Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

M Nishiwaki

Publications and source records attributed to M Nishiwaki.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Preventive strategy for Candida gut translocation during ischemia-reperfusion injury supervening on protein-calorie malnutrition.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that protein-calorie malnutrition aggravates the gut translocation of Candida albicans triggered by mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in an experimental model while testing a natural product containing the antifungal anethole/polygodial mixture (Kolorex). METHODS: MFI strain white mice (n = 90) were randomly allocated to a 4-week dietary regimen: (1) standard pellet diet containing 25% casein; (2) low-protein (2.5%) casein diet; (3) as group 2 plus oral supplementation with 20 microL of a 5% solution of Kolorex during the last 4 days. Twenty rats from each of these groups (termed 1a, 2a and 3a) were orally inoculated with Candida suspension 6 h prior to mesenteric IR injury. Animals of each group but without Candida inoculation (termed 1b, 2b and 3b) served as control. A colon permeability study was carried out as well. Rats were killed prior to the IR injury and 3 h afterwards. Control rats were killed at the same time. RESULTS: Over 60% of the mesenteric lymph nodes and 30% of kidney samples were positive for C. albicans in the low-protein-fed rats after IR injury. Kolorex significantly decreased that rate of positivity and also significantly reduced the concentration of C. albicans per gram of each positive tissue sample examined. Protein-calorie malnourished animals showed a statistically significant increase in colon permeability and this phenomenon further increased after IR injury. The groups of rats treated with Kolorex compound showed a partial, although significant, improvement of this parameter. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Kolorex might exert a competitive effect against with C. albicans colonization. The present study represents the first experimental in vivo investigation of the anethole/polygodial-containing compound under the specific conditions of calorie-protein malnutrition and the results have potential clinical interest.

Allylbenzene Derivatives↗
PubMed2005

Er81 is expressed in a subpopulation of layer 5 neurons in rodent and primate neocortices.

Laminar organization is a fundamental cytoarchitecture in mammalian CNS and a striking feature of the neocortex. ER81, a transcription factor, has recently been utilized as a marker of cells in the layer 5 of the neocortex. We further pursued the distribution of ER81 to investigate the identity of the ER81-expressing cells in the brain. Er81 transcript was expressed in a subset of pyramidal cells that were scattered throughout the entire width of layer 5. In the rat cortex, Er81 transcripts were first detected in the ventricular zone at E15, remained expressed in putative prospective layer 5 neurons during infant and juvenile stages. The ER81-expressing subpopulation in adult layer 5 neurons did not segregate with the phenotypes of the projection targets. By retrograde labeling combined with immunohistochemistry or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, we found ER81 expression in nearly all of the layer 5 neurons projecting to the spinal cord or to the superior colliculus, while in only one-third of the layer 5 neurons projecting to the contralateral cortex. Er81 was also detected in layer 5 neurons in a P2 Japanese macaque monkey but not in adult monkey cortices. These findings suggest that a neuron class defined by a molecular criterion does not necessarily segregate with that defined by an anatomical criterion, that ER81 is involved in cell differentiation of a subset of layer 5 projection neurons and that this mechanism is conserved among rodents and primates.

Aging↗
PubMed2003

Selective accumulation of ALA-induced PpIX and photodynamic effect in chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma.

The possibility of 5-aminolaevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) for liver cancer was investigated using a chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model. Endogenously synthesised protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) following the administration of ALA is an effective photosensitiser for PDT. We determined the fluorescence intensity of PpIX in HCC and nontumoral tissue in the liver. 5-Aminolaevulinic acid was intravenously injected to male Fisher rats with HCC at a dose of 500 mg x kg(-1), and the fluorescence intensity in each tissue sample excised from liver was measured with a spectrofluorometer at 1, 3 and 6 h after administration. Fluorescence intensity was at a peak of 3 h after administration in both HCC and nontumoral tissue. The accumulation of PpIX in HCC was higher than that in the nontumoral tissue at 1 h (P<0.001) and 3 h (P<0.05) after ALA administration. Based on these results, PDT was performed on HCC at 3 h after 500 mg x kg(-1) ALA administration before laser irradiation of 30 J per tumour. Antitumour effect was more evident in HCC than in the nontumoral tissue surrounding HCC. These findings suggest the possibility to detect HCC by fluorescence and to treat HCC by light.

Alkylating Agents↗
PubMed2000

Somatic embryogenesis induced by the simple application of abscisic acid to carrot (Daucus carota L.) seedlings in culture.

Seedlings of carrot (Daucus carota L. cv. Red Cored Chantenay) formed somatic embryos when cultured on medium containing abscisic acid (ABA) as the sole source of growth regulator. The number of embryos per number of seedlings changed depending on the concentration of ABA added to the medium, with a maximum embryo number at 1 x 10(-4) M ABA. Seedling age was critical for response to exogenous ABA; no seedling with a hypocotyl longer than 3.0 cm was able to form an embryo. Removal of shoot apices from seedlings completely inhibited the embryogenesis induced by application of exogenous ABA, suggesting that the action of ABA requires some substance(s) that is translocated basipetally from shoot apices through hypocotyls. Histologically, somatic embryos shared common epidermal cells and differentiated not through the formation of embryogenic cell clumps, but directly from epidermal cells. These morphological traits are distinct from those of embryogenesis via formation of embryogenic cell clumps, which has been found in embryogenic carrot cultures established using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or other auxins. These results suggest that ABA acts as a signal substance in stress-induced carrot seedling somatic embryogenesis.

Abscisic Acid↗
PubMed2000

Plasma levels and redox status of ascorbic acid and levels of lipid peroxidation products in active and passive smokers.

Both active and passive smoking are regarded as risk factors for various diseases. To clarify the effects of active and passive smoking on plasma vitamin C levels and lipid peroxidation status, we examined the plasma levels of ascorbic acid (AA), its redox status [ratio of dehydroascorbate (DHAA) to total AA], the levels of thiobarbiturate reactive substance (TBARS), and the levels of lipid peroxides (LPO) in smokers, nonsmokers, and nonsmokers regularly exposed to environmental cigarette smoke (passive smokers). The study population consisted of 149 healthy males: 75 active smokers (consumption of > 15 cigarettes/day for more than 5 years), 36 passive smokers (more than 10 hr/week exposure to environmental cigarette smoke), and 38 nonsmokers (no cigarette smoke exposure). There were no significant differences in plasma TBARS and LPO levels among the three groups. Plasma levels of AA, the reduced form of vitamin C, were significantly lower in active smokers than in the combined nonsmoking groups (7.2 +/- 3.5 and 8.4 +/- 3.4 microg/mL, respectively; p < 0.05). Although no significant differences were found in plasma DHAA levels among the three groups, the ratios of DHAA to total AA were significantly higher in active and passive smokers than nonexposed nonsmokers (11.2, 10.3, and 7.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). These results indicate that passive smoking, as well as direct inhalation of cigarette smoke, affects the redox status of plasma AA. In passive smokers, the altered redox status of plasma AA suggests an oxidative stress.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Inhibitory effect of tea flavonoids on the ability of cells to oxidize low density lipoprotein.

Dietary flavonoid intake has been reported to be inversely related to mortality from coronary heart disease, and the anti-atherosclerotic effect of flavonoids is considered to be due probably to their antioxidant properties. Oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been reported to be induced by the constituent cells of the arterial wall. Accordingly, we examined the effect of pretreatment with tea flavonoids, such as theaflavin digallate, on the ability of cells to oxidize LDL. Theaflavin digallate pretreatment of macrophages or endothelial cells reduced cell-mediated LDL oxidation in a concentration- (0-400 microM) and time- (0-4 hr) dependent manner. This inhibitory effect of flavonoids on cell-mediated LDL oxidation was in the order of theaflavin digallate > theaflavin > or = epigallocatechin gallate > epigallocatechin > gallic acid. Further, we investigated the mechanisms by which flavonoids inhibited cell-mediated LDL oxidation using macrophages and theaflavin digallate. Theaflavin digallate pretreatment decreased superoxide production of macrophages and chelated iron ions significantly. These results suggest that tea flavonoids attenuate the ability of the cell to oxidize LDL, probably by reducing superoxide production in cells and chelating iron ions.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Posttraumatic intra-gallbladder hemorrhage in a patient with liver cirrhosis.

We report a case of intra-gallbladder hemorrhage secondary to blunt abdominal trauma in a patient with liver cirrhosis. A 58-year-old man was admitted to a local hospital with persistent right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Anemia was detected, and computed tomography (CT) revealed a high-density mass in the gallbladder lumen. He was transferred to our hospital because a gallbladder tumor was suspected. He had a history of habitual alcohol abuse and had sustained blunt abdominal trauma in the right upper quadrant 29 days before admission to our hospital (4 days before to the admission local hospital). The intra-gallbladder high-density mass depicted on the CT scan, observed as non-shadowing low-level echoes, was deemed to represent a blood clot on ultrasonography (US) performed 31 days after the trauma. US-guided percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration and cholecystography confirmed the presence of an old blood clot in the lumen. Because of the patient's persistent pain, a cholecystectomy was performed. The distended gallbladder was filled with old clotted blood.

Cholecystography↗
PubMed1999

Relationship of coffee consumption with serum lipids and lipoproteins in Japanese men.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship of instant coffee and brewed coffee with serum lipids and lipoproteins in Japanese men. METHODS: Study subjects were 4587 male self-defense officials aged 48-56 years who had a preretirement health examination at one of the three hospitals of the Self-Defense Forces from October 1986 to December 1992. A self-administered questionnaire ascertained lifestyle characteristics including consumption of a limited number of foods and beverages by all of the men. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were measured, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were calculated from the values of TC, TG, and HDL cholesterol. RESULTS: While the consumption of brewed coffee was unrelated to any parameter of serum lipids and lipoproteins, instant coffee consumption showed a highly significant positive association with serum LDL cholesterol levels and an inverse association with serum TG levels. After adjustment for body mass index, smoking, alcohol use, green tea consumption, rank, and hospital, for each cup of instant coffee per day, LDL cholesterol levels were 0.82 mg/dl (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-1.35) higher, and TG levels in a natural log-scale were 0.014 mg/dl (95% CI 0.006-0.022) lower. There was also a tendency for a positive association between instant coffee intake and serum TC levels (trend p = 0.09). HDL cholesterol levels were unrelated to instant coffee consumption. These associations did not change after additional adjustment for selected foods and beverages associated with serum lipids and lipoproteins. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that instant coffee, not brewed coffee, may be associated with raised levels of serum LDL cholesterol and decreased levels of serum TG.

Coffee↗
PubMed1999

Impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, and gallstone disease: an extended study of male self-defense officials in Japan.

Few studies have investigated the relation between glucose tolerance status and ultrasonographically determined gallstone disease. Using a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, we examined the association of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) with gallstone disease in Japanese men. Subjects were men aged 48 to 59 of the Japan Self-Defense Forces who received a preretirement health examination between October 1986 to December 1994. After exclusion of 12 men under insulin treatment in the consecutive series of 7637 men, 174 were found to have gallstones; 103 were at the state of postcholecystectomy, and 6899 had normal gallbladder. IGT and NIDDM were associated with a modestly increased risk of gallstone disease; adjusted odds ratios were 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-1.8) for IGT and 1.3 (95% CI: 0.8-2.0) for NIDDM after adjustment for hospital, rank, smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index. Adjusted odds ratio for IGT and NIDDM combined was 1.3 (95% CI: 1.0-1.7, p=0.08). When prevalent gallstones and postcholecystectomy were considered separately, NIDDM showed a significant, positive association with postcholecystectomy, but not with prevalent gallstones. The findings add to evidence that glucose intolerance is associated with a modest increase in the risk of gallstone disease.

Cholecystectomy↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of the effects of photodynamic therapy with phosphorus 31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in situ was used to study changes in phosphorus 31 metabolism after photodynamic therapy (PDT) of transplanted HeLa cell tumours. Tumours were irradiated 2 h after administration of ATX-S10 (8-formyloximethylidene-7-hydroxy-3-ethenyl-2,7,12,18, tetramethyl-porphyrin-13,17-bispropionil aspartate), a new photosensitizer and chlorin derivative. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were measured prior to illumination and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after PDT on each mouse. A drastic decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and a concomitant increase in inorganic phosphate (Pi) were evident on the first day after PDT in all cases. The beta-ATP/total phosphate (P) ratio was 0.64 +/- 0.29% (average +/- s.d.) in complete response, 0.67 +/- 0.30% in recurrence and 2.45 +/- 0.93% in partial response. Comparison of this ratio to the histological findings revealed that the beta-ATP/total P ratio reflects the HeLa cell tumours which survived PDT. In other words, partial response on the one hand was distinguished from complete response and recurrence on the other with this ratio 1 day after PDT (P < 0.05). In addition, the ratio of phosphomonoester (PME) to Pi rose beyond 1.0 when macroscopic recurrence occurred, while it stayed under 1.0 in complete response. This finding suggests that the recurrence of HeLa cell tumours can be detected by the PME/Pi ratio.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1999

Gallstone disease risk in relation to body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio in Japanese men.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to gallstones and postcholecystectomy risk in middle-aged Japanese men. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: We used 174 men with prevalent gallstones, 104 with postcholecystectomy and 6909 with normal gallbladder in the consecutive series of 7637 men aged 48-59y receiving a preretirement health examination at four hospitals of the Japan Self-Defense Forces between 1986 and 1994. MEASUREMENTS: Gallbladder status was assessed by abdominal ultrasonography after an overnight fast. BMI was calculated as weight in kilogram divided by height in square meters, and WHR was used as a measure of central obesity. Analysis of the WHR was limited to a subset of data for the period 1991-1994 (gallstones 113, postcholecystectomy 66 and normal gallbladder 4410). RESULTS: After adjustment for hospital, rank in the Self-Defense Forces, cigarette smoking, alcohol use and glucose tolerance, BMI was significantly associated with an increased risk of both prevalent gallstones and postcholecystectomy. WHR also showed a significant positive association with each of the two conditions. When BMI and WHR were mutually adjusted for, both of the obesity indices tended to be associated positively with prevalent gallstones and postcholecystectomy. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that obesity is associated with increased gallstone risk in men.

Asian People↗
PubMed1999

Effect of pregnancy, lactation and weaning on bone mineral density in rats as determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

To elucidate the effect of pregnancy, lactation and weaning on bone mineral density (BMD) in rats, a longitudinal study was done on the same individuals measuring BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and comparing their profiles with those of nonpregnant controls. Twenty-seven pregnant Wistar rats which had been mated at 11 weeks old (baseline), lactated during the three weeks postpartum period and weaned thereafter. Twenty-four rats of the same age served as nonpregnant controls. BMDs in lumbar spine, distal femur and caudal spine of all rats were measured weekly from 11 to 22 weeks except for the week of parturition (14th week). During pregnancy, BMDs of the three sites increased significantly from the baseline values, but no significant difference was observed in comparison with the control. After parturition and during lactation, BMD of the three sites decreased significantly from the pregnant values and decreased even from baseline values. All the BMD values of the pregnant group were significantly lower than those of the control group. After weaning, BMDs of the three sites increased gradually and caught up to the control group at 22 weeks in the lumbar spine and the femur and at 21 weeks in the caudal spine. In conclusion, pregnancy in itself does not significantly affect maternal BMDs of rats, although the significant bone mineral loss during lactation is not completely restored until at least 5 weeks after weaning.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed1999

[Successful treatment of pleuritis carcinomatosa using combination therapy of 5'-DFUR, MPA and CPA as maintenance therapy].

A 44-year-old female patient with inoperable, local advanced left breast cancer was treated with 3 cycles of high dose CAF therapy followed by combination therapy of 5'-DFUR, MPA and CPA. The patient was discharged after receiving 3 cycles of high-dose CAF therapy and continued to receive daily oral doses of 5'-DFUR (800 mg), MPA (800 mg), and CPA (100 mg) for 15 months. After 3 cycles of high-dose CAF therapy, tumor marker (CEA, CA 15-3) levels were reduced. Six months later, after 3 cycles of high-dose CAF therapy, the tumor marker levels were within the normal range. No serious side effects were observed during chemotherapy. The patient enjoyed a good quality of life. We thus confirmed that this combination regimen was effective as a maintenance therapy for local advanced breast cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1999

Inverse association between coffee drinking and serum uric acid concentrations in middle-aged Japanese males.

Consumption of caffeine-rich beverages, which have diuretic properties, may decrease serum uric acid concentrations. We examined cross-sectionally the relationship of coffee and green tea consumption to serum uric acid concentrations in 2240 male self-defence officials who received a pre-retirement health examination at four hospitals of the Self-Defence Forces between 1993 and 1994. The mean levels of coffee and green tea consumption were 2.3 and 3.1 cups/d respectively. There was a clear inverse relationship between coffee consumption and serum uric acid concentration. When adjusted for hospital only, those consuming less than one cup of coffee daily had a mean serum uric acid concentration of 60 mg/l, while that of those drinking five or more cups of coffee daily was 56 mg/l (P < 0.0001). No such relationship was observed for green tea, another major dietary source of caffeine in Japan. The relationship between coffee consumption and serum uric acid concentration was independent of age, rank in the Self-Defence Forces, BMI, systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, serum total cholesterol and serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations, smoking status, alcohol use, beer consumption and intake of dairy products. These findings suggest that coffee drinking may be associated with lower concentrations of serum uric acid, and further studies are needed to confirm the association.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1998

[A case of recurrent esophageal cavernous hemangioma increasing rapidly after surgery].

A 40-year-old female was referred to our hospital for dysphagia. A hemangioma measuring 5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm was revealed as a round defect by esophagography and was partially cystic on CT and MRI. Through a neck incision, the esophageal wall on the tumor side was initially opened. The tumor partially adhered to the esophageal wall, but was dissected from the esophageal wall and then resected easily. Microscopic examination of tumor revealed cavernous hemagioma. Thirty days after the initial surgery, the recurrent tumor was detected in the pharynx and increased rapidly. Then a second operation was performed. The tumor was completely resected by mucosectomy including normal esophageal mucosa. Recurrence was caused by residual cystic wall of the hemangioma adhering to the esophageal mucosa after the first procedure.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Vitamin E reduces cholesterol esterification and uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein in macrophages.

The effects of vitamin E on cholesteryl ester (CE) metabolism in J774 cells were examined. Pretreatment of J774 cells with vitamin E at concentrations above 50 microM significantly decreased acetylated low density lipoprotein (LDL)-induced incorporation of [14C]oleate into CE in cells in a dose-dependent manner. This was partly due to vitamin E also significantly inhibiting the uptake of [3H]CE-labeled acetylated LDL by J774 cells. A trend existed toward suppression of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity in the cell lysate at high vitamin E concentration, but there was no effect on hydrolysis of CE. These data indicate that vitamin E reduces the uptake of modified LDL and suppresses ACAT activity, resulting in less cholesterol esterification in macrophages: a novel mechanism underlying the antiatherogenic properties of vitamin E.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Glucose intolerance and adenomas of the sigmoid colon in Japanese men (Japan).

OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to investigate the relation between glucose tolerance and risk of sigmoid colon adenomas, a well-established precancerous lesion, in Japanese men. METHODS: In the consecutive series of 7,637 men aged 48 to 59 years who received a preretirement health examination at four hospitals of the Self Defense Forces (SDF) in Japan from 1986 to 1994, we identified 821 cases of sigmoid colon adenomas and 4,372 controls with normal sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at 60 cm or more from the anus. Glucose tolerance status was classified as normal, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), newly diagnosed non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), or diabetes mellitus under treatment, based on a 75g oral glucose tolerance test and medical history. Statistical adjustment was made for body mass index (wt/ht2), cigarette smoking, alcohol use, rank of the SDF, and hospital. RESULTS: Modest increases in adenoma risk were observed for newly diagnosed NIDDM and diabetes mellitus under treatment while there was no association between IGT and adenoma risk. When small (< 5 mm in diameter) and large (5+ mm) adenomas were analyzed separately, increased risk associated with newly diagnosed NIDDM was more pronounced for small adenomas, and diabetes mellitus under treatment showed a slightly stronger association with large adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that NIDDM is associated with modestly increased risk of sigmoid colon adenomas, and add to evidence that hyperinsulinemia increases colon cancer risk.

Adenoma↗