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Biomedical subjects

M Oka

Publications and source records attributed to M Oka.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

UV-induced skin damage.

Solar radiation induces acute and chronic reactions in human and animal skin. Chronic repeated exposures are the primary cause of benign and malignant skin tumors, including malignant melanoma. Among types of solar radiation, ultraviolet B (290-320 nm) radiation is highly mutagenic and carcinogenic in animal experiments compared to ultraviolet A (320-400 nm) radiation. Epidemiological studies suggest that solar UV radiation is responsible for skin tumor development via gene mutations and immunosuppression, and possibly for photoaging. In this review, recent understanding of DNA damage caused by direct UV radiation and by indirect stress via reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA repair mechanisms, particularly nucleotide excision repair of human cells, are discussed. In addition, mutations induced by solar UV radiation in p53, ras and patched genes of non-melanoma skin cancer cells, and the role of ROS as both a promoter in UV-carcinogenesis and an inducer of UV-apoptosis, are described based primarily on the findings reported during the last decade. Furthermore, the effect of UV on immunological reaction in the skin is discussed. Finally, possible prevention of UV-induced skin cancer by feeding or topical use of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, vitamin C, and vitamin E, is discussed.

Animals↗

MRI in methotrexate-related leukoencephalopathy: Disseminated necrotising leukoencephalopathy in comparison with mild leukoencephalopathy.

We report two fatal cases of methotrexate (MTX)-induced disseminated necrotising leukoencephalopathy (DNL) in which MRI was repeated from the onset. Initial T2-weighted images showed multiple areas of high signal, mainly in deep cerebral white matter, which on follow-up, spread and coalesced to involve the entire white matter. Small irregular low-signal foci on T2-weighted images were seen within the high-signal lesions. Multiple areas of contrast enhancement corresponded to these low-signal foci. The condition of both patients deteriorated and they died. We compared their MRI findings with those of seven patients with mild MTX-related leukoencephalopathy, six of whom were asymptomatic; one had transient neurological symptoms. They showed no contrast enhancement, but rather mild-to-moderate diffuse high signal in deep white matter, which later disappeared. These findings suggest that multiple low-signal foci on T2-weighted images with contrast enhancement may be characteristic of DNL, and that contrast-enhanced imaging is useful to differentiate this condition from mild leukoencephalopathy.

Adolescent↗

The utility of cognitive behavioural therapy on chronic haemodialysis patients' fluid intake: a preliminary examination.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients' ability to achieve fluid intake related behavioural objectives. This one group before and after quasi-experiment consisted of a four-week base-line phase, a six-week intervention phase and a four-week follow-up phase. Interventions included self-contract, reinforcement and self-monitoring. Participants were 10 Japanese HD outpatients. The average achievement of the fluid intake objective in the intervention phase was 65%. Fifty percent of participants achieved their objectives at least 3/4 of the time without individualised reinforcement. CBT was effective in helping patients change their fluid intake behaviours.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy↗

Plasma treatment increased shear bond strength between heat cured acrylic resin and self-curing acrylic resin.

Self-curing acrylic resin is generally used for the repair of a fractured denture base. However, re-fracture of the repaired denture base resin often occurs because of poor bonding strength between the base resin and self-curing repair resin. The effect of plasma treatment on the shear bond strength between heat cured acrylic resin and the self-cured acrylic was examined. It was revealed that plasma irradiation is effective in increasing the shear bond strength. Plasma irradiation does not cause environmental pollution, as it does not require chemicals. It is a useful method to increase adhesive strength between heat cured acrylic resin and self-curing acrylic resin.

Acrylic Resins↗

Urodynamics in a rat neurogenic bladder model with a unilateral electrolytic lesion of the basal forebrain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in bladder function in rats with an electrolytic lesion of the right basal forebrain (RBF) and to determine the effects of AH-9700, a novel sigma receptor ligand, on cystometry in RBF-lesioned rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A lesion was made electrolytically in the RBF of male Wistar rats. At 7 or 8 days after the lesion or sham surgery, continuous cystometry was performed in awake rats. In addition, contractile responses to electrical field stimulation or carbachol were measured in isolated bladder strips, as were the forebrain contents of acetylcholine, monoamine neurotransmitters and their metabolites. RESULTS: RBF-lesioned rats showed a remarkable increase in voiding frequency, with a decrease in voiding threshold pressure but no change in voiding pressure, compared with sham-operated rats. However, contractile responses in bladder strips isolated from RBF-lesioned rats were no different from those in strips isolated from sham-operated rats. In RBF-lesioned rats, the contents of acetylcholine, dopamine, 4-dihidroxyphenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid were significantly decreased in the right forebrain. AH-9700 dose-dependently decreased the voiding frequency and increased the threshold pressure in RBF-lesioned rats. Anti-muscarinic agents (oxybutynin and propiverine) also decreased the voiding frequency, but their effects were less potent than that of AH-9700. CONCLUSIONS: The RBF-lesioned rat may be a useful model for the neurogenic bladder of supraspinal origin. Moreover, AH-9700 effectively improves bladder dysfunction in this model.

Animals↗

Partial hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. An experimental study in the dog.

The use of a composite osteochondral device for simulating partial hemiarthroplasty was examined. The device was composed of a polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel and a titanium fibre mesh, acting as artificial cartilage and as porous artificial bone, respectively. The titanium fibre mesh was designed to act as an interface material, allowing firm attachment to both the polyvinyl alcohol gel (through injection moulding) and the femoral joint surface (through bony ingrowth). We implanted 22 of these devices into canine femoral heads. Histological findings from the acetabular cartilage and synovial membrane, as well as the attachment of the prosthesis to bone, were examined up until one year after operation. No marked pathological changes were found and firm attachment of the device to the underlying bone was confirmed. The main potential application for this device is for partial surface replacement of the femoral head after osteonecrosis. Other applications could include articular resurfacing and the replacement of intervertebral discs.

Acetabulum↗

Comparison of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor production by the peritoneum in laparoscopic and open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Human mesothelial cells secrete a variety of cytokines. The levels of postoperative serum inflammatory cytokines are thought to reflect the magnitude of surgical stress. METHODS: Pieces of peritoneum were obtained immediately upon and 1 h after entry into the abdominal cavity in nine patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and 11 patients undergoing open surgery. The samples were cultured and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and granylocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels in the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Expression of IL-6, IL-8, and G-CSF mRNAs was examined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: At 1 h after laparotomy, the amounts of IL-6 and G-CSF produced by the peritoneum were significantly greater than those obtained immediately after the procedure, but this difference was not observed with laparoscopic surgery. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which showed an increase in the expression of cytokine mRNAs at 1 h after laparotomy, was compatible with these results. CONCLUSION: The lower levels of cytokine production by the peritoneum suggest that laparoscopic surgery is associated with lower degree of surgical stress.

Adult↗

Phase I study of irinotecan and cisplatin with concurrent split-course radiotherapy in limited-disease small-cell lung cancer.

We conducted a phase I study of irinotecan (CPT-11) and cisplatin with concurrent split-course radiotherapy in limited-disease small-cell lung cancer (LD-SCLC). This study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of this therapy. Four chemotherapy cycles of CPT-11 (days 1, 8 and 15) and cisplatin (day 1) were repeated every 28 days. Radiotherapy of 2 Gy/day commenced on day 2 of each chemotherapy cycle with 20 Gy administered from the first to the third cycles (a total of 60 Gy). 17 patients were enrolled at three dose levels (CPT-11/cisplatin: 40/60, 50/60 and 60/60 mg/m(2)), and 16 were evaluable for toxicity and outcome. 2 of 4 patients at 60/60 mg/m(2) refused continuation of therapy because of general fatigue, and the relative dose intensity of CPT-11 at 50/60 mg/m(2) was approximately 50%. These levels were considered as the MTD. Tumour responses included four complete responses (CR), 11 partial responses (PR) and one no change (NC), and the overall response rate was 93.8% (95% confidence interval: (CI) 71.7-98.9%). This combined modality is tolerable, and CPT-11/cisplatin of 40/60 mg/m(2) in this modality is recommended for phase II study.

Adult↗

Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of paclitaxel and irinotecan for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

We conducted a phase I study of paclitaxel and irinotecan (CPT-11) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aimed to determine the maximum tolerated doses (MTD). The pharmacokinetics of CPT-11 and its major active metabolite, SN-38, were also analysed. Patients received paclitaxel (day 1) followed by CPT-11 (days 1, 8 and 15), in a 4-week cycle, and paclitaxel and CPT-11 were escalated from 120 and 40 mg/m(2), respectively. 28 patients were enrolled, who were evaluated for toxicity. 2 of 6 patients at 210 mg/m(2) paclitaxel and 50 mg/m(2) CPT-11, and 2 of 4 at 180 and 60 mg/m(2) developed dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (neutropenia, fever, neurotoxicity and diarrhoea). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of CPT-11 on day 1 was significantly higher than that on days 8 or 15 at each dose level (P=0.002). The AUC of SN-38 on day 1 was significantly increased using paclitaxel doses >or=150 mg/m(2). A preceding paclitaxel administration changed the pharmacokinetics of CPT-11 and SN-38. However, the toxicity was tolerable. Paclitaxel 180 mg/m(2) and CPT-11 50 mg/m(2) were the recommended doses for further phase II study of this combination.

Adult↗

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in early stage of 5-fluorouracil-induced leukoencephalopathy.

We report a case of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced leukoencephalopathy in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), was performed serially. The initial T2-weighted and FLAIR images showed diffuse mild hyperintensity in bilateral deep cerebral white matter and corpus callosum, which on T1WI appeared as non-enhanced faint hypointensity. Isotropic DWI disclosed the abnormality as well-conspicuous diffuse hyperintensity with decreased ADC. Serial studies revealed that majority of the abnormal signal intensity on these sequences resolved, and the decreased ADC values approached normal. Some hyperintensity remained in the deep cerebral white matter and the splenium, but no further significant ADC change after normalization was noted. Measurement of ADC along the three orthogonal directions showed the presence of directional dependence of diffusion throughout the length of study. These findings suggest that early stage of 5-FU-induced leukoencephalopathy is associated with reversible restricted diffusion and preservation of anisotropy. Diffusion-weighted imaging may be useful for the diagnosis.

Adult↗

Effect of calcium supplementation on bone dynamics of the maxilla, mandible and proximal tibia in experimental osteoporosis.

The effect of calcium supplementation on the bone dynamics in the hard palate of the molar region (maxilla), mandible and proximal tibia in experimental osteoporotic rats was examined. Ninety ovariectomized (OVX) and 45 sham-OVX Wistar female rats were used in this study. All the rats received surgical operation at 6 weeks of age. Ovariectomized rats were fed on a low calcium diet (0.02%) for 12 weeks post-operation, and then randomly divided into the two following groups. One group was fed on high calcium diet (2.30%) (OVX-HCa) and the other group was remained on the low calcium diet (OVX-LCa). Sham-OVX rats were fed on regular calcium diet (1.15%) during the experimental period (Sham-OVX). Histomorphological analysis was carried out from 12 to 32 weeks post-operation. On undecalcified thin section, bone volume, eroded surface, osteoid surface and bone formation rate were calculated for cortical bone of the maxilla, and for cancellous bone of the mandible and proximal tibia. In the OVX-LCa group, compared with the Sham-OVX group, decrease of the bone volume and increase of the bone resorption and formation parameters were detected throughout the observation periods. In the OVX-HCa group, compared with the OVX-LCa group, increase of the bone volume and temporarily increased parameters of bone formation at 1 week after feeding on high calcium diet were observed in the maxilla, but these changes were not observed in the mandible and proximal tibia. Moreover, the bone resorption and formation parameters in the maxilla, mandible and proximal tibia in the OVX-HCa group became equivalent to the Sham-OVX levels with the passage of time.

Analysis of Variance↗

Nm23-H1 gene as a molecular switch between the free-floating and adherent states of gastric cancer cells.

The contribution of the nm23-H1 gene to metastasis in malignant tumors, including gastric cancer, is controversial. In this study, we compared nm23-H1 levels in two cell subtypes with different morphologies (floating and adherent states), but that were derived from the same gastric cancer cell line, KATO-III. A real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the number of nm23-H1 mRNA molecules in floating cells was significantly higher than that in adherent cells (P<0.0001). The average of the copies in floating cells was approximately 2.4-fold higher than that in adherent cells. Consistent with mRNA levels, intracellular levels of nm23-H1 protein were higher in floating cells than in adherent cells. There was no difference in cell cycle characteristics between the two subtypes. In conclusion, our present data indicate that expression of nm23-H1 by a tumor could be altered during the different steps in metastases, suggesting that nm23-H1 may act as a molecular switch between the free-floating and adherent states of cancer cells.

Cell Adhesion↗

UV-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC delta and promotion of apoptosis in the HaCaT cell line.

Protein kinase C delta (PKC delta) is activated through tyrosine phosphorylation and is involved in apoptosis induction in the H(2)O(2)-treated fibroblasts. In the human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line, ultraviolet radiation, which induces apoptosis, promoted tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of PKC delta, but neither enhanced threonine phosphorylation in the activation loop nor generated the catalytic fragment of the PKC isoform. Tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC delta was prevented by a radical scavenger, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, and by a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, in the ultraviolet-irradiated keratinocyte cell line. Ultraviolet radiation-induced apoptosis was attenuated by N-acetyl-l-cysteine and genistein as well as by a PKC inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I. These results indicate that reactive oxygen species generated by ultraviolet radiation enhance tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC delta, and the PKC isoform thus activated by the modification reaction contributes to induction of apoptotic cell death in keratinocytes.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Central antiemetic effects of AS-8112, a dopamine D2, D3, and 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, in ferrets.

The involvement of a central mechanism in the antiemetic effect of AS-8112 ((R)-5-bromo-N-(1-ethyl-4-methylhexahydro-1H-1,4-diazepin-6-yl)-2-methoxy-6-methylamino-3-pyridinecarboxamide x 2 fumarate), a novel and potent dopamine D2, D3, and 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist, was investigated in ferrets. Intracerebroventricularly administered AS-8112 dose dependently inhibited R(+)-7-OH-DPAT (R(+)-7-hydroxy-2-(N,N-di-n-propylamino) tetraline)-induced emesis (ID(50); 0.11 microg/kg, i.c.v.). In addition, AS-8112 (10 microg/kg, i.c.v.) significantly inhibited emesis induced by cisplatin. Ondansetron (10 microg/kg, i.c.v.) also inhibited cisplatin-induced emesis, but did not inhibit R(+)-7-OH-DPAT-induced emesis. S(-)-eticlopride (10 microg/kg, i.c.v.) did not inhibit emesis induced by cisplatin. However, racemic CP-99,994 ((+/-)-(2S, 3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine) (10 microg/kg, i.c.v.) inhibited both cisplatin- and R(+)-7-OH-DPAT-induced emesis. These results suggest that the antiemetic effects of AS-8112 are centrally mediated via dopamine D3 and 5-HT(3) receptors in ferrets.

Animals↗

Transport of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) by breast cancer resistance protein ABCG2 in human lung cancer cells.

Overexpression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) ABCG2 reportedly confers cancer cell resistance to camptothecin-based anticancer drugs, such as topotecan and 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38: the active metabolite of irinotecan). We have recently shown that SN-38-selected PC-6/SN2-5H human lung carcinoma cells overexpressed BCRP with the reduced intracellular accumulation of SN-38 and SN-38-glucuronide (S. Kawabata et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 280, 1216-1223, 2001). In the present study, we have examined whether BCRP transports SN-38 and/or SN-38-glucuronide in vitro, by using plasma membrane vesicles from the parental PC-6 and resistant PC-6/SN2-5H cells, where SN-38 and SN-38-glucuronide accumulation in membrane vesicles was measured by HPLC. Both SN-38 and SN-38-glucuronide were ATP-dependently transported into membrane vesicles prepared from PC-6/SN2-5H cells, whereas no transport activity was observed in membrane vesicles from PC-6 cells. The kinetic parameters of the transport observed in PC-6/SN2-5H vesicles were K(m) = 4.0 microM, V(max) = 714 pmol/mg/min for SN-38 and K(m) = 26 microM, V(max) = 833 pmol/mg/min for SN-38-glucuronide. These findings suggest that BCRP expressed in PC-6/SN2-5H cells transports both SN-38 and SN-38-glucuronide with a higher affinity toward SN-38.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Mem↗

Collagen filaments as a scaffold for nerve regeneration.

This article describes repair of peripheral nerve defect using collagen filaments instead of tubes. Many tube-shaped nerve guides induce regeneration of severed peripheral nerve axons within a limited distance. Substantial regeneration of nerve axons has not been reported without a tubular conduit. Here we show the regeneration of peripheral nerve axons along filaments of collagen without a tube. Cables of collagen filaments were grafted to repair 20-mm defects of rat sciatic nerves. Nerve autografts and collagen tubes were grafted as controls. The mean number and the mean fiber diameter of regenerated myelinated axons were approximately 4800 and 3.3 microm in the distal end of the nerve autograft at 8 weeks postoperatively while in the distal end of the collagen-filaments nerve guide, they were approximately 5500 and 2.3 microm. Collagen tubes failed to bridge the nerve defect. Histologic studies suggest that nerve axons regenerated substantially along the collagen filaments.

Animals↗

Effects of AH-9700, (+)-pentazocine, DTG and oxybutynin on micturition in anesthetized rats with acetone-induced cystitis.

We investigated the effects of AH-9700 (1-[2-(3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethyl] pyrrolidine fumarate; a novel sigma receptor ligand), (+)-pentazocine and 1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG) (two typical sigma receptor ligands), and oxybutynin (a currently used anti-pollakiuria drug) on cystometrograms in anesthetized rats with 30% acetone-induced cystitis. Compared to sham-treated rats, acetone-treated cystitis models exhibited an increase in urinary frequency during continuous filling cystometry. Intravenous administration of AH-9700 (1-5 mg/kg), (+)-pentazocine or DTG to the rats with cystitis dose-dependently prolonged micturition intervals and increased the micturition threshold pressure. Oxybutynin (1 mg/kg. i.v.) also extended micturition intervals, but decreased the micturition pressure. These results indicate that AH-9700, (+)-pentazocine and DTG improve abnormal frequent urination caused by acetone-induced cystitis in a manner different from that of oxybutynin.

Acetone↗