Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

S Horiuchi

Publications and source records attributed to S Horiuchi.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

[An allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for chronic myelocytic leukemia with a large extramedullary tumor in the pelvic cavity].

A 16-year-old girl developed a pain and paresis in the right hip joint in April 1994. Abdominal CT scan revealed hepatosplenomegaly and large tumor mass (6 x 7 x 13 cm) invading the right psoas muscle in the pelvic cavity. Laboratory data disclosed marked granulocytosis, the presence of Ph1 translocation and bcr-abl rearrangement, thus a diagnosis of CML was made. The tumor was shown to be consisted of granulocytes at all stages of development by a fine needle aspiration cytology. According to the criteria of IBMTR, the disease was classified as accelerated phase solely because the sum of myeloblasts and promyelocytes exceeded over 20%. The patient was treated with hydroxycarbamide, 6MP and dexamethasone, and marked reduction of the tumor mass was observed. Then an allogeneic BMT was performed from her HLA- identical brother on August 1994. She did not develop clinically significant symptoms except for grade I skin GVHD. The tumor was completely disappeared after the BMT as assessed by the abdominal CT scan. No cytological and chromosomal relapse has been observed for 20 months after the BMT.

Adolescent↗

[Relationships between wakefulness of mothers and their infants' movements during night sleep of postpartum 6 weeks].

Relationships between wakefulness of mothers and their infants' movements during night sleep in postpartum period were studied under conditions in daily life. Subjects were ten primiparae, aged 23-31 yrs (mean age, 26.8 yrs), who had a normal course of pregnancy and delivery. Eight of their infants were breast-fed, and two were formula-fed. Mother's polysomnograms, (EEG, EOG, EMG, and ECG) and actigrams of infants' legs were simultaneously recorded using Medilog 9000 at home in the 1st, 3rd and 6th postpartum weeks. Mothers' sleep stages and their infants' movements were visually scored by an epoch of one minute. The infants' movements were classified into four states, MOV0, MOV1, MOV2, and MOV3. We defined MOV0 as no activities during one epoch, MOV1 as less than 20 seconds activities, MOV2 as from 20 to 40 seconds activities and MOV3 as from 40 to 60 seconds activities. The average times of wakefulness on the mothers were 102.6 min (SD = 23.5), 84.8 min (SD = 52.8) and 79.4 min (SD = 40.5) for 1st, 3rd and 6th postpartum weeks, respectively. There were no significant differences among them. The mothers' wakefulness coincided with the infants' movements MOV3 was 86.9% for total epochs of MOV3, while deep sleep of the mothers was observed during epochs of MOV0 and MOV1. This trend did not change across the postpartum weeks. The time-lag between the mothers' wakefulness and their infants' movements was calculated. In 85.4% of 48 times of mother's awakenings for feeding their infants, their infants began to move before their mothers woke up. In 63.4% of the cases, the mothers woke up within two minutes after their infants began to move. In the present study, eight of the ten mothers satisfactorily adapted themselves to the life style in the postpartum period, while two had difficulties in adaptation. In conclusion, ten mothers' wakefulness during night sleep in postpartum period was related to their infants' movements, and its relationship did not change through the 1st, 3rd and 6th weeks of delivery.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Advanced glycation end products stimulate plasminogen activator activity via GM-CSF in RAW 264.7 cells.

The effects of advanced glycation end products (AGE) on the plasminogen activator (PA) activity were investigated with murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells. AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA) showed a dose-dependent induction for the urokinase-type PA (uPA) activity. The uPA induction by AGE-BSA was effectively suppressed by the antibody against granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). The uPA activity of these cells was also induced by ligands for the macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR). These data provide evidence that AGE-BSA stimulates the uPA activity via GM-CSF through MSR in RAW cells. These findings, taken together with a recent demonstration of endocytic uptake of AGE-proteins by MSR in vitro and the presence of AGE-proteins in atherosclerotic lesions, strongly suggest that the uPA induction by AGE-proteins via MSR plays an important role in human atherogenesis.

Animals↗

Interaction of rat liver lysosomes with basic polypeptides.

In order to gain knowledge on the interaction of lysosomes with proteins, we have assessed the equilibrium densities of the lysosomal membrane and matrix markers after in vitro incubation of rat liver lysosomes with various polypeptides. The addition of basic polypeptides, polylysine or protamine, to the suspension of lysosomes brought about a profound alteration of lysosomal membrane, causing extensive leakage of lysosomal matrix enzymes. Electron microscopic observation revealed a remarkable aggregation of lysosomes by the basic polypeptides. Polyglutamic acid, an acidic polypeptide, did not produce such effect. ATP was found to stabilize lysosomes during incubation, particularly with basic polypeptides.

Animals↗

Production of functional chick liver HMG 2a protein in Escherichia coli.

An efficient Escherichia coli system for the production of a variant form of high-mobility group-2a protein (HMG 2a), having the additional 5 amino acid residues (Ala-Pro-Thr-Leu-Glu) at the NH2-terminal, has been constructed. cDNA encoding HMG 2a was ligated with the Omp A signal peptide sequence and was inserted into an inducible bacterial expression vector pSH-L. After the plasmid introduced into E. coli was expressed by temperature shift, the recombinant product was purified by trichloacetic acid precipitation followed by Bio-Rex 70 column chromatography. The purified product showed the expected NH2-terminal sequence and the superhelical activity of circular DNA similar to the authentic HMG 2a isolated from chick liver.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Macrophage scavenger receptor mediates the endocytic uptake and degradation of advanced glycation end products of the Maillard reaction.

Modification of proteins by long-term incubation with glucose leads to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE). Recent immunological demonstration of the presence of AGE proteins in several human tissues suggests that they may be involved in aging, diabetic complications and atherosclerosis. AGE proteins are taken up by macrophages via the AGE receptor, which is similar to the macrophage scavenger receptor (MSR). In the present study, we examined whether MSR could mediate the endocytic uptake of AGE proteins by using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing bovine type II MSR (CHO-SRII). 125I-labelled AGE bovine serum albumin (125I-AGE-BSA) as well as 125I-acetylated low-density lipoprotein (125I-acetyl-LDL) underwent endocytic degradation by CHO-SRII cells, but not by control CHO cells. Endocytic degradation of 125I-acetyl-LDL and 125I-AGE-BSA by CHO-SRII cells was significantly inhibited by unlabeled AGE-BSA, as well as by acetyl-LDL. Immunoelectron microscopic studies using both AGE-BSA conjugated with gold particles and anti-(bovine MSR) antibody (D2) revealed co-localization of gold particles and the reactive sites for the antibody at coated pits of plasma membranes as well as in endosomes. These results clearly show that MSR mediates the endocytic uptake and degradation of AGE proteins, suggesting a new role of MSR in biological recognition of AGE in vivo.

Animals↗

Are advanced glycation end-products associated with amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease?

Recent studies have suggested that advanced glycation end-products (AGE) of the Maillard reaction are associated with amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease. To evaluate this possibility, the present immunohistochemical study was undertaken to locate AGE in cerebral cortices of Alzheimer's disease, using a monoclonal antibody specific for AGE-proteins. Deposits of beta-amyloid protein within cores of classic senile plaques and vascular walls in amyloid angiopathy showed no AGE-positive reaction, while primitive plaques, coronas of classic plaques and some glial cells were positive for AGE. These findings are inconsistent with the suggestion that AGE may be involved primarily in amyloidosis in Alzheimer's disease.

Aged↗

Differential effects of an acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor on HDL-induced cholesterol efflux from rat macrophage foam cells.

When rat macrophages were converted to foam cells with acetylated low density lipoprotein (acetyl-LDL) and then reacted with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and an inhibitor of acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (58-035) (sequential incubation system), 58-035 did not enhance HDL-induced cholesterol efflux. In contrast, when macrophages were exposed to acetyl-LDL in the presence of both HDL and 58-035 (simultaneous incubation system), HDL-induced cholesterol efflux was enhanced 1.6-fold by 58-035. Cholesterol efflux with HDL alone was 2-fold greater in simultaneous incubation than in sequential incubation. These results suggest the presence of an efficient cholesterol efflux pathway in simultaneous incubation which is not available in sequential incubation. This pathway, which we refer to as the neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase-independent pathway, is characterized by the efflux of lysosome-derived cholesterol without re-esterification.

Animals↗

Microstructures in high-Tc Bi(Pb)-family 2212 superconductors as revealed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Microstructures of Bi(Pb)-family 2212 superconductors, which were prepared by a sol-gel method with three different compositions, were examined mainly by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The magnetization of the specimens strongly depends on the ratio between Bi and Pb content, while Tc is almost constant. In specimen 1, prepared with the nominal composition of Bi/Pb = 9/1, small grains of 2212 phase are formed with a minor fraction of some impurity phases. In specimen 2, with Bi/Pb = 17/3, which is optimum from the viewpoint of magnetization, large grains of the 2212 phase are formed during heating at 800 degrees C, also with the impurity phases. In specimen 3, with Bi/Pb = 8/2, the 2212 grains are divided by layers of (Bi0.86, Pb0.14) (Ca0.7, Sr0.3)Ox. Moreover, plate-like 2212 crystals are severely bent so that small cracks appear often with an inclusion of amorphous substance being rich in Ca and Pb. These layers and cracks must degrade the magnetization. A modulated structure of Bi-type is formed in the 2212 grains of specimens 1 and 2, while not only Bi-type but also Pb-type are formed in specimen 3. The wavelength of Bi-type is different for each specimen.

Bismuth↗

Localization of advanced glycation end products of Maillard reaction in bovine tissues and their endocytosis by macrophage scavenger receptors.

In aged bovines, the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in macrophages, endothelial cells, adventitial cells, or pericytes; epithelial or parenchymal cells of some organs such as the liver, adrenals, and kidneys; neuronal cells in the brain; and extracellular matrix was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry using anti-AGE monoclonal antibody 6D12. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated the localization of AGEs in the endosomal and lysosomal compartments of various types of cell and in the extracellular matrix. By biochemical characterization of the interaction of AGEs with bovine alveolar macrophages using [125I]AGE-bovine serum albumin (BSA), the cell association and subsequent endocytic degradation of [125I]AGE-BSA were confirmed. To investigate the possible participation of scavenger receptors in the endocytosis of AGEs, these cells were incubated with AGE-BSA conjugated with colloidal gold particles (AGE-BSA-Au particles) and examined by immunoelectron microscopy with a monoclonal antibody for bovine macrophage scavenger receptors, D2. In these macrophages, AGE-BSA-Au particles were bound to the D2-positive scavenger receptors on the surface membrane, endocytosed, and directed to secondary lysosomes. The scavenger receptors were dissociated from the ligands in late endosomes and recycled via a trans-Golgi system to the cell surface membrane. These data suggest that scavenger receptors participate in the endocytic process of AGEs by macrophages.

Aging↗

Isolation of pepsinogen A from gastric mucosa of bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.

Two pepsinogens, named pepsinogens II-2 and III, were purified from the gastric mucosa of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana. The two pepsinogens were distinct from each other with respect to activation rate, sensitivity to pepstatin, amino acid composition, immunogenicity and NH2-terminal sequence. The analysis of NH2-terminal sequence showed that pepsinogen II-2 is identical to progastricsin from the bullfrog esophagus. Pepsinogen III was thought to be pepsinogen A, which has so far not been found in the bullfrog.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ultrastructure of nonenzymatically glycated mesangial matrix in diabetic nephropathy.

Advanced protein glycation has been proposed as a major factor in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have altered the structure of extracellular matrix component and impaired self association in vitro. To elucidate the role of AGEs in the progression of diabetic nephropathy, the present study was undertaken to localize glomerular AGEs immunohistochemically. Ultrastructural changes of the mesangial matrix were analyzed with high resolution scanning electron microscopy. No glomerular AGEs staining was noted in normal control kidney specimens, or in tissue from glomerulonephritis patients without diabetes mellitus. The mesangium showed a positive AGEs staining in advanced stages of diabetic nephropathy, and the most characteristic finding was the strong AGEs staining in nodular lesions. By high resolution scanning electron microscopy, control and diabetic mesangial matrices revealed a meshwork structure composed of fine fibrils (10 nm in width) and numerous pores (12 to 13 nm in diameter). In the nodular lesions, however, loosening of the meshwork was significant, and the diameter of the pores was enlarged (approximately 24 nm). This study provides the first immunohistochemical evidence that AGEs are localized in diabetic glomeruli, most notably to nodular lesions. Advanced glycation might play a role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy through impairment of the assembly of matrix proteins in vivo.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic microwave coagulo-necrotic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: a feasible study of an alternative option for poor-risk patients.

In spite of the development of techniques for liver resection, preoperative evaluation of hepatic functional reserve and some other therapeutic options such as transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT), liver failure after surgery is sometimes observed. Some patients, who have small liver cancers (under 2 cm in diameter) are diagnosed by various tests, but hepatic resection is not an option for the subset who have lowered hepatic functional reserve. Conventionally, such cases have been treated by TAE and/or PEIT. For the tumors in segments 7 or 8, as termed by Couinaud, which are located just beneath the diaphragm and are difficult to investigate by ultrasonography (US), or to perform PEIT, we have recently applied laparoscopic microwave coagulo-necrotic therapy (LMCNT) with the guidance of US and in some cases, thoracoscopic MCNT (TMCNT), which is performed across the diaphragm to necrotize the tumor, again with the help of US. Here, we report some cases treated by this technique, and the intraoperative color doppler US, which helps evaluate the effectiveness of MCNT.

Adult↗

Long-term results of hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis.

Long-term results of hepatic resection for hepatolithiasis in 34 patients having intrahepatic biliary strictures were studied. The left lateral and the right posterior segmental ducts were commonly and often simultaneously involved. Fourteen patients had multiple segmental involvement. Hepatic resection included left sided resection (n = 27), right sided resection (n = 6), and repeated bilateral resection (n = 1). Seven patients had biliary tumors: 3 cholangiocarcinomas, 2 gall bladder cancers, 1 cystadenocarcinoma, and 1 dysplasia of intrahepatic ducts. Nineteen patients received bilioenteric anastomosis. Retained stones and recurrent stones developed in 3 and 4 patients, respectively. Twenty-six patients had no remaining symptoms; 2 died of operative complication or cholangiocarcinoma; 6 presented symptoms caused by retained stones (n = 2), recurrent stones (n = 2), bile stasis (n = 1), or neuralgia (n = 1). In 4 of the 6 patients, unrelieved posterior duct strictures caused the symptoms. With a mean follow-up period of 4.5 years, 30 patients are symptoms free, and 27 are stone free. In patients with right lobar or bilobar type, intra- and extrahepatic type, and confluence strictures, bilioenteric anastomosis is required. Hepatic resection is a rational treatment for hepatolithiasis, however, meticulous management of biliary tract abnormalities, particularly the posterior duct stricture, is mandatory.

Adult↗

Synthesis of protegrin-related peptides and their antibacterial and anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity.

All disulfide analogs (types I, II and III) of protegrin (PG)-1, an 18-residue antimicrobial peptide having two intramolecular disulfide bonds, were synthesized using regioselective disulfide bond formation. Random air-oxidation of the fully reduced PG-1 formed the type III PG-1. In addition, a type III analog containing an amidated carboxy-terminal residue was also prepared. Each analog showed significant and different antibacterial and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity. Deletion of two disulfide bridges caused a significant decrease in activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗