Biomedical subjects

S Noguchi

Publications and source records attributed to S Noguchi.

At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Dystrophin-associated protein A0 is a homologue of the Torpedo 87K protein.

We raised a monoclonal antibody, MA0, which reacts with A0, a 94-kDa rabbit skeletal muscle dystrophin-associated protein (DAP) bound to the syntrophin-binding domain of dystrophin. The antibody also reacted with the 62-kDa DAP which was moved to the locus close to beta-syntrophins by 2-dimensional PAGE, but the DAP did not coincide with any known beta-syntrophins. We have cloned a fragment of cDNA which codes the protein reacting with MA0 from a neonatal rabbit heart cDNA library. Based on the coincidence of cDNA sequences and the similarity in molecular mass, we concluded that the proteins reacting with MA0 are rabbit homologues of the Torpedo 87K protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Thermophilic bacilli have split cytochrome b genes for cytochrome b6 and subunit IV. First cloning of cytochrome b from a gram-positive bacterium (Bacillus stearothermophilus).

The genes of Bacillus stearothermophilus K1041 encoding cytochrome b(6) (Bacillus cytochrome b is referred to as cytochrome b(6) for its resemblance to plastid b6) and subunit IV of the quinol:cytochrome c oxidoreductase (bc1 complex) were cloned and sequenced. For preparation of the probe for cloning, polymerase chain reaction was carried out using oligonucleotide mixtures targeting for N-terminal regions of cytochrome bc and subunit IV of the thermophilic Bacillus PS3. The deduced amino acid sequences contained 224 residues of 25,425 daltons for cytochrome b(6) and 173 residues of 19,371 daltons for subunit IV, and both open reading frames were separated by 67 base pairs. Cytochrome b and subunit IV contained 4 and 3 hydrophobic transmembrane segments, respectively, indicating that the fourth segment of subunit IV (eighth segment of cytochrome b) is lacking. Four histidine residues supposed to ligand two protohemes were conserved, but the two His in the fourth segment were separated by 14 amino acid residues like cytochrome b6, not like mitochondrial cytochrome b. The residues that might have conferred the two quinol-binding sites were mostly conserved, but especially the third His residue in the fourth segment of mitochondrial cytochrome b was replaced by Arg in Bacillus cytochrome b6 as in cytochrome b6. These characteristics and quantitative comparison of the protein sequences indicate that this Bacillus sequence is unique and meanwhile rather close to the cyanobacteria-plastids type than the purple bacteria-mitochondria type.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Clonal analysis of benign and malignant human breast tumors by means of polymerase chain reaction.

Clonal analysis was conduced on a variety of benign and malignant human breast tumors using the method based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the X 120 chromosome-linked phosphoglycerokinase gene and on random inactivation of the gene by methylation. Breast carcinoma was shown to be monoclonal in origin, consistent with a somatic mutational theory. Precancerous lesions such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and multiple intraductal papilloma were also found to be monoclonal, indicating that certain genetic changes had been accumulated in these lesions. Solitary intraductal papilloma was found to be monoclonal. Since this tumor is composed of two types of cells, luminal epithelial cells and myoepithelial cells, it was suggested that the origin of solitary intraductal papilloma is a precursor cell which is capable of differentiating into both luminal and myoepithelial cells. The fact that fibroadenoma is polyclonal indicates that this tumor is not neoplasia but hyperplasia of a lobule. Epithelial component of phyllodes tumor was found to be polyclonal but stromal component was found to be monoclonal. Thus, phyllodes tumor is considered to be a neoplasm of stromal cells but not of epithelial cells.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Demonstration of polyclonal origin of giant fibroadenoma of the breast.

We have shown that fibroadenoma of the breast is polyclonal and that phyllodes tumour is monoclonal in origin. It is not known whether a giant fibroadenoma which is histologically identical to the more usual type of fibroadenoma but grows to be a huge mass, like a phyllodes tumour, is polyclonal or monoclona. Clonal analysis was conducted on the DNA samples extracted from the paraffin sections of a giant fibroadenoma resected from a 21-year-old woman. The method used was based on trinucleotide repeat polymorphism of the X-chromosome-linked androgen receptor gene and on random inactivation of the gene by methylation. Clonal analysis showed that the giant fibroadenoma and the adjacent normal breast tissue are polyclonal in origin. Although the term giant fibroadenoma has often been used interchangeably with the term benign phyllodes tumour, because of their similarity in clinical appearance, our present results demonstrate that a giant fibroadenoma is a polyclonal fibroadenoma that has attained an immense size and is different from the monoclonal phyllodes tumour.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The expression of Na+/K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit cRNA injected into Xenopus oocytes is affected by coinjection with alpha-subunit cRNA.

The cRNA for Torpedo californica Na+/K(+)-ATPase beta-subunit (cRNA beta) was injected into Xenopus oocytes alone or with the cRNA for the Na+/K(+)-ATPase alpha-subunit (cRNA alpha). When cRNA beta was injected alone, the amount of the beta-subunit that accumulated in oocytes increased with increasing amounts of injected cRNA beta. When cRNA beta and cRNA alpha were injected simultaneously, less beta-subunit accumulated than when cRNA beta was injected alone, whereas the Na+/K(+)-ATPase activity increased markedly. The decrease in the accumulation of the beta-subunit was dose-dependent upon the cRNA alpha. The mutant beta-subunit unable to assemble with the alpha-subunit accumulated in oocytes independently of cRNA alpha, suggesting that post-translational control mechanisms may serve to reduce the accumulation of the beta-subunit.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Detection of c-erbB-2 gene amplification in nipple discharge by means of polymerase chain reaction.

In a patient with non-palpable breast carcinoma, c-erbB-2 gene amplification was detected by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the small number of breast carcinoma cells present in nipple discharge. Amplification of the c-erbB-2 gene is more frequent in carcinoma in situ than in invasive types. Detection by a PCR-based method may help diagnose non-palpable breast carcinoma with nipple discharge. Since this gene amplification is related to high proliferation, it might provide useful preoperative information regarding intraductal carcinoma of comedo type and predict responses to chemotherapy.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Hoxc-9 mutant mice show anterior transformation of the vertebrae and malformation of the sternum and ribs.

To clarify the function of the Hoxc-9 gene, we have introduced a mutation into the Hoxc-9 locus by gene targeting. Skeletal analysis of homozygotes revealed that anterior homeotic transformation occurred from the 10th thoracic vertebrae to the first lumbar vertebra. Bending and fusion of the ribs were observed. Eight or nine pairs of ribs were attached to the sternum. The sternum showed an abnormal pattern of ossification. Phenotypes of the mutant mice resembled those of the Hoxc-8 mutant mice. The data suggested that a functional interaction between the Hoxc-8 and Hoxc-9 proteins is involved in segmental determination. Moreover, changes in the Hoxc-8 gene expression pattern suggested that the Hoxc-9 gene regulates expression of the Hoxc-8 gene.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Nucleolar organizer regions: a new prognostic factor for upper tract urothelial cancer.

PURPOSE: The prognostic significance of argyrophilic staining in the nucleolar organizer regions was studied in 63 patients with primary urothelial tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Silver staining of paraffin embedded sections was performed using a 1-step technique. RESULTS: The prognosis for patients with a mean number of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region proteins per nucleus (argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region score) of 8 or greater was significantly worse than that for patients with a score of less than 8 (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region score is a new prognostic factor in primary urothelial tumors of the renal pelvis and ureter, and it is particularly useful for patients with invasive tumors.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Beta-sarcoglycan (A3b) mutations cause autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy with loss of the sarcoglycan complex.

The dystrophin associated proteins (DAPs) are good candidates for harboring primary mutations in the genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive muscular dystrophies (ARMD). The transmembrane components of the DAPs can be separated into the dystroglycan and the sarcoglycan complexes. Here we report the isolation of cDNAs encoding the 43 kD sarcoglycan protein beta-sarcoglycan (A3b) and the localization of the human gene to chromosome 4q12. We describe a young girl with ARMD with truncating mutations on both alleles. Immunostaining of her muscle biopsy shows specific loss of the components of the sarcoglycan complex (beta-sarcoglycan, alpha-sarcoglycan (adhalin), and 35 kD sarcoglycan). Thus secondary destabilization of the sarcoglycan complex may be an important pathophysiological event in ARMD.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Juvenile xanthogranuloma of the pelvic origin: a case report.

A case of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) originating from the pelvic cavity is reported. The patient, a 4-month-old girl, was referred to our department for the examination and treatment of her left abdominal mass. As radiological studies strongly suggested the possibility of a malignant tumor of muscular origin, tumor extirpation was performed. The tumor was buried in the left psoas muscle. Histological examination showed the tumor consisted of polygonal cells containing small vacuoles with scattered Touton giant cells, and the diagnosis of JXG was made. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a pelvic JXG.

Female↗

PubMed1995

Dystrophin-associated proteins in muscular dystrophy.

Dystrophin-associated proteins (DAPs) are classified into a few groups, namely, those comprising of dystroglycan complex, sarcoglycan complex, syntrophin complex and others. Subsarcolemmal actin filaments are connected to laminin in the basement membrane through dystrophin and the dystroglycan complex. This system may function to protect muscle fibers from mechanical damage. Furthermore, the sarcoglycan complex is associated with the system. Defects in the components of the protection system or the sarcoglycan complex or both are characteristically found in various muscular dystrophies. The roles of the syntrophin complex are meagerly understood. In this review, the possible roles of laminin, DAPs and dystrophin in each dystrophy are explained.

Dystrophin↗

PubMed1995

The loss of retinoblastoma gene in association with c-myc and transforming growth factor-beta 1 gene expression in human bladder cancer.

PURPOSE: We investigate the roles and possible interactions of the retinoblastoma, transforming growth factor-beta 1 and c-myc genes in bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression of these 3 genes was examined in 38 biopsy specimens of human bladder cancer by immunohistochemical analysis or Northern blotting. RESULTS: Loss of the retinoblastoma protein expression was most significantly correlated with high grade cancer. Over expression of c-myc or expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 was less associated with tumor grade or stage, although c-myc over expression defined stage Ta against other stage tumors, since no stage Ta lesions had increased c-myc expression. Finally, loss of retinoblastoma gene function did not correlate with either c-myc or transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results further support that retinoblastoma gene inactivation is an important factor in the progression of bladder cancer, and suggest that transforming growth factor-beta 1 and c-myc are not regulators or are not regulated by retinoblastoma gene expression.

Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic↗

PubMed1995

Relationship between cell proliferation activity and morphological characteristics of papillary microcarcinoma in the thyroid of Graves' disease.

Three hundred and seven lesions of papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid (PMT), found in 6830 cases of Graves' disease, were reviewed to evaluate the morphological characteristics. The prevalence rate and incidence of multiplicity of PMT in Graves' disease were higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively) in females (4.03% and 0.73%, respectively) than in males (2.68% and 0.12%, respectively). All lesions of PMT were classified histologically into three types: sclerosing non-encapsulated (SNE), non-sclerosing encapsulated (NSE) and non-sclerosing non-encapsulated (NSNE). Comparison of the three types of PMT revealed that the mean age and tumor size of NSNE were less than those of NSE and SNE (P < 0.001 and P < 0.005, respectively), and 13 of 19 lesions less than 1 mm belonged to NSNE. In addition, cell proliferation and expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors were examined immunohistochemically in 257 lesions of PMT. The Ki-67 labeling index of NSE was lower than that of NSNE and SNE (P < 0.005). None of the cases of PMT was positive for estrogen or progesterone receptors. The present study indicated that NSNE may be an early stage in tumor progression, and that fibrous encapsulation has the potential to modify neoplastic cell proliferation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Contribution of Epstein-Barr virus to development of malignant lymphoma of the thyroid.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related mRNA, their products and apoptosis were investigated in 32 cases of malignant lymphoma of the thyroid (MLT) and 30 cases of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and nick end labeling method on routinely processed tissue sections. In MLT, EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) were detected in three cases, consisting of a follicular, predominantly large cell type (FL), a diffuse, large cell type (DL) and a large cell, immunoblastic type (IBL). In EBER-positive cases, IBL that was positive for T cell marker, exhibited neither BamHl H Left Frame 1 (BHLF1) transcript, EBV-encoded latent membrane protein (LMP) nor BamHl Z Left Frame 1 (BZLF1) gene product (ZEBRA), whereas both BHLF1 and ZEBRA were found in a small portion of the tumor cells in the FL and DL that expressed B cell marker and LMP. Apoptotic cells were observed in only a few lymphocytes in HT, and in a few non-neoplastic lymphocytes and various numbers of lymphoma cells in MLT. The apoptotic cell ratio of MLT tended to be higher in lower grade lymphomas. These results suggest that EBV may participate in the malignant transformation from HT to MLT.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Morule with biotin-containing intranuclear inclusions in thyroid carcinoma.

One thousand and sixty cases of thyroid carcinoma were reviewed to compare morules with squamous metaplasia clinicopathologically and immunohistochemically. Morules and squamous metaplasia were found in five (0.47%) and 32 cases (3.0%) respectively. The five patients with morules were all female (age 20-36 years) including four with papillary carcinoma and one with follicular carcinoma. The 32 patients with squamous metaplasia consisted of 30 females and 2 males (age 14-78 years), all of whom had papillary carcinoma except for one follicular carcinoma. The morules demonstrated characteristic 'optically clear nuclei' (OCN), which ultrastructurally showed filamentous structures in the nuclei. The OCN were immunohistochemically demonstrated to contain intranuclear biotin. Furthermore, the morule often accompanied with the OCN was positive for Ulex Europaeus agglutinin l (UEA-l) but negative for bovine muzzle epidermal keratin (EK). On the contrary, squamous metaplasia unaccompanied with the OCN was negative for UEA-l, but positive for EK. Follow-up information revealed that one of the five patients with morules had died of the disease, one was alive with pulmonary metastasis, and three were disease-free. Eight of 32 patients with squamous metaplasia had died of the disease; of the others who were alive, four patients have had recurrence.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗

PubMed1995

Renal oncocytoma containing "chromophobe" cells.

We report a rare case of renal oncocytoma containing occasional "chromophobe" cells. This case suggests an intimate relationship between oncocytoma and "chromophobe" renal cell carcinoma.

Adenoma, Oxyphilic↗

PubMed1995

Changes of bone mineral density in pregnant and postpartum women.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of pregnancy and postpartal lactation on bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: In this study, the BMD of 22 pregnant women in a longitudinal study, and of 75 pregnant and 111 puerperant women in a cross-sectional study was estimated at the distal radius of the forearm by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. BMD was measured on 8 separate occasions from the first trimester of pregnancy to 24 months' postpartum. RESULTS: In none of 22 pregnant women was there any noticeable change in BMD during pregnancy. Whereas no significant change in BMD occurred during the 12-month postpartum period in 11 non-lactating women, 11 women who breastfed had a significant decrease in BMD at 1, 3, and 6 months' postpartum, with all of them showing a further decrease in BMD at 12 months' postpartum. The BMD of the radius was significantly lower in the breast-feeders than in the formula-feeders at all postpartal times of evaluation except at 24 months' postpartum. CONCLUSION: It can be recommended that lactating women receive appropriate treatments for saving BMD during lactation.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Graves ophthalmopathy: MR evaluation of 10-Gy versus 24-Gy irradiation combined with systemic corticosteroids.

PURPOSE: To establish the most effective radiation dose for treatment of Graves ophthalmopathy (GO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A combination of 10 Gy (n = 15) or 24 Gy (n = 16) of radiation and corticosteroids was used to treat 31 patients with GO. Magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained before treatment showed swollen extraocular muscles with prolonged T2 relaxation times in all patients. RESULTS: Before therapy, T2 relaxation time of extraocular muscle was 79.6 msec (95% confidence interval, 76.3, 82.9) in the 24-Gy group and 77.4 msec (95% confidence interval, 74.6, 80.1) in the 10-Gy group (P = .32). After therapy, T2 relaxation time was 62.8 msec (95% confidence interval, 61.2, 64.4) in the 24-Gy group and 68.9 msec (95% confidence interval, 66.8, 71.1) in the 10-Gy group. In the 24-Gy group, there was a significant decrease in T2 relaxation times (P = .001) and clinical response to initial treatment was better. At 1- and 3-month follow-up, the resistance rate was lower in the 24-Gy group. CONCLUSION: In treatment of GO, 24 Gy of radiation is a more effective dose than 10 Gy when combined with systemic corticosteroids.

Conjunctival Diseases↗