A classification of dextran-hydrolysing enzymes based on amino-acid-sequence similarities.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Biomedical subjects
H Aoki
Publications and source records attributed to H Aoki.
Identification of two closely related genes, inducible and noninducible carbonyl reductases in the rat ovary.
Two closely related cDNAs encoding carbonyl reductase (CR) were isolated from the rat ovary and testis. One (inducible CR, iCR) was rapidly and strongly induced in the ovary by pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), whereas the other (non-inducible CR, nCR) was constitutively expressed in the ovary and was not induced by PMSG. Both genes were also expressed in the rat testis. The cDNAs of rat iCR and nCR encode highly homologous proteins (86% identity in amino acid) with 277 and 276 amino acid residues, respectively. However, the 5'-upstream regions flanking respective genes are completely unrelated to each other except for a short (38 bp) overlap. These results indicate the presence of two closely related but differently regulated CR genes in rat gonadal tissues. Strong induction of iCR by PMSG suggests the importance of the gene in the ovarian follicular development.
Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
Low serum cholesterol in suicide attempters.
Previous studies have shown an association between low serum cholesterol concentration and suicide; however, conflicting results have also been reported. To examine this potential association, cholesterol levels in 99 patients admitted to an emergency ward following an attempted suicide were compared with those in 74 nonsuicidal psychiatric inpatients, and those in 39 psychiatrically normal individuals with accidental injuries. Cholesterol concentrations in suicide attempters were found to be significantly lower compared with both psychiatric and normal controls, when sex, age, psychiatric diagnosis, and physical conditions (serum total protein and red blood cell count) were adjusted for. This significant relationship was observed in mood disorders and personality or neurotic disorders, but not in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. These results support the previous claim that lower cholesterol level is associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Adult↗
Transient expression of M-CSF is important for osteoclast-like cell differentiation in a monocytic leukemia cell line.
Cells of U937, a human monocytic leukemia cell line, differentiate into macrophages by treatment with 12-o-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), whereas cells treated with 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] continue to grow without undergoing differentiation. When U937 cells were successively treated with TPA and 1,25-(OH)2D3, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinucleated cells appeared at 5 days after the treatment. These osteoclast-like cells released a soluble form of 45Ca from 45Ca-labeled bone particles. These cells were not formed when the order of treatment with TPA and 1,25-(OH)2D3 was reversed. Use of either dexamethasone or interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was effective in inhibiting the formation of these osteoclast-like cells. The expression of c-src, c-fms, and macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) was induced by TPA treatment; however, TPA-induced M-CSF gene transcription was attenuated by the subsequent addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Furthermore, both dexamethasone and IFN-gamma impaired the attenuation of M-CSF expression, suggesting that the transient expression of M-CSF may be important for the formation of osteoclast-like cells.
Acid Phosphatase↗
Synovial sarcoma of the hand.
We report on a 23-year-old woman with a poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma on the palm of her hand which presented as a painless nodule. The MRI findings are presented along with the clinical and pathologic features. Because of similar morphological features, these tumors can be confused with benign lesions such as aggressive fibromatosis or ganglion cysts, especially when very small. The possibility of a synovial sarcoma mimicking a benign lesion needs to be considered when the mass does not have an unequivocal benign diagnosis on MR imaging. Following wide resection and reconstruction, our patient has been disease free with good function for 28 months.
Adult↗
Reproduction of excursive tooth contact in an articulator with computerized axiography data.
PURPOSE: This study assessed the reproduction of excursive tooth contacts with a SAM2 "P" articulator set up with the aid of computerized axiography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Articulator excursive tooth contacts were compared with intraoral excursive contacts identified with occlusogram wax. The maxillary casts were mounted with a kinematic face-bow, and the mandibular cast was oriented to the intercuspal position. The articulator was set using information obtained from computerized axiography. Protrusion and laterotrusion to the left and right sides were examined. The first 4 mm of excursive tooth contacts in the occlusogram were compared with the 4 mm of excursive tooth contacts in the articulator. RESULTS: The articulator reproduced 82% of the teeth with protrusive tooth contacts and 90% of the teeth with laterotrusive tooth contacts. The exact locations of excursive tooth contacts were reproduced in 66% of protrusive contacts and 81% of laterotrusive contacts. The articulator also created additional eccentric dental contacts that were not originally present in the occlusogram. Twenty percent of the subjects showed these additional contacts during protrusion; in lateral movement of the articulator these additional contacts were present in 27% to the left side and 20% to the right. Clinically, these findings suggest that there are limits to the ability of the articulator to reproduce excursive tooth contacts. These limitations should be kept in mind when an articulator is used for diagnostic and restorative dental procedures.
Adolescent↗
Molecular characterization of the prokaryotic efp gene product involved in a peptidyltransferase reaction.
The translation factor EF-P is required for efficient prokaryotic peptide bond synthesis on 70S ribosomes from fMet-tRNAfMet. This protein has been purified from Escherichia coli cells and the gene, efp, encoding it has been cloned and sequenced. We have isolated recombinant clones which overexpress a protein that co-migrates with purified EF-P upon SDS-PAGE analysis. Using these clones, we report the purification, crystallization and initial characterization of the efp gene product. The mechanism by which EF-P stimulates peptide-bond synthesis was studied using several antibiotics that inhibit translocation, peptide-bond synthesis and decoding. The stimulation of peptidyltransferase by EF-P was not inhibited by antibiotics that affect translocation and occupation of the A site (in the elongation state), ie thiostrepton, viomycin, neomycin and fusidic acid but was inhibited by streptomycin as well as by inhibitors of peptidyltransferase, chloramphenicol and lincomycin. This observation and the requirement for L16 but not for the L7/L12 nor L6 or L11 r-proteins suggest that the binding site for EF-P may overlap the peptidyltransferase center of the ribosome.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
Characterization of an interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein released from ultraviolet-irradiated epidermal sheet.
An interleukin 1 (IL-1) inhibitor was detected in the culture supernatant of mouse epidermal sheet which had been irradiated with middle-wavelength ultraviolet (UVB) either in vitro or in vivo. Properties of the IL-1 inhibitor were consistent with those of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), i.e., approximate molecular size of 17 kDa by gel filtration, specific inhibition of IL-1-induced thymocyte proliferation, inhibition of binding of IL-1 to IL-1 receptor on the T-cell surface, and reactivity to anti-mouse IL-1ra antibody shown by immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These results indicate that this IL-1 inhibitor, which appears to be identical with IL-1ra, was released from the epidermis upon UVB irradiation, and that the inhibitor may participate in the regulation of inflammation mediated by IL-1, as well as in the pathogenesis of ultraviolet (UV)-induced immunosuppression.
Animals↗
The promoter of an androgen dependent gene in the hamster flank organ.
Hamster flank organs are useful for studying androgen-dependent growth of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. A cDNA clone (FAR-17a) was isolated from the hamster flank organ, whose expression was highly sensitive to androgen. The mRNA level of this gene was reduced after castration but reappeared after testosterone treatment. To elucidate the mechanism of expression of this gene regulated by androgen we isolated a genomic clone, from a hamster genomic library, that includes the promoter and upsteam region. The promoter region was used to drive a luciferase reporter gene in Cos 7 cells. This construct was activated five to six times higher over a control plasmid lacking the promoter region. We tested the effects of testosterone by transfection of the reporter plasmid into androgen dependent SC-3 cells. The results showed up to fivefold stimulation after the addition of androgen. The sequence of this promoter region was analyzed and the transcription factor binding sites were predicted. Since no obvious androgen responsive elements were included in the promoter region, we suggest that the stimulation of the reporter construct has to be mediated indirectly by androgen-dependent transcription factor(s).
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Analyses of human gliomas by restriction landmark genomic scanning.
The 16 primary gliomas were examined for changes in genomic DNA using a recently developed 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis method called restriction landmark genomic scanning (RLGS). This approach allows detection of DNA amplification, deletion, methylation and potentially other genetic rearrangements represented as decreases and increases in spot/fragment intensity on an autoradiogram. Approximately 2,000 landmark sites in tumor DNA were compared with those of DNA isolated from normal brain tissues. Seven spots showing intensified signal were consistently detected in at least 50% of tumors, implying activation of corresponding DNA sequences, and 8 additional spots having reduced signal were observed, again in more than 50% of all tumors, suggesting inactivation by the loss of 1 allele or homozygous deletion. Decreased signal may also infer relative CpG island methylation state. Of those spots consistently identified in tumors, 2 amplified and 4 reduced spots were found to be characteristic of low- and high-grade tumors, while the remaining 5 amplified and 4 reduced spots were associated with high-grade gliomas only, suggesting a link of specific mutations to degree of malignancy. A separate subset of glioblastomas evaluated, however, showed no alterations in these 'hot spots' which were detected in even low grade astrocytomas. The results demonstrate the genetic heterogeneity of glioblastoma and implicate the progression of neoplasia via differing genetic pathways.
Astrocytoma↗
Elevated plasma levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
The study was undertaken to measure plasma interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist and IL-10 concentrations in patients with acute myocardial infarction and to analyze their relationship to the hemodynamics, severity, and prognosis of myocardial infarction in its acute stages. We attempted to define the kinetics of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 34, age 42-91 years, mean 68 years). Plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients in group A (n = 17) had uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (Killip class I). Patients in group B (n = 17) had severe acute myocardial infarction (Killip class II, III, or IV). Peak Il-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels in group B were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of group A. In group B, the peak IL-1 receptor antagonist levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell counts (r = 0.63, p = 0.006), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.78, p = 0.0002), and cardiac index (r = -0.51, p = 0.04). Peak IL-10 levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell counts (r = 0.60, p = 0.01), the pulmonary wedge pressure (r = 0.73, p = 0.0008), and cardiac index (r = -0.50, p = 0.04). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the peak IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001). The peak IL-1 receptor antagonist levels in nonsurvivors (n = 13) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those in survivors (n = 21). The plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels were closely correlated with the severity of hemodynamics in acute myocardial infarction and with the clinical status of patients with severe acute myocardial infarction. Results suggest that plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 can serve as prognostic indicators in cases of sever acute myocardial infarction.
Adult↗
Platelet function is inhibited by nitric oxide liberation during nitroglycerin-induced hypotension anaesthesia.
The inhibitory effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) on platelet function and the mechanisms of inhibition have been studied in vitro, but not in vivo. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of NTG on platelet function in eight patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Simultaneous measurements of platelet aggregation and change in intracellular calcium concentrations were performed in Fura-2 loaded platelets using thrombin as a stimulator. Intraplatelet concentrations of cyclic 3',5'-guanine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by radioimmunoassay, and the concentration of nitrite ion was also measured. Continuous i.v. infusion of NTG 4-8 micrograms kg-1 min-1 significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration (first phase, mean 439.9 (SEM 68.7) vs 210.6 (38.7) nmol litre-1; second phase, 154.4 (19.8) vs 106.7 (18.0) nmol litre-1). The concentration of cGMP (from 0.633 (0.098) to 1.764 (0.578) pmol/10(9) platelets) and the concentration of nitrite ion (from 532.6 (17.6) to 724.4 (34.8) nmol litre-1) also increased significantly after infusion of NTG. The NTG concentration in plasma was of the order of 10(-8) mol litre-1. We have demonstrated that in vivo, NTG increased intraplatelet cGMP concentrations and inhibited platelet function; one mechanisms of this effect is likely to be related to nitric oxide liberation from NTG bioconversion.
Adult↗
Platelet aggregation inhibited by sevoflurane, or by ethanol?
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anesthetics, Inhalation↗
Angiotensin II and serum differentially regulate expression of cyclins, activity of cyclin-dependent kinases, and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma gene product in neonatal cardiac myocytes.
The hypertrophic response in cardiac myocytes and the mitogenic response in other cell types share various early cellular responses. However, how the subsequent cell growth response, such as cell cycle machinery, is regulated in cardiac hypertrophy is not understood. Using cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes, we examined the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II), a hypertrophic stimulus, on mRNA and protein expression of cyclins and cyclin-dependent protein kinases (cdks), activity of cdks, and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma gene product (pRb). The effect of FCS, a stimulus that was previously reported to initiate both protein and DNA synthesis in cardiac myocytes, was also examined for comparison. Ang II activated cdk4 and caused phosphorylation of pRb, peaking at 12 hours, but subsequently downregulated cyclin D1, D3, and A expression and cdk2 activity. FCS increased the expression of G1-S cyclins, caused activation of cdk4, cdk2, and cdc2, and strongly phosphorylated pRb but failed to significantly stimulate DNA synthesis in neonatal cardiac myocytes. These results suggest that Ang II transiently activates but subsequently downregulates cell cycle regulators. Induction of G1 and G1-S cyclins and activation of cdks by FCS are not sufficient to drive cardiac myocytes into S phase. The functional role of pRb phosphorylation by Ang II and serum stimulation and, by inference, the subsequent liberation of E2F in terminally differentiated myocytes remain to be elucidated.
Angiotensin II↗
High-efficiency entrapment of superoxide dismutase into cationic liposomes containing synthetic aminoglycolipid.
A monofatty acid ester of glucosamine (PGlcN) was synthesized to provide liposomal membranes with a positive charge, and the trapping efficiency of negatively charged substances (superoxide dismutases, SODs) into cationic liposomes containing PGlcN or stearylamine (SA) prepared by various methods was compared to find the most efficient trapping methods. We demonstrated that cationic liposomes, which were prepared in a buffer of low ionic strength containing sorbitol by a simple hydration method, could entrap a large amount of negatively charged SODs which retained their activity, as compared with cationic liposomes prepared in a buffer of high ionic strength. We also showed a reverse-phase evaporation method entrapped a large amount of SODs. However, SODs were inactivated during the preparation; therefore, this method was not suitable to entrap the enzyme. Freeze-thaw method induced the formation of cationic liposomes which were smaller than extruded liposomes and could entrap the SODs in a buffer of low ionic strength. Dehydration-rehydration method with a buffer of low ionic strength also entrapped a large amount of SODs, indicating that the integrity of liposomes was lost in the lipid bilayer after freeze-drying and the SODs were entrapped in the reconstruction of liposomes during rehydration. These findings showed that the hydration method based on electrostatic attraction with a buffer of low ionic strength was simple and the most effective for entrapping SODs without loss of their activity.
Cations↗
Bone changes due to hyperbaric exposure.
Based on the hypothesis that bone calcification is promoted by loading physical pressure, changes in the microstructure of the bone under hyperbaric conditions were analyzed by imaging technology. Hyperbaric exposure was carried out for two weeks at 2 atm (equal to the pressure at a depth of water of 10 m) which was achieved using a mixed gas of helium and oxygen (He:O2 88%:12%) in which the oxygen partial pressure was maintained at constant (PO2: 0.21 bar). In image technological analysis, the growth and development of the bone were evaluated at different stages using Digital Magnification Radiography (DMR) images and based on changes in the X-ray absorption ratio. DMR images after hyperbaric exposure showed calcification in the heads of long bones (humeri, femora, and tibiae) in mice. There were also significant changes in the X-ray absorption ratio in the heads. The accumulation of 99mTc-MDP was higher in all long-bone heads after hyperbaric exposure than before exposure. These results suggest that the hyperbaric environment promotes bone calcification.
Animals↗
Effect of respiratory rate on respiratory patterns in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
We enrolled 22 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 20 normal subjects as controls. Using a hot-wire flow meter, we obtained tidal volume (VT), duty ratio (Ti/Ttot), and mean inspiratory flow (VT/Ti) as measures of respiratory pattern at two different respiratory rates; 0.5 Hz and 1.5 Hz. At 0.5 Hz, there were significant differences in Ti/Ttot and VT/Ti. At 1.5 Hz, patients with COPD had significantly lower values of VT and VT/Ti. Furthermore, we calculated the change ratios from 0.5 Hz to 1.5 Hz in these parameters as new parameters of respiratory pattern change by respiratory rate. VT0.5/1.5 and VT/Ti0.5/1.5 significantly correlated with FEV1.0/FVC. The findings suggest that the parameters of the respiratory pattern may change depending on respiratory rates, and that the ratios of those parameters obtained at two different rates could be helpful in diagnosing airflow obstruction.
Aged↗
Intraorbital subperiosteal hematoma due to paranasal mucocele--case report.
A 68-year-old female was admitted with a rare intraorbital subperiosteal hematoma manifesting as sudden orbital pain, progressive blepharoptosis, and diplopia. Computed tomography showed a biconvex high density mass in the superomedial part of the left orbit, which was recognized to be a subperiosteal hematoma intraoperatively. The eroded orbital roof between the frontal sinus and orbit was a result of mechanical compression by the mucocele. Infection extending into the orbit was important in causing the hemorrhage.
Aged↗