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Biomedical subjects

H Oishi

Publications and source records attributed to H Oishi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Comparison between males and females with respect to the porphyrin metabolic disorders found in workers occupationally exposed to lead.

To elucidate the sex difference in porphyrin metabolic disorders induced by lead exposure, we determined plasma delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), urinary ALA, and urinary coproporphyrin (CP) in 298 lead-exposed workers (160 males and 138 females), and compared the data thus obtained. The use of fluorometric high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method which is highly sensitive and specific made possible the measurement of ALA in a small volume (50 microliters) of plasma. The concentrations (mean +/- SD) of lead in blood (males: 55.1 +/- 12.9 micrograms/dl; females: 54.7 +/- 13.5 micrograms/dl) indicated that the intensity of occupational exposure to lead was almost equal in the two groups. However, the elevation of plasma ALA concentration and the increased urine ALA and CP excretion among these lead workers were much higher in females than in males, confirming the finding of a sex difference in the biological effect of human exposure. The difference in urine CP excretion was especially pronounced, the mean concentration of urinary CP in the female workers being 3.5-5 times higher than that in the male workers.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Purification and some properties of phospholipase B from Schizosaccharomyces pombe.

Phospholipase B from Schizosaccharomyces pombe was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatographed on phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B, DEAE-Toyopearl 650M, and TSK gel G4000SW columns. The purified enzyme was a glycoprotein with molecular weight of approximately 300,000 and 100,000-150,000 by gel filtration and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, respectively. The isoelectric point was pH 4.7. The optimum pH of the enzyme was 2.5 and no activity was detected at neutral and alkaline pHs. The enzyme was not heat-stable. Enzyme activity was slightly stimulated by divalent ions except Fe2+ and 0.1% sodium deoxycholate, and inhibited by Fe2+, Fe3+, 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 0.01% cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The enzyme hydrolyzed mono- and diacylphospholipids, and phosphatidylinositol was hydrolyzed most preferentially. Triglyceride was not hydrolyzed. The enzyme also had acyltransferase activity on lysophosphatidylcholine, forming the corresponding diacylphosphatidylcholine.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed1995

Respiratory burst and tyrosine phosphorylation by vanadate.

We studied involvement of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in activation of NADPH oxidase in guinea pig neutrophils. Pervanadate, which is the oxidized form of orthovanadate, induced O2- production and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in neutrophils. O2- production induced by pervanadate was more sensitive to the tyrosine kinase-specific inhibitor, ST-638, as compared with the production induced by PMA. On the other hand, staurosporine more selectively inhibited PMA-induced O2- production than pervanadate-induced production. These results indicate that tyrosine kinase, not protein kinase C, is involved in pervanadate-induced O2- production. The tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were detected in both the cytosol and membrane fractions prepared from pervanadate-induced neutrophils. In order to examine if tyrosine residues of some components of NADPH oxidase were directly phosphorylated, tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were removed from solubilized membranes prepared from the pervanadate-stimulated neutrophils by immunoprecipitation with an anti-phosphotyrosine anti-body. NADPH oxidase activity in the solubilized membranes was not decreased by the treatment. These findings suggest that the components of NADPH oxidase are not tyrosine-phosphorylated by pervanadate treatment, that tyrosine phosphorylation may be involved in the signal transduction pathway of NADPH oxidase activation by pervanadate, and that this pathway is independent of the activation by protein kinase C.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1995

Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 in cervixes of pregnant women.

We looked for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and HHV-7 genomes in the cervixes of pregnant women in the late stages of their pregnancies. Of 72 samples collected with cervical swabs and amplified by nested PCR, we found that 14 (19.4%) and 2 (2.7%) contained detectable HHV-6 and HHV-7 genomes, respectively. The two samples in which HHV-7 DNA was detected also contained HHV-6 genomes. Hybridization of HHV-6 DNA amplified by PCR with variant-specific probes revealed that all of these DNA samples belonged to variant type B. These results indicated that HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 exists in the cervixes of infected women in late pregnancy and may cause perinatal infection.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1994

Rabphilin-3A is associated with synaptic vesicles through a vesicle protein in a manner independent of Rab3A.

Rabphilin-3A is a putative target protein for Rab3A small GTP-binding protein, which is implicated in regulated secretion, particularly in neurotransmitter release. Rabphilin-3A is associated with synaptic vesicles, although it has no transmembrane segment. Here we have studied how rabphilin-3A is associated with synaptic vesicles. Treatment of the synaptic vesicles isolated from rat brain with 1 M NaCl completely solubilized rabphilin-3A from the vesicles. These vesicles deprived of rabphilin-3A still contained Rab3A and synaptophysin. Exogenous rabphilin-3A bound to the vesicles deprived of endogenous rabphilin-3A in dose-dependent and saturable manners. The concentration of exogenous rabphilin-3A giving a half-maximal binding was about 50 nM and maximally 5 +/- 1 molecules of exogenous rabphilin-3A bound to one vesicle. Addition of exogenous Rab3A bound to one vesicle. Addition of exogenous Rab3A or removal of endogenous Rab3A by the action of Rab GDI did not affect the binding of exogenous rabphilin-3A to the vesicles. However, treatment of the vesicles with trypsin completely abolished the binding of exogenous rabphilin-3A. These results suggest that rabphilin-3A is associated with synaptic vesicles at least through a vesicle protein in a manner independent of Rab3A.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗
PubMed1994

The in vitro effect of 13 metals on the activity of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N).

The in vitro effect of 13 metal ions on the activity of erythrocyte pyrimidine 5'-nucleotidase (P5N) was investigated. Particular metals belonging to the boron group have recently been used as materials in a semi-conductor manufacturing. Of these metal ions, Ga exhibited no inhibition of erythrocyte P5N, while in extensively inhibited the erythrocyte P5N activity at concentrations of 10(-4) to 10(-3) M. In addition, the activity of erythrocyte P5N was inhibited by 90-96% when the metal ions such as Cu, Ag, Cd, Hg or Pb were added to the incubation mixture at concentrations of 10(-4) to 10(-3) M. On the other hand, there was no difference between sulfate and nitrate in the in vitro effect of the metal ions on the activity of erythrocyte P5N.

5'-Nucleotidase↗
PubMed1994

Postlabeling analysis of DNA adducts in white blood cells from lead smelter workers.

We analyzed DNA adducts levels in white blood cells from 14 lead smelter workers for the first time as an indicator of the effect of lead exposure and compared with some lead exposure indices to evaluate whether lead exposure induces DNA adducts significantly. DNA adducts were measured by the nuclease P1 enhanced 32P-postlabeling method. As the lead exposure indices, we chose blood lead (Pb-B), urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP). The levels of DNA adducts had a weak positive correlation with urinary ALA concentration (r = 0.62), but not significant correlation with Pb-B and FEP. This result suggests that lead exposure might have the effect to remain DNA adducts. The inhibition of DNA repair system may be one reason. This preliminary study need be followed by extended surveys on lead exposure.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

[The significance of portal infusion chemotherapy for prevention of recurrence in residual liver after hepatectomy for metastases from colorectal cancer].

We performed portal infusion chemotherapy using a reservoir for prevention of recurrence in residual liver after hepatectomy for metastases from colo-rectal cancer. To study the usefulness of portal infusion chemotherapy, the period from hepatectomy to recurrence in residual liver was investigated by three treatment groups for H2 cases; (a) a group of systemic chemotherapy, (b) a group of arterial infusion chemotherapy and (c) a portal infusion chemotherapy group. Treatment in (a) group was for 204 +/- 98.2 days (n = 6), in (b) group for 343.0 +/- 238.3 days (n = 8) and in (c) group for 961.0 +/- 1,172.4 days (n = 5). There was no statistically significant difference in the three groups, but (c) group had a better result in recurrence in residual liver. As for prevention of recurrence in residual liver after re-hepatectomy, there was no significant difference in the three groups, but (c) group had the longest survival.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 3.

A boy with growth and mental retardation, flat occiput, high and broad forehead, blepharoptosis, narrow palpebral fissures, low set, malformed ears, short neck, anal atresia, deep sacral dimple is reported. High-resolution banding analysis showed terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 3 (46,XY,del(3)(p25.3)). Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 3 are relatively rare. The clinical features of the patient are compared with those of 19 previously reported cases.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1992

[Evaluation of loco-regional cancer chemotherapy with assistance of home parenteral nutrition].

Out of 79 cases dealt with reservoir, a response was obtained in 31% of 51 assessable cases. When assessed by cumulative survival with Kaplan-Meier method, the 50% survival was 8 months for total cases and prolonged to 21 months for responsive cases. However, eventually re-hospitalization was required for almost all cases. Although oral nutrition was impossible because of poor general condition, there were many patients who refused re-hospitalization and wished to continue treatment at home. In the present study, in 5 such cases the usefulness of home parenteral nutrition (HPN) combined with chemotherapy was determined. All the five patients in this study had gastric cancer with metastases and recurrent lesions in the liver or lymph node, or localized or with peritoneal spread. The site of the reservoir was within the artery in 4 cases and in the abdominal cavity in 1 case. The chemotherapy was multidrug-combination therapy consisting of 5-FU, MMC, CDDP and EPIR. In 4 cases local hyperthermia was added. In 3 out of the 5 cases (3 out of 7 lesions), a partial response (PR) was obtained. The mean dwelling period of the reservoir was 349.2 days for all cases, but longer than 400 days for 3 cases in which PR was obtained. For HPN, a catheter was inserted through the internal cervical vein, and 750-1,500 kcal/day was administered intermittently during night or constantly for 24 hours. In cases in which PR was obtained with chemotherapy and in those in which the reservoir for HPN was been in place before the terminal stage, the reservoir could be used for administration for a prolonged period. The mean dwelling period of the reservoir was 179.8 days and the duration of home stay was 121.2 days. All of the patients were classified as PS2 or higher and pronounced improvement in PS was obtained after HPN in only 1 case. Four out of the 5 patients were satisfied with receiving treatment at home. However, since HPN is associated with many problems such as sudden worsening in general condition, cancer pain and great burden to families, the solution to these problems remains.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Prevalence of virulent Rhodococcus equi in isolates from soil and feces of horses from horse-breeding farms with and without endemic infections.

The prevalence of virulent Rhodococcus equi in isolates from soil and feces of foals on a farm with endemic R. equi infections was significantly higher than that of a farm with no history of the disease. Foals bred on a farm with the endemic disease might be constantly exposed to virulent R. equi in their environment.

Actinomycetales Infections↗
PubMed1990

A new method for the quantification of beta-glucan in plasma and its application in the diagnosis of postoperative infection.

In order to correctly diagnose and treat severe postoperative infections, it may be critical to detect and differentiate between endotoxin derived from Gram-negative bacteria and/or beta-glucan derived from fungi. In addition to the chromogenic assay, the turbidimetric kinetic assay has been performed for the quantification of endotoxin in plasma using Limulus amebocyte lysate as previously reported. However, it is also known that beta-glucan triggers the coagulation of Limulus amebocyte lysate. In the present study, the differentiation of beta-glucan from endotoxin and its clinical application were studied. Endotoxin was able to be inactivated in plasma using one-tenth dilution by 10 per cent ethanol or distilled water, followed by heating at 100 degrees C for 120 min, without affecting the activity of coexisting beta-glucan. The treated sample was then subjected to the turbidimetric kinetic assay using Toxinometer ET-201. Using this method, as little as 30 pg/ml of beta-glucan in the plasma may be assayed separately, with the amount of circulating beta-glucan in the plasma of normal subjects being less than 50 pg/ml. On the other hand, in patients with a fungal infection, the amount of beta-glucan in their plasma was elevated significantly. Clinically, beta-glucanemia may often occur in severe postoperative infection even if fungi are not detected.

Candidiasis↗
PubMed1990

Molecular heterogeneity of beta-thalassaemia in the Japanese: identification of two novel mutations.

Five unrelated Japanese beta-thalassaemia genes, from one homozygote and four heterozygotes, have been systematically characterized using DNA polymorphism analysis, polymerase chain reaction, dot-blot hybridization and direct sequencing of amplified genomic DNA. Four different molecular defects were observed on three different beta-globin gene frameworks. One of these, the A----G mutation in the TATA box, a previously described mutation, was detected by dot-blot hybridization in one homozygote and one heterozygote with the beta-globin gene of framework 2. The second mutation is a C----T substitution at position 654 of IVS-2, the mutation commonly found in Chinese, which was associated with the framework 1 gene. Another two mutations, both associated with framework 3 genes, are novel ones; an amber mutation in codon 90 (GAG to TAG) and a frameshift (+G) insertion in codon 54, both of which cause a beta 0-thalassaemia phenotype by premature termination of the beta-globin chain synthesis.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Discrimination between endotoxin and (1----3)-beta-D-glucan using turbidimetric kinetic assay with Limulus amebocyte lysate.

A procedure for the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test discriminating between endotoxin and (1----3)-beta-D-glucan based on the turbidimetric kinetic method was proposed. Endotoxin and (1----3)-beta-D-glucan, which are elicitors of the activation of LAL, showed different reaction courses with this lysate. To analyze the difference in the reactions, two parameters, the maximum differential coefficient of the reaction (Dmax) and the reaction time required to obtain Dmax (Tp) were defined. The logarithmic plottings of Tp versus Dmax (Tp-Dmax plot) discriminated between endotoxin and (1----3)-beta-D-glucan. Endotoxin was measured with a standard curve plotting logarithmic endotoxin concentration versus Dmax (ET-Dmax plot). The endotoxin calculated from Dmax was less influenced by (1----3)-beta-D-glucan than that calculated from the usual gelation time. A small amount of endotoxin in a sample could be concealed by the addition of polymyxin B, which inhibited the activation of LAL by endotoxin. (1----3)-beta-D-glucan was measured without being affected by the presence of a small amount of endotoxin using LAL with polymyxin B. The following procedure is proposed as a LAL test to discriminate between endotoxin and (1----3)-beta-D-glucan. (1) Identify the main substance (endotoxin or (1----3)-beta-D-glucan) triggering the activation of LAL using the Tp-Dmax plot. (2) Use the appropriate method to measure the main substance: the ET-Dmax plot for endotoxin or the LAL with polymyxin B for (1----3)-beta-D-glucan.

Endotoxins↗
PubMed1990

Probable assignment of the dihydropteridine reductase gene to 4p15.31.

We report the dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) activity in cases with interstitial deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4. Case 1 with the segment 4p15.32-4p16 deleted has normal DHPR activity. Case 2 with 4p15.2-4p15.32 deleted has reduced DHPR activity, less than 50% of normal.

Chromosome Banding↗
PubMed1990

[Super conductive MR imaging of small acoustic tumor].

Eight patients with acoustic tumor were studied with a superconductive MR imaging. T1-weighted images with Gd-DTPA most accurately showed the margin of the seventh and eighth nerves in the internal auditory canal and were most sensitive in detecting small tumors. T2-weighted images were inferior to T1-weighted images, that could fail to detect small tumors. High resolution, thin slice, MR imaging using surface coil is particularly useful for small acoustic tumor because of its higher specificity compared with air-CT, cisternography.

Adult↗