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Biomedical subjects

E Otsuka

Publications and source records attributed to E Otsuka.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[A pathological study of cytomegalovirus infections in autopsied cases with adult T-cell leukemia].

In this study, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was found in eleven of 21 autopsied cases (52.4%) with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Seven cases (63.6%) revealed disseminated infection in more than three organs. The lungs were involved in all eleven cases (100%), adrenal glands in eight cases (72.7%), esophagus in four cases (36.4%), and stomach, small intestine and urinary bladder in three cases (27.3%). Histopathological findings suggested that lung involvement was the cause of death in five of the 11 cases, the small intestine were involved in two of the 3 cases, and the adrenal glands were involved in one of the 8 cases. In summary, CMV infection was found to be the main cause of death in five (45.5%) of the 11 ATL patients.

Adrenal Glands↗

Decoy approach using RNA-DNA chimera oligonucleotides to inhibit the regulatory function of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Rev protein.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes two regulatory proteins, Tat and Rev, that bind to target RNA sequences. These are the trans-activation responsive (TAR) RNA and the Rev-responsive element (RRE), respectively. The Rev protein shifts RNA synthesis to viral transcripts by binding to the RRE within the env gene. In the present study we prepared a RNA-DNA chimera consisting of 29 or 31 nucleotides to inhibit the Rev regulatory function by means of the decoy approach. The chimera oligonucleotides (anti-Rev oligonucleotides [AROs]) contained an RNA "bubble" structure (13 oligonucleotides; the Rev-binding element in RRE) that bound Rev with a high affinity in an in vitro assay. The controls were RNA-DNA chimera oligonucleotides (negative control oligonucleotides [NCOs]) similar to ARO, but without the bubble structure, that bound with considerably less affinity to Rev. When the inhibitory effects of these decoys on HIV-1 replication were examined, we found that AROs, but no NCOs, reduced more than 90% of the HIV-1 production generated by productively infected human T-cell lines. The production of primary HIV-1 isolates in healthy donor-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also similarly inhibited by AROs. In addition, the induction of viral mRNAs and antigens in latently HIV-1-infected ACH-2 cells by tumor necrosis factor alpha was specifically inhibited by AROs, but not by NCOs. No apparent cytotoxicity was caused by either decoy. Thus, the use of a Rev-binding element-based decoy, the RNA-DNA chimera oligonucleotide, may represent a safer approach to gene therapy for reducing the virus load in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Cell Line↗

Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by targeting the Rev protein.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encodes two regulatory proteins, Tat and Rev. The Rev protein facilitates the transport of unspliced and singly-spliced RNA to the cytoplasm in infected host cells by binding to target RNA (Rev response element: RRE). A variety of approaches targeting Rev function, including gene therapy, have been developed that inhibit HIV-1 replication in cells cultured in vitro. This minireview summarizes the recent developments as well as our application of the Rev-binding element-based decoy approach using RNA-DNA chimera oligonucleotide modeling.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

[Nutritional support in terminal patients--evaluation of 109 cases receiving home parenteral nutrition].

For end-stage patients with malignant disease, home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is an effective and useful treatment in terms of pain control and nutritional support. Therefore, these patients are able to spend their final days at home with their family. In 1990, we started the treatment and have been experienced 109 cases. In this report, we evaluate these cases and which condition or circumstance are necessary to perform HPN for the terminal patients.

Adult↗

Stimulation by retinoids of the natriuretic peptide system of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

The effects were examined of treatment with retinoids of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells on the natriuretic peptide system that promotes the differentiation of osteoblastic cells. Northern blot analysis revealed high levels of mRNA for the retinoid X receptor beta (RXR beta) and moderate levels of mRNAs for retinoic acid receptors alpha (RAR alpha) and gamma (RAR gamma). Exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to 1 microM retinoid caused increases in the levels of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and natriuretic peptide receptor-C (NPR-C). The activity of natriuretic peptide receptor-B (NPR-B) was unchanged after the addition of retinoid to the culture system. These results suggest that retinoids might influence the metabolism of osteoblastic cells through regulation of the natriuretic peptide system.

Animals↗

[Detection of DNA specific for Aspergillus species in serum samples from two patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis].

We investigated the possible presence of DNA specific for Aspergillus species in serum samples of two patients who were strongly suspected for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Both patients were diagnosed as having acute myelogenous leukemia and treated with induction chemotherapy. During chemotherapy-induced granulocytopenia, they complained of high fever, and the chest X-rays indicated infiltration shadows in their lungs. They were treated with antibiotics intravenously, but no clinical improvement was observed. As the results of the nested PCR were positive at the acute stage of infection, amphotericin B i.v. and granulocyte colony stimulating factor s.c. administrations were started in both cases. In case 1, the infectious disease improved and the nested PCR results turned negative after treatment. In case 2, in spite of the progression of the disease, the nested PCR results turned negative during treatment. Although we consider this method very useful for the diagnosis of IPA, further prospective evaluation with a large clinical population sample is required.

Aged↗

[Home care that meets the wishes of patients with terminal stage cancer and their families].

As our ward is a general surgical ward, we formerly had difficulties providing appropriate care for patients with terminal cancer. To solve the problem, we have formed a nursing study group in order to provide home care that would meet the wishes of such patients and their families. Our specific approach was as follows: 1) preparation of a form on which patient information is collected; 2) a support system for home care (such as pain control and home parenteral nutrition; and 3) a solid collaboration system between ward nurses and visiting nurses. Such a program enables us to understand the wishes of patients and families and to provide various support where needed. The project helps to lessen the anxiety and the burden that patients and families feel in home care, and improve the quality of life (QOL).

Aged↗

[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in which plasmapheresis was ineffective but vincristine slow infusion therapy was effective with long-term remission].

A 38-year old female patient with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) did not respond to plasmapheresis and treatment with corticosteroids and antiplatelet agents but did respond to subsequent high-dose gamma-globulin therapy and vincristine slow infusion therapy. Remission, thought to be due to vincristine, was achieved. The administration schedule of vincristine was 1 or 2 mg once a week by intravenous drip infusion over a period of 6 to 8 hr. Improvement tended to be seen after the 6th administration, and remission was achieved after the 12th administration (total dose: 15 mg), and continues to the time of this writing. In this case, it was thought that vincristine inhibited a certain excessive reaction in the process of PAIgG-related platelet consumption. We conclude that vincristine should be administered at least 5 to 6 times, and the therapeutic method should be established based on the experience in a larger number of clinical cases.

Adult↗

Detection of low molecular weight IgM by immunoblot analysis in rheumatoid arthritis.

The immunoblot technique was used to detect low molecular weight IgM (LMWIgM) in the serum and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). LMWIgM was detected in 64% of 58 RA sera and in 47% of 17 RA SF. The levels of IgM and rheumatoid factor (RF) were significantly higher in the positive sera of LMWIgM. Sequential studies revealed that LMWIgM appeared in the serum while the titer of RF was high. Our analysis also suggested the presence of several other oligomeric LMWIgM with monomeric IgM.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗