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Biomedical subjects

N Matsui

Publications and source records attributed to N Matsui.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Autocrine induction of gliostatin/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (GLS/PD-ECGF) and GLS-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinases in rheumatoid arthritis synoviocytes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine how gliostatin/platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (GLS/PD-ECGF) is involved in the molecular mechanism of cartilage degradation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with special reference to the GLS-induced gene expression and protein synthesis of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 (collagenase-1) and MMP-3 (stromelysin-1). METHODS: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) obtained from RA patients were cultured and stimulated by GLS. Changes in the expression levels of GLS, MMP-1 and MMP-3 were assessed by Northern blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for GLS, and by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for MMPs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1. RESULTS: GLS demonstrated a self-induction of mRNA in cultured RA FLSs. GLS evoked a dose-dependent induction of MMP-1 and MMP-3 mRNAs, and subsequently their extracellular secretion. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that GLS is a plausible pathogenic factor causing the extensive joint destruction in RA mediated via MMPs.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗
PubMed1999

Expression of hepatocyte growth factor in cultured human endometrial stromal cells is induced through a protein kinase C-dependent pathway.

To examine the production of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by human endometrial stromal cells (ESC) in vitro, concentrations of HGF in the culture media of ESC were measured after the addition of various amounts of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), forskolin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), or ethynylestradiol-17alpha using an ELISA. The expression of HGF mRNA was also assayed by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The concentration of HGF in the culture media of unstimulated ESC was below the detection level of the assay. TPA stimulated the secretion of HGF by ESC in a dose-dependent manner. TPA also induced the transcription of HGF mRNA by ESC. Forskolin, LPS, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha, IFNgamma, or ethynylestradiol-17alpha did not alter HGF mRNA or protein levels. TPA-stimulated production of HGF was partially inhibited by the addition of 1-(5-isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine or sphingosine. These results suggest that a protein kinase C-dependent pathway may play an important role in the regulation of HGF production by ESC. HGF secreted by ESC may be involved in the regeneration of the endometrium during the normal menstrual cycle.

1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-Methylpiperazine↗
PubMed1999

Endothelin-1 stimulates heat shock protein 27 induction in osteoblasts: involvement of p38 MAP kinase.

We previously reported that endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells and consequently induces synthesis of interleukin-6. In the present study, we investigated the effect of ET-1 on the induction of heat shock protein 27 (HSP 27) in MC3T3-E1 cells. ET-1 time and dose dependently stimulated HSP 27 accumulation. ET-1 induced an increase in the levels of mRNA for HSP 27. Both staurosporine and calphostin C, inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), suppressed the ET-1-induced HSP 27 accumulation. 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA), a PKC activator, induced the HSP 27 accumulation and the expression of mRNA for HSP 27. The ET-1-stimulated HSP 27 accumulation was reduced in PKC-downregulated MC3T3-E1 cells. The HSP 27 accumulation by ET-1 was not suppressed by PD-98059, an inhibitor of the upstream kinase that activates p42/p44 MAP kinase. ET-1 or TPA induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. SB-203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAP kinase, reduced the ET-1-stimulated HSP 27 accumulation. Calphostin C and U-73122, a phospholipase C inhibitor, suppressed the ET-1-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. U-73122 and propranolol, a phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase inhibitor, reduced the ET-1-stimulated HSP 27 accumulation. SB-203580 suppressed the ET-1-stimulated increase in the mRNA levels for HSP 27. These results strongly suggest that ET-1 stimulates HSP 27 induction in osteoblasts and that p38 MAP kinase activation is involved in the HSP 27 induction.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Pre-operative staging of ampullary tumours by endoscopic ultrasound.

Ampullary carcinomas have a significantly higher resectability rate and better prognosis than other periampullary carcinomas, although the prognosis is poor with advanced disease. Accurate tumour staging is therefore important in surgical planning. Our objective was to evaluate the usefulness of, and problems associated with, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the pre-operative staging of ampullary tumours. 35 patients with ampullary tumours were pre-operatively examined with EUS. The imaging results were compared with histopathological findings of the resected specimen according to the TNM staging classification. The overall accuracy of tumour (T) staging was 74% (26/35) for all tumours, and 67% (6/9), 71% (10/14) and 83% (10/12) respectively for T1, T2 and T3 tumours. The overall accuracy of nodal (N) staging was 63%. In diagnosing pancreatic invasion, EUS had an accuracy of 86% (30/35), a sensitivity of 83% (10/12), and a specificity of 87% (20/23). In conclusion, EUS provides an accurate method of evaluating the stage of ampullary tumours, especially infiltration into the pancreas. This modality is useful to surgeons in deciding on an appropriate therapeutic approach and in giving a prognosis.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Novel action of quinolones on osteoclast-like cells.

Quinolones have a broad antibacterial spectrum against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The compounds, however, have a few adverse effects, such as convulsion and toxicity to articular cartilage. We observed that some quinolones such as Naldixic acid, Ofloxacin, and Norfloxacin have osteoclast-inducing effects. All quinolones we tested produced tumor necrosis factor-alpha and prostaglandin E2, and have potency as osteoclast inducers to cultured cells. These results suggest that some quinolones affect osteoclast induction or activation, and this may be related to the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Ultrasonography evaluation of abdominal fat in live rats.

We have developed a new noninvasive method of estimating abdominal fat volume in live rats using ultrasonography. By this method, cross sections of perirenal (retroperitoneal) fat tissue, which is an abdominal fat, at the renal vein level could be identified and the area determined. The perirenal fat in Wistar rats (wide body weight range, 111.4 to 497.3 g; limited range, 300.1 to 337.9 g) measured by ultrasonography was compared with the actual fat tissue weight. The cross-sectional area of perirenal fat tissue was significantly correlated to the actual whole tissue weight. Using this procedure, we examined the changes of perirenal fat stores during fasting. Consequently, the cross-sectional area of perirenal fat and its actual weight decreased in parallel. Total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC) is currently used to measure fat-free mass (FFM) and indirectly predicts total body fat mass of live laboratory animals. The body fat distribution, that is, the location of adipose tissue in the abdominal region, is closely associated with obesity-related diseases. Therefore, it is important to focus not only on the accumulation of total body fat, but also on that of abdominal fat. The present ultrasonographic method is considered to be useful for repeated noninvasive measurement of abdominal fat in the live rat.

Abdomen↗
PubMed1999

Ultrastructural study of cells at the synovium-cartilage junction: response of synovial cells of the rat knee joint to intra-articularly injected latex particles.

To study phagocytosis in synovial cells at the synovium-cartilage junction, we used polystyrene latex spheres which induced no infiltration of inflammatory cells into the synovial tissues and observed them for a long term period. The latex bead suspension was injected into the knee joint cavities of 60 day-old male Wistar rats. The animals were then sacrificed at 1, 4, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days after the injections and their synovial tissues including the patellar cartilage were resected for subsequent examination with the transmission electron microscope. On day 1, particles were phagocytised intensively by both type A (macrophage-like) and type B (fibroblast-like) cells. Particles were more numerous in the cytoplasm of type A rather than type B cells. The number of synovial cells containing particles and the number of particles present in these cells decreased remarkably on day 4. By day 7, particles were also observed in the tendon. On day 14, particles were observed in the cytoplasm of chondrocyte. It was noted that particle density within cells began to increase again after day 28. On day 56, numerous particles were observed in type A and type B cells and moreover within the intercellular matrix. Even tendon cells actively engulfed the particles. The results of the present study suggest that both type A and B synovial cells, chondrocytes and tendon cells possess the ability to phagocytise foreign materials. Moreover, the possibility is proposed that the synovium-cartilage junction is the point where the synovial fluid exits and particles drain via the blood circulation.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

A possible barrier function of the articular surface.

Since MacConaill first reported the existence of a thin additional layer of the articular cartilage and named it the lamina splendens, there have been various opinions as to the role of this layer in the lubrication of the articular surface. We studied the superficial portion of the articular cartilage in the 20 day-old and 30 day-old rats using light and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, we studied the articular cartilage of the rat whose "cover layer" had been removed mechanically. Also, intraarticular latex beads injection, intraarticular dye injection using lithium carmine and supravital staining experiments were performed. On day 20, dye injected intraarticularly was clearly observed by light microscopy in chondrocytes situated in the deeper layers. The dye injected in the 30 day-old rats, however, was not seen in the chondrocytes but was found only in the superficial layer. Dye was found in the chondrocytes when supravital staining was performed in the articular cartilage of 30 day-old rats after mechanical removal of the cover layer. By transmission electron microscopy, a superficial layer consisted of fine filamentous structures was observed on the articular surface of the 30 day-old rats. The cover layer was destroyed by intraarticular injected latex beads in 30 day-old rats. These findings strongly support the idea that the cover layer acts as a barrier against substances which invade from the surface of the articular cartilage. The development period of the cover layer coincides with the initiation of weight bearing, and joint cartilage debris and pressure changes might further promote maturation.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Regulation of Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein-mediated cell adhesion by kininogens and their derivatives.

MC3T3-E1 (mouse osteoblast-like) cells adhered to a tissue culture plate coated with human Zn-alpha2-glycoprotein (Znalpha2gp). The adhesion of MC3T3-E1 cells to Znalpha2gp was inhibited by synthetic peptides such as RGDS and ELRGDV, and by antibody against vitronectin receptor. These findings suggested that the RGD region of Znalpha2gp interacts with the vitronectin receptor (alphavbeta3) on the MC3T3-E1 cell surface. Furthermore, we found that the common heavy chain of both HMW- and LMW-kininogens accelerated the Znalpha2gp-mediated MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion. Among the three domains of the common heavy chain of both kininogens, domain 3 promoted the cell adhesion by up to 200%. Among the nine synthetic peptides covering domain 3, the peptide, N334AEVYVVPWEKKIYPTVN351 accelerated in a dose-dependent manner the Znalpha2gp- and vitronectin (VN)-mediated MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion. These findings suggested that a defined region of domain 3 is responsible for the acceleration of cell adhesion.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1998

Magnetic resonance imaging of experimental subacute spinal cord compression.

STUDY DESIGN: Subacute compression of the spinal cord was applied to rats. The animals were chronologically observed using magnetic resonance imaging for more than 8 weeks after surgery and were killed for histopathologic examination. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the correlation of changes in signal intensity on magnetic resonance images with those observed in histopathologic study and with the degree of spinal cord compression and paralysis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No consensus has been reached concerning the correlation of magnetic resonance images to clinical symptoms of compressive myelopathy. Few reports are available in which magnetic resonance imaging findings are compared with histopathologic features in chronic or subacute experiments. METHODS: In rats under general anesthesia, the T11 lamina was thinned and a slow increase in volume was applied. Hind limb paralysis appeared 1 week after the procedure and spontaneously subsided thereafter. The degree of spinal compression and signal intensity was observed chronologically using magnetic resonance imaging. The signal intensity on the final MR images was rated on a four-point scale and compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: As spinal compression increased, the incidence of high signal intensity on long spin-echo images became higher. Low signal intensities on short spin-echo images were visible in animals in which compression and paralysis were the most severe. In these animals, cavitation and a dilated central canal were visible. High signal intensities on long spin-echo images reflected various pathologic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in signal intensity on MR images are visible after the induction of myelopathy by high-pressure compression. These signal intensities may be useful in predicting the outcome of compressive myelopathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Critical interval for rescue of axotomized neurons by transplants.

To determine whether embryonic spinal cord transplants retained the ability to prevent retrograde death of Clarke's nucleus (CN) neurons if supplied after a delay, we hemisected adult rats at the T8 spinal cord segment and placed transplants of fetal tissue into the hemisection cavity immediately or up to 14 days later. Transplants provided in the first 7 days after injury prevented virtually all of the 30% loss of CN neurons at L1 ipsilateral to hemisection that occurs without a transplant. Transplants supplied at 14 days post-hemisection were ineffective. Because prevention of retrograde neuron death is one mechanism by which transplants may contribute to locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury, this window of effectiveness should be considered in the design of clinical trials.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Effect of exercise-induced acidosis on aldosterone secretion in men.

The present study was carried out to elucidate whether an exercise-induced increase in plasma hydrogen ion concentration influences aldosterone secretion. Six healthy men (aged 22-25 years) performed two intermittent exercise tests with and without drug administration. The intensities of these exercise tests were 40% maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and 90% VO2max, respectively. Administration of 2-mg Dexamethasone and 50-mg Captopril caused an almost complete suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and an enhancement of the elevation in renin concentration during exercise, indicating successful inhibition of ACTH release and angiotensin II production during exercise. While the magnitude of the increase in aldosterone in the drug experiment was depressed compared with the control experiment, a significant increase in aldosterone concentration was observed at the end of the 90% VO2max exercise. Whilst the change in aldosterone concentration did not correlate with the change in plasma potassium concentration, there was a significant correlation between aldosterone and plasma hydrogen ion concentrations in the drug experiment. Since the correlation coefficient was low (r = 0.455), the biological meaning of this correlation should be further investigated. These results would suggest that an elevation of plasma hydrogen ion concentration induced by exercise per se appears to be related, at least in part, with increased aldosterone secretion, independent of the pituitary-adrenal axis, and the renin-angiotensin system.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1998

Complete response of early gastric cancer to uracil and tegafur.

A 74-year-old Japanese woman with early gastric cancer was successfully treated with uracil and tegafur (UFT). She was diagnosed by endoscopy (including endoscopic biopsy and endosonography) with an early gastric cancer, type IIa + IIc, on the greater curvature of the angulus. Surgical procedures or endoscopic therapy could not be performed because the patient had severe ischemic heart disease. Therefore, chemotherapy with UFT was administered at 300 mg/day for 15 months. Follow-up endoscopy, endosonography, and biopsy showed disappearance of the gastric cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of the complete response of an early gastric cancer to UFT in the English-language literature.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1998

Rotation plasty for osteosarcoma of the femur.

A 20-year-old female with right femoral osteosarcoma noted severe pain and swelling of the right thigh, and was transferred to the authors' hospital after suffering a pathologic fracture of the right femur. Plain x-ray disclosed a tumor shadow extending from the pathologic fracture of the distal portion of the femur to the center of the diaphysis. MRIs showed a broad lesion and hematoma, and invasion to the femoral vascular bundle was suspected. Angiograms revealed vascularization coincidental to the tumor, and an irregular vascular wall of the femoral artery, which was shifted posteriorly. After consultation with the patient and her family, rotation plasty was performed. The sciatic nerve was isolated and preserved; major vessels were sectioned proximally and distally because of tumor tissue invasion to the femoral artery and vein. After wide excision of the tumor, the leg was rotated outward 180 degrees, and osteosynthesis was performed between the remaining femur and the tibia, followed by microsurgical anastomosis of vessels. Five years postoperatively, no local recurrence or metastasis has been observed. The patient has excellent functional recovery without pain, and no other complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Effects of interferon-gamma on cytokine production by endometrial stromal cells.

To clarify the role of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in reproduction, we have examined its effects on cytokine production by human endometrial stromal cells (ESC). Concentrations of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in the culture media of normal ESC and an endometrial stromal sarcoma cell line, MaMi, were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Both non-stimulated ESC and non-stimulated MaMi cells constitutively secrete IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and M-CSF. In a dose-dependent manner, IFN-gamma increased the concentrations of IL-6, MCP-1, and M-CSF and reduced the concentrations of IL-8 in ESC and MaMi cells. These results suggest that IFN-gamma produced by both decidual inflammatory cells and the developing embryo plays a role in the maintenance of early pregnancy by modulating the production of these cytokines by human ESC.

Cells, Cultured↗
PubMed1998

[Optimization of arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR)-based DNA fingerprinting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its clinical application].

Since the number of outbreaks of pulmonary tuberculosis is increasing in Japan, epidemiological analysis is important to prevent the disease. Since Mycobacterium tuberculosis lacks the variety of biotypes among strains, genetical analysis is considered to be a promising measure to differentiate various of this pathogen. We applied arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR)-based DNA fingerprinting to clinically isolated strains of M. tuberculosis. Although genetic analyses of M. tuberculosis by AP-PCR were reported by several investigators, reproducibilities of their results were not sufficient to be widely accepted as a reliable epidemiological tool. To attain high reprodicibulity, we attempted to optimize AP-PCR conditions including primers and annealing temperature, and to purity of DNA preparations. In this study, high reproducibility was attained by using the mixed primers of 1309F and 92R, and DNA preparations with an absorbance ratio (A260/A280) of higher than 1.50. Twenty two clinical isolates, including strains isolated from one incidence of nosocomial infection and from that of intrafamilial infection were analyzed by the optimized method; consequently they were grouped into 16 types. This AP-PCR method requires only one week subculture of M. tuberculosis and less than 24 hours for analysis. This AP-PCR method allowed us to obtain the highly reproducible results within a considerably short term, which would be applicable to clinical epidemiological investigation.

DNA Fingerprinting↗
PubMed1998

[Role of superoxide generation and degradation system of mast cells in allergic inflammation].

Rat peritoneal mast cells are stimulated to generate superoxide anion (O2) by the addition of compound 48/80 and A23187. Recently, we demonstrated by immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis that the mast cells contained the p47phox protein, which was one of cytosolic component of the NADPH oxidase system. In the present study, it was demonstrated that the mast cells contained the p47phox mRNA, much similar to that of mouse leukocyte. The permeabilized mast cells were stimulated to generate O2- by the addition of Ca2+, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and arachidonic acid. Our data suggest the following:(1) cytosolic PLA2 may be activated by the elevation of [Ca2+]i; (2) the conjugation of membrane component with cytosolic component may be stimulated by the released arachidonic acid. The mast cell granules contained superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like enzyme, which degradated O2-, generated in xanthine-xanthinoxidase system. SOD-like enzyme was released from the granules by the treatment with Ca2+ and trapped by the treatment with heparin. In conclusion, our studies suggest that the disorder of the degradation system of O2- may contribute to the development of allergic inflammation.

Animals↗