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Biomedical subjects

F Ohsuzu

Publications and source records attributed to F Ohsuzu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Immediate remission obtained by minocycline in a patient with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis.

A 29-year-old man was admitted because of fever, arthralgia and swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. A diagnosis of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) was made based on the findings of a lymph node biopsy. At first, piperacillin sodium (PIPC) was started, but a spiking fever persisted. We therefore changed the PIPC treatment to minocycline. On the following day, his clinical and laboratory findings were dramatically improved. After administering minocycline for 10 days, the HNL symptoms completely disappeared. He has been in good health for 3 years since undergoing treatment. This case strongly indicates that minocycline-sensitive microorganism(s) may be related, at least in part, to the etiology of HNL.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Acute congestive heart failure associated with a limited form of systemic sclerosis and primary biliary cirrhosis.

This is the first case of a limited form of systemic sclerosis (ISSc) associated with acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). A 58-year-old woman with ISSc was admitted because of a sudden onset of CHF. The intravenous administration of nitroglycerine and furosemide ameliorated the symptoms of CHF within 24 hours. She had both anticentromere antibodies and anti-p25 doublet/triplet antibodies to intrahepatic microsomes. Thallium scintigraphy at rest demonstrated significant perfusion defects in both the anteroseptal and inferior myocardium. A coronary angiogram revealed normal coronary arteries and no vasospasm was provoked by the intracoronary administration of acetylcholine. The present case indicates that minute care should thus be taken for the prevention of acute CHF even in patients with a limited form of SSc when thallium perfusion defects are identified.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Rapid improvement of osteomalacia by treatment in a case with Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and renal tubular acidosis type 1.

We present here a case of Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) with osteomalacia based on renal tubular acidosis type 1 (RTA-1). A 53-year-old woman, diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the age of 33, was admitted to our hospital because of sicca complex, fatigability and worsening general aching. The activity of RA had been low, but it was complicated by SjS, RTA-1 and remarkable osteomalacia. Acidosis was corrected by alkali supplement therapy. By treatment with a regimen consisting of alfacalcidol, calcium L-aspartate, elcatonin and ipriflavone, her bone mineral density (BMD) was remarkably improved within months and the generalized aching gradually diminished.

Acidosis, Renal Tubular↗
PubMed2001

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 in experimental atherosclerotic plaques.

In atherosclerotic lesions, matrix metalloproteinases produced by foam cells (macrophages) are thought to increase plaque instability, promote plaque rupture, by degradating extracellular matrix. To investigate the relationship between the expression of these proteinases and the histologic appearance of atheromas, immunohistochemical analysis of matrix metalloproteinase 3 and cell-type markers was performed in atherosclerotic plaques induced in rabbit abdominal aortas by high-cholesterol diets and mechanical injury. In addition to an antibody against matrix metalloproteinase 3, RAM-11 and HHF-35 were used to detect macrophages and smooth muscle cells, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 was expressed diffusely within the plaques with a fibrofatty histologic pattern. In plaques with foam cell accumulation, matrix metalloproteinase 3 was seen in areas rich in foam cells and the smooth muscle cells near the lumen. In the plaques with fewer macrophages, the proteinase was expressed only in such smooth muscle cells. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 was expressed in the smooth muscle cells in plaques of all histologic types, and macrophages also expressed the metalloproteinase when present in significant numbers. These findings suggest that macrophage accumulation plays an important pathophysiologic role in causing the instability of atherosclerotic lesions by increasing the levels of matrix metalloproteinase 3.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Significance of circulatory epinephrine levels in exercise-induced neurally mediated syncope.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Previous research has failed to document temporal changes in epinephrine levels in patients with neurally mediated syncope associated with exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of circulatory catecholamines in exercise-induced neurally mediated syncope, specifically focusing on epinephrine levels. METHODS: The present study deals with temporal changes of circulatory catecholamine levels during head-up tilt tests (40 min, 80 degree tilt) in 62 patients with syncope of unknown origin, 7 of whom had syncope associated with exercise (exercise-induced group, 19+/-3 years). Data were compared with 10 control subjects (control group, 45+/-23 years). Of the 55 patients with syncope not associated with exercise, 32 tested positive for the head-up tilt tests (positive group, 31+/-16 years) and 23 patients tested negative (negative group, 46+/-19 years). Blood samples for circulatory catecholamine assay were obtained from the antecubital vein in the baseline supine position 2 min after the tilt started, every 10 min during tilt, and at the time of the onset of symptoms or the end of tilt. Levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine were determined using the high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method (pg/ml). RESULTS: Plasma norepinephrine levels among the four groups were similar at the supine position and during tilt testing. In contrast, patients in the exercise-induced group had significantly higher maximum epinephrine levels during head-up tilt testing than the other three groups (288+/-191 vs. 148+/-117, 66+/-31, and 54+/-27 pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.05). Patients in the positive group had higher maximum epinephrine levels than those in the negative group (p <0.05). Also, patients in the exercise-induced group and those in the positive group had a significantly shorter tilt-testing time than patients in the negative and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: A marked increase of epinephrine was observed during head-up tilt testing in patients with neurally mediated syncope associated with exercise. The present findings further accelerate the identification of the role of epinephrine in the mechanisms behind neurally mediated syncope associated with exercise.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Lipid microspheres incorporated by U937 cells via their specific receptors.

Lipid microspheres (LM), currently in clinical use as drug carriers, mainly consist of soybean oil as a core and lecithin as a surfactant. The purpose of our study wass to determine whether or not LM incorporation is receptor-mediated. U937 cells resuspended in a serum-free medium abundantly took up unmodulated LM. A binding study showed that U937 cells had a single binding site for LM (410 sites/cell at 24 degrees C; 100 sites/cell at 4 degrees C). Inhibition assays revealed that lecithin liposome, lysophosphatidylcholines, activated alpha2-macroglobulin, and HDL did not affect the binding of LM to U937 cells. VLDL strongly, and LDL and AcLDL moderately, inhibited the binding of LM to U937 cells. Ligand blotting analysis revealed that unmodulated LM in an apoprotein-free buffer directly bound to a 40 kDa protein in the cell membrane fraction. These results suggest that LM that is not modulated by any protein is incorporated by specific cells via receptor-mediated processes.

Binding Sites↗
PubMed2000

Adsorption of anti-annexin V using dextran sulfate bound cellulose beads.

Anti-annexin V (Anx V) antibodies are detected in SLE patients and patients with habitual fetal loss or preeclampsia. Several case reports have indicated that recurrent abortion based on antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) could be successfully treated with immunoadsorption by using dextran sulfate (DS) columns. The purpose of this study is to clarify whether or not anti-Anx V is also adsorbed by DS-bound cellulose beads. Sera from anti-Anx V-positive patients were mixed with DS-bound cellulose beads in vitro, and the titers of anti-Anx V were measured both before and after incubation. The anti-Anx V titers significantly decreased after incubation. The Anx V also bound to bovine serum albumin-conjugated DS immobilized on microtiter plates. The results of the present study lend support to the basic rationale for immunoadsorption therapy using DS columns in the treatment of habitual abortion closely associated with anti-Anx V antibodies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Endothelial function and peripheral vasomotion in the brachial artery in neurally mediated syncope.

BACKGROUND: Paradoxical peripheral vasodilation is one of the suspected mechanisms of neurally mediated syncope. Parasympathetic stimulation following sympathetic activation during orthostatic stress mainly contributes to this vasodilation. HYPOTHESIS: Since endothelial function modulates peripheral vascular tone, this study aimed to determine whether endothelial function and inappropriate peripheral vasomotion has a significant role in the pathogenesis of neurally mediated syncope. METHODS: To investigate whether endothelial function is augmented or whether abnormal peripheral vasomotion exits, flow-mediated dilation (FMD, endothelium-dependent vasodilation) and sublingual glyceryl trinitrate-induced dilation (0.3 mg, GTN-D, endothelium-independent vasodilation) were measured in the brachial artery in 16 patients with neurally mediated syncope, aged 33 +/- 10 years, by using high-resolution ultrasound. All patients underwent positive head-up tilt testing. These measures were compared with those in 16 control subjects matched with the patients by age, gender, and coronary risk factors. For FMD, percent diameter changes were obtained from baseline to hyperemic conditions (1 min after 5 min occlusion of the forearm artery). There were five smokers in both the patient and the control groups, but there was no structural heart disease in either group. RESULTS: Baseline brachial artery diameters were comparable (3.8 +/- 0.6 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.7 mm, NS). Flow-mediated dilation in patients with neurally mediated syncope had a normal value of 9.8 +/- 5.0% despite the inclusion of five smokers. Flow-mediated dilation and GTN-D in patients with neurally mediated syncope were significantly greater than those in controls (9.0 +/- 5.0 vs. 3.0 +/- 3.5%, p<0.05; 18.4 +/- 5.5 vs. 14.1 +/- 4.4%, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Augmented endothelial function and/or abnormal peripheral vasomotion in peripheral arteries are important in patients with neurally mediated syncope in selected populations.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A case of aortic dissection with transient ST-segment elevation due to functional left main coronary artery obstruction.

A 48-year-old man with a history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was hospitalized with sudden onset of severe chest pain. He was in cardiogenic shock with a systolic pressure of 60 mm Hg. His electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST-segment elevation in the precordial leads suggestive of acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction. The ST-segment returned to baseline after the systolic blood pressure rose to 100 mm Hg with the administration of sympathomimetic agents. Aortography and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated type A aortic dissection and aortic regurgitation. Aortography and short-axis transesophageal echocardiography showed during diastole almost complete collapse of the true lumen of the ascending aorta caused by the intimal flap. The patient underwent surgical repair of the aortic dissection and implantation of Palmaz stents in the carotid arteries. Decreased blood pressure and the presence of aortic regurgitation accelerated the collapse of the true lumen during diastole in the ascending aorta, resulting in functional obstruction of the left main coronary artery, which may have been related to ST-segment changes in this case.

Aortic Dissection↗
PubMed2000

Plasma levels and redox status of ascorbic acid and levels of lipid peroxidation products in active and passive smokers.

Both active and passive smoking are regarded as risk factors for various diseases. To clarify the effects of active and passive smoking on plasma vitamin C levels and lipid peroxidation status, we examined the plasma levels of ascorbic acid (AA), its redox status [ratio of dehydroascorbate (DHAA) to total AA], the levels of thiobarbiturate reactive substance (TBARS), and the levels of lipid peroxides (LPO) in smokers, nonsmokers, and nonsmokers regularly exposed to environmental cigarette smoke (passive smokers). The study population consisted of 149 healthy males: 75 active smokers (consumption of > 15 cigarettes/day for more than 5 years), 36 passive smokers (more than 10 hr/week exposure to environmental cigarette smoke), and 38 nonsmokers (no cigarette smoke exposure). There were no significant differences in plasma TBARS and LPO levels among the three groups. Plasma levels of AA, the reduced form of vitamin C, were significantly lower in active smokers than in the combined nonsmoking groups (7.2 +/- 3.5 and 8.4 +/- 3.4 microg/mL, respectively; p < 0.05). Although no significant differences were found in plasma DHAA levels among the three groups, the ratios of DHAA to total AA were significantly higher in active and passive smokers than nonexposed nonsmokers (11.2, 10.3, and 7.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). These results indicate that passive smoking, as well as direct inhalation of cigarette smoke, affects the redox status of plasma AA. In passive smokers, the altered redox status of plasma AA suggests an oxidative stress.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Effect of alcohol intake on the levels of plasma homocysteine in healthy males.

Hyperhomocysteinemia in chronic alcoholics has been reported, but it remains unclear whether relatively low alcohol intake compared with the previous reports affects the plasma homocysteine level. To investigate this issue, we performed two studies, a population-based study and an alcohol withdrawal study. An analysis of plasma homocysteine levels in a population of 236 healthy males showed no significant association between alcohol consumption and other tested parameters. In the withdrawal study, the subjects with a history of daily alcohol consumption (81.8 +/- 33.0 g/d, mean +/- SD, 40-150g/d, range) abstained from alcohol for 4 wk. After withdrawal, the levels of serum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol significantly decreased, but the plasma homocysteine level did not change. These results suggest that alcohol intake, at least as far as the amount of beverages our study subjects consumed, has no effect on the plasma homocysteine level in healthy males.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Leukotriene].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Inhibitory effect of tea flavonoids on the ability of cells to oxidize low density lipoprotein.

Dietary flavonoid intake has been reported to be inversely related to mortality from coronary heart disease, and the anti-atherosclerotic effect of flavonoids is considered to be due probably to their antioxidant properties. Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been reported to be induced by the constituent cells of the arterial wall. Accordingly, we examined the effect of pretreatment with tea flavonoids, such as theaflavin digallate, on the ability of cells to oxidize LDL. Theaflavin digallate pretreatment of macrophages or endothelial cells reduced cell-mediated LDL oxidation in a concentration- (0-400 microM) and time- (0-4 hr) dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of flavonoids on cell-mediated LDL oxidation was in the order of theaflavin digallate > theaflavin > or = epigallocatechin gallate > epigallocatechin > gallic acid. Further, we investigated the mechanisms by which flavonoids inhibited cell-mediated LDL oxidation using macrophages and theaflavin digallate. Theaflavin digallate pretreatment decreased superoxide production of macrophages and chelated iron ions significantly. These results suggest that tea flavonoids attenuate the ability of the cell to oxidize LDL, probably by reducing superoxide production in cells and chelating iron ions.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation in the postprandial state in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study examined the effects of fat- plus sucrose-rich meals on endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilation in diabetic patients. Flow-mediated vasodilation in the postprandial state decreased significantly, and the decrease correlated inversely with the magnitude of postprandial hyperglycemia, suggesting that endothelial function in diabetic patients becomes impaired postprandially.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Forearm heating band used in apheresis therapy that employs a positive-temperature coefficient polymer heater.

For standard apheresis therapy, blood is withdrawn from the ante-cubital vein of one arm and processed blood is returned to a vein of the opposite arm. For low-density lipoprotein apheresis or for the treatment of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a sufficient quantity of blood is readily obtained by this method. In some patients with collagen diseases, however, it may be difficult to secure a reliable vein due to vasospasm or it may not be possible to obtain sufficient blood flow. We constructed a forearm heating band by employing a positive-temperature coefficient heater and evaluated the device to determine whether the application of heat to the forearm is effective in securing a sufficient quantity of blood in those patients with collagen disease (eight with systemic lupus erythematosus and one with multicentric Castleman's disease). Both forearms were heated by using this heating band, in addition to systemic warming with an electric blanket, starting 30 minutes before apheresis. The body surface temperature was sequentially monitored by employing a needle-type thermometer. The surface temperature of the heated area became constant at 37.6+/-0.3 degrees C within approximately 20 minutes (34.7+/-1.3 degrees C at the control site, P<0.001). It was found that this heating band makes it possible to obtain the quantity of blood that is necessary for apheresis and reduce the time required for the treatment. No adverse effects attributable to heating of the forearm were recognized.

Blood Component Removal↗
PubMed1999

Effect of aprindine on heart rate variability indices in patients with ischemic heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Decreased heart rate variability indices (HRV) are associated with untoward outcome of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Most class I antiarrhythmic agents decrease HRV, but aprindine (a new class I antiarrhythmic agent) is reported to increase HRV in patients without ischemia. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to determine whether apridine might increase HRV in patients with IHD. METHODS: To investigate the effect of aprindine on HRV in patients with IHD, we performed 24-h ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) at the end of placebo and aprindine (60 mg daily) treatment phases on 38 patients with IHD and at least isolated premature ventricular contractions (PVC). The study protocol utilized a single blind, 4-week, placebo-controlled design. Heart rate variability from ambulatory ECG included SDNN (ms), SDANN (ms), SD (ms), rMSSD (ms), pNN50 (%); frequency analysis of HRV consisting of total (ms, 0.01-1.00 Hz), low (ms, 0.04-0.15 Hz), and high (ms, 0.15-0.40 Hz) components. RESULTS: Study patients were divided into three groups according to the severity of IHD and antiarrhythmic efficacy of aprindine. Group 1 consisted of 15 patients with angina with single-vessel disease, and Group 2 was composed of 10 patients with either multivessel disease or post myocardial infarction; PVCs decreased in both groups as result of aprindine treatment. Group 3 consisted of 13 patients who showed no decreased PVC after aprindine treatment. RMSSD increased, and pNN50 and high-frequency spectra tended to increase in Group 1, while SD, rMSSD, pNN50, and total and low-frequency spectra decreased in Group 3; no significant changes were observed in Group 2. Aprindine significantly augments vagal activity, as reflected by the increase of rMSSD, pNN50, and high-frequency spectra in mild IHD. CONCLUSION: These salutary effects are less in more severe IHD, but aprindine does not aggravate HRV. Thus, if there are salutary effects on arrhythmias and no proarrhythmic effects, aprindine could be prescribed to patients with IHD without concern about decreasing HRV.

Adult↗