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H Yokoi

Publications and source records attributed to H Yokoi.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

The structure and complete nucleotide sequence of the human cyclophilin 40 (PPID) gene.

Cyclophilin 40 is a recently identified member of the cyclophilin family that is found in an unactivated steroid hormone receptor complex. Cyclophilin 40 possesses a region homologous to FKBP59, a member of the FK506-binding protein family that is also a component of the receptor complex. We report the isolation and sequencing of the entire human cyclophilin 40 (hCyP40) gene (human gene symbol PPID). The gene contains 10 exons (43 to 698 bp) and 9 introns encompassing 14.2 kb. The exon organization of the cyclophilin-like region is not similar to that of the human cyclophilin A gene (PPIA), suggesting their early divergence in evolution. Determination of the sequence of the 5' end of the hCyP40 mRNA by an "anchor-ligation PCR" procedure showed that transcription is initiated from a cluster of sites about 80 bp upstream from the first in-frame ATG. The immediate 5'-flanking region of the gene lacks typical TATA and CAAT boxes, but is GC-rich and contains Sp1 sites, features characteristic of promoters associated with housekeeping genes. The hCyP40 gene was mapped to chromosome 4 by PCR with genomic DNA from somatic cell hybrids. As shown by "Zoo blot" analysis, the cyclophilin 40 gene appears to be highly conserved throughout evolution.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

Immunohistochemical presence of 5 alpha-reductase rat type 1-containing cells in the rat brain.

We showed immunohistochemically the localization of 5 alpha-reductase-containing cells in the rat brain, using a rabbit antibody generated against 5 alpha-reductase rat type 1. The antibody was produced by injecting the synthetic peptide corresponding to the amino acids 38-53 of 5 alpha-reductase rat type 1, conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride. Western blot analysis revealed that this antiserum recognized the protein with a molecular weight of 29,000 Da. The immunoreactive cells were distributed throughout the brain and they were preferentially located in the white matter rather than in the grey matter. These cells were mostly small and round and had a few fine processes. The immunoreaction was confined to the cytoplasm and processes. These findings indicate that 5 alpha-reductase rat type 1-containing cells are widely distributed in the rat brain and are located preferentially in the white matter rather than in the grey matter.

Animals↗

Three-year follow-up after implantation of metallic coronary-artery stents.

BACKGROUND: Coronary-artery stents are known to reduce rates of restenosis after coronary angioplasty, but it is uncertain how long this benefit is maintained. METHODS: We evaluated clinical and angiographic follow-up information for up to three years after the implantation of Palmaz-Schatz metallic coronary-artery stents in 143 patients with 147 lesions of native coronary arteries. RESULTS: The rate of survival free of myocardial infarction, bypass surgery, and repeated coronary angioplasty for stented lesions was 74.6 percent at three years. After 14 months, revascularization of the stented lesion was necessary in only three patients (2.1 percent). In contrast, coronary angioplasty for a new lesion was required in 11 patients (7.7 percent). Follow-up coronary angiography of 137 lesions at six months, 114 lesions at one year, and 72 lesions at three years revealed a decrease in minimal luminal diameter from 2.54 +/- 0.44 mm immediately after stent implantation to 1.87 +/- 0.56 mm at six months, but no further decrease in diameter at one year (in patients with paired angiograms, 1.95 +/- 0.49 mm at both six months and one year). Significant late improvement in luminal diameter was observed at three years (in patients with paired angiograms, 1.94 +/- 0.48 mm at six months and 2.09 +/- 0.48 mm at three years; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and angiographic outcomes up to three years after coronary-artery stenting were favorable, with a low rate of revascularization of the stented lesions. Late improvement in luminal diameter appears to occur between six months and three years.

Aged↗

Immunocytochemical localization of 5 alpha-reductase type 1 in the prostate of normal and castrated rats.

We immunohistochemically studied the localization of 5 alpha-reductase type 1 in combination with androgen receptor (AR) expression in individual lobes of the prostates of intact and castrated rats. In the normal rat prostate, 5 alpha-reductase was localized in the cytoplasm of most epithelial cells in the ventral, dorsal, and lateral type 1 (L1) lobes. Epithelial cells of lateral type 2 (L2) lobes were negative for 5 alpha-reductase. AR was present in the nuclei of all epithelial and stromal cells throughout the prostate. The number of 5 alpha-reductase-immunoreactive cells rapidly decreased in the ventral and L1 lobes after castration, whereas many positive cells remained in the dorsal lobe even at 4 weeks after castration. AR immunostaining was lost in the ventral, dorsal, and L1 lobes at 1 week after castration, but remained in the L2 lobe of 4-week-castrated rats. Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry showed that 5 alpha-reductase was exclusively localized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum membranes and that there were no distinct structural differences between the positively and negatively stained epithelial cells. These findings suggested that the expression of 5 alpha-reductase type 1 in the epithelial cell is heterogeneous within and among the individual lobes of the rat prostate, and does not correspond to AR expression.

Animals↗

Steroid 5 alpha-reductase type 1 immunolocalized in the anterior pituitary of intact and castrated male rats.

The localization of 5 alpha-reductase was immunohistochemically studied in the anterior pituitary of male rats, using a polyclonal antibody against 5 alpha-reductase rat type 1. The immunoreactive cells were concentrated in the central region and on the border of the intermediate lobe in the anterior pituitary, but not in the intermediate or posterior lobe. The immunoreaction was located mostly in the cytoplasm and occasionally in the cell nuclei. The immunoreactive cells showed alterations in size and number and in the intensity of the immunoreaction after gonadectomy. One week after castration, the cells became larger and the immunoreactivity increased. Two weeks after castration, the number of immunoreactive cells increased. Double immunostaining using anti-luteinizing hormone beta-subunit or anti-follicle stimulating hormone beta-subunit antibody revealed that most of the cells containing 5 alpha-reductase were gonadotrophs. Electron microscopically, the immunoreactive cells showed lamelliform rough endoplasmic reticulum and a depletion of secretory granules 1 week after castration. One week later, the rough endoplasmic reticulum was developed and dilated and the number of secretory granules increased. These results suggest that 5 alpha-reductase is located in the gonadotrophs of rat anterior pituitary and that it is involved in the feedback regulation of gonadotropin secretion by androgens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

An immunoradiometric assay for thymosin alpha 1.

An Immunoradiometric assay for thymosin alpha 1(1-28) was developed using a monoclonal and a polyclonal antiserum which were raised against synthetic thymosin alpha 1(1-28) and thymosin alpha 1(16-28), respectively. A monoclonal antibody, specific for the (acetylated ser1) 1-5 sequence of thymosin alpha 1, was immobilized on polystyrene beads for the solid phase, and a polyclonal antiserum specific for the 16-28 sequence was employed. This method relies on the formation of an immune complex consisting of a 125I-labelled anti-rabbit IgG goat antibody, polyclonal antiserum, thymosin alpha 1, and the solid phase monoclonal antibody. Radioactivity on the solid phase is directly proportional to the amount of thymosin alpha 1 present in the specimen. The minimal detection limit of this assay system was approximately 1.9 pg/ml. The mean values of thymosin alpha 1 in plasma of healthy subject, ranging in age from 0 to 3 years was approximately five fold higher than that of higher ages. HPLC analysis of plasma of a healthy subjects revealed a single immunoreactive form which eluted with the same retention time as that of synthetic thymosin alpha 1. This assay will be extremely useful for the measurement of thymosin alpha 1 in biologic fluids and tissues.

Animals↗

Peptide-mediated suppression of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis in mice: development of a peptide vaccine.

Experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) is an animal model of antigen-specific, Th cell-mediated, organ-specific autoimmune disease. EAU is induced by immunization of B10.A mice with interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein (IRBP). Pre-treatment with synthetic peptide 518-529 derived from IRBP prevented IRBP-mediated EAU. This was accompanied by augmentation of the IRBP-specific IgG1 antibody (Th2) response and down-regulation of the IRBP-specific IgG2a (Th1) response. Consistent with this is the observation that two of two T cell lines established from p518-529-primed mice produced Th2-type cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10), whereas three of three T cell lines obtained from IRBP-primed mice produced Th1-type cytokines (IL-2 and IFN-gamma). Together this suggests the possibility that p518-529 priming causes a shift from a Th1-to a Th2-dominated immune response, thereby playing a pivotal role in the prevention of IRBP-mediated EAU. Furthermore, co-transfer of cells from a CD4+ p518-529-specific T cell line prevented the development of EAU after adoptive transfer of spleen cells from mice with EAU into normal mice. These findings contribute to our understanding of the mechanism of EAU, particularly with respect to the down-regulation of Th1-initiated inflammation, and may prove valuable for designing a peptide vaccine for EAU in the future.

Adoptive Transfer↗

Therapeutic effects of continuous intraarterial antibiotic infusion in preventing pancreatic infection in experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

To determine the efficacy of antibiotics in the prevention of pancreatic infection and the process of aggravation after induction of acute pancreatitis, antibiotic was administrated intravenously or intraarterially, starting 6 h after acute pancreatitis was induced in dogs by injecting autologous gallbladder bile into the main pancreatic duct. Flomoxef, recognized as an antibiotic able to penetrate well into pancreas tissue, was selected for the present study. Animals were divided into three groups: no antibiotic given (Group A), antibiotic given intravenously as a bolus injection of 25 mg/kg every 6 h (Group B), and antibiotic infused continuously into the celiac trunk (4 mg/kg/h) (Group C). Compared with Group A, continuous intraarterial infusion of antibiotic (Group C) significantly improved the survival rate and decreased the serum levels of phospholipase A2(PLA2) activity and endotoxin. Furthermore, it completely prevented the occurrence of pancreatic infection, not only ameliorating the severity of pancreatic necrosis but also reducing the activity levels of amidase, trypsin-like enzyme, and PLA2 in pancreas tissue. Group B showed little beneficial effect. Antibiotic concentration in peripheral blood and pancreas tissue was significantly higher in Group C than in Group B. These results suggest that continuous arterial infusion of antibiotics into the feeding artery of the pancreas is an effective modality for preventing pancreatic infection and aggravation of severe acute pancreatitis.

Amidohydrolases↗

Characterization of cyclophilin 40: highly conserved protein that directly associates with Hsp90.

Cyclophilin 40 (CyP4O) is a recently identified member of the cyclophilin family that may be a component of unactivated steroid receptor complexes. It consists of an N-half portion that is highly homologous to cyclophilin A and has peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase) activity, and a C-half portion that resembles the C-terminal portion of FKBP52 (FK506 binding protein 52), another component of unactivated steroid receptor complexes. To better understand the structure and functional characteristics of this new class of cyclophilin, we have raised monoclonal antibodies against the C-half portion of human CyP4O. Immunostaining with the antibodies showed its preferential localization in cytoplasm. One antibody cross-reacted with a 45 kDa protein in yeast, suggesting high conservation throughout evolution. A CyP4O-associated protein was isolated from rabbit reticulocyte lysate by means of an affinity resin, and was identified as hsp90. The C-half portion of CyP4O was necessary and sufficient for the interaction.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗

Effectiveness of probucol in preventing restenosis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Lipid lowering therapies were employed to prevent restenosis following elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The effect of probucol was compared to that of Pravastatin in 141 coronary atherosclerosis patients. Probucol (750 mg/day) was administered for at least 30 days prior to PTCA (34 patients, group P-1) or less than 14 days prior to PTCA (27 patients, group P-2). Pravastatin (10 mg/day) was administered for at least 30 days prior to PTCA (38 patients, group V-1) or less than 14 days prior to PTCA (42 patients, group V-2). In group P-1, the patient restenosis rate was 17.6% and lesion restenosis rate was 14%. These rates were significantly lower than those of group V-1, which were 44.7% and 40.4% respectively (p < 0.05). The respective values were 48.1% and 51.8% in group P-2 (p < 0.05, vs group P-1) and 35.7% and 34% (p < 0.05, vs group P-1) in group V-2. Probucol seems to work, not only by lowering cholesterol but also by its antioxidative properties when administered for a sufficient period prior to PTCA.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

[Reasonable indication for PTCA or CABG in Japanese patients with coronary artery disease--on the basis of 11 years follow-up].

The principle of our treatment choices for either PTCA or CABG is as follows; 1) 1VD is mainly indicated for PTCA or medical treatment except for very proximal or complicated LAD lesion, 2) 3VD is absolutely indicated for CABG, 3) 2VD involving LAD is positively indicated for CABG, 4) Special indications were set aside for critical lesion(s) in limited groups of patients such as those with prior CABG, and those with other serious or fatal disease, and also senile but active patients (male > 80 years old, female > 75 years old). Proper medial treatment was always conducted in all cases. During the period of 11 years between 1984 and 1994, 1050 PTCA procedures (760 individual patients) and 1484 CABG's were done at our university hospital. The annual ratio between CABG and PTCA (CABG/PTCA) was higher than 2.0 in the first 4 years but it has settled on a level of 1.0 +/- 0.2 in the last 5 years even with a significant increase in the number of PTCA patients. As to the characteristics of our PTCA group, patients with single vessel lesion comprised 57%, only single target PTCA did 78% and only LAD did 47%. Patients with prior CABG and multi lesion PTCA comprised 10% and 22%, respectively. The lesion success rare was 89%. As the major complications in 1050 PTCA's, one death (0.1%), seven (0.7%) emergency CABG's and eleven (1.0%) Q wave MI patients were recognized. The overall angiographical lesion restenosis rate was 44% of 657 lesions in 550 patients who underwent CAG within 6 months after PTCA. In 1484 CABG's, hospital mortality was 1.5% and non fatal major complications 6%. The survival rates (free of cardiac death) for PTCA patient appeared equivalent between single and multi vessel groups. However, their event free survival rates even for 1VD significantly dropped, from 99% to 68% in one year and below 60% at 5 years. For 3VD it became as low as 26% at 10 years. On the contrary, the even free survival rates for CABG patients with 3VD keep as high as 93% at 5 years and 75% at 10 years, respectively. As a conclusion, the timely use of PTCA considering an indication of CABG may be a wise and practical treatment choice for CAD, but the reasonable ratio of PTCA vs CABG seems to be about fifty-fifty as indicated in our study results. Our treatment decisions of either PTCA or CABG as mentioned above yielded acceptable outcomes in the prognosis of patients with CAD.

Aged↗

[Current status of treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma].

In recent years ethanol injection therapy (PEI) and transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization (TAE) have come to be widely used in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma, and the introduction of microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) more recently has made it possible to perform a variety of non-surgical treatments even in cases in which surgical resection has been indicated until now. There have also been reports based on survival rates that results comparable to those obtained by surgical resection can be achieved with non-surgical methods. The main issue is whether PEI or resection should be selected to treat small hepatocellular carcinomas. However, the recurrence rate after PEI is higher than after surgical resection, and according to our results, in patients with solitary lesions, especially when the tumor diameter is 2 cm or less, the level of malignancy in many cases is also low biologically, and postoperative survival rates (recurrence-free survival rates) are favorable [5 years : 85.0% (64.3%); 10 years: 67.9% (42.2%)]. After thoroughly evaluating liver function in these cases, while surgical resection should be considered first, it is also important to use a combination of various treatment methods rather than always resort to a single method.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗

[Use of AmpliSensor to quantitate gene expression in small amounts of samples: comparison with the quantitative RT-PCR method using CCD imaging system].

Quantitative PCR methods are potentially useful for determining levels of specific gene expression and gene dosage. Previously we developed a non-radioisotopic quantitative RT-PCR method by utilizing the PCR amplification kinetics and CCD image analyzer. Recently, based on the principle of fluorescence energy transfer, the AmpliSensor system that can quantitate the PCR products concurrent to amplification in a single reaction vessel has been described. Herein, we compared the results obtained by both methods. cDNAs were synthesized from 10 human endometrial biopsy specimens. Aliquots of cDNA were used for quantitation by gel/image analyzer or AmpliSensor assay system. For estimation of the initial amount of the template(I), regression equations of the form:y = I x Ex, where y is the amount of PCR products and x is the number of cycles, were fitted to the data in the linear portion of the semi-logarithmic graphs. The relative levels of beta-actin cDNA estimated by AmpliSensor assay system was in good agreement (r = 0.91) with those of the gel/image analyzer assay system, which is cumbersome, time-consuming and needs post-amplification procedures. The AmpliSensor assay is suitable for a quantitative PCR assay based on PCR kinetics, and is applicable for diagnostic testings.

Actins↗

The preoperative nutritional assessment of surgical patients with hepatic dysfunction.

The precise influence of malnutrition on postoperative complications in patients with hepatic dysfunction is not well known. In phase I of the present study, we evaluated the nutritional status of 102 patients with hepatic dysfunction who were admitted for elective hepatobiliary or pancreatic surgery, and a model for the prediction of postoperative complications was developed using a computer-based stepwise regression procedure. The equation for this Prognostic Nutritional Index for Surgery (PNIS) was calculated by [-0.147 x (% weight change) + 0.046 x (% ideal body weight) + 0.010 x (actual triceps skinfold thickness as a % of standard value) + 0.051 x (hepaplastintest)]. In phase II this model was prospectively tested in 182 patients, including 145 with hepatic dysfunction. A total of 18 patients were classified as having a poor prognosis (PNIS < 5) and all of these patients in fact developed postoperative complications: 128 patients were classified as having an intermediate prognosis (5 < or = PNIS < 10), 23 (18.0%) of whom developed postoperative complications, and none of the 36 patients who were classified as having a good prognosis (PNIS > or = 10) developed any postoperative complications. These results demonstrate the importance of performing a thorough preoperative nutritional assessment of patients with hepatic dysfunction as malnourished patients with PNIS < 10 may need preoperative nutritional management, even when their surgical procedures are not major.

Humans↗

Relation of saphenous vein graft obstruction to serum cholesterol levels.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the potential of lipid-lowering therapy to reduce saphenous vein graft obstruction, we retrospectively studied the association between graft obstruction and serum cholesterol levels. BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the major cause of vein graft obstruction. Approximately 50% of grafts are occluded by 10 years after operation. It remains to be established whether lipid control affects long-term graft survival. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of all 284 patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft surgery at Juntendo University Hospital between 1976 and 1991 and met the following additional criteria: at least one saphenous vein graft, repeat coronary arteriography at some point after coronary artery bypass graft surgery and a serum cholesterol level > or = 200 mg/dl before operation. Saphenous vein graft obstruction rates were compared among three groups classified by serum cholesterol levels at follow-up arteriography: group I < 200 mg/dl; group II 200 to 239 mg/dl; group III > or = 240 mg/dl. A vein graft was considered obstructed if it was narrowed by > or = 70%. RESULTS: In group I, 88% of grafts were not obstructed 7 years after operation. The respective rates were 61% in group II and 57% in group III (p < 0.005). This relation was true for vein grafts to the left anterior descending and other coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum cholesterol levels are associated with lower rates of vein graft obstruction for up to 7 years. This suggests that cholesterol-lowering therapy may improve long-term saphenous vein graft survival after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Aged↗

A case of allergic aspergillus sinusitis with acute onset.

Reports of allergic aspergillus sinusitis have increased in recent years and diagnostic criteria have also come to be established, yet this disease remains a rare disorder. The disorder is generally reported to follow a chronic course. Here we report a case of allergic aspergillus sinusitis with a short morbid term of 3 weeks.

Adult↗

[Incidence of uveitis at Tokyo Medical College Hospital].

We reviewed the records of 980 patients with endogenous uveitis who were followed in the uveitis clinic of the Tokyo Medical College Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology. A group of 693 patients examined within a 5-year period from January, 1989 through December, 1993 (Group A) were compared to an earlier group of 287 patients examined within a 3-year period from January, 1982 through December, 1984 (Group B). The incidence of Behçet's disease, intermediate uveitis, and toxoplasmosis showed an apparent decrease. In contrast, the incidence of sarcoidosis and acute anterior uveitis increased. In comparison to Group B, Group A showed an increased number of patients with virus-associated uveitis, toxocariasis, and uveitis caused by fungal infection. The changes observed in the prevalence of certain uveitic diseases in the patient population we followed may be related to changing environment and/or life style, in addition to various advances in diagnostic testing. In the future, the classification of uveitis will become more varied according to the establishment of new concepts.

Adolescent↗