Allergic contact dermatitis from curcumin (turmeric).
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Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
M Ota
Publications and source records attributed to M Ota.
[Treatment of gingivitis in elderly patients in a nursing home].
For 3 months, 4 patients in a nursing home for the elderly received supervised professional oral care in conjunction with oral hygiene instruction. Within the first month after the start of this program, plaque was reduced to 1/3 and gingivitis was reduced to 1/9 of their respective initial levels. In 5 patients who did not receive either oral hygiene instruction or professional oral care, plaque retention and gingivitis were unchanged. We conclude that professional oral care combined with oral hygiene instruction supervised by dental professionals can help to control gingivitis in the elderly.
Aged↗
[Pharyngeal bacteria and professional oral health care in elderly people].
In 15 elderly residents of an old-age home, we measured the total number of bacteria and the numbers of streptococci and staphylococci in the pharynx over 5 months. Seven residents received professional oral health care from dentists and dental hygienists and eight practiced oral care by themselves or together with a helper. During the 5 months, the total number of bacteria and the numbers of streptococci and staphylococci decreased (p < 0.01) in those who received professional care. In contrast, the total number of bacteria and the numbers of streptococci and staphylococci neither did not change or increased in those who did not receive professional care. These findings show that professional oral health care by dentists and dental hygienists can decrease the total number of bacteria and the numbers of streptococci and staphylococci in the pharynx of elderly people, which might prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Aged↗
Validation of HLA-DR locus typing in forensic specimens by combining PCR-SSP with PCR-RFLP.
The applicability of HLA-DR DNA typing combined with PCR-SSP (sequence specific primers) and PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) to forensic practice was investigated. PCR-SSP was as effective as serological HLA-DR typing in determining DR types. For more precise definition of DRB1 alleles encoding DR2, DR4, and DR8 antigens, which are fairly common in Japan, we used the PCR-RFLP method. For increasing the sensitivity of this system, we used the nested or semi-nested PCR technique. The minimum amount of template DNA needed for typing was 10 ng of genomic DNA in the case of ordinary PCR, whereas 10 pg of DNA was enough in nested and semi-nested PCR. HLA-DR and-DRB1 alleles were able to be determined from the small amounts of DNA available in forensic materials using the PCR-SSP and subsequent PCR-RFLP methods.
Base Sequence↗
Retinal toxicity of nitric oxide released by administration of a nitric oxide donor in the albino rabbit.
PURPOSE: Nitric oxide (NO), which has been identified as an endothelium-derived relaxing factor, might be involved in regulation of retinal circulation and intraocular pressure. Recently, it was suggested that NO might also be related to neuronal excitotoxicity mediated by the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and to the pathologic changes induced by some kinds of uveitis. However, ocular toxicity of NO released by an NO donor has not been clearly demonstrated. In the current study, NO neurotoxicity in the retina was investigated. METHODS: S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP, 200 nmol) was injected into the vitreous of albino rabbits as an NO donor. The changes of retinal function were evaluated at 1, 2, and 3 hours and 1 and 4 weeks after SNAP injection, using electroretinogram and visual-evoked potentials. Histologic changes of the retina were also examined. RESULTS: Injection of SNAP reduced the a-wave amplitude. In contrast, the amplitudes of the oscillatory potentials were increased during the 3-hour observation period. Histologic examination showed vacuolar degeneration and loss of the nuclei of the photoreceptors. In the inner retina, some ganglion cells were lost, and cell density in the internal nuclear layer was decreased. CONCLUSION: Retinal toxicity of NO was demonstrated functionally and histologically, suggesting that NO may play a pathophysiologic role in retinal ischemia or in degenerative retinal diseases.
Animals↗
[Actions of macrolide antibiotics on alginate production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa].
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Alginates↗
Expression of retinoid X receptors and COUP-TFI in a human salivary gland adenocarcinoma cell line.
The growth of the adenocarcinoma cell line derived from human salivary gland (HSG) is regulated by all-trans-retinoic acid (t-RA), which binds to its specific receptor, retinoic acid receptors (RARs), located in the nucleus, and thereby transactivates target genes. In this study, we examined the binding characteristics of the nuclear extract of HSG cells to the retinoic acid response element (RARE) compared with those of in vitro translated RAR alpha and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR alpha), a heterodimeric partner of RAR alpha. Gel shift analysis using anti-RAR alpha and anti-RXR alpha antibodies revealed that the translated RAR alpha bound to RARE as a heterodimer with RXR alpha. In contrast, the binding of the nuclear extract of HSG cells to RARE showed a heterogeneous pattern, suggesting the existence of several species of RXRs as well as RARs in the nuclei of HSG cells. We therefore tried to clone these putative RXRs by the polymerase chain reaction using degenerated oligonucleotide primers conserved across the RXR family. The DNA sequencing of the recombinant clones revealed the expression of RXR alpha and RXR beta. In addition, chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor I (COUP-TFI), which is also an RXR family member, was cloned. To evaluate the transcriptional activity of RARs and RXRs endogenously expressed in HSG cells, we performed a transient transfection analysis. When HSG cells were transfected with a luciferase reporter plasmid containing two repeats of either the RARE of the RAR beta gene or that of cellular retinol-binding protein II gene, positioned upstream of a thymidine kinase promoter fused to the luciferase sequence, a 2-3-fold induction of luciferase activity was observed in both cases. These results suggest that RARs and RXRs endogenously expressed in HSG cells were transcriptionally active in vivo. Thus, our findings showed that RXR alpha, RXR beta, and COUP-TFI are expressed in HSG cells and suggest that these molecules function as heterodimeric partners of RARs and (or) competitive repressors for RAREs and are involved in cellular responses mediated by retinoids.
Adenocarcinoma↗
Diverse usage of human T-cell receptor gene segments in HLA-DR1 allospecific T-cell clones.
T-cell recognition of alloantigen involves both the MHC molecule and its associated peptide ligand. To understand the relationship between the specificity of alloantigen recognition and the structure of TCR molecules, we have investigated TCR gene utilization by sequencing TCR genes from well-defined allospecific T-lymphocyte clones. Alloreactive TLC consisted of a panel of clones primed to recognize DR1-related alloantigens. Our sequencing results revealed extensively diverse, but nonrandom, usage of TCR AV and BV gene segments and essentially no conservation in CDR3 or junctional sequences. Such observations are consistent with allospecific TCR that interact with MHC molecules on a generic level while recognizing specific peptides. They also reduce potential enthusiasm for anti-TCR therapy in allograft rejection.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray analysis of brazzein, a new sweet protein.
Brazzein is a sweet protein isolated from a wild African plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana. Brazzein is the smallest (molecular mass = 6473 Da) and the most water-soluble protein sweetener discovered so far and is highly thermostable. Crystals were grown by vapor diffusion using sodium sulfate as a precipitant. They belong to the tetragonal space group I4(1)22 with unit-cell parameters a = b = 61.4, c = 59.6 A and with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to 1.8 A resolution using synchrotron radiation.
Journal Article↗
Potent inhibitors of acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase. 2. Structure-activity relationships of novel N-(2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)amides.
Novel N-(2,2-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)amide derivatives 1 were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit rabbit small intestinal ACAT (acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase) and lower serum total cholesterol in cholesterol-fed rats. Among the synthesized compounds, N-(2,2,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)amide derivatives showed potent ACAT inhibitory activity. The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of these compounds are described. A methyl group at position 6 of the 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran moiety was important for potent ACAT inhibitory activity. In the series of N-(2,2,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl) amides, lipophilicity of the acyl moiety was necessary for the potent ACAT inhibitory activity. The highly lipophilic acid amides N-(2,2,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl)-2,2- dimethyldodecanamide (10) and 6-(4-chlorophenoxy)-N-(2,2,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-y l)-2,2-dimethyloctanamide (50) showed potent activity. Introduction of a dimethylamino group at position 5 of the 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran moiety resulted in highly potent activity. The most potent compound, N-[5-(dimethylamino)-2,2,4,6-tetramethyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-yl ]-2,2-dimethyldodecanamide (13, TEI-6620), showed highly potent ACAT inhibitory activity (rabbit small intestine IC50 = 0.020 microM, rabbit liver IC50 = 0.009 microM), foam cell formation inhibitory activity (rat peritoneal macrophage IC50 = 0.030 microM), extremely potent serum cholesterol-lowering activity in cholesterol-fed rats (71% at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day po), and good bioavailability in fed dogs (Cmax = 2.68 microg/mL at 1 h, 10 mg/kg po).
Amides↗
Dopamine-derived endogenous 1(R),2(N)-dimethyl-6,7-dihydroxy- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline, N-methyl-(R)-salsolinol, induced parkinsonism in rat: biochemical, pathological and behavioral studies.
Dopamine-derived 1-methyl-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (salsolinol, Sal) and related compounds were examined for their selective neurotoxicity to dopamine neurons by injection into the rat striatum. Among salsolinol analogs examined, only N-methyl-(R)- salsolinol (NM(R)Sal) induced behavioral changes very similar to those in Parkinson's disease: hypokinesia, stiff tail, limb twitching at rest and postural abnormality. Biochemical analysis showed that after NM(R)Sal injection, NM(R)Sal itself and its oxidation product, 1-2-dimethyl-6,7-dihydroxyisoquinolinium ion (DMDHIQ+) accumulated in the striatum, and also in the substantia nigra definite amount of DMDHIQ+ was detected. Dopamine and noradrenaline were reduced in the striatum and more markedly in the substantia nigra, whereas serotonin and its metabolite were not affected. Morphological analysis revealed selective reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-containing neurons in the substantia nigra after continuous NM(R)Sal administration in the striatum. These results demonstrate the selective cytotoxicity of NM(R)Sal to the dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, and the possible involvement of this 6,7-dihydroxy-isoquinoline in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is discussed.
Animals↗
Assignment of the disulfide bonds in the sweet protein brazzein.
The thermostable sweet protein brazzein consists of 54 amino acid residues and has four intramolecular disulfide bonds, the location of which is unknown. We found that brazzein resists enzymatic hydrolysis at enzyme/substrate ratios (w/w) of 1:100-1:10 at 35-40 degrees C for 24-48 h. Brazzein was hydrolyzed using thermolysin at an enzyme/substrate ratio of 1:1 (w/w) in water, pH 5.5, for 6 h and at 50 degrees C. The disulfide bonds were determined, by a combination of mass spectrometric analysis and amino acid sequencing of cystine-containing peptides, to be between Cys4-Cys52, Cys16-Cys37, Cys22-Cys47, and Cys26-Cys49. These disulfide bonds contribute to its thermostability.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Synthesis and characterization of the sweet protein brazzein.
The sweet protein brazzein isolated from the fruit of the African plant, Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon is 2000-500 times sweeter than sucrose and consists of 54 amino acid residues with four intramolecular disulfide bonds. Brazzein was prepared by the fluoren-9-yl-methoxycarbonyl solid-phase method, and was identical to natural brazzein by high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy, peptide mapping, and taste evaluation. The D enantiomer of brazzein was also synthesized, and was shown to be the mirror image of brazzein. The D enantiomer (ent-brazzein) was devoid of any sweetness and was essentially tasteless.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Synthesis and characterization of the sweetness-suppressing polypeptide gurmarin and ent-gurmarin.
The sweetness-suppressing polypeptide gurmarin isolated from the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre consists of 35 amino acid residues including three intramolecular disulfide bonds. Herein, the total chemical synthesis of gurmarin was performed by the stepwise fluoren-9-ylmethoxy-carbonyl solid-phase method, the yield of reduced gurmarin being 1.9% based on the starting amino acid resin. Disulfide formation was carried out in the presence of a redox system of reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione to give gurmarin in a yield of 35.5%. The product was identical to natural gurmarin by analytical reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), mass spectroscopy (MS), and peptide mapping, and suppressed the responses to sucrose, D-glucose, and L-glucose in a rat. The D enantiomer (all D-amino acid gurmarin) was also synthesized, and was shown to be the mirror image of gurmarin. Interestingly, the D enantiomer (ent-gurmarin) also suppressed the responses to sucrose, D-glucose, and L-glucose in a rat.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
Granulomatous mastitis diagnosed and followed up by fine-needle aspiration cytology, and successfully treated by corticosteroid therapy: report of a case.
A 36-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a rapidly growing lump in her left breast. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of the mass revealed many epithelioid cells admixed with multinucleated Langhans-type giant cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and stromal cells, leading to a diagnosis of granulomatous mastitis. This report describes the clinical course of this patient in whom granulomatous mastitis was successfully treated with corticosteroid therapy. Special reference is made to the usefulness of FNA cytology in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease.
Adult↗
Identification of NF1 mutations in both alleles of a dermal neurofibroma.
A hallmark clinical feature of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is multiple dermal neurofibromas, benign tumours that typically appear in early adolescence and increase in numbers throughout life. The pathogenesis of these tumours is not known. One domain of the NF1 gene product, neurofibromin, stimulates the intrinsic GTPase of Ras, and inactivation of both NF1 alleles has been demonstrated in specific malignancies. These observations support the contention that the NF1 gene product is a tumour suppressor that is involved in the Ras signal transduction pathway. Even though accumulating evidence demonstrates that NF1 acts as a tumour suppressor in some cells, mutations have not been identified in both NF1 alleles in dermal neurofibromas. Using standard techniques to analyse DNA extracted from benign neurofibromas, numerous investigators failed to identify loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in multiple tumours. In contrast to these reports, Colman et al. demonstrated NF1 LOH of dermal neurofibromas derived from 2 of 5 NF1 patients, yet the constitutional NF1 mutations in these patients were not identified, and the extent of the somatic deletions beyond the NF1 locus were not established. In this study, we show that a dermal neurofibroma from an NF1 individual who has a constitutional deletion of the entire NF1 locus harbours a 4-bp deletion of NF1 exon 4b in the other allele. This is the first definitive identification of a somatic mutation which is limited to the NF1 locus in a benign neurofibroma from an NF1 individual in whom the constitutional NF1 mutation is known.
Alleles↗
Dimerization characteristics of the 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein.
The 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP94) is a member of the 90-kDa heat-shock protein (HSP90) family. In this study, we expressed the barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) GRP94 and the alpha isoform of human HSP90 (HSP90 alpha) in Escherichia coli and compared their dimer-forming abilities. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that GRP94 (amino acids 69-809) and the full-length form of HSP90 alpha existed in the dimeric state. The C-terminal 326 amino acids of GRP94 or the C-terminal 200 amino acids of HSP90 alpha were sufficient for the dimerization. Limited proteolysis of the C-terminal half of GRP94 with thrombin revealed a 16-kDa fragment, which was derived from the C-terminus of GRP94 through the cleavage of either the Arg710-His711 or the Arg735-Leu736 bond. These cleavage sites were nearly, if not completely, equivalent to the proteolyzed region of HSP90 alpha. Their structural similarity prompted us to investigate, by use of a coexpression system, the possibility that the two proteins form a heterodimeric complex. A two-step affinity chromatography that specifically trapped only the complex revealed that the C-terminal 200 amino acids of HSP90 alpha and the C-terminal 326 amino acids of GRP94 associated with HSP90 alpha and GRP94, respectively. However, the C-terminal 326 amino acids of GRP94 failed to form a complex with HSP90 alpha. In conclusion, these results indicate the similarity of the general dimeric conformation of the two HSP90 family member proteins, but show that the similarity is not sufficient to allow heterodimer formation.
Amino Acid Sequence↗
The iothalamate clearance in cats with experimentally induced renal failure.
Plasma iothalamate (IOT) disappearance rates were measured after a single-injection of IOT (113.8 mg/kg, IV) in cats with experimentally induced renal failure. The disappearance rates especially fitted into the one compartment model. The mean value of plasma disappearance rates of IOT in these cats with induced renal failure (2.16 +/- 0.240 x 10(-3) micrograms/ml/min) was markedly lower than that of clinically healthy cats (4.10 +/- 1.00 x 10(-3) micrograms/ml/min). These results demonstrate that IOT clearance is available for evaluation of renal function in cats.
Animals↗