Biomedical subjects

K Yano

Publications and source records attributed to K Yano.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Human SOX11, an upregulated gene during the neural differentiation, has a long 3' untranslated region.

To obtain essential genes for neuronal development, we have performed a molecular indexing method using a human teratocarcinoma cell line, NTera-2. We isolated a cDNA fragment, designated B18, as an upregulated gene during the neural differentiation. From the complete cDNA sequence of B18 it was revealed that this cDNA was the human SOX11 gene. While a previous report has determined only a approximately 2 kb of the SOX11 cDNA including the entire open reading frame, our full length cDNA was 8743 bp possessing a long 3' untranslated region. Human SOX11 cDNA was mapped to chromosome region 2p25.3 between markers AFMA070WC9 and WI-1412 by radiation hybrid mapping.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

PubMed1999

Characterization of risk factors for vascular dementia: the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

BACKGROUND: The Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) is a prospective study of heart disease and stroke that has accumulated risk factor data on a cohort of 8,006 Japanese American men since the study began in 1965. A recent examination of the cohort identified all patients with vascular dementia (VaD) using the criteria of the California Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Center. OBJECTIVE: To characterize patients with VaD by stroke subtype and to investigate risk factors for VaD in a cohort of Japanese American men, aged 71 to 93, living in Hawaii and participating in the HHP. METHODS: Sixty-eight men with VaD were compared with 3,335 men without dementia or stroke (NSND). Men with VaD were also compared with 106 men with stroke who were not demented (SND). Candidate risk factors were measured prospectively. RESULTS: Of the 68 men with VaD there were 34 (50%) whose VaD was attributed to small vessel infarcts, 16 (23%) whose VaD was related to large vessel infarcts, and 11 (16%) with both large and small vessel infarcts. The remainder could not be classified. In a multivariate logistic regression model for VaD compared with NSND containing variables found to be associated with VaD in a univariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13 to 1.27), coronary heart disease (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.35 to 4.62), and 1-hour postprandial glucose (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.88) remained significantly predictive of VaD, whereas preference for a Western diet (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.98) as opposed to an Oriental or mixed diet and use of supplementary vitamin E (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.82) were protective. A similar model for the comparison of men with VaD and SND revealed age (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.35) was predictive of VaD, whereas preference for a Western diet (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.86) was protective. CONCLUSIONS: The most common stroke subtype associated with VaD was lacunar stroke. Age and traditional vascular risk factors are important contributors to the development of VaD in late life. The antioxidant vitamin E and presently unknown factors related to a Western diet as opposed to an Oriental diet may be protective against developing VaD.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Effects of walking on coronary heart disease in elderly men: the Honolulu Heart Program.

BACKGROUND: Effects of walking on the risk of coronary heart disease morbidity and mortality have not been identified in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether walking is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease in a sample of elderly men. METHODS AND RESULTS: For this study, distance walked (mile/d) was examined at a baseline examination that occurred from 1991 to 1993 in the Honolulu Heart Program. Incident coronary heart disease from all causes was observed over a 2- to 4-year follow-up period. Subjects followed up were 2678 physically capable elderly men aged 71 to 93 years. During the course of follow-up, 109 men developed coronary heart disease. Men who walked <0.25 mile/d had a 2-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease versus those who walked >1. 5 mile/d (5.1% versus 2.5%; P<0.01). Men who walked 0.25 to 1.5 mile/d were also at a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease than men who walked longer distances (4.5% versus 2.5%; P<0. 05). Adjustment for age and other risk factors failed to alter these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from the Honolulu Heart Program, which targeted physically capable elderly men, suggest that the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced with increases in distance walked. Combined with evidence that suggests that an active lifestyle reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in younger and more diverse groups, this suggests that important health benefits could be derived by encouraging the elderly to walk.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Isolation and characterization of a novel human gene (HFB30) which encodes a protein with a RING finger motif.

A human cDNA, HFB30, encoding a novel protein that contains a RING finger (C3HC4-type zinc finger) motif was isolated. This cDNA clone consists of 3056 nucleotides and encodes an open reading frame of a 474 amino acid protein. From RT-PCR analysis, the messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues. The gene was located to the chromosome 5q23.3-q31.1 region by PCR-based analyses with both a human/rodent monochromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid mapping panel. Furthermore, the gene consists of nine exons that span about 20 kb of genome DNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

IgE enhances Fc epsilon receptor I expression and IgE-dependent release of histamine and lipid mediators from human umbilical cord blood-derived mast cells: synergistic effect of IL-4 and IgE on human mast cell Fc epsilon receptor I expression and mediator release.

We investigated the effects of IgE versus IL-4 on Fc epsilon RI surface expression in differentiated human mast cells derived in vitro from umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells. We found that IgE (at 5 micrograms/ml) much more strikingly enhanced surface expression of Fc epsilon RI than did IL-4 (at 0.1-100 ng/ml); similar results were also obtained with differentiated mouse mast cells. However, IL-4 acted synergistically with IgE to enhance Fc epsilon RI expression in these umbilical cord blood-derived human mast cells, as well as in mouse peritoneal mast cells derived from IL-4-/- or IL-4+/+ mice. We also found that: 1) IgE-dependent enhancement of Fc epsilon RI expression was associated with a significantly enhanced ability of these human mast cells to secrete histamine, PGD2, and leukotriene C4 upon subsequent passive sensitization with IgE and challenge with anti-IgE; 2) preincubation with IL-4 enhanced IgE-dependent mediator secretion in these cells even in the absence of significant effects on Fc epsilon RI surface expression; 3) when used together with IgE, IL-4 enhanced IgE-dependent mediator secretion in human mast cells to levels greater than those observed in cells that had been preincubated with IgE alone; and 4) batches of human mast cells generated in vitro from umbilical cord blood cells derived from different donors exhibited differences in the magnitude and pattern of histamine and lipid mediator release in response to anti-IgE challenge, both under baseline conditions and after preincubation with IgE and/or IL-4.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

NELF, a multisubunit complex containing RD, cooperates with DSIF to repress RNA polymerase II elongation.

DRB is a classic inhibitor of transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (pol II). Since DRB generally affects class II genes, factors involved in this process must play fundamental roles in pol II elongation. Recently, two elongation factors essential for DRB action were identified, namely DSIF and P-TEFb. Here we describe the identification and purification from HeLa nuclear extract of a third protein factor required for DRB-sensitive transcription. This factor, termed negative elongation factor (NELF), cooperates with DSIF and strongly represses pol II elongation. This repression is reversed by P-TEFb-dependent phosphorylation of the pol II C-terminal domain. NELF is composed of five polypeptides, the smallest of which is identical to RD, a putative RNA-binding protein of unknown function. This study reveals a molecular mechanism for DRB action and a regulatory network of positive and negative elongation factors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Transcription initiation mediated by initiator binding protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Many instances of the initiator element in the core promoter of protein-coding genes have been reported in mammalian cells and their viruses, but only one has been reported in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at the GAL80 gene. The initiator element of GAL80 directs transcription by itself and interacts with a nuclear protein designated yeast initiator binding factor (yIF). Here we show that yIF in a partially purified sample binds the sequence from -18 to +10 of GAL80. By employing a selected and amplified binding procedure, we have determined the preferred sequence for yIF binding to be -2 CACTN +3 (N indicates any nucleotide). Binding affinity of selected sequences to yIF correlated with their initiator-directed transcription in vivo, suggesting that the yIF-initiator interaction mediates transcription from the initiator in yeast. We also suggest that sequences flanking the preferred sequence affect both yIF binding and initiator activity.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Basic fibroblast growth factor induces osteoclast formation by reciprocally regulating the production of osteoclast differentiation factor and osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor in mouse osteoblastic cells.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induced osteoclast formation in co-cultures of mouse spleen cells and osteoblasts. Osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) and a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, NS-398, abolished bFGF-induced osteoclast formation. bFGF did not affect spleen cells, but it did affect osteoblasts, to stimulate osteoclast formation. Northern blot analysis revealed that bFGF up-regulated the expression of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) and COX-2 and down-regulated the expression of OCIF in primary osteoblastic cells. NS-398 abolished the increase of ODF mRNA, but it had no effect on the decrease of OCIF mRNA. NS-398 suppressed the binding of (125)I-labeled OCIF to osteoblastic cells treated with bFGF. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that bFGF inhibited OCIF production by osteoblastic cells, and the inhibition was not affected by NS-398. We conclude that bFGF induces osteoclast formation by stimulating ODF production through COX-2-mediated prostaglandin synthesis and by suppressing OCIF production through a mechanism independent of prostaglandin synthesis.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Basic fibroblast growth factor inhibits osteoclast formation induced by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) through suppressing the production of osteoclast differentiation factor.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) inhibited osteoclast-like cell (OCL) formation in cocultures of mouse spleen cells with either osteoblasts or a stromal cell line, ST2, in the presence of 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)]. bFGF directly acted on osteoblasts/stromal cells, but not osteoclast progenitors, to inhibit 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced OCL formation. bFGF suppressed the mRNA expression of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF) but did not affect that of osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor (OCIF) in ST2 cells treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and dexamethasone. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that bFGF hardly affected OCIF production in the treated ST2 cells. A genetically engineered soluble form of ODF, but not anti-OCIF neutralizing antibody, abolished bFGF-mediated inhibition of OCL formation. bFGF suppressed the binding of (125)I-labeled OCIF to both ST2 cells and osteoblasts treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). These findings indicate that bFGF inhibits 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced OCL formation via suppression of ODF production by osteoblasts/stromal cells.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Refractory hepatic hydrothorax treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

A 66-year-old cirrhotic woman was referred to our hospital for evaluation of refractory pleural effusion and dyspnea. Massive right sided-pleural effusion but no ascites was detected. She had been treated with diuretics and albumin, repeated thoracenteses, and pleural drainage with an intercostal catheter, all of which had failed to relieve her symptoms. The diagnosis of hepatic hydrothorax without ascites was made by injection of technetium-99m-sulfur colloid into the peritoneal cavity. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt was placed and successfully reduced the pleural effusion, resulting in complete relief of her symptoms. The patient has been free of symptoms for 18 months after the procedure.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Estimation of glycogen levels in human colorectal cancer tissue: relationship with cell cycle and tumor outgrowth.

In this study, we quantitatively measured glycogen levels in tissue samples obtained from tumors, regions adjacent to tumor, and regions of normal colorectum to determine whether the levels were related to cell cycle and cancer growth. Glycogen levels were analyzed in relation to histopathological factors, (tumor size and stage of disease) and cell cycle progression. The glycogen level was found to be highest in the cancer tissue, lower in normal tissue, and lowest in the adjacent tissue. The difference in glycogen level between the cancer tissue and the other two regions was significant (P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between glycogen level and tumor size, but it was not significant. The level of glycogen in cancer tissues decreased as the stage of the disease progressed, but a significant difference was not found between stages. There was a negative correlation between the glycogen level and the proliferation index. There was a positive correlation between the glycogen level and the proportion of cancer cells in G1 phase, while there was a negative correlation with S and G2M phases. Glycogen levels were highest in cancers with a high proportion of cells in G1, and decreased with progression to S phase. It may be that glycogen is utilized in the progression to S phase, and the cancer tissues are supplied with glycogen from the tumors themselves as well as their adjacent tissues. Cancer growth may be inhibited by artificial control of the glycogen level in the G1 phase of cancer cells.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed1999

Isolation and chromosomal assignment of human genes encoding cofactor of LIM homeodomain proteins, CLIM1 and CLIM2.

Cofactors of LIM homeodomain proteins (CLIM) are transcriptional activators that associate with the LIM homeoproteins and coordinate transcription. LIM homeoproteins and CLIMs are involved in a variety of developmental processes. Two CLIMs, CLIM1 and CLIM2, have been identified in the mouse. Here we report the isolation of human CLIM1 and CLIM2 cDNAs and the determination of their chromosome locations by using a human-rodent monochromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid mapping panel. The proteins deduced from human CLIM1 and CLIM2 cDNAs were composed of 373 and 375 amino acids, respectively, and had 97.3% and 98.7% amino acid identity, respectively, to their mouse counterparts. Human CLIM1 and CLIM2 proteins were 75.5% identical. Human CLIM1 and CLIM2 genes were mapped to the chromosome on 4p15.3 and 10q24-q25 regions, respectively. Mapping of a pair of developmentally important genes may provide new clues to the understanding of genetic disorders caused by these chromosome regions.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Isolation and chromosomal assignment of a human gene encoding protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3).

Mouse PIAS3 (protein inhibitor of activated STAT3) is a specific inhibitor of STAT3 that downregulates its signaling pathway. Here we report the isolation and chromosome mapping of the human PIAS3 gene. Human PIAS3 cDNA encoded a predicted protein of 619 aa which has 83% overall amino acid identity to the mouse counterpart. Based on polymerase chain reaction assisted analysis of a human/rodent mono-chromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid mapping panel, the human PIAS3 gene was mapped to the chromosome 1q21 region. Mapping of a crucial gene in modulating the STAT3 signaling pathway may provide new clues to the understanding of malignancies or genetic disorders caused by this chromosome region.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1999

Isolation, tissue expression, and chromosomal assignment of a human LIM protein gene, showing homology to rat enigma homologue (ENH).

Rat ENH (Enigma homolog) is a LIM domain protein that associates with protein kinase C in an isoform-specific manner. We have identified a human cDNA which shares a significant sequence homology with rat ENH. The isolated cDNA clone, designated human ENH (hENH), was 3287 bp in length and encoded a predicted protein of 596 amino acids which had 88% overall identity to rat ENH protein. Northern blot analysis revealed that 1.9 kb of the hENH messenger RNA was predominantly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle, while 5.6 kb of the hENH messenger RNA was ubiquitously expressed in various human tissues. The chromosomal location of the gene was determined on chromosome 4q22 region, between markers WI-2900 and WI-3273, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based analyses using both a human/rodent monochromosomal hybrid cell panel and a radiation hybrid mapping panel.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

PubMed1999

Intermittent bundle branch blocks in a patient with uncommon-type atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and enhanced atrioventricular nodal conduction.

We report on a patient with uncommon-type atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia with a short tachycardia cycle length (235-270 ms), in whom transient wide QRS tachycardia with both left bundle branch block and right bundle branch block aberrancy were followed by narrow QRS complexes. In addition, His-ventricular (H-V) block and a sudden prolongation of the H-V interval occurred during the tachycardia. As the determinant of these unusual findings, the possibility that the anterograde limb of the reentry circuit has an enhanced AV nodal conduction property is discussed, as is the clinical significance of this type of tachycardia.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Plasma fibrinogen and its correlates in elderly Japanese men living in Japan and Hawaii.

Plasma fibrinogen levels were determined using comparable methods for 329 Japanese men in Hiroshima Japan, and 3571 Japanese-American men in Honolulu Hawaii, aged 71-93 years. The age-adjusted mean fibrinogen level in Japanese-American men (307 mg/dl) was significantly higher (p<0.0001) than in native Japanese men (270 mg/dl). In multiple linear regression models, the fibrinogen level was associated significantly and positively with white blood cell count (WBC) and total cholesterol, and inversely with HDL cholesterol and hematocrit in both study samples. The strongest association with fibrinogen was shown for WBC, and this association was not mediated through cigarette smoking. The observed difference in fibrinogen levels could not be fully explained by WBC, total and HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, hematocrit, body mass index, and diabetes. Some unmeasured environmental or lifestyle variables such as diet and physical activity may be partly responsible for the observed difference in fibrinogen levels between native Japanese men and Japanese-American men in Hawaii.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Screening for coronary heart disease in elderly men based on current and past cholesterol levels.

Efficient use of cholesterol measurements to screen for coronary heart disease in the elderly is not well defined. The purpose of this report is to examine such screening based on national guidelines in a sample of older men. Since relations between cholesterol and coronary heart disease are better established in those who are younger, screening in the elderly will also consider levels of cholesterol that existed earlier in life. Data are from a prospective study of 1,170 men enrolled in the Honolulu Heart Program who were followed over a 12-year period for coronary heart disease. Follow-up began from 1980 to 1982, when cholesterol levels were determined in men who were aged 61 to 81 years. Past cholesterol levels were measured 10 years earlier (1970-1972). During the course of follow-up, coronary heart disease developed in 117 of the men. Risk of disease rose significantly (P = 0.003) with increases in past cholesterol levels (1970-1972) but not with more recent levels (1980-1982). For men with current cholesterol levels that were desirable (<5.2 mmol/L [200 mg/dl], as defined by guidelines from the National Cholesterol Education Program), disease incidence continued to rise with increasing past cholesterol levels (P<0.001). Accounting for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other screening factors did little to alter these findings. We conclude that desirable cholesterol levels in the elderly may not be a marker of a healthy risk profile if past cholesterol levels were high. Screening for coronary heart disease in the elderly could be improved by considering past cholesterol levels, rather than just a single measurement in later life.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Long-term deprivation of oestrogens by ovariectomy potentiates beta-amyloid-induced working memory deficits in rats.

1 In the present study, we examined whether deprivation of oestrogens by ovariectomy could modify learning and memory deficits caused by a continuous intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta), the major constituent of senile plaques in AD. 2 Neither long-term (3 months) nor short-term (1 month), deprivation of oestrogens by ovariectomy caused a significant impairment in spatial learning and memory in a water maze and spontaneous alternation behaviour in a Y-maze. 3 A continuous i.c.v. infusion of Abeta-(1-42) caused spatial learning and memory deficits in both ovariectomized and sham-operated rats. 4 The Abeta-induced working memory deficits were significantly potentiated in ovariectomized rats compared with sham-operated rats when mnemonic ability was examined 3 months after ovariectomy. 5 These results suggest that long-term deprivation of oestrogens induced by ovariectomy increases susceptibility to memory deficits produced by Abeta-(1-42) in rats.

Amyloid beta-Peptides↗