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Biomedical subjects

M Gotoh

Publications and source records attributed to M Gotoh.

At least 271 records · Page 15Linked to original sources

Molecular cloning and initial characterization of a novel fibrinogen-related gene, HFREP-1.

We have isolated HFREP-1, a gene that is overexpressed in a hepatocellular carcinoma from a lambda gt10 cDNA library constructed from the mRNA of the hepatocellular carcinoma specimen using subtractive and differential cDNA cloning. The largest cDNA insert contained 1231 base pairs encoding 312 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence contained a hydrophobic leader peptide and the putative protein sequence showed marked homology with beta- and gamma-subunits of fibrinogen and other fibrinogen-related proteins. However, the HFREP-1 protein lacked a platelet-binding site, a cross-linking region and a thrombin-sensitive site, which are crucial for fibrin clot formation. The expression of the gene was studied in various organs in the rat and in several human carcinoma cell lines, and was found to be specific to liver and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. We suggest that the HFREP-1 gene is a new member of the fibrinogen family and that further data on the gene are important for a better understanding of the development of hepatocellular carcinomas.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Thymosin beta-4 expression is correlated with metastatic capacity of colorectal carcinomas.

We constructed a "non-metastatic cell (SW837)--metastatic cell (PMCO1)" subtraction library and identified one cDNA that was strongly expressed in SW837 but weakly expressed in PMCO1. The nucleotide sequence of the cDNA revealed that it encoded thymosin beta-4. Four non-metastatic cell lines, which produced no experimental liver metastasis in nude mice, showed high expression of thymosin beta-4. However three of four metastatic cell lines showed weak expression of thymosin beta-4. Among surgical materials, thymosin beta-4 expression was high in tumors without metastasis in comparison with non-tumorous mucosa, but one case with liver metastasis showed decreased expression in both the primary and metastatic tumors. We suspect that down-regulation of thymosin beta-4 expression is correlated with the metastatic capacity of colorectal carcinomas.

Animals↗

Age-related changes in the response of the rat urinary bladder to neurotransmitters.

The effect of age on the contractile response of the rat urinary bladder to various neurotransmitters was studied using in vitro detrusor strips isolated from female Wistar rats. The contractile responses to 8 neurotransmitters were determined for rat urinary bladders isolated from 3 age groups: 24, 16, and 6 months old. The results can be summarized as follows: 1) There was no age-dependent change in the maximum response to KCl. 2) The contractile response to norepinephrine, adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), and serotonin increased with age. 3) The relaxation response to isoproterenol was significantly less in 24-month-old rats than in the other 2 age groups. 4) There were no age related changes in the responses to acetylcholine, prostaglandin F2 alpha, and angiotensin II. 5) Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) failed to induce any response in the rat bladders of any group. 6) There were no significant differences in the ED50s for the 5 neurotransmitters among the 3 age groups. In summary, significant differences in the response to adrenergic, purinergic, and serotonergic stimulation were found as a function of age, whereas no age related changes in the response to cholinergic or generalized depolarization with KCl were found.

Aging↗

Esophago-jejuno-duodenal anastomoses with an ultra-short duodenum.

Reconstruction following total gastrectomy usually requires one of the various methods of esophagojejunal anastomosis. We present herein the case of a 78-year-old woman with gastric carcinoma involving the adjacent organs for which resection of the whole stomach, distal pancreas, transverse colon, and distal duodenum was performed. Reconstruction was carried out with an esophagojejunostomy, followed by a side-to-side anastomosis between the raised jejunal limb and the residual short duodenum. Her postoperative course was uneventful and she was able to lead a relatively comfortable life at home until she died after tumor recurrence caused GI bleeding 1 year postoperatively. This new modified Roux-en-Y with an ultra-short duodenum can be applied for such contiguously invasive gastric carcinoma to achieve a better quality of life, when conventional reconstruction techniques after total gastrectomy are not indicated.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Serum interleukin-6 levels as an indicator of acute rejection after liver transplantation in cynomologous monkeys.

This study was designed to evaluate whether the sequential monitoring of serum interleukin-6 levels (SIL-6) could be helpful for diagnosing the occurrence of hepatic allograft rejection. An SIL-6 post-transplant study was conducted on nine cynomolgus monkeys which had undergone orthotopic hepatic allotransplantation, six of which were treated with FK-506 (a new immunosuppressant agent isolated from Streptomyces tsukubaensis) and three of which were not. All the nontreated animals showed biochemical abnormalities from days 5-6, characterized by a marked elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and they eventually died on days 8, 12, and 63 (group I). Acute cellular rejection was confirmed by histological study of the hepatic grafts taken at autopsy or biopsy. On the other hand, four of the treated animals (group IIa) survived more than 30 days. Biochemical examination of this group showed no abnormal signs apart from a slight elevation of alkaline phosphatase (< 2000 IU/l). Histological examination carried out around 30 days after transplantation revealed a transient infiltration of polynuclear cells into Glisson's area, with the portal vein and bile duct remaining intact. The remaining two animals (group IIb) died of dehydration and arterial thrombosis on days 5 and 7, respectively. A kinetic study of SIL-6 conducted during the first 2 weeks showed quite different patterns among the three groups. All recipients in group I demonstrated two peaks following grafting on days 1 and 3 or 4, the second peak of above 2.0 U/ml preceding biochemical abnormalities by 2 to 3 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Experimental study of venous circulatory disturbance by dural sinus occlusion.

Using a newly devised model of dural sinus occlusion, we investigated the pathophysiology of venous haemorrhage as well as venous circulatory disturbance. The superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and diploic veins (DV) were occluded in 16 cats. Intracranial pressure (ICP), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were measured for 12 hours after the occlusion. At the end of the experiment, cerebral water content was estimated. In another 8 cats additional occlusions of cortical veins were carried out. In both groups, the blood-brain barrier permeability was evaluated with Evans blue or horseradish peroxidase. The SSS and DV occlusion produced a significant increase in ICP and CBV concomitant with a significant decrease in rCBF. Cerebral water content also increased significantly. However, there was no transition of Evans blue and horseradish peroxidase through the cerebral vessels, and no haemorrhages could be observed. In contrast, the additional occlusion of cortical veins produced haemorrhagic infarctions with Evans blue extravasation in 6 out of the 8 cats. These data suggest that dural sinus occlusion may lead to an increase in CBV and cerebral water content resulting in intracranial hypertension and decreased rCBF. The brain oedema in this model seemed to be mainly hydrostatic oedema, and might also be contributed by cytotoxic oedema. The additional occlusion of cortical veins might be essential in the development of haemorrhage in this model, and the blood-brain barrier was also disrupted in these areas.

Animals↗

Urodynamic evaluation of results of endopyelotomy for ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

We treated 13 patients with unilateral ureteropelvic junction obstruction by percutaneous endopyelotomy, and they were urodynamically evaluated by the Whitaker test and diuresis renography, in addition to excretory urography (IVP). Surgery was uncomplicated in all patients except 1 who required repeat incision 4 weeks later. Obstruction was diagnosed preoperatively by the Whitaker test and diuresis renography in 10 cases, and by IVP in 13. Postoperatively, all 10 patients (100%) with a positive Whitaker test were free of obstruction with a significant reduction in the relative renal pelvic pressure from 35.0 to 8.1 cm. water (p < 0.01). Diuresis renography revealed no obstruction in 8 patients (80%) and persistent obstruction in 2. IVP demonstrated reduced hydronephrosis in 8 of 13 patients (62%) 12 weeks after surgery and in 11 of 13 patients (85%) 19 months later. However, a marked reduction in renal pelvic size was noted in only 3 patients (23%). Flank pain disappeared in 10 of 11 patients (91%) postoperatively. Overall, surgery was successful in 11 of the 13 patients (85%). Percutaneous endopyelotomy was effective in relieving obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction with minor morbidity. The Whitaker test was more sensitive for evaluating the results of surgery than diuresis renography and IVP, although diuresis renography appears to be useful in followup evaluation of hydronephrosis.

Adolescent↗

Induction of unresponsiveness in rats after either intraportal injection of donor antigen or intravenous injection combined with splenectomy.

Recently, we reported that hepatic allografts are permanently accepted when transplanted after intraportal injection (IP) of donor spleen cells (SPCs). The mechanism of this effect was investigated using various protocols for antigen injection. ACI (RT1a) and Buffalo (RT1b) rats were used as donors and recipients, respectively. Experimental groups were divided into the following groups depending on treatment: IP, intravenous injection (IV), splenectomy (Spx), and intravenous injection after splenectomy (IV+Spx). Accumulation of donor antigen in the various organs was examined by injecting 51Cr-labeled SPCs. Cellular and humoral responses after SPC injection was assessed by delayed-type hypersensitivity response and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. Heterotopic cardiac transplantation and orthotopic hepatic transplantation were performed 10 days after each treatment. The accumulation ratio in the liver was significantly higher in the IP and IV+Spx groups than in the IV group. Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses were lower in the IP and IV+Spx groups than in the IV or Spx groups. The CDC titer 7 days after inoculation was significantly lower in the IP and IV+Spx groups than in the IV group. In order to examine whether the treatment actively suppressed the immune response, the animals were rechallenged with SPCs given intravenously 10 days after the initial injection. Elevation of CDC titer was suppressed in the IP and IV+Spx groups, but not in the IV and Spx groups. Significant prolongation of cardiac allograft survival was not observed in the IV and Spx groups. Prolongation was observed in the IP and IV+Spx groups. The survival of hepatic allografts in the IV group was decreased. No significant prolongation of graft survival was observed in the Spx group. In contrast, all hepatic allotransplants in the IP and IV+Spx groups survived over 45 days. These findings suggest that the accumulation of donor SPCs in the liver may play an important role in inducing unresponsiveness after intraportal injection of donor SPCs.

Animals↗

Distinguishing beta 2-glycoprotein I dependent (systemic lupus erythematosus type) and independent (syphilis type) anticardiolipin antibody with Tween 20.

We investigated whether or not the use of Tween 20 could help to distinguish beta 2-glycoprotein I (GPI) independent anticardiolipin antibody (aCL) (syphilis-type aCL) from GPI-dependent aCL (SLE-type aCL) in a GPI-dependent/independent aCL ELISA. aCL was positive in all 16 SLE patients and all 15 syphilis patients, who were positive for aCL in the standard ELISA, in the GPI-independent ELISA with Tween 20. GPI-dependent aCL was detected in 12/16 SLE patients by the GPI-dependent ELISA with Tween 20. aCL was not detected in any of the syphilis patients by GPI-dependent ELISAs. On the basis of these results, we recommend that Tween 20 should be used in ELISAs to distinguish GPI-dependent aCL from GPI-independent aCL.

Adult↗

[Lead exposure of workers in the ceramics industry and relevant factors].

To clarify lead exposure and factors relevant to it, an occupational health survey and air lead-concentration survey were conducted among 425 workers in the ceramics industry in the Seto region in Aichi Prefecture. As for biological monitoring, blood lead level was measured according to sex, job, product, factory size and duration of lead exposure. The following major findings were obtained in the present analysis. Workers making dolomite novelties showed higher blood lead levels than those making porcelain novelties, semi-porcelain novelties and tableware. The difference in blood lead level by job was statistically significant, but not that by factory size. In males, the highest blood lead level was found for spray painting work (28.7 micrograms/dl), followed by glazing work (28.0 micrograms/dl), kiln work (23.3 micrograms/dl) and painting work (22.3 micrograms/dl). In females, the blood lead level for painting work (13.5 micrograms/dl) was lower than those for glazing work (26.1 micrograms/dl) and kiln work (31.4 micrograms/dl). The blood lead level was significantly increased with the number of years of lead exposure in females (painting work). It was coincidentally clarified that the environmental lead concentration varied according to the job in which workers were engaged. As protective measures against lead exposure for workers in the ceramics industry, the development of nonlead paint and glaze and the introduction of more effective dust collectors at the workplace should be established.

Adult↗

[A three-dimensional reconstruction of the temporal bone by the helical scanning CT and its clinical application].

The current availability of 3 dimensional (3-D) imaging from Computed Tomography (CT) has yielded new anatomical information and pre-and postoperative evaluations. However, little discussion as to the 3-D structural image of the temporal bone has been reported because conventional CT does provide sufficient data to produce such images. The Helical scanning CT gathers continuous and multiple slice image data since it consists of an X-ray tube that continuously rotates around the patient while the patient moves continuously into the CT scanner. Thus, application of the Helical scanning CT has made it possible to reconstruct 3-D images of the minute and complicated structure of the temporal bone. We evaluated 3-D images from 9 typical cases, examined from February to October 1992. As a result, we found that the 3-D images reconstructed with this system are useful for evaluation of the postoperative state of tympanoplasty, the diagnosis of anomalies of the bony labyrinth, and examining the extent of bone destruction induced by trauma, cholesteatoma, etc.

Adolescent↗

[Longterm clinical results of transurethral incision of prostate and bladder neck for benign prostatic hypertrophy].

Early and longterm results of transurethral incision of the prostate and bladder neck (TIPBn) were compared with those of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in treatment of 36 patients with outflow obstruction caused by small benign prostatic hypertrophy. Seventeen patients underwent TIPBn and 19 TURP. Parameters on uroflowmetry (maximum flow rate, average flow rate, voiding time and residual rate) were significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. There was no significant difference in the improvement on uroflowmetry both at early (3 months) and longterm (TIPBn: 12-48, mean 20.1 months, TURP: 12-48, mean 22.2 months) postoperative periods, between the two groups. Subjective symptom of voiding difficulty was remarkably improved in all patients of both groups during early postoperative period. However, at longer follow-up, subjective improvement was preserved in 88.2% in the TIPBn group and 73.7% in the TURP group. A re-operation was needed in 4 cases (21.5%) in the TURP group because of recurrence of obstructive symptom due to postoperative bladder neck contracture, while a second operation has not been performed in the TIPBn group. We conclude that TIPBn can be the preferred surgical treatment of outflow obstruction caused by small benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Aged↗

[A case of renal cell carcinoma treated by ex vivo partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation].

We report on a case of renal cell carcinoma in a functionally solitary kidney, treated by ex vivo partial nephrectomy and autotransplantation. A 62-year-old woman was admitted for examination of a left renal mass and right hydronephrosis, incidentally detected on echography and CT scan. The right hydronephrosis was caused by congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction, associated with severely impaired renal function. A solid tumor was found in the left kidney, located in the upper pole and extending to the hilus, and was suspected to be renal cell carcinoma. The patient was treated by ex vivo partial nephrectomy of the left kidney followed by autotransplantation. The tumor was 35 x 55 x 40 mm in size and diagnosed histologically to be renal cell carcinoma. Hemodialysis was unnecessary since good urine output was obtained postoperatively from the transplanted kidney. The patient was discharged 3 months after surgery, following interferon-alpha therapy, with serum creatinine level of 1.4 mg/dl.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

[An appraisal of intraoperative radiotherapy for pancreas cancer].

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) which was originally used for unresectable cancer has been applied to the cases after pancreas resection. However, it has not been clarified which stages of patients will have the beneficial effect of IORT on their prognosis. In this study, IORT after pancreas resection was appraised on the basis of the patient prognosis. Seventy-two pancreatectomized patients including 6 cases of Stage I, 18 cases of Stage II, 25 cases of Stage III and 23 cases of Stage IV, which was determined by the general rules for cancer of the pancreas in Japan Pancreas Society were employed in this study. Four cases of Stage III and 15 cases of Stage IV were treated with IORT (25-30 Gy) after pancreatectomy. Ten of these patients underwent postoperative external beam radiotherapy (22-48 Gy). All but one case of Stage I were currently alive. The median survival time (MST) of Stage II were 908 days and 2 cases were alive over 5 year after operation. MST of Stage III without IORT was 310 pod and all died within 906 pod. In contrast, all four Stage III patients were currently alive without a sign of recurrence (3, 10, 15, 57 pom). All Stage IV cases without IORT died within 462 pod, while three cases with IORT were alive over this period. These data suggest IORT improves the prognosis of Stage III patients when combined with radical resection of the pancreas. But it is not the case with the more advanced cases, where systemic anticancer adjuvant therapy might be indicated.

Adult↗