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Biomedical subjects

K Fujimoto

Publications and source records attributed to K Fujimoto.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Bottle choice tests for oxidized oil in rats.

Bottle choice tests in rats are useful for the study of fat appetite. However, little is known about the feeding behavior of rats toward oxidized oil. In this study, 24-h two-bottle choice tests were performed in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for 5 days. When rats were given a choice between thermally oxidized oil and fresh oil, they ingested more fresh oil. A choice test between vapor-added fresh oil and fresh oil showed that rancid flavor is involved in the avoidance of oxidized oil. Results with deodorized oxidized oil indicated that a nonvolatile product also influenced choice. In conclusion, rats could distinguish oxidized oil from fresh oil and preferred fresh oil.

Adult↗

Localized relapse in bone marrow of extremities after allogeneic stem cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

We report a patient with a relapsed in bone marrow of extremities after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient complained of pain in the right upper arm and left leg 15 months after transplantation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed abnormal findings in bone marrow of upper and lower extremities. There were no findings of relapse in aspirates from the sternum and iliac bone marrow. Biopsy specimen from the iliac bone marrow showed normocellular marrow without leukemic cells. Biopsy specimen from the right humerus revealed marked leukemic cell infiltration in the bone marrow. This is apparently the first case of localized relapse of ALL in bone marrow of extremities. Physicians should be aware of unusual relapse sites of leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. MRI and FDG-PET may be of value in detecting this type of relapse.

Adult↗

Peripheral blood stem cell mobilization following CHOP plus rituximab therapy combined with G-CSF in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

We mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) following CHOP plus rituximab (CHOP-R) therapy, and compared with the findings following CHOP therapy without rituximab. All patients were given G-CSF starting from day 11 after CHOP therapy. Patients in the CHOP-R group (n=8) were given rituximab on day 12. Target CD34(+) cells number was collected in a single leukapheresis on day 14, from all the eight patients in the CHOP-R group. PBSC mobilization kinetics, CD34(+) cells yield and colony-forming ability in the graft collection, toxicity during mobilization, and engraftment after transplantation of CHOP-R group were not significantly different from those in the CHOP group (n=8). In all patients given CHOP-R therapy, CD20(+) cells and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) rearrangement in the graft collection were undetectable by flow-cytometric analysis and Southern blot analysis, respectively, but with PCR analysis two of eight grafts were positive for IgH rearrangement. While further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of purging and the outcome of patients undergoing autologous transplantation, CHOP-R therapy can be safely and effectively used in the mobilization phase of PBSC collection, without excess clinical toxicity or deleterious effect on PBSC mobilization kinetics or engraftment time.

Adult↗

Inter-relationships of intermediate phenotypes for serotonin function, impulsivity, and a 5-HT2A candidate allele: His452Tyr.

Central serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) function has a role in a range of genetically influenced psychiatric diagnoses and behaviors. Several human 5-HT receptor polymorphisms are 'candidate alleles', altering in vitro function, and potentially affecting behavior and drug response. The 5-HT(2A) His452Tyr polymorphism alters signal transduction, and has been associated with diminished efficacy of clozapine in schizophrenia. Another 5-HT(2A) receptor polymorphism consists of the silent thymidine-cytosine substitution (102T>C), which has been controversially associated with schizophrenia. We investigated the role of His452Tyr and the 102T>C in behavior and in vivo intermediate biochemical phenotypes. Intracellular 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) release by platelets and fenfluramine-induced prolactin release by pituitary were evaluated in 27 psychiatrically interviewed subjects (including both impulsive patients and controls) stratified by His452Tyr genotype and also genotyped for a second 5-HT(2A) polymorphism, 102T>C. Subjects with increased measures of impulsivity showed decreased postreceptor 5-HT function, as indicated by reduced 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) release, but no alteration in net 5-HT function, as measured by fenfluramine response. No significant effects of either polymorphism were associated with altered 5-HT-induced calcium response or fenfluramine-stimulated prolactin release. One available Tyr452/Tyr452 homozygote had diminished Ca(2+) release and one of the highest levels of fenfluramine response. Although not statistically significant, the effect of the T102C, but not the His452Tyr, genotype on prolactin level change over time was associated with a medium to large strength of association (treatment magnitude of T(2)=0.10), suggesting that further study is warranted.

Adult↗

A preliminary analysis of the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells after CD34+ cell-selected autologous PBSC transplantation.

BACKGROUND: CD34+ cell-selected autologous PBSC transplantation (CD34+ APBSCT) is a procedure used for the treatment of patients with malignant disease that is intended to eliminate residual tumor cells from autologous grafts. However, frequent infectious complications after CD34+ APBSCT can occur. A delay of recovery of the absolute number of CD4+ T cells after transplantation was reported to be one disadvantageous factor. As data on T-cell function after CD34+ APBSCT are scanty, we analyzed changes in T-helper cell 1 (Th1) and T-helper cell 2 (Th2) after CD34+ APBSCT to evaluate immune reconstitution. METHODS: Twelve patients underwent APBSCT (CD34+APBSCT group, n=4, and unselected APBSCT, n=8). Peripheral blood (PB) samples were obtained at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks after the transplantation. The dynamics of the Th1 and Th2 were analyzed at a single-cell level, using flow cytometry. RESULTS: In the CD34+ APBSCT group, not only the absolute count of CD4+ T cells but also the proportion of Th1 cells in CD4+ T cells and the ratio of Th1 to Th2 after transplantation were significantly decreased at 2 and 4 weeks after transplantation compared with findings in the unselected APBSCT group. DISCUSSION: We suggest that higher rates of infectious complications after CD34+ APBSCT may be due to the inability of residual T cells from the CD34+ cell selection to generate mature T cells that function adequately against infection. Although further study would be required, our preliminary data provide some information on the immune reconstitution after CD34+ APBSCT and differentiation of T lymphocytes into Th1 and Th2 in vivo.

Adult↗

Review article: prevalence and epidemiology of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Japan.

The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asian populations is reported to be lower than that in Western populations. However, recent epidemiological studies suggest that the incidence of the disease is increasing, especially in Japan. Endoscopic studies show that the overall prevalence of reflux oesophagitis among the adult population in Japan is in the region of 14-16%. This is similar to the figure reported in Western countries. The increasing prevalence in Japan may be due to a number of factors including increasing awareness of the condition and improved diagnostic techniques. The majority of the diagnosed cases in Japan are mild and these account for the increase in prevalence of the condition. In contrast to the West, where the condition is more prevalent in male members of the population, there is a high incidence of GERD in elderly females in Japan. The increased incidence of kyphosis and osteoporosis in this population may lead to the development of hiatus hernia, a condition known to exacerbate the development of reflux disease. Furthermore, Japanese patients with endoscopically diagnosed GERD appear to be less likely to complain of typical reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and acid reflux than their Western counterparts. In view of the known relationship between asymptomatic GERD and the development of oesophageal cancers there is a strong case for increased vigilance in the detection of GERD in the Japanese population.

Adult↗

Hand-assisted laparoscopic resection of serous cystadenoma of the pancreas.

It is difficult to exclude the possibility of malignancy of pancreatic cystic tumors because a biopsy of the pancreas is hard to obtain. The indication of open surgery for those cystic tumors without evidence of malignancy is controversial. Therefore, laparoscopic or laparoscopically assisted procedure would be an adequate choice of treatment for cystic tumors of the pancreas. Hand-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the spleen and the splenic artery and vein was performed for two cases of pancreatic cystic tumors. Three ports and one hand port were used. After careful dissection and accurate hemostasis between the pancreas and splenic vessels, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was carried out using an endoscopic linear stapler. There were no perioperative complications. The pathological diagnoses were oligocystic serous cystadenoma and solitary cystic serous cystadenoma, respectively. Hand-assisted, spleen-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of the splenic artery and vein is a feasible procedure for the treatment of benign or borderline-malignant cystic lesions of the distal pancreas.

Adult↗

Successful treatment with rituximab for autoimmune hemolytic anemia concomitant with proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus and monoclonal gammopathy in a post-nonmyeloablative stem cell transplant patient.

A 30-year-old Japanese woman who underwent nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation from her HLA-matched sister developed autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). There was proliferation of EBV-DNA in her peripheral blood and monoclonal gammopathy, both predictive factors of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). As conventional immunosuppressive therapy for AIHA could lead to overt PTLD, we decided to give her rituximab 375 mg/m(2) once weekly for a total of four doses. After this therapy, both her AIHA and monoclonal gammopathy were resolved and EBV-DNA became undetectable. Rituximab therapy deserves consideration for treatment of post-allogeneic stem cell transplant patients with AIHA, especially for patients who cannot be given immunosuppressive therapy.

Adult↗

Vigorous intake of oil emulsion caused by chronic food deprivation remains after recovery in rats.

Oil emulsion intake over a 30-min period was compared under different dietary conditions (ad libitum feeding and chronic food deprivation) and at various concentrations of oil in rats. The pattern of intake for each dietary condition was extremely different. Food-deprived rats ingested more emulsion when the solution was thicker but intake amount became less at too high a concentration. Ad libitum feeding rats ingested less emulsion than deprived rats with no difference among the concentrations. Rats on a restricted diet clearly differentiated between concentrations, selecting the thicker emulsion when provided two-bottle selection between 10% oil and some other concentration. On the other hand, rats fed ad libitum differentiated between only extremely weak solutions. The vigorous intake of oil emulsion induced by chronic food deprivation was maintained after 2 weeks of normal feeding. Significant difference between prior dietary conditions was maintained at lower concentrations. Dietary timing for food-deprived rats affected little on emulsion intake. These results indicate that response to oil emulsion intake differs by concentration in rats.

Animals↗

Granular lymphocyte proliferative disorder after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.

A 57-yr-old woman with multiple myeloma underwent tandem autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (APBSCT). Fever, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, followed by the proliferation of granular lymphocytes in the peripheral blood occurred, after a second APBSCT. Clonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor was detected using Southern blot analysis of peripheral blood samples. Granular lymphocyte proliferative disorders (GLPD) were diagnosed. After steroid therapy, the symptoms resolved. Lymphocytosis did not recur after the discontinuation of steroids. There have been a few reports of GLPD after solid organ and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. We report a first case of GLPD after APBSCT.

Clone Cells↗

Effects of antioxidative agents on apoptosis induced by ischaemia-reperfusion in rat intestinal mucosa.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We have previously demonstrated that ischaemia-reperfusion induces apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate that reactive oxygen species enhanced intestinal apoptosis after ischaemia-reperfusion, we examined whether antioxidants reduced apoptosis. METHODS: Rats were infused through a duodenal tube with antioxidative agents, glutathione, rebamipide and dymethylsulfoxide during 2 h before an ischaemic insult. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion. Apoptosis was evaluated by percentage fragmented DNA (fragmented DNA/total DNA) and immunochemical staining. RESULTS: Increase in apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa after ischaemia-reperfusion was attenuated by intraduodenal infusion of antioxidative agents, but was not completely abolished. CONCLUSION: Scavenging effects of the antioxidative agents attenuated increases in intestinal apoptosis, indicating that oxidative stress after ischaemia-reperfusion plays an important role in induction of apoptosis in the intestinal mucosa.

Alanine↗

Proliferation of type II pneumocytes in the lung biopsy specimens reflecting alveolar damage.

Proliferation of type II pneumocytes may be the most sensitive pathological indicator of alveolitis, and the density of type II pneumocytes reflecting the severity of the recent alveolar damage. Twenty-nine patients were divided into three groups by the severity of ground-glass opacities on the CT scans; the severe (acute), the moderate (subacute) and the mild (chronic) groups. We compared the density of type II pneumocytes in the transbronchial lung biopsy specimens and cell analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid with the ground-glass opacities. Clinical and laboratory findings and BAL fluid analysis also corresponded well with this grouping. Type II pneumocytes were selectively stained with an antibody against Thomsen-Friedenreich and the density of the type II pneumocytes was expressed as the number per 1 mm alveolar septal length. The densities of the type II pneumocytes in the severe, the moderate, the mild, and the control groups were 21.2+/-1.1, 14.4+/-7.2, 11.0+/-3.3 and 7.5+/-0.9/mm, respectively. There were significant differences between the acute group and the other three groups, and between the control and chronic groups. The density of type II pneumocytes is a useful index for evaluating alveolar damage even in mild alveolitis.

Biopsy↗

Effects of pulmonary artery remodeling on pulmonary circulation after lung volume reduction surgery.

BACKGROUND: Significant pulmonary hypertension during exercise has been observed in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although favorable effects on pulmonary function and dyspnea symptoms have been demonstrated, the influence of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) on the pulmonary hypertension during exercise is still a controversial subject. METHODS: A pulmonary function test and 6-minute walking test were performed before and 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after LVRS (n = 12). Pulmonary hemodynamics at rest and during exercise was studied 6 months after operation. Morphology was examined in pulmonary arteries with external diameters of 100 - 200 micro m in the resected lung, and the wall thickness (defined as intima plus media) and percentage wall thickness (percentage wall thickness of the external diameter) of the pulmonary artery were calculated. RESULTS: LVRS improved early-phase pulmonary function and 6-minute walking distance. Although the increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during exercise was significantly ameliorated, exercise pulmonary hypertension did not change after LVRS. The percent wall thickness was highly correlated with Delta Ppa (difference between mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest and mean pulmonary artery pressure during exercise) not only before, but also 6 months after LVRS. CONCLUSION: LVRS has no significant influence on exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension in patients with severe emphysema. From a histological analysis of the pulmonary artery in the resected lung, remodeling the pulmonary artery that may exist in the remaining lung is possibly one of the important factors preventing postoperative improvement in exercise pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Aged↗

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in primary superficial bladder cancer tissue may predict risk of its recurrence after complete transurethral resection.

A new modality is necessary to prevent recurrence of superficial bladder cancer after complete transurethral resection (TUR) because of the high recurrence rate even with current prophylaxis protocols. Prostaglandins (PGs) are known to be produced more in transitional cell carcinoma, and etiologically bladder cancer risk is negatively associated with the intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX), the rate-limiting enzyme of the PG production. We have shown the chemopreventive effect of piroxicam, an NSAID, on the N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN)-induced rat bladder cancer model. To avoid gastrointestinal side effects of regular NSAIDs, we also showed the chemopreventive effect of nimesulide, a selective inhibitor of the second isoform of COX, COX-2, which does not affect COX-l house-keeping activity in gastrointestinal mucosa on the same model. We also observed induction of COX-2 protein in the rat bladder tumor. In this study, we screened COX-2 protein expression in primary superficial bladder cancer tissues, to elucidate if COX-2 selective inhibitors can be a candidate chemopreventive agent for bladder cancer recurrence. Five and 6 samples of superficial bladder cancer cases with and without recurrence after complete TUR were examined by immunohistochemical analysis. We found more COX-2 protein positive samples in the cases with recurrence than in cases without recurrence. Even though the number of cases examined is small, this result supports our hypothesis that COX-2 contributes to superficial bladder cancer recurrence, thus, selective COX-2 inhibitors can be a candidate chemopreventive agent for the recurrence.

Adult↗