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Biomedical subjects

S Fujioka

Publications and source records attributed to S Fujioka.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Hypertension in obese children: fasting serum insulin levels are closely correlated with blood pressure.

The relationship between blood pressure and anthropometric or metabolic factors was studied in 324 obese children aged 9.5 +/- 1.8 years (mean +/- standard deviation). Obese children had a significantly higher blood pressure than non-obese children (systolic blood pressure: 121 +/- 14 mmHg in obese children vs 112 +/- 11 mmHg in non-obese children, P less than 0.001; diastolic blood pressure: 72 +/- 9 mmHg in obese children vs 66 +/- 7 mmHg in non-obese children, P less than 0.001). When the obese children were divided into hypertensive and normotensive groups, there was a significant difference in fasting serum insulin levels between the two groups (19.3 +/- 9.3 microU/ml in the hypertensive group vs 13.0 +/- 6.1 microU/ml in the normotensive group), and a close correlation between fasting serum insulin levels and systolic blood pressure was demonstrated (r = 0.63, P less than 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between blood pressure and the degree of obesity itself or the waist-to-hip ratio in the obese children. There was no significant correlation between blood pressure and fasting plasma glucose, serum total cholesterol, or triglycerides levels in the obese children. Moreover, the correlation between fasting insulin levels and blood pressure was shown to be independent of the degree of obesity or waist-to-hip ratio and age by multiple regression analysis. These results indicate that hyperinsulinemia itself may play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in obese children.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed1990

[Clinical features of uveitis in childhood during the past 20 years].

One hundred and fifty five cases (237 eyes) of children with uveitis were clinically observed in the past 20 years. There was no fluctuation in the number of patients during the period. Concerning the age as the first visit, the smallest group was under 4 years of age and the numbers of patients increased at ages 14 and 15. Chief complaints usually corresponded to the age of the cases. Cases with anterior uveitis accounted for 25% of all cases, intermediate uveitis 12%, posterior uveitis 45% and panuveitis consisted of 17% of all cases, respectively. In the course of treatment, improvement of visual acuity was not statistically significant; the visual prognosis of cases affected under age 7 years was relatively poor. At the time of final observation, the visual acuity of cases, who had first visited during the past 10 years, were better than those who presented during the previous decade. Uveitis had healed or improved in 68% of cases treated in our clinic. As complications, band-shaped keratopathy was seen in 8% of the patients, cataract in 22% and glaucoma in 5%, respectively. Thirty two per cent of the cases received systemic steroid therapy and the average duration was 3.8 months. Fifty two operations were performed in 30 cases (19%), 37 eyes (16%); 16 were cataract operations and 24 were operations for glaucoma.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Effects of cardioplegic solution and calcium entry blockers on coronary artery contraction].

We studied the effects of the electrolyte composition (K, Ca, Na) and calcium entry blockers of the extracellular fluid on the tension development of isolated canine coronary arterial strips. In 20 mEq/l K solution, 4.7 mEq/l calcium produced coronary artery contraction. This Ca-induced contraction was inhibited dose-dependently by calcium entry blockers-nifedipine, nicardipine, diltiazem and verapamil. In the presence of 20 mEq/l K, the reduction of sodium concentration to 12 mEq/l increased the tension of coronary artery. Calcium entry blockers did not affect this tension development. After 5 or 30 min perfusion of calcium entry blockers, Ca-induced contraction was inhibited. It is concluded that low calcium, high sodium cardioplegic solution or addition of calcium entry blockers may relax the canine coronary artery.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Increased level of apolipoprotein B mRNA in the liver of ventromedial hypothalamus lesioned obese rats.

The mRNA level of apolipoprotein B (apoB), which is a principal protein component of nascent very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), was determined in parallel with the measurement of acetyl-coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) carboxylase activity in the liver of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) lesioned obese rats. Eight weeks after the electrolysis of the bilateral VMH, the level of apoB mRNA in the VMH-lesioned rats was about 1.5-fold higher than that in the sham-operated rats, indicating increased apoB synthesis in the liver of the VMH-lesioned obese rats. The activity of Ac-CoA carboxylase, which is a rate-limiting enzyme for the fatty acid biosynthesis, was about 1.8-fold higher in the VMH-lesioned rats. These observations indicated that VLDL synthesis is increased in the liver of VMH-lesioned obese rats.

Actins↗
PubMed1989

Correlation of intraabdominal fat accumulation and left ventricular performance in obesity.

The correlation of intraabdominal visceral fat accumulation and left ventricular performance was investigated in 37 obese patients who had 154 +/- 23% of ideal body weight. The left ventricle was studied noninvasively by means of echocardiography, whereas the distribution of body fat was determined by computed tomography. The end-diastolic left ventricular dimension and stroke volume were greater in obese patients than in non-obese control subjects. Not only the absolute values of these parameters, but also the diastolic left ventricular dimension index (calculated as end-diastolic dimension/cube root of body surface area) and stroke index were greater in obese patients. When the obese patients were divided into 2 groups according to the intraabdominal visceral fat area to subcutaneous fat area ratio (V/S) determined by computed tomography, the diastolic dimension index and the stroke index were significantly greater in visceral-type obesity (V/S greater than or equal to 0.4) than in subcutaneous-type obesity (V/S less than 0.4) (43.2 +/- 2.9 vs 40.3 +/- 3.1 mm/m2/3, p less than 0.01 and 49.3 +/- 6.1 vs 40.3 +/- 5.6 ml/m2, respectively). Multiple regression analysis with independent variables of age, body weight, duration of obesity and V/S ratio showed that diastolic dimension index and stroke index significantly correlated with the V/S ratio. Thus, the alteration of cardiac function in obese patients is attributable not only to excess body weight and duration of obesity but also to intraabdominal fat accumulation.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1989

[The usefulness of lumbar epidural pressure as an index of intracranial pressure].

The reliability of lumbar intraspinal epidural pressure (ISEDP) as an index of intracranial pressure was investigated in seven patients with high intracranial pressure following neurosurgery. ISEDP and intracranial epidural pressure (ICEDP) were measured simultaneously, the latter by the conventional method. ISEDP was measured with a Gaeltec catheter-tip pressure transducer placed percutaneously in the lumbar epidural space via Touhy's needle. In five of seven patients, the ISEDP value was consistently 70 to 100% of the ICEDP value. In all patients, ISEDP always fluctuated in parallel with ICEDP, and the time courses of both were quite similar in response not only to normal cardiac pulsation but also to various manipulations, such as neck compression, coughing, breath holding, mannitol administration, and compression at the cranial defect. In one patient with communicating hydrocephalus following subarachnoid hemorrhage, the relationship between ISEDP and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure was studied. Upon gradual withdrawal of CSF, ISEDP decreased in parallel with CSF pressure until the latter reached 8 mmHg. Below 8 mmHg CSF pressure, ISEDP did not correlate with CSF pressure. This phenomenon was attributed to slackness of the dural sac due to lowering of CSF pressure, which severed contact between the spinal dural theca and the sensor. Although the discrepancy between ISEDP and ICEDP was prominent in some patients, especially those with low intracranial pressure or blockage of the subarachnoid space, in this study ISEDP reliably reflected ICEDP. The results suggest that ISEDP measurement is useful in monitoring intracranial pressure in patients with increased intracranial pressure. Also, the procedure is simple and relatively noninvasive.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Revascularization with the branched graft in middle aortic syndrome].

A case of middle aortic syndrome which was thought to be the thoracoabdominal type of Takayasu's disease was successfully treated with the branched graft bypass. Patient was a 23 year-old woman with hypertension and abdominal pain. The preoperative angiography revealed aortic stenosis from the celiac axis to the left renal artery. The operative procedures were as follows; patient was positioned in supine with her left shoulder and arm raised. Eighth intercostal thoracotomy and midline laparotomy was performed with the thoracoabdominal incision. The branched graft was made previously with woven Dacron (phi 18 mm) and three EPTFEs (phi 8mm). The woven Dacron of the graft was used for the bypass from the descending thoracic aorta to the infrarenal abdominal aorta, and the branched EPTFEs of the graft were used for the bypasses to the common hepatic artery, the superior mesenteric artery and the right renal artery in this order. The bypasses were placed along the anatomical courses in the retroperitoneal space. Postoperatively, the blood pressure dropped and the abdominal pain disappeared. The plasma renin activity decreased and the renal function improved. Two months after operation the bypasses were patent by the angiography and now six months after operation she has returned to her social life healthily. The approach to the aorta and its abdominal branches by thoracotomy and laparotomy and bypass with the three branched graft was useful for middle aortic syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Rheological study on vascular occlusion and cellular hyperviscosity syndrome in polycythemia vera.

Whole blood viscosity was determined in 10 patients with polycythemia vera and 129 normal controls using a cone-plate type rotational viscometer at 37 degrees C. Three of the patients with polycythemia vera exhibited vascular occlusions including cerebral and myocardial infarction. The remaining patients had transient complications such as headache, short of breath and hot flush probably due to the circulatory disturbance. All patients had a blood viscosity higher than normal determined at a shear rate between 37.5 and 375 sec-1. This indicated that the patient might be in the imminent danger of occlusion when the viscosity is above twice the normal mean value. Clinical symptoms appeared in all patients at least over the value of the mean plus 3 standard deviations of the normal controls in the viscosity at a shear rate between 37.5 and 375 sec-1. The present study represented a close relationship between the occurrence of occlusive and/or reversible lesions and the elevated values of whole blood viscosity in polycythemia vera. The phlebotomy and fluid infusion therapy was valuable in most cases because the viscosity was decreased at once to the normal level. In addition an extended classification of hyperviscosity syndrome consisting of cell, plasma and combined hyperviscosity is proposed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Prognostic features of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria in Japan.

A survey on the survival of a total of 160 patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) was conducted by questionnaires to hematologists at the 86 major hospitals in Japan. Ten, 20 and 30 year-survival rates from the day of diagnosis was 71%, 57.5% and 57.5%, respectively. The survival curves by sex showed no statistical difference between males and females. The cause of death in 56 patients with PNH was investigated. Twenty cases, representing 38.5% of 52 patients excluding 4 cases of unknown cause, died of hemorrhage. Death from thrombosis occurred only in 3 cases. The incidence of hemorrhage and thrombosis as a cause of death in Japanese patients was clearly different from that in the United States and England. Various causes other than hemorrhage and thrombosis were disclosed. Patients died 4.5 years (median) from diagnosis and at a mean age of 50.4 years. Hypoplastic bone marrow was found histologically in 40.4% of 52 patients by biopsy. The findings of peripheral blood and aspirated bone marrow were nearly consistent with those of hypoplasia. A higher incidence of hemorrhagic death in Japanese patients might be related to thrombocytopenia by hypoplastic bone marrow. On initial diagnosis, 41.2% had aplastic anemia-PNH syndrome. Prevention against complications in PNH with special reference to blood transfusions are discussed.

Female↗
PubMed1989

Metabolic improvements associated with a reduction of abdominal visceral fat caused by a new alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, AO-128, in Zucker fatty rats.

The relationship between mesenteric fat accumulation and metabolic disorder was studied in genetically obese Zucker fatty rats. These animals had high levels of plasma glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol as well as increased liver triglyceride in comparison with lean rats. In addition, portal free fatty acid (FFA) levels were also higher in fatty rats than in lean rats. Direct measurement of fat weight revealed a substantial increase of mesenteric as well as subcutaneous fat. The volume of mesenteric fat cells was greater than that of subcutaneous fat cells in Zucker fatty rats (1.67 +/- 0.49 nl versus 1.00 +/- 0.31 nl), although the mesenteric fat cell volume was less than half of the subcutaneous fat cell volume (0.05 +/- 0.02 nl versus 0.14 +/- 0.07 nl) in lean rats. An increase in mesenteric fat cell volume was thus more predominant than that of subcutaneous fat cells in the fatty rats. Administration of AO-128 (50 p.p.m./day), a new alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, caused a substantial reduction of mesenteric fat weight accompanied by a marked decrease in fat cell volume in Zucker fatty rats. The drug also caused a significant reduction of FFA levels in the portal vein in parallel with a marked reduction of triglyceride content in the liver. These observations indicate that the fat accumulation in the markedly enlarged mesenteric fat cells is related to the elevated levels of FFA in the portal vein, which in turn may cause metabolic disorders in the liver. A new alpha-glucosidase inhibitor improves these disorders, at least in part, by preventing an enlargement of mesenteric fat cells.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1988

The dominant non-gibberellin-responding dwarf mutant (D8) of maize accumulates native gibberellins.

The endogenous gibberellins (GAs) were examined from young vegetative shoots of the dominant mutant, Dwarf-8, a GA-nonresponder, and normal maize; GA(44), GA(17), GA(19), GA(20), GA(29), GA(1), and GA(8), members of the early-13-hydroxylation pathway, were identified from both kinds of shoots by full-scan mass spectra and Kovats retention indices. In addition, we report the identification of 3-epi-GA(1), GA(3), GA(4), GA(5), GA(7), GA(9), GA(12), GA(15), GA(24), GA(34), and GA(53) by using the same criteria. [1,7,12,18-(14)C(4)]GA(53) and -GA(44), [17-(2)H(2)]GA(19), and [17-(13)C,(3)H(2)]GA(20), -GA(29), -GA(1), -GA(8), and -GA(5) were used as internal standards to determine the endogenous levels of these GAs by measurement of isotope dilution, using capillary gas chromatography and selected ion monitoring. Shoots of Dwarf-8 accumulate relatively high levels of GA(20), GA(1), and GA(8). The accumulation of GA(1) appears to be related to gene dosage. Since Dwarf-8 contains the same pattern of GAs as normals (including GA(1) and GA(3)), the genetic control point probably lies after GA(1) (and GA(3)). Thus Dwarf-8 may be a GA receptor mutant or a mutant that controls a product downstream from the binding of the bioactive GA to a receptor.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1988

Increases in hepatic fructose-2,6-bisphosphate level and fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase activity in rats with ventromedial lesions of the hypothalamus.

To investigate altered fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (fructose-2,6-P2) metabolism, we measured fructose-2,6-P2 levels and fructose-6-phosphate,2-kinase (fructose-6-P,2-kinase) activities in various tissues, including liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle, of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH)-lesioned rats during feeding and starvation. The plasma insulin level was 6 times or more higher in these rats than in the controls. The fructose-2,6-P2 level in liver was much greater in VMH-lesioned rats than in the controls: 15.1 +/- 2.2 nmol/g tissue versus 7.7 +/- 0.7 in the fed state, 5.3 +/- 1.1 versus 1.6 +/- 0.4 in the starved state. In kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle, fructose-2,6-P2 levels were not different between the two animal groups. The activity of hepatic fructose-6-P,2-kinase remained high after 20 h of starvation in VMH-lesioned rats, whereas it was decreased markedly in the controls. The hepatic concentration of fructose-6-phosphate was also high in VMH-lesioned rats. Both fructose-6-P,2-kinase activity and fructose-6-phosphate concentration in the liver of starved VMH-lesioned rats were comparable to those of control rats in fed conditions. These results indicate that the alteration of fructose-2,6-P2 metabolism is characteristic of liver in VMH-lesioned rats, and that the increase in hepatic fructose-2,6-P2 may activate hepatic glycolysis not only during feeding but also during starvation, leading to the enhanced lipogenesis in these obese rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Endogenous Gibberellins from Sporophytes of Two Tree Ferns, Cibotium glaucum and Dicksonia antarctica.

Gibberellin A(1) (GA(1)), 3-epi-GA(1), GA(4), GA(9), 11alpha-hydroxyGA(12), 12alpha-hydroxyGA(12), GA(15), GA(17), GA(19), GA(20), GA(25), GA(37), GA(40), GA(58), GA(69), GA(70), and GA(71) have been identified from Kovats retention indices and full scan mass spectra by capillary GC-MS analyses of purified extracts from sporophytes of the tree fern, Cibotium glaucum. Abscisic acid, dihydrophaseic acid, an epimer of 4'-dihydrophaseic acid, and the epimeric ent-6alpha, 7alpha, 16alpha, 17-(OH)(4) and ent-6alpha, 7alpha, 16beta, 17-(OH)(4) derivatives of ent16, 17-dihydrokaurenoic acid, in addition to the epimeric 16alpha, 17- and 16beta, 17-dihydroxy-16, 17-dihydro derivatives of GA(12), were also identified in extracts of C. glaucum. An oxodihydrophaseic acid and a hydroxydihydrophaseic acid were also detected. In extracts of sporophytes of Dicksonia antarctica, GA(4), GA(9), 12alpha- and 12beta-hydroxyGA(12), GA(15), GA(25), and GA(37) were identified by the same criteria, as well as abscisic acid, phaseic acid, 8'-hydroxymethylabscisic acid and dihydrophaseic acid. This is the first time that GA(40) has been identified in a higher plant; it is also the first report of the natural occurrence of the two gibberellins, 11alpha- and 12beta-hydroxyGA(12). The total gibberellin (GA) content in C. glaucum (tall) was at least one order of magnitude greater than that of D. antarctica (dwarf) based on total ion current response in GC-MS and bioassay data. Abscisic acid was a major component of D. antarctica and the oxodihydrophaseic acid was a major component of C. glaucum.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1988

Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Gibberellins in Vegetative Shoots of Normal, dwarf-1, dwarf-2, dwarf-3, and dwarf-5 Seedlings of Zea mays L.

Gibberellins A(12) (GA(12)), GA(53), GA(44), GA(19), GA(17), GA(20), GA(29), GA(1), and GA(8) have been identified from extracts of vegetative shoots of normal (wild type) maize using full scan capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Kovats retention indices. Seven of these gibberellins (GAs) have been quantified by capillary gas chromatography-selected ion monitoring using internal standards of [(14)C(4)]GA(53), [(14)C(4)]GA(44), [(2)H(2)] GA(19), [(13)C(1)]GA(20), [(13)C(1)]GA(29), [(13)C(1)]GA(1), and [(13)C(1)]GA(8). Quantitative data from extracts of normal, dwarf-1, dwarf-2, dwarf-3, and dwarf-5 seedlings support the operation of the early 13-hydroxylation pathway in vegetative shoots of Zea mays. These data support the positions in the pathway blocked by the mutants, previously assigned by bioassay data and metabolic studies. The GA levels in dwarf-2, dwarf-3, and dwarf-5 were equal to, or less than, 2.0 nanograms per 100 grams fresh weight, showing that these mutants are blocked for steps early in the pathway. In dwarf-1, the level of GA(1) was very low (0.23 nanograms per 100 grams fresh weight) and less than 2% of that in normal shoots, while GA(20) and GA(29) accumulated to levels over 10 times those in normals; these results confirm that the dwarf-1 mutant blocks the conversion of GA(20) to GA(1). Since the level of GAs beyond the blocked step for each mutant is greater than zero, each mutated gene probably codes for an altered gene product, thus leading to impaired enzyme activities.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1988

Effects of an antihypertensive vasodilator, pinacidil, on regional blood flow in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Using a radioactive microsphere method, the effects of hydralazine and a new antihypertensive vasodilator, pinacidil, on systemic and regional hemodynamics were examined and compared in conscious Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). A single intravenous administration of pinacidil decreased mean blood pressure in a dose dependent fashion (0.03-0.3 mg/kg), and the peak effect was observed within a few minutes after administration. The onset of the hypotensive action of hydralazine was relatively slow compared to that of pinacidil, and its peak effect appeared 5-10 min after administration. There was no difference between WKY and SHR in the time course of blood pressure change, but the pressure reduction in WKY was less than that in SHR. We observed regional hemodynamic differences between the normotensive rats and the hypertensive rats. The flow rates in the kidney, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and skin of SHR were significantly lower than those of WKY. The intravenous infusion of pinacidil at a rate of 0.06 mg/kg/min increased cardiac output and heart rate, and selectively increased flow rates in organs with low flow rates compared to normotensive controls except for the spleen. Thus, pinacidil reduced total peripheral resistance of SHR to levels of WKY and normalized hemodynamic abnormalities in SHR. The regional hemodynamic action of pinacidil in SHR was not qualitatively different from that of hydralazine except in a few organs.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Renal effects of leukotrienes C4 and D4 in anesthetized dogs.

We investigated the effects of leukotrienes (LTs) C4 and D4 on renal function and hemodynamics of dogs. LTC4 (0.5 microgram/min, infused into the renal artery), but not LTD4 (1 microgram/min), caused an increase in renal blood flow, urine flow, urinary excretion of sodium and potassium, and rate of free water reabsorption, with a concomitant rise in systemic blood pressure. Intrarenal infusion of LTC4 under conditions of constant renal perfusion pressure induced no significant effect on renal blood flow or urine formation. Infusions or LTC4 and LTD4 into the renal artery induced no change in the release of prostaglandins, PGE2, PGF2 alpha, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha or thromboxane B2 into renal venous blood. From these findings, we concluded that the renal effects of LTC4 were secondary responses to a rise in systemic blood pressure.

Anesthesia↗