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Biomedical subjects

K Shimizu

Publications and source records attributed to K Shimizu.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Multiple tumors and a novel E2F-4 mutation. A case report.

Defects in the DNA mismatch-repair are known to cause microsatellite instability (MSI) in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) as well as sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). We previously reported that the E2F-4 gene, which encodes an important transcription factor in cell cycle control, had frequent tumor-specific mutations at the trinucleotide coding region microsatellite (CAG)n in a subset of human sporadic CRC with MSI. We report a 65-year-old man with triple tumors in the abdomen, including colon cancer, stomach cancer, and lipoma of the retroperitoneum, with the analysis of E2F-4 mutation. We report the first case of colon cancer with a homozygous E2F-4 mutation along with a detailed analysis of other cancer related genes as well as a prognosis.

Adult↗

Inhibitory mechanism of papaverine on the smooth muscle of guinea pig urinary bladder.

In guinea pig urinary bladder, the hyperosmotic 65 mM KCI (H-65K+)- or carbachol (CCh)-induced contraction was inhibited by an addition of papaverine in a concentration-dependent manner. The cAMP content of the muscle in the presence of H-65K+ or CCh was increased by papaverine only at the higher concentration of 100 microM, but cGMP content was not affected by papaverine. Forskolin, compared with papaverine, increased cAMP content in a concentration-dependent manner, and nitroprusside did not significantly increase cGMP content. In a fura 2 loaded muscle, papaverine did not affect an increase of [Ca2+]i level by high K+ or CCh. The increase of oxidized flavoprotein (FPox) fluorescence and muscle contraction in the presence of H-65K+ or CCh was decreased by papaverine (1 - 100 microM), and the increase of pyridine nucleotide (PNred) fluorescence was not affected by papaverine. In summary, it was concluded that papaverine induced relaxation by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration in guinea pig urinary bladder as well as ileum. Moreover, it is proposed that the mechanism of papaverine-induced relaxation in the smooth muscle, which shows predominantly a metabolic dependency on its contraction, is an inhibition of mitochondrial respiration.

Animals↗

Antinociceptive effect of the combination of pentazocine with morphine in the tail-immersion and scald-pain tests in rats.

We investigated the antinociceptive effect of pentazocine hydrochloride (pentazocine) in combination with morphine hydrochloride (morphine) using two antinociceptive tests; i.e., the tail-immersion and scald-pain tests, in rats. In the tail-immersion test, the rat's tail was immersed in warm water at 47 degrees C, and the latency to a nociceptive response was measured. In the scald-pain test, the right hind foot was scalded by immersion into hot water at 57 degrees C. Two hours later, additional thermal stimulus was applied to the same foot, and the latency to a nociceptive response was measured. Subcutaneous treatment with either pentazocine (6, 12, 24 mg/kg) or morphine (1.5, 3, 6 mg/kg) alone dose-dependently showed antinociceptive effects in both tests. The ED50 values (95% confidence limit) of pentazocine and morphine were 13.0 (5.4-31.5) and 2.4 (1.6-3.7) mg/kg in the tail-immersion test and 11.0 (4.5-26.6) and 3.8 (1.8-7.2) mg/kg in the scald-pain test, respectively. Simultaneous treatment with pentazocine at the similar dose augmented the morphine (1.5 mg/kg)-induced antinociception, but did not diminish the morphine (6 mg/kg)-induced antinociception in both tests. These results suggest that the simultaneous administration of pentazocine at the antinociceptive dose and morphine exerts additional antinociceptive activity against thermal and scald-induced inflammatory pain.

Analgesics, Opioid↗

Inhibitory effects of bovine lactoferrin on the adherence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli to host cells.

Adherence is an essential and prerequisite step for the colonization of mucosal surfaces by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). We studied the effect of bovine lactoferrin (BLF) on the adherence of ETEC to human epithelial cells in vitro, and to intestinal mucosa of ICR germfree mice in vivo. In the in vitro study, BLF was found to inhibit the adherence of ETEC. This adhesion-inhibiting activity of BLF was found to lessen with decreasing BLF concentration, but the data obtained suggest a positive inhibitory effect of BLF against the adhesion of ETEC cells. In the in vivo study, the counts of adherent bacteria in various sections of the intestinal tract (duodenum, jejunoileum, and large intestine) were lower in the BLF group than in the control group, suggesting the possible action of BLF as an intestinal tract adherence-blocking agent with regards to ETEC.

Animals↗

Steroid 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity and hair regrowth effects of an extract from Boehmeria nipononivea.

The acetone extract of Boehmeria nipononivea showed both potent 5alpha-reductase inhibitory activity and hair regrowth promotion effects on mice. 5alpha-Reductase inhibitory activity-guided fractionation led to six active fatty acids: alpha-linolenic, linoleic, palmitic, elaidic, oleic and stearic acids. The extract of B. nipononivea, and alphalinolenic, elaidic and stearic acids exhibited a hair regrowth effect.

5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors↗

Changes in plasma concentrations of inhibin A and inhibin B throughout sexual maturation in the male chimpanzee.

Profiles of circulating plasma inhibin A and inhibin B during sexual maturation in male chimpanzees were investigated by using two-site enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Plasma concentrations of testosterone and pituitary gonadotropins were also measured. Concentrations of inhibin B, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin increased with age throughout prepuberty to adulthood, whereas inhibin A level was low and there were no age-related changes in concentrations of either inhibin A and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Inhibin B showed an inverse correlation with FSH in adult (7 years or order) but not in immature (6 years or younger) male chimpanzees. There was no correlation between plasma levels of FSH and testosterone throughout the period of sexual maturation. However, testosterone levels were positively correlated with inhibin B levels. These results suggest that circulating inhibin B is involved in the regulation of FSH secretion after puberty in adult male chimpanzees, and also that circulating inhibin B is an important form of inhibin as a marker of Sertoli cell function in adult male chimpanzees.

Aging↗

Mechanism of relaxant response to papaverine on the smooth muscle of non-pregnant rat uterus.

In the present paper, we examined a mechanism of the papaverine induced relaxation in the smooth muscle of non-pregnant rat uterus. The hyperosmotic 65 mM KCl (H-65K+)-or oxytocin-induced contraction in the uterus was inhibited by an addition of papaverine in a concentration-dependent manner. Papaverine did not increase both cAMP and cGMP contents in the uterus in the presence of H-65K+ or oxytocin. In fura 2 loaded muscles, papaverine did not affect an increase of [Ca2+]i level by high K+ or oxytocin. In permeabilized muscles, papaverine had no effect on the Ca2+-induced contraction. H-65K+ and oxytocin increased the rate of oxygen consumption 1.8 and 1.5 times higher than that in the resting condition, respectively. The increase of oxygen consumption in the H-65K+ or oxytocin was significantly inhibited by papaverine (1-100 microM). These results suggested that papaverine inhibits smooth muscle contraction mainly by inhibition of mitochondrial respiration in rat uterus as well as guinea pig ileum, which shows a highly spontaneous activity and a highly metabolic dependency of a contraction.

Animals↗

Two- and three-dimensional CT ventriculography: a new application of helical CT.

OBJECTIVE: We propose a new application of helical CT, CT ventriculography, which can produce two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of different cardiac phases (plus animation). We sought to determine the accuracy of CT ventriculography for assessing left ventricular volumes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With a single breath-hold, the patient's entire heart was scanned with an ECG-gating technique (3-mm-thick collimation, 2 mm per rotation table speed, 0.8 sec per rotation, and 50 rotations through 10 cm in total). Using a 0.2-mm (0.08-sec) interval (10 slices per rotation) overlapping reconstruction, about 500 axial slices were obtained and reordered to separate different cardiac cycles. Then, 2D cardiac axes and 3D images were reconstructed and animated movies of the 2D and 3D images were produced. In 21 patients, the left ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction were assessed and compared with left ventriculography. Correlations and agreements between CT and left ventriculography were determined. RESULTS: Close correlations between CT and left ventriculography were obtained (r = 0.95, 0.98, and 0.91, for end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction, respectively; p < 0.0001 for all values). The limits of agreement between CT and left ventriculography were 44.3 to -44.5 ml for end-diastolic volume, 19.8 to -29.0 ml for end-systolic volume, and 19.7% to -9.5% for left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: This cardiac application of helical CT provides a clear morphology along the cardiac axes and 3D images and an assessment of left ventricular volumes (end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, and left ventricular ejection fraction).

Adult↗

Correlation between bone marrow edema and collapse of the femoral head in steroid-induced osteonecrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to clarify whether bone marrow edema is detectable on initial MR imaging of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-eight hips with osteonecrosis were examined consecutively with MR imaging and radiography. In a previously reported screening program, osteonecrosis was diagnosed on MR imaging when subchondral bands of abnormal signals were present. In the screening program, the MR images of 200 hips of 100 patients receiving high-dose steroid therapy were examined prospectively. Subchondral bands were detected in 48 hips at a mean of 14 weeks after the initiation of steroid therapy. RESULTS: On follow-up MR imaging of 47 hips (one hip excluded) bone marrow edema was initially observed in 13 hips after the onset of hip pain. MR imaging of the remaining 34 hips did not reveal bone marrow edema and the patients were all asymptomatic. MR imaging of 31 of the 34 hips continued to show subchondral bands and MR imaging of the other three hips indicated that the subchondral bands had disappeared. When bone marrow edema was detectable, abnormal findings on radiography were slight but 11 (85%) of the 13 hips progressed to advanced osteonecrosis. Bone marrow edema was highly correlated with the subsequent collapse of the femoral head (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Bone marrow edema was not present on initial MR imaging of osteonecrosis. Bone marrow edema should be considered a marker for potential progression to advanced osteonecrosis, and careful examinations for osteonecrosis are necessary when bone marrow edema is seen.

Adolescent↗

A new human pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma cell-line, HS-RMS-1, exhibiting MyoD1 and myogenin.

A number of human cell lines derived from alveolar or embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have been described. To our knowledge, however, no cell line established from pleomorphic RMS has been reported. We describe here the establishment and characterization of a new human cell line, HS-RMS-1, which originated from a typical pleomorphic RMS arising in the gluteal muscle of a 26-year-old man. HS-RMS-1 cells had pseudotetraploid complex karyotypes with no specific abnormalities. Both in vitro and in vivo the cells on light microscopic examination exhibited pleomorphic features with immunopositive reaction for myogenic antigens including MyoD1 and myogenin, although no Z band-like structures were detected electron-microscopically. RT-PCR demonstrated the expression of MyoD1 and myogenin in HS-RMS-1 cells at the mRNA level, and direct sequencing analysis revealed cDNAs of MyoD1 and myogenin identical to those previously reported. This cell line, HS-RMS-1, established from pleomophic RMS will be useful for further studies including the molecular aspects of human RMS.

Adult↗

Allelotyping of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: frequent allelic losses on 1q, 9p, 11, 17, 19p, and 22q.

Little is known about the genetic mechanisms behind the genesis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. This is among the most virulent of all human malignancies, and it is believed to result most often from transformation of differentiated thyroid carcinomas of the papillary type. So far, TP53 and beta-catenin mutations are the only genetic alterations that have been implicated in its pathogenesis. To identify loci of other potential tumor suppressor genes, we carried out a genome-wide allelotyping study using 39 microsatellite markers representing all nonacrocentric autosomal arms, in a panel of 21 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. Frequent allelic losses were identified in 1q (40%), 9p (58%), 11p (33%), 11q (33%), 17p (44%), 17q (43%), 19p (36%), and 22q (38%). Deletion mapping of chromosome arms with the most frequent allelic losses (frequencies above 40%) localized the commonly deleted region to 1q31-42, 9p21-22, 17p12-ter, and 17q21.1-22. The mean frequency of loss of heterozygosity on all arms tested was 20%, and the mean fractional allelic loss among the cancers examined was 0.20. These findings defined a sharp distinction between anaplastic thyroid carcinomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas, because the latter do not tend to show losses at the same loci. Frequent allelic losses at multiple loci may implicate chromosomal instability as an important factor in the development of anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 27:244-251, 2000.

Aged↗

Potentiation of immunologic responsiveness to dendritic cell-based tumor vaccines by recombinant interleukin-2.

PURPOSE: Dendritic cells (DC) can elicit potent immune responses to tumors through their capacity to efficiently process and present tumor-associated antigens. In a variety of animal tumor models, vaccines based on tumor lysate-pulsed DC (TP-DC) have been shown to effectively immunize against lethal tumor challenges as well as to treat established growing tumors at skin and organ sites. The antitumor effects elicited by TP-DC-based vaccines in vivo have been shown to be mediated by tumor-specific proliferative, cytotoxic, and cytokine-secreting host-derived T cells. Because of the critical involvement of T cells in the antitumor immune response, we have been investigating whether the systemic administration of recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of TP-DC-based tumor vaccines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunization with TP-DC plus IL-2 administration was evaluated to determine if this combination could enhance protective immunity toward a weakly immunogenic sarcoma (MCA-207) and a poorly immunogenic subline (D5) of the B16 melanoma and mediate therapeutic rejection of established tumors in C57BL/6 (B6) mouse models. RESULTS: We have demonstrated in our murine models that the addition of IL-2 at relatively nontoxic doses can markedly augment the antitumor activity of TP-DC-based tumor vaccine therapies against both a weakly immunogenic sarcoma and a poorly immunogenic melanoma. Animals treated with the combination exhibited significantly greater protection from tumor-cell challenge, significantly greater regression of established tumors, and significantly longer mean survival time than with either TP-DC or IL-2 therapy alone. The mechanism operative in vivo appears to involve the enhancement of immune T-cell function. CONCLUSION: These preclinical studies demonstrate the potential of this novel treatment strategy and support the rationale for planned phase I/II clinical trials of TP-DC-based vaccines plus IL-2 in patients with advanced melanoma and colorectal cancer.

Animals↗

Nitration of manganese superoxide dismutase in cerebrospinal fluids is a marker for peroxynitrite-mediated oxidative stress in neurodegenerative diseases.

Peroxynitrite can nitrate tyrosine residues of proteins. We examined nitrotyrosine-containing proteins in cerebrospinal fluid of 66 patients with neurogenic disease by immunoblot analysis. Nitrated tyrosine residue-containing protein was observed in the cerebrospinal fluid and was concluded to be manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD). The nitrated Mn-SOD level was strikingly elevated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and was slightly increased in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease patients, whereas an elevated Mn-SOD level was observed only in progressive supranuclear palsy group.

Adult↗

[A review of correlation between transfusion rate of irradiated blood and potassium load].

Transfusion of the irradiated blood has become popular in Japan to prevent the graft-versus-host disease. Case reports, however, of hyperkalemic death or lethal ECG change have been increasing since the irradiated blood was introduced nation-wide. The potassium concentration of the supernatant of irradiated blood becomes about 60 mEq.l-1 by the end of storage period. If the potassium concentration is 60 mEq.l-1, the estimated safe transfusion rate would be 6 ml.min-1 and this can not be agreed with by clinicians who transfuse daily in cases of massive bleeding. The calculated safe transfusion rate (10 mEq.hr-1 of potassium load) ranges from 6 to 72 ml.min-1 considering the storage period from the day of gathering and irradiation. This difference could affect the survival rate. On the other hand, only the difference of the potassium concentration in the supernatant between the irradiated blood and the non-irradiated blood could not explain the increasing number of hyperkalemic case report. The mechanical factors may be related to hemolysis that causes extreme hyperkalemia. Control studies of proper transfusion rate of irradiated blood should be performed to establish a safety guideline for rapid transfusion of irradiated blood.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

[The difference in saccadic parameters among several visually guided tasks--saccadic reaction time].

PURPOSE: The saccadic reaction time (SRT) was measured as a saccadic movement parameter using visually guided tasks. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The SRT was measured for nine healthy adult subjects aged from 28 to 49 years. The visually guided tasks for saccadic movement induction were simultaneous, gap, overlap, delayed-memory, and anti-SM tasks. RESULTS: The median of the SRT (msec) for each task in the actual measurements was as follows: 216 for the simultaneous task, 180 for the gap task, 240 for the overlap task, 234 for the delayed-memory task, and 292 for the anti-SM task. The SRT distribution of each subject exhibited two peaks for the gap task but mostly one peak for each of the other tasks. The first peak, observed in the SRT distribution for the gap task was an eysress saccade. CONCLUSION: The SRT for the gap task was the shortest and the SRT got longer in the order of the simultaneous task, and the overlap task, and the anti-SM task. Some subjects easily showed an express saccade in the gap task, but others did not.

Adult↗

Association of allelic loss on 1q, 4p, 7q, 9p, 9q, and 16q with postoperative death in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Papillary thyroid carcinomas, most of which are characterized by slow growth and good prognosis, account for the majority of thyroid carcinomas. To provide appropriate postoperative management, it is important to classify them by prediction of their prognosis. To find genetic markers associated with poor prognosis, allelic loss at all 39 nonacrocentric chromosome arms was compared in 24 deceased cases and 45 age-, sex-, stage-, and type-matched survived cases. Allelic loss was examined in primary tumors from both groups using highly polymorphic microsatellite markers on 39 nonacrocentric autosomal arms. Age at diagnosis, sex, stage, and types of tumors were matched between the two groups. No recurrent tumor was used for DNA analysis. Mean fractional allelic loss in the deceased and survived cases was 0.10+/-0.08 and 0.03+/-0.05 (P < 0.001). The survived cases showed marginal frequencies of allelic loss throughout all chromosome arms except 22q. The deceased cases showed frequent allelic losses on chromosomes 1q (37%), 4p (21%), 7q (20%), 9p (36%), 9q (31%), and 16q (29%), with significant difference (P < 0.05). These chromosome regions may include tumor suppressor genes whose inactivation is associated with aggressive phenotypes of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Adult↗