Successful cord blood transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome resulting in resolution of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
K Nakata
Publications and source records attributed to K Nakata.
Outbreak of Nocardia farcinica infection with the same pattern in randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis.
We experienced three cases of nocardiosis by Nocardia farcinica in the same ward within a six-month period. The result of gene analysis by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA gave the same pattern. Thus, these three cases were considered to be caused by the same strain of N. farcinica, implying the presence of nosocomial infection.
Adult↗
Retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to bilateral adrenal metastases from lung adenocarcinoma.
A 56-yr-old man was admitted to our university hospital for severe back pain one month after a resection for lung adenocarcinoma (stage IIIA) without evidence of the adrenal mass. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed bilateral bleeding of adrenal tumors. Endocrinological laboratory studies showed high plasma ACTH and normal serum cortisol levels with the loss of circadian rhythm. Although plasma ACTH levels increased, there was no cortisol response to administration of human corticotropichormone (hCRH). Core-needle biopsy was performed on the right adrenal tumor and revealed adenocarcinoma cells mimicking a primary lung tumor previously examined. We diagnosed retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to bilateral adrenal gland metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma with adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal metastases most commonly originate from a primary lung tumor, followed by stomach, esophagus and liver/bile ducts. Bilateral adrenal metastases were noted in approximately half of all adrenal metastases patients. Clinically significant adrenal hemorrhage by metastasis is exceedingly rare and non-specific symptoms, such as abdominal, chest or back pain, nausea and vomiting, confusion, weakness, hypotension, shock and high fever, are often observed in these patients. We present a case of massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage and adrenal insufficiency due to adrenal gland metastasis from adenocarcinoma of lung.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Specific messenger RNA expression for signal transduction molecules by lipopolysaccharide in intestinal macrophages.
Intestinal macrophages are known to display profound inflammatory anergy in response to lipopolysacchraide (LPS). To study the mechanisms of unresponsiveness of intestinal macrophages to LPS, we compared the mRNA expression of molecules associated with signal transduction of intestinal macrophages with those of other tissue macrophages. Also cellular localization of CD14 protein was examined. Intestinal, alveolar and peritoneal macrophages were isolated from rats or mice. The expression of mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR, and cellular localization of CD14 protein was examined by flow cytometry. Cellular responses to LPS were examined by production of TNF and NO. The expression of CD14 mRNA in intestinal macrophages was lower than for peritoneal macrophages but higher than for alveolar macrophages. The mRNA expression of other molecules corresponding to intracellular signal transduction in intestinal macrophages was similar with alveolar and peritoneal macrophages. Despite the presence of CD14 mRNA, proteins of CD14 were not detected on cell surfaces of intestinal macrophages, and induction of TNF or NO responding to LPS were not detected. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that CD14 protein was not expressed on the cell surface but was expressed inside intestinal macrophages. The unresponsiveness of intestinal macrophages after LPS exposure is considered to be largely attributed to the lack of CD14 protein on their cell surfaces. However, CD14 protein was expressed inside of the cells, suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation rather than transcriptional suppression may play a dominant role in determining the phenotype of the intestinal macrophages.
Animals↗
Association study of the dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 gene and methamphetamine psychosis.
Dihydropyrimidinase-related protein 2 (DRP-2 or DPYSL-2)mediates the intracellular response to collapsin, a repulsive extracellular guidance cue or axonal outgrowth. DRP-2 is also referred to as collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2). We have previously demonstrated that the DRP-2 gene is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia, but not to bipolar disorders. In addition, a genetic association was observed with paranoid-type schizophrenia, but not with hebephrenic-type schizophrenia. It has been well documented that repeated abuse of methamphetamine (METH) for a long period frequently produces psychotic symptoms, such as auditory hallucinations and delusions that are hardly distinguishable from those of paranoid-type schizophrenia. Therefore, we hypothesized that a certain genetic variant of the DRP-2 gene may affect individual vulnerability to the development of METH-induced psychosis. We examined the genetic association by a case-control method. The polymorphism *2236T>C in the 3' untranslated region of the DRP-2 gene, which has been shown to be a negative genetic risk factor for paranoid-type schizophrenia, was analyzed in 198 patients with METH psychosis and 221 corresponding healthy controls in a Japanese population. No significant association of the DRP-2 gene with METH psychosis was found. Neither did we find an association with the clinical phenotype of METH psychosis, such as the age of first consumption of METH, latency to development of psychosis after METH abuse, prognosis of psychosis after detoxification from METH use, complication of spontaneous relapse of psychosis without reconsumption of the drug, or multisubstance abuse status. These findings indicate that a genetic variant of the DRP-2 gene may not affect the risk of METH psychosis or any clinical phenotype of the disorder.
Adult↗
Carotid haemodynamic parameters as risk factors for cerebral infarction in Type 2 diabetic patients.
AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of carotid haemodynamic parameters, i.e. the resistive index (RI) and the pulsatility index (PI), in estimating the risk of cerebral infarction in Type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-two Type 2 diabetic patients (223 men and 159 women; mean age 61 years, range 40-88; 40 had a history of cerebral infarction) and 110 control subjects were analysed in a cross-sectional study. All subjects underwent ultrasonography of the common carotid artery, with determination of intima-media thickness (IMT), RI, and PI. A SMART (Second Manifestations of ARTerial Disease) atherosclerosis risk score was determined for all diabetic patients. RESULTS: The mean values for IMT, RI, and PI were increased in diabetic patients compared with control subjects, and they were significantly elevated in patients with previous cerebral infarction compared with patients without cerebral infarction. (IMT 0.88 +/- 0.22 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.19, P < 0.005; RI 0.77 +/- 0.07 vs. 0.75 +/- 0.06, P < 0.05; PI 1.88 +/- 0.36 vs. 1.71 +/- 0.36, P < 0.01) Significant but weak correlations were found between SMART risk scores and IMT, RI and PI (IMT r = 0.390, P < 0.0001; RI r = 0.346, P < 0.0001; PI r = 0.393, P < 0.0001). The multiple logistic model showed that both the IMT [odds ratio (OR) 6.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.42, 12.34] and the PI (OR 4.16, 95% CI 2.36, 7.34) were independent risk factors for cerebral infarction. The subjects who had an IMT of > 1.0 and a PI > 2.00 had a greater risk of developing a cerebral infarction than did the subjects who had an IMT of < 1.0 and a PI < 2.00 (OR 6.21, 95% CI 2.26, 17.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this cross-sectional study showed that the measurement of haemodynamic parameters was useful, together with IMT, in estimating the risk of previous cerebral infarction in Type 2 diabetic patients. The predictive value of these parameters in identifying the risk of future cerebral infarction must await the results of future prospective studies.
Adult↗
Efficacious pleurodesis with OK-432 and doxorubicin against malignant pleural effusions.
Malignant pleural effusion develops frequently in patients with advanced lung cancer. Chemical pleurodesis is the most effective palliative treatment for these patients. The efficacy of pleurodesis using both OK-432, a preparation of Streptococcus pyogenes, and doxorubicin for 20 patients with cytology-proven malignant pleural effusion associated with lung cancer was evaluated. After complete removal of pleural effusion, OK-432 and 30 mg of doxorubicin were injected via an inserted chest tube. Treatment was terminated when the volume of daily drainage reached <200 mL. If the daily volume remained >200 mL, an additional OK-432 was administered every 3 days. In total, 16 patients (80%) revealed a complete response, two patients (10%) revealed a partial response, and no response was seen in two patients. Eighteen patients with complete or partial responses did not show subsequent reaccumulation of pleural effusion after pleurodesis. The chest tube remained in place for an average of 6.4 days, draining a mean of 2,854 mL. The main side-effects were fever and pain that were easily treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pleurodesis using both OK-432 and doxorubicin showed high efficacy for controlling malignant pleural effusions caused by lung cancer.
Adult↗
Promotion of corneal epithelial wound healing in diabetic rats by the combination of a substance P-derived peptide (FGLM-NH2) and insulin-like growth factor-1.
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The healing of corneal epithelial wounds is often delayed in individuals with diabetes. The effect of the combination of a substance P-derived tetrapeptide (phenylalanine-glycine-leucine-methionine amide, or FGLM-NH(2)) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on corneal epithelial wound healing was investigated in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. METHODS: The corneal epithelium of diabetic and non-diabetic rats was removed, and the animals were treated by the application of eye drops containing FGLM-NH(2) and IGF-1, or vehicle alone as a control, six times a day for 3 days. The area of the corneal epithelial wound was measured at various times up to 72 h after removal of the corneal epithelium. RESULTS: The rate of corneal epithelial wound healing was slower in diabetic rats treated with vehicle than in non-diabetic rats. However, the rate of wound closure in diabetic rats treated with FGLM-NH(2) and IGF-1 was markedly increased compared with that in diabetic rats treated with vehicle. The wound healing process seemed similar in normal rats and in diabetic rats treated with FGLM-NH(2) and IGF-1. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: The combination of FGLM-NH(2) and IGF-1 promotes corneal epithelial wound healing in diabetic rats, suggesting that such a treatment might prove effective in humans with diabetic keratopathy.
Animals↗
Nine- or fewer repeat alleles in VNTR polymorphism of the dopamine transporter gene is a strong risk factor for prolonged methamphetamine psychosis.
Susceptibility to drug dependence and drug-induced psychoses is influenced not only by the pharmacological effects of the drug but also by the genetic factors of the individual. To clarify the latter, we investigated the association between methamphetamine (METH) dependence/psychosis and the hDAT1 gene (SLC6A3) encoding the dopamine transporter, which is the primary site of METH activity in the brain. Four exonic polymorphisms of the hDAT1 gene, 242C/T (exon 2), 1342A/G (exon 9), 2319G/A (3'UTR), and VNTR (3'UTR) were examined. Although there was no significant difference in genotypic and allelic distribution of the four polymorphisms between all METH dependence/psychosis patients (N=124) and controls (N=160), the patients with METH psychosis lasting for 1 month or more after discontinuance of METH consumption showed a significant excess of nine- or fewer repeat alleles of the VNTR in 3'UTR of the hDAT1 gene (P=0.0054, OR=4.24, 95% CI=2.46-7.31). The present study demonstrated that the presence of nine- or fewer repeat alleles of hDAT1 is a strong risk factor for a worse prognosis of METH psychosis.
Adult↗
Relationship of anti-GM-CSF antibody concentration, surfactant protein A and B levels, and serum LDH to pulmonary parameters and response to GM-CSF therapy in patients with idiopathic alveolar proteinosis.
BACKGROUND: Conventional measures of the severity of alveolar proteinosis (AP) include alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient ([A - a]DO(2)), vital capacity (VC), and carbon monoxide transfer factor (TLCO), but alternative serological measures have been sought. Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) neutralising autoantibody is found in patients with idiopathic acquired AP. We have investigated the interrelationships between the levels of this antibody and those of surfactant protein (SP)-A and -B, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and conventional measures of disease severity, and the capacity of these parameters to predict the response to rhGM-CSF treatment. METHODS: Blood levels of anti-GM-CSF antibodies, SP-A, SP-B, LDH, and [A - a]DO(2), VC, and TLCO were measured before rhGM-CSF treatment and every 2 weeks thereafter in 14 patients with AP. RESULTS: At baseline, high levels of anti-GM-CSF antibodies and increased SP-A and SP-B levels were seen in all patients, and LDH was raised in 83%. SP-A was highly correlated with [A - a]DO(2), VC, and TLCO (p</=0.02), but other markers were not. Only a normal LDH level was predictive of a response to rhGM-CSF treatment (p=0.03). During treatment a correlation between conventional and serological variables within patients was seen only between SP-A and [A - a]DO(2) (p=0.054), LDH levels and [A - a]DO(2) (p=0.010), and LDH levels and VC (p=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Of the serological parameters studied, only SP-A and LDH levels were correlated with conventional measures of disease severity, with LDH most accurately reflecting [A - a]DO(2) and vital capacity. Only a normal LDH level predicted a higher likelihood of response to treatment with GM-CSF.
Adolescent↗
Escherichia coli cells penetrated by chrysotile fibers are transformed to antibiotic resistance by incorporation of exogenous plasmid DNA.
A suspension of recipient Escherichia coli cells in stationary phase, chrysotile asbestos, and pUC18 donor DNA spread over the surface of a Luria-Bertani agar plate using a streak bar several times, resulted in intracellular uptake of the plasmid DNA by the E. coli cells. The transformation efficiency was highest with a duration of cell exposure to chrysotile of more than 60 s and an agar concentration of 2%. To improve chrysotile-mediated transformation efficiency, we systematically optimized various conditions and parameters. In comparison to chrysotile exposure without cations, exposure with cations produced up to 100-fold more transformants. Optimized conditions resulted in 10(6) transformants/ micro g pUC18 DNA. The drastic physical change due to 'quick drying on the surface of the agar plate' when cells were exposed to chrysotile, was essential for chrysotile-mediated transformation. We suggest that DNA uptake mediated by chrysotile asbestos is the result of a mechanical physical transformation of E. coli, since the E. coli cells are not chemically competent. Electron microscopy of cells exposed to chrysotile suggested penetration of the E. coli membrane by chrysotile fibers. It is suggested that E. coli transformation by the plasmid DNA was the result of penetration by chrysotile fibers to which plasmid DNA is bound or adsorbed.
Agar↗
Tuning of electronic structures of quasi-one-dimensional bromo-bridged Ni(III) complexes with strong electron-correlation by doping of Co(III) ions, [Ni(1-x)Co(x)(Chxn)(2)Br]Br(2).
We have succeeded in synthesizing the Ni(III) complexes doped by Co(III) ions, [Ni(1-x)Co(x)(chxn)(2)Br]Br(2) (x = 0, 0.043, 0.093, and 0.118) by using an electrochemical oxidation method. The single-crystal reflectance spectrum of x = 0.118 shows an intense CT band about 0.5 eV, which is lower than that of [Ni(chxn)(2)Br]Br(2) (1.3 eV). The single-crystal electrical conductivities at room temperature of these compounds increase with increase of the amounts of doping of Co(III) ions. In the ESR spectra, peak-to-peak line widths DeltaH(pp) at room temperature change about 600 G in [Ni(chxn)(2)Br]Br(2) to 200 G in x = 0.118. Such a large x dependence of DeltaH(pp) seems to be ascribed to the increasing contribution from the increasing Curie spins which have smaller line width. Therefore, we have tuned the electronic structures of quasi-one-dimensional bromo-bridged Ni(III) complexes with strong electron correlations by doping of Co(III) ions.
Journal Article↗
CNR1, central cannabinoid receptor gene, associated with susceptibility to hebephrenic schizophrenia.
To examine the cannabinoid hypothesis for pathogenesis of schizophrenia, we examined two kinds of polymorphisms of the CNR1 gene, which encodes human CB1 receptor, a subclass of central cannabinoid receptors, in schizophrenics and age-matched controls in the Japanese population. Allelic and genotypic distributions of polymorphism 1359G/A at codon 453 in the coding region and AAT triplet repeats in the 3' flanking region in the Japanese population were quite different from those in Caucasians. Although the polymorphism 1359G/A was not associated with schizophrenia, the triplet repeat polymorphism of the CNR1 gene was significantly associated with schizophrenia, especially the hebephrenic subtype (P = 0.0028). Hebephrenic schizophrenia showed significantly increased rate of the 9 repeat allele (P = 0.032, OR = 2.30, 95% CI (1.91-2.69)), and decreased rate of the 17 repeat allele (P = 0.011, OR = 0.208, 95% CI (0.098-0.439)). The present findings indicated that certain alleles or genotypes of the CNR1 gene may confer a susceptibility of schizophrenia, especially of the hebephrenic type.
Adult↗
Functional changes in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synovial cells through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-mediated signalling pathway.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a ligand dependent transcriptional factor known to be a regulator of adipogenesis. Recent studies have also shown that stimulation of PPARgamma inhibits the transcriptional activities of other nuclear factors and down-regulates proinflammatory cytokine synthesis in T cells and monocytes. We examined, in the present study, the functional significance of PPARgamma expressed in fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) isolated from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Incubation of FLS with a synthetic PPARgamma ligand, troglitazone, inhibited endogenous production of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-8, as well as matrix metalloprotease-3 (MMP-3), without inducing apoptosis of the cells. The gelatinase activity of FLS culture media was also inhibited by troglitazone. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed a significant reduction in the DNA binding activity of NF-kappaB in troglitazone-treated FLS in response to TNF-alpha or IL-1beta. Moreover, long-term cultivation of FLS with troglitazone resulted in morphological changes with marked lipid accumulation in these cells. Our results show a negative regulatory function for PPARgamma on cytokine and MMP production together with inhibition of cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in rheumatoid synovial cells. Our results also suggest that FLS could differentiate into adipocyte-like cells in the presence of proper stimulatory signals including PPARgamma.
Adipocytes↗
Full-length sequence and functional analysis of hepatitis B virus genome in a virus carrier: a case report suggesting the impact of pre-S and core promoter mutations on the progression of the disease.
In chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the quiescent immunotolerant phase evolves into the immunoactive phase. The aim of the present study was to clarify the virological alterations relevant to progression. Serial serum samples obtained from a patient with HBV during long-term follow-up were analysed by sequencing of the full-length HBV-DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, PCR products of HBV genome from each serum sample were transfected into HuH-7 human hepatoma cells for the functional analysis of the transfected viral genomes. Based on the HBV-DNA sequence analysis, the patient had the genotype C virus, and the mutant HBV with common core promoter mutations (T(1762)A(1764)) and deletion of the pre-S region responsible for large surface protein transcription emerged before the onset of hepatitis. When the vigorous host immune response developed (indicated by the flare-up of hepatitis), the mutant HBV containing common core promoter mutations and another pre-S deletion causing lack of the surface protein promoter became predominant. The HBV-DNA sequences, other than pre-S and core promoter regions were identical to the wild-type sequence throughout the study. Transfection of PCR products containing the mutant HBV sequences resulted in increased amounts of intracellular replicative intermediates but the decreased secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg into culture media, suggesting accumulation of nonenveloped viral core particles within the cells. These results indicate that pre-S deletion and core promoter mutations may participate cooperatively in progression of the disease.
Adult↗
[Primary malignant tumor of the aorta].
A 63-year old man suffering from bilateral leg pain was admitted to our hospital with an occlusion of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. A bifurcated dacron graft was implanted and a histological examination of the thrombotic material was performed. Atypical cells were detected in the thrombus leading to an investigation of the thoracic aorta showing an unclear mass in the aortic arch. The tumor was resected and the aorta replaced with a dacron graft. Histology revealed a primary sarcoma. The patient is doing well 6 months after operation.
Angiography↗
Birth of offspring following transplantation of cryopreserved immature testicular pieces and in-vitro microinsemination.
BACKGROUND: Fertility protection is an urgent clinical problem for prepubertal male oncology patients who undergo either chemotherapy or radiotherapy. As these patients do not have mature sperm to be frozen, there is as yet no effective method to preserve their fertility. METHODS AND RESULTS: Single pieces of immature mouse (1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5 mm) or rabbit (2.0 x 2.0 x approximately 3.0 mm) testis were cryopreserved, thawed and transplanted into mouse testes. Histological techniques were used to determine the presence of spermatogenesis, which was restored in both mouse and rabbit testicular pieces, and led to the production of mature sperm after both cryopreservation and syngeneic or xenogeneic transplantation into mouse testes. Using sperm developed in the frozen-thawed transplants, mouse offspring were born after in-vitro microinsemination. Furthermore, rabbit offspring were obtained using rabbit sperm that developed in fresh transplants in a xenogeneic surrogate mouse. CONCLUSIONS: This approach of 'testicular tissue banking' is a promising technique for the preservation of fertility in prepubertal male oncology patients. Xenogeneic transplantation into immunodeficient mice may provide a system for studying spermatogenic failure in infertile men.
Animals↗