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Biomedical subjects

H Kaneko

Publications and source records attributed to H Kaneko.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Quantitative analyses of messenger RNA of human endogenous retrovirus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: Human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) has emerged as a possible causative agent of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To investigate the role of HERV in the etiology of SLE, we performed quantitative analyses of messenger RNA (mRNA) of the HERV clone 4-1 in patients with SLE. METHODS: Reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR; TaqMan methodology) were used in this experiment. RESULTS: The quantities of mRNA of the HERV clone 4-1 gag region in patients with SLE were significantly higher than in healthy controls, and the amounts of such mRNA in the patients were decreased by steroid treatment. CONCLUSION: These phenomena may be related to the production of viral components derived from HERV clone 4-1 and contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE; studies using a larger number of patients are required to confirm these points.

Adult↗

[A clear cell type meningioma in the upper eyelid ascertained by immunohistochemical examination].

BACKGROUND: We encountered a rare case of clear cell meningioma in the upper eyelid. CASE: A 66-year-old man presented with a slow by progressive, well-defined, soft globelar tumor in the left upper eyelid. The tumor showed homogeneous isodensity and was contrasty in a computed tomograph. Histologically, oval-shaped cells with clear cytoplasm had both streamed and whorl configurations, but showed neither psammomas nor calcification. Immunohistochemically, vimentin, epithelial membrane antigen, and protein S-100 were expressed by the tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid meningioma may originate from embryonal remains of the arachnoid in the sheath around the trigeminal nerve, and may vary histologically. Immunohistochemical examination helps to define cases of uncommon subtypes of meningioma.

Aged↗

Long-term duration of reduced serum complement level following burn injury.

We report the case of a boy whose serum CH50 was below the detection limit following burn injury and skin transplantation. The APCH50 level was slightly decreased, although C3, C4, and the other complements were within the normal range. Cold activation was not detected in his plasma. His peripheral blood monocyte ratio slightly elevated to 19% and then decreased to 5.9%. In this case, burn injury caused the depletion of the complement, particularly in the alternative pathway, and resulted in the reduced CH50 level, although C3 did not show the typical pattern of alternative pathway depletion. In previously reported cases of burn injury, the CH50 level returned to the normal range within 2 weeks. In this patient the reduced level of CH50 continued for 4 months. We should consider burn injury one of the causes of complement deficiency even in cases with a duration of more than 1 month.

Burns↗

Fluid shear stress-induced cyclooxygenase-2 expression is mediated by C/EBP beta, cAMP-response element-binding protein, and AP-1 in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

Mechanical loading is crucial for maintenance of bone integrity and architecture, and prostaglandins are an important mediator of mechanosensing. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible isoform of prostaglandin G/H synthase, is induced by mechanical loading-derived fluid shear stress in bone-forming cells such as osteoblasts and osteocytes. In this study, we investigated transcription factor and transcriptional regulatory elements responsible for the shear stress-induced COX-2 expression in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. When the cells were transfected with luciferase-reporter plasmids including the 5'-flanking region of the murine cox-2 gene, the fluid shear stress increased the luciferase activities, consistent with the induction of COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. Deletion analysis of the promoter region revealed that the shear stress-induced luciferase responses were regulated by two regions, -172 to -100 base pair (bp) and -79 to -46 bp, of the cox-2 promoter, in which putative cis-elements of C/EBP beta, AP-1, cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), and E box are included. Mutation of sites of C/EBP beta, AP-1, and/or cAMP-response element decreased the shear stress-induced luciferase activities, whereas mutation of the E box did not affect the responses. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, shear stress enhanced nuclear extract binding to double-stranded oligonucleotide probes containing C/EBP beta and AP-1-binding motifs, and the bands of the complexes were supershifted by the addition of antibody specific for each regulator. Although the binding activity of CREB toward its probe was unaffected by shear stress, the phosphorylation of CREB was enhanced by the stress. These data suggest that C/EBP beta, AP-1, and CREB play crucial roles in the shear stress-induced cox-2 expression in osteoblasts.

Animals↗

Concurrent detection of gene mutations and chromosome aberrations induced by five chemicals in a CHL/IU cell line incorporating a gpt shuttle vector.

We previously established a transgenic Chinese hamster CHL/IU cell line, designated as KN63, for concurrent analysis of gene mutations and chromosome aberrations. The KN63 cell line contains copies of a shuttle vector with the Escherichia coli gpt gene as a mutational target in its chromosome. To evaluate the sensitivity of the cell line to various types of mutagens, methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU), mitomycin C (MMC), vincristine sulfate (VIN) and C.I. basic red 9 hydrochloride (CIB) were assayed. KN63 cells were treated with each test chemical and gene mutations were detected in the gpt gene of the shuttle vector rescued from the KN63 cell genome into an E. coli host. Chromosome aberrations were concurrently evaluated by conventional metaphase analysis. MMS, ENU and MMC induced both gene mutations and structural chromosome aberrations in KN63 cells, with more efficient induction of the latter. VIN, a well-known aneugen, produced only numerical changes to chromosomes, while CIB was negative for both types of alteration. KN63 cells were as sensitive to MMS, ENU, MMC and VIN as Chinese hamster cell lines such as CHL, CHO and V79 cells. The characteristics of test chemicals indicated by this system should be useful for understanding endpoints in chemical mutagenesis.

Animals↗

Involvement of gangliosides in glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored neuronal cell adhesion molecule TAG-1 signaling in lipid rafts.

The association of ganglioside GD3 with TAG-1, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored neuronal cell adhesion molecule, was examined by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Previously, we have shown that the anti-ganglioside GD3 antibody (R24) immunoprecipitated the Src family kinase Lyn from the rat cerebellum, and R24 treatment of primary cerebellar cultures induced Lyn activation and rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of an 80-kDa protein (p80). We now report that R24 coimmunoprecipitates a 135-kDa protein (p135) from primary cerebellar cultures. Treatment with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C revealed that p135 was glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored to the membrane. It was identified as TAG-1 by sequential immunoprecipitation with an anti-TAG-1 antibody. Antibody-mediated cross-linking of TAG-1 induced Lyn activation and rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of p80. Selective inhibitor for Src family kinases reduced the tyrosine phosphorylation of p80. Sucrose density gradient analysis revealed that the TAG-1 and tyrosine-phosphorylated p80 in cerebellar cultures were present in the lipid raft fraction. These data show that TAG-1 transduces signals via Lyn to p80 in the lipid rafts of the cerebellum. Furthermore, degradation of cell-surface glycosphingolipids by endoglycoceramidase induced an alteration of TAG-1 distribution on an OptiPrep gradient and reduced the TAG-1-mediated Lyn activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of p80. These observations suggest that glycosphingolipids are involved in TAG-1-mediated signaling in lipid rafts.

Animals↗

Endogenous production of TGF-beta is essential for osteoclastogenesis induced by a combination of receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor.

Differentiation of osteoclasts, the cells primarily responsible for bone resorption, is controlled by a variety of osteotropic hormones and cytokines. Of these factors, receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK) ligand (RANKL) has been recently cloned as an essential inducer of osteoclastogenesis in the presence of M-CSF. Here, we isolated a stroma-free population of monocyte/macrophage (M/Mphi)-like hemopoietic cells from mouse unfractionated bone cells that were capable of differentiating into mature osteoclasts by treatment with soluble RANKL (sRANKL) and M-CSF. However, the efficiency of osteoclast formation was low, suggesting the requirement for additional factors. The isolated M/Mphi-like hemopoietic cells expressed TGF-beta and type I and II receptors of TGF-beta. Therefore, we examined the effect of TGF-beta on osteoclastogenesis. TGF-beta with a combination of sRANKL and M-CSF promoted the differentiation of nearly all M/Mphi-like hemopoietic cells into cells of the osteoclast lineage. Neutralizing anti-TGF-beta Ab abrogated the osteoclast generation. These TGF-beta effects were also observed in cultures of unfractionated bone cells, and anti-TGF-beta blocked the stimulatory effect of 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3). Translocation of NF-kappaB into nuclei induced by sRANKL in TGF-beta-pretreated M/Mphi-like hemopoietic cells was greater than that in untreated cells, whereas TGF-beta did not up-regulate the expression of RANK, the receptor of RANKL. Our findings suggest that TGF-beta is an essential autocrine factor for osteoclastogenesis.

Animals↗

Allopurinol induces renal toxicity by impairing pyrimidine metabolism in mice.

We investigated the relationship between the toxic effect of allopurinol and pyrimidine metabolism in mice. Allopurinol-induced increases in plasma transaminase levels in dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-sensitized mice were not affected by uridine. In contrast, plasma creatinine and BUN tended to decrease 18 hr after the last injection of uridine. Both plasma and urinary orotidine (OD) were detected in DNFB-sensitized mice after administration of a single dose of allopurinol. In contrast, TEI-6720, a newly synthesized xanthine oxidase/xanthine dehydrogenase inhibitor, caused neither pyrimidine metabolism abnormality nor renal impairment in DNFB-sensitized mice. Also, normal mice administered high doses of allopurinol showed abnormal pyrimidine metabolism together with renal toxicity which could be ameliorated by uridine, indicating that allopurinol essentially causes pyrimidine metabolism abnormality leading to renal impairment. In DNFB-sensitized mice, allopurinol increased urinary OD excretion to an extent similar to that in normal mice administered the same dose of allopurinol. However, renal impairment by allopurinol was more striking in DNFB-sensitized mice than in normal mice. Histopathological observations showed that allopurinol induced calculus formation in the collecting tubules and papillary duct. Calculus formation was increased by DNFB and decreased by uridine. These observations indicate that the enhancement of the renal toxicity of allopurinol by DNFB-sensitization may be due to some biological interactions between DNFB and allopurinol. In humans, it is possible that there are some biological interactions which serve to enhance the toxicity of allopurinol, resulting in the development of allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS). In contrast, TEI-6720, had no effect on pyrimidine metabolism and showed no toxic effect.

Allopurinol↗

Cloning and function of rabbit peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta/beta in mature osteoclasts.

Osteoclasts modulate bone resorption under physiological and pathological conditions. Previously, we showed that both estrogens and retinoids regulated osteoclastic bone resorption and postulated that such regulation was directly mediated through their cognate receptors expressed in mature osteoclasts. In this study, we searched for expression of other members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily in osteoclasts. Using the low stringency homologous hybridization method, we isolated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta/beta (PPARdelta/beta) cDNA from mature rabbit osteoclasts. Northern blot analysis showed that PPARdelta/beta mRNA was highly expressed in highly enriched rabbit osteoclasts. Carbaprostacyclin, a prostacyclin analogue known to be a ligand for PPARdelta/beta, significantly induced both bone-resorbing activities of isolated mature rabbit osteoclasts and mRNA expression of the cathepsin K, carbonic anhydrase type II, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase genes in these cells. Moreover, the carbaprostacyclin-induced bone resorption was completely blocked by an antisense phosphothiorate oligodeoxynucleotide of PPARdelta/beta but not by the sense phosphothiorate oligodeoxynucleotide of the same DNA sequence. Our results suggest that PPARdelta/beta may be involved in direct modulation of osteoclastic bone resorption.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Oral DNA vaccination promotes mucosal and systemic immune responses to HIV envelope glycoprotein.

In this report, we described induction of HIV envelope (env)-specific systemic and mucosal immune responses by oral vaccination of BALB/c mice with env-encoded plasmid DNA encapsulated in poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles. We demonstrated that intragastric administration of the encapsulated plasmid DNA resulted in transduced expression of the env glycoprotein in the intestinal epithelium. Mice immunized orally exhibited env-specific type 1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses in spleen and the inductive (Peyer's patches) and effector (lamina propria) mucosal tissues of gut. Oral administration of PLG-encapsulated plasmid DNA encoding gp160 also induced env-specific serum antibodies, and an increased level of IgA directed to gp160 was detected in fecal washes of the immunized mice. In contrast, intramuscular (i.m.) administration of naked or PLG-encapsulated DNA vaccine induced only systemic cellular and humoral responses to the env glycoprotein. Using an HIV env-expressing recombinant vaccinia viral intrarectal murine challenge system, we observed higher resistance to mucosal viral transmission in mice immunized orally than in animals injected i.m. with PLG-encapsulated plasmid DNA encoding gp160. Results of these studies demonstrate the feasibility of using orally delivered PLG microparticles containing plasmid DNA-encoded HIV gp160 for induction of env-specific systemic and mucosal immune responses and protection against recombinant HIV env vaccinia virus challenge.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Prostaglandin E2 directly inhibits bone-resorbing activity of isolated mature osteoclasts mainly through the EP4 receptor.

Prostaglandins (PGs) are well known to be important local factors in regulating bone formation and resorption. PGE2 is a potent stimulator of bone resorption because of enhancing osteoclast formation by its indirect action through stromal cells. However, the direct action of PGE2 on functionally mature osteoclasts is still controversial. In this study using highly purified rabbit mature osteoclasts, we examined the direct effect of PGE2 on osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity and its mechanism. PGE2 inhibited resorption pit formation on a dentine slice by the purified osteoclasts in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect appeared as early as 4 hours after the PGE2 addition. Forskolin and 12-0-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), respective activators of adenylate cyclase and protein kinase C, also decreased the osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity. PGE2 increased the content of intracellular cAMP in a dose range effective for the inhibition of bone resorption, whereas the prostanoid did not alter the intracellular level of inositol triphosphate. The inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption by PGE2 was amplified and diminished by a cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor (isobutyl methylxanthine) and a protein kinase A inhibitor (Rp-cAMP), respectively. Of four different subtypes of PGE2 receptors (EPs), EP4 mRNA was predominantly expressed in isolated osteoclasts, whereas the other types of EP mRNA were detected in only small amounts. These results suggest that the PGE2 inhibitory effect was mediated by an adenylate cyclase system coupled with EP4. This possible association of PGE2 with EP4 in mature osteoclasts was supported by the finding that a specific agonist of EP4 (AE-604) inhibited the bone-resorbing activity and elevated the intracellular cAMP content. However, butaprost, a selective EP2 agonist, also mimicked the PGE2 effects on isolated osteoclasts although EP2 mRNA expression was minimal. In conclusion, PGE2 directly inhibits bone-resorbing activity of functionally mature osteoclasts by activation of the adenylate cyclase system, perhaps mainly through EP4.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: elongation into the media of the popliteal artery and communication with the knee joint capsule: report of a case.

Cystic disease of the popliteal artery is a rare disorder in which most cases involve the formation of an adventitial cyst that disturbs the popliteal artery blood flow. We present herein the case of a patient presenting with popliteal artery occlusion due to compression by a cyst which formed at the media of the popliteal artery. The onset occurred during a baseball game in which he played catcher. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a communication of the cyst with the adjacent knee joint. This unusual case could provide important clues to help identify the pathogenesis of this disease.

Adult↗

The fate of small aneurysms of the internal iliac artery following proximal ligation in abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

To assess the natural history of small internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAA) measuring 2.0-3.0 cm in diameter, proximally ligated in association with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, we examined 9 of 12 patients who underwent this type of surgery. Postoperative computed tomography scanning demonstrated that three IIAAs were still patent and the other six were thrombosed. An increase in the maximum diameter from that at the time of surgery was seen in four IIAAs. One patient suffered serious complications in that a dilated IIAA caused right ureteral obstruction and subsequent hydronephrosis accompanied by unilateral renal dysfunction. This was successfully treated by resection of the IIAA. The findings of this analysis led us to conclude that small IIAAs associated with AAA repair should be treated by either endoaneurysmorrhaphy or resection of the aneurysm after both proximal and distal ligation.

Aged↗

Y-27632 inhibits gastric motility in conscious rats.

Y-27632, a highly selective inhibitor of p160ROCK, desensitizes the smooth muscle to Ca2+ and inhibits smooth muscle contraction. While this drug has the potential to become a novel drug for hypertension, it might also affect other smooth muscle, including that of gastrointestinal tract. We studied the effects of Y-27632 on gastric contractions in conscious rats. Strain gauge force transducers were sutured onto the serosal side of the gastric antrum and contractions were recorded before and after the intravenous injection of Y-27632. Doses of 1.0 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg significantly decreased contraction amplitude and the motility index in a dose dependent manner. With 10 mg/kg, the mean amplitude was decreased by up to 69 +/- 14% and the motility index by up to 81 +/- 7%. The change occurred immediately after drug infusion and lasted for 3.5h. Contraction frequency showed only a slight decrease. No signs of bowel obstruction were observed. These results indicate that Rho-mediated Ca sensitization has a role in the physiologic contractions of gastric smooth muscle in rats. Y-27632 is useful to investigate the physiology of gastrointestinal motility.

Amides↗

NO-mediated MaxiK(Ca) channel activation produces relaxation of guinea pig aorta independently of voltage-dependent L-type Ca(2+) channels.

The role of L-type Ca(2+) channels in the relaxation to nitric oxide (NO)-mediated MaxiK(Ca) channel activation was examined in guinea pig aorta. Acetylcholine (ACh) produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation of guinea pig aorta precontracted with noradrenaline (NA), which was abolished by an NO synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA). Both endothelium-dependent relaxation by ACh and endothelium-independent relaxation by an NO donor, (+/-)-(E)-ethyl-2-[(E)-hydroxyimino]-5-nitro-3-hexeneamide (NOR3), were strongly suppressed by a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), suggesting that increased intracellular cGMP plays the key role in both responses. ACh- and NOR3-induced relaxations were significantly suppressed by iberiotoxin (IbTX), a selective blocker of MaxiK(Ca) channels. ACh- and NOR3-induced relaxations were greatly attenuated when arteries were precontracted with high KCl instead of NA, supporting the idea that K(+) channel activation mediates the relaxant responses. (6) NOR3-induced relaxations were not affected by a L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, diltiazem. Furthermore, endothelium-independent relaxation by a K(ATP) channel opener, (+)-7,8-dihydro-6, 6-dimethyl-7-hydroxy-8-(2-oxo-1-piperidinyl)-6H-pyrano[2,3-f] benz-2,1, 3-oxadiazole (NIP-121) was not affected by diltiazem and nicardipine. These findings suggest that blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels is not a major mechanism responsible for the vascular relaxation due to NO-mediated MaxiK(Ca) channel activation in guinea pig aorta.

Acetylcholine↗

Direct stimulation of osteoclastic bone resorption by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and expression of BMP receptors in mature osteoclasts.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play an important role in various kinds of pattern formation and organogenesis during vertebrate development. In the skeleton, BMPs induce the differentiation of cells of chondrocytic and osteoblastic cell lineage and enhance their function. However, the action of BMPs on osteoclastic bone resorption, a process essential for pathophysiological bone development and regeneration, is still controversial. In this study, we examine the direct effect of BMPs on osteoclastic bone-resorbing activity in a culture of highly purified rabbit mature osteoclasts. BMP-2 caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in bone resorption pits excavated by the isolated osteoclasts. BMP-4 also stimulated osteoclastic bone resorption. The increase in osteoclastic bone resorption induced by BMP-2 was abolished by the simultaneous addition of follistatin, a BMP/activin binding protein that negates their biological activity. Just as it increased bone resorption, BMP-2 also elevated the messenger RNA expressions of cathepsin K and carbonic anhydrase II, which are key enzymes for the degradation of organic and inorganic bone matrices, respectively. Type IA and II BMP receptors (BMPRs), and their downstream signal transduction molecules, Smad1 and Smad5, were expressed in isolated osteoclasts as well as in osteoblastic cells, whereas type IB BMPR was undetectable. BMPs directly stimulate mature osteoclast function probably mediated by BMPR-IA and BMPR-II and their downstream molecules expressed in osteoclasts. The results presented here expand our understanding of the multifunctional roles of BMPs in bone development.

Animals↗