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Biomedical subjects

K Abe

Publications and source records attributed to K Abe.

At least 937 records · Page 52Linked to original sources

[Clinical results of left ventricular free wall rupture following acute myocardial infarction].

We studied 19 cases of Left Ventricular Free Wall Rupture (LVFWR) following acute myocardial infarction, admitted to our CCU between 1987 and 1996. We were able to treat 15 patients and diagnosed 4 cases as LVFWR at postmortem after sudden deaths. Of the treated 15 patients, 11 survived: 1 out of 2 repaired under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), 5 out of 7 repaired without CPB, and 5 out of 6 non-surgically treated. Although the survival rate for those able to be treated was 73%, overall rate was 58%. There were 7 cases of blow-out type: 4 of which were sudden deaths, and 3 were operated. Thoracotomy and direct closure of rupture without CPB was done at bed-side in 2 cases. Even though hemostasis was successful, they did not survive. The 3rd case survived with the patch closure under CPB. In this case, the circulation was maintained pre-operatively with the pericardial-central venous bypass drainage method. This method seems to be extremely effective in saving blow-out cases. There were 12 subacute patients. Although 2 cases were lost, total of 10 patients were saved, including 2 direct suture closures of rupture without CPB, 3 median sternotomy and fibrin-glue fixations, 1 where only pericardial drainage was done, and 4 in whom percutaneous intrapericardial fibrin-glue fixation therapy was utilized. Since the risk of secondary damage to the fragile infarcted are from direct suturing of ruptured myocardium exists in LVFWR, we changed to the Infarction Exclusion Technique under CPB during surgical repair, based on our experiences with ruptured intraventricular septum. In general, the only treatment believed to be available for LVFWR has been surgical. However, our experiences suggest that other treatments may also be effective. If the best suitable method could be chosen from various therapies, it may contribute to improving outcome statistics. The reduction of left ventricular pressure in the treatment is extremely important, being the key to improving survival rate.

Aged↗

[Size estimation method for patch used in reconstruction of LV cavity].

The reconstruction of LV cavity is accomplished by suturing a patch to the viable myocardium to exclude the infarcted area from the high LV pressures. However, there is no clear guideline to estimate the size of patch used for LV reconstruction. We have designed a new method to determine the correct patch size, and applied it in 5 cases. The suture line of the patch is at the junction of contractile (functional) and infarcted portions of LV. The patch size is determined by the length of AB, termed "a", as the base, where "point A" represents the junction on the LV anterior wall side, and "point B" the junction of the LV posterior wall side, from RAO 30 degrees projection of the left ventriculogram obtained by cardiac catheterization. In LV aneurysm, we designed the patch in the range of a/2 < l < or = pi a/2, where patch length on RAO 30 degrees is considered "l". An effort was made to reconstruct to normalize LV volume and contour by designing the patch size to be a/2 < l < a, particularly when the contractile portion was enlarged by aneurysm. On the other hand, in post AMI VSD, LV contractile portion is not enlarged in early stage. Therefore, the patch was designed in the range of a < l < or = pi a/2 to maintain LV volume. Postoperative LV volume can be calculated prior to surgery, by using the lengths of the designed patch. Postoperative analysis indicated that the actual LV volume and contour were almost identical to our estimation. This method is very useful in planning the patch size for LV reconstruction.

Aged↗

[Study on the most appropriate time for Romurtide administration (Nopia) in radiotherapy patients].

The most appropriate time for administration was studied based on examination of the total number of leukocytes, differential white blood count, and the number of platelets in 30 cases in which 200 micrograms Romurtide (Nopia) was injected subcutaneously on the day of radiotherapy, 5 times a week, for 2 weeks, totally 10 times because leukopenia was caused during treatment with radiotherapy. It was recognized that the number of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, increased from 1 week after starting administration of Romurtide to after the completion of administration (2 weeks after administration), except 1 week after completion of administration. The increasing effect in the number of platelets was not recognized, and it had decreased from at the completion of administration to 1 week after the completion of administration of Romurtide. The rate of completion of radiotherapy was 100% without any serious adverse events, but there were 4 cases in which fever was observed. Therefore, it is not very favorable to administer Romurtide immediately after radiation, taking account of the treatment period of radiotherapy. It is also considered that it would be necessary to start radiation after sufficient recovery of the number of leukocytes or increase in their number by using G-CSF preparation in cases in which the leukocyte count has fallen since starting radiation due to the influence of the preceding chemotherapy.

Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine↗

Intraglomerular C3 synthesis in rats with passive Heymann nephritis.

Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN), a model of human membranous nephropathy, is an immune-complex-mediated glomerulonephritis characterized by the presence of complement-dependent tissue injury. Recent studies have confirmed the synthesis of C3, involved in both the classical and alternative pathways of complement, in injured human and animal renal tissues. However, there is little clear information on the role of local C3 synthesis in the pathogenesis of nephritides such as PHN. In the present study, using nonradioactive in situ hybridization and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, we examined C3 synthesis in the kidney and its contribution to tissue injury in a rat model of PHN induced by the injection of polyclonal anti-gp330 antibody. C3 mRNA was localized in mesangial cells, glomerular epithelial cells, and cells of Bowman's capsule. During the early stages of PHN, C3 mRNA expression was detected in mesangial cells and glomerular epithelial cells, whereas such expression was limited to mesangial cells during the late stages of the disease. Focal, weak C3 mRNA expression was detected in tubular epithelial cells and occasionally in the interstitium. Semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the level of C3 mRNA expression correlated with that of proteinuria. Our results suggest that renal cells synthesize C3 mRNA in PHN in a site-specific manner and that locally produced C3 is associated with the development of proteinuria in this model.

Animals↗

[Pharmacokinetic analysis of intra-peritoneal administration of cisplatin].

Pharmacokinetic parameters after intra-peritoneal administration of cis-platinum (CDDP) were evaluated and compared with those after intravenous administration. CDDP at a dose of 70 mg/m2 were administered intra-peritoneally in 5 patients with advanced gastric cancer (IP group). Pharmacokinetic parameters and toxicities were evaluated in these patients and compared with those in 4 esophageal cancer patients administered the same dose of CDDP intravenously (IV group). In IP group, Cmax of total- and free-Pt were 3.41 +/- 0.89 micrograms/ml and 1.10 +/- 0.30 micrograms/ml, and AUC of total- and free-Pt were 59.6 +/- 14.3 micrograms.hr/ml, 3.12 +/- 0.89 micrograms.hr/ml, respectively. On the other hand, Cmax and AUC of total- and free-Pt in IV group were 3.31 +/- 0.59 micrograms/ml. 1.13 +/- 0.21 micrograms/ml and 45.89 +/- 9.24 micrograms.hr/ml, 1.22 +/- 0.8 micrograms.hr/ml, respectively. AUC of free-Pt in IP group was significantly higher than in IV group. This result suggests that a more promising antitumor effect will be obtained systemically by intraperitoneal administration of CDDP. The incidence and grade of toxicities were similar in these two groups.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

[Establishment of the optimal conditions for detecting anti-M2 by western blotting in primary biliary cirrhosis].

Anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMA) are serodiagnostic markers for primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC) but heterogenous in antigen molecules which they recognize. A disease-specific AMA for PBC is anti-M2. The conventional examination methods are indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA. However, there are some problems in specificity, because the antigen preparations used are crude. Thus, analysis with Western-blotting(W-B) is needed, because it allows the identification of a molecule which the antibody reacts with. In this report, we established the optimal conditions for detecting anti-M2 with W-B in PBC. As antigen, we used mitochondrial fractions derived from beef hearts. Because a positive band at 74 kDa became negative after absorbing sera with PDH purified from porcine hearts, this band corresponded to major antigeneity of anti-M2. Titration experiments with SDS-PAGE showed that the optimal concentration of this antigen preparation for loading is 0.04 mg/ml. We also performed titration experiments to determine the optimal dilutions for second antibodies and serum samples. The results showed that the optimal dilution for second antibodies, anti-IgG and anti-IgM, were 1:3000 and 1:1000, respectively. The optimal dilution for serum samples was shown to be 1:10(2). Moreover, the W-B technique gave a positive result even for sera from AMA-negative PBC patients which had tested negative with conventional methods, if undiluted sera were examined or if anti-IgG or anti-IgM was used as a second antibody. Thus, the W-B technique is more sensitive than conventional methods of analysis. Based on these results, we will be able to detect anti-M2 with maximum efficiency, thus improving our ability to study the relationship between anti-M2 and the pathological conditions in PBC.

Autoantibodies↗

[Western blot analysis of anti-M2 antibodies in anti-mitochondrial antibody-negative primary biliary cirrhosis].

One variety of anti-mitochondrial antibody(AMA) is characteristically found in sera from patients with primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC). The major target antigens of this type of AMA are M2s. It is well known, however, that AMA-negative PBC also exists. An alternative disease concept, called autoimmune cholangiopathy, recently has been advocated. This new concept is defined by the following criteria: 1)the failure to detect AMA and anti-M2, 2)the detection of a diffuse type of anti-nuclear antibody and anti-smooth muscle antibody, 3)pathological findings compatible with PBC, and 4)the effectiveness of prednisolone. However, the difference between AMA-negative PBC and autoimmune cholangiopathy is controversial. Therefore, we analyzed antibodies to four major M2 proteins with Western blotting in 34 cases of immunofluorescent AMA-negative PBC. In 31(91.2%) of these 34 AMA-negative sera, antibodies to at least one of these four major M2 proteins was detected. In serum samples from 34 control patients with AMA-positive PBC, antibodies to at least one of these four proteins were detected in all cases. In addition, we studied the frequency of cases which satisfied the serological criteria of autoimmune cholangiopathy. In only one(0.7%) of 141 cases was the serological criteria met. We conclude that to clarify the serological differences between autoimmune cholangiopathy and AMA-negative PBC, the analysis of M2 proteins by Western blotting is essential.

Adult↗

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis induced by portosystemic shunt surgery for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension.

The liver and spleen both have important phagocytic functions and contain monocytes/macrophages which clear immune complexes. We describe here three patients who presented proteinuria and hematuria 7 to 13 years after portosystemic shunt surgery, which diverted portal venous blood to the systemic circulation. They had hematemesis and/or melena and underwent mesocaval shunt surgery and splenectomy in childhood because of non-cirrhotic portal hypertension with esophageal varices. Renal biopsy specimens revealed findings characteristic of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) type I. Immunohistologically, these three cases were accompanied by a distinct IgA deposition along with a marked C3 deposition. The IgA observed in these three cases contained not only IgA1 but also IgA2, which is the predominant form of mucosal IgA. On the other hand, of 20 patients with idiopathic MPGN type I with IgA deposition (n = 20), only two were positive for IgA2, and the distribution was focal and segmental. Our study shows that MPGN type I may have developed secondary to portosystemic shunt. This secondary form of MPGN type I may be caused by a reduced clearance of immune complexes in the liver and their deposition in the glomerulus, since a portosystemic shunt routes portal venous blood from the intestinal tract directly to the systemic circulation.

Adult↗

Heterogeneity of angiotensin action in renal circulation.

Reported concentrations of angiotensin II (Ang II) in renal interstitial fluid are as high as 10 nM. Despite such high concentrations, intrarenal arterial infusion of Ang II at rates that induce far less change in renal Ang II concentration still elicits renal vasoconstriction. We examined whether the glomerular afferent arterioles (Af-Art) was more sensitive to intraluminal than extraluminal Ang II in superficial or juxtamedullary nephrons. Rat superficial Af-Arts with the intact glomerulus were microdissected and perfused in vitro at 70 mmHg, while juxtamedullary Af-Arts were visualized in isolated perfused kidneys (at 100 mm Hg) according to the method of Casellas and Navar. Increasing doses of Ang II (1 pM to 10 nM) or norepinephrine (NE; 1 nM to 1 microM) were added to either bath (extraluminal) or arteriolar perfusate (intraluminal). Decreases in luminal diameter induced by Ang II were significantly larger with intraluminal than extraluminal administration in superficial Af-Art: at 100 pM the diameter decreased by 52 +/- 8% (N = 6) and 7 +/- 3% with intraluminal and extraluminal administration, respectively. In contrast, in the juxtamedullary Af-Arts intraluminal and extraluminal Ang II caused similar constriction. On the other hand, there was no difference in intraluminal versus extraluminal NE action in either superficial or juxtamedullary nephrons. In conclusion, glomerular Af-Arts seem to have a higher sensitivity to luminal than interstitial Ang II in superficial but not juxtamedullary nephrons. Such heterogeneities in Ang II action may be important in the control of glomerular hemodynamics under various physiological and pathological conditions.

Angiotensin II↗

Function of angiotensin II type 2 receptor in the postglomerular efferent arteriole.

The balance of vasucular tone between afferent (Af-Art) and efferent arterioles (Ef-Art) is a critical determinant of the glomerular hemodynamics. We recently reported that selective activation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT-2R) causes dilation in the Af-Art. However, the functional role of AT-2R in the Ef-Art has not been defined. In the present study, we microperfused rabbit Ef-Art in vitro, and examined the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II; 10(-11) to 10(-8) M) on the luminal diameter in the presence or absence of an AT-2R antagonist PD123319 (PD; 10(-7) M). Angiotensin II caused dose-dependent constriction in Ef-Arts, with a significant constriction occurring at 10(-11) M; at 10(-10) M the diameter decreased by 28 +/- 4% (N = 6). Pretreatment with PD significantly (P < 0.0125) augmented vasoconstrictor action of Ang II; at 10(-10) M the diameter decreased by 44 +/- 4% (N = 6). We then examined whether blockade of Ang II type 1 receptor (AT-1R) uncovers vasodilator action of Ang II mediated by AT-2R. Efferent arterioles were preconstricted by about 40% with norepinephrine and AT-1R was blocked with its selective antagonist CV11974 (CV; 10(-8) M). Angiotensin II added to preconstricted and CV-pretreated Ef-Arts caused a dose-dependent dilation; at 10(-8) M diameter increased by 28 +/- 3% (N = 5). The dilation was completely abolished by simultaneous pretreatment with PD (N = 4). Our results demonstrate that in the Ef-Art selective activation of AT-2R causes vasodilation, which opposes the vasoconstrictor action of Ang II.

Angiotensin II↗

[Regional difference in the etiology of liver cirrhosis in Iwate].

To assess regional differences in the etiology of liver cirrhosis in Iwate, we analyzed 324 patients with liver cirrhosis treated at various hospitals. The etiology was HCV 44.8%, HBV 11.1%, HBV + HCV 4.6%, alcohol 27.5% (including heavy drinkers 17.9%), PBC 1.5% and non-B non-C 10.5% in Iwate. The incidence of alcoholic cirrhosis was higher than that in other prefectures, while that of HCV was lower. Especially in the northern area of Iwate, the rate of alcoholic cirrhosis was very high (39.1%--including heavy drinkers 21.8%) while viral cirrhosis was relatively low. Although the alcohol consumption volume in Iwate was not very high, marked alcohol consumption, especially shochu, was observed in the northern area of Iwate. The volume and kind of alcohol consumed in each area differed, and the etiology of liver cirrhosis differed regionally in Iwate. Thus, we should consider these districts and levels of alcohol consumption when treating patients with liver cirrhosis.

Female↗

[The waffle procedure (multiple incision of epicardium) with pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis].

Pericardiectomy is the only effective surgical procedure for constrictive pericarditis, but we have often experienced a lack of significant improvement of hemodynamic parameters, this being attributed to the presence of residual constriction. We have had two patients with constrictive pericarditis. In these patients, we decorticated the pericardium as usual, anterior to the bilateral phrenic nerves without cardiopulmonary bypass, and then, multiple longitudinal and transverse incisions were carefully made in the fibrous epicardium, avoiding the predicted course of major coronary branches and the myocardium. At the end of the procedure, the epicardial fibrous surface acquired a waffle-like appearance. With this maneuver, relief of constriction was achieved and the myocardium was able to reexpand, thus obtaining an adequate hemodynamic response. Our two patients recovered fully, and were discharged on the 18th and 19th postoperative day. They are presently free of clinical symptoms.

Aged↗

Case report: non-extraction treatment with functional and mechanical therapy of a Class II division 1 malocclusion.

Non-extraction treatment was carried out for a growing Angle Class II division 1 patient. Because the patient demonstrated potential growth and all the third molars were congenitally missing, the extraction of the four premolars was ruled out. A functional appliance (MGA) and cervical headgear were employed simultaneously in the first phase of treatment. The second phase was carried out by mechanotherapy. As a result, adequate forward growth of the mandible was attained and all 28 teeth were kept in good relation with no root resorption and healthy periodontal tissue. A better improvement of the profile may have been attained had extraction treatment been performed; with non-extraction treatment, however, the amount of tooth movement could be minimized, and root resorption was not observed. The role of the functional appliance is also important for the success of non-extraction treatment in Class II patients.

Cephalometry↗

[A case of non-specific interstitial pneumonia associated with psoriasis vulgaris and polymyalgia rheumatica].

We describe the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of non-specific interstitial pneumonia associated with psoriasis vulgaris and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). A 50-year-old woman was admitted with a dry cough and a bilateral basilar reticulonodular shadows on chest X-ray. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis revealed lymphocytosis and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. A thoracoscopic lung biopsy specimen showed evidence of non-specific interstitial pneumonia. During her clinical course, she began suffering from psoriasis vulgaris and polymyalgia rheumatica. Corticosteroid therapy had no effect, but maintained a stable condition during a follow-up period of 4 years.

Female↗

Apoptotic cell death of vascular endothelial cells and renal tubular cells in the generalized Shwartzman reaction.

The participation of apoptotic cell in the generalized Shwartzman reaction was examined. The generalized Shwartzman reaction was induced in mice by two consecutive injections of lipopolysaccharide. Vascular endothelial cells in various organs of those mice were stained positively by the in situ specific labeling of fragmented DNA. Renal tubules were also stained focally. It was suggested that apoptotic cell death might participate in the development of vascular endothelial cell damage and acute tubular necrosis in the generalized Shwartzman reaction. Simultaneous administration of anti-gamma-interferon antibody in the preparative injection of lipopolysaccharide completely blocked apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. Priming with recombinant gamma-interferon instead of lipopolysaccharide could produce apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells. It was suggested that gamma-interferon might play a critical role on sensitization of endothelial cells for apoptosis.

Animals↗

Purification of primordial germ cells from TNAPbeta-geo mouse embryos using FACS-gal.

Tissue nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP), the product of the Akp2 locus, is expressed in mouse primordial germ cells (PGC) for an extensive period during embryogenesis. Mice with the Akp2tm1Sor mutant allele of TNAP express lacZ (beta-galactosidase; beta-gal) under control of the Akp2 locus. PGCs were purified from Akp2tm1Sor embryos using fluorescence activated cell sorting of beta-gal expressing cells (FACS-gal). Analysis of the purified cells by alkaline phosphatase staining and immunocytochemistry with anti-c-kit antibody demonstrated that highly (98%) purified PGCs can be isolated using this method. This technique will facilitate experiments that require highly purified preparations of PGCs including cell culture and gene expression analyses.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Endoderm-specific gene expression in embryonic stem cells differentiated to embryoid bodies.

Mouse embryonic stem cells can differentiate into various cell types within cell aggregates called embryoid bodies (EBs). This structure consists of ectodermal, mesodermal, and endodermal tissues, which resemble the embryo of egg-cylinder stage. After 8-10 days in culture, about half of the EBs expand into large cystic structures homologous to visceral yolk sac of postimplantation embryos. To study endoderm differentiation at molecular level, we examined expression of endoderm marker genes during the processes of EB development. alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) and transthyretin (TTR) transcripts increased at the stage when embryoid bodies began to form yolk-sac-like structures and were expressed strongly thereafter. Expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) 4, a variant form of HNF1 (also called HNF1beta), and HNF3beta started before the onset of AFP and TTR expression. HNF1 (also called HNF1alpha) expression began a few days after the onset of the expression of the transcription factors described above. Serum albumin (ALB) transcript was only found in late large cystic EBs. Also, AFP gene expression preceded ALB gene expression. These results suggest that the patterns of endoderm gene expression during EB development reflect the order found during mouse development in vivo, and EB formation may serve as an in vitro system to study the differentiation process.

Animals↗