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Biomedical subjects

H Kakuta

Publications and source records attributed to H Kakuta.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Augmentation of antitumor effect by combined administration with interleukin-2 and sizofiran, a single glucan, on murine EL-4 lymphoma.

The antitumor effect of the combined administration with recombinant human interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and sizofiran (SPG), a single glucan of Shizophyllum commune Fries, was studied in vivo in C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally inoculated with EL-4 lymphoma. The effect was evaluated by a) comparing the survival time of the mice, b) analysis of the intraperitoneal cell population in Giemsa-stained specimens, c) surface marker analysis of peritoneal exudative cells with flow cytometry, d) cytotoxic assay of cells against EL-4 and Yac-1 lymphoma, and e) elimination of some cell populations by monoclonal antibodies, to identify the antitumor-effector cells showing cytotoxic activity. The survival of mice given both rIL-2 and SPG was significantly longer than the control mice or those given SPG alone or rIL-2 alone. It was demonstrated that the administration of SPG and/or rIL-2 to the EL-4 lymphoma-bearing mice activated immune-response cells in the peritoneal cavity such as T lymphocytes, NK cells, or macrophages, which might be effective in reducing lymphoma cells. The combination of rIL-2 and SPG administration appears to activate the antitumor-immune response at the tumor site more effectively than when either agent was administered alone.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Effect of sizofiran on regional lymph nodes in patients with head and neck cancer.

The immunomodulating effects of preoperative sizofiran (SPG) administration on regional lymph nodes were studied in patients with stage III or IV head and neck cancer, by comparing the immunofunction of peripheral blood. The regional lymph nodes were dissected surgically, and freshly obtained mononuclear cells were studied to investigate the interleukin 2 (IL-2) production, the LAK and NK activities, and the quantitative analysis of the surface phenotype of the mononuclear cells. The results indicated that SPG enhanced immunological activities in the regional lymph nodes, as shown by increased IL-2 production and cytotoxic activities of the effector cells (NK, LAK), and increased helper T lymphocytes (CD4+) in the tumor-uninvolved lymph nodes. The immunofunction following SPG administration was attenuated, but was still augmented in the regional lymph nodes with metastases. Therefore, SPG was found to be a biologic response modifier to enhance the immunofunctions of the regional lymph node in patients with head and neck cancer.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1996

Inhibitory effect of metastasis by combined administration with interleukin-2 and sizofiran, a single glucan--immunohistochemical study.

Innovations in methods of combined administration with other BRM or chemotherapeutic drugs have been discussed. We have reported that combined administration with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and sizofiran (SPG) is effective in prolonging survival time of C57BL/6 mice intraperitoneally inoculated with EL-4 lymphoma. The immunomechanisms of the combined administration were clarified investigating the intraperitoneal cell population in the primary tumor site, especially the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) quantitatively. In the present study, to clarify the antitumor effects of combined administration with rIL-2 and SPG on the metastatic sites, the immunomechanisms of the suppressive effects of combined administration on the metastasis were studied in EL-4 lymphoma cells intraperitoneally transplanted to mice. Inasmuch as EL-4 lymphoma shows rapid hepatosplenic metastasis, we studied the metastatic foci in the liver and the spleen semiquantitatively in investigating the histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of the metastatic foci, especially the TIL. The metastatic foci were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and monoclonal antibodies (L3T4, Lyt2, asialo GM1, Mac-1, and Ia). The combined administration resulted in: 1) fewer infiltrating tumor cells, 2) more lymphocytic infiltration, and 3) more antitumor effector cells (cytotoxic T cells: Lyt2 and natural killer cells: asialo GM1), macrophages (Mac-1), helper T cells (L3T4), and cells with MHC-class-II antigen (Ia) than did administration of rIL-2 alone or SPG alone, or no administration of these two at all. Combined administration with rIL-2 and SPG appears to activate antitumor-immune response at the metastatic site more effectively than when either agent is administered alone.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Effect of acarbose on blood glucose profiles and plasma 1,5-anhydro-d-glucitol in type 2 diabetes poorly controlled by sulfonylurea therapy.

Sixteen patients with type 2 diabetes poorly controlled by glibenclamide (7.5-10.0 mg/day) were treated with acarbose (100 mg tds) for one week and the effect on the blood glucose profile, 24-hour urinary glucose excretion, plasma fructosamine, and plasma 1,5-anhydro-D-glucitol (1,5-AG) level was determined. The blood glucose profile was more stable and levels were lower during acarbose administration. In some patients, this improvement was maintained after discontinuing acarbose. The M-value, an indicator of blood glucose fluctuations, decreased significantly from 33.2 +/- 3.0 (mean +/- SEM) in the run-in period to 13.4 +/- 2.4 during acarbose therapy (P < 0.001), and rose again to 26.5 +/- 4.4 (P < 0.001) in the follow-up period. The 24-hour urinary glucose excretion and plasma fructosamine decreased similarly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively) during and after acarbose therapy. Plasma 1,5-AG levels did not change significantly during acarbose therapy, but increased markedly afterwards (from 19.3 +/- 3.1 mumol 1(-1) to 25.0) +/- 3.1 mumol l-1, P < 0.001). Plasma 1,5-AG levels were significantly correlated with urinary glucose excretion one week earlier (r = 0.513, P < 0.006). These findings suggest that acarbose may improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetic patients poorly controlled by sulfonylurea therapy and that plasma 1,5-AG might be used as a marker of glycemic control cooperating with other markers such as fructosamine and urinary glucose determination for monitoring the short-term response to antidiabetic therapy.

Acarbose↗
PubMed1996

Effects of beraprost sodium and insulin on the electroretinogram, nerve conduction, and nerve blood flow in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

The effect of a prostacyclin analog, beraprost sodium, on the electroretinogram, motor nerve conduction velocity, and nerve blood flow was determined in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and was compared with the effect of insulin. Beraprost sodium (0.01 mg x kg-1 x day-1 for 8 weeks) significantly shortened the peak latency of the electroretinogram b-wave, increased tail nerve conduction velocity, and increased sciatic nerve blood flow in diabetic rats (P < 0.0003, 0.0001, and 0.0001 vs. untreated diabetic rats, respectively). This was accompanied by a significant increase in the 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha content of the thoracic aorta and a marked increase in the cAMP content of the sciatic nerve. Beraprost sodium had no effect on the sorbitol and fructose contents of the sciatic nerve and retina, but insulin (8-10 U/day) significantly reduced both parameters. These findings suggest that beraprost sodium may be useful for prevention of vascular and neural dysfunction in the retina and peripheral nerve.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of sleep apnea and snoring in children.

Sleep apnea syndrome in children is usually caused by adenoidal and tonsillar hypertrophy. Here, we report on a typical case of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and also discuss recent indications for tonsillectomy in children. A 6-year-old boy came to our hospital suffering from serious obesity and somnolescence. He could not sleep lying down and thus started to sleep in a sitting position. Even during daytime he slept while standing, and exhibited hypersomnolescence. He was 133 cm tall and weighed 80 kg, and tonsillar hypertrophy was recognised. Consequently, tonsillectomy and a weight reducing program were undertaken. The lowest SaO(2) improved from 50% to 70%, and sleep apnea also decreased from 141 to 71 episodes. Moreover, the hypersomnolescence improved.

Adenoidectomy↗
PubMed1995

Effect of a potent new aldose reductase inhibitor, (5-(3-thienyltetrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (TAT), on diabetic neuropathy in rats.

(5-(3-Thienyl)tetrazol-1-yl)acetic acid (TAT), a novel potent aldose reductase inhibitor, was administered for 4 weeks to rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Physiological and biochemical studies were subsequently conducted on rat nerve tissue and erythrocyte sorbitol content was estimated. Sciatic nerve blood flow (SNBF) was markedly lower (about 43.4%) in untreated diabetic (DC) rats than in non-diabetic controls (NC). A significant delay in caudal motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and significantly higher glucose, sorbitol and fructose values were observed in the sciatic nerve, accompanied by a markedly higher sorbitol concentration in erythrocytes. In contrast, TAT-treated diabetic groups (DT-10, DT-40 and DT-200) had significantly higher SNBF, MNCV and sciatic nerve myo-inositol values and lower sciatic nerve sorbitol and fructose levels and erythrocyte sorbitol concentration than the DC group. There were good correlations between SNBF and MNCV (r = 0.672, P < 0.001) and between SNBF and erythrocyte sorbitol (r = 0.455, P < 0.003). These findings suggest that both vascular and metabolic factors play an important role in diabetic neuropathy and the effect of aldose reductase inhibitors on diabetic neuropathy may be mediated by at least these two factors.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed1995

Massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and spinal epidural emphysema as complications of violent coughing: a case report.

A 28-year-old man who manifested subcutaneous emphysema extending from the skull base and face to the chest, mediastinum and spinal epidural space following severe coughing caused by acute bronchitis is reported. Subcutaneous emphysema is a manifestation of non-surgical intrathoracic pathophysiology. In this patient percutaneous diagnostic peritoneal lavage resulted in the release of a large quantity of air and was negative for bleeding or contamination. No treatment other than antibiotics was prescribed. In this report, computer tomography study successfully demonstrated the areas of massive subcutaneous emphysema and the disappearance of the entrapped air, that might be absorbed into the tissues in the occupied sites within 7 days, except the air of epidural space, of a patient who manifested as a consequence of severe coughing caused by acute bronchitis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Effect of an aldose reductase inhibitor, SNK-860, on deficits in the electroretinogram of diabetic rats.

To determine the effect of an aldose reductase inhibitor, SNK-860, on the worsening of the electroretinogram (ERG) during a diabetic state, rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were administered SNK-860 (1 or 4 mg kg-1 orally) daily for 4 weeks. The effectiveness of SNK-860 in prolonging the peak latencies of oscillatory potentials in the b-wave of the electroretinogram of diabetic rats varied between these different waveform components (designated O1, O2 and O3). SNK-860 (4 mg kg-1 day-1) either completely or partially prevented the prolonged peak latencies at O1 and sigma(O1 + O2 + O3). The drug failed to shorten the latency of the O2 and O3 components, and produced only a modest reduction in retinal levels of sorbitol and fructose, with no increase in myo-inositol. There was a significant correlation between the state of the ERG (components O1 and sigma(O1 + O2 + O3)) and the retinal levels of sorbitol and fructose (P < 0.01), but not of myo-inositol. It is concluded that a better understanding of the mechanism by which SNK-860 acts may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of hyperglycaemic retinal dysfunction and help to establish effective therapy for diabetic retinopathy.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed1993

Long-term effect of acarbose on glycaemic control in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: a placebo-controlled double-blind study.

The efficacy and safety of acarbose therapy (100 mg tds for 24 weeks) was investigated in a placebo-controlled double-blind study in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus who could not achieve satisfactory glycaemic control by diet alone. In the acarbose group, the 2 h postprandial blood glucose and haemoglobin A1 levels decreased significantly from 14.0 mmol l-1 to 11.3 mmol l-1 and from 11.1% to 9.7%, respectively. In the placebo group, the 2 h postprandial blood glucose (14.4 mmol l-1 to 14.2 mmol l-1) and the hemoglobin A1 level (10.3% to 9.9%) showed no significant changes. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed before and after the study, the difference not being significant in either the acarbose group or the placebo group. The incidence of side-effects (mainly gastrointestinal symptoms such as flatulence and abdominal distension) was high at 78.9% in the acarbose group and 61.1% in the placebo group. However, there was no significant difference between the groups, and side-effects in the acarbose group tapered during the trial, suggesting that some at least were not related to the drug. From these findings, it was concluded that acarbose is an effective new treatment for diet treated non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

Acarbose↗
PubMed1993

The effect of acarbose on blood glucose profiles of type 2 diabetic patients receiving insulin therapy.

Nine patients with Type 2 diabetes receiving insulin therapy were treated with acarbose 100 mg thrice daily for 1 week to investigate the effect of acarbose on blood glucose control. Daily blood glucose profiles contained fewer excursions during acarbose administration and low levels were maintained. The M-value, an indicator of blood glucose fluctuation, decreased significantly from a run-in period value of 37.6 +/- 8.7 (SEM) to 16.7 +/- 4.0 during the acarbose period (p < 0.05) and rose again to 28.9 +/- 6.7 (p > or = 0.05) in the follow-up period. The 24-h urinary glucose excretion similarly decreased during acarbose administration. As expected, no decrease in HbA1C was observed due to the short treatment period. The 24-h urinary C-peptide excretions and serum lipids were not influenced by acarbose therapy. Frequent episodes of clinical hypoglycaemia were experienced while on acarbose therapy, indicating a decrease in insulin requirements. Adverse events such as flatulence and abdominal distention were observed in six out of nine cases. Symptoms were generally mild and well tolerated, only one patient dropped out because of diarrhoea and abdominal pain. We conclude that acarbose could usefully be administered to Type 2 diabetic patients treated with insulin to improve blood glucose control and reduce insulin requirement if the appropriate selection criteria were met.

Acarbose↗
PubMed1992

Effect of niceritrol on streptozocin-induced diabetic neuropathy in rats.

Niceritrol, a drug with peripheral tissue vasodilatory and serum lipid-lowering activity, was administered for 2 mo to rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes. Physiological and biochemical studies were subsequently conducted on rat nerve tissue. A markedly lower value of approximately 47% in sciatic nerve blood flow (SNBF) was detected in an untreated diabetic (DC) group than in a nondiabetic control group (CC). A significant delay in caudal motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and significantly higher glucose, sorbitol, and fructose values were observed in the sciatic nerve and serum lipids. In contrast, a niceritrol-treated diabetic (DN) group had significantly higher SNBF, MNCV, and sciatic nerve myo-inositol values and lower serum triglyceride levels than group DC. No differences between these two groups were noted in glucose, sorbitol, and fructose levels in the sciatic nerve, or in cholesterol and glucose in serum. These findings suggest that niceritrol has a clear inhibitory effect on the development of delayed MNCV in the diabetic rat, which may be due to reduced nerve blood flow and/or decreased nerve myo-inositol levels.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

In vitro retinal and erythrocyte polyol pathway regulation by hormones and an aldose reductase inhibitor.

The effects of a high-glucose medium, insulin, and an aldose reductase inhibitor (ONO-2235) on sorbitol accumulation were compared in the human erythrocyte and the rabbit retina, while the effects of epinephrine on in vitro sorbitol accumulation were investigated in the human and rabbit retina. In both erythrocytes and the retina, linear increments of sorbitol accumulation were observed in a dose-dependent manner with 5 to 50 mM glucose. These increments were markedly inhibited by 100 microM ONO-2235 but not by insulin (400 microU/ml). In the presence of 5 mM glucose, a dose-dependent increase of the sorbitol content of the rabbit retina was seen following epinephrine stimulation (0.4-4.0 microM and this was markedly reduced by 100 microM ONO-2235. Moreover, both 50 mM glucose and 4.0 microM epinephrine increased the sorbitol content of the retina from a diabetic patient, and the glucose-induced increment in sorbitol was significantly reduced by 100 microM ONO-2235. Our data suggested that aldose reductase inhibitors might be useful for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, since the polyol pathway appears to be an important factor in its pathogenesis, and that catecholamines might have some role in the activation of the retinal polyol pathway.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Current progress in clinical trials of aldose reductase inhibitors in Japan.

In addition to the results of our clinical trial of epalrestat in diabetic retinopathy (the open study), the current progress in the clinical trials of aldose reductase inhibitors for the 'triopathy' of complications (neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy) in Japan is reported. No data from the placebo-controlled double-blind studies in Japan are shown because a detailed analysis of the effects of epalrestat on diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy is now under way. However, it must be stressed that in the phase III placebo-controlled double-blind studies in neuropathy and retinopathy, epalrestat was effective.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed1989

Effects of lipolytic and antilipolytic agents on glycerol and free fatty acid release from isolated adipocytes of normal and diabetic rats.

Isolated adipocytes from severely diabetic rats exhibited hypersensitivity to epinephrine at low concentrations (0.05-0.1 microM) on lipolysis, compared with isolated adipocytes from normal and mildly diabetic rats. Hypersensitivity to dibutyryl cyclic AMP and theophylline at concentrations from 0.05 to 0.50 mM was not observed in adipocytes of severely diabetic rats. Insulin could not exert an inhibitory effect on epinephrine-induced lipolysis in adipocytes of severely diabetic rats. In isolated adipocytes from normal rats, hyperosmolarity due to the combination of 50 mM glucose and 100 mM sodium chloride only had an inhibitory effect on 0.25 microM epinephrine-induced lipolysis. Ten mM beta-hydroxybutyrate did not inhibit lipolysis caused by epinephrine although any lipolysis stimulated by epinephrine, dibutyryl cyclic AMP and theophylline was inhibited by insulin. Our present findings may partly explain insulin resistance in the severely diabetic state and the pathogenesis of the absence of ketosis in hyperglycemic hyperosmolar conditions.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
PubMed1989

Pancreatic alpha- and beta-cell function and metabolic changes during oral L-alanine and glucose administration: comparative studies between normal, diabetic and cirrhotic subjects.

The present study investigated whether or not, in addition to the oral glucose tolerance test, oral alanine loading was a useful diagnostic tool for hormonal and metabolic diseases. Fifty g of L-alanine was administered orally in 14 normal, 12 diabetic, and 8 liver cirrhotic subjects. The influence of oral alanine loading on hormones and metabolites was compared with the results of 100 g oral glucose loading. The results obtained were as follows: 1) In the normal subjects and cirrhotics, lactate and pyruvate concentrations gradually increased with time and reached their peak levels at 60 min, whereas they remained unchanged throughout the course in the diabetic group at glucose loading. 2) Alanine administration accelerated ureogenesis but did not affect blood glucose levels. 3) In both glucose and L-alanine administration, free fatty acid, glycerol and ketone body levels declined nonspecifically in all groups. 4) Serum glucagon levels during L-alanine loading increased in all groups, especially in liver cirrhotics. 5) L-alanine was a potent stimulus for insulin secretion in diabetics, while no insulin release during glucose loading was observed. 6) The molar ratio of insulin levels (during glucose loading)/glucagon levels (during L-alanine loading) was a good indicator of systemic glucose homeostasis from the hormonal aspect. It is suggested that, in addition to the oral glucose tolerance test, the oral administration of L-alanine can be a useful tool for the diagnosis of the status in diabetes mellitus and cirrhosis.

Administration, Oral↗