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Biomedical subjects

M Kodama

Publications and source records attributed to M Kodama.

At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources

The prevalence of human T-cell leukemia virus type I infection in patients with hematologic and nonhematologic diseases in an adult T-cell leukemia-endemic area of Japan.

In order to clarify the prevalence of human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) infection in the Kagoshima district, Japan, a highly endemic area for HTLV-I, antibodies for HTLV-I (anti-HTLV-I) were examined in the sera of 6167 from healthy residents and patients with various hematologic and nonhematologic diseases. In healthy residents, including blood donors, the prevalence of anti-HTLV-I was 11.9% (562/4741 persons). The prevalence increased with age, and was significantly higher in in females than in males (P less than 0.01). The prevalence of anti-HTLV-I in blood donors was 8.5%. In In hematologic diseases, the prevalence of anti-HTLV-I was 98.3% in ATL, 28.9% in lymphoproliferative disorders except ATL, and 10.6% in myeloproliferative disorders. In nonhematologic diseases, the prevalence of anti-HTLV-I was shown to be 29.5% in pulmonary tuberculosis, 25.8% in leprosy, 33.8% in chronic renal failure (CRF), 21.9% in autoimmune diseases, and 47.8% in strongyloidiasis. The various diseases except myeloproliferative disorders had significantly higher prevalence of anti-HTLV-I than healthy residents (P less than 0.01 or 0.05). For autoimmune diseases, the prevalence of anti-HTLV-I in patients with blood transfusion (55.6%) was higher than in those without blood transfusion (8.7%), and healthy residents. In hemodialysis patients with CRF who had received blood transfusions the prevalence of anti-HTLV-I increased with the number of blood transfusions. Therefore, HTLV-I transmission via blood transfusion would partially explain these high prevalence of anti-HTLV-I. However, the prevalence of anti-HTLV-I in hemodialysis patients with CRF was statistically higher than that in healthy residents, regardless of blood transfusion (P less than 0.01). Furthermore, hemodialysis patients showed significantly higher prevalence of anti-HTLV-I than healthy residents, even at a younger age. Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and leprosy showed the same results as hemodialysis patients. These results suggest that possibility that HTLV-I infection has some relation not only to ATL but also to other diseases. Therefore, it seems very important to halt the spread of HTLV-I transmission as soon as possible.

Adolescent↗

[Potent effects of the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin on the cellular immune response in gastrointestinal cancer patients].

An increased level of prostaglandin E2, which is produced in carcinoma tissue, has been suggested to be involved in immunosuppression in cancer patients. This study examines the hypothesis in which the inhibition of prostaglandin production by a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent, indomethacin, could modulate cancer-induced cellular immunosuppression. The experimental results demonstrated (i) a restoration of cellular immune reaction (NK activity of spleen monocytes) followed by tumor regression in subcutaneously transplanted colon adenocarcinoma 26-bearing BALB/c mice, which received 0.002% water solution as drinking water from day 0 or 7 of tumor transplantation, compared with indomethacin-untreated mice, (ii) an improved cellular immune response (PHA-and Con A-augmented lymphocyte blastogenesis, NK activity and LAK activity of peripheral venous blood monocytes) in 19 stomach cancer and 11 colorectal cancer patients before surgery, who received a daily oral dose of 75 mg indomethacin for 7 days, and in 8 colorectal cancer patients after curative surgery, who received a daily oral dose of 600 mg tegafur and 50 mg indomethacin for 1 month or longer, compared to patients without indomethacin treatment. It suggests, therefore, that the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, indomethacin, may restore cellular immunity, and may provide a good therapeutic tool against cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗

Endothelin-induced Ca-independent contraction of the porcine coronary artery.

Front surface fluorometry and porcine coronary arterial strips loaded with fura-2 were used to investigate the effect of endothelin on cytosolic Ca concentrations, [Ca]i, and on contractile force, the objective being to elucidate the mechanism of action. Both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca, endothelin induced rapid and dose-dependent increases in [Ca]i and in contraction. When caffeine-sensitive and histamine-sensitive intracellular Ca stores were depleted, in Ca-free medium, a transient contraction but no increase in [Ca]i followed the subsequent application of endothelin. This Ca-independent component was largely inhibited by the relative protein kinase C inhibitor, H-7, but not inhibited by W-7, calmodulin antagonist. This component is probably linked to activation of protein kinase C.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗

Calorimetric study of the effect of intrachain cross-linking on lysozyme unfolding.

Thermodynamics of unfolding of lysozyme cross-linked between Glu 35 and Trp 108 were studied in solutions of various concentrations of 1-propanol (1-PrOH) at pH 3.7 by means of scanning microcalorimetry. The transition temperature for the cross-linked lysozyme increases by 17-19 degrees C due to cross-linking at every concentration of 1-PrOH. This corresponds to the increase in the unfolding Gibbs free energy of about 28 kJ.mol-1, which is independent of the concentration of 1-PrOH. It was found that the unfolding enthalpy of cross-linked lysozyme is only slightly larger than that of intact one, and the unfolding entropy of the cross-linked one is nearly equal to that of the intact one, if both are compared at the same temperature. The stabilization mechanism for the cross-linked lysozyme is discussed on the basis of these calorimetric data.

1-Propanol↗

Mononeuritis multiplex in incomplete Behçet's disease: a case report and the review of the literature.

A case of Behçet's disease with peripheral nervous system involvement is described. A 58-year-old female with a 16-year history of Behçet's disease was admitted to our hospital because of numbness in multiple areas in both the upper and lower extremities. A biopsy of the sural nerve revealed degeneration of the axons and a capillary lesion. This finding was compatible with mononeuritis multiplex. This case of Behçet's disease with biopsy-proved mononeuritis multiplex is a very rare one.

Behcet Syndrome↗

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy of staghorn calculi.

A total of 260 patients underwent treatment with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). Staghorn calculi were found in 32 cases. In carrying out ESWL for staghorn calculi, double pigtail stent was previously retained in principle. When the ureter was occluded by stone street in case a fever of more than 38 degrees C lasted for 4-5 days after the first treatment with ESWL, percutaneous nephrostomy (PNS) was performed. In ESWL treatment alone a large number of shock waves were required, but double pigtail stent and PNS were used in combination individually, and larger stones were treated by the same waves. When combination therapy was used, hospital stay was short and the rate of remaining stones was low. Our therapeutic conclusions are discussed.

Adult↗

Paralytic shellfish toxins in bivalves which are not associated with dinoflagellates.

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSP toxins) were detected in the freshwater bivalve Corbicula sandai collected from Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, and marine mussel Septifer virgatus from Mutsu Bay where known causative dinoflagellates and their cysts have never been observed. The toxin profile of C. sandai and S. virgatus was considerably different from suspected causative organisms Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Protogonyaulax spp., respectively. The causative organism(s) responsible for PSP toxins in these waters is at present unknown.

Animals↗

Gastrocarcinogen N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine is an antiandrogen.

The present study has investigated comparatively the in vivo effects of physiologic saline drink, N-methylN'-nitro-n-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) drink, saline-MNNG drink and hydrocortisone treatment in terms of 1 functional parameter (daily liquid consumption) and 3 weight parameters (weights of whole body, forestomach and glandular stomach) using Swiss/ICR mice of both sexes. The results obtained are as follows: 1) The sole use of hydrocortisone treatment significantly increased daily water consumption in mice of both sexes. 2) The promoting effect of the hormone on liquid consumption was further accelerated by concomitant use of physiologic saline. There was no sex difference in the extent of drink increase, but the figure of male mice was more variable than that of female mice. 3) The introduction of the 3rd stressor MNNG significantly reduced the salt-hydrocortisone-linked acceleration of liquid consumption. The extent of MNNG suppression was more marked in male mice than in female mice. 4) The responses of the 3 weight parameters to hydrocortisone were found to be tissue- and sex-specific. The dynamic changes of the above 4 parameters under the influence of the 3 stressors are in agreement with the interpretation that androgen plays a positive role in the salt-hydrocortisone-linked acceleration of liquid consumption, and that MNNG reverses the drink increase by inhibiting the binding of androgen with its receptor.

Androgen Antagonists↗

Interaction between N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and 2 steroid hormones in the glandular stomach of mouse. I. Acceleration of hydrocortisone turnover by use of a salt-rich diet and the carcinogen.

The present study has investigated the question of whether or not hydrocortisone as a gene regulator plays a role in the expression of carcinogenic and cocarcinogenic actions of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and NaCl at the gastric epithelium. The interaction of local hydrocortisone, MNNG and NaCl was studied in vitro and in vivo using Swiss/ICR mice of both sexes. MNNG inhibited specific hydrocortisone binding with the cytoplasmic receptor from the glandular stomach of mouse. The intake of both excess NaCl and MNNG induced an increase in hydrocortisone turnover in the glandular stomach of mouse. Likewise, administration of either excess NaCl or MNNG increased the activity of ornithine decarboxylase in the glandular stomach of mouse. Long-term use of a salt-rich diet and MNNG drink induced an irreversible reduction in water consumption without affecting NaCl consumption, a dissociation of the hydrocortisone effect. The aforementioned MNNG effect on water turnover was more marked in female than in male mice. It is suggested that NaCl and MNNG produce a state of corticosteroid stimulation and androgen depression at the glandular stomach epithelium of mouse--a reproduction of the hormonal markers of gastric cancer.

Animals↗

Interaction between N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and 2 steroid hormones in the glandular stomach of mouse. II. Retardation of local dihydrotestosterone turnover by use of a rice-rich diet and the carcinogen.

We investigated the question of whether or not N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG), a gastrocarcinogen with a structural resemblance to the antiandrogenic gastrosuppressant cimetidine, had a similar antiandrogenic activity in the glandular stomach of mouse. Possible influence of a rice-rich diet on the interaction of androgen with the same tissue was also studied in relation to its gastrosuppressive effect. The results obtained were as follows: 1) excess MNNG non-competitively inhibited the specific binding of 3H-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with the cytoplasmic receptor of the glandular stomach of mouse; 2) the MNNG intake slowed down local 3H-DHT turnover in the glandular stomach of mouse; 3) evidence was presented to indicate that MNNG action was antiandrogenic in nature; 4) a rice-rich diet, exerting a weight-decreasing influence on the glandular stomach, also slowed down the 3H-DHT turnover in the same tissue. It was indicated that both MNNG and a rice-rich diet produced a state of androgen depression in the glandular stomach of mouse by slowing down the turnover of local androgen and/or competing with local androgen for its receptor in the target tissue. The significance of the results was discussed in relation to the etiology of gastric cancer.

Animals↗

Magnesium-to-calcium ratio in tap water, and its relationship to geological features and the incidence of calcium-containing urinary stones.

We examined the relationship among magnesium and calcium content in tap water, the geological features and urinary stone incidence in Japan. The magnesium-to-calcium ratio in tap water correlated negatively with the incidence of urolithiasis. There was no correlation between calcium and magnesium concentration in tap water and urinary stone incidence. Geological features in Japan were classified into 5 groups. The magnesium-to-calcium ratio in the basalt areas was higher than in the other areas, while ratio in the granite areas was low. In the sedimentary rock areas calcium and magnesium concentrations were high; the magnesium-to-calcium ratio in these areas was between those of the basalt and granite areas. The limestone areas had a much higher calcium concentration. The incidence of urinary stones in the sedimentary rock and basalt areas was lower than that of the granite areas, while that in the limestone areas was the highest. Thus, the incidence of urinary stone is related to the magnesium-to-calcium ratio in tap water and the geological area.

Calcium↗

Experimental study on the adsorption of excess heparin with anion exchange resin fiber.

Anion exchange resin fiber (Ionex) was used as a heparin adsorbent. Ionex has the adsorption capacity of 70 mg/g (weight by desiccation) for heparin, and was used in an attempt to remove the heparin from blood-perfused artificial organs, before the blood was transfused back into the patients. In the ex vivo study, the 5 systemically heparinized dogs (500 U/kg) were treated with a 35-40 g column of Ionex, by direct hemoperfusion (DHP). The concentration of heparin was significantly reduced, within 15 to 60 minutes, using the Ionex. This suggested the possibility of removing excess heparin from the living body. In in vitro, the relationship between the amount of heparin by Ionex and the blood-flow volume were evaluated. Whole blood taken from dogs was added to 5 U/ml of heparin. This was then introduced into a small column containing 0.9 g Ionex, at blood-flow rates of 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 ml/min. A good adsorption capacity was shown at the blood-flow rate of 0.8 ml/min. One possible explanation for this is that the heparin dispersed in the blood cells gradually was passed on into the plasma and, so, did not have time to be adsorbed at the faster flow rates.

Adsorption↗

Plasma membrane-specific deficiency in cardiac beta-adrenergic receptor in streptozocin-diabetic rats.

Cell surface [3H]CGP 12177 binding sites in 10-wk streptozocin-diabetic rats decreased by 41% (P less than 0.01) compared with that in the control rats. In contrast, there was no difference in the total cell receptor concentration between the control and the diabetic rats, which was measured by hydrophobic antagonist [125I]-iodocyanopindolol binding. Forty-eight-hour in vivo insulin treatment significantly (P less than 0.05) increased cell surface beta-adrenergic receptor concentration by 37% above that in diabetic rats without any change in total receptor concentration in the cells. However in vitro treatment of 8 nM insulin, 33 mM glucose, or 10 mM 3-hydroxybutyrate for 2 h showed no effect on [3H]CGP 12177 binding. In contrast, 10 microM isoproterenol-dependent decrease and the recovery of cell surface receptors after the removal of the agonist were significantly (P less than 0.01) impaired in diabetic rats compared with those of control rats. These results indicate that only cell surface beta-adrenergic receptors decrease in diabetic rats, which may be associated with abnormalities in the receptor distribution. The decrease in cell surface receptor number closely associates with the diabetic state and is reversed by the short-term insulin treatment.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Parathyroid carcinoma in a case of chronic renal failure on dialysis.

The combination of chronic renal failure plus parathyroid adenocarcinoma is very rare. A 53-year-old female had been on hemodialysis for chronic renal failure for 7 years. For 2 years she has had bilateral knee joint pain, hypercalcemia and an increased parathyroid hormone level. Swelling of parathyroid gland was diagnosed and it was excised. Histological examinations of the excised right lower parathyroid gland revealed adenocarcinoma and the left lower gland showed hyperplasia.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Anti-plasmin inhibitor. V. Structures of novel dimeric eckols isolated from the brown alga Ecklonia kurome OKAMURA.

6,6'-Bieckol (1), 2-O-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-6,6'-bieckol (4), and 8,8'-bieckol (2), bispolyphenols with a dibenzo-1,4-dioxin skeleton, have been isolated as potent anti-plasmin inhibitors from the brown alga Ecklonia kurome OKAMURA. Their structures have been determined to be dimers of eckol linked at the C-6 or C-8 positions, through an aryl-aryl bond on the basis of spectral data. Their inhibitory actions on anti-plasmins (alpha 2-macroglobulin and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor) and some proteases have been examined.

Animals↗

Structure of an anti-plasmin inhibitor, eckol, isolated from the brown alga Ecklonia kurome Okamura and inhibitory activities of its derivatives on plasma plasmin inhibitors.

Eckol (1), a novel phlorotannin with a dibenzo-1,4-dioxin skeleton, has been isolated from the brown alga Ecklonia kurome Okamura as a potent and specific anti-plasmin inhibitor. Its structure has been elucidated based on the spectral data, in particular, by means of negative nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE), and finally established as 1-(3,5-dihydroxyphenoxy)-2,4,7,9-tetrahydroxydibenzo-1,4-dio xin by X-ray analysis. Some partially methoxylated derivatives of eckol were prepared by methylation with diazomethane and also by selective dimethylation of eckol permethylate (1b) to establish the structural requirements for inhibitory activities on alpha 2-macroglobulin and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor, the main plasmin inhibitors in plasma.

Chemical Phenomena↗

[The effect of the interval from dinner until retiring on the concentration of lithogenic substances during sleep].

The relationship between the interval from dinner until retiring and the concentration of various substances secreted into the urine during sleep was studied in 69 healthy men who had eaten the same meal. The specific gravity and the concentrations of creatinine, uric acid and magnesium in the morning spot urine were highest in subjects who had retired within 2 hours after dinner. The concentrations of calcium and oxalate in the morning spot urine were highest in those who had retired between 2 and 4 hours. The specific gravity and urinary concentrations of creatinine, uric acid and oxalate were markedly higher in those with the interval less than 4 hours than in those 4 hours or longer. The concentrations of calcium, magnesium and citrate were not significantly different between the two groups. From these results, we recommend that the interval from dinner until retiring be prolonged and fluid be drunk before going to bed to decrease the concentration of lithogenic substances during sleep.

Adult↗