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Biomedical subjects

K Aoki

Publications and source records attributed to K Aoki.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

Relationship between insulin resistance and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Japanese non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients.

To investigate whether a resistance to insulin-stimulated glucose uptake (IR) is associated with the risk factors (RF) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in non-insulin-dependent diabetic (NIDDM) patients, we determined the degree of IR in 135 adult NIDDM patients who had no advanced diabetic complications. The euglycemic (80 mg/dl) hyperinsulinemic clamp (insulin infusion rate 1.12 mU/kg per min) was performed and the average glucose infusion rate (GIR) during a steady-state euglycemia was determined as a measure of IR. Hypertension was more common among NIDDM patients with an increased IR and was highest in the group of patients with CVD. CVD-RF such as hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL-cholesterol and obesity tended to cluster in the NIDDM patients who had lower GIR values and higher fasting IRI levels. GIR values were compared between a set of groups extracted from the 135 NIDDM patients that were matched for age, sex, body mass index and HbA1c levels. The CVD-positive group had the significantly lower GIR value than the CVD-negative group (2.06 +/- 0.66 vs. 3.45 +/- 1.75, P < 0.005). The GIR value was also significantly lower in the hypertriglyceridemic group compared with the normotriglyceridemic group (2.50 +/- 1.36 vs. 4.03 +/- 1.82, P < 0.0005). However, there was no significant difference between the hypertensive and normotensive groups and between the high cholesterol or low HDL-cholesterol groups and their respective control groups. In conclusion, these results suggest that IR contributes to the clustering of CVD-RFs which may accelerate the development of CVD in the subgroup of Japanese NIDDM patients.

Adult↗

Development of proliferative retinopathy in Japanese patients with IDDM: Tokyo Women's Medical College Epidemiologic Study.

We studied the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in Japanese insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Subjects were 373 patients who were diagnosed as IDDM between 1951 and 1984, before the age of 30 years, and had no PDR at the first visit to the Diabetes Center. Development of PDR was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier's life-table method in relation to the duration of IDDM. The cumulative incidence of PDR was 20% at 15 years of duration of IDDM, 40% at 19 years, and 70% at 29 years. Female patients (n = 233) developed PDR significantly faster than males (n = 140) (P < 0.002). In both sexes, patients with onset of IDDM at 0-8 years showed significantly slower development than patients with the onset at 9-17 (P < 0.0001) and 18-29 years (P < 0.001). Impact of femaleness on the development was the greatest in patients with age at onset of IDDM at 9-17 years (P < 0.005). Analysis according to the calendar year at onset of IDDM and diabetes duration at the first visit to the Diabetes Center did not show any significant influence on the development of PDR. In conclusion, sex and age at onset of IDDM may be associated with increased risk for the development of PDR in relation to the duration of diabetes in Japanese IDDM.

Adolescent↗

Recombination hotspot associated factors specifically recognize novel target sequences at the site of interchromosomal rearrangements in T-ALL patients with t(8;14)(q24;q11) and t(1;14)(p32;q11).

A DNA binding protein was identified which binds to two novel target-like sequences: (i) at the 5' flanking site of the breakpoint junction of chromosome 8 in a patient with T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) carrying the t(8;14)(q24;q11) rearrangement and (ii) on chromosome 1 in three of five T-ALL patients with the t(1;14)(p32;q11) rearrangement. This protein [provisionally called recombination hotspot associated factor (ReHF-1)] was also found to bind to a similar target sequence that is present immediately at the 3' end of the human V delta 3 gene segment. In a small number of lines tested, the ReHF-1 protein was expressed in gamma delta lineage T cells and in a number of B cell precursor ALLs whose TCR delta locus has been rearranged. The molecular weight of ReHF-1 protein was determined to be approximately 30 kDa by UV cross-linking analysis. Gel filtration chromatography and sedimentation velocity centrifugation analyses indicate that the ReHF-1 protein exists as a multimeric protein in its native form. These data might suggest a possible role for this protein in the rearrangement of the TCR delta locus. Furthermore, another protein, ReHF-2, that appears to have strict sequence specificity was found to bind only to the complementary single strand of the target sequence. The interaction of these proteins with a conserved target sequence at the chromosomal breakpoint junction might suggest that they are involved in a novel enzymatic mechanism reminiscent of the general features of DNA recombination or replication events in Escherichia coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Base Sequence↗

beta 2-Glycoprotein I-dependent and -independent anticardiolipin antibodies in healthy pregnant women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2GPI)-dependent anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and beta 2GPI-independent aCL and their respective relevance to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, we prospectively studied 210 normal pregnant women, utilizing a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for beta 2GPI-dependent and -independent aCL. Seven of the 210 pregnant women (3.3%) demonstrated evidence for beta 2GPI-independent immunoglobulin G (IgG)-aCL. Two patients, who also appeared positive for beta 2GPI-dependent IgG-aCL, were proven to be false positives. Amongst the 210 patients, not one was thus positive for beta 2GPI-dependent aCL. Women with beta 2GPI-independent aCL demonstrated no adverse pregnancy outcomes. These results suggest that the presence of beta 2GPI-independent aCL is not associated with the presence of beta 2GPI-dependent aCL, though it may give rise to false positive results. Since the presence of beta 2GPI-independent aCL does not appear to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, beta 2GPI-dependent assays may represent better markers of miscarriage risk.

Adult↗

Functions of macrophages in human decidual tissue in early pregnancy.

PROBLEM: Roles of decidual macrophages (DMs) in the maintenance of early pregnancy was determined by comparing three of their functions, antigen presentation, immunoregulation, and lymphokine production, with those of peripheral monocytes (PMos) isolated from the same subjects. METHOD: The antigen-presenting capacity of DMs was examined by the one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) in which accessory cell-depleted mononuclear cells isolated from pregnant women were used as responders. The effect of DMs on cellular immunity was investigated by inhibition tests of either one-way MLR or phytohemagglutinin stimulation. The production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) by DMs following lipopolysaccharide stimulation was examined. RESULTS: Addition of increasing concentrations of DMs to the culture resulted in a concentration-dependent proliferative response, as well as with PMos. In both assays, a stronger suppression was observed in the presence of DMs from normal pregnant women compared with PMos from the same subjects. DMs were found to secrete significantly lower levels of IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta than PMos. No difference in PGE2 production was observed between DMs and PMos. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that DMs present in human early decidual tissue have a capacity for allo-antigen presentation, a higher suppressive activity, and a lower capacity to produce IL-1 than their peripheral counterparts.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗

[Baroreceptor reflex function in young normotensive men with a family history of hypertension].

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the baroreflex function using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and neck suction in young normotensive men with or without a family history of hypertension. Twenty-two young normotensive men with a family history of hypertension (FH+) and eight young normotensive men who had no family history of hypertension (FH-) were studied. FH(+) consisted of men who had a family history of hypertension within second degree relatives. We studied cardiopulmonary baroreflex function using LBNP and carotid sinus baroreflex function using neck suction and evaluated the reflex function under stimulated conditions using both LBNP and neck suction at the same time. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP)(F = 5.42, p < 0.0001) and pulse pressure (PP)(F = 15.57, p < 0.0001) decreased similarly in both groups in response to LBNP. SAP and PP responses to LBNP were not significantly affected by the family history of hypertension. Diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) increased (F = 2.89, p < 0.005) in both groups. There was a relationship between the LBNP level and family history of hypertension (F = 2.53, p < 0.013), and the increment in DAP during LBNP -30, -40 mmHg was larger in the FH(+) group. Through mean arterial pressure (MAP) was not effected by LBNP, there LBNP level was related to the family history of hypertension (F = 2.23, p < 0.02). Heart rate increased progressively (F = 25.7, p < 0.0001) with increasing levels of LBNP; however, these changes did not differ significantly in either group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[Clinical experiences of granulocyte colony stimulating factor for granulocytopenia after AC bypass].

We have successfully treated 3 cases of granulocytopenia, using Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) after AC bypass surgery. All cases were male, aged 68, 75 & 54 years old, and underwent AC bypass surgery without transfusion except in case 1. Granulocyte cell counts decreased to 135/mm3 on 39th post-operative days (POD) in case 1, 624/mm3 on 13 rd POD in case 2, and 514/mm3 on 20th POD in case 3. In case 1, 300 micrograms of G-CSF was given intravenously for 3 days. In case 2, 100 micrograms of G-CSF for 1 day and 50 micrograms for 3 days was given subcutaneously, and in case 3, 100 micrograms of G-CSF was also given subcutaneously for 2 days. And their granulocyte cell counts all increased within few days. G-CSF is effective for patients with granulocytopenia after AC bypass surgery, but we need more experiences to know the best way of administration.

Aged↗

Radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: clinicopathological study of seven autopsy cases.

The clinical value of radiotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (total tumor dose: 50-70 Gy) was evaluated in seven autopsied patients with nine tumors. A partial response as defined by the WHO criteria for chemotherapy was observed in three tumors (33%). Progressive and marked shrinkage of the noncancerous liver tissue within the irradiated field was also observed in all cases. Histological examination revealed viable cancer cells in all cases. These results indicate that local radiotherapy applying 50-70 Gy achieved some clinical benefit, but was not capable of curing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aged↗

[Perinatal outcome of pregnancies following therapy of infertility].

To evaluate the risks involved in post infertility pregnancy, the perinatal outcomes of 571 patients with infertility treatment in 9 institutions were analyzed by questionnaire retrospectively. The rate of multiple pregnancy and premature delivery was 14.5% (83/571) and 13.3% (76/571) respectively. Multiple pregnancies occurred in 33 cases with ovulation induction, 22 cases with artificial insemination by the husband (AIH) and 25 cases with in-vitro fertilization by embryo transfer (IVF). Premature deliveries occurred in 32 cases with ovulation induction. 26 cases with AIH and 14 cases with IVF. Three babies were dead and 4 babies were handicapped. In single post infertility pregnancy, the rate of premature birth was twice as high (9.0%) as in normal controls. The mortality rate was 0.45% (2/449), which was higher than that of controls. This suggests that post infertility pregnancies tend to result in multiple pregnancy and premature birth. In addition, in single post infertility pregnancies there was the possibility of poor perinatal outcome.

Adult↗

[Clinical significance of anti-cardiolipin antibody in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)].

Anti-cardiolipin antibody (aCL) in SLE patients reacts with cardiolipin/beta 2-GP1 complex. In order to disclose clinical significance of aCL in patients with SLE, aCL was determined by newly-developed anti-CL.beta 2-GP1 kit [Yamasa] EIA in 58 patients with SLE and the relationship between clinical manifestation of SLE and the presence of aCL was examined. Anti-cardiolipin antibody was positive in 20 patients (34.5%). In 20 SLE patients with positive aCL, livedo reticularis in 7, retinal vein thrombosis in 3, thrombophlebitis in 3 and other vasculo-occlusive episodes were observed as a characteristic clinical features of positive aCL. In contrast, a SLE patient complicated by ileal perforation due to necrotizing angiitis had negative aCL. Other clinical and laboratory features associated with aCL include recurrent fetal loss and thrombocytopenia.

Adolescent↗

The history of cancer registration in Japan: contribution of Dr Mitsuo Segi.

The first survey of cancer incidence in Miyagi prefecture with a population of about 1.7 million was conducted in 1951-1953 by Segi and his colleagues. The report was the third such study that could be compared with other studies in the world. Segi established the Miyagi cancer registry in 1957, which has continued until now, and the data were periodically published in the monographs entitled Cancer Incidence in Five Continents published by IARC. Segi helped to found the International Association of Cancer Registry (IACR) and also organized a national committee in Japan. Segi's scientific background related to cancer statistics is briefly introduced.

History, 20th Century↗

[A case of coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient of both coronary ostial stenosis due to Takayasu's arteritis].

A 61-year-old female admitted with the diagnosis of both coronary ostial stenosis & the severe calcified aorta due to Takayasu's arteritis. She underwent coronary artery bypass grafting successfully, using the right internal thoracic artery to RCA & the left internal thoracic artery to LAD, without cardiopulmonary bypass. Coronary artery bypass grafting without cardiopulmonary bypass is one of the useful surgical technique for the patient with the severe calcified aorta due to Takayasu's arteritis.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

[Clinical experience and early results of aortic valve replacements with Medtronic Hall 20 A].

We experienced aortic valve replacement for 18 patients (4 male and 14 female, ranging from 40 to 81 years old, mean 64 years old) with small aortic annulus with new small prosthesis. Medtronic Hall 20 A (MH 20 A). The average body surface area was 1.47 m2 (range 1.28 to 1.81 m2). One patient was died of lung cancer at 3 months postoperatively. One nonstructural dysfunction and one low cardiac output syndrome was noted during operation. Sixteen survivors with MH 20 A, showed satisfactory clinical results, except for minor thromboembolism, in 2 patients. The MH 20 A had the same function as that of MH 21 A, already reported. We concluded that aortic valve replacement by Medtronic Hall 20 A prosthesis was usefull for the patient with small aortic annulus.

Adult↗

Detection of hydroquinone in a poisoning case.

A fatality due to the ingestion of photographic developer solution containing hydroquinone is described. Hydroquinone was extracted from autopsy materials and identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentration of hydroquinone in the urine, liver, and kidney were 3.4 micrograms/mL, 0.5 and 0.2 microgram/g, respectively.

Catechols↗

[A case of Bacillus cereus prosthetic valve endocarditis].

A rare case of prosthetic valve endocarditis by Bacillus cereus was reported. The patient was 43-year-old Japanese man, who had mitral valve replacement 5 months prior to this admission. Remitral valve replacement was immediately done successfully. His postoperative course was uneventful for 8 months.

Adult↗

Leiomyosarcoma of the pancreas: report of a case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

We present a case of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma with liver metastasis diagnosed by liver tumor biopsy. A 66-year-old man had a pancreatic tumor and hepatic tumors, which were hypoechoic and mixed echoic on ultrasonography, respectively. They were stained in enhanced computed tomography and angiography. A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the liver tumor was performed, and the pathological examination of the biopsied specimen suggested the tumor cells to have originated from smooth muscle. Under a diagnosis of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma with liver metastasis, the patient was treated with several anticancer agents. The tumor, however, spread to multiple organs and he dies of the disease two years nine months after the start of treatment. The diagnosis of pancreatic leiomyosarcoma was confirmed by autopsy.

Aged↗

Nuclear proteins binding to a novel target sequence within the recombination hotspot regions of Bcl-2 and the immunoglobulin DH gene family.

The chromosomal breakpoints of follicular lymphomas carrying the t(14;18)(q32;q21) are known to be clustered within a 150-bp region in the major breakpoint region (mbr) of the Bcl-2 oncogene. We have demonstrated that nuclear proteins specifically bind to a novel target sequence within this 150-bp region and a region of Dxp genes, members of the immunoglobulin (Ig) diversity (DH) gene family. One protein, designated BCLF-1, appears to be specifically expressed in lymphoid lineage cells. Two other proteins, BCLF-2 and -3, bind only to the complementary single strand of the target sequence. The manner in which these proteins interact with the target sequence is similar to the interaction of the ReHF-1 and -2 proteins to the signal-like sequence at the chromosomal breakpoint junctions in patients with the t(8;14)(q24;q11) and t(1;14)(p32;q11) translocations. It was further suggested that the BCLF-1 is quite similar to or identical to the ReHF-1. It is therefore hypothesized that these conserved target sequences found in recombination hotspot regions may define novel sequence motifs recognized by two classes of DNA binding proteins. One class of DNA binding proteins is specifically expressed in lymphoid cells while the other class binds to the complementary single strand DNA. These binding activities may play a crucial role in chromosomal translocation in lymphoid neoplasms.

Base Sequence↗