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Biomedical subjects

Makoto Morozumi

Publications and source records attributed to Makoto Morozumi.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

Capillary electrophoresis assay of alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase activity in rat liver.

We measured hepatic alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) activity using capillary electrophoresis. After rat liver homogenate was incubated in the presence of substrates and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, the pyruvate and glycine produced by AGT were measured. The AGT activity was 10.02+/-0.31 micro mol pyruvate/h/mg protein and 10.21+/-0.15 micro mol glycine/h/mg protein. This method is relatively simple and shows superior sensitivity, allowing the measurement of enzyme activity in 5 micro g of protein. Therefore, it appears to be suitable for laboratory use and may also have advantages for measuring AGT activity in liver biopsy specimens.

Animals↗

Partial nephrectomy using a vascular sealing system.

PURPOSE: The margin resected at partial nephrectomy is so fragile that it is not easy to control bleeding. To control bleeding we developed a new technique using a vascular sealing system for hemostasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 38-year-old woman with renal cell carcinoma underwent partial nephrectomy. A tumor was identified in the lower pole of the left kidney. The kidney was exposed with the perinephric fat and the main renal artery was identified and clamped. Along the incision line the renal cortex was cut sharply to 10 to 15 mm. deep. A jaw of the vascular sealing system was carefully inserted into the sinus space between the renal pelvis and medulla. The jaws were gradually clamped together, and the renal medulla and vasculature were compressed and then sealed completely by computer controlled current. Because the renal pelvis was involved by tumor, the pelvis was removed partially with the tumor and approximated with absorbable sutures. RESULTS: Before reperfusion only a few additional sutures were needed for hemostasis. Warm ischemia time was 19 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Our technique seems to be a promising method of rapidly achieving reliable hemostasis for partial nephrectomy.

Adult↗

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism with urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: Recent studies suggest that allelic variations of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene can influence calcium absorption and excretion. Therefore, we studied the association of VDR gene polymorphism with urolithiasis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 83 patients with urinary stones and 83 controls. Patients were scored for certain clinical characteristics, including long axis diameter of the largest stone (1 point-less than 10 mm. and 2-10 mm. or greater), number of stones (1 point-1 and 2-multiple) and history of calcium stone disease (1 point-absent and 2-present). They were classified into 3 groups according to the total score, including low-3, intermediate-4 or 5 and high-6 points. The 2 VDR gene polymorphisms TaqI and ApaI were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and their relationships with the urinary calcium level were examined. RESULTS: The incidence of TaqI Tt and tt genotypes was significantly higher in the high score group than in controls. The TaqI t allele was associated with a 5.2-fold increase in the risk of severe stone disease. The urinary calcium level in patients with the Tt and tt genotypes was also higher than in those with the TT genotype. The rate of the ApaI genotype was not different in the high score group and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The TaqI t allele of the VDR gene may be a risk factor for severe stone disease and recurrent stones.

Adult↗