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Biomedical subjects

H Kikuchi

Publications and source records attributed to H Kikuchi.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Prevention of neointimal formation by a serine protease inhibitor, FUT-175, after carotid balloon injury in rats.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In vivo and vitro studies revealed the activation of thrombin and the complement system in vascular lesion formation during the process of atherosclerosis, along with pathological proliferation of smooth muscle cells. We examined the effect of the synthetic serine protease inhibitor FUT-175 (developed as a potent inhibitor of thrombin and the complement system) on vascular lesions using balloon dilatation-induced neointimal formation in the carotid artery of rats. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats underwent balloon dilatation injury of the left carotid artery to induce neointimal formation. Three groups of these rats (n=8, each) were treated with daily intraperitoneal injections of 1 of the following doses of FUT-175: 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mg/d in 1 mL of saline for 7 consecutive days. The control group (n=8) was similarly treated with 1 mL of saline for 7 days. The injections were started immediately after balloon injury. Two weeks after the injury, the left carotid arteries were perfusion-fixed, and the areas of the neointimal and medial layer were analyzed under a microscope. RESULTS: A morphometric analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the intima-media ratio between the 4 groups treated with vehicle (saline) or a low, medium, or high dose of FUT-175 (1.45+/-0.11, 1.08+/-0.06, 0.71+/-0.04, or 0.32+/-0.04, respectively). This suppression was achieved in a dose-dependent manner by the administration of FUT-175 after balloon injury. In the histological study, it was demonstrated that FUT-175 suppresses the production of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB in the neointima and the medial smooth muscle cell layer. CONCLUSIONS: After balloon injury activated proteases that were inhibited by FUT-175 were demonstrated to have an essential role in the development of the pathological thickening of the arterial wall.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Cochlear function of guinea pigs with experimental chronic renal failure.

This study aimed to evaluate electrophysiologically the cochlear function of guinea pigs that underwent a five-sixths nephrectomy and, additionally, to explore the synergistic action between chronic renal failure (CRF) and noise. Cochlear potentials were recorded at 1, 2, and 3 months postoperatively. Slight changes in compound action potential and cochlear microphonics were seen at 1 month postoperative, while moderate and profound changes were seen at 2 and 3 months. Endocochlear potential showed no significant reduction. The results indicate that CRF may be an etiologic factor for cochlear dysfunction and that the hair cells seem likely to be a main site of the lesion. One-month-postoperative animals were exposed to a broadband noise. In contrast to control animals, the test animals demonstrated no recovery from the decrease in compound action potential and cochlear microphonics that occurred immediately after noise exposure. This suggests a synergistic interaction between CRF and noise.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Behaviour of urinary dipeptidase in patients with chronic renal failure.

Renal dipeptidase (EC 3.4.13.19) activity in serum and urine from healthy volunteers (n = 20), patients with diabetes (n = 18) and patients with chronic renal failure (n = 5) was measured using glycyl-D-alanine as substrate. The assay was highly specific for the enzyme and was not affected by the various aminopeptidases present in serum and urine. No difference in serum renal dipeptidase activity was observed between the groups. The enzyme activity (U/L) in urine was higher than that in serum, irrespective of the group, suggesting the urine concentration was not affected by the serum concentration. The mean renal dipeptidase activities in urine were 2.56, 2.46 and 0.78 U/mol creatinine for healthy subjects, patients with diabetes and patients with chronic renal failure, respectively. The renal dipeptidase activity was significantly lower in the chronic renal failure group. The urinary excretion of dipeptidase (U/mmol creatinine) showed significant inverse correlations with that of beta 2-microglobulin, albumin and alpha 1-microglobulin, and with serum concentrations of creatinine, beta 2-microglobulin and alpha 1-microglobulin. We suggest that urine dipeptidase may be a useful marker of renal diseases.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Simple fluctuation of Ca2+ elicits the complex circadian dynamics of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP in Paramecium.

The circadian dynamics of cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) were simulated in Paramecium multimicronucleatum. The mathematical functions determined closely mimic the Ca2+ dependence of adenylate cyclase (AC) and guanylate cyclase (GC) activities as documented in P. tetraurelia. Patterns of cAMP concentration ([cAMP]), cGMP concentration ([cGMP ]), and the ratio [cGMP]/[cAMP] were calculated with respect to Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]) fluctuating sinusoidally with a period of 24 hours at three different levels: low, medium, and high. The functions displayed varying patterns of [cAMP] characteristic for [Ca2+] fluctuating at each level, while patterns of [cGMP] and [cGMP]/[cAMP] almost paralleled [Ca2+] fluctuations. Similar patterns were observed for actual [cAMP] and [cGMP] measured during the light/dark cycle in P. multimicronucleatum, grown in axenic media additionally containing [Ca2+] at 25 (low), 100 (medium), or 400 (high) microM, respectively. The coincidence between simulated and measured fluctuations of [cAMP] and [cGMP] suggests that the circadian fluctuations of intracellular [Ca2+] primarily stimulate activities of AC and GC via their different degrees of Ca2+ dependence, which are ultimately responsible for the circadian spatiotemporal organization of various physiological functions in Paramecium.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1999

[Influence on diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in 13C urea breath test of existence of dead space gas].

The 13C-urea breath test is a noninvasive analysis for the detection of Helicobacter pylori infection and is valuable for judging the effects of antimicrobial treatment. Up to date the most popular technique for 13C-urea breath test: UBT, is performed by collecting expired gas into an aluminum bag, but the result is considered to be influenced in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection by the existence of anatomical dead space gas. We therefore introduced a new technique to measure 13CO2 and 12CO2 continuously during expiration, identified the correct alveolar gas, and excluded the effect of anatomical dead space. Subjects were 127 males and 8 females. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of these aluminum bag and continuous measurement methods. We adopted serological IgG positive and barium-meal study positive cases as a gold standard for the diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy by continuous measurement was superior to that by the aluminum bag method. We should pay attention to the existence of anatomical dead space for accurate diagnosis. Continuous measurement is important in the collection of end tidal expired gas in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Study on Chlamydia trachomatis infection among students and pregnant women in Japan: a step toward developing a reliable method for sexual behavior study.

2450 sera from students and 5215 sera from pregnant women were examined for the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) antibody. CT antibody positive rates were less than 5% with the students and 24.5% with the pregnant women suggesting the latter is significantly higher than former. The results provided a base for discussing possibility of using CT infection as a reliable method for studying sexual behavior.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗
PubMed1999

Trace element levels in drinking water and the incidence of colorectal cancer.

We determined the levels of 15 elements in drinking water from 34 water treatment plants in Aomori Prefecture and studied how element levels relate to colorectal cancer incidence by district. Colorectal cancer incidence was calculated from the data of Aomori Colorectal Cancer Registry. Multiple regression analysis was performed by using age-adjusted incidences of rectal cancer and colon cancer by gender as object variables and each element level as an explanatory variable. The standardized partial regression coefficient was significant in gold (p < 0.01), magnesium (p < 0.01), selenium (p < 0.01) and tin (p < 0.05) for age-adjusted rectal cancer incidence in men as objective variable; in gold (p < 0.05), calcium (p < 0.01) and phosphorus (p < 0.01) with age-adjusted colon cancer incidence in men as the objective variable; and in sodium (p < 0.05), phosphorus (p < 0.05), tin (p < 0.05) and strontium (p < 0.01) with age-adjusted colon cancer incidence in women as the objective variable. These results confirm the need to further study trace elements in drinking water and food, and relationship to colorectal carcinogenesis.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗
PubMed1999

In vivo and in vitro positive interference by cefpirome in measurement of serum creatinine by the Jaffe method.

We report the case of an 81-year-old female patient with diverticulitis of the colon, whose symptoms were relieved by intravenous administration of cefpirome. However, her serum creatinine levels were falsely increased by the Jaffe method when serum samples were drawn after intravenous administration of cefpirome. The serum creatinine level in the same sample was within the normal range by the enzymatic method in the automated analyzer. In vitro experiment demonstrated dose-dependent positive interference of the creatinine level with cefpirome. These results indicate that we should be aware of the positive interfering effect of cefpirome when we measure serum creatinine by the Jaffe method, and that the enzymatic method should be widely used to measure serum creatinine levels to eliminate false reactions due to certain chemicals.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Effects of human atrial natriuretic polypeptide in a patient with acute pulmonary edema during living-related kidney transplantation].

A 19-year-old female was scheduled for living-related kidney transplantation under general anesthesia. Eight units of fresh frozen plasma were infused in 30 minutes before the recanalization of renal vessels. Twenty minutes after the first urination, end-tidal-CO2 suddenly increased showing CVP of 18 mmHg. We considered that she had developed acute pulmonary edema. Continuous hANP infusion was initiated at the rate of 0.1 microgram.kg-1.min-1. By this infusion, end-tidal-CO2 and CVP gradually decreased and operation was concluded successfully. This case demonstrates that hANP works also on the transplanted kidney.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

[Malaria].

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Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Epstein-Barr virus associated Richter's syndrome accompanied by interstitial pneumonia].

A 65-year-old man who had an 8-year history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia was admitted to our hospital on February 19, 1998 because of high fever, dry cough, and weight loss. Laboratory data on admission included serum lactate dehydrogenase at 980 IU/l, CRP at 21.8 mg/dl, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor at 7,280 U/ml. The results of serological tests for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibodies were as follows: EBV capsid antigen IgG 1:2560, EBV early antigen IgG 1:640, and EBV nuclear antigens 1:20. Computed tomography revealed diffuse interstitial pneumonia in both lungs, hepatosplenomegaly with multiple nodules, and enlarged intra-abdominal lymph nodes. In addition, Gallium-67 scintigraphy demonstrated abnormal accumulations. Although the patient initially responded well to combination chemotherapy, he eventually deteriorated and died on November 2, 1988, despite salvage chemotherapy. Postmortem needle biopsy specimens from the liver and spleen revealed diffuse proliferation of polymorphic large lymphoma cells. The lymphoma cells were positive for L-26, latent membrane protein 1, and EBV nuclear antigen, but negative for UCHL-1 and CD3, 5, 10, and 30. In situ hybridization procedures disclosed the presence of EBV-encoded small RNA in lymphoma cells. These findings suggested the possibility of association with EBV infection in some cases of Richter's syndrome.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[An autopsy case with lower motor neuron disease showing a transient-appearance of anti-GM1 antibody and an improvement of conduction block after gamma-globulin administration].

We report a 63-year-old man who died of respiratory failure. He was well until 1992 (57 years of his age), when he had an onset of progressive weakness of the bilateral upper limbs. He showed no improvement with TRH administration in other hospital. On January 12, 1994, he admitted to our department because of the progressive muscle weakness. Neurologic examination revealed a muscular atrophy associated with severe weakness and hyporeflexia in both upper limbs, and fasciculation were seen in his tongue. Electrophysiological studies revealed mild conduction block in the left medial nerve, and F-waves were not evoked in the left ulnar nerve and bilateral median nerves. After an administration of 25 g/day of human gamma-immunoglobulin for 5 days, conduction block as well as F-wave abnormalities in the left median and left ulnar nerve were improved, yet no improvement of muscle weakness was seen. The anti-GM1 IgG titer was transiently elevated in the patient's serum after gamma-immunoglobulin therapy. On September 8, 1994, subtotal gastrectomy was performed because of the early stage gastric cancer. Histological examination showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (signet-ring cell carcinoma). His muscle weakness had been gradually extended to the lower limbs and he couldn't walk himself on January, 1998. On March, 1998, he developed tetraplegia, mild dysphagia, dysuria and the respiratory disturbance. On April 12, 1998, he admitted to our department for the second time. Neurologic examination revealed a muscular atrophy and fasciculation associated with severe weakness in all of his limbs, tongue and musclus masseter. Neither deep tendon reflex nor pathologic reflex was evoked in his upper and lower extremities. His ocular movements and sensations were well preserved. He died of respiratory failure on May 1, 1998. The patient was presented in a neurological CPC. Neurological and laboratory findings suggested a spinal progressive muscular atrophy (SPMA). However, there were several unusual points as a typical SPMA in this case, that is, an improvement of the electrophysiological abnormalities by gamma-globulin treatment, as well as transient elevation of anti-GM1 antibody. The clinical neurologists have arrived at the conclusion that the patient had lower motor neuron syndrome associated with anti-ganglioside antibody and cause of death was ascribed to the respiratory failure. We discussed whether this case was SPMA or multifocal motor neuropathy. Postmortem examination revealed numerous diverticulums in the ascending colon and lymphothyroiditis. No recurrent carcinoma was detected. Neuropathologically, both severe atrophy of the anterior spinal roots, and severe gliosis and neuronal loss in the anterior horn of the spinal cord were observed. Onuf nuclei were not affected. Neurogenic muscular atrophy was detected in the tongue, diaphragm, and limb muscles. Motor neurons of the brainstem were relatively preserved, but skein-like inclusions as detected by anti-ubiquitin antibody, were present in the facial and hypoglossal nuclei. Neither motor cortex nor cortico-spinal tracts were affected. Demyelination, remyelination or cellular infiltrations were not apparent in the right median nerve and sciatic nerves. The neuropathologic features were compatible with SPMA.

Autoantibodies↗
PubMed1999

[Efficacy of combination with granisetron and methylprednisolone for nausea, vomiting and appetite loss in remission induction chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia--a randomized comparative trial between granisetron alone and granisetron plus methylprednisolone].

The prevention of nausea, vomiting and appetite loss induced by remission induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia was compared by randomization between granisetron alone and combination with granisetron plus methylprednisolone. Granisetron was administered at 40 micrograms/kg during chemotherapy, and methylprednisolone was administered concomitantly at 125 mg/body for 3 days or more in the combination group. The single and combination groups comprised 14 and 13 patients, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the background of both groups. To evaluate the effect they were scored according to 4 grades, and evaluated every 24 hours from the start of chemotherapy to 5 days after its completion. The complete inhibition rate of vomiting was as high as 71.4% and 92.3% in the single and combination groups, respectively, showing no significant difference. The grade of vomiting was mild in both groups. Nausea was noted in 71.4% and 46.2%, respectively, and the inhibitory effect tended to be higher in the combination group. Appetite loss developed in 92.9% and 41.7%, respectively, and the prevention effect was clearly higher in the combination group. The prevention effects on nausea 7, 8 and 10 days after the start of chemotherapy, on appetite loss 2-10 days after it, and 2-5 days after its completion, were higher in the combination group. Granisetron revealed an excellent inhibitory effect on vomiting induced by remission induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia, but combination with granisetron and methylprednisolone was considered useful for nausea in the latter half of the treatment period and for appetite loss during the whole period.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

A rapid method for determination of the relative copy number of HTLV-I proviral genome in HTLV-I carriers and adult T-cell leukemia patients by polymerase chain reaction.

Ten adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) patients and 11 asymptomatic human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) carriers were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with a reduced sensitivity to evaluate its utility in detecting the relative copy number of the HTLV-I genome in clinical samples. Differences in the intensities of the PCR products were observed between the acute type ATL patients and ATL patients in remission or carriers. Intense bands were found in all acute type ATL patients (6/6, 100%), while specific bands were seen in only 2 carriers (2/11, 18.2%). The bands found in one of the two patients in remission were weak. One patient, who had acute type ATL, had achieved a remission but later relapsed. Using this technique, we examined the differences in the intensities of the bands of the PCR products in a patient with acute type ATL who had achieved remission but later relapsed. Thus, this technique may be of clinical importance in diagnosing acute ATL and assessing the effect of therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Polymyositis and cutaneous vasculitis in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome].

We report a 60-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who developed polymyositis and cutaneous vasculitis. He noticed difficulty in climbing up stairs 4 months before admission. On admission, he showed brownish skin pigmentation in the distal positions of the four extremities. Neurological examination revealed muscle weakness of the neck flexor and proximal muscles of four extremities. Serum myogenic enzymes including creatine kinase increased, and electromyography showed denervation potentials and MUPs were myogenic, which was compatible with polymyositis. Muscle biopsy indicated perivascular mononuclear cell infiltration and muscle fiber necrosis with cytoplasmic bodies and rimmed vacuoles in the muscle fibers. Complete blood cell counts revealed macrocytic normochromic anemia and bone marrow puncture disclosed marked hyperplasia of megakaryocytes, erythroblasts and myeloblasts, suggesting a refractory anemia type of MDS. In addition, skin biopsy showed chronic cutaneous vasculitis. Serum protein electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis revealed the presence of IgM gamma type monoclonal gammopathy. With immunosuppressive therapy, serum creatine kinase level was decreased. Since immunological abnormalities and the presence of autoimmune diseases have been reported in patients with MDS, both polymyositis and chronic cutaneous vasculitis in the present patient may be caused by the similar autoimmune mechanisms related to MDS.

Autoimmune Diseases↗
PubMed1999

[Endovascular surgery for untreated ruptured aneurysm with symptomatic vasospasm].

It is difficult to treat ruptured aneurysms with symptomatic vasospasm. Although direct surgery for such cases is associated with poor outcomes, conservative therapy has the risk of both rerupture and infarction. In two cases of ruptured aneurysms with symptomatic vasospasm, we performed aneurysmal coil embolization with Guglielmi electrodetatchable coils (GDC). At the same time we performed percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with papaverine infusion. In both cases, rerupture did not occur and PTA was effective angiographically. A good outcome was achieved in case 1. However, broad cerebral infarction occurred in case 2, in which the patient had shown severe symptomatic vasospasm on admission. In advanced cases, such as in case 2, the outcome is poor. The aneurysm may not be able to be approached before PTA because of severe vasospasm. In such cases, PTA must be performed carefully to avoid aneurysmal rerupture. Intraarterial papaverine infusion is safer than PTA for severe spasm in distal vessels. However the efficacy of papaverine is known to be transient in many cases. It is often difficult to determine the exact relationship between branches and the aneurysm in the presence of vasospasm. In such cases, we recommend that the rupture point be packed and that the aneurysmal neck remain unpacked. After vasospasm is cured and good general condition has been recovered, direct surgery can be performed. In summary, endovascular surgery is an effective option for treatment of ruptured aneurysm with symptomatic vasospasm.

Aged↗