Biomedical subjects

K Kawazoe

Publications and source records attributed to K Kawazoe.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2001

Phenylnaphthalene compounds from the subterranean part of Vitex rotundifolia and their antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

A careful investigation of the subterranean part of Vitex rotundifolia has shown that this plant contains five novel lignans having a 1-phenylnaphthalene-type skeleton together with four known lignans. These structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Furthermore, some of the isolated compounds showed antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed2001

Failure of exclusion of internal iliac artery aneurysms.

PURPOSE: We investigated in detail the state of internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysms over the midterm after the exclusion procedure. METHODS: From January 1990 to December 1998, 29 patients underwent the exclusion procedure for IIA aneurysms. The medical records of 27 survivors were retrospectively reviewed, and 30 excluded aneurysms of these patients were followed up with computed tomography scanning over the midterm. RESULTS: In the immediate postoperative period, 26 aneurysms were completely thrombosed, and four were incompletely thrombosed. In the midterm, 24 aneurysms were completely thrombosed (complete group), and six were incompletely thrombosed (incomplete group). No aneurysms expanded or ruptured during the follow-up period from 6 to 98 months (mean, 26 months). The size of the excluded aneurysm decreased in 22 of 24 aneurysms in the complete group, but no change in size was noted in the six aneurysms in the incomplete group. The preoperative size of the IIA aneurysm in the incomplete group was significantly larger than that in the complete group (P =.0047). The size of two aneurysms in the incomplete group was smaller than 3.0 cm. The aneurysms in the incomplete group extended significantly deep into the pelvis as compared with those in the complete group (P =.0008). CONCLUSIONS: The exclusion of IIA aneurysm did not reliably result in thrombosis of the aneurysm. For IIA aneurysms extending deeply into the pelvis, even if the size of the aneurysm is smaller than 3.0 cm, the exclusion procedure should not be performed.

Aged↗

PubMed2001

Farnesyl hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives from Ferula kuhistanica.

Four new farnesyl hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives, kuhistanols E-H (1-4), were isolated from the roots of the Uzbekistan medicinal plant Ferula kuhistanica. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence.

Apiaceae↗

PubMed2001

[Mitral valve repair--indication and late results].

In recent years, mitral valve repair has become more widespread because it promises a reduction in both mortality and morbidity compared with valve replacement. As the incidence of rheumatic valve disease has declined in Japan, degenerative disease has become the most common cause of mitral regurgitation (MR), for which repair techniques can be successfully applied. The standard repair techniques, including artificial chordal implantation, increase the indications for valve repair to up to 95% of patients with MR and improve the long-term results. The indications for surgical intervention in patients with MR have evolved. Asymptomatic patients are considered for surgery when left ventricular function begins to deteriorate or atrial arrhythmias appear.

Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗

PubMed2001

Aortic valve repair of congenital bicuspid aortic valve associated with aneurysm of the ascending aorta.

Two unusual cases of congenital bicuspid aortic valve associated with aneurysm of the ascending aorta are reported. One patient with a 7-cm ascending aortic dilatation and aortic regurgitation (AR) (II/IV), and another with a 6-cm ascending aorta and AR (III/IV), presented for treatment. Replacement of the ascending aorta and aortic valve repair were performed in both cases. Aortic valve repair included resection of the raphe, leaflet plication and subcommissural annuloplasty. Both patients had satisfactory results in the early postoperative period. Despite the promising outcomes after surgery in these patients, long-term changes in valve function and durability remain unknown. Additional close observation and monitoring are required before the procedure can be recommended as the standard of care.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Postoperative renal function after an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair requiring a suprarenal aortic cross-clamp.

We describe herein the postoperative renal functions of patients who required a suprarenal aortic cross-clamp during abdominal aortic surgery. Seven patients required a unilateral suprarenal aortic cross-clamp (group A) and six patients required a bilateral suprarenal clamp (group B). Eighty-three patients who required an infrarenal aortic clamp were assigned to group C. Renal hypothermia with renal perfusion or topical cooling during suprarenal clamp was not performed. No hospital deaths were encountered. In group B, the postoperative creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels remained statistically significantly higher than that of group C until the seventh postoperative day. The postoperative renal dysfunction (serum creatinine level >2.0 mg/dl) was 28.6% in group A and 50% in group B, while it was only 8.4% in group C, although no patient required either temporary or permanent hemodialysis. The postoperative peak BUN over 30 min suprarenal clamp was significantly higher than that within 30 min. In summary, the postoperative renal function was impaired after an extended bilateral suprarenal clamp. These findings suggest that if prolonged renal ischemia is thus expected, then renal preservation should be considered.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Reduction of heparin dose is not beneficial to platelet function.

BACKGROUND: To clarify the effects of the reduction of heparin dose on platelets, we conducted a prospective trial on patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Twenty-three patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were studied. The systemic heparin dose was 300 IU/kg in the control group (n = 11) and 200 IU/kg in the low-dose group (n = 12). Heparin-coated cardiopulmonary bypass equipment was used for both the groups. Platelet counts, beta-thromboglobulin (beta-TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4) concentrations were measured and the arterial filters in the circuits were observed by electron microscopy. RESULTS: Platelet counts were higher in the low-dose group than in the control group (p < 0.01). No significant differences were found in the platelet release reaction (beta-TG and PF4). Electron microscopy demonstrated that cell adhesion on the arterial filters in the control group was significantly more marked than in the low-dose group (p < 0.01) and that most of the cells on the filters were neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the reduction of heparin dose with the use of heparin-coated equipment reduces platelet loss, but does not suppress the platelet release reaction. Furthermore, the reduction of heparin dose reduces adherence of leukocytes to the filter surface.

Anticoagulants↗

PubMed2000

Sesquiterpenoids from Ferula kuhistanica.

Methanol extracts of the air-dried roots and stems of Ferula kuhistanica afforded seven daucane-type sesquiterpenes, called kuhistanicaol A-G, together with 13 known daucane esters. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence and the results of chemical reactions.

Apiaceae↗

PubMed2000

Isolation and characterization of free radical scavenging flavonoid glycosides from the flowers of Spartium junceum by activity-guided fractionation.

Spartium junceum L. (Fabaceae) flowers are used for the treatment of peptic ulcers in Turkish folk medicine. The possible superoxide dismutase-like activity of the extracts, fractions and constituents obtained through activity-guided fractionation were studied by using in vitro electron spin resonance spectrometry, in order to explain the role of antioxidant principles in the potent antiulcerogenic activity of the extract. Despite the fact that the triterpene, spartitrioside, which was previously reported as the active antiulcerogenic constituent of the flowers was found almost inactive, the flavonoid-rich fractions showed potent antioxidant activity. Five flavonoid glycosides bearing catechol structure in ring B were isolated from the butanol extract and their structures were elucidated using 1H- and 13C-NMR techniques as isoquercitrin (quercetin 3beta-glucoside) (1,); luteolin 4'beta-glucoside (2); quercetin 3, 4'-diglucoside (3); azaleatin 3beta-glucoside (quercetin 5-methylether 3beta-glucoside) (4), quercetin 4'beta-glucoside (5). Flavonoids (2) and (4) showed the highest in vitro antioxidant activity with 22.59 and 19.08 U/ml, respectively.

Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy↗

PubMed2000

Medium-term results after the modified Cox/Maze procedure combined with other cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Long-term results after the modified Cox/Maze III procedure combined with other cardiac procedure for the treatment of organic heart disease and chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been clarified. This report describes our medium-term results after such operation. METHODS: Between March 1993 and August 1995, 104 consecutive patients with chronic AF underwent the modified Cox/Maze III procedure combined with other cardiac procedure. There were 100 long-term survivors. There were 45 men and 55 women, with ages ranging from 21 to 77 years (mean 59.7). Patients were followed up and changes in rhythm, need for pacemaker implantation, and the incidence of CNS (central nervous system) complications were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: The follow-up was complete in 103 patients and 99 long-term survivors (99%). The mean follow-up period was 44.6 +/- 1.1 months. In the immediate postoperative period, 73 patients regained sinus rhythm (SR group), 21 patients were in AF (AF group), and six patients underwent pacemaker implantation because of sick sinus syndrome (SSS). During the follow-up period, eight patients died. One- and 5-year survival rates (Kaplan-Meier) after surgery was 95.1 +/- 2.3 and 87.8 +/- 3.4% for the entire group. Preoperative NYHA class was 2.5 +/- 0.7 and medium-term NYHA class was 1.5 +/- 0.5. (P < 0.001) Changes in rhythm for the SR group were followed. Fifty-two patients of the SR group stayed in SR (72%), 16 patients converted back to AF (22%), and four patients had newly-developed SSS (6%) at follow-up period. Probability in SR maintenance for SR group at 1 year was 88.8 +/- 3.7% and at 5 years was 64.8 +/- 7.5%. Five patients experienced the CNS complication during the follow-up period. Two of the AF group and two of the SR group patients developed cerebral/cerebellar infarction. One of the SR group patients experienced small cerebral bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The medium-term results after the modified Cox/Maze III procedure concomitant with other cardiac procedure are good with improved functional status and good survival rate. However, there seems to be gradual but constant attrition in the rate of SR maintenance in SR group.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Prenylated benzoic acid derivatives from Ferula kuhistanica.

Four new prenylated benzoic acid derivatives, kuhistanols A-D (1-4), along with one known compound, 3-farnesyl-p-hydroxybenzoic acid (5), have been isolated from the roots of the Uzbekistan medicinal plant, Ferula kuhistanica. Their structures were established on the basis of chemical and spectral evidence. Compound 4 showed a significant inhibitory effect on cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral mononuclear cells.

Apiaceae↗

PubMed2000

Ileal carcinoid tumor complicating carcinoid heart disease and secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis.

A 70-year-old man with metastatic liver tumors showed carcinoid syndrome with clinical symptoms of facial flushing, palpitation, dyspnea, and an itching sensation. Regurgitation of the tricuspid and aortic valves was observed by echocardiography. An elevated serum level of serotonin and a high urine excretion of serotonin metabolites were confirmed. Autopsy confirmed a serotonin-immunoreactive 1 cm ileal carcinoid tumor with metastasis to the liver, bone and peritoneum. The tumor cells were argyrophilic but not argentaffin, and showed erythrophagocytosis in the primary lesion. All the four heart valves and bilateral atrial endocardium showed fibromyxoid thickening, indicating the association of carcinoid heart disease. Desmoplastic reaction with deposition of sulfated acid mucopolysaccharides was also observed in the retroperitoneal space (secondary retroperitoneal fibrosis). Stenosis of the bilateral ureters and inferior mesenteric artery provoked hydronephrosis and lethal ischemic necrosis of the left-sided colon, respectively. Rarity of functioning ileal carcinoid tumor and pathogenesis of systemic fibroplasia are discussed.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Midline retroperitoneal versus midline transperitoneal approach for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the midline retroperitoneal approach with the midline transperitoneal approach for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair with respect to operative details, gastrointestinal complications, and wound complications. METHODS: From January 1990 through January 1998, 128 patients underwent elective aortic reconstruction for infrarenal AAA. Of these, 64 patients (the transperitoneal group) underwent conventional transperitoneal midline aortic exposure, whereas the remaining 64 patients (the retroperitoneal group) underwent retroperitoneal midline exposure of the aneurysm. RESULTS: Preclamp time, that is, the time from skin incision to aortic clamping, was significantly shorter in the transperitoneal group than in the retroperitoneal group (P <.001). However, the midline retroperitoneal approach was associated with decreased incidence of ileus (P <.01), earlier resumption of oral intake (P <.01), and decreased wound pain (P <.01), in comparison with the transperitoneal approach. Furthermore, there was no incidence of wound complications such as abdominal bulge or wound pain in any of the patients in the postoperative period or over the long term. CONCLUSIONS: The midline retroperitoneal approach for AAA was associated with fewer postoperative gastrointestinal and wound complications than the midline transperitoneal approach. Over the long term, there was no wound complication such as abdominal bulge and wound pain in any of the patients.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Genetic polymorphism of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate increases risk of myocardial infarction and is correlated to elevated levels of homocysteine in the Japanese general population.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinemia, an independent and graded risk factor for coronary artery disease, can result from both environmental and hereditary factors. C677T mutation of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene [alanine/valine (A/V) polymorphism], one of the key enzymes involved in catalyzing the remethylation of homocysteine, has recently been reported. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of the MTHFR genotypes and their significance in determining the risk for myocardial infarction of Japanese men. METHOD: The subjects consisted of 199 healthy men (mean age, 60 years) and 230 male patients with myocardial infarction (mean age, 59 years). The coronary-artery lesions were evaluated by coronary angiography. The MTHFR genotype was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and then by digestion with Hinfl. Total plasma levels of homocysteine for each MTHFR genotype were compared with those in healthy controls. RESULTS: The prevalences of the A and V alleles among the healthy male subjects were 0.652 and 0.348 in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The total levels of homocysteine in the plasma of the healthy male subjects were 8.6 +/- 3.3, 8.9 +/- 4.1, and 11.6 +/- 5.6 mumol/l, for AA, AV, and VV genotypes, respectively. Individuals with the VV homozygous mutant genotype thus had the highest plasma levels of homocysteine. Logistic analysis revealed that the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, MTHFR VV genotype, and triglycerides were all independent risk factors for myocardial infarction. The VV genotype was more prevalent among patients with myocardial infarction (mean age, 59 years) than it was among the control subjects (17.0 versus 10.6%, P < 0.05). However, there were no differences in the numbers of stenotic coronary arteries among the MTHFR genotypes. CONCLUSION: The VV genotype of MTHFR increases plasma levels of homocysteine in healthy controls, and this mutation indicates a genetic predisposition toward a greater than normal risk of myocardial infarction for Japanese men.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMed2000

[Clinical efficacy of cefpirome sulfate against Bacteroides species, Prevotella species and Porphyromonas species. Society of Anaerobic Bacterial Infections in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology in Gifu].

The injectable cephalosporin cefpirome (CPR) was launched in Japan in 1993. It has widely been used in the various infectious diseases. We therefore studied the clinical and bacteriological efficacy of CPR against infections caused by Bacteroides species, Prevotella species and Porphyromonas species frequently isolated from the obstetric and gynecologic infections. Thirteen institutions were involved in this study which ran from March 1994 to January 1999. The administration dosage of CPR was 2 to 4 gram per day administered by drip infusion or intravenous infusion. The duration of treatment was from 3 to 15 days. The evaluations were performed before and after the treatment. CPR was administered to 194 patients with obstetric and gynecologic infections, and 146 of 194 cases were acceptable for the evaluation of drug efficacy. Bacteroides species were identified in 102 patients. Clinical efficacy in 146 cases was excellent in 12 patients, good in 110, fair in 9 and poor in 15 patients. The eradication rate for Bacteroides species could be in 37 cases out of 54 evaluable cases; Prevotella species in 38 out of 49; and Porphyromonas species in 5 out of 5. The overall assessment of bacteriological efficacy was "eradicated" in 91 cases out of 133 (68.4%). Adverse reactions including abnormal findings in laboratory tests were seen in 8 patients (4.76%). Based on these results, CPR promises efficacy and safety in the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections due to Bacteroides species.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Scanning electron microscopic studies on morphological abnormalities of erythrocytes in alcoholic liver diseases.

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that morphological abnormalities and the altered deformability of erythrocytes play important roles in disturbances of hepatic microcirculation associated with alcoholic liver disease. METHODS: The subjects of this study were five patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, two patients with alcoholic fatty liver, and two healthy volunteers. Concentrating on erythrocyte morphology in the presence of alcoholic liver disease, we observed erythrocytes under a scanning electron microscope and examined their morphological changes in relation to the disease. RESULTS: Among the five patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, stomatocytes accounted for about 14% and acanthocytes for about 10% of all erythrocytes. In the fatty liver group (n = 2), acanthocytes were absent, and stomatocytes accounted for 23% in one subject and 56% in the other, of the total. When the two patients with liver cirrhosis were examined over time, one of them was found to have 12% stomatocytes, 21% acanthocytes, and a filtration time of 14.7 sec at admission. Following 1 month of abstinence, this patient had 1% stomatocytes, 6% acanthocytes, and a filtration time of 10.4 sec, which were accompanied by improvements in peripheral blood parameters and liver function. In another patient with liver cirrhosis, there were no acanthocytes, 8% stomatocytes, and a filtration time of 5 sec at admission; this patient had 1% stomatocytes and a filtration time of 7.7 sec after 1 month of abstinence. In one patient with fatty liver who was examined over time, the percentage of stomatocytes was 56%, and the filtration time was 7.7 sec at admission; these parameters were 1% and 5.1 sec, respectively, after 1 month of abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that stomatocytes and acanthocytes are morphologically abnormal erythrocytes observed in the presence of alcoholic liver disease. These abnormal forms of erythrocytes tended to normalize as peripheral blood parameters and liver function were improved by abstinence, which suggests that erythrocyte morphology is related to the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease.

Acanthocytes↗

PubMed2000

[A case of aconitine poisoning saved with cardiopulmonary bypass].

"Torikabuto" is a kind of plant which contains deadly poison. Its ingredient is aconitine alkaloids. We report a case of aconitine poisoning with fatal arrhythmia and acute pulmonary edema who was saved with cardio pulmonary bypass. A 41-year-old male ate to mistake "Torikabuto" for wild plant. He developed symptoms of dysarthria and admitted to our hospital. He developed ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation soon after his admission. Then he developed cardiogenic shock. He was resuscitated and supported with a percutaneous cardio pulmonary bypass. Ventricular tachycardia disappeared 24 hours after admittion. About 1 week later, cardio pulmonary bypass was terminated and about 3 months later, he discharged from our hospital.

Aconitine↗

PubMed2000

Chronic hepatitis C beta-interferon-induced severe hypertriglyceridaemia with apolipoprotein E phenotype E3/2.

The mechanisms of hypertriglyceridaemia and changes in plasma lipoprotein subfractions by beta-interferon treatment were studied in a hepatitis C patient with apo E phenotype E3/2. Plasma levels of triglyceride (TG) were increased by treatment with 6 x 10(6) beta-interferon and reached 8.06 mmol/l at 4 weeks of treatment. Low energy and low fat diet reduced them to half the maximal level. Plasma levels of LDL1 (1.019 < d < 1.045)-C, LDL2 (1.045 < d < 1.063)-C, HDL2-C and HDL3-C were 0.39, 0.31, 0.21 and 0.28 mmol/l, respectively, which are low, but the plasma levels of IDL, which is a remnant of TG-rich lipoproteins, was normal at 7 weeks of treatment. The distribution of plasma lipoprotein subfractions returned to normal after interferon treatment was discontinued. The mass and activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were reduced to half the baseline level by interferon treatment. The activity of hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) which transforms IDL to LDL was normal. The patient's apo E phenotype was E3/2; with that phenotype the removal of TG-rich lipoproteins and IDL through the receptors of the remnant and LDL is impaired. But the IDL plasma level was normal, probably because of normal HTGL activity and high LDL-receptor activity. Lymphocyte LDL-receptor activity was double that of the control. We conclude that interferon caused the low mass and activity of LPL which in turn caused the hypertriglyceridaemia. And no retention of the remnant of TG-rich lipoproteins in this patient with apo E3/2 and low levels of LDL subfractions was due to the active removal of them through LDL-receptors as well as the impaired production of them by suppression of LPL by interferon.

Adult↗