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Biomedical subjects

K Konno

Publications and source records attributed to K Konno.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Novel anti-respiratory syncytial(RS) viral compounds: benzodithiin derivatives.

Benzodithiin derivatives are highly potent and specific inhibitors of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) replication in vitro. The most potent and selective congener of a benzodithiin derivative is 1,4-dihydro-2,3-benzodithiin(RD3-0028). According to the modified 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay developed in our laboratories, this compound has a 50% effective concentration of 4.5 microM and a 50% cytotoxic concentration of 271.0 microM, which is superior to that of ribavirin. This compound also inhibits RSV strain subgroups A and B and clinical isolates. RD3-0028, however, does not inhibit the replication of influenza A virus, measles virus, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, or human cytomegalovirus. Two other benzodithiin derivatives [1,4-dihydro-6-methyl-2,3-benzodithiin (RD3-0270) and 1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-1-2,3-benzodithiin (RD3-0284)] also inhibit RSV replication at a selectivity index greater a factor of 20. These results suggest that the benzodithiin skeleton is an important structure for inhibitory activity against RSV replication.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed1998

Effects of alpha-pompilidotoxin on synchronized firing in networks of rat cortical neurons.

We studied the effect of a novel neurotoxin, alpha-pompilidotoxin (alpha-PMTX) on the spontaneously synchronized network firing of cultured rat cortical neurons. Alpha-PMTX acted immediately and irreversibly to disrupt synchronous activity, leaving only residual sparse, uncorrelated firing and was effective at concentrations of 10 nM. In the presence of bicuculline to block inhibitory synaptic transmission, the shutdown in synchronized activity occurred with a significant delay, required a higher concentration of alpha-PMTX (> 100 nM), and was preceded by a transiently increased level of firing. It appears that both inhibitory and excitatory neuronal activity or synaptic transmission are amplified by alpha-PMTX, but that intense activity eventually leads to inactivation or transmitter depletion.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1998

Role of nerve growth factor in cutaneous wound healing: accelerating effects in normal and healing-impaired diabetic mice.

Four full-thickness skin wounds made in normal mice led to the significant increase in levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in sera and in wounded skin tissues. Since sialoadenectomy before the wounds inhibited the rise in serum levels of NGF, the NGF may be released from the salivary gland into the blood stream after the wounds. In contrast, the fact that messenger RNA and protein of NGF were detected in newly formed epithelial cells at the edge of the wound and fibroblasts consistent with the granulation tissue produced in the wound space, suggests that NGF was also produced at the wounded skin site. Topical application of NGF into the wounds accelerated the rate of wound healing in normal mice and in healing-impaired diabetic KK/Ta mice. This clinical effect of NGF was evaluated by histological examination; the increases in the degree of reepithelialization, the thickness of the granulation tissue, and the density of extracellular matrix were observed. NGF also increased the breaking strength of healing linear wounds in normal and diabetic mice. These findings suggested that NGF immediately and constitutively released in response to cutaneous injury may contribute to wound healing through broader biological activities, and NGF improved the diabetic impaired response of wound healing.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

A novel and practical route to A-ring enyne synthon for 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analogs: synthesis of A-ring diastereomers of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2 and 3-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

A novel and practical route to the A-ring enyne synthon (2), which can be versatile for a variety of A-ring analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1), was developed. This novel method led to an improved synthesis of the A-ring diastereomers of 1, the compounds 13-15, and synthesis of the new analogs, 2-methyl-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (4) with its all possible diastereomers. The biological evaluation of the 2-methyl analogs showed the alpha alpha beta-isomer to be more potent than 1.

Calcitriol↗
PubMed1998

Upregulation of HIV-1 replication in chronically infected cells by ingenol derivatives.

We have previously reported that ingenol derivatives are highly potent inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in acutely infected cells. In this study, however, we have found that some ingenol derivatives strongly enhance the replication of HIV-1 in chronically infected cells at nanomolar concentrations. One of the derivatives could activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B), a potent inducer of HIV-1 replication, through the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Whereas another derivative, which affected neither PKC nor NF-kappa B, significantly enhanced HIV-1 replication, suggesting that a PKC-independent mechanism may also exist in ingenol derivative-induced HIV-1 upregulation.

Butyrates↗
PubMed1998

RD6-2198, a novel betain-type fluoroalkylated oligomer, inhibits the replications of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and other enveloped viruses.

We have examined a novel betain-type fluoroalkylated oligomer, RD6-2198, for its inhibitory effects on the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2, respectively) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in cell cultures. We have found that the compound is a potent and selective inhibitor of these viruses. RD6-2198 inhibited the replication of HIV-1IIIB at a concentration of 0.85 microg/ml with a selectivity index greater than 59 in MT-4 cells. Furthermore, its 50% effective concentration (EC50) values for HSV-1, HSV-2 and RSV, were 0.51, 0.94 and 3.0 microg/ml, respectively. We found that the RD6-2198 suppressed the gp120-CD4 interaction (as monitored by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method). RD6-2198 also inhibited the binding of anti-gp120 monoclonal antibody to gp120 expressed on MOLT-4/IIIB cells (MOLT-4 cells chronically infected with HIV-1IIIB). However, the compound did not inhibit the interaction of anti-CD4 antibody with CD4. These results suggest that RD6-2198 interacts with the viral envelope glycoprotein and thereby inhibits the viral adsorption process. In addition, RD6-2198 was also found to suppress the proliferation of MOLT-4/IIIB cells. When applied topically, RD6-2198 at a concentration of 10 mg/ml completely protected mice from an intravaginal HSV-2 infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Anterior abdominal wall pathologies detected by high-frequency annular array.

AIM AND METHODS: In 1850 patients, high-frequency (HF: 7.5-10 MHz) annular array US examination was performed to evaluate the value of HF annular US in the detection of pathologies of the anterior abdominal wall. RESULTS: HF annular US revealed pathological lesions (metastasis, benign tumor, lymphoma, hematoma, fistula, hernia, abscess) in 37 patients. The lesions were detected by conventional medium-frequency (3.5-3.75 MHz) US in only 8 of 37 cases (21.6%). HF annular US added information that altered clinical management in 19 cases (51.4%), predominantly in cases with tumors and fistulas. CONCLUSION: The addition of HF annular US to a conventional US examination increases the detectability of small, but clinically important pathologies in the anterior abdominal wall.

Abdominal Muscles↗
PubMed1998

Portal vein thrombosis associated with antiphospholipid syndrome: a case report.

We present a case of portal vein thrombosis associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The patient had an end-stage renal disease and underwent hemodialysis, and a portal thrombus was incidentally found in the main portal vein by color Doppler sonography. The patient is followed up now with long-term anticoagulant therapy. This experience suggests that color Doppler sonography be performed for patients with APS to improve their management.

Antiphospholipid Syndrome↗
PubMed1998

Sonographic findings of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the mesentery-report of two cases.

We present two cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the mesentery. A whorled internal structure observed on sonogram and large feeding and draining vessels demonstrated on color Doppler sonogram in these cases were worth noticing. When sonography reveals an abdominal tumor with such findings, although very rare, the possibility of a MFH of the mesentery must be considered. We also review briefly the literature.

Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous↗
PubMed1998

Purification and characterization of NADH-dependent glutamate synthase from the silkworm fat body (Bombyx mori).

NADH-dependent glutamate synthase (Nadh-Gogat; EC 1.41.14) was purified 766-fold from the fat body of 5th instar larvae of the silkworm with a final specific activity of 13.8 units/mg protein by a produce including ammonium sulfate fraction, Q-Sepharose HP ion exchange column chromatography, Blue Sepharose FF affinity column chromatography and Superdex 200 HR gel filtration. The purified enzyme yielded a single band corresponding to a molecular mass of 195kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Molecular mass of the native enzyme was estimated to be 190 kDa by Superdex 200HR gel filtration, suggesting that the enzyme is composed of a monomeric polypeptide. The enzyme showed an absorption spectrum with maximum values at 272, 375, and 435 nm, suggesting the presence of a flavin prosthetic group in the enzyme. The N-terminal amino acid sequence showed a high similarity to those of other GOGATs from plants, yeast and bacteria, but no similarity to other known proteins was detected. The enzyme exhibited a strong specificity to the electron donor and substrates; NADH as electron donor, 2-oxoglutarate as amino acceptor and glutamine as amino donor were essential for the catalytic activity. The optimum pH was around 7.5, at which Km values for 2-oxoglutarate, glutamine and NADH were 17, 220 and 5.7 micro M, respectively. Azaserine, 6-diazo-5-oxonorleucine and p-chloromercuribenzoic acid were strong inhibitors of the activity. These result show that NADH-GOGAT in the silkworm fat body strongly resembles other eukaryotic NADH-GOGATs, suggesting that it plays a significant role in ammonia assimilation in the same manner as the other enzymes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Inhibitory effects of podophyllotoxin derivatives on herpes simplex virus replication.

Podophyllotoxin and its derivatives were examined for inhibitory effects on the replication of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), including acyclovir-resistant virus and clinical isolates. Deoxypodophyllotoxin (RD4-6266) proved to be a highly potent and selective inhibitor of all HSV strains in MRC-5 cells. EC50 values of RD4-6283 (in which the methylenedioxy ring A is modified) for HSV-1 and -2 were inferior to those of deoxypodophyllotoxin. However, podorhizol (RD4-6277) and 5'-methoxy-podorhizol (RD4-6276), in which ring C is absent, did not inhibit HSV replication. Moreover, RD4-6266 also inhibited the production of infectious virus particles of HSV-1 KOS strain and HSV-2 G strain. In contrast, none of the podophyllotoxin derivatives were found to have an antiviral effect against influenza A virus, respiratory syncytial virus or human cytomegalovirus in doses not toxic to the cells.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed1998

Inhibition of human cytomegalovirus proteinase by salcomine derivatives.

Salcomine, N,N'-bis(salicylidene)ethylene diamino-cobalt (II), and its derivatives were evaluated for their ability to inhibit selectively human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) proteinase activity. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of salcomine was 1.4 microM for HCMV proteinase, but > 200 microM for three other serine proteinases (trypsin, > 250 microM; chymotrypsin, 206 microM; and elastase, > 250 microM). Two salcomine derivatives also inhibited HCMV proteinase with IC50 values under 2 microM. Studies of the structure-activity relationship of salcomine-related compounds showed that the phenyl moiety and the spacer moiety (distance between the two amines) were instrumental in the inhibition of HCMV proteinase. Moreover, salcomine inhibited the growth of laboratory strain AD169 and three clinical isolates at a 50% effective concentration (EC50) range of 1.92-2.89 microM. These results show that salcomine derivatives are potent and selective inhibitors of HCMV proteinase and HCMV replication in cell culture. Salcomine derivatives appear to be worth pursuing as candidate drugs for the chemotherapy of HCMV infection.

Antiviral Agents↗
PubMed1998

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (23R)- and (23S)-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,23,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3.

The syntheses and biological evaluations of (23R)- and (23S)-24,24-difluoro-1 alpha,23,25-trithydroxyvitamin D3 (3a and 3b), new C-24 fluorinated analogs of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, are described. The syntheses of these compounds were achieved in 3 steps from (5Z,7E,20R)-1 alpha,3 beta-bis-[(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy]-20-formylmethyl-9,10-seco- 5,7,10(19) pregnatriene (5) which is derived from vitamin D2. The absolute configuration at the C-23 position of 3a and 3b was determined by the modified Mosher method. The relative affinities of 3a and 3b to the vitamin D receptor were both 10 and 14 times lower than that of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1), and to vitamin D binding protein were also both 130 and 40 times lower. The HL-60 cell differentiating activity of 3a was 6 times more potent than that of 1, while there was no remarkable difference in activity between 3b and 1.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Molecular cloning and sequencing of two phospho-beta-galactosidase I and II genes of Lactobacillus gasseri JCM1031 isolated from human intestine.

Lactobacillus (Lb.) gasseri JCM1031, which is classified into the B1 subgroup of the Lb. acidophilus group of lactic acid bacteria, characteristically produces two different phospho-beta-galactosidases (P-beta-gal) I and II in the same cytosol as reported in our previous papers [Biosci. Biotech. Biochem., 60, 139-141, 708-710 (1996)]. To clarify the functional and genetic properties of the two enzymes, the structural genes of P-beta-gal I and II were cloned and sequenced. The structural gene of P-beta-gal I had 1,446 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 482 amino acid residues. The structural gene of P-beta-gal II had 1,473 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 491 amino acid residues. The deduced relative molecular masses of 55,188 and 56,243 agreed well with the previous value obtained from the purified P-beta-gal I and II protein, respectively. Multiple alignment of the protein sequence of P-beta-gal I and II with those of P-beta-gals from 5 microorganisms had 30-35% identity on the amino acid level, but those with phospho-beta-glucosidases from 5 microorganisms had the relatively high identity of about 50%. Considering that this strain grows on lactose medium and shows no beta-galactosidase activity, and that purified P-beta-gal I and II can obviously hydrolyze o-nitrophenyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside 6-phosphate (substrate), and also the conservation of a cysteine residue in the molecule, the P-beta-gal I and II were each confirmed as a novel P-beta-gal enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

[Pilot study of relapsed osteosarcoma and brain tumor with ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE therapy)].

Ifosfamide, Carboplatin and Etoposide (ICE) therapy was used to treat 4 patients, 2 with refractory osteosarcoma, and one each with relapsed brain tumor and newly diagnosed brain tumor. ICE therapy was administered in doses of Ifosfamide 1,800 mg/m2 x 5, Carboplatin 400 mg/m2 x 2 and Etoposide 100 mg/m2 x 5. A total of 30 courses were administered. Two cases of osteosarcoma had a stable disease (range, 3-9 months) and 2 cases of brain tumor had a complete response by magnetic resonance imaging. Moderate or severe toxicity evaluated on a per course basis included: neutropenia 83%, thrombocytopenia 93%, fever 30%, hepatotoxicity 3%, and hemorrhagic cystitis 3%. The median time to hematologic recovery was 20 days. ICE therapy is highly effective for the treatment of refractory or recurrent solid tumors with acceptable toxicity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Transport of temocaprilat into rat hepatocytes: role of organic anion transporting polypeptide.

The mechanism for hepatic uptake of temocaprilat, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor that is predominantly excreted into bile was studied using isolated rat hepatocytes and COS-7 cells expressing the organic anion transporting polypeptide (oatp1). The uptake of temocaprilat into isolated rat hepatocytes exhibited saturation with a Km of 20.9 microM and a Vmax of 0.21 nmol/min/mg protein. This uptake was temperature sensitive and was significantly reduced by metabolic inhibitors, a sulfhydryl-modifying reagent and an anion-exchange inhibitor, although the replacement of Na+ with Li+ in the medium did not affect the uptake. [3H]Temocaprilat uptake was inhibited by estradiol-17beta-D-glucuronide and dibromosulphophthalein, typical substrates for the Na+-independent organic anion transporter, in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas excess estradiol-17beta-D-glucuronide did not completely inhibit the uptake. Temocaprilat uptake into COS-7 cells transfected with oatp1 cDNA revealed a concentration-dependency with a Km of 46.7 microM, a value comparable with that obtained in isolated hepatocytes. The contribution of oatp1 to carrier-mediated hepatic uptake of temocaprilat was less than 50% by correcting the uptake clearance with that of estradiol-17beta-D-glucuronide. A good linear correlation was observed for the inhibitory effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (benazeprilat, cilazaprilat, delaprilat and enalaprilat) between isolated hepatocytes and oatp1-expressing cells. These data suggest that oatp1, along with another transporter(s), mediates the uptake of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors into rat hepatocytes.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗