Biomedical subjects

N Watanabe

Publications and source records attributed to N Watanabe.

At least 289 records · Page 16Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Molecular epidemiological investigation using a randomly amplified polymorphic DNA assay of Burkholderia cepacia isolates from nosocomial outbreaks.

We experienced two Burkholderia cepacia outbreaks over a 1-year period. During this period, 28 B. cepacia isolates were obtained from clinical specimens, and 2 were obtained from environmental specimens (i.e., from a nebulizer solution and a nebulizer tube). These 30 isolates were subjected to the PCR-based randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay as well as to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In the first outbreak, in which eight patients hospitalized in the Trauma and Critical Care Center were involved, the RAPD assay revealed that all 20 isolates obtained from clinical specimens and the 2 isolates from environmental specimens had identical DNA profiles. These RAPD data enabled us to pinpoint a possible source and to take countermeasures to prevent further spread of the epidemic-causing strain. In the second outbreak, two consecutive B. cepacia infection/colonization cases were seen in the surgery ward. The RAPD profiles of four isolates obtained were again identical, but they were distinct from those seen in the first outbreak, clearly indicating that the second outbreak was not related to the first. Thus, our experience demonstrated that the RAPD assay is a useful and reliable tool for epidemiological studies of B. cepacia isolates from nosocomial outbreaks. Since the RAPD assay could provide discriminatory potential and reproducibility comparable to those of the widely used PFGE assay with less complexity and in a shorter time, the introduction of the RAPD assay into hospital microbiology laboratories as a routine technique may help prevent nosocomial outbreaks.

Bacterial Typing Techniques↗

PubMed1999

Anaphylactic response to parasite antigens: IgE and IgG1 independently induce death in Trichinella-infected mice.

The response of animals infected with different Trichinella species (T. spiralis, T. britovi, T. pseudospiralis) to antigens of different Trichinella species was evaluated in outbred mice (CD1) and inbred mice (BALB/c, C3H, SJL, C57BL/6). In mice deficient for IgE or IgG1, T. spiralis only was used. In homologous conditions (i. e., same Trichinella species for antigens and infectious agent) mortality was very high (up to 100% in SJL and C57BL/6). The anaphylactic response in heterologous conditions was much lower and death was observed only in C57BL/6 and SJL mice. Experiments with deficient mice have shown that both specific IgE and IgG1 independently induce a fatal anaphylactic response.

Anaphylaxis↗

PubMed1999

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the urinary bladder and sigmoid colon.

We report an unusual case of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the bladder. A biopsy specimen prior to surgical treatment suggested leiomyosarcoma, and computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging strongly suggested bladder tumor with sigmoid colon invasion. Accordingly, radical surgical treatment consisting of total cystectomy, anterior resection of the sigmoid colon, and ileal conduit was performed. After operation, however, histological examination revealed an inflammatory pseudotumor of bladder and sigmoid colon. These findings were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for smooth muscle specific actin, desmin, S-100, and vimentin. Histological examination revealed a diverticulum of the sigmoid colon in the middle of the pseudotumor, and this diverticulum may have ruptured to cause the inflammatory pseudotumor of bladder and sigmoid colon.

Biopsy, Needle↗

PubMed1999

Treatment of post-transfusion graft-versus-host disease with nafmostat mesilate, a serine protease inhibitor.

BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic T lymphocytes from donors are thought to injure the target organs in post-transfusion graft-versus-host disease (PT-GVHD) through perforin-granzyme- and Fas-dependent cell killings. The protease involved is a serine protease, and nafmostat mesilate (NM), a serine protease inhibitor, has been found to inhibit the in vitro allocytotoxicity of the T cell clone established from a patient with PT-GVHD, thus suggesting the usefulness of NM for treatment of PT-GVHD. CASE REPORT: A 47-year-old male with esophageal cancer, who received 3 units of packed red cells and 20 units of platelet concentrates from 5 unrelated donors, was diagnosed as having PT-GVHD on the basis of typical clinical features, HLA typing of the patient and the responsible donor, and a mixed chimera of CD8+ lymphocytes on microsatellite DNA polymorphism analysis. NM was administered to inhibit the activity of the serine proteases, thought to be granzymes; a liver dysfunction and thrombocytopenia with leukocytopenia simultaneously improved. Subsequently, a high-dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy and monoclonal anti-CD3 were administered to reduce the donor's proliferating lymphocytes, which resulted in lymphopenia accompanied by elimination of the donor's lymphocytes and normalization of the CD4/CD8 ratio. However, recurrence of the proliferation of the responsible donor's lymphocytes developed after cessation of NM administration, probably because of excessive immunosuppression caused by steroids and the monoclonal anti-CD3. CONCLUSION: This case indicates that administration of a serine protease inhibitor may improve PT-GVHD symptoms by inhibiting cytotoxic T-cell-mediated killing of target cells in fatal PT-GVHD. Steroids and monoclonal anti-CD3 were probably responsible for the transient clinical improvements. More studies are required, however, on mechanisms to eliminate the donor's lymphocytes.

Benzamidines↗

PubMed1999

Deficiency of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase is a severity factor for asthma.

Asthma, a family of airway disorders characterized by airway inflammation, has an increasing incidence worldwide. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) may play a role in the pathophysiology of asthma. Its proinflammatory actions are antagonized by PAF acetylhydrolase. A missense mutation (V279F) in the PAF acetylhydrolase gene results in the complete loss of activity, which occurs in 4% of the Japanese population. We asked if PAF acetylhydrolase deficiency correlates with the incidence and severity of asthma in Japan. We found that the prevalence of PAF acetylhydrolase deficiency is higher in Japanese asthmatics than healthy subjects and that the severity of this syndrome is highest in homozygous-deficient subjects. We conclude that the PAF acetylhydrolase gene is a modulating locus for the severity of asthma.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗

PubMed1999

The C-terminal domain of the Cdc2 inhibitory kinase Myt1 interacts with Cdc2 complexes and is required for inhibition of G(2)/M progression.

Activation of Cdc2, is the universal event controlling the onset of mitosis. In higher eukaryotes, Cdc2 activity is in part regulated by inhibitory phosphorylation of Thr14 and Tyr15, catalyzed by Wee1 and Myt1, which prevents catastrophic premature entry into mitosis. In this study we defined the function of Myt1 by overexpression studies in both S. pombe and a human osteosarcoma cell line. Similar to Wee1, overexpression of human Myt1 prevented entry into mitosis in both cell types; however, Myt1 catalytic activity was not essential for the cell cycle delay observed with human cells. Myt1 expression was restricted to proliferating cells. Furthermore, we detected no major decline in Myt1 protein abundance prior to the entry into mitosis, which coincides with the loss of Myt1 activity. We localized mitotic phosphoepitopes, recognized by the monoclonal antibody MPM-2, to the C-terminal domain of Myt1. The mitotic peptidyl-prolyl isomerase, Pin1, was able to associate with this domain in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. Truncation of the C-terminal domain of Myt1 prevented its ability to induce G(2)/M phase arrest in overexpression studies in human cells and dramatically reduced its ability to phosphorylate Cdc2 in vitro. We demonstrate that the C-terminal domain of Myt1 was required for recruitment of Cdc2, and we infer that this domain lies in the cytoplasm because it can interact with and is phosphorylated by Cdc2. In conclusion, we propose that Myt1 can negatively regulate Cdc2/cyclin B1 and inhibit G(2)/M progression by two means, both of which require the C-terminal domain; first, Myt1 can bind and sequester Cdc2/cyclin B1 in the cytoplasm preventing entry into the nucleus, and, second, it can phosphorylate associated Cdc2/cyclin B1 at Thr14 and Tyr15 thus inhibiting its catalytic activity.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1999

Expression of cytokine and adhesion molecule mRNA in atherectomy specimens from patients with coronary artery disease.

Coronary arteriosclerosis is an underlying condition in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and stable angina pectoris (SAP), and is also related to restenosis (RS) following coronary intervention. To investigate the pathogenesis of this condition, a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to determine relative levels of mRNA for interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 using directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) specimens. Eleven patients with AMI, 7 with UAP, 10 with SAP and 6 with RS following a previous coronary intervention underwent DCA. The mRNA intensity for each molecule was expressed by comparing it with that of beta-actin mRNA. The AMI and UAP patients showed high frequencies of mRNA for IL-1beta, IL-8, TGF-beta, and ICAM-1 together with strong intensities of expression, whereas SAP patients showed decreased mRNA expression for these molecules. Increased IL-6 mRNA expression was observed only in AMI samples. Specimens from RS patients revealed an accumulated expression of proinflammatory cytokines, except for IL-6, as well as of TGF-beta. The study suggests that variation in mRNA expression may reflect the pathophysiology of specific types of coronary artery disease, and remodeling following vascular injury.

Aged↗

PubMed1999

Thallium-201 scintigraphy in malignant mesothelioma.

A patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma was investigated using 201Tl scintigraphy. There was diffuse pleural tumour accumulation on planar scintigraphy. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) demonstrated exact tumour location. It is concluded that planar scintigraphy using 201Tl may be useful in detecting mesothelioma. Clearer tumour localization is possible with SPECT.

Female↗

PubMed1999

Suppression of D-galactosamine-induced rat liver injury by glycosidic flavonoids-rich fraction from green tea.

Tea constituents that had a preventive effect on D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats were partially purified by column chromatography from a n-butanol-soluble fraction of green tea. The fraction containing glycosidic flavonoids was found to suppress the D-galactosamine-induced increase of plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities. These results indicate that glycosidic flavonoids contribute, at least in part, to the liver injury-preventive effect of green tea.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1999

Inhalation of diesel engine exhaust affects spermatogenesis in growing male rats.

We conducted experiments to determine whether diesel engine exhaust affects reproductive endocrine function in growing rats. The rats were assigned to three groups: a group exposed to total diesel engine exhaust containing 5.63 mg/m3 particulate matter, 4.10 ppm nitrogen dioxide, and 8.10 ppm nitrogen oxide; a group exposed to filtered exhaust without particulate matter; and a group exposed to clean air. Dosing experiments were performed for 3 months beginning at birth (6 hr/day for 5 days/week). Serum levels of testosterone and estradiol were significantly higher in animals exposed to total diesel exhaust and filtered exhaust (p < 0.05 for each group) as compared to the controls. Follicle-stimulating hormone was significantly decreased in the two groups exposed to diesel exhaust as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Luteinizing hormone was significantly decreased in the total exhaust-exposed group as compared to the control and filtered groups (p < 0.05). Although testis weight did not show any significant difference among the groups, sperm production and activity of testicular hyaluronidase were significantly reduced in both exhaust-exposed groups as compared to the control group. Histological examination showed decreased numbers of step 18 and 19 spermatids in stage VI, VII, and VIII tubules in the testes of both diesel exhaust-exposed groups. This study suggests that diesel exhaust stimulates hormonal secretion of the adrenal cortex, depresses gonadotropin-releasing-hormone, and inhibits spermatogenesis in rats. Because these effects were not inhibited by filtration, the gaseous phase of the exhaust appears to be more responsible than particulate matter for disrupting the endocrine system.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed1999

Relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin and the prevalence of proteinuria in Japanese men.

A total of 5,174 Japanese men were included in a cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) level and the prevalence of proteinuria as determined using a reagent strip. The prevalence of proteinuria rose significantly at HbA1C levels above 5.9%, whereas no relationship was observed at HbA1C levels below 5.9%. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that blood pressure and a family history of diabetes were independent factors associated with proteinuria in subjects with a HbA1C below 5.9% who were not under medication for diabetes. In contrast, HbA1C, obesity and smoking were associated with proteinuria in subjects who were under medication for diabetes and/or have a HbA1C above 5.9%. These findings suggest that maintaining a HbA1C level below 5.9%, non-smoking and a standard body weight may reduce the prevalence of proteinuria in Japanese men. Healthy life-style and standard body weight are especially important for subjects with a family history of diabetes.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Systemic lupus erythematosus with a giant rectal ulcer and perforation.

A 41-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed pelvic inflammation due to perforation of a giant rectal ulcer is described. The patient presented with persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever without development of disease activity of SLE. Endoscopic and radiological examinations revealed a perforated giant ulcer on the posterior wall at the rectum below the peritoneal evagination. The ulcerated area was decreased after a colostomy was performed at the transverse colon to preserve anal function. The patient is currently being monitored on an outpatient basis. It should be noted that life-threatening complications such as perforated ulcer of the intestinal tract could occur without SLE disease activity.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Elevated remnant-like lipoprotein particles in impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in association with insulin resistance is considered to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Thus, patients with IGT may have abnormal lipid and lipoprotein profiles. The purpose of this study was to investigate presence of remnant-type hyperlipoproteinemia in patients with IGT. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum levels of remnant-like lipoprotein particles (RLP) were measured in 541 subjects (362 men and 179 women, age 53 +/- 7.9 years) who visited our health center for routine medical examinations. We measured RLP cholesterol (RLP-C) and RLP triglycerides (RLP-TG) using immunoaffinity gel containing monoclonal anti-human apoproteins A-I (H-12) and B-100 (JI-H) antibodies. After a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, subjects were divided into three groups: normal, IGT, and type 2 diabetic. RESULTS: After matching for sex, age, and body weight, serum RLP-C in normal, IGT, and diabetic groups were 4.2 +/- 1.7, 6.2 +/- 3.4, and 6.2 +/- 4.2 mg/dl, respectively. The corresponding RLP-TG values were 16.7 +/- 9.2, 28.0 +/- 19.1, and 29.0 +/- 27.2 mg/dl. We found that RLP-C and RLP-TG values were significantly higher in the IGT and diabetic groups compared with the normal group (P < 0.001). In the same order, total serum cholesterol levels were 206 +/- 29, 205 +/- 34, and 206 +/- 34 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol levels were 127 +/- 27, 124 +/- 34, and 123 +/- 34 mg/dl, showing no marked difference in these groups. However, serum levels of triglyceride were higher in the IGT and diabetes groups (155 +/- 76 and 151 +/- 81 mg/dl vs. 106 +/- 41 mg/dl; P < 0.0001). Further, the incidence of remnant hyperlipoproteinemia in normocholesterolemic subjects was up to four times higher in IGT and diabetic groups compared with the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: High serum RLP-C and RLP-TG levels in IGT and diabetic patients may represent an increased risk of atherosclerosis in these patients.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1999

Serum soluble HLA-DR antigens in autoimmune hepatitis.

To investigate the significance of HLA-class II, especially DR antigens, in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), the serum concentrations of soluble HLA-DR antigen (sDR) were measured in 16 patients with AIH. The expression of HLA-DR antigens in the liver tissues of AIH patients was also studied by immunohistochemistry. AIH at diagnosis showed markedly higher serum sDR levels than controls, in which the liver tissues exhibited positive staining of HLA-DR antigens. Seven patients received corticosteroid therapy, in whom the serum sHLA-DR concentration was reduced dramatically from activated to remission stage. In sequentially follow-up cases, sDR correlated well with the disease activity, and also with the change of surface DR expression in the liver. A single major band with a molecular size of 60 kDa was detected, both in patient's sera and in normal control sera, by Western blotting. In conclusions, serum sHLA-DR level could be a marker reflecting immunological activity of the disease.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1999

Simultaneous amplification of Bordetella repeated insertion sequences and toxin promoter region gene by polymerase chain reaction.

A polymerase chain reaction was devised to simultaneously detect repeated insertion sequences and the pertussis toxin promoter gene for the diagnostic identification of Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, and B. bronchiseptica. The sensitivity of this method was sufficient to detect one B. pertussis organism using the following cycles and temperatures: 95 degrees C for 15 min, followed by 32 amplification cycles (1 min at 95 degrees C, 1 min at 66 degrees C, 1 min at 72 degrees C), and finally 5 min at 72 degrees C. Using the primers as a combined set did not affect sensitivity, but required an increased temperature for optimal annealing compared with a single-sequence assay. As nasopharyngeal aspirate and swab materials sometimes contain hemoglobin, we also tested the inhibitory effect of hemoglobin on this assay, which was inhibited completely when using DNA extracts from samples containing hemoglobin at a final concentration >0.015 g/L: this inhibition was reversed by addition of bovine serum albumin to the buffer. Our assay shows promising sensitivity and specificity for clinical use.

Bordetella Infections↗

PubMed1999

Antibody mimicking an anti-E antibody that binds to patient's E negative red cells.

We have reported a rare case of auto anti-E antibody with specificity mimicking alloantibody with E specificity. A patient whose red cells typed as R1R1 and who had a positive direct antiglobulin test was admitted to our hospital. After standard serologic testing was performed, flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and differential allogenic adsorption test were used to verify whether antibody binds to the patient's red cells and normal red cells. A high titer anti-E antibody was detected transiently from the patient's serum and eluate. An indirect antiglobulin test using red cells treated by cysteine-activated papain and dithiothreitol (ZZAP) and chloroquine showed that both the patient's serum and eluate bound an apparent anti-E antibody to E negative patient's red cells. Fluorescence activated cells sorter (FACS) and Western blot analysis verified that the patient's red cells lacked E antigen. Further, it was clarified that the antibody does not bind to any E negative normal red cells by differential allogenic adsorption test. These results provide evidence that an antibody mimicking an E alloantibody can bind to patient's own E negative red cells but not to allogenic E negative red cells.

Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic↗

PubMed1999

[Primary racemose hemangioma of bronchial artery].

A 38-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital because of massive hemoptysis. A chest X-ray film disclosed an infiltrative shadow. A bronchoscopic examination revealed a small, pulsatile, papillary protrusion in the orifice of the middle lobe bronchus, and massive bleeding from the protrusion was observed during the examination. Bronchial arteriography showed convolution and mild hypervascularization of the right bronchial artery. A middle lobectomy was performed, and the protrusion was histologically shown to be a primary racemose hemangioma of the bronchial artery.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

[The control survey in CD marker analysis of leukemic cells].

Analysis of cell surface antigens is thought to be more objective compared to classification by the morphology. However, it has been indicated that the evaluated data are different each other between institutes. Therefore, we performed a control survey of CD marker analysis in leukemia cells using flow cytometry in six commercial laboratories. The expression of CD2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 19, 20, 33, 34, 38, and 71, HLA-DR in tumor cells from megakaryoblastic leukemia, lymphoblastic crisis of CML, and ALL patients, were examined. There were large differences in the results of CD marker analysis among the six commercial laboratories. One possible reason for this result is the differences in gating condition and monoclonal antibodies used in each laboratory. However, there were the differences in the results even when the same gating condition and antibodies were used. The reasons for the difference in transport or treatment conditions for samples remain a matter of considerable controversy. In the present condition, it was suggested that the exchange of information about the origin of tumor cells between the physician in charge and examination experts is thought to be the best way to analyze proper cell surface antigen expression. Further, no national survey has been carried out, but the establishment of a standard assay is preferred to obtain proper data for the patients and medical parties concerned.

Adolescent↗