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H Inoue

Publications and source records attributed to H Inoue.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

Angiotensin II-type 1 receptor interaction upregulates vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA levels in retinal pericytes through intracellular reactive oxygen species generation.

The renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, thereby contributing to adverse cardiovascular events. However, its role in diabetic retinopathy remains to be elucidated. Since pericyte loss and dysfunction have been considered as one of the characteristic changes of the early phase of diabetic retinopathy, we investigated the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) on the growth and function of bovine cultured retinal pericytes. Ang II stimulated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in pericytes in a dose-dependent manner. Telmisartan, a newly developed Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist, completely inhibited ROS generation in pericytes induced by Ang II. Ang II decreased DNA synthesis in pericytes, which was significantly prevented by an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Furthermore, telmisartan or N-acetylcysteine were found to completely inhibit the Ang II-induced upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor messenger RNA levels in pericytes. The present results suggest that Ang II-type 1 receptor interaction could induce pericyte loss and dysfunction through intracellular ROS generation, thus being involved in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition of human chondrosarcoma cell growth via apoptosis by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma.

A rare immunohistochemical study using 28 surgical sections of human chondrosarcoma revealed that 67.9% of tumour cells had weak (10-40%) or strong (>40%) positive immunoreaction for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma mRNA and protein in human chondrosarcoma cell line OUMS-27 was also determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands on cell proliferation and survival were investigated in OUMS-27 cells. Pioglitazone, a selective ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, and 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), a putative endogenous ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, inhibited the proliferation of OUMS-27 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of cytotoxic effects of 15d-PGJ(2) was via apoptosis as shown by DNA fragmentation using TUNEL stain and DNA ladder formation, and by ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy. Flow-cytometric analysis using annexin-V-fluorescein and propidium iodide detected the early change of apoptosis, as well as necrosis of OUMS-27 cells at 4 h after co-incubation with 15d-PGJ(2). These results suggest that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of chondrosarcoma, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligands, especially 15d-PGJ(2), may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of human chondrosarcoma.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2002

The upr-1 gene encodes a catalytic subunit of the DNA polymerase zeta which is involved in damage-induced mutagenesis in Neurospora crassa.

The upr-1 mutant was one of the first mutagen-sensitive mutants to be isolated in Neurospora crassa. However, the function of the upr-1 gene has not yet been elucidated, although some genetic and biochemical data have been accumulated. In order to clone the upr-1 gene, we performed a chromosome walk from the mat locus, the closest genetic marker to upr-1 for which a molecular probe was available, towards the centromere, and a chromosomal contig of about 300-400 kb was constructed. Some of these clones complemented the temperature sensitivity of the un-16 mutation, which is located between mat and upr-1. The un-16 gene was sequenced, and localized in the MIPS Neurospora crassa genome database. We then searched the regions flanking un-16 for homologs of known DNA repair genes, and found a gene homologous to the REV3 gene of budding yeast. The phenotype of the upr-1 mutant is similar to that of the yeast rev3 mutant. An ncrev3 mutant carrying mutations in the N. crassa REV3 homolog was constructed using the RIP (repeat-induced point mutation) process. The spectrum of mutagen sensitivity of the ncrev3 mutant was similar to that of the upr-1 mutant. Complementation tests between the upr-1 and ncrev3 mutations indicated that the upr-1 gene is in fact identical to the ncrev3 gene. To clarify the role of the upr-1 gene in DNA repair, the frequency of MMS and 4NQO-induced mutations was assayed using the ad-8 reversion test. The upr-1 mutant was about 10 times less sensitive to both chemicals than the wild type. The expression level of the upr-1 gene is increased on exposure to UV irradiation in the uvs-2 and mus-8 mutants, which belong to postreplication repair group, as well as in the wild type. All these results suggest that the product of the upr-1 gene functions in damage-induced mutagenesis and DNA translesion synthesis in N. crassa.

Catalytic Domain↗
PubMed2002

Parainfectious encephalomyeloradiculitis associated with herpes simplex virus 1 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid.

We describe a patient with acute encephalomyeloradiculitis associated with herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and we also review 4 similar cases previously reported from Japan. A 59-year-old man presented with acute encephalitis and urinary retention. Initially, coma and CSF pleocytosis improved with acyclovir treatment, but brain stem encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and lumbosacral polyradiculitis subsequently occurred. These conditions responded to corticosteroid therapy and immunoadsorption plasmapheresis. Polymerase chain reaction detected HSV-1 DNA in the CSF during acute encephalitis but not thereafter. Serial magnetic resonance imaging revealed transient lesions in the thalamus and basal ganglia on both sides of the brain and in the pons, spinal cord, and cauda equina. Acute encephalomyeloradiculitis is a unique neurological syndrome that may be caused by HSV-1 infection of the central nervous system.

Central Nervous System Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Ozone exposure may enhance airway smooth muscle contraction by increasing Ca(2+) refilling of sarcoplasmic reticulum in guinea pig.

Ozone induces airway hyperresponsiveness, but there is controversy about effects of ozone on smooth muscle per se. We therefore investigated effects of in vivo ozone exposure on intracellular calcium mobilization in relation to tracheal smooth muscle contractility in the guinea pig in vitro. Guinea pigs underwent ozone exposure or sham exposure (3 ppm, 2 h). Then, a tracheal smooth muscle strip was mounted in an organ bath to record isometric tension. Effects of ozone exposure on acetylcholine-induced contraction of smooth muscle were as follows. Contraction was not altered in normal Krebs solution, but was increased in Ca(2+)-free solution in ozone-exposed animals. Decline of tension on repetitive application of acetylcholine in Ca(2+)-free solution was reduced, while the tension decline rate while acetylcholine was washed out with Ca(2+)-free solution was facilitated in ozone-exposed animals. Tension decline during the continuous administration of acetylcholine in Ca(2+)-free solution was slowed. Contraction occurred more quickly in Ca(2+)-free solution in ozone-exposed animals. Results suggest that ozone has a direct action on airway smooth muscle by changing Ca(2+) mobilization; Ca(2+) refilling via a Ca(2+) pump and Ca(2+) release via Ca(2+) channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum were increased, while Ca(2+) extrusion via the plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump was unchanged.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2002

Detection of cardiomyocyte apoptosis in forensic autopsy cases.

The purpose of the present study was to determine reliable parameters for the detection of apoptotic cells for use as a diagnostic marker during the early stage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in forensic autopsy cases. Myocardial tissues taken from forensic autopsy cases were examined by immunohistochemical and molecular-biological methods using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP biotin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and the DNA laddering methods. In cases of AMI with a time period between 2 h from onset to death and 20 h post-mortem time, the nuclei of cardiomyocytes were stained positive with the TUNEL method and DNA fragmentation of myocardial cells was detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. Similar findings were obtained in cases of carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication. However, no apoptotic cells were found in other cases such as methamphetamine (MAP) intoxication, tetrodotoxin intoxication, alcohol intoxication, asphyxia, head injury, heart injury or myocarditis. These findings suggested that it would be possible to apply TUNEL-positive cells as a diagnostic marker during the early stages of AMI.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Expression of connective tissue growth factor/hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product 24 (CTGF/Hcs24) during fracture healing.

Localization and expression of connective tissue growth factor/hypertrophic chondrocyte-specific gene product 24 (CTGF/Hcs24) during fracture healing in mouse ribs were investigated. In situ hybridization demonstrated that CTGF/Hcs24 mRNA was remarkably expressed, especially in hypertrophic chondrocytes and proliferating chondrocytes, in the regions of regenerating cartilage on days 8 and 14 after fracture. CTGF/Hcs24 mRNA was also expressed in proliferating periosteal cells in the vicinity of the fracture sites on days 2 and 8, and in cells in fibrous tissue around the callus on day 8. Northern blot analysis showed that expression of CTGF/Hcs24 mRNA was 3.9 times higher on day 2 of fracture healing than that on day 0. On day 8, it reached a peak of 8.6 times higher than that on day 0. It then declined to a lower level. Immunostaining showed that CTGF/Hcs24 was localized in hypertrophic chondrocytes and proliferating chondrocytes in the regions of regenerating cartilage, and in active osteoblasts in the regions of intramembranous ossification. Although CTGF/Hcs24 was abundant in the proliferating and differentiating cells (on days 8 and 14), immunostaining decreased as the cells differentiated to form bone (on day 20). CTGF/Hcs24 was also detected in cells in fibrous tissue, vascular endothelial cells in the callus, and periosteal cells around the fracture sites. These results suggest that CTGF/Hcs24 plays some role in fracture healing.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of interleukin 1 as a mucosal adjuvant in immunization with Streptococcus sobrinus cells by tonsillar application in rabbits.

To evaluate interleukin 1 (IL-1) as a mucosal adjuvant in the induction of salivary antibodies to Streptococcus sobrinus, S. sobrinus together with IL-1 was applied through the palatine tonsils of rabbits. IL-1 caused approximately 50 and 100% increases in the antibodies reacting against S. sobrinus fragments in the saliva and blood plasma, respectively, compared to the antibodies in those same fluids after tonsillar applications of S. sobrinus alone. In the case of the addition of IL-1, the antibodies reacting to the protein antigens of S. sobrinus increased in each fluid, without affecting the antibodies reacting to saccharide antigens. Delayed-type hypersensitivity to S. sobrinus, characterized by ear swelling and by an increase in IFN-gamma mRNA in RT-PCR analysis, was found to be induced only in rabbits immunized with IL-1. S. sobrinus protein antigens caused ear swelling as intense as that caused by S. sobrinus fragments. Thus, IL-1 induced an antibody response and cell-mediated immunity mainly reacting to protein antigens of S. sobrinus.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed2002

Development of rheumatoid arthritis following autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

A 51-year-old man with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was treated with high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Although he had HLA-DRB1 0405 and a positive rheumatoid factor, he was unlikely to develop rheumatoid arthritis (RA) according to diagnostic criteria. However, the patient developed RA 40 days after transplantation. Our experience suggests that the systemic autoimmune disease, RA, may occur in patients with predisposing factors after autologous PBSCT.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗
PubMed2002

Method of producing tissue sections from endometrial scrapings.

Endometrial cytology is important not only for observing cytological findings, but also for assessing histological architecture. Therefore, we attempted to produce a histological preparation from the sample using an automatic fixation apparatus (ACF 1000) which employs a membrane filter method. After observation of the cytological features, the cover slip was removed and a paraffin-embedded section was prepared. Producing a histological section from a cytological specimen prepared with the ACF 1000 apparatus was more useful and easier than with the techniques described to date. Peelability of the cell was avoided by using a silane-coated membrane filter. Observation of the same cell cluster as that observed in the cytological sample was also facilitated in the histological section by this technique.

Biopsy↗
PubMed2002

Evidence of oncotic cell death and DNA fragmentation in human hypertrophic chondrocytes in chondro-osteophyte.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the population and morphology of in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyle transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) stain positive non-apoptotic chondrocytes in hypertrophic zone of human chondro-osteophytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chondro-osteophytes from osteoarthritic patients were obtained at joint replacement surgery. Apoptosis was verified by light microscopic examination of Safranin O stained sections and TUNEL stain. TUNEL staining was also performed on hydrophilic resin embedded semi-thin and ultra-thin sections combined with the treatment with streptavidin-gold conjugates, observed by light microscopy with silver enhancement technique (TUNEL-LM with SE) and transmission electron microscopy (TUNEL-TEM) respectively for the simultaneous evaluation of cellular structure and DNA fragmentation. RESULTS: In paraffin embedded sections (N=18), 31.5+/-6.1% of cells in the hypertrophic zone were TUNEL positive, but only 3.8+/-1.2% cells in this zone showed apoptotic appearances with cell shrinkage and nuclear condensation. Both in TUNEL-TEM and TUNEL-LM with SE, gold particles, which indicate DNA fragmentation, were observed within the nucleus of morphologically apoptotic chondrocytes, as well as of disintegrated, swollen chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: In human chondro-osteophytes, hypertrophic chondrocytes might die by oncotic cell death with DNA fragmentation, as well as apoptosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Successful repair of a damaged duodenal stent by cutting stent wires and placement of a second stent.

Duodenal stenting has been gradually established in recent years because it is less invasive than standard surgical procedures and produces a rapid therapeutic response. For palliation of both duodenal and biliary stenoses, double stenting may be performed. Duodenal stents offer a great advantage in allowing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) without the need for balloon dilation. When biliary stent dysfunction occurs, the patient undergoes diagnostic and/or therapeutic ERCP across the duodenal stent. We encountered a duodenal stent fracture in a patient who required repeated ERCPs for stent dysfunction. Duodenal stent fractures have not previously been reported. The damaged stent was successfully repaired by using a cutting wire filament and placing another duodenal stent coaxially with the first. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of stent fracture following endoscopic procedures, such as an ERCP, that require passage through the stent. The procedure described in this report would be of significant benefit if a gastrointestinal stent is fractured and occluded by a broken part.

Aged↗
PubMed2002

Technical modifications and strategies for stenting gastric outlet strictures using esophageal endoprostheses.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The outcome of stenting gastric outlet stricture is favorable compared with a bypass operation which has significant morbidity and mortality. In Japan, this procedure is particularly complicated by a lack of enteral stents. We report some technical stratagems for stent placement for gastric outlet strictures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 1993 and July 2001, 23 patients with gastric outlet strictures (14 men, nine women; mean age 72 years) underwent stent placement using an esophageal stent system. The Ultraflex or Z-stents were used in 18 or five patients, respectively. With the Ultraflex, we increased the length of the delivery system. Some patients underwent stent placement with the help of endoscopic assistance with a grasping forceps or a home-made sheath. RESULTS: The metal stent was successfully inserted in all patients. There were no complications during the procedure. Migration occurred in two out of five patients treated with the Z-stent, whereas there was no migration in patients treated with the Ultraflex stent. In two patients, curable pancreatitis was caused by pressure on the duodenal papilla. One of these patients also experienced bile stasis which required biliary decompression. There were three cases of obstruction, caused by tumor ingrowth (1), hyperplasia (1) and stent fracture (1); recanalization by an additional stent placement and/or cutting stent filaments was successful. All the patients died, with a median survival period of 52 days. There was no procedure-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS: With some technical modification, stent placement for gastric outlet stricture, even using an esophageal stent, is feasible. This procedure offers good palliation with no major complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Magnifying endoscopy, stereoscopic microscopy, and the microvascular architecture of superficial esophageal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: In this study we clarify the microvascular architecture of superficial esophageal carcinoma as observed by ultra-high magnification endoscopy and stereoscopic microscopy with Microfil injection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We observed two surgically resected specimens of superficial esophageal cancer under stereoscopic microscopy with Microfil injection. In addition, in the histological investigation, we measured the caliber of the vessels at the surface of the tumor. We carried out ultra-high magnification before treatment in 82 patients with superficial esophageal neoplasms. We classified the depth of tumor penetration of superficial esophageal carcinoma into four categories: m1 to m3 (mucosal cancer) and sm (submucosal cancer). RESULTS: By observing the normal esophageal mucosa under a stereoscopic microscope and an ultra-high magnification endoscope, we were able to visualize the intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCL). In cancer lesions, we observed characteristic changes in the superficial microvascular architecture according to the depth of tumor invasion. In m1 invasion, there was dilatation of the IPCL; in m2 invasion, there was dilatation and elongation of the IPCL; in m3, there was a mixed appearance of the IPCL and tumor vessels; and in sm invasion, complete replacement by tumor vessels. On the basis of the above criteria, ultra-high magnification endoscopic observation before treatment showed a rate of agreement between histological depth of invasion and magnified appearance of 60/72 cases (83.3 %) for which satisfactory pictures were obtained. The histological investigation showed the caliber of the IPCL of the m1 cancer lesions (12.9 +/- 3.9 microm) to be significantly greater than that of the normal esophageal mucosa (6.9 +/- 1.5 microm) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Observation of the microvascular architecture of superficial esophageal carcinoma is useful in the diagnosis of the depth of invasion.

Carcinoma↗
PubMed2002

A new cannula with a flexible tip (Swing Tip) may improve the success rate of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is sometimes unsuccessful because the anatomy of the papilla of Vater precludes cannulation by routine means. The efficacy of a new flexible tip cannula (the Swing Tip) was studied in patients in whom routine ERCP was unsuccessful. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Swing Tip cholangiographic catheter has an articulation at its tip which allows the tip to be flexed from 90 degrees to 30 degrees. Routine cholangiography was successful in 175 of 195 patients in whom it was attempted between September 2000 and November 2001. ERCP with the Swing Tip catheter was attempted in the 20 patients in whom ERCP had failed. RESULTS: In 17 of 20 patients, we attempted to insert the Swing Tip catheter into the common bile duct to perform cholangiography. Insertion was successful in 11 patients and unsuccessful in six. There were no complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: The Swing Tip catheter is a useful adjunct to standard ERCP catheters for patient in whom standard techniques are unsuccessful.

Bile Duct Diseases↗
PubMed2002

Effect of suplatast tosilate on airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in asthma patients.

Because eosinophilic airway inflammation is a characteristic of bronchial asthma, the treatment of such inflammation is important in the management of this disease. Suplatast tosilate is a novel anti-asthma drug that suppresses eosinophil proliferation and infiltration through selective inhibition of Th2 cytokine synthesis. We investigated the effect of oral suplatast tosilate therapy in patients with mild and moderate asthma. Twenty-eight asthma patients were randomized into two groups with or without suplatast tosilate treatment (100 mg t.i.d. for 28 days). We examined the blood eosinophil counts, eosinophilic cationic protein level, sputum eosinophil count, exhaled nitric oxide level, and airway responsiveness before and after treatment. In patients treated with suplatast tosilate, the eosinophil count in the blood and sputum was significantly decreased after treatment, while there was no such change in the patients without suplatast treatment. The exhaled nitric oxide level and airway responsiveness (measured using an Astograph) were also decreased after treatment with suplatast tosilate, while there were no significant changes in patients without suplatast tosilate. These results strongly suggest that oral administration of suplatast tosilate suppresses airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma patients by reducing eosinophilic inflammation in the airways.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Population-based genetic alterations in Ewing's tumors from Japanese and European Caucasian patients.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Ewing's tumors (ETs) is lower in Asians or African-Americans than in Caucasians. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Japanese ETs were available for analysis of chromosomal aberrations by comparative genomic hybridization (n = 16) and for expression of chimeric EWS transcripts by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (n = 11). These results in Japanese patients were compared with those of 62 ETs in European Caucasian patients registered in the European Intergroup Cooperative Ewing's Sarcoma Study. RESULTS: Japanese patients with ET had lower overall survival (P = 0.0446) and relapse-free survival (P = 0.0371) compared with European Caucasian patients. Ten of 11 Japanese ETs and 31 of 62 European Caucasian ETs had type I (EWS exon 7 to FLI1 exon 6) fusion transcripts. In Japanese ETs, the median numbers of chromosomal aberrations were 2.0 and 6.0 in 11 primary tumors and five relapsed tumors, respectively. In European Caucasian ETs, the median number of changes were 2.5 and 5.0 in 52 primary and 10 relapsed tumors, respectively. Frequent gains were 8q (38%), 8p (31%) and 12q (25%) in Japanese ETs and 8q (52%), 8p (48%) and 12q (19%) in European Caucasian ETs. Frequent losses were 19q (44%), 19p (38%) and 17p (25%) in Japanese ETs and 16q (21%), 19q (18%) and 17p (15%) in European Caucasian ETs. The incidence of losses of 19p (P = 0.0215) and 19q (P = 0.0277) were significantly higher in Japanese ETs than in European Caucasian ETs. An amplification (1p33-p34) was observed in only one Japanese ET. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese patients with ET in this study had a worse prognosis than European Caucasian patients. In molecular genetic analyses, Japanese ETs had a higher frequency of loss of chromosome 19 than European Caucasian ETs. Different genetic aberrations may explain the different incidences and prognoses of ET between Caucasian and Japanese patients.

Adolescent↗