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Biomedical subjects

K Fujioka

Publications and source records attributed to K Fujioka.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

A bioassay for serum interferon based on induction of 2'5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity.

We have developed a bioassay for interferons (IFN) based on measuring the amounts of 2',5' oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5AS) induced in cells of the THP-1 monocyte line in response to IFN. The assay can be completed in 20 h, gives reproducible results, and is at least 50 times more sensitive to IFN-alpha than conventional cytopathic effect inhibition antiviral assays. It is, respectively, less and much less sensitive to IFN-beta and IFN-gamma. The presence of preexisting 2-5AS activity in a sample does not influence the results. We have used this assay to measure very low levels (0.1-0.5 IU/ml) of endogenously formed IFN-alpha in serum samples from patients with various diseases and also to measure the residual small amounts of IFN-alpha still present in the serum as late as 48 h after an i.m. injection of 3 million IU, which is appreciably later than in previous methods. Thus, our highly sensitive assay offers considerable advantages, not least in relation to the clinical use of IFN.

2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase↗

The effects of new platelet inhibitory drug E-5510 on platelet deposition on aortic bifurcation grafts: assessment by indium-111-oxime labeled platelet imaging.

The effects of a recently synthesized anti-platelet aggregation drug (E-5510) on platelet deposition in a knitted Dacron aortic graft underwent preliminary evaluation by In-111 oxime labeled platelet imaging. Seven patients undergoing aortofemoral bypass using this graft for occlusive disease were randomized into two groups: those receiving E-5510 and those receiving no medication. This agent was administered for 17 days postoperatively, and on the 14th day In-111 platelets were injected and images were acquired at 24, 48, and 72 hours. Platelet deposits in the grafts were assessed by the ratios of graft radioactivity to that of the adjacent native iliac arteries. Platelet deposition at the sites of anastomosis and deposition along the entire graft were normalized by initial deposition at 24 hours, and had significantly decreased at 72 hours in the three treated patients, while the normalized deposition increased progressively over time in the remaining four nonmedicated patients. E-5510 seems to have the potential to inhibit excessive platelet deposition on recently implanted grafts.

Aged↗

[Comprehensive medicine and 17-KS-S].

In order to evaluate QOL from the perspective of comprehensive medicine, a self-rated QOL Questionnaire and urine 17-KS-S (abbreviated S), 17-OHCS (OH), S/OH were examined in 268 patients (including 11 terminally ill cancer patients) and 31 nurses. Lower S and S/OH were observed in both groups, but OH was higher in patients' group and lower in the nurses' group. Total QOL score was lower in patients' group, but higher in nurses' group. The correlation of each parameter, S, OH and S/OH was related to QOL items. Among terminally ill cancer patients, supplementary treatments were performed. During the course, the elevation of S were observed. In conclusion, S, OH and S/OH were related to QOL and they were considered an objective method of evaluating QOL.

17-Hydroxycorticosteroids↗

Phenotypic analysis of ovarian carcinoma: polypeptide expression in benign, borderline and malignant tumors.

Studies of multiple markers in tumors are required for adequate biological characterization. We have characterized the expression of multiple proteins in human ovarian tumors using the technique of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE/PDQUEST). Tumor cells were prepared from the tissue of 22 ovarian tumors. Large variations were observed between tumors in the expression of various polypeptides, indicating heterogeneity in gene expression. An increase in the spot density of 2 cell-cycle-related proteins, PCNA and OP18/stathmin, was observed in carcinomas. Borderline tumors expressed low levels of these proteins. Significant increases in the levels of nm23, GST-pi, elongation factor 2 and triose phosphate isomerase were recorded in ovarian carcinomas. Furthermore, decreases in the levels of tropomyosin-2 and lamin C were observed in malignant as compared with benign tumors. The pattern of expression of 9 protein markers was examined in individual tumors. All malignant tumors showed simultaneous alterations in the expression of 5 or more of these proteins, whereas no benign tumor showed alterations in the expression of more than 3 polypeptides. Borderline tumors showed alterations in 0 to 6 markers. We conclude that the simultaneous analysis of multiple polypeptides, which can be achieved by 2-DE, is useful for characterization of gene expression and diagnostic studies in ovarian tumors.

Adult↗

A comparison of CORVITA and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene vascular grafts implanted in the abdominal aortas of dogs.

The utility of CORVITA vascular grafts, composed of an inner layer of meshed polyurethane fibers and an outer layer of meshed Dacron reinforcement, for replacement of the abdominal aorta was assessed in a canine model and compared with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. CORVITA or ePTFE vascular grafts were implanted and left in place for 3 or 6 months. After removal, they were inspected macroscopically and histologically. Microspectrophotometry was used to quantify smooth muscle cells (SMCs), elastin (EL), and collagen (CL) in the media of the native artery. The patency rate of the CORVITA grafts after 6 months was 100%, whereas that of the ePTFE grafts was only 50%. Moreover, stenoses were apparent in all of the ePTFE grafts, but in only 43% of the CORVITA grafts. The intimal thickness at the distal anastomosis was significantly greater at 3 months in the ePTFE grafts (P < 0.01), and there were significantly more SMCs in the host arterial media at the proximal and distal anastomoses in these grafts. Thus, better long-term patency can be expected with CORVITA grafts than with ePTFE grafts. This conferred advantage is most likely attributable to the less pronounced intimal hyperplasia which results from the proliferation of SMCs in the media of the native artery.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Relationship between TA01 and TA02 polypeptides associated with lung adenocarcinoma and histocytological features.

TA01 (molecular weight 35.0 kDa, isoelectric point 5.45) and TA02 (molecular weight 35.0 kDa, isoelectric point 5.29) polypeptides were detected using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A previous study has shown that these polypeptides are distributed in primary adenocarcinomas and some large-cell carcinomas of the lung. However, various expression levels of TA01 and TA02 polypeptides were demonstrated in adenocarcinoma, while large-cell carcinoma expressed low levels. To evaluate the relationship between the expression of TA01 and TA02 polypeptides and the histocytological features of primary adenocarcinoma of the lung, these two polypeptides were analysed by 2-DE combined with a non-enzymatic sample preparation technique, and their expression levels were compared with the histocytological features of primary lung adenocarcinoma. Out of 57 primary lung adenocarcinoma cases, 46 cases (80.7%) and 52 cases (91.2%) expressed TA01 and TA02 polypeptides respectively. Furthermore, the expression levels of TA01 and TA02 polypeptides correlated with the degree of cellular atypia, structural atypia and histocytological differentiation of primary lung adenocarcinoma. On the other hand, these two polypeptides were not detected in adenocarcinoma of the lung, metastatic from the colon and mammary glands. High expression of TA01 and TA02 polypeptides reflected the differentiation of primary adenocarcinoma in the lung. These two polypeptides are valuable in determining the histocytological differentiation of primary lung adenocarcinoma as well as in distinguishing between primary and metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Breast milk is not a significant source for early Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus 6 infection in infants: a seroepidemiologic study in 2 endemic areas of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I in Japan.

In order to evaluate the possibility of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) transmission via breast milk, a total of 331 serum specimens collected from bottle-fed and breast-fed children and their mothers, in 2 endemic areas of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) in Japan, were assayed for antibodies to EBV and HHV-6. The seroprevalences of EBV and HHV-6 were over 95% both in the mothers of bottle-fed children and in those of breast-fed children. The seroprevalence of EBV at 12-23 months of age was 54.5% (36/66) and 55.8% (24/43) in breast-fed children and bottle-fed children, respectively. The seroprevalence of HHV-6 at 12-23 months of age was 90.9% (60/66) and 93.0% (40/43) in breast-fed children and bottle-fed children, respectively. No difference was observed between the seroprevalences of EBV and HHV-6 in breast-fed and bottle-fed children at 12-23 months of age. Our seroepidemiologic data indicate that breast milk is not a significant source of early EBV or HHV-6 infection in infancy.

Antibodies, Viral↗

Changes in angiographic features and the ankle/brachial pressure index of femorodistal arterial bypass grafts during knee flexion.

Systolic ankle pressure was measured in limbs in the extended and 90 degrees-flexed positions in three groups of patients who had undergone below-knee femorodistal arterial bypass. Group 1 consisted of eight limbs in seven patients who had received an autologous saphenous vein (ASV) graft; group 2 consisted of seven limbs in seven patients who had received a ringed expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) graft; and group 3 consisted of five limbs in five patients who had received a reinforced biosynthetic borine collagen vascular (Omniflow) graft. Intravenous digital subtraction angiography was performed within 3 months of implantation. The ankle/brachial index (ABI) was significantly lower when the knee was flexed than when it was extended in group 1 and 3, but not in group 2. The ABI flexion in group 1 was similar to that in group 2. Morphologic changes such as kinking were demonstrated angiographically in groups 1 and 3. Given that the ABIs in groups 1 and 2 were similar with the knee flexed, despite the morphologic changes in group 1, we concluded that saphenous vein and ringed ePTFE grafts are more durable when subjected to acute knee flexion than Omniflow grafts. Thus, as graft failure is unlikely to result from kinking as a result of knee flexion alone, further clinical studies are required to elucidate the precise causes of graft failure.

Aged↗

Successful management of a giant spinal arteriovenous malformation with multiple communications between primitive arterial and venous structures by embolization: report of a case.

A 47-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a giant spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) causing heart failure and thoracic myelopathy. Angiography revealed that the spinal AVM had multiple feeding vessels branching from the 5th through 12th intercostal arteries. The drainage vein flowed to the azygos vein and superior vena cava. The AVM destroyed the 7th thoracic vertebra. The cardiac output was 16.7l/min and the shunt ratio was 64% before treatment. Embolization with cyanoacrylate was performed because the operation was considered to be associated with a significant risk of paraplegia and organ ischemia. The cardiac output decreased to 11.6l/min and the shunt ratio was reduced to 32%. After embolization the patient demonstrated no symptoms of either heart failure or sensory deficits. During embolization, provocative tests using sodium amytal and lidocaine with magnetic stimulation were also performed. The above findings suggest that provocative tests and magnetic stimulation are useful to predict paraplegia, which could result from embolization while, in addition, embolization is considered to be a useful treatment for multiple shunt and nidus in this region.

Angiography↗

Effect of E5510 on anastomotic intimal hyperplasia and platelet aggregation in dogs.

We examined the effect of an antiplatelet agent, E5510, which inhibits both platelet aggregation and release of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), on anastomotic intimal hyperplasia and platelet aggregation. Twenty Beagle dogs underwent infrarenal aortic reconstruction with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft 5 mm in diameter and 3 cm long. The dogs were divided into three groups: placebo (control group, 7 dogs), E5510 1 mg/day (1-mg group, 6 dogs), and E5510 4 mg/day (4-mg group, 7 dogs). E5510 was administered orally 2 h before operation and once daily for 3 months after operation. Grafts were harvested 3 months after operation. All 13 grafts in the treated groups remained patent without evidence of intimal hyperplasia, whereas only 4 of 7 grafts (57%) remained patent in the control group, including 1 graft with > 50% stenosis. Three occluded grafts showed severe intimal hyperplasia at the anastomoses. The platelet aggregation ratio (PAR) with collagen (100 micrograms/ml) before drug administration at 3 months in the 4-mg group was significantly lower than that in the control and 1-mg groups. PAR after drug administration at 3 months in the 1- and 4-mg groups was significantly lower than that in the control group. Intimal thickness at the distal anastomosis was 817 +/- 190 microns in the control group, 240 +/- 80 microns in the 1-mg group, and 197 +/- 28 microns in the 4-mg group. Intimal thickness in the control group was significantly greater than that in the 1- and 4-mg groups. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) values in the intima at the distal anastomosis were 65.6 +/- 4.4% extinction (%E) in the control group, 47.6 +/- 3.4%E in the 1-mg group, and 51.3 +/- 3.5%E in the 4-mg group. SMC value in the control group was significantly greater than that in the 1- and 4-mg groups. E5510 inhibited PAR and reduced the degree of anastomotic intimal hyperplasia.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

[Venous ulcer].

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Diagnosis, Differential↗

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome associated with splenomegaly: report of a case.

We report herein the case of a 19-year-old woman, diagnosed as having Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome at the age of 3 years, who presented to our hospital with severe abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography revealed splenomegaly, ascites, and paracentesis confirming an intraabdominal hemorrhage. Thus, an emergency laparatomy was performed for a suspected splenic rupture, and 2.5 L of blood was drained from the abdominal cavity. Splenomegaly was confirmed, and a splenectomy was performed. The patient's postoperative course was complicated by disseminated intravascular coagulation, but she recovered and was discharged 3 weeks following surgery. Pathological examination of the spleen suggested that the splenomegaly was caused by high venous pressure due to splenic vein stenosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome associated with marked splenomegaly.

Adult↗

[Clinical evaluation of FemoStop in arrest of hemorrhage of the femoral artery].

A new device, FemoStop, in which the compression bag is replaced with a translucent one made of polyethylene for easy inspection, was used in 74 patients (76 examinations) who underwent angiography, including the setting of indwelling catheters in 10 patients, to obtain an easy and reliable maneuver for arresting hemorrhage at the puncture site. No failure in arrest of hemorrhage was recognized, and complications such as hematoma and re-bleeding were nonexistent. The doctor's time required for the arrest of hemorrhage was less than 5 minutes. On the other hand, in a beginner using the conventional manual compression method in 74 patients (74 examinations), the rate of failing to arrest hemorrhage was 5/74 cases, small hematoma was seen in three cases, re-bleeding occurred in one, and the time required for arrest was about 20 minutes. In conclusion, FemoStop was clinically useful for beginners.

Adolescent↗

Identification of a region which directs the monocytic activity of the colony-stimulating factor 1 (macrophage colony-stimulating factor) receptor promoter and binds PEBP2/CBF (AML1).

The receptor for the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (or colony-stimulating factor 1 [CSF-1]) is expressed from different promoters in monocytic cells and placental trophoblasts. We have demonstrated that the monocyte-specific expression of the CSF-1 receptor is regulated at the level of transcription by a tissue-specific promoter whose activity is stimulated by the monocyte/B-cell-specific transcription factor PU.1 (D.-E. Zhang, C.J. Hetherington, H.-M. Chen, and D.G. Tenen, Mol. Cell. Biol. 14:373-381, 1994). Here we report that the tissue specificity of this promoter is also mediated by sequences in a region II (bp -88 to -59), which lies 10 bp upstream from the PU.1-binding site. When analyzed by DNase footprinting, region II was protected preferentially in monocytic cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that region II interacts specifically with nuclear proteins from monocytic cells. Two gel shift complexes (Mono A and Mono B) were formed with separate sequence elements within this region. Competition and supershift experiments indicate that Mono B contains a member of the polyomavirus enhancer-binding protein 2/core-binding factor (PEBP2/CBF) family, which includes the AML1 gene product, while Mono A is a distinct complex preferentially expressed in monocytic cells. Promoter constructs with mutations in these sequence elements were no longer expressed specifically in monocytes. Furthermore, multimerized region II sequence elements enhanced the activity of a heterologous thymidine kinase promoter in monocytic cells but not other cell types tested. These results indicate that the monocyte/B-cell-specific transcription factor PU.1 and the Mono A and Mono B protein complexes act in concert to regulate monocyte-specific transcription of the CSF-1 receptor.

Animals↗

Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of interleukin-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon gamma in bacterial meningitis.

To investigate the role of the inflammatory cytokines, the cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1 beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) were measured in 11 children with bacterial meningitis and two with mycoplasmic meningoencephalitis and compared with those in 50 children with aseptic meningitis and 15 with non-pleocytotic cerebrospinal fluid. Concentrations of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha were each significantly higher in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with bacterial meningitis than in those with aseptic meningitis or those with non-pleocytotic cerebrospinal fluid. IFN-gamma was detected at low concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of only 2/11 of those with bacterial meningitis. On the other hand, the IFN-gamma concentration was the highest in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with aseptic meningitis. These results suggest that the inflammatory cytokines are differently released in the intrathecal space infected with viruses or bacteria.

Adolescent↗

Sustained release of hCG minipellet for newt experiment in space.

Sustained release formulation of hCG, hCG minipellet, was applied to induce oviposition of newt. Period of egg spawning was prolonged with a certain delay of its initiation. When hCG minipellet was injected to newt that was hibernating, it induced egg spawning even after one month of hibernation. Results suggest that minipellet keeps steady concentration of hCG at the effective level for longer period. For the study on early development of newt egg, it is essential to obtain egg on orbit. hCG minipellet makes it possible even at launch slip or early "late access".

Animals↗