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Biomedical subjects

M Baba

Publications and source records attributed to M Baba.

At least 379 records · Page 21Linked to original sources

Flow cytometric analysis of DNA heterogeneity in superficial carcinoma of the esophagus.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies of flow cytometric analysis for DNA heterogeneity of patients with superficial carcinoma of the esophagus limited to the epithelium or superficially invading the lamina propria or submucosa. METHODS: Flow cytometric analysis of cellular DNA content was performed on superficial carcinomas of the esophagus using paraffin embedded blocks of the surgically resected specimens from 56 patients. To evaluate the intratumoral DNA heterogeneity, a total of 141 samples of the 56 tumors were analyzed, depending upon the tumor size. RESULTS: One or two of the samples was available from 18 of 19 patients with tumors 2 cm or less in greatest dimension, whereas more than three of the samples were available from 22 of 37 patients with tumors 2.1 cm or greater in dimension (P < 0.003). Of 56 tumors, 40 (71.4%) exhibited DNA aneuploidy; DNA heterogeneity was found in 26 tumors (46.4%). The remaining 16 tumors exhibited DNA diploidy. Two of the five tumors that were limited to the epithelium had DNA heterogeneity. The mean dimension of the tumors with DNA heterogeneity was significantly greater (5.8 +/- 2.8 cm) than those exhibiting DNA diploidy (2.3 +/- 1.1 cm) and DNA aneuploidy without heterogeneity (2.9 +/- 2.4 cm). Recurrences after esophagectomy were detected in 6 of the 56 patients; the DNA ploidy pattern of these six patients exhibited DNA heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: The incidence of DNA heterogeneity increases as tumor size increases and is associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence after esophagectomy in patients with superficial carcinoma of the esophagus.

Adult↗

Establishment and characteristics of a gastric cancer cell line (HuGC-OOHIRA) producing high levels of G-CSF, GM-CSF, and IL-6: the presence of autocrine growth control by G-CSF.

We successfully established a human gastric cancer cell line, HuGC-OOHIRA, from the ascites of a 60-year-old patient with advanced gastric cancer (poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma) complicated by peritonitis carcinomatosa and leukocytosis of unknown origin. Morphologically, the cells were polygonal and adhered weakly to the culture flask. They tended to pile up upon reaching confluence. Chromosome analysis revealed that the cell line has two modes of chromosome number, namely near diploidy and tetraploidy. Double minutes (DMs) were present in abundance in each cell. The doubling time was 25-30 hr. The cell line was successfully transplanted into nude mice, and their peripheral leukocyte counts increased in proportion to the growth of the tumors. At 2 weeks after the transplantation, the serum rG-CSF level was elevated to 2,893 pg/ml. The concentration of human G-CSF in the culture supernatants was an extraordinary high level of 145,380 pg/ml/day. Secretion of GM-CSF and IL-6 was also detected. The intracellular localization of the G-CSF was identified for the first time by immunofluorescence. Moreover, Northern blot analysis detected G-CSF mRNA in this cell line. Anti-recombinant human G-CSF serum suppressed the propagation of HuGC-OOHIRA cell line. Therefore, it is likely that the autocrine growth loop by G-CSF is present in this cell line. This cell line would be very useful for understanding both the cellular and molecular basis for the production of various cytokines such as G-CSF as well as cytokine-dependent tumor proliferation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Lymph node metastasis and the recurrence of esophageal carcinoma with emphasis on lymphadenectomy in the neck and superior mediastinum.

A series of 335 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus undergoing resection and reconstruction via a right thoracotomy and laparotomy with cervical anastomosis between 1973 and 1990, were reviewed. Prior to 1982, the removal of lymph nodes was limited to the nodes in the mediastinum below the tracheal bifurcation and upper abdomen (142 patients). Nodal metastases were found in 89 of these patients at operation. The upper abdominal nodes were the most frequent sites of metastasis (47.2%). None of the 38 patients with positive nodes sampled from the neck and superior mediastinum survived for more than 45 months. In the 50 patients with recurrences, 30 were in the neck and/or superior mediastinum. During or after 1983, the superior mediastinal nodes, particularly the bilateral recurrent nerve nodal chains, were routinely removed (193 patients). Nodal metastasis was proven in 131 of the 193 patients, in whom 87 (45.1%) had metastasis in the neck and superior mediastinum. Eleven of these 87 patients survived for 45 months or more. In the 61 patients with recurrences, 20 were in the neck and/or superior mediastinum. These data suggest that recurrent nerve nodal chains should be removed to improve survival in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Aged↗

Relationship between multidrug resistant gene expression and multidrug resistant-reversing effect of MS-209 in various tumor cells.

MS-209 is a novel quinoline compound which can overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) both in vitro and in vivo, while having a low level of side effects, and is now being evaluated in a clinical phase II study. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to quantitate the expression levels of MDR genes in various mouse and human tumor cell lines. The MDR gene and the beta actin gene, as the internal reference standard, were coamplified separately, and the relative expression of the MDR gene was represented by the MDR/beta actin ratio. The in vitro MDR-reversing effect of MS-209 was then compared with the MDR gene expression (MDR/beta actin ratio). We found a significant correlation between these two parameters. Moreover, a significant correlation was also observed between the level of expression of the MDR1 gene and that of P-glycoprotein in human cell lines. Therefore, the efficacy of MS-209 seems to specifically depend on the level of MDR gene expression (P-glycoprotein). From these observations, it is suggested that RT-PCR assays of MDR1 gene in tumor biopsy specimens might be an effective means to predict the response of tumor cells to combination therapy with MS-209.

Animals↗

Reversal of multidrug resistance by a novel quinoline derivative, MS-209.

MS-209, a novel quinoline derivative, was examined for its reversing effect on multidrug-resistant tumor cells. MS-209 at 1-10 microM completely reversed resistance against vincristine (VCR) in vitro in multidrug-resistant variants of mouse leukemia P388 cells (VCR-resistant P388/VCR and Adriamycin (ADM)-resistant P388/ADM) and human leukemia K562 cells (VCR-resistant K562/VCR and ADM-resistant K562/ADM). MS-209 at 1-10 microM also completely reversed resistance against ADM in vitro in P388/VCR cells, K562/VCR cells, and K562/ADM cells. In ADM-resistant P388 (P388/ADM) cells, however, ADM resistance was only partially reversed at the MS-209 concentrations tested. MS-209 enhanced the chemotherapeutic effect of VCR in P388/VCR-bearing mice. When MS-209 was given p.o. at 80 mg/kg twice a day (total dose, 160 mg/kg per day) with 100 micrograms/kg VCR, a treated/control (T/C) value of 155% was obtained. MS-209 also enhanced the chemotherapeutic effect of ADM in P388/ADM-bearing mice. The most prominent effects were obtained when MS-209 was given with 2 mg/kg ADM, yielding T/C values of 150%-194% for the combined treatment at an MS-209 dose of 200-450 mg/kg. MS-209 inhibited [3H]-azidopine photolabeling of P-glycoprotein efficiently. Furthermore, the accumulation of ADM in K562/ADM cells was increased more efficiently by MS-209 than by verapamil. These results indicate that MS-209, like verapamil, directly interacts with P-glycoprotein and inhibits the active efflux of antitumor agents, thus overcoming multidrug resistance in vitro and in vivo.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Pathogenic significance of interleukin-6 in a patient with antiglomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis with multinucleated giant cells.

We report a patient with anti-glomerular basement membrane disease who developed renal failure associated with systemic manifestations, including acute-phase inflammatory reactions and plasmacytosis. Renal tissue obtained by an open surgical biopsy showed circumferential cellular crescents, multinucleated giant cells, and exudation of fibrin in all glomeruli. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated deposition of immunoglobulin G, C3, and membrane attack complex along glomerular capillary walls. Multinucleated giant cells were suggested to be macrophage-monocyte lineage because they were CD68 positive. Bone marrow aspiration showed an increase of plasma cells. Immunostaining showed intensive expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in practically every part of the renal sites involving multinucleated cells, crescents, tubules, and infiltrating cells, suggesting that one of the sources of systemically elevated IL-6 was the kidney. Serum IL-6, anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody, and acute-phase proteins were markedly elevated, and returned dramatically to the normal level after corticosteroid therapy and plasmapheresis. We believe that IL-6 played an important role in the development of many symptoms in the present case.

Aged↗

Enhanced efficacy of bleomycin adsorbed on silica particles against lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal cancer: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastases occur very frequently and extensively in patients with esophageal cancer. The aim of this pilot study was to try the targeting chemotherapy for lymph node metastases by use of bleomycin adsorbed on silica particles (BLM-SI). METHODS: BLM-SI or bleomycin solution (BLM-SOL) was injected into the submucosa of the esophageal wall by means of endoscopy 3 days before operation in 16 patients with middle thoracic esophageal cancer. The distribution of bleomycin in the regional lymph nodes and surrounding connective tissues was studied. RESULTS: When BLM-SI was administered, bleomycin activity was found in both the regional lymph nodes and connective tissues, not only in the mediastinal region but also in the cervical and abdominal region. Bleomycin activity was significantly higher in all regions after BLM-SI administration than after BLM-SOL administration. Degenerative or necrotic changes were microscopically observed in 11 of 36 lymph nodes with metastatic foci. Bleomycin activity in the blood was significantly lower after BLM-SI was administered than after BLM-SOL. Serious systemic side effects except for fever were not observed in any patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that BLM-SI could be a useful treatment modality for targeting lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer without serious side effects.

Adsorption↗

Anti-Tat MTT assay: a novel anti-HIV drug screening system using the viral regulatory network of replication.

Since the recognition of its pivotal role in viral replication, Tat activity has become an interesting target for chemotherapeutic intervention of HIV infection. Here, we report a sensitive and simple colorimetric assay for the screening of Tat inhibitors. We have constructed a plasmid that contains the hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene under the control of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) and HIV-1 tat gene constitutively expressed from the cytomegalovirus promoter. This plasmid has been stably transfected to the CD4+ T cell line CEM, which is rendered resistant to hygromycin B through the action of Tat. The inhibitory activity of the anti-Tat drugs was assessed by the extent of cytotoxicity in the presence of hygromycin B as a consequence of the suppressed expression of the hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene. Spectrophotometric quantitation of cell viability was done utilizing 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye as the indicator. Using this assay system, we have confirmed that known anti-Tat compound Ro5-3335 and its derivative Ro24-7429 could inhibit Tat-mediated gene expression although their selectivities (anti-Tat activity versus nonselective cytotoxicity) were narrow. Since this method offers the advantage of not handling infectious particles or radioactive materials, it can offer wide applicability as a screening system for anti-Tat compounds.

Antiviral Agents↗

Chemoprevention by amiloride of experimental carcinogenesis in rat colon induced by azoxymethane.

The effects of amiloride on the incidence and histology of colon tumors induced by azoxymethane, on the labeling index of the colon mucosa and on the activity of ornithine decarboxylase in the colon wall were investigated in Wistar rats. Rats received 10 weekly injections of 7.4 mg/kg body wt azoxymethane and s.c. injections of 5 or 7.5 mg/kg body wt amiloride in depot form every other day for 35 weeks. Prolonged administration of amiloride at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg, but not 5 mg/kg, significantly reduced the incidence of colon tumors at week 35. However, administration of amiloride had little or no significant influence on the histological types of colon tumors and cancers. Administration of amiloride at 7.5 mg/kg significantly decreased the labeling index of the colon mucosa and ornithine decarboxylase activity in the colon wall during and after administration of azoxymethane. These findings suggest that amiloride inhibits development of colon tumors. A possible mechanism of inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by amiloride is its suppression of proliferation of colon tumor cells.

Amiloride↗

Ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor attenuates NaCl enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

The effects of combined administration of NaCl and the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor 1,3-diaminopropane (DAP) on the incidence and number of gastric cancers induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and on the ODC activity of the gastric wall and the labeling index of the gastric mucosa were investigated in inbred Wistar rats. Rats were given drinking water with or without 2.5 g/l DAP and chow pellets with and without 10% NaCl ad libitum after 25 weeks of oral administration of MNNG. At week 52 feeding 10% NaCl resulted in significant increases in the incidence of gastric cancers, in the ODC activity of the antral portion of the gastric wall and in the labeling index of antral epithelial cells. Administration of both NaCl and DAP significantly reduced the enhancements by NaCl of gastric carcinogenesis, ODC activity of the antral wall and the labeling index of antral epithelial cells. These results suggest that inhibition of ODC attenuates NaCl enhancement of gastric carcinogenesis and that enhancement by NaCl of gastric carcinogenesis is mediated by polyamine biosynthesis.

Animals↗

Diagnosis of catheter-related infections: the role of surveillance and targeted quantitative skin cultures.

The results of quantitative skin cultures have been proposed as predictors of central venous catheter infection. We prospectively observed 132 patients for 3 months after catheter insertion. Specimens were obtained from all patients for routine surveillance quantitative skin cultures. Targeted quantitative skin cultures and quantitative catheter cultures were done at the time of removal of the central venous catheter. At a positivity level of > or = 10(3) colony-forming units per 24-cm2 area of skin around the insertion site, the surveillance and targeted quantitative skin cultures had specificities and negative predictive values that exceeded 90%. However, they had sensitivities of 18% and 75%, respectively, and they had positive predictive values of 25% and 100%, respectively. Unlike surveillance quantitative skin cultures, targeted quantitative skin cultures that are done when catheter infection is suspected are highly sensitive, specific, and predictive.

Adult↗

Lymph node metastasis of early stage carcinoma of the esophagus and of the stomach.

We undertook a comparative histologic study of early stage carcinoma of the esophagus and stomach, with tumor invasion limited to the submucosa. Here we analyze lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, and vascular invasion. Our study is based on a retrospective review of 77 patients with early stage carcinoma of the esophagus and 192 patients with early stage carcinoma of the stomach treated during the period from 1973 through 1991. The incidence of lymph node metastasis and lymphatic invasion was significantly higher in intramucosal or submucosal esophageal cancer than in intramucosal or submucosal gastric cancer. However, there was no significant difference between intramucosal esophageal cancer and submucosal gastric cancer. The metastatic site of lymph nodes in esophageal cancer tended to be distant from the location of primary tumor compared with lymph nodes invaded by gastric cancer. Lymphatic invasion and vessel invasion between submucosal esophageal cancer and submucosal gastric cancer was statistically significant. From these results, we conclude that intraepithelial or intramucosal esophageal cancer is comparable to early stage carcinoma of the stomach, whereas submucosal esophageal cancer is actually an advanced lesion.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Differential activities of 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine derivatives against different human immunodeficiency virus type 1 mutant strains.

A series of 23 1-[(2-hydroxyethoxy)methyl]-6-(phenylthio)thymine derivatives that were highly potent inhibitors of wild-type human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strain IIIB (HIV-1/IIIB) replication in CEM cells were evaluated against a panel of HIV-1 mutant strains containing the replacement of leucine by isoleucine at position 100 (100-Leu-->Ile), 103-Lys-->Asn, 106-Val-->Ala, 138-Glu-->Lys, 181-Tyr-->Cys, 181-Tyr-->Ile, or 188-Tyr-->His in their reverse transcriptase (RT). A different structure-antiviral activity relationship was found, depending on the nature of the mutated amino acid in the HIV-1 RT. The results show that 5-ethyl-1-ethoxymethyl-6-(3,5-dimethylbenzyl)uracil, 5-ethyl-1-ethoxymethyl-6-(3,5-dimethylphenylthio)uracil, and 5-ethyl-1-ethoxymethyl-6-(3,5-dimethylphenylthio)-2-thiouracil remain active against the majority of viruses containing single mutations which confer resistance to nonnucleoside RT inhibitors.

Antiviral Agents↗

"Pseudo" hypertrophic neuropathy of childhood.

A 9 year old boy had chronic progressive motor-sensory neuropathy that started in early infancy. He had enlarged nerves and pes cavus deformity. Motor conduction studies showed very dispersed, polyphasic compound muscle action potentials with conduction velocities around 2 m/s. A sural nerve biopsy showed severe loss of myelinated fibres. Two months of treatment with corticosteroids restored muscle power. During this time the enlarged nerves became normal and electrophysiological recovery was achieved. Chronically acquired neuropathy in infancy is strikingly similar to genetically determined neuropathy.

Child↗

Pattern of cytokine production by T cells from adolescents with asthma in remission, after stimulation with Dermatophagoides farinae antigen.

Children with asthma usually become asymptomatic by the time they reach age 20 y. To clarify the immunologic mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon, we studied patients in remission and others who still had frequent asthma attacks. Patients were grouped by clinical status, and three variables were measured: serum levels of IgE, production of IL4 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, and the activation of T cells induced by Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) antigen. Df-induced activation of T cells (as measured by antigen-induced IL2 responsiveness) or IL2 synthesis itself was induced in patients with active asthma but not in normal subjects. These responses were much weaker in patients in remission. When stimulated by Df antigen in vitro, lymphocytes from patients with active asthma produced much more IL4 than did the cells from normal subjects, and cells from patients in remission produced only a small amount. In contrast, under similar conditions lymphocytes from patients with active asthma produced less IFN-gamma than did the cells from normal subjects. Production of IFN-gamma stimulated by Df antigen was high in patients in remission but not in normal subjects. Thus, upregulated IFN-gamma production after exposure to Df antigen might reduce IL4 secretion, which would suppress IgE production and would improve clinical status. Df antigen may suppress Df-induced allergic responses in patients with asthma in remission.

Adolescent↗

Analysis of the membrane structures involved in autophagy in yeast by freeze-replica method.

Under starvation conditions, the yeast S. cerevisiae sequesters its own cytoplasmic components by forming autophagosomes with double membrane in the cytoplasm. The autophagosome then fuses with the vacuolar membrane and delivers its own cytoplasmic components into the vacuole in the form of an autophagic body with a single membrane (Baba, M., Takeshige, K., Baba, N., and Ohsumi, Y. 1994. J. Cell Biol., 124: 903-913). We examined membrane structures involved in the autophagy induced by nitrogen-starvation by using freeze-replica method. The most conspicuous characteristic of the autophagic body is that the intramembrane particles were rarely detected on either the protoplasmic or exoplasmic face of its fracture membrane. This morphological feature of the fractured face was clearly different from other intracellular organelles. Next we examined the autophagosomal membrane. The inner membrane of autophagosome was also intramembrane particle-free, and its morphological feature was identical to the membrane of autophagic body. At the fusion site between autophagosome and vacuole we obtained direct evidence that two different membranes, the outer membrane of autophagosome and vacuolar membrane, became continuous by using freeze-etching technique. From these results we concluded that the autophagic body originated from the inner membrane of the autophagosome, and its membrane reflects an intrinsic feature of autophagosomal membrane. The outer membrane of autophagosome had only a few intramembrane particles and may be differentiated from the inner membrane. In cells under nitrogen-starvation condition, the density of intramembrane particles of vacuolar membrane decreased beyond that in control cells.

Autophagy↗

Recurrent Guillain-Barré syndrome in Japan.

The clinical profiles of 11 Japanese patients with recurrent episodes of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), including 3 of our cases out of a total of 76 patients (48 males and 28 females), are reviewed. The recurrence rate was estimated as 4%. Among the 11 Japanese patients, 10 were male. Various viral infections had been confirmed in 1 case. No patients showed recurrent ophthalmoplegia. Sensory involvement varied from one episode to the next. These findings suggest the changing distribution of the demyelinating lesions and possibly a different reaction to the unknown pathogens in the recurrence of GBS.

Adolescent↗