A case of diffuse panbronchiolitis effectively treated with low-dose macrolide antibiotics and leukotriene D4/E4 receptor antagonist.
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
M Abe
Publications and source records attributed to M Abe.
A comparison of the activities of certain enzymes related to energy metabolism in leukocytes in dogs and cats.
The activities of Na+,K(+)-ATPase in plasma membrane, of cytosolic enzymes and of glutamate dehydrogenase (GlGD) in mitochondria were measured in leukocytes (WBC) from dogs and cats to clarify the differences in energy metabolism in these cells. Feline WBC had significantly higher activities of hexokinase (HK), pyruvate kinase (PK) and LDH with pyruvate as substrate than did canine WBC. Canine WBC had significantly higher activities of glucokinase (GK) and GlDH than did feline WBC. Feline WBC had unique characteristics of energy metabolism in that the activities of the cytosolic enzymes under anaerobic conditions were significantly higher than those in canine WBC. It therefore appears that there are distinct differences in glucose-metabolism in WBC between dogs and cats. WBC enzyme activities are considered to reflect the metabolic state in the whole body of the animal. It is therefore suggested that changes in the activities of certain glycolytic enzymes in WBC may be useful as a diagnostic indicator in some types of metabolic disease in dogs and cats.
Alanine Transaminase↗
Most of CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma of B cell type show a somatic mutation in the IgH V region genes.
Relationship and histogenesis of Hodgkin's disease (HD) and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) still remain unclear. Recently, Reed-Sternberg cells or Hodgkin cells in HD with B cell phenotype (B-HD) are considered to originate from germinal center B cells, ALCLs of B cell phenotype (B-ALCL) are involved in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) as anaplastic variant, but an origin of tumor cells of B-ALCL has not been elucidated. We have therefore investigated somatic mutation of the lg heavy chain (IgH) genes among 17 cases of B-ALCL to clarify whether there is a difference in characteristic and origin of tumor cells between B-ALCL, B-HD and DLBCL. Amplificates of IgH variable (V) region of 10 cases by the polymerase chain reaction method were sequenced and compared with reported germ line configurations. Nine cases (90%) with heavily somatic mutations were found. A case with an out-of-frame rearrangement and a case with 9 base pairs insertion were included. The mutation pattern revealed the tumor cells were selected for antibody expression and discriminated from B-HD. These findings suggest the tumor cells of B-ALCL are derived from germinal center or postgerminal center (memory and effector) B cells and an origin of B-ALCL is not different from DLBCL.
Adult↗
Opposite effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha on type I and III collagen gene expression by human dermal fibroblasts in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures.
We have recently established a novel fibroblast culture system supplemented with L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate. The addition of L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate enables human dermal fibroblasts to organize a three-dimensional dermis-like structure by accumulating collagens and extracellular matrices. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on collagen gene expression by human dermal fibroblasts in this culture system in comparison with monolayer culture. TNF-alpha suppressed the expression of pro alpha 1 (I) and pro alpha 1 (III) collagen mRNA in monolayer culture. In contrast, their expression was elevated in the three-dimensional culture system. TNF-alpha increased the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 both in monolayer and three-dimensional culture. These data suggest that responses of human dermal fibroblasts to TNF-alpha are distinct under the different culture conditions. Extracellular matrices may modulate the responsiveness of fibroblasts to TNF-alpha.
Adult↗
Lupoid sycosis successfully treated with minocycline.
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Adult↗
Linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus following the lines of Blaschko.
We describe two Japanese girls with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in whom the condition showed a linear configuration following the lines of Blaschko. The clinical appearance was unusual but histological examination established the diagnosis. After reviewing the previous reports, we found that in six of eight patients with linear 'discoid' lesions, the age at onset was under 14 years; no patient has progressed to systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients with 'linear' DLE may compose a certain clinical subset. We propose the term 'linear cutaneous lupus erythematosus' which may be more suitable for the linear lesions of DLE.
Adolescent↗
Mast cell tryptase stimulates both human dermal fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production.
BACKGROUND: Mast cell tryptase has been shown to be mitogenic for fibroblasts, however, it still remains unknown whether mast cell tryptase stimulates collagen production by human derrmal fibroblasts. OBJECTIVE: We have investigated the effect of mast cell tryptase on type I collagen production by human dermal fibroblasts as well as the proliferation of the fibroblasts. METHODS: Tryptase isolated from human lung tissue was added to the culture of fibroblasts from normal dermis, and the fibroblast proliferation and the activity of type I collagen synthesis in the supernatants were assayed, respectively. RESULTS: Fibroblast proliferation was increased with tryptase in a concentration-dependent manner, and a significant increase was observed in the presence of tryptase at concentrations from 0.01 to 10 microg/mL. The increase of fibroblast proliferation with 3 microg/mL tryptase was significantly reduced by 15 microg/mL antitryptase IgG antibody, which was demonstrated to inhibit fibrinogenolysis of tryptase. On the other hand, the production of type I collagen by the fibroblasts was significantly increased with tryptase at a concentration of 10 microg/mL. The collagen production in the presence of 10 microg/mL tryptase was significantly inhibited by 50 microg/mL antitryptase IgG antibody. CONCLUSION: Tryptase increases not only the proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts but also type I collagen production.
Cell Division↗
Differences in kappa to lambda (kappa:lambda) ratios of serum and urinary free light chains.
Free light chains (FLC) are a natural product of B lymphocytes and, as such, represent a quantifiable biomarker of cellular proliferation. Accurate measurement of the concentrations of these components in serum and urine provides a unique means of ascertaining B cell immunoglobulin synthesis during physiologic and, especially, pathologic states, where such information has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Previously, use of such quantitative assays has been limited due to the lack of potent serologic reagents specific for these components. We have immunized mice with kappa- and lambda-type monoclonal human light chains (Bence Jones proteins (BJP)) and have obtained monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that differentiate between unbound and bound light chains. These highly specific MoAbs were used to measure by ELISA the concentrations of FLC in the serum of 22 normal individuals and in urine from 16 of these subjects. The mean serum kappa and lambda FLC concentrations were found to be 16.6+/-6.1 microg/ml and 33.8+/-14.8 microg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the values for urinary kappa and lambda FLC were 2.96+/-1.84 microg/ml and 1.07+/-0.69 microg/ml, respectively. In each case studied, the serum kappa:lambda ratio was consistently less than that of urine (mean values, serum approximately 1:2; urine approximately 3:1). That the rate of synthesis of lambda-type FLC exceeded that of kappa was evidenced in assays of culture fluid supernatants of unstimulated normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), where the mean kappa:lambda ratio was determined to be 1:1.4. Metabolic studies in which mice were injected with pools of kappa- and lambda-type BJP prepared in ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4 demonstrated that, regardless of the proportion, kappa FLC were preferentially excreted. Our studies provide the first evidence that lambda FLC are secreted by normal PBMC at a greater rate than are kappa FLC, as evidenced in biosynthetic studies and by measurement of their serum concentrations. Further, we posit that quaternary structural differences between the two light-chain isotypes may account for the predominance of kappa versus lambda components in urine.
Adult↗
Nodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma with peculiar follicular colonization involved by malignant lymphoma of thyroid gland.
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Aged↗
Patterns of care study of radiation therapy for esophageal cancer in Japan: influence of the stratification of institution on the process.
BACKGROUND: To improve the quality of radiation therapy in Japan, Patterns of Care Study (PCS), a widely known QA program in the USA, was introduced in Japan. The feasibility was tested by collecting nationwide data by extramural audit for esophageal cancer. METHODS: From July 1996 through February 1997, PCS audits were performed for 29 institutions. Based on the facility survey by Tsunemoto, 13 institutes were classified as A1 (university hospital/cancer center treating > 300 patients/year), 10 as B1 (other institutes > 120 patients/year) and six as B2 (other institutes < 120 patients/year). Medical charts for 455 patients with thoracic esophageal cancer between 1992 and 1994 were reviewed based on the data format of PCS in the USA. RESULTS: Concerning external beam equipment, linear accelerators of > or = 10 MV were used for 73% of patients in A1, whereas in B1-2, 60Co machines were still used for 13% of patients (P < 0.0001). The median number of full-time equivalent (FTE) radiation oncologists was 2.7 in A1, 0.65 in B1 and 0.2 in B2. Forty-five percent of patients had received surgery in A1 and 34% in B1-2 (P = 0.0068). In the non-surgery group, a higher radiation dose of > 60 Gy was delivered in A1 than in B1-2 (P = 0.0008). Chemotherapy was administered to 51% of the patients in A1 and to 30% in B1-2 (P < 0.0001). Brachytherapy was utilized for 17% in A1 and only for 5% in B1-2 (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Institutional stratification, including equipment and personnel, significantly affected the patterns of care for esophageal cancer. Therefore, to improve the quality of radiation therapy nationwide, improvement of equipment and supply of FTE personnel is extremely important. PCS was found to have great potential for the practical evaluation of how much will be required in Japan.
Adult↗
Patterns of care study of radiation therapy for cervix cancer in Japan: the influence of the stratification of institution on the process.
BACKGROUND: To improve the quality of radiation oncology in Japan, Patterns of Care Study (PCS), a widely known quality assurance (QA) program in the USA, was introduced. The feasibility was tested by collecting nationwide data by extramural audit for cervix cancer. METHODS: From July 1996 through February 1997, PCS audits were performed for 29 institutions nationwide. On the basis of the facility survey by Tsunemoto, 13 institutions were classified as A1 (university hospital/cancer center), 10 as B1 (other institutions treating >120 patients/year) and six as B2 (other institutions treating <120 patients/year). Medical charts for the patients treated for cervix cancer between 1992 and 1994 were reviewed based on the data format of the US PCS. The total number of patients surveyed was 432. RESULTS: Simulation was used for >90% of the patients in both A1 and B1-2 institutions. However, in B1-2, planning for 5% of the patients was performed with only a clinical set-up (p = 0.0287). A daily fraction with a size of 200 cGy was given to >65% of patients in A1 and to <47% in B1-2. On the other hand, >50% of those in B1-2 were treated with daily fractions of 180 cGy and less compared with 25% in A1 institutions (p < 0.0001). Brachytherapy was utilized more frequently for patients in Stages II (p = 0.0365), III (p = 0.0015) and IV (p = 0.0483) in A1 than in B1-2. As for external beam equipment, linear accelerators with 10 MV or more were used for 83% of the patients in A1. However, in B1-2 institutions, machines with lower energy were used for 38% of the patients (p < 0.0001). The median number of full-time-equivalent (FTE) radiation oncologists was 2.7 in A1, 0.65 in B1 and 0.2 in B2. CONCLUSIONS: Institutional stratification, including equipment and personnel, was found to affect significantly the patterns of care for cervix cancer. Therefore, to improve the quality of radiation therapy nationwide, improvements in equipment and in supply of FTE personnel are extremely important. PCS was found to have great potential for a practical evaluation of how much improvement will be required in Japan.
Adult↗
Detection of the leghemoglobin gene on two chromosomes of Phaseolus vulgaris by in situ PCR linked-fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).
The leghemoglobin (Lb) gene on the metaphase chromosomes of Phaseolus vulgaris was amplified by in situ PCR. The amplified Lb gene could be detected on two chromosomes by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using the short Lb gene probe.
Base Sequence↗
An approach for acute disruption of large arteries in patients with advanced cervical cancer: endoluminal balloon occlusion technique.
OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of an intraluminal balloon occlusion technique for the control of sudden arterial disruption from cervical branches in patients with advanced malignancy. BACKGROUND: A sudden disruption of large cervical arteries is a devastating complication of advanced cervical malignancy and local infection. METHODS: Three patients with this complication underwent endoluminal balloon occlusion before surgical management. A double-lumen balloon catheter was introduced from the femoral artery to the bleeding point. Angiographic examination of the intracranial cross-filling could be performed by the injection of contrast medium from the opposite carotid artery, and consciousness levels could be directly confirmed under unilateral carotid occlusion. RESULTS: Resection of the carotid or innominate artery was safely performed in all the patients. No neurologic complications occurred. Bleeding did not recur during follow-up (range 5-32 months). CONCLUSIONS: This experience, although limited, suggests that surgical intervention to control cervical arterial bleeding with intraluminal balloon occlusion prevents excessive bleeding, decreases the risk of damage to the central nervous system, and improves the outcome in these critically ill patients.
Acute Disease↗
Primary uterine T-cell lymphoma.
A uterine CD8-positive, HTLV-1-negative T-cell lymphoma associated with atypical endometrial hyperplasia was found in a 63-year-old Japanese woman. Primary T-cell lymphoma of the uterus has not been previously reported.
Blotting, Southern↗
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in HTLV-I-associated myelopathy.
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been reported to be involved in inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). However, little is known about the role of MMPs in the pathogenesis of HTLV-I-associated myelopathy (HAM)/Tropical spastic paraparesis (TSP). To address this issue, we examined the tissue expression and localization of MMPs and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in the spinal cord lesions of HAM/TSP using immunohistochemistry. In addition, the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of MMPs and TIMPs of the patients with HAM/TSP were determined using sandwich enzyme immunoassays (SIA) and gelatin zymography. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that collagen IV and decorin immunoreactivity on the basement membrane of CNS parenchymal vessels was partially disrupted where inflammatory mononuclear cells infiltrated in active-chronic lesions of HAM/TSP. In these lesions, MMP-2 (gelatinase A) was immunostained mainly on the surface of foamy macrophages and lymphocytes, whereas MMP-9 (gelatinase B) expression was positive in the intravascular and perivascular mononuclear cells but not on foamy macrophages. In contrast, inactive chronic lesions of the spinal cords of the HAM/TSP contained fewer MMP-2-positive or MMP-9-positive mononuclear cells than active-chronic lesions. Many parenchymal vessels had thickened vascular walls which showed increased immunoreactivity to decorin. SIA revealed that production levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in both blood and CSF were higher in the patients with HAM/TSP than those in non-inflammatory other neurological disease controls (ONDs). Using zymography, proMMP-9 was detected more frequently in the CSF of patients with HAM/TSP than those in ONDs. Taken together, our data indicate that MMP-2 and MMP-9 may play an important role in the blood-brain barrier breakdown and tissue remodeling in the CNS of HAM/TSP.
Aged↗
Clotrimazole, an imidazole antimycotic, is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis.
Clotrimazole, an imidazole antimycotic, interferes with the rise in cytosolic Ca2+ and inhibits cell proliferation in a reversible manner. Here we describe the effect of clotrimazole on vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Clotrimazole inhibited the proliferation of ECs stimulated with typical angiogenic growth factors; vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). This inhibitory effect of clotrimazole was dose-dependent and the maximal inhibition was observed at a concentration of 10 mM. We did not observe any increase in 51Cr release from ECs during treatment with 10 microM clotrimazole. Moreover, clotrimazole inhibited the basal and bFGF-stimulated migration of ECs. As clotrimazole inhibited two principle components of angiogenesis; the proliferation and migration of ECs, we examined whether clotrimazole inhibited angiogenesis. Tube formation by ECs in type 1 collagen gel was investigated, and clotrimazole was found to be significantly inhibitory. The inhibitory effect of clotrimazole on angiogenesis was further confirmed in an in vivo angiogenesis model of murine Matrigel plug assay. These results demonstrate that clotrimazole is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis.
Animals↗
A case of episodic angioedema associated with blood eosinophilia: upregulated C5a receptor expression on eosinophils.
A 47-year-old woman was admitted to hospital complaining of swelling and pain of the extremities, accompanied by high fever and generalized erythema. Laboratory examination showed marked blood eosinophilia with elevation of IgM, IgE, and C-reactive protein. All autoantibodies examined were negative. The heart and lungs showed no untoward findings. Biopsies of the skin and muscle revealed cellular infiltration of eosinophils around small blood vessels. Quantitation of C5a receptor (C5aR) expression by flow cytometry using anti-C5aR antibody showed upregulated expression of C5aR on blood eosinophils but downregulated expression on neutrophils. The abnormal C5aR expression on eosinophils and neutrophils became normal after spontaneous resolution of symptoms and blood eosinophilia. The possibility that C5aR expression on granulocytes is related to the pathogenesis of this syndrome may be considered.
Angioedema↗
Fine structural and histochemical study of equine Paneth cells.
Ultrastructure, lysozyme and glycoconjugate activity in duodenal Paneth cells were observed concurrently in the horse. Paneth cells were seen to uniformly line the base of the equine intestinal glands. The round secretory granules have centrally located electron densities with peripherally located electron lucent halos. Histochemically, the peripheral halo layer was positively stained for carbohydrates by the periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver protein-physical development (PA-TCH-SP-PD) method and the entire granules reacted positively to the WGA. The central core area reacted with anti-lysozyme. We identified a young (Type I) and an old (Type II) cell population in the same crypt, but we suggest that the observed populations are variations of the same cell type with the varied appearance due to aging of the secretory granules.
Animals↗