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Biomedical subjects

H Goto

Publications and source records attributed to H Goto.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

[Evaluation of a multi-hospital cooperative study on the efficacy and safety of panipenem/betamipron (PAPM/BP) on elderly patients of respiratory infections].

The efficacy and safety of Panipenem/Betamipron (PAPM/BP) on elderly patients of respiratory infections was examined at 17 hospitals in a cooperative study. Among the 95 case, we examined the efficacy of the medication in 86 cases, and the safety in all 95 cases. Efficacy was confirmed in 81.3% of pneumonia patients, 57.7% of secondary-infection patients of chronic respiratory diseases, and 74.4% of the total. No significant difference was observed among each group according to age, comparing patients > or = 65 years old grouped by 5 years, or when broadly comparing groups < 75 years and > or = 75 years of age. The microbiological efficacy was 100% for Streptococcus pneumoniae, 80% for Staphylococcus aureus, 80% in Klebsiella pneumoniae; therefore, a very good disappearance rate of symptoms could be obtained in all major respiratory etiologic agents except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we also examined other factors considered to affect the course of treatment for elderly patients of infectious diseases, namely the presence of absence of underlying diseases, the distinctness of infectious symptoms, the patient's condition before the appearance of infectious symptoms, and previous history of treatment with antimicrobial agents. For safety, the incidence rate of side effects was 14.7%, which was similar to the 16.9% in the developmental study. These two findings were also similar in content. No significant difference was observed among each age group, comparing patients > or = 65 years old grouped by 5 years, or comparing groups < 75 years and > or = 75 years of age. From the above evaluation, we consider PAPM/BP to be an effective drug for normal adult patients as well as elderly patients of respiratory infections.

Aged↗

DNA vaccine encoding hemagglutinin provides protective immunity against H5N1 influenza virus infection in mice.

In Hong Kong in 1997, a highly lethal H5N1 avian influenza virus was apparently transmitted directly from chickens to humans with no intermediate mammalian host and caused 18 confirmed infections and six deaths. Strategies must be developed to deal with this virus if it should reappear, and prospective vaccines must be developed to anticipate a future pandemic. We have determined that unadapted H5N1 viruses are pathogenic in mice, which provides a well-defined mammalian system for immunological studies of lethal avian influenza virus infection. We report that a DNA vaccine encoding hemagglutinin from the index human influenza isolate A/HK/156/97 provides immunity against H5N1 infection of mice. This immunity was induced against both the homologous A/HK/156/97 (H5N1) virus, which has no glycosylation site at residue 154, and chicken isolate A/Ck/HK/258/97 (H5N1), which does have a glycosylation site at residue 154. The mouse model system should allow rapid evaluation of the vaccine's protective efficacy in a mammalian host. In our previous study using an avian model, DNA encoding hemagglutinin conferred protection against challenge with antigenic variants that differed from the primary antigen by 11 to 13% in the HA1 region. However, in our current study we found that a DNA vaccine encoding the hemagglutinin from A/Ty/Ir/1/83 (H5N8), which differs from A/HK/156/97 (H5N1) by 12% in HA1, prevented death but not H5N1 infection in mice. Therefore, a DNA vaccine made with a heterologous H5 strain did not prevent infection by H5N1 avian influenza viruses in mice but was useful in preventing death.

Animals↗

Biological heterogeneity, including systemic replication in mice, of H5N1 influenza A virus isolates from humans in Hong Kong.

An H5N1 avian influenza A virus was transmitted to humans in Hong Kong in 1997. Although the virus causes systemic infection and is highly lethal in chickens because of the susceptibility of the hemagglutinin to furin and PC6 proteases, it is not known whether it also causes systemic infection in humans. The clinical outcomes of infection in Hong Kong residents ranged widely, from mild respiratory disease to multiple organ failure leading to death. Therefore, to understand the pathogenesis of influenza due to these H5N1 isolates, we investigated their virulence in mice. The results identified two distinct groups of viruses: group 1, for which the dose lethal for 50% of mice (MLD50) was between 0.3 and 11 PFU, and group 2, for which the MLD50 was more than 10(3) PFU. One day after intranasal inoculation of mice with 100 PFU of group 1 viruses, the virus titer in lungs was 10(7) PFU/g or 3 log units higher than that for group 2 viruses. Both types of viruses had replicated to high titers (>10(6) PFU/g) in the lungs by day 3 and maintained these titers through day 6. More importantly, only the group 1 viruses caused systemic infection, replicating in nonrespiratory organs, including the brain. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the replication of a group 1 virus in brain neurons and glial cells and in cardiac myofibers. Phylogenetic analysis of all viral genes showed that both groups of Hong Kong H5N1 viruses had formed a lineage distinct from those of other viruses and that genetic reassortment between H5N1 and H1 or H3 human viruses had not occurred. Since mice and humans harbor both the furin and the PC6 proteases, we suggest that the virulence mechanism responsible for the lethality of influenza viruses in birds also operates in mammalian hosts. The failure of some H5N1 viruses to produce systemic infection in our model indicates that multiple, still-to-be-identified, factors contribute to the severity of H5N1 infection in mammals. In addition, the ability of these viruses to produce systemic infection in mice and the clear differences in pathogenicity among the isolates studied here indicate that this system provides a useful model for studying the pathogenesis of avian influenza virus infection in mammals.

Animals↗

Regulation of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) induced apoptosis by soluble TNF receptors in Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a predominant cytokine produced in the gastric mucosa of patients with Helicobacter pylori infection. TNF induces apoptosis in a variety of cells. The soluble TNF receptors (sTNF-Rs) can be divided into sTNF-RI and sTNF-RII, both of which inhibit TNF activity. However, their precise mechanisms remain unclear. AIM: To investigate the role of sTNF-Rs in H pylori infection. METHODS: In 40 patients, production of TNF and sTNF-Rs in gastric mucosa was measured using biopsy specimens. In addition, in gastric epithelial cells, sTNF-R release in response to TNF and the protective effect of sTNF-Rs against the cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of TNF were examined. RESULTS: TNF and sTNF-R expression was significantly higher in H pylori positive than H pylori negative patients. TNF dose-dependently induced sTNF-RI release from gastric epithelial cells. sTNF-RII was also released from the cells. TNF decreased cell viability, but the effect was very small. A combination of anti-sTNF-RI and anti-sTNF-RII monoclonal antibodies significantly increased TNF induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that sTNF-Rs are actively produced in H pylori infected gastric mucosa. sTNF-Rs appear to protect gastric epithelial cells from TNF induced apoptosis in H pylori infection.

Adult↗

The utility of endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopy in the endoscopic mucosal resection of early gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopy in the endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of early gastric cancer. Patients/Methods-EMR was performed in 61 patients with early gastric cancer over the past five years. The accuracy of the assessment of the depth of cancerous invasion was studied in 49 patients who had EUS before EMR. Forty eight patients were treated with endoscopy alone; in these patients, EUS and endoscopic findings correlated with the clinical course. RESULTS: Forty six patients showed no changes in the submucosal layer or deeper structures on EUS. Pathologically these included 37 patients with mucosal cancer and nine with submucosal cancer showing very slight submucosal infiltration. Three patients showed diffuse low echo changes in the submucosal layer on EUS; pathologically, these included two with submucosal cancer and one with mucosal cancer with a peptic ulcer scar within the tumour focus. Of 48 patients receiving endoscopic treatment alone, 45 showed no tumour recurrence or evidence of metastases on EUS and endoscopy. Three cases of recurrence were observed. Two of these patients had a surgical gastrectomy, and one was re-treated endoscopically. In the former cases, the surgical results correlated well with assessment by EUS and endoscopy. In addition, the latter patient who was re-treated endoscopically after evaluation with EUS and endoscopy has so far had no recurrence. CONCLUSION: The combined use of EUS and endoscopy is effective in diagnosing the depth of cancerous invasion in patients undergoing EMR as well as in clarifying changes both within and between anatomic levels during follow up.

Aged↗

Effect of Uncariae ramulus et Uncus on endothelium in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The protective effect of the extract of Uncariae ramulus et Uncus (URE) against endothelium disorder due to hypertension was investigated. We administered low (150 mg/kg/day) and high (450 mg/kg/day) doses of URE orally to spontaneously hypertensive rats for 8 weeks. Endothelium dependent vasodilatation by acetylcholine increased significantly in the high URE group compared with the control group. Endothelium dependent vasocontraction by xanthine oxidase decreased significantly in the high URE group compared with the control group. Serum NO2-/NO3- were tended to increase in the high URE group. It is suggested that URE may have a protective effect for the endothelium against the influence of hypertension.

Acetylcholine↗

Cataract development in 12-month-old rats fed a 25% galactose diet and its relation to osmotic stress and oxidative damage.

We attempted to clarify the pattern of cataract development in 12-month-old rats fed a 25% galactose diet and to assess the relation of cataract development with osmotic stress and oxidative damage. In lenses of 12-month-old male Wistar rats fed a 25% galactose diet over an 8-month period, suture accentuation appeared at 6 months of galactose feeding and then opacities developed from the anterior subcapsular cortex toward the posterior subcapsular cortex, reaching the nuclear region at 8 months of galactose feeding. Increases in lens galactitol and lipid peroxide contents and a decrease in lens reduced glutathione content occurred at 4, 6 and 8 months of galactose feeding. The increase in lens lipid peroxide content and the decrease in lens reduced glutathione content were accelerated with an increase in feeding period, while the increase in lens galactitol content was decelerated. An increase in lens water content and a decrease in lens protein content occurred at 6 and 8 months of galactose feeding. The lens vitamin E content increased at 6 months of galactose feeding and this increase was concomitant with increases in serum vitamin E and total cholesterol concentrations. The serum lipid peroxide concentration increased at 4 and 6 months of galactose feeding. The present results indicate that in lenses of 12-month-old rats fed a 25% galactose diet, suture accentuation appears initially and then opacities develop from the anterior subcapsular cortex toward the posterior subcapsular cortex, finally reaching the nuclear region. These results also suggest that in the galactosemic aged rats, osmotic stress would mainly contribute to cataract formation, while oxidative damage could be linked to both cataract formation and progression, although an increase in lens vitamin E content occurs during the cataract development.

Animals↗

The role of amino acids surrounding tyrosine 1062 in ret in specific binding of the shc phosphotyrosine-binding domain.

We investigated the role of the I-E-N-K-L (amino acids 1057-1061) sequence amino-terminal to Tyr1062 in Ret for binding of the Shc phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain. Substitution of Ser for Ile1057 (I1057S), Ala for Asn1059 (N1059A), or Pro for Leu1061 (L1061P) in this sequence significantly decreased the transforming activity of Ret with the multiple endocrine neoplasm type 2A (MEN2A) mutation as well as the binding affinity of Shc to it in vivo and in vitro, indicating that these three amino acids play a role in Shc binding. In addition, as the RET protooncogene is translated as three isoforms of 1114 amino acids (Ret 51), 1106 amino acids (Ret 43), and 1072 amino acids (Ret 9) that differ from one another in the sequence carboxyl-terminal to Tyr1062, we examined whether these sequence differences influence the binding affinity of Shc to Ret. As a result, we found that the transforming activity of Ret 43 isoform with the MEN2A mutation and the binding affinity of Shc to it were very low, although the consensus sequence for the binding of the Shc PTB domain is conserved in the Ret 43 isoform. This finding suggested that the sequence carboxyl-terminal to Tyr1062 in Ret could also influence the binding affinity to Shc.

3T3 Cells↗

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels in normotensive noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients with microalbuminuria.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a member of the natriuretic peptide family, is produced and released from cardiac ventricles. BNP regulates the body fluid volume, blood pressure, and vascular tones through the A-type guanylate cyclase-coupled receptor. The presence of renal dysfunction in patients with diabetes affects the plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). In the present study, we investigated the plasma levels of BNP and ANP and their relationship in normotensive diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria and microalbuminuria. Forty-seven normotensive lean noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients (31 with normoalbuminuria, 16 with microalbuminuria), with normal cardiac function, and 30 age-matched control subjects were enrolled in this study. The plasma levels of BNP in diabetic patients with microalbuminuria were significantly higher than those in diabetic patients with normoalbuminuria (16.7+/-2.4 vs. 9.6+/-1.3 pg/mL, P<0.01) or normal subjects (16.7+/-2.4 vs. 7.0+/-0.6 pg/mL, P<0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between plasma BNP levels and urinary albumin excretion rate in all diabetic patients (r = 0.58, P<0.0001). There was also a significantly positive correlation between plasma BNP and ANP levels in diabetic patients (r = 0.62, P<0.0001). The increased plasma level of BNP in patients with microalbuminuria and its significant correlation with urinary albumin excretion rate suggest that the elevated circulating levels of BNP are caused by the presence of diabetic nephropathy. Down-regulation of A-type guanylate cyclase-coupled receptor of renal tubules may explain the increased plasma levels of both BNP and ANP in normotensive diabetic patients with microalbuminuria.

Albuminuria↗

Evaluation of the protective effects of alkaloids isolated from the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis on glutamate-induced neuronal death in cultured cerebellar granule cells from rats.

We have previously shown that an aqueous extract of the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis (Oliv.) Havil., Uncariae Uncus Cum Ramulusis, protects against glutamate-induced neuronal death in cultured cerebellar granule cells by inhibition of Ca2+ influx. Because it is not known which components of Uncaria sinensis are active, in this study we have evaluated, by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) staining, the neuroprotective effects of the oxyindole alkaloids corynoxeine, rhynchophylline, isorhynchophylline and isocorynoxeine, and the indole alkaloids geissoschizine methyl ether, hirsuteine and hirsutine, isolated from the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis, on glutamate-induced cell death. We also investigated the inhibitory effects of the compounds on 45Ca2+ influx in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. Cell viability evaluated by the MTT assay was significantly increased by application of rhynchophylline (10(-3) M), isorhynchophylline (10(-4)-10(-3) M), isocorynoxeine (10(-4)-10(-3) M), hirsuteine (10(-4)-3 x 10(-4) M) or hirsutine (10(-4)-3 x 10(-4) M) compared with exposure to glutamate only, with the effect of isorhynchophylline being the strongest. The increased 45Ca2+ influx into cells induced by glutamate was significantly inhibited by administration of rhynchophylline (10(-3) M), isorhynchophylline (3 x 10(-4)-10(-3) M), isocorynoxeine (3 x 10(-4)-10(-3) M), geissoschizine methyl ether (10(-3) M), hirsuteine (3 x 10(-4)-10(-3) M) or hirsutine (3 x 10(-4)-10(-3) M). These results suggest that oxyindole alkaloids such as isorhynchophylline, isocorynoxeine and rhynchophylline and indole alkaloids such as hirsuteine and hirsutine are the active components of the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis which protect against glutamate-induced neuronal death in cultured cerebellar granule cells by inhibition of Ca2+ influx.

Alkaloids↗

The role of natural killer cells in the early period of infection in murine cutaneous leishmaniasis.

In order to study the role of natural killer (NK) cells during the early period of Leishmania infection, BALB/c mice were selectively and permanently depleted of NK cells by injection with 90Sr and subsequently infected with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (HSJD-1 strain). 90Sr is known to selectively deplete NK cells, leaving an intact T- and B-cell compartment and preserving the ability to produce both interferon alpha and IL-2. This method of depletion has advantages when compared with depletion using anti-NK cell monoclonal antibodies because the effect is permanent and neither activates complement nor provokes massive cell death. In the present study, after one month of treatment with 90Sr, the depletion of NK cells was shown by a more than ten-fold reduction in the cytotoxic activity of these cells: 2 x 10(6) spleen cells from NK-depleted animals were required to reach the same specific lysis of target cells effected by 0.15 x 10(6) spleen cells from normal control animals. The histopathology of the skin lesion at 7 days after Leishmania infection showed more parasites in the NK cell-depleted group. This observation further strengthens a direct role of NK cells during the early period of Leishmania infection.

Animals↗

Hyaluronic acid suppresses the reduction of alpha2(VI) collagen gene expression caused by interleukin-1beta in cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes.

In order to investigate how alpha2(VI) collagen gene is regulated by inflammatory cytokines in cultured rabbit articular chondrocytes, we examined the effect of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) on this collagen mRNA expression. Polylayer cultures of chondrocytes were exposed to IL-1beta (0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml). Quantitative detection of specific mRNA for this collagen was carried out by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, to investigate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on alpha2(VI) collagen mRNA expression by IL-1beta chondrocytes were exposed to IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) in the presence of HA (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/ml) with molecular weight of 900 kDa. Chondrocytes were also exposed to IL-1beta (10 ng/ml) in the presence of HA (1 mg/ml) with molecular weights of 200, 900 and 2000 kDa. Alpha2(VI) collagen mRNA expression was decreased significantly in chondrocytes cultured with 1 and 10 ng/ml of IL-1beta. However, the addition of both IL-1beta and HA (0.1, 1 mg/ml) or both IL-1beta and HA (1 mg/ml) with all the molecular weight significantly suppressed these reduced mRNA levels. No tendency for this suppression to depend on the molecular weight was observed. These results suggest that suppression of transcriptional activity for type VI collagen will be associated with the reduction of cartilage matrix tissue and that HA will be associated with the suppression of the effect of IL-1beta.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Transfer of lacZ marker gene to the meniscus.

BACKGROUND: Lesions in the avascular two-thirds of the meniscus do not heal well and are of concern clinically. Various growth factors promote the synthesis of matrix by meniscal cells and thus have the potential to augment healing. However, their clinical application is severely hindered by problems with delivery. An attractive approach to overcoming such problems is to transfer genes that encode the growth factors in question to the site of the injury. As a prelude to this, we evaluated methods for delivering genes to the meniscus. METHODS: Gene transfer was evaluated in vitro and in vivo with a lacZ marker gene, which expresses the enzyme beta-galactosidase. Two types of vectors were tested: an adenovirus and a retrovirus. Monolayers of lapine, canine, and human meniscal cells, as well as intact lapine and human menisci, were used for the in vitro studies. Lesions were created in the menisci of rabbits and dogs for the in vivo studies. Gene transfer to the sites of the experimental meniscal lesions in vivo was accomplished in two ways. In the lapine model, a suspension of adenovirus carrying the lacZ marker gene was mixed with whole blood and the clot was inserted into the lesion. In the canine model, retrovirally transduced allogenic meniscal cells carrying the lacZ marker gene were embedded in collagen gels and transferred to the defects. The animals were killed at various time-points, and gene expression was evaluated by histological examination of sections stained with 5-bromo-4-chloro-indolyl-beta-D-galactose (X-gal), from which a blue chromagen is released in the presence of beta-galactosidase. RESULTS: Monolayer cultures of lapine, canine, and human meniscal cells were susceptible to genetic transduction by both adenoviral and retroviral vectors. In vitro gene transfer to intact human and lapine menisci proved possible both by direct, adenoviral, delivery and indirect, retroviral, delivery. Gene expression persisted for at least twenty weeks under in vitro conditions. With regard to the in vivo studies, gene expression persisted within the clot and in some of the adjacent meniscal cells for at least three weeks in the lapine defect model. In the canine defect model, gene expression persisted within the transplanted, transduced meniscal cells for at least six weeks. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to transfer genes to sites of meniscal damage and to express them locally within the lesion for several weeks.

Animals↗

[Alterations in neurotransmitter, amino acid and free radical related substances in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with cerebrovascular diseases].

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), choline, monoamine and its metabolite, amino acid and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with cerebrovascular diseases. Patients were classified into the following four groups; controls: normal subjects without neurological disease, group A: cerebral hemorrhage, group B: cerebral infarction, group C: patients with mental impairment, including those in groups A and B, and a low score on Hasegawa's Dementia Rating Scale. CSF AChE level of groups A, B and C was decreased significantly, while choline concentration from patients showed a increase compared with that of control cases. CSF alanine concentration showed a tendency to increase, while glycine and glutamate tended to decrease. CSF epinephrine, norepinephrine or 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylen glycol concentrations of groups A, B and C did not exhibit a significant difference from that in control cases. Some cases with cerebrovascular diseases showed low concentrations of both CSF 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and homovanillic acid. However, dihydroxyphenyl acetic acid concentration was higher than in control cases. The CSF SOD level was not significantly from that in control cases. The changes in neurochemical substances in the CSF support their use as markers of cerebrovascular disease-related change.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

[Suppression of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis with a combination of cyclosporin and allopurinol].

PURPOSE: We assessed the suppressive effect of a combination of cyclosporin (an immunosuppressive agent) and allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor and radical scavenger) on experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) in Lewis rats, induced by interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). METHODS: After the immunization of Lewis rats with 30 micrograms of IRBP. We administrated cyclosporin and/or allopurinol to the IRBP-immunized Lewis rats. We observed the incidence and the severity of EAU. Histological, immunological, and biochemical examinations were performal 13 days after the immunization. The suppressive effect of these drugs in vitro on the production of free radicals derived from polymorphonuclear leukocytes. RESULTS: The incidence of EAU was suppressed by 50% at 13 days after immunization, and in terms of clinical and histological findings, inflammatory reaction was more inhibited by the combination of these drugs than by either cyclosporin or allopurinol alone. Lymphocyte proliferation assay against IRBP was significantly inhibited by the combination of drugs. No adverse systemic effects were identified. Cyclosporin and allopurinol inhibited radical production both separately and in combination. CONCLUSION: This suggests that suppression of EAU is based not only on inhibited cell-mediated immunity but also on inhibited production of free radicals derived from polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Allopurinol↗

[Discrimination of leukoencephalopathy from leukemic cell invasion by MR spectroscopy in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia].

A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in November 1992 because of fever and arthralgia. He was given a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and treated with an Ad-VP regimen, which resulted in complete remission. After two courses of consolidation therapy and intrathecal (IT) injections of methotrexate, Ara-C, and prednisolone the patient received high-dose Ara-C plus VP-16 followed by recombinant human G-CSF for the collection of peripheral blood stem cells. However, he relapsed with the appearance of leukemic cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and was accordingly given IT injections 8 more times. After the disappearance of leukemic cells from CSF, the patient received a peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) and achieved rapid hematopoietic recovery. However, he suffered mental aberrations and loss of consciousness 9 days after PBSCT. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) disclosed severe necrosis due to leukoencephalopathy in the frontal lobe and invasion of leukemic cells around the lateral ventricles. The patient did not receive any therapy for neurological symptoms because of severe necrosis in the frontal lobe, and died of bone marrow relapse in April 1995. MRS is useful for the discrimination of leukoencephalopathy from leukemic cell invasion.

Antineoplastic Agents↗