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Biomedical subjects

K Tani

Publications and source records attributed to K Tani.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

5-HT2A receptor gene promoter polymorphism--1438G/A and mood disorders.

A 5-HT2A receptor promoter polymorphism, -1438G/A, was reported to be significantly increased in patients with anorexia nervosa when compared with controls. In practice, many patients with anorexia nervosa suffer from mood disorders. Furthermore, 5-HT2A receptors are thought to play a role in the etiologies of mood disorders. Thus, we studied the polymorphism in 95 Japanese patients with mood disorders and 106 healthy Japanese controls. The allele frequency for the -1438G/A polymorphism did not differ between the patients and controls. In addition, the genotype frequencies did not differ according to the subdiagnosis, age of onset, family history of psychiatric illness or suicide attempts.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) combined conditioning regimen for allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in standard-risk myeloid leukemia.

We previously suggested that using a combined conditioning regimen including rhG-CSF with allogeneic BMT in refractory AML and CML in blast crisis might reduce the rate of relapse and improve disease-free survival, without any major side effects. In this study, we used the same protocol for 10 AML patients in complete remission (CR) and 6 CML patients in the chronic phase (CP). We compared disease-free survival as well as toxic side effects of the regimen with 6 AML patients in CR and 6 CML patients in CP treated with chemoradiotherapy without G-CSF. The conditioning regimen consisted of TBI and high-dose AraC. RhG-CSF was infused continuously at a dose of 5 microg/kg/day, starting 24 hr before the initial dose of total body irradiation (TBI) until the end of AraC therapy. In all 28 cases, there were no early stage deaths due to regimen-related toxicity (RRT). None of the 10 AML cases treated with the G-CSF combined regime relapsed. In 6 AML cases treated conventionally without G-CSF, one patient died of infection and another relapsed. There were no relapses in either CML group. In the combined G-CSF group, one patient died of interstitial pneumonitis 48 days after BMT, while the rest of the CML cases are still alive. There were no relapses with rhG-CSF and no serious adverse effects in terms of RRT, acute graft vs. host disease (GVHD), or leukocyte recovery.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Interferon-gamma maintains the binding and functional capacity of receptors for IL-8 on cultured human T cells.

The neutrophil chemotactic cytokine, IL-8, has been reported to also chemoattract T lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo. Previously we showed that freshly isolated T cells migrated in response to IL-8, but incubation of T cells at 37 degrees C resulted in progressively decreased levels of IL-8 binding sites on T cells in association with reduced chemotactic responses. However, this reduced binding and migration of cultured T cells in response to IL-8 can be prevented by the presence of mononuclear cells in the culture. In order to define the factor(s) responsible for the restoration of T cell binding and migration in response to IL-8, we examined the effects of various cytokines. Addition of IFN-gamma in cultured T cells maintained both the CXC chemokine receptor CXCR1 and CXCR2 binding sites for IL-8 on these cells to the level comparable to that expressed on freshly purified T cells accompanied by an almost complete restoration of their chemotactic response to IL-8. The results suggest that Th1 cytokine, IFN-gamma, produced by mononuclear cells stimulated by proinflammatory signals may play an important role in regulating IL-8 receptor expression on T cells and in sustaining the function of these cells in response to IL-8.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1998

Gene transfer of alpha interferon into hematopoietic stem cells.

Gene transfer or gene therapy has advantages in the treatment of a variety of disorders due to its selective expression within specific mammalian cells. IFN-alpha has been used in the management of leukemia, and gene transfer of the IFN-alpha gene into hematopoietic progenitor cells may have great potential for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Therefore, we examined the ability of adenovirus (Ad)-IFN-alpha gene construct to transfect normal bone marrow hematopoietic CD34+ stem cells and the production of IFN-alpha protein by these cells. Ad-cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven IFN-alpha at multiple doses was assessed to transfect highly purified CD34+ cells in liquid culture. Optimal transduction of CD34+ cells with the AdCMV-IFN-alpha construct was achieved using 120 plaque forming units (pfu). Flow cytometric determinations revealed that there was no significant difference in CD34+ cell viability for the 8 or 12-h transfection periods. Immunoassay of IFN-alpha produced by CD34+ cells shows that IFN-alpha levels increased several fold in transfected cells and this was not seen in CD34+ cells transfected with the heme oxygenase gene (HO-1). These in vitro data suggest that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of IFN-alpha into hematopoietic stem cells can be achieved and that the IFN-alpha protein is produced by viable CD34 progenitor cells.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed1998

Establishment of novel cell lines derived from two patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis; IMS-BC1 and IMS-BC2 which exhibit markedly different sensitivity to apoptosis.

We established two novel cell lines, designated as IMS-BC1 and IMS-BC2, from two patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in blast crisis. The two cell lines were positive for CD13 and CD33 and negative for CD34 and HLA-DR by surface marker analysis. IMS-BC1 had four Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosomes and a breakpoint within the 3'-portion of M-bcr, and IMS-BC2 had five Ph1 chromosomes and two breakpoints within the 3'- and 5'-portions of M-bcr. Both cell lines' growth activities were moderately suppressed by IFN-alpha. The proliferation of IMS-BC2 was inhibited by IFN-gamma and apoptosis was induced within 72 h, while IMS-BC1 was resistant to IFN-gamma. Fibronectin inhibited the proliferation of the two cell lines at higher than 10 micrograms/ml, but only IMS-BC2 showed apoptosis. Transforming growth factor-beta inhibited the proliferation of IMS-BC2 resulting in apoptosis, while it inhibited that of IMS-BC1 moderately but failed to induce apoptosis. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) inhibited the proliferation of IMS-BC2 at very low concentration (10(-17) mol/l) and induced apoptosis at doses higher than 10(-9) mol/l within 72 h without terminal differentiation, while IMS-BC1 was completely resistant to ATRA. The two cell lines showed different responses to growth inhibitory cytokines and factors. These cell lines should prove useful in the analysis of mechanisms of apoptosis induced by growth inhibitory cytokines and factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

A novel allosterically trans-activated ribozyme, the maxizyme, with exceptional specificity in vitro and in vivo.

We have constructed an allosterically controllable novel enzyme (designated maxizyme) that can be transcribed in vivo under the control of a human tRNA(Val) promoter. The maxizyme has sensor arms that can recognize target sequences, and in the presence of such a target sequence only, it can form a cavity that can capture catalytically indispensable Mg2+ ions. As a target for a demonstration of the potential utility of the maxizyme, we chose BCR-ABL mRNA, the translated products of which cause chronic myelogenous leukemia. Only the maxizyme (but not conventional ribozymes) had extremely high specificity and high-level activity, not only in vitro but also in cultured cells including BV173 cells derived from a patient with a Philadelphia chromosome. The maxizyme induced apoptosis only in leukemic cells with this chromosome.

Allosteric Regulation↗
PubMed1998

Vaccine effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor or CD80 gene-transduced murine hematopoietic tumor cells and their cooperative enhancement of antitumor immunity.

To develop immunogene therapy targeting minimal residual hematopoietic tumor cells in patients, we transduced murine GM-CSF or CD80 gene into murine WEHI 3B myelomonocytic leukemia and EL-4 thymic lymphoma cells using retroviral vectors and evaluated their effects on inducing antitumor responses in syngeneic host mice. Subcutaneously injected GM-CSF- and CD80 gene-transduced WEHI 3B (GMCSF/WEHI/3.2 or CD80/WEHI/1.8, respectively) cells lost their original tumorigenicity in immunocompetent syngeneic mice. Results from tumor inoculation experiments using athymic nude mice suggested that the rejection of GMCSF/WEHI/3.2 in immunocompetent mice depended fully on T cells and that of CD80/WEHI 1.8 depended partly on T cells and partly on NK cells. In both WEHI 3B and EL-4 models, irradiated GM-CSF gene-transduced cells provided strong immuno-protection against wild-type cells, but irradiated CD80 gene-transduced cells did not. A remarkably high cooperative effect was obtained when irradiated GMCSF/EL-4 and CD80/EL-4 were inoculated together. These results suggested that the tumor vaccine effect is efficiently enhanced by GM-CSF gene transduction and CD80 gene transduction induces some protective antitumor immunity in co-operation with GM-CSF gene transduction.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Change in bacterial community during biodegradation of aniline.

The response of river water microbial communities to chemical compounds was monitored under laboratory conditions using aniline as a model. Bacteria were collected from unpolluted and polluted sites. Bacterial abundance (plate and total direct counting) and its relation to aniline biodegradation was examined. Colony hybridization with 16S rRNA oligonucleotide probes was used to study the changes in microbial community structure during biodegradation of aniline. The changes in bacterial abundance and community structure were related to biodegradation of aniline. Burkholderia-Pseudomonas (rRNA group III), an authentic Alcaligenes group became dominant despite the initial differences in the microbial communities, suggesting that these genera are the main aniline degraders in the aquatic environment.

Alcaligenes↗
PubMed1998

Properties of glutamate racemase from Bacillus subtilis IFO 3336 producing poly-gamma-glutamate.

We found glutamate racemase activity in cell extracts of Bacillus subtilis IFO 3336, which abundantly produces poly-gamma-glutamate. The highest activity was obtained in the early stationary phase of growth. The racemase was purified to homogeneity. The enzyme was a monomer with a molecular mass of about 30 kDa and required no cofactor. It almost exclusively catalyzed the racemization of glutamate; other amino acids, including alanine and aspartate but not homocysteinesulfinate, were inactive as either substrates or inhibitors. Although the Vmax value of the enzyme for L-glutamate is 21-fold higher than that for D-glutamate, the Vmax/Km value for L-glutamate is almost equal to that for the D-enantiomer. The racemase gene, glr, was cloned into Escherichia coli cells and sequenced. The racemase was overproduced in the soluble fraction of the E. coli clone cells with the substitution of ATG for TTG, the initial codon of the glr gene. D-Amino acid aminotransferase activity was not detected in Bacillus subtilis IFO 3336 cells. B. subtilis CU741, a leuC7 derivative of B. subtilis 168, showed lower glutamate racemase activity and lower productivity of poly-gamma-glutamate than B. subtilis IFO 3336. These results suggest that the glutamate racemase is mainly concerned in D-glutamate synthesis for poly-gamma-glutamate production in B. subtilis IFO 3336.

Amino Acid Isomerases↗
PubMed1998

Development of a direct in situ PCR method for detection of specific bacteria in natural environments.

We applied HNPP (2-hydroxy-3-naphthoic acid-2'-phenylanilide phosphate) to direct in situ PCR for the routine detection of specific bacterial cells at the single-cell level. PCR was performed on glass slides with digoxigenin-labeled dUTP. The digoxigenin-labeled PCR products were detected with alkaline phosphatase-labeled antidigoxigenin antibody and HNPP which was combined with Fast Red TR. A bright red fluorescent signal was produced from conversion to HNP (dephosphorylated form) by alkaline phosphatase. We used the ECOL DNA primer set for amplification of ribosomal DNA of Escherichia coli to identify cells specifically at the single-cell level in a bacterial mixture. High-contrast images were obtained under an epifluorescence microscope with in situ PCR. By image analysis, E. coli cells in polluted river water also were detected.

Alcaligenes↗
PubMed1998

An autopsy case of cytokeratin 7-positive minute adenocarcinoma of the lung with systemic metastases.

We describe a 60-year-old woman with leg pain. Although metastatic bone tumor and atypical cells mimicking signet-ring cells in the bone marrow picture were observed, systemic survey revealed no primary lesion. The patient died two months after admission from systemic progress of the disease. Autopsy revealed a small focus of adenocarcinoma within the right upper lobe of the lung and systemic metastases without any particular changes in the gastrointestinal tract. The tumor cells of the lung were diffusely positive for cytokeratin 7, whereas cytokeratin 20 immunoreactivity was weak and focal, and that supported the lung origin of the present tumor. Moreover, the tumor cells in the bone marrow showed a similar pattern in immunoreactivity. These findings suggest that cytokeratin 7 and cytokeratin 20 immunoreactivity is helpful for the premortem diagnosis of the metastatic tumor of unknown origin.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed1998

[Myocardial protection for cardiac reoperations in patients with valvular disease].

In cardiac reoperations, the less dissection needed, the less potential blood loss from divided epicardial adhesions and the less trauma to the heart. However, minimal cardiac dissection may result in inadequate topical cooling. Therefore the optimal delivery of cardiac solution has a great influence upon postoperative myocardial function in cardiac reoperations. We have examined the effect of the modified Buckberg's method compared to that of simple cold blood cardioplegia in valvular reoperations. In the cases of redo aortic valve procedures, antegrade-retrograde delivery of cardioplegic solution was done in the modified Buckberg's method. It was superior to simple cold blood cardioplegia in terms of the doses of dopamine needed when weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and the ratio of spontaneous beating after aortic declamping. Nevertheless, myocardial protection measures for hypertrophied myocardium have not yet been established. In particular, reoperations for hypertrophied hearts pose many problems for cardiac surgeons. To achieve better cardiac function postoperatively, further investigations of hypertrophied myocardium are needed at the cellular or molecular level.

Cardioplegic Solutions↗
PubMed1998

A case of sarcoidosis associated with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.

A 38-year-old man was hospitalized in our university hospital because of pulmonary opacities with bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy seen on chest radiograph. Eosinophilia was observed in the circulation and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Histological examination revealed noncaseating epithelioid granulomas and eosinophilic infiltration in the lung. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis combined with chronic eosinophilic pneumonia was made. The infiltrates on chest radiograph and BAL eosinophilia were promptly reduced with corticosteroid therapy, but only mild reduction was observed in diffuse nodular shadows and hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and high amounts of lymphocytes in BAL fluid remained. Increased IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-5 were detected in the BAL fluid, and corticosteroid therapy reduced IL-4 and IL-5 (Th-2 cytokines) but not IFN-gamma (Th-1 cytokine). These cytokine levels in BAL fluid were intimately correlated with the clinical course of sarcoidosis and chronic eosinophilic pneumonia.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗