU group and FP group. The tumor 5-FU concentration of FP group was slightly higher than in 5-FU group, but the TS inhibition rate was almost the same. In conclusion, this combined therapy using Alzet osmotic pump is a useful drug sensitivity test as a conventional system.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Myelogenous leukemia in children. ANLL9205 study by Children's Cancer and Leukemia Study Group (CCLSG)].

Treatment results were evaluated in 45 children with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) treated on the ANLL-9205 protocol of the Children's Cancer Leukemia Study Group (CCLSG, Japan). In this protocol, terarubicin (THP-ADR), vincristine and continuous infusion of cytosine arabinoside (Ara C) were applied for remission induction therapy (AVC), and VP16+ high dose Ara C were used sequentially for 32 or 48 weeks. Eleven patients received stem cell transplantation. Thirty-eight out of the 43 eligible patients (88.4%) achieved complete remission, and the overall 3-year event-free survival (EFS) was 55.6% (S.E.,10%). This favorable response was attributed mainly to the high induction rate of patients with the M5, M7 FAB subtypes and higher WBC counts (> or = 10 x 10(9)/L). There was no difference in the 3-year EFS of these patients who discontinued treatment between 32 weeks and 48 weeks. Serious toxicities were not observed in this study. These findings suggest that the ANLL-9205 protocol is an effective and safe treatment regimen for childhood AML. When comparing the treatment period of 32 or 48 weeks, the difference was not statistically significant.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed1997

[Clinical effect of two azasetron treatment methods against nausea and vomiting induced by anticancer drugs including CDDP].

Azasetron, a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, has been previously shown to be highly effective in the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting induced by anticancer drugs, and is widely used in the clinical setting in Japan. In order to improve the antiemetic effect of azasetron, we designed two treatment methods using this drug and compared the antiemetic effect of this method with that of standard bolus intravenous injection on nausea and vomiting associated with anticancer drug including 75 mg/m cisplatin (CDDP). The two-treatment group received an intravenous bolus injection of 5 mg azasetron before and 8 hours after the start of chemotherapy, and a standard group was given an intravenous bolus injection of 10 mg azasetron only once a day. The inhibitory effect on vomiting in the two-treatment group was significantly greater than those of the standard group on day 1 and 2 (p = 0.0458, p = 0.0273), and the inhibitory effect on nausea of the two-treatment group tended to be superior those of the bolus group on day 2 (p = 0.0533). No adverse effects were observed in either group of this study. From these data, the two-treatment approach was considered to be highly effective in prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting induced by anticancer drug.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[The influence of anti-interferon-alpha 2a antibodies in initial daily four-week interferon-alpha 2a therapy for chronic hepatitis C].

Thirty-two patients with chronic active hepatitis C were initially treated with 9 million units of interferon (IFN)-alpha 2a daily for 4 weeks and then thrice weekly for 20 weeks. The incidence of development and influence on clinical effectiveness of anti-IFN alpha 2a neutralizing antibodies measured by bioassay were investigated. Thirteen (41%) of the 32 patients developed antibodies, 4 (12.5%) of whom exhibited a high titer of 128 NU or greater. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between responders and non-responders in the low viral load group (less than 10(5) copies/50 microliters) in the incidence of antibody development, with antibodies present in 2 of the 9 responders (22%) and 5 of the 7 non-responders (71%). There was also a significant difference between the antibody-negative and antibody-positive patients in circulating HCV-RNA, 2-5AS activity and average ALT levels at the latter half of treatment. In addition, 2-5AS activity was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at completion of treatment in the high antibody titer group (128 NU or greater) than in the low antibody titer group. These results indicate that the development of anti-IFN neutralizing antibodies had a definite influence on the clinical course of IFN treatment for chronic hepatitis C.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Measurement of the expiratory ammonia concentration and its clinical significance.

Although gaseous ammonia (NH3) can freely enter cells through the plasma membrane where NH3 is cyto(neuro)toxic, NH3 and ionic ammonia (NH4+) contents have not been studied in biological materials. We developed a new method for measurement of expiratory NH3 concentration, which may reflect blood NH3 concentrations. The method is a sensor tube type-gas assay system. Expiratory NH3 concentration in patients with chronic liver diseases increased when their blood ammonia (NH4(+)+NH3) concentrations increased above 90 micrograms/dl (normal range; 12-66 micrograms/dl). However, cirrhotic patients, who had relatively higher expiratory NH3 concentration compared to blood NH3 concentrations (calculated from Henderson-Hasselbalch formula), were found to have subclinical encephalopathy. Measurement of expiratory NH3 concentration may be of clinical significance for the diagnosis of encephalopathy associated with hyperammonemia.

Ammonia↗
PubMed1997

Management of ascites. A review.

Serum-ascites fluid albumin concentration gradient, ascites fluid polymorphonuclear cell count and ascites fluid cytology afford immediate diagnosis of the etiology of ascites. When cirrhotic patients with marked ascites do not respond to diuretics, abdominal paracentesis is the next step, if the ascites is severe enough to justify the risk. When all else fails over a period of several months, a peritoneovenous shunt may be appropriate. We have many options in the management of ascites now, but, in the future, the optimal therapy will include potent and nontoxic diuretic drugs and high-volume paracentesis.

Albumins↗
PubMed1997

Etiology and prognosis of cryptogenic liver cirrhosis: possible contribution of hepatitis B virus.

Three female patients without type B or type C viral hepatitis, alcoholic, metabolic or autoimmune liver disease, were selected from 250 cases with histologically proven liver cirrhosis (M:F = 183:67). All three cases showed at least one positive aspect among three parameters of serum anti-HBc (RPHA, x1), HBV-DNA (gene S, nested PCR) and liver HBs and/or pre-S2 antigen (immunoperoxidase methods). Two cases may suggest a spontaneous disappearance of HBV from sera. Another case may suggest a contribution of mutant HBV which can not be detected by the routine tests. These HBV-related cirrhotic patients have done well clinically and have not been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma during the period from 6 to 12 years of follow-up when compared with 59.6% and 65.4% prevalence of hepatocarcinogenesis in type B and type C hepatitis-associated cirrhosis during the observation period of six and seven years on average, respectively.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[Type III procollagen N-terminal aminopeptide and type IV collagen 7S in pleural effusion fluid].

The mechanism of pleural fibrosis in malignant and inflammatory pleural effusion remains unclear. We measured the levels of type III procollagen N-terminal amino peptide (PIIIP) and type IV collagen 7S in patients who had pleural effusion and lung carcinoma, and in others who had inflammatory diseases (parapneumonic and tuberculous pleuritis). The PIIIP level and the PIIIP/type IV collagen 7S ratio in patients with malignant pleural effusion were significantly lower than those in patients with inflammatory pleural effusion (p < 0.01), but the levels of type IV collagen 7S did not differ. The ratio of PIIIP to type IV collagen 7S was higher in patients with tuberculous pleuritis than in those with parapneumonic pleuritis (p < 0.05). These data indicate that pleural fibrotic adhesion may be accelerated in inflammatory pleural effusion because of elevated production of type III collagen; basement membrane injury in malignant and inflammatory pleural effusion may be caused by similar damage. We conclude that a high level of PIIIP and a high PIIIP/type IV collagen 7S ratio may indicate the presence of inflammatory pleuritis, and that the latter may indicate the presence of tuberculous pleuritis.

Aged↗