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Biomedical subjects

M Harada

Publications and source records attributed to M Harada.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-combined marrow-ablative chemotherapy and autologous blood cell transplantation for the treatment of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia in first remission. The Fukouka Bone Marrow Transplant Group.

We conducted a clinical trial to increase the chemosensitivity of residual leukemic cells by combining G-CSF to marrow-ablative chemotherapy, including cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), and facilitated by autologous blood cell transplantation (ABCT) for treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) in first complete remission. A total of 16 patients were consecutively treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)-combined high-dose chemotherapy (busulfan, etoposide and Ara-C) followed by autotransplantation of peripheral blood progenitor cells, which had been collected after the consolidation chemotherapy. At a median follow-up time of 44.5 months, the probability of 5-year event-free survival was 74.5% with only three leukemic relapses. This preliminary observation suggests the effectiveness of G-CSF-combined conditioning and ABCT as a post-remission therapy for AML.

Adolescent↗

G-CSF-induced mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells for allografting: comparative study of daily single versus divided dose of G-CSF.

We conducted a comparative study on a daily single versus a divided dose of G-CSF for G-CSF-induced mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in eleven HLA-identical sibling donors of allogeneic PBSC transplantation (PBSCT). Six donors received double subcutaneous injections of G-CSF at a dose of 5 micrograms/kg x 2/day for 5 days (Group A), while the remaining five received single subcutaneous injection at a dose of 10 micrograms/kg/day for 5 days (Group B). The numbers of circulating CD34+ cells, myeloid progenitors (CFU-GM) and erythroid progenitors (BFU-E) reached peak values at day 5 of G-CSF administration in both groups. The mean number of CD34+ cells harvested per apheresis was 4.4 x 10(6)/kg (cells/body weight of each donor, range: 0.8-7.9 x 10(6)/kg) in Group A and 5.1 x 10(6)/kg (range: 3.0-9.0 x 10(6)/kg) in Group B. There were no significant differences between these two groups in total numbers of CFU-GM, BFU-E, or T-lymphocytes harvested. Adverse effects including mild to moderate bone pain and thrombocytopenia were transient and well tolerated. No difference was observed in the incidence of adverse effects between the two groups. These observations suggest that there is no difference in G-CSF-induced mobilization of PBSC between daily single and divided dose of G-CSF to collect a sufficient number of PBSC for engraftment after allo-PBSCT.

Adolescent↗

Increased incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and CMV-associated disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from unrelated donors. The Fukuoka Bone Marrow Transplantation Group.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and CMV-associated disease were monitored using the CMV antigenemia assay in 72 patients who received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and their incidences were compared between related and unrelated donor transplant patients. The incidence of CMV infection after BMT was significantly higher in patients who received transplants from HLA-matched unrelated donors than from HLA-matched sibling donors (87% vs 53%, P < 0.05). CMV-associated disease developed in 73% of unrelated and in 14% of sibling donor transplant patients (P < 0.01). The peak levels of CMV antigenemia were significantly higher in unrelated donors than in sibling donor transplant patients (16 vs 1 CMV antigen-positive cells per 50000 WBCs, P < 0.01). The median number of CMV antigen-positive cells on first detection was also significantly higher in unrelated donor transplant patients (15 vs 1, P < 0.01). The detection of CMV antigen-positive cells preceded the development of CMV-associated disease in 18% of unrelated donor transplant patients, suggesting a lower predictive value of CMV antigenemia for subsequent CMV-associated disease in unrelated donor BMT. Careful monitoring and further studies are needed for the early diagnosis and prevention of CMV-associated disease in unrelated donor BMT.

Adolescent↗

The effects of a simplified method for cryopreservation and thawing procedures on peripheral blood stem cells.

A simplified method for cryopreservation at -80 degrees C of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) has been increasingly used for autologous PBSC transplantation in Japan. Although this method, using 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotectant without rate-controlled freezing, has several advantages over the conventional method using 10% DMSO with rate-controlled freezing, little is known about effects of long-term cryopreservation for years and thawing process on hematopoietic progenitors. We examined the recovery rates of BFU-E and CFU-GM in sample tubes cryopreserved by the simplified method under various conditions as follows: (1) long-term storage for 1-5 years; (2) DMSO exposure for 1 h after rapid thawing; and (3) thawing at a lower temperature other than 37 degrees C. In our study, we found that the recovery rates of BFU-E and CFU-GM were not affected by the length of cryopreservation period; they remained at more than 70% on average for 16-61 months. In our hands, a 1-h exposure to DMSO after rapid thawing was not toxic for hematopoietic progenitors. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the recovery rates of BFU-E and CFU-GM between thawing at 37 degrees C and 20 degrees C. These observations indicate that PBSC cryopreserved for at least 5 years by the simplified method can be used clinically without losing hematopoietic activity, and suggest that hematopoietic activity of the thawed PBSC may be unaffected when PBSC are infused slowly within 60 min or even when PBSC are thawed gradually at room temperature.

Blood Preservation↗

Second allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for post-transplant leukemia relapse: results of a survey of 66 cases in 24 Japanese institutes.

To assess the consequence of second BMT (BMT2) for leukemia relapse after allogeneic BMT, we analyzed the clinical course of 66 recipients who were treated by BMT2 in Japan. Diagnoses included 29 ANLL, 27 ALL, six CML and four MDS. Durations between the first BMT (BMT1) to relapse and BMT1 to BMT2 were 13.5 +/- 13.7 months and 17.4 +/- 13.9 months, respectively. Donors for BMT2 were replaced in 11 cases. Thirty-one patients were in CR (or CP) at BMT2. Earlier deaths were observed in those who received BMT2 within 12 months after BMT1, mostly caused by regimen-related toxicity and infections. Overall leukemia-free survival rate was 28% at 2 years and 16% at 4 years. Factors influencing the poor prognosis after BMT2 were early (<6 months) relapse, early (<12 months) BMT2, not in remission at BMT2, and ALL. Intensified conditioning did not affect either remission duration or LFS. Among the 39 cases observed for more than 100 days, 18 developed chronic GVHD (cGVHD) and showed longer remission duration than those without cGVHD. Our analysis indicates that BMT2 as treatment for leukemia relapse is effective in selected cases, and exploration of pre-BMT treatment and post-BMT immunotherapy is warranted.

Adolescent↗

Effect of sublethal total body irradiation on acute graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-leukemia effect in SCID mice.

SCID mice were transplanted with H-2-incompatible C3H/He splenocytes with or without previous TBI with 2Gy to evaluate the influence of sublethal TBI on GVHD and on the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Transplantation immediately after TBI induced lethal GVHD, but delayed donor leukocyte infusion (DLI) 5 days after TBI reduced the severity of the GVHD. SCID mice inoculated with L1210 cells after TBI received a DLI 5 days after TBI to induce the GVL effect. Survival of these mice was longer than that of control nonirradiated mice. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-1alpha, IL-6, IL-2 and IFN-gamma were significantly elevated, and they reached maximum levels at 5 days post-transplantation. Except for IFN-gamma, all cytokine levels were higher in irradiated mice than those in nonconditioned mice. Cytotoxicity against L1210 cells mediated by splenocytes from irradiated recipients was greater than that mediated by effector cells from nonirradiated mice. All the irradiated mice survived more than 120 days after L1210 rechallenge, while all nonirradiated mice died of leukemia within 5 weeks. In conclusion, compared with control mice infused with donor splenocytes without previous TBI, SCID mice which received sublethal TBI and DLI showed superior cytotoxicity against L1210 cells and survived longer without severe GVHD.

Acute Disease↗

Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for acute myelogenous leukemia.

The safety and efficacy of myeloablative therapy followed by autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ABSCT) for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) were evaluated in 60 patients. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) were collected during recovery after consolidation chemotherapy. High-dose chemotherapy consisting of busulfan (16 mg/kg), etoposide (40 mg/kg), and cytosine arabinoside (3 g/m2 x 4) (BEA regimen) was used for pretransplant conditioning in 13 patients. For the remaining 47 patients, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered concurrently with the BEA regimen during conditioning. Unpurged, cryopreserved PBSC containing a median number of 5.4 x 10(8) MNC/kg or 12 x 10(4) CFU-GM/kg were reinfused at transplantation. The median number of days to granulocytes exceeding 500/microl and last platelet transfusion were 15 (8-44) and 24 (0->180), respectively. The 3-year probabilities of disease-free survival (DFS) and relapse were 78.6 and 21.4% for patients transplanted in first remission, 29.6 and 64.4% for those in second or third remission, and 11.1 and 77.8% for those in relapse, respectively. There were no transplant-related deaths within 100 days of transplantation. Age, disease status at transplantation, and number of induction chemotherapies to first complete remission were risk factors affecting the outcome of ABSCT. These results of ABSCT for AML in first remission warrant a prospective study of ABSCT as post-remission therapy.

Acute Disease↗

Clonal evolution to acute myeloblastic leukemia with MLL gene rearrangement from trisomy 8 clone.

A 20-year-old Japanese man was referred because of severe pancytopenia with 14% of abnormal blasts in hypocellular bone marrow. After treatment by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and transfusions of red blood cells, spontaneous remission was subsequently achieved. After 3 months' remission, however, the patient developed AML characterized by the abnormal karyotype: 46XY,+8,t(9;11)(p22;q23). FISH study revealed the presence of trisomy 8 clone also in the hypoplastic state. While MLL-AF9 chimeric mRNA was observed in leukemic cells, it was not detectable in bone marrow cells from the hypoplastic state by RT-PCR. This is the first report of a trisomy 8 clone which evolved into one with a MLL gene rearrangement.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 21↗

Two acute monocytic leukemia (AML-M5a) cell lines (MOLM-13 and MOLM-14) with interclonal phenotypic heterogeneity showing MLL-AF9 fusion resulting from an occult chromosome insertion, ins(11;9)(q23;p22p23).

We describe two new human leukemia cell lines, MOLM-13 and MOLM-14, established from the peripheral blood of a patient at relapse of acute monocytic leukemia, FAB M5a, which had evolved from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Both cell lines express monocyte-specific esterase (MSE) and MLL-AF9 fusion mRNA. Gene fusion is associated with a minute chromosomal insertion, ins(11;9)(q23;p22p23). MOLM-13 and MOLM-14 are the first cell lines with, and represent the third reported case of, MLL gene rearrangement arising via chromosomal insertion. Both cell lines carry trisomy 8 which was also present during the MDS phase, as well as the most frequent trisomies associated with t(9;11), ie, +6, +13, +19 variously present in different subclones. Despite having these features in common, differences in antigen expression were noted between the two cell lines: that of MOLM-13 being CD34+, CD13-, CD14-, CD15+, CD33+; whereas MOLM-14 was CD4+, CD13+, CD14+, CD15+, CD33+. Differentiation to macrophage-like morphology could be induced in both cell lines after stimulation with INF-gamma alone, or in combination with TNF-alpha, which treatment also induced or upregulated, expression of certain myelomonocyte-associated antigens, including CD13, CD14, CD15, CD64, CD65 and CD87. Together, these data confirm that both cell lines are likely to be novel in vitro models for studying monocytic differentiation and leukemogenesis.

Adult↗

Common clonal origin of lymphocytes and plasma cells in splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes.

In two-thirds of patients with splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes (SLVL) a small amount of M-protein can be detected in association with the presence of plasma cells in the peripheral blood (PB) and/or bone marrow (BM). However, it is not known whether lymphoma cells and plasma cells originate from the same clone. In this report we describe a case of SLVL which was characterized by the presence of marked monoclonal gammopathy (IgG-kappa 90 g/l) and increased plasma cells in the BM. In an attempt to elucidate the origin of lymphoma cells and plasma cells, we performed morphological, cytogenetic and molecular studies on PB mononuclear cells (PBMNC) without plasma cells and BMMNC containing 10% plasma cells from this patient. Immunofluorescence showed that lymphoma cells and plasma cells were positive for cytoplasmic gamma heavy and kappa light chains. Well-developed endoplasmic reticulum was observed in the cytoplasmic organelles of PBMNC using an electron microscope. The mean IgG concentration in the 3 d supernatant cultures of PBMNC was 374 +/- 24 microg/l. More than 50% PBMNC differentiated into plasmacytoid cells in 6 d of liquid culture with IL-3 and IL-6. Analysis by two-colour FISH revealed that karyotypic abnormalities of monosomy X and trisomy 17 existed simultaneously in both lymphoma cells and plasma cells. JH gene rearranged bands from PBMNC and BMMNC by Southern blot hybridization were identical, whereas DNAs from PBMNC failed to hybridize with the Cmu probe. These observations strongly suggest that lymphoma cells and plasma cells originate from the same clone, and that plasma cells, as well as lymphoma cells, which have undergone class switch recombination, could produce IgG type M-protein in this case.

Aged↗

Re-induction of complete remission with a new synthetic retinoid, Am-80, for relapse of acute promyelocytic leukaemia previously treated with all-trans retinoic acid.

Two patients with relapsed acute promyelocytic leukaemia previously treated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), were treated with a new synthetic retinoid, Am-80. In both patients pancytopenia gradually resolved without an increase in leukaemic cells, and differentiation of leukaemic cells was observed morphologically in bone marrow. Without the use of anti-leukaemic agents, both cases achieved complete remission (CR) on days 52 and 38 of treatment, respectively. On the day of CR, PML gene rearrangement and the t(15;17) translocation disappeared, though PML-RAR alpha chimaeric messenger RNA was still detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Both patients then received conventional chemotherapy for consolidation of CR. These clinical experiences suggest that Am-80 may be an active agent for APL patients who have relapsed from ATRA-induced remission.

Adult↗

Angina pectoris occurring during granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-combined preparatory regimen for autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in a patient with acute myelogenous leukaemia.

We describe a patient with acute myelogenous leukaemia who developed angina pectoris during pretransplant conditioning for autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT); the conditioning regimen consisted of cytotoxic drugs in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Neutrophilia and hypercoagulability were observed at the time of angina pectoris. Recurrence of angina pectoris was not seen after nitrate and aspirin therapy. Exercise stress testing performed after PBSCT suggested the presence of myocardial ischaemia. Therefore cases at risk of vascular events should be carefully managed with prophylactic treatment during G-CSF administration.

Angina Pectoris↗

Elevated plasma levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

The study was undertaken to measure plasma interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist and IL-10 concentrations in patients with acute myocardial infarction and to analyze their relationship to the hemodynamics, severity, and prognosis of myocardial infarction in its acute stages. We attempted to define the kinetics of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 in patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 34, age 42-91 years, mean 68 years). Plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients in group A (n = 17) had uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction (Killip class I). Patients in group B (n = 17) had severe acute myocardial infarction (Killip class II, III, or IV). Peak Il-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels in group B were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of group A. In group B, the peak IL-1 receptor antagonist levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell counts (r = 0.63, p = 0.006), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.78, p = 0.0002), and cardiac index (r = -0.51, p = 0.04). Peak IL-10 levels were significantly correlated with white blood cell counts (r = 0.60, p = 0.01), the pulmonary wedge pressure (r = 0.73, p = 0.0008), and cardiac index (r = -0.50, p = 0.04). Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the peak IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001). The peak IL-1 receptor antagonist levels in nonsurvivors (n = 13) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those in survivors (n = 21). The plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 levels were closely correlated with the severity of hemodynamics in acute myocardial infarction and with the clinical status of patients with severe acute myocardial infarction. Results suggest that plasma IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-10 can serve as prognostic indicators in cases of sever acute myocardial infarction.

Adult↗

Platelet function is inhibited by nitric oxide liberation during nitroglycerin-induced hypotension anaesthesia.

The inhibitory effects of nitroglycerin (NTG) on platelet function and the mechanisms of inhibition have been studied in vitro, but not in vivo. Therefore, we have investigated the effects of NTG on platelet function in eight patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Simultaneous measurements of platelet aggregation and change in intracellular calcium concentrations were performed in Fura-2 loaded platelets using thrombin as a stimulator. Intraplatelet concentrations of cyclic 3',5'-guanine monophosphate (cGMP) were measured by radioimmunoassay, and the concentration of nitrite ion was also measured. Continuous i.v. infusion of NTG 4-8 micrograms kg-1 min-1 significantly inhibited platelet aggregation and the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration (first phase, mean 439.9 (SEM 68.7) vs 210.6 (38.7) nmol litre-1; second phase, 154.4 (19.8) vs 106.7 (18.0) nmol litre-1). The concentration of cGMP (from 0.633 (0.098) to 1.764 (0.578) pmol/10(9) platelets) and the concentration of nitrite ion (from 532.6 (17.6) to 724.4 (34.8) nmol litre-1) also increased significantly after infusion of NTG. The NTG concentration in plasma was of the order of 10(-8) mol litre-1. We have demonstrated that in vivo, NTG increased intraplatelet cGMP concentrations and inhibited platelet function; one mechanisms of this effect is likely to be related to nitric oxide liberation from NTG bioconversion.

Adult↗

Clonality in nevocellular nevus and melanoma: an expression-based clonality analysis at the X-linked genes by polymerase chain reaction.

The true nature of nevocellular nevus is still unknown and it has been ambiguously classified as a neoplasm or a hamartoma. We studied the clonality of nevocellular nevus and melanoma (malignant melanoma), using an expression-based clonality analysis at the X-linked genes by means of polymerase chain reaction. DNA was extracted from cryostat sections of 20 nevocellular nevi (10 compound and 10 intradermal type) and five melanomas from female patients. A polymorphic portion of the inactivated X-linked gene was amplified after selective digestion of the active X-chromosome with a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme, Hpa II. Paternal- and maternal-derived fragments were resolved with electrophoresis using the polymorphic restriction endonuclease (BstX I) site for the phosphoglycerate kinase assay, and using the difference of CAG repeats for the human androgen-receptor gene assay. Both assays revealed that all informative nevocellular nevi were polyclonal in origin and all melanomas were monoclonal. Results of the clonality were independent of either the histologic type of nevocellular nevus or whether the nevocellular nevus was of congenital or acquired origin. Thus, nevocellular nevus, congenital or acquired, may be a hamartomatous rather than a neoplastic lesion. The analysis of clonality could be applied to the differential diagnosis of benign melanocytic disease and melanomas.

Adolescent↗

Bafilomycin A1, a specific inhibitor of V-type H+-ATPases, inhibits the acidification of endocytic structures and inhibits horseradish peroxidase uptake in isolated rat sinusoidal endothelial cells.

The role of vacuolar type H+-ATPases (v-ATPases) and pH gradient between the endocytic compartments and cytoplasm in the endocytosis of horseradish peroxidase, a mannose-terminated glycoprotein, was investigated morphologically in isolated rat sinusoidal endothelial cells. Toward this purpose, a specific inhibitor of v-ATPases, bafilomycin A1, was used to inhibit v-ATPases in the vacuolar system. Uptake of horseradish peroxidase was examined by electron microscopy. Fluorescent staining by acridine orange showed that bafilomycin A1 inhibited the acidification of the endocytic compartments. Horseradish peroxidase was taken up via mannose receptors and was distributed in the endocytic structures in the isolated sinusoidal endothelial cells. Uptake of horseradish peroxidase was significantly inhibited by bafilomycin A1, and this finding was confirmed by morphometrical analysis. These results suggest that: a) v-ATPases are necessary for acidification of the endocytic compartments in the sinusoidal endothelial cells and b) the pH gradient between the endocytic compartments and the cytoplasm that is generated by v-ATPases is necessary for the receptor-mediated endocytosis of a mannose-terminated glycoprotein, horseradish peroxidase.

Acridine Orange↗

Apoptosis in human endometrial and endometriotic tissues.

Apoptosis has recently been proposed to represent programmed cell death. Several investigations have revealed that uterine endometrium in mammals can be regulated by apoptosis. However, apoptosis may be less likely to occur in human eutopic endometrium. On the other hand, immunoreactivity of Bcl-2 that may serve a regulatory function in protecting from undergoing apoptosis was observed in uterine endometrial glandular cells in the proliferative phase through to the early secretory phase. In endometriotic tissues, although apoptosis was detected in all the samples from ovarian endometriosis, it was indicated in only a few tissues from adenomyosis. Bcl-2 was negative in almost all samples from ovarian endometriosis, whereas it was positive in all adenomyotic tissues from cases in the proliferative phase, but in none of tissues from cases in the secretory phase. Thus, ovarian endometriosis can be discriminated from adenomyosis based on the existence of apoptosis though both represent a type of ectopic endometrial tissue, and the pathogenesis or condition of the cells may be different between ovarian endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Apoptosis↗