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Biomedical subjects

M Uchiyama

Publications and source records attributed to M Uchiyama.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Relationship between serum leptin and thyroid hormones in children.

BACKGROUND: Because leptin decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure, the possible influence of thyroid status on the leptin system has been investigated mainly in adults and animals. However, the data available at present are very confusing. The aim of the present study was to assess the possible interaction of thyroid hormones with the leptin system. METHODS: Serum free thyroxine (FT4), a biologically active thyroid hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a sensitive and reliable index of thyroid status, were examined in 51 children (19 males, 32 females) with mass screening-detected congenital hypothyroidism on continuous L-thyroxine (L-T4) substitution therapy. The subjects were divided into younger (n = 35, aged 1 month-5 years) and older (n = 16, 6 years-11 years) children groups. Serum levels of leptin and thyroid hormones were measured in the subjects. Body mass index (BMI) was estimated by the formula bodyweight (kg)/height x height (m2), which is known as the Kaup index in younger children and BMI in older children and adults. RESULTS: In the younger children group, serum leptin levels showed no correlation with serum TSH, FT4 or T4. In the older children group, serum leptin concentrations significantly correlated with T4 (r = 0.510, P < 0.05) and BMI (n = 16, r = 0.647, P < 0.01), but not with TSH or FT4. CONCLUSION: The role of thyroid hormones in modulating leptin synthesis and secretion seems to have little, if any, clinical or biological relevance.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMed2000

An anti-CD5 monoclonal antibody ameliorates proteinuria and glomerular lesions in rat mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis.

BACKGROUND: Increased numbers of lymphocytes have been identified in biopsy specimens of human mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN). However, the causal relationship between infiltrating T lymphocytes and mesangial changes in mesangial proliferative GN has not been previously evaluated. In this study, we elucidated the role of lymphocytes in the development of mesangial proliferative GN. METHOD: Immunohistological and flow cytometric analyses as well as a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies were performed in monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1-22-3-induced Thy 1.1 GN. To elucidate the role of these lymphocytes, depletion studies were carried out using anti-CD8 mAb (OX-8), which depletes both CD8+ T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells and anti-CD5 mAb (OX-19), which depletes both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence (IF) studies revealed that NK cells and CD4+ T lymphocytes were recruited into glomeruli. Glomerular mRNA expression for interferon-gamma, interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-10, and perforin increased after induction of GN. Increased expressions of several chemokines, which have the potential to attract lymphocytes, were also detected. Anti-CD8 mAb treatment completely prevented the recruitment of NK cells; however, it had no protective effect on proteinuria and mesangial injury. By contrast, anti-CD5 mAb treatment suppressed the recruitment of CD4+ T lymphocytes into glomeruli and reduced proteinuria (60.4 +/- 25.7 vs. 120.0 +/- 32.3 mg/day, P < 0.05) and mesangial changes evaluated by total number of cells in glomeruli (63.2 +/- 6.0 vs. 81.4 +/- 5.9, P < 0.01) and alpha-smooth muscle actin staining score (1.4 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.2 +/- 0. 4, cf2eth P < 0.01) on day 14 after induction of GN. mRNA expression for IL-2 was significantly reduced by OX-19 treatment. CONCLUSION: T lymphocytes participate in the development of mesangial proliferative GN.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in infants with cholestasis.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was assessed in the diagnosis of cholestatic liver disease in infants. METHODS: ERCP was performed in 50 infants who had prolonged cholestasis. Their ages ranged from 25 to 274 days (mean, 69 days), and their weight ranged from 2.6 to 6.7 kg (mean, 4.7 kg). Incomplete visualization of the biliary tree or visualization of only the pancreatic duct was followed by exploratory laparotomy. In those in whom the biliary tree was visualized completely, the caliber of the bile duct was compared with that of the pancreatic duct. RESULTS: ERCP was completed in 43 patients (success rate, 86%) without complications. In the 7 patients in whom ERCP failed, 6 had biliary atresia (BA) diagnosed by exploratory laparotomy. The other patient had congenital biliary dilatation (CBD). In 29 of the 43 patients, the biliary tree was seen partially or only the pancreatic duct was visualized. These patients had BA diagnosed by laparotomy. Complete visualization of the biliary tree was obtained in 14 patients. Of these, 9 had neonatal hepatitis (NH), 2 had a paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts (PIBLD), and 3 had CBD. In all of the patients with NH, cholestasis improved spontaneously. The 2 patients with PIBLD had biopsy-proven disease. The caliber of the bile duct was larger than that of the pancreatic duct in NH. This relationship was not observed in PIBLD. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is safe in infants. It is useful in the diagnosis of prolonged cholestasis.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
PubMed2000

Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity is high in infants and is not affected by thyroid hormones.

We investigated the effects of thyroid dysfunction on cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) by studying plasma CETP activity in hypothyroid infants before and after they were rendered euthyroid by L-thyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy. To exclude environmental factors possibly affecting plasma CETP activity, we selected hypothyroid infants to study plasma CETP activity. Plasma CETP activity was measured as the rate of radiolabeled cholesteryl ester transfer from high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to serum apolipoprotein B (apo B)-containing lipoproteins in plasma from 14 hypothyroid infants before and 2 months after LT4 replacement, 23 normal infants, and 61 normal adults. Relationships between CETP and thyroid hormones were examined separately in the 14 hypothyroid infants and 32 euthyroid infants, including the 14 above-described hypothyroid infants and an additional 18 treated hypothyroid infants. Serum levels of thyrotropin (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were also determined on an autoanalyzer system in our hospital. In contrast to previous reports, we found no differences in plasma CETP activity between hypothyroid infants and age-matched normal infants. LT4 substitution did not cause any changes in plasma CETP activity after therapy. Plasma CETP activity showed no correlation with serum TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels. Both hypothyroid and normal infants were found to have significantly higher plasma CETP activity than normal adults. From these results, we conclude that in infants thyroid hormones do not affect plasma CETP activity, and normal infants have high plasma CETP activity, compared with normal adults.

Apolipoproteins B↗
PubMed2000

Elevated serum creatinine levels in infants with congenital hypothyroidism: reflection of decreased renal function?

UNLABELLED: The effects of hypothyroid status on renal function have been poorly studied in children. We assessed the renal function of hypothyroid infants detected during neonatal mass screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Eighty hypothyroid infants and 20 age-matched normal infants for controls were enrolled. The 80 patients, aged 1 mo, were divided into two groups based on the initial thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) values: a mild-moderately hypothyroid (MHT) group (n = 64, 31M and 33F) and a severely hypothyroid (SHT) group (n = 16, 3M and 13F). Serum creatinine (SCr), TSH, FT4 and other chemicals were compared before and 2 mo after L-thyroxine (LT4) substitution therapy. The following results were obtained: SCr levels were significantly higher in the SHT group (33.2+/-10.0 micromol/L, p < 0.001) compared with the MHT group (20.6+/-6.4 micromol/L) and normal control group (21.0+/-4.4 micromol/L). Two months after the LT4 replacement therapy, the elevated SCr levels in the SHT group decreased by 41.3% to the level (19.5+/-6.0 micromol/L) very close to that in the MHT group (18.8+/-5.1 micromol/L). No significant differences were noted among BUN levels in the three groups. Although serum creatinine kinase levels were significantly higher in the SHT group (230.3+/-102.3 U/L, p < 0.001) than in the MHT group (121.1+/-60.8 U/L), rhabdomyolysis was not considered to be responsible for the impaired renal function. CONCLUSION: From these results we conclude that serum creatinine levels are elevated in congenitally hypothyroid infants. This is a reversible change with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The possibility of impaired renal functions should be kept in mind when treating hypothyroid infants.

Case-Control Studies↗
PubMed2000

Association of serum low-density lipoprotein metabolism with oestrogen receptor gene polymorphisms in healthy children.

The aim of this study was to reveal the association of serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels with oestrogen receptor (ER) Xba I and Pvu II polymorphisms in 102 healthy Japanese school children (56M, 46F) aged 10-15 y. Each genotype of the genomic DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes was determined using polymerase chain reaction and digestion with Xba I or Pvu II. The genotypes were coded as either X1 or X2 (Xba I) and P1 or P2 (Pvu II), when XI, P1 signified the absence of and X2, P2 the presence of restriction sites. The fasting serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride and apolipoproteins A1, B and E were measured. In the Xba I polymorphism, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B levels of the XI/XI genotype were significantly higher than those of the others. The other lipid and apolipoprotein levels were not significantly different among the three genotypes. In the Pvu II polymorphism, there were no significant differences in serum lipids and lipoproteins among the three genotypes. This study reveals that Xba I polymorphisms are related to LDL metabolism. These findings support previous reports that the LDL-lowering effects of oestrogen occur through the ER (alpha) pathway. The Xba I polymorphism may be one of the genetic factors in the control of LDL metabolism.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Behavioral and emotional problems in Chinese children of divorced parents.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the behavioral problems in Chinese children of divorced parents. METHOD: A total of 58 children of divorce and 116 gender-, age-, and school class-matched controls were ascertained from a general population sample of children aged 6 through 15 years. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and teachers completed the Teacher's Report Form (TRF) and Conners Hyperkinesis Index. RESULTS: Parent-reported problem scores on the CBCL total scale and each subscale, and prevalence of all CBCL syndromes except for Somatic Complaints, were significantly higher in children of divorce than in controls. Teacher-reported problem scores on the TRF total scale and Social and Attention Problems and prevalence of Attention Problems were significantly different for the 2 groups of children. Social competence was rated significantly lower in children of divorce than in controls. Discriminant function analysis showed that behavioral problems in children of divorce were characterized by aggressive behavior, withdrawal, and social problems. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emanating from China provide the first evidence of the link between parental divorce and children's psychopathology and clarify the psychopathological dimensions in Chinese children of divorced parents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Attaining nocturnal urinary control, nocturnal enuresis, and behavioral problems in Chinese children aged 6 through 16 years.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and to examine associations between nocturnal urinary control or enuresis and behavioral problems in Chinese children. METHOD: A community sample of 3,600 children aged 6 through 16 years was drawn from Shandong Province of China in 1997; 3,344 (93%) returned completed questionnaires. The Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher's Report Form were used to measure children's behavioral problems. RESULTS: The proportion of children attaining nocturnal urinary control before age 2 was 7.7%; by age 3, this had increased to 53.1%, and by age 5 to 93%. The overall prevalence of nocturnal enuresis was 4.3%, with a significantly higher prevalence in boys than girls. There was no significant decrease in the prevalence of enuresis between 6 and 16 years of age. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that attaining nocturnal urinary control after age 4 and current enuresis were significantly associated with an increased risk of behavioral, emotional, and academic problems. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese children attain nocturnal urinary control earlier than Western children. The prevalence of nocturnal enuresis is low but fairly stable in children between 6 and 16 years. The findings support the link between nocturnal enuresis and psychopathology in children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Measurement of blood clearance time by Limulus G test of Candida-water soluble polysaccharide fraction, CAWS, in mice.

The Limulus G test, responsive to beta-1,3-D-glucan, is a well-established method for the detection of invasive fungal infection. We have recently found that Candida albicans released a water-soluble polysaccharide fraction (CAWS) into synthetic medium (Uchiyama et al., FEMS Immunol. Med. Microbiol. 24 (1999) 411-420). CAWS was composed of a mannoprotein-beta-glucan complex and activated Limulus factor G, and thus would be similar to the Limulus active substance in patient's blood. In a preliminary investigation, we have found that CAWS is lethal when administered intravenously in a murine system. In this study, we examined the toxicity and then the fate of CAWS in mice. The lethal toxicity was strain-dependent and strain DBA/2 was the most resistant. The toxicity was, at least in part, reduced by salbutamol sulfate and prednisolone treatment in the sensitive strains. On intravenous administration, the half clearance time (t1/2) was approximately 40 min in mice (DBA/2). On intraperitoneal administration, CAWS appeared in the blood with a peak concentration at 1 h. In order to establish a treatment plan, it is important to demonstrate the onset and the termination of deep-seated mycosis. The Limulus G test is suitable for the above purpose; however, it is necessary to fully understand the fate of beta-1,3-D-glucan in patients' blood.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A novel mutant allele of the chromatin-bound fission yeast checkpoint protein Rad17 separates the DNA structure checkpoints.

To further dissect the genetic differences between the checkpoint pathway following S-phase cdc arrest versus DNA damage, a genetic screen was performed for checkpoint mutants that were unable to arrest mitosis following cell-cycle arrest with a temperature-sensitive DNA polymerase delta mutant, cdc20-M10. One such checkpoint mutant, rad17-d14, was found to display the cut phenotype following S-phase arrest by cdc20-M10, but not by the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea, reminiscent of the chk1 mutant. Unlike chk1 , rad17-d14 was not sensitive to UV irradiation. Interestingly, the ionising radiation sensitivity of rad17-d14 was only at higher doses, and cells were found to be defective in properly arresting cell division following irradiation in S phase, but not G(2) phase. Biochemical analysis attributes the checkpoint defects of rad17-d14 to the failure to phosphorylate the checkpoint effector Chk1p. To investigate if Rad17p monitors the genome for abnormal DNA structures specifically during DNA synthesis, chromatin association of Rad17p was analysed. Rad17p was found to be chromatin associated throughout the cell cycle, not just during S phase. This interaction occurred irrespective of the arrest with cdc20-M10 and, surprisingly, was also independent of the other checkpoint Rad proteins, and the cell-cycle effectors Chk1p and Cds1p.

Alleles↗
PubMed2000

Pharmacokinetics of ginsenoside deglycosylated by intestinal bacteria and its transformation to biologically active fatty acid esters.

Ginsenosides are deglycosylated by intestinal bacteria to active forms after oral administration. The present study demonstrated the pharmacodynamics of 20-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (M1), an intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginsenosides, and the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities of M1-metabolites in comparison with M1 using C57BL/6 mice and Wistar rats. M1 was selectively accumulated into the liver soon after its intravenous administration to mice, and mostly excreted as bile; however, some M1 was transformed to fatty acid ester (EM1) in the liver. EM1 was isolated from rats in a recovery dose of approximately 24 mol%. Structural analysis indicated that EM1 comprised a family of fatty acid mono-esters of M1. Because EM1 was not excreted as bile as M1 was, it was accumulated in the liver longer than M1. Although the cytotoxicity of M1 against B16-F10 melanoma cells was attenuated by fatty acid esterification, EM1 inhibited tumor growth more than M1 in vivo. These results suggest that the fatty acid M1 esters may be the real active principles of ginsenosides in the body.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Solubilized cell wall beta-glucan, CSBG, is an epitope of Candida immune mice.

Antibody to beta-glucan is generally difficult to produce in mice. We have recently developed a protocol to obtain a soluble Candida spp. beta-(1-->3)-D-glucan (CSBG) by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) oxidation and subsequent dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) extraction. CSBG is composed mainly of beta-(1-->3) and beta-(1-->6)-glucosidic linkages with a small amount of branch. In this paper, mice were immunized with Candida albicans and the specificity of the resulting sera to CSBG was examined by ELISA. Using CSBG coated plate, sera of the Candida immune mice showed higher reactivity than non-immune, normal mice and the reactivity was neutralized by adding soluble CSBG as a competitor. However, the reactivity could not be neutralized by a beta-(1-->6) branched beta-(1-->3)-glucan, grifolan. Similar specificity of the sera was obtained by commercially available beta-glucan particle, zymosan or zymocel, immune mice. These facts strongly suggested that CSBG included epitopes of the specific antibody in Candida immune mice.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Molecular design and control of functional expression of ate complexes].

As a new type of zincate, "highly coordinated" zincates, Me3Zn(R)Li2 (R = Me, CN, SCN) were designed. On the basis of their excellent chemical yields and chemoselectivities, these species were considered to be differentiated from ordinary triorganozincates, R3ZnLi. The structures of the newly designed zincates were discussed on their spectroscopic studies. All results strongly support the fact that these newly designed zincates are new category of zincate species. Various dialkylzinc hydride "ate" complexes were also designed and the reactivities of these zincates toward the carbonyl compounds investigated. The results clearly reveal that dimethylzinc hydrides are the most powerful and selective zincate for the reduction of the carbonyl group.

Chemistry, Organic↗
PubMed2000

Effects of trimebutine on intestinal motility after massive small bowel resection.

Effects of trimebutine maleate (TM) on intestinal motility in short bowel syndrome (SBS) were studied in conscious canines in both acute and chronic phases following 80% massive distal small bowel resection (MSBR). TM was administered orally to beagles with MSBR or as controls in the postprandial and fasting states, and given simultaneously with meals. Intestinal motility was measured using bipolar electrodes for approximately 1 month after the electrodes were implanted in each beagle and the data compared between treatment groups. When TM was given with meals, the postprandial period without duodenal migrating myoelectric (or motor) complexes (MMCs) was shorter than in those given meals only. When TM was given in the postprandial state in short bowel beagles, the initial duodenal MMCs occurred earlier, i.e. the postprandial period was shorter. Diarrhea did not occur in these beagles. When TM was given in the fasting state, duodenal MMCs occurred and propagated to the distal intestine. In conclusion, oral TM administration can produce a more appropriate intestinal condition for the next food intake and make enteral nutrition possible even in the acute phase after MSBR. Such feeding can be carried out without overloading gut function as a result of the modulation of gastrointestinal motility by TM.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2000

Effects of intestinal muscular wrapping on remnant intestinal motility after massive small bowel resection in conscious canines.

We searched the effect of the muscular valve on the management of short bowel syndrome. The motility of the remnant intestine with a special muscular valve after 80% massive distal small bowel resection (MSBR) was evaluated in conscious dogs. The valve (muscular ring) was made by the autointestinal muscle layer holding vascular pedicle. Interdigestive and postprandial bowel motility using bipolar electrodes and/or contractile strain gauge force transducers 2-4 weeks after the surgery, and data of this group (Group I) were compared to the motility in dogs after MSBR without valve construction (Group II) and in controls (Control). Results; Fasting duodenal migrating myoelectric (or motor) complexes (MMCs) in Group I occurred at longer intervals than in Control and almost similarly to those in Group II. MMCs arising from the duodenum were often interrupted before the jejunum above the valve and the anastomosis. The velocity of duodenal MMC propagation was slowed in every intestinal segment including that from the duodenum to the proximal jejunum, and to the jejunum above the anastomosis. Transit time in MSBR group (I and II) from the duodenum to the terminal ileum was extremely shorter than in Control, but there were no differences between in Groups I and II. The duration of the postprandial period without duodenal MMCs in Group I was significantly prolonged than in Control, but was shorter than that in Group II. The muscular valve was frequently activated, and the jejunum covered with the valve was contracted frequently which synchronized with the valve activity. It seemed the valve worked as sphincter. However, intestinal obstruction was not occurred through the jejunum covered by the valve. In conclusion, changes in gut motility after MSBR with the valve construction compensate for the shortened intestine and maintain the bowel content earlier postoperatively in comparison with the MSBR alone, and also contribute to the adaptive increase in the remnant intestinal absorption.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

[Terrestrial adaptation and diversity of the kidney functions in the evolution of vertebrates, Amphibia].

The Amphibia bridge the phyletic gap between the aquatic fishes and the terrestrial vertebrates. This transition has involved many interesting changes of metabolisms. In this short review, we have attempted to summarize the kidney structure and functions on the osmoregulations in the Amphibia. Amphibians excrete the water absorbed through their skin as a dilute urine. Pronephros of tadpoles may start to work in the hatching stages and metanephros is well developed and functions. Glomerular filtration rate is relatively large and glomerular intermittency is important to regulate urine production. The proximal tubule reabsorbs approximately 20-45% of filtered water and sodium. Absorption is driven by the basolateral Na+, K(+)-ATPase common to all tubular cells. The diluting segment, early parts of distal nephron, highly develops basolateral interdigitation and reabsorbs approximately 40% of filtered Na+, K+, and Cl-, but is impermeable to water, thus this part results in the formation of hypo-osmotic tubular fluid. In the late distal tubule, the primary mechanism of reabsorption may be via a luminal NaCl synporter, driven by the ubiquitous Na+, K(+)-ATPase on basolateral membrane. In collecting tubule, there are two types of cells, the principal cells and the intercalated cells. Many hormonal and nervous regulations are involved in the glomerular filtration rate and reabsorptions in the amphibian nephrons.

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of sleep disturbance and hypnotic medication use in relation to sociodemographic factors in the general Japanese adult population.

This study was the first nationwide population-based study to estimate the prevalence rates of sleep disturbance and hypnotic medication use in the general Japanese adult population. In 1997, 2,800 Japanese adults aged 20 years and over were randomly selected from the 1995 Census and 1,871 were examined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The respective estimated overall prevalences of insomnia (INS), difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), poor perceived quality of sleep (PQS) and hypnotic medication use (HMU) were 17.3%, 8.6%, 12.9%, 17.8%, and 3.5% in males and 21.5%, 12.6%, 16.2%, 20.2% and 5.4% in females. Among males, DIS (OR = 2.76) and PQS (OR = 2.12) were associated with never having married. DMS was associated with being 60 years and older (OR = 2.68) or divorced/separated (OR = 3.74). Among females, DMS was associated with being widowed (OR = 1.65), unemployed (OR = 1.60), 40 to 59 years old (OR = 0.57) or never having married (OR = 0.39). DIS was associated with being widowed (OR = 1.67) or unemployed (OR = 1.58). HMU was associated with advancing age (OR = 8.26-10.7), being widowed (OR = 2.12) or never having married (OR = 2.84). PQS was associated with advancing age (OR = 0.63-0.50). Our study showed sleep disturbance and hypnotic medication use were prevalent among Japanese adults and some sociodemographic factors contributed to them.

Adult↗