Accuracy of fetal gender determination by analysis of DNA in maternal plasma.
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DNA↗
Biomedical subjects
M Jimbo
Publications and source records attributed to M Jimbo.
Cell-free fetal DNA is increased in plasma of women with hyperemesis gravidarum.
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Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human↗
Cloning of the Microcystis aeruginosa M228 lectin (MAL) gene.
We have cloned and characterized the gene encoding Microcystis aeruginosa (strain M228) lectin (MAL). The gene contains 1551 nucleotides and an open reading frame for a protein of 517 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 55,159 Da. The carboxy-terminal region of MAL has three tandemly repeated homologous domains composed of 61 amino acids. These regions show similarity to the corresponding regions of the alpha-amylase of Clostridium beijerinckii (23% identity). The mal gene lies adjacent to an ORF that display homology to cytochrome P-450 and polyketide synthase. Southern hybridization showed that the genomic DNA of the strain M228 contained, in addition to MAL gene (mal), at least two other mal like gene.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The D-galactose-binding lectin of the octocoral Sinularia lochmodes: characterization and possible relationship to the symbiotic dinoflagellates.
A D-galactose binding lectin (SLL-2) was isolated from Sinularia lochmodes, an octocoral, by a combination of affinity chromatography on acid-treated agarose and FPLC on Superdex 200. SLL-2 agglutinated rabbit and horse erythrocytes while SLL-1, a minor component, reacted only with rabbit erythrocytes. SLL-2 is a glycoprotein with a molecular mass of 122 kDa and is composed of eight identical subunits (15 kDa). The sequence of the amino terminal region of SLL-2 did not show any apparent homology to the sequences of other animal and plant lectins. D-Galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, lactose, and melibiose were moderate inhibitors to the agglutination of rabbit erythrocytes. In contrast, horse erythrocytes were much more susceptible to agglutination by SLL-2, which was inhibited by sugars and glycoproteins such as D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, lactose, melibiose, and porcine stomach mucin. SLL-2 showed considerable tolerance to heating and kept its activity after heating at 80 degrees C for 60 min. In immuno-histochemical studies using an anti-SLL-2 antiserum and protein A gold conjugate, SLL-2 was found to be present in high amounts in the nematocysts. SLL-2 was also detected on the surface of symbiotic dinoflagellate, Symbiodinium sp. cells irrespective whether they were surrounded with or without host cells. These observations suggest the presence of lectin-mediated interaction between symbiotic dinoflagellates and S. lochmodes.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Development of a new inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase.
Analogs of the potent inhibitor of glucosylceramide (GlcCer) synthase, D-threo-1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-pyrrolidino-1-propanol (P4), based on substitutions in the palmitoyl group were made by means of a stereo-selective synthetic method in order to elucidate the role of the hydrophobic portion in both the inhibitory action toward the enzyme and the biological effects. While P4 strongly inhibited GlcCer synthase with an IC(50) of 0.5 microM in vitro, it also inhibited cell growth by 50% at the concentration of 7 microM. The shorter N-acyl chain analogs including decanoyl, octanoyl, and hexanoyl groups showed similar IC(50) values for GlcCer synthase (around 2 microM) but the hexanoyl analog exhibited only a slight inhibitory effect on cell growth, showing the dissociation between GlcCer depletion and cell growth. Several compounds which exhibit similar hydrophobicity to the hexanoyl analog of P4 were subsequently designed. We found that D-threo-1-phenyl-2-benzyloxycarbonylamino-3-pyrrolidino-1-pr opanol (PBPP) was a most potent inhibitor, showing an IC50 of 0.3 microM. In cultured cells, PBPP was able to deplete glycosphingolipids without affecting cell growth or the ceramide level.
Animals↗
Isolation and characterization of a mannan-binding lectin from the freshwater cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) Microcystis viridis.
Microcystis viridis NIES-102 strain, a unicellular freshwater bloom-forming cyanobacterium, showed transient hemagglutinating activity in laboratory culture during stationary phase under nonaeration conditions. However, the hemagglutinating activity which was inhibited with yeast mannan could not be observed during culture with aeration. A mannan-binding lectin named MVL was isolated with the assay of the hemagglutinating activity against rabbit erythrocytes from the cyanobacterium by successive hydrophobic and gel filtration chromatography. MVL was composed of a single polypeptide of 13 kDa. The gene (mvl) for MVL was cloned from a genomic DNA of NIES-102 strain as a template, and its sequence was determined. The deduced amino acid sequence showed that MVL consisted of 113 amino acid residues and was composed of two tandemly repeated homologous domains of 54 amino acid residues. MVL showed no sequence homology to any other lectins or proteins.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
A synthetic ceramide analog (L-PDMP) up-regulates neuronal function.
To address the role of brain gangliosides in synaptic activity, the ceramide analogs, D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP) and its enantiomer, L-PDMP, were used to inhibit and stimulate ganglioside biosynthesis in cultured cortical neurons. Prolonged treatment with both PDMP isomers exhibited opposite effects on functional synapse formation measured by spontaneous synchronized oscillatory activity of intracellular Ca2+ between the neurons: suppression by D-PDMP and facilitation by L-PDMP. Up-regulation of synaptic activity by L-PDMP could be correlated with the slow but robust activation of p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Treatment with L-PDMP after transient forebrain ischemia in rats ameliorated the deficit of a well-learned spatial memory by an 8-arm maze task, suggesting a new potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative disorders.
Animals↗
Radiation-related adverse effects observed on neuro-imaging several years after radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations.
BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, there are no reported arteriovenous malformation (AVM) series in which detailed long-term follow-up results after radiosurgery were described based on the whole patient group. METHOD: We performed a detailed long-term follow-up study of 53 patients with cerebral AVMs treated with gamma knife (GK) radiosurgery, with emphasis on radiation-related adverse effects detected on neuro-imaging after a long post-irradiation latency period (3-10 years). The post-GK follow-up period was 40-232 months excluding two mortalities, the mean being 112 and the median being 111 months. RESULTS: Three patients (5.6%) have, as yet, refused all neuro-imaging follow-up studies. Complete nidus obliteration was confirmed angiographically in 32 patients (60.4%) between 1 and 5 post-GK years. In the other 18 patients (34%), despite significant nidus shrinkage being angiographically demonstrated, complete obliteration was not achieved during a 2-7 year follow-up period. There were two mortalities, one AVM-related (massive re-bleeding during the latency period) and the other angiography-related. There were five radiation-related morbidities (9.4%), three of which-hemi-Parkinson syndrome, hemiparesis, and visual field disturbances attributable to delayed cyst formation-manifested at 5.5, 7 and 7 post-GK years, respectively. We also experienced five patients (9.4%) in whom, despite remaining asymptomatic to date, radiation-related adverse effects were seen on neuro-imaging: middle cerebral artery stenosis at 3 post-GK years in one patient; dural arteriovenous fistula at 7 post GK-years in one; delayed cyst formation in two, at 5 and 10 post-GK years; and a small cavitation at 9 post-GK years. CONCLUSION: Long-term follow-up, particularly with neuro-imaging modalities, is essential even after the "treatment goal" has been attained.
Adolescent↗
Purification and characterization of Microcystis aeruginosa (freshwater cyanobacterium) lectin.
Microcystis aeruginosa, strain M228, a laboratory culture of freshwater cyanobacterium, showed hemagglutinating activity against rabbit, horse and human ABO erthrocytes. Crossed absorption tests revealed the presence of a single type of lectin in the extract of M228 strain cells. The lectin, termed MAL, was purified in combination with the affinity chromatography on acid-treated agarose gel and the gel permeation chromatography in an electrophoretically pure form. MAL was a glycoprotein containing 7.8% neutral sugars and was composed of a single polypeptide having a molecular weight of 57 kDa. Isoelectric point was estimated to be pH 6.4. Hemagglutinating activity of the lectin was inhibited effectively by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and by glycoproteins. D-galactose and lactose also showed moderate inhibitory activity. The destruction of the hemagglutinating activity by a 2-mercaptoethanol treatment suggests the presence of intra-chain disulfide bond(s) essential for the activity in the molecule. The sequence of the amino-terminal region of MAL was determined as Val-Leu-Ala-Ser-Leu-Val-Ser-Thr-Ser-Gln-Ala-Gly-Ser-Leu-Glu-Leu-Leu- Ala [corrected].
ABO Blood-Group System↗
Synthesis and evaluation of morpholino- and pyrrolidinosphingolipids as inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase.
This paper describes the new synthesis and evaluation of some morpholino- and pyrrolidinosphingolipids and mimics as inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase. It was found that the pyrrolidino derivatives are generally more active than the morpholino derivatives and the best one was shown to be a nanomolar inhibitor.
Drug Evaluation↗
Chemical modification of beta-glucocerebrosidase inhibitor N-octyl-beta-valienamine: synthesis and biological evaluation of N-alkanoyl and N-alkyl derivatives.
Several N-alkanoyl 4a-d and N-alkyl derivatives 5a-g of the potent beta-glucocerebrosidase inhibitor N-octyl beta-valienamine (3) were synthesized in order to elucidate a role of hydrophobic portion in the inhibitory action. Although the former lacked inhibitory potency, the latter were strong beta-glucocerebrosidase inhibitors (cf. N-decyl-N-octyl-beta-valienamine 5d: Ki 6.6 x 10(-8) M). Furthermore, when being prescribed into mouse-derived B16 melanoma cells, N-butyl-N-octyl-beta-valienamine 5a and 5d were shown to change the amount of GlcCer and GM3, which suggests that they are possibly introduced into cells and influence glycolipids biosynthesis.
Animals↗
Conservative management of acoustic neurinomas: prospective study of long-term changes in tumor volume and auditory function.
Recently reported retrospective analysis on the natural courses of acoustic neurinomas have disclosed that 26-86% of tumors show very slow, or no, growth for many years. To our knowledge, however, there have been no prospective analyses of the natural course of these tumors. We prospectively analyzed tumor growth as well as auditory function changes in 12 patients (13 tumors) managed conservatively. All 12 patients were advised to undergo both pure tone audiometry and magnetic resonance imaging at 3-4 month intervals for the first follow-up year and at 1-2 year intervals thereafter. Then, in the event of either significant tumor growth (> 20% volume increase) or hearing deterioration (> 10 dB), a decision would be made as to whether the patient should undergo either surgery or radiosurgery. A significant increase in tumor volume was confirmed in seven of the 13 tumors during the mean observation period of 564 days (88-1269 days). In another patient, though neither tumor growth nor worsening of auditory acuity was significant, the patient complained of subjective change in the symptoms. Therefore, we decided to treat eight (62%) of the 13 tumors. In contrast, neither tumor growth nor worsening of auditory acuity has as yet occurred in the remaining five tumors (38%) which have been observed for a mean period of 627 days (342-1377 days). Careful follow-up of these five patients is ongoing. Although further long-term follow-up is clearly necessary, conservative treatment appears to be a reasonable alternative to immediate treatment for selected patients with acoustic neurinomas.
Adult↗
Inhibitory effects of catecholamines and maternal stress on aromatase activity in the fetal rat brain.
OBJECTIVE: Aromatization in the the fetal brain is thought to be involved both in sex differentiation during early development and in adult sexual behavior. Although recently the relationship between aromatase and catecholamine has been discussed, the effect of stress on aromatase in the fetal brain has not been clarified. Therefore, in the present study, localization of aromatase and the inhibitory effects of catecholamines and maternal stress on aromatase activity in the fetal rat brain were examined. METHODS: Localization of aromatase cytochrome P-450 using a specific polyclonal antiserum against human placenta aromatase was examined, and the inhibitory effects of dopamine and norepinephrine on aromatase activity in vitro were studied. Further, the influences of intrauterine stress on aromatase activity in the prenatal rat brain were evaluated in vivo. RESULTS: Aromatase-immunoreactive neurons are located principally in the medial amygdaloid nucleus. Aromatase activity in the fetal rat brain was competitively inhibited by dopamine and norepinephrine, with Ki values of 120 microM and 100 microM, respectively. Aromatase activity in the fetal brain was significantly lower in stressed rats given 1.5% salt water (89.2 +/- 17.5 fmol/mg/hr; n = 4) (p < 0.05) than in the control group (123.1 +/- 10.0 fmol/mg/hr; n = 4). CONCLUSION: Aromatase activity in the prenatal rat brain is influenced by catecholamine metabolism during intrauterine stress.
Amygdala↗
Late cyst convolution after gamma knife radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations.
Although many series of patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) treated radiosurgically have been published, there has been little information on cysts appearing several years after irradiation. Herein, we discuss the incidence, mechanisms and predictability of late cyst formation based on our personal experiences, as well as reported patients. The incidence of this complication, though generally considered to be 0.5% or less, may be higher than assumed. Although a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier is likely to play a major role in the formation process, the hematoma cavity itself may have the potential to become a cyst. A radiation-induced lesion appearing several years after irradiation and persisting for several years thereafter may be a warning sign of late cyst formation. Long-term follow-up, particularly using neuroimaging techniques, is necessary even after the 'treatment goal' has been achieved.
Brain Diseases↗
Up-regulation of ganglioside biosynthesis, functional synapse formation, and memory retention by a synthetic ceramide analog (L-PDMP).
To address the role of brain gangliosides in synaptic activity, the ceramide analogs, D-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP) and its enantiomer, L-PDMP, were used to inhibit and stimulate ganglioside biosynthesis in cultured cortical neurons. Prolonged treatment with both PDMP isomers exhibited opposite effects on functional synapse formation measured by spontaneous synchronized oscillatory activity of intracellular Ca2+ between the neurons: suppression by D-PDMP and facilitation by L-PDMP. Up-regulation of synaptic activity by L-PDMP could be correlated with the slow but robust stimulation of ganglioside biosynthesis through activating GM3, GD3 and GQ1b synthases. In a similar time course, the activity of p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase was also enhanced by L-PDMP. To evaluate the efficacy of this drug in long-term memory, rats were trained for 2 weeks using an 8-arm radial maze task, and then forebrain ischemia was induced by 4-vessel occlusion. Treatment with L-PDMP starting 24 hours after the transient ischemia ameliorated the deficit of a well-learned spatial memory, demonstrating the potential therapeutic intervention of the ceramide analog for neurodegenerative disorders.
Animals↗
Spontaneous regression of primary intracranial germinoma. A case report.
BACKGROUND: Testicular seminomas are well known to regress spontaneously at a higher incidence than other tumors. To date, there have been no reports of spontaneous regression of an intracranial germinoma, although these tumors are histologically identical to testicular seminomas. METHODS: The authors present a patient with a primary intracranial germinoma that regressed spontaneously. RESULTS: A 21-year-old man was admitted to the study facility with acute onset of headache and vomiting. He had a 3-year history of polydipsia and polyuria. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a large tumor in the third ventricle, accompanied by hydrocephalus. He underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement on the second day of hospitalization. A CT scan obtained on the fifth postoperative day demonstrated a remarkable decrease in tumor size. Because serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a gradual decrease in tumor size, tumor resection was not performed at that time. The patient was discharged and followed with MRI. The tumor continued to regress for more than 2 months. The patient was readmitted due to tumor regrowth, confirmed by MRI 4 months after the initial admission, despite the absence of symptom exacerbation. Two weeks later, the suprasellar portion of the tumor was resected through a right frontotemporal craniotomy. The histopathologic diagnosis was a germinoma. No concurrent tumors were found on whole body examination. The residual tumor gradually regressed after conventional radiation therapy and there has been neither tumor recurrence nor metastasis to date. CONCLUSIONS: Although the precise cause of the transient partial regression is unknown, this case indicates that, like their testicular counterparts, intracranial germinomas may on occasion spontaneously regress.
Adult↗
Middle cerebral artery stenosis caused by relatively low-dose irradiation with stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations: case report.
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: There have been occasional reports of stenosis or occlusion of major cerebral arteries occurring several years after stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations. Nevertheless, little information is available regarding the actual irradiation dose to which the affected artery had been exposed. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a patient with arteriovenous malformations who, although asymptomatic, developed remarkable stenosis of the middle cerebral artery trunk (M1) 3 years after gamma knife radiosurgery. The nidus was covered with a 50% isodose volume. A central dose of 36 Gy was used. A gradual decrease in nidus volume had been suggested by 1- and 2-year postradiosurgical neuroimaging examinations. Three-year postradiosurgical angiography revealed severe segmental stenosis of the M1, as well as remarkable nidus shrinkage. INTERVENTION: The actual irradiation dose delivered to the affected portion of the artery, as retrospectively determined using a highly accurate three-dimensional analysis technique, was estimated to be 5.1 to 9.8 Gy. CONCLUSION: This case suggests that a normal major artery, if located close to the target volume, may be affected by low-dose irradiation (10 Gy or even slightly less) delivered with radiosurgery, although a decrease in blood flow through the M1 because of nidus shrinkage or associated stenosis of the distal middle cerebral artery, as well as other unknown factors, may also contribute to proximal M1 stenosis.
Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
A diffuse white matter ischemic lesion appearing 7 years after stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral arteriovenous malformations: case report.
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Little information is available about radiation-induced complications occurring more than 5 years after radiosurgical treatment for arteriovenous malformations. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a patient with arteriovenous malformations who experienced hemimotor weakness caused by a diffuse white matter necrotic lesion developing 7 years after gamma knife radiosurgery. The original nidus had been too large (24.1 cm3) to be totally covered and irradiated with a peripheral dose of 20 to 25 Gy. Therefore, the lower half of the nidus, which was adjacent to the major feeding artery, had been partially covered with a 30% isodose volume using two target points with an 18-mm collimator. A central dose of 70 Gy was used to obtain 21 Gy at the periphery. Complete nidus obliteration was angiographically confirmed 38 months after radiosurgery. After a 6-year uncomplicated period, this patient experienced a convulsive seizure and then mild right hemiparesis. INTERVENTION: Computed tomography demonstrated a diffuse hypodense area in the left white matter, which had not been revealed by the previous examination. With steroid treatment, this patient achieved clinical improvement, although there was no significant improvement in the computed tomography-demonstrated white matter lesion. CONCLUSION: Although the evaluation of this patient may not be sufficient and further examinations may be necessary, we tentatively conclude that the computed tomography-demonstrated hypodense lesion in this patient is a radiation-related necrotic lesion. Long-term follow-up is crucial, even after the "treatment goal" has been achieved.
Adult↗