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Biomedical subjects

H Furukawa

Publications and source records attributed to H Furukawa.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Traumatic aortic regurgitation with an ascending aortic aneurysm: report of a case].

We reported a case of an aortic regurgitation due to nonpenetrating chest trauma with an ascending aortic aneurysm. A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with an acute left cardiac failure. Severe aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic aneurysm were diagnosed on ultrasonic echocardiography (UCG) and computed tomography (CT) scan. On the 13th day after the injury, semi-emergency operation was done. The commissure between the right coronary and non-coronary cups was torn, and modified Bentall operation was performed. The patient recovered well and discharged uneventfully.

Aortic Aneurysm↗
PubMed2003

[Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the left lung; report of a case].

A 35-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for hysteromyoma. Chest X-ray showed a mass shadow in the left lung field. A thorough examination revealed anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the left lung with 2 abnormal arteries. Because the patient had no symptoms, no operation was performed. After 9 months however, the patient had bloody phlegm and chest pain and received an operation. Thus, we propose that the operation for the pulmonary sequestration is to be performed when such a diagnosis is made.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

A patient with dementia with Lewy bodies and codon 232 mutation of PRNP.

The authors describe a patient who had a point mutation at codon 232 of the prion protein gene, resulting in the substitution of methionine for arginine (M232R). The patient developed dementia and died 6 years after its onset. Autopsy revealed dementia with Lewy bodies, not Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Although the M232R mutation has been reported to cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, findings in our patient suggest that not all patients presenting progressive dementia with M232R mutation have Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed2002

Gelatin-specific cellular immune responses persist for more than 3 years after priming with gelatin containing DTaP vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Gelatin-specific cell-mediated immunity develops in subjects inoculated with gelatin containing DTaP vaccine. However, it is not yet known whether such established sensitization to gelatin disappears or persists with time. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to follow the patients with gelatin sensitization elicited by DTaP vaccination for their lymphocyte responsiveness and IgE, IgG antibody specific to gelatin over several years and to compare the activities with those at the time of enrollment into the study. METHODS: We studied 28 subjects who developed positive lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) after receiving gelatin containing DTaP vaccine and eight subjects who had a negative LPT after inoculation of non-gelatin DTaP. Determination of IgE, IgG antibodies and specific lymphoproliferative response directed against gelatin were performed at enrollment and on follow up. RESULTS: None of the subjects had antibody to gelatin at enrollment and none developed gelatin IgE or IgG during follow-up. There was no significant difference in the SIs of the subjects receiving gelatin DTaP (P = 0.150, 95% CI, -0.198-0.032), whereas lymphocyte activity to gelatin increased between enrollment and follow-up in the subjects with non-gelatin DTaP (P = 0.011, 95% CI, 0.063-0.338). CONCLUSION: Gelatin-specific lymphocyte activity persists at comparable levels for more than 3 years in subjects who acquire a positive LPT response to gelatin after receiving primary DTaP vaccine containing gelatin. Furthermore, five out of eight subjects initially with negative LPT to gelatin have been shown to acquire specific LPT with time.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines↗
PubMed2002

Identification of a novel gelsolin truncate in the vertical and metastatic phase malignant melanomas.

Examination of 38 human melanoma samples by Western blotting analysis with anti-gelsolin antibodies showed that a new 85 kDa truncated gelsolin (GSNp85), co-expressed with wild-type gelsolin, was frequently expressed in vertical growth phase melanomas (Clark level II-IV) and metastatic growth phase melanomas. The GSNp85 truncate was not expressed in radial growth phase melanomas (Clark level I), acquired naevi, other skin cancers or normal skin tissues. Peptide-sequencing analysis revealed that GSNp85 lacks the C-terminal domain of wild-type gelsolin at the region containing the caspase-8 recognition site IETD. Caspase-8 processing was detected in GSNp85-positive but not GSNp85-negative melanomas. These data suggest that GSNp85 is a cleavage product of caspase-8 and may be useful as a new marker for the vertical or metastatic growth phase of malignant melanoma.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2002

CT imaging of intrabiliary growth of colorectal liver metastases: a comparison of pathological findings of resected specimens.

The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of CT in the pre-operative evaluation of macroscopic intrabiliary tumour growth of colorectal liver metastases. 25 metastatic nodules of 18 patients who underwent an initial hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastasis were retrospectively evaluated. The CT appearance and pathological findings of the resected specimens were correlated. A number of unusual peritumoral features associated with intrabiliary tumour growth were detected by pre-operative CT. These were classified into three patterns: (1) thickened portal tract; (2) intrahepatic bile duct dilatation; and (3) a wedge-shaped area with enhancement. In 8 (32%) of the 25 nodules the portal tract was depicted as thicker than usual and these features were found proximal to the tumour in three instances, distal to the tumour in four instances, and both proximal and distal in one instance. All of the three intrabiliary tumours larger than 30 mm resulted in thickening of the portal tract. Intrahepatic bile duct dilatation was detected in association with 10 (40%) of 25 nodules. Bile duct dilatation was observed in more than one segment when intrabiliary tumour reached the hepatic hilus from the tumour. The presence of bile duct dilatation was not related to either the size of the tumour or the extent of intrabiliary tumour growth. An abnormally high density wedge-shaped area on contrast enhanced CT was another feature indicating intrabiliary tumour growth and was seen in association with four nodules. Such areas were seen in the liver parenchyma distal to the tumour on three occasions, or encompassing the tumour on one accasion. This wedge-shaped area appeared as a well demarcated dark red-brown region in the cut surface of the resected specimen. CT was useful for detecting the presence of intrabiliary tumour growth with these three patterns of radiological findings in patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Disorganization of honey-comb immunoreactive pattern of desmin and plectin in rat atrophic soleus muscle fiber induced by hindlimb suspension.

Immunoreactivity for desmin, plectin and alpha-actinin was investigated in rat atrophic soleus muscle fibers induced by hindlimb suspension between 1 and 4 weeks (hindlimb suspension group, HSG), and compared with that of the control group (CG). Some of the HSG for 4 weeks were allowed unrestricted cage activity for 2 weeks as the recovery group (RG). In the cross-sectioned muscle fibers of the CG, desmin and plectin showed honey-comb immunoreactive patterns extending throughout the sarcoplasm. Superimposed images by double immunofluorescence labeling showed overlapping of both immunoreactivities. In the longitudinally sectioned profiles, superimposed images of alpha-actinin and desmin were overlapped at the level of Z-discs. The focal disorganization of the above honeycomb immunoreactive patterns, followed by the reduction of the cross-sectional area (CSA) of atrophic soleus muscle fibers and the appearance of Z-streaming, uniquely arose in the HSG from the first week and extended throughout the sarcoplasm in proportion to the suspension period. Such honey-comb patterns of both desmin and plectin were already restored in the RG at 2 weeks, followed by the disappearance of Z-streaming, prior to the recovery of the CSA. These findings indicate that the disorganization of topological and structural relationships of desmin and plectin with Z-discs surrounding individual myofibrils is primarily evoked, which leads to Z-streaming of atrophic soleus muscle fibers, and that the restoration of the muscle activity results in an early arrangement recovery of desmin and plectin around myofibrils.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[A case of mitral regurgitation with a giant thrombus thought to be caused by anti-phospholipid syndrome].

A 58-year-old woman suffered from mitral valve regurgitation with a giant thrombus in right atrium was thought to be complicated by anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS). Positive anti-loops anti-coagulant and histories of cerebral infarction and miscarriage strongly indicated the diagnosis of APS. She underwent mitral valve replacement using bileaflet mechanical prosthetic value and removal of thrombus. She recovered uneventfully and strict anti-coagulation therapy has been continuing.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome↗
PubMed2002

[Angina pectoris with a left atrial myxoma; report of a case].

A 78-year-old woman who had been diagnosed as left atrial myxoma and angina pectoris underwent simultaneous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and resection of the left atrial myxoma. CABG was preceded by resection of myxoma to avoid systemic embolism of fragment of myxoma. Myocardial protection was secured by combination of antegrade and retrograde infusion of cardioplegia. The patient recovered well and discharged uneventfully.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Cancer chemopreventive activity of naphthoquinones and their analogs from Avicennia plants.

As a part of screening studies for cancer chemopreventive agents (anti-tumor promoters), six natural and four synthetic naphthoquinones and five of their analogs were tested for their inhibitory activities against Epstein-Barr virus early antigen activation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in Raji cells. Some of the 1,4-naphthoquinones and their analogs were found to show remarkably potent activities, without showing any cytotoxicity. 1,4-Furanonaphthoquinone (5) and its analog (9) isolated from Avicennia plants (Avicenniaceae), having an alcoholic OH group on the dihydrofuran-ring, displayed the most potent activity. Furthermore, avicenol-A (9) exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on mouse skin tumor promotion in an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test. The result of the present investigation indicated that some of these 1,4-naphthoquinones and their analogs might be valuable as potent cancer chemopreventive agents.

9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene↗
PubMed2001

Inhibitory effect of flavonoid derivatives on Epstein-Barr virus activation and two-stage carcinogenesis of skin tumors.

To search for possible anti-tumor promoters, ten flavonoid derivatives (1-10) synthesized from morin and quercetin were examined for their inhibitory effects on the Epstein-Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation by a short-term in vitro assay. Of these compounds, pentaallyl ethers (9, 10) showed significant inhibitory effects on EBV-EA activation induced by the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate. Further, quercetin pentaallyl ether (10) exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects on mouse skin tumor promotion in an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Enhancement of immobility induced by repeated phencyclidine injection: association with c-Fos protein in the mouse brain.

Immunohistochemistry of c-Fos protein was performed to study changes in neuronal activity in discrete brain areas of mice repeatedly treated with phencyclidine (PCP) showing enhancement of immobility in the forced swimming test, this behavioral change being considered as avolition, which is one of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Repeated treatment with PCP significantly prolonged immobility time in the forced swimming test, compared with saline treatment. The c-Fos protein expression of mice showing PCP-induced enhancement of immobility was increased in certain brain regions, such as the retrosplenial cortex, pyriform cortices, pontine nuclei, cingulate, frontal cortex and thalamus, compared with that of PCP-treated, non-swimming and saline-treated, swimming groups. These results suggest that increased c-Fos protein is involved in the expression of PCP-induced enhancement of immobility, and c-Fos expression plays a role in negative symptoms-like behavioral changes.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cancer chemopreventive agents, 4-phenylcoumarins from Calophyllum inophyllum.

In a search for anti-tumor-promoting agents, we carried out a primary screening of ten 4-phenylcoumarins isolated from Calophyllum inophyllum L. (Guttiferae), by examining their possible inhibitory effects on Epstein--Barr virus early antigen (EBV-EA) activation induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in Raji cells. All of the compounds tested in this study showed inhibitory activity against EBV, without showing any cytotoxicity. Calocoumarin-A (5) showed more potent activity than any of the other compounds tested. Furthermore, calocoumarin-A (5) exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on mouse skin tumor promotion in an in vivo two-stage carcinogenesis test. The results of the present investigation indicate that some of these 4-phenylcoumarins might be valuable as potential cancer chemopreventive agents (anti-tumor-promoters).

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Protective effect of agiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, CV-11974, on ischemia and reperfusion injury of the liver.

BACKGROUND: Microcirculatory disturbance has been shown to play a critical role in hepatic ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. Angiotensin II (AngII) is one of the most potent endogenous vasoconstrictors. Angiotensin II type I (AT1) receptor antagonist has been reported to have protective effects on I/R injury of the heart and kidney. However, effect on hepatic I/R injury has not been determined. In this study, we investigate our hypothesis that AT1 receptor antagonist, CV-11974, attenuates hepatic I/R injury. METHODS: Twelve beagle dogs underwent a 2-hr total hepatic vascular exclusion with veno-venous bypass. CV-11974 was given to animals at a dose of 0.002 mg/ kg/min for 5 min followed by 0.001 mg/kg/min for 25 min via portal vein before ischemia (group II, n=6). Nontreated animals were used as the control (group I, n=6). Animal survival, hemodynamics, hepatic tissue blood flow (HTBF), liver function, platelet count, renin activity, and AngII concentration of hepatic vein, energy metabolism, and histopathology were analyzed. RESULTS: Two-week survival was 33% in group I, in contrast, 100% in group II. Mean arterial blood pressure during early reperfusion was maintained, and HTBF after reperfusion was significantly higher in group II. Treatment attenuated liver enzyme release and decrease of platelet count, increased renin and AngII, suppressed ATP degradation during ischemia and enhanced ATP resynthesis after reperfusion. Neutrophil infiltration and histopathological damages were lessened in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that the local renin-angiotensin system might play a role in hepatic microcirculation. AT1 receptor blockade with CV-11974 attenuated hepatic microcirculatory disturbance and ameliorated I/R injury.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2001

Attenuation of ischemia and reperfusion injury of canine livers by inhibition of type II phospholipase A2 with LY329722.

BACKGROUND: Membrane phospholipid breakdown, caused by ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) of the liver, releases free fatty acids including arachidonic acids and lysophospholipids, which serve as precursors of various inflammatory lipid derivatives. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a key enzyme that initiates this reaction. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that a type II PLA2 inhibitor, LY329722, could attenuate hepatic I/R injury caused by a 2-hr total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) in dogs. METHODS: Eighteen beagle dogs, subjected to a 2-hr THVE, were divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=6) was untreated and served as a control group. LY329722 was administered to animals in group 2 (n=6) intravenously (0.2 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)) for 60 min before ischemia, and to animals in group 3 (n=6) for 60 min starting 15 min before reperfusion (0.2 mg x kg(-1) x hr(-1)). Animal survival, systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics, hepatic tissue blood flow, liver functions, energy metabolism, hepatic venous thromboxane B2 and endothelin-1 levels, phospholipid levels and tumor necrosis factor-a mRNA expression in liver tissue, and histopathologic findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Two-week animal survival was 33% (two of six) in group 1, and 100% (six of six) in groups 2 and 3. LY329722 improved systemic and splanchnic hemodynamics, hepatic tissue blood flow, and energy metabolism, reduced liver enzyme, thromboxane B2, and endothelin-1 release, prevented hepatic phospholipid degradation and tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression, and lessened histopathologic damage and the number of neutrophil infiltrating into the liver tissue. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that a type II PLA2 inhibitor, LY329722, attenuated hepatic I/R injury caused by a 2-hr THVE model in dogs.

Acetates↗
PubMed2001

Acute inhibition of proinsulin biosynthesis at the translational level by palmitic acid.

The effects of fatty acids on pancreatic beta cell are still controversial. Here, in order to determine whether free fatty acids acutely affect beta cell functions, we studied the effect of palmitic acid (PA) on proinsulin biosynthesis and insulin secretion using rat islets in vitro. Exposure of islets to PA for 1 h reduced glucose-stimulated proinsulin biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner; in contrast, no change in insulin secretion was observed after 1 h incubation with PA. Furthermore, PA treatment did not cause any change of preproinsulin mRNA level during 1-h incubation period. Thus, our data indicate that PA primarily suppresses glucose-induced proinsulin biosynthesis within 1 h at the translational level.

Animals↗