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Biomedical subjects

K Hattori

Publications and source records attributed to K Hattori.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Histopathologic effects of neoadjuvant therapies for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: multivariate analysis of predictive factors and p53 overexpression.

In 97 patients (60, chemotherapy; 22, chemoradiotherapy; 15, radiotherapy), histopathologic effects were evaluated microscopically, and histologic response rates were compared among three neoadjuvant treatment modalities. Predictive factors for neoadjuvant therapies were analyzed by logistic regression, including the results of p53 immunohistochemical staining. In the chemoradiotherapy group, the pathologic response rate was 86.4%, and was significantly higher than that for chemotherapy (P < 0.0001) or for radiotherapy (P = 0.0031). In patients with normal p53 protein expression, the histopathologic response rate to chemotherapy was 20.0%, a higher rate than that for patients with abnormal p53 overexpression. In the chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy group, however, the response rates were almost the same, irrespective of p53 oncoprotein status. From multivariate analysis, the neoadjuvant treatment modality itself was identified as the most powerful predictive factor for the effect. Chemoradiotherapy had the most powerful effect on advanced esophageal cancer, and p53 status did not influence the clinical outcome in this group.

Adult↗

New mathematical model for accurate description of absorption kinetics of paracetamol given orally with a high calorie liquid meal.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric emptying (GE) of liquids is quantified as the rate of paracetamol absorption in clinical and research settings (paracetamol method). A conventional 1-compartment model assumes the first-order rate kinetics for paracetamol absorption. This assumption seems improper when paracetamol is coingested with a caloric liquid meal, because the caloric liquid leaves the stomach at a constant rate (zero-order process). Theories based on the 1-compartment model reveal that tmax and Cmax/AUCinfinity accurately reflect the rate of paracetamol absorption, but whether this is also the case when paracetamol is administered with a caloric liquid, has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to propose a new mathematical model for accurately describing absorptive behaviors of paracetamol added to a caloric liquid meal, and, using the model, to clarify the characteristics of tmax and Cmax/AUCinfinity as rate parameters. METHODS: Based on the newly developed model, tamx and Cmax/AUCinfinity were mathematically expressed in terms of GE rates. Subsequently, the characteristics of tmax and Cmax/AUCinfinity were elucidated by simulation works. RESULTS: The simulation study showed that both tamx and Cmax/AUCinfinity could reflect GE rates, tmax was a more sensitive index of GE than Cmax/AUCinfinity and tmax was less reliable than Cmax/AUCinfinity if GE is very rapid. CONCLUSIONS: In the paracetamol method using a caloric liquid test meal, tmax and Cmax/AUCinfinity are suitable for detecting delayed and rapid GE, respectively.

Absorption↗

Inhibition of both paracrine and autocrine VEGF/ VEGFR-2 signaling pathways is essential to induce long-term remission of xenotransplanted human leukemias.

Antiangiogenic agents block the effects of tumor-derived angiogenic factors (paracrine factors), such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), on endothelial cells (EC), inhibiting the growth of solid tumors. However, whether inhibition of angiogenesis also may play a role in liquid tumors is not well established. We recently have shown that certain leukemias not only produce VEGF but also selectively express functional VEGF receptors (VEGFRs), such as VEGFR-2 (Flk-1, KDR) and VEGFR1 (Flt1), resulting in the generation of an autocrine loop. Here, we examined the relative contribution of paracrine (EC-dependent) and autocrine (EC-independent) VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathways, by using a human leukemia model, where autocrine and paracrine VEGF/VEGFR loops could be selectively inhibited by neutralizing mAbs specific for murine EC (paracrine pathway) or human tumor (autocrine) VEGFRs. Blocking either the paracrine or the autocrine VEGF/VEGFR-2 pathway delayed leukemic growth and engraftment in vivo, but failed to cure inoculated mice. Long-term remission with no evidence of disease was achieved only if mice were treated with mAbs against both murine and human VEGFR-2, whereas mAbs against human or murine VEGFR-1 had no effect on mice survival. Therefore, effective antiangiogenic therapies to treat VEGF-producing, VEGFR-expressing leukemias may require blocking both paracrine and autocrine VEGF/VEGFR-2 angiogenic loops to achieve remission and long-term cure.

Animals↗

Social stress exacerbates stroke outcome by suppressing Bcl-2 expression.

The relationship between stressful life events and the onset of disease is well documented. However, the role of psychological stress as a risk factor for life-threatening cerebrovascular insults such as stroke remains unspecified, but could explain individual variation in stroke outcome. To discover the mechanisms through which psychological stress may alter stroke outcome, we modeled the effects of chronic social intimidation and stress on ischemia-induced bcl-2 expression and early neuronal cell loss resulting from cerebral artery occlusion in mice (C57BL/6). The bcl-2 protooncogene promotes cell survival and protects against apoptosis and cellular necrosis in numerous neurodegenerative disorders, including stroke. In our study, male mice were chronically exposed to aggressive social stimuli before induction of a controlled, mild ischemic insult. Stressed mice expressed approximately 70% less bcl-2 mRNA than unstressed mice after ischemia. In addition, social stress greatly exacerbated infarct in wild-type mice but not in transgenic mice that constitutively express increased neuronal bcl-2. Despite similar postischemic concentrations of corticosterone, the major stress hormone in mice, high corticosterone concentrations were significantly correlated with larger infarcts in wild-type mice but not bcl-2 transgenic mice. Thus, enhanced bcl-2 expression offsets the potentially deleterious consequences of high postischemic plasma corticosterone concentrations. Taken together, these data demonstrate that stressful prestroke social milieu strongly compromises an endogenous molecular mechanism of neuroprotection in injured brain and offer a new behavioral target for stroke therapy.

Animals↗

N-Methyl-D-aspartate-induced c-Fos expression is enhanced in the forebrain structures related to emotion in Fyn-deficient mice.

Fyn tyrosine kinase is thought to be involved in the control of neuronal intracellular signal transduction elicited by neurotransmitter stimulation. Emotional disorders, such as fearfulness in Fyn-deficient mice, prompted us to investigate the neural mechanisms that lead to defective emotional expression by using functional neuroanatomical methods. In order to examine the reactivity of a specific neural network to excitatory neurotransmitter administration, we mapped the distribution of c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons after administering N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) to control and mutant mice at the subthreshold dose for seizure induction. The induction of neuronal c-Fos-immunoreactivity by NMDA was enhanced in the Fyn-deficient mice, and there was a much greater increase in immunopositive neurons in certain well-defined areas, such as the amygdaloid medial nuclear subdivisions, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, and midbrain periaqueductal gray, of the mutant. NMDA-induced c-Fos expression was attenuated by pretreatment with D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, a competitive NMDA antagonist, both in the control and the mutant mice. These findings suggest that the excitability of the projection system from the amygdala to the hypothalamus and midbrain, the main pathways of emotional expression, is enhanced in Fyn-deficient mice.

Amygdala↗

Plasma elevation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 induces mobilization of mature and immature hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells.

The chemokine, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), is produced in the bone marrow and has been shown to modulate the homing of stem cells to this site by mediating chemokinesis and chemotaxis. Therefore, it was hypothesized that elevation of SDF1 level in the peripheral circulation would result in mobilization of primitive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. SDF1 plasma level was increased by intravenous injection of an adenoviral vector expressing SDF1alpha (AdSDF1) into severe combined immunodeficient mice. This resulted in a 10-fold increase in leukocyte count, a 3-fold increase in platelets, and mobilization of progenitors, including colony-forming units-granulocyte-macrophage to the peripheral circulation. In addition, AdSDF1 induced mobilization of cells with stem cell potential, including colony-forming units in spleen and long-term reconstituting cells. These data demonstrate that overexpression of SDF1 in the peripheral circulation results in the mobilization of hematopoietic cells with repopulating capacity, progenitor cells, and precursor cells. These studies lay the foundation for using SDF1 to induce mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in in vivo studies. (Blood. 2001;97:3354-3360)

Adenoviridae↗

Infection of endothelium with E1(-)E4(+), but not E1(-)E4(-), adenovirus gene transfer vectors enhances leukocyte adhesion and migration by modulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD34, and chemokine expression.

Intravascular introduction of replication-deficient adenoviral vectors (Advectors) provides an ideal model of delivery of transgenes for the treatment of various vascular abnormalities. On the basis of the knowledge that Advectors can induce inflammatory responses after intravascular administration, we speculated that cellular activation by Advector infection could directly modulate the endothelial cell (EC) adhesion molecule/chemokine expression repertoire. Infection of human umbilical vein ECs or bone marrow microvascular ECs with an E1(-)E4(+) Advector resulted in the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and CD34, but not E-selectin, P-selectin, CD36, CD13, CD44, HLA-DR or PECAM. Upregulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and CD34 was apparent 12 hours after infection and persisted for weeks after infection. Selective induction of adhesion molecules was mediated by the presence of the E4 gene in the Advector, because infection of ECs with an E1(-)E4(-) Advector had no effect on adhesion molecule expression. ECs infected with E1(-)E4(+) Advector, but not those infected with E1(-)E4(-) Advector, supported the adhesion of leukocytes. Monoclonal antibodies to ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 inhibited adhesion of leukocytes to E1(-)E4(+)-infected ECS: Infection of the ECs with E1(-)E4(+) Advector, but not E1(-)E4(-) Advector, resulted in downregulation of expression of chemocytokines, including interleukin-8, MCP-1, RANTES, and GM-CSF. Nonetheless, a large number of leukocytes migrated through ECs infected with E1(-)E4(+), but not those infected with E1(-)E4(l-), in response to exogenous chemokines. These results demonstrate that infection of ECs with E1(-)E4(+) Advectors, but not E1(-)E4(-) Advectors, may directly augment inflammatory responses by upregulating expression of adhesion molecules and enhancing migration through Advector-infected ECs and suggest that E1(-)E4(-) Advectors may be a better choice for gene-transfer strategies directed to the ECS:

Adenoviridae↗

Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-1 stimulate postnatal hematopoiesis by recruitment of vasculogenic and hematopoietic stem cells.

Tyrosine kinase receptors for angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) are expressed not only by endothelial cells but also by subsets of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). To further define their role in the regulation of postnatal hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis, VEGF and Ang-1 plasma levels were elevated by injecting recombinant protein or adenoviral vectors expressing soluble VEGF(165), matrix-bound VEGF(189), or Ang-1 into mice. VEGF(165), but not VEGF(189), induced a rapid mobilization of HSCs and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)2(+) circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs). In contrast, Ang-1 induced delayed mobilization of CEPs and HSCs. Combined sustained elevation of Ang-1 and VEGF(165) was associated with an induction of hematopoiesis and increased marrow cellularity followed by proliferation of capillaries and expansion of sinusoidal space. Concomitant to this vascular remodeling, there was a transient depletion of hematopoietic activity in the marrow, which was compensated by an increase in mobilization and recruitment of HSCs and CEPs to the spleen resulting in splenomegaly. Neutralizing monoclonal antibody to VEGFR2 completely inhibited VEGF(165), but not Ang-1-induced mobilization and splenomegaly. These data suggest that temporal and regional activation of VEGF/VEGFR2 and Ang-1/Tie-2 signaling pathways are critical for mobilization and recruitment of HSCs and CEPs and may play a role in the physiology of postnatal angiogenesis and hematopoiesis.

Adenoviridae↗

Vascular trauma induces rapid but transient mobilization of VEGFR2(+)AC133(+) endothelial precursor cells.

Bone marrow (BM)-derived circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs) are thought to play a role in postnatal angiogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that angiogenic stress of vascular trauma may induce mobilization of CEPs to the peripheral circulation. In this regard, we studied the kinetics of CEP mobilization in two groups of patients who experienced acute vascular insult secondary to burns or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In both burn and CABG patients, there was a consistent, rapid increase in the number of CEPs, determined by their surface expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and AC133. Within the first 6 to 12 hours after injury, the percentage of CEPs in the peripheral blood of burn or CABG patients increased almost 50-fold, returning to basal levels within 48 to 72 hours. Mobilized cells also formed late-outgrowth endothelial colonies (CFU-ECs) in culture, indicating that a small, but significant, number of circulating endothelial cells were BM-derived CEPs. In parallel to the mobilization of CEPs, there was also a rapid elevation of VEGF plasma levels. Maximum VEGF levels were detected within 6 to 12 hours of vascular trauma and decreased to baseline levels after 48 to 72 hours. Acute elevation of VEGF in the mice plasma resulted in a similar kinetics of mobilization of VEGFR2(+) cells. On the basis of these results, we propose that vascular trauma may induce release of chemokines, such as VEGF, that promotes rapid mobilization of CEPs to the peripheral circulation. Strategies to improve the mobilization and incorporation of CEPs may contribute to the acceleration of vascularization of the injured vascular tissue.

AC133 Antigen↗

The SOCS box of SOCS-1 accelerates ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of TEL-JAK2.

Fusion of the TEL gene on 12p13 to the JAK2 tyrosine kinase gene on 9p24 has been found in human leukemia. TEL-mediated oligomerization of JAK2 results in constitutive activation of the tyrosine kinase (JH1) domain and confers cytokine-independent proliferation on interleukin-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells. Forced expression of the JAK inhibitor gene SOCS1/JAB/SSI-1 induced apoptosis of TEL-JAK2-transformed Ba/F3 cells. This suppression of TEL-JAK2 activity was dependent on SOCS box-mediated proteasomal degradation of TEL-JAK2 rather than on kinase inhibition. Degradation of JAK2 depended on its phosphorylation and its high affinity binding with SOCS1 through the kinase inhibitory region and the SH2 domain. It has been demonstrated that von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) tumor-suppressor gene product possesses the SOCS box that forms a complex with Elongin B and C and Cullin-2, and it functions as a ubiquitin ligase. The SOCS box of SOCS1/JAB has also been shown to interact with Elongins; however, ubiquitin ligase activity has not been demonstrated. We found that the SOCS box interacted with Cullin-2 and promoted ubiquitination of TEL-JAK2. Furthermore, overexpression of dominant negative Cullin-2 suppressed SOCS1-dependent TEL-JAK2 degradation. Our study demonstrates the substrate-specific E3 ubiquitin-ligase-like activity of SOCS1 for activated JAK2 and may provide a novel strategy for the suppression of oncogenic tyrosine kinases.

Animals↗

Early and long-term results of coronary artery bypass grafting in dialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the surgical outcome of coronary artery bypass grafting in dialysis patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 25 consecutive dialysis patients requiring isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Their mean age was 61.6 years and average dialysis duration 80.4 months. RESULTS: Eight patients (32%) had emergency or urgent surgery. The mean number of bypassed vessels was 3.3 +/- 1.2. Internal thoracic artery grafts were used in 19 patients and gastroepiploic artery grafts in 5. Two (8%) died during hospitalization and complications occurred in 11 (44%). No cerebral complications were observed. All survivors showed ameliorated symptoms and improved overall function. Of 14 late deaths, 5 were cardiac-related, with 2 involving obvious myocardial ischemic events. Actuarial survival, including hospital deaths, at 1 year was 70.9%, at 3 years was 43.5%, and at 5 years was 34.8%. Cardiac-death-free survival was 70.2% at 3 years and 70.2% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery bypass grafting in dialysis patients is associated with a higher incidence of complications but has acceptable surgical mortality and effectively relieves angina symptoms.

Aged↗

Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and its ligands in non-neoplastic and neoplastic human urothelial cells.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors and is expressed in several types of tissue. Although PPARgamma reportedly is expressed in normal urothelium, its function is unknown. We examined the expression of PPARgamma in normal urothelium and bladder cancer in an attempt to assess its functional role. Immunohistochemical staining revealed normal urothelium to express PPARgamma uniformly. All low-grade carcinomas were positive either diffusely or focally, whereas staining was primarily focal or absent in high-grade carcinomas. A nonneoplastic urothelial cell line (1T-1), a low-grade (RT4) carcinoma cell line, and two high-grade (T24 and 253J) carcinoma cell lines in culture expressed PPARgamma mRNA and protein. Luciferase assay indicated that PPARgamma was functional. PPARgamma ligands (15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2), troglitazone and pioglitazone) suppressed the growth of nonneoplastic and neoplastic urothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. However, neoplastic cells were more resistant than were nonneoplastic cells. Failure to express PPARgamma or ineffective transcriptional activity may be some of the mechanisms responsible for resistance to the inhibitory action of PPARgamma ligands.

Aged↗

Use of omentum for mediastinal tracheostomy after total laryngoesophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Carcinomas of the cervicothoracic esophagus frequently invade the trachea and complete removal of the tumor often requires mediastinal tracheostomy. Traditionally, this surgical management was associated with high morbidity and mortality. Several types of myoctaneous flaps have been used for mediastinal tracheostomy to reduce the complication. We present our experience with a new technique for construction of mediastinal tracheotomy after total laryngoesophagectomy and reconstruction with the stomach. METHODS: The anterior chest wall was amply resected and the distal end of the trachea was placed low between the superior vena cava and aortic arch. We mobilized the entire omentum with the stomach and brought them up to the neck through the posterior mediastinum. The omentum was put around the trachea, main arteries, and the anastomosis. RESULTS: Seven mediastinal tracheostomies were performed using this method. There was no hospital death. Complications included respiratory failure (2 patients) and pyothorax (1 patient). Anastomotic leakage and inominate artery rupture were not experienced. Postoperative survival was disease dependent. All patients were discharged with satisfactory oral food intake, good airway condition, and excellent cosmetic appearance. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest the use of the omentum as a simple and reliable technique in constructing mediastinal tracheostomy following total laryngoesophagectomy for cervicothoracic esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Neoplasms↗

Purification and characterization of two alpha-amylase inhibitors from seeds of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray).

Two proteinaceous alpha-amylase inhibitors termed alphaAI-Pa1 and alphaAI-Pa2 were purified from seeds of a cultivated tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray, cv. PI311897). The two inhibitors differed in their specificity towards alpha-amylases of insect pests such as bruchids, although neither showed any inhibitory activity against alpha-amylases of mammalian, bacterial or fungal origin. AlphaAI-Pa2 resembles two common bean inhibitors, alphaAI-1 and alphaAI-2, in several characteristics such as N-terminal amino acid sequences and oligomeric structure being composed of alpha and beta subunits. In contrast alphaAI-Pa1 is composed of a single glycopolypeptide with a molecular mass of 35 kDa, and its N-terminal amino acid sequence resembled that of seed lectins in tepary bean and common bean. The information on the two tepary bean alpha-amylase inhibitors may be useful not only for providing insight into critical structure for the specificity towards different alpha-amylase enzymes but also for enhancing insect resistance in crops.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Anagrelide metabolite induces thrombocytopenia in mice by inhibiting megakaryocyte maturation without inducing platelet aggregation.

OBJECTIVE: The mechanism for anagrelide's potent platelet lowering activity in human subjects is not well defined. Studies related to anagrelide function have been hampered by its lack of activity in nonhuman primates and water insolubility. In an effort to define the mechanism whereby anagrelide exerts its therapeutic effect, we identified a water-soluble metabolite (anagrelide.met). The availability of anagrelide.met allowed, for the first time, parallel in vitro and in vivo animal studies centered on the mechanisms by which anagrelide lowers platelet levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of anagrelide.met on proliferation and maturation of mega-karyocytes (MKs) as well as platelet production were studied both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Anagrelide.met is capable of blocking in vitro MK migration by 20% to 40%. At 100 ng/mL, anagrelide.met selectively blocked in vitro MK maturation, resulting in a 50% decrease in the total number of CD41a(+) MKs, corresponding with a 30% decrease in MK ploidy by day 10 and a 60% decrease by day 20. Daily intraperitoneal injections of anagrelide.met 100 microg into BALB/c mice was sufficient to significantly decrease platelet counts within 24 to 48 hours, stabilizing to 40 to 50% of normal levels by day 5. This was associated with a 45% decrease in the number of developing MKs and an increase in thrombopoietin levels. Anagrelide.met did not alter WBC counts, hematocrit, or bleeding time, or lead to any apparent signs of toxicity. Furthermore, unlike the parent anagrelide compound, anagrelide.met did not inhibit ADP-induced platelet aggregation even at high concentrations (10 microg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: We describe a cross-species reactive anagrelide metabolite that selectively inhibits MK maturation and migration, lowering platelet levels without influencing platelet aggregation.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

Regioselectively substituted 6-O- and 2,3-di-O-acetyl-6-O-triphenylmethylcellulose: its chain dynamics and hydrophobic association in polar solvents.

Two kinds of regioselectively substituted cellulose derivatives, i.e., 6-O-triphenylmethylcellulose (6TC) and 2,3-di-O-acetyl-6-O-triphenylmethylcellulose (2,3Ac6TC), were prepared via cellulose. In these samples, C-6 position hydroxyls in the anhydroglucose units (AGU) along the cellulose chain were selectively substituted by the hydrophobic triphenylmethyl groups, but C-2 and -3 position hydroxyls remained in 6TC or were substituted completely by O-acetyls in 2,3Ac6TC. Their chain dynamics in polar solvents, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), in dilute solution were investigated by dynamic light scattering in the viewpoint of cluster formation. The results were compared with those of cellulose diacetates (CDA) in DMAc where three hydroxyls in the AGU were statistically substituted up to 2.44 by O-acetyls but hydroxyls at C-6 positions remained predominantly. It was found that 6TC and 2,3Ac6TC formed a dynamic structure about 10 times larger than single chains and that the structure would be a temporary and local association due to concentration fluctuations (dynamic structures) which were originated from the hydrophobic interactions between intermolecular triphenylmethyl groups. The dynamics and structures were in clear contrast to those of CDA where a solvent-mediated hydrogen bonding between intermolecular C-6 position hydroxyls was essential to cluster formation. The present structures were so weak as to dissipate easily under low shear field.

Macromolecular Substances↗