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Biomedical subjects

Fumitake Gejyo

Publications and source records attributed to Fumitake Gejyo.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Renal outcome and predictors of clinical renal involvement in patients with silent lupus nephritis.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the development of clinically overt nephritis in patients with silent lupus nephritis in an effort to determine predictors of onset. METHODS: We selected 31 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who were diagnosed as having silent lupus nephritis between 1985 and 1995. Urinalysis, blood cell count, serum creatinine, complement levels, and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA antibody) levels were followed retrospectively for at least 60 months in each patient. RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 8 patients developed clinical renal disease and 23 had no renal impairment. The mean time of overt nephritis onset was 58 months and renal function deteriorated mildly in 3 patients. Although clinical and laboratory findings were not significantly different at SLE onset, patients with overt nephritis showed both persistent elevation of anti-dsDNA antibodies and persistently low levels of serum C3 and CH50 for at least 24 months before the onset of overt nephritis. CONCLUSIONS: Although the renal prognosis was relatively favorable, 25.8% of patients developed overt nephritis during the follow-up period. Elevation of anti-dsDNA antibodies with hypocomplementemia was persisted in these patients, suggesting the utility of these factors as predictors of clinical renal involvement in silent lupus nephritis.

Adolescent↗

Rat liver-targeted naked plasmid DNA transfer by tail vein injection.

High levels of foreign gene expression in mouse hepatocytes can be achieved by "hydrodynamics-based transfection," the rapid injection of a large volume of a naked deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) solution into the tail vein. Rats are more tolerant of the frequent phlebotomies required for monitoring blood parameters than mice and, thus, are more suitable for some biomedical research. Recently, we demonstrated that hydrodynamics-based transfection can also be used to deliver naked plasmid DNA into the normal rat, which is more than 10 times larger than the mouse. We performed the tail vein injection using a syringe with a winged needle equipped with an external tube. Injection of a lac Z expression plasmid, pCAGGS-lac Z by this technique resulted in the exclusive detection of beta-galactosidase in the liver. We also injected a rat erythropoietin (Epo) expression plasmid, pCAGGS-Epo (800 microg). Maximal Epo gene expression was achieved when a 25-mL injection volume (approx 100 mL/kg body wt) was transferred within 15 s.

Algorithms↗

Rat kidney-targeted naked plasmid DNA transfer by retrograde injection into the renal vein.

Kidney-targeted gene transfer is expected to revolutionize the treatment of renal diseases. Recently, we demonstrated that naked plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be transferred into renal interstitial fibroblasts near the peritubular capillaries (PTCs) in normal rats, by retrograde injection into the renal vein with the renal vein and artery clamped. The PTC network is a main target of kidney transplant rejection and of progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which typifies all progressive renal diseases. We retrogradely injected a lacZ expression plasmid in Ringer's solution into the renal vein of rats using a 24-gage catheter. We detected lacZ expression exclusively in the interstitial fibroblasts near the PTCs of the kidney by immunoelectron microscopy. Nephrotoxicity from the gene transfer was not apparent. We then used a rat erythropoietin (Epo) expression plasmid vector pCAGGS-Epo in a reporter assay. We obtained maximal Epo expression when the DNA solution was injected within 5 s in a volume of 1.0 mL. We detected transgene-derived Epo messenger ribonucleic acid by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction only in the kidneys receiving pCAGGS-Epo. In this article, protocols for naked plasmid DNA transfer into rat kidney using this hydrodynamics-based transfection method and the immunoelectron microscopic technique to determine the lacZ gene transfer site are described in detail.

Animals↗

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone and thrombocytopenia caused by cytomegalovirus infection in a young immunocompetent woman.

We report the first case of the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. A 32-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of pandysautonomic signs and symptoms. Thrombocytopenia and hyponatremia were present. Serum anti-CMV IgM and IgG antibodies were positive. Despite hyponatremia, urinary osmolality exceeded plasma osmolality and plasma vasopressin levels related to plasma osmolality were high. Restriction of water intake and administration of dimethylchlorotetracycline improved hyponatremia, suggesting this patient had SIADH. In this patient, SIADH may have been caused by acute pandysautonomia that developed following CMV infection.

Adult↗

Thrombosis in inferior vena cava (IVC) due to intra-cystic hemorrhage into a hepatic local cyst with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

A 76-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was admitted complaining of severe edema of bilateral lower extremities. Computed tomography (CT) of his abdomen revealed an enlarged hepatic cyst with intra-cystic hemorrhage, and massive thrombosis in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The extrinsic mechanical stress on the IVC seemed to induce thrombosis within the IVC, and the thrombosis was likely the cause of severe edema in lower extremities. In this report, we present a rare case of IVC thrombosis due to an enlarged cyst in ADPKD successful treated with anticoagulant therapy.

Aged↗

Tracheo-bronchitis associated with Crohn's disease improved on inhaled corticotherapy.

We report a case of tracheo-bronchitis in Crohn's disease. A 23-year-old Japanese woman who had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease three years previously was hospitalized. She had been suffering from dry cough for one month. Computed tomography of the chest revealed marked thickening of the tracheal wall. Bronchoscopy showed erythematous and edematous mucosa with diffuse whitish granular lesions in the trachea and bronchi. The bronchial biopsy specimens showed non-specific inflammatory infiltrates consisting of lymphocytes and plasma cells, and hyperplasia of bronchial glands. Inhaled corticotherapy, fluticasone propionate 800 microg/day, was effective for both the inflammatory mucosa and thickened tracheal wall.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Interference of (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan administration in the measurement of plasma (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan.

OBJECTIVE: Blood (1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucan (betaG) measurement is widely used as an effective sero-diagnostic method for deep-seated mycosis. Antitumor betaG (lentinan, schizophyllan) administration is known as one of the false-positive factors of blood betaG measurement. To understand the influence of administered betaG preparation to betaG measurement in blood, we compared the interfering effect of betaG administration in different betaG measuring methods. METHODS: betaG concentration in plasma was measured by three different methods. MATERIALS: betaG concentration was measured in plasma of 18 samples of 7 cases with betaG administration and 86 samples without betaG administration. The period after last betaG administration was three days to three years. RESULTS: In the cases for which betaG was administered, blood betaG level drastically increased using the method which employs alkaline pretreatment. Even in the cases for which betaG was administered three years previously; betaG value measured by alkaline pretreatment was significantly high. Thus, interference of betaG administration in blood betaG measurement continued for years after the last administration. CONCLUSION: Disparity in betaG values measured by different methods for betaG administered cases is due to differences among sample pretreatment methods. Conformation of administered betaG seemed to be transformed into a sensitive form to factor G by alkaline pretreatment. Especially in the case of the alkaline pretreatment method, betaG administration disturbance was much stronger than for dilution-heating pretreatment. Therefore, in suspected cases, it is important to pay attention to betaG administration during the previous few years.

Aged↗

[Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia complicating brain tumor].

Brain tumors are frequently treated with steroids due to the presence of peritumoral edema. However, in Japan it is not widely recognized that primary brain tumor patients who are receiving steroid therapy become susceptible to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). We reviewed the clinical features and risk factors for PCP in brain tumor patients treated at our institution between 1994 and 2002. The treated cases consisted of 6 men and 6 women ranging in age from 47 to 78 yr (mean age 65.3). Underlying diseases included malignant glioma in 9 patients, malignant lymphoma in 2 patients and meningioma in one patient. All were diagnosed by respiratory disease specialists using bronchial washings and bronchoalveolar lavage or chest X ray/CT image. Radiation therapies were administered with 20 to 60 Gy (mean 52.9 Gy) except in one patient. Chemotherapy was performed with ranimustine in 4 malignant glioma patients and with methotrexate in 2 malignant lymphoma patients. Prednisone, begun perioperatively, was reduced gradually from a mean initial dosage of 38.3 mg/day orally. The duration of steroid treatment at the onset of PCP in these patients ranged from 41 to 79 days (mean 61.4 days). Six patients (50%) died of PCP despite appropriate antibiotic therapy and 2 patients needed intensive therapy with a respirator. For early diagnosis of PCP, periodic serological (e.g.; the level of lactate dehydrogenase and beta-D-glucan) and radiological examination (e.g.; chest X ray and CT image) is indicated in patients with brain tumors, and prophylaxis against PCP might be needed for patients with intracranial neoplasms and who are also receiving high-dose and long-term steroid treatment.

Aged↗

[Psoriasis].

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Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Total parathyroidectomy reduces elevated circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 in advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), accelerated by hyperphosphatemia. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), a phosphorus-regulating protein, has key roles in several phosphate-wasting disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the association of advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism with circulating FGF-23 levels. METHODS: Fifteen patients with marked secondary hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid hormone [PTH], 990 +/- 118 pg/mL [ng/L]) were enrolled. All underwent parathyroidectomy with forearm autotransplantation (PTX), and their FGF-23 levels were measured before and after PTX (days 1, 3, 7, and 10) by means of sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Preoperative FGF-23 levels correlated positively with phosphorus (P < 0.05), calcium-phosphorus product (Ca x P; P < 0.0005), and PTH values (P < 0.05). Serum FGF-23 levels decreased time dependently after PTX (P < 0.0005). Both serum phosphorus and Ca x P values decreased similarly after PTX ( P = 0.0001). Furthermore, FGF-23 levels days 1 and 3 correlated linearly with serum phosphorus (P < 0.05; P < 0.005, respectively) and Ca x P values (P < 0.01; P < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: FGF-23 levels correlate positively with serum phosphorus, Ca x P, and PTH values in patients with advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism. Complete ablation of progressive parathyroid glands reduces circulating FGF-23 levels, simultaneously decreasing serum phosphorus and Ca x P values. These findings suggest that hyperplastic parathyroid glands, together with hyperphosphatemia, affect abnormal FGF-23 metabolism in patients with stage 5 CKD with advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Chronic Disease↗

[A case of recurrent pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma responding to treatment with CBDCA/paclitaxel combined chemotherapy].

A 57-year-old female underwent left lower lung lobectomy and was histologically diagnosed as having lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma. One year and 2 months after surgery, pleural thickening was recognized, so she was administered 4 courses of CBDCA/PTX combined chemotherapy. Toxicity associated with the chemotherapy was very mild. Pleural thickening and effusion disappeared after treatment, so this case was judged to be a complete response. She suffered from left chest pain before chemotherapy, which later lessened. She was thus able to stop taking NSAIDs. Because primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a rare tumor, there is no standard chemotherapy treatment. CBDCA/PTX combined chemotherapy is effective for pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and shows good tolerability and improves QOL.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

[A case of primary pleural leiomyoma].

The chest radiograph = of a 33-year-old man showed a mass shadow in the right hilum. CT scanning film revealed a 3 x 2 cm tumor lying against the right pulmonary artery. Bronchoscopy and pulmonary arteriography showed almost normal findings. VATS tumor extirpation was performed. Macroscopically, the tumor was located in a major fissure. The resected specimen was compatible with leiomyoma. Because no organ of origin of the leiomyoma, other than the pleura, was detected, this case was diagnosed as a primary pleural leiomyoma. Primary pleural leiomyoma is very rare, and this report presents the first such case reported in Japan.

Adult↗

[Susceptibilities of bacteria isolated from patients with lower respiratory infectious diseases to antibiotics (2002)].

From October 2002 to September 2003, we collected the specimen from 476 patients with lower respiratory tract infections in 16 institutions in Japan, and investigated the susceptibilities of isolated bacteria to various antibacterial agents and patients' characteristics. Of 584 strains that were isolated from specimen (mainly from sputum) and assumed to be bacteria causing in inflammation, 578 strains were examined. The breakdown of the isolated bacteria were: Staphylococcus aureus 77, Streptococcus pneumoniae 103, Haemophilus influenzae 95, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (non-mucoid) 61, P. aeruginosa (mucoid) 23, Klebsiella pneumoniae 36, Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis 29, etc. Of 77 S. aureus strains, those with 2 microg/ml or less of MIC of oxacillin (MPIPC) [methicillin-susceptible S. aureus: MSSA] was 34 strains (44.2%) and those with 4 microg/ml or more of MIC of oxacillin (methicillin-resistant S. aureus: MRSA) was 43 strains (55.8%). Against MSSA, imipenem (IPM) and minocycline (MINO) had the most potent antibacterial activity and inhibited the growth of all the strains at 0.25 microg/ml. Although clindamycin (CLDM) and aminoglycosides also had the potent activity, the resistant strains against those agents were detected. Cefotiam (CTM) inhibited the growth of all the strains at 1 microg/ml without the low sensitive strains. Against MRSA, vancomycin (VCM) showed the most potent activity and inhibited the growth of all the strains at 2 microg/ml. Arbekacin (ABK) also showed the relatively potent activity and inhibited the growth of all the strains at 4 microg/ml. Carbapenems showed the most potent activities against S. pneumoniae and inhibited the growth of all the strains at 0.25-0.5 microg/ml. Cefozopran (CZOP) also had a preferable activity (MIC90: 1 microg/ml) and inhibited the growth of all the strains at 2 microg/ml. In contrast, the resistant strains for cefaclor (CCL), erythromycin (EM), CLDM, and tetracycline (TC) were detected in 50.5%, 76.7%, 50.5%, and 80.6% of all the strains, respectively. Against H. influenzae, LVFX showed the most potent activity and inhibited the growth of 92 of all the strains (96.8%) at 0.063 microg/ml. Tobramycin (TOB) showed the most potent activity against P. aeruginosa (both mucoid and non-mucoid) and inhibited the growth of all the strains at 2 microg/ml. The antibacterial activity of CZOP was good and its MIC90 against mucoid and non-mucoid strains was 8 and 16 microg/ml, respectively. CZOP and cefpirome (CPR) were the most potent against K. pneumoniae with 0.125 microg/ml of MIC90. Also, all the agents generally showed potent activities against M. (B.) catarrhalis and the MIC90 of all drugs were 4 microg/ml or less. The approximately half the number (47.5%) of the patients with respiratory infection were aged 70 years or older. As for the incidence by the diseases, bacterial pneumonia and chronic bronchitis were the highest, being noted in 35.7 and 33.8% of all the patients, respectively. The bacteria frequently isolated from the patients with bacterial pneumonia were S. pneumoniae (22.6%). In contrast, S. aureus (16.6%) and P. aeruginosa (13.7%) were relatively frequently isolated from the patients with chronic bronchitis. Before the drug administration, the bacteria frequently isolated from all the patients were H. influenzae (24.5%) and S. pneumoniae (24.2%). In comparison of the isolated bacteria by pretreatment agents, P. aeruginosa was relatively frequently isolated from the patients pretreated with cephems or macrolides and H. influenzae was relatively frequently isolated from the patients pretreated with penicillins.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

[Gene polymorphisms of renin-angiotensin system in patients with kidney diseases].

Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and/or angiotensin receptor blocker, has been well appreciated as a renoprotective treatment in proteinuric glomerular diseases. However, not all patients with glomerular diseases respond well to this therapy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensinogen may be involved in the inter-individual difference in the responsiveness to the renoprotective efficacy of the RAS blockade. This review focuses on the interface between genomics and therapeutics in the renin-angiotensin system in IgA nephropathy, the most prevalent form of primary glomerulonephritis and one of the major causes of end-stage renal disease in the world.

Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists↗

The duration of signaling through CD40 directs biological ability of dendritic cells to induce antitumor immunity.

Although it has been demonstrated that the functions of dendritic cells (DCs), including Ag capture, Ag presentation, and migratory activity, change dynamically with their maturation, the most appropriate conditioning of DCs for anticancer immunotherapy is still unclear. The help signal is one of the most potent stimuli for DC maturation and is provided by the interaction of CD40 expressed on DCs with CD40 ligand on CD4(+) T cells. To elucidate the appropriate conditioning of DCs for anticancer immunotherapy, we examined the biological activity of DCs stimulated with immobilized anti-CD40 Ab. DCs stimulated for 3 h (3h-DCs) still showed an immature phenotype, but exhibited augmented migration toward secondary lymphoid tissues. Subcutaneous injection of 3h-DCs facilitated priming of T cells, which could mediate potent antitumor therapeutic efficacy, in draining lymph nodes and successfully induced protective immunity. In contrast, 24h-DCs showed a mature phenotype with good Ag presentation ability to induce cell killing by adoptively transferred CD8(+) T cells when injected at tumor sites; however, they showed no migratory activity and were unable to induce protective immunity when injected s.c. This is the first report that functionally distinct DCs, either for the priming phase or for the effector phase, could be obtained by conditioning with CD40 stimulation and that the duration of stimulation determines the biological outcome. The usage of DCs conditioned for the priming phase might provide significant advantages in anticancer immunotherapy.

Animals↗