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Biomedical subjects

M Ueno

Publications and source records attributed to M Ueno.

At least 235 records · Page 13Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Determination of IgA- and IgM-rheumatoid factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without nephropathy.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the characteristics and pathogenesis of renal disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In this study, 143 patients with RA were included, from whom 43 with urinary abnormalities were biopsied. Serum rheumatoid factor (RF) concentrations of IgA and IgM isotypes were also measured in these patients by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Light microscopy of renal biopsy specimens showed minor glomerular abnormalities in six patients, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN) in 21, membranous nephropathy in seven, renal amyloidosis in seven, and tubulointerstitial nephritis in two. Twelve patients with mesangial proliferative GN and one with minor glomerular abnormalities were found by immunofluorescence microscopy to have abnormalities consistent with IgA GN. Although the concentrations of IgA-RF in patients with IgA GN were slightly raised compared with those with glomerulopathy established by biopsy but not associated with IgA GN, the concentrations of IgA-RF were higher in patients with RA with vasculitis or interstitial pneumonia than those with RA complicated by IgA GN. CONCLUSIONS: Mesangial proliferative GN, including IgA GN, may be a frequent renal lesion in Japanese patients with RA. IgA-RF may play little pathogenetic part in the development of IgA GN in RA.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effect of aging on the esophageal motor functions.

To clarify the changes of esophageal motility along with age, we performed esophageal manometry on 47 healthy volunteers, and compared the values of four groups under 49 years old (n = 11), 50 to 59 (n = 15), 60 to 69 (n = 11), and over 70 years old (n = 10). Resting lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure in the group over 70 years old showed the tendency of decrease, but not statistically significant. Nadir LES pressure on swallow-induced relaxation was not statistically different among 4 groups. On esophageal body testing, percentage of non-conduction sequence in the group 60 to 69 and over 70 years old was statistically higher compared with that of the group under 49 years old (p < 0.05) but spared in some elderly subjects. Percentage of simultaneous contractions was not statistically different among 4 groups. Peristaltic contraction amplitude in the group over 70 years old was significantly lower than that of the group under 49 years old both at the level of 5 cm above (p < 0.01) and 10 cm above LES (p < 0.05). We speculate that the influence of aging on esophageal motility is the reduced transmission sequence of peristalsis and contractility of esophageal body. This alteration along with age may differ from the pathological condition of scleroderma or diffuse esophageal spasm.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in the intrapulmonary bronchus.

A 63-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of a coin lesion in the intrapulmonary bronchus. The patient had no symptoms such as cough or sputum. Imaging studies showed that the tumor was present in the S10b,c of the right lung. There was no metastasis or salivary gland tumor. Transbronchial tumor biopsy revealed a primary adenoid cystic carcinoma. The patient underwent a lobectomy, and has been well since the operation. This is an uncommon case of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma arising from the intrapulmonary bronchus.

Bronchial Neoplasms↗
PubMed1996

[A nationwide investigation needs for rehabilitation of schizophrenic outpatients--the patients' attribute and actual conditions of living].

In Japan we are very short of community resources for persons with mental disability. The authors, a board of resettlement, thought patients' actual conditions of living and needs for rehabilitation to let them live in the community had to be evaluated. Then in March 1993 the actual conditions of living and needs for rehabilitation of schizophrenic outpatients were investigated nationally. This article is the report on the patients' actual conditions of living. Investigation papers were sent to 358 institutions (286 hospitals and 72 clinics) which agreed to cooperate with the investigation. The 5186 investigation papers were received from 313 institutions. All of the papers except 18, which were lack of their ages, were analyzed. All of the schizophrenic outpatients, who consulted psychiatrists on one day during investigation, were considered objects of this research. Those who consented were included the research and psychiatrists filled in investigation papers. These institutions had a policy of intensive social resettlement activities and so on. Male patients were 55% and females were 45%. There were patients in the forties and females were older than males. Thirty-nine percent of them had been hospitalized once or twice. Thirty-four percent of them had been hospitalized for less than one year. Eighteen percent of them had not been hospitalized. Fifty percent of patients answered there was no friend and acquaintance, and had a tendency to stand alone. Fifty-three percent of patients lived with their parents, 21% with their spouses, and 17% alone. But 32% of females lived with their husbands. Sixteen percent worked for full-time jobs, 8% worked part-time jobs, 12% attended day care center 4% went to sheltered-workshops and only 1% went to rehabilitation-workshops for outpatients. While 13% didn't have a right to receive disability pension, the sources of income were job (30%), disability pension (30%), and welfare benefits (12%). Regarding the ability for living, both socially independent patients and daily independent were 36%. On the other hand, patients who needed support in daily life were 27%. This ability wasn't related to sex and age significantly (chi-square test). It is clear most of the patients were in isolation and depended on their families, so they needed support in income, accommodation and daily life.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[A case of systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosed 7 years after epileptic seizure and developed chorea during prednisolone treatment].

An 18-year-old female with 7 years' history of epilepsy was admitted for developing malar rash. She had been treated with hydantoin for 7 years. Laboratory examinations revealed leukopenia and high titer of anti-dsDNA antibodies. Renal biopsy also showed diffuse segmental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was made, and she received 40 mg of prednisolone daily. At follow up 4 months later since her first visit, she developed choreiform movements involving the right upper and lower limbs, despite no signs of increase in her disease activity. Neither biological false positive testing for syphilis nor the lupus anticoagulant (LAC) was detected. MRI demonstrated no signal abnormalities in the brain. Administration of haloperidol was started and the choreiform movements were decreased. Anticonvulsants are associated with drug-induced lupus. On the other hand, seizure is known to be one of the first manifestations of SLE. In drug-induced lupus, positive testing for anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm antibodies, hypocomplementemia and renal involvement are not a frequent as in SLE. In this case, laboratory findings showed high titer of anti-dsDNA antibodies, positive testing for antihistone, anti-SSA, anti-Ki antibodies, and hypocomplementemia. And mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was detected. So we diagnosed her as SLE and suggested that epileptic seizure developed 7 years ago had been the first manifestations of SLE. Neurologic complications of SLE are common, but chorea has been rarely reported. Since it is known that LAC is associated with thrombosis, it has been suggested that small infarctions in the basal ganglia may play a part in the pathogenesis of chorea in SLE. In this case, the LAC was negative and MRI showed no detectable abnormalities. As a result another mechanism may be attributed to chorea in this case.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

[An operative case of suture-granuloma which resulted from an intra-pulmonary treatment 10 years ago and manifested hemoptysis].

We experienced a 27-year-old male patient with recurrent hemoptysis manifested by granuloma which resulted from surgical repair that was performed for right pneumothorax using unabsorbable sutures (braided silk) before 10 years. The patient had been suffering from fever and cough for three months before hemoptysis. Chest X-ray and CT scan films showed a mass shadow in the lateral side of the right lung field. Furthermore, bronchoscopy revealed bleeding in B3 of the right lung. The patient underwent right upper lobectomy, which disclosed that hemoptysis was due to a granuloma (2.3 x 3.2 cm in size) formed around sutures. The granuloma was caused not only by foreign body reaction but also by transbronchial infection.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[The clinical significance of minimal residual disease of acute leukemia with t(4;11) (q21;q23)].

Hybrid fusion genes are specific tumor markers of several leukemic subtypes. The use of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify chimeric cDNAs allows sensitive detection of the leukemia clone. The clinical relevance of minimal residual disease (MRD) remains controversial. In this report, an infantile acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(4;11) (q21; q23) was analyzed after each treatment for the presence of MRD by RT-PCR amplification of the MLL/LTG4 fusion gene which became available recently. The patient soon achieved a hematological CR, after induction therapy, and underwent autologous BMT following consolidation chemotherapy for 9 months. However, he relapsed three months after the BMT. MRD was always detectable during his clinical course. These findings suggest that the detection of MRD of the MLL/LTG4 fusion transcript is a useful tool for monitoring MRD and selecting treatment.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1995

Tumor necrosis factor and coagulopathy in patients with prostate cancer.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and coagulopathy in patients with prostate cancer. TNF levels in 104 sera obtained from 101 prostate cancer patients were determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Serum levels of fibrin/fibrinogen degradation product E fragment (FDP) and plasma levels of fibrin degradation product D-dimer in patients with elevated serum TNF levels were 1221.95 +/- 375.94 ng/ml and 27.34 +/- 9.81 micrograms/ml, which were significantly higher than those (FDP, 94.35 +/- 13.17 ng/ml; D-dimer, 1.03 +/- 0.20 micrograms/ml) in patients with undetectable serum TNF levels (P < 0.01). In addition, patients with elevated serum TNF levels showed significant increases in plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin-III complex and plasmin-alpha 2-antiplasmin inhibitor complex and a significantly higher incidence of positive plasma soluble fibrin monomer complex than did those with undetectable serum TNF levels. The percentage of prothrombin time was significantly decreased in the group with elevated serum levels of TNF. Serum levels of TNF were significantly elevated in patients with serum FDP levels of > or = 200 ng/ml than in those with serum FDP levels of < 200 ng/ml (3.91 +/- 0.45 versus 2.17 +/- 0.08 units/ml) and in patients with plasma D-dimer levels of > or = 2 micrograms/ml than in those with plasma D-dimer levels of < 2 micrograms/ml (3.82 +/- 0.48 versus 2.10 +/- 0.06 units/ml). These results suggest that TNF may be one of the pathogenetic factors that could explain the occurrence of coagulopathy in patients with prostate cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Successful management of portal hypertension following artificial arterioportal shunting: report of a case.

A 63-year-old woman diagnosed as having hepatic hilar cancer underwent an extended left lobectomy of the liver with excision of the right hepatic artery which was involved by the tumor. Because the hepatic artery could not be reconstructed by direct anastomosis, an artificial arterioportal (A-P) shunt was constructed between the common hepatic artery and the portal vein. However, 4 weeks after the operation, portal hypertension with severe esophageal varices developed. Under the diagnosis of portal hypertension caused by excessive blood flow from the A-P shunt, coil embolization of the common hepatic artery was performed using an angiographic technique, following which the esophageal varices completely disappeared. This case demonstrates that portal hypertension after A-P shunting can be effectively treated with coil embolization.

Angiography↗
PubMed1995

Monoamine oxidase-B-positive granular structures in the hippocampus of aged senescence-accelerated mouse (SAMP8).

We examined the histochemical localization of monoamine oxidase in the hippocampus of young and old senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM). We found a monoamine oxidase-B-positive granular structure (MGS) in the hippocampus of old SAMP8, an accelerated senescence-prone line of SAM. The MGS was a round-shaped granular structure of 0.5 to 5 microns diameter and usually formed a cluster, the largest diameter of which ranged from 50 to 150 microns. No MGS were found in the hippocampus of young SAMP8 or of young SAMR1, an accelerated senescence resistant line of SAM, and only few, if any, were seen in old SAMR1. A monoamine oxidase-positive astrocyte was usually observed in the central area of each cluster of MGS. Furthermore, the MGS was in close anatomical relationship with monoamine oxidase-positive astrocytic processes. The enzyme inhibition experiments showed that monoamine oxidase activities localized in the MGS and astrocytes were both predominantly of type B. These findings suggest MGS occurs at least partly in monoamine oxidase-B-positive astrocytes. Furthermore, the MGS was similar to a periodic acid-Schiff-positive granular structure, a polyglucosan body previously documented in the brains of old SAMP8 and some other aged mice strains including C57BL/6 and nude mice, in terms of their size, morphological appearances and topographical distribution in the hippocampus. Thus, the present results suggest that monoamine oxidase type B is a proteinaceous component of the periodic acid-Schiff-positive granular structure in aged mice brains, and might provide some clues for clarifying the mechanisms of age-related occurrence of periodic acid-Schiff-positive granular structures in mice brains.

Aging↗
PubMed1995

Immunocytochemical studies of protamine-induced blood-brain barrier opening to endogenous albumin.

The cellular mechanisms of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening to endogenous albumin in the mouse brain after intracarotid infusion of solutions of protamine free base (PB) or protamine sulfate (PS) were studied using quantitative immunocytochemistry. Ultrathin sections of brain samples embedded at low temperature in Lowicryl K4M were exposed to anti-mouse albumin antiserum followed by protein A-gold. Using morphometry, the density of immunosignals (gold particles per micron2) was recorded over four compartments: vascular lumen, endothelial profiles, subendothelial space (including the basement membrane), and brain parenchyma (neuropil). In addition, the adsorption of endogenous albumin evidenced by the number of gold particles per micron of the endothelial luminal plasmalemma was quantitatively evaluated. In the applied experimental conditions, PB was found to be strongly cytotoxic as indicated by the appearance of rapid degenerative changes and the disruption of the endothelial lining with concomitant clumping of the blood plasma. The action of PS was milder, offering a better opportunity for detailed ultrastructural and morphometric examination of brain samples during consecutive steps of PS action (2, 5, 10 and 30 min). As early as 10 min after infusion of PS solution, the adsorption of blood plasma albumin to the endothelial luminal surface was increased 2.5 times. Simultaneously, the immunolabelling of the endothelial profiles and subendothelial space was significantly increased. These results suggest that BBB disruption occurs through enhanced adsorption of albumin or albumin-protamine complexes to the luminal plasmalemma, followed by transendothelial vesicular transport, rather than through modification of interendothelial junctional complexes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Albumins↗
PubMed1995

Low molecular weight immunomodulators produced by microorganisms.

In order to develop a new class of low molecular weight immunomodulators for the treatment of incurable diseases involving cancer, hematologic diseases and inflammation, we have sought cytokine inducers and inhibitors of cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix among the low molecular compounds produced by microorganisms. Cytogenin, cytoblastin (a monokine inducer), conagenin (a lymphokine inducer) and delaminomycins and IC-101 (inhibitors of cell adhesion to extracellular matrices) have been recently found in our institute. In this report, we describe the principles of screening and structures, and discuss their biological activities.

Actinobacteria↗
PubMed1995

Effect of a novel anti-rheumatic drug, TA-383, on type II collagen-induced arthritis.

The effects of Ta-383 (0.016, 0.08, 0.4, 2 and 10 mg/kg) and anti-rheumatic drugs (lobenzarit 10 and 50 mg/kg, dexamethasone 0.25 mg/kg) were evaluated on type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. The arthritis score was markedly suppressed in the groups treated with dexamethasone and TA-383. Serum anti-type II collagen IgG was significantly suppressed in the groups treated with dexamethasone and 0.4 mg/kg TA-383. Histopathological evaluation of the knee joints revealed suppression of the inflammatory changes in the groups treated with dexamethasone and TA-383. These findings suggest that the histopathological examination of the joints of the animal model is useful for the evaluation of anti-rheumatic drugs, and that TA-383 has suppressive effects on type II collagen-induced arthritis, an animal model for human rheumatoid arthritis.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Sequence-specific DNA binding by covalently constrained peptide dimers of the basic leucine zipper protein GCN4.

DNA binding of covalently bonded peptide dimers was studied by using enantiomeric and C2-symmetric templates as a dimerization module. Amino acid sequence of the peptide is derived from that of DNA contact region of the basic leucine zipper protein GCN4. These peptide dimers were designed to possess different constraints with respect to the orientation of two peptides. The basic region peptides were covalently linked to the enantiomeric template at the C-terminal ends. Two peptides are arranged either in a right-handed or left-handed geometry depending on the chirality of the template. The GCN4 basic region dimers with both right-handed and left-handed geometries show equal affinity to the native GCN4 binding DNA sequences, 5'-ATGACTCAT-3' and 5'-ATGACGTCAT-3', as revealed by the gel mobility shift assay. Specific recognition of the palindromic DNA sequence by the peptide dimers was confirmed by the DNase I footprinting. Circular dichroism spectroscopic study indicates that the basic region peptides bound the target DNA sequence in a helical conformation. The degree to which a chiral constraint effects may depend on the geometry of two DNA binding domains in the parent protein-DNA complex and on a position to apply the chiral constraint.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1995

Preparation and characterization of dextran magnetite-incorporated thermosensitive liposomes: an on-line flow system for quantifying magnetic responsiveness.

PURPOSE: Dextran magnetite (DM)-incorporated thermosensitive liposomes, namely thermosensitive magnetoliposomes (TMs), were prepared and characterized in order to investigate their possibility for magnetic drug targeting. METHODS: TMs containing calcein were prepared at various DM concentrations by reverse-phase evaporation of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC). They were evaluated for their physicochemical properties including size, DM capture, magnetite distribution within liposomes, and temperature-dependent calcein release. Moreover, a novel on-line flow apparatus with a sample injector, a coil of tubing placed in an electromagnet, and a fluorescence detector was developed for quantifying the magnetic responsiveness of TMs. This device allowed us a real-time measurement of percentage holding of TMs by magnetic field. RESULTS: Due to water-soluble property of DM, higher contents of magnetite up to 490 mg per mmol DPPC were successfully incorporated into the liposomes with DM than with conventional magnetite (Fe3O4). Thermosensitivity and lipid integrity of TMs were not influenced by inclusion of DM. Using the on-line flow system, percentage holding of TMs by magnetic field was shown to vary with several factors; it increases as the magnetic field strength increases, the fluid flow rate decreases, the magnetite content increases, and the liposome concentration increases. Typically, at 490 mg incorporated magnetite per mmol DPPC, 0.5 ml/min-fluid flow rate, and high magnetic field strength (> or = 10 kiloGauss), approximately 100% of TMs were found to be held. CONCLUSIONS: The TMs were suggested to be useful in future cancer treatment by magnetic targeting combined with drug release in response to hyperthermia.

1,2-Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine↗
PubMed1995

Establishment of a human cell line secreting neuron-specific enolase from a primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the retroperitoneal cavity.

Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is one of the small round cell malignancies of presumed neural crest origin for which an effective treatment has not yet been established. In the present study, a human cell line, designated KU-9, was established from a 27-year-old male patient with PNET of the retroperitoneal cavity and has been successfully maintained in nude mice and in culture. On histological examination, the primary tumor was composed of poorly differentiated small round cells arranged in clusters showing a variety of mitotic changes, and contained Homer-Wright rosettes. The histopathological appearance of the KU-9 xenografts was similar to that of the primary tumor. Electron microscopy revealed neurosecretory granules and cytoplasmic processes in the xenograft. No significant amplification of N-myc gene was observed in the KU-9 cells. The KU-9 cells showed chromosome numbers ranging from 56 to 61 with consistent structural abnormalities being add(2)(q31), +add(11)(p11.2), +add(13)(p11.1), and +del(22)(q12). Cultured KU-9 cells grew exponentially with a doubling time of about 50 h and a time-dependent increase in medium levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was noted. Serum levels of NSE in KU-9 tumor-bearing nude mice were significantly elevated and a linear relationship between the serum NSE levels and the tumor NSE content or tumor volume was observed, suggesting that serum levels of NSE may reflect the PNET tumor burden and tumor extent. These results indicate that the KU-9 cell line provides a reproducible model system which could be useful in gaining some insight into the histogenesis and oncogenesis of PNET and in establishing an effective treatment for PNET.

Adult↗