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Biomedical subjects

R Fujiwaki

Publications and source records attributed to R Fujiwaki.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Elevation of serum interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in women with gynaecological cancers.

This study included 15 patients with gynaecological cancers (7 with cervical cancer, 6 with endometrial cancer, and 12 with ovarian cancer); 7 with benign gynaecological disorders (5 with benign ovarian tumour and 2 with uterine myoma); and 10 healthy women as a control group. Serum interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1 ra) levels in patients with gynaecological cancer were significantly higher than those in patients with benign gynaecological disorders (P = 0.04) and in healthy controls (P = 0.0009). IL-1 ra may play an important role in host immune responses in local and general environments against gynaecological cancers.

Endometrial Neoplasms↗
PubMed1997

Interleukin-4, interleukin-10, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors in cord blood.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed cord blood for levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and p55 (sTNFR-I) and p75 (sTNFR-II) soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors. STUDY DESIGN: Umbilical cord IL-4, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II were measured in 21 normal appropriately grown newborns delivered vaginally (normal pregnancy), and 3 abnormal pregnancies (1 preterm delivery, 1 premature rupture of membranes with chorioamnionitis, and 1 abruptio placentae with fetal and neonatal distress). Umbilical cord arterial blood pH and PO2 were also measured. RESULTS: The TNF alpha, sTNFR-I, and sTNFR-II were detectable in all cord blood samples in normal pregnancies. IL-4 was detected in 10 of 21 samples (47.6%), and IL-10 was undetectable in normal pregnancies. IL-10 could be detected in the cases with chorioamnionitis and abruptio placentae. Soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors in the case with preterm delivery and the case with abruptio placentae were elevated compared with the levels in control samples. CONCLUSION: Both the p55 and p75 soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors are physiologic constituents of term cord blood. An immunosuppressive role of IL-10 and a protective role of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors are suggested in abnormal pregnancies. However, in view of the small number of abnormal pregnancies, these observations must be considered preliminary.

Abruptio Placentae↗
PubMed1996

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate on maternal cardiac function in term pregnancy.

To search for possible effect of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) on maternal cardiac function in term pregnancy, impedance cardiographic assessments were made on 15 normal full-term pregnant women before and 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes after the administration of a 200 mg intravenous dose of DHAS in 20 mL of 5% dextrose. The cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were recorded. Maternal cardiac output increased from baseline by 20% (p < 0.05) after 15 minutes and the mean increase in stroke volume was 25% (p < 0.05) after 15 minutes. No change was found in heart rate or mean arterial blood pressure. DHAS induces a significant increase in both maternal stroke volume and cardiac output without change in heart rate or mean arterial pressure, which suggests a possible increase in cardiac contractility in term pregnancy.

Blood Pressure↗
PubMed1996

Intrauterine sonographic assessments of embryonal liver length.

Our purpose was to evaluate embryonal liver length measurement using intrauterine sonography with a specially developed 20 MHz flexible catheter-based high-resolution real-time miniature (2.4 mm outer diameter) ultrasound transducer in early first-trimester pregnancy. A total of 36 women about to undergo therapeutic abortion at 7-9.9 weeks gestational age and one abnormal pregnancy with fetal hydrops at 9 weeks were studied. The normal range of embryonal liver length for each day of pregnancy was determined. A relationship between embryonal liver length and crown-rump length measurements is described. A linear relationship was found between the menstrual age and embryonal liver length (R2 = 93.3%), and a normal range of embryonal liver length for estimating the growth of the embryonal liver during early first trimester pregnancy was generated. A normogram of menstrual age as predicted by embryonal liver length was also generated. Embryonal liver length was curvilinearly correlated with crown-rump length (R2 = 92.3%). Embryonal liver length value (6.4 mm) in a case of fetal hydrops at 9 weeks was above the normal range. These results may provide an additional measurement for the estimation of gestational age in the early first trimester of pregnancy. In this limited series one embryonal liver enlargement was demonstrated and, thus, there is a potential for its use in the detection of embryonal congestive heart failure. The value and potential applications of this new embryonal parameter are discussed.

Crown-Rump Length↗
PubMed1996

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in cord blood: effects of labor and fetal distress.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of labor pains or fetal distress on concentrations of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in cord blood. METHODS: Umbilical cord interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and IL-1ra were measured in 24 normal appropriately grown newborns delivered vaginally (VD group), 10 normal appropriately grown newborns delivered by elective cesarean section (ECS group), and 5 appropriately grown newborns with fetal distress (FD group). Umbilical cord arterial blood pH and PO2 were also measured. RESULTS: Umbilical artery blood pH and PO2 in the VD group were not significantly different from those in the ECS group. Umbilical artery blood pH and PO2 in the FD group were significantly lower than those in the VD group (p < 0.05). Umbilical artery blood pH in the FD group was significantly lower than that in the ECS group (p < 0.05), but no significant difference for umbilical artery blood PO2 was found between the FD and ECS groups. IL-1 beta levels were undetectable in the three groups of neonates. There were no significant differences for concentrations of IL-1ra in cord blood among the groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the labor pain or fetal distress does not affect concentrations of IL-1ra in cord blood.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Cord blood cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules in vaginal and cesarean delivered neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of labor pain on the concentrations of cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules in cord blood. METHODS: Umbilical cord interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), granulocyte elastase (GEL), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and endothelial lymphocyte adhesion molecule-1 (ELAM-1) were measured in 21 normal appropriately grown newborns delivered vaginally (VD group), and 20 normal appropriately grown newborns delivered by elective cesarean section (ECS group). Umbilical cord arterial blood pH and PO2 were also measured. RESULTS: Umbilical artery blood pH and PO2 in the VD group were not significantly different from those in the ECS group. There were no significant differences for concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha, GEL, ICAM-1, and ELAM-1 in cord blood between VD and ECS groups. CONCLUSION: These results suggests that labor pains do not affect the concentrations of cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules in cord blood.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and granulocyte elastase in newborns with fetal distress.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to investigate the participation of cytokines and neutrophils in fetal distress. STUDY DESIGN: Umbilical cord serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and plasma granulocyte elastase (GEL) were measured in 30 normally grown newborns without fetal distress (Group A), 10 growth-retarded newborns without acute fetal distress (Group B), 5 normally grown newborns with fetal distress (Group C), and 5 growth-retarded newborns with fetal distress (Group D). Umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 were also measured. RESULTS: Umbilical arterial blood pH and PO2 in either Group C or Group D were significantly lower than those in either Group A or Group B. The concentration of IL-6 in Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A, B, or C. The level of IL-8 in either Group C or Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A or Group B. The concentrations of GEL in Group D was significantly higher than that in either Group A or Group B. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that fetal distress in utero causes an elevation of immune factors such as IL-6, IL-8 and GEL.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1995

Hypertensive intra-arterial chemotherapy for endometrial carcinoma assessed by transvaginal Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

We examined the effectiveness of hypertensive intra-arterial chemotherapy for endometrial carcinoma using transvaginal Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Angiotensin II, 100 mg cisplatin, and 40 mg doxorubicin were prescribed for 8 patients with endometrial carcinoma (3 stage Ia; 3 stage Ib; 2 stage II). The resistance index (RI) was obtained for intratumoral blood flow velocity waveforms by transvaginal Doppler ultrasound and changes in RI (delta RI: differences before and after chemotherapy) were calculated. The tumor volume (TV) was also evaluated, based on the T2-weighted image of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The decrease in tumor size [DR-T: (TV before chemotherapy--TV after chemotherapy)/TV before chemotherapy x 100] was determined. RI measurements did not correlate with TV, either before or after chemotherapy. The delta RI varied from 0.007 to 0.615 (mean: 0.207) and DR-T varied from 20.1% to 65.0% (mean: 45.5%). The correlation between delta RI and DR-T [DR-T = 23.5 + 167.2 (delta RI)-165.6 (delta RI)2; R2 = 0.772, p < 0.05] was significant. Therefore, we confirmed the effectiveness of hypertensive intra-arterial chemotherapy for endometrial carcinoma using both transvaginal Doppler ultrasound and MRI.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1995

Intrauterine ultrasonographic assessments of embryonic development.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe embryonal anatomic structures by use of intrauterine ultrasonography with a 20 MHz flexible catheter-based, high-resolution, real-time miniature transducer. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-four women about to undergo therapeutic abortion from 7 to 9.9 weeks' gestation were studied with specially developed catheter-based, high-resolution, real-time miniature (2.4 mm outer diameter) ultrasonography transducer (20 MHz). A percentage of anatomic structures visualized at each gestational age is presented. RESULTS: The number and the clarity of structures increased from 7 to 8 weeks of gestation; however, the image quality was degraded because of the increasing fetal size at 9 weeks. At 8 weeks secondary brain vesicles, spine, midgut herniation, liver, upper and lower limb buds, and sacral tail were visualized in all fetuses. The four-chamber view was first identified at 8 weeks, as were fingers or toes. The stomach was first noted at 9 weeks. The umbilical cord cyst was visualized in 8% of embryos at 7 weeks' gestation and in 29% of embryos at 8 weeks. One cystic hygroma was diagnosed at 8 weeks 5 days. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine ultrasonography provides information on the visualization of anatomic structures of the embryo. In this limited series one embryonic malformation was demonstrated, and thus there is a potential for its use in the detection of malformations. These results suggest that intrauterine ultrasonography has the potential to be a supplement to transvaginal ultrasonography during the first trimester in high-risk pregnancies.

Brain↗
PubMed1995

Effective treatment of drug-induced agranulocytosis using recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor in pregnancy.

Drug-induced immune system mediated agranulocytosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. There have been only a few reports on the drug-induced agranulocytosis during pregnancy. We present a case of agranulocytosis after prolonged intravenous infusion of ritodrine hydrochloride and additional administration of indomethacin suppositories, effectively treated using recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor without any infection in a mother with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor may have a potential use for drug-induced agranulocytosis during pregnancy.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Rare case of transitional cell carcinoma originating in Bartholin's gland duct.

We report a rare case of papillary invasive transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) that originated in Bartholin's gland duct. It resulted in differentiation into low-grade dysplasia and grade-III invasive TCC. Because invasive lesions within the lamina propria developed from flat dysplasia, the invasive TCC had presumably progressed from low-grade dysplasia. To our knowledge, 6 cases of TCC originating in Bartholin's gland have been reported previously, but our report is the first to describe TCC associated with dysplasia. The progressive course of this rare carcinoma is discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube with brain metastasis: a case report.

The first reported case of cerebellar metastasis from primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube is presented. Initially diagnosed as stage Ia, the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy, followed by cisplatin-based chemotherapy and whole pelvic irradiation. Thirty six months later multiple pulmonary metastases were detected that did not respond to chemotherapy. Later the patient presented with cerebellar metastasis. She received whole brain radiotherapy and steroids. The brain lesion partially responded and the patient's neurologic symptoms improved. Throughout there was no evidence of local recurrence. This case suggests that with the prolonged survival achieved by aggressive treatment occult brain metastases might become apparent.

Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Expression of thymidine phosphorylase in human cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate whether the expression of thymidine phosphorylase (TP) by cervical cancer cells is correlated with the density of microvessels within the tumor, histopathologic features, and prognosis. METHODS: Sections of 55 cervical cancers (30 of stage IB, 5 stage IIA, and 20 stage IIB) were analyzed for the cellular expression of TP and the intratumoral density of microvessels by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to TP and Factor VIII related antigen, respectively. The main outcome measures were the histopathologic features (histologic type, the maximum longitudinal diameter of the tumor, depth and degree of cervical stromal invasion, lymph-vascular space invasion, parametrial invasion, corpus invasion, vaginal invasion, and pelvic lymph node metastasis), whether or not the tumor cells were TP positive or TP negative, the microvessel count, and disease-free survival. RESULTS: Twenty-nine tumors (52.7%) were classified as TP-positive. The microvessel count (mean +/- SD, 45.6 +/- 12.8) in TP-positive tumors was significantly higher than that (mean +/- SD, 24.3 +/- 9.6) TP-negative tumors (P < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). The disease-free survival of the patients with TP-positive tumors was significantly less than those with TP-negative tumors (P = 0.044, log-rank test). Multivariate analysis revealed that pelvic lymph node metastasis was to be the only independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (P = 0.041). Moreover, disease-free survival in patients with TP-negative was longer than that in those with TP-positive in pelvic lymph node-negative subgroup, but this did not reach significance (P = 0.247, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Although the expression of TP is not an independent prognostic factor in cervical cancer, it indicates a significantly decreased disease-free survival in patients with TP-positive tumors. These findings provide a potential for new therapeutic intervention mediated by nature that TP inherits in cervical cancer.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in progression of cervical cancer: correlation with thymidine phosphorylase expression, angiogenesis, tumor cell proliferation, and apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been linked not only to angiogenic activity but also to thymidine phosphorylase (TP), rapid tumor growth, and inhibition of apoptotic cell death. Our purpose was to examine how VEGF expression affect these factors in cervical cancer at varying stages of progression. METHODS: VEGF expression, TP expression, the microvessel count (reflected by factor VIII-related antigen), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were assessed immunohistochemically in 19 specimens of normal cervical epithelium, 35 of carcinoma in situ (CIS), 34 of microinvasive carcinoma (MIC), and 34 of invasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Apoptosis was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. RESULTS: VEGF expression progressively increased along a continuum from normal epithelium to invasive SCC (P < 0.0001). VEGF expression significantly correlated with TP expression and PCNA index (P < 0.01 and P < 0.0001, respectively). In analyses within histological stages, VEGF expression significantly correlated with the PCNA index in CIS and MIC (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), but not in invasive SCC. The PCNA index for combined analysis of VEGF and TP expression was similar to that for VEGF expression alone. VEGF expression tended to correlate with microvessel count, however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.09). No significant correlation was observed between VEGF expression and the apoptotic index. CONCLUSIONS: VEGF expression may stimulate tumor cell proliferation in the early stages of cervical cancer, and may be responsible for cervical tumorigenesis.

Apoptosis↗