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Biomedical subjects

K Kubo

Publications and source records attributed to K Kubo.

At least 469 records · Page 26Linked to original sources

[Treatment results of radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the cheek mucosa].

The results of radiotherapeutic treatment in 71 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cheek mucosa were reviewed. The actuarial 5-year local control rate was 100% for T1 (8 patients), 62% for T2 (43), 65% for T3 (17) and 0% for T4 (3). The patients were divided into four groups according to treatment modality; group 1 was treated by radiotherapy alone (R), group 2 by radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy of BLM or PEP (R + C), group 3 by external radiotherapy followed by surgery (R + S) and group 4 by a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery (R + C + S). The 5-year local control rate was 44% for R (11 patients), 61% for R + C (39), 63% for R + S (6) and 80% for R + C + S (15). Nine of 14 cases or 64% of the surgical specimens in the R + C + S group showed no tumor cells microscopically, a rate comparable with the 5-year local control rate of the R + C group. Including the results of secondary treatment by surgery for recurrent cases, the ultimate local control rate was 83% in both the R and R + C groups. The local control rate was 88% for carcinoma located in the anterior half of the cheek and 53% for that in the posterior cheek. The results suggested that tumors extending to the bucco-alveolar sulci would be more difficult to control by radiotherapy alone, with or without chemotherapy.

Adult↗

Hypoxia-induced ANP secretion in subjects susceptible to high-altitude pulmonary edema.

We investigated the effects of acute hypoxia (10% O2) on plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and pulmonary hemodynamics in five subjects with a history of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Plasma renin activity and plasma levels of aldosterone, epinephrine and norepinephrine were also measured. The plasma ANP levels in HAPE-susceptible subjects rose significantly in response to 10% O2 (from 34.8 +/- 5.4 to 51.4 +/- 7.3 pg.ml-1; P less than 0.05), not associated with any increase in either atrial pressure. Compared with six control subjects, the rise of ANP level was greater in HAPE-susceptible subjects (16.6 +/- 4.4 vs 3.9 +/- 1.2 pg.ml-1; P less than 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the rise of ANP level and the increase of pulmonary arterial pressure. No significant difference was observed in any of other hormonal responses to acute hypoxia between the two groups. We interpret these results as indicating that the ANP secretory response to acute hypoxia in HAPE-susceptible subjects, which is not mediated by an increase in atrial pressure, may be greater than that in nonsusceptible subjects in association with a greater pressor response of pulmonary circulation.

Adult↗

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) secretion from islet cells and its plasma concentration in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP/Amylin) is a novel peptide which was extracted from islet amyloid deposits in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). However, its pattern of secretions and plasma concentrations under various conditions has not yet been made clear enough. In this study, we examined IAPP secretion from islet beta-cells in vitro using cultured islet cells of neonatal rat pancreas and plasma IAPP responses under various conditions in vivo in normal control subjects and patients with glucose intolerance. Our data revealed that (1) IAPP is co-secreted with insulin from islet cells of the rat pancreas by glucose and non-glucose stimuli; (2) fasting plasma IAPP levels in normal control subjects are 24.9 +/- 2.0 pg/ml and the molar ratio of IAPP/insulin is approximately 1/7; (3) fasting IAPP levels are high in obese patients and low in insulin-dependent diabetic patients, and the molar ratio of IAPP/C-peptide in NIDDM patients is lower than that in normal control subjects, suggesting the basal hyposecretion of IAPP relative to insulin in NIDDM; and (4) the obese patients who had a hyperresponsiveness of insulin relative to C-peptide had the hyperresponsiveness of IAPP relative to C-peptide during an oral glucose load, suggesting that IAPP may have some physiological effect in glucose metabolism.

Adult↗

Properties of a monoclonal antibody for the detection of abasic sites, a common DNA lesion.

The abasic site is one of the most frequent changes occurring in DNA and has been shown to be lethal and mutagenic. An abasic site in DNA can be tagged by reaction with O-4-nitrobenzylhydroxylamine (NBHA), resulting in the formation of an oxime linkage between the abasic site and the NBHA moiety. In order to measure NBHA-tagged abasic sites, a monoclonal antibody was elicited against a 5'-phosphodeoxyribosyl O-4-nitrobenzyl hydroxylamine-BSA conjugate. The antibody was specific for the NBHA residue as demonstrated by hapten inhibition, with IC50 values for 5'-phosphodeoxyribosyl-NBHA, deoxyribosyl-NBHA, ribosyl-NBHA and NBHA of 0.3 microM, 5 microM, 5 microM and 7 microM, respectively. Other haptens examined, including benzylhydroxylamine, 5'-phosphodeoxyribosyl-, deoxyribosyl-, and ribosyl-benzylhydroxylamine, showed no inhibition even at 1 mM. The antibody showed high specificity for NBHA-modified AP sites in DNA and exhibited no cross reactivity with normal DNA bases, otherwise-modified DNA bases or unmodified AP sites. Using a direct ELISA assay, the antibody detected 1 AP site (after NBHA-modification) per 10,000 base-pairs or approximately 10 femtomoles of AP sites in DNA. DNA lesions were detectable in 60Co gamma-irradiated DNA at a dose as low as 10 rad (0.1 Gy) and the production of antibody detectable sites was proportional to the gamma-ray dose. Since NBHA reacts with lesions containing an aldehyde group, the simplicity and sensitivity of the antibody assay should provide a useful method for the quantitation of AP sites or other DNA lesions containing an aldehyde group.

Animals↗

Seizure-like movements during induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane.

Clonic and tonic seizure-like movements of the extremities were observed during induction of anaesthesia with sevoflurane in a 9-yr-old girl. The tonic movements were associated with respiratory alkalosis and were not abolished by an i.v. injection of thiamylal 75 mg. Arterial pressure, heart rate and body temperature remained normal during the episode. Ventilation was assisted easily and then controlled via a face mask. No neurological abnormalities were obvious after the anaesthesia. The movements may have been the result of seizure activity in the central nervous system, or myoclonus of the extremities.

Alkalosis, Respiratory↗

Site-dependent development of complete and incomplete intestinal metaplasia types in the human stomach.

The topographical distribution of complete and incomplete types of intestinal metaplasia in human stomach samples was investigated in order to elucidate their mutual histogenetic relationship and significance in carcinogenesis. Subgross stereomicroscopic examination of alcian blue and hematoxylin-stained gastric mucosae allowed clear distinction of complete and incomplete intestinal metaplasia types as white (with or without purple hue) and purple foci, respectively, against the background magenta areas of non-intestinalized mucosa. Intestinal metaplasias which developed in the fundic area were predominantly of the complete type whereas those of the antrum were a mixture of both with a distinct predilection for expression of the incomplete type. Although there was some variation among foci regarding the hue of white or purple, the color feature was principally homogeneous within each individual intestinal metaplasia focus. Thus phenotypic analysis indicated intestinal metaplasia expression to be clearly influenced by intragastric topography. The study did not provide any evidence that a shift from incomplete to complete type intestinal metaplasia may occur with time or that the incomplete type may be more intimately associated with development of well-differentiated carcinomas.

Adult↗

Unusual huge intramuscular granuloma with calcium phosphate crystal deposition in the buttock.

An unusual case of a huge granuloma featuring marked calcium phosphate crystal deposition in muscle is presented. A 58-year-old male demonstrated a well-circumscribed, large, elastic firm mass which had slowly grown over 8 years in the left buttock. Clinical examinations including X-ray, ultrasonography and computed tomography all suggested a neoplastic growth. Surgical excision revealed three inter-connected irregular-shaped masses, measuring up to 11 x 10 x 6 cm in size. The histological appearance was of granulomas composed of numerous small crystals surrounded by reactive mononuclear cells embedded in fibrous tissue containing many foreign body type giant cells. Chemical analysis demonstrated the crystals to be made up of calcium phosphate.

Buttocks↗

Preliminary experience with gadolinium-enhanced dynamic MR imaging for uterine neoplasms.

Usefulness of gadopentetate dimeglumine in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of uterine neoplasms was evaluated in 53 patients with endometrial carcinoma and 15 patients with cervical carcinoma. T1- and T2-weighted MR images were obtained before the contrast material was administered. After a bolus injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine, dynamic MR images were acquired, followed by static T1-weighted images. Gadolinium-enhanced MR images revealed relatively small endometrial carcinomas in the uterine cavity as high signal intensity in four cases and invasion of the myometrium as low signal intensity in 20 cases. In eight cases, endometrial tumors showed irregular, early enhancement compared with that of the myometrium on dynamic images; these cases were associated with poor prognosis. Tumor extension into the lower part of the uterus, parametrium, and paracervical fat was well seen on enhanced images in cases of cervical carcinoma. The authors believe that gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging will prove helpful in the staging of uterine neoplasms.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Effects of thromboxane synthase inhibition on tumor necrosis factor-induced lung injury in sheep.

To examine the role of thromboxane (Tx) A2 in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury caused by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF), we tested the effects of OKY-046, a selective thromboxane synthase inhibitor, on pulmonary hemodynamics, lung lymph balance, circulating leukocytes, arterial blood gas analysis, and TxA2 (as TxB2) and prostacyclin (as 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha) levels in plasma and lung lymph after TNF infusion in awake sheep. Infusion of human recombinant TNF (3.5 micrograms/kg) into a chronically instrumented awake sheep caused a transient increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa). The Ppa peaked within 15 min of the start of TNF infusion from 23.3 +/- 1.1 (SE) cmH2O of baseline to 42.3 +/- 2.3 cmH2O and then decreased toward baseline. The pulmonary hypertension was accompanied by transient hypoxemia, peripheral leukopenia, and the increases in TxB2 in plasma and lung lymph. These changes were followed by an increase in flow of protein-rich lung lymph, consistent with an increase in pulmonary microvascular permeability. OKY-046 significantly prevented the rises of Ppa and TxB2 concentrations in plasma and lung lymph during early phase after TNF infusion. OKY-046, however, did not attenuate the increase of lung lymph flow, transient hypoxemia, and leukopenia. From these data, and by comparison with our previous studies of OKY-046-pretreated sheep during endotoxemia, we conclude that TxA2 has an important role of the increase in the early pulmonary hypertension, but it is not related to the early hypoxemia, leukopenia, and lung lymph balances in TNF-induced lung injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Effective treatment of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma with a novel oral antitumor agent, MST-16.

Adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) induced by human T cell leukemia virus I is resistant to conventional therapy. Six patients with ATLL were treated with a new antitumor agent, MST-16, which is a derivative of bis(2,6-dioxopiperazine). Two patients achieved complete remission, lasting 12 months and more than 8 months, and 2 others partial remission, lasting 2 months and 6 weeks, respectively. The major toxicity was myelosuppression. Other toxicities were not severe and were well tolerable. Orally administered MST-16 is a promising agent for the treatment of ATLL.

Administration, Oral↗

Differing effects of nitrogen mustard and hydroxyurea on lung O2 toxicity in adult sheep.

We measured the effects of leukocyte depletion on the pulmonary response to breathing 100% O2 in adult sheep, using two dissimilar agents. A group of eight sheep received 4.0 g/day of hydroxyurea for 4 to 6 days, and six sheep received two to four doses of 0.4 mg/kg of nitrogen mustard before exposure to 100% O2. A group of seven sheep breathed 100% O2 with no drug treatment. A group of five control sheep breathed compressed air for 96 h. Hydroxyurea selectively reduced circulating neutrophils (602 +/- 245 neutrophils, 2,537 +/- 394 lymphocytes per mm3), and nitrogen mustard decreased both circulating neutrophils (633 +/- 326) and lymphocytes (521 +/- 129). In untreated sheep breathing 100% O2, survival time was 92.6 +/- 3.4 h and postmortem blood-free lung water to dry lung ratio was 4.4 +/- 0.2. Hydroxyurea significantly delayed the onset of oxygen toxicity as measured by changes in lung lymph flow, PaO2, PaCO2, and time to respiratory failure (111.8 +/- 7.7 h), although the degree of final lung injury was unchanged and postmortem lung water was elevated (5.3 +/- 0.3). Nitrogen mustard shortened the time to hypoxemia, and CO2 retention and decreased time to respiratory failure (84.0 +/- 4.3 h). Neutrophils were markedly reduced but not absent in the lungs of both groups of leukocyte-depleted sheep. We conclude that neutrophils are not essential for the full expression of lung O2 toxicity in adult sheep. Secondary effects of hydroxyurea and nitrogen mustard appear to influence the rate of development, but not the outcome of oxygen toxicity, by effects independent of leukocyte depletion.

Animals↗

Recombinant-human superoxide dismutase attenuates endotoxin-induced lung injury in awake sheep.

Oxygen radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury associated with clinical and experimental sepsis. With the use of endotoxin infusion as an in vivo model of sepsis we studied the effect of recombinant-human superoxide dismutase (r-hSOD; 4,200 U/mg), an enzyme that catalyzes the dismutation of superoxide anion, on both the physiologic and biochemical lung changes in awake sheep. Sheep (n = 11) were prepared for chronic measurement of pulmonary hemodynamics and lung fluid balance. Paired experiments were performed in seven of the animals in which they received either endotoxin (1 microgram/kg) alone or in combination with r-hSOD in random order. An additional four sheep received r-hSOD without the lipopolysaccharide. Intravenous infusion of r-hSOD (a loading dose of 12,600 U/kg followed by a maintenance dose of 14,700 U/kg/h for 7 h) resulted in substantial SOD activity, measured by electron spin resonance spectrometry, both in plasma and in lung lymph, and attenuated the expected changes in pulmonary arterial pressure and lung lymph flow after administration of endotoxin. When administered without endotoxin, r-hSOD produced no perceptible change in pulmonary hemodynamics and lung fluid balance. These data suggest that superoxide anion plays an important role in endotoxin-induced lung injury in sheep.

Animals↗

Pulmonary hemodynamics and lung function during chronic paraquat poisoning in sheep. Possible role of reactive oxygen species.

The purpose of this study was to establish a chronic model of paraquat-induced lung injury. To examine the role of reactive oxygen species in this form of lung injury, we measured malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the lungs. Paraquat (5 mg/kg intramuscularly) caused a significant decrease in dynamic lung compliance from 128.5 +/- 9.2 to 63.3 +/- 11.8 ml/cm H2O (p less than 0.05), with a significant increase in AaPO2 3 wk after paraquat. Histologic findings in the lungs showed a gradual increase in the number of granulocytes and alveolar wall thickening with proliferation of reticular fibers and were coincident with the changes in physiology. A transient decrease in pressor responses to hypoxia was observed 1 wk after paraquat, although pulmonary hemodynamics did not change. The amount of lung MDA 3 wk after paraquat increased from the baseline value of 0.73 +/- 0.04 to 1.12 +/- 0.10 nmol/mg protein (p less than 0.05). SOD activity in the lung tissue significantly decreased from 6.47 +/- 0.20 to 4.82 +/- 0.25 U/mg protein (p less than 0.05) 1 wk after paraquat and remained at low levels for 3 wk. These findings suggest that a small dose of paraquat causes chronic lung injury characterized by granulocyte infiltration and lung fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species may play an important role in this chronic lung injury, and the inability to increase antioxidant defense may contribute to the reaction.

Animals↗

Protective effects of benidipine hydrochloride (KW-3049), a calcium antagonist, against experimental arterial calcinosis and endothelial dysfunction in rats.

Protective effects of benidipine hydrochloride (KW-3049) against arterial calcinosis and its possible mechanisms of action have been investigated. Arterial calcinosis was induced in rats by combined administration of vitamin D2 (1050000 IU/kg, s.c.) and nicotine (12.5 mg/kg, p.o., b.i.d.) for 6 successive days. Calcium antagonists, benidipine or nifedipine, were given orally twice a day during the same period. The aortic calcium content in vitamin D2 and nicotine-treated (control) rats increased to about 25 times that in normal rats, accompanying an increase of serum calcium level. Benidipine (10 mg/kg, p.o., b.i.d.) reduced the aortic calcium content to about 18% of control rats without reducing the serum calcium level. Although the presence of aortic endothelial cells was observed under light microscopy in control rats, their surfaces were degenerated under scanning electron microscopy. Benidipine exerted a protective effect against these degenerative changes. Acetylcholine-induced endothelial dependent relaxation was attenuated in control rats, compared with that in normal rats. Benidipine significantly improved this attenuation of the relaxation. These results suggest that the anticalcinotic effect of benidipine is accompanied by its protective effect on endothelial cells.

Acetylcholine↗

Early thrombolysis by recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator is beneficial to the ischemic myocardium.

We examined the effect of coronary thrombolysis by recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rtPA) on infarct size using a thrombin-induced thrombosis model of open-chest anesthetized dog. Occlusive thrombus was induced by injection of thrombin (100 U) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). The intravenous infusion of rtPA (10 micrograms/kg/min) was started at 30 min (30 min-ischemia group) or at 60 min (60 min-ischemia group) after the formation of thrombus, and was continued for 30 min. Spontaneous thrombolysis was not observed in the 360 min-ischemia (vehicle-treated) group. Intravenous infusion of rtPA elicited thrombolysis within 30 min in all the dogs except in one in the 60 min-ischemia group. The infarct size was significantly reduced by rtPA-induced thrombolysis. The shorter the duration of the ischemia, the longer the effect of the drug, and the infarct size after thrombolysis was smaller in the 30 min-ischemia group than in the 60 min-ischemia group. Ischemia-induced changes in ST-segment of electrocardiogram (ECG) were significantly ameliorated after thrombolysis in both 60 min- and 30 min-ischemia group. These results suggest that early reperfusion of coronary thrombosis by rtPA is beneficial to the ischemic myocardium.

Anesthesia↗

Effects of 1-[(2-thiazolin-2-yl)amino]acetyl-4-(1,3-dithiol 2-ylidene)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-3,5-dione hydrochloride (KF-14363) on liver regeneration and function of hepatic mitochondria in partially hepatectomized rats.

Effects of 1-[(2-Thiazolin-2-yl)amino]acetyl-4-(1,3-dithiol 2-ylidene)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-3,5-dione hydrochloride (KF-14363), a hepatoprotective compound, on liver regeneration, liver nucleic acid levels, mitochondrial respiration activity and hepatic energy metabolism after partial hepatectomy (OPE) in rats were studied. The liver regeneration rate was significantly increased in rats administered 100 mg/kg of KF-14363 for 6 d as compared with the control group administered vehicle. The serum glucose level in rats administered 100 mg/kg of KF-14363 measured 3 h after OPE (OPE 3 h) was significantly higher than that in rats administered vehicle (group A) and the serum insulin level in the KF-14363 group was more than double that of group A. KF-14363 also significantly increased liver nucleic acid levels in OPE rats. In mitochondrial function experiments, KF-14363 (100 mg/kg) was orally administered 2 h after OPE. Three hours after OPE (1 h after KF-14363 administration), state 3 respiration was significantly higher in the OPE 3 h + KF-14363 group than in the OPE 3 h + water group. The adenosine diphosphate/oxygen (ADP/O) ratio was also significantly higher in the OPE 22 h (22 h after OPE) + KF-14363 group than in the OPE 22 h + water group. On hepatic energy metabolism, KF-14363 increased adenosine diphosphate and triphosphate levels. Total adenine nucleotide level in the OPE 3 h + KF-14363 group was significantly higher than that in the OPE 3 h + water group. Adenylate energy charge (AEC) was slightly decreased in the OPE 3 h + water group and significantly decreased in the OPE 22 h + water group than in the corresponding sham group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Protective effects of benidipine on arachidonic acid-induced acute cerebral ischemia in rats.

Acute cerebral ischemia was produced in rats by injection of arachidonic acid (AA) into the internal carotid artery. Evans blue (EB) was intravenously injected and its extravasation into the brain was determined as an indicator of disturbances in the blood-brain barrier and endothelial cells. Control animals showed severe cerebral edema and marked blue staining of the brain. Benidipine (30 micrograms/kg, i.p.) suppressed the increase in cerebral water content and the extravasation of EB. Similarly nicardipine (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.) suppressed the elevation of water content and the extravasation of EB. Furthermore, both benidipine (30 micrograms/kg, i.p.) and nicardipine (100 micrograms/kg, i.p.) improved the neuronal injuries following AA-injection. An antiplatelet agent, ticlopidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.), and a thromboxane A2 synthetase inhibitor, OKY-1581 (3 mg/kg, i.p.), also suppressed the elevation of cerebral water content. A lipoxygenase inhibitor, AA-561 (200 mg/kg, p.o.), and a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.), did not prevent the increase in cerebral water content. Neither benidipine (3-30 micrograms/kg, i.v.) nor nicardipine (100 micrograms/kg, i.v.) inhibited the AgNO3-induced thrombus formation of the abdominal aorta, whereas ticlopidine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and OKY-1581 (3 mg/kg, i.v.) prevented the thrombus formation. From the present results, it is suggested that benidipine, as well as nicardipine, may protect against AA-induced acute cerebral infarction via a mechanism independent of antithrombotic action.

Animals↗

Protective effect of benidipine against the development of glomerular sclerosis in experimental nephrotic syndrome.

An experimental focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) was induced by the combined administration of puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) and protamine sulfate (PS). Blood collections were made on days 0, 37, 70 and 94. Urine collections were made on days 0, 24, 80 and 94. Vehicle-treated rats showed severe proteinuria and an increase in serum total cholesterol (sTC). Benidipine (1 or 3 mg/kg, p.o.)-treated rats exhibited less proteinuria and lower sTC than the vehicle-treated rats. On days 70 and 94, both blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (sCR) values in the vehicle-treated rats were significantly higher than those in normal rats (without treatment with PAN and PS). On the other hand, the treatment with benidipine (1 or 3 mg/kg, p.o.) attenuated the increases in BUN and sCR. On day 94, vehicle-treated rats showed a significant decrease in creatinine clearance as compared with normal rats, but benidipine (1 or 3 mg/kg, p.o.)-treated rats did not. The histology was examined on day 94. Vehicle-treated rats demonstrated a significantly greater percentage of glomeruli with segmental areas of glomerulosclerosis/hyalinosis, mesangial cell proliferation, and mesangial foam cell. Benidipine (3 mg/kg, p.o.) ameliorated the development of renal regeneration as estimated by histological examination. These results suggest that the Ca-channel blocker benidipine is a favorable drug for preventing the progression of glomerular sclerosis.

Animals↗